Monday, November 27, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
The World Express (Snippet)
"So..." said Rafe as he ran his slender fingers along the silver lining on one of the carriages, "Where does this train go again?"
Bobbin tucked his hands into his pockets and paced down the tracks, examining the copper coloured wheels. "Well according to the books I’ve read, it travels between our world and theirs. And further on down the line...a place worse than ours." he replied.
"So it's like their world is on one end of the pole, the other on the opposite, and ours right in the middle?"
"Apparently so. The train enters at the Bermuda triangle and exits at the devil's triangle near Japan. Bringing day and night to the lands in its wake or vice versa. Or so the legend says of course."
Bobbin pulled out a box of matches and a cigarette from his pockets and lit it. The orange embers at the end of the stick was clearly visible in the dim lighting of the warehouse. "I suppose this could very well be that train that Orion depicts in his books." he said, tucking the matchbox back into the side pocket of his corduroy trousers.
"I've always wondered why there were tracks leading into this warehouse. Still, how can you be sure?" said Rafe as he continued examining and touching he train's carriages.
"I’m not." he replied as exhaled a fog of smoke into the dry air.
"Well can we ride it to see where it goes then?"
"Unfortunately that is out of the question young man."
“What? Why? We can’t just leave the mystery hanging when it’s right here in our hands.” Rafe questioned as he turned around again.
“You have to consider the dangers Rafe. Let’s say this is the world express. The Bermuda and Devil’s triangle are unexplained phenomena.” Bobbin explained, putting out his cigarette on the ground, “We don’t know what could happen if we enter into either. Those that were believed to have flow or sailed into either disappeared and were never heard of again! Who knows what could happen if we rode it.”
“I have nothing to lose…” said Rafe, his eyes looking downward with a kind of brief sadness, “I have no family. No friends. The last person that ever cared for me has left me for dead. I’m about ready to take chances into the unexplained.”
Bobbin shook his head and sighed, “As your legal guardian I forbid you from stepping onto that train. Besides, it could be just an abandoned train recently moved here. It’s probably not even the fabled world express.”
“Funny. Just a second ago you spoke of it as if you knew the legend was true.” Rafe replied, looking at Bobbin who quickly averted his eyes, “Why would you object to it if you were so sure it was a myth?”
Bobbin quickly lit another cigarette and inhaled another lungful of smoke. “We’re leaving now Rafe. It’s too late for boys your age to be out tampering with the otherworldly.”
“You didn’t answer the question!” Rafe exclaimed in frustration, “You believe that the world express is real too don’t you?”
“I don’t know where you got your questioning mind from. Come on, we’re leaving.” Bobbin grabbed Rafe by the sleeve and pulled him along.
“Stop changing the subject Bobbin!” he retorted, escaping Bobbin’s grip, “You know this is the world express don’t you?”
“I never said I believed in such a fairy tale.”
“But you never said you didn’t”
Bobbin stared at the darkness above one of the windows on a train carriage, “You’re right. I do believe in it. Ever since I was your age. But I never dared to ride it.”
“Why not?” Rafe asked as he started to calm down.
“Just simply because it is difficult to accept something into reality when it has been fantasy for as long as you can remember.” He replied as he took the lamp on the ground beside him, “How old are you Rafe?”
“Seventeen. Thought you would know that by now.” He replied, puzzled by the question.
“I guess it would be fine to show you part of the reality now.”
Bobbin took the lamp and walked up to the train carriage. Holding the oil lamp over his head, he waved it around, looking for an exact spot and then, as if the lamp itself had etched the words into the oak panels of the carriage, golden engravings glinted in the dim glow of the lamp. Old but still exquisite, the gold words read “World Express”.
Bobbin tucked his hands into his pockets and paced down the tracks, examining the copper coloured wheels. "Well according to the books I’ve read, it travels between our world and theirs. And further on down the line...a place worse than ours." he replied.
"So it's like their world is on one end of the pole, the other on the opposite, and ours right in the middle?"
"Apparently so. The train enters at the Bermuda triangle and exits at the devil's triangle near Japan. Bringing day and night to the lands in its wake or vice versa. Or so the legend says of course."
Bobbin pulled out a box of matches and a cigarette from his pockets and lit it. The orange embers at the end of the stick was clearly visible in the dim lighting of the warehouse. "I suppose this could very well be that train that Orion depicts in his books." he said, tucking the matchbox back into the side pocket of his corduroy trousers.
"I've always wondered why there were tracks leading into this warehouse. Still, how can you be sure?" said Rafe as he continued examining and touching he train's carriages.
"I’m not." he replied as exhaled a fog of smoke into the dry air.
"Well can we ride it to see where it goes then?"
"Unfortunately that is out of the question young man."
“What? Why? We can’t just leave the mystery hanging when it’s right here in our hands.” Rafe questioned as he turned around again.
“You have to consider the dangers Rafe. Let’s say this is the world express. The Bermuda and Devil’s triangle are unexplained phenomena.” Bobbin explained, putting out his cigarette on the ground, “We don’t know what could happen if we enter into either. Those that were believed to have flow or sailed into either disappeared and were never heard of again! Who knows what could happen if we rode it.”
“I have nothing to lose…” said Rafe, his eyes looking downward with a kind of brief sadness, “I have no family. No friends. The last person that ever cared for me has left me for dead. I’m about ready to take chances into the unexplained.”
Bobbin shook his head and sighed, “As your legal guardian I forbid you from stepping onto that train. Besides, it could be just an abandoned train recently moved here. It’s probably not even the fabled world express.”
“Funny. Just a second ago you spoke of it as if you knew the legend was true.” Rafe replied, looking at Bobbin who quickly averted his eyes, “Why would you object to it if you were so sure it was a myth?”
Bobbin quickly lit another cigarette and inhaled another lungful of smoke. “We’re leaving now Rafe. It’s too late for boys your age to be out tampering with the otherworldly.”
“You didn’t answer the question!” Rafe exclaimed in frustration, “You believe that the world express is real too don’t you?”
“I don’t know where you got your questioning mind from. Come on, we’re leaving.” Bobbin grabbed Rafe by the sleeve and pulled him along.
“Stop changing the subject Bobbin!” he retorted, escaping Bobbin’s grip, “You know this is the world express don’t you?”
“I never said I believed in such a fairy tale.”
“But you never said you didn’t”
Bobbin stared at the darkness above one of the windows on a train carriage, “You’re right. I do believe in it. Ever since I was your age. But I never dared to ride it.”
“Why not?” Rafe asked as he started to calm down.
“Just simply because it is difficult to accept something into reality when it has been fantasy for as long as you can remember.” He replied as he took the lamp on the ground beside him, “How old are you Rafe?”
“Seventeen. Thought you would know that by now.” He replied, puzzled by the question.
“I guess it would be fine to show you part of the reality now.”
Bobbin took the lamp and walked up to the train carriage. Holding the oil lamp over his head, he waved it around, looking for an exact spot and then, as if the lamp itself had etched the words into the oak panels of the carriage, golden engravings glinted in the dim glow of the lamp. Old but still exquisite, the gold words read “World Express”.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
When we last left off, our heroes were in Agenericmedievalinnstylerestaurant having their lunch with their newfound friend Shane. What they didn't know was that evil was afoot.
Gordon: -so I cast firaga and everything around me exploded into a fireball of death!
Shane: Very interesting. Now shut up and eat your food!
Gordon: Assmonkey.
Shane: What?
Gordon: I said these brass monkeys are awfully intricate.
Shane: What brass monkeys? (Looks back and Gordon had reappeared at the other table.)
Kyle: So Shane what's your story?
Shane: Well I was brought up by my millionaire parents but decided to leave home to make my fortune!
Samuel: No offense dude but you're a shoe shine boy.
Shane: And?
Kurt: And your parents were millionaires.
Shane: So?
Kyle: So you walked away from millions of dollars! To do what? Shine shoes?
Shane: Your point being?
Everyone stares at him for a second and then start eating again.
Kyle: Anyway...how did our adventure start again?
Samuel: Well techincally we weren't doing anything and then Kurt's airship crashed and we're suddenly on a journey to some unknown destination.
Kurt: Meh. Suits me. I'm in for an adventure. Tired of the boring life I lead in the army.
Kyle: The army is for the dogs!
A soldier from the royal army happened to be sitting nearby and heard Kyle's foolish outburst.
SoldierDude: You take that back you young punk!
Kyle: But it's true!
SoldierDude: I've served in this army for 15 years and you're insulting the very service i devote my life to!?
Kyle: Yeah i suppose i am.
SoldierDude: I ought to kick your ass! (Throws a dagger at Kyle.)
The dagger flies through the air and lands in Samuel's soup.
Kyle: Bet the army taught you how to throw knives too eh?
A slam of the table is heard and a hush falls throughout the restaurant. The dagger now sticking into the wooden table and Samuel stands up.
Samuel: You have violated my eating space. You will pay for what you have done!
SoldierDude: Oh? And what are you going to do skeletor?
Samuel: Prepare for the utmost humiliation.
A green light pulsed throughout the restaurant for half a second followed by a sound that was similar to heartbeat.
SoldierDude: Is this the part where I'm supposed to feel some-Oh crap! (Realizes that his pants are down.)
The entire Restaurant bursts into rapturous laughter as the Soldier's pink undergarments are exposed.
Gordon: Wahahahah! Are those issued by the squadron?
Kurt: Have some self respect man!
Shane: That's a crazy looking pair of underpants.
SoldierDude: Shut up! All of you! Who says a man can't wear pink huh?
Kyle: Well, actually it says right here in this book that should a man wear pink he is to be punished by eating of brussel sprouts.
SoldierDude: (Gasps) Not brussel sprouts! (Gets taken away by two burly lawmen.) I'll be back on the streets by dinnertime you pieces of shi-
Gordon: Shitake mushrooms please. Oh and a little more soba.
Kyle: Whoa Samuel that was awesome. Where'd you learn to do that?
Samuel: I dunno. But that way cool. Everything suddenly became slow motion and I was moving in real time and i had the amazing power to pull down his pants even though it was buckled up tight.
Gordon: Coooooool...
Kurt: Okay so we got someone who spits alot and someone who can pull down people's pants. What good is that?
Shane: Who knows? Might come in handy.
Man In black suit: There they are! Get them!
Six men in black suits charge at the five of them. The same heart beat noise is heard and the pulse of green light illuminates the restaurant and in the next instant the six men are knocked out unconscious having tripped on their own trousers.
Kyle: Look out Shane theres one behind you!
A seventh man in a black suit tries to grab shane but he spits at him with such power that he is pinned gto the wall in a webbing of saliva.
Gordon: Reminds me of the alien series. Cool.
Kurt: Well that proves that you guys are worth something. Check please!
They pay for their meal and leave the restaurant,leaving everyone there bewildered with six men unconscious and one trapped in a disgusting sticky trap.
Kyle: So who do you think those guys were?
Samuel: Dunno. Some dudes from the government maybe.
Gordon: You mean the king.
Samuel: Right. I forgot democracy hasn't taken effect yet...
Kurt: But what would the king want with us?
Kyle: Well for one we kinda destroyed the plateau a while ago.
Kurt: Oh yeah. But nahh can't be that simple.
Shane: Oh well. Only one thing to do.
Samuel: What's that?
Shane: Go on a meaningless adventure where we battle unknown bad guys till we find the king!
Kyle: Works for me!
Gordon: I'm a level 60 black mage. It should be fine.
Kurt: Okay but i'm stopping buy lunatic lucy's airship department I'm tired of walking damnit!
To be continued
Gordon: -so I cast firaga and everything around me exploded into a fireball of death!
Shane: Very interesting. Now shut up and eat your food!
Gordon: Assmonkey.
Shane: What?
Gordon: I said these brass monkeys are awfully intricate.
Shane: What brass monkeys? (Looks back and Gordon had reappeared at the other table.)
Kyle: So Shane what's your story?
Shane: Well I was brought up by my millionaire parents but decided to leave home to make my fortune!
Samuel: No offense dude but you're a shoe shine boy.
Shane: And?
Kurt: And your parents were millionaires.
Shane: So?
Kyle: So you walked away from millions of dollars! To do what? Shine shoes?
Shane: Your point being?
Everyone stares at him for a second and then start eating again.
Kyle: Anyway...how did our adventure start again?
Samuel: Well techincally we weren't doing anything and then Kurt's airship crashed and we're suddenly on a journey to some unknown destination.
Kurt: Meh. Suits me. I'm in for an adventure. Tired of the boring life I lead in the army.
Kyle: The army is for the dogs!
A soldier from the royal army happened to be sitting nearby and heard Kyle's foolish outburst.
SoldierDude: You take that back you young punk!
Kyle: But it's true!
SoldierDude: I've served in this army for 15 years and you're insulting the very service i devote my life to!?
Kyle: Yeah i suppose i am.
SoldierDude: I ought to kick your ass! (Throws a dagger at Kyle.)
The dagger flies through the air and lands in Samuel's soup.
Kyle: Bet the army taught you how to throw knives too eh?
A slam of the table is heard and a hush falls throughout the restaurant. The dagger now sticking into the wooden table and Samuel stands up.
Samuel: You have violated my eating space. You will pay for what you have done!
SoldierDude: Oh? And what are you going to do skeletor?
Samuel: Prepare for the utmost humiliation.
A green light pulsed throughout the restaurant for half a second followed by a sound that was similar to heartbeat.
SoldierDude: Is this the part where I'm supposed to feel some-Oh crap! (Realizes that his pants are down.)
The entire Restaurant bursts into rapturous laughter as the Soldier's pink undergarments are exposed.
Gordon: Wahahahah! Are those issued by the squadron?
Kurt: Have some self respect man!
Shane: That's a crazy looking pair of underpants.
SoldierDude: Shut up! All of you! Who says a man can't wear pink huh?
Kyle: Well, actually it says right here in this book that should a man wear pink he is to be punished by eating of brussel sprouts.
SoldierDude: (Gasps) Not brussel sprouts! (Gets taken away by two burly lawmen.) I'll be back on the streets by dinnertime you pieces of shi-
Gordon: Shitake mushrooms please. Oh and a little more soba.
Kyle: Whoa Samuel that was awesome. Where'd you learn to do that?
Samuel: I dunno. But that way cool. Everything suddenly became slow motion and I was moving in real time and i had the amazing power to pull down his pants even though it was buckled up tight.
Gordon: Coooooool...
Kurt: Okay so we got someone who spits alot and someone who can pull down people's pants. What good is that?
Shane: Who knows? Might come in handy.
Man In black suit: There they are! Get them!
Six men in black suits charge at the five of them. The same heart beat noise is heard and the pulse of green light illuminates the restaurant and in the next instant the six men are knocked out unconscious having tripped on their own trousers.
Kyle: Look out Shane theres one behind you!
A seventh man in a black suit tries to grab shane but he spits at him with such power that he is pinned gto the wall in a webbing of saliva.
Gordon: Reminds me of the alien series. Cool.
Kurt: Well that proves that you guys are worth something. Check please!
They pay for their meal and leave the restaurant,leaving everyone there bewildered with six men unconscious and one trapped in a disgusting sticky trap.
Kyle: So who do you think those guys were?
Samuel: Dunno. Some dudes from the government maybe.
Gordon: You mean the king.
Samuel: Right. I forgot democracy hasn't taken effect yet...
Kurt: But what would the king want with us?
Kyle: Well for one we kinda destroyed the plateau a while ago.
Kurt: Oh yeah. But nahh can't be that simple.
Shane: Oh well. Only one thing to do.
Samuel: What's that?
Shane: Go on a meaningless adventure where we battle unknown bad guys till we find the king!
Kyle: Works for me!
Gordon: I'm a level 60 black mage. It should be fine.
Kurt: Okay but i'm stopping buy lunatic lucy's airship department I'm tired of walking damnit!
To be continued
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Super Crazy Stories
A continuation of Kyle's random stories.
So as we last left off, our heroes were in the La' Theine Plateau hunting out an old geezer that fled from the scene of the ominous marshmallow. Gordon however being a level 60 black mage wiped out the entire map with his Firaga spell and they are now left in a charred wasteland.
Kurt: Well, look on the bright side. The marshmallow's not overdone.
Kyle: I know they're called Area of Effect spells but this is crazy.
Samuel: So uhh....what do we do now?
Gordon: Well technically if we zone out of the map and re-zone in, the place will be back to normal. Just like every video game in history.
Kurt: Forget about it! Let's go to the nearest town and get some lunch.
Kyle: I'm famished.
Samuel: Yeah me too I vote for lunch.
Gordon: Hey whatever happened to those guys with the viking helmets and stuff?
Samuel: Oh you mean the four horsemen? (Whispers) I think the writer plum forgot about them and just cut them out.
Gordon: Ah I see...lazy jackass..
Suddenly, out from nowhere comes a giant blinking black line.
Kurt: What the hell is this thing?
Kyle: Run! It's a backspace line! The writer must've heard us!
The line moves towards them as they bolt for the nearest zone, clearing out everything in it's path.
Gordon: Geez what a sour grape.
The four of them find themselves in the town of Airwickaroma. The smelliest town in all the 42 kingdoms.
Kurt: Phew. Good thing for my sinuses. I can't smell anything.
Gordon: Actually the smell kind of reminds me of french toast.
Kyle: Yeah, french toast dipped in sh-
Samuel: Shoe shine, only 1 dollar, happy best lucky wish wash?
Boy: Yes thats the name of our company! What can i do you for?
Gordon: I don't suppose you're from Japan?
Boy: Ja.....pan?
Gordon: Nevermind.
Boy: So what'll it be, normal shine or spit shine.
Kyle: Whats the difference?
Boy: The spit shine tends to get a leeeeetle bit messy.
Kurt: Okay we don't have all day, four spit shines please.
Boy: Coming right up!
Ten seconds later
Samuel: There's spit all over the place!
Gordon: Boy when he said a little bit messy...(Pours a pint of spit out of his shoes.)
Kyle: Oh well at least our shoes are nice and shiny. Look! I can see myself!
Samuel: Thats the reflection in the spit bubbles...
Kurt: What manner of man are you who can conjure up so much spit in one sitting?
Boy: I am called "Spitz" in my hometown. Either that or spitty mc spit spit. Or Spitinator. Or Spitacular....and...uhhh..Just call me Shane. Shane will do!
Gordon: Please to meet you Shane.
Samuel: Uhhh...charmed i'm sure.
Kyle: So you know this town dude? (Wipes a wad of spit off his arm)
Shane: Yeah like the back of my hand! (Looks at his hand.) What the heck are those spots on my knuckles?
Samuel: Anyway...you know a place to get grub around here?
Shane: Yeah there's a place called "Agenericmedievalinnstylerestaurant" Kinda hard to pronouce but you'll get the hang of it. Best food in all of Airwickaroma!
Kyle: Alrighty where is it?
Shane: Behind you.
Samuel: Ah. Pity we didn't turn around to see the people eating in there.
Kurt: Thank you for your help Shane. As a manner of repayment would you like to have lunch with us?
Shane: Are you buying?
Kurt: Sure why not.
Shane: Alrighty! Put er there pal!
Kurt: Make it a spit shake, new friend.
Kyle: Uhh Kurt, maybe you shouldn't-
Ptooiiieeee~~~
To be continued...
So as we last left off, our heroes were in the La' Theine Plateau hunting out an old geezer that fled from the scene of the ominous marshmallow. Gordon however being a level 60 black mage wiped out the entire map with his Firaga spell and they are now left in a charred wasteland.
Kurt: Well, look on the bright side. The marshmallow's not overdone.
Kyle: I know they're called Area of Effect spells but this is crazy.
Samuel: So uhh....what do we do now?
Gordon: Well technically if we zone out of the map and re-zone in, the place will be back to normal. Just like every video game in history.
Kurt: Forget about it! Let's go to the nearest town and get some lunch.
Kyle: I'm famished.
Samuel: Yeah me too I vote for lunch.
Gordon: Hey whatever happened to those guys with the viking helmets and stuff?
Samuel: Oh you mean the four horsemen? (Whispers) I think the writer plum forgot about them and just cut them out.
Gordon: Ah I see...lazy jackass..
Suddenly, out from nowhere comes a giant blinking black line.
Kurt: What the hell is this thing?
Kyle: Run! It's a backspace line! The writer must've heard us!
The line moves towards them as they bolt for the nearest zone, clearing out everything in it's path.
Gordon: Geez what a sour grape.
The four of them find themselves in the town of Airwickaroma. The smelliest town in all the 42 kingdoms.
Kurt: Phew. Good thing for my sinuses. I can't smell anything.
Gordon: Actually the smell kind of reminds me of french toast.
Kyle: Yeah, french toast dipped in sh-
Samuel: Shoe shine, only 1 dollar, happy best lucky wish wash?
Boy: Yes thats the name of our company! What can i do you for?
Gordon: I don't suppose you're from Japan?
Boy: Ja.....pan?
Gordon: Nevermind.
Boy: So what'll it be, normal shine or spit shine.
Kyle: Whats the difference?
Boy: The spit shine tends to get a leeeeetle bit messy.
Kurt: Okay we don't have all day, four spit shines please.
Boy: Coming right up!
Ten seconds later
Samuel: There's spit all over the place!
Gordon: Boy when he said a little bit messy...(Pours a pint of spit out of his shoes.)
Kyle: Oh well at least our shoes are nice and shiny. Look! I can see myself!
Samuel: Thats the reflection in the spit bubbles...
Kurt: What manner of man are you who can conjure up so much spit in one sitting?
Boy: I am called "Spitz" in my hometown. Either that or spitty mc spit spit. Or Spitinator. Or Spitacular....and...uhhh..Just call me Shane. Shane will do!
Gordon: Please to meet you Shane.
Samuel: Uhhh...charmed i'm sure.
Kyle: So you know this town dude? (Wipes a wad of spit off his arm)
Shane: Yeah like the back of my hand! (Looks at his hand.) What the heck are those spots on my knuckles?
Samuel: Anyway...you know a place to get grub around here?
Shane: Yeah there's a place called "Agenericmedievalinnstylerestaurant" Kinda hard to pronouce but you'll get the hang of it. Best food in all of Airwickaroma!
Kyle: Alrighty where is it?
Shane: Behind you.
Samuel: Ah. Pity we didn't turn around to see the people eating in there.
Kurt: Thank you for your help Shane. As a manner of repayment would you like to have lunch with us?
