A/N: Hey all. Just a quick one: if you have an account, please try to login. No pressure, but it helps prove I'm not 'boosting' my own ratings. Thanks.
(2/5/11)
Tuesday...
I didn't get any sleep last night.
My mind was filled with so many thoughts, mostly about Minako, and what life would mean without her.
I realized this was a bit dangerous, since I needed to know what Elder was up to, but I was so conflicted with my feelings for Minako, that I began to feel afraid. Maybe we should both run away, right now.
Yeah... That sounded like a good plan. I could be her defender against anyone who would harm her, and my inheritance would keep us fed, clothed and sheltered for years to come.
When I made the decision, the dawn light had crept up. I decided to mull over it later and I went ahead with my daily morning rituals.
Minako came to the kitchen just as I had my third spoonful of cereal. Junpei, Akihiko, Koromaru and I greeted her warmly as I put some cereal on a bowl, Junpei pouring the milk, Akihiko grabbing a cup of Iced Tea for her. Just then, Leah finished cooking bacon and gave the lions share to Minako.
Minako seemed puzzled as she sat down, "Hey, is my birthday today or something?"
"Hush." Leah said, tying a bib on Minako, "Eat your breakfast, Minako. If you want anything else, just say so."
Minako's face scrunched up with confusion as she took a few bites. After that, she drank and finished her Iced Tea and finished it. I immediately siezed the pitcher and refilled her glass.
"Alright, enough with the charades, it's too early." Minako said, "Really, what's gotten into you guys this morning?"
"Well, you're moving, aren't you?" I began rather sadly.
"We kinda just want your last week of us to be memorable. We want you to leave us with a good impression in your mind." Junpei said.
"Yeah. I mean, we won't really know wether we'll see you again or not." Akihiko said.
"Bark!" Koromaru barked sadly.
"Koromaru's right. If there's a chance we can make fond memories with you before you leave, we'll take it." Leah said, with all three of us looking at her, "I trained bomb dogs and K-9 units before, sue me." She said.
Minako sighed, "I don't believe it too..."
"What, you think I'm lying? I'll show you my license!" Leah cried as she fished out her wallet.
"No, it's not that!" Minako said, "I don't believe that I'm leaving too... But I am. And to be honest... I'd really want you guys to be mean to me, just so it wouldn't hurt to leave you."
"What are you talking about?" I said.
"I mean you guys have been really kind to me, feeding me all this time and taking me in when I needed to... Leah-nee... You are so kind to me. You're like a big sister I never had."
Leah smiled, "Well, you're like a kid-sister to me too. Besides, I feel like a true pro at cooking, seeing you wolf down my chow."
Minako nodded and turned to Akihiko, "Akihiko-san, even thouh you have the body of a hunky hunk, your mind is still geeky, innocent and gentle as a child. And that innocence always leads to funny moments, thatI'll remember."
Akihiko laughed, "Heh heh... You're kidding, right?"
She turned to Junpei, who swells up with pride, "Junpei... Uh... Where to begin... Your jokes are really funny?"
Junpei beamed, "Well, I wouldn't toot my own horn here, but I'm the resident whimsical elf of the group, as well as a regular Louis C.K.."
"More like Mr. Bean..." Minako mumbled, causing Junpei to frown, "Just kidding! Now... Minato..." She looks directly at me, "You are truly the best thing that happened to me. When I'm with you, the sun shines brighter, the winds are more gentle and the grass looks greener. When I'm with you, the world doesn't seem so alone, so uncaring, so harsh... It's much more bearable. And I know that you have my back like I have yours. If you're by my side, I'm titanium. I can take an army. You and me against the world. When I'm with you, I'm lost and I'm found. I'm both broken and messed up, but strangely, it feels alright when I'm with you. In short, this world filled with avarice, deciet and wickedness fucked my life up bad, but it also fucked your life up too, and you know what? The world makes sense when I'm with you. The fact is... Minako would be nothing without Minato." She said as she looked into my eyes.
"Well, Minato wouldn't have made it this far without his Minako beside him. You and me... Together."
Minako smiled. Suddenly, Junpei rolled his eyes and ripped out a loud, roaring fart.
"Ack!" I choked on the noxious gas as I covered my nose, "Junpei!"
