15 questions for the cult leader*

Interview by Chiisailammy

(*explanation of the term: because Aoshi and Megumi is a cult following, ie a non-majority, sub-group of die-hard fans rooting for Aoshi Meg stuff, much like x-files fans in the early days of the series)

1. First off, let's get this monkey out of the way, why Aoshi and Megumi? In other words, what makes them work, in your eyes?

Eye candy? Do I need to mention that they look damn good together? Err... okay, that's not really the reason why. There were a few things -- weird meaningful pauses and interactions in the anime which made me suspicious of some shared history, and a few fanfics, including Gracey's fic over at ff.net. After that point, the idea took hold. I experimented with the characters in one fanfic, and really liked my perception of them.

2. In what ways has fandom changed (whether for good or for worse) in fandom for the past year, since the shrine went up?

I think it's clear that the fandom has solidified. I was never the first A/Meg fan -- clearly there were a lot more out there, but I think we became more "valid" as a fandom.I think also the idea of these two together is more accepted now.

3. What are some of your writing influences?

Jane Austen and Ray Bradbury. I don't allow Kurt Vonnegut to get involved-- otherwise we'd have random deaths everywhere. :3

4. Are there pairings or stories out there that reminds you of the relationship between Aoshi and Meg?

Definitely. Any pairing in which the man and woman are equally matched reminds me of this pairing. My favorite happens to be Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy of "Pride and Prejudice" but I also am reminded of Lessa and F'lar from the Dragons of Pern series by Anne McCaffery. There is also this fic that compares them to Scarlett and Rhett. I can definitely buy that, although Rhett is far more expressive than Aoshi :)

5. So we've had discussions over at RK dreams about flames and such, when was your first flame and what was it like?

It was indirect. Meaning someone posted on another forum complaining about the stupid person who needed to be given evidence that Misao and Aoshi were supposed to be together. I actually was a member of that board, got on and argued my case. That was the end of that. :-)

6. Genre. Romance? Comedy? or dark angsty drama?

I admit, I'm more of a drama type. Romance is good, but when it comes to romance writing... gah!

7. Do you think it's fair to say that Aoshi is a tragic hero? Is Megumi?

Yep. Aoshi is a flawed hero -- but so are many of the men in RK. Megumi's past definitely is tragic, but she clearly overcomes that. Aoshi-- we assume so, but we don't get that sense of closure from the manga.

8. Here's a hurdle for all writers of A/Meg. Misao. Do you hate her or something, you evil, evil writer!

I don't always understand her - but that is because the girl is 16 and I'm more in the age of Aoshi, Kenshin and Megumi. However, I've always felt that Aoshi loved Misao, but not in the way that many people thought. The man raised her for somewhere around 8-9 years -- of course the two would be close. However, I can not accept that the man who fostered her would later marry her. It may be a cultural bias towards somewhat incestuous relationships, as I believe firmly that they have a sister/brother or father/daughter type relationship.

9. Do you think that Aoshi likes pineapples? Er rather, what do you think Aoshi's favorite food is?

Did they even have pineapple back in Meiji Japan? heh. Actually, I did contemplate whether he ate meat -- as I had suspicions he was Buddhist based on his constant meditation post-Kyoto arc and his dislike of sake. On the other hand, I'm sure Megumi likes sake. :)

10. What is the most interesting or complex thing about Aoshi and Megumi's characteristics?

That there is always a slight twist to what they do. Deep down, they're both good and kind people, but who have been dealt some tough cards in life. I also believe that they are very intelligent people who could never see a way out of lives they hated on their own. I find it interesting that it is Kenshin that sets them both on the right path.

11. How much does it suck to have me refer to you as the cultmaster? Would you prefer sempai? A-Meg guru? Empress of fandom? Er--maybe I should just stick to referring you by your name...*shuffles feet*

You know, it's just that I don't deserve the title of ringleader. There are other people out there who were avid Aoshi/Megumi supporters before I showed up. I just wanted a webpage. I wanted validation.... but I don't mind the term "shrinekeeper.".

12. If you were an RK character, would you live in Kyoto or Tokyo?

I'd like Kyoto. Today it's still regarded as one of the world's most historical sites. The rumor goes that when the U.S. was planning to bomb parts of Japan that Franklin Delano Roosevelt's advisers begged him to spare Kyoto. Truly -- I think I would like to live in the place that best represents the past of Japan.

13. Who would be your RK avatar? (if there was like RK Sims or something--in other words, who are you most like/most want to be?)

Aoshi and Megumi. In fact, if I were still into Sims, I'd make Aoshi and Megumi Sims and build a Japanese house for them... make them fall in love.. .have kids.... occassionally irritate Saitou their neighborhood buddy.... *sweatdrops* . I suppose I could but then I'd get sucked back into The Sims.

14. What elements do you look for in a good story? (other than a A/Megpairing, of course)

Purpose. I think every fic writer needs to know where they're going with their story. Why are they writing it? If they don't know, it comes out pretty clearly and either I give up reading on the way or they give up writing. I also like stories to have something other than just the romance. I like romantic fluff, but the characterizations have to be there and be realistic.

15. How hot is Jiya? (wait that was rhetorical) Not that i'm suggesting a Hiko/Meg possibility, but you gotta admit that Hiko is a scene-stealer. So if you were in Meg's position in "Memory's Touch", would you be flirting with Aoshi or Hiko right now? (given that you will spontaneously combust or something if you flirted with both) Explain your choice.

I would be giving Hiko a severe tongue-lashing, and probably blushing at Aoshi between being tongue-tied around him. Honestly -- Hiko is much too contemptuous of people. What would Hiko add to her life other than having someone to get annoyed with? ^_^. But it is fun... yes.. beating up people.