8th Best Fanfics Of All Time- I Will Never Forget by TrueToBeBlue and While You Were Asleep by Araceli L

Yes, there is another tie, ladies and gentlemen. I suppose this warrants mentioning that since I started this list two new fics left such an impact during the creathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifion of this list that I had to include them. The first of these was Tealfrog's story, The Motley Band Crew, at number 10. It didn't help that it took me awhile to decide the top 10 to begin with, so I have another new fic further down the list. To make up for it, I declared another tie between two fics here at eight, and rest assured I love these both equally, and they are large influences on the way I write today.

Here's the first of these!

8a. I Will Never Forget by TrueToBeBlue

Section: Mario
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Romance, Drama
Rating: Everyone- only one semi-mature reference and it will fly over younger readers' heads.
Type: Oneshot, 3,000 words
Status: Completed
Finished On: January 16, 2010

Starring Characters: Mario, Rosalina

Description: During the celebration of the galaxy's rescue by Mario, only one notable guest is absent. Mario finds her and engages in a conversation that transcends what will happen after he is gone.

Review: It's incredibly impressive when a story is successful when nothing actually happens, and often I love to read these or attempt these. Between the start of this story and the end of this story, you can't really say anything changed except the thoughts of one of the characters. But it works. And it's amazing.

TrueToBeBlue (formerly Jake-X) brings a terrific, albeit unhappy, point in the Mario Galaxy storyline and universe, and explains it through Mario and Rosalina in an understated, beautiful way. The main idea is that Rosalina is afraid of attending the celebration of the galaxy's rescue because she fears she will get acquainted or friendly with the others here. This would be hard on her, as she is only on Earth once every hundred years (although I suppose Mario Kart excuses this. :P)

What I really took away from this at the surface is how perfectly Mario is interpreted. I'm not one to toss around the word perfect very much, but this was perfect, it really was. In a sea of Italian stereotypes and talk-a like-a this-a Mario presumptions, True brings forth an idealistic, friendly, comforting, caring and somewhat cocky adventurer with a kind, daring spirit. That's exactly what Mario should be like, not "Holy Meatballs Pesto Marinara Pasta Lotsa Spaghetti Am I Italian Enough Yet?" I must admit my own Mario fics take more than enough influence from this story. It's incredible.

"Mario, I know you mean well, and I do believe in what you say. I meant what I said when I said I trusted you more than anyone."

"Then why don't you believe me?"

There was no reply.

"Rosalina?"

"I do believe you Mario. Truly I do."

"Then why did you say otherwise?"

"…I am afraid."

And what else I really love about this story is just the underlying emotion that it takes a bit to identify with but you can see in real life. I've recognized that when Mario tries to tell Rosalina about what a help she was that it sounds like my own conversations with a friend who doesn't know how great she is. You can see Mario trying to convince Rosalina that she will never be forgotten, and a lot of the story's beauty lies in that. Because sometime love isn't proven by a kiss or a flower, but in what you'd do for them. And that's what makes this a true love story.

8b. While You Were Asleep by Araceli L

Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: Angst, Romance
Rating: 12+ For subtle sexual references- never explicit but the theme of the story is about lust
Type: Oneshot, 1700 Words
Status: Finished
Completed: February 10, 2011

Starring Characters: Marth, Zelda

Description: Marth makes a decision about the painful, manipulative love between him and Zelda and finds his own power at last.

Review: What is, and has always been, Araceli L's best attribute and what makes her one of the best authors on the site (and one of the very few whose new stories I consistently read) is that in every story is the complete humanity of every character and every narrative. She becomes the characters, delving into their psyche and creating their thoughts, their positions, their ways, and then uses them to create the story. And I believe that her story that takes influence from OK Go's While You Were Asleep is perhaps her best example.

Dearest Zelda, whom of us does not know your secret?

Yet even though your hidden desire is buried so deeply within your heart, it shines through your eyes as brightly as your smile. I am not the fool you take me to be.

I am not a fool – but it is easier to pretend I am.

I listen to your serene, peaceful breaths – but they lack in reassurance also. I cannot seem to chase away my insomnia under the stillness of the sparkling sky, under the influence of your whispering breaths. For some reason they mesmerize me, paralyze me – just as you do.

Just as you do.

But I can bear it no longer. What has come over me lately, you might be wondering; my dear, I cannot tell you. I can't answer your despairing face – for you have never answered mine.

