Yep, I'll be updating this thread weekly, or more frequent. Just like my profile. But it's not as if anyone actually goes there.

Chapter 4 is coming along nicely, and I can safely say that it will be out this month. Once this chapter is done with, I will be reconsidering how I'll be updating my story:

Long chapters: Like Equilibrium.
Or
Short chapters: Like Storm.

Either seems equally possible for me, but I'd like to know your thoughts.

In the meantime, here's an exerpt from Chapter 4: Meetings of Great Influence:

Iruni stopped. Not because he wanted to, or because he remembered something, but because he was stopped by something. He had lost his voice, for all the good talking would do him, and his arms and legs were bound by some unseen force. Try as he might to get his body under control, it continued to obey the commands of another. Despite the sudden assault on his nervous system, Iruni wasn’t too surprised. He had a good idea on who set about relieving him of his basic motor skills.

Damn, missed it by 3 days. Gotta keep schedule.

Just cleared the halfway marker of what plot to cover in chapter 4, creeping up on 5k words as of now.

My image is enough of a hint for now, as to what's in the chapter.

>>1154
Someone's getting a colonoscopy, right?

>>1177
That's a good one.Totally. I told you that bite was worse than he thought, didn't I?

In all seriousness, How is the story so far for everyone? I'm mostly just fishing for comments, but I'd like to know how well you people like it, and what you're looking forward to, etc. I know it's pretty early on, as there hasn't been much to read yet.

>>1154
Also, ignore that. I'm really 3/5's done. so TECHNICALLY I'm about 60% done. Once i get it finalized, i might get someone to edit.

>>1180
Okay, you want comments? Fuck yeah JOHTO!

Finally have a good work ethic tonight! I'll work to complete Chapter 4 tonight. If anyone wants, and is capable, to edit when i'm finish, do speak up.

Spoiler of the Update!
Chapter 4 takes place somewhere in this image!

It seems I am at an impasse...

Progress: eh, about 70%

Any takers on editorial opportunities? They aren't required, but would help in the long run.

I'd volunteer, but it would rob me of the opportunity to enjoy the finished product as a reader...

*so very selfish*

>>1271
Look at it this way, it's a chance to get early access :D

All I'd need anyway is a person to make sure no grammar mistakes get past me, no continuity errors, awkward wording, etc

Here's the last little tidbit from me before I post it. Included in Chapter 4, is a slight nod to my favorite thing on the internet ever! Free Internets* got to whoever guesses right first.

Hey Kate, I’ll give you a hint: You know how I always said that his mutt always looked like a haze of static in my mind’s eye, right? Well guess what? I can clearly sense two balls of static up in his room right now. We told you it was “interesting”, didn’t we?’

New EstimatedTimeofPosting: Before May 3rd Because I want to play Halo: Reach Beta. Any takers on editing? Ragdoll, the position is still open should you want to help out.

*Internets are nontransferable and may not be redeemed for cash.

siiigh.

If there really is noone else, shoot it my way and let me know how critical you want me to be. I won't be able to do it 'till friday night, mind.

Chapter 4: Meetings of Great Influence is complete.

Psyence and ragdoll you know what to do.

Expect it soon. Until then, >>/smeargle/11933

Done.

Well, it took longer than i would have liked, but it's finished.

http://anime.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600049126&chapter=4

Thanks to all of you who helped me along. Jabbz, Espy, Psyence, Ragdoll.

Pic unrelated to my story, but seems to fit the chapter title.

Nice to see Corbin getting a shout-out. I'll have a little more with him in Sedera, where he'll fight with his ex (the Ghost-type Gym Leader) over custody of their Sableye.

>>1316
He'll be getting more than a shout-out later on. I'll expand on how Corbin was involved as well.

>Psyence's review
If you read that chapter, and that's all you could retain from reading it, I've failed.

>>1317
Hey, I think it's pretty awesome so far, although there's a few things I'm still lost about that I feel like I'm not quite on the same page. For example, you describe whatever it is Giovanni is holding out for Red, but I still don't get what it's supposed to be. Some sort of cut (faceted) gemstone that's naturally blue, and Red knows what it is. I'm in the dark as to what it is, because the only macguffin I know of that matches that description is the Sapphire from the Sevii Trade Station, and I doubt that something to inconsequential would elicit such a response from such big movers and shakers... Hmm...

