“I didn’t know that lavabious creatures were even able to vomit.” Notek complained, disgusted at the brown, viscous, gunk that steamed slightly as he washed it off of his hands and arms. Vertigo laughed at his reaction, and her laughter was light and fluid.
“Oh Notek, will you always be this afraid to get your hands dirty?” Notek’s face softened, and he gazed sideways at Vertigo as she also cleansed herself of the headmaster’s accidental secretions.
“You’ve changed a lot Verti . . .” Vertigo’s manner grew more subdued, and she replied softly.
“I know . . .”
“What happened to the little girl I left here five years ago?” Vertigo’s expression betrayed her pain.
“The war happened.” Notek started and blinked, momentarily unsure of his hearing.
“War?!” Vertigo stared at him in disbelief.
“You didn’t know? A rebel faction of symbiotes has declared war on the High Master. They claim that the only route to peace is through democracy – a council of symbiotes to govern the rest.” Notek was puzzled.
“What’s wrong with that?”
“They just want power, and they’ll slaughter thousands of innocents to get it” Vertigo said. “The council will all be members hand-picked by the faction for their loyalty, and it will be presided over by Dagon.”
“The man who struck the headmaster” Notek said with sudden realization. “Was that Dagon?”
“Yes . . .” Vertigo said with some puzzlement. “How did you know?”
“Just a feeling . . . like I’ve seen him somewhere before . . .” The moment of silence that followed was broken by Vertigo’s smiled invitation.
“You should come back to my quarters – I can get you something to eat and I’ll catch you up on everything that’s happened in your absence.” Notek smiled back.
“I’d like that . . .”
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 7)
It was like a fog had settled. He saw the students, felt them pass him by, but his eyes never moved, and his heart never changed. His pace was slow and soft, a tribute to the innocent nostalgia that overwhelmed his senses. He knew how different he must seem. No longer dressed in the crisp white robe of the acolytes, he had taken to wearing a jumpsuit of the deepest, most mournful black he could conjure up. The darkness of his clothing only served to accent his proud, porcelain skin and sad blue eyes. Still, the thing that set him most apart, the one feature that seemed to alienate him from the others, that they would whisper his name in fear and distaste, he could not identify.
He couldn’t know what evil was about to unfold.
Eventually Notek found himself avoiding the corridors most often used in favor of the less populated passageways. Using this method he found his feet leading him, involuntarily, to the one place that he had not wished to see. Kneeling, Notek rested his head on the white marble column that erupted from the ground like thousands of others around it: the grave of Kra L’il.
“So much has changed since you’ve gone. I’ve become a better person . . . a better symbiote.” Notek’s next breath was choked his in his throat. “I know that I could never redeem myself for what I . . . what I did to you, but I know that if you were alive you would forgive me.” He raised his head, bitterly. “You always forgave . . .”
“You!” Notek leapt and turned simultaneously, preparing to defend himself from the accusatory tone of his aggressor. “Are you Notek Soofor?” The speaker was tall and humanoid, with features vaguely reminiscent of noble birth – sharp, defined facial structure, narrowed eyes, and dark skin. At this moment the headmaster trundled onto the scene.
“Please don’t hurt him, he is not one of us!” Notek’s heart stopped for a moment when he saw a trim, feminine figure standing in the dim light behind the headmaster. Could it be . . .?
“Silence, you imbecile!” The tall man delivered a hit so intense that it sent the massive creature sprawling onto the well-trimmed grass of the graveyard. Suddenly angry, Notek spread his feet ever so slightly into a fighting stance.
“I don’t know who you are, but you have no right to treat him like that!” The tall individual laughed – a singularly mocking gesture.
“I’m not sure whether to interpret your boldness as bravery or stupidity, but your candor will do you no good. I expect you to be off of this property by sunset, or I reserve the right to terminate you.” With this proclamation he strode cockily off the grounds, back into the school complex. Notek rushed immediately to aid the headmaster, but the girl was closer and reached him first. It was Vertigo.
Her dark hair was longer now, it fell down over and past her shoulders as she leaned over the great creature that now lay still on the ground.
“Notek . . . he’s not breathing!”
“It’s alright” Notek uttered in as calming a voice as he could muster amidst the chaos in his heart. His eyes stared blindly as he spread his hands over the headmaster’s injury. At least Vertigo still spoke to him . . .
He couldn’t know what evil was about to unfold.
Eventually Notek found himself avoiding the corridors most often used in favor of the less populated passageways. Using this method he found his feet leading him, involuntarily, to the one place that he had not wished to see. Kneeling, Notek rested his head on the white marble column that erupted from the ground like thousands of others around it: the grave of Kra L’il.
