History is recorded so we can know the past, and learn from previous mistakes.
But if history conceals something so horrifying, so dreadful that mankind... more>> decided to erase it from earth, then it would be best if kept hidden.
Countless years pass by. Humanity has Long since forgotten the horrors of the past, until a young man ventures into the wilderness.
What's hidden in this cave concealed amidst the woods? <<less

"Why did I even bother delaying this, I wonder..." I asked myself as tears silently streamed down my face, looking brokenly at the person who made my life complete.... more>>

"I wonder about that too..." He said with his usual gentle and tender expression, yet his narrow eyes were flashed with an unforgiving and cold gaze.

"Why haven't you killed yourself?"

(Cover created from Canva) <<less

Keep Breathing follows lung cancer survivor Eury as she returns to her sleepy hometown, dreading coming home to her parents and the complicated past that still haunts her. Even with every amenity afforded to her by modern society, Eury has a hard time staying alive. But when the townspeople are driven insane and begin attacking one another at random, Eury is cut off from everything and everyone she holds dear, and left with a dwindling supply of oxygen.... more>>

Hardships and heartaches, bloodshed and violence, once she’s through it all, will Eury be able to Keep Breathing?

Entered into the Metus contest (horror obviously!) I will be updating 3 times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! <<less

I hate them.... more>>

I despise them.

I shall curse them all.

Those are the lingering words Kim [REDACTED] [REDACTED] felt as he took his own life. But in a cruel twist of irony, the man who chose to end his life was given anew, inside the frail body of Arianne Megen Geistein.

Now in a weak and frail body, how will he who is now Arianne, how will she love from now on? If his past he was a healthy man born into poverty, how will she who is born from wealth but is sickly, how will this new life of hers be any more different from her last one? <<less

In the world of Lundeir, no creatures are known to be more powerful than the mighty and ancient Dragons. When a Dragon's scale is one day shattered, its shards scattered across the land, that power runs rampant.... more>>

For Misha, a mousefolk and dutiful guard of a forest village, life is simple and familiar. But when a stranger appears with news of something amiss in the forest, that familiarity is threatened.

[New chapters every other Friday.] <<less

He who lost his past yet tries to pursue a future. Without the strength of a general, the wisdom of the nobles, how will this... more>> man find a journey fitting to call his own? <<less

This is a story about the villain's rise from street rat to tyrant, and his ill-fated romance with the golden-eyed hero.... more>>

Rin the Rat is destined to be the villain, the black-hearted monster who the righteous hero must conquer. He's got a nasty bite, a filthy mouth, and a beautiful façade that hides a lethal madness. 

Fifth Lord Hwan Jun is destined to be the People's Lion, the righteous hero who must war with his heart to save the world. His healing hand and gentle temperament is the only power in the world that can tame his beloved monster.

When fate draws hero and villain together, there's an unlikely and undeniable connection. They are destined to be devoted lovers. And destined to be mortal enemies. 

This is their story. From their first meeting in the Imperial city of Hanjuyang to their final confrontation on the bloody battleground. Spanning across four nations, the realms of the living and the dead, and over twelve beautiful and painful years.

AN: I am currently doing a rewrite and update of earlier arcs.

For the most up to date version of the novel, please check it out at:
https://chrysanthemumgarden.com/novel-tl/rin/

***

Book I: The Rat & The Little Lord (Current)
Book II: The Rebel & The Knight
Book III: The Tyrant & The Hero

***

CW: All characters are 18 and older in this story! Please be aware that this story contains difficult themes that may be triggering to some readers. I will always post a content warning at the start of every chapter when relevant. Themes include: graphic violence, gore, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, graphic sex scenes, trauma and mental illness, personality disorders, substance abuse, drug use, self-harm & s*icide, r*pe & sexual assault, gaslighting/manipulation, domestic violence, and MANY other difficult adult themes.

Cultural Representation: This is set in a fantastical amalgamation of East Asian countries (namely Korea, Japan & China) with heavy Western/European influences. There will be names that are real and fake as well as references to various Asian cultures. I will generally only stick to East Asian cultures and references as this is my own cultural heritage. Any other culture I reference will only be done after extensive research. If you find I am stepping out of my lane in any way, please let me know.

***

Cover Art: woodjabean
Check them out @ https://ko-fi.com/woodjabean

***

© 2023 Iseul Hwangbo, All Rights Reserved <<less

After a fatal accident, Kenji Oshimoto and Misumi Ishikawa are cast into the world of Rune.
Monsters, magic, and dungeons are everywhere, and those who seek fortune and fame become Adventurers.
But one dungeon stands above them all: the Spire. Reaching past the clouds, the greatest treasure in existence awaits them on the tenth floor, for it is rumored that whoever can conquer the highest level of the Spire will have a single wish granted.
Thus, as they say goodbye to Tokyo, there is no choice but to seek the one chance they have at returning home. They must throw away their inhibitions and become Adventurers, then climb to the Spire's tenth floor and claim... more>> their prize, but it will by no means be an easy journey.

