#the song has nothing to do with yokai

[amf-studios]

I made some evolutions for yokai decided by reddit!

First up was suggested by u/King-of_turtles with eleven upvotes was USApyon. Now, I've done an alternative form for USApyon before, which leaned into his sith lord/Darth Vader inspiration. So this time, I took a different route:

Pod Racer engines, baby! I've loved the look of those things since playing the lego star wars video game when I was a little girl. And they make sick as hell arm cannons!

Upgraded with the latest space tech, NASApyon is going to the moon, and nothing in heaven, hell or any other realm is gonna stop him!

He's now an S rank, ice attribute of the Shady tribe. His new soultimate is: Bunny Barrage, where he launches a storm of lasers at his opponents

Next up, suggested by u/AsterMachina was Buhu!

Call it a basic take, but I turned the goose into a sad swan! Admittedly Buhu is a pretty basic yokai in concept, so I mostly just made the Evo, I just made her "Buhu but more"

Hence the name; Buhu-hu! I like to imagine that Buhu-hu is a yokai of silver linings. Her inspiritments cause misfortune to befall her victims, however at the end, it will be offset with small burst of good luck, before returning to normal.

Buhu-hu is a C rank of the Eerie tribe. She is a wind attribute, and has the soultimate; Fowl Fortune, which debuffs her enemies, making them less likely to act.

And finally, from u/JibakomaYTB was House Partay!

For this one, I pulled out a special item of mine that I'm sure you didn't expect to see again~ the tricksters treat! Giving him a real spooky makeover!

(Speaking of, I've been debating making the Halloween yokai that come from the trickster's treat its own "class," like classic or Merican yokai. I'm open to thoughts on that!)

Now, as large as a real house, Howls Partay can bring the party even all across town! Design wise he's directly inspired by the spooky mansion that hosts the Poltz mini game! (Which has an awesome spooky song~!)

Howls Party is an A rank of the mysterious tribe. He's a fire attribute, with the soultimate move; "bring down the house!" Where he body slams his opponents.

I hope you enjoy these evolutions, and if you do, I take commissions! Details on my tumblr!

[jadetheblueartist]

Hi Jade!!!

I excitedly invite you to info dump about your TMNT iteration! If there’s anything you want to share, I’d love to know more!!

I WILL DO SO GLADLY. This will be a bit of a lengthy one but let’s do thiiiiiiisssssss

Let’s start with

Splinter

The main overarching concept of this iteration is that Splinter is a villainous guy who raised the turtles accordingly. In a manner similar to 2018’s Draxum, Splinter has a great distaste for humans and sees them as a genuine threat to the yokai. As a rat yokai himself who’s had several bad experiences with humans and has uncovered disturbing mystic prophecies, he has concluded that the only way to protect his kind is to destroy humanity (or at least bring them under his control).

Due to a series of various circumstances, Splinter finds five mysterious turtle yokai children in a lab in the hidden city. Seeing his opportunity to raise warriors for his cause, he takes them with him and flees the hidden city. Now as a wanted criminal among the yokai and a terrifying monster among the humans, he hides out in the sewers between both worlds. As the years go by, he trains the five turtles in the art of ninjitsu and the mystic, never losing sight of his goal. The humans must be eliminated as a threat- no matter the cost.

This would be made more difficult, however, because of the brother that would never stop looking for Splinter but more on that later. Let’s go over the turtles.

Sophie

Sofonisba is the oldest turtle of the bunch. She is the model oldest sibling- protective, responsible, and trying her best to shield her little brothers from her father’s influence. The song “Surface Pressure” from Encanto would easily sum up her struggles, but she’d never want it another way. She’s the strong one, physically and emotionally. While being the literal muscle of the group, she’s also the family therapist that anyone can go to when they need someone. Not that she’s very good with that sort of thing, she’s really not. But she does know how to listen to them. Sophie knows who she is for her family, but is that who she really is? Is there anything outside of this version of her? Now that she really considers it, what are her likes? Her dislikes? Does she even have any hobbies? Who even is she?

Raph

Raphael is the second oldest turtle and the one who’s received the most of his father’s punishments. Raph was a very defiant, argumentative, and loud child, traits that Splinter saw as things to be corrected out of him. After many years, Raph did change. He could be more of his old self when alone with his siblings, but most times he tried to be a blank slate- obedient, passive, quiet. Sometimes the mask would slip and he would be punished swiftly. Sometimes the mask would be so much that he couldn’t remember what it was like without it. Something he comes to realize, though, is that he doesn’t feel nothing. He feels angry. Very very angry. And sooner than later all of his anger will have no where else to go and Raphael will reach a breaking point. But who will he take down with him when he explodes?

Donnie

Donatello, unlike Raph, had always been a quiet boy. He had kept to himself, complied to orders, didn’t complain. He had never minded the training anyway; it gave him something consistent to do, and he was a sucker for a good routine. But then it went on and wasn’t as good. Splinter had become more volatile and would turn his anger on Donnie. Donnie found it nearly impossible to find his words in these moments (which wasn’t great when his father was demanding him to speak). The training got more difficult, the days dragged on, and things began to weigh on him. He simply couldn’t find anything to care about. That is until his twin Mikey suggested something very risky. A secret way to access the internet without father finding out? It was dangerous… but too intriguing for Donnie to pass up (especially if it was for his twin). This was the first time in years Donnie had been this excited about something. He just really hoped their secret would last.

Mikey

Michelangelo was the turtle who resembled his name sake the most. Quite the creative and the only fun one (according to him), Mikey was always getting into mischief aimed at his siblings. If he could convince Dee let him borrow some smoke bombs, even better! But Mikey had a problem. Whenever they would go on missions to the surface, he would always be intrigued by the humans. He had even made secretive contact with some of them (tho he kept it all stealthy so they didn’t know he was a yokai). He especially liked his human cousins, even though he wasn’t supposed to. But he couldn’t hang around with them, they were evil! But maybe, he thought, if he could interact with them on the internet, he wouldn’t feel the need to hang out with them irl. It was a perfect plan. Once Donnie had set them up, he was all over the place. He even met this human girl April who lived in the city above them- how convenient! Mikey didn’t know what to do though; she seemed so nice! But father said that all humans were evil, and he couldn’t go against father. He didn’t know what to do.

Leo

Leonardo, the youngest child, has always been his father’s favorite. Maybe it was his naturally affinity with the katana or their shared dedication and drive, but Leo was always favored by him. That didn’t mean that he had it easy, not by a long a shot. Father was strict with him, but it was for his improvement. Any little misstep can cause the biggest failure and Leo would not be a failure. It was a little difficult sometimes, being under the most scrutiny and having his father’s heaviest expectations. But Leo knew it would all work out. He would be his father’s weapon and help him to defeat the humans. His siblings didn’t understand this greater purpose all of the time. They complained more than Leo, and got distracted with more menial things, but it was okay. His father told him not to tell the others, but Leo had the potential to fulfill the prophecy to destroy the humans. He couldn’t wait. He had times where his father would get upset with him, justifiable at that, but Leo knew that if he could fulfill this prophecy, his father would truly be proud of him. And he would do anything to make this happen-no matter the cost.

April

April was struggling. Her family had moved her a few years ago and she still hadn’t made any friends. None besides her little dog Apollo at least. Sure she was friendly with people, but no one really seemed to get her. It probably didn’t help that social situations made her want to explode and she avoided them like the plague, but nah that’s probably unrelated. She’d much rather spend her time writing her novel, or more realistically, thinking about writing her novel. But it had been three years. Get it together, April! Sure the thought of small talk and making the right amount of eye contact and being an interesting person made her nauseous, but it was important. She really missed having close friends and she was not gonna let this fear stop her! Maybe just delay her a teensy bit. Since talking to people in her real life hadn’t worked out so far, maybe online would be better? It couldn’t hurt to try, right?

Now for the more important relationship dynamics

-Sophie and Raph are quite close. They vibe very well, enjoy training together, and have similar problems that they occasionally disclose with each other (but only a little bc they both hate being vulnerable)

-Mikey and Donnie are close as well. Their twinsieness brings them together and they enjoy causing mischief and having secrets. They’re definitely the two most rebellious in the family, while both being quite smart about it.

-Leo idolizes Solinter and believes he can do no wrong. This will cause some… issues in the future

-Raph is quite resentful of Leo, who is everything Raph tries and fails to be. Raph just wanted his dad’s approval and it tears him up to see his brother getting it.

-Donnie, Mikey, and April are best friends. Donnie and Mikey hype her up and help her out, while April is a bit of a mom friend to them. They’re not used to having someone like that (outside of Soph) but they love her very much.

Saki

Oh and then there’s the man who’s filled to the brim with regret- Splinter’s twin brother Saki. Saki blames himself for what Splinter has become and has dedicated his life to trying to stop Splinter from further ruining his own. He works with the yokai government to try to track him down but it doesn’t avail to much. He and his two kids try to intervene whenever they intersect with splinter and the turtles, but they have yet to get through to them. The blame is eating Saki alive and he can’t do anything about it.

OKAY SO THATS THE INTRO I GUESS RAHHHHH I WILL GO MORE INTO ORIGIN AND SAKI’S FAMILY NEXT TIME AND WHEN I HAVE THEM DRAWN OUT BUT UH YEAH

I have some little character tidbits in the old noggin probably so if you got any specific questions then I might just have an answer :D I also still have noooo clue for a name for this project so uh I’ll just suffer I guess fjdkdkkdkdkd

@banana-pancake5 I believe you wanted to be tagged?

[junk-story]

Interview Archive 1, 12.1993 - Ongaku to Hito Special Edition

BUCK-TICK is an exceedingly rare sort of band. Although the Band Boom has ended up vanishing as if it never happened at all, in an area totally unrelated to the Boom, where no one else is drawing a crowd, is a group with a unique stance who have continued following their own path of “individuality”. Their stylish visuals have the lingering scent of decadence. Their lyrics, like “I just want to go mad”, are laden with the aesthetics of self-deprecation. And, with “strange” sounds that have absolutely no roots in Western rock, and truly catchy melodies – from any angle, they are a “Japan Original”. Furthermore, although these “nonconformists” have also continued to be a great success commercially, they are still breaking new ground. Although their eerie ambiance is often misunderstood by ordinary people, this unique sensation is something that anyone can have a share of. Sakurai Atsushi reigns with a “negative charisma”, but his absolute desire to escape and narcissism in the sense of “being lenient with oneself” can happen to anyone. I support the weakness of humanity.*

Ichikawa: How do you think BUCK-TICK are seen by ordinary people?

Sakurai: …Maybe...I suppose people who aren’t interested just aren’t interested at all. Because no matter how many times something that doesn’t interest me shows up on TV, that’s where it ends for me.

Ichikawa: Despite your CD sales, you’re passive about this.

Sakurai: Yeah, because there are people who don’t listen to music, so even if I stood face-to-face with such a person and said, “It’s me”, they’ll just be like, “And who are you?” (laughs)

Ichikawa: Conversely, what kind of people do you think listen to BUCK-TICK?

Sakurai: Hmmm...I think a lot of them are daydreamers. (laughs) Even watching the same movies, like Alain Delon1 rather than Jurassic Park. (laughs) When I read the letters I’ve received, that’s the feeling I get.

Ichikawa: What kind of letters do you get most?

Sakurai: In my case, I get everything from the heavy stuff to the light stuff. (laughs)

Ichikawa: What sort of content is in the light letters?

