朽木百哉のブォグ

Down memory lane into the previous battlebox where I had been there for less than a year and had since moved on.

I appeared in this place that resembled an old town and met a few friends who are part of this band; they're so well-versed with the guitar that they could play most songs just at a flick of the strings.

Since it's a gathering of music enthusiasts, we decided to move to a cafeteria to sit down, catchup and probabky get some inspiration to create music.  As we chatted, one of the members suggested an abandoned church which was nearby (Penang) which means I'm already here, almost 700km away from home.

The abandoned church reminded me of the lands I have travelled, since it has been awhile that I've visited these places.

Next scene showed me entering a stage where there was this procession of a lady who possessed the 'host'; she was known as the icon of sensuality (just like the various deities in Chinese beliefs), thereafter, I was taking control of this body as if I was inside it; it sure felt different as myself and the female host (she had blond hair and resmbled one of the actors in Lost).  After much stage flashing and shows, we can finally make ourselves easy and walk off the stage.  The lady host had this nice dress which I told her will be perfect with a whip tiearound belt.

We had a good chat before we all moved off from the stage performance area that was filled with crowds, lights and music.

Eyes opened, it's 7:15am.

As I sleep, I could feel an attempt to break out and roam free.  This was something I picked up from reading an article on lucid dreaming; one can awake at the state the body's asleep while the mind runs freely.

The magical thing is that this sensation is relaxing beyond comprehension; I could literally feel my body moving as if there was some force lifting it and wanting to set the mind free, while the continuous REM goes in the background (images of Gurmit fluttering his eyelids came to my mind).

At one point, I felt my eyes open and I could see my room in a grey hue of aura, though it was pitch dark at that very moment.  It certainly felt like an OOBE which all you need to do next is to take the first step to move around, and even turning back to see your body in that rested state.

If this was the real world where one could roam freely without the mental burden of feeling drained, while fulfilling tasks that are usually suppressed in the world of the physical, that would be the real place of relaxation after a mental drainage day.  I definitely look forward to going back tonight.

I saw myself at this park-like place which was near an artificial park that resembled Sengkang Riverside Park.  While I was filling up some distribution numbers, a local resident wanted to probe to find out what I was doing and I told her that the details are confidential.  Thereafter, the conversation moved on to discussing about the improvements to the housing scheme, which I discussed with her that these have been suggested, but the main issue still lies with the ridiculous pricing.  This was discussed as the car drove below 2 LRT trails.

Intermittence.

2nd entrance:  I entered this place which seemed like a new home, where the whole family has moved.  The bedroom was finished in dark red wood, set up in a longish style where the work desk with a monitor is near the entrance, while the bed was set straight with a power point right beside the bed; simply conducive to linger in for a desk-bound activity.

3rd entrance: Entering a medevial-like world, it was in a setting which I was welcomed by the host who appear to be of the vampire class.  As the invitation was strictly "on invitation basis", no one else could be seen loitering at the gates just like any other common place.

The place was large indeed - halls after halls and I came to this place with a counter and I see many people queuing up like that of a fast food restaurant.  Dearie was in another queue by my side and I showed her the beloved plush toy she likes, which I had brought along.  She quickly took the plush over while we continue queuing.

Eyes opened, it was already 10:30am.

I entered this rustic village by boat, where traditional muscoal instruments are being played in special enclosures; one of them was shaped like a little house where only the props making the music could be seen from the front; however from the side, one can see a band of 3 using windpipe and cymbals to create that melody.

The village was wooden planks afloat a water body, closely knitted like a small community.

Next scene showed me participating in a run, which was held in a large area of nature (all vegetation and no man-made stuff); I saw an ex colleague, Catherine, a Texasian, and a few good companies; we had started awhile and I took the leap forward to warm up my run.

Next scene showed me taking a sum of random money to redeem a kidnappee; this place was in the middle of slums which was sandy in colour tone and quite well built-up.  The sum was about $20k and I piggy-back carried the child out of the area.  Strangely,  there was neither anyone guarding the child's holding area, nor any deals exchanged.

As I hurried my way out, I spotted a commotion and then realised that this slum community was mainly made up of Thais, as there was a squad leader of the riot police talking to them in their local language.  For some reasons, the riot police squad on standby there were all in golden uniform, and the squad had metallic shiny helmets like those used in parades.

The alarm clock went off at 6am but by the time I got up, it was already 7:15am.

I entered this building which was packed and dimly-lit.  For a moment, it reminded me of Peninsula Plaza, an old shopping mall that was located within a stone's throw from the defucted Capitol Theatre.

The familiar sights of shops selling casual / streetwear surrounded me; one of these sells Red Indian accessories as a form of fashionwear.  As I walked along, I soon found myself getting involved in a cosplay photoshoot, dressed as one of the Captains in Bleach anime.  As it is a group shot, I helped prepared others to get into position.

