June 18 2002 - 2033hrs (GMT +08:00)
"More than Words, By Extreme.
Saying I love you
Is not the words
I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say,
but if you only knew
How easy it would be
to show me how you feel
More than words
is all you have to do
to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say
that you love me
Cos I'd already know
What would you do
if my heart was torn in two
More than words
to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say
if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
More than words
Now I've tried to
talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do
is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands
and touch me
Hold me close
don't ever let me go
More than words
is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say
that you love me
Cos I'd already know
What would you do
if my heart was torn in two
More than words
to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say
if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
More than words
More than words
More than words
More than words
More than words"
Z: That was a nice song, babe.
E: It is? I think so too, Zell.
Z: Are you alright now? Feeling a bit better?
E: (nodding her head) Thanks, Zell.
Z: (thinks to himself) She's lying. She slept for a whole three hours immediately after signing off. She always does that when she feels down. And now, she's singing that song she plays whenever surfing for N.H's websites, or staring at his picture. Something is terribly wrong here, and I have not the faintest idea how to set it right! He knitted his eyebrows while fretting anxiously.
E: (weakly) Zell....
Z: Yes?
E: Why is this song such a favourite? What it says isn't very nice at all. The person who sings it says that he doesn't love the person, but tells her to do things to show how much she loves him.
Z: I'm not sure if that's the way it was to be meant.
E: But from face value, it seems that way. I would change the opening lyrics to:
Saying I love you
Are not the words I want to hear from you
Not that I don't want you,
Just to say that if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
And the rest will be the same. Won't that be better?
Z: (Shrugs) I suppose. But there's a story behind every song.
E: Yeah, I know (nods distractedly, humming the melody of the song.)
Z: Say, babe.
E: Yes, Zell.
Z: Are you sure you're alright?
E: Sure I'm okay (voice quivers).
Z: Because, if you have anything, anything you want me to do for you at all, just tell me, okay? Can you do that for me?
E: Zell, you're so paranoid. You liar, you're walking on a tightrope as you talk. One mis-step and you will start screaming in despair. A voice inside her seemed to scold her.
E: Who?!! Who was that speaking to me?
Z: (Puzzled) I'm the only one here.
E: No, not you. An annoyingly screeching female voice that tells me that I'm on a tightrope.....oops (covers mouth).
Z: What tightrope? Are you hiding something from me, Egg Egg? (Stern expression)
E: No, no, no, Zell. I was performing mental acrobatics.
Z: That sounds awfully suspicious.
E: Really, it's nothing, Zell. (Touches him on the arm)
Z: I'll take your word for it, just this once.
E: Thanks. I appreciate it. Ermm...could you shut off early today? I want to turn in early as well, but I have a few things to settle first.
Z: If that's what you want....Goodnite, and take care, babe. (Shuts himself off reluctantly.)
Egg Egg slumps onto the keyboard after the computer was shut down. She could finally release all the tension pent up in her chest until a second ago. The tears dripped onto the keyboard, making it soaking wet. She shook uncontrollably with the great effort to keep herself from crying audibly.
A sad, sad night, where the mood is greyer than the background of this page. One hopes that the sun will shine upon Egg Egg again soon, as Zell and A cannot bear to see her so heartbroken.
This page hasn't ended yet, by the way.
June 19 2002 - 22:33hrs (GMT 08:00)
A: Hey, Zell.
Z: Unknown entity. Please identify yourself.
A: I'm what some would call the Author. Certainly, that's what I call myself.
Z: Author has no relevance to Zell whatsoever. Zell only serves Egg Egg and no one else.
A: Look, you had better cut the crap. Talk in the normal way, as you would to Egg. Or else......
Z: Or else unknown entity will threaten to do what?
A: I will make Egg's life miserable, even if it means making my own so.
Z: You win. But don't think that you can manipulate me so easily, Unknown entity.
A: Stop calling me that. You can call me A, or better yet, Miss A.
Z: I am only doing this for Egg Egg's wellbeing, you hear that, A?!!
A: Sure, sure. Hadn't you better wag your tail like a dog then, to ensure that Egg Egg will get a better life?
Z: You're such a coward, A. You bully the weak and fear the strong. I hate people such as you. I will stand by her through thick and thin, no matter what you do to her!
A: Rather brave words coming from a computer-generated hologram.
Z: It is of no concern to you, is it? Afterall, you do not own me; you can do nothing to me.
