"Author's" note: I totally dislike writing personal recounts. Never loved them, but in this chapter it seems important that we know a person's point of view, so I didn't really have much of a choice. Great news, holidays are here! Wee! Anyway, please continue to read and review and here's a big thank you to those who have. But I will get jealous if I don't get enough reviews which probably might add on to my procrastinating nature. :!
After much consideration, I decided to combine the two chapters.
So there will no longer be parts.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice and it's a fact.
Chapter 4 – Some things are best left undiscovered
How hard it is, sometimes, to trust the evidence of one's senses!
How reluctantly the mind consents to reality.
Norman Douglas
IMPORTANT: The "event" on chapter four happens on a Friday, the last day where Mikan has to do the horrid cleaning job. (I know I should have included it earlier on, but still its not too late right?)
o.O.o.O.o
In vampire society, there are two types of agreement. One in which is the one-sided agreement, the other in which both parties "benefit".
Gypsies or "Slaves" are people whom a vampire sucks from whether they are willing or not. This is the one-sided agreement in the vampire society, also known as a "master – slave" relationship which explains the name "slave". Though gypsies are the formal term to address them, vampires would rather call them "slaves".
Having a gypsy is risky business. When a vampire takes up a slave, he or she would be in a way connected with the slave through blood. Therefore should the slave die, the vampire would feel as if a part of him or her has been lost or torn away and would slowly lose his or her sanity. That is, unless he or she finds another slave. Because of this reason, many vampires are greatly admired when they take up this challenge. In the vampire society, the quality of the slave in the vampire society would greatly determine the type of vampire you are and your status. The slave is thus an important factor as it may be a vampire's weapon or a vampire's weakness and must be protect at all cost...
o.O.o.O.o
The sky darkened rapidly into a deep blue black, unveiling the tiny sparks that dotted across the sky. The silver pale full moon made its ghastly appearance, boasting of its unrivalled beauty. Lights flicked up instantly in response to this expected change, illuminating the cities, while somewhere in the countryside, flames licked hungrily at candle wax, burning through yet another long night.
It was late. Night has already fallen. Rightfully, people should mainly be at home, relaxing after a tough day at work. Some cursing, some laughing, some crying over heartaches, others rejoicing. Most might be out on the streets, grabbing a bite or partying at clubs. However, there is this minority of people, who seems to be doing none of this. This includes a lone figure currently limping pathetically through a deserted park and this figure happens to be a girl. In fact, it is our favourite brunette "strolling" leisurely along the small pathway towards home. Well, maybe not strolling, but limping as fast as she can.
The brunette cringed, shivering as a gust of wind mercilessly whipped pass her. Somehow, things haven't gone quite right for our optimist. She was awfully glad that her cleaning duties were well done. Thanks to them, she had to skip two of her part-time jobs and her bosses were certainly not pleased with that.
Sighing, the girl prodded her wounds, wincing as her finger came in contact with each bruise. To make matters worse, her muscles ached terribly from cleaning the corridor for at least three times with a small, flimsy rag to satisfy the evil "Jin-jin". The wounds of her hand had also started bleeding due to the rag which seems to be scrubbing her hands clean instead of the wall.
It was all thanks to that guy that she has to clean the whole corridor with only a small rag and no help. It was practically all his fault that she was unable to get into good terms with her teacher and definitely his fault that she was unable to socialise with the others. Never in Mikan's life had she disliked a guy so much, yet still felt interested in him.
Another sigh escaped the brunette's lip at her mixed feelings as she hobbled her way back alone to the small miserable estate in which she resides in.
o.O.o.O.o
Meanwhile...a few metres away...
"Kuso! (Damn it)!"
Wet raven bangs plastered against his forehead as cold sweat ran down his spine. His back leaned against the bark of the tree while his hands worked fast.
It did not help that he was bleeding, neither did he being mortal salvaged the situation. Why he was able to escape and breathing in oxygen now was merely a fluke. Even if he had wits and intelligence above an average person, it will not help unless he had pure luck, which was what he was lacking now.
Shredding the remains of his bloody uniform, he left one of its strips on the bark of the tree before proceeding to the next.
The vampire's sense of smell is a valuable assert, but it could also be rather misleading. This was one of the oldest tricks in the books. Though it would hold them back a little, they would still be able to detect him given time. Those sickening bastards would certainly be able to find him, but time is precious especially in times like this.
