#black butler clash

[blondeaxolotl]

Hitting you all with a quick fankids piece before I start drawing my kuro headcanons hehehe

and ofc a bonus doodle:

[chainsawmochi]

Commissions (tentatively) Open!

I'm in need of some money for the holiday season, so I'm opening my art commissions.

Please check out the link below if you're interested!

[lynxsakura]

Taking Commissions!!

all payment is in USD - paypal, venmo, zelle

if you want something that isn’t listed, like an icon, DM me and we can work something out!

tagging the fandoms my examples and faves to draw for ✨

[fieryskies]

So I started reading a manga called Frau Faust today (which I recommend! It's from The Ancient Magus' Bride creator and it's only 19 chapters long)

And not to get too spoiler-ish with it, but it made me think about an AU in which it is Sebastian who allows himself "to lose Ciel's soul forever" and turns him immortal before his master could die

Ciel is...actually not too happy with getting cheated out of his promised death. Cut to a centuries old chase in which one immortal is running left and right to find some way to die

While the other puts pebbles in his road at every turn

[onikiribattousai]

Dumb Thoughts Of The Day:

I somehow imagine if Hoozuki and William T. Spears ever meet each other, they will have an argument that often ended up in a violent result because Hoozuki won't hesitate to flip his middle finger to Will and he absolutely has zero chill (unlike Sebastian).

Poor William, he might ended up having a stomach ulcer.

[zetsubo-bani]

The Attackers and why I don't think it was rciel

The attackers of the tenth birthday is probably the biggest mystery in black butler. They are the ones ociel wants revenge against and their identities is a complete mystery. Which is why this is a popular topic to theorise about.

The most popular theory is the real ciel mastermind theory (rcmmt) which claims that it was rciel who either let the intruders in and commanded them or did this whole thing himself.

I myself strongly disagree with this theory and want to present why (as well as do little speculations about the real culprits).

Now then, why do people think it's rciel?

The panel that most people found suspicious are these:

The unknown expression on ciels face is what caught peoples attention and a lot of people thought that it meant he developed some sort of grudge against his parents because they "wanted to seperate him and his brother". But I think it's actually the opposite.

What vincent and rachel basically told him was "if you grow up and become a strong earl, you can help and protect your brother, even if you two are not in the same place" and I think that's what kickstarted rciels protective side.

We've seen in the blue memory arc after they got captured that rciel always held ociel in a very protective pose and with a glare to the hostile person.

And this moment is simply him realising that since his brother is a bit on the physically weaker side and doesn't have the title, that rciel can protect him instead. Some call his smile fake but I think it's genuine if you look at the background and how those little bubbles are drawn (which are always there in happy moments).

We also saw this protective side later during the attack .

Tanaka was supposed to pick them up at 6pm and as we can see, it's already 40 minutes after the time he was supposed to come. If a person who is usually very reliable is 40 minutes late, anyone would be suspicious and as we can see in rciels expression, he clearly suspects something is wrong.

We can see rciels protective side already kicking in by telling ociel he should remain where he is while rciel goes and checks. I couldn't include the next panel due to the limit but after that rciel says "it's my duty as the heir" which definitely ties back to what the previous pages caused.

So rciel basically walks out with no insurance that it's really safe while leaving his brother behind where he is (at the moment) safe.

Though after roughly 15 minutes have passed, ociel walks out anyways.

On his way he hears barking from vincents room after the dog sebastian has ran off.

What I believe happened was that the dog caught the perpetrator with vincent and started barking which caused the attacker to also kill the dog.

After ociel saw his dead parents and dog, he ran off in a panic, accidentally stumbling upon more corpses who were gathered around the whole house

Before hearing what seems to be the sound of blades clashing and running into tanaka.

Now this part is very important for the next page but think about this: if there is a sound of blades clashing and tanaka is not the one fighting then who are the two people fighting?

The answer is: it's rciel and the attacker.

Tanaka soon says this:

"master ciel is..." Indicates that rciel is in that hallway tanaka was in and from the sound of it, it doesn't seem that he was fine.

But you may ask now: "if rciel is fighting against someone and didn't seem to be doing well then why didn't tanaka help him since he is their servant and supposed to protect them?"

The answer is ociel.

Tanaka got distracted by ociel suddenly entering the scene. But most importantly look at what happened moments afterwards:

Someone stabbed tanaka in the back after he ran towards ociel (which was very likely the person who fought against rciel). But the important part are the hands grabbing ociel from behind.

Someone was following ociel and tanaka saw this which is why he left rciel on his own and try to protect ociel. But it was already too late.

After they got captured, rciel drops what I think is the biggest hint that he isn't the responsible one.

"if only I had more power", "if only I had the power to be invincible" pretty much confirms that he was indeed fighting against someone and got overpowered.

Now here is why I don't think rciel is the culprit:

1. Rciel has no motive to hurt his parents. They acted completely fine and like normal parents to him and that lesson after his tantrum is not nearly enough to serve as motive, especially because I think it served the opposite purpose and only spurred on his "I'm the big brother, I need to be strong" personality of his (which can be a common thing of older siblings)

2. Like I said the reason rciel went on his own was due to that personality and thinking he as the heir needs to deal with the possible threat. It wasn't to let in intruders

3. When they woke up, 40 minutes had already passed so the intruders were already on their rampage while the twins were sleeping (which caused tanaka to not come). Rciel couldn't possibly have let the attackers in if he was sleeping or while he was playing with ociel the whole time. He literally has an alibi.

4. That 15 minute timeframe wouldn't have been enough to kill off everyone in that manor because on one hand it is absolutely huge and on the other he is just 10 and lacks strength to fight against a grown adult.

5. Sebastian the dog obviously caught the intruder with vincent and barked. But sebastian already knows and likes rciel so why would he bark at his familiar? Because the intruder wasn't a familiar and most likely a stranger.

6. Rciel was fighting against someone which is the attacker. How can rciel be the attacker if he was fighting against the attacker?

7. Rciel was just 10. A little kid and most importantly the son of Vincent! Even if rciel had malicious intent (which he didn't) he couldn't have orchestrated it without vincent as the guard dog somehow noticing it. Tanaka or other servants were closely watching them and rciel wouldn't even have had the chance to meet and hire assassins to attack their manor on the tenth birthday.

8. Why would rciel cry over not having been strong enough if he was the mastermind? Even if he was and the attackers ended up "betraying him", it just feels strange that this would be what he complains and apologises for. The "not having been strong enough" is a big blow for him since he believed for years that he has to be the strong one for his brother. But the fact that he wasn't and they both got kidnapped, deeply hurts him which is why those tears in his eyes are genuine

9. Rciel having vincents ring is not a surprise if you think about the dog sebastian. Sebastian barked loudly which caught ociels attention who was rather far away. And it certainly must have caught rciels as well which is where he likely caught the attackers in the act and chased after them. This is what most likely broke out the fight.

The attackers are two or more people and by the size of the hands who grabbed ociel, they are most likely adults.

Besides consider this: Vincent requested diedrich to protect his sons if something should happen to him (which even diedrich found suspicious). Why would he ask that? Likely because he suspected something like this would happen.

It's highly likely that Vincent must have done something bad that he knew will cause his death. Which makes me theorise that vincent is the reason the attackers came and not because rciel orchestrated something.

Maybe I will add more reasons in the future if I think about more but I really had to get this off my chest since the rcmmt is my least favourite theory because it makes no sense to me. That theory is definitely based on some bias against rciel I believe.

But hopefully after this, you will see why it couldn't have been him.

