#(< i found out this year that the characters have eng names and it feels so bizarre)

[3cookies4u]

[ID: A digital piece of fanart showing Mamoru Endou from Inazuma Eleven in his original Raimon goalkeeper uniform. He's jumping forward with one fist raised up and smiling with his eyes closed and mouth open. Behind him is a yellow lightning bolt which loosely matches the shape of his pose. The text "Inazuma Eleven" is written on the top-left area of the image, while "15th anniversary" is on the bottom-right, both in white and all-caps. The background is light blue with a halftone texture. End ID]

happy 15th anniversary to ina11 and happy bday to endou!! i love this series so much- it was one of my biggest childhood obsessions and i still cherish it <3

[ruumirmir]

𝘈 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘗𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘛𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴

Part I Part II

ੈ♡˳ Author's◇ note - Haha what if I pretended my shamelessly OCfied male reader was a character :))) Here's to me doing everything possible to build up my "reader" lore. Everything except actually drawing and naming him 😭 If you're curious about previous posts regarding my mans, you could skim over These!! Me when writing this: im gonna make up SO MUCH BULLSHIT about snezhnaya and the other harbingers.

𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 : ENG - Stephen Fu (Noe Archiviste from Vanitas no Carte) JP - Kento Ito (Dan Heng from Honkai Star Rail)

𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘥𝘢𝘺 : October 19 (Libra)

𝘈𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 : Northland Bank of the Fatui

𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 : Hydro

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 : Cygnus Venatici (The Hunting Swan)

A senior branch manager of Snezhnaya’s Northland bank. As a fatuus, he is formally well-known as the Venator Dux, who mans the Snezhnayan Order of Gold and Exchange founded by the Ninth Harbinger. He hunts in pursuit of the Tsar's vision, but his loyalties are far removed from her.

𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦-𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴

𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰 Ah, the renowned traveller, in the flesh. A visitor to each of the seven nations, while your reputation has run across the continent twice over. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. If you've heard of the Snezhnayan Order of Gold and Exchange, that'd be me who's in charge of it. I am one of the agents within Lord Regrator's primary circle of officials, so you may address me as Venator dux.

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘵: 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 I've been in my respective position for over a decade now, and for the last four years, have come across choice tales surrounding your name. A big fan of your work, really! Lord Regrator has had his interest piqued for a while now... so for the sake of civilized peace and alliance, let's get along... shall we? Try not to cause any trouble and I might consider putting in a good word for you.

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘵: 𝘋𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘬𝘴 A large bulk of my work is centered around days of scrawling pen over paper... but really, one can only digest hefty documents for so long. I've had my fill for many years on end-... now, I'd prefer to partake in more physical tasks.

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘵: 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 I fear the new batch of rookies are growing too lax in their combat training… perhaps it was my uninspiring teaching method today. As a Venator, it simply won’t do to disappoint them. Traveller, would you help a man out and join the session today? The trainees could do with a fresh perspective on things.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘵 𝘙𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴

No shelter to be seen... here's to praying that you don't catch a cold. Oh don't worry about me, I seldom get sick.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘦𝘴 I've always wondered how the real clap of thunder would feel in comparison to a shock of electro. Unless you want to volunteer for that, watch your step.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘵 𝘚𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘴 Eh... I've seen it once, I've seen it a thousand times. That being said, the nights that are covered in an impossibly slow curtain of snowfall are some of the rarer times I stop to admire it.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘯 𝘐𝘴 𝘖𝘶𝘵 Finally. Some real warmth to my face. I am but a simple man, languishing like a wilted flower in the absence of our sun's blazing gaze.

𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵 Actually... I think I might just prefer the miserable winter cold over this.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘐𝘴 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 What's with the aggressive breeze today? Does the Anemo archon have bills to pay?

𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 Good morning. I was about to stop by the city lake on my way to the bank and feed the local geese. You can come along if you'd like. Keep your distance from Tatiana though. She bites.

𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘈𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘰𝘰𝘯 On a slow lazy day, I'd be waking up around noon. Fortunately, the weekend is right around the corner, so I can do just that.

𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 Although the Northland "bank" closes to the public by evening, the building itself stays open till midnight for other classified affairs. So I may as well make the most of my break time before I'm needed again.

𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 Oh, I must've lost track of time. It's quite late into the night, so before I go, let me walk you back to whatever establishment you're staying at... Oh, uh- I'm... not sure I heard you correctly. You said you live... inside... a teapot...?

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳: 𝘚𝘯𝘦𝘻𝘩𝘯𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 It was the very first decree of order at the hands of Lord Regrator when he came into power as a Harbinger many years ago; to inaugurate a faction dedicated to rearing the potential he painstakingly carved into the foundations of the Northland bank. It is just as the name implies. An executive body responsible for developing economic policies and providing regulation, consulting, and forecasting of socioeconomic and business development, ranging from simple roadside shops to production factories-Oh, have I lost you? Haha... don't apologize, I've seen that expression a couple times before. In simple terms: we help run the nation's cycle of mora, trade system, and citizen’s businesses.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵 [Unlocked at Friendship Lv. 4] The title bestowed upon me, Venator Dux, signifies not just leadership but mastery over a successful hunt- or in some cases, a successful business strategy. The master hunter requires a discerning eye, a mind that can decipher the intricate patterns woven by our adversaries. Information is our ammunition, and knowledge is the silent arrow that strikes before the prey even realizes the hunt has begun.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘜𝘴: 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘴 Various forms of dance and song are the lifeblood of Snezhnaya’s festivals. During fall, you’ll find multiple dance troupes and clowns passing each village, town, and city to perform. I personally look forward to the dancers.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘜𝘴: 𝘓𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘺 [Unlocked at Friendship Lv. 6] Your little companion has stuck with you since day one? Truly? That is… a highly admirable trait, one that I will always stand by. Loyalty is not a mere pledge, it anticipates the unspoken desires of another; a commitment that transcends the superficial bonds of allegiance. I keep this ideal close to my heart... for only a single person.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 I was hesitant to use a delusion in the first place, so frankly, I’m glad to have been gifted this for whatever reason I was found worthy of. However… Lord Regrator harbours an uncanny dislike for my vision. It’s not something that has been brought up, but I can read between the lines.

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 You didn’t hear it from me, but I encourage the employees at the bank to keep a list of all the infuriating and rude customers. It’s to spice up all the sparring and combat practice sessions by naming and dressing up the dummies as people they’d like to kick- Ha!

𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 This wintry climate is harsh and unsustainable for various flora and fauna. The Charmomila flower doesn’t care about any of that. They’ll grow in obnoxious places if they want to. The real deal comes from the summer butterflies that feast on its nectar. After a while their wings turn a beautiful honey-yellow, which are harvested and brewed into the sweetest and most expensive nonalcoholic beverage you’ll find around here. I enjoy a glass of one semi-regularly on work mornings.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳: 𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦 [Unlocked at Friendship Lv. 6] He will have my sincere respect, always. Lord Regrator has built his empire up from a scratch in the dirt, something impossible to do were he a lesser man. His sacrifices of blood, sweat, and tears has bled into the policies that the bank stands on today. Money breeds imbalance and power, which in turn grants freedom and recognition if you are on the right side of the coin. Regrator is a utilizing man and he guards what’s his, zealously. He will take and take until his arms sag with the weight, and uphold his promise to give out the correct equivalents because he lets his value of fair exchange lead him like a vice. For as long as he stays true to his greed, I will be the hand that reaches forward to grasp what he desires.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳: 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘮 [Unlocked at Friendship Lv. 6] Lord Regrator expects a strict level of decorousness from everyone working under his name- from me to even the most forgotten grunts. It's nothing outrageous of course. You would only ever see the metaphorical boot-licking than a literal one. I find it a bit much sometimes but the public eye is nothing to scoff at. Especially to a man of his status. The Snezhnayan dvoryane make up more than a third of the Northland Bank's clientele- not to mention the stakes a couple of them have invested. And if there is anything that those feather-headed fools care about, it's posh theatrics. *Sigh* Still... I quite enjoy falling in step with Pantalone's politesse. He has a beautiful manner of speech that I've never been able to measure up to.

𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳: 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 [Unlocked at Friendship Lv. 6] …Why do I feel like you’re trying to fish for critical information...? Fine- I'll concede. It's your head on the line anyways. Lord Regrator is a big player in the system of underground businesses that connect Nathan and Snezhnaya. Technically it could be called a black market, but it’s mainly run by a small council of social elites from both nations. There are occasional hosted auctions, that my lord targets to buy out priceless artifacts from. I’m talking about lost pieces of history and endangered caged beasts over items with resell value. Now… with that being said, as long as this secret remains safe… so do you. It’s always me who’s dispatched to make sure it stays that way.

[ambersky0319]

Alright I need to destress AND kickstart my memory of nnt so! Gonna do a rewatch and write out some thoughts (inspired by @spacehostilityy and their rewatch posts, go check 'em out! 💜)

Gonna be using the tag #amber rewatches nnt btw ^^

Also might talk about Eternal a bit idk yet but keep in mind the rewatch is also to help me write that 😅 also also doing each post by episode because I ramble far too much at every little thing.

Enjoy the rambles!

Masterpost

Episode 1

Honest to god forgot about those flying sting ray things, and especially forgot they're one of the first things we see in the show!

The art? For the opening sequence?? Is so cool????

Like those things that can shapeshift in the forest Diane hides in are in there? And MAYBE Gerheade? Idk about her but one of the fairies look a LOT like her/has a dress very similar to the one we see her wear AND she's bigger than the other fairies

And are there any demons with feathered wings besides the blue bird like things? Because if not there's an armored character with wings like the goddesses (who only have 1 pair of wings in the art) on the DEMON side. Probably just digging into this too deep, but it'd be REALLY cool if that was foreshadowing Estarossa/Mael

I really wish Elizabeth had muscles and wasn't CONSTANTLY portrayed as being physically pretty weak (at least that's how it comes across to me - in fights she's constantly told to run/is never given any chance TO fight physically). Because she literally can't be?

Like Elizabeth has been walking REAL FAR in that armor and it is DEFINITELY not light. Do you know the strength she'd have to have to move that? She also slumps in it and her footsteps are slow/small so it IS weighing her down but the fact that she can move in it as far as she has - and probably up and down hills too without falling - is impressive

Anyway reminder to myself to show Elizabeth being physically strong in my fics from now on. This is canon now and no one can fight me.

Also the shot of Elizabeth on the hill in the armor with the sun glaring through?? It's such a gorgeous shot??????

Meliodas may be a shit cook but damn is he a pretty good server

Like mans got the entire tavern full and he's serving it basically alone cause Hawk cleans the scraps doesn't serve people booze and every customer is pretty happy and having fun (until they have the food lol)

I FORGOT HAWKS TAG SAID STAR BOAR AAAAASJDJFJDHF

Wonder at which point in time the whole telling your children "if you keep misbehaving one of the seven deadly sins will come for you in armor that's rusty from blood" because it HAD to be in the past 10 years, right? Unless people were saying that while they were still respected holy knights in which case,,,, ooof

But I'd assume a little after Zaratras was first killed

But also I wouldn't put it past this dude maybe coming up with it to scare his children lol he seems like a tired dad type

And here comes all the parts I hate

The groping and sexualization

Elizabeth is like. Fucking 16. And Meliodas DEFINITELY knows that. And just. Ugh

I do like Elizabeth in this color tho- the dark blue really suits her! It's why her uniform post-Meliodas' death is my favorite of all her outfits

How many talking pigs are there in Britannia??? Because Hawk's from purgatory and I figured THAT was why he could talk

And many other people get super confused/shocked by Hawk talking so it can't be common

When Elizabeth said with the most dejected face "no" after he asked if her father got her a talking pig Meliodas looked momentarily like "that bitch."

Let's be real he would've totally gotten her a talking pig somehow

Then he instant switches the conversation to try making her feel better 💜💜💜💜

I'm sorry, the order of WHAT?

"the Order of the Beard of the Mountain Cat"

Is this a translation error? Because if not... I have found my new favorite order and I am no longer worried about naming things in my own stories with ridiculous things

(also btw I watch in Japanese with English subs)

Wonder how the Boar Hat got so popular in this town in a matter of days. Like the booze is good sure but how tf did people find that out and who was the first person courageous enough to go poking around

Yknow. I'm surprised they didn't believe Hawk was the rust knight. I mean, the people who reported it had to be drunk right? Who's to say they weren't so drunk they mistook a pig in armor as the rust knight?

Damn Elizabeth is pretty agile! She's running across roots and jumping over things pretty efficiently!

Like as clumsy as she is, she still got some skills that they NEVER UTILIZE!

Also YOU CAN SEE THE FRAME MELIODAS GRABS HER AND JUMPS WITH HER I- HOW DID I NEVER CATCH THAT???!!

THAT SONG IN THE BG UUGGHHGHGHG

THIS ONE. I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH. MY HEART.

I forget if we go over how Hawk and Meliodas met/how far we go into their backstory

Like is he in on Meliodas being a Sin/previous Holy Knight or does he really just not know? (because there's no way Meliodas isn't at least a little wary of Holy Knights himself, hiding for 10 years no matter how in plain sight he is)

I mean. Elizabeth. Sweetheart. Your dad IS laid up in bed sick. It just so happens that the holy knights ALSO arrested the rest of your family and refuse to get your dad help (I think? Cause Merlin has to magically treat the king for his illness later and I assume the holy knights would be wary of letting a doctor treat him. Maybe Vivian was treating him?)

Unless Elizabeth didn't know her father was sick. In which case. Oooooooof. What a reunion later if that's true

Meliodas 🤝 Zuko : "That's rough buddy"

I forget what crime Merlin committed, because Elizabeth says the Sins are "composed of seven terrible criminals" unless she's not actually a criminal when they formed at least

Ahhh that's right, Elizabeth probably wouldn't remember the sins well because they had to leave when she was 6-

Although I wonder if Meliodas also tried to make himself scarce around her once she got to the age where she would retain memories better to avoid the curse activating somehow? Because I have a shit memory but most people do tend to remember things, even vaguely, from the ages 3-6 (my friends and I all have our earliest memory around 2-3)

Meliodas stiff as a board falling when Twigo attacked lmao-

It does make me happy to see some knights in Britannia, even if they're not Holy Knights, try to confront Holy Knights. Sure they backtrack but like, who wouldn't in the face of that power?

Twigo got awesome eyesight to see Elizabeth's earring from that far, nevermind it's DESIGN. Like damn I got 20/20 vision but I doubt I'd ever SPOT that

I was gonna say how tf did Allioni realize it was Meliodas/how would he see Meliodas' tattoo but going back his shirt was already ripped in that general area so! Continuity win!

He be shitting his pants too lol man was holding the most dangerous Sin up and yelling in his face, and he's SEEN what the sins can do

Wonder if he retired after this. I wouldn't blame him

PERFECT TIME KICKING IN WOOOOOOO

Also Twigo recognizes his face? And says "how can you look exactly the same as you did that day" Was he the old guard that showed Allioni the Sins' carnage? Or was he a Holy Knight that survived that attack?

I guess he also could've just been an apprentice Holy Knight too that recognized him but asking that question to me hints that Twigo tried fighting the Sins with everyone else

Netsujou no Spectrum is such a great song too. The NNT soundtrack is amazing

Is the tavern a recent development for Meliodas??? What was he up to before getting the tavern but after going into hiding?