Personally I'm really enjoying it so far, although if there's one character I can't stand it's Ruby. I suppose you're intentionally setting her up as a sort of reverse of the stereotypical Dark/Psychic dichotomy, but... Does she have to be such a friggin' bitch? I mean, you'd expect that with psychically-empowered creatures and people being at least semi-common in the pokémon world, you'd expect some kind of regulation forbidding that sort of manipulation... Besides that, total control over his body means either that is one powerful espeon or else Iruni is naturally very susceptible to Psychic powers to me

>>1317
Well its not all I retained.

I'm inclined to agree with you, Nona. I think in your effort to portray Dark-types sympathetically, Iruni, you've thrown Psychic-types to the proverbial dogs. Maybe you have plans to change things over the course of the story, but for now, we have a reverse of the usual dichotomy. Psychics are bad, Dark-types are good. There should be individuals from both camps that are good, and individuals that are bad, but Psychic-types shouldn't be martyred to portray their opposites as the good guys.

Pic related. Balance, all about balance.

>>1319
Has it crossed your mind that maybe Iruni was intentionally keeping you in the dark about what the gem was? Just maybe?

Also, I happen to like Ruby. I think she is great fun to read as a character. I LoLed at everything she said and did. Also, look at what Psychics do to other Pokemon, other Pokemon tend to be more versatile and stronger then us meat sacks. So if a Psychic can pummel and disable another Pokemon, and copy its stats or ability, as well as use things revolving around mind reading and detection, AGAIN, ON SOMETHING THAT COULD MAKE A HUMAN INTO MINCE MEAT! Then think of what they could do to humans over other Pokemon? We are but puppets to their control, telekinesis can be used to do any number of things, and disabling someone, then forcing them to walk around would be child's play.

Its not that hard to believe when you think about it.

>>1321
Have you considered the fact that Iruni might just be making a point that Psychics are annoying and not evil? I thought Ruby was more full of herself than being just a bad psychic. I think that if we're going to place blame, add in Tom to this clusterfuck. After all, wasn't it the Glaceon that spied and reported back in the first place?

I think people might be jumping to conclusions a bit too quickly, give the story a chance, its still in its infancy. I feel like the only one not guided by the Psychic vs Dark argument. All I see are characters within these Pokemon, Ruby just happens to be a bit manipulative. Tom was in league with her and if it hadn't been for him, she might never have been ordered to root out Iruni.

Cause and effect people, that AND balance are the two things that drive a story. I think I'll take this opportunity to show I'm not whoring TDT. Nona, awhile back you mentioned that the Exarceuns were villains. Are they truly to be considered such?

OR

Are they merely scared and frightened people, acting irrational due to the sole fact that the world they believe is the right one is crumbling about them? Think about it. How would you feel in their position if you held those beliefs? What would you do? Especially with a large voice and personality encouraging you to uphold your world at whatever costs?

Good and bad are relative based on the perspective that it is seen from. History is only made by the victors, and the losers side of the story is cast in shadow and propaganda. There are two sides to every coin, always a gray between white and black, and never a real definitive example of evil or good...unless you're Hitler...but even then there is probably some way to make him look good, otherwise he wouldn't have gotten all of Germany behind him so quickly.

>>1319
>>1321

I tried getting too detailed, and I just posted a mess. Instead, I'll just cut to the chase. We can elaborate on the issue further if you wish.

It's far too early to really start making hasty judgments toward the plot and characters. I'd say give them more time to develop before you decide jump the gun.

I will say that I agree with the two of you (to an extent), but the fact of the matter is that you really haven't given the story much time to flesh out since then. Seems a tad unfair to Iruni, don't you think?

Oh man, I take a nap, and everything goes to hell. Let's see if i can cover everything.

>>1319


>The Gem

The Gem's exact identity was meant to be vague. If you read into everything I've posted so far, it's possible to discern what it is, but I'll keep it a surprise as to what it is until it's needed.

As to why Red knows what it is, I'd say that the Gem is fairly important, and that everyone in the know should at least know the basics on such objects.

>Ruby

Overall, yes, I am essentially reversing the general "Dark is evil" mindset that's common around nearly all Pokemon media, but it's nowhere near a complete reversal.

Ruby is a character I designed to be a "Semi-antagonist". She's not evil, but is still somewhat of an obstacle. She isn't mean to Iruni just because she wants to, its a way for her to enact on her general hate towards Dark types (as most psychic types have a pretty general fear/dislike of them.) Hell, she's his sister's pokemon, I don't think she'd do anything too major or life threatening to him, so i included that bit about how she often messed with him.

