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sxfik · 3 years

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let's talk about episode 16 and why it confirms solhwi endgame

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a/n: as always, this is just my opinion and what i interpreted from episode 16! some of this might be a stretch (or wishful thinking lol) but ya know, feel free to start discussions etc.

just through my time scrolling here on tumblr and on twitter, i've seen many viewers be disappointed with the last episode and it's lack of confirmation for solhwi (and also like understandably so, we'd all love to see a more "firm" confirmation). but i genuinely think that this whole episode was a confirmation of their feelings for each other, that there was something there.

the most important thing to remember about this show is that it is not a romance. the main plot is centered around the mystery but also these students learning how to navigate the law and trying to show the different sides of the law (ways the law can be used to help vs. ways the law can be used to harm). we, of course, also get to explore the relationships of the group with their family, their professors and with each other. so overall, i think we can all agree that we weren't going to get an "explicit" confirmation of their feelings for each other.

i think one of the things law school does really well as a show is that it doesn't give a "perfect" ending to every story. for example, in many shows, we see every plot line resolve in the show with no open endings and in general, it ends up all resolving with in the span of two episodes. but with episode 16, especially the ending scenes, we see that not everything is resolved. we don't get an answer for every single mystery, such as seung-jae's story line or the full extent of professor seo and assemblyman koi's relationship. what we do get instead is a "set-up" to show or hint at how the relationship might develop in the future. this also applies to the relationships within the story: for example, we don't really get a full ending for kang sol B's issues with her family. rather, we see that they are going to therapy and working it out together. we don't get a true ending to the court case with ji ho's dad. even with kang dan and her story, we don't get to see a "full" resolution to it, but we do get a hint/a sense that everything is on track to be resolved. many people might argue that this is a sign of bad writing but i disagree. i believe that this is realistic writing, because the issues that are faced by the students in the show is not resolvable in one year and neither are their relationships.

with that in mind, i would apply the same logic to solhwi. like i said, i didn't think we'd get a kiss scene or anything similar to that in their 1L year. through this season, we are tracking joon hwi and sol A's relationship as it grows from classmates to acquaintances to friends to in like to in love (especially for han joon hwi). if you go through and rewatch the show, you can see that as the episodes go on, we see han joon hwi and sol's relationship develop into something that is based on trust, care, appreciation and communication.

i've seen many people say that we've over hyped their relationship in the last couple episodes but i don't believe that's true. i believe that the show is trying to display that both of them are falling for each other, they're both seeing each other in a "new light." for joon hwi, that moment came much quicker; like i said in this post, joon hwi is realizing the extent of his feelings towards her when he says that he owes her. and this last episode proves it! this whole episode we see the camera focus on han joon hwi's reactions and his love for sol, except he's actually aware of himself. earlier, the reactions came out without him realizing or being aware that he's in love with her. but this episode? he is aware of his feelings for her. throughout this episode we watch as his admiration for her grows louder and louder, from smirks and soft smiles at her to appreciation for her knowledge and talents. we see the hint of defensiveness cross his face when ji ho insults kang sol (which by the way definetly felt more like ji ho was taunting joon hwi that he was actually insulting kang sol). even sol B knows when she asks to start but he makes her wait for sol A.

and in the end, we see that sol is realizing her feelings too. i believe for her, the change came through ye-seul's trial. some part of her always loved his company and his friendship but after the trial, and their friends teasing their jealousy, i think sol definitely took more note of joon hwi. i think it's evident in their 1L year in this episode, the looks of appreciation she gives him, the way her eyes seem to always land on him in the end. and ESPECIALLY the courtroom scene where sol and joon hwi were practicing her argument, we can see her feel the tension and his presence as he grows closer to her, we can see her getting flustered and nervous around him in a the way you would with someone who's position is your life is graduating from friends to a crush. the beginnings of this episode definitely show that solhwi is starting to full on fall for each other.

THEN during their 3L year, we can see how they're full blown gone for each other. i genuinely think that at this point, they are in a relationship with each other and here is why.

one: the moment sol sees joon hwi walk by, she calls out his name asking him what he's up to. then when he responds "i want to wind down" she follows him. when they get out of the elevator, she says "you said you wanted to wind down?" and he lets out a teasing laugh at that. i definetly think that she was talking about/expecting something completely different when he said he wanted to wind down, because as he explains that he wants to wind down by "watching the trial," you can watch the gears turning in her head before answering "right, i should wind down too" in an embarrassed way, with joon hwi teasingly smiling at her (obviously he knows where her mind went to). and then after stretching, sol makes her classic "you're so annoying/you're so frustrating" face at him.

two: as kang sol and joon hwi provides counsel to the old man, we see joon hwi once again watch kang sol but the expression on his face this time, is a lot different to the expressions that we've had previously. before, the reactions and expressions were more distant, more "in admiration" and in amazement (about her and his feelings for her). but in his reactions this time around, we see it's more firm, it's more confident. it's a completely different expression of love than what we've seen before. it's a lot more similar to one that a boyfriend or a husband gives their significant other than the expression a boy gives to his crush. it's a lot less amazement and enamorment and more content, proud expression.

(honestly it's kinda hard to describe how different the expressions are in words, but if you watch the moment around 1:00:00, you'll see what i mean)

here's the thing: the concepts and issues that law school is showing us are not resolvable issues in one year, and they are not "easily" resolvable issues either. that is what this show has been trying to show us: that the law is complex and it's application in the real world is even more complicated. so it would not make sense for this show to wrap everything up in a neat bow and present it to us in the final episode. moreover, solhwi has forged a friendship through the pressures of law school as well as the overarching mystery and plot of the show. this season was centered around watching them develop a relationship together and this show hints and shows that solhwi are soulmates, their relationship will not be an epic love story where there are grand gestures or confessions of love. it is a gradual change from friend to lovers, while having independent development and maintaining their own goals in life. the very ending, we see them reach their goals as lawyer and prosecutor but they still come together. if they were to have a confession scene in the very end of the show i believe that it would have been too rushed without enough development on both sides. i think that law school ended in the best way for both characters without reversing or skipping their development while leaving room and hinting at the possibilities for the future.

#aaaa this was a lot but i really wanted to say it #i genuinely loved solhwi in this show and i would say it is slowburn done right #its slowburn and SO REALISTIC #i really think it would have been unrealistic for sol and joon hwi to have a kiss scene in the end or a huge confession scene #because their relationship has been moving slow this whole time? why would they rush and kiss in the end #instead the show just kept it going slow #law school #law school jtbc #law school kdrama #jtbc law school #law school netflix #kang sol a #seo ji ho #han joon hwi #han joon hwi is solwhipped #kim beom #kim bum #lee david #ryu hye young

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marsipspans · 3 years

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i finished reading 泾渭情殇 - Jing Wei Qing Shang - Clear and Muddy Loss of Love and have several comments.

Not too Spoiler-y

- The schemes really do last all 300+ chapters and there are a lot of revenge schemes.

- Quite a few parts get pretty dark.

- It’s mostly presented from Qi Yan | Qiyan Agula’s and Nangong Jingnu’s POV.

- Wasn’t sure what to expect when the author said there was a happy ending despite all the things that happened between the main two, but it could apply. One of the better ways it could realistically end I suppose.

- “Ruse of Self-Inflicted Suffering” Indeed. Very applicable. Iconic words for this novel.

- Was enjoyable throughout. There are two Acts in the book basically and it covers the main pairing in their youth to their “retirement”.

More specific comments (w/ spoilers) under the readmore

- The amount of Times Nangong Jingnu is all “Wow, Qi Yan is prettier than woman”. The fact that the ministers in court notice that Qi Yan has not grown any facial hair despite everyone else having grown some and people thinking that she’s shaving because that’s her wife’s preference.

- Qiyan Agula’s unintended pining from the beginning to the end really did end up saving her life lol, kudos to the doting for ur enemy.

- so all three Nangong sisters had relationships w/ women at some point huh. And 2/3 stayed in said relationships. Nice.

- Was Ding You into Qiyan Agula? Was Gu Rolan also into Qiyan Agula? and Nangong Lie for a bit also?

- Qiyan Agula is canonically handsome.

- Qiyan Agula also almost dies more than a few times. The path of revenge is not kind to her. not at all. Needs more post-canon fluff. Where’s the post-canon memory recovery fluff fanfic that the people need. But also the fanfic expanding on what Qiyan Agula does w/ the rest of her life after revenge besides remarrying Nangong Jingnu in that fishing village. Throughout the novel, it seems to be implied that she actually would be a good teacher and it seems to be what she settles on in the end, but that’s because Ding You got it for her so she stopped staying inside all day and pretty much doing nothing. Story ends on that hopeful note that Qiyan Agula probably eventually recovers her memory with Nangong Jingnu, but the specifics aren’t given as the POV is more from an outside narrator than one of the two main characters at this point.

- First translated webnovel I actually finished reading and the one I’ll figure out how to use JJWXC for. I liked the premise and the plot throughout. The prose was unfamiliar to me, but didn’t end up being a pro or a con. I really liked it. Took about 3-ish weeks to get through it.

Specific Chapters

- Ch 65 : QiJing vibing by a koi pond and Qi Yan plays the Xiao. That’s kinda gay.

- Ch 76 : Damn, I wish there was a official design for Jiya. Also Nangong Jingnu almost discovers Qi Yan is a woman bc of the pierced ear, but not quite. Tender moment in this chapter. Nice.

