--Oh no! There's no more to read!--

Well, that was the end of the first episode of Melancholy. I know that a lot of you will be a little shaken by these sudden changes, however I assure you that it's definitely a good change. I will still be correcting any of the errors I leave, but essentially this story is finished. The next episode is going to be written in the same style as the first, and the intended title is "Melancholy: Autumn Daydream". Yup, you guessed it, it's going by the seasons.

"What is your projected course with Project Melancholy?"

I intend to proceed in this episode fashion, in a similar that the Star Wars series did. In the future I plan on five episodes, though this is subject to change. The intended names for the last three are still undergoing work, however, "Winter Sonata" and "Summer Adulthood" are the predicted terms. I do not, unfortunately, have a name for Spring. I'm taking in any suggestions you the readers may have, so feel free to send some in. Please make sure they are appropriate and well thought-out. :D

"Why did you decide to base it off of 'Just Barely'?"

It was coincidence really. I just happened on the story. In fact, I'm thinking of using a lot of Cal Reflector's concepts in the stories to come.

"A few of the characters are somewhat OOC. Care to explain?"

While I admit that some of the characters are different, they are in no way OOC. I have made room for personal growth based on the events of the original series. I must admit, however, that I'm making a strong effort to tone down Isshin Kurosaki's character by miles.

"There are a lot of holes in the story where information is implied. How are we expected to react?"

A few of you have commented on this. These aren't really plotholes, but yes, they are gaps. The reason behind this is that I simply could not find a way to fill in that information. It was just more appropriate to let the reader conclude for him or herself.

"Everyone is so serious. What's up with that?"

The theme of Melancholy comes from a Korean Drama known in America as "Winter Sonata". Even so, this is a serious romance fiction after all.

"What is your reasoning behind the pairings? Most of them are non-canon."

To be blunt, I never was the type to copy everyone else. However, the concept of my romance doesn't work with any other pairing. I also know that some of you are somewhat disturbed by the incestual implication between Yuzu Kurosaki and her elder brother Ichigo. Yes, it's true, I intend to have Yuzu be in love with her brother. The reason behind this is because some of you asked me to have Yuzu star a larger role. However, to avoid massing too many main characters, I limited her romance to an incestual desire for her brother. It would simply be too complicated if I added more for Yuzu's sake.

Also, I know that the Sado and Orihime pairing is very unorthodox, however, in the series, Orihime seems to be a match for everyone, so in my version, I decided to portray her darker side, using this multi-match to appeal to that very nature. And, no, Orihime has no romantic feelings for Uryuu Ishida.

I find it noteworthy to know that Uryuu is going to be the only person who winds up alone at the end.

"We'd like to know more about Makoto and Natsuki."

As some of you may have figured out, they aren't actually blood-related. I'm not able to reveal their stories now, but I drew off of Love Hina for this inspiration. Makoto and Natsuki used to be in love before they lost their memories, however, both have different memories of their past.

Ma-kun and Na-chan are tools for motivation. They will play a very large role in the later episodes.

"Will Rukia be making an appearance in Melancholy?"

Yes, however she won't be playing a noticeable role until the fourth and/or fifth episode.

"You make references to Soul Society and soul reaping many times. What role will they play in this fiction?"

A large one, to be frank. In fact, a lot of the old characters will be involved later in the series. There will even be Hollow Battles.

"Do you have anything else you would like to tell us?"

Well, here's something a few may jump on. Tatsuki's a soul reaper.

Also, Ichigo's soul reaper form has been modified.

For those of you who actually read all of this, I'm thankful and surprised that you took the trouble. I'm glad you've stuck with me thus far, and hope you will enjoy the rest of Project Melancholy!

--'till then--