Life Outside PLT1

H-Game Reviews Premiere?

Okay, I have permission to write reviews about H-Games!

So let me just bring a few points forward before I start writing them, because I don’t want any false expectations. There’s going to be no mention or pictures posted pertaining to “naughty” bits. I’m not going to go into them, how good/bad they are and what type/kind they are. Those are not the basis of the reviews. At most I’ll mention at the start of a review how much there is and the level of importance to the story. If a game has either a non-adult content option or patch, I will say so.

From that, you can basically glean how “good” the game actually is. General rule of thumb: More H = crappier story. Usually. Only usually.

Other than that, they’re ordinary game reviews. Plot, mechanics, characters, art… all that kind of stuff will be talked about in general.

Lastly:

NO requests for game content (ISO’s, rars, zips, patches) R-rated or otherwise.
NO requests for music: You go find that yourself.
NO walkthrough/path requests: GameFAQ’s is your best friend. (If the game is Japanese; Google FFS)
DO request games you want reviewed: VN (visual novels) of all types, not just H-Games. Third party, fan made ones are also welcome! (Chances are if it’s distributed officially in English, I’ve most likely played it already.)
DO comment if it is in your curiosity to do so.
DO discuss or ask questions if you need a game recommendation.

Addendum: visual novel, SFW/NSFW tags

Because everyone seems to be posting decks here…

Here’s my fragile blue/red which has a pretty good track record.

Mine:

Drawing Through the Pits of Hell

2x Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
2x Tibor and Lumia
4x Gelectrode
4x Electrolyze
4x Wee Dragonauts
2x Steamcore Weird
2x Vexing Sphinx
3x Thieving Magpie

2x Counsel of the Soratami
2x Compulsive Research
4x Remand
3x Sleight of Hand
2x Shock
4x Volcanic Hammer

1x Izzet Boilerworks
2x Izzet Signet
10x Island
8x Mountain

Compared to friend’s weird …thing:

I’ve Built a Monster!

Here:
BOOM! 60 card Standard Legal

4x Izzet Guildmage
4x Djinn Illuminatus
1x Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
——–9 Creatures

3x Desperate Ritual
2x Lava Spike
2x Eye of Nowhere
4x Pyromatics
2x Mana Leak
3x Muddle the Mixture
3x Izzet Signet
1x Remand
2x Compulsive Research
1x Counsel of Soratami
1x Sleight of Hand
2x Convolute
2x Train of Thought
———28 Spells

4x Izzet Boilerworks
1x Mikokoro, Center of the Sea
9x Island
9x Mountain
———23 Lands

Tales of Phantasia

This is a review for the GBA version, mind you, not the SNES fan translation.

What can I really say about this game? Well, I WAS really excited when it came into the store on April 14th. I jumped up and down and even took hours off uni to go and grab it so I could borrow the damned thing. To cut a long story short, I played the bastard when I got home and cried after playing it for about five minutes.

Yes. I cried.

It’s so god damned painful the first time you play it again after the SNES version. The GBA lacks so much finesse in comparison. The battle system is familiar, but incredibly slow and unresponsive. Button mashing does not work in this version as it once did. The start button does weirdo shitty things in the battle screen and changes the active character mode from Auto to Semi-Auto, which is a pain in the ass. I’m sure that wasn’t the case in the SNES version.

Nothing’s been done about the graphics at all, which is understandable. The menu screens are clean (though the SNES ones through the DeJap translations were better). The status and equipment screens are not. The status screen splits in two pages, where all the information, I’m positive they could have fit on one if they tried hard enough.

Although, I have to say that the biggest disappointment is possibly the most annoying. The main character’s name has been translated from the Japanese literally as “Cress” not the much smoother “Cless”, much the same as “Claus” as opposed to “Klarth” etc. Though, you know I wasn’t really worried too much because there’s a NAME CHANGE option in the SNES version! Surely they would have ported that over to the GBA version?

NO.

They bloody well didn’t and that pissed me off to no end. So here I am playing one of the greatest RPG games in history with a hero whose name is the second half of a vegetable.

He’s very much a vegetable in the game as well, which really stuck me as odd, the Magicians in the game seem a little more hardy with some new and awesomely strong spells. Arche’s abilities have surprised me a little, I really don’t remember her being that strong.

A major change to the game is getting Suzu as a playable character now. I haven’t encountered her yet, but I’ll be re-editing this when I do.

In terms of plot, not TOO much has changed, thankfully. Though it really gets to me that the dialogue has been translated and re-written for eight year olds. It’s got a PG rating, yet the game is so freaking hard, I just wonder why they even bothered trying to market it.

In saying this, it’s only gotten harder due to the fact that you can now chain Cless’s (the name I prefer) death skills together so you can have high, mid, low range techs in absolute succession with no break in-between (provided you execute the right techs which are chainable together in a certain fashion) and totally obliterate everything on screen at once, which is cool - admittedly. This chaining is very reminiscent of Phantasia’s later counterparts: Tales of Symphonia [NGC/PS2 (Japan/US only)] and Tales of Eternia [PSP], both of which are more fluid by far.

