#yuko with the deep deep knowledge

[catofoldstones]

[miyaagis]

love is rising, no resisting. cheeks are flushing, now you're living.

mdni‐explicit smut. infidelity, husband!kuroo, wife!reader, co-worker!fem oc, angst, too much plot, not proof read!

tnmici m.list

"shit, that was close."

the reclinable chair creaks under his weight as he leans back, his forearm covering his eyes, but the relieved smile on his lips brings a veil of youthfulness to his tired eyes. kuroo has never felt so much bliss just by turning off his computer, signaling he's finally free from the claws of his 9 to 5 that, somehow, had turned into a 9 to 9 lately. a headache started brewing at the back of his head for the past hour, but the knowledge that he'll be home in less than thirty minutes eases up his mind.

before he can start wondering what you, his wife of three years, made for dinner, the familiar and feminine laugh of his co-worker echoes through the empty office. he’s giving her a funny look before joining in her chuckles with the last bit of energy he's left.

"remind me to never, ever, trust you again with a project."

even with twelve hours of a stress-filled day clutching at her spirits, uesugi yuko still manages to look somewhat composed. at least more than him, and that’s something kuroo has always admired from her.

"aw c'mon," he’s quick to stand up and squeeze her shoulder, earning him a scoff as soon as he smiles smugly at the woman, "we work better under pressure."

"i'm beat, tetsuro."

yuko curses under her breath while rising from her seat, letting out a whine after being in the same position, hunched over her own laptop, for over 4 hours straight. kuroo's eyes wander almost automatically down her legs as she stretches before him, amber eyes following the tight fit of her pencil skirt around her hips and thighs. he’s not really thinking, just… watching the fabric hug the suppleness of her behind. he vaguely remembers yuko complaining about having lost her favorite “work skirt” two weeks ago.

“you said you lost it," he points at her legs, and she follows his line of sight, her lips stretching into a smirk.

"left it at sukuna’s place."

and there it is, the daily reminder that yuko is a beautiful and single woman that lives her life however she wants. kuroo vaguely remembers when he used to be like that before settling down with you, feeling as if that was a lifetime ago, even though yuko is barely a year younger than him.

he’s too busy in his thoughts, unconsciously frowning, that he doesn’t notice her putting her laptop in her designer bag before sliding it up her arm, offering him a wave as she struts to the elevator.

"bye tetsu!"

—

later that night, as he’s deep inside you and your breathless moans fall against his neck, he briefly wonders if yuko is doing the same thing in sukuna’s bed.

—

the screen in front of him displays an array of numbers that his mind refuses to understand so early in the morning. ten minutes in, and kuroo already wants to remove his eyeballs from their sockets, when it usually takes until noon for the sentiment to brew.

a large cup of hot coffee and a rather cute, baby blue bag with something that smells like a salmon bagel, are placed on his desk. he looks up, mouth slightly agape in surprise and confusion at a fresh-looking yuko who seems to glow under the sunlight with her navy blue suit and long hair—always down in soft waves.

"can't have you lacking," she says before he can ask what’s the meaning of the sudden act of kindness. not that she’s ever been mean to him, but yuko is known for her cold and sarcastic persona. "suguru wants us in his office in an hour."

and since kuroo is well versed in the art of yuko's disinterest and roll of her eyes, the faint smile in her lips throws him off guard, doubting for a second if it was even real, but he trusts his observant eyes wouldn't fail him like that.

and it feels as if he just scored a goal.

"don't be late," she’s walking away right after, not giving him even a second to thank her for the coffee.

exactly one hour and two minutes later, he walks by her desk, not without placing a can of diet soda next to her keyboard and making her look up at him from her seat. an understanding nod is shared between the pair as they walk together to the meeting room.

—

"text me as soon as you land, okay?" 

your voice is drowned out under the sounds of honking cars, and planes flying on top of your heads, the chaos of the airport not helping with the jitters you’re experiencing of sending your husband to another three-day-long business trip. granted, it’s not the first time he has to travel for work, but you don’t think you’ll ever get used to it.

with almost tearful eyes, you watch as he unloads the trunk of the car with his backpack thrown over his shoulder and his hand gripping the handle of his carry-on, leaning down to kiss you once he makes sure it's properly closed. 

"i love you." 

kuroo smiles against your lips at your sudden profession of love before covering your face in kisses, your soft giggles making his heart grow.

"and i love you," he whispers, and that’s all it takes to ease up your heart, the stars in his eyes gleaming as he stares down at you before kissing your lips and your cheek one last time. "see you in three days, pretty girl."

a small smile plays on his lips as he walks inside the airport, right after making sure he watched you drove away to the safety of your shared home. he’s already checked-in through the airline’s app, so he heads straight to his gate after going through customs, deciding he might need at least a cup of coffee to get through the flight.

the queue is long, as he expected, but he’s got time, briefly checking his watch and adjusting his backpack on his shoulder as he glances around the menu until he’s spotting the familiar figure of yuko. the grin on his lips appears suddenly as he strides towards her, the nasty glares from the people waiting in line flying over him as he moves to stand beside her.

"always the early bird," with a quick glance, she realizes it’s him and not some random weirdo getting into her personal space, so she goes back to facing the cashier, handing out her card as she receives a large latte in return. kuroo makes sure to point that out. "hey! where's mine?"

"buy one yourself."

yuko pushes him softly aside, struggling between making sure her latte doesn’t spill onto her purse hanging around her forearm and getting the tiny wheels of her carry-on to cooperate. he finds his fingers itching to carry it for her, a frown etching onto his lips and soon, he’s snatching the small luggage from her hands, her eyes widening slightly in surprise.

“w-what are you–”

"c’mon,” he strides ahead of her while making sure she’s not too far behind him, offering a smug grin at her that he knows very well will make her huff and scoff. “you're my work-wife: you help me stay sane by buying me coffee, and i help you look good.”

“i am not your work-wife, what the–”

“ah, see? that’s where you’re wrong,” he tuts at her, a disapproving look in his eyes as she stares at him in bewilderment. “c’mon, we’re a great team! our projects are the best, and we’ve never messed up with a client.”

her mouth opens and closes, words failing her as she tries to make it clear that she is not his work-wife. yes, she agrees that he’s good at his job, or whatever, but she’d rather die than tell him that.

“and i know i’m your favorite at the office,” he shrugs his shoulders innocently, a knowing grin on his lips that’s quickly making her blood boil, “can’t blame you, the rest are a bunch of incompetent idiots.”

yuko is ready to tell him off, to make it clear that there’s no way he’s her favorite and that he too is an idiot—just a little less of an idiot since he does have common sense. but he beats her to it, starting to walk towards their gate with their carry-ons.

“better hurry, or we’ll miss our flight!”

—

meetings with clients always went the same way: paying for a fancy, expensive meal where they barely ate anything as they tried to pry into their interests until they found something in common with them, using said interest as bait to make the client think they’re just like them, meet up again but this time in a more private and business-like setting where they can finally pitch in their ideas and make the client take the bait, and finally, celebrate with drinks before sending them off to the airport.

yeah, that’s how usually it’s supposed to work. but the CEO representative of this fast-growing corporate was quite the tough cookie to crack.

“did you notice he didn’t even bother to look through the documents!? jesus, he could’ve at least skimmed through ‘em. that fucker.”

yuko is on her second beer already, five minutes in, and she hasn't stopped once to let out her frustrations after meeting with their client. with her manicured hand, she catches the attention of the bartender and orders a couple of tequila shots for herself before turning to look at him.

“another whiskey?”

but she immediately turns back to the bar and orders it for him along with a third shot of tequila. amusement dances across kuroo’s lips, the tension in his shoulders slowly fading as he realizes hell is over, and he gets to see yuko lose her marbles. 

“i didn’t know we were gonna be getting drunk.”

“we aren’t,” she’s quick to deny, eyes lighting up as the row of shots is presented before her, “we just… deserve this after dealing with that asshole.”

“i’ll drink to that,” he sighs and takes one of the tequila shots, welcoming the heat from the liquor heating down his throat.

the hotel bar is rather empty, a few patrons sitting on the booths or by the garden outside while they remain by the bar. the high stools are all empty too, just the two of them keeping the bartender busy with their orders and keeping him company with their complaints.

yuko faces him, her knees knocking against his accidentally, and she giggles, her fingers running through her hair, “i’ll definitely ask for a week off after this.”

kuroo perks up at that and pouts dramatically, the tips of his ears flushed and his lips glistening with his last sip of his drink, “nooooo, don’t abandon me! that’s mean.”

she smirks before bursting in a fit of giggles, and he thinks he has never seen her smile this much, or be so laid back. her whole face looks different when she smiles, as if she became five years younger and, overall, happier.

“you’ll manage.”

kuroo pouts even more and knocks his own knees against hers, making her gasp and chuckle at the childish reaction. but she guesses it’s nice to finally bond like this with him, since he’s certainly the only sane person in the office.

after a quick trip to the ladies room, yuko comes back with sleep-laced eyes, resting her head on her hands to try and get it to stop spinning.

“you good?”

her heart drops faintly to her stomach, his voice against her ear in the softest whisper. without looking at him, she shakes her head with a whine, “m’sleepy, tetsuro.”

and honestly, so is he. he’d kill to lie on his hotel bed and sleep until the afternoon. he’s about to agree with her when she finally looks up at him with big eyes, her cheeks flushed and her hair messed up. he doesn’t think she has ever looked this cute, plus the way she’s being vulnerable with him clouds the rational side of his brain.

kuroo realizes he wants to kiss her. badly.

“let’s get you into bed, then.”

being none the wiser, yuko trails before him with his help. her touch is enough to make him tense up, recalling the brief snippet of her light blue bra peeking from her blouse during their uber drive back to the hotel, and how he tried to fool himself by imagining you with it, making a mental note that he should buy one for you. yuko’s head resting on his arm shouldn’t be making his pants this tight, but it’s both cute and hot that she’s way smaller than him that she can’t even rest her head on his shoulder—not even with her heels on.

“we’re here,” his voice has grown considerably hoarse, amber eyes observing her search for her key until she shows it off to him proudly. “text me if you need anything. good night, yuko.”

fuck. he thinks to himself, he can’t wait to get off of his slacks and jerk off. he wonders if he still has one of those videos with you sucking him off. or maybe he should try his luck and call you, hopefully you’re still awake and–

“tetsu?”

he blinks, yuko standing under the threshold with her door wide open and gnawing at her bottom lip. all he can do is make a sound to acknowledge her, 

“thank you,” she pauses, exhaling softly and letting the words of appreciation sink in. “m’glad we got paired up for this trip.”

fuck it.

it only takes one long stride for him to be face to face with her and grip her waist, smashing his lips onto hers as her own hands grip his shoulders. the kiss is impulsive and messy, barely an outlet to show how much he wants her.

it doesn’t take long for them to part from the kiss, and he sees her wide-eyed, her swollen lips looking even more inviting, if possible.

“shit. y-yuko… i–” he swallows down, hard, the ring on his finger starting to burn against his skin. “fuck, fuck, m’so drunk.”

“me too.”

and he doesn’t even bother to pretend thinking it through, taking it as a green light to push her inside her room and slam the door behind him, carrying her over to the bed.

“hmm fuck, i’m so hard,” he nibbles across her neck and collarbone, breathy moans escaping her lips and only making him press himself harder against her frame.

his hands travel along her sides, cupping her breasts in his hands and gently squeezing the soft flesh while he goes back to kissing her.

“take it off,” she whispers against his lips before moving to sit on his lap, her legs around his hips and his erection pressing right onto her clothed center.

it doesn’t take long for his thumbs to pinch at her hard nipples, the feeling rushing to her pussy and making her wetness grow, while her own hands fumble with his belt.

kuroo can’t remember the last time he felt so needy, so desperate to sink his cock into a woman that wasn’t you. right, his wife. his mind wanders fleetingly to you, but before the guilt starts to brew, he groans as yuko’s hand wraps around his length timidly.

taking the lead once again, he moves to the side so that he's on top of her and her body is in the right position for him to enter her. his voice is lustful with a mix of passion and need, watching her legs spread out to accommodate him, her skirt bunched up at her waist and her breasts spilling from her bra.