This also brings up how I really don't remember what time in his backstory he meets Hawk. I just remember they met in jail

This town is in the boonies Twigo how long do you expect this trio to wait until you can not only get a message to the capital, but receive reinforcements??

Mama Hawk best murderer

Oh nvm she missed :/

"Was our meeting chance or Providence?" man I wish I could say for sure it was chance and she got damn lucky (it'd be cool imo to explore how things would've gone if she'd found one of the others first) but. With the curse and all... There's a VERY good chance it was Providence

"I hope it's a real one this time" - Gilthunder

Okay so... When does he get in contact with King then? I'm pretty sure we SEE them interact around Ban escaping Baste but like. Gilthunder would have to know that's where King was before that. When do the Holy Knights find and make a deal with King?

And that's my thoughts going through Episode One!

Don't know how often I'm gonna do these, maybe after Wednesday I'll do a lot more? Idk we'll see

If you made it this far, you're awesome! Lmk who your favorite character is and I'll do a quick drawing of them for you if you want 💜

[horn-of-leo]

i feel like i talk too negatively when going on rants here so i wanted to share good news :D

I rewatched the whole series again with my sib and it was honestly great to sort of go through the rollercoaster again, especially because she's never watched past the Sanctuary arc(I'm the only one who's watched it full through) so it was cool to experience it again with someone reacting for the first time plus we've made so many funny jokes out of the whole run

I'm gonna just be talking about the whole experience in here of what we've watched (cuz it will be the whole series)

Sanctuary Arc:

The good ol '80s anime, my sibs and I grew up with the English dub(the ADV one), and sometimes I see people saying it's bad but I don't think so, honestly tho this dub was probably the reason I had no clue everyone was supposed to apparently be young teenagers/adults since everyone voicing in this ver is obviously a 30+ year old man, I mean some characters do sound like they recruited the first guy they found at the office to fill in for the role and probably only told them the name of the character but never showed them what the actual character looked/should sound like(*cough* Camus) but other than that I think everyone does a great job. idk probably bias since I grew up with it but I'm telling you that no other dub will go as ham as the ADV one. It's such a shame they didn't at least get to finish the Sanctuary arc and only got up to 60 episodes. I actually got a little sad when we finished out the eng dub episodes too lol and I know there's the other one but I ain't watching it

ANYWAYS, it's honestly very funny to look at all of the fillers for this arc and just know the anime did not know what type of series it was going to be since the beginning, it's like they tried to do a villain of the week format since they had the basis of the mad grab for the Sagittarius helmet that was also apparently the most powerful cloth in the world and it turns you into a super saint that could destroy the world if taken into the wrong hands, and it's the only gold cloth in the world...until like another 20 eps in where they have to start writing around what they had and go with the manga continuity as best as they could

I really do enjoy the fillers that they have for this tho, because it not only gets the main five to like chill from doing the main plot for five seconds but it gets to add more character/bonding between them. One thing I really liked is that there is more development of Saori reaching out to them and making up for how she's treated them in the past since they're all already on edge with her since she was so spoiled and treated them like garbage when they were all kids. So to see them all gradually warming up to each other is great and it makes it more plausible that they'd want to still keep fighting for each other (as compared to the manga where they still hate her even into the Sanctuary arc and they only arrived to fight for their own personal reasons and tolerate her at best because she's Athena, it's so disheartening to read actually, like WHAT'S THE ACTUAL POINT THEN IF THEY DON'T EVEN LIKE HER???)

Another thing is that I really like is how they handled Shiryu's character arc when he lost his sight. As compared to the handwave from the manga, he's greatly affected by what's happened and might have to come to terms that he'll never be able to fight again beside everyone when something like the fight against the Sanctuary is so near. And it's a huge blow to the team as well that they basically just disband right there for a couple of seconds (but then get back a few eps later since the Algol vs. Shiryu fight was earlier and they still had a few more silver saints to get through).

So when the anime cuts back to Shiryu, it's shown he can't adapt to his life right away and is still suffering from ptsd of both losing his sight and the fear of being left behind that he's honestly lost hope that he'll ever recover. But after having his fight with Ohko(anime-only guy he's trained with as a kid) it kickstarts him find his drive to fight again and that even if he is blind, he's found out that it's not the end for him as a saint and his life in general too.

I did enjoy the other fillers about the others doing stuff too, though poor Shun having nothing to his name tho😭(he deserved to have something at least but I guess his character arc is a slow burn since he doesn't really develop as a character until near the end of the arc itself/later arcs)

Anyways on to where the ball really drops at the 12 houses arc:

No need to individually talk about every single battle lol cuz that would get so long and I don't really have anything else new to add while rewatching.

Personally, I think there's quite a dip to where the arc kind of peaks the first time around the Leo-Virgo temple where I start to tune out then basically get interested back around the last three houses where everyone starts to die for real. It doesn't help really that before Shaka's fight, we just have two long episodes of Ikki getting his ass beat and Shaka personally making sure Ikki is getting his ass beat which is a little funny and he was so petty for that.

But anyway after Shaka, it starts to drag a little going on with the Libra house then with Milo having the best anime original fight against Seiya/Shiryu to having the ugliest episode of the whole series.

Also sorry, I only liked the part where Seiya and Shiryu fight him, the actual fight between Hyoga and Milo I start to tune out. Honestly though, while the Milo vs. Hyoga is definitely one of the most disconnected fights of the arc, I did appreciate the fight cause it still is good for Hyoga's development (plus its probably to make up for him doing basically nothing the whole arc until now).

Skipping ahead to the fight against Saga, I remembered that Seiya has basically checked out since Aioria's fight(which I cannot blame since he did get super fucked up during so) but that last hour really hangs on for a good 6 episodes.

I think it was sad we didn't actually get to have the flashback where Saga turns evil since the anime team(godbless them) had to make up the craziest shit to fill in for the story, only for Kurumada to cancel out every single story plot they wrote so they couldn't possibly ever really try to even say it was Saga who was the pope for the last 13 years. Since they introduced Pope Ares as the first Pope's evil brother who has just recently took over shortly after Seiya left after earning his armor and was straight up evil for no good reason that it seems almost stupid any of the Gold Saints could even think he was a good person when the first thing acknowledged by both Aioria and Marin when he was introduced is that he was pure evil. Which isn't even the start of how they tried to write around that plot point for the anime afterwards where it gets even more confusing of where Saga really comes in the picture and basically settling that since it was a good 60 episodes ago, you'd basically have forgotten the lore they've written up to let it slide, which is fair tbh.

Also, I think the anime has a better conclusion to this arc since everyone joins up together to jump Saga at the end. Plus Saori got to roast him too so that was cool.

Asgard Arc

It felt very bittersweet to move on from the Sanctuary arc into Asgard. I wanted to give this arc a chance, unfortunately I still couldn't find myself really getting into it. Plus the subs are very bad around this part so it was hard to know what the characters names were and ultimately we just skipped around until there was scene that was either originally in the manga/final parts of the arc that carries on into the next one.

I guess it's not great for group watching when none of us are really interested since the changes of the artstyle/armor designs is a little disheartening to see. Plus the pacing was kinda of not great(?) like the cuts were way too fast or skipped to a wildly different scene from the last that we couldn't tell if we like missed an episode or it was the opposite where we just sat simmering at a scene of the characters acting like dragon ball characters for a good 5+ minutes for padding.

Personally, I do think the character designs are super great though and probably the only thing I wished that happened was that they all lived so their back stories wouldn't be completely useless to know (tho ig Siegfred could die since it had some reason to it, tho it's still kind of dumb how it happened) but I'd maybe have to go back to watch it myself to maybe appreciate it more but who knows? I just wish there are better subs out there that I could probably stand watching it.

Poseidon Arc:

Kind of a lukewarm arc tbh, I don't feel like I have anything else to add really on this rewatch.

I have my gripes about certain characters/stories in this arc and they've made some changes I definitely don't like. Main offender is the scene where Seiya take Poseidon's trident to shield Saori when this scene was originally supposed to be Kanon's redemption scene and ultimately it adds nothing because Seiya just walks it off. Though the only reason why I can guess they made this change was because I assume it would confuse people when Kanon comes back in the Hades arc and it turns out he survived but it wasn't known then and that arc wasn't animated until a good 10 years later. And I'm pretty sure the anime already knew it was wrapping up by then, so they chose to have Seiya take the blow and not seemingly kill Kanon and instead just left it more ambiguous if he was able to make it out of Atlantis or not when they sealed Poseidon. Though it's just my speculation.

It was a little sad to finally finish the whole 80s anime but I think it's good they at least got to finish up til the Poseidon arc. But other than that I think that they had a good wrap up with everyone being happy in the end and they gave Shaina great drip when they're all out in their normal clothes again, so bonus for that ending.

Hades Arc:

Man, this one was super long to get into. Gotta divide them up for each OVA. We're getting into the 2000s babey!

Sanctuary OVA:

I'll be real this one is literally so good. The opening, the animation, added scenes are super cool. The op definitely has that sad 2000s vibe but that's what makes it really good and it really captures the feels of the whole arc too and the song slaps so hard. I'll be real the 3D is a little cheesy and off-putting but they tried so I'll give it to them. I wish the OVAs all had the same quality as this one, it's really such a shame this one was basically as good as it gets Hades arc-wise. Personally, I think everything was done really beautifully during this arc, and I guess it helps that this part is mostly Gold Saint-focused. I really liked watching this part honestly, idk why it has this sentimental value to me, I guess it was just the opening lol. All the scenes just hit and its sad to me ;w;

It was a great comeback tbh, though I guess it's too bad that it's only downhill from here...

Inferno + Elysium OVAs:

I'll just combine the last two OVAs together, because not much good things to add afterwards. It's more of just getting through with it unfortunately. By here, I really can't get invested since technically everyone's character arcs are basically over other than just pointlessly fighting because they need to do so.

I think it was said that the animation studio changed or at least it wasn't the same one like in the first one, and it's super noticeable with how static everyone is and it really only gets worse in the Elysium chapter with its cheesy ass google slides transitions.

Personally though, I like the new voice actors (even if it's kind of sad we don't hear the old ones) but I don't think there's really a problem they've recasted them. I just think there is a point where it's very noticeable that the voice actor is too old for a role and it really doesn't fit anymore. Though the only one I actually have a problem with not fitting at all is Takahiro Sakurai as Shiryu(plus the guy sucks now apparently, but his pitch never fit Shiryu in the first place and that's my main argument).

I thought the opening is great and goes hard. I think it was good they decided to go for at least one upbeat song since most of the tracks are all basically ballads. Also the ending song for the Elysium OVA is so amazingly good, it's such a shame they didn't actually make a real animation to go with a song like that until the last episode(I mean if you just kind of count the slideshow of the characters as animation). This one plus the Inferno one didn't get an ending either unfortunately.

Maybe this was still kind of critical lol but it doesn't mean I hated it or anything, and honestly I think it's good I've found myself invested in something again after a really long time. I think honestly this show has really influenced a lot of stuff about my interests/my own art style too so I'm glad to rekindle my love for this series again!

Overall is the ending of Saint Seiya good? Absolutely not. But did I enjoy rewatching the series again? Absolutely :)

[yuurei20]

Trey Fact Sheet

(Voted 16th-most-popular-character on the jpn server (tied with Sam and Ace) in a combination of seven different character-ranking surveys held throughout 2021)

Trey’s aura is that of the big brother or protector of Heartslabyul dorm students, but the game guide assures us that “he has a dark side”. He can be gentle and often be found following up with victims at which Riddle has recently lashed out. He is generally not strict with Riddle himself, however, and is sometimes described as spoiling him.

Trey often speaks highly of Riddle. He is humble about his own abilities, saying, "There is not much I can do as a vice housewarden,” and "I am just for decoration." But there is no doubt that he is good at his job, capable of understanding whatever point it is that Riddle is trying to make much quicker than others. While admitting that there are several Queen of Hearts laws that don’t make sense to him, he has still memorized the first 350.

Floyd calls Trey “Umigame-kun”, for Sea Turtle. After Riddle’s enrollment in NRC Rook began referring to Trey as “Chevalier de Rose” (薔薇の騎士) for Rose Knight. Most of the students do not comment on Rook’s nicknames for them, but Trey has expressed multiple times that he does not like the name.

This is possibly because Trey seems to worry about what others think of him: in Deuce’s Wish Upon a Star vignette, he hides behind a pillar when two Octavinelle students begin to mock Deuce for his stargazer robes. The students leave quickly after realizing he is there, and Trey says outright that he “was trying to avoid being seen” while Deuce was dealing with the bullies, because “Dancing in this getup is embarrassing” and “Putting forth an honest effort for a fairy tale dance is just inherently awkward”.

Like Epel, Trey may also have some outdated ideas about gender roles, saying, "Men in particular can feel embarrassed and not want to do stuff like this, ya know?".

Much like Epel's lines, however, this was changed for ENG-server.

At the end of the event he comes around and says, “You were right” to Deuce, and that “This isn’t the time to worry about being embarrassed.”

Trey and Cater are self-described best friends, while Lilia refers to them as “partners” in Book 5. We learn in the Wish Upon a Star event that they roomed together for their first two years at NRC, and in a homescreen line Trey says they are always together because “I don’t have to worry about anything when I’m with Cater”, possibly insinuating that the embarrassment he can feel around others does not apply to Cater.

While he generally appears calm, it is because he usually does not express his innermost feelings in words or in his expressions―it can be unclear what he is thinking behind his smile.

Trey takes good care of his underclassmen and rarely becomes angry, but when he does, “he can stay that way for a while”, according to Cater.

In his dorm vignette, a group of first-year students tell him that making the same cakes all the time “gets a little samey” when he explains that he can’t take personal requests. When Trey recommends they try making a cake themselves, they agree, saying that baking would be “way easier” than doing lawn maintenance for the party.

At the end of the vignette, Trey has made a back-up cake to compensate for the culinary horror that is the cake made by the first-years, and he refuses to allow them to touch it without first eating all of their own cake-mistake, in revenge for their speaking down to him about the presumed difficulty and “sameness” of his cakes.

When Leona awakens from his overblot after it is discovered he and Ruggie were behind the events of Book 2, Trey's solution is to allow them to participate in the Spelldrive tournament, as Ruggie had injured Trey's ankle in an earlier chapter and a Spelldrive field is the only location in the school where the free use of magic is not against the rules. This pattern of preferring revenge over forgiveness seems to be characteristic of Trey.

He is also, occasionally, something of a prankster--despite his more mature aura--successfully convincing first Deuce and Ace and then Riddle that oyster sauce is a necessary ingredient of strawberry tarts, just for the fun of it.

Translation: "The red and black base-colors of Heartslabyul are accented by the green of the bedspread and rugs. All are designed in the same clover motif as Trey's last name. As befits Trey, two green hats are visible next to the desk."

He is described by others (and himself) as “ordinary”, with no particular skills. His PE vignette begins with Trey saying that he hopes to “squeak by with a passing grade” and it is all about “nailing that bare minimum” (he says in a homescreen line that he secretly does not enjoy flying), but he then shows extraordinary flying skills to rescue Kalim from a flying carpet mishap, much to the surprise of Vargas who had never before noticed his abilities in nearly three years of being his teacher.

