CHAPTER TWELVE: CREEP
"I wish I was special. You're so fuckin' special. But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo."
Honoka was seated in the row seat of the arena. She gazed intently at her right hand, holding it like a mysterious artifact. Her pink hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, lending her an air of innocence that belied the inner turmoil of the thoughts racing through her mind. She turned her hand slowly, inspecting it, from the delicate, fair skin of her palm to the slender fingers that had, moments ago, channeled a power she scarcely understood.
She flexed her fingers, feeling the echo of the energy that had surged through her veins—an energy that was as much a part of her as her breath and yet as foreign as the distant stars. She remembered the sensation, the overwhelming force that had welled up from within her, emerging without warning in the heat of combat.
Her heart beat a steady rhythm, a counterpoint to the crowd around her as she recalled that very night her hand had glowed with an otherworldly light.
The light had enveloped her fist, enhancing her strikes with a force that cracked the air like thunder, a display that startled her attacker and herself. She had felt unstoppable, invincible, but the feeling was fleeting, slipping through her fingers like grains of sand.
Flashback
"Well, I was absolutely fascinated with superheroes as a kid. I mean, who wasn't? But I didn't just want to watch them or read about them—I wanted to be one. So, I decided that I would develop my own superpowers."
Asuka raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her face. "Whoa. And how did the young and almighty Honoka plan to accomplish that?"
"I thought it was all about willpower and imagination. So, I focused all my energy on trying to become invisible. I'd stand in front of the mirror, willing myself to disappear, convinced that if I just concentrated hard enough, I'd fade from view."
End Flashback
Perhaps it was the truth all along.
"I must be dreaming," she murmured to herself, a mix of disbelief and awe coloring her tone.
Either she was dreaming or she might indeed possess "superpowers," latent from birth, their potential untapped and shrouded in mystery. However, these were not the superpowers of her childhood imaginings. She could not cloak herself with invisibility.
It was something altogether different. A concealed red energy that was a mixture of both fire and lightning each time her hand glowed warmly. The sensation was terrifying yet exhilarating; not painful, but so markedly alien it sent her into a frenzy of panic and wonder.
Honoka's mind raced, trying to make sense of this newfound power that seemed to dwell within her core. She couldn't deny the rush of excitement coursing through her veins at the realization that she possessed abilities beyond the ordinary. However, the weight of responsibility that came with such powers also bore down on her.
As she sat there, grappling with the implications of her abilities, Honoka couldn't help but wonder about the origin of this power. Was it a genetic anomaly, a mutation that had lain dormant until now? Or was it something more mystical, tied to ancient forces beyond her understanding?
Her thoughts drifted back to that fateful night when the power had first manifested. The memory was vivid—the adrenaline, the fear, the exhilaration. She remembered the way her hand had glowed with an otherworldly light, the way her strikes had carried a force that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
But along with the thrill of discovery came a sense of trepidation. Honoka knew that with great power came with great responsibility. She couldn't afford to be reckless with abilities she barely comprehended. The thought of inadvertently causing harm weighed heavily on her mind.
Taking a deep breath, Honoka made a silent vow to herself. She would learn to control this power, harness it for good, and become a protector rather than a threat. The path ahead was uncertain and fraught with challenges and dangers, but she was determined to walk it with courage and integrity.
To say Honoka wasn't scared would be a lie. Like any person, she was afraid of the unknown powers she had. Maybe her grandmother knew something, but her grandma was barely awake to talk, so she didn't want to stress her grandmother in her current state.
Then, there was the small incident with Jin Kazama. Did her power manifest to protect her, or was it to help him? She would love to know why her powers reacted to calm him, but it did for a reason. Maybe there was something about Jin that made him go into an uncontrollable rage. Like he also had a power that he couldn't control.
'Is he like me then?' Honoka thought to herself in the moment. Did he also possess a power he didn't understand? She bit her lip, remembering his red eyes filled with rage and the lust to kill. Has he always known, or was it as recent for him as it was for her?
Her thoughts spiraled further. "How long have I had this power without even realizing it?" She pictured her grandmother's peaceful face, hoping for answers that wouldn't come. "What if it's been there all these years, just waiting?"
Honoka had so many questions swirling in the air, and to her frustration, they were being left unanswered. She just wished someone was sitting right next to her to answer them. She may not like the answers given to her, but it would bring her some form of closure. However, pondering and actually doing something about her current situation were two different things.