[pxnsneverland]

Something Immortal | Biker!Austin Butler x OC (part 13)

(gif source: redbelles)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12

plot summary: In the gritty underbelly of a city ruled by werewolf biker gangs, Austin Butler reigned supreme as the ruthless leader of his pack. A man of unwavering ferocity, he lied, killed, and stole without remorse, living by a code of violence that defined his kind. Yet, even Austin harbored a secret weakness – his childhood friend Bonnie Barlow, the one woman he had loved in silence for years. Bonnie's father had once been part of Austin's gang, but after his death, she fled the treacherous world of the werewolves, unable to stomach the endless cycle of crime and brutality. For five years, she remained a fugitive from her own nature, until a fateful night when her life took an irreversible turn. Freshly released from a two-year prison stint, Austin returned to his pack, reveling in the debauchery of their den. But his revelry was cut short by a frantic call from Bonnie, pleading for his aid. Rushing to her side, he uncovered a grim truth – in a desperate act of self-defense against her abusive boyfriend, Bonnie had taken a life, awakening the dormant werewolf within her. As the next full moon loomed, she would undergo her first agonizing transformation, a fate she had always dreaded. Defying the pack's ruthless code, Austin sheltered Bonnie, guiding her through the excruciating metamorphosis that tore through her body each lunar cycle. In the depths of her torment, their bond rekindled, blossoming into a love they had long suppressed. Nights of shared laughter and reminiscence gave way to stolen moments of tenderness, their connection deepening with every passing moon. Yet, their newfound bliss was a fragile thing, forever threatened by the harsh realities that governed their world. For Bonnie was branded a deserter, her very existence a betrayal in the eyes of the pack. If Austin's treachery was uncovered, retribution would be swift and merciless.

pairings: biker!austin butler x oc

word count: 1352

warnings/notes: violence, blood

Chapter 13: A Deadly Showdown

The crowd fell silent as he emerged, his rugged figure cutting an imposing image in the dim light. He fixed his icy gaze on Jerry, who held the attention of his own faction with a venomous tirade against him. Jerry turned and their eyes met. There was a long, tense pause.

The crowd fell silent as he emerged, his rugged figure cutting an imposing image in the dim light. He fixed his icy gaze on Jerry, who held the attention of his own faction with a venomous tirade against him. Jerry turned and their eyes met. There was a long, tense pause.

"Jerry," Austin's voice sliced through the cold night air, silencing the last of the whispers like a fatal blow. "You've made your challenge. Now face me."

Jerry sneered in response. "With pleasure." He gestured towards an open area, signaling for the gang to make room.

In a world where physical power often dictated survival, a challenge between werewolves was a deadly dance - brutal, swift and unforgiving. The two men stepped into the cleared space; Austin’s muscles taut beneath his worn leather jacket, Jerry flexing his fingers in anticipation.

As the moon shone down upon them, they transformed in synchrony; bodies rippling and contorting as they took on their powerful wolf forms. The crowd watched in silence as Austin and Jerry circled one another, snarls echoing through the forest surrounding them.

They sprang at each other, a clash of fur and fangs that echoed through the silent woods. Austin landed a heavy blow on Jerry’s flank before being swiped aside by Jerry’s massive paw. With a growl that shook the trees around them, they engaged again, locked in a deadly battle for dominance.

Meanwhile Gwen ‘Black Widow’ Martin looked on with predatory interest as she saw her opportunity to seize control while everyone was distracted with the fight. She moved stealthily towards Bonnie but was stopped short by Bear standing protectively over her motionless form. His eyes flashed a warning that she didn't dare ignore.

Back in the clearing, Austin managed to sink his teeth into Jerry’s shoulder causing him to howl in pain and retreat momentarily. But Jerry was quick to retaliate, lunging at Austin with renewed vigor. Despite his injuries, Austin held his ground. The memory of Bonnie lying battered and bruised fueled a seething rage within him that no pain could quell.

He charged at Jerry, his sharp claws raking against the larger wolf’s side. Jerry tried to fight back but with each passing moment, Austin's attacks became more relentless, more unforgiving. His eyes told of a promise - a promise of retribution for every bruise on Bonnie’s body.

All around them, the gang watched in anticipation as Austin and Jerry battled with primal ferocity. Nature's law dictated the outcome: only the strongest would emerge victorious. And tonight, Austin was determined to be the victor for Bonnie.

As the fight wore on, Jerry found himself growing weaker as his injuries began to impair his movements. His once fierce snarls now mere whimpers, his formidable stature beginning to falter under Austin's relentless assault.

Seeing his opportunity, Austin lunged at Jerry, sinking his powerful jaws into Jerry's throat. Jerry let out a strangled, choked-off howl, struggling to free himself from Austin's iron grip. His struggles were futile and slowly, he began to weaken - his scarlet life ebbing away onto the dampened soil. The crowd watching in silence. Releasing his grip, Austin stepped back and watched as Jerry collapsed onto the ground, his breath coming out in harsh, ragged gasps.

Defeated, Jerry’s massive wolf form shrank back into his human figure. His eyes, once full of venomous wrath, were now glossed over with the blinding clarity of imminent death. He reached out a trembling hand towards Austin, his voice barely a whisper as he gasped, “You’ve won, Boss.”

Austin didn’t speak; his beastly form dissolved back to his human self as he stood over Jerry’s dying body. The silence that hung over the clearing was deafening, only broken by Jerry's rattling breaths fading slowly into the night. A sense of finality fell across the clearing as Jerry’s hand dropped to the ground, his eyes staring blindly into the moonlit sky. The tension that had been coiled so tightly within the onlookers seemed to collectively unwind in an audible sigh. Austin stood silent; his blonde hair and rugged features illuminated by the harsh moonlight.

He took a moment before turning towards the rest of the pack wiping the blood from his mouth. “Anyone else want to challenge me tonight?” His voice echoed through the still night. The crowd remained silent, none daring to meet his piercing gaze.

"Good," he murmured, “Those of you who don’t like the way I run things can pack your shit and go find another pack!” His eyes darkened. “And if any of you have anything to say about Bonnie…you’ll be the next to die.”

Austin's gaze roved over the pack, daring them to challenge him. His ironclad authority was absolute; there would be no more challenges tonight. The crowd began to disperse as Austin walked away from Jerry's lifeless body, leaving it as a gruesome testament to his power.

He made his way toward Bonnie. Bear's imposing figure hunch over protectively beside her. Austin paused in front of them, a dichotomy of emotions flickering within his icy eyes. He spared a glance at Bear, silently communicating his gratitude.

"Is she...?" Austin trailed off, unsure of what to say.

Bear looked up at Austin with a knowing look. "She's alive," he said softly, "But she's hurt bad."

Something clenched inside Austin. The sight of Bonnie’s delicate form marred by bruises brought forth an overwhelming tide of protective anger within him. His heart pounded against his ribs. He couldn’t lose her again.

He knelt down beside Bonnie, his rough hand gently brushing a stray lock from her face. As his fingers grazed her skin, she stirred slightly; her eyelids fluttering open to reveal hazy, pain-filled eyes that met his gaze.

"Austin," she rasped out weakly, reaching out with a trembling hand towards him.

"Shh..." Austin hushed her gently, "Save your strength."

He stood up abruptly and turned to Bear. "Get the first aid kit and water from my bike," he barked out.

As Bear hurriedly left to fetch the required items, Austin sat down beside Bonnie who was fighting to remain conscious. He gently took her hand in his, reassured by the faint squeeze she returned. Austin's piercing gaze never left Bonnie's face, drinking in the sight of her bruised and battered yet ever resilient figure. The promise of revenge he had silently made to himself was fulfilled yet its sweet taste was replaced with a bitter worry for Bonnie's wellbeing.

A sudden rustle broke him from his reverie as Bear lumbered back into view, balancing a large first aid kit and a water bottle precariously in his burly arms. He dumped the contents next to Austin before stepping back, allowing him space to work.

Austin opened the kit with hurried hands, pulling out bandages, disinfectants, and other necessary medical supplies. His hand was steady despite the turmoil raging inside him. All these years leading a gang taught him how to take care of wounds but never before did he wish this much for a real doctor. He cursed under his breath; the gang's secrecy meant hospitals were off-limits.

With grim determination set on his rugged face, Austin started applying the disinfectant to her wounds. Each time she winced or let out a small whimper of pain, guilt like a dagger pierced his heart, but he continued nonetheless. He cleaned and bandaged her wounds as gently as he could while murmuring comforting words that sounded hollow even to his own ears. She had slipped into unconsciousness once again but he hoped somehow she could hear him from the depths of her darkness.

When finally he was done, he found himself unable to let go of her hand, his thumb tracing absent patterns on her smooth skin. Her breathing seemed steadier now, but she was still pale against the moonlight.

Stay tuned for part 14!! Click HERE to view!

Taglist: @droopycoquette@buckysteveloki-me

[whereismymonsterlover]

This is such an unserious criticism, Yana and I just have different tastes. I do straight up find the dress ugly but I feel like I should preface with my tastes too: I'm a bit pretentious and love historical fashion, and I don't like Lolita very much so me and Yana are clashing like crazy. The pink 'robin' dress is so iconic but I have a few thoughts.