Shane: Are you buying?
Kurt: Sure why not.
Shane: Alrighty! Put er there pal!
Kurt: Make it a spit shake, new friend.
Kyle: Uhh Kurt, maybe you shouldn't-
Ptooiiieeee~~~
To be continued...
Monday, September 11, 2006
Courage my friends.
A bunch of words that will give you some courage before taking that long walk into the promotional examination halls. Say it to yourself before your exams and you will feel slightly better :)
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all.
Whatever lies beyond this morning is a little later on.
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all.
Whatever lies beyond this morning is a little later on.
Monday, September 04, 2006
War of the schools revisited V (Final)
War of the schools Episode 5 (Final episode at the time)
It was 3 a.m. in the morning. The stars still shone down on the 5 of them who were sleeping in the field. Well they weren’t really sleeping at all actually.
Kyle: Arggh! I can’t sleep. We shouldn’t have taken that nap just now.
Samuel: I can’t sleep either. And my gastric juices are being released in excess…
Joshua: zzzz…. just kidding.
Ryan: Whoa man are we gonna feel like shit tomorrow.
Shane: Walau! Walau! Walau!
Thirty minutes later…
Shane: Walau! Walau! Wa-
Everyone: Shane shut the funk up!
An eerie silence filled the field and the distinct sound of crickets resounded through the air.
Shane: WALAU!
Kyle: That’s it, I’m going to the other side of the field.
Joshua: Me too
Samuel: Me three
Shane: Me four
Ryan: No! You stay here and walau yourself to sleep!
Lying there on the grass for another hour, they finally were able to drift into a slumber. Which was interrupted within the next hour by a wake up call, which blasted through the walls of SJI.
Ryan: I’m going to shove that horn so far up that guy’s-
Shane: WALAU!
Samuel: (Smacks Shane with his Katana)
Joshua: zzzz…
It was still dark but the students were forming up in the courtyard again. Slowly, Kyle brought himself to his feet and wiped the sandman’s dust out of his eyes. He then clambered up the steps and into the courtyard with Samuel behind him.
Kyle: Where are the rest?
Samuel: They’re getting ready. (Yawns)
Kyle: Stupid numbskulls. Don’t they know we need to rest more in times of war.
Samuel: Apparently not.
The students who had assembled suddenly dispersed once again and headed up the staircases.
Shane: Where the funk are they going now?
Ryan: Those punks!
The students made their way into the hall on the second floor and they all gathered there. Quietly they sat down and Samuel and the rest sat down along with them. Brother Michael Broughton was at the front once again.
Brother Michael: Let us remember the holy presence of God.
Kyle: Morning prayers. Well maybe God will take away our weariness.
Ryan, Shane, Samuel: ZZZ…
As the prayers went on, many of the students bowed down and prayed in their own way. This was going to prepare them for the next thing that Brother Michael would say. And a very shocking sentence it would be as well. The prayers came to a close. And then he spoke.
Brother Michael: Gentlemen, you are, as of this moment, at open war with each other. We will see you later. Goodbye (leaves the hall)
Kyle: Huh? What’s that supposed to mean.
Reuben: I think he means that we are at war with one another.
Darren: Doesn’t take a genius to know that.
Reuben: I know I’m just saying man relax.
Zul (St. Joseph’s student): Yeah you guys gotta learn to cool down man.
Samuel: What are you talking about?
Nigel (SJI): Look, he said open war so that means we are strictly supposed to be fighting each other now.
Justin: And why aren’t we?
James (SJI): None of us took the initiative yet.
Ryan: Oh so now you’re picking on us because of (speaks in a high pitched voice) “Initiative”.
Zul: Why are you all getting so worked up for.
Shane: If a brother wakes you up at bloody 5 in the morning and tells us that we’re at war and leaves us in a hall, wouldn’t you get worked up?
James: No
Shane: That’s because you’re stupid.
Nigel: Us stupid? If I remember correctly it was St. Patrick’s who came running for our help just yesterday.
Ivan: Oh you stupid piece of-
A huge verbal fight broke out in the hall and everyone was shouting at the nearest person about something or other. Fingers were pointed and small shoves were being made. This was a highly volatile situation. Suddenly, the doors opened and silence crept about again.
Joshua: Hey guys sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything important?
They surveyed the unkempt uniform and half-buttoned shirt of Joshua as he stepped into the hall, bewildered, as usual.
Nigel: Look at that. Showing up late for something as important as this.
Ryan: I’ve had enough of you flapping your gums around biatch. (Flashes a middle finger and turns away)
James: Okay that’s all I’m going to take. (Runs forward and punches Ryan in his ample abdomen)
The hall was filled with ruckus and punches flew from either side.
Joshua: Whoa I must have missed a lot.
The single white legion had separated and was now pressing each other back. It was as if a riot had broken out. Vulgarities were hurled at each other and fierce blows were exchanged. The street fighting sense of the Patricians clearly gave them the upper hand as they knocked down the scores of Josephians. Eventually they were pushed out of the hall and they retreated down to the courtyard.
Kyle: Take that fools!
Ryan: Yeah you better run! I’m the champ!
Shane: HAH! Look at those cowards.
Samuel: Heheheh we win. And WE rode to THEM for help
Joshua: (Fumbles with buttons) Yeah we rock man. So- Why are we fighting SJI again?
Darren: No idea. Brother Michael said we are at open war with them.
Marc Van Huizen: Perhaps this is a contest to see who is the better school. Well, we shall see about that! Patricians, Charge!
The infamous OOOHHH chant rang about as they poured through the staircases and came face to face once again with SJI but this time they were in dressed ranks as if in a parade.
Kyle: Is it just me or does that squad appear smaller than before?
Samuel: Crap! I think it’s a trap!
How right he was, two smaller units appeared from behind them and knocked into them. The unit in front charged at them as well. They were now caught in a whirlwind of Josephians. However the street styles of the Patricians once again allowed them to fight their way out of the encirclement. It was almost like a war between cavemen at that point with ruthless clubbing and punches from all sides. It appeared that the Patricians had the upper hand. That was until four catapults were wheeled before them.
Zul: Ready? Present! Take aim! Fire!
Four huge balloons flew through the air pelting all of them with cold freezing water from the water coolers.
Kyle: AAARGH!
Joshua: Cold cold cold!
The Josephians took advantage of the situation and knocked the ranks back as they shielded themselves from the cold water. The Patrician squad started to falter and the Josephians were gaining ground quickly.
Marc: Retreat! Fall back and regroup!
Parts of the white mass began to break off from the other parts and the patricians ran into the field. Down the steps, over the red track, onto the grass and they regrouped behind the hill.
Shane: Crap they got siege weapons.
Joshua: Ya. No fair they got the home advantage!
Ryan: But still, did you see how fast they fell when we fought back.
Samuel: Yes our strength lies in our fighting. But they have excellent tactics. Ones that we can’t use on away soil.
Kyle: Yeah. While we were so full of ourselves for pushing them out of the hall they got into formation so fast and took us from behind.
Samuel: We could learn a lot from them. But for now lets teach them a lesson.
The Patricians charged out from behind the hill, ready to meet the Josephians in battle. But to the surprise of many of them, they were nowhere to be seen.
Ivan: Where the hell did they go.
Justin: Those chickens. Lets go find them and kick their a-
Rishic: That’s not a very good idea Justin.
Justin: What? Why?
Samuel: Because, they know this place like the back of their hands! You think we can outsmart them on home turf? They probably have a trap set up somewhere.
Kyle: Sam’s right man. We’d probably get lost in this school even if its this small compared to ours.
Marc: Alright. I suggest we stay here and wait for them to come out. That way we have a big warfront to fight on.
Joshua: Agreed.
Ivan: That’s fine with me. All Patricians! Hold ground!
There they stood, in the middle of the field waiting. They waited and waited. After about half an hour, everyone was getting restless. The organized ranks split up and were scattered. Many of them went to sit down on the hill as they continued waiting.
Marc: This is going to take a long time. Ivan tell them to sit tight.
Ivan: Continue to hold position! You may rest if you need to!
Kyle took a seat next to Samuel and Shane on the hill as he plucked grass off the ground and twiddled it in his fingers.
Kyle: Gee I wonder what they are doing to our school right now.
Samuel: Probably nothing. They have an extent of manners I guess.
Joshua: Yeah. They are the “best” schools in that area after all.
Ryan: Stupid punks. We should have burnt that cert when we had the chance.
Kyle: Haha that was my fault.
Joshua: No big deal la. They’d probably get another certificate this year after they get an o level average of 6 points or something.
Shane: That’s why. I bet they are painting the school pink or something.
Samuel: I hope they paint Wei Jie pink.
Joshua: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Ryan: Maybe they are torturing him with mindless ramblings.
Samuel: Oh don’t go there man. I think he would out-talk the girls. And as for the mindless part, well yeah you get the drift.
Kyle: He’s not that bad man.
Joshua: Yeah its just that he gets on our nerves sometimes.
Shane: Sometimes?
Joshua: Okay I mean a lot of times.
Kyle: Geez man what the hell is taking those guys so long to come and find us.
Samuel: Maybe they’re doing the same thing but that’s kind of unlikely.
Ryan: Whatever man I’m just gonna lay down now. (Mumbles) Stupid people made us get up at 5 for this!
The sky grew much brighter and before long the sun was high up in the sky and was shining its “wonderful” heat on the shoulders of the Patricians.
Joshua: (Sings) Sunshine, on my shoulders makes me happy~
Ryan: Shut up! I’m dying out here.
Kyle: Sorry I couldn’t hear you the HEAT was too loud.
Samuel: They have got to be doing something. I definitely think that they wouldn’t wait out that long.
Rishic: But we cant afford to take that risk dude.
Samuel: Fine we’ll give it more time.
They whiled away the time playing “rock paper scissors” and “chopsticks”. It was about lunchtime and as you can imagine, everyone was getting hungry.
Marcus: Eh hurry up lah we need to eat man. We all didn’t even have breakfast.
Andre: Ya. Could we just go and get some stuff to eat.
Selvam: Me hungy.
Ryan: Shut up!
Samuel: Damn this is just like Metal Gear solid when I destroyed the provisions store. Didn’t think I would fall for something like this. Rishic I think they are making us wait out here like idiots. I think we should press onwards and take the canteen first.
Rishic: That’s a good idea (Stomach rumbles)
Marc: Yes. Okay we’re going to take the canteen now! Patricians on your feet! Move out.
The 1250 of them pried themselves of the ground and lazily marched toward the canteen. When they reached the place, they saw that food was already nicely laid out for them on the tables. Without thinking, they all ran toward the tables like wild Samoans.
Ryan: Fried rice! Me first me first!
Marcus: Yeah this rocks!
Samuel: Guys! Don’t be fooled this is the most obvious set up I’ve ever seen.
Ivan: Aiya Samuel relax la. Let us eat man. We’ve been sitting there the whole day without anything. Its not like they are gonna come rushing out and attack us while we’re eating right?
Samuel: Uhh. No. Coz they’re already here.
The Patricians lifted their head and they saw the Josephians in the field in front of them.
James: Looks like we got you cornered this time. This is your chance to give up. Do I see a white flag?
Kyle: Nah don’t think so. But I do see this white bench!
Kyle lifted the bench over his head and flung it in the direction of the Josephians. He knocked down at least half of the front row.
James: Attack!
Samuel: Charge!
Again another fight broke out. Plates flew everywhere; rice was in the air. Tables were overturned, benches leveled. It was the messiest war anyone had ever laid eyes on. James waded through the fight and pulled Marc out of the big fuss.
James: Stop! We now have your leader. By the rules of open war. You are bested.
Ryan: What the hell.
Rishic: Hey he’s right. Damn we lost…
Joshua: Crapppp
Samuel: James. It is not over yet for we have your leader as well.
James: Nigel? Where?
Kyle: Oh so Nigel is the king of your fellowship. Grabs him and puts him at the point of his wooden blade.
Samuel: Now we do.
Kyle stared at James and he stared back. Both of them had captured the others leader but were unsure of what to do.
Reuben: I guess, we have fought equally and are at a deadlock.
James: How shall we settle this then?
Rishic: A duel!
Zul: Didn’t we already fight enough.
Rishic: But a duel is only between the two chosen people of each side. The winner…Well the winner wins I guess.
Nigel: Well that’s easy. Akio will represent us.
Akio: Hai!
Nigel: He’s a foreign exchange student from Japan. Trained in Judo since he was 5. I sincerely hope you have a decent challenger.
Samuel: Pfft. Bet he can’t count to five.
Marc: Yes we do. Andre Wee.
Andre: Me?
Marc: Black belt in Aikido, ready to give you a beatdown anytime.
Nigel: Very well. We shall begin.
Akio and Andre both stood face to face but at a slight distance in a manner of respect for each of their disciplines. They raised their hands and they had started. Akio threw a punch but Andre sidestepped and followed with an elbow to the side of the head. Sweeping him off his feet, Akio fell to the ground with a thud. Undaunted he nipped up and thrust kicked Andre and forced him into a backward roll. Andre got up and the two locked arms. Like to stags fighting for supremacy they exchanged locks only to be countered with yet another lock. It was almost as if the souls of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris had entered them. Akio went in for a judo hip throw but Andre countered it into a triangle hold. Akio was being choked out. He grabbed Andre by the throat as well and with no free hands, he was choked as well. It was the personification of equal ability. They both let go and sprung up to their feet. The two of them stood at a distance again and they were prepared to shell out blows again. But as the two of them raised their arms, a booming voice halted their actions.
Brother Michael: Everyone get into the hall now!
The patricians stood there with their jaws open. The Josephians however proceeded quickly up the stairs. Before they left, Akio and Andre bowed to each other in respect of each other’s skills.
Shane: What the hell is he going to do now?
Kyle: Probably declare open war on that hawker center over there. Pfft…
All of them gathered once again in the hall and Brother Michael called for silence as he took to the lectern once again. The Josephians and Patricians kept their distance from one another.
Brother Michael: Look at all of you. Your clothes. You look like barbarians!
Kyle turned around and noticed that many of the Patricians and Josephians had torn shirts and pants.
Brother Michael: Totally ruthless individuals you all are.
Shane: What the hell. He was the one that told us to go to war with each other.
Brother: But. Ruthless is exactly what you need to be in these times.
Shane: Oh…
Samuel: I knew he had an ace up his sleeve.
A chatter broke out in the whole crowd but was silenced as he drew another breath to speak.
Brother Michael: I know ruthlessness is never a good thing. But the people who took you out of your school were ruthless. Like Mr. Lak said. If someone took something dear from you ruthlessly like a barbarian. Won’t that drive you to take it back just as ruthlessly?
Mr. Lak: It may be a sin yes in real war with guns and bombs. But this is a huge disagreement between schools. It’s different. This “exercise” was done so that we can make you realize that if you can fight your own brothers, why can’t you fight off the enemy?
The student’s eyes suddenly gleamed with a certain understanding.
Brother Michael: I hope you all understand now. This may have wasted your time and energy but at least now you know what it takes to be on a battlefield.
Joshua: Uh…No I still kinda am confused (gets nudged in the ribs by Ryan)
Mr. Lak: We the white alliance are going to take back what they took from us. Even if it means fighting with styles of ruthlessness and beyond.
Brother Michael: You will now have your reflection time. Dinner will be ready in an hour.
They left the room and the Josephians and Patricians stared at each other from across the room. Slowly, they moved and met in the center.
Marc: You guys fought well.
Nigel: As did you.
They stared at each other for a while and then extended their hands. Marc grabbed Nigel’s hand and gave it a shake of friendship. This was the real beginning of the white alliance. The rest of them began to shake hands and the events which took place before that were all forgotten.
Kyle: Well I’m glad that crap is over.
Samuel: Actually it was quite fun.
Kyle: Yeah now that you mentioned it, it was.
Shane: Damn right.
Ryan: So….how many of you split your pants in the riot.
Joshua: I did
Shane: Same
Samuel: Uhh…stupid school uniform pants. Too tight.
Kyle: Okay this reminds me of funny times. Remember the time Josh and I were doing ju jitsu moves and when he stood up, he tore his pants? Hahahaha!
Joshua: Ya very funny. How bout the time we were playing baseball in the field and you had to act all pro and dive and your pants got split right in half! HAHAHAHA
ALL: HAHAHAHA.
Kyle: Yeah yeah real funny…
Joshua: HAHAHA. And the pants you borrowed from the office were at your shins! HAHAHA.
Samuel: Alright Josh that’s enough man.
Ryan: Uh I gotta go change man.
Shane: Ya lets go.
Brother Michael came into the hall once again.
Brother Michael: Oh yes and before I forget, we have to get up early tomorrow. At first light, we ride for Raffles Institution.
Kyle: What?!?!
Samuel: Geez…
Shane: Oh my God its another one of his bright ideas.
Joshua: You know what, I don’t really care. I’m gonna go change and sleep.
Ryan: Good idea.
Kyle: Pfft. RI he says. Next he’ll be telling us we’re going to Australia.
The 5 left the hall and the white alliance was finally realized. This marked a great turning point in the war of the schools.
Stay tuned for episode 6
It was 3 a.m. in the morning. The stars still shone down on the 5 of them who were sleeping in the field. Well they weren’t really sleeping at all actually.
Kyle: Arggh! I can’t sleep. We shouldn’t have taken that nap just now.
Samuel: I can’t sleep either. And my gastric juices are being released in excess…
Joshua: zzzz…. just kidding.
Ryan: Whoa man are we gonna feel like shit tomorrow.
Shane: Walau! Walau! Walau!
Thirty minutes later…
Shane: Walau! Walau! Wa-
Everyone: Shane shut the funk up!
An eerie silence filled the field and the distinct sound of crickets resounded through the air.
Shane: WALAU!
Kyle: That’s it, I’m going to the other side of the field.
Joshua: Me too
Samuel: Me three
Shane: Me four
Ryan: No! You stay here and walau yourself to sleep!
Lying there on the grass for another hour, they finally were able to drift into a slumber. Which was interrupted within the next hour by a wake up call, which blasted through the walls of SJI.
Ryan: I’m going to shove that horn so far up that guy’s-
Shane: WALAU!
Samuel: (Smacks Shane with his Katana)
Joshua: zzzz…
It was still dark but the students were forming up in the courtyard again. Slowly, Kyle brought himself to his feet and wiped the sandman’s dust out of his eyes. He then clambered up the steps and into the courtyard with Samuel behind him.
Kyle: Where are the rest?
Samuel: They’re getting ready. (Yawns)
Kyle: Stupid numbskulls. Don’t they know we need to rest more in times of war.
Samuel: Apparently not.
The students who had assembled suddenly dispersed once again and headed up the staircases.
Shane: Where the funk are they going now?
Ryan: Those punks!
The students made their way into the hall on the second floor and they all gathered there. Quietly they sat down and Samuel and the rest sat down along with them. Brother Michael Broughton was at the front once again.
Brother Michael: Let us remember the holy presence of God.
Kyle: Morning prayers. Well maybe God will take away our weariness.
Ryan, Shane, Samuel: ZZZ…
As the prayers went on, many of the students bowed down and prayed in their own way. This was going to prepare them for the next thing that Brother Michael would say. And a very shocking sentence it would be as well. The prayers came to a close. And then he spoke.
Brother Michael: Gentlemen, you are, as of this moment, at open war with each other. We will see you later. Goodbye (leaves the hall)
Kyle: Huh? What’s that supposed to mean.
Reuben: I think he means that we are at war with one another.
Darren: Doesn’t take a genius to know that.
Reuben: I know I’m just saying man relax.
Zul (St. Joseph’s student): Yeah you guys gotta learn to cool down man.
Samuel: What are you talking about?
Nigel (SJI): Look, he said open war so that means we are strictly supposed to be fighting each other now.
Justin: And why aren’t we?
James (SJI): None of us took the initiative yet.
Ryan: Oh so now you’re picking on us because of (speaks in a high pitched voice) “Initiative”.
Zul: Why are you all getting so worked up for.
Shane: If a brother wakes you up at bloody 5 in the morning and tells us that we’re at war and leaves us in a hall, wouldn’t you get worked up?
James: No
Shane: That’s because you’re stupid.
Nigel: Us stupid? If I remember correctly it was St. Patrick’s who came running for our help just yesterday.
Ivan: Oh you stupid piece of-
A huge verbal fight broke out in the hall and everyone was shouting at the nearest person about something or other. Fingers were pointed and small shoves were being made. This was a highly volatile situation. Suddenly, the doors opened and silence crept about again.
Joshua: Hey guys sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything important?
They surveyed the unkempt uniform and half-buttoned shirt of Joshua as he stepped into the hall, bewildered, as usual.
Nigel: Look at that. Showing up late for something as important as this.
Ryan: I’ve had enough of you flapping your gums around biatch. (Flashes a middle finger and turns away)
James: Okay that’s all I’m going to take. (Runs forward and punches Ryan in his ample abdomen)
The hall was filled with ruckus and punches flew from either side.
Joshua: Whoa I must have missed a lot.
The single white legion had separated and was now pressing each other back. It was as if a riot had broken out. Vulgarities were hurled at each other and fierce blows were exchanged. The street fighting sense of the Patricians clearly gave them the upper hand as they knocked down the scores of Josephians. Eventually they were pushed out of the hall and they retreated down to the courtyard.
Kyle: Take that fools!
Ryan: Yeah you better run! I’m the champ!
Shane: HAH! Look at those cowards.
Samuel: Heheheh we win. And WE rode to THEM for help
Joshua: (Fumbles with buttons) Yeah we rock man. So- Why are we fighting SJI again?
Darren: No idea. Brother Michael said we are at open war with them.
Marc Van Huizen: Perhaps this is a contest to see who is the better school. Well, we shall see about that! Patricians, Charge!
The infamous OOOHHH chant rang about as they poured through the staircases and came face to face once again with SJI but this time they were in dressed ranks as if in a parade.
Kyle: Is it just me or does that squad appear smaller than before?
Samuel: Crap! I think it’s a trap!
How right he was, two smaller units appeared from behind them and knocked into them. The unit in front charged at them as well. They were now caught in a whirlwind of Josephians. However the street styles of the Patricians once again allowed them to fight their way out of the encirclement. It was almost like a war between cavemen at that point with ruthless clubbing and punches from all sides. It appeared that the Patricians had the upper hand. That was until four catapults were wheeled before them.
