Soul Raider's Lair

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[sr116-blog]

Mental Health Month: Coping Through Fandom (Fruits Basket)

With my mental illness, one of the the better coping mechanisms I've found is to become interested in things you can relate to. Be it the lyrics in a song, the image on a canvas, your own words, or those of others.

I was originally going to cover the topic of finding relatable fandoms helpful for coping in one post with six fandoms. That was a long arse post, so I’m doing each fandom individually instead. Next year, I may do this again with other fandoms.

While I do not have any Tumblr eligible stories for Fruits Basket right now, I consider one of the most highly relatable series I know. I was gonna post this one later, but since it was written out already.

What It Is

A manga that stretched maybe 20 volumes, and a single season anime. There is a family, the Sohma (sometimes spelled Souma) family, which bears a secret curse. Not even the entire Sohma clan knows of its existence. Thirteen members turn into animals when embraced by the opposite gender. The take the forms of the twelve Chinese zodiac creatures, and the loathed cat. A fourteenth family member is head of the clan, and the spiteful god of the zodiac. When an outsider named Tohru learns about this secret, it's agreed that she can stay with them. As long as no one else finds out. The kind girl might just change the family for good.

Why I Noticed

I was  just getting seriously into anime when I tried to go away to college. There, I found other anime fans who introduced me to this. Honestly, it has the broadest spectrum of relatable characters out of almost anything. I love to reference Tohru's "Riceball with a plum on the back" speech (part of it is in one of the images above), and there are many other wonderfully powerful quotes as well.

Recurring Characters

So many...omg. 12 zodiacs, Tohru, Kyoko, Uo and Hana, the Yuki fangirls...Akito (God), Kyo (The Cat), Mii, Mine...yeah...and more.

Three Characters I Connected With

Kyo:

The hated cat of the zodiac, Kyou just wants to be acknowledged by his family. I know better now, but I've always felt like an outsider in my own family, the one that no one really wants around. When I'm having a flare up, these feeling can still be pretty powerful.

Ritsu:

This poor character felt like such a failure and a disappointment he was constantly apologizing. He even got suicidal at one point, his self loathing became so deep. I too often feel as though I am a failure, to blame for everything, that I am a burden.

Tohru:

Honestly, I am probably one of the only people who is a fan of Fruits Basket,but not Tohru. She's a bit too naive to the world. However, I can still relate to a lot of other characteristics, and observations. The title of the series comes from Tohru being left out of a childhood game of the same name by her classmates. I was one of those kids that was picked last and left out. Not something that seems as big a deal these days, still in the past it hurt terribly. She desires to help everyone around her, yet has trouble taking care of herself. That's textbook codependency, and an issue I have.

Character I Least Relate To

Shigure:

It's hard to explain this one without spoilers. Basically, manga Shigure isn't as simple as anime Shigure...and even with a heart in the right place, i can't pull strings very well. Yet he has somehow become my favorite...

[sr116-blog]

Mental Health Month: Coping Through Fandom (Gunslinger Girl)

With my mental illness, one of the the better coping mechanisms I’ve found is to become interested in things you can relate to. Be it the lyrics in a song, the image on a canvas, your own words, or those of others.

I was originally going to cover the topic of "finding relatable fandoms helpful for coping" in one post with six fandoms. That was a long arse post, so I’m doing each fandom individually instead, starting with the ones I’m featuring as eligible for prompts on this site. Next year, I may do this again with other fandoms.

What It Is

Anime/manga series, though I haven't read the manga. The anime is done as two series, Gunslinger Girl and Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino. The story is about young girl's in Italy who, after tragic and near fatal pasts, are turned into cybernetic assassins. These girls are partnered with men from their agency into a two person unit called a Fratello. Together fratellos fight terrorists, and other threats. Among those in the agency, there is debate on how the girls should be treated.

Why I Noticed

Sometime around 2007 I was in a store looking at their small selection of anime. They had the first series of Gunslinger Girl, Azumanga Daiho, and Gravitation. The animation on Gunslinger Girl was different than whAt I usually watched, I wasn't sure about it. Honestly,the story was a little iffy too. I picked if because I didn't think my dad would like my having a shone ai in his house (I was an adult, but it was his house, and I would be watching on his TV, it could get awkward if highly conservative dad walked in and I'm watching boy love), and I had already seen a good portion of Azumanga Daiho because a friend had it. It was while watching the spur of the moment pick that I fell in love with these preteen girl assassins who just wanted to be told they had done well.

Recurring Characters

There are four main girls in this series, three of them in active fratello (so that's three main men): Henrietta and Jose, Rico and Jean, Triela and Hilshire, and then there is Claes. Recurring characters from the agency and from the terrorists also appear. Among the most common are Angelica (who is in the picture above with Claes, Rico, Triela, and Henrietta), and (in the second series) Pinocchio.

Three Characters I Connected With

Rico:

Rico wants to make people happy. She wants to smile and make friends. But most importantly to her, she wants to make her handler Jean happy. When she doesn't, he punishes her harshly, because he sees her as a tool to be used by the agency. While I have never been so harshly treated, her need to please her fratello is similar to how I feel an obligation towards pleasing my father by following his rule and making sure I don't disappoint him.

