#rashoumon pointing at the book…

[triplethewinds]

angst for angst’s sake

[vii0so]

[BSD 120] Theory/Analysis

These are my first thoughts on parts of chapter 120. It includes my personal interpretations and theories of certain things.

Warning: Spoilers ahead

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1. Akutagawa & "True strength"

In my previous theory, I believed Rashoumon was in control of Aku's body (hence the old speech and clothing choice).

In BSD, abilities are the soul. "True strength" and "within yourself" could point to Rashoumon.

It could be that Akutagawa has inherited the purpose of his ability (Rashoumon). Therefore unlocking its full potential and or memories. Hence the drastic change that Atsushi sees.

The "purpose" stuff was another thing I briefly mentioned in my previous theory. In short: Purpose = job (e.g. the bookmark)

"This blade serves the heavens"

This blade = "I" (Akutagawa/Rashoumon)

The heavens = probably "the book"

"This soul follows the path of righteousness"

This soul = Rashoumon

This would mean: Rashoumon is righteous.

"The path of the knight"

Knight = Protector/Defender

This could mean Rashoumon is the book's protector.

So his purpose could be the book's "Knight", just like Atsushi is the book's "Bookmark".

If we want to say it in book terms, it'd be the book's cover.

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"Idea. Will. All are empty."

This is directed at Akutagawa. Saying that he has no individual thoughts or will, he is just an empty shell.

I believe this can be seen as saying "You're a puppet."

This could mean that the current Akutagawa is like this because his role as the "knight" is needed (A god-level threat to the book has appeared and needs to be dealt with).

Meaning, it could very well be his soul's (Rashoumon's) purpose (the knight) has taken control. Making him a puppet with the only thing moving him being his purpose.

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2. The higher dimension

First off: If we think of the real world where we are, then the BSD universe would be a "lower dimension" to us.

In BSD, the book can change/shape their world and therefore is part of the "higher dimension"

Basically, anything that doesn't follow the law of abilities and/or our everyday normal earth standards, can be considered as a higher dimensional being/thing.

As Fyodor explained: Stabbing a page will "kill" the character drawn on it. No matter how OP they are, they will never be able to perceive our dimension (reality) and therefore will not be able to stop it.

To make it easier: An author can write a story where the mc faces an enemy and dies. The author controlled the story/fate of the mc. The mc would never be able to stop that from happening.

...Actually this example would be closer to what the book does...they are a similar plane of existence but not the same. Fyodor's example is better for Ame-no-Gozen though.

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Let's think of it the other way around to better explain:

In short: if you were to write/draw a character, that character would never directly be able to harm you or interact with you. That's because we're in a higher dimensional plane of existence.

Stories may just be fiction to us but to the characters they are real, just like life for us is real.

When a character becomes aware that there is a higher dimension/they are in a story, they still can't physically/directly interact with our world. The most they can do, is "break the 4th wall" and indirectly interact with the audience (e.g. talking to/looking at the camera/us).

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Random:

The book is a higher plane of existence than anything in the BSD universe. Hence why anything written in it becomes the truth.

Ame-no-Gozen is a lower dimension than the book.

Therefore, if someone wrote Ame-no-Gozen out of existence in the book, it would be considered true and he'd be gone.

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3. Fyodor's Plane

This entire "plane to board" thing has had me worried since the previous chapter.

I know they want us to think of this:

But it still feels odd. He gets on that, becomes undetectable. Is that what he's really planning to do though?

He says it's not his concern (whether they live or die) but it seems like a definite lie. In one way or another, it matters.

He seems to be in a hurry. It doesn't seem fake, in actuality it seems like he's trying to hide how urgently he needs to leave.

He completely dropped the whole "Dazai wasn't it so I'll just take Atsushi" and switched to "I don't care whether any of you die".

Honestly, he probably decided to drop the "other half" stuff when he realised Atsushi didn't have the same thoughts as the tiger.

And the "idc what happens to you lol" is more like "I need to leave quickly so let's stop here" which shows urgency.

Which means, Fyodor has somewhere to be...and fast.

Okay, this next theory is a long shot even for me, but what if he needs to get to Sigma before he wakes up?

Don't ask me why, I'm not sure. But it sure is something to think about. It's time-sensitive and we're aware that Sigma hasn't woken up yet. It seems to fall into place with the urgency.

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4. Fukuzawa's Survival

This seems like a challenge to battle but Fukuzawa knew there was no way of fighting Ame-no-Gozen. So who is he challenging?

Fyodor.

Yep, Fukuzawa will fight Fyodor...

All the people (including me) that believed Fukuzawa will die at some point in the story, might be right after this battle.

Why does he say it like that?

And why does he look like he hesitated?

I checked the Japanese and it's: 特には (toku-ni-ha)

Which means:

Note: The "ha" (pronounced "wa") is a particle.

Fyodor, what do you mean?! Is it that you care about his survival "in particular" or "not particularly"? (...I should just leave this to those who are fluent in Japanese. I'm overcomplicating stuff again.)

Anyway, I feel like there's more to this than what we're seeing (Or maybe I just forgot something...)

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5. Where's Rampo?

...no, seriously, where is he during all this?

He's probably doing stuff in the background to help fix this situation but we haven't even seen a glimpse of him since Fyodor came back.

Maybe we'll see him during the Fyodor vs Fukuzawa fight.

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██████████ Completed!

TLDR:

Akutagawa is basically Rashoumon right now.

Akutagawa is the book's "cover" (protector/knight)

Higher & lower dimension = Pretty much the same difference between us and any character in BSD.

Fyodor may need to get to Sigma before he wakes up. Hence the urgency to leave the fight.

Fukuzawa might die fighting Fyodor.

[lowlightsahead]

Okayyy Theory time! (Ch 114.5)

So my main subject of concern is the Tripolar Singularity. It is very obvious that the flying guy Atsushi and Akutagawa were fighting in the end is that singularity.

But my main question is how would you defeat a Singularity without a Singularity? Because as we see in Chuuya's case, Arahabaki if unleashed would destroy everything. So how would Shin Soukoku defeat this Fukuchi Singularity without any other.

(Please note that a lot of information here is from multiple sources)

Now, lets talk about

Atsushi:

During Dead Apple, we see that Shibusawa always feels that something is missing and the feeling messes him up. Fyodor then tells him about an ability that "guides the envy of all ability users". That ability is contained within Atsushi and we know that Shibusawa tries to attain that by experimenting on him but it backfires. This brings up a very interesting question of : How does Fyodor know about Atsushi?

But lets put that aside for a while and talk about Shibusawa and Atsushi. Atsushi's tiger is referred to as "Byakko" while the original translation of of tiger in Japanese is "tora". This is being referred to the "Four Guardians of the Four Compass Directions" where the dragon (Seiryu)guards the east and the white tiger (Byakko) guards the west.

One of the cores of Dead Apple was to highlight Atsushi's Ability as more than just a tiger. Shibusawa’s ability was not a singularity, though it might look like one, but as Fyodor goes on in dead apple and says that it is a chaos  born from the abilities. Meanwhile, Atsushi's ability is described as "the anti-thesis of abilities". Byakko also doesn't regenerate but 'denies the wound' and revert it back to its original state.

As for Singularities ,they aren’t bound to the conventional rules that an ability usually has like , the ability will leave as their owner dies and therefore are much more powerful for that reason. In order to create a singularity one has to crash contradicting abilities with each other or join the extremes as we see Fyodor doing.

My point being: Given the origin of the ideas for their abilities, it is plausible to say that Byakko and Shibusawa's dragon stand on the plane when it comes to power. The dragon was strong enough to be called a Singularity; and if Atsushi's ability can contradict the nature or the bounds the abilities cannot break, given the right circumstance, it can either be turned into a Singularity or become strong enough to face one off.

Which brings me to

Akutagawa:

Akutagawa describes his ability to Atsushi as "My Rashōmon is something of a gourmand. It eats through all in its path. My black beast eats through all it encounters, even if that something is space itself."

Rashoumon is a very strong ability, that can devour space itself. Yk something else that is also not bound by space: Amenogozen.

When they combine, they can defeat anything together, the unknown factor of Shin Soukoku making a singularity together or being powered up enough to very similar to a singularity might have something to do with Akutagawa. We don’t know now that Bram is gone, whats gonna happen to the Vampire army, do they revert back or something?? But there has to be something very important from his side. And when they all combine, as we see Astushi and Akutagawa often combining their abilities , its gonna be strong enough to defeat the Tripolar Singualrity.

All of these raise multiple questions though: "How strong can Atsushi's ability actually is?" or "What more can it do?" or "How does it serve as being a guide to The Book?"

and if Atsushi was created to protect the fourth barrier of The Book, "What does Sigma's existence entails?". If Dazai was going to figure out Fyodor's ability on his own, "What is the purpose of creating Sigma?" (I also haven't read Beast so I don't know how Dazai found The Book in that one).

Also the all the time enigma: Fyodor Dostoevsky

[atalossofwords]

Someone is deeply impressed by skills you weren’t even that proud of… until NOW. + RANPOE

"He's on sight." Edgar says, focused on his target. He hears the conversation going on, Dazai drawing the target closer to open ground. The ADA has been hunting this particular ability user for weeks, now; he somehow always managed to get away, and already put both Kunikida and Yosano out of commission. No-one but Dazai can get closer, due to the man's ability, and somehow almost no abilities work on him.

They tried, and Edgar lost a book because of it. Not even Rashoumon can get closer.

Luckily for everyone, Edgar doesn't really need abilities or to get close in order to take someone down.

He stays still, barely breathing, focusing his scope on the man's neck; all he needs is one word...

Dazai says his cue, and Edgar shoots. The man goes down, tranquilizer dart perfectly embedded on his neck. With quick practice he takes the rifle down, puts it on it's case and dismantles his perch. After almost 6 hours of staying still his muscles hurt, but he also solved a plothole on one novel of his, so it's all right.

He makes his way down, gets on the van when Ranpo opens the door, and only relaxes when they're driving away.