When Vil compliments him on being an “exceptional second-in-command” to Riddle, Trey downplays his abilities as usual, leading Vil to respond, “Those with no appreciation for character would take your modesty at face value. Of course, if that’s the image you want to manufacture for yourself, don’t let me stop you.”

He is also very skilled at alchemy, his best subject. This may have something to do with confectionary often requiring prices measurements and attention paid to the reactions between ingredients, which is similar to the delicacy and precision needed in science.

His talent being “seasonings” insinuates that he, much like Azul, has a very discerning palette, though we learn from Trey that Riddle―the recipient of many of his creations―does not.

He is always humble when complimented by others and downplays his achievements, perhaps to stay out of trouble by remaining as inconspicuous as possible at all times. In the Twisted Wonderland novel, it is specifically mentioned that the true extent of Trey’s unique magic was able to take Riddle by surprise because Riddle had never thought to pay attention to it.

Trey’s family runs a cake shop, and Trey is something of a pâtissier himself. He has a “You’ve got to put love into it” voice line in alchemy classes, but tells Jade that “love has nothing to do with” the cakes and tarts that he makes for his dorm’s Unbirthday parties.

Trey has a younger brother and a younger sister. He is very adept at making meatloaf because of how often they would request it when he still lived at home.

He is very big on oral hygiene and uses different toothbrushes for different parts of his mouth, even teaching his Heartslabyul underclassmen how to best brush their teeth. He expresses sincere delight in learning that Sebek’s father is a dentist and asks to one day be introduced. When Deuce explains that Trey’s “hobby” is brushing his teeth, Sebek responds, “no matter how important it is to him, making it into a hobby is bizarre!”

He is not especially good at or fond of sports, but he is one of the main members on the Heartslabyul spell drive team and used to play soccer when he was younger (because his parents wanted him to start building up the strength needed for candy-making).

In a homescreen voice line, he says he is not particularly flexible. He first discovered candied violets―his favorite food―when he was very young, and says that he was so amazed by the concept of edible flowers that he started trying to eat flowers found along the side of the road, causing much trouble to his parents.

Trey, Riddle and RSA’s Chenya were childhood friends, though Chenya and Trey were only able to meet Riddle to play, in secret, for a short few months as children. Trey invites the two over to his family’s shop for Riddle to taste the first strawberry tart he has ever had in his life, but when Riddle’s mother discovers that they have snuck out during Riddle’s self-study hour she bans Trey and Chenya from the house, locking Riddle’s window (from which he had been escaping) and forbidding them from ever seeing one another again.

The two would not reunite again until Riddle’s enrollment at NRC.

On the JPN-server (and in the manga) Riddle’s mother becomes “ten times angrier than Riddle” and lectures Trey's entire family at their shop “for five hours” while they apologize for Trey’s actions.

This childhood trauma was changed on the ENG-server translation, however, to Trey being lectured for those five hours by his own family.

It can be assumed that this (JPN-server-exclusive) history between the two is why Trey is so lenient with Riddle and his treatment of those around him, which can vary from objectively unfair to unnecessarily violent. Trey’s choosing to his ignore various, underlying issues and focus upon improving Riddle’s mood may have been the catalyst that ultimately led to Riddle’s overblot.

Throughout Book 1 Trey’s decisions are often the rational choice while also serving only as temporary stopgaps to keep trouble at bay, without resolving the actual problem at hand.

In a card vignette Kalim encourages him to speak his mind and not keep his opinions and grievances to himself, but he generally does not. While not malicious, this was likely hurting his relationship with Riddle more than bettering it. Trey did apologize to Riddle for the part he played in Riddle’s overblot, and their relationship seems to have improved since then.

When Epel tells Trey how he has heard how kind and caring he is from Ace and Deuce, Trey assures him, “I’m not a very good guy”.

Trey’s dislike of mustard came from a game he played in his childhood with Chenya, where they would eat cream puffs with a one-in-five chance of one being filled with mustard instead of cream. He selected the mustard-puff, and has hated mustard ever since.

In episode three of the official Disney Games YouTube Show "Good Boy!", hosted by Crewel's voice actor Itou Kento, Ito and Kalim's voice actor Furuta Kazuki discuss the scene in the original Alice in Wonderland animated movie where the queen discover the card soldiers painting her roses.

Here is a quote from Itou: "Those three cards (who were painting white roses red) were the Ace of Clovers, the two of clovers and the three of clovers. When asked why they were painting the roses, the three of clovers blames the two of clovers. Perhaps there is a similarity to the calculating nature of the three of clovers in that scene to Trey’s personality?"

Trey’s unique magic “Paint the Roses” (Pronounced as “Doodle Suit”) enables him to “overwrite” something for a brief period of time.

Due to the way the power was introduced (and thanks to Trey’s downplaying) it seemed at first like it was capable of only overwriting the taste of certain foods to make them taste like other foods, but at the end of Book 1 we learn that it is powerful enough to overwrite―to the point of practically nullifying―magic as strong as Riddle’s in overblot form.

Some great artists for Trey fan-art and more (SFW, no story spoilers) Various Trey

Master Chef Trey and Kalim

Just Trey

Pineapple Pen Trey (animated)

Voice Voice Trey’s voice actor Suzuki Ryota (鈴木崚汰) also provides the voice of Lucius in the game. His past work includes Ishigami Yu from Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, Takamizu Hayato from Hero's Park, Yukimaru from Fena: Pirate Princess, Klaus from Magatsu Wahrheit: Zuerst and Riheet from King's Raid: Successors of the Will.

More info here

Additional Fact Sheets ・Riddle Rosehearts ・Trey Clover・Cater Diamond ・Ace Trappola・Deuce Spade ・Leona Kingscholar ・Ruggie Bucchi ・Jack Howl ・Azul Ashengrotto・Floyd Leech・Jade Leech ・Kalim Al-Asim・Jamil Viper ・Vil Schoenheit・Rook Hunt ・Epel Felmier ・Idia Shroud・Ortho Shroud ・Malleus Draconia ・Silver・Sebek Zigvolt・Lilia Vanrouge ・Sam・Crewel・Trein・Vargas・Crowley

[kaymarie-bell]

I know people are joking about chapter 7 coming in 2023 but honestly it dosent feel like a joke lol also any theories about mickey yuu and silver (?)

to be honest with the way twst JP handles chapter releases yeah, I'd say the earliest would be around winter 😭

I would love them to be like ENG server where they just church out content, but we have to remember that release dates are also affected by things out of the staff's control like COVID or the seiyus' own schedules.

All that's left for us to do now is wait patiently and enjoy the events in-between, so let's stay strong until next chapter 😭👍

Now onto the second part of the ask

tl;dr: a quick summary of the encounter with Mickey + my personal theories

a quick recap of the latest meeting with Mickey:

● Yuu thinks about how with everything else going on they haven't had a chance to speak with Mickey lately. The mirror immediately starts shining and he appears again.

● Mickey has been worried about Yuu since the last time they spoke was when Grim ran away. He's happy to know that he's back and we're safe.

● Yuu wakes Grim up, but it's clear that they are the only one capable of seeing Mickey since Grim said there was nothing in the mirror and went back to sleep.

● Mickey tells us that he can't see our roommate either, he can only see Yuu. Likewise, we can't see into Mickey's room either.

● Mickey tells us that it's a shame, since he would like to meet more friends in this "dream room." And then he says that speaking of friends, while Yuu was away he got to see a boy with silver hair and mysterious eye colour. However, the dream ended so quick that he didn't get a chance to hear/ask the boy's name.

● Mickey's alarm goes off and he starts to wake up and fade away. Yuu it's left wondering if "on the other side of the mirror there is a world of dreams...?"

Now, onto my theories regarding Yuu, Silver, and Mickey:

I've been expecting Silver to be brought into the main stage from the beginning. I knew that as a hero-aligned character (like Kalim and Rook) he would have to play a part in where he, most likely unintentionally, is some sort of trigger for Malleus' eventual OB.

I can already feel that the Diasomnia chapter is going to be a hell of an angst-filled ride too, seeing how the members of this dorm are basically a family unit. Here's something that came to my mind after the conversation between Lilia and Malleus in chapter 6.

Silver and dreams

I had to search around for a bit to confirm since I couldn't remember if it was a fic or it really happened but: Silver has seen MC in dreams before.

In one of the video teasers for Diasomnia he says something along the lines of "How strange, I feel as if I've met you before." Since this particular video came out like 2 years ago most of us either forgot about it or at the time assumed that it was simply a throwaway reference line to Sleeping Beauty's song "Once Upon a Dream."

However, after the latest chapter I strongly believe that Silver definitely has dreams similar to MC's. Whether he is aware of it or not.

I'm not too sure he is aware at the moment due to the fact that he is constantly fighting off sleep, so he could be unconsciously blocking out dreams in his efforts to remain awake. His sudden appearance in the dream room could be as a result of falling into a deep sleep for once after being tired from the fight with Charon.

What does this mean in relation to Yuu and Mickey?

Silver's past is currently a mystery, all we know right now is that Lilia found him alone and decided to raise him as his son. His sleepiness is something that has always been there as far as they're aware, and the cause is so far unknown.

I strongly feel as if the reason for Silver's constant sleepiness is going to be related to the source of Yuu's pseudo-prophetic dreams as well as their ability to communicate in dreams. And this connection could be have been created on purpose by someone pulling the strings from behind the scenes in order to guide us towards a "happy ending." After all, Mickey and Silver (or to be more accurate, the inspirations for him) are supposed to be on the hero side of the spectrum and it's safe to assume that MC is one as well.

Idia's rambling over the causes behind overblots has stayed in my mind, especially the "what if there's someone capable of manipulating people into OB?" even though he dismissed that thought immediately.

to be honest at this point I have more questions than answers like:

What's Silver's background? Is there some sort of curse in place? If so, is it only on Silver or are all of the cast affected as well? Why is MC the apparent key to solving the problems? Who brought them into Twisted Wonderland? How much does Crowley truly know? Is there more than one outside force trying to control how the story ends?

as an ending note:

not sure of the extent as to how much did other (meaning aside from the animated movies and the Descendants saga) Disney properties influenced the story, but if you have watched Once Upon a Time (the abc show) you'll know that a great part of the plot was centered around "the Author" whose main ability was "recording and/or rewriting reality with an enchanted quill" and wanting to give (some) villains a happy ending. 👀 👀 👀

also of note: "the Apprentice" from the same show who was based on Mickey Mouse's role in Fantasia.

I hope this made some sense??? I was granted an opening to talk about twst and got too excited, sorry if it was an incoherent mess 😅🌻

[diab-l-o]

The Tragic story of Klein brothers

Disclaimer: There will be triggering themes in this post, so Trigger warning ⚠ , and big spoilers. These are just my thoughts/ theories, and analysis regarding two fictional characters that I wanted to share with others. If you have your own thoughts on this matter feel free to share. I will be using what I noticed from my playthrough, current part in the story (Nokto Klein, CH 16) and side stories for Nokto and Licht We will be taking everything we as the readers, know from ENG/ JPN trailers, ENG Main stories and side stories I acquired since I don't want to spoiled anything for myself.

Rules I will follow so it will align with the analysis;

Nokto is 2 years younger than Licht. Obviously twins are more common to be born only few minutes apart, but there are rare cases of twins being 1 or 2 years apart,

Each of the prince made their own crest, i.e. chose the animal and color.

With this all in mind we can start analyzing the Klein brothers,

1 Character analyses

Before we can fully start putting pieces of their story together, we need to sort said pieces to get the idea where each twin starts and ends. We will thoroughly analyze everything about the twins, from their design to the symbolism associated with them. I won't be mentioning anything that I think won't tell us more about the characters themselves.

The name

Side note: Children are given name based on their looks; do they look soft, are they small,.. , actions; are they loud or quite, active or calm, even what the parents hope the kid will become.

Licht; means, light, candle or sunshine. A big contrast to the over all personality of Licht as we know. This makes me think Licht was the outgoing twin. Happy, full of energy and curiosity, nice to both people, and animals. These traits didn't leave him; we learn that he cares dearly about his horse Marron, found cliff deep in a forest, a place as he said "No one knows about.". But his benevolent nature is more highlighted time and time in his side stories, and glimpses of this trait can be seen through out the Nokto's main story. His politeness on the other hand was taught. If we stick to the theory of him being more of a wild and mischievous kid, him being polite had to be taught in a more forceful way considering his straightforward nature, a trait look down upon in high class.

Nokto; means night or darkness. Also big contrast to his character. If we stick to my previous theory it would mean Nokto was the silent twin, or for better word, more observant and analytical. Always watching from the side lines and coming up with strategies for anything that made him feel anxious. As night is also associated with fear of unknown, danger and evil, I think he was more suspicious than Licht, and far more afraid to go venture into a woods. His skill to analyze made him perfect for events as he always knew what to say and how to look. Opposite to his older twin who said what come to his mind no matter the statue of the person. This could also be one of the things that made younger, and current Nokto admire Licht.

Klein; means, small. That doesn't give us much, but Klein could be also taken from the word Kline; it's not uncommon for writers to swipe letters, or use the pronunciation of a word to create name/surname. So, if we assume their surname originates from the word Kline; nickname from klin i.e. 'wedge'. Wedge is a piece of iron/wood shaped triangular, used for splitting wood. If that's the case, I think klin is associated with someone/ something splitting the close twins apart. From Licht's Birthdays side story we do learn that they were once very close, to the point of them huddling with each other for comfort, implying something, or someone, made them seek comfort from the latter.

.

The crest:

Side note: crests symbolizes the overall character of each prince, or i.e. their personality.

L/Wolf; as the wolf is a common symbol to see, it made it to be associated with many traits and symbolism. The most accurate are, loyalty, family, teamwork, wildness, instincts and playfulness. This shows that Licht is hiding his true self away to make himself look more cold, also explains why his troupe is the strongest; wolves hunts in packs, with everyone knowing what to do, where is their position, etc. But everything positive has it's counterpart of negative. Wolf can symbolize greed, danger and cruelty. Wolf is also associated with the Moon, a contrast to his name. Wolves howl at the moon; Licht can canonically sing as we learn this during one of his side stories (that was a nice detail). The moon represents death, emotions and enlightenment.

N/Fox; commonly known for deceive, independency, cleverness, mischievousness, logic and playfulness. The fox does not have any negative traits as their 'positive' ones are considered to be more neutral traits. It more depends on persons view on the traits. Fox is associated with the Sun. Again, similar to his brother it is contrast to Noktos name. The Sun represents life, power and happiness.

.

Titles:

L/6th prince; in western numerology the number 6 is heavily associated with love and caring for others, especially animals. The number is about love, relationships, responsibility. It also talks about sacrificing, caring, healing and protecting. Yet in the eastern Asia; more specifically Japan, since CYBIRD, the company who makes Ikemen games, is a Japanese one. There the number 6 is considered 'unlucky'. To be more specific the pronunciation as a counting number is muttsu; this can sound like the word for nothingness, 無 (mu).

N/7th prince; in western numerology the number 7 is associated with analytical, perceptive and introspective traits. It is symbol of perfection and humanity's deep inner need to find depth; Nokto feels emptiness, and less connected to his emotions than his brother. In eastern part; specifically in Japan, the number 7 is rather confusing here. It has good but also neutral, if not bad association. The neutral association is with the celebration of life and the mourning of death, while it's also linked to be universally lucky or holy number; not only in Japan but all over the world.