Henrietta:

Henrietta is also afraid of letting down her fratello, Jose, but for very different reasons. He is extremely kind to her, rewarding her for a job well done and  speaking out in concern if she makes a mistake. She knows her mistakes could hurt this precious person, and she can't allow that. I don't want to hurt or disappoint anyone. It gets to the point of an almost paranoia over how I am perceived, at times. I can work myself into a tizzy wondering why or if a stranger online dislikes me.

Jose:

Though they are of very different mindsets about their partners, Jose and Jean are brothers. If you look at the way these cybernetic girls get trained as a symbol for parenting, my thoughts are closely aligned with Jose's. Rewarding things done well and acknowledging a child's interests, thought, and motivations are the best way to encourage positive growth; even if you lose you temper from time to time. 

I wish I had more of that growing up. I wasn't a child who was beaten or anything, I was scolded and that can be devastating if done in certain ways. There was no gentle concerned inquiries of what i thought I was doing or what I did it. There was telling me my motives as they saw them as part of a fifteen minute to half an hour rant. And should I try to explain differently, there was telling me that I was wrong about my own motivations. I suppose that leads me to lean more toward the gentle style Jose would stand for. This was a very long explanation...

Character I Least Relate To

Jean:

If I connect with Jose, then I am much less connected to his brother. Again, I look at the treatment of the girls as a metaphor for child rearing. He takes a very harsh approach with his fratello, Rico; which includes physical punishment, berating and increased "conditioning" (a term from the show that means basically brainwashing). Rico acts content, as do many abused children. That doesn't make the treatment correct. I know even the best parents will lose patience and be more harsh than they should at times, using a routinely critical, violent method is detrimental to the child and the relationship, however. At this point, I should note I have no children. I still remember what certain things made me feel as a child, and that is where i am speaking from.

[sr116-blog]

Mental Health Month: Coping Through Fandom (Animorphs)

With my mental illness, one of the the better coping mechanisms I’ve found is to become interested in things you can relate to. Be it the lyrics in a song, the image on a canvas, your own words, or those of others.

I was originally going to cover the topic of finding relatable fandoms helpful for coping in one post with six fandoms. That was a long arse post, so I'm doing each fandom individually instead, starting with the ones I'm featuring as eligible for prompts on this site. Next year, I may do this again with other fandoms.

What It Is 

A book series. Five human children take a short cut through an abandoned construction site home one night. A dying alien lands before them, and warns them about the war being fought over their planet. The Andalites who had been trying to defend earth are defeated; no more will arrive until it’s too late. The Yeerks are already there, but humans don’t know it, unless they’ve become the Yeerks victims already. These are creatures who take over the minds of others, and they’ve come to seize the humans as hosts. Before dying, the Andalite gives the children a single hope at winning, the ability to morph into any animal they touch. Thus they become the Animorphs.

Why I Noticed It

When I was around 10 or 11 I was at the grocery store with mom. They had a small book section, and there I saw it. A book with a girl turning into a dolphin. After browsing the summary, I begged for it. Not realizing it was book 4 in a series. I am still a die hard fan of these idiot teenagers with a death wish.

Recurring Characters

There were six main characters, with at least 7 others appearing often enough to be called recurring. Above is fan art of Cassie, Tobias and Marco.

Three Characters I Connected With

Cassie:

Probably the easiest to connect with, Cassie was a lover of animals who desired peace but knew that she had to fight. She wanted people to get along, had was known to have the occasional crisis of conscience over the war.

Tobias:

I related to poor Tobias because of my depression. He was never stated to have depression outright; and our lives weren’t actually comparable, but they felt comparable to me. He was shuffled around between family that didn’t want him, and even though it wasn’t true I felt unloved and unlovable. He was bullied at school, to a greater extent than I was. I was still picked on. In the first book he finds himself trapped in hawk morph. More than once the others speculate he may have deliberately trapped himself that way as a means of escaping his human life. I wanted to escape.

Marco:

This was more of a wishful connection. Marco was what I wanted to be. He was clever and quick witted, and could laugh his way through a painful situation. He had every reason to want to lay down and die, but instead he smiled. Not to mention the character was written as being pretty darn cute. He was actually my first fictional crush, not that I admitted it at the time.

Character I Least Relate To

Visser Three:

He has a thirst for power that goes beyond simply wanting to be recognized by people. I don’t know that it was ever revealed where that came from, and i will never be able to relate to wanting power for powers sake

[sr116-blog]

Mental Health Month : Writing to Take care of Me

So, the first week of mental health month on Tumblr is meant to be about POST FOR YOU, meaning post about self care. In the spirit of my overall blog theme of writing original stories and Fanfiction, I’m going to tell you how my writing helps with my self care.

First, I should probably tell you a bit about my mental illness:

I am diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Depression is a diagnosis I have lived with since I was 13, I am now 31 (and will be 32 in August). I think it’s important to understand this isn’t a condition that develops overnight, it builds over time and can be triggered by various things. There are varying degrees of depression as well. It can be a more temporary situational depression (often treatable with therapy alone) or a more long term even lifelong chemical depression (which may require medication). 

By the time one is diagnosed, particularly in their “angsty teen” years, it’s usually been festering a while. At 13, I got help because a friend told her mother (who called and told my mother) that I had revealed to my classmates a suicide attempt. I credit that friend to this day with saving my life (but those sort of stories are for another day).  Below are some MDD symptom adult display. Almost every single one of these applies to me when my illness is untreated. And to a lesser degree even when treated.

