AFF Fiction Portal

rate_review Reviews

for The War Within

by Raymy

schedule March 11, 2013 at 12:00 AM
A Novel Cure

Clever title! You know...for some reason when I read about Grimmjow getting five other arrancar killed in your story I felt the impact more from Aizen's point of view. Five less soldiers because of one's brash actions... I've always liked Grimmjow as a character but I was rather frustrated when my mind arrived at that grim (pardon the pun) truth. I've never had trouble considering that he thoughtlessly led his Fraccion to the killing floor, but this time I was ready to jump on the 'let's punish him' band-wagon. Kind of bitter huh?
By the way I still love the fact that you call Aizen a 'renegade'. That's an excellent descriptor for him. Gah! Tosen's just a frickin' acrotomophile (sexual attraction to amputations)! *cackles* Still thinking of the Tweedles for Grimmy and Starrk?
Grimmjow's part time job must be irritating Tosen. If Tosen had to go so far as to hack off one of Grimmy's arms Grimm-Grimm must be pretty good at that job. He should work full-time and get a bonus. *snickers* So a crude amputation is just a wrist slap, huh? *shudders* Well if that isn't foreshadowing to 'things could get a whole lot worse' I don't know what is! *snort-chuckle* Ahem! *composes herself once again* 'Forbidden fruit', interesting and accurate choice of words.
I'll quote myself because I don't think I know how to phrase this better than I had before; "Strangely Aizen seems more loving than Mayuri after reading this, he is affectionate toward Gin and I believe you used the word 'beloved' to describe Gin in regard to Aizen." I like this relationship between to fox and his lord. I'm also very fond of the way Gin's speech and thoughts flow (smoothly) in this chapter.
([revised] quoting myself) "I would figure evil men such as Aizen and Mayuri would be evenly devoid of 'loving' feelings because they are both manipulative ones pulling strings. Yet thinking over 'why' they [might] lack in the 'loving' department makes their unevenness sensible. Though [at this point in your story] I know more of why Mayuri lacks than why Aizen might." I like that bit of mystery, wondering if Aizen will be cruel, cold, or something altogether different. He obviously has an affectionate side but is it perverse? Much food for thought this mood from his conversation with Gin creates.
"It's a species thing." That's funny as heck because it's undeniable and true. *raises her hand* Grimmjow wouldn't listen to a conscience even if he had one...but that is just me thinking out-loud. If Starrk was paired up with Grimmjow and wanted to survive (being that Grimmjow's pretty much a can of temperamental soaked kitty-cat with a side of irrational hostility) Starrk wouldn't have an option to sleep [unless he had a death-wish].
Gin is such a devious brain. I'm catching the vibe that he likes to watch trouble unfold...whimsical fox stirring the damn fish bowl...
Of course Aizen! When things call for devious complexity look to the nearest scientist and have him whip up something awful...awfully...SCIENTIFIC! You can't fight science; no matter how much you sleep things away and no matter how much of a hard-head you are. The scientific world around us is one HELL of a force to be reckoned with. However...Szayel and his pink hair... *snickers* The day I cower in front of a man with pink hair and white rimmed glasses he better be eight feet tall and weight several hundred pounds. It's probably a bone-headed thing, taking Szayel lightly because of his appearance, but hey; everyone chuckles [hysterically] in front of danger once and a while, right?
I enjoy science, down to its gritty details, but I thank you for sparing me those for now because I'm rather enveloped within the plot of this story.
Well Grimmjow's words and immediately being worried about his rank; that definitely screams prideful and brash. You reinforce those when he speaks-out about completing the task all by his lonesome. Man...you've done a good job fanning the 'arrogant, prideful prick' fire around Grimmjow. I'm certain such will come to burn him later. Well done.
Again, *inhales* I SO CALLED IT! Grimmjow the mighty hates needles! AHAHAAAAA! Oh that's funny shit! Funny, funny, funneh! *calms herself* Oooo...that dirty Aizen, indirectly threatening Lily (a 'child' figure). Smart tactic but it reeks of 'unfair play'. (quoting myself) "When you return successful from your mission, KEYWORD SUCCESS, nothing less." Heh.
There goes Starrk for his hundred meter dash and Grimmjow's kite mode has been activated!
Well if Szayel didn't know about Grimmjow's arm being sliced: a) it must have happened recently, b) word doesn't travel fast, or c) Szayel really doesn't prefer to stick his nose in the others' business. (perhaps a combination)
Poke first, questions later, good plan Starrk! It's clear our first Espada isn't short on brains...but wondering about what he might have done to displease Aizen? Now that indicates his sleeping habits and lazy attitude are subconscious. It is possible for someone to miss their habits being 'annoying' or 'inconvenient'. I suspect that Starrk is unaware (to an extent) that his laziness is annoying. Perhaps Grimmjow will exhibit the same unawareness about himself.
I like this intellectual discussion of the 'heart' between Szayel and Starrk. I wonder WHO Szayel dissected...cadavers...what a morbid thought...to be cut up. I wonder if the Espada was already dead...
Irregular excess of speech [on Starrk's part] hints (though I already gathered this) that this discussion over 'hearts' is rather important. Will it reflect throughout the rest of the story? I sense it quite possibly will. To possess a 'heart' seems a philosophical matter to me.
Szayel's offer to let Starrk actually listen to his heart firsthand made me smile. I remember how cool listening to my heart was when I was a kid, but man those stethoscopes can seriously amplify sound! I hope Szayel wasn't pulling his leg.
"Listen to my love." What an interesting concept and refreshingly original.
Oh no...and the perversity starts. Tingly tingly... How interesting that Grimmjow overheard. I wonder if he really doesn't care or if he finds it too much of a strain to try comprehending.
YES! You are still thinking of the Tweedles. *chuckles*

