After consideration · 8:06pm Jul 11th, 2015
In response to all the things you've said, my dear readers, I think I have a solution.
With regards to what you said about Sci and contacting him, I really have tried every possible method. Messages on Skype, Fanfiction, FiMfiction, Google +, Youtube. Zip. Nadda. He's been out of touch for months and I think it pragmatic to press on as best I can without him.
However, I have come up with something. I think we can all agree that it's unfair to write Ray out completely, considering how integral a part of events he's become. In addition, a massive rewrite would be rather impractical and a shame. So, my idea:
Keep everything but the Demon Beasts. Instead of them, have it that Ray harbours a very powerful, very ancient magic inside him that requires a living vessel to hold. That way, we keep that aspect of his character without the Naruto stuff that I don't think I could handle, since I have no real liking for the series myself.
How does that sound?
In all honesty, I think that works quite a bit. Make sure to PM your friend or notify him in some way, so that when he gets back he'll be well aware of what your intentions are of course. But I think that would work well.
I never realized that your co-writer (editor?) was the source of Ray's stuff.
Personally, I didn't entirely like the "hidden power" stuff, but I still enjoyed how Celestia and his friends dealt with it. It felt a bit powergamey when he went crazy, but it was still enjoyable.
Honestly though, I think most of your readers would just be happy enough to see you writing again that a bit of storybending wouldn't be too big of a deal.
I like the idea. Ancient magic makes for a good story, and keeps the characterization of Ray mostly the same. Sounds good to me.
That sounds great! ...although I'm still way behind
I still enjoy your stories Alpha! Keep it up
3229060 SPOILER ALERT! In case anyone hasn't read up to the point where he goes... Crazy...
That can work
3229081 Ahh, you're right. Didn't cross my mind that someone may not be caught up. Spoiler alerted it.
Entirely my bad.
I think this could be a fine solution. Also don't give up on Sci completely yet. I really like Naruto, but I agree that those story features can be dropped. However, and this is probably just me, but isn't there a possibility that doing this for Ray could make him seem more like a "godlike" OC? I don't know, that's up to you. But I do think this is a good idea to follow so you can continue writing.
That's as good as it's gonna get without Sci. Go for it dude.
3229193 A godlike OC would be one who has control of this power. Ray wouldn't. It's like a man who tries to burn down a house. He may have lit the flame, but he doesn't control it and it could just as easily hurt him. It's a forbidden power, one that was never meant to be used.
3229338 I see and I agree. That was a good analogy. :) You might want to see Alex's opinion on this idea. It's on the Gen Dicgussion on the forum.
Go for it!!!
That sounds really really really manageable and a very awesome idea!
Nothing against SCI or his ideas, but if he's not going to come back, this seems like the most logical and realistic choice to keep it all going.
I look forward to hearing more in the future.
I miss sci as much as the next fan, and I know what it's like to write with a character that you aren't used to writing. I wish luck to you Alpha.
That makes sense. If SCI isn't answering your messages, then maybe it's time to move on. I do like your new ideas for Wrath. I'm not a Naruto fan myself so I don't think I'd get the whole... Demon Beasts thing...
I just hope you don't change what you already have written. Your stories on Dusk are some of my favorites!! I understand having to change the material about Ray and Wrath, but I like everything else you've written. And I'm sure other people do too.
Good luck with the next chapter of "Ray of Dusk"! I can't wait for it!!