Try to save Sephiroth, PLEEAASE!

It's still great though! Please continue

Ah, man… the further into these chapters I delve, the more I appreciate it for everything it offers—from hype moments like next chapter’s Honey Bee Inn infiltration scene (the fact that it mirrors the infamous scene from canon is just… yes) to its more subtle, yet weighty moments, like Brit’s chat with Angeal, which… yeah, he no doubt ended up hearing the truth from Hollander during the mission he was on. It is highly likely that, similar to Genesis in canon after finding out the truth from Hollander, Angeal is planning on defecting—it’s written all over his body language and demeanor. I can only hope that doesn’t happen. I want the Firsts to all stay healthy and alive for once! Is that too much to ask?! DX

No, but seriously. Here’s hoping that Brittany nudging Genesis to have a chat with his friend can set Angeal on a different path than the tragic way things turn out for him in canon. I’m going to be on the edge of my feet about that thanks to you making me love this story and the characters so much XD

P.S. We definitely better get to hear more about whether Cloud just went in and offed Jenovah way earlier than he should have, because that is going to be WILD if so. This fic has so many important side plots and things happening behind the scenes, and I freaking love it! XD

Okay, can I just say how much I appreciate the twist with Cloud at the end? When I first read through this chapter, it hyped me up more than anything. There is just something exciting about a time traveler Cloud ending up back in the plot of Crisis Core. Probably because his foreknowledge and how he might act on it has the potential to throw things completely off the rails (which is always a good time).

I think most of my hypeness stems from the anticipation of the moment Brittany’s finally able to come clean to him about her foreknowledge, too. I get the feeling it might be a while before that can happen, but, man, it’s gonna be so fun when it finally does. I’m 100 percent sure things will get oh-so interesting after that. I await that glorious moment with much excitement~

Oh man, talk about great chapters. This one and the last chapter regularly duke it out for the coveted spot of my favorite chapter XD I really cannot decide between them

It’s probably because they both feature Genesis prominently. Pretty sure I’ve already said that any chapter where he’s present is a great time for me lol GAH! I just love the way you write him so much! Like, why is it so good?! DX

Ah yes, Genesis~ How we love that guy in all his LOVELESS quoting, fiery, melodramatic, red-haired, pompous glory xD I seriously think he makes the fic for me. It probably wouldn’t be what it is without him lol

I might have said this before, but I’ll say it again—I LOVE your characterization of Genesis. It is my favorite of any story of read, hands down. If these scenes were actually in Crisis Core, they’d feel right at home. That’s how naturally you’ve captured everything about Genesis—from his temperament, to his demeanor, to his mannerisms, manner of speech, ect. Even if he weren’t my favorite character, he would be just by reading this fic. That’s how much you seem to have mastered writing him. Gee, it’s no wonder I love this fic so much XD

Man, I cannot describe how much I love this chapter. It’s got all the good stuff: Sephiroth, Genesis, important plot points, Genesis, character development, mysteries, Genesis—what’s not to like? xD

And speaking of the mysteries, this chapter is what was I referencing in a prior review. Because we’ve got some weirdness going on with dear Sephy, don’t we? It’s not just the fact that his eyes are more blue than green and not slitted like they are supposed to be (and I have no idea what that’s about. Intriguing~), there’s also this little nugget about him seeming to recognize Brittany from somewhere.

I have a theory that it has something to do with the dreams. That might not make much sense on the surface—after all, these are Brittany’s dreams, not Sephiroth’s—but… what if she’s not the only one that’s been having them? What if Sephiroth has been having similar dreams about Brittany? After all, dreams are something that can come and go from our minds in a flash, existing within the subconscious even if we don’t quite remember them. The same could be said for Sephiroth, who just doesn’t quite remember that she’s been appearing in his dreams. But this is just my theory! Time shall tell whether or not it’s true~

I find it interesting that you were worried about your portrayal of Aerith considering how well you did xD Friendly, perky, and playfully mysterious—those are probably three of her most defining traits and all three are what I pick up on when I read over her scenes in this chapter. No surprise there; you never seem to disappoint with your interpretation of any of the canon characters. Ah… Competent writers. Gotta love ‘em~

