What's been a long time coming · 10:10pm Mar 25th, 2017
Hey everyone!
Hey everyone!
Hey everyone!
...
Oh wow, what an echo. *sigh* I don't know, guys, is there even a point to this? No one's gonna end up reading what I write here.
Now hold up jus' a gosh darn second, sugar. You ain't backin' out on this one. It's better for everypony-
EveryBODY, darling.
-everyWHATEVER, if you just done get it over with. You've kept 'em waitin' long enough, Ah reckon.
I know it isn't easy, especially not after all this time. But if you don't do at least this much, it's never going to stop bothering you. And you know just as much as we do that you haven't been fair to everyone who followed you back then. Who STILL follow you, despite everything.
I dunno, Twilight. This place looks dead to me. Heck, now that I think about it, I became A WONDERBOLT before he wrote a new chapter for this thing. AND the Cutie Mark Crusaders got their cutie marks. AND you got your own friendship student. I'm pretty sure the ship has been abandoned.
Oh come now, Rainbow Dash, there's no need to be so pessimistic. Granted, this account has seen better days... by which I mean all other days... BUT STILL, we can't allow ourselves to get cold hooves now. A true gentleman owns up to his mistakes and does his best to make things right.
Preeeeeeeeeeeetty sure everyone has stopped caring...
That is NOT true! Somewhere out there, someone will end up seeing this, even if it's just a single person. That's all the reason you should ever need to go through with this. And we'll be here with you all the way through to the end.
Hehehehe...
Was that you laughing, Pinkie?
*giggle* Yep! I found a fic called "Discord Punches Twilight in the Face"! It's hilarious!
I- Bu- WHAT?! Who would- who would even write a story like that?!
Oh, um, Discord actually showed that one to me when it came out. He really liked it, so we read it together, and... well... I might have laughed a little, I'm sorry...
Hah! Now Ah know what Apple Bloom's next bedtime story's gonna be.
APPLEJACK!
Isn't she too old for bedtime stories by now?
Would you be too old reading a story about Discord punching Twilight in the face?
Got me there.
Ugh, just... just get started already, Kang. Please? Before they find another embarrassing story about me.
Like one where you get stuck in duct tape?
Yes, something along those- OH COME ON! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! Let me see that one, they can't possibly write me as that stupid.
...Aaaaand off they go. How did I know they'd be the first ones to get distracted? ...Heh. Just another reason why I love them... Right! To the task at hand...
Hey everyone! KangTheGuardian here. I suppose saying "Long time, no see" would be putting it mildly. I'm just gonna skip all the stuff going on with my life right now and get down to the business we're all here for: Friendship is Aura.
It's a poorly kept secret that the story has been dead for quite some time now, and I'd like to first apologize for keeping it tagged as "incomplete" all this time instead of "on hiatus" or outright "cancelled". I wanted to try and motivate myself into one day continuing the story by never announcing it as cancelled, but as we all can plainly see, it hasn't worked out. The mood to write never came back to me, for a plethora of different reasons I'm gonna bring up in just a moment. But first, once again, I'm sorry for never calling it quits when I should've, and for leading you all on with false hopes that maybe one day I'd return and finish it. My bad. Sincerely.
As for why the story was never finished, the first reason was what my depressed self went on about over a year back: That writing the story no longer felt fulfilling and didn't lead anywhere for me in my normal life. I know that many people on this site just write stories for the heck of it, and I highly respect them for that, but it never worked out for me. Especially when I decided to try and complete a writing project as massive as Friendship is Aura.
Which leads us to the second reason for why the story was never continued: The sheer scale of it. Friendship is Aura was planned from the start to be a very long story, and while I certainly impressed myself with the word count I managed to reach, it started to become clear that I was in over my head. While I was pretty decent at planning out key points in the storyline, I had major problems with writing all the parts in-between. I'm sure many of you can agree that filler dialogues felt loose and uninspired, and I made up a lot of characters just for the sake of having them only play a part in the very scene they were introduced in. That's just not good story-writing. And I had A LOT of in-between parts to fill in order to tie all the major plot points together. Once I reached one of those major plot points, things went and turned out very well. But the rest of the story. Quite frankly it was a mess.
The third reason is that I grew more critical of my own writing. As time passed, I read and watched more and more stories across different medias, and with them, my standards for what makes a good story grew. Upon figuring that Friendship is Aura didn't hold up to those standards I had started to develop, it was hard to continue working on something I considered flawed and unable to be fixed. Even if I had improved the quality of each proceeding chapter, I had already started to build up towards plot twists later in the story that I now find pretty bad. Granted, I still don't think the entire story is all bad. I'm still pretty proud of my interpretation of Luna's backstory in Nightmares May Dream, and the plans I had about Lord Tartarus and the two unnamed beings in the endless void still sound great to me. But many things that would play major parts in the main storyline down the line no longer sounded clever or interesting to me. Not much you can do about it at that point.