L/Older twin; older siblings in general are thought to be the ones who take care of their younger siblings; protected them, teach them and overall help them. As we already know, Licht is responsible person, so he definitely took the role seriously when he was informed he will be older brother to his younger twin. For Licht, safety of his closed loved ones is far more important than their feelings, as we know from his monolog in his Birthday side story. So thinking that he could done something in order to protect his younger brother isn't farfetched.

N/Younger twin; Mirroring isn't uncommon for roommates, close friends, family members or siblings who respect each other. But twins are known to mirror each other more, intensely, sometimes even without knowing. It isn't hard to figure out that Nokto is mimicking his brother; shared hate towards certain foods, shades from the same color, animals they represent belonging to the same family, similar cloths. Nokto mimicking Licht out of admiration is supported by his actions towards Licht during his main story.

.

Appearance:

Eyes; we can't rule out the possibility of them being albino, but I like to think this isn't the case for their chosen hair nor eye color, and what it entitles. The color red is strongly associated with anger, passion and love, but that's only for superficial thinkers, we are digging way deeper. Historically the color red is associated with sacrifice, danger, and courage.

Hair; They are the only characters with "unnatural color scheme". To be more specific, the color white. White hair on people isn't unnatural, but more what is the cause of them. It is known that stress can give you gray hair no matter the age. Let us elaborate, Stress can cause hair to gray by affecting the stem cells that are responsible for regenerating hair pigment, and the key role in this is played by body's fight-or-flight response.

Reason: The color scheme they choose to give the twins hair:

E1E0DE, as the white hair, and CDC2C0, as their original hair color since this color is working as a sort of under color for the white. I'm also fully ever this may had been for simple artistic purposes, but that's a simple way of looking at it. I like to believe the cause of their white hair is because they experience high stress level, either in their young or teen age.

.

Body:

L/Clothes; Licht is shown wearing too much clothes. Even other characters have less clothes than him. As a knight, he needs to be agile and have fast contortions when fighting multiple enemies. Even with the additional layers he still is, it just adds to the difficulty in moving in them. Him wearing gloves can mean that he has 'dirty hands', or for better word 'blooded hands' signifying that he has dirty secret i.e. the crime he committed. Gloves can also mean hiding hands in general, as they can reviled a lot a person, or the person can simple hide something under them. The main color is blue, or more specifically 'light blue'. Light blue can be associated with tranquility, understanding, softness, coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness.

Bare; Lich has bleeding wound on his wrist indicating self-harming wound.

His suicidal tendencies should not come as a surprise to those who read his birthday story or are already on the same CH in Nokto's main story as me. His reason is his past crime he have committed, and the heavy burden he needs to carry with it i.e he doesn't feel forth living for what he have done in the past, therefor the need to disappear and end this. His suicidal tendencies also had affected Nokto. As Nokto is his younger twin who admires him, it wouldn't be out of question for Nokto following in his brothers footsteps, or rather thinking "If he doesn't care, I shouldn't too". This thought process was evident in with the poison scene.

Leon also stated that:

Indicating Licht felt suicidal for some time, so the crime had to happened long ago, or at least closer to his teen years.

The scares on his hands, shoulder and most likely back can be explained as followed:

a) Self harm, minus back since there is no way he could done that himself. The scars on his elbows and shoulders could been self inflicted with the smaller dagger he caries around.

b) Battle scars, in Nokto's main story we learn how Licht is a strong fighter, and always fights to protect. It wouldn't be surprising if he was the first in the front lines fighting, as Leon said, recklessly.

c) Someone else inflicted them, either for misbehaving or disciplining.

All the options have one thing in comment, Licht didn't mind dying. With his Birthday side story we learn he was both mentally and emotionally effected by what he did. He stated that he has a better grasp on them; showing his emotionally awareness, by realizing how it will effect those around him, yet on his Birthday the urge to die ia stronger, making him think more on the lines of "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore."; i.e. sacrificing himself for the happiness of others.

N/Clothes; not much of a difference. The only thing different is how Licht has everything button up; closed off person, privet, while Nokto has his clothes more ruffled and open; extroverted person, who has less things to hide. The ruffled part indicates that he sleeps around with multiple people, or he doesn't know how to correctly button up his clothes; since royal clothing is hard to out on. Nokto's clothes also suggest that he is more open than his brother, or rather easier to approach. His main color, similar to Licht's, is blue, specifically Teal; restfulness and mental balance, as well as uneasiness, edgy, private. The edgy trait could be also linked to his painted nails on fingers that are visible when doing the fox pose, and his pierced ear.

Bare; His skin is smooth. Meaning no scars; he may rarely engage in fights or prefers to fight from the shadows i.e. attack on unsuspecting foe. That would also line up with the definition of his name. He takes good care of his body, and overall appearance; from clothes to body. This behavior isn't unusual if we consider his position as a prince. But not to the extant of him needing to know exactly what colors to match, what to wear at what event, etc. Something or someone had either taught him, or he is interested in fashion. Although the first is more likely since he doesn't show any passion towards said topic, and acts like he had to learn it, moreover he shows knowledge in choosing clothes for women rather than men. This is supported with CH 16 where MC needs to change her dress, and Nokto subconsciously goes to her dresser and starts to chose her new dress.

.

.

2 Personality Now VS Then

Licht; he gone from wild and playful, to being distant and strict. Or to be more specific, he just chose to surpass his playful nature; we can see him being more playful w MC in few of his side stories, and openly sarcastic with Nokto. Since I think Licht is more emotional twin he can't really hide his true nature, and more so when he's with Nokto, that's why he does everything to stir away from Nokto. If we stick with this we would get 2 main points about Licht as a character; 1. He's more playful and outspoken than he lets on, 2. Something happened in his past that made him gone from active to passive, before the crime.

Nokto; on the other hand didn't changed much, or didn't changed drastically as Licht did. He is still more secretive and independent as he was as a kid, and still observing from outside to choose the best approach. The things that did changed was his playful nature and his playboy antics. Let's assume that in their younger years Licht was the one who provoked Nokto to get him to play with him. Now though Nokto is the one trying to provoke Licht to simply make him look at him. This makes me think that, the crime made Licht put walls between him and his twin, even thought Nokto never blamed him.

.

.

3 The beginning of the end

Side note: If we stick with everything we analyzed so far, we can get one thing clear, the crime was committed by Licht who was also strongly effected; making him to be the emotional twin, and the crime seen by Nokto who didn't took it as hard; making him the logical twin.

The crime Licht committed was the murder of his own mother. There are 2 possible scenarios that lead to the murder:

1. Licht killed her accidently. As twins they were really close, but sometimes the provoking or them playing around cause more harm then good. Something happened between him and Nokto that made Licht storm out and run into the stables, most likely to tend to Marron or other horse to calm himself down. His mother come search for him while Nokto stayed in the bedroom. Now let it be known when a person calms down they tend to be more alert, so if Licht heard someone coming into the stables without the person announcing themselves he would reacted on his first instinct and that's attack. I think Lichts dagger was the first weapon he ever received and was also the weapon that he killed his mother with.

That would explain why Licht feels guilty and thinks over the lines of not wanting to hurt anyone anymore, but not so much Noktos playboy antics; besides him using it as an escapism from feeling nothing that can be explained by not having a mother figure anymore, and distant twin. it also can't explain his knowledge about only women fashion. As stated before he isn't passionate about it, more like he's doing it as a chores, a subconscious behavior. The fight, or argument also feels wrong since I think Licht being the more responsible one wouldn't get argument better of him nor start it, and Nokto who is observant wouldn't even start one, or he would simply come up with a solution.

2. Licht killed his mother intentionally. That would indicate their mother wasn't very kindhearted person, treated them badly and didn't give them much attention. Although, if we put the whole "Twins bring both good and bad fortune" saying, it can indicate that their mother treated Licht kindly, but after Noktos birth everything changed. The treatment made them rely on one another, and seek comfort from the latter. That would mean they slept in each other's bed, so as young Nokto wanted to go to his twins bedroom had to cross his mother's first, and may saw something he wasn't supposed to. Something, that also awoke his playboy, or more specifically his way of thinking, and acting on it after Licht puts wall between them. Nokto may think that sexual activity will make him feel something for a while; their mother felt unwanted and empty after she learned the king didn't loved her, needing to fill up the void she choose to indulge in sexual activities with other men. Interruption from Nokto lead to their mother lashing out on him, which alerted Licht next door. After Licht saw their mother about to strike his younger twin, he embraced Nokto, successfully shielding him . When everything calmed down, blinded by his anger, Licht stabbed their mother with his dagger that he brought with, after hearing the load voices.

This would explain why Nokto doesn't feel resentment towards Licht, but also why Licht feels guilty, if we stick with him feeling emotions more deeply. We can also explain his thoughts "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore" by assuming that he may had pushed Nokto who tried to stop him from commiting a murder. Noktos knowledge about women clothes could come from their mother who used him to match her clothing, after Licht took all their responsibilities in hopes of Nokto to have more free time before the murder took place.

Small theories:

1. Like other characters, Licht's and Nokto's background will be reviled as the story progresses. The difference is how it will be executed to us as the readers. The fact that their are twins, the only full blooded relatives, makes me think that both of them holds one part of the whole story not only of their but their twins, i.e. Nokto holds his but mostly Lichts, and vice versa with Licht.

2. Seeing as Nokto uses the nickname 'naughty' whenever he or MC are going to do something that's consider wrong, may be because of their mother. She may tend to call either both, or only Nokto a "Naughty boy" whenever he did something unruly, if we go with the second scenario.

That concludes my analysis and theories on the Klein twins! Sorry if it was inconsistent, I hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts of the matter. Feel free to comment or post your own theories and analysis. I hope you have great day/night ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

[myu21]

Hello, do you have any recommendation of a good wuxia drama? I really love wire work in word of honor and would like to see more of nice action scenes in dramas. Thank you!

Hello~ Thanks for trusting in my judgement, and also my apologies that I've taken so long to get back to you. I don't know whether or not you can speak Chinese, so I'll try and give you ones that have Eng subs, and also try to cover all bases. Disclaimer: I love wuxia, but mostly old wuxia. I gave up wuxia after a certain someone butchered wuxia dramas year after year. So WOH was an absolute surprise to me. Therefore, I haven’t watched most of the recent productions I am recommending and I’m relying on other people’s judgement. 

If it's purely the wire work that you like from WOH and want something similar, then I recommend checking out the other works the WOH martial arts director has done. In particular, "Ultimate Note 终极笔记" has the best reputation among fellow WOH viewers. I've heard a lot of VERY good things about this show even though it's not wuxia. 

Most of the best wuxia is old, but not everyone is used to the old wuxia aesthetic. So I'll start with the recent production recommendations.

When I first began watching WOH I was SO drawn to the wuxia. I then started bemoaning the lack of good wuxia all over c-social media, and then was promptly reprimanded by some wuxia fanatics who told me there is good wuxia, just that people don’t know about it. The shows that were again and again recommended to me are: “Ancient Detective 侠探简不知" and “Love in Between 少年游之一寸相思”. I’ve only just begun watching these two myself, and I don’t want my experience to colour yours too much (though so far I'm liking "Ancient Detective" more as a successor to wuxia). Each have their pros and cons, and I reckon give them both a try and see which ones floats your boat more. They’re both relatively smaller productions, but I can tell good effort has been put into both and they aren’t just cash grabs by studios. 

Ok. Now onto a recent production of a canonical wuxia story. We are entering into Louis Cha or Jin Yong territory, the godfather of wuxia, the author to wuxia stories that get readapted every 5-10 years.

THE classic wuxia story is "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". Just how canonical is this text? It's the only Louis Cha novel to be translated into English. The recent 2017 production has a solid reputation as being faithful to the text, as opposed to some of the butchered adaptions of recent years. So it received good reviews. I haven't found any official eng subs, but a quick youtube search gave me the following fan sub:

Annnddddd now I'm going to recommend two of my absolute favourite wuxia stories, both by Louis Cha. There are many adaptions of these and I have spent way too many years of my youth (fiercely) debating which one is better and why. So without getting into that, I'm just going to tell you what I like.

The first is "Laughing in the Wind 笑傲江湖". It is both a layered look at the nature of good and evil as well as functioning as a political allegory. You will see WOH being influenced by ideas in this text re jianghu. This is the 2003 version I like. The music and cinematography and costumes. *Chefs kiss* Fan subbed version I found:

The ending theme song deserves its own spot in this post:

The second is "Demi-gods and Semi-devils 天龙八部". My absolute favourite. I spent years obsessing over the character of Qiao Feng. He remains my favourite wuxia character. I have also read and watched this story... too many times. Again, lots of philosophical and religious allegory in this story, lots of commentary on the nature of ambition and desire.

The 2003 version I have watched way too many times: fan subbed version I found:

Once you've got these names feel free to find the best fan subbed versions for yourself.

Needless to say, any Louis Cha story is guaranteed complex plot, complex characters, endless intrigue. Goes without saying.

The other biggest contenders to best Louis Cha adaptions are the even earlier ones from Hong Kong. However I was not able to find any eng subbed versions.

I've only mentioned one of the three titans of wuxia writing. So you can go crazy by looking into the works of Gu Long and Liang Yusheng too.

Happy viewing and do let me know how you go. 🙂

[magicalgirlagency]

huh? did something come up about the Saban Moon pilot? isn't it considered lost media? (sorry if this question makes you uncomfortable btw, i'm just a bit out of the loop)

A youtuber named Ray Mona has recently uploaded a 2-parter documentary entitled "The Western World of Sailor Moon", and in the second part of the documentary, it's revealed that the pilot for Saban/ToonMakers' Sailor Moon has been found after all these years.

It turns out, that the pilot has been on the Library Of Congress this whole time. The documentary was solid and had good quality, but this revelation was pretty anti-climatic, if you ask me.

This rant of mine will be basically a more detailed version of my ramblings from my previous post's tags, so hold on tight, this'll be long.

When growing up, english dubs of anime were a major annoyance to me. I didn't knew why, but they always have rubbed me the wrong way.

I couldn't articulate on why I hated english dubs so much; it'd always boil down to "I don't like it", and that was it. But now, since I am an adult, I can express and criticize with much more ease.

Sure, Saban Moon isn't an eng dub, but it is an americanized material that derivates from a japanese one. And not only it's americanized, but also horribly disconnected from the source material. It's Sailor Moon only in the name.

It's like how FATE: The Winx Saga only has the names of the characters, but it's all so horrendously divorced from its series of origin and all feels so fanfic-y (and not the good kind of fanfic-y).

You see, the issue that I had with older eng dubs was that the West would purposedly erase japanese culture (like how in 4Kids' Pokémon, they would change onigiris/riceballs into jelly-filled doughnuts), and this would escalate into even dumber things (like how in 4Kids' One Piece, the marines' firearms would be replaced with water guns).

The eng dubs were racist and stupid. Basically, american television, designed to appease the sensitive masses. This description may seem harsh to some, but it's the truth! And Sailor Moon was no exception.

Specially when it came to LGBT+ representation. Like how Zoisite was changed into a woman to censor his relationship with Kunzite.

Or when Sailors Uranus and Neptune were made into cousins, and this has only made their relationship awfully incestuous and weird.