I hate Ciel's pink dress and I always have. I might redesign it because it is so unflattering and fucking PEACH PINK BLEGH like dusty pink lemonade that's been in a store cupboard for too long. It's a very childish colour which I wouldn't dare change cus that misses the whole point of it being a ploy to seduce good old uncle Druitt, unfortunately. I think I'd incorporate a dusty dark magenta in place of some of the black accents but I'd like to keep a little black to match ciel's dark blue hair. The magenta accent would definitely be satin because I am absolutely yearning for satin but I'm apprehensive since he is supposed to be "a young girl" and satin has a much more mature vibe.

Though it does make him appear taller, the fucking absence of a waistline/no separating hemline between the bodice and skirt ticks me off. The ruching blending into his bodice makes me so mad. He looks swamped in fabric which counteracts the attempt to elongate his torso. The bodice totally lacks structure.

Of all Ciel's outfits to not feature a bustle, you choose not to put a bustle on his ACTUAL DRESS?? Sure, there's a huge pink bow, but Yana actually LOSES the petticoat around the rump, it's bizarre. I hate bows so much I don't know why. The one on the front just feels so disjointed from the flow of the dress and disrupts it entirely imo. I'd probably change the texture of the bodice with a ruffle-front in place of the bow. I have no qualms with the petticoat besides there's just too much of it. The dress has a wider silhouette than typical 1880-90s evening gowns so that's an easy compromise: I'd give the bodice a more prominent waistline higher on his waist but pinch in the diameter of the skirt to maintain his illusionary height. From a large initial bump at the top of the skirt, I'd want it to fall straight down instead of the typical "ball gown" that widens towards the bottom.

Fucking black and white stripes is NOT giving evening elegance. It's giving beetlejuice (which gives me a black butler Halloween drawing idea...), or Mrs. Lovett's beach day dress in the tim burton Sweeney Todd. Despite this, I'd keep the stripes as there is so much character to them, it probably helped to entice the viscount 🤢 since they're so fucking jarring and out of place but I digress. I do think the black is incorporated really nicely in that horizontal strip on the petticoat ruffles. I HATE the vertical black strips holding the ruched pink gown - I'd probably replace this black accent with the dusty magenta. I hate the length of the ruched fabric but it wouldn't offend me so much if there was a WAISTLINE. (Again, I'm being dramatic. It's a product of 2006 Lolita-core and I can respect that. But I do detest it in places.)

I will make sketches I think which I'll add onto this post cus I LOOOOVE designing dresses. I've rambled too much.

[astarionposting]

tell us more about ren she’s so pretty i need lore

Hello anon!! I am so flattered u want to know more about her! Ren is an alternate universe version of my usual Tav. I’m much better at storytelling visually, so I’ll explain some of my visual choices I’ve made for her character, which contains a bit of the lore I have created thus far. (also thank u for the excuse to just create a character dump post for her lol - i spent way too much time on this)

content warnings: mentions of dissection, scarring one's own face, unhealthy obsessions, stalking, religious trauma... just general fucked up Bhaalist things. + spoilers for BG3

EYES

A keypoint in her design are her eyes; Ren has the same eyes as The Dark Urge's Fiend butler, Sceleritas Fel, reflecting her origin as a creation of Bhaal Himself. Similar to other creations like her and Sceleritas, she was made with the purpose of serving and assisting Bhaal's Chosen.

SCARS

The right side of her face is deliberate scarring of her own doing during her priestess "training". Her body scars, however, are the result of the experimentation performed on her in her early training days. These experiments are often done with the purpose of making unnatural "improvements".

HANDS

I really love how Scarlet Witch's fingertips will stain black as a result of her use of the Darkhold's chaos magic spells, so I took that inspiration and headcannon that Ren's hands/arms do something similar from her "training" as a priestess of Bhaal and her use of necromancy/shadow magic and rituals.

For her general aesthetic, I was mainly inspired by the concept art for Bhaal for BG3 and this art of a priestess of Bhaal. She often wears a large dusty cloak over her usual gown. Placed on the top of her cloak, she will also sometimes wear a crown of thorns, mimicking the "spiky" style of common Bhaalist attire. During their time in the temple, before the events of BG3, she often adorned her face with a broken piece of a human skull. Since her coat is quite heavy, she walks a little hunched over… kind of like a creepy gremlin. Additionally, she will wear a small Bhaalist charm at the collar of her cloak.

Underneath, she wears her typical black gown; the top half resembles Orin’s carapace and blends into her skirt, with leg slits for better mobility, of course! When she isn’t wearing her cloak, her hair is loosely tied back and styled into a collection of braids, accessorized with Bhaalist jewelry.

*Keep in mind I am not a lore expert in terms of D&D deities or Bhaalist lore in general. I took some stuff from the forgotten realms wiki but also just made some stuff up lol, so this NOT D&D or BG3 lore accurate.

Also, again, warnings for unhealthy relationships/obsessions, as well as brief mentions of torture but not in detail.

THEY ARE BHAALISTS THEY HAVE ISSUES!!!!

Similarly to Sceleritas Fel, Ren has a lot of "care" for The Dark Urge. She favours him over Orin, and often clashed heads with her... but of course I have to have some doomed yuri content too!!!!!! so maybe they kissed once or twice >:) (but waaay before the events of BG3) Her "training" as a priestess of Bhaal consisted of torture, religious indoctrination, and extreme mental corruption/manipulation, especially by Orin. As implied before, she faced experiments in order to "improve" her usefulness to Bhaal and His Chosen. As a result, she is not the most stable person you'll meet. She is mainly chaotic evil aligned, however, her final loyalties will always lie with The Dark Urge, and she is accepting of his resistance/redemption path, as well as his acceptance/murder hobo path. She is essentially a certified Real One (also doesn't rlly vibe with Bhaal after he kills her evil Dragon boyfriend yk). The tadpole in someway also helped "release" her mind of Bhaal's influence, and while she is still an obsessive and violent girlie, she can be persuaded to not be a total murder hobo and sometimes even decides on her own to go against Bhaal's wishes (she still cool with murder though). As I previously mentioned, Ren was created by Bhaal to assist His Chosen in his duties and leading the temple, as most priestesses/priests of Bhaal do. She is more of a companion and advisor to The Dark Urge, rather than a servant like Sceleritas Fel. She is deeply (obsessed) "in-love" with The Dark Urge, and supports him over Orin. A while before the whole tadpoles, absolute, blah blah blah stuff, her and Orin had a brief history, but it was moreso Orin's jealousy of what Durge had. Her in-game class is a Bhaalist class mod! It is very fun so far, and she just levelled up to level 3 and can now has the ability Verminous Metamorphosis, so she can turn into a… RAAAAT!! 🐀 sorry, Astarion :( However, I see her as a combo of this and a death cleric of Bhaal. In terms of how her story is going in the BG3 campaign, i still haven't fully fleshed anything out yet! I would assume she would have a large impact on Durge's memory loss. Maybe she will have her own gaps in memory, but knows they have a reason to go to Baldur's Gate. As for other durge events, I believe she would be proud of The Dark Urge for such a "beautiful display of gore!" after Alfira night lol. I'm still undecided if I want to do redemption or murder hobo durge... I don't want to kill Isobel so I'm probably going to headcannon that Bhaal tasks The Dark Urge with killing her, as a way to test if he is "losing his way", or if he cares more about the life of a "mere servant of Bhaal" than his own "birthright" as Bhaal's Chosen.

For now I am just going with the flow of the game and doing some fun photo and gif series of Ren and Durge's adventure in my Durgetav playthrough!

Face preset | hair | scar | eyes | makeup + bloody lips | body tattoo & autopsy scar Orin top, arms + legs | dress + accessories | cloak | hood + crown/mask | lingerie

♡ PLAYLIST

dividers made by me with canva; graphics by @/brand314195326 and @/dhtgip. screenshots by me ♡

[katipotatoe]

As a fellow veteran in the black butler community, I feel it's only right and fair I start interacting since the new season will most likely cause a clash within the fandom.

I have unfortunately stumbled across too many antis, and to be honest, it's quite disgusting. If your only purpose is to come, complain, spread hatred and attack fellow shippers, than in the kindest way, you can definitely fuck off.

My blog has always been the safest space when it comes to our fellow shipping community, so please feel free to interact or DM, should you, by any means, feel attacked.

[blondeaxolotl]

YOU.