All in all they’ve pretty much butchered one of my favourite games to the point where all I can see now are the disembowelled remnants of what was one of the most fantastic RPG’s of all time.

NAMCO, you’ve really outdone yourself now. Congratulations.

5/10 from me. Playable, and is keeping me busy, but that’s it, pretty much.

Example of an RP Profile

Name: Azalea Trent [Ah-Zay-Lee-Ah Trehn’it]
Age: 15
Gender: Female
Race: Human
Height: 5’0”
Weight: 40kg
Ship: Currently Unassigned
Crew: Currently Unassigned, working on boats voluntarily for other pirates
Bounty: None.
Alignment: Neutral Good

Appearance: Azalea is quite a fine, looking young woman. She has pale, flawless skin that shimmers in high sunlight like sheer white silk. Looking out nostalgically toward the eternal blue of the pirate’s land, her clear, determined blue eyes stare out to some unknown mystery that she longs to find. For a simple pirate, she prides herself in looking humble and placid. On days where the wind whips up a caressing cool breeze on her delicate features, long flowing tresses of deep chestnut, drawn to her middle back, yearn to stray from a taut ruby colour bandana tightly enclosing her most astounding asset. Her outfit is plain and rather ordinary for someone of her standing. Harbouring a pair of feminine khaki shorts, ruby polo shirt twisted and tied at her stomach for comfort whilst pushing the scrubbing brush on deck, concluded with a sturdy pair of leather working boots.

Personality: She does onto others as she would want done onto her. Azalea, in many ways can be somewhat of a “goody-two-shoes.” While she is kind hearted, she does what her heart tells her to do - as her family once told her. She gives and often never asks for anything in return and most times she will be oblivious to the others taking advantage of her, due to her astounding amount of naïveté. Usually happy-go-lucky, Azalea dances, sings and consistently smiles when conversing with others. Azalea is often a refreshing presence, for the people around her. They do however find her bizarre: To a degree where they can all safely say that she will in fact do literally any kind of hard labour without complaint. In fact, she vouches that scrubbing floors is her favourite job.

Skills: She has so few skills as an apprentice pirate, yet she can wield a broom with ease, in conjunction with her agile feet and lithe figure. Of course, she is an adept swimmer.

Level 3 – Uprising Helix [Only happens when entirely enraged]
Level 5 - Can summon Uprising Helix at will, static for one turn.
Level 10 - Can summon Uprising Helix at will, no wait.

Air pressure in the surrounding area drops dramatically as she summons water to surround her enemy very gradually. The enemy caught within the circle at ground level has very little time to escape once the circle has been formed as a torrent of water escalates at an explosive rate consuming its victim to a watery grave.

How unfortunate for them.

Level 20 - Lather Shield learned (Physical reaction)
Level 22 - Can summon Lather Shield voluntarily. (Three post duration)
Level 25 - Can summon Lather Shield voluntarily. (Five post duration)

Can only be activated when Azalea is unarmed. A large impervious shield surrounds the area where an assumed weapon is striking. It is viscous, thick and hard to the touch by the hands of others. To her, they are normal soap suds, easily drawn away with a wipe of a hand. At higher levels, she is able to spread the diameter and overall coverage of the shield.

Level 40 - Telepathy

Effect Unknown

Possessions:

Ruby Bandana: A full and thick plain coloured bandana, which keeps Azalea’s hair as clean as possible. No combat use as of yet

***Lost*** Regular Cleaning Broom: Thick, hard bristles. Normally heavy to pick up and wield for labour. Azalea carries this on her back by habit and does not disappear without it. She has developed a good form of balance and upper body strength by swinging this around. Used as a typical striking weapon. (Bludgeoning damage)

Regular Cleaning Broom (Horsehair Version): Successfully traded with Yin, the merchant. This new version is slightly heavier than the brittle one she started the adventure with. It’s thicker and with a larger head, she is unable to attach this one onto her back. She is very content to carry it around with her, however. It does everything the older one did, but this one can cause a larger amount of damage. At this stage, she is unaccustomed to the weight.

***Lost*** Broken Cleaning Broom: Regular cleaning broom that was abused right to the point of breakage. Now it exists in merely two pieces. The long non-notched handle: Frayed wood exists at one end mimicking a pole. The other piece, now just a plain broom brush without its handle. If she wanted to, Azalea could still make use of it.

Pendant: Petit pendant in the shape of a dagger has mysterious appeared on her wrist bound by a red thread. Azalea has taken no notice of it at his time: A gift from Yuzuki.

Herbal Bandages (x4): Made in the night. Normal linen strips soaked in herbs. While not fast acting, they are black in colour and carry healing properties that assist the healing of light to medium wounding. They are long enough to wrap around the torso several times. [Given to: Kami (x2), Kumori (x1)]

***Lost*** Bowl of Water: Effects unknown. One of four enchanted items offered by Kami. Shattered and transformed into armour for Yuzuki.

