Hi...yeah. So, this is awkward, not going to lie. Many of you are probably surprised to see this since I haven't touched this story in 7 YEARS! Damn, where did the time go? Anyway, on to why I'm writing this.
As some of you can probably guess from the title, I am discontinuing this story. I would like to say I'm sorry to those who still have it in their heart to love this story and still do to this day. Thank you. But as the years have gone by, I've grown up and have changed since my early days as a writer. I'm sure it's the same for a lot of my readers. And so, as I sit here writing this, I have to admit to myself that this story...isn't all that good. Sure, there are some high points here and there, but much like my first Faiz story, which is a whole other can of worms, this story was a product of its time, and when compared to my current writing, its age really shows. Not counting the many, MANY grammar mistakes here and there, I couldn't help but cringe at stuff that made me question 'Did I really write this?' and 'Why did I write this?'
That's not to say I'm ashamed of this story. Embarrassed? Yes. But not ashamed, never. We all got to start somewhere and this along with my BleachxRWBY story were my starting points. The mistakes I made here helped me to become a better writer and I will forever be grateful for both the praise and criticism this story generated.
Except for the toxic ones. The less said about them, the better.
While it sucks to stop things here considering how far I got, this is not the end. Much like the title of the last chapter, a new beginning shall rise from this ending. Basically, I'm planning to reboot this story. When exactly, that's still up in the air. But here are some things you guys can expect:
1. Louise summoning both Haru and Kyoko to be her Familiars might get changed. Over the years, I've come to learn that juggling multiple characters along with their various personalities is really hard so I might adapt Kyoko out. That's not to say she won't be important to the plot later, but with the way I had written her initially, she was, to be blunt, just there to be cute and nothing else. So unless I think of a way for her presence to add to the narrative, I think Haru will have to be on his own dealing with Louise and other shenanigans. Again, this might change, but for now, that's the plan. Gonna have to think up a new title in the meantime...
2. The whole 'Mage Killer' thing I had going with Haru will be dropped. This is a decision that will not change. I was on a Fate/Zero high back in the day and I admit that I took things a little too far. Plus, the way I write Haru has changed just like I have, so expect a less raged-filled character who (hopefully) has the right morals and characteristics to be a true Kamen Rider.
3. I'm gonna use the LN as the source material instead of the anime since I keep hearing how much better the book is in comparison. I might sprinkle some stuff from the anime here and there if I think it might add to the narrative, but inspiration will be drawn mostly from the novel. The reboot will probably be out once I've familiarized myself with the story enough.
4. Haru's second Phantom: Reaper. I'm actually debating whether or not to keep or remove him. Like I said, I was young back then so I was a bit of a chuuni. Thing is, his powers to destroy magic might help Haru down the line considering who I'm making the final boss. I don't know, what do you guys think?
And that's about it for now. Again, don't expect this reboot to come out soon as my other stories are keeping me plenty busy along with other, personal things. I just thought I should put this out to anybody still waiting on this story. If there are, I want to thank them for still supporting this beginner-level story and that the adventures of Wizard-Haru aren't over yet. But until then, it's time to finally put this boy to sleep. And when he wakes up, he'll be a whole new man. Until then, this has been Ashbel Longhart here, finally closing this book.