I didn't intend for her to come off as much of a bitch as everyone else seems to be, but I guess people will take what the will from this. I personally loved writing her as a character, and it's not like she's incapable of being nice, she just takes what she can in being an annoyance to Iruni.

>Ruby's disable antics.

I'd have to steer you toward the former.

>>1321

>"Psychics are bad, Dark-types are good."

As i mentioned above, I don't plan on going overboard with this. While i mean to show that Dark aren't the scourge of the underworld, I want to show that Psychics aren't always as pure as some other media shows them to be.

I plan on including a few neutral and good natured psychics, so hopefully that will help balance the issue.

>Jabbz's comments

Thanks for pointing out that Tom was involved, but remember, it was Kate who asked him to keep watch.

If i missed anything, or if you have any more queries, let me know. I'm glad people are enjoying the story as a whole, so i don't mind taking these comments, I think they help.

>>1326
Sounds good, I was just afraid you were gonna turn "being a dark type trainer" in to your version of every other stories "being a poképhile" stigma, which just seems really overboard. I suppose it's the fact that Ruby quite literally never gives him a break and exploits him at every available opportunity. Granted, she's the only psychic we've seen so far, but she's definitely leaving a bad taste in my mouth. One of the traits of psychic types is supposed to be a heightened sense of empathy, but apparently Ruby is the exception to the rule.

I guess my biggest gripe was that his sister seemed perfectly fine with letting her espeon pry into her brother's mind for whatever information she wanted, telepathically taunt him at every chance and even control his bodily functions. Perhaps she's got a vastly different sense of humor, but it just doesn't sit right with me that they all seem to accept it as normal that Ruby can and will coerce Iruni into doing whatever she feels like on a whim. If not his sister, then wouldn't his father at least feel some sort of need to step in and deal with the fact that his son was being mind controlled on a regular basis? Or did Ruby robhim of the ability to rebel too? XD

>Jabbz' posts
Calm down, man. Seriously, it's just crits and comments- no need to get all up in arms... Nonetheless, you have to realize that even psychic pokémon have to train themselves to gain the ability to use any of their trademark powers. You couldn't expect a young, untrained Abra to pull the sort of shenanigans that Ruby was; at most you'd think they might teleport around and maybe have the ability to use rudimentary telepathy to communicate. You sort of are trying to make two contradictory points, that Ruby's portrayal isn't antagonistic, and also that it's at the same time a simple matter for any psychic type to just about rule the world if they saw fit; it just doesn't quite mesh...

Finally, and not to be a jerk, but your comments about SaP don't really belong in a thread about somebody else's story. If you want to discuss your own work, you have a thread ready to go but it could be all too easy for the thread to derail into an argument about something entirely unrelated to the topic fic (See Ausare's thread for a perfect example).

>>1327
YOu have point on that last one, sorry about that, just happened to think it was relative to the topic of misinterpretation at the time. And on your comment about empathy...the dictionary defines empathy as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Key word there ABILITY. Ability: the capacity to do something, talent that enables someone to achieve a great deal, a level of mental power, and finally a special talent or skill. Just because she may have the ability to understand someone-else feelings doesn't mean she has to act on them. Sure, sh can tell what he's thinking and feeling, even understand why he feels that way, but for all purposes, she just chooses to give him a hard time.

Not every character is supposed to leave a good taste in your mouth, that's the purpose of story telling. Snape left a bad taste in my mouth, but does that make JK Rowling like Iruni? No, it doesn't.

I do agree that a young Psychic might be unable to do what Ruby does, but Ruby does seem to have a lot of years under her belt. After all she does call Tom "hon" in one line of dialog, implying a romantic or sexual relationship that could have lasted some time. I might be drawing conclusions there, for all I know they could be siblings. Just trying to say we don't know exactly how old she is.

I think I'll stop there before I dig myself in a deeper hole than I already have. Sorry if I'm coming across as shallow or anything.

Question: Iruni, did you actually get my edit?

No response/errors I pointed out still in the uploaded piece.

I know I scraped the deadline but as far as I know I still got it in on time >.>

>>1329
I love how Inbox.com's interface rarely even tells me when I have a new email. I guess I'll have to periodically check it to make sure i don't do this again.

