Just testing something for a community I'm planning to make. ^.^

Warning; the following contains my opinions which will probably offend some people. If you're a midless bigot with your head stuck up your ass, it is probably not a good idea to continue reading.

Okay, so a couple minutes ago I was reading a topic on a forum concerning transgendered singers. Naturally, this led to a bunch of people to post their thoughts on the subject. It's such a complicated subject, because even most of the people that are "okay" with it are ignorant to the point of making you want to stuff your head in a woodchipper made of cement and poison.

If this is a subject you're okay with reading about, and you're interested in depleting your level of ignorance then by all means continue reading. If it's something you're a little uncomfortable with, but you'd still like to learn about it then by all means continue reading. If you're absolutely disgusted by it and are thinking to yourself "Why in the hell is he writing about this?" then please stop reading right away so I do not have to submit you to levels of extreme pain and suffering.

A transgendered woman is NOT a "he." Calling her as such is extremely offensive. Likewise, saying things like "s/he looks like a real woman!" is also extremely offensive. If someone is transgendered, it is not because they chose to have a sex change on a whim. It is something that a person puts years of thought into. It is somehting a person does not go through with unless they are sure it is right for them.

A transgendered person is not someone who crossdresses. That is a transexual. A transgendered person is someone who feels that they were born with the physical structure of the wrong gender. These people usually realize at a very young age that their mind is that of another gender. They go through a lot of suffering, pain and loneliness just trying to figure out who they are. A female transgendered person never "used to be a man," because she only had the physical structure of a man by mistake. Internally, she was always a woman. Likewise, she is not "still a man deep down" for this same reason.

Transgendered people are NOT gay. They are two completely different concepts. A homosexual is a person who is attracted to the same gender as themself. Transgendered people can be gay, but transgendered does not MEAN gay. Likewise, gay people are not transgendered, though some of them may be. For the most part homosexuals identify as the gender they were born as. It's like if an alien came to earth, and saw a couple caucasian people with brown hair, and decided that all people were caucasian with brown hair, because they didn't quite understand the concept of skin and hair pigmentation.

I know this is really long, and I've probably made a million typing errors. But I am seriously pissed off and I need to get this out of my system.

Let me make something very clear to everyone; I think transgendered people are amazing. I think it is pure bullshit the hatred, ignorance, and loneliness that they have to deal with for something that is entirely not their fault. I do not think there's anything disgusting about it, I do not think there's anything wrong about it. I'm not indifferent, and I'm not "okay" with it. I support it, one hundred percent. I would not think of a transgendered friend any differently than I would a gay friend, or a black friend, or a white friend, or a female friend.

If you're NOT okay with transgendered people, or gay people, or people of a certain skin tone/gender/whatever, then just know that I can not respect you very much. To me, it makes no difference who you are, what your religion is, what your upbringing was, or whatever. I'm not going to completely hate you for it, but I cannot fully respect you if you treat others unfairly because of a single aspect of their personality which they have control over. That may sound hypocritical, and I suppose it is.

I know I'm not going to convert all of the world to loving transgendered people with this rant. However, if there's a chance that I can inform one other person and allow them to be more excepting, hell I'll take it. Maybe they can do the same, and that person they effect can do the same. Who knows. I'm just expressing my opinions and trying to encourage people to be more open minded, a little more understanding... a little less hateful.

1. Where did you take your profile picture?:
I took it from the internet. >.>

2. What exactly are you wearing right now?:
Blue jeans, white T-shirt with some wonderful abstract designs on it, boxorz.

4. What makes you the happiest?:
Friends and music. Sometimes.

5. What song are you listening to at the moment?:
Somebody To Love - DBSK

6. Is there any celeb you would marry?:
One or two. (U-Know of DBSK <3)

7. Have you ever sang in front of a large audience?:
Had to for school when I was younger.

8. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celebrity?:
Not that I know of.

9. Do you still watch kiddy movies or kiddy TV shows?:
Not often, when to mood strikes me.

10. Do you speak any languages?:
Nope. Not a single one.

11. Has anyone you've been really close with passed away?:
Nope.

12. What's your favorite musical artist?:
Changes all the time. >.<

13. What's something that really annoys you?:
People who have crappy grammar and no excuse.

Chapter 1:
==========
1. Middle name:
William Herbert

2. Nicknames:
That one gay kid (keeping Brian's answer), Skippy, Sunshine, Jakerz, Jacob-tate, Captain, Mommy

3. Current location:
Spare oom. (Yes I meant to type oom. Narnia reference.)

4. Eye color:
Hazel, last time I checked.

Chapter 2:
==========
1. Do you live with your parent(s)?:
Yes, unfortunately.

2. Do you get along with your parent(s)?:
Eh. They're alright, but I still prefer not being around them.

3. Are your parents married/separated/divorced?:
They are married.

4. Do you have any siblings?:
One of each.

Chapter 3:
==========

-- Favorite...
1. Ice cream:
Bubblegum, Strawberry, or Vanilla.

2. Season:
Spring, minus the bugs.

3. Television show:
I dunno. >.< Don't watch tv.

Chapter 4:
==========
-- Do you...
1. Write on your hand?:
Sometimes, not too often.

2. Call people back?:
Nobody ever calls me, so no.

3. Believe in love?:
A little less every day.

4. Have any bad habits?:
Putting myself down.

Chapter 5:
==========
-- Have you...
1. Broken a bone?:
Chipped my finger.

2. Sprained anything?:
I think so.

3. Had physical therapy?:
Nope.

4. Gotten stitches?:
Yup.

5. Taken painkillers?:
Yeah, though I've stopped taking them for headaches and stuff.

6. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling?:
Nope.

7. Been stung by a bee?:
Once, I think.

8. Thrown up at the dentist?:
No. o.O Do a lot of people do that?

9. Sworn in front of your parents?:
Yeah, pretty sure I have.

10. Gotten detention?:
Plenty.

Chapter 6:
===========
-- Who/what was the last...
1. Movie you saw?:
"Push" maybe? No wait! Maybe it was Shrek the third. Or Epic Movie. I forget which one.

2. Person to text you?:
Maybe Hilary? But I didn't get the message cuz my phone has no time on it.

3. Person you called?:
Frankie.

4. Person you hugged?:
Probably Lish.

5. Person you tackled?:
Again, probably Lish.

6. Person you talked to on AIM?:
It's been ages. >.<

7. Thing you touched?:
Mouse. Before the keyboard.

8. Thing you ate?:
Rolo ice cream.

9. Thing you drank:?
Water

10. Thing you said?:
I dunno. Probably "I love you" to my dog.

Chaper 7:
==========
-- Future
1. Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I have no idea. I've never really been able to look that far ahead.

2. Where do you hope to live?:
South Korea is what I'd prefer.

3. Do you want to be famous?:
Yeah. >.< Unfortunately.

4. Will you have plastic surgery?:
Gee I dunno. Let me take out my crystal ball...


Hope that was enlightening for you.

Hooray. I have fallen in love with this song. I thought I would take the liberty of posting the pinyin lyrics here, since some people may be looking for them and pinyin lyircs in general are difficult to come by. It took me a while to get this. Be grateful. >.<

huán yóu le shì jiè quán shì jiè  

què fā xiàn mĕi lì méi yŏu qí jiàn diàn

shéi chuān zhuó dīng xié bù kĕn biàn

tíng zhĭ le zì zhuàn biàn chéng yī gè jiăn

 

nĭ wŏ dōu xī wàng tè bié yòu bù găn tài guò yú tè bié yeah

liú xíng shì yī zhŏng ān quán sāo zhāo mēn sāo de tài yáng xué

 

nĭ shì huā huā shì jiè lĭ xiàn liáng băn de huā huā hú dié

mĕi nǚ men zhĭ shì bĭ jiào huá chū qù bĭ jiào găn yī diăn

huā hú dié de mĕi de yàn de xuàn ruò méi sān shĕn dìng yàn

nà xiē lù rén jiă men píng shén me fā yán rĕ rén tăo yàn

 

kuài lí kāi dōng mián găn kuài pò jiăn

bié bèi wú liáo kŭn zài dì qiú biăo miàn

xiăng líng hún chū qiào shuăi píng fán zuĭ liăn

jiù zì chuāng pĭn pái kào zì jĭ biàn liăn

 

dāng nĭ bù kè yì tè bié tū rán jiù huì biàn dé tè bié yeah

zhĭ yào bié yuè miáo yuè hēi nĭ de yăn jing jiù huì fàng diàn

 

nĭ shì huā huā shì jiè lĭ xiàn liáng băn de huā huā hú dié

mĕi nǚ men zhĭ shì bĭ jiào huá chū qù bĭ jiào găn yī diăn

huā hú dié de mĕi de yàn de xuàn ruò méi sān shĕn dìng yàn

nà xiē lù rén jiă men píng shén me fā yán rĕ rén tăo yàn

 