"Urgh... Ahhh!" Akihiko choked, "What the hell, man?!"
"All this sweetness is rotting my teeth!" Junpei said simply, "It's too early for that! Couldn't it wait until after classes?"
"Good Lord, someone open a window!" Minako cried as her eyes welled up. I hurried to the nearest windows and opened them, "There's no wind!"
"I have lots." Junpei smiled broadly.
"Don't you dare, Junpei!" Leah warned, "It really stinks!"
"Junpei, your insides must be deteriorating!" Akihiko cried, "Darn it, woman, what have you been feeding him?!" Akihiko demanded as he waved the foul air with his hand.
"Something I will never cook again!" Leah swore, "Junpei, please warn us before you crack one off like that. My mouth was open, for crying out loud!"
"What are you talking about?" Junpei said aloud, "The ends justify the means!"
"The ends does NOT justify the means!" Minako croaked as she sprayed Vlaise air freshener.
Needless to say, the mood became notably more merry as we finished our breakfast. Then, we went to school with Junpei, bidding goodbye to Akihiko and Leah.
School today was mainly routine. Today, at English Class, were assigned to write something about any topic within an hour. I was paired up with Minako and Yukari, to my dismay. Even though it'd been some time since we went face to face, it was still awkward, so Minako got the ball rolling. "Waddya want to write about?" She asked.
"What about pride?" Yukari said sullenly.
"What about betrayal?" I spat back.
Minako wrote everything down, "Good one guys. Keep it going."
"Forgiveness." Yukari said.
"Treachery." I hissed with venom.
"Redemption." Yukari snapped.
"Deceit." I retorted.
"Absolvation." Yukari shot back.
"Retribution." I said spitefully.
"This is gold!" Minako cried, writing furiously, "Keep it up."
"Hubris." Yukari said.
"Folly." I replied.
"Sequaciousness," Yukari said.
"That's dogshit. That's not even a word." I said angrily.
"It is, actually. It means going with the flow." Minako supplied.
"Educate yourself, Moron-to." Yukari said sharply.
I felt my blood boiling, "Sure, Slut-kari." I said coolly.
She looked shocked, "Why'd you have to be such a jerk?"
"Great. It's my fault now." I said coldly.
"It isn't, but you're making it that way." Yukari shot back.
"Great. Just great. Why'd you have to act like such a damn martyr?" I said and stood up, "How about a sideorder of guilt, please?"
"What about unrequited?" Minako asked, "Or sexual tension. You should try what Minato and I did-"
I threw a book at Minako, "Ow"
"Not another word!" I snapped.
"But that's all we need to complete an assignment!" Minako cried, nursing a small welt, "You don't have to be such a hobknocker! Hey, that's one!" Minako cried as she jotted it down.
She passed it to the Professor as I stormed out.
Minako caught up with me as I sat on the gazebo outside on the grounds.
She kept me up to date. We were given an assignment on Doomsday, since the Professor watched a documentary about it. We either had to put it on paper or video it, as acting.
Minako and I decided to work on it, to get my mind out clear of Yukari, also because we had time since it was lunch. Minako had this great idea where we'd make Leah build a doomsday fort, since Leah was a bit of a doomsday prepper, having stockpiled food and whatnot in our basement, that we probably had ten year's worth of MRE's in our basement. This will make her happy, since she bugged us to give her some cash for the materials, which included reinforced cement that could withstand a nuclear explosion and tempered titanium linings to deter and to prevent irradiation and other complicated things and I was already planning to give it to her since I had so much money, I didn't know what to do with it.
We were so engrossed wether to replicate an actual scene or just to do a boring old drill.
"Definitely a replication, but what disaster?" Minako asked, "Fire?"
"Nope, we'd get in trouble for that. Just an earthquake, we could have Junpei shake the camera while we pretend the earth is shaking." I said.
"Hmmm... Maybe I can con Prince Charming to join us!" Minako sighed.
"Here we go again... Just when I thought he would never come up again... Tell me more about him." I insisted.
"He mysterious, he's smart,he totally understands me and my problems, but I figured maybe he lived halfway across the region or something and I'd have to steal Mutsuhito for a road trip to God-knows-where just to meet him."
"Huh... Since when has asking permission to use Mutsuhito been a problem?"
"How about-" Minako began.
