penguiduck

[penguiduck]

I'm alive and figuring out my life!

Well, hello!

If you’re reading this, I am grateful you’re still here.

I’ve clearly underestimated how exhausting being a parent is. My beautiful daughter is nearly three years old now, but she still requires inordinate amounts of my time. She’s a nut—I’ve called her this before, to which she sasses back, “I’m a cute nut!”

This January, she started school. We’ve had some problems with our nanny, so our plan to keep her at home till she was older fell apart, but she’s enjoying her time with her teachers and newfound friends immensely. That said, schools and daycares are cesspools, and I suspect she (and, by extension, we) will be sick on-and-off for the next few years.

We don’t have a village nearby, so it’s just me and my spouse. It’s just something we have to deal with—not a big deal, but it’ll be strenuous on our physical and mental health, and careers.

All that said, I have not forgotten about you all or my writing projects. In fact, I think about them and you all a lot. I just have no time to execute in a way that is effective or meaningful.

I haven’t been completely unproductive. I finished Taming a Dragon (though I may go back and write an alternate ending at some point for Morty). I have most of the next chapter of Chasing Autumn finished, and a significant chunk of Armistice’s next chapter started. This minuscule amount of progress isn’t something I’m proud of, per se, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Baby steps?

Look, I’m not here to get your hopes up that I’m going to be updating at a pace even remotely close to what I was doing pre-child. I don’t actually know what my life is going to be like, even a year from now. I am prioritizing my little one right now, as I should, because this is time I will never get back.

What I will say is this: My theme for the remainder of 2025 is independence.

I’m looking for ways to find opportunities for self-care.

Writing has always been a haven for me, so I desperately want to come back to it. I just have to make it work.

My plan back from 2023 hasn’t really changed in terms of what my writing goals are. I just wanted to let you all know that I’m alive and doing well. I’m learning so much from motherhood—some days, I just feel like I’m fighting for my personal identity as a human being, aside from being a parent.

 It’s a journey I am happy to be on—my daughter is everything to me (even though the other day, she said, “Daddy is good at parking. Mommy is good at not parking.” Like, OKAY, TINY HUMAN). She’s my little moon and stars, and it’s been such a pleasure watching her grow every day. She is learning independence, and we’re working on ways for me to pull away and do things that I enjoy during “Mommy time.”

On other news, you won’t see me on Facebook anymore. Not only is it completely inaccessible to me because it insists on me showing them a legal documentation with the name “Yahtzee Penguiduck Dii” on it to prove my identity, but I refuse to use Facebook going forward for other reasons. Updates will be posted here on tumblr until further notice.

All this to say, I appreciate your patience and your willingness to let me figure out this part of my life.

Here’s the hoping things will stabilize in my life, so I can devote some time to my projects! Thank you for being here for me!

In the meantime, feel free to message me here or find me on Discord: yahtzeedii

[penguiduck]

Hi! I don't know if you're still active, but just in case I have a question run ing around my brain. So I just started reading Embracing the Seasons (and I'm LOVING it so far! I really appreciate your grasp of characterization!) But I'm just so curious about the title. Does the title by any random chance reference a song by an artist named Vienna Teng called Eric's Song?

She's omy absolute favorite artist and every time I read the title I start singing the song on my head because there's a line with the title in the song! Like I said, I'm really loving the story so far and enjoying your writing! You have a very clever and engaging style of writing!

Hello! My apologies for the belated response. I am still here and intend on finishing my works! (Update to my life coming soon...)

I'm so glad you enjoy Embracing the Seasons! Maybe by now you've finished the piece--and, if so, you know that it is in reference to Eric's Song by Vienna Teng.

I am a huge fan of hers, as well, and her music really inspired the writing of this fic. It's poetic and deep--reminds me perfectly of Kurama and any love he'd share with the reader.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope you're doing well.

[penguiduck]

Hi, you haven't posted in quite a while and I was wondering if you're okay? I hope you're doing well.