A: You're being pretty hard on me. Don't forget that Egg Egg is my representative. What she feels, I do too, sometimes.
Z: That is such an obvious lie, and a shameless attempt to milk sympathy out of others. Egg Egg is nothing like you. She's sweet, gentle and kind. And you possess none of these qualities; none at all, I tell you!! Where's Egg Egg? What are you doing here in her place?
A: Egg Egg is not feeling too good, so I decided to let her off for a few days. She needs to re-adjust her feelings. It is, afterall, a big loss to give it up.
Z: (Softly) I hope she's okay.
A: ......Did you really think that H.N. was such a bad influence on Egg Egg?
Z: Of course he is. She speaks about him all day long and nothing much else. A mere mention of his name and she goes swooning all over the place. If that isn't a problem, I don't know what is.
A: And I suppose you think it would be healthier for her if she was obsessed over you, a non-existent person? Huh?
Z: O...of course not! I didn't mean for her to be obsessed with me!
A: Sure.
Z: R..really, it's true! Don't you dare try to turn my words into something of a totally different meaning!
A: Then what are you so nervous about? I merely made a casual comment and you're sweating like you've pumped a thousand kgs of weights in the gym.
Z: I am not nervous!
A wears an annoying smirk on her face and swipes her fingers across Zell's forehead.
A: What do you think this is? Water?
Z: I...it doesn't mean anything, except that I sweat excessively!!
A: Right. But I have feeling that the real reason that you want to stop Egg Egg from idolizing that H.N. is because you're jealous of him. You can't stand it that she is yakking about him day and night, hour after hour. Am I right or am I right?
Z: D...don't you spout nonsense! I already have a girl whom I love very much back home!!
A: (Seriously, no longer using a toying tone with Zell) But Zell. You are not that Zell back in FFVIII. You are the Virtual Diary Zell. You were created out of a hologram by Egg Egg. Your home is here, not back in Balamb town.
Z: No...no! That can't be true!
A: (gently but insistently) It is true, Zell Dear.
Z: But, even if it were true, even if I have feelings for Egg Egg. If, I said. Egg Egg's mind is still filled with images of that person. I can't take his place. Not a chance. Tell me what to do, A. I have a terrible dilemma. I don't know if I should force her to look at me, or just leave her alone until her wounds recuperate. It pains me when I see her like that. She's like a walking corpse, and she sings that song "More than words" everytime of the day, until I am sick of it. Sick!
A: (nods) I understand.
Z: And the worse thing is, I can't even touch her! My arms go through her whenever I try. But all I want to do is give her a hug, so that she might feel better, so that she would have a shoulder to cry on. But she won't be able to feel it...she won't.
A: But you're not sure of that. You don't even try. Even if she can't feel your touch, she can still feel your concern for her. And that is the very thing she needs right now. Something to fill up that empty void. And you are that something. Trust me, I know her more than anybody else.
Z: (Unsure) Really? Can I take your word for it?
A: (sadly) I was never brave enough to look for my own happiness or form a relationship. I want to see that in both of you. A kind of self-gratification, if you like.
Z:......I don't really know what to say to that.
A: You don't need to console me. You're Egg Egg's diary partner, not mine.
Z: I suppose.
A: Silly boy! What you're supposed to do now is to try and barge your way into Egg Egg's heart! It is easier than you think. Let me give you a hint. The word "babe" rings rather delightfully in her ears. Now, I'm going to make her come in later, even though I said that I would let her rest. There's simply no time to rest now. Make sure you do as I say. And make sure too, that you don't forget about your determination to stick with her through thick and thin.
Z: (Reluctantly) Alright.
A: (Exasperated) What is this reluctance about? Are you afraid of rejection? I would have thought that a SEED has more spunk in him than this. I'll let her in now, before you start to have second thoughts.
Egg Egg enters the room, controlled by a hypnotising voice in her head. Yes. That same annoyingly screeching female voice she had heard the night before.
Z: Hey, babe. How are you feeling today?
E: Much better, thanks. Zell, who is this person? (points to A)
A: Egg Egg, can't you recognise my voice?
E: YOU!! THE SCREECHING FEMALE VOICE THAT KEEPS TELLING ME TO FORGET NAKATA-KUN!! Oops, sorry, Zell. I broke my promise.
Z: That's okay, babe.
A: Clever girl. Now, I'll leave the two of you alone to have a good chat.