There are a few more minor reasons, but those three are the major ones. I no longer felt any fulfillment from writing, it was too big for me to handle, and I no longer considered it an overall good story. For those of you out there that disagree with my opinion and still think Friendship is Aura is a great story, thank you very much. I realize myself that the story wouldn't get over a thousand likes if people didn't like it. So for all of you who stuck around all this time, especially the amateur garbage that was the first drafts of the earliest chapters, thank you all so much for your support, and I hope it brought you some fleeting enjoyment from reading it.
But there's one last elephant in the room that needs to be addressed, so let's just get right to the point: What HAD I planned? What was the outcome of Luna's upcoming battle with Discord? How would the war against Tartarus end, and what were his motives? What happened in Lucario's past, and what sent him into the MLP universe? Who was the malevolent and crazy being talking to him in his dreams that Nightmare Moon also saw briefly when she invaded them during her and Lucario's battle? Just HOW would Friendship is Aura end?
...
Well... do you want to know?
If you guys agree to it, I can write down a summary of all the events I had planned to happen in the story but never got around to writing. And I don't mean just some bare-boned cliff notes or a hasty list of events with no context explaining what led up to them. I mean a thorough explanation of all the major plot points I had planned for this story, including all the info on both current future characters, some behind-the-scenes commentary of stuff I have already written in older chapters, and maybe even short sections that I could write as if they were actual scenes for the story. I can't promise when I'll have time to write it down, but it's the least I can do for all of you who've been loyally waiting for a conclusion this entire time. And I'd make sure to write it all in parts so I don't force you guys to wait around for one, single post that would be the text wall of text walls.
Now, I'm aware that it's a very high chance that NO ONE will end up reading this entire post. Even back in my most popular days, I didn't get too many comments or views on my blog posts. But like Twilight said up there, if there's just a single person out there that wants to know how it all was supposed to go and end in the story, I will tell you. It will not be what you all hoped for, and I will always be regretful of that... but I'll do what I can to please your minimal expectations. I owe you all that. I owe MYSELF that.
...I owe them that.
All right, sugarcube, we're back! You finish up 'ere?
Yeah, I think I got it.
Splendid, darling! I'm sure someone out there will listen. Now come along. Pinkie has already started a "Congratulations for finally posting something!" party back home, and I'm afraid poor Twilight needs a few glasses or bowls of punch to forget all the... *ehum* works of fiction she's seen here.
WHY ARE THEY SHIPPING ME WITH EVERYPONY?!
Whoa nelly, she's really riled up about this one. Come on, y'all, before she writes a letter to Princess Celestia about all this or somethin'.
Does she even write to Celestia anymore? Can't remember the last time she asked Spike to send something.
Of course she does, darling! Even if they're no longer teacher and student, they're still the best of friends and fellow princesses. Why sometimes I forget that Celestia isn't her mother.
That, um... There are stories on the site about that too, actually...
*snort* Are you for real? Hah! Next thing you'll tell me there's a story where I'm shipped with a boat.
Sweet, sweet innocence...
Well then... I guess I was right all along.
You really are a monster.
Well, at least we will get closure
I would like to see the summary of everything that was gonna happen.
You might as well, if you're feeling up to it in the first place. If anything, it will give a sense of closure to not only your readers, but for yourself. At least you will never have to think about your story after this is done. If this story has been nagging at you for so long, then it won't really stop until something is done.
It's up to you to end it.
I still wish the story would be finished
We don't want to feel like you have no choice in the matter. If you don't feel that you can finish it, that's fine. If you want to tell us how it would've ended that's cool. It's nice of you to do so. Take your time and live life happily my friend.
Also, I want to thank you. Your story is one of the inspirations for me to go for story telling. I tip my hat to you, Mr. Kang. And wish you all the happiest days to come.
Hahaha! Are you kidding?! Of course some of us are still here! Friendship is Aura is amazing! It's inspirational! I meant what I said last time. You and your story made me imagine possibilities. All of us who ARE still here would love to know where you were going with the story. Any kind of ending is still an ending after all. And I, at least, am just glad to see you post something. I certainly care about the story, yes, of course, but I also care about other people. I may not be able to completely, fully understand your hardships, or other people's, but that doesn't mean I can't care or show empathy.
I may not be able to do much, but anything I can do to help makes me happy. Yes, I'm a hopelessly idealistic and optimistic person.
That's me. That is the sort of person I try to be. Yeah, I screw up sometimes. But I will always try.
As a matter of fact, from now on I will leave at least one comment on any and all blogs you post here in the future. Whenever that may be.
HAAHAHA, my friend, "no one will read this"? you seem to be out of your mind, now many people will say this just to make someone fell better, bit i mean this from the bottom of my red beating heart, every week, every week, i would check back on both this story and your profile, for...well anything! and i have to say its good to see another post from you my friend, many have been here for sometime, at least, i have, and you have never been truly forgotten in my mind. welp thats my thoughts cant wait to see what you had originally planned out for aura.
your dear friend
gorgeous freeman
I don't think anyone's surprised by this, but I'm still a little sad to see this story go. I'd definitely like to see the summary; it would be nice to get some closure on Friendship is Aura.
So, I've been with this story since the beginning, given that I first published my own first fic on site only a couple of days when it was first posted. I mean, I had a feeling, but at least now it's official.