Quickly scattering the remaining cloths, he picked an ideal position to conceal himself, waiting in the darkness while tending to his wounds. He still had one more trick up his sleeve – it was time for the predator to become the prey.
o.O.o.O.o
"How fortunate for us that it is his soft month, don't you think so?" A shabbily dressed man scampered forth to walk beside an overly-build punk. His scheming eyes twinkled with treachery. The punk gave a sinister toothy grin, displaying his golden tooth to the whole world.
"Indeed, without his powers he is as harmless as a newborn baby," the punk smirked, slamming his fist into one of the trees, watching it split with satisfaction. He however frowned when the one he seeks was not where he thought he would be, instead he noticed a piece of bloody ripped cloth among the shattered wood. Rage burst from him in a frothy torrent.
"My, my, what an injudicious fellow we have here," a bemused voice emerged from the dark woods.
"Show yourself, foul mouth," the punk said with obviously forced patience. He did not fancy getting criticised even if he did not know the meaning of those words.
"A feisty one too," the voice purred out, making it a dead giveaway that it was a she.
The lady made her grand entrance, her mini skirt swishing around her creamy thighs as she stride forward to receive her guests. Her hot pink tank top was suggestive and sophisticated, barely covering anything. A white mask covered the features of her face, making her identity unknown.
One could describe the girl as a hooker with no shame at all at her indecency, but the punk wasn't fooled. Striking a pose, she gave an impish grin as the vampire that had once been standing upright, kneeled down as if to worship a sight to behold.
"Che! It's you," the punk walked away sardonically, beckoning his smitten partner to follow. However, his partner remained still, fanatical over the lady's charm and beauty.
"Awwww, is that how you treat a lady? And I thought all man are chivalrous." the lady flirted, scratching the chin of the enslaved vampire with a finger as the latter collapse in pleasure.
"All man to you that is," the punk snapped back arrogantly. The lady laughed haughtily, tossing her head back.
"Well, I only have one advice to give you, dear. Don't underestimate him."
With one last sentence, the lady vanished as soon as she came, winking at a particular direction before taking her leave. Growling, the punk smacked his partner hard on the head, partly because his accomplice had "opposed" him and certainly deserved it, but mostly due to his inability to control his anger and was in need to let it out. Smashing yet another tree, he watched with pleasure as the bark crumbled under pressure. It was then did he hear a soft gasp emerging from behind the tree.
A sadistic laughter erupted from his cracked lips as he raced forth, his hand shooting out to gasp the thin fragile neck of the person.
"So, this was what the lady was winking about, " he mused though slightly disappointed at his findings. Lifting the struggling person higher from the ground, he proceeded back to the other to brag of his catch.
"Let me go, you big ugly brute!" his prisoner cried in outrage, legs flinging in mid air as she attempted to kicked her capturer in his most vulnerable spot.
"I see you still can talk, girl," the punk responded, tightening his grip on the brunette's neck. The brunette in turn sank her nails into his coarse hands. The punk however seems unaffected and callously dragged the brunette along.
o.O.o.O.o
Mikan's POV
Everything seems to be rather eerie at night, especially if you are a defenceless girl walking through a deserted place with no one in sight, which is unfortunately what I am doing now. I wonder if there are ghosts here in the park. (Looks from left to right) Goosebumps involuntarily dotted my arms. If there isn't such a thing as ghost, then there would be zombies, won't there?
Okay, Mikan, stop scaring yourself, you have done this many many times, it's just one of those nights where you have to go home alone where there are many bad guys out to get you... Well...this is not really helping. Think positive Mikan, positive.
Wait, I hear something. It's a man's voice. It's coming from that desolate place. Oh screw it, the whole place is inhabited. I crept closer. Once again I was reminded of the phase, "curiosity kills the cat", but I didn't really care actually, brushing away the ominous feelings.
My, my, what an injudicious fellow we have here," a bemused voice emerged from the dark woods. It really freaked me out. A high pitched voice belonging to some ghost sounding in the middle of the night...I shuddered.
Backing away slightly, I realised something - I shouldn't be here. After all, Ji-chan often told me that it was rude to listen in on another's conversation, but...this could be an exception and anyway, what was "injudicious"?
