#okami rayne ask

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne! 😘 This is a no-pressure ASK so don’t worry if you don’t want to answer! Also please don’t see this as pressure for you to write (and appease this lurker lol) but only as interest 🧡. Even if you never write more for BtB/HHU, when u said u had the plot worked out I had to ask b/coz I have no self control (ha ADHD FTW!) and my btb headcanons are screaming for info. Was so psyched about Naru & Sas, any more new / POV characters u had planned on appearing/writing? Mwah! 💋 Lovings!

Hi Anon! Thank you for your ASK and your curiosity🥹 You sweet people who show interest are helping heal the third degree burns on my writer’s spirit from burnout. ❤️‍🩹🙏🏼 Thank you. You’re all just so awesome 🫶🏼

Thank you also for the no-pressure caveat. I truly appreciate that understanding 💜

[…] when u said u had the plot worked out I had to ask b/coz I have no self control (ha ADHD FTW!) and my btb headcanons are screaming for info.

🤣😂 Love this. Well I’ve got it worked out insofar as I usually do (the big plot points) with huge wiggle room for surprises and shifts…I’ve already had a few and that’s only from 8 chapters 😧 Writing certain characters always throws such delightful or disturbing curveballs!

Was so psyched about Naru & Sas,

Ah yay! 😮‍💨 I’m chuffed you’re happy to see Sasuke and Naruto as MCs. Being in their headspace is very interesting, challenging, and humbling. And as always I hope to do them justice 🙏🏼 with narrative license within the BtB world. So thank you for the thumbs up! 👍🏼

any more new / POV characters u had planned on appearing/writing?

Oh, ho, ho! It’s gif time. I have no self-control either in this realm 😆 Not sure if they’ll all be in POV capacity but some may very well be.

Characters lined up:

Possibly others? That’s where the wiggle room comes in. Others may pop up. Or pop in. Not sure these next ones class as new but they’re in there:

Again, possibly more. Other Hyūga members too…ah, and then there’s the OG Konoha 11 chūnin that’ll be popping up 🥰 Unresolved issues abound! Especially for Tenten, Lee, and of course Ino & Kiba…Chōji 😢…Hinata…Sakura (re: Sasuke)…it’s a messy aftermath…

Thanks again, Anon for your interest and your understanding 💜

[thebeingofeverything]

7 and 17 for the (yet another) ask game?

7. What’s a trope you love to write?

Hurt/Comfort is my main, probly, tho also I'm not even sure what tropes I tend to include in my fics, enemies to lovers? Any kinda demonic awakening/power reveal since I've done Rin's unsealing like a billion times lol Lots of cannibalism and demonic violence bc I'm a sucker for monsters and the whole fun host of metaphors that come with cannibalism lol

17. Are there any writers and/of stories that you consider an influence?

Yesss so many. Just fic authors alone, I have Maldoror_Chant, who wrote my absolute favorite fic The Arrangement that pretty much rewrote my entire brain and had some of the best action scenes of any fic I've read. Also the Break to Breathe trilogy by Okami Rayne had me emotional for like a solid month after I binged it and it's still one of my favorite Naruto fics to this day. Writing emotions and visual aspects in general was always my weak spot so when I found stories and styles that included those things I tried to focus on how they wrote so I could incorporate it into my own style.

For non-fics I'd say Anne Rice for the Vampire trilogy, Animorphs by K.A. Applegate, and pretty much all Niel Gaiman's works had a huge impact on me growing up and every time I reread them I pick up more bits I love about them.

Thanks for the ask~

[shadlay]

Shadlay’s FanFiction Recc List

I’ve been asked for one, so here we go. Authors and specific titles included.

DF= Dead Fic. SG= Still Going. F= Finished.

Dreaming of Sunshine: SilverQueen (SG)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7347955/1/Dreaming-of-Sunshine

A great story, that isn’t held back by the fact that it stars a self-insert. Honestly one of the best fanfictions ever.

Rain, 39 days, Kisoutengai KinYobi and Heartbeat: Mussimm (F)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4819281/1/39-Days

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4709463/1/Rain

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4649106/1/Kisoutengai-KinYoubi

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4554490/1/Heartbeat

Honestly some of my favourite ShikaTema stories, I like to read when I feel down. Drama, Romance, Humour and Body Swapping. I love it all.

Anaisthistos or Loveless: Iwannabeamongoose (DF)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3728535/1/Anaisthitos-or-Loveless

I read this one during high school, it sadly isn’t finished but it’s still worth a read.

A Heart of Gold:  Haileyamandar (F)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3787975/1/A-Heart-of-Gold

Read this one aaaaages ago. Read it like it’s a Naruto movie.

https://www.fanfiction.net/u/1525520/PSITeleport - Author

Great stories, so give them a read if you like ShikaTema.

https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2218705/Kenchi618 - Author

This guy writes actiony Naruto fan fictions, several of which have Shikamaru in them. Better Left Unsaid is a good starting point if you wanna see if you like it. Warning to you, Naruto quickly becomes OP in these stories.

