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Here's the news:

-- November 3, 2006

As usual, my delaying ends with less results than I intended. However, on the plus side, I finally have a bit of time off. This will be my second weekend off in a long time, so I have time to write again. I posted more MLC...even though it's very rough. I can't stress how difficult this was to write. I honestly wrote most of this in my head years ago, but everytime I attempt to get there, I always write another subplot or turn and it no longer works. So I just said forget it and wrote it anyway. This is technically the ending of the journey, however, I'm still writing more for the series. This particular chapter isn't completely finished, but this is the meat of it. There are a lot of untied plots that will be addressed in due time; however, I thought that any reader that could possibly be left deserves at least some attention.

-- July 6, 2006

Sorry for the long delay. I don't have an update for MLC yet, but I'm working on it. I get home at 8:30 and go to bed at 10:30 so you'll have to excuse my lack of writing time ~_~ I'm working on MLC, and will release it as soon as possible. I'm pretty much just going to finish it and then release that, so I'm not sure how long it's going to take. When I get closer, I'll update again. Again, I'm sorry for the long wait, but there's little I can do to manufacture more time. I've been revising areas I've already posted as well, so when I post the final version, please reread a few scenes up of what you've already read. I cut the last scene with Kenichi's point of view too...it was going somewhere I didn't want it to go.

-- February 20, 2006

I'm embarrassed to have gone so long again without an update. Once a long time passes without one, I try to find some inspiration to finish it, and usually lose it half way. I'm updating as per Kawahara Hikori's request to show I'm not dead. Keep in mind this update is really rough. The reason I haven't been updating is because I'm not sure if this is where I wanted to go...it certainly wasn't in the original plot. I kind of just ended up there. I really don't know what's going to happen next, because it's so far out there in terms of what I'm used to writing. Please read the new additions and let me know if they're any good. Once I figure out what happens next I'll write it!

-Note: I accidently included a bunch of stuff that I'm still typing on...so if it changes, I'll let you know. The last part in Kenichi's perspective is beyond rough...I just wrote it the other day and didn't even finish the scene. That's why it ends so abruptly.

-- October 6, 2005

Without further ado, I present one of my favorite scenes. It reveals a lot about the secret of Misery, but still leaving a lot to be questioned. I'm really at a crossroads now, wondering whether to end the series with Misery, or write some sort of fourth novela. Either way, MLC will be over very soon. I just need to figure out what I'm going to write =)

-- September 29, 2005
Quick update. I added another small section to MLC 3 for those who can't wait. It's almost over folks.

-- September 6, 2005

For those of you worried about me finishing the story, don't. I will finish it. It's taken me a long time for two reasons: 1) I had two jobs, one working with kids and I barely had time to brush my teeth. 2)I'm really tired of writing this fanfic, so I get blocked easily. I have some time for a little while before I replace my primary job (my last was a day camp junior high teacher, and now summer's over). So I'll devote some time to writing again. Keep in mind, if you want responses, please e-mail me. I'll answer any questions you have. I usually respond in 24 hours, so feel free. Otherwise, I'm off to bed. I'm going to Six Flags tomorrow...need some good rest!

-- June 24, 2005

It's been a while since I last updated, but I'm afraid I haven't been able to write much since last time. I'm working three jobs right now, so it's difficult to find time to even sleep. I'm phasing one out and starting a new one, so once things get back under control, I'll try to find some more time to write.

-- May 12, 2005

This update of MLC is dedicated to Kawahara Hikori who reminded me to keep writing. Sometimes I just forget, believe it or not. I have to say, the story is getting strange, especially for me. I had not plotted anything of what has happened since the scene at the bridge. That initially was the last time anyone would see or here from Tarou, but it turns out he's going to be the catalyst for another confrontation (another which I never plotted). It sort of came to me in between writing other scenes and while waiting to fall asleep. I'm hoping I come upon a solution soon, because I don't know how I'm going to end the story. It's sort of just happening. Writing this is almost as surprising as reading it for the first time. Well, thanks for the support everyone. I'm glad I'm not forgotten in the midst of unfinished fanfictions. As soon as I figure out who's Point of View we'll be seeing through next, I'll write the next portion. Until later.

-- April 2, 2005

I updated MLC3 substantially. If you're interested in an email anytime I update, just email me and I'll mail you everytime. Not much to say other than I hope you had a good April Fools Day. My friends and I goofed each other a ton, but we did go to Six Flags Magic Mountain and killed a lot of time in lines. We left at 9:00 in the morning, got on our first ride at 3:00 in the afternoon. How sad is that?

-- February 28, 2005

At the plea of my guestbook signers, I updated the story to all that I have written so far. I supposed since it's my birthday I should post an update and let you all know how I've been doing. It's been a while, and I'm sorry again. I get blocked easily writing this story anytime it goes somewhere I don't like. I'm afraid everytime I plot something out, I change it when I'm writing for a more natural result. You all have way more patience than I could ever have for a story.

-- Octobor 11, 2004

Hey folks. I've written a ton since I last updated...so I figured I'd add some more. You've heard it before, but I'm close. This is really the last fight/confrontation in the series. I never plotted any of these scenes...my original plan for the villain had him being defeated once in for all at the dojo. It just didn't seem likely, so everything new comes straight out of left field (as usual). I'm still figuring out where I'm going as I write, so bear with me. Almost almost almost done =p btw I'm at the 500k marker...that's really sad.