While MDD is my only official diagnosis, professional counselors have also suggested I show signs of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and I am very codependent/dependent (it varies by who I’m dealing with, I suppose). See the graphic below? I do have several of those symptoms. The thing is, BPD is easily confused for other diagnoses who have similar symptoms, and it can be hard to nail down.  On this list I often experience: 1, 3, 5, 6, 7; and more recently i have begun to notice 8 popping up. That's a lot of them, actually...

So, now that I’ve talked a bit about my diagnosis, I can talk a bit about writing and how it helps.

Using words and characters can be a very powerful coping tool. When I’m lost in my depression, if I can manage to dig myself near enough to the surface to focus on stringing things together, I often find it’s easiest to express that pain in poetry. In fact, in a world where I so often felt like so much talentless carp in a skilled family, writing was the earliest niche I found. 

My middle school (I guess that’s the equivalent…K - 8 all attended the same school in the Parochial system I attended) English teacher encouraged it, as did my late uncle. So, though I still had little faith in my own value, it was a skill I eagerly developed, and it quickly became a safe way to vent my anger, sorrow and self loathing.

I had always enjoyed trying to weave together original stories, too. My skill there, in my opinion, wasn’t as great. Then again, I have confidence issues. It’s part of the depression and dependency. I had a good mind for fanciful concepts, I suppose, but it hadn’t been fine tuned.

That’s part of where the Fanfiction comes in. The other part is the entire notion of why we write fanfiction, or why I do. I write Fanfiction because I love the stories…and to love the stories, I need to love the characters. I love the characters, because they are a mirror. I will try to write a post on that in and of itself later.

Now, my Fanfiction usually do some amount of character exploration. It’s one of my favorite things; and that has helped me to be able to write original works much more thoroughly. Granted, I tend to get more caught up in creating than writing these original stories…I’m working on that.

The brilliant thing about original stories is that you poor your own self into them. Every character is a piece of you; the plot reflects some moral standard, dilemma, or concern you may have; or the plot may be an fantasy you’ve held to help escape from reality for ages; the plot could be based very much even on that own internal battle with those dark thoughts in your own mind.

Every word you put on paper is some part of you. Who you are, wish to be, or fear you may become; what you’ve faced, wish to find, or fear is yet to come. It is born from somewhere, and letting it flow through the pen, if you are willing, will set it free.

For me. The willingness has been the problem. I want to get better. I pour myself onto pages, trying to help. The problem becomes, I am so used to feeling this, I am afraid to release it completely. So I keep letting it drag me back.

I’m finally getting there, I think. I have a great therapy team working with me now. A new treatment called EMDR I’ve been working with (it’s great, and I recommend it to anyone whose counselors think they are ready. Like anything mental health related, it’s not for everyone) has helped me really open up about the heart of things. I can post about it later and try to find a video.

The main point of this post boils down to this: whatever I end up writing about, I am actually writing about myself. That’s very therapeutic if I let it be.

[promptsforthestrugglingauthor]

Writing Prompt #127

It’s not that I didn’t want to be at this party. It’s not that I didn’t get enough sleep, like I claimed. It’s just that I simply don’t feel like I’m here anymore, despite the drink in my hand and my feet on the ground. It’s as if my soul escaped from my head to watch the scene instead of live it.

[promptsforthestrugglingauthor]

May is mental health awareness month. Perhaps you could do prompts regarding that? It might take some work/research on your part to come up with them; it would be for a good cause.

I can try to include one or two prompts per week this month! Thank you for being this to my attention, I wasn’t aware! I actually have a number of friends and family members depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and the like. (I myself have some minor specific anxieties and some depersonalization issues, but nothing major, fortunately.)

I actually don’t mind the research (I’m a bit of a nerd that way), and coincidentally my psychology class is focusing on psychological disorders and mental health, so that’s quite convenient. Would anyone else like to see this?

[sr116-blog]

Gonna try to keep up and reblog all the prompts for the mental health theme whether I write on them or not!

[postitforward]

Hey, Tumblr.

Today is May 1. The first day of Mental Health Month. This entire month we want to nudge all of you to celebrate triumphs, acknowledge struggles, and just come together. Let other people know they’re not alone. Feel less alone yourself. It’s what Post it Forward is all about.

One of the incredible ways you—all of you—have helped shape Tumblr is with your ability to be open and honest.  It was you that turned this platform into a community, one based on genuine expression, creativity, and acceptance.

Neat. How can I participate?

Glad you asked! Each week, for all four weeks, we’ll be giving you ideas for ways to Post it Forward.

Week 1—Post it for you: How you practice self-care and personal well-being.

Week 2—Post it for each other: Ways you can be there for each other.

Week 3—Post it for reflection: Sharing stories of personal growth and development.

Week 4—Post it for the future: Committing to continuous reflection and improvement.

This week is all about posting for you. Acts of self-care. Here are some places to start:

Post an emoji spell for self-care and positivity. 🌈 🔮 💕 🌱

Share a photo or GIF of something that calms you down. Don’t have one? Here’s one.

What’s the one thing that always cheers you up? Post a photo of it, take a GIF, or illustrate it. Toss a sticker on it, if you’d like.

Never forget that you are valid! Post a selfie with “valid” sticker (see below).

Make a list of things you like about yourself.

Make a checklist of 5 acts of self-care you promise to do for yourself this week.

Make an audio post with a song that helps you zone out and re-energize.