Oh God not Again!: Sarah1281 (F)

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4536005/1/Oh-God-Not-Again

A Harry Potter fanfiction I read just recently. An oldy but a goody.

The Break to Breathe Series: Okami Rayne (F)

https://www.fanfiction.net/u/2063496/Okami-Rayne

ShikaNeji might be a crack ship, and the series is a little hard to get into, but once you get to on the cusp and requiem, the story is so good, you won’t even notice the odd pairing.

And that’s all that comes to mind for now. Let me know if you give any of these a try, they all have my stamp of approval. Please remember to comment if you read a story, even if it's from 10 years ago, you never know what that kindness can do for people.

[misscellophane-ao3]

🌹 and five fics

for every "🌹" received in my inbox i'll post one random sentence of a random WIP i'm currently writing

-

“Yeah, she might have been joking but she said,” Peter tilted his head, looking confused, “That she felt sorry for you? She also called me an idiot.”

-

ASK ME MY “TOP 5/TOP 10” ANYTHING!

Five fics I love? Hmmm. That’s hard to narrow down... Oh! I know!

In no particular order (because it's so hard to choose) -

1. Break to breath by Okami Rayne (Naruto, ShikaNeji, Ao3/FFN, Rated M, Series, Completed)

This is the first series I remember actually jumping up and squealing when I got notified there was a new part in the series. It’s darker than I usually read but I just loved the characters and the plot so much and the way it’s written is just amazing. I wish I could write this good.

2. Trichromatic by Scarlet_Gryphon (Harry Potter, Draco/Harry/Neville, Ao3/FFN, Rated T, Completed)

First fic I read of this pairing and it made me fall in love with it. Also, Time Travel plus Soulmate Au. Need I say more?

3. burns like cinders by dayevsphil (Percy Jackson series, Valdangelo,Ao3, Rated M, Oneshot, Completed)

Beautiful, just beautiful. The flow? The build up? The soft Nico vibes? Sweater weather? All in Leo’s POV? It’s great.

4. Another Chance by Tiro (Naruto, Gen, FFN, Rated M, Completed)

I just love this so much. Older, Tired Naruto?Yes. Protective Gaara? Hell yeah, Slightly insane Shikamaru? Sign me up!

5. Attention, Please! by yellow_caballero (BMC, Boyf_riends, Ao3, Rated T, Completed)

I don’t remember ever reading a story like this before and I love the teen beach movie vibe it was going for.

[okamirayne]

BtB READER ASK:

Still plugging away at the next chapter for Heaven Hold Us, and thought I'd drop this ASK for you guys. To all the BtB readers out there, your inquiring Word Witch would love to know which you prefer regarding Chapter length...thanks! xxx

[okamirayne]

Hiya Rayne-chan! Just dropping by to send some love and to thank you again for the latest chapter. I think I've read it like five times now 😅. How are you managing the next chapter? Are you pacing yourself ok? (Provided you're still writing HHU! Not meant as pressure!) Your latest burnout post was really interesting and I hope that you're taking care of yourself. Mwah! xoxox 💋💋

Hey there, Anon!

Awww, thanks for the love, sweetie. Consider it absorbed by osmosis.

[...] thank you again for the latest chapter. I think I've read it like five times now 😅

Oh bless you. You're welcome! I'm so happy you've enjoyed it so much.

How are you managing the next chapter? Are you pacing yourself ok? (Provided you're still writing HHU! Not meant as pressure!)

You're very sweet to enquire, and I appreciate the no-pressure caveat. 🥰 Oh yes, I'm cracking on with Chapter 9 and hope to have it out shortly. Argh. It frustrates me that I can't produce at the level I used to...which risks me sounding like a mouth-breathing hypocrite given the Burnout Recovery journey.

I need to get over my old narrative and work with what energy and time I have to spare. Which is precisely what I'm doing. I'm presently 14,000 words into this chapter...and I haven't even changed scene yet....oh....

Faaarrrrrkkkk......

*laughs hysterically, manically, TRAGICALLY*....

I don't know why this always happens...but in this case I'll blame beautiful, bloody Hiashi...and his bastard, bloody father.

Trying to take care of myself, yes. It's a steep learning curve for the stupider (bad-habit) parts of my brain. Thanks again, sweetie. I hope you enjoy the next chapter when it's finally bloody posted. I appreciate the love!💜💜💜

[okamirayne]

I finished the entire BtB series (and HHU) about a week ago and it hasn't left my mind even once.

I'm not quite sure how to put my thanks into words: You managed to make me feel so obsessed with reading like when I was a kid. I stayed up until 4 am, had to literally force myself to sleep because I was (am!) so incredibly invested. No other piece of literature has done that since like... 6 years? I cried, screamed, laughed, gasped, blushed at so many scenes - the heartache was genuinely so beautiful.