Also bonus, since I drew the grim reapers as bats, I decided that the angels can turn into doves

[kuroshitsuji-igurisshu]

G-fantasy April 2024

𖤐Hello everyone Kuronians𖤐

Today I would like to talk to you about this month's magazine where Yanuzza has brought this beautiful illustration on the cover. At first glance (even I thought so) it might seem like an uninteresting illustration, but if instead of looking at it we observe it, we can notice many interesting details.As I told you some time ago in the stories (IG), since the 15th anniversary the style of the illustrations has changed drastically so that there are two readings, which of course we also find here. On top of that, this illustration seems to be almost an anomaly considering that in 15 years, Yanuzza has never brought an illustration so "explicit" as to refer not only to the actual chapters but above all to the vibe of the work.

Starting by analysing Sebastian, we can see that his figure assumes a central role, in fact he is the first thing the eye rests on as he is the most imposing figure. Besides this motif, which already tells us a lot, it is interesting that he is not next to 'Ciel' but behind. He is not in a butler's position (butlers always stay a little behind their masters), rather he is anything but, as he is encompassing 'Ciel' to such an extent that the illustration becomes suffocating. Yanuzza has created a sort of private cage solely for 'Ciel' and, if you like, we can say that this pose of Sebastian's very much represents the figure of the guardian demon* (mind you, don't be fooled by the idyllic name) a figure actually present in Satanism.

The more I look at 'Ciel', the more I shiver at his tired posture. It is not simple tiredness, it is something deeper, like a stabbing pain in the chest that prevents you from breathing. This current state of his is intensified even more by the hunched position and, looking closely, you can see that although he is resting his chin on his little hand he occupies less space than expected, as if that tiredness (which personally seems more like depression to me) he does not want to show by withdrawing into himself, which he often does.Precisely for this reason, the other hand, the one holding the handle of the cup, is also very close to his body in an almost uncomfortable position, but one that allows him to 'shut himself in', especially because of the predominant figure of the demon invading his space.The space that Sebastian is occupying does not seem to be accidental, this because in proxemics it is called 'intimate space' a space that we only grant to a small circle of people (such as family) and yet, despite this, the demon hurls itself at him, enclosing him in a sort of prison emphasised by the arms that precisely encompass him, underlining once again the figure of the guardian demon. Moreover, the enclosed position of the human cub might also suggest fear or even discomfort at that inappropriate closeness.

In the first reading we can understand the peculiar as well as the obscure relationship between the two protagonists.

Among the most well-known meanings of the lily is that it represents purity and chastity, so much so that it is associated with the virgin Mary. As consistent as this may be (more or less, after all, kuro is not a Christian work), I do not think this is the main message Yanuzza wants to communicate to us. Besides that, the flower in question is often used in funerals, so much so that it has officially become Undertaker's flower. Speaking of the Undertaker... of Rich Black's illustration where the headless white horse token is seen, and considering that in this illustration Sebastian is not cutting the stem but the corolla, one would think that this could be the second warning for the Undertaker's imminent demise. After all, it was "Ciel" himself who revealed in the last chapter <this is the time for the revenge match> plus I'm pretty sure Seb is looking forward to clashing with the gravedigger considering what happened on the Campania.

Another very interesting element, in my opinion, is the scissors. Yanuzza could have drawn Seb with a knife being his favourite tool and yet, he drew a scissor. The latter, unlike the knife, has a different meaning: the knife kills; the scissors divides, separates. I wonder if this isn't a reference to the new season, to the fact that for the first time we had a clear separation with anime, so much so that you had to clarify the beginning of a new era by saying <the anime has nothing to do with me. My work, it's my manga> after all, the scissor puts an end to something, it breaks, and consequently creates a new order.

The most curious element is certainly the rose. I'll be honest, I haven't really understood what it is that he wants to communicate to us, also because I have the impression that in order to understand this element we need more information that we don't have at the moment.Having said that, the element of the red rose has always been more or less present in the work: in the cover of the manga there are brambles, Redmond seems to be the main bearer of this flower even if... a rather relevant character in my opinion could be Baron Kelvin, the very one who in the book of Circus revealed <the most beautiful roses are full of thorns> a phrase of ambiguous beauty that makes me think that he definitely knew more about Vincent. Maybe he'll come back to life? I'd love it, after all he was the only character who was entangled with the chaos of the cult and suspiciously was also an acquaintance of Vincent's.

This is not the first time that Yanuzza has included elements of Shakespeare in kuro, in fact, here I am attaching Shakespeare's poem entitled 'the fairest rose' where inside one can find some very interesting points that certainly refer to 'Ciel'. For the English poet, the rose is not just a flower, but a metaphor: the rose is always a rose, even if it should be called a table. So we are, and always will be, just ourselves, with all our strengths and faults. Perhaps with this sentence Yanuzza has tried to give importance to a child who has been neglected for far too long.

*If you are interested in learning more about the figure of the guardian demon, let me know in the comments!

If you are curious to see more of my posts, you can find me on IG as Kuroshiutsuji_itaru 😈

[overworkedblorbobattle]

Overworked Blorbo Battle Round 1!

Round 1 will be split into 8 waves of 8 week long polls with each wave being posted 24 hours after the previous begins. The first wave will start on Friday the 29th of July at 3pm BST

The matchups are listed under the readmore

The matchups were all randomised although I did make minor adjustments if I thought one was much too unfair.

Wave 1:

Ada Paige (Rythm Doctor) Vs Sips (Fools Gold)

Cliopher Mdang (The Hands Of The Emperor) Vs The Manager (The Hotel Podcast)

Adam Parrish (The Raven Cycle) Vs Five Pebbles (Rain World)

Almond Cookie (Cookie Run) Vs Steven Universe (Steven Universe)

Dot Campbell (The Wilds) Vs Hera (Wolf 359)

Arthur Lester (Malevolent Podcast) Vs Gordon Michael Schwinn (A New Brain)

Anthy Himemiya (Revolutionary Girl Utena) Vs Fu Hua (Honkai Impact 3rd)

Commander Peepers (Wander Over Yonder) Vs Kusuo Saiki (The Disastrous Life Of Saiki K.)

Wave 2:

Bucky Barnes (Marvel) Vs Percy Jackson (Percy Jackson)

Dana Scully (The X Files) Vs Gregor Samsa (Metamorphosis)

Danny Fenton (Danny Phantom) Vs Harrowhark Nonagesimus (Gideon The Ninth)

George Cubbins/Karim (Lockwood and Co) Vs Ling Wen (Heaven’s Official Blessing)

DC/GOV (Welcome To The Table) Vs Pandemonica (Helltaker)

David Jacobs (Newsies) Vs Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee)

Dean Winchester (Supernatural) Vs Squidward (SpongeBob SquarePants)

Ford Pines (Gravity Falls) Vs Charlie Magne (Hazbin Hotel)

Wave 3:

Gilgamesh Wulfenbach (Girl Genius) Vs Charlotte Dubois (Falsettos)

Jaehee Kang (Mystic Messenger) Vs Angela (Lobotomy Corporation)

Kevin Kandy (Spooky Month) Vs Robin (Smash Legends)

Kento Nanami (Jujutsu Kaisen) Vs Vera Oberlin (Monster Prom)

Homura Akemi (Madoka Magica) Vs Ratchet (Transformers)

Hunter (The Owl House) Vs Ponder Stibbons (Discworld)

Isabelle (Animal Crossing) Vs Aymeric De Borel (Final Fantasy)

Izzy Hands (Our Flag Means Death) Vs Luisa Madrigal (Encanto)

Wave 4:

Jean Gunnhildr (Genshin Impact) Vs Aki Hayakawa (Chainsaw Man)

Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives) Vs William T Spears (Black Butler)

Jotaro Kujo (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure) Vs Adora (She Ra)

Keito Hasumi (Ensemble Stars!) Vs Doppo Kannonzaka (Hypnosis Mic)

Jeremie Belpois (Code Lyoko) Vs Chip Revvington (Toontown: Corporate Clash)

Jamil Viper (Twisted Wonderland) Vs Lisa Wilbourn (Worm)

Guillermo de la Cruz (What We Do In The Shadows) Vs Buffy Summers (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Kim Dojka (Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint) Vs Shang Qinghua (Scum Villain's Self-Saving System)

Wave 5:

Kurapika (Hunter X Hunter) Vs Mafuyu Asahina (Project Sekai/Colorful Stage)

Lucifer (Obey Me!) Vs The Elsen (Off)

Marsh (Mistborn) Vs Lisa Cuddy (House MD)

Matthew Venn (The Long Call) Vs Carol Hathaway (ER)