Why her? Why now? The questions haunted her, dancing just out of reach of logic and reason. The incident had been brief, but the surge of energy was undeniable, almost as if her body had acted of its own accord, responding to some unseen threat or perhaps to the very presence of Jin himself. It was a secret she couldn't yet voice, a fear she wasn't ready to confront.
Someone took the seat next to her, gently interrupting her contemplation. Asuka Kazama's approach was quiet, but her voice held an unmistakable strength as she spoke, "Hey, Honoka. You're looking pretty serious there. Everything okay?"
Honoka's startled eyes met Asuka's, and she quickly masked her concern with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh, Asuka! Yeah, I'm fine, just... lost in thought, I guess."
Asuka leaned back, her eyes not leaving Honoka. "You know you can talk to me, right? We're friends, after all."
Honoka nodded, the warmth of Asuka's offer piercing through the fog of her worries. But she couldn't divulge the truth about her powers, especially the incident with Jin. Not now. Not when she didn't understand them herself. But she didn't need more teasing from someone other than Tamaki to add to the list of her problems. Instead, she grasped onto a true tale that was far safer to tell.
"A-Actually, I was just thinking about my date with Hwoarang last night," Honoka started, her voice growing in enthusiasm as she shifted to a more comfortable topic. "We decided to hit the bowling alley for some fun, you know, to blow off some steam."
Asuka's eyebrows rose in amusement. "Hwoarang? Bowling? That, I have to hear." Hwoarang in a bowling game was a more fitting image than she could imagine.
Honoka giggled, the tension easing from her shoulders. "It was awesome until this biker gang came in. They were loud, rude, and just looking for trouble. One of them destroyed Hwoarang's bike outside. It nearly toppled. You can imagine how Hwoarang reacted."
"Yeah, I can tell." Asuka grimaced sympathetically. "I don't even know the guy, and I know he loves that bike more than anything."
"Exactly! So, me and Hwoarang teamed up and made a bet to see who could take out most of the members of the biker gang."
"And lemme guess, you showed him up?" Asuka asked, her interest piqued.
Honoka nodded excitedly. "Oh, we did more than that. Hwoarang was a total star, making strikes like it was nothing. I held my own, too. The gang was getting more and more frustrated, especially their leader, this huge guy with tattoos all over his arms."
"Sounds intense."
"It was! During the fight, their leader needed a strike to win. He was all smug, ready to rub our defeat in our faces. But when he threw the ball at me, it curved right into the gutter! The whole place went wild for us!"
Asuka laughed, clapping Honoka on the shoulder. "I wish I'd been there to see that."
"It was one of those moments, you know? Like when the good guys win at the end of a martial arts movie. It felt... right," Honoka said, her eyes reflecting the thrill of the memory.
Asuka smiled warmly. "I'm glad you had fun, Honoka. And I'm glad you and Hwoarang put those bikers in their place."
Honoka's smile finally reached her eyes as she nodded, grateful for the diversion Asuka had provided. The arena's energy, the joy of her story, and Asuka's company helped her push aside her fears for the moment.
"Hey, Asuka," Honoka began softly, trying not to intrude too abruptly. "I'm really sorry for suddenly bringing this up, but do you… do you know who did it?"
The brunette turned to Honoka with curiosity in her eyes. "Did what?"
"Destroy your father's-" Honoka immediately held her tongue when she saw her friend's expression. Asuka's eyes, staring blankly at the arena floor, slowly met Honoka's. There was a storm behind those brown irises, a mix of frustration, sorrow, and determination. "O-Oh…sorry, Asuka. I didn't mean-"
"No," interjected Asuka, her voice steady but tinged with an underlying bitterness. "It's okay. It's been rough. My father… he's always been so strong. Seeing him like that… it's hard." She leaned back, exhaling deeply as she tried to piece together the fragments of that fateful day. "I wasn't there that day when it happened. I was at school. But when I got back, the dojo was a total wreck, and my father… and the students part of our dojo told me he was barely conscious. According to what the detective all the way from Hong Kong told me several days later, the asshole should be in this tournament."
Honoka nodded, her heart heavy with empathy. She could sense the pain Asuka was carrying, and she wanted to help in any way she could. "Do you know anything about the person who did it? What they look like, maybe?"
"Mm-hm." Asuka nodded. "He said the attacker was a man, tall and muscular." Honoka leaned in closer, hanging on every word. Her gaze grew more intense as she recalled the details. "Has long black hair tied back into a braid and large thick eyebrows, but my dad mentioned his eyes. They said they were cold, merciless..."
