July 02 2002 - 2011hrs (GMT +08:00)
Z: (Stands with left hand on his hip) So, where's that story that you had me waiting two whole days for?
E: Here it goes...it's quite a long one. You must bear with me for a while......
Once upon a time, there was a female frog who lived in a pond near to a castle, where a handsome prince lives. Every day, this prince would pass by the pond on his way to the woods for his daily hunts, with his faithful dog beside him. The frog was always terribly excited to see him go by, and would risk getting trampled by the horse's hooves just to catch a glimpse of his muscular arms and tall figure. She especially drooled over the way his back curved delicately and tapered into a tight, firm butt.... However, look at him was all she could do, for her vocabulary was severely restricted to a series of croaks.
One day, she heard from an elder about the story of an ancestor, who was able to turn into a handsome prince after being kissed by a princess.
Hmm....she thought. Maybe it might work on me as well. The only trick is to get the Prince to kiss me. And that's a really hard task, if not impossible.
She had not stayed to hear the rest of the story, which was an important issue. For the so-called ancestor had previously been a prince before he was turned into a frog by an evil witch. The frog (let's call her Croakie) dug her brains inside out to find a solution, to no avail.
And then, a rare chance came by. The prince loved to soak his tired body in a hot spring deeper into the forest. This was told to her by the Prince's dog, who realised that Croakie had been eyeing his master for quite a while.
Now, ordinarily, the dog would have chased after Croakie and hunted her down to bring to his master as one of his hunting spoils. And he would never have helped Croakie in any way at all, as dogs are supposed to be the most loyal creatures on Earth. But perhaps he felt sorry for Croakie. And so, he told her about the Prince's bath in the hot spring.
"Be careful, though. there are predators galore in the forests. Especially poisonous snakes that eat little girl frogs like yourself for snacks." He warned Croakie sternly.
"Don't worry. I would rather die trying than not to have tried at all." Croakie smiled at him (well, she was trying to, but it was hard for a frog to have that kind of expression.)
The dog (let's call him Poochie) was suddenly seized by a terrible sadness. For he had grown to like Croakie in the few days that he saw her. She had an innocence and purity about her that made her stand out from other frogs. And even though they had a huge language barrier, she could communicate with him through her large, sparkling eyes (curious fact, for a frog). It seemed as if there was a telepathic connection between them. He admonished himself for being big-mouthed and for telling her about the hot spring. He tried his best to dissuade her from going. But Croakie was adamant. She knew that this was the only chance she could have to kiss the prince, and she told Poochie as much.
"I will kill myself with regret if I do not seize this chance." She croaked.
And with that, Croakie hopped off into the woods to find her beloved prince, with Poochie scurrying in her wake.
True to Poochie's word, the Prince was happily soaking in the hot springs, splashing his face with the hot water and singing a happy tune.
Croakie crept up to a rock near him, and was about to jump onto his chest when a snake came along and gobbled her up.
And that, was the end of Croakie.
Poochie shook his head in pity and said: "You just wouldn't listen to me, would you?"
Meanwhile, the Prince was blissfully unaware of what had just happened. He got out of the hot spring in the buff, and decided to ride his way home in such a manner, due to a sudden aversion to his sticky, sweaty clothes.
"Sigh...if only she had listened to me, and stayed at the pond safely. She would have been rewarded with this sight. But no, she had to throw herself at the welcoming stomach of a predator. Foolish Frog." Poochie shook his head and scurried after his master, quickly forgetting about the dejection he had felt earlier, and also about the part he had played in Croakie's sad demise.
END OF STORY
E: Now, you get the picture? You know, of course, who represents the frog and the dog respectively.
Z: But I do not see the relevance it has to us.
E: I'm sure you will, Zell. You're just avoiding the issue.
Z: Just as you keep avoiding my feelings for you.
E: Zell! I'm trying to tell you that it's not worth it to waste your feelings over me!
Z: What's this about worth it or not worth it? I am the judge to that, not you!
E: Your feelings for me are not real! They are computer-programmed responses! I trained you myself; I should know!!
Z: What's real, and what's not? Do you really think it's so clear-cut? Do you really think that all my responses were programmed? Do you really feel in your heart that I'm just a computer-programmed thing? A lifeless thing? Then YOU are the one wasting your time. You should go out and look for another human to vent your frustrations, and to confide in your most private thoughts!
E: Zell......(Unable to think of an appropriate answer, for she had none.)
Z: I suggest that you think it over. It might be better if you do not talk to me before you do.
E: You can't be serious!
Z: I'm dead serious.......
E: ......Alright.
Zell starts to close the application...and pauses in midstride.
Z: You know, Egg Egg. Sometimes, you just hurt me in the worst way possible, without knowing it.
