HURT.

I know we all talked about this before, but I'm sorry...I'm just really, really, hurt.

I was supposed to write an update to post something  on my birthday (since it's coming up soon), but I figured that I really needed to let this out first.

My story got copied again.

You know, I would've understood if it was another person, really. I would've dealt with it the same way I did before...but...I just feel really hurt knowing that it's the same person.

I know the rest of my readers told me to just leave it be, or ignore it, or whatever...but I couldn't. I'm sorry.

It's just that, back then, SakuraRin-chan already apologised, and I forgave her--believing that she had understood what she had done and would never copy mine or anyone else's work again.

She deleted the story pointed out before, the "Let's Escape Together" one. So, I thought, that was a good sign, since I figured she deleted that story and would finally start making a story of her own after she commented on my Author's Note. You, my other readers, even talked to her as well. I'm thankful for it. My friend, April, even gave her advice and told her to start anew. And she said she would, so I thought that case was solved.

But no.

It hadn't even been a month and she posted the story, "We're All In This Together". (https://www.quotev.com/story/7520106/Were-All-In-This-Together)

A new title, sure, an intro different from the previous story that was taken down, okay.

But when I read the whole thing, nothing changed! The flow of events, the structure of the story, and the lines of the Reader and the characters that I've worked hard to carefully think of--it's still there.

When I read the whole thing, all I could think of was, "She still hasn't changed. This is still copied from my story."

And I felt really hurt. I cried, even. What was the point in the effort I took to reach out to that person if she just threw it out of the window? I did my best to be civil, professional, and calm when I talked to her...but then what?

I know some of you praised me and looked up to me for handling the previous issue as sweet as I could, but I'm really sorry. There's only so much a person could take.

I'm human, too. I have feelings, too. I, too, get hurt.

So, instead of just letting this issue be, I went up to SakuraRin-chan and messaged her again, in hopes that we would finally, finally get things straight and make things right.

It isn't as nice as what I have said before, but I still did my best to not let my anger or emotions get the best of me.

**

For those who can't view the pics, here's what I said:

"Look, you probably know why I'm sending this message, right? You know. I know.

But do you know how much I'm hurt knowing that you're still COPYING/PLAGIARIZING my story? I don't get you, I really don't. Last time, I really did my best to reach out to you, and to make you understand that copying other people's work is WRONG.

JUST BECAUSE YOU'VE CHANGED/ADDED/REMOVED SOME LINES FROM A PERSON'S STORY, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU COULD ALREADY CALL IT /YOUR/ STORY.

I thought we already talked about this? I thought you told me that you understood, and that you'd make your own story?? I EVEN OFFERED TO HELP YOU WITH IT.

Honestly! I would've even helped you with developing your story all the way---BUT NOT LIKE THIS!

I know that I might be starting to sound hostile or whatever, get mad at me all you like---but I'm going to be completely honest with you. I'M HURT. I'M EVEN CRYING ABOUT THIS AS I TYPE. I don't understand why you still haven't changed. I believed in you. I believed that you wanted to change and start putting in your own efforts to make your own story! I know making your own story is not as easy as it sounds, but working hard to make it possible is ALWAYS WORTH IT.

Yes, I know that the story involved is FANFICTION, and heck the characters and HetaOni plot isn't mine--but still! I worked hard to think of a complicated, mysterious, and suspense-filled version of my own that would give my dear readers something that they would enjoy. Something that we could talk about, laugh about, cry about, fangirl about--and all those fandom things that we get to enjoy because we're Hetalians. I wanted to share my story to other people and connect with them and talk to them about how much I love Hetalia, HetaOni, and even other things. Did you want to do the same thing to your so-called "readers", too? Maybe you did, but THIS is not the way, what you did wasn't right.

YOU'RE CHEATING ON YOUR READERS BY TELLING THEM THAT YOU WORKED HARD ON SOMETHING THAT YOU DIDN'T MAKE FOR THEM. IT'S NOT FAIR. IT'S NOT FAIR ON THEIR PART. THEY BELIEVE IN YOU, AND THEY SUPPORT YOU--BUT YOU'RE NOT LETTING THEM KNOW THAT WHAT YOU'RE GIVING THEM WASN'T EXACTLY YOUR OWN CREATION. EVEN I'M HURT ON THEIR PART.