“So much has changed since you’ve gone. I’ve become a better person . . . a better symbiote.” Notek’s next breath was choked his in his throat. “I know that I could never redeem myself for what I . . . what I did to you, but I know that if you were alive you would forgive me.” He raised his head, bitterly. “You always forgave . . .”
“You!” Notek leapt and turned simultaneously, preparing to defend himself from the accusatory tone of his aggressor. “Are you Notek Soofor?” The speaker was tall and humanoid, with features vaguely reminiscent of noble birth – sharp, defined facial structure, narrowed eyes, and dark skin. At this moment the headmaster trundled onto the scene.
“Please don’t hurt him, he is not one of us!” Notek’s heart stopped for a moment when he saw a trim, feminine figure standing in the dim light behind the headmaster. Could it be . . .?
“Silence, you imbecile!” The tall man delivered a hit so intense that it sent the massive creature sprawling onto the well-trimmed grass of the graveyard. Suddenly angry, Notek spread his feet ever so slightly into a fighting stance.
“I don’t know who you are, but you have no right to treat him like that!” The tall individual laughed – a singularly mocking gesture.
“I’m not sure whether to interpret your boldness as bravery or stupidity, but your candor will do you no good. I expect you to be off of this property by sunset, or I reserve the right to terminate you.” With this proclamation he strode cockily off the grounds, back into the school complex. Notek rushed immediately to aid the headmaster, but the girl was closer and reached him first. It was Vertigo.
Her dark hair was longer now, it fell down over and past her shoulders as she leaned over the great creature that now lay still on the ground.
“Notek . . . he’s not breathing!”
“It’s alright” Notek uttered in as calming a voice as he could muster amidst the chaos in his heart. His eyes stared blindly as he spread his hands over the headmaster’s injury. At least Vertigo still spoke to him . . .
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 6)
“Again, that was sloppy!” Notek’s tears and sweat mingled on his forehead as he struggled to maintain his focus. With a sudden exhalation of breath he dropped to the ground, eyes shut tight. Akuta’s voice rang with silent satisfaction. “This ends the exercise . . . we will return.” Notek stood, pain mocking his movements. Silently, numbly, he began to climb.
The yellow-green grassy plains of this world frequently gave way to rocky cliff face, and it was there that Akuta had taken Notek. Five times had the barely-habitable ball of rock orbited its star, and there were many days when Notek gazed, longing, towards that star’s rise, knowing he could not go back.
Not yet.
***
“You are upset.” The many pits and scars on Akuta’s sandy features were accentuated by the light of the fire, causing his visage to appear corrugated in the near-darkness. Notek maintained his silence, and Akuta shook his head. “You may share with me . . . you know that I will not violate your trust.”
“It is nothing master . . .”
“The desires of the heart are everything.” Still Notek did not speak, shamed by Akuta’s perceptiveness. Sensing Notek’s discomfort, Akuta again spoke. “There have been many who have desired my teachings, but none who were able.” His eyes glared through the flames towards Notek, and his voice betrayed his conviction. “There is no doubt in my mind that I was right in my choice. However . . .” Notek shifted his weight, surprised at the addendum. “You have surpassed my desires. There is more to teach you, but I cannot hold you any longer.” The pale humanoid met Akuta’s gaze. “If you wish to leave, I will not stop you.” Notek responded instantly, appalled at his master’s assertion.
“You have done so much for me, I would be worthy only of disgust if I were to leave you now.”
“Incorrect – your debt to me is no greater than mine to you.” Notek fell silent in humility. “Consider my words carefully, and do not forget to weigh what you feel with what you think, for reason and emotion must be carefully balanced.” Akuta smiled lovingly. “You tend to consider only your intellect Notek; please, do not let your emotions be forgotten, for while it is the rational that will save your life, it is the irrational that will make it worth living.” Notek stood and maneuvered himself to the mouth of the cave, his eyes roving absently from star to star, only those small points of light visible in the inky blackness.
In the morning he was gone.
The yellow-green grassy plains of this world frequently gave way to rocky cliff face, and it was there that Akuta had taken Notek. Five times had the barely-habitable ball of rock orbited its star, and there were many days when Notek gazed, longing, towards that star’s rise, knowing he could not go back.
Not yet.
***
“You are upset.” The many pits and scars on Akuta’s sandy features were accentuated by the light of the fire, causing his visage to appear corrugated in the near-darkness. Notek maintained his silence, and Akuta shook his head. “You may share with me . . . you know that I will not violate your trust.”
“It is nothing master . . .”
“The desires of the heart are everything.” Still Notek did not speak, shamed by Akuta’s perceptiveness. Sensing Notek’s discomfort, Akuta again spoke. “There have been many who have desired my teachings, but none who were able.” His eyes glared through the flames towards Notek, and his voice betrayed his conviction. “There is no doubt in my mind that I was right in my choice. However . . .” Notek shifted his weight, surprised at the addendum. “You have surpassed my desires. There is more to teach you, but I cannot hold you any longer.” The pale humanoid met Akuta’s gaze. “If you wish to leave, I will not stop you.” Notek responded instantly, appalled at his master’s assertion.