White Cotton Shirt: This replaces her red polo (currently tied to Mikael’s injured right arm). A simple shirt adorned with nothing in particular. It serves only to cover her upper body.

Sleeping Herbs: Can be eaten whole, crushed or cooked with anything. These versatile dried leaves induce sleep without dreams. A gift for Ragen.

Story Flavour:

The unwittingly stupid girl with a heart of gold. Connects best with Kami. Wise beyond her years, she aims to end the wars between pirates and ninja. With such a large goal, she uses her emotional knowledge to win the hearts of her fellow companions. While she finds Kami’s attitude somewhat irritating, she is fond of him because he reminds her so much of her father. She also enjoys Mikael and Ragen’s company very much.

Her magical power has slowly manifested over time, but her control over it is non-existent. The burdens from her past are slowly catching up with her and whilst she tries her hardest to withhold them, it is only a matter of time before she starts feeling the effects of her arrogant resolve. Her parents’ secret is slowly unfolding and the answers to her burning questions will be answered. How will she respond to those? Only time can tell.

Appearance: [Pirates Life For Me], [Shiver my Timbers, lass], [Village of Lost Souls Part II], [Trail of the Ruby Dragon], [Mystery of the Jade Teardrop].

(Yep, I’m whoring this space, this page has been directed from another forum.

URL Randomness

Yeah,
Here’s that URL I was talking about on Friday night:

Songs to Wear Pants To

My personal favourites are Songs 257 and 231. Some really good stuff, the guy is basically a one man band, not a bad singer either. He takes free and paid requests.

Yeah.

Look what I found

Heads up!

Here’s another one, enjoy. I must have more around here somewhere… From the same guy. Again.

———–

Hey Mel,

It has been awhile..I was just wondering how r u..thats all..
Recently i have watch an Anime called Kare Kano. Watching this anime make me think about u as u are a great fan of anime. This anime that i watch filled me with wonderful meaning of love which i had learn to understand more. Just today i finished the whole seiries, which i was sad upon its final chapter as it is the conculsion of that wonderful anime.

Well, i do know u wont wanna know how i am, or care less about me..i dun blame u, i deserve it. As i had done many errors which might have upset you..which will never heal forever. Errors such as forgetting about your birthday and other vital important personal stuff about u, is totally unforgivable..

As i really forgotten about your real birthday date..maybe it has past..maybe not..but i would want u to know that i really want to wish u happy birthday and that i will wish you happy birthday everyday in my dreams hoping that u will forgive me.

I also lost your number, as my phone was burn in a fire incident in my house in Warrnambool. I did back it up…yet it is not an excuse..i should remember your number..

I cant even remember your siblings names, your address or even your Ragnaroks character name…i totally dun deserve any friendship between us…that is if there is any left..

But..

I do remember one thing…Daffodil
That u love Daffodil over an Roses u are given….

I think i should stop..as i am having tears inmy eyes..

I dunno why i am so emotional over this..

But i do apperciate u help me overcome this or explain..yet again if u dun reply i will understand

————

Of course, I didn’t reply.

HAR HAR!

Stalker #7. Just to let you all know that these guys are real. I didn’t make this shit up. Yeah, as you probably noticed already, he’s Asian.

———-

Dear Mel,
I have been thinking about what you said and what I had said. The pass few days has been rough for me, my emotions was battered. The messages you send to me were unbearable, every single word hurts me. It hurts so badly that I tried to ignore the fact that you actually said it. But…who was I fooling… no one, but only myself. Those mistake or shall I say horrible, unconsidered and bastardly things I did to you is unforgivable. Asking you to forgive me for what I done is already hard enough but even asking you to give me another chance…too much, what was I thinking..?

Mel, I believe every single word you say is the truth. Even when you said your heart has no longer have a place for me now. Honesty and perseverance from you to get some sense into me did pay off, it really did. All those spiteful word was used to get me to understand, it might sound that u don’t even care about what I have to say or even care about me anymore…but really you do care, you listen everything I got to say and you cared about me, you must be very disappointed in me….All the time, I have been selfish. It is all about me, how I feel, how I want u know how I feel, how much I love u, how much I want to be with u, how much I really miss you…but had I ever think about you?? NO, I said I love you yet I don’t even care how you feel. I made you rethink those memories which u tired to block off for couple of months or so but I all I did was bring it up to your face. That tight chested feeling that we both feel that day wasn’t the same, you must be filled with disappointment, irritation and worst of all the heart break for what I did which u tried to contain…as for mine…mine is not important my emotions and feelings are not important as yours. I should have been more considerate…no… I had the obligation to be considerate, how can I love you when I can’t even do those simple things…

My foolishness and lateness paid dearly to me, I said this many times but I believe I deserve it. You feeling nothing for me anymore is the result from me, that is what I believe. I never thought that u really think we broke up because I want to get rid off you. “I felt used, betrayal, unloved, stupid and humiliated after everything” is what you wrote… All I can say to clear things up, I didn’t ‘use’ you Mel I will never do that, ‘Betrayal’ I never thought I will ever do that to I person I love so much, why did I did that to you….of all the people in world why u..?, my reasons I told you might not be good enough…but the main point is I did, Unloved…. I would die for you Mel…I really love you, I still am, Stupid you are not Mel, things were unexpected don’t blame yourself Mel and last of all Humiliated, I didn’t use you Mel, I didn’t use you for any pleasure of my own, please dun feel that way please…I want to meet you face to face and tell you how sorry I am for what I did and for what I had cause. I am sorry.