Slowly brushing a stray branch away, I got a clear view of what was happening. Apparently there was this huge burly hunk standing right in the middle of a clearing. His leather jacket which draped over his huge build looked pretty exquisite, meaning that it must have cost a bomb. Gold chains hanging loosely over his chunky neck, clinked nosily as he walked. All in all, I would say he is one gangster that was not to be trifled with.
Beside him, however in contrast, was this hunchbacked fellow with broad shoulders and tiny scheming eyes that glints even in the night. He seems like the sort of swindler Ji-chan told me not to mess with, the type that could turn black into white.
"Show yourself, foul mouth," the gangster said with his booming voice. He was obviously displeased.
"A feisty one too," the voice purred out. It was a she.
The lady came into sight after the four words, strutting into the clearing. I must comment on how skimpy she looked with that black miniskirt and pink tank top. It was simply disgusting, a pervert's dream probably. Speaking of perverts, I have yet to get my revenge on that idiot who put me through so much misery. Crap, why am I thinking about him. Anyway, there's a white mask covering the features of her face, so I wasn't able to make out how she looked like.
The punk seems unaffected at her presence, dismissing the lady with a "Che! It's you,", but the hunchback fellow was a different story, he seems to have wobbly knees.
"Awwww, is that how you treat a lady? And I thought all man are chivalrous." the lady responded, scratching the chin of the hunchback with a finger as the latter collapse in pleasure. I seethed in indignation. To say that the lady was a downright bitch would be a great understatement and an insult to all bitches.
"All man to you that is," the gangster snapped back arrogantly. Somehow, I kind of agreed with him. The lady laughed haughtily, tossing her head back.
"Well, I only have one advice to give you, dear. Don't underestimate him." Huh? Underestimate who?
The lady winked at my direction before vanishing like a genie except without a poof that is. Wait, crap, did she just notice my presence? My entire body went cold as if dunked in snowmelt. I seriously need to leave now. Gulping down saliva, I hastily retreat.
A loud crack and smash brought my attention to the tree before me. He had noticed me, hadn't he? My eyes widened in horror as I was showered with splitters. Before I could stop myself, I let out a terrified gasp. The rest happened in a split second before I could even process what was happening. All I could hear was the gangster's evil laughter as his hand clasped firmly around my neck.
"So, this was what the lady was winking about, " the gangster mused though there seem to be something in his voice that I had not expected to be there, disappointment. He lifted me higher, choking the breath out of me. I struggled fto breathe, trying hard to live. Fear bubbled in me as I tried to pry open his hand even if it is a fruitless attempt.
"Let me go, you big ugly brute!" I managed to squeeze out, flinging my leg, intending to kicked the big brute in between his legs. Hot fury burned away my shock and fear as I swing wildly in attempt to escape from his grasp.
"I see you still can talk, girl," the gangster grinned a toothy smile at me, revealing a golden tooth. He tightened his grip on my neck, suffocating the life out of me. I, in turn, gripped harder, sinking my nails into his coarse hands. The gangster however was unaffected as I had expected, but nevertheless it didn't hurt to try. He appeared to be dragging me to the clearing to meet the hunchback. Somehow, I have a real bad feeling about this; I should have trusted my institution to leave while I still can. O why didn't I listen to it?
The gangster suddenly dropped me onto the ground and for the third time in the week, I landed on my butt with a thud, panting for air. Why he did that for? I have no idea. Glaring intensely at him, I noticed that he was staring blankly at something. I turning my head in that direction, chill swept pass me as I attempted to absorb what had happened. Lying there, seemingly dead was the hunchback with no fatal wound that could kill. Blood oozed out from the victim's forehead – the only wound he had suffered. I would have rejoiced that one of my to-be-torturers was dead, but I could not for the sight of such a gruesome scene. I wanted to run, but my legs wouldn't obey. I wanted to scream, but none of the sound would come out. The punk stared at me ghostly, his face purple with rage. An aura of killer intent surrounded him...
o.O.o.O.o
Her head throbbed terribly. She felt herself being lifted and sank into something soft. A ripping sound could be heard as a cool sensation rushed over her stomach, but left her top alone. She winced unconsciously as something dripping wet, dabbed at her wound – the gash that ran across her stomach. Her breath was shallow, while her pulse seemed to be slowing down. The smell of blood filled the air.