"Hey, Ed." Ranpo says, nudging him from his stretch. Edgar makes a distracted, curious sound, smoothing his fringe back in place from where he pinned it back. "That's really cool."

He... stops.

Looks at Ranpo.

"What?" He asks, sure he heard wrong.

"That's really cool, what you did." He says, pointing to his case. Edgar must look as bewildered as he feels, because Ranpo grins. "Yknow, I'd never stay still like that! And of course I could calculate the trajectory of a bullet, but it's so boring to do that." Ranpo takes a lollipop out of his pocket, shoving it on his mouth.

(Edgar briefly feels irrationally upset, on how he'd love to be that piece of candy.)

"So, it's really cool that you can do that. And you always look so handsome with your hair up!"

Edgar flushes, deeply embarrassed. He never paid much attention to it, the stillness and focus of shooting comes naturally to him. It wasn't something extraordinary on his family, or on the army. He guesses it is pretty cool, being able to get someone from so far away without leaving proof behind.

"O-Oh, yeah, I guess it is..." He starts saying, and then the second half of the sentence registers, and he sputters, face red and hands flailing. "Handsome?! R-Ranpo-san, you...!"

[meloriri]

bsd 108 spoilers !!! + F Dostoevsky’s crime and punishment spoilers i guess

im not totally convinced that fyodor’s act was completely fake honestly and ill explain why! this is just a quick thought not fully thought out so bare with me

i’m sure this is common knowledge but character backstory and personalities tend to be ripped from the author’s works rather than the actual author’s personality. Example; Akutagawa and the mc of rashoumon, dazai and the mc if no longer human, etc. if not inspired by the main character, they’re inspired by the theme of that work or many of the author’s works

f dostoevsky’s crime and punishment is a novel that follows Raskolnikov, a main character who literally kills someone because he thinks he’s special and he can. ( obviously a lot more in depth in the book lol) the book follows him in the first segment committing his crime and another segment of him receiving “punishment.” The first part is actually over fairly fast but it’s still really important to note.

while Raskolnikov is a lot more anxious and cautious than fyodor, i still see the personalities intersect. Raskolnikov goes on about how he’s going to commit this murder and thinks that it actually makes him a saviour because the woman he wanted to kill was a bad person. aka; he’s killing this lady because it’ll make the world a better place, according to him. Sounds familiar? Fyodor in BSD does his wrong doings claiming its to cleanse the world from evil. I’m sure most people already know this, but I thought I’d catch you up anyway. Raskolnikov is a man of few words, never seeming to lose his composure past the drop of a facial expression. He’s incredibly intelligent in most regards and because of that he overlooks his own flaws. He’s also kind of neurotic, he talks to himself, does things on impulse, etc. He’s not good at socializing and yet he can blend effortlessly into conversations with others. He feels a lack of remorse at any of his wrong doings. I see all these traits easily in BSD’s Fyodor.

However, in the second half of the novel, Raskolnikov faces some changes. He says he doesn’t feel guilty, and he still believes he’s in the right, and yet there’s a sense of guilt in his inner conscience that’s eating away at him. Suddenly, he gets nervous, expressive, emotional, he’s rushing to defend himself because he thinks what he did is justified because of his circumstances. He thinks he needs help. Raskolnikov doesn’t face actual punishment for his crimes until the very end of the novel, instead he struggles with the inner turmoil of knowing what he did. In the most recent chapter, Fyodor has this personality switch break down where he screams out for help and basically says he cant control it because of his ability and thats not his true self, referring to the him that apathetically kills others. Similarly, Raskolnikov breaks down multiple times in the novel, saying that the him that did that doesn’t represent him fully, that he couldn’t control it, etc. He victimizes himself, saying it’s because he’s poor and ill. In fact, he tells another character named Sonia that he cant control it because he is ill. Sounds familiar?

Raskolnikov backtracks several times in the novel, reverting back to his apathetic personality before breaking down all over again. At one point, he even confesses his entire crime, before suddenly taking on a light carefree looking and claiming to have been kidding. Literally EXACTLY what just happened with Sigma in the manga.

I don’t fully believe that Fyodor was telling the truth, but I don’t think it was all just a lie like he claimed. I personally think that the note and gun WAS from himself, that he wrote the “help me” in a similar crazed panic and hid it away. When he saw it, he was reminded and broke down again, accidentally spilling a bit too much truth in what he said. He snaps back into being normal after calming down and acts like he’s still in the other personality to trick Sigma. And, given what he said, this is somehow related to his ability.

How is it related to his ability? I have NO fucking idea. Though we have seen Fyodor with another form of himself in dead apple claiming to “crime” and “ punishment” which would check out perfectly here, theres too many other contradictions for me to be confident in that at all

What do you think??? I’m going to work through my thoughts about his ability more. then maybe I’ll add to this :)

[yokohamapound]

Since it'd been so cold out, can we have some hcs of getting warm and cosy with Dazai, Ranpo, Akutagawa, Chuuya, Fyodor and Oda, please?

Hey, perfect ask for this time of year~ I hope you enjoy these! - FungusWitch

Characters: Dazai Osamu, Edogawa Ranpo, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke, Nakahara Chuuya, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Oda Sakunosuke

Contents: gn!reader, fluffy shit

Dazai Osamu

While Dazai likes to lounge around, what we've seen of his living spaces seems to be rather spartan. He has a futon and a table and that's basically it. He'd happily sleep on the floor if he had to. This is the guy who used to live in a shipping container after all. If you two are going to get cosy anywhere, it's going to be at your place.

That's not to say he doesn't appreciate all the touches that make your house a home. He has a habit of throwing himself dramatically across your bed or your couch and disturbing the throw pillows.

And tossing them at you when you least expect it.

"Why are they called throw pillows, if they're not for throwing? Think fast!"

His usual tomfoolery aside, Dazai takes any opportunity to be close to you and soak up your attention like a thirsty plant, so if you wanna get down and cosy, he's all for it. You're in a relationship with Dazai, so you'll likely be one of the few people he can shut off around and just be himself to some extent.

He just wants to stretch his long skinny legs out on the couch, rest his head on your lap, and either sleep or reread his well-thumbed suicide theory book for the hundredth time. If you occasionally want to fish a marshmallow out of your hot chocolate and stuff it into his mouth, well, that's fine with him.

Dim lights, warm blankets, mindless TV shows. <3

Ranpo Edogawa

Okay, you've all seen that episode of WAN! where Ranpo shuts himself in his locker with all his candy, right? One of the best ways to get nice and cosy with Ranpo is to build a den, whether it's in the bedroom or the living room. Build it, stuff it full of blankets and cushions.

Make sure there are enough snacks. No, that's not enough. You're gonna need some more. More! More, I say! Okay, that'll do.

Drag the TV to the edge of the den, charge up whatever games console(s) you've got, and prepare to hibernate for the weekend.

Like anyone, he'll want personal space sometimes, but that doesn't mean he won't spend the majority of his time cuddling or being cuddled. As long as his hands are free to hold a controller or a snack or a book, he's a happy little gremlin.

Akutagawa Ryuunosuke

You're going to need a dictionary definition of the word "cosy" around to explain the concept to Akutagawa. Just look at him: he's all cold, sharp edges. He never takes much thought for his own personal comfort, beyond making sure he has Rashoumon on his back to protect himself.

Being in a relationship does give him an avenue to explore a few more creature comforts without being seen as "weak". Mainly by blaming it all on you.

He doesn't need extra blankets on the bed and throw pillows everywhere. That's all your fault. You're the one who brought the fancy teas and hot chocolate, not Akutagawa. If he so happens to make use of them, that's beside the point.

He has to be in a very specific mood to allow you to cuddle up with him on the couch. A cold winter night is your best bet, since he can see the logic in huddling up together for warmth. Yes, you have central heating, but he's pointedly choosing to ignore that. Enjoying life's pleasantries takes a lot of cognitive dissonance for Akutagawa.

He sits stiffly on the couch, his arms folded, as you nestle in beside him with your blankets. If some of it so happens to drape across him, well, he cannot be bothered to remove it. If you made him a cup of that hot chocolate that smells so good, he has no choice but to drink it. It would be wasteful otherwise. It doesn't matter how many times he tells you not to make it for him, you never seem to learn.

Nakahara Chuuya

Chuuya will make fun of you for being cold, calling you a "little baby", amongst other charmingly condescending things, but these will be accompanied by him draping his coat-covered arm around you, like he's literally taking you under his wing.

I personally believe that having he probably runs a couple degrees warmer than a regular human, like a side-effect of having a literal god living rent-free inside you. This boy is toasty.

His penthouse won't necessarily give you "cosy" vibes, especially not the first couple of times you go there. Chuuya's a guy in his early twenties with a lot of money to throw around. Some of his crib is stereotypically rich boy man cave. Leather, chrome, glass, whathaveyou. It's mostly after you move in that some softer furnishings start to appear. He doesn't mind this, btw. It makes him lowkey giddy to have you adding your personal touch to his shared space...as long as your taste isn't too wildly different from his. He might object to Lisa Frank-style microfibre blankets, for example. He still has some appearances to keep up in case any one comes round.

While he loves going out on the town or for long drives, a night in is often appreciated, especially when it's cold and the weather is shitty. If you don't feel like cooking, he'll order bougie takeout, open a bottle of wine, and sprawl out on the couch with you on his lap.

Yes, you have to sit on his lap, even if you're taller than him. I don't make the rules.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor is a man of contradictions. As a Russian, you would assume he is a little more acclimatised to the cold than your average person, but he also suffers from some form of anaemia, which can lead to circulatory difficulties. I imagine his hands and feet are always cold. He doesn't seem to take any special measures to correct his, such as wearing gloves, so perhaps it truly doesn't bother him.

That doesn't mean he doesn't enjoy warmth. Far from it. Just look at his little ushanka.

While he may not always have the time or inclination to show you physical affection, when he is in the mood for it, he wants you close to him.