Don’t forget to tag all your posts with #postitforward this month! It makes it easier for everyone to find each other’s contributions.

What else?

We’ve asked our pal Tumblrbot (@tumblrbot) to help out with any extra encouragement you might need. Try sending them messages like “tell me about Mental Health Month” or “what’s this week’s prompt?” Tumblrbot will let you know what’s up, because Tumblrbot is a friend to all of us.

We got Answer Times, all of them taking place right here on Post it Forward unless indicated otherwise:

5/4—Utkarsh Ambudkar, NAMI (@namiorg) ambassador, Pitch Perfect actor, and member of hip-hop improv group, Freestyle Love Supreme.

5/8—AJ Mendez Brooks, NAMI (@namiorg) ambassador, former pro wrestler, and author of Crazy Is My Superpower, a memoir about her experiences with bipolar disorder.

5/9—Brittany Snow and Courtney Knowles, co-founders of Love is Louder, from their official blog (@loveislouderofficial).

5/10—Kelly Williams Brown, New York Times best-selling author, from her official blog (@adulting).

5/15—Cynthia Germanotta, Lady Gaga’s mother and co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation.

5/16—Shannon Beveridge (@now-this-is-living), 25-year-old YouTube star. She’ll be partnering with It Gets Better (@itgetsbetterproject).

5/23—The creators of #TheBlackout movement, from their official blog (@theblackoutofficial).

5/25—Anna Akana, YouTuber, writer, director, and activist, from her official blog (@annaakana).

5/26—Mental health advocates Patrick and Amy Kennedy.

We even have some limited edition stickers ready for you in the Tumblr app right now:

<3 Tumblr

[sr116-blog]

Okay, my Tumblr is primarily about my writing, very true. And I have always been writing is drawn from a part of your soul, so are the fandom you tend to connect with I think. You  are drawn to what you relate to on whatever level it touches you. 

So, as mental health is hugely important to me, I'm going to try to incorporate my primary purpose (fandom and original writings) into this month. I hope it works out. 

[drinkyourfuckingmilk]

Levi and Hange would be the only ones from SnK to survive in Australia, let's be honest.

I don’t know man. did you see Levi on that beach when confronted with harmless sea cucumbers? imagine him in Australia; the dude would become a Howard Hughes level recluse.

[sr116-blog]

Well, in all honesty,sea cucumbers are kinda like free moving segments of bowel, if I'm picturing them correctly. I can see why a clean freak would be freaked out.

Must agree though...these people gonna die in the merry old land of Aus. Imagine the Salties coming up to say hello.... and the 50 billion venomous snakes, lol. 

"This whole goddam place wants to kill us! I miss the simple days of just worrying about Titans!"

[sr116-blog]

Tag your OC:

OC 1: wow i'm really thirsty

OC 2: [rummages through bag and takes out full water bottle]

OC 1: hey, thank--

OC 2: [opens bottle and chugs contents while maintaining eye contact]

OC 1:

[sr116-blog]

"Think Fast" OC Meme Part 2

This is the second part of a five part OC Meme I got from deviantArt. I am way behind on keeping up with this stuff, sorry.

Links:

Meme Intro

Meme Part 1

And now...

..:: || Phase Two, Personal Touch || ::..

You've survived phase one, now it's time to get personal >:3

5 and 7 are taking a shower, what's happening?

5 :: War-Prince Jothorr-Horics-Apudiin [FanChar - Animorphs] 7 :: Hiriin-Eillif-Gibyil [FanChar - Animorphs]

The aristh (an Andalite military cadet) stepped into the shower. It was a large one, one of the public shower stalls generally kept near pool complexes and such. Of course, earth was a strange place to Horiith, and he had no idea of such a concept as he looked up with his stalk eyes at the many shower heads above, his tail twitching in nervous anticipation as his main eyes looked for a potential threat. He would be ready to impress the legendary War Prince walking just behind him.

As for that high ranking Andalite, his own bladed tail was arched and ready, but held with a steady confidence. Jothorr's stalk eyes kept a sweeping vigil as his main gaze focused first on the shower heads, then upon the knobs that controlled water. He had heard of these places since the place called Earth had been explored. The pools were used for recreational swimming, and these artificial waterfalls known as showers for the humans to clean themselves.

The young one before him should have known too, if he'd paid attention in his schooling. Judging by the wary way Aristh Horiith was looking at everything, though, he had no idea what this equipment was for. A lesson should be taught here. So Jothorr reached out and tried the knob, figuring out which way to turn it so that the artificial waterfall they had stopped under would begin to dump upon them. He had no concern for his own blue fur getting wet as well.

The much younger Andalite reared up slightly tail whipping forward at nothing as he released a thoughtspeak shout of surprise, <Ahhh!>

<The humans call this place a shower, it is where they bathe,> Jothorr explained, his voice firm in the young aristh's mind, <By this point, that shouldn't be uncommon knowledge.>

Quick! 8 has walked in on 5 and 7 in the shower!!

8 :: Exsul-Issil-Impator [FanChar - Animorphs] 5 :: War-Prince Jothorr-Horics-Apudiin [FanChar - Animorphs] 7 :: Hiriin-Eillif-Gibyil [FanChar - Animorphs]

Exsul-Issil-Impator was another aristh, and could not help but wonder where the other two Andalites on this mission had gone. Wandering through the area in search of them he heard the thoughtspeak shout that Horiith had unwittingly broadcast far too openly. While it could be hard to tell where such voiceless communication was coming from, the Andalite people had evolved with it for eons. Exsul, therefore, was able to track his crewmate to the public shower.