Are you staying on-site, or are you hanging up the quill as far as Fimfiction is concerned?
Bruh this story is the only reason im a brony
Please tell us what happens next! I've been wanting this story to update for the longest time, and even though you feel like throwing in the towel on it now, don't. Just set it aside among some old files you might rift through later on in life, then it might catch your eye, and you'll think, "Ya know, it's been a couple years. Maybe I should give this another once-over", and that might get you started back on it again.
That's my hope for this story anyway. Even if it doesn't happen, that's fine too. I still have the whole thing downloaded onto a flash drive for when I get a new computer. To be honest, your story Friendship is Aura was one of the first ones I read on this site; that's what made me fall in love with this whole thing in the first place. So, if nothing else can be taken away from my rant, take this.
Thank you, KanTheGuardian, for everything.
As much as I'm sad to know this thing is truly dead, I understand your feeling. Naga knows I've felt the same about my own stories here. But keep your chin up. Try to start a new project. I've got a RWBY fic I've been dying to write down on paper now over on FF, so if I can drag my lazy ass into action, you can too, Kang. Never forget that we followed you for a reason, and that we all support you, wherever that may lead. Best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Ship Rainbow Dash with Boaty McBoatface.
Any end can give closure, but dont sell yourself short. After all we enjoyed your amazing story.
It is rare for me to write a comment. I think i have less than a dozen on the whole site? But I fully understand that writers need them as feedback for their stories so I should probably begin commenting more.
I still wish you just continue this story, but if thats not gonna happen a summary as closure will have to do.
As for 'who will even read this?', well many already have and I'm sure many will follow and whatever you do now, writing the summary or even starting a new story, I'm sure many will read that as well.
Good Luck to you for whatever is coming next.
Some of your other readers have already said it so I won't make this drag on, but yes we all enjoyed your story and whether you give us a summary or not is completely up to you.
I personally really enjoyed reading FiA and it's one of the stories that inspired me to write many a small story for my friends... If closure is what you want then closure is what you deserve.
While it's somewhat of a shame to see this story go, it's probably for the best. I'll personally be looking forward to anything you decide to make in the future (if anything) and wish you a happy and fullfilling life from here on out.
~Valvatorez
Dude, let it be said that I empathize with you greatly; it's hard for me to keep updating my own stories due to my fleeting muse. Hell, I was lucky enough to update one of my fics after a year (And there's another fic of mine that needs to be updated after two years). Writing can be tough, but real life and depression are both tougher, and that's a given for everyone in the world.
It's up to you whether or not you decide to give up on this story, but you have drawn in quite the number of readers and fans because of it, and if that's not remotely fulfilling, I don't know what is. I'm sure your idea of closure will be one that your many long-time fans are sure to enjoy. I at least hope you'll still hang around or act upon any other idea you decide to have, however faintly thought it is (I had an idea for a crossover of 'The Disastrous Life of Kusuo Saiki, myself).
In closing, you've given readers a good story, and we thank you for taking the time to make such a blog to show us that you're still around despite the news you've shared with us. Happy to hear from you again, dude.
Don't ever think we left. Don't ever think nobody will read your blogs or stories. Because I'll always be here.
What I wanna know is, what are you going to do now? Maaybe make a new story, or maybe try the concept of Lucario in Equestria diffrently? What are you going to do?
So... why haven't you written the blog posts saying how Friendship Is Aura would've ended yet?
We all still faithfully follow you pal. That's what a friend does
As far as quality goes, you write better than a lot of so-called professional writers, so you have no problem on that front. Its just about putting your best work out there. Be intelligent, be creative and have fun.. Writing is all about putting your ideas on to paper. You don't have to be perfect. Even masters aren't perfect. We are here to have fun while recording down the stories we come up with in our heads
Personally, I would LOVE to read a summary on where Friendship is Aura would've gone, especially around those two beings in the void; I'd be really satisfied just knowing where that particular plotpoint would've gone, it's so interesting!
Just yes. At least make a summary, and put a cancelled tag on it. Or I'll keep mixing it with the stories of authors that simply don't give a feather...
So, IS there gonna be the summary? Still kinda waiting for it. But the whole story would still be nice... Pity.
Kang, do you even monitor comments and requests? It's been some time, can you write the summary already? It's 2018 already.
It been a while since you posted this, but I know one thing. You really need to work on your self-esteem man
Hello just passing through, I read the hole story like a week ago, honestly it is one of the best stories i ever read in my whole life, but I see the story hasn't continued but I'm just here to say: please continue the story because it's really great, I hope you read this comment and I hope the story can continue anytime in this new year.
Kang? It's 2019... What's the deal?
My last coment was a week ago. You were here 10 hours ago. Not even a full day.
...
Checked with my info... Wanted to put you on second wall of shame. Already did. Dude. Blog, comment, change story status, SOMETHING. Don't be... ahhh, too late, you ARE second BlueBlaze.
I'm dissapointed. I'm really dissapointed in people who write interesting stories, good, high quality stuff, and then decide - "screw the readers, I don't own them anything"...
https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/852538/for-people-who-ignore-their-readers
Summary please? Any time in this era, maybe?