#and in order to make the dialogue make any sense in english

[homunculus-argument]

The whole "no gendered pronouns" thing is probably the most commonly known/brought up fun fact of the finnish language, but there's more to it. There's a pronoun distinction of human/nonhuman, and while many dialects don't bother with the hän-pronoun at all, and simply refer to both humans, animals, and inanimate objects as "se", wherever the human pronoun is used, it also encompasses any and all creatures that the speaker considers sufficiently sapient or sentient to be considered "a person". This covers gods and goddesses, humanoid supernatural creatures (with a distinct That Is Not A Person exception for zombies), aliens, and occasionally pets. Everyone knows someone who refers to their dog as "hän".

But the plural "they" also has a distinction of hän/se, with the same logic as he/him - who/whom, making a distinction between "they" who are people, and "they" that are either animals or objects. The dialects that don't use the human pronoun don't make this distinction either, but if someone is clearly speaking in formal finnish that refers to people as hän, but uses "ne" instead of "he" when referring to people, it's a very understated but nonetheless clear way of implying that those people are not people.

So finnish has:

They (singular, person pronoun) They (plural, of people) They (plural, inanimate/non-sentient/degoratory)

[aibafiles]

Deciphering the invaders' language in the Hundred Line demo

After playing the hundred line demo recently, I gathered up any screenshots I could of the script the invaders use and I believe I've managed to decode all of it so far, so I wanted to share my findings here! I'll put the rest under the cut for anyone who wants to avoid it—I don't think anything I've translated so far would reveal any huge plot twists, but the game certainly doesn't expect you to be able to understand it.

Note: I'm aware that the demo has been datamined and there is plaintext of these lines, but I do not want corrections or confirmation based on this. I like piecing this together based on what the game has presented, nothing more!

Below the cut: translations of dialogue and UI text, character charts and other observations, and an analysis of the spoken language as well! (warning: long)

First things first, this language is a very straightforward kana-only Japanese in a different script. I started with the text under each main menu option, so let's look at these:

"Press any button" はじめる Hajimeru Start

The : mark next to the second character functions just like dakuten—the base character is し (shi), which becomes voiced to make じ (ji).

"New Game" はじめから Hajime kara From start

"Continue" つづきから Tsuzuki kara From next

"Load" きろくから Kiroku kara From

Pretty straightforward—I got stuck here for way too long because I thought these were -masu verbs and then nothing else made sense, oops.

"Gallery" せってい Settei Settings

"Settings" がろう Garou Gallery

"End Game" しゅうりょう Shuuryou End

Another sticking point here—the text on settings and gallery are actually switched. One danger of putting a fake language in your game is that you risk not being able to read it and messing it up in places (hi Metaphor), and though it's not really critical, this is not the only goof so far. (EDIT: This has been patched!)

Note that the smaller characters here are are reflected in the script as well, like the っ in せってい.

Cutscene dialogue

The subtitles for our commander's transformation cutscene, and a rough translation:

いだいなほしのかみよ… Idai na hoshi no kami yo... God of a great star(/planet)...

われにちからをあたえよ…！ Ware ni chikara wo atae yo...! Grant me power...!

むげんたい…！！ Mugentai...!! Eternal body...!!

ぼくは…「ちつじょのけしん」むゔゔむ… Boku wa... [Chitsujo no Keshin] Muvuvumu... I am... the [Avatar of Order] Muvuvumu... (MVVM?)

This was the section I struggled the most with, so there could be inaccuracies, but I'm reasonably confident in most of it.

Post-Battle Dialogue

Here's the very straightforward part:

こ、ころさないで… Ko-korosanaide... D-Don't kill me...

ゆるしてください Yurushite kudasai... Please forgive me...

おねがい…たすけて… Onegai... tasukete... Please... spare me... (or help me, but spare felt most fitting in this context)

And that's about everything we have so far! Here are my very janky kana charts, one for the script and one for the spoken language:

The most obvious observation is that the general shape seems to indicate the vowel sound, and the extra swoopy bits indicate the consonant, though some vowels are more consistent than others.

There's a general pattern among each consonants as well—N-shapes have loops or curls, S-shapes have angular lines that hook over the vowel shape, pure vowels have tiny loops, etc, but there aren't clear-cut enough patterns to extrapolate the rest of the language yet. Luckily I think there's enough so far that any remaining characters won't be too hard to place.

Let's talk about the spoken component as well! Notably, the commander is dubbed differently in English and Japanese, but both voice actors seem to be reading the same set of syllables, which gave me more sample data to work with, because they inflect their vowels a little differently. Like the written language, each kana has a 1:1 replacement syllable, but the nature of these syllables changes the cadence of the sentences when spoken.

The above chart is transcribed to the best of my ability, but it's possible I got a few sounds wrong, and I can't quite make out what the tsu in chitsujo is through the voice filter. I'm considering replaying the demo with the music and sound effects off to pick these voice lines out, and if I do, I'll edit this post and drop a reply noting it! There are also some unsubbed battle voice lines I'm curious about.

What's really interesting to me is how these new syllables interact with dakuten. Plenty of unvoiced consonants are replaced with voiced ones, or the other way around—but there are a few, like ta (now tu) and te (now se). When the Japanese script uses dakuten, the new syllables get voiced too, becoming du and ze. This tripped me up a bit, and it does cause some confusing duplicates (ku is already pronounced du), but it's fascinating that it bleeds through into the new pronunciation.

One other thing I noticed when analyzing these voice lines is that the English dub of the transformation cutscene straight up uses the wrong audio clip for the final line. The Japanese audio matches the syllable count, and those syllables match up with the ones we've heard in the other voice lines, but the English line seems to have too many syllables, and doesn't match at all. JP starts with "diduwa..." and EN starts with something like "mozoku en." I'm wondering if it's possible to reverse engineer this to figure out the original line, but that's another thing that would need scrutiny from a voice-only recording.

Misc. Observations

These little guys have the character for "o" on their faces! Also pronounced "ga" in the invaders' language.

I'm really intrigued by this graffiti on the walls when Takumi chases Karua into the abandoned school district, because this game is full of Japanese graphic text in the environments, so this can't be a case of generic unreadable background text—but it doesn't quite fit the invader script, either. A few shapes sort of match the characters if you rotate or invert them different ways, but I can't parse anything readable out of this. There are repeated shapes, like the topmost "word" in the first two images that appears to be the same, but written with slightly different strokes, so I have to assume there's meaning to it. Not sure what that is, but I wanted to include it in this post just in case.

Thanks for reading! this game is going to drive me insane

[rassicas]

I’ve been wondering since I encountered this line in one of my first runs through side order and was absolutely jaw dropped that nintendo actually left this casual bomb for pearlina fans just in random elevator dialogue

Acht: “Hey Pearl have we met before? You seem familiar.” Marina: “What?! Acht, come on! You can’t seriously be hitting on Pearl in front of…”

Do you know if it’s a localization thing or in the original Japanese version too? Thank you if you answer!!! and super sorry if you’re not sure or you don’t want questions about translation / localization things in side order (Also sorry for the long winded ask) (also also sorry if these lines are in the wiki already i only took a quick gander and didn’t see any dialogue stuff there yet)

It's essentially the same in JP. I saw someone (a pearlina hater) suggest (reach) that when Marina trails off in english, "in front of...", there's a sense of ambiguity if she's gonna say "me" there or "eight" and therefore making the pearlina ambigious. lol in JP she says something to the effect of "Huh?! Wait Mizuta, have you really been planning to hit on Senpai" with the part that trails off likely being じゃないか which. How I read it in this case is that it adds to the feeling of her shock? This is hard to explain. Doesn't matter, point is that the JP further confirms that Marina is expressing her personal shock at Acht hitting on pearl. English version conveys it quite well.

[milgram-en]

Trial 1 - John Doe Voice Drama (Side-by-Side English Translation)

Preface: I’ll say this upfront: The John Doe VD translation on YouTube has a lot of mistranslations. Some things are just pulled out of thin air, especially with Kotoko’s dialogue. I hope this translation can help clear things up and, since the original text from the scriptbook is also provided, you are free to double check the translations itself and develop your thoughts from there. As Yamanaka has said in his Twitter 部外者からの表面的な理解は、攻撃とたいして変わらないからね (A shallow understanding from someone on the outside can feel just as violent as a direct attack). Translators have an ethical duty to respect the original writers and the speech community (the language and its culture) in their translations. Otherwise, it can contribute to a lot of harm. Especially when it comes to portrayals of persons that come from and are shaped by our present-day world, mistranslations of the themes found in this series can result in a lot of violence down the line. Google Docs version of this translation. If using/reuploading/reposting this translation, do not remove the translator's notes, do not color code the translations, and do not change the translations. Any additional Translator's Notes will be found in the replies. Check the original post before reblogging as TLs are occasionally revisited and edited.

ミルグラム監獄内尋問室 MILGRAM PRISON INTERROGATION ROOM 薄暗い尋問室。 A dimly lit interrogation room.

尋問室でミコトが椅子に座っている、足をぶらつかせ、暇そうな態度。 ふと、深い溜め息をつき、 Mikoto is sitting on a chair in the interrogation room, legs dangling, looking bored. Suddenly, he lets out a deep sigh. ミコト　「はあ～〜」 MIKOTO: Ha… 思わず、天を仰ぐ。 Unbeknownstly, he looked up towards the heavens. ミコト　「……こんなとこで何やってんだろ、僕」 MIKOTO: …What am I doing in a place like this? I… エス　「本当にな」 ES: Truth be told, I wonder that as well. ミコト　「うわっ！」 MIKOTO: Ah-! エス　「ま、それを明らかにするのもミルグラムの仕事だ」 ES: Well, it’s MILGRAM’s job to make that clear. いつの間にか尋問室の扉は開いており、エスがじっとミコトを見ている。 驚いて椅子ごと倒れ込みそうになったミコト、あわてて、 Before you knew it, the door to the interrogation room was open and ES stared at MIKOTO. MIKOTO gasps—startled—and almost falls out of the chair. ミコト　「ちょっと！びっくりさせないでよ、看守くん。ドアを開ける時はノックするってそこそこ常識じゃない？」 MIKOTO: Hold on-! Don’t scare me like that, Warden-kun! Isn’t it common sense to knock before opening a door?  エス　「うるさい、指図するな」 ES: Shut up, don’t tell me what to do. ミコト　「横暴なんだけど！」 MIKOTO: Isn’t that tyrannical of you though?! ミコトの言葉に取り合わず、エスは向かいの椅子に座る。偉そうに足を組む。 ES disregards MIKOTO’s words indifferently, taking none to heart, and sits in the chair opposite to him. They cross their legs arrogantly.  エス　「尋問を始めるぞ、囚人番号9番、ミコト」 ES: Let’s begin the interrogation, Prisoner Number 9, MIKOTO. ミコト　「いやいや、尋問って言われても……別に何も隠してることなんてないってば」 MIKOTO: Hey, hey- no- Despite calling it an “interrogation”... I’m really not hiding anything. [T/N: Calling something an “interrogation” implies questioning someone in order to get information that may or may not be hidden. Interrogations can sometimes use threats or violence. (Cambridge Dictionary)] エス　「名前、年齢」 ES: Name. Age. カヤノミコト KAYANO, MIKOTO ミコト　「えーっと、榧野尊23歳……じゃなくてさ、僕はずーっと君に話があったんだよ看守くん」 MIKOTO: Uh, well… Mikoto Kayano, 23 years-old… Ah, well I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while, Warden-kun. [T/N: ES uses the katakana spelling of ミコト (mikoto) which frames and highlights MIKOTO’s difference from Es, him the Prisoner and Es the Warden. Katakana is typically used for words with an outsiderness (ex. foreign loanwords), for emphasis, and/or to make something seem “louder” in some aspect. However, MIKOTO uses kanji spelling of his name 榧野尊 (kayano mikoto) which is the proper and legal way, attributing to him a groundedness in humanity compared to the alienation that spelling something in katakana can make. This is why, instead of translating 榧野尊 as “MIKOTO KAYANO”, it was translated into “Mikoto Kayano” instead.] エス　「なんだ？手短に済ませろ」 ES: What? Make it short. ミコト　「ねぇ、いつ終わるのこれ？」 MIKOTO: Hey, when is this going to end? エス　「はぁ？」 ES: Hah? ミコトの質問が想定外だったエス、怪訝な顔。それを見てヒートアップするミコト。 ES looks puzzled. They were not expecting MIKOTO’s question. Seeing this, MIKOTO gets fired up. ミコト　「いや！そりゃそうでしょ！急にこんな所に連れてこられてさ！ヒトゴロ��だのなんだの訳わからないこと言われて……なにかのドッキリとか？リアリティショーとか？モニタリングされてる的な！！そう思って我慢してたんだけど！？！ だからこそ、他の皆とも仲良くやってんだけどさ！テレビだとしたら映りとか気を使うじゃん！？！でも、でもさ！あまりにも長すぎる！なんなのこれ！」 MIKOTO: No-! Of course! Look- I was suddenly brought to this place and-! Telling me things I don’t understand like being a "murderer"… Is this some sort of prank? A reality TV show? Where I’m being monitored?!! I thought that that was what I was trying to endure!?! That’s why I was getting along with everyone else! If it was TV, you have to be careful with how you look! But, but! It’s been going on for way too long!?! What is this! [T/N: ヒトゴロシ (hitogoroshi) “murderer” is spelled with katakana. In order to translate over the vibes that gives highlight and distance to the word, "murderer" is placed within quotation marks.] エス　「はぁ……お前まだそんなこと思っていたのか？ミルグラムが、何かの冗談だと」 ES: Ha… You still think that? That MILGRAM is some kind of funny little joke? ミコト　「思ってるよ……思ってるに決まってるだろ！」 MIKOTO: I really do… Of course I’d do!

鼻息荒いミコト、少しずつ息を落ち着けると、しゅんとした表情を見せる。 MIKOTO is breathing heavily, calming his breathing down little-by-little, a despondent look on his face. ミコト　「……だって、僕は本当に身に覚えがないんだ。罪を犯したとか、ヒトゴロシとか言われても、知らないよ……僕はただのしがない会社員だし……」 MIKOTO: …Because I, myself, really don’t remember anything. Even if you say I committed a crime or "murdered" someone, I really don’t know anything… I’m just your standard, everyday lowly office worker… エス　「ふうん………」 ES: Hm… ミコト　「……なんだよ、人が真剣に話してるってのに、ニヤニヤして」 MIKOTO: What’s up with you? A person’s talking seriously and you’re here grinning. エス　「……考えてみれば初めてだと思ってな。『まったく身に覚えがない』としらばっくれる囚人は……」 ES: …Come to think of it, this is the first time a prisoner’s tried to feign ignorance saying, “I really don’t have any recollection of anything whatsoever.” ミコト　「しらばっくれてないって！マジで！マジで知らない！ほら、僕の目見て！ほら！」 MIKOTO: I’m not feigning it! Seriously! I really don’t know! Look, look into my eyes! Look! ミコト、エスの肩を持ち正対させ、まじまじと瞳を見つめる。 MIKOTO holds ES by the shoulders and turns them to face him directly, looking intently into their eyes.

エス　「さわるな、馴れ馴れしい」 ES: Don’t touch me. You’re being too casual. [T/N: Alternatively translated as: “Don’t touch me. You’re being too buddy-buddy [when you’re a Prisoner and I’m the Warden].” which preserves the implications/nuances.]

ミコト　「いいから、ちゃんとこっちを見てよ！」 MIKOTO: C’mon, just look at me seriously! エス 　「……ふーん」 ES: Hmm. ミコト　「どう？マジでしょ」 MIKOTO: So? I’m being truthful, right? エス　「知るか。『嘘をついているような目に見えない』とでも言われることを期待したか。僕はそんな曖昧なもので判断はしない」 ES: Who knows. Do you expect me to say, “You don’t look like you’re lying” or something? I don’t make judgements based on vague things like that.

進まない話に、苛立つミコト。エスの肩にかけた手を離す。 MIKOTO is losing his patience, annoyed at the lack of progress in the conversation. He takes his hands off of ES’ shoulders. ミコト　「だー、もう……ん？いや、待ってくれ。そもそも僕が何をしたか看守くんも知らないんだろ？」 MIKOTO: Ah c’mon..! No- Wait a second. Warden-kun has no idea what I did in the first place, right? エス　「あぁ、まったく知らない」 ES: Ah, I have absolutely no clue. ミコト　「なんだよ、それ！それで僕をヒトゴロシだと決めつけるなんて横暴じゃない？」 MIKOTO: What’s with that! Because of that, isn’t it oppressive of you to brand me a “murderer”? [T/N: 横暴 (ougou) can mean violence, oppression, tyranny. When MIKOTO says “Isn’t it oppressive of you” there’s a sense of him calling ES’ action of branding him a label as serious as “murderer” even though ES has no idea what he did or if he really did commit a crime (since ES is going off of what Jackalope/MILGRAM told them) violent— something that hurts, damages, or even kills.] エス　「横ではない。ミルグラムがそう言っている。僕にはそれで十分だ」 ES: There’s no correlation in that. MILGRAM said that you’re a murderer. That’s enough for me. ミコト　「なんで盲目的にそれを信じられるんだよ。話にならないよ………」 MIKOTO: Why are you just blindly entrusting your belief to that? There’s no sense to it… エス　「……」 ES: … ミコト　「とにかく僕は本当に知らない。人も殺してない。悪いこともしてない。コツコツ普通に人生やってきただけ。それなのにこんな変なことに巻き込まれるなんてさ！」 MIKOTO: Anyway, I honestly have no idea. I haven’t killed anyone. I haven’t done anything bad. I’ve just been diligently living an ordinary life and yet- I get caught up in some weird, suspicious thing- what’s with that! [T/N: By "weird, suspicious thing" he means MILGRAM.] イライラが募るミコト、思わず椅子から立ち上がる。 同時に振り上げた拳を、ゆっくり下ろす。 MIKOTO is getting more and more irritated, unconsciously standing up from his chair. At the same time, he slowly lowers his raised fist. ミコト　「……そんなの冗談だって、思いたいよ……思いたいだろ、こんなの……」 MIKOTO: …I want to believe that that’s just a joke…I want to think that this… エス　「ふむ」 ES: Hm. ミコト　「僕にだって生活があるんだよ、苦労して憧れの会社入ったばかりなんだよ……クビになったら責任取ってもらうからな……」 MIKOTO: I have a life, y’know? I toiled so hard just to get into the company of my dreams… If I get fired, you better take responsibility… [T/N: Being fired in Japan is an arduous task. Generally, if you get fired, you need to make sure that you: (1) get the certificate of dismissal/reason for firing; (2) go through the process of switching your pension and insurance; (3) make sure you get your unemployment insurance/severance pay/compensation; and optionally (4) contest the firing. There’s a lot of paperwork involved and the way companies are structured makes it a pain + take a long time to get anything done. Not to mention the emotional labor it takes to deal with bureaucracy since it’s not unheard of that employers can gaslight or be hostile.]

エス　「……なるほどね。面白い」 ES: …I see. How interesting. ミコト　「面白いことがあるもんか」 MIKOTO: What’s so interesting? 心底面白げにニヤつくエス。 わざとらしくパンと手を叩く。 ES grins, genuinely amused. They clap their hands in an exaggerated manner. エス　「よし、一旦その前提で話に付き合ってやる。……思考実験だ。ミコト、お前は何もしていない」 ES: Alright, for now, why don’t we go ahead and talk under that assumption of yours? …A thought experiment. MIKOTO, you haven’t done anything.  ミコト　「そう！そのとおりだよ、看守くん！」 MIKOTO: Yes! That’s right, Warden-kun! エス　「一旦な。一旦お前は囚人番号9番ミコトではないとしよう。そうだな、ただのミコトくんだ」 ES: For now. For now, let’s pretend you’re not Prisoner Number 9 MIKOTO. That’s right, you’re just MIKOTO-kun. ミコト　「いいね、ミコトくんでいこう！僕も親愛をこめてスーくんって呼ぶよ」 MIKOTO: That’s right, let’s go with MIKOTO-kun! I’ll also put in the effort and call you “Su-kun” [T/N: The “effort” MIKOTO’s putting in is more so “affection” (親愛, shin ai). Alternatively translated as: “I’ll also put in some dear effort and call you “Su-kun"] エス　「それはいらん。調子に乗るな」 ES: That’s unnecessary. Don’t get carried away. ミコト　「ええ……」 MIKOTO: Eeh…? ミコトに近づき、見上げるようににらみつけるエス。 ES approaches MIKOTO, glaring up at him. [T/N: There’s wordplay here with ミコトに近づき (mikoto ni chikadzuki). Chikadzuki can mean “approach” but it also means “making acquaintance with someone”. In the context of the interrogation, ES is both approaching MIKOTO and making acquaintance, getting to know him.] エス　「付き合ってやるかわりに一旦僕の言っていることを事実だと飲みこめ、ミルグラムはショーなどではなく現実だ」 ES: In exchange for going along with it, for now you’ll have to swallow what I’m saying as fact and that MILGRAM isn’t some show. It’s reality. ミコト　「ううん……えっと、ここがヒトゴロシを集めている施設ってこととか？それを歌と映像で云々とか？」 MIKOTO: Uh… so, this is some sort of institution or facility that assembles "murderers"? Through song and mental footage and stuff? エス　「そうだ。お前の言うことだけを言じるならば、お前以外の9人は全員ヒトゴロシだ」 ES: That’s right. If we’re only going by what you say, the other nine people are all murderers. ミコト　「そんな場所にいるのヤバすぎるでしょ。みんな全然そんな人たちに見えないし……ほら、そもそも小学生いるんだよ？」 MIKOTO: Isn't it way too dangerous to be in a place like that? None of them seem like a person who could do something like that at all… Look, why’s there even an elementary schooler here?

ミコトの言葉に眉をひそめるエス。 ES furrowed their eyebrows at MIKOTO’s words. エス　「……それはアマネにあまり言わないほうがいいぞ。めんどくさいことになる」 ES: …You shouldn’t say that to AMANE. It’ll just become a hassle. ミコト　「ん？なんで？」 MIKOTO: Huh? Why? エス　「まぁ、お前の言うことはわからないでもない。僕も尋問していて学んだ。人の印象はどうしても外見に引っ張られる」 ES: Well, I can understand where you’re coming from. I also learned this while interrogating people- The impression of a person is inevitably influenced by their external appearance.  ミコト　「でしょ～？ゆんちゃんとか、むっちゃんとかただのJKじゃん。ハルくんなんて虫も殺せなさそうな顔してるし、フータなんて傘パクんのがやっとでしょ。ほら、マッピーはただの良い人だし。ま、カズさんとかシドウさんとか……ま、あとコトちゃんとかは雰囲気的にワンチャンあるかもだけど」 MIKOTO: Isn’t it~? Yun-chan and Mu-chan are just high school girls. Haru-kun has a face that looks like he can’t even kill a bug, and Fuuta doesn’t seem like he can even steal an umbrella. And see- Mappi just seems like a good person. Uh, as for Kazu-san and Shidou-san… Well, there’s a chance that Koto-chan might have done something like that 'cause of her vibes.  [T/N: Umbrellas get stolen so often in Japan that it’s not strange to think that a normal person would steal one at some point, implying that MIKOTO thinks that Fuuta wouldn’t even do something bad that’s seemingly normalized/follow common behaviors.] エス　「……人物評参考にするよ、ミコトくん。ただ、そいつらはミルグラムが選んだ人間だ。間違いなく人の死に関わっている」 ES: …I’ll take your character evaluations into consideration, MIKOTO-kun. Nevertheless, they are the humans MILGRAM selected. Without a doubt, they are connected to someone’s death. [T/N: The “they” そいつら (soitsura) in “they are the humans MILGRAM selected” has derogatory connotations with it. Also, people who use the term 間違いなく (machigai naku) are generally thought of as people who are prideful or perfectionists.] ミコト　「うーん……まあ、まあいいや。一旦信じる」 MIKOTO: Uhuh… Well, alright then. I’ll believe that for now.

苦い顔で受け止めるミコト。 エスがびしっと指をさす。 MIKOTO relents, a bitter look on his face. ES points their finger sharply. エス　「では。そんなところに無実のミコトくんが選ばれた理由はなんだと思う？」 ES: Well then. Why do you believe that the Innocent MIKOTO-kun was chosen for such a place? ミコト　「んー……人違い」 MIKOTO: Mm… mistaken identity. エス　「ほう？」 ES: Oh? ミコト　「そっち側の判断基準の細かいとこに目をつぶるとすると……同姓同名だとか、外見が似てるとか、そういう取り間違え」 MIKOTO: If we ignore the finer details of MILGRAM's criteria for judgement… it could be that it’s a blunder from something like having the same name, similar external appearance or something. エス　「ミルグラムの誤作動ということか？」 ES: You’re saying that it’s a MILGRAM malfunction? [T/N: Alternatively translated into: “You’re saying that it’s a failure on MILGRAM’s part?” 誤作動 (gosadou) can mean malfunction; failure; operating incorrectly.] ミコト　「そうそう、他に考えようがないもん」 MIKOTO: Yeah, yeah, that’s right. I can’t think of anything else that it could possibly be. エス　「そうか？僕はもうひとつ思い浮かんでいるぞ」 ES: Really? Frankly, I can think of one thing coming to mind. ミコトの顔を覗き込むエス。 ES looks at MIKOTO’s face.  エス　「お前は人を殺したことを忘れている」 ES: You’ve forgotten that you’ve killed a person. エスの言葉に目を丸くするミコト。 MIKOTO’s eyes widened at ES’ words. ミコト　「は？忘れている？人を殺したことを？そんなことありえる？」 MIKOTO: Huh? Forgotten? That you killed a person? Is that even possible? エス　「お前が嘘をついていない。ミルグラムは正しい。両方の条件をのめば、この答えが導き出されるのは、自然だろう」 ES: You’re not lying; MILGRAM is correct; if you’re to accept both clauses, it’s only natural to arrive at this answer. [T/N: The 正しい (tadashii) in “MILGRAM is correct” can mean “correct”, “right”, “righteous”/“just”, “proper” etc.] ミコト　「忘れている……僕が？人を殺したことを……？」 MIKOTO: Forgotten… Me? Killing a person…? エス　「人間はストレスを避けるために記憶に蓋をすることもあるという。解離性健忘のように」 ES: They say that humans sometimes put a lid on memories in order to avoid stress. For example, dissociative amnesia. ミコト　「……ス、ストレス？いやいや、まさか知らないうちに人を殺してるなんて、そんなことあるわけ……」 MIKOTO: …S-stress? No, no way- There’s no way I could’ve killed someone while not even knowing it- That can’t be possible… エス　「……お前の発言を僕が信じてやるには、この線で考える以外ないね。僕はお前のこと以上に、ミルグラムを信じているからな。そこを疑うことはありえない」 ES: …I have no choice but to consider something along these lines if I’m going to believe your statements. I trust MILGRAM more than I believe in you. There’s no doubt about that. ミコト　「……いや……いやいや」 MIKOTO: …No….No, no- エス　「看守として、断言しよう。お前は、ヒトゴロシだ」 ES: As Warden, let’s go ahead and assert this: You. are. a. murderer. ミコト　「ちょっと待って。ないないタンマタンマ……頭おかしくなるって……やめてよ。嫌なことばかり……言うの……」 MIKOTO: Wait a minute- No, no, no- Time out time out- …You’re driving me crazy…please stop it. You keep saying such… awful things…

イラつきで頭をがしがしとかくミコト。 その様子を見て、エスがふうと息をつく。 MIKOTO scratches his head in frustration. Seeing this, ES takes a deep breath. ミコト　「知らないうちに……殺人犯になってんの……はは、ないない……」 MIKOTO: Without knowing it…becoming a murderer…haha- there’s no way, no way… エス　「ふん、時間をやる。記憶の糸を手繰るがいいさ」 ES: Hmph. Let’s give it some time. Tugging in the threads of your memory would do you some good. ミコト　「...…うぅ……うう」 MIKOTO: …Ah…ah… 声にならない声でうめくミコトに、背を向けカツカツと離れていくエス。 As MIKOTO groans in a voiceless voice, ES turns their back and walks away. [T/N: 声にならない声 (koe ni naranai koe) “voiceless voice” has a nuance that you’re being assaulted with the emotions welling up in your heart that you can’t express into words.] エス　「人を殺した記憶がない殺人者……だとすれば……どう考えるべきか……」 ES: A murderer who has no memory of killing people… If that’s the case… how should I think about this… 独り言を呟きながら、部屋の中を歩き回るエス。 ES walks around the room, muttering to themself.

エ ス　「なぁ、ミコー」 ES: Hey, MIKO- ミコト　「ああああああああああ！！！」 MIKOTO: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! エス　「！？」 ES: !? ミコトが椅子でエスを殴りつける。軽いエスは吹き飛び、壁に叩きつけられる。 MIKOTO strikes ES hard with a chair. ES, being light, gets flown across and slams into the wall. ミコト　「あーーーっ！！！」 MIKOTO: Aaaaah!!! ミコトは続けざまに力まかせに椅子を投げつけ、大きな物音が立つ。 MIKOTO continues on, throwing the chair with all his might, making a large noise. エス　「ぐあっ！なっ……何が、ミ、コト……！？！」 ES: Guh-! Wh… What are you- MI- KOTO…!?! ミコト　「ふっ……ふ��う……ふう……！！」 MIKOTO: Hah…hah…hah…!!! 状況のつかめないエス。 目の血走ったミコト、息が荒く別人のよう。 ES can’t make sense of the situation. MIKOTO’s eyes are bloodshot, breathing heavily- wildly, like he’s a different person. エス　「げほっ……ぼ、僕に攻撃を……⁉　ま、まさか、ありえない……」 ES: Ack… You can attack me..!? T-there’s no way… ミコト　「ああああああっ！　クソ！　クソが！　いらつかせんな！！」 MIKOTO: Aaaaaah! Fuck! Fucker-! You’re so fucking annoying!! [T/N: MIKOTO’s accent has changed. Before, he was speaking in a typical, standard Japanese accent you’d hear from people in Tokyo (not Tokyo accent, just standard Japanese accent).] エス　「囚人から、看守への攻撃はできないはず！！」 ES: Prisoners shouldn’t be able to attack the Warden!! ミコト　「うるっせえんだよ、てめぇ！！」 MIKOTO: Shut the fuck up, you piece of shit!! エスを思いきり踏みつけるミコト。 MIKOTO stomps down on ES with all his might. エス　「うあっ！ぐっ………！」 ES: Augh-! Guh…! ミコト　「ゴチャゴチャ言ってっと、叩き殺してやるぞカスが！！」 MIKOTO: Yapping on and on and on- I’ll fucking beat you to death, piece of shit!! エス　「ぐっ……！ぐうっ……！！」 ES: Ngh-…! Guh…!!

