This is What You Get for Writing Fanfiction
Attack of the slash-hatters
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, Inferno, or churros. Although I'm not sure that those are copyrighted, seeing as the almighty MS Word doesn't feel that "churros" is worthy of capitalization (it doesn't even think it's a word – gasp!). Everyone knows what churros are, right?
Even though it was a rhetorical question (Kasumi's review), I feel the need to explain the sudden change in writing style in case others were confused ('cause usually I'm a freak about proofreading and the like – except in chapter 2 when I made a couple mistakes -.-;). In each different circle the characters will act differently according to what type of fanfiction it is. But even beyond that, the writing style and point of view will change sometimes. The last chapter was horribly un-grammatical because usually "sugarhigh" fics are all over the place. ^.^ In the future, if my writing suddenly gets a little too cheesy/flowery, it's supposed to be that way. Or that's my excuse, anyway. ^.~
WOOT. I just read the second volume of the Hellsing manga. Alucard is freakishly awesome. BWAHAHAHA… it's just great. Kouta Hirano is a crazy man, but I love him (somewhere far away in Japan, a manga artist sneezes).
Begin!
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The next gate reads:
SLASH.
Kaiba: I don't want to try to fathom this one.
(Ironically, most people reading this probably know exactly what's coming ^-^).
Honda: As usual, there's nowhere to go but forward…
Mai: Wait a minute! Can someone tell me what's going on here?
Jounouchi: Er, well, this crazy lady trapped us in her twisted story, and we can't get out unless… um… (blushes)
Mai: (Hands on hips) Unless what?
Jounouchi: Someone else explain; she won't believe me.
Bakura: (Crosses arms and sighs) Basically, we're taking a lovely journey through nine dimensions of over-used fanfictions trying to find the author and defeat her so we don't have to kiss anyone, which was the way she offered us to get out.
Mai: Wait… what?
Honda: This whole mess started when we were at a party…
Mai: okay, and…?
Honda: …and A-chan said –
Mai: - A-chan?
Honda: The author's generic penname. Anyway, she said "first couple to start making out can leave the fanfiction."
Mai: Why?!
Honda: I don't know, probably to get her audience of fangirls to read this piece of crap. After we all refused, she dropped us into this place. "Furnace" or something.
Bakura: It's Inferno. We're in hell.
Yugi (has changed back): How did you get here, Mai?
Mai: I was looking for you guys and suddenly I was at Kaiba Corp.
Kaiba: She must have written you in.
Mai: Can she do that? Just pluck people off the street and trap them here?
Anzu: Apparently so.
Mai: I didn't realize writers had such power.
Bakura: It's just imaginary power. The only real power they have is when people actually read their junk, and even then it's the audience who has power over them.
Otogi: Yeah, that's very deep and all, but it doesn't change the fact that we're the victims of some teenager's flight of fancy, and while we're standing here talking we could be moving on.
Anzu: I guess he's right. (Takes the handle of the gate and swings it open…)
They arrive at the entrance to a carnival. Although the grounds are empty and it's obviously late at night, the whole place is lit brilliantly with colored light bulbs and neon signs. All of the rides are running and there are people selling ice cream and churros from carts.
Anzu: Ooh, how pretty!
Jounouchi: Hey, look you guys!
Jounouchi points to a silhouette waving the distance. Shizuka comes running toward the group.
Shizuka: Isn't this great? We have the park all to ourselves!
Yugi: Wow, really?
(FLASH) Ryou: But, why?
Shizuka: Who cares why? Let's go have some fun!
She takes Ryou by the arm and leads him away cheerfully. Ryou blushes and follows, forgetting his suspicions for the moment. Kaiba stares at them as they go. He begins to follow them into the park.
Yugi: Kaiba! Aren't you a little suspicious?
Kaiba pauses and looks over his shoulder at Yugi.
Kaiba: Don't worry so much. The girl has a point.
He turns back around and continues walking.
Anzu: Is it just me, or does Kaiba seem a little out of character…? [1]
Jounouchi: … Shizuka! Wait for me!
Yugi: We might as well all go.
