[English] Preferences for the Secret Coconut
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POST EDITED ON 02/22/2014 FOR THE 9TH ROUND OF THE SECRET COCONUT
(Edited on Feb 25 just to add Asmita's Gaiden to the list of Gaidens I've already read)
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Hi, hi! So you are going to write a fanfic for me, eh? Glad to know it! *-*
Well, I've already written a preference post focused on the Secret Coconut hosted by Saint Seiya Superfics Journal. But this time I've decided to submit some prompts in English... and as there's a chance of a non-Portuguese speaker choose a prompt of mine, I thought it would be a good idea if I post some preferences in English, too.
It's going to be a shorter version because my English actually... s*cks =X Well, life =/ Then again (as you've already read on my General Notes), this post will be focused on general preferences and pairings concerning to my English prompts - and, of course, only about Saint Seiya and Hetalia: Axis Powers. If you chose another prompt from other series, it means that you can understand Portuguese, so this post may help you. But I think this current post can help you too ;-) Well, please read both x.x''
The main post will be about Saint Seiya, sorry about that x.x If you have further doubts about Hetalia, please contact the admins.
And sorry for any errors, not my language, ok?
SAINT SEIYA:
General preferences
Now then, I always try to write as much as possible about my preferences for a prompt... so you're probably aware of my preferred genres, things I may or may not like to read and so on.
Talking about genres, I usually mention in my prompt which one would fit better in what I want to read from it. But in general terms, I tend to prefer light stories. Gen, comedy, romance... preferably with a happy or at least hopeful ending. But I also like to cry while reading fanfics (???), so don't worry if an angst atmosphere suits better. Just make sure that it won't break my preferences for that prompt and that the fic won't turn into a tearjerker story.
Even if it is a drama, the subjective matter is far more important than external factors to me. I usually prefer an emotional/intimate torture than a physical one, unless in some cases (or some characters, but I usually mention/allow it). Also, I like a character study, even if it is not the main genre. I love to know why the character is acting that way. You don't need to write a huge paragraph about his/her thoughts and feelings, but some subjective hints are always welcome. Of course, it depends on the plot...
Oh, my, what can I say? I love some "fluffy" stories or family interactions x.x And note that a "family interaction" does not necessarily involve blood relatives to me. Love some master-pupil interactions as well. Depending on the characters, it can almost be as a parent-child relationship and suits in that "non-blood relative family atmosphere" I mentioned. No need for exaggerations, but I love tender atmospheres. But I think you're aware of this by reading my prompts n.n''' Then again, you don't have to use this approach if it doesn't suit in your plot. I like delicate stories sometimes but not an artificial atmosphere (for example, a rigid character acting in a non-usual careful way about other one if you don't agree with this characterization).
Uhn... I think it will be ok if you just follow the prompt, so don't worry ;-) Now let's talk about characters!
Characters and arcs
~> "Uhn... your prompt doesn't say anything about time. Which arcs/series should I use to write a fanfic for you, Lune?"
- I usually prefer post-Hades stories with all characters resurrected... but I also like stories in the past: fics about the "chibi" Gold Saints can be so lovely! =3 I prefer light stories in this case, and a lot of fluffy (especially for little Mu); but dark backgrounds for some of them (i.e. Deathmask) are ok as well.
- Lost Canvas: I haven't finished the manga yet, but I've already watched all the 26 episodes available. And I'm totally fine with spoilers, so don't worry about using Leo Regulus (for example) in your fanfic. About the Gaidens, I've already read the first eight ones (Albafica's, Kardia's, Dégel's, Manigold's, El Cid's, Dohko's, Regulus' and Asmita's), as I like to read them in paper and these were the Gaidens released in Brazil up to this date; so, you're free to make any references to these Gaidens in your fic.
- Episode G: I haven't finished the manga, but you are free to use references from it, as long as I can understand them n.n'' I'm fine with spoilers.
