Now Recharging

Chapter 11 page 50

Prince Shiny joins the crowd of children watching the performance. Storyteller Zhou points to the kamishibai stage, a framed illustration that says "The adventures of Onigiri & Bread Head" with the two robots. They pull the sheet of paper out to reveal another drawing behind it, of Bread Head looking out a circular window with tears streaming down his face. The next illustration after shows Onigiri lying on the ground with scratches and dents, an intimidating looking hard drive standing across from him. — Storyteller Zhou: All right, here we go.
So when we were last with them,
Onigiri was locked in a deadly battle against the Seven Partitioned Drives.
Bread Head was trapped on the other side of the server room, watching but unable to help…
“No, Onigiri!” cried Bread Head, visual sensors flooding with cleaning fluid.
“You have to win!! You can’t go down like this!!”

Author’s notes: Speaking of exciting stories, the SpiderForest Threads: Creatures comic anthology Kickstarter campaign is down to its final hours! It ends tomorrow April 8, and we could use all the love and signal boosts we can get. And I’ll be honest, I’m going “please please please” for the stickers stretch goal… in no small part because this little snake friend is one of them!

Please check out this wonderful collection of 19 stories about creatures of all kinds, and support or share it if you are able to. Whether or not you are able to, thank you as always for reading and following along with Now Recharging, and I hope you have a lovely and restorative weekend!

♥ Maiji (April 7, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 49

Prince Shiny tugs at Prince Yùzǐ’s arm to get his attention, and then heads over to see the storyteller. It’s Mx. Zhou, wearing a smart little hat with goggles resting on the rim. They’re standing next to a bike with a small display on it, reminiscent of a kamishibai (Japanese street theatre paper-based storytelling art form). As they continuing extolling the upcoming performance, Prince Shiny realizes his thoughtlessless with a start and apologizes to Wubao. — Prince Shiny: That must be the traveler Fara mentioned.
Dear brother, I am going to go watch the storyteller.
Prince Yùzǐ: Okely-dokely!
?: Storyteller Zhou is here
with the next exciting installment you won’t want to miss!
The Adventures of Onigiri and Bread Head!
Shiny: Ah, I am sorry… (How rude of me—I neglected to ask…) Is this all right?
Wubao: Yes, Wubao want to watch too!

Author’s notes: Ahhh! We’re in the last four days of the SpiderForest Threads: Creatures comic anthology Kickstarter campaign and we’re so, so close. 100+ beautiful full-colour pages with 19 diverse and fantastical stories of all kinds of creatures… I’m crossing my fingers and toes and hoping that we can make it and see this lovely collection in print. If you love animals, stories, art, comics and books, or know anyone who does, it would be so appreciated if you can check out and share the campaign!

♥ Maiji (March 31, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 48

Beneath a beautiful blue sky with clouds, Prince Yùzǐ with Sibao on his head is walking with Prince Shiny carrying Sibao close behind, trailed by the sparkle summoners’ platforms. They spot some festive sights in the town square. Prince Yùzǐ and Sibao dash off in excitement while Prince Shiny and Sibao turn their heads at another voice calling out for an audience. — [Meanwhile, the other two robot princes and the sparkle summoners who wanted to see the world had wandered back to the square.]
Sibao: Check it out!
Prince Yùzǐ: Oooh!! Balloon animals!!
(Yaaa wahoo)
?: Come one, come all! That’s right, it’s story time again!

Author’s notes: It’s hard to believe it’s already the end of March, and the SpiderForest comic anthology Threads: Creatures Kickstarter has passed the halfway point! I shared some full page previews of my story, and some notes about the anthology and the Behind-the-Scenes bonus zine, on my Pillowfort. You can follow, support or share the campaign here!