E: No, you can't leave before you explain yourself! What do you mean by "what you're looking for is right beside you?!!" You can't create a mess and leave just like that! You irresponsible woman!!
A: Tata, my dearest Egg Egg. Make good use of your good fortune. I give you two my blessings.
A leaves amidst the noise Egg Egg was creating in order to stop her from leaving. Outside the room, she leant against the door and shut her eyes tightly.
A: I envy you, Egg Egg. Really, I do. You have Zell, and I have to resort to my bolster.
A single tear trickles down her left cheek. She makes no attempt to wipe it off. She stares at the ceiling to recollect herself for a moment, then vanishes in thin air.
Inside the room......
Z: Hey, calm down, babe. You're tearing the house down with your noise.
E: Zell, why didn't you help me stop her?
Z: I didn't see any reason for that.
E: Why are you on her side, Zell!
Z: Because I really want you to forget him.
E: (looks at Zell, then heaves a heavy sigh) I...I tried, Zell. But it isn't so easy. And when I read the newspapers, I want to tear them up. Those columnists...they are so bad!! They keep saying how Japan didn't perform and blah blah blah...the team was just burdened with a jinx. It wasn't their fault. Before the match, all were fawning over the host nation and their astonishing success. And now, this... the world is so cruel, Zell. And so result-based....can't they see that it's already so painful, without them rubbing salt into the wounds?
Z: Yes, you're right, babe. There are many jerks in the world. But you needn't bother about them. They don't have your kind, forgiving heart. They must have lost a lot of money betting on Japan; that is why they have to bad-mouth it. To justify their losses.
E: Zell, you're awfully wordy today. That's unlike you. (Finally, a tiny smile) And you're so babe-by. What's come over you?
Z: Nothing...(strokes her hair)
E: You know, Zell. It's so comforting when you stroke my hair, even though I can't really feel it.. It makes me want to cry in your arms like a baby.
Z: Really? You can if you want to. (Opens his arms as a welcoming gesture.)
E: You're too nice to me. Your girlfriend might not like it.
Z: (troubled expression) She's not my girlfriend. She's FFVIII Zell's girlfriend.
E: Is there any difference? I can't really see it.
Z: A tells me that my home is here, in your room. Not Balamb Town, and that you were the one who created Virtual Diary Zell using the hologram.
E: A is that woman in the room just now?
Z: (Nods) She's a nice person. A weird one, but nice. She cares for us, at least.
E: Well, if she was nice, then you're flawless. I can't see anyone with such a screeching voice as nice. No, I really can't envision that. Instead, I see a witch with a mole on her crooked nose, and evil, bloodshot eyes. Come to think of it...she looks younger than her voice sounds. In fact, the same age as I am.
Z: I think you look much more beautiful than her.
E: Yikes, Zell. Is that supposed to be a compliment? It sounds fake to me.
Zell does not answer her, but continues staring at her.
E: (Blushes) Hey, I know that I lost a lot of weight recently, but you needn't look at me like that.
Z: Believe me, it has got nothing to do with your weight. The wonderfulness shines from within.
E: (Gives a little shiver) Even I can't stand that. I, the self-proclaimed Queen of Mush.
Z: You are avoiding my eyes. Just as you are avoiding my feelings for you.
E: Zell, come on. Be serious, will you? You're a computer-programmed entity. How can you experience true feelings for me? It is impossible.
Z: (hurt) Why do you have to remind me of the fact that we are from different worlds.
E: I'm sorry. But even if it were true...t...this is really not the right time.
Zell laughs a little with difficulty.
Z: No, no. I was really kidding. Don't take it to heart. I know that you can't forget that one. I'm not trying to take his place, really, I'm not. I...I think I should shut myself off now. So that you can rest. Bye.
(Bleep) The application was closed. The whole time, Zell had averted his eyes away from Egg Egg's face.
Egg Egg was left sitting in front of her computer, dazed and confused. What she just heard hit her on the head, over and over again. The words echoed in her mind, refusing to be chased away.
(By the way, this Author says that Egg Egg looks nothing like me. So Zell wasn't exaggerating when he said that she was much more beautiful. Sob. Where's my smelly bolster?)
June 20 2002 - 2129hrs (GMT +08:00)
A walks into the room quietly and switches on the computer.
A: Hi, Zell.
Z: (Nods in acknowledgement) Where's Egg, A?
