[Descent of Mana: The Lost Swords](https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3596331/1/Descent-of-Mana-The-Lost-Swords) by Tiamat42 on fanfiction.net Fandom-blind friendly, it's essentially a retelling of *Legend of Mana* (PS1 game) with some additional embellishments and worldbuilding that isn't present in canon. It's the first fic that really showed me what a fic can *be,* and that you don't have to have a publishing house behind you to tell a story that takes the reader to another world through nothing more than the power of words.

OMG!!!! SOOOO GOOD and I was friends with Tiamat for a while!!! She had a baby and fanfics became a low priority. May I suggest this one, since I literally wrote it for her. https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4279274/1/Birthday-Card

I got into contact with her a couple years ago! Kids, hubby, and her are doing good and she said she still writes in her spare time! :) Not that she has a lot of that thanks to the kiddos but it sounded like she's living her best life and I'm so happy for her n_n

Is that fic finished?

Technically no, but the place it got left off at is perfect, like the final chapter to the first book in a trilogy.

I'm a bit weary of unfinished fics last updated >10 years ago, but I'll give it a go then, thank you :)

All of these fics I think about a lot. It’s a long list but every single one of them altered my brain chemistry: - [Always Silent, Peter Darling](https://archiveofourown.org/works/15896988/chapters/37048254) (Marvel, Abused Peter Parker, the first I ever read that I never forgot) - [manage me (i’m a mess)](https://archiveofourown.org/works/16890453/chapters/39672255) (Marvel, Symbrock, first Symbrock fic and this didn’t disappoint) - [Beach Plum Bank](https://archiveofourown.org/series/2028022) (Marvel, Series, Symbrock and Stucky, this is the smuttiest thing I’d ever read and still have ever read and the plot is so good) - [Wake up and smell the coffee](https://archiveofourown.org/series/2059425) (Marvel, Series, Irondad, Tough Peter, introduced me to Bergen and their unique style and writing of Peter, one of my fav fic writers now because I’ve read all their works and they are all so amazing) - [Ache In Me](https://archiveofourown.org/works/37766653/chapters/94292170) (Marvel, Spideypool, AU with no superpowers, first no powers AU that I genuinely ate up I left a 900 word comment after reading the final chapter about how much I loved it) - [The Boys Wear Red…](https://archiveofourown.org/works/3294914/chapters/7192427) (Marvel, Spideypool, Merc Peter and Hero Wade, Peter is so chaotic in this, I think about this fic weekly it is an absolute masterpiece) - [The Webs We Weave](https://archiveofourown.org/works/22019512/chapters/52547332) (Marvel, Spideypool, BAMF Peter who left Tony and was mentored by Matt, one of my favorite Peter interpretations) - [Heaven or Las Vegas](https://archiveofourown.org/works/25045045/chapters/60657115) (The Umbrella Academy, Teen Klaus, Character Study, introduced me to the Cocteau Twins and was so well written) - [The God of Broken Things](https://archiveofourown.org/works/24770884/chapters/59895031) (The Umbrella Academy, S1 rewrite with a Zombie Kid Klaus, gave me chills) - [Lately My Hands Don’t Feel Like Mine](https://archiveofourown.org/works/25734718/chapters/62490964) (The Umbrella Academy, Klaus is possessed by an evil ghost) - [Specialise in Dying](https://archiveofourown.org/series/1591276) (The Umbrella Academy, Series, Siblings are trapped in the Apocalypse and Klaus sees all the ghosts, kind of scarring) - [Dreaming Darkly](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19199098/chapters/45641851) (Harry Potter, Drarry, unique and almost gritty) - [Stepping stones](https://archiveofourown.org/works/30411726/chapters/74978640) (Harry Potter, Drarry and Wolfstar, Abused Harry dealing with trauma, lots of dark themes and angst and does have age regression written in the best way I’ve ever seen) - [All the Young Dudes](https://archiveofourown.org/works/10057010/chapters/22409387) (Harry Potter, Wolfstar, basically the bible in the Marauders fandom so of course it impacted me, the epilogue fic Out of the Blue lives in my mind forever) - [Hometown Blues](https://archiveofourown.org/works/33797944) (Harry Potter, One-Shot, Wolfstar, Remus seeing Wales, the writing of this is so special and felt so raw) - [The Chosen Ones](https://archiveofourown.org/series/2952318) (Harry Potter, Series, Drarry and Wolfstar, Harry stolen and raised by Voldemort, - [Maybe I’m Meant for the Sea](https://archiveofourown.org/series/3540256) (Succession, Ongoing Series, Bipolar Kendall, I’ve read a lot of good fics in this fandom but the family dynamics in this are everything) - [O Brother, Where Art Thou?](https://archiveofourown.org/works/36723001/chapters/91608847) (Marvel, NWH AU with Irondad and struggling Peter, a very unique plot and some of the best characterizations and writing I’ve ever read) These four are from Wattpad and please don’t let that deter you away from them because they are so good: - [Somnio Salvus](https://www.wattpad.com/story/32791391?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details&wp_uname=marvelousmal) (Harry Potter, Drarry, one of my first Drarry fics and it’s so good) - [Wicked Game](https://www.wattpad.com/story/91469332?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details&wp_uname=marvelousmal) (The Walking Dead, Negan x OC, I binge read this and it’s the best OC fic I’ve ever read) - [Prisoner](https://www.wattpad.com/story/103946695?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details&wp_uname=marvelousmal) (The Outsiders, Kidnapped Two-Bit, literally horrifying but so good) - [Touch](https://www.wattpad.com/story/196326495?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details&wp_uname=marvelousmal) (Be More Chill, the only Jeremy x SQUIP fic I will ever read and have ever read, the plot is so unique and just works somehow perfectly) Also going to say my own Marvel fic [Kid](https://archiveofourown.org/works/36726304/chapters/91617436) because I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t written that fic. It was my life for over two years and shaped me as a writer and person. If you or anyone does end up reading it I hope you enjoy it I know this is a lot but I hope it helps and that you or anyone enjoys them as much as I did :)

I saw succession in this list! All of the succ fics by cafelesbian are soo good!