-- September 13, 2004

If you've been following my website a while, you will realize I am not trustworthy. I'm posting more MLC3 because it's taking forever to write the last scenes. The big Rintaro scene I've added took a long time to iron out. I had like 4 different versions when I finished, but settled on this one. Anyway, hope you enjoy...I'm still writing. I will be done when I'm done. Phew, back to writing! =p

-- September 6, 2004

I realize I didn't make my deadline, but I'll finish the story soon. I had to give myself a few days to rethink some of the details of the plot. You wouldn't want a crappy ending to the story, right? There's no update to the story at the moment, because I'm in the middle of a really long scene. The next time I update, the story will be complete. It should be soon...please be patient =)

-- August 21, 2004

I didn't forget about my self-imposed August deadline. I'm cutting it close to the edge, but I will have MLC3 done by that time. I put in a small update that might be interesting (a decent fight scene). Honestly, you should wait till it's all done. I have a lot written now, and I love writing this story again. Well, I have nothing else to say other than I'm getting well again. I've been sick for months, but I feel better now and feel like writing. That's all for now...

-- August 5, 2004

I uploaded more of the story. I realize it's long, but I'm debating dividing the parts into chapters, though that will be after I finish MLC3. I'm working on one of the final scenes now, though the ones I added are ready for broadcasting. I don't have pre-readers anymore, so it's basically in the exact same condition in which I first wrote it...I don't have the energy to proof read anymore, so go easy on me. My body has not been kind to me the past months.

In an unrelated note, I want to thank you for coming here and spending your time reading fanfictions (whether mine or elsehwere reading another writer's).. You don't realize how helpful you've been whether you've mailed me or not. I can tell how many people access my stories through web counters. I've had so many people tell me thank you for writing...I honestly wouldn't have even kept it up if not for everyone. With the hours in our life so precious, I'd hate to think I wasted so many writing for an empty room. Of all the fanfic writers I've known and written with, I know they all enjoy receiving feedback of anykind. Thank you on behalf of everyone you support. We don't make money here, so it's kind of a game of tennis using good will as the ball.

Until next time.

-- June 12, 2004

Got bored, uploaded what I've got finished so far. I know I said I was going to wait, but I haven't updated the story in almost 2 years. Figured it was about time. Click here to see the story.

-- June 10, 2004

As time allowed, I finally managed to get my BA. I wrote Shade of Redemption my senior year of High School (1997-98). I wrote Mists of Jusenkyou as a Freshman in college (1999-2000). I started MLC in my junior year (2001) and have been writing it since then. As you can tell, I've had it on my desktop for some time now. I'm really tired of it being unfinished.

Therefore, I'm on the mission to finish MLC3. I usually highlight everything I say with a disclaimer, and rightfully so. I've gone almost a year again without adding as much as a 'I'm not dead' slogan to the screen. I would highlight the preceding message with 'It'll be done when it's done' but I'm beyond such flimsy statements. I'm out of school, jobless and in SoCal with no friends and no life. If I don't finish it, I'll hate myself.

I've been writing a long time now, and really want to get this behind me. I don't feel like I can move on in my writing until this is finished. So, without further ado, I will finish it by this summer. That's a promise. By summer, I mean by the end of August. I hope to have it done sooner, but I will finish it by then. Believe me or not, but that is what will be.

With every good comes bad. I've cut some corners and edited out a lot of stuff I don't plan to follow up on. That includes China Boys. I really don't know if I can embark on an entire fanfic in order to solve the arc. However, I will at least write "the ending" of the series. Perhaps I'll write a collection of scenes of Ranma's second trip to China. I have two scenes in mind already...one hinted at in the China Boys trailer I wrote a long time ago and the other is the absolute conclusion of the arc. They will be written. However, I doubt I will write anymore than that.

I don't feel my fanfiction writing will continue after that either, as I have to move on to professional writing. I've already plotted a novel, written numerous screen plays and short stories, and I'm currently producing and assistant directing a movie (for which I wrote the screen play). I'm afraid the rest of my unfinished fanfictions will remain that way.

I'm debating whether to post updates of my story as I write it, or to just wait until it's done. Unless I get a mail saying I should post updates, I'm going to hold off until I finish it.

For new readers, I hope you will enjoy your experience reading my fanfictions. For old readers, thank you for being patient, and I'm sorry for not being a reliable writer. I hope you will be satisfied with my ending, as it has been long awaited by some.

The end is near...

Until then.

-- February 28, 2005
At the plea of my guestbook signers, I updated the story to all that I have written so far. I supposed since it's my birthday I should post an update and let you all know how I've been doing. It's been a while, and I'm sorry again. I get blocked easily writing this story anytime it goes somewhere I don't like. I'm afraid everytime I plot something out, I change it when I'm writing for a more natural result. You all have way more patience than I could ever have for a story.

-- Octobor 11, 2004

-- September 13, 2004

-- September 6, 2004

-- August 21, 2004

-- August 5, 2004

Until next time.

-- June 12, 2004

Got bored, uploaded what I've got finished so far. I know I said I was going to wait, but I haven't updated the story in almost 2 years. Figured it was about time. Click here to see the story.

-- June 10, 2004

I'm debating whether to post updates of my story as I write it, or to just wait until it's done. Unless I get a mail saying I should post updates, I'm going to hold off until I finish it.

The end is near...

Until then.