♥ Maiji (March 31, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 47

Prince Morio B pauses. Back at the castle, Prince Morio A looks down at Miss Princess Turtle gesturing at some unusually-shaped rocks, one which looks like sinuous crescent. Prince Morio B relates the sight to CinderEmmie and reflects on the comfortable nature of the conversation, CinderEmmie smiles cheerfully at him. — Prince Morio: Miss Princess Turtle is showing me some very nice rocks in the rock garden.
CinderEmmie: Ooh! Yeah, they’re really pretty huh?
Prince Morio: Yes. I like them very much.
…For some reason I find it easy to talk more about my feelings with you.

Chapter 11 page 46

CinderEmmie looks thoughtful. As they offer Prince Morio a suggestion, we see Prince Shiny, Prince Yùzǐ, Wubao and Sibao wandering through another part of the town. Prince Shiny looks thoughtful, Prince Yùzǐ looks cheerful. CinderEmmie is pleased to hear Prince Morio’s openness to their suggestion, but quickly realizes there’s a potential downside. They puff their cheeks up in aggravation. — CinderEmmie: …Maybe you could talk to your brothers.
It might be easier to find your fortunes if you knew what each of you wanted to do more of.
Prince Morio: That is true. I will try.
CinderEmmie: Except, if everyone wants to be cleaners, what happens to me!
Prince Morio: You can take a break sometimes.
CinderEmmie: *puffy cheeks* But I like cleaning!!
Prince Morio: Ha ha ha. We won’t clean too much.

Author’s notes: Emmie and Morio make a guest appearance in Court of Roses today! Thank you Nutty for letting my robots run some errands in your colourful world~

We’re wrapping up week 2 of the SpiderForest Threads: Creatures comic anthology! We’ve passed 100 backers, which is very exciting – but there’s still a ways to go. All pledges and signal boosts are super appreciated. If you love animals, stories and art, not to mention behind-the-scenes peeks at the wonderful craft of comics, there’s a lot to enjoy. And if you’ve been thinking about getting Now Recharging ebooks with the cute little book extras, Books 1 and 2 are part of the ebook horde reward, alongside many other excellent original works by SpiderForest’s indie creators! Please check out the campaign here!

Hope you all have a lovely day, rest of the week, and weekend,

♥ Maiji (March 24, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 45

CinderEmmie and Morio continue chatting while interacting with various townspeople, including a lost child, a young woman wth a sheepdog, a lady selling pretty rocks, a stray cat, a trio of vendors selling trinkets and making tasty dumpling and tofu stew-like foodstuffs. — CinderEmmie: What happens if you don’t find success?
Prince Morio: I’m not sure. It seems to be something we’re expected to find, eventually.
(Small child: Waaaaaaaaaa
CinderEmmie: You lost your mom? Don’t worry, we’ll help!)
CinderEmmie: Hmm… Since they didn’t give very good instructions, I guess you just try different things. And if you find something you like doing and wanna do more of it, that’s probably a start!
(CinderEmmie: Yooniss sheep doggy)
(CinderEmmie: Wow wow wow)
(CinderEmmie: Ooooooo pretty rocks ooooo
Prince Morio: These rocks are very nice
Shopkeeper: Take your time~)
(CinderEmmie: A kitty!)
(CinderEmmie: nom nom
Prince Morio: nom nom)
Prince Morio: I did like helping you clean the castle yesterday.
CinderEmmie: You guys did a great job!

Chapter 11 page 44

CinderEmmie and Prince Morio continue chatting as they make their way through the bustling streets of the town. — CinderEmmie: By the way, I was wondering too. What does seeking your fortune actually mean?
Prince Morio: I understand it is to go out in search of success.
CinderEmmie: Isn’t success when you do something you were trying to do? So… you have to go out in search of something you are trying to do?
Prince Morio: According to general definitions, it appears to be a state of achievement equated with wealth and fame.
CinderEmmie: ? What’s that got to do with Miss Princess Turtle’s flipper in marriage?
Prince Morio: One of the Green Birds in the forest told us to ask. They didn’t explain and we forgot to ask why.
CinderEmmie: I guess birds can say whatever they want. But it brought you guys to us, and Miss Princess Turtle and I had a lot of fun!