Hello! I kind of disappeared for a bit! I so appreciate you checking in on me. I'll have a update published in just a moment here, but long story short, I have a kiddo now! :)

[penguiduck]

Did you see the update on Lunaescence being imported into Ao3? I don't know if your stories are in the logs, but it is definitely an exciting prospect!

I did read about that on reddit a while back! I, too, am excited!

[penguiduck]

Do you think you’ll ever write for BMP again? I’ve been reading Shattered Symphony and I’m OBSESSED!! Your writing is great and adds so much depth to the characters and world. So sad I only have a few chapters left! Thank you for writing it <3

Hi! Apologies for the late response.

I'm so glad you like Shattered Symphony. I was pleased with how it turned out, and I'm especially flattered you feel like my writing added depth to the characters--that was my goal!

I hope you enjoyed it as much as I liked writing it. I probably won't write for BMP again as the audience for it is so slim, but I'm very proud of myself for giving the fandom something to enjoy! Thank you so much for your kind words.

[penguiduck]

I've been a long time lurker/fan from way back in the lunaescence days. Jaharaan Love was always kind of a comfort story for me and it made such an impact on my life at the time. I legit cried when I read the end and could finally kiss my boy Runedis. It was a big inspiration for me to start writing myself. It's always made me a bit sad I cant reread it anymore but despite that I'll never forget it. Sorry if this is kind of long winded, I just wanted to thank you for creating such amazing art that has stuck with me over the past decade or so. I'll always be cheering you on and wishing you the best ❤️

Hi! My apologies for the belated response.

Thank you for your kind words. It's been so long since my first rendition of JL, but in case you're not aware, I've started a rewrite of JL on AO3: Jaharaan Love

Please take a look, if you're interested! I don't know when I'll find time to update it--I have a kiddo to take care of now, but I'm committed to completing it, no matter how long it takes!

I certainly appreciate you reaching out. It's comments like these that give me inspiration to keep writing. <3 Thank you.

[penguiduck]

HI SO i've just finished catching up to Embracing the Seasons and i just wanted to share that whenever nairu is mentioned, i always think of floryn's pet from mobile legends (you can just search floryn mobile legends), BUT ASIDE FROM THAT I LOVE YOUR WRITING. i hope youre doing well outside of social media and in your own family!

A belated response--but thank you! I'm unfamiliar from the pet you've mentioned, but after googling it, I agree! :D So cute! Thank you so much for your kind comment and well wishes!

[penguiduck]

Hello , I saw your stories especially Kuramaxreader : embracing the seasons I love it. Did you see yuyu hakusho live action ? , do you still write some fics? I would like one of Kurama but devired of movie

Hi! Thank you so much. <3 It's always nice to pick up new EtS fans, even after it's been finished for years.

I do plan on continuing to write, but I'm still quite busy with work and the baby! I'm not sure how Kurama is depicted in the movie--how is anime Kurama different from movie Kurama? I imagine they're very similar.

[penguiduck]

can i just say that kurama actually lead me to my irl boyfriend somehow? was at a convention and this guy that was my age was in a kurama cosplay 😭 i got so excited and we exchanged numbers and we ended up dating. irl kurama fr! it was super funny because i had just come from japan and got like a little fox mask to place in my room

Oh, how neat! <3 Glad to meet another Kurama fan! Hope you and your boyfriend are doing well!

[penguiduck]

HI!! i just watched the yyh live action. what do you think of it? and congrats on the baby! :DD

Oh, goodness! I wish I had the time to watch something! lol. The baby takes alllll of my time!

[penguiduck]

hi there! I just finished your story "Armistice" on AO3 (I didn't sleep a single minute this night, I just HAD TO READ) and I want to thank you so much for it, I love it. I understand it's been some time that you wrote it, but will you continue please please please? xx

Hello! Thank you for the kind words. <3 I do intend on continuing Armistice once I get my life back together! Haha!

