The Inner Workings of My Convuluted Mind

...so, apparently I won Best Angst over at sm_monthly for July.

Nifty.



Brainstorming potential Christmas (nonfandom) ideas. May or may not come into fruition in the next week or so.

Title: In Sheep’s Clothing
Author: no_retreat
Theme: If Only Hotaru's Mother Had Not Died in the Explosion
Genre: Dark
Version: Anime
Rating: PG


Chibiusa tried to dig her feet into the carpet of the Tomoes’ hallway as Kaori Night pulled her hand along. “Hotaru-chan…we were playing!” she protested.

“The girl needs to rest.” Kaori turned around and glared down at Chibiusa. “Actually,” Kaori hissed, leaning down, “It’d be better if you didn’t come back at all.”

Tears brimmed up in Chibiusa’s eyes. “But…Hotaru-chan’s…she’s my friend.”

“You tire her out,” Kaori replied. “She doesn’t need a friend like that.” Chibiusa began crying silently, this wasn’t happening.

“Kaori-san.” The housekeeper turned around and Chibiusa noticed another woman standing there. It seemed like she had appeared out of the darkness of the hallway, her long, black hair framing the frail, white body. “Who is this?” she asked.

Kaori turned her face away. “She was here visiting your daughter, Tomoe-san.”

“Oh?” The other woman smiled at Chibiusa. “I’m Hotaru’s mother. It’s very nice to meet you…?”

“Usagi,” she blurted out, and then realized what she said. “Well, my name’s Usagi, but everyone just calls me Chibiusa.”

“I see.” Hotaru’s mother smiled wider. “Thank you for being friends with Hotaru, Chibiusa-chan. You must have a very pure heart.”

Chibiusa fidgeted. “Um, yeah,” she muttered. She looked between the two women. “Um…I better get home.” She quickly bowed to Hotaru’s mother. “Thanksforlettingmecomeover!” she said, making a break for the door.

Keiko watched the girl run out the door. “Kaori-san,” she said, her voice becoming soft and low, “How is Hotaru-chan?”

“She’s tired from playing with the brat,” Kaori spat out.

“Now, now.” Keiko patted the other woman on the shoulder. “I wouldn’t judge the girl harshly.” She continued to walk down the hallway. “I’ll go check on my daughter.”

Hotaru’s room seemed to be darker than the rest of the house. Keiko closed the door to her room, while her daughter lay motionless on the floor. “I see the Mistress made a friend,” Keiko said, kneeling down and brushing her daughter’s face. “How very nice…Perhaps she’ll help you find your pure heart.”

Hotaru’s body twitched as Keiko sat beside her, forming a plan. “You did well, Hotaru-chan,” Keiko said, “Pharaoh 90 will like this girl.”



*cackle* I love twisting characters sometimes.

It's an update! Omgyay!

Title: Tonight’s Promises
Author: no_retreat
Theme: If Only Someone Else Had had a Sibling
Genre: General, Slight Against
Version: Manga (Classic)
Rating: G

( Are you staying up to watch ‘The Three Swordsmen?’ )


Title: Minako’s Sick Day
Author: no_retreat
Theme: If Only A Character Hadn't Been at the Peak of Health
Genre: Comedy
Version: Anime (Stars)
Rating: PG

( Search for your love hontou wa/Dakishimetai no sa… )

I had a lot of fun writing the second one.

*pops out from stacks of papers* O hai thar.

Title: Manners & Consolations
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Hino Rei/Sailor Mars
Genre: General
Version: PGSM
Rating: G
Word Count: 245

Rei frowned at the little box she was carrying. All that work- well, not too much, now that she thought more about it- and they were shuffled away.

Then again, it was rather an unexpected day.

“Should we tell Usagi we were there too?” She looked up at Makoto, holding up her own consolation prize.

“I’d rather not,” Rei said, her voice sharp.

“Oh.” Makoto smiled. “Right, because you wouldn’t do anything like a mascot contest.” Rei glared at the taller girl. “You have to keep up your appearance, don’t you?” Makoto finished.

Rei sighed. “I don’t have to. I just don’t want to hear about it.” The girls walked along silently towards the Hikawa Shrine, neither one of them saying anything.

