So what happens when you start something and then come back to finish it seven years later? It defies your original plans but for the better. You grow older, you read more, you learn more. You become better at what you are doing.
I started a story back in 2001. In those days my love was for two shows currently on Toonami, Cartoon Network's anime block on weekday afternoons. My best friend Jon told me of some commercials advertising some guy walking up steps holding an umbrella as snow fell. It was from a movie he saw when he was younger. It was Tenchi Muyo! However, it was severely edited. As I watch it now in its uncut form, it is so much more hilarious. Tea means sake, and a certain space pirate has no qualms about fighting the princess in the buff. Also, said princess is actually a very likable character even though I used to hate her for no reason (maybe because I've always been a Tenchi/Ryoko fan).
I also started watching Dragonball Z after making fun of the show with Jon, calling it Dragonballz. I started mid Namek Saga when Bulma, Krillin, and Gohan set off for the planet. I still remember Chi-Chi fretting over her son and Krillin making fun of Gohan's bowl cut. I remember Goku transforming for the first time and Vegeta's tears over the life that was stolen from him by Frieza.
Then over this past summer, I stayed at UCR for my internship. I've always been slow to make new friends and more of a quiet person than someone to go out clubbing and drinking (though karaoke night was fun even if I didn't sing or drink anything but soda). I usually spent the nights in my room watching YouTube videos of Gohan and Videl. Don't know why so much but I did. My long dormant DBZ fan reawoke, and I started buying DVDs left and right. Now I nearly have all of DBZ and half of DBGT plus about half of the movies. I've been online reading more and more, finding out I knew nothing (such is life as you grow older, I guess).
Then recently for some curious reason I started to watch Tenchi again. Not really to my surprise, I remembered very little of the actual OVA storyline. I own all of the Tenchi stuff, even GXP and the Mihoshi special, but since they're all in storage, I watched the OVA on...you guessed it, YouTube. I also grabbed Tenchi Forever and Manatsu no Eve from the "shed." So I've been reading up on Tenchi lately and damn, I really knew nothing of the series. I don't even remember the third OVA, which came out here in 2005. I bought it and watched it all. There are three series, three movies, and a spin-off. There are many novels and manga though the mange is not considered canon. There are also four versions of canon between everything. Tenchi in Tokyo, the final series, is its own canon. Tenchi Universe, the second series and the movies Tenchi Muyo! in Love and Tenchi Forever are another canon. Once it was my second favorite series, but now I think it's my fav. They make Ayeka more snooty and annoying, which I don't like, but overall it wins me over. Plus it also has going for it the fact Tenchi actually does choose (if not in words) one of the girls, my favorite character.
When it comes to the OVA, there are two versions of canon. One is the original creator. It includes OVA 1, 2, and 3, GXP, and the Mihoshi Special. The other is by the woman who wrote the first OVA. Hers includes OVA 1 (and 2 according to one site), her novels, and Manatsu no Eve aka Daughter of Darkness (based on one of her novels). She does not include the Mihoshi special, and she is the one who designed the characters of Kiyone Makibi, Mihoshi's partner and Achika Masaki, Tenchi's mom, both of whom are from the universe series.
So confused yet? Me too. The OVA world is more intricate and has much more back story. Apparently the creator had been thinking of his Tenchi universe since he was in high school. I know how he feels then as my own original creation is not exactly simple. I started my original story the same time I started writing fanfiction, so it took a backseat for a while. This is precisely when I started the story I opened with.
Now why have I spent so much time talking about Tenchi? Simple. Because I knew none of the above when I started. All I knew was Tenchi was royal and hella powerful. Washu was a goddess with sisters Tokimi (who was interested in Tenchi) and Tsunami, who had merged with Sasami. Yosho was really Katsuhito, Tenchi's gramps and the princesses' half-bother. Ryoko was Washu's daughter, and episode 13 left us all going what next? So I made stuff up. I also turned Gohan from DBZ into the Legendary Super Saiyan, even though many consider Broly, the three movies of him, and that idea to be non-canon. Also, it kind of seems evident by the last episode before the time skip to ten years later that he and Videl were probably a couple at that point (or just really friendly). But my story went onward anyway.