Over my shoulder, I signalled for Songjie to come over since he was also dressed as one and we didn't have an exact 'copy' of his character in our group.  It took him awhile as I spotted him upstairs and there are still, many cos-ers walking around.

Alarm rang at 6am and I realised that I have seemingly stayed awake theoughout this journey.

I saw myself near the old neighbourhood in Bedok North at my previous residence.  Across the road were shophouses and I was waiting to see the GP.  As there were quite a number of patients ahead of me, I had to wait awhile, so I decided to walk to my car (a vintage Beetle).  This car was unusual as it had leather curtains across the window panes.

Saw myself in a place resembling military installtion and I was on a duty switch with another comrade.   Walls glowed red from the blackout lights which provided sufficient brightness without being glaring.

This base was subterrainian and well guarded by soliders in green uniform; the typical bright leaf green with a hint of olive that made the whole force resemble that of a communist organisation.

I was walking across an installation and saw my former CSM, Leslie, whom I chatted up after he saw me.  He saw my rank which had rose considerably over the years and congratulated me for achieving it; well it's normal for those in the military to advance at such a pace.

The mind just stayed engaged in this environment as I was supervising some operations.  7am and I heard my alarm; it's time to get back to the real world.

I entered this apartment and met up with a friend named Aaron, whom I had known for awhile.  He seemed to have some ongoing tension with his wife whom he was fighting over their child; his wife wanted to take their child back.

This took place after he managed to creep in and take over charge of the security.  Along with a few of his accomplices, he stacked ladders against the wall with minimum fastening mechanisms and made his way in.  Soon, he used different measures such as denying access to the apartment and getting security personnel to deny her entry.

After the lockout, I asked him what had caused the tension and he said it was due to unexpected parenting when they were younger.  Soon he left and went on with his business.

His wife soon snuck back to the apartment and attempted to use the phone at the landing; while at it, I had to keep a watchout for Aaron not to catch sight of her.  At one point, Aaron was at the next landing while his wife was at the next; sight could be established with just a tilt of the neck.  While Cheryl (Aaron's wife) was making that important call, I quickly distracted Aaron but striking a conversation and casually leading him out of the possible sighting zone.

Next scene showed me running through some old apartments and I saw Sally's family whom some of them were sitting around their gate and I asked if she's in.  Seems like she's not back yet.

At this scene, Cheryl is making another attempt to get her child back and have arranged to meet Aaron at a building away from their apartment.  The building was red-bricked, resembling that of an old school compound.  The unusual thing is that her car has a long pipe, which resembles that on the top of the time machine in Back to the Future movie.

Some reinforcements arriving in a white Civic could be seen but they don't appear of good news...and certainly not to the advantage of Cheryl.

As I ran up to look for both of them, I bumped into Debbie, someone whom I had known for several years back then; she's still as dainty and pretty as before, and told me that she'll be getting married to Lawrence.  We had a brief conversation before I continued my search.

Alarm buzz, it's 6am.

I had a god dinner with a group of people; wonderful company and great fellowship at Fish n Co.  Time to get the bill and I used the Manhattan card; for the first time, I saw a $680 bill on dining and that's where I had to use another card where it has a decent limit.

While everyone were strolling slowly away from the restaurant, I got the bill settled and chatted with the waitress; her name was Stery Gwee and we managed to chat up quite well.

Next scene showed us going into this office where the Australian boss just got back and all of us greeted him.  New and slick looking office, and everyone looked happy and fresh; it's like the Company of the New Generation where vibrance is delt everywhere.

While getting refreshed the pantry, I met up with a few colleagues whom I'm closer with and talked about that dinner we had at Fish n Co; the quality of food is still in place with decent ambience.

Next scene showed me having to leave the premises and it was over another dining session where the girls wanted to hang around.  I told them not to hang around too late as the night's not quite young; while doing this, I had a pillow between my legs with a knee on it, jumping my way out.

At the carpark, I took the umbrella and shelteree my uncle to the MSCP nearby; this umbrella had double stem and seemed much wider than a conventional umbrella.  Another scene where I passed through older towns, I saw Serene's mum and greeted her while making my way out.  Now I'm crossing the carpark with a former schoolmate Annie Loh, while taking out my dualstem umbrella.

While trying to drive out, I realised the lorry beside my car was swinging inwards when I reversed a little; this was a test measure as I had difficulty moving out.  That was where I realised it was park lobsided and handbrake wasnt engaged....and I decided to drive out.  While turning out, I saw that lorry swining over the lot and hitting the car in the next lot...for some reasons, my car had no scratches.

Eyes opened.  6:45am.

Saw myself checked into an old town for a vacation with dearie.  However, in this room, there's an old radio which a label 'call reception 5mins later'.  There's a story behind this, such that whoever still knows what is happening after hearing the radio's transmission for 5mins, to call the reception.  Legend has it that this no one lives after hearing from the cursed radio....