何度も何度も踏みつける。 Another stomp, then another. Again, and again, and again. ミコト　「だらだらだらだらぁ！ガキのくせに偉そうに！ざまあねえぜクソがっ！」 MIKOTO: Going on and on and on-! Acting all high and mighty like you aren’t just a kid! Serves you fuckin’ right-! エス　「…っ……ろよ……」 ES: …re..member… ミコト　「はあ！？　聞こえねぇんだよ！てめえただのガキじゃねぇか、ザコが！！」 MIKOTO: Ha!? I can’t hear you! You’re nothing more than an unimportant brat, a fuckin’ nobody!! エス　「……覚えてろよ、ヒトゴロシが」 ES: …Remember…your murder… 傷つけられ、口や鼻から血を流すも目の光が消えないエス。ミコトをにらみつける。 Despite being injured and bleeding from the mouth, the light in ES’ eyes doesn’t disappear. They glare at MIKOTO. ミコト　「はぁー？　は、はは、ははははは。もっと痛いのが好みか」 MIKOTO: Ha-? Heh- Hahahahahahaha! You prefer it when it hurts more, huh? ミコト、転がっている椅子を持ち上げる。ゆっくりと頭上に。 MIKOTO picks up a chair laying around. Slowly raising it above his head. エス　「くっ……」 ES: Guh… ミコト　「いいぜ、顔面潰してやるよ……」 MIKOTO: That’s fine. I’ll crush your face in as much as you want… エス　「やって……みろよ……」 ES: …Go ahead… and try… ミコト　「望み通りやってやるよ！おああああああああああ！」 MIKOTO: As you wish! RAAAAAAAAARGHH! [T/N: The -やってやるよ (-yatte yaru yo) in 望み通りやってやるよ (nozomi doori yatte yaru yo) adds a cheeky nuance of “doing the action for the sake of fulfilling ES’ wish (“go ahead and try”)”.]

ミコトが椅子を振り下ろそうとした瞬間に、横から蹴りを入れられる。 The moment MIKOTO’s about to bring the chair down, a kick meets his side. コトコ　「ふん！」 KOTOKO: Hmph!

ミコト　「がっ！？」 MIKOTO: Gah-!? 椅子ごと大きな物音を立てて倒れるミコト。頭を抱えながらよろよろと起き上がる。 MIKOTO falls along with the chair, a loud noise emanating. He staggers up to his feet, clutching his head. ミコト　「……つ。あぁあー！なんだてめぇ！」 MIKOTO: …ugh. Aaargh-! What’s with you?! エス 　「！？お前……！」 ES: !? You…! コトコ　「命拾いしたわね、看守さん」 KOTOKO: Looks like you narrowly escaped death, Warden-san. [T/N: KOTOKO talks in a feminine way, as demarcated by her usage of わ (wa). Her mature feminine way of speaking is found all throughout all the VDs she’s featured in.] エス　「コトコ……何故……」 ES: Kotoko… Why… コトコ　「話はあと」 KOTOKO: I’ll tell you later. エス　「…⁈」 ES: …?! ミコト　「……どいつもこいつも……」 MIKOTO: …Each and every one of them… ミコトが飛びかかる。構えるコトコ。 MIKOTO launches himself at her. KOTOKO readies into stance. ミコト　「俺をいらつかせんなあああ！」 MIKOTO: YOU ALL PISS ME OOOOOOOFFF! [T/N: 俺 (ore) pronoun is spelled with kanji in John Doe. Whereas in Neoplasm, ore is spelled in katakana as オレ] コトコ　「……！」 KOTOKO: …! ミコトの大ぶりの拳を、最低限の動きでよけるコトコ。 KOTOKO dodges MIKOTO’s wide swing with minimal movement. ミコト　「くっ！おらあ！ちょこまかすんなあ！」 MIKOTO: Gah-! Fuck! Stop fuckin’ around with me! [T/N: It sounds like MIKOTO’s speaking in a Yonezawa dialect/accent. ちょこまか (chokko maka) is a phrase you’d typically hear from the Yonezawa dialect. Yonezawa is a city in the Yamagata prefecture, in the Tohoku region. In Neoplasm, MIKOTO speaks in Kanto region accent/dialect and Edo dialect/roughspeak. Meanwhile, in his Trial 3 voicelines, MIKOTO speaks with a Kansai region dialect in some lines. Insofar, as of Trial 3, it's possible that he's spoken in 4 dialects/accents.] コトコ　「はっ！ふっ！……典型的な素人の動きだけど」 KOTOKO: Hah-! Ngh-! …Seems as if it’s motions that a typical, ordinary person would make. ミコト　「だらあ！！！」 MIKOTO: SHUT IT!!! コトコ　「っ……！」 KOTOKO: Ngh…!

ミコトの蹴りを受けたコトコが圧力で後ろに下がる。 想像以上の威力に怪訝な顔。 KOTOKO staggers back from the force of MIKOTO’s kick. She seems perplexed by the power of the blow, which was greater than she could’ve expected. コトコ　「……この打撃の重さ。彼の筋肉量からは想像もつかない」 KOTOKO: I couldn’t have imagined that a strike with that amount of force could’ve come from someone with a muscle mass like his. [T/N: It's implied that MIKOTO lacks muscle mass which is why KOTOKO thought a strike with that amount of force was inconceivable/unthinkable. Also, the way KOTOKO is talking sounds like she’s verbally taking notes on MIKOTO’s behaviour/aptitude/and other information.] ミコト　「しつけぇ、しつけぇ……あああ」 MIKOTO: So fucking persistent, fucking annoying…  Aaargh!! コトコ　「長期戦はそこそこ面倒か」 KOTOKO: Drawn-out battles are rather troublesome. ミコト　「うああああああああ！」 MIKOTO: RAAAAAAAARGH! コトコ　「すう……」 KOTOKO: Sigh… 飛びかかってくるミコトに、コトコのハイキック一関。 MIKOTO leaps at her, but KOTOKO delivers a high kick. コトコ　「ふんっ！」 KOTOKO: Hmph-! ミコト　「がっ…」 MIKOTO: Gah-... エス　「……は、ハイキック一撃……」 ES: …Ha- Knocking him out in just one high kick… 糸が切れたようにドサッと倒れるミコト。 パンパンと手を払うコトコ。 MIKOTO falls with a thud, his body collapsing like a string cut in half. KOTOKO claps her hands. コトコ　「ふう……感謝して。気絶で済ませといたわよ。大丈夫？看守さん」 KOTOKO: Hah… Be grateful. It only required him losing consciousness in order to resolve the situation. Are you alright, Warden-san? エス　「……げほっ……コトコ……お前」 ES: …Cough…KOTOKO…You- コトコ　「なに」 KOTOKO: What? エス　「……尋問で招集が掛かる前に勝手に忍び込むとは……」 ES: …Did you sneak in as you pleased before the interrogation was even summoned…? コトコ　「は？まさか咎める気じゃないでしょうね。私が控えてなかったら死んでたのよ」 KOTOKO: Ha? You’re not trying to reproach me, are you? If I hadn’t been waiting—taking notes—, you would be dead. エス　「……何故、尋問室にいた」 ES: …Why were you in the interrogation room? コトコ　「カヤノミコトの奇妙な行動に注目していたから。隣の部屋だから目につくのよ」 KOTOKO: Because I’d been observing Mikoto Kayano’s odd behaviors. It’s all too noticeable since I’m in the room next door. エス　「……何故、僕を助けた」 ES: …Why did you help me? コトコ　「あなたの存在は私にとっても利があるから」 KOTOKO: Because your existence is beneficial to me as well. [T/N: KOTOKO is using あなた (anata) “you” which can imply a closeness or fondness. Alternative translation of this line: “Because your existence is advantageous to me as well.” 利 (ri) can mean “advantageous”, “beneficial”, “interest"] エス　「説明になって、ない……」 ES: That explains nothing… コトコ　「……そうね、そこら辺は私の番で答える。順番抜かしをするつもりはないから」 KOTOKO: …Is that so? I’ll answer that when it’s my turn. I don’t intend to cut in line. エス　「……」 ES: … コトコ　「郷に従うよ、今のところはね」 KOTOKO: In Rome, do as the Romans do. For now, that is. [T/N: 郷に従う (gou ni shitagau) means “in a place/social group, you should behave in accordance with the customs and traditions of that place/group, even if the values differ from your own”. It’s a clipping of the proverb 郷に入っては郷に従え (gou ni itte wa gou ni shitagae).]

問答がさっぱりとしているコトコ。エスはあきらめてよろよろ立ちあがる。 Questioning KOTOKO for answers was proving to be hopeless so ES gives up and staggers unto their feet. エス　「いっ………くそ、ミコト………好き勝手痛めつけてくれやがって……」 ES: Alri-... Dammit, MIKOTO…’s able to beat me up whenever it pleases him when he has the nerve to… コトコ　「……看守さん、こっち見て」 KOTOKO: …Warden-san, look over here. エス　「なんだ、コト……つ！」 ES: What is it, KOTO-?! エスが返事をすると、コトコの拳が目の前に。 As ES is responding, KOTOKO’s fist appears right in front of their face. コトコ　「ふーん、拳が途中で止まる。囚人からの攻撃は受け付けないってのは本当ね。じゃあなんでカヤノミコトはあなたを殴れるの？」 KOTOKO: Hm… Punches get stopped halfway through. It’s true that the Warden isn’t affected by attacks from prisoners so, how is it that Mikoto Kayano can hit you? [T/N: KOTOKO is translated here using the normal spelling for "Mikoto Kayano" rather than in all caps in order to translate over her objective way of speaking including her impartial observations. Writing the character names in all caps can submerge a character into a theatric-quality through its unconventional appearance as well as create a mental barrier that makes the character seem even more spectacle-like, more distant from reader/viewer. It's a way to translate over the vibes that the katakana spelling of the prisoners give.] エス　「……心臓に悪い……やめろ……だいたい僕が知りたいくらいだ、そんなの……」 ES: …This is bad for my heart… Stop… Anyway, I’d really like to know the answer to that… 突如部屋にある時計から鐘の音が鳴り、尋問室の部屋の構造が変化していく。 Suddenly, the bells within the clock in the room begin to ring and the layout of the interrogation room changes. エス　「くっ……時間だ。出ていけコトコ」 ES: Dammit- It’s time. Get out, KOTOKO. コトコ　「心象を歌と映像にするのね、私は見ちゃいけないわけ？」 KOTOKO: You’re turning mental images into songs and videos, and yet I’m not allowed to see it? [T/N: KOTOKO pronounces 私 as "atashi" which is a feminine way of identifying and referring to oneself.] エス　「認められない、出ていけ」 ES: I can’t allow it. Get out. コトコ　「……ふーん。それにしても面白いことになったわね」 KOTOKO: …I see. Even so, things have become quite interesting, don’t you think? エス　「コトコ？」 ES: KOTOKO? コトコ　「あなたもわかっているでしょう。先程の行動からカヤノミコトは解離性同一性障害、いわゆる二重人格の可能性がある。まあ、まだ虚言・芝居の可能性も捨てられないけど」 KOTOKO: You know that too, hm? Based on Mikoto Kayano’s behaviors just a moment ago, it’s possible that he may have dissociative identity disorder, or—as you might call it—“split personality disorder”. Well, you can’t rule out the possibility that he may be fabricating it or acting, though. [T/N: KOTOKO is using あなた (anata) “you” which can imply a closeness or fondness. Also, she uses formal vocabulary, which could be due to her being an observant and articulate character, and the language used in law school. 解離性同一性障害 (kairiseidou itsusei shougai) is the clinical term for “dissociative identity disorder”. Most people aren’t aware of the clinical term as medical vocabulary is notoriously difficult in Japanese. However, more people are aware of the term 多重人格 (tajuu jinkaku) “multiple personalities” or 二重人格 (nijuu jinkaku) which literally means “two-tiered personalities” or “split personality”; both terms are derogatory but understandable by the common, average person.] エス　「……」 ES: … コトコ　「ねぇ、どう思う？私は本物を見たことはないけれど、仮に彼が本物の多重人格者ならば別人格が兆した罪は、主人格が負うべきなのかしら」 KOTOKO: Hey, what do you think? I’ve never seen the real thing before, but if he is a real multiple personality disorder patient, should the main personality bear responsibility for the crimes that another personality cultivated? [T/N: Depending on the listener, Kotoko could be saying “should the main self-state bear responsibility for the crimes that another self-state cultivated?”  人格 (jinkaku) can mean “personality”, “self-state”, “personhood”, “individuality”, “character” etc. It all depends on context and how it’s interpreted by the listener. 主人格 (shu jinkaku) “main self-state” can also mean “false front self-state".]

エス　「コトコ！」 ES: KOTOKO! コトコ　「……」 KOTOKO: … エス　「それを考えるのは僕の仕事だ、囚人の、お前の仕事ではない。それが真実か、それが罪かどうかも含めて、僕とミルグラムだけに判断する権利がある」 ES: That’s my job to think about- Not the prisoners, not yours. Only myself and MILGRAM have the right to judge whether to include it as a crime and whether it’s true or not. コトコ　「……ふふふ、はいはい」 KOTOKO: …Heh, haha. Of course, of course. [T/N: Down to the way she laughs, KOTOKO gives the vibes of a mature woman and femininity. ふふふ (fufufu) way of laughing is usually attributed to mature women.] 不気味な笑いを浮かべながら、尋問室をあとにするコトコ。 KOTOKO starts to leave the interrogation room, an ominous smile on her face. コトコ　「いいわ、任せる。じゃあ私はこれで」 KOTOKO: Okay then, I’ll leave it to you. Alright, that’s it for me then エス　「おい」 ES: Oi. コトコ　「なに？」 KOTOKO: What is it? エス　「……助けてくれて、ありがとう」 ES: …Thank you for helping me. [T/N: This may be the first time in this voice drama, or in all the Trial 1 voice dramas, in which ES actually speaks in a bit more formal and humble way rather than their rather casual, informal way (somewhat haughty) of speaking despite using formal vocabulary. 助けてくれて、ありがとう (tasukete kurete arigatou) literally means “Thanks for giving me the favor of helping me.”] コトコ　「どういたしまして」 KOTOKO: You’re welcome. コトコの背中を見送り、寝ているミコトに向き直るエス。 ES sees KOTOKO off and turns to face the sleeping MIKOTO. エス　「……ふう。わけのわからないことばかりだ……だが、仕事はしなければならないな」 ES: Hah… There’s so much I don’t understand about this… But, I have to do my job anyway. 思い切りミコトを踏みつけるエス。 飛び起きるミコト。 ES stomps MIKOTO with all their might. MIKOTO jumps to his feet. エス 　「……ふん！」 ES: …Hgh! ミコト　「いってぇ！」 MIKOTO: Ow! 状況のつかめていないミコトを、怪訝な顔で見つめるエス。 ES watches MIKOTO—who isn’t grasping nor understanding the current state of affairs—with a wary expression. エス　「...」 ES: … ミコト　「何、何すんの看守くん！？なんで僕いつのまに、あっ…なんだこれ、頭いてえ……」 MIKOTO: What- What are you doing, Warden-kun? Without even noticing, why did I end u- Argh-... wha- what’s this? My head hurts... [T/N: MIKOTO is referring to himself with the kanji version of 僕 (boku) again.] エス　「……だろうな」 ES: …So it seems. ミコト　「うー…….て、てか！看守くんも傷だらけじゃん！？どうした？何があったの？」 MIKOTO: Eugh… Wait! Warden-kun’s also covered in bruises!? How’d that happen? What happened? エス 　「……何も覚えてないんだな」 ES: …you don’t remember anything, huh. ミコト　「え、何、なんのこと………」 MIKOTO: Eh? What- What are you talking about… エス　「さんざん散らかしておいて、なんとも腹の立つ……だが、いいだろう。その態度、挑戦状と受け取ったよ」 ES: [Saying and acting like that] after making such a mess, it makes my blood boil… But, fine. I’ll take that attitude as a challenge. 口元から流れる血を拭い、ニヤリと笑う。 ES wipes the blood from their mouth and grins. エス　「お前からなのか、もしくはお前以外の誰かからなのかは、知らんがな」 ES: I have no idea whether that attitude is coming from you… or someone apart from you. [T/N: There is really good wordplay here. 以外 (igai) means “apart from” and has a nuance of outsiderness; exclusion/exception as in being outside of a boundary.  お前以外の誰か (omae igai no dareka) quite literally means “apart from you’s someone”. Since the の (no) is a possessive particle that means “of”, AのB would mean “A’s B”. In English, this clause would be more like “[a someone] [that comes from] [something that is outside of you]”. When ES says “someone apart from you”, they’re implying “an outsider that comes from within you; a someone that isn't you but comes from you"] ミコト　「だ、だから、なんのこと！？」 MIKOTO: S- Seriously, what are you talking about!? エス　「囚人番号9番、ミコト。さあ。お前の罪を歌え」 ES: Prisoner number 9, MIKOTO. Come. Sing your sins.

[writeforfandoms]

Mirror Mirror 2

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You don't get any explanations. In fact, things only get more confusing. But at least Blue Team seems willing to help.

(Yes, there is a reason Chief acts the way he does. Yes, you will find out. Later. Also, since this is Halo 5 divergent fic I am using canon dialogue.)

Warnings: Panic, canon typical violence, non-combatant in the middle of the Argent Moon mission, reader is Not having a good time.

Word count: 2.3k

“How do you know my name?” He sounded less than pleased, although he made no further move to intimidate you.

Not that he needed to. He was huge, especially from your seated position. 

“I don’t know.” You answered honestly, looking up at him. You still didn’t feel threatened, not really. Not the way you had with the aliens. It didn’t make any sense, but you knew he wouldn’t hurt you. 

“Chief,” someone else called. A woman, by the sound of her voice. “Reactor control is over here.” 

John, Chief, whoever he was, took a single step away from you. “Linda,” he said, calm as anything. Another armored person stepped up, standing over you, watching you. But you watched John walk away, over to what must have been a control panel of some kind. He typed something in, sure and steady. 

“Reactor failsafes disarmed,” came a mechanical voice from overhead, like a PA. “Failure imminent.” 

Well. That sounded bad. You pushed up slowly to your feet, wincing as your everything protested the movement. 

“What are we doing with the civilian?” The one guarding you asked. Linda, you thought you remembered. 

“Bring her with.” John turned away from you, looking for something else. You had no idea what, but you didn’t much care. Getting away from here sounded like a great idea. “Move for the hangar bay–”

“Containment protocol initiated,” the PA announced pleasantly. 

“Containment?” John sounded displeased.

“The station’s going to try to cool the reactor,” one of the other two said. You didn’t know his name yet. 

“I guess the UNSC has better reactor safety protocol than the Covenant,” the last one offered, her accent surprising you somehow. Of course, very few of her words made sense to you. What the hell was the UNSC? Or the Covenant, for that matter? 

Not the time to ask, clearly. 

“We can stop that. Board the reactor.” John turned towards the door again with the air of a man used to being obeyed.

“Board the reactor?” The English one sounded faintly incredulous. 

“If it’s being moved, we should go with it.” John walked out the door, leading by example. You glanced back at Linda, who was clearly your temporary minder, and followed him. It wasn’t easy keeping up with the group - they all took longer strides than you did, and moved like they had places to be. Which they did.

But that didn’t make your everything hurt less. 

Linda wordlessly put a hand on your shoulder once the group of you all stood on top of what you presumed was the reactor. The group kept you in the middle, whether by order or by habit you had no idea. You didn’t much care, either. Especially when the reactor lowered smoothly into the floor. Linda’s hand helped steady you, and you weren’t ashamed to admit it. 

“The safety systems are set to pump coolant to the reactor,” the other man said as the reactor moved.

“This whole plan fails if that coolant gets a chance to work,” Linda pointed out from behind you, cool and steady. Idly, you wondered if anything ever bothered this group. 

“Shame to lose the Argent Moon, but I’d love to see the look on the Covenant’s faces when she goes supernova.” 

That… was a lot to unpack. Argent Moon must be the name of the ship, or station, or whatever. Supernova sounded bad. Anxious now, you looked at John, who was still facing away from you, and then back at Linda. She didn’t react. 

“How do we stop it?” John asked, even as the reactor lowered into a bigger chamber, blue light illuminating the structures around you.

“There are sheds located on either side of the cooling chamber. Those are our targets.” 

John looked back at Linda and nodded once to her. Her hand tightened briefly on your shoulder, but you missed any other reply she may have made. 

“Reach the control sheds. Get the cooling system offline.” John dropped off the edge of the reactor, his boots hitting the ground with a thump. 

“Stay close to me,” Linda told you, no room for argument in her voice. Not that you would have argued anyway - you could faintly see figures moving around further in the room. More aliens, probably. 

You could really do without getting tossed about again. 

Linda dropped down, then turned and helped you down. The other three had moved on ahead, the short bursts of gunfire and shouting starting up again as they cleared the room. You stuck close to Linda’s back, doing your best to keep up with her as she picked off stragglers and enemies the others had missed. John punched through a set of shutters to get to some controls, and you blinked.

Well. That wasn’t exactly normal, but then again, none of this was. 

“Override activated,” he said, even as the other three grouped up around you. 

“Perfect. Coolant inner working systems are exposed.” The other man sounded faintly pleased by this, even as he herded you to put your back to the building John left. 

“Eliminate the targets, Blue Team,” John ordered. He paused by you for just long enough to say, “Stay here.”

You nodded, although you doubted he saw, with the way he strode off again. You could stay right here. No problem. 

Blue Team took weird purple little flyer things, which helped them destroy all the targets. You watched, but quickly became confused, since more of the purple flyers came in and started shooting. Things devolved quickly from there, with aerial battles taking place alongside destruction. None of them got even close to you, which was good, because you had no idea what to do.

Not like you could jump away, which you confirmed with a quick look down into open space. 

You nearly shrieked when one of them touched down mere yards away from you, but John jumped out of it, striding over to you.

“Frederick, find the nearest hangar bay. We’re taking a Prowler,” he ordered, not even pausing as he scooped you up in one arm. You yipped, taken completely by surprise at how easily he hefted you around, even if you did feel rather like a sack of flour. Your fingers scrambled for and found holds on his armor, clinging tight as he ran. 

“What the hell,” you breathed, sucking in a sharp breath when he jumped over something, jostling your shoulder. 

“Almost there,” he said, apparently to you, though he didn’t look at you. 

The hallway turned and opened on one side, windows showing a docking bay maybe. A larger ship inside looked intact still.

“There’s the Prowler,” John confirmed. “And more Covenant. Clear them out and prep for launch.” He shifted your weight, one hand holding his weapon still. 

“And do it quick,” Frederick added from behind John. “I’d rather not be here when the station melts around us.” 

He and the last one passed John, moving through the door and immediately firing on the aliens inside. John followed, barely even slowing as he shot at targets, angling his body just a little to keep you away from the aliens. 

You swallowed hard and kept very quiet, clinging to him like your life depended on it. Which it pretty much did. 

“Marked the launch controls,” Linda added, just before a loud shot came from behind you. You turned your head to see her bringing up the rear, once again picking off targets the others had missed. 

John jumped down from the platform he was on, landing solidly on the level below. “Controls are here,” he said, putting down his gun briefly to punch in commands. 

Which was all well and good, until the PA system informed you that the fuel cells were empty. 

“Hold off the Covenant until the Prowler is ready for launch,” Frederick said. None of them sounded stressed in the slightest, despite the fact that the station was apparently going to blow up shortly. 

John jumped back up onto a platform above, moving to the front of the ship. “Stay here,” he told you, setting you down. “And stay low.” He took off as soon as you unhooked your hands from his armor, once again not giving you a chance to respond. 

You were beginning to see a pattern here. 

You ducked down behind a couple supply crates, crouching in place as you listened to the chaos around you. Lots of shots. Lots of yelling. The occasional crash of metal on metal. The PA giving occasional updates on the status of the fuel cells, which was not going fast enough for your liking. 

One of the big aliens landed on the catwalk attached to your platform, facing you. An unlucky coincidence, probably. A sort of glowy purple two-pronged sword-thing extended from its hand, and it started towards you. 

A sort of purple-ish energy field around it came to life, and it looked away from you. This time, you heard the shot before the energy field rippled. A sort of shield, maybe? Blocking shots? But with the third, the shield failed. 

With the fourth, purple blood sprayed from the new hole in its head. Your gasp of shock was lost in the rest of the chaos.

But when you peeked up over the crates, wary of drawing more attention, you spotted Linda on the far side of the room, rifle up to her helmet. You waved a little, scared to do more, and dropped back down to your butt on the cold metal. 

You’d be lucky if your heart didn’t just give up before all was said and done. 

The team all congregated on your platform, still wary, but the fighting seemed done for now. You got to your feet carefully, even as Linda said, “Clear.”

“Time, Linda?” John asked, pushing a dead little alien off the control panel.

“Eighty-nine seconds.”

John typed in commands on the panel while you watched, heart pounding in your chest. Less than a minute and a half didn’t seem like long enough to get away. 

A ramp started to lower into the ship, even as John spoke, apparently to someone else. “Sierra-one-one-seven to Infinity. Argent Moon scuttled. I’ve reassigned Blue Team. Destination Meridian. Potential contact from Cortana–”

You didn’t hear the other side of the conversation, but you wouldn’t have anyway. That same faint blue light filtered your vision at the mention of Cortana, and your knees nearly buckled. Linda caught you with one hand under your arm, keeping you upright. 

“Negative, Infinity,” John said as you tried to blink the blue from your vision. 

“Whoever they are, let’s get to Meridian before they do,” the English one said as she strode up the ramp.

“Kelly. No.” John turned his attention to her. 

“No need to do this by yourself, Chief,” Linda said as she escorted you up the ramp and into the ship. 

“They won’t court martial all of us, right?” Frederick asked, sounding like he was joking, even as he hustled after you. The ship shook a little as the station started to fall apart, little tings of metal echoing off the ship as pieces fell. 

John was the last one up, hitting the control panel inside the ship to close the ramp again. You settled into a seat, Linda taking up a post on one side of you though she remained standing. Your hands shook as you clung to the seat, vision still blurring occasionally with blue. 

You felt the sudden acceleration of the ship though, swaying with the movement. 

But apparently the lot of you had made it. Well. Okay. Blue Team had made it and half-dragged you along. Which you appreciated - you liked not being dead. 

Although, you weren’t sure if it really mattered. Not like you’d be able to get home in time to water your plants. 

You clamped your lips together to keep in the hysterical giggle. Now that you were safe, or safer, you could feel every bump and bruise and ache. You could feel your forced calm slipping. 

Was this really any better than what you’d just left behind? 

“What do we do with our passenger?” Linda spoke calmly, dispassionately. At least no one was aiming a weapon at you this time. 

John turned towards you again, visor bright in the hold of the ship. “How do you know my name?” he asked again, taking a single step towards you. But he did reach behind himself to put his gun away, which helped. 

“I don’t know,” you answered truthfully. “I really don’t. I don’t even know where here is.”

John was quiet for a moment, unmoving, staring at you. “We bring her along, for the moment,” he decided, finally turning away from you. “Linda, see if there’s a medpack on board.”

You slumped a little back into your seat, all the energy draining out of you at once. Looked like you got to live a while longer. Joy. 

Linda set an open medpack on the seat next to you, picking up something that looked a lot like a kind of auto-injector. 

“What’s that?” you asked, half wary, half curious. 

“Stim shot. It’ll help.” She didn’t wait for permission, pressing it to your upper arm. You huffed at the little sting, making a face. Less because it hurt and more because you could. 

But the cool wave of pain relief that flowed through you was more than welcome. You slouched in your seat as it worked, eyes drooping. The sudden lack of pain, paired with the temporary safety, did what you’d been fighting since you’d fallen into this alien place.

You fell asleep.

[yuurei20]

Hello! I was wondering if you have a post for the difference of the JP and EN versions of the Fairy Gala IF event? I wasn't able to find it in the master list, thank you!

Hello hello! Thank you for this question! 🧚

I am so sure there was one before but I cannot find it either, oh no 💦 While the Fairy Gala IF event had no significant changes, something fascinating happened in Silver's Fairy Gala IF vignette!

During the event itself we have a line by Ortho that confirms the craft faeries are female: he refers to them as 彼女たち (kanojo-tachi), which is a plural form of she/her.

Ortho could have said something else (just "the fairies", for example) if the game did not want to specify gender, but they intentionally chose the plural form of "she/her," instead.

But then, in Silver's vignette, he repeatedly refers to the same faerie (or an identical sprite) as "he/him," and "he/him" was an addition to the English-language adaptation.

In Silver's original dialogue he never actually specifies any pronoun at all, gendered or otherwise!

The images above include very literal translations which are a bit awkward in English ("Something is being made" etc.) as that is something the Japanese language does that English does not.

The EN adaptation is adding pronouns to dialogue all the time because the English language needs them in order to make sense, and while usually they get it right, sometimes they do not.

More here:

So where did "he/him" come from? Possibly from two factors:

It is possible that the localizations team(s) do not have access to the game's visuals as they work. (This is not uncommon in the translation industry. For things like subtitle translation we will often just receive an excel file or .txt file with time codes from the client, and otherwise no context. If it's a continuation of an ongoing project then we can usually fill in the blanks based on previous experience, but if it's something new then there will often be a lot of late-stage corrections.)