Author’s notes: The SpiderForest comic anthology Threads: Creatures just finished its first week on Kickstarter. We had so many milestones! We got official Project We Love status, hit 40% of our goal, and got 88 backers! (8 is a very special number as you may know :D) Thank you so much to everybody who has backed the campaign so far, or even just shared it with others. It’s all very exciting, but we still have a lot of work to do. If you’re able to help signal boost it in any way, it’s very much appreciated! You can check out our campaign here.

Here’s a preview from my story, ssstudy. I had so much fun coming up with and illustrating this tale about a small snake’s discovery. I hope to be able to share it with everyone!

Wishing you all a safe and lovely weekend,

♥ Maiji (March 17, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 43

CinderEmmie and Prince Morio chat as they complete more errands. Prince Morio is hugging a very large watermelon. — CinderEmmie: And that’s how I got a job with Miss Princess Turtle! Hahahahaha!
Prince Morio: Ha ha ha. That is a very good story.
CinderEmmie: Thanks! Your stories are so good too!
Prince Morio: You really think so?
CinderEmmie: Yeah! You pay attention to stuff I never woulda thought of!
Prince Morio: Thank you.
By the way, I was wondering. Do you always use the same cleaner? (The container looks different from what we used yesterday…)
CinderEmmie: Oh yeah, the container always changes! They recycle and reuse the different ones they get back.

Chapter 11 page 42

Prince Morio A and B bring up a suggestion. The gang decide to split up. CinderEmmie and Prince Morio form one group. Prince Shiny carrying Wubao and Prince Yùzǐ with Sibao on his head form another group, each robot prince also holding on to ropes that are tied to the sparkle summoners’s platforms, pulling them along behind them. Prince Morio A heads back across the bridge to where Miss Princess Turtle is waiting and waving. — Prince Morio B: We seem to be blocking a lot of people.
Prince Morio A: I am blocking the most, so I will go back.
Emmie: Oh, you can keep Miss Princess Turtle company! She gets bored easily.
Sibao: How ‘bout we split up?
Prince Yùzǐ: Yeah! We can meet up in the square later!
(Sibao – likes being taller
Wubao – likes the coziness of fabric)

Author’s notes: I’m super excited to be able to share with you that the SpiderForest Webcomic Collective just launched our newest crowdfund anthology campaign!!

Threads: Creatures is a collection of 19 brand new standalone short comics featuring creatures majestic and mysterious, cute and tiny, domestic and wild! Join us as we explore the realms of magical deer, Buddhist snakes, Victorian lizards, space lobsters, and so much more. There are lots of great rewards and even a Behind the Scenes look at how we created some of these stories! I have a story in it, and also some content in the Behind the Scenes bonus 😀

The campaign runs from March 10 to April 8. Please take a look, and it would be wonderful if you’re able to help spread the word to make it happen 😀

♥ Maiji (March 10, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 41

CinderEmmie, the robot princes and the two sparkle summoners make their way down the street, walking side by side chatting happily. Various townspeople periodically try to politely pass, and they gradually try to narrow the space they take up on the street - first by carrying the sparkle summoners on Prince Yùzǐ’s head and in Prince Shiny’s arms, and eventually all riding on Prince Morio A. — Townsperson: Excuse me.
Everyone: Excuse us.
Elderly lady: Excuse me.
Everyone: Excuse us.
(Person stepping outside of building to see Morio A: Whoaaa oh my god)
Townsperson with oxcart: Uhhh excuse me…
Everyone: Excuse us.
(Other townsperson: Uh…)