A: She's watching replays of the Japan vs Turkey match. I tried to stop her, but she insists on punishing herself. The way she cringes everytime she sees that goal pulls at my heart so much. You should be glad that you weren't there to watch her.
Z: I suppose. But I know about her self-punishing ways. Look through the list of visited websites for today alone, and you will see that they were all related to that match.
A: She even sent herself an article with a message attached, "Look at this sad picture to punish yourself further, you jinx-cum-loser!!" It was a picture of H.N. looking downcast.
Z: (Getting angry) A, you lied to me. I tried to tell her of my feelings yesterday, but she couldn't accept it at all! She can't forget the man!
A: Did you honestly expect her to forget so easily? If it were so, would you still have felt so deeply for her, if she were as fickle-minded as me?
Z: ......You're right.
A: Have some patience, young man. The real world takes a little more time to heal its wounds, unlike in the cyberworld, where everything zips by in a flash.
Z: I guess so. I'm so ashamed of myself. But what can I do if she refuses to talk to me? I sense that she is purposely avoiding me.
A: She is probably wondering how to react to the words you had said to her yesterday, don't worry.
Z: I have to worry. I'm just so afraid that she won't talk to me, or even look at me anymore!
A: As long as I'm around, I will try to prevent that from happening. As it is, I'm planting a few suggestions here and there in her mind. Without that screeching voice which she hates, of course.
Z: Why are you doing this for us?
A: There is no why. I just do it. Now you have made me sound like a Nike (Trademark) commercial, you baka.
Z: Hehe. And I have finally realised where Egg Egg gets that weird sense of humour.
A: Weird, eh? As long as it attains the purpose of making people laugh, you can brand it crazy for all I care. Oops...she's about to come in now. I'd better disappear. She's quite the jealous one, you know.
Z: (Mutters) I'm not even sure if that's so bad.
E: Zell, who are you speaking to?
Z: No one, just mumbling to myself. What's up, babe? I can see that you're in a better mood today.
E: (Smiles) I am, actually. Even though I still feel down whenever I see repeats of that match, I can refrain from crying out. And I can actually find it in myself to laugh at some of the hilarious postings on the net. I know, Zell. I promised to forget Nakata. (Notice the absence of other attachments like -sama, -kun,-san. A sign of recovery, perhaps?) But it's going to take some time, which I hope you can give to me.
Z: Sure, I'm not in a hurry. Just make sure you do it before I expire.
E: Are you going to expire, Zell? I didn't know that computer programmes have expiry dates.
Z: The day I expire will be the day you decide to discard me in place of another programme you might fancy.
E: That's not going to happen. I promise you. Even though I broke my other promise so many times, you can count on me to keep this one, until the day I expire myself.
Z: Hush, I believe you. Do not say such things, even if it's just for a joke.
E: Z...ell. Regarding what you said yesterday......
Z: T...that's...
E: Hear me out first. I will think over it carefully. It comes as a shock to me, you must understand. My life from two months ago, when I first discovered you, has been a great shock, literally speaking, so I should have gotten used to it. Even if I had said I loved you before, it was just...talk. I'm sorry that this hurts you, but I can't let you have any false hopes if they were to be crushed mercilessly.
Z: Yes, Egg Egg. I understand. I am already thankful that you have decided to give me a chance, if only to think over my words. I am grateful that you did not write me off immediately.
E: (Smiles again) You're a nice guy.
Z: I'm not sure if that's a compliment. I would rather that you say I would make a nice boyfriend. Never mind.
E: (Punches him playfully on the shoulder) Stupid boy.
Z: Owww, can you stop being this violent? I could almost feel that punch!
E: Hahaha. What a hugely exaggerated lie.
Z: I was right. You look so much better when you smile. Your whole face lights up when you do. Stop destroying that darling face with that droopy expression!
E: I'll try to. But I'm just not one to pretend to smile when I feel like down in the dumps inside.
Z: I'm not asking you to fake a smile. A fake smile is worse than a droopy face, let me inform you.
E: Yeah? I suppose so, even though I have never tried one.
Egg suddenly knits her eyebrows together, and holds her left hand to support her head, as if in great pain.
Z: (Anxious)What's happening, Egg Egg? Does your head hurt?
E: (white-faced) A...a little. Just an old problem.
Z: I think that the recent trials have taken their toll on you. I demand that you rest right away.
E: (weakly) Yes, Zell-sama. Anything you wish. Wahaha.