Switchscene shows me in a lecture-theatre like setting where I can see through the glass panel on the side of the room, which lines the staggered edge where seats are fixed.  Outside, I could see Ruisheng who just came and I let him in.  We chatted a little about where he went and it was just a simple walk around town for him.

Next scene showed us walking around town; there's this man who carried a suit, walking around town and talking to people.  After a short observation, I realised he's getting business for his tailor shop at the corner of this row of shophouses; being neatly tucked at the edge, it's not quite noticable even with the flight of stairs just beside it due to the shape and color of the store's entrance.

At one part, I passed by a school and decided to use the building as a sample shot taken through one of my old Nikon lens - it was the 28-70mm but somehow the exterior appears to be that of an AIS build.  The school had a sleek panel which I preseume is where the main flight of stairs is, with a mast-like pole jutting to the skies just like those prewar buildings along Carpenter Street.

Evening has come and the town now glowed golden under the sunset rays; it reminded me of those wild west towns which still exists around the world.  This place seems pretty accessible and appear to be somewhere near which we can come by to get supplies cheaply.

Eyes open and it's already 7:22am.

I was making my way back to office after a morning appointment and met up with Huiting, a long time friend who was in the advertising sales business and we walked together since her bus stop was near mine.  We chatted and she asked if she can also go to my office to make sales which I told her that she could try if and it'll be good if she can close her deal.

When I reached my office block (it resembled Everitt Building), I bumped into some colleagues whom I greeted casually while telling Huiting that she'll need to obtain a visitor pass from the security counter before going up.

Soon, I found myself making mt way to my office (a call centre which brings back some memories); as it was also my first day, I found an available seat and settled myself there (no one seems to be guiding me for the day as it seemed a busy morning); the team leader's name was Motsu or something but he was not Japanese - seems like a nice guy though after hearing one of the team members requesting to change shift.

Eyes opened, 7:45am.

Today's visitors who visited the house, which was occupied by a family which was considered rather influential in their time, had been preserved in this town which remained as a historical site.  Visitors who spotted a phantom mother carrying a baby at the top corner of the house, and a recurrence of a girl jumping to her death will be told the story. 

Set in a Wild West type of the 19th century, there was this family who had a lot of kids.  The mother who has a strong influence over her kids always had ways to deal with them whenever anyone is misbehaving.

Their house was somewhat huge; made red bricks without any plastering finishes (that was the style of houses during that time).  Having a block just for accomodation and its permeter stretches to a considerable area of vegetation which appears to be their own garden or plantation.

Whenever the eldest daughter misbehaved, the mother will order her to sleep in a basement room which was somewhat like an "isolation cell" in a detention centre as she has the tendancy of creating a nuisance whenever her mother is taking care of her youngest brother who was still very much a toddler.  Little did the mother know that this room which her daughter was made to stay in had a reason why she would always resist going in whenever she was punished.

The basemetnt of the house was reinforced with wooden beams.  A walk down to the "isolation cell" took about 5 minutes and the path is dimly lit by oil lamps that lined it loosely.   Whenever the eldest daughter had to sleep there, she had to walk there alone, sleep for a night and only allowed to return to rejoin the rest the next morning.  The nights got creepier whenever she sees a shadowed pair of legs as if someone was sitting at the edge of the platform above her room and kicking the legs in a playful manner.

On one tragic night, the daughter, who had already grown up over the years, had already got considerable fear of that scene and when she snapped, she ran all the way back to the residence block at night, up the 7th floor and jumped to her death.

That is why whenever visitors who were spooked by the jumping scene will always see other objects in place as if someone had threw it down from the building.

The next scene showed one of the villagers running out to prevent military forces from invading the village.  Fortunately, no one was hurt as the troops were attempting to move in via trucks.

I was last seen narrating the story and giving the model of the house a wipe; but as my fingers moved near the spot where the phantom mother was spotted, I could feel a gust of wind, and quickly covered the whole model in the white sheet of cloth.

Eyes opened, it was already near 10am.

Nights had been filled with adventures as I constantly see myself in places, sometimes familiar places when I close my eyes and slip into slumber.  As much as the lostlessness in sleep, I always try to make myself enter slumber via the astral travel entrance mode and it seemed effective somehow.

After a night of movies on The Hunger Games, though the show wasn't that impressive except for fancy dancy props and costumes, I saw myself set out in a jungle-like environment where I have to pit my own survival - but this is without the contestants 'tributes' and the necessity to eliminate them.

It's more like an exploration journey into the woods - one that is lush and deep as far as one's mind can imagine.  Definitely not something with human disturbance / artificialism like that of Singapore.

I should explore this place tonight in detail.