Suddenly, someone stood in front of us. It was Cato, looking haggard and slightly dishevelled. His hair was actually a few shades lighter, looking more platinum blonde and silverish rather than his usual rich blonde hair. I assumed it to be related to his stressful duties as Heir of a major corporate company, "Minato. Minako. Good day." He said stiffly.
"Cato? What's wrong?" I asked worriedly.
"Many things... I can't explain it right now... I found something out, Minato, something pertaining this 'Elder' fellow, with research and hearsay..."
"Really?!" Minako gasped, "Spill it!"
"My... My apologies.. I cannot say anything here right now...But I will. In the mean time, why not take the day off with your friends?" he suggested.
"I'd love to, but I can't. We have classes and I can't ditch." I said.
"Minato... I'm warning you as a friend... I cannot disclose anything right now..." He looks around to see if anyone is listening, and comes closer, "They're here... They've come." He said in a breathy voice.
"Who?" I asked hurriedly, "Tell me."
"Them." He said in a fearful voice, "Even now, as we speak, they come come for you... Guinevere... She is here..."
"Guinevere...?" I said in a hushed tone. The evil Guinevere, Elder's fatal assassin, was here, in Gekkoukan High...
"Yes, and-"
"Wrap it up, someone's coming." Minako said as she spotted Yukari making her way towards us.
Cato's eyes grew wider, "Oh no...! Minato... P-Please... be vigilant. Take my advice... You do NOT want to be here when things go down...!" He said as he sped away.
Yukari came by, looking somber, "Look at you two... getting along."
I raised an eyebrow. I was still sore about Yukari, and her appearance disrupting important talks enranged me even more, so I averted my eyes.
"I heard you and Minako are partners. I hope you two won't-" Yukari began.
"Shut up, Yukari." I said in irritation, "Shut up. Just shut your mouth. Please. Every word coming from your mouth is really ticking me off."
"You know what, Minato? You're such a jerk!" Yukari hissed, "Minato, you gave up everything we had for a fling. I make one single mistake, and you threw it all away!"
"What?!" I seethed furiously, "Yukari, I worked my way from the lowest of the pecking order at school, fought countless shadows and rejected everyone, including Mitsuru and every other girl just for you. And my reward? You broke up with me, simply because you wanted to stay 'untouchable', 'untouched' and 'unconquered' by any man. You were more scared about rumors than you ever loved me. You treat me like shit in front of others, yet you say you love me when no one is around. How can any man stand with that? I loved you, I respected your boundaries and I put up with your moody fits, Yukari, but most of all, I loved you. I loved you so much, I sacrificed myself, my every being, out of devotion for you. I didn't do it for them. I did it for you. You gave up everything, you gave me up when I wanted it to work and most of all, you got jealous when I wouldn't go back together with you. But I'm a man, Yukari. And I don't love you anymore." I said with passion. Minako seemed confused at some of my statements, probably since she wasn't too oriented (or had forgotten about what I told her had transpired last year.)
Yukari began to sob as I ranted at her, "You're just saying that... You're just trying to hurt me with things that aren't true... You still love me, I know it! I know it!"
"What do you want me to say, woman?" I said impatiently.
"Say that you love me and you want me back." She said resolutely.
"I'm not gonna say it." I said adamantly.
"Please... you'll take me back, right? I can forgive and forget." She said.
"Would you take you back?" Minako asked her as she stood there speechless, "Minato's a great guy, Yuks. I don't know why you did what you did." Minako added.
Yukari considered this and looked at me, "Minato... Are you just trying to be stubborn? Or playing hard to get?" Yukari asked whilst sobbing.
"No, I'm not." I said hotly, "Please, I am politely requesting you to go away. Minako and I are doing our project."
"Sure you're not doing anything else?" Yukari demanded.
"What I do in my free time is none of your business!" I shouted.
"Get a room, you two!" Minako jeered.
"You know what, Minato?" Yukari shouted, "I wished you STAYED dead!" Then, she cupped her hands, in shock of what she just blurted.
I saw Minako's and from the sight of her face, she wasn't joking anymore,"That's it...!" Minako stood up for me as she glared at her, deathly serious, "Yukari! Take that back!" She demanded as she bashed the table with her fist, knocking down the cans of soda on the table.