nĭ kĕ yĭ shùn jiān fēi qù Dōng jīng Bā lí Mĭ lán Niŭ Yuē

bié ràng bié rén zuĭ lĭ de xíng róng cí zuŏ yòu nĭ shì yĕ

rú guŏ yŏu rén de mèi lì zú gòu wéi zhè shì jì dài yán

nà shi tā găn zhàn chū lái biàn chéng hú dié fēi wŭ piān piān

 

nĭ shì huā huā shì jiè lĭ xiàn liáng băn de huā huā hú dié

mĕi nǚ men zhĭ shì bĭ jiào huá chū qù bĭ jiào găn yī diăn

huā hú dié de mĕi de yàn de xuàn ruò méi sān shĕn dìng yàn

nà xiē lù rén jiă men píng shén me fā yán rĕ rén tăo yàn

 

nĭ kĕ yĭ shēn chuān huā huā xiàn liáng de huā hú dié

nĭ kĕ yĭ bĭ nĭ xiăng xiàng zhōng zài ài xuàn zài găn yī diăn

nĭ kĕ yĭ zì jĭ jué dìng méi dé zuì hòu sān shĕn dìng yàn

nĭ kĕ yĭ ràng lù rén jiă bì zuĭ jīng yàn

 

nĭ shì huā huā shì jiè lĭ xiàn liáng băn de huā huā hú dié

mĕi nǚ men zhĭ shì bĭ jiào huá chū qù bĭ jiào găn yī diăn

huā hú dié de mĕi de yàn de xuàn ruò méi sān shĕn dìng yàn

nà xiē lù rén jiă men píng shén me fā yán rĕ rén tăo yàn

Copyright @ me.

I hate you
For being perfect with your half-assed truths
I need you
Even though I don't remember you
I wonder
What I'm dying for
Bliss is this and wanting more

I could be a voiceless nobody
Maybe I'm not so misunderstood
Torment isn't temporary
I get everything I should

I'm so conceited it's disgusting
I'm here, I know exactly how
Always trusted never trusting
Friends for life? Kill me now

I hate you
Ending my grotesque life right on cue
I need you
Ornate my skin with scar tissue
I wonder
What I'm dying for
Bliss is this and wanting more

I've never known this kind of ecstasy
My body shudders with delight
Sadistic blood-stained love enamours me
Only a wound can make things right

It's not the kind of story children hear
When they are safely put to bed
Only the walls will listen without fear
To my blood drip until I'm dead

I hate you
Even after all you've done for me
I need you
And always will far as I can foresee
I wonder
What I lay here dying for
Bliss is this and wanting more

It's over
A couple hours of the utmost pain
And you know
I'd relive all this hell again
Don't wonder
You know what I'm dying for
Bliss is this and so much more

I hate you
For being perfect in your half-asses truths
I need you
Even though I can't remember you
I wonder
What I lay here dying for
Bliss is this and wanting more

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

She walks down the street with a bruise on her cheek

A place where a kiss was once lain

Happy and sweet and kind as can be

Her innocence lays at her feet

Her eyes cannot see and her hands cannot feel

Her soul is only a breeze

A flower in her hair cannot hide

The tears that she’s left behind

 

Love makes all of us do crazy things

Holding on, however it seems

Waiting for an angel with wings

To carry us into a dream

 

He sits in his seat, his eyes full of pain

Wondering when she will smile again

He sees the bruises her hair cannot hide

He wonders how much she has cried

Never before has he felt so alone

Helplessly weak to the bone

He longs to reach out but he doesn’t know how

To save her from all of her doubts

 

Love takes our innocence away

As we watch the pain, but silent we stay

Trembling hands fail to leave our sides

And we will sink into the night

 

She lies in a corner with blood on her face

Long forgotten in this dirty place

Cold and empty she closes her eyes

She’s been waiting for this night

 

His fragile heart says that he can’t go on

He watched her pain in silence too long

Unable to help the one that he loved

As he swings from the ceiling above

 

Love makes all of us do crazy things

Holding on, waiting to see

If there’s really an angel with wings

To carry us off to our dreams
--------------------------------------------------------------------

I used to be one of those people

That thinks no one understands them

But now I know the truth, that no one

Really knows who I really am

And how am I supposed

To let them know

When I’m not sure myself

 

They say it’s what’s inside that counts

But what’s inside is always what’s messed up

And what’s inside anyhow?

 

The soul, the mind, and your heart too

They haven’t got a clue

What to do with you

Decisions, apparitions

Tension and apprehension

The questions are unanswered but you’ve got to know

 

I used to laugh and cry

Like it was last day of my life

Each and every day was a new day

But those times have sailed away

Into a sea of memories and mirrors

And all my groundless fears

 

They say don’t judge a book

By its cover, give a second look

But look all you want you still won’t see

What it really means

 

The soul, the mind, and your heart too

They haven’t got a clue

What to do with you

Decisions, apparitions

Tension and apprehension

The questions are unanswered but you’ve got to know

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

I sit here thinking of you

As the world falls apart

And I think how ironic it is

That it’s raining outside

And it’s raining inside

And it’s loud and it’s hot like our fights

 

And it’s over

In the blink of an eye

And it’s so fast

That you can’t help but cry

We wonder how we let this die

As the universe comes crashing down

Down around the heartbeat outside

 

It seems that I can’t even hear my own mind

It’s downed out by the chaos outside

God made a mistake when he led me to you

I fell on my knees and that’s all I could do

Free will becomes a thing of myth

When you’re the one I’m with

 

And it’s over

With a crash and a flash

It’s open season, it’s a mad dash

It’s nothing but a hole in your chest

Where a broken love used to rest

 

My stomach is tight

And my body is wilted

I’ve lost all my fight

My opinion has shifted

There’s nothing left but a euphoric sigh

As my blood runs off into the night

 

And it’s over

In the blink of an eye

And it’s so fast

That you can’t help but cry

We wonder how we let this die

As the universe comes crashing down

Down around the heartbeat outside

     Equality; as far as words go, it's a pretty simple one. Well, it has a q in it, but other than that, it's nothing special. A simple word for a simple concept. But so hard to put into practise.
    
     Human minds are built in such a way that we can not possibly get along with everyone. But there's no reason why we can't be fair to each other. If we're going to hate each other, hiss, spit, and poke each other in the eye, we might as well do it fairly.

     I've never been able to grasp the concept of a predetermined volume of pigment determining a person's worth as a human being. Nor have I managed to wrap my head around the idea that the possession of a certain chromosome (or lack thereof) would be all anyone needs to make certain judgment, based solely on said chromosomes, on any action or thought you could possibly even think about maybe participating in ever.

     It further baffles me to assume that one should either accept or attack an individual based on the gender of a person they happen to have fallen in love with.

     Some people may say that it's unfair to expect everyone to try to get along. I say it's unfair to blindly, but consciously, rob ourselves of an overwhelming number of opportunities to simply... love.

To my friend
Let me send
A message from inside of me
Straight to you beside me
Won't let you go
Wanna let you know
I bet it shows
I hope you know

To my friend
Who can lend
To me a heartbeat and a shoulder
Company in growing older
Won't let you go
Wanna let you know
Head to toe
I love you so

When you're with me
I can calm raging seas
When I'm beside you
No limits, what we'll do
When we're side by side
The world just may subside
Until the hidden end
Just know, you are my friend

To a soul
Don't be cold
Because my hands are always warm
Smiles are how dreams are born
Won't slip away
Hope it won't fade
Day after day
What stays the same

When you're with me
You're everything I need
When I'm beside you
Have faith we can get through
When we're side by side
The world could almost die
Until the hidden end
Just know, you are my friend

Hyena (혜나)
Korean artist Hyena. She made her first appearance on the O.S.T for "Strongest Chil-Woo," but her true debut came with her release of "Dagawa (ft. Rhymer) a few months ago (August, I believe). Besides that there hasn't been much news from her, besides releasing a single (and an EP featuring a couple remixes of Dagawa), some live performances, and appearing on some shows.
Okay, so maybe that's fair considering she only emerged onto the scene in August. But I absolutely adore her, and she doesn't seem to be getting very much popularity. I can't even find her single or EP on YesAsia, and I would really like to buy it and support her. Anyway, ever since discovering her I have been eagerly awaiting the release of a full-length album, and I hope news of a release date will come soon. I'm dying for the chance to hear more from her.
The link below is a clip of her singing on a show, and in my opinion it is a really good display of her singing abilities. Please help me spread the love for her. <3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjH9SNiUIrw&feature=related


A'St1
This group also debuted around the same time as Hyena with their single 1.2.3.4 Back. However I could find THEIR single on YesAsia, and so I bought it. I loved every song on it (all five of them). They've gained a great deal more popularity than Hyena as far as I can tell, for various reasons. One of which being a controversy where some people thought they had disrespected popular SM group Super Junior, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding.
The group has already announced that they are working on a second release, which I am incredibly excited for. Hopefully it will be a full album. I think they are really good singers, and good dancers too. Not to mention good looking. >.> I am really excited to hear more from this group and hope they do really well in the future. <3
Go listen to 1.2.3.4. Back. Or Naega Baboyeosseo. Or Show, or Funky N'Roll, or You. Because all those songs are great.


