Ronins Interrupted--Author's Notes

Wow, I finally finished this pain of a crossover and no one could be more happy about it than me. I think this one just may go down in Ronin fanfic history as the story I never should have written. It was not necessarily meant to be a part of my fanfic series. It was written almost as a side story or an afterthought. It was also designed so one could skip this fic if they didn't care for the Sailor Moon influence and get to the next story without feeling like they missed anything. Hence, while the story was entertaining enough, nothing is really accomplished by the end of it except for what happens in the epilogue.

So why did I feel a need to do this story? I'll say right now the stupid thing caused me more headache than it was worth. Dixxy can vouch for me. I have never had so many distractions as when it came to trying to finish this thing. But I pushed on to finishing it anyway. Because despite the challenge, it was fun. I think any kind of committed fanfic author should try to do at least one crossover during their career. If not anything else, it's good practice. But don't expect them to be as good as the regulars. Mine, for example. "Ronins Interrupted", in my opinion, was nowhere near on the same level as "Demons in the Doorway". But it's still fun to see what would happen when two characters from different universes meet each other. The only bad part is trying to balance so many characters into one story.

Nevertheless, when it all comes down to it, the story wasn't so bad. We got to see a bit more of Robyn's past and, if you look carefully, there's loads and loads foreshadowing in this fic. Probably more than you'll realize until you read my trilogy. At the same time, there were also several things I wanted to add but didn't get around to it for the sake of just getting this thing done. Originally, Robyn's dad was actually going to be the real thing and I was going to have this custody battle she had to go through. But I didn't have the time to do the research and I thought the other idea was cooler. So......yeah, I know. I'm so professional with my decisions.

Robyn's friend Kami wasn't even planned to make an appearance in the entire fic. But when I had reached chapter six, I had gotten a lot of mentions about Kami from people who had e-mailed me comments so I decided to give her a little scene. Besides, despite how tired I am of doing this fic now, that conversation about Cye's shirt and Sage's hands is still one of my favorite groups of dialogue I've written thus far. So maybe this fanfic wasn't a total loss. Sure, this wasn't the best story I've ever written. But I think it's fun to read at least once. ^.^
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Now, once again, I'll take some time to answer some of the questions I have been asked while making this fic.

Question 1-- (I actually meant to answer this questions in the last author's notes and forgot ^.^;) Will I EVER be writing about Kayura and the warlords?

Answer: Yes, but of course. My ronin series is far from over and our favorite dynasty warriors will have their rolls to play as well in stories to come. In my upcoming trilogy I talk about later, the warlords are scheduled to make appearances in at least two--if not all three stories. So stick with me, they're coming! ^.^

Question 2-- What's with the title? Why did you choose it? What does it mean?

Answer: Well, first of all, I chose "Ronins Interrupted" because I thought it was catchy. Not the most professional answer, but it's true. Secondly, the title means two different things. The first refers to this story's roll in my ronin universe. This was kind of an insert fanfic. The series didn't need it. It almost has a feel like everything was stopped, or, interrupted if you will, to make this story. Secondly, the title refers to the Ronin's biggest plight in this story. Never before had they had to prove themselves to be the good guys. They were always the heros without question. But the Scouts had to jump in and take on the hero role, and suddenly their motives and allegiances were questioned. Their heroic roles got momentarily interrupted while they had to work harder to prove they really were worth the title of "hero".

Question 3-- So.....is this the last of the fanfics?

Answer: No, far from it. I have plans for this series, believe me. I've been booked for the duration of the trip. I'm afraid you'll be seeing ronin fanfics from me for quite a while to come.

Question 4-- Do you know what's going to happen in the stories?

Answer: I've been asked about this in accordance to both how the series is going to end and also who Robyn's going to end up with. Yes, I pretty much have the entire series all planned out. At this point, I know exactly who's getting with who and even what the last phrase of dialogue will be for the last scene of the last chapter of the last story. It's pretty much set in stone unless by some chance--and it does happen from time to time--a better idea hits me and I start molding and changing things into what I think will make a better story. But yes, I pretty much know the long and short of what's going to happen in this series.

Question 5-- What are you going to do after this story?

Answer: At this point I'm really not sure. I'm torn between two decisions. I have a nice, exciting trilogy planned that's going to be the highlight of my entire series. But I also really want to rewrite "Demons in the Doorway". And I'm actually leaning more towards the second idea right now. I know a lot of you want to see what's going to happen next. But before I start my trilogy, I'd really like to have stronger base to work from and I know I could make it so much better.

Now, my only problem is trying to decide just how much I want to change the original DitD. I have gone from thinking about just changing a few of the weaker parts to totally rewriting the whole thing. I'm trying to shoot for something in the middle right now. It will be different enough that it will be worth reading even for those who have already read the original DitD. I may even change the villain and add some different characters into the mix. I also want to have more character interaction and development between each of the ronins. This new DitD will probably go through the entire school year and end with a similar epilogue to what I had for "Ronins Interrupted." I also hope to have the entire new version illustrated. So we'll see how it goes. Anyone feeling like sending me their opinions on this is more than welcome to.

In the meantime, I've got that darn Gundam Wing story I have to deal with. I'm totally lost with it. *sniff* But I want to get it done and out of my hair so bad! One of these decades I may just do that. Also, I still want to get that Ronin humor section out even though I've been planning the thing for over a year and still have nothing to show for it. So you'll still see plenty of things from me while I figure out what to do next with this series. ;)

Thanks for reading guys. Some days, you're all that keeps me going. Luv ya all! ^.^