"No Minako..." I said, thankful for her intervention, "That's fine-"
"No, no, no it's not 'fine'!" Minako said hotly, "Yukari, what is wrong with you huh? That's such a tactless statement! How dare you talk to Minato that way!"
Yukari opened her mouth.
"Jack shit!" Minako said hotly before Yukari could say anything else, "You shut your mouth and you WILL listen to me! I had enough of your attitude and your emotional constipation! If you hate Minato or me, then keep it to yourself. And if anyone should die, it shouldn't be Minato! You or anyone else don't deserve him! You should get on your knees and beg for forgiveness!"
Yukari looked like she was about to cry. She ran away in tears.
"Tch." Minako scoffed irritatedly, "Bipolar bitch..."
"Thanks, Hamuks." I said gratefully.
Minako winked and punched me lightly in the arm, "No problem. I got your back. But really, you can't just take bullshit from the likes of her!" She said as we continued our work.
Then, after thirty minutes or so, that's when it happened.
Several loud, resonating gunshots rang from somewhere in the school. Minako and I were bewildered. The school erupted in chaos as everyone headed for cover.
I grabbed Minako's arm and dragged her to another room as we ran for our lives.
We ran outside the school grounds, where the entire gang managed to get out. They were in the room with Mitsuru, Professor Peter and Ms. Toriumi, who were also enjoying the airconditioning while watching TV when it happened and ran outside.
We embraced each other firmly and warmly, thankful everyone made it out.
"What the hell is happening?!" Junpei cried after the hugs and crying subsided.
"It sounds as if terrorists or anarchists are running amok..." Mitsuru surmised, "And in my school, no less! They shall be Executed!"
"The sorry sops inside will be executed if they find them." Lee hissed, "And if they do... God save them. I saw a them and they were strapped for a war."
"This is kinda exciting!" Minako said quietly, that only I could hear. I scolded her with a stern look.
"This isn't... real... real..." Quan wheezed as he suffered an asthma attack. The Professor handed him an inhaler as Quan recovered.
"Be quiet, all of you..." Ms. Toriumi whispered, "Someone shold call the police!"
"I never thought this would happen..." Rio whispered, "I mean, I always imagined what it would be like, and even imagined saving the school, but this... this is real..."
"Yeah..." Fuuka squeaked, "This is really real..."
"Everyone, text, message, Email or do anything to let people know the school needs help!" Professor Peter hissed as more gunshots rang inside the campus.
"I hope everyone is safe..." I said with hope.
"Especially Yukari... I know she deserved an ass chewing, but I don't want my last words to her be that." Minako said sadly, "Even if she deserved it."
"Yukari!" Fuuka cried, "She locked herself in the bathroom, crying."
"What?!" I cried in shock.
"Yes, she's still inside, but- Hey, wait!" Fuuka cried as the others tried to restrain me, but I fought my way through and ran inside.
I crouched and silently walked as the gunshots rented the air. Then, it occurred to me that not only Yukari was locked in. I managed to open the first door and rescued a trio of frightened freshmen, who I recognized as Richard, Adachi and Woozie. I told them to be brave and instructed them on what to do. We split up and searched. If there were gunshots, we were to duck and wait for a few minutes. After a through search, I found at least nine people inside, while the other three found their own share, but Yukari was not to be found. I told them to get out while I go back.
"What about you, Senpai?" Richard asked frightenedly.
"There's one person I need to find. Go!" I said.
"We won't-" Adachi began, but was interrupted by another volley of gunshots, "Be careful now!" He said as the three and the others ran away.
I sneaked through the school halls and almost ran into the terrorists.
"Where is Minato?" A rough voice barked, "Hiding are we, Minato?! Well, good! I could use the exercise! After getting rid of you, rounding up your little friends will be just too easy!" A voice bellowed, "I shall make you pay for my sacking!"
"Calm down." A cool voice said, "We're to kidnap only. I think I saw the brown haired bitch enter the bathroom a little while ago... Let's have some fun."
"Remember our mission is not to kill, but to terrorise them... only kill if they struggle..." a female voice said, "Or... even if they don't struggle. What Lord Elder doesn't know shall not hurt him in the least."
"Right on, Guinevere!" the cool voice said. And with that, they left.