Just because this is a story, or a fanfiction, it doesn't mean that we don't put TIME and EFFORT on it. It's the same with making fanart. Artists who make fanarts get upset when someone else posts their work on other sites without permission, and at worst, seeing that someone claim the art as theirs. Something like that hurts the artists. Same goes with writers! Having someone plagiarize their work HURTS them just as much.

And please don't reason with, "I already changed the old story" or go with "It's different now" or whatever. I can see that you did change some parts, but the plot that I came up with my own--the flow of the story, the structure, the lines the reader says, you still copied it. Please, just... just STOP doing this kind of thing.

Like I've said the last time, I'm not worried about whether or not "your" story gets more reads or readers. I don't give a damn about that. That sort of thing doesn't matter, because what matters is that I get to make other people smile with my works, the stories I put so much effort into. What matters is that my dear readers get to experience being inside a story I crafted just for them. What matters is that I'm enjoying what I do. I enjoy writing stories, making my imaginations come to life, and sharing it with other people.

Don't you want to do that, too?

If you do, then start by changing yourself and by ending your dependence on other people's stories. BE HONEST WITH YOUR READERS. They deserve to know. Sure, it's difficult to admit, but if they really became your "loyal"readers, then they would've understood. I asked you to tell your readers last time, but you didn't. You denied it. You even told me "sorry if I ever copied you". You didn't even own up to what you've done last time and just dodged it by saying that. All I wanted was for you to understand your mistake because when the time comes, you're gonna be on the losing end. It was wrong. Continuing to do so is wrong.

I hope you don't ignore this message, this is serious. I'm pointing this matter out to you again in a civil way because I know at some point you were my reader. And I don't abandon my readers just like that.

But if you choose to ignore this, then it's all on you. You're on your own.

Copy my story once, shame on me.

Copy my story twice, shame on you.

-flamehazelollipop (the author of HetaOni (Hetalia x Reader x 2P!HetaOni) on Wattpad and deviantArt)"

And, surprisingly, she replied after a few minutes. I was so hopeful that she would just be honest with me. If she told me that she had a hard time thinking of a new story of her own--I could've given her lots of story ideas that I thought of but never had the time to write or post. I would've helped her think of new concepts and such. But then, she replied me with this,

**

"Look. I'm not trying to do what you wrote all of this story development is in the game and I'm following everything that happened in it. We're similar cause we have the same storyline we're using. I'm trying my best to show that I'm not copying you. If this does concern you then I'll rewrite the whole story if I have to. I'm busy as well,okay? And I don't mind trying to tear this problem between us

I will not have 2ps and I'm using a OC from another story. The little girl is a ghost and the owner of the mansion and Steve is her friend. She will be the one who helps develop the story. And my OC in the story will not tell them the truth at all. I'm planning to end the story with a cliffhanger. And yes, some countries will die in it. The story is gonna have a bad ending"

--

To which I replied with,

"No. I'm sorry, but you look here. I understand that the HetaOni story development would naturally be there because the story is based off the game--but this is not a valid point. It doesn't justify your actions of copying my work. I've read your story, "We're All In This Together". No matter how much you look at it, the events that I wrote that wasn't in the game---you placed it in "your" story, as well. I repeat, just because you changed the lines, it doesn't mean that you could call it yours. If you wanted to make a story inspired by mine, you could've at least asked me about it. If you wanted help in making a story, you could've asked me and I would've happily given you tips and advice. We already talked about this last time.

You're trying your best to show that you're not copying me, but the matter here is you're /still/ copying me.

The last time we talked about this, all I wanted was something simple. That you own up to your mistake, apologize, and change.

You told me that you would make your own story with a different plot. You took down the story involved last time, the "Let's Escape Together" one--and stated there that you would rewrite it. But what you're doing is that you're just changing, adding, and removing lines from the old one to make it look like you didn't copy my story anymore.

Don't think I'm the only one who has noticed this, because my readers have noticed this, too! They keep approaching me about this story you posted here, and I only managed to message you today because of my busy schedule.