For fans of KonoSuba, DanMachi, and Fairytail.
I do not own the cover artwork. <<less

For as long as anyone can remember, humans have been preyed upon by Harbingers, living nightmares which devour dreams and passions and souls, and defended by Keepers. These children alone hold the gift of magic, the wild and wondrous ability to impose emotions over reality and empower their frail bodies with the splendor of their souls. Under their protection, humanity was able to survive and thrive.... more>>

While modern Keepers have come to enjoy a social position somewhere between celebrities and religious idols, very few accept the mantle simply to be a hero. The Messengers of the Goddess Claiasya, spirits charged with awakening the magic in suitable souls, promise that Keepers who consume and purify enough Harbingers will obtain the power to change themselves or the world in nearly any way they wish.

It’s for this purpose that Liadain Shiel, a young girl born terminally ill, throws herself into life as a Keeper when her opportunity comes, hoping against hope to rewrite her fate and save her life while she still can.

But magic wants its wielders to grow and change, not simply continue living, and the secrets swimming beneath the sea and behind the sky have lives and designs of their own.

Nowhere Stars is an ongoing fantasy-horror web novel about traumacore magical girls, nightmares clothed in ribbons and lace, alienation from reality, and broken children twisting the world into whatever shape they must to make their dreams come true.

This is a mirror of Nowhere Stars' home site, located here: https://nowherestars.net/
Updates will be posted at the same time, currently every other Wednesday.

Please be aware that my writing trends quite dark and disturbing. If you're looking for more detailed content warnings, there's a list that should be considered to apply to the story as a whole here: https://nowherestars.net/content-warnings/

Discord: https://discord.gg/UPYYpcvfqX
Topwebfiction: https://topwebfiction.com/listings/nowhere-stars/ <<less

Lenn doesn't know who, where or what he is anymore. Waking up in a shabby inn, he walks outside, greeted by an unfamiliar world. The people speak words he doesn't understand, use currency he doesn't know, sell items he's never seen before. And trying to make sense of it all, he meets a certain man a tad too eager to help.... more>>

Spreading decay, a brewing war between neighboring states, a terrorist organization and a lot of running across a whole continent while Lenn struggles through his new life. <<less

In Moria, few things are ever taken for granted. One of them is the Coughing Sickness. An ancient malady, that spread from the glacier in the middle of the Azeran Continent. It seems that now, not only does it spread by the water and the air, but also by rats, and the fleas that ride on them. ... more>>

The Hero of Ultimate Fate, Sebastian, is but a bored spectator to the tragedy of the human world. In a world, which does not need heroes, and where demon lords are but shrew businessmen and women, Sebastian just tries to keep his two humans safe.

The boy Nico, who redefines the word bravery, and the dockworker Gaius, who spends his days trying to get Sebastian to do something, for the precious few, who still draw breath.

Yet, when has a vampire ever listened to two blood banks?

This is a novelette. Sorry about that, but I just need a break from big projects. At least, it is complete with all its ends tied. <<less

Struggling artist, Alvaro Gael, cares for his young daughter all alone. He has been since the day of the accident that took his loving wife... more>> away. Scarred and broken, hope remains in the form of his little miracle, Milagros. The pueblo comes under attack by the cruel Commandante. He pits neighbor against neighbor by using their ignorance to usurp control. A beautiful demogod reveals herself in time. She tries to strengthen Alvaro's heart and hope for the future. ¿But will it be enough to see him through the turbulent path ahead? <<less

A mix of urban fantasy aimed at the young adult (YA) audience and a dark psychological tale of the paranormal. ... more>>

What would you do if you woke up one day, human in appearance but different genetically? Would you fight it? Or would you accept the change?

Seventeen-year-old Lea is rebuilding her life after a treacherous childhood. Blossoming from a sickly child to a beloved athlete, she still struggles with her mental health. With weekly group therapy and friends' support, she begins to heal healthily. This all comes to a halt when she finds a mysterious card in her bedroom. Unknowingly this card makes the beginning of the end of her life as a human – and her rebirth as something much more dangerous.

Can be read on Royal Road and Ao3 for free. Separated into volumes by story arch following multiple protagonists and points of view.

Contains gore, blood, abuse, and murder. Specifically, V1 contains mild mentions of past genocide and abuse, while V2 details the effects of kidnapping and sexual assault. <<less

Eight million people live in exclusion zone nine, where poverty and human misery are commonplace, and finding what one needs nigh impossible.... more>>

Everyone knows where to go when desperation is all that’s left – Carmen’s junkyard.