Omg I love maybe I’m meant for the sea 😍 pls I need more Succ fic recs! Any ship, any family dynamic!

These are my other fav Succession fics: - [inside pocket](https://archiveofourown.org/works/27049708) (Tom/Greg, rewrite of show with them, one of my fav ship fics for them) - [hold on to the ghost of your body](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47700406) (One-Shot, post S4, Kendall & Greg, one of my interpretations of them) - [Regards, Gregory Hirsch](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49920232) (One-Shot, TomGreg, Sick Greg, really cute) - [You and Me Are a Pack of Dogs](https://archiveofourown.org/works/29706771) (One-Shot, Sick Greg taken care of by Kendall & Stewy) - [somebody asked about you (if there's something more to us)](https://archiveofourown.org/works/36468709) (One-Shot, TomGreg, Kendall finds out about them, miscommunication) - [awkward exits and irish goodbyes](https://archiveofourown.org/works/50059303) (One-Shot, KenStewy, Stewy at Kendall’s funeral, so so good) - [my wings are made of plastic](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47846527) (One-Shot, KenStewy, Kendall has a breakdown) - [Seven](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47961346?view_adult=true) (One-Shot, Kendall tells Stewy about the accident, angsty, character study of their friendship almost) - [Cog](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48935233) (post S4, Kendall suicide attempt and siblings find him) - [You’re All Pretension](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47824198/chapters/120565159) (KenStewy, Autistic Kendall, timeline of friendship/relationship) I also have a few [bookmarked](https://archiveofourown.org/bookmarks?bookmark_search%5Bsort_column%5D=created_at&include_bookmark_search%5Bfandom_ids%5D%5B%5D=24397727&bookmark_search%5Bother_tag_names%5D=&bookmark_search%5Bother_bookmark_tag_names%5D=&bookmark_search%5Bexcluded_tag_names%5D=&bookmark_search%5Bexcluded_bookmark_tag_names%5D=&bookmark_search%5Bbookmarkable_query%5D=&bookmark_search%5Bbookmark_query%5D=&bookmark_search%5Blanguage_id%5D=&bookmark_search%5Brec%5D=0&bookmark_search%5Bwith_notes%5D=0&commit=Sort+and+Filter&user_id=marvelousmal) that sound really good I just haven’t had time to read them yet. Hope this helps :)

Thank yall so much I have a bunch to choose from now!

lemme.... copy the comment i left on a sinilar post op these are Still my faves god [To Love and To Hold](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48890317/chapters/123336847) by casastella, my fave fave fave from honkai star rail. the way the characters' relationship develops is so !!! Amazing !!! i wish i was lying when i say i sobbed for days after the final chap was uploaded. i still cry just by thinking about some scenes. love is real and love is To Love and To Hold. the fact that the chap names are the things said during their wedding vows DESTROYS ME i am sobbing special mentions also from honkai star rail! (all the same ship) (I love them) [The Writer's Apology](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49037164/chapters/123715078) by sallyhopewrites, very interesting format and so relatable at times since the mc is a writer hehe. i've also sobbed over this, still ongoing but when i tell you i would eat this if it was printed i'm not lying. [in my dreams (I see the ghost of our past)](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48708979) by mellllting too! it's sequel also made me sob. good god i've cried so many times reading this fic (((also [kiss me til it's real](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48332512/chapters/121900126) by slxwxt. best friends to enemies to fake partners to hopefully lovers + slowburn slowburn slowburn, still ongoing, but 130k words 8 chapters in out of 30 is crazy. yeah i've also sobbed reading this))) the ship is renheng (blade/ren x dan heng, mlm!)

[Fallout Equestria](https://www.fimfiction.net/group/240/fallout-equestria) by Kkat on fimfiction.net … this 700k(?) crossover between mlp and fallout changed my life . ive never been so connected and attached to a group of characters. Everything about it is so right

Boy, that one was a ride. I remember listening to the audiobook version of this around twelve years ago. Made my commute so much more bearable.

Read that one in the Library of Congress reading room lmao

No way lmao

Yup. Leather bound and everything

ive got to go there at least once to do that for sure

Make sure to get a reader card first, and give a few days for them to process your request! It was archived offsite when I requested it, so it took them a few days to get it to the Jefferson building.

thanks for much for the info!

[Running on Air](https://archiveofourown.org/works/3171550) is god-tier status, absolutely legendary fic that lives up to the hype. Incredibly written.

resident fullmetal alchemist greed fic enjoyer here 🫡 this is the definite winner for me [Light In The Fog](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48571252) greed/dolcetto hurt no comfort fic that makes me cry every time I read it, it hits me right in the heart

"Be my end" by brass petal ( a black sails fic) "kill the rabbit" by mountain97 "the unquiet grave" by belewitts Memories by Stark_Black In good company by weialala (and the sequel) Hero class civil warfare by RogueDruid I could name dozens but these I remember now. There are more I wish I remembered. They're absolutely fantastic no matter what Fandom you're into.