I made up my own canon for Tenchi (this is what I wanted to get to most). I liked certain elements from all of Tenchi-verse so I combined stuff. My canon, the one used in the Legend of the Triad series, is as follows:
-OVAs 1 and 2 happen (3 wasn't even out in Japan at that point)
-Tenchi Universe happens but the character backgrounds stay the same so no new intros to them except Kiyone, who comes looking for her former partner and is coupled with her again (poor Kiyone :O( )
-Tenchi Muyo! in Love happens
-Daughter of Darkness happens
-Triad Saga happens and they all meet the Dragonball peeps
Looking back, I wish I hadn't included Mayuka from DoD, but she's important in her own way now and I couldn't remove her just as I couldn't remove Mirai Pan and Mirai Trunks. Granted this makes Tenchi older than Gohan...but I'll ignore that because it isn't a core fact here. They have to face each other, their feelings, and save the universe...again. Their ages are of least concern, I think.
I also created several own characters and made up the background of Kiyone. She needed one, man. Next to Ryoko, she's my fav Tenchi girl. It explains why she is career driven and not infatuated with Tenchi (without her liking Mihoshi that way, which is cool and all but...no).
So yeah. I have spent so much time on this planning since August. I'm glad I waited to finish it because now it will what I wanted. It will be my master work of fanfiction. I will be proud when it's all over. I can't wait for that.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Silent Mind
By me back in 12th grade. It made it into our school's lit magazine. I was proud. :-D
A boy sits in the darkness of his attic domicile. Not a single sound echoes in the room but the constant pitter-patter of rain on the window. No light is on, and the clouds in the sky allow very little light to enter. In the corner he sits, not moving a muscle and just simply staring blankly ahead. An empty house is all that would greet him if he dared to venture downstairs. No one is home, including the cat. Even in the rain, Furball remains away, though it’s quite possible the small feline is huddled in a bush somewhere in a desperate attempt to keep dry and warm. It hasn’t been that long, maybe fifteen minutes…or is it an hour now? For him, it’s so hard to tell. The rhythmic ticking of the clock he eventually blocked out. Suddenly, the small stereo in the corner of the raised abode turns on and plays from its speakers a soft yet steadily flowing melody that seems to be in sync with the droplets hitting the pane. No expression is made in response to this as his face remains as cold as the atmosphere outside. No children play on a rainy day, so there’s no laughter rising from the streets below. There are no balls being thrown or bikes being ridden. There’s just the street being pounded with precipitation. Maybe the phone will ring and save him from the suffocating silence. Maybe the doorbell will sound, and the one who he said good-bye to not more than those couple of hours ago will be here with a smile on her face. Maybe she never really left him to move across country. But maybes mean nothing to him. All that matters now is his empty house and the melodic mix of a sad song and time passing him by.
A boy sits in the darkness of his attic domicile. Not a single sound echoes in the room but the constant pitter-patter of rain on the window. No light is on, and the clouds in the sky allow very little light to enter. In the corner he sits, not moving a muscle and just simply staring blankly ahead. An empty house is all that would greet him if he dared to venture downstairs. No one is home, including the cat. Even in the rain, Furball remains away, though it’s quite possible the small feline is huddled in a bush somewhere in a desperate attempt to keep dry and warm. It hasn’t been that long, maybe fifteen minutes…or is it an hour now? For him, it’s so hard to tell. The rhythmic ticking of the clock he eventually blocked out. Suddenly, the small stereo in the corner of the raised abode turns on and plays from its speakers a soft yet steadily flowing melody that seems to be in sync with the droplets hitting the pane. No expression is made in response to this as his face remains as cold as the atmosphere outside. No children play on a rainy day, so there’s no laughter rising from the streets below. There are no balls being thrown or bikes being ridden. There’s just the street being pounded with precipitation. Maybe the phone will ring and save him from the suffocating silence. Maybe the doorbell will sound, and the one who he said good-bye to not more than those couple of hours ago will be here with a smile on her face. Maybe she never really left him to move across country. But maybes mean nothing to him. All that matters now is his empty house and the melodic mix of a sad song and time passing him by.