SuperNova
This six-member boy group debuted a few years ago. They released an album called "The Beautiful Stardust" and then kind of faded away. The full MV for their single "Hit" is over half an hour long. I actually watched the whole thing a while ago with a friend of mine, and we both loved it. 
The most recent release from this group, I believe, was the song "Superstar." Here is a link to the MV with subtitles; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBKwmmtdhZI&feature=related
Now. It might just be fan service, or it might be the fact that in Korea they tend to overlook some things that might be... questionable, to say the least... in Western society because they believe the possibility of someone actually being gay is so low they don't have to worry about it. But either way, I'm not going to say anything that might give someone the wrong inpression of the group of offend fans or whatnot. But just watch the video, read the subtitles, and see what you think about it. >.>;
Anyway! I really like this group. And even though we haven't heard from them in a while, I still hope that they will make a comeback and release some more music. And maybe even get some more, much deserved, attention from fans.


KisFive
Now, these ladies were active for a little while in 2005 release a mini album featuring 4 tracks, and were never heard from again. Their single was called "Show Time" and the MV was very... explicit, by Korean standards. This might have even been the reason why they didn't net much popularity, who knows. But what I know is that, after a very long time of searching I managed to track down all the songs from their album and I loved all four of them.
I realize that after the amount of time they've been gone and the fact they didn't do very well the first time, the chance of them making a comeback is slim. But that doesn't mean I can't say I would really enjoy it if they did. Besides, look at them. They're pretty. :3
AHHH I just learned something while scouting around on youtube. One of the members is a member of the group After School which debuted this year! HOLY HECK that's completely mind blowing. That's exciting! At least one of them is back in the music business.
Still wish the group would get back together. >.> Or that their album would be easier to find and buy at least. >: (

That's all for now... more later...

"(Memphis, Tennessee) A public high school principal who posted the names of two boys on a list of students believed to be couples, revealing their relationship to their parents as well as other students and teachers, violated the students’ constitutional right to freedom of association, the American Civil Liberties Union charged Tuesday.

In a letter to school board officials in Memphis, the ACLU demanded that the school reprimand the principal and take steps to ensure such actions never happen again.

In September of 2007, the principal at Hollis F. Price Middle College High told teachers she wanted the names of all student couples, “hetero and homo,” because she wanted to monitor them personally to prevent students from engaging in public displays of affection.

The two students now represented by the ACLU, Andrew and Nicholas (who have asked that their last names not be revealed), were two A students who had been seeing each other for a short time and were attempting to keep their relationship quiet and private.

The principal heard about them through another student, then wrote their names on a list she posted next to her desk, in full view of anyone who entered her office.

One of the boys’ mothers personally witnessed the list when she met with the principal a few days later.

“I couldn’t believe it when I went to meet with the principal and that list was right there by her desk where anyone could see it,” said Andrea, Andrew’s mother.

“African American people face enough obstacles to succeeding in this world and I want my son to have every opportunity he’s worked so hard for. Our schools should be helping our children do well, not tearing them down for something like this.”

Although the boys had never been observed by any school staff engaging in any sort of display of affection, the principal called Nicholas’s mother Nichole.

According to Nichole, the principal said things like “Did you know your son is gay?” repeatedly and went on to say that she didn’t like gay people and wouldn’t tolerate homosexuality at her school.

Both students say they’ve had to deal with verbal harassment from both teachers and students since word got out around the school about their principal’s actions.

According to Nicholas, he also suffered another consequence of the principal’s discrimination. He had submitted extensive paperwork and several recommendations from teachers for a school trip to New Orleans to assist in rebuilding efforts.

Having a long history of community service, he was considered a shoo-in to be selected to go before the incident, but then a teacher told Nicholas some faculty were afraid he might “embarrass the school” or engage in “inappropriate behavior.”

A few days later, another student who hadn’t even applied to go on the trip was selected in his place.

“We never bothered anyone or did a single thing at school that broke any of the rules,” said Nicholas, a junior and honor student. “Every day I feel like they’re still punishing me, and I’m worried that this is going to hurt my chances to get into a good college.”

“The principal’s outing of these two students to their families, classmates, and teachers is unacceptable. Its only purpose was to intimidate not only these students but all gay students at Hollis Price,” said Hedy Weinberg, Executive Director at the ACLU of Tennessee.

“Educators should be focused on educating their students and not on harassing them because of their sexual orientation or the people with whom they associate.”

School officials have already confirmed the existence of the list to the ACLU in prior meetings held in an attempt to resolve the matter privately the union said.

In Tuesday’s letter to the Memphis City Schools Board of Commissioners, the ACLU points out that the principal ordered the boys not to even walk or study together at school.

“This is a public high school that runs on taxpayer dollars. As such, it is part of the government and must obey the Constitution in dealing with the students entrusted to its care each day,” said Bruce Kramer, a partner at Borod and Kramer in Memphis who also is working on the case.

“This school has no business singling these boys out and taking away educational opportunities against them simply because they were dating."

I like advertising! So here we go with some good stuff.

My Community: http://community.livejournal.com/boogie_palace/
Dedicated to the Korean group Turtles. Join it. Love them.

My Forum: http://z11.invisionfree.com/Vault_of_the_gods/
Dedicated to the Korean group DBSK. Join it. Post a lot. Make other people join. The name of the site is changing soon so I will be posting another link.

Someone Else's Forum: http://z10.invisionfree.com/Asian_Discogs/index.php?act=idx
Lots of good fun stuff there. They've got active staff and are very organized and wonderful. Join the forum, help out. <3

Someone Else's Group: http://community.livejournal.com/cbaday
Dedicated to the German band Cinema Bizarre. This band is absolutely AMAZING (as if anyone I know doesn't know that already). Besides that, this is a brilliant idea for a community. Show your appreciation!

Anyway, that's all for now. I don't expect many people to be checking this, but if you do, CLICK DEM LINKS!

Cinema Bizarre - Final Attraction



From left to right; Yu, Kiro, Strify, Luminor, Shin

Just a quick note before I start the review, I fricken love this group and this cd. A LOT. Yu plays guitar, Kiro plays bass, Strify is the lead singer, Luminor is the keyboard player/ second vocals, Shin is drums. They're from Germany, all their songs are in English.

Track 1: Lovesongs (They Kill Me)
The curtain's closed
No way home
The nectar of life run dry
These tainted words
Made to hurt
Cut in me with its' knife

This song opens the cd on a very fine note. It's not my favourite track of the album, but it's very good. There's a music video to go with it too, which involves lots of creepy mannochin shennanigans. As the first track, this song introduces the voices of Strify and Luminor, the band's two vocalists. Strify's voice sounds as if an alien race trapped the pure essence of sex and injected it into his vocal cords, where Luminor has an almost impossibly low voice that makes it sound like he's possessed. It's a very good song, hypnotic in a way.

Track 2: How Does It Feel
I don’t know what you’ve been through
I see it on you I don’t know
what you’ve been through
Now how does it feel
How does it feel
How does it feel now
How does it feel

This song really connected with me on a deep level as soon as I heard it. It's the simple truth of human existence that we really don't know what another person has been through, and we may see in their eyes, or on their face, that they've been through something. We try to figure each other out, and I think anyone can relate to this song. We all have people who we will never be able to understand, there are also people we want to understand. Strify's voice dominates the song, and it's really a great song.

Track 3: Silent Scream
I don't need no fakes around me
All I want is you to be with me
Here I am
All these words have lost their meaning
I just hope you hear my silent scream

This song begins with just Strify's voice, but is joined by Luminor's in the second verse. It's a slower, more mellow type of song, but it's very deep in the sense that it could really connect with a lot of people. Being in love, and not wanting to be surrounded by a world of falsehoods, and just be with the one you love, is a common human experience.

Track 4: Get Off
When you're feeling kind of gorgeous
Call me on the phone and
Get off!
Get off!
When time is kinda precious
I can come undone and
Get off!
Get off!

As opposed to the previous tracks, this one is mostly vocally dominated by Luminor. Personally, I'm not nearly as fond of this track as I am of most of the others. I might grow to like it more over time, but right now as it stands I think I'll pass on listening to it most of the time, when I can. Maybe it's the sexual theme of the song that puts me off, but I don't believe so.

Track 5: Forever or Never
Don't believe in miracles
I never did
Nothing ever happens here
So sick of it

I-I-I told you
I-I-I need to
Get - get myself into something new
I´m for something mystical, histerical,
Dark, intensive, sexual

This song was the first one I heard by Cinema Bizarre, and is no doubt one of my favourites. The music video for this song is pretty awesome as well, but the song itself is just amazing. Strify's voice is amazing, and Luminor's voice in the background compliments it nicely. The song sticks in your head easily, and is very enjoyable overall.

Track 6: Escape To The Stars
I'm sick and tired of this so-called life
Without room to breathe
I toss and turn in my bed all night
Am I the only one who finds no peace?

What are you waiting for?
What are you waiting for?