This is a fair trade, no?

The story follows Marth, in a narrative to his sleeping lover, as he quietly takes the power at long last. I liken this story to a perfectly tended song. The meek tone gaining its power flows into the beautiful, graceful words he tells his lover which flows into the physical surroundings which flows into the plot itself. It is all universal and interconnected, and creates a beautiful symphony.

And you feel for Marth, even if this goes over your head or you've never been in his position, because he lays his soul bare and Araceli uses it to construct his escape and his renewal. The character is intricate and you can tell she creates them from her sources, staying faithful even when the character is not doing things like he or she normally does. That's masterful, understated writing by someone who is faithful to her work.

Again, this is just an example of one of many works that she has successfully created. I had a hard time finding her best work, but what prompted me to pick this one was that I had read it several times, and it didn't hit me until three readings how well this was done, and more importantly, how much it influenced my work. It was truly a big influence on the philosophical and emotional writing I did later on. And she calls me a big influence on her. ;)


So that's the top 8s. I have the top 7 organized in my notebook and most likely the order will not change. They should be up pretty soon, as it's about time I finished. Also, I'll think about throwing in three more fics above the 20 and possibly expanding this to a top 25, for more officialness.

Cheers!

MoD

Just Throwin My List 10 Characters And Do Stuff With 'Em Here

LIST YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS (OCs count) AND ACT AS IF YOU WERE ACTUALLY IN THE GAME. Now I'm not necessarily gonna list the same characters as last time, but some more faves nonetheless. Not in any order. Game characters only. Gave a description for those you may not know.

1. Snake (Metal Gear Solid series)

2. Hawke (Advance Wars Series)

Description for the Obscure: A serious, unemotional war commander of the dark forces of the Black Hole who is shrouded in mystery. Not going for Paradigms version.

3. Strings (OCish type person from Strings, my fanfic, but not quite an OC)

Description for the Obscure: A coy, frank woman suffering from total memory loss. Excellent harpist.

4. Rosalina (Super Mario Galaxy series)

Probably less necessary description for the obscure: A wise, kind woman of many centuries who learned how to create the galaxies through the help of the Lumas.

5. Luigi (Mario Bros. Series)

6. Melanthe, Chief of the Yoshi Tribe (Mario and Yoshi Series)

Description for the Obscure: Not so much an OC as a creative interpretation of the main character Yoshi. I should totally upload my sketch of her. She's a jovial, fiery and offbeat 40+ year old leader of her modern tribe's island who is a self-declared godmother of Mario and Luigi.

7. Mario (Gee I wonder)

8. Falco Lombardi (Star Fox)

9. Lash (Advance Wars series)

Description for the Obscure: A selfish, clever genius inventor/commander for the Black Hole army and closest thing to an ally for Hawke. Has a bratty, youthful personality and is somewhat twistedly upbeat.

10. Nana (Ice Climbers- thanks to Layla)

Description for the Obscure: Nana is interesting; she has no actual characterizations courtesy of Nintendo but I like what people on Fanfiction have done with her; namely Layla Kagamire with Speak Now, where she is a self-conscious, clever idealist. Kind of how I'd see her, really. There's also the Nana from my own Paradigms where she's an outgoing, steady-minded teenager. I'm going for an eclectic mix of the both of them.

In retrospect, this would be a great fanfic.

Then ask the following questions~

What would you do if Number 1 woke you up in the middle of the night

Well, if someone with the common sense and no-nonsense woke me up in the middle of the night, I'd have to assume something was going down and that I need to be prepared to take drastic measures.

Number 3 walked into the bathroom while you're showering?

The curtain's closed. God, some people just have to use the bathroom. She knocked, at least.

Number 4 announced he/she's going to marry 9 tomorrow?

Whoa nelly, there. Rosalina, the demure, wise centuries-old woman marrying the most insane, manaical, madcap, eternally out-there woman in possible existance since Abby Scuito... tomorrow?

I... really got nothing to say... good luck?

Number 5 cooked you dinner?

Luigi strikes me as a really good cook. Can't say what it is, but he strikes me as an excellent chef. I'd be looking forward to it.

Number 6 was lying next to you on the beach, sleeping?