This might take the form of allowing you to climb into his lap and cuddle up with him while he's working, curled into him while the glow of multiple screens flickers across his face. You might fall asleep there, and wake back in your shared bed, only to find him still working late into the night, feverish with plans.

Or it might be warm blankets, pots of tea, chess games he always wins, books falling apart from age in his chilly hands, while he talks about philosophies and ideals you struggle to keep up with but enjoy nonetheless.

Oda Sakunosuke

Oda is one who enjoys the simple creature comforts in life. You'll pick this up about him if you spend enough time around him. He doesn't particularly care about luxury or high-end things. It can be the most mundane day and he'll still appreciate it if it's with you.

This is a man who will cherish quiet evenings in, cooking a meal together (often curry, unless he had it for lunch), huddling up on the couch together, and reading your respective books. Or you might be sprawled on the couch, watching TV, while he sits on the floor next to you, using the coffee table as a makeshift desk while he writes.

Like pretty much everyone who's been through the Port Mafia, he's touch-starved , but he's much healthier about it. I guarantee you, there is no bad time to lay hands on this man. You can drape yourself over this man like a blanket and he's happy to exist like that. (This is also because he's unlikely to startle from being touched suddenly like Akutagawa might. Being able to see a few seconds into the future helps cut down on the accidental jump scares.)

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

Dazai to Odasaku about Akutagawa: "If I'd left him to his own devices, he would've ended up a slave to his own powers until he destroyed himself."

Hey hi what does that mean???

I'm probably way overthinking it but it just reminded me of when I first started my watch of the anime and we get to the opening scene with Akutagawa and Rashoumon (I can't find the exact scene but here's something similar from DA)

He implies he's not attacking with her so much as he's reining her in from devouring everything - and originally I thought, hey, that's a cool premise. It seems like there's something odd about this guy's ability; he's talking about it like it's almost sentient.

But then it didn't really get brought up again so I kind of forgot about it.

And sure maybe all the above line means is that his ability is naturally attuned to violence and he could grow more bloodthirsty, etc - but if that's the case, why bring him into the mafia?

So I started thinking about Dead Apple (which I really need to rewatch...) and how there was this focus on Atsushi as the "antithesis" of special abilities. And I just kind of thought about that because... wouldn't that title go to Dazai...?

But then it's stated that Atsushi's claws can cut through any ability... including Rashoumon (he also has some connection to the Book which absolutely must be related somehow but I'm skipping over that for the purposes of this post). Dazai describes Akutagawa as "a sword without a sheath". Is Atsushi part of the sheath? It would make a degree of sense: after all, we get a sharp reminder in the movie of how imperative it is that Dazai nullifies Chuuya's ability - it is literally needed to keep Corruption in check.

But why such a focus on self-destruction and sheathing... unless there really is something dangerous that needs to be reined in? That needs to be controlled.

I think about the dragon in Dead Apple called the "chaos of all special abilities".

I think about how the tiger and dragon are another representation of yin and yang. I think about how Atsushi and Akutagawa so clearly have that yin-yang dynamic. I think about how Rashoumon very well has the appearance of a hungry snake - or a dragon.

I think about how the focal point of an entire altered timeline was the prevention of Akutagawa from joining the mafia and the taking of his sister. And then I wonder why Akutagawa always seems to factor into Dazai's plans.

I think there's something special about Akutagawa's ability.

I think that something special, whatever it is, is very dangerous - more than we know.

[anonymousewrites]

Will; Way; Wan Special Part Three

            “Mr. Dazai, what’s this?” asked preschooler Atsushi.

            Dazai, a caretaker at the preschool, grinned. “This is a rope for—.”

            (Y/N), Dazai’s colleague, quickly covered his mouth. “It’s for nothing.”

            “I got it!” exclaimed Atsushi. “It’s for playing choo-choo train!”

            “Exactly right!” said (Y/N).

            She and Dazai held onto the rope while Atsushi stood in it at the front.

            “Here we go,” said Atsushi.

            “Chugga, chugga,” said Dazai.

            “Choo, choo!” sounded (Y/N).

            They began walking forward.

            “Hey! What are you doing with Mr. Dazai, weretiger?! He’s busy!” cried little Akutagawa.

            “W-Want to join us, Akutagawa?” asked Atsushi nervously.

            “I will!” answered Akutagawa in a slightly scary tone (for a preschooler).

            He joined them on the “train.”

            “Next top: Armed Detective Agency! Armed Detective Agency!” announced Atsushi.

            They’re so adorable, thought (Y/N).

l

            “Okay, everyone! Gather round,” announced Dazai. “It’s story time.” He held up No Longer Human. “I’ll read you this book today!” He cleared his throat and began to read aloud. “I’ve led a life filled with shame. I can’t quite grasp what it means to live as a human.”

            “Sweetheart, this is acceptable for children,” said (Y/N), sweat-dropping. “Maybe something more upbeat like There’s a Will; There’s a Way would be better.”

            “I think we should read Rashoumon!” said Akutagawa.

            He got tackled by little Akira. “No! I want Hell Hath No Fury!”

            “Why don’t we read The Makioka Sister for once?” asked Jun’ichiro.

            Chuuya shoved him out of the way. “Let’s read poems! ‘For the Tainted Sorrow’!”

            “None of these are appropriate for children,” chastised (Y/N).

            “Yours is the closest, and even then…” Dazai trailed off.

            “What’s going on? It sounds lively in here,” said Yosano, opening the playroom door.

            “Doctor Yosano! Ms. Ozaki!”

            “I brought you some picture books,” said Kouyou.

            The kids eagerly ran over, trampling Dazai in the process. Even Akira, who stuck her tongue out at the two women, was excited.

            “You’ve got some nerve stepping over me, kids,” muttered Dazai as (Y/N) helped him up.

l

            “Flawless punch!” cried Atsushi happily, playing with his new Odasaku Man plushie. When the other kids asked him about it, he said he brought it from home. “Don’t tell Mr. Dazai.”

            Chuuya pushed Atsushi. “Is that what you’re into? You’re such a kid!”

            “Knock it off, idiot!” said Akira, “You’re not better than him!”

            “I don’t watch kid shows. I watch the news!” claimed Chuuya.

            “Liar! My dad brought me to your house, and you were watching Odasaku Man!” said Akira.

            “Nu-uh!” denied Chuuya.

            “Look! It’s Odasaku Man!” Ranpo pointed.

            “Really?!” asked Chuuya excitedly, eyes sparkling.

            “No.”

            Chuuya froze and blanked.

            “What’s wrong with him?” whispered Akira.

            “I feel sorry for him,” said Atsushi.

            Blushing, Chuuya yelled, “If you have something to say, say it to my face!”

            “Fine!” declared Akira. She pointed at the redhead. “You look weird! And you’re short!”

            Lightning struck through Chuuya.

            “Chuuya, here!” said Atsushi kindly, holding out the plushie and trying to cheer up the boy. “You can borrow it, if you like it so much!”

            “I-I-I don’t like it,” mumbled Chuuya in denial. “I just watch it every week, I record it, and I watch it over and over. I don’t think it’s cool or anything.”

            “Tsundere,” teased Akira.

            “You must love it!” said Atsushi, smiling.

            “I mean, I’ll play with it, if you insist,” said Chuuya.

            Before he could hold the toy, Dazai appeared and picked it up. Chuuya shook in annoyance.

            “Hey, it’s Odasaku Man!” observed Dazai. “I love him, too!”

            “You like Odasaku Man even though you’re a grown up?” asked Atsushi.

            “I love him,” said Dazai as he handed the plushie back to Atsushi.

            “Weird,” said Atsushi while smiling.

            “Atsushi, he’s just playing along because we’re kids,” said Kunikida, “There’s no way a grownup would like Odasaku Man.”

            “Ouch!” cried Dazai.

            “You lied!” said Akira accusatorily.

            “You said you liked Odasaku Man!” said Chuuya.

            “They won’t believe…” Dazai grabbed (Y/N)’s arm as she passed by. “Help me!”

            “Just show them your non-work clothes,” said (Y/N), remembering all of the merch Dazai had.

            Her boyfriend sweat-dropped. “That might cause problems.”

            “It’s true that he likes Odasaku Man,” said Akutagawa, showing a picture of Dazai at an Odasaku Man play.

            The kids crowded around and realized Dazai was being truthful.

l

            “Pickup time, everyone!” said (Y/N), clapping her hands. “Your guardians and parents are here!”

            Ranpo, Kunikida, Jun’ichiro, and Naomi ran up to Fukuzawa. Kenji, Higuchi, and Chuuya returned to Kouyou’s side. Kyouka and Atsushi waited for Dazai and (Y/N) to finish working. Akira and Akutagawa pouted and sat in the corner.

            “I don’t want to leave Mr. Dazai,” muttered Akutagawa.

            “Kouyou’s waiting for you,” said (Y/N), kneeling down.

            “No!”

            “The quicker you leave, the quicker you’ll be back,” said (Y/N).

            “…Fine,” said Akutagawa, scampering over to Kouyou.

            “Akira? It’s time to go, your dad’s here,” said (Y/N).

            “Bleh!” Akira made a face.

            “Come on, I heard you guys are getting your favorite food,” said (Y/N).

            Akira perked up. “Alright!”

            She ran over to where Mori picked her up.

            A happy family. (Y/N) smiled. I’m glad they turned out this way. Things can go badly when you lose a family member…

            “Is Elise at home?” asked Akira as Mori carried her to the car.

            “Yes, and she’s excited to have cake with you,” said Mori.

            Akira laughed happily.

[fivekrystalpetals]

#but how would people know that Atsushi's ability knows this?#could Atsushi have come from a lab to the orphanage? like a government facility designed to fuse children with rouge abilities?#kinda like Chuuya but in Atsushi's case it actually went according to plan- and you know- isn't as dangerous as Chuuya's ability

@vampireonastick exactly!! I have been wondering the same thing too! Either we can explain it away with the ability of the unnamed clairvoyant (but that'd be too easy idk) or one of the two things: Atsushi being the product of an experiment or the ability transferred to him from someone.