“You have done so much for me, I would be worthy only of disgust if I were to leave you now.”
“Incorrect – your debt to me is no greater than mine to you.” Notek fell silent in humility. “Consider my words carefully, and do not forget to weigh what you feel with what you think, for reason and emotion must be carefully balanced.” Akuta smiled lovingly. “You tend to consider only your intellect Notek; please, do not let your emotions be forgotten, for while it is the rational that will save your life, it is the irrational that will make it worth living.” Notek stood and maneuvered himself to the mouth of the cave, his eyes roving absently from star to star, only those small points of light visible in the inky blackness.
In the morning he was gone.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 5)
“Akuta has taken him in.”
“Good, my patience was beginning to wear thin.”
“I’m surprised you even know the word.”
“I’m surprised that you are treating this topic with such frivolity. Our fates hang in the balance, and by extension the stability of trillions of beings scattered across the universe.”
“I have not forgotten the odds, I’m merely celebrating our victory.”
“We haven’t won – he may yet turn from the path we have set up for him.”
“Our path.” The speaker spat in distaste. “It was difficult for them to sell us their child . . . you could see it in their eyes. How difficult was it when they had to watch him die?”
“One life sacrificed for the lives of many, many more. Is not such a sacrifice worth any price?” The silence pressed in around them like the tangible darkness.
“But what will be that price? How many . . . how many more must be sacrificed?”
“As many as it takes.”
“You are a cold soul.”
“You are mistaken, it is the breeze that chills you so. Come, let us depart from this wretched place.”
“Very well . . . we shall meet again?”
“As always.”
“Good, my patience was beginning to wear thin.”
“I’m surprised you even know the word.”
“I’m surprised that you are treating this topic with such frivolity. Our fates hang in the balance, and by extension the stability of trillions of beings scattered across the universe.”
“I have not forgotten the odds, I’m merely celebrating our victory.”
“We haven’t won – he may yet turn from the path we have set up for him.”
“Our path.” The speaker spat in distaste. “It was difficult for them to sell us their child . . . you could see it in their eyes. How difficult was it when they had to watch him die?”
“One life sacrificed for the lives of many, many more. Is not such a sacrifice worth any price?” The silence pressed in around them like the tangible darkness.
“But what will be that price? How many . . . how many more must be sacrificed?”
“As many as it takes.”
“You are a cold soul.”
“You are mistaken, it is the breeze that chills you so. Come, let us depart from this wretched place.”
“Very well . . . we shall meet again?”
“As always.”
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Desert Ends
Trailing in the desert,
Tail tucked 'neath my feet,
I wander alone,
In the dust, in the heat
The cacti my footstools,
A shadow, a treat.
No rest for my body,
Won't rescind, won't retreat,
Create for me sudden,
A woman entreats,
"Lend hands to my burden,
And you may suckle my teat"
I don't stop for any,
My mind is at ease,
I go where I wished,
I'll do what I please.
Tail tucked 'neath my feet,
I wander alone,
In the dust, in the heat
The cacti my footstools,
A shadow, a treat.
No rest for my body,
Won't rescind, won't retreat,
Create for me sudden,
A woman entreats,
"Lend hands to my burden,
And you may suckle my teat"
I don't stop for any,
My mind is at ease,
I go where I wished,
I'll do what I please.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Almost Blind
What a fortuitous exchange to hear,
And ever closer the smell of fear,
But only any simpleton can see,
That eyes, cold eyes, are failing me.
What good are those,
Who oft behold,
But ne'er do stay to help?
And who can lie,
And say that I,
Have not seen the truth?
I bring to bear,
The senses bare,
That naked, see the light,
But even so,
I taste my death,
When I find I see no right.
How clueless I am in my senseless cries,
But you all know I've been wronged,
I know!
I can!
Argue until,
I realize the uselessness of eyes.
And ever closer the smell of fear,
But only any simpleton can see,
That eyes, cold eyes, are failing me.
What good are those,
Who oft behold,
But ne'er do stay to help?
And who can lie,
And say that I,
Have not seen the truth?
I bring to bear,
The senses bare,
That naked, see the light,
But even so,
I taste my death,
When I find I see no right.
How clueless I am in my senseless cries,
But you all know I've been wronged,
I know!
I can!
Argue until,
I realize the uselessness of eyes.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Kabritomatic
So today I put on my coat and hat,
All of what I tried was,
Wetted by the rain.
My mind revolves,
On the mobius strip of,
The atom.
Hallelujah, scream the angels,
While hell to pay,
Is a restaurant's demise.