Hah! Melanthe, She's a fiery conversant. Seeing as laying in the sand in the beach strikes as epic conversation time, I'd imagine she tuckered herself out. I'd probably get a little beach towel thingy and cover her up and leave after making sure she doesn't have sand in her spiky hair. XD

Number 7 suddenly confessed to be part of your family?

Great, another person to be overshadowed by his celebrity relative. *is shot*

Nah. There's no one as smart, streetwise and with tales to tell from his many travels as there is Mario. You won't get as good an uncle as that anywhere else.

Number 8 got into the hospital somehow?

...who the hell'd you punch? >_X

Number 9 made fun of your friends?

Okay, really, do you expect anything less? It's Lash.

Number 10 ignored you all the time?

With someone like Nana, if she's ignoring you, she's feeling down. So I confront her kindly. Ask her what's wrong, and let it go from there.

Two serial killers are hunting you down. What will 1 do?

It's effing Snake. Dude. Thank you.

He'd probably pass me a gun, cos he's cool like that, and we'll both confront them together. He'll glare at me when I turn the gun sideways. I won't pay it heed. XD

You're on a vacation with 2 and manage to break your leg. What does 2 do?

To make up for giving me Snake as killer fighting material, you give me Hawke as a response to me breaking my leg.

...sorry, this whole question is invalid. Hawke's not going on vacation, like, ever.

It's your birthday. What does 3 get you?

When I say Strings is crafty... I mean she's the type of person who will construct something by herself with no regard to how bad it turns out. I'd accept a barely-glued together collage to top my print-out story works anyday with a smile and a hug.

You're stuck in a house that's on fire. What does 4 do?

I can't see Rosalina as the type of person who partakes in much direct action, but she's smart. She'd probably coordinate a rescue effort masterfully, as good as if she was the one there.

You're about to do something that'll make you feel extremely embarrassed. What will 5 do?

Luigi knows embarrassment. He'd pat me on the back and give me a slight grin, telling me I have nothing to lose. And hell, if this guy has been embarrassed and still has it quite good, then I may as well go for it.

You're about to marry number 10. What's 1's reaction:

I'm about to marry Nana?

Hehe. :P

Well, Snake's not big on matters of the heart; experienced, but no idealist (like this Nana person XD) so he'd give me a customary congrats and I'd give him the invitation. If guys do that. Really I haven't the foggiest. Lmfao

You got dumped by someone. How will 7 cheer you up?

Mario? Hah, Mario's probably the cleverest out of all of them. He won't try and drown me with life lessons or pity; he'll apologize and then let me do something stress-relieving. Like target practice. Taking into account that being surrounded by 10 really smart, strong and resourceful people can't make me at least a bit good at stuff like that.

You compete in a tournament. How does 9 support you?

"Ah, come on! It's not like you can suck that bad! Teeheehee!"

"Gee, thanks, Lash."

You can't stop laughing. What will 10 do?

Start randomly laughing with me right out of nowhere. Can't help it. Laughter's contagious.

Number 1 is all you've ever dreamed of. Why?

Well, I didn't stop bugging him, and I asked for his life story. Really, I should have known better. I'm a bit sheltered, so if I had a huge firsthand account from something actually happening, I'd have some kind or sordid dreams when it's not keeping me up at night. I'd learn something from it, though.

Number 2 tells you about his/her deeply hidden love for number 9.

Haha! Coincidental playing into the canon!

I could actually see this; Lash is really the only one who, the whole time, didn't ditch Hawke or hate him. And I've heard loners fall in love easier.

I tell him that he's gonna have to accept that he is a human and to go for it.

You're dating 3 and he/she introduces you to her parents. Would you get along?

X X X

Sorry, wrong question. Strings doesn't know who her parents are. Remember?

Will number 5 and 6 ever kiss?

Like a mother pecking her godson on the forehead and then chuckling at the 28 year old man's reaction kind of kiss.

Number 6 appears to be a player, breaking many hearts. What do you do?

Sorry. It's called being a politician. *is shot*

You had a haircut and 7 can't stop looking at you. What goes on in your mind?

He wishes he could do with his hair what crazy stuff I do with mine.

Number 8 thinks he/she’ll never get a girl/boyfriend. What will you tell him/her?

Falco? Bah, it's interesting that he cares about that. But, really? I tell him that if there isn't a damn soul on this earth who isn't looking for a charmingly snarky daredevil who's a lot of fun, then there aren't that many chicks in this earth (hehe pun.)