I know the first part of BtB is quite old and your writing has improved a lot since then but all the parts read incredibly seamlessly.

I could *hear* the characters voices in my head while reading, picture the scenes like a movie in my head. The attention to detail and the accuracy of the characters makes me so incredibly happy. Usually when reading, I notice every single distraction going on around me and it's so rare that something pulls me in to the point I just zero in on the story.

There's a lot of scenes that stuck in my mind and to my surprise, I resonated most with your characterisation of Genma. I went in a die-hard Neji fan (and still am) and came out with a deep appreciation for Shikamaru and Genma. (That being said, I also really love then way you portray the other characters, especially Hiashi and Ibiki who I really didn't like before.)

Genma's story just... God it has my heartstrings in a death grip. His never-ending jack-assery and dirty jokes and the way Raido sees right through it.

The fact he held onto items important to him and related to the people he loved most...

The way he handled Shikamaru and Asuma and Kurenai's baby while still insisting he doesn't do well with children.

The way he made Kakashi say what he feels near the end of UtS in an ass-backwards way but a way that didn't allow for deception and empty words.

But, I think the moment that made me sob and laugh and feel the most was when he said "You ruined it" - that fucking killed me right then and there.

When I first met Genma in your story I was really sceptical and suspicious of him, thinking he was somehow the bad guy. And then I grew to love him and hurt for him. That was so extremely well done.

I also have to get off my chest that I love, love, love the way you described his drug trips (and Kakashi's little endeavor with medicines) as well as dreams and flashbacks. I find that these things are mostly feelings and oh so confused and confusing that it's hard to put into words but you genuinely excel at it.

I also love the transitions of dreams back to reality. Keyword here being "back". God, nothing hurt me more than reading that word in HHU. I think you know which scene I mean.

I also read through old asks and found out more about Naoki and Karibi. I love these two so much as well. Karibi struck me as very interesting and I'm glad I got to find out how she lived and died. Especially because HHU kind of alluded to her commiting or attempting suicide.

Naoki... My heart hurts for him. This poor, poor man. I'm so fucking glad he didn't have to die alone. He was so strong for Genma though, building him up, putting him on the right path and giving him a verbal slap for being an addict, giving Kakashi and him his blessings eventhough he used to be so possessive and protective of Genma.

His story really is tragically beautiful and incredibly complex. I really wanted him to live but realistically I knew it wasn't going to happen.

How old were Karibi, Naoki and Genma when they joined Team Yokai? When Inoichi saw Genma and Naoki kiss and Genma talks about his Senbon hitting certain nerves (hehe), they're said to be about 17 and I remember it being mentioned that Naoki took a while to "bottom" in bed due to his childhood trauma.

Also can we talk about the Tsubomi poem? That is so *beautiful*. Did it come easy to you or was it hard to write? It fits so incredibly perfectly to Naoki and Ino.

One thing that confuses me about the storyline is the epilogue of Requiem, where Genma has a flashback(?) about Shuken holding Naoki hostage and making him reveal his name. Could you explain to a confused-maybe-stupid-me when that takes place and how Genma and Naoki escape from that situation?

I can't stop gushing about your story so i won't:

Shuken's character is also so well written. When we first meet him in Shikamarus flashbacks, I was also oddly intrigued eventhough I had an idea about what sort of fucked up things he'd done to Shikamaru. You wrote his seductiveness really well. And then he reveals his age and I got *deeply* disturbed and as we learn more I just got more and more disturbed. The progression was so well done, I felt like I was sort of experiencing what Shikamaru was going through. The use of "Shika" sent cold shivers down my spine.

I also really loved your wheels within wheels and walls within walls metaphor for the ANBU. It creates such an amazing mental image that can be played around with so creatively.

Aaa. Okay. I think I got most of my thoughts down so far. I'm sure I'll come back to gush some more, maybe ask some more.

Thank you so much for this amazing story and all the work and hours you put into it. I can't wait to read more from you 💙

My dear @sunlightrays 💙💙 Thank you so much for both your patience with me as I finally secure the time to respond, and of course, for the phenomenal feedback you've given me. As expressed in my private DM. It impacted me immensely...and I am still moved and altered by it -- thank you. I will endeavour in this reply to answer your Qs to the best of my ability, given that I do tend to revert back into a blob of incoherent feels every time I revisit this message...💙

I know the first part of BtB is quite old and your writing has improved a lot since then but all the parts read incredibly seamlessly.

Oh dear lord...that first installment....*cringes* oh the temptation to rewrite it, luv...THE TEMPTATION....(aww, thank you though, I appreciate that you felt it all flowed together).

There's a lot of scenes that stuck in my mind and to my surprise, I resonated most with your characterisation of Genma. [...] Genma's story just... God it has my heartstrings in a death grip. His never-ending jack-assery and dirty jokes and the way Raido sees right through it.

Oh, luv, I do so love writing Genma and his respective relationships, whether platonic or romantic.