We have received hints before that this might be the case, such as ・The EN game describing the Diasomnia armband as yellow ・The EN game rewriting Kalim's "badge" as "armband" ・The EN game adding to Jade and Floyd's dialogue to make it sound as though they are at Octavinelle when they are actually in the school's courtyard

2. The craftfairy's personal pronoun of choice is 俺 (ore), which can be associated with men, but it is not exclusive to men and actually varies by person, situation and region.

More here:

Technically the faerie could have been of any gender if we were only going off of the dialogue from Silver's vignette where nothing is ever specified, which would make EN's interpretation neither right nor wrong.

But as the game has Ortho specify "female" through his choice of word for "they," I think this was maybe an example of pronoun confusion for EN :>

And that was all for Fairy Gala IF! Thank you again for this question!

[blueberryarchive]

RECORDING (+18)

Were you move in to Montenegro Hills. A peaceful neighborhood with caring neighbors and walking dogs at 6pm.

The night of the welcome party, you meet Park Jimin: the president of the neighborhood committee. After a few shots and a little bit of flirting, he makes a proposal you thought you'll never hear from anyone in your life.

▶pairing; stalker!jimin x fem!reader

▶word count; 13.4k

▶genre: 80's au, enemies and lovers, thriller

▶tw; grammar mistakes (english is not my first language), horny!jimin all the way, your boy Hoseok it's a freak too, gore scenes (blood, wounds, death, descriptions of pain and bodily fluids), toxic relationship, smut (dub-con/non-con, penetration, knife play, degrading names, manhandling, spanking, fingering, choking, mating position) everyone in here is a piece of shit ngl, misogyny, mentions of drugs and alcohol.

▶playlist; 📼

Record, the verb, comes from the word cor or cord in Latin, which means heart or remember, which in itself is beautiful. To repeat over and over again, to keep track of it, to save it in the memory. Save is one of his favorite words to describe what he does. Salvus as in to keep safe, in both senses. 

There's nothing more precious to him than his collection of VHS tapes in the little room in the hall. All were put in alphabetical order and cleaned every Friday when he was free from work.

To watch every movie again and again, to remember the little details to heart, the dialogues, the gestures; he loved it. He loved taking care of it.

Now, it was Friday and, you see, as he was in the row from D to H, he heard one of the most precious pieces close the door abruptly of her Ford Cortina, just right outside of his house. He walked slowly through the hall of the rather dark place, the curtains were closed most of the time. His neighbors took it for privacy. 

Jimin was a very quiet and sheltered man, but he was very polite and helpful. Always there in Montenegro's activity programs, charity funds, birthdays, and Christmas parties. He helped with the food, made the kids laugh, and the wives adored him. Jimin was the best neighbor, and he worked hard for it. 

As he moved closer, his finger brushed the hem of the curtain in the living room, letting the sunlight paint a streak across his face. His eye settled on your feet, more like the heels. Who moved in with heels on?

You were wearing slingback pumps and a little pencil skirt, coming straight from work. Tired and all sweaty in the middle of the summer, when people remember why they don't like the heat in the first place. Jimin enjoyed it. It made people come out of their houses and forage for a little bit of shadow and conversation.

The white blouse you wore, had a little white bow that made you look like a dainty Victorian doll. The translucent blobs forming under your armpits were beginning to drip sweat down the sides of your ribs. You took a small carry-on suitcase from the co-pilot and closed the door putting on your dark, cat-shaped sunglasses. Chanel, so you also had money. The prices in Montenegro are not cheap by any means, but the people here are all so subtle in the ways they show it, with guilt and tight lips. But you weren't afraid to show that you could afford things, that maybe you loved the sound of pearls on your wrists and the sweet smell of Angel by Mugler on your clothes.

If he wasn't in his pajamas, Jimin would have opened his door to introduce himself just to let his nose feel the pleasure of your aroma in that heat.

Jimin knew that you were going fast and that you didn't want anyone to know about your arrival until you were in better condition. He looked at his wristwatch, it was barely five in the afternoon, and he didn't know if there was time. 

One way or the other.

He grabbed the corded phone near his couch and plopped down crossing his legs. With one hand he dialed a number so quickly that his fingers seemed to move automatically.

With the other, he searched for a roll in his work suitcase. It took less than the ringing of the call to put the film into the camera, a '72 Olympus, a beauty that belonged to his mother.

"Mm." answered a scratchy voice, Hoseok wasn't in the mood and that wasn't a good start.

"Hoseok, I need you to convince Nancy to have a party tonight, well, maybe not tonight but-." he put the phone between his shoulder and his ear, walking to the window. You were still inside, but the Cortina door was still open.

"What do you want me to do? She won't do anything until she's six months in." Hoseok exhaled. "Why a party? Who is it this time?"

Jimin wrinkled his nose, focusing the camera just as you went out to close the door. A single suitcase of clothes, your Chanel glasses, and your blurred lipstick. You were a work of art, he had to convince Hoseok to create an excuse.

"Park," Hoseok mumbled as the bustle of his office sounded on the other end of the line.

"Let's meet the new neighbor."

"Neighbor? I haven't heard Nancy speak of a neighbor at any time."

Click, just as you close the door. Click, the strokes of your hands and your quick steps.

"I'm seeing her now."

"Now? Is she already with you?" Hoseok sounded hurt, offended. His annoyance changed to a muffled, nasal voice.

"No, I wouldn't meet anyone without you, Jung." Jimin chuckled, his cheekbones popping with the jeer in his voice. "She's in front, where the Jimenez used to live."

"Yeah, okay—You better not." Hoseok interrupted.

Jimin closed the curtain and looked at the door at the end of the hall, three locks keeping it secure.

"So will you talk to Nancy?"

"Let's see, the hormones have her in a frenzy and she still forbids me to even drink, smoke or fuck her. I'm going insane." Nancy was Hoseok's wife, she was a sweet and calm girl, she always smiled and her voice reminded Jimin a lot of Shelley Duvall. A sheep with deep black eyes, like two dark lakes. She was Hoseok's jewel. Park didn't believe how sweet Hoseok could be with her, knowing how he could be outside his bubble, he pampered her fervently and always saw her like searching for scrapes and bruises.

Jung Hoseok was the perfect husband. Handsome and caring, made everyone light up with his contagious laughs.

They were one of the most beloved couples in Montenegro. Nancy was in charge, not officially but popularly, as the person who organized the parties. They were always the best. The best-grilled meats, iced tea, and the best conversations after a mojito or two. It was in these places that Jimin caught the big fish. But since Nancy's pregnancy, things have been quiet in the Jung household.

Nancy had become paranoid, barely leaving the house, walking around the patio of her house barefoot and in nightgowns. The women of her family tended to lose pregnancies easily, and every time she had a pregnant friend, or anyone for that matter, she treated them like porcelain, hundreds of tips on how to take care came out of her heart-shaped lips.

Now that it's her turn to be the pregnant one, she doesn't wear tight clothes and doesn't go upstairs. She eats hot things if Hoseok cooks because she's afraid of the stove. She thinks that her body, due to an uncontrolled impulse, will throw itself into the flames.

Convincing her wouldn't be easy, but Jimin hadn't seen her neighbors in a while, and seeing you caused his chest to shrink with curiosity. You were attractive, even when you thought you weren't.

Hours passed without any sign of life, dead hours in which Jimin decided to work on developing the photos he had taken of you. The pungent smell of vinegar and chemicals in the small room bathed in red light. His hands covered in black latex immersed the piece of paper in the water until the image appeared like a cloud of grays: your face, your hands, your hair sweating. Such a recent memory and he had already missed it.

He held the photo closer to the hanging light bulb, it was perfect. Even though it had come out a little blurry, he told himself that it made him want to have it more, the two minutes it had taken you to get there, close the windows, take out your suitcase, and look around you were fleeting. So having a small detail, like a photograph of a bird that was believed to be extinct or that of a very distant planet. He began to be fond of your nebulous figure.

His first frame of you.

Two clamps held the material on the cord so it could finish drying. The ringing of the phone brought Jimin out of his hedonism, he didn't wait for it to ring twice. Now, the words Hoseok said as he picked up the phone made the man smile.

"Saturday, 6 p.m. At my house." God bless Hoseok's convincing tactics. He must have made up an article in the newspapers about how Boston University theorized that a lack of communication with the outside world could cause hormonal problems and even affect the psyche of the fetus.

Wait…Saturday?

"You say tomorrow? It's too early, I don't have anything prepared yet."

Hoseok laughed. "No, moron, next week."

Jimin took off his gloves, disappointed with how little effort his partner had put into his work.

"That's a whole week away."

"You should suck my dick for getting something in the next four months."

"If you weren't as useless and ate her out, you would have had it by this Sunday, at least."

Hoseok bit the inside of his cheek, twirling a pen in his fingers. His eyes were arranged in a corner of his office, and with a sigh, his legs spread out. "Describe her to me."

Jimin smiled searching for a cigarette in the kitchen, the phone in his hand, the cord jumping a little by his steps. He switched the phone to his other ear as he turned on the tip. "She's not a Maeve, she's not your typical Montenegro mom, maybe more like a workaholic like Charlie."

"Any children?" Hoseok interrupted excitedly.

"No, I don't think so. She has a very… disorganized style for being a mom."

"Divorcee?"

"I don't think this woman spent more than six months with the same man." Both men laughed, Jimin brought the cigarette to his mouth but stopped mid-action when he saw a shadow pass through the living room window. "Wait." Jimin put down the phone and walked into the hallway. The VHS were arranged, shiny and neat, on the right shelf.

They hadn't knocked on the door.

Knock, knock.

Jimin raised his shoulders tensely. It was you? Could it be true that Jimin was lucky enough to not have to poison you with chemicals until he dragged you into his bed? That he didn't need Hoseok's charms to convince you that what they were doing was sick, but he just needed a little alcohol, a little bit of will from you, too.

He walked quickly to the door and opened the handle with so much pressure that it made noise. The young girl on the other side of the door flinched, opening her eyes like a frightened bird before smiling at the man who was sweating at the front door. 

This is Cosette, for the second time this week.

If Jimin didn't know how to control himself, Cosette would have been planted in the garden serving as fertilizer a long time ago. He fervently hated teenagers, of all types: athletic ones, Star Wars fans, those who went to his movie theater to make out with their boyfriends for the three hours of the Gone With the Wind special, those who drove in their parents' Chevelle speeding through the streets; all of them. Especially those from Montenegro.

Cosette wasn't part of any of the groups mentioned, but don't let her think that Jimin hated her any less. Cosette, who had a strange taste in everything, including her social circle, was at her door. Her hair was always in a high bun, her bangs covered her forehead, a jean jacket that hid her body, and bright pink lips that made Park's eyes water.

She always carried something new with her, something for Jimin to notice and talk about. This time, she had a kerchief tied around her head colored in a nauseating green. She smiled even more when she saw that Jimin was only wearing an unbuttoned t-shirt.

He looked in the direction of your house, the curtains still closed. Shit.

"Cosette," he greeted her, pressing his lips into a smile. He refused to look at her bow so she wouldn't mention it either.

"Mr. Park, today is Friday. I wanted to bring you the films you lent me so you can clean them up and keep them organized." Her voice was tremulous as she blatantly looked at Jimin's arms and chest.

"Thank you," his eyes narrowed as he held up the stack of rectangular drawers his neighbor handed him. "I'll definitely have something by Cronenberg or Kubrick for you next week."

Cosette blushed aggressively. "Dad says Kubrick is just an excuse to watch women being-"

Her words stuck in her throat as Jimin's dark pupils sat on her features, lips slightly parted.

"It's sex, Cosette." Jimin exhaled, leaving the VHS on a table. "Nothing is going to happen to you if you see it, much less if you say it." His hand went to the girl's shoulder, her fingers curling around themselves anxiously.

"Yes, obviously. I know that. " The girl looked down, letting silence cover time. "Do you think I can help you with cleaning your collection this week?"

Jimin smiled sweetly and denied. This was Cosette's way of wanting to interfere in his life or maybe she thought something would happen if she stood in the middle of his living room and closed the door. What a poor fool, she really made him feel sorry for her. That's why he tried to find a healthier and legal connection.

Jimin lent him five movies to watch from Monday to Friday. They all had a theme: Italian horror, neosurrealism, buddy films, western, romance…

She watched them all religiously. Sometimes she even took advantage and went to the cinema to watch it even when she had the same movie at her house. Just to see Jimin.

"Sorry, darling. I already finished doing that this morning."

"Oh, I understand." Cosette nodded stupidly quickly, taking a step back. "It's okay, Mr. Park."

"See you on Monday."

Colette did not respond, raising a hand as she turned her face away to get away as quickly as possible from the shame that consumed her. A small mocking laugh appeared on Jimin's lips and he took out his hidden arm from behind the door, revealing the disintegrating cigarette.

His heart dropped to his stomach when his eyes flicked to your porch and there you were, in the same position as him. Cigarette hanging from your lips, your damp hair combed back and eyeliner singed into your dark circles.

Not at all a mother from Montenegro, not a daughter, not even the whores that the divorced men brought in looked as broken and disoriented as you. Jimin’s heart pounded when your eyes never left his as you took a drag. Smoke billowing out of your nose. You didn't smile or extend your hand to say hello like a good neighbor, instead, you looked at Jimin suspiciously, closing the door seconds later.

Jimin raised his eyebrow. What had he done? Worried, he closed the door quickly, head resting on the wood. He cursed Cosette under his breath as he walked to the phone in the kitchen.

"Hoseok?"

"Don't tell me. Marcus' little girl."

"I get a headache every time I hear her babbling."

"Don't be so cruel, she admires you a lot."

Jimin closed his eyes, your gaze had hurt his fragile ego, and he had to know why you were so hostile between two and a half puffs of your cigarette.

That week was about to be lethargy, hell, Dante's tenth circle.

Day 1

Movie in theaters: Ghostbusters The curtains are still closed, I can see your silhouette at night, and the lights you use are dim. Halogen, you like calm environments, corners covered in soft shadows. You play music from the moment you get home from work, 5:15 without fail; you usually leave it on when you leave again.  Every day, you come back with a paper bag, I assume with groceries. 5.45. You are wearing a leotard in one of those colors that Cosette likes so much. Perky titties bouncing while you take down the porch stairs;; couldn't help but take some pictures. You exercise until 6:40, then, ironically, smoke a cigarette or two in the yard. Smiling at people while pearls of sweat dribble down to your cleavage. Zuri is the first one of the committee to see you and waves her hand with curiosity. You two talk for a little. I'm here wishing I could read lips, but even with a thorough education, yours will need a whole degree only for me to concentrate on not kissing them. I go to sleep at 11:30, one glass of whiskey and half a joint I stole from Marcus months ago. I dream of eating you out through a small cut in your leotard, sweat dripping down your body to mine. You whimper, but I can't hear you.

Day 2

Movie in theaters: Friday The 13th: Part IV At 6:25 in the morning, I wake up to the sound of your heels going down the stairs to get to your car. I can't get up fast enough to see what you're wearing for me today. You accelerate quickly, you don't care if you wake up the neighbors. You don't come back all day. After work, I watch one of my films on TV until I fall asleep, Birdie's laughter drowns out my curiosity as I doze. 5:15, you're not home from work. Maybe you went out of state, considering how you dress, you seem like a busy woman. I thought about the clicking heels and imagined your foot stepping on my erection. I go outside to calm my thoughts. One thing led to another, and without knowing it I find myself in your backyard. You're not stupid, all the doors and windows are closed; curtains included. But you don't know who I am still, what I need about you.

Day 3

Movie in theaters: The Evil That Men Do 4:55. I'm at the Millers' house, they've invited me to check out their new screen and sound system. Watching a movie with them, but due to August Miller's silent decision, we ended up at the outside bar, drunk on mojitos and pina coladas that Lou Miller learned to make with a cassette he bought at the supermarket. The cocktails are very sugary, but they help clear my head. I find myself sitting steps away from Mr. Miller. I tell him I'm writing notes for a new review in the newspaper, but all I can think about is your absence all day. There is no news from you, and I am afraid that you have decided to leave the house. I don't understand, the house is adorable. Too big for one person, but the Jiménez filled it with pets and children in less than two years. It has off-white floors and large windows to let in the light. A huge patio and pool so you can indulge in leisure activities such as gardening and nudism. 00:13, you appear with your car lights off and your arms down. You carry the same paper bag in your hands, and I accidentally smile when I have your presence. I knew having a garden in your yard would convince you to come back.

Day 4

Movie in theaters: Footloose Something that my drunken brain from yesterday had forgotten to write down, that was overlooked, or that the mojitos simply erased from my memory. I managed to open a window in your backyard. Around 6, Lou Miller, in her forties, was no longer the same when drinking and it seemed she had forgotten because getting out of the pool she vomited every cocktail and every appetizer she had made for her husband and for me. Mr. Miller, due to his age and lack of exercise, had to leave the task of helping his wife up to the room to me. There, lying on the bed like some kind of rag doll passed out and with her vomit leaving a trace in her mouth, I thought of you. Maybe because this wasn't the first time a drunk and unconscious woman was in front of me or because she simply couldn't think of anything else. I went downstairs and said goodbye as decently as I could in my tipsy state. How strange it was to be drunk in the middle of a sunset. The days seem long and with you absent, God knows I need to at least get something that reminds me of you. You made things so difficult for me but I appreciated the detail, seriously. It's been a while since I enjoyed taking out my tools to open doors. People in Montenegro take security so lightly that I don't know how there hasn't been a massive burglary in every house. My arms wobbled and my cheeks burned. Half an hour later, I could hear the click that took me to your kitchen. I didn't do anything else, things had to go little by little between us, and I was willing to take it slowly for you. You're worth it.

Day 5

The night passed me like a breeze, it hit me like a stone on my temples. The nauseating taste of alcohol and sugar on my palate. Surely my face was swollen and that wouldn't help my next plan. The mirror showed me dark circles and short red marks on my ribs and chest. Going over your fences left me like shit. I put on some sunglasses and walked to my garden, I had been negligent with my roses and grass since your arrival. I had to make a good impression, and that was the first thing you saw of me. And this is where my conversion to religion begins. The first thing I hear is those low heels, the red ones you wore the first day, then Poison by Dior collided on my sensitive, hungover nose. That aroma was so familiar, maybe Zuri or maybe on Marcus's ex's boudoir. The conversation was like out of nowhere passing through the thin fresh humidity of a cloud, I remember nothing but the white and the voice of a seraphic being speaking to me.

"Don't you think it's pretty cloudy?" It was the first thing you let out of your angelic lips. Jimin closed his eyes and let a small shy smile appear as he turned around.

You had your hair back, revealing your entire face while you squeezed your eyes shut looking at the sky. A steaming mug in hand, a floral dress that almost reached your knees.

"Good mor-"

"For sunglasses, I mean." You interrupted, bringing the cup to your mouth. Chocolate, he smelled. You weren't one to drink coffee in the morning, noted.

"I try not to let my neighbors understand how hungover I am this morning."

You weren't one of the shy ones, he knew it from the moment you looked at him talking to Cosette and he loved that. You weren't wearing a ring either, noted.

You laughed at your neighbor's confession, Park's chest widened as he inhaled the sweet melody of your laughter. What if he confessed more things to you and you ended up fucking your hungover neighbor in the garage?

"Park," he raised his hand, and you raised yours squeezing lazily while still looking at him. "Jimin Park, I'm the president of the neighborhood committee, I also write reviews for The Hours."

"Good representation of what awaits me on Saturday."

Jimin raised his eyebrow at him. He was supposed to be the one inviting you, he would come to your door with good wine and his expensive perfume on to ask you to crash a party a couple of doors down, something "impromptu."

"Ah yes, that." Park licked his lips turning off the sprinkler.

“Aren’t you going?” Was that disappointment in your voice? Oh, honey...

"It wouldn't be a party without me"

"I see that." You pointed to his glasses again. The third joke about his hangover, you were nervous.

You just looked for an excuse to see him closer, and he had to respect your courage, it would have taken him a few more weeks, and after that, he ended things quickly after convincing his... how to put it? Muse? To leave it as it is.

"Well, I have to go, Park, but it was a pleasure. See you Saturday night."

"At the Jung's house, at 8."

You smirked, your eyes taking one more scan of the boy's body before turning around and walking to your car. Your hips moved soft and firm with each step, you worked for it and he appreciated it.

Continuation of Jimin's diary. Day 5: Page crumpled and torn from the small notebook. Attached with adhesive tape.

Yes, yes, yes. I know I should have waited at least half an hour for you to leave the area to go to the back door, but seeing you up close, smelling you, and hearing your voice. They were simply the last stop on my patience. I was walking through the small forest behind your house, the path was muddy under my boots and the sky threatened to break into thick drops. I prayed that it was true so that it would cover up the evidence of yesterday and today. I opened the door again with ease and entered your kitchen, closing the door softly. You still had things in boxes and my hands were tingling to open them, but I'm smarter than that. I didn't waste time and went up to your room. I came for something, then when you invite me to dinner or watch a movie I can have the pleasure of admiring your home. I looked in the drawers, under the bed, and in the closet. Here is the list of things I took that I know you would only assume were lost in the move: a red lipstick from the Besame brand, some used black panties with a small bow in the center, a white photo of you and black, a key that I found under a chest full of rings. I have no reason to take a key without knowing what it is for, but the ribbon covered in river pearls from which it hung was so delicate that I smiled thinking of you decorating something so simple. Now, I write these pages because I have arrived safely at my desk, with all things in hand. But I must say that you gave me a tremendous scare when you arrived at the house without the vehicle. I heard banging downstairs, and the hissing of keys. Luckily I was able to escape out the window that looked right into the pine trees behind the neighborhood. I spent another hour walking around the steep path, admiring how the thick, century-old trunks swallowed me up. As I predicted, the sky turned black. The last rains of September cleaned everything I left behind. I put my hands inside my pocket and took out the panties that I had wrapped delicately. I opened them like a letter as the rain soaked my body and the fabric in my hands further. I brought its center to my face and inhaled deeply, letting my back fall onto a log. Pungent and strong was your taste, I gripped the material in my teeth as I desperately undid my pants. It's the first time I've tasted you and I couldn't contain myself for long, the rain drowning out my moans as whitish streams fell on the wet earth.

There is no collection from day 6, a simple crumpled sheet, previously wet with an unidentified liquid (among the possibilities tears, stolen perfume, human remains), marked with a lipstick that Jimin wrote with hearts in the 'i's.

If there was something that surprised Jimin every time, it was the way Nancy could prepare a party in such a short time. Her backyard became a show under incandescent light bulbs and freshly cut grass.

Jimin stepped on the silage with guilt because of how perfect it was. He looked at his white suede shoes, removing a leaf that settled on them. He wanted to be impeccable. He had cut his hair past his ears and was wearing jeans and a T-shirt tight on his arms and chest with the words: 'LOVE 1984' by Yves Saint Laurent. His biceps were something to talk about and Nancy didn't let it go unnoticed.

"Is there anyone special coming today, Park?" Her honeyed and soft voice approached Jimin, offering him the first cocktail of the night. Unlike Mrs. Miller's, Nancy's coconut mojitos were the best.

"I don't know, that's the wonderful thing about your parties. The last one the Bee Gees didn't come through that door because Jung wouldn't let you pay for it." They both laughed.

"Well, I wouldn't say the Bee Gees." She thought about it, maybe he would bring them next summer. "Cher, I love Cher. I know a friend from college who has her number."

"For God's sake, Nan."

Jimin smiled again, looking at Nancy's profile: her face was as delicate as her voice. Her hooked nose curved gently and her lips pursed, seeing what else he could arrange before the others arrived. Her hand unconsciously caresses her visibly bulging stomach.

"Do you know what it is?"

Nancy's eyes sparkled at the mention of her fetus. She denied it.

"Zuri is planning to hold a small celebration for me to tell me my gender in a few days."

"Ah, another party. This is where Sonny and Cher show up to say she's a girl."

Hoseok came out wearing an apron that blatantly said 'Kiss the Cook' and a pile of bloody, seasoned meats on a plate. The grill in front of him waved a nice heat as the first piece sizzled.

"You know I can't live without a good celebration." Nancy stepped back, gravitating away from the heat of the fire. "I'm going to see if I can help Lucy with the canapes."

Nancy turned around smiling an apology at Jimin who reciprocated. Without wasting time, he pulled a Marlboro out of his jeans and approached Hoseok, enjoying the warmth that covered his torso. Hoseok held a piece of bright red charcoal and brought it close to his partner's cigarette until he lit it.

"She did it again, the patio is beautiful."

"You know my Nana just needed a good excuse." Hoseok smiled, holding up the cigarette to take a drag. "Ever since I mentioned there was a new single woman in the neighborhood, they went crazy."

"Have you seen her yet?" He was somewhat suspicious that Hoseok had beaten him to invite her to his barbecue. Make no mistake, the party was the Jungs', but the purpose of the party was so that Jimin could meet you. The plan didn't work unless Jimin said it was going to happen, Hoseok was part of them but only as a proxy.

Luckily for Jimin, Hoseok shook his head in disappointment, looking at the grill.

"I heard she looked like a slut waiting to get paid for a blowjob on the sidewalk in a yellow leotard."

"Pink." Jimin interrupted, irritated by the words, sipping the mojito until he finished it. "Who told you that? Zuri?"

The day Jimin saw them talking, Zuri was wearing a friendly smile and you two had a small conversation.

"No, of course not. Zuri just said that she came home from the gym and the others-"

"Maeve," Jimin mumbled, setting the glass aside.

Hoseok smiled. "You know this happens to everyone who arrives, it happened to me and Nancy, to Marcus, to the Espositos for being Catholic in a place like Montenegro."

Christopher Esposito was a father at St. Eliam's Chapel, a small white building where few in the neighborhood went. It was California and people only believed in themselves. But, of course, Nancy had to invite them. Well, religion is not religion at the end of the day, but status.

Coming back to you.

"She is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. But not beautiful in the aesthetic sense, there is something about her eyes."

Like you know something Jimin doesn't.

Hoseok raised his eyebrows at him flipping the cuts.

"Fuck, she has you in the palm of her hand."

Jimin denied listening to the commotion coming in and talking inside the house. "Tonight I will be the one who will have it in mine."

There you were, in a black high-necked dress and black boots. You smiled at everyone and shook your hand.

For a second, when Jimin brought his cigarette to his lips, you looked at him. He to you. Both smiled before each one went back to his work.

Let the show begin.

Glasses slowly piled up on the wooden table that Nancy had impeccably decorated about four hours ago, plates with bones and half-eaten vegetables.

The music was loud but the voices shouting stories from the past about alcoholism and deranged adolescence were even louder.

Jimin was sitting next to the unlit grill, the subtle smell of burning charcoal and meat had him nauseous. He brought his knuckles to his lower lip as he watched you talking to Hoseok and Nancy, an impeccable smile on your lips, you looked like a little angel; anyone would steal you from that place. 

Several of the husbands had taken a glance or two at your legs and swallowed your flirtatious, drunken laughter. You only drank wine and the tinted mark of alcohol covered your lips. So kissable and unattainable.

Hoseok had already taken a look at your hands, they were one of his favorite features. Luckily for him, your hands were decorated with rings and varnish the color of the wine you drank.

Nancy laughed at a joke you said, you blinked slowly looking at the woman in front of you with the concentration that only being drunk gives you. Hoseok looked back and nodded at Jimin. It was time.

"Could you get our guest another glass of wine, love?" Hoseok took your glass and Nancy nodded still laughing at the story you told her about your childhood.

Hoseok placed a hand on your back guiding you through the people. You let him, who knew that a couple of drinks could give you so much fluidity?

Still, you felt this tickling in your neck since you arrived.

"Are you enjoying the party?" Hoseok was one of those men that you watched your friend marry and sometimes you wished you had that kind of stability. Nice, he made you laugh, he protected you.

You nodded to the question.

"I'll introduce you to a few committee members, they're excited to meet you."

They both made way for a blonde woman with eyes so blue that you couldn't stop looking at them throughout the conversation, the green shadow on her eyelids was so singed that it looked like a healing bruise.

"This is Maeve."

"Oh, dear, welcome." Her body felt tense in the hug she offered you.

When she let you go, she once again engineered that smile that seemed to hurt her to extend. You looked where her gaze was guided: two children dressed alike were running around near the pool.

"Come back here." She murmured, pointing to the area where the other children were.

"Maeve is in charge of children's events and birthdays. She is an artist."

"Oh, Hoseok, please." Maeve rolled her eyes at her enjoying the compliment. "Why didn't you bring your children, dear?"

"I don't have any, work won't let me." You smiled. Maeve raised her eyebrows.

"And your husband, he also works a lot? He should have at least stopped by to say hello-"

"There is no husband either."

Hoseok licked his lips enjoying the shock on Maeve's face.

"Oh okay." She laughed softly, fixing his pearl necklace. "I mean, things aren't like they used to be." Maeve sought support from Hoseok. You also looked at the man next to you who almost choked in his drink.

"America," Hoseok explained, taking a swig of brandy that made his nose wrinkle.

"God, yes. It's like it doesn't belong to the man anymore." You laughed hard, you didn't know where so much energy came from but you were static, you could feel every look and every touch.

Every look.

"California has become Sodom in just ten years."

"Oh, there's Zuri and Charlie!"

Hoseok grabbed your arm and dragged you away from Maeve's quips. Two women were sitting near the pool, the black woman fixed her glasses and continued the conversation. Her hands were intertwined with the brunette's in front of her. You didn't want to interrupt but Hoseok didn't give you time.

"This is Zuri and Charlie Munson."

The hairs on the back of your neck perked up as you heard another voice behind you. You couldn't tilt your head because the two women stopped to shake your hand. He was just who you wanted to see.

"You came," you mumbled to Jimin as you squeezed the taller girl's hand. She was beautiful.

"Charlie, this is our new neighbor." Jimin placed both hands on your shoulders, massaging discreetly. You were breathing hard as you tried to hide a smile. The pads of his fingers hit the tense spots.