“don’t have a condom with me. can i pull out?”

his question is answered by her soft legs wrapping around his hips and pushing him forward, his leaking tip rubbing against her folds before he’s guiding it inside her.

blame it on the alcohol or having grown used to his wife’s body, but kuroo swears he’s never had a pussy feel this good around him, feeling like velvet stroking his sensitive length.

“ohh fuck, yuko…” he gasps as he falls forward, his frame on top of hers as his lips search for her breasts, “fuuuuck, you’re so… tight— shit.”

“tetsu–” her fingernails claw at his back as his tongue laps around her nipple, his thrusts slow yet deep, his pelvic bone meeting her clit with each movement, “oh god, feels so good.”

his eyes open to stare at hers hungrily, his lips wrapped around her breast as he slowly increases his pace, the squelching sounds of her pussy taking him growing louder. he lets go of her nipple and raises up, holding onto her waist as he pounds into her and one of his hands grips her chest.

“these are the prettiest tits,” his thumb strokes over her nipple, and she whines in return, his rhythm speeding up slightly, “and the prettiest pussy.”

her inner walls tighten and he’s letting out more groans and filthy words at her, his gaze moving between her folds taking his length and her breasts bouncing with each thrust of his hips. his other hand moves down to her clit to rub slow circles, grinning like a mad man as her pussy creams even more around him. he smiles and presses his lips to hers and moves his hips faster, letting her feel every inch of his length as his breath becomes heavy with her every moan. 

with each stroke on her clit and the fullness of his cock inside her, yuko is quickly reaching her orgasm, not being able to hold back from moaning and whimpering against his lips.

“oh tetsu! m’gonna—” she squeals as he starts moving faster, his tip reaching deep inside her as his lips attach onto her neck, “gonna come!”

his ragged breaths fall against her ear, and it only takes a few more strokes on her clit to have her coming around him, her pussy quivering and fluttering around his girth as her squeals turn into screams. the sudden tightness makes him lose his mind as well, barely pulling out in time to jerk his cock against her pussy, the head resting between her folds as he comes too, smearing the white liquid around her entrance and teasing her by sliding in the tip

that night, kuroo goes to bed with yuko’s pussy around him, and his wedding band around his finger.

[tokiiorb]

Vamp nishiki lore masterpost:

EVERYONES FAV SUICIDAL VAMPIRE!!! I'll try to keep this updated ^^ for now it's mostly just everything that's on my ig story highlights, but reformatted and paraphrased >:3

This au is all I ever think abt atp I LOVE VAMPIRES and Nishiki's a really good character to use for it. Like, with the whole aching hunger concept as a metaphor for the pursuit of power, the loss of humanity being used literally, doomed everything... Ugh it's perfect

GENERAL CW FOR THIS ENTIRE AU: themes of suicidal ideation, doomed romance, in depth descriptions of blood, suicide, double suicide(?), and all the fun stuff that comes with vampires

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐ Info on turning + drinking blood conceptually:

HOW THESE WORK 😝😝 you can skip this part if you don't care about the logistics and just wanna get into the juicy lore. Just know that vampirism here works how it does in twilight

OKAY SO!!! My fav way for vampirism to function is for "feeding" and"turning" to be two entirely distinct acts. They can drink blood but transforming someone is a whole seperate deliberate act that relies on the person actually dying (whether it be in the process, or before the transformation.) Biting acts moreso as fuel to the vampire, and to the "victim", the progressive drainage of life.

No forceful omission of autonomy post transformation either (because ew, lol.) They're still individuals.

Turning + drinking blood ideologically:

The act of turning others in itself is seen as an inherent negative amongst vampires in general, but this would especially apply to Nishiki, and especially to her thoughts on transforming Reina (at least near the beginning of her vampirism arc,) because Nishiki just views death as a "favour" in circumstances where she would seem it necessary. Transforming someone into a vampire would be reserved as an absolute last resort.

So, as mentioned, turning doesn't actually cause the newborn vampire to surrender their autonomy to whatever vampire transformed them. As such, even if Nishiki were to transform another person, she can't force anybody to respect her. Some will still just see her as the same inadequate chairman, just a bloodthirsty immortal monster in addition to that. She would ofc still try to use it as leverage over others. Attempts at intimidating people with the whole 'graaawrrr evil vampireeee' or 'I gave you another chance at life, put some respect on my name' are still to be expected, they're just not guaranteed to be effective. And given her circumstances, it's safe to assume that such a reality check would only contribute to the progressive buildup of frustration, rage and envy. in this case, it cut extra deep with the knowledge that transforming another was intended to act as a failsafe if she cannot gain the respect, approval or validation she desperately craves. To give herself control over SOMETHING in her life.) In avoiding transforming others, a vampire also actively turns away the deep, aching pit of desire within themselves in favour of protecting another. I just think there's something so beautiful in the concept that eternal life is seen as such a curse they literally have to force their own cravings aside to prevent it from occurring in others that they care for ;;; + It'd give vamp Nishiki something to cling onto when still convincing herself that the shit she's doing isn't wrong.

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐ How + when Nishiki vampirism happened:

Tldr: it's during the post Yuko situation suicide attempt.

Yeah, so, I think Nishiki would've been transformed by some random vampire who essentially just gets off scot free. I reeeally love the idea of Nishiki fully being in the process of ending it, entirely in the headspace of being prepared to attempt and succeed at taking her life, only to be forced into an eternity more of a life she wasn't ready to continue. It's the unpreparedness, the lack of control that permiates her entire character. The idea of living another day being *easily* more terrifying than a simple death by her own hand would've been, let ALONE immortality. The whole trope of wanting to die, but being unable to do so. (I am clearly very normal) It'd force Nishiki into a survival au, make her face all of her actions head-on rather than being able to run from them. It'd be painful, having lived through herself turning into a monster (in a literal, and physical sense.) But, she would also have to face the love that she canonically died not knowing she had. The eternal memory of her in Kiryu's heart, and the love Reina held for her.

Nishirei!!!!!:

AGHHHH VAMP AU NISHIREIIIIII ;;;;; Nishiki is a vampire and would never actually transform Reina. IMAGINEEEEE how Reina would feel, knowing that Nishiki, of no fault of her own had something she really needed from her, and giving it to her and bringing her joy gave her the greatest joy. And by all accounts Reina would be the only one who could possibly have the ability to do it. But at the same time, it would be slowly draining all her life out of her. UGH... I have no doubt in my mind that Reina would let Nishiki drink her blood. Seeing the person you love so deeply for deny themselves something that they genuinely need is painful. And Reina LOVES. (Thats not to mention the whole physical closeness and intimacy that comes with blood drinking lol.) Its moreso a matter of the initial hesitance on Nishiki's end, at least initially, to take something from someone who loves you while knowing full well that it would actively be harming them. At some point, though, denying herself that urge would just get too difficult and Nishiki would wind up taking her blood. And by the slickback era, it would come much easier to her. Though, there'd still be that fear/ general emotional vulnerability, with both parties essentially laying themselves bare for the other (whether it be in a literal/ physical sense, or an emotional personal needs sense.) To trust another with your entire being. Vampire au Nishirei are doomed to painful yuri death </3 Nishiki would never be able to bring herself to transform her one true love out of selflessness, not wishing to inflict the pain of immortality onto her. It'd end with Reina growing old and withering away. (Picture a mid 30s looking Nishiki cradling Reinas aged, dying body as she succumbs to the happiest death she could be given </3. If you wanna get double death-pilled with it (I always do lol), it'd have Reina holding a stake, and you could imagine the rest.)

ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🦇་༘࿐

AND THATS ALL FOR NOW!!!!! I hope you enjoy my vamp au as much as I do omfg I love her so much... Go follow me on Instagram if you aren't already for whatever reason I post about this au ALOTTTT

[ecargmura]

Wonderful Precure Episode 33 Review - Full Smile Voice

I never expected Iroha’s dad Tsuyoshi to be the focus of this episode. It’s nice to see more of Iroha’s parents as they are good parents that deserve more screen time. It’s nice to know why he became a groomer and why people come to him for grooming.

It’s nice to see that a buff man like Tsuyoshi being absolutely sweet and gentle towards small animals. He normally has a deep voice, but raises it so animals can be friendly towards him. This actually does apply in real life as animals are sensitive to noise. Dogs in particular have sensitive ears, so they don’t like loud noises. I always raise my voice and talk cutely to my dogs because it makes them happy. The way he got Moca to like him was super cute. Heck, her owner was even surprised by it too as this was the first time she took her dog to get groomed. He’s super knowledgable towards other animals too. Heck, he even checked Yuki’s claws and filed them for her so she wouldn’t get them caught in odd strings and stuff; Yuki’s normally timid around strangers.

I guess my only gripe is that Yuko only told about her story about Tsuyoshi, but we never see any flashbacks or what not. I’d love to see a flashback of their youth. If this was a story about Iroha’s parents, we should’ve seen them in their younger days. I’d love to see what they looked like back then and how they met.

So, I was right in my theory that Torame creates GaoGaons from the Niko Animal Eggs while Zakuro possesses animals. I wonder just how many animals are left to rescue. 

Also, I want to talk about how Daifuku’s voice actor got revealed for the movie. Apparently, he’s voiced by Yuichi Nakamura, who’s known for being the voice actor of Satoru Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen and has been on a lot of shows as a handsome older guy like Sein from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End or cool older senpais like Kuroo from Haikyuu and Umemiya from Wind Breaker. For him to voice a cute bunny like Daifuku is probably the most hilarious thing ever and Twitter is having a field day with it right now. I heard a snippet of his voice and the ikemen voice is killing me. Well, it was hinted that Daifuku had a deep voice back in Episode 7 where Komugi was translating what he was saying to his owner. Since he also has a human form revealed in that movie, I wonder if it’ll transition over to the anime. It’d be a waste to use Yuichi Nakamura once and then never use the talking Daifuku voice again, right?

It seems that Mayu’s dad will return in next week’s episode. It’s nice that the Precures are getting focus with their parents. I hope to learn more about Mayu’s dad now that we learned a lot about Iroha’s dad in this episode. Also, the fact that Yuki turned into a cat toy via Kirarin Fox is gonna be stuff for memes like Tire Komugi. What are your thoughts on this episode?

[robotlesbianjavert]

Do you mind if I ask your top 10 favorite characters (can be male or female) from all of the media that you loved (can be anime/manga, books, movies or tv series)? And why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before.....Thanks...

oh it's been forever since i got a top characters ask - this has probably changed a lot since i last considered a definitive top ten. and actually this has tormented me a lot. had to kill a lot of darlings. oof. not actually definitive this could probably change a lot.

10) it's a really good thing i never got into Supernatural when the fandom was in its heyday i think there would be something wrong with me if i did. anyways november 5th unlatched something in me and i do think that Castiel is real and alive and gay out there in the universe in a way that precious few characters can lay claim to. everyone please respect him.

9) Battleborn is a dead game and a dead fandom which i grieve all the time, not least because it meant one of the greatest yuris of all time was lost from knowledge. anyways i love Galilea for largely gay reasons - tall woman in armor sword and shield, intense relationship of deep friendship and betrayal with Ambra, being a knight templar cursed by eldritch powers. i miss her. we truly lost something great. being so trapped between duty and love that it rips you apart for the rest of your existence. insane.

8) when Locus from Red vs Blue was first introduced like i kneeeeewwww they were gonna do something with him and also he had a sexy voice (tragically the voice actor turned out to be a dick.) and my knowing paid off. i love it when a character tries to abdicate their autonomy in order to escape their crimes but ultimately can't it's soooooo juicy.

7) Beast Wars has so many insanely good characters who are all my favourites and it is so so so hard to ever choose among them. but Blackarachnia claws her way to the top. funny enough it's a point where i think the show failed with her character that pushed her to the top - a large part of her characterization is trying to win and protect her autonomy/individuality, and "proving grounds" is such a triumphant climax of that. but she's also stuck in a toy commercial and needed a new design to sell so "crossing the rubicon" had to happen. it's something about how she had to be literally knocked out for the writers to make that upgrade happen that's both infuriating, but also speaks to how strong she is as a character.