All of what I tried was,
Wetted by the rain.
My mind revolves,
On the mobius strip of,
The atom.
Hallelujah, scream the angels,
While hell to pay,
Is a restaurant's demise.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Message in a Cyberbottle
The words from the future,
Of your long-dead wife,
Harvest the sheaves,
Of the heart:
A hallucinatory scythe.
True, the pain is imaginary,
But my mind is all I have,
So oft I am more wary,
Than necessary.
So:
Here lies the love,
That I hoped to posses,
When in fact it disguised,
The love to undress.
The bruises don't heal,
When consoled by a friend,
The abuse will repel,
Lest a friendship end.
And although my mother,
And sisters,
And brothers,
Were prone to love others,
I love only myself,
And my self is my cover.
Of your long-dead wife,
Harvest the sheaves,
Of the heart:
A hallucinatory scythe.
True, the pain is imaginary,
But my mind is all I have,
So oft I am more wary,
Than necessary.
So:
Here lies the love,
That I hoped to posses,
When in fact it disguised,
The love to undress.
The bruises don't heal,
When consoled by a friend,
The abuse will repel,
Lest a friendship end.
And although my mother,
And sisters,
And brothers,
Were prone to love others,
I love only myself,
And my self is my cover.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 4)
She stepped gently into the doorway, a silhouette against the white and blue marble hallway. Notek sensed her presence, and altered his posture slightly.
“I’m sorry for the way I acted before.”
“I know.” Cautiously Vertigo stepped into the dimly-lit room, her feet probing carefully lest they disturb the slumber of the indigenous candles, manuscripts, and ashes that littered the floor. Notek continued his packing.
“I made you something.” Vertigo’s heart leapt and was quieted by her memory of the scene in the chamber just a few hours ago as Notek held out his hand, never changing the direction of his gaze.
“It’s beautiful” she gasped; and it was. Smooth and silver, the small spiral-shaped talisman hung on a thread of the purest white.
“I just” Notek choked on his words. “ . . . I just didn’t want you to forget me.” Vertigo’s dark eyes brimmed, but she felt her heart sink into the icy depths of inevitability.
“You won’t be gone for long I’m sure. The headmaster will let you come back next year, I’m sure of it!” Notek shook his head.
“I don’t think I’m destined for this.” Here he gestured, and his fragile hands seemed to encompass the entire dome with their subtle movements. “This isn’t my home . . .”
“This isn’t mine either.”
“Don’t say that Verti.” She took a bold step forward, chin raised.
“But it’s true, and you know it!”
“Don’t say that Verti!” Notek spun around, fury burning dark and deep in his pale blue eyes. “I can’t live like this! I can’t live this life . . .” He stalked past her and let his legs carry him woodenly down the cold passageway. Abruptly Vertigo felt her legs fail her, and she sank, cross-legged, to the floor. The sobbing that ensued would last until the evening meal.
But this story is not about her.
This story is about the young symbiote who met with Master Akuta Sagon as a wretched outcast of the council and emerged victorious as the legend that we know him to be today.
That story continues.
“I’m sorry for the way I acted before.”
“I know.” Cautiously Vertigo stepped into the dimly-lit room, her feet probing carefully lest they disturb the slumber of the indigenous candles, manuscripts, and ashes that littered the floor. Notek continued his packing.
“I made you something.” Vertigo’s heart leapt and was quieted by her memory of the scene in the chamber just a few hours ago as Notek held out his hand, never changing the direction of his gaze.
“It’s beautiful” she gasped; and it was. Smooth and silver, the small spiral-shaped talisman hung on a thread of the purest white.
“I just” Notek choked on his words. “ . . . I just didn’t want you to forget me.” Vertigo’s dark eyes brimmed, but she felt her heart sink into the icy depths of inevitability.
“You won’t be gone for long I’m sure. The headmaster will let you come back next year, I’m sure of it!” Notek shook his head.
“I don’t think I’m destined for this.” Here he gestured, and his fragile hands seemed to encompass the entire dome with their subtle movements. “This isn’t my home . . .”
“This isn’t mine either.”
“Don’t say that Verti.” She took a bold step forward, chin raised.
“But it’s true, and you know it!”
“Don’t say that Verti!” Notek spun around, fury burning dark and deep in his pale blue eyes. “I can’t live like this! I can’t live this life . . .” He stalked past her and let his legs carry him woodenly down the cold passageway. Abruptly Vertigo felt her legs fail her, and she sank, cross-legged, to the floor. The sobbing that ensued would last until the evening meal.
But this story is not about her.
This story is about the young symbiote who met with Master Akuta Sagon as a wretched outcast of the council and emerged victorious as the legend that we know him to be today.