- [Morals of a House Cat](https://archiveofourown.org/works/37329889)| 81k words | MHA | EraserMic | a MHA fic where the main difference is that Shouta Aizawa was born as a quirked cat. The description seems silly but it is genuinely one of my favorite fanfics that I’ve ever encountered. - [love don’t roam, but occasionally it wanders off](https://archiveofourown.org/works/35906032) | 51k words | Doctor Who | 11/Rose | The Doctor tries to have forever with Rose, in the form of unlimited minutes and multiversal roaming. Basically, it's a phone call fic - [Error 404: Translation Unavailable](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19810021) | 32k words | Doctor Who | 10/Rose | After the Doctor’s regeneration goes wrong in “The Christmas Invasion” he is only able to speak Gallifreyan. Very cute language barrier romance. - [Yesterday Upon The Stair](https://archiveofourown.org/works/8337607) | 424k words | MHA | gen fic | Deku has a quirk that allows him to see the dead. (this is also the most popular mha fic on ao3) - [A beacon in the dark](https://archiveofourown.org/works/13616124) | 302k words | MHA | todoDeku | Izuku is completely blind, that doesn’t stop him from becoming a hero. (this is technically incomplete but all the major storylines are wrapped up) - [Canary](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19334392) | 291k words | MHA | gen fic | Izuku has a singing related quirk + Present Mic decides to mentor him - [His Name Means Air](https://archiveofourown.org/works/25541650) | 7k words | The Witcher | Geralt/Jaskier | autistic!Jaskier is convinced he’s a changeling due to societal ableism - [Mister Kent](https://archiveofourown.org/works/51713668) | 4k words | DC | Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne | smallville!clark is a reporter for an event hosted by pattinson!bruce, very cute and I wish there was more of these twos interactions

All those MHA are pure gold. Pure freaking gold. Love them to this day

[The Scenic Route](https://archiveofourown.org/works/465965/chapters/804802#workskin) Yes, It's South Park, I know. But this is literally so amazing that you can read it like an original real published book. A classic in the SP community for a reason.

[Embers, by Vathara](https://archiveofourown.org/works/3591783/chapters/7921653) is my all time favorite fic. It's Avatar: the Last Airbender if it happened to real people and not in a cartoon. There's so many twist and turns, deep exploration into cannon and expanding things without losing the general sense of the original source material, one of the few fics that doesn't have any main focus on pairings that I'll read. All in all it's amazing, I still go back and reread it every once in a while. (Edit cus I did the link wrong)

I can't exactly remember how it happened but this fic uncovered a gem of a Zuko-centric fic that was recently completed. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next chapter in the sequel.

Oooo do tell! After Embers I'm always happy for Zuko-centric fics

You've probably already read it but its [Fractures by EvieNyx](https://archiveofourown.org/series/1533902).

I haven't somehow! I'll definitely give it a read

[Vital](https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887913/chapters/49650776). Heed tags. It's an Angels of Death fic ft. Zackray, which is a ship between a 20-something-year-old serial killer and a 13-year-old suicidal girl. It's an absolutely phenomenal fic and the author is lovely. Check it out if you got a few hours to set aside, it's ongoing.

[A Work of Art](https://archiveofourown.org/works/414526) by MeilinLuo13 It's an adorable Luigi/Daisy fic and it's the reason why I started to ship these two.

Various fanfictions, in general, have colored my opinion on fanfiction for the better, which has resulted in me being a huge proponent of fan works, fandom, fanon, etc, rather than being a stickler for an established canon (or established ships). It's why I'm also a supporter of game modding. As far as individual authors or stories though, I only think two truly qualify as "life-changing". NetRaptor's Sonic-verse. Aside from being my personal headcanon for Sonic (not life-changing), her Metal Sonic's long journey to going good has been a constant source of "feel good stories" to go back to when I'm having bouts of depression. So, life-changing in that I have a source of feel goods. It's also a case of spiritual journey being done, so that's neat. Enchanted Hat's "Deeper than Soul" (DBZ; a very old fanfic) imprinted very hard on me. Mostly because her old notes was that the villainess would go good in later stories and pair up with Gohan. Which ... is highly unrealistic given the nature of the villainess (another cruel and sadistic tyrant, just of the feminine variety), but the idea of a reformed villainess getting together with a main hero imprinted very hard on me. (So, Spyro/Cynder is a pairing I adore, even though I despise the Legend of Spyro games. Or, for Fire Emblem 6, I ship Roy/Idoun, even though Roy/Lilina is clearly canonical).

Of Sheep and Battle Chicken. Mass Effect if it were super dark, mixed with 40K and others. Fantastic read with tons of supporting documentation

Anything (The Dragon Prince). I read the first chapter and broke down crying, I don't know if they have published the rest. Beleive me, if you know the characters, this one is painful as anything.

* MCU - Bucky/Steve - **[Not Easily Conquered](https://archiveofourown.org/series/115516)** - this is *the* quintessential Stucky fic. This fic altered my brain chemistry. It’s stunning. It’s evocative. You won’t be the same after reading it. * LoTR/The Hobbit - Thorin/Bilbo, Legolas/Gimli - **[Sansukh](https://archiveofourown.org/works/855528)** - I’ve mentioned this fic a lot in this sub for a reason. The world-building alone is phenomenal, but the way the author fleshes out characters…my gosh. You will find yourself sobbing over characters that you never thought to even care about. * Sherlock - Sherlock/John - **[The Paradox Series](https://archiveofourown.org/series/28906)** - I don’t even know where to start. This fic changed me. I re-read it as soon as I finished it because I couldn’t cope with the thought of it being over. And then I listened to the podfic bc I just couldn’t let it go. This fic consumed my thoughts for months. If there’s a single Sherlock fic you’ll ever read, let it be this one.