[penguiduck]

Chapters: 21/22 Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon - All Media Types, Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series), Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Anime), Pocket Monsters: Gold & Silver & Crystal | Pokemon Gold Silver Crystal Versions, Pocket Monsters: Red & Green & Blue & Yellow | Pokemon Red Green Blue Yellow Versions Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Wataru | Lance/Reader, Wataru | Lance/Original Character(s) Characters: Wataru | Lance, Kenji | Tracey Sketchit, Ookido Yukinari-hakase | Professor Samuel Oak, Reader, Original Pokemon Trainer(s), Sakaki | Giovanni, Rocket-dan | Team Rocket, Kimono Girls, You Additional Tags: Reader-Insert, Chaptered, Fluff, Realistic, Romance, Banter, Eventual Romance, Slow Burn, Slow Build, Slow Romance, Confusion, Love Triangles Summary:

Dragon Master Lance of the Elite Four. It's quite a title. Does he live up to it?

At first, you're not too impressed with his arrogance, despite his resume. But, as with many things, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

And, who knows? Maybe one day, you'll fall in love.

[Reader x Lance]

[penguiduck]

Chapters: 8/? Fandom: 幽☆遊☆白書 | YuYu Hakusho: Ghost Files Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Kurama | Minamino Shuuichi/Reader, Kurama | Minamino Shuuichi/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Kurama | Minamino Shuuichi, Youko Kurama, Hiei (YuYu Hakusho), Urameshi Yuusuke, Yukimura Keiko, Kuwabara Kazuma, Kuwabara Shizuru, Koenma (YuYu Hakusho), Yukina (YuYu Hakusho), Reader Additional Tags: Sequel, Reader-Insert, you - Freeform, Companion Piece, Weddings, Wedding Fluff, Wedding Planning, Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Friendship, POV Second Person, Post-Canon, Canon Compliant, Comedy, Romance Summary:

Your relationship with Kurama has been both strenuous and tender, frightening and joyful, grievous and extraordinary. You never thought you’d one day be confronted with the existence of demons and alternate worlds outside of your own—but you’re now engaged to Kurama, a fox demon of great wit and charm, and you could not be happier.

Despite the chaotic and life-threatening events that occurred since the inception of your relationship, they also brought you closer together, challenging the standard pace of affairs for human lovers. Nevertheless, you’re here today, as in love as you could be, and when you finally announce your engagement, a variety of new dilemmas arise.

Wedding planning presents its own conflicts. Florists and caterers, invitations and RSVPs, wedding registries and bachelor parties, oh my! How will you make it through the next year?

[Reader/Kurama]

A lighthearted, post-event companion to "Embracing the Seasons."

[penguiduck]

Chapters: 20/22 Fandom: Pocket Monsters | Pokemon - All Media Types, Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Main Video Game Series), Pocket Monsters | Pokemon (Anime), Pocket Monsters: Gold & Silver & Crystal | Pokemon Gold Silver Crystal Versions, Pocket Monsters: Red & Green & Blue & Yellow | Pokemon Red Green Blue Yellow Versions Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Wataru | Lance/Reader, Wataru | Lance/Original Character(s) Characters: Wataru | Lance, Kenji | Tracey Sketchit, Ookido Yukinari-hakase | Professor Samuel Oak, Reader, Original Pokemon Trainer(s), Sakaki | Giovanni, Rocket-dan | Team Rocket, Kimono Girls, You Additional Tags: Reader-Insert, Chaptered, Fluff, Realistic, Romance, Banter, Eventual Romance, Slow Burn, Slow Build, Slow Romance, Confusion, Love Triangles Summary:

Dragon Master Lance of the Elite Four. It's quite a title. Does he live up to it?

At first, you're not too impressed with his arrogance, despite his resume. But, as with many things, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

And, who knows? Maybe one day, you'll fall in love.

[Reader x Lance]

[penguiduck]

2023 and On Writing Plan!

Hello, Dear Readers!

As I’m combing through comments and emails, and responding to as many as I can, I am overwhelmed by the supportive community. So, to those who reached out to me via whatever channel or commented on my works while I was out of commission, I appreciate you. <3

Now, I’m trying to come up with a strategy. Basically, how am I going to get back into writing after being gone for so long?