Honoka's mind raced as she tried to connect the dots. "Long black hair and thick eyebrows… did he mention anything else? Like what kind of fighting style he used?"
Asuka nodded, her mind replaying the fellow student's strained words. "He said the man was incredibly skilled, using a mix of martial arts techniques that's highly aggressive he'd never seen before. It was like he was toying with him minute by minute, showing off his power. My father's been training his whole life, Honoka. For him to say that… it means this guy is on a whole other level."
Honoka asked, her brow furrowing in concern. "Maybe he's after something more than just proving his strength."
Asuka sighed, her frustration evident. "I don't know, Honoka. But I do know that I won't rest until I find him and make him pay for what he did to my family and our dojo. My father… he's still recovering, and it's up to me to find the answers."
Honoka placed a comforting hand on Asuka's shoulder. "We'll find him, Asuka. Together. We'll get to the bottom of this and make sure he doesn't hurt anyone else."
Asuka looked at Honoka, a small but determined smile forming on her lips. "Thank you, Honoka. Your support means a lot to me."
They both turned their attention back to the ring, but the intensity of their conversation lingered between them.
The announcer's booming voice reverberated through the arena, cutting through the ambient noise. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the next match of the day! In this corner, we have the legendary martial arts master, Wang Jinrei!"
The crowd erupted into cheers as Wang, the elderly yet formidable fighter, stepped into the ring with a calm, dignified presence.
"And in his opponent, making his highly anticipated return, the man known for his unparalleled strength and relentless determination—Jin Kazama!"
Honoka's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened as she saw Jin stride into the arena, his presence commanding and intense. The cheers grew louder, but all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. She never thought she'd see him again, especially not here, in the same tournament.
Asuka narrowed her eyes at the sight of Jin. "So, he's here too, huh? This tournament just got a lot more interesting."
"Y-Yeah…" meekly replied Honoka, her mind racing back to the incident in her hotel room. She remembered how Jin held her in his arms, his demeanor calm before it violently shifted into something more dark and menacing.
One minute, he was oddly gentle and affectionate, then…
He had lunged at her.
She could still feel the pressure of his hand around her neck, the fear in his eyes, and the strange surge of power that had erupted from within her, pushing him away. It was as if her own abilities had awakened in response to whatever power he possessed.
Jin and Wang squared off, their stances mirroring years of discipline and mastery.
The bell rang, and the fight began. Honoka watched intently as Jin and Wang circled each other. Jin's movements were fluid and precise, his strikes calculated and powerful. Wang countered with equal skill, his experience evident in every movement. The clash of their techniques was a spectacle that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
Honoka watched, her eyes glued to Jin. There was something else—something unfamiliar. She squinted, focusing on his technique.
"Is it just me, or is he fighting differently?" Honoka whispered to Asuka, her brows furrowing in concentration.
Asuka shrugged, her eyes never leaving the stage. "I don't know. He seems pretty strong to me."
But Honoka wasn't convinced. She had seen recordings of Jin's previous fights, and this was not the Mishima Style Fighting Karate she had expected. No, his style now was more grounded, more traditional. It was reminiscent of something she had seen before.
"He's using traditional Karate," Honoka murmured quietly, almost as if speaking to herself. "Based on Kyokushin style."
Asuka glanced at her, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, for real? How can you tell?"
Honoka leaned in closer, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and wonder. "I can tell by the moves. Hitomi, who got second place in the last DEAD OR ALIVE tournament, uses the same style. It's called Kyokushin Karate. It's all about strong hits and solid stances. It's more controlled and disciplined compared to the Mishima style."
Asuka shifted her focus back to the ring, examining Jin's movements more closely. "Huh, you're right. I can see the similarities now." Impressed by Honoka's knowledge, nudged Honoka playfully. "Wow, Honoka, you really know your stuff. People mostly see you as a total airhead, but you've actually got a sharp eye for martial arts."
"Oh, I dunno," Honoka blushed, a shy smile spreading across her face. "I guess I just really love fighting so much that I end up learning about different fighting styles."
The match progressed with Jin showcasing his mastery of Kyokushin Karate. His strikes were powerful but controlled, his defense impenetrable. Wang, despite his age and experience, struggled to find openings in Jin's defense.
As Honoka observed Jin in action, her amazement and interest in him continued to grow. She couldn't help but ponder the reasons behind Jin's shift in fighting style. What had led him to move away from the Mishima style to embrace Kyokushin Karate? Was it a strategic adjustment in response to his opponents' tactics or a deeply personal decision with roots in his past? These questions filled her mind as she watched the intense battle unfold.