Just glancing at it, i can tell how much of a thorough job you've done, and I'll be editing Chapter 4 tonight so it corresponds to your edits. I feel bad that I didn't notice your email until now, and I'll be sure to check next time, if you choose to. Either way, Thank you for your time, it's been appreciated.

I'll post when I'm done editing.

>>1328

I'm thankful someone noticed that bit. No, they aren't siblings, and yes they are mates. I'd estimate Ruby's age to be around 12, and Tom to be 15.

Anyone else have any comments or questions?

I'm still waiting on anyone to guess what I referenced in chapter 4 It's names.

>>1332

Wow, you're quite the editor. There's no way i could've caught some of these, and some were due to my habit of making things too wordy. This will help me in the future. Thanks again.

This version is a lot cleaner, and some potential confusion has been dealt with.

http://anime.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600049126&chapter=4

It's not a required re-read, but it's here for those too lazy to scroll up a bit.

No worries, glad to be of service.

Despite my whining, I probably wouldn't mind doing further editing in future. You seem to have a solid enough idea in mind that nothing is going to need major rewriting. Also your grasp of grammar and syntax is agreeable enough that reading through it un-edited is about as enjoyable as reading the edited version. Both of these factors mean I can (and did/will) read first and edit later, without ruining the experience of just being a reader.

Just make sure you get future chapters to me at least three nights before the due date so I can do more than one edit-pass ;)

I noticed a couple of minor typos in your edit-edit (wit instead of with, for example), but I thought I really should point this one out:

"This development left her dumbfounded" -> ctrl+f it and you might notice that it should be on the end paragraph prior. Its current positioning makes Sneasel seem rather easily-stunned :P

TRIPLE POST.

Just a heads-up to check your email, Iruni.

>>1334
>>1335
>>1336
Done, done and done. Thanks again for the amount of detail, Ragdoll.

Still no takers on my allusion?

Also 1337 GET!

Well, it's been a week since I posted Chapter 4, and so far, nothing has been done towards starting Chapter 5. Recently, my muse has been deflected elsewhere, and it's been rather difficult to focus on two things. I would feel it a waste of what "talent" I have to not pursue this new idea, so as of now, I will be suspending The Dark Type, until such time as I complete my new idea, or scrap it. I believe this project will help me farther down the road, so don't worry, The Dark Type will continue.

What I have could possibly be finished within the month, but with graduation exams, I'm limited in my work schedule. While I'm not going to answer much pertaining to what I'm doing, I promise that when I finish what I'm working on, or have any more The Dark Type news, you'll all be the first to know.

>>1354
Told you I'd get back to you when I had something.

What I'm working on is a short story titled: "Unexpected Conflagration". It ties into The Dark Type, and the characters within may appear later on. It is set months ahead of where the main story is now, and aside from it being set in Johto, I'll say nothing else.

Although, should anyone guess as to what I referenced in Chapter 4, I may be enticed to give them a sneak peak. Ah, who am I kidding? No one cares.

Pic unrelated? Perhaps.

>>1359

Looking forward to it!

I've been trying to think what references you may have snuck in, but I'm drawing blanks - and I edited the damn thing!

Is it a reference to another fic, or something completely unrelated?

>>1366
It's something else that originated on the internet, almost two years ago. Not a fanfic. It's where I got the names for Ruby and Tom.

Oh DERP. RUBYQUEST.

How did I not get that.

God damn.

We're back! And with minimal losses!

Anywho, Unexpected Conflagration: Part 1 is complete! Now, don't expect to see it posted any time soon. I'm releasing all parts at once, as i think the story is meant to be in 3 chapters, but should be read in one sitting. So, off to go finish Part 2.

Can't wait :D

Well, I'm still up and running. I look to see this completed (at least on my end) by the end of June. Any questions?

Unexpected Conflagration: A sudden spark, a change neither were prepared for. Can they pull through together, or burn alone?

Part 1: Spark. 100%
Part 2: Burn. 35%
Part 3: Heat. 10%

Pic Unrelated

And don't think I've forgotten about you followers of my main work. Here's a small nibble for you.

Chapter 5: Naming Day: Some things never change, some change for the better. Let's see where fate lands us, shall we?

Pic unrelated, but 1000 EEVEES.

After next week (the 22nd), I'll be available for editing pretty much 24/7 for a few weeks and can almost guarantee a turnaround of under a day from send to reply.

