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Step 13: The Confidante
If you really want to, you can relegate Jycellaemynthia Tinfania Crystalwind to the background of the story, and only use her as an occasional plot point. However, then your legions of fans will suffer from withdrawal symptoms due to the lack of her magical presence. Unfortunately, since this is (remember?) an ARF, your focus should remain on Aeris and Cloud's feelings for each other, so you must resist the temptation to make Jycei the heroine. In another fic, of course, feel free to write twenty chapter story arcs about the torrid relationship between your original character and the hot videogame guy of your choice, but for now, her role should not exceed that of the loyal confidante...well, at least until you write a spin-off, or until you make up an interesting back-story for her, preferably something involving elves and mermaids and child abuse. Remember, you should make an effort to endear your OC to your readers. Any aversion they have to him or her should be taken as a personal attack on you; Jycellaemynthia is a reflection of your best qualities, after all. This may surprise you, but it is entirely possible that someone may dislike your character if you are not careful. Yes, I know that sounds shocking. "How can that be," you lament. "How could anyone dislike someone as sweet and caring as Jycei-chan?" Well, I'm afraid that some people are just petty and jealous. They see a flawless, altruistic person and they naturally resent him or her because they can never attain the same level of perfection. By the same token, ignore anyone who accuses you of Mary-Sueism or of sloppy writing; they are masking how insecure they feel about their own writing when they read your superior work. So, in order to manipulate your readership into caring about "Jycei-chan," you must first make her beloved by the rest of the party. Most writers choose to do this by making their character save the lives of her newfound friends from some villain or monster, showing off her unnatural fighting ability in the process. Unfortunately, if you have been following this guide step-by-step so far, then your main characters are living in Costa del Sol, at a safe distance from any scary villains or monsters, so I'm afraid that you are at a bit of a disadvantage. But don't worry; even in the absence of supernatural elements, there are still many things that Jycellaemynthia can do to win the hearts of the masses: a) Giving wonderful advice: "Oh, I wish I knew what to do," Aeris sighed wistfully, tossing her long brown hair. "Cloud hasn't told me that he loves me today yet. Could he be upset at me? Could his feelings for me be growing colder?" She collapsed onto her soft bed, nearly landing on one of Jycei's many cute and furry animal friends. Jycellaemynthia smiled harmoniously, indiscriminately, and decadently at her dear companion, as she stroked Fuzzykins the rabbit. She understood poor Aeris' troubles so well. "Do not worry, Aeris," she uttered melodically, her amber orbs sparkling. "Cloud has--how can I put this--a troubled and, well, cloudy soul. He is worried about professing his undying love for you, because he feels that he cannot trust himself to be true. The years of torment when he was possessed by Jenova have made him doubt himself. Just give him time, and he will come around." Chip-Chip the chipmunk clucked in agreement. Jycellaemynthia clasped her friend's hand to give her strength, and it was as if Aeris's soul were alit with a fire of spirit and determination.
Just then, Cloud walked into the room, bearing a gift of flowers. b) Showing up everyone else:
"Damn," groaned Barret, trying and failing to unscrew the lid of the peanut butter jar. "I can't get it open!" c) Helping around the house: "Oh," sighed Cloud, digging the earth, his sleeves muddy. "I hate gardening. I'm so tired..." "Oh, you poor thing!" Cloud turned around, and saw Jycei standing there, carrying a hoe, a watering can, a bag of grass seeds, two tonnes of fertilizer, some mysterious seedlings, half a dozen lawn gnomes, a lawn mower, and a bird bath, all with one arm. "Now you just go inside, and don't worry, I'll do everything for you. These rose seedlings come from the Sector 5 Church, and their holy magic will give the garden some beauty and mystic power. This bird bath will be a wonderful resting place for the neighbourhood's avian population. And in my opinion, these lawn gnomes are just adorable." "I couldn't, Jycei," protested Cloud. "It's unfair to force you to do more than your share of the work, when you're already blessing us so much with your presence. I mean, fat, lazy, stupid, dirty, and slutty Tifa just sits around the house all day because she's too selfish and inconsiderate to help. Please, don't worry." Jycellaemynthia only smiled. "Believe me, I do not mind. On the contrary, it brings me so much pleasure to ease your many burdens. Now go inside, for your true love awaits you." Cloud gazed at her, unable to speak due to his overwhelming gratitude, before he went inside. Jycei turned to her many animal friends who were eagerly awaiting her orders and said: "Okay, gang; let's get to work!" And Jycellaemynthia sang "Whistle While You Work" as a flock of birds descended to spread out the fertilizer, Blossom and Sunshine watered the lawn, and Chip-Chip, Fuzzykins, and Deedles helped her plant the flowers. d) Matchmaking:
"Oh Yuffie," giggled Jycei, her exuberant, spontaneous laughter echoing throughout the Shinra Mansion; the two women had agreed to come over help Vincent clean up his house. "Haven't you noticed the way that Vincent is always looking at you?" "Ah, yet another horrible and morbid day of agony, squirming underneath the garish sunlight and tormented by the shadows of my waking nightma-um...hey, Yuffie." At the sight of the latter, his cold and serious facade faded. His face turned a bright red, and he looked away. Yuffie stared at him in adulation.
"Vincent..." whispered Jycei. "Remember what I told you the other day."
"Oh, shut up and kiss her already," interrupted Jycei. For a few moments, they stood there mutely, shocked that someone as demure as Jycellaemynthia would say something so daring. Then Vincent leaned over, and gently kissed Yuffie on the lips. (AN: So cute! I <3 Yuffentine!) He smiled sheepishly. Yuffie jumped up and hugged him. I can't...go on...ugh...too much fluff...feel...sick...Anyway, Jycellaemynthia sets them up on a date, suggesting that they go on a romantic picnic together, and once again, your characters are forever in her debt. e) Possessing knowledge beyond the constraints of the game:
"Oh, gomen nasai," apologized Jycei. She picked up the spoon that she had dropped.
"Konnichiwa, Aerith. O-genki desu ka?" "I don't get it. I thought that I was the only one who could communicate with the planet," Aeris wondered. "What did she mean about the coin? And Cloud, what is a 'Japanese'?" f) Being a good judge of character:
It was evening, and Cloud and Aeris were cleaning the basement of the Costa del Sol Villa together. They sorted through old cardboard boxes and papers left over from the days when Shinra owned the house as they argued over who loved the other more. Unbeknownst to them, Tifa was watching them from the top of the staircase.
"You...why are you here?" cried out Tifa.
"It won't work." Trust me, if you follow this guide, everyone will just love Jycei. If they find her annoying, then it's because there's something wrong with them. Next Part: The Generic Enemy Builder 1000 and the Mysterious Bubbling Thing. ~Evil Mina |