The origin of the abilities in BSD is very mysterious tbh-- for one, they don't seem to have been inherited and developed along with the generations (as in BNHA). We hardly meet any of the parents or relatives of the characters (we met Kyouka's and learnt that her ability was originally her mom's. Tsujimura has the same situation; I haven't finished the gaiden but Tsujimura's ability too has been transferred to her by her mom....who also apparently taught the technique to Kyouka's mom (from bsd wiki so not so sure) small world huh?) We don't know how any of Yosano, Kunikida, Tanizaki (he has a sister still we practically don't know anything about them), Kenji (I thought at least he had a good childhood but with the last chapter that too is up in the air) or Fukuzawa got their abilities. All their back stories start from the middle of their lives. The only one we see as a baby is Aya and she doesn't have an ability.

On the other hand, we do have Tachihara and his older brother who have similar metal manipulation abilities and grew up with seemingly normal families. There is Steinbeck too whose family is shown but I don't remember if any of the other family members have abilities. Otherwise, most of the characters don't have any living relations and grew up alone or in orphanages. Take, Dazai, for example. What was he doing before Mori found him in the hospital? Chuuya has some proper backstory but his ability is the product of the mess the government pulled experimenting on a powerful entity beyond their control.

It definitely feels to me that the origin of abilities is kept a mystery on purpose and probably involves a lot of even more painful details (hope that isn't what is gonna be in Kenji's backstory? Torture doesn't sound good at all) such as how you say, taking homeless children off the street, fusing them with abilities and trying to mingle them back into the society after erasing their memories? Maybe, they have been successfully fusing abilities for years without a problem? Maybe the experiment with Arahabaki went wrong coz they were trying to research on an entire entity and not on a single ability? We definitely know the Huntings Dogs have to go under the knife every month so this isn't entirely impossible.

Another idea I have is similar to how the abilities started in the Charlotte anime--that the number of abilities are limited, started from a fixed point in time (might coincide with the time the Book was torn and scattered according to the second scenario) and have been transferred from generation to generation. So that from the beginning, there's always been a powerful nullification ability to neutralize all the abilities (even the Book as we see in Beast) and a guide ability to keep track of other abilities (something similar to Ragdoll's Search quirk from BNHA) as part of package originating from the Book. But that's about it. The number of abilities being limited might explain why the governments are so interested in experimenting with entities of the likes of Arahabaki to try and make artificial abilities according to their needs.

Of course, Atsushi's ability is so much more than a mere Search quirk/ability bc it can cut through Rashoumon so we def haven't seen its power at its fullest. It's something that intrigued someone as unfeeling and indifferent to the world as Shibusawa. As Kunikida says: The tiger is strong, but you aren't.

My guess is the governments, Ango, Fyodor etc. etc. already knew of the tiger-beetle ability and kept track of it, down to Atsushi who, though, had no knowledge of his own ability. Only the headmaster of the orphanage knew. The guy is yet another enigma to me.

Also, yeah, I believe Fyodor has some way to extract information from the ability alone with no help or input from the user. That's why he manipulated Shibusawa and sent him after little Atsushi to harvest his ability from him, why he was totally unbothered that Atsushi might die fighting his tiger in the fog incident. If Atsushi dies, the ability gets crystallized. If he doesn't, gets back his tiger and it's Shibusawa's singularity that dies instead....well, that's good for him too coz his use of the guy was over when he died, right? Kind of a win-win situation for him lol

As for extracting information directly from the tiger (crystallized ability or otherwise)... I still think Sigma can do it. Both Sigma and Ango have psychometry based abilities. If Ango can extract memory from things and people, then, maybe, Sigma can do it for sentient abilities as well? Maybe, similar connections to the Book enables him to communicate with the ability? Well, all of this can be good for brainstorming only if Fyodor is telling the truth about Sigma in the first place.

Can I add another wild theory about Sigma for which I have no solid proof or anything but simply going by my writer's gut feeling >_<

Theory that the exchange of information that takes place via Sigma's ability is absolute. Once the information is taken by him, the original holder doesn't have that memory in his brain anymore. Say, when Sigma took the location of the Page from Taneda's mind, Taneda no longer remembers it. Till someone else feeds the memory back to him. (Similar to memory processing in computers)

Meaning, now, if Sigma really took the information out of the tiger ability, Atsushi no longer has it...Sigma is the one who solely has it. And tiger is now tiger sans beetle lol

Could be why Fukuchi did not hesitate to kill off Atsushi to keep his secret. Atsushi is disposable for them now (for Fyodor as well). I am guessing Fyodor actually expected him to kill off Atsushi on the ship given how powerful Fukuchi's ability is. Neither of them expected Akutagawa (there is no way Fyodor could have known that since it was a secret plan between him and Dazai involving no third person, no chance of leak at all), him to fight by Atsushi's side or the unexpected help from the officer whose life he spared. In fact, the entire plan started to derail like a massive train wreck right from the moment Akutagawa stepped on the scene. Like a boss. Dazai has to be proud of this boy at least now T~T

So, back to the information Sigma has (this guy has a massive memory, okay? We mustn't underestimate it) has to be passed on to Fyodor. He can't trust this precious information to anyone with lesser or imperfect memory coz there is chance of losing important irrecoverable data. If it is gone, it's gone forever. Well, as we know, Fyodor too has photographic memory (card game with Ace) so that when this exchange of information does take place, it will solely be between Fyodor and Sigma involving no middleman.... probably using the information of his ability C&P as collateral because that's what the readers Sigma wants to know the most,,,

[alaska386]

F!Bsd anime watcher in the bsd world… pt 4/?

“𝐁𝐮𝐭… 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞..”

Summary of the last chapter: Victoria guessed past occupation and Atsushi and Victoria got their first job. Atsushi first sees Ryunosuke’s appearance in a photo. Dazai laughed at Victoria’s ‘he has no eyebrows’ comment.

No one’s pov

Dazai’s singing on the couch in the agency with his headphone on.

“I’m waiting for a revelation.” Dazai says while smiling.

Victoria pov

Meanwhile Tanizaki, Naomi, Atsushi and me are following Higuchi, Atsushi’s doubting his abilities, if he’s cut out for this job. Tanizaki comforts Atsushi, then they’ve talked until Naomi starts doing weird things again, I only listen and follow Higuchi silently, thinking that Ryu’s gonna make Atsushi confident soon enough.

“We’re here.” Higuchi says, and we follow her into the dark alleyway.

“Is this really the right place?” Tanizaki asks, as we turn around to look at Higuchi.

“Um…”

“The name’s Higuchi.”

“Higuchi-san. Smugglers are a cowardly bunch. They’ll always have an escape route. But this is a dead end. If anyone came after them from there, they’d have nowhere to run.”

“That’s correct.” Higuchi drops her bag and unbuttons her shirt’s top two buttons as she continues. “I apologise. I led you into a trap.” She puts her glasses on, “My real target was you.” then takes out her walkie talkie.

“Akutagawa senpai.” Higuchi talks to the other side of the walkie talkie, which is Ryunosuke.

“Akutagawa?!” Tanizaki and Atsushi’s eyes widen and they say in a shocked tone at the same time, as I also mumble in a fake shocked tone, “Akutagawa..”.

“I have them, as planned.” Higuchi ignores our shocked expressions and continues speaking to the other.

“She’s…with the Port Mafia!” Gunshots are heard.

…

No one’s pov

In the agency, Dazai’s eyes widen while listening to his headphone and holding his suicide book to his chest.

…

Gunshots were heard. Naomi was shot. As Tanizaki tries to ask Atsushi to take Naomi out of this situation, Higuchi points the gun right at Tanizaki’s head, about to shoot him knowing that Tanizaki’s a non-combatant member. Tanizaki gets mad and activates his ability, light snow.

Victoria pov

I’m behind Atsushi, not comforting him cause not wanting to change any history, looking around at the green ‘snow’ as Tanizaki explains his ability, I quietly and slowly move to behind Atsushi since she did not shoot Atsushi in the cannon plot.

No one’s pov

Higuchi starts shooting all around her, she missed. Tanizaki grabs Higuchi’s neck from behind and he becomes visible as he holds her neck.

“Die!”

Rashoumon attacks Tanizaki from behind, Tanizaki falls down on the ground, the attacker coughs. “Fear death.”(bro’s trying so hard to make people fear him like people fear his mentor aka some suicidal maniac) “Fear slaughter.” Inserting Atsushi’s fish eyes scene. “Those who desire death have an equal desire to die.”(describing his mentor again) “Therefore… It’s nice to meet you. I’m Akutagawa, one of the Port Mafia’s dogs, as is she.” Ryu coughs again. (I hc Mori named every pm members as dogs, the animal that Dazai hated)

“Akutagawa-senpai!” Higuchi gets up. “I can handle this myself—” The port mafia mad dog slaps across the blonde’s face. “I believe my orders were to take the weretiger alive! And yet here you are, gunning everyone down. You useless bitch! Stand down.” Ryunosuke scolds the blonde, “I’m sorry.” she apologises.

Victoria pov

Ok the slapping scene’s actually amusing, why am I so weird… But it definitely hurt, it was pretty loud. Back to the topic, in order not to affect their relationship in the future, ima shut up.

Atsushi pov

“Take the weretiger alive?” I ask, still in the floor progressing things. “What are you after?” I continue asking the questions that have been in my head since they mentioned I was being targeted by the dangerous organisation, Port Mafia. What do they want from the tiger?…

“My target has always been you, and you alone, weretiger.” I hear the response…by Akutagawa that dangerous man even Kunikida san fears. “Your fellow agents lying there just got caught in the crossfire.”

I gasp, “This is because of me?”

“Indeed. That is your karma, weretiger. You cause misfortune for everyone around you, just by living.” I gasp again listening to his words.

My past memories came in my mind. “My…karma?” I stare at the ground, mumbling.