- Ch 110 : A description of Qi Yan’s default appearances (One of the few specific descriptions in the entire thing, for fanart purposes if that ever happens)

- Ch 119 : Jiya and Nangong Shunu did what

- Ch 130 : Twins have been born under fucky circumstances.

- Ch 144 : Qi Yan and Nangong Jingnu have a playful moment in the rain. It’s cute. Fanart?

- Ch 145 : Oh, Qi Yan cried in front of Nangong Jingnu. Stress and guilt is bad for ur health.

- Ch 146 & 147 : Nangong Shunu and Qiyan Nomin did what? Oh, also the Fuma estate was set on fire. R.I.P.

- Ch 150 : Female Empress?! “I don’t want to die” - “Then just don’t lose” Oh boy.

- Ch 152 : Boom, an imperial exam. Qi Yan is only mildly treasonous in her job as main examiner.

- Ch 153 : “She had once again entrusted her fate and survival to Nangong Jingnu” just like with the fire earlier and the entire thing with Xiao Die.

- Ch 162 : That one nightmare where Qi Yan killed Nangong Jingnu cause revenge. Bad vibes for Qi Yan.

- Ch 206 : Qi Yan carried Nangong Jingnu back to her room and confessed she’s a woman while Jingnu is passed the fuck out from drinking.

- Ch 212 : Qi Yan p much says to hell w/ it after waking up from her poisoning. If u kno what i mean

- Ch 228 : Female Emperor!!

- Ch 231 : Nangong Jingnu is the empress, but there are 73 chapters left. What’s next, when will Qi Yan’s scheming be revealed?

- Ch 238 : Longevity festival or Nangong Jingnu’s birthday p much. Another detailed description of formal Imperial Husband clothing, one of the few so far also.

- Ch 252 : Agula goes to the You province. More clothing descriptions cause I like to collect those.

- Truly, the way that Jingnu is consistently on Agula’s side.

- Ch 276 : Qiyan Agula and Gu Rolan become sworn siblings and there’s a brief POV from Gu Rolan on QiJing as a couple. Jingnu trims a candle and Agula watches for a moment while lamenting that she didn’t learn painting. Gay.

- Ch 295 : The Grand Court Meeting. Reinstate the Husband. All this after Qian Tong put in that complaint. See, it pays to make loyal allies.

- Ch 296 : QiJing meets again.

- Ch 297 : “Who’s the wife” quote.

- Ch 300+ : Ding You is alive after all this time. And is back to help cure Qiyan Agula.

- Ch 302 : Even this late in the story, the schemes really don’t stop, but hm. Interesting.

- Damn, if it wasn’t for Qiyan Agula’s nice ass calligraphy, she wouldn’t have been found. Don’t like the thought of them never meeting again after separating like that.

- Extra 304 : The Masked Person’s backstory! How interesting, there seem to be some parallels between Qiyan Agula and this person.

#泾渭情殇 #clear and muddy loss of love #baihe #yuri

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addictedtomanga · 4 years

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Shoujo manga recommendations - unrequited love

1. 360 Degrees Material

Taki is the cool yet strange guy in Mio's class. She bumps into him at the subway station after school and saves him after he almost gets pushed onto the tracks. The next day, he returns the favor by saving her from an incoming car. This marks the start of Mio's love.

2. Ai Kara Hajimaru

Sakura Ai has always loved sunflowers, as they appear like the sun, which incidentally also was the name of her first crush, Taiyou, in the 3rd grade. From since then, Ai has never had another love and has also become quite introverted, but after meeting a guy with the same name, somethings will begin to change…

3. Anta Nante Okotowari

Yui has a deep love for her "older brother" (they're not actually siblings, but are related), and she is devastated when he gets married. While at the wedding, Yui meets a sobbing boy, Kaoru. It turns out that his cousin (that he was in love with) is the one Yui's brother is marrying. When Yui moves into a boy's dorm so she can seek out new love, she finds that the head of the dorm is none other than Kaoru!

4. Ao Haru Ride

Yoshioka Futaba has a few reasons why she wants to "reset" her image and life as a new high-school student. Because she's cute and had a demure personality she was ostracized by her female friends in junior high, and because of a series of misunderstandings and mishaps, she couldn't get her feeling across to the one boy she has always liked, Tanaka Kou. Now in high school, she is determined to be as unladylike as possible so that her friends won't be jealous of her. While living her life this way contentedly, she meets Tanaka-kun again, but he now goes under the name of Mabuchi Kou. He tells her that he felt the same way as she did when they were younger, but that they cannot go back. Will Futaba be able to continue her love that never even started from three years ago?

5. Awayuki no Namida

Ritsuka, who likes to watch the snow as it falls, has an unrequited love for Fubuki, who lives with an older woman. Ritsuka and Fubuki fall in love, but Fubuki still has past debts toward the older woman, who was his dead brother's fiancee.

6. Bambi to Dhole

Yukimi is her real name but everyone calls her Bambi. She is the student discipline committee member who locks students out of the school if they're a minute late, but sneaks cigarette breaks on the roof. Lone wolf transfer student Tetsu Nagasawa hops the fence after she locks it and breaks her cigarette in half when he finds her on the roof, but he's a super nice guy to a mother and baby on the train. Bambi already has a boyfriend but will the wolf steal her heart?

7. Celeste Blue

Eishi is one of those popular guys that are smart, good looking, and is good at sports. However, he thinks people and "love" are bothersome and would rather not deal with either of them. When his teacher told him to help this girl, Uta, to study, he dreaded the idea of having to stick with such an annoying girl. Soon, though, his heart starts to lighten up towards her.

8. Datte, Kimi ga Warau kara

Let’s get into a time machine and return to that time. Where it was always fun and you were always laughing, to that time... "I only have three more months to live" Yui who just transferred to a new school in the countryside becomes Ryo’s classmate. Yui who is suffering from an illness has a "wish" that she can’t tell anyone, but Ryo wants to grant her that wish but… After death, reality hits Ryo and Yui. This is the story of the eternal promise that was made by the two of them.

9. Eien no Mae

Arisa has had a crush on classmate Nageki since the school festival, but has never spoken to him. Will she be able to strike up a conversation before they part ways at graduation?

10. Futari no Himitsu

Saijou Kiki is a model and child star and with the release of her new commercial her popularity skyrockets. At school, she harbors feelings for Takumi-kun... but somehow ends up kissing his friend Teppei?! And what's more, they've switched bodies due to some sort of old legend?!

11. Getsuyoubi Kara Kataomoi

Despite his one-sided love, a prince at school encouraged his crush to confess to her crush. But he also could not resist confessing to her. What will happen?

12. Hachimitsu ni Hatsukoi

Koharu and Nacchan are childhood friends which many of their friends thought they are a dating couple. Soon, after getting into senior high school, Koharu feels something different with Nacchan. While Koharu tries to figure out her feelings, Nacchan's already falling in love with someone else, the beautiful Saionji, but his love doesn't stop him from caring for Koharu. Does what Nacchan feel towards Saionji really be love? Why can't he let Koharu go on a blind date?

13. Hatsukoi Hakusho

A collection of one shots.

14. Hiren Trip

Miyu, an ordinary new first-year student who hopes to become a mangaka meets the schools’ class president who seems to have a hidden side to him. While being pushed around by the cool but private class president, the curtain on Miyu's stormy school life is raised.

15. Katakoi Triangle

Sekiya-san of the cultural library has an unrequited love for Yuuki-kun. The one who cares about Sekiya-san is the popular Kasai-kun, who is also Yuuki-kun's friend! And, what's this? Yuuki-kun is rooting for Kasai-kun?! It seems that everyone's feelings are one-sided... or are they?

16. Kimi ga Inakya Dame tte Itte

Nayu and Oumi are childhood friends. Without realizing it, Nayu finds she has fallen for Oumi over the years. However, just as she comes to terms with her feelings, Oumi reveals himself to be in love with the pretty Tsuzuki-san in his class. How will Nayu deal with such heartbreak?

17. Kimi o Omou Toki

What does it mean to love? Most of the time, I don't know... Falling in love with someone always ends up with a farewell. Encounters in which you can meet a kind man are very rare. For someone to tell me, "Momo-chan, I love you very much~ ♪" and to caress me with a smile... I don't understand the meaning of those things. Still, that kind of behavior gives me a warm feeling and makes my head spin.

18. Kimi to Kyun Koi, Shiyou

A collection of one shots.

19. Kobayashi ga Kawai Sugite Tsurai

The comedy starts when the cross-dressing begins! The Kobayashi twins, Mego and Mitsuru, were named after historical figures, but only Mego has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other? But Mego can’t rely on just her book smarts in Mitsuru’s all-boys, delinquents’ paradise of a high school. And Mitsuru finds life as a high school girl to be much more complicated than he expected!

20. Koi dano Ai dano

After constantly transferring during middle school (Warau Kanoko-Sama), Naedoko has entered Takara No Tani High along with Tsubaki. Follow her adventures as she tries to restore the Newspaper Club's status without being noticed by the Broadcasting Club or Student Council...!