6) Denji & Power from Chainsaw Man, do not separate them. i'm actually incapable of separating them. i have a lot of beloved characters from csm - makima, aki, kobeni, asa, yuko, it's probably easier to name the ones i don't like - but denji and power as both individual characters and as a relationship in the story is so important to me. denji was a character i actively didn't think i would love as much until the narrative gut punched me so hard with the full breadth of his story and development. power i always knew i would love, and it paid off i was so pleased with her and chapter 90 was pure euphoria for me. i need to see them together again so much.

5) Eleanor from The Haunting of Hill House, SPECIFICALLY the novel not the tv show, the tv show is nothing to me. she's anxiety incarnate she's trying too hard she's a uhaul lesbian she's a jealous paranoid waif of a woman but this house loves and accepts and wants her so she'll let it have her. there are a lot of parts of eleanor that are painfully familiar and no one will ever understand her like me. certainly not mike flanagan.

4) Community is one of my favourite tv shows, and in a similar way to beast wars there's so many characters that i love love love. but Shirley is actually a very easy choice. a choice with a lot of hang-ups as shirley is easily the most mistreated and least developed of the main long-term cast and every day i imagine myself shaking dan harmon violently saying hey if you were so proud of have half a room of female writers maybe you should have a) kept going with that and b) make less of them right. there's so much ground that could have been covered with her anger issues and past alcoholism, her crossed paths with jeff as kids, finding herself outside of being a wife and a mother, and they just struggled to really do right by her. but also she's so cute the way she says "i'm so sorryyyyy" in competitive ecology. kills me all the time.

3) i have written 18 spinaraki fics with more in my wips and i think it's fair to say that Spinner from Boku no Hero Academia is an all time forever favourite character for me, just barely edging out over shigaraki. obviously spinner is a gay little evil henchman so that clinches it. but also it's just like - seeing him go from a nothing character that could have easily have been written out, to being given his own plotline and character arc about trying to find meaning and purpose and ultimately finding it in caring SO HARD about one weird guy. and he's so moe. i believe in him.

2) jose from cybersix but i can't talk about it.

anyways i'm actually really at killing my darlings so really quick a couple of runner ups based on long-term history vs faves with a recency bias.

Runner-Ups Based on Intense & Passionate History

mr lahey from trailer park boys; enrico from stravaganza; bulk & skull from power rangers; jason voorhees from friday the 13th; redcloak from order of the stick; gob from arrested development; soundwave from transformers (franchise-wide); harvey dent from batman: the animated series; hardison & sophie from leverage; rabbit from winnie the pooh; cobra commander from gi joe; hyde from jekyll and hyde; griffin from the invisible man; bosola from duchess of malfi; masquerade & gus from bakugan; claptrap from borderlands; hook-handed man from a series of unfortunate events; kaiba from yu-gi-oh; rorschach & laurie from watchmen; stephanie and reverend putty from moral orel; demidevimon & impmon from digimon; quickstrike, inferno, dinobot, and rattrap from beast wars; chang & abed from community; cybersix from cybersix; shigaraki and honestly all of the lov & mla in bnha; six & makoto from bnha: vigilantes.

Runner Ups Based on Recency Bias

jessica from cannibal farm; mimi from psycho goreman; oj from nope; barbara howard from abbott elementary; evelyn & joy from eeaao; kinsey from the strangers: prey at night; misty, taissa, and shauna from yellowjackets; eva from monster; akagi from kimeno jihen; dimple from mp100; uma from disney's descendant (a movie series i have not watched. but i like her sooo much.)

okay with all that off my chest, my most number one favourite character of all time ever.

1 ) Meowth from Pokemon he's my best friend.

[tealmonk]

outlandish chainsaw man theory that i will set loose here (spoilers for the latest chapter):

looking at fakesaw man’s outfit here, I noticed that it seems like he has suspenders on which would make his outfit very similar to what kishibe wears in the extra chapter where he’s young. it might just be a shadow. I can’t tell honestly. he also seems like a much bigger guy than denji is but that’s also a bit hard to tell

but lets run with this for a moment. as of right now fakesaw’s man actions actually kinda match up with kishibe’s personality. kishibe definitely seems like he would kill yuko indiscriminately just because she’s a devil. Killing devils is one of his favorite things and denji and power definitely seemed like an exception to that. This chapter also establishes that fakesaw a) has pretty deep knowledge about devils and b) is an ally to chainsaw man, both of which are traits that kishibe also has. I think this could also tie into the theory that yoshida is related to kishibe; perhaps yoshida wants denji to hide his identity to help establish kishibe as the new chainsaw man and let denji live a normal life. this will probably all be debunked within two chapters but until then i will be dreaming

[raiiningforever2ice]

Victor Nikiforov x Reader [Cinderella AU]

Requested on Quotev https://www.quotev.com/story/12466031/Oneshot-book

Gender Neutral, can be easily read by anyone!

(Y/N)= Your Name

(Y/L/N)= Your Last Name 

Everything in bold is your thoughts!

Disclaimer: In this, the reader is a young adult in their 20s. They never left their stepmother's house since she did everything to make sure to never let them study or find a job that would let the reader stand on their own.

Scrubbing the floor with a wet rug sure was taking its toll on your knees. It didn't matter that you did this every day, your body won't get used to it. Why couldn't you just use a mop? Poor-poor Y/N scrubbing your life away at your stepmother's house to get it squeaky clean! So squeaky it would over-squeak her spawns' voices. Oh, and here they come, pointy noses making their appearances before they did.

"(Y/N)! Is my breakfast not ready yet? Hurry it up!"

"Yes, Anya."

"(Y/N)! Wash my dress! Be careful with it, it's for an upcoming contest!"

"Yes, Isabella." A sigh fell from your lips as you barely caught the dress your stepsister threw at you. 

That would be very bad if it fell inside the bucket with the dirty water!

"Come on I'm starving here!"

"Right away-"

"(Y/N)?"

"Yes stepmother?" You turned around, dress hanging from your shoulder and two eggs on your hands, ready to be cracked.

Your stepmother, Lilia, stood there with a condescending frown on her face, arms crossed in front of her chest as she picked at her red, freshly painted nails.

"You have to do all the housework, prepare lunch, do the washing up... and give a bath to the cat! Oh, you also have to clean the carpet by hand! The girls and I are going shopping!"

Another sigh left you, and you placed the eggs back inside the fridge. 

"Yes, stepmother."

Poor-poor (Y/N), never able to take some rest.

The two girls you were so sure came from the depths of hell, laughed their evil laughs as they followed their mother outside.

...

Dusting the living room had become so boring. You would just sweep and sweep and sweep and then someone would knock on the door-

Somebody's knocking on the door!

Placing the duster on the little table next to the couch, you rushed over, patting down your clothes, before opening the door. A short, chubby mailman, stood there with one arm resting on his bag, the other up to his chest and an envelope clutched in it.

"Good morning (Y/N)! This is all you have today." The man said and handed you the letter. 

"Thank you sir." You took the envelope in your hands and waved him goodbye as he took off. 

Closing the door, you carefully open up the letter, curious of its contents. After all, it was addressed to the Baranovskaya household, you could read it too.

Congratulations!

You have been invited to the greatest ice-skating contest of the century!

Yakov Feltsman and Victor Nikiforov ask YOU to show off your skills!

Put on your blades and come compete for the amazing prize of Victor Nikiforov himself, coaching you to your dazzling future of skating on ice!

We will be waiting for you!

"Give me that!" The letter was ripped off of your hands and your stepmother started reading it, her creations peering over her shoulders.

"Victor Nikiforov?" Anya gasped.

"The Russian hottie?" Isabella cupped her red cheeks in her hands.

"The legend of ice-skating himself!" Your stepmother adds with wide eyes. 

"When is it-WHEN?" The two sisters screeched in sync and your ears almost started bleeding from their shrill voices.

Lilia's eyes searched the paper in frantic, quick moves. So frantic in fact, you still wonder how they didn't end up falling out.

"Five days... we have five days to make you the best ice-skaters you can be! You, (Y/N)! Better star preparing their outfits and make sure you take their ice skates to be checked! They need to be perfect!"

You looked down to the ground and nodded. 

If I start now I'll be able to finish all three outfits in time! What color should I go fo-

"Are you listening to me (Y/N)?! Where's your mind travelling to?"

"Oh! I was just trying to think of what I should do for my outfit for the contest!" 

All three of them busted out laughing, pushing each other over and slapping their knees. You looked at them, jaw slacked open. Lilia noticed you and quickly collected herself, urging the others to do the same. They all stood up straight, arms crossed in front of their chests, eyebrows raised up to the gods.

"Ahem, you really think you will be attending too? Just because you have basic knowledge of ice-skating passed down to you by your late parents, doesn't mean I will allow you to come."

"But, why not? I will have everything ready! The house will be perfectly cleaned and the outfits will be ready in time and amazing!"

"We can't bring a mere housemaid to such a huge event. Besides, you have no chance at winning!" Isabella cackled.

"Exactly! And can you imagine Victor's face when he sees you? He will be absolutely disgusted!" They started laughing again as you fought the tears threatening to flow down your cheeks.

The trio left you alone, standing in front of the door with your fists tight at your sides. 

I will go! They won't stop me!

...

It has been three days since the news about the contest, and you were almost done will all three -yes, three- outfits! Tomorrow morning you were to go get the skates checked to make sure your stepsisters don't fall on their faces. 

"For now, let's just add a little bit of sparkle here." you murmured to yourself as you placed a few details on your sister's clothes. 

Both outfits turned out amazing! Both girls would look truly beautiful in them. Anya and Isabella are actually both very pretty, too bad their personalities had to be so ugly. 

Anya's dress was a sugar-white base color with deep red details sewed on by you, wrapping around the whole length of the cloth diagonally in tiny spirals and branch like shapes. 

Isabella's dress was exactly the same, a request by the two sisters, but hers was a midnight blue with black details.  

Your own outfit was already done. You just needed to make sure there were no tears anywhere. You didn't need to do much you never had a chance to wear it after your kind parents gifted it to you in hopes that they would see you in it.

Letting out a little sigh at the memory of your parent's smiling faces, you took the pink and white cloth and checked it all over. 

Perfect condition!

You hid it back at the darkest part of the closet and took out the shoebox sitting on the bottom. Glancing at the clock, you stuffed the ice skates and all other essential items in your backpack and went off to 'The library'. They would never check there anyways. 

Opening the large glass doors, you walked inside and greeted the young woman stand in behind the desk. 

"Hello Yuko!" You gave her a tiny wave as she smiled wide at you. 

"Oh hi (Y/N)! I was worried you wouldn't come today! You are just in time, the rink is all yours!" She went over to the door turning the hanging sign 'open' to 'close'.

Yuko, looked at you again and threw the keys in your direction. With a grateful grin, you took off and unlocked the door leading to the ice rink. 

"Have you told Lilia you'll join the contest yet?" Your friend asked you and sat next to you while you were getting ready. 

"No, not yet. I will tell them last second. What will they do then?" You scoffed and tightened the laces. 

"Yeah, seems like a good strategy." She sighed "You know, I don't understand why they don't want you there! Your parents were both champions, and they passed all their knowledge and skill to you! Hell, you were probably already a great skater when you were still in your mom's belly!" 

"They don't want to be embarrassed by their housemaid." 

"They still call you that? Tch! Embarrassed how?! You will make jaws drop with your ice skating! Trust me, I know!" Yuko was now standing, flailing her arms around in frustration. 

You chuckled at her antics and pushed her back down on her seat. 

"If I am as great as you say, they probably don't want to lose by me then!" You both laughed and you stepped inside the rink. 

"No music today?" 

"No, I prefer chatting, you know that!" With that, you started gliding across the ice giggling at the stories Yuko told you, about her three daughters. 

...

Today is the day. You look at your outfit one last time and place it gently in your bag. You hear your stepmother yelling at Anya and Isabella to hurry up. Taking a deep breath, you go outside and meet up with Lilia. 

"Where do you think you're going?" 

"I'm coming with you. I finished all of my chores as you said. Look, we can pretend we don't know each other. I won't embarrass you this way!" 

Lilia with a scowl on her face, looked at you from top to bottom. After what felt like a year, she let out an exasperated sigh. 

