Well, it's here: today is the 1-year anniversary of both the beginning of The Defenders of Remnant and the beginning of my time as a writer on this website. It's very strange to think it's already been a year since I began this all, and this story has gotten more attention than I expected it to ever get. That's not a bad thing, just an unexpected thing, and I appreciate it so much. In an ideal world' I would've liked to have this story done on this very day, but that's clearly not happening. Maybe the end of the summer is a more realistic goal, but I would like to have it done sooner.
I'd actually like to ask my reader's a few things, so that the final stretches of the story is as satisfying as possible.
1: Just as a forewarning, every character that will be involved in this story has now been put into play. That being said, what are some character interactions or plot points you would want to see happen before the story's conclusion? Moon Knight and Raven was a reader suggestion, and it turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the story to write. I would've never written the side-story otherwise, so what are some more you would like to see?
2: I've built up several character relationships and arcs over the course of the story. I've teased both lasting friend involvements and stuff that is more, and the changes certain characters have had. I wanted to know more people's feelings about some of these character developments so I know if they are good or bad alterations. (Rookie80 and Yang34 have made certain feelings clear, in both a positive and negative way respectively).
3: Speaking of alterations, the most fun part about writing a story based in an established canon is how the events of this story would break the chain of events of the established canon. Reader RedMist gave me a list of certain events that they wish could be changed (of which some will still stick to canon). That being said, what are some diversions from the standard RWBY story you would like to see? Whether in this story or in a follow-up down the line? While, yes, I have a planned route for the story, some of my favorite parts to write in the story have been results of feedback. Defenders as it is now is not my original vision, but I think it's better for that.
Any responses to these questions can be put in the reviews or directly messaged to me. Any feedback is highly appreciated!
That being said, here are some direct responses left to me:
Yang34: I have reasons for having Hulk listed as "Resigned" under the Avengers roster, something that will come into play in a future story.
Guest Reader: Frank being a hypocrite when calling BT a "lab experiment" is entirely the point, actually. He doesn't do it to Penny because he only sees the part of her that's the young girl, not the machine under the skin. I actually elaborated on it last chapter with Frank saying Penny reminds him of his own deceased daughter, hence his sudden commitment to watching her and pulling her away from Ironwood.
RadBman21: The clone route is something I came up with when discussing story ideas with Ac3Productions. For those familiar with the cartoons or comics may know where this is headed, but for those who don't, it might come of as both strange and interesting, depending on the person.
I think that's all I'm getting off my chest for this note. I wanted to talk a little about the future after this story, but I think that will be saved for when this tale is told. I'd like to give particular credit to Rookie80 and Ac3Productions for giving me constructive feedback on the ideas and events of this story. If for some reason you read my stuff and haven't read anything by Ac3, go read some of his. He's my reason for beginning this in the first place, and right now he's working hard on a passion project of his that isn't getting nearly enough support, so go give it a read. It's titled Avengers: Odyssey. Be sure to read the rest of his stories too.
Thank you all again for a full year of support, and I hope that not only The Defenders of Remnant, but any future stories (as well as my currently running Smash: United) continue to entertain.
- Shad
P/S: Monster King, I appreciate that you leave a positive review on almost every chapter I post, but the simple "Awesome Work" feels less impactful when it's done so many times as just that. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate the kind words, just maybe some more actual feedback would be welcome.