21. Koi ni Dokubari

Youthful, real love between a pure girl x sharp-tongued boy. ‘The boy I’ve had a long unrequited love for has found himself a girlfriend. On top of that, she’s my best friend. Even though I’m the one who met him and fell in love with him first. Why did he not choose me…?’ Heart-broken Aya meets Ryuu, an unpredictable, older boy. Aya gradually begins to be drawn to this sharp-tongued, but kind Ryuu. However, this love isn’t straightforward at all. “When you fall in love, you can’t keep being a ‘kind, good girl’.” Ryuu’s words pierce her heart, doesn’t disappear and is painful, but…?

22. Last Game

Yanagi is rich, smart, a girl-magnet, and always at the top of his class... well, until Kujou transferred in his primary school. She was quiet, plain, and poor, yet not once has she failed at beating Yanagi, both in academics and sports! Yanagi has made it his life goal to defeat her and thus, followed her from elementary until college over the past 10 years. Only when he decides to change the rules might he finally win. Here comes their last game!

23. Love so Life

Shiharu is a high-school student who loves kids, lives in an orphanage, and works at a daycare... Until the handsome uncle of two-year-old twins offers her a raise if she'll be their babysitter. Often relying on memories of her mother's actions for guidance, Shiharu quickly finds herself falling in love with her new makeshift family.

24. Mako to Aki-chan no Koigokoro

A collection of one shots.

25. Metallic Colors

The story of a stylish and gaudy girl who strives to win the heart of the boy she likes.

26. Nonchan to Watashi

Risa and Takumi are childhood friends, but due to a fight in the past, they stopped talking to each other. Now university students, Takumi is a famous playboy who goes out with a different girl every day, and Risa still regrets not having been able to apologize for what she did six years ago...

27. Orange

In the Spring she was 16, Takamiya Naho receives a strange, but detailed letter from herself, ten years in the future. At first she thinks the letter is a prank, but then the things written in the letter actually happen, including the new transfer student that sits next to her in class, Naruse Kakeru. The letter reads just like her diary entries, down to the same characters. It is not till two weeks later, when Kakeru shows back up at school, that Naho finishes the letter. In the letter, her 27-year-old self tells her 16-year-old self that her biggest regret is that Kakeru is no longer with them in the future, and asks her to watch him closely.

28. Propose no Okite

A high school girl becomes a wife?! And her husband is the worst man? Because she had to pay her family’s debt, she married! The husband is the son of a big Hotel company. The first time she saw him she said "You got a wife thanks to your money! You’re the worst!" "I maybe the worst", he said "but you’ll have to live all your life by my side…"

29. Saboten no Himitsu

Miku Yamada has a longtime crush on classmate Kyohei Fujioka. But no matter how many times she tries to show him how she feels, clueless Kyohei just doesn't get it. Frustrated, Miku gives up on him, only to have him start calling her "Cactus" for being prickly when he's around. Will Kyohei ever figure out Cactus's secret?

30. Shitsuren Biyoushitsu

A collection of one shots.

31. SP x Baby

A romantic comedy about a privileged man and his kickass female bodyguard. Tamaki Hasegawa misses an interview for a much-needed job in order to stop an assault on a man running for his life! The man—Kagetora Sugo, the prime minister’s nephew—then asks Tamaki to become his bodyguard. Tamaki isn’t sure she’s cut out to be a bodyguard, but Kagetora has another reason for wanting to hire her. Unbeknownst to her, they’ve met before…

32. Special A

Her whole life, Hikari Hanazono has been consumed with the desire to win against her school rival, Kei Takishima--at anything. He always comes out on top no matter what he does, and Hikari is determined to do whatever it takes to beat this guy!

33. Suki desu Suzuki-kun

Suzuki Hikaru, Hoshino Sayaka, Ito Chihiro and Suzuki Shinobu are all new students who have just entered the same middle school. Sayaka is a shy girl who secretly loves acting. Hikaru is an energetic boy who loves basketball. Incidentally, he shares the same last name with Shinobu, a popular rich boy who would be perfect if not for his rotten personality. Chihiro is Hikaru’s childhood friend and has long had a crush on him.

34. Wana Love - Wanna be the Honey Trap

Mayuko is a model. She's acting like a beauty in front of guys but in fact she's suffering of an unrequited love with the cameraman Nagumo...Will she reveal her true nature through his lens...?

35. Yoshiwara Hana Oboro

Hana is a normal teenager who goes to school normally, that is until she gets run over by a car... or did she? Suddenly, she finds herself in a weird place known as the "Red Light District"... in EDO PERIOD?! Trying to find a way to get back to her own time, she somehow gets mistaken for a prostitute and has to escape. Not expecting to be saved by a gentleman, she suddenly ends up in a geisha house.. but then she is bought by the same guy who helped her earlier?!

36. Yumemiru Taiyou

While loitering in the park, Shimana Kameko, who intended to run away from home and skipped school, meets a suspicious man in a kimono. This man, who had been locked out of his house, offers Shimana a place to stay. However, he requests she fulfill three conditions in exchange for her tenancy?!

#manga #shoujo recommendation #unrequited love #romance #ao haru ride #bambi to dhole #kobayashi ga kawai sugite tsurai #last game #love so life #orange #special a #suki desu suzuki kun #yumemiru taiyou #one shot #sherlock #shoujo manga #mangacap #mitsuki kako #wana love

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robininthelabyrinth · 4 years

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Three Gates - on ao3 (for content warnings check Ao3) - on tumblr: pt 1, pt 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8, pt 9, pt 10, pt 11

- Chapter 12 -

The Nightless City was grand and glorious, as luxurious as Koi Tower and as tasteful as the Cloud Recesses, and Meng Yao would burn it all down in a heartbeat for the chance to return to the familiar sparse stone and metal of the Unclean Realm.

Wen Ruohan had forgiven him for murdering Wu Bixian and blowing his cover once Meng Yao had explained the circumstances, although he’d been displeased; Meng Yao had had to work his way back into his inner circle the hard way, inventing monstrous machines for him to use in his Fire Palace, where he played at treating torture the way other people viewed sport.

Meng Yao had once dreamed of torturing his enemies – initially defined as anyone who insulted his mother, but later expanded to include anyone who made a serious effort to harm Nie Mingjue and recently he had been considering an additional expansion to loop in the same for Lan Xichen – but now he realized that torture was boring and burdensome and messy, and a quick execution was clearly much more effective.

There was a lot less upkeep, for one.

A lot fewer tormented doctors as well – that poor Wen Qing would probably have never picked up her needles if she’d known this was where she was going to end up using them, that was for sure – and anyway, neither of his lovers would have approved so it was all a moot point anyway.

Possibly former lovers.

Not that they’d ever actually made it to the stage of being lovers, what with Lan Xichen’s sect rules and parental trauma, Meng Yao’s nightmares of the brothel, and Nie Mingjue’s experiences with Wen Ruohan…

Probably for the best, actually, given what Meng Yao now knew about Nie Mingjue – something that he was almost certain that Nie Mingjue did not know about himself.

A few months at Wen Ruohan’s side had certainly been enlightening on that front. As Meng Yao might’ve suspected, he treated even the people in his clan about the same as wooden furniture, useful to varying degrees but all ultimately disposable, and someone like Meng Yao, a talented retainer he’d stolen from another sect and who had no way out, made for amusing company.

Wen Ruohan had in fact heard the rumor of someone in the Nie sect being born as a yang furnace, very likely from Wu Bixian himself in an attempt to get rid of what he perceived to be a stain on the sect’s reputation, and he’d investigated, ultimately figuring out that the person in question was Nie Mingjue. A yang furnace, Meng Yao learned, was considerably rarer than a yin furnace, requiring the right horoscope and lucky (or unlucky) parentage, and was considered far more precious – people with that constitution would have an incredible talent for cultivation themselves, but would also be able to magnify, many times over, the cultivation or even cultivation potential of those with whom they engaged in dual cultivation.

The furnace’s consent in the matter was not required.

After discovering the truth, Wen Ruohan had apparently gone back and forth for some time in deciding whether to snatch him up immediately, training him up as a concubine reserved for the use of the Wen clan, but one of his more esoteric specialists had told him that the sort of intense cultivation techniques he had in mind would likely kill a child and, more importantly, that the positive effect on his own cultivation would be magnified if Nie Mingjue’s cultivation were higher when he began.

“Sect Leader Wen’s patience is admirable,” Meng Yao said with the sort of smile he’d worn when talking to the brothel owner that used to beat his mother on a regular basis just so she’d ‘remember her place’. “If only I had known..! I am not so certain I could resist such a temptation for years on end.”

Wen Ruohan laughed. “Well, I must admit I gave it a half-hearted effort a few times. The doctors did say that a few times early on wouldn’t hurt.”

By hurt he meant damage to Nie Mingjue’s ability to cultivate, or to cultivate with others, not to the lifetime of nightmares and terror that Nie Mingjue suffered as a result of his unrelenting pursuit.

“Though on that subject,” Wen Ruohan continued, a faint smile on his face, “perhaps you’d like to take a look at the room I’ve prepared for him, and let me know if you have any suggestions – anything you think he’d enjoy for the times when he’s not – in service.”

“Of course, Sect Leader Wen.”

“Naturally, if you also have any proposals regarding any of your marvelous machines…”

“Naturally, Sect Leader Wen.”

“Good,” Wen Ruohan praised. “If you please me well enough, perhaps I’ll let you take a turn once I’m done with him.”

He had other requests, too, which were even less savory – mostly storytelling, Meng Yao casting his mind back to his days at the brothel and even in desperation some of the artwork Nie Huaisang insisted on collecting to describe all sorts of scenarios for Wen Ruohan’s evident enjoyment.