Sakurai: “Your stage outfit was so cool this time”. (laughs)

Ichikawa: And what about the heavy letters?

Sakurai: The heavy ones are incredible, really – like a 21 year old girl who got divorced even though she has a child, or things about their family members, or about how they’re sick. Also, there are many people who write emotional content.

Ichikawa: It’s become Kitaro’s Yokai postal service2, hasn’t it?

Sakurai: Hahaha. But, there’s nothing I’m able to give them...you know.

Ichikawa: Although this idol-like reaction is understandable, is there no “added hidden value” appearing more and more?

Sakurai: Hmmm, I wonder...although I’m making music...music isn’t necessary to living, and you won’t die without it. So I think people who aren’t interested don’t listen to music that deeply, and naturally, they don’t synchronize their listening to the situations I find myself in and my reality. So the band is getting more media exposure, which is supposed to give us more opportunities to be heard, but I wonder…

Ichikawa: But on the other hand, the Yokai Post Box has letters arriving to it frequently, right? Obviously, that’s different from just a popular song and supporting some harmless rock music.

Sakurai: But I expect that the people who are watching idols are definitely greater in number. Because they’re all the same.

Ichikawa: But BUCK-TICK are already big names, and you’ve been reigning on the front lines for 6 years. Naturally, you should be different from them. And hey, if you were part of SMAP3, that would be a problem, wouldn’t it?

Sakurai: Yeah, that would be an issue. (laughs)

Ichikawa: So for example, what do you think people come to see Sakurai Atsushi for at concerts?

Sakurai: I really don’t know...for example, I receive letters saying like, “I want to see more of your humanity4 during the MC sections”, and I think it might be better if I expressed my humanity more. Also, I think the songs I want to sing and the songs people want to hear may be different...I’m always confused.

Ichikawa: You still haven’t gotten a grip on what your stage persona is.

Sakurai: No, if I think about understanding it, it’s easy, but I think hard about it and then it confuses me. I suppose there won’t be any problem if I do everything like an entertainer with a strong sense of providing a service, but.

Ichikawa: Like, “I’m Sakuraiiiiii!”

Sakurai: Wahahahaha.

Ichikawa: What’s an example of a song people are expecting?

Sakurai: Songs like “Speed”, “Jupiter”, or “JUST ONE MORE KISS”, don’t you think?

Ichikawa: And the song you think they’ll dislike?

Sakurai: Taiyou ni Korosareta. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Aah, Sakurai’s song about the thing at the core, the “aesthetics of self-deprecation.” Well, it certainly seems like a song that was written sitting on a hill of despair.

Sakurai: Oh? (laughs) But lately, I’ve received letters saying that Taiyou ni Korosareta was good, so I’ve thought that maybe I’m not as misunderstood as I thought I was.

Ichikawa: So you ought to have more self-confidence, Sakurai.

Sakurai: I should, right. More...not to flatter myself, but I hope I can cross the line to becoming an entertainer.

Ichikawa: Well, I think it’s enough that you’re performing as this “dark entertainer”. What do you think is lacking?

Sakurai: It’s not that something’s lacking...it’s that it’s incomplete.

Ichikawa: Well, then where is something lacking?

Sakurai: Mmm...in my own head. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Oi, come on now.

Sakurai: (laughs) I think it could be anything, but, for example, when I go out in front of 2,000 people, I just don’t get that same high anymore.

Ichikawa: So even though you have this stately and dark look – you don’t even think things like, “These 2,000 people have gathered to come see me!”?

Sakurai: No, I don’t. There can be people who are looking at something else even if they’re directly in front of me. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Aren’t you being narrow-minded about this?

Sakurai: It’s caught my attention. So I stare at a single point and act like an idiot who doesn’t see that sort of reaction to me.

Ichikawa: Wow. First of all, haven’t you ever thought, “I’m popular”?

Sakurai: When they’re screaming, “kyaaaaa!” (laughs)

Ichikawa: A live venue is really a melting pot of those “kyaaa” screams; does that make you feel anxious?

Sakurai: I don’t think it’s anxiety, but...I’m always agonizing5 over if I should take myself less seriously. It’s not only people who are listening to the music and enjoying it; there are also many people enjoying another part of the performance, so I think I should do what I want, but...I’m insecure.

Ichikawa: Have you ever thought about the influence you have?

Sakurai: I have. For example, it’s easy to tell when there are kids wearing the same fashion as I am. Also...I don’t know if this is my influence or not, but...the people who like the same world that I do. They give me these detailed, maniacal (laughs) opinions on things, like, “that musical is really good”, “have you read this novel?”, “you like this type of aesthetic, right?”, “this thing you said in an interview really spoke to me”, like that.

Ichikawa: Fundamentally, is it that the recipients of your work can’t accept Sakurai Atsushi as a real person? With your charisma, it’s like you’re magnified up 5 or 10 times bigger in their minds. And those voices, their expectations are like, “Well, if it’s Sakurai-san, naturally he’ll understand my aesthetic sense.” I think it would be natural to gain some self-confidence from those voiced expectations and support.

Sakurai: It would be better not to betray that sentiment, but when it comes to my own conviction...I think if I can put out more that says, “this is how my world is”, I’ll be able to clearly have that conviction.

Ichikawa: Even with Sakurai having this internal conflict, you’re being seen by ordinary people, other than your fans6, as a so-called “rockstar” now – in your case, you must be feeling the difference of that.

Sakurai: I do. Even people who don’t know music have said, “Ah, it’s that guy” – although I had just come there to have a meal. (laughs) I’m human just the same as a salaryman that’s the same age from that area, so..while I think that about myself, I guess they’re in a position where they can’t see it.

Ichikawa: Even if you don’t want to be considered special, in the first place, rock really must be thought of as “exceptional”. Moreover, being exceptional is the biggest characteristic of BUCK-TICK. Do you not have any awareness that this means you are exceptional?

Sakurai: I’m also very aware of that. It’s both extremes. There are also times where I want to say, “Leave me alone!”, turn my nose up and walk away, but (laughs) that’s also tiring, so there’s the converse argument to be made, too, like, “I’m a human just like you, so leave me alone.”

Ichikawa: Do you think things like, for example, that you could be as self-absorbed with how exceptional you are as Ei-chan7?

Sakurai: …I really do, without everyday life.

Ichikawa: What I’m asking is, can’t you become that way?

Sakurai: I can’t~. I don’t like being interfered with, and I switch Sakurai Atsushi off in those moments. (laughs)

Ichikawa: But there’s David Bowie, who isn’t doing fan service around the clock, but at work...(laughs) As a charismatic person, you can behave as you see fit, right? Although I think you could do it if you tried, you’d always agonize between those two selves.

Sakurai: I wonder why...because I’m afraid of being caught off guard?

Ichikawa: Don’t you think you’re cool?

Sakurai: there are times when I think, “I am super cool”, but there are also times where I think, “What am I doing?!” (laughs) I’m hard on myself, maybe.

Ichikawa: But, it’s simpler8 to think of yourself as cool, isn’t it?

Sakurai, Yes, much simpler. But in order for me to think so, I have to aim for being an entertainer, and I’m no good.

Ichikawa: This orientation you have toward being an entertainer is also being taken too far, actually – it’s like chloroform you breathe in every day until you lose consciousness.

Sakurai: Wahahahaha. That’s harsh!

Ichikawa: Don’t you want to become more arrogant and charismatic?

Sakurai: I really just want to shine within music, if it’s something I’m able to do. Aah...I see...maybe...I’m rebelling against it, aren’t I. Everyone views me as a rockstar, so I wonder if maybe I simply want to betray that notion and rebel against it.

Ichikawa: Does the so-called narcissistic state, where you can think of yourself as cool, not last long? It seems like only the high of not caring what the people around you think lasts, but. (laughs)

Sakurai: It doesn’t really last, no. It’s like...I end up able to see reality. That I’m someone who can go as far as narcissism, but can’t sustain it, I can see that.

Ichikawa: But without narcissism, the fantasy of rock won’t flourish, right? You’re a man who can’t be proactive, aren’t you?

Sakurai: Yeah...but that’s quite kind, because it makes people’s dreams of it expand more and more. I don’t really seem very kind, talking selfishly about my own needs while also saying, “I won’t show you the important parts.”

Ichikawa: If you said more, would it be like, “It’s your fault for coming to love me without my permission”?

Sakurai: (laughs) I wouldn’t say their fault...more like, it’s a waste. If I could be understood even if I didn’t say anything, I’d be extremely happy, because I hate the regret I feel after babbling out an explanation. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Then, explaining yourself to an ordinary person who thinks of you as a rocker must also be miserable.

Sakurai: That’s right. But...lately, my way of thinking about it changes all the time. Sometimes I think, “I’m gonna make that guy who doesn’t know me take another look!”, and other times I think, “It’s no good! I’m tired.” (laughs)

Ichikawa: So then, as I thought, you do think you’re cool, don’t you? If you were to call out to the women on the roadside over there9, you have confidence they’d quickly follow you here, right?

Sakurai: If I wanted to do it. (laughs) But using the energy is more trouble than it’s worth. I think maybe I’m unkind in that way.

Ichikawa: Well, calling out to them isn’t really nice either. (laughs)

Sakurai: Oh. (laughs) But, I’m thinking I want to become less sentimental, colder.

Ichikawa: What’s the reason behind that?

Sakurai: Because I have a heart. Wahahahahaha.

Ichikawa: Well, regardless of some minor occurrences of it, (laughs) Sakurai Atsushi doesn’t have any arrogance, really, in the bigger picture of things.

Sakurai: But I’ve also come to understand that I could be just a bit easier on myself, too. I think I could become cooler if I did.

Ichikawa: As Sakurai, and as BUCK-TICK, too, even though you’re this deeply self-centered person who doesn’t care about the existence of other people at all10, I think gradually it becomes necessary to see yourself objectively. And you have to become aware of the influence you have.

Sakurai: Lately, I’ve been chatting with people who have the same tastes as me, and it’s interesting to see how I can come to see myself when I see those people. While I was drinking in Osaka, a person came and sat down who said, “I can see ghosts” – why, I wonder, is it always that sort of person who comes to me? (laughs) But, it turned to conversation about our newest song, “die”, and they said, “You’re definitely a narcissist”, and I was like, “Ah, right, right, I’d forgotten that, now that you mention it.” The person I show other people is a narcissist; I felt like I’d forgotten.

Ichikawa: In the end, those types of people are the ones who come together under Sakurai with peace of mind, don’t you think?

Sakurai: That’s true. I think the people who are thinking about me must be seeing me with some amazing eyes.11

Ichikawa: Give those “amazing eyes” a response, a spectacular one.

Sakurai: I think it will change during our current tour. (laughs)

Ichikawa: (laughs) With that – BUCK-TICK is a band where the members take walking alone endlessly to the extreme, right? The most of any in Japan.

Sakurai: That’s out of my control. There’s nothing I can do about that.

Ichikawa: And that’s also why you feel like you can’t effectively exert your influence, I imagine.

Sakurai: Hmmm...so, I expect that I’m afraid of cheapening what I do. I just did what I wanted to do, so. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Are you being careful with your words?

Sakurai: You could call it being careful; you could call it cowardice.

Ichikawa: Certainly, in the early years – you may have been perceived as cheap during the pop era of your music where your hair was straight up, but since then, I think conversely, you’re perceived as a luxury good.