Chapter 11 page 40

The laundrybots finish discussing. Ibao swivels and rolls towards the Prince Yùzǐ to make a request. The three robot princes unanimously agree to the request, while CinderEmmie asks if the sparkle summoning operations will be OK. The laundrybots are unconcerned. — Ibao: OK. *swivel*
*rolling over* Would you mind taking two of us? For at least part of your trip?
Neither Sibao nor Wubao have ever been outside this town. They can teach you cleaning powers
(Sibao: Howdy!
Wubao: he…hello…)
and you can help them see more of the world and build their experience!
Prince Yùzǐ: Whoa, sure! ‘Zat cool with you guys?
Prince Morio: That is all right with me.
Prince Shiny: I would be most honoured to be graced with their company.
CinderEmmie: Are you guys gonna be OK? How’re you gonna do the five elements summoning thing?
Erbao: Oh, we don’t actually need five of us to summon. That’s just for fun, like all the shiny fwwwoooom effects.

Chapter 11 page 39

The laundrybots proudly explain their skills. Prince Yùzǐ is very enthusiastic about learning, but pauses when he realizes he might not be able to stick around to learn. This seems to give the laundrybots an idea, and they converge into another circle to discuss while CinderEmmie and the robot princes look on. — Sanbao: Yeah, and that’s not all! We channel the power of clean through the five elements!
In addition to conjuring top quality supplies, we can transform anything into a super clean state!
Prince Yùzǐ: Mindblowing!! I wanna learn to do that!!
Erbao: If you apprentice at our shop, we can teach you.
Prince Yùzǐ: Awwww yeah!!!
Prince Yùzǐ: …oh, but we’re in the middle of a journey. Not sure I can stay here too long…
CinderEmmie: ! Wait
Maybe this’s…
Shiny: Ah-
Ibao: A journey, eh? You mind if we chat on our end for a bit?

Author’s notes: Earlier this month I received a gift from Aron of Tamuran: a very Shiny bookmark. He’s so beautiful! And adorned with sparkles from the mica watercolours!! I wish I could show you how shiny Shiny really is in person, down to his glittering lashes.

Tamuran is an epic fantasy adventure about an exiled prince, a shapeshifting court lady, a Wild Elf and a curiously-academic beast racing to save a cursed kingdom! Rendered in traditional media, the art is lovely, with textures and that are such a feast for the eyes and many wonderful details. Check it out here!

♥ Maiji (February 28, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 38

A giant container emerges from the centre of the star, sparkling. CinderEmmie hugs it happily. The three robot princes are in awe - none more so than Prince Yùzǐ who is literally speechless. When he recovers, he jabs a finger at the laundrybots, full of questions. — *Taaadaa*
CinderEmmie: Hoo-ray!! This is the best all-purpose cleaner ever!! Thanks so much you guys!!
*Container reads: All-purpose cleaner, certified organic, not tested on animals*
Prince Morio: That was very impressive.
Prince Shiny: It indeed glows with a light as bright as my title, if not more!
Ibao: Hahaha, thanks! You folks new around here?
CinderEmmie: Yeah, they’re three robot princes seeking their fortunes! They helped me clean a lot of stuff!
Prince Yùzǐ: This is so damn cool!! So you guys can summon up the best cleaners in the world??

Author’s notes: As mentioned last update, I set up an account on GlobalComix . Yesterday I posted a short comic I made a few years ago, Tusita’s Last Tenant. In this story, a small child finds themselves in one of the heavenly realms of traditional Buddhist cosmology, with no recollection of how they got there – or much of anything else, it seems. But they soon meet a stranger who seems to know them very well. I hope it may be enjoyable for anyone seeking some gentle contemplation. You can read it here.