Number 9 is too shy to face you and confesses their love by sending an email. Now what?

So that explains the mocking... and the moodiness... and the... wait that's all Lash.

What I'd do with any girl- I talk to her in person and see how it goes from there. I must be something to make Lash shy. XD This is why this is called 'fiction.' :awe:

You spot 10 kissing 1. How do you react?

Okay...

Idealist little Nana tries to comfort stern, downbeat soldier in a bad mood. Does not turn out well. Snake's a bit bugged and Nana's wondering what the hell she did.

Me? I acknowledge my presence. That's like the subtlest way to say "Holy sh*t, stop."

You notice that 3 and 4 have been inside that hotel room for MORE than a few hours. What are you thinking?

Rosalina has millenia and millenia of tales to tell.

Strings hasn't a single memory older than a few years. Sometimes she just needs a bit of reassurance and stuff.

potentially sexual situation response... dodged*

Could 1 and 6 be soul mates?

Snake and Mel? Hehe... I think their souls would align very well. Kind of like mixing the blue and the yellow in the paint and creating green. Although this case pale blue and vivid green.

Would 2 trust 5?

Hawke? Trust?

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Number 4 is bored and pokes 10. What happens after that?

Now, an idealist like Nana sees someone so composed and sage as Rosalina poking her and she can't help but have fun with it. Pretty soon Nana's into bugging Rosalina mindlessly with a barrage of pokes when Rosalina only intended to do it once. Turnabout's fair play.

5 and 1 are forced to go back to school together. What study will they pick?

Studies on cooking and perhaps for him some sketching. Strikes me as a sketch artist, Snake does.

If 6 and 3 cooked dinner what would they make?

When you get someone as subdued as Strings and as boisterous as Mel and have them try and make dinner, what do you get?

A pizza.

And a fire extinguisher.

And in the midst of a fight.

7 and 9 apply for a job. What job?

Lash applies for an invention job for her... and... why Mario?

Oh... cos she needs a lab rat. Tsk, tsk, Mar, you need to know when to say no. o.o

8 gives 5 a haircut. Is that okay?

Well, I imagine Falco must be good at grooming. Kind of pointless since Luigi has the hat though.

9 sketches what 6's perfect girl/boyfriend should look like; will 6 be happy?

Lash sketches something that looks like a six year old's composition of a man.

Melanthe is genuinely happy with it.

10 and 9 are blushing while they talk. What is their conversation about?

I dunno... but I walk by very slowly and teasingly. I just had to take advantage of this.

1 accidentally kicked 10?

Nana. Tsk, tsk. You should know to stay away from Snake when he's training. What are you gonna, kiss him again?

christ, I was kidding! Jee, I'm sorry.

2 sent a message to his/her Bf/Gf but 9 got it. What would happen?

Nothing spectacular; his girlfriend got his message after all.

5 and 6 did a workout together?

Melanthe would be outdoing him on the weights. Eff what Super Mario 64 DS says, the Yoshi tribe is a strong race.

6 noticed he/she wasn't invited to your birthday?

I thought she was busy... damn. She'd have been the life of the party. Hope she'll accept an improptu invitation on the back of a napkin. XD

7 won the lottery?

Does he really need all those coins? Nah, Mario'd probably do some big donation.

8 had quite a big secret?

...we all know you can't really fly.

9 became a singer?

All those years singing along to Rise Against paid off!

10 got a daughter?

Hey, Nana. Don't worry, teen pregnancy happens. O.o

(Gonna end this here.)

What would 1 think of 2?

I see a lot of similarities between the both of them, only even Snake isn't that hardened.

How would 3 greet 4?

"Hello there, memory woman." With a slight smile, too.

What would 4 envy about 5?

The fact that he can stay on earth with his special one. Maybe that he has a special one?

What dream would 5 have about 6?

Probably some good kind of memory of when he was a kid and Mel totally saved his ass.

What do 6 and 7 have in common?

They've both fought Bowser.

What would make 7 angry at 8?

Falco's got an arsenal of wisecracks. Mario's a straight shooter. It's grating after awhile.

Where would 8 meet 9?

At some rock club somewhere. She's singing loudly, he's laughing loudly.

What would 9 never dare to tell 10?

Nana's an idealist. Lash'd stave from telling about all the times she killed people with her lazarz.