What a refreshing chapter. Delicious intrigue and philosophy well presented. *purrs with contentment*
schedule March 7, 2013 at 12:00 AM
I love Starrk. He's such a funny guy, and if this is turning into a Starrk/Grimmjow story then I will be in fangirl heaven ^_^

At first I was a little surprised to find an entire chapter dedicated to the Espada. Then I reread the summary, slapped myself over the head and dug right in. It was a fun read! Aizen is a very impressive figure, and you nailed him as always. I am in awe at how well you interpret the characters, and how well they interact with each. You really have a talent for characterisation. Your writing style is very impressive as well, but I found myself spacing out whenever it got a little technical >_> Sorry I'm really not smart. But I do think it might be a good idea to either simplify the technical aspects or to describe it differently, to keep the reader interested. Well that's just me I might be completely off here for all I know :)

Other than that, I really enjoyed, and I eagerly await the the next instalment! ^_^
schedule February 10, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Ha! I already told you my thoughts for most of this chapter, but the bits you added in for Starrk and Grimmjow's scenes? Epic. Hilarious, too, because I've got such a skewed sense of humor, but that may just be me. ;)

Anyway, it's certainly a good bit of development and (yes, by all means, if it works for you, go ahead and take "dark" as a challenge - I would) I'm definitely enjoying the plot as it unfolds. Of course, knowing at least vague pairings may help, too. ;D Yumminess in the future, but with bad stuff to go through first.

And I still don't know what to think about Aizen and Gin, exactly (or, more truthfully, Gin alone), but as you've said, either you'll cover that later on or you won't, depending on whether or not you include certain darker scenes.

The nicknames Szayel gave had me snickering to myself, and having Starrk and Grimm all...high on hormone supplements? (I know, you said ENZYMES, but really, it's like Szay slipped 'em roofies or something.)...well, their shot-befuddled wits and lack thereof had me laughing, too. ;) Of course.

Anyway, I'm enjoying this story, as always, and if you need or want help with them at any time, you have (at last count) three different ways to say, "Hey, take a look at this," and you know I'll be there ASAP. And of course I want to read more. :D

May the words just flow,
Cuzosu
schedule February 8, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Damn this is awesome! I just everything about it, from the characterizations to the in depth and fluid writing style. You're really amazing, I can't wait for chapter three... please update soon :)
schedule February 8, 2013 at 12:00 AM
The Unsuspecting Volunteers

No onions! Good! Blech...not trying to hurt any feelings if anyone likes them but onions are not my kettle of fish.
Fear, a strong emotion that might haunt Nemu later. Obsession? Hmmm...Mayuri wouldn't like that but Nemu is a lucky girl if Akon has taken a liking to her. He seems like a nice individual. Well the news she had hit Akon like a brick. Poor fella, that's a tough thing to hear coming from the woman he holds in high regard. At 10 pm huh? That sounds like a date! So both Nemu and Mayuri don't eat onions...bet it's a genetic allergy. :3
Mayuri doesn't realize it but he's making an enemy out of Akon with his poor behavior toward Nemu. That will probably cost him, considering Akon is an important aid to Mayuri. Nice reference to tinker toys, I remember those, it was fun to manipulate the shapes into the tallest structure possible. At least Nemu can feel good about herself for a brief instance while Mayuri tries to figure out how to locate a subject. *snickers at the mention of Rangiku's bosom and snickers again about Hana's tattoo*
Mayuri is a very analytic mind, he takes in a plethora of information from his surrounds, conversations, etc. He's very sharp.
I think it's a defense mechanism to say he mixes "work" and "play" time so he isn't a "workaholic" but I guess future chapters will tell of his activities to give us a true perspective.
Oh no...Hisagi...run while you still can...Poor guy...he has been chosen to host the quack's catch. One out of three, Mayuri might get more than he bargained for if he's greedy about nabbing an Espada...or two. So Maryuri selects Kyoraku to deal with his hollow catch. Oh boy...