Oh, I am most certainly feeling the Genesis love this chapter lol It’s the best thing ever and you cannot convince me otherwise. Do not ask me why I love Genesis so much, because I probably couldn’t even tell you why. I just do lol

He’s one of the bigger personalities of Crisis Core and is quite pretty to look at, so maybe that’s why xD

Nah, I think it’s mostly because his whole plight makes me very sad. He asks for none of what was done to him. To end up with your body rotting from the inside out through absolutely no fault of your own… all because of some crazy scientist’s ambitions… It just completely tore him apart as a character. Shinra ruined him—Sephiroth and Angeal too, for that matter.

That’s why I love reading fics like this, where someone comes in to completely divert things from the canonical path. My little wish fulfillment for a better outcome. Lol Let’s hope Brittany manages to save them, too, in the end!

Ohhhhh, look at that… This fic’s up to 800 reviews. Huh. Did I do that with my endless amounts of chatter? Teehee~ Oh, hey look! Here comes some more! : D

My favorite part about this chapter has to be Brittany finally deciding to dig her head out of the sand and stop trying to dodge canon like she isn’t already wrapped up in it. lol This girl drove me crazy more than once with that mess. Like, stahp it. Just STAHP IT. XD

Nothing like a good guilt trip to set a person straight, amirite~? But in all seriousness, I find myself appreciating Brittany’s attitude and outlook on things up until now. Wanting to prioritize her own situation and well-being over everything and everyone else wasn’t noble, sure, but it shows that she’s human. It shows that she’s not perfect, capable of being flawed.

And hey, it’s even understandable that she’s been so closed off until now. Because if the intent is to get home, then getting attached to people would do her no good. What’s more, I don’t imagine many people would want to read a story where the OC just happily decides to throw herself into the plot by befriending/saving all the characters, never giving a thought to how difficult and dangerous of a task that would be in a world like FF7 because OMG ZACK! ! ! That’s not believable at all. This is.

Brittany’s got her strengths, but she’s also got weaknesses—case in point, pushing everyone else away for her own sake only to stop doing so when moved by Zack’s actions. That’s relatable—and, more importantly, it’s realistic. Maintaining realism is paramount to a balanced OC, otherwise you risk edging into Mary-Sue territory. It’s clear that Brittany is far from perfect—and she’s all the better as a character for it.

Yoooooooo! It’s-a me~ Back to chatter your ears off once again : D Er… Or, I guess… chatter your eyes off? …Moving on…

So! I think this chapter is a great time to point out something I, as the most seasoned of seasoned fic readers, hold as an important principle for fan fiction (or any kind of story, really) and that is the concept of show, don’t tell.

To me, this is close to if not the number one thing that tends to make or break a fic. Is a writer simply letting the character describe everything that happens—be it character interactions, character reactions, a sequence of events, ect.—in a direct way or are they letting the scenes unfold in an immersive manner?

Every story I’ve read that falls into that first category has always failed to draw me in and keep my interest, and that is because direct storytelling is boring. Sure it does the intended job of delivering facts, but there’s no emotion behind it and, therefore, no immersion.

Take, for example, the line, “He was standing at an intersection, one hand shoved in his pocket while he tapped his EMR lazily against his shoulder with the other.”

If we were to compare that to something like, “He stood guard in the hall.” we can easily see the difference in storytelling. We’re not told directly that Reno is guarding the hall (which Brittany actually confirms a couple lines down, but that’s reinforcing the point more than anything). We’re left to figure that out by his actions, by his demeanor, which actually takes a solid understanding of his personality and behavior as a character (yet another point in your favor).

This is but one of many examples of the show, don’t tell principal in action. It happens all throughout this fic—the scenes are painted in such a way that one could almost feel like they are right there experiencing things along with Brittany.

THAT is what we call a compelling narrative. Gee, it’s almost like you were meant to write~ B )

This chapter is still as awesome as the first time I read it (I mean, why wouldn’t it be? It hasn’t changed any. That’s that’s beside the point, though lol). You know what really gets my gibblets? Crossovers. Bangin’ crossovers, man.

