AKOT Cast: A Special Gathering ["A Kingdom of Time" extra]
(Reina turns around, holding a nervous Chiropmon out at the mic)
Tomoro: Do it!
Reina: Go for it, Chiropmon!
Chiropmon: (very cute and confused) Dick and balls…
(Reina and Tomoro burst out laughing)
Elizamon: …I don't get it, but that's Chapter 8.
Haruomi: (sighs) There we go. This is how different the fic Glowing Dawn is from the anime.
Commandramon: I'll go raise the rating up to T, Haruomi.
Kyo: …Sorry about this.
Summary: The cast of "A Kingdom of Time" are here as they look back in the 3-month serialization (lol). They react to Kyo's arc, comment on the anime's nearing its end, and share fic trivia as hosted by Sone Haruomi! And shenanigans he has no power to stop. (Alternatively, I just missed trolling Haruomi...?)
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 25: A Lonely Look
When Asuka didn't catch a whiff of Pristimon's tea, he knew something was wrong. The blue dawn wrapped on the shadow in the entrance was shorter and smaller, and the hair thicker and spikier like a bush. Asuka stared as the shadow pulled away from the light of the rising sun, unveiling Goku's big, gold eyes staring back at him.
Goku tilted his head, unsure of what to make out of Asuka's expression.
"Mornin'…?"
"Can we talk?" The sunlight fell short before Asuka's feet. "Not about what happened in Nirinso… It's about me. I want to tell you about myself."
It's been a unique experience writing a Canon Diverge AU with an on-going series. I've done it before but not with the same pace I've been going with AKOT. And now, the series itself will unveil every information it has left and end in a few months.
I wanted to commentate on the BB characters and the direction I write them in AKOT based on the anime. Minor spoilers for AKOT under the cut.
Tenma Asuka: If I wait, I could probably comment more on this because his arc is what's coming next, but eh. I wrote Asuka based on what I think would come from his circumstances + his relationship with Kyo. Canonically, I wholly believe he's a kind, sunshine kid who would do nothing wrong. The type I love! Which is why I upped his flaws and trauma. It's just too good with his circumstances! I love the GD kids, but if we're being serious, Asuka and Kyo are also not that old. Asuka, especially, has the parentified teen effect, and because it's HIS character I want to expand on like he's an actual MC in the anime, I looked into the events from his lens and imagine the interactions from there.
Tenma Tomoro: Tomoro is clearly written to parallel Kyo, and I think that's fine and all. But this fic was an opportunity for me to do an alternate take on that. While I agree with the anime parallels, I thought it was a bit unfair to make Tomoro seem as horrible as, I don't know, a former Five Star who deleted Digimon (and even humans, as we find out). Tomoro lost everything he knew and no one helped him through that grief when he suddenly found himself with a Digimon - the one behind Hitomi's and Asuka's Cold Heart. And from what I've seen of him before and even after, Tomoro is quite naive and softhearted despite how he looks. Partly because of Asuka's influence, but I also just think it's the artist in him. So it was one of the revelations to make Kyo realize, who did kind of project onto Tomoro that Tomoro wasn't quite the same angry, angsty teen that he was.
Sakuya Reina: Reina probably had the biggest transformation/change in the fic, though that's probably not evident until Part 3. But from the beginning, I based Reina on the very first part of the anime, where she was the de facto leader, the realistic between her and Tomoro, the foil. I do picture her as the "lone wolf" of the Digimon group (esp given her past) YET she is also clearly more the "courage kid" compared to Tomoro (though you can probably give that to Makoto too, haha.) So she became a mix bag of the two, and I think it's pretty cool! I gave Reina a more complicated backstory than BB would ever, and I'm not ashamed of it. Too many of her male peers get to sin and be haunted by the past. She deserves it as well.
