RuneScape Forum Archive | ~~English's Forgotten Tales~~

Englishkid62

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“Wow, Alex. I’m impressed. If you could say no to me then you must’ve had someone else in mind. Someone more – attractive, I suppose,” Nick challenged. “It’s David, isn’t it? He’ll never have you, you know. He’s not your sort.”

Alex was silent.

“Oi!” I made a noise of complaint, but it was evidently ignored by others. “We’re just friends.” Apparently, none of them believed that.

“You want David, don’t you?” Jordan spoke temptingly into Alex’s ears, “how long has this been going on, then?”

Alex kept silent, still composed and unaffected by the harassments. I was however, turning bright red.

“Do tell us,” Nail pursued. “Have you guys gone far? Has he taken you to his bedroom yet?”

“…Yes.” Alex looked down, and blushed.

Oh God…

“Oi! Shut up!” I screamed at them.

“Very naughty…” Jordan shook his head.

“You had much fun?” Nick questioned, almost aggressively.

“I showed him the game: RuneScape, that’s all.” I explained.

“Is that all you did?” Nail asked.

“YES!” I yelled.

“No, it isn’t…” Jordan muttered, believing that he knew better.

“We didn't do ‘it’, alright?” I said.

“Whatever.” Nail muttered and then we dropped the subject. When the bell went, Alex took his leave, and while I was about to set off to my lesson half embarrassed, half angry, I was pulled aside by Nick and the others. Nick held me by the collar and thrust me hard against a nearby wall.

“What the hell is wrong with you, David?” Nick interrogated.

“You know he’s not welcomed here. You know he’s not welcomed in our game”

“Let me go!” I shouted, and he released me. Jordan, Nail and Philip stepped closer – their eyes were threatening.

“You have one minute to explain yourself.” Nick said, and he began to time.

“I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry about everything.” I pleaded.

“Sorry about what?” Nick prompted, making this ten times more difficult for me to word my thoughts.

12-Feb-2011 17:41:19 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:49:14 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“…It was a mistake, okay? I had been a jerk. I’m sorry that I offered him my friendship. Of course, you guys are still my best friends. It was a silly mistake, honestly. I didn't know you’d be against him so much. I’m sorry he’s upsetting you all. Are you happy now?" For once, I was frightened by my own friends, so scared that I almost cried on the spot. “We really didn't do ‘it’.”

“You’d better not," Nick warned. “It’s either him, or us. To be one of us, you don’t mix with that kind of people. We don’t mix with foreigners and we don’t befriend the Noob-kinds. Newcomers are evil and we are the good guys. We’re not like them. We don’t like them. You got a problem with that?”

“No. I’m sorry.”

“Right. You see, our game is falling apart. Some of the older generations of players stayed, and some complained they need recognition. Some leave the game completely, believing the damage is beyond repair, and some didn't.”

“So … does that mean you guys didn't quit?” I asked.

“We are the ones who vowed to throw out these newcomers and restore our game to health – to what it once was,” Nick declared. “It’s like weeding – only that we don’t do it by force, because we can’t force them to leave. We’ll make them feel unwelcomed and we’ll reject their company. Guess what? No hard feelings at the end of the day, because they’ll all leave the game on their own, and we’ll throw cans, shards and pebbles at them when they pack their pathetic bags and crawl their ways back to the slimy place in which they called home. I had a dream – and we all shared this dream – that one day we’d be forever rid of these newcomers and Noobs that made our lives a nuisance.”

“But there’re too many of them,” I objected. “It’s impossible to get rid of every single one.”

12-Feb-2011 17:41:20 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:49:52 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Our game is in a critical condition, but it is not beyond hope. It’s never too late. We’ll fight on and one by one, they will leave…” Nick the introduced, “We’re now a member of this writing guild called ‘The Exclusives’ – with a capital ‘E’. Basically, we’re a group of authors with similar interests. You’ll find us in the RuneScape forum: ‘Stories’. You see, to get in, you must write a convincing Noob story – a story about Noobs – and the more unfavourable you portrayed these newcomers, the higher your score. Take this as my invite, and I’ll vouch for you when you apply.”