I could hear the mafioso. “Ability: Rashoumon.” I gasp as I see his…transformation…? I’m not sure— I look down and cover my face, I look at the side where he attacked, it… was destroyed destructively…

“I missed that on purpose that time, of course. But my Rashoumon has poor taste.(it’s hot though) It devours anything and EVRYTHING. I intend to capture you alive but if you continue to resist, I’ll take your leg next.”

“Why…” I look down at my shaky legs “Why… Why me?” Today, I have joined the Armed Detective Agency… Is this my fault, too…? Do I make everyone around me suffer just by living?

“A… Atsushi kun.” I hear Tanizaki and look at him. “Run, Atsushi kun.” T-They’re still alive.

Victoria pov

As I watch Atsushi struggle and thinking the worst, he finally gets up, runs towards to the gun behind Ryunosuke and grabs it and starts shooting Ryunosuke’s back, which did not work at all and Ryu the emo starts explaining about his ability, the hot Rashoumon again, I almost yawned, man.

Ryu cuts off Sushi’s leg, his eyes widen in shock and screams in pain, Ryu just coughs,(Covid man) the blood is all over the ground.

Probably after thinking about some memories related to crying stuff? I think, I remember it’s something like that. He transforms into a tiger, bro lost control over bad memories. Also! It’s amusing to watch, sadly I don’t have popcorn with me though. And- ah. No it’s fine, I’m too invisible and I’m not even the main topic, Tanizaki shouldn’t have paid attention to me and Atsushi 100% didn’t since I wasn’t one of the ones that got injured and I’m a child, Higuchi’s attention has been to Tanizaki, Atsushi and his emo senpai, Ryunosuke’s too focus on catching the target and abusing his subordinate(Higuchi). About Dazai who’ll come later on… it’ll be fine, everything’s be fine, for now still.

Damnnnnn! Shin Soukoku’s first fight! First meet! It’s so amazing- and again so interesting to watch! My eyes are sparkling with sparkles in an admired way. Oh? Higuchi starts shooting at Atsushi cause of his senpai, well she simps Ryu but uh, does too much! Just Ryu in the past he never listens to Dark era Daz 100% too— Rashoumon stabs through the tiger’s middle? Waist? Idk about tigers’ body parts.

As the fight continues, a familiar voice can be heard and be seen.

“Okay, that’s enough!” [No longer human activated] Can this man teleport??????? I probably was just too focus, sigh, whatever…

I look at Dazai, who used his ability on his old subordinate and the new one. After Dazai explaining why he’s here, he sits down in front of Atsushi and pats his head, telling him to wake up because he doesn’t want to carry all the people back at the same time.

No one’s pov

“The Port Mafia will claim that seven billion.”(I skipped some unnecessary sentences.)

“Is that a declaration of war on the Armed Detective Agency?” The brunette stands up and asks. “Try it…if you dare.”

“You’re a small-scale operation, whereas we are this city’s darkness made incarnate. We have connections in this city’s politics and economy at every level. An agency with a dozen or so operatives will become ashes along with your office in three days’ time. No one has opposed us and lived.” The blonde frowns and threatens the detective.

“I know all that.” The detective replies.

“Indeed.” The mad dog speaks. “You know that better than anyone as an ex-Port Mafia member. Dazai san.” Dazia smiles back confidently.

Victoria pov

As the silence continues, I stand up slowly and stretches. “Man are you guys done? You either stop the staring contest or I simply go back to the agency on my own Dazai san.” My legs have gone numb from not moving an inch the entire time!” I say as I slowly walk and stand next to Dazai.

The brunette turns to me, “Oh my Vicky chan! I’m glad to see you healthy well! Mostly because of you’re not injured so that you can help me take how of these unconscious people back to the agency!~ Thank you~”

Higuchi eyes widen, “I forgot about her being here…”

Ryunsouke pov

I frown and mumble, “She heard about Dazai san’s past…” I shouldn’t doubt and worry about Dazai san, he’s not someone to be underestimated after-all, he’s the most powerful. I’m sure he’ll handle it. I frown further, 𝐛𝐮𝐭… 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞.

[buffaloborgine]

Of Zack Fair, Genesis Rhapsodos and the strange narrative POV of FFVII-Crisis Core (Part IIIa)

Part I: https://buffaloborgine.tumblr.com/post/650462647672766464/of-zack-fair-genesis-rhapsodos-and-the-strange

Part II conclusion: https://buffaloborgine.tumblr.com/post/653809930861674496/of-zack-fair-genesis-rhapsodos-and-the-strange 

_______________________________________________

Warning: Sincerely, this part takes on a very controversial route. Please read the previous parts first before reading further on this part. (I did have the link to part I in case you are new reader)

Also, please keep an open mind when you read this. I appreciate any kind of discussion about theories, but please, try to keep your bias out when we discuss on an objective subject. Thank you. 

_________________________________________

Before we get to the main problem of this part, let me introduce you to a term that maybe you have heard somewhere before: the Rashoumon effect. 

The Rashomon effect is a term related to the notorious unreliability of eyewitnesses. It describes a situation in which an event is given contradictory interpretations or descriptions by the individuals involved. 

This is a kind of effect that is used very frequently in detective stuffs, as a way to fool the audiences, driving them away from the main problem, the objective truth.

Why am I telling you about this? Well, in many Japanese stuffs, ranging from movies, books to games, no matter what the genre is, the Rashoumon effect is utilized to create plot twists. And of course Rashoumon effect is also used in FFVII as well. 

Take one example, the Deepground incident in Dirge of Cerberus. While Vincent and the WRO believed that Weiss is the one leading Deepground at that time, and we don’t even get to know the truth that Nero is the real leader of Deepground until Vincent and Yuffie finally barged in the throne hall in Reactor 0. It’s just one of the clearest example of the Rashoumon effect in FFVII. And if you have read the other parts of this theory series, you may see the pattern of Rashoumon effect in both events that I have pointed out: the Genesis’s parents’ grave and the Seven Wonders. 

So, let’s move onto our main problem this time. 

_________________________________________

The Mails (a). 

One of the strangest systems that occurred in Crisis Core, is the mail system, 

Zack can access the mails through his phone, along with many other systems like Materia Fusion, Equipment, Shop, DMW, Mission and some others. 

Problem with the Mails is that, reading one mail from one person may give you a contradictive information to the info you took from the mail of another person, and it even contradicts with the details you discovered in places around the game. Because mails are written according to the view point of the writers, will get confused with many info that the mails provide. 

However the worst problem with the mails is that Zack only receives the mails, he never answers them. We never see Zack point of view in this, which in turn, forcing us to use our own point of view to examine the information given by the mails. 

Here, I want to discuss the reliability of one of the most well-known CC mails: the 1sts’ fanclubs’ mails. 

Keepers of Honor 

Fanclub of Angeal, the group releases mails that provide “unauthorized” info about Angeal’s profile. While there is not much to take from the mails of Keeper of Honor, there is one particular mail we have to look into. 

“Angeal Fan Club Newsletter 313

Today's update features a conversation between Angeal and Genesis.

G: You'd better do something about those plants in your room.

A: Those plants represent nature. Some of us converse with nature to hone our spirit and honor.

G: And some of us are getting bugs in our rooms because of those blasted things.

A: Come on. Don't you remember? We used to have bugs in our rooms all the time when we were kids.

G: That's why I hate them. And the past? It can stay there. We're in Midgar. We're not supposed to have nature here.

City-born Genesis, and nature-lover Angeal: so completely different, yet friends all the same.” 

Just when Zack came to Fort Tamblin with Angeal, Angeal told Zack about the dumbapple. And one those lines is: 

Angeal confirmed that Genesis, his childhood friend grew up with him in Banora. But in the mail above, the Keeper of Honor believes that Genesis is “city-born”. Although the word itself can be understood in two ways, one is “born in the city” and the other is “having city life style”, if you first read into it, you will immediately think that they mean Genesis is born in the city, which is not true, the other meaning may fit with the situation more, perhaps? So we could agree with them that Angeal loves nature and Genesis has a city lifestyle, thus, Genesis gets annoyed with nature, right? 

Guess what? When Zack found out Genesis’s diary, the info may get contradictive. 

Consider the fact that Genesis won an award for inventing the Banora White Apple juice, it means that he has to have a great love for nature, especially the apple trees and the fruit to actually spend time to invent the juice. 

This info and Angeal’s confirmation contradict with the info given by the mail from Keeper of Honor. This means the fanclubs’ mails themselves are just sources with medium reliability, especially when the fanclub of one person wrote about a different person in the trio. Besides, the event described in the fanclubs’ mails may not even exist, because in Keeper of Honor’s mails, those are “unauthorized” Angeal’s profile. 

In conclusion, by not showing Zack’s replies to the mails to the players, Crisis Core forced the players to check the reliability of the mails given to Zack through their own perception, not everything written in the mails are true because they are affected by the POV and biases of the ones giving them out. 

I think that’s enough for the beginning of this part, we will continue on the other ambiguous mails in the next parts. Thanks for coming to my Ted-Talk and have a nice day. 

_________________________________________

Part IIIb: https://buffaloborgine.tumblr.com/post/656350606029701120/of-zack-fair-genesis-rhapsodos-and-the-strange

[amodernpersephone]

I attempted to write this into a fanfic but failed so many times, so accept my drabbles about a slightly angsty talk between the Akutagawas.

Akutagawa has very few fears. The thought of being afraid itself was foreign to him. But this...this was something that had kept him up at night, even before he became the leader of the guerilla squad.

He wondered, he feared, would the day come that Gin would be afraid of him too?

It wasn't a surprise, to wonder about this, to think like this.

Gin was one of the few people in the world who didn't see him as the Mafia's Rabid Dog, who didn't think he was the Apostle of Calamity and Despair, who didn't see him as an absolute monster.

To her, he was just Ryuu-niisan. Her older brother. Part-time irritation, full-time overprotective sibling.

Maybe it was to silence his thoughts that he actually approached Gin.