I cursed myself. If I had slept, I would have forseen this. But no use would it do if I moaned about it. I went through a shortcut and inside the bathroom. A frightened whimper and scuttling and clanging came from the last cubicle. I knocked it open as Yukari scurried out, "Don't touch me! Don't touch me!"
Avoiding a swing from the ceramic toilet tank top, I grabbed her,"Yukari, it's me! It's Minato!" I struggled with her as she realized it was me and embraced me.
Suddenly, we heard gunshots and saw two of the terrorists running after Cato. The other one was missing.
"Yukari, listen to me... Listen! I want you to go-"
"No!" She cried.
"Go! Go! Get outta here! I need to save Cato right now. Just go!" I said as Yukari left, but oddly went in the same direction the terrorists went. I didn't think about it and just ran towards the same direction. There was a fork in the hall that lead to either the exit or the Archery Range. I opted for the other path and made the right choice.
"We have you now." The female voice said, "Give up, Cato. You betrayed us."
"I never betrayed you because I'm not a oart of your cult!" Cato cried, "And if I die to set things straight with Minato, so be it!"
"Then die!" The rough, eloquent voice said as he raised his gun at Cato.
To my shock, the female, who was obviously Guinevere, shot him right in the head.
"Hardcore..." The big guy, who was Guardian, said.
"Nonsense. He was vital to kill. After all, he has a clear motive for this and this will be ruled as suicide." She said as she kicked the dead man's pistol hand and made it point to his head, "Now... You have to die." She said.
I stepped in front of Cato with a bow, "Not a step closer."
She snarled. Suddenly. The police sirens blared as voices from the hall became closer.
"We took too long..." She sighed.
"Enough with this." Guardian spat, "Let's take the two down with a sticky!" He said as he hurled a High Explosive grenade with a sticky resin and hurled it right at the doorway before taking off with Guinevere, who smashed a window and escaped. Cato pushed me with all his might and jumped right on top of the grenade. He looked me in the eyes.
"It was a pleasure to meet you. Friend." He said as the grenade exploded, blinding me with the explosion's light and shaking the floor.
When I opened my eyes, Cato was nowhere to be found, and all that was left was a smoking crater and his bloodspattered and charred clothes.
"NOOOOO!" I sobbed and furiously took out a bow and pointed it at their escape route. They were running toward Elder, who stood under the Persimmon tree. I unleashed an arrow, that found its mark in Guinevere's shoulder as Guinevere pulled it out and threw it away before they teleported.
"Iwatodai State Police Officers!" The cops announced as they entered.
I sobbed as I said, "We're too late." I said as I looked at the smoking hole on the floor.
Everyone was shaken up real good by the incident. I was praised as a hero by my school mates, but I felt like I let Cato down.
The police offered me a blanket and a cup of tea, which I sipped.
"Congratulations, bro!" Junpei congratulated as he patted me on the back.
"You did good." Lee said, "Shame about Cato, bro."
"But you tried your best," Kenji reassured me, "That's all that matters."
"Yes. Cato may be a jerk, but he's honorable. He showed his highest quality just now." Quan said.
Mitsuru came forward and took my hands, "I offer the congratulations of the Kirijo Group and the sincerest thanks of a Directress."
I nodded. "It's my job, right?" I managed to wink.
Mitsuru smiled.
"What?" Kenji, Quan and Lee raised eyebrows.
"Inside joke. You weren't here last year." Junpei said.
"I guess I can't save anyone..." I muttered low as Junpei herded everyone away.
"Arisato, why are you blaming yourself? No one, other than Romano, was killed, or even seriously injured! Today could've been a major tragedy, and we must be thankful." She said, "What happened to Romano is... sad, and a shock indeed. A serious blow to the school. The position of Board Member held by his father, which is rightfully his now, as well as his position as Head of Romano Industries... Losing two board members, two leaders of our partners, two donators and two respectable individuals all in the span of three weeks... Both Kirijo Group and Gekkoukan High has been stunned by their loss. But it is not your fault, Minato, and Romano... I mean Cato, would not want you to sulk around for something he decided on. It is gladdening that he managed to turn good before he met his demise. At least he finally did good. I will try to find out about this group... And maybe repay them tenfold for what they did. He shall not have died in vain." She said and walked away.