-- October 7, 2003

I added a 30k chunk to MLC3, just to prove I'm still working on it. I'm winding down to the last few scenes (yes, I said that two years ago, but I really am...really...no, really...YES REALLY!). It's probably not worth re-reading the entire fanfiction over again if you forgot what happened before. You really should wait until I finish the entire chapter before you do that, so you get the entire experience. It'll probably be another month or two before I can finish this bad boy. I have some annoying things to do for my senior project yet, and they sap a lot of energy. That combined with starting a new job, I'm going to be sapped for time, but I will continue...yes, really...I'm not joking...okay, don't believe me, see if I care...

Although I said I wouldn't write anything past MLC, I thought of a killer Arc ending for the south star series. It's the final explanation for Jusenkyou and Ranma's fate. I'm thinking I'm going to be really mean as to not allow any further sequels...muhahaha...you'll see (hopefully). Until then. Click HERE if you're really really really really really bored and want to read the tidbits I added to MLC3.

-- September 8, 2003

If you look at the dates of my last two entries, you might double take. Did I post September 9th underneath Sep. 8's entry? No, a day short of a year has passed since I've updated my website, and I decided enough was enough. I had someone email me a while ago asking if I'm dead or if I've moved on. It's a fair question, but no, I'm not dead. The answer to the second part, or whether I plan to ever write MLC again is a better question. I began writing Ranma fanfics after seeing 3 episodes of Ranma (Warning: Story up ahead, read at your own risk of boredom), which were the only ones available at the local Hollywood video. This was in 1997 when I had only just started getting into Anime, after seeing the "Street Fighter the Animated Movie" -- not the series, but the film. It shocked me that there were adult cartoons (aside from the horribly hard to understand Heavy Metal). I then started raiding the Hollywood video's shelves for new anime to watch, and remembered seeing pictures of Ranma online. So I picked up 3 episodes ($1 a piece for 5 days) and was instantly addicted. After I rented about 5 episodes (3 from the first TV series and 2 later ones) and the two movies, I decided to look to see what was up with this cool little series online. That's when I discovered fanfiction. I first found a link to Daigakusei no Ranma (which is available on my links btw), and checked into it. I drank every word.

Fanfiction is an artform sorely under appreciated by some, and overlooked by many. I discovered that everyone is a writer in their own soul when I discovered this new realm. It mattered little that Ranma was the object for which I would first start writing (I had only written leisurely in no great precision), but that I started developing my writing skills, learning from other fanfiction writers on the FFML, teachers and other avenues from which I would begin a long journey into becoming a writer. So I decided to write my own fanfiction with mostly fanfic-Ranma non-canon information and backstory. My knowledge of many subjects, including Pantyhose Tarou, Mint, Lime and many many other stories were from other writers. I would later read the entire manga in its full length, but when I started writing "Ryouga's Revenge" and then Vengeance, and now titled "Shade of Redemption" for aesthetic purposes, I knew very little about Ranma. And yet, I began my journey, writing at a tremendous pace, acquiring a miriad of pre-readers who were quiet accomplished writers themselves and starting a story arc that I would be writing for years to come. I got the story idea from a guy on the FFML named Sebastion (I believe). The premise was like this: Ranma is beaten up by Ryouga, trapped in his female form, left for dead with horrible amnesia. Happosai retrains him when he recovers and Ranma goes back for revenge, but by then Akane and Ryouga already havea couple of toddlers.

Now, as you can guess, I ran with the idea, let it flow its own course and really went to the next level. In the original plot idea, it would begin with MLC after a short introduction to how Ranma got there. I wrote Vengeance instead, a viciously faced pace tale where Ranma loses, and so does everyone else. I was highly applauded for the tale, getting 8/10's on most of the reviewers, thumbs up and the like. Someone even made a great parody doing a MST look at my story. I was asked for permission to put it on multiple websites. So I decided to continue on, and I began "A New Life" now renamed "Mists of Jusenkyou" for aesthetic purposes. I was in my first year of college by then and had an extrordinary amount of willpower to write. I would go to the library after class and write for hours at a time. There were no distractions and my imagination ran wild. I wrote 3 parts to it and released it. Later, I revised the entire story and inserted a third part (which is now part 2), which would contain some of the time that is lost between 1 and 3. A New Life was merely a vehicle to get me to MLC, which is what I had wanted to write since I started. I simply didn't feel justified starting at the end. However, my writing skills were just starting to progress to a much better ability. I had already written MLC prelude while I was finishing ANL, and picked up where I left off. I was on vacation, fiercely sick after drinking nearly a pint of rotten apple juice (I couldn't taste or smell it because I had a nasty cold), when my fever dreams seemed to form a weird kind of dream where I came up with the entire fanfiction. In it, I came to the conclusion that Ranma would have to come to terms with his sexuality before he could move on. Ranma wasn't there for revenge, but to put the past behind him. Could he ever be truly a part of a world that left him behind.

I wrote pages upon pages of background information of what all the supporting characters did in the 20 years Ranma lost, including a short story that I'll probably never finish or post about how the Kasumi/Mousse and Shampoo/Tofou relationships came about. I found that through writing those, maturity would be the only cure for the problems that faced Ranma. If those couples could come together and still love their neighbors (their former lovers), then Ranma could come to terms with his sexuality, and being female. If anything, he could learn quicker than anyone if he could apply it to martial arts, but he also was incredibly stubborn. He would have to continue to search for a cure.