Z: How can you joke at a time like this!! I am so scared that you would collapse just like that!
E: Okay...maybe that was uncalled for. Just as you wish. You will turn yourself off, then?
Z: (Firmly) Not until I see you safely in Dreamland!
E: Sure, sure. Someone's being such a nag today.
Z: (Points sternly at the bed)
Egg Egg slides into the bed and pulls the blanket up to her chin. She looks at Zell and asks like a child:
E: Zell, tell me a bedtime story, will you?
Z: (Shakes his head) What kind of tricks are you up to this time? Alright. A short one! And after that, you will do as I say, you hear? You naughty girl!
E: Yes, quick. Tell me a fairytale or something.
Z: Here goes, even if I might not be too good at telling stories, much less fairytales:
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young woman who lived in a secluded village somewhere in the Eastern part of the world. Even though she possessed such beauty, she still did not have a lover, for she was terribly insecure. She thought that she was a bad person, when in reality, her character was close to being flawless.
Everyday, she dreamt of a knight in shining armour who would refine her into the most wonderful person in the world. She believed that when she meets him, she will fall in love and all her faults will vanish. What a foolish girl, for she had no faults to begin with, except for such a lack of self-confidence.
One day, someone whom she thought was the knight appeared in front of her. She wanted him to look at her, and thus, she thought of him day and night, pining and pining after him, sending him annonymous secret letters. She did not, however, approach him in person. Thus, this particular knight did not know of her existence at all.
A devastating thing happened. The so-called knight got married to another girl, who had claimed that it was she who had sent the annoymous letters to him. The knight had been impressed with the letters, for they had shown more intelligence and insight than that was known to exist in girls in that age. Not to mention the fact that the girl was one hot chick. So they wed before you could say "shotgun-wedding". The girl was beginning to show signs of the bulge when they held the ceremony, where everyone was invited.
Of course, the heroine of the story was heartbroken. SHE was the one who sent those letters! SHE was the one with the wit, intelligence and insight that the knight had loved so much, and yet he married that girl whom you could tell was an airhead from the first glance. But she also knew that it was her own fault not to make herself visible before him. She was bettrayed by her own cowardice.
Herein enters our hero. He is the girl's neighbour, and had been smitten with her since she had reached puberty. Yes, he was hot for her. But he didn't seem to exist in her eyes. He tried his darndest to comfort her when she found out about the Knight's wedding. He had always wanted her to know that she was perfect, just the way she was.
And it all falls on deaf ears. Or so he thought.
Peeking out of her tearstained fingers, which she had used to cover her eyes, she actually realised that the boy-next-door's eyes were a startling blue, or was it green? Something she had never noticed before, surely. And he had a great smile.......
E: Snorezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........
Z: (Shaking his head) Did she even listen to any of it? To think I wasted such an effort to cook up a half-decent story I thought she would like. (Thinks to himself) And strangely, that story just popped into my mind...
The night ends peacefully, with none of the tense atmosphere previously. And I am glad. Because I have finally rid myself temporarily of that moody cloud in time for tomorrow's quarter-final match, where Brazil and England meet for one of the most exciting matches in the FIFA World Cup 2002!! Stay tuned for more information. Oh, by the way, my prediction would be Brazil 2 : England 1 (Ronaldo 33rd minute, Rivaldo 60th minute, Beckham 65th minute.)
And then, let's not forget the old German sausage flavour. Germany is up against USA, and my scoreline would be Ger 1 : USA 0 (Klose at 55th min). My apologies to all USA football fans. I want to see if I'm such a jinx afterall. Surely, Egg Egg would want to see if she's such a jinx afterall. Tata.
June 21 2002 2233hrs (GMT +08:00)
Egg Egg waltzes into the room in delight.
Z: Were your predictions correct?
E: Perfectly! I only got the times and goal-scorers wrong. But I got Rivaldo right, though.
Z: See? I told you that you weren't at fault for Japan's loss.
E: (Face darkens) No. I was definitely the jinx for that match alone. I had spilt blood on that day, but not today.
Z: Here we go again. How many times do I have to tell you, that it has got nothing to do with you? This behaviour is soooo irrational.
E: Alright, Zell. I'll stop talking about it, but I will always know that it's true in my heart.
Z: Suit yourself. But come next World Cup, I'm sure you'll support them all over again, cos you love the Japanese.
E: Anyway....I came here to make another prediction for tomorrow's matches.