Zul: Ready? Present! Take aim! Fire!
Four huge balloons flew through the air pelting all of them with cold freezing water from the water coolers.
Kyle: AAARGH!
Joshua: Cold cold cold!
The Josephians took advantage of the situation and knocked the ranks back as they shielded themselves from the cold water. The Patrician squad started to falter and the Josephians were gaining ground quickly.
Marc: Retreat! Fall back and regroup!
Parts of the white mass began to break off from the other parts and the patricians ran into the field. Down the steps, over the red track, onto the grass and they regrouped behind the hill.
Shane: Crap they got siege weapons.
Joshua: Ya. No fair they got the home advantage!
Ryan: But still, did you see how fast they fell when we fought back.
Samuel: Yes our strength lies in our fighting. But they have excellent tactics. Ones that we can’t use on away soil.
Kyle: Yeah. While we were so full of ourselves for pushing them out of the hall they got into formation so fast and took us from behind.
Samuel: We could learn a lot from them. But for now lets teach them a lesson.
The Patricians charged out from behind the hill, ready to meet the Josephians in battle. But to the surprise of many of them, they were nowhere to be seen.
Ivan: Where the hell did they go.
Justin: Those chickens. Lets go find them and kick their a-
Rishic: That’s not a very good idea Justin.
Justin: What? Why?
Samuel: Because, they know this place like the back of their hands! You think we can outsmart them on home turf? They probably have a trap set up somewhere.
Kyle: Sam’s right man. We’d probably get lost in this school even if its this small compared to ours.
Marc: Alright. I suggest we stay here and wait for them to come out. That way we have a big warfront to fight on.
Joshua: Agreed.
Ivan: That’s fine with me. All Patricians! Hold ground!
There they stood, in the middle of the field waiting. They waited and waited. After about half an hour, everyone was getting restless. The organized ranks split up and were scattered. Many of them went to sit down on the hill as they continued waiting.
Marc: This is going to take a long time. Ivan tell them to sit tight.
Ivan: Continue to hold position! You may rest if you need to!
Kyle took a seat next to Samuel and Shane on the hill as he plucked grass off the ground and twiddled it in his fingers.
Kyle: Gee I wonder what they are doing to our school right now.
Samuel: Probably nothing. They have an extent of manners I guess.
Joshua: Yeah. They are the “best” schools in that area after all.
Ryan: Stupid punks. We should have burnt that cert when we had the chance.
Kyle: Haha that was my fault.
Joshua: No big deal la. They’d probably get another certificate this year after they get an o level average of 6 points or something.
Shane: That’s why. I bet they are painting the school pink or something.
Samuel: I hope they paint Wei Jie pink.
Joshua: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
Ryan: Maybe they are torturing him with mindless ramblings.
Samuel: Oh don’t go there man. I think he would out-talk the girls. And as for the mindless part, well yeah you get the drift.
Kyle: He’s not that bad man.
Joshua: Yeah its just that he gets on our nerves sometimes.
Shane: Sometimes?
Joshua: Okay I mean a lot of times.
Kyle: Geez man what the hell is taking those guys so long to come and find us.
Samuel: Maybe they’re doing the same thing but that’s kind of unlikely.
Ryan: Whatever man I’m just gonna lay down now. (Mumbles) Stupid people made us get up at 5 for this!
The sky grew much brighter and before long the sun was high up in the sky and was shining its “wonderful” heat on the shoulders of the Patricians.
Joshua: (Sings) Sunshine, on my shoulders makes me happy~
Ryan: Shut up! I’m dying out here.
Kyle: Sorry I couldn’t hear you the HEAT was too loud.
Samuel: They have got to be doing something. I definitely think that they wouldn’t wait out that long.
Rishic: But we cant afford to take that risk dude.
Samuel: Fine we’ll give it more time.
They whiled away the time playing “rock paper scissors” and “chopsticks”. It was about lunchtime and as you can imagine, everyone was getting hungry.
Marcus: Eh hurry up lah we need to eat man. We all didn’t even have breakfast.
Andre: Ya. Could we just go and get some stuff to eat.
Selvam: Me hungy.
Ryan: Shut up!
Samuel: Damn this is just like Metal Gear solid when I destroyed the provisions store. Didn’t think I would fall for something like this. Rishic I think they are making us wait out here like idiots. I think we should press onwards and take the canteen first.
Rishic: That’s a good idea (Stomach rumbles)
Marc: Yes. Okay we’re going to take the canteen now! Patricians on your feet! Move out.
The 1250 of them pried themselves of the ground and lazily marched toward the canteen. When they reached the place, they saw that food was already nicely laid out for them on the tables. Without thinking, they all ran toward the tables like wild Samoans.
Ryan: Fried rice! Me first me first!
Marcus: Yeah this rocks!
Samuel: Guys! Don’t be fooled this is the most obvious set up I’ve ever seen.
Ivan: Aiya Samuel relax la. Let us eat man. We’ve been sitting there the whole day without anything. Its not like they are gonna come rushing out and attack us while we’re eating right?
Samuel: Uhh. No. Coz they’re already here.
The Patricians lifted their head and they saw the Josephians in the field in front of them.
James: Looks like we got you cornered this time. This is your chance to give up. Do I see a white flag?
Kyle: Nah don’t think so. But I do see this white bench!
Kyle lifted the bench over his head and flung it in the direction of the Josephians. He knocked down at least half of the front row.
James: Attack!
Samuel: Charge!
Again another fight broke out. Plates flew everywhere; rice was in the air. Tables were overturned, benches leveled. It was the messiest war anyone had ever laid eyes on. James waded through the fight and pulled Marc out of the big fuss.
James: Stop! We now have your leader. By the rules of open war. You are bested.
Ryan: What the hell.
Rishic: Hey he’s right. Damn we lost…
Joshua: Crapppp
Samuel: James. It is not over yet for we have your leader as well.
James: Nigel? Where?
Kyle: Oh so Nigel is the king of your fellowship. Grabs him and puts him at the point of his wooden blade.
Samuel: Now we do.
Kyle stared at James and he stared back. Both of them had captured the others leader but were unsure of what to do.
Reuben: I guess, we have fought equally and are at a deadlock.
James: How shall we settle this then?
Rishic: A duel!
Zul: Didn’t we already fight enough.
Rishic: But a duel is only between the two chosen people of each side. The winner…Well the winner wins I guess.
Nigel: Well that’s easy. Akio will represent us.
Akio: Hai!
Nigel: He’s a foreign exchange student from Japan. Trained in Judo since he was 5. I sincerely hope you have a decent challenger.
Samuel: Pfft. Bet he can’t count to five.
Marc: Yes we do. Andre Wee.
Andre: Me?
Marc: Black belt in Aikido, ready to give you a beatdown anytime.
Nigel: Very well. We shall begin.
Akio and Andre both stood face to face but at a slight distance in a manner of respect for each of their disciplines. They raised their hands and they had started. Akio threw a punch but Andre sidestepped and followed with an elbow to the side of the head. Sweeping him off his feet, Akio fell to the ground with a thud. Undaunted he nipped up and thrust kicked Andre and forced him into a backward roll. Andre got up and the two locked arms. Like to stags fighting for supremacy they exchanged locks only to be countered with yet another lock. It was almost as if the souls of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris had entered them. Akio went in for a judo hip throw but Andre countered it into a triangle hold. Akio was being choked out. He grabbed Andre by the throat as well and with no free hands, he was choked as well. It was the personification of equal ability. They both let go and sprung up to their feet. The two of them stood at a distance again and they were prepared to shell out blows again. But as the two of them raised their arms, a booming voice halted their actions.
Brother Michael: Everyone get into the hall now!
The patricians stood there with their jaws open. The Josephians however proceeded quickly up the stairs. Before they left, Akio and Andre bowed to each other in respect of each other’s skills.
Shane: What the hell is he going to do now?
Kyle: Probably declare open war on that hawker center over there. Pfft…
All of them gathered once again in the hall and Brother Michael called for silence as he took to the lectern once again. The Josephians and Patricians kept their distance from one another.
Brother Michael: Look at all of you. Your clothes. You look like barbarians!
Kyle turned around and noticed that many of the Patricians and Josephians had torn shirts and pants.
Brother Michael: Totally ruthless individuals you all are.
Shane: What the hell. He was the one that told us to go to war with each other.
Brother: But. Ruthless is exactly what you need to be in these times.
Shane: Oh…
Samuel: I knew he had an ace up his sleeve.
A chatter broke out in the whole crowd but was silenced as he drew another breath to speak.
Brother Michael: I know ruthlessness is never a good thing. But the people who took you out of your school were ruthless. Like Mr. Lak said. If someone took something dear from you ruthlessly like a barbarian. Won’t that drive you to take it back just as ruthlessly?
Mr. Lak: It may be a sin yes in real war with guns and bombs. But this is a huge disagreement between schools. It’s different. This “exercise” was done so that we can make you realize that if you can fight your own brothers, why can’t you fight off the enemy?
The student’s eyes suddenly gleamed with a certain understanding.
Brother Michael: I hope you all understand now. This may have wasted your time and energy but at least now you know what it takes to be on a battlefield.
Joshua: Uh…No I still kinda am confused (gets nudged in the ribs by Ryan)
Mr. Lak: We the white alliance are going to take back what they took from us. Even if it means fighting with styles of ruthlessness and beyond.
Brother Michael: You will now have your reflection time. Dinner will be ready in an hour.
They left the room and the Josephians and Patricians stared at each other from across the room. Slowly, they moved and met in the center.
Marc: You guys fought well.
Nigel: As did you.
They stared at each other for a while and then extended their hands. Marc grabbed Nigel’s hand and gave it a shake of friendship. This was the real beginning of the white alliance. The rest of them began to shake hands and the events which took place before that were all forgotten.
Kyle: Well I’m glad that crap is over.
Samuel: Actually it was quite fun.
Kyle: Yeah now that you mentioned it, it was.
Shane: Damn right.
Ryan: So….how many of you split your pants in the riot.
Joshua: I did
Shane: Same
Samuel: Uhh…stupid school uniform pants. Too tight.
Kyle: Okay this reminds me of funny times. Remember the time Josh and I were doing ju jitsu moves and when he stood up, he tore his pants? Hahahaha!
Joshua: Ya very funny. How bout the time we were playing baseball in the field and you had to act all pro and dive and your pants got split right in half! HAHAHAHA
ALL: HAHAHAHA.
Kyle: Yeah yeah real funny…
Joshua: HAHAHA. And the pants you borrowed from the office were at your shins! HAHAHA.
Samuel: Alright Josh that’s enough man.
Ryan: Uh I gotta go change man.
Shane: Ya lets go.
Brother Michael came into the hall once again.
Brother Michael: Oh yes and before I forget, we have to get up early tomorrow. At first light, we ride for Raffles Institution.
Kyle: What?!?!
Samuel: Geez…
Shane: Oh my God its another one of his bright ideas.
Joshua: You know what, I don’t really care. I’m gonna go change and sleep.
Ryan: Good idea.
Kyle: Pfft. RI he says. Next he’ll be telling us we’re going to Australia.
The 5 left the hall and the white alliance was finally realized. This marked a great turning point in the war of the schools.
Stay tuned for episode 6
Monday, August 28, 2006
War of the schools (Revisited) IV
A little known fact- At the time when this was written, Kyle was bent on becoming a professional wrestler. Just keep it in mind.
War of the schools
Episode 4: The white alliance
They sped away from the fallen citadel of St Patrick’s school. They cycled for miles. Not knowing what to do. All they knew was to follow the lead rider. It was the early afternoon. Around 1 to 2 p.m.
Kyle: Damn this heat is killing me. And my legs are tired. How much further to Whitley road?
Shane: Just a while. Maybe a couple more times over the horizon.
Samuel: Actually we are pretty close already. Don’t worry guys.
Ryan: That’s easy for you to say (Pants)
Kyle: Haha like I said man, its good exercise.
Joshua: Kyle, stop joking. We just got defeated at our own school
Shane: But what can we do? Crying over it wont make anything better either.
Samuel: By the way, did any of you see Wei Jie?
They looked around far into the back of the ranks of white.
Ryan: Somehow if he was still here he would be right here blabbing about.
Samuel took out his phone and noticed it was out of battery. He removed the battery pack and slipped it into his pocket.
Samuel: Kyle, could I borrow your battery for a while. I need to check my phone.
Kyle: Sure. (Takes out his N-Gage and passes the battery to Samuel)
He inserted the battery into the phone and the minute it lighted up, the message alert screen came up. He had 15 new messages. All of which were sent by Wei Jie.
Samuel: Oh crap
Shane: What?
Samuel: (Shows Shane the messages)
Message screen
Wei Jie
Yo Sam. I had to go back to the hall to get my sword. Some idiot just locked the door I cant get out.
Oi you there or not
Faster leh reply. (this appeared 9 times)
Uh oh the VJC ppl are here. Where are you all? I’ve been waiting here for-
Ryan: Hmmm. I think he was captured
Samuel: -_- duh
Joshua: Crap. What if they torture him and interrogate him?
Shane: Don’t worry. The good thing about Wei Jie is that he doesn’t let out secrets. That is if he knows any.
Samuel: Don’t worry. We’ll be back for him. And those people will pay for taking him hostage.
Kyle: I’m too tired to worry about fighting for the time being. Lets just keep pedaling.
So onward they pedaled in the blistering heat. Sweat dropped to the ground as the patricians cycled to SJI. They traveled in scattered formation. They were in small groups far away from each other. Finally after about 2 hours they reached the green fences of SJI. Within them lay the second white citadel. It reminded them of St. Patrick’s but that didn’t really make anything better.
Ryan: Its not as big as our school but its pretty okay.
They waited at the gate as the security guard went to get his orders. He came back with a smile on his face and opened the gates. They filtered into the compound and continued all the way into the field. There they assembled as they awaited their hosts.
Kyle: Ah. Good old SJI. I remember when I came here for LLTC.
Ryan: LLTC?
Kyle: Lasallian leadership training camp. Was a memorable experience in sec 3.
Shane: Yeah I remember. I was supposed to go but I had a cricket match.
Samuel: Heh. I wouldn’t have gone even if I had the chance.
Joshua: Why are you always so negative about everything
Samuel: Because a camp like that is a waste of time.
Ryan: Why?
Samuel: I don’t need someone to gauge whether I can be a leader. All I have to do is believe that I am.
Kyle: You have a point there. I guess.
The courtyard came to a silence as a man clothed in a white robe came up to the podium. He was none other than brother Michael Broughton. Principal of SJI. Lak the wise followed close behind him and stood at his side.
Brother Michael: Fellow Lasallians. We have heard of the attack from your messenger who was sent. We all know it was a terrible thing. But for now, there is nothing much we can do. All I can offer you is our hospitality for the time being. Please make yourselves at home. Our students will aid you in any way they can. Now I must attend to some matters with your principal. For now, you can move freely. But by nightfall we need to gather back at the court. Carry on.
Kyle: Well that was quick. At least Mr. Lak is fine.
Samuel: Yes. I didn’t see him though. He must have taken his car.
Randall: Eh hi.
Shane: Hi Randall how was the run all the way here.
Randall: Bloody tiring.
Kyle: Well it’s a good thing you got here to tell them about the attacks. Victoria joined the invasion and took the school.
Randall: No wonder you all had to retreat.
Ryan: Ya we kind of got overrun.
Randall: Phew. The bloody sun is so hot. We better go inside and rest a bit. We can’t do anything now anyway.
Kyle: Yeah you’re right. Lets go.
They went into the canteen. There, the SJI students had gathered in small groups to help with the medical care needed. Kyle went to the drink machine to get drinks for the party. He saw a familiar face within the small crowd as he collected the drinks from the machine. It was Reuben D’cruz. A former student of St. Michael’s primary and classmate of Kyle. They used to play cricket together in the primary school league but he had switched to hockey since cricket in SJI closed down.
Kyle: Hey Reuben! What’s up man.
Reuben: Oh hi Kyle, long time no see. How are you?
Kyle: Okay I guess but the school kinda got overtaken.
Reuben: Don’t worry. I heard that theres a plan going out to retake it. But it won’t come into play just yet so all you have to do is sit tight.
Kyle: Yeah. So where are we going to be staying during this short visit?
Reuben: Well our classes are kind of full so you’ll have to sleep in the corridors or the canteen.
Kyle: I think the field would be a better place. Unless it rains of course.
Reuben: The field huh? I think I can get the scouts to set up some shelters there if you want.
Kyle: Really? Hey that’d be cool. Good to see you again man but I have to pass these drinks to my friends now. Catch up with you later man.
Reuben: Yeah will seeya soon. Go relax.
He waved to Reuben as he walked back into the open and met his friends under the shade of a tree. He sat down on the grass in between Joshua and Shane.
Kyle: (Passing around the drinks) My friend Reuben said we’d have to sleep in open areas like the canteen or the corridors while we are here. But I guess its better than nothing.
Shane: Damn this is like a school camp all over again.
Ryan: Hope they don’t serve that catered food in those Styrofoam boxes. Yuck.
Joshua: Ya I wanna eat nachos.
Kyle: (Yawns) You know what we can talk about this later I’m going to take a nap.
Shane: Sounds like a good idea.
Samuel: Nice shade and everything. Wake me up when the brother calls us.
Ryan: Me too. Good night- uhh I mean afternoon-whatever.
Kyle: Aren’t you gonna finish your drinks,
Shane: Oh.
Joshua: Yeah
Samuel: Forgot bout them
Ryan: zzzzzzzz
The sun turned from bright orange to a light pink as it descended into the evening sky. Kyle woke up from his long nap and so did the others. By now, the courtyard was filled with chattering patricians and josephians. They were side by side. The brotherhood between the two schools had never been as close as this. Well, to say the least, SJI and SPS weren’t always on good terms after all but the Lasallian spirit brings them together when needed. In the center of the courtyard, a bonfire burned strong. As the sky darkened, it warmed the Lasallians and lit up the yard as well. Brother Michael Broughton walked into the center of the courtyard, next to the fire. Lak the wise joined him as well. As a sign of respect, everyone kept quiet. Samuel and the rest joined the group, which was around the fire. They formed a ring around the blaze and the two leaders stood in the center. Lak the wise then began to speak.
Lak the wise: From what I saw this morning, we lost because of 3 reasons. One, we were outnumbered. Two, we were taken by surprise. And three. How many of you. How many of you, were afraid to hit the enemy? Well? How many?
Slowly, hands came up among the patricians. Then more and more. Lak the wise rubbed his forehead. Samuel and Shane were surprised to see that Kyle had his hand up as well.
Lak the wise: Why? Why were you afraid?
Kyle: We’ve never really been in a battle before—
Lak the wise: So? That doesn’t mean all of you are going to cower in fear just because you haven’t experienced warfare before. If someone wants to punch you. Are you going to just let him smack you in the face.
Kyle: well
Lak the wise: NO! You wouldn’t. You’d smack him for even thinking about it. Why didn’t you think of that when they were trying to take our school from us? If you can fight like barbarians among yourselves, why can’t you fight against those who mean us harm? All of you! To live is to fight. To fight for what you hold dear to you. To fight is to defend all that you treasure and not let a hurting hand lay a finger on it! Andre! The next time someone attacks you what will you do?
Andre: Fight back sir?
Lak the wise: Yes! Brian! If someone wanted to take you out of your place at school. What would you do?
Brian: Fight!
Lak the wise: Exactly. Kyle, if someone took something you hold dear away from you and threatened to destroy it. What would you do.
At that moment, Kyle beheld the vision of his lifelong dream, a contract with the WWE being snatched from his hand and burnt. He swayed for a moment on the spot as he thought.
Kyle: Fight.
Lak the wise: Yes! We will fight!
Patricians: Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!
Lak the wise: That is right students. We will fight. Can I count on you to fight for the white citadel when we return to free it from the enemies clutches?
Patricians: Yes!
Lak the wise: then it is settled. We shall fight for our honor, for our pride, and for everything we stand for. And we will prevail.
Patricians: OOOHHHHH!!!!!
The patricians all gave a huge cheer as they found their new zeal. Brother Michael then started to speak as the noise died down.
Brother Michael: Patricians and Josephians. Today, an attack was launched on St. Patrick’s school and caused you all to seek shelter here. We are most honored to have you all here. However something must be done about the threat. As brother schools, we have to help each other. So we have come up with a plan.
A huge chatter broke out as he said those words.
Brother Michael: Please keep silent. Our plan is, to reclaim St. Patrick’s school. And we are going to do it by whatever means necessary. And to do that we have now formed what we would like to call, the white alliance. St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s riding side by side. Brothers in arms. Just like the old days. What do you think of that Lak?
Lak the wise: It sounds like a brilliant idea.
Brother Michael: And that it is. The Lasallian spirit will guide you all. I am sure of that. We can work together to drive out that threat and put an end to the war. Can I get a yes to that?
Patricians and Josephians: (faintly) yes
Brother Michael: I can’t hear you!
Patricians and Josephians: YES!
Brother Michael: Then we shall ride together and we shall be victorious!
Patricians and Josephians: YES!
Brother Michael: It is good to see that you are all willing. It is getting late. Shall we call it a night? Patricians. You may sleep anywhere you wish. Josephians proceed to your classes. We all need rest. Keep the fire burning for our guests. Good night my friends.
As Brother Michael and Lak the wise left the courtyard, so did the Josephians. The patricians scattered once again.
Reuben: Hey Kyle. We set up some scaffold shelters there if you want to sleep out in the open tonight. Have a nice night dude.
Kyle: Thanks a lot Reuben. See you soon.
Soon only a handful of people were left in the yard. Kyle and the rest of them settled down on the grass in the sleeping bags that the josephians had provided them. The night was unusually starry.
Kyle: Nice sky up tonight eh?
Ryan: Yeah.
Joshua: There must be a majillion billion stars and we get like 30 to look at? Oh wait sorry 32.
Samuel: That’s what you get for light pollution.
Shane: I’m going to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be an eventful day. Not like this one.
Kyle: Yeah I think we should all call it a night.
Samuel: Agreed. Well good night dudes.
All: Good night.
As his eyes, which were fixed on the night sky slowly, closed, there was one thought that echoed through Kyle’s mind. Fight. Fight for the thing that is dear to you. Fight.
