Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Characters: Benton Fraser, Ray Vecchio, Ray Kowalski
Format: fanvid 3 minutes 50
Author on Live Journal: http://keerawa.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/keerawa/pseuds/keerawa

Why this must be seen: All of Keerawa's fanvids are elegantly and exquisitely done, but I'm completely blown away by this one (which is downloaded on my computer.) She obviously knows the series inside out, and uses clips from all seasons, including lesser known scenes to bring freshness to the stories that she paints. This vid follows Fraser's journey through the series, detailing his insecurities in his relationships, from his father, through his friends, and doesn't offer an answer to the question as to whether or not Fraser is getting through. We know that he wants to, we know that there are people in the world who he wants to reach, and who want to reach him (the two Rays particularly) but the loneliness of the song leaves the answer a hope rather than a certainty. I also love the way that locations (Canada and Chicago) are present as characters in their own right... very evocative. (You have to scroll down the page to find the relevant song, but believe me, it's worth it... as, by the by, are her other dS vids.)

Am I Getting Through

Fandom: DUE SOUTH
Characters: Benton Fraser, Ray Vecchio, Ray Kowalski
Format: fanvid 1 minutes 40
Author on Live Journal: http://asharo-slash.livejournal.com/
Author Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/Orasha

Why this must be seen: So, this is my last entry, the second part of a double feature (see previous entry for the other fanvid I rec).

I can barely post two photos next to each other in an album, and yet in less than two minutes Orasha packs this vid full of so much angst and gorgeousness. She paints a vivid portrait of the love and self sacrifice that the three male leads have in the series (Vecchio 'as a friend' to Fraser, and Kowalski as perhaps more.) I have to admit, I didn't even like the song till I'd seen this video... now I love it. It's irredeemably dS in my mind, almost much as something from the actual series. The editing is sharp, detailed, intelligent, the use of effects is subtle and effective, and... oh, the boys.

So Hard to Breathe

Here's my last rec for the month, before I return the van to the garage and leave it washed, polished and fuelled up for the next driver.

Fandom: THE SENTINEL
Pairing: Jim-Blair
Length: 4420 words
Author on LJ: Not known
Author Website: http://tvlit101.skeeter63.org/senttab.htm
Why this must be read: - Jim has been caught in an explosion. Blair goes looking for him.

Need I say more?

I love stories where one is looking for the other and there's a kind of mystical connection between Jim and Blair, even when it isn't a major part of the story. D L Witherspoon is a gifted writer and it shows in spades in this story, short though it is.

Hanging On

Vidder: Thomas (Xeth) Pencz
Musical Artist: Unknown
Pairing: Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon
Vidder on LJ: unknown
Vidder Website: YouTube Channel
Why you must see this vid:

First off, this is musically rather odd, because the emphasis in the rec is on the animation, rather than on lyrics or beat. The background plays music suited to special effects, or perhaps a demonstration of special effects that vidders use, such as spiral-in and fade-out. But the animation tracks the Duel of the Fates, matching expressions of the actors in a unique perspective and body design in animated form. Sort of ... surreal? Anyway, commenter Abriggs500 suggests, if you want to try a different viewing: "Just mute [] and open up a new tab on youtube. Search "Duel of the Fates." Then play both vids at the same time." It works!

Darth Maul vs. Qui-Gon featuring Obi-Wan

'Bye for now. I've had fun reccing and hope you consider driving the van. It has GPS and heated front seats that vibrate.

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin/Gawaine
Length: 5,706 words
Author on LJ: riventhorn
Author Website: Masterlist on LJ
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary: A Mercian army marches on Camelot, but Arthur has forbidden Merlin from using his magic in the battle. Gwaine must try to comfort Merlin and find out exactly what Arthur thinks he is doing.

Can I really express how much I love Arthur in this fic? I don't think there are words enough. I love how the reason why he won't let Merlin rip away with his magic against the enemy isn't fully revealed until the end when he's having a discussion with both his partners. Different reasons are hinted at and the reader (at least this one did) definitely makes some guesses. But oh the real reason?! XD This king is so dang honorable, courageous, and just dang moral. Willing to take the hard road, no matter how hard it gets, to protect those he cares about from everything will just make you sigh and lady's ovaries explode. LOL

Then there's the fantastic triad of Arthur, Merlin, and Gawain. Each man with his own individual strengths and supports that he brings to the relationship, they together form a cohesive unit that is able to overcome pretty much anything, I would suspect. They do overcome suspicion, perceived betrayal, and misunderstanding and come through the other side stronger, even more in love for the trials. riventhorn's character voices sparkle with vitality and her emotions are crisp as the fall air outside. Everything in this story will make you love, love, love it!