That story continues.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 3)
“You must let him stay. It is imperative that he trains further.” The headmaster squelched in his seat, uncomfortable with refusing the pleas of his senior.
“He is powerful . . . gifted. But he cannot stay. He has been the cause of many . . . problems - and now this.”
“I understand, Mal.” The two fell silent for a moment. “Well, I suppose I should go talk to the boy.” The tentacle that rested on the desk twitched in sudden arousal then lay still.
“Don’t do anything rash Akuta.” The small lizard-like creature leapt onto the headmaster’s desk and gently stroked his appendage.
“Old friend . . . I will do what I must.” He turned his sandy head skyward and smiled benignly as the headmaster towered over him.
“That does not reassure me.”
“I did not expect it to.” Those words signaled the end of the conversation for Akuta, and he slithered down the leg of the desk, onto the floor, and out of the headmaster’s office.
* * *
Notek’s hair was clean now, and it hung in long, bright lengths over his white robe. His forehead rested gently on the dark wood of the long box in front of him, and with his eyes open it seemed as though the marble room might swallow him whole in righteous fervor.
“I thought you might be here.” Not even the familiar ring of Vertigo’s voice could disturb Notek’s mourning, and he ignored her when she sat by his side. “It’s not your fault you know.” Notek’s chest heaved with self-restraint. The two were quiet for some time, Vertigo wondering at her friend’s state of mind, Notek swallowing the cyanide of bitter regret. Neither noticed the soft sound of gentle footfalls until a third creature joined them at the coffin. Standing upright on its hind legs, the gecko-like creature bowed its head, sandy skin complemented by the oaken finish it faced. Despite its minute stature, it seemed to exude a presence and authority that wrenched even Notek from his reverie.
“Kra Li’l was a gentle soul, gifted with the spirit of peacemaking. He would have had an enormously positive impact on the council had he survived.” The lizard slowly waved its hands back and forth across the surface of the wood. “He will be sorely missed.” Notek, nonplussed, turned his head back towards the coffin.
“And what of his murderer?” Now his head jerked up violently, and was met by an icy reptilian stare. On all fours, the sandy creature glared down at him from atop the coffin, hissing. “What shall be done to him?” Vertigo prepared an indictment of the lizard’s coarse words, but Notek’s glance muted her in an instant. His stomach knotted, but his voice betrayed none of the remorse that he felt.
“I could not have known that the sludge in that tunnel was poison to his species! Toxin identification is a talent that very few have!” The snake reared up, poised to strike.
“Is that all you have? Excuses?! Excuses are meaningless. Excuses will not resurrect the dead. Excuses will not prevent your expulsion.” Notek choked on a tear.
“I would not have stayed . . . I will not be responsible for any more deaths.”
“No . . . you will be responsible for the deaths of many, for the blood that you refused to spill has crippled you.” Notek’s confusion tied his tongue momentarily. “When you are prepared to leave, seek me out. I make my home to the west of this dome.” With those words, the creature agilely skittered out of the room.
“What a rude person,” Vertigo opined. “I can’t believe he’d say those things to you. It obviously wasn’t your fault!”
Puzzled, remorseful, frustrated, and no longer desiring any sort of companionship, Notek stood to his feet and stalked out of the room, leaving Vertigo’s cries of consolation behind.
“He is powerful . . . gifted. But he cannot stay. He has been the cause of many . . . problems - and now this.”
“I understand, Mal.” The two fell silent for a moment. “Well, I suppose I should go talk to the boy.” The tentacle that rested on the desk twitched in sudden arousal then lay still.
“Don’t do anything rash Akuta.” The small lizard-like creature leapt onto the headmaster’s desk and gently stroked his appendage.
“Old friend . . . I will do what I must.” He turned his sandy head skyward and smiled benignly as the headmaster towered over him.
“That does not reassure me.”
“I did not expect it to.” Those words signaled the end of the conversation for Akuta, and he slithered down the leg of the desk, onto the floor, and out of the headmaster’s office.
* * *
Notek’s hair was clean now, and it hung in long, bright lengths over his white robe. His forehead rested gently on the dark wood of the long box in front of him, and with his eyes open it seemed as though the marble room might swallow him whole in righteous fervor.
“I thought you might be here.” Not even the familiar ring of Vertigo’s voice could disturb Notek’s mourning, and he ignored her when she sat by his side. “It’s not your fault you know.” Notek’s chest heaved with self-restraint. The two were quiet for some time, Vertigo wondering at her friend’s state of mind, Notek swallowing the cyanide of bitter regret. Neither noticed the soft sound of gentle footfalls until a third creature joined them at the coffin. Standing upright on its hind legs, the gecko-like creature bowed its head, sandy skin complemented by the oaken finish it faced. Despite its minute stature, it seemed to exude a presence and authority that wrenched even Notek from his reverie.