The dabbing stopped unexpectedly as a slow tickling motion replaced it, running past the whole stretch of wound. The scent of blood was instantly replaced by the sweet aroma of pine trees, lulling her to sleep. Summoning the last of her energy, she forced her eyelids to slid open. Hair, jet black as the night; red scarlet eyes similar to that of blood; Fair complexion, face bore planes and curves every bit, finely chiselled; Sharp pearly white canines protruding out of his mouth and tongue licking her wound? But before she could get a closer look, sleep claimed her.
His tongue flicked out lustfully for one last lick before grabbing the bandage dumped on the table beside him. Roughly circling the brunette's small frame with the bandage, he gently tied it tightly by her waist. He leaned back to savour his messy accomplishment, licking of the excess blood from his hands.
Surprisingly, the brunette's blood taste exceptionally sweet to his picky character. Given the small range of happy people he can pick, he was relieved that his prey had come up automatically knocking on his door. It was practically a blessing in disguise for him, but apparently not for polka dots here as he recalled the series of incident that happened just a moment ago...
Flashback
"You witch! What did you do to him!" the punk snarled at the brunette, his fist clutching a handful of hair, causing the brunette to make a sudden rise to her feet. The brunette cried out in pain at the sudden tug of her hair. Somehow, she seemed awfully familiar...
"I have nothing to do with this," the brunette snapped back defiantly despite her predicament. O, I remember, she's the irritating newcomer, Imai's best friend, polka dotted pantry girl, the girl with the fiery temper. The skimpy bitch earlier on had probably called the wrong person feisty. Fear shone in those chocolate pools of her eyes though.
I grimaced inwardly upon realising that my wounds have already recovered into another scar. I have two choices now. I could save baka youjo down there or just leave. Preferably I would take the latter and leave the poor girl to die after all it is my soft month and she deserves it for poking her nose into business she could not possibly handle. She was not meant to get involve in this. I also don't need any more trouble and responsibilities.
A nagging guilt however pricked my conscious as I rose. She had after all unconsciously become my bait to kill that bastard. Stupid morals. Besides, without his partner, this lowly being is just brute strength with no brains, killing him would be an "easy" job for me. A strength alice should be simple. He is better off dead anyway.
The brute now had a knife at hand, preparing to shed blood with it. Whatever I intend to do, I better act now. I have no idea why, but my mind and thoughts were only concentrated in strategizing and killing that bastard instead of escaping. Queer, but true.
Unsheathing my own dagger, I nicked a small cut on my hand. The brute as I had expected diverted his attention in my direction. The cut had now healed into nothing, but a thin line. Moving swiftly to another tree, I watched as the brute swung his huge fist into the tree I was in. With one last bound, I dropped to the clearing, my dagger clashing with his knife, resulting in a dull ringing sound.
To my satisfaction, he left the brunette alone, sending her slamming into the tree. He, of course, didn't need such a hassle. I clandestinely stole a glance at her, she was still alive but in a semi- conscious state. A rush of adrenaline coursed through my veins as I dodged every one of his attacks, but the dull misery that pained me every night had also made its appearance as blood drifted up my nose.
Our blades now kissed consecutively, while his punches grew rapidly. Neither of us had the upper hand, but neither of us were losing. That is, however, certainly going to change.
My agile body slid under his blade once more as he recklessly changed forth. Bad move, it had already been foreseen. I send a kick on his upper torso; my hand twisted his into submission, forcing him to disarm himself. Lowering my body to a crouch, I flung him over my shoulders, slamming him onto the hard soil ground. Not allowing the brute to have any chance to react, I instantly planted the cold steel blade of his onto his neck with a foot on his chest. He was indeed as I have said: just brute force without brains, a real pity.
"Who sent you?" I demanded, though I already knew the answer. I just needed to confirm my suspicions. He smirked arrogantly at me, his eyes challenging me to force an answer out of him, the eyes of a fearless murderer. There was however, no need to waste a direct command from him. A groan brought my attention to the girl. She was already stirring. Not good, I didn't need her to get involved with all of this.
Taking advantage of my distraction, the punk yanked my foot away from his chest, catching me off balance. He lunged in my direction as if to steal the knife from me. Automatically, I leaped back, whisking the knife out of his reach.