Sakurai: Yeah, I think we aren’t perceived as cheap, but I certainly have fear of being thought of that way.

Ichikawa: That’s like an ordinary girl thinking, “Don’t become friends with that person” about a yankii in their same class.

Sakurai: (laughs) Is that so?

Ichikawa: This yankii is stubborn, but in reality, he’s facing the dilemma of wanting to be friends with anyone at all.

Sakurai: Exactly. (laughs) But, I’ve been thinking that from now on, we should harden up more, get colder, and that I hope that those who don’t care about our music don’t bother with it. I hope that those who do care it experience it whenever they get the chance, and that those who don’t, never experience it again.

Ichikawa: Well, but, you’re so cool, so wouldn’t it be better to be more free-spirited?

Sakurai: Hahaha. I’m always overthinking things like that.

Ichikawa: I wonder if that overworrying is part of your personality.

Sakurai: Hmmm...I don’t know. But I’m always thinking about how I want others to enjoy and be happy.

Ichikawa: Even so, there are a lot of ups and downs in everyday life. (laughs)

Sakurai: Hahaha. I may not be handling them so well.

Ichikawa: Well, in the end, trouble always ends up coming about.

Sakurai: And that’s why all you can do is stand your ground, right...or I’m going to act out that pretense. (laughs)

Ichikawa: Have you been acting pretentious lately?

Sakurai: Quite pretentious.

Ichikawa: Anyway, you’ve got a good face for it.

Sakurai: Yeah.

Ichikawa: Oh, an easy agreement on that from this guy.

Sakurai: Fufufufufufu.

Ichikawa: So, if you acted like you owned the place, you could powerfully establish your own world – and moreover, externally, Sakurai is already waiting for it. All that’s left is you feeling like doing it.

Sakurai: ...it’s troublesome, you know.

Ichikawa: You sure are BUCK-TICK’S frontman.

Sakurai: (laughs) I want to have an effective presence that has a detailed edge to it. More than feeling like a big, enveloping presence.

Ichikawa: Aren’t you seeking a long life full of detail?

Sakurai: No way! (laughs) But, lately I’ve realized this. Because I’m using energy on this tour. (laughs) How can I say this...it’s like more...pushing forward the next day while feeling like, “I’m losing it, aren’t I?” (laughs)

Ichikawa: You’re a man predestined to being a paradox.

Sakurai: ...Has this ended up being an unspectacular interview? (laughs)

Ichikawa: Well, even if we sang “Shimauta”12 at karaoke, we didn’t sing “die”, so. (laughs) It’s considered special, you know, definitely.

Sakurai: Even if we’re doing something special, like – I end up feeling like everything is lumped together. I feel like the people who listen to music have become cowards, too. Like the provocation is frightening to them.

Ichikawa: Even though the propagation of provocation is the theme of this band.

Sakurai: Right. And moreover, we’re trying to even out the high and low points of unevenness, and there’s a feeling of something unseen moving.

Ichikawa: When it’s that way, you can only go back to the basics and put your hair straight up again!

Sakurai: Right? Although I wasn’t aware of it during the time my hair was up, that “We are special” thing.

Ichikawa: But I think if you put it up now, you might be able to do it having that awareness.

Sakurai: Imai currently has a mohawk while having that awareness.

Ichikawa: Well then, next will it be Sakurai Atsushi with his hair up?!

Sakurai: When should I put it up...people might say, “It’s uncool!” (laughs) I really don’t want to use my energy on that sort of thing. (laughs)

~~~~~ Footnotes: * This makes more sense as you read the interview - basically, I think he's saying that he argues Sakurai ought to be more lenient with himself. 1 A French movie star. 2 A reference to a manga. Kitaro is a “sullen ghost boy” who “protects others from malicious spirits”. 3 The biggest name in Johnny’s of that time, and still one of their biggest ever. 4 Human-ness? I don’t know a better word for this in English. They want him to emote, talk more, things like that. 5 Very dramatic word choice here – literally “suffering until you faint”. 6 Who are not ordinary people, obviously, lol. 7 Eikichi Yazawa, a big Showa-era rockstar. 8 Simpler in the sense of more comfortable; less work. 9 I wonder if he was actually gesturing to someone, or if this was hypothetical. 10 I think he’s ribbing him here – calling him out on his bullshit. Sakurai is repeatedly trying to say this about himself and then contradicting it. 11 In other words, they are seeing a version of him that he doesn’t believe actually exists. 12 A 1992 song by the band “The Boom”.

~~~~~ Some final translation notes:

I don't know who put the LibreOffice suggestion on my dash, but I used that to type this up this time instead of Google docs, and it seems to have preserved the footnotes (at least on desktop.) I'll try and test this on mobile too but hopefully it's a better experience!

Also, just a basic note on "cool" in Japanese - kakkoii. It's commonly translated as "cool" but really encompasses things like being attractive, sexy, etc. in ways I think the word in English doesn't. I think its usage packs more punch when you think of it that way, as like "heart eyes, motherfucker" cool.

[calebscornerofart]

Impromptu Apocalypse Babysitting Music

ok music time

I like to assign music to arcs, stories, characters, and vibes. I mean, there's a reason why everywhere else I'm called 'Songdrop'

Anyways here the music for IAB

For this one if you read the rest of the master post you know what it's about It's Donnie's arc in the story from depression to madness to getting help

This one has a Mikey vibe, nothing specific tho

this is a general vibe

The Following songs are actually for another AU I have, well they are 4 aus sharing the same timeline, But they imbody the vibe and atmosphere and storyline of the apocalypse

just keep in mind that the storylines for these have nothing to do with IAB they are are just so integral to the krang apocalypse that i need to include them or else something is lost

this is sad and powerful and follows mostly Leo and his perspective of the apocalypse but only vaguely , i have a whole amv idea with this but eeh i'll do it later

This follows Donnie in my other AU starting with the first shelter they made(0:56) then to the death of Raph(swarmed by krang in his big halo form and gets taken down) (1:30) Observing how things and people and his family change Leo, Mikey, and him scavenging and finding the old wall that lead to Run of the Mill pizza (3:00) to driving out in modified van to find dead bodies in the road(3:40) and burring them to keep them away from the krang (4:02) To getting attacked and pushing his brothers into the van And activating a button to explode himself to keep himself away from the krang (4:30) and intersperse with clips of Old mikey and 20 something year old mikey making a spell circle to bring donnie back (mikey and leo go back in time but in 2028 when the turtles are in their 20s travelling the word, leo in japan and mikey in mexico, their counter parts appearing near each other becuase magic bullshit) the way i imagine this is bit is like, donnie's bits being send off from the explosion but it's glitching in the distorted guitar parts and where theres no guitar is cut clips of the mikeys doing their thing,,,,, idk if that makes sense or not Then once the music bursts back in, the spell was activated and a cloud of smoke appears and a kranged donnie jumps to the first thing he sees and attacks (lil donnie) (5:42) The rest of them get Krang Donnie off and he escapes through a window or something out in the city He is confused running around why everything seems back to normal(6:14) then he sees himself in a window(6:22) continies running around the city Now in an alleyway a character i have in it that is partially connected to the krang that helps the turtles track other krang becuase they still have a connects finds krang donnie and says the lryics "vtw you smell like garbage" to say 'you have lost' (6:52) which then angers the krang and empowers donnie to use his ninpo to burn off the krang(7:10)

this is the war between the Krang, the US army, and the Turtles

This is very specifically the conflict between the US military and them banding yokai and mutants from participating then getting infiltrated by the krang at the line of "i raise my pink fist and say black is beautiful" thats when i imagine the general or commander or, idk military titles, raises his fist and the krang envelopes it from under his sleave

This is relevant to IAB as it's Leo and the Hamato family in general being the main motivator in the apocalypse It's Leo's putting on a face as a song basically lets seize the day! all hold hand chase the pricks away! lets seize the day! all hold hand chase the pricks away! you can do it! You can do it! You can do it! WWooooo! it's all about the confidence You're joe cal-fucking-zaghe You're Joe Cal-fucking-zaghe You're Joe Cal-Fucking-Zaghe YOu're JOE Cal-FUCKing-Zaghe YOU're JOE CAL-FUCKing-ZAghe YOU'RE JOE CAL-FUCKING-ZAGHE

it's a very good song the whole album is awesome

this is just a really good album and i've been listening while doing IAB related stuff it fits the vibe

[acutiewithagun]

Taglist: @oleander-nin @itsyagurlchip @radicallxser

Trigger warning: paranoia

Word count: 1,030

Mic testing- Chapter Five: A Unsettling Interaction

It was a chilly winter day, nothing special or worth really thinking about. At least that was you thought as you performed to the non-existent crowd. You had just wrapped up a song and decided to pack up and head home.

But as you were putting the guitar away in its case, someone walked up behind you. Whipping your head around quickly you came face to face with a person standing over your crouched form, bundled up in a thick purple winter coat.

They extended a black gloved, three digit hand. You looked at their scarf-covered face and hesitantly took their hand. It's not every day a very covered stranger comes up to you out of the blue. They pulled you up as you lurched forward slightly. "Ack, apologies, I didn't mean to trip you! Are you ok!?"

They started frantically checking you for injuries, despite the fact you were just pulled up. "Fine… so what did you want..?" They paused their worried pursuit and cleared their throat dramatically. "Ah yes, I am Othello Von Ryan. I quite like the sound of your voice and was wondering if you could do one song request."

You rubbed the back of your neck and looked down at your now packed gear. "Sorry, er Von Ryan? I just packed up everything and was just about to head out…" You bent down to grab your stuff before they swiftly gripped your arm.

"Ah um, could I just hear it acapella? I promise it's not long, please." Their voice sounded a bit nervous as you sighed and relented. "Alright, one song, so what is it?" They seemed to be beaming and quickly pulled out a type of phone you've never seen before. "Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this means to me. I have the lyrics here." They turned the phone over to you and tapped their booted feet excitedly.

You gave them an awkward smile and sang them their song. They thanked you quickly, giving you a pretty nice amount of money, and left swiftly afterwards. It was as if they didn't really exist. They appeared and disappeared without a trace. Just an odd name and request.

You gave a nervous laugh as the air now feels heavy, coming back from the flashback. "I'm sorry?" A smile was plastered on your face as you tried to examine the question presented. "Has anything odd happened during your street performing? I've heard some horror stories from other street performers and was curious if you had any of your own." The room had a cold air to it, something about that question just irked you in the wrong way.

"Not any interesting ones that I can recall, I've been extremely fortunate." You gave him a smile as you shifted in your seat, looking over at Sabrina. The yokai looked completely uncomfortable with the situation as well.

Mike pressed for a more entertaining answer. "Well it still sounds like you have a few stories. And we have about…" He trailed off and looked back at Sabrina as she, in discomfort, held up her hands twice. "...Twenty minutes left to talk."

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat and took in a deep breath. "Look, I'm happy to tell stories of my time in the entertainment industry. However that isn't what you are asking for. So I am uncomfortable with answering your questions." Mike just smiled as he tapped the table with his finger impatiently. "I'm just asking an innocent question, nothing malicious. You're talented and I have no doubt you have interesting stories." He paused with a slight frown before smiling ominously. "How about you tell us a few stories about the people you've met? Maybe some nice people you've encountered?"

Sabrina frowned and shook her head as she gazed at the clock. You hesitate before tapping your hand under the table with a sigh. "Yes, I've met plenty of kind people and they have helped me a lot." As the clock ticked you glanced over at the mutant woman who was just itching to press a button. Which you assumed to be the music that would be played after you left.