- Saint Seiya Omega: I've watched it until the battle against Sonia in the Scorpio Temple. This series must only be considered if I ask you to do it in the prompt. If not, write me a post-Hades fic with all Saints alive, please.
- Next Dimension: I haven't read it and I'm not interested on it by now. If you're going to write a fanfic for me about the Holy War on 1743, use the Lost Canvas universe instead.
- Gigantomachy: I haven't read it and don't have any plans to do it by now. Don't use it.
~> Some aspects about characters:
- Not surprisingly (taking into account the prompts I've submitted), my favorite characters are the Gold Saints. Some of my favorites: Aries Mu, Pisces Aphrodite, Taurus Aldebaran, Virgo Shaka, Aquarius Camus... Pope Shion and Libra Dohko (well, we could put them in here XD) and, depending on the plot, Gemini Saga and Gemini (or Sea Dragon) Kanon. I also like Kiki =3
- I used to prefer the Bronze Saints when I was younger, but it doesn't mean that I dislike them nowadays. I've always liked Dragon Shiryu and Cygnus Hyoga; after a while, I've included Phoenix Ikki and Andromeda Shun in this list.
- I don't dislike the other female characters, but my favorite ones are Polaris Hilda, Saori Kido (Athena) and Aquila Marin (to some degree).
- Lost Canvas: I like all the Gold Saints (no exceptions), but if I need to decide my favorite ones, they could be Aries Shion, Libra Dohko (OOH, what a surprise! [look at the list above]), Sagittarius Sisyphus and Pisces Albafica. Other characters: Sasha (Athena), Pope Sage, Altar Hakurei, Atla, Bennu Kagaho and, to some degree, Crane Yuzuriha as well.
- Saint Seiya Omega: I liked the Bronze Saints, especially Dragon Ryuho. From the Gold Saints, Aries Kiki (duh!), Gemini Paradox, Libra Genbu and Scorpio Sonia. Loved Bear Geki as a professor and... owwwn, Raki is so cute! *-*
- Characterization: I am not the best author in this matter, so I understand that there may be disagreements about some aspects of a character's personality. And I'm also aware that, sometimes (especially in comedies and parodies) some features may be flexibilized or even caricatured to some degree. However, I really appreciate when the author tries to show me a plausible characterization. When the fanfic is dramatic or serious, characterization is a key aspect, especially if there is a character analysis involved. So, please, make an effort to run away from some fandom clichés, such as a "womanizer Milo" or a "bouncing queer" Aphrodite.
About characterization, I truly don't want to read any character bashing, especially for some usual victims such as Taurus Aldebaran, Pegasus Seiya and Saori Kido. I especially hate when some ficwriters portray Aldebaran as a "drunk idiot", an "irresponsible weak Saint" and so on, just because he is not a bishounen or is always beaten by other characters (that "physical strenght is not important" and blah blah blah). He is a lovely character and actually shows his values in Saint Seiya, so please be respectful to him!
Also about Aldebaran... not all Brazilians love caipirinha or cachaça. Let's preserve his liver, please XD
- Original characters (OCs): as you've already noticed from my prompts, I don't want to read an OC in a major role - that is, as a protagonist or even paired with another character. Let protagonism to the characters of the series, please.
But I don't "hate" OCs, either. I know that sometimes other characters are necessary to a scene or even a whole plot (a character's master, an apprentice, a soldier, a messenger, a bartender...). I like those funny OCs that sometimes bring more humor to the text. In summary, it depends on the plot... but I really prefer you to use mainly the characters from Saint Seiya, unless I explicitly ask you for an OC.
Next... let's talk a little bit about love...
Favorite pairings and other romantic/erotic stuff
Now then, why did I put some examples of my favorite pairings on my prompts? Well, because if I didn't, that would be a "blind choice". Those examples were chosen to show you that, although I really prefer yaoi, I do have het and yuri preferences. So, if you are not fine with yaoi, you could choose other pairing.
(Note: As far as I can remember, I haven't use this kind of prompt for the current round of the Secret Coconut. But I'll keep this comment here anyway, as it may be useful in the future).
