Anyway, we didn’t have enough entries to cover all of the categories, so I’m just announcing the categories that the entries fit under. I liked a lot of them! :D
And the prizes still count!
So here it is...
Most Unique: @margarthegreat with Their First Christmas!
Most “awwwww” Worthy: @twilightmelodydragon!
**Note: just because there weren’t many entries doesn’t mean I awarded the winners just because. If there were entries that I didn’t like, I would have simply cancelled the contest. So congrats to the winners! I really liked your entries!!!
Prizes:
A 1,000 word fic of your choice by me (only if wanted). Send me an Ask with your request mentioning that you’re a contest winner and I’ll get on it ASAP!
A permanent spot on my blog under “Contest Winners”.
I’m really trying to improve my writing, and I’ve had the urge to write a cheesy idol story, so I decided to enter ffg’s contest thing! Posting it here since it doesn’t really fit with my main blog ;u;
It’s a modern-AU focusing on Margaret, Amber, and Forte becoming idols. (focus is on Margaret though)
Sorry if this seems OOC, I haven’t played RF4 in a while ;o; I tried my best!
It was almost time. The crowd was cheering, waiting for Margaret and her group to go on stage and sing the final song. Margaret had always loved singing, but she never expected to be in an idol group, of all things. Still, even if she had to dance around and be on stupid talk shows sometimes, she was actually really happy that her friend had brought it up. Amber always did have a weakness for cute and cheesy stuff like idols.
--
It had been a warm spring day, the scent of cherry blossoms thick in the air. Amber was reading a gossip magazine on the bus ride home from school, and Margaret had her headphones in, listening to her favorite pieces of classical music. Their other friend, Forte, had to stay after school for extra curricular activities. She was the student council president, but she participated in several clubs as well. She was such a hard worker, and Margaret's best friend since they were kids. When Amber had moved to town, the three of them became inseparable and did everything together.
Suddenly, Amber jolted up and exclaimed something. Margaret couldn't hear her over the music, so she calmly took her headphones out.
“Amber, what is it? You shouldn't jump up in a moving vehicle, you know, it's very dangerous.”
“LOOK!!”
Amber shoved the magazine in Margaret's face, far too close for her to be expected to actually read anything. Margaret impatiently grabbed the magazine and examined the page Amber had folded back.
“Idol tryouts..?”
“YES!”, Amber cried out, “Look at their cute frilly outfits! Can you imagine what it would be like to wear something like that?”
Margaret shoved the magazine back to Amber.
“Extremely uncomfortable, I'd imagine.”
Amber just kept on smiling, and continued reading the article.
“Oh.. Oh no. Meg, it says auditions have to be in groups of three.”
Margaret sighed.
“You're not really planning on auditioning for that silly thing, are you?”
Amber pouted.
“Of course I am! But I don't know anyone else who would want audition with me. Forte is too busy, and you think it's stupid. I really wanted to be able to sing for people, too.”
Margaret froze, realizing what Amber had just said.
“I'm sorry Amber, did you say 'sing'?”
Amber nodded.
“Well of course! That's one of the biggest parts of being an idol! You get to sing and dance, and you get to wear cute stuff and model clothes, and you even get to be on T.V.!”
Margaret was deep in thought. She had never payed these “idols” any attention before. The whole concept seemed stupid, honestly. However.. If she'd get the chance to sing for people, and to show off her talents, perhaps it would be a good opportunity for her. She weighed her options as the bus rolled to a stop. The pair got out of the bus and stood on the sidewalk, where they always part ways to go home. Margaret cleared her throat.
“Amber, listen carefully. I've decided that if we can find a third person, I'll audition for this idol thing with you.”
Amber looked shocked.
“What, really?! You??”
“And just what is that supposed to mean?” Margaret frowned, “Are you saying I'm not idol material?”
“I just never really saw you as the idol type, I guess.. Well whatever, I'm just glad that you're interested too!”
Amber smiled, and turned to go home.
“See you tomorrow, bye bye!”