My Moon Sign
What is a moon sign?
Answer: Your Moon Sign represents your "inner" or "emotional" self, or the way you handle your emotions and the way you truly feel, whether you reveal it or not.
Cancer is the home sign of the Moon, which indicates that you are a very lunar or feeling-oriented person. These strong emotional instincts tend to make you protective of those close to you, expressing a maternal quality of care and concern. Preserving traditions tends to be more appealing than heading into uncharted territory, and this can make you slow to accept changes in your routine. You tend to be cautious about coming out of your shell, but you're also a builder who can slowly and carefully nurture a new business or organization. Because you feel so strongly, it can be hard to step back and take an objective look at your situation and discover alternatives to the position you're holding onto so tightly.
Motto: "Everything is personal."
Greatest Strength: Loyalty to those close to you
Possible Weakness: Allowing emotions to overcome logic
Answer: Your Moon Sign represents your "inner" or "emotional" self, or the way you handle your emotions and the way you truly feel, whether you reveal it or not.
Cancer is the home sign of the Moon, which indicates that you are a very lunar or feeling-oriented person. These strong emotional instincts tend to make you protective of those close to you, expressing a maternal quality of care and concern. Preserving traditions tends to be more appealing than heading into uncharted territory, and this can make you slow to accept changes in your routine. You tend to be cautious about coming out of your shell, but you're also a builder who can slowly and carefully nurture a new business or organization. Because you feel so strongly, it can be hard to step back and take an objective look at your situation and discover alternatives to the position you're holding onto so tightly.
Motto: "Everything is personal."
Greatest Strength: Loyalty to those close to you
Possible Weakness: Allowing emotions to overcome logic
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tiger
The strength of Tigers makes them dynamic and courageous. Outspoken on every subject, they are still tolerant and sensitive to the opinions of others. Kind to their fellows, Tigers can be short-tempered if they don't get their way. The Tiger balances between the passions and demands of the outside world and the comfort and inwardness of home. They tend to be philosophers with great intellect and think most about themselves and their families. Protecting their interests and loved ones to the utmost, they are generous with their love and affection.
Tigers are fighters. They fight not only with the outside world, they also spar with themselves. They are always seeking the balance between their search for inner and outer peace on the one hand, and their career-driven mind on the other. They will walk through a fire for the right cause, and are not afraid to appear rebellious when they believe in ideas that go against the majority. Tigers will support everything and everyone they choose -- in love, career, friends, etc. As friends, colleagues and lovers, they are loyal to the death ... and even after. People admire the stripes of the tiger, their look and their talents, but are always a bit on edge with them, as one never knows exactly how a Tiger will react.
Tigers are fighters. They fight not only with the outside world, they also spar with themselves. They are always seeking the balance between their search for inner and outer peace on the one hand, and their career-driven mind on the other. They will walk through a fire for the right cause, and are not afraid to appear rebellious when they believe in ideas that go against the majority. Tigers will support everything and everyone they choose -- in love, career, friends, etc. As friends, colleagues and lovers, they are loyal to the death ... and even after. People admire the stripes of the tiger, their look and their talents, but are always a bit on edge with them, as one never knows exactly how a Tiger will react.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Something I have learned about myself
Since I changed majors from biology to anthropology so I can get my BA and teaching credential faster, I have been so much happier and at ease. My creative side also seems to have been freed as I have been drawing, writing, and am now thinking about editing AMVs (anime music videos, because I am that big of a nerd).
Feels like spring.
Here's to the future.
Feels like spring.
Here's to the future.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Some Quotes
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use. "
- Galileo Galilei
"Johnny Bravo...The only kids cartoon focusing entirely on the pursuits of a man trying to get laid."
Sometimes you have to lose your way to find yourself.