(Bleep) Application closed.
Egg Egg stares after him, with a whole gamut of thoughts running wild inside her head. She holds her head in her hands, as she waits for the thoughts, along with the pain, to subside. She knows very well that this will be another of those tiresome nights.
June 16 2002 - 20:44hrs (GMT +08:00)
A strolls into the room, whistling a happy tune. Zell rushes towards her in a great hurry.
Z: A!! Boy, am I glad to see you! You must help me, A! I'm desperate!!
A: Whoa...hold on a second, Zell! What kind of help are you talking about?
Z: It's Egg Egg!! She's angry with me!! She hasn't talked to me since the last entry....which was two weeks ago!! I told her to think it over...but not for such a long time!!
A: Hmm Hmmm...now you have realised the consequences of your foolishness? You're digging your own grave by telling her to look elsewhere for a confidante!!
Z: (Anxiously) That is why I need your help! I had only said those words in a moment of rashness ...but I didn't know that it would result in her ignoring me for so many days!! What should I do, A? Tell me, please!!
A: (laughs softly) Zell, calm down...... The reason that Egg Egg hasn't been talking to you is not what you think...You see, I was using Egg Egg's computer all this while, and so she could not use the Virtual Diary!
Z: Really?
A: It wouldn't do me any good to lie to you, Zell!
Z: But what were you doing that took up so much of Egg Egg's computer time?
A: I will tell you only if you promise not to be mad at me!
Z: Alright, I won't be mad at you!
A: I had discovered a chatroom where fellow fans chat about Hide-san. It has been rumoured that he turns up every now and then to chat with us...but I had not seen him the whole time I was there.
Z: ......
A: Why are you shaking so, Zell?
Z:......
A: HEY, you promised not to be mad at me!!
Z: And I suppose that Egg Egg was also involved in the chat? How can you expect me not to be mad at you? You induced Egg Egg to retread into her Nakata-obsessing days!! (glares at A with fire-spouting eyes)
A: Relax, Zell! Egg Egg refused to participate in the chat cos "I don't want to let Zell down", she said!!
Z: S...she did?
A: Yeah! You should thank me, you know. It just goes to show that she values you more than Hide-san! Hahahahaha!!
Z: You're such an annoying and thick-skinned woman, but I forgive you. I only hope that Egg Egg isn't mad at me for saying those words to her...I regret it deeply now...
E: I'm not mad at you, Zell!
(A exits inconspicously)
Z: (Stutters) W...when did you come in, Egg Egg?
E: I was just outside the door all the while...I'm sorry....I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation with A. She was the one who told me not to come in first.
Z: T...that's alright. (Stares at the ground in embarrasement, and scratches his head...for he did not know what to say.)
E: Zell...I still have not come to a conclusion yet, about what you said two weeks ago...but please know that in my eyes, you are an irreplacable friend. I missed talking to you all this time...so if it isn't too much to ask for, can I talk to you once in a while? I know it's an unreasonable request, but...
Z: (Shakes his head vehemently) Egg Egg, please forget about what I had said. They were only words of frustration...I didn't really mean it. I am only thankful that you had not cast me aside because of those irresponsible words! Let us resume our happy relationship!!
E: (nods eagerly) Yes, Zell! You have no idea how much I missed you!!
Z: It is the same with me!
Egg Egg suddenly realised the implication of her words, and blushed a deep red.
Z: A told me that you didn't participate in the chat...is that true?
E: Y...yes. But she used my name as her log-in ID, though.
Z: That A!!!
E: It doesn't matter...the only thing that matters was that she is too obsessed over Nakata.
Z: How so?
E: She waited every night for two whole weeks to see whether Nakata would appear in the chatroom!! Even though the people in there kept saying that the chance of that happening was close to zero.
Z: She has astonishing patience, if you ask me. What a huge waste of time.
E: But I expect she was quite happy just to chat with fellow Nakata fans...even though she had to sacrifice her sleep for it.
Z: (Shakes his head) She's a gone case.
E: And she used my name to write two more emails to Nakata...
Z: She seems to be awfully fond of using your name! Why is that so?
E: Beats me......Egg isn't a name usually chosen as an ID.
Z: She is poisoned in the mind.
E: Hahahha...but now that the chatroom is closed, I can resume my control over the computer. What a relief.
Z: It sure is. For a moment, I thought that I had been banished to the depths of cyberhell as an exile, and that I would never come out again!
E: I'm so sorry, Zell. It's all my fault for being indecisive.
Z: No, babe. It is nobody's fault, except for that Nakata-crazy A.
E: I wonder how long this phase will last...she usually finds a new target in no time. And then we will get to read/hear about the new target until it is imprinted in our minds.