"Fine. But you're not allowed to talk to us at all. We don't know you, you don't know us."

The sisters came down the stairs, hair and makeup already done -just like you- and they both rose a questioning brow. 

"(Y/N) will come too. We will pretend we don't know each other. Now (Y/N), you go first, we will leave separately." 

With a nod you left the house, a bounce on your step. 

"Girls, make sure to destroy (Y/N)'s night... We're leaving in five minutes." Lilia went to find her purse as Anya and Isabella shared an evil smirk. 

"Yes mother dear!"

...

The place was huge. People were roaming around, some warming up, some already dressed. Looking around and seeing so many beautiful costumes brought a warmth to your chest and a little bit of nostalgia.

The last time you saw something like that was when your mother won her last contest and she came running to you, held in your father's arms for a group hug full of happy tears. 

"(Y/N)? (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?" A voice piped up behind you, snapping you out of your little daydream.

You turn around and your knees almost gave out at the presence standing there. the Victor Nikiforov towered above you with a huge, somehow heart shaped grin on his face. And, he knew your name?

"Um... Yes that's me m-mister Nikiforov!" You said and bowed at the waist. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir!" 

He let out a beautiful laugh and waved his arms, motioning you to stand up. 

"Don't tell me you forgot about me! We used to skate together all the time when you came to Russia with your parents for their performances! Oh, I heard about the accident, I'm so sorry for your loss!" His mouth now formed a pout as tears hanged at the corner of his eyes. 

You kept looking at him dumbfounded. The little boy, your childhood crush was him? The boy who's name you never asked- 

"Surprised right?! I am too! After all that happened and your name stopped popping up, I though I would never see you again! I didn't know if you had anyone to take you in and I was worried about you! You didn't end up alone, right?" He grabbed your hands in his and looked at you in worry. 

You looked around you and notice everyone had their eyes on you, due to the little scene the gray haired man caused. At the entrance stood your 'family' and they were glaring at you. Flustered, you pulled away from him, ignoring the hurt puppy dog eyes he gave you and bowed once again. 

"I'm really happy to see you are well and thank you for everything! But I have to go change now!" 

"I can't wait to see you competing then!" His tone was now softer as he looked at you running off.

You finally reached the changing rooms. Your knees bent as you panted. Your heart was racing and you didn't know if it was because of running, the embarrassment or his pretty blue eyes staring into your very soul. 

"Snap out of it!" You scolded yourself and went in to get into your outfit. 

Checking it out on the mirror, you felt a rush of excitement bubble up and conjured your parent's happy smiles into your mind. 

I will make you guys proud!

You walked out, skates in hand only to crush onto someone and nearly fall to the ground. There stood your two stepsisters, wicked grins plastered on their faces. You gulped down the nervousness and give them a tiny smile, turning around to leave. 

"No, no little (Y/N). You're not leaving us now!" Anya said

"We agreed that we do not know each other while we're in here." You whispered to them and took a step back. 

"Change of plans!" Isabella exclaimed. 

Then, they both grabbed each of your arms and dragged you back inside the changing rooms which were completely empty. 

"You see our little (Y/N), we would never let you get any chance at winning this competition!" 

"Much less, participate in it." 

Everything went in slow motion as one grabbed your arms and held them behind your back, as the other produce a pair of scissors from her bag and started snipping away at your outfit, pink and white peaces falling helplessly to the floor. 

You kicked and whined and cried at them to stop from cutting away the gift, your mother and father gave you the same day they passed.

With one last push, you broke away from them as they his the scissors again and left you alone, surrounded by the scraps of hopes and dreams. You collected the pieces scattered on the floor and tugged them close to you, asking for a miracle to happen and for the outfit to sew itself back together. You cried and sobbed and cried some more. Who knows how much time had passed?

Trying to collect yourself, you changed back into your clothes and left the place quietly. You glanced back and saw that the competition had just started, Anya and Isabella were to compete soon. You glanced at Lilia and saw the grin she was giving them. You rushed out. You wanted to go home.

"(Y/N)? Where are you going?" There in front of you, stood Yuko with a large backpack hanging from her shoulder.

You clutched onto her, sobbing in her arms as she tried to comfort you. 

"What happend? Was it the sisters?" She asked in a hushed tone and closed her eyes in annoyance once you nodded in confirmation. 

"They destroyed my outfit! They destroyed the last piece of my parents I had!" 

"Hey, no don't say that. Alright okay, here. Let's go back in." She started pushing you back inside, checking around. 

After she saw the evil trio, she hurried you both to the changing room. She took the bag off her and pushed it to your hands.

"Do you still have your skates? Did they get them too?" She asked and you shook your head 'no'.

"Good... Take this and go change. I wanted to give to you as a gift after you won. Go wear it and I'll come get you, okay? You haven't registered yet, have you? Of course not. Now shoo, go! Don't take too long! I have makeup wipes too in there so clean your face a bit!" She rushed off and was out of sight in the blink of an eye. 

...

Looking yourself in the mirror once again you admired the new outfit. It was a baby blue color with silver little diamonds here and there making it simple and eye catching at the same time. You threw in the trash bin the last makeup wipe you used and took a deep breath. A knock on the door caught your attention. It was time. 

You opened the door and there stood Yuko with flushed cheeks, panting like a dog. 

"You didn't tell me Victor Nikiforov is your friend!"

"Oh, that's... A long story." You rubbed at the back of your neck awkwardly as she stared at you. 

"Well, thank that long story cause he pulled some strings for you! Wear this mask, that way the 'high nosed trio' won't recognize you." She handed you a nice, black laced mask.

You placed it on your face and she helped tie it securely at the back. You both made your way closer to the rink. You found a place to sit and put on your skates, Yuko making sure they were tied correctly. 

"He was there and when he heard me say your name while arguing that they should let you participate even if you were late, he jumped in and convinced the guy to let you in. He pulled me aside to ask if you were okay and I told him you had a bit of an accident. I explained that there was someone here you didn't want to recognize you and he asked if he should change the name registered." Yuko informed you and loud cheers erupted as the current participant landed a very difficult jump.

You clapped along with the others, as his performance came to an end. Next up was Anya. She strutted in with confidence and posed in the center of the rink, waiting for the music to start. You watched carefully while she danced on the ice, landing a few jumps and misstepping on a few others. As talented as she was, here performance had no emotions whatsoever and was overfilled with jumps. The same goes for Isabella's routine, who went right after her sister. 

After she was done, they both went up to their mother who looked at them disappointed but still gave them a smirk. The next participant went in. He was pretty good and made you nervous. As his routine came to a close, you leaned towards Yuko.

"So, how was I registered as?" 

"Next up we have Cinderella!"

"That's you, go! I'm cheering for you!" She gave you a hug and pushed you towards the rink. 

You gulped the lump in your throat and went to the center, posing the way you had so many times during practice, and closed your eyes as you waited for the music to start playing. 

The first notes sounded and you started your routine, gracefully sliding around. You started thinking of the first time your parents took to the ice rink. The first time you skated without falling. The first jump. The first competition. Your parents proud smiles as your mother held up a camera to capture it all. The times spent with Victor• two children sharing their love of ice skating without understanding each other's language. 

You were flying to the rhythm of the music and slowly came to a stop as the song did too. The crowd went crazy and you lowered your arms to bow. You stood back straight and made direct eye contact with the silver haired man, who had tears running down his face. 

You hurried off and went next to Yuko, who hanged onto you, sobbing about how beautiful your performance was. You hugged her tight, and watched on the rest of the competition. 

...

"And the winner of the 1st place is... Cinderella!" 

The crowd once again cheered loudly as a medal was placed around your neck. Victor came up to you and shook your hand, a soft smile on his face. 

"I knew you would win. Congratulations, Cinderella!" 

"Thank you, Victor." You said and grinned at him.

All excitement left your body as you saw Lilia and the sisters glaring in your direction, as the mother ushered them to go change. Looking around and seeing that the attention was now off you, you went to change too, silently thanking Yuko and Victor for their help. 

Now back into your normal clothes, makeup and hair un-done, you shot Yuko a quick message explaining your situation. You quickly found the back exit, choosing to go this way and avoid bumping into Lilia and the others. 

"(Y/N) wait! Wait please!" 

You skid to a stop and turn around to see Victor running towards you, his hair bouncing making him look all princey.

His hair is definitely a paid actor. 

You stare at him as he stops in front of you. You tug your bag closer as you glance at the huge clock in the distance. 

"I wanted to congratulate you. For real this time, (Y/N). Your routine was amazing. Whatever you were thinking of, made your performance all the more beautiful. I felt the passion you were feeling at the time!" He took your hands in his gently as he did before and brought you closer to him, his bright eyes hypnotizing you. 

"I'm really proud I get to be your coach (Y/N)."

The big clock started chiming signaling the midnight hour. The others would be home soon. 

"Victor." You grabbed his wrists "Thank you for everything. Really! But I have to go now. I don't have much time. Goodnight." You gave him a quick hug and ran off, hopping to reach the house before they did. 

"Wait no! You didn't leave any contact information!" 

But you had already left.

Glancing down in exasperation, he saw one of your skates laying on the ground. He took it and went back inside, thinking of a way to find you again.

...

It has already been two days since then and you mostly hid away in your room, only coming out to do the house chores and eat. 

You stared up at the ceiling thinking back to that night. The glimmer in Victor's eyes as he talked about your routine. Your heart started racing as the childish crush you had on him, came back hitting you like a truck.

A notification on your phone caught your attention. It was Yuko, asking you to go over to her, asap.

I should go and thank her again for her help. 

​​You got dressed and left quickly. You opened the glass doors and went up to the desk. Yuko jumped up and hugged you. 

"Yuko thank-"

"Yeah yeah, later! Now, go in, there's someone there for you!" 

"What? Okay okay I'm going!" You laughed at her as she kept pushing you. 

You slowly walked to the doors you were so used to unlocking and going to the ice world by yourself. This time, the silver haired prince stood there, beaming at you and holding out the shoe you had lost in your rush that night. You grab it and sit down after you see he has his skates on. 

"I remember that woman that registered you for the competition. She seemed like someone you trust a lot. So I searched around for her hopping she would give me your contact information. It was her idea to call you over." He offered you his hand and you made your way to the rink. 

You dance together in circles, his arm firm on your waist as he dipped you down. Placing your arm around his neck, you brought yourself back up and he placed his forehead against yours, looking lovingly into your eyes. 

Neither of you noticed Yuko, hiding away in a corner, clapping silently to herself, and trying to keep her happy tears contained.

[silversatin2105]

Shaman King fic: Can you help me ?(Akina Asakura (my Hao’s daughter FC) Asking for directions to the Asakura house) CH 5

CHAPTER END-TO BE CONTINUED IN REVELATIONS OF THE SOUL

As Akina slept from her ordeal she traversed the realm of her mind looking for answers, She wanted to know who the girl who attacked her was and more importantly their intentions, At this moment it felt like a battle of knowledge as anything would help her reach the truth.

After searching the realm of her mind for what felt ages, Akina comes upon the image of a lit torch, An odd lit torch as It burned whist the rain fell around her mind, more to the point the torch was an odd shade of red, Akina approached the flame as it began to speak to her.

“Its been a while, Lady Asakura” The flame spoke to the young shaman as it turned into a spirit phoenix, Blazing wings spreading from its visage covering the floor with scorch marks.

“How do I know you?” Akina questioned the flaming phoenix as it preened its feathers making fresh scorch marks upon the land, the phoenix let out a sarcastic laugh before gazing at Akina again with a knowing look.

“We have been a part of each other since you were very young; I and my twin were gifted to you and your sister by Hao on your third birthday, each of us integrating with your very soul and since then we in someway became a part of you” The phoenix explained looking at the wide eyed shaman in front of her as the phoenix took human form, She looked like Akina in all ways but she had fiery red hair, crimson silted eyes and a red aura.

“You look like me, how is that possible” Akina went on to speak before being bonked on the head for her stupid question as the phoenix crossed her arms and fixed her kimono, Akina winced from the bonk and then looked up at the phoenix.