–
Margaret sat on her bed, trying to come up with any reason Forte might even consider doing this. She had run through several scenarios in her mind, but nothing seemed like it would be very convincing. Finally, she pulled her phone out and dialed Forte's number. She would just be honest.
“Hello Meg,” Forte answered, “Why are you calling me so late at night?”
“Forte, um.. This is going to sound crazy but..”
Margaret explained everything. She explained how deeply she wanted to become a famous singer and composer, and how this might be her big chance to get herself well-known. She even told Forte how stupid and cheesy the outfits idols have to wear look, but that she thought it would be worth it in the end.
“Let me get this straight.. You think idols are stupid, but you want to be one just so you can become popular?”
“Well for the most part, yes.”
Forte didn't say anything. Margaret became nervous. This was a really dumb idea, wasn't it? Forte would never agree to something so asinine.
“I'll do it.”
“What?! Forte, are you serious..?”
“Margaret, you've been my best friend since we were children. You've always been so musically talented, and.. Well to be honest, I've always been quite envious of you. So I've decided. No matter how much of a fool I'll be making of myself, no matter how ridiculous I'll look, I'll do it for you. I'll do it if it will help make your dreams come true.”
–
Margaret knew she would be nervous, but they were the final act for a famous idol group. They had barely performed at small venues, why in the world were they booked to do this?! She took a deep breath and focused.
Forte approached her side, and took her hand.
“Are you nervous?”
“I am absolutely nervous.”
Forte smiled.
“It'll be okay, I just know they'll love you. You may be the lead vocalist of the group, but Amber and I will be right there, right by your side.”
As if on cue, Amber ran to Margaret's other side and grabbed her free hand.
“We can do it!”
Margaret looked at her friends with tears in her eyes, and smiled. She really did love them dearly. She squeezed their hands, and they ran on stage as the music started.
The audience was huge, and glow sticks were visible as far as the eye could see. Despite that, Margaret didn't feel as nervous anymore. She just focused on projecting her voice as far as she could, and focused on dancing together with her friends. Before she knew it, the song was over, and the crowd roared with applause and cheers.
She did it. She really did it. From now on, she could really call herself an idol. The three bowed and started exiting the stage, when the crowd started chanting,
“Encore! Encore! Encore!”
The dream had just begun.
I’m pushing the contest back to October 13th. Personal stuff and work stuff as come up so I won’t be able to judge today or tomorrow. So if you have a story, send it in within the next two days.
Hey everyone! This is my entry for fandomfanficsgalore’s Rune Factory AU fanfic contest! Her stuff is really fun to read and she tales requests so if you get a chance you should check her out!
The smell of fresh bread gently wafted up the stairs of the bakery and into the room of a young man. Upon smelling the bread, his eyes slowly opened. He yawned and stretched until he was finally able to drag himself out of bed.
"Good morning, Dylas!" A large figure barged into his room. "It's another glorious day! Are you ready to work?"
Dylas, now fully awake, smiled and pulled his uniform out of his dresser. "As ready as always," he replied.
"Wonderful! Meg is almost all set up downstairs and Arthur is in his office if you need either of them, and breakfast will be ready in fifteen minutes!"
"Sounds good, Porco." Dylas ushered the baker out of his room so he could get dressed and brush his unruly long hair.
Dylas pondered every day as he pulled his hair up into a ponytail how Porcoline could be such a kind person. He opened his home to a bunch of rejected teens who needed second chances.
Margaret, or Meg, came from a broken family. Dylas isn't sure about the details of it, but he knows she only ever talks to her sister anymore. She was the first one to find Porco, and he took her in without a second thought. All she had to do was play her music at the bakery.
Arthur was the second to come under Porco's care. He was a brilliant businessman, but he had gotten involved in some shady dealings and had to run from his past. He claims to be the son of someone important, though. Now he's in control of the bakery's finances.