"Gin, are you afraid of me?"

"Um, no?"

That...was not the answer he anticipated.

So he went to the topic another way.

"Gin, I could kill everybody in this room."

"Hmm? Maybe later. Let's finish shopping first."

and again.

"Rashoumon could easily flip this bus upside down."

"Try not to do that. We might not make it to the coat sale."

until he just gives up.

And asks Gin directly.

"Gin, have you never felt fear of me? Have you never been afraid that at some point I might harm you with my ability? Do you not think I'm a monster?" he choked back another word, a beast.

Gin stares at him for a moment, questioning which one of Dazai's schemes got into her brother's head again.

Before she finally answers, half-smiling:

"Brother, I've seen you trip over your own feet because you were too preoccupied by a book, and curse for a full minute when you spilled calligraphy ink all over yourself."

"I could never see you as a monster."

[vii0so]

[BSD 119] Theory/Analysis

"The Bookmark" and Akutagawa.

How Atsushi is the bookmark/what it means and why/how Akutagawa is also involved with this + Why I think Akutagawa is acting like this (knightly-medieval) without Bram's influence.

█▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

1. "How is Atsushi the bookmark/ What does it mean to be the bookmark?"

Well let's start simple: "What's a bookmark?"

It's an indication of where you left off in a story.

In a game, you could think of it as a [save] point.

Now, IRL, a bookmark is optional. You may just remember the page or fold the corner.

But what if there was no way to remember or fold corners...only the bookmark?

The bookmark would be the only way to progress in a story. The only thing telling you where the 'present' is.

Time is divided in three:

Past -> Present -> Future

Q. Where is Atsushi?

A. The present

No matter wether he could time travel, or we read chapter 1 again, he will always be experiencing it 'currently'/in 'present time'.

"But that's obvious!" But did you realise the meaning?

The bookmark is used to mark the 'present' time of a story.

Atsushi (the 'bookmark') is the protagonist, keeping the story moving and being the indicator of 'present' time.

We could say that it's because he's the protagonist (they are always the centre of the story - the 'present') but I believe that in Atsushi's case, in the case of bsd as a story, he is the protagonist because he is the bookmark, not the other way around.

And while other characters, like our - many times mistakenly confused as protag - Dazai, have had their spotlight moments (e.g.prison arc), it was still centred around people and events Atsushi was in some way involved in (directly or indirectly).

In short: Atsushi/the bookmark is like the sun

Planets orbit around the sun

If the sun's gone, we're gone

If the sun's here, life continues

It's studying the sun that gave us the concept of 'time'. Of course the moon plays a part in stuff too, and I could talk more on it too.

But I won't. I'll just mention 2 points: the moon doesn't revolve around the sun but the planets instead.

I could also say how the moon is/could be Akutagawa with a few theories but I'll be getting off track...maybe in another post.

So back to the Q: "How is Atsushi the bookmark/ What does it mean to be the bookmark?"

Atsushi's ability is the 'bookmark' which in turn makes him it too.

It means that he is needed for their world (the book) to continue. He is 'present' time. The moment he is gone, so is time.

Fyodor saying this (pictures below) as if it's a certain fact that:

The tiger (Atsushi's ability) is the bookmark, not him.

The tiger is a seperate being to Atsushi, or at least has a very different personality (hence why Fyodor was disgusted to witness Atsushi's reaction, so different to his image of the tiger)

Btw, for anyone who may not know: Abhorrent = morally very bad

So just to clarify: Fyodor is saying that the tiger is morally bad and noble (as in elevated ideals/conduct or prideful and arrogant)*.

* Tried to translate the original Japanese for a clearer idea:

Note: I believe the translation above is accurate. It's just that I sometimes like searching for differences in the original language or things that may not translate well into english (double meanings, etc.).

DeepL spit this out:

"That high-steeled and abominable ‘shining tiger’ is only this good."

The original being:

"あの高覺にして忌まわしき「輝く虎」がこの程度の....."

Random fact: 栞 (しおり - shiori) = bookmark

^ The original Japanese for anyone interested.

███▒▒▒▒▒▒▒

2. Why and how is Akutagawa involved with the bookmark?

I could simply say: "Obviously they're yin and yang, two halves of a whole, so just like [Beast beneath the moonlight] is the bookmark, [Rashoumon] must be involved and be the bookmark's opposite."

But I'll try to explain with reasoning.

Rashoumon is said to eat through all it encounters, even if that something is space itself.

Sound familiar?

I would also just like to take a moment and mention that Fyodor genuinely seems like he had no idea that Rashoumon could put up a fight with Ame-no-Gozen.

Anyway...

Rashoumon is powerful. Powerful enough to fight against a being that isn't even in the same dimension (plane of existence) as itself. This means that Akutagawa's ability is 'god tier' (world bending/ changing) as well, just like Atsushi's tiger.

Honestly, to me, that by itself proves that Akutagawa is in some way connected to the book, just like Atsushi. If I think of more reasons I'll make another theory post.

I've been trying to think of what he would be to compliment the [bookmark] and have come up with many things, though none of them make sense and there are holes. So I'll have to come back to it.

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3. The reason I think Akutagawa is acting like this (knightly-medieval) without Bram's influence.

Rashoumon

Yes, you read that right. I believe he's acting like this due to his own ability.

Don't know how, can't explain it. Been thinking of how to explain this and Aku's involvement with the book further forever and this whole post has been sitting in my drafts gathering dust for weeks because of it.

So I'll just mention some noteworthy points that may contribute to the reason or not:

Atsushi's tiger is - as Fyodor has hinted at - different, personality/ morals wise. Meaning Rashoumon could also be different to Aku.

Abilities and their users are just two sides of the same coin

Abilities are the soul memory, the users are the body memory

Post Bram's possession, Aku's being could be considered half dead (in a way. Alive > Dead > Vampire > Alive-ish?) and so, that could have triggered his ability to front. Not sure if anyone knows DID enough to know what I mean by that but just think of it like how Atsushi was when he turned into the tiger completely - different - and then returned without any memory of the event.

So Aku still seems like himself (sorta) but the one in control is his ability - Rashoumon.

This would explain Aku not knowing who Atsushi is. Rashoumon could be familiar with the [tiger] but not Atsushi.

The clothes and speech: Most people think it's because of Bram's influence but does anyone even think about how old abilities are? If Fyodor has been alive since before Aku and Sushi were born and likely was aware of their abilities' existence since long before that, then it's likely that the law of reincarnation could apply here.

The law of reincarnation: (Not factual - off the top of my head)

Soul + body = self

Body dies = soul detaches and gets cleansed before rebirth

Reincarnation = (soul > soul + body > born > die > soul leaves body > repeat) x infinity

But because souls house abilities in BSD, it would be:

Soul + body = self divided in half (main self & ability self)

Body dies = soul detaches and gets cleansed, but [ability self] retains it's purpose (e.g. the bookmark) and carries over through rebirth.

Reincarnation = (soul > soul + body > born to fulfil purpose > die > soul leaves body > repeat) x infinity

This means that abilities have been around since the BSD world's existence or - if you'd like to believe the theory I think about a lot - since they were written in to the book.

Which means, Rashoumon taking control and choosing medieval attire and speech isn't unlikely, as they probably haven't been able to consciously use a body themselves since that type of stuff was still the norm.

Anyway, so no, personally I don't believe it's Bram's influence.

██████████ Complete!

I'm so glad I wrapped this up. As I mentioned, this has been in my drafts 80% finished since I made this account but I wanted to finish it before posting. Then I had assignments and had no time.

I probably forgot a lot of stuff I originally wanted to say when I started writing this, but oh well...not everything goes to plan.

While writing, I started overthinking the theory, when it's exactly that...a theory. It doesn't have to be exact with tons of evidence it can be far fetched and messy.

So as we're approaching the end of the month and the next BSD update, I thought: I better post this now. So here it is in all it's dot-point messy glory. I'll appear again when the new chapter comes out.

Btw, haven't had the chance to proof read as I decided to post this in a rush, if something sounded weird or didn't make sense that's why.

Thanks for reading ✦

[bandaged-writer]

hcs for ranpo, dazai, akutagawa, and kunikida having a s/o with ptsd and a service dog, please? how would they react to rude / pushy people. Would dazai and aku try to hide their dislike of dogs. (I think watching YouTube videos by people with PTSD and service dogs are good and reliable resources. I like "service dogs & ptsd!" by "it's us" as a reference if you're interested! And you can ditch the ptsd part of you're uncomfortable; they could have a service dog for another reason.) Thank you! ❤️

Here you go, nonnie! <3 I’ve written these headcanons based on research and not actual experience, but please let me know if something is inaccurate or hurts you and I’ll take action immediately. 

Warnings: PTSD

Ranpo Edogawa

➤ He’s the one who has the most fun with your dog. Always cuddles the ball of fur, plays with him and sneaks him some treats whenever you’re not looking. Of course, Ranpo knows that your service dog isn’t there for entertainment purposes and also treats him like some kind of colleague since it’s the dog’s duty to make sure you’re safe and feel at ease.

➤ “You may be good at your job, but you’ll never be as great as me!”

➤ “Ranpo, he’s a dog.”

➤ In conclusion: trusts your dog but not as much as he trusts the safe with his candy in it. After all, a dog can eat your candy while a safe won’t do such a thing.

➤ Your dog adapted to Ranpo relatively fast considering his laid back nature and the self-confidence he radiates. At first, your dog was a bit wary of Ranpo getting too close to you and might have fixed his gaze on the man, but that quickly faded away and your dog loves getting his belly rubbed by the detective. He’s just a dog, after all ok.

➤ Ranpo knows what sets you on edge, makes you anxious or causes you to have flashbacks or relive parts of the trauma you’d rather forget. He tries avoiding places that are too crowded or could have a trigger and informs you about all the meetings you couldn’t attend.