Triad

Fandom: MERLIN
Pairing: Arthur/Merlin
Length: 16,037 words
Author on LJ: latemperanza
Author Website: AO3
Warnings: creepy ghost stuff
Why this must be read:

Author's Summary : Merlin can see dead people™, and Arthur's just indirectly invited the entire spirit world. To think, people said this party was going to be boring.

I love this story for the horror/supernatural elements (and dang there is some dang freaky imagery herein - ala Sixth Sense style) and the wonderful characterizations. Temperanza has woven a story of a boy with a horrifying and sometimes healing gift, a supernatural plot that will make you shiver, and friends and love who makes it all worthwhile.

And again, can I comment on the imagery? I swear, my jaw dropped and eyes nearly popped out at some of these, especially that first one with Merlin's dad. (See creepy daddy encounter snippet below. but grab a flashlight first...) O.o.... But the scary turns into the beautiful when Merlin gains the understanding and courage to listen and not just be frightened. He's able to help those in need and help turn the tide in a freaky battle with the supernatural.

( Creepy Daddy Encounter )

Resurgam

Vidder: BardsBeersLongbeards
Musical Artist: Aegthil of of Gondor
Poem by: Cennwyn
Costumes by: Hymne of Cosmetic LotRO
Vidder on LJ: unknown
Vidder's Website: on YouTube, A Minstrel's Diary, Bards, Beers, and Longbeards
Why you must see this vid:
This is an incredibly unique video, because it is a virtual fan film. The footage was entirely shot using locations in the game The Lord of the Rings Online, which is a successful Free-To-Play MMORPG. However, rather than featuring gameplay, this vid coaxes out the essence of the fandom by combining a fan-written poem to fan-written music (using the in-game music system) and using the avatars of the fans to "act" out a story. This vid is an incredible combination of poetry, song, and fan enthusiasm that comes together to make it something more than just a video game vid. You actually don't need to know anything about the video game it was filmed with to enjoy it.

The song tells the tale of Eorl the Young, Lord of the Éothéod and the first King of Rohan, founder of the House of Eorl (from which King Théoden (who was the 17th King of Rohan, by the way), King Éomer, and Lady Éowyn are all descended), and how he came to the aid of Cirion, Steward of Gondor, at the Fields of Celebrant just in time to save the Gondorian army from their enemies. For their valor, Cirion granted them the lands of Calenardhon, which Eorl called Rohan, and the Rohirrim swore to come to the aid of Gondor again in times of great need (remember the scene in the movies with the lighting of the beacons? yeah, that goes back to this).

The Ride of Eorl

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairing: L/Light
Length: ~2700
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Fanfiction.net | fortunehasfallen on Tumblr
Why this must be read:

L/Light or Light/L is one of the most pervasive pairings in the Death Note fandom, and yet the circumstances of canon are such that believably pairing these two is a very tricky process, nearly impossible to get exactly right. They are paranoid geniuses who are locked in a situation where they both know each of them is seeking the other's destruction. One is the world's greatest detective, the other is the world's greatest serial killer, and both of them are obsessively committed to their own personal ideals of justice.

This fanfic is written by someone who is not a fan of the pairing, and it shows. Instead of something typical, this is something extraordinary, brilliant, and complicated. It is clear that the author has thought about all the problems inherent in that relationship, and has decided not to sweep them aside or rationalize them away. This is a raw, real, believable depiction of L and Light interacting sexually. It doesn't pull any punches, and it doesn't fall into well-worn tropes and clichés. If you want to find some good L/Light but you generally can't find any fanfics that can make you set aside your disbelief, this could be exactly what you've been searching for. It does use two anime-only scenes, so you'll understand it best if you've watched the anime.

Praying Mantis

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairings: Many, but mainly Light/Misa and Ryuk/Rem
Length: ~4000
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Fanfiction.net | Skull & Dog on Blogspot
Why this must be read:

Canon Death Note is overall a very serious piece of fiction, but it does have some brilliant, subtle touches of humor here and there. This makes it very tempting for authors to write silly Death Note fanfics, both as a strike against the seriousness of canon and to resonate with some of canon's funnier moments.