Might wanna bust your ass to have something ready to release by then :P

>>1388
I'm trying really damn hard to finish by the end of June. 19 days remain. I'm not a bitch.

ETA on update? Also, 1400 get. Have a present from 4chan /v/ showcasing a typical game of Civ 4.

>>1400
As I'm writing this post, I'm currently finishing out part 2 of Unexpected Conflagration. I have 13 days on my goal of completing it before July, but after that, the editing process could take a long while, I want this to be as smooth as possible for posting.

In the mean time, let's see, what can I give you to tie you down...hmmm...well, nothing comes to mind. Sit tight, and I may give you all a sneak peak if a spoiler-free excerpt comes along.

Pic is, respectively, unrelated.

Sure is past deadlines in here.

What are you talking about? I've got 10 days. Besides, I won't be too broken up if I miss it. Would you rather have a quality story, or have me rush to meet a deadline?

Also, if you MUST know, Total word count for the entire story, comprising part 1, and what i have done of part 2: 9680. Part 2 has 1 more scene until completion. Part 3 is shaping up to be 4 or 5 scenes.

Well, since I've given you all next to nothing in relation to info about what I'm writing (those excluded know who they are), I think I have something that'll hold your interest for a bit.

-----------------------------------------------

Trainer ID: 10245
Name: Allan Relmstead
Age: 19
Hair: Blond
Eyes: Blue
DOB: 8/13/2981
Hometown: Ecruteak, Johto
Badge Case: Zephyr, Hive.
Newest Team Addition: Beldum.
Current Location: Goldenrod City.
Party Count: 4.
Common Typing Across All Party Members: None.

-----------------------------------------------

What? Oh hey, I had a deadline. Well, as you can see, nothing major has happened over the last week or so, and I had college things to sort out. Deal with it.

I'm fine with missing this deadline, I think my progress of 12,000 words is enough to sate me.

Well, since I'm a sucker for finding music that has meaning to what I'm doing, I'll let you in on something. This song came on while I was about half-way through UC, and it fits so well. Pay attention to the lyrics, and you've got a basic outline to the story.

"The Conversation": Motion City Soundtrack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssjp0xukkio

As for where I am now, I'm literally tabbing over from finishing Part 2. Part 3 should be (and i know I'm jinxing myself when saying this) shorter than the other 2.

Anyone have any questions? I know I'm terrible with deadlines, so I hope what i have will make up for it.

I outdo myself sometimes, or at least I think so. Part 2: Burn is complete, bringing the total for the story at a whopping 13844 words, without any bit of Part 3 written.

You know what? I'm feeling generous. Here's an out of context excerpt from Part 2: Burn.

“Well,” he said as he adjusted his cap, “Unless I miss my guess, and I rarely do, I’m thinking Bugsy’s on the hunt for us, on word from Whitney. Bugsy’s a bug fanatic and comes here often, so Whitney probably sent him here to intercept us on our way to Ecruteak. If it were any other time, I’d love to find out what that crazy girl was talking about, but now isn’t the time to mess with those people after the interest they showed back in Goldenrod.”

‘Why not?’ she asked. ‘I think now’s a perfect opportunity, and I think it’s good that Whitney’s getting back to us this soon. She made it seem like it would be a while before we heard anything more from them, so why aren’t we dealing with it now?’

Part 3 will commence shortly. ETA: July XXth.

I'd sort of like to start editing that now, if you're not planning any major revisions in light of the third chapter.

>>1473
I was thinking that myself, actually. I'll work on fine-tuning part 1 and get it to you as soon as I can.

http://anime.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600050089

Here's Part 1. Go crazy.

Part 3: Heat is nearing it's final stages. I made substantial progress tonight. I honestly think i can finish this tomorrow!

>>1504
Wow. This was pretty good, and I can kinda see how it ties in already. I'm assuming the Noodle Incident in the forest was what Iruni's own flash-forward dream was about, seeing how he mentioned having a new ally he didn't know yet...

I also like the idea of a lot of things, namely
-Psychic trainer who isn't played off as omniscient but also isn't annoying
-The bait-and-switch you pull over us with Eevee's evolution
-The main character flipping the fuck out (showing he isn't without flaws)
and
-Whitney being as much a bitch as I think of her. XD
oh, and lastly
-The possibility that the guy ends up being recruited as a a Solon

Whatever happens, I'm eager for more!