“Have you not been listening, In essence I am you a flame sealed in your soul, to do so one must perform a forbidden ritual to combine two souls, Most of the time it fails and nothing comes of it but you and your twin intergraded with us, I entered into this willingly but my counterpart didn’t she over took Rei and plans on using her to overthrow The shaman king Hao, What will you do? Join her or defy her” The phoenix asked looking at Akina with a deep growl hoping for the right answer.

“Alright, Alright I get it but your making it sound like I have to kill her to stop her, I will not do that, I refuse to take the life of another “ Akina sternly remarked looking at the phoenix as the humanoid phoenix took flight charging for Akina taking her by the neck, unlocking the seal on her memories.

Akina screamed in pain as moments from her past flowed into her head, Moments of her and Rei training as girls and in each Rei not only beating her but taking it too far, Of the nights Rei would demand Akina join her on her plan, Of Rei treating the local spirits as nothing but tools and of Reis plan to burn the world to ashes and begin anew, Rei only letting Akina on the plan if she swore full allegiance to her, It all came to a head in one memory as Hao ordered Rei to leave the training room as Rei had burned Akinas back.

Memory after memory showed Akina the truth of her sister, until that fateful training session that ended in Rei packing to leave, She would demand that her twin leave with her to pursue her path of destruction, A plan that was halted as Hao ambushed Rei and sealed her away underground, The last thing Akina hears in the recollection of her memories is Hao speaking a chant whist holding a hand on her head, And after that all future memories were as if she was an only child.

“No way, Father did all that….” Akina spoke in dismay backing away from the phoenix as the phoenix looked down on the young shaman in her presence, Ready to attack at any moment, She showed her the truth of her past now she wanted to know if Akina had the resolve.

With that began the hellish battle of wills within Akina, Sparks flew towards her as Akina dodged them, One by one the flames spread within the realm of Akinas mind leaving only a ring of un burned ground between her and the phoenix, With one more charge the battle had been decided.

“Enough I will not kill my sister, I will not as it isn’t her, Instead ill banish your twin from her soul” Akina resolved as her and the phoenix clashed one last time before the phoenix took human form again, with a smile the Phoenix covered both her and Akina in red flames.

“I see your resolve and will endeavor to help you and besides I had the same idea, I will help you on the grounds that you free me the moment our task is done we phoenixes must return to the natural order, now what do you say Lady Asakura do we have a deal?” The phoenix asked the shaman as they both were covered in flames.

“I accept these terms now come to me and burn away the lies so that only truth remains, Set fire to the rebellion your sister has wrought and secure the future for none shamans and shamans alike” Akina vowed as in reality her hospital room became engulfed in flames, The flames burning all but her and cauterizing her wounds, Eyes open Akina stood as the emblem of the phoenix adorned her body.

“We have work to do” Akina spoke out wrapping herself with a blanket from her hospital room, Yuko who kept an eye on her looked at her with wide eyes and questioned what had just transpired.

“I am okay Yuko I know the truth now come with me” Akina ordered in a determined tone leaving with her, disappearing into the night as she would search for her father and the way to undo what had been done to her and her sister.

And with that a frozen fate had began to thaw as blood was to fight blood, Who would be the victor though, Who would win between the twin flames.

(This part will conclude part one of the Akina and Rei trilogy, The next chapter begins phase two and this will be written in due time, Till then please enjoy this chapter)

CHAPTER END-TO BE CONTIUED IN REVELATIONS OF THE SOUL

[writingpaperghost]

There is a Me Who Can Become Strong (Chapter 16)

Chapter 16: The Paradox of Defeating M

The CR get clarification on Emu's status as Bugster. While fighting the Bugster, though, Ex-Aid does something... strange.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/32857183/chapters/83607565

The most notable thing about the next morning was that Emu was late. Or perhaps he wasn’t going to show up at all, after the previous evening. Saki wouldn’t blame him. As much as she was probably right about being worried, she shouldn’t have pushed him so far. She could see that he was getting worked up and stressed, yet she still chose to try to see what was wrong.

She was worried though, given his lack of appearance. He was rarely late – perhaps due to his ability as a Bugster to teleport. It was entirely possible that he simply chose not to come today, given his hesitance to tell her what he truly was. Perhaps he was truly worried she would react badly.

Haima, on the other hand, was certainly, extremely worried. “Hojo’s late,” He fretted, “Why? Did Gemn get to him on his way here?”

“While a possibility,” Saki responded, “I doubt that is the case. He may simply not come today, as unfortunate as that may be.” Another person who chose not to come to the CR today was Nico. Even though it would be easier to keep an eye on her, she insisted on staying at Taiga’s clinic.

Curiously, Poppy asks, “Why do you say that?”

Which leads Saki to a terrible dilemma. She doesn’t want to reveal Emu’s secret without his permission, but she also doesn’t want to keep Poppy and Haima in the dark. Not to mention, if anyone would know about pretending to be human, it would be Poppy, even if Asuna was a persona, not exactly based on any real person, to their knowledge. It would also be best to alleviate Haima’s stress before it finds a way to cause him any problems.

Taking a deep breath, Saki answers, “After the fight yesterday, I found out something rather… important, about Emu. He’s been hesitant to share, and I’m hesitant to tell you, but I believe it’s best if you know.” She takes a moment, hoping to come up with a good way to phrase this. Perhaps, though, tearing the bandage off, so to speak, may be the best. “Emu, you see, is a Bugster.”

For a moment, they both just stared at her. Then, Poppy recovers, gasping and pressing her hands against her cheeks, “Put!?” Her vocabulary suddenly gained a large amount of ‘p’ sounds, “Pemu’s a Pugster?”

As if on cue, footstep begin to walk up the stairs, slow and hesitant. Everyone turns their attention to the stairs, watching as Emu slowly emerges. He glances about the room hesitantly, running a hand through his hair. Saki wonders how much he looks like the real Emu.

“Um, sorry I’m… Late,” He says hesitantly.

In response, Haima eloquently blurts out, “Bugster!”

Which prompts a startled look on Emu, as he hurriedly looks around, “Is it Revol again?” Then he blinks, looks at the three of them, then sighs. He glances at Saki and asks, “Oh, I guess you all know now, huh?”

Saki nods, “Nico told me last night, though I do believe you’d been trying to tell me,” She said, “I told Haima and Poppy just now. I thought that they should know.”

Excitedly, Poppy asks, “So you’re a Bugster, Emu?” She jumps towards Emu, who takes a startled step back, “What game are you from?”

“Um, yeah, I guess, and uh, Perfect Puzzle and Knockout Fighter? I guess?” At Poppy’s surprised face at his response, he adds, “Or Emu, I suppose, since I didn’t even think I had a game until I tried using that blank Gashat.”

“That reminds me,” Saki begins, “Nico mentioned that you’ve been around for sixteen years?”

Chuckling in a bit of a nervous manner, Emu responds, “Yes, but I’ve only had my own body for six,” He tugs at his sleeve a bit, “Before that, I only ever really existed to Emu.”

A silence sits, for a moment, before Haima points out, “That means you’re older than Poppy,” As if it weren’t an obvious fact, given Poppy’s only existed for six years, “But how come we never knew?”

Emu blinks, “Because Emu never really had any negative effects of Game Disease? The only reason we were separated when we were was…”

“Zaizen,” Saki finishes, “Emu was the one he operated on.”

“Yeah…” He rubs the back of his neck nervously, “So, uh, I guess the whole part where those Next Genome scientists became Bugsters is sort of my fault? I hadn’t exactly meant to but…”

Poppy frowns, “Emu, that’s terrible. How come you never told anyone?”

The look that he gives in response told that he felt the question had a rather obvious answer, “Because at the time I didn’t know whatI was. And then when I did, I decided that it would probably be better not to risk it.”

“I suppose that’s fair,” Saki responds, “Though you really don’t need to worry, not at this point.”

“It’s not like we didn’t already know there was something odd about you,” Poppy adds, “I mean, you can’t even use a Gamer Driver!”

He responds quietly, “I… yeah…” He’s silent for a moment, before saying, “I should have told you.”

Saki sighs, “While it’s disappointing that you felt you couldn’t tell us…” She gives him a kind smile, “I just hope there can be no more secrets between us.”

Emu laughs, “I promise, no more secrets,”

Sheepishly, he just runs a hand through his hair and changes the subject, “Anyway, are you and Nico okay after yesterday?” He looks at Saki, “After trying to fight Ex-Aid’s new form… I forgot to ask you guys before I… left.”

Assuring, Saki nods, “We’re fine, though Ex-Aid’s new form will certainly be a challenge.”

Tapping his chin in thought, Emu sighs, “If only Nico could fight Revol, then I’d say that you two could try to deal with him. I think my Level 20 would at least be a little better match to Ex-Aid’s Level 50.” His other hand digs into his pocket, producing the Perfect Puzzle/Knockout Fighter Gashat. He glances at it, “But as it is, that’s not going to work.”

“Maybe we can try talking to Yuko?” Poppy suggested, “If the reason why Nico can’t effect Revol really is because of Yuko’s perception of her, then maybe we could change it.”

“Perhaps,” Saki considered, humming, “Though I get the impression that it won’t be quite so easy.”

“I can try,” Emu offers, “You’re probably right about it not being easy.”

Poppy grabs his arm, “But first!” She declared, “Since Yuko’s still asleep, you should come see my cabinet!”

The inside of Poppy’s cabinet is as cheerful and colorful as the outside. For the most part, there was only one wall that wasn’t somehow visible through the screen to the outside. Though, Emu had to admit it was… odd. He’d never really gone inside something, like this. Poppy did it all the time, but Emu hadn’t even known he could do it, until he saw Poppy do it. Even then he’d never bothered trying.

Once Poppy was done showing him every detail of her cabinet, she jumps out, then looks at Emu expectantly. He blinks, “Poppy,” He begins, then looks away sheepishly, “Um, I… don’t know how to get out.”

“Oh!” Poppy gasped, “Hold on, I’ll help you!”

It took Poppy half an hour of teaching for Emu to figure out how to get out of the cabinet.

Later, once Yuko had awoken, Emu found himself in the patient room, Asuna by his side, attempting to convince Yuko that Nico would be fine and could handle herself. A feat easier said than done, because Yuko was terribly stubborn, Nico had been plenty right about that. Yuko’s sitting up in bed, stubbornly not listening.

Emu had his work cut out for him, “I know it seems like Nico isn’t… well suited for this-”

“Because she’s not,”

“-But she’s really proven her skills as a Rider.”

“Has she?”

Some part of Emu thought that she hadn’t listened to a word he’d said. She probably hadn’t, given how she acts. Still, he wasn’t about to give up, they really needed Nico’s help. Gemn and Ex-Aid were both too strong, with Revol bordering on the edge. They hadn’t seen Revol fight much, but they knew that he’d be harder to fight than last time.

Taking a deep breath, he reminds her, “Nico is more than capable of being Snipe,” Then, more forcefully, he adds, “And she’s worried about you, even if she isn’t good at showing it.”

“I don’t know why she’s the one worrying,” Yuko scoffs, “She’s the one putting herself in danger willy-nilly.”

He needs a moment to stare at her before responding. After last night, he was still a bit tired emotionally, so he really, really didn’t want to blow up at her. But god was she making it hard. He takes another deep breath, and answers, “Yuko, she’s worried because you’ve been infected and we’re forced to work with one less Rider than our already one less Rider team, because your view of Nico seems to make it impossible for her attacks to do anything to Revol.” He levels her with a serious look, “We just can’t be having that right now.”

Admittedly, he could probably have phrased that all better, perhaps in less a blunt manner, but he really didn’t have the energy to right now. He was still a bit tired and frankly, didn’t feel like dealing with this.

Crossing her arms, Yuko just shrugs, “Whatever,” She rolls her eyes, “That’s not my problem.”

“It really is,” He shakes his head, “You’re the one who will suffer because we aren’t able to do our jobs properly. If we can’t defeat Revol, you die. And fighting Bugsters is a part of our job, Saki, mine, andNico’s.”

Yuko doesn’t respond, instead huffing and looking away. Emu shakes his head, figuring that he’s not going to succeed in convincing her of much. So with that, he leaves.