Larry Needlemeyer (The Amazing World Of Gumball) Vs Kim Kitsuragi (Disco Elysium)

Merlin (BBC Merlin) Vs Dick Gumshoe (Ace Attorney)

Maedhros Feanorian (The Simarillion) Vs Riza Hawkeye (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Laerryn Coramar Seelie (Critical Role) Vs Lucretia (The Adventure Zone)

Wave 6:

Miles O’Brien (Star Trek) Vs Jonathan Harker (Dracula)

Miss Pauling (Team Fortress 2) Vs Susan Taxpayer (Susan Taxpayer)

MK (Lego Monkey Kid) Vs Kunikida Doppo (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Molly Blyndeff (Epithet Erased) Vs Emma Perkins (The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals)

Mrs Doyle (Father Ted) Vs Jess Jordan (Succession)

Nicholas Benedict (The Mysterious Benedict Society) Vs Jafar (Twisted: The Story Of A Royal Vizier)

Nishida (Yakuza) Vs Touta Matsuda (Death Note)

Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars) Vs Alfred Pennyworth (Batman)

Wave 7:

Olruggio (Witch Hat Atelier) Vs Walter Pensive (Hello From The Hallowoods)

Parsley Botch (Smile For Me) Vs Peppino Spaghetti (Pizza Tower)

Raphael Walt (My Next Life as a Villainess) Vs Hawkeye Pierce (MASH)

Sara Chidouin (Your Turn To Die) Vs Reim Lunettes (Pandora Hearts

SecUnit (The MurderBot Diaries) Vs Lamplighter (Oneshot)

The Captain (BBC Ghosts) Vs Munkustrap (Cats)

Retsuko (Aggretsuko) Vs Burgerpants (Undertale)

Ryotaro Dojima (Persona) Vs Kiyotaka Ishimaru (Danganronpa)

Wave 8:

Steven Alen Starphase (Blood Blockade Battlefront/Kekkai Sensen) Vs Trafalgar Law (One Piece)

Shota Aizawa (My Hero Academia) Vs Loid Forger (Spy X Family)

Stanley (The Stanley Parable) Vs Rory Williams (Doctor Who)

The Cabbage Merchant (Avatar The Last Airbender) Vs Larry (Pokémon)

Mario & Luigi (Super Mario Bros) Vs Link (The Legend Of Zelda)

Peregrine Mendicant (Homestuck) Vs Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Miraculous Ladybug)

Reagan Ridley (Inside Job) Vs Will Graham (Hannibal)

Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony) Vs Carmen Sandiego (Carmen Sandiego)

[celestiall0tus]

Rapture - Chapter 2 - Suitors

Beginning || Previous || Next

            Marinette sat in the private garden that Sabine had made. She stared down at the tea before her as she listened to the quiet buzz of the nobility outside her sanctuary. Her nerves ate away at her as the seconds crawled by. She gripped and ungripped her dress skirt as she fought to calm herself. She glanced up and saw Rose scurrying around, trying to make her comfortable while Alix stood beside her.

            “Hey, Ser Alix? Uh, have you ever done things like this before?”

            “Huh? Oh. No. Well, nothing this formal.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Uh, well, I’m not of any noble birth or upbringing. Just your run-of-the-mill village hooligan. And one that has lived a dangerous life protecting the realm and her people. So, someone like me, well, you just learn to take your pleasures where you can.”

            “I don’t understand. What does that mean exactly?”

            Alix opened her mouth when Vana and Gimmi materialized as adult humans. Vana was dressed in a princely outfit with clashing splashes of color while Gimmi wore a basic uniform akin to the butlers.

            “Woah. The kwamis can turn human?” Alix asked.

            “Huh? Oh, yeah. Vana, Gimmi, what’s the plan?” Marinette asked.

            “We will begin bringing in the nobles one at a time, as per Rose’s request. She insists that this would be more preferable as to not overwhelm you,” Gimmi pointed out.

            “Oh? Oh! That’s… that’s actually a relief. Alright, I’m ready for the first one.”

            Vana and Gimmi nodded, then vanished. Marinette took a deep breath and fidgeted before she stood and walked around.

            “You alright, your Grace?” Alix asked.

            “Yeah. Yes. This is… simple. It is just talking. No… anything else, yet.”

            “Your Grace, forgive me, but have you never flirted with anyone?”

            “Oh, Velze no! I mean, I had people flirt with me, but I didn’t have time for that. There’s so much to learn about the empire, her people, and everything. I had to make sure I was prepared to take over and rule effectively. There was no time for all that, well, until today. But it’s going to be an easy day. I’ll just be meeting people. There’ll be no flirting or anything like that.”

            Alix snorted. “Oh, you sweet summer child you.”

            Marinette tilted her head as light flashed in the corner of her eye. She turned as a tall blond boy ran up and hugged her. She squeaked while she heard a cat’s purr come from him.

            “Your Majesty, it’s so good to finally meet you!”

            Marinette chuckled. “Uh, and you too, but, uh, who are you?”

            The man stepped back and Marinette got a good look at him. He stood a head taller than her with short blond hair with his bangs sideswept to stay out of his eyes. He wore a dark purple outfit with lime green embroidery, black gloves and boots, and a red shoulder cape with a black fur cuff on the shoulder with red strands in the fur.

            “Oh, please forgive me, your Grace. I’m Prince Adrien Agreste. I’m the sole heir of the kingdom blessed by the first.”

            Marinette gasped. “Tikki and Plagg, right? Those of Creation and Destruction and the first to be split from Velze?”

            “The very same. I will also apologize in advance for them. They can, uh, sometimes get bored real quick and cause problems for everyone.”

            Marinette giggled. “I’m sure with everyone here, they should hopefully keep themselves entertained.”

            “Yeah, I sure hope so at least.”

            “Come, let’s sit.”

            Adrien trotted behind Marinette as she led them to the table and took a seat.

            “So, tell me, Adrien, how are things in your kingdom?”

            “They’re doing well. We’re still grieving the loss of our late Queen Emilie, but otherwise, all is good. Uh, but on a different note, why don’t you tell me about yourself, your Grace? I had seen glanced of you at past galas, but never had a chance to properly introduce myself.”

            “Huh? Oh. Oh! Uh, well, as you know, I’m the crown heir, uh, blessed by the first of the kwamis. Uh, I like to read and learn. It actually was the thing I loved most about the galas. Every year brought new stories. I looked forward to hearing from the people what happened and their glorious endeavors. It reminded me that the world was far bigger than my own kingdom.”

            Adrien’s eyes lit up. “Do you have any favorites?”

            “Oh, well there was…. Oh, but there was also this….”

            Marinette paused and considered, then smiled. She looked back at Alix and Rose. She took note of the neutral expression on Alix’s face while Rose looked displeased.

            “Ser Alix, could you regale us one of your many deeds, please?”

            Alix hummed as she considered. She settled on a tale of her time in Paradise, a kingdom that had been blessed by the set of kwamis that went by the same name. She told Marinette and Adrien about a group of bandits that had forced their way into one of the hearts of their forests. She explained how the bandits sought the rare, live-giving herbs found in the hearts and steal them away. Marinette and Adrien listened in awe as she shared the epic battle where she took on twenty men and emerged without a scratch on her.

            “Woah! Not a single scratch on you? Amazing! Who trained you?” Adrien asked.

            “Indeed, who?”

            “An old friend who gave me a lot in my youth. Where most saw a hooligan that would be nothing more than a beggar thief, she saw something a little more. She trained me to be a knight and taught me many things I still hold close to me to this day. It’s the least I could do for her and to honor everything she had done for me.”

            “Incredible! But who-?” Adrien started.

            “Time’s up,” Gimmi and Vana said as they materialized.

            “Oh, already? Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, your Grace,” Adrien said as he stood.

            “Marinette. You can call me Marinette.”

            Adrien smiled and hugged Marinette before he was teleported away. A new figure appeared where Adrien once stood. The person as a man as tall as Adrien and dressed in a similar outfit, but pure black with gold strands in his shoulder cuff instead of red. His face showed his age that paired well enough with his slicked back silver hair.

            “Oh, uh, hello? Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

            “The pleasure is mine, your Grace. Allow me to introduce myself. I am King Gabriel Agreste. I’m sure you had spoken with my son a moment ago.”

            “Oh, yes, actually. We had a lovely chat. Ser Alix even shared one of her tales with us.”

            “Did she? I’ve heard many of her tales myself. Quite the prolific defender she is, no?”