This chapter was crystal clear, very well explained. Me likie much!
schedule February 7, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Oh boy oh boy! Another fic!

Mislead the Fools, Conceive the Plan
Mayuri is absolutely an eccentric man...thing...shinigami, it strikes me maybe he's vain too... (considering his 'pristine' appearance)
Aawww, poor sickly Ukitake. Yamamoto rapping his cane, a good show of his authority. Again I will say this hollow shrinkage idea is ORIGINAL AND FUNNY AS HECK! Hee Hee! Nerd fantasy *snicker snicker* These out-bursts from outgoing captains are quite funny to read after the proposal. It makes sense that some would roll their eyes in regard to sapping hollows down to small sizes. So Kyoraku and Ukitake are peace-makers, huh? Or open minds.
Considering how many captains had their say on the 'shrink-a-hollow' matter and weren't intimidated by or respectful of Mayuri enough to hear him out first; who thinks he's a quack and who doesn't? Levels of respect vary... Since a few voices came to defend Mayuri's theory at least we know that he isn't hated all around, but you don't have to hate someone to foster the idea that they're quack. I'm all for shirking hollows and putting them in cereal boxes by the way!
It will be an Espada they capture, eh? Hee Hee Seems like that would be a dangerous catch to reel in. I think I'll stuff the Espada in my favourite cereal box...even though I don't eat cereal much anymore... *sniffle* Ah well, I'm sure the oat-meal canister will work just fine. I think my idea is a little more kind-hearted than a 'hollow injection'. Mayuri does not like Soi-Feng does he?
Mayuri's use for Nemu almost instantaneously disconnects ANY lingering suspicions about his science-fair project being humane. If he's disconnected from his own creation that is a b-a-d sign. Big flashing sign! I wish upon his manhood her sharp teeth, by accident of course.
I'm not entirely sure why but the term 'penis' is refreshing. Perhaps that's my quirk, overuse of 'cock' makes any term but 'pecker' sound more attractive.
You bring to our attention that Nemu has needs of her own amidst her servicing. It's rather painful to swallow that she doesn't realize Mayuri is morally bent while treating her like machinery. Do what I tell you to do when I tell you to do it because it's your function. If my scanner had an opinion for every picture I set down on it I'm sure it could write me an epic but a scanner has no soul. Nemu has a soul and if not that something like it. She has emotions she doesn't understand and bodily needs to-boot. She's every inch (in my opinion) an intricate being deserving of respect.
Mayuri thinks like I do...the taste of those words is sour. He sounds like a "want it done right? do it yourself" person. Depending on the situation that theory can fail. I think he's a melancholic type mixed minus the depression with a little of choleric's need to be a leader.
"if the host is unaware"... that sounds like 'hurry! spike his drink while he's not looking!' I feel pity for his chosen host. And the magic ingredient is...! not love this time...HOLLOWS!
Remove "it" all together. Alright. If he does that he should let Nemu be the one to cut "it" off. Hee Hee. Is Mayuri going to be capable of understanding love?

This chapter was very clear and very nicely written, it provokes some hard-core philosophical thoughts. You have my interest. Nice work! (I'll be reviewing the 2nd chapter sometime in the near future)
schedule February 5, 2013 at 12:00 AM
I didn't realize you'd started posting this! *growl* And now I'm going to be gone for 2-3 months....
I've said it before, but I really like where you're taking this. It's wonderfully dark and definitely entertaining, and I absolutely want to read more. *sigh* When I have time. That's going to be the part that kicks me from behind.
Glad my thread on the forum helped you with Kurotsuchi.
Anyway, I'll PM you my number and you can text me or something if you want help, too.
May the words just flow,
Cuzosu
schedule February 2, 2013 at 12:00 AM
I'm excited by the premise and will be keeping my eye on this fic. I hope you have lots of fun writing it :)