Meng Yao took a bath as often as he could plausibly manage it, and still felt unclean.

(Chiwen, hidden away as best as he could in the room he’d been assigned because a Nie saber did not voluntarily enter Wen hands, screamed in his head. He hated everything about what they were doing.)

It was amazing, Meng Yao thought, how far self-deception could go: he had thought, once, that he would be able to distract and dissuade Wen Ruohan without losing anything along the way, that he could sell himself without counting the cost, and at the last he realized that his mother had been right about warning him not to get used to making deals with bad men.

Wu Bixian, too. He had thought that Wen Ruohan’s goal was domination of the cultivation world, his pursuit of Nie Mingjue only a means to get there or at best a distraction, when in fact Wen Ruohan wanted to be a god, to break through the barrier of cultivation and rise up to the heavens, and he believed that Nie Mingjue could get him there.

And yet Wen Ruohan, too, was deceived – he thought that everything in the world was meaningless grist to that great ambition’s mill, thought that everything he did was for power and power only. And yet there was the great care and attention with which he had filled the prison room in the Nightless City with all the things Nie Mingjue liked, things that he’d figured out from casual mentions in discussion conferences, the fascination in his eyes when Meng Yao told him stories that were sometimes so very boring and mundane, the casual way he dismissed even his own heir’s death at Nie Mingjue’s hands…

Perhaps the interest had been merely practical once, but it certainly was no longer.

At least the war was going well.

Not much else was.

His letters with Wen Ruohan had been belatedly discovered and publicized, his betrayal becoming widely known – Wen Ruohan deliberately cutting off Meng Yao’s route of return, no doubt. The fact that it was a good move, and one Meng Yao would have done if he were in his place, did not make it any easier to swallow.

He had always assumed he would be there to explain the letters to Nie Mingjue.

He’d said so many cruel things in those letters over the years, hurtful things, things he didn’t believe but thought that Wen Ruohan would like to hear – things about Lao Nie, about Nie Mingjue, about Baxia, about Nie Huaisang…disdainful, wretched things, lies that had flowed so easily out of his brush when he’d thought it was all a game.

He didn’t want to think about Nie Mingjue hearing them – seeing them – reading them –

He didn’t want Nie Mingjue to think that was how he really felt.

Some days, in the middle of the night in the too-brightly-lit core of the Nightless City, Meng Yao put his head in his hands and felt the prickle of tears in his eyes. He should have known better, he thought. He shouldn’t have tried to take it all on his own shoulders; he shouldn’t have assumed he’d be able to explain, that he could swear on Chiwen that his motives were pure and that all would be easily forgiven; he should have told Nie Mingjue what he was doing early on so that it would not come to him as a surprise –

He should not have repeated his mother’s mistake from all those years ago.

(“They don’t trust us!” Lao Nie had shouted, his voice still audible behind those stone walls, and Nie Mingjue had gone silent, the words hitting their mark and leaving a wound, before he’d started arguing once again.)

Meng Yao had originally planned on having both Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen act as his contacts during the war, but instead for his sins he got stone-faced Lan Wangji and, eventually, red-eyed Wei Wuxian, who was clearly still deeply shaken by the near-destruction of the Lotus Pier and how close he had come to losing everyone he loved.

(Meng Yao killed time in between boring torture, nauseating dinners with Wen Ruohan, and interacting with his two contacts in trying to figure out how to get said contacts to confess their obvious attraction to each other without ever actually telling them to their face that they were being idiots.

How anyone had ever compared him to Wei Wuxian – citing their status as fatherless children being raised by sect leaders alongside their heirs – he honestly did not know; the boy had a genius for cultivating and the arrogance to go with it, but simply no common sense whatsoever. Meng Yao was his exact opposite.)

They had both briefly been guests of the Wen sect, brought in by the same invitation that had been forcefully extended to Nie Huaisang; once they were there, they were given to Wen Chao to lead and reshape. Obviously that went about as badly as anyone could imagine, Wen Chao being what he was.

Nie Huaisang had been there too, of course, and Meng Yao hadn’t dared go anywhere near him. It wasn’t that he doubted his own acting abilities, or Nie Huaisang’s for that matter, but rather his own perception. Nie Huaisang was a very good liar, and if Meng Yao got it into his head that his own blood brother didn’t believe him, he might very well fall apart.

So he didn’t go.

That turned out to be a mistake.

Apparently, not showing up was seen as some sort – admission of guilt, perhaps, because the second Nie Huaisang returned to the Unclean Realm, things started going very badly indeed. Many of his old contacts stopped talking to him or even disappeared, even the ones he would have sworn Nie Huaisang had no knowledge of, and he didn’t even want to think about how many of his plans ran into obstacles that had nothing to do with luck and had everything to do with Nie Huaisang’s Nie temper.

Meng Yao only hoped that the cause of the temper tantrum was his failure to apologize for not letting Nie Huaisang properly into his schemes, and not that Nie Huaisang thought –

Surely Nie Huaisang would have said something to Wei Wuxian or Lan Wangji if he didn’t believe Meng Yao to be trustworthy? They were peers, had been schoolmates, and a few months together was more than enough time for Nie Huaisang to get the measure of them – he had to know what they were doing on his behalf, surely, and he hadn’t stopped them, so…

Sometimes Meng Yao thought that his circular rationalizations would drive him mad, long before anything else about this horrible life of his did.

(He also thought, sometimes, about how his mother would feel – how she did feel – about what he was doing, and whether she approved or not. He usually tried to stop thinking about it as soon as possible.)

At any rate, the sect heirs had all escaped after some unfortunate encounter with a corrupted Xuanwu that made Meng Yao twitch in fear when he belatedly learned about it, and soon after that the war began in earnest.

The Nie sect took Heijian, as had always been the plan; the Wen sect’s cultivators threw themselves against their iron wall without any success and even some heavy losses, especially whenever Nie Mingjue himself there to lead battles. The Lan sect was scattered after the burning of the Cloud Recesses, but Lan Wangji’s early warning had preserved more of their lives than might have otherwise been accounted for – the attack on the Lotus Pier had been similarly blunted through timely advice, although Jiang Fengmian’s stubborn refusal to take immediate action had resulted in injuries, some rather serious.

Two major attacks, in under a year – the rest of the cultivation world was alarmed. A sizeable number chosen to give in at once, while others opted to join the opposing forces, and war was everywhere.

Meng Yao had hoped that his information would be enough to tip the balance, that he could play the same role he’d played against Wen Ruohan in the past – acting as an interruption, but never quite tipping his hand. Never pushing for the real reward, taking the big risk…

The war dragged on.

There were some close calls – some difficult battles. People were dying on both sides. Several times there were reports of terrible injury to key people; the death of someone he loved was only a matter of time.

It seemed that he didn’t have a choice but to take more dramatic action.

Evil, Chiwen screamed in his mind, just as he had every day since Meng Yao had arrived at this horrible place. Kill it!

Meng Yao wished it was so easy.

“Do you mind if I borrow your brother?” he asked Wen Qing, who glared at him but accepted the jar of wine he offered her. “Just for a while.”

“None of your machines,” she said at once. He couldn’t blame her.

“No machines,” he agreed. “I need a courier.”

She paused, then put the wine down. “Out of the Nightless City? Safely?”

He smiled.

Wen Ning was delighted to see Wei Wuxian, and the feeling was decidedly mutual – Meng Yao had picked Wen Ning in part because of the extraordinary initiative he had taken at the Lotus Pier, initiative that made the entire Jiang clan quite fond of him – and Wei Wuxian happily agreed to smuggle Wen Ning out of Qishan to deliver a private message.

“Make sure he gets to Lan Xichen,” Meng Yao instructed. “A message can be compromised or lost – a person, not so easily.”

“I’ll do my best,” Wei Wuxian said, and almost looked approving, like he thought that Meng Yao was doing this to save Wen Ning from the worst of the war.

He had no idea what Meng Yao was doing.

“Wei Wuxian,” Meng Yao said when they were about to leave. “What does Lan Xichen say about me?”

A blink, there and gone. “He fears for your safety, and hopes you are well.”

“And – Nie Mingjue?”

He didn’t bother asking about Nie Huaisang. If his brother didn’t want someone to know how he felt, no one would ever have the slightest clue.

Wei Wuxian hesitated, and Meng Yao waited, and in the end Wei Wuxian finally said, “I don’t think I’ve heard him say anything about you at all.”

Meng Yao nodded. It was no less than he’d expected, for all that it felt as if his heart were shattering. “Thank you. Please go.”

Wei Wuxian would take Wen Ning to Lan Xichen, and Lan Xichen would believe the words of a person more than he believed a letter – it was his nature to do so, especially when that person was as serious and earnest as Wen Ning, who seemed so trustworthy and who would never knowingly tell a lie.

But a person who would never knowingly tell a lie could still be made to carry one, and so Lan Xichen would listen to Wen Ning, and he would take what Wen Ning told him to Nie Mingjue, and Nie Mingjue – who might have questioned information brought by Wen Ning but who would never question Lan Xichen, the way he had previously never questioned Meng Yao – Nie Mingjue would listen, and believe, and act on that belief.

He would go to Yangquang –

And Wen Ruohan would be waiting for him.

Sometimes Meng Yao hated himself.