Then came Dylas, the newest addition to their mismatched family. He came to the city from a small town where he did nothing but skip classes and get into fist fights. He hated to admit it, but he had a temper. That was an old life though, one he didn't particularly like to think about. He was back on his feet now. He had a steady job working at the bakery with Porco, and he had no intentions of leaving any time soon.
Dylas was brought out of his trance by the soft lull of a violin coming from downstairs. Apparently that was Meg's instrument of choice for the day. Dylas' personal favorite was the piano, but he really couldn't complain too much.
After eating breakfast and chatting with his roommates, Dylas and Porco got to work baking and setting things up, and soon enough business was in full swing.
The day went on like any other day. Porco would keep eating the cookies and cakes, so Dylas would juggle handling the front of the house and getting dishes out before Porco could devour them. All in all, just a usual day in their little bakery.
That is, until Dylas heard the bell on the front door chime and he turned to smile and greet the new customer.
Dylas' first thought as he said his usual greeting was that the kid was short. His second thought was that the kid had really, really bright red hair.
"Kid" might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but he was at least a couple years younger than Dylas, so close enough.
The kid ignored Dylas' welcome, and instead stared at the food in the counter as if he wanted the break the glass and eat it all. He then shook his head, probably to clear thoughts like that from his mind.
"Um, can I get you anything?" Dylas tried so hard not to sound like he was judging this kid, but honestly, he was.
The red-haired midget, instead of answering him, turned around, inhaled deeply, let out a satisfied sigh, and left the bakery.
"What the fuck?" Dylas muttered under his breath. "That was weird."
The rest of the day went on like normal, and by the start of the next day Dylas had completely forgotten about the red-haired boy. Until the boy showed up again around the same time he had the day before.
Dylas was hesitant to greet the odd kid, but he did anyway. Just like the day before, he ignored Dylas, inhaled the aroma of the bakery, and left. Dylas was left bewildered once again.
This pattern went on for the next week. The kid came in, took in the smell, maybe eyed some food, and then left. Dylas was starting to get frustrated.
That night at dinner, nine days after the short boy started showing up, Margaret mentioned something that made his ears perk.
"You know that cute little grocery store that opened up down the street? Well, it turns out the sweetest old lady works there!" She went on for a while about how sweet and nice this old lady apparently was while everyone else quietly ate their dinner.
"Oh, and she has a grandson who's a little younger than us! And he's actually shorter than me! It made me feel a little better about my height for a while." Margaret giggled and took another sip of her soup. "I think I've seen him come in a few times too, but I'm not sure."
Dylas' head shot up. "He's short?"
Margaret looked up at him, confusion etched on her face. "Yes?"
"Does he have red hair?"
"Um, yes?"
"Does he have grey eyes?" By now Porco and Arthur were watching with interest.
"I-I didn't notice..."
Dylas shrugged it off. He was already sure this boy Meg was describing was the same weird kid who came in just to smell the air every day. Although, he couldn't really understand how Meg didn't notice eyes that were so obnoxiously grey. "Did you get his name?"
"It was Doug, I think. Why?"
"No reason." Dylas ignored the curious stares of the others and finished his soup in silence.
The next day Doug once again marched into the bakery, which was at the moment empty. Dylas was ready for him.
Just as soon as Doug walked through the door, Dylas dropped his happy employee act and scowled.
"Hey! Doug!"
Doug's eyes widened and he looked genuinely terrified. Meg, who had been playing her flute softly in the corner, also stopped to stare at the scene.
"M-me?" The kid squeaked out.
"Yeah, you! You come in here every goddamn day and just sniff the air! That's fucking weird! Just buy something already!"
Dylas could see the look of horror on Meg's face out of the corner of his eye, but then the kid did something he didn't expect: he fought back.
"I'll do whatever the fuck I want! As if you can call me weird! Your pony tail looks like an actual fucking horse tail, asshole!"
Dylas was so surprised, he let his mouth hang open and didn't say another word until Doug stormed out of building. Margaret's look of horror then morphed until she was laughing hysterically.
"What's so funny?" Dylas, asked, annoyed.