The remaining group enters the carnival. It's a truly, impossibly huge carnival – in fact, the grounds seem to stretch on forever into the distance. The group quickly forgets which way leads back to the entrance. Somehow, though, they find that they aren't too worried about getting out. Instead, something about this carnival makes everyone feel a little… lonesome. The wanderers glance sideways at each other every now and then with new eyes.
Anzu: So… what should we do first?
Shizuka: Ooh, look at that!
She points to a giant octopus labeled "Octowhirl" with cars hanging from its many tentacles. It's obviously the kind of ride that spins around making the cars fly out and the passengers ill. Shizuka turns toward Ryou and smiles invitingly.
Shizuka: Let's go on that one! (She nudges him gently)
Ryou's face lights up for a moment, but suddenly turns forlorn at the sight of the motion-sickness-inducing Octopus.
Ryou: Um… (looks at the ground) I think that one would make me sick…
Spying an opportunity, Kaiba extends his hand toward Shizuka.
Kaiba: I'll take you on it.
Shizuka looks into Kaiba's eyes uncertainly. Finding nothing sinister about him (A/N: somehow…?), she smiles.
Shizuka: All right. Sorry, Ryou.
Ryou glances up at Kaiba, who smirks at him. Kaiba takes Shizuka by the arm and leads her toward the ride.
Ryou: Wait!
Shizuka and Kaiba pause and turn around. Kaiba narrows his eyes.
Ryou: Um, actually, I'll go too.
Shizuka: (smiles) Great! I think the three of us can fit in one car.
Honda: Hey, I want to ride that one also.
Otogi: Me too!
The two glare at each other as they approach the octopus. However, when all five reach the man admitting people to the ride, he lets Ryou, Shizuka and Kaiba through but stops Honda and Otogi.
Honda: What's the big idea?
Octowhirl Man: I'm sorry, young men. You can't ride this one.
Otogi: Why not?
The man gestures to a sign posted at the entrance of the ride. It reads: YOU MUST BE AT LEAST THIS COOL TO RIDE. On the sign is a line labeled "fan rating" accompanied by little stickers representing each of the characters. Honda and Otogi's stickers are near the bottom of the signpost – far below the coolness line.
Honda: Hey! That isn't fair!
Otogi: Yeah, we're way cooler than that! (Flips his hair)
Octowhirl Man: I don't know what to tell you. Rules are rules.
Otogi: That rotten A-chan…
Honda: I guess we'll have to do something else.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group has journeyed further into the carnival.
Anzu: Ooh, a haunted house!
Yugi: Let's go, Anzu! (Yugi smiles mischievously at Jounouchi, knowing he won't want to come) You guys want to join us?
Jounouchi: Um, sounds great, but I, uh, WOW CHURROS!
Jounouchi frantically makes a break for the churro stand. Mai giggles.
Mai: I'd better keep an eye on him. (She follows Jounouchi).
Malik: I'll go with you, Anzu.
Anzu blushes. Yugi notices and frowns.
Yugi: C'mon, Anzu – we don't need him following us.
Anzu: Um, okay…
He takes Anzu's arm and leads her into the haunted house. Anzu glances behind at Malik, who follows. The first room splits into several hallways.
Yugi: (thinking to himself) Good, a maze. Maybe we can lose Malik in here.
However, when Yugi turns around Anzu and Malik are gone. He glances about wildly.
Yugi: Where'd they go? Anzu!
EEEEK! A scream issues from around the bend. Yugi darts down the hall, but before he finds anyone the scream turns to laughter. Suddenly, a giant distorted clown head pops out of the wall at Yugi.
Yugi: Waaaah!
As he sprints in the other direction a strobe light goes off and smoke clouds the air. He turns down hallway after hallway until he's completely lost. Alone and frightened, Yugi is forced to fend off disgruntled college students dressed up as monsters for their summer job. Eventually he ends up in a maze of mirrors. On the opposite wall he sees the reflection of Anzu and Malik walking together.
Yugi: Anzu!
Yugi dashes toward the image, but it disappears as soon as he reaches it. A few minutes later he hears voices from outside the maze.