Suddenly a phone rings and Mike answers it. Sabrina takes the opportunity to press the button and usher you out of the room. As the door shut behind her, she turned to you with a sigh. "Sorry about him, he'll do anything for an interesting interview. You should go home, I'll explain it as an emergency." You gratefully smile at her and wave as you rush down the hall.

But looking back you see a smirk on her face as she entered the radio room again. It sent chills down your spine you thought Mike had given you. You just turn away as the door shuts behind Sabrina and quickly leave the building. Obviously waving to the receptionist before you rush out the door.

The walk home was bone chilling and filled with paranoia. Nothing was really concerning or threatening. However the way the two were clearly hiding their true intentions was something that made you flinch at every shadow and noise. Corners made you walk wide to look around them. Car lights and horns made you look around frantically. And odd sounds made you speed up your rushing.

You are about to throw up as you shakingly open your apartment door and rush into your room. Where you are greeted by your squeaking spider that caused you quite the hassle that morning. You flop face first onto your bed as Melvet climbs onto the top of your head. You struggle to push your shoes off with your feet as you adjust your laying position to look at your wall.

"Hi buddy, I'm just gonna parish here for a bit. I'm definitely not going to do that again." The white yokai chirped and rubbed itself on top of your head. You still had goosebumps and an itching feeling of unease as you smiled slightly at the small creature. You were just doing your best to ignore the strange sounds coming from your window, assuming it to be paranoia and just the city outside.

[ctrl-alt-deleting-yr-face]

fuck it

i’m not scared

going through the entire oc ask game list for fun and answering them for hikari

i wanna post more about her but i get nervous!! but i’m still gonna do it anyways!!

be prepared, it’s a long one ^^

Note: As i was writing this i realized it got too long. So uh. I’ll be making a part 2. ^^

Edit: part 2 is up!

“Associated color?” Blue and white. Hikari is mainly associated with those two colors. Purple and yellow are also in there, but blue and white definitely make up the main palette ^^

“Favorite music genre?” Definitely indie rock, especially surf rock. Drawings Of Nothing by Archer Oh would probably be her favorite song, since it’s like. THE Hikari song in my brain

“Choice of weapon?” Hikari doesn’t really like to fight when it’s unnecessary. But she doesn’t use a weapon! She uses her magic to make big ol claws on her hands! She likes it since it feels natural. It’s an extension of her body, and she can get as up close and personal as she wants without really dealing with consequences, so she doesn’t mind!

“Are they crafty?” Vaguely? Not very much, though. She probably would if she spent more time alone, but since she’s always used to having others around, she doesn’t really get the chance to be super crafty.

“Usual wardrobe, practical or aesthetic focused?” Typically Hika would probably just wear her usual outfit or knight uniform, but if not she’d probably lean towards aesthetics. That’s not to say she doesn’t have cozy clothes! Sometimes she has a hard day and she just wants to curl up in the biggest, fluffiest sweater ever. ^^

“Hair?” VERY long and sleek blue hair. Usually she wears it tied in twintails, high twintails in her Xrd design and low twintails in her Strive design. It’s only really worn down when Nekomata takes over

“Favorite animal?” Now, you’d guess cat. After all, they’re not only a big part of her (locked away) past, but she also has cat ears and a tail! However, you must remember. She doesn’t give a fuck about herself. The only person she really does? Romeo. Her favorite animals are sheep.

“Nickname?” Not a real one, no. The most she has is Delilah calling her “big sis” at times and Romeo calling her an “insufferable cat”

“Favorite/least favorite food?” Dragonfruit is absolutely her favorite. She LOVES dragonfruit. As for least favorite.. Probably mutton, rock candy, or anything extremely bitter.

“Jewelry?” Not a ton? Unless you count her brooch and shackles on her strive design, which are made of a silvery metal, not really.

“How much are they like you?” Well, we’re both autistic, queer, love music, and vaguely depressed. So I’d probably get along pretty well with her.

“How long have they been around? Birthday?” Hikari is a very interesting case, to say the least. To start with the easy part, Hikari’s birthday is October 30th. I don’t remember why i decided that, it certainly wasn’t the day i made her, i think it just felt right. But as for how long she’s been alive… It’s complicated. Both physically and mentally, Hikari is in her late teens. 17-19 range. However, technically… She’s probably like in her 30s. This is because she died during the crusades as a teenager and she was brought back to life by the magical foci who fell in love with her and fused with her, turning her into an immortal yokai herself. She was actually alive in Baiken’s colony when it was around! I was thinking the attack that destroyed the colony and took Baiken’s arm and eye was the same one that killed Hikari at the time.

“How many languages can they speak?” 2! Hikari is fluent in both Japanese and English! She thinks it’s funny to annoy Romeo in Japanese since he can’t properly respond to it

“Good with numbers?” Vaguely? Her knowledge goes to like maybe beginning of algebra 1 and that’s it. She learned a lot from Romeo.

“What’s their family like?” Before their deaths, Hikari lived a quaint life in one of the Japanese colonies with her dad, older brother, and very abusive mom. They were all rather loving and didn’t mind Hikari’s differences and behavioral struggles (aside from the mom). After they all died, Hikari was revived, and her memories were erased, there was a long period of time where Hikari only had Bedman. He was all she knew. After his death, she was struck with deep grief. Grief that began to heal after she managed to meet Delilah. She sees Delilah, the bedframe, and Baiken to be the closest she has to having Romeo back at the current moment. She currently lives with them when she’s not working at the castle, and of course, Romeo joins their little household once he’s revived.

“Any pets?” Nope! She loves animals but never really had the chance to care for any pets.

“How did they spend their free time as a child?” Hikari loved nature before her death. Especially the forest and water. Whether it be running through the grass while calling out to singing birds, splashing in creeks with her brother, or accompanying her dad on fishing trips, she always wanted to be outside.

[chadhunkler]

Character Themes - Chad and Kasha

tagged by @archaiclumina aaaaaa thank you!

I have a few playlists for Chad and Kasha already, I'll try to grab a couple from each for them

Chad's got some varied emotions in her Workout and Relaxation playlists

Action - Dirty Little Animals by BONES UK

One of the songs I listened to while doing fight RP with Chad! I enjoyed the show, and only after watching it figured out that Chad's kinda similar to Vi lmao. GOOD SHOW GO WATCH ARCANE IF YOU HAVEN'T

More action - RISE by YMIR

Very metal, loud, Chad's favorite type of fighting. A more recent addition to the workout playlist, but YMIR's on there a bunch

Dejected - It's Beginning To Rain Again by Little North

Something to evoke the feelings she'd felt after losing a bunch, being accused of overworking, forced to rest. When nothing went right... Little North very good quiet jazz yyeyeyey

Chilling - Curicó by Kiltro

Love Kiltro, got to go to a concert of theirs recently! Very chill, acoustic, Chilean-inspired music. Definitely something Chad would listen to on a day off.

Lyyhia ♥♥♥ - The Water's Fine by The Family Crest

One of the songs played when they went out on a fishing trip in Yanxia, up in the Plum Springs, where Chad first confessed her love...

Kasha only has one playlist for now, maybe I'll split it later. Hers is very good too. It was very hard to pick songs... all of hers are so good...

Forest - Gilded Runner by HOYO-MiX

A blast to her past, before becoming an Onmyo Mage. Imagery of rushing through the jungle of her homeland, hunting for dinner, dodging the Garlean occupying forces.

Spooky - Through a Cloud, Darkly by Chris Christodoulou

Chris is something else he don't miss... Otherworldly, alien song with resonant bells, exactly the kind of vibe Kasha's trying to give off.

Spooky x2 - YESTERDAY'S PAIN by Lorn

Same as before, spooky, unnatural sounds... Noises to put fear in yokai.

Regal, Powerful - Yone, the Unforgotten by League of Legends

ok this one's on the nose but I had to, it fits Kasha too well. Actiony, Japanese-inspired music is perfect for her!

Eccentric - CLOSET by Yoh Kamiyama

I like the funk this song gives, and the lyrics kinda fit too

Thank you again for tagging me!

If they wanna, I'll tag @rasenkaikyo @shroudkeeper @the-littlest-kojin and @amurr-reha and anyone else who sees this, if you wanna do it, go ahead! (God im bad at tagging people aughe)

[bergeronprocess]

My 2023 In Anime

Ah, 2023. What a year! According to my Anime Planet custom 2023 list, I watched 20 anime this year. A couple of them I haven’t finished yet and a couple of them are DNF. As the year dwindles down to its final days, I’m gonna take a look back at what anime I watched in 2023. Beware of spoilery discussion for all of the tagged shows.

Sorted by season and then in the order they appear on my list.

Winter 2023

Nijiyon Animation: Nijigasaki is my favorite flavor of Love Live (it’s the first one I watched, I like the characters a lot, the songs are great and there’s literally a girl also named Emma in the cast) and so I will never say no to more Niji. Cute fun bite-sized episodes. There was even a touching farewell to Tomori Kusunoki as Setsuna. I just saw that they’re going to do a second season, so I’m looking forward to that.

The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague: Holy crap, this show was a pretty little nothingburger. Literally NOTHING happened aside from the characters becoming friends. The two leads didn’t even kiss?!?! I wanted to see how they might handle that - the idea of people who are imbued with yokai powers is a neat one, but oof. This was unsatisfying.

UniteUp!: My dark horse favorite of the season, a bishonen idol show that dealt with some of the more realistic/uglier aspects of fame and the idol industry specifically. There were some production delays (that’s the story of 2023 across the industry, isn't it?) but I actually really enjoyed how they handled those - they showed these neat behind the scenes episodes with the voice actors. I love behind the scenes. The characters have a lot of heart, the songs were really good and the dancing looked excellent too. I think this is getting a second season too? If so, I’m thrilled to spend more time in this world.

Handyman Saitou in Another World: I actually watched an isekai! Holy shit! But it wasn’t one of those lazy paint-by-numbers isekai shows that are just a dime a dozen. I like how it showed Saitou using his skills (undervalued in our world) to get stuff done in the high fantasy world he found himself in after a Truck-kun situation. There WAS a bit too much fanservice for my liking - I’m a sports fan, so I’m used to that “oof, as a cis woman I am NOT the target demo here” feeling lol, but still - and I feel like they did a few too many “he’s dead! But not really because magic!” fake-outs. But hey! Ai Fairouz was in the cast here! I like her!

Buddy Daddies: OHHH did I enjoy this one. Great music, I love Kazuki and Rei, you could tell there was someone on the staff who is a gearhead based on how they portrayed cars, Miri is great, lol at how they overcome bureaucracy crime-style…Tumblr loved this one and with good reason. Also I definitely ship those two guys lol. The one downside is I feel like they kinda fridged Kazuki’s wife and Miri’s mom. They could’ve done a bit better by their adult female characters. I do still get the opening song stuck in my head now and again, though.

Soaring Sky/Hirogaru Sky Precure: Folks, this is the year I got Precurepilled. I tried Delicious Party last year but bounced off of it after episode 1 - it just didn’t hit for me somehow - but this one GOT ME! This is still ongoing and will be through the end of January (50 episodes y’all!), so I can’t speak with finality about it, but so far so good. The first boy Cure! The first adult Cure! She drives a Hummer for some reason lol! I think Mashiro is my favorite! It’s been so much fun to theorize about the story (I was SO wrong about Yoyo being Sora’s hero from her childhood, ha…) and watch it unfold. I do think they waited a bit too long to bring in the Kaiserin storyline, but hey, we’ll get a few more episodes to wrap everything up, right? As for Wonderful Precure, I don’t know lol the concept isn’t getting me hyped up, but I will at least watch episode 1 and go from there.