Or when they pulled a Zoisite yet again, but with Fish Eye instead when the Dream Arc was on (in the 90's, each of the Amazon Trio had specific target preferences for their victims, and Fish Eye would target men).

And there are rumors that the Stars Arc was left undone because the Sailor Starlights would've cracked some eggs in early years...

So yeah, not only older dubs were racist, but they were homophobic, too! Yep, typical american television!

And of course, SABAN had a hand in all of this. I mean, those are the folks behind that atrocious Pretty Cure dub! I mean, really! Glitter Force?! Even though the original title consists of english words?! BLERGH.

Yeah, yeah, I know that we would've gotten a wheelchair-user Mercury and a black Jupiter, but at what cost?! If it's from a frankensteined abomination of a show that erases the japanese heritage of the original, then I don't want it.

And I don't know if I should feel honored or offended that Sailor Moon almost shared a name with me... sure, "Victoria" sounded like a much better option than the obvious and spoiler-y "Serena", but still...

Saban Moon was also going to be a Space Opera of sorts, with the emphasis being put on the alien heritage of the characters, which it could've been great if it weren't for the fact that it's Saban Moon.

It was clear that they wanted to do their own thing, their own series with their own stories and their own characters, but they had to butcher pre-existing material for it.

Why couldn't they have done the Inspector Gadget approach? Inspector Gadget was created because DiC couldn't bring Lupin the Third to the West at the time... and it worked! People loved Inspector Gadget! It's a timely classic!

Anyways, I HATE english dubs. They deliberatedly lie to you about its content, and treat you like an idiot. The only eng dubbed anime that I've actually enjoyed was DragonBall Z. But other than that, "Subs, Not Dubs" is the only way for me.

[hakutaichou]

undefined

[JP] Love and Producer: Pronouns + Speech Style Analysis

This post is about what pronouns and speech style the bois used in JP version. Unlike Chinese/Mandarin and English, in Japanese, there’re many honorifics used by different people's personalities with many formal and informal social situations.

Japanese grammar, as a whole, tends to function on hierarchy; honorific stems are appended to verbs and many nouns, primarily names, and in many cases one word may be exchanged for another word entirely with the same verb or noun meaning, but with different honorific connotations. (Wikipedia)

Prepare your snack and drink, this is gonna be a very long post.

P.S I’m using Gavin vs Shaw battle in episode 6 because they cursing each other using their “speech style”.

.

First of all, let’s arrange some of JP word speech based on the bois...

“CEO Victor”

俺 (Ore) = I

私 (Watashi) = I [Formal]

おまえ (Omae) = You

きみ (Kimi) / あなた (Anata) = You [Formal]

バカ (Baka) = Dummy

来い (Koi) = Come here

“Prof. Lucien”

僕 (Boku) [Lucien] / 私 (Watashi) [Ares] = I

きみ (Kimi) [Lucien] / おまえ (Omae) [Ares] = You

馬鹿 / ばか (Baka) = Silly

おいで (Oide) = Come here

“Captain Gavin”

俺 (Ore) = I

自分 (Jibun) / 僕 (Boku) = I [Formal]

おまえ (Omae) = You

馬鹿 (Baka) = Silly

来い (Koi) = Come here

“Idol-Hacker Kiro”

オレ (Ore) [Kiro] / 俺 (Ore) [Helios] = I

キミ (Kimi) [Kiro] / おまえ (Omae) [Helios] = You

ばか (Baka) = Silly

こっちに来て (Kochi ni kite) = Come here

“College Student Shaw”

俺 (Ore) = I

アンタ (Anta) = You

バカ (Baka) = Silly

来いよ (Koi yo) = Come here

...

Can you see it, the different words with same meaning that used by each of the bois?

.

[Character Personality Description from Evol x Love JP Official Website]

CEO Victor is Huarui (LFG) Group’s CEO. He started Huarui in college, and climbed to the top of financial world in eight years. He’s also the investor of MC’s Company and the one who holds its fate. His personality is decisive and strict. He thinks rules is above all else than emotion, and he acts only for the benefit of the company. He hates spending time and money meaninglessly. He looks cold at first glance, but he also has a gentle side, such as approaching the weak things.

Since he is Tsundere, the most perfect pronouns for him is “Ore and Omae”

Hakutaichou: “I’ll explain his speech analysis with Gavin...”

.

Captain Gavin is a EVOL special officer. He ostensibly works at Loveland City Police Station as an ordinary police officer. He is a lone wolf and brave man. He has absolute trust in the person he admits. He has his own policy, and doesn’t mind being misunderstood by others. He has his own right and wrong views, sometimes he acts out of the rules of the world.

Same as Victor, Gavin’s pronouns is “Ore and Omae” which usually used by cold-ruthless-hold power character in otome world. but what makes their personality different is on their “Silly/Idiot” word.

Victor’s バカ (Baka) in “Katakana”, and Gavin’s 馬鹿 (Baka) in “Kanji”

Where’s the difference? its from their speech style, Victor said “Baka” with decisive personality, meanwhile Gavin said it with polite personality.

if you can't tell the difference, you can hear some dialog from both of them in Chapter 26-27 (Gavin talking to guard in facility vs Victor met Leto in cargo ship)

.

Professor Lucien is an authoritative scientist in neuroscientist community. He is a Elite who has returned from studying aboard. He’s known to the public as a guest professor at Loveland University. He has an amazing memory, that he will never forget what he saw once, and his IQ and EQ are high. He treats everyone politely, which in turn makes people feel that there is a sense of distance. No one knows his true nature and purpose.

Lucien is a “yasashii” gentle person with mysterious aura, he always make a smiling face to everyone, but at the same times he’s emotionless boi and had a dark personality he hides from them. His pronouns is “Boku and Kimi”, which sometimes used by intelligent/educated-gentle character in otome world.

As if a kind man with a many hidden motive (from bad thing to possessive thing) who wanted his loved one to come closer to him, “Oide” is the most “Come Here” word that used by a same character type as Lucien.

When he acted as Ares, his pronouns changed to “Watashi/Boku and Omae” or “Watashi and Anata [Anime only]” because his personality also changed to ruthless-polite person, but sometimes turned back to his “Boku and Kimi” when talking to MC only.

Lucien/Ares to MC: You (Kimi), can’t hurt yourself.

Ares to BS Member: What do you (Omae) know?

If you need more references, there’re some of gentle mysterious characters who voiced by Lucien’s JP VA, Hirakawa-san which using “Boku and Kimi” or “Watashi and Anata” for their pronouns, like Saint-Germain from Code: Realize.

.

Idol-Hacker Kiro is a super popular idol who has been active since childhood. He wasn’t easy on his way, but he got over it with an optimistic personality. He is as bright as the sun, attractive and straightforward personality. He is mischievous, childish, and smart. He likes a mediocre life, sometimes disguises himself to go to convenience stores, and walk around the city. In addition to his occupation as a idol, he also has multiple identities and his true purpose.

That’s why, Kiro’s “Come here” is “Kochi ni kite”, that words same as persuade people, even kids to come closer, not like “Oide” or “Koi”, you can feel the owner’s very warm tone from that words.

Plus because Kiro once lived in America, his pronouns (Ore and Kimi) using “Katakana” not “Kanji/Hiragana” like others.

*Katakana: one of japanese writing system, usually used to write words that come from foreign languages that have been absorbed into Japanese

Kiro: Always stay by my (Ore [Katakana]) side.

.

But when Kiro become Helios, besides swapped personality from warm innocent to cold ruthless mode, his pronouns also changed to Victor and Gavin’s pronouns (Ore and Omae).

Helios: Leave the rest to me (Ore [Kanji])

.

Shaw [Error 404: Not found]

Since Shaw’s encounter with MC are still few...I’ll analyzed him from main chapter side and some of Date only.

Because Shaw is a arrogant gangster with polite attitude person, his pronouns is “Ore and Anta”

俺 (Ore) is from his arrogant personality, meanwhile アンタ (Anta) is informal pronoun of あなた (Anata) from his polite one.

.

.

[Extra]

“She/Her and He/Him”

There’s no specific “She/Her” and “He/Him” pronouns in Japanese. All of japanese people calling each other using their name (except: their mom, auntie, grandma, etc). What if we didn’t remember their name? you can use “You” for calling them. And if you want to talking about someone, you can use “Ano hito”, “Ano ko”, “Ano yarou” which have one main meaning is, “That person”.

.

Back to the main topic. In Main Chapters, MC like to call every love interests with their name, not “You” in dialog script.

MC: Haku, Zen, Kira, Helios, Simon, Ares, Shou.

And MC sometimes using “Kare” instead the boys’ name in description, or her inner mind.

彼 / カレ (Kare) means He/Him, sometimes used for close relationship like “Boyfriend”.

.

Besides using MC’s name, Victor, Lucien, Kiro, and Gavin also using “Kanojo” to calling MC, meanwhile Shaw in early chapter called MC as “Ano ko” (That Girl) before changed to “Kanojo” in Chapter 19+

彼女 (Kanojo) means She/Her, usually used for close relationship such as...“Girlfriend”.

.

That’s why...In episode 6 (Chapter 11)

JP Shaw: Maa demo...honki de “Ano ko” wo mamoritai nara, anna tokoro totto yameru nda na.

[Real ENG] JP Shaw: Well... if you really want to protect “That girl”, you’d better leave that place (STF) immediately.

JP Gavin: “Kanojo” wo te o dasu na!

[Real ENG] JP Gavin: Don’t you dare to touch MY GIRL!

.

[la-muerta]

I posted 938 times in 2021

94 posts created (10%)

844 posts reblogged (90%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 9.0 posts.

I added 1,161 tags in 2021

#山河令 - 194 posts

#the untamed - 167 posts

#wenzhou - 150 posts

#the untamed fanart - 129 posts

#shl fanart - 124 posts

#wangxian - 104 posts

#mdzs fanart - 90 posts

#wei wuxian - 83 posts

#wen kexing - 61 posts

#shl cast - 59 posts

Longest Tag: 140 characters

#i remember finishing cql for the first time and it was only right at the end that i went wait a fucking minute that mysterious person in ep1

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

ENG SUB - 《山河令》 Ep36 original dialogue

Zhou Zishu’s reactions make more sense with Wen Kexing’s original lines and in the original, Chengling explains how Liuhe Xinfa works when both practitioners love each other wholeheartedly.

This also explains why Ye Baiyi and Rong Changqing did not manage to both survive the process of practicing Liuhe Xinfa; they were zhiji, but they did not love each other the same way since Ye Baiyi’s romantic feelings for his zhiji were not reciprocated, and eventually Rong Changqing must have qi deviated. (Huang Youming, who plays YBY, has stated in his livechat that YBY and RCQ were his CP.)

[Minor quibble: at the end of the clip Chengling’s disciple clearly says 他俩活了？ (the two of them survived) rather than 他们活了？ (they survived) in the fandub, but it doesn’t change the essential meaning of the sentence.]

My English subs of Ep6 original dialogue can be found here.

728 notes • Posted 2021-05-07 11:46:58 GMT

#4

See the full post

756 notes • Posted 2021-06-01 18:10:05 GMT

#3

See the full post

1243 notes • Posted 2021-09-14 17:33:53 GMT

#2

ENG SUB – CaoXiang Reincarnation Coffeeshop AU by Cadillac, 13 Aug 2021

Cadillac straight up gave us a CaoXiang reincarnation coffeeshop AU with their latest Qixi ad! There were so many easter eggs in this – the red string bracelets, the "I want to treat you to a meal" line, and the fact that his dessert shop is named Four Seasons!

There’s even a reference to WenZhou with the couple in the red and blue hanfu.

See the full post

1664 notes • Posted 2021-08-13 08:25:53 GMT

#1

My version of the English subtitles for the epilogue/easter egg of 《山河令》 because the youtube subtitles were giving me hives lol.

Notice that Deng Kuan’s son is practicing Wen Kexing’s family’s sword technique, Qiuming Eighteen Forms, so Wen Kexing probably taught Chengling (and maybe the other 18 disciples of Siji Manor) eventually, for it to be passed down.

And of course, Wen Kexing is quoting Sunzi’s Art of War to argue with his A-Xu haha.

There’s also a comparison vid floating out there somewhere showing how this final sparring session between Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu is actually a mirror of the first time they sparred over the lake in ep6, except that Zhou Zishu is using Wen Kexing’s moves against him.

1985 notes • Posted 2021-05-05 14:59:25 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[rinharu-purple]

Can you do an analysis about a song? It's Falling Slowly

I love how it's portrayed Gavin and MC relationship

Thank you anon for this emotional ask. This song is golden and has a very interesting story and kinda fits Gavin and MC pretty well.

First things first... Have you ever watched the movie "Once"? This song is written for this film by the main lead. In case you haven't, it's a nice film with a bitter sweet ending. But neither the characters nor the story resembles much to that of our lovebirds.

There are lots of different interpretations to the meaning of this song. Some claim that it's about a struggling relationship which the duo is trying to save, other say it's about a love story with a sad end where the parties choose different paths and some believe it's about the story of a guy, whose love doesn't get reciprocated. Another one is the plot of the film.

For me, it's about two people, both going through different obstacles in life and warring with these themselves and yet trying to hold on to the little love they've found in each other. Gaining strength from this love and finding a way out by using this strength. It's about saving a sinking boat and bringing it home while there is still time.

It makes more sense if we look at the individual lyrics and the tone of this song and then compare it with MC and Gavin's story.

All the information is from Cheri's translations since none of the calls and dates including this song has been published in the ENG server as of today (09/07/2021). They play this song together in this date, consider playing it again in this call and this call is the start of it all.

During high school, Gavin once heard MC playing this song on piano. He didn't know the lyrics nor did he know the name of the song. But the melody has somehow managed to captivate him and on this day and on this moment, he decided to start playing guitar, so that he could play alongside the girl one day, who doesn't know who he is nor does he know who she is really, but he wants to play songs with her, stand beside her, get to know her...

I don't know you but I want you

All the more for that

Gavin struggles very hard at the beginning to find the right words or to react to MC in a normal way. Our bedazzled birdcop feels fooled by the feelings themselves.

Because he doesn't know how to deal with the situation, he tries silly games to show her his affection indirectly. Be it leaving strawberry milk in the music room, or sending her warm beverages via Minor. When he finally decides to talk to her directly, the destiny intervenes, because MC never reads his letter so he misses the chance to convey his feelings directly and say goodbye before leaving. His games have played themselves out.

Words fall through me and always fool me

And I can't react

And games that never amount to more than they're meant

Will play themselves out

Now he's left for the military school and his six years long yearning for seeing her again commences...

... Years past and Gavin meets her again, standing in front of him in flesh and bone, her hair a little bit shorter and let loose, but it's still the same girl. The girl who cought him before falling into an abyss. The girl whose voice has saved him. Now that they've reunited, a new chance has emerged.

Take this sinking boat and point it home

We've still got time

Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice

You'll make it now

Post CH18, when MCs living in an Eternal Winter. MC feels lost, she wanted to save all but for that she had to pay a high price. But she's made her mind and cannot go back before clearing everything out and finding the Gavin she's searching for. She wants to find him, bring him back home. No matter how broken he may be.