Then I wrote in Kenichi, the biggest and most challenging point of interest in the entire story arc. He challenged Kimiko/Ranma on so many fronts that the struggle would physically and spiritually manifest itself in dreams, nightmares and day dreams. This sixteen year old boy looked like Akane, yes, but so did his twin sister who shared Akane's gender! I was asked this once: Why wouldn't Ranma pay more attention to Mayako? Why did he start becoming attracted to her brother instead? If you read carefully, you'll realize that the Ranma series doesn't put as much "stock" into bodies as it does a person's soul. Ranma is no more attractive in the cannon series than is Ryouga, and in fact, in many ways Ryouga is more attractive (pig curse, stubbornness, etc aside). Ranma is in fact very aggrivating, so why is he the focus of so much attention? In fact, it's his personality, his being, his soul if you will, that brings so many people toward him in hate, love, attraction, obsession and challenge. He's confident, cool, street smart, and yet he still manages to be compassionate, caring and easy going.

What does that have to do with Kenichi? He too has a spiritual attractiveness that Ranma hasn't known from the men in his life (Examples: His father betrays him regularly. Ryouga is out to kill him. Soun's only interest in him his his possibility as an heir. Tarou is only interested in him because of his ties with Happosai. Mousse is out to kill him.) Yes, the women in his life haven't been much better, but Akane is sort of a grounding force in his insane life. She's not a supernaturally gifted martial artist, and yet she is still above and beyond what most practictioners can ever become. She's sturbborn and can be violent, but tender and very kind. She's the only one who truly cares for Ranma as a person and not an object of affection or means to some other type of end.

Now take a look at Mayako's character. She's cynical, self-centered and scheming. She has ends for everything in her life, including Kimiko. She, like Shampoo, uses Kimiko/Ranma as an object of affection for her brother for whom she cares greatly. Mayako is skeptical and yet welcoming of Kimiko, but not completely warm. She is really only protecting Kenichi. Ranma doesn't see Mayako until after she mistakes Kenichi for Akane, which is the beginning of a trend. Kenichi, like Akane, mistakes her identity based on her cursed gender and instantly takes a liking to the girl. Ranma, like with Akane, feels both comforted in his acceptance of her and guilty that she isn't being totally honest, not only with him but the entire family. Her presence there is somewhat of a ruptured seam in a world that has gone on without her for two decades.

Living for a year as a girl changed Ranma. Happosai had no method of reversing the curse, and Ranma thinks Ryouga cursed her somehow, or that maybe the accident that should have left Ranma dead did. But only a trip to Jusenkyou could fix this problem, but she finds a new person within herself. Her body has been female for over twenty years. Her brain has been affected by this, she has reached puberty again through the curse after it slowly repaired her body. She finds that she is not entirely in control of her destiny any longer, and barring a miracle, she's most likely going to remain female the rest of her life. Of course, she has to try to reverse this out of obligation and honor, but it's more of wishful thinking and a lack of reason for her own existence that she attempts this. Then Kenichi suddenly sparks a renewed interest in life, not so much over some sort of romance with him but that people exist that can love her.

Remember, beneath everything, Ranma deeply has the need to be accepted for who she feels herself to truly be. She hasn't been dishonest in her own personality as she did when she "acted" like a girl (but ended up acting ultra-feminine and ultimately unbelievable). Instead she's being herself, which incorporates this new self better than she did in her former existence. In fact, she was already starting to become "OK" with the curse prior to the coma. So Kenichi hits her at a critical stage in her life. It's before she's truly settled the permanency of her curse, and yet she's also accepted who she is. She doesn't intend to lead him on, but she does by her presence as she often led on the women in her previous incarnation. Kenichi reinforces her need to be accepted, loved and cared for on her own terms and not out of obligation.

Kiyoshi never truly was a person, so horribly mishapen and trecherous, and then blessedly cursed by exile and beauty. So when Kenichi comes into her life, she instantly feels the attraction she had with Akane. He's her son, which makes it easier, and permits the dream of a possible future together. At the same time, her father is appearing in her life again, reinforcing her commitment to masculinity (or a twisted sense of machismo if you will). She fears what allowing herself to like him would mean about her: would it mean she's homosexual if she's still at heart male (as she wishes herself to still be) or would it mean she's truly become female (as she dreads losing a part of herself in that process).

MLC is a landmark in my life. I started writing the arc it when I was sixteen years old and a junior in high school and I was still writing it up until fall. I feel that I can't move on without finishing it. However, my obligation to finish it is what is keeping me from being able to get over the block I have when writing. I have finished a lot of really rough material in MLC, and I have a full plot line until Kimiko begins to leave on her trip to China. I really want to finish this so I can move onto my real passion, which is the novel that has been under construction since I was in sixth grade.

This leaves me in a bind. There is a lot of work yet to do to finish MLC to be satisfactory. At the same time, I really don't have the inspiration I used to when writing it. I know most of the people who used to read this story have left it behind in the sea of unfinished fanfiction that is the internet, but I know some people still check as they e-mail me once in a while out of the blue. I don't know if there's anything anyone can do, except realize that if I do ever finish it, it could take a while or a few weeks. Plus, I'll never write China Boys now, except perhaps as an Epilogue to the story arc (meaning it will be under 50k). I have wicked plots all devised for it, but I don't think I'll ever write it. MLC must be finished, however. I plan to start writing again and releasing more stuff soon. I've taken a semester off to recover from a heavy personal loss in my life and a great change. Maybe, just maybe, I can write again. I hope so. If you read all of this and want to drop me a line, I check my email daily and often respond quickly. If you have any questions, want to discuss my stories (I love discussing it btw) or just want to check up on me, feel free. Until then.