>>1505
I'm glad someone is taking notice of the Ilex Forest mention. But who said Iruni's vision is what Allan and co. were caught up in? To be fair, I'll at least tell you that this misconception was planned for. Lots of things can happen in the same place, but it's all a matter of when these events occur.

>>1506
Damm you and your being so clever! *shakes fist dramatically*

Also, that image makes me want to go back and re-watch Death Note. Am I the only one who thought the first half was infinitely better though? I mean, fine- Neer and Mello are okay, but they've got nothing on L.

>>1511
I liked Mello far more than Near. And most of my friends agree that the series took a sharp downturn after L(a)dies.

Anyway, as for UC news: 4.1k into part 3. Finishing tonight is quite possible.

The deed is done.

>>1516
Wow, with the final revisions to Part 3, the entire story rounds out at 20,000 words. By far the most I've written for a single project.

It's nice to have this completed (sans editing of 2 and 3). I have stuff to catch up on.

>>1492

I love this, it's amazing mate.

You did well with the whole bike guy on the briefcase part. Made me rage like a motherfucker imagining what would happen if it had happened to me.

>>1519
Thanks, man. Part 2 in its final stages, so you may have another bit of reading to do very soon. Part 3, however, may be a bit longer.

Interesting. I would have made the Exeggcute a Legion-like "we," though.

And the first section's italics seem to encroach on the narration.

>>1528
Pretty sure I fixed what you mentioned, if not, let me know.

http://anime.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600050089&chapter=2

Part 2 is out.

Yeah, i had to delete that first post, not having a spelling error like that stick around :|

>>1530
I like it. It's a kinda drastic change in both pacing and style from part 1, but it works well for what it is. Now we just have to wait and see how things develop from here. Interesting idea with the exeggcute, the idea of a single mind arguing with itself is interesting, kinda makes you think of Doduo/Dodrio too.

>>1531
This part was meant to be drastically different from the first. Needed to root that fear and confusion in somewhere.

And Duncan is by far the hardest character I've had to develop. Luckily what I've cobbled together isn't too hard to understand.

FunFacts:
Part 1: Was the hardest to start.
Part 2: Took the longest to write.
Part 3: Was the hardest to write.

>>1531
Double-post, but I noticed your earlier excerpt that was supposed to be from Part 2 wasn't in here at all... Did it just not make the edit, or is it coming in part 3 now?

>>1528
Ok NOW I see what went wrong. F'ing tags, how do they work?

>>1534
It's still there.

>>1536
So I noticed. When I went to read it, the page cut off right as Allan said "I have something to tell you." and since that actually sounded like a decent cliffhanger ending, I assumed you were leaving the rest for part 3. I'm just gonna assume it had something to do with the screwed up tags that you fixed, but who knows? I made sure that the page loaded fully, and the AFF page footer was there, so... *shrug*

Anyways, as I've said before, great job. Now hurry and get us part 3! XD

>>1537
Part 3 is done, but it'll be a while. Similar to the gap be tween 1 and 2. And as much as I'd like to just put it up now and be done with it, I'd rather it be as good as it can be before showing it off.

Well, while we're all waiting for the conclusion of Unexpected Conflagration to see the light of day, how about some Dark Type news?

Surprisingly enough, I did in fact do something I've never done before: Wrote out an outline! I've got a great base image in my mind now, and you know what? I'll do my best to get it to you all within 1 month from now.

Things to look forward to:
Urgent explanations
A job offer
Dream analysis
Sneasel's name
Sudden blackouts
And a quick check up at the Pokemon Center.

Chapter 5: Naming Day. 1 month and counting.

Man, I miss the pace that the /misty/ thread moved at. I guess a whole board did kill activity... Oh well. We're better for it now anyway. No sense in dwelling in the past.

My apologies to those of you eagerly awaiting Unexpected Conflagration Part 3. It is still in transit, and will be out once it reaches it's final draft. No ETA available.

The Dark Type Chapter 5: Naming Day, however has met with substantial progress as of late, coming up on 2000 words as of now. Unfortunately, no ETA on this either. But if any one has any sort of questions or comments on the story (UC as well), i may be a bit liberal with spoilers, perhaps to alleviate the strain I've put on any of my more avid readers Though I seriously doubt that.

First up, a trial: What is the significance of this image? (aside from being from Halo3)

It's the map to the thing that blows everything up. If baddies get it then bright lights fall everyone dies.

That was me.

>>1553
>image says cartographer
>it's the Ark

That's the thing that protects dudes from rocks fall everyone dies. And it's where the rock-a-pults are made.