He, however, had other intentions. Digging his left foot into the ground, he scooped up his knife and started in the opposite direction – where the girl was. I cursed, darting forth to thwart his intentions. I didn't even hesitate to consider why on earth I was saving this mortal's life.
Polka dot doesn't seem to be aware of the situation. In fact, she didn't retaliate when I pushed her aside and suffered a slash across my arm. Her hazel eyes only fluttered open as I brought her to safety, but immediately widened in alarm as she pushed me away. I was confused when she did so, but in that lapse of time, there was no time to address my feelings for I heard the knife swish past my side. I grabbed the girl, but it was too late. She had already taken the blow for me. Foolish, considering that after all my efforts to safe her, she still got hurt with one big gash across her stomach...Stupid youjo...
Done with cleaning his fingers, he headed to the toilet to wash up, glancing at the brunette once more. A surge of pity for the brunette and a twinge of guilt welled up in him, but were immediately suppressed. He couldn't help but feel indebt to the girl after she took that knife meant for him though he could very well survive it. However, at the same time, he regarded the sleeping figure currently lying blissfully on his bed with disdain and annoyance. It has been a long time since a girl had even entered his room, what more sleep on his bed. She had no right to do so though he had allowed it, seeing the circumstances. He could not afford to trust the other servants though money would certainly help in keeping the servant's mouths shut. Frowning at his jumbled feelings, he entered the toilet, shutting the door gently.
He was somewhat grateful to learn that his father was yet again out for business. It didn't matter anyway; he was usually not at home. Though the owner of the house was his father, he could very well be the master of it due to the fact that his father was always absent at the dining table...
"O ni-chan?" A soft and gentle voice disrupted his train of thoughts.
Shucks, all thoughts of Aoi had slipped out of his mind. O well, she wouldn't tell anyway. He trusts his sister. Beside, she's not the kind to gossip...is she?
"Here," he casually replied, "but get a pair of your clothes here before entering, I need your" he hesitated, "help..."
"Hai!" her cheerful reply came as he lifted the switch to the shower to give himself a thorough wash.
o.O.o.O.o
Mikan's POV
I had a dream, a very queer dream. In it, I was walking back from school and I "happened" to witness something undesirable. I experience the most terrifying thing that could happen to a girl, yet I was more angry than afraid. To sum it all, I'm suppose to feel immerse pain by saving my saviour, but surprisingly I don't. I must be in heaven then since what I am laying on, probably the clouds, feel so soft and fluffy like hawalon, similar to that of a bed?
My eyes sprang open, blotches of spots dotted my sight as my eyes attempted to adjust to the surroundings. A luxuriously furnished room, I would say, but an unfamiliar gothic environment. Dark red ceiling glared back at me while shadows crept across the walls. Gilt framed windows met my gaze as I found the only light source available in the room. Thin frowsy drapes hung over the windows, sweeping the floor as the wind blew on it. A stylishly designed table along with a chair were placed directly below it with ephemeral flowers neatly arranged in a vase. A red armchair, a distance away from the bed held a boy around my age. In fact, he looks strangely familiar, those glossy black locks of his stirred up parts of my memory. His body seems to be rather stiff despite being unconscious, his body language seems to tell me that he is in pain, even though sleep is suppose to bring you peace and serenity.
I began the slow and excruciating process to sit up for a better view, leaning my back against the wall. A sharp stinging pain however made me regretted my actions, forcing me to abandon the rest of the effort to sit up straight. I let out a small yelp, reacting to the pain burning at my tummy.
"Oi, polka dots, hurry up and get out of my room," the boy speaks. He was awake and staring emotionlessly at me. With the same old expression when I first met him.
The memories of our previous encounters suddenly flooded my mind, including the one the night before though it was still pretty fuzzy. But more importantly, it is him. The one who has made my social life a mess, the one whom everybody seems to craze about for god knows why, the prince, Natsume Hyūga is currently in front of me.
Ahhh!! And it is not that type of favorable fan girls'"ahhh"s but argh, why am I in his room with him?! And did he just tell a sick and injured patient to get the hell out of the room when the patient can't even sit up. What an arrogant jerk! Unruly and proud!
I kept my peace though fuming at the insolent boy in front of me. It will do me no good to talk to this type of people. But how could he even utter such a horrid thing? I returned his gaze with a fiery glare. There seems to be this awkward thick silence in the air, where writers would call it "pin drop silence".