War of the schools
Episode 4: The white alliance
They sped away from the fallen citadel of St Patrick’s school. They cycled for miles. Not knowing what to do. All they knew was to follow the lead rider. It was the early afternoon. Around 1 to 2 p.m.
Kyle: Damn this heat is killing me. And my legs are tired. How much further to Whitley road?
Shane: Just a while. Maybe a couple more times over the horizon.
Samuel: Actually we are pretty close already. Don’t worry guys.
Ryan: That’s easy for you to say (Pants)
Kyle: Haha like I said man, its good exercise.
Joshua: Kyle, stop joking. We just got defeated at our own school
Shane: But what can we do? Crying over it wont make anything better either.
Samuel: By the way, did any of you see Wei Jie?
They looked around far into the back of the ranks of white.
Ryan: Somehow if he was still here he would be right here blabbing about.
Samuel took out his phone and noticed it was out of battery. He removed the battery pack and slipped it into his pocket.
Samuel: Kyle, could I borrow your battery for a while. I need to check my phone.
Kyle: Sure. (Takes out his N-Gage and passes the battery to Samuel)
He inserted the battery into the phone and the minute it lighted up, the message alert screen came up. He had 15 new messages. All of which were sent by Wei Jie.
Samuel: Oh crap
Shane: What?
Samuel: (Shows Shane the messages)
Message screen
Wei Jie
Yo Sam. I had to go back to the hall to get my sword. Some idiot just locked the door I cant get out.
Oi you there or not
Faster leh reply. (this appeared 9 times)
Uh oh the VJC ppl are here. Where are you all? I’ve been waiting here for-
Ryan: Hmmm. I think he was captured
Samuel: -_- duh
Joshua: Crap. What if they torture him and interrogate him?
Shane: Don’t worry. The good thing about Wei Jie is that he doesn’t let out secrets. That is if he knows any.
Samuel: Don’t worry. We’ll be back for him. And those people will pay for taking him hostage.
Kyle: I’m too tired to worry about fighting for the time being. Lets just keep pedaling.
So onward they pedaled in the blistering heat. Sweat dropped to the ground as the patricians cycled to SJI. They traveled in scattered formation. They were in small groups far away from each other. Finally after about 2 hours they reached the green fences of SJI. Within them lay the second white citadel. It reminded them of St. Patrick’s but that didn’t really make anything better.
Ryan: Its not as big as our school but its pretty okay.
They waited at the gate as the security guard went to get his orders. He came back with a smile on his face and opened the gates. They filtered into the compound and continued all the way into the field. There they assembled as they awaited their hosts.
Kyle: Ah. Good old SJI. I remember when I came here for LLTC.
Ryan: LLTC?
Kyle: Lasallian leadership training camp. Was a memorable experience in sec 3.
Shane: Yeah I remember. I was supposed to go but I had a cricket match.
Samuel: Heh. I wouldn’t have gone even if I had the chance.
Joshua: Why are you always so negative about everything
Samuel: Because a camp like that is a waste of time.
Ryan: Why?
Samuel: I don’t need someone to gauge whether I can be a leader. All I have to do is believe that I am.
Kyle: You have a point there. I guess.
The courtyard came to a silence as a man clothed in a white robe came up to the podium. He was none other than brother Michael Broughton. Principal of SJI. Lak the wise followed close behind him and stood at his side.
Brother Michael: Fellow Lasallians. We have heard of the attack from your messenger who was sent. We all know it was a terrible thing. But for now, there is nothing much we can do. All I can offer you is our hospitality for the time being. Please make yourselves at home. Our students will aid you in any way they can. Now I must attend to some matters with your principal. For now, you can move freely. But by nightfall we need to gather back at the court. Carry on.
Kyle: Well that was quick. At least Mr. Lak is fine.
Samuel: Yes. I didn’t see him though. He must have taken his car.
Randall: Eh hi.
Shane: Hi Randall how was the run all the way here.
Randall: Bloody tiring.
Kyle: Well it’s a good thing you got here to tell them about the attacks. Victoria joined the invasion and took the school.
Randall: No wonder you all had to retreat.
Ryan: Ya we kind of got overrun.
Randall: Phew. The bloody sun is so hot. We better go inside and rest a bit. We can’t do anything now anyway.
Kyle: Yeah you’re right. Lets go.
They went into the canteen. There, the SJI students had gathered in small groups to help with the medical care needed. Kyle went to the drink machine to get drinks for the party. He saw a familiar face within the small crowd as he collected the drinks from the machine. It was Reuben D’cruz. A former student of St. Michael’s primary and classmate of Kyle. They used to play cricket together in the primary school league but he had switched to hockey since cricket in SJI closed down.
Kyle: Hey Reuben! What’s up man.
Reuben: Oh hi Kyle, long time no see. How are you?
Kyle: Okay I guess but the school kinda got overtaken.
Reuben: Don’t worry. I heard that theres a plan going out to retake it. But it won’t come into play just yet so all you have to do is sit tight.
Kyle: Yeah. So where are we going to be staying during this short visit?
Reuben: Well our classes are kind of full so you’ll have to sleep in the corridors or the canteen.
Kyle: I think the field would be a better place. Unless it rains of course.
Reuben: The field huh? I think I can get the scouts to set up some shelters there if you want.
Kyle: Really? Hey that’d be cool. Good to see you again man but I have to pass these drinks to my friends now. Catch up with you later man.
Reuben: Yeah will seeya soon. Go relax.
He waved to Reuben as he walked back into the open and met his friends under the shade of a tree. He sat down on the grass in between Joshua and Shane.
Kyle: (Passing around the drinks) My friend Reuben said we’d have to sleep in open areas like the canteen or the corridors while we are here. But I guess its better than nothing.
Shane: Damn this is like a school camp all over again.
Ryan: Hope they don’t serve that catered food in those Styrofoam boxes. Yuck.
Joshua: Ya I wanna eat nachos.
Kyle: (Yawns) You know what we can talk about this later I’m going to take a nap.
Shane: Sounds like a good idea.
Samuel: Nice shade and everything. Wake me up when the brother calls us.
Ryan: Me too. Good night- uhh I mean afternoon-whatever.
Kyle: Aren’t you gonna finish your drinks,
Shane: Oh.
Joshua: Yeah
Samuel: Forgot bout them
Ryan: zzzzzzzz
The sun turned from bright orange to a light pink as it descended into the evening sky. Kyle woke up from his long nap and so did the others. By now, the courtyard was filled with chattering patricians and josephians. They were side by side. The brotherhood between the two schools had never been as close as this. Well, to say the least, SJI and SPS weren’t always on good terms after all but the Lasallian spirit brings them together when needed. In the center of the courtyard, a bonfire burned strong. As the sky darkened, it warmed the Lasallians and lit up the yard as well. Brother Michael Broughton walked into the center of the courtyard, next to the fire. Lak the wise joined him as well. As a sign of respect, everyone kept quiet. Samuel and the rest joined the group, which was around the fire. They formed a ring around the blaze and the two leaders stood in the center. Lak the wise then began to speak.
Lak the wise: From what I saw this morning, we lost because of 3 reasons. One, we were outnumbered. Two, we were taken by surprise. And three. How many of you. How many of you, were afraid to hit the enemy? Well? How many?
Slowly, hands came up among the patricians. Then more and more. Lak the wise rubbed his forehead. Samuel and Shane were surprised to see that Kyle had his hand up as well.
Lak the wise: Why? Why were you afraid?
Kyle: We’ve never really been in a battle before—
Lak the wise: So? That doesn’t mean all of you are going to cower in fear just because you haven’t experienced warfare before. If someone wants to punch you. Are you going to just let him smack you in the face.
Kyle: well
Lak the wise: NO! You wouldn’t. You’d smack him for even thinking about it. Why didn’t you think of that when they were trying to take our school from us? If you can fight like barbarians among yourselves, why can’t you fight against those who mean us harm? All of you! To live is to fight. To fight for what you hold dear to you. To fight is to defend all that you treasure and not let a hurting hand lay a finger on it! Andre! The next time someone attacks you what will you do?
Andre: Fight back sir?
Lak the wise: Yes! Brian! If someone wanted to take you out of your place at school. What would you do?
Brian: Fight!
Lak the wise: Exactly. Kyle, if someone took something you hold dear away from you and threatened to destroy it. What would you do.
At that moment, Kyle beheld the vision of his lifelong dream, a contract with the WWE being snatched from his hand and burnt. He swayed for a moment on the spot as he thought.
Kyle: Fight.
Lak the wise: Yes! We will fight!
Patricians: Fight, fight, fight, fight, fight!
Lak the wise: That is right students. We will fight. Can I count on you to fight for the white citadel when we return to free it from the enemies clutches?
Patricians: Yes!
Lak the wise: then it is settled. We shall fight for our honor, for our pride, and for everything we stand for. And we will prevail.
Patricians: OOOHHHHH!!!!!
The patricians all gave a huge cheer as they found their new zeal. Brother Michael then started to speak as the noise died down.
Brother Michael: Patricians and Josephians. Today, an attack was launched on St. Patrick’s school and caused you all to seek shelter here. We are most honored to have you all here. However something must be done about the threat. As brother schools, we have to help each other. So we have come up with a plan.
A huge chatter broke out as he said those words.
Brother Michael: Please keep silent. Our plan is, to reclaim St. Patrick’s school. And we are going to do it by whatever means necessary. And to do that we have now formed what we would like to call, the white alliance. St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s riding side by side. Brothers in arms. Just like the old days. What do you think of that Lak?
Lak the wise: It sounds like a brilliant idea.
Brother Michael: And that it is. The Lasallian spirit will guide you all. I am sure of that. We can work together to drive out that threat and put an end to the war. Can I get a yes to that?
Patricians and Josephians: (faintly) yes
Brother Michael: I can’t hear you!
Patricians and Josephians: YES!
Brother Michael: Then we shall ride together and we shall be victorious!
Patricians and Josephians: YES!
Brother Michael: It is good to see that you are all willing. It is getting late. Shall we call it a night? Patricians. You may sleep anywhere you wish. Josephians proceed to your classes. We all need rest. Keep the fire burning for our guests. Good night my friends.
As Brother Michael and Lak the wise left the courtyard, so did the Josephians. The patricians scattered once again.
Reuben: Hey Kyle. We set up some scaffold shelters there if you want to sleep out in the open tonight. Have a nice night dude.
Kyle: Thanks a lot Reuben. See you soon.
Soon only a handful of people were left in the yard. Kyle and the rest of them settled down on the grass in the sleeping bags that the josephians had provided them. The night was unusually starry.
Kyle: Nice sky up tonight eh?
Ryan: Yeah.
Joshua: There must be a majillion billion stars and we get like 30 to look at? Oh wait sorry 32.
Samuel: That’s what you get for light pollution.
Shane: I’m going to sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be an eventful day. Not like this one.
Kyle: Yeah I think we should all call it a night.
Samuel: Agreed. Well good night dudes.
All: Good night.
As his eyes, which were fixed on the night sky slowly, closed, there was one thought that echoed through Kyle’s mind. Fight. Fight for the thing that is dear to you. Fight.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
War of the schools (Revisited) III
War of the schools episode 3
The fall of the white citadel
As he pulled his dried out mouth away from the microphone, all eyes came to rest on the single piece of paper he held in his hand.
Samuel: I really don’t think this was a good idea.
Shane: Heads up! The search team is behind us!
Joshua: You know what, I think we should concentrate on whats in front of us now.
Samuel turned his head and noticed the remaining portion of the army, which had not entered the school, was forming up again. This time, facing them.
Ryan: We are so screwed.
Shane: Shut up! Can you say something constructive for once?
Ryan: Well theres a gardeners shed over there, maybe there’s a bolt cutter we could use to cut a hole in a fence or something.
Kyle: Ryan you genius!
Nadia: Stop! (Panting) Stop or we’ll order them all to take the certificate by force! (Points to the awaiting army)
Samuel: Crap. Kyle, think we can make it if we run?
Kyle: Well, considering the fact that our only option is to run anyway, (turns and runs)
Joshua: I’ll take that as a yes.
Like white blurs across the green grass, they sped in the direction of the shed. An ear splitting high-pitched whistle sounded in the distance. The rush of hundreds of footsteps accompanied by the deafening screeches began to engulf the field.
Ryan: I’d probably lose about 10 pounds after this.
Kyle: Look on the bright side. No more TAF club eh?
Shane: Lawn mower, sprinkler hose, gardening shears, bolt cutter! There we go. Hurry!
Joshua: Whoa that seriously is a lot of blue!
The advancing units had covered half the field and were approaching fast. The search party too was right on their heels as Kyle grabbed Joshua by the collar and pulled him around the corner.
Ryan: There! Cut open that fence!
Shane: That leads to the canal!
Samuel: Yes Shane. And the canal leads to school.
Joshua: It’s full of --nevermind.
With four quick cuts they tore a hole in the fence. Big enough for them to squeeze through.
Shane: Ryan go first.
Ryan: Bonsai! (Jumps into the canal)
Ryan jumped into the canal and was followed by Samuel. The search party had reached within a derringer range of them. Shane and Joshua quickly dove in. Kyle tucked the certificate into his shirt and proceeded to leap in when a hand caught his collar and yanked him against the fence.
Convent prefect: Hand it over now!
Kyle: Never! (Tries to break free)
As Kyle struggled, more hands grabbed him through the hole that was made.
Samuel: Kyle! Hurry! The army is near you!
Nadia: Kyle, just give it back and we’ll set you free.
Kyle: No! (Uses all his strength as he leans forward)
Nadia: Kyleee! (Grabs his shirt)
Kyle: I’m not giving it back! This is for the honor of my school.
Kyle leant forward at a sharp angle and one by one thew hands let go. All except one. Till the last moment as he fell from their grasp. Nadia’s hand that was latched onto his shirt ripped it open as he fell down. It all seemed as if it was in slow motion. The ripples of Kyle’s cotton shirt flung the certificate away from his body. As it fell out of his shirt, he scrambled for it as he plummeted into the green murky waters. The certificate caught a gust of wind and flew upward over the fence and landed safely in the hands of Nadia.
Kyle: (Falling back-first) Noooooo!
With a loud splash, he sank into the green depths of the Siglap canal. He floated to the top gasping for air and floated downstream as the rest of them did. The army of Katong convent students had massed at the gate.
Convent student #1: Look at those patricians floating with sewerage.
Convent student #2: A rightful place it is for them too. (Picks up a plastic bottle and flings it into the canal where they were floating away)
The rest of them followed as they each grasped pieces of litter from the ground and hurled it at the five of them. It was like a rain of garbage followed by loud rallies of taunts and jeers.
Samuel: Let us swim back before we get hurt even more.
They swam along with the drift and eventually were clear of the taunts and litter. However the sound of battle could be heard once again. Rishic’s troupe of scouts pushed the catapults back toward the courtyard as the invading armies proceeded.
Justin: Rishic, station the catapults at the foot of Alban block. They’ll have to come through Kiely square and when they reach the courtyard, we’ll make our stand.
Rishic: Alrighty. Pull all the forces together, take up at least half the courtyard.
The sounds of metal crashing to the floor sounded from the science block.
Rishic: Too late! They are upon us. Gather whatever forces you have here, my catapults will support you. I’ll get the NCC contingent.
The armies funneled into Kiely square through the tiny corridor at the science block.
Justin: Well that should hold them there for a while.
The NCC contingent ran to the courtyard to aid the rest as they abandoned their gate posts. At least 200 of them came as the army of VJC and KC gathered.
Justin: Rishic, we now have 400 students here. Darren and Ivan have another 400. That makes 800. But then where are the other 500 plus people?
Rishic: What? You mean 500 patricians are missing?
Justin: I don’t know! Where could they have gone?
Rishic: Let us not ponder about that now. They are almost ready to attack. Be wary for their movements.
Ivan and Darren’s units began to retreat to the front of the school. They had no chance to hold them off anymore as the whole army bypassed them without notice.
Darren: We should go back to the courtyard. They may have already started the attack there.
Ivan: Right. We’ll enter from the front gate and charge to the courtyard. That’s where we’d have to make a stand.
Their units quickly trudged back towards the school via the Siglap canal walkway. Ivan spotted Samuel and the rest swimming in their direction.
Ivan: Samuel what are you all doing in there?
Joshua: We’re having a jolly old Thursday morning swim.
Samuel: But seriously, we were almost caught by KC and had to jump in.
Ivan: Okay try and climb up. We’ll pull you up once you get close enough.
Darren: We have to go quickly. So stop playing around in the water Ryan!
Ryan: Oh sorry. I was looking for mussels.
Shane: Numbnut.
Kyle: (climbs up the wall) I can’t believe I lost it…
Samuel: Kyle this isn’t the time to think about that. Sure we lost the certificate but we did achieve the aim! We made a diversion. Now its time to capitalize on it.
Joshua: He’s right Kyle. Just shrug it off. Let’s go.
Darren: Quickly, we must make haste.
In the courtyard, about half of it was covered in white and the other half and pretty much the whole of Kiely square was filled by blue and cream.
Justin: Archers ready!
Rows of students carrying wooden bows with suction cup arrows formed up on the first second and third levels of Alban block. These arrows weren’t toys. They did not go thwap on glass but instead went crash. They were crafted to do damage but not to seriously injure. As were the bows and now was the time to put them to the test.
Justin: Ready, aim and hold!
The archers pulled back waiting for the order to release the rain upon the enemy. There was an awkward silence before them. No one moved a muscle. The 400 patricians stood before the thousand plus of them. The archers held their arms stiff as they waited.
Marcus Arriola: Oh crap I got an itch on my arm!
Marc van Huizen: Don’t let go of your bowstring. Keep still.
Brandon Wong: You got an itch? I’ll help you scratch it.
Marcus: No!
Brandon foolishly let go of his bow and sent an arrow flying through the air. It sped over the white and into the cream and blue. All in a matter of seconds, it struck the head of a VJC student and he fell to the ground. With that, the charge began.
Justin: Here they come! Fire at will. That means you catapult crew!
The small courtyard was filled with war cries as the two forces met in the center. Like a rugby match, they pushed into each other causing the same knock-back effect as before. They fought and they pushed. Wooden swords splintered as they met and arrows flew into the crowd from over head.
Rishic: On 3! 1-2-3!
10 scouts, 2 on each side pulled down the launching pole and the 5 catapults flung the huge water balloons into the air. They pelted the army before them turning their uniforms into a darker hue. They were reloaded and were ready to fire again as the fight raged on.
Darren and Ivan’s units entered the school compound and charged toward the courtyard.
Suddenly, like a white water rapid from the right, they ran through the foyer and into the courtyard. They pounced on the invading armies and pressed them back toward the center. Another 400 of them had come. 200 of Darren’s unit and 200 of Ivan’s. They attacked from the right as Justin and the NCC cohort pushed them back.
Samuel: Good we flanked them this time. Heh heh heh.
Kyle: For St. Pat’s!
Darren, Ivan, Ryan, Joshua and Shane: For St. Pat’s!
They entered the ranks and poured through them as if they were flour on a sieve. Kyle forced his way into the heat of battle with the rest of them following close behind. The seven of them ran like bulls leading the 400 of the students. Kyle ran into the center, knocking VJC students off their feet with thunderous blows of his wooden sword. Shane did the same as he fought behind Kyle with his cricket bat. Ryan followed plowing through the armies like a bulldozer. Joshua stood from afar as he picked out targets with his air rifle. Samuel ducked into the white uniforms and proceeded to Justin.
Samuel: Good job holding them up Justin. If we keep this up, we’ll win.
Justin: Maybe, but theres one small problem. We are missing 500 students!
Samuel: What?! (Ducks as a barrage of arrows and water balloons flies over head)
Justin: We only have 800 men here! We should have at least 1300.
Samuel: Where could they have gone? (Gets a call on his cellphone) Hello? Wei Jie I’m in the middle of a damn battle!
Wei Jie: Relax la. I just called to ask you what I should do with the 500 students here.
Samuel: 500 students? Where the heck are you?
Wei Jie: In the hall la!
Samuel: What the hell are you doing in the hall! We are being attacked!
Wei Jie: I told them to follow me because I thought we needed a safe place to hide. We were being attacked right? What do you want me to do.
Samuel: Fool of a Kok! Get your ass down to the courtyard and bring the 500 of them with you!!!! (Hangs up) What the hell man? Justin, apparently, someone Kocked up but the 500 will be here soon.
More white uniforms rushed down the stairs and through the foyer into the courtyard. There were now at least a thousand plus students defending the White citadel. They collided into the ranks of KC and VJC and pushed them back. They were gaining ground. The patricians had taken at least 2/3 of the courtyard. But in Kiely square, the number grew bigger.
Kyle: Everyone keep fighting! We can win!
Ryan: Damn straight! I make the cheddar baby! (Headbutts a VJC student)
The white overwhelmed the blue and cream as they squeezed them into the square and out of the yard.
Samuel: We can win this. Just a little bit more.
Rishic: Yeah! Come on St. Pats!
Kyle caught a glimpse of more white uniforms behind Kiely block and they were running in the direction of the courtyard.
Kyle: More reinforcements!
Shane: Yeah! We are going to kick their asses!
Samuel glanced at the people coming in as well.
Samuel: That can’t be right. We have the whole school population here. Unless—
In the hues of white, suddenly appeared Khaki. Khaki shorts among the full white uniforms.
Joshua: Oh crap.
Marcus: It can’t be
Justin: Oh my God!
Samuel: Victoria Secondary!
The Victorian flag flew as they charged toward the courtyard. The ranks of patricians suddenly fell back and were losing ground quickly. KC and VJC were pressing hard and to the left, came VS. Marc van Huizen, as king of the fellowship of students knew they would not last. He said the words he wished he would never have to say.
Marc: Retreat! Fall back!
Kyle blew his bugle as he and the thousand plus patricians fled from the courtyard. Within seconds, the invading armies filled the yard and the patricians were sent running in all directions.
Shane: How did VS get in?
Kyle: They must have entered through the gate near the power station. We left that unattended!
Marc: Don’t fret about that now! Run to the bicycle sheds! We have to ride for SJI!
Samuel: Yes. We have to leave behind the white citadel.
Ryan: Why can’t we fight till the last?
Kyle: Its obvious that we will lose. We’ll have to regroup at SJI and maybe just maybe launch a counter attack.