Charlie was tall, the square glasses covering half of her face. Seeing Jimin, her calm expression soured. You gave her your hand and smiled at Zuri who stood behind her like a little girl.

"Charlie's a lawyer, in case you one day end up getting a DUI like me." Jimin laughed, you didn't know if it was a joke. If you saw Zuri's reaction, yes. If you saw Charlie's, well he had simply said that he ran over a child or something.

"Zuri is-"

"I already met Zuri on one of my outings to my patio."

"Oh perfect." You smelled divine and the brandy was starting to feel like the plan could go well without the help...no, in fact, without Jung's presence.

"I work for Martines & Sons," Charlie spoke again.

Your eyebrows raised in surprise still with Charlie's hand in yours.

"Martines & Sons, you're not just any lawyer then. I know one of the sons, David has told me a lot about you." You responded. Charlie smiled proudly, fixing her glasses. Was that blush Jimin saw on Charlotte Munson's cheekbones? Oh, you were a top whore, you flirted with Charlie in front of her own wife and poor Zuri didn't notice.

You and Charlie lasted a short silence smiling at each other.

"Zuri is a piano teacher." his wife stammered, letting the woman with the long, poorly dyed hair shake your hand. She wore necklaces of different colors and a ring that almost covered her index finger with a purple stone. "She graduated from Stanford."

Barely, Jimin told himself.

Before they can continue the conversation, Maeve calls out to the two women. Perfect.

The music was loud enough for Jimin to have the excuse of brushing your ear with his swollen lips from biting them so much.

"That's Marcus," he murmured, letting the warmth of his breath caress your lobe. You closed your hands into a fist, wetness pooling instantly inside your silk underwear.

Marcus was like a Jesus if he had become a writer. His hairy knuckles held a cigarette about to burn his skin, he didn't talk to anyone but instead admired the water of the pool in silence.

“That's his daughter, Cosette,” Jimin's palm guided your hip to the kitchen window. You were so drunk that Jimin didn't have to do much to make your physiognomy move, like wet clay between his calloused fingers.

"Victor Hugo fan?"

"Don't even try to do it, he'll spend hours talking to you about Les Misérables." They both laughed in a drunken stupor. Like two boys gossiping.

Cosette was wearing a plaid skirt and blue eyeshadow. To attract attention this time she had put on red lipstick.

Seeing Jimin, she raised her hand and smiled, revealing her silver braces.

No, she was too shy to greet Jimin like that.

You greeted her with both hands so he could see you better in the darkness on that side.

"Ah, you know her."

"Yes, I almost crashed into the poor thing at midnight when she was running away from her house." Monday the 17th, you arrived at 12:13 that night. Anyway, it wasn't logical for you to be out at midnight.

"I didn't consider her one of those who ran away at night."

"Sometimes it can get lonely, doesn't it?" You both looked at each other at the same time, your cold knuckles pinching your lips.

Hoseok was nowhere to be found and Jimin's cock was already starting to hurt under those tight jeans.

Fuck it.

"You don't need to go to be with little Cosette to feel accompanied." Jimin rolled his eyes, the iridescence of the water reflecting on his face and you felt the wine line your blood. The tickling behind your neck subsided and you could only think about those high, rosy cheekbones that you wanted to nibble on ever since you saw them.

"I don't feel alone now."

"And in your house?"

You squeezed your eyes shut.

"Surprisingly, at home, I feel like I have someone else. In the hallways behind me, behind the curtain when I shower, in the corner of my bed when I go to sleep."

A cheeky smile spread across your face, Jimin swallowed, pulling out a cigarette.

"Ghosts," he rolled his eyes playfully. "The worst plague."

You stole the cigarette from Jimin's hands and lit it with the lighter you had inside your left boot.

"What do you say, Park? Do you have ghosts in your hallways while you go to pour your coffee?"

If you only knew, love.

"Unlike you, no one loves me enough to haunt me even in my dreams."

Your eyes fell after two drags, on the third you stopped at your chest and held the cheeks of the boy next to you, your crimson nails squeezing gently letting Jimin's lips bulge allowing you to pass the cold smoke to his lips.

"Hmm," Jimin groaned, letting the air come out of his nose in frustration. He closed his eyes and opened them gently until he looked at your pupils dilated and determined for the next step.

This is the first time Jimin has asked the question instead of Hoseok, who from his mouth didn't sound so creepy. But the unfortunate man was busy playing a game of poker with the other parents. Now that little Jung came to the family, Jimin, and his hobbies were something that Hoseok apparently wanted to put behind him, he wanted to become a suburban father.

"Have you ever been recorded...um-" Jimin swallowed hard, moving closer to hide in the shadows of the night. "Doing it?"

You tilted your head back to look at Jimin again, he wasn't playing around. You lifted the corners of your lips, a husky laugh on your part.

“You fucking freak” You scoffed.

"I can show you my films if you want to."

"Yeah, sure-" you huffed, taking a step back.

"Pick one." Jimin took your arm, the look in his eyes was daring. "Pick someone here. Anyone."

Your gaze rolled around the party until it stopped at the sweet Maeve who was singing karaoke next to her husband, a martini in her hands. Surprisingly, Maeve was a crowd favorite.

Jimin smiled evilly. "Do you want to know if Mrs. Johnson enjoys being recorded?"

No, you wrinkled your nose.

Your eyes softened at the thought of Jimin arranging the camera to focus on Maeve's cobalt eyes, curiosity flowing faster than alcohol.

"I thought so." Jimin offered you his hand and surprisingly, yours landed on his before he could say no. "Be like the one she's had too much to drink, we need an excuse to get out of here."

In the end, Jimin was right. The only thing he needed to get you into his bed was a little alcohol and a little bit of you.

Jimin's house had so few lights that when you entered it took you a few seconds to adjust to the darkness. The lamps illuminated the corners, the pieces of newspapers with his reviews on the living room wall, his photo on several of them.

Leaving the party wasn't as difficult as they both thought because everyone was so drunk that they didn't even notice his absence, even Hoseok who was winning his useless poker game.

Now you were with your legs crossed on the leather furniture, your boot clattered on the floor waiting for Jimin who was in the hallway, he had put on reading glasses that made him look older than he was but you loved thinking about that little girl. fantasy that he was about to give you a class.

Jimin muttered the letter M over and over again until he found Maeve between Mad Max and The Magnificent Seven. Handwritten with a green marker it said: Maeve: June 3rd, After the Twins' Birthday.

"Here it is." A nostalgic smile appeared on Jimin's face. You followed his steps with your eyes until you reached the small VCR in front of the television.

"It bothers you?" You took a joint out of your purse, but Jimin denied it, crawling to the furniture and positioning himself between your legs, his glasses reflecting a certain emotion that you couldn't decipher. But he looked comfortable, happy to be able to present one of his works, his hand caressing your thigh while he lit the joint.

"On the contrary, I believe that substance use enriches the experience." Now it was Jimin's turn to take your breath into his, but his hand was rough and he clenched your jaw to get you off. You didn't complain, that's how you liked it. "Speaking of substances, brandy?"

“Please,” you coughed, your eyes stinging. You looked around the room as he stood.

Jimin went to the open kitchen that joined the living room, his gaze and body were already adapted to the blackness of the apartment. There was only the light from the television and a small lamp at the end of the hallway that led to his study.

"Are you going to explain to me how you got frigid Maeve Johnson to let you do this or..."

"Of course, I just let Hoseok do the hard work of casting and convincing."

"Hoseok? Your neighbor Hoseok?"

"Yeah, he's like my producer if you want to call it that." The coppery liquid settled in the glasses, leaving a pleasant woody smell in the air.

"And what do you gain from that?"

Jimin turned around and looked at you impatiently.

"Have a drink before you start, it will surely be strong for you."

"You don't know me, Park." You responded, sitting closer to him to take the glass he offered you, a small drink.

It was enough.

Your swollen and tinted lips closed with his in a tender and passive kiss, Jimin breathed deeply without closing his eyes. He placed both glasses on the table without taking off his eyes of the screen and put his hands on your waist. The tips of his fingers touched your curves above the silk of his dress, turning from a caress to a rapture.

"Mphmf" You took off laughing a little, the weed had you smiling and Jimin loved that. He loved it when his girls started laughing sheepishly at their own fantasies.

"Shall we begin?" Jimin held the controller in his hands and pressed the button.

Hoseok is the first image you make out on the screen, his lips pursed as he fixes the camera.

"You're sure?" Could be heard behind the sudden movements of the camera.

"Mhm, it's just something I like to keep in case I want to see your face moaning my name again."

Hoseok takes off just as Maeve blushes and rolls her eyes at him. His movements were light, and his shoulders didn't seem as tense as those of the woman at the party.

"Is she on drugs?" Asked.

"No, she only drank two glasses of wine before starting. The three of us were a little tipsy."

A pale figure approaches Maeve and removes the low tail she has, surprisingly, this makes the woman relax even more. Seeing the hands massaging her shoulders you realize it's Jimin.

"Is she ready yet?" she murmured.

"The only thing missing is the boom," Hoseok responded by teasing Maeve about her beauty.

"Quickly, I can't wait any longer." Jimin laughed flirtatiously, approaching Maeve's neck to leave a couple of chaste kisses. Johnson closed her eyes.

"Almost there," Hoseok complained before the sound changed from a crisp sound to a sleeker one. Now you could hear Jimin's lips smack.

"Action," Maeve laughed and the two boys laughed at her. Hoseok was no longer in front of the screen. But you could hear the dragging of a chair and a belt being removed. Voyeurism, interesting.

What happens next is just what you thought, but you still couldn't stop watching Maeve being completely devoured by a man who was, surely, her first experience fucking her and having her be the center of attention.

The camera focused on her and her alone. But you couldn't stop watching Jimin in the corners, he was a damn artist with his body. He was not the protagonist but without him, there was no dance.

Hoseok was breathing hard behind the camera throughout the entire movie.

When Maeve was sweating and panting on the furniture right where you were sitting, the screen went black.

You looked at Jimin, his mouth resting on his knuckles. The light from the static emitted a pale light on his body, you could see how seriously he had taken the film, he had only moved to take a couple of sips of brandy without taking his eyes off the screen.

"What do you think about it?"

There were no words that could describe the feeling Jimin had when he heard the three words that left your lips.

"I want one." You had a feline smile. Jimin knew you were sick, but you looked like you had fallen from the sky that summer afternoon.

Park's head shook, nodding quickly.

As he stood up from the furniture, he felt as if his body was going to lean forward, perhaps he had drunk too much brandy.

"Woah, are you okay?" You held his arm, but he nodded instantly.

"Yes, sorry is the excitement." He laughed walking down the hallway, each step echoing off the walls of his brain. Something was wrong, but he couldn't stop now. He had to look for his camera.

He searched for the keys in his pocket until he found the key to the study, turned on the lights, and looked for a tool in the corner of the room. Upon entering the studio, it surprised you how many plants, lamps, and furniture of different sizes and shapes there were.

Maeve had surely been something improvised, but now Jimin and Hoseok had vast resources to create something first-class.

"You can take a seat wherever you like, I'll take care of the rest." The man stammered, putting the batteries in the camera.

"What camera is it?"

"It's a Sony BetaMovie, I love how the colors look in the image." He swallowed hard because when he got up, the room seemed to spin. "Shit."

"Come, I'll help you. Take a seat." Your voice guided Jimin to a white piece of furniture near a window. Your hands brushed the hair from his forehead and he smiled. You really were everything he needed.

"I'll put the cassette on while you rest. You hit the joint too fast." You laughed before placing a sweet kiss on his lips, Jimin's cock throbbed as he felt the softness and heat emanating from your body.

“Quick,” he whispered, watching you put the device on the tripod.

His eyebrows rose at how quickly you set up the camera and sound. Even better than Hoseok, he dared to say.

Where was Hoseok?

Jimin's heart started to beat fast as you let your ass fall into his lap, a hiss coming from him as he put both of his hands behind his head. Your hips began to move back and forth, and the fabric of his jeans rubbed roughly against his cock.

"Fuck." He mumbled, looking up, lips parted into an oval. The room stopped moving when you started playing with his hair. "You're s-so fucking cute. I like you so much, I-I don't want to share you w-with that bastard Hoseok."

You laughed at his babbling. He was so excited that if you touched his cock he was sure to cum in seconds. You flattened your tongue against his jugular and felt the growl he made.

"You're so fucking cruel. C'mon, take my fucking cock out."

"Do it yourself, you lazy fuck." You whispered, leaving a hickey on his collarbone.

Jimin obeyed as fast as his clumsy hands could, he didn't know what was happening to him but he didn't care. Maybe what he smoked wasn't weed but if you were in the same state, things were fine.

Everything was perfect.

"Take that fucking dress off. God, I wish you had that pink leotard on."

With both hands on the edges of the dress, you lifted it until your naked body was visible.

"You're breathtaking, baby."

"I know." You kissed him with so much hunger that the taste of blood began appearing between your tongues, but none of you knew whose. You raised your legs to remove the wet panty, you held Jimin's cock in your entrance, and your fingers felt the veins that were pulsing frantically. "Don't you dare cum without me"

"Just ride me, baby, please. I feel like I will die if you don't." He sounded desperate, on the verge of crying. "Nice and slow, let the camera see how good you can take it." Jimin gasped with every inch you let into your tight pussy. Both hands went to his mouth muffling his moans when you sat straight up on his cock, leaving nothing out.

You bit your lower lip in a smile, you pulled him closer to your body and he buried his face in your neck. Right where you wanted it.

"I know you have my key." You whispered.

Jimin pressed his fingers on your hip to make you stop. Fuck.

"What are you-?" The air was forced from Jimin's lungs as his rib bent in pain. The warmth of his blood damaged the new T-shirt.

You had stabbed him, he didn't know what it was but he could feel the thin edge moving menacingly inside him. A guttural sound came from him as you rotated the handle of the knife.

"You were the one who entered my house."

Jimin laughed, the lightness that losing blood caused him ecstasy.

"I didn't tell you to stop moving, you slut," he growled in your ear, your pussy clenched around him, he noticed and smiled even more. You were so done with him. You grabbed a fistful of hair from his head to get a better look at him.

He was a fucking liar, you told yourself as you held his head, his eyelids fluttering with the errant movement of your hips. If you had drunk the brandy that he offered you, you would be in that state, the same one that Maeve was in, the same one that everyone on every cassette in the hallway was surely in.

"Where is the key?"

Jimin couldn't stop smiling, he grabbed your chin and pulled you closer to leave wet kisses on your lips. His tongue playing with yours. A fight of teeth and saliva.

"What do you need it for"

"It's not your damn problem."

"Then I don't have the key."

You were sick of his games, you bit his bottom lip so hard it bled. That along with a sit on his cock made him so sensitive.

"Fuck, fuck, FUCK." He hissed on your chest, he did not know if it was for pleasure or because you were taking out the blade from his body. Thick, white cum pouring down your legs.

"Okay, then. I'll just do it myself."

The last thing Jimin remembers is your head smashing his to unconsciousness. Bliss, pure heaven after the torture of having to love and deal with you.

He was fucked.

And here was Jimin, his eyes were like two black bullets pointing in your direction.

And there you were, helping Nancy arrange the gifts on the Baby Shower table. You dressed so casually and sweetly. You smiled as if nothing had happened.

Jimin inhaled sharply and felt his rib sting under the gauze protecting the wound. By luck, or rather experience, you didn't hit a vital organ. Which to him is surprising.

"This is what you get for not telling me to go with you," Hoseok served Jimin the punch filled with cubes of fruit, it was too sweet but since it was Maeve's party it had to be kid-friendly.

Hoseok didn't know about your act, he only knows that there is a tape of what happened, and what hurts Jimin the most is that he doesn't even have it. You took him away, you left his house in a mess looking for the key, and all the tapes scattered on the floor. It took full days to fix them.

"Now you're dedicated to being a full-time dad."

"Sorry, I have to do my job."

Jimin looked up at his partner, he wanted to tell him to go to hell, to him and to everyone else. But Park Jimin was always a sweet, calm, and helpful neighbor. Today he gave the excuse of having a migraine so he could sit and be quiet, so he could see you through his sunglasses.

"Did you at least fuck her?"

Jimin looked at his empty glass, a small smile threatening to tug at his corners.

"It's the best work I've done so far." He responded after a long silence.

"Fuck, man," Hoseok complained, thinking of all the possibilities.

"I can't take this anymore, I'm going outside for a cigarette."

"Don't stay too long, we almost announce the gender."

What a weird fucking sentence, Jimin thought taking, his pack out of his pockets.

"Care to share one?" You said and Jimin's body hair rose like static.

You wore sunglasses just like him, and you carried two glasses of rum and soda.

"You can take that fucking drink and choke with it."

“Mm,” you smiled. "Someone is not in a good mood."

"Do you know I can sue you for what you did?"

You laughed heartily covering your lips, Park's stomach altered. Of course, he couldn't, you already knew about his deepest secret, and you had the evidence. God knows Jimin was in your hands and you didn't need much to close it and crush him.

"Where's the tape?"

"Where's my key?"

"I don't have your fucking key."

"Then you can forget about your tape, sweetheart." You mumbled under your breath before stealing the cigarette from him. Jimin's hand turned into a fist.

You walked languidly down the sidewalk, Jimin following slowly behind you. You knew.

When they arrived at the house they both stayed at the entrance door. Your hands are arranged behind your back.

"Open the door."

"I thought you were going to come in through the window like you did before."

"ENOUGH!" Park shouted, scaring you, luckily there was no one around. "This is not a game."

"It is."

"No, it's not. You came to ruin my life."

"And you don't help solve it."

"The only way this problem will be solved is if you get out of Montenegro."

"Or if one of us ends up dead."

Jimin frowned, and you smiled. You were playing again. What a fucking tease.

Before the staring game continued, a noise inside the house caught both of your attention. To Jimin's surprise, it seemed like you didn't know what the noise was either.

No, quite the opposite.

"What's that?"

“Fuck,” you muttered before pulling out your keys and opening the door as quickly as possible. "Do not enter." You were frantic, scared. Jimin did the complete opposite.

"I told you not to come in,"

"Please help."

"Jimin Park, if you want to stay alive I swear-"

The man pushed you aside to follow the trail of blood that ran from the basement door to the living room and kitchen. When he got to the door, there was a woman tied up trying to open the door with a knife. Her hands were tied with gray tape, she was wearing dirty work clothes and she smelled horrible.

When the girl saw Jimin she became alert and she went to him on her knees, hands above her so that he could help.

"JI-" you swallowed hard, entering the kitchen. "No."

"Shh. I'll take care of it."

In the blink of an eye, Jimin's gaze changed to that of a monster. The woman noticed, got up on her weak legs, and ran through the kitchen to the stairs where she stumbled so hard that her knees couldn't take it anymore.

"No Please!" the woman screamed into Jimin's hand muffling her cries, Jimin's free arm chaining itself to her weak neck squeezing tightly. She moved like a fish out of water for a few seconds until only small spasms remained.

"Shh, I have a migraine. God."

You watched from the start of the stairs, your body trembling and your heart beating in your esophagus about to vomit it up. When he turned to see you there was a smile on his face, red with effort.

This was the card Jimin needed to match.

"The time I came into your house, you weren't the one making all that noise." He gasped, releasing the lifeless body from his arm.

"I do not know what are you talking about." You stuttered, taking a couple of steps back.

Knock, knock.

If you could, your racing heart would have already been on the ground.

"Hello, are you there? Nancy wants you to be there for the reveal."

Zuri's voice chilled your blood. You looked at Jimin and then at the body on the stairs.

Jimin trapped you between the door and his body, you looked up into his eyes.

"Let me guess, my little girl doesn't know how to hide a body."

It hurt you to say it but: "Help me, please." You whispered into Jimin’s lips and didn’t have to say more.

"Be like the one who was leaving the kitchen in ten seconds, wait for the second ring."

You nodded, watching Jimin lift your victim's body until he disappeared through the basement door. You fixed your hair and your dress, and you walked around the bloody kitchen.

"Are you there?" Said Zuri again.

"Yes, one second." You walked quickly trying not to slip on the red liquid on your heels. You opened and closed the door as quickly and subtly as possible. "Sorry, work."

"Oh, no. I understand, sorry." Zuri said with the sweetest smile on her lips.

"I'll be there in about ten minutes."

"Ten, of course. I'll inform the boss." She winked before walking down the sidewalk to the other row of houses.

You sighed before walking back into the mess, Jimin was standing with his shoulder covered in someone else's blood, hair fluttering, and cheeks flushed from the effort.

Your angel.

"There's blood on you... everywhere," your voice trembled.

"What an insightful observation, darling." He laughed, cleaning his hands with his jeans.  

When you both saw each other, there was something undeniable between, and as if pulled by threads, both were attracted to each other until they collided in a kiss with arms intertwined in your bodies. Jimin knew in your arms that heaven was in the middle of chaos.

Jimin's hands traced the lines of your body until he reached the back of your thighs and lifted you so that you were chained to his waist. His rib burned with pain and he was sure the wound was opening again, but it did not matter now.

You two were even.

You gasped as you felt his hands squeeze your ass with anger.

"Shut the fuck up, I'm done with your bullshit."

Your eyelids drooped as you felt his soft lips leave kiss after kiss until your lips did not come away, the undeniable taste of weed and rum. Sweet and dangerous. His tongue entered your mouth, playing with yours, circling until he sucked it, a docile bite that made you moan.

Why did he still want you even after you stabbed him and made him ejaculate, intoxicated?

"Look at you doubting yourself." You said right in time when the silence became evident.

Jimin's blood boiled at your mockery and he led you to the furniture in your small living room. The sofa was still wrapped in plastic and the crisp sound of your body falling into the cushions excited you. A hand on your neck squeezing enough for you to open your mouth for air, the blood of your victim staining your pretty dress and skin.

Out of nowhere, Jimin took out a knife from his pocket and your hair stood on end, your pussy getting wet when he slowly ran it over your chest until he broke your bust and left your nipples exposed.

"Where's the tape?" He asked bringing the sharp tip to one of your nipples, the cold of the metal making your toes curl.

"There's no tape." You smiled biting your lip. Jimin let go of your neck to slap you so hard that he took away your smile.

"Say that again." He was fuming, his wide nose searching for air to calm himself, teeth biting the inside of his cheek.

"There. Is. No. Tape. Park. I just prepped the camera and left it off."

He didn't understand why you felt so proud when it was clear that he could push the blade through your chest, but your nipples were getting hard and saliva was pooling in his mouth.

"Why is there no tape, you fucking cunt?" His fingers squeezed your chin so you would stop watching him play with your tits.

"Because I want to be the one who has it."

Jimin frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Open that box." You pointed at the table next to the couch. It was the only box that looked used and worn. With the same knife, Jimin opened the box and felt a rush throughout his body, almost like vomiting.

A Sony BetaMovie, new in the box. His dazed and disoriented gaze went to yours.

"It arrived this morning."

"Oh, you didn't."

"I want my own film. No Hoseok, no drugs, just you. I saw you in the other ones while you were drugged and God," Your pupils shone with such grace and prayer that Jimin didn't understand.

"N-no, this is not how it works." The only thing he could do was laugh.

"But it can."

You began to kiss his fingers, one by one, giving him the necessary attention. "You just need to let me put the VHS inside and we can start."

Jimin denied it as he let his guard down. You got up and improvised a tripod out of boxes until the camera was right in the center where you could see the couch and Jimin sitting, without understanding what the hell was happening.

Having the VHS and pressing 'Rec', you turned back to Jimin. You kissed his cheeks and his neck, he moaned a few times, closing his eyes.

"In this one, you're my main star." You whispered in his ear and his cock hardened until it hurt. "Use me, please."

A growl from him.

He snatched your body from his side until he had you in his lap, your chest pressed against his knees. With the edge of the knife, he spread your legs and spat on his fingers.

"I wish I could kill you right now." He murmured entering two slender fingers inside your sopping cunt.

"I wish you would just shut up and fuck me like you hate me." You whimpered as his fingers collided with your entrance with pure blows. Your juices were making noise throughout the room, you grabbed a cushion, pressing your face into it.

Jimin didn't like that. "No, no, lift your face. Let me hear you cry." His fingers fisted into your hair as he thrust two more fingers in, the knife threatening to cut the inside of your thigh at any moment.

Your body trembled as his index and ring fingers curled into the gummy walls of your pussy.

"That's it, cum you fucking slut. Flirting with all the husbands at the party, smiling at Charlie Munson in front of her stupid fucking wife, all that with your perky tits bouncing. Showing Zuri your pretty body in that leotard."

His pinky started to play with your throbbing nub until your pee came out, making a mess out of the plastic-covered furniture. Jimin laughed without stopping until he saw you trying to crawl away from him. He took his wet hand and smeared it in your mouth, you spit out the excess watching him with drooping eyelids.

"Look at the mess you made, how dare you ruin my jeans."

A rough hand collided with your right ass cheek.

"Say you're sorry." Another one, this time the left one.

"S-sorry, sir."

The name caught his fancy. You were really hanging on his hands, you were the dirtiest whore for him, and he could play with you no matter how. You were so fucking sick and he loved it.

"Sir?" He laughed, caressing the reddened skin. "That's so cute, keep doing it." He spanked you again and again.

"Please, sir, it hurts."

"Good, now come here and make me cum until it comes out of your nose," he smirked putting you between his legs. 

Your trembling and useless hands took a moment to remove Jimin's pants, revealing his defined legs that made your mouth water.

You felt the tip of the knife on your chin and you raised your head. "Take off the underwear, too."

You hurried until you found Jimin's thick cock throbbing on top of his stomach. You licked your lips unconsciously and got to work right away.

Jimin's moans were drawn out like he was going to curse and drowned it out in a grunt at the end, you loved every second of it as your tongue circled until you reached the base. The air cutting from your throat.

"Kiss it until you can taste the saltiness down your throat, angel"

"Yes, sir." You whispered, letting Jimin fuck your face, covering your ears with his hands so that you could only hear the saliva lubricating the exit and entry of Jimin's cock into your abused throat.

You closed your eyes when you felt just what he promised you. His cum enters directly into your esophagus.

His hands lifted you up in a rush, your lungs flaring for oxygen for the first time in what felt like hours.

"Open your mouth." He have demanded and you obeyed. He spit into your mouth and then closed it with his fingers. "You belong to me, slut."

"Yes, sir." Your words seemed like blurs of what you wanted to say.

Your body was arranged on the furniture with your legs on your chest and Jimin squatting on top of you. He was going to hurt you but it was going to feel so good.

Your juices lubricated your entrance and your asshole, shining with the afternoon light that was scattered through the curtains. Jimin wanted to break you so bad that he grabbed the back of your ankles and spread you even wider until your pussy revealed your dark, hot insides.

Aiming the tip of his cock he rammed you hard until you screamed, biting Jimin's arm. The blood of others staining your bodies, Jimin's wound hurt so deliciously that the stain on his tissues became bigger and bigger.

You couldn't hold it in and you dug your finger into the gauze making Jimin's eyes widen, a roar came out of him and he held your neck squeezing so hard that your face started to turn red. However, you smiled, going dumb with his dick.

Jimin's eyes threatened to go black with pleasure and pain. Your pussy felt like wet silk. It was warm and cozy. He could die fucking that tight hole until the last spurt of semen was also his last breath.

Damn succubus, that's what you were. You smiled like a demon and fucked like an angel.

The angle ended up making you cum a second time, making your walls throb.

"Oh my God, keep doing that." Jimin grabbed your body in a ball until he covered you completely with his body and fucked you with short, desperate strokes, like an animal in heat.

As he came he felt like his soul was ripped out.

"Fucking love you, love your-...I hope you get pregnant with my warm cum deep inside your stomach."

You rolled your eyes.

"Oh, honey. If this ain't the one, we can try again." You promised.

"This is the last time you'll see me," Jimin promised back.

And there it was, oh the gods must have blessed you with such a perfect smile because even though he knew he was screwed, he was still in love.

In a quick and agile movement, you were now the one holding the knife and pointing it directly at the bleeding wound.

"I have a game." You smiled slowly positioning yourself to ride him.

The cum bursting out, warm and viscous to his pelvis. Jimin kept looking at you with a tense stomach.

"Let's play Guess who accidentally gave Cosette one of his movies instead of giving her A Clockwork Orange."

No no no. No.

"No." Jimin tried to get up but you raised the knife to his throat with menacing eyes.

"Knowing Cosette, it will be the last one she watches because of the explicit themes. But you must be on time."

They both looked at the clock on the wall. It was 4:55. Cosette always started the movies after coming home from chess club.

Five minutes or it was going to be a total disaster. Chaos. Jimin had shown Cosette porn, his porn.

"Here's the solution: I give you my car key and you either leave to stop her or let the whole neighborhood know that you traumatized Marcus's poor little daughter with your sick hobby."

Park's eyes stung as two tears fell to his temples.

"If you say the first, that means you will take the key on my conditions."

And this was where Jimin knew that he had made the wrong move.

He was trapped everywhere. Checkmate.

"Fuck you," his voice trembled.

You lowered the knife disappointed, and you sighed.

"Well, if you wish."

The handle of the knife collided with Jimin's forehead letting the pain dissipate with a deep sleep.

The first thing Jimin could smell was artificial pine, then the selage of your perfume. His eyes struggled to open as the blood from his forehead had dried onto his eyelids. It was dark, it was night around him and he could only see the road along until it plunged into darkness. He doesn't remember going out anywhere, much less somewhere so barren. His neck moved little by little until he reached a small market illuminated by white and purple lights.

Jim's Stop Sign, read an old, disused sign.

A bell rang as a woman was let out, it was you.

Shit.

Jimin tried to lift his sleepy body but he was tied to the seat. His body shook with every step you took towards the car. Now that Jimin realized, it was your car.

As you got closer he realized that you were wearing Jimin's t-shirt and the bright green leotard underneath, despite the night you were wearing sunglasses.

When you opened the door, his body was twisted with tension, waiting for you to do something.