➤ If you go to therapy, Ranpo will go with you, despite his occasional whining. That man could be wrapped up in a blanket like a burrito, whine something like “But [Name], it’s so cozy in here! Just reschedule or tell your therapist to come over!” but always ends up accompanying you if you want him to. 

➤ If you don’t go to therapy, then Ranpo will accept your decision. There’s no point in forcing you to go if you don’t want to. However, he’s always there if you need to talk about what happened and tries offering you some kind of advice on how to deal with situations or certain people.

➤ If someone makes a rude remark about you or your dog, Ranpo will reply with the same energy. “Wow, I didn’t know such stupidity can legally walk around.” He doesn’t take shit from anyone, especially if you’re in a vulnerable state at that very moment.

Dazai Osamu

➤ Dazai isn’t that bewitched by your dog and doesn’t hide his dislike about your companion either, but Dazai understands that you need your dog and learns to live with it. He still teases the dog for shits n giggles whenever you’re not around, though.

➤ Chances are your dog and Dazai kicked it off on bad terms. With Dazai being super clingy, all over you and sometimes a bit hyper, your dog could’ve thought that Dazai could make you uncomfortable or even trigger you at times, but your dog quickly learns that Dazai poses no threat and is actually helping you.

➤ Takes care of your dog when you’re sick, but only does the most necessary things like taking him for a walk, getting food and water ready and the likes. Sometimes, you can hear him arguing with the dog from the bedroom:“What do you mean you don’t wanna eat your food? You ate it when [Name] made it yesteday, you can’t fool me!”

➤ As much as Dazai dislikes dogs, he’s thankful that you got your dog by your side whenever he’s out on a case or the likes. He knows the dog will protect you and make you feel much calmer.

➤ Dazai is aware that PTSD isn’t visible to the human eye like a broken leg, but the switch within him flips whenever someone is rude towards you or drops a snide remark and draws an obvious reaction from you. “You might wanna repeat what you said if you don’t want to witness the next sunrise,” Dazai would say with an empty smile that doesn’t reach his eyes at all. 

➤ Always there for you. You can call him, text him or spill your guts to him whenever you feel the need to and Dazai won’t complain one bit - even if it’s in the middle of the night. That man has also witnessed horrors early on in his life and knows how it affects one’s mental and emotional health, so he doesn’t want you to go through it alone.

➤ Holds you extra tight after a specifically bad nightmare or stays up with you and tells you about the time your dog deadass ran into the door if insomnia is kicking your ass.

Akutagawa Ryuunosuke

➤ Is also pretty open about his dislike towards dogs. No matter if that dog is merely a pet or a trained service dog - dog is dog.

➤ Akutagawa is very observant and quickly learns what your dog means by certain actions. Such as circling you is signaling others that they’re getting too close or when his snout is nudging your palm, he wants to get you out of tense situations. Maybe that dog does have the brains to take care of you.

➤ The two of them aren’t great friends. Akutagawa doesn’t like the dog and vice versa. It’s like they’re tolerating one another only because you’re always around and ready to scold both. Imagine Akutagawa being scolded by you tho-

➤ God have mercy on anyone who crosses your guys’ path and makes a rude remark. Akutagawa is very protective over you and doesn’t tolerate bullshit from anyone, but it’s even worse when such things are directed towards you who can’t really do anything about their condition. “You’re so disgusting that not even Rashoumon would want to tear you apart.”

➤ As tough as he is on the outside, Akutagawa cares a lot about you. On especially bad days, he will attempt to cook your favorite dish but ends up ordering takeout. Hands down, Aku isn’t one to cook often and when he does, it’s probably something very basic that won’t need a lot of preparation time. You do appreciate the thought and effort nevertheless.

➤ Advice or assurance from him is sometimes a bit harsh, but these are words you very likely need to hear and not want to hear. “Are you at fault that xy happened to you? No, so stop blaming yourself for it.” Akutagawa means well though, and honestly, it’s his actions that show that he doesn’t mean to be harsh towards you.

➤ It’s when he holds your hand when you’re anxious or lets you talk about your nightmares without interrupting you. It’s accepting your dog’s constant presence without kicking the poor thing out or trying to avoid possible triggers. Honestly, Aku is more of a action person than word person.

Kunikida Doppo

➤ You know those dads that say that they didn’t want a dog but end up being friends anyway? Yeah, that’s Kunikida and your dog. At first, Kunikida only sees your dog as a worker of society, but the more time he spends with your companion, the more attached he gets. Kunikida never admits it out loud though.

➤ The thing that really gets on Kunikida’s nerves is the fur. The amount of fur sticking to his clothes and yours sometimes drive him nuts - especially when it’s time for your dog to shed or thicken his fur. “One day, I’ll end up looking like your dog, [Name].”

➤ Since your dog is trained to read your emotions, Kunikida trusts the four-legged creature 100%. After all, it’s similar to a service for blind people, people with anxiety disorders, etc. He leaves for work more peacefully, knowing that your dog guides you through the day and watches out for you when Kunikida can’t.

➤ Has all your triggers written down in his book as well as how to avoid them and ease your anxiety about them. Kunikida has done lots of research on how to support people suffering from PTSD, the causes, symptoms and even directly asked you on how to help you. 

➤ Encourages you to go to therapy if you aren’t doing it already. Kunikida would never force you to see a therapist, but he thinks it’s in your best interest to do so and even offers to accompany you if it helps you in any way.

➤ Doesn’t mind losing a few hours of sleep because you suffer from a nightmare or insomnia. He’ll hear you out for as long as you need him to, but he might actually fall asleep on you, depending on how exhausting the day had been. 

➤ Much like Aku, Kunikida quickly learns the language of your dog and writes it down. Whenever your dog gives off certain signals, Kunikida watches out for the distance people are keeping, possible triggers or you yourself in general. He’s very thankful for your dog picking up your emotional well-being much faster than he ever could.

[shachihata]

ok i am *checks watch* two years late to the party but i just watched dead apple and i’m having thoughts about it everything below the cut because it’s a goddamn essaypost

ok so basically i had to rewatch fyodor’s speech scene a couple times because of how hard i was thinking about it. he implies that shibusawa’s fog separates users from their abilities and makes the abilities try to kill the user with the caveat that this is only allowed to happen if the ability user, in some form or another, has rejected their ability as a part of themselves -- the ability users that have accepted their abilities/their role in the world might be separated from their abilities, but the ability doesn’t attack them at all. it’s an ability entirely based on the individual’s personal feelings towards their ability (which is pretty ironic, considering that shibusawa is desperately searching for his own reason to live by living through other people). if there’s any conflict at all, then the fog essentially amplifies those negative feelings and turns the user against their own ability -- and, in extension, against themselves.

which... honestly makes a lot of sense! ability users are relatively rare in the world of bsd, and so it makes sense that most of them would be attacked by their own abilities because they feel ostracized from the world because they’re not truly “human” like everyone else, or something along those lines. atsushi is the most obvious example of this -- even though he manages to defeat his own ability, he’s only able to use it again once he fully accepts that the tiger isn’t a curse, it’s meant to protect him. atsushi feels guilty all the time over the orphanage director and for killing shibusawa, even though those people were literally his abusers; he has to realize that he wasn’t the one at fault for defending himself against them, in order to fully manifest his ability and kill shibusawa without feeling guilt, the way he did at the beginning of dead apple when he planned on just capturing shibusawa even though kyouka literally told him “we have to kill him that’s our mission he’s going to destroy all of yokohama if we don’t.”

we can put akutagawa and kyouka under similar analysis. akutagawa originally didn’t accept rashoumon because he felt that dazai was only ever praising rashoumon, instead of acknowledging akutagawa’s existence; once he accepts that he is the one controlling rashoumon and he doesn’t need dazai’s direct praise to know that he’s validated for existing (he visits and bows to chuuya in the epilogue, rather than seeking out dazai), rashoumon comes under his control again. kyouka didn’t accept demon snow because she hated the fact that she cared so much for demon snow as a protector/mother figure even though she blames it for killing her parents; she has to learn that demon snow isn’t her enemy, and, like atsushi, has only ever attempted to protect her. she can use demon snow to do good in the world, twisting it away from its original purpose of assassination, because it’s her power. basically, they’re all conquering their powers and accepting that even though they’re ability users, they still have the ability to be, essentially, human and pick the side that saves people -- the way dazai does at the end, seeing how “beautiful” the world is because atsushi and kyouka are alive, the way sakunosuke wanted him to. their ability is just as much of a part of themselves as any other internal conflict they have. they aren’t separate from their abilities -- they are one and the same.

which is a really interesting implication when we loop it all back around and start talking about fyodor himself. like fyodor says, he doesn’t get separated from his ability because he has accepted his ability in the first place -- “crime and punishment are close friends,” after all. fyodor knows and accepts himself as both the “crime” (being an ability user) and the “punishment” (using his ability to rid the world of ability users), which, honestly, is incredibly remniscient of raskolnikov’s entire speech about the “extraordinary man” in the original crime and punishment -- raskolnikov’s entire philosophy in the first half of the book was based around the idea that certain “extraordinary men” had the “right” to transgress against the laws of humanity/society in order to fulfill their own “higher purposes.” and i mean, that’s basically exactly what fyodor implies about himself: he thinks of himself as a god, and so even though he’s committing the ultimate sin, he’s doing it for the greater good. stupid god complex motherfucker.

when fyodor said that he was using shibusawa as entertainment, he wasn’t even joking. i genuinely don’t think that there was any greater purpose to it other than to basically prove his own points to himself. shibusawa, the conglomeration of hundreds and hundreds of abilities, becomes nothing more than an animalistic, violent, unthinking dragon -- exactly why fyodor sees abilities as the “ultimate sin,” because they do nothing more than wreak chaos and destruction in his eyes. he used shibusawa as an example of just how low ability users can sink -- completely ignoring ability users like atsushi or kyouka, who have chosen to seek the “light” of existence/life by literally just accepting their abilities as something to be used for good!

fyodor, ironically, is doing the same thing as atsushi and kyouka -- except he’s twisted it around so that he only sees his own ability as something to be used for “humanity’s good.” he sees himself as a hero and every other ability user as a villain, completely blinding himself to the fact that other ability users are also making individual choices, every day, to use their abilities for the sake of protecting other humans rather than destroying them, the way shibusawa does (because he’d lost sight of his own identity and reason to live, not because of his collection of abilities). it implies that he sees himself as a god because he’s the only one with free choice; he believes that everyone else has to bend to the “natural urges” of their abilities, impulses, and so on. it implies that the entire reason he looks down on humanity is because he doesn’t think they have free will.