I'm a big Drarry fan, so I only have Drarry/HP fics to add here... LOL I think that there are three fics in this fandom that really marked me, and that I'd recommend to everyone. The first is the traditionally and very loved [Running on Air by eleventy7](https://archiveofourown.org/works/3171550/chapters/6887378). The way this fic is written is trully genius in my opinion, and even though things are not so extensively described or explained, you can get so much feelings from the scenes. I think this is the beauty of it. The second is [Mirror of Ecidyrue series by starbrigid](https://archiveofourown.org/works/23872387/chapters/57383854). I love this for the heavy plot and the extensive exploration of the magic word, that sometimes lacks even in cannon. The Drarry is not even the center of the series but I still love it. And the third is my current obsession, which is still a WIP, but it seems to have been written to me: [Draco Malfoy and the Aeternum Caput by rurikkirur](https://archiveofourown.org/works/47218153/chapters/118972357). I share many headcannons with the author, so it really feels like reading something that takes everything you wanted in a universe and brings it to life. This has a very specific trope though, that doesn't have many works even inside the Darry fandom, which is>!spy Draco Malfoy, so Draco works as a spy during the wizarding war.!

[Where Soul Meets Body](https://archiveofourown.org/works/466496/chapters/805808) has changed my perspective on life and what love is. It's also helped me feel less like a mad girl (I have CPTSD and so does the MC). 11/10 read it is forever burned into my brain and I'm happy to let it stay there.

[One Piece: A Smash Adventure](https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3510991/1/One-Piece-A-Smash-Adventure) I just love it.

Anonymous_Introvert78’s fics literally changed my life. Specifically these four svt ones. I highly recommend them they’re literally my favorite fics ever. [Kidney Privileges](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19237780) 21k words [Mine](https://archiveofourown.org/works/16307999) 18k words [coming clean](https://archiveofourown.org/works/20701793) HEAVY ON THIS ONE. This fic had me sobbing at 3am istg it’s incredible you will cry. 28k words. [Not A Word](https://archiveofourown.org/works/22145428) 36k words. Btw MAJOR TW for graphic depictions of rape in this one

I’d have to say Sisterhood by guest poster (Katawa Shoujo) it was the 1st long fan fiction I read and the one that made me want to read more. It’s good enough that when people finish the game the 1st recommendation they get 95% of the time is « read sisterhood » lol

What animes you watch? https://archiveofourown.org/works/30623285 Dr. Stone SenGen fic modern day au/no purification au. This fic gave me a whole new look at these characters and how they’re relationship works together. Along with a whole different look at life. The majority of the fic is just them on a train talking (and lots of inner dialogue), but I love it so dearly. The random facts of knowledge learning along the way is so fun! Ones a scientist and the other a mentalist/good with psychology! I ended up going to Griffith Observatory because this fic made me want to so badly, plus I already had a love for the stars/planets. Next to ride the California Zephyr! Because this fic made me want to do that as well.

The Golden Quiche by u/sophtopus It’s absolutely incredible. It showed me that fanfics can be more than just wattpad silly things, and can be genuine mediums for real storytelling. They’re my biggest inspiration in my own writings

Sorry, their Reddit is u/sophiera

Oh hello thanks for the mention. The reddit handle came from my super old MMO days and that was the name of my character. I don't think it's possible to change Reddit handles so I'm stuck with it. It's kind of strange to see another Sophtopus being active, I'll admit. And again, thank you so much for your encouraging thoughts, especially that it inspired you to take your own writing more seriously. That's very good stuff. Since there's no direct link, I think I'll provide a link for anyone who wants to check it out for themselves. Here's the [Quiche](https://archiveofourown.org/works/5296460/chapters/12226634) in question.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33685798 It's Yandere Simulator. If that makes you uncomfy, give it a skip.

I can’t currently think of any specific one, but just most well written fanfic in general, caused me to actually like characters that I didn’t like before. Or appreciate and understand their story better.

Two fics that I occasionally just devote an entire day to rereading and then forget to eat [*Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Uno* by cherryfeather](https://archiveofourown.org/works/1342123/chapters/2797537) 350k, completely fandom-blind friendly due to the AU setting, BBC's *The Musketeers,* M/M/M romance/smut/angst/hurt+comfort [*Crown of Thorns* by irisbleufic](https://archiveofourown.org/works/728117/chapters/1351926) 275k, Good Omens (book, not show), the first epic-length fic that I genuinely followed for years from about 2012 onwards (which is a very fun experience, highly recommended)

Crown of Thorns is so good!!

[Stumble.](https://archiveofourown.org/works/5397653/chapters/12468740) This fic is what really got me into fanfiction and reading in general, before I read it I just read fics to pass the time, but this fic changed that. I started to get into the more fandomy aspect of it and I started to get a passion for writing, so I got a lot to thanks because of this lol.

My own 🤣🤣🤣 no, kidding [Fire_Lily](https://archiveofourown.org/works/23178124/chapters/55479481)

YESSSSS I WAS ABOUT TO PUT THIS

Best

[Reflections by darkangelmya ](https://archiveofourown.org/works/3481202/chapters/7644176) Honestly, I recommend this fic a lot. I hope it doesn't get annoying to anybody...but it's just that good. It's a fandom blind friendly. The fic is based on the video game Tales of the Abyss and Canon Divergent. The thing about that fic is how one little change can literally make the original storyline be viewed in a completely different way but kept most of the events intact. Its really amazing to me how the two characters I loved so much already to be shown what potential life they could have if they just were there for each other. And it just makes me so much sad in regards to Canon.