"Oh, you woke up." You turned on the dome light, the pungent smell of blood and rotting flesh suddenly filling the car until it completely drowned out the smell of pine. Park tried to vomit but stopped himself. "I see your stomach is still sensitive, you should eat something." You pointed to the paper bag full of snacks and odds and ends like glasses and hair dye.

There was a tingle on Jimin's back but he was afraid to look at the back seat. You put the keys in and sped through the quiet night. The putrid smell subsided as you opened the window for Jimin.

"We had to leave without saying goodbye to Hoseok, I know you probably wanted to see him one last time but the body was starting to decompose and there was no remedy."

That was it, Jimin guided his eyes to the back where a long black sheath tied up who he assumed was the girl you kidnapped.

"She was the girl who had bought the house." You explained when you saw that Park didn't take his eyes off the cover that was shaking with the car. "I convinced her to have a cup of coffee when I met her at the gym and hit her in the face with a bottle of wine. I didn't know how to get rid of her, she just didn't want to die, and spent days feeding her and trying to find a solution." You bit your perfect nails with your other hand on the steering wheel.

Jimin was trying to breathe slowly.

"The solution was you all along." You smiled caressing his thigh. That made Jimin strangely relax.

"We need to find a place to bury them."

Them?

"When we get to the outskirts of Las Vegas we will be more suitable."

"Them?" Jimin’s raspy, tremulous voice touched you.

You looked at him worried, he doesn't remember.

"Cosette's body is in the back." You explained sweetly.

The vomit that his stomach held back came out when he heard those words, the viscous liquid falling on his sweater and his seat.

"Oh, Minnie, this is the second time you've done this on the trip."

"I want to go home." He cried while you stopped to clean his mess.

"We're getting there, don't worry."

"No, I want to go back to Montenegro."

"But you can't. You killed Cosette in her room, don't you remember?"

"You're a fucking liar, I'll never do that to her," he yelled so loud spit came out of his mouth. You just stayed there taking paper towels to clean his chest.

"She said very offensive stuff to you when we went to get the tape. She didn't like that a man was with her dad." You tensed your mouth in a strange smile.

"I didn't do it." He repeated it again and again.

But then again, He hated her guts. The only thing he needed was for her to snap at him once. But he couldn't, he wouldn't.

The night fell again into the silence of the car mechanics accelerating down the deserted highway toward Las Vegas. Jimin looked to the side of him: your hand was resting on the open window while your hair was fluttering in the wind, you looked tired but still murmured the lyrics the song in the radio.

Feeling Jimin's gaze, you looked out of the corner of your eye and smiled tenderly.

You got him out of a huge mess, he was grateful for that. Your hand went to the back and you removed the knot from Jimin's wrists. Looking back at Jimin you kissed the back of his hand and continued looking at the road.

The sweet act confused Jimin so much that he could only stand there looking at your profile, it reminded him of Nancy's. Appeased, away, and scheming things. His stomach was burning with love and he didn't understand it, but thinking about your furrowed eyebrows while you helped him lift Cosette's body made Jimin take you more than just appreciation.

"Did you bring a shovel?" He asked.

[petday]

whats little magic?

It is a puzzle game for the Super Famicom and Game Boy Color video game systems. I like the Game Boy Color game much more for its art direction, and it's also just more fun for me to play with the 'bubble magic' mechanic in that version. I wrote more about my enjoyment below, in case anyone is curious.

The game’s box art is very beautiful, right? It caught my eye right away. The in-game 'cutscene' artwork appears to be carefully-made pixel art versions of the same artist's illustrations and they are similarly beautiful. (Sorry in advance if my photograph quality is not great.)

But the actual levels themselves look very haphazard. Clashing colors and tiles. It's easy enough to guess that a blue tile next to a white tile represents water and snow, respectively, but what does the yellow cluster-of-boxes tile represent? Yellow bricks of a tower…? How about the spike-y objects in the snow-water levels? I guessed they were underwater mines, but then there's the same tile in a later level too, just palette-swapped to be red… The two monochrome tiles in the third picture above teleports your character, but it has a two-frame animation that made me think of an ‘industrial grinder’ and ‘static noise’, so I assumed it was dangerous at first. Was it intended to be nondescript ‘sparkly magic’? Where are all of these levels taking place, anyway? No other humans are in these areas, just various animals and vague environmental indicators. There are cute snakes in some ‘yellow brick’ levels that end your life upon touching them. Seems irresponsible for a teacher to allow her student into perilous areas, no matter how eager she is to pass her final exam at magic school and become a magician.

Oh, I should explain the story. (None of the above photos are in sequence, just wanted to show more of the game.) The story is about a girl who attends magic school, and aims to pass a series of tests to become a full-fledged magician. Her teacher encourages her. The lack of explanation in the story is another fun point for me. Her magic teacher doesn't explain why 'learning magic' consists of pushing a heart into a heart-shaped hole that triggers a staircase to appear, which is what you need to do to complete each level. (It’s a beating heart – is it alive?) No explanation as to why snakes end your life instantly upon touching them. The context of 'because you want to pass your exams, a teacher is putting you through trials to help you become a master of magic’ isn’t an adequate explanation, because the teacher also tells you that she has not passed the final exam - why is a teacher putting a student through something that is too difficult even for herself? Who is in control of all of the strange areas you need to ‘complete’ in order to become a real magician, then? (After you complete the game with the student, you can play a different set of levels as the teacher, but even the usual sparse context-giving ‘cutscenes’ are not there… Mysterious…)

So, all of that is why my drawing about ‘Little Magic’ is about ‘confusion’, ‘going along with something that makes sense at first, but quickly unravels to not make sense any longer’, ‘growing distrust of authoritative figures’, and ‘frustration from stagnation.’ https://petday.tumblr.com/post/730315736066768896

Maybe the instruction booklet explains everything; I did not have access to that while playing, and I like that feeling. ‘Renting a game from a video game rental store that did not come with an instruction booklet, and being perplexed by it, forced to create your own context because you have nothing else’ feeling. Randomly selecting games to play that do not have much documentation online is enjoyable to me, because of that feeling.

A fan translation group translated the Game Boy Color game from Japanese to English in 2018. There wasn't a lot of dialogue in the first place, though. I like games where there is little to no dialogue because one can imagine a story/context besides what is shown. Up until 2022, I could not find a solution for the teacher’s final puzzle, so I interpreted the ending of the game’s story as, ‘The magic teacher thought she could harness a type of magic far stronger than what she could handle, accidentally designed an impossible puzzle for herself and is trapped for eternity.’ Of course, the puzzle has a solution, but I wanted to honour my strange interpretation regardless. When I play games and have weird interpretations of them, I am definitely not saying, 'I bet this is what the people who worked on this game were thinking!' I dislike that attitude. It's just imaginative interpretation, and working with the odd way I interact with things in order to maximize fun for myself…

A part about old games that I also love, is that they can never be updated; they had one chance to release a finished game, and maybe another chance to fix glitches in a re-release if they sold very many copies the first time. I greatly enjoyed the ‘imperfect’ tilesets and abrupt feeling of this game, which might have been ‘improved’ in a patch if it had been released in recent years instead of 1999.

(I wasn’t sure where to include this point, but I must also say, my favourite YouTube comments are about someone’s unusual interpretations of a game, when they did not have access to a guide at the time. I read one recently – the comment author and their brother rented ‘Final Fantasy IV’ from a rental store, and they did not know about the ‘Poison’ status effect that depletes the characters health. There is a strange pixelation effect and a ringing sound when you walk around the overworld while poisoned. Because the save file they were playing from was during a point of the game where you visit the moon, and because of the unfamiliar visual and sound effect, they interpreted the ‘Poison’ status effect as, “The moon must be running out of air.” Things like that are beautiful to me.)

(I also wasn’t sure where to put this point, but the main character, May, from ‘Little Magic’, is stylized differently in some ‘cutscenes’. She resembles a dragon to me. It’s cute.)

[bruggle]

OKAY

SO

OMEGA MAYBE DOESN'T HAVE A GOD COMPLEX ACTUALLY RANT

(Just a heads up, I am going to get a little bit into religion and meanings. If you try turning this into a religious rant or whatever, you will get blocked. I am not here to debate. I am not here to make that a focus. This isn't a political blog, and I'm not going to tolerate it. Capieche? Cool.)

Alright. So I've talked about this idiot a ton. But you may be new to this blog, so let me give you a quick rundown on how I see Omega. Cuz like... 1, I disagree with how a lot of fandom sees him. And 2. Kinda need it for this. And 3. I disregard the manga and X Dive for a lot of it. Like, I don't mind pulling bits and pieces, but honestly, the manga should be treated as a separate canon, and X Dive I'm like 80% certain has 0 people who initially worked on mmz on its team. Could be wrong, but you know.

So first and foremost, I don't think Zero and Omega are the same person. Like at all. Some people think Omega is a copy pasted Zero that has been turned much like Sigma did in X5, but that seems so stupid of Weil. Why would he do that? That seems risky, even for an insane guy.

And he likely wasn't anywhere near as insane as we see him in Z3 as when he initially wrote up Project Elpizio. His whole deal has been hating reploids, and wanting complete and utterly control in order to prevent any more Maverick Wars.

Omega is supposed to willingly control all reploids in order to prevent that from happening.

Why would he want his weapon to hate humans and just as easily bite the hand that feeds (made) it?

Hence my presentation of him as a derivative of Zero rather than an antithesis.

Just does not make sense for Weil's goals to have him be an antithesis.

ANYWAYS

Let's look into the two bits of real dialogue Omega has and why I think people misconstrue one as a god-complex.

"I am the Messiah!"

("Ware wa Messiah nari!")

And

"Dark Elf? Are you okay?" (OR SOMETHING ALONG THOSE LINES I LITERALLY CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME FIND IT AND I AM NOT WATCHING SOMEONE BEAT OMEGA UP JUST TO GET THE 100% ACCURATE LINE)

Obviously, it's the first one we're looking into.

Now, what exactly is a Messiah? Well, in Christianity, which has one of the most KNOWN Messiahs, that is Jesus. And yes, in Christianity Jesus IS God. But he doesn't necessarily ACT as one would think, does he? Jesus's entire time on Earth is as a SERVANT. (He literally washes his disciples' feet.)

A HEALER.

One who LEADS OTHERS TO THE FATHER.

Heck, even before he dies on the cross, he literally says in the garden of Gethsemane "not my will but yours" in reference to the act.

The role of the Messiah is not to punish. Not to condemn. Not to rule.

Sort of a weird word choice for someone who supposedly thinks himself a god.

(And just because I think it's interesting, the second part of the quote "Messiah nari" sounds an AWFUL lot like the English word missionary. Obviously, that has nothing to do with it given that they're two different Japanese words, but still. Kind of interesting.)

Not only that, but he doesn't even really... give off a WHOLE bunch of arrogance. He's confident in his abilities, sure, but like... he's a war machine. You'd be in some big trouble if you weren't. Plus, I don't think someone who thinks themselves as a god incarnate would even necessarily CARE for something that is giving them a power boost outside of what it's doing for them.

Yet Omega seems to genuinely ask if the Dark Elf is okay.

Nor does he really taunt Zero or say anything like he's the true Zero.

Like... that's all Weil.

All of it.

Weil is the one speaking on his behalf. I don't think an arrogant "full of oneself" god complex would 1. Let someone talk about him as though he were just a thing (because yeah. Weil talks about him like a tool rather than a person. Hence my beef with the wiki saying Weil respects Omega as well.) Or 2. Be quiet for that long.

Copy X sure doesn't.

I'd say he and Wiel have a god-complex before I'd say Omega does.

Hence why I think it makes a bit more sense for him to have a SAVIOR-complex rather than a god-complex.

Makes more sense for what Weil wants from him and his role as a weapon.

Because I don't think, preprogrammed loyalty or not, that you could get a guy with a god-complex into a suit that takes away ALL agency from the guy without lying to him.

In which case, uh...

You're on his list.

He's going to tear you apart.

And Weil is too smart for that.

But it you frame it as part of his duty to save humanity?

Eh...

[nebrasska-alasska]

Dear extremely talented author,

first i would like to say that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE YOUR FICS. that one time you didnt upload for a week i felt like i was having withdrawals and you do not understand how overjoyed i was checking ao3 at 11pm in bed for the 3748386347th time that day OH MY DAYS

ok now my actual question, i want to try my hand at creative writing (cough fanfics cough) but i tried it a year ago and it didnt exactly turn out well.. (its now sitting as a pile of ashes) im really mesmerised by how well you write your narratives and not just how well you portray the character itself, also in like pacing and imagery etc. do you have any advice on how to improve my ability to write creatively? i feel like sometimes i go too overboard on descriptions which kinda messes up my pacing and honestly you are probably one of the authors whose writing style i genuinely envy (dont take this the wrong way i just REALLY love your writing style), so what can i do if i just wanna fix up those kind of things?

again, I LOVE YOUR WORK AND CONSUME IT RELIGIOUSLY ARBHDBDNEKDJFJ

THANK YOU!!! I'm so happy that they bring you so much joy!!! And apologies for causing withdrawals LMAO but okay! I'm going to start by saying that perhaps an overly descriptive way of writing is your style and what works for you! That might be what you have to lean into as you find your voice, and being unique is part of the fun of writing!

As for my advice, it is purely anecdotal... one of my two majors was English literature, not creative writing, so outside of a handful of classes on the topic I don't really have a formal education on this LMAO this is just how I do it!

I feel like for me, I try to blend the structure of each chapter as being an even mix between action, dialogue, and reflection, if that makes sense. Like, it is one of my main objectives to prevent one of these things from dominating. So if you feel like you're going overboard on descriptions, maybe try incorporating more of these things so that there is more of a balance? Although, it's impossible to tell without me seeing your writing, because truthfully, heavy description might be what works for you and should be what you embrace!

I feel like at the core of my chapters is usually the conversation two characters will have. You'll have the actual talking (dialogue), what the characters are doing during the conversation (action), and then there will be pauses where the pov character exhibit their reactions or internal thoughts on what is being said (reflection). There is other stuff in between, like pure action of stuff being done, or long-winded reflections, but I will lean into these depending on what the chapter calls for. And then you can spice it up with the occasional metaphor, description of the environment, or play around with various sentence structures to keep readers engaged and on their toes.

With that being said, if you have description down, that is oftentimes the hardest battle. In order to make a story feel more alive, I feel like I have to make an active effort to include descriptions of the setting and how it interplays with what is going on in the story... otherwise it's just characters running around a blank world. So good for you!!!

That was super long, so apologies. Thank you for the ask, and I'm so glad you enjoy my works so much!!! Messages like this always make me smile, so I really appreciate it!!! :D

[tobiasdrake]

Digimon Adventure 02x14 - Shurimon of the Gale / The Samurai of Sincerity

Previously on Digimon Adventure: That is not dead which can eternal lie. And with strange 'mons, even death may disintegrate into pixels. Hikari had best sleep with one eye open, for they are coming for-- Oh, wait. It says here that was an error, nobody is coming for her. Okay then. Have a good rest, Hikari.

It's MIMI TIME, FUCKOS.

We open on a Japanese interpretation of what an American house party must be like.

One kid has a giant cup full of soda and another has a giant cup full of popcorn, and they clap them together like they're doing a toast - in the process, spilling popcorn everywhere. Down on the ground floor, the serving staff brings plates of food covered by cloches into the swarm of children to deliver each kid their order.

My favorite detail is the respectful lines of shoes left by the front door, where everyone has changed into the house slippers that the family's provided. That is a normal thing that people do in every culture in the world, of course.

At the front door, Mimi's getting ready to leave.

Girl: (English) Mimi! See you tomorrow! Mimi: (English) See you!

Mimi leaves the party and runs down the front steps to this huge mansion, where her father Keisuke is waiting with a big, red sports car.

Mimi: (excited) PAPAAAAAA!!!

From the tiny hole in the wall of an apartment they used to have to this fancy sports car. The Tachikawa family seems to be doing well for themselves in the U.S.

In the dub, some of the kids have dialogue.

Kid: Great party, huh? Other Kid: Yeah, Mimi throws the best parties! Boy: Hey Susie, wanna dance? Susie: Great! Let's go!

And then we get to Mimi saying bye to her friend.

Girl: We had a great time, Mimi. See you tomorrow! Mimi: Okay, see ya! (Mimi leaves the party and runs down the stairs) Mimi: DADDY!!!

...okay so right away we have issues. The dub... somehow thinks Mimi is throwing this party? The background kids compliment Mimi on her party skills and then the girl at the door says goodbye like she's the one leaving.

I'm sure Mimi throws incredible parties. Don't get me wrong. But. Like. Is this a Pinkie Pie thing? Did they hire Mimi as the party planner for their own party? This is obviously not her house.

I guess it could be a Pinkie Pie thing. She has the hair for it.

Anyways, back in Japan, Koushiro is in the Computer Clubroom struggling to make sense of what the hell happened to Hikari.

Koushiro: We shouldn't be able to enter the Digital World without using a D-3 to open the Gate. So why can Hikari-san...? Even though Miyako-kun expanded the functions of the D-Terminal, I can't imagine it would cause that to change. There must be something special about Hikari-san.

Oh, good news. Looks like Miyako's finished her upgrades, given that Koushiro talks about it in the past tense.

An email alert interrupts Koushiro's train of thought.

Koushiro: Oh, an email.

It's a message from Miyako.

Koushiro: (reading) "There don't seem to be any Digimentals around here." Koushiro: I see. (typing) "Will you be returning soon?" (New message) Koushiro: (reading) "We're going to look around a little more." Koushiro: (typing) "That's fine. They haven't built a Dark Tower in that area."

Suddenly, the Digital Gate pops up with an alert noise. On the little screen, it shows the continent of North America.

Koushiro: Eh!? A Gate just opened in America! Does Mimi-san know about this?

He looks up at the clock on the wall showing 6:10 PM.

Koushiro: At this time, it'd be around dawn in America. What to do... Well, very well, then.

Koushiro returns to typing.

(The time in America is a lot of things, Koushiro. The continent spans four time zones. But we can assume he means New York, where Mimi moved to. In which case, it'd be 4:10 in the morning.)

In the dub:

Izzy: Hmm... I just don't get it. We've never been able to travel to the Digital World without our Digivices or D-3s. But somehow Kari did. And not only did she not have her D-3, she was transported there without going through any Gate. There must be something special about Kari that we're not aware of. (Email alert tone) Izzy: Huh? An email!

As usual, the dub wipes the Japanese text from the email and rewrites the body without any subject or from lines. For some reason, the email alert plays again when Izzy pulls it up.

Izzy: (reading) "There's a Digi-Egg nearby. We're going to keep cooking." Going to keep cooking? Well, whatever you're making, be sure and save me some. (Izzy's message reads "Save some for me") (New message) Izzy: (reading) "Sorry, it was a typo. We're going to keep looking." Izzy: (writing) "That sounds good. There are no Control Spires in that area so feel free to take your time." (Suddenly the Gate comes up) Izzy: Hmm? Whoa! A Digi-Port has opened in America! Hey, wait! Mimi lives there! (Izzy looks up at the clock) Izzy: But it's not even morning there yet. I can't call her. Let's see... I'll send her an email!

Yolei's message says they have located a Digi-Egg while Miyako's says they have not found any trace of a Digimental. I can see where the dub's coming from; They are going to find a new Digimental in this episode so it's odd that Miyako couldn't get a signal. But there is a reason for that coming down the pipe.

Koushiro doesn't finish his train of thought and leaves us with a noncommittal まあいっか Maa ikka. Which is basically a verbal shrug emoji. Izzy says outright that he's going to get in contact with Mimi, which is the correct interpretation of Koushiro's shrug emoji. He was shrugging off the concern that it's too early to wake her.

In the Digital World, V-mon's stomach gurgles. He grabs it and falls on his butt.

V-mon: I'm so hungry! Is there any more chocolate? Daisuke: Come to think of it, I'm starving too. Miyako: We should have brought more snacks.

Armadimon shakes an I-Mart bag upside down to demonstrate how empty it is.

Armadimon: No more Chu-Chu Jelly dagyaa. Hawkmon: Isn't it said that "One cannot do battle on an empty stomach"?

It is, yes. 腹が減っては戦ができぬ is a Japanese proverb about the importance of a good meal. That Hawkmon reaches for proverb when he could just say "We're too hungry to fight" speaks a little to the rigid formality of his character.

Tailmon and Hikari exchange glances. Tailmon gives Hikari an exhausted shrug while Hikari gives Tailmon an amused giggle.

Hikari: So, are we going back after all? Daisuke: Looks like. Iori: We're out of options. Takeru: (distant) GUYS!!!

A short ways ahead of the group, Takeru stands by the edge of a great lake, pointing across it.

Takeru: There's a restaurant by the lake! V-mon: (ecstatic) RESTAURANT!?!? Armadimon: HOORAY DAGYAA!!! Hawkmon: NOW WE'LL BE ABLE TO FIGHT AGAIN!!!

A restaurant. By the lake. If that raised the hairs on the back of your neck a bit?

Yes.

In the dub:

Veemon: Bwaaaugh... I can't walk another step! I gotta eat something now! Davis: Yeah, I'm getting kinda hungry too. Yolei: But we're very close to finding the new Digi-Egg! (Armadillomon shakes out the empty bag) Armadillomon: When we find that Digi-Egg, I'm gonna eat it. Hawkmon: You'll do no such thing! And besides, your cholesterol's too high. (Kari and Gatomon exchange glances; Kari giggles) Kari: Well, if we want to eat, we'll have to go back. Davis: Sounds good to me. Cody: (defeated) So long, Digi-Egg.... T.K.: (distant) HEY, LOOK!!! Kari: Huh? (Everyone looks at T.K., who's pointing across the lake) T.K.: On the other side of the lake, I think it's a restaurant! Veemon: A RESTAURANT!?!? Group: HOORAY!!! Armadillomon: WE'RE SAVED AT LAST!!!

Solid, though we shift characterization for Hawkmon. Instead of the poetic warrior of the Japanese, we get the stuffy and posh take of the English.

It's a bit different, but captures the spirit of the original. In the original, everyone was disappointed about leaving because Miyako told Koushiro five seconds ago that they were going to stay and look around more. In the dub, it's because they have a bead on a Digi-Egg and they don't want to abandon it.

Different reasons but the result is the same: They want to stay here and search, and are only withdrawing out of biological necessity. Until the restaurant discovery offers them a new option.

A short hike later, it's dinner time in the Digital World! Uh. As long as we're ready for just one complication, one very specific mistake Jou made way back when that I don't think Takeru or Hikari actually know about.

At the restaurant, Daisuke and V-mon get a booth to themselves. Miyako and Iori take a second booth while Hikari and Takeru get the third.

Daisuke & V-mon: (setting down utensils on an empty plate) AHHHH SO GOOD!!! Miyako: I had no idea we could eat this well in the Digital World! Iori: Isn't that right!? Hikari: What's wrong, Takeru? Takeru: This has been bothering me. I feel like I've been here before.... Hikari: Here? But I don't remember anything like that. Miyako: Excuse me! Check, please!

Digitamamon emerges from the back.

Digitamamon: Of course! Thank you very much.

Poor Hikari. Takeru has been here before but it was before her time. She missed so much of that first adventure.

In the dub, as we close in on the restaurant, we get an extra line from Digitamamon.

Digitamamon: Would you like to sit in the Digivolving or Non-Digivolving section?

It's a gag about "Smoking" and "Non-Smoking" areas of a restaurant; a futile gesture given that smoke wanders through the air, but a division that most restaurants had back in the day.

In context, however, I am intensely curious about what this distinction means for Digimon.

In any case, Digitamamon's voice is still doing a Peter Lorre impersonation for this version, like in the previous series.

Davis & Veemon: AHHHH, THAT WAS DELICIOUS!!! Yolei: I'm going to recommend this restaurant to all my friends who dine in the Digi-World! Cody: Yeah! Me too! Kari: What's wrong, T.K.? T.K.: Something about this place is really bothering me. I feel like I've been here before and it wasn't good. Kari: Maybe the last time you were here, you ordered the wrong thing? Yolei: Excuse me, waiter? We're ready for our check, please! (Digitamamon emerges from the back) Digitamamon: Okay, hold your horses! After all, I've only got one shell!

In the original, Digitamamon is polite and courteous. Dub Digitamamon is kind of rude from the get-go.

The other kids go peruse a small stock of inventory by the door while Miyako-senpai pays the check. And... here it comes.

Miyako: How much is it? (Cash register ka-ching) Digitamamon: That will be 87 dollars for all of you. Miyako: Ack--! Digitamamon: Eh? Like I said, that's 87 dollars. Miyako: Uh... ^_^;; How much is it in yen? Digitamamon: (dropping politeness) Huh? Miyako: So, in yen, that's-- Digitamamon: (firmly) We only accept dollars!

At this point, realizing the transaction is not going as smoothly as they'd expected, the other kids come over to see what's up.

Takeru: What's wrong, Miyako-san? Miyako: It's 87 dollars! Daisuke: Dollars? Hikari: But we don't have dollars. Miyako: (horrified) ...which means.... Digitamamon: You're trying to dine and dash!

Miyako shoves her open wallet in Digitamamon's stupid face.

Miyako: NO, WE HAVE MONEY!!! SEE!?!? Digitamamon: WE TAKE DOLLARS!!! ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST SCRAPS OF PAPER!!! Miyako: WHAT DOES IT MATTER!?!? DOLLARS AND YEN ARE THE SAME THING!!! Digitamamon: How are they the same!? If you don't pay in dollars, then YOU'RE TRYING TO LEAVE WITHOUT PAYING!!! Miyako: YOU WRETCHED....

Miyako is a hair's breadth from losing her temper. She bites her tongue and shakes with fury.

Digitamamon does have one other option to offer, to make this problem go away.

Digitamamon: Would you like to work off the money you owe? Takeru: I swear I've heard this story before. Iori: We would be willing to work it off, but then we won't be able to get home. Digitamamon: That isn't my problem!

For emphasis, Digitamamon angrily jumps up on top of the counter, putting one foot down on the cash register so hard it dings.

Takeru is right. This is literally the exact same hurdle that got Jou caught up in his miserable weeks of slavery. Though, obviously, these kids can't not go home for several weeks of labor. There are whole new complications that it would bring.

For their part, the dub still isn't willing to do the "yen vs dollars" bit and brings out Digi-Dollars again.

Yolei: What's our bill come to? Digitamamon: 87 Digi-Dollars plus tip. Yolei: Huh!? Digitamamon: What's the problem? Don't you have any money? Yolei: Eheh... We don't have Digi-Dollars but we have plenty of money-- Digitamamon: Forget it! Yolei: Huh? But our money's just as good! Digitamamon: Since the Dark Masters left, we only accept Digi-Dollars!

In the first series, this was a weirdass dub-induced plot point. Digitamamon only accepted payment in regular dollars but all Joe had were Digi-Dollars. Somehow, Digi-Dollars were a fictional currency that the children have but that would not be accepted here.

The dub flips the script here. They acknowledge the change from how the old episode was... and say that the diner now only accepts Digi-Dollars, which the children do not have.

That makes a lot more sense...

But also. Like. This would be a fine opportunity to abandon Digi-Dollars entirely and play the yen vs dollar thing straight. Even the dub of that episode established that the place takes American dollar bills, so they could just... continue with that. Why go out of your way to change it like this?

T.K.: What's the problem? Yolei: The lunkhead waiter won't take my money! Davis: Uh-oh! Kari: I see you're being your usual blunt self. Yolei: I'm just trying to be honest. Digitamamon: I think you kids are trying to skip out on the bill! (Yolei shoves her wallet in Digitamamon's face) Yolei: I TOLD YOU, WE HAVE 87 DOLLARS!!! Digitamamon: ONLY DIGI-DOLLARS!!! Or the Digi-Express Card. Yolei: THAT'S IT!!! I'm not gonna recommend this restaurant to anyone! Digitamamon: GOOD!!! I don't want any Human World deadbeats in here! No wonder the French detest tourists! Yolei: RRRRRRRRRGH!!! DIgitamamon: Now, are you gonna work off your bill or do I have to call a cop? T.K.: I think I've heard something like this before.... Cody: If we work here, we'll be late getting home. Davis: Can't we just pay you the next time we're here? Digitamamon: THERE WON'T BE A NEXT TIME!!! YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED IN HERE AGAIN!!!

I see you unsubtly signaling that this is a Sincerity episode, Kari. XD

This sets up the dub's new arc that they've created for Yolei. In true form as Mimi's successor, Yolei is utterly tactless which Kari calls her out on. There's not a lot of difference between what she says between versions, but Kari's line is the first cobblestone in a very different road that the episode intends to take her on. They want to actually talk about Yolei's behavior.

In any case, there's no getting out of this one. Digitamamon accepts payment in USD or work. Anything else, and they're going to feel the wrath of an angry Perfect.

Digitamamon: If you can't pay, then you'll repay me by work-- Boy: I'll cover it.

Some blond human boy the kids have never met before enters the restaurant. He speaks up to help them out of this. Startled, the Chosen Children turn around to face the unexpected sight of another human being.

Group: EHHH!?!?

Miyako instantly gets hearts over her eyes.

Miyako: SO HANDSOME!!! Hikari: Uh... who are you...?

Suddenly, Mimi pops out from behind the boy's back.

Mimi: (English) Hello! (Japanese) How are you all doing? Group: MIMI-SAN!!! Miyako: (ecstatic) Mimi-oneesama! It's been so long! Iori: What are you doing here, Mimi-san? Mimi: A Gate to the Digital World opened in America, so Koushiro woke me up. And since I had to come either way, I brought Michael to hang out.

Palmon takes the opportunity to introduce Michael's Partner Digimon, while they're at it.

Palmon: This is my friend Betamon. Betamon: (bows) I'm Betamon. It's nice to meet you.

Betamon is a Child-stage Virus-attribute Amphibian Digimon. He's from the very first release of the Digital Monster V-Pet. Betamon was the other Child Digimon you could evolve from Koromon, opposite Agumon. So on a metal level, it's a significant choice for the first American Chosen Child we ever meet to have Agumon's counterpart for a Partner.

Essentially, Betamon is the Eevee to Agumon's Pikachu.