Ryan: Crap (panting)
They ran for the bicycle sheds and began to ride out of the gates. The invading armies were totally overrunning the school and they had no choice but to leave it. As Kyle jumped onto his bike, he looked back. Too see his school in such a state was a crushing sight, as was it for many patricians that day. Out into the streets they sped without turning. They would ride to SJI their brother school for help. They would form together once again to fight for Lasallian pride. As Kyle pedaled faster and faster, he then knew what the greater power the convent prefect spoke of was. Victoria secondary had joined the War of the schools.
The fall of the white citadel
As he pulled his dried out mouth away from the microphone, all eyes came to rest on the single piece of paper he held in his hand.
Samuel: I really don’t think this was a good idea.
Shane: Heads up! The search team is behind us!
Joshua: You know what, I think we should concentrate on whats in front of us now.
Samuel turned his head and noticed the remaining portion of the army, which had not entered the school, was forming up again. This time, facing them.
Ryan: We are so screwed.
Shane: Shut up! Can you say something constructive for once?
Ryan: Well theres a gardeners shed over there, maybe there’s a bolt cutter we could use to cut a hole in a fence or something.
Kyle: Ryan you genius!
Nadia: Stop! (Panting) Stop or we’ll order them all to take the certificate by force! (Points to the awaiting army)
Samuel: Crap. Kyle, think we can make it if we run?
Kyle: Well, considering the fact that our only option is to run anyway, (turns and runs)
Joshua: I’ll take that as a yes.
Like white blurs across the green grass, they sped in the direction of the shed. An ear splitting high-pitched whistle sounded in the distance. The rush of hundreds of footsteps accompanied by the deafening screeches began to engulf the field.
Ryan: I’d probably lose about 10 pounds after this.
Kyle: Look on the bright side. No more TAF club eh?
Shane: Lawn mower, sprinkler hose, gardening shears, bolt cutter! There we go. Hurry!
Joshua: Whoa that seriously is a lot of blue!
The advancing units had covered half the field and were approaching fast. The search party too was right on their heels as Kyle grabbed Joshua by the collar and pulled him around the corner.
Ryan: There! Cut open that fence!
Shane: That leads to the canal!
Samuel: Yes Shane. And the canal leads to school.
Joshua: It’s full of --nevermind.
With four quick cuts they tore a hole in the fence. Big enough for them to squeeze through.
Shane: Ryan go first.
Ryan: Bonsai! (Jumps into the canal)
Ryan jumped into the canal and was followed by Samuel. The search party had reached within a derringer range of them. Shane and Joshua quickly dove in. Kyle tucked the certificate into his shirt and proceeded to leap in when a hand caught his collar and yanked him against the fence.
Convent prefect: Hand it over now!
Kyle: Never! (Tries to break free)
As Kyle struggled, more hands grabbed him through the hole that was made.
Samuel: Kyle! Hurry! The army is near you!
Nadia: Kyle, just give it back and we’ll set you free.
Kyle: No! (Uses all his strength as he leans forward)
Nadia: Kyleee! (Grabs his shirt)
Kyle: I’m not giving it back! This is for the honor of my school.
Kyle leant forward at a sharp angle and one by one thew hands let go. All except one. Till the last moment as he fell from their grasp. Nadia’s hand that was latched onto his shirt ripped it open as he fell down. It all seemed as if it was in slow motion. The ripples of Kyle’s cotton shirt flung the certificate away from his body. As it fell out of his shirt, he scrambled for it as he plummeted into the green murky waters. The certificate caught a gust of wind and flew upward over the fence and landed safely in the hands of Nadia.
Kyle: (Falling back-first) Noooooo!
With a loud splash, he sank into the green depths of the Siglap canal. He floated to the top gasping for air and floated downstream as the rest of them did. The army of Katong convent students had massed at the gate.
Convent student #1: Look at those patricians floating with sewerage.
Convent student #2: A rightful place it is for them too. (Picks up a plastic bottle and flings it into the canal where they were floating away)
The rest of them followed as they each grasped pieces of litter from the ground and hurled it at the five of them. It was like a rain of garbage followed by loud rallies of taunts and jeers.
Samuel: Let us swim back before we get hurt even more.
They swam along with the drift and eventually were clear of the taunts and litter. However the sound of battle could be heard once again. Rishic’s troupe of scouts pushed the catapults back toward the courtyard as the invading armies proceeded.
Justin: Rishic, station the catapults at the foot of Alban block. They’ll have to come through Kiely square and when they reach the courtyard, we’ll make our stand.
Rishic: Alrighty. Pull all the forces together, take up at least half the courtyard.
The sounds of metal crashing to the floor sounded from the science block.
Rishic: Too late! They are upon us. Gather whatever forces you have here, my catapults will support you. I’ll get the NCC contingent.
The armies funneled into Kiely square through the tiny corridor at the science block.
Justin: Well that should hold them there for a while.
The NCC contingent ran to the courtyard to aid the rest as they abandoned their gate posts. At least 200 of them came as the army of VJC and KC gathered.
Justin: Rishic, we now have 400 students here. Darren and Ivan have another 400. That makes 800. But then where are the other 500 plus people?
Rishic: What? You mean 500 patricians are missing?
Justin: I don’t know! Where could they have gone?
Rishic: Let us not ponder about that now. They are almost ready to attack. Be wary for their movements.
Ivan and Darren’s units began to retreat to the front of the school. They had no chance to hold them off anymore as the whole army bypassed them without notice.
Darren: We should go back to the courtyard. They may have already started the attack there.
Ivan: Right. We’ll enter from the front gate and charge to the courtyard. That’s where we’d have to make a stand.
Their units quickly trudged back towards the school via the Siglap canal walkway. Ivan spotted Samuel and the rest swimming in their direction.
Ivan: Samuel what are you all doing in there?
Joshua: We’re having a jolly old Thursday morning swim.
Samuel: But seriously, we were almost caught by KC and had to jump in.
Ivan: Okay try and climb up. We’ll pull you up once you get close enough.
Darren: We have to go quickly. So stop playing around in the water Ryan!
Ryan: Oh sorry. I was looking for mussels.
Shane: Numbnut.
Kyle: (climbs up the wall) I can’t believe I lost it…
Samuel: Kyle this isn’t the time to think about that. Sure we lost the certificate but we did achieve the aim! We made a diversion. Now its time to capitalize on it.
Joshua: He’s right Kyle. Just shrug it off. Let’s go.
Darren: Quickly, we must make haste.
In the courtyard, about half of it was covered in white and the other half and pretty much the whole of Kiely square was filled by blue and cream.
Justin: Archers ready!
Rows of students carrying wooden bows with suction cup arrows formed up on the first second and third levels of Alban block. These arrows weren’t toys. They did not go thwap on glass but instead went crash. They were crafted to do damage but not to seriously injure. As were the bows and now was the time to put them to the test.
Justin: Ready, aim and hold!
The archers pulled back waiting for the order to release the rain upon the enemy. There was an awkward silence before them. No one moved a muscle. The 400 patricians stood before the thousand plus of them. The archers held their arms stiff as they waited.
Marcus Arriola: Oh crap I got an itch on my arm!
Marc van Huizen: Don’t let go of your bowstring. Keep still.
Brandon Wong: You got an itch? I’ll help you scratch it.
Marcus: No!
Brandon foolishly let go of his bow and sent an arrow flying through the air. It sped over the white and into the cream and blue. All in a matter of seconds, it struck the head of a VJC student and he fell to the ground. With that, the charge began.
Justin: Here they come! Fire at will. That means you catapult crew!
The small courtyard was filled with war cries as the two forces met in the center. Like a rugby match, they pushed into each other causing the same knock-back effect as before. They fought and they pushed. Wooden swords splintered as they met and arrows flew into the crowd from over head.
Rishic: On 3! 1-2-3!
10 scouts, 2 on each side pulled down the launching pole and the 5 catapults flung the huge water balloons into the air. They pelted the army before them turning their uniforms into a darker hue. They were reloaded and were ready to fire again as the fight raged on.
Darren and Ivan’s units entered the school compound and charged toward the courtyard.
Suddenly, like a white water rapid from the right, they ran through the foyer and into the courtyard. They pounced on the invading armies and pressed them back toward the center. Another 400 of them had come. 200 of Darren’s unit and 200 of Ivan’s. They attacked from the right as Justin and the NCC cohort pushed them back.
Samuel: Good we flanked them this time. Heh heh heh.
Kyle: For St. Pat’s!
Darren, Ivan, Ryan, Joshua and Shane: For St. Pat’s!
They entered the ranks and poured through them as if they were flour on a sieve. Kyle forced his way into the heat of battle with the rest of them following close behind. The seven of them ran like bulls leading the 400 of the students. Kyle ran into the center, knocking VJC students off their feet with thunderous blows of his wooden sword. Shane did the same as he fought behind Kyle with his cricket bat. Ryan followed plowing through the armies like a bulldozer. Joshua stood from afar as he picked out targets with his air rifle. Samuel ducked into the white uniforms and proceeded to Justin.
Samuel: Good job holding them up Justin. If we keep this up, we’ll win.
Justin: Maybe, but theres one small problem. We are missing 500 students!
Samuel: What?! (Ducks as a barrage of arrows and water balloons flies over head)
Justin: We only have 800 men here! We should have at least 1300.
Samuel: Where could they have gone? (Gets a call on his cellphone) Hello? Wei Jie I’m in the middle of a damn battle!
Wei Jie: Relax la. I just called to ask you what I should do with the 500 students here.
Samuel: 500 students? Where the heck are you?
Wei Jie: In the hall la!
Samuel: What the hell are you doing in the hall! We are being attacked!
Wei Jie: I told them to follow me because I thought we needed a safe place to hide. We were being attacked right? What do you want me to do.
Samuel: Fool of a Kok! Get your ass down to the courtyard and bring the 500 of them with you!!!! (Hangs up) What the hell man? Justin, apparently, someone Kocked up but the 500 will be here soon.
More white uniforms rushed down the stairs and through the foyer into the courtyard. There were now at least a thousand plus students defending the White citadel. They collided into the ranks of KC and VJC and pushed them back. They were gaining ground. The patricians had taken at least 2/3 of the courtyard. But in Kiely square, the number grew bigger.
Kyle: Everyone keep fighting! We can win!
Ryan: Damn straight! I make the cheddar baby! (Headbutts a VJC student)
The white overwhelmed the blue and cream as they squeezed them into the square and out of the yard.
Samuel: We can win this. Just a little bit more.
Rishic: Yeah! Come on St. Pats!
Kyle caught a glimpse of more white uniforms behind Kiely block and they were running in the direction of the courtyard.
Kyle: More reinforcements!
Shane: Yeah! We are going to kick their asses!
Samuel glanced at the people coming in as well.
Samuel: That can’t be right. We have the whole school population here. Unless—
In the hues of white, suddenly appeared Khaki. Khaki shorts among the full white uniforms.
Joshua: Oh crap.
Marcus: It can’t be
Justin: Oh my God!
Samuel: Victoria Secondary!
The Victorian flag flew as they charged toward the courtyard. The ranks of patricians suddenly fell back and were losing ground quickly. KC and VJC were pressing hard and to the left, came VS. Marc van Huizen, as king of the fellowship of students knew they would not last. He said the words he wished he would never have to say.
Marc: Retreat! Fall back!
Kyle blew his bugle as he and the thousand plus patricians fled from the courtyard. Within seconds, the invading armies filled the yard and the patricians were sent running in all directions.
Shane: How did VS get in?
Kyle: They must have entered through the gate near the power station. We left that unattended!
Marc: Don’t fret about that now! Run to the bicycle sheds! We have to ride for SJI!
Samuel: Yes. We have to leave behind the white citadel.
Ryan: Why can’t we fight till the last?
Kyle: Its obvious that we will lose. We’ll have to regroup at SJI and maybe just maybe launch a counter attack.
Ryan: Crap (panting)
They ran for the bicycle sheds and began to ride out of the gates. The invading armies were totally overrunning the school and they had no choice but to leave it. As Kyle jumped onto his bike, he looked back. Too see his school in such a state was a crushing sight, as was it for many patricians that day. Out into the streets they sped without turning. They would ride to SJI their brother school for help. They would form together once again to fight for Lasallian pride. As Kyle pedaled faster and faster, he then knew what the greater power the convent prefect spoke of was. Victoria secondary had joined the War of the schools.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
War of the schools (Revisited) II
War of the schools: episode 2
Certificate of the angels is seized.
Horns blew throughout the school as Kyle rushed through the science block and into the courtyard. Rishic and the other scouts barricaded the gate with the nearby scaffold poles. Ivan had his unit stationed at the front of the school at the St. Patrick’s gate and Darren had his at the main gate. Whipping out his cellphone, he sent a text message to Samuel Lee. Samuel a.k.a Sam, Smazmuel or Smaz was a quiet person. In class, he was the quiet one who lived within his own mind. However, in that mind, brewed the best battle plans and strategies anyone could ever come up with. Standing in Kiely Square like a statue as the Patricians ran past him he waited. Eventually from around the corner, a lanky but tall figure emerged with a wooden blade which hung from his waist and dragged on the ground.
Kyle: Sam. Shamrock Garden will not hold. The only thing separating us from the attackers is a chain-link fence. We have to prevent them from concentrating their attack there.
Samuel: Ah. In other words, we need a diversion.
Kyle: Kind of. Actually yes. And since you know so much, it would help a lot if you could think something up now.
Samuel: Way ahead of you.
Kyle: Well?
Samuel: You know that value added award KC keeps yammering about. I mean it’s a good thing but it’s kinda overrated. All we have to do is hit them where it would hurt most.
Kyle: I don’t see where you’re going with this.
Samuel: You idiot! We take the damn certificate of that value added thing and-
Kyle: Relax man I was only kidding.
Samuel: -_-
Kyle: Geez cant a guy try and cheer up when he’s been acting serious the whole day?
Samuel: This isn’t the time to joke. Save that for when we steal the cert. We need a small group of us to traverse into their school. You and me, that’s two. Go get Shane and Ryan and meet me at the foyer. Make it quick.
Rishics troupe of scouts had just finished barricading the gate and were moving into the field to set up the catapults. Theodore Khng, a senior scout and prefect looked across the road. The armies had not moved yet. They were waiting with intent like a cat stalking its prey.
Theodore: Rishic. They havent begun the attack yet. They might be scouting our weak spots.
Rishic: They may have scouts of their own nearby. Theodore, take 10 men and search the area. We can’t let them find anything they could use against us.
In his office, Lak the wise ordered Randall Lee, the schools best long distance runner to report to him.
Lak the wise: Randall. I need you to run a big errand and a few miles for me.
Randall: What for?
Lak the wise: I need you to send this dispatch to St. Joseph’s Institution. We need their help or at least some of their forces to hold off the hostiles from taking St. Patrick’s.
Randall: uh…alright. Sir must take off 6 hours of my CIP ah?
Lak the wise: I think you meant that as a joke but if you can do this, consider it done.
Randall: Okay sir. See you soon.
Shane Meyer, the captain of the St. Patrick’s school cricket team met up with Kyle and Samuel in the foyer. Shane was a warrior of his own kind. He could throw a cricket ball with dead accuracy, power and speed making him useful as a long distance attacker. Ryan Bartushock followed close behind. He wasn’t in any school team of any sport, but he was a 6 foot 3 heavyweight powerhouse. Who wouldn’t want someone like that on their side?
Shane: What is it? What are we gonna do.
Kyle: According to Samuel’s plan we’re going to have to infiltrate Katong convent and steal their value added certificate to create a diversion from the back gate.
Shane: Are you stupid? You know how tight the security there is now?
Ryan: Yeah. They probably have prefects and councilors on every level.
Samuel: I’m willing to take that risk if it’s going to save us from losing our school.
Kyle: Shane get your cricket bat or your cricket ball, anything you want. Ryan grab anything you can defend yourself with and bring it along.
Shane: Done
Ryan: Okay, don’t worry I have my brass knucks.
Kyle: Ryan go easy on them. They are girls after all.
Samuel: Kyle, no time for compassion-
Suddenly, the whole of St. Patrick’s fell silent. As did the other two schools.
Ryan: Its so quiet all of a sudden.
Samuel: It’s the deep breath before the cry of battle.
Shane: What are we waiting for lets go?
Kyle: Wait. We can’t enter the school until they begin the attack.
At that moment, the sound of a rusty gate creaked open and once again, the air was filled with shrieks and shouts. Katong convent had begun to advance. They sounded like a thousand hawks screeching as they descended upon St. Patrick’s. And to the left, the cream coloured shirts started to cross the road at the traffic light junction. They ran across the road, the thousands of them, blocking off the route of the oncoming cars.
Justin: Guys! This is the time to defend our school with all we got. Front line! Ready your gala sticks! Hold them back and don’t let them get to the fence! Ready? Forward!
The front line of Patricians moved up to the fence, pressing the gala sticks through the chain-link fence. 100 gala sticks protruded from the fence.
Justin: The rest of you! Stand fast!
The screeches and cries grew nearer and nearer until it was deafening. At the sound of a patrician yelling in pain and grabbing his arm, the armies had reached the fence. Pellets flew from the gunners and water balloons pelted the 100 strong unit in Shamrock Garden.
Andre Wee: Justin! We cannot hold them (yells in pain as a pellet strikes his arm)
Justin: Get a hold of yourself Andre! The fence will hold!
A rivet popped out of the fencepost as Justin said that.
Andre: The fence will not hold! We need some help!
The front wave of the KC and VJC armies were pressing hard against the fence. It was bending sharply and looked as if it wouldn’t stand for long.
Rishic: Justin! The fence wont hold. Your unit needs to push back for at least a small chance!
Justin: Okay. Guys! On the count of three, we shall press hard against the fence.
The 100 patricians charged forward and rammed themselves into the fence. It caused a knock back effect on the first wave of the KC-VJC army. The front line fell and so did the second, like dominos they collapsed far back to at least the fifth rank. They had gained the upper at least for this period of time. They leant hard against the fence with their shields of cardboard to protect them from the onslaught of the pellet guns. The situation was as volatile as possible and as the counter attack from the armies came, the patricians were thrown off their base.
Justin: Get up people! Do not worry we can hold them here! Use your strength!
The patricians quickly got up and held the fence again, hoping that their combined efforts would be enough to prevent the swirls of blue, white and cream from engulfing Shamrock Garden. The attack had officially begun. It was time for Kyle, Samuel, Ryan and Shane to move out.
Samuel: Let’s go. I don’t know how much time we have left.
Kyle: We’ll go out by St. Patrick’s road, through our telok kurau 2.4 route and into KC by their east entrance.
Ryan: Sounds good.
Swiftly, they ran through St. Patrick’s road and turned right into telok kurau road. They crossed the road into marine terrace and dodged behind the walls of KC’s east entrance.
Samuel: Ryan, see if there are any prefects there.
Ryan: (squints) nothing in sight.
Shane: Those idiots! We can just send our whole army in and take their school by the ass.
Kyle: (creeps around the corner) seriously there aren’t any prefects there.
Samuel: Alright lets go.
The four of them slowly walked around the wall and through the gate. Suddenly, a piercing squeak broke the silence.
Kyle: It’s a trap! They put rubber ducks on the ground!
Samuel: a simple but efficient intruder alert system.
About ten convent prefects came rushing toward the gate with pellet guns in hand.
Convent prefect: Who are you? What are you patricians doing here?
Ryan: I was wondering what those ducks were doing on the floor.
Shane: You saw them and you didn’t tell us?
Convent prefect: Foolish patrician. Heh. Girls take them to the hall for detention.
The prefects enclosed on the four of them.
Samuel: (Unlatches his wooden katana) you think you can capture us?
Convent prefect: Why not? (Fires a pellet at Sam’s head)
Samuel fell to the ground after taking the hard pellet shot to the head but got up almost immediately.
Kyle: Oh. Now you’re in for it.
Samuel charged at the prefect as she opened fire upon him. He rolled to the ground to avoid the shots and nipped back up. With one blow to the prefects hand she dropped the M4 carbine replica to the ground in a whimper of pain. He grabbed the gun before it fell to the ground and pointed it at the prefects head. As he did that, 9 other guns cocked around them.
Shane: Hey Kyle watch my off-spin ball.
Shane lifted his arm with a cricket ball firmly clasped it his hand. As if he was bowling for the national final, he flung the ball directly at one of the prefects. It hit the ground before the girl closest to him, causing her to lose her balance as it headed in her direction. Without notice, the ball kicked sideways to the right and knocked the gun out of another prefect’s hand. Shane grabbed the two guns and held them at gun point.
Shane: I don’t care I’m just gonna fire.
Kyle: Not yet-
But before he could say anything, Shane unleashed a barrage of pellets on the two girls and then switched his targets to the remaining ones. They returned fire, the 7 remaining guns against 3.
Kyle: (gets hit by multiple pellets) Arrggh! Shane you idiot!
Ryan: No problem. I’ll handle this.
Ryan ran forward with his doorway wide frame shielding the others. Like a golem moving through a deadly sandstorm, he ripped the guns out of the hands of 2 girls. Breaking them over his knee, he went forward but the pellets were taking a toll on him.
Ryan: I can’t take it no more!
Samuel: We may have to retreat. We still are outnumbered.
Kyle: (draws his sword) No we have to try. Remember potest qui vult!
All of a sudden one of the prefects gave a yelp and the 2 beside her stopped firing.
Convent prefect #1: What is it?
Convent prefect #2: I think she’s been hit by an air rifle. That pellet is from a Feinwerkbau rifle.
Another 2 shots were fired and the two that were standing fell to the floor.
Kyle: Where did those shots come from?
Shane: (notices a rustle in the tree above) Joshua.
Ryan: Joshua Siow?
Samuel: No doubt.
The sniper jumped from his vantage point and landed behind the four of them. Holding a Feinwerkbau rifle comfortably, he advanced. It was Joshua Siow, member of the Air rifle team.
Samuel: Josh. Where did you come from?
Joshua: That tree?
Shane: Obviously the tree right but how did you get there?
Joshua: Tell you later. Well miss prefect from KC, it seems like you are outnumbered now.
Convent prefect: You don’t know what you have gotten yourselves into. Your school will fall no matter what. We have a greater power coming this way.
Kyle: Greater power? What do you speak of?
Before he could get an answer from her, the 2 of them ran into the school building. 8 of them still were left at the entrance, they were all unarmed.
Samuel: Tell us now. What is the greater power she was talking about.