Nearly ninety years of legacy unexpectedly fall into her grandson’s hands, a man who never learned to be kind but always longed for a place to be at ease.

Maybe building a warm home isn't impossible after all.
-
All art ©citizenZ001 (CZ001) <<less

In the city of Tsukana Japan. A deadly outbreak has occurred, leading to the existence of the undead. As the city falls to chaos, Spirit... more>> and his friends must fight tooth and nail for their survival. Can they do so long enough to escape the city? Or will they all die trying?
patreon.com/FellWrites <<less

Louis is 19 when an unknown illness shatters his plans for the future, but thanks to a loving family, he pulls through his darkest times and goes forward with hope.
By 25 he’s terminally ill, even with money and influence no one seems to be able to find the reason… much less a cure.... more>>

The cryo-project he signed up for as a joke is the last journey he will ever make, at least that’s what he thought before he fell into a coma.

When his eyes unexpectedly open again, it’s the year 4206 – and he’s the last ancient human in a world full of genetically refined people that know homo sapiens only from records.
--
First Chapter: First-person / Third person limited
Rest of the novel: Third person limited

All art ©citizenZ001 (CZ001) <<less

A beautiful queer romance featuring bisexual and non-binary lead characters. ... more>>

Welcome to the serial Lyra's Magnum Opus. The entirety will be uploaded here.

Summary:

Sana and Tetsu are musicians in Tokyo. One day, they meet over social media and their lives are changed forever. A love begins to form, and as they get closer, a secret is slowly being uncovered about Sana by Tetsu. It's a secret that Sana's band Lyra is desperate for no one to know. The secret is that Sana is very sick, and has been for a long time. When Tetsu finds out, he only loves him even more. When Sana's illness causes him to have a heart attack soon into their relationship, everyone's world is upended. He becomes gravely ill, and his long time doctor reveals to them all that his illness is and always was terminal. When Tetsu vows to take care of him no matter what, he shocks his family and friends. This is the story of that devotion between them. It is a story about family, friends, music, dance, food, tradition, and powerful love.

The story follows Lyra through the Japanese music industry. From their struggles as independent musicians in visual kei and admiring others who have "made it", to them "making it" as evolving jazz musicians and the problems and joys that go with it. As Sana gets steadily worse as time goes on, Tetsu's love for him only grows. The future is bright, but also scary. Other band members chime in with their own narratives, their stories richly told. The world of Lyra is vast, so much to tell. A large, incredible journey. The story of that journey, of loving Sana and supporting him, is Lyra's magnum opus: their greatest triumph as a band.

As the story goes on, LGBTQ issues are also explored. Tetsu is a traditional Japanese performer called an "onnagata". He struggles with stereotypes and his own journey as a non-binary person. There's Sana's own struggle with living as a stealth transgender man in an industry where's there's eyes and rumors everywhere. There's bisexual erasure, even by close friends and family. There's the problems and expectations with often conservative Japanese culture and LGBTQ issues.

Through it all, there's Sana's journey through the Japanese medical system. His treatment and medical issues are explored, as well as how the medical system treats Tetsu as his husband.

It's a long story, but if you stick with it you will love it. Will you join us?

Author's note:

Currently in the late 300's in chapters. Btw, if you like the manga/anime Nana this is for you. Same kind of maturity in writing, themes, etc. It's just also got LGBTQ characters. It also reminds me of the Japanese drama 1 Litre of Tears. There's definitely comedy as well, but it's going to make you cry. I've been writing LGBTQ stories for over 20 years. It gets good, promise.

Btw, I'm not sure this is "boys love". Hmm. It features a transgender male character who is pretty androgynous in gender identity. Then there's the other, who is AMAB and on a non-binary journey, but still prefers male pronouns at the moment. So, what is this? You decide.

Will upload one chapter per day unless people get impatient, because you know, I've got a backlog of over 300 chapters. It grows constantly. Will you ever get to what I'm currently writing? <<less

Enter the enchanting world of Yeonhwa, a realm where ancient magic and timeless traditions converge and embark on an extraordinary journey through time and memory... more>> in this captivating tale. Follow Ji-Yeon and her companions as they navigate a world where past and present intertwine, and destinies are rewritten. From the echoes of forgotten memories to the enigmatic powers of a medallion, immerse yourself in a story where regression holds the key to uncovering hidden truths and changing the course of fate. Join them on a quest that transcends time itself, and prepare for a narrative that unravels the threads of the past while unveiling the mysteries of the future.
"Serpent's Song: Chronicles of the Moonlit Realm" is a tapestry of magic and courage, a tale of heroes rising against the encroaching darkness. Lose yourself in a world where captivating characters, intricate world-building, and the eternal battle between light and shadow ignite a spellbinding series. Get ready to be transported into a realm of wonder, where the serpentine melody of destiny beckons-will you heed its call?" <<less