-- September 9, 2002

I finished another large portion of MLC, which I've posted already. I'm almost there! I swear! There'sat the max 10 more scenes left after this and one big fight, but you won't guess who's going to show up for some action! Anyway, if you're lazy here's the link.

-- September 2, 2002

Probably wasn't expecting me to add another section this soon, huh? Well, I've actually written quite a lot now that I've got a few pre-readers and some time. I should have more in a few days. Don't forget to check back! :)

-- August 31, 2002 --

MLC3 Updated. I still only have 2 pre-readers, if anyone is interested...they get to see all the goodies first (even the MLC3 Plot summary) and even get to influence the way the story is written. Click HERE if you want to become a pre-reader. The page will give you directions.

-- August 23, 2002 --

I'm just updating to let everyone know that I am once more accepting pre-readers. If you are interested, click on the link below to find what information you need to send. Please, only apply if you are interested in discussing plot and character development, and are willing to make suggestions. Thank you.

-- August 19, 2002 --

I wrote like six drafts of the newest section I added. I've written the story basically until it's completion, but I'm not satisfied with most of it. The only thing that's staying for sure is what I added this morning. Please realize how difficult it is to write this story now that it's so close to the end. I have like 4 possible endings I'm toying with, but it's difficult to decide. I would have sent them to pre-readers, had I any, but since that's not an option, I think I'll roll a 4 sided die. 1 ending involves ending the series right there, another involves what I planned with China Boys, while the other two are variants of the second. I never thought I'd get this far, so I'm taking my time in choosing which path to take and which to discard. Please bare with me. If you're lucky, the end could be in sight very soon.

The results of the poll are in. Apparently I need to shut up and finish MLC. China Boys came in second, with Fires of Hell in second. Thanks for participating by the way. I think I'm going to write a few chapters of Fires of Hell before I continue on the Search for the South Star story line. I did just recently make that story arc name, as it seems to fit. There isn't a south star, by the way.

Fires of Heaven is being rewritten into a more pleasing form. I've reconsidered where I want to take it in the beginning for more of a battle on Earth. The plot I wrote in '98 hasn't changed however, for the rest of the series. I'll make a page for it just as soon as I finish MLC.

I hope you've enjoyed my writing, though I admit I'm terribly slow. I rarely have energy to write, so what I have written has mostly been on a few days. I have no idea if I'll ever get to the rewrites of Vengeance and ANL (now named Shade of Redemption & Mists of Jusenkyou), so I'll put the links back up. Sorry for the inconvenience.

-- August 19, 2002 --

-- June 28, 2002 --
No MLC updates yet, but I am writing to inform everyone that my e-mail address is being erased, since I refused to switch over to charge accounts when perfectly good free e-mail services exist. ryanerik@tendodojo.com will cease to exist ... please email me at ryanerik99@yahoo.com if you want to contact me. I have written more and have more available, but it's too early to release it yet. I'll a sizable chunk of MLC ready to post soon.

-- May 21, 2002 --

Please note this poll is to help me determine what I'm going to write after MLC is finished.

I found, much to my displeasure, that the ILOVEYOU virus still finds its way around the net. It managed to erase everything of use on my harddrive, erasing all my text files. Luckily, it didn't touch my .doc files, so I didn't lose any MLC. I finished the spring semester finally, so I may have some more time to write before summer school starts. Here's a little contribution to MLC3. Hopefully it's not too little too late. I've been redoing my website, but unfortunately, I lost all the new graphics I designed...so the upgrade will take more time.

In other news, I've settled the plot of China Boys, the once epilogue now full fledged fanfic and finale of the MLC story arc. I have found a name for the story arc, too, which you can find on my fanfiction page. If you're wondering about the new fanfics Shade of Redemption and Mists of Jusenkyou, they're the renamed/rewritten versions of Vengeance and A New Life. I've been doing a little writing on restoring those pieces and making them a heck of a lot better. Don't bother reporting broken links. I haven't finished the entire website...hang on with me ok? Until we meet again.

-- March 28, 2002 --

I'm here again to report little has changed, but I did update MLC3 a bit. I'm narrowing down on the finale of MLC now, trying to devise a way to bring it to a conclusion without making 20 more subplots. Regardless,

-- February 28, 2002 --

No, I haven't anything new to report, other than I turned 22 today. That's not official since I'm a leap year baby and don't get a birthday this year, but the 28th is just as good, even though I have to go to school all of today. I wanted to make sure that everyone had a chance to take a look at the little Crossover I posted. Please tell me if it's worth the time, because I'm going to be writing that once I finish MLC. Yes, you probably already guessed that Ranma is going to live there, but I won't take it the usual Ranma becomes a female sailor route. No, he doesn't even get to be a Knight like Tuxedo Mask. He stays "plain" Ranma, minus a year or two. He'll meet some new and old foes (you can guess), and to incorporate him into the SM universe, he will either leave before Rei turns Sailor Mars, or...*CACKLE* You'll just have to wait. Sorry everyone if you don't like Sailor Moon, but you can go politely *%$^$ yourself (I didn't say the F word, but it's close). Anti-ANIME people don't sit well with me. Well, Happy Birthday to me.

-- February 24, 2002 --

Here's another section for my readers. I'm afraid I haven't had much time to write still. I'm eager to finish this project so I can finally move onto my next one, which will be a nice refresher from the enduring pain that is MLC. Hopefully, I can find the fire to finish this craft. Anyway, please enjoy. On another note, I posted a piece of what I've written for the new Sailor Moon/Ranma ½ Crossover. Find the link to the page on my fanfiction page.