~> YAOI
My favorite genre by far. In general, I like couples involving Gold Saints in various combinations. I don't dislike "golden pairings" at all, but I surely have some preferred couples.
The list below shows some of my favorite pairings (not all of them involving Gold Saints) and tips for some of them. My OTPs (if I can call them so, as I use those characters in other combinations as well) are displayed in bold:
- Aries Shion/Libra Dohko (OTP) ~> Really... when I discovered some curious stuff about their astrological charts, I just realized they were MEANT to be together! *-* (Just kidding. But that was really cute =P)
- Taurus Aldebaran/Aries Mu
- Gemini Saga/Aries Mu ~> Dark fics about Saga's "Evil side" and his obssession towards Mu are welcome, if the prompt doesn't exclude dark themes. But a "normal" Saga/Mu is ok as well.
- Gemini Saga/Pisces Aphrodite
- Gemini Saga/Aquarius Camus
- Gemini Saga/Gemini (Sea Dragon) Kanon ~> Yes, twincest is allowed! But please, don't forget that this pairing has an intense and dramatic background, they're not a "pink couple".
- Gemini (Sea Dragon) Kanon/Aries Mu
- Leo Aiolia/Aries Mu
- Gemini Saga/Virgo Shaka
- Gemini Saga/Capricorn Shura
- Gemini (Sea Dragon) Kanon/Capricorn Shura
- Scorpio Milo/Pisces Aphrodite
- Taurus Aldebaran/Pisces Aphrodite ~> Post-Hades, please.
- Sagittarius Aioros/Aries Mu ~> Post-Hades, pretty please!
- Phoenix Ikki/Virgo Shaka ~> Bronze/Gold pairings are not my thing, but this couple might be an exception. Please, Ikki aged 18 or older.
- Bennu Kagaho /Alone (Lost Canvas) ~> My OTP in Lost Canvas concerning to characters related to Hades. Kagaho always devoted to Alone, please. And yes, I do think an uke Kagaho is totally lovely! *-*
- Julian Solo (Poseidon)/Siren Sorento
- Griffon Minos/Balron Lune ~> Preferably no romance, just sex.
- Aries Shion/Pisces Albafica (Lost Canvas)
- Griffon Minos/Pisces Albafica (Lost Canvas)
- Sagittarius Sisyphus/Capricorn El Cid (Lost Canvas)
- Cancer Manigold/Aries Shion (Lost Canvas)
- Aries Kiki/Libra Genbu (Omega) ~> Got curious XD If you are going to use this pairing, I would love to see references from the Classic Saint Seiya series, please.
* Shion/Mu allowed in Alternate Universes.
Please note that I didn't use a "seme/uke" order! I really don't care about who is on top, and I truly believe that a taller/stronger guy can be the uke and the "delicate guy" can be on top! u.ú An example could be Kagaho/Alone. Or... well, have you ever read a doujinshi called "Sheep Matador" (18+)? It's an Aldebaran/Mu lemon, and guess who is on top? ;-) Actually, I believe in a "Flex Way of Life"... =P
Yes, I do like twincest, but Ikki/Shun and Aioros/Aiolia incests are not my thing. Their relationship are too fraternal and I don't want it to be missed. The same goes for master/pupil relationships such as Camus/Hyoga (or Isaac) and Shion/Mu (in canonical fanfics - this pairing is allowed in AUs, as long as they're not father and son u.u''). Don't write it unless I ask you to.
Although I don't hate other pairings, I ask you not to include others (as the main pairing, obviously, or even mentioning them). I don't dislike some "popular" ships such as Camus/Milo, Deathmask/Aphrodite or Mu/Shaka, but... well, I've already read so many fanfics about these pairings that I'm a little tired of them. If you don't want some of these characters to be alone, choose a favorite pairing of mine, please (it's a gift for me, after all!), unless you have a really good reason not to do so.