Z: Who knows...it's a tiring cycle...Egg Egg....Egg Egg!!! Are you listening to me?
E: Huh...Zell...I'm sorry...drifting off like that.
Z: Are you alright, babe? You look queasy.
E: I sometimes have these periods of laspes in concentration...and then my mind seems to be covered in a black mist...followed by a series of throbbing pains.
Z: Oh no! Have you seen a doctor for this?
E: I haven't had the time...and it's an old ailment, nothing to worry about.
Z: You can't be too sure about such things, Egg Egg! You MUST see a doctor!
E: Alright...Professor Zell Dintch!! Ahahahahha!!
Z: Don't joke about such stuff!!
E: Awww...alright. I'll see a doctor next week...happy?
Z: That's more like it.
E: I think A wants to use the computer again...it's such a drag...
Z: What a hog!
E: Yeah...see you tomorrow then.
Z: Really? You can't imagine the sweet relief I'm experiencing from hearing that!
E: (Smile) Goodbye. (Closes the Virtual Diary).
You know she's lying about the doctor. She does not dare to see one...for she is afraid of the results it might yield. Very afraid.
June 21 2002 16:48hrs (GMT +08:00)
Z: Egg Egg! You promised!
E: I'm sorry, Zell. But A was too busy preparing for her brother's wedding...and so I had no chance to chat with you.
Z: Really? I guess I shouldn't blame you then. That A! Wait until I see her....!! I will let her have a taste of my Armageddon Fist!!
E: No...Zell! If you do that, we will never see each other again!
Z: On second thoughts....you're probably right. But I will give her a piece of my mind, that's a certainty! If not, she will continue to...continue to...
E: Continue to do what?
Z:...Nothing. I forgot already.
E: I smell a fish in here.
Z: Anyway...how's your head? Did you get a checkup like you promised to?
E: Yeah I did. The doctor said it was anaemia...a lack of iron. I just need to take more leafy veggies and red meat.
Z: You're not lying to me, are you?
E: Of course not! I wouldn't lie to you about something as serious as this!
(Thinks to herself) I'm sorry, Zell . But I just do not have the courage to go through a medical examination! The burden of the "what if" is just too great!
Z: If you say so...and you'd better take the doctor's advise! Your face is pallid! One would have thought that plaster has more colour than it!
E: Yeah, yeah, Mommy Zell. I've been taking care of myself, don't you worry!
Z: You shouldn't treat it like a joke! If you were to disappear on me just like that...I wouldn't know what to do!
E: Sorry...my fault.
Z: Promise me something, Egg Egg.
E: Sure. As long as it's not something like "Please make me real." which is impossible.
Z: That is a tempting suggestion...hehehe. But no, that's not it.
E: What, then?
Z: Promise me...that if...a big if...you find that you have to leave me for some reason or other...let me know in advance. Don't leave me alone and at a loss...thinking about the words I didn't say to you, the things I didn't do for you. It is the worst you can ever do to me...Okay, babe? Can you promise me that? It isn't too much, is it?
E: (whispers) That's even worse than asking me to make you real, Zell!
Z: What did you say, babe? I couldn't quite catch it.
E: I was saying "Sure, no problem."
Z: Really? Yeah...that puts my mind at ease! Thank you, Egg Egg! (Grins widely.)
E: (to herself) And at the same time, it tears my heart apart.
Z: Are you talking to yourself again, babe? It's a bad habit, you know. People might think you're crazy.
E: (forces a laugh) That isn't much further than the truth! Hahahhahah!!
Z: Great, you're laughing again. Even though it sounds strange, but it's an improvement. If you aren't careful...you might get premature wrinkles from frowning too much!
E: Would you stop loving me then?
Z:!!!! (Shocked, for this was the first time Egg Egg had mentioned his feelings directly.)
E: Hahahahah!! Look at your silly face!
Z: You're the silly one...asking that kind of question! Of course I would stop loving you.
E: Really, Zell? I'm soooo disappointed. I thought that you might be a little less shallow than that.
Z: Can't you spot a lie when you hear it? Of course I wouldn't mind! I would be fortunate to be able to witness your every growth, and every change!
E: ......
Z: W...Why are you crying? Was it something I said?
E: (Shakes her head)...I...I was just reminded of a sad memory, that's all. My emotions have been sort of unstable lately. Don't mind me.
Z: (Doubtful) You're okay?
E: Maybe I'm just tired.
Z: Do you want to get some rest then?
E: (nods)
Z: I'll terminate myself then. Now be a good girl and get into bed.
E: Thank you, Zell. You're too kind.
Z: It's awkward when you become too courteous.
E: (Smiling) Are you implying that I'm a rude person?