-- January 29, 2002 --

Yes, I've MIA for a while. I took a winter class that required a hellish amount of time and a 20-page paper that took the rest of it. With school beginning and very little money to pay stuff, I was in limbo a while mentally. I've picked myself up a bit and plotted the rest of MLC and started writing again. I apologize for my lateness, but as I explained, I couldn't help it. If you still are with me, I'm only writing this because people still want to see the end. Well, that and to finish it for once. I'm probably not going to write the sequel, since MLC3 will neatly tie up the series and leave the character's future's up for debate on what happens next as it can be anything! "China Boy" the sequel I plotted, might still appear as a long but one part finale to the series...who knows how I'll feel when I'm finished. Anyway, go to the MLC page to read the next section. It's not a whole lot, but hey, it's something right? I hope to finish this portion of it real soon, if not today or tomorrow (don't quote me on that please). Until I post again, farewell.

-- October 5, 2001 --
I realize a lot of time has passed since I last updated my page, and it's not without reason. I've never been so busy with school as I have this semester, and I'm barely breaking even in my homework completion. My writing has suffered greatly from this, and I apologize to those who check my site for new stuff. Yes, I am going to keep writing MLC. I do have some stuff written, but it's not in any order and doesn't fit with what I have now. I just wrote a couple cool fight scenes...I'll include them in the links below, just in case you're really bored. Keep in mind that they may be a tiny bit of a spoiler, although the story is already close to their position. Also remember that I haven't read it since I first wrote it, so it isn't proofread and stuff that's there might not be there in the original. That's all. I figured that I owed you guys something for checking my site without me updating anything. Keep strong friends. Dark days may be dawning, but fanfiction will never die!

-- August 3, 2001 --
My long trip to Mexico was a good refresher from my everday things. I didn't get a whole lot of writing down there (too hot to think), but I did recover some creative thought. I did write a little more MLC for you, and I really want to finish this up, as I only have a month of summer left. It's hard to believe I've already spent two months doing nothing. I have an expected completion date of MLC though: Early November. There are only a few conflicts left, and I'm approaching the second to last now. I'll leave the rest to the story. If you still read and love my fanfiction, please e-mail me a response. I hardly ever get any fan-mail anymore (here and there I get a wonderful letter, which helps me write more). If it wasn't for one person, I wouldn't have even continued writing this project (let alone even think about possible later projects). Whether my next story is free or not is truly at question. I do have a novel in the works that is begging for attention as well.

-- July 11, 2001 --
There have been a lot of family problems to deal with in addition to a vacation that I'm taking with my family, so it will be towards the end of the month when I'm able to update MLC next.

-- June 20, 2001 --
Here's a small section of the larger one I'm writing for MLC3. It may take me longer to finish it, so I figured I might as well upload it now.

-- June 10, 2001 --
I've been trying to rewrite a large portion of the story to incorporate a new theme, which has taken a very long time. It's the finale of the sub-plot introduced in the second part of MLC and reintroduced in the last two segments (or hinted at at least). The original was significantly different. I may include the original in a little "What did not make it to MLC" text file, with all my original edits. I wrote multiple versions of many different sections of the story and thought it'd be interesting to revisit them (I don't delete anything).

In any case, I've added a new section to MLC3 and hope to get to the more interesting parts later. I'm building towards the finale after all.

-- June 5, 2001 --
I wrote quite a bit more...my DSL connection was down for a little over a week, so it has been delayed some.

-- May 22, 2001 --
The newest addition to MLC 3 was added on TOP of the last entry. BTW, I'm adding a new picture to the opening of the site, so I took out the old one for now. I'm ALMOST done writing =)

-- May 21, 2001 --
Welcome to the new mirror of Ryan Erik's Hole in the Wall. You might want to set your bookmarks here, because NBCi is very unreliable and makes it impossible to connect and update frequently. I also updated my links page. If you want me to add a Ranma or anime fanfiction related site to my links, I'll be happy to do so. Just email me.

-- May 17, 2001 --
Don't have much time -- here's more MLC 3.

-- May 15, 2001 --
I've decided on canning the mundane dialogue for the latest news item dealing with my writing and my site. MLC 3 is progressing slowly, but I am finding a lot more time to write now that I have in the past. I have also finished plotting the rest of the story (and have come to a few conclusions about the story arc). As I completely lack any pre-readers, it's been hard to get feedback, in other words, none. I'm still amazed at how high the counter has come from the initial hit in August '98 when I began the page. With my friend who designs webpages for the government, I'm going to be designing a new page, and most likely changing servers. NBCi is very unreliable, has horribly large banners (as if you couldn't tell), and is impossible to get feedback from, since I can't change my default e-mail address through them from ryanerik@xoommail.com, which they killed (causing me to lose my pre-reader list.>

Any questions, comments or criticism you have of MLC is quite welcome. I don't really care what kind of feedback I receive, just as long as I know people come to my site to read. All of my former pre-readers know that I base most of my plot details on the dialogue I had with them...I alter the story constantly heeding all the suggestions I like. I plan to finish this installment during the summer (concluding the MLC series). Whether or not I keep writing on this story arc completely depends on the readers. I have two very promising fanfiction alternatives that I have already begun instead. I will try and set up some sort of poll on that if I feel up to it (I will post what I have of the stories).