I'm so freaking happy you took a shine to his portrayal in BtB! The feedback you have given me with WHY and WHAT you loved about Genma's portrayal and story was just...I can't even begin to describe how nourishing that was to my writer's soul. If every writer were to receive this kind of feedback, I can see their proverbial cups running over with gratitude and inspiration. Thank you so, so much.

I also love the transitions of dreams back to reality. Keyword here being "back". God, nothing hurt me more than reading that word in HHU. I think you know which scene I mean.

Ah god damn, but you hit me hard with the love you showed my OCs. Thank you so, so much for that and for sharing what it was that drew you in -- especially with Naoki. 💗💗💗 (Even Shuken, dare I say)

How old were Karibi, Naoki and Genma when they joined Team Yokai?

13 to 14 years old. Naoki joined when he was 13, Karibi and Genma at 14. By the time they were assigned to Team Yokai, they were all 16.

When Inoichi saw Genma and Naoki kiss and Genma talks about his Senbon hitting certain nerves (hehe), they're said to be about 17 and I remember it being mentioned that Naoki took a while to "bottom" in bed due to his childhood trauma.

Correct! They'd have been 17/18 years old at that time. Age 19 is when Naoki tragically accepted Danzo's offer and was listed as KIA after his 'fake death'.

Re: intimacy issues. Right you are. Due to his childhood abuse, Naoki refused to "bottom" for the longest time. It took a hell of a lot for Genma to work through that with him. Karibi helped with this too.

Also can we talk about the Tsubomi poem? That is so *beautiful*. Did it come easy to you or was it hard to write? It fits so incredibly perfectly to Naoki and Ino.

Aww....I'm so touched you felt that way about Naoki's poem for Ino. It's such a tough question to answer. Anything that is deeply personal or painful for the characters always twinges my heartstrings when writing...but for Naoki, his guarded emotions came out in his seldom seen/heard creativity / art, so writing it was easy in the sense that it flowed into my head easily from the character, but it was hard in the sense that it reflected so much of Naoki's pain as well as his love.

One thing that confuses me about the storyline is the epilogue of Requiem, where Genma has a flashback(?) about Shuken holding Naoki hostage and making him reveal his name. Could you explain to a confused-maybe-stupid-me when that takes place and how Genma and Naoki escape from that situation?

Oh my dearest, YOU are in no way the confused-maybe-stupid party in this. In fact, "I" am the idiot who cut a LOT of scenes surrounding Naoki's torture at Shuken's hands and the escape situation *epic facepalm* In hindsight, I would love to go back and edit that by re-writing/editing and INCLUDING those scenes. I can see the holes there from the reader's perspective, and if I hadn't been operating like a runaway train at the time, I'd have slowed down to correct that error.

So, that scene where Genma has the nightmare flashback of Shuken holding Naoki hostage. Let me do a breakdown chronology as it's the easiest way my fucked-up spiderweb mind-map can be translated into a linear sequence....

Naoki gets stabby-happy with Shuken (plunges that needle into his neck) and fucks up his ROOT mission, but prioritises saving Shikamaru

Naoki needs Genma to "buy him time" while he tries to fix the trauma and everything coming undone in Shikamaru's head

So Genma goes happy-hunting on the Freak Show as Naoki deep dives into Shikamaru's brainpan

(DELETED SCENE) Naoki stablisies Shuken so the natural energy doesn't kill him. Then Naoki deep-dives into Shikamaru's brainpan and meets with some complications because of the natural energy swimming around inside him.

(cont. DELETED SCENE) Naoki tries to stabilise Shikamaru too, but gets interrupted mid-brain-and-body-fix by more Freak Show cross-breeds looking for bossman Shuken. Naoki can't complete what he's doing with Shikamaru and needs more time. He hides Shikamaru and takes out the opponents interrupting him before rushing to assist Genma

He assists Genma lol -- ends up getting injured (takes a nasty blow to his hip, if I recall)

He tells Genma he needs more time with Shikamaru to fix the kid

Genma is too busy freaking out about Naoki stabbing his mark/Shuken in the neck and the consequences of this action

They get interrupted by more Freak Show mutants, which sabotages Naoki's plan to regroup with Shikamaru and use the Nagu blood vial to get them the hell out

Naoki opts to stay behind to distract the Freak Show and give Genma time to get Shikamaru out, so he kisses Genma in a heated moment to shut him up and save time by connecting their minds where he " communicated in seconds what would've taken minutes to put into words; why Tenka had killed those children; where he'd hidden Shikamaru; what he'd tried to do to fix him; the secret route he planned to use to get them out; and lastly, what he was asking Genma to do – no, ordering him to do." -UtS

He tells Genma to get Shikamaru out, basically, even though he hasn't finished 'fixing' the kid. Naoki gets caught (DELETED SCENE)