Kuonji Makoto: Makoto hadn't had that much characterization yet (he and Reina would in the current and upcoming parts) but I did want to display his maturity out there, similar to Jenrya from Tamers, I suppose. And for me, this was from how he accepted Tsukasa despite his apparent betrayal. Makoto is very understanding, sympathetic, brave and strong-willed. It's actually pretty crazy how impressive his traits are; he's like a main character for the future...and that is kind of where I'm going for. There's still his relationship with his family to make an appearance and I will say, it'd be a lot deeper and fleshed out than the anime. Not that I have complaints about the anime, but family drama? A narcissistic parental figure? A sibling who went through abuse with you? I'm going to write about that in length!
Sawashiro Kyo: When I ended up deciding the fic to be Asuka/Haruomi and Kyo got the "you're aroace now and a cat dad" that...actually summed up the direction I gave him. His canon backstory at this point is moot because I've literally been building on his version for the the fic for 10+ chapters. It's a lot more focused on Kyo's desperation for a home and family, and a lot more tied with Asuka, who, at that point in time, was going through something similar. So it was less about the details of Kyo's past, and more like, of who he was. And I like that he talked about believing in change in the present times, so I emphasized that in Kyo (esp in comparison with Asuka.) He's someone who's learned to have the courage to move forward and accept that he is far from perfect. Don't worry though; this doesn't mean he's not going to have conflicts or development in the future.
Sone Haruomi: Haruomi's character direction is heavily centered on Commandramon, this violence-hating, gun-wielding Digimon who was meant to fight. I think that really speaks volumes of who Haruomi is, AND I do like that we never see Haruomi himself get as stressed over this lifestyle as Commandramon. He's clearly conflicted over it, but he hides it so well (like Commandramon's camouflage haha) and that's where AKOT Haruomi is at. He's still struggling despite how he seems, and he knows this. He wants to just keep his head low, but Haruomi's too kind to actually do that. He's really grateful to the Glowing Dawn, so despite my meddling, Haruomi's going to get himself involved with them regardless to repay the debt.
Rose Woodville: Anime Rose doesn't really have that much of a personality, but I did read (and correctly) that she is loyal to Wong and trusted by him. So I focused on that -- but also at her theme and love for "beauty." It's sort of something I have a lengthy and proud history of writing with characters (Wallace from Pokemon, my goat!). I love playing with the concept of such a character who, at the same time, is performing not-so-beautiful-things to pursue their vision. Rose has a more benign attitude but...we'll see. I also wrote her as "my lady" like a female ruler, haha. It has some influence from writing an A Song of Ice and Fire fic (I sort of picture her as a strong Sansa Stark.)
Brilliant Thorn: There's only been one chapter that heavily featured both Kanon and Meto. Kanon had this interesting blurb about her staying true to her noble goals (that the anime is still isn't showing?) so that's her character. Like Rose, BT is a lot more benign, showing that the World Union is not black and white, and BT in particular will be around as a foil to Tomoro and Kyo's ideals. They are very much on the human side while the other two are on the Digimon side. This is upped even further as the BT were Reina's former teammates. Between Kanon and Meto, Kanon is definitely the "main protagonist" I''m giving the vibe of to even though she's sticking around to support Meto. Basically, compared to the anime, I'm making them actual characters. They have such great designs and Digimon...
"Sir, can we trust the information Sawashiro Kyo has handed to us? What if this were a trap? A distraction? What if he's planning an escape right now with his subordinates?"
Karawazaki turned to their IT person on their surveillance cameras.
"What's Kyo doing right now?"
"Sir, he just brought in a barbecue grill!"
Summary: Crackfic based on Episode 39. Kyo does the most reasonable thing and lets other people deal with the problem.
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 24: The Right Thing To Do (3)
As she passed through the ward, Kanon recognized different affected families huddled together, talking among themselves in low voices. They knew who she was. Kanon even remembered them. Exchanged names with them. Shared tidbits of their own stories with each other. They were strangers she had been happy to get to know. But the eyes that didn't even bother to look at her had arrived to their own truth. That she was a PR stunt being paid handsomely by World Union.