Anzu: Yugi! Where are you? We already got out!
Yugi: Wait for me!
Yugi finds the exit and stumbles out, somewhat disheartened. Anzu and Malik are standing a little too close to each other for Yugi's comfort. Malik has his arm around Anzu's waist.
Anzu: What took you so long?
Yugi: I guess I just got lost…
Meanwhile, Ryou, Shizuka and Kaiba board the Octowhirl. Shizuka sits on the inner edge, Kaiba in the middle, and Ryou on the end. The ride begins to move.
Shizuka: Here we go!
The Octowhirl picks up speed. All three slide toward the outer edge of the car. Shizuka slides practically into Kaiba's lap. Ryou clutches desperately at the handle bar to keep from being crushed. His face is paler than usual and tinted slightly green.
Shizuka: Whee! Ha ha! (Looks over at Ryou – her face changes to a worried expression) Bakura, are you okay?
Ryou nods but keeps his mouth closed for fear of spewing.
****************************************************************
On the other end of the park, Yugi, Anzu and Malik continue to wander. Yugi begins to feel a little awkward and more than a little jealous at Malik's obvious flirting. Since when was Malik sweet to anyone associated with Yugi?
Anzu: Hey you guys, I have to use the restroom. I'll be right back.
Yugi: Okay! We'll meet you back here.
As soon as Anzu leaves, Yugi spots an ice cream stand. He turns toward Malik only to find that he has once again disappeared.
Yugi: Now's my chance!
Anzu gets out of the restroom, but can't find Yugi or Malik.
Yugi: Hey Anzu!
Startled, Anzu turns around.
Yugi: Here! I got you chocolate, your favorite! (He hands Anzu an ice cream cone).
Anzu: Oh…
Malik: (suddenly appears from behind) Anzu! (Hands her a cup of ice cream). Vanilla is your favorite, isn't it?
Anzu: Yeah! Aw, thanks Malik…
Yugi: Anzu?
Anzu: Hm?
Yugi: Why didn't you tell me your favorite ice cream was vanilla?
Anzu: I did, Yugi. You just never listened.
Anzu walks away with Malik. Yugi watches them go, staring forlornly.
Yugi: Anzu…
Meanwhile…
Shizuka is bent concernedly over an ailing Ryou. Kaiba stands a few feet away with his arms crossed.
Shizuka: I'm sorry, Bakura. I didn't know the ride would make you that sick…
Ryou: I'm okay, really…
Ryou wobbles and passes out.
Shizuka: Bakura… (turns around and glares at Kaiba) And you! You didn't have to shove him like that!
Kaiba: His "sick" got all over my trenchcoat!
Shizuka: (with tears in her eyes) He couldn't help it!
Kaiba's expression softens at seeing her cry. He walks toward her and gently lifts her chin with his hand until their gazes meet. Shizuka embraces him, still crying. Suddenly she pulls away.
Shizuka: Ew, it is all over your coat…
Elsewhere, Honda and Otogi have finally found something to do and are boarding the swinging pirate ship for the eleventh time.
Yugi sits down in the shade of Super Log Saw and rests his chin in his hands. He isn't in the mood to go on rides anymore. Just when he feels like leaving, a voice calls to him from deep inside.
Yami: Aibou…
Yugi: (Half-smiles) Yo, mou hitori no boku. (A/N: "Hi, 'another me'")
Yami: Aibou, you've always helped me not to give up. You aren't giving up now, are you?
Yugi: (blushes) What are you talking about?
Yami: (knowing smile) I'll help you out. Let me take your place for a while.
Yugi: What are you going to do?
Yami doesn't respond, but only grins in a suspicious manner.
Yugi: Well, okay…
A cascade of water splashes down from the log flume overhead. It obscures Yugi for a moment, and when it passes Yami emerges, completely soaked.
Meanwhile…
Anzu and Malik walk in comfortable silence for a little. As they walk Anzu notices that they've wandered toward the carnival games. Yugi loves games like that, she thinks to herself. After all, it had been his idea to make carnival games at the school festival. That seemed so long ago!
Malik: Anzu? What is it? You're staring into space.