♥ Maiji (February 24, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 37

CinderEmmie and the three robot princes enter a shop staffed by what look like the laundrybots, except they’re sitting on wooden cabinet pedestals. They greet CinderEmmie and take their order. The laundrybots gather in a circle, creating an impressive glowing five-pointed star. — *Sign: Shop of Sparkles – Top-rated Sparkle Summoning Services*
CinderEmmie: Helloooo!
Ibao: Helloooo!
Sanbao: Hi CinderEmmie!
Erbao: The usual?
CinderEmmie: The usual please!
Erbao: You got it!
Laundrybots: Bubble bubble, soil’s in trouble! Elements rise and sparkles double!!
*Ffwwooooooomm*

Author’s notes: Today is Family Day in Ontario! I’m so grateful for family: those who are present in this world, as well as those who came before me to make my existence and experiences possible. And for people whom I may not be related to by blood (though if you go back far enough anywhere, who knows…? We’re all connected in an ultimate sense!), but who are practically family with the dear, supportive, loving presence they bring in my life. Wishing lovely things for you and all those you consider your family!

If you follow me on Twitter or Ko-fi you may already know, but Now Recharging is now available on GlobalComix! The newest pages will still be here, but I’ll be gradually putting completed chapters over there as another option. All still free to read!

It’s been a challenging time for creators in general and in the comics industry in particular. I’ve heard some positive things about GlobalComix, and I really appreciate the presence of platforms that focus on supporting indie comics creation and distribution. I plan to post some other non-Now Recharging comics there too. If you enjoy discovering new reads and supporting indie creators, please consider checking it out!

♥ Maiji (February 21, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 36

CinderEmmie reconsiders, then asks the robot princes. The scene pans out to show the full town square, surrounded by various trees and buildings, with a few people passing through the square. As Fara speaks with CinderEmmie and the robot princes, their conversation is punctuated with Frannie’s bleating. — CinderEmmie: Wait… I’m not sure it’s the kind that comes in a cookie. Is it the kind that comes in a cookie?
Prince Morio: I don’t think so.
Prince Yùzǐ: Dang! I want a cookie.
Prince Shiny: …
Fara: Oh, I’m sorry! I’m afraid I’m not aware of any other fortunes in town. But, there’s a traveler who’s been telling stories in the square every afternoon for the past few days. Perhaps they’ll know something!
(Frannie: aaaaaa
aaaaaa)
CinderEmmie: Thanks Fara! We’ll come back later!
The three robot princes: Thank you very much.
(Frannie: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa)

Chapter 11 page 35

CinderEmmie, wearing a knapsack, and the three robot princess approach the town square. Fara, dressed in a long hooded cloak and accompanied by her floating goat Frannie, are hovering in front of a large turtle shaped sculpture. — CinderEmmie: Look! That’s Fara and Frannie! Good morning!
Fara: Good morning CinderEmmie! Who are your friends?
*Frannie runs circles around Fara while bleating aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa* *frolic frolic*
CinderEmmie: They’re three robot princes and they’re seeking their fortunes!
Fara and Frannie are the town greeter and crier!
Do you have any suggestions for fortunes?
Fara: How about “Today is a gift, that’s why it’s the present”?
(Frannie: aaaaaa)
CinderEmmie: Oooh, that’s a really good one!

Chapter 11 page 34

Miss Princess Turtle dives into water and swims, surrounded by fish. She surfaces, and waves to CinderEmmie and the three robot princes, including Morio A, who are crossing a half moon bridge.

Author’s notes: A month or two after I originally painted and posted this page, I shared some wip photos on my Pillowfort! You can see them here.

♥ Maiji (March 13, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 33

CinderEmmie chats with the robot princes over breakfast while Miss Princess Turtle eats pancakes and slurps her milk. — CinderEmmie: Do you guys have any plans today?
Prince Morio: No.
Prince Yùzǐ: Nope!
Prince Shiny: I’m afraid not…
CinderEmmie: I’m gonna run some errands in town. You wanna come? You can talk to people there and maybe get ideas to find your fortunes!
Miss Princess Turtle: *slurp*
Prince Morio: OK.
Prince Yùzǐ: Yeah! Let’s do it!!
Prince Shiny: I suppose that is as good a place as any to start…
CinderEmmie: (Seems like everything’s about the same…)