"Oh, nothing. Ignore me." She calmed herself down enough so that she wasn't clutching her stomach anymore.
Dylas rolled his eyes and turned to go back into the kitchen to check on Porco. All he knew at this point was that that damn midget better never come in their bakery again.
So, so! I have decided that I need to get more practise writing in different settings rather than slight variations to canon, and I’ve decided to write this little piece for fandomfanficsgalore’s fanfiction ‘Alternate Universe’ contest.
Please enjoy!
Rating: K
Fandom: Rune Factory (4)
Pairing: Arthur / Lest
“Who’re.. you..?”
Looking up slightly at the staircase, a bespectacled young man finds himself gazing at a petite blond in a wheelchair. “I’m Arthur,” he answers softly, his honey pink eyes fixing to the boy’s light violet.
The blond boy is gazing at him carefully, a look of slight worry on his features. His is head bandaged, there is a puffy band-aid at his cheek, and a few cuts and bruises are visible where he shows skin. His arms are scratched up and are also bandaged in a few places. His hands rest gently in his lap, and a few of his fingers are covered in bandages and silver medical braces; a medical blanket is draped over his shoulders.
Arthur waves at the youth, smiling lightly, “Are you Lady Ventuswill’s son?”
The younger blond looks away in what appears to be shyness, as his tanned cheeks flush a rosy pink and his eyes narrow. He nods once, gaze hesitantly flickering back to Arthur’s.
“I see. It’s very nice to meet you,” Arthur says, a warm smile rising to his lips. “Do you mind telling me your name?”
Quick footsteps sound from the upstairs hallway, and an azure haired young man comes running up to the young blond. “Sir Lest, I..-” He stops when he sees Arthur standing in the foyer, and immediately bows, “I am so sorry! I didn’t know we had a guest!” He is clad in formal butler attire, gloves and all. His clothing is almost immaculate, except for a few green patches on his jacket.
“It’s quite alright. I was just speaking with your young master,” Arthur says, gesturing to Lest, who visibly blushes in embarrassment at the title. “I’m Arthur D. Lawrence. The thirteenth prince of Norad. I sent a letter to Lady Ventuswill that I would be arriving today.”
“Yes, yes of course! Please, come upstairs. I’ll take you to her,” the butler says, carefully turning Lest’s wheelchair around in the direction he had come running in. “Lady Ventuswill also wants to see you, sir. And Mister Volkanon, as well. It’s time for your checkup,” he tells Lest, who nods and turns his head to watch Arthur come up the stairs. He starts to gently push Lest, walking alongside Arthur who matches his slow, cautious pace.
“And what might your name be, if you don’t mind me asking?” Arthur asks the butler.
“It’s Vishnal, your highness!” Vishnal answers cheerfully.
“Ah, please, just call me Arthur. There is no need for titles,” Arthur says, smiling rather clumsily at the young butler. His gaze flickers to Lest, who shyly looks away from him once more.
“If that’s what you wish. It’s nice to meet you, Arthur.”
"And you, too.”
They stay quiet for a few moments, Vishnal leading them throughout the castle-like mansion.
”.. Lest?“ Arthur calls gently, causing the younger blond to look back up to him, "May I ask what happened to you?”
“Oh, erm..” Lest lightly bites his bottom lip. “We fell through the glass roof. I’ve been asleep for two weeks. I only woke up three days ago,” Lest says softly, light violet flickering up to now-wide honey pink, “I’ve suffered a concussion, bruising and cuts, as well as slight damage to my ribcage. That’s why I can’t walk.”
“I-I see.. are you feeling alright? I don’t want to force you..-” Arthur starts to say, visible worry gracing his soft features.
“I’m fine,” Lest says, smiling for the first time.
Arthur feels his face flush. How adorable, he cannot help but think.
“Vishnal has been a tremendous help. As well as Mister Volkanon and Clorica,” Lest says softly, now smiling up at the young butler, “Ven says I’ll be able to walk soon.”
“.. ‘Ven’?” Arthur questions.
