PoT: Challenge: Circle

[branchandroot]

Fic post from my archive.

Circle

The long awaited last match of Nationals. Drama, I-4

Seiichi's smile changed, undiluted pleasure added to the satisfaction. It was the last round of Nationals, and they were ready.

Comments

[written-in-blue.livejournal.com]

That was perfect.

Just perfect.

[snuggles]

(Besides, I don't WANT to know who wins, damn it. Because when one of them wins, it ENDS.)

[readx0r.livejournal.com]

A.A What a wonderful end to the arc! You've caused me to fall completely in love with Rikkai. ^__^ I can't wait 'til the next arc, though. Which branch are you starting up, again?

EEEYUKIMURA! XD

[anruik]

Absolutely wonderful. I love the ending right where it is, with Yukimura losing what's held him back for that long while.

And Niou being the evil/mischievous person he is? Of course I can't resist.

[maeran.livejournal.com]

A little bit selfish of me, I admit, since I did not leave comments until now, but I had been a fan of your fanfictions since the "Mirror" arc. In fact, I credit you for pulling me into TeniPuri fandom in the first place. (Fanfictions do that to me.) I had been a bit shy to leave comments openly before, but I wanted to tell you that I felt this was a very fitting ending for the "Challenge" arc. It does not matter we ever know who won the Singles 1 match - it's the actually match that matters, not the outcome.

And here I was thinking whether I was the only fanfic reader/writer who bounces in her seat whenever a tennis match is covered in fanfictions... In many fanfics, somewhere along the romance and angst/fluff the actual tennis part often goes missing, and despite being a non-sports person, it made the fanfictions less TeniPuri-authentic to me. Like, such events could have taken place in any other fandom, not specifically in TeniPuri. That's another reason why I like your fanfictions. You cover the tennis matches with enough details to excite, but not enough to lose non-athletes completely.

Speaking of the actual matches, I thought the outcomes of the matches up to Singles 1 were very realistic. Doubles 2, especially, because the Regional's final made me wonder how the Golden Pair would have fared against them; while Momoshiro and Kaidoh were both baseliners, Eiji is a serve and volley player, with same emphasis on net play as Bunta. Plus, Oishi's closest counterpart in terms of defense and support seemed to be Jackal.

Anyway, in this arc, each story was a joy to follow, with an equally beautiful ending. Thank you for sharing them. I look forward to reading your new arcs!

[soloproject.livejournal.com]

*wipes tear* Of course it goes without saying, the characterization sparkles and Emily, I don't know how you manage to give everyone equal time! Konomi should hand writing duties to you and just draw.

Goes it makes me anticipate so badly - not only is there such a clear view on each character, this could very well be the closet possible prediction to the outcome of the manga! (I'M HOPING SO BAD. >3)

And the cliffhanger kills me at the end but it's a nice peaceful death. <3



♥

[muscatlove.livejournal.com]

*loves* Saa, what a great ending to a beautiful story. Looking very forward to what you write next, but I think this arc settles as my favorite piece of TeniPuri writing.. "Challenge" itself was definitely my favorite on its own, but the whole thing is just mind-bogglingly complete and delicious. ^^

[mildlyinsane.livejournal.com]

<-- incoherent fangirling.

*sends emily truckloads of cookies*

*goes back to reread again* *and again* *and again*

[mica-chan.livejournal.com]

Perfect. That's all I can say. It was even more perfect than your other perfects pieces.

What I think interesting is that I never liked Rikkai Dai. I mean...they were totally...geez, I forgot the word. It's not that I disliked them, I just didn't care about this team. Until I started to read your fics.
You made me love all of them. You made me a Rikkai Dai fan, as much as I am a Hyotei fan, and you are great for it.

I'm eagger waiting for the next arc (with a little worry, I confess, because even though I love Akaya, he's not my preference in fanfics) and I can say you couldn't end this arc better. YOU ARE TERRIFIC. Really.

[featherypony.livejournal.com]

One thing I admire about your writing (other than your excellent grasp of personality and characterization for every character you write), is that you're one of the few writers I know who actually describes tennis, and not only that, you make it interesting. Despite my obsession with a tennis-centered anime and manga...I really find tennis excruciatingly boring, and anyone who can make me lean forward toward my screen in anticipation with it is someone to be saluted! *salutes*

And I have loved, loved, LOVED this entire series, even if sometimes the pairings (and then some) make myself and my muses go "ACKACKACK!!!!", I have still cherished every word.

And YOU are the first person to receive my long-awaited "holiest fucking gods" icon (believe me, this is an achievement)!

And I can't wait for Kirihara-buchou. *little squee* Akaya's my favorite character in the entire series (though very closely followed by Marui and Yukimura and the entire Rikkai team) and the thought of him as team captain makes my heart leap. *bounces*

[naanima.livejournal.com]

Perfect.

Just perfect. And not telling is the point. See, this is how I want the PoT manga to end. I don't want to know who wins the Nationals, just seeing all the team I care about making it is worth it. This is perfect. Darling, you make these characters what they are meant to be in ther series, you make them into a team, and I love you for that.

LOVE *huggles*

[mica-chan.livejournal.com]

Emily...this time I'm writing because I'm looking for some information. I don't know if you can help me, but...

Well, in Japan, High School has three years, right? And...people use to play (in clubs or I don't know what) in their last year?
I'm asking because I'm remembering "Dear Boys" where the guys had to stop to play in their last year in High School. And, as I'm planning to write a fic (just planning) in their last year, I need to know if they would be playing tennis or not (at least at school).

If you can help me...or know someone who can, I'd be really pleased.

[aishuu.livejournal.com]

No, I'm not going to kill you, but I do want more... which is exactly where it should be. Always leave the audience begging, ne?

The ending was perfect - the unknown resolution that leaves the reader to decide who won. Personally, my bet is Tezuka... he's the main Mary Sue, after all.

I would like to see more Rikkai from you.

[solaas.livejournal.com]

Guh. I think I'm out of ways to express how much I'm enjoying your stories by now. Spending the weekend holed up in ze comfy chair with blanket and laptop, reading your PoT fics is most excellent. You're making me like Kirihara, too! :D (Not that that will stop me from (ab)using him in a Richard III parody one day, but hey.)

The grande finale of 'Challenge' is wonderful in how it climaxes the whole arc, and bring (most of) the plot threads to an end. (Fuji being the exception, since he just has too many too growly Issues(tm) still.:) Ending it without giving the result is--

--well, it's perfect. We don't need to know the result; it doesn't matter to this story. What's important is that the game is played the way they all hoped it would be. Both teams made it there intact and raring to go, and it's glorious and right. I'm so happy. :D

(Icon is in celebration of the cosmic unfairness of being done reading the Challenge ard. In a good way.)