Anzu: (distracted) Hm? Oh – (comes out of her trance and faces Malik) Let's go play a game!
Malik: Okay! Which one?
Anzu: How about the ring toss? You can win those really cute aardvarks!
The aardvarks are indeed cute.
They approach the ring toss and Malik buys three throws. He seems a little uneasy about the distance from the counter to the ring-catching posts.
Malik: (To Ring Toss Man) Are those supposed to be that far away?
Ring Toss Man: It's only four feet, kid.
Malik: Ah, yes, right. (Stares with intense concentration at ring post)
Think of the aardvarks, Malik tells himself. He glances at Anzu, who smiles hopefully at him. Aardvarks…
The first ring falls short a foot and a half. The second ring mysteriously goes flying backwards. The third ring hits Ring Toss Man in the eye.
Anzu comforts Malik as they flee from the angry Ring Man.
Anzu: It's alright, we'll find another game. Ooh, look at the fluffy octopus at the basketball hoops…
Malik not only misses the hoop, but also bounces the ball off the rim and nails himself in the face – five times. He loses several of the beanbags at the beanbag toss (later he finds one in his hair), and somehow manages to shoot himself at the shooting range.
Anzu: Gee Malik, you kinda suck at these.
Malik says nothing and clenches his fists. He looks around for some game – any game – that he might be able to win.
Malik: Aha!
Anzu: What?
Malik points across the pathway to the dunking booth and grins malevolently. I'm sure I can do that, he thinks to himself. At least he could take out his frustration on whatever poor sap was misfortunate enough to have been stuck there while he was angry.
Anzu: Honda! Otogi?!
Honda waves sadly from inside the dunking booth. Otogi just pouts.
Anzu: What are you guys doing in there?!
Honda: We got bored of the Pirate Ship, but it was the only ride we were "cool" enough for. Some park official caught us trying to sneak onto the roller coaster. Instead of throwing us out, he put us in here.
Anzu: Hey Malik, why don't we pick another game and leave these guys alo-
Malik: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!! DIE, FOOLS! HA HA HA!!!!
Malik launches the dunking ball full-force at the bull's-eye. Unfortunately for Malik, his aim doesn't improve with his anger. The ball arcs high in the air and comes down several hundred yards away. At the same time, something hits Malik in the back of his head.
Malik: Ow! What the –
Voice: Hm-hm [2]…
Malik spins around to face his attacker – Yami!
Malik: You!
Yami: You might want to quit while you're ahead. (Throws another beanbag at Malik, which hits him in the face).
Malik: Rrgg… YAH! (Throws a dunking ball at Yami.)
Yami sidesteps the ball easily. He kneels down and picks it up.
Anzu: Yugi…
Yami smiles at Anzu, then turns and glares at Malik. They both pause, trying to stare each other down.
(Insert tumbleweed and Old Western Duel theme: ooooOOOooohh… waw waw waw… Oh, come on, you know how it goes)
Meanwhile, Jounouchi nervously fills himself with churros while Mai sits and waits. Not sure how to handle the situation or what to say to Mai, Jounouchi eventually consumes a rather unhealthy amount of the sugary beasts.
Mai: Hey kid, you sure you haven't had enough of those?
Jounouchi grins uneasily, unable to speak for the unholy quantity of churros in his mouth.
Mai: Alright, well… take your time, I guess…Somewhere across the park, Malik's rouge dunking ball finally comes down – on Ryou's head. He wakes up suddenly as Bakura. Kaiba and Shizuka, however, don't notice that he is conscious and continue speaking as if no one were watching (or reading ^-^… if only they knew…)
Kaiba: What is it that you see in Ryou anyway? He's pathetic.
Bakura frowns to himself.
Shizuka: He's sweet!
Kaiba: You deserve better than him…
Kaiba takes a step toward Shizuka. Bakura decides that he doesn't like this. From his prostrate position he grabs Kaiba's ankle and pulls it out from under him. Kaiba trips forward into Shizuka and they both fall to the ground, Shizuka pinned under Kaiba.
Shizuka: … - EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
(birds fly into the air)
Jounouchi: Shizuka!