Chapter 11 page 32

The ten sun crows greet the rising sun, flying around the sleeping robot princes. For breakfast, the three robot princes sit on one side of a long table, and a dozing CinderEmmie and Miss Princess Turtle sit on the other. The table is lined with glasses and pitchers of milk, dishes of fruit and jams and plates stacked with pancakes. Prince Morio A looks at a stack of pancakes outside. Cinder Emmie nearly dozes off, but snaps awake. — (Sun crows: Caw caw caw caw caw caw caw caw)
CinderEmmie: *shake shake shake*

Chapter 11 page 31

Below a starry night sky, the three robot princes lie tucked into their sleeping bags. Prince Morio stares up with eyes open; Prince Yùzǐ giggles, and Prince Shiny has a furrowed brow and a worried gaze. In the blanket fort, CinderEmmie is tucked into their blankets but in deep thought, while Miss Princess Turtle sleeps fitfully on her stomach. — [The three robot princes went to sleep.
Or, rather, the three robot princes pretended to go to sleep.
In actuality, each of them spent most of the night worrying in their own different ways.]
Prince Yùzǐ: (heeeheehee.. hahaha…)
CinderEmmie: (Hmmmmmmmm) *thinking*
Miss Princess Turtle: (snore) *sleeping*

Chapter 11 page 30

CinderEmmie sits up in the blanket fort and excitedly tells Miss Princess Turtle their realization. They raise both fists over their head, cheering at their insight. Miss Princess Turtle taps them with a flipper and brings them back down to earth. — CinderEmmie: Treasures are fortunes! If good friends who communicate are treasures, maybe that’s the fortune!! If we help the robot princes understand each other better they’ll have found their fortune!!
(Yahoooo yeahhhh) We’re geniuses Miss Princess Turtle!!!!
Miss Princess Turtle: *tap tap* *signing*
CinderEmmie: “That’s really nice but I don’t think this works like that.” Awww…

Chapter 11 page 29

Over a shot of the robot princes, CinderEmmie vents to Miss Princess Turtle. They sit up in the blanket fort as Miss Princess Turtle signs her thoughts. CinderEmmie appreciates Miss Princess Turtle’s words of wisdom and they give each other a big hug, with hearts bursting from the screen. Suddenly, CinderEmmie realizes something. — CinderEmmie: I know because they told me so easily!
Why don’t they talk to each other!!
“Sometimes it’s hardest to talk to the people you care about the most”…? Huh… I guess that’s true… But what about us? We talk about everything! Sort of.
*Miss Princess Turtle continues signing*
CinderEmmie: “If you have someone close to you who you can be open and honest with about anything, that’s a treasure.”
That’s really true!
I really really treasure you Miss Princess Turtle!
Thanks for being my good friend!!
*hugs*
Hey!

Chapter 11 page 28

The moon hangs over evening clouds. CinderEmmie, wearing pyjamas and recharging rollers in their hair, and Miss Princess Turtle, wearing a roller headband, look down over the balcony at the robot princes. They are all wrapped snuggly in puffy sleeping bags, encircled by Prince Morio A. All wish each other a good night, and CinderEmmie and Miss Princess Turtle shut the balcony screens. Inside, a jewel clicks on to light the room, revealing CinderEmmie and Miss Princess Turtle lounging in an extensive blanket fort. CinderEmmie’s glittering glass slippers hang from the ceiling. — CinderEmmie: G’night robot princess!!! Sleep tight!!!
*CinderEmmie wearing recharging rollers in their hair, and Miss Princess Turtle wearing a roller headband*
Robot princes: Good night, CinderEmmie and Miss Princess Turtle.
*shhhf* *clik*
CinderEmmie: …I’ve been thinking, and I don’t get it.

Author’s notes: Another fun SpiderForest Webcomic Collective Draw This In Your Style collab!

Nutty, creator of Court of Roses, drew this version of Emmie and the little ones from Chapter 7 page 71 that made me exclaim “OH my gooshness!!” So adorable!!