I know I can’t force you into anything Mel. Asking you to releasing those tight chested feelings is the same as asking you to forgive me. The purpose of this letter is an apology nothing else. Apology accepted or not, can only be chosen by you. Same goes for everything; giving me another chance is your choices not mine. I remember you asking me whether I believe in faith and that I reply I don’t. But I now, I can only hope that faith can bring us together…but what I should really be doing is be happy for you, make you happy, be happy for everything you chose to do, respect you, listen to you and not doing the opposite. Making you sad, cry and despair is the worst thing and that every minute that you are unhappy means that I am breaking your heart. I don’t want a life without knowing you. You are special to me. I must not hope, yet I hope that one day Somehow, Someway, Somewhere, Someday that you will forgive me and give me another chance. Not another chance to re-love me, but another chance to start fresh. Even if you don’t, I will always love you no matter what and if I can’t love you in that way, I will love you as a dearest friend which hopes for more than friendship.

Because Sourabh’s a moron…

This isn’t any better, but at least it’s a freakin’ story. Non-offensive, unless you count the random acts of violence and swearing.

I wrote this ages ago. It actually had an ending, but in all honesty you don’t want to read that. It’s… not ethical really. I did it as a dare and got a hell of a lot of money out of it. The bidders ended up biting off their fingers XD. Figuratively, of course. It’s more modern than I’d normally write… I’m usually not so volatile with my language either, but it seemed natural to write the story in this manner.

Election Day

“Where are you going? You haven’t had any breakfast yet!” a scream what heard in the distance as a girl, entering her eighteenth year, raced down her driveway toting her backpack behind her, bouncing heavily from side to side.
“Carrie!” The scream continued.
“I’ll see you later…” The girl murmured to herself.

It had just been a little under a month since her family moved to Australia form New Zealand. While she smiled, inside, she hid away from her fear of change. The rest of her family was happy and yet, she had nothing to cling onto but her past. Old loves, the very few friends she already had, the cooler air, the elaborate fields; left for desert.

Running a corner sharply down the street, the breathing become laboured and feverish as she finally made the last turn. Looking at her watch briefly, she picked up the past racing through the gates, down the ominous silent halls and then, stopped abruptly. Carrie straightened herself up and walked, composed normally before turning the knob on the classroom door. She breathed deeply, expecting the worst. Closing her eyes, she pushed it open and kept her poker fast as all eyes turned on her. There wasn’t a tense feeling in the air, if there was, it was upturned by a raging applause.

Carrie opened her eyes in astonishment and looked around dazed. Two girls, both elegant, ran up to her, their eyes dazzling with anticipation. One grabbed at her arm fondly,
“Guess what?” she squealed in delight, her bright blue eyes shone.
Carrie sighed and looked at the short blond, “Kristyne, what the hell’s going on?”
“Haven’t you heard?” The other girl piped.
Carrie looked from Kristyne to the lush brunette known as Lucie.
“Heard what.”
“You’ve been nominated for head girl!” The two of them shouted in unison.
“…My God. Why? I haven’t been here long.”
Lucie laughed, “All the girls love you! They think you’re the nicest person and you’ve gotten so popular so quickly! Carrie, say you’ll run. They’re only doing this because Summer moved away even though she was chosen last year. All the teachers think you should! You’re smart, pretty and you’re so talented!”
“Lucie, that amounts to nothing! ‘Popularity is a farce.’” Carrie laughed.
Kristyne frowned, “…is a what? Stop talking like that. You know I don’t understand you when you use words like that, Cee-Cee. C’mon, you’ll be in league with the most popular guy in school. God, he’s hot! I’m so jealous!! If you do it, you’ll win for sure!”

Everything around her rushed around like rats in a madhouse. The teacher approached her; cheer surrounded her aging eyes. Carrie looked at her respectfully. Looking back over the last few weeks she had been there, her teacher never looked down on anyone. She was kindly, yet stern. With her unyielding strength and great wisdom, Carrie could not help but smile at her brightly at her. The older woman placed a gentle hand on hers and nodded to her positively.

“It’s unheard of that someone who has not been attending this school very long to receive a nomination, yet it seems you have touched many hearts.” Everyone around her seconded the elder’s opinion. “I feel that you can do this. You’ll be working together with an equally able student.”