Genma does as he's ordered, only he can't bring himself to leave Naoki behind again so after crossing through the portal so Shuken can't reach the kid, he hides and secures Shikamaru (DELETED SCENE) and returns to go and help Naoki, letting himself get caught in the process

Naoki in the meantime has been at Shuken's mercy (or lack thereof) and is receiving a traitor's punishment (DELETED SCENE) -- it is at this point that Genma's flashback dream comes into play where Shuken is starting to shown signs of transmogrification due to the natural energy in his system (think Sound Four on steroids) and wants to know Genma's name and where he stashed Shikamaru

(LONG DELETED SCENE) Meanwhile, Kurayami is borne in Shikamaru's consciousness and THAT is the person that wakes up when Shikamaru finally comes to. He secures himself some Nagu blood, re-enters the portal and goes on the hunt for Shuken

(HUGE DELETED SCENE - hinted at in Genma's memories when he's talking to Tsunade) Shikamaru/Kurayami finds Shuken. He goes for Shuken like a heat-seeking missile, taking out mutants as he goes, unintentionally freeing Genma in the process, his shadows bringing chaos. He does damage. A lot of it. But in the last minute Naoki comes between Shuken and Shikamaru and gets Shuken's knife in the back. Shuken is out for the count after that. Naoki, knife in back, prioritises clamping his hands to Shikamaru's head, trying to shut down Kurayami and lock the alter away, as the whole building is coming down.

This was Naoki's last bid effort to try to save Shikamaru's mind by sealing off all the alters, knowing he didn't have time to integrate them.

Shocked Genma snaps into Kaika mode and gets his shit together, scooping up unconscious Shikamaru and running like a mo-fo with Naoki in tow

Naoki can't run any further, he falls and is bleeding out, tells Genma to run one last time and get the kid to safety, reminding him that Shikamaru can't be allowed to remember etc. Makes Genma swear an oath to him.

Though it costs him his heart, Genma does as he's told one final time. And it's too late to go back again after getting Shikamaru to safety at last. He believes Naoki is dead.

Phew! Sorry for that LONG list. I hope it clarifies for you those missing/deleted scenes, sweetie? Sorry again for any confusion. I own that as a big mistake on my part; sadly at the time, the mammoth wordcount and my runaway brain steamrolled ahead. In hindsight, I'd absolutely fix those gaps upon revision.

Aaa. Okay. I think I got most of my thoughts down so far. I'm sure I'll come back to gush some more, maybe ask some more.

You are most welcome to, luv. I am delighted and humbled by your interest and your huge support for my fic. Thank you for your patience with my response and thank you again, so, SO much for such an outstanding response to my insane contribution to the Naruto fandom.

I am grateful beyond measure and meant every single word I wrote you in that DM. I repeatedly revisit this review and I shall for as long as I write. 💗💗💗 Thank you.

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne, I'm such a big fan of your writing! I've read the BtB series three times now and I'm always taken aback how amazing it is. Your talent is astounding! That series is one of my biggest writing influences and a safe place.

I hope this is not a rude question, but I wanted to ask you about your original work. Can you tell us readers and fans something about it (the world, the theme, some characters)? I know you're currently in a burnout which must suck and you should take all the time you need, but I (as many others, I'm sure) would love to know a bit about it. I'm a curious kitty, what can I say? Give a sis some details, I'm dying over here lol

Jokes aside, I wish you all the best. Forever a fan and an admirer! <3

...*reads, unsuspecting and unprepared*....

*processes*.....

........... *takes a moment*

.....

....

2 mins later...

So yeah, my attempt to compose a response within the same day as reading your message utterly failed, Anon. I needed more time to contain myself.

Firstly Sweetheart, I'm so thankful for your incredibly warm, personal, and downright amazingly supportive feedback. I am so chuffed you feel that way about the BtB series, and that it is a crazy ride you're happy to revisit! Thank you for giving it that love. <3

I hope this is not a rude question, but I wanted to ask you about your original work.

Can you tell us readers and fans something about it (the world, the theme, some characters)? I know you're currently in a burnout which must suck and you should take all the time you need, but I (as many others, I'm sure) would love to know a bit about it. I'm a curious kitty, what can I say? Give a sis some details, I'm dying over here lol

*gets steamrolled by her feels*

Yep. Lost that battle.

Oh my dear, Curious~Kitty Anon...please know, there is no universe, within the great multiverses of existence, in which your question qualifies as rude. I am moved beyond measure by your interest in my original works...I mean, if I get the warm glowy fuzzies from your interest in BtB....can you imagine what kind of supernova goes off inside my writer's heart when you express interest in my Original Works, worlds, and characters?

Do you know what that does to my crumbling British decorum?

*behold crumbling British decorum*

Seriously though, you're an absolute sweetheart. I NEVER presume interest in my originals, which is why when a reader expresses interest...I experience myself at the event horizon of a beautiful meltdown (the good kind)...

Wow...where to start to even begin to answer your question(s)? Tropes sounds like the easiest way to go, as it's a really underrated way of bringing clarity...ha, kind of like AO3 hashtags/tags.

