Well, it's quite a long journey for me to come this far. Below are just some Q&A's if you are interested to find out. : )
Q: Why named it "Turning right, turning left"?
A: Actually I was inspired by an illustration book named "A Chance of Sunshine" by jimmy. Its Chinese title is literally "Turning left, turning right". Its storyline is simple yet captivating.
Synopsis of that book: the boy always choose to turn left wherever he walks while the girl always choose to turn right wherever she walks. One day they met each other in front of a round fountain, they spent a happy evening together but parted when it rained heavily. They never met each other since then although they missed each other madly. The irony is that they actually lived next door to each other in an apartment but they didn't know that. I'm not telling you the ending of that story. Huh... huh...
Rukia and Ichigo face similiar circumstances in my story. They've parted for few years, though they still miss each other and long to be together, their choice is actually contradicting. She chooses to "let go" in chapter 1; he chooses to want her back in chapter 2. She chooses to stay and wait for him; he chooses to leave and hunt down those Arankaru. The only thing they share is perhaps their stubbornness.
Q: My perception on the characters?
A: Firstly, Rukia (our heroine!) – I think Rukia has matured and toned down her temper due to the years and all these things that happened to her. She becomes considerate to others feeling and will no longer push others to their limits to get her way. She isn't as bold and fiery as she used to be. All in all, she has changed the most I would say.
Next, Ichigo (our dashing hero!) – I think Ichigo didn't change as much as Rukia. A part of him still remains as a boy and he still acts impulsively but he'd learned to step back and think before he jumps into things. Let's just say he's still trying to find his way in his path to become a man.
Renji – I like Renji, really, sometimes even more than Ichigo. : P Renji is still as protective of Rukia as ever. He's always there for her. He's more like a brother figure to Rukia. Although he might have a deeper feeling for her, he hides it well. And he's willing to sacrifice his own wish for Rukia's happiness.
Orihime – I've always felt that she's more than a mere air-head. She's observant and sensitive, more than people perceive. Apart from her cheerfulness and optimistic image she projects, she does have a melancholy side of her that she rarely shows other. And I like to explore that side of her more. She's healing from the wound of her unreturned love for Ichigo and who knows she will find someone better. : )
Others side characters:
Urahara – As I've mentioned before, I know little of him. He's a mysterious man. He can be a joker yet dead serious when he wants to. He can see things that no one else could and a genius in his own right.
Byakuya – Another favourite character of mine in Bleach. I see him as a loving brother although he seems cold outwardly; he cares a great deal for Rukia. He's open up a little more now to Rukia after the SS Arc. And I hope to write more about him in the future.
Ishida – He's quite a funny character, trying to look cool all the time. Sometimes he tries too hard. He holds his pride as the last Quincy highly. He is also chivalrous towards opposite gender, especially towards Orihime. Hee... hee...
Mitarashi – He's the only OC in this fic. Shh... I steal his name from the last name of Anko in Naruto. He resembles Isshin, laid back and wise, but without the comical antic of Isshin of course. Apparently he's someone whom Ichigo respects as an elderly figure.
Q: What to expect in volume II of this story?
A: Well, part I ends with Ichigo being arrested for the murder of two Covert Ops squad members and attempt to murder the squad leader, Mitarashi. So part II will weigh on the impact of Ichigo's trial on all those who care for him and also on the whole Soul Society. The scenario is somewhat similiar to Rukia's execution but this time the table is turned. I'm not sure whether they are going to execute him or not because I haven't even start writing yet. Many more characters will be appearing, so it's going to be interesting for me to write. Enough said, I shouldn't be giving away too much.
Q: When will volume II be released?
A: Most probably end of December or early next year. I need to take a break from writing. Resting is preparing for the journey ahead after all.
I think that's all for now. If you like to know more or discuss it further, you can email me. You can find my email add from my profile.
Thanks to all those who've reviewed and followed my fic. I wouldn't have continued this fic so far if not because of the encouragements from you! Just want to let you know I really appreciate it.