Lucie and Kristyne pulled through the crowd roughly grabbing Carrie and pulling her aside and sat her down. Everyone else followed suit.
“So, will you run then?” Lucie asked.
“Oh, please, do Cee! …Then you can set me up with Kenneth!”
“…wait, Kenneth Weston is the head boy?” She replied, astounded.
They both took their seats next to her, opening their desks to take their books out.
Kristyne giggled, “Yeah, don’t you think he’s yummy?”
Carrie shook her head slowly, “There’s something not quite right about him.”
“Not. Right? He’s got a perfect record, an excellent sportsman, a great personality, high GPA, attractive, son to the most prestigious family in the area. Pfft, not right, Cee? He’s perfect.” Lucie chuffed. “You’d be perfect together.”

Carrie didn’t say anything to that. She’d never completely seen the guy nor talked to him much. Surely, she did speak to him once. Reflecting back, searching hard she realised that there was a moment like that, yet she couldn’t quite remember.

“Right everyone; pull the texts out that I handed out yesterday. We will be discussing and analysing the true meaning of setting. Does anyone have any ideas?” The teacher spoke audibly above everyone, quieting them. Turning around to uncap her marker she wrote ‘Setting’ largely in capitals. “How about we let our new nominee help us with this?” The woman handed Carrie the marker smiling appreciatively.
“Do what you do best, Cee…” Lucie chided.
Carrie nodded to her, yet there was a darkness looming in her eyes, just who exactly was this guy and how did they meet, if at all?

The Leader - three weeks before…

He sat upright in an uncomfortable chair within the walls of a room cloaked in deep mahogany. Light was slowly peering through the window shades and as they were flicked open, light flooded the room targeting his still morning lag eyes.

“Good morning, Kenneth.” A deep, throaty voice spoke in his direction.
“’Morning, Principal Ward.” He replied, his dark eyes, fruitful and sharp.
“Summer Liandris has withdrawn from her position due to unforeseen circumstances. Under this rare case, we must ask that a new head girl be nominated through. I would not have normally asked for your presence, yet the decision of the head girl falls ultimately on the student body, not just staff. Having said this, we would like you to research the students to possibly seek a candidate to fill Summer’s absence. The head girl must be appointed by the end of the fourth week. If you have any further questions, I don’t doubt that you will seek me out. We appreciate that you are a trustworthy and very capable student who interacts well with his peers. Good luck, I’ll send a note with you to excuse you from being late.”
“Yes, sir.”

Unfortunately for the principal, Kenneth had no ideas initially about who he would want to replace Summer with. He remembered back to when he last saw her. In tears, her warm body and gentle floral scent bedded within her dark locks. He didn’t care to remember why she left. He cringed inwardly when he recalled how she gripped and clung onto his arm, declared how much she loved him. Her eyes hungered compassion, begging. Sadly, he did not remember much else. He brushed it off with a small smile as he began the trip back to class. His slow gander gave him time to think things through.

It had only been about three days since he was announced as the head boy. He felt satisfied, but yearned for more. His parents always appeared to be ribbing him to go higher, further, succeed. He didn’t know how far he could go, but he’d do almost anything to get there. He had stepped on many to get where he was now and he had no intention of stopping. Shaking his head free of his reverie he clutched the handle to the classroom and momentarily paused before quietly letting himself in, apologising for being late. As he went to take his seat he staggered back for a moment. Looking at his friend to his right he saw him nod and slipped a note into his pocket. It read:

“New Student: Carrie Armstrong. From New Zealand, middle class, supposedly an all-rounder at her old school. Flawless record and she’s fucking HOT! Scope her out for me.” - Andy.

His friend had keen eyes, dark hair and a winning smile. Looking over at him he saw him motioning towards the seat in front of his own. Kenneth straightened himself to look forward and saw the back of someone he knew wasn’t there the day before. He couldn’t make her face out, but saw her petite frame. He passed her off very quickly before he looked down at her legs. Leaning back in his chair he angled his head so he could look further. They were slim, shapely, yet her skirt was far too long to see much else.

“Alright everyone! I’ll announce that we’re having a quiz tomorrow! Now, Carrie, I know you haven’t been with us at all for most of our schedule, but I’m sure you know most of this already. It’s about texts and their aspects of theme and foreshadowing. Because you would have read something different, just do it in reference to that material. Okay?”
“Yes, Ma’am…” the girl answered obediently, while the rest of the class let their protests be known.
Kenneth replayed her voice back to himself, a low, sultry, sexy tone, empty of emotion.

“Before we begin, Mr. Weston, when we talk about the theme of ‘The Great Gatsby’ there are many, what kinds of themes are written?”

Kenneth remembered that he fell asleep at home having read the first few chapters, yet could remember nothing of them.

“Uh… I…”

All eyes on him staled in expectancy. When he failed to reply, the teacher sighed,
“Well, in that case, can anyone else answer?” she pressed on quickly.

Kenneth leaned back in his seat, looking down at his desk, angry at himself for not having been more aware. He promised himself he’d finish the book tonight.
Carrie raised her hand, “I can.”
“Oh, in that case, please enlighten us!”
Behind her, the head boy clenched his fist tightly, before raising his hand, “May I be excused? I wish to use the bathroom.” Without hearing the answer, he left without a word, not before casting a dark look on the newcomer, whose face was filled with confusion.