Falling slowly, eyes that know me

and I can't go back

Moods that take me and erase me

and I'm painted black

MC too, had her dark moments, where she was falling but this time around it was Gavin's turn to catch her before she falls. Gavin too, wants to be the voice that lifts her up. Which is why during their reunion in CH24 but also in CH15, in Lost Love date, in Motivation Call and in many more moments, too many to count. He gives her all his strength, gives her courage and stands by her side... Whether she's standing still or moving forward.

You have suffered enough

And warred with yourself

It's time that you won

Post CH24, MC and Gavin stand next to each other and face any challenge together. No more falling, no more darkness. From CH24- CH36 they're one power couple. Yes, the obstacles are tough, yes they both don't know what the future holds. But they know that they're together, they trust each other completely and give each other courage. MC is singing a song and Gavin sings along with her. Just like in the date MC playing the chords of the piano and Gavin accompanies her with his guitar.

Falling slowly sing your melody

I'll sing along

The lyrics might be depressing at times, but the melody is going up and down alike to the waves in the ocean. Some words are sung with a lower, deeper sound but than when they sing the lyrics "We've still got time" or "You'll make it now" it goes up with power, thus giving hope. The end of the song is also more or less brighter than its general tone. So the situation is not that grave.

The spoilery part starts here. If you are not OK with spoilers from S1, than I thank you for reading my answer up to this point and I hope that this answer is what you were looking for. This is where you can leave without reading spoilers ^_^

The chorus reminds me of all the times Gavin and MC had to make tough decisions. Be it Gavin accepting the NW plan, be it MC sacrificing herself in CH18, be it Gavin killing Perry, be it MC not telling Gavin that he's the one she's searching for during Eternal Winter, be it Gavin leaving MC alone during her last fight with the Black Queen because he had his duty to save the people of the city (and because under nooooo circumstances could that be allowed that Gavin meets the Black Queen. If you want to, you can read my analysis on this here)

Every time they make these decisions, they need to go separate ways, thus say goodbye. Which is why each time they clung onto the little time they've left and hold onto their love. Remember how MC asks Gavin on the phone, whether he's coming back after his mission in CH18 or in CH27 as Gavin's being called in how he wants to hug her but doesn't or in CH15 how she tries to hold him back from leaving. Their ending in a parallel universe and how they want to touch each other one last time before their last breath.

MC and Gavin tirelessly hold onto each other, save each other, try to cherish every single moment they have with each other. I really love this commitment they have.

They're committed to each other, from the beginning till the very end.

--------—---–--—

Masterlist

[lovee-infected]

twisted wonderland theories part 3 : Opening explanation and parallels

Well well , hope you guys enjoyed reading the previous two parts of twst theories so far

Anyways , this is the third part . I decided to go through the opening and original disney animations and also black Butler anime references one more time so this is the combination of all I've found this time , together with some stuff you might've missed

Twst's official opening was pretty mysterious and is most likely giving us hints of the upcoming adventures during the storyline . Well here's the link to opening with eng sub and also the summary of the main character references that were given to us:

1) Ace and Deuce's rivalship : We talked about this one a lot back in (part 2) so let's skip this one

2) Leona's sadness and pain : Leona's tearn falling to the ground and the Ruggie and Jack coming for him ; that's just how he always is : mentally sad and broken with a horribly frustrating past , but will avoid expressing himself and letting anyone see his pain anyway . Not really weird that these two are always around him , Leona does really need to be looked after ...

3) Azul's seek of power : He just looked...mad in this scene . Ursula's shadow on his fave and that creepy smile totally freaks anyone out. It really explains how great his desire of power is . His neglected self in the childhood and pretty poor talent got him to this point...

4) Jamil's cold and kinda confused self : Well this one isn't really clear yet since ch 4 isn't out . But perhaps depression has this guy... spending his whole life serving the the nasty Kalim he might've grown the same characteristics as Jafar , who was so long sick of being the second one in everything . But still his ideal of life is much different from Jafar's . We saw him hypnotizing Kalim in order to make him force students to do better at school . He's trying his best to leave up to his promises as the vice dorm leader but still , having the nasty Kalim as the dorm itself is making it a lot harder for him so he's got no choice but to hypnotize him...

5) Idia's severe anxiety and his protectiveness toward Ortho : This one was mentioned in s rather old re blog but here e go again : Well with how the rumors of the "cursed Shroud family" , Idia's anti-society self might be a bit explained . This guy's overblot is surely going to be EPIC ... we just know very few about him and yet that's more than enough for him to overblot at once . Also the mention of the process of bringing Ortho back to life was a bad hit...His family curse might've been the reason of whatever thst has happened to Ortho

6) Vil's anger of not being the fairest and breaking the mirror: This one's been pointed out a lot . His anger being the same as evil queen's and also the fear of him actually poisoning someone to become the fairest one more time....**

7) Malleus' isolated self and his hidden evil aura : This one's being shown too obviously . The lonely dark prince exposing his evil side under the full moonlight . All alone , beyond the forest of thorns (Lol how ironic) while the others are running to save him before it gets too late...***

(note : **,***: Vil and Malleus' description will be continued undercut)

Very well these were the general hints found on the opening , but don't miss the final seconds which included the biggest hidden facts you could've missed

Firstly , the splitted ink (This one was previously discussed on part 1 but still...) : We talked about how in the "Epic Mickey", Mickey accidentally splits the magic ink over the kingdom and which led to the creation of "shadow blot". This sight seems to be much similar to what we had here in the epic mickey

Well this parallel might be more than just an accidental one and finally and it might actually be that overblot is kinda Crowley's fault , too

Crowley crosses the mirror , turns into an actual crow and flies away...(DaMn YoU bIrDiE wHERe ArE yOu gOinG I'M noT doNe YeT-)

Well the reason he suddenly runs away isn't clear yet but being a fan of black butler for years , I was suddenly reminded of how Undertaker disappeared all of a sudden at this scene from the movie :" Book of Atlantic "

pretty similar , aren't they..?

In Book of Atlantic , Undertaker revealed his original identity as a reaper and the mastermind behind the "Bizzare dolls' " project after pretending to be a just a crazy cookie lover for so long . And at once , he comes up with his stunning sudden self-reveal , leaving everyone in the room speechless

Now now , what do we have with Crowley?

A principal who keeps hiding his face (remember that Undertaker hid his eyes , too?) , telling everyone "how kind he is" many times ... also:

1) In the opening , he was standing smiling in the mirror hall while the seven dorms were burning through seven mirrors

2) He didn't ever try to stop anyone from overbloting ; even Riddle whose overblot occurred right in front of him

3) In the beggining of the game, he asked the mirror to choose the right one and then! and MC was chosen ! MC took the hand of the one appearing through the mirror (seemingly Dire Crowley) and came here. With all said , so why did the mirror reject MC afterwards?

Also , how couldn't he help MC return to Their own world and didn't know about it if he himself brought MC here..?(Could it be that...MC doesn't remember how she/he was brought here?)

4) If he literally is THIS useless and can't ever stop or help anything, then why would he be the principal.....?

Sooooo enough with Crowley ; but what's with these two....?

The spindle wheel & the poison apple ; Sleeping beauty and Snow white

Well it seems that Diasomnia and Pomefiore are going to play a greatly important role in the storyline . We were kinda sure of Diasomnia's but Pomefiore's...? What's so special with it?

(A few hours earlier)

(Me : Hmmm ... the black mirror...where have I seen this before..? *googling - searching Snow White- going to the magic mirror scene* Me : Uh...)

Well... here it is : The Crowley's beloved flower of evil , back at his days with evil queen

feeling old yet ...?

Btw , just how important is being "the fairest one of all "to him ? How 'far' would he go to be the fairest...? With the bitten apple in the last few seconds of opening , it most likely seems that he IS gonna 'kill' to be the fairest again ...Who would he kill ? We don't know . But how about our pretty small guy Epel? Could it be him ? The stubborn freshman who refuses following Vil around and is usually mistaken with a girl......?

Also , why would the original mirror be so important to Crowley? If Vil's supposed to represent evil queen , why isn't 'he' the one owing the mirror...?

And now , the spindle wheel .Great maleficent's legacy , in the hands of Crowley...Well well this is 'too' much . Malleus' family treasure being kept hidden in NRC... pathetic

Also , the mirror which Vil broke in the opening . Well well seems like he isn't having the original magic mirror , afterall....

But wait , if there's the spindle wheel , who's gonna be the evil witch to pull the sweet princess to eternal sleep..? Right , there's only one who might be...

Well we talked about all we'd got so far , but what about Grim ? Isn't anyone going to mention his importance or why he was also mentioned in this chaotic final seconds of opening ???

So... this is what we had in the final seconds :

1)The apple

2) Crowley

3)The black ink

4)Grim

5)The spindle wheel

We talked about all of them except nu 4 . But before that , I've got the same question as before : Why is it "Sleeping beauty" & "Snow white"..?

We discussed the "overblot Grim " hints in (part 2), but here's another thing :

Very well , ever heard of "Grimm brothers"...?

In the case that you don't know who they are , here' the point : They are the authors of 'original' versions of sleeping beauty & snow white; two of the darkest , deepest and possibly creepiest stories of their own throughout the history

I believe that most of you are familiar with the original versions , but you may like to take a look at these two if you haven't yet heard of them check the two of these stories out : (note: I'm aware that there are darker , deeper versions of these too but I'm not gonna mention any of them because : 1)They aren't written by Grimm brothers & 2) They include overly sensual and inappropriate content which has no place in my posts . If you care to know about them , check them at your own risk)

Alright , if you ever wondered who was Grim named after , I guess we've got it now . Mentioning Grim , Snow white and Sleeping beauty together at once is too direct to be a coincidence ...but it's also terrifying ...

Thinking that Disney is actually referring to the original books written by Grimm brothers is a bit too dark... Original stories are really horrible and a great way to ruin one's childhood , but all these hints fit each other way too great and now , they may no longer be just a coincidence...

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Gavin’s Reflection of Beauty Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: Detailed spoilers for a date yet to be released in EN! 🍒

Phone call between Gavin and Mr Keller before the date: here

Candlelit Night Collection: Kiro // Lucien // Victor

Trivia regarding the name of the date: 

This date is called 惊鸿照影来, which is part of a couplet from “Shenyuan”, a poem by Lu You written in the Song Dynasty

Rough translation of the full couplet: Alas, the green water under the forlorn bridge / Once reflected the charming face of my beloved one!

It was inspired by the poet’s own love story, where he was forced to leave his wife because his mother didn’t like her. Even so, their love never ceased. Ten years later, they met again in Shenyuan Garden (which was also the place he first fell in love with her). Lu You inscribed a poem on a stone wall, conveying his anger and sorrow towards their separation. A few days after seeing the poem, she died from depression :’<

“Shenyuan” was written later on as a memorialisation of his undying love. It conveys how revisiting old places makes one remember past lovers and sentiments

-

[ CHAPTER ONE ]

The date begins with MC and Gavin having a rehearsal for the sequel of the “Three Lifetimes” play

The audience had a deep impression of them in “Three Lifetimes”, so Mr Keller wrote them into the sequel as second leads

In the play, the town looks forward to the marriage between Lady Su (the female lead) and Swordsman Bai (Gavin)

But Lady Su is in love with Swordsman Bai’s friend, a scholar (the male lead)

Meanwhile, Swordsman Bai is in love with the character MC is playing (a high-ranking palace maid and a close friend of Lady Su)

After the rehearsal, Mr Keller gives them suggestions on how to improve, and tells Gavin to gaze at MC and hold her hand during a particular scene:

Gavin: ...all right. 

-

[ CHAPTER TWO ]

Once the rehearsal is over, Gavin is a sweetheart as always, bringing water and a few bananas over to MC with this face:

Gavin: If it isn’t enough, I can get a few more? 

MC: There’s enough, there’s enough. 

Su Xuan, the actress playing Lady Su, tells them to change outfits for the photoshoot:

Su Xuan: I’ll help you put on some make-up first, then marry you off beautifully to your Mr Gavin. Come, close your eyes.

Without giving me a chance to explain or argue, she skilfully helps me with my make-up, as though she’s really helping a sister prepare for her wedding. 

Su Xuan: Mm, that’s more like it. 

She pulls me to my feet. After looking me over carefully, she tilts her head and smiles at something behind me.

Su Xuan: What does the groom think? 

Before I have time to react, Su Xuan pushes me lightly, and I fall into familiar arms.

Gavin: Pretty. 

Gavin, who has walked out of the changing room, is also wearing a matching set of red wedding attire.

The colour, which isn’t typically found on him, suits him unexpectedly well.

His easy-going independence has been toned down, replaced with fiery passion.

Gavin: What are you looking at? 

MC: This outfit really suits you.

MC: ...very handsome!

Gavin: [coughs] ...you look very pretty in red too. 

Gavin’s ears have a tinge of redness. He rubs the back of his neck, his eyes containing insuppressible surprise and warmth as he looks at me. 

Su Xuan: All right, you two “newlyweds” can appreciate each other after the shoot! The photographer this time is quite picky.

As she speaks, she pulls our hands together. 

The both of us stop talking, perhaps due to the dry air around us, or the warmth surfacing in our eyes. 

Gavin holds onto my hand tightly.

-

[ CHAPTER TWO: A flashback ]

Location: Outside Lynn’s Kitchen

By the time Minor and Gavin leave the noodle shop, the sky is mostly dark.

Only traces of the sunset glow faintly from behind the tall buildings. 

Minor: It’s so difficult to get tickets this Chinese New Year... I’m always struggling during this part of the year, and spending the New Year’s alone here is too cheerless. Gavin, what are your plans? Eh... why am I even asking - you’re definitely spending it with Boss.

Gavin is the same as always, letting Minor ramble on at his ear. 

Only when he hears the final sentence does a corner of his heart feel a light tug.

Gavin: Mm. I promised to help Mr Keller with her. 

Gavin smiles faintly without even realising it himself.

Minor: Huh? ...even though I find this method a little off, it’s not bad I guess! Boss has been asking everyone in the office what dishes they usually make for New Year’s. It made me curious... so you two are spending New Year’s together!

Minor’s words cause Gavin to recall the few memories of “spending the New Year’s” he has.

New Year’s should be a festival of celebration. There was a time when he looked forward to it.

It’s just that afterwards, this day gradually became no different from a normal one. 

That is, until the girl reappeared in his life, drawing the link between this day and warmth. 

It made him start looking forward to it again.

Minor: Bro Gavin? What are you thinking about? It’s rare to see this look on your face... I got it!

Minor makes an exaggerated expression, predictably receiving Gavin’s neither hard nor soft punch. 

Gavin: Minor, are there places selling New Year goods near her home? 

Minor: Bro Gavin, you want to... buy New Year goods?!

Gavin: What’s wrong with that?

Minor: Nothing nothing nothing...

Gavin: ...your smile is a little nauseating. 

Minor: I’m just happy! Then again, as compared to preparing in advance, there will be more of an atmosphere if you pick them out together!

Gavin: Makes sense. 

Gavin nods, quickening his pace slightly. 

Minor: Bro Gavin, where are you headed to next?

Several images flash across his mind - a warm light in the living room left on for him, a table with the home-cooked dishes he mentioned liking, and the girl waiting for him on the sofa, hugging a pillow. 

Gavin: Home. 

-

[ CHAPTER THREE ]

The photoshoot turns out to be more difficult than MC expected

Photographer: You must imagine - you two are about to elope, so it has to be dynamic! And yet have a tinge of... hesitation and worry! You’ve got to feel it! Change your pose!