Spring 2023

Kira Kira Precure A La Mode: Still the only Precure season I’ve completed to date lol. This one was so much fun. I love sweets and baking, so I had great fun here, sometimes even shouting at the TV to try to help Ichika with her doomed bakes when she inevitably forgot baking powder or whatever. When I realized that Ciel had literally been in the opening credits since episode 1, that blew my mind lol. I DO wish they would’ve just let Julio become the first boy Cure, but hey, he walked so Cure Wing could fly. Himari is baby and Akira/Yukari is Haruka/Michiru for the 2010s. Aoi’s band made some good music. The very last scene was very sweet. Both ending songs are total earworms. Good stuff.

Skip and Loafer: This show is SO FREAKING CUTE. I just love these goofballs. I love how Nao-chan is able to just be herself and is not subjected to transphobia all the time. Mitsumi is adorable and also extremely relatable. I liked this one so much that I’ve started to read the manga, picking up where the anime left off. (2023 is also the year that Atlanta got a Kinokuniya location, which is very exciting for me, though maybe less so for my credit card lmao.) Season 2 pls? I would love to spend more time here.

Gundam The Witch from Mercury Season 2: Damn, this show needed at least one more season. Preferably two more. I was fully expecting 50 episodes like what Gundam Wing got lol. It needed more time to breathe, to show us more about the other characters (Lilique my beloved!) and to flesh out the big story. But alas, this is not a perfect world, and what we got was still pretty damn good, and also Sulemio married. That’s my interpretation. That's everyone's interpretation, isn't it?

Star Twinkle Precure: I’m still working on this one, but I FREAKING LOVE IT. The day-glo 80s aesthetic is right up my damn alley, I adore the transformation sequences, we get dark-skinned biracial representation with Cure Soleil, I enjoy reading the horoscopes at the end of each episode (my Japanese is at about a preschool level, so it’s great that everything has furigana lol), there’s space stuff AAAAAND this season has my very favorite Precure song ever. One of the only two so far to be in a minor key, folks, it’s PaPePiPu Romantic time.

I now have a new goal: sing this bad boy at karaoke someday. Pew pew! Pew pew pew!

Summer 2023

Yohane the Parhelion: I enjoyed Love Live Sunshine a lot, but phew, this didn’t do it for me. I feel like it would’ve been better as a 3 or 4 episode OVA (ONA these days I guess), but just didn’t have enough story for a full 13 episode season. My mom is fond of saying “just okay”...like, it wasn’t amazing, but it wasn’t awful either. Yohane the Parhelion is just okay. Please just watch Sunshine instead if you want to be introduced to these characters. Sunshine is so much better.

Zom 100: I watched the first episode of this and then didn’t bother with the rest. DNF. Sorry to hear about the production troubles - that’s especially ironic for this show.

Fall 2023

MF Ghost: The other DNF for me. Watched 3 episodes, heard they were about to introduce a character who is obsessed with 17-year-old girls, noped the hell outta there. Wasn’t impressed with the 3 episodes either. I love Initial D - we named our cat Hachi because she’s black and white just like the Hachiroku - but MF Ghost just had no heart or soul. The Toyota 86 was lovingly rendered but I hated the ugly black motion lines they added when it was moving. The race they showed was dreadfully boring, the worldbuilding felt extremely unrealistic and oooh did I HATE that “outfit” they put our underage race queen in, if you can even call that an outfit.

Overtake: Of the two car racing shows this season, Overtake absolutely wins. It looks great, it introduces F4 racing to the audience very well (there’s some show, there’s some tell, a good blend) and the characters have more heart in their pinky fingernails than the entire cast of MF Ghost combined. There’s a very real and affecting subplot about PTSD, realistic discussion of just how much racing costs for an amateur team and plenty of men being unafraid to feel their feelings and cry it out. Overtake is definitely on the top of the podium. It hasn’t gotten anywhere near the love it deserves - ANN didn’t do weekly reviews of it and Anime Feminist was hyperfocused on the lack of female characters (valid! But not a dealbreaker to me!) - so I hope that people discover it later.

Shy: Thank goodness this is getting a season 2 because we spent literally a quarter of the season focused on the Pepesha and her mother subplot. That could’ve been tightened up a bit - ANN’s review mentions how Amarariruku’s villain speeches tend to be very circular, which is exactly how I felt seeing Lenya explain herself for what felt like the 50th time over - and I was genuinely looking at the episode count like “uhh??!?” before the season 2 news came out. So other than that part being a bit too drawn out, though, this is a very interesting show with a cool concept (Teru experiences Personal Growth! We are so proud of her!) and I’m interested in seeing where it goes from here. Will we meet the USA’s hero next season? I kinda want to see who that might be.

My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer: Ai Fairouz is in the cast of this one too, so maybe she’s just what needs to be present for me to watch an isekai/high fantasy show? I did enjoy this one, even though the action scenes were a little bit lacking, perhaps above the skill level of the animators. They did do lovely watercolor-like scenery shots, though. The characters are charming (Belgrieve, total DILF, also giving us disability representation) and the opening song is a bop. They did leave the door open for a season 2 - for example, the question of Ange’s parentage was never answered, although it is VERY heavily implied that she is also a demon. I mean, the little demon kid Belgrieve takes in at the end literally looks exactly like her, for crying out loud.

Spy x Family Season 2: Haven’t finished this one yet - I want to watch it with my husband because he also likes it and we’ve just had a lot of stuff going on! We have watched 4 episodes, which means we’ve watched a bunch of one-off side stories basically lol. He even remarked at some point that the episodes felt weird. I was like “Well, because they’re only side stories!” From what I have read, it sounds like things are about to pick up plot-wise, so we gotta just make some time to catch up soon lol. 

Power of Hope/Kibou no Chikara Otona Precure 23: I have not seen ANY of the Precure series that have characters appearing here, so I came in fresh. This was enjoyable! I was originally bummed that we didn’t get to see them transform as adults, but the age reversion to transform was done for big story reasons and made perfect sense in that context. The episode that showed how the town was devastated by firebombing in World War II was deeply affecting - war is hell, no wonder Bell was changed by it - and it was great to see Cure Black and Cure White turn up. It reminded me of all the companions coming together at the end of Doctor Who season 4. Total fan catnip, I love it. I have not seen Mahotsukai Precure either, so I’ll be going into their sequel fresh too. (Is that what was being teased at the very very end of episode 12? Yeah probably lol)

16bit Sensation Another Layer: My winner for best show of this season. As you may have gathered from my mention of Doctor Who just now, I like time travel stories, so “Listen, Konoha Akisato has come unstuck in time” appealed to me right away. This show also genuinely taught me things about computer game development. I have a deepened respect for PC-98 game art (I follow such accounts on here now lol), which would surely make Mamoru smile. Plus, I like how it has a core message of “You can be a woman who works on erotic video games and that is not weird or perverted. Follow your dreams!” Toya does, after all - I would have loved to see her team up with Konoha and it sucks that she was being manipulated by the evil company. The show did take a turn for the Matrix-y in the fourth quarter, and I do feel episode 13 was a bit rushed (Konoha opens Comic Party and then is just immediately back in 2023? She and Mamoru explain how they told everyone about being time travelers instead of us getting to see that reaction?), but dammit, I teared up at the very end anyway. What a show!

Magic User’s Club OVA: I remember renting videotapes of this from Blockbuster way back in the day, but I didn’t remember much about the show itself, so I decided to watch it again after seeing this AnimeBackWhen video about it. It’s so fun and charming! And Ikuko Itou designed the characters and Junichi Satou is the director - a bit of a Sailor Moon reunion lol. (Fun fact I learned just now is Chiaki J. Konaka did the screenplay. This is very very different from his work on Serial Experiments Lain.) I’m not done with it yet. The opening song is a big ole bop!

2024 goals:

Finish Star Twinkle Precure

Watch Gunbuster (another "I rented it from Blockbuster during the Clinton administration" story - I bought Discotek's new Blu-Ray of it, just haven't cracked it open yet lol)

Continue to enjoy seasonal anime!

[jocelynships]

Okay so I know I got the ghostbusters/80s media brainrot atm, but I can’t help but think about how funny it would be if Joce showed D.raxum all these movies. More ramblings under the cut!

So this is a fic idea I’ve had since I started shipping with D.raxum, TMNT Joce is a pop culture nerd through and through in each iteration, the Rise iteration of her especially. And bc I like to project my interests onto my S/Is in other universes, she’s obsessed with 80s media as a whole (very much like me)

But I highly doubt D.raxum watched any human movies the whole time he’s been alive. We don’t know how old he is but he’s an old man, well, in his prime for a yokai as he’ll tell you, but he was definitely alive throughout the whole 20th century, but has not paid any mind to the creations of mankind bc he kinda. ya know. Hated humans until now.

So Joce makes her silly movie references and is constantly quoting films from the 80s to respond to stuff, and she does it so much with D.raxum he starts losing his mind bc he does NOT understand what she’s saying half the time. What the fuck does “Goonies never say die” mean. Stop shouting “ghostbusters” when someone asks who to call. Why do you say “feed me Seymour” whenever you’re hungry. What are you SAYING.

And Joce just pauses. And she realizes

“Oh my god. You’ve never seen an 80s flick in your life have you”

“What on earth is an ‘80s flick’. Cooper what are you saying.”

“Oh my god. OH MY GOD. I am about to show you the greatest movies known to mankind.”

Poor D.raxum has no idea what he signed up for. Next thing he knows she’s showing him all these movies that I’m too lazy to type out rn bc I personally love so many movies lol and he’s so confused and understands NOTHING. He finds all these movies ridiculous and honestly he doesn’t get the appeal of any of them. But he’ll admit he did find the original ending of Little Shop of Horrors where Audrey II eats everyone and takes over the world amusing.

But. Joce loves these movies. She’s singing along to all the songs, quoting scenes word for word, and she’s got this sparkle in her eyes he doesn’t understand why he likes so much, but he loves it.

And for that? He’ll sit through whatever movie she wants to show him.

[cordialtiger]

Baby Hatch

Petyr was elbow deep in a bag of Cheetos when his ancient brick of a Mac started to buzz. He frantically wiped his hands on his brown overalls, smearing orange dust on his crotch as he rushed to stand.

He walked briskly through the steel hallway, the pale yellow lights flashed sluggishly along the walls.

Pictures of babies were hung every few feet. Some had five or six eyes, some had tentacles for arms. All were swaddled in red clothing with the slogan “Yokai Hatch” repeated in big block letters.

Karen from Accounting opened the door of her office as he was breezing past.

She squinted at him from behind large gold round frames. She held a Big Gulp between her furry paws.

“You need help?”

Petyr shrugged. “As long as it is not oozing or has rows of serrated teeth I’ll be fine.”

She took a long sip, nodding. He knew she remembered Basil, who almost took Greg’s arm off last summer.

Greg worked in the basement now, reviewing camera feed behind a locked door.

