Ah, I see. Although it would have made more sense in my Lux entry, really, but never mind. I'm sorry if you're deprived, but I have to finish my Harry Potter stories first before I start writing Chapter Seven. *pats*

Ha, I actually wondered for a while if Takehiko and Rei would meet, but then I thought "If Takehiko's six, that makes Rei only three... so that won't happen." Besides, what do you think would happen? :P They're KIDS. Rei wouldn't remember meeting him. And Rei would never be attracted to Takehiko (she might wish she was, because he's more 'suitable' than Isamu, but it won't happen).

Sorry to be picky, but Takehiko isn't angsty here. His parents just died. He's grieving. ^^; Intense emotional distress, yes, but not frustration. He has a reason to be upset. Fortunately, he's pretty happy from now up until around the ages of sixteen, when the shit begins happening.

I'm really glad you thought the theme was used well, because I did want to show that whereas kids play the game for fun, adults play it all the time very seriously.

I beta'd Spirit of Fire and I liked the family name. But I changed his first name so it wasn't a total rip-off and I do have Yume's permission. ^^ Yay for vivid imagery, I'm always happy to know my imagery worked.

I was surprised that they knew each other, too! I thought it was just going to be a polite conversation between strangers but no, apparently they know each other better than that. Acquaintances bordering on friendship, I should say. They're around the same age and of similar personality, so they would get on. I really liked writing the dialogue between them, you can probably tell. There's a lot between them that doesn't need to be said, they just know.