Jounouchi gets up and dashes in the direction of his sister's scream. Mai follows.
At the dunking booth, everyone turns their head toward the distant cry.
Malik: (to Yami) You aren't going to run out on a challenge, are you –!
Malik is struck in the face with a dunking ball, and before he can retaliate his attacker, Yami, moves on to free Honda and Otogi from the dunking booth and runs off toward the distant scream.
Malik: Oi! Get back here, you coward! That wasn't a showdown - you didn't even count to three, you cheater! What sort of "King of Games" are you?!
Yami pauses and looks over his shoulder at Malik.
Yami: You can insult me after you're improved your aim. Let's go, Anzu.
Anzu pauses, glancing back at Malik, who is indignantly nursing a bloody nose.
Anzu: I'm… I'm staying here.
Yami pauses and turns around to face her.
Yami: What? What are you saying?
Anzu takes a deep breath and looks directly into Yami's eyes.
Anzu: I'm staying with Malik.
Malik stares at her, bewildered. So do Honda and Otogi, frozen in their tracks.
Malik: (doin' the "wiggly eye thing") Anzu…
Yami: Malik? But what has he ever done for you? He's our enemy –
Anzu: He may be your enemy, but not mine! You never pay attention to what I think, Yugi! And now you're running off to rescue some anonymous female screamer?! Malik understands me! I can tell him anything, and I know he'll always be there for me!
Yami: Anzu, how can you say that when you've only been speaking to him in a non-hostile manner for less than a chapter…?
Anzu: Don't make excuses, Yugi! Just go!
Anzu collapses in tears. Malik runs to her and puts his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort her. He glares at Yami.
Yami: Anzu, I –
Anzu: Leave me alone! (*sob*)
Malik: It's all right, Anzu.
At a loss, Yami takes a few slow steps backward, then runs for it. Honda and Otogi follow.
Yugi: (To Yami, in ethereal form) I thought you were supposed to help me!
Yami: Well you should know, Aibou, that I am not very good at dealing with people…
Yugi is suddenly distracted by the source of the scream, which advances with the horizon.
Yugi: Then you'd better let me take control for a while. I think I see a situation coming up...
Yami switches places with Yugi when he comes upon the predicted "situation." Jounouchi and Mai have also just found Kaiba, Shizuka and Bakura. Upon spotting Kaiba's questionable position, Jounouchi balls up his fists and shakes silently with rage, ready to explode. Mai, however, beats him to it.
Mai: SETO KAIBA!
Kaiba scrambles to his feet.
Kaiba: I can explain! (A/N: -.-; sigh)
Mai: How can you treat a woman this way?! It's unforgivable!
Kaiba: Listen, Mai –
Mai: I don't want to hear it! And after all you promised me, you fool around with some other girl!
An abrupt, heavy silence falls over the group. All eyes are on Mai.
Mai: I, er, well… that is –
Kaiba: Dammit Mai! No one was supposed to know!
Jounouchi: o.o
Kaiba: I told you to forget about that night!
Jounouchi: o.0;
Kaiba: And anyway, I was a little drunk at the time –
Jounouchi: 0.0!!
Mai's eyes being to tear and her voice wavers.
Mai: But… I thought we had something special!
Kaiba: Don't make me laugh. You mean nothing to me.
Shizuka: Kaiba…
Kaiba: ?
Shizuka: Kaiba… is this really true? (Tears begin to run down her face)
Kaiba: Shizuka…
Kaiba kneels down to where Shizuka is still on the ground.
Kaiba: Shizuka, you know I'll never leave you.
Shizuka looks him in the eyes, sniffing.
Shizuka: How can I be sure of that?
Kaiba: I've made mistakes in the past, but I'm sure of this…
Kaiba puts a hand on Shizuka's cheek and brushes away her tears with his thumb. He leans in close…
Bakura: YAHH! RA CURSE YOU TO THE UNDERWORLD, I'LL NOT BE MADE SICK AGAIN!!!
Bakura effectively breaks up the couple by lifting Kaiba up and tossing him bodily into the nearby river of the Tunnel of Love.