“A-ah, I mean, Lady Ventuswill!” Lest corrects himself, looking embarrassed, “She says I’ll be able to walk in three more weeks, once my ribs heal.”
.. he calls her formally, instead of calling her 'mother’?
“Pardon my asking, but are you adopted?”
“Yes, I am.”
Ah.. that’s why father didn’t mention relatives.
"By the way, Vishnal, have you seen my sister?”
“Miss Frey? I believe she is with Clorica, in the dining room,” the butler answers, “Are you hungry?”
“I am, but I can wait.”
"Here is Lady Ventuswill’s room. I will inform her that you have arrived, Arthur,” Vishnal says cheerfully, carefully stopping Lest’s wheelchair. He steps in front of the two, gently knocking at the door before he lets himself in, closing it quietly behind him.
“If I may ask..” Arthur starts to say.
“You can ask me anything,” Lest says with a small nod.
“.. how.. how did you fall through the glass roof?”
Lest blinks at the question, looking up at the young man. His gaze slips moments later however, and he brushes a tuft of platinum blond behind his ear. “We..”
Arthur notices Lest’s ear is also bandaged, with a large, puffy, square shaped bandage gingerly covering the top of his ear.
“We fell out of a zeppelin. That’s what we were told.”
"And by 'we’.. you mean you and your sister?” Arthur asks, earning a small nod from the young blond. “I see.”
"And your sister.. is she doing alright?” Arthur asks, watching as the corner of Lest’s lips relax into a warm smile.
“She just has a broken leg and a few bruises. I broke her fall.”
Arthur feels his heart rise to his throat. That’s why he’s so hurt, he thinks, The glass and his sister.. He took the brunt of the damage. "May I..-”
Creak..
“Arthur! Lady Ventuswill is ready to speak with you!” Vishnal says cheerfully, opening the door enough for the older blond to pass through.
“Thank you, Vishnal,” Arthur says, nodding politely to the young butler. He walks toward the door, fingers gently resting on the knob. “It was nice meeting you two. I hope you feel better soon, Lest,” he says softly, smiling warmly at the younger blond.
Lest shyly looks away again, “Thank you..”
Ah. He got shy again, Arthur thinks, gazing momentarily at the youth, I wonder why? He seemed fine..
“Can you.. come and see me again..?”
Arthur blinks at the question, taken by surprise. “.. of course. I’ll be seeing you, then,” he answers gently, causing Lest to smile somewhat.
Hi, big fan here! I love your stuff! Anyway, I just finished my contest entry, and I need to do some editing and stuff, but right now it's at around 1,200 words. Is that acceptable or do I really need to try to cut down?
While you’re doing edits try to cut it down, but that big of a difference isn’t too bad, so no worries :)
Summary: And so the princess and the lionheart danced til the rest of the world faded away.
Lionheart: a person of exceptional bravery. Forte liked to think this described her, but lately her courage was faltering. It was stupid and idiotic and a million other words Kiel could likely name. She was never good with words, but it doesn't take a wordsmith to name a coward when they see one.
If only her enemy was of flesh and bone. That would be so much easier. Fighting and defending was at the core of her being. If only she had an opponent to defeat could she return to the fearless knight she used to be.
But the only person who could qualify as an enemy is a certain princess, and at this point, she could bring Forte to her knees with a laugh.
Yes she had done the worst thing she could possible do: fall in love with her liege. The poor parvenu of a princess, Her Highness Frey, Princess of the Central Lands. The fact she ended up serving her was a surprise. If she hadn't stormed off determined to duel this foreigner to the death when the news came their town would be used as the capital of a new country, she would have never spoken a word to Frey. But when she rode up the nearest servant girl, demanding to know where the woman that dare intrude on her family's sacred land was, she quickly learned the modest, servant girl was really the princess.
For a split second, her righteous fury faded, replaced with the flustered embarrassment of a maiden. But that was all the time it took for Frey to invite this angry swordswoman in for tea.