Petyr loped off for the front of the building, where the hatch lived. He thought of how it looked from the outside, a drawer of metal carved into the outside wall. Messages about safety were taped on it, along with warnings not to leave pink cheeked babies who might get consumed. The drawing of a human baby with a large red NO overlaid on it was particularly inspiring to him.

When someone put a child in the hatch, it gently deposited them into a square plastic container, drilled with small holes. It was enough to contain most creatures though one or two had managed to escape.

One was a gelatinous ooze named Patridge who slithered out through a miniscule cap between the cover and the frame. The other was a fox demon who simply ate through her cage. She’d torn her way through most of the office before Helen from Dairy managed to subdue her. Helen had said it was easier than wrestling cows.

In the box was a small lump so black it absorbed the light. Petyr put on his gloves and started to hum a soothing song.

“Hello baby, hello,” he sang.

The lump moved sluggishly towards his voice. It seemed almost sad.

“It’s okay,” Petyr said, opening the lid. “You’re safe with us. We have lots of lovely people who will care for you.”

He gingerly opened the lid, wary of teeth or arms.

The baby rolled a little but stayed still. It was a little bigger than the palm of Petyr’s hand. He grabbed a swaddling cloth and wrapped it around the baby’s body, cradling it in his arms.

“You’re okay,” he said.

He couldn’t see any eyes or arms. Nothing escaped the blackness of the baby’s skin. He started towards the nursery when he felt the building shake.

“Oh shit,” he said. “Earthquake.”

Real earthquake, not a drill. Though he knew where to go next from the drills he’d been to a few months before. Terrible things, drills. All that standing around and doing nothing. He kind of regretted bitching so much about them now. He knew where to go.

Around him, doors opened as employees left their offices to join him in the gym which had been built to double as a shelter in cases like this.

The walls shook even harder, some ceiling tiles came down on them as they all ran for the gym. Petyr cradled the baby to shield it from any falling debris.

Everyone was holding their phones, frantically looking for news. There wasn’t any. 

The building stopped shaking. Petyr huddled near a wall. This didn’t feel like an earthquake, was all he could think.

In his arms, the infant let out a piercing noise that sounded eerily like a siren.

He heard a loud crack. Parts of the ceiling broke off and rained down on everyone.

“Get back!” he heard someone yell.

They all shifted to the back of the gym as the ceiling split open.

A round eye looked down at him. The baby’s cries ratcheted up. A piece of stone fell and cut the skin above his right eyebrow. Karen rushed over, tearing off her scarf and applying pressure.

“Is it here for you?” Petyr whispered. It happened that the parent regretted leaving their child sometimes. Not often, but there were procedures that had to be followed.

“We can’t just give it back,” Karen said. “We have forms to fill out. In triplicate!”

“I don’t think it’s going to wait for paperwork,” Petyr said, wiping the blood from his eye. He could taste it on his lips now, hot and metal.

He took the wiggling baby, brushing its tentacles away as it swiped at his face.

“Come on now,” he said, crooning at where its face would be. “We’ll get you back to Mom and Dad.”

He wasn’t sure if either term applied. He thought the monsters produced asexually but he’d never bothered to research much about them before. He’d probably have to change that.

The baby made a gurgling noise and projectile spit a glob of green goo at him. Petyr gagged, coughed, and kept going.

He held the baby up to the giant eyeball. His knees shook. He locked them and firmed his chin.

“Look, he’s here. This tantrum needs to end. You know the policy of our institution. We are more than happy to return what was left. This is impolite and unacceptable behavior. You’ll need to leave your name and contact information so we can bill you for the damages to our building.”

He heard a wail from one of the workers still in the room.

“Probably for therapy bills too,” he added.

The eye went away, an ink-black tentacle replaced it. It was twice as tall as Petyr and so big around it had to knock more of the wall away to get through. It gently picked up the baby who stopped crying once it was held.

“Thank you for your patronage,” Petyr yelled after it.

He fell on his butt as the monster drifted away, his legs would no longer hold him.

The hole in the ceiling was open and he could see the stars through them. 

He laid all the way down, looking up, almost wanting to smile.

[reinabeestudio]

Halloween is close and Yokaimatsu seems like fun, so obviously I have to make self-insert content related to that.

(comic inspired by the picture under the cut)

[nonobadcat]

Imagine AFO stealing a bunny(not rabbit) Quirk, and giving it to his pretty little wife so he’ll not only be able to pet his wife’s soft dangling ears, but his wife will end up having the urge to *ahem* multiply like bunnies.Thought that he might do that since he stole that wolf Quirk.

For those that don't know: the stolen wolf quirk Yokai mentioned is from chapters 20 and 36 of my 18+ only Fem!reader x yandere All For One story - "A Hypnotic Nightmare".

So we're talking fuwa-fuwa bunny girls, right?

If we're going for "long dangly ears" I would vote for the French lop. English lop ears are so long I could see them getting in the way AFO's proclivities and I'm not sure a man who stands 225cm tall should be giving his wife a dwarf bunny quirk like a Holland lop. Even with a size kink, that sounds... painful.

In the context of a yandere AFO, a bunny quirk makes a lot of sense. Bunnies are a highly social species. It's recommended that they be pair housed and families should not to leave them alone much longer than 4 hours without a friend or activity. Isolating someone under the influence of a quirk like that would be very effective at breaking them down so he can mold them to his tastes.

That said, sexually intact rabbits aren't always super friendly when they get hormonal. Since you are clearly not spayed in this scenario, I see AFO getting bit/scratched a lot.

So here is this man who has the world's most touchable waifu and you (said waifu) are suddenly much more violent towards him.

Cue AFO on the Google at 2am reading this:

"...Interact with your bunny every day so that they become your friend and will not see you as a threat entering their territory. Remember, your bunny is not being naughty or nasty, they are just trying to protect themselves. The best training tip is to use reward-based training in these situations. Never punish a bunny as it is confusing as she is only doing what is natural in protecting herself and it is likely to increase aggression. If your bunny won’t come near you, you’ll have to persuade her that coming to you is a really good thing. The easiest way is with food rewards..."

Can you imagine how this is gonna go? (≧ε≦)

You buried yourself behind the comforter, knees pulled tight to your chest. Blood shot eyes stared blankly at the sight before you.

"What are you doing?"

Sprawled across the plush bedroom carpet, your demonic captor gazed up at you though half lidded eyes. Clasped between the tips of his fingers, a piece of dried papaya taunted you.

"It occurs to me that been very neglectful of your new body's needs, my sweet pet." He leaned forward, stretching out his thick arm towards your dubious scowl. The scratches you'd given him last night lay red and puffy across his pale wrist. "It's quiet understandable that you'd be upset with me."

Oh? He really though that was why you were upset?

Being kidnapped and locked away in All For One's apartment had been its own nightmare before he forced the bunny quirk on you. It'd been one week since you woke up to long, velvety ears and a burning desire to dig up the carpet. Seeing your new rounder, softer features in the mirror was bad enough without your captor's lecherous leer burning down your neck. Glancing brushes against your cotton tail sent shivers up your spine. Greedy fingers pinched your cheeks and rubbed your ears at every opportunity while their master cooed on and on about how utterly touchable you were.

Whenever he reached out to pet you, you clawed him for his hubris. However, the way his laughter chased you from room to room left you with the distinct impression the violence only turned him on.

Though it all, the sadistic All For One revealed in the hell he'd thrust upon you.

Sure... your new bunny tummy seemed at odds with your tongue. Yes, many of your favorite foods now brought nothing but cramping and pain. Of course you'd want something to eat that didn't feel like trial by fire.

...but if he thought papaya bribes would fix the problem, he had another thing coming.

Your nose twitched. "You cannot be serious."

The white haired man shuffled closer, bringing the fruit within snapping distance of your mouth. "Try it. It's deli~cious ❤," he insisted in a cheerful sing-song.

Fuzzy ears pinned back across your skull as your eyes narrowed. A deep, stomach growl rippled across the room. Heat filled your cheeks.

All For One's knowing smile stretched one tooth wider.

Tentative fingers crept out towards the glossy treat. Your fur bristled. Eyes locked on the predator, you pinched the papaya from his grasp and fixed him with a sideways stare.

Red eyes glowed with pleasure. "Go on," he purred. "Try it."

Brining the chewy fruit to your lips, you nibbled one corner of the slice. Tangy sweet burst across your tongue. Your eyes popped wide as the flavor set your salivary glands ablaze. Pleasure rippled down your arms. All at once, you shoved the entire piece into your mouth.

"That's a good girl," you captor purred, holding out a second piece.

The seductive lilt in his words sent a cold drop of sweat rolling down your neck. With a pinched throat, you barely managed to swallow the fruit. "W-what are you up to?" you demanded.

He waved the next piece. "Desensitization to my presence and counter-conditioning to your lack of trust in me."

You snatched it from his hand and stared at him from below your lashes. Voice soft, you pleaded with him again: "If you want my trust, then let me go home."

He cocked his head, the edges of his grin pulling taunt. "You are home, pet."

You shivered, turning your body away from his hungry gaze.

He hummed, rising to his feet with a languid stretch. "Well, three years on a stone, I suppose."

As demon lord opened the bedroom door, he turned back to you with a teasing sneer. "Rabbits are social creatures, so do let me know when you start to feel lonely again. I'll be happy to give you all the affection you crave." Crimson heat flashed in his eyes. "In fact, be happy to accommodate all of your new body's urges."

Before you could say a word, the door to freedom clicked shut.

[the-tragic-heroine]

死鬼祭 | Shiki Matsuri

fandom: tokyo revengers

characters: kurokawa izana, kakucho, haitani ran, haitani rindou, madarame shion, kokonoi hajime

pairings: tenjiku x female reader

cw: blood, violence, major character death, supernatural elements, mass murder, angst with happy ending, kinda, she/her pronouns used for reader

tags: @akemiixx01​

—✧ SUMMARY ✧—

The villagers say that you cursed them all. You believe that they were the ones who cursed you. (Or, in which the circumstances of your unfortunate birth woke a forgotten, slumbering god.)

Very vague depictions of the supernatural here, and a few cameos of specific yokai if you can spot them! Title is based off of a song by KODOKULOVE! More characters may be added as the story progresses.

Read on AO3 Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six

CHAPTER 柒 SEVEN (FINAL)

“Welcome back,” Izana said as you settled back into your own body again. “Are you with me?”

You nodded, staring straight ahead.

“Good. How do you feel?”

“Awful,” you replied bluntly. Then, “Was that really me?”

Izana hummed. “Who knows… but I like to think that it was. Some way or another, you came back—and I believe that somehow, I was given the chance to make things right.” When he looked at you, you were transported centuries back to those same amethyst eyes: divine and ethereal in its majesty, but shedding tears like a heartbroken human man.

“It hurt,” you told him honestly. “It hurt more than the day I was bashed over the head and burned with a torch. I should hate you for making me go through that. Yet…” You trailed off. “Yet, I can’t. I can’t hate you because now, I understand.”

The you who grew up with nothing would have never been able to comprehend the pain of losing absolutely everything.

“The Sano household still stands, even to this day,” you said. “But my family’s old home has long since been built over. They erased both you and us from history and replaced it with the legend of a cunning fox, who tried to disguise itself as a human woman so it could kill the village lord. Not even my mother knew the truth, as it died along with me that night.” You met his piercing gaze. “But you knew, didn’t you? You knew the second you saw me and the blood that came out from between my legs. And the guilt of it followed you forever.”

Izana said nothing.