~> HET
- Saori Kido (Athena)/Julian Solo (Poseidon) ~> My favorite het pairing. I think a romantic comedy suits better, but nothing against other genres.
- Saori Kido (Athena)/Gemini Saga ~> Drama, intensity, redemption, devotion...
- Saori Kido (Athena)/Gemini Kanon ~> The same above.
- Polaris Hilda/Phecda Thor ~> I'm not interested on them as the main pairing for the prompts I've submitted, but they are cute and can be freely mentioned if you want.
Please, Saori must be aged 18 or older. I really don't want to read a 13 years-old girl with an adult man, for sure x.x And I really like when her partner is devoted and respectful to her.
Nothing against other popular (or not) het pairings such as Aquila Marin/Leo Aiolia, Scorpio Milo/Ophiucus Shaina... but trust me, I'm really not interested in them.
~> YURI
- Saori Kido/Polaris Hilda ~> mutual admiration, love, affection and respect.
- Polaris Hilda/Mermaid Thetis ~> I've written an orange with them for a challenge, so I got myself curious about this unusual couple (well, I think I've never heard about it). I think Thetis would play the "seductive part" here. What do you think?
- Saori Kido/Mermaid Thetis ~> Ok, got curious. If Thetis could make an interesting couple with Hilda, what about Saori?
- Sasha/Pandora ~> I'm not very sure about them, but I'm open to read about this couple.
~> Advices about erotic scenes
- Yes, erotic scenes are always welcome (except if the prompt explicitly prohibits that), although not mandatory! And by "erotic scenes", penetrative sex is not the only thing I'm talking about. Soft porn, insinuations, non-penetrative sex, phone/virtual sex (love it!)... you can use it as you wish!
- I appreciate erotic scenes that explore what the characters feel, think... a subjective approach tends to enjoy me more. I mean, show me the action, but not "only" the action. And they don't need to be in love for that.
- MAJOR DON'Ts: rape, minors participating in erotic scenes in any way (for example: Kiki can catch Aldebaran and Mu almost kissing each other, or even a kiss, but NEVER catch them naked or with noticeable erections), scatology, furry, futanari, shotacon, lolicon, pedophilia, zoophilia, necrophilia, M-preg, exaggerated or non-consensual violence (if it's not in the prompt).
- Even Saori/Hilda, Hilda/Thetis and Saori/Julian (and other combinations) being minors themselves, please make all of them aged 18 or older if you're going to write sex scenes with one of these pairings.
- About hentai: Saori's partner must be always affectioned and devoted to her, not only in bed. No violence towards her, misoginy and so on. And no crazy fetishes.
- Orange: please, NO dildos. I don't want any penetrative "toys". Some erotic lesbian scenes give us the impression that women always need a penis (or a "fake penis") to have any pleasure, and I totally disagree with that vision. For yuri sex, masturbation, oral sex and tribadism, please. Other erotic products, such as massage oils and gels, are allowed.
- Lemon: if my prompt allows it, you can use some fetishes as BDSM, voyeurism, ménage or even group sex. Just avoid the "don't"s I've mentioned. If you're thinking about using a "controversial" scene (or a polemic fetish that I haven't mentioned), ask the admins to contact me first.
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HETALIA: AXIS POWERS
- Favorite characters: Spain, Canada, Greece, Italy Romano (and Chibi Romano), Italy Veneziano (and Chibitalia), Sweden, Belgium, Hungary. But I don't dislike the others =P
- Romance: I prefer YAOI. Some of my favorite pairings:
* Spain/Italy Romano (Spamano) (OTP) ~> Just a note: I want them in a relationship AS ADULTS! Please don't ship Spain with Chibi Romano!!!
* Sweden/Finland (OTP)
* Greece/Japan
* Canada/America
* France/England
* America/England
* Germany/Italy Veneziano
* France/Canada
* Holy Roman Empire/Chibitalia (obviously no sex!)