I was suddenly aware of my change of clothes from my old uniform to a silk pinkish white nightgown which seems to be a size too small for me. Where my uniform was I had no idea. But more importantly, who changed my clothes?!
There is only one person in the room. So does that make him the person who...it makes a lot of sense given that he is indeed a pervert...hmmm, won't that mean...Ahhh! I will never be married off, thanks to him!
"You pervert!" I screamed, immediately pulling the covers closer to my chest. Instead of looking remorse which he should be, he looked fairly amused at my sudden change of mood. Well, the nerve of that guy! I had to get out of here, from this sick pervert. No way am I going to stay here in this room. God forbids what will happen if I don't. The anger and hatred towards him is certainly overpowering my curiosity.
Clenching my teeth, I started for the door – my one and only escape. It seemed quite far though. Bravely ignoring the piercing pain jabbing at my stomach, I took my first step, just to feel the rush of air past me. My body began to fail me as I headed right down to the floor. Things just have to get worse, don't they?
The shutters of my eyes jammed close, awaiting the impact. But it never came, thanks to the hand enveloping my stomach which made me wince even more. It was him (not that I am thrilled) and for the second time in the week, he was holding me in a way too close for comfort.
I would have preferred him when we don't meet – he, skipping class ever since our first meeting (though it seems that he does that quite often), while me, avoiding him as much as possible.
I was about to express my gratitude to him despite the fact he picked a bad spot to break my fall, when he gave a sudden push, roughly shoving me back to his bed. It still hurts, though not as much when I sank into his bed instead of the hard cold floor.
"Baka, if you want to leave, don't dirty my floor," he puts it across bluntly.
"What?" was my dumb response as I stared skeptically at him.
There was some kindness in his tone and actions before disappearing as soon as I had discovered it, but still he needn't phrase it and act it in such a terrible way. Wait, wasn't he at the armchair? I blinked blankly, dipping my head down to think. How did he manage to get here so fast? And that grip around my waist, isn't it far strong for a mere human. Now thinking about last night's event, their fight was beyond ordinary. Was the person who cleaned my wounds him? Did he also lick my wound and posses such razor like canines...nah, I must had been dreaming that part, and moreover, you are thinking too much, Mikan. Still, there's something strange about him I cannot put a finger to.
Speaking of uniform, it kinds of remind me of something.
"School!" I burst out in panic. Was this it? The first few days of school and I'm already pawning them. No! This shouldn't be!
"Oi, polka dot, stop screeching,"
I sent a death glare over. A creepy aura surrounded me.
"Firstly, my name is not polka-dots. It is Mi-kan. Secondly, it is YOUR fault that I am able to socialize with others. Thirdly, it is YOUR fault I have to clean the whole damn corridor till my hands are sore and bruised," I attempted to reason, watching as he shrugged casually, while leaning his back on the wall at quite a distance away from me. It was as though he had no business in whatever I am saying. This however got me even rifled up.
"Fourthly, it is YOUR damn fault that the teachers are unhappy with me and may even kick me out of school. Fifthly, it is still YOUR fault, I missed school today. Sixthly,"
"Enough, if you have so much time to blubber nonsense, then concentrated on healing. I don't need a nuisance in my room," he hissed venomously with an obvious hint of authority in his tone.
Rightfully, "nonsense" and "nuisance" would get one at the tip of the boiling point, but I was the opposite. Strange, isn't it? It sort of brings back pleasant and unpleasant memories of my past which I wish not to discuss.
"Gome nasai," I whispered though I doubt he could even hear from that distance. Surprisingly, his face revealed shock as if to my words, but was instantly replaced by that emotionless mask of his. Does that mean he has superhearing?
"Polka dots, it's a Saturday today," with that he walked away, closing the door behind him.
Saturday? Doesn't that mean I needn't go to school! So I did not miss school after all and to think I actually forgot. The side of my mouth jerked upwards, but immediately in the opposite direction as pain shot up my body. Looks like I have to stay here until school starts. It seems that he allows it too. He must have kindness instilled in him despite his cold demeanor under that mask of his. There should be something good in him as Ji-chan always say. I smiled; maybe he is not so bad after all.
Ending note: One more question for you to ponder on: Who is that woman? I need comments please on my plot and story. Is it going too slow or boring? I don't mind if it is nasty. Just need some to improve on my writing. :)