MC and Gavin struggle to understand the photographer’s abstract descriptions

MC suggests they pretend to chat while sitting on the grass

MC: ...the weather is getting cold. Does Sparky need to be sent for maintenance? 

Once the words leave my mouth, I’m filled with a sense of regret. This topic is too forced...

Gavin seems to be stunned for a moment, then the corners of his lips lift gently.

Gavin: Mm, I have plans to do so. We can find a day to go together.  

MC: Ah, okay!

Gavin smiles, lifting his hand to tuck stray tendrils of hair behind my ear. 

His amber eyes, which are filled to the brim with smiles, hold my blinking and grinning expression within them.

Photographer: Very good! That’s the right feeling! Could the both of you try lying down? Girl, close your eyes and lift your head slightly.

MC: ...all right. Like this? 

I follow the photographer’s instructions and lie down at Gavin’s side, closing my eyes. 

In the darkness, a familiar warmth encases me tightly, allowing me to have a peace of mind and lean into his arms. 

We are very close to each other. His unique scent entwines with the reed grass that has been dried by the sun, reminding me of the summer we spent together. A breeze brushes past us. 

It makes one want to draw even nearer. 

Photographer: Very good very good. Can the man include some movements to add on to the idea of newlyweds interacting?

Gavin: ...uhm.

I hear Gavin’s breath halt for a moment, as though he’s deep in thought. 

After a while, he seems to have thought of something, and he laughs softly. 

Gavin: MC, don’t move. 

Right after he finishes speaking, I feel a lock of hair near my ear being lifted gently. 

I don’t dare to move a single inch, nor dare to open my eyes. I leave myself entirely to Gavin. 

The frequency of my heartbeat increases, and a numbness travels from the roots of my hair to my spine. My hair seems to be gently held in his palm.

Gavin: ...let me know if it hurts. I’ve never tried this before. 

Even though he says this, his actions are cautious and tender. 

All I can feel are the slight vibrations from my hair, the lock of hair ascending and descending along with his fingers, and then falling by my ear again. 

I purse my lips tightly, frantically trying to control my rapid breathing. I’m afraid that I might accidentally ruin this ambience. 

The shutter continuously sounds. The photographer seems to be saying something again, but I can no longer hear him clearly. 

Next to me, Gavin’s breathing brushes against my forehead and the tips of my hair. The breath, which carries a certain warmth, feels like a light kiss. 

Even though this is just a photoshoot, I wish time would give us this moment for a little while longer.

The words he said during the Qixi Festival last year surge from the depths of my heart, and once again gather in the centre.

I can’t help but feel that even if our destinies entangle and cross, and fate only allows for fleeting meetings, we will ultimately accompany each other at the very end. 

In my ear, the sound of his heartbeat is akin to him giving me a definite answer. One after the other, regular and resolute. 

Photographer:

Gavin: MC, we can get up now. 

I open my eyes slowly. The past few minutes have felt like a small, beautiful dream. 

In Gavin’s hand are locks of our hair tied together with a red string. 

Noticing my gaze, Gavin clear his throat unnaturally. 

Gavin: ...when the idea of “newlyweds” was brought up, I could only think of this. 

[Trivia: In Chinese culture, one’s hair represents one’s self. During a traditional Chinese wedding, the couple would each cut a lock of their hair and tie them together. This is called 结发 (”joining of hair”). It symbolises the couple becoming one flesh and blood, and how they would be connected forever... T^T]

I nod, not daring to meet his eyes. 

His short sentence channels layers of emotions in my heart, converging into unstoppable ripples. 

In a most straightforward way, his unembellished words leave a long and sweet aftertaste in my heart. 

MC: Let’s go over there so the next group can use this place...

Gavin: Hold on...

Without waiting for Gavin to finish, I’ve already sat up. Only when I feel a light tugging sensation do I realise that my hair is still tied to Gavin’s. 

MC: Ah-

Gavin: ...does it hurt? Don’t worry, I’ll untie the knot.

Gavin’s voice, which carries within it concern, is very close to the top of my head. In the next second, the strands of hair that are pulled are immersed in a tender warmth. 

Gavin: ...I might have tied it a little too tightly.

MC: Let me try...

Gavin agrees with a sound, cooperating by bending down slightly to make it easier to untie the red string. 

I try pulling at the end of the string, but the knot refuses to budge.

Gavin: ... 

MC: It does seem a little tight... could it be a dead knot? 

Gavin seems to have leaned in a little closer. Perhaps it’s just my misperception, but he seems even closer than he was during the photoshoot. 

His temperature and breath make my face feel increasingly flushed. I focus on the knot in my hand, hoping he wouldn’t notice my flustered state.

MC: N-next time, don't tie it so tightly! Or else I’ll leave it to you to untie. 

I pretend to be angry, wanting to break the atmosphere that makes my heart go into a frenzy. 

Gavin: All right, I got it. 

When I hear his voice in my ear, I know fully well that my attempts are futile.

When the red string is finally released and falls to the ground, I release a huge sigh, yet feel an inexplicable emptiness in my heart. 

It’s as though my fate with Gavin has become untied. 

They get called back to the rehearsal

MC: We should go over then.

Gavin: ...hold on. 

Gavin pauses, then takes the red string from my hand.

In a slightly clumsy manner, he uses the string to tie a knot at the end of my plait.

Gavin: This is also considered joining of the hair.

Gavin looks at me, his eyes clear, as though he has seen through all my emotions. 

Gavin: Let’s go.

While he speaks, he takes my hand and we leave. 

I hold onto Gavin firmly, the red string on my hair swaying gently along with our footsteps.

We will never miss each other again. 

-

[ CHAPTER FOUR ]

At 8pm, the play finally begins

On stage, MC is supposed to read a letter to Gavin

But when she opens it up, she realises there’s nothing on the letter even though her script is supposed to be on it

Gavin notices that something is amiss, so he steps in to calm her down while pretending everything is normal

MC starts reciting her lines based on memory, but starts panicking in fear of ruining the play

Gavin then takes the letter from her and pretends to read from it, reciting her lines perfectly

The First Act of the play comes to an end, and there’s an intermission

MC decides to thank Gavin properly after the play is over, but Su Xuan suddenly looks for her:

Su Xuan: MC, are you free now? Pass the silk ball to Gavin! I don’t know why, but the prop hasn’t been brought over yet.

MC: Okay! I’ll go now!

Thinking of the little time left, I grab the silk ball and run towards the other end without much thought. 

In the next scene, Gavin and I are supposed to enter the stage from different sides, which is why I have to cross through the entire backstage to reach him.

The silk ball is an indispensable prop in the next scene. Also... I have a “thank you” to say to him in person.

With this in mind, I quicken my pace, and find a familiar figure afar off in the busy backstage.

MC: Gavin! I’m over here!

I stand on my tiptoes and wave at him, thinking of ways to reach him even faster. 

Hearing this, Gavin raises his head. After seeing me, he immediately weaves through the crowd and walks towards me. 

People are moving to and fro. Our eyes only have each other, and we go against the flow of people, walking towards our only focus. 

Staff: Prepare for the second half!

When I’m only a few steps away from him, the countdown for the second half of the play resounds. 

MC: Gavin, this is for you!

In my desperation, I lift my hand. The silk ball flies in a slightly shaky arc, landing steadily in Gavin’s arms. 

[Trivia: In Chinese culture, the silk ball (绣球 - ”xiu qiu”) is used to symbolize love. Giving it to someone reflects the giving of one’s heart. If a woman is in search of a fated life partner, she will toss the ball high into the air in a crowd. The person who catches the silk ball would become the person’s husband]

MC: Gavin, about earlier...

Staff: MC? What are you doing here? Go back, we’re about to start soon. The snatching scene is next, and it’s very important. 

MC: Please wait! I haven’t finished what I wanted to say...

The staff doesn’t give me a chance to continue, and pulls me to the other end. 

I turn my head towards Gavin, and I have no choice but to swallow the words of gratitude I couldn’t say to him in time. 

Gavin: [unintentionally sexy whisper] Wait for me.

Gavin stands in place and looks at me, mouthing those words to me. 

The bell from the venue rings, and the noise from the audience gradually dissipates.

Staff: The Second Act! Begins!

-

[ CHAPTER FOUR: A flashback ]

Location: Gavin’s home

MC: “It’s good, and I doubt the lady would refuse, but...”

Gavin: Are you still looking at your lines?

MC: ...Gavin? Why are you here!

[Note: I have no idea why MC asks this since the backdrop is of his own house LOL]

Gavin walks over with a blanket in his hand. 

MC: The rehearsal is the day after tomorrow, so I’m trying to make use of my time to familiarise myself with the script, especially the scene where I’m reading the letter. Even though I should be able to read straight from the letter on the actual day, I think it’s better to memorise it just in case... Gavin, why don’t you accompany me in going through the lines!

Gavin nods and sits beside me. After covering me with the blanket, he takes the script from my hands. 

Gavin: From here? 

MC: Okay!

Gavin and I go through the dialogue. Places I usually get stuck at become miraculously smooth.

Without realising it, we’ve gone through the entire script.

I flip through the script, marking out places requiring additional attention. 

MC: I feel like Mr Keller has taken reference from the personalities of the actors when writing the lines. I keep thinking that the lines sound like what you would say.

While speaking, I let out a yawn.

Gavin: If you’re tired, rest. We can continue tomorrow. 

As the year draws to a close, there are more things than usual to settle at work. And when I come home, I’d have to familiarise myself with the script. It’s natural that I’d feel fatigued. 

MC: You don’t have anything on tomorrow? 

Gavin: I don’t have work tomorrow, so we can practice our lines.

MC: That’s great!

A warmth gushes out of my heart. I shift closer to Gavin, sharing half the blanket with him. We look at the script together. 

MC: This is so much warmer!

Gavin: ...do you still want to look at it? 

MC: Mm, let’s look through the letter scene again. “If you lack medical knowledge... attach some... scattered silver... I hope to do my best...”

The words in front of me gradually become blurry and distorted. After a certain line, I lean on Gavin’s shoulder in a dazed state, giving up on my fight against sleep.

Gavin: MC? Are you asleep? 

The girl, who loftily said they would look at the script together just a few minutes ago, is now leaning softly against his shoulder, sleeping peacefully. 

Gavin doesn’t wake her up, and simply covers her with a jacket. He flips to the first page of the script, quietly reading the girl’s lines, and memorising them. 

The city is asleep, but the room filled with the breath of two people is still illuminated with a tender light. 

The all-knowing stars in the night sky are silent, and will guard the small world belonging to these two people.

-

[ CHAPTER FIVE ] The curtains are drawn slowly. I once again step onto the stage, following the script. 

In this scene, Gavin will snatch the silk ball, and I will hand it to the male lead so he can bring his beloved home.

For the scene to be more realistic, the actors are allowed to walk around spontaneously. 

As such, I have to run past various settings, weave through the crowd, and finally reach the stipulated spot. 

MC: Swordsman Bai? 

Panting slightly, I stand underneath the embroidery building, looking for Gavin. 

[Trivia: In ancient times, women who were more socially well-to-do would do embroidery in embroidery buildings.]

The sense of deja vu blurs my perception of the boundaries between the play and reality. 

A strong wind arrives as promised. Following the glint of a sword, a path forms in the crowd, interrupting my thoughts.

Gavin is dressed in red. One hand holds onto the silk ball, and the other sheathes his sword. He walks straight towards me. 

Gavin: Trivial matters held me back, and I seek forgiveness from the lady. 

The corners of his lips are curled into an open smile. His eyes are wilful and tender. 

The setting of the blue sky, the red silk in the surroundings, and the startled magpie birds surround Gavin, who is donned in wedding attire. It makes one unable to look away. 

At this moment, he finally stands before me again. 

The crowd and the noise of the world - they no longer have anything to do with me. 

Gavin places the silk ball into my hands steadily. 

Even though I know this is a script, and that it’s part of the plot, I can’t help but feel that the red silk ball in my hands is akin to a solemn promise. 

A greedy thought even flits across my mind - maybe it’d be good if the story ends like this. 

On stage, the silk ball is finally handed to the scholar. The lady takes the silk ball and holds it with her lover.  

Under the embroidery building, Gavin suddenly takes my hand. 

Gavin: Perhaps this may be abrupt. MC, are you willing to marry me and become my wife? 

MC: ?!

Was there such a line in the script? 

I look at Gavin with confusion.

Gavin doesn’t say a word. He stares straight at me without a hint of evasion.

There are so many emotions within that pair of eyes, leaving me unable to make sense of them. I have no idea��what to say. 

Off-stage, the audience erupt in thunderous cheers.

I glance to the side. Mr Keller, who has been watching the entire play, nods in my direction, signalling that I should continue in my role. 

My confusion dissipates when I see Gavin’s amber eyes, which are filled with deep, tender emotions and lingering affection. There is even an undercurrent of questioning and anticipation. 

It’s as though the answer I give would be an entrustment of the rest of my life. 

My heart beats loudly in my chest, feeling like it would leap out from my throat in the next second. 

MC: I... I accept. 

I blush and respond, not even sure if my words are loud enough to be heard by the audience off-stage. 

However, every single word is heard by Gavin, who has received my feelings. 

With a gentle laugh, he wraps an arm around my waist and lifts me up. 

Gavin brings me up the embroidery building to stand alongside the male and female leads.

At the end of the play, there is thunderous applause from off-stage. There are even a few audience members who are fully immersed in the story, sending us their blessings. 

In the midst of the applause, I tilt my head and lean towards Gavin’s ear, speaking softly. 

MC: Gavin, just now... I don’t remember seeing such a scene in the script?

Gavin: Mm, it was impromptu. 

MC: Why didn’t you tell me beforehand? I even thought...

Gavin doesn’t respond further, only smiling at me. 

Facing the cheering audience, the four of us bow and thank them for watching, as though worshipping the vast sea of people. 

After the play, everyone involved in the show gathers together to celebrate over dinner

MC: Gavin, thank you so much for today! It’s a good thing you saved the show! Back then... I really didn’t know what to do.

While I speak, I raise the drink in my hand, clinking it lightly against Gavin’s.

Gavin: You were looking for me just now to say this? 

He raises his drink, making up for the delayed clink. 

MC: Yeah. I wanted to thank you properly, but time was so tight that I couldn’t find the chance. Come to think of it, how did you know my lines...

Gavin: When we were rehearsing lines together, I just memorised them as well.

Gavin lowers his head and takes a mouthful of food, maintaining his usual casual attitude. Noticing that I’ve been watching him, he rubs his neck in slight confusion.

Gavin: Um... is there something on my face?

I immediately shake my head. A warm wave of emotions overflow from my heart. Countless words of gratitude are lodged in my throat, but I feel that no matter what I say, it would not be enough.

In the end, I silently fill a bowl of soup for him.

At the table, everyone is eating and drinking merrily, and the atmosphere is warm.

MC: After spending so many days with the crew, thinking of how we might not have the chance to get together like this again makes me feel quite reluctant to part with them.

I lean against Gavin, looking at the lively crew around us. 

MC: Gavin, I suddenly thought about something from my childhood. My dad used to be busy producing programs, and would bring me to the recording site to spend the New Year’s. The site was always busy, but no matter how pressed they were for time, everyone would sit down together and have an especially sumptuous dinner. Once I grew up, I also started spending my New Year’s working. I still remember that the warm ambience back then was the same as right now. 