...possibly three. I'm thinking about re-writing the Vengeance/A New Life stories by turning them into one story starting at the point where Ranma wakes up and going into flashbacks as recalled memories (he'll have lost his memory and have to slowly regain it) and current happenings in the Nishiyama household. I'm eager to explore this possibility as it gives me the chance to use all sorts of writing techniques. The other two story ideas have nothing to do with the MLC plot arc.

Until then.

-- May 10, 2001 --
Between 20 page essays I found a few moments to add a little extra. I'll try and write more this summer, since I'm jobless and won't be in summer school. Fin. =)

-- April 27, 2001 --
I had a bit of difficulty with NBCi...I have been unable to use their FTP sites for about a month, so I was unable to put up this update to MLC 3 in early April. Sorry for the delay. I still am writing when I have time to do so. 4 weeks til summer, and I'm choosing not to work this summer either. =)

-- March 2, 2001 --
Yes, it has been a very long time since I've even glanced at my website. After leaving my job, I now have time to write when I'm not doing school work. So, I plan to continue work on MLC. If you figured it was dead, you almost had it right on. Because one fan sent me mail a week ago, I decided what the hell...might as well finish the beast. MLC2 has been updated. I changed a few things here and there, grammar/spelling and I think I changed one plot point (the part at the lake where Kim sees Lily). Never the less, I just finished another scene, which is meager compared to the time I've spent away from the series, but I promise more to come.

-- July 26, 2000 --
Working full time really is a trip. 40/hrs per week is more mentally draining than it is physically. I haven't been able to write much, hence the month wait on the part I added to MLC3. Please forgive my tardiness...I'm eager to wrap up this fanfiction now. I need to get to bed now, so if you don't mind, I'll catch you later (hopefully in a few weeks).

-- June 28, 2000 --
It has been officially summer for two or three weeks, and since I now have a job and several other commitments, my writing speed won't increase. I'm really sorry, but I'll write as I have energy and time. Did I ever mention the Ranma/Sailor Moon fanfic that I started? Well, if you did know about it, it's also delayed indefinitely (along with Fires of Hell). I just don't have the will to write more than one fanfic at a time. MLC can be a full time job at times. I've actually cut my ideas in half so that I can keep MLC under 200-250k. That could change, as I might put some of MLC2's ending into the beginning of MLC3. If anyone wants to see what I have of the R/SM fanfic, just ask. I could use a brainstorm session...

-- April 11, 2000 --
I'm so lazy I didn't even update my what's new page! Boy, I'm terrible. Oh well, I've got a little time again, so I'm going to be writing more and keeping my page better updated. Please forgive my tardiness. I'm not worthy of all you readers! :)

-- February 2, 2000 --
School officially sucks. It takes a lot of my time, so there's less to write. Anyway, I posted the first section of MLC3, so go read it!

-- January 6, 2000 --
After a year of writing it, I finally complete the second part of Misery Loves Company. I definitely do not plan to continue my current writing rate, but I cannot help it. The damn fanfic writes itself, so much so that I cannot stop at times. This is one case where I let myself get carried away, but I'm sure you all don't mind its length. I never do when writing fanfictions. I actually planned ONE more scene after the last, but I decided it would break the cliffhanger totally open. Yes, if you just finished reading MLC2, then please realize it will continue onto the last part. Whether the last scene is final, however, I will leave up to your imagination until I release MLC3. Take care, friends. May you have a long life, much love and never-ending happiness.

-- December 31, 1999 --
It's been a very long while since I updated my page last, about two months or so (It wasn't in Oct :P), so I thought I'd put up what I have on Misery 2. Tomorrow the new millennium stars, and God willing, I'll finish it before then. There is but one thing left to write, and I'm sure you can figure out what that is. Yes, confrontation time! Oh well, I really only wanted to update on the last day of the year ;P Hey, if I DO finish MLC2 then you can be sure I'll have it up here by the end of the day! So be alert you die hard readers (I know there's at least 1...heh).

-- October 14, 1999 --
Greetings again. I've had a lot of trouble writing this last section, especially since I've been flooded with school work. I probably wouldn't have even had it ready if I hadn't stayed up late a few nights to write it all out. Anyway, I hope you enjoy. I need to go to sleep now. It is official now that there is only one scene left to write. Thank God.

-- September 30, 1999 --
Seems I didn't write anything for the 7th when I added a new story. Oh well, school is time consuming and writing isn't top priority (no matter how much I wish it wasn't so). MLC2 is updated with a nice little chunk. Sorry for the wait, again.

-- September 3, 1999 --
Life has been a little busy the past week, and although I wrote the newest scene to MLC very quickly, I didn't feel it was up to quality...but I was assured otherwise. I've been writing this last part since February, which is really pathetic, so I want to finish this one up. I will try to have the next one done by the end of this year, but under the current circumstances that is very unlikely. So, I'm just about done with Misery Loves Company part 2, and so far, it's going exactly where I want it. That's all.

-- August 24, 1999 --
I am no working on my second week of school, which is going very well. I have a good schedule and little written homework, so I should have plenty of time to write continuously. I added another very large section of MLC2, which I hope you enjoy, although I might have gone a little overboard on the background information. If anything conflicts with V or ANL, too bad! I'm rewriting those anyway. Cheerio!