“Why do you have to vouch for me?”

“Well …” Nick explained, “It’s how we all get in. We have to prove that you’re an asset to the community. We have to prove that you are a relevant member of our society – you know, this guild is Noob-free.”

“Right…”

“It’s the only way to get our game back, David,” Nick said solemnly. “And for our sakes – get away from Alex. You’re not responsible for his kind or his well-being – anymore. Sticking around him all the time doesn’t increase our likings of you.”

***

The answer to my problem was obvious enough. It was a harsh decision at the time, but then, not so harsh. It was harsh for Alex, but not so harsh for me – because I found the solution to my inner conflict. What could one do in a situation like this? There was no middle ground. It wasn’t a land of compromises, and it was much unlike the fairy tales. There was no compassion, understanding or reconciliation – only hatred, prejudice and discrimination.

12-Feb-2011 17:41:20 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:41:19 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

It was one side, or the other. It was either him, or them. I wondered, who on Earth would forsake his best friends for a nobody? Who on Earth would turn his back on his loyal friends and embrace a stranger instead? Who would risk becoming a social outcast, for another that one barely knew? No one. This wasn’t a land of moral or courage - I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was a land of corruption – or rather, it was a land of practicality. In other words this was the reality. I was either with them or I would be scorned for life. As far as the saying went, I had to know where the good side was: because the good guys would always win.
It was only practical.

The reality was that I trusted my friends far more than I had ever trusted Alex. To side with Alex was a gamble I couldn’t afford to lose – I didn't want to be scored by the society. I wanted to fit in – I wanted to be cool. I wanted to be liked and admired by my friends – I wanted to be popular amongst others. Who didn't? Now I just wanted things to return to normal, as it once was.

What responsibility did I hold for Alex’s well-being? What did I owe him? Nothing. In fact, I even believed that I had been way too generous. I was merely the rescuer – and when I had rescued him from the dark, my part was done. It was not my job to get him back on his feet – it was not my job to aid him any further than I already had. When I had rescued him, I didn't consent to forsake all my friends for him, you know. I didn't mean to make the mess I made. For all I knew, I was not the one assigned to bring about Alex’s final redemption – in fact, why should I care so much? Teenagers were not expected to care for other people, but it was in my nature to do good. Now, I felt I had fulfilled my part in this business. It was over. The future was clear.

12-Feb-2011 17:41:20 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:50:27 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

As instructed, I began to write my first ‘Noob story’. Personally, I hadn’t met many Noobs myself, but one person, one inspiration came into mind – Alex. I had never written a Noob story before – in fact, all my stories were written for the sake of my English exams. Yet, writing a Noob story required much less effort than I had previously imagined. It was easy, once I got into it. It was not hard once I had the emotion of seeing my game, and my life spoilt by Noobs. I saw the game that I loved was indeed overwhelmed by wicked newcomers who knew nothing about the game. Many people like me had written Noob stories to express their anger towards these silly fools and parody their existence and stupidity; many had portrayed these newcomers as heartless wrecks; many held views against them. I was not ashamed to write another of these stories, so that we might spite these newcomers in centuries to come.

As a tradition, most people would kill off their ‘Noob characters’ at some point during their story, but I had decided to do something different. I let the Noob live, in the end. I imagined a Noob, so tired, so sick of watching alone in the dark would leech on to the first thing that came into his path. He would leech on this person, and drain the happiness and colours off his face. The parasite eventually left the victim friendless, cold, and dry. Then, it would simply return to the dark, and there it would wait for the next victim to turn up.

The story was one of the requirements to join ‘The Exclusives’. I had to make my ‘Noob’ character despicable. I redrafted my ideas again and again that evening, adding references and images of a certain disease, a sickness that crawled in the heart of our game.

It was two hours before a reply to my application was made. As Nick had promised, he vouched for me and I was accepted into their distinguished, secret society.