Court of Roses follows a very diverse group of bards on an adventure to solve a murder mystery. The characters are so vibrant and charming, and the entire world is so full of colour (literally) and permeated with such love for the art and craft of music and storytelling. I was absolutely enchanted! If you love fun character interactions, classic fantasy (e.g., D&D and such) with thoughtful worldbuilding, and positive LGBTQIA+ representation, I really recommend it!

♥ Maiji (January 20, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 27

CinderEmmie raises both hands in fists and encourages Prince Shiny with a confident expression. Prince Shiny is very moved. — CinderEmmie: You guys’ll figure something out! You made it all the way here and you’re still together! They say two heads are better than one, and you guys have three heads, right?
Uhh… Actually four heads!
And I’ll help, so you have five heads!
And I’m sure Miss Princess Turtle’ll help too! That’s six heads!!
We support you guys! You’re our friends
and it’s the least we can do since you’re helping us clean the whole castle and now we have enough pancakes to last us for months!!
Prince Shiny: Thank you. I cannot express my gratitude enough…
CinderEmmie: You’re welcome! We’ll think about it tomorrow morning!

Author’s notes: Over at the SpiderForest Webcomic Collective, we’ve been having a fun Draw This In Your Style collab where we draw panels from each other’s comics!

Emma, creator of Honestly Not a Robot, did an amazing interpretation of Yùzǐ from Chapter 9 page 10! The dramatic lighting feels almost like a gritty cyberpunk laundromat, hahaha!

Honestly Not a Robot honestly does not have robots… but it does have a brilliant, funny ride through retail worker life! It’s so over the top, yet pitch-perfect. I find something hilariously familiar and recognizable about everybody who works at Damson’s supermarket…

♥ Maiji (January 17, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 26

CinderEmmie speaks up nervously. Prince Shiny sparkles intently as he listens and asks questions. He acknowledges what CinderEmmie says, and then continues to lament, looking down at his feather duster with a sorrowful expression. — CinderEmmie: I don’t know your brothers as well as you do
But they seem like really caring robots. Maybe they’re just as worried!
Prince Shiny: If that is so, then why do they not speak to me of this? They always stop the conversation or change the subject on me.
CinderEmmie: (uwaaa super sparkly) Maybe they don’t know what to say because they’re scared!!
Prince Shiny: …Perhaps so…
Sometimes I fear we may never find our fortunes. And at the same time I fear for our success, that we may all go our own ways and never see each other again. My heart aches at the thought.

Chapter 11 page 25

CinderEmmie frowns at the revelation, They pause before asking the question. Flower petals suddenly appear as Prince Shiny laments his situation and CinderEmmie looks around, confused. — [It was becoming apparent to CinderEmmie that the three robot princes, as different as they were, all worried very much about the same thing. But for some reason they did not share this with each other, and it seemed to be creating a lot of extra stress.]
CinderEmmie: *inhale* How come?
Prince Shiny: Nothing is for certain in this world fraught with unknowns.
(CinderEmmie: Where did all these petals come from?
??? ??)
Prince Shiny: I was activated and trained on algorithms alongside my brothers from the very first day I gained sentience.
They have always been at my side, throughout all of my constant fretting.
I love them for that, yet it also frustrates and distresses me to no end.
When I try to have a serious discussion, I feel my words fall unheard.
My two-bodied brother seems unmoved by anything, while my single-bodied brother makes light of all. How can they be so nonchalant about our futures?

Chapter 11 page 24

CinderEmmie finds Prince Shiny in a sparkling library, facing a wall of shelves while holding a feather duster and sighing. — Prince Shiny: Sigh…
CinderEmmie: Um… How’re you doing? (I hope no books fell on him…) Wow!!
Prince Shiny: …Terribly, I am afraid.
CinderEmmie: But you dusted everything so good!! (wow wow wow) And you’re still so sparkly!! I wish I was like that! I always get dusty!*
(* except for my slippers)
Prince Shiny: Ah, thank you. I meant…
…I am very concerned about my brothers.