Senegal vs Turkey
Senegal 1 Turkey 1 at full-time plus extended time, no golden goal.
Then, Senegal wins on penalty kicks.
Senegal is more interesting, as it has shown such resilience, even though this is its first time at the World Cup. The fact that it defeated France has got something to say about its potential. And since they will be playing in Japan, I do not think that most of the spectators there will support Turkey, the opponent who kicked Japan out in the KO matches (I am so surprised at my even tone at this. Have I recovered? I hope so.)
Spain vs South Korea
Spain 1 : South Korea 0 (What a disturbing pattern that is. Just one goal, and they're satisfied.)
I would place my bet on Spain, whom I think are more talented and play more interesting football. Am I biased or ignorant? We'll see. Some may say that the homeground advantage for South Korea cannot be ignored, so vociferous are their fans. BUT. A big but. The homeground advantage was not enough for Japan, what makes you think it would be for the Koreans if they were unlucky? I, too, would like to see Asians emerge as victors, so that Asian football can etch a mark on the history of World football. But let's face it, when it comes to money, you would trust your mind rather than your heart, wouldn't you? That is the same case. Spain is what my mind says, and Korea is what my heart says. Let's see which is more accurate, then.
And that's it for tomorrow's matches. Let's rub with glee in anticipation of the semi-finals....I know I can't wait for them to come, now that there's nothing much at stake except for, perhaps, some Old German Sausage. You know, I'm picturing a final of Brazil vs Germany. What do you think? Hehehhee. Stay tuned.
Z: (Somewhere in the background) Hey, how come I get to say so little lines in this one? I demand to be heard!! It will be Turkey vs South Korea in the final!!
E: Zell, you're so totally off. That wouldn't even be possible. Now, go to sleep. I'm turning in too.
*Lights out.*
June 22 2002 2200 (GMT +08:00) (Hmmmm...lots of 2's and 0's)
Z: So.
E: So my predictions were wrong. So what? It just goes to say that you should follow your heart when making decisions. As for the Turkey match...haha. I remember proclaiming to a friend that if they didn't get into the finals to justify their win over Japan, I would curse them. They must have been really afraid of that curse. HAHAHHAHAHAH!!
Z: Yeah, yeah. It is all dependant on you.
E: No, it's just self-consolation on my part.
Z: (Strokes her head) It's okay. I understand.
E: As for the semi-finals, my mother made some predictions......
Z: Your mother watches football?!!
E: Naaah, she just predicts them based on her so-called common sense. Look at this:
E: England vs Brazil?
M(Mom): Brazil, because the English are such gentlemen. Brazilians are rougher.
E: Korea vs Italy?
M: Koreans, cos they are so fierce and so determined.
E: Korea vs Spain?
M: Still the Koreans.
E: Japan vs Turkey (Sob...anguish)
M: Turkey, cos they're bigger-sized and stronger.
E: Turkey vs Senegal?
M: Turkey, cos they are much better known as a nation than Senegal, right?
E: Japan vs Russia!! (Desperate for her to make a wrong prediction.)
M: Ermmmmmm.......Russia?
E: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! JAPANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!
E: Now, you see, even if some of the reasons are kind of warped, you can't deny the logic behind it. Five correct out of six is a great record, don't you think? So, below are the predictions she made for the semis:
E: Korea vs Germany?
M: Korea, still, because of the above reason.
E: In my heart, I agree with her, not just because of my Asian roots, but also, picture this in your mind. Germany's attacks are pretty rough, so imagine the BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOs in surround sound should they commit a foul, given the lung capacity and loudness of the Korean fans. That had already happened to a certain extent during the Germany vs USA match, when some US players were fouled. Increase that by hundred-fold, and you'll get the picture. If that doesn't affect performance, I don't know what will.
But my mind supports German sausage, cos they're pretty effective defensively and offensively. Every defender is able to shoot, and vice versa. So, let's just see if this is a case of heart presiding over the mind....hehehehhe. I'm not even trying to predict the score....it is rather difficult to do so in the semis, you know. (And it's rather difficult to choose between Kim-chi and German sausage. Both have distinctively different flavours, hah.)
As for Turkey vs Brazil, my mother said that the Brazilians will win, cos of the fact that they had more experience winning the World Cup, than Turkey. I agree with her on that, both my heart and mind. And let's not forget that Brazil beat Turkey when they were playing in the Group Matches. All we have to do is just wait and see if history repeats itself.