“Kra Li’l was a gentle soul, gifted with the spirit of peacemaking. He would have had an enormously positive impact on the council had he survived.” The lizard slowly waved its hands back and forth across the surface of the wood. “He will be sorely missed.” Notek, nonplussed, turned his head back towards the coffin.
“And what of his murderer?” Now his head jerked up violently, and was met by an icy reptilian stare. On all fours, the sandy creature glared down at him from atop the coffin, hissing. “What shall be done to him?” Vertigo prepared an indictment of the lizard’s coarse words, but Notek’s glance muted her in an instant. His stomach knotted, but his voice betrayed none of the remorse that he felt.
“I could not have known that the sludge in that tunnel was poison to his species! Toxin identification is a talent that very few have!” The snake reared up, poised to strike.
“Is that all you have? Excuses?! Excuses are meaningless. Excuses will not resurrect the dead. Excuses will not prevent your expulsion.” Notek choked on a tear.
“I would not have stayed . . . I will not be responsible for any more deaths.”
“No . . . you will be responsible for the deaths of many, for the blood that you refused to spill has crippled you.” Notek’s confusion tied his tongue momentarily. “When you are prepared to leave, seek me out. I make my home to the west of this dome.” With those words, the creature agilely skittered out of the room.
“What a rude person,” Vertigo opined. “I can’t believe he’d say those things to you. It obviously wasn’t your fault!”
Puzzled, remorseful, frustrated, and no longer desiring any sort of companionship, Notek stood to his feet and stalked out of the room, leaving Vertigo’s cries of consolation behind.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 2)
“ . . . and then he left with Kra Li’l!” The headmaster’s eyes hardened and he dismissed the tearful girl with a wave of his tentacle.
“Is there a problem headmaster?” The headmaster, an aged lavabious creature vaguely reminiscent of both a lobster and an octopus did not turn his wizened head when he responded.
“That idiot Soofor managed to convince Kra Li’l to accompany him on an unauthorized investigation of one of our old silos.” The headmaster’s aide started, but quickly recovered.
“Shall I dispatch a rescue party?” Slowly a crusty eyelid creaked shut over the globulous eye as the aide waited patiently for a response.
* * *
Slimy and covered in verdure unimaginable, Notek emerged victorious onto the barren surface. One coughing fit later and Kra Li’l’s wearied body was likewise hauled to the lip of the rounded opening. The two youths collapsed back onto the ground, gasping for sustenance in the coarse, dry air. It was some time before either of them spoke.
“I’m never gonna’ get this crap out of my hair” Notek moaned, running his fingers through his locks, now darkened with filth. In between pained breaths Kra Li’l spoke.
“It’s a good . . . thing you found that . . . tunnel. We . . . probably wouldn’t have . . . .” He lapsed into another, more vociferous, fit of coughing, spitting blackened blood onto the dust. Notek sat upright and stared worriedly at his partner.
“Kra, you alright?” Notek noted the dimming of his friend’s usually bright skin. “Listen, you just stick here, I’m gonna’ go get a ‘port and a medteam. How’s your symbiote?” Kra Li’l’s dark eyes rolled up in pain.
“Feeling . . . weak . . . Li’l . . . is gone . . .” Notek recoiled in horror as the cold blue of Kra Li’l’s skin began to sweat black droplets. Hesitating, he finally compelled his feet to obey: he leapt into a frantic sprint back towards the school.
“Is there a problem headmaster?” The headmaster, an aged lavabious creature vaguely reminiscent of both a lobster and an octopus did not turn his wizened head when he responded.
“That idiot Soofor managed to convince Kra Li’l to accompany him on an unauthorized investigation of one of our old silos.” The headmaster’s aide started, but quickly recovered.
“Shall I dispatch a rescue party?” Slowly a crusty eyelid creaked shut over the globulous eye as the aide waited patiently for a response.
* * *
Slimy and covered in verdure unimaginable, Notek emerged victorious onto the barren surface. One coughing fit later and Kra Li’l’s wearied body was likewise hauled to the lip of the rounded opening. The two youths collapsed back onto the ground, gasping for sustenance in the coarse, dry air. It was some time before either of them spoke.
“I’m never gonna’ get this crap out of my hair” Notek moaned, running his fingers through his locks, now darkened with filth. In between pained breaths Kra Li’l spoke.
“It’s a good . . . thing you found that . . . tunnel. We . . . probably wouldn’t have . . . .” He lapsed into another, more vociferous, fit of coughing, spitting blackened blood onto the dust. Notek sat upright and stared worriedly at his partner.
“Kra, you alright?” Notek noted the dimming of his friend’s usually bright skin. “Listen, you just stick here, I’m gonna’ go get a ‘port and a medteam. How’s your symbiote?” Kra Li’l’s dark eyes rolled up in pain.