It must have been her who reported to World Union the overwhelming reception. She must be here again to review the current situation for the sake of her next paycheck.
"C-Cougarmon, what a strange name, haha… Is that the nickname of your Papa or Mama?"
"No? That's their name. Sometimes, though," began Goku, descending to hang backward and talk properly to his supposed kidnapper. Blitzmon stole a quick glance at him — shining, golden eyes innocently regaling them with a story. "They turn into Murasamemon! They're bigger than ya 'nd get these huuuge muscles! Ain't it kinda unfair? I wanna evolve too so I can instantly become bigger 'nd ripped…"
Hakkai looked up, mulling things over. The moon was a perfect, milky white tonight.
"Besides Goku's eyes… Hmm. His diadem?"
Gojyo yawned heavily. He clicked his lighter on the burnables and fan the gentle flame.
"It definitely doesn't fit a monkey like him."
Summary: A man tracks down the Sanzo Party and claims to be Goku's father. The weird part? He looks exactly like Goku. The other weird part?
"Where's the other one?"
Published purely for archive. Forever incomplete fic.
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time (Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki)
Chapter 22: The Right Thing To Do (1)
"You always know when to let things go. I can't imagine being as calm as you if I went through what you did."
Asuka's reaction was to be a little alarmed. This wasn't how Tomoro talked to him.
"Did something happen?" he asked in quiet bewilderment.
Elbow sliding farther out, Tomoro leaned over to the side, tilting his head at Asuka.
"You mean other than watching you get Cold Hearted twice, turn into an older version of Goku, and finally finding out the name of the Digimon who took your e-Pulse? Nothing, really," said Tomoro, smirking.
Gekkomon's nose twitched. "Are we having toasted eggs?"
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 21: Sakuya Reina [Part 3 Start]
Her relatives didn't want to take in a fledgling teenager. What a troublesome child. Hadn't it been these older, more mature people who labeled her a good child? Now they were saying she wasn't when they never made the effort to know? To know for sure?
Fine.
She didn't need them to know her. She didn't need anyone to understand her. Reina was fine being alone.
"Reina." One of the two Cleaners who took her and Pristimon in and showed her the ropes had gotten sick of her so-called attitude. "No one can live alone."
Promoting my Tenma Asuka-centric canon-divergence fic!
My fanfic, A Kingdom of Time, is ~70k words and 20 chapters, and will most likely run for at least 80 more chapters. It's a longfic exploring Asuka waking up after Episode 28, "GIFT" and my own personal twist and take on the story, and how it will build out to the Digital World: Shambala server. It also has a tagged set series if you prefer specific tags/complete storylines.
The first thing to notice about it is it is a crossover with Saiyuki, a pretty old but popular series that is based on Journey to the West. AKOT doesn't need Saiyuki knowledge and is centered on Beatbreak. Only one of its character, Son Goku, is a main character in the fic. He also happened to be Asuka's partner, and the reason behind his awakening. Other Saiyuki characters do show up, but they can be viewed as original characters.
And while I don't personally think it is importance, it is an Asuka/Haroumi endgame ship *laughs* You'll see a lot of Asuka/Kyo in it (you don't have to squint) and I can confirm they will become a thing. But no, due to future reasons in the story, it won't be them in the end.
AKOT is a self-indulgent fic because I absolutely adore both Asuka and Goku, so naturally, I put them together! I also LOVE brotherly relationships and found family. I wanted to give more love to the dynamics and relationships between characters, exploring them in ways a weekly animated can't. Those two might be my blorbos, but I love the entire cast in general, really. I want more of everyone in Glowing Dawn, and with Asuka being around, that's like, double the potential dynamics to have now.