The crowd's cheers intensified as Jin delivered a series of rapid strikes, each landing with precision and power. Wang staggered but managed to stay on his feet, his expression one of determination.
Asuka leaned back in her seat, watching the fight with renewed interest. "I have to admit, it's pretty impressive. Switching styles like that and still being this good isn't easy."
Honoka nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving the ring. "Yeah, it takes a lot of dedication and skill. I wonder if there's a reason behind it."
As the match continued, Honoka's mind raced with questions. She was determined to learn more about Jin Kazama and his decision to adopt Kyokushin Karate.
She abruptly stood up, her movements jerky and uncoordinated. Asuka snapped her head up to look at her, concern etched on her face. "Where are you going?" she demanded.
"To the bathroom!" Honoka blurted out, not even sure if she believed her own excuse. She didn't wait for Asuka's response and quickly made her way through the crowd.
Asuka watched her friend disappear into the throng of spectators. She had seen Honoka rattled before, but this was different. It was more of a ploy for a short trip to the restroom rather than an emergency, and Asuka wasn't the type to let things slide. She glanced back at the arena where Jin was still locked in combat with Wang. There was no doubt in her mind that Honoka had a plan up her sleeve.
The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting an almost sterile glow over the deserted hallway of the arena. The echoes of the evening's matches had long since faded, leaving behind an eerie silence punctuated only by the distant hum of the crowd still lingering in the main stadium. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and anticipation, a palpable reminder of the fierce battles that had taken place.
Honoka leaned against the cool concrete wall, her pink hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. She had been waiting for this moment, her heart pounding with excitement and nervousness. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she spotted Jin Kazama approaching from the far end of the hallway.
Jin's presence was imposing, his muscular frame silhouetted against the harsh lights. His face, a mask of stoic determination, bore the marks of his recent fight with his elderly opponent, Wang. His footsteps echoed with a steady rhythm, each step resonating with the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future.
As Jin drew closer, Honoka straightened up, her hands nervously clutching the hem of her camo skirt. She took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak.
"Um, excuse me, Mr. Kazama?" she called out, her voice gentle yet clear in the empty corridor.
Jin's pace remained unchanged, his gaze fixed ahead as if he hadn't heard her. Undeterred, Honoka stepped forward into his path, her heart racing.
"My name's Honoka," she introduced herself with a bright, hopeful smile. "I just wanted to say that your match was incredible. You were amazing out there," she added, reaching out her hand for a friendly handshake.
For a brief moment, Jin's eyes flickered towards her. They were dark and intense, filled with a deep emotion that was hard to decipher. Honoka felt a chill run down her spine as his gaze seemed to pierce through her, making her feel small and insignificant. His eyes showed a fleeting hint of recognition, but a cold indifference quickly overshadowed it.
Without a word, Jin continued walking, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway. The silence that followed was almost deafening, and Honoka felt a pang of disappointment as he walked straight past her, not even acknowledging her presence.
Honoka's smile faltered, her outstretched hand hanging in the air. She watched him go, the sound of his footsteps growing fainter with each passing second. Her shoulders slumped slightly, the sting of being ignored cutting deeper than she had anticipated.
She stood there, frozen in place, her mind racing with thoughts. Had she done something wrong? Had she overstepped some unseen boundary? Honoka had hoped for at least a nod or a simple greeting, but instead, she was met with silence. The encounter left her feeling deflated, her initial excitement now tinged with a sense of inadequacy.
As Jin disappeared around the corner, Honoka let out a soft sigh, her determination undeterred but tinged with a newfound understanding. She knew reaching out to someone as closed off as Jin Kazama would be difficult.
The atmosphere in the gym was electric, filled with the rhythmic symphony of fists thudding against heavy bags, the whoosh of jump ropes cutting through the air, and intermittent grunts of exertion. Hwoarang, his fiery red hair pulled back into a ponytail, glistened with sweat as he effortlessly executed a flawless spinning heel kick against a padded target.
In another corner, Marshall Law moved with lightning speed and immense power during his sparring session, his strikes forming a mesmerizing blur. Meanwhile, Julia diligently practiced her grappling techniques on a padded mat, her focus unwavering.
The gym served as a vibrant melting pot of diverse fighting styles, with each participant wholly dedicated to refining their skills in anticipation of their upcoming battles.