“Feeling . . . weak . . . Li’l . . . is gone . . .” Notek recoiled in horror as the cold blue of Kra Li’l’s skin began to sweat black droplets. Hesitating, he finally compelled his feet to obey: he leapt into a frantic sprint back towards the school.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Burning Shadows (Chapter 1)
He was never a big fan of rules.
“Notek look out!” More debris fell from the roof, and Notek began to reconsider the wisdom of his hasty investigation of the facility. “Come on man, we’ve gotta’ get out of here!”
“Right, follow me.” With one pre-emptive glance over the wall of mortar he leapt recklessly into the darkness that followed. A few shallow breaths later and a bioluminescent biped jogged past him.
“You’re an idiot! I can’t believe I listened to you for even the smallest fraction of a second!” Notek cast a dark glare into the depths of shadowy sharpness.
“We don’t need to discuss this right now.”
“No kidding! What we need to do is get to the surface, but thanks to you these three tiers are collapsing in on themselves!” The note of panic that had been in his voice had begun to harmonize with itself in a grim concerto of fear. Unsteadily Notek felt his way along the passage.
“Don’t worry, there should be vents here . . . and here.” He ran his hand along the rough wall until it caught. Deftly his fingers sought the comfort of the smooth, rounded depression. “It’s jammed.” Notek’s partner hovered anxiously over his shoulder.
“Now what are we gonna’ do?”
“Relax, I’m sure I can dissipate the rock here.” The soft glow dimmed for a second and returned, brighter than before, lighting Notek’s pale fingers as they rested.
“Notek . . . be careful . . .” The warning soared on the wings of caution, but its target was too focused to take notice, and Notek’s hands sunk quickly into the crevice before withdrawing with a pained gasp.
“Augh . . .” His companion quickly stepped closer, but Notek withdrew into the shadows, where his feet were grabbed by a small outcropping and immobilized whilst his body tumbled ever onward. Hearing his cry, his friend called out.
“Notek, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, I tripped.” A massive shockwave shook through the cavern, and Notek mused and cursed simultaneously. “There must be another way out . . .”
“Notek look out!” More debris fell from the roof, and Notek began to reconsider the wisdom of his hasty investigation of the facility. “Come on man, we’ve gotta’ get out of here!”
“Right, follow me.” With one pre-emptive glance over the wall of mortar he leapt recklessly into the darkness that followed. A few shallow breaths later and a bioluminescent biped jogged past him.
“You’re an idiot! I can’t believe I listened to you for even the smallest fraction of a second!” Notek cast a dark glare into the depths of shadowy sharpness.
“We don’t need to discuss this right now.”
“No kidding! What we need to do is get to the surface, but thanks to you these three tiers are collapsing in on themselves!” The note of panic that had been in his voice had begun to harmonize with itself in a grim concerto of fear. Unsteadily Notek felt his way along the passage.
“Don’t worry, there should be vents here . . . and here.” He ran his hand along the rough wall until it caught. Deftly his fingers sought the comfort of the smooth, rounded depression. “It’s jammed.” Notek’s partner hovered anxiously over his shoulder.
“Now what are we gonna’ do?”
“Relax, I’m sure I can dissipate the rock here.” The soft glow dimmed for a second and returned, brighter than before, lighting Notek’s pale fingers as they rested.
“Notek . . . be careful . . .” The warning soared on the wings of caution, but its target was too focused to take notice, and Notek’s hands sunk quickly into the crevice before withdrawing with a pained gasp.
“Augh . . .” His companion quickly stepped closer, but Notek withdrew into the shadows, where his feet were grabbed by a small outcropping and immobilized whilst his body tumbled ever onward. Hearing his cry, his friend called out.
“Notek, are you alright?”
“I’m fine, I tripped.” A massive shockwave shook through the cavern, and Notek mused and cursed simultaneously. “There must be another way out . . .”
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Burning Shadows (Introduction)
How does one forget their own face? It is akin to looking at yourself in the mirror. Truly the mirror gives a clearly defined image, but imagine that as you grow older your eyes grow foggier and can no longer achieve the clarity of perception that they once were capable of. How then can you know your own face? That is how he forgot himself. What is his name?
He is known by the world, no the universe, as Master Soofor. Still, I do not wish to tell you a story about him, I’m sure his fame has brought you word of many. No instead I want to tell you about that which has been kept locked away in the most secret of places. This is not the story of Master Soofor, but of the young boy that we know only as Notek.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Accept the Pregnant Future
It was so heavy . . .
It's rained hard before of course. The rain is usually light, but it does . . . pour.
Never like then. It wasn't just raining, it was heavy.
Very.