“I’m sorry,” you said. “I’m sorry for deceiving you. I’m sorry for leaving you all alone.” You smiled at him, eyes dry and free from tears. “But I’m here now, so let me help you.”

This time, when Izana smiled back, you found that he had never looked more lovely.

—✧—

The remaining walk to the village did not take very long, and when you both arrived, you could not even be shocked anymore at the sight that awaited you.

It was as if the entire village, from the rooftops to the streets, had been doused with foul, oozing tar. The malevolent spirits clung onto the sides of buildings, adhered themselves to the weary, zombie-like villagers who appeared to have lost all will to live. None even seemed to notice me as I peered out from behind the trees near the village entrance. Farther into the distance, I recognised the looming presence of the painfully familiar Sano household and its demons, sitting at the very top of the sloping hill.

“How unfair,” you said, “that one man’s sin would be enough to doom an entire civilization.”

“Such is the nature of man,” Izana replied, voice carried by the breeze.

Perhaps the long dream had broken something deep inside of you, because when your gaze came to rest on a crumpled heap along the side of an alley, surrounded by bloodied sticks and stones and with a cloud of both flies and demons hovering overhead, you did not even blink. Probably because the body reminded you a bit of yours, all those centuries ago… and you could no longer find within yourself any remaining ounce of sympathy left for the villagers who had shunned you and your bloodline, tortured you throughout your entire life, for a crime you had never even committed.

You did not feel human when you turned to Izana and said with a smile, “Burn them all.”

—✧—

It was the night of a full moon when you and Izana led an army of a hundred yokai to descend upon the village—but the only person the villagers saw was you. As if in a trance, they watched silently as you walked through the center of all the buildings, eyes set straight ahead, ignoring the chattering monsters that began to crawl close behind. When you reached the foot of the hill leading up to the Sano household, you finally turned around.

Behind you, Izana was already waiting, invisible to the eyes of the mortal men. All he had to do was raise one hand—and then, the massacre began.

Screams blended together with the laughter of Izana’s contracted spirits as one-by-one, the houses burst into flame. Wooden rafters creaked and groaned, snapping and smoldering while people desperately scrambled for safety—only to run headfirst into the jaws of the eagerly awaiting yokai, who devoured their souls and left only empty husks behind. The demonic entities that clung to the village were swept up into the chaos, latching onto and attacking both humans and yokai alike—but they were nothing more than fodder for Izana’s army, who quickly consumed them as well.

You caught glimpses of your shrine’s men in the crowd; Ran and Rindou were all too happy to stomp the demons flat, not caring if any humans were in the way. Shion killed any creature who crossed his path, human or demon, occasionally having to be yanked aside before he could attack an ally by accident. Kokonoi mostly stayed on the sidelines, away from the violence, but did not hesitate to crush any victims who strayed too far from the center of the battle. And you watched as Kakucho, whose eyes once swam with guilt and remorse, guarded the village border—catching whoever made it far enough in their attempt to escape and ripping their hearts from their chests. When he raised his head and briefly caught your gaze, you saw that he wore an expression of nothing but cold dedication to his duty.

As buildings and villagers collapsed and burned alike, you stood at the center of it all. Dying people cried out and begged for their lives like you were a god. How ironic, you thought to yourself as they perished like ants beneath a merciless heel; you had once died here, too, like nothing but a wounded animal, without even the chance to plead to your own beloved god for salvation. You wondered, if you could have chosen how you died, which you would pick: burning together with your people, or bleeding out alone in front of an entire village’s scrutiny.

The sudden touch against the back of your hand dragged you from your thoughts and you found yourself blinking up at Izana, who slipped your hand into his. As he interlaced your fingers together, he leaned in and rested his forehead against yours—mirroring the night of your death. You closed your eyes, letting the sounds of destruction fade into the back of your mind as he spoke.

“This is not the end,” he said, his voice a gentle caress. “This is only the beginning. Let this be the day of our rebirth.”

“Our rebirth,” you echoed, and closed the gap between your lips. In that moment, encircled by death and fire, you had never felt happier.

—✧—

The Sano manor was the only building still standing after the rest of the village was reduced to piles of smoldering ash. You stood before it, matchstick in hand, facing the same doors you had once been thrown out of.

“You tried to erase our bloodline,” you told the house, lifting the match into the air. “How funny that instead, mine will be the only one that remains.”

The match sailed through the air, flame dancing to a familiar melody. When the manor began to burn, instead of the crackling of flames, you heard the humming of your mother while she brushed your hair, woven together with the whimsical laughter of your little brother and sister.

You sat and watched until the house was no more, until all that was left of the fire was the curling of smoke into the air. Until you could no longer hear your family’s song.

“Goodbye,” you said, and cried.

—✧—

“Go sit down,” Rindou snapped at you as you tried to help sweep up some of the debris. “You shouldn’t be here anyway! You should be resting back at home.”

“She’s not a doll, Rin Let her do what she wants,” Ran piped up, standing so that he could stretch from where he had been moving rubble off to the side. “Ugh, some of this stuff is getting into my hair…”

You rolled your eyes at the two of them and huffed. “You guys are absolutely useless at cleaning. Especially Ran. That’s why I’m here, because the mess should have been cleared by now so we can actually start rebuilding everything!”

“Oh, come now,” Kokonoi laughed, sticking out his tongue at your bickering. “Why not pay for some more help? Not that I’m offering to spare some of my own money, though.”

“You’re useless too,” you grumbled right back. “I can’t believe you have the audacity to ask us to pay you to help! Why does Izana still keep you around? Also, where the hell did Shion go?”

As if on cue, a bloodcurdling screech erupted from a rubble pile a short distance away, before Shion popped into view with a disgruntled tanuki dangling by the tail from his clenched fist.

“Ever since we destroyed everything, this place has been crawlin’,” Shion said, eyeing the wriggling creature. “Might as well eat some of ‘em, right?”

You dropped your broom. “Shion! Let it go!”

“It’s lively here, but somehow, it seems that even less work is being done,” came Kakucho’s smooth, deep voice from behind you, right as Shion begrudgingly dropped the poor tanuki. It scampered back into the forest.

You sighed. “It’s like wrangling with children. I don’t know how you and Izana manage it.”

Kakucho laughed, and you were once again struck by the raw beauty of his happy face. “Well, when you’ve been together with these guys for hundreds of years, what’s just a few minutes more in comparison?” He patted your shoulder. “Take a break. I know you’re excited to get things finished, but there’s no real rush. There are no people left aside from you now, after all. And, well, except for…”

A loud yell and crash interrupted him mid-sentence, the two of you looking up just in time to see Izana cheerfully kicking Shion into a mountain of splintered wood. Ran and Rindou guffawed while Kokonoi snickered into one of his fluffy tails. Kakucho rolled his eyes and set off to help Shion up, who was now loudly complaining about splinters, leaving you to watch the scene with a little shake of your head—but unable to wipe the affectionate smile from your face. You were still smiling when Izana made his way over to your side.

“You look happy,” he murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before wrapping his arms around you with a sigh of contentment.

“That’s because I am,” you replied, laughing softly. “I never thought someone like me could ever be happy in this lifetime… but thanks to all of you, I’ve been proven wrong. Even though it took a lot of pain and heartache to get here.” And human sacrifices, your mind added helpfully, though you chose to ignore it.

Izana rested his chin on your shoulder with a pleased hum. “If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.”

You closed your eyes and smiled. “If you say so. And what about you? Are you happy?”

You felt the curve of his lips against your neck as he responded without hesitation. “Of course I am. And so are the others. We’ve waited centuries to find our happiness again—and now that we found it, we don’t plan on letting you go.”

“I’m… your happiness?” Your words came out in a shaky whisper.

“…Always have been, from the very start.”

The tears of joy rolling down your cheeks became glistening sparkles underneath the warmth of the noontime sun. “Then, don’t. Don’t let me go. Let me stay by your side for the rest of my life—and for the rest of yours.”

“You’ve gotten better with your words since becoming one with me,” Izana said. “Do you feel any different, now that you’ve joined me in becoming a god?”

“Not really,” you said, after some thought. “I feel exactly the same. Who knows, maybe I was actually god all this time! After all, gods are formed from the power of belief, right?”

Izana hummed. “Indeed. This world works in mysterious ways—but that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it?”

“At the very least, I do feel like I’ve been reborn, like you said.” One of your hands found its way atop of Izana’s, where it rested over the slight swell of your stomach. “So I hope that it’s a sign of this village’s eventual rebirth, as well.”

“I’m sure it is,” he replied, closing his eyes. His long eyelashes brushed against your skin in a fluttering kiss. “We’ll rebuild it together, piece by piece.”

—✧—

a/n: Sorry if the ending was rather abrupt kdasjlsl I ACTUALLY HAVE ANOTHER FIC I PLAN ON DROPPING SOON SO I JUST WANTED TO FINISH THIS UP QUICKLY SO I CAN GET TO IT!! also, what do you guys think of an epilogue?and btw, before anyone asks about the logistics of how they're gonna rebuild an entire village with just y/n and the boyz, there are neighbouring villages and travelers who will eventually move in and settle permanently! as for how repopulating the village with humans as a god is gonna work, idk just go with it LMAO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING THIS WAS A WILD RIDE AND BY FAR THE LONGEST FIC I HAVE EVER WRITTEN I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!!! NOW ONTO MY NEXT ONE!!!

[silversims]

Tag 9 people you would like to get to know / catch up with

Well seeing as I’ve been tagged twice in the last week-- xD

Last Song you listened to: Dearly Beloved ~ Daughtry. A: The song I have set as my alarm in the mornings. B: Crystal Gen 9′s theme song (yes I’m that far ahead in my basic outline) C: An anthem for the past...three years or so now. So don't look back now We've come too far To look back now To look back now Last TV Show you watched: Um. I haven’t watched any shows in...years now? Lemme think. If streaming counts, Sailor Moon Crystal/Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War back when that started but no longer. If you’re talking cable box, pff, cut that cord in 2009. Currently Watching: Nothing whatsoever. I ain’t got the time, what’s available is not to my tastes even if I had the time...nah.  Currently Reading: The Red Winter trilogy by Annette Marie; more specifically Book 2, Dark Tempest.   “If Emi is sure of anything, it's that kami—the gods—are good, and yokai—the earth spirits—are evil. But when she saves the life of a fox shapeshifter, the truths of her world start to crumble. And the treachery of the gods runs deep...” It’s actually quite good, with good pacing and a heroine that doesn’t just sit idly by and wait for things to happen, even when even she realizes she’s in over her head. I know it has a happy ending (I’m the kind of person who checks the last chapters before she gets into a book, haha) but it’s holding me pretty well so far! Current Obsession: I rotate between a few, heh. >> Currently stuck deep into outlining Crystal, but also a retelling of Kingdom Hearts on my main and making friendship bracelets as therapy. Such fun! Special thanks to Tawnie (@siminycricket) and Diana (@wannabecatwriter) for the tag and all their love for Crystal over the months.  I tag...everyone who wants to do this! I purposefully keep off the social side of Simblr, but you’re all gems and if you wanna have a fun little break I can highly recommend posts like this. See you tomorrow, lovelies!

[saintfl0rian]

Displaced AU : Peace Universe Brothers

Though the only brother in the Peace Universe that gets real screentime is Michael, it's good to have some lore about the other characters 😌.