I sighed and politely returned the thanks and gratitude of parent's, grandparent's, sister's, brother's, boyfriend's, girlfriend's and relative's who all praised me for my bravery and thanked me for saving their loved ones.
Minako approached me and looked at me.
"What?" I asked as she just stared at me.
"Where did you go?" She asked with a hollow voice.
"Oh, I went in to save Yukari." I said.
"You went and saved Yukari...?" She mused.
"Yeah, I went in and-"
She suddenly clapped my face with both hands.
"Ow." I rubbed my face, "What was that for?"
"You freaking idiot." She said in a silent, but angry voice, "Don't ever make me worry like that."
"Minako..."
"What if you didn't make it? What if they killed you?" Minako blurted, "Yu never thought to wonder what I'd think about your death?"
"I'm... I'm sorry..." I said as I hugged her. Then, Yukari limped towards us.
"I'll give you two a minute." She said and left.
Yukari fidgeted and looked at me, "Minato..."
"Don't." I said, "It's okay."
"No... It's not." She sobbed, "You're my family. Minako and everyone else is my family. And I didn't want the last thing you guys heard from me is some angry lie I made because I wanted you back... I fucked up, Minato... I fucked up bad... Don't forgive me... I don't deserve it..." She broke down and cried.
I really could not forgive him anymore. He threatened me, my hom, my friends and everyone I hold dear.
Elder took another friend from me.
A/N: So sorry it seems rushed. Only started it about 7 hours ago.
Also, not much referencing here, huh? :) i feel happier already.
also, again, while Guest reviews are nice and all, if you have an account try to log in and review, just to prove to the others that I'm not the one making the guesties.
please read and review all! quota is in effect.
Q/A:
Hoshi: Well, not much reviews here. Haha, I dare you to find one! I'm trying to be original.
FES: Yup. You and Gin are an unstoppable tag team, like Nights and Hoshi. As for the story, yes, I love toyin' with you guys.
Radaketor: Thanks. I hope to stay undefeated. And no, Rio was born there, but she's not from Brazil. Her mom is French though, since Rio doesn't seem like a conventional Japanese girl. Hence the name Maman.
The others include Jesus (1st), Peter (2nd) and Raidou Kuzunoha XIV (14th) and Makoto Yuki, his dad (15th).
Ace: Yea, he would've been stoked to join in. Yup. Viktor is a troll!
Blue: I still accept them, but it would help clear me from being a self reviewer, as someone speculated on. Read one of the reviews.
Dori: Why, thank you! My heart is gladdened you found joy and interest in my story! To be honest, I don't like Yukari too. No one will persecute you here, since many don't like her that much.
Sure. I hope you did learn something from my story! If you do, I'd be extremely happy.
Well, a product of watching Three Stooges as a child. And some ideas are taken from a source, so its not all mine.
Me too. It seems impossible though...
Oh, my pleasure. I'm sorry you feel that way about Elder vs. Minato, but they are important, I assure you.
Thank you! You are as well! And I see no errors.
Nights: Sure buddy, don't worry about me. You're a great author yourself, bro!
DragOn: thank you! Well, readong this chapter, what do you think of Yukari now?
Frenchie: Of course... The physical descriptions are already shown when the characters are introduced. No, they aren't those characters in the least. I suggest you reread on the descriptions.
And that's not true, really. It just seems that way if there are more reviews. And yes, I kinda was since you called me a little virgin.
Zulu: Yup. Lovable. And yes, she is leaving.
Someone: I was, but in game, they were just KO'ed, I think. Elder really killed them.
A fan: Correct. And it's no big deal :)
Mc: Well, it left me speechless too.
Richard: well, I've lessened it considerably.
Hoshi and Richie sitting in a tree! Haha! Kidding!
Marzy: Well, this is gonna be long. Haha! Let me tell you, I was really tickled when I read your review. I had fun answering it. Also, I approve all guest reviews, except spam or trolling. Just so you know.
Let's begin, shall we?
Well then. 'How I treat my reviewers' eh? Exactly, how many millions have I mistreated? Probably only at least 4 or 5. Most have insulted me directly, like a certain person named after a particular brand of liquor, who called me a 'dirty peasant' and threatened to have me raped and killed. The rest, who have given stellar and helpful advices I'm friendly with. The ones who give constructive criticism, like one of my friends who co-wrote Separated, gives me tips and critiques my story on putting in more description. As you can see from that review, I had listened to her advice and placed in more description, something OneGuy told me is actually bad?