Unfortunately, Death Note humor is difficult to pull off in fanfic form, which is why this particular fanfic is extra-unique and special. It's silly, it's ridiculous, and it works splendidly. It doesn't matter that the timeline is a little skewed and characters aren't acting quite like themselves, because those things are needed for the premise, and the premise pays off in a hilarious story.

Ryuk doesn't understand much about Valentine's day...

Misa and the Bear

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairings: Wedy/L but with hints of L/Light
Length: ~2500
Author on LJ: kinda_chocolate
Author Website: Unknown
Why this must be read:

It is rare to see Wedy paired with anyone, but this fanfic does it elegantly, through a lot of spot-on characterization and excellent writing. The details work perfectly with the little we see of Wedy in canon, creating the feeling of a fully-fleshed character, seamlessly merging with the few things that canon has told us about Wedy. However, Wedy isn't the only one who gets a wonderful character study. The fanfic also peers deeply into L's psyche, and gives us a satisfying view of him too.

L is tempted by Light, but L knows that starting anything sexually with his prime suspect would be a horrible idea. As an alternative, he seeks another sexual outlet in order to forget about Light, and this is how L and Wedy are drawn together for some very kinky sex. L is not an inexperienced virgin in this, and it works well. He's knowledgeable about sex, but Wedy has decided to make it kinky enough to surprise L.

The result is a lyrical, beautiful, sexy piece of very hot smut.

What He's Getting Into

Fandom: DEATH NOTE
Pairing: none
Length: ~3000
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Fanfiction.net
Why this must be read:

One of the most popular subjects in Death Note AU fanfics is "What if Light never found the death note?"

This is an AU fanfic with that premise, but it subverts all the usual expectations you might have. It's not a sappy piece of fluff, instead it's angsty and deeply thoughtful. It is probably the most subversive by creating a universe where L and Light never meet, since non-Kira Light and L meeting is generally the prime focus of most AU fics of this type.

It's a character study of the two, especially of the personality flaws each one has, and the way they almost need each other as enemies in order for each to have an equal to strive against.

Perfectly Hollow

Vidder: kittehpaws (a.k.a. KittehPawz)
Musical artist: none (no music)
Pairing: L/Light
Vidder on LJ: Unknown
Vidder's website: kittehpaws on YouTube | buttercupbabyppg on DeviantART
Why this vid kicks ass:

This is one of the most famous fan-made Death Note videos of all time, with copies floating all around the internet, but this link is to the original. This fanvid is constantly at the center of rumors that L and Light actually kissed in some alternate Japanese version of the anime. Instead, it is a very clever and professional bit of editing, using anime footage to replace Misa with L and make it seem as if Light kissed L. Even the facial expressions selected for this show the good judgement of the vidder, because it seems as in-character as a kiss of a few seconds can be. Watch a bit of Death Note fandom history...

Light Kisses L

Vidder: MontHulme Productions
Musical artist: Enya - "May It Be"
Pairing: none
Vidder on LJ: Unknown
Vidder's website: YouTube
Why this vid kicks ass:

This incredibly moving tribute and farewell to a complex character moved me to literal tears. There's so much more to Uther Pendragon besides tyrant to the magical. He's a loving father, a warrior king, a vengeful spirit, and a man who has good, if grossly misguided, intentions. He's a complex man who deserves to be seen as such and not as a cookie cutter villain like so many see him as.

This vid does just this. Through fantastic music choice, clip selection, and a superb choice in voice over @ the end, this vid breathes life into Uther and makes you feel for him. Doesn't matter if you liked him in the show or not, I'm dang sure you'll still feel a twinge in your heart as he hands the kingly torch to his son through his tragic death saving that same son. Sail on, great King, to the land of eternal youth. Your son will join you someday.

In Memory of Uther Pendragon

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: none
Length: n/a
Author on LJ: enednoviel
Author Website: HERE
Why this must be viewed: enednoviel’s art was the first one that I have found when I discovered this TV show and it’s also her fault that I have fallen in love with the characters. She’s an excellent artist for whom nothing is impossible. I think she has a love affair with every drawing she creates :)
Do I have to tell, that I love AU?