>>1554
>>1555
>>1557
So close.

But in reality, it was what the image was, not what it detailed. That is a Cartographer, which is the central map station and reference center in all Forerunner constructs. Now, knowing that, what purpose would I have to be talking about a Cartographer? Think hard.

Nerds.

Because that's the map to the place where people are saved from lights fall everyone dies. Thus, it's the only -safe- place to be in a Skylerian world, where greyhound bus sized shit hits fans every day as a matter of course and the only real god is Murphy.

>>1574
Beh, this'll take forever at this rate.

The Cartographer in the Halo series is the main hub of information and reference in a Forerunner construct. It contains the master blueprint of the installation, and likely contains a wealth of information on any number of subjects.

In the real world, a Cartographer is a mapmaker. Someone who draws and creates detailed maps and other pieces of reference. Similar titles include: Archivist, Researcher, Logger, etc.

Now, in Chapter 4 of DarkType, I first referenced (by name) Project Cartographer. In Chapter 5, we finally learn more (admittedly, not much) about what that entails.

Stop being so quiet /canalave/! It shouldn't take one of our main authors to get a new chapter out to get you people talking :\

Anyway, back to business.

After a staggering amount of editing and revising, UC Part 3's second draft is completed, and in the editing process. Thanks to ragdoll's painstaking amount of detail, it is leaps and bounds than my first attempt.

Now, before you start asking questions about my update estimated times, let's take a look as my previous guesses:

UC completed before July. (Sure is August around here)
UC3 being released in a similar gap from 2 as was from 1. (Look at that, it's almost been 3 weeks. Time sure flies...)
DarkType5 being out before August 20th.(Yeah... about that... Sorry)

But, looking at all factors involved, I think (think being the key word here) UC3 will be out and about before the 20th of August. After the 20th, I move in to my dorm for the College year, so my writing pace will drastically plummet (hard to believe) from its current rate. I will continue my weekly updates, however.

>>1581
>leaps and bounds BETTER*

I'm a derp, don't mind me :P

Unexpected Conflagration's 3rd and final part is up.

http://anime.adultfanfiction.net/story.php?no=600050089&chapter=3

Images is a drawing I requested from Weavile_Guy, a tripfag on 4chan's /vp/ board.

>>/smeargle/13790
>>/smeargle/13990
>>/smeargle/13971
More of his drawings.

You know I love this, man. Congratulations.

Heh, come to think of it - is UC only the second completed fic on this board?

>>1651

We're working as fast as we can.

>>1651
Thanks man. Thanks to your awesome proofreading, this chapter has had the least amount of lingering mistakes! Also, I didn't F up the tags this time, that's a first.

Are we counting Luca's Saga in that? I know it doesn't belong to one of our resident authors, but it was completed during /canalave/ lifetime. (Or are you wondering whether or not to count Skyler's other stories, as they were complete FAR before even the old /misty/ thread?)

>>1653
Skyler, your thoughts on the conclusion?

Well, it's not like I didn't see it coming, but that's just an occupational hazard of what we do. I've never really been a fan of lemon, but that's because I don't think it's something that translates well into words.

Having said that, you captured the mood well. I was jostled by the italics-for-psytalk formatting choice, but that's a personal preference. I would have liked to see story-Iruni involved a little more, but I suppose that will be written about in The Dark Type. All in all, a warm little sidebar, and I'm interested to see how it ties in to the main story.

>>1655
Trust me, getting that scene to the state it's in now was far more difficult than i had imagined. This story was to test how well/if at all i could write something like that, along with just writing a simple love story.

I prefer using italics for mental communications, as it shows that it really isn't spoken dialog, and reminds me of that effect used in TV and movies that makes speech echo slightly while doing an internal monologue. Also it's how another author, one I thoroughly enjoy, employs mental communication. So i emulated that, only slightly different.

That same scene will be shown from the other side later on in Dark Type. But Allan won't actually meet up with Iruni until much later on. I'll also expand on what happened in Ilex Forest, perhaps with the as-of-now experimental idea of Unexpected Conflagration Part 0: [To be named later].

Glad you enjoyed it.

>Psy's review
Thanks to you too.

>>1656
Sorry for not as extensive a review, but my dad was literally right there in the motel room. I skipped the lemon out of necessity.

You've already received my opinion about the entire story, Iruni.