Hesitantly he entered, uncertain of what waited. Inside, what did he find? Jotharr the great and fear inspiring War Prince was fumbling to maintain his footing on the wet tiles, four hooves scrabbling beneath him in search of traction. Horiith had already succumbed to the slick surface and was sprawled across the ground with great humiliation, his bladed tail flicking agitatedly.

Somehow an abandoned shampoo bottle was knocked over, the top sliced off (presumably by a tail blade). The soapy substance oozed its way out, and finally plopped onto Horiith. It coated his stalks, and again he let out a thoughtspeak cry of agony, <Aaagh! It burns! What is this slime weapon!>

<The tiles are impossible when wet!> Jotharr raged skittering towards the exit, <How do human use such environments daily!>

Exsul blinked all four eyes in stunned silence, not daring to set another hoof into the shower. If either of the others were injured for their foolishness, they could heal through morphing...he had no such luck if he became trapped in the slippery fiasco, <Good luck, Horiith! War-Prince Jotharr, you've nearly made it sir! >

With little pity for his fellow aristh and tormentor, Exsul focused mostly on trying to help the War-Prince to safety without exposing himself to danger.

While 8, 5 and 7 are busy, lets see what 1 and 12 doing in the hottub!

1 :: Ardell Mort [Experiment 666] 12 :: Noriko Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham]

Noriko closed her eyes as she learned back in the hot tub. She had been hesitant at first, but eventually it was explained that it was rather like a hot spring. This strange limbo between universes was a mash of technologies from all the different realms they came from, and she was overwhelmed and anxious about it all. A nice hot spring...or hot tub...visit would do nicely.

Suddenly a disturbance in the water alerted her to someone else's presence. Her dark eyes snapped open as the elder Japanese woman shot a look at the intruder.  His own eyes were shut in a grin as he faced her, "Hello there! Lovely day for a dip in a hot tub...Bubbles away the stress."

"Of course..."One of his eyes eased open, spreading his face into a cheeky wink, "There are other ways to work off one's stress as well~"

"How dare you!" Noriko drew away, attempting to cover herself, "I am a married woman, and far too-"

A sigh escaped the man, "Married, unmarried, does it matter? You are still beautiful, and beauty should be appreciated, shouldn't it? Are you appreciated, Noriko?"

A funny sort of sensation swept over the woman she looked into his blue eyes.. on one hand, she was ill at ease with his forwardness, and blatant attempts to sway her affections from her husband toward himself. He was a much younger man, it was a scandal and likely a blackmail scheme! On the other hand, she was flooded with the sudden sense that no, she wasn't appreciated. Her husband and son had ignored her objections to the boy's former fiance, which had lead to disaster. Yet she was still viewed as the wicked one in that scenario.

"Who are you?" She breathed out, "How...how do you know me?"

"I'm an admirer," The young man smiled, reaching up to tease a strand of silvered hair, "My name is Ardell, and I see how much you do for them...try to look out for them. They take it all for granted, though. Such a shame..."

Think fast! 11, 10 and 2 crashed 1 and 12's party in the hottub!

11 - Sister Agnes (aka Madeline Dawson) [Experiment 666] 10 - Umiko (Age 9) [FanChar - SamCham] 2 - Hiroshi Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham]

Gripping tightly to the sunflower she had for her mother (it was purchased in the final bit of Part 1 in a trade) Umiko raced through the unknown melding of realms that formed the meeting place for this random crew. Sister Agnes, who had purchased the flower along with her own bouquet in exchange for a future favor was running to keep up with the child.

"Wait, little girl!" She found it hard to match the youth's pace, "I...I can't just let you run off alone!"

As the two females raced past, Hiroshi looked up from his wheelchair and immediately locked his sight on the child with the sunflower. There was something very familiar about her, for sure. She reminded him of a woman he loved...and a man she had married. Quickly he pushed himself off after them.

It was even harder for him to catch up, with their head start.  Eventually though, Sister Agnes caught Umiko, which allowed Hiroshi to catch them both. Only then did they realize how awkward the situation they had walked in on was.

"Oh my!" Sister Agnes swept up Umiko and covered the child's eyes to shield her from the scene of Ardell's blatant attempts at seducing Noriko.

Hiroshi's chair jolted as he suddenly stopped, his dark eyes gawking at the unexpected and unwelcome sight, "Mother?! What on earth is going on?!"

Noriko was suddenly brought to her senses and pulled hastily away from the young stranger, looking in shock at her son, "Hiroshi? I..."

Ardell sigh and leaned back against the side of the hot tub, a pout on his features, "Now my fun is ruined..."

4 just found out that 9 used their toothbrush to scrub the toilet!

4 - Trinity Dawson [Experiment 666] 9 - Galbin Mort [Experiment 666]

As Trinity brushed her teeth, she thought something was off; a strange sort of taste from the bristles that blended with the minty paste. Pulling the brush from her mouth she  spat the froth in the sink and fought back her gag reflex.

An obnoxious laugh sounded from behind the shower curtains, cuing her in to the fact she was not alone. The curtain pulled back to reveal a boy of around twelve with a wicked grin and mischief in his bright yellow eyes. His red hair was pulled into a high bun and freckles dotted his face, "You actually used it! Stupid girl, a literal potty-mouth!"