The world: There are several worlds floating within the dark matter inhabiting my brain, namely three big-world series I want to write in my lifetime. Though the most present WIP is the world from which Tsubasa Hibari, Tsubasa Kitori, Mizugumo, and a few other BtB cameo OCs originate. Needless to say, it's a fictional world inspired by Far East Asia; in NO way meant to represent any historical portrayal (given that it's got anachronistic elements), though leaning heavily on, and inspired by, the relevant tropes of certain eras of those times (such as samurai, ninja, feudal society, etc.). Throw in characters enhanced by a vital-energy magical system based on Asian (namely Chinese/Taoist) philosophy (not dissimilar to many fictional 'magic' systems, such as Kishimoto's Indian/East Asian inspired "chakra" system but not as high-fantasy in nature -- which is why I'd classify mine as magical-realism rather than pure fantasy)

The theme: ragtag group of heroes/anti-heroes/questionable-moral-compass-people, unite and embark upon (a.k.a. are reluctantly thrown into) an insane adventure/quest/wild-ass-ride-or-die-mission to save a divided world that is fast going down the crapper. Time is of the essence, and all that nail-biting jazz. Loyalty. Betrayal. Love. Hate. Angst. Humour. War. Passion. High-road or low-road moral drama. Oorah! I mean, hell, you've read BtB...so you know how I roll with the glorious trainwreck of humanity and enjoy stopping at all its crazy stations.

Some characters: Well you've met one of the main characters already (albeit it an extremely watered-down or BtB-altered version), Tsubasa Hibari, along with his crazy mama, Kitori, and his power-drunk father and sociopathic uncle, Fukuro and Ozuku. Although within their own world, they are of samurai/daimyo class...which would make Hibari a rōnin, rather than a rogue-nin (lol). Mizugumo features, as a ninja, and is still peddling her various poisons, little pink-pills of paradise, purgatory, and perdition. Other OCs abound, and some monikers among the characters will be familiar to BtB readers, such as the inescapable "lovebird".

I know, I've trope-ified the shit out of things, but you know what? It works. Or maybe it doesn't and Curious~Kitty is thinking "Rayne, wtf? That doesn't tell me shit." ...in which case, I gotta revise my entire "AO3 TAG" approach...and invite you to ask me whatever you want to know (my only caveat being any non-response from me is based on the grounds of SPOILER ALERT, 'HERE THERE BE DEMONS' or "IT'S A SURPRISE"...)

Thank you.

Thank you sincerely and supremely, for the amazing show of kindness, interest, love, and all-round super awesome support. And bless you, also, for your consideration of my being presently stuck in the ass-end of burnout. Messages such as yours lift my heart from that smoking black pit and grant me a flicker of the old writer's fire. That flame WILL catch again and when it does it will be in no small part thanks to readers such as yourself, who reached out like a hand in the dark. Big love here. I am an atomic wreck of appreciation. Thank you. <3

[okamirayne]

hi! i imagine you get asked this a lot so please feel free to ignore this question, but i was just wondering if you’ll feed us some soft shikamaru x neji content soon? i keep checking your tumblr every day in case there are any updates on this ahaha i realize you are very busy so please don’t take this question as a demand or pressuring, just wanted to check as i was curious ❤️ absolutely love your work, not even joking - it’s the best work ive ever read, thank you so much for this 😭

Hey there Anon!

Oh wow! 😲Thanks so much for the phenomenal BtB ShikaNeji support!! 💗 I’m beyond chuffed that you feel so much love for the series. Thank you for letting me know! 💜

Alas, I am still deep in the ass-end of a hellacious burnout.

Sadly, I don’t predict any updates for the foreseeable future, luv. Though I’m so touched and happy to learn there’s still interest, given the time that’s passed and how many people have gravitated away from the fandom. If I DO manage to cook up more than pathetic fumes in my brainpan, I may attempt some BtB drabbles, though I’m not sure how well those may be received given my usual monster chapters??? 🤔 Either way, huge thanks for the support and BtB love, Anon!!! 💕

[okamirayne]