A scene showed us in a stranded vehicle in the middle of nowhere as we encountered viper-like humans and mutants, where the primary defense weapon were shotguns and rifles.   Their main purpose of capturing women was to breed their own race and relied on looting to make their living.  It was somewhat like Hills Have Eyes.  The battle was gruesome and tough as we used the most gruesome method to kill them; fortunately they were unable to get any of us.

Next scene showed our reinforcement which uses a whip, stringing them up and with one flick, the mutants are turned to dust.  The close attack which I lured one of the vipers to the back of our "base" (ie stranded vehicle) gave me the opportunity to blow the head off in one good shot with a MR-153 shotgun.


The next scene showed me at a truck-stall where dearie and I visited a hawker selling frozen sushi; he took out a salmon and struggled a little as he sliced off on section we wanted with his chopper; while doing so, he explained to us a little how to select a good grade of salmon; some of them had saw-like teeth and the front of the jaws were protruded like that of a crocodile / alligator.  Some were even short and stubby in body shape like a banana which measured about 50cm long.

The last scene showed a field display of body parts being hung up and as I was talking to a "native" cannibal and the setup was like some display for ministerial visit; the cannibal told me that these are edible but I told him that it's displayed for the sake of displaying - I could dress up as a cannibal but will eat fruits later rather than eating these "leftovers".  As he started to hang those parts up, I walked out of the area and saw several of such displays.

I saw myself at this place which looks like an overview of Italy and I was talking to Kate (Evangeline Lily) about how fun it will be if we can be jettisoned across the country and see things in a different manner via some interesting device that will send us spinning.  Imagine mounting a GoPro and the video results will definitely be interesting!

Next scene shows us doing some rigging work which was somewhat like one of the scenes in the TV serial, Lost, and I was chatting with here and there's this other guy who was also there.  From our conversation, it was quite clear that she has it on me and it certainly heightens the feeling of "working closely on survivorship".

At a casual conversation, I asked if she wanted some tips to stay slim and gave her some fresh bananas; and told her briefly that these goes for 70 cents a piece at one of those booths at the bus interchange back home (we certainly were away from home for awhile).  Soon, we managed to rig up a rope made up of lots of wires we needed to lower ourselves from this mountainous area to a lower ground.  Hurley (Jorge Garcia) was also there to lend a hand while this place we stood now appears to be a rooftop with only the windows to the attic to be seen.

The plan had now somewhat changed to mountain climbing as Hurley, Kate and I discussed about the easiest way to get from Singapore to one of the mountains and then back home.  Hurley suggested we could drive up and then we do the climbing, and then drive back, but our discussion came to an agreement that we can take a flight go the nearest town and then back home as everyone could be quite worn out and too tired to drive after the climb.

Eyes opened; it's 8:10am .

I was loaded into this program which a professor made a defensive, smart battle suit for modern warfare and I was given the honor to test it.

In this scenario, I was given a mission to neutralise and eliminate the enemy forces with tact and stealth; something that resembled Metal Gear Solid's style of combat.  The smart battle suit has a different array of weaponary, such as traquilizing darts, small light attack weapons as well as pyrotechnics.

Moving through a small array of corridors, I fired an autocannon-like projectile that could bounce off walls like the Gemini laser in Megaman 3 as one of the quarry had spotted me and since had engaged in noise-disciplined combat that involved dodging between walls, hiding behind pillars and the sort.

When we moved towards the room at the U-shaped corridor, a few more of his accomplices could be seen coming through the main door and some had been hit by my "gemini-autocannon" which I fired from a forecasted trajectory.  Intel has informed me of the incoming earlier and I had moved into a room which resembled the kitchen.  After checking the other rooms, which appeared to be storerooms where chambermaids get their supplies for replenishin guest rooms, this was the best place for combat.

The quarry who had been following trailed me into this room and the real combat began.  I tugged him from left to right, lodging my knee into his stomach just like how Tony Jaa fought, and threw him hard on the ground.  He tried fighting back but my combat skills being sharpened, continued whallopping him hard with a series of elbow and knee attacks till he was quite "well done"

It certainly felt good but that was only where I realised this was not reality.  I opened my eyes and saw it was already 7:40am; more than an hour away from my scheduled awakening time.

I saw myself walking through this corridor of a heritage town which were made up of pre-war building, and saw Rui En who was standing at one of the corridors waiting for me with a sweet smile on her face.

For a moment, this seemed too good to be true as it was a personal encounter with her right face to face in person.  That whole scene appeared to be a sweet love story which seemed like those seen in television shows where a couple appears to be madly in love...

Switchscene now shows us chilling out in a quiet corner just enjoying each other's company just like any couples who want the world to themselves; we could see each other snuggling up each other's noses and foreheads while sitting in this quiet cafe.

My eyes opened and it was already 8am - decided not to go for the shoot this morning as I could still feel the drag from yesterday's shoot.