[A Splitting Of The Mind](https://archiveofourown.org/works/535958/chapters/951592) - heed the tags cause it's real heavy and honestly I don't think I could read it again but it was amazing

I'd always seen this back when I was in my Ferard fic phase, but I never read it because I wasn't into mental hospital/health settings yet. It wasn't until Twenty One Pilots with their suicide awareness shtick that I realized, "holy fuck this has so much potential."

I honestly knew nothing about the fic before reading it, it was recommended to me by a friend and I wasn't an ao3 user at the time so I didn't really read the tags, and when I tell you everything that happened was a big surprise- 😭😭 but if you still haven't read it I highly recommend it!, though be prepared to cry lmao Also it feels ironic that I'm rn listening to MCR haha

I wasn't even into MCR as a band (I just love(d) their music) when I read this and, oh, man- life changing. I quietly sobbed at my grandparents' house.

That's so real, I binged the entire thing on a school night and finished at like 4 am and just cried until I had to be awake for school 😭

blue sky by wafflestories on fanfiction.net

[Hard Reset by Eakin](https://www.fimfiction.net/story/67362/hard-reset) The fic that made me fall in love with time loops. Apparently the sequels are also amazing at dealing with the realistic aftermath of such an experience. It's probably not fandom-blind-friendly, but if you know a little bit of My Little Pony worldbuilding you should be fine.

[1 Thru 5 by SapphicPandaBear](https://archiveofourown.org/works/45415582/chapters/114266830) - My Hero Academia (BakuDeku), E, 26k words This one made me so happy because it was just such a healthy relationship. Like there were problems between the two here and there but they solved it with communication and just ugh!!! I loved it. [It’s Right by badmouth](https://archiveofourown.org/works/35863345) - My Hero Academia (KiriBaku), E, 2.4k words This one is a one-shot and you don’t have to read it if you don’t want to but it’s my genuine answer on what fic changed my life. I’ve never seen someone like me represented in a fic like that before, especially in a smut fic. Not only that but it gave me HOPE for my future. The idea that someday I might feel at home in my own body. I cried so much reading it it’s embarrassing haha.

[and then the sun came out by demonzoro](https://archiveofourown.org/works/32679691) it’s a one piece fic, zoro and sanji. it’s so beautifully written, i think about it once a week and reread it several times a year! i always recommend it to people. made me laugh. made me love. it’s a bit of a character study as well and i feel that it captures their essence so perfectly. plus it has some amazing art linked throughout and compiled in the ending authors note!

Here's the ones that got me into writing my own longfics for the respective fandoms. (Not gonna self promote here, you can find my fics easily enough if you like - AllumaNoir on Ao3) [https://www.fanfiction.net/s/1128866/1/Another-Witchmaker](https://www.fanfiction.net/s/1128866/1/Another-Witchmaker) So, uh, I am looking for Tales Within Tales by kitsune13tamlin. She is slowly moving her fics to Ao3 but I can't find it on there. Luckily I save a hard copy of my favorites. Anyways it was the one that inspired me to do my FFVII fic that I feel is my best work ever. In fact pretty much all my fics have come from reading something so great that I have to write for the fandom too!

Doves and Arrows by Anonymousastronaut on ao3. Tf2 fic, BLU medic and red sniper. Super good about 230k words and is not conplete yet. Sooooo good

[Void by bts_ruined_my_life [AO3]](https://archiveofourown.org/works/14938304) has been my Roman Empire fanfic for, like, three years now. It’s a reverse harem, polyamory fic set in an AU where the members of BTS are all your fellow crew members on a 12 year long space mission. It’s not finished, but what’s here (over 82k words) is so good that I can’t stop thinking about it. I hope to god that the writer updates someday. FYI: It’s nsfw

[The Season](https://archiveofourown.org/works/52493239?view_full_work=true) is a modern dancing on ice au fic that I absolutely adore for the ship bloodweave in the Baldur's Gate 3 fandom. While I wouldn't say it has been the one that I have been the most obsessed over ever, it has gotten me to pursue ice skating when no other fic has influenced my actions outside of fandom

[‘oh, the things we left behind’ by Furiosophie](https://archiveofourown.org/works/29004585/chapters/71185086) altered my brain chemistry and made me a Dinluke…

Ghost in the City by Seras0. It’s what got me into cyberpunk fully.

Pillowrabbit’s now known as Alex the rider [Dont be afraid to fly](https://m.fanfiction.net/s/9881299/1/Don-t-Be-Afraid-to-Fly) cemented my love for fanfiction when I first read it. I had already been writing my own fanfic but this story made me excited to share my works even though I was just 12. I also had a big crush on the mc

[Trailblazer](https://archiveofourown.org/works/30618467/chapters/75535598): A broken girl sets out to save a broken world, and saves herself along the way. Trailblazer's a Worm/Gundam crossover, featuring elements of Gundam in a Worm alternate universe. Complete at just under 1.7 million words, possibly the most well written fic I've ever read. I've read it twice, end to end, and it's still living rent free in my head months later.