By this point, all of the first V-Pet's Adults have been established. Betamon's evolutions are Airdramon, Devimon, Meramon, Seadramon, and if you fuck up, Numemon.

Narrator: Betamon! An amphibian Digimon with a gentle demeanor. However, if provoked, they will lash out with a current of one million volts!

Hahahaha Don't piss off that guy! That's not quite getting struck by lightning but it's up there.

Hikari: Hang on... Palmon, is it okay for you to be here? Takeru: What about the area you're guarding? Palmon: I asked Koushiro to have Tentomon cover for me. Miyako: Mimi-oneesama, why is Michael-san in the Digital World? Mimi: Ehehehe! Why him? Because he's a Chosen Child just like us!

Michael holds up his Digivice to confirm. It's an old-model Digivice like the veterans have.

Group: EHHHH!?!? A CHOSEN CHILD!?!? Daisuke: That's the same kind of Digivice that Taichi-san and the others have!

As this conversation continues, I want to give some props to Digitamamon who still has not been paid but is entirely content to chill up there in their threatening position and let the children talk it out. They just want their dollars.

In the dub:

Digitamamon: NOW GET IN THAT KITCHEN AND START WASHING DISHES OR I'LL-- Boy: FEAR NOT!!! I'll pay their bill! Group: Huh!? Yolei: (heart eyes) How sweet! Prince Charming! Kari: Who are you? Mimi: This is Michael! (Mimi pops out from behind Michael) Mimi: He's a friend of mine I brought with me from America! Group: It's Mimi!

The dub uses the shock of Mimi's arrival for their first commercial break. When we return from commercial, we pick right back up where we left off.

Yolei: Oh, Mimi! It's so good to see you again! Cody: What are you doing here in the Digi-World? Mimi: Izzy sent me an email saying there was a Digi-Port open in America, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to come visit everyone! And since Michael's a good friend of mine, I thought I'd bring him along. Palmon: and I want everyone here to say hello to a good friend of mine too. Betamon: Pleased to meetcha! My name's Betamon. Palmon: (rundown) Betamon is really cool! He lives in the water and uses his Beta Slugger attack to wipe out his enemies! Kari: Hey, Palmon? Are you sure it's okay that you're here? T.K.: What about the area you were protecting? Palmon: No problem! Tentomon said he'd watch it for me if I brought him back a souvenir T-shirt. Yolei: I don't understand something, Mimi. How were you able to bring Michael to the Digital World? Mimi: Oh, that's easy. I forgot to tell you, Michael has a Digivice just like us! (Michael holds up his Digivice) Group: HUH!?!? Davis: Wait a minute! If he has a Digivice then he's a DigiDestined!

Solid.

The dub elaborates a bit on Mimi's goals here, stating that she's here to visit the Junior Team.

The original never really explains what, exactly, she had to wake up at 4 AM for. What was so urgent that Koushiro got her out of bed at this hour.

A Gate mysteriously opens in America. Koushiro wakes up Mimi to investigate. Something something something. Mimi meets the Junior Team here and the mystery Gate is never spoken of again.

Whatever the deal was... I guess she and Michael already did it? IDK. So the dub's elaboration is as good an explanation as any, really.

We transition from here back into the restaurant proper. This transition also serves to skip us a bit of the way forward in the conversation.

Miyako: Last year? Mimi: That's right. He activated in 2001. He says he's always admired us. It's really flattering. Daisuke: So there's Chosen Children like us in America too.... Iori: That means there may be more in other countries too. Miyako: Michael is so handsome! Boys: Huh?

Neither Daisuke nor Iori is impressed by Miyako's contribution to this conversation. XD That remark even earns her a confused look from Armadimon.

Michael: In 1999, I saw a Digimon in New York. It was an Adult-stage Digimon called Gorimon. Takeru: That was during Vamdemon's invasion of Tokyo, right? Michael: That's right. Looking back, I think that was what caused me to become a Chosen Child.

Michael's theory checks out. We learned in the first series that the eight Chosen Children were called after first being exposed to the battle between Hikari's Agumon and Parrotmon during the original OVA. Encountering a Digimon is the first step of becoming a Chosen Child.

In the dub, the conversation continues without a short skip.

Davis: If he has a Digivice, then he's a DigiDestined! Mimi: That's right! And his Digivice is the same kind as mine and the others. So he became a DigiDestined in America at the same time our original group did in Japan! Davis: Tell us something, Michael. Are there more DigiDestined kids like you in America? Cody: And tell us how you became a DigiDestined in the first place! Yolei: And tell me you're single! Boys: Huh?

XD Nicely executed. They nailed that joke perfectly.

Michael: All I know is, everything happened four summers ago when I first saw Gorillamon in New York. I thought it was simply another ape climbing the Empire State Building. T.K.: That's the same time Myotismon was taking over Tokyo! Kari: T.K.'s right! Michael: My, that's strange. I wonder if that means we all had an encounter with the Digimon at the exact same time?

The dub seems a little confused on this point, as it seems to think Michael and the veterans were called simultaneously.

What's going on here is that the fracturing of reality three years ago as the Digital World was breaking down from Apocalymon's influence has... basically snowballed the concept of Chosen Children.

It started at Parrotmon and Hikari's Agumon battling in Odaiba. Children in Odaiba witnessed that, and were called as Chosen Children.

Then the Chosen Children fought Vamdemon in Tokyo in a battle that leveled Odaiba. And then they returned to face the Dark Masters while the fabric of reality began to break down around the globe. What's happening with Michael is the natural extension of that: Children who witnessed Digimon during that global catastrophe were then called as the next generation of Chosen Children.

And during all of that, there were Digimon appearing around the world while the Chosen Children were fighting the Dark Masters. That was what made them have to return to the Digital World in the first place; things had gotten so bad that Digimon were now bleeding through the veil between realities and attacking the human world. In fact, Gorimon's attack on New York was even briefly shown then.

Not to mention there's one other major instance where children around the globe have been exposed to Digimon.

So, the original five's fight with Apocalymon briefly caused our first-gen Chosen Children to be called. And then their battles with Vamdemon, the Dark Masters, Apocalymon, and Diablomon have now triggered another wave of Chosen Children to be called. Michael wasn't called at the same time as Mimi and the others, but as a consequence of their incredibly public war against the dark forces destabilizing reality.

The dub also states that they went forward four years rather than the three from the original, which checks out with other dub changes like Tai being in high school. He'd be in 9th grade, which is last year of middle school in Japan but first year of high school in the U.S.

So by adding an extra year to Tai's age and reconfiguring the education system to American standards, Tai is able to arrive in high school two years early.

In any case, talking about how Michael got called gets the children thinking about their own inciting incidents.

Michael: That's right. Looking back, I think that was what caused me to become a Chosen Child. Iori: The cause... Speaking of causes, in 1999... I was on a plane back then....

Iori flashes back on the day that the Chosen Children returned to fight the Dark Masters. A Kuwagamon crossed over from the Digital World through the breach in the sky and had shorted out a plane. AtlurKabuterimon and Garudamon were able to keep the plane from crashing and set it down in the water.

At 6 years old, Iori, his mother, and his grandfather were in a life raft staring up at the sky as AtlurKabuterimon and Garudamon disappeared into the distance.

Daisuke: Back then, I was being held by Vamdemon at Big Sight.

Daisuke flashes back on the Big Sight convention center, when Vamdemon launched his full-scale occupation of Odaiba. Daisuke, Jun, and their parents were among the families pulled from their homes by the Bakemon and gathered up.

Miyako: I wasn't involved with the summer of 1999, but I did send emails during the fight with Diablomon in the spring of 2000.

And she did, too! Baby Miyako appeared very briefly in Our War Game.

Mimi: And that's where all of you came from. Palmon: Fate works in mysterious ways.

Of note: The word Palmon uses here, 縁 En, simultaneously refers to fate and destiny, to chance and opportunity, and to forging relationships between people. Which one is she saying happened to these four children on those respective days?

Yes.

In the dub:

Michael: I wonder if that means we all had an encounter with the Digimon at the exact same time? Cody: It's possible... That's when I was on that airplane that had to make an emergency landing in the water. I didn't know it then, but that's when I saw my first Digimon. Davis: I remember that summer. I was one of the people being held at the convention center by the Bakemon. Yolei: I wish I could say that summer was as terrifying for me as it was for all of you guys, but it wasn't 'cause nothing happened. Although I did send a bunch of emails during the battle with Diaboromon. Mimi: So then everyone was involved somehow! Palmon: It's like we're all connected!

That Yolei's account disproves Michael's theory goes completely unremarked upon. They did not all have an encounter with Digimon "at the exact same time". But they did all have an encounter with Digimon at separate times, which is the real point here.

Digitamamon emerges from the kitchen, joining the conversation.

Digitamamon: Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt while you're all reminiscing. Michael: Oh, sorry! I'll pay right now. Takeru: THAT'S IT!!!

Takeru stands up from the booth suddenly, finally having realized.

Takeru: I'm sure it was Digitamamon! Onii-chan and Jou-san were forced to work here and then assaulted by Digitamamon, who was working for Vamdemon!

Takeru flashes back on that episode, recalling Jou and Yamato's work in Digitamamon's kitchen as well as the fight against them. When we return from the flashback, the kids are up at the counter. Michael's paying the check as promised.

Miyako: So, you're the minion of an evil Digimon? Digitamamon: No no no. Sure, I used to be pretty rough around the edges, but ever since the Dark Masters were defeated, I've just tried to earn an honest living. Hikari: So you've had a change of heart and now you're carrying it out? Mimi: Then keep up the good work. Digitamamon: Of course! It's very encouraging to hear that from you ladies. Miyako: What are the Dark Masters? I've never heard anything about them. Mimi: We had to fight them back in our day. Haven't Takeru-kun and Hikari-chan told you about that? Miyako: No, not at all. Takeru: We haven't reached that part yet.

Gonna put Takeru on the spot here 'cause. Like. It's been a few months, right? He and Hikari are dragging their heels with explaining the history to the new recruits.

Also, I still have to give props to Digitamamon for their patience. After everyone agreed that Michael would cover the bill, they all went back to the seats to continue the conversation, leaving Digitamamon up there at the register like, "Um. Okay but. Am I being paid or not?" XD

In the dub:

Digitamamon: But there's still one question: WHO'S GOING TO PAY THE BILL!?!? Michael: Don't worry about it! The entire meal is on me! T.K.: That's it! Now I remember where I saw him! He used to be one of Myotismon's henchmen! He made Matt and Joe work in the kitchen here! He got really mad when Matt asked if he could get half price on his meals.

...I think that's supposed to be a joke? Because it's not even remotely what was happening in the scene T.K.'s flashing back on.

Yolei: I can't believe you used to be one of the bad guys! Digitamamon: Alright, I admit it. I was a rotten egg. But that was in the past! After the Dark Masters were all defeated, I knew I had to break out of my shell. I'm a whole new 'mon! Kari: We're all very proud of you since you changed your ways. Mimi: And don't you feel a lot better about yourself? Digitamamon: Well, now that you mention it, it is kind of nice making an honest living. Yolei: It seems to me you're still one of the bad guys after the way you treated me! Mimi: Come on, Yolei! Everyone gets a little cranky. If he says he's changed, I believe him. Yolei: I guess you're right. T.K.: Sometimes it's easy to get cranky with you.

WOW. UNCALLED FOR, T.K.

Yeah, they cut out the bit about the Dark Masters to have Yolei voice skepticism of Digitamamon's changed behavior, resulting in her being talked into walking it back and then inexplicably insulted for it.

Miyako is skeptical of Digitamamon, which she'll get to in a moment. But Yolei says it out loud, being her "usual blunt self" as Kari put it, then gets scolded by Mimi for it.

This is where the two stories begin to diverge. The new character arc they wrote for Yolei is that her opinions are bad and she should cut it out. Just cut out all of this. The lesson she's here to learn is to stop being the way that she is.

It's hard to take it in good faith when they tweaked the dialogue to have T.K. call her a piece of shit even after she'd already conceded the point. Appropriately enough, I'm getting Mimi flashbacks.

Digitamamon: (ashamed) I don't want to think about those days anymore. Miyako: (thinking) A change of heart, huh? After they accused us of trying not to pay? They're just a miser. And, regardless, they look so weird! I can't even see their face to tell what they're thinking!

Digitamamon notices Miyako's skeptical gaze burning into them. They look up at her for a moment, then back to the rest of the group.

Digitamamon: But it seems not everyone is so understanding. Miyako: (busted) Oh! Mimi: It's not like that at all! We're all very understanding. Right, Miyako-chan? Miyako: Eh!? Y-Yeah.... Takeru: (excited) That's right! Even if no one else understands, you can still rely on yourself. Digitamamon: Even if no one else understands, I can still rely on myself... Of course, that makes perfect sense! I will work hard and stick it out. Thank you, everyone!

Crest of Hope over there would be passionate about restorative justice, wouldn't he?

Michael: Mimi-san, the honest faith you have in your heart for other people gives them courage. I want to be more like you! Mimi: (boastful) Then you go right ahead and follow in my footsteps.

I see you unsubtly signaling that this is a Purity episode, Michael. XD

They can only keep a straight face for a moment before they both crack up and start laughing.

Daisuke: They get along pretty well, huh? Miyako: (thinking, bitter) Michael only wants to talk to MImi-san! This isn't any fun at all!

Miyako is so jealous right now that Mimi got downgraded to a chilled -san.

In the dub:

Digitamamon: Gee, I really feel pretty bad about how I treated you last time. Yolei: (thinking) He had a change of heart, huh? Well, it didn't seem like that when he was yelling at us for trying to eat and run! I guess I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. Yolei: It's okay, Digitamamon. I'm sure you're not a total loser anymore. Digitamamon: (offended) Huh!? I don't want your pity, I want your MONEY!!! FORK IT OVER NOW!!! Yolei: Huh!? Mimi: Relax! Don't get upset! She was just trying to make you feel better! Right, Yolei? Yolei: Um... yeah.... T.K.: Besides, we always intended to pay the bill! If you would have been more patient, we probably could have avoided this whole thing! Digitamamon: You're right, I'm sorry. My brain's a bit scrambled lately. I've got to look at the sunny side. I've got a good job, I've got my health, and someday I might even have friends! Tell you what, forget the bill; It's on me! Michael: You know, Mimi, I admire you because no matter who you meet, you bring out the best in everyone. You're really special! Mimi: Plus, I saved you some DigiDollars! (Both crack up laughing) Davis: Looks like someone has a crush on Mimi. Yolei: (thinking, bitter) "Looks like someone has a crush on Mimi!" How come I never get the cute guy!?

Here we go with more arc divergence. Miyako thinks Digitamamon's an ugly creep. She resents them for the way they treated her earlier and also for being an ugly goober. Digitamamon is gross and she doesn't like looking at their stupid face.

But she keeps all this to herself. Digitamamon can tell what she's thinking from the look on her face even if she can't with them and calls her out on it, and Mimi goes to bat for her. But Miyako keeps quiet about her actual opinions and avoids the kind of response that Yolei's getting.

Yolei, for her part, actually agrees to give Digitamamon a second chance. She's resentful of his earlier behavior but puts it behind her and agrees to give him a shot. After her scolding from Mimi a moment ago, she's come around and stopped being so judgmental.

Dub Digitamamon's been characterized completely different from their Japanese counterpart all episode, and we see it on full display here. They're mean and oafish until they suddenly walk it back and decide, out of nowhere, to let them all have their meals free-of-charge!? Uh. Okay, I guess?

It's not clear what, exactly, Mimi did to earn that praise from Michael. But the same is true in the original, where it was Takeru who said the thing that Digitamamon found so touching. Fuck Takeru, I guess.

Suddenly, Digitamamon's business is interrupted by a huge quake. A loud, repeating crash shakes the building, sounding like massive footsteps.

Daisuke: It's coming from the lake!

Emerging from the restaurant, Daisuke points across the lake at the forest beyond.

Daisuke: Over there!

He's correct. A massive, lumbering beast emerges from the woods; A white-furred gorilla with a cybernetic cannon mounted in place of their right arm.

Michael: It's Gorimon!

Gorimon is an Adult-stage Data-attribute Beastman Digimon. They're one of the Digimon created for the Sega Saturn V-Pet, where they can evolve into Mammon or SaberLeomon. The name, of course, comes from the word "gorilla".

Narrator: Gorimon! Their special attack is Power Attack.

Wow, okay. Fuck Gorimon, I guess.

While Gorimon roars aggressively at the children, their attention is drawn to the clearly visible Evil Spiral on Gorimon's left bicep.

Hikari: An Evil Spiral! Daisuke: But aren't Evil Spirals supposed to be used on Perfect level Digimon? Iori: if they're being used on Adult level Digimon as well, then there must be a lot of them.

While the boys discuss the logistical ramifications of Gorimon's means of enslavement, the big ape takes aim at the restaurant and charges up the cannon in their arm. Aaaaaand break for commercial!

The dub refers to Gorimon by the full word: Gorillamon.

Davis: It must be an earthquake! Run! (Everyone runs outside, where Davis points across the lake) Davis: Look over there! (Gorillamon emerges from the woods) Michael: It's Gorillamon! Michael: (rundown) Gorillamon was the Digimon I saw in New York. Watch out for his Energy Cannon attack; It'll drive you bananas! Yolei: He's got a Dark Spiral! Davis: I thought that the Dark Spirals only worked on Ultimate level Digimon! Cody: If they can control Champion level Digimon too, then there must be different kinds! Gorillamon: ENERGY CANNON!!!

Gorillamon is another on the list of voiceless Digimon in the original who call their attacks in the dub.

Daisuke recognizes the sound of footsteps and takes charge of the team. Davis mistakes it for an earthquake and only changes his tune when he sees the trees rustling across the lake.

Michael's rundown wins by default. It's a pretty good diegetic rundown, only enhanced by the lack of competition.

Dub Team gets confused about the Evil Spirals. They're only supposed to go on Perfect Digimon because they're rare. It was a lot of effort for the Kaiser to produce even one. If they're incredibly hard to make and capable of controlling Perfect Digimon then it naturally follows that they would only be used on Perfect Digimon, with Adults getting standard Evil Rings.

We saw that last episode with Starmon's Evil Ring.

Iori deduces, then, that if we're seeing them on Adult Digimon now then scarcity must not be a problem anymore. The Kaiser must have a surplus if he isn't reserving Evil Spirals exclusively for Perfects anymore.

(Of note: That an Evil Spiral can control a Digimon without a Dark Tower is a valid reason to Spiral Adults. There are still benefits to Spiral over Ring. But it's still only worth doing if you have enough.)

The dub mistakenly presents this as a mechanical limitation of the Spiral itself. You cannot apply a Spiral to a Champion. With Cody then deducing that there are different kinds of Spirals, which is not a thing. There's just the one kind, and it functions on any level of Digimon. Well, except maybe Ultimate/Mega; That hasn't been seen yet.

Returning from commercial break, Gorimon opens fire.

Gorimon fires in an upward arc above the lake so that the weight of their... uh... plasma blast... will carry the shot back down towards the restaurant.

Daisuke: LOOK OUT!!!

Suddenly, Digitamamon rushes out of the restaurant in front of the gathered children.

Mimi: Ah! Digitamamon!

Digitamamon leaps into the sky above the restaurant, tucking in their legs and closing up the openings in their eggshell. Armored up, they take the blast head-on. The shot disperses and sends Digitamamon flying, smashing through a portion of the restaurant's roof and bouncing off into the distance.

Miyako: (thinking) ...did they just protect us? Digitamamon?

Okay but they should still consider posting a sign in the window about what forms of currency are accepted in their business so the yen thing doesn't keep happening to people.

The dub skips this placement for a commercial and goes straight from charging up the cannon to Gorillamon taking the shot.

Davis: HEADS UP!!! (Digitamamon emerges) Mimi: Digitamamon! (Digitamamon takes the shot) Yolei: (thinking) Digitamamon tried to protect us! Why would he do that!?

Solid.

With the first shot fired, the battle is on.

Daisuke: That Gorimon...! Gorimon: (roars and pounds chest) Daisuke: (pulls out D-3) V-mon-- Michael: Please leave this to us! (pulls out Digivice) BETAMON!!! Betamon: (English) Okay!

Time for the Americans to show their stuff. Betamon SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Seadramon is an Adult-stage Data-attribute Aquatic Digimon.

They were one of the very first Digimon that the first-generation Chosen Children ever encountered, in a fight that was entirely the children's fault. Having won their libel lawsuit over wrongful classification as an evil Digimon when they just wanted to sleep, they were awarded a new role in the following series as a Partner Digimon.

Narrator: Seadramon! An Adult-stage Digimon with a long serpentine body that lives in the water. Their special attack is Ice Arrow.

The demonstrably litigious Seadramon also gets a full rundown despite the half-assing of Gorimon's.

In the dub:

Davis: Get him before he gets us! Gorillamon: (roars and pounds chest) Davis: (pulls out D-3) Veemon, now! Michael: Please! Allow me to handle this! (pulls out Digivice) Okay, Betamon? Betamon: Okay! (Betamon Digivolves) Mimi: (rundown) Wow, Michael! Seadramon's your Digimon!? I still get chills remembering his Ice Blast and Icewinder attacks!

I'm a little surprised that Mimi's just now learning about this for the first time.

Daisuke and Davis are conflicting again. Daisuke's angry and raring to fight. Davis is panicking.

Roaring aggressively, Gorimon lunges straight into the lake to fight Seadramon.

It does not go well.

Gorimon lands on Seadramon's head and they plunge into the murky depths together. Michael's initially optimistic about this.

Michael: If they go underwater, this fight is ours!

Sure enough, Seadramon has a pretty significant grappling advantage. Gorimon grabs Seadramon by the throat, but Seadramon is able to bind their whole body around Gorimon and constrict them as the pair sinks.

Gorimon lets out a pained gasp, releasing much of their limited oxygen.

But they aren't out yet. They charge up their energy cannon for a point-blank shot. Realizing how bad this is about to go, Seadramon releases Gorimon and backs off. When Gorimon fires, Seadramon counters with a blast of ice breath.

Carried inside the cone of ice is a single Ice Arrow spike, which drives straight into Gorimon's cannon and jams the barrel. Once the gun's out of the picture, Seadramon's tail snares Gorimon once again.

In the dub:

Michael: Now that they're in the water, Seadramon will win! (Seadramon constricts Gorillamon) Gorillamon: ENERGY CANNON!!! Seadramon: ICE BLAST!!! (Seadramon's Ice Blast wins)

Even being underwater will not stop voiceless Digimon from calling attacks!

Honestly, it's ceaselessly amazing to me that the American version likes calling out elaborate attack names more than the Japanese version. They add so many of these.

Up topside, no one has any idea how the fight is going but they see the glow from Gorimon's energy cannon shining beneath the waves.

Michael: (nervous) ...Seadramon...? Mimi: Palmon, go help Seadramon. Palmon: I'll take care of it.

Palmon evolves into Togemon. It's not clear what Mimi expects her to do from the surface, but fortunately, it's a non-issue. Michael was in fact correct when he said Seadramon's unbeatable down there.

Seadramon hurls Gorimon's beaten and limp, crashing through the surface and sending them high into the air. Togemon's positioned perfectly to receive them.

Togemon: CHIKU-CHIKU BANG BANG!!!

Togemon meets Gorimon with an unrelenting flurry of punches, eventually shattering the Evil Spiral. Gorimon falls defeated to the ground.

Mimi: (English) Nice, Togemon! Seadramon: (emerges with triumphant roar) Michael: Seadramon!

In the dub:

Michael: ...he's in trouble! Mimi: Okay, Palmon! You'd better Digivolve and help Seadramon! Palmon: Ready when you are! (Togemon evolves; Gorillamon's thrown from the water) Togemon: LIGHTSPEED JABBING!!! (Togemon pummels Gorillamon until the Dark Spiral shatters) Mimi: Togemon, you did it! Seadramon: (emerges with triumphant roar) Michael: Victory at last!

Togemon uses the wrong attack name in the original, as Chiku-Chiku Bang Bang is the attack that the dub typically calls Something Something Needle Spray. The dub correctly uses Lightspeed Jabbing.

Following the battle, Mimi explains things to the newly released Gorimon.

Mimi: Sorry we had to be so rough, but there was no other choice. You should go home. Gorimon: (grunt)

Gorimon gets up and leaves

Palmon: Without the Evil Spiral, they aren't a bad Digimon at all. Mimi: Of course not. There are no Digimon who are just bad from the start. It was all because of that Evil Spiral.

Mimi makes a bold statement there, but also a valid one. This connects to her own experiences with the "bad Digimon" Ogremon. Digimon evolve in response to their surroundings and circumstances; They're a product of their environment. (And so are people.)

You can see how this connects with the question of whether we should give Digitamamon a second chance too.

Michael: Mimi-san.... Mimi: Michael, this was the work of that Digimon Kaiser I was telling you about. Michael: The Digimon Kaiser... A kid just like us is trying to conquer the Digital World? It's hard to believe. Daisuke: But it's true. Miyako: Michael is so dreamy... Daisuke: Eh? Did you say something? Miyako: Nothing!

Fittingly for Mimi's kouhai, Miyako is the worst at hiding her crush.

In the dub:

Mimi: Sorry we had to treat you so rough but it was the only way to get that Dark Spiral off you. You should be safe from now on but stay away from the Digimon Emperor. Gorillamon: Thanks! (Gorillamon leaves) Palmon: Without that Dark Spiral, he doesn't seem like a bad little monkey after all. Mimi: I don't think any Digimon is born evil but when they get those Dark Spirals on them, they're not responsible for their actions. Michael: How do you get them? Mimi: Remember what I told you about the Digimon Emperor? He captures the Digimon and makes them his slaves. Michael: I can't believe it! Why would a young kid want to take over the Digital World when he could be playing polo or practicing the violin!? Davis: To him, it's a hobby. Yolei: Do you want to know what my hobby is, Michael? Davis: Boys don't count, Yolei. Yolei: Who asked you!?

XD Filthy rich coming from Davis. This is good. I like this. They even nailed the key point from Mimi.

You know, it's only at this moment as he talks about playing polo that I realize they've given Michael a posh and slightly British accent. I guess they figured he must be upper-class if he, a preteen boy, can walk in and throw $87 in 2002 money at random strangers. Which is fair. I certainly didn't have that kind of pocket change when I was his age.

Plus he runs in the same social circle as Mimi who the dub's been characterizing as a daughter of wealth and privilege since we met her. So that makes sense.

Suddenly, Miyako lets out a gasp. There's someone they've all forgotten about.

Miyako: Ah! What about Digitamamon!? Mimi: That's right! They protected us just now! Wherever they are, they must be hurt!

Takeru and Hikari exchange glances.

Takeru: We'll go search from above.

Tailmon and Patamon nod to one another. Then, after a quick offscreen Armor Evolution, Takeru and Hikari take to the sky on Pegasmon and Nefertimon's backs.

Mimi: (to Michael) We should go look around too. Michael: (English) Okay-- Mimi: Huh?

Mimi's the first to spot it, but the others quickly turn to follow her gaze. A very large, familiar egg comes rolling down a hill out of the woods. It rolls to a stop, still all sealed up and facing the children.

In the dub:

Yolei: (gasp) Hey! Where's Digitamamon!? Mimi: He tried to protect us and now he's gone! He could be all alone somewhere scared and hurt. T.K.: Don't worry! Kari and I will go off and look for him! Gatomon & Patamon: Mhm! (T.K. and Kari leave) Mimi: I'm sure they'll be able to find him in no time! Michael: I hope so-- Mimi: Huh? (Digitamamon rolls down the hill) Digitamamon: Is this fast enough!?

Original Mimi is planning to join in the search and possibly also to spend some alone time with Michael; The way she turns away from Daisuke, Miyako, and Iori to suggest that only to him after Takeru and Hikari leave? There's a bit of a "pairing off" vibe to it.

Dub Mimi's content to let T.K. and Kari form the entire search party.

Mimi: Digitamamon! You're safe! Digitamamon: Yeah, no thanks to you. Mimi: That's great! Miyako: (thinking) I should thank them for helping us just now....

Digitamamon's shell opens back up, revealing furious red eyes.

Digitamamon: (snarling) I was blown far away from here! I just barely made it back!

Never mind on that thank you. Miyako picks up the tone of this conversation and her face hardens. She sees where this is going.

Mimi does not; She cheerfully sprints forward towards Digitamamon.

Mimi: Thanks for earlier! You really saved our-- Miyako: MIMI-SAN, STOP!!!

Mimi stops, looking back at Miyako.

Miyako: Something about this seems different.

Digitamamon's legs extend from their shell and they rise up menacingly.

Digitamamon: I'm going to blast all of you even farther than that! Miyako: I knew it!

Digitamamon is a Perfect-stage Data-attribute Perfect Digimon. The most perfect that a Digimon can be. The ideal Digimon. That which all Digimon should aspire to become.

I don't really have anything to say here. We've met this Digimon before and already covered the recap pretty extensively. Weird place to put a rundown.

Narrator: Digitamamon! Perfect-stage. Their egg-shaped exoskeleton nullifies all attacks against it! Their special attacks are Enigma and Nightmare Syndrome.

Hahahaha the eggshell is an "egg-shaped exoskeleton". Their eggshell is a shell. I am not okay with this revelation.

In the dub:

Mimi: Digitamamon! Are you okay? Digitamamon: Yes, no thanks to you! Mimi: We're so glad you're back! Digitamamon: Yeah, well don't be! Because now I'm going to make you pay! Yolei: (thinking) I knew he was a bad egg!

The dub takes its second commercial break here, with the reveal of Digitamamon's wickedness. To re-establish the scene when we return, they replay the footage of Digitamamon's shell opening and revealing red eyes.

Digitamamon: Now who wants to be destroyed first!? (Mimi runs forward towards Digitamamon) Mimi: But Digitamamon, we're your friends! You tried to protect us-- Yolei: Mimi! Careful, he's acting differently now! (Digitamamon stands up) Digitamamon: You're egg-xactly right! Before I was soft and runny but now I'm hard-boiled! Yolei: I knew it! Digitamamon: (rundown) Nothing can penetrate my shell and when I poach my enemies with my Nightmare Syndromer attack, their minds get cracked!