I never said I could take 'bad' reviews like you said. I take constructive criticism. There's a mile wide difference.
And as you can see, I do care about my reviewers, since I take the time to respond. Look how long my replies are, they're longer than some chapters!
Anyway, I really must disagree with you on me being a hypocrite and a bully. On what grounds am I both? I'm do not directly insult someone, only using my dry wit and sarcasm.
Hmhm, like who? Who have I cut down aside from ThatOneGuy? The ones whose reviews are actually helpful? And what decent advice? That Days of Autumn is a, quote, "random funny scenes stringed together and a 'deep' plot underlining it", how can I NOT get insulted by that? You tell me, sir/ma'am.
And while they may have their own opinions, that doesn't mean they can blame me for making them read it.
And I don't shove my beliefs and opinions down their throat. I'm saying that while they're entitled to their own opinions, theirs won't affect mine. And just because I'm headstrong in what I say, it doesn't mean that I'm shoving my opinions down their throat.
Ah, but it does pertain to the story, OBVIOUSLY. Since he says that friends don't normally have sex with each other, yada yada yada, I brought up a real life, not necessarily true, example. And you make it sound like I'm saying "have sex everyone", no. All I'm saying it's not wrong or filthy if the time is right. It's biological in nature and primal, meaning no one can help that feeling. I hate to say it, but please, PLEASE try to understand what I'm saying without misconstruing like I'm some kind of bigot or something.
And as for Blah, he and I have a love-hate relationship. He loves to rip on me, and I love to rip on him. We both know it's nothing personal.
Oh, so you want to go there, huh? I don't really care for one's opinions, but being gay is their own belief and it doesn't give anyone a reason to hate homosexuals for the choice they made with their life. I really can't condone homophobia, but that's beside the point. And remember "Do not do unto others what you do not want them to do unto you."
Once again, you make a hasty generilization. Aniki, who has kidly consented to a civil debate with me, has changed my opinion about Aigis. I now think she's not so bad, if she isn't a 'bot. How can I PM anyone without an account? And exactly, how can I just ignore a review? That goes against my code of always approving a review, like I did with yours. And they can ignore the rants, as I'm not forcing them to read it.
Okay, getting down to business... The OOCness is not intended. The point goes to you, you were right and I'm wrong. But exactly how does Aigis have any cares to this? As I said above, I changed opinions about her. I called her a her, since imagining her as a human, she's not so bad. Oh, and Kenji, well, like you said, we're only humans. And being human is being imperfect. I fully plan to make revisions once the story is through. Just you wait.
Also, one of my friends here (Nights) said this... Who cares if Fuuka is out of character? That chapter was funny as heck. Continuity can be ignored.
And as for Minako's aunt having a gun... It's an antique, ornamental gun, which is why it didn't seriously injure Lee when he got shot. And as for Lee and Leah, who said those two listen to rules? They buy them from blackmarket dealers (Daidara) and assemble them from spare parts. The Yakuza have guns, so does Takaya, and why in the world would the Daidara even sell guns to High School kids? Apparently, in the Persona universe, the gun laws are irrelevant. Just because there's a rule, it doesn't mean everyone will listen to it.
The interesting part... the ranting... let me tell you, it made me chuckle how much you actually care.
Onward. Plagiarizing, huh? Well, you do know it's plagiarizing if I copy every single thing, including the name of the characters and say I made it, right? I don't deny taking a few lines and such, but so what? Nothing is original, not even religion. Everything imitates others, if by a tiny bit. A clear example is Disney. If the ones who made those stories were still alive, Disney would be sued for everything they've got. Fever Pitch the movie was based off a book of the same name. And the hotel is fictional, so was the hot spring. Meaning, it was for comedic purposes ONLY. You weren't meant to take it seriously. In fact, that was placed there to keep up with the Hot Spring tradition.
I've never, ever said I made those ideas. It's an ADAPTATION of those stories that I'm placing. And aren't we ALL copying from our respective fandoms?
Ah, the sex chapter... Apparently, you didn't see I answered his every question, which obviously shows that I did read it. So, you're wrong about that. Another thing you're wrong about is that I never copied the entire sex scene in FWB, in fact, I never even seen the entire movie and that he was disgusted with how the sex lead up. It's clear you haven't read the actual review yourself, otherwise you may be the same person he is.