AKOT doesn't have a single genre. I'd say it's Saiyuki-coded with a lot of its angst, humor, and relationships. But since most people don't know Saiyuki... It's like Mairuma? You'll have chapters dedicated to characters just interacting, learning more about each other, and making inane conversations. Then you'll have arcs about plot and character development. Then you'll also have...things not usual in Digimon's monster fighting genre (I cannot say yet... but if you happen to also know YGO Arc-V...)
AKOT is full of conspiracies and details that can be hard to keep up; not to mention a large cast of characters currently not complete yet. If you like mysteries, AKOT has plenty of them - though I don't know how good they are!
I like touching more of its setting than BB did and trying to bring it together. One of that being the Digimon and human co-existence. I feel like BB focused too much on the human spectrum, and I loved Digimon Tamers and Frontier (my two og digimon series) for bringing out more Digimon cast as antagonists. So you can expect more drama surrounding Digimon compared to BB (which! they used to do often, and I loved those episode dearly. Looking at you, Mummymon episode!)
As another note, any post-GIFT characters (Miharu, Brilliant Thorn) are my own interpretation already and they will have drastically different roles in the fic.
The fic's admittedly not a clear, well-written work. But if you can still enjoy it, feel free to give it a read <3<3<3
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Description:
Sectioned storylines of A Kingdom of Time for those who prefer streamlined tags relating to the current arc. A bite-sized trailer of this fic is in youtube.
Notes:
- Only updated with completed storylines from the serialized (lol) title.
- If you're not reading chronologically, it is a good idea to check the last chapter of the last part since they usually connect together as context.
- This is an Asuka/Haruomi endgame despite the Asuka/Kyo you don't have to squint to figure out. (I don't care about shipping personally)
Storyline 1: World At Noon | Conclusion | Interlude
Storyline 2: A Nameless Fate | Surrender | Vengeance | Digimon
Thought and changes I actually made while writing Part 2, A Nameless Fate. Spoilers for A Kingdom of Time up to Chapter 20. And a lil bit of hint of what to expect in Part 3.
This was really supposed to be the start of GIFT Arc
The trajectory of the fic changed when I decided it was Hazel, a third-party who was revealed to be connecting to Karawazaki, who would serve as the antagonist driving the mid-conflict of the part.
The one I originally had in mine was the ex-Kuonji employer with the intent of elaborating more on his character as a member of GIFT. It was supposed to be related to Zero Reverse (the name of the incident of Cold Hearted patients waking up in World Union Hospital). But I felt like it was forced and the drama...wasn't sufficient as it's supposed to lead to Goku and Asuka's bond getting stronger. Goku was still going to be put in a life-or-death situation though haha!
Hazel just felt more like an appropriate villain, and so GIFT was pushed back to the next arc with...a whole other mess on top of it.
Aegiochusmon was not supposed to return
The Digimon trio in Cougarmon's flashback, Darcmon, Ginryuumon and Aegiomon did not have any relevance when they first showed up. But after some mulling with very FAR arcs (like, near end-game), I decided Aegiomon was actually important for it for reasons I obviously cannot explain right now. So I built up their backstory before writing the chapter, which ends with them being a catalyst for a whole new stage that involve Sharak and the unexplained existence of Digimon forces from South Asia.
Aegiochusmon has an even bigger connection to someone in the story... But with Aegiochusmon deleted, who knows how that would tie in now? (Me, I know.)
The final battle was supposed to actually include ALL of Five (Four) Stars
I do think it was a bit disappointing that "Asuka" or the Seiten Taisei form he had with Goku did not get to fight at all. But I was starting to feel like the situation was spiraling too far out of control, and the original events I had planned would reveal too much of the main mysteries of the story. The current story isn't ready for that yet, and fortunately, I do think there is a legitimate reason for World Union to be a lil slow with their reaction (the Zero Reverse, GIFT, Chairman Wong have everyone busy, and now Aegiochusmon). Genjo had also been quite good at covering things up for reasons we don't know yet, and how excatly...but we'll get back to him soon in this arc.