At some point while he was trying to talk with Yuko, Nico arrived at the CR, looking rather annoyed. When he walks up the stairs, she looks at him, “No luck, I bet?” He shakes his head in response, prompting her to continue, “Yuko’s really stubborn.”

Saki sighs, “I just wish Nico would be in a better position to fight against Revol…” she shakes her head, “I suppose what we’ll have to do is let Emu fight Ex-Aid, then Nico can deal with Kuroto if he’s there, if not she can help Emu. I’ll deal with Revol.”

“Not like I’ve got a better plan,” Emu agreed.

---

“Feeling better, Mu?” Kuroto watches Mu peek out from under the blankets of the nest. When they’d returned the evening before, Mu had made his way there and curled up. Kuroto wasn’t sure why he’d had such a reaction to the Mighty Brothers XX Gashat, but it was a bit worrying. Mu hadn’t exactly said much about how he’d been feeling, other than not good.

“Yeah, I guess,” Mu responds, coming out from under the blankets. He rubs his eyes a bit, “It felt like… I don’t know.”

Kuroto considered his words for a moment, “Perhaps you shouldn’t use the Gashat again until I can figure out what’s wrong with it.”

At that, Mu seemed hesitant, “I don’t know…” He considered it for a moment, “Let’s see if maybe it was just a result of using it for the first time?”

“Are you sure?”

With an uncomfortable looking smile, Mu nods, “Yeah, besides, it only started bugging me after, not while I was still transformed, so if it’s still a problem, it won’t be much of one until after the fight.” Despite his attempts to be reassuring, Kuroto clearly wasn’t too convinced.

After a moment, he sighed, “Fine, but if it starts causing problems sooner, tell me.”

“Okay!”

---

Just like before, Revol targeted Nico while she was out and about. And just like before, Saki and Emu were there to help. They doubted that Emu’s attempted conversation with Yuko did little to effect Nico’s ability to fight the Bugster.

Of course, with the Bugster, was Kuroto and Ex-Aid. Which was probably overkill since Ex-Aid alone had been able to defeat both Nico and Saki. But Emu had a tentative plan to deal with that. Or well, the entirety of the plan was to fight Ex-Aid himself and let Saki and Nico deal with Gemn and Revol. But it was better than nothing, and he might at least stand a chance against Ex-Aid.

Though Kuroto quickly transformed, prompting Saki and Nico to do the same. Ex-Aid, though, hesitated for a moment, glancing down at his Gashat. Briefly, Emu wonders if it has something to do with his and Kuroto’s sudden departure yesterday. Still, Ex-Aid activates the Gashat and transforms, taking on the form that looks a like a Level 1.

Following suit, Emu transforms into his Perfect Puzzle form, knowing that brute strength probably wouldn’t do him much good. No, he’d need more of a strategy on his side, rather than strength, if he wanted to defeat Level 50.

Though Ex-Aid did not seem to have a specific desire to fight Emu, he still seemed to be putting an effort in. Emu blocks an attack from his sword.

They’re close at the moment, and were it not for that, he probably wouldn’t have heard the strange question that came from Ex-Aid, “Why did Graphite give you that Gashat?” It seemed he too knew of Graphite’s no longer death. Though that begged the question why Graphite hasn’t helped him or Kuroto. “And how did you give it data? Only a Bugster should have been able to do that-” With his last question, Ex-Aid seemed to have come to an answer. He pushes back on his sword, knocking Emu away.

For a moment, Ex-Aid just stares at Emu, before reaching for the lever on his Gamer Driver. He hesitates, for a moment, before flicking it over and splitting in two. This fight just got a lot harder.

---

“I want to see Nico,” Yuko demanded, “To make sure she hasn’t gone and done anything else stupid.”

Asuna just gently put a hand on her shoulders, halting her attempts to get out of bed, “You need to rest.”

Yuko scoffs, “What rest will I get while she’s out gallivanting like some crazy person?”

Sighing, Asuna relented, “If I take you to Nico, will you rest afterwards?”

“Yes!” Yuko huffs in response, “Let’s go!” As Asuna helps her out of the bed, Asuna mutters something about stubbornness.

When they arrive at where Nico and the others are, Yuko doubts that Asuna had intended for her to see the fight. The one she can identify as Snipe – so Nico – along with a lighter blue one was fighting some black and white guy. A different sort of blue one was fighting two guys, one cyan, one orange.

Though Yuko’s eyes mostly went to Nico. For some reason, she kept fighting that guy, even though she was clearly out matched, but why? It was so stupid, clearly she didn’t have an ounce of self-preservation.

Asuna places a hand on her shoulder, “Nico’s fighting for you,”

“What?”

“She can’t fight Revol directly, but she can fight Gemn, make sure he doesn’t interfere with the defeat of your Bugster,”

Revol. Most likely the strange monster over there, not really doing anything. Yuko doesn’t understand it but… She knows she wants it gone.

She watches Nico intently, how she keeps a distance and tries to dodge as many as that Gemn’s attacks as possible. Then when she sees an opening, she uses it to attack, still able to keep her distance. Perhaps….

Maybe Nico was more suited for this than she had thought.

The one weird blue one was knocked back, down on the ground by the pair of Riders. Gemn gets a good hit on the lighter blue one and knocks her down, her transformation disappearing, revealing Saki, as two Gashats clutter to the ground. Nico attempts to keep him from getting much closer, only for him to run up and knock her down too, her transformation disappearing. Gemn leans down and picks up the Gashats that Saki had dropped. Right as Yuko’s about to worry he’ll do the same with the three that Nico dropped, one of the pair of Riders does something strange.

Double Mighty Critical Finish!

Yet instead of striking one of the Riders, like one would think he would, the orange Rider strikes Revol, destroying him. Though Gemn sucks up the resulting cloud into his strange device, he looks at the cyan and orange Riders confused. Startled, the cyan Rider flips the lever on his Driver and the orange one merges with him. Then the armor disappears entirely.

The man in the hoodie from earlier, Nico called him Mu, once, sways on his feet as he makes his way over to Gemn “Kuroto,” He calls weakly, “It… It’s happened again…”

The armor around Gemn disappears, revealing none other than former Gemn Corp CEO – however briefly – Kuroto Dan. He appears concerned as Mu grabs his arm. Mu says something quietly and the two quickly leave.

Yuko rushes towards Nico, as the last Rider, Emu, untransforms, “Nico!”

Nico just groans, “I’m okay, Yuko, so don’t bother.”

She just stops in her tracks at Nico’s words. Yuko considers what she’d saw that day. Hurriedly, she blurts, “I’m sorry!”

“What?”

“I’m sorry for insisting that you stop being Snipe. I should have listened to you.” Yuko clarified, slowly, “I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you, but I’ve clearly seen that I was wrong.”

Blinking, Nico sighed, “If you say so,” She pulls herself up, “Just stop pestering me about being Snipe, alright?”

“Alright,”

---

Kuroto watched Mu curl up under his blankets in the nest, “Mu,” He called softly, “What happened with Revol earlier?”

Mu glances over at him, “I don’t know,” He answered, pulling the blankets closer, “For some reason, the second player just… Decided to get rid of Revol. But at least we still got his data.”

Considering his words, Kuroto nods, “I suppose,” Then he holds his hand out, “Mu, I’d like to check over the Mighty Brothers XX Gashat, given the repeat of yesterday we had, and the mysterious actions of the second player.”

Without hesitation, Mu hands over the Gashat, “Okay, I hope you can figure it out,”

“Me too, Mu, me too.”

“What about Brave’s Gashats?”

There’s something concerning about the look on Kuroto’s face when he answers, “I have a use for Taddle Quest,”

[satoshi-mochida]

D3 Publisher and developer Felistella have opened the official website and released the debut trailer for “sword creation action RPG” Maglam Lord, providing our first detailed look at the game.

Get the details below.

■ World

Story

In a world where immortal gods and demon lords fight to no end to dominate the realm…

Killrizark, the “Demon Lord of Swords” who can mutilate and destroy even such high-ranking beings without question, was strongly viewed by both sides as the “enemy of the world.”

Eventually the Demon Lord of Swords became surrounded by an alliance of gods and demon lords, and was on the verge of being sealed by the Supreme God of Light, Granginion, and his mighty fist.

However, by the devotion of his loyal retainer and “Demon Lord of Iron” Balgackyn, he managed to escape from danger. The worn-out master and servant escaped their pursuers and somehow managed to reach refuge, but fell into a long slumber in order to regain their strength.

Time passed, and the Demon Lord of Swords who finally awakened was shocked to find that his strength had not recovered. That being the case, one should go around eating all the souls within reach to make a swift and complete recovery! The Demon Lord of Swords triumphantly swung into action.

But, what awaited him outside of his lair was a woman with a sweet smile and unfamiliar attire.

“Good morning, Demon Lord. The government has classified you an ‘endangered species.'”

Endangered Species

An endangered species is a species classified by the government as on the verge of extinction because its continued existence is difficult. To prevent extinction, official protection activities such as conservation and environmental maintenance are carried out. Other than the protagonist, the possibilities of other rare species such as fairies and sky beasts being classified as an endangered species are increasing. These species, who choose to hide to avoid the flames of war, live poorly and with bated breath, without knowing that peace has come.

Relationship Between Demon Lords and Heroes

Demon lords and heroes, who are both classified as endangered species, have a deep and fated connection. By defeating a demon lord, a hero can “awaken” and become a full-fledged hero. These species were originally supposed to despise each other, but the Demon Lord protagonist for some reason becomes partners with the heroes Darris and Sharm. Furthermore, there seem to be many secrets in the relationships between demon lords and partners, such as developing into a “potential marriage partner” relationship as you progress through the story.

■ Characters

Killrizark (voiced by Ryuichi Kijima / Akari Kitou)

A survivor of the now endangered demon lord species. They are known as the “Demon Lord of Swords” who can freely wield the “magic sword.” “Get in my way, and both the gods and the demon lords will be ruthlessly hacked to bits.” At the end of this wild behavior, they were subjugated by both sides as an “enemy of the world,” and went into a deep sleep to recover. They have no intention of changing their ways upon awakening.

Satius (voiced by Atsumi Tanezaki)

Grandson of the Demon Lord’s loyal retainer Balga. An inexperienced member of the demon lord species without a second name. They are making efforts to be a faithful servant in preparation for the Demon Lord of Swords’ revival. Although not gifted in the martial arts, Satius is skilled in black magic and knowledge, and willfully supports, admonishes, and watches over the Demon Lord. They tend to feel inadequate and often sighs.

Balgackyn (voiced by Hiroki Gotou)

An old general who was once known as the “Demon Lord of Iron.” Also known as Balga. Ever since being defeated by the Demon Lord of Swords, he has followed them as a loyal retainer. He used his body as a shield to help the demon lord escape their death, but paid the price by losing his body and becoming a powerless and peculiar creature. Although he still tries to be a loyal retainer to his lord, he often gets kicked around for being a chatter box.

Darris (voiced by Yoshiki Nakajima)

A young man of the endangered “hero species.” He has yet to defeat a “demon lord” and reach his “awakening.” While he is persistent about defeating a “demon lord” in order to be recognized as a fully-fledged hero, he seems to be burdened with a major handicap for a hero… He is blunt and talks nothing but trash, but deep down he is honest and considerate of others.

Sharm (voiced by Kaori Nazuka)

A young lady of the endangered “hero species.” Darris’ older sister. She has already defeated another “demon lord” and achieved her “awakening,” and is known by the name “Hero of Smiles.” She is gentle and kind, but flawed in that she excessively worries when it comes to her younger brother. It seems she made a mistake in the past and feels inferior to her brother because of it…

Officer Mamii (voiced by Yuko Gibu)

A government conservation officer who came to pronounce the revived demon lord an endangered species. In order to fulfill her duties, she is equipped with unknown abilities, including a method of defense that allows her to nullify the demon lord’s slash attack. Even so, she is merely a low-ranking public servant. Trying to proceed in a peaceful fashion only gets her jerked around by the demon lord’s gang, who refuse to listen to a word she says.

Maglam Lord is due out this winter in Japan.

Watch the trailer below. View the screenshots at the gallery.

