Innocence

Title: Innocence
Series: Pokemon
Summary:  Ash heard it, but he doesn't understand it.  Cilan's his friend, so he doesn't think it should matter.  But, the rest of the world has other ideas.

Fanfiction Masterpost!

So... the blog was starting to become a mess.  No More!  Look above, see that bar?  Yes, that one, with a "Home" page and a "Fanfiction Masterlist" page.  Click on the second one.

Look at that!  All the fanfics, in neat little rows!  Even links to the audio versions.

As I get things more organized, this will get better, but still, what an improvement!  Go, search, peruse!

Sorted this Way- Best of Cosplay

This makes me ridiculously happy... I think I found my people...

So, I think the win a Best of Cosplay award, no contest here... good job, ladies, and Dumbledore.

Shall we dance?

Like No One Ever Was: Chapter 7

Title:  Like No One Ever Was
Chapter 7:  けんか なかなおり またけんか 言いたいこと いっぱいあるけど (We fight, make up, then fight again, there are a lot of things I want to say to you, but...)
Series:  Pokemon
Summary:   Nature brought the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age caused the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest. But none of them are to blame for electrocuting Ash to the point of brain damage. That's all on Pikachu.

Audio Version here:
 "My mother used to say that the earth was the ultimate pokeball that catches all living things someday. Belonging to the great trainer in the sky."

Assertive

Yohio's Sky*Limit PV

I know I love my pretty boys, but this... I think I'm in love.
So, he's a boy, dressed as a girl, but also dressed as a boy from the future, from Sweden, but singing in Japanese... Yohi-ception!
Appearances aside, I do like this kid's voice.  I'm not such a big fan of his band, Seremedy, but they're starting to grow on me.  They look like they have a lot of fun rocking out.
But yeah, so buying this mini-album.  I really like one of the other tracks, Dawn of Dreams, and this PV is really kind of cool.
Rock that guitar, Yohio, I hope you do well in Japan!

Some thoughts on Kingdom Hearts...

Kingdom Hearts has a lot of Win points, and a few points of fail, nobody's perfect. All around, I think most people agree it's a pretty good game, and the fans love it to bits. Narrowing down the best point would be an arduous task.

So, this article isn't going to do that. I'm not here to tell you the BEST part about Kingdom Hearts, but the most fascinating part, to me. It may not be the best part of the game, in fact, I'm rather sure it's not, but it is the part that stunned me into silence the second I realized it. Once I saw, I could never forget it, and even now, I am forced to put my controller down periodically and offer a “that was interesting...”

Because the most fascinating point of Kingdom Hearts is Riku. 

It's not that he's so cool, although he is. It's not because while Sora got a Keyblade and was meeting Donald and Goofy, Riku was running around the worlds destroying heartless with nothing but his wooden sword and a will of iron. He's got looks, charisma, baggage, danger, can smell darkness like a bloodhound and is delightfully hardcore in everything he does, but that's not what makes him the best part of Kingdom Hearts. 

And it's not his looks.  Really. Not at all...

What makes him astounding is that he's an extremely inconvenient character to keep around after the first game. 

Kingdom Hearts 1 doesn't have a terribly original plot. That's not a slam, most plots are incredibly similar once you break them down to their basics, and several dramatists and philosophers have claimed that there's only about five stories in the world, and what makes them different is just the minor details. And Kingdom Hearts (the first) totally kills in it's tiny details, but the basics are familiar. Two friends, growing up together and competing, both in love with the same girl. The main character is called upon to be a hero and discovers his true potential, the best friend makes some bad decisions and ends up on the side of wrong so they have to fight each other. But, in the end, the best friend comes back to the light side and does something dramatic to redeem himself, evil is defeated, cue happy ending.

That's basically Kingdom Hearts, right up until “cue happy ending”, because that's where things get weird... that's where the mind-rape begins...

As I said, we've seen the above plot a million times before. And, typically, in the above plot, the character of the best friend negates himself, because for there to be a happy ending, he kind of has to. Usually the evil side is, well, pretty evil, and our wayward friend may have done a lot of unpardonable things. To just apologize and come back would be nice in the real world, but in fiction, we find it less palatable than if his redemptive act is equal and appropriate to his crimes. An eye for an eye. Several times, in these plots, the friend sacrifices themselves for the greater good, usually ending their life.

And that's exactly what Riku does, except instead of truly dying, he gets locked behind that door in the realm of darkness. But, he has the king with him, so the audience can assume that they'll be safe together, sequel or no sequel. The story could end right there, Riku in an unknown land, but with King Mickey and so, someday they'll be able to come home. If the credits fell there, it could be a perfect happy ending.

