thesuccessorchallenge

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: Innerbloom

Written by Savae

Synopsis: When love unwinds and everything settles into an unpleasant limbo, what is left?

Genre(s): Hurt/Comfort

Featured Character(s): Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly, Selphie Tilmitt, Irvine Kinneas

Current Word Count: 2764

Rating: T

Theme: Idle

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1 (ffnet mirror)

[thesuccessorchallenge]

Happy Birthday Rinoa! Er, happy start to the TSC extended succession challenge for this year!

We'll be taking submissions for our extended round via our Google Form! Rules are pretty standard for this so you know the drill. ;) Our extended Round themes are: Endings, Before, Idle, Space, Eight, Fade, Close & Dreams. All Final Fantasy VIII fans — both experienced and new — are invited to participate in The Successor Challenge -extended- round. This challenge is open to any character(s) you wish to write about, draw or create fan mixes for.

The challenge’s general requirements are as follows:

1. Entries have to be posted and completed between March 3rd to July 31st. Any submissions after 11:59 EST on July 31st will not be accepted.

2. Submissions have to be made specifically for the challenge. No reused or re-purposed pieces will be allowed.

3. Any fanfiction pieces submitted cannot rely on any knowledge other than the game canon so they can be readily accessible to everyone. They must be standalone pieces - no sequels to existing works will be allowed. No crossovers either.

4. The sole thematic requirement for fanfic submissions is that the theme word is included somewhere in the body of said submission. Other mediums are not subject to this requirement but it is encouraged to be depicted some manner.

5. There are no restrictions on fic length or genre. One-shots and poems are welcome. Multi-chaptered fics must be completed before the end of August or else they will be removed from listings.

6. All works posted on other sites must mention that the submission is for the Successor Challenge.

7. If you would like your works to be included in the challenge, please use the Google form.

8. As the challenge is here to celebrate the game and the relationships within, please refrain from character bashing and keep OCs to perfunctory roles only. They should be either minor characters to support the main cast or serve as antagonists - no Main Character x OC pairings, please.

[thesuccessorchallenge]

Halloween 2021: Trick or treat?

FFVIII fans, please welcome the FFVIII Secret Exchange!

We all feel a little lost after @thesuccessorchallenge ended and so I thought “how about a secret halloween exchange?” So here it is!

How it works - send your prompt (or prompts!). You can be specific, if you want, or you can be generic and see what you get. Feeling shy? No problem: you can send anonymous prompts! Your prompt doesn’t have to revolve around Halloween. Just consider you could get a spooky treat :) Please avoid prompts that lean too heavily on original characters. - prompts will be published and added to the list. Writers and artists can choose a prompt and work on it. All kind of fanworks are accepted. - Prompt submission will close on October 20th 11.59 pm (Rome Time Zone), to allow writers and artists enough time to work their magic. - Fanworks submission will open on October 1st and close on November, 7th 11.59 pm (Rome Time Zone). Submissions have to be made specifically for this exchange. No sequels to existing works will be allowed. Also, please refrain from character bashing and keep OCs to perfunctory roles only. Let’s have fun together! Thanks @skribleskrable for the banner image.

[thesuccessorchallenge]

After much deliberation, it is time to say farewell to the past and say hello to the future.

One of the main goals of the challenge was to engage the Final Fantasy VIII fandom to give people a reason to create new stories, art and other fanworks for everyone to enjoy. But more importantly, it was created to bring fans of the game together. (And perhaps, make a friend or two you didn't have before!) Every year, it never failed to amaze me how many people looked forward to the challenge announcement. Moreover, I felt great joy in people stating that their lives have gotten too hectic to be involved in fandom anymore but the challenge always provided them with the motivation to create something. That said, I have to concede that the fandom of 10, or even 5 years ago, is not the fandom of now and the challenge needs to grow with the times. And so, our 8th challenge on the 10th anniversary of the original Where I Belong challenge will be a transition into something new. We felt it was an appropriate place to evolve the challenge from its current format to integrate more with our discord.

To commemorate this, we've decided to make Endings our main theme for the extended TSC period, running from March 3rd to July 31st, 2022.

We thought it would make for a better opportunity for those who have more ambitious ideas than what a normal TSC posting period would allow for. Rules for the extended period will follow the same rules as this year's iteration barring the use of past main round themes in favour of 7 new additional themes (Before, Idle, Space, Eight, Fade, Close & Dreams) alongside the main theme to choose from. We'll send out a reminder post in the new year as well. Our theme for August of next year will be announced sometime in June/July to give you that classic TSC feeling. And of course, you can also look forward to the bonus round September 1-9th. ;)

Other Changes for Next Year

Our FB page will only be posting announcements going forward and will no longer include posts for submissions.

The bonus round announcement, related submission form and postings will be exclusive to our discord.

Additional to-be-announced content will also be exclusive to the discord as well!

A Final (Fantasy) General Note

As the challenge draws to a close (get it, draws?) for another year, I leave you with two simple requests. The first is that if you've ever had a story or a picture in your head, regardless if it’s for TSC or not, don't put it off any longer - the future has no guarantees. And last but not least, don't hesitate to leave a nice comment for someone who created something you loved. You never know how much it can brighten their day when they need it the most. Because at the end of the day, people post to share the things they love. And they often find solace in fandom for the same reasons. Hate and apathy often play a role in the reason why people leave for greener pastures. So in short, spread love and raise others up wherever you can. Because to reiterate the borrowed quote from the 2021 main round, “Ok, this is the showdown folks! Time compression is about to begin. 'Love, friendship, and courage'! Show'em what you got!” And we couldn't agree more.