            “Indeed. It’s very inspiring to hear them. And reassuring, you know? That simple fact that someone like her is out there protecting all the kingdoms of their own accord. It’s all very… romantic.”

            “Your Grace?”

            Marinette pursed her lips. “I mean…! Not romantic, but it’s just, uh, inspiring! Yeah, very inspiring and, uh, reassuring. Anyway, take a seat. Let’s talk about, uh, business?”

            Gabriel nodded and took a seat across from Marinette. The pair talked about business affairs when Gimmi and Vana showed up to escort Gabriel away and bring in the next person. She had seen a number of lower nobles before Gimmi and Vana brought in a tall, lanky man with messy black hair, piercing green eyes, and dressed in black.

            “G-greetings, your Highness. I’m Prince Marc Anciel. The, uh, crown prince of Psyche and Terra’s kingdom. You know, the kwamis of body and soul.”

            “Oh, yes! I hear many things about your kingdom. Tell me, a great many artists come from your kingdom, don’t they?”

            “N-naturally, your Highness. But of course, they’re nothing compared to the artists from the capital, er, your kingdom. Or, well, that of Creation. We’re… we’re fairly average in comparison.”

            “Average? Hardly! Some of my favorite books have come from your kingdom.”

            Marc’s eyes lit up. “You read?”

            “Of course! Most of my life I’ve been in a library, studying. There’s so much to learn, and it’s fascinating! To think of where we came from, how far we’ve come, and how much farther we could go. The ideas and possibilities are endless, and it all lies with us. Not even to mention the ideas that lie with books and being able to bring those to life. That way things we thought only possible in our minds can become a reality. Just as Velze had done.”

            “That was amazing, your Highness. Do you stick with history books, or do you read other books?”

            “I read a little bit of everything, but admittedly my favorite are romance books. It’s a little embarrassing to admit, but I often look to them for, well, some idea of romance. I’ve never actually bothered with courting before this event. I’m still not sure how it all works. All the books are different and lead to something different. Though, usually, well, you know.”

            Marc blushed and looked away. “You’re not alone, your Highness. I’ve had a difficult time connecting to people, so I used the books as an escape. It was easier to read and live through the characters than dealing with the fight and struggle through it all myself. You know?”

            “More than just that but being able to experience things we’d never do. I don’t know about you, but that whole bondage thing, yeah, I don’t think I could do that. I’m such a baby when it comes to any sort of pain, and I could never dish it out. I understand it’s a mutual thing, most times in certain books, but I don’t think I’d have the heart. But the rush and everything that comes from reading the words is pure ecstasy.”

            “Yes! I get what you mean about all that. It does seem really scary, but I can’t lie that I’m a touch curious, though only a touch. When reading, the highs feel so high, but I wonder what it’d be like to experience them. Is it the same, or no? That’s not even mentioning all the amazing romantic gestures. I read one recently where the lover literally moved the stars themselves to declare their love.”

            Marinette’s eyes widened as she bounced. “Oh, how romantic! Tell me more. What was it about? Was it good? What was it called?”

            Marinette and Marc spiraled into a long discussion about books until Gimmi and Vana appeared and escorted Marc out. Marinette saw to other nobles until Gimmi and Vana brought in Kim. Marinette squealed, ran up, and hugged him.

            “Kim! It’s been ages!”

            Kim hugged Marinette and swung her around. “It’s been too long, Mari! I was worried for a moment you had forgotten me, but how could you? It’s me.”

            Marinette giggled and took a seat. “You must tell me how you’ve been. I haven’t seen you since we were kids. About, what is it now? Six or seven summers?”

            “Whatever it is, it has been too long. But the perfect time to grow up and meet again, is it not? Do you like what you see?”

            Marinette pursed her lips in a smile as she looked over Kim. He was nearly three times the size since she had last seen him with a large chest, broad shoulders, and massive muscles that his shirt fitted a little too tightly. He flexed several times, and she feared his sleeves would rip at the seam each time he did.

            Marinette cleared her throat. “You’re, uh, very impressive, Kim. I’m sure that, um, you’re quite the heart throb.”

            “Oh, yes. The women can’t get enough of me. It can be quite exhausting having to fight off my fans, but I just remind myself I do this for the only woman worthy of me.”

            “Yeah? And, uh, just who would that be?”

            Kim stood and leaned over Marinette. “Why, you, Mari. Who else?”

            “Ah, well, I… I don’t know. I… I don’t exactly think I’m worthy of you, Kim. I mean, it has been so long, and we don’t know each other like we do, so, uh-.”

            “Nonsense! We’re as thick as thieves. Always were, always have been. Don’t you remem-.”

            Kim reached out cup Marinette’s chin, but Rose jumped in, and he grabbed Rose’s face. Kim sneered and ripped his hand away as Alix ran in and kicked Kim in the groin. He screeched and fell with a heavy thud.

            “First mistake, you always wear protective armor down there.”

            Kim opened his mouth, but Gimmi and Vana teleported him away. They gave Marinette a few moments to gather herself before they brought in a pair of sisters. They both had long blonde hair. The tallest had a blue streak while the shorter one had a lavender one. The short sister wore a plain black and lavender dress while the taller sister wore a strapless blue dress that hugged her body with a mini cape.

            “Greetings, Princess! I am Princess Chloe Bourgeois, and this is my little sister, Princess Zoe. I know this was supposed to be a one-on-one thing, but little Zoe does better when she’s got me around. You know, it’s a thing. Can we get an extra chair?”

            “It’s ok, Chloe. I can stand,” Zoe mumbled.

            “Nonsense! We are nobility, royalty, dear Zoe. You will not stand like the common rabble over there,” Chloe barked while pointing at Alix and Rose.

            Zoe opened her mouth but looked at Marinette and blushed. “I’m sorry.”

            “It’s alright, dear. We can get you a seat. Gimmi, Vana?”

            Gimmi and Vana didn’t appear, but a second chair materialized. Chloe bowed her head and took a seat with Zoe.

            “Thank you, Princess. A very generous, kind soul. Oh, and understanding. The makings of a perfect monarch, don’t you agree, Zoe?”

            Zoe kept her head down but nodded.

            “Is she ok?” Marinette asked.

            “Huh? Oh, yes. Still a little in her shell. I try to help her find her voice, but it can be a little difficult for her. She’s quite the patient individual, so it’s why I help. Remind her of what we are.”

            Marinette gave a weak smile as she listened to Chloe brag about their kingdom with the kwamis of Determination and Lethargy, Stompp and Mell. Marinette fought to listen until Gimmi and Vana came along and escorted the sisters away. Marinette sighed as she zoned out for the next batch of nobility until Gimmi and Vana brought in a tall woman with tan skin, big brown ombre hair that was sky blue at the tips, and wore a dark sky-blue corset top, a white blouse underneath, black gloves and boots, and black pants.

            “Uh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before,” Marinette said.

            “You’re correct, Princess. I am Queen Alya Cesaire. My people are the nomadic tribes that still travel across the land.”

            “Oh! You’re guided by the kwamis of Freedom and Connection, aren’t you?”

            “Correct. I know we don’t attend many of your gatherings. Typically, we aren’t in the area at the right time, but we made an exception this time.”

            “Forgive me, but you are young to be queen. You look my age.”

            “I likely am. I’ve seen twenty-three summers and twenty-two winters.”

            “My goodness. What happened to your parents?”

            “Well, it’s… it’s not easy being what we are. Not anymore. With so much of the world settled, territories defined, and increased hostilities, it has become a dangerous place for those like me. My parents, our respective leaders, were killed with a large group of my people. What was left met and a decision was made. I was named queen because I bear the marks of the kwamis, must like the other princes and princesses I’ve seen. We’re looking to settle into land and grow roots. And so, I’m here, to nurture those roots.”

            “Oh no. Had it really gotten that bad for your people?”

            “I’m afraid so. With much of the land claimed and people growing more… suspicious of each other, it is difficult. Let’s not forget what happened to Aislinn’s kingdom.”

            Marinette paled. “Right. They declared war on Paradise and to prevent an all-out war, Paradise used their miracle and erased Aislinn’s kingdom and her people. I’ve seen the records in the library. The scribes recorded that Paradise was punished for not consulting the Crown, but the damage was done, so they got a mere slap on the wrist. But that was a century ago. Is it really still that bad?”

            “I’m afraid so. That’s the unfortunate thing, Princess. People never forget the bad but will always lose sight of the good.”