Another! Do you look up to any of your writer buddies? ☺️

But of course!! Writing isn’t easy. Storytelling isn’t easy. To be fair, I tip my proverbial hat to all creatives (writers, artists, musicians, storytellers, crafts-people etc) who pursue their creative passions — whether that be professionally or as a personal hobby they choose to share with the world. These gifts are needed... and this world can burn many of us out before we’re done cooking. I respect the creative fire living in all these people and lighting all these paths... and I know the cost of sustaining it amidst the stresses that can often suffocate the flame and kill the spark before it can catch. Kudos to the creatives. But I also say kudos to those who receive our worlds and works. To those who support us, champion us, reach out to us, help us stoke the flame and make it possible for us to pursue our talents or passions playfully or professionally. Without those who give of their time and money to invest, read, listen to, enjoy, or engage with our works (and with us), the fire wouldn’t burn quite the same...if at all, for some...perhaps for many. Especially those who simply become too swamped with staying afloat to have time for their creativity. The ‘struggling artist’ narrative is no lie. And the industry can be brutal. But such brutality and struggle is a shared story for most of humanity across most professions given the way this world is currently wired. If creativity can bring about works that make the world a little kinder and easier for someone struggling with their own personal story, then that’s a pretty damned awesome thing. Do I look up to my writer buddies? It’s more that I look across to them, to anyone really, who is in the same ring; whether they’re throwing or rolling with the punches; whether their back is against the ropes or life has them sprawled on the floor in a chokehold and they’re fighting not to tap out. I also look across to those who are dropkicking their way to victory and are heavy weight winners... and to those who aren’t, but still get in the arena, ready to go another round and come out swinging. Like most choices, if not all choices, Creativity has a cost. I admire those who pay it. And I am grateful for those who remind us why we do — and why it’s worth it. 💗

[okamirayne]

Aah!!! Will you write Teen Wolf!??? What got you into it??? Totally Sterek shipper but whatcha think about Sciles???

Heya Anon...😁

Will I ever write Teen Wolf? Never say never.

What got me into it?

Despite being avoidant of almost all things supernatural!teenage related these days, a friend sold me on the Wolf thing — wolves being my favourite animal — and the fact that there was an actor in the series that resembles two OCs in my head and whom I’ve really enjoyed watching in other movies...and to watch him in a comedic AND serious role during his up-and-coming days was testament to his excellent acting — often stealing the show. Loved his arc — especially when it involved a Japanese mythological element and some great showcasing of his skills and range.

Sure didn’t hurt that some angsty storylines were thrown in there...plus the pretty glowy eyes is always a bonus... not to mention said pretty glowy eyes on scruffy “eye candy” alpha males, especially as the characters matured thoughout the series.

Strong Male power struggles are always interesting and I write characters who battle animal instincts vs the “humanity within” so it really appealed. Also, despite some seriously cringey writing (and acting) and plot holes, I enjoyed the escapism and really enjoyed a couple of the character arcs and characters themselves.

I’m big time Sterek supporter as Stiles matures and ages 🙌🏼 I’m a minor sucker for the Classic yet beloved “enemies” to “friends/lovers” trope that always scratches the archetypal itch.

....as for Sciles? *shrugs* Why the hell not?

🤣 Go team.

That being said, some fandom pairings personally hit icebergs for me and I ain’t going down with those ships...but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna set them on fire and watch the petty shipping wars go nuclear — got no time for that bullshit and fanatical fandoms. I get and encourage critical discussion on canon and official pairings, but when it comes to fanfic/HC fandom fun and wishful imagining/re-imagining? I say cruise along happily in your own waters and steer clear from what doesn’t float your shipping boat without the need for vitriolic cannon fire (or canon fire, for that matter.) Chill. Live and let sail! ✌🏼💛 Thanks for the questions! 😘 🐺

[okamirayne]

How long does it take you to write a chapter? Where do you get your inspiration/get over writers block?

Hey there, Anon! Whoa. These questions have kicked me into the deep end and I adore you for backing my brain into a corner it doesn’t often like to go to...it’s opened a can of worms...

How long does it take you to write a chapter?

Literally, as long as that chapter takes to write. And forgive me luv, I honestly don’t mean that as a smart-ass response! I’ve discovered that some people seem to work to “time” and others to “content”, if that makes sense?

The example I always give is how I study. Whenever I revise for exams or I’m learning something, I always study for as long as it takes to complete the module I am revising/reading. Some people may say “I study for an hour, or an hour and a half and then I take a break”...that doesn’t compute in my brain. I study until I finish the module/chapter/section. It could take an hour. It could take 20mins. It could take 4 hours straight. I work by project/content not time. So the time it takes to write a chapter depends entirely on:

the length of the content that is flowing, which I can never predict, as I never work to word-count...ha, which might be kind of obvious given the monster-length chapters that I often churn out.

the level of inspiration I’m feeling; when it flows, beautiful, when I’m feeling blocked or struggling, jaaaysus...it’s tough.

the lack of interruptions...both my own procrastinating bullshit and legit outside factors.

Where do you get your inspiration/get over writers block?

Inspiration comes from:

Music

Sadness

Research and the works of certain thinkers

My Witch Doctors (2-3 people in my life who’ve been carefully vetted; they do more than listen when I talk creative shop; they exorcise my writing demons, ground my arse, see me in ways I cannot see myself, unearth my ruins, understand my particular strain of creative insanity and the cost of keeping it and...yeah, they’re my compass pointing true north when I get lost.)

The storytelling vibe-tribe; those individuals with whom I connect or click with when it comes to the way I approach and enjoy storytelling. Those people I’m able to have wonderful discussions with and engage in awesome chats that require lots of chai and many happy hours to spare.