Entering the bathroom by slamming his fist into the door he stood himself in front of the mirror. Staring at himself, then splashing water onto his face he was shocked to see both his friends waiting behind him when he managed to clear his eyes.
“How did you guys leave? Would of thought you’d get snapped.” He asked.
Andrew gave him a strange look, “The bell went about a minute ago, dude. Are you alright?”
“Hey guys, I gotta go get something to eat, I’ll meet you at the usual place.” his red-haired friend mentioned.
“Yup. Meet you later, Matt.” Andrew grinned.
Kenneth continued to stare at himself blindly at the mirror.
“So, what do you think?” Andrew interrupted bringing his face in between Kenneth and the mirror.
Wiping his face off with some towels he murmured, “About what?”
Andrew’s brown eyes flashed with an equally cheesy grin, “Wouldn’t you like to do her? …I saw you checking her out!”
“I don’t fucking care, go ask her out if you like her.” Kenneth snapped.
His friend frowned, “What’s wrong with you, man? Is this because she sassed you in class? …Dude, seriously, she’s just read and studied the book before.”
“She reminds me of Summer, damned slut…”
“…You need to see someone about that, man. If I remember you went and trashed everything after you found out she cheated on you. …She was a smart-ass, man, but she didn’t love you, face it. She wouldn’t have done it if she did.”
In a fiery rage, Kenneth grabbed Andrew’s collar and threw him against the wall, clutching hard, his breathing became shallow and fast. Slowly realising what he’d done he let loosened himself up and walked out.

Walking outside he went to look for Matthew in order to calm himself. Rushing through the doors he hissed as he fell into a large group of girls. Feeling himself fall forward he was surprised to find that someone was supporting him as he attempted to get back up. Looking upwards he saw who came to help him up. The whole group became silent, as Carrie looked down at him concerned.
“Are you alright there, Soldier?” She said fondly smiling into his eyes. “Best be careful especially when you come out rushing like that.”

His face blistered into anger before shoving her hands away.
“Hey, um…” She began.
He looked at her and his eyes hardened, “What is it?”
“I’m sorry about before. I didn’t mean to come off as a know-it-all, but… my parents…”
He interrupted her, “It doesn’t matter. It’s just a book.”
The girls slowly gathered their numbers again before walking away, leaving Kenneth to pick himself up. Andrew came out after him, having seen everything.
“Dude, come on, I didn’t mean it like that!”
“…How the fuck did she become that popular that fast?” Kenneth snarled.
“…She seems to have a good heart. She apologised for something she didn’t need to. That’s courage and balls in a pot, man. Chicks kinda like a leader that can stick up for the rest of them as well as herself, I guess.”
“Hey, Andy?”
“Yeah, Ken, what’s up?”
“I need to find someone to be the head girl, any ideas?”
“…after Summer? I choose Lucie Harvard, ‘cause she’s cute, intelligent, need I say more?” He chortled before grinning openly.

What? - Who’s it to be? (Three weeks later)

“Good Morning, Principal Ward.”
“Ah, Kenneth, so have you come to a decision?”

He took out the piece of paper from his pocket. He fondled with it between his fingers slowly tracing his thumb over it several times.
“Yes. I have spoken to many of the students, a lot of them are in agreement.”
“So. Whom have you decided on?” The principal said leaning forward across his desk expectantly.
He sniffed stiffly, “There was a popular demand for Lucienne Harvard, Gemma Gareth and …Carrie Armstrong.”
“Hmm, Carrie hasn’t been around for very long, yet she excels far in all of her subjects. Have you spoken to her?”
“Well, briefly. I myself would select Lucie. She knows the students, works hard and I find her responsible enough.”
“Well, Miss Harvard was definitely mentioned at the end of last year as well. However, when I spoke to her and her family, she was adamant that she did not want to run, let alone be elected. If that is her choice, I’m afraid we cannot go against that.”
Kenneth nodded, slightly disappointed, “I see.”
We’ll get the voting papers out tomorrow, then we’ll decide at the end of the week.

—————

“Carrie, what are you going to do? Will you say yes?” Kristyne chirped.
“Don’t forget, I’m still up against Gemma, Kristyne. Hey, Lucie, I heard rumours that you were meant to be on the list too…”
Lucie looked down at her feet momentarily, “I had to decline.”