“Be true to your feelings, Ryoko, or you will lose yourself.” – Ayeka, Tenchi Forever
Not all who wander are lost.
“If love is surrender, then whose war is it anyway?” – Frou Frou
What makes you feel alive? What makes you remember the part of yourself you lost long ago? What makes you happy no matter anything else? - me
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use. "
- Galileo Galilei
"Johnny Bravo...The only kids cartoon focusing entirely on the pursuits of a man trying to get laid."
Sometimes you have to lose your way to find yourself.
“Be true to your feelings, Ryoko, or you will lose yourself.” – Ayeka, Tenchi Forever
Not all who wander are lost.
“If love is surrender, then whose war is it anyway?” – Frou Frou
What makes you feel alive? What makes you remember the part of yourself you lost long ago? What makes you happy no matter anything else? - me
Friday, December 26, 2008
Year in Review: 2008
January: Start spring semester and Education 10, Populations Biology, Archery
February: Hang out with Wyatt, Carri, and Jon for his birthday; movie rentals cease at work; talk to Beth Child, former bio professor, for a letter of recommendation; work the polls for the presidential primary election
March: Begin fieldwork with Ms. Brown at Rancho Cucamonga High School; go on first ever camping trip with pops class and Professor Robin Ikeda; begin surveying Day Canyon for fungus with fungus buddy Jenny; submit application to UCR for internship
April: Go on second camping trip; finish fungi survey; accepted by UCR for Copernicus internship
May: Receive A- in pops; see Speed Racer; finish the first version of my teaching portfolio
June: Work the polls for the CA state primary; get the flu and remain sick through my birthday; my mom has shoulder surgery; I start playing Pokemon Ranger for the DS; my grandma gets me a new bike for my birthday and for getting all As at school
July: I am chosen to be Green Team leader at work; I "lose" my car and report it stolen, then find it in the other side of the parking lot; I start the internship at UCR
August: Finish at UCR and leave enlightened and gracious; become an obsessive DBZ fan once again; restart my Tenchi/DBZ crossover with the intent to finish this time; go to Carri's 21st b-day party; start Chaffey following my new ed plan; finally work as a true GM clerk at work; someone from my store wins a car
September: Finally become an ardent Obama supporter and buy a shirt and some buttons
October: Halloween party at Wyatt and Carri's
November: Obama wins the election by a landslide; the beginning of a new era for the country
December: Finally buy a new iPod; have someone steal my debit card number and buy something from Canada online; find my lost DBZ figures again
February: Hang out with Wyatt, Carri, and Jon for his birthday; movie rentals cease at work; talk to Beth Child, former bio professor, for a letter of recommendation; work the polls for the presidential primary election
March: Begin fieldwork with Ms. Brown at Rancho Cucamonga High School; go on first ever camping trip with pops class and Professor Robin Ikeda; begin surveying Day Canyon for fungus with fungus buddy Jenny; submit application to UCR for internship
April: Go on second camping trip; finish fungi survey; accepted by UCR for Copernicus internship
May: Receive A- in pops; see Speed Racer; finish the first version of my teaching portfolio
June: Work the polls for the CA state primary; get the flu and remain sick through my birthday; my mom has shoulder surgery; I start playing Pokemon Ranger for the DS; my grandma gets me a new bike for my birthday and for getting all As at school
July: I am chosen to be Green Team leader at work; I "lose" my car and report it stolen, then find it in the other side of the parking lot; I start the internship at UCR
August: Finish at UCR and leave enlightened and gracious; become an obsessive DBZ fan once again; restart my Tenchi/DBZ crossover with the intent to finish this time; go to Carri's 21st b-day party; start Chaffey following my new ed plan; finally work as a true GM clerk at work; someone from my store wins a car
September: Finally become an ardent Obama supporter and buy a shirt and some buttons
October: Halloween party at Wyatt and Carri's
November: Obama wins the election by a landslide; the beginning of a new era for the country
December: Finally buy a new iPod; have someone steal my debit card number and buy something from Canada online; find my lost DBZ figures again
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