Convent prefect #1: I don’t know.
Convent prefect#2: Neither do any of us. She is in charge of the prefects. We only know what we need to know.
Kyle: Very well then, if what you say is true, then we shall find out for ourselves. Let us go in. (Takes a few steps forward)
Behind them like a thousand drum rolls, a whole unit of at least 200 Katong convent students were rushing in their direction.
Samuel: I think that may be the greater power she was talking about. Run! Inside the building!
The five patricians dashed inside the school building. They slammed the great double doors together and barricaded it with the plank of wood. Outside they could hear the unit screeching like hawks once again.
Kyle: Let’s hope it holds long enough for us to get the certificate.
Shane: I don’t think they’ll be stupid enough to break down their own door anyway.
Joshua: Oh yeah and about me being in the tree, I was on the overhead bridge and someone shot a water balloon at me and I fell out onto the tree.
Ryan: Hahaha. That’s a new one.
Kyle: Well at least we are together now. Lets make haste.
At the front gate, Darren Ho and Ivan Reddy began to plan their movement. They needed to assist Justin’s unit. Each of them had a unit of 200 patricians.
Ivan: We could help to lighten the attack on the fence if we flank them from the canal walkway and from marine parade road.
Darren: So they would be sandwiched between us. But still, we are heavily outnumbered.
Theodore Khng: Darren. I just got word that some of them had retreated into their school hall for further briefing. Their numbers should be significantly lower. We could stand a chance there.
Ivan: Okay, I’ll take my unit through St. Patrick’s road and then through telok kurau road to attack from the right.
Darren: And I’ll go through East coast road and cross the Siglap canal walkway and attack from the left. Theodore, tell Christopher to move out his NCC unit and control the gates.
Theodore: Okay. (Runs off to the field)
Ivan: People, we are moving out. Draw your weapons!
Patricians: OHHHHHH!!!!!!
In the field, Rishic and his troupe had begun construction of the catapults. At least 5 of them were being built simultaneously.
Marc van Huizen: Rishic I need about 20 of your men to fill up the water balloons.
Rishic: Go ahead. But do it quickly, we need the catapults up as soon as possible.
Marc: Don’t worry we’ll be done in no time at all.
Samuel carefully climbed the stairs and signaled for the rest to follow. They needed to get to the general office, where the certificate was kept.
Samuel: According to the signs, the general office is straight ahead.
Joshua: So how are we going to take it?
Kyle: I don’t think any of them would expect us to take it. So most likely, we’ll just have to barge in and grab it.
Shane: And if there are prefects there?
Samuel: Then we fight. This time I’ll scout the area (glares at Ryan)
Ryan: What?
He tip toed across the corridor and looked around the corner. On the floor lay the same rubber ducks as before.
Samuel: Rubber squeaky ducks. This time, we’ll step over them.
Joshua: Are those glass doors the entrance to the office?
Samuel: That’s what the sign says.
They managed to cross the field of ducks and entered the office. Surprisingly there was no one inside.
Kyle: Is it me or does this seem too easy.
Shane: Just be wary.
They approached a glass case in the center of the office. Shining like the gold of a hundred kingdoms, it stood alone. The value added certificate.
Joshua: The value added award. Nice.
Ryan: Some call it the certificate of the angels.
Samuel: Overrated.
Kyle: Pfft.
Shane: Grab it!
Kyle: The case is locked!
Ryan: So what? (Punches the case)
Ryan’s mighty punch shattered the glass case and with a loud crash, it was reduced to shards.
Samuel: Ryan, are you always the one who messes up?
Joshua: Someone’s coming!
Kyle: Quick! Take it! Take it!
They dove under the cover of the front desk as the footsteps got closer.
Prefect: Who’s in here? Anyone? Oh my Gosh… (Takes out her cellphone) Nadia, someone has stolen the value added cert! Yes. Okay. A search team will be deployed.
After she hung up, she ran out the glass doors and down the stairs. The five patricians got up quietly and proceeded out the door as well.
Shane: Great. Now we got a search team looking for us. Thanks Ryan.
Ryan: No problem.
Samuel, Shane and Joshua: -_-
Kyle: Guys take a look at that. (Looks out the window) We can see the warfront.
Joshua: Check it out; we got them sandwiched between our units.
Darren Ho and Ivan were leading their units toward the mass of the VJC and KC army. The fence was still holding up as the two units prepared to attack.
Darren: Ready for charge!
Ivan: Prepare to charge!
Patricians: OHHHHHH!
They ran at full speed toward the blue and cream swirls knocking back the ranks as they collided with them.
Ivan: Fight! Fight for our school!
Darren: Gunners! Fire at will! The rest of you, just attack!
From the window, they watched as the white uniformed patricians sifted through the blue and cream attacking them from both sides. The advance on the fence suddenly stopped as they fought back.
Kyle: Yes! We have a chance yet.
Samuel: Once we deliver the news that we have this little piece of paper, we will be victorious.
Ryan: Hahaha. Serves them right for thinking they can pick on St. Patrick’s.
Joshua: Our forces still are out numbered though.
Kyle: We are still holding them. That’s a good sign.
Shane: But right now its only 500 against like 2000 plus?
Samuel: Will you relax? Lets just get this back to our side.
Kyle: I think the search party is behind us. We have to hurry.
They ran straight ahead until they came to another set of stairs. They proceeded down and came to the landing, from there; they could see the podium in the courtyard and the armies across the road from it.
Samuel: Okay we’ll make a left here and go out the east exit.
Joshua: Sam, don’t you think, that unit of students is still waiting for us there. I don’t think we can exit from that way.
Samuel: Damn. Okay, Kyle, How many exits does this school have?
Kyle: I don’t know. Theres one at the overhead bridge which leads back to our school. But it’s always locked and probably barricaded by now.
Samuel: Crap! How are we going to get out now?
Kyle: I don’t think we can. We’ll be caught if we try.
Samuel: Ugh. Come on Samuel. Think!
The catapults were ready and were being moved out from the field.
Rishic: Marc, are you done with the balloons?
Marc: We have filled 50 big ones. Will that suffice?
Rishic: For now, yes. Bring them in the trolleys to Shamrock Garden. We will station 3 catapults there.
Marc: Okay. And tell your scouts, job well done.
On marine parade road, the battle still raged on. The sandwich strategy of Darren and Ivan was working well.
Ivan: Darren. Find the commanders and take them out.
Barry Lee: Looking for me?
Darren: Barry. You will pay for what you’ve done you treacherous fool.
Barry: Is it not you who will pay after we tear open your fence? I see through your plan. Your units are just a distraction. I bet you thought a four point o’ level grade wasn’t good enough for you. But you were wrong!
He blew on his brass trumpet. And then shouted his order.
Barry: Men and women! Do not engage the patricians. Tear down the gate! Use everything you got!
Suddenly the disorganized swarm looked forward and then began to charge at the fence, ignoring the two units one either side of them.
Ivan: You son of a switch, I’m going to kick your naz!
Ivan pounced on Barry, showering him with punches and headbutts. Darren fought off the oncoming VJC students who tried to help him. With his wooden lance, he pressed them hard.
Justin: We need some help here! The fence is going to collapse!
Another rivet popped out of the fencepost.
Justin: Ivan! Darren!
His cries were muffled by the ruckus. The fence was on its last legs.
Rishic: Justin we have the catapults ready!
Justin: Rishic, go back! The fence is about to fall!
Rishic gave a look of distress as he ordered his troupes to move back.
Justin: Patricians! Fall back! Fall back into the school!
The 100 strong unit dispersed in all directions as they retreated to the school building.
Rishic: Close the shutters! Close them quickly!
The steel shutters came down with a loud crash as the scouts ran beyond it. And the very next moment, the last rivet popped out of the fencepost. The fence was breached. The hundreds at the frontline scrambled into Shamrock Garden. The enemy was now upon the white citadel.
Darren: Ivan! What do we do now?
Ivan: Just keep attacking! They won’t get past the shutters yet.
Across the road Samuel was still at a loss of what to do.
Samuel: What now? We have the cert but no way to announce its capture.
Kyle: Sam. I have an idea. The podium in the courtyard. The microphone is still attached. Use that.
Samuel: Kyle that’s suicide! We’ll be surrounded.
Shane: But Kyle has a point. They may surround us. But their attention wont be on attacking the school.
Joshua: Even if we get captured, it will give our units some time to fight back.
Samuel: It’s a bit far fetched. But that’s the only thing we can do. Alright. Kyle. Go and announce our hostage.
The sound of footsteps was heard and the search party had found the 5 patricians. They stood behind them on the stairs.
Samuel: Oh crap.
Nadia: Kyle, I know what you have in your hand. Give it back
Kyle: No way. Finders keepers!
Nadia: Finders? You broke the glass case and snatched it. That’s not finding it! Give it back and we’ll let you go.
Kyle: I appreciate your terms but unfortunately Im not going to give it back. Not to you, not to her and not even to your principal over there.
Nadia: Huhs? My principal? Where?
Samuel: Go! Run to the mic!
Nadia: Ugh. That dongdong tricked me! Chase them girls!
Kyle ran ahead of the rest as the search party followed not too far behind. He hopped up onto the podium and took the microphone out of its stand. With that, his raspy voice announced.
Kyle: Students of Katong Convent! We have your value added certificate! It is in the hands of Patricians! Halt the attack, or it shall be destroyed!
Once again the armies fell silent. Kyle had just hit them where it hurt most. The certificate of the angels had been seized.
Stay tuned for episode 3
Certificate of the angels is seized.
Horns blew throughout the school as Kyle rushed through the science block and into the courtyard. Rishic and the other scouts barricaded the gate with the nearby scaffold poles. Ivan had his unit stationed at the front of the school at the St. Patrick’s gate and Darren had his at the main gate. Whipping out his cellphone, he sent a text message to Samuel Lee. Samuel a.k.a Sam, Smazmuel or Smaz was a quiet person. In class, he was the quiet one who lived within his own mind. However, in that mind, brewed the best battle plans and strategies anyone could ever come up with. Standing in Kiely Square like a statue as the Patricians ran past him he waited. Eventually from around the corner, a lanky but tall figure emerged with a wooden blade which hung from his waist and dragged on the ground.
Kyle: Sam. Shamrock Garden will not hold. The only thing separating us from the attackers is a chain-link fence. We have to prevent them from concentrating their attack there.
Samuel: Ah. In other words, we need a diversion.
Kyle: Kind of. Actually yes. And since you know so much, it would help a lot if you could think something up now.
Samuel: Way ahead of you.
Kyle: Well?
Samuel: You know that value added award KC keeps yammering about. I mean it’s a good thing but it’s kinda overrated. All we have to do is hit them where it would hurt most.
Kyle: I don’t see where you’re going with this.
Samuel: You idiot! We take the damn certificate of that value added thing and-
Kyle: Relax man I was only kidding.
Samuel: -_-
Kyle: Geez cant a guy try and cheer up when he’s been acting serious the whole day?
Samuel: This isn’t the time to joke. Save that for when we steal the cert. We need a small group of us to traverse into their school. You and me, that’s two. Go get Shane and Ryan and meet me at the foyer. Make it quick.
Rishics troupe of scouts had just finished barricading the gate and were moving into the field to set up the catapults. Theodore Khng, a senior scout and prefect looked across the road. The armies had not moved yet. They were waiting with intent like a cat stalking its prey.
Theodore: Rishic. They havent begun the attack yet. They might be scouting our weak spots.
Rishic: They may have scouts of their own nearby. Theodore, take 10 men and search the area. We can’t let them find anything they could use against us.
In his office, Lak the wise ordered Randall Lee, the schools best long distance runner to report to him.
Lak the wise: Randall. I need you to run a big errand and a few miles for me.
Randall: What for?
Lak the wise: I need you to send this dispatch to St. Joseph’s Institution. We need their help or at least some of their forces to hold off the hostiles from taking St. Patrick’s.
Randall: uh…alright. Sir must take off 6 hours of my CIP ah?
Lak the wise: I think you meant that as a joke but if you can do this, consider it done.
Randall: Okay sir. See you soon.
Shane Meyer, the captain of the St. Patrick’s school cricket team met up with Kyle and Samuel in the foyer. Shane was a warrior of his own kind. He could throw a cricket ball with dead accuracy, power and speed making him useful as a long distance attacker. Ryan Bartushock followed close behind. He wasn’t in any school team of any sport, but he was a 6 foot 3 heavyweight powerhouse. Who wouldn’t want someone like that on their side?
Shane: What is it? What are we gonna do.
Kyle: According to Samuel’s plan we’re going to have to infiltrate Katong convent and steal their value added certificate to create a diversion from the back gate.
Shane: Are you stupid? You know how tight the security there is now?
Ryan: Yeah. They probably have prefects and councilors on every level.
Samuel: I’m willing to take that risk if it’s going to save us from losing our school.
Kyle: Shane get your cricket bat or your cricket ball, anything you want. Ryan grab anything you can defend yourself with and bring it along.
Shane: Done
Ryan: Okay, don’t worry I have my brass knucks.
Kyle: Ryan go easy on them. They are girls after all.
Samuel: Kyle, no time for compassion-
Suddenly, the whole of St. Patrick’s fell silent. As did the other two schools.
Ryan: Its so quiet all of a sudden.
Samuel: It’s the deep breath before the cry of battle.
Shane: What are we waiting for lets go?
Kyle: Wait. We can’t enter the school until they begin the attack.
At that moment, the sound of a rusty gate creaked open and once again, the air was filled with shrieks and shouts. Katong convent had begun to advance. They sounded like a thousand hawks screeching as they descended upon St. Patrick’s. And to the left, the cream coloured shirts started to cross the road at the traffic light junction. They ran across the road, the thousands of them, blocking off the route of the oncoming cars.
Justin: Guys! This is the time to defend our school with all we got. Front line! Ready your gala sticks! Hold them back and don’t let them get to the fence! Ready? Forward!
The front line of Patricians moved up to the fence, pressing the gala sticks through the chain-link fence. 100 gala sticks protruded from the fence.
Justin: The rest of you! Stand fast!
The screeches and cries grew nearer and nearer until it was deafening. At the sound of a patrician yelling in pain and grabbing his arm, the armies had reached the fence. Pellets flew from the gunners and water balloons pelted the 100 strong unit in Shamrock Garden.
Andre Wee: Justin! We cannot hold them (yells in pain as a pellet strikes his arm)
Justin: Get a hold of yourself Andre! The fence will hold!
A rivet popped out of the fencepost as Justin said that.
Andre: The fence will not hold! We need some help!
The front wave of the KC and VJC armies were pressing hard against the fence. It was bending sharply and looked as if it wouldn’t stand for long.
Rishic: Justin! The fence wont hold. Your unit needs to push back for at least a small chance!
Justin: Okay. Guys! On the count of three, we shall press hard against the fence.
The 100 patricians charged forward and rammed themselves into the fence. It caused a knock back effect on the first wave of the KC-VJC army. The front line fell and so did the second, like dominos they collapsed far back to at least the fifth rank. They had gained the upper at least for this period of time. They leant hard against the fence with their shields of cardboard to protect them from the onslaught of the pellet guns. The situation was as volatile as possible and as the counter attack from the armies came, the patricians were thrown off their base.
Justin: Get up people! Do not worry we can hold them here! Use your strength!
The patricians quickly got up and held the fence again, hoping that their combined efforts would be enough to prevent the swirls of blue, white and cream from engulfing Shamrock Garden. The attack had officially begun. It was time for Kyle, Samuel, Ryan and Shane to move out.
Samuel: Let’s go. I don’t know how much time we have left.
Kyle: We’ll go out by St. Patrick’s road, through our telok kurau 2.4 route and into KC by their east entrance.
Ryan: Sounds good.
Swiftly, they ran through St. Patrick’s road and turned right into telok kurau road. They crossed the road into marine terrace and dodged behind the walls of KC’s east entrance.
Samuel: Ryan, see if there are any prefects there.
Ryan: (squints) nothing in sight.
Shane: Those idiots! We can just send our whole army in and take their school by the ass.
Kyle: (creeps around the corner) seriously there aren’t any prefects there.
Samuel: Alright lets go.
The four of them slowly walked around the wall and through the gate. Suddenly, a piercing squeak broke the silence.
Kyle: It’s a trap! They put rubber ducks on the ground!
Samuel: a simple but efficient intruder alert system.
About ten convent prefects came rushing toward the gate with pellet guns in hand.
Convent prefect: Who are you? What are you patricians doing here?
Ryan: I was wondering what those ducks were doing on the floor.
Shane: You saw them and you didn’t tell us?
Convent prefect: Foolish patrician. Heh. Girls take them to the hall for detention.
The prefects enclosed on the four of them.
Samuel: (Unlatches his wooden katana) you think you can capture us?
Convent prefect: Why not? (Fires a pellet at Sam’s head)
Samuel fell to the ground after taking the hard pellet shot to the head but got up almost immediately.
Kyle: Oh. Now you’re in for it.
Samuel charged at the prefect as she opened fire upon him. He rolled to the ground to avoid the shots and nipped back up. With one blow to the prefects hand she dropped the M4 carbine replica to the ground in a whimper of pain. He grabbed the gun before it fell to the ground and pointed it at the prefects head. As he did that, 9 other guns cocked around them.
Shane: Hey Kyle watch my off-spin ball.
Shane lifted his arm with a cricket ball firmly clasped it his hand. As if he was bowling for the national final, he flung the ball directly at one of the prefects. It hit the ground before the girl closest to him, causing her to lose her balance as it headed in her direction. Without notice, the ball kicked sideways to the right and knocked the gun out of another prefect’s hand. Shane grabbed the two guns and held them at gun point.
Shane: I don’t care I’m just gonna fire.
Kyle: Not yet-
But before he could say anything, Shane unleashed a barrage of pellets on the two girls and then switched his targets to the remaining ones. They returned fire, the 7 remaining guns against 3.
Kyle: (gets hit by multiple pellets) Arrggh! Shane you idiot!
Ryan: No problem. I’ll handle this.
Ryan ran forward with his doorway wide frame shielding the others. Like a golem moving through a deadly sandstorm, he ripped the guns out of the hands of 2 girls. Breaking them over his knee, he went forward but the pellets were taking a toll on him.
Ryan: I can’t take it no more!
Samuel: We may have to retreat. We still are outnumbered.
Kyle: (draws his sword) No we have to try. Remember potest qui vult!
All of a sudden one of the prefects gave a yelp and the 2 beside her stopped firing.
Convent prefect #1: What is it?
Convent prefect #2: I think she’s been hit by an air rifle. That pellet is from a Feinwerkbau rifle.
Another 2 shots were fired and the two that were standing fell to the floor.
Kyle: Where did those shots come from?
Shane: (notices a rustle in the tree above) Joshua.
Ryan: Joshua Siow?
Samuel: No doubt.
The sniper jumped from his vantage point and landed behind the four of them. Holding a Feinwerkbau rifle comfortably, he advanced. It was Joshua Siow, member of the Air rifle team.
Samuel: Josh. Where did you come from?
Joshua: That tree?
Shane: Obviously the tree right but how did you get there?
Joshua: Tell you later. Well miss prefect from KC, it seems like you are outnumbered now.
Convent prefect: You don’t know what you have gotten yourselves into. Your school will fall no matter what. We have a greater power coming this way.
Kyle: Greater power? What do you speak of?
Before he could get an answer from her, the 2 of them ran into the school building. 8 of them still were left at the entrance, they were all unarmed.
Samuel: Tell us now. What is the greater power she was talking about.
Convent prefect #1: I don’t know.
Convent prefect#2: Neither do any of us. She is in charge of the prefects. We only know what we need to know.
Kyle: Very well then, if what you say is true, then we shall find out for ourselves. Let us go in. (Takes a few steps forward)
Behind them like a thousand drum rolls, a whole unit of at least 200 Katong convent students were rushing in their direction.
Samuel: I think that may be the greater power she was talking about. Run! Inside the building!
The five patricians dashed inside the school building. They slammed the great double doors together and barricaded it with the plank of wood. Outside they could hear the unit screeching like hawks once again.
Kyle: Let’s hope it holds long enough for us to get the certificate.
Shane: I don’t think they’ll be stupid enough to break down their own door anyway.
Joshua: Oh yeah and about me being in the tree, I was on the overhead bridge and someone shot a water balloon at me and I fell out onto the tree.
Ryan: Hahaha. That’s a new one.
Kyle: Well at least we are together now. Lets make haste.
At the front gate, Darren Ho and Ivan Reddy began to plan their movement. They needed to assist Justin’s unit. Each of them had a unit of 200 patricians.
Ivan: We could help to lighten the attack on the fence if we flank them from the canal walkway and from marine parade road.
Darren: So they would be sandwiched between us. But still, we are heavily outnumbered.
Theodore Khng: Darren. I just got word that some of them had retreated into their school hall for further briefing. Their numbers should be significantly lower. We could stand a chance there.
Ivan: Okay, I’ll take my unit through St. Patrick’s road and then through telok kurau road to attack from the right.
Darren: And I’ll go through East coast road and cross the Siglap canal walkway and attack from the left. Theodore, tell Christopher to move out his NCC unit and control the gates.
Theodore: Okay. (Runs off to the field)
Ivan: People, we are moving out. Draw your weapons!
Patricians: OHHHHHH!!!!!!
In the field, Rishic and his troupe had begun construction of the catapults. At least 5 of them were being built simultaneously.
Marc van Huizen: Rishic I need about 20 of your men to fill up the water balloons.
Rishic: Go ahead. But do it quickly, we need the catapults up as soon as possible.
Marc: Don’t worry we’ll be done in no time at all.
Samuel carefully climbed the stairs and signaled for the rest to follow. They needed to get to the general office, where the certificate was kept.
Samuel: According to the signs, the general office is straight ahead.
Joshua: So how are we going to take it?
Kyle: I don’t think any of them would expect us to take it. So most likely, we’ll just have to barge in and grab it.
Shane: And if there are prefects there?
Samuel: Then we fight. This time I’ll scout the area (glares at Ryan)
Ryan: What?
He tip toed across the corridor and looked around the corner. On the floor lay the same rubber ducks as before.
Samuel: Rubber squeaky ducks. This time, we’ll step over them.
Joshua: Are those glass doors the entrance to the office?
Samuel: That’s what the sign says.
