I'll challenge her

I like to be optimistic when I head into these sorts of encounters, but even I must admit, it's very clear that Gretel has a negative impression of my story, even though she hasn't personally read any of it. I know what you're thinking... a decent girl like herself probably won't want to read smut to begin with. However, my story is one of love for all of the people of Rokkenjima. There are meaningful subtexts and lessons to take from it throughout, stories not just of carnal pleasure, but also, companionship, kinship, trust, betrayal, despair... all of the aspects that make up our lives. I won't have it dismissed out of hand.

And so, I challenged her. What is it you're running from, Gretel? Are you afraid that you'll get swept up in my erotic work? There are multiple ways to read this story, you know... If you approach it with love, as I have, you can enjoy it to its fullest. Or if you truly are a reader who's bent on its destruction... can you really say you've done your due diligence before you've even cracked the cover?

To truly challenge my work, you must read it. That's true of every medium, is it not? However... to read this work also means to live it. Approach my work with that full disclosure.

"... You're a really talkative figment of my imagination. What do I even call you?"

Greetings. I am H.I. Player. However, I suspect that you've already heard that name many times before.

"Yeah... On the news and whenever some kind classmate drops me off a copy of your reprint. You're the so-called scholar who curled up and died in his apartment about a year ago. I'm being lectured by a guy like that?"

Shit. She's got a way of hitting me in my weak spots... But I won't be deterred. Yes, Gretel, that is me. However, I've appeared before you for a reason. For you to truly overcome my story, you have to stop running from it. Aren't you curious? You thought me mad, right? If you think yourself above that madness, you ought to be able to face it fully without blinking. If you agree... open up my book. It's time you joined my story.

"You definitely were mad. Nobody just ups and dies from grief at the age of thirty-something, with no probable medical cause, if they're alright in the head. Actually, your life story is a little insulting to those of us who put up with hard lives," Gretel complained. "For their sake- or maybe for mine- I'll accept your challenge. So what... do I just read it?"

Ah... No, not quite Gretel. It's not so simple. You see, to truly participate in my story, you must be written into it. I can't do the deed now, after my ****... you'll need to use your school notebook. That's right. Open it up next to my book at your desk. Now grab your pen. If you add your own notes, it will be as if you're there, within my story. You will inherit the role of writer... within a limited scope, that is.

To any outside observer, this would not appear to be Gretel hesitantly defying a challenging apparition. They would simply see the girl walk to the trash can, lift the book out, and place it next to her own school journal on the desk. Like a scholar herself, she'd open both books side by side, then begin writing upon her blank pages.

"You're right, Player. This is the only way I can put your spirit to rest for good, isn't it? I'm going to head to Rokkenjima and dismantle this story of yours in front of your very eyes. Just remember, at least in the end, that you asked for this."

Hmhmhm... Good, Gretel. Good. Let's begin a new tale. As for you, fellow Reader, I believe you're fond of making your own choices as well. Know that my story and Gretel's both are stories of love, however, it will be up to you to decide whose love is just. For this story, think of yourself as the judge and referee... With two stories in front of you, only you can decide which is the appropriate interpretation. Each of us has wagered our very soul. If I am in the right, I will **** Gretel to bend her knees and not only to accept my story, but even perhaps to take my mantle as writer. If Gretel is correct, however, and my story is fit for destruction... then you should judge me appropriately, and this time, see to my destruction by your own hand. That young girl will thank you, I'm sure.

The first question is really a matter of one's viewpoint as well. It's a simple one: who is the protagonist of this story?