Another one of my favorite songs. I just have so many from this cd. So anyway, as you could probably figure out this song is all about wanting to escape. The music video is pretty good as well. It's not the most amazing thing in the world, but it provides entertainment. Plus you get to look at five hot guys.
The song itself is just magical, what else can I say. Strify's voice = <3

Track 7: After the Rain
Bitter sweet memories
Of a love we had before
Blinded by sanity
What's behind the crimson door?

What happened to my eyes
Incapable of seeing signs
There's just one miracle
That's left of this love

This song is another slow, emotional one. The song builds up and builds up till the end of the first chorus, and fades down without anything really exciting happening. Then it begins to build it up again, and on the second part of the chorus the second time around, the drumming and really noticeably guitaring starts. Pretty darn good.

Track 8: She Waits For Me
Two weeks have passed since she last asked me for an answer and I'm sorry now
But thinking back I thought that maybe I could please you but I can't so now
I made your bed while you were in the shower
I guess I think at a hundred miles an hour
And any minute she'll be back to ask me if I got the answer now

A more faster-paced song, and another of my favourites. It's incredibly catchy and addicting, not to mention pure awesome. The high energy of this song is very powerful, and the vocals are just plain sensual. I just can't get over how incredibly sexy his voice is. It really is. Awesome, awesome song.

Track 9: I Don't Believe
Everyday, everyday
I just dream away dream away
To another world
Everyday I can see
People all around look at me
I know what they thinking
He's such a lonely rider
He's such an outsider
Cause in my heart

There is such a haunting, addictive quality to this song that I absolutely love. Another track where Strify and Luminor's voices work together to create a special brand of magic. It's a slower song, but definitely a high-energy one. Then there's the whole haunting quality I mentioned a couple sentences ago.

Track 10: The Way We Are
We have been told
there's only one way to go
but we live different lifes
dreams to unfold
like a kaleidoscope
reflecting hundred skies

Another high energy song that offers deep connections. It follows the traditional Cinema Bizarre way of being catchy, and addictive. Strify and Luminor's voices create the usual magica, accompanied of course by the instrumental wonders Yu, Kiro, and Shin. Luminor's voice in this song especially stands out.

Track 11: Dysfunctional Family
I'm a punk, I'm a sinner
I'm lost new beginner
I'm a threat to myself
I'm a get armargeddon
I'm a freak, I'm a liar
I'm a flirt, I deny that I know it, Then I mess it up

Another of my definite favourites from the album. It's just amazing, and is catchy in everything from the vocals, to the instrumentals, to the actual words themselves. It's another song that I found myself having a really good connection to right of the bad. Maybe that's why I love it so much.

Track 12: Heavensent
A hundred million miles from home
The only one left in the dark
Alone with everybody's thoughts
(talking to me)

My only company the stars
The stars

Close your eyes it's all pretend
Let them know you're heavensent
And we are love we are love
Heavensent
You and me we're not like them
Search to find it's in your veins
And we are love we are love
Heavensent
And we are love we are love

This is not one of my personal favourites, but that may be just because I've never payed a great deal attention to it. The song is still good, and when I put the cd on (which I do quite often, I assure you) I'm much more likely to let it play than I am to think of skipping it. In fact, there isn't single track on this cd that I would skip. So, anyway onto a more reviewy review of the song. It's one of the deep/moving tracks on the cd, not one of the upbeat jump and be loud tracks. Although I generally prefer the jump and be loud tracks, this track is very good at what it does, and is quite able to hold its own on this collection of awesomeness.

Track 13: Angel In Disguise
I was betrayed
There is no fate
an open sore
I'm in too deep
I can't believe
anymore
Will you take what's left of me
Reanimate my trust in fate

Angel in disguise - you save my soul
But you make my heart go blind
My devils rage inside - just can't let go
cause it feels so right
you make my heart go blind

So, I suppose this track would fall somewhere between the aforementioned "deep and moving" tracks and the "jump and be loud" tracks. Thus I dub it a "mellow" track. As I mentioned with Heavensent, this isn't one of my personal favourites, as I've never payed much attention to it, but I will still let it play through whenever I listen to the cd.

Track 14: The Silent Place
This is the silent place
where everybody looks the same
This is the silent place
Where people speak but cannot hear
This is the silent place
where millions die and no one cares
this is the silent place
This is the world that we have built

This is the silent place
a place to face the agony
this is the silent place
a place for you but not for me

I think this track could fairly effectively be described as "creepy", especially the beginning. The lyrics, as you can see, are a bit dark. Along with the words and music, Strify and Luminor's voices work very well together to make a perfect blend of creepy. It probably won't cause you to run and curn up in a corner biting your thumb while rocking back and forth. But it will probably make you think "Hey, this song kicks a whole bunch of ass."

Thus concludes my review of Cinema Bizarre's cd Final Attraction. Stay tuned, because I will probably be reviewing their three Singles sometime in the next month, and in Spring you can look forward to a review of their much anticipated second album - ToyZ! <33

You can ignore this if you want, I'm certainly not going to blame you for doing so. Many of you may find the subject incredibly ridiculous and I can assure you I do not expect to revolutionize the way everyone in the world thinks. However, to me this is a subject which is not ridiculous.

For the past four months, I have had no gender. I identified as a gay male for almost four years, but for about a year now this "title" has meant nothing to me. I didn't make a big deal of renouncing my gender, and many of my closest friends still do no know I have done so. I do not correct people when they say I am a gay male, I simply know that this is not entirely true.

I do not say that I am a girl, though at times I would surely like to be one. If at some point I do decide this is what is right for me, I will not make a big deal out of that either. But for right now, I do not identify as either a male or a female, and I don't see any reason why I should have to.

But that is not the real point, it's merely an asset to the core of my frustration. This subject, which has been picking away at my patience for a while (I can sense the laughter I am about to invoke) is the simple subject of gender roles.

It frustrates me to hear daily that every male from a certain country looks like the opposite gender. It frustrates me daily to hear people say that women have a "manly" voice, or that men have a "girlish" figure. If a woman has a deep voice, than obviously it is a woman's voice and not a man's. If a man has a slender figure, it is obviously a man's figure and not a woman's. It seems so simple to me.

Hundreds of times a day, I hear the two genders compared. I hear how one aspect, which is apparently supposed to belong exclusively to one gender, presents itself in someone of the "inappropriate" gender. Whether it is intended or not, the implications of such comparisons are that this means they have failed to comply to what society requires of them in order to effectively exist as whatever gender they are.

I do not see why a man that wears a dress is womanly. I do not see why a woman who knows how to fix a car is manly. I wonder how a society that tries so hard to come up with a unique label for every new sexuality and every new religion can still be anchored so deeply to the ancient concepts of what is "masculine" or what is "feminine". It boggles my mind to hear residents of the twenty-first assume that if a man bakes a cake he must be gay, and if a woman owns a certain breed of dog, she must also be gay.

It completely BAFFLES me to hear people talk about how angry racism makes them, and how people are so closed-minded, and then turn around and say that everyone of a certain race looks identical, and that everyone from a certain country looks a certain way. I have seen people of every colour of skin who looks like someone else with that colour of skin. I have seen people of every colour of skin who people might question which rest room they use. But still I know better than to assume that this must be true for everyone else who shares some minor, insignificant quality with them.

Human beings in general have been trained to put a label on everything. "If a person has two lumps on their chest they are called a woman. If a person has one lump in their throat they are called a man". One of the first things most of us do when we meet someone, subconsciously usually, is make a decision on which gender they are. However, when something about them seems out of place then we stop, and we begin to think about it consciously. We may reach a state of panic "Should I call this person Sir or Ma'am, should I avoid using any gender-specific pronouns at all? What if I use the wrong one, that will be embarrassing. Should I ask them what their name is, maybe that will help. Am I taking too long to reply to them, what if they think I'm being rude?"

English is not a language that is built well for these types of situations. We do not have many gender-neutral pronouns, and most people probably would not be pleased to have themselves referred to as "it". Although theoretically "it" may be less embarrassing than assuming someone is the gender they are not, the word has been weighed down with connotations of something that is inhuman, something that is below those other things that possess a gender.

The fact of the matter is that a grocery store cashier may see someone with two lumps on their chest and say to that person "Have a good day, ma'am," only to have the person respond with a sigh and a forced thank you and not understand what went wrong. The general populace of society does not realize how many transgendered, gender-questioning, transsexual, transvestite, etc citizens there are out there.

Everyone knows that old cliché "don't judge a book by its cover" and people apply it to everything. Don't assume a person is stupid because they're blond. Don't assume a person speaks a certain language because their skin is a certain colour. Don't assume a person is inferior because of their gender. But of the most simplistic label, people hardly speak of. What about don't assume a person is a certain gender because of their facial features, or their hair cut, or their clothing.

From the moment we are born, we have a gender slapped onto us which theoretically defines our whole lives. It is supposed to define what clothes we wear, whether or not it would be acceptable for us to wear makeup, what hobbies we are supposed to have, how often and which body parts we are supposed to shave, what our bone structure is supposed to be. It is nothing short of absurd.