This fic can’t really be considered a crossover, but it takes elements from another anime universe (in this case, Tales of Symphonia) and merges them in with this one in a significant way, achieving far-reaching consequences that resonate all throughout the plot. This single fact alone distinguishes this fic from all other ‘OC ends up in anime world and has to figure out how to navigate through the plot’ types of stories. Because it goes beyond just a retelling of events from a new character’s perspective.

No, no. THIS story gives purpose to the character’s existence and creates intrigue with how their presence in the world creates unexpected chaos and havoc, shaking things up in a unique way. That is just… so superb and satisfying. I mean, how often is it that you see this type of thing being done in fics? Not often enough, I say. Not often enough at all. Kudos to you for being one of the few to try and succeed at it.

Gotta love a writer who knows how to tell a story. All my love. Take it, you clever writer, you. Just take it. *throws love at you*

Woooooosh! I have returned to grace you with my thoughts B )

For this chapter, my favorite thing has to be the fight scenes. I don’t know about you, but I get taken right outta the action when it’s written in a clunky manner or otherwise doesn’t flow well. To me, it can make the difference between a good fic and an okay one. I cannot state enough how much I appreciate the silky smoothness of your fight scenes—so smooth they’d roll off me like butter if they could. And we like. We like that very much. Butter is good~

Ohoho~ You thought I was joking about leaving a review on every chapter I go through, you say? Tsk tsk. Shame on you for underestimating me, you silly goose nugget~ B )

…Yes, this might be a bit overkill, but shh. I’m having fun. That’s all that matters.

Favorite thing about this chapter? I actually can’t decide between the Seph dreams and Genesis. Because while I love a good mystery (especially when it’s one that sticks around for a while like an ominous plot bunny forever hanging over you head. Ominously.) I might love my boy Genesis even more—at least in this fic. You do a great job at capturing his stylish, needlessly dramatic (but do we love him for it? Yes, yes we do), posh persona—so good of a job that this just might be my favorite depiction of him of any story I’ve read. Gotta love it when the author nails those character traits.

Buuuuuuuut on the other hand… what IS up with those dreams? This is something that has yet to come to light even in the latest chapters. I’m hoping they’re just Brittany’s worries over canon events coming to pass manifesting in her dreams and not visions of what’s truly to come because if so… you might have to deal with me sobbing over Sephy ending up like he does in canon. I will be a sad, sad little noodle flooding your reviews with a bunch of sad noodle tears. Mark my words. #TeamSaneSephy

…But seriously, though, I get the feeling that the dreams might be more than just manifestations of Britt’s worries. I’m thinking this because of a possible clue dropped in a later chapter. But I shall save commentary on that for the relevant chapter~

Onto the next one! B )

Not me doing a full re-read of this entire story just for the funzies. Whaaat? Naaaaaaaah.

You really can’t blame me, though. I’m bored and this story rocks. XD

But hey, at least I can use this re-read as an opportunity to entertain you with my fav things about each chapter. So yeah… be entertained, I guess Lol

I think my fav thing about this chapter actually applies to the story in general and that is the fact that the POV is restricted entirely to Brittany and her thoughts. How many stories have I read where it seemed like it would be a good read only to be let down by inaccurate canon character “narration”? You know what I mean—the POV is a canon character and the narration has things they’d never say or think. It’s very… immersion-breaking, know what I mean?

That’s why I tend to prefer stories where the POV is restricted to the OC with no insight into another character’s thoughts beyond what the main character is speculating or what is being made overtly clear. Not only does it help avoid the whole inaccurate canon character narration thing, but it also leaves things to the imagination when it comes to how canon characters are thinking. To me, that’s part of the thrill of the read~ That means I get to be in the dark and confused about it along with the MC! Yaaaaay! Confusion! : D

…What’s that? I’m a masochist? Maybe. Do I care? Not really lol

…Oh, this is getting kinda long, huh? Whoops. Oh well, you should get used to that. I like to write Lol