What would make 10 scared of 1?

He's a soldier? He kicked her?

Is 3 Gay?

She doesn't know, really.

How do you feel right now?

I indulged myself. I'm kind of grinning. XD

11th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Royal Survivor: Stars by Mindblower

11. Royal Survivor: Stars by Mindblower

Section: Mario
Genre: Reality TV Game Show
Rating: 7+- a mostly clean story, with occasional censored language and intense scenes.
Type: TV Show Format
Status: Twelve Episodes In, 95,000 Words
Latest Update: April 23, 2011

Starring Characters: An assortment of the most famous Mario series characters, including two OCs as reps of two Koopa Species.

Description: In an original remastering of the Survivor system, Mindblower creates a game show for the most famous characters of the Mario series.

Review: 99% of the time, if you see a reality TV show based fic... it sucks. Sorry, but usually it does, and at the best is forgettable. With the exception of the above mentioned Amazing Race: Dreamland, though, this is perhaps the most intelligent, most realistic and enjoyable without being a guilty pleasure.

There are two things that make this a great experience. One is that everyone is IN CHARACTER, with one exception. (The one exception is huge, noticable, but intended, so it passes.) You don't have blatant overreactions and using Mario characters as vessels for your own stereotypes, you have the actual characters, and that's pretty much an auto-win for me. In fact, the characters are very enjoyable- her OC Bro Mamma, my pick to win, is a ton of fun to read about and frankly should get her own fic. Mindblower even explores and fleshes out what is already there- the intelligent Bowser is more IC, in my opinion, than typical fanfics and is pretty much the archetype I imagined him to be/ plan to base him off of in upcoming fics.

Jeff met the Hero tribe on the dark side of the island. He handed each member a torch. "Fire represents life. If your torch goes out, so do you.

"Each of you will write a name down on a peace of paper, the name of the person you want most to go home. This person does not have to be the weakest. Keep in mind, throughout the game, that there can only be one Royal Survivor."

The second thing that makes this successful is that Mindblower creates an original Survivor system, called Royal Survivor, hence the name. Whilst Inspector Brown created an unique world, Mindblower creates original rules, almost entirely dissimilar to Survivor but feels entirely like a Survivor fic anyways. I can't name all the changes (the first chapter has a good introduction), but the most notable include coin challenges, regular auctions, and all three teams living on the same island and therefore interacting.

Perhaps the strongest point, however, is that Mindblower takes full advantage of being in control of the show (something that, presumably, reality TV shows are not) and therefore creates great scenes, moments, twists, ideas, interactions and other such things, making sure that you stay tuned for the next chapter.

Overall, a story that breaks the trend of bad Survivor stories and creates a stakehold and sets an example for its successors.

15th Best Fanfic I've Ever Read-Wounded by PitFTW

15. Wounded by PitFTW

Section: Super Smash Bros
Genre: War, Angst, Comfort, Alternate Universe
Rating: Teen for violence, language and emotionally painful scenes.
Type: Full Length Story
Status: Four Chapters In
Last Updated: March 5, 2011

Starring Characters: Link, Mario, Zelda, Ike, Pit

Description: The story takes place in a war zone- our favorite Nintendo characters against the alloys. A look mostly outside the battlefield on the effects of war and death on the soldiers of the war.

Review: PitFTW is probably one of the most legendary authors of the Smash Brothers Section. More than 80 different people have favorited her works all over the sites, and her stories usually have a lot of people flocking to them with rave reviews. For good reason- she's an incredible author. All around, her work is solid, intelligent and remarkable.

Wounded sticks with me because of the frank, painful look it takes on war. You don't see many anti-war stories taking place in a war- at least I don't, but she accomplishes it with raw emotions, deft writing, and immersing detail of the psyche of the soldiers and the events. What is probably the most remarkable part is that she does not preach in the story- she lets the events speak for themselves. And it's truly haunting.

"I used to read about how people would look like they were sleeping peacefully when they died.

Today, I learned that in reality, they don't look like they're sleeping.

They just look dead."

Truly not an easy read- a lot of parts are hard to stomach. But if you are brave, your reward will be great. Wounded is the kind of story that leads by example, and you are drawn to follow.

Unfortunately, work has been delayed for four months, but hopefully with some projects nearly out of the way she will resume work on her brilliant fic.