Gender does NOT define who someone is, any more than their sexuality or their skin colour. Gender does not define who we can or cannot love, who we are superior to, or who we are inferior to. In technical terms, gender is decided by our chromosomes. The purpose of chromosomes is simply to make sure that some of us are born innies, and some outies, so that babies can still be made and our species does not collapse into a frothing pit of extinction. If a person is born with a certain set of chromosomes and decide they want to be an inny and not an outy, isn't that what should matter? If a person is born with a certain set of chromosomes and decides they want to wear a dress and makeup, is it really okay for people to say that they are ugly or "girlish" because it is not immediately apparent which sexual organs they have?

It is all well in good to not be turned on by a man in a dress, because any one aspect of a person will never be attractive to everyone. But to outright state your opinion as if it were a fact is degrading to anyone whose opinion varies from yours. It is all to common for people to use the word "ugly" to describe someone who simply doesn't turn them on. Even if they do honestly believe the person is hideous, it would be nice if people could accept the fact that maybe everyone else does not think they're hideous. That maybe when they say this person is ugly, someone who thinks they are beautiful might be irritated.

But I digress. This is really about gender, and the two issues are just ones which I often see coupled together, and both irritate me. Not so much to the point where I am deeply offended, but enough that it irritates me after happening so many times in so many days.

Actually, I do believe I am done now. I hope you all didn't die of starvation reading this, if anyone actually bothered to scroll through the entire thing.

I love this group! Their music is amazing, they're very good looking, their lyrics are amazing, and they're just... awesome. Ha! Tricked you.
But yeah.
It really makes me sad that can't buy their albums here in Canada. D: I hope I can at least order their singles online or something, but they're soo hard to find.
I'm posting this to share them with all of you. So, give them a try and if you like them, leave a comment saying so. If you don't like them, well it's no big deal. Everyone has their own tastes right?
I'm posting download links to their songs, so that if you like them you can enjoy their music as much as I do. If it's at all possible for you to do, supporting them by buying their albums would be nice of course.
I do not own this group or anything related them, I'm just a fan who's trying to promote them. ^.^

Taken from www.gaiaonline.com/forum/international/escape-to-the-stars-cinema-bizarre-official/t.36380035_1/

Their myspace: profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


·٠ ˚ Name: Strify
·٠ ˚ Position: Vocals
·٠ ˚ Birthdate: 20 August 1988
·٠ ˚ Zodiac sign: Leo
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


·٠ ˚ Name: Shin
·٠ ˚ Position: Drums
·٠ ˚ Birthdate: 12 December 1989
·٠ ˚ Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


·٠ ˚ Name: Kiro
·٠ ˚ Position: Bass
·٠ ˚ Birthdate: 11 January 1988
·٠ ˚ Zodiac sign: Capricorn
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


·٠ ˚ Name: Luminor [Former Member]
·٠ ˚ Position: Keyboard [+ backup vocals]
·٠ ˚ Birthdate: 22 March 1985
·٠ ˚ Zodiac sign: Aries
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


·٠ ˚ Name: Yu
·٠ ˚ Position: Guitar
·٠ ˚ Birthdate: 29 December 1988
·٠ ˚ Zodiac sign: Capricorn
profile.myspace.com/index.cfm


Final Attraction www.4shared.com/file/72880293/5bcc6d74/Cinema_Bizarre_-_Final_Attraction_2007.html
**Released October 12 2007**
01 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) www.mediafire.com/
02 How Does It Feel www.mediafire.com/
03 Silent Scream www.mediafire.com/
04 Get Off www.mediafire.com/
05 Forever Or Never www.mediafire.com/
06 Escape To The Stars www.mediafire.com/
07 After The Rain www.mediafire.com/
08 She Waits For Me www.mediafire.com/
09 I Don't Believe www.mediafire.com/
10 The Way We Are www.mediafire.com/
11 Dysfunctional Family www.mediafire.com/
12 Heavensent www.mediafire.com/
13 Angel In Disguise www.mediafire.com/
14 The Silent Place www.mediafire.com/


**Released September 14 2007**

Lovesongs (They Kill Me) [Cardboard CD Single]
NOTE: This version was released April 8 2008
01 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Album Version) [See "Final Attraction"]
02 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Hot Like Me, Freak Like Me Club Mix) www.mediafire.com/
03 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Extended Remix) www.mediafire.com/
04 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Iamx Remix) [See "Escape To The Stars"]

Lovesongs (They Kill Me) [Exclusive Version] www.megaupload.com/
01 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Album Version) [See "Final Attraction"]
02 She Waits For Me [See "Final Attraction"]
03 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Kyau And Albert Remix) www.mediafire.com/
04 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Instrumental) www.mediafire.com/
05 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Video) [Unavailable]

Lovesongs (They Kill Me) [2-Track Version]
01 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Album Version) [See "Final Attraction"]
02 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (Eyeland remix) www.mediafire.com/


**Released February 29 1008**

Forever Or Never www.mediafire.com/
01 Forever Or Never (Radio Version) www.mediafire.com/
02 Forever Or Never (Alternative Radio Rockin' Beatzarre Remix) www.mediafire.com/
03 Forever Or Never (Fat Tony Crews Night Shower Remix) www.mediafire.com/
04 Forever Or Never (Beatzarre Remix) www.mediafire.com/
05 Forever Or Never (Video) [Unavailable]


**Released December 7 2007**

Escape To The Stars www.megaupload.com/
01 Escape To The Stars (Radio Version) www.mediafire.com/
02 The Other People www.mediafire.com/
03 Escape To The Stars (Rough Edge Mix) www.mediafire.com/
04 Escape To The Stars (Extended Version) www.mediafire.com/
05 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (IAMX Remix) www.mediafire.com/
06 Escape To The Stars (Video) [Unavailable]

Escape To The Stars [2-Track Version]
01 Escape To The Stars (Radio Version) [See "Escape To The Stars"]
02 Lovesongs (They Kill Me) (IAMX Remix) [See "Escape To The Stars"]

Other:
Crashing And Burning [1:21 preview, Youtube rip]www.mediafire.com/
Deeper And Deeper [Live performance, Youtube rip] www.mediafire.com/
Spaceman [LQ] www.mediafire.com/
Forever or Never [Korean Remake] by 샤이니 (SHINee) www.mediafire.com/

The five boys awoke the next morning not knowing whether the events of the previous night were truth or dream. None of them dared to bring up the subject for fear of appearing foolish to the rest. And so they went about their morning, dazed and lost inside isolated parts of the same world.

            They participated in short, disconnected conversations at first. They were too busy thinking and wondering to think up discussion topics, or even pay attention to the discussion topics presented by the others. But as the day went on, they grew more curious and more eager to talk to each other.

            Eventually their conversations became more like tests. They would use certain words on each other and gauge their response. However, whatever response came up, they dismissed as mere coincidence.

            Around noon, they used their room’s phone to call their manager and explained that the weather had driven them off the road. They had also discovered, to their dismay, that their bus had stopped working and had been towed into town for repairs. They were stuck in this hotel for at least another day, maybe more.

            Their manager was furious at first, but by the end of the phone call he had calmed down and admitted that the situation was out of their control. He told them he was glad that they were safe, and urged them to treat this time like a surprise vacation.

            After a couple hours of awkward silence, Junsu finally got frustrated.

            “So, did we get called the chosen ones by some mysterious woman in a mirror or what?”

            There was a moment of silence in which the other four looked at him. A feeling of unease settled over him, and he coughed and looked at the ground. The other four ran over and sat in a half-circle around him, and they began talking wildly about the events of the previous night.

            “It was really weird, wasn’t it? The fact that we were led down there, and the things she said too. She said we were chosen, but what were we chosen for?” Changmin wondered carefully. A woman’s voice came from the doorway, causing them all to jump.

            “I can answer that.”

            They turned to find a woman with flashing green eyes and a sandy brown ponytail that trailed down to her waist. She was wrapped in a white cotton robe that looked like it was probably bought from the hotel. She walked towards them confidently and quietly, as if her feet were not touching the ground at all.

            “Who are you? And how did you get into our room, the door was locked!” Yunho demanded. The woman ignored him and walked straight to the middle of the room, then turned to face the five of them.

            “I will only answer one question at a time. Now, you asked what you have been chosen for and thus I will tell you. There are six gems, nestled beneath the earth on six islands. Each of these gems was a gift from the earth itself, but people did not understand what they truly were. Thus when a being of darkness came searching for them, they were easily obtained and hidden.

            “Now, as for your second question, my name is Fanny. I know a lot about you, but don’t ask how because that’s not important. I’ve been appointed as your guide on the quest for the gems. I will teach you how to use the gifts given unto you, and under my wise guidance you shall grow, prosper, and learn how to make big things fall down.

            “Now, for your last question, I got in through the door. I took the spare key off the guy at the front desk, he was really out of it. Didn’t have a clue what was going on, really. Well, I knocked him out. But the point is, here I am.”

            “A quest? Are you serious? Do you have any idea who you’re talking to? We’re not some millionaires free to fly about the world as we please. Our lives our planned out months in advance, and to cancel those plans…” Micky exploded. Fanny simply held up her hand, silencing him.