#mdzs #meng yao #jin guangyao #wen ruohan #wei wuxian #wen qing #wen ning #my fic #my fics #three gates

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sunarntarou · 4 years

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the fast times, the bright lights

part 2 ( or, the letters interlude ) (1)

Dear Sect Heir Ouyang Zizhen,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. How have you been? I hear your sister is engaged to be married soon, please, pass on my well wishes on such a fortuitous match.

Now, Zizhen. I hate you. You’re a terrible frie– acquaintance. Horrible person. Never come to Lanling again, I will not let you in.

If you’re still unsure as to how you wronged me, then allow me to remind you of our last conversation in the Cloud Recesses regarding your insane theories around your father and Sect Leader Yao. Well, they have just left Koi Tower as I write you this letter. I cannot tell you how long they’ve spent here as it certainly feels like an eternity!

Zizhen, how do you expect me to attend meetings with them? Now that you’ve painted them in a new light, I can’t unsee it! It was awful! Mortifying!

Considering this is all your fault, you must take responsibility. You promised they would be less annoyingf they were to be together. Very well, I’m willing to help if it means I no longer have to suffer through this.

Best regards,

Sect Leader Jin Rulan

Dear Jin Ling,

We’re all fine here in Baling, thank you for asking! It’s been raining lately so the water level has been rising in the rivers near the manor. There’s one that runs around the back, behind the garden, it has the clearest water– clearer even than Lotus Pier, I bet! Oh, before I forget, jiejie thanks the kind Sect Leader Jin for both his words and the cloth you sent! She loved the embroidery and the shade is perfect!

Anyway. Don’t worry, Jin Ling, I shall take full responsibility for this. I know feelings give you hives, so I apologize for bringing them to your attention, but I have to confess I’m glad to have you on board! You say the days they spent in Lanling were the longest of your life. Very well, imagine that actually being your life! Do you see now how much we’ve suffered?

Won’t the great Sect Leader Jin take pity on this disciple?

I joke, I joke! You can stop spluttering now. Seriously, though. If you truly mean your words, then we should start as soon as possible. I’m writing Jingyi and Sizhui, too, so they know to expect us!

Warm regards,

Your best friend, Zizhen.

Dear Jingyi and Sizhui,

How is everything at Cloud Recesses? More importantly, how are the bunnies? Did Senior Wei come back yet from Qinghe?

I’m running late, so forgive me for going straight to the matters at hand. I’m writing to you now because Jin Ling and I have talked and we’ve decided to move along with Twilight Love Operation! Which is the name for our matchmaking efforts, by the way. What do you think? Too much? Too little? Let me know if you guys have any other suggestions.

While I’d be happy to visit you again, I’m not sure Cloud Recesses is the best place to set up our base of operations. It’s so far from Baling! Then again, Baling itself would be too risky, father might get suspicious or meimei might find out and spill the secret. Jiejie would also murder me if we got in the way of her wedding preparations, so there’s that.

By the time this letter finds you, Jin Ling will also probably have answered his, so hopefully we’ll have something more concrete to relay next time.

Warm regards,

Your best friend, Zizhen.

Sect Heir Ouyang Zizhen,

How dare you be so informal? Have you no manners? Your sister wrote me herself earlier thanking me for the wedding gifts, but unlike you, she was perfectly polite. That’s the only reason I’ll be attending the ceremony, by the way, so don’t get any ideas thinking I’m going to see your stupid face.

Before we go into business, I’d like to preface this by letting you know there was no spluttering. That would have been too undignified! How dare you imply I would be doing such a thing!

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s be serious. I know you were joking in your letter, but I do pity you for having to bear through that growing up– do you see now how bad it was? I think it might have been worse than watching Wei Wuxian and Hanguang-Jun make googly eyes at each other. How does this keep happening? And how does this keep happening in my vicinity?

What I mean to say is that yes, against my better judgment, I’m fully committed to your plan. Don’t make me regret this! And what do you mean the Lans should be expecting us? I’m a Sect Leader, I can’t just fuck off to Cloud Recesses whenever I please! Besides, why should we be the ones to travel? Haven’t we done it enough lately? No, tell them to come to Lanling this time.

Alright, let me know if you have any ideas where to start. And don’t get sick playing in the rain like an idiot, I don’t need the flu sweeping through our cities.

Best regards,

Jin Rulan.

Dear Zizhen,

We’re all fine here, thank you for your concern! You’ll be happy to know the rabbits are doing especially well lately, since Hanguang-Jun has gone to Qinghe to meet up with Senior Wei and left Jingyi and I to look after them. They’ve grown quite fat with the amount of treats Jingyi has been giving them every afternoon.

Now, I was surprised Jin Ling was the first to approach you on this subject, but perhaps I should not have: he is, after all, the one dealing the most with them. I confess I had not thought you would want to go forward with your idea, it is quite bold to scheme behind two Sect Leaders, one of them being your father, no less, but Jingyi tells me true love should not be hindered by such earthly matters. His words, not mine, I’m afraid he is the one inheriting the Lan romanticism.

That being said, while we would be more than happy to host you and Jin Ling here for the time it takes to carry on your schemes, you do have a point– Cloud Recesses is too far, all the traveling back and forth would not be worth it. And, of course, I have a feeling Jin Ling will protest at having to come all the way here once more. Is he still scared of Hanguang-Jun? I promise no one resents him for stabbing Senior Wei that night. In any case, would he be amenable to having us at Koi Tower? Or would that also be too far from Baling? If I’m not mistaken, it’s nearly a day’s travel from there.

In regards to the name you chose for our operation, I think it’s quite unique. Jingyi has often called it romantic, so I doubt he has any objections. Let it be known, he truly takes after our Sect in this.

Best wishes,

Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi.

Dear Jin Ling,

Is it bad manners to treat a friend as such? Don’t be so prickly, I know you miss us! I will continue to be warmly informal with you, in fact, I’ll be even less formal now! See if I don’t hug you when I see you next!

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve sent word to Sizhui and Jingyi last time to let them know of our plans and you’ll be pleased to know that we all know you too well by now– don’t worry, Cloud Recesses has been ruled out! Although, Jin Ling, you really need to get over your fear of Hanguang-Jun. He’s married to Senior Wei so that makes him kind of his uncle now right? Anyway. Both you and Sizhui mentioned Lanling as a possible base of operations, but I’m still not entirely convinced about it. A day and half’s travel! How can we implement our plans if we’re so far from our subjects? There would be so much back and forth…

I really hope the logistics of our reunion are the hardest part. No, I’m confident this will be the hardest part. After all, once we’re all together, what could stand in our way? The four of us, we can accomplish anything!

Oh, this truly makes me miss you guys. Let’s figure this out soon, yes?

Warmest of hugs,

Your best friend Zizhen.

Zizhen,

See that? Is it informal enough for you? You are a menace. If you try to hug me, I will stab you, I’m warning!

First of all, I’m not afraid of Hanguang-Jun! None of this has any to do with him! I’m just sick having to travel all the way up that damn mountain! And I have responsabilities! And meetings and stuff! And you don’t know anything about me, shut up! And don’t laugh!

Now regarding our base, although Koi Tower would undoubtedly show Sizhui and Jingyi how hosting is done, it is too far from Baling indeed, but I have the answer to our troubles: why don’t we meet in the middle? Lotus Pier is barely an hour away from you by sword and who would fault me for visiting my poor uncle, all alone in Yunmeng? Besides, I could easily keep an eye on things here from there, it wouldn’t be the first time.

You all can thank me later by dealing with this matchmaking thing as quick as possible– if I have to see Sect Leader Ouyang and Sect Leader Yao make eyes at each other once more, I might go into a qi deviation. Did I tell you about the time I caught them walking the gardens in the evening? Zizhen, the sun was setting. There were flower petals floating down, I don’t know why. Is it a spell? Is it just their luck? Either case, it made me lose all my appetite. See? You owe me dinner now.

Tell the Lans to meet us in Lotus Pier in a fortnight. That should be enough time for your letter to reach them and for the trek down the mountain. Remind Sizhui there should be medicine for sale in the stalls near the pier if he’s scared of the boat ride or whatever. I, of course, will provide it, so don’t even think of go around calling me a bad host. You also mentioned the river behind your garden, Zizhen, as if there are waters as clear as Lotus Pier’s! When you all arrive, I shall take you on a tour of the best Yunmeng has to offer. There is a lake in the West Pavillion where the biggest cypress tree grows. It’s quite shallow, but jiujiu had koi fish brought over when I was born. In the summers, it’s where he taught me how to swim.

Anyway. Tell the Lans and meet me there in a fortnight.

Is that soon enough for you?

Jin Ling.

Jin Ling,

Are you sure about this? I would love to visit Lotus Pier as your guest, you must know that, but what of your Uncle? Won’t he mind? What if he catches wind of our plans? Won’t he object? I have to admit, it would be a perfect solution, so I hope you’ll forgive me my doubts.

Lotus Pier is a very beautiful place just from what I’ve seen in the past, but Jin Ling, this lake of yours sounds lovely. Further still, it sounds like it’s important to you, I am, just as I’m sure Sizhui and JIngyi will be, honored to know of it. To visit it in person, would be greater still.

As to where the waters are clearer, I suppose we’ll have to wait and see, but in the end, isn’t it the same rivers, with the same waters? Distance matters very little, I think.

Don’t worry, I’ll let the others know and we’ll be there to meet you.