As Hwoarang took a brief break, he leaned against the gym wall, feeling the heat radiating from his skin. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, and he reached for a nearby towel to wipe them away. He uncapped his water bottle, taking a long, refreshing swig to quench his thirst. Just as he was about to resume his training, he spotted a familiar figure making her way toward him. With her distinct pigtails bouncing with each step, Xiaoyu's bright smile lit up the room as she weaved through the bustling gym, drawing the attention of everyone around her.
"Hey, Hwoarang!" she called out, waving cheerfully.
Hwoarang flashed a grin and tossed his towel over his shoulder as he turned to see Xiaoyu coming his way. He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, a smile spreading across his face. "Hey, Xiaoyu. What's up?"
Xiaoyu halted before him, her hands firmly planted on her hips. "Just wanted to see how everyone's training is going. Looks like you're all fired up as usual."
"Yeah, you know me," Hwoarang replied, stretching his arms. "Gotta stay sharp if I want to win this thing. How about you? Ready to kick some ass?"
Xiaoyu laughed. "Always! But enough about me. About your date with Honoka. How was it? How did it go?"
Hwoarang chuckled, leaning against a nearby bench. "Oh, that? It was... interesting, to say the least."
"What? That's it?" Xiaoyu's curiosity intensified. "Oh, come on, spill the details! What did you guys do?"
"You never miss a thing, do you?" Hwoarang chuckled, leaning against the heavy bag. "So, we headed to this old bowling alley in the city center. Figured it would be a cool, laid-back place, you know?"
Xiaoyu nodded, her curiosity piqued. "And? How was it?"
"It was great," Hwoarang said, a genuine smile on his face. "We grabbed some food and chatted about our hobbies and all the other things couples do on dates." he explained casually. It wasn't in the best details, but he didn't care. His ego had been on cloud nine since last night. "After that, we hit up the bowling alley, and I gotta say, she's pretty good for a newbie. But things got a little crazy."
Xiaoyu raised an eyebrow. "Crazy? What happened?"
Hwoarang's grin widened. "Well, an entire biker gang rolled up on us during our date. They were looking for payback—apparently, I'd tangled with them before, and boy were they pissed about it. They nearly totaled my bike."
Xiaoyu's eyes widened in surprise. "No way! What did you do?"
"What do you think?" Hwoarang replied with a smirk. "We took them on right there in the bowling alley. Honoka held her own too—she's tougher than she looks."
Xiaoyu laughed, clearly impressed. "Sounds like quite the adventure. I'm glad you both came out okay." Silence was intertwined between the two for a split second before the pigtailed girl decided to speak. "So, what do you think of her?"
The taekwondo fighter gazed at his friend, his brow raised. "Hmm?"
"Honoka," Xiaoyu answered with a sweet smile. However, there was a hint of mischief hidden behind it. "What do you think of her?"
"I think she's pretty badass. Cute and badass," Hwoarang said, a genuine smile on his face. "She's not like anyone I've ever met, but in a really good way. Her vibe is just so infectious, always happy and having a blast. It's the kind of energy that just makes you want to smile, y'know?"
A sly, satisfied smile curled up the corners of Xiaoyu's lips as she mused to herself. 'Bingo.' Her plan was now ready to unfold, and all that remained was to carry it out with precision and ease. However, before Xiaoyu had a chance to react, a commanding voice pierced through the clamor of the gym.
Before Xiaoyu could respond, a booming voice cut through the gym noise. "Yo, Hwoarang!"
Marduk, the towering brawler with a build like a tank, approached them with a mischievous grin. "Heard you went out with that Honoka chick. So, you fuck her yet?"
The Chinese fighter's delicate features contorted into an expression of complete disgust, her brows furrowing as she struggled to contain her anger. Meanwhile, Hwoarang found himself unable to stifle a low chuckle at Marduk's blunt comment. "Not cool," Xiaoyu interjected sharply, her arms crossing defensively. "That's none of your business."
Marduk shrugged, unbothered by Xiaoyu's reaction. "Just curious. She's got a body on her, especially those big tits."
Xiaoyu's face flushed with anger while Hwoarang shook his head, still chuckling. "Man, you have no filter, do you?"
"Hey, I'm just saying what everyone's thinking," Marduk replied with a crude laugh. "I mean, look at 'er – she's got those curves and that sweet, innocent face. Bet she's a wildcat in bed. Can't blame a guy for appreciating the view."
Hwoarang chuckled, shaking his head at Marduk's lack of decorum. "Calm down, big guy. It's not all about that, you know."