But Kingdom Hearts likes to tweak things just a bit, and says, “No”. No, Sora doesn't get to go home to his island and his princess. He, Donald and Goofy are going to continue to fight the good fight, find the King and Riku, and all go home together. Fine, perfect premise for a sequel. Except...

...another reason the “wayward best friend” characters eliminate themselves in the climax is because once they've seen the error of their ways, made up for it and come back, it's really hard to find a new place to go with them. Suddenly, they become incredibly one-dimensional, unless you can find some new direction to go in, one that doesn't feel forced, and doesn't upstage the journey of the main character. It's hard to pull it off seamlessly, and it's a reason these characters tend to die a lot, or go off on their own, maybe get reduced to a minor role, anything to get them out of the picture. They're hard to deal with, sometimes, and it can be easier to just move them out of the way. Kingdom Hearts gets around this by running Sora and Riku's stories back to back in Chain of Memories, where Riku gets to be his own protagonist, and basically, relive his whole story again. Being a video game also allowed the creators to be a bit more flexible than some other mediums. So, again, they got around it.

But, ultimately, Riku has to have a bit of a darkness regression, because, if he returns to his old, happy self, there's nothing more to do with him. Being happy is Sora's department, and he's the main character. Basically, if Riku wants to stay in the plot, he has to be continuously pushed further into darkness, conflict and depression, but again, there's only so much of that you can do before it gets old. A big reason why Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep stars some new characters; we need a break from Sora and Riku, they've exhausted us for the time being. We needed to back off before Dream Drop Distance

But MOST IMPORTANTLY....

Yes, all the above plays a factor in my argument, but more than any of that, Riku is inconvenient for one giant reason, and because of that, his existence is astounding.

He likes Kairi.

Yes, that seems obvious, we've known that since the beginning, it's an important part of his rivalry with Sora, it's part of his motivations to join the dark forces, it's a staple of the plot formula I mentioned above. It's not so radical that he likes Kairi.

How could you not like this cutie?

The radical part is that he never stops liking Kairi.

You see why a lot of the characters in Riku's position tend to get eliminated before the story finishes, right? Because it's pretty obvious that Sora and Kairi are going to end up together, then, lo, and behold, they do. If Riku were to come home to the islands, they'll still be three BFF's, but the dichotomy has changed. Sora and Kairi will be a happy couple, and Riku will be the third wheel, which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't still like Kairi himself. The happy ending is marred by Riku's silent love-pining. We are forever forced to ignore the giant elephant in the room that is Riku's breaking heart and increasing awkwardness. I wouldn't be surprised if watching my love and my best friend together every day wouldn't drive me to open up the door to darkness again.

So, if the “wayward best friend” character didn't get killed sacrificing themselves, there are two other common patterns for them. They can somehow “get over” their previous love interest, making it very clear that they're no longer hurt if she goes for the hero. Or, they can find a new love. With two sequels, Disney and Square had a lot of time to do this, but never do. Therefore, we can assume it's deliberate.

Very deliberate. Riku demonstrates on several occasions his devotion and caring for Kairi, and when Kairi and Sora finally reunite in a huggy emotional way, Riku can't take it and has to leave. Every time Kairi is brought up in Riku's presence, you'd think he was the hero expected to get the princess. No, Riku never stops liking Kairi, and the only other girl he interacts with is Namine, who is, sort of, Kairi.

I dare you to look into those big eyes and deny her anything

As a friend put it to me, “Hanging out with Mickey did wonders for Riku's self-esteem, but it did absolutely nothing for his love life.”

This is a weird move for Disney, to have a main character, hero in his own right, be perpetually unhappy. Riku was the protagonist for one game, even, and he needs to have some closure in this department. It's not like Square ran it behind Disney's back, because Disney was very involved in the process, having to, of course, protect their investments. Riku's love life is such a small, simple thing, but it's unusual, and has an effect on the rest of the story. After all, what kind of ending is it if the three friends make it back home, but one of them will never be happy?

It reminds me of Quasimodo, and I kind of hope the acknowledge this if Riku goes to that world in Dream Drop Distance. “I feel you, buddy, I didn't get the girl, either...”

But, that's the most interesting factor in the game, to me. They don't make a big deal about it, it just is. Riku is who he is, and he's not just going to get over Kairi, or transfer affections so quickly. Wouldn't that feel forced an awkward if he did? And so, Riku quietly pines, and everyone quietly pretends not to notice, but the weird part is, Sora and Kairi know. It's so bizarre.