            “Oh, don’t worry. That has all been taken care of.” She said with a smile. The five boys looked at her.

            “What do you mean taken care of?” Changmin asked nervously.

            “Oh, it’s simple. I’ve already informed your manager that you’ve mysteriously disappeared and the local police believe you have been taken hostage under the pretence of mistaken identity.”

            All of their jaws dropped at once. The five of them began to shout and gesture wildly at the girl, but she simply stood there with her eyes closed, waiting for the calm to return. When it did not, she began to mumble quietly until they were forced to quiet down in order to hear her.

            “Now, all your transportation, shelter, and appetite needs will be taken care of by me. I realize that the circumstances with which this has come about are unfortunate, and I would much prefer that you come along willingly. But I’ve no other choice but the force you to comply. If you do not do this, thousands will die. This is not something you can choose to simply walk away from.”

As she finished, there was simply silence. The five boys looked at each other in turn, and then turned back to her dejectedly. They realized that there was no use arguing, and that as of this moment they had no choice but to follow the instructions of this woman.

 

The hours seemed to rocket past them as they left the hotel, arrived at a private airport, arrived at another airport, then were taken to a small parking garage, and then to a large secluded mansion. From bus, to jet, to bus, to limo.

The five of them sat in a living room, squinting in the sudden onslaught of light. Almost everything in the room was blindingly light, as if it had all been dipped in bleach. Jaejoong, Junsu, and Yoochun sat on a glowing white couch while Yunho and Changmin sat on chairs on either side. To their backs was a giant window that scaled from floor to ceiling and covered half the width of the wall. The woman stood facing them.

“This will be your home until your mission is complete. During your stay, all your needs will be provided for you. You are permitted to go anywhere on the island that you choose, but since it would take several days to swim to shore I would not advise trying it. There is a tv, but no phone or internet. We have taken several precautions, including constant surveillance.” Fanny explained.

“What the hell!” Yoochun erupted. “Don’t you think the whole heroism thing would work out better if we were willing?” Fanny simply smiled at him.

“So,” she answered “be willing.”

 

For the next three weeks, the five of them worked hard under the instruction of Fanny, gaining a handle on their new and surprising talents. At first they were all sceptical, but little by little their powers were revealed, and the feelings of doubt faded away. The situation became very real to them, very quickly.

They were all excited to be able to do things they never dreamed would be possible. They were all awed and amazed at that their friends could do, and the things they themselves could make happen. However, in the back of his mind, Yunho worried what kind of danger these new abilities would lead his friends into them. Not wanting to dampen the excitement of the others, he though it best to keep his concerns to himself for the moment.

After the three weeks, Fanny informed them that the location of the first gem had been confirmed, and that they would leave to obtain it in a couple days. They were all shocked, they had not expected to thrown into the monster’s den so soon. And yet, they knew that they had no choice.

When it came time to leave, the five of them stood on the beach in silence. A jet was resting near the water, waiting for them. After a long wait, Fanny came strolling down the beach, holding in her hands five long, plastic bags.

“I have a surprise for you.” She told them, smiling. She handed each of them a bag and they held it up, staring in disbelief.

“These are…” Changmin began.

“Our costumes from the Triangle video?”  Yoochun finished. Fanny continued to smile at them.

“Yes. I thought it would be fitting, seeing as how Triangle was your first album, and this is your first step of the quest. Don’t worry, they still fit perfectly, and they should be really easy to move around in.”

“How would you know something like that?!” Junsu blurted. Fanny simply shrugged.

“I told you before, I know very much about you.” With that, she began to shoo them behind trees and rocks so that they could change their clothing.

 

Twenty minutes later, the five of them were standing on the beach of another island in the middle of the ocean. In front of them was spread a carpet of green, dotted with bright flowers and sweet fragrances. The sound of a gentle wind whisked through them, and the neatly cut grass bobbed slowly.

A sandy and well kept path wound upward through the field of green to an enormous white castle that gleamed in the sun. Amazed, the five of them stared up at it, jaws dropping one by one.

“It’s amazing!” Jaejoong breathed. The rest muttered in agreement.

“Be careful,” Yunho cautioned. “We are not here for no reason.”

Cautiously, they walked up the path to the castle, expecting something to jump out at them at any moment. However, nothing came, and nor did they even see any signs of any other living thing. They heard no threatening sounds, but no comforting ones either. There was just the empty wind and the beating of their own hearts.

As they reached the doors to the castle, they took a collective deep breath. Slowly and carefully, they pushed the heavy doors open. They all coughed as the scent of decay and mould rushed into their nostrils. The sight that met their eyes took their breath away as much as the putrid smell.

Outside the castle was a well kept image of perfect beauty. On the inside, thick grime covered the floor and windows. The floor was littered with what appeared to be partial skeletons, drenched and dripping with a thick grey mud. In some cases, the mud had even hardened, encasing the bones completely.

Perched on a raised platform was a giant concrete statue of what looked to be a giant bat. Its head was bowed, and its wings were folded in front of it. Yunho regarded the statue with curiosity, it seemed incredibly out of place even amongst the dreadful scene before him.

The stones that made up the walls were covered in markings left by people who had obviously tried to claw their way out until the skin was ripped from their fingers. A chandelier lay in the middle of the floor, broken into thousands of pieces. A set of stairs rested on each side of the room, and one set had almost completely worn away. Both were covered in dirt and moss and various other materials that could not be identified. 

A dead silence hung in the air, and they all felt deeply uncomfortable in the place. They felt as though they were being watched, yet there was nothing there to watch them. They looked around the room, expecting something to appear from the top of the stairs. The seconds dragged on.

All at once, there was the sound of powerful beating wings, and the doors slammed shut behind them. There was a loud screeching, and instinctively they all dropped to the ground. Something large flew overhead, missing all of them by inches, and the gusts of the beating winds buffeted them.

The thing flew away, then returned, swooping low and taking hold of Changmin within its powerful talons. It flew a couple feet, rising as it went, and then released him from its grasp. Acting swiftly, Yoochun’s hand shot out and a thick bed of grass appeared below him. It cushioned his fall, but only enough to prevent serious injury. Changmin had landed on his chest as was gasping for breath.

The creature returned, shrieking madly as it closed in on the helpless Changmin. This time it was Jaejoong’s hand that shot out, and a blanket of fire shot over Changmin in a blazing arc. The attacking monster turned its head to Jaejoong and screamed in fury. Jaejoong winked, and kissed the air.

Enraged, the monster shot forward, and Jaejoong leapt aside. The floor exploded and a series of boulders shot upward, hitting the creature and knocking it into the air. In a second Junsu was above it, and shot forth an arrow of wind that sent it rocketing back to the ground. It bounced once, and then a spinning disc of glowing white light hit it in the side, and flew back, hitting the hard stone wall.

The giant beast crumpled to the ground, but to the dismay of the boys it rose again and glared at them menacingly. It gave a sickening cough, and a stream of grey mud flew from its mouth. It flew towards Junsu so fast that he hesitated in shock, and could not respond fast enough. It hit him square in the chest and knocked him back. He hit the ground, and to his horror the mud began to spread, oozing over his chest, down the ground where it froze harder than iron.

The ruthless monstrosity gave another cough, but this time a giant bullet of light hit it in the throat, causing it to chock and cry out in pain. A deafening crack filled the entrance hall as a geyser of water erupted forth, shattering the mud that bound Junsu as if glass in the path of dynamite. For a moment, Yunho wondered if Junsu was safe from the force of the geyser, but realized with relief that they water bent around him, keeping less than an inch from his body.

The shrieking beast spun around, remembering the fallen Changmin upon seeing the rushing water, however it did not find him where he had been sprawled just moments before. It turned again, and as it did it was met with a large ball of ice to the side of its head. It fell to the ground and did not rise again.

 

“How do we get out of here?” Jaejoong asked.

“I don’t know. We can’t get through the doors, we’ve tried. We can get out the windows either. We can’t break through the walls, or the doors, we’ve tried that too. What else is there?” Yunho answered.

They both sighed. Yoochun was walking around the room, looking for any way out. Junsu and Changmin were sitting on the floor, facing each other creating designs on the floor and in the air with their powers. Junsu created a small bubble of air, and began to fly it around the room, controlling it loosely and lazily. It zoomed around the room, twisting and looping, until eventually it slammed into the statue of the creature they had defeated. However, rather than break the statue seemed to absorb it.

Suddenly, the room was filled with an echoing crack, and all five boys jumped to attention. A large crack had appeared down the middle of the statue, and white light was pouring out of it. The statue exploded, spraying concrete in all directions, and where it stood there was now a glowing white figure hovering in the air. She had a beautiful, oddly familiar face, and wavy brown hair. The five boys gaped at her.

“It’s BoA Kwon!” Changmin exclaimed in amazement.

“What are you doing here?” Junsu asked, his voice full of surprise.