Michael

18-year-old Senior in High School

Has been a member of the Gaming Club since Freshman year

Always carries the set of headphones that Donte made him for his 15th birthday

A procrastinator that always manages to complete his homework the day before or the day of the due date

A huge fan of staying away from crowds. And just people in general.

He uses the headphones to block people out.

Wishes he had 4 or 5 fingers purely to flip people off.

This Michael is more serious, nonchalant, and even more of a menace than usual incarnations

He has a bit of an emotional wall he's built up and doesn't let people see his soft side

Deep down he really does care for his loved ones and his brothers especially.

He'll eventually grow out off the angsty phase, don't worry :)

He has a hard time opening up to new people

Michael always gets pulled into Leon and Donte's shenanigans whether he wants to or not

Looks up to his older brother Raphael. He sees him as the perfect example of the adult he should grow up to be.

Is working with Donte to create the ultimate RPG game. Donte works on code and plot while Michael works on soundtrack and character models.

Has a secret journal filled with songs and poems. Lots of poems.

Will probably steal candy from a store and not get caught. And will steal anything you dare him to.

Honestly, he'll do anything you dare him to just to prove something. Even if there's nothing to prove 💀

Owns everyone on DDR. He's a beast

Always gets the most tickets out of his brothers during a trip to the arcade. His room is full of the things he bought with the tickets

Is learning how to play the guitar. Leo keeps bothering him to learn songs so he can sing to Mikey's guitar.

Has a Spotify playlist for EVERY mood.

Pass him the aux, you won't regret it 😌

Leon

19-year-old Freshman in Community College

The athletic type that honestly gets along with every College Clique.

Proud social butterfly that may or may not accidentally overstep your personal-space bubble

He is an infamous legend on college grounds

Splinter revoked his license after he crashed the family car into a stop sign. That was 1 year ago and he still hasn't gotten his license back.

Honestly has enough confidence to go around the room three times.

He was kicked out of the high school theater club for "being overly dramatic".

Always manages to get into trouble and always manages to slip his way out of it.

Loves to plan the Brother hangouts, but it's always something strange. For example, eating snowcones in the park during Winter or water gun fights but with condiments.

And whenever he drags everyone out somewhere, something always goes wrong 💀

Is pretty into fashion and loves to collect clothes to make the "ultimate fit"

Probably has an OOTD (outfit of the day) Instagram. And is somehow popular, too.

Also has a blogging channel on Youtube. You can find all his latest pranks on there 😌

Can manage to burn cereal. No kitchen access allowed.

Has tried every hobby under the sun and will not stop trying new things.

Loves to compete with Donte over random things

Half his room is comic books and superhero-related memorabilia

If you ask him about it, he will respond with a long-winded rant about his favorite superheroes and very exact reasons why.

Donte

19-year-old Freshman in Eastlaird University

Took over the Software Club one day and no one questioned it. Calls himself the King of Software. (Ofc nobody calls him that but himself)

Surprisingly popular with the ladies, Yokai and Human alike. Leon doesn't know how he does it.

Got his brothers into D&D 5 years ago and always ends up DMing. Mostly because he's the only one who can do it properly 💀.

Refuses to go out with Leon in public. One time Leon dragged him into a spur-of-the-moment public singing contest that was broadcasted on live television. Long story short, Leon belted out, acting like a celebrity, and Donte was paralyzed in stage fright.

People on the street still ask him if he was "that guy on the singing contest who couldn't move!" He denies it every time.

His room is the organized-messy type. May seem messy to the naked eye, but to Donte? Everything is exactly where it should be.

Builds things as gifts for the people he loves. Outside Michael's headphones, he made Raphael a smartwatch and Leon a pair of hi-tech running shoes.

Said running shoes got Leon banned from the Track team.

97% chance he'll correct you if he thinks you're wrong about something.

Believes in Donte Supremacy

Has a secret Twitch account he streams on. You know the one 💀

Will hyperfixate on a project during the week and will only be seen attending classes. During any other time, you can most likely hear his maniacal laughter as he figures out the errors in his code.

Those projects have blown up his room once or twice. Okay, maybe more than a dozen times.

Loves to bring his brothers to the arcade and he will play all of the rhythm games they have

Tetris Master 💪💪

Don't pass him the aux, you WILL regret it 💀

Raphael

21-year-old Junior in Eastlaird University

Currently studying to be a Veterinarian. You can find him working at the local pet shelter!

He's the designated driver of the family. When any other brother is driving, every passenger is at-risk.

He is the mom friend. He is the mom brother.

He WILL buy you food and drinks without you even asking. Don't test him.

He is very protective of his brothers but also respects them handling things on their own. After all, the young birds need to fly from the nest some day.

Raphael will cry the day his brothers get married. 1) Because he's absolutely over joyed and proud of them and 2) Sorta didn't see it coming LOLJDK

Carries bandaids or a small medkit in his bags and always has an emergency medkit in his car.

Has brought many stray kittens and puppies homie on various occasions. The stray kittens always seem to gravitate towards Michael.

Works out daily and always tries to bring at least one of his brothers with him. At least for a jog!

Definitely watches chick flicks and is unashamed of the fact.

Sometimes worries about his younger brothers' futures. "Will they be okay on their own? Without my help?" Those kinds of things. But then he always reminds himself of the fact that his brothers always got it.

Probably gets motion sickness easily

A chronic over thinker 😭

He definitely listens to Adele and Taylor Swift

Splinter

Owns a dojo and has taught all his sons martial arts.

Is pretty strict on the boys, but only to make sure that they're heading in the right direction.

More of a present and supportive father than canon Rise 💀

Holds weekly Karaoke parties with the fam

His love language is binge-watching movies and TV shows with his sons

Will only give Leon his license back once he stops making car crash jokes everytime he steps into the family car.

[inukag]

I've seen some people say that Yashahime is canon only to the OG anime, but I'd make the argument that it's not even that! Think about it:

While the Inuyasha anime did mess around with the manga lore or make up their own here and there, they still did bring to attention some lore that they CLEARLY ignore/retcon in Trashahime. Like in one of the 1st episodes of the OG anime where Myoga explains how Tessaiga was made to protect Izayoi, Inuyasha's mother. Yet, later on in Yashahime we find through a flashback that Touga apparently had Tessaiga long before he met Izayoi? What?

I actually talked about this next one with @loveyou-x3000 a long while back, but remember Hosenki l? Remember on how in the OG anime we found out he was the one whole created the black pearl that was in Inuyasha's eye? Well, I apparently found out that by Yashahime's logic, the black pearl was created by Izayoi's or somebody's tears? I'm sorry, but how does that make sense? (Correct me if I'm wrong there)

They even ignore the lore they created themselves from the OG anime, like when InuKag give Moroha the lip stick shell that was destroyed by Naraku in the Anime-only episode "Tragic Love Song of Destiny". What, am I just supposed to assume that InuYasha's been walking around with a bunch of his mother's old make-up stuff this whole time? And that he never thought to give one to Kagome, his wife, even tho he gave it to Kikyou and his own daughter?

Let's also not forget what the director has said in one of the recent interviews about demons apparently throwing their kids out in the wild as a "test of courage and cowardice", AKA Demon parents apparently not caring about their kids and abandoning them similar to how lions apparently treat their cubs. This absolute bullshit because not only is this not true in the manga, but the OG anime itself has shown several examples of demons caring about and raising their kids!!! Think about Shippo's dad, that little cat demon's dad when Inu trained with Totosai, Kuroro (demon cat that looks like Kirara), that demon dad who got his head chopped off by Hokudoshi, and even that insect demon that Jeniji killed who went out to teach its offspring how to hunt and feed! Its important too note that a good chunk of these parents are anime-only characters.

Hell, even the demon parents who didn't get to raise their kids still gave a fuck about them!!! Just look at Shiori's dad who clearly had every intention of raising his kid and even when he was dead STILL came back to protect her from her grandfather! What about Jeniji's dad who left his farm to his son so that both he and his mother would have a place to call home!?

What about Touga who sacrificed his own life so that his hanyou son could live??? (And that was from one of the movies mind you, so its anime lore.)

So now your telling me that the demon way of parenting was to leave your kids out in the middle of the woods when they're not even old enough to hold up their heads by themselves? If the OG anime series and movies followed that logic, then Touga wouldn't have even bothered to save Inuyasha's life on the night of his birth. Better yet, Touga could've just left Inuyasha in that fire, but saved Izayoi. He wouldn't have even bothered to give InuYasha his name if he just figured that his son failed his "test of courage" for being in that fire that he surely would have perished in if Touga didn't get there in time.

Also, and you can correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Yashahime's director HIMSELF (who worked on the OG anime too) say that a certain pairing that I won't name was never depicted as romantic in the original anime series? We all know it wasn't in the manga, but a while back I swear I read an interview where the director said it was never depicted in the anime either. Clearly, Yashahime threw that out the window, too.

And finally, I don't think I have to mention the retconning of all if the OG cast's character developments that were CLEARLY SHOWN IN THE OG ANIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that is why I don't think Trashahime can even be considered canon to the anime either. I rest my case.

(Sorry for the long post. I just had to vent and get that out of my system)

Don’t worry about venting! I agree with what you said there, I would love to add more plotholes and inconsistencies that are in Yashahime to your list but... I get exhausted just thinking about it lmao

The Tessaiga retcon is especially bad. First, like you said both in the anime and manga it is said that Tessaiga was forged for Inuyasha’s mother, who in Sunrise-canon was born 200 years ago, but in Yashahime Toga had Tessaiga and was using a perfect meido zangetsuha 500 years ago to destroy the comet... 

^^ He literally has Tenseiga on his hip even though Tenseiga was created to take Meido Zangetsuha out of Tessaiga lmao

You’re not wrong about the black pearl and Hosenki. Hosenki II says in chapter 298 that he and his father “cultivate” the pearls, it has nothing to do with tears, and Inuyasha’s father commissioned the black pearl before his death... 

The rouge / lipstick is not even a different rouge, they imply in episode 15 that it’s the same one Inuyasha gave to Kikyo, but Riku somehow found it and gave it to Hosenki II for some reason. 

That raises SO many questions... When did Riku find the pieces of the rouge? Was he spying on Kikyo and Inuyasha this whole time?? How did he know the rouge belonged to Izayoi?? Is he a time traveler?? Why did Riku and Hosenki II even work together to create the new black pearl?? Is this ever going to be addressed??

Oh man the interviews... I get a headache every time I read them. Personally, I don’t really think it’s ooc for Sesshomaru to set up some kind of rite or trial for his hanyo daughters to prove their strength. I never imagined him being soft and loving with them, especially not with the way he treated Inuyasha. But like you said, it’s definitely not a universal yokai thing, we all know that. Sesshomaru is just Like That lmao. I still don’t understand why his “rite” had to take 14+ years, why it involves Kirinmaru and Zero and what it has to do with Inuyasha, Kagome and Moroha...? If he wants to make his daughters go through that, that’s his business, there’s no need to also ruin Moroha’s childhood by letting her parents rot in the border to the after life when he could get them out whenever he wants (since he can go through the gate to the afterlife thanks to Tenseiga).

Other hilarious things that Sumisawa mentioned in the last interview: - Moroha knows Sesshomaru’s scent because he’s famous amongst demons - Everyone call the girls “yashahime” because Treekyo started the trend (no one was there to hear Treekyo except the girls...?)  - Kirinmaru met Jesus Christ and Buddha at some point 

And probably other stuff I’m forgetting... I’m so tired lol