-- August 13, 1999 --
School is about to begin and MLC2 is very close to finishing. Well, it better be, because I have over 200k worth of material on my desktop! The finale is worth waiting for, believe me. I bet you can't wait! Muhaha! Two more scenes added, giving some insight into Genma and Kenichi. I have at least four more scenes planned, two of which are written and just need a few adjustments. Go Ryan! Go Ryan! ;-)

-- July 31, 1999 --
Well, I'm back from vacation and I'm ready to finish MLC 2 before school starts again in a little over two weeks. I added another section to it, which will be followed be a few more before the finale of MLC2. It'll be a shocker. Anyway, if you're wondering about FoH prelude, it won't be finished anytime soon because I simply can't write anything good on it. Luckily MLC isn't hurting because of it. So much to do, so much time, and yet so much laziness! That's summer!

-- July 7, 1999 --
I had an exhausting Independence Day and yet I still managed to get some writing done. I added another large section to MLC2 so make sure to read up. I've been stalling on the next section of FoH because I'm basically blocked there. Oh yeah, and if you've been awaiting the Kimiko vs. Rintaro fight in MLC, you will be happy to know I have just begun writing it. MLC2 is going to end up being about 200k at least with all the crap I have planned before it can end! Hmm...I might have to cut it short...Oh well. That's all.

-- June 18, 1999 --
The long awaited addition to MLC2 is ready for all of you who bugged me about hurrying up ;)

-- June 17, 1999 --
I added a nice long section to FoH for all of you who like my little Shining Force / Ranma crossover so far. It only gets better! By the way...SIGN MY GUESTBOOK! Hehe, just do it if you haven't. The more signatures I see, the more time I will allot myself for writing (not really, but at least it will make me appreciate you guys more and I might write faster because of that!).

-- June 13, 1999 --
I'm going to finish the prelude to Fires of Hell very soon, so expect to see it on the FFML soon. I've have a very cool scene for MLC 2 ready to post very soon. I know you'll enjoy reading it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. I also added a lot to my Personal Info and junk page, so read it if you're waiting for my fanfic to be posted. Let's see, besides a few other little thingies, I didn't change a whole lot.

This is important. I need a really cool name for my fanfiction series, the one with MLC and all, so if you can think of a cool one, TELL ME! Otherwise, I'll use the cheap name that I'll come up with without any thought (Like Ryouga Plots Revenge -- stinky!)

-- June 10, 1999 --
This isn't a huge update...just a minor one. I was bored, so I decided to post a few things. I have an interview with an ad agency tomorrow, and I needed to do something to burn a little anxiety. The Fires of Hell prelude has been updated with an extra scene, and I added a few things on the My Fanfictions page.

-- June 6, 1999 --
On May 2, 1999, my entire hard drive crashed, and I lost quite a bit of information, including my web page, my website maker and everything else (my stories are safe, no worries there). Frustrated, I threw it aside for a while to finish school.

Well, now that's school's completed, I am free to write and do whatever I want. I have only two things to occupy my time now: writing and acting. I did manage to write a little bit though, and I posted everything I have (all completed scenes). Please go to the My Fanfictions of my page to read them. Just click on the story you want to read, and you can read the updated version!

Now that I can do websites without a crutch (website maker), I don't have to "conform" to their ridiculous "standards." DOWN WITH QUICKSITE! Oh yeah, they went out of business anyway...no surprise there.

If you have questions, comments, whatever, just e-mail me, and I'll get back to you within a day or two.

-- April 14, 1999 --
One month and I've barely written anything...that's what school does to you. Oh well, I updated the mlc2 draft in the downloads section so check it out! The SF prelude is on hold till I can gather my thoughts (school's killing my time). I figure that more people want to read MLC so I'll finish pt2 before I continue with the prelude of Fires of Hell. You know you love that picture that my friend Kevin drew. Anyway, sorry for the wait. I'll try to write more, but no promises. (So sue me for being a slow writer! : P)

-- March 17, 1999 --
I know, it's been a while since I last updated my site, but I've been really busy with school and such. Unfortunately, the Shining Force Prelude is becoming seriously longer than I expected it to be...it's come to about 60k now (23 pages of straight plain text). I put the draft of MLC2 up in the Fanfiction Downloads also, so be sure to check it out. I still need pre-readers, so if you're interested E-mail me please! Thanks.

-- February 18, 1999 --
I added a few cool little buttons at the bottom of the main page. The MLC 2 teaser is almost ready to go! I'm just waiting for another pre-reader or two to respond. I have a writers block for the SF prelude, so I decided to start MLC 2...and I wrote a lot quickly. I'll post it very soon to the FFML and here too.

-- February 12, 1999 --
I switched the Anime nation banner with a newer, much cooler one. I have 45k written on the shining force prelude, but its coming along pretty slowly -- stupid blocks. It may be a while before I continue writing MLC 2.

-- February 9, 1999 --
I fixed the links to the Lines of Destiny homepage and Mako-chan's homepage.

Good news. My friend Kevin Hale is drawing me a picture that will come out with the Shining Force Prelude! I think I'll make a page separate for it and everything. That'd be pretty cool ;-)

-- February 8, 1999 --
I took out the Shining Force 3 page because I just don't care enough to update it and I added this what's new page.

I updated the version of MLC Part one and I'll put it in HTML format soon. 170k of text isn't easy to convert when it only allows 40k or less per page on my web page creator. Quicksite sucks.

The Shining Force Prelude is nearing completion. I'll have advertisements and everything ready for it soon. I'll post them all at once.

When today becomes yesterday, will you still remember me?

Go back to Ryan Erik's Hole in the Wall.