            “Well, that won’t happen with me. I can promise you that.”

            “Well, I’ll see that when happens. Forgive me, Princess, but I’ve seen how cheap words are. It was such words that got my parents and people massacred. Once I see the actions behind your words is when I’ll believe you.”

            “Then I hope to do right by you and your people.”

            “As do I.”

            Marinette and Alya chatted about arrangements for Alya’s people during the gala until Gimmi and Vana escorted Alya out. Marinette sighed and rubbed her eyes when Alix whistled. She furrowed her brow and opened her eyes. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head seeing the tall, curvy, and well-endowed woman she had only seen on her book covers. The woman’s features were enhanced by the cut, long strapless black and purple ombre dress with a deep V cut and splits up the sides of the skirt to her hips, black and purple ombre gloves, and long wavy black and purple hair that fell past her hips.

            Marinette’s jaw dropped. “You’re hot.”

            The woman blinked, then smiled. “I sure would hope so. My people aren’t known for their beauty for nothing.”

            “Your people? Wait, are you from Paradise?”

            “Guilty. I’m Princess Juleka, one of the Paradise heirs. The other being my dearest brother. You should be meeting him next.”

            “O-oh? Well, uh, I must say, you really are the picture of beauty. I mean, I’ve only seen people like you on my book covers. I-I mean, I’ve heard of the beauty of Paradise, but I… I need to stop talking.”

            Juleka giggled. “My, Princess, is this all it takes for you to get tongue-tied? I’d hate for you to see me in my natural habitat.”

            “Uh, what… what do you mean by that?”

            “Oh, I just take a little extra pride in our older customs. Try to keep them alive, you know? So, I tend to be out in the forest as we were intended to live, as Longg would put it. I know Longg adores me and how free I am.”

            “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with your older customs. We don’t usually see your people at the galas, or any other times, so I’m sadly not as educated as I would like to be. Uh, so could you tell me what these customs are?”

            Juleka smirked and sauntered up to Marinette. She leaned in close and tilted Marinette’s chip up so Marinette looked her in the eyes. Marinette gulped as her face flushed and her heart beat faster.

            “Perhaps I can give you a demonstration one night, Princess. We hold most of our rituals under the full moon’s light, but I can make an exception if you should desire. We could even bring in my drab of a brother if it’s what you desire. Get the full Paradise experience.”

            Marinette’s face turned bright red as she struggled for words. Alix grinned from ear to ear while Rose fumed. Rose charged in and shoved Juleka away from Marinette.

            “Hands off, cock sleeve!” Rose roared.

            Juleka snarled. “What did you call me, runt?”

            “You heard me. Immodest temptresses like you are only good for flashing everything to the world to drive men wild with their perverted thoughts. I bet you’re nothing more than a filthy, disease riddled donkey that was used as much as an old, rusted hoe in a farmer’s junk pile. I bet those inflated meat balloons and fat, flabby ass are all fake.”

            Juleka roared and lunged at Rose. Gimmi and Vana teleported Juleka away, but no one took Juleka’s place. Rose rushed to Marinette as Marinette stood. Rose trotted after Marinette as Marinette paced about.

            “That was a Paradise noble. Holy crap, can you believe it? She was so beautiful. She was scary when she got angry, but holy crap was she still hot. I had always heard the stories, but I never imagined they would be that beautiful.”

            Rose opened her mouth, but Marinette squealed and spun around.

            “What if she’s the one, Rose? You said to look for someone from my books, and she looks just like the ones on the covers. I need to see her again. I need-.”

            Light formed in front of Marinette. She yelped as she collided into it. She shut her eyes tight and froze as hands caught her shoulders. She expected Rose or Alix to intervene, but neither did.

            “Are you ok, your Majesty?” a low, melodic man’s voice asked.

            Marinette opened an eye, then another. Her eyes widened as she stared at a man’s bare, ripped chest. Her face turned bright red as she looked up at a man with a jagged, cut face and chin, brilliant red amber eyes just like Juleka’s, and shaggy, long black and teal hair that framed his face.

            “Are you alright?” the man asked again.

            Marinette blinked a few times before she shook herself. “Oh? Oh! Yes. I’m good. S-sorry. I, uh, didn’t see Gimmi or Vana teleport you in. Would you… would you happen to be Luka? You know, Juleka’s brother.”

            “Did she mention me? Good things I hope.”

            “Uh, I guess you could say that?”

            Alix wolf whistled. “Damn, boy! Look at you. Wondered what that hottie of a sister meant by drab, but hot damn.”

            “Oh, please. He’s not that hot,” Rose scoffed.

            Luka looked away sheepishly. “I’m not that hot. I’m just average.”

            “What? No way! I mean, look at you. You’re absolutely smoking! Your sister too. You both are absolutely breathtaking! And… and… and I think I’ll shut up now,” Marinette added as her blush deepened.

            “Thank you, your Majesty. Though if I’m honest, I pale in comparison to the vision of beauty like yourself.”

            Marinette’s eyes widened as they sparkled. Rose snorted and pulled Marinette away from Luka.

            “I think that is more than enough. This is meant to be an introduction, and you’ve already introduced yourself. Gimmi, Vana, get rid of him.”

            “But-!” Luka protested, but he was cut off when Gimmi and Vana teleported him away.

            Rose huffed and sat Marinette in her seat. Gimmi and Vana brought in the next round of nobility. Marinette zoned in and out between them as her mind was on Juleka and Luka. Her thoughts were broken a man that shared Adrien’s face dressed in dark blue with heart buttons on his shirt took a seat.

            “Oh, pardon me. I didn’t notice your approach,” Marinette covered.

            “I noticed. You must have had a good daydream to take you away. I would expect nothing less from those blessed by imagination.”

            “R-right. Anyway, you look a cut above the common nobility. Are you another of the prince heirs?”

            “Not exactly. I’m King Felix Fathom. I rule Barkk and Orikko’s kingdom.”

            Marinette grimaced. “I’ve heard your kingdom suffers from a great deal of violence and crime. Is this true?”

            “Sadly. You find my people, and myself, are very passionate. We resort to our emotions first and foremost rather than using logic and reasoning. I often find myself in court having to settle petty affairs in our most recent attempt to quell the unruly. At least, for those that make it to court.”

            “My. Is the unrest due to the lingering coup that was pulled on the late king?”

            “No. My people are happier with me in charge than my father, may he rot in the void. It’s just a matter of setting things right and restoring the order he shattered. Not that there was much to begin with, I suppose.”

            “How did you manage to find time to leave your kingdom for the event though?”

            “Uh, my mother has stepped up, though because she hopes I’ll find a queen to rule with. I think she’s a little too hopeful. I’ve… I’ve been a lost cause for some time now.”

            “Come now, anything is possible. I’m sure you-,” Marinette started.

            “With all due respect, kingling, you don’t need to love to make a partnership. If you’re really that desperate for a queen, just strike a deal. Or rather, if your mother is that desperate. At a glance, your desperation lies elsewhere,” Alix commented as she shot Felix a knowing look.

            “That’s-,” Felix started.

            “Gimmi, Vana, he needs to leave,” Rose called.

            “What!” Felix yelled but was teleported away.

            “What was that about?” Marinette demanded.

            “He doesn’t hide his sin well,” Alix commented.

            Marinette’s breath caught. “Sin? He’s cursed?”

            “Indeed, your Majesty,” Rose agreed.

            “Oh dear. I… I couldn’t tell.”

            “No need to worry, your Majesty. You’ll always have me to sniff out the sins. Your knight too, I suppose, but I’m the one that really matters,” Rose boasted.

            “Thank you, Rose. Alright, Gimmi, Vana, let’s speed this up, please.”

            The next sets of nobility went faster. Marinette continued to zone in and out until she met with another prince. He was a spindly man with bright red hair, sea green eyes, and wore a pink and white ensemble with black boots.

            “Hi, hello, your Highness. I’m Prince Nathaniel Kurtzberg, crown heir of Mullo and Daizzi’s kingdom. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

            “Likewise, Nathaniel. How are things in your kingdom?”

            “Huh? Oh, they’re fine, but not as fine as this. I’ve been excited to meet you, your Highness. You’re an inspiration.”

            “I am?”

            “Absolutely! You’re a muse that inspires many. A true beauty that truly stirs the mind.”

            Marinette grimaced.

            Alix snorted. “I wonder if the mind is the only thing it stirs.”

            Rose’s eyes widened. “Gimmi, Vana, next!”