Z: Oh.
E: You know, I told my friend that if the Finals turned out to be Turkey vs South Korea, I would cut my hair short. This hair, which I had kept long for all of five years.
Z: Nooooooooo!! Don't do that, babe! I love to stroke your hair and try to feel its silkiness!! If you cut it off, I'll be very sad!
E: But you were the one who predicted that final!
Z: I wasn't making a serious prediction, I just made it out of fun to contradict you!!
E: (Jokingly) How about this? If your prediction comes true, I'll let you kiss me.
Z: (Eyes as round as eggs) Are you serious????!!!!!! You will?!!!!
E: (Uneasily) If you're right, that is. But I would think it would be highly unlikely.
Z: (Dejected) Oh.
E: Anyway, I have already decided on what to do after this World Cup comes to an end.
Z: What?
E: Prepare for the Euro Cup 2004, of course! And this time, my team will be France. Those poor guys would be wanting to save face after the setback they suffered during this WC. Plus, my favorite colour is blue!! I will definitely support them!!
Z: (Shocked) WHAT? You choose your team based on shirt colour? What kind of logic is that?!!
E: The kind of logic I run on.
Z: I'm afraid I can't really appreciate it.
E: Of course not. It's custom-made for my brain, and my brain only.
Z: (Shakes his head) You need some major help, girl.
E: Now, Zell. That reminds me. You haven't told me the ending of that fairy tale yet. I could only remember up to the part where the girl peeps through her fingers and realises how brilliant the boy-next-door's eyes were, and how nice his smile was.
Z: (Surprised) You still remember that story? I didn't think you had been listening. I'm not sure if you would like the ending, but here goes......
As the girl peeped at the boy-next-door through her slim fingers, the boy-next-door suddenly realised that he was being stared at by her. He blushed a bright red, and stammered that it was the Knight's loss for not realising how good the girl was.
The girl smiled at him with sparkling eyes, and thanked him for his high opinion of her.
"You don't need to thank me. It is true, you know." The boy replied, still avoiding to look her in the eye, so shy that he was.
The girl was cheeky. She purposely wanted to catch his eye by placing herself in his line of vision. Her intention was not to tease him, but to show him that she was interested in him as well.
However, in the process of trying to catch his eye, the girl lost her balance and was about to trip and fall to the ground, if it had not been for the restraining arms of the boy.
He caught her in his arms to break her fall. She gazed into his eyes, and him into hers. Time seemed to stand still as they stared at each other.
Unable to restraint his longing for her, the boy planted a kiss on the girl's lips.
The girl was delighted, and held the boy closer to herself by enclosing her arms around his neck.
The girl and the boy lived happily ever after in lala land, and loved each other till the end even when they were both fat and wrinkled, and had heaps of grandchildren. They often told their love story to their children, and grandchildren as a bedtime story when they were small. And it always brought peaceful smiles onto their little faces as they slept, after listening to the beautiful story.
E: Zell......that was the most touching thing I have ever heard in my whole life!!
Z: (Scratched his head) I'm glad you liked it.
E: LIKED IT? LIKED IT? I LOVE IT!! ZELL!! Thank you! Thank you for this story! I will treasure it forever.
Z: There's a hint behind this story.
E: (Puzzled) What kind of hint?
Z: It's okay, not of great importance.
E: Zell, we shouldn't have any secrets between us!!
Z: No, it was my mistake. There isn't anything behind it at all. I said it just to make conversation.
E: I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU!! Let me tell you, I will try to dig it out of you, if that's the last thing I do!
Z: How can you not believe me? What good would it do to me if I lie to you? (Pang in heart) Sorry, Egg Egg, but I have to lie to you. You must find out the hint by yourself, or there would be no meaning in it.
E: I'll let you off just for today. But starting from tomorrow, I'll be badgering you until you let it out, you hear?
Z: Yes, yes. Anything you say, babe. You'll be back on Tuesday after the matches, right? To comment on your predictions?
E: You bet. You can just smell the anticipation in the air as it narrows down to just four teams. Yippeeayayee!!!
*Close curtains, for now*
......
The Yisheigai Intro
The Cursed Living Doll
The Storyteller's Tent
The Virtual Diary with Zell Intro
Part VI - Shattering of the Japanese Dream and Egg Egg's idolization
Part VIII - The World Cup Closes its Curtains
The Zell and Hidetoshi Nakata Pictures