Kristyne and Carrie paused in silence and looked at Lucie eagerly.
“What do you mean, ‘had’ to decline, what’s going on, Lu?”
“Lucie… why? Why now? You’ve worked so hard!” Kristyne pouted.
“I’m moving away soon…” She whispered.
Kristyne frowned deeply, “You didn’t plan on telling us, did you!”
“Lu…”
“Cee, do you remember the first day you came and Kenneth fell over you and he got really pissed off?”
“Uh, …ah… sort of. Where’s this going?”
“A few days ago, I heard something.”
“More rumours?” Carrie responded as her curiosity piqued.
“What! WHAT! I wanna know, too, guys!”
“Kristyne, we can’t be too loud about this, we shouldn’t even be talking about it.” Lucie pointed out.
“So, why are you talking about it like I’m stupid?”
“It’s not that you’re stupid it’s just that Carrie’s life might be in danger.”
Carrie’s eyes widened, “Say what?”
“Cee, I didn’t really notice it before but people have been saying how much you look like Summer.”
“So… what’s that got to do with me, she was the previous head girl, right?”
“All, I’m saying is that, apparently Kenneth has been really edgy since he broke the relationship off with her. I mean, she moved away and no one knows why. …According to someone, after she cheated on him… he ‘did’ something to her.”

Carrie was now becoming even more and more frustrated, “Lucie, what are you saying? Are you saying he hurt her or something?”
“I dunno, I just heard someone saying it.”
“God Lucie, come on. You’re kidding, right?”
“Ew, so he’s, like, a pervo, or a sicko, or something! Ergh, I dun wanna go out with him anymore.” Kristyne shouted, obviously disgusted.
Lucie hit Kristyne squarely in the arm, “Shut up! God, everyone will hear you! I …just don’t know anything anymore. He’s just been more and more strange and his grades have been fluctuating.”
“… So what do you suppose I do?” Carrie asked.
“Tread carefully.”

Box of Explosives - four days later…

“Well, Cee-Cee, looks like you won!” Kristyne hugged her fervently.
Lucie looked downwards, clenching her fist tightly. She then looked up towards the trees blowing in the soft breeze. Carrie looked at her with worry painted on her features, “Lucie?”
“…The rumours just keep getting stronger. Summer’s pregnant.”
“You, can’t believe them, Lu, remember, I’m a strong girl. I can look after myself.”
“What if…?”
“What if: Nothing. Have faith in me.”

————

“Heh, looks like the rookie made it in. Smarts and charm beat beauty any day. Only problem is that Carrie’s cute too.”
“Stop thinking with your cock, Andrew. It’s pissing me off.” Matthew spat.
“Hey, hey, lover-boy, what’s wrong? Having domestics with the missus?” Andrew put on his winning smile.
“Shut up, guys. What am I going to do?” Kenneth said pacing the walkway.
“What do you mean, ‘what am I going to do.’ As usual, you have to have a meeting to get to know each other and discuss student matters.” The redhead winked, “If you know what I mean.”
Matthew creased his brow, “Fuck, Andrew, shut up, or I’ll knock you out!”
“Guys! Shut. The. Hell. Up. God, I’m trying to think here.”
“Just plan it for tomorrow afternoon, there’s a spare room in the afternoon, the teachers always tell the head students to use it when they have meetings.” Matthew suggested.
“It’s not that… I just don’t have anything to say.”
“Afraid she’ll play siren’s song on you?”
“No… I mean, I’ve got nothing to say to her, I’m not fond of her.”
Andrew sneered, “You don’t even know her, she’s the sweetest girl on the planet!”
“What are you saying, Andy are you soft on her?” Kenneth questioned.
“No… …I’m in love with her.”
Matthew’s eyes grew in amazement, “WHAT? …You loser.”
“Right… tomorrow then. Andy, you’re coming with me.”
He blushed violently, “Uh… …Okay.”

Dynamite!

“You have a meeting tonight, don’t you?” Lucie said as she gathered her books from her desk and into her bag.
“Yeah, Andy told me about it yesterday.”
“Hmm, you and he have gotten close, do I suspect something?”
“Probably, but it might be more rumours” Carrie giggled.
Lucie growled deeply, “I was serious about that, do you want me to go with you tonight?”
Carrie thought about this for a while as the two of them left the classroom for lunch, “It might be a good idea if you did. I get the feeling that Kenneth doesn’t like me much, but you guys always seem to get along.”
Lucie cringed, “Well we used to.”
“Tonight, then.”
“We’d better find Kristyne before she goes to find some birds in La-La Land.”

———-

“Man, I have the shittiest news, Ken.”
“Wait, lemme guess, you can’t turn up tonight?” Kenneth sighed.
“Yeah… I’ve got swimming practice, god damned tournament is coming up and I’m going to get kicked of the team otherwise. Dude, you know that’s all I have apart from you guys…”
“Fuck it all, Andy! What am I supposed to do now?”
“Jesus, Kenneth! She’s not going to bite. Just… talk to her about anything she’s a good conversationalist, she’ll boost you. You better not make any moves on her though, I’m asking her out tomorrow.” He winked.

————-

The end of the day seemed to pass so slowly for Carrie. She heard bits and pieces of the Doppler effect, frequencies and yet nothing else except for a white blankness. She felt sweat develop on her brow. With her handkerchief she dabbed at it slowly. She noticed that there was no humidity and merely radiating sun everywhere. Looking blankly outside the window, there it was: Relentless, in its fight to swallow and devour all life. Browbeating its searing rays on the pavement, it also fostered shade for the exhausted birds of summer to nest in. She became nostalgic, remembering it was like back home in New Zealand.