Good, good stuff.

I might need some assistance when it comes to lemons myself, actually. Suppose it'd be reasonable to ask for your assistance when the time comes?

>>1654

Yeah, I was counting stories-finished-since-the-board's-inception. Not necessarily belonging to resident authors.

>>1653

I wasn't having a jab at other authors - the story length is incomparable.

>>1661
As I do with anyone who requests it, I'll help where and if I can. You know how to reach me when it's pertinent.

>>1662
Gotcha. However, Unexpected Conflagration holds the title of being the first to be Started and Completed on /canalave/. Drinks all around!

And, to help switch gears back to writing The Dark Type, have a tiny Sneasel.

UC was a fun piece to read. It left me with an overall sweet feeling at the end. As for the lemon, you certainly didn't flinch away from it I'll tell you that. Hope to see these characters become more a part of Dark Type as well. After all, what's the point of having a parallel to it if you don't have the characters pop up every now and then.

Nice to see a happy ending too...but you did eave us hanging as to what was in that letter he got. Hope to find out. Good luck with your Chapter 5.

>>1668
eave = leave

damn typos.

Okay, so I have finally got off my arse and written up a review.

I liked Unexpected Conflagration. I liked that there were some new things tried in there that I hope can be incorporated into The Dark Type. That's not to say it didn't stand on its own two feet, though.

As I have mentioned before to you, my favorite part of the story is Duncan, and I'd be happy to touch on why. I liked him because he very clearly wasn't human. I always thought it was a waste when a Pokemon was given too many human attributes, it makes me think you might as well have used a human. Chucking in the word 'instinct' every now and then just isn't a cure all solution either.
I know that you said Duncan was a challenge to write for, but it worked. It really did.

Another thing that I thought was well done was in the first part of the story. Adding a focus on a possible Umbreon evolution really left what would happen to Umari ambiguous, and when she evolved it was surprising. An Unexpected Conflagration if you will.

As far as the plot went, it was a three part story and there was nothing wrong with it. It didn't feel rushed and it didn't drone on. There was no epic adventure, and that was a little refreshing. That said, it wasn't blow your socks off amazing, I was more interested in the characters. Though, that might have been the point.

Small gripe here. I don't know if this is just personal stuff that gets under my skin, so take it as you will.
When describing a Pokemon, I never liked describing it as its species name (That is, Sneasel referred to a Sharp Claw Pokemon, etc). If the point is to find something more creative than saying "Here is an Eevee, the Eevee used take down on the Miltank" I support the general idea, but it often leaves me either knowing it because I happen to know the species name, or with little to no idea who the Pokemon is. Just using context to figure out who you mean.

Oh yeah, there was something really small I appreciated, as you may have figured out in IRC. I love the story name, I didn't expect to get so hot and bothered over it, but I did. I also thought the chapter names were good, but I think I may have put too much thought into them. Either way, would I be right if Heat was a play on them having hot sex, as well as play on the estrous cycle because if it wasn't, you inadvertently gave me way too much amusement.


Anyways, cheers for the good read. Looking forward to The Dark Type.

>>1675

>Heat
Didn't take long before that pun was dissected. As much as I like that title, and how fitting it is, I almost didn't use it (it was my first option). But, after a few nudges of encouragement from Jabbz, I chose to stick with it. Other proposed titles were: Char, Scorch, or something similar.

While on the topic of UC, and title names, I've been trying to find a fitting title for Part 0, if/when I actually write it. I think I'll be ditching the "Fire" theme, as it'll be a prequel (unless a fitting one comes up). I'm thinking on "Deforestation", "Crush", "Break", or something along those lines. It'll cover what all happened prior to, and during the Ilex Forest disaster, which took place a month or so before UC's start.

Huh... my actual last 'Weekly' update was 2 weeks ago. So much for that, eh? Man, I've been slacking...

Anyway, CH.5 Naming Day is still roughly in the same place it has been for a while. Progress is slow and grueling, but it's still progress. Still just over 2200 words, and about halfway though what I want to cover. But, as it sometimes happens, it may go farther.

Where are you headed for college, Iruni?

>>1686
Northern Kentucky University. Looking to focus on Computer Information Technologies.

And despite this being my freshman year, I won't let it overwhelm me. I'll continue with my story, despite the inevitable decrease in activity. I won't abandon it, if only because of our small community, and all that I've invested into it. I'll keep up with my weekly updates, as I have been.