Honda: Wow, that ride's been right there the whole time? Glad we didn't use that tired old plot device.
Otogi: Yeah, we've used just about every other one.
Shizuka: Bakura, what's wrong with you?
Bakura: Hn? Ah… heh heh… that's right, you entered this place with the other me…
Bakura grabs Shizuka's arm and helps her to her feet. She thanks him and starts to step away, but he doesn't let go and instead pulls her close to him.
Bakura: My Hikari is far too shy…
Jounouchi explodes (delayed reaction?) and .02 seconds later Bakura joins Kaiba in the Love River. Several minutes pass. Neither of them comes up for air.
Honda: Just what are they doing down there?
Yugi looks over the bank into the water.
Yugi: It seems like it's only a few feet deep… wait! Do you think…
Honda: …It's the next exit?
Yugi nods.
Jounouchi: Let's go find Anzu!
Yugi: Um, that might prove to be a problem…
Jounouchi: (squints his eyes and smiles in the "hee hee" type of face) What, did you two get in a fight?
Mai: Lay off the poor kid, Jounouchi.
Jounouchi: By the way Mai, about what Kaiba was saying –
Mai: - What are we all standing around here for anyway? Well, you boys never mind about Anzu – I'll go talk to her woman-to-woman.
Mai storms off in a great hurry. Yugi gives Jounouchi a sympathetic look.
Yugi: It's just been one of those days, Jounouchi…
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After searching through the seemingly endless park, Mai hears voices coming from behind a door labeled: LOCKERS. She pauses to listen.
Anzu: (giggles) c'mon Malik, let's just go.
Malik: You're such a goody-goody, Anzu.
Anzu: (gasp) Malik, what are you doing?!
Malik: Just having a little fun.
Anzu: Malik, stop it! What if someone finds out!
Malik: You worry too much.
Anzu: Malik… this is just wrong.
Malik: Anzu, we're already in hell. It doesn't matter.
Mai gets a little worried at this point.
Anzu: (whispering fiercely) Malik, what if he comes back…
Malik: Don't worry, the bathrooms are unlocked – let's do it in there.
Mai bursts through the door.
Mai: Alright, that's enough you sick little –
Mai pauses at Malik and Anzu's baffled faces. One of the lockers labeled "Beaver Boy" is swinging open and empty, and Malik is carrying a pike of messy clothes toward the bathroom.
Anzu: I told you not to steal the park mascot's clothes! How would you feel if someone hid your clothes while you were stuck in a beaver costume?!
(A/N: I'm sorry, I just had to! XD)
Malik: I'd just walk around naked!
Mai: THAT'S ENOUGH! My mind is already reeling with unpleasant images. C'mon you two. I'm still not exactly clear on what's happening here, but Yugi says we've found the way out of this carnival, so let's get going.
She starts to leave to locker room, but stops when she realizes that Anzu and Malik aren't following her.
Mai: What's the matter?
Anzu looks at Malik lovingly, then turns toward Mai.
Anzu: Mai, we've decided to stay here.
Mai: (sigh) I figured as much. Why?
Anzu: Yugi and the others will never accept us. But I've never felt this way about anyone before!
Mai: How, brainwashed?
Anzu: What?
Mai: Never mind. Listen, Anzu…
Mai takes Anzu by the hands and speaks very seriously.
Mai: Anzu, you have to consider the future. A carnival is no place to raise a family. (She winks)
Anzu: I guess you're right…
Mai: Of course. Now let's go. I'm sure the others will let go of their feelings eventually. And hopefully so will you, once we leave…
Anzu: Well… okay. Malik?
Malik: If it'll make you happy, Anzu.
Mai: (rolls eyes) Glad that's done with. We're out of here!
The three return to the Tunnel of Love river. Everyone else has already left. Malik peers uncertainly into the water.
Malik: Anzu… you know that once we leave, things will never be the same.
Anzu: Don't say that, Malik!
The wind rustles through their hair. Some of Mailk's hair gets stuck in his mouth and detracts slightly form the drama of the moment. He flicks it away.
Malik: I just want you to know that whatever happens next, we'll face it together.