Trinity's eyes widened with realization as he spoke. The toothbrush flattered against the sink as she dropped it and heaved, needing to vomit, but finding the taunting boy no seated on the toilet and no trash can in sight. The only places to empty her stomach were the sink, floor, or tub.

"Oh. You could probably use this toilet about now, hmm?" Galbin canted his head in thought, "It would be rather nasty to puke anywhere else...I could move...for a price."

"You're Terri...ble" Trinity gagged out between waves of nausea, testing the door to find it locked somehow.

"Well, of course," Galbin shrugged, with a bored smirk, "It's the quickest way benefit. If you don't see that, well...You're only human. Now, how much do you have? I'm sure you don't want to scoop chunks of vomit out of the tub. So empty your wallet, or give me some valuable trinket, we can call it even at that."

Without putting up further argument Trinity dug out her wallet, but had no time to hand over any cash before doubling over and emptying her gut on the floor. The wallet dropped to her side as she braced herself on the sink. Hopping to his feet and carefully avoiding the splattering bile, Galbin grabbed up the wallet and easily opened the door, "Then this is payment for cleaning your toilet! Good business! And I don't do floors, you're gonna scrub that up on your own!"

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"Think Fast" OC Meme Part 1

Okay, if you recall, I'm filling out a meme I found on deviant art. Today I post Part 1 of 5 of the actual scenario questions. I was to pick 12 OC characters, and include myself to make 13 total. Here is the list:

1)  Ardell Mort [Experiment 666]  2)  Hiroshi Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham]  3)  Cruent Mort [Experiment 666]  4)  Trinity Dawson [Experiment 666]  5)  War-Prince Jothorr-Horics-Apudiin [FanChar - Animorphs]  6)  Mamoru [New Life]  7)  Hiriin-Eillif-Gibyil [FanChar - Animorphs]  8)  Exsul-Issil-Impator [FanChar - Animorphs]  9)  Galbin Mort [Experiment 666] 10)  Umiko (Age 9) [FanChar - SamCham]  11)  Sister Agnes / Madeline Dawson [Experiment 666]  12)  Noriko Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham]  13)  Soul Raider

And here is a link to the intro I posted with the rules.

Now I present...

..:: || Phase One, Quality Time || ::..

"1 and 3 are sitting at a table for tea, what's their initial reactions? "

Ardell settled into his seat, well aware that he likely wouldn't know the being already seated there. Ah, more fun that way, he couldn't help the giddy smile on his face at the thought of how an unusual gathering such as this brought so many new options for entertainment. The long haired fellow practically giggled, until he heard a familiar throat clearing from the person he had been too busy fantasizing about to actually notice.

His smile fell at once into a bored expression as he sighed, propping his chin in his palm, "Oh...it's you."

"A pity, isn't it?" The dusky skinned woman with silver hair watched him with a narrowed gaze, "I assume you know better than to-"

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it, Cruent, dear," The man rolled his blue eyes, drearily stirring the tea in the cup that had been placed before him moments before, "Your far too volatile...even I have my limits, and I would prefer to stay in tact."

A smirk curved over Cruent's scarred features as she lifted her own cup of well sweetened tea to her lips, "As long as we're in agreement. You do serve better when not maimed."

" Quick! 4 just knocked the hot kettle all over 3!! "

Trinity hadn't meant to! She was merely looking for her sister amid the confusing mash of characters when she tripped, unwittingly bumping into the table where the two others sat. This sent the kettle, which really had been too near the table's edge, tumbling over the side, "OH my, I'm sorry! It really was an acci-"

"Do I look like I care why it happened?" Cruent's crimson eyes flashed, her voice a disturbingly calm tone as she stood, "Sorry doesn't get you far in reality, you should do well to remember that..."

The woman smiled slowly as she turned her gaze toward the table, seeking an implement of revenge. Sadly, spoons seemed to be the only silverware available, so a fork in the eye wasn't an option.

" While 3 and 4 are dealing with the kettle, 6 moves in on 1. What's 1's reaction? "

Ardell was about to intervene on the cute teen's behalf when a twelve year old suddenly bounced up to him, a plate of pie in his hand. Not really one for kids, the man tried to ignore the boy, but the child wouldn't stop staring with big eyes, "Can I help you?"

The small amount of tension in the strange man's voice wasn't enough to register with Mamoru, whose plate was held out in a sudden offering, "Hey, have pie! It's apple! Apple is the best, it makes everything better! Maybe your friends could share it and solve their problem!"

" Think fast! 12, 2 and 9 are in a mall with no money and they're surrounded by people!  "

Noriko Gijouhei gripped her son, Hiroshi, firmly by the shoulder. The man rolled sighed at his mother's behavior, but knew she must be very tense. As he was an adult, he'd be babysitting her this time, it seemed.

The middle aged woman glared about her at the crowd and racket. Someone bumped into her, continuing on without apology, it seemed to be a small boy. With a huff she scolded the child, "Has no one taught you manners, you insolent -"

"Shut up!" The Galbin groused, wrinkling his nose, "If there's something I actually don't want it's a lecture from a hypocritical, penniless,  old bat like you!"

While Noriko was busy scrabbling for a dignified response, Galbin took off, swiping a man's wallet during another bump and run so he could get himself something.