In an instant she had transformed. Where the beautiful BoA had hovered only moments before, was now a pulsating mound of faceless flesh. Its arms were thin and long, and its claws were huge and savagely hooked. The thing’s legs stretched all the way to the floor, and its folded knees jutted outward. Its feet were the same as its hands. Its gaping, lipless mouth was full of serrated teeth, and the top of its body was covered in a dozen glowing red eyes. A thick tail lashed back and forth, several body lengths long, and as thick as any of the boys’ bodies. Curving spines heaved out of its back and dug into the ceiling of the room, suspending the creature.

They all gaped in horror at the site in front of them. So soon after they had been attacked by the giant winged creature, they were now faced with another opponent. Even though it was suspended, attached to the ceiling, it would not be hard for the long tail, or possibly even the arms to reach them.

“Back!” shouted Yunho to the others, and at once they began to run to the back of the room. “Stand by the door! The claws won’t be able to reach you in the middle!”

But even as he spoke, Yunho knew they would not have time. The creature would lash out in an instant. He ran forward, ignoring the cries of surprise and worry from the other four. The arm lashed out, but Yunho realized instantly it was not going for him. It was aiming for Junsu, who had been closest to the creature.

Junsu leapt, letting the wind carry him upwards as the clawed hand scraped the stone floor where he had stood second before. The second hand shot out, and he flew downwards. He continued to dodge and wheel, sideways, up, down as the two hands clawed the air furiously. The creature was only interested in Junsu. But why, Yunho wondered.

Behind him, Yunho heard Jaejoong shot, and Junsu flew backwards and down as the air erupted in a stream of fire. Jusu flew up over the stream and began to hurl forth spinning discs of powerful wind. Yunho leapt forward, running to the place where Junsu was. One of the creature’s massive hands slammed down in front of him, and he leapt onto it. A spear of light appeared in his hand, and he drove it downwards pinning the hand to the floor. The five of them watched in disgust as the arm pulled away from the creature’s body, dripping slime all over the floor, and then fell to the ground with a sickening splatter.

Together, Junsu and Yunho returned to the back of the room where the other four stood. The other hand darted towards them, but this time thick vines erupted from the ground, pulling it downwards and holding it strong. Changmin held up his hands, and a giant spire of ice crashed down, impaling the hand, and the second arm went the way of the first.

Enraged, the gruesome creature gave a high pitched screech, and hoisted itself upward more. Its leg darted forward and the five boys leapt aside. Yunho cursed, he had not expected the creature to attack with its feet, but looking back he noticed that the creature had missed the area they had been standing in by a considerable amount.

The creature swung its foot back and forth clumsily, as the boys backed up into the corner of the room, just out of its range. Yunho looked at the foot. They couldn’t use their powers very well while the five of them were crammed in a corner. The legs were much longer than the arms, and would be able to reach them at the back of the room.

The creature did not have as much accuracy with its feet as it did with its hands. He looked at the creature, and then looked around the room. Then, at once he got an idea. The creature’s long legs were useful, but they were also too long. Because the creature was suspended in the air so close to the stairs, it would not be able to bend its legs to reach anything that might be resting under the platform between the stairs. The knees would have to go through the roof, which Yunho knew they could not do because of the barrier that had protected the room from their magic.

Yunho told the others of his plan, and when the opportunity presented itself, they ran forward, spreading out. The second foot crashed down, and the two clawed giants crashed down over and over, stomping the ground but always missing their mark. After what seemed like an eternity, they reached the platform under the stairs and stood under it. The stomping stopped, but an enraged high pitched roar filled the room.

The five of them stood under the platform, exhausted. They all knew that they must finish this battle quickly, for they did not have the stamina to continue to dodge the creature. But they had no idea how to safely leave their spot to attack the creature. Then, something caught Yunho’s eye. Words had been carved into the wall, and curiously he bent down to read them.

“On a Triangle island, far out to sea

Hey, Kid better not Believe what you see

A Million Men have fallen before

A creature that doesn’t Let Go forever more

Thanks To dark magic, Whatever They Say

The Way U Are, so shall you stay

But only if you stay away

 

Whether it be for a Little Princess

A Girlfriend, or a loving kin’s vest

You will not be like what you are Like Now

If you do not heed these words aloud

You Always rush in and persist

But I warn you deeply to resist

I do so hope you’ve captured my gist

 

Music soothes the savage beast

Omission is your destiny”

            Yunho looked at the poem curiously. It wasn’t very good, that was certain. But it seemed more like a message than a poem, like the person had only cared about the message they had to convey. He guessed that it was a warning about the very place they were in, though he wondered why they would put it in the form of a poem in a place where anyone who read it would already be in danger.

            He studied the last two lines in particular, and then suddenly an idea occurred to him. He read and re-read the poem over and over until he had figured it out, but once he did his excitement was so great that his voice had escaped him. Frantically, he tugged on Yoochun’s sleeve and pointed to the poem.

            “Yes,” Yoochun said solemnly “it is poorly written indeed. But we have more important things to be worrying about right now.”

            Desperate to convey his newly found knowledge, Yunho turned instead to Jaejoong.

            “Hug!” Yunho blurted. Jaejoong regarded him curiously, and then nervously stepped forward to give Yunho a very awkward hug. Yunho simply shook his head and swallowed his desperation. He begun to tell the other four what he had discovered.

            “This poem written here is a clue, on how to defeat this creature. It says “Omission is your destiny”, and after reading the poem several times I think I know what it means. The poem mentions every song off of our first album, except for on. Hug.”

            Changmin tilted his head. “So you want us to hug it?”

            “No,” Junsu answered, cluing in. “He wants us to sing.” The other three gaped at Yunho, but he simply nodded.

            “Leader-sshi,” Jaejoong said, concerned “do you need some sleep?” Yunho simply shook his head.

            “I think it’s worth a shot.” Yoochun said. They all turned to look at him. “As it stands we’re just standing here waiting for something that happens. Even if it doesn’t work, we will know we tried, won’t we?” They all nodded. After a moment, Jaejoong began to sing nervously.

            “Harumahn nibahng eui chim nae gah dwei goh shipuh

Duh ddah seu hee poh geun hee nae poom eh gahm ssah ahn goh”

The song continued until about half way through the song, and then they stopped. They heard no enraged cries, they heard no stomping, or sliding feet. Everything was still. Slowly they climbed out from their hiding place one by one, and cautiously climbed the one complete set of stairs. The sight that met their eyes made them all gasp in amazement.

The creature’ skin was breaking away, floating upward to become white light, and then fading away. Encouraged by the site, they finished the song, pouring their hearts into each word that they sang. At the end of the song, they all closed their eyes peacefully, and when they opened them again the castle was gone.

They stood in a grassy clearing, surrounded by trees, and before them was a shining golden altar. At the top of it rested a triangular crystal, about the size of a baseball. In the center was a small marble of green light that glowed softly.

As if called by the crystal, Junsu stumbled forward and gently lifted it into his hands. As it flashed, the image of BoA appeared once more. This time, she spoke.

“Mirrors and memories are what you believe

Repent, for they were built to deceive.” With that, she was gone.

 

That night, after they had returned to Fanny’s mansion, Jaejoong went out to sit on the beach. After an hour of walking around and thinking, Yunho went to the beach also. He found Jaejoong there, sitting in front of the waves, and watching them as if he was hypnotized. As Yunho approached him, he spoke.

“What a strange day we had.” Said Jaejoong. Yunho nodded.

“Yes. It was very strange indeed.”

“We have many more strange days ahead of us, I believe.” Jaejoong answered. Again, Yunho nodded.

“Yes, many strange days indeed.” His friend turned to him and smiled.

“But at least we will have them together.”

Lightning illuminated the skies, and thunder echoed throughout the world. The steady downpour of rain whipped at the windows of the hotel room, and the lights inside flickered on and off. A bus sat outside the hotel, and the only visitors they had tonight were the five boys of DongBang.

            They all shared one hotel room, even though every room in the place was empty. It had originally just been Yoochun and Junsu in the room, but they were soon joined by Changmin who claimed his room’s bed was broken. Jaejoong joined them later, stating boldly that he was not afraid; he just thought the rest of them would feel safer with him there. Eventually, Yunho also found his way to the room, and decided that he could not possibly leave the four of them unwatched.

            And so it was that all of them sat in the darkness quiet of the night as the lights flickered and the world fell apart outside. They all wore identical sets of white pyjamas, provided by the hotel. They had not intended to be staying at this hotel, but they had got on the road later than they thought they would, and the storm forced their bus to a stop.

            Yoochun and Junsu lay on their beds, as they were rightfully theirs. They faced the other three, who all sat on the floor with their blankets and pillows. All of them were tired from their long day, but they all refused to sleep.

            “This seems like a scene from a movie.” Said Yoochun. The rest murmured in agreement.

            “We should tell ghost stories!” Junsu exclaimed excitedly. As he did so, the lights flickered once again. Both Jaejoong and Changmin went pale immediately.

            “No!” They yelled in unison. The other three gave them awkward glances, and they coughed and looked away.

            “Then what do we do?” Asked a saddened Junsu.

            “We should all get some sleep.” Yunho offered smartly. The other four sighed.

            “I can’t sleep in a place like this. I’d wake up every five minutes because of some weird noise.” Yoochun stated simply.