12-Feb-2011 17:42:39 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:42:38 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

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“Congratulations, David.” The guild leader, Ashley, informed me on the forum. “I have never seen such an interesting and thoughtful story. I have made your story our Story of the week! It is clear that this is inspired by someone in real life and it is my sincere pleasure to welcome you into our guild. I can see that you are eager to express your anger towards Noobs. While this is not discouraged, may I remind you to keep your inflammatory messages on our ‘flame thread’…”

Yes, we had a ‘flame thread’, a place that was solely used for flaming – posting derogatory remarks on any individuals in real life. The intended victims, of course, had no chance in finding out what was being said behind their backs. Here, we were free to post stereotypical views, personal and racial remarks about another with none to govern us. No one would know – it was our own little world – our game. The intentions of this place were good: after all, we were just ‘letting off some steam’, which was far from an unhealthy habit.

It was a surprise to me that Nick and Jordan wrote many stories about Noobs on here (I never knew they had an interest in writing), although their stories weren’t particularly interesting to read. In the guild, we were free to express our views on Politics through the power of writing, and we shared Noob stories to entertain ourselves.

I was exposed to a much larger circle of companions – I had never seen a group so passionate, so engaging and close-bonded. We all shared one dream: to remove the things that threatened our normal way of life, to remove the abnormalities in the game, including the Noobs, newcomers, strange people and other unnatural beings.

I liked that – it felt safe.

“Would you like to read my story and give me some feedback?” I posted on the forum, asking a more senior member of the guild to look at my story. “Please?"

12-Feb-2011 17:42:39 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:50:42 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“I would a little rather not to read works by a new member – I do highly doubt the quality of work that you are able to produce. The standard of writing from new members is unlikely to be high, I guarantee. Older members are always the better ones, I tell you,” was the reply.

“I presume you’re a very good writer, then?” I asked.

“Yes. I do hold a very high opinion of my own writing.” He continued, “And you’ll be average, at best?”

“Actually,” to my surprise, Nick has begun posting on this forum in response to our conversation. “Guild leader Ashley complimented David’s story for its depth and thoughtfulness – it’s even selected to be our Story of the week.”

“I stand corrected,” The senior replied. “It is rare for a new member to achieve this. Many congratulations. Although, I wonder why my stories were never selected to be the Story of the week. It is strange, and unfair, isn’t it? Why are the new members getting more recognition than me? I will go and read your story now - only time will tell whether it deserved to be the Story of the week.”

“Thanks for reading.” I said.

For the next hour or so, I spent away browsing the entire guild.

“The only good Noob is a dead Noob.” I saw one message mentioned.

“Noobs? They’re foul creatures – they should never have been let into the country in the first place.”

“Noobs are not like us. Their purpose of existence is to entertain us in a Noob story. Otherwise, I cannot see a point, or a reason that could justify why they should exist.”

“Noobs are responsible for all this mess – it’s all their fault! Noobs are the people to blame!”

“Huh, if I was a Noob, I’d do the world a favour and kill myself.”

Somehow, these remarks buried deep into my head. In one night, I had lost all my respect for the Noob kinds. I had even lost the basic sympathy between human beings.

12-Feb-2011 17:48:25 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:51:03 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“I have finished reading your story, David, and I must say that I am deeply disappointed by its grammar and its content,” The senior returned to inform me. “It was as I had expected – the story was bad. It was a poor story. I stopped reading after the first paragraph because there were way too many mistakes. Unreadable. It was not even half as good as I had expected a piece that deserved Ashley’s praise, or even one that deserved to be named as the Story of the week, for that matter. Seriously, I do not understand why your story deserved to be put up there. Ashley must have made a mistake. You and your story are ridiculously under-qualified for this achievement. You are a poor writer and it seems that you have much to learn. Now, for the sake of your own education, prosperity and general well-being, go and read MY stories…”

***

Of course, the guild was over-rated. After many weeks, I had come to the conclusion that it wasn’t as pleasant as it was said to be. Rows, arguments were not uncommon, despite the fact that they all claimed themselves to be a respectable person to some degree. It was as if there was an inner guild, a giant clique, a circle of friends that kept all the new members at bay. Old members would form a circle of their own, and they’d often hold views against the new members. We would never fit in there. Consequently, I never wrote a story again. It was too much of a hassle.