What was at first a quick break to get a reading on this potential enemy turned into a long heartfelt conversation. Her blinding idealism blew Forte away. They hadn't even known each other for a day, yet she felt like she could trust this girl with a musical laugh and sparkling eyes. It was almost like coming home, expect home was a person instead of a roof and four walls.
"I don't have many people working under me yet. You love this land as much as I hope to one day, so could think about being my knight?"
It was an easy decision to make.
Forte became a royal knight while Kiel was a royal scholar. It felt like just yesterday they were starting out and trying to fit into these new roles. At some point they lost count of all the years that passed as they grew together. It took a rude awakening for Forte to realize things wouldn't stay the same forever.
It started last spring when a courtier from the Southern Lands came to visit. Prince Arthur was a well-educated man and wished to talk about alliances and trade agreements their countries would mutually benefit from.
A few weeks later when he arrived with his plethora of gifts, it was clear what kind of alliance he was thinking of.
After that, the courting candidates came in by the droves. Prince Leon of the Northern Lands treated Her Highness like they had known each other for years (and teased "Miss Knight" over jealousy that was not there). Prince Dylas of the Eastern Lands was awkward and seemed forced to try and woo Frey, but eventually he fell for her charm as well. Prince Doug of the Western Lands was a bit hot-heated but was still an earnest and open. The little manor they had made their home was filled to the brim with guest that summer, and the country was buzzing with excitement over which suitor would win their free-spirited princess' heart.
Forte found the entire matter disgusting. As if Her Highness' entire life revolved around some strangers. She was still young. She didn't need to marry right away. Things were so perfect now, why did things have to change?
Forte had discovered her feelings for the Princess years ago, but she had quickly locked them away, content to just stand by her side. But now the idea of Frey falling in love and marrying made her feel sick. Gods, she was so stupid. On the off chance Frey even liked girls as well as boys, there was no guarantee she would return her affections. And even if she did, Frey had no family to speak off and needed to secure heirs for the safety of her country.
So Forte tried to carry out her duties without compliant while her heart sank lower and lower as the weeks passed.
"Who knew I'd find you here?" Forte looked up to see Frey had joined her in the garden.
"I needed a bit of fresh air from all those inflated egos," In honor of their guests leaving, a Ball had been held, which as expected ended up in lots of tension as each suitor vied to make the strongest last impression.
"I know, it was stifling," Frey laughed as she moved to stand next to her. "They're good guys though." Forte had to hold her tongue before she made a careless remark. "I don't believe you need to make a decision yet, but is they're anyone who's caught your fancy?
"Hmm," She gave a sheepish shrug. "There is one I like, but I'm not sure my feelings are returned."
As if nearly everyone doesn't adore you.
"Even so, please tell me. I am your trusted knight aren't I?" She wanted to make sure this was a decent fellow and not some rogue wanting her land.
"You sure are," Frey's smile could make flowers grow. "But I'll only give you hints, ok? First, this suitor is older than me," Ok that knocked out Prince Doug "Has long blonde hair," Oh it was Prince Arthur that captured her heart- "And beautiful, blue eyes."
Forte was so surprised, she nearly expected her eyebrows to fly off her face. "That doesn't describe any of your suitors... no wait." The revelation left her reeling, like she had been shot.
"I don't want to throw my weight around, but I love you, sorry," Frey quickly looked away, ears burning red.
"There's no need to apologize."
"I know I can't help what I feel, but I don't want things to be awkward and I don't want you to feel entitled to like me back. I just-" Her words were cut off when Forte took her hand and pressed Frey's knuckles gently to her lips.
"I told you, there's nothing to be ashamed of," Forte could barely believe her own words.
"I see," Frey smiled so bright, she made the stars seem dim. "Then may I have this dance?"
"Certainly," Forte returned a grin as she gripped Frey's waist tenderly
And so the princess and the lionheart danced til the rest of the world faded away.
A.N. For FFQ's Fune Factory Fanfic contest. It looked fun, and considering I was really gay for Forte before I knew I liked girls, I knew I needed to do some Frey/Forte.