[80srockher]

Yuri on Ice Rewatch and Live-Commentary, Episode 1: Easy as Pirozhki!! The Grand Prix Final of Tears

*There are spoilers throughout.  I also make assumptions that anyone reading has already seen the episode or has a grasp of the content.*

Source: http://yurionicescreencaps.tumblr.com

The opening scene is so pretty.  Really sets a tone.  I went in knowing nothing about the anime first go-around, so I found Yuri and Victor’s grow/glow-ups montages interesting.  

This theme song is… not my favorite.  Maybe it’s the French horns?  That and too much synth.  I usually skip over it but want to give it a chance this go-around.

Heh, Victor and his gold blades to match his gold medal.  And his European af haircut.  Can’t remember the last time I saw an American past the age of 12 with bangs. No mistaking him for anything other than Eastern European.

Also, the poster on the left is for Victor, I believe.  Can he pull his leg that high in the air?  Was that featured and I forgot?  I’ll be on the lookout for it.

Also, looks like Jean JACK made it to Sochi and placed third here too, lolz.

Yes, please listen to your coach, Yuri.  Don’t poke the wound.  Stay off the internets.  ESPECIALLY the figure skating internets.  What little I remember from when I used to follow the sport is that it’s dramatic, to put it nicely.

I keep getting distracted by the utter Euro-ness of the Europeans in this show. The cut of Coach Celestino’s suit is so Italian I weep. He’s too smooth.

Yuri’s name tag has his name in Cyrillic as well?  Cute.

My first impression of Yuri was that he looks about 18 and that impression hasn’t changed.  Perhaps it’s the glasses, but he def looks youthful. I’m also someone who’s been accused of looking a decade+ younger than I actually am, so I can sympathize.

Speaking of sympathy – Yuri caved to pressure, binged ate before the competition while mourning his dog, then bombed his first trip to the Grand Prix final.  All in front of his idol.  Damnity damn damn.  Sorry, kid.

Is Cao Bin ever introduced on the show?  Something else I forgot, maybe?

Now, when I first saw this poor child crying in the bathroom, that’s when I knew the series was going to be much different from the light-hearted anime about figure skating I expected.  It got real deep real quick.

Yuri Plisetsky “The Russian Punk”.  Is this something the in-universe media refers to him as?  Because I only recall (JPN) Yuri saying it and only this once.

This screencap is during the scene where the journalist Marooka (sp?) is hassling Yuri about his future plans and instead of answering, Yuri can only stare at someone else’s puppy that reminds him of his dead Vicchan.

This baby is crying. Cry.ing.  This has been a tough day for poor Yuri, overall.

And he talks down to himself so much.  It’s all his fault he caved to pressure. He was an idiot to think he could meet his idol on the same playing field.   He’s come so far and still thinks so little of his accomplishments.

So, I understand this “one year later” is not really accurate, lol.  It’s just the new  year following the previous season.  I was confused initially about a number of soon-to-happen events before Yuri’s mental alter ego cleared it up.

So, per Minako’s voice actress, Yuri really is pronounced YOO-RI.  Cute.

Four Continents is… not a Grand Prix competition?  My figure skating knowledge is all rust now.

LOL, Minako does. Not. Play. And she wears a pinky ring.  My God, that death grip on poor Yuri.

It’s snowing outside the train station when Yuri and Minako leave.  So, it’s not unusual to snow in this region in March, but it’s highly unusual a month or so later. Man, hard to believe Yuri sat around for almost an entire month before the infamous video became viral.  More on that, later.

So, based on everyone’s interactions with Yuri so far, the only person who cares that he didn’t make it to the World Championships is him.  And he should care since he’s worked basically his entire life towards that goal.  But, he doesn’t appear to have let anyone down but himself, though he doesn’t act that way.

So, the fact that the family hot springs is named “Yu-topia”… did that influence Yuri’s name at all, I wonder?

Ha!  I wish I could have recorded the Japanese actor’s voice when he says this line.  He makes Yuri sound so done with it all, lol.  It’s the best.

Ok, so a number of very interesting and entertaining things happen in succession that I don’t feel like screencapping.  No hug between the littlest Katsuki and the senior Katsukis, even though he hasn’t been home in 5 years.  Fascinating. No doubt cultural (I’m guessing) but fascinating.  

Yuri’s mom basically calls Minako a drunk.  To her face. LOL.  But I imagine no one can get mad at this sweet lady.

Minako calls Yuri out on his weight gain in front of God and everybody.  Though, I think it’s more of a matter of his clothes no longer fitting due to said weight gain.  

But, his parents don’t care. Eat more pork cutlet bowls, Yuri! Welcome home!

Vicchan’s shrine is where they also store the unused treadmill.  Want to bet the only person to use it was Yuri?

Then older sis Mari-neechan appears with frosted tips.  I can appreciate a character that doesn’t beat around the bush (a trait she inherited from her mother, I imagine).  Welcome home, Yuri, but don’t sit on your ass.  Start thinking about your next move.    

Actually *loads headcanon* I suspect Mari doesn’t want Yuri to give up on skating.  The longer he stays at home, the more quitting becomes a possibility.

So, the Katsuki family hot springs resort (Inn?  Restaurant?) is the last one standing in town.  Very OT, but I wonder if the hot springs are still an attraction at all and are perhaps, government-owned?  Protected, used by tourists for a fee, perhaps?  I think about things like that.

Having never visited a hot spring, and based on the setting around Minako while she watches the World Championships on TV, it appears to be a place for people to come, soak, and lounge and grab a bite to eat if the mood strikes.  So, the Katsukis wait on people basically all day long.  Gotta be exhausting work.

Yuuuuuko!  The Madonna of Ice Castle Hasetsu!  Yuri’s crush on her is hella cute.

A slight segue to Yuri’s perceived attraction to Yuko and what it could imply about his sexual identity.  Per his labeling of Yuko as a “Madonna,” I figure Yuri considers Yuko untouchable, perhaps even “too good” for him.  Yuko, just like Victor, is “ideal”.  For someone as self-conscious as Yuri, comparing any romantic prospects against his two ideals was probably a convenient excuse not to get *too* close to anyone, male or female.  That being said, he didn’t pursue Yuko.  Alcohol loosened enough of Yuri’s inhibitions to eventually openly flirt with Victor, but this is still an important distinction, IMO.  He pursued one of his ideals (in more ways than one, even going so far as to leave home to in hopes of becoming Victor’s equal) and left the other one behind.

Yuri idealizes/d Yuko, and comes to love Victor.  He’s gay.  Bi, at the least.  

I don’t feel confident in applying any other labels, because I’m a straight.  Yuri could fall under any number of categories as long it they include, IMO, same-sex attraction.

In actuality, Yuko is “introduced” to the audience as Yuri’s straight love interest, but that doesn’t last long.  Cute and clever, show creators.  Cute. And . Clever.

Then we find out, via flashback, a) how adorable they all were when they were little kids and b) Yuko wanted to see Yuri compete against Victor.  Yuko has been a profound influence on Yuri.

So, Victor.  This guy is in a class by himself.  The animators obviously invested a lot of time in his movements.  You can see why he leads the field even at 27.

Also, the creators had the nerve, the audacity, the unmitigated gall to compose an original opera aria for a cartoon.  That was my next indicator that this was more than a cutesy figure skating anime.  

The song really is beautiful, too.  Probably my favorite in the soundtrack.

Who’s the last IRL skater to win 5 consecutive World Championships?  Michelle Kwan, maybe?  Who is Kwan’s male equivalent?  Back then, probably Alexei Yagudin?  May research. May not. 

Anyway, Victor is the Michelle Kwan of YOI-verse lol.

Hmm.  Here come the three brats.  Good God.  Poor Yuko and Takeshi lol.

So sweet to see Yuri’s childhood bully is his biggest fan now.

Sooo, Yuko’s triplets secretly record Yuri’s private performance, post it online (sometime before April 10, when Victor shows up), and things progress rather quickly from there...

Or do they?  It appeared to me that Yuri caught up with Yuko at the rink the same day he returned home.  Did he skate Victor’s routine for her that day, as well, or did it happen later?  Perhaps the triplets waited a few weeks to post the video, or else it took a few weeks to go viral.  Did Yuri turn off his phone for *weeks* to avoid the world?

Maybe he got home on March 30 and then the whole month of April just went to hell for him?  The possibilities...

LOL, I’m so SO mad the title of the video is “Katsuki Yuri TRIED to Skate Victor’s FS Program”. Those brats.

This might be the most unattractive Victor’s ever looked.  Severe close-ups aren’t flattering on anyone.  Welp, down the rabbit hole now.  

So, in the next scene it snows in April which doesn’t stop anyone from stripping naked to bathe in a hot spring, apparently.  Or it just doesn’t stop Victor.

#moneyshot

I like this ending theme much better.  It’s a head-bopper.  The Instagram reel kills me.  

Thanks to anyone who took the time to read through this stream of consciousness!  No idea how long it may take me to get through the rest.  I tip my hat to those who regularly and passionately participate in fandom.  It’s a lot of work!

[thekaijux]

Fandom ask thing: Godzilla

Whew boy, I’ve beenputting this off for too long…

Let’s be real here: thisone HAD to be asked eventually. XD Since my Godzilla knowledge stems prettydeep, I’m going to do something akin to the Pokemon Ask where I’ll havemultiple answers per sector. So… Let’s begin!

Favorite Male Character

THE MATTHEW BRODERICKCHARAC– XD Nah, I’m just pulling legs here. Though truth be told, I think I’mgoing to emphasize more of the humans / aliens here as opposed to the monsters,if only because I feel like there are some very strong characters littered throughoutthe franchise that I feel need / deserve more recognition. But for anyone curious about the monsters, just know that Iabsolutely love all monsters from the Godzilla series and the greater Tohouniverse. <3

While a lot ofrightful praise goes to Dr. Serizawa from the 1954 classic Gojira for his complexity and torn humanity of what’s right (a la,keep the Oxygen Destroyer a secret or use it to kill Godzilla), I’d actuallylike to point to his quote-unquote “counterpart” from 1984′s The Return of Godzilla, Dr. Hayashida.He’s a man who went into the scientific field to exact his revenge on Godzilla,only to mature over the course of 30 years and let it go. Honestly, the dudehas complexity, and it’s a nice subversion to the whole “obsessiverevenge” trope. There’s wisdom and mystique to Hayashida that I don’t think hasbeen recaptured, and part of that can be attributed to the late YosukeNatsuki’s performance. Stellar work.

Likewise, for thealiens, a ton of rightful praise goes to the Xilien Controller from Invasion of Astro-Monster (or, Godzilla vs. Monster Zero). I think inmany ways, if he didn’t blatantly state that they were using magnetic waves andif humanity didn’t have the ability to pull a new weapon out of its arse, hewould have conquered Earth. While it’s still obvious he’s the villain, there’sa certain calculative, methodical cunningness to his personality (at least forbeing a 1960s Sci-Fi alien from a script that was written on the fly) that I thoroughlyenjoy each time I watch Astro-Monster. 

Favorite Female Character

Personal favorite ofthe G-series’ ladies goes to the Xilien agent Miss Namikawa from Astro-Monster.She’s a stellar femme fatale who, in many respects, helps save the world at theend of the day. Being played by the beautiful Kumi Mizuno really helps, haha.

Additionally, KatsuraMafune is another great addition to the Godzilla series. While the executionwasn’t perfect, I do enjoy the melodrama of Terrorof Mechagodzilla, and Katsura’s arc was easily one of the highlights.

Least Favorite Character

Out of these… Myleast favorite I’m sadly giving to the Kilaaks. Granted, I think the Nebulansare also kinda on the low-ranking scale for me, but the Kilaaks are a biggerdisappointment to me because they felt like carbon copies of the Xiliens. Andunlike the Nebulans, the Kilaaks don’t have any new monsters! Well, there’s theFire Dragon, but that’s only a Kilaak UFO. Ghidorah reaaaaaally could’ve used the help there! Now that’s not to say I absolutely loathe themor despise them; but then comes the issue that they’re too bland to even beangry about. XD

Favorite Ship

Glenn and Namikawa,easily. ;) Even if the screentime for their relationship is sparse, you do geta feeling from those two, especially when Namikawa’s killed. Glenn’s reactionis damn well genuine and leads toprobably one of my favorite lines from the movie. An alternative, if I had togive any, would be Miki and Godzilla. :P

Favorite Friendship

JET JAGUAR IS EVERYONE’SBEST FRIEND SHUT UP.