The General and the Slave

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: none
Length: 47,706 words
Author on LJ: not known
Author Website: HERE
Why this must be read: What can I say? I love case stories. I love stories where their private lives are as much a part of the story as the time they spend working. And it’s wonderfully long!

"Hey, husband!"

Starsky turned round, finding the sight of three hookers standing on the opposite side of the road weirder than usual. The tallest of the three, almost completely hidden behind a huge dark afro, tons of makeup and a long fur coat, winked at him.

"Did she just call me husband?" he asked, glancing at Hutch over the roof of the car.

Hutch perched his sunglasses on his nose. "Better seize the chance, Starsk. No one else wants you, anyway."

"That's not what I heard." And giving Hutch a lopsided grin, he replied back to the hooker, "Can't you see I already have a date, sweetheart?"

The blond shook his head - Idiot...

Better Living through Chemistry by Mutelock (R)

If you would like to drive for Starsky & Hutch next year, you can sign up here: click!

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: none
Length: short
Author on LJ: not known
Author Website: HERE
Why this must be read: It’s my last rec this month and it’s a special one. This story is a lesson in how to fight dragons and how to win over them told from the POV of a young girl.

Not long ago, her school had sent her class on a field trip to the museum downtown. It was a place where, back when she had been awake and had cared, she would have been beside herself. Now, it was just her and forty-five other kids who didn't care, shuffled through by rote by adults and chaperones who didn't care. Just before they left, though, one thing did catch her eye. She stared at a large display of the history of the Norse people. There were artifacts, books, and paintings--copies of mind-boggling art. It was one of the paintings she had looked at then. Something she thought long dead stirred in her mind. It was so...beautiful. Dark and majestic. The title was 'Thor's Fight with the Giants,' and she couldn't tear her eyes from it. A Viking, terrible and terrifying, stood in pitched battle, a heavy weapon held high as he swung it at his enemies that surrounded him. She had never seen anything like it and could have stared at it all day. She would have, too, but her teacher came back to fetch her, angrily hissing something about dawdling and keeping up.

She saw that same visage again, now. As she stared dry-mouthed, his gun clicked on an empty chamber. In one smooth motion, he cast it away and crouched over the other cop, reaching under the brunet's jacket and right arm. He came up fast and ready with the other man's gun, thumbing off the safety even as he stood, so that when he opened fire with it, the echo was still rolling from the revolver. He poured fire now into the swerving sedan, and the painting came to her mind. She beheld that cop, that man, standing bravely over his friend—tall, resolute. His hair was the color of sunlight, and the breeze stirred it around his face. She wished she could see his face. She was sure he would look like the Viking in her painting—fair, and terrible, and deadly.

Mentally, she shook herself. What is he doing? Is he really not going to move? Just as she was about to close her eyes, she sensed something had changed. In the driver's side window of the car, she thought she could see spots of spattered blood. The cop crouched again over his friend, quickly sliding his left hand under him, as though to grab him up. He never stopped firing, although he must have switched the target of the semi-automatic's fusillade because, just as he began to pick up the other cop, the right front tire of the sedan exploded. The car lurched hard to the right, unmanned now, and veered slightly away from the cops. The blond now hunched his body completely over the brunet, carefully draping his arms over the other's head.

Here There Be Dragons by Elflingskitten

Fandom: Avengers (movieverse)
Pairing: Bruce Banner/Tony Stark
Length: 1327 words
Author on LJ:sleeponrooftops
Author Website: http://archiveofourown.org/users/sleeponrooftops

Fandom: Avengers (movieverse)
Pairing: Bruce Banner/Tony Stark
Length: 1209 words
Author on LJ: outerealm
Author Website:http://archiveofourown.org/users/outerealm/pseuds/outerealm

Fandom: Avengers (movieverse)
Pairing: Bruce Banner/Tony Stark
Length: 1701 words
Author on LJ: outerealm
Author Website:http://archiveofourown.org/users/outerealm/pseuds/outerealm
Why this must be read:
This one is hearbreaking, because it's horrible to see Bruce go away and stay away for long, since he just can't cope with being in the city. And Tony, instead of flying out to try and convince him, just keeps tapping his fingers against the surface of the podiums in every conference he gives. It's a very angsty piece, for all angst lovers out there.


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