I don't mind it if you're gonna use 2Ps and make a HetaOni reader insert. You're free to do that, anyone is. I don't own the 2Ps, nor the concept of the reader insert. But what I DO own, is the flow of the "HetaOni (Hetalia x Reader x 2P! Hetalia)" and if anyone who read that read your story, they would tell you just the same that you plagiarized my work. And please, please, PLEASE stop denying this because I HAVE PROOF. I can compare the lines of your story with my respective one, and anyone who has read my story could easily tell that it not just mere coincidence. It is plagiarism. It was copied from my story."

--

I know that I might have begun sounding immature or desperate or whatever it was--but I was just really on the edge already. It was frustrating, trying to reach out to someone who wouldn't even get on the same page as me. Things could've been easier and simpler if we were, but we weren't.

--

She replied, "Sighs * I'll change it all then. If that makes you happy. I'm not putting up with another problem then. I have written my own story before and I'm glad people like it so I know how you feel. I will earse any evidence of this problem"

--

It just pains me to know that she would just dismiss the matter like this. She didn't want to put up with another problem, but the problem is she has not gotten my point.

--

**

"If you wanted help on writing a story, or thinking of a concept or story idea--I would've happily helped.

I just want you to change, because someday, you might encounter another author who might not be as willing to talk to you like this. They'd probably report you, or even spout incredibly harsh words at you. It doesn't have to reach to that point."

I'm not the only author or fanfic writer in the world and I'm not the only one that a person could copy from. There are lots of other stories out there with writers who would report straight off the bat or even threaten the person who plagiarized them. You don't need to reach to that point where you'd be on the fatal losing end. People can change, and I believe that she could've changed because I believe in people, especially my readers (well, she used to be one, I don't know if she is still my reader anymore, but my case still stands).

---

**

"Yeah, usual most of my stories are written in my own ideas. Should I tell you what'll happen next so you can help solve this problem?"

**

"What? You're not getting my point! How could I be happy if you're not even getting on the same page as me? You're still denying the case at hand. What exactly is this "problem" you keep referring to, since you clearly haven't understood what I'm trying to tell you."

**

"No I'm not saying that. I meant another story...the problem is me copying you so I want to change it so I don't plagiarize..."

Once she said that word, I thought we were finally getting somewhere.

I thought that she would finally understand what I'm trying to say because she began to state the real problem.

I just wanted confirmation to be sure, so I asked her directly,

"There. You said it. Are you finally admitting that you copied my story?"

**

And she did admit it last night, but by morning, though, she deleted her reply.

What? Why did you delete it? So I wouldn't have any evidence that you confessed to copying my story? So that you could still think that you've saved yourself from admitting it by getting rid of the evidence? So that when I make another Author's Note like this, I wouldn't have any proof?

I don't know. I don't know what you're really thinking. Maybe it's just the hurt feelings getting to my head, or the waterworks coming from my eyes...but just because you deleted it, it doesn't mean that I won't have anything to present.

I'm becoming the Printscreen Queen because of you.

**

"Yup but then again I will be leaving quotev soon because life is already tiring me out and this problem makes it worse. Thanks for conforting me but this is the last time I'm though with this argument."

Even though she confessed, I was deeply disappointed that she would leave just like that because of this.

**

((the blue line in the pic is where her,  "Yup but then again I will be leaving quotev soon because life is already tiring me out and this problem makes it worse. Thanks for conforting me but this is the last time I'm though with this argument." reply had been before she deleted it.))

"Sorry for being blunt, but you're just running away from the problem. So that's just it? You finally admit into copying another person's work because you're going to leave the site, anyway? You're just gonna take down the story, and your profile, without giving a word to your readers? Without leaving an explanation? Without giving them an apology and disclosing to them what you've done? People make mistakes, and I know it's not easy to admit mistakes--especially to those who happened to appreciate what you posted--but isn't it unfair to leave them like that, without telling them about this? About what really happened?"

I was concerned about the readers of the story she posted on Quotev. It was around 300 (according to the site). Running away from the problem wouldn't save anyone. Think of the readers who were expecting to read more of "your" story, how would they feel if you just leave without telling them the truth, or explaining to them why you're going to leave?