" 11 and 10 are buying flowers for the same person. What's their initial reactions? "

Nine year old Umiko poured as she glared up at the flower display. She didn't have any cash, and really wanted to get a stupid sunflower for her mom. Daddy had said something about sunflowers being special to her mom, and so the girl thought maybe getting one would get the woman off her back about not being girly enough.

Meanwhile, Sister Agnes was searching for flowers for her own mother. She had been browsing a while when she saw the dusky skinned child glancing around shiftily and reaching for a sunflower, "That's a pretty flower, who is it for?"

The girl's eyes narrowed at the smiling woman, "My mom, what'd'ya care for?"

"I'm looking for flowers for my mother as well. Why don't I just pay for yours with mine?" Grey eyes shined with her gentle expression.

"I ain't takin charity!" The girl wrinkled her nose. The thought of how hard her father worked to make people see him as an honest man struck her though, and the idea that actually stealing the flower would ruin that for both her parents. With a sigh she continued, "I'll make ya a trade though. So what'd'ya want?"

"Hmm...perhaps I can call in that favor later?" The nun gripped a sunflower alongside her own selected bouquet.

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"Think Fast" OC Meme Intro

I found this on deviantArt, where such things aren't uncommon, and decided to use it as a chance to intermingle my characters, my own self imposed challenge! 

There are five sections of "Think fast" questions/scenarios that the randomly selected characters have been put in according to a number from 1 - 13. Here's the first part of the meme, which explains the rules. I will post each of the next 5 Parts  separately, one each day, starting tomorrow! 

I added an OC specific lottery, and used it to randomly pick who is being used!

Thanks to The-Bone-Snatcher from dA for creating this, its random fun. 

The Guidlines - Please don't remove these~! :)

1. Pick twelve (12) of you characters. Make sure you count yourself in there to for a total of thirteen (13)~! It's more amusing to read if you put yourself in the mix ;3 2. Make sure you list all their names if the have more then one, i.e If they have an alias list it 3. Once you've picked your characters make sure you remember which number corresponds to which character before you start, this will become important later on 4. Without planning it or thinking about it, make your characters go through the scenarios using the first things that come to your mind for each one 5. Don't feel like you have to tone your characters down~! If they're a total jerk, make it so! We want to see how you feel your character would REALLY react to this! 6. Have fun~! :) 7. Quiz thinginy created by: The-Bone-Snatcher

Be needin ur names first: Remember to list alias' if they have any :) [There may be aliases, I didn't list them.]

1)  Ardell Mort [Experiment 666] * 2)  Hiroshi Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham] ** 3)  Cruent Mort [Experiment 666] * 4)  Trinity Dawson [Experiment 666] * 5)  War-Prince Jothorr-Horics-Apudiin [FanChar - Animorphs] *** 6)  Mamoru [New Life] * 7)  Hiriin-Eillif-Gibyil [FanChar - Animorphs] *** 8)  Exsul-Issil-Impator [FanChar - Animorphs] *** 9)  Galbin Mort [Experiment 666] * 10)  Umiko (Age 9) [FanChar - SamCham] ** 11)  Sister Agnes / Madeline Dawson [Experiment 666] * 12)  Noriko Gijouhei [FanChar - SamCham] ** 13)  Soul Raider

* Experiment 666 and New Life are two original story concepts of mine.

** These are characters from my fanfiction trilogy based on Samurai Champloo. I normally write these names in Japanese style (last name first) but am making an exception as not all characters here are from Japan based stories.

*** These characters are Andalites, an alien race from the Animorphs series. Animorphs was big when I was young in the 90s, and it's still my favorite series ever. Once an Anifan, always an Anifan.

Registration complete. Let the fun and games begin >:3"

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A Challenge, Is It?

If you wish to post a writing challenge, you probably should look at these posts. I had planned to make pages, but my Kindle is limiting...so I'm improvising.

Important Links

Rules of Engagement

Eligible Original Stories and Characters

Eligible Fanfiction and Characters

Issuing The Challenge

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Issuing the Challenge

I'm willing to consider any prompt challenges you submit, as long as they follow the rules. There are a few ways you can do this, and a few types of challenges to kick us off.

Character Selection

There are two main ways to select characters. You can pick them story and name, or use  the character lottery system. The lottery system is made up of an individual story lottery (which is the most frequently usable one) and and overall lottery (used for crossover type stories only). 

With the individual story lottery, I will list the number of characters eligible in each story, and you will pick a number within that range. The number is randomly connected to one of that story's characters. The count starts new with each story. Numbers are scrambled on randomly selected dates.

The overall lottery numbers every character without repeating. These numbers are randomized periodically. By picking one you don't know what character you get, or which story they will be from.

There are currently 78 overall characters.

General Prompt Types

Short Prompt

Write a one to three sentence prompt that includes the eligible story it should be for, characters (names or lottery), and if the setting is story canon or AU; as well as what the prompt would be.

Cross Over Limbo

Submit a neutral type of setting where characters from one or more stories might meet. Include story titles and character names/lottery, or overall lottery numbers.

1 Story, 2 phrases, 3 characters, and 4 words

A simple type of format that allows the challenger to get creative in their prompt while leaving it open for interpretation by the author. Simply select a single eligible story and three characters (or lottery numbers) from it. Provide two phrases that should be included within the challenge fic. And give one word for each of the main parts of speech.

For ease, copy/paste and fill out this form.