- Addicional tips about Hetalia:
- As I'm a newbie in this fandom, I'm still confused with some human names for them. So, if you're used to write fanfics this way, I ask you to clarify in the fanfic header who is who. For example:
"Characters/ships: Antonio Fernandes Carriedo (Spain)/Lovino Vargas (Romano)".
Thus I'll be able to fully understand the story without being confused. Thank you!
- Please don't use alternative characterizations (such as "2p! characterization" or "Nyotalia"). Just stick to the canonic versions.
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ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Remember: avoid character bashing and OCs in proeminent roles; and be careful not to let the character too much OOC.
- Being an uke is not the same of being a "cute girl" or a "damsel in distress". An uke is still a man. And yes, a man can be sensitive and gentle, why not? But don't use this characteristics to exaggerate and create a totally-feminized uke. No crossdressing, no mannerisms, no need for an OOC "just to fit the character into the 'uke role'". And this is valid for female characters in a yuri couple, too: no aesthetic and gestural clichés.
- Yuri: I don't want to read that the character is now homosexual because "she had suffered with a man in the past" or "she misses a better man". She loves another woman. That's it! No men, no traumas, no excuses involved, please. This is important for Saori (no Seiya, no Julian, no Gold Saint making her suffer!) and Hilda (no Siegfried!), but it's particularly important for Thetis - I don't want to see her portrayed as "that girl in love with Julian Solo" in your fic, no matter if she is not with Hilda at the beginning of the story.
- "A and B are in love with each other, but C (usually an ex-girlfriend - and frequently Pandora, Saori or Shaina) tries to ruin their happiness because she can't admit that A is gay and doesn't care about her beauty/abilities". I truly HATE this kind of yaoi plot. Don't bash a female character in order to "justify" a man's homosexuality. Actually I hate this plot in het and yuri fanfics as well, so please don't write this kind of triangle for me. I don't have patience for this kind of plot even in dramatic soap-operas.
- Child and animal abuse: DON'T use it.
- Avoid songfics. When I suggest a song in my prompt, all you need to do is listen to it (or read its lyrics) and write a fanfic based on the atmosphere, on the feelings transmitted by the music. You can mention the song in the notes as your inspiration, but you don't need to put the lyrics in your text.
- Avoid crossovers. I don't want characters from Avengers, Game of Thrones or other series, unless I explicitly ask for it in the prompt.
- I really appreciate Alternate Universes - they can be set in the past (medieval plots, for example), present or even in the future. But, unless my prompt asks for something different, I prefer the characters to be "normal creatures" in a normal universe. No elves, fairies, vampires or werewolves, please x.x''' The only different "race" I want in a fanfic written for me is the Lemurian race, for obvious reasons... =P
- "Platonic relationship" means: they're in love with each other but don't have enough courage to open their own hearts yet. I mean: if a character is on a "platonic relationship", I don't want the other character to be in love with anyone else. No triangles unless I ask you to write one.
- "Additional notes": I really love it! I like to know the author's thoughts and impressions over the fic I just finished reading. I think it makes a text even more enjoyable. So please don't be shy and comment on your own fic: why you chose that prompt, your inspirations, some important (or clarifying) details and explanations about a particular scene or characterization... just talk about your fic as you want! (As you've already noticed, I talk too much... n.n'')
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Phew! Well, that's it! (OMG, did I really say that it would be a "short version"? x.x)
If you have any further question, please contact me via the admins and I'll answer as soon (and as better) as I can. And, once again, sorry for any English mistakes.
Finally, here are some other ways to contact me (but don't use them to ask me about the Secret Coconut, it isn't appropriate! For this kind of contact, you must do it via the admins!):
Fanfiction.Net profile (Portuguese)
Nyah! Fanfiction profile (Portuguese - this is a Brazillian fanfiction archive)
Spring.me
Twitter: @lunekuruta
Tumblr
Ask.fm
AO3 profile: I'll post something on it soon x.x
Thank you very much for writing a fanfic for me! Looking forward to read it! *-*
Kissus,
Lune Kuruta.