They managed to cross the field of ducks and entered the office. Surprisingly there was no one inside.
Kyle: Is it me or does this seem too easy.
Shane: Just be wary.
They approached a glass case in the center of the office. Shining like the gold of a hundred kingdoms, it stood alone. The value added certificate.
Joshua: The value added award. Nice.
Ryan: Some call it the certificate of the angels.
Samuel: Overrated.
Kyle: Pfft.
Shane: Grab it!
Kyle: The case is locked!
Ryan: So what? (Punches the case)
Ryan’s mighty punch shattered the glass case and with a loud crash, it was reduced to shards.
Samuel: Ryan, are you always the one who messes up?
Joshua: Someone’s coming!
Kyle: Quick! Take it! Take it!
They dove under the cover of the front desk as the footsteps got closer.
Prefect: Who’s in here? Anyone? Oh my Gosh… (Takes out her cellphone) Nadia, someone has stolen the value added cert! Yes. Okay. A search team will be deployed.
After she hung up, she ran out the glass doors and down the stairs. The five patricians got up quietly and proceeded out the door as well.
Shane: Great. Now we got a search team looking for us. Thanks Ryan.
Ryan: No problem.
Samuel, Shane and Joshua: -_-
Kyle: Guys take a look at that. (Looks out the window) We can see the warfront.
Joshua: Check it out; we got them sandwiched between our units.
Darren Ho and Ivan were leading their units toward the mass of the VJC and KC army. The fence was still holding up as the two units prepared to attack.
Darren: Ready for charge!
Ivan: Prepare to charge!
Patricians: OHHHHHH!
They ran at full speed toward the blue and cream swirls knocking back the ranks as they collided with them.
Ivan: Fight! Fight for our school!
Darren: Gunners! Fire at will! The rest of you, just attack!
From the window, they watched as the white uniformed patricians sifted through the blue and cream attacking them from both sides. The advance on the fence suddenly stopped as they fought back.
Kyle: Yes! We have a chance yet.
Samuel: Once we deliver the news that we have this little piece of paper, we will be victorious.
Ryan: Hahaha. Serves them right for thinking they can pick on St. Patrick’s.
Joshua: Our forces still are out numbered though.
Kyle: We are still holding them. That’s a good sign.
Shane: But right now its only 500 against like 2000 plus?
Samuel: Will you relax? Lets just get this back to our side.
Kyle: I think the search party is behind us. We have to hurry.
They ran straight ahead until they came to another set of stairs. They proceeded down and came to the landing, from there; they could see the podium in the courtyard and the armies across the road from it.
Samuel: Okay we’ll make a left here and go out the east exit.
Joshua: Sam, don’t you think, that unit of students is still waiting for us there. I don’t think we can exit from that way.
Samuel: Damn. Okay, Kyle, How many exits does this school have?
Kyle: I don’t know. Theres one at the overhead bridge which leads back to our school. But it’s always locked and probably barricaded by now.
Samuel: Crap! How are we going to get out now?
Kyle: I don’t think we can. We’ll be caught if we try.
Samuel: Ugh. Come on Samuel. Think!
The catapults were ready and were being moved out from the field.
Rishic: Marc, are you done with the balloons?
Marc: We have filled 50 big ones. Will that suffice?
Rishic: For now, yes. Bring them in the trolleys to Shamrock Garden. We will station 3 catapults there.
Marc: Okay. And tell your scouts, job well done.
On marine parade road, the battle still raged on. The sandwich strategy of Darren and Ivan was working well.
Ivan: Darren. Find the commanders and take them out.
Barry Lee: Looking for me?
Darren: Barry. You will pay for what you’ve done you treacherous fool.
Barry: Is it not you who will pay after we tear open your fence? I see through your plan. Your units are just a distraction. I bet you thought a four point o’ level grade wasn’t good enough for you. But you were wrong!
He blew on his brass trumpet. And then shouted his order.
Barry: Men and women! Do not engage the patricians. Tear down the gate! Use everything you got!
Suddenly the disorganized swarm looked forward and then began to charge at the fence, ignoring the two units one either side of them.
Ivan: You son of a switch, I’m going to kick your naz!
Ivan pounced on Barry, showering him with punches and headbutts. Darren fought off the oncoming VJC students who tried to help him. With his wooden lance, he pressed them hard.
Justin: We need some help here! The fence is going to collapse!
Another rivet popped out of the fencepost.
Justin: Ivan! Darren!
His cries were muffled by the ruckus. The fence was on its last legs.
Rishic: Justin we have the catapults ready!
Justin: Rishic, go back! The fence is about to fall!
Rishic gave a look of distress as he ordered his troupes to move back.
Justin: Patricians! Fall back! Fall back into the school!
The 100 strong unit dispersed in all directions as they retreated to the school building.
Rishic: Close the shutters! Close them quickly!
The steel shutters came down with a loud crash as the scouts ran beyond it. And the very next moment, the last rivet popped out of the fencepost. The fence was breached. The hundreds at the frontline scrambled into Shamrock Garden. The enemy was now upon the white citadel.
Darren: Ivan! What do we do now?
Ivan: Just keep attacking! They won’t get past the shutters yet.
Across the road Samuel was still at a loss of what to do.
Samuel: What now? We have the cert but no way to announce its capture.
Kyle: Sam. I have an idea. The podium in the courtyard. The microphone is still attached. Use that.
Samuel: Kyle that’s suicide! We’ll be surrounded.
Shane: But Kyle has a point. They may surround us. But their attention wont be on attacking the school.
Joshua: Even if we get captured, it will give our units some time to fight back.
Samuel: It’s a bit far fetched. But that’s the only thing we can do. Alright. Kyle. Go and announce our hostage.
The sound of footsteps was heard and the search party had found the 5 patricians. They stood behind them on the stairs.
Samuel: Oh crap.
Nadia: Kyle, I know what you have in your hand. Give it back
Kyle: No way. Finders keepers!
Nadia: Finders? You broke the glass case and snatched it. That’s not finding it! Give it back and we’ll let you go.
Kyle: I appreciate your terms but unfortunately Im not going to give it back. Not to you, not to her and not even to your principal over there.
Nadia: Huhs? My principal? Where?
Samuel: Go! Run to the mic!
Nadia: Ugh. That dongdong tricked me! Chase them girls!
Kyle ran ahead of the rest as the search party followed not too far behind. He hopped up onto the podium and took the microphone out of its stand. With that, his raspy voice announced.
Kyle: Students of Katong Convent! We have your value added certificate! It is in the hands of Patricians! Halt the attack, or it shall be destroyed!
Once again the armies fell silent. Kyle had just hit them where it hurt most. The certificate of the angels had been seized.
Stay tuned for episode 3
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
War of the schools (Revisited)
A short, incomplete series of 5 shorts i wrote about a war between the schools located in the East coast and Katong Area. Written by me in secondary 4. It was good fun and I hope you enjoy it as much as i did writing it.
Episode 1
The sun rose majestically over the white citadel of St. Patrick’s school. The Patricians began to assemble in the courtyard as the bell rang. The royal guards or as they call them, “Prefects” reported to their guard posts. The sky still had a sleepy effect to it as the leader of the school took to the stands. Lak the wise, one of the most skilled leaders of his time. The morale of patrician’s had never been higher than when he took the helm of the shamrock empire.
Lak the wise: Good morning gentlemen. There are no announcements for today, we shall proceed with the flag raising.
The moment the parade commander gave his command, the great horn of Stephen block blew frantically as if crying for help.
Lak the wise: Now…what could it be now…
Rishic Menon, one of the royal scouts, ran down from the central staircase and into the courtyard. The look on his face already signified the bad news.
Lak the wise: What is it Rishic.
Rishic: (through rough panting) Sir! It appears that our allies Katong convent and Victoria Junior College have turned against us.
Lak the wise: What? When did you hear about this?
Rishic: This morning. I found a suction cup arrow on the glass of the outpost window. It was a declaration of war by the two schools. Their forces are massing sir. We can see them from the Stephen block outpost. At least 2500 strong sir.
Lak the wise: This is preposterous. What are they going to fight us with? Sticks?
Rishic: An insider reported wooden swords, pellet guns, suction cup arrows and water balloons. They could take our whole citadel by force.
Lak the wise: Ah…perhaps we will need to fight for the shamrock’s pride… Rishic gather the prefects. We need a battle plan. Maybe we could negotiate with the leaders first. Whatever it is, gather the prefects. Go! Quickly!
Rishic ran up to the Stephen block outpost again. He blew the horn but this time in a higher pitch. The whining of the great horn echoed through the walls of the school and fell upon the ears of Kyle Ganapathy. The prefect who was in charge of negotiation and warfare. Halfway through his unfinished homework(taking advantage of the prefect’s privilege of skipping assemblies), he rushed out of class and alerted the rest of the council. Darren Ho, the master of the guard, Justin Thio, the battle formation specialist, Ivan Reddy, the cleric, Christopher Chitty, the commander of the NCC forces, and last but not least Marc Van Huizen, the king of the fellowship of students. They scurried like scalded dogs up to Stephen block to meet the rest of the prefects.
Kyle: Rishic. What’ the problem?
Rishic: Take a look for yourself. (Shows Kyle the note and points to the window)
Kyle read the note and his eyes widened. He looked out the window and there stood a sea of blue. Like the unforgiving depths of the ocean. The Katong Convent forces were assembled in their courtyard. Ready to strike at first notice. To the left, the cream coloured shirts filled the canal walkway. Wooden swords were being carved, pellet guns being cocked and water balloons being filled. The sight of such an army could have broken the mightiest man.
Kyle: How many of them?
Justin: I’d reckon about 2000 to 3000 altogether.
Marc: Great. Our O level year and this comes up.
Ivan: How are we going to respond?
Rishic: Lak the wise proposed negotiations. But we may as well prepare for the incoming wave.
Kyle: Okay. Justin, we need some sort of plan.
Justin: Right now, our most vulnerable part would be the back gate. We need to alert the scouts to gather their scaffolds and barricade it. It is a very flimsy fence, the force of ten people could break it off its hinges. We need to reinforce it. I will take my unit of Patricians and garrison them in Shamrock garden in case the need to fight arises.
Marc: What if they try to flank us?
Darren: I’ll bring my unit to the front gate. We’ll stay there until further notice from you guys. Its strong. It should be able to hold if they try to attack.
Ivan: My unit and I will guard the gate leading to St. Patrick’s road. Its strong but short. We need a higher concentration of defense there.
Kyle: Sounds promising. Christopher, we need the NCC cadets to form up in the field. They’ll be our extra garrison. Draw the dummy guns.
Christopher: Roger.
Marc: Rishic, the scouts will have to assist us in the building of some sort of defensive mechanism. Have you built the catapult before?
Rishic: No.
Marc: Then try. We need to pull out all the stops.
Kyle: Then its settled for now…I…
The room in Stephen block fell silent as a loud battle cheer resonates from the courtyard.
Marc: He’s given the order for battle. We’ll get to our posts. Kyle, begin the negotiations.
The prefects dispersed each carrying a flag with a shamrock emblazoned on it. Kyle stayed with Rishic as the rest of the prefects went into the courtyard to ready the troops.
Ivan: 4E2,4E3,2N1,2E4 follow me! Report to the St Patrick’s road gate!
The noise in the courtyard was almost deafening as each unit moved out into their various posts. Disorganized as they were, still, they knew what to do.
Lak the wise: Joshua Siow! Come here!
Joshua: Yes sir?
Lak the wise: Here take the keys to the air rifle room. Draw out the rifles. I want you and the best marksmen to station at vantage points. Do not aim for the face. Just hold them where they are. We don’t want any severe injuries. War or not.
Joshua: Yes sir!
Kyle picked up his flag as he walked out of the back gate. It shut tight behind him as he stood before the roaring army of the KC-VJC alliance.
Kyle: If this negotiation fails, we’re gone…
He climbed up the bridge, which connected Katong convent to St. Patrick’s. There, he met with the commanders of each army. Nadia Ahmad Samdin, of KC and Barry Lee of VJC.
Kyle: Nadia? What are you doing here?
Nadia: I’m having a barbecue (rolls eyes) Obviously to negotiate!
Kyle: What is the cause of this? Why have your two schools turned on us?
Barry Lee: Nothing personal. But your school is a wart in the middle of greatness. Look at you guys. Heh. You can’t even hold your pants up properly. You are in the midst of the best few schools in Singapore. Victoria secondary, Victoria JC and Katong convent. We want you out.
Kyle: Did you just indirectly say that my school is lousy?
Barry: Yes as a matter of fact, I did.
Kyle: Oh yeah?
Nadia: Okay before you do something stupid, listen to our terms. If you do not wish to engage us in battle, your school students will have to follow our rules.
Kyle: What may that be?
Barry: They may not traverse near our schools. No Patrician shall cross onto our side of the road. They may not pass us. Anyone that chooses to disobey will be taken prisoner. Patricians may not converse or have any contact with the students from our schools. And at any time one is caught, we have the free will to take it into our own hands.
Kyle: Those demands are ridiculous! We all have friends in KC and in VJC. Are you saying that all contact shall be shut off from our school and that it will fall into the shadow of obscurity?
Barry: Yes. That is correct. You and your kind are not wanted here.
Nadia: Sorry Kyle…but the schools made a unanimous decision. As far as I’m concerned it is stupid but I’m just a negotiator.
Kyle: A negotiator is supposed to negotiate not force someone into doing something…
Barry: We don’t have all day. What say you?
Kyle: I say. Negotiations are over…
Kyle placed his flag against the guardrail of the bridge. With an almighty lunge, he knocked Barry Lee off his feet with a devastating forearm to the chest.
Kyle: (Takes out his bugle and blows on it) Potest qui vult! We go to war!
Nadia: (Grabs her forehead) Oh Kyle…bad choice…
Barry: Nadia. Signal the armies.
Nadia takes out her cellphone and dials a number into the phone. After a 10 second silence, the legions of blue and cream roared with all their might. The Great War of the schools was about to commence. Kyle ran back into the citadel as the scouts shut the gate and began barricading it with the scaffolds. Justin’s unit was ready with their wooden swords drawn and was stationed in Shamrock garden. A small garrison of 100 men against the oncoming thousands. Kyle blew his horn once more and called Rishic to his side.
Kyle: Rishic! Get the remaining scouts and build the catapults as soon as you can. And get Samuel here. We are in for a heck of a fight…
Stay tuned for episode 2
Episode 1
The sun rose majestically over the white citadel of St. Patrick’s school. The Patricians began to assemble in the courtyard as the bell rang. The royal guards or as they call them, “Prefects” reported to their guard posts. The sky still had a sleepy effect to it as the leader of the school took to the stands. Lak the wise, one of the most skilled leaders of his time. The morale of patrician’s had never been higher than when he took the helm of the shamrock empire.
Lak the wise: Good morning gentlemen. There are no announcements for today, we shall proceed with the flag raising.
The moment the parade commander gave his command, the great horn of Stephen block blew frantically as if crying for help.
Lak the wise: Now…what could it be now…
Rishic Menon, one of the royal scouts, ran down from the central staircase and into the courtyard. The look on his face already signified the bad news.
Lak the wise: What is it Rishic.
Rishic: (through rough panting) Sir! It appears that our allies Katong convent and Victoria Junior College have turned against us.
Lak the wise: What? When did you hear about this?
Rishic: This morning. I found a suction cup arrow on the glass of the outpost window. It was a declaration of war by the two schools. Their forces are massing sir. We can see them from the Stephen block outpost. At least 2500 strong sir.
Lak the wise: This is preposterous. What are they going to fight us with? Sticks?
Rishic: An insider reported wooden swords, pellet guns, suction cup arrows and water balloons. They could take our whole citadel by force.
Lak the wise: Ah…perhaps we will need to fight for the shamrock’s pride… Rishic gather the prefects. We need a battle plan. Maybe we could negotiate with the leaders first. Whatever it is, gather the prefects. Go! Quickly!
Rishic ran up to the Stephen block outpost again. He blew the horn but this time in a higher pitch. The whining of the great horn echoed through the walls of the school and fell upon the ears of Kyle Ganapathy. The prefect who was in charge of negotiation and warfare. Halfway through his unfinished homework(taking advantage of the prefect’s privilege of skipping assemblies), he rushed out of class and alerted the rest of the council. Darren Ho, the master of the guard, Justin Thio, the battle formation specialist, Ivan Reddy, the cleric, Christopher Chitty, the commander of the NCC forces, and last but not least Marc Van Huizen, the king of the fellowship of students. They scurried like scalded dogs up to Stephen block to meet the rest of the prefects.
Kyle: Rishic. What’ the problem?
Rishic: Take a look for yourself. (Shows Kyle the note and points to the window)
Kyle read the note and his eyes widened. He looked out the window and there stood a sea of blue. Like the unforgiving depths of the ocean. The Katong Convent forces were assembled in their courtyard. Ready to strike at first notice. To the left, the cream coloured shirts filled the canal walkway. Wooden swords were being carved, pellet guns being cocked and water balloons being filled. The sight of such an army could have broken the mightiest man.
Kyle: How many of them?
Justin: I’d reckon about 2000 to 3000 altogether.
Marc: Great. Our O level year and this comes up.
Ivan: How are we going to respond?
Rishic: Lak the wise proposed negotiations. But we may as well prepare for the incoming wave.
Kyle: Okay. Justin, we need some sort of plan.
Justin: Right now, our most vulnerable part would be the back gate. We need to alert the scouts to gather their scaffolds and barricade it. It is a very flimsy fence, the force of ten people could break it off its hinges. We need to reinforce it. I will take my unit of Patricians and garrison them in Shamrock garden in case the need to fight arises.
Marc: What if they try to flank us?
Darren: I’ll bring my unit to the front gate. We’ll stay there until further notice from you guys. Its strong. It should be able to hold if they try to attack.
Ivan: My unit and I will guard the gate leading to St. Patrick’s road. Its strong but short. We need a higher concentration of defense there.
Kyle: Sounds promising. Christopher, we need the NCC cadets to form up in the field. They’ll be our extra garrison. Draw the dummy guns.
Christopher: Roger.
Marc: Rishic, the scouts will have to assist us in the building of some sort of defensive mechanism. Have you built the catapult before?
Rishic: No.
Marc: Then try. We need to pull out all the stops.
Kyle: Then its settled for now…I…
The room in Stephen block fell silent as a loud battle cheer resonates from the courtyard.
Marc: He’s given the order for battle. We’ll get to our posts. Kyle, begin the negotiations.
The prefects dispersed each carrying a flag with a shamrock emblazoned on it. Kyle stayed with Rishic as the rest of the prefects went into the courtyard to ready the troops.
Ivan: 4E2,4E3,2N1,2E4 follow me! Report to the St Patrick’s road gate!
The noise in the courtyard was almost deafening as each unit moved out into their various posts. Disorganized as they were, still, they knew what to do.
Lak the wise: Joshua Siow! Come here!
Joshua: Yes sir?
Lak the wise: Here take the keys to the air rifle room. Draw out the rifles. I want you and the best marksmen to station at vantage points. Do not aim for the face. Just hold them where they are. We don’t want any severe injuries. War or not.
Joshua: Yes sir!
Kyle picked up his flag as he walked out of the back gate. It shut tight behind him as he stood before the roaring army of the KC-VJC alliance.
Kyle: If this negotiation fails, we’re gone…
He climbed up the bridge, which connected Katong convent to St. Patrick’s. There, he met with the commanders of each army. Nadia Ahmad Samdin, of KC and Barry Lee of VJC.
Kyle: Nadia? What are you doing here?
Nadia: I’m having a barbecue (rolls eyes) Obviously to negotiate!
Kyle: What is the cause of this? Why have your two schools turned on us?
Barry Lee: Nothing personal. But your school is a wart in the middle of greatness. Look at you guys. Heh. You can’t even hold your pants up properly. You are in the midst of the best few schools in Singapore. Victoria secondary, Victoria JC and Katong convent. We want you out.
Kyle: Did you just indirectly say that my school is lousy?
Barry: Yes as a matter of fact, I did.
Kyle: Oh yeah?
Nadia: Okay before you do something stupid, listen to our terms. If you do not wish to engage us in battle, your school students will have to follow our rules.
Kyle: What may that be?
Barry: They may not traverse near our schools. No Patrician shall cross onto our side of the road. They may not pass us. Anyone that chooses to disobey will be taken prisoner. Patricians may not converse or have any contact with the students from our schools. And at any time one is caught, we have the free will to take it into our own hands.
Kyle: Those demands are ridiculous! We all have friends in KC and in VJC. Are you saying that all contact shall be shut off from our school and that it will fall into the shadow of obscurity?
Barry: Yes. That is correct. You and your kind are not wanted here.
Nadia: Sorry Kyle…but the schools made a unanimous decision. As far as I’m concerned it is stupid but I’m just a negotiator.
Kyle: A negotiator is supposed to negotiate not force someone into doing something…
Barry: We don’t have all day. What say you?
Kyle: I say. Negotiations are over…
Kyle placed his flag against the guardrail of the bridge. With an almighty lunge, he knocked Barry Lee off his feet with a devastating forearm to the chest.
Kyle: (Takes out his bugle and blows on it) Potest qui vult! We go to war!
Nadia: (Grabs her forehead) Oh Kyle…bad choice…
Barry: Nadia. Signal the armies.
Nadia takes out her cellphone and dials a number into the phone. After a 10 second silence, the legions of blue and cream roared with all their might. The Great War of the schools was about to commence. Kyle ran back into the citadel as the scouts shut the gate and began barricading it with the scaffolds. Justin’s unit was ready with their wooden swords drawn and was stationed in Shamrock garden. A small garrison of 100 men against the oncoming thousands. Kyle blew his horn once more and called Rishic to his side.
Kyle: Rishic! Get the remaining scouts and build the catapults as soon as you can. And get Samuel here. We are in for a heck of a fight…
Stay tuned for episode 2
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
I bought a ticket to the end of the rainbow, a year later. Watching those same stars cool in the sea. Sitting in the same beetle as the year before. Driving down the 7 coloured arch leaving a trail of multicoloured candy in my wake. As I walk through the razor's edge of the esplanade's halls to the soft green rubber lining of the college court. The planes still climb high into the night, just outside my bedroom window. Or the space cruisers where mustard was once had in satisfaction. Cold fusion seemed blistering hot in the afternoon sun of mass p.e. And a cold wind of those forgotten whistles every bell toll. Darth vader and Ronald McDonald, Enrique Iglesias and Lorenzo Lamas. A sign of things past pointing in the direction of the future. To sit on the grey steps of the grandstands as a senior would be more than I could ask for. There is still hope before the storm. As i sat at the end of the rainbow watching the stars crash into the sea, now i sit on the steps facing the green grass of the field. Waiting for that last blow to fall. That beetle rode me past saigou no sensou. Now it will carry me past my first year. To advance for another year. To pat my junior class members on the back and smile upon them as their influence. Thats what would be nice. Running on the drive of sweetness.