“Y’know,” Makoto said after some time, “Consolation prizes aren’t that bad at all.” Rei glared at her again. “We gave it a good shot.” They stopped at the shrine gates. Makoto reached into her bag and handed Rei the charm Usagi had made. “Should put it up anyway, right?” Makoto said.

Rei took the wooden plaque. “I’ll find somewhere for it,” she said softly, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rei turned around and began to walk away.

“Hey!” She stopped and looked over her shoulders. Makoto was leaning up against the side of the gates. “Don’t you know not thanking people is bad manners?” Makoto called out.

Rei smiled, replying, “Thank you.”

“For what?”

Thanks for going with me,” she finished, turning back around.




*goes back to flurry of papers and midterms*

Title: Trading Barbs
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Cornered
Genre: Angst, Romance
Version: Anime/Manga
Rating: PG

( Read more... )

AN: Same storyline as Lightning Rose, just different perspectives.

Title: Rival Strategy
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Paragon
Genre: General
Version: Anime
Rating: G

( YAY! Ami/Ryo! )

11. Title: ...From Somewhere...
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Remember
Genre: General
Version: Anime (First Arc R)
Rating: G

( Read more... )

Title: Requesting Your Presence
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Descent
Genre: Romance
Version: Manga
Rating: PG

Athena tapped the arm of her chair. Honestly, must there be a party for her? She wasn’t even deserving of one, what with was going on the Moon Kingdom and the Earth.

Yet her mother insisted for the party. "The princess could do without one protector, she has enough with Venus and Mars on her side." It wasn't even an important occasion to warrant for Athena's presence. The queen had simply requested her attendance, as "you ARE the crown princess, regardless of Serenity's interest in you. You could play some role in our entertainment."

The door to Athena's chamber opened. She turned around, her blue hair brushing against her cheek. "Jupiter," she said, as the tall Jovian entered, "I thought you would be tied up with our ambassadors."

"Your mother was sending a servant to get you, I offered my services instead." Jupiter flicked her hair. "This much different from what I've heard about the Mercurials."

"Mm." Athena stood up, her gown sweeping around the chair. "It's more of my mother's doing...she's gotten more into the social aspect of running the kingdom." She crossed the room towards Jupiter. "Honestly, I would prefer to be back at the princess's side."

"I would too." Jupiter looked behind her at the closed door. "However...Athena..." Athena paused in her steps. They had never called each other by their true names, only the formal titles of :Lady Mercury" and "Lady Jupiter" were used on the Moon. "I'd much rather have you by my side at the moment."

"Jupiter-" Athena shook her head. "Mother would be expecting us by now." Jupiter smiled, knowing that this was no time for intimacy, held out her hand. "Shall I escort you downstairs?"

Athena took her fellow soldier's hand, and then felt the girl's lips descend upon hers. Athena closed her eyes as Jupiter pulled away, stroking Athena's hair. "Hera..."

"You said your mother would be waiting." Jupiter opened the door.

"Yes," Athena went through the door, descending to her mother's ball.

Title: Siren Song
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Image
Genre: General; Dark
Version: Animanga
Rating: PG

AN: Partially inspired by Nightwish's "The Siren," particularly the 'song' bits.


( Harken to the sound of calling... )


4. Title: Old Scars of Projects
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Experiment
Genre: General, Angst
Version: Manga
Rating: PG

( Read more... )

Title: When She Was...
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Divorce
Genre: Drama
Version: Animanga
Rating: G

( When she was three, Ami's most favorite thing to do was to paint with her father. )

Twice in one day...yeah, this is the way to kill myself over the month.

Title: New School Year
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Back to School
Genre: Poetry
Version: PGSM
Rating: G

Pens, paper, and books
All neatly packed
Schoolbag placed by the door
Uniform, pressed and waiting
A cool spring morning dawns
Still sleeping, alarm ready
She holds a scrap of paper tight
With smudged characters, wishing
Hopes for the new semester
I want to have friends

Title: Top of the Game
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Competitive
Genre: Comedy
Version: Anime
Rating: PG

There is one rule that those in Japan’s national practice exams followed: Every student for themselves. Every one involved saw each other as another threat, another obstacle into getting into the very best schools.

Mizuno Ami had such an obstacle.