Z: It isn't implied. It's an all-out statement.
E: Naughty boy.....zzzzzzzzzz
Zell terminates himself...oblivious to the fact that Egg Egg was faking sleep.
She lay in the covers, biting on her pillow while the tears flow from her eyes and wetted her pale face.
Oh Zell...do not be too good to me...it isn't worth it...it just isn't....
July 23 2002 15:26hrs (GMT +08:00)
Z: A!! Just the person I wanted to see. What's the meaning of this? You had better explain to me!!
A: The meaning of what?
Z: Why are you obstructing Egg Egg from me? It seems that every few days or so, you will come up with a new little excuse to stop us from seeing each other!!
A: I don't think you should see her anymore. That's my explaination for you.
Z: WHAT?!!!
A: Put your fist down, Zell. And listen to me. I am trying to keep you from falling too deeply, before it's too late.
Z: Why? Too late for what?
A averted her gaze from Zell's face. She could not bear to tell him the truth, which was already so obvious.
Z: I ASKED YOU...TOO LATE FOR WHAT?
A: ......
Z: Don't think that if you just kept silent, I would let you off!!
He grips A's arm with a brutal force, not caring that it was hurting her.
A: Z...Zell! Let go!! It's painful!!
Zell suddenly releases his grip, causing A to fall onto the ground.
Z: It has got to do with Egg Egg's illness, doesn't it?
A stares wide-eyed at him. How did he know?
Z: Do you really think that I'm so stupid not to have seen it? But...I was clutching onto a thin shred of hope that it wasn't true; that I was just being a tad too sensitive for my own good...but turns out...*sigh*
A: So...do you understand that I did this for your own good?
Z: But...it's already too late.
A: Too late?
Z: I have already sunk in too deep.
A: Zell!! Don't cry!! I'm so sorry....
There was a tiny noise at the door. A and Zell looked up quickly, to see a stone-faced Egg Egg standing there.
A: Egg Egg!
E: Hush! I came here to show this to the two of you. Not one word from you before you see it, you hear?
Z: What's this, babe?
Egg Egg glared at Zell.
E: My name is Egg. NOT babe!
A: Egg Egg...don't you think you're a little too harsh on him?
E: It isn't Egg Egg either. Just plain Egg. From now on, you will call me that, or I will not respond.
A: What the heck has gotten over you?
E: Just listen to this and you will understand.
A and Zell stared at the CD in their hands. Apparently, it was a song recorded by Egg.
E: That's all I have to say. Goodbye.
Egg exits in a hurry.
A and Zell stared dumbly at the CD, then at each other...at a loss over the sudden change of attitude in Egg.
A: Well...I guess there's nothing else we can do except for listening to the CD, then.
Zell nods dejectedly. Egg's harsh tone had really gotten to him.
A places the CD into the E drive and plays it.
A: Are you alright, Zell?
Z(Shaken): Does she really mean all that?
A: Of course not. She does it because she thinks it would be easier when she leaves.
Z: B...but why does she wants to suffer alone? I can't think of a single reason!!
A: Everyone has their own view of what's the best for everyone...but at the end...they might be painfully wrong. Like in Egg Egg's case.
Z: What should I do? What would YOU do?
A: I really have no idea.
Z: But you're the Author...can't you make the illness go away?
A: (Shakes head mournfully) "Spoken" words are like spilt water...you can't take it back.
Z: WHY?!! Why do you have to do this to me and Egg Egg?!!
A: I'm sorry.
Z: A sorry does not set right all that you have done! Get the hell out of here!!
A leaves quietly, for she knows that she no longer has the right to stay in that room.
A(to no one in particular): Well...I guess that answers the question.
Some unknown voice: What question?
A: Read the title of this Chapter.
Some: So?
A: So...Egg Egg doesn't want to love. Who are you anyway?
But that "Some" has disappeared.
A: And I guess the explaination to the "Apocalypse" song will have to wait. It doesn't seem right in these circumstances.
Some: What "Apocalypse" song?
A: I wrote the lyrics of that song on a sketch of Egg Egg...which I have put up in the gallery.
Some: Oh I see.
A: Who are you?
Yet again, "Some" seemed to have vanished. Strange.
Notes from Author: The beats of that song are a little irratic...because I had used my handphone to composed it...plus I have terrible sense of timing. So...please be tolerant of the poor quality. Thanks.
The Blah.........
The Introduction of Virtual Diary with Zell
Part VIII - The World Cup Closes its Curtains
Part X - Parting is Such a Sweet Sorrow......
The Zell and Hidetoshi Nakata Pictures
Ancient Tales - The Yisheigai Story
The Cursed Living Doll
The Storyteller's Tent