Life can be harsh and unfair, especially for an unborn child. Sadly, in this case, the child's mother was banished from the village by the father and left to survive alone in the wilderness, illuminated only by the dim purple light of the shattered moon moon. Unfortunately, the mother faces numerous dangers such as sickness, starvation, and the threat of wild creatures. However, the child is unique. The child is an ABRAXAS, born from the Moon's blood. The child is destined to become the ultimate tribulation for the Myriads across realms and forgotten worlds. His rise will bring forth a wind of glory and upheaval, causing kingdoms to fall, bloodlines to be broken, empires to... more>> rise, and worlds to collide.

-Behold my edgy cringe <<less

Imagine a world where Words really do have power, and Curses are something to strive towards. As long as you work hard enough, anyone can become a superhuman monster. Assuming you’re willing to pay the price.... more>>

Warning: This story is actually pretty SFW in my opinion, but apparently things like violence and gore are NSFW? It really depends on the site. This one doesn't seem to be that strict about it. If you're expecting a lot of sex scenes and cursing, this story probably isn't for you. I know, the name of the story is The Cursed Words, but unless the word 'shit' is extremely offensive to you, I don't think it qualifies as cursing. However, there are a lot of mature themes. When it comes to the Genre, the story is pretty Tragic, but I wouldn't call it a 'Tragedy'. Anyway, I also had no idea what I was doing with the Tags.

I posted a lot more on AO3 since I don't really use Scribblehub: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51591409/chapters/130402264 <<less

Rose Dominius is a normal girl(?) apart from the fact that she is very smart. Due to his good genetics and privileged upbringing, his first... more>> weapon was just that. Not even her mother was suspicious of the secrets she was hiding. Speaking of secrets, upon entering the prestigated and eccentric lotus academy she inherited not only Zoe Dominius' goal, but also her Soul Stone. Well, after all that I think it's time for her to accept fate and finally enter the war she ignored for 10 years. Of course, she's not a woman who decided to take a bus walking. <<less

In my high-school there are two major unspoken rules: ... more>>

the first unspoken rule is to never mess with Mr. James, one of the school math teachers. It is rumored that he used to be an underground boxer who simply got into teaching after getting tired of beating people. A jacked guy that is actually smart? No thank you, I'm not messing with that.

The second unspoken rule is that you never mess with the Grace family. On the third day of high-school I managed to break that rule.

You see, on the third day of high-school I was stopped by pretty bitch and her jock friends who were probably just looking to get off bullying someone less popular than them. As usual I didn't take any of that and lets just say I embarrassed them pretty good. unfortunately for me that bitch happened to be Melissa Grace, the niece of the principle and someone I shouldn't have messed with.
Since I'm on a scholarship I cant exactly fight back without the risk of being expelled so ever since then I have been getting bullied daily without being able to do anything but fighting back with words. That is until I got a bizarre chance to fight back. <<less

I have seen the end of the world.
Even if I am broken and covered in curses, I will change it.

Mirk has lost everything: his noble family, his home, and nearly his life. All he has left is his grandfather’s staff and the K’maneda, the strange band of foreign mercenaries who saved him. He decides to build a new life among them in their wandering City of Glass, dedicating himself to healing the outcast and forgotten men who did everything to protect him. Providence makes no mistakes. And to live is to serve.... more>>

Genesis is an expert at three things: binding magic, assassination, and cleaning potions. Everything else is a mystery to him, especially people. Which is a crucial shortcoming, considering his ambition is to launch an insurrection against the corrupt mages who have warped the K’maneda into a machine designed to grind up the poor for the benefit of the wealthy. He will never be free; his nature is destruction. Since he can’t escape it, he will use it to liberate those who aren’t bound to obey.

They’re an unexpected team: the unrelenting and inhumanly powerful Destroyer and the kindly healer with the right lineage and a knack for putting the right people in the right places. But will it be enough to ensure the revolution prevails? And is there more to their relationship beyond a mutually beneficial alliance?

Featuring: Slowest of slow-burns, grumpy x sunshine, size difference to the max, perpetual hurt/comfort, and a whole lotta bed sharing. HEA guaranteed...eventually. <<less

After a serious illness almost killed her several years ago, Mari has only been kept alive thanks to a local witch who casted an enchantment... more>> on her lungs, but what happens when the witch decides to move away? What does Mari have to do in order to maintain the enchantment on her own? What will she learn about herself in the process? How will it affect the complex situation going on between her and her lifelong best friend? A slice of life story about magic, suffering, and unwavering devotion. <<less