Truthfully, it would never be soon enough,

Warm regards,

Your best friend who misses you very much, Zizhen.

Dear Sizhui and Jingyi,

I apologize for the late reply! As I’ve mentioned in my last letter, I was waiting for Jin Ling’s reply so I could have something more solid to say. But! You were right, I was so happy to know the bunnies are being indulged! No pets rule or not, they are far too tame to be wild, they need to taken care of! Please, tell Jingyi to give them more treats in my name.

I’ve relayed to Jin Ling what you’ve said, and while he would love to have us at Koi Tower, we agreed it would still be far too far away. Now, he says we should meet up in Lotus Pier. I know what you’re both thinking, I know, and I thought the same too! What of Sect Leader Jiang? Won’t be angry? Won’t he scowl and turns all away? Well, I’ve brough that up to Jin Ling but the messenger came back saying the great Sect Leader Jin refused to answer, so I assume we should leave that to him?

If worst comes to worst, I suppose we could heave to Baling after all or take Jin Ling up on his invitation to Koi Tower. In any case, we’ve settled on meeting at Lotus Pier in a fortnight.

Oh, and he tells you not to worry, Sizhui, about the boat ride, he’ll buy medicine in the market for you. If you come by sword, though, you should stop in Baling first so we can head there together. And so you can see how beautiful our rivers are, of course!

Jin Ling says he’ll takes us in a tour of his favorite places, so there’s that to look forward to, too! That is, if Sect Leader Jiang let us through the gates.

Remember, Lotus Pier in a fortnight.

Warmest regards,

Your bestfriend who can’t wait to see you again, Zizhen.

#yaoyang #the untamed #mdzs #the juniors #jin ling #ouyang zizhen #lan jingyi #lan sizhui #the untamed fanfic #yaoyang fanfic #yes this is what my life has come to #but anyway #i love the juniors #and can you imagine if they had group chats at that time?#fic tag

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gingersnapwolves · 4 years

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today’s 3 AM notes:

At the second battle of Nightless City (wwx vs everyone, not sunshot campaign), Jiang Cheng dies instead of Jiang Yanli.

Ooooh, so, this is a pretty simple canon divergence, maybe other people have written it, but here are my thoughts.

WWX would still die because he was basically off the rails at that point anyway. He didn’t really need the final push Jiang Cheng gave him to shake off Lan Wangji’s hand. Alternatively: instead of throwing himself off a cliff, he summons even more destructive force and gets caught in a backlash, akin to what happened to him in the book.

Jiang Yanli is pretty fucked up by everything that happened but she’s still got a son to raise so she takes Jin Ling back to Lotus Pier and becomes the head of the Yunmeng Jiang.

Jin Guangshan is not thrilled with this, and tries to coax her to let them raise Jin Ling, or at least stay at Koi Tower and raise him there, or maybe they can just take care of Yunmeng for her! *wink wink nudge nudge* But JYL takes her new position very seriously and in the end JGS can’t convince her (before JGY murders him).

JYL goes to see LWJ at Cloud Recesses, figuring he could probably use the company and the sympathy as the only person besides her who mourns WWX’s death. Finds out about the punishment and the seclusion and A-Yuan.

Obviously this shit cannot stand and LWJ and A-Yuan are coming to live with her at Lotus Pier. No she would not like to hear any arguments. No LWJ’s opinion is not being requested. Little boys should not be raised in cold pond caves, and they definitely should not be raised by people who hated their fathers so everyone else in the Lan sect is out.

Don’t talk to me or my son or my nephew or my brother-in-law ever again

Lan Xichen can stay but he’s on thin ice

A few years later LXC shows up with a toddler Lan Jingyi and is like “um technically he’s a Lan but I think he’ll do better here”

Since Lan Jingyi’s parentage is never specified in the canon I’d like to propose him being Lan Xichen’s kid.

He knows if the elders find out he had an illegitimate child they’ll flip their shit and possibly try to force him from the position of Sect Leader.

Lan Sizhui: Where do babies come from?

Jiang Yanli: Well, sometimes when two people love each other very much, they make a baby together. And sometimes, when a guy is really upset that the man he's in love with just got married, he goes out and sleeps with the first woman he sees and accidentally gets one that way.

After JGS bites it, they end up on pretty okay terms with Jin Guangyao. He’s happy to let Jin Ling be raised as a Yunmeng Jiang because it means he doesn’t have to worry about the actual heir getting in his way.

Jin Song (is it Jin Song or Jin Rusong? I’ve always assumed Jin Song because they call him A-Song and with the sole exception of WWX himself, the ‘a’ prefix is only used with the given name, but I’ve seen other people call him Jin Rusong so I’m not sure if that’s in the book or something) and Jin Ling hang out and have playdates, along with Wen Yuan and Lan Jingyi.

Jiang Yanli is ... a little concerned about Jin Song? He’s a bit behind in his milestones. Should he see a doctor? She expresses concern to Qin Su. Qin Su mentions this to her mother. Her mother confesses the truth about Qin Su’s parentage.

JYL and QS, not realizing that JGY already knows this, sit him down to give him what they figure will be the worst news of his life.

JGY was already thinking about what to do about this, but now other people know, and it’s a problem. JYL suggests letting Jin Song come live at Lotus Pier - just one more orphan after the war. JGY agrees, on the principle that they will fake the child’s death, and neither JYL or QS will ever say a word to anybody about it. The children are still too young to blab about Jin Song’s father later. He figures this is easier and less conspicuous than having to kill his wife and son and the head of the Yunmeng Jiang (which would probably result in Lan Wangji, who for some reason really likes her, setting fire to everything)

anyway JGY still kills NMJ, and NHS still resurrects WWX, so then suddenly WWX is back and everyone’s like wtf is going on

and after meeting up with LWJ and passing out, Wei Wuxian wakes up back at Lotus Pier instead of Cloud Recesses

I cry for a hundred years

probably other things happen

like the events of the second half of the series or something

ETA: He wakes up at Lotus Pier, not Koi Tower. Haha. I’m tired. That was supposed to be the dramatic emotional punchline of the post and I hecked it up.

#one like and I'll write this fic #my wife: *immediately likes the post*#me: damn it #just rambling #fic stuff #the untamed

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untamedficrecs · 4 years

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hello! do you know if there are any fic abt jin ling's one month birthday where wwx turns up in koi tower like a fairy godmother or smth instead of being stopped on the way? or any like... politics heavy fic? idk why but I have a craving lol thank you for the hard work!

Hi! Wanna say sorry this took me so long to get too, I was planning on answering this sooner but some things came up. I tried my best to find something close to what you were looking for but I apologize in advance if they are not exactly it! I haven’t read all of these fics personally, so some of them might not have personal comments (and they might not actually be what you’re looking for ;;~;;), but here we go!! (sorry for how long this is gonna be!)

cradle by dragonesque

Rating: Teen & up | Canon Divergence | Status: Ongoing | Chapters: 32 | Word Count: 195979 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

☆ warning: graphic depictions of violence

Author’s Summary: After barely surviving the assassination attempt at QiongQi Path, Wei WuXian and the Wen Sect remnants are left to figure out how to protect themselves and their new lives. Meanwhile, the Jiang siblings and an unharmed Jin ZiXuan try to figure out who's bright idea was that stupid ambush. In Gusu, Lan Wangji panics at the idea of Wei WuXian's near death and tries to figure out whether to insist to stay by the Yiling Patriarch's side or hang back in the Cloud Recesses.

And Wei WuXian struggles with the idea of whether becoming a teacher, teaching demonic cultivation and setting up his own sect might not be a bad idea after all...

☆ personal comments: this is honestly one of my favorite fics...while it doesnt fit exactly the first thing you’re looking for (with him showing up/not being stopped...i mean he does show up...but he’s gotta plan some things out and recover before he shows up at koi tower); anyways there is definitely a lot of politics involved in this fic (from trying to form a new sect and an investigation going on with the wen remnants). i think you would enjoy it (or at least hope you will). I hope the author updates soon cause it has been a while, but its def long and will give you something to work through!

birthday party by waffles_4_breakfast

Rating: Explicit | Canon Divergence | Status: Ongoing | Chapters: 8 | Word Count: 25857 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

☆ warning: graphic depictions of violence

Author’s Summary: What if Jin Zixun didn't attack Wei Wuxian at Qiongqi Path and waited until the party to attack?

A fix-it fic where Wei Wuxian gets to attend the party and an entirely different cascade of events follow.

☆ personal comments: I definitely think this fic has a lot of potential with how it’s going. It’s pretty good so far, not really heavy on politics...I would say just a lot of sect drama almost?? (maybe that could still count as politics...but ya know) anyways def would recommend!

can you read the signs? by quiet_crash

Rating: Teen & up | Canon Divergence | One Shot | Status: Complete | Word Count: 5890 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Author’s Summary: At Qiongqi Path, Wei Wuxian loses his patience. What he doesn't lose is Jin Ling's present. After all, he's going to meet his little nephew and no force in the world or beyond is going to stop him.

☆ personal comments: hmmm this one is probably the closest to the first part of your ask!! wwx does in fact show up to koi tower having not been attacked (or well he was attacked but it was de-escalated before bad things could happen!). its set up in kinda like little snapshots of his life almost so yeah, its pretty good!

after a thousand crisis, you still remain innocent by lil_apple (sugafree_agustd)

Rating: General | Canon Divergence | Status: Complete | Chapters: 3 | Word Count: 10583 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Author’s Summary: Every tale has a start. Whether it was for better or worse.