Okay, whew… Stillstrictly speaking humans, this one is generally harder for me to pin down whatmy favorite friendship would be. If I had to go off the top of my head, thesibling relationship between Shindo and Naoko in Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster is a lot of fun. Dare I say, Ithink the good guys from Ebirah, Horrorof the Deep (or, Godzilla vs. the SeaMonster) are a treat to watch interact. Same could be said for theprotagonists of Godzilla vs.SpaceGodzilla, even if the movie is rough on the edges.

Favorite Quote

For the sake of my ownsanity, I’m only going to roll with one—and I think everyone can take a goodguess to what it is.

“Nature has a way sometimes of reminding Manof just how small he is. She occasionally throws up terrible offspring’s of ourpride and carelessness to remind us of how puny we really are in the face of atornado, an earthquake, or a Godzilla. The reckless ambitions of Man are oftendwarfed by their dangerous consequences. For now, Godzilla - that strangelyinnocent and tragic monster - has gone to earth. Whether he returns or not, oris never again seen by human eyes, the things he has taught us remain…”

Worst Character Death (if any)

Katagiri’s death, nodoubt. Being the personal target to the King of the Monsters himself? You knowyou’ve done goofed. It’s even worse in the manga adaptation.

This made me so happy you have no idea Moment

It’s hard for me toimmediately recall a moment with the human characters that made me flee gleefuland excited… Though a moment that immediately comes to mind is Yuko’s speechfrom Mothra vs. Godzilla (the ’64 film).Ya’ll should know what I’m talking about.

Saddest Moment

OH LORDIE, SEEING MIKISAD MAKES ME SAD. ;_; I also have to point out Akane Yashiro (even if she’sjust a bit angsty) and Sara Yuhara from GodzillaAgainst Mechagodzilla are incredibly depressing, especially Sara. She losther mother, with only a little plant serving as her last connection, and shewonders why she couldn’t be brought back with the same technology used forKiryu. Katsura’s suicide and Namikawa’s execution are also heavy hitters.

Favorite Location

Okay,so I’ll be honest, I’ve put this one off for so long, I can’t remember what Iwas originally going to say. Darn you past self for not leaving any notes! XDSo I’m just going to pull one straight from the top of my head: Birth Island.From SpaceGodzilla. Because that had a REALLY pretty and romantic sunset.

There,I’m done. XD Sorry it took this long to respond, just been BUSY. Ugh. But I hope ya’ll enjoy it! :)

[disturbingbookclub]

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[rosemaryentombed]

KO-D Blues: The Current DDT Main Event Scene

Anyone who first heard about Cyberagent acquiring DDT back in fall of 2017 knew that change was coming. It often does with acquisitions. Sure, the general understanding was that there would be more capital to float ideas and new projects, bigger paychecks for the personnel, but with great power comes great responsibility- more capital inevitably comes with more stakeholders.

Customers, as in the DDT audience, has been the longest and most consistent stakeholder at DDT pre-aquisition, simply because of the fact that up until fall 2017, DDT was a technically an independent whose business strategy tapped into the niche puroresu market that craved the absurdist, outlandish, and overall nontraditional approach at professional wrestling in a market that was flooded with similar content (don't @ me, but every Ace is the same kinda Ace across the big Five promotions, with a lil tailoring here and there). They have several sister promotions each doing their own thing, all part of the DDT umbrella, but running their own hijinks for their small, but loyal fanbases that buy the tickets and merch as loyally as any person consuming the mainstream content.

But after fall of 2017, they were no longer a successful indy, but now a cog in a larger machine aiming to make money. They were acquired, there's technically a new boss in the story, and even though at first it didn't seem like much would change, something has.

When Shuji Ishikawa won the D-King Grand Prix, I was livid for multiple reasons. I knew there was no way in hell he was gonna win the belt off Takeshita because by that point, it was common knowledge that Shuji would be over in AJPW the entirety of April for Champion Carnival. There was no way in hell a DDT could put their top belt on a man who had to disappear for a whole month, no matter how loyal he was to his mother promotion, bc that would have inevitably started a war between President Takagi and Uncle Jun. My pick was always Daisuke Sasaki, but some wanted Akito, some Yukio, the possibilities were endless because they're full-timers, and all of them amazing wrestlers, and we already knew Harashima was well on his way to lighter feuds and semi-main event status because his Ace days are coming to an end. We knew, but we didn't fret because other people were just are ready for an amazing push, but the victory went to the man who was already known to be a special attraction at Sumo Hall. There was a reason why HaraMarufuji had to drop those belts at Sumo Hall, and only half of it was to push Higuchi, because the other half had to salvage whatever dignity the men had left bc NOAH didn't book HaraMarufuji for shit and DDT could barely make do with Marufuji's sporadic appearances. Sometimes, it works out (like with Yuko), but a lot of times it just doesn't. So Shuji wasn't gonna win, we knew, but DDT management still played the game of thrones, and that led to the upset at Judgement 2k18.

The polls wanted Shuji. The fans wanted Shuji. Deep down, I feel like god wanted Shuji too, but no one can stop Management when it's high on one person regardless of how much the fans, the culture, the whole damn industry wants otherwise. Everyone else becomes an afterthought. People who have worked hard to keep the company alive are no longer in line to get a nice push. Suddenly, everyone becomes food for the top guy, no matter how good the build-up was for the other players, no matter how hot the crowd was for the opponent, no matter how willing the crowd was to forget that Shuji had AJPW dates to fulfill in two weeks, just because they loved the build-up to the Sumo Hall show and wanted Goliath of DAMNATION to come out as champion and give Ryogoku a concert to remember. But reality won in the end, and Shuji got pinned, and there went January through March, straight to the garbage because they fed Shuji Ishi-fucking-kawa to a 22 year old boy who can barely cut a promo and keep a crowd hot after winning a main event.

It's a tragedy from three ends because 1) Takeshita's literally a fucking novice who's only been wrestling for five or so years and is literally in the age group of the current trainees of the damn promotion, 2) he has no character or personality to speak of that people can get high on except the select few that enjoy his 'notice me Endo-san' yandere tirades, and 3) ... he lacks the spirit of DDT.

If DDT was all wrestling, everyday, I'd be watching NOAH's shitty booking and eating ice cream while trying not to let my soul slip outta my mortal coil, but that's not what DDT is. DDT is fully fleshed out characters and over-the-top storylines, DDT is gay-friendly and intergender-wrestling friendly, it's gimmick fuckery for everyone in the promotion, everyone gets to have more than one character, BOYZ shows run social critiques on heterolinis, YAROZ act out the hypermasculine thotheads, Ganbare lets Imanari have emotional meltdowns during ring takedown, TJP has zombies, BASARA has a deathmatch samurai for an Ace, and a wig is the crown for anyone who wants to be general manager of the promotion. It's content fuckery at its best, and it's fun. Takeshita Konosuke? He's not fun.

I'm not gonna try and dissect why he's not getting over, but the fact of the matter is- he's not getting over. And yet- and yet he's still being pushed like he's king of the world. Suddenly we're back in Sumo Hall, and the crowd's dead for Konosuke. A couple of weeks back, when Takeshita lost, he flipped. There was something there, a spark that came and went regularly since Takeshita and Endo began feuding, a rage that bubbled to the surface whenever Takeshita couldn't get his way. There was a character- a semblance of a character worth looking forward to because there was an unparalleled emotion there that was almost tangible.

But like a dying flame, the spark fizzled out, and we were left with an inconsistent character. Like is you mad? Is you happy? You never fuckin know with Take, man. The only consistent thing about him is his undying love/hate for Endo-san.

So Takeshita won, Shuji bowed out, and then Shigehiro Irie rolled up. Suddenly, there was some hope again, because Shige had his own storyline that made sense in the grander scheme of things. With Management so gung ho behind Takeshita, it was excellent storytelling to bring in the guy who has WORDS for the promotion who conned him out of a D-King Grand Prix spot, and had him consider quitting. But Shigs had his own story, his own reason for being, a freelancer like Shuji in his own right, but still tied to the Motherland, to DDT, at the end of the day. Still a heel, but a heel of the people- and if he wins at Max Bump 2018, a champion of the people.

Akito, on the other hand, is gonna be ten years in DDT next year, and he's one of the best wrestlers on the roster, but is still one of the most underpushed (understandable as his character is rather bland even if his skills are exceptional). Coming out with a bad Prix record, he then went on to question Shige's right to challenge. Like an older brother protecting the golden baby of the family, Akito stood up against a literal beast. And he lost. More than that, he was shamed. What's a person to do?

So what changed? Over the years, a number of champions have held the coveted KO-D. OK, maybe 'coveted' is pushing it. It's a hot title, aight? It's the top guy's title, whether that top guy for the moment is Harashima, Kudo, Ibushi, Ishikawa, Sakaguchi, Togo, Poison Sawada Julie, Dino or Mikami. But that didn't mean the title didn't change hands. For its eighteen year existence, its changed enough times for a title spanning forty years, but DDT went from zero to hero. Suddenly the belts weren't all jokes, the talent wasn't just here for the shenanigans, but for an actual chance to be the rightful King of DDT. So what changed?

Across Harashima's nine reigns over eleven years, he clocked in well over a thousand days. Takeshita is on his second reign, at 22, and clocked in almost five hundred days over eleven different defenses. The push is real, but the push isn't getting over. So I wonder again- what changed?

Everyone knows the worst civil war a promotion can get into is the war with its own customer base. The crowd died at Sumo Hall after Takeshita retained, and they were barely waking up again when Irie popped up. The story's there- the Old Guard of DDT having to deal with the new Management that came with the acquisition, Irie's need to show Takeshita that DDT is still what it used to be, even if Shigs is bitter and jaded that things have changed so quickly, the constant, nagging feeling in the back of every DDT fan's mind that 'jfc, we gotta deal with Takeshita again?” There's only so much a promotion can do until the push fails. We still have to fill up seats for Peter Pan. The hottest stable on the indies for the last two years was DAMNATION, but now that their push and hype was used on Shuji and Goliath's been slayed, what's next for them? Shige is almost certain to lost at Max Bump because anyone who slays Takeshita, will be slaying the Future and taking back DDT for whatever reason. That's not happening at Korakuen with a guy who's been MIA since December. Harashima's time is over. The generation of DDT wrestlers that came after 2005 are still lagging in the midcard, and times are... intense. We have a Sumo Hall double show coming up in 2019, and it looks like we really will be hosting Tokyo Dome if 2020 if we continue at this pace.

So what changed?

I don't want to give up hope yet because I trust that crowd sentiment matters to DDT, but with Takeshita's victory at Judgment, his lukewarm hype, and now the setup to feed heel!Shige to Takeshita in order to fluff him up as a face... it's not looking too great. Shige losing now means the Old Guard loses a warhound. One of the few things that can salvage his loss is Akito having a heel turn, but the turn hasn't been triggered in years, and seems unlikely even now when the moment is most opportune. There are... no challengers left for Takeshita with a proper build. The one man who was capable of running with his push had to lose to Mike Bailey. We're at a standstill right now- halfway to the dawn of a new era, but moments away from severe backlash because of the near omnipotent reign of a boy king who can barely keep his emotions in check around his ex-bff/love of his unfortunate life. Given, DDT didn't die even when Ibushi quit, so I doubt Takeshita's lackluster reign is gonna kill the promotion dead... but it doesn’t spell out a good future if there's meant to be a cycle of this lackluster character work.

Especially if they intend for him to be the Ace for good.

Alas, the main event scene at DDT right now is rife with mixed feelings while we prepare to work the five hundred other side-projects DDT has going, while preparing for a fall Peter Pan, with no clear picture of who will be the two men standing face-to-face at the last marquee event of the year. We'll see at Max Bump if Shige can win one for the Old Guard and take the belt off Takeshita long enough to build up other characters that can have formidable reigns, but until then, it's a rocky road. At least Smile Squash held it down for the crowd :/