            “Oh come on, there’s nothing to be afraid of in a place like this.” Jaejoong assured him. Just then, the lights went out completely, and Jaejoong leapt to Yunho’s side and grabbed him.

            “Protect me!” He yelled. Yunho rolled his eyes and put his arm around Jaejoong.

            “Yes, don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

            Soon after this, Junsu got off of his bed and hit Yoochun with his pillow.

            “Move over.” He insisted. Yoochun simply looked at him.

            “This is my bed, you’ve got your own!” He said. Junsu looked back at his bed.

            “But my bed is empty. It’s scary.” Defeated, Yoochun sat up and allowed Junsu to sit on his bed. Changmin looked around the room, and realized he was alone. Frowning, he grabbed his pillow and wrapped his arms around it.

            There was a slow creaking sound, and the door to their room slowly opened all by itself.

            “Wh-what’s that?” Junsu stuttered.

            “It sounded like a slow creaking sound.” Jaejoong whispered. Everyone looked at him, but he didn’t notice. His eyes were fixed on the door.

            “It’s just this building. It’s old, the doors can’t stay closed with the thunder shaking the place like this.” Yoochun assured them. They all began to mutter in agreement. They sighed in relief, and then a clap of thunder shook the building and they all yelled.

 

            In a few moments, the five boys had risen from their beds (or the floor, as it may be) and were slowly making their way down the stretching hallway. The sky still exploded in vicious roars outside, and rain fell against the building as if trying to break through a protective barrier.

            Yunho led the group, and Jaejoon sulked close behind him. Yunho had refused to hold his hand. Junsu, Yoochun, and Changmin all huddled in a protective group close behind Jaejoong, nervously glancing around the empty hallway. It was as if they expected something to jump out at any minute, but nothing did.

            Soon, they came to a door that seemed curiously out of place. It was the only door in the entire hallway that was not painted, and indeed looked like it had not been used once in the history of the hotel. Yunho noticed there was a sign hanging on the door, and read it aloud to the other members.

            “This room is off limits, except to Korean celebrities belonging to a music group of exactly five male members, who are accompanied by the other four members. This room is also off limits to any groups who have not performed songs with both BoA and the Trax. Finally, no group is permitted entry unless the group consists of; a leader who specializes in dancing, a hero, a rabbit, a charismatic dolphin, and Changmin.”

            All of them looked at the door with puzzlement. Then they all turned to Changmin, and then back to the door.

            “Well. It certainly sounds like us, doesn’t it?” Yoochun said finally. The other four members nodded, staring at the sign with dropped jaws. Gulping, Yunho reached out and put a hand on the doorknob. He turned it, and the door clicked and swung open.

            “It wasn’t locked.” Changmin said in disbelief. “That’s stupid, anyone could just walk in!” The other members murmured in agreement.

            “Well, obviously someone wanted that anyone to be us. So, let’s go.” Junsu whispered with nervous excitement. He pushed past Yunho and Jaejoong and walked into the room. The other four followed cautiously.

            As they entered the room, torches all over the room sprang to life. They illuminated a long and winding staircase that led down as far as the eye could see. Though, the eye couldn’t see very well under the present circumstances. Without a word, the five of them began to descend the stairs.

            Around and down they went, walking onward and wondering where they were headed. Junsu had returned to his huddled group with Yoochun and Changmin, and Jaejoong had finally persuaded Yunho to hold his hand.

            After what seemed like hours, the stairs ended and they found themselves in a wide chamber with a high ceiling. Torches lined the walls here as well, and they could see that the walls were made of stone. The entire place smelled like dirt and damp, and burning wood.

At the end of the hallway stood a tall mirror on a raised platform with a set of steps leading up to it on either side. The border of the mirror was gold ornamented in various wild patterns. Its shining surface was empty and black in the darkness.

            The four of them approached it in silent wonder, staring around the cavern in awe. When finally they reached the bottom of the steps a cold feeling gripped them and a transparent face appeared, barely visible in the mirror.

            “You have come at last. Long have I awaited your arrival, and so I have led you here.”  A woman’s voice drifted to them like a dream, soft and majestic.

            “You posted a note on a door, and left the door unlocked so that anyone who wasn’t us could walk through.” Changmin pointed out.

            “Yes,” the voice answered. “I have led you here.” Changmin shook his head.

            “Why have you led us here?” Asked Yunho.

            “That is an excellent question, as would be expected from the leader. Too bad I’m not going to answer you.”

            “What?!” Jaejoong blurted out in disbelief.

            “Just kidding!” The voice broke in. The figure in the mirror smiled briefly, and then in an instant the expression was serious once more.

            “I have led you here because there is a task you must undertake. A task which only you can complete, for you are the chosen ones.”

            “We’re the chosen ones?” Junsu repeated excitedly.

            “Well. You were the first to come along, so I chose you. If you’re ever a divine being waiting to impart great power to brave souls, don’t seal yourself in a mirror in a creepy underground cavern of some middle-of-nowhere rundown hotel.”  The voice answered. The five of them sighed.

            “We’re not heroes.” Micky broke in. He paused, and pointed to Jaejoong. “Well, he is. But we’re not.”

            A small smile broke across the figure’s face. “It matters not.” She assured them. “Because you are now!”

            The four of them exchanged glances, but the girl in the mirror seemed not to notice.

            “Now, please step forward as I say your name. Changmin.”

            Awkwardly, Changmin stepped up to the mirror and looked around nervously, not wanting to make eye contact with the figure.

            “Changmin, whose soul is like the flowing river. You give life, and sustenance and provide a cool environment for those in warm situations. From this day forward, the spirit of the sea will rest within you.”

            As the voice finished her speech, Changmin felt a strong surging deep inside of him and the sound of waves crashing against a shore entered his mind for a brief moment. Not really understanding what happened, he bowed and stepped back.

            “Jaejoong.” The voice called. Reluctantly, he let go of Yunho’s hand and stepped in front of the mirror.

            “Jaejoong,” The voice repeated. “Whose heart is like a burning flame; full of passion, and burning bright. Never giving up, even when afraid. You give light and warmth to those you care for, and because of this an undying flame shall rage within you forevermore.”

            As she finished speaking, Jaejoong felt deep warmth inside of his heart that spread throughout his whole body, and he saw in the mirror that for a brief moment, his eyes flashed like fire. Bowing to the mirror, he stepped to the side with Changmin.

            “Junsu.” Was the name the voice spoke next. Excitedly, Junsu stepped up to the mirror and peered into it with wonder. “Junsu, your mind is like the wind, whispering through a grassy meadow. Although full of energy, you are also full of a serene and tranquil peace that you offer to those dear to you. Therefore, I will give to you the energy of an unending zephyr, to run through your mind for the rest of your days without tiring.”

            Understanding she was done, Junsu nodded to the figure thankfully, and as he did so he felt a slight wind come from inside of him and send chills down his spine. He felt a deep calm set over him instantly and for a brief moment he though he imagined the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.

            “Yoochun.” The name called next. After seeing what had happened with the previous members, he stepped up to the mirror without fear and looked at the figure resting there.

            “Yoochun, whose eyes are like the deepest spring mud…”

            “Hey!”

            “Uh… Yoochun, whose will is strong like a great tree!”

            “That’s better!”

            “Butwhoseeyesarestilllikethedeepestspringmud.” The voice muttered.

            “I heard that!”

            “Well, anyway. Your roots are deep, and your thoughts are solid. Your are firm and steady, and you offer support to those who stumble. You have a deep sense of caring and nurturing. Therefore, I give unto you a deep bond with nature, for you to carry with you always.”

            Yoochun felt a deep rush throughout his body, as if the weight of the world had lessened and he was now able to stand free and strong for the first time in his life. For a brief moment the scent of soil lingered in his mind, and when it vanished he stepped aside.

            “And finally, Yunho.” The voice called. Yunho stepped up to the mirror, determined and ready.

            “Yunho, inside you there is a light that shines bright above all else. It is this light that guides you safely along your destined path, and gives you the strength to guide others with a gentle heart and a wise mind. This light gives comfort, and hope to all who feel its glorious rays. To you, the leader of these four strong and kind souls, I grant the gift of the brightest, and strongest light known to any being; alive, dead, or immortal.”

            With that, every inch of Yunho’s body began to give off a shining white light that grew, and pulsed, and exploded throughout the yawning cavern, blinding them all. As the light grew and throbbed, the mirror, the cave, and the damp smells began to fade away as if consumed by the light.

            When the light finally faded the five boys stood, blinking and amazed in their dark hotel room. Rain and thunder still lashed against the walls of the old building, and the blankets and pillows lay abandoned on the floor. Stunned and speechless, they all returned to their spots and sat down.

            Junsu who was exhausted collapsed into Yoochun’s lap, and Changmin moved between the beds to that he could rest his head on Yoochun’s legs. Jaejoong and Yunho sat back to back, leaning tiredly against each other and supporting the other with their own tired body. The five of them heaved a collective sigh, and one by one they drifted off into a deep, and undisturbed sleep.