Story:

Characters:

  Phrase 

  Noun:

Verb:

Adjective:

Adverb:

Story Starter/Ender

Give me the first or last sentence of a prompt, along with the stor(ies) and characters or lottery numbers I should write for.

Monologue

Give a topic and one of my characters to talk about it. With this one, a word count (minimum, maximum, or given range) adds to the challenge; but is not necessary.

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Rules of Engagement

Challenge must use an eligible story. 

Challenge must include at least one of my OCs if it's for a fandom. (For now challenges based on Instrucion and Growing up Tenten are exempt as they have no OCs

Challengers may specify a timeline/age range for the prompt/characters if the story indicates it's allowed.

Challengers may include AUs in the prompt.

Challengers may cross over between the eligible stories.

Challengers may include their own OC in a prompt, but must include a basic profile for the character. These may be less likely to be accepted.

Any type of prompt within guidelines will be considered.

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Fanfiction Index

These are fandom AU or timeline divergent fics you may consider issuing challenges for.

Animorphs: Andalite Wars

[Timeline Divergent] 

It's been more than ten years since the events of Animorphs took place. Peace never lasts, and humanity seem to be looking for a fight now. We're calling the Andalites dangerous, a sleeping threat.

Andalites have given humans some technology, some we learned based on Yeerk wreckage; still it might actually be an even match.

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 18

+canon+

Cassie

Dan Bernstein

Jordan Bernstein

Naomi Bernstein

Sara Bernstein

Toby Hamee

+oc+

Devon Anders

Jothorr-Horics-Apudiin

Kilreg

Hiriinn

Awera-Medaff-Tooshin

Exsul-Issil-Impator

Ingari

Uuret

Baslar-Axela-Cenriann

Toraan-Sinfiax-Lanstil

Gloria Hill

Catalina Strauss

Gunslinger Girl: Instrucion

[Alternate Universe]

Everything was fine at the boarding school the girl's attended. Cute teachers, good friends, just fine! But then, in a struggle to keep the school's doors open, the administration decided to let them in...boys. Now the girls must handle two experimental students that may lead to a school over run in the opposite gender!

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 9

+canon+

Claes

Emilio

Triella

Rico

Patricia

Henrietta

Pinocchio

Jose

Jean

Naruto: Growing Up Tenten

[Age Varient Challenges Accepted][Timeline Divergent] 

No one was sure where she came from when they found her after the Kyuubi attacked that fateful day. She was a girl with no past, and presumably no future. Who would have guessed she'd grow up to be a weapons' mistress?  

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 21

+canon+

Maito Gai

Hyuuga Hinata

Hyuuga Neji

Aburame Shino

Sarutobi Asuma

Umino Iruka

Ayame

Inuzuka Kiba

Kurenai

Hyuuga Hanabi

Hitake Kakashi

Akimichi Chouji

Yamanaka Ino

Hyuuga Hiashi

Uchiha Sasuke

Rock Lee

Haruno Sakura

Nara Shikamaru

Uzumaki Naruto

Anko

Tenten

Samurai Champloo: Family Trilogy

[Age Varient Challenges Accepted][Timeline Divergent]

This series of stories follows Fuu, Mugen, Jin, and Shino beginning at a point four years after the end of the Samurai Champloo anime. The first story focuses on how Fuu and Mugen come to terms with their feelings for one another. The second follows a time skip of two years, and focuses Mugen and Fuu's family along with Jin and Shino's over the years; as they exchange letters and visit each other. And the third focuses on the children of our original heroes as they set off on their own adventure, leaving worried parents behind for us to check in on. 

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 9

+canon+

Mugen

Fuu

Jin

Shino

+oc+

Gijouhei Atsushi

Gijouhei Noriko

Hiroshi Gijouhei

Umiko

Jiyuu

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Original Story Listings

Here is an index of titles and summaries for original stories that are posted or are in the conception stage and will be made available online.     

Experiment 666

[Age Varient Challenges Accepted]

When it comes to good and evil, everything isn't always what it seems. Trinity Dawson was orphaned at a young age and raised by her half sister in the shelter of a convent. When a secretive group suggests she can become a warrior for Heaven, she agrees; only to find that her pure spirit has put her in the sights for a project known as Experiment 666. Her weapon will be nothing less than a demon manifest, bonded to her and subjugated by the goodness of her heart. Will her purity keep this devil in line, or will his pride corrupt her and cause her to fall?

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 12

Leo Mort

Trinity Dawson

Sister Agnes (AKA Madeline Dawson)

Sister Germaine (AKA Cady Washington)

Maddi Mort

Cruent Mort

Galbin Mort

Cyanea Mort

Ardell Mort

Dionysi Mort

Blake Cadfael

Ernest Ryder

New Life

[Age Varient Challenges Accepted]

A young shinigami is sent on a mission to stop the ominous group known as New Life. This evil organization seeks immortality, and is willing to do anything to get it, including human sacrifice. There's a catch. The sacrifices must commit themselves willingly to their fate. Thus, manipulation of innocent parties ensues. A child is kidnapped, and her older brother must join the shinigami in the effort to free the girl, or commit himself to the fate of being a sacrifice to spare his sister's life.

~CHARACTERS~

Total Eligible: 9

Ichimei

Mamoru

Tsukai

Kano Hogosho

Nyako Hogosho

Izanami Hogosho

Leiko

Taro

Yukio