Gavin: Mm, I can imagine. I used to spend New Year’s with my teammates, and it was very lively. 

MC: Even though it’s not at home, it’s still a different kind of fun!

Gavin: Since we’re on this topic, [coughs]...

Gavin seems to have something very important to say, but he takes another sip of his drink and stops. 

I blink, waiting for him quietly. I can vaguely guess what he wants to say.

In the end, he seems to become determined. He clears his throat and turns his head to look at me with a serious expression. 

Gavin: Over the next few days, if you don’t have anything else planned....

Gavin: Spend the New Year’s with me at home.

His tone is light, but the look in his eyes tells me just how solemn this invitation is. Even the tips of his ears turn an unnatural shade of red. 

I am very certain that, to the both of us, these words are the most precious and serious treasures from the deepest parts of his heart. 

MC: Okay. 

I nod heavily in response. Since a very long time ago, this answer has not changed.

The corners of Gavin’s lips turn up slightly. Those eyes, which always have an undercurrent of emotions, look like a glacier that has melted in spring, tenderly melting into a warm current. 

Gavin: I’ll pick you up then.

MC: Mm!!

The way his lips are curled upwards is as though all the uncertainties in his heart have found a most potent answer. 

I find myself smiling along with him.

MC: I recently learnt how to make a few New Year’s dishes, so we can try them. 

Gavin: All right, I can help. My skills... have improved. 

I freeze for a moment, making a sudden realisation. 

MC: Have you been practicing in secret? Looks like teaching you how to cook was a wise decision.

Gavin: ...I occasionally tried to.

MC: I’ll have to check the results of my teaching this year then!

Gavin: No problem. 

Gavin smiles, nodding his head with some measure of seriousness. He suddenly thinks of something.

Gavin: Oh yes, do we need to buy things like spring couplets?

MC: Mmhmm, we also have to buy the character “福”! It will only feel like New Year’s when we have these things pasted.

[Trivia: During the Chinese New Year, households paste an inverted red coloured square with the character 福 (“fu”, which means auspiciousness, blessing or happiness) on doors, walls, etc. to usher in such tidings]

I continue talking, listing on my fingers the items I want to purchase.

In my memory, my aunties’ fierce interrogations don’t seem that long ago. In just a blink of an eye, a new year has arrived. 

[Note: She’s making reference to the Spring Festival Date!]

This time, we can leave our time to each other. 

In a place belonging only to us, flipping open a new year’s calendar together.

The atmosphere at the dining table is just right. The sound of clinking glasses and celebration comes in waves. No one notices this small corner. 

We clasp each others’ fingers quietly. 

Our pulses, only separated by a layer of skin, call out to each other in the language of warmth.

I’m so lucky to have you by my side. 

[yuexuan]

Fiction recommendation 20

It’s been awhile since I did my last danmei recommendation post, so here’s another short one, spanning all types of genres. :) 

Also, do check out the quick links at the end of the post for more recommendations!

1. 破云 (Breaking through the clouds)

Author: 淮上 Huai Shang

Crime, mystery, modern setting

Summary [taken from novel updates]: 

Foreboding clouds raced across the skies above the city.

Three years ago, as a consequence of Commander-in-Chief Jiang Ting’s error in judgement during an anti-drug operation in Gongzhou, a chain of explosions occurred at the scene and caused the Narcotics Division to suffer heavy casualties. Now three years later, Jiang Ting, whose flesh and bones should’ve faded from existence after dying at the line of duty, actually miraculously woke up from a vegetative state.

His heroic soul could not rest – he must return to the mortal world from the depths of hell and exert all that he has in order to bring the bloody and inconceivable truth to light.

Comments:

I love the dynamic between the main couple and the pacing of their relationship development - it didn’t feel forced when the two finally confessed their feelings. If you love a power couple, I think you’ll enjoy this novel. The story has a solid plot, with well laid-out and interrelated clues for the readers to figure out. Compared to Huaishang’s previous works such as <银河帝国之刃> or the <提灯> series, her writing for Poyun has definitely reached a new level of storytelling in terms of complexity, characterization, and pacing. Also, I heard that this is being adapted into a donghua, so it’s something to look forward to!

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Manhua | Audio drama

2. 吞海 (Swallowing the seas)

Author: 淮上 Huai Shang

Crime, mystery, modern setting

Summary  [taken from novel updates] :

Sequel to Poyun.  Jinhai City Public Security Bureau newcomer Wu Yu is meek and mild, a man of few words, and completely unconcerned about the trials and tribulations placed before him by his strict boss. All he wants is to simply get by at his job, be paid on time, and play the role of a background actor. Nobody knew that this young man had a massive bounty placed on his head by a drug lord, as well as the youthful heroic spirit of a dragon-slayer from the abyss.

Comments:

Many of the comments that I have for Poyun also apply to Tunhai. One thing that stood out to me was the female characters. In my experience danmeis aren’t the best when it comes to writing female characters (with some even completely removing women from their universe), but Huaishang did justice in crafting the female characters in Tunhai, whether they are brave police, fresh newbies, or victims of scams. 

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation | Manhua | Audio drama

3. C语言修仙 (C Language Cultivation)

Author: 一十四洲 (Yi Shi Si Zhou)

Futuristic setting with elements of xianxia, comedy, system

Summary [taken from novel updates]:

Lin Xun is a programmer. After coding all night, he found a program input window in his body.

He tried to program a cycle program.

The next day, the old man next door came to the door: Xiao Xun, you are so young but you have entered the Qi Refining period. Do you want to be my disciple?

On the third day, Lin Xun was patted on the street with a shoulder: Boy, your Spiritual roots are surprising, how about joining my sect?

Lin Xun: “? ? ?”

Later, he discovered that modern society really has immortals. While others rely on spiritual power to cultivate immortals, he relies on programming himself, and he can also see the programs in other immortals.

A Nascent Soul: “How can you peep through my flaws?”

Lin Xun calmly withdrew the sword: “Your program has a bug.”

A half-immortal: “… that’s impossible! What is the name of your moves?

Lin Xun pushed up his glasses: “Monte Carlo algorithm.”

——Then he gradually became a legend in the cultivation world.

Comments:

I recommended the author’s other novel “Little Mushroom” in a previous rec, and the author did not disappoint with their new novel C Language Cultivation! Highlights of the novel include the author’s ingenious and nerdy ways of combining programming with cultivation, the humor, and the feelings of horror and angst as the plot unravels itself. 

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation 

4. 死亡万花筒 (Kaleidoscope of death)

Author: 西子绪 (Xi Zi Xu)

Infinite flow/style, horror, game

Summary  [taken from novel updates] : 

It started off peculiarly; first, his domestic cat refused to let him cuddle it.

Lin Qiushi soon found that a sense of disharmony and incongruity began to pervade everything around him.

Then, one odd day, he pushed open a door, and he discovered that the hallway he was familiar with turned into a boundless corridor.

At both ends of this corridor were twelve, identical iron gates.

Thus, the story began.

Ruan Nanzhu said to Lin Qiushi, “When you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Qiushi sank into deep contemplation. He then pulled down the zipper of his trousers and aimed at the abyss…

Ruan Nanzhu: “…Put your pants on properly!”

Comments: 

One of the exemplar danmeis in the genre of infinite flow. First of all, who doesn’t like a top that cross-dresses for his advantage? xD What I like about this story is that we see the main character (Lin Qiushi) slowly grow with each gate he passes through - how he became better at deciphering the clues, leading and protecting other players, and utilizing the environment to his benefit. My favorite gate is probably the box lady gate with all the tricky rules and hidden traitors!

Novel | Novel [Eng] Translation |  Audio drama

5. 网游我不配 (I am not worthy of online gaming)

Author: 易修罗 (Yi Xiu Luo)

Online gaming, humor, light BDSM, modern, comedy

Summary:

RMB 500 to buy a female account, in addition to a free ‘husband’? 

After Lin Yang obtained his new account, he was informed that he had a huge debt tied to the account (courtesy of the previous player). He had no choice but to team up and play the role of a model couple with his ‘husband’. 

Lin Yang: I only bought an account, why is a husband forcibly gifted to me?

Ye Lang: You can always choose the debt over your husband.

Lin Yang: Dear, can I forfeit the free gift?

Ye Lang: Sorry, this is a bundled purchase, no returns allowed. 

Comments:

I was first introduced to this novel through its audio drama ED. It is an older novel (written in 2012) and I couldn’t find its official hosting platform, but if you search hard enough, you can still find copies of it. This is a very light-hearted story - no villains, no large drama - with only a light smattering of angst at the end (but don’t worry, it was resolved very soon). 

Audio drama | Novel [translated]

Other quick links:

Fic tag guide

My previous recommendations (mostly danmei + fanfics)

List of novels/fics that I have already read

[a3hastakenovermylife]

Taichi Deserves the World

Ok, I’ve been listening to Taichi’s character song, Living the Dream.  I’ve always loved this song, and it makes me emotional every time I hear it.  There is just sooooo much emotion packed into his voice that its almost palpable, its absolutely amazing.  

I just today read the English translation, and OH MY GOODNESS, TAIIICHIIIIIIII!!!!

Now, the whole song is wonderful, don't get me wrong, however the part that makes me scream is that little speech he gives in the middle.

Just by changing the size of my dream My tiny world grew in size Just by lifting my chin a little My field of vision grew so many times wider Just by walking forward—I discovered a path I never knew of I don't know the future me, so There's no use fearing anything; that's why I'll continue to shout I'll continue to struggle, So that I can smile tomorrow.

Ok, I just want to talk a bit about this.  This is so sweet, so sweet, and it gives us a little bit of perspective into just how important Mankai is to Taichi, as well as how much it meant to him for them to accept him, even after everything he’s done.  

Taichi has spent his whole life trying to stand out, he hates being left out or forgotten, he just wants to be noticed.  His reason to start acting wasn't necessarily because he wanted to act, it was a platform upon which he could be in the center of attention.  He caught a glimpse of what the spotlight felt like, and was immediately hooked.  

His dream started as a relatively vain and selfish one, it was directed only to himself for his own gain.  He wanted others to think about him, to notice him, he hated blending in and he just desperately needed to be seen.  There’s nothing wrong with that, ill admit it’s a self-centered way to think, but there isn’t a single person out there who doesn’t have dreams that are selfish like that. (unless your like a saint or something)

Somewhere along the way though, I think Taichi began to truly enjoy acting itself.  I can’t imagine that Taichi could have survived long even in the God Troupe’s ensemble cast, if he didn’t have at least some passion for it.  Taichi clearly is clearly intimidated by Beni, and to spend so much time under his direction (working as essentially a disposable side actor who could be replaced at any time), must have been absolutely brutal. 

This is the same guy that made Tsumugi the theatre junkie quit acting entirely for years, after just one audition.  

We don’t know exactly how long he’d been a part of God Troupe, but it was long enough that Beni found him to be suitable to be a pawn in his plot, enough so that he could see just the right button to push to make Taichi do exactly what he wanted.  That leads me to believe that it had been at least a few months???  The point is, Taichi wouldn't have been able to hold up under Beni’s brutal standards and expectations (I imagine that Beni’d want even the ensemble cast’s performances to be perfect) if he were in it for hollow reasons.  

If he only wanted to get popular, for the sake of being popular, then I don’t think he’d have been able to get that far.  

I think that the whole ‘I want to be popular’ thing is a very basic and shallow way of describing what Taichi really wants.  I don’t think that Taichi himself even realizes this.

Taichi, like most average people, idealizes and glorifies fame.  Taichi equates the idea of having people adore you, to the idea of having friends.  When this just isn't true, in fact, I would imagine it's much harder for celebrities to find true friendships (much like Tenma).  The reasons Taichi wants to be popular is much less about wanting adoration, and more about wanting to be notices, he wanted someone to care.  

The specific example Taichi gives to explain why he wanted to be popular, was that he one time he got sick for a while, and when came back to school nobody had even noticed that he’d been gone.  This feeling that Taichi is having is plain old loneliness, not some idol-complex.  He decides that being popular is the solution so that becomes his dream, but that was never really his dream in the first place, not really.

His real dream was to be surrounded by people who genuinely cared about him.

His real dream was to be surrounded by friends, real friends.

Just by changing the size of my dream

My tiny world grew in size

Before Taichi comes to Mankai, his dream is focused entirely on himself, he is lonely, he wants friends.  The solution; get popular and become an actor.  

It’s entirely about him.  The only person in this dream that he could identify is himself, and his adoring fans are nameless and faceless, because they don't matter at this point, in this dream Taichi matters.

When he joins Mankai Company, and the Autumn Troupe, he is immediately steeped into this loving and warm community.  He rehearses with them, he sleeps with them, he eats with them, they even bathe together once.  

And his dream starts to change...

Taichi, hadn't even really realized that his dream was already coming true, he’s still convinced that his dream is to be popular, and he’s believed that so long that he really has convinced himself that it really is his dream.  

However, that dream that Taichi has, it really has changed.  In his mind, he isn't standing on that stage alone being adored anymore, he's standing next to the others in Mankai and the Autumn Troupe.  He doesn’t just want to act anymore, he wants to act alongside his friends, he wants to help them succeed, and he wants to be a part of this Company.  

Mankai Company has essentially become a part of Taichi’s dream.

Just by lifting my chin a little My field of vision grew so many times wider Just by walking forward—I discovered a path I never knew of

Taichi has stopped looking inwards to himself, and looking outside at the others around him.  ‘His field of vision’ has grown, and he can finally see beyond himself, because someone outside of his family has finally taken the time to let him into their lives.  

The entire way Taichi sees himself and those around him, changes drastically because of this, he’s experiencing true camaraderie and friendship for the first time and it changes everything.

He doesn't want to go through with the plan to sabotage the Autumn Troupe play, he feels trapped, as if there was no good way out of the shit situation he’s found himself in, and this next part is important.

Eventually, it gets to the point, that he’d rather quit acting than keep betraying the others.  

In game he literally says;

Omi, I... I think I’m gonna have to quit acting.  There’s no way I can keep going like this, is there?

He, in this moment, is choosing the happiness of the friends he’s made, and the success of the troupe he joined over his own dream.  Even believing that there was no way they would let him stay in the troupe after this, or ever forgive him.  Even knowing, that Beni could and would blacklist his name from the entire acting industry if he went through with this.  He still decides that he won’t hurt his friends any more than he already has.

He joins confesses, gives his portrait, and joins Mankai for real.  

Just by lifting my chin a little My field of vision grew so many times wider Just by walking forward—I discovered a path I never knew of

He can now hold his head high, proudly, as a member of Mankai, and stand along side them, and perform on stage with them.

I don't know the future me, so There's no use fearing anything; that's why I'll continue to shout I'll continue to struggle, So that I can smile tomorrow.

He decides, that there's no use in being afraid of Beni, or of what he might do, because all he wants to do is to act, and to act with Mankai.  He wants to stay friends with all of them, and whatever may come for him in the future, he knows he won't have to deal with it alone.  He’s going to fight for his future at the company, even if that means standing up to Beni.  He does this because he knows that this is the path he’ll be happiest going down.

You can read the JAP, ROM, and ENG lyrics here.