            “What? But I didn’t-!” Nathaniel attempted but was teleported away.

            Marinette sighed as the next nobles were brought in. She clocked out and stopped listening to the nobles that came and went until a skulk of red and white foxes danced around her. Rose and Alix chased them around as one hopped onto the table. It stared at Marinette, smiled, and vanished with the rest of them. Rose and Alix exchanged glances as the next noble appeared. She carried on with the rest of the nobles when she let out a groan.

            “Are we done yet?”

            “I sure hope so. I was told I was the last one,” a familiar woman’s voice said.

            Marinette looked straight ahead and saw Kagami. She squealed and tackled Kagami, who kept them on their feet.

            “It’s been too long, Kagami! Look at you, so handsome in that princely get up. Never thought a dark turquoise would be your color, but you rock it.”

            Kagami smiled softly. “And look at you. You’ve become a fine young lady. Still have your nose stuck in a book?”

            “How could I not? There’s so much to learn. What about you? How’s your tutoring going?”

            “It’s been well, though I did pick up sword fighting in recent years. It’s a nice activity between the long study sessions and other mundane hobbies.”

            “Do you still draw?”

            “Here and there. At least when I remember to.”

            “Perhaps we can do some drawing and other arts while you’re here? I’ve always wanted to learn to draw. I’ve used manuals and other such materials to try and teach me, but they never came out quite like yours. It always felt, I dunno, lacking?”

            Kagami giggled. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

            Marinette furrowed her brow everything was bathed in a violet haze. She blinked and Kagami, Rose, and Alix all disappeared. She tensed up and looked around when she saw a tall, beautiful woman with long red hair, sparkling blue eyes, and dressed in misty purple gown.

            “What is the meaning of this?” Marinette demanded.

            The woman smiled and curtsied. “I wished to meet you, your Grace. I am Ondine, a fragment of an age long past.”

            “Are you… not a real person? Is this the work of one of the nobles? Tell me, who do you work for?”

            “I work for no one but myself.”

            “Then why have you dragged me to whatever this is?”

            “For a moment as I cannot meet you as I truly am in your reality. At least, not as equals. Here, we stand as one and the same. Equals in body and spirit… and blessing.”

            “Blessing? Who are you?”

            Ondine didn’t answer. The haze lifted as light filtered in. Marinette blinked against it as she saw Rose, Kagami, and Alix all looking down at her.

            “What’s going on?” Marinette asked.

            “We should be asking you that, Mari. You just passed out,” Kagami said.

            “I… I did?”

            “Oh, this isn’t good. Come, we need to get her back to her room. She needs to rest,” Rose urged.

            “I agree. Ser knight, will you see to this task?” Kagami asked Alix.

            “Hey! I’m more than capable of handling it myself,” Rose fussed.

            “Easy, ankle biter. Let me handle the heavy lifting and you can handle everything else. Sound good?”

            Rose grumbled. “Alright, fine.”

            “Thank you. Come, your Majesty. Let’s get you back to your chambers,” Alix said.

            “Right. Let’s go.”

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[kukuandkookie]

I don’t feel like making a huge post about it right now since it would require me to write and compile images and I just screamed about it at my friends BUT…

If you’re a fan of Black Butler I recommend you check out 《玷染》 (Dianran) aka Taint 👀

And yeah okay I know the English name is a little awkward considering what “taint” means in English slang, but tbh…considering how horny this manhua is, it’s actually a pretty fitting name. 😂

But yes here’s why:

^ …Yeah I could just leave it at “read it for the hot characters” but actually I will add some more context below hahahaha:

It’s got demons, tentacles, sexualization of the church, mysteries involving dark/demonic entities in a European-inspired setting, and a bit of (not a lot just yet but still seems to be gearing up for more!) commentary on the gaps between classes.

We’ve also gotten a few clues to both main characters’ pasts, and they seemingly involve torture, experimentation, demons, deaths, amnesia, and more suffering.

It’s actually really interesting given we’re still early on in the story and we’ve gotten a few big crumbs so far, but they are still crumbs. I’m quite curious as to how all the parts of the backstory revealed so far tie together and led to our protagonists meeting the way they did today. 👀

Also the demon, Cross or Kurose, who has tentacles and is super attached to Eli, a member of the church, is very flirtatious and touchy-feely and even gets tortured and leashed and muzzled…

So you know. If you’re into that stuff, this manhua has a lot of it, even with censorship being in place. I’m genuinely surprised by how much it got away with; like in the most recent chapter (chapter 13 as of the time I’m writing this post), Cross rips off Eli’s underwear. 😂

I hope some people join me in this fandom eventually LGNSKFJSKS. So far it feels like I’ve been bursting to get my friends to read it and share it but I don’t want to be annoying to them haha.

Like if you enjoy Black Butler and I Have to Be a Great Villain and Kiss the Abyss and series like those, this could be up your alley!!

(Of course, do be aware that like those series, this one also contains “dark” content! Specifically violence with blood and all that, some less than consensual sexually tense encounters, and even body horror!)

Although I will say that hell, Cross isn’t that “toxic” or “violently possessive” of a love interest so far. He’s just clearly got his own goals which occasionally clashes with Eli’s, but it’s clear he really really likes Eli and doesn’t actually want him to come to harm, to the point of protecting him. And even when Eli is harsh with him in his distrust, Cross doesn’t mind. It makes for a fun dynamic. 👀

There is an English “fan” translation out there, but the original is on the QQ manhua app!

[fukuokadivision1]

Sanyu's Thoughts on Obihiro Division

Hisoka Tetsumasu

"Hisoka? You mean the guy who's got his hands dirty with those illegal mics? Can't say I’m thrilled about what he's done, but I get it. We've all got our own demons to fight, and sometimes you end up on the wrong side of the tracks. It's not like I can throw stones; we're all trying to dodge Chuohku's shadow one way or another."

Sanyu pauses, her expression thoughtful as she continues, "I can't say I sympathize with him, but I understand wanting to break free from Chuohku's grip. It's like being trapped in a cage, and you do whatever it takes to find that sliver of freedom, even if it means bending the rules. Hisoka's just another soul caught in their web, same as us."

She chuckles dryly, "As for him and his horses, I've seen a few Knabstruppers around the circus, striking creatures. But it's the spirit that counts, not the breed. If Hisoka's found solace in those creatures, more power to him. We all find our peace in different ways."

Her gaze hardens with determination, "But when it comes down to it, in the D.R.B., it's not about your past. It's about the here and now. And we'll face whoever steps into the ring with us, no matter their story."

Daiki Kamiyama

"A superhero, huh? He's certainly got that starry-eyed look of someone who still believes in the black and white of hero tales. Reminds of those anime shows Tasuku and I watch from time to time. It's endearing, in a way, but the world ain't no comic book. It's messy, it's tough, and it doesn’t always make sense. I don't envy him; I worry for him. That kind of innocence can get you hurt, or worse, in our line of work."

She leans back, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully, "As for his take on me? I'm no villain, but I'm no saint either. If Daiki wants to understand my intentions, he's welcome to step up and ask. I'm an open book to those who got the guts to read it. Just don’t expect fairy tales; I deal in reality, and it’s a lot more complicated than good versus evil."

Jack Verrill

"Another butler, huh? And here I thought that Yuno guy who lives here in Fukuoka was the only butler we'd have to worry about. But unlike Yuno, this guy's like a shadow, always there but not quite in the spotlight. It's his job, I guess, to be the silent type, lurking in the background, keeping an eye on things. But you don't get to be a butler for a rich family like the Kamiyamas without having a few tricks up your sleeve. He's got that look, you know? Like he's seen more than he lets on, knows more than he speaks. It makes you wonder what he's hiding behind that polite smile and those carefully chosen words..."

Veiled Vanguard

"Veiled Vanguard, huh? They're an interesting bunch, that’s for sure. You’ve got a horse breeder with a shady past, a kid playing superhero, and a butler who’s probably seen more than most. It's like a setup for a joke, but there's nothing funny about stepping into the D.R.B. ring. You gotta have guts, and from what I can tell, they've got them in spades."

"I'm curious about how they all clicked together. It's not every day you see a mix like that, and it's got me wondering what’s the glue holding them tight. Cooperation is key in a team, and they've all got strong personalities that could either mesh well or clash hard. But if they can channel their differences into their music, they’ll be a force to reckon with. I'm kinda curious how they'll do. ...But if they get taken out in the first round, I won't be all that surprised."