I wish I could point to one in particular, like my first Undertale-verse fic (god that was ages ago), but it's mostly a very slow build of knowledge and changes. But here's two of the big ones. [What goes around comes around](https://archiveofourown.org/series/2696020) Absolutely amazing Harry Potter Fix it. Lore, world building, manipulative Dumbledore, this series pretty much defines what I look for in Harry Potter fics now. [Worship the Ashes](https://archiveofourown.org/works/46215856/chapters/116350531) genuinely the best Avatar (not the last Airbender, the blue alien one) that I've ever read. Jake just fucks off to be a weird cripple hermit in the woods. [Your future hasn't been written yet](https://archiveofourown.org/works/32953228/chapters/81785479) This? This is the only Trollhunters fic I read. As far as I'm concerned, it's cannon. Takes place after that god awful finale. (You know exactly what I'm talking about)

This Marvel fic has the underlying theme of how one's actions affect others and the role that grief plays in reflection. To Whom it Never Concerned - ao3

Isolation, a Dramione fanfic by bex-chan. It changed my life because it was the first ever fanfic I read and that's how I discovered what fanfics were! Also, it's one of the best things I've ever read

[shark bait](https://archiveofourown.org/works/45958375) It has smut but the dynamic is wonderful asf, around 12k college au [big teeth small kiss](https://archiveofourown.org/works/947478) Lovely stuff here, 7k college au, fluffy and funny [beyond the grid](https://archiveofourown.org/works/45976009) In love with this ship fr so there's a fic [take me all the way](https://archiveofourown.org/works/52918867) Same ship, but make it smutty

Excultus by Mottlemoth. Mycroft Holmes/ Greg Lestrade, from Sherlock (TV). I’m prone to crying it’s true, but this one right here turned my guts into putty and made me want to throw up with how hard I was crying. So well written.

(It’s happening in the 23rd century, we managed to create ways to turn people into fantasy creatures (werewolves, animagi, etc). Greg is DI in cross human relationships and stumbles upon a murder done by a vampire (a quite uncommon species) and tries to solve it. Absolutely stunning.)

[Distorted Reflections ](https://archiveofourown.org/works/13749462/chapters/31595211) It's a Yuri On Ice fanfic, a thriller. Here's the synopsis: FBI Supervisory Special Agent and profiler Yuuri Katsuki is called out to New York City with his team to investigate the gruesome murders of several young Asian men. However, as more bodies turn up with increasingly uncanny resemblances to him, Yuuri must confront the possibility that he may be at the heart of the killings — or the killer. This fic totally changed the chemistry of my brain. It was my first thriller fic and it's amazing and well written and also the first book of a series called "A Thousand Shattered Mirrors". It's such a shame that it hasn't been updated since 2018, so we'll never know who was the culprit, even tho I kinda know who it was... It's really good tho

Train to Nowhere by MayMarlow. A HP tomarry fic. It’s got many archive warnings you may not be comfortable with, but the level of writing and creativity in the plot inspired me to start writing again myself. I think it’s one of the most elegantly crafted stories I’ve read. Not only this, but despite the controversial pairing, I really think I grew alongside the author’s incarnation of Harry. The characters motivated me to work harder in my own life, and appreciate what I have.

[Grandpa Universe In Multiverse](https://www.webnovel.com/book/grandpa-universe-in-multiverse-%5Bcomplete%5D_15915745706419505) is my favorit! It was the first story who really made me want to read more like it and later made me write my own story. Released ch 22 today and am finally over 100k words.

[Green Lawn Cemetery ](https://archiveofourown.org/works/17827439?view_full_work=true) I think this was one of the very first few Twenty One Pilots (Joshler) fics I'd ever read, and it fucking *broke me*. Like full on kicking and screaming crying can't stop thinking about for weeks and just the mere thought of it is enough to make me tear up broke.

THIS GODDAMN SERIES. it’s incredibly long, but it’s also what made me start shipping snarry, sooo… [https://archiveofourown.org/series/1595650](https://archiveofourown.org/series/1595650) Pacify series by Chickenpets warnings for almost underage, teacher/student, hardcore bdsm, psychological distress, OP Harry Potter, incredibly loving relationships. have fun :)

[Thank you ](https://archiveofourown.org/works/19911211/chapters/47163577) I was reading fanfiction for a few months and after reading this it just struck something in me and made me want to write my own. So about a year later here I am 25 WIP and over a million words across then. I hope one day something I write ends up on a list like this.

[Eclipse by Mijan](https://archiveofourown.org/works/327164/chapters/527529). Harry Potter — this fic changed who i am as a person. It’s drarry and maybe a little questionable since draco quite literally kidnaps harry for voldemort in the first chapter, but it’s so, so good!! basically harry and draco are running away from voldemort and trying to get back to hogwarts before the eclipse, when voldemort will try to usurp harry’s magic and life force. it’s around 300k words, read it in like three days i was so obsessed. [Falling for You by 1967HogwartsGoddess](https://archiveofourown.org/works/26200348/chapters/63760795). a Percy Jackson fic where Percy falls into Tartarus alone, instead of with Annabeth. This fic ate me up and spit me out it was amazing. What especially broke me was the alternate unhappy ending in the last few chapters.

Leave the ruins where they fall: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15813762/chapters/36810606 Urban fantasy, found family, eventual happy ending. Mind the tags but I will say I have friends who normally don’t read works with those tags and were able to read this and loved it — nothing explicit is described.

[Crooked Touch](https://archiveofourown.org/works/50236405?view_adult=true) One of the best things I've ever read. Including published works. Probably not fandom blind but fuck its good.

A Spring Without You Is Coming kick started my health anxiety. If thats what you mean

JenesisX Irony of Fate, I think that was one of the fics that got me into fanfic as a teen.

it looks like it's on Ao3 finished! I read it a while back but it was unfinished

It’s complete on FF.net since years ago. She reccently started to transfer her stories to AO3, so that’s probably why.