Marduk raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that response. "Really? You're telling me you ain't looked?"
Hwoarang gave a casual shrug. "Yeah, I've definitely noticed. But she's not just a pretty face - she's strong, fun, and has a good heart. And hey, it's not like we're moving too fast anyway. Plus, she's jailbait."
Xiaoyu smiled, relieved to see Hwoarang's mature response. "That's good to hear. Honoka seems like a really nice person." Despite her reservations about the air-headed girl, Xiaoyu was bothered by the way some people crudely sexualized Honoka, viewing her as a mere object of desire. This deeply angered her. "And just so you know, there's a difference between appreciating and being a pig." she added, narrowing her eyes towards the bulky fighter.
Hwoarang placed a hand on Xiaoyu's shoulder, trying to diffuse the tension. "Ignore him, Xiao. Marduk's always been like this."
She sighed, her anger slowly dissipating. "I know, but it doesn't make it any less gross."
The burly Vale Tudo fighter shrugged again, seemingly unperturbed. "Whatever. Just trying to have a little fun." However, he couldn't help but grin at Hwoarang's carefree attitude. "But you gotta admit, she's something else."
Hwoarang nodded in agreement. "Yeah, she is. But for now, I'm just enjoying getting to know her."
Xiaoyu sighed, her expression softening. "It's nice to see you taking things slow and appreciating her for who she is. Not everyone does that."
Hwoarang glanced around the gym, taking in the sight of his fellow fighters pushing themselves to their limits. "I've learned a lot from being in this tournament, Xiaoyu. It's not just about fighting; it's about understanding people and making connections. Honoka's special, and I want to see where things go with her."
Xiaoyu's smile widened. "That's really sweet, Hwoarang. I hope it works out for you two."
Marduk, having lost interest in the more sentimental aspects of the conversation, clapped Hwoarang on the back. "Alright, lovebirds, enough."
To Be Continued...
I'd like to apologize for the long wait. I've just been so busy with playing Stellar Blade, making my other projects and work that I didn't get to update this story fast enough. Also, I've been having a bad weekend because a few days ago, I recently decided that I would no longer finish my stories on Wattpad and instead finish them here on this site. My experience with Wattpad was not good and I just didn't see it improving from there, so I just decided to let my Wattpad readers know that I'll be finishing the rest of this story over here on . I like that Wattpad allows you to be creative with your story by allowing emojis, gifs, etc when you make your chapters, however, the downfall of it, is the lack of views and engagement as it gets published.
No matter how much effort I put into my work, I genuinely didn't feel like was being appreciated over there as it is over here. I've tried engaging with my followers/readers by making announcement after announcement as much as possible and it's just it gets ignored, unnoticed, or people just don't care. While I do appreciate the votes that are being left on my stories, I also wanna express that I enjoy engagement as well. Yes, I love the votes I would receive, however, I won't lie and say that I don't enjoy the feedback and talking with my readers as well.
I know I'm either gonna get pure silence, unfollowed, or flamed for admitting that, but I have no shame. Go nuts. Anything is good engagement, it can just be simple and not like a long ass New York times review. Hell, I'll even accept flames as good engagement because a lot of them be funny as shit and it lets me know that my writing isn't always going to impress the entire universe and I want everyone to see that. I like hearing my readers enjoying or hating my stories.
The reason why I say "flamed" is because I've read countless of stories where the author is either met with silence or flamed all because they addressed the issue with lack of reviews or the chapters of their stories heavily outweighing their reviews or for simply asking their readers to review. There is nothing wrong with authors liking reviews, whether it's just simply praise or not. So what if authors like praise? They're humans just like their readers. It's something that authors look forward to as much as their audience look forward to updates to the story that they like. Authors shouldn't be villainized for just simply liking praise and readers shouldn't be villainized for asking for more updates in their reviews or choosing to be silent.
There are number of reasons why a lot of readers don't leave behind reviews after finishing a chapter.
1. They're shy or anxious and afraid of saying something that might offend the author.
2. They prefer to review at the end of a story so they can talk about the narrative as a whole.
3 They think they have to leave an entire essay in their reviews.
Okay, enough of me rambling. I'd like to thank my top 2 reviewers SolSparda36 and Wlyman2009. You guys are the only reason why I'm motivated to work harder and harder on each chapter. I may even write a special chapter for you guys in the future for not only how thoughtful you both are, but for sticking by me for so long.
Anyways, thank you so much. :D