...Syndromer? Why is that a thing? That is not a word. You made that up. Why did you make that up?

Yolei claims victory for the brilliant observation that Digitamamon's behavior is off after he (checks notes) openly said that he's going to do the violence to everyone here.

They went off-script before the commercial to establish Digitamamon's turn early so they could have that cliffhanger and motivate the audience to stick around. But then tried to rerail back to the original script upon return, with Yolei delivering her lines exactly as in the original despite the changed context.

Digitamamon takes one menacing step towards Mimi and that's all it takes for the situation to erupt into violence.

Michael: Mimi-san! Hawkmon: Miyako-san! Miyako: Mhm! DIGIMENTAL UP!!! (Horusmon Armor Evolves) Digitamamon: TAKE THIS!!!

Digitamamon throws themselves forwards, charging Mimi. Horusmon jumps in the way and takes an unbreakable Perfect-strength eggshell to the face. The impact is so strong, it puts Horusmon down for the count in one hit.

Mimi: HORUSMON!!!

First round to Digitamamon.

In the dub:

Michael: Watch out, Mimi! Hawkmon: Well, Yolei? Yolei: Mhm. DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Halsemon Armor Digivolves) Digitamamon: RRRAAAGH!!!

The dub censors out the closeup of Digitamamon hitting Horusmon in the face. Digitamamon charges in, Halsemon lands in front of Mimi, then a white flash to convey impact before the wider shot of Halsemon crumpling to the ground.

Nobody shouts Halsemon's name either.

V-mon: Daisuke! Daisuke & Iori: DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Daisuke pulls Courage for this one, and the two remaining new Partners evolve into Fladramon and Digmon.

Digitamamon hops back from the crumpled Horusmon, gaining distance.

Fladramon: KNUCKLE FIRE!!!

Digitamamon withdraws into their invulnerable shell. Fladramon's shots strike Digitamamon dead-on, but achieve nothing.

Fladramon: What!? Digmon: How about this dagyaa!?

Digmon spins up their drills and applies them to Digitamamon's shell. The drills grind uselessly against it, putting off sparks and failing to so much as scratch the unyielding egg.

Digmon: (dejected) That makes no sense at all....

I don't know what to tell ya, man. This guy isn't just Perfect, they're the perfect Digimon. I'm sorry your evolution isn't as good as theirs and never will be.

In the dub:

Veemon: We'd better help! Davis & Cody: DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!! (Flamedramon and Digmon Armor Digivolve) Flamedramon: FIRE ROCKET!!! (Digitamamon tanks the attack) Flamedramon: Huh? Digmon: ROCK CRACKIN'!!! (Digmon's drills fail to break through) Digmon: Hmm? I need an Egg Crackin' attack!

Dub's punchline isn't as funny as original Digmon's distressed confusion. I appreciate that they call the attack, though; I was a little dismayed that I couldn't make a joke about Digmon's Big Crack.

Digmon's attack fails, but Horusmon's had time to get a second wind. Fladramon has a suggestion.

Fladramon: Let's attack them together! Mimi: WAIT!!!

Before this can continue, Mimi races out onto the field, putting herself between the boys and Digitamamon.

Fladramon: Eh? Mimi: Wait just a second before you go attacking Digitamamon! Fladramon: Why!?

Mimi doesn't answer them. She turns around and addresses Digitamamon.

Mimi: Digitamamon, you have to find yourself again. You're being controlled by something evil right now. That has to be what's happening!

Digitamamon reopens the eye portion of their shell to talk to Mimi.

Digitamamon: I'm not being controlled by anything. This is my true self. Mimi: No, it's not! Digitamamon: Yes, it is!

This is going nowhere. The other Children catch up to Mimi, also coming inbetween the Armor Digimon and Digitamamon.

Miyako: What are you trying to do, Mimi-san? Mimi: If I can just talk to them, I'm sure they'll understand. Miyako: That's ridiculous! Daisuke: Yeah, there's no point in even trying. Mimi: Quiet, all of you! Miyako: (thinking) But why...? It's completely impossible to reach a Digimon that isn't even our ally....

Somebody doesn't know about Mimi's overclocked Charisma score.

In the dub:

Flamedramon: None of our attacks are working on him! Mimi: WAIT!!! (Mimi gets in the middle of the fight) Mimi: You guys have to leave Digitamamon alone right now! Flamedramon: Why? (Mimi turns around and faces Digitamamon) Mimi: Digitamamon, listen! You're being controlled by something evil! Remember what you said to us in the restaurant? That you're not like that anymore? (Digitamamon opens his shell) Digitamamon: I'm not being controlled by anything! The one in the restaurant was a fake! This is the real me. Mimi: I refuse to believe that! Digitamamon: That's your problem!

I also refuse to believe that. A fake? What, like a body double? I think they were trying to say that Digitamamon's personality was fake in the restaurant but it comes out like he's claiming they met an impersonator.

Yolei: Mimi, stand back! Let us attack him! Mimi: No! I'm sure if I can just talk to him, he'll come around! Yolei: But Mimi, he's evil! Davis: Right! Let's scramble that egg! Mimi: I have to try! Yolei: (thinking) I don't understand Mimi. Why is she doing this? Digitamamon's not even our friend!

Subtle difference, but Miyako and Daisuke are concerned that Mimi's idea will fail. They repeat the word 無理 muri at her, which means impossible, unreasonable, useless, futile. Which is a fair assessment. Mimi clearly thinks Digitamamon's picked up an Evil Spiral. We've seen no evidence that a Spiraled Digimon can even be appealed to, let alone one we have no emotional connection with whatsoever.

Yolei and Davis don't engage with Mimi's plan at all. They want her out of the way so they can fuck up Digitamamon.

Once Mimi has silenced the juniors, she turns her attention back towards Digitamamon.

Mimi: Didn't you say earlier that, even if no one else believes in you, you can still rely on yourself?

Actually, Takeru said that but fuck him, I guess. Zero respect for Takeru this episode.

Mimi's words actually have an effect, as Digitamamon's eyes soften for just a moment.

Digitamamon: (choked up) That was...

But then they catch themself.

Digitamamon: You were so naive to believe those words! I only said that so you would let down your guard! Miyako: (thinking) See? Mimi: (smiling) No, you're lying. Miyako: Eh!? Mimi: Even if nobody else believes in you, I believe in you.

Once again, Digitamamon's eyes soften, only for a brief moment.

Miyako: (thinking) Mimi-san, why are you trying so hard? Digitamamon: Hmph, you must be kidding me. Stop saying those disgusting things! Mimi: No, I won't stop! I'll never stop! Not even if you beg me!

Digitamamon's Spiral-induced stubbornness is no match for the raw intensity of Tachikawa Mimi.

In the dub:

Mimi: Think back to the restaurant. Do you remember when you said that one day, you hope to have friends? Well, today is that day because we're your friends! (Digitamamon's eyes soften) Digitamamon: ...friends...? (Digitamamon's eyes harden) Digitamamon: No! That was just a trick so you would let your guard down! Just like when I said "Forget the bill" which reminds me, you still owe me 87 DigiDollars! Yolei: Huh!? Mimi: I don't care how rough and tough you try to act on the outside. Deep down inside, I know you're not evil.

Digitamamon's line lasts so long that he talks over both Miyako's internal monologue and Mimi's "You're lying" line. Consequently, Mimi moves her lips and says nothing while Digitamamon's yelling about the money.

Miyako's internal monologue asking why Mimi would go to these lengths was removed and replaced with nothing. The camera awkwardly hangs on Yolei's silent face for a moment before Mimi and Digitamamon's argument continues.

Yolei: .... Digitamamon: Quit trying to butter me up. What do I look like, a piece of toast!? Mimi: Stop pretending you don't want to be friends! Otherwise, you wouldn't have tried to protect us!

Original Mimi expressing an unwavering faith in Digitamamon to be the better person that they want to be is an awful lot of faith in another person to be offering based on their history together. That's exactly why Miyako's so bewildered by it.

But it's an expression of Mimi's sincere faith in people. Her optimism and faith that anyone can choose to become their better self. She believes in Digitamamon with every ounce of the passion that she once shared with Ogremon.

Dub Mimi saying "We're your friends" to someone she'll probably never think about again after today just sounds like cheap talk. Sure, okay. But, like, "hanging out and going to the movies together" friends? Or "Friending someone on Facebook because you chatted for five minutes at the corner store and then never speaking to them" friends?

Because I'm pretty sure Digitamamon was talking about the former. And I don't think anyone here is going to actually make that commitment.

Digitamamon: THAT'S ENOUGH!!!

Having lost at verbal jousting, Digitamamon resorts to violence. They headbutt Mimi in the gut, knocking her off her feet.

Iori: MIMI-SAN!!! Palmon: MIMI!!!

Palmon hurries to Mimi's side, sitting her up and holding her.

Miyako: MIMI-SAN!!! Mimi: (weakly) I believe in you.... Miyako: (gasp) Digitamamon: (gasp) Mimi: So... you have to regain your true self.... Miyako: "True self"...? (firmly) ...true self.

With those words, Miyako steels herself for what lies ahead.

In the dub:

Digitamamon: YOU THINK I'M PROTECTING!?!?

The shot of Mimi taking an invulnerable eggshell to the gut is cut. Digitamamon angles his body to strike, white flash, and then Mimi crumples to the ground.

Group: (collective gasp) Yolei: ARE YOU OKAY!?!? Mimi: I'm alright. He didn't mean it. Yolei: Huh!? Digitamamon: Huh!? Mimi: Please, Yolei... Don't hurt him. I know you can get through to him. Yolei: But he's a phony. Mimi: It doesn't matter. Talk to him. Yolei: It won't be easy but I'll try.

Original Mimi implores Digitamamon to be honest with themself, and accidentally hits Miyako with a ricochet. It's Miyako, touched by seeing Mimi's pure expression of herself, who realizes she's been dishonest and closed off about her own feelings.

Dub Mimi gets extra dialogue to convince Yolei that she should put aside her own feelings and try diplomacy. Something that Yolei doesn't believe will work, but ultimately agrees to try.

Digitamamon: (troubled) S-Shut up... (angry) SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP-- Miyako: (imitating) SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!!! Digitamamon: Ack!?

Miyako stands up suddenly and unloads on Digitamamon.

Miyako: What the hell are you thinking, Digitamamon!? Why would you attack Mimi-san!? Mimi-san who, unlike me, believed you were a good person from the start!

Miyako slowly, forcefully approaches Digitamamon as she speaks.

Miyako: Let me be very clear about this: I hate you. I'm disgusted by you. I can't tell what you're thinking! But when you protected us from Gorimon just now, I got to thinking that maybe you were a good guy after all. I really did. And for what!? For you to betray our trust!? Digitamamon: What are you talking about!? You've been suspicious of me this whole time! Miyako: Yeah, I have been suspicious. Because I judge people by their appearance! Of course I do! It's better to look cool! So yes, I prefer good-looking people! That's why I prefer people as handsome as Michael-san! Daisuke: What. Miyako: I CAN'T HELP IT, OKAY!?!? NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS, THIS IS WHO I REALLY AM!!!

Poor Daisuke's been relegated to Miyako's straight man for this entire episode. XD

In the original, Digitamamon responds to Mimi continuing to appeal to them even after being struck. In the dub, he responds to Yolei agreeing to try to reach him.

Digitamamon: Oh, so you want a piece of me too? You think you'll do any better than her!? I'LL KNOCK YOU FOR A LOOP!!! Yolei: I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD FROM YOUR MOUTH!!! Digitamamon: Huh? Yolei: Digitamamon, you're the rudest Digimon I've ever met! At first, I thought you were just an obnoxious waiter looking for a tip but when you told everyone you had a change of personality, I gave you the benefit of the doubt! (Yolei slowly marches towards Digitamamon) Yolei: But when you pushed Mimi to the ground, it was absolutely the last straw! All she was trying to do was make you our friend! And how did you thank her!? Digitamamon: But...? Yolei: By viciously attacking her without any cause! Digitamamon: But... But...! Yolei: Mimi doesn't have a mean bone in her body and you couldn't see that! Well, I want you to know that I will not tolerate that kind of behavior any longer! Digitamamon: You're one to talk! You want to be friends and then call me a phony! You're the phony! Yolei: Okay, I admit it! I have a problem judging others by my first impression of them! I see a cute looking boy and I instantly fall in love. I never stop to think what kind of person they might be. They could be really cool like T.K. or a real jerk like Davis! Davis: Gckkk...!? Yolei: WELL THOSE DAYS ARE FINALLY OVER!!! From now on, I promise to be as sincere with people as I possibly can!

Here we come to the climax of the two divergent character arcs.

Mimi's Crest is the Crest of Purity. Sincerity in the dub. But they mean the same thing. Mimi's Crest is about the unfiltered expression of the self. It's about being genuine, being true to yourself. It's, in a sense, values-neutral because... it is tactless, it is raw. It's the baring of one's soul, the good along with the bad. Love me or hate me, this is who I really am.

It doesn't come as naturally to Miyako as it does to Mimi. Unlike Mimi, Miyako does have filters. She does think twice before saying some things. She keeps bad opinions to herself. She doesn't always do a great job of it; Everyone is vividly aware of how abruptly she falls in and out of love. But she does have them.

So Miyako throwing caution to the winds and saying, "Love me or hate me, this is me, warts and all," is her expression of Purity, her embracing of the virtue that Mimi embodies. This is her self-actualization as the inheritor of Purity.

But Yolei's arc has been rewritten to not be about her accepting her flaws, but rejecting them. Rejecting her flaws and seeking to improve herself instead.

"I'm going to stop being judgmental of other people," is a fine enough moral lesson.

But "I'm going to stop judging people on their looks and instead be sincere," is gibberish. Purity/Sincerity is values-neutral. Judging people by their looks is sincere. It's the sincere expression of Yolei's opinions. This works as a moral lesson in a vacuum but it doesn't work as the self-actualization of Yolei embracing Sincerity.

This moment is supposed to be about Yolei accepting who she is, and they made it about Yolei apologizing for who she is.

Also they have her make a valid point of "I don't stop to think about if that cute boy is actually a piece of shit," which is relevant in the context of Ken. That is something that happened to her with Ken. But Ken isn't here. He doesn't appear even once in this eipsode.

The only cute boy involved in this episode is Michael. And she can't be talking about Michael if she's saying that. That doesn't make sense in the context of Michael.

So she verbally slaps Davis in the face out of nowhere to make it work. XD It works because they have that shot of him mortified by what Miyako just said. Him making that face along with bewildered throat noises does sell the punchline.

But. Still. They are torturing Miyako's arc for Yolei's story.

As Miyako makes her self-actualizing exclamation, a bright green glow suddenly shines from the ground beneath her feet.

Digitamamon: NYORGH!!!

Digitamamon takes a quick step back from the sudden glow. Miyako looks down to see a brand new Digimental rise into the air, marked by the Crest of Purity.

Miyako: What's going on!? Iori: The Digimental.... Mimi: Is that... the Crest of Purity?

Miyako cups her hands under the Digimental and takes it.

(It's a good thing she's wearing gloves because the bottom of that thing looks sharp as hell and not in a cute boy sort of way.)

Daisuke: Why? Iori: Maybe... It could be reacting to naked expression of Miyako's heart! Daisuke: The naked expression of her heart? Miyako: I... have two...? Horusmon: Miyako-san!

Horusmon's voice shakes Miyako out of her funk. While he reverts to Hawkmon, she gets her head back in the game and nods to him.

Miyako: Mhm. DIGIMENTAL UP!!!

Iori's theory is super interesting. Earlier, they couldn't find any trace of a Digimental here. What Iori suggests recontextualizes everything we thought we knew about the Digimentals.

Implicitly, the reason nobody could get a signal for the Digimental of Purity is because... nobody was worthy of it. It was only in this moment, in Miyako's sudden outburst, that she became worthy to inherit Purity. It's not responding to the individual, but to her acceptance and embrace of its virtue.

In a sense, Miyako chose the Digimental, rather than the Digimental choosing her.

By contrast, that they were getting a signal just fine on the Digi-Egg in the dub also makes sense because Yolei has been expressing Sincerity this whole time. It's just that the episode thinks she's a bitch and needs to stop.

In the dub:

Digitamamon: Huh!? (Digitamamon backs up. Digi-Egg appears.) Yolei: Was it something I said? Cody: It's the new Digi-Egg! Mimi: It's got the Crest of Sincerity! (Yolei takes the Digi-Egg) Davis: Careful! Cody: It must have responded to Yolei when she started to talk so sincerely about her feelings. Davis: I guess she sincerely thinks I'm a jerk. Yolei: It's my second... I've got two Digi-Eggs.... Halsemon: Then let's use it! (Yolei nods; Halsemon reverts to Hawkmon) Yolei: Mhm. DIGI-ARMOR ENERGIZE!!!

Solid. This part works with Sincerity. Even Davis's laugh line.

Also, I appreciate that Davis had the same concerns I had with Yolei wrapping her hands around that shuriken.

Now, it's time to call on the best Crest to finish this. Hawkmon ARMOR SHINKAAAAAA!!!

Shurimon: BURSTING PURITY, SHURIMON!!!

Shurimon is an Armor-stage Free-attribute Mutation Digimon. His name comes from the word "shuriken", which is also what inspires much of his design. He's based pretty blatantly on a ninja, with giant leaf camouflage shoulderpads and extendable vines for limbs to grant a bit of Palmon's plant aesthetic.

Narrator: Shurimon! Hawkmon Armor Evolved into this Armor level Digimon. His special attack is Kusanagi!

Okay but was there Armor involved?

Shurimon: MOMIJI OROSHI!!!

I love it when the narrator says "Their attack is X" and then they immediately use something else. Momiji oroshi is one of the rare few attacks that are named in Japanese instead of English. Possibly because Shurimon is so Japanese-coded?

I am not 100% on what it means but... 紅葉 Momiji refers to the red or orange leaves of Autumn. 降ろし Oroshi is a verb of many meanings but I believe the relevant one here is pruning. As in, cutting down bits and bobs from a tree or hedge. The attack is, to my best understanding, called "Pruning the Autumn Leaves".

It's also a condiment you can make from chili peppers and daikon. I don't think the attack is meant to reference the condiment. But IDK.

Shurimon extends both of his arms, sending his twin shurikens forward. They clatter uselessly against Digitamamon's impenetrable shell.

Digitamamon: Attacks like that are useless! NIGHTMARE SYNDROME!!!

Digitamamon responds by launching a shadowy creature from the eyehole in their shell.

In the dub:

Shurimon: SHURIMON, THE SAMURAI OF SINCERITY!!!

They were going for alliteration there, but...not quite? That is a ninja, not a samurai. The two aren't diametrically opposed; some ninjas came from the samurai class. The real history of samurai and ninja/shinobi culture is complicated. But regardless of class, that is clearly a ninja.

Shurimon: (rundown) I am Shurimon. As Hawkmon, I used the Digi-Egg of Sincerity to Armor Digivolve. My Double Stars attack is double trouble. Shurimon: DOUBLE STARS!!! (No effect) Digitamamon: Not even you can penetrate my shell! NIGHTMARE SYNDROMER!!!

For some reason, the extending and retracting of Shurimon's vines are given hydraulic sound effects. Are they trying to make Shurimon cooler by implying that he's a cyborg?

Shurimon: You handle this, Fladramon and Digmon. Fladramon & Digmon: Leave it to us!

Shurimon abandons the defense entirely, using his springy legs to bound up into the air for a bird's eye view. Fladramon and Digimon replace him, each grabbing one arm of the Nightmare Syndrome beast and restraining it from reaching Miyako.

As Digitamamon looks up, following Shurimon's movement, the sunlight very briefly glints off of something deep inside their shell.

Shurimon: Hm? So that's it.

Spiral located.

Shurimon: KUSANAGI!!!

Shurimon pulls the giant shuriken from their back and throws it with expert precision. It strikes as deep as it can go into Digitamamon's eyehole and sticks there... but it doesn't hit the Spiral.

Digitamamon: GWOARGH!!!

As Shurimon lands back on the ground, Digitamamon turns right around and runs for it.

In the dub:

Shurimon: Protect Yolei. I'll take care of Digitamamon. (Flamedramon and Digmon replace Shurimon) Digmon: Don't let it get through! (They catch the Syndromer creature. Digitamamon looks up) Digitamamon: Hm? What's he looking at? Shurimon: I see the Dark Spiral! (Glint) Shurimon: It's inside his shell! DOUBLE STARS!!! (Shurimon throws his giant shuriken)

Yeah, they definitely don't think Shurimon is sufficiently cool and are trying to spice him up. He gets more mechanical motion noises when he reaches for the shuriken, which itself is made to sound like a whirring buzzsaw as it flies. They want so badly for you to see this character as a cool cyborg like Cable or that guy from the Teen Titans; I forget what he's called.

It's deliciously ironic that they're straight up trying to lie about what kind of being the Samurai of Sincerity is.

Nonetheless, at the same time they're trying to make this cooler, the shuriken slamming into Digitamamon's eyehole is way too graphic for them. They cut the shot of impact, replacing it with a white flash covered by the sound of a spring comically going "Doink". Then Digitamamon says this gem with the shuriken sticking out of his face:

Digitamamon: Hey, careful! You almost hit me in here!

It is of the utmost importance that parents know that our cartoon heroes did not just stab someone in the face.

Shurimon: Quit running! Nefertimon & Pegasmon: We've got him. SANCTUARY BIND!!!

Triumphantly returning from their search, Nefertimon and Pegasmon move in from the direction Digitamamon's trying to flee to.

Hikari: Is that... Hawkmon? Takeru: A new Armor Evolution?

Nefertimon and Pegasmon sweep low, tripping Digitamamon with Sanctuary Bind and tying the golden chain around their ankles. Rising into the sky, they suspend Digitamamon helplessly.

Shurimon: The Evil Spiral is inside their shell! MOMIJI OROSHI!!!

Shurimon extends his right shuriken straight into the eyehole.

The space inside Digitamamon's spell is a colossal dark void filled with vast empty space and also planets, not unlike the abyss that Vademon once brought Koushiro to. The Spiral is free-floating in the void. It's just... in there, hanging out.

Shurimon's vine extends all the way out to it, striking the Spiral and shattering it. He withdraws his vine and, a moment later, Digitamamon chokes and coughs out chunks of broken Evil Spiral through their eyehole.

Daisuke: They threw up the Evil Spiral! (Nightmare Syndrome creature disintegrates) Miyako: You did it, Shurimon!

I just want to gush for a moment over how good this choreography is for showcasing Shurimon's skillset.

The problem: Digitamamon's shell is unbreakable. They can just block whatever we throw at them.

The solution: Shurimon bounds into the sky. As a general rule, attacking with the sun to your back makes your movements harder to see. That's a good ninja trick. From there, he spots the Spiral, immediately realizes what he needs to do, and hits Digitamamon with Kusanagi.

The shuriken can't reach the Spiral but what it does is jam Digitamamon's eyehole open. They can't seal up their shell now and are forced to turn around and run for it instead - only to flee straight into the returning cavalry, back from their search.

Sanctuary Bind remains OP, its temporary effectiveness on Perfect Digimon already demonstrated. It won't end the fight, but it can buy a moment of time to set up a follow-up attack.

And then Shurimon finishes up by demonstrating the incredible reach of their springy vine limbs.

Armor Digimon are no match for Perfects in a straight fight, which Digitamamon helpfully reminded Horusmon of. The Evil Spiral is a single point of failure that can be exploited tactically, but the one planted on Digitamamon was placed brilliantly. All in all, a great first fight for Shurimon demonstrating their versatility in solving the puzzle of Digitamamon's power.

In the dub:

Shurimon: Pegasusmon, Nefertimon, get him! Nefertimon & Pegasusmon: GOLDEN NOOSE!!! Kari: He's trying to get away! T.K.: Not if we have anything to say about it! (Nefertimon & Pegasusmon string Digitamamon up by his ankles) Shurimon: Now to take care of that Dark Spiral. DOUBLE STARS!!! (Shurimon breaks the Dark Spiral and Digitamamon coughs up the pieces) Yolei: He coughed up the Spiral! That egg is over easy!

Shurimon orders Nefertimon and Pegasusmon to attack, so I guess he saw them flying back.

Kari and T.K. are utterly disinterested in Hawkmon's new Digivolution. They're too focused on the fight to notice.

The dub takes its third commercial break here.

Digitamamon wakes up on the ground, surrounded by the Chosen Children.

Digitamamon: I... I was.... Mimi: (gently) Are you okay, Digitamamon? Digitamamon: Did you guys save me? Mimi: Yes, Miyako-chan did. Miyako: Eh!? M-Me!?

Digitamamon stands up and approaches Miyako.

Digitamamon: Thank you, Miyako-san. Miyako: No, really, it was nothing. And, also, I'm sorry for saying that I hate you. Digitamamon: It's fine! Please don't worry about it. Miyako: From now on, I'm going to try and be more honest. Digitamamon: That's okay. You're honest enough already. Miyako: (pleased) Y-yeah? Ahaha. Mimi-oneesama, this is all because of your Crest of Purity! I'll hold on tight to your legacy. Mimi: Mm! Work hard (ganbatte), okay?

Mimi's been promoted back up to oneesama. There were some bumps in the road getting here, but Miyako's admiration has been restored.

Suddenly, out of absolutely fucking nowhere, Scumon appears and taps on Mimi's shoulder.

Scumon: Onee-chan! How about a date?

Mimi's initially taken aback by the sudden intrusion. Then her shock turns to disgust, followed by rage.

Mimi: NOT WITH YOU!!!

She throws a right haymaker straight into Scumon's stupid face, hitting them so hard that they fly across the lake and into the woods beyond.

Group: (collective shocked gasp) Miyako: Ahaha! I knew Mimi-oneesama was something special!

And that haymaker lands Miyako right back into worship territory.

I love how Scumon literally just popped up here so that Mimi, now 13 and a veteran of the first series's war, could finally get some revenge for the gross way she was so often treated back then.

In the dub:

Mimi: He's waking up! Digitamamon: Nnn... what happened...? Mimi: You had a Dark Spiral in you. Digitamamon: You saved me? Mimi: Actually, Yolei was the one. Yolei: W-What do you mean, it was me!? (Digitamamon gets up and approaches Yolei) Digitamamon: I want to thank you, Yolei. Yolei: Huh!? Well, there's no need to thank me! But I do want to apologize for those things I said about you earlier. Digitamamon: I'm the one who should be apologizing. Yolei: From now on, I promise not to judge a book by its cover. Digitamamon: And I promise not to put all my eggs in one basket. Yolei: (dismissive) Yeah, that's great.

XD Hahahahahaha even after all this, Yolei still does not give a shit about what Digitamamon thinks. She says what she needs to say to feel better about herself and then shuts him down and moves right on. That's beautiful.

Yolei: A-Anyway, Mimi! Thanks to you, I'm going to be totally honest with people, especially boys! And I won't be friends with them just 'cause they're cute. Mimi: Great! Then neither will I. (Sukamon taps Mimi on the shoulder) Sukamon: Oh, Mimi~? If you don't care about looks, hehe... How would you like to go on a date with me? (haymaker) Mimi: RRRAAAAUGH!!! Sukamon: (ejected) Whoa, I'll take that as a no! Group: (collective gasp) Yolei: Ooh, now I know what to do if someone asks me out on a date!

This sequence is the conclusion for Yolei's dub-added arc about how she should try and be less shallow. And it still doesn't... really... make sense? Yolei's going to try and be more honest... by not expressing her real feelings and instead trying to change how she acts.

If she were inheriting Joe's Crest, this would work a lot better. But the moral lesson they're trying to bolt onto the episode just doesn't connect with the specific virtue she's inheriting from Mimi.

Also they're just... They are really fixated on "Don't trust cute boys", something that has nothing to do with anything that happens in this episode. The cute boy we have here is fine! Michael has done nothing to deserve this slander!

As the sun sets over the Digital World, it's time to part ways.

Daisuke: Someday, I'm sure a time will come that we can work together again. Michael: Yes! We should be even stronger by then. Mimi: Come on, Michael. It will be time for the Gate to close soon. Miyako: (dismayed) Aww, already? There's so much more I wanted to talk to you about!

Michael walks slowly over to Miyako, holding out his hand for hers.

Michael: (English) See you again, Miyako-san.

Miyako stares at him for a moment. Then she smiles and happily shakes his hand.

Cut to Mimi and Michael disappearing into the distance. Mimi waves farewell as they depart.

Mimi: (English) BYE-BYE!!! Miyako: (English) BYE-BYE!!! (softly, Japanese) Until next time.

We close here, on Miyako's pleasant anticipation of her next meeting with Mimi and Michael.

In the dub:

Davis: Well, Michael, it was pretty cool meeting you. And I hope we'll get to hang out together again real soon. Michael: Thanks. I feel the same way. Mimi's always telling me stories about how great all of you are, and now I know it too firsthand. Oh, before I go, there's one thing I've wanted to do since I got here. (Michael holds out his hand for Yolei's) Michael: Yolei, I want to ask you something. Yolei: ...huh? Michael: Would you like to go out on a date with me sometime?

(spit take) Excuse me, what!?

Yolei: ... (ecstatic noises) (Michael and Mimi depart) Yolei: Goodbye, Michael! Friday night's good! Or any other night works too~! Hahahaha! Narrator: Will they encounter more DigiDestined kids from around the world? Find out on the next Digimon: Digital Monsters.

We will not.

Uh, not find that out, I mean. The answer is yes. There will be more DigiDestined kids from around the world. But that's not coming down the pipe for a long time. Narrator is getting way ahead of himself.

Also. Just. What. The fuck. Yolei gets the boy in the end? What? What? How? What?

Is this why they've been hammering "Don't trust cute boys"? For a punchline where she suddenly walks it back for Michael? IDK.

Gonna be really hard going on a date between Japan and New York. I guess they can meet up in the Digital World but... what? What?