Lan WangJi saved Wei WuXian from Qiongqi path, resulting Jin ZiXuan being alive and the cultivation world being aware of Jin Guangshan's lies. Wei WuXian witnessed Lan WangJi's punishment and went into seclusion with him.

This is the start of great redemption.

☆ personal comments: i really enjoy this fic...its more...hurt/comfort almost than anything else with sweet moments doused in there. politics are there but its not super heavy...but i figured i would recommend it just in case.

confessions of a drunkard by wei_ying

Rating: General | Canon Divergence | One Shot | Status: Complete | Word Count: 736 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Author’s Summary: the yiling laozu is very drunk at a-ling's one month celebration. hilarity ensues.

☆ personal comments: this is just a super short cracky fic i feel like...it’s not really what you’re looking for but I figured I would drop it in here just cause. c:

twelve moons and a fortnight by stiltonbasket

Rating: General | Post Canon | Status: Ongoing | Chapters: 40 | Word Count: 207079 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Author’s Summary: "Let me get this straight. You really want me to stand in for you while you help Jin Ling settle in at Koi Tower?"

"Who else do I have?" Jiang Cheng snaps, ears turning scarlet as Jin Ling tries to pretend he isn't listening. "Father trained you to serve as my deputy, didn't he? And don't say you don't remember, or I'll break your legs."

"Well, yes," Wei Wuxian manages. "Uh. I'll just let Lan Zhan know I'll be at Lotus Pier until you're back at home, then."

In which Wei Wuxian spends the year before his wedding as Yunmeng Jiang's acting sect leader, and the cultivation world's greatest love story finds its happy ending with the help of three juniors, a teenage romance, and one very involved (and exasperated) younger brother.

☆ comments: i haven’t read this fic yet, but i’m recommending it due to the tags...it’s not going to fit into your first category but i feel like it should fit into the politics heavy category...maybe...anyways this is on my own list to read so yeah

end of the bridge by shinocchi

Rating: Mature | Canon Divergence | Status: Ongoing | Chapters: 22 | Word Count: 170542 Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Author’s Summary: Wei Wuxian was ready to walk his dark single-planked bridge all by himself until when that very resolution was shattered by Lan Wangji, who found out he'd lost his core, when they were in the midst of Sunshot Campaign.

☆ comments: ^^ same comments as the one above

magical marriage ribbons by starandrea

Series: 8 works | Word Count: 293,578 | Pairing: Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian

Description: Wei Ying and Lan Zhan somehow find time to be student sweethearts at Cloud Recesses, and it changes the course of the war. Mashup of novel, donghua, and drama, with a little manhua as a treat. Anything that wasn’t AU before Cloud Recesses is certainly AU after.

Happy fix-it with a little plot and a lot of Lan Zhan and Wei Ying being super cute together. Also some babies and animal transformation as the series goes on.

☆ personal comments: i haven’t read all of these works but there are some works in there that have a focus on politics (not heavily focused). they’re really fun to read so i figure i would recommend them anyways.

aftermath by kouriarashi

Rating: Teen & up | Canon Divergence | Status: Complete | Chapters: 12 | Word Count: 57682 Pairing(s): Jiang Yanli x Jin Zixuan, Lan Wangji x Wei Wuxian, Lan Xichen x Meng Yao

Author’s Summary: Jiang Yanli lifted her eyes up to Madam Jin and said, calmly, as if from a hundred miles away, “I am a daughter of the Yu sect. Did he think my mother only taught me how to pour tea?”

Or: the AU in which Jin Guangshan targets Jiang Yanli and she kills him before he can ruin everything.

☆ comments: sooo this is another fic on my list to read...i read the first chapter tho...and it looks pretty good...again like the other 2 fics that i haven’t read personally i’m recommending this purely on the tags and hoping that it will fit what you want! i figured i would throw in something that wasn’t just wangxian focused...i mean a yanli focused fic seems pretty interesting so i’m excited to read it!

leave no hatred behind by joythea

Rating: Teen & up | Fix-it fic | Status: Complete | Chapters: 23 | Word Count: 121459

Author’s Summary: Jiang Yanli knows she was raised to be a wife and a good mother. But she knew she didn't need her cultivation to find and stop the man responsible for her precious disciple brother’s death and robbing her son of a father.

☆ comments: ^^ same comments as above

#answered #fic recs #mdzs #mdzs fic rec #wangxian fic rec #jiang yanli fic rec #there are def more politics heavy fics out there...i myself just haven't read them...or its been a while and id really have to dig #anyways if you would like anymore recs just let me know!!#a lot of these are long fics soo hopefully this will give you something to read for a while #also if anyone has any fics that might fit in the categories let me know please!!

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hiro-gari · 3 years

Text

Batarou Headcanon - Yakuza AU

Hello guys, it's me again bringing more Batarou headcanon! 👀✨

While I'm still trying to finish my writing on webcomic Batarou headcanon/ficlet/oneshot (??), also battling with my stressed out condition, I will offering this silly AU headcanon instead in the meantime. Warning: implication of nsfw-ish thing towards the end, but nothing explicit, also many inaccurate depiction of the topic matters I'm so sorry.

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Badd is the firstborn of the strongest Yakuza clan, and also the Yakuza family's successor after both of his parents were assassinated by enemy clan.

The assassination happened when Badd was only a little kid while Zenko still a baby. Badd and Zenko survived from the tragedy after being saved by Bang, the leader and owner of martial art dojo, who worked as Badd's family bodyguard. They were both raised by Bang until Badd is reaching his adulthood, ready to take over his family's legacy.

Badd felt so sad after the death of his parents, sometimes mourning for them every night after Zenko was asleep. He swore to himself that he wont let the tragedy happening again, not when he still has the only precious person left from his family: Zenko. Once Badd reaching coming of age and finishing his school, he would be the Boss of his family clan.

Badd thought he wont get a friend because of his status and his intimidating look, until Bang bringing his adopted son into the dojo and introducing him to Badd. His name is Garou.

Garou, Bang's adopted son, was taught to be the next family bodyguard by Bang. So he can be the greatest martial artist to protect Badd for the rest of their life.

At first Garou was reluctant to take his future responsibility. But after seeing Badd, the most beautiful yet fierce person he ever witnessed, Garou gladly accept it. Especially after Badd bravely saving him from the bullies at school, showing how determinated he was to protect anyone he considered as his "family". Thus they started their relationship as childhood bestfriend, either in school or their home at Bang's dojo.

During that time, Garou encouraged himself to training as the best as he can in martial art. There's no way a bodyguard is weaker than the one they supposed to protect. He didn't want someone hurting Badd in the future, like what happened to his entire family. Badd is his bestfriend, his future boss, and also his first love.

Garou would be more than happy to be on Badd's side forever, protecting Badd from anyone who has ill intention towards him. It doesn't matter if Badd returned his feelings or not, because the most important thing is Badd's own happiness.

On the other hand, Badd was astonished by Garou's development and determination to become the greatest martial artist. It's like the "Fighting Spirit" is not only being inherited by his family's lineage, but also could be obtained by anyone who has strong determination. Someone who can be Badd's equal, not a subordinate no matter what people say. That's why Badd likes Garou, maybe more than just a friend along the way.

Badd also started to strengthen himself by learning how to self-defence, and to strike offensive attacks if it was needed. He didn't take martial art lesson like Garou did from Bang, instead Badd creating his own combat style using his family heirloom: a metal bat. Besides, it matched with Badd's current image as delinquent punk kid. In which could be frightening enough once he becomes full-fledged Yakuza Boss.

At school, because Garou and Badd didn't have the same class as Badd was one year younger than Garou, they would hangout on school breaktime and after school. Despite being a Yakuza's son and looking like tough kid, it doesn't mean that Badd is a bully. In fact, he was the one who becomes school protector along with Garou. There's bully gang trying to pick on poor classmates? These delinquent duo would showed up and make sure they wont get 2nd chance to do that again at all (everyone didn't know what exactly Garou and Badd have done but clearly they put the fear of god into those bullies effectively).

After school, they were either hangout on local diner/family restaurant/cafe/ice cream parlor/game arcade depends of their moods, so they could still living their live as normal teenagers for awhile. Or immediately went home at Bang's dojo to do training routines. Sometimes Badd and Garou training separately, sometimes they would sparring with eachother. Most favorite time was everytime they're trying on new techniques onto eachother in sparring session at training field, while Bang supervising them the whole time from dojo's main building entrance.

When Garou and Badd weren't in training hours, they spend time to do their own hobby as a form of relaxation. Garou likes to study in Bang's library or writing poems, whereas Badd have a fondness on cooking or baking to try out his mother's recipes, Zenko often joined him, too. Sometimes whenever Badd has difficulty on studying for exams, he always comes to Garou for help, so he ended up as Badd's tutor. In exchange, Garou asking Badd to cook for him since his cooking is delicious, thus Badd making special lunchbox for Garou as the payment.

Imagine after both of them graduated from highschool, Bang with the entire Badd's family alliance clans holding an inauguration ceremony for Badd. Badd was officially becomes the Yakuza boss and the leader of his family clan, taking his family legacy as the survivor. Then Garou pledged his loyalty for Badd as his bodyguard during the ceremony, vowed to be always be on Badd's side for the rest of his life and would never betrayed him at all cost.