And so, I have to say, it's a brave move for Disney. It's not so unusual for Square, but again, it's pulled off so subtly, and despite being a character who is remarkably inconvenient, Riku becomes one of the deepest and most fascinating characters in the game.

Well played, guys.

The Line

Waltz

Title:  Waltz
Series:  Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
Summary:  A poem for Lizzie and Ciel


Lizzy is too tall, they say,
Lizzy is too tall.            
Girls should be cute and petite,
Like perfect, porcelain dolls.                                     (But Lizzy is a lady and 
                                                                               Prefers the high-heeled shoes.
                                                                               And if she wears the flat soles,
                                                                               Then, that's her own path to choose.)
Lizzy is too loud, they say,
Lizzy is too loud.
She's much too childish, squeals and shrieks,
She's petty and she's proud.                                   (But Lizzie's heart is dark and deep,
                                                                               There's things she never says.
                                                                               A world of pain and heartache lie
                                                                               Behind her swords and games.)
Lizzy isn't good enough,
She's wasting all her time.
They say Ciel can do much better,
Lizzie should stop trying.                                 (But retribution is the hope
                                                                               Of all that people do.
                                                                               And when there is none, Ciel can know
                                                                              That Lizzie loves him true.)
                                    Ciel knows he's locked in devil's oaths,
                                    No future can come true.
                                    Yet, hand and hand, they dance along
                                    For Ciel loves Lizzie, too.

Smile!

Like No One Ever Was: Chapter 6

Title:  Like No One Ever Was
Chapter:  Give Me Just One Chance...
Series:  Pokemon
Summary:  Nature brought the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age caused the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest. But none of them are to blame for electrocuting Ash to the point of brain damage. That's all on Pikachu.

Audio version:  "You're being here hurts him, but you don't care!  Because you can't stand it if his entire world doesn't revolve around you!"

Your Fail

Summer Vacation

Like No One Ever Was: Chapter 5

Title:  Like No One Ever Was
Chapter 5: Golden Smile and Silver Tears
Series: Pokemon
Summary:  Nature brought the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age caused the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest. But none of them are to blame for electrocuting Ash to the point of brain damage. That's all on Pikachu.

Audio Version:  ( "You're that GS Ball, kid.  You always have been." )

Like No One Ever Was Ch 4

Title:  Like No One Ever Was (Chapter 4:  Our Courage Will Pull Us Through...)
Series:  Pokemon
Summary: Nature brought the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age caused the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest. But none of them are to blame for electrocuting Ash to the point of brain damage. That's all on Pikachu.

Audio Version:  "But he forgot everything that matters!  Everything that makes me me!  Who am I now?"

"Playtime"

Yeah for fanart!  I loved doing the details on the floor, but the contrast isn't working in my favor... hmm... things to learn for the future...

Can I Have This Dance?

Are video files like video cassettes, gradually losing their quality over time?  I thought digital stuff was pretty saet in stone, but I seem to remember this video being much more Hi-def when I first made it, all those years ago... even so, it gives me a nice feeling of nostalgia. :)  I don't care what anyone says, these two make an adorable couple!

Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me To Sleep

FMV Time!  This one is short, but kind of fun.  I love Sapuri!

Ruroken vs Samurai Champloo

It's time for best of cosplay, and this one is a winner.  With the help of some black-clad stage ninjas, this team of cosplayers have managed to create an epic battle between the franchises of Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai Champloo, with all the anime physics and unbelievable attacks you would expect.  Who wins?  Well, I won't spoil the end for you, but the stage ninja's totally deserve some recognition. 

Like No One Ever Was 3

Title:  Like No One Ever Was
Chapter 3:  なかなか なかなか なかなか なかなか 大変だけど (It's very, very, very difficult, but...)
Series:  Pokemon
Summary:  Nature brought the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age cause the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest.  But none of them are responsible for shocking Ash into brain damage.  That's all on Pikachu.
(Audio Version)
"If you're always together, then where in Ho-oh's blazes were you?!"

Like No One Ever Was 2

Title:  Like No One Ever Was
Chapter 2:  It's A Whole New World We Live In
Series:  Pokemon
Summary:  Nature caused the tornado, Team Rocket got them stuck in it, Age caused the building's collapse, and Bad Luck did the rest.  But they're not the ones to blame for electrocuting Ash to the point of brain damage.  That's all on Pikachu.

(Audio version)  "If it happens, where will you go?"


A/N:  I know I promised decent update times, but this audio editing takes forever! XP