...and so, as it always is with me, it comes down to “man what the hell was fyodor and nikolai’s relationship” i’m DESPERATE to know more about it. does fyodor see nikolai as a god, like him, because nikolai is so purposefully “defying god” and working towards his own death -- he, like fyodor, is both the crime and his own punishment? at the same time, though, does fyodor see nikolai as actually having free will, or just as a bird who recognizes that they’re in the cage -- while still submitting to the whims and orders of higher powers, like himself and fukuchi -- and has thus bent nikolai’s desires for his own hidden purposes? when will the sigma, nikolai, and fyodor subplot come back from the fucking war? asagiri kafka i am on my knees BEGGING to know

[shinsoukokuvalentine]

Animal

(Today’s fic is a Beastars au! If you’ve never heard of Beastars, think Zootopia with higher stakes despite being set in a high school. Five books of the manga are out in English and the anime’s coming to Netflix this month, if you’re curious.

I’m really proud of this one, so let me know what you think!)

318/365: Animal

-

Akutagawa Ryuunosuke: Rex Rabbit

At first, Ryuunosuke’s sure it’s fear.

Fear causes his ears to perk straight up when the new student steps in front of the class. Fear causes his nose to twitch, his eyes to grow.

“Class, this is our new student,” the teacher says as the tiger writes his name on the board. “He just moved here. Let’s give him a warm welcome.”

The tiger has unusual white fur. He’s large, as all tigers are, but oddly lanky. When he turns and faces the class, his eyes almost seem to glow with a strange mix of lavender and gold.

“I’m…” he begins to say, but he mumbles, not opening his mouth much. He looks down at the floor and shuffles his feet, countenance completely missing a predator’s usual confidence.

The teacher shoots him a stern look.

“Speak up, please,” he says sharply. The tiger tenses, golden eyes wide, but finally, he opens his lips.

Fear causes Ryuu’s rabbit heart to hammer against his ribs at the sight of the tiger’s teeth.

“I’m Nakajima Atsushi!” He says, enormous fangs glistening in his mouth. He adds, bowing sharply, “It’s a pleasure to meet you all!”

“Welcome, Nakajima-san,” everyone calls back. Everyone except Ryuu, who has frozen to his chair.

-

Nakajima Atsushi: White Tiger

“You’re Akutagawa-san, right?”

Ryuu practically jumps out of his seat as Atsushi speaks. He whips his head up, staring at the tiger, who blinks innocently as if unaware of the intimidation exuded by his mere presence.

“The one who runs the literature club?” Atsushi says, still mumbling, lips practically closed. He seems almost shy, eyes darting around, tail swiping across the floor.

Ryuu’s sure it’s a farce.

“Yes,” he mutters, narrowing his eyes, wishing he could climb on his desk to stand taller than his feline classmate, but also knowing that would make him look even more ridiculous. So he simply stands. “How did you know about that?”

Atsushi turns, eyes sweeping over the emptying classroom. “He told me,” he says, pointing at a red fox a few rows over, who leans back in his chair so far that only two of its legs still sit on the floor.

The fox’s large ears twitch, and he looks in their direction.

“You’re always saying we need more members,” Chuuya points out. Ryuu wants to wring his neck.

-

Nakahara Chuuya - Red Fox

“Who goes to a new school and the first thing they want to join is the literature club?”

Ryuu shrugs, eyes fixed to his phone screen as he chews on his straw.

“He didn’t,” Chuuya points out, sitting down at the lunch table, drawing Ryuu’s grey eyes to him. Michizou falls silent.

“How do you know?” asks Higuchi. Chuuya rolls his eyes.

“‘Cause the guy is as subtle as a sledgehammer,” he scoffs. “He saw me talking to Ryuunosuke-kun after first period, came up to me after second period, and asked if he was in any type of club.”

Ryuu nearly chokes on his straw and successfully drops his phone in his salad.

“WHAT?!” Higuchi roars.

The lunchroom falls silent for a split second, staring at the wolf, and her muzzle ignites in a fierce red blush as she lowers herself back into her seat.

“Are you saying he joined the club just for Ryuunosuke-kun?” Michizou says skeptically after curious eyes turn away and Higuchi scrambles to wipe the dressing off of Ryuu’s phone. “What’s so interesting about him?”

Ryuu shoots the lizard a glare, silencing him.

“Maybe he likes you,” Chuuya wonders.

“No.”

All eyes at the table turn to Ryuu, whose hands twist in his lap, who turns to stare at the table, whose shoulders tense and square up.

“He wants to eat me.”

For a moment, no one says anything. The silence feels palpable.

“D-don’t joke about that!” Higuchi finally stammers. Ryuu looks at her from the corner of his narrowed eyes.

“I wasn’t joking.”

No one at that table finishes their lunch.

-

Higuchi - Gray Wolf

Understandably, when they begin that day’s club meeting, Higuchi won’t let Atsushi anywhere near Ryuu. Ryuu in no way minds.

Even so, he still can’t focus, only staring at the tiger as the other club members debate the day’s reading and writing assignments.

“You’re unusually quiet, Akutagawa-kun,” Ranpo points out all of a sudden, beak clacking. “Is something on your mind?”

All eyes turn to him, and Ryuu suddenly feels even smaller than normal.

“I…” he begins, eyes darting around until they fixate on Atsushi.

“Do you want me to get you a cup of water?” The tiger asks. Ryuu manages to shake his head.

“N… N-no,” he finally says. “I-i’m fine. We’re still talking about Rashoumon, right?”

Higuchi frowns.

“We stopped discussing that over ten minutes ago,” she says. “Nakajima-kun was just telling us how he likes to write short stories.”

Ryuu’s nose twitches. He hadn’t even noticed the tiger begin to speak.

“Alright,” he mutters, ears facing completely forward, putting all his effort into focusing.

No amount of effort can stop his heart from racing when Atsushi smiles, and his fangs gleam white as alabaster.

-

Tachihara Michizou - Monitor Lizard

Ryuu practically runs as soon as the club’s adjourned. He clutches his books tight to his chest, staring at the ground, mind on white fur and honey-lavender eyes.

And teeth. Long, knife-like, bone-crushing teeth.

He’s too focused. Even with his ears, he hears the warning a second too late.

And he’s pushed to the ground. Dirt flies into his face, his books fall out of his arms, and a heavy weight lands on top of him.

“That… That was close.”

Ryuu freezes. Slowly, afraid to look at him, he turns his eyes to the tiger that holds him to the ground.

Atsushi smiles sheepishly, fangs inches from Ryuu’s neck.

“If that baseball had hit you, you would’ve been out cold,” he says. “Sorry my first instinct was to-”

Ryuu lets out a cry he didn’t know he was capable of.

A high-pitched, primitive rabbit’s scream bursts from his mouth. He swipes his claws across the tiger’s nose, causing him to rear back, freeing Ryuu, who grabs his books and scrambles to his feet.

He runs and doesn’t look back.

-

Edogawa Ranpo - Magpie

Safe in his dorm, Ryuu shakes. He clutches his pillow to his chest, eyes wide, and he shakes.

He’s never felt fear like this before. Not from Higuchi, not from Chuuya, not from any of the other predators in the school. It’s not like Atsushi is the biggest, or the fiercest, or even the most intimidating.

So why him? Why does every look he sends Ryuu’s way cause his heart to try and escape from his chest? Why do his fangs send chills down his spine? Why can he see only him whenever he enters a room, even when they’re surrounded by other animals?

A knock hits the door, and Ryuu’s ears perk up.

“Akutagawa-san?”

The rabbit freezes. It’s him, in the prey dorms. He tracked him here, or asked where he went. He’s been searching for him.

“You… You left your notebook in the schoolyard.”

Ryuu’s careful not to make a sound. Still, he leans forward on his bed, looking to the door, watching the shadows of Atsushi’s feet.

“Look, I… I’m sorry about earlier.”

Slowly, perhaps only through morbid curiosity, Ryuu steps onto the floor. His furred feet make no noise at all.

“I acted without thinking, and… I’m sure there were better ways to keep that ball from hitting you other than tackling you to the ground.”

Ryuu can hear his heartbeat. It’s as fast as his; they’re almost beating in sync.

“I must’ve really scared you,” Atsushi whispers, and Ryuu stops in his tracks when his voice cracks.

“I know I’m scary,” he sighs. “That’s why I don’t open my mouth much. You noticed that, right? Everyone does. They think it’s weird that I don’t want to show my fangs.”

Ryuu steps to the door. He places his hands on it, his ear against it.

“But I don’t want to scare anyone, you know? Especially not someone I-!”

He stops, cutting himself off. His heart skips a beat as he takes a few deep breaths.

“... I’m sorry,” he says again after a moment. “For scaring you.”

Ryuu opens the door. Nose still scraped but no longer bleeding, Atsushi’s ears perk up slightly. And realization hits Ryuu like a thousand oceans crashing into him, washing over him, drowning him.

“I’m not scared of you.”

Atsushi’s jaw drops open. Without saying another word, Ryuu takes his notebook out of his outstretched hands and begins to step back inside his room.

But after composing himself, Atsushi manages to speak once again.

“... I’m glad,” he smiles, those same fangs stirring up those same feelings in Ryuu’s core.

Except now he knows how to label them.

So he simply nods, closing the door, listening to Atsushi’s footsteps fade down the hallway, sliding against the wall, heart feeling as if it’s going to explode.

It had never been fear, after all.