Here I go.
Here I go.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Alright since the closing date of the writing competition in school is in 2 hours time, i shall post my competition piece here coz no one can steal it now.
Anyway here it is. "The Lost Smile". I don't care if you think it's messy or anything. Just read it. Also i'd like to note that the character in this story is not me. It is a persona. So before you start insulting me for being an "emo-kid" or whatever the hell those things are called, it is a persona. That also goes for you King lort if that is your real name,which of course it isn't.
The Lost Smile
I awoke to the dreamy tune of “Stardust” on my clock’s radio. Staring up at the light on my ceiling I wished I had not wakened. Today was the day. That dreaded day that my partner in crime, comrade, amigo and any other term you could use to describe a great friend, would leave for another country. I couldn’t remember which one. All that really mattered was that she was leaving. Wrenching myself out of my duvet’s warm embrace I stumbled into the bathroom, ignoring the throbbing headache from the night before. The mirror beheld a face of void. My eyes had no more wonder behind their green hue, my face was fixed and as much as I tried, my smile could not be found. Even the hot shower felt as cold as ice. Moving from my daily procedures was almost mechanical as I dried myself with my towel and then got dressed into a shirt and a pair of jeans which my hands had automatically picked out. There was too much to think about to even be hungry. Still I reached for the three day old pasta in a blue airtight container. “You should take better care of yourself. I’ll cook some proper food for you.” I could remember those words she told me the first time she visited the cave I call my apartment. Her name was Tiffany. We met on our first year of University in Japan. Both of us were in the school of art and it wasn’t long before we got to know each other. They say artist’s either get along very well or end up hating each other to the core. I’d like to think we were the former. I couldn’t relate to anyone in the class. They all seemed too caught up with being artsy all the time that they forgot to be what they really were, students in a college of the arts. Not art in a college of students. Tiffany was different. Each day with her was magical. She would treat every aspect of me like they were significant parts of the universe. Though she treated everyone the same way, you couldn’t help but feel special when you looked into those innocent dust-grey eyes. Tiffany was more than you could ever ask for in a friend. She was someone who cared for things you would normally shrug off, someone who would wait hours for you to complete a sculpture just to give you pointers on how to shape it better and someone who would be there to offer a friendly pat on the back or a hug after a harsh criticism on your work. The 3 years would have been a living hell without her. She was what got me to rise from bed everyday, to draw, to paint, to sculpt and to live. My muse. And now she’s leaving. Sometimes I wonder if I could have loved her past the boundaries of friendship but it all seemed a distant memory. The noodles were cold and stale and had lost its flavour a long time ago. My phone vibrated noisily bringing me out of my blank state of mind. I answered, still with the coarseness of my morning voice. It was her on the other end of the line. Still with her ever cheerful and chirpy voice, wishing me a splendid morning as she had done the past semesters. She told me to meet her on Shinei hill. It was just a few blocks from the campus. We used to spend those carefree freshman and sophomore years in the abandoned and ruined playground on one of its terraces. As ridiculous as it sounds for two twenty year olds to be spending their days in a playground, it was our escape from the stress that piled upon our backs, almost to breaking point sometimes. You could see the entire city from it. A view of the fence of high rise apartments against the backdrop of the blue marquee that spread all the way to the horizon. I said I would meet her there as soon as I could. She hung up after saying the word which I had dreaded to hear for so long, “bye”. I found a spot in the mess of my refrigerator for the pasta and put it back on the mesh shelf. Reaching between the couch cushions I pulled out my car keys and headed for the door, wiping away bits of sauce that stained the stubble around my mouth. My trusty Chevrolet was waiting for me in the car park. It had only broken down four times in the year so far and it only took three tries to get it started. The barrier rose slowly as I exited and I checked myself in the rear view mirror. My eyes were still vacant and my brows, still hovering motionlessly over them. I did not know what to expect. It was going to be our last day together on that hill for God knows how long. I wondered if I would see her again after all this was done. Thoughts began to flood my head until I turned on the car radio. The music seemed like noise but at least it eased my bursting mind. Shielding my eyes from the afternoon sun I sped away before realizing that I was supposed to go in the other direction.
I drove through the streets, passing the roadside cafes we used to go to. She said it felt like a Parisian diner complete with the checked tablecloths sprinkled with the hard crumbs of a baguette. The ice cream parlor was not too far from it. That was where we wondered if we could paint using only the colours of the rainbow swirl. Then came the stain glass windows of the florist. I could recall how we would buy a trunk load of roses on Valentine’s Day and give them out to everyone and anyone back at the university. I would always leave one for her, tucked silently into her sling bag. It was almost a relief to reach the end of that street. Too many memories in the span of a minute can hurt. The sakuras were in blossom, littering the park paths with pink snow. A beautiful sight as it was always. Tiffany loved those trees and every spring she would frolic in the park, often showering herself with the blushing petals. It was but ephemeral beauty however. Gone before you can fully enjoy its splendour. How delightfully apt it was for my situation. I parked my car opposite from the hill and crossed the road, not taking notice of the horns that blared at me. Each step up the finely carved stone stairway had a past behind it. Moss had grown fat on its edges and I had trouble keeping my balance as I made my way up. It took about fifteen minutes of running along the spiral path to reach the playground’s terrace. She had not arrived yet but it was not strange of her to be late at times. I lay down on the broken slide and let my shoes dig into the sand. The sun was filtering through the canopy of trees that shaded the terrace. The bustle of the city was apparent almost everywhere as I looked down onto it. There was like an invisible wall that separated this quaint place from the chaos that took place beyond it. It was quite obvious why the playground was abandoned as I walked up to the tiny barricade that was right before a steep drop right down to the floor. A comforting hand touched my back. In shock I turned around to be greeted with a smile from Tiffany who had just made her way up. I tried to smile back at her but I could only force the sides of my mouth to angle upwards ever so slightly. Her grey eyes were as captivating as ever and the beams of light gave her silk like brown hair a faint golden shade. She wore her favourite white dress complete with orange linings, reminding me of the time I had accidentally spilled wine all over it during a Hanami festival. Still she didn’t hold it against me. She looked at me with a sunny glow and handed me a can of apple soda. I accepted it gratefully, thanking her as we both sat down on the balance beam. “If I could stay, I would. You know that.” She said, noticing my distinct look of gloominess.
“And I would go with you if I could.” I replied.
I don’t know if you could call it heartache or anything. All I know is that my chest felt like a furnace filled with paraffin and brandy. I looked into her eyes once again, in disbelief. It seemed so unreal that the hands that comforted me and the voice that motivated me would disappear from my life in a matter of a day. Her face never showed a trace of sorrow but this time it wasn’t showing cheeriness either. We talked like we used to. Of many things past, present and future. We once again remembered those summer nights we would lay up on the roof of her house just gazing at the specks of light on the black felt sky. She told me that she wanted to become a concept artist for films and video games once she moved to the United States. I didn’t know what I wanted to be in the time to come. It all seemed so unimportant at this point. My art felt like doodles on scrap paper and my sculptures like play-dough figurines. I couldn’t see beyond the sunset because everything seemed like it would end right there. Still we talked, reminiscing as I fiddled with the empty soda can.
My watch gave a horrible six beeps. Another hour till she would have to go. I walked up to the flimsy barricade and leaned against it, resting my head on my arms. The sun was slowly descending into the coral clouds beyond the last skyscraper. She walked up to join me. I guessed that she knew her time with me was soon to be up as well. I jumped slightly as I felt her arms slowly and gently wrap around my neck. Part of the inferno within me was cooled by her pleasant caress. Her delicate chin rested on my shoulder and her head leaned against mine. A warm tear rolled down her cheek and onto mine as we watched the sun fall slowly behind the buildings. I wished that life had a pause button. I could’ve stayed in that moment forever. I did not want her to let go and leave me to walk the campus alone. But of course, she had to. We stayed that way till the sun finally disappeared into the horizon. Tiffany kissed the back of my head and picked up her sling bag. The moment she let go, a cold wind shook me. She rubbed the last few tears out of her eyes and smiled at me again. That smile that had brightened my days for the last three years. That smile that I loved so much but never said a word. I hugged her and felt a tear of my own run down my face. I rubbed it away quickly and wished her the best. “I will be in touch. I always will.” She assured me as she readied herself to leave.
I had one last touch of her flawless face as she turned to leave, looking back every few steps. Watching with sighs as her Reeboks walked her out of my life; I hoped she would notice the rose I tucked away silently into her bag. Just like before. She vanished into the corner of the spiral pathway and I stood alone in the playground once again. Sitting on a spring mounted horse I watched as the last few rays of light folded back and made way for the dark of night. By now, Tiffany would have been at the airport, ready to board that aluminum falcon to carry her into the west. The more I thought of it, the more it began to sting. I walked down the path with my hands in my pockets, almost falling down a few times due to the slippery moss. The stairway did not make it any better. Strolling across the empty road again, back to my car, a white piece of paper was placed in between the wiper and the screen. “Great, a parking fine.” I thought to myself as I unfolded the paper.
It was not a fine after all. It turned out to be a note from Tiffany. “Goodbye doesn’t mean forever.” She wrote on it, complete with her signature smiley face at the corner of the paper.
They were lyrics from the famous song by David Gates. It sure would seem like forever without her though. I placed the note into my pocket and got into my car. The rear view mirror now showed a pair of eyes stained red with dolor. I started up the engine and began that quiet drive back to the apartment. Two children played with small fireworks in the park among the sakuras. Small red lanterns hung from the branches as they shone on the picnic mats on the ground. The cafes and the shops closed as everyone gathered under the cotton candy roof of the park. They were all smiling joyously. I would have spoiled the atmosphere if I had joined them, so I just kept on driving and arrived at the apartment. The dreary building I called home. I parked the car and headed back up and flung myself on the couch. Taking out the note that Tiffany had written, I read it again. I hoped with all my heart that it did not mean forever. She had left, taking with her that beautiful smile. And with her, my smile left as well. I had not realized it till that point, that Tiffany was my smile. The only person that brought me enough joy to create that expression. She was my driving force, my support and my source of happiness. Without her there would be no such thing as a smile anymore. I held the note tightly in my hand and went into my bedroom. The clock radio was still on. I had forgotten to turn it off. Over the airwaves James Ingram crooned, “Where did my heart go?”
It was a fitting song for the end of this day. I fell into the sheets, taking out a photo we had taken together during our sophomore year. I held it next to her note and lost myself in reverie once again. I would miss her sorely everyday from that night onwards. My smile seemed so far away from where I was. The song continued, “It’s going to take a while but I’ve got to learn to smile again.”
Just the thought of Tiffany now seemed to weigh my heart down, though just a few months ago it made it fly. I’ve never liked goodbyes but I guess that one day we will be this close again. Just like we were these few years. As I lay there, staring out the window before me, a display of fireworks exploded into hypnotic colours in the distance as a silver airplane climbed into the night sky. “Maybe I would learn to smile again soon. Just maybe…” I thought to myself as I watched the luminous explosions fill the black sky with incandescent rainbows.
- Kyle Ganapathy, 1T02
Anyway here it is. "The Lost Smile". I don't care if you think it's messy or anything. Just read it. Also i'd like to note that the character in this story is not me. It is a persona. So before you start insulting me for being an "emo-kid" or whatever the hell those things are called, it is a persona. That also goes for you King lort if that is your real name,which of course it isn't.
The Lost Smile
I awoke to the dreamy tune of “Stardust” on my clock’s radio. Staring up at the light on my ceiling I wished I had not wakened. Today was the day. That dreaded day that my partner in crime, comrade, amigo and any other term you could use to describe a great friend, would leave for another country. I couldn’t remember which one. All that really mattered was that she was leaving. Wrenching myself out of my duvet’s warm embrace I stumbled into the bathroom, ignoring the throbbing headache from the night before. The mirror beheld a face of void. My eyes had no more wonder behind their green hue, my face was fixed and as much as I tried, my smile could not be found. Even the hot shower felt as cold as ice. Moving from my daily procedures was almost mechanical as I dried myself with my towel and then got dressed into a shirt and a pair of jeans which my hands had automatically picked out. There was too much to think about to even be hungry. Still I reached for the three day old pasta in a blue airtight container. “You should take better care of yourself. I’ll cook some proper food for you.” I could remember those words she told me the first time she visited the cave I call my apartment. Her name was Tiffany. We met on our first year of University in Japan. Both of us were in the school of art and it wasn’t long before we got to know each other. They say artist’s either get along very well or end up hating each other to the core. I’d like to think we were the former. I couldn’t relate to anyone in the class. They all seemed too caught up with being artsy all the time that they forgot to be what they really were, students in a college of the arts. Not art in a college of students. Tiffany was different. Each day with her was magical. She would treat every aspect of me like they were significant parts of the universe. Though she treated everyone the same way, you couldn’t help but feel special when you looked into those innocent dust-grey eyes. Tiffany was more than you could ever ask for in a friend. She was someone who cared for things you would normally shrug off, someone who would wait hours for you to complete a sculpture just to give you pointers on how to shape it better and someone who would be there to offer a friendly pat on the back or a hug after a harsh criticism on your work. The 3 years would have been a living hell without her. She was what got me to rise from bed everyday, to draw, to paint, to sculpt and to live. My muse. And now she’s leaving. Sometimes I wonder if I could have loved her past the boundaries of friendship but it all seemed a distant memory. The noodles were cold and stale and had lost its flavour a long time ago. My phone vibrated noisily bringing me out of my blank state of mind. I answered, still with the coarseness of my morning voice. It was her on the other end of the line. Still with her ever cheerful and chirpy voice, wishing me a splendid morning as she had done the past semesters. She told me to meet her on Shinei hill. It was just a few blocks from the campus. We used to spend those carefree freshman and sophomore years in the abandoned and ruined playground on one of its terraces. As ridiculous as it sounds for two twenty year olds to be spending their days in a playground, it was our escape from the stress that piled upon our backs, almost to breaking point sometimes. You could see the entire city from it. A view of the fence of high rise apartments against the backdrop of the blue marquee that spread all the way to the horizon. I said I would meet her there as soon as I could. She hung up after saying the word which I had dreaded to hear for so long, “bye”. I found a spot in the mess of my refrigerator for the pasta and put it back on the mesh shelf. Reaching between the couch cushions I pulled out my car keys and headed for the door, wiping away bits of sauce that stained the stubble around my mouth. My trusty Chevrolet was waiting for me in the car park. It had only broken down four times in the year so far and it only took three tries to get it started. The barrier rose slowly as I exited and I checked myself in the rear view mirror. My eyes were still vacant and my brows, still hovering motionlessly over them. I did not know what to expect. It was going to be our last day together on that hill for God knows how long. I wondered if I would see her again after all this was done. Thoughts began to flood my head until I turned on the car radio. The music seemed like noise but at least it eased my bursting mind. Shielding my eyes from the afternoon sun I sped away before realizing that I was supposed to go in the other direction.
I drove through the streets, passing the roadside cafes we used to go to. She said it felt like a Parisian diner complete with the checked tablecloths sprinkled with the hard crumbs of a baguette. The ice cream parlor was not too far from it. That was where we wondered if we could paint using only the colours of the rainbow swirl. Then came the stain glass windows of the florist. I could recall how we would buy a trunk load of roses on Valentine’s Day and give them out to everyone and anyone back at the university. I would always leave one for her, tucked silently into her sling bag. It was almost a relief to reach the end of that street. Too many memories in the span of a minute can hurt. The sakuras were in blossom, littering the park paths with pink snow. A beautiful sight as it was always. Tiffany loved those trees and every spring she would frolic in the park, often showering herself with the blushing petals. It was but ephemeral beauty however. Gone before you can fully enjoy its splendour. How delightfully apt it was for my situation. I parked my car opposite from the hill and crossed the road, not taking notice of the horns that blared at me. Each step up the finely carved stone stairway had a past behind it. Moss had grown fat on its edges and I had trouble keeping my balance as I made my way up. It took about fifteen minutes of running along the spiral path to reach the playground’s terrace. She had not arrived yet but it was not strange of her to be late at times. I lay down on the broken slide and let my shoes dig into the sand. The sun was filtering through the canopy of trees that shaded the terrace. The bustle of the city was apparent almost everywhere as I looked down onto it. There was like an invisible wall that separated this quaint place from the chaos that took place beyond it. It was quite obvious why the playground was abandoned as I walked up to the tiny barricade that was right before a steep drop right down to the floor. A comforting hand touched my back. In shock I turned around to be greeted with a smile from Tiffany who had just made her way up. I tried to smile back at her but I could only force the sides of my mouth to angle upwards ever so slightly. Her grey eyes were as captivating as ever and the beams of light gave her silk like brown hair a faint golden shade. She wore her favourite white dress complete with orange linings, reminding me of the time I had accidentally spilled wine all over it during a Hanami festival. Still she didn’t hold it against me. She looked at me with a sunny glow and handed me a can of apple soda. I accepted it gratefully, thanking her as we both sat down on the balance beam. “If I could stay, I would. You know that.” She said, noticing my distinct look of gloominess.
“And I would go with you if I could.” I replied.
I don’t know if you could call it heartache or anything. All I know is that my chest felt like a furnace filled with paraffin and brandy. I looked into her eyes once again, in disbelief. It seemed so unreal that the hands that comforted me and the voice that motivated me would disappear from my life in a matter of a day. Her face never showed a trace of sorrow but this time it wasn’t showing cheeriness either. We talked like we used to. Of many things past, present and future. We once again remembered those summer nights we would lay up on the roof of her house just gazing at the specks of light on the black felt sky. She told me that she wanted to become a concept artist for films and video games once she moved to the United States. I didn’t know what I wanted to be in the time to come. It all seemed so unimportant at this point. My art felt like doodles on scrap paper and my sculptures like play-dough figurines. I couldn’t see beyond the sunset because everything seemed like it would end right there. Still we talked, reminiscing as I fiddled with the empty soda can.
My watch gave a horrible six beeps. Another hour till she would have to go. I walked up to the flimsy barricade and leaned against it, resting my head on my arms. The sun was slowly descending into the coral clouds beyond the last skyscraper. She walked up to join me. I guessed that she knew her time with me was soon to be up as well. I jumped slightly as I felt her arms slowly and gently wrap around my neck. Part of the inferno within me was cooled by her pleasant caress. Her delicate chin rested on my shoulder and her head leaned against mine. A warm tear rolled down her cheek and onto mine as we watched the sun fall slowly behind the buildings. I wished that life had a pause button. I could’ve stayed in that moment forever. I did not want her to let go and leave me to walk the campus alone. But of course, she had to. We stayed that way till the sun finally disappeared into the horizon. Tiffany kissed the back of my head and picked up her sling bag. The moment she let go, a cold wind shook me. She rubbed the last few tears out of her eyes and smiled at me again. That smile that had brightened my days for the last three years. That smile that I loved so much but never said a word. I hugged her and felt a tear of my own run down my face. I rubbed it away quickly and wished her the best. “I will be in touch. I always will.” She assured me as she readied herself to leave.
I had one last touch of her flawless face as she turned to leave, looking back every few steps. Watching with sighs as her Reeboks walked her out of my life; I hoped she would notice the rose I tucked away silently into her bag. Just like before. She vanished into the corner of the spiral pathway and I stood alone in the playground once again. Sitting on a spring mounted horse I watched as the last few rays of light folded back and made way for the dark of night. By now, Tiffany would have been at the airport, ready to board that aluminum falcon to carry her into the west. The more I thought of it, the more it began to sting. I walked down the path with my hands in my pockets, almost falling down a few times due to the slippery moss. The stairway did not make it any better. Strolling across the empty road again, back to my car, a white piece of paper was placed in between the wiper and the screen. “Great, a parking fine.” I thought to myself as I unfolded the paper.
It was not a fine after all. It turned out to be a note from Tiffany. “Goodbye doesn’t mean forever.” She wrote on it, complete with her signature smiley face at the corner of the paper.
They were lyrics from the famous song by David Gates. It sure would seem like forever without her though. I placed the note into my pocket and got into my car. The rear view mirror now showed a pair of eyes stained red with dolor. I started up the engine and began that quiet drive back to the apartment. Two children played with small fireworks in the park among the sakuras. Small red lanterns hung from the branches as they shone on the picnic mats on the ground. The cafes and the shops closed as everyone gathered under the cotton candy roof of the park. They were all smiling joyously. I would have spoiled the atmosphere if I had joined them, so I just kept on driving and arrived at the apartment. The dreary building I called home. I parked the car and headed back up and flung myself on the couch. Taking out the note that Tiffany had written, I read it again. I hoped with all my heart that it did not mean forever. She had left, taking with her that beautiful smile. And with her, my smile left as well. I had not realized it till that point, that Tiffany was my smile. The only person that brought me enough joy to create that expression. She was my driving force, my support and my source of happiness. Without her there would be no such thing as a smile anymore. I held the note tightly in my hand and went into my bedroom. The clock radio was still on. I had forgotten to turn it off. Over the airwaves James Ingram crooned, “Where did my heart go?”
It was a fitting song for the end of this day. I fell into the sheets, taking out a photo we had taken together during our sophomore year. I held it next to her note and lost myself in reverie once again. I would miss her sorely everyday from that night onwards. My smile seemed so far away from where I was. The song continued, “It’s going to take a while but I’ve got to learn to smile again.”
Just the thought of Tiffany now seemed to weigh my heart down, though just a few months ago it made it fly. I’ve never liked goodbyes but I guess that one day we will be this close again. Just like we were these few years. As I lay there, staring out the window before me, a display of fireworks exploded into hypnotic colours in the distance as a silver airplane climbed into the night sky. “Maybe I would learn to smile again soon. Just maybe…” I thought to myself as I watched the luminous explosions fill the black sky with incandescent rainbows.
- Kyle Ganapathy, 1T02
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