She held the unopened results, examining the envelope. There weren’t many in the country who matched her scores, a fact Ami was quite proud of. So when her position was threatened, she only knew one method- fight.

Looking around the park for any recognizable academic foes, Ami slid her house key across the top of the envelope. The pamphlet slid into her shaking hands. The little white sticker holding the pages together glared at her, as Ami carefully removed it. “Okay...” she said, her eyes scanning the first page. Number one score: Mercury, 500. Top scores in all subjects.

“Thank goodness,” she sighed. And here to think that she might have slipped up on one or two questions. She placed the score pamphlet into her school bag. “I’ll have to get Usagi involved with these.” Ami stood up and stretched, making plans to stop and buy some pork buns for a job well done.

“Ne, Kurume-san! What were your practice scores this time?” Ami stopped, looking at the two boys ahead of her. The green-haired boy with the glasses laughed, “Beaten out by Mercury, again. They’re really good.”

“They beat you by a point! You two must be really good!” His friend smacked him on the back, “Glad they don’t go to our school, huh?” Ami’s fingers were searching for the pamphlet, as she mentally cursed herself for not seeing who else had made the top scores. The other boy kept talking, “No one at our school can beat Kurume Suri, the regional genius.”

Kurume Suri? Ami’s mind raced as she flipped to the beginning of the pamphlet. Number one score, Mercury, but number two was...

Number two was...

She looked up at the two boys who had began moving onward. Kurume Suri...Sukurime...Kisumure...Muresiku... Ami’s eyes widened in realization.

“MERCURIUS!!!”

Title: Why I’d Fight For You
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Vengeance
Genre: General
Version: Anime
Rating: PG

( Another multi-part story! Shock! )

Title: Being Called Back
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Haunted
Genre: Crossover (Lost); Dark; Angst
Version: PGSM
Rating: PG

( I need to stop with the crossovers. )

Title: Leaving Home
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Coming of Age
Genre: General, Angst
Version: Manga
Rating: G

( Read more... )

Title: The Jealousy of a Reptile
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Turtle
Genre: General
Version: PGSM
Rating: G
( Read more... )

Title: What I Fight For
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Bruise
Genre: General, Action
Version: Anime
Rating: PG
( Read more... )

Title: Our Perfect Day
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Image
Genre: General
Version: Animanga
Rating: G

( Read more... )

Title: A Tryst in the Woods
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Witch
Genre: General
Version: Manga
Rating: PG

( Read more... )

Title: Leaving On A Jet Plane (Lost Crossover Finale)
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Promise
Genre: Crossover (Lost); Angst, Romance
Version: PGSM
Rating: PG

Part 1
Part 2

( Read more... )



This was a lot harder than I thought to write. Mako-chan's so much in the background, to really explain what's going on in her POV is tough.

Title: Bedfellows
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Kinky
Genre: Adult
Version: Animanga
Rating: PG-13/R

" 'Koto-chan..." Haruka lifted up the brunette's cheek. "You’re very pretty like this, have I ever mentioned that?"

"N-no." Makoto blushed, her blouse slipping from her shoulders. Haruka nuzzled the girl's neck, her hand reaching for Makoto's ponytail holder. She gently tugged it out, Makoto's hair spilling out onto her now bare shoulders. "Much better," Haruka murmured, as she began to unclasp Makoto's bra. That was off in a second. Makoto let out a little gasp as Haruka squeezed her chest. "I think you were right...you're quite suited up there."

"Haruka-san..." Makoto bit her lip as Haruka began unbuttoning her top, "What about Michiru-san?"

"I don't think she'll mind," Haruka tugged off the blouse and threw it into the corner of the bedroom. "But-" Makoto started.

"And Hotaru's over at a friend's," Haruka continued, her voice even and low, causing Makoto to blush again, "Setsuna is...somewhere. We're fine." Makoto felt one of Haruka's hands reaching around to her backside, tracing the top of her skirt.

"Well, well, well." The bedroom door opened, to reveal Michiru standing there, wearing nothing but a black teddy. "Getting a head start, are we?"

"I couldn't help myself." Haruka clasped Makoto's waist tightly, as Michiru made her way to the bed. "Are you ready for this, Ma-ko-to?"