I'm very happy to focus on Gokuwmon instead. So while it sucks that fight was cut short - well, honestly, I did not expect talk-no-jutsu to work too well on Asuka. And I think that's appropriate. He had just lost control of his emotions, got stuck in his own thoughts and lonely world. His faith in his brother is a lot stronger than he thought.
I was still able to move the main mystery behind Goku, too, and the reveals here were enough to get Glowing Dawn toward something.
What's next
GIFT/Miharu will be a bigger plot point than the anime and of course, they have their own purpose in the bigger story of the fic. Even though it was a plot that was pushed, there are bits in Part 2 building up to them, in particular with how Glowing Dawn are being challenged with the co-existence of humans and Digimon. GIFT is another group like World Union and even the upcoming Digimon forces from South Asia that challenge that.
Not just GIFT too - Brilliant Thorn will be more like Team Seven except, well, you'll see!
Speaking of Team Seven...
It was initially just Raito I mentioned would show up but since he's been pushed to Part 3, the whole T7 would be showing up in this part now, too, though I don't know yet how much they'd shine as I do want to give this to Brilliant Thorn first. There'd be hints at most, and MAYBE the thing with Raito will finally happen in this part
More fluff and humor to return
Part 2 was incredibly angst-driven with the story moving nonstop. Expect more normalcy to return, but I think the angst will also be levelling up.
Perfect forms for Reina and Makoto
I'll be covering their backstories and PF in greater detail than the anime. Reina will be taking center stage for Part 3, including a backstory reveal and her situation with Goku after witnessing him go on a rampage.
Hitomi, Chihiro and Algomon
Hitomi will be woven in the plot due to the Zero Reverse Incident, and Chihiro and Algomon incident will be adapted into greater length and involvement in the bigger mystery of the fic.
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 20: Praying for Nirinso (2) [Part 2 Finale]
Author's notes under the cut
"No." Asuka followed her finger as it drew a circle by her chest. "They are born from the emptiness inside humans. To fill the holes created by desire and earthly attachments. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have reached out to external power to relieve them of their never-ending despair and suffering. They prayed. They offered sacrifices and conjured rituals according to a system of beliefs. They longed for fulfillment that could last for eternity. 'God,' was the being that responded to them. Just as…"
Asuka's mouth moved on their own as he stood in shock.
"…Digimon respond to e-Pulse."
Link: AO3
A/N: I'd like a massive thank you and gratitude to those who commented, letting me know they are enjoying this fic! Just knowing I have readers has completely given me energy back to write this <3 Like, yeah, I write for myself but it sucks, because I think my fic's pretty good, too, and I enjoy it! I want others to enjoy it, too! SO THANK YOU!!! You're all free to keep letting me know of what you like and feel, and even speculations or questions. They are all very much welcomed!!!!
Now in other news, this is the end of Part 2. I didn't mean for it to end exactly at 10 chapters, and I think Part 3 will definitely be a lot longer given how much we have to cover with what happened in the World Union Hospital and now Nirinso (and also *cough* GIFT). GIFT would have a bigger role in this fic's plot, especially Miharu. Just to be clear though, while I still take inspiration from anime GIFT/Miharu, I've already repurposed them for the plot of the story, so don't expect things to go the same way as the anime. I also have my own interpretation of post-GIFT episode characters, which I don't think is an issue at all since the anime barely gave them a personality anyway.
And lastly, unrelated to the fic, I am going to start writing ANOTHER Digimon Beatbreak and Saiyuki crossover, this time taking place in Saiyuki world called "Protagonists of Stargazer". It was something I'd posted and planned back in my tumblr writing blog, and is intended to be about ~20 chapters. Due to it being Saiyuki though, it is going to be rated M haha! I don't know when it will be up as that's just a funny side thing I decided to do at whim. AKOT is still my GOAT.