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: How to Build a Life

Written by EmeraldLatias

Synopsis: Squall was coming to the realization that three days was a long time without saying anything.

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Featured Character(s): Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly

Current Word Count: 1445

Rating: T

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1 (AO3 mirror)

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: happy fizzy bowling balls

Written by Jessicamariek

Synopsis: It’s different this time, and so she’s waiting for the hatch bay to lower onto a wet concrete pad on a drizzly island, on the other side of the planet from the bed she woke up in this morning, with a feeling like happy fizzy bubbles in her chest.

Genre(s): Fluff

Featured Character(s): Ellone, Laguna Loire, Fury Caraway, Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly

Current Word Count: 2953

Rating: G

Theme: Cozy

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: No Place

Written by Savae

Synopsis: He doesn't quite know what they've gotten into, but he dares not say he is scared.

Genre(s): Drama

Featured Character(s): Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly

Current Word Count: 3842

Rating: M

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: What is Sung Under the Mountain

Written by Summoner Luna

Synopsis: It starts with a theory, and ends in an obsession. Quistis Trepe, Blue Magic, and searching for the Source.

Genre(s): Horror

Featured Character(s): Quistis Trepe

Current Word Count: 4923

Rating: M

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Content Warning: Blood, Gore, violence, and passing mention of self-harm

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: you're not dancing on your own

Written by irishais

Synopsis: It's hard to feel like she matters anymore, when Quistis leaves an illustrious SeeD career behind in favor of a normal life. It's hard to begin again. Rinoa/Quistis, Timber, afterward.

Genre(s): Hurt/Comfort, Romance

Featured Character(s): Rinoa Heartilly, Quistis Trepe

Current Word Count: 2141

Rating: G

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: Small things

Written by AlessiaHeartilly

Synopsis: It’s the small things that really make it sink in.

Genre(s): Gen

Featured Character(s): Selphie Tilmitt, Rinoa Heartilly, Angelo

Current Word Count: 2750

Rating: G

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1 (ffnet mirror)

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: this is not for you

Written by irishais

Synopsis: A nice day at the beach is just what the Garden-mandated psychiatrist ordered. Squall, Xu, and a conversation.

Genre(s): Gen, Horror

Featured Character(s): Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly, Xu

Current Word Count: 1959

Rating: T

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: Alien Nation

Written by AlessiaHeartilly

Synopsis: Listen. This is the story of the Sorceress and her Knight.

Genre(s): Gen

Featured Character(s): Ultimecia

Current Word Count: 3725

Rating: M

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Content Warning: this fic mentions of rape and torture. Nothing graphic is depicted.

Links:

Chapter 1 (ffnet)

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: with the gods all gone and the souls making sounds

Written by kt_vundr

Synopsis: Trabia Garden would still be standing if Zell could have kept his mouth shut. How can you face your friend knowing that you’re the reason all her other friends are dead?

Genre(s): Gen, Hurt/Comfort

Featured Character(s): Zell Dincht, Selphie Tilmitt

Current Word Count: 2517

Rating: M

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: Everyone's Grudge

Written by colobonema

Synopsis: Quistis' fear has a name. A name, a knife, and a lantern. Postgame.

Genre(s): Gen, Supernatural, Angst

Featured Character(s): Quistis Trepe, Xu

Current Word Count: 1432

Rating: M

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Content Warning: This fic depicts a scene of self-harm & suicidal ideation.

Links:

Chapter 1 (ffnet mirror)

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: Worm Across the Desert

Written by ChibisUnleashed

Synopsis: Squall's been trying to catch Seifer for years. When he finally does... it just doesn't feel right.

Genre(s): Humor, Romance

Featured Character(s): Squall Leonhart, Seifer Almasy

Current Word Count: 1234

Rating: T

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

The Successor Challenge Submission: haunted

Written by Jessicamariek

Synopsis: Any doctor worth the title, any doctor who cares, will carry around a ghost or two… or three… or a dozen. Doc, thunderstorms, and new beginnings.

Genre(s): hurt/comfort

Featured Character(s): Dr. Kadowaki, Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly, Raine Loire

Current Word Count: 3009

Rating: G

Theme: Fear

Status: Complete

Links:

Chapter 1

[thesuccessorchallenge]

A misconception to clarify.

I shouldn't have to explain this but since this tends to crop up now and again, some clarification is needed here. Some people seem to be under the impression that TSC largely caters towards canon ships (or, to be frank, non-queer ships) or discourage gen works. The simple truth of the matter is that we post what is submitted to us. And if it's not submitted, well...there's nothing we can really do about that. We can only post what's there, really.

Mostly because, as mentioned before, we're not here to tell people what to create and we're also not here to force people to interact with content they do not like either. We're here to facilitate the creation of neat things that weren't there before.

(side note: we do absolutely encourage people to give love to things they do happen to enjoy!)

And if that's not enough, well, I don't know what to tell ya.