Oh, and Mimi gets snubbed out of having any lines in this departure too. It's strictly focused on Yolei and Michael's absolutely bizarre parting.

Assessment: I never liked Shurimon as a kid. Couldn't put a finger on why; I just thought they were the dumbest of the Armor Digimon.

Looking at it now, I'm pretty sure it's the inexplicable mechanized sound effects. The disconnect between a leafy viney boi making cyborg noises whenever he moves is weird and I don't think I knew what to make of it.

But Shurimon's pretty cool, in fact. He's not my favorite Armor Digimon, that honor goes to Nefertimon, but he's cool.

This episode was a lot of fun. I like that Mimi's episode features an old nemesis trying to change their ways and I also like that it isn't really dwelt on. When Digitamamon shows up with glowing red eyes, Mimi takes it on faith that they must be under the Kaiser's control even if she can't see a Spiral anywhere. And she's right.

We get some interesting background on how the new kids got roped into this. As well as some fascinating implications regarding how the Digimentals work, reinforcing that we don't really know anything about them.

There's only one Digimental left out there now. And it's going to have to wait because next episode is movie time.

[simscognito]

Chapter 17: Father and Son (Part One)

Note: Miguel stutters on voiceless bilabial plosives like “p” words and sometimes other voiceless plosives. During the conversation between him and his father in this chapter, the pattern makes sense in Spanish, where certain sounds trigger his stutter. However, since this conversation is translated into English, I’ve tried to use words with similar phonetic sounds. But you might notice the occasional stutter on a word that doesn’t have the same phonetic quality in English, or a lack of stutter on a word that does. Just know, their dialogue makes sense in Spanish! 😂

THE SUÁREZ FAMILY HOME, BRITECHESTER, 2052

Hours passed while Diego waited for Miguel to appear. Or at least call him. At first, he wasn’t overly worried – with emphasis on overly. Miguel had form for staying late at Britechester University library. Sometimes he’d stay till closing time. Which was about an hour ago. And that’s when Diego began to fear the worst.

Had Miguel been mugged? Or kidnapped? Or stumbled into one of Windenburg’s many gangs?

Or… had he become a late-night snack for a greedy vampire?

Diego’s ribs stiffened. His lungs contracted.

Miguel.

Where was he?

‘Papá!’ 

His heart paused its thumping – he’d heard that right. “Papá” – no stutter, no hesitation. A rare occurrence for Miguel these days – around him, anyway. He hadn’t imagined it, had he?

Diego’s head shot up. Relief rushed through him.

Miguel hadn’t smiled since… since his best friend – and Alex’s eldest daughter – was murdered by a vampire who had insisted she was acting under The Grim Reaper's orders. Though Diego believed she was just nuts.

His heart swelled at the sight of that smile. Until another thought crept in.

A sly smile spread across his lips. He hadn’t met someone, had he? Someone like… a girl? 

‘You were out late.’ Diego hadn’t meant to sound on edge. Quite the contrary, in fact. And from the way Miguel’s smile sagged, he regretted his unintended pointed tone.

‘I’m twenty-one. Have you forgotten?’

‘Of course not. You remind me every day.’

‘I’d rather not have to.’

Exasperation seized him, and Diego took one measured inhale. He would have thought that by twenty-one, Miguel would have lost his attitude.

‘Did you have a nice night? Discover any new interesting and morbid books?... Meet anyone?’

‘I’m not twelve.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

‘You’re always talking to me like I’m fifteen.’

‘You implied before I treat you like you're twelve. Which is it?’

‘I’m too t–t…’ Miguel paused, concentrating on the voiceless plosive. On better days, it was just “p” words he struggled with – voiceless bilabial plosives, the therapist had said. But clearly, Diego had riled him. Just by asking if he’d had a good night. He couldn’t get anything right with Miguel, it seemed. ‘Too… tired to talk. Goodnight.’

START | PREVIOUS | NEXT

To read the full chapter, click here.

[andromeda-estrelar]

Guys I come back with updates!

(Por desafortunadas circunstancias, este post no será traducido al español porque se haría mucho más extenso de lo que ya es, y porque sería muy complicado de traducir (para mí)... Recomiendo hacer una captura de tela del texto para traducirlo en Google).

I've been away for about a month and I'm (finally) back to interacting here!

I took advantage of my time away to make some adjustments to the AU lore, which led me to tweak the first chapter and chapter 2, and establish an order for the number of pages per chapter.

↓↓↓Updates↓↓↓

AU Updates

1 - From chapter 2 onwards there will be speech bubbles:

I can say that the way the pages are constructed, with somewhat complex scenarios or "specific" colors, ends up making reading a little difficult, even with dark or light outlines. So, to make the pages more easier to read, after chapter 1, all other chapters will have speech bubbles.

2 - From chapter 2 onwards, the format (width and height) of the pages will change:

The current page format is "a little" too small to fit the frames, drawings, and dialogue together... So yes, the format will be bigger to fix that and also to fit the future speech bubbles.

3 - Gutters now change depending on the page:

The gutters (the white spaces between the frames) will now change color depending on the page. It's simple: if the page is showing a darker location, the gutter will be darker, like gray or something similar; if it's in a light location, it will be lighter; and it can have specific colors to demonstrate a certain feeling, etc. (This is for better visualization of the frames in certain drawings).

4 - The chapters will be posted in two or more parts:

Uhhh, due to possible limitations when posting from a cell phone, I can only upload 10 images per post, and the minimum number of pages a chapter can have is 20, so there's practically no way to post everything in a single post...

5 - The posts for each chapter will be different for different languages:

There will be one post for the chapters in English and another for the chapters in Spanish. Why? 20 (average) pages in Spanish and English will make one post VERY LONG, without mentioning that I will have to post more than 4 parts of a single chapter due to the update mentioned above (there is not much more to say about this).

6 - I will create OCs for the scenarios:

You read that right, I WILL create OCs for the blessed scenarios (especially urban ones), and the reason is simple: I don't have any OCs, and I don't just not have any, but I don't want to fill my scenarios with generic NPCs in generic environments... (And I'll also take the opportunity to reuse old OCs that I never used again).

7 - I will write more about the AU lore:

Some characters, species, locations, and others will have posts to talk more about, since a lot of things can get confusing in the main story (especially between the Crystal Trees, guardians, etc.), so get ready for the texts that are coming!

8 (and last) - The chapters are in production:

First of all, calm down because they probably won't be posted this month or next month or anything like that... I'm going to accumulate a few chapters and then post them, but when I finish the first chapter, I'll post everything and then start accumulating the others.

And that's it, that's all I wanted to say... I hope it makes sense, now see you later!

[dullstyle]

Warming His Soul

Summary - Park Seonghwa normally handles his stress well, but some days seem to weigh on him heavier than others. Thankfully Kim Hongjoong can simply enter the same room and everything seems to melt away.

Word Count - 2,083

Notes: Hi everyone! This is my first time ever writing for Ateez, and it is my first time writing a fic in years tbh so it might not be the best. If you'd like to, please let me know how I can be better! Whether it's my summary, or the actual fic itself, or even the tagging! Enjoy this sweet, not a lot of dialogue fic of SeongJoong! I also posted this on AO3 so I will add the link <3 AO3 Here!

     Letting out a deep sigh, Seonghwa stares up at the rotating blades of the ceiling fan above his head. Typically he’s more patient, but after the day he has had dealing with the other members and the stress of recording, he just wants to be with the one person he is waiting for and not have to worry about his idol duties for at least 24 hours, seeing as they all have a day off tomorrow.

     “Are you okay, Hyung?” San’s sweet, mellow voice sounds out into the wide living room from his space in the hallway.

     “I’m okay Sannie, I’m just waiting for Hongjoong.”

Seonghwa’s ears twitch with the pitch of the exhale San lets slip from his lips.

     “Okay, just make sure not to stay up too late, I am heading over to Yeosangie and Yunho’s place for the night. They wanted to show off their new couch they got a few days ago.”

     With the light stomps across the wooden floor signaling San’s departure, Seonghwa raises his arm in a half-hearted thumbs up to let his roommate know he heard his words. With the absence of anyone else in the home, seeing as Mingi had also chosen to spend his night away from their dorm and instead decided to stay with Wooyoung and Jongho in their space watching horror movies, Seonghwa goes back to drowning in his thoughts. The new choreography he has to practice before their next comeback, the classes he has to take to learn the proper pronunciation of the English words that are included in their new songs, and planning out his schedule so he can let his mom know sooner rather than later what dates he will be able to be free enough to come visit his family.

     His mind feels so heavy, the thoughts almost becoming silent because of how quickly they are floating through without pause. The click of the lock on the front door breaks his focus slightly, but not enough to lift his head and see who is coming in. Almost like a sixth sense, he knows it’s Hongjoong coming back from his studio, already expecting the captain to come through the door since he texted him about 2 hours ago letting him know he would be leaving soon.

     “Star? Have you eaten? I wanted to pick something up on my way back, but you didn’t answer my messages, so I figured I’d order something when I got here.” Hongjoong’s voice doesn’t mask the concern that he tries to bury within the question, already knowing the response he is going to get, just wanting to hear the man's confirmation.

     Instead of receiving words like he expects, Hongjoong just sees arms raise over the armrest of the couch. The limbs were obviously heavy with exhaustion, straining to stay up for longer than necessary.

     Seonghwa waits for the footsteps to get closer, traveling from around the entranceway of the dorm into the open layout of the living room once the thump of shoes coming off at the doorway floats through his ears. Without moving any other muscles in his body, his head gives way into a slight turn, waiting to see the black hair slide into his eyesight. He feels the skin in his cheeks stretch to a small smile once he sees the man he has been waiting for, with his pretty eyes wide in admiration and worry.

     “Hi Jagiya, any new songs about me?” Seonghwa attempts to make a joke, his voice soft and almost going unheard.

     Hongjoong’s eyes start to shine hearing the mischievous tint line the words of his lover. “When do I leave the studio without a new song about you, my Star?” He says as he looks down at the lying body, taking note of the shirt that definitely came from his own closet, and not the man who is wearing it.

     All he receives back is a slight giggle, Seonghwa’s head tilting in invitation towards the man to join his position on the sofa, his legs fully stretching out to lay across the other armrest on the opposite side, his arms opening up just enough for a human body to lay down without them being crushed.

     Hongjoong slides into the space that is made for him, feeling hands start to wrap around his shoulders and thighs bend up and bracket his waist, his cheek resting on the collarbone that peaks through the neckline of the old shirt his star decided to put on. Fingers start running through his hair, tension being pulled from his body with every pass the hands make. The tension doesn’t only seem to exit his bones either, based on the way he can feel them sink lower into the cushions underneath them, evidence of the pressure leaving the man underneath him.

     Seonghwa’s chest should feel tighter with the added weight on top of it, but instead he only manages to feel lighter, every worry washing away. His lips bend down to place a soft peck on the forehead that seems to be tempting him, all of the hair pushed out of the way, offering itself up for the kiss that gets placed onto it. He can feel Hongjoong’s head push softly into the kiss, wanting more before he decides to lift it entirely.

     Their eyes latch on to each other as soon as they can, soft brown meeting almost black, both sparkling in mixed emotions. Seonghwa moves his fingers to give a little tug, trying to hint at what he wants.

     With his arms moving to straddle the waist underneath him, Hongjoong lifts his body higher, moving closer to where the hands are trying to direct him. Lips press softly against each other, sighs being let out between the both of them, finally feeling more at peace after all the tasks of the day simmer into nothing more than menial hardships.

     Leaving a soft lick against the straight teeth that move to bite into his mouth, Seonghwa pulls back, pressing one more peck before letting his lips part into a whisper. “Can we order food please? I haven’t eaten all day.”

     A chuckle leaves Hongjoongs throat before he moves to sit up, grabbing and maneuvering the legs that were underneath him to now lay across his thighs, before he reaches for his phone he had set on the coffee table in front of them. His right arm comes to lay on Seonghwa’s stomach, tracing soft circles over the top of his shirt while his left hand is busy searching through a delivery app in search of dinner options.

     Seonghwa watches the man in silence, realizing not many words have come out from either of them ever since Hongjoong entered through the door, but not minding the silence that has safely surrounded them either. He almost jumps when he hears the high-pitched tone of the man he is with come in the form of a question.

     “How about kimchi jjigae? I can tell you’ve been stressed today.” Seonghwa hums as if contemplating the decision, despite how his stomach seems to wake up from the name of the stew. “Kimchi jjigae sounds wonderful, do you think you could ask for it to be a little spicier today?”

     Hongjoong’s shoulders shake up and down in a silent snicker, already requesting on the restaurant's app to up the spice level. Once the order is sent through and confirmed in his phone, he reaches across from the legs lying on top of him to place the device back on the table, turning his attention back to his star.

     “Do you want to talk about what has your mind all in shambles?” The question seems simple enough leaving his captain's voice, but Seonghwa can’t find the answer to come out quite as easily.

     Seonghwa rests his hands across the arm still tracing his stomach before his lips part in his answer. “The boys kept having trouble with the choreography, which is normally okay, but I couldn’t get it down either. Yunho was the only one who was able to answer their questions, but I could see having 5 boys constantly bombarding him was weighing him down, so I started trying to help where I could, but it just wasn’t what they needed. Once practice ended Jongho and I went to the recording booth, and I had so many problems in getting the correct tone and not being able to pronounce the English words correctly. I couldn’t even get the timing right Joong, nothing I did worked.”

     The hand on his stomach doesn’t stop the entire miniature rant Seonghwa lets out, instead, it only seems to travel in bigger areas, more determined to touch more of the surface it rests upon, trying to offer soothing energy through the fingers that leave slight tickles and pinches in its wake.

     “Well, maybe we can get the choreographer to come in some day this week, just to help us fine-tune the parts we can’t figure out. And you know how recording when you are stressed works, you always end up leaving more frustrated than you come in. Why didn’t you just switch recording times with one of the others?” Hearing the solutions Hongjoong comes out with makes Seonghwa want to groan into the moving air around them, of course as the leader it is so simple for him to think of ways things could be easier.

     “I didn’t want to burden the boys and the producers with switching recording times, and having the choreographer would be really nice, maybe he could tell me where I am going wrong in my steps instead of just guessing.” The irritation is obvious in his voice, not even trying to hide the self-deprecating tone that is seeping through the cracks.

     Hongjoong’s hands travel up across Seonghwa’s collarbones, tilting his jaw up slightly before landing on the soft cheek of his partner. His thumb rubs back and forth from his ear to the corner of his lips, giving a little tug every time the pad lands on the pink skin, pulling a smile out of the older man.

     “It isn’t a burden to have a bad day, all of us have them. Mingi had one yesterday, remember? He couldn’t even walk straight without running into one of the others.” Seonghwa’s melodic giggle seems to bring a small curl into the corner of Hongjoong’s lips.

     “I’ll message our manager before we go to bed, have him set up a good time for the choreographer to stop by the company and help us. Even I need some help since I couldn’t make it to practice today. It wouldn’t be fair on you or the others if I am fumbling around while the rest of you are hitting every step now would it?” Feeling the chuckle leave his star’s mouth while his thumb continues in its motions across the cheek it is lying on, Hongjoong lets his lips stretch into a smile, feeling the weight of the day disappear in the task of making his partner happy.

     “That sounds good Joongie, thank you for always knowing how to help. I’m sure you had a stressful day too, but I was only thinking of myself. Would you like to share?” Hongjoong’s fingers give a soft pinch before trailing down onto Seonghwa’s waist, pulling the taller man closer into his lap, more of his body resting on his thighs instead of just his legs.

     “I’m alright Star, my day was uneventful. All I could think about was this, coming home, getting you in my lap, and ordering something to eat.” Hearing the desire for something so minimalistic come from Hongjoong’s mouth, Seonghwa snuggles closer to his partner, feeling a surge of admiration flow through his body. He doesn’t think he will ever get used to this feeling, the safety, the support, the love. Knowing he can come home and not be subjected to dealing with his hardships on his own, he falls into a calm state. Leaning against the shorter man, his eyes start to drift closed, content with waiting in silence with no new topics to be talked about before their food arrives.

     Once the food does arrive, the two men settle down on the couch cushions together, no longer on top of each other, but still touching. With his left side completely in Hongjoong’s warmth, they finish off their meal before laying down once more as one, content to end the night out in the open wrapped up in each other.

[onigiriico]

Amane audio drama (t2) - English TL

[ links: Spotify | Youtube ]

So much religion talk in this one. So much. I typed so much stuff into DeepL my JP keyboard app crashed at some point, but! it is done at last! 🎉 As always, if you've got any questions or find a mistranslated line, you can find me on Twitter or send me an ask (and in case you've got some money to spare & feel like supporting me extra, you can also find me over on Ko-fi)! But, without further ado:

⬇️ translation under the cut ⬇️

(Es enters)

E: Prisoner no.8, Amane. It’s time for your interrogation. Let’s talk for the first time in a while.

A: Warden.

E: What is it, Prisoner?

A: We've been disappointed by you.

E: Hah?

A: Even though we could sense the possibility of the new world we desire here in Milgram… and in you.

E: I don’t care how much you look down on me. I told you that won’t work.

A: Furthermore, you may say incomprehensible things, such as us “not being forgiven”...

E: Oi.

A: But we are generous. For now, let us make some time for a conversation with you. After all, our history is one that is built on dialogue.

E: Oi. Listen to what I’m saying.

A: What is it?

E: Amane. Don’t think you’ll be able to lead the conversation with that total change in attitude. Is it the result of the judgment that you’ve ended up like this?

A: “Like this”?

E: The dazed look in your eyes. The atmosphere around you. The way you speak. In comparison to the first trial, it’s like you’re a different person.

A: Hm.

E: Everyone who was unforgiven told me they heard voices judging their sins. They’re experiencing a lot of emotional stress as a result. Were your changes influenced by that as well?

A: Hah? Those stupid voices, huh? Yeah. I have heard them as well. However, such things do not pose a major problem.

E: What?

A: We have firm teachings. We have a clear and noble faith. No matter what kinds of things other people might say, these things cannot be shaken.

E: Faith… That would be referring to the religion you believe in, right?

A: Yes. It seems like the power Milgram holds is real. Did you have a look as well? At our faith.

E: Yeah. Though it was a depiction of a fairly small group of people… I’ve judged that your murder was the result of religion – of faith.

A: It wasn’t murder. It was merely a punishment in line with our doctrine.

E: So it’s not a sin, you mean?

A: Is faith a sin?

E: Faith itself is free. I’m not religious myself, but I understand that some people might be saved by it.

A: Hm. Is that so? Are the prisoners who weren’t forgiven feeling lost right now? Maybe they need our faith as well.

E: I’d rather you spare me the missionary work inside the prison.

A: Faith is free. It exists for people who are feeling lost.

E: … We’ve digressed. So – just what are you right now? You’ve been saying “we” this whole time. Does that mean you are not Amane Momose right now?

A: Right now, I am both Amane Momose and I am not. I am speaking on behalf of our faith. I am speaking as “we”, who believe that dialogue and warnings are in order since you made the misjudgment to not forgive us.

E: So you’re saying I’m talking to the very concept of your faith right now?

A: We don’t mind you thinking of it that way.

E: Huh.

A: Well then. Let us warn you once again. Warden. You judged that Milgram couldn’t forgive us, correct?

E: Yeah, that’s right.

A: As stated previously, our actions were in line with our doctrine, and thus cannot count as sins. Thus, Milgram is in the wrong.

E: You’ve killed a person.

A: In line with our doctrine.

E: You understand that you’ve broken the law, right?

A: We’ve talked about this before. There are things more important than the law. That would be our teachings.

E: I won’t acknowledge you turning such selfish rules into a standard of judgment. I won’t allow it. End of story.

A: …

E: Both religion and faith are free. However, a doctrine can’t become a universal standard of judgment.

A: You fool. Isn’t Milgram trying to enforce a new standard of judgment precisely because laws cannot guide this world onto the right path? Are you still being weighed down by the law?

E: As someone who’s just the warden, it’s not exactly my ambition to know about Milgram’s philosophy. It’s not because it’s against the law – but as Milgram, your murder can’t be forgiven. I judged it that way. That’s all.

A: …

E: Milgram… denies your doctrine.

A: If you do not adjust your way of thinking… we, too, will never be able to forgive you.

E: Heh.

A: What’s so funny?

E: What do you mean, “we”? You’re making me laugh. What you’re doing is just plain murder – no matter whether we’re talking in general or according to religion. It’s murder.

A: …!

E: Understand that. Amane Momose. It’s not “you” (plural) who killed someone – it’s you (singular). Don’t look away from your own actions by playing pretend!

A: … Ha…haha…! - You’ve insulted us… [You’ve insulted] God…!

E: So what?

A: This is unforgivable! I won’t forgive you! (screams)

(Amane tries to strike Es, but gets stopped by the barrier)

E: I’m telling you it’s impossible for prisoners to attack the warden.

A: I won’t forgive you…! I won’t forgive you!

E: Did you get those scissors from the storage room? Were you never taught that you’re not supposed to use those on people?

A: In light of our doctrine, your insult to us is more than enough to warrant a punishment! I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

(she tries and fails to attack them again)

E: Well… it’s in vain, so you might as well just listen to me like this.

A: I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

E: Prisoners can’t attack the warden. This is one of Milgram’s core rules, though a certain guy with multiple personalities slipped past it.

A: I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!

E: Which means that Milgram doesn’t decide who the prisoners are based on their body, but based on their mind. If the mind is a different one, the rule doesn’t apply. It bothers me that it has a loophole, but…

A: I’ll kill you…! I’ll kill you!!

E: Thanks to this defective rule, we’ve now confirmed this: the you holding those scissors right now isn’t a god or a concept. It’s Amane Momose herself.

A: … I’ll…!

E: So, what you’re doing right now really is just a game of pretend. This is stupid.

A: …

E: This is the head-on battle with Milgram that you wanted.

A: Shut up…!

E: What’s wrong? Have you ended up wanting to be treated like a child after all?

A: Shut up!!

E: In fact, if you ask me, the fact that you are a child has a lot to do with this matter.

A: …!

E: No matter what you do, no matter how grown-up you behave – you’re a child. That’s an unchangeable truth.

A: You’re a child, too!

E: Wrong. I’m fifteen, so I’m an adult in Puerto Rico and Haiti. You’re twelve, so you’re a child no matter the country.

A: …!!

E: Hehe. You look angry.

A: I don’t.

E: You do.

A: I don’t!

E: Well, either way is fine. In the end, there’s two main reasons as to why children get reduced sentences under the law – the possibility of reformation and the influence of the environment, I believe.

A: …

E: In this case, it’s mainly the latter. I’ve said this before – during childhood, the things that the parents teach a child have a great impact on them, and the environment one grows up in has immense influence as well. A child who is born into a very religious environment will grow up believing that those are the rules of the world.

A: What are you trying to say?

E: In other words, they will turn their faith into their entire life – feeling as if their doctrine is the whole world.

A: …

E: Previously, you objected to being considered [mentally] underdeveloped based on your age. I suppose you were right about that. Your self really is fully developed. However, that self is one that was built in a particular environment, isolated from society.

A: …

E: That’s exactly why… We have also speculated whether this really was your crime, or that of your parents – of your surroundings.

A: …!

E: But as I said before, there’s different ways these components could have worked together—

A: “We”? What’s “we”? Are you not just “I”?

E: … I…?

A: Aren’t we the same? Me and Warden-san. You know, I’m aware that I’m out of the ordinary. That my environment was peculiar, and that everyone [else] is normal.

E: Amane…

A: In fact, there have been people who said that to me. I’ve been told things like, “You’re being deceived.” “You can still make it right now.” “You’re crazy.”

E: …

A: You are treating me as a child after all. Because I’m a child, you believe that I must have been brainwashed. It’s not like that. I, too— children, too, understand everything! Please don’t just decide that people must be unhappy.

E: …

A: I’m happy that I was born to my parents! It was a bit difficult, and it could feel restrictive sometimes, but I’m really happy that I could grow up on such beautiful teachings! I want to live this way!

E: Is that so…

A: You call that brainwashing, don’t you? From my perspective, you also generally oppose religion based on your personal values. Why can that be blindly trusted just because you’re more people?

E: I got what you’re trying to say.

A: It’s only natural that we, who weren’t acknowledged as a society just because we’re fewer in numbers, would view the possibility of a new world through Milgram as a dream.

E: Yeah, I’ve got it! Still, I won’t recognize your doctrine. By my standards, a doctrine that approves murder cannot be forgiven!

A: Yes. I’ve understood that.

E: Milgram is a three-trial system, though. I’ll be watching and listening to the footage from your mind for now, going into deeper depths this time… and if I feel something there, I plan on firmly accepting that.

A: Facing me head-on, is that right?

E: Yeah. That’s it.

A: If you end up deciding not to forgive me – not to forgive us –, then I will not forgive you, either.

E: Yeah.

A: Ah… no, that’s wrong. I will not forgive you (plural).

E: Wha—

(machinery whirrs, bell rings)

A: “Don’t look away from your own actions by playing pretend” – that’s my line. Warden-san, it’s not just you; it’s all of you. You all said you wouldn’t forgive us. We’re meeting each other on eye level. You all won’t be allowed to not get your hands dirty.

E: … What are you saying…?

A: What could it be? Warden-san, you were the one who said “we”, so…

E: (falls to their knees) … My head… Huh…?

A: Oh? Do you have a headache? Are you alright, Warden-san?

E: …

A: Do get back up by yourself, alright? That’s a trial given to you by God.

E: (heavy breathing)

A: Both pain and illness are trials. According to our teachings, those who run from them are the worst evil there is. That’s one of the four great principles. No matter who you are, that cannot be forgiven.

E: What are you…?

A: Oh – speaking of which, there is one among the prisoners right now. An evil existence that’s trying to steal people’s trials away from them.

E: …!

A: Shidou Kirisaki… His actions violate our rules. I have given him a warning. If he continues, I suppose it will be inevitable for me to intervene.

E: …!

A: Or… could it already be too late?

E: Shut up!! (hits her) … You’re getting ahead of yourself…!

A: Using one-sided violence… that’s unfair of you.

E: Shut your mouth…! I am the one casting the judgements here!

A: Hehehe. And how does that set you apart from us?

E: … I told you to shut up… Listen to what I’m telling you.

A: Hehe… This is nice. If the world you’re striving for is admirable in my eyes… That is to say…

E: Prisoner no.8, Amane… Sing your sins…!

[ladyappletun]

"I get it now"

Public opinion on Pokémon Black and White has experienced quite a roller coaster since its release, at least in the English-speaking world. When the games first came out, people criticized so many different aspects of them, from character and Pokémon designs to the gameplay and everything in between. And now, they're some of the most highly-praised games in the series, especially for the story.

I never really jumped on the BW hate bandwagon when the games first came out. Sure, I didn't play them on launch, but that was more because I thought I was too old for Pokémon at the time. When I did come back to them, I enjoyed them but definitely wouldn't have said they were my favorite games.

As I was playing through White Version for this challenge I'd set for myself, I really didn't get what all the hype was about concerning the story. Certainly, absolutely, the games have amazing graphics, cool Pokémon, and much-improved mechanics compared to previous games, but I could never get into the story. At first, I thought maybe it was because N's dialogue was written in a way I found preachy and off-putting (his dialogue in Chargestone Cave was particularly condescending IMO). Then I started digging through Bulbapedia, looking for information about N, the other characters, and the dichotomy between truth and ideals to see if I had missed something, or maybe if something was lost in translation. I couldn't understand why NPCs would take myths and legends so seriously when the Pokémon games have such a modern setting, so N's plan to befriend Reshiram and convince Unova he was the true hero/worth listening to didn't make much sense to me. And why would N or anyone else in Team Plasma encourage the player to befriend Zekrom and try to stop their plans?

This bothered me so much that, right before the final fight with N, I actually wrote out my thoughts on the matter to get to the root of why this story really didn't gel with me. And then I remembered a comment from Shoogles' video on Brilliant Diamond: "In the West, we see science and spirituality as...incompatible. My understanding is that it's easier to reconcile the two in Japanese culture; the literal and the metaphysical are not necessarily mutually exclusive" (7:16:18-35). Seeing it that way, it makes a lot more sense that people in a very modern region like Unova would still put weight in the region's founding myth, whether you want to see Reshiram and Zekrom as gods or just as really powerful and rare Pokémon. N, too, clearly believes in the region's mythology, not just because he seeks to befriend Reshiram and become the next true hero, but also because he wants to legitimize his claim by defeating Zekrom and the other true hero, proving beyond a doubt that his values (in the case of White, truth) are the most legitimate. And Ghetsis probably just goes along with it because he thinks N is guaranteed to succeed, so even if Reshiram doesn't need to defeat Zekrom in order for Team Plasma to achieve their goals, it definitely won't hurt.

And when I defeated N, I realized that I had in fact understood the plot. N starts his journey with fiercely-set, black-and-white beliefs--that the training/battling system in the Unova region only leads to misery and abuse for Pokémon--because he had only ever met Pokémon that had been abused by humans. But when he meets the player, he's surprised to hear your Pokémon say that it likes you. This is the only time he's ever heard a Pokémon say something like that, so maybe he could write it off as an exception to the rule. However, as he travels across Unova, he finds more and more people and Pokémon who work together, communicate, and enjoy being each other's friends. He sees more and more evidence that he was wrong. When he encourages you to befriend Zekrom and become the other hero, he wants to affirm that he was right for his own benefit, maybe more than any other reason: "That was why I needed to confirm my beliefs by battling with you. [...] I needed that more than anything."

And that was when I had my "I get it" moment (à la Fiona Sangster in her Stardew Valley Sebastian video). Not only did I feel like I understood the game's plot, themes, and messages a lot better than I ever had, I was also very happy that the game had made me think this much about that plot and those themes. I wasn't just picking it apart to decide if I was right or wrong, I was legitimately working to understand a character's experiences and how they informed his beliefs about the world. I used to think the philosophy explored in Black and White was too ham-fisted, but if it's making me think this seriously about its themes it's clearly doing something right.