Well, I’ve come to some possible conclusions, so I figured I’d share them with you:

Some of my behaviors will be changing to make my time more efficient. For example, I used to wait until I was about to post an update to respond to comments. I may be doing this throughout the day now as I have a bit of time on my phone, maybe while the baby naps or between appointments at work. Things like this!

I will try to keep to the current chapter length for each respective piece of fiction consistent, but going forward, chapters will likely be longer. I generally can get updates out faster in smaller segments, but I’m not looking for speed now, per se, as much as consistency. This will allow me to save time in the posting process, and I can stick with a story longer so I don’t forget what transpires when switching back to it from updating something else. My memory is not what it used to be, embarrassingly enough.

Unfortunately, I will be indefinitely discontinuing my Expression of Thanks raffle. I hate doing this, but it’s a huge time-sucker that I could enjoy doing when I had fewer responsibilities—just not with a baby! I am sincerely sorry about this. I hope to do this again in the future.

I have a few active projects currently:

Armistice

Taming a Dragon

Star Forger

Chasing Autumn

Jaharaan Love

I will be prioritizing Taming a Dragon and Chasing Autumn first as TaD is almost finished, and CA is short and sweet.

Next, I will focus on Armistice and Star Forger. Both are projects that I am passionate about. Armistice is outlined quite far out, and I actually already have content written in future chapters for key plot events. Star Forger is huge undertaking for me, but I am so, so excited about bringing a quality WWYFF to the YYH world, so I’m going to do my best!

Afterward, I will pour all that I have into updating the rewrite of Jaharaan Love, which is my first love and brainchild. I might sneak some work into this project even amongst the other updates, but I really want to bring this to life for the readers who have stuck with me since the beginning. Its sister story, Dalanten Hope, is likely to either be updated concurrently or after I finish the revamp.

Lastly… well, I don’t really know. I always have ideas for reader-inserts and WWYFFs. I have a dream to be published one day, but who knows? I have a daughter now, and she will be my focus for the next ten years until she decides she’s a big girl and doesn’t want constant attention from Mom all the time. I’ll do my best to keep up with writing until then—it’s a skill I’m going to have to continue to flex.

Of course, I ask for your patience. I understand the prospect of getting updates so scantly is not appealing. But if you’re still a reader-insert-lover like me, that desire to read high quality fiction never really goes away…

Much love to you all! Thank you for all you do to support me!

[penguiduck]

Hey! Are you the same Penguiduck from Lunaesence? I heard you were leading the revamp (alongside Diamond April), and seeing that you have a baby (congrats, btw), I'm wondering if that was why the sudden disappearance? A lot of us were super worried!

If this isn't you, whoops, you have the same penname. Don't mind me :) I was hoping for the website to be archived by Open Doors, if it's never returning. Hope you're having a great day!

Hello! I am the same Penguiduck!

I'm definitely not leading the revamp, though--that is very much a rumor. lol. I haven't been a moderator since 2019, so I'm in the dark as much as you. I also donated a heavy sum of funds back in the day, so as I'm sure as you can relate, I'm very disappointed in its disappearance.

I'm sorry. I know that isn't the answer you're looking for, but I don't have any leads for you.

Take care!

[penguiduck]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 幽☆遊☆白書 | YuYu Hakusho: Ghost Files (Anime & Manga) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Hiei (YuYu Hakusho)/Reader, Hiei (YuYu Hakusho)/Original Female Character(s) Characters: Reader, Hiei (YuYu Hakusho) Additional Tags: Fluff, Reader-Insert, POV Second Person, Post-Canon, One Shot Series: Part 29 of An Expression of Thanks Summary:

Marriage wasn’t everything. It was just a piece of paper, a certificate with two names scribbled in black ink. Some ordained officiant would watch you both sign the document and declare your relationship to any guests who cared to show up as witnesses.

That was the bare minimum for a legal marriage.

It really didn’t mean anything.

[Reader x Hiei] For KitsuneKirei, Winner of the January and February 2022 Raffle.