Sigh... I can't hold this in anymore... Are you insane or something? Read the entire story again, because I didn't copy anything but a few lines and the title! A few lines yes, but the sex scene in itself is not from the movie, smarty pants. I said it before, it's an adaptation. So its not stealing, you can say I'm ripping it off, but next time kindly get your facts right. Oh, and no one accused me of stealing. They were just mentioning it, and I don't seem to remember 'bullying' them...
Once again, I never said they were my own. Plagiarism is taking/copying ones work and passing it off as their own. Have I ever said "I WROTE THIS READ IT!,,!1"?
And besides, no one finds this wrong, and the overall story is originalmas it can be, so I really don't see the problem here. To me, no offense, you're blowing this way, way, WAY out of proportion. I'm writing for fun and for my friends who want to read this. There's no call to be such a goody-two-shoes and ruin the fun and love DoA is creating. Also, it's only a crime if I published a book, entered in a contest or get an award for DoA, so try not to get carried away next time, okay?
In closing, reviews are mainly for attraction. My story isn't the best here in this site, and I never claimed it before. But reviews do help us authors and encourages us to entertain our loyal readers.
1.) Yes, which is why they should read it. Reviews help them make the decision wether to read or not and find out for themselves if its any good or not.
2.) Meh, I don't really mind if they lie or not. As long as it doesn't directly insult me. And I've disagreed with only a few people. Don't generalize, please. Not everyone is like you.
3.) Wow. Just wow. Just when I thought you couldn't get any lower than accusations of plagiarism. Many of my readers are on mobile. On top of school work, publication duties, part-time jobs, presidential work, varsity practise and writing and editing, you actually think I have time to guest-review myself over a thousand times? You must be really addled. I really didn't care about recieving even 100 reviews, so when I got to 500, I was stoked, but I never, NEVER guest reviewed myself. So, that comment is out of line and I take offense to that. But since it's not true, I'm not gonna react violently to it. Only trust my integrity and nothing more. Besides, you reviewed as a guest yourself. Little Frenchie has his own account but still uses a guest review.
Contrary to what many think, DoA was meant to be a drabble. I really didn't think it would get that far.
The quota is an innovation I adopted. There has to be an equal review-chapter ratio. A give and take system that I thought was good.
I don't really pay mind to what they review. So long as they do, that's fine with me. But I think I'm a decent enough writer and that's that.
And really, why would I be offended? I know you at least like this story or me in general enough to write this long review. I'm really touched.
Oh, yes, I didn't bully him, I was merely being sarcastic. And come at you? No, I don't attack my reviewers. What's wrong with you?
And I don't care about looking bad, I just want to reply to reviewers who took their time to review. Nothing more, nothing less.
And you're a fan of mine? Surprising. A Stan fan or just a critical one?
I'm not seeking to impress anyone. So if I come off as a good guy or an ass, I can take a hit.
As for your post script, you mean Flamer. I agree. You are definitely not a flamer, troll or cyberbully. I find you quite civil and decent, a trait I favor greatly. You're intelligent as well as perceptive too. I know what trolls/flamers/cyberbullies are, and you're not among them.
Good for you, speaking for the silent masses. That's great!
I'm a bully? Okay, if you say so. But you're obviously sheltered, since you don't know the the other 'bullies' on this site. Take the ones like Chris Arthens, Daedalus IX, Perfectionist and Lifequasher and most people from Site-purging forums.
And if I did label you as such, why would I reply?
You make it sound like I treating just everyone like this. One thing I can say is that you're wrong. You don't know me and you haven't got to know me yet, so it's pretty baffling how you can just assume so, but really, I thank you for taking the time to review my story.
I can sense you're not a bad person and you want to help me out, even if I hear what I don't want to hear, so from the bottom of my heart, I thank you and please a sincere apology of an author, you and everyone else who feels alienated by my behavior. I know it's not an author's place to demand what the people should say. I'll try to be more understanding next time. Those guys who I told off just happened to have caught me at a really bad day, and like you said, we're all only human, but still, I'm sorry. To err is human, to forgive is Divine.
Please, have a nice day and God bless.