Chapter 11 page 23

Prince Yùzǐ gets up, mattresses falling back behind him. His hair is mussed up and his face has a few scratches, but he maintains a cheerful smile. CinderEmmie and Prince Yùzǐ finish tidying up together as they chat. They walk along a corridor with high piles of stacked mattresses strapped to their backs. — Prince Yùzǐ: Yeah. My big bro never gets into details on what he thinks. My little bro is always sad.
I don’t know how things are gonna turn out. It can be kinda scary!
I try to be cheerful enough for all three of us.
I just want my bros to be happy, ya know?
CinderEmmie: It can tell you care about your brothers a lot!
And being able to smile no matter how tough things are… it must be super hard to do that all the time!
Prince Yùzǐ: Aw, shucks. Thanks!

Author’s notes: I’m back! Happy new year everyone!! It’s hard to believe it’s 2022. I hope you all had a safe, special and wonderful holiday and that this year is full of good things coming your way. Thank you all so much for your kindness and support following my last note. I was so moved by the comments, tips and lovely messages that I received, and very grateful for all of them!

In new year-y news, I’m debating possibly printing book 3 (currently available as a digital download), and/or maybe starting to pull together a book 4 (which would be the very long beast that is chapter 7). It’s complicated, though. Or probably it’s just complicated because I think too much, haha. I would love your feedback! I made a quick little 6-question survey – all questions are optional. Please check out the survey here to share your thoughts.

♥ Maiji (January 3, 2022)

Chapter 11 page 22

CinderEmmie checks in on Prince Yùzǐ just as he gets buried under an avalanche of mattresses. CinderEmmie rushes over, lifting up a mattress to uncover him lying face-down. He quickly lifts his head in response to CinderEmmie’s questions. — CinderEmmie: Hey how’re you doing with the furniture cleaning?
Prince Yùzǐ: Aaaah!! Shit!!
*kafwumpf fwumpf fwop fwop fwop fwop*
CinderEmmie: (Oh no!!!)
Miss Princess Turtle’s mattress fort!!
I shoulda warned you it’s unstable!!
Are you OK??
Prince Yùzǐ: Haha no biggie!
CinderEmmie: Oh no! You got a scratch on your gold face plate thingy!
Prince Yùzǐ: Nothing a little polishing won’t fix. Or it’ll be a badass scar!
CinderEmmie: Wow, you’re so positive. I wish I was like that!
Prince Yùzǐ: (Hahaha) You think so? Actually I’m pretty worried.
CinderEmmie: *pauses* You are?

Author’s notes: Hello lovely readers! I’ll be going on a wee break for the holidays. (Apologies it’s a bit of weird place to pause at, but at least we’re not leaving Prince Yùzǐ under a mountain of mattresses till the new year.)

Now Recharging will be back on January 3, 2022.

I’ve never done this before, so I debated over it for a while. Part of me was like no! I don’t wanna break my streak all these years!! And then another part of me meditated and reflected, and realized… for what? What does “not breaking my streak” ultimately mean? Some kind of bragging rights? Seems like a bit of ego/vanity, which I can certainly use less of. So I decided to try it this year, offer a little bit of kindness and gentleness towards my schedule. I hope for your understanding and support.

As we near the end of 2021, I want to share my deepest gratitude for everyone who’s been reading and enjoying Now Recharging. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable time with this little webcomic. I feel very privileged to be able to be part of your life in this small way! Wherever you are, I hope there’s a place of warmth and wonder – whether it’s with you, within you, or waiting for you.

And, when we reunite in the new year, may you all be safe and well and not buried under mattresses! Or if you are, that it’s in a totally intended, comfy and cozy way.

♥ Maiji (December 15, 2021)

Archives: Comics