Favorite Stories and Why You Should Read Them

MENGDE

Schism - The first story to ever get a "favorite" out of me, this masterpiece has been rewritten (affectionately called "Schism 1.5" by the author) and condensed down without losing one bit of the gripping plot and perfect character writing. If you are here reading this: start with this story. Breakout star here is Auron.

Big Trouble in Little Wutai - There is a movie reference in the title I hope you get. The direct sequel to Schism, this tale takes on a very different approach. Since it features, predominantly, Yuffie, Reno, and Rude, the laughs are fast and entertaining... until the later chapters. Once the stage is set, this story becomes a riveting action tale worthy of its predecessor. Keep your eyes open for cameos and anything Rude says.

Choice - Mengde has a very big "thing" for writing Auron, which is good because no one can write him better. Crossing over with Kingdom Hearts, this tale is shorter but just as epic in plot and action. To watch Auron and... well, I won't spoil it for you. Watch out: this story will leave you addicted to Auron.

The Red Cloak - Not necessarily a sequel to Schism/Wutai, but somewhat set in the same timeline and vein, The Red Cloak is simply stunning and has imagery that will drop your jaw. There is little else to say, except: read this.

The Wolf That Hunts - Simply put, Wolf is the best one-shot ever written in the FFVII fanfiction area. I can not tell you how many times I have read this story during a bored moment and it made me smile. To understand the Turks, you must understand Reno; to do that requires this story.

Broken - Many people may find this "sequel" to Wolf somewhat disturbing, since it features Tifa/Reno and THAT CAN'T BE RIGHT, right? It isn't just correct, my friends, it's a one-shot that you will never forget. Read this after The Wolf That Hunts and you will be a better person for it.

At the End of All Things - I'm not sure if it's okay for me to say this, because I might be burned for blasphemy: At the End of All Things is, I believe, the single best story Mengde has ever written. To use words like "gut-wrenching" or "perfect drama" would be insufficient. The plot is a tad slow to pick up, but once it does you will not stop reading. There are several characters here who are my favorite OC's ever. Read this... right now. Why are you still here? GO.

Master and Hound - People forget about Rufus, I feel. A man that stood toe-to-toe with Cloud for a few minutes suddenly is seen as this physically inept businessman by most writers. You know who doesn't forget him? Mengde. This smells slightly of yaoi until the end ('tis not a long piece), but it truly isn't. The word to describe this tale is power. No sex or violation, I promise.

Willing Recruit - I can't spoil this story for you. It is /hilarious./

Plausible Deniability - Tidus is another oft overlooked character. If you've forgotten, he is the star of FFX, a pretty boy THAT CAN KICK A BALL OVER 90MPH IN WATER. Think about that... now think about someone kidnapping Yuna.

A Sweet, Naive Lie - This story is everything Kenshin. Even if you are a mild fan of the series (as I am), you must put this short piece in your brain. This is the best Kenshin fanfic I have ever read, period.

MATSUMAMA

Nebula - Flawless Kisuke/Yoruichi with what amounts to the best romantic story ever conceived in the Bleach section. I can not express enough sentiment towards this tale.

KNIGHT OF THE WORD

The Heir Apparent - In my opinion, the best Bleach epic on FF, the writing skill of this author is growing by the chapter, but even his rather quick writing style can not hamper the sheer awesome that is this story line. All his ideas are backed by real canon, and fans of Shunsui and Ichigo/Rukia will drool on themselves. Seriously: this is better than the manga.

MOCZO

Uninvited Guests - You will never laugh as hard as you will reading this story. Though it has crackish moments, there isn't one that is out of character. The absurdity of the Bleach universe is here, in full glory.