Anzu: Malik…
Mai: Oh God, I don't think the readers can take much more of this!
Anzu: You're just pissed because Jounouchi is socially inept.
SPLASH! Mai shoves Anzu into the river.
Malik: Nooooooo! Anzu!
Malik turns on Mai, tears in his eyes.
Malik: Why? Why did you do it, Mai?!
Mai: (smiles and licks her lips) So I could have you all to myself!
Mailk: AHH! (jumps in the river)
Mai: Just kidding! Knew that would get 'im.
Mai steps over the edge of the concrete walk and falls into the water…
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[1] – OOC! It begins. .
[2] – I love Yami's laugh in Japanese. It's so understated and… un-maniacal. (o.O ?)
Oh God! The cheesiness sickens even me (hmm…*smack*smack* . too cheesiful!) But honestly… I had to .;
By the way… I have to apologize for the Honda and Otogi "coolness rating" thing. They just don't seem to have a heck of a lot of fans… in fact, in most fics I've read people don't seem to like them much at all. But Honda is actually pretty neat (mostly in the manga) in my opinion. Sometimes he seems like one of those useless side characters, but he honestly does have a point – sometimes. As for Otogi… I don't mind him. I have to admit, I really hated him at first. I mean, c'mon – he flipped his hair almost every two minutes in his battle with Yugi, and he had ugly, creepy cheerleaders to boot (why do the girls all hate Jounouchi?!). But now I'm used to him. He makes me laugh sometimes – like when he throws those stupid dice at people. ^.^ It's kinda sad. Also, I'll never forget that one Dub line from when he was fighting with Honda over Shizuka – it was something like, "Girls only go for men of action!" Referring to Honda's inability to duel. This just cracked me up – since when is playing a card game "action?" I mean, I'm all for nerds (hell, I'm one myself) but even I wouldn't call Otogi a "man of action…" XD
I can't take that boy seriously in any language.
By the way…
INTERRUPTION OF RANDOMNESS! Fans of the American version may have noticed that I haven't given Ryou even a semblance of an English accent. This is not due solely to laziness! It is because I'm used to watching it in Japanese, and many of the dub voices now cause me pain. (Although if that weren't the case, it would most definitely be due to laziness). I don't mean to insult dub watchers at all – I mean, it's really hard to find episodes in Japanese (at least is was for us) and even then they are horribly mis-subtitled, and require at least a minimal knowledge of Japanese to understand. Also, despite the painful voice acting and absent plotline, I still like watching the show in English… for reasons I cannot fathom. It's amusing, I think (see above). ^-^
You might ask, "So why don't you write more Japanese into your fic, if you have 'at least a minimal knowledge?'" Well, that is laziness. It disrupts the flow of a scene to put in translation notes all the time, and I know it's extremely annoying when people leave words in Japanese but don't explain them. ("Aibou" means "partner," in case you didn't know ^-^;) I'll put some in for flavoring, (maybe more as this thing progresses) but after that it's just kinda presumptuous. Like the word presumptuous is!
In Japanese, Ryou's voice is wonderfully girly. ^.^ I was surprised – I thought Yugi's voice was going to be girly (kinda like Son Goku, I guess) but it's actually sufficiently boyish (I think). It's so cute it drives me crazy, though. That voice has caused me a couple of heart attacks. u.u
The other voice that surprised me was Pegasus'. That's because… it was almost exactly like his English voice! He still sounds like a fruitcake! And, he actually says "Yugi-boy" and "Kaiba-boy" in English, in the Japanese version. -.o; He's apparently supposed to be "American," so he throws random English words into his speech (even more often than other anime characters) and says "des" really annoyingly (ex. "No problem deeeeeeeessss!") He is possibly the most annoying-while-being-entertaining anime character of all time, and his mocking deeply injures me. -.-; But I figure it's only fair payback for all of the horrible media stereotyping of Asians there is in America. So I shall complain no more.
Erg!!! I wrote way too much. Sorry! -.-; But, one more thing: the chapters from now on are probably going to be pretty long, so it might take me longer to update. Just letting you know – hang in there!