It was kind of like, when you're carrying something and you put it down for a moment to rest your arms, that really lightweight feeling, only backwards. Like when you've eaten too much pizza, and all you want to do is sleep, but you're wide awake.
Today is one of those days.
And so, as I put my feet to the bicycle pedals and block out the voracious feeding noises of highway traffic, I know that today may be the last day. My last day. I can hoist my backpack higher, but I know that I'll never escape this road. I am destined to live here . . . perhaps even die here.
I am ready.
It's rained hard before of course. The rain is usually light, but it does . . . pour.
Never like then. It wasn't just raining, it was heavy.
Very.
It was kind of like, when you're carrying something and you put it down for a moment to rest your arms, that really lightweight feeling, only backwards. Like when you've eaten too much pizza, and all you want to do is sleep, but you're wide awake.
Today is one of those days.
And so, as I put my feet to the bicycle pedals and block out the voracious feeding noises of highway traffic, I know that today may be the last day. My last day. I can hoist my backpack higher, but I know that I'll never escape this road. I am destined to live here . . . perhaps even die here.
I am ready.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Is (Two Voices)
I am.
Like a rock.
I am . . .
Ice,
Water.
I am.
Like earth.
I am . . .
Fire,
Electricity.
Who am I?
What am I not . . . ?
Like a rock.
I am . . .
Ice,
Water.
I am.
Like earth.
I am . . .
Fire,
Electricity.
Who am I?
What am I not . . . ?
Friday, May 04, 2007
Pseudo-Asian Philosophical Argot
Whenever we stop,
For time
Does this not seem foolhardy?
It's ridiculous,
We wait
Even while all the world lives.
I think that wisdom,
Is when
We lay our apathy down
Try and die without
Any
Befuddled experiments.
It's ridiculous,
We rush
Even when all the world dies.
For time
Does this not seem foolhardy?
It's ridiculous,
We wait
Even while all the world lives.
I think that wisdom,
Is when
We lay our apathy down
Try and die without
Any
Befuddled experiments.
It's ridiculous,
We rush
Even when all the world dies.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Muzak Nation
It has become increasingly obvious to me that the musical tastes of the culture in which I am immersed have dramatically affected, or at the very least are an accurate representation of, the model of our national psyche. With greater and greater frequency we are becoming used to "hearing" sounds without actually consciously registering them. Background music has become a way of life, indeed even a metaphor for our daily activities. The fact is that there are very few who truly listen to music simply for the sake of listening to music. Two hundred years ago there was a barrier between the drudgery of daily life and the fantastic enterprise that was the music industry: now, no such barrier exists - any and all music can be transferred and transmogrified until it is unrecognizable.
Consider this: when was the last time that you ceased all activity and merely listened to a song? It is rare that this happens, for we are consumed with efficiency, and stopping all activity when we could be doing something seems ludicrous. Certainly there are levels of activity, but I have found that I tend to listen to music while doing both more and less - writing a paper, falling asleep, reading, exercising, driving, etc. These varied levels of activity still denote the presence of something which consciously or subconsciously occupies some part of our mind, thereby diluting the musical experience.
The point that I'm trying to make is that it is incredibly important that we do not adopt a philosophy of partial involvement. This manner of world-view will make even the most involving tasks apathy-inducing and dull, as there is always some corner of our mind that we reserve for . . . something else.
Listening to music.
Remember:
Sensation and intellect are meaningless without one another. Strive to keep them in balance, a pleasant duality, not a warring schism.
Consider this: when was the last time that you ceased all activity and merely listened to a song? It is rare that this happens, for we are consumed with efficiency, and stopping all activity when we could be doing something seems ludicrous. Certainly there are levels of activity, but I have found that I tend to listen to music while doing both more and less - writing a paper, falling asleep, reading, exercising, driving, etc. These varied levels of activity still denote the presence of something which consciously or subconsciously occupies some part of our mind, thereby diluting the musical experience.
The point that I'm trying to make is that it is incredibly important that we do not adopt a philosophy of partial involvement. This manner of world-view will make even the most involving tasks apathy-inducing and dull, as there is always some corner of our mind that we reserve for . . . something else.
Listening to music.
Remember:
Sensation and intellect are meaningless without one another. Strive to keep them in balance, a pleasant duality, not a warring schism.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The Congregation Rests
Four thousand dead now,
How many more must follow?
In truth I feel faint,
Though I know my cause is just,
My heart beats slowly.
It is shameful love,
That supplants my boastful voice.
That brings my knees down,
And despairs my closest friend.
Truly this must end
And I will do my best
So, the congregation rests.
How many more must follow?
In truth I feel faint,
Though I know my cause is just,
My heart beats slowly.
It is shameful love,
That supplants my boastful voice.
That brings my knees down,
And despairs my closest friend.
Truly this must end
And I will do my best
So, the congregation rests.
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