Thank you again to all my readers! I know most, if not all of you, are all here for the Beatbreak part. I get it; Saiyuki is really old and niche, haha! But to be honest, I wouldn't be writing this much if not for Saiyuki. The humor, the character relationship and angst are all Saiyuki-coded, TBH. And I REALLY adore Goku, hehe. Thank you for putting up with me inserting my blorbo, haha!
I hope everyone keeps enjoying this fic! Because it will be VERY long - perhaps 80 chapters. I don't know. I actually don't have an outline for this fic; it's all in my head and in the vibes :D
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 19: Praying for Nirinso (1)
Kyo relaxed. "Can I ask though? How exactly do you see it?"
Makoto walked up beside him, the light from Nirinso casting a long shadow from his small body.
"We're family. One way or another, we'll end up dealing with our emotions. If you don't let it out now, someone else will get hurt. I've done it, too, you know. Except I didn't even know I was suffocating." Makoto looked up at the stars as they became more visible into the growing night. "They say actions speak louder than words. But words are harder to take back and forget. They're like Digimon. In someone's heart, a different meaning can take shape based on your words."
UPDATE: A Kingdom of Time [Digimon Beatbreak x Saiyuki]
Chapter 18: The Monkey King
Once what seemed like a difficult phone call ended, Asuka went over to the porch, where the sound of rapid strumming came from. Tomoro mumbled the lyrics of the song by the outdoor couch. Over by the railing, overlooking the forest, and the sea farther beyond was Goku, a brown, medium-sized bird perched on his knuckle.
Asuka was about to say what they (at least Tomoro) expected him to say, until he noticed the guitar Tomoro was using.
"Hey, that's mine!"
Tomoro bobbed his head to the beat, ignoring him.
"What a brat," he muttered under his breath. "So, why did you two do that? You know there's an important festival coming. A religious one, by the way."
Tomoro stopped playing, draping his arm over the guitar. "Goku wanted to see them fly."
It’s from a longfic in hiatus but the first chapter is 5k words and works as a stand-alone character study read about kusuke if kusuo dies (the story of the fic itself is more complicated and it’s actually an mp100 crossover but again, works as a solo read bc of the pov)
Also includes Saiki parents moment!
I’m reallly proud of it and it is most definitely my best work/chapter!
UPCOMING: The Disastrous Life of the...Sanzo Party?!
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K x Saiyuki crossover!
Summary:
Technically… true. My classmates and I had been swapped with various characters from popular manga, 'Saiyuki' by Minekura-sensei. Which means the task of preventing the resurrection of the Ox King, Gyumaoh, lies with us ordinary high school students, who are currently the titular Sanzo Party.
"Please enjoy this crossover special between two comedy manga!"
Is that…The Sanzo Party's driver, healer, caretaker, manager, financial adviser, Cho Hakkai? What are you doing in the summary?
"Oi, oi. We ain't a gag manga. Why, this guy with the many jobs, he—"
Stop. This is a Rated T fanfic at best. It's going to need it with this wretched guy, Sha Gojyo.
"Ain't he talkin' 'bout Hakkai killin' an entire village? Woah! I can say it! So it ain't that?"
Murder's okay, Son Goku.
"Hmph. What nonsense. Kids theses days think it's easy to just get out there and defeat a demon king. Yare yare."
…
"Eh? Sanzo? It sounds somethin' ya'd say but how do I put it… It's…catchier."
"The rotten priest talks like a boomer but he's trying to get into the times…"
"Isn't this summary length getting obnoxious?"
"Goku, coffee jelly."
I summoned the 26 Volumes of The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, took off my limiter (yes, I know, canon continuity? Who?) and smashed the heads of the Sanzo Party's with them. With this, they will know how hard it is being a high school student in modern Japan.
… Wait. (Hakkai = XXX, Gojyo = womanizer, Goku = :D, Sanzo = he's got a gun). I may have…made a mistake.
