Right off the bat, I want to say that if you're like me, and you hate reading author's notes, SoulBound will be updated again next week. I'm going on vacation, so I'll actually have time to work on it. I didn't have any time at all this week, and my editor moved several states away so I've got to let her get her things settled before I send another chapter. Also, penguin shaped jelly beans are delicious. Just saying.
About SoulBound: You'll notice it's not a love at first sight, happy ending kind of story. Don't worry, the ending has already been planned and written, and you'll even like it. However, as far as the story goes, it really hinges on the characterization, which I tried to make as real to life as possible. A kid who grew up in an orphanage, was a model and suddenly came into money would be nothing short of morally bankrupt, selfish, and jaded. That's how Mamoru came about in my mind if you were to meet him on the street.
Likewise, Usagi never really had to fight for anything. She comes from a caring, well rounded family and has a good base of friends. In all honesty, she would start out a bit of a pushover. She wants to please everyone more than herself. I think that's why her and Mamoru's relationship completely fascinates me. It's also why, at least in my mind, it makes perfect sense for her to be down on herself, and also for her to decide to train harder.
The relationship between them on a logical level would not make sense at all. She's very much younger than him, and unless certain things had happened in Mamoru's younger years, I don't really see him becoming a pedophile. Therefore the initial attraction had to be, at least in a sense, similar traits of his own personality. Hence, the attraction being so physical to begin with. In his mind, they're both pretty good looking, they're strong, they fight for a future and they can dress up in cool costumes. It's a math equation that equals an obvious yes.
The other cool thing about their relationship is that it would never work under these circumstances. Ever. He would be egotistical and self-serving, and she would give until there was nothing left. That right there is a recipe for complete and utter unhappiness. However, the wonderful thing about human nature is the tendency to learn, grow, and self-evaluate. He loves Sailor Moon so much at this point that he's willing to look at himself through her eyes. This is the only way that change in character can be permanent. If the force for change is external from the character, it is temporary and based on something that could or could not be there in the future. Essentially, Mamoru is the only constant in his own life. Even future relations with Moon are conditional on the health of the relationship. For him to become what she needs, the force for change has to be from the inside.
This is why Moon has never said anything about it. She's young, and wouldn't really know how these things work anyway. Mamoru is very intelligent and can see that there's a big gap, and that it can't be filled with ego or pride, otherwise she would fight back. He can also see where she excels and he does not, and that can give him an aim.
So, for all the people who have left wonderful, confused reviews as to why this story is what it is, or why Mamoru just keeps going for the physical: don't expect the story to end in two chapters. It's about change and adaptation. It's about self, both how we view ourselves and are viewed by others. Mamoru has a way to go before he can be worthy of his princess, and Usagi has a way to go before she's mature enough to handle her prince. Simple as that.
So, if you like what you see, please let me know. If not, don't worry about it. I know I'm not a typical puppy-love kind of author, so I'm not going to be offended if that's what you were looking for. Thanks for reading so far, the reviews have been excellent and glowing. Thank you very much for your support, and please continue reading.
On why I haven't updated in 3 years: Because I suck.
Love
E