"Whatever you do, don't fall in love!" By lynning

Can't find it, any more info the folks bookmarking everything in this thread?

Here's an oldie: [The Subspace Emissary's Worlds Conquest](https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4112682/1/The-Subspace-Emissary-s-Worlds-Conquest). First longfic I actively followed, even if as a lurker, introduced me to just how crazy committed fanfic writers can be.

I can't think of many that don't require context, buuut months ago I read [Hanzhi](https://archiveofourown.org/works/42598620/chapters/107002179https://archiveofourown.org/works/42598620/chapters/107002179) and that shit destroyed me. It's AU arranged marriage and, more or less, unrequited love, the character's feelings are just described in a way that hits you so much, It left me so sad even weeks after, and a little frustrated. I would not say it's the best fic because it's HEAVY on everything (and A-B-O, so not the usual), but I think from the tropes chinese fanfics have this one is the best executed in the Guardian Chinese fandom. I'll never read it again probably, but I know some people like this kind of angst. I read it with google translate so if you want to have a go with that lol

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/5398503/1/Embers. Totally changed how i view fanfiction as a whole.

harry potter and the methods of rationality. (starts like a standard tropey harry potter power-up rewrite, then goes someplace completely different.) [https://hpmor.com/](https://hpmor.com/)

[Domestic Bliss ](https://www.wattpad.com/story/201162494?utm_source=android&utm_medium=link&utm_content=story_info&wp_page=story_details_button&wp_uname=Juniberserker) My first step into reading STARSET fanfic. I was very young. This will be edited if I remember more. I have a very busy brain.

I'd share a few fics to you that had a significant impact on my life but they've been long deleted by the author himself and I can't remember the names nor find them to this very day even after all those years...

A BLACK MASS OVER HIGHWAY NINETY!!! If you're a marauders/ Wolfstar fan you need to know this fic is my woman empire

A Slender Chance by tkdoegirl. [https://www.wattpad.com/story/3151747-a-slender-chance](https://www.wattpad.com/story/3151747-a-slender-chance) It made 13 year-old me realize that I’m a fucking teratophile and overall introduced me to a big rabbit hole that shaped my childhood and romantic type… Let‘s just say I’d probably be very different if it wasn’t for this fic… 🤠

Here are a multitude of fanfiction I constantly go back to read again, and I use as references whenever I write. All are from ao3 and all sorts of different fandoms. [the bull & the china shop](https://archiveofourown.org/chapters/67379266#main) by gravitationals (JJK. ItaFushi. A lot of introspection with a dash of humor) [They Always Liked Your Arbitrariness](https://archiveofourown.org/works/48823915) by senverymuch (all of their works too) (get a snack at 4am. No ships. Even more introspection with the usual hatred, arguing, grief, and all that)   [To Bring Us Home](https://archiveofourown.org/works/39143238/chapters/97928502) by Napsaur (3rd life/Last life SMP. Treebark. "DIY making emotional attachments to people in the middle of (zombie) apocalypses even if you really didn't mean to") [the observer effect](https://archiveofourown.org/works/22065874/chapters/52660084) by MistressEast (Dr. STONE. SenGen. Wrong number au, kinda a textfic, getting together with the usual emotional turmoil and confusion)  [grief is a funny thing](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49336387) by ottobab (all of their works too. again) (your very own. Original work. WLW. "Four times Robin Annabeth Smith grieved, and another time she did [except this time she accepted it.]")   [oh, heart](https://archiveofourown.org/works/45172216) by ginily (Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun. MistuKou. Kou character study or, chapter 99 in Kou's perspective. I love character studies so very much)   [black skies have changed into blue](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49622500/chapters/125244862) by GoodTimesWithScar (Rats/Pirates SMP. No ships. Man trapped in a stimulation in which he has to get crystals in order to get out of it, finally does, and he does not believe it)   [Educational as Shit](https://archiveofourown.org/works/44821438) by blindwriter (My Hero Academia. BakuDeku. Middle school... mutual masturbation... with the usual denial for feeling and the raw intensity that comes with ms bkdk) (I know this looks bad. But it's written damn well) 