Title: Codename: Hera (Lightening Rose pt. 3)
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Parents
Genre: AU; General
Version: AU (manga)
Rating: PG

Part 1
Part 2

( Read more... )

Title: Into That Good Night (Last Confrontations pt. 2)
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Scream
Genre: Crossover (Lost); Drama; Angst
Version: PGSM
Rating: PG-13

( Read more... )

Title: Tell Me Why Do You Make Me Cry?
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Domino
Genre: General; Slight Angst; Romance
Version: Animanga
Rating: G

Michiru slid the steaming cup across the counter-top. "Go through it once again, Makoto-chan; what exactly happened?" Makoto stared down at the mug in front of her, watching her reflection ripple against the ceramic. "Makoto...?"

She swallowed the bit of moisture left in her throat. "My senpai. He- well, he showed up out of nowhere."

Michiru raised her eyebrows. "Your infamous senpai?" She smiled as Makoto shot her a glare, commenting, "Well, the way you go on about it..."

"He shows up out of nowhere," Makoto continued, "acting like that nothing ever happened." She sighed. "He was with a girl from his high school too...I wasn't sure what I could say." Makoto gingerly dipped a fingertip into her mug.

Michiru took a long sip. "Maybe it’s all a coincidence...?" she said. Makoto shook her head. "Well, that’s the only reason I can come up with, Makoto-chan."

Makoto bit her lip. "He seemed to surprised to see me there...like he was expecting me to show up."

"Seems like a coincidence to me." Michiru drained the last of her tea and stood up. "Makoto-"

"I was really surprised to see him there, too, y'know?" Makoto said, wiping her eyes. "I'd thought I never wanted to see him ever again. But he just brushed me off out there...just asked how I was doing..." Michiru set done her teacup, murmuring something. "What- what did you just say?" Makoto asked, trying to control her voice.

"Je pardonne toujours, mais reviens," Michiru said, putting her hand on Makoto's shoulder, "It's a song about love," she added. " 'I'll always forgive you, if you return.'" Makoto looked down from Michiru’s face.

"Th-that's nothing to do with my situation," Makoto added hurriedly, "Why bring it up?"

"But would you forgive him if he moved on?" Makoto’s hands gripped her skirt. "You haven't seen him in a while, Makoto...why's it so important that you two met on the street?"

"Because...because I wasn't expecting it." Makoto’s eyes filled with tears again. "I knew he’d move on but...I was just..."

"Surprised?" Michiru asked. Makoto nodded. "Makoto-chan...do you still love him?"

Makoto looked back down into her now cold mug of tea. "I don't know."


AN: The song that Michiru sings, as well as the title, is called "Domino"

Title: The Importance of Thumbs
Author: no_retreat
Theme: Green Fingers
Genre: General; Romance
Version: PGSM
Rating: G

Makoto dug the spade into the dirt, turning it over as she inhaled the smell of earth. She smiled, feeling relaxed now. A bed of begonias were set up next to her, ready to planted into the plant holder she was turning dirt in.

“I don’t think they’re gonna survive,” Motoki said, placing down another set of flowers, “least, not in an apartment, anyway.”

“I’ve raised flowers in small spaces before,” Makoto murmured, pulling off the green plastic incasing the soil. “You raised a turtle in a karaoke center,” she added.

Motoki frowned. “Kamekichi’s different, Mako-chan. Flowers are a lot harder.” He watched her set two or three sets into a single plant holder, making enough room for the roots of each begonia. “What about sunlight? And air?”

“They’re going by the living room window. And one in the bedroom,” Makoto added. “The sickly one can be yours to take care of.” She pointed at a drooping purple flower. Motoki inspected it, turning it around to get a better look, spilling dirt in the process. “Ah, Mako-chan...”

“I can get it later,” she said, not really noticing as she moved on to her next plant holder.

“I don’t think that I can raise a plant.” Motoki frowned again. “You’re the one with the green thumb, not me.”

Makoto wiped her hands off, and then picked up Motoki’s plant, plopping it back down into his hands. “Have you tried to raise a plant before?”

“...Once...a daisy of my sister’s...it died in a week.” Makoto smiled. “I can help you with this, you know,” she said.

“But...what if we- I mean, I- kill it?” Motoki looked down at the forlorn little plant.

“We can always get a new one,” Makoto said, handing him the spade.