It was the cold winters she missed most.

“Shit! Cee, guess what?”
She snapped out of her reverie and looked towards the voice, “Lucie, what’s wrong?”
Clutching at her mobile, shaking it unconsciously, “My mother is going to work the late shift tonight… I’ll have to baby-sit…”
“Hmm… That’s a problem. Although, I think I have it sorted. Don’t worry about me, I’ve been thinking about this for a while.”
“Carrie, what happens if he…”
“…I have it sorted Lucie, let me handle it.”
“Cee…”
She smiled at her friend gently, “Have I let you down yet? Remember, other’s before self.”
Lucie hesitated before nodding slowly, “You’re strong, but… this isn’t the same kind of situation that you’re used to.”

Their wistful looks were interrupted by the bell, which forced an automatic separation from each other. Carrie looked forward at Lucie with an encouraging smile which seemed to put her slightly at ease. She was glad for that much.

Walking out towards the fields she bumped into Andrew on the way, “Afternoon, where are you off to in a rush?”
He scratched the back of his head and laughed, “Gosh, do I look that hurried?”
She grinned at him intently, “Well, you always get that serious look on your face when you’re thinking hard about something.”
His expression suddenly became subdued, “Carr…”
Hers switched in tandem with his, “What is it?” she asked as he began to look down towards the ground, “Has something happened?”
“Well… no. I was just, um… wondering… if, um… you’d meet me here tomorrow? At eight in the morning?” He stammered.
“Oh yes, of course. Anything for you.”
At this, he blushed, until he saw something behind her, “I thought you had somewhere to go.” Kenneth directed his terseness accusingly at him.
“Right… I’m off then.” He frowned before turning to leave.

“I guess that this will be the first time we’ve spoke one on one since the day I started here.” She chirped.
“It’s not like you should be honoured, you can pull out if you don’t want the position.” He said coldly as he reached for the key in his pocket before opening the door.
“Why do you have a key?”
“It’s given to the head pupils in order to use the room. You should get yours tomorrow.” He dumped his bag on the floor before locking the door behind him.
Carrie coughed as she walked further inside. It was hotter than any of the other classrooms due to the fact that the windows and curtains had been closed all day. She removed her sweater and placed it next to her bag.

“Why did you agree to take the position?” Kenneth spoke simply.
“Why didn’t you disagree?” She answered back.
“Answer my question!”
“Because I wanted to, is that enough of a damned answer for you? God, what IS your problem? Do you have some sort of paranoia or grudge against me?”
“My problem? MY problem! You’d better be careful what you say, Princess.”
“You’re crazy, I’ve won over everyone, but you!”
“Won? Is this just a game to you?”

He brought his fist from his side and used his palm to push her against the wall roughly. She yelped in pain as her back slammed against it, instead of letting her slump to the floor he grabbed at her hair and pulled her upwards using his strength to hold her off the ground.
“All you fucking women are the same, playing your silly little games, manipulating whoever the fuck you like. When you’ve got what you wanted, you just cut off and start all over. I’m sick and tired of it!” He pushed harder and she screamed,
“Let go of me, you hypochondriac!”
He let loose of her hair letting her drop heavily to the ground. She gasped for breath struggling to get up from the ground on her hands and knees.
“You monster! I know what you did to Summer!”
He roared, pulling at her shirt collar, which tore at it slightly as he tossed her across the room, “You know, nothing! How dare you judge me, you have no idea what she did to me!” He stalked towards her dangerously, staring down at her. “You even look like the slut.”

Before she had time to react, he wretched her up from the ground again by arms and held them gruffly to the wall with one of his hands and frantically removed a shoelace from his boot. Squeezing one of her arms free, she tried to throw a fist at him. Her attack fell short as he countered it by kneeing her in the stomach. The blow caused her to yell out and fall to the ground sickly. He bound both of her hands tightly as she tried desperately to break free from him. Bellowing in an unstoppable rage he slapped her with all his strength, knocking her unconscious.

———

Hah. How’s that for a wall of content? Don’t be so menial, Sourabh. Your Intelligence Quotient is dropping as we speak.

Because I can…

Firstly, this is because Jeremy has asked that I test the integrity of the avatar hack. So. That’s one bird down.

Secondly, it’s looking unlikely that I shall be attending the LAN. (Um, can’t speak and other kinds of complications of the lung type.)

Note: The Sony PSP has now been released all, so get out there and get one if you’re keen. Just so you fools don’t barrage me with questions, I cannot get you discounts on the console, but I can get them on the games and possibly memory sticks (Y’all at SwiftDirect, don’t do them, do you?)

Another place of interest, probably for Simon is Pirate vs. Ninja. Yeah. There’s really a site for it. It’s an actual RPG based game integrated into phpBB. Not so great looking and alot of RO (Ragnarok Online) rips in it. Still fun though. Give it a go if you just want to nit pick at it.

http://www.pirate-vs-ninja.com

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Current amount in cheque account (01/09/05) : $0.00