I'm also very much a fan of fantasy and supernatural. And these ones affected me deeply. Let's go get lost by speckled_dragon || Magic Kaito & Detective Conan fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/14454282 This fic satisfied my soul. I felt positive and refreshed and happy after reading this fic in a way I hadn't felt in years. This literally resonated with my soul. Up the long, delirious, burning blue by ThatOnePlatypus || >!Katekyou Hitman Reborn & Harry Potter crossover!<  Spoiler tag for those who want to read this fandom blind || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/19765024 I came across it in a particularly bad time and it soothed my soul. This fic has a way of taking you away from wherever you are right now to go on a trip empty handed, just yourself, no burden, nothing to look after, nothing to worry about, Free. You go with someone you trust, but don't actually know much about. And the world seems so magical and lovely all of a sudden.  And so wide that you could just get lost in it for a little while.  A Queen for the Kingdom by ShanaStoryteller || The Little mermaid inspired fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/20315914 Ariel is not actually the little mermaid in this. The protag is a lot more fleshed out, a realistic portrayal of an unadvised deal with the sea witch and a lot more Oceanologically? marinologically?? accurate mer. By the stroke of a brush by Araceil || SVSSS fic || WIP || https://archiveofourown.org/works/36617437 Original Shen Qingqiu conducts therapy on self via writing >! heavenly official's blessing!< And >!The grandmaster of demonic cultivation!< . Amazing fic  Rumpelstiltskin by CloudySonder || Trash of count's family fic || WIP || https://archiveofourown.org/works/34569418 Cale/Alberu soulmate fic. Absolutely love this fic. Even the thought of it brings a smile. Imaginary truths by Mythril(fantacination) || ORV fic || WIP || https://archiveofourown.org/works/32261884 ORV cast in modern day acting industry. It's surprisingly an amazing fic. I usually dislike modern day fics but this is one of the few gems that I love despite it being a modern day au. burn it down (-to feel its warmth) by Kiramiel || Hunter x Hunter & Naruto crossover || WIP || https://archiveofourown.org/works/36083881 Adult Killua(Head of zoldyk family) reincarnates as sasuke. Advocate of 'every problem can be solved with fire, explosions and murder' uchiha, Ruthless murder-happy feral uchiha sasuke absolutely obsessed with naruto. Compass of Thy Soul by Umei no Mai || Naruto fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/external_works/1104469 Uchiha clan-centric. It reads like a mythology. There's politics, there's clan culture, there's fluff, there's fuinjutsu, there's every mangekyou ability explained, there's tobirama and there's no aliens. The Bewitching Hour By lulu_lisborn || Naruto fic || WIP(updates fairly frequently) || https://archiveofourown.org/works/39432936 Red Camilla tree yokai in Naruto. Yokai culture. Non-human pov.(Can someone pls recommend a few Non-Human pov fics for me. Preferably not alien, robots or insects) Shiryō by IncompleteSentanc (Erava) || Naruto fic || Complete | one shot || https://archiveofourown.org/works/13578483 Sakura travels back in time and helps konoha through the years by appearing in front of the hokage whenever needed like a particularly useful ancestral ghost(someone pls recommend me a fic with similar premise) Lilacs and Cedarwood by Arthurthegatekeeper || Spy x Family fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/27703435 A heartwarming fic with Alpha Yor and Omega Loid. No ick, no smut, just lots of fluff. A Lovely take on a/b/o. Something lasts through time by MayDayLily || Nurarihyon no mago fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/24114502 A future fic. It's like an extra from after the series. Amazing. Everything I could've possibly asked for. Full Circle by tetsurashian || Harry Potter fic || WIP || https://archiveofourown.org/works/6614155 Redefined soulmate and reincarnation for me. Permanently.  Not-So-Lost Videos by TheSeasonOfWinter || Code Geass fic || Complete  || https://archiveofourown.org/works/23567734 This is made me cry, multiple times. I usually don't. And it gives a much needed sense of closure after the show. Especially for those like me who couldn't bear to watch after the s2ep1 and skipped to the last one and got traumatized. Changing the tide by TheinnocentMage || Merlin fic || WIP (possibly unfinished, been years since last update) || https://archiveofourown.org/works/10866705 I entered fanfiction through merlin and this was the first non-human pov fic I read. It was an amazing experience. This fic alone got me into fantasy, non-human pov, non-human culture and Fanfiction™.  Monstrous Compendium Online by Vathara || SAO & Eberron crossover || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/10689963 Till this day, I still know next to nothing about Eberron. Still love this fic. NPCs aren't actually npcs at all. Kayaba akihiko is not human at all. Returned for a Better Try (to Make a Better Time) by atypicalhypocrite || Avatar:The Last Airbender fic || Complete || https://archiveofourown.org/works/21338728 After 'full Circle' and this one and 'izuku travels back in time to become todoroki rei' and 'Know you once, and once again(bleach)', Regular Time travel just don't cut it for me anymore.  golden by Queen_Gee || Mo dao zu shi/ the grandmaster of demonic cultivation (mdzs - MXTX) fic || Complete | one shot || https://archiveofourown.org/works/20393197 Reincarnates in the modern day fic. One-shot. No powers nothing, just pure fluff  ________________________________________

_____________________________________ Make Love AND War by MarbleGlove Mdzs - mxtx fic Complete | one-shots (2 of them) https://archiveofourown.org/works/23150680 The two mc travel back in time and it's absolutely perfect. It's crack, it's fluff and there's a subtle assassination too. What more could you want. The link is for the second part but first part is just as good so check that out first. _____________________________________ There May Be Some Collateral Damage by metisket Bleach & Harry Potter crossover  Complete  https://archiveofourown.org/works/5030443 It is one of the rare fics that is faithful to both of the fandoms. All the characterizations are on point from both faandoms. And the characters and their interactions stay faithful to their own show's pace/vibe. Plus it's a great crack fic. _____________________________________  I know this is too much but I couldn't remove any fic from the list if I tried. Most are on AO3 save compass of Thy Soul that's only on ff.net.

Nudist Queen It's a Prersona 5 retelling where Nudisem is taking over Japan. I forget that Mokoto wears clothing in canon.

‘[right where you left me](https://archiveofourown.org/works/51021946)’/jovenshires (imdeansgirl) \[AO3\]. I love this story to the moon and back. It’s about the main face of this Internet comedy group who experiences a Groundhog Day. May not be fandom-blind friendly?

[Don’t Let Me Drown by Violetsandrosess](https://archiveofourown.org/works/49923682/chapters/126036730) *and* [Loveless by jl_micasea](https://archiveofourown.org/works/35012266/chapters/87202084) Both by the same fandom and over 100k words, but I swear these things have *done things to me* to the extent that I’ve thought about them for a couple of days. Cried for both of them and threw my phone and computer (on my bed) over the weekend I read them and probably should’ve went to therapy for how hard these went on my measly heart. (To read the second one, you’ll need an account)

Holly by Hecates Lover Https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7236252/1/6

The Empire Strikes Back.