Intuition and a sense of guiding hands

Dreams and synchronicity

Stars (literal stars...the cosmos triggers something in me)

Re-connection

Poetry and/or random quotes...

....and probably a mild case of psychosis; such as when characters walk into my head and start talking, or entire visuals and scenes play out like a wicked acid trip...if there are pills for this shit, I sure as hell ain’t taking them.

Now that I’ve painted myself as a psychiatrist’s wet dream, let me say that I feel a kinship with any and all artists/storytellers who are struck by the thunderbolt of ungodly (yet wholly divine) guidance and unexplainable magic when it comes to their work. It’s like dots connect in your life the way stars align; tides turn you in unexpected directions; you find your way to people, places and pieces of writing, art, music, or a myriad other sources and they all resonate like beacons guiding your story along its charted course...feels like you’re discovering something that already exists...and you know you’ve taken a wrong turn when a character doesn’t feel right or a scene doesn’t read well...you gotta re-orient and find the path again...that’s why I approach writing as something hallowed...maybe that’s also why it scares me shitless at times, which leads nicely onto...

Writers Block....

There is no way to beat this bitch other than to sit my arse down and TRY.  To just show up and start somewhere.  Sure, I can reach for any one of the inspiration points I’ve listed above to help grease the mental wheels, but they often grind to a halt the second I sit my butt down to write....It’s been challenging trying to pin-point precisely why I’ve come up against this block, given that I never used to experience it. It only hit me after having finished the BtB series...which sucks.  I could consider a variety of reasons why this happened...all of them valid...but none of them helpful for removing the obstacle. Ultimately, I just gotta sit my butt down and get over the huge screaming wall of FEAR by going THROUGH IT rather than over or around...gotta take a pick-axe (or a bloody ice-pick, in my case) to that big bad bitch and start chip-chip-chipping away at it.  I think it’s different for every writer/creative...

Thank you for posing these questions, Anon...as you can tell by my lengthy response, it got me thinking and rolling. Thank you, <3

[okamirayne]

Do you ever read fanfiction? Was there a fic or fics you've ever fallen for? Or have you strictly been on the writers side of things?

Hey there, Anon!

I used to read fanfic, back when I had the time. Now and then I indulge at Stupid O’Clock in the morning when “hello insomnia, my old friend” has my brain in a vice...despite my poor little “WTF-you-doing?” eyeballs protesting the indulgence...

Were there any fics I’ve ever fallen for? Oh for sure! There were a few great Jorian (Almost Human) ones I really, really loved. Heartbroken when the show was cancelled so I turned to fanfic for my fix of these two!

Then there were some delightful Strikeback ones (the original duo, Stonebridge/Scott, not the most recent Strikeback rubbish 😭)

I cannot resist my m/m warrior archetypes 😍

But yes, I’ve been predominantly on the writing side as I do soooooo much bloody reading outside of writing already. 😭

Thanks for the Ask, Anon!

[okamirayne]

Hi Rayne! Saw a cool post you reblogged about word count and fanfic writers writing longer works than lots of known fiction writers and I was trying to guesstimate what BtB series would look like printed out in book form and I think my brain broke, becauuse looking at word count on ffnet (like way over 1 million words) it’s like hella long girl! Can you estimate??? Oh and huge Congrats on that, Rayne!! ❤️

Hey there, Anon!

😆 It’s so funny you should ask this. My darling, talented, and incredibly thoughtful friend, who is currently transcribing BtB into German, sent me a printed copy of part of the first German BtB instalment (Break to Breathe) a few months back. She inspired me to get the entire series printed for myself as something to have and to hold when feeling low and disconnected, to help me through the hell of this current burnout…to remind me of what I can produce and absolutely will produce once again when I finally find the right way to crawl my arse out of the hellpit. 😭

So yes. ☺️I can do better than give you a guesstimate, my curious Anon! I can show you what the series looks like.

Bear in mind there are a few chapters missing from Heaven Hold Us as I’d added more to the fic after publishing these. This really put things into perspective for me.

Disclaimer: these print versions are for my own personal keepsake. I’m not in any way advocating selling or profiting monetarily from writing fanfic — unless it’s to donate the money elsewhere.

Aww! Thanks for the ASK and the sweet congrats. 💜 Much appreciated! 🤗

[okamirayne]

ZOMG RAYNE! This scene! "The gelatinous shit binding them together simply stretches and recoils, throwing them up and pulling them apart before it rubberband-snaps them back together again, causing snarling mouths to collide; teeth clacking, lips splitting, faces hot with— "WHY IS IT ALWAYS YOU!?" AAAAH!!! Is that the anime filler scene!??? If so LOVE THAT YOU INCLUDED THAT!

Ha! Anon! You got it.

Is that the anime filler scene!???

Oh hell yes indeed it was! ;) Glad you enjoyed the flashback ;)

[okamirayne]

HEAVEN HOLD US, CHAPTER 7