However, I did find my time in the guild rather educational. I did learn the real meaning of ‘Noob’ and I could finally see them as they really were – insolent pests. The guild also taught me a lot about life in general – how I must not show others compassion until they had proven themselves to be worthy of my assistance, and how I must keep to myself all the time, sticking within my own circle: the familiar territory.

12-Feb-2011 17:48:25 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:47:12 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

I had little memory of what happened to Alex during this time. As always, he was smiling, and he tried to be friendly and communicative. Many times a day he’d seek my company: he would walk up to me, checking that I was happy, and sometimes asking questions related to RuneScape. I tried to fulfill my rashly-made promise, to be a good friend when there was none to care for him, and yet I felt as if I had already failed – the more I tried, the more I couldn’t convince myself.

Though, I mustn’t try too hard so that my friends would get the wrong idea. I tried to drop hints here and there from time to time that I wanted him to leave us alone, but he never seemed to get the message. The guild was where I could truly express what I really felt – it was the one place on Earth that seemed so special: foreigner free.

Another few weeks had passed and it meant the arrival of a dreadful day – not so dreadful for girls because they were not expected to pay the dinner bill, but most boys in our year (especially the unlucky ones) hated it – Valentine’s Day. It meant giving cards, kisses, and presents that would get thrown all around the classroom like a wild party. It meant couples (usually composed of a boy and a girl, however uninteresting and clichéd that sounded) would travel around the whole school desperately for a private spot, or they’d sit on a bench on the yard – there would be lots of talking, and touching, and all that kind of horrible stuff that one human being could do to another. Sometimes, like in the case of Nick, there would be a date composed of one guy and four girls, followed by a party until midnight. Whatever happened after the party, I guess I could only speculate. Something naughty and daring, perhaps. Oh – the pleasure.

12-Feb-2011 17:48:25 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:47:52 by Englishkid62

Englishkid62

Posts: 9,782 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile

“Erm … David?” We were getting changed in our changing rooms for P.E. when Alex approached me with one hand behind his back. Well – we didn't have cubicles in our school, and with someone like Alex around, we all ought to be quite quick and careful when we changed.

“What?” I asked as I rushed to put on my blue, football shirt.

“I was wondering…”

“Ha! He’s going to give you a card, David! It’s Valentine’s Day, Hahahahahahahahaha…” Nail laughed on, which drew the attention of around half a dozen other boys nearby.

“He’s going to propose!” Nick said, putting his hand on my shoulder as a mock congratulation. “He’s about to give you a ring!”

“Get away!” I shrugged him off.

“Oh, don’t be so mean, it’s only –” Jordan grinned, “oh yeah! David hasn’t received a card yet!”

“Aww. That’s very unlucky!” Nail exclaimed. “We’re supposed to be the popular ones, David, and you had let us all down. We all had a card from a girl we really wanted. It feels great.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” I turned away. “I guess my card was just a little late – I will get one soon enough.”

“From a girl?” Jordan teased.

“Seriously? You think he’s going to give you a card? Even if he does, that’s not going to improve your score though – he’s not a girl and his card doesn’t count.” Philip continued, “If he ever gives you one, I suggest you stand on it, and we’ll make him think ten times before doing something like that again. It’s despicable. How many cards have you got, Nick?”

“Five.” Nick smiled, “more than all of you put together, apparently. You’re all losers.”

“Who gave the fifth one?” I asked, but there was no answer.

“Dude, you’re amazing.” Nail praised.

I turned again, expecting to find Alex – but he was no longer there.

Once we have warmed up on the pitch, our coach selected two captains which was then followed by a team selection. Jordan and I was in the same team, while Nick, Philip, and Nail were on the other.

12-Feb-2011 17:48:25 - Last edited on 09-Apr-2011 11:51:18 by Englishkid62

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~~English's Forgotten Tales~~

English's Forgotten Tales