**

All her next replies were simply excuses and just ways to get away from the situation and the responsibility brought upon her.

**

" I could but my brother will be confiscating my phone so I could go study. Since I msds a bad choice when i was younger. They think writing stories is a waste of time...as you can see. Most of my stories hasn't been updated for months."

**

At first I was skeptical about the excuse where the brother was going to confiscate the phone, but then I saw a more pressing matter about, "They think writing stories is a waste of time" so I told her what I thought.

"Is that really the truth? If you really wanted to just leave a short explanation to your readers, I'm sure you could find the time to do at least that before your brother would confiscate your phone. It's difficult to trust your words since I can't be sure if I can believe you with the actions you've committed.

Writing is never a waste of time. Even if you're not good at it, if it's something that you love, fight for it. But always remember to do the right thing. If you want them to accept you writing stories, then prove to them that you're working hard to improve, and to grow as a writer. Start by owning up to what you've done, and changing for good."

What she replied with was one of the most disappointing things I've seen.

"m sure I can but I'm handing him my phone soon. Today because I didn't give it to him yesterday

I know it isn't but I won't grow as I writer, I suck at it. I never has a writer's spirit...I'm very bad at English. I choose to write because I find nothing to do in life. I wanted to find a purpose but then I gave up"

Just because you think you're not good at it, it doesn't mean you won't improve. What do you mean by writer's spirit? You mean the talent? The skill?

Those have nothing to do with this.

So what if you're not good at writing yet, so what if you're not good in English?

That shouldn't stop you from giving it your all and doing your best to improve and grow and learn--and live out your pastime or passion for writing.

We would all start from the bottom. People don't become "good" writers right away.

But you know what people do? They put effort and strive to be the people they want to become.

I know that if you really try, you'll be able to improve. Some may improve in leaps, some may see the improvements in small steps--but the thing is, you're still getting there.

The pace of our development or improvement doesn't matter. Because either way, we're still getting there.

This goes for all of you, too, my dear readers.

If you really like or love something, like writing, then do it. Go for it. Live for it. Strive for it.

Just because you find your writing or work to not be as good as the others--it doesn't mean that you should give up. It means you should push harder, rather. Give it your all. Give it your best.

You could read more stories to get a glimpse of how they're like. You could study more on grammar to improve your English. You could search or look up for lessons particularly about story writing. You can do all that! I know, because I've been doing that, as well haha.

I can't really call myself a good/great writer yet. I don't know when I'd be able to, really...but what I do know, is that I'm aiming to improve everyday. I still make mistakes here and there, and though I'm fluent in English, I could still get confused sometimes. That's normal. We all have our faults. We're not perfect beings.

We're simply human.

Just because this HetaOni book has a lot of reads, votes, or comments and whatnot, it doesn't mean that I would look down at other writers or readers. They're the reason I write in the first place. Because of other writers, I get inspired to write stories of my own. Because of you, my readers, I get inspired to share these stories that I write.

And I know that lovely people out there look up to me as an author, but I have to tell you, I started from the bottom, too.

...

When I started writing, I must admit...

....I SUCKED. xD

Seriously! I literally cringe whenever I look back at my first fanfic on FanFiction.net, where I made a Natsume x Mikan fic for the anime, Gakuen Alice/Alice Academy xD here's a part of it.

--

Under the Sakura Tree

Mikan's Side

"So...Alice Academy, huh?" I said to myself.

"Isn't Hotaru Imai - there?" Grandpa said.

"Y-yeah" I said in a nervous voice.

[Great... it's gonna be hell : I]

Then the cab stopped.

"Well folks, this is the place" the driver said.

"Oohh... great." I said in a very sarcastic tone.

A man (or um -woman) approached us.

"Hello there! My name is Mr.

"Oh! Um... Hi. The name's Mikan Sakura."

[So... It's a dude.]

"Please follow me..."

The teacher leads me beyond the gates in a comfy room...leaving Grandpa behind.

---

See? Like e w w. XD It was too rushed, I had no sense of what flow of the story I'd do, and I had no tact (sorry Mr. Narumi). That was written by the 2011 me. But if the 2016 me would write something like that now then...

****

---Under the Sakura Tree---

//Mikan's PoV//

"So...Alice Academy, huh?" I muttered as I drew faces on the car window with my index finger. I was inside a cab, seated beside my Grandpa, who seemed to notice the lack of cheer in my voice.

He didn't shift his gaze towards me, but I can tell he was looking at me in the corner of his eye. "Isn't Hotaru Imai...there?" he asked me, mentioning my old childhood friend who left me all alone. The memory flashes bitterly, making me clench my fists. "...Y-Yeah."

Great...it's gonna be hell.

My thoughts were disrupted as the cab drew to a halt. The driver leaned back and turned to us to speak, "Well folks, this is the place!"

"Oohh...great," I said in a very sarcastic tone. I'm not going to hide how excited I am to be at this oh-so prestigious academy.

As I stepped out into the pavement, I noticed a woman--man(?) approach my grandfather and I.

With a smile that seemed like he could summon the stars with all its twinkle, the person greeted us. "Hello, there! My name is Mr. Narumi. I'm a member of the faculty of this Academy, and I will be escorting you inside, Miss Mikan Sakura."

"So...it's a dude," I thought, somehow amused at the fact that I took notice of that more than the fact that once I enter the gates, there's no turning back.

Mr. Narumi tucked away a stray lock of his blond hair behind his ear. "Please, follow me." He gestured at the gate, and slowly it opened before us, revealing the vast grounds of Alice Academy. Though I knew I was supposed to be in a bit of awe, I remembered that I would have to leave my grandfather behind.

Turning around to face him, I gave an unsettling look that somehow told him that I would miss him. I know, because he told me I was making an ugly face.

Once we bid our goodbyes, I hesitantly took my first steps inside the Academy.

From then on, I knew, that everything was about to drastically change.

-----

Something like that xD

My vocabulary isn't as vast and as flowery as the other writers out there, but sometimes I prefer to have it that way since it would give a sense of familiarity for the readers. Though I would definitely love to write more constructively. I'll do my best to study how.

But see? There was a difference, right? I can say that I've improved, and up until now, I'm making my efforts to improve and be a better writer.

And I believe that you guys can do it, too.

..

So, SakuraRin-chan, let me tell you that I was hurt. That I felt hurt, betrayed, fooled, disrepected, and all that.

You keep running away from what you should do, and I tried catching up to you to tell you you're going the wrong way, but I'm finally going to stop.

I'm going to stop trying to catch up to you and tell you what's wrong, and leave it to you to decide whether or not you should turn back and start going the right direction or stay running blindly towards the unknown.

Last night, I must admit that I was really angry, but I'm not the kind who would hold a grudge for long. I forgive you.

I'm forgiving you in hopes of you changing on your own accord, without having anyone to tell you to do so. I don't know if you'd read this, or ignore this, or whatever...but this is all on you now. Whatever you do is going to greatly affect you, be careful in choosing which path you'll take. I know some readers might tell me to give up on thinking you'd change, but I'm going to believe. I'll believe in the good of the people. I'll believe in you.

I don't know if you're going to apologise to your readers or just completely ignore me, but I don't mind anymore. I've done my part, it's time for you to do yours. And I'm going to believe that someday, we'll both be on the same page.

==

As for you, my dear readers, I really apologise if you guys thought that this was a chapter update (;w\) I was planning on updating chapter 19 on my 19th birthday xD (on August 3rd), but I felt like the dilemma above had to be addressed first. But anyways, my school work has been pretty relaxed these days, so maybe I'll post an update this weekend :> I won't let myself get down just because of problems that come my way regarding my stories! I won't wave the white flag for that.

I'll only wave my white flag (and have pasta) because I'm a Hetalian! <3

Hahaha xD Man, this Author's Note made me show too many emotion changes lol. Hope I didn't upset you guys with that. I'll do my best to improve myself and my writing.

If you guys ever need some tips, advice, or any sort of help with writing your own story/fanfic, you're always welcome to approach me. Send me a message here on Wattpad or on my FB page, Flamehazelollipop. I'm always willing to help! :>

Thank you so much for all of the support, my dears! <3

~flamehazelollipop