Imagine Garou kneeled before Badd when he pledged his loyalty. And as soon as Garou finished his vow, he took Badd's hand and kissed his knuckle softly. Then looking at Badd with so much adoration yet there's hidden fire in those golden eyes, his trademark smug grin slowly showing on his handsome face. If Badd didn't fully realized he was in the middle of inauguration ceremony, he would thinks Garou was proposing him! Not a bad thought, actually. Maybe someday Garou would do that, if it was allowed. Nothing can stop Badd from hoping.

Imagine how badass these two when they're on-duty, and their compatible dynamic is legendary among the clans. Everyone who is Badd's family subordinate really admired and respected them wholeheartedly. Not only both are very strong equally, they're also charismatic in their own way.

Badd is a good and kindhearted leader despite looking rough on the outside, but never hesitated to show the frightening side if someone trying to mess with his beloved family. A feared leader for the enemies, but a loving leader for the family. Also very protective for Zenko and Garou. Has the alias as "Metal Bat" regarding his choice of weapon during the battle. His "Fighting Spirit" would be activated as the ultimate power only when it was in a very necessary time, but enough to put a fear onto his enemies. Not very good at delivering speech at meeting but always has the best motivational words. Secretly in love with his own bestfriend a.k.a. his bodyguard. Badd has 2 kind of tattoos: Dragon tattoo on his whole left arm and Phoenix tattoo on his back.

Garou is a total monster when in the middle of combat, especially when it comes to protect Badd, Zenko, and their entire family. Have excellent sense to detect any assassin who tried to target Badd and would eliminated them in a matter of second. Basically the Best Guardian ever. That's why their enemies would call him as "Human Monster" based on his strength and abilities to fight. But even a "monster" still has the pure and softest heart for Badd, and only Badd. Have a soft spot for any underdog and bullied kids. Garou was kinda spokeperson for Badd since he's better at delivering speech than Badd. Garou has 2 kind of tattoos: Oni/Demon tattoo on his left torso and Wolf tattoo on his back.

Zenko is the "Princess" among the family clans, but that doesn't mean she couldn't participate on being badass. She was very intelligent and the most sophisticated person among the three. Also learning battōjutsu martial art for self-defense, it's always fascinating seeing Zenko training using real sword so elegantly. Really adores her big brothers, yet never hesitated to slap some sense onto them when they're being such dumbasses. Very proud of what Badd has becomes. In the future after reaching adulthood, Zenko has 2 kind of tattoos: Cherry-blossom tattoos on her whole right arm and Samurai tattoo on her back.

Both of Garou and Badd also taking Tareo as a part of their family, after saving Tareo's family from being the enemy's hostage in a war between clans. Thus, Tareo becomes Zenko's BFF and possibly also a great trusted advisor for Badd's family in the future. Admired Garou very much. Garou inherited most of his knowledges and nerdy side to Tareo, hoping they would be useful someday. In the future after reaching adulthood, Tareo has 2 kind of tattoos: Koi tattoo on his whole right arm and Lotus tattoo on his left arm.

Imagine Garou and Badd had been mutual pining the whole time, but managed to keep it down so their family and subordinates wont noticed. Once Garou successfully confessed his romantic feeling for Badd (very awkward but sweet nonetheless), in which Badd accepted immediately, they're having a secret relationship behind the family's back. Because they didn't want to cause a ruckus between the clan family just because the Boss is currently doing lots of scandalous things together with his own bodyguard for every single day. Also the fact that Badd the Boss is the bottom most of the time, since he prefers to have Garou being an aggressive top (but there's no way Badd would never be submissive, as he always serve the good challenges for Garou to prove who's Boss).

Eventhough the family hadn't know yet about their "scandalous things", they could see how affectionate Badd towards Garou and vice versa. It's almost like those two men are lovers instead of only boss-bodyguard or bestfriends.

The way Garou being so protective for Badd, the way Badd patching up Garou's battle wounds, the way they're always looked so harmonious on fighting side-by-side in combat, the way they're gazing at eachother whenever they think noone noticed, the way Garou always kissing Badd's knuckles everytime they were going to clans war, also the way Badd kissing Garou's forehead as a blessing, the way they looked so happy when spending off-duty freetime together doing whatever they like at the moment, etc.

All of those proving that whatever relationship Garou and Badd have together is already beyond what the family members could imagine.

One time the family finally found out their nature of relationship was when Badd gotten hurt seriously after failed attempt of assassination, done by the order from another leader of clan who eventually becomes a traitor in the alliance. Garou was a second too late on completely protecting Badd because he didn't expect that there was a traitor among the family alliance. Knowing Badd was hurt sent Garou in berserk mode as he annihilated all the rest of traitor's assassins in the building, while Badd's family taking care of their unconscious Boss.

The whole betrayal angered the entire alliance members, especially Badd's core family. Garou's wrath was totally understandable because he was the closest person for Badd, seeing the devastation he caused upon the traitor clan. Zenko was in rage once she knows who was betrayed her big brother, she almost going to execute that person by herself with her own sword. Bang, who had seen this kind of assassination happened twice on Badd's family, and already considered Badd as his own son, in a silent fury immediately arranging what punishments the traitor clan would get.

The traitor clan was punished severely, and its leader was executed on the following day. Badd still resting in his home, in which guarded securely by his subordinates. Zenko was helping the caretakers to heal Badd's wounds, worrying for her big brother's condition. Garou never leaving his bedside, his hands holding Badd's hands as he quietly apologizes profusely for letting Badd hurted, for nearly losing Badd because of his own carelessness. Garou was ready if Badd wants to punish him, anything will do to get his forgiveness.

Regaining consciousness a little bit after hearing Garou's long rambling, Badd weakly ordering him to shut up and stop apologizing, because there's nothing wrong with Garou. In fact, Badd was actually grateful for Garou's good reflex to prevent the assassination from being 100% successful. That's why Badd still survive and alive, soon to be back being the Big Boss again. He smiled tenderly to reassure Garou, the hands that Garou was currently holding caressing him back.

If Garou still a small weakling kid like back then, he would be sobbing pitifully seeing his only bestfriend almost died. But now as a full-grown adult and the strongest martial artist, he just silently crying out of relief having his secret lover smiling brightly for him.

Just like a Phoenix, Badd wont die too easily, always regenerating fast and reviving again so he can comes back stronger than before. As Badd said, "Death is just a flesh wound, you can totally revive through fighting spirit and have another go!".

Wiping Garou's tears away with his hands, Badd whispering a "Thank you" for him. He cupped the bodyguard's cheeks before trying to get on sitting position, which Garou quickly supporting Badd's back by pulling him closer with his arms so he could sit properly on the bed. Now that they're facing eachother, Badd slowly reduce the distance between them until he could kiss Garou softly on the lips.

Garou was so happy to have Badd in his arms again, without any hesitation he reciprocated the kiss so it would go deeper, one hand still supporting Badd's back while the other caressing his nape, pulling the Boss even more closer than before. As the kiss becomes intimate, Badd humming in joy while his arms encircled Garou's neck, never letting him go.

They both were deep in passionate moment to notice that some of their family members saw the entire thing from the window, or from the door when the others wanted to relay the meeting report to Garou so he could tell it to their Boss. But since they were already in their own world and looked so happy, they just backed off silently and keeping the secret for the sake of the Boss. Or trying to cleanse their minds because it was "too much information to see".

Despite their status, with Badd as the infamous Yakuza Boss and Garou as his monster bodyguard, the family wont mind about their love life. As long as Garou keeps their Boss happy, why not? They both deserved everything best in their life..

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---- THE END ----

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Notes:

I'm so sorry for spawning another dumb AU headcanon again! And for working on completely impromptu writings instead continuing current WIP aaaah I can't focused enough my mind was going everywhere-- 😫😅🙏💦

Originally I was currently working for webcomic headcanon feat. short haired Fedex man (or mover?) Garou and tired Neo Heroes Badd, but something happened irl made me stressed out for whole 2 days nonstop. My mind was like a bottomless pit full of darker thoughts, I tried to think something anything so I wont be too focused on those thoughts. Hufff..

Then suddenly, this headcanon was born! Idk why I got this idea but I saw a Batarou fanart when scrolling through my phone gallery, it has nothing to do with Yakuza things but it sparked the whole idea! It was just Garou and Badd wearing matching Boyfriend Jackets™ with delinquent-esque tattoos motifs on the fabrics, with Badd resting on Garou's thigh while they're holding hands, both blushing brightly. I wish I could show you all but I forgot the source, since it was older fanworks from a Batarou Japanese artist on twitter 😢

I even trying to search what's popular tattoos motifs for yakuza members, and which one that matched their position/personality/depiction. It was kinda fun, imho.

Did you notice that tattoos placement for Badd and Zenko are mirrorring eachother? And that the tattoos motifs on their arms = their images (Dragon and Cherry-blossom, respectively), on their back = their way of life (Phoenix and Samurai, respectively)? Or Garou's tattoos, Demon on the front = his mask/job, while Wolf on the back = his true nature as both predator and protector? While Tareo's tattoos, Koi on the right arm = his soft and loving nature, Lotus on the left arm = his life journey to reach his full potential?

Also because I like the image of Zenko handling a sword like a badass, I was researching which sword martial art that suits her, both to self-defense and also to combat in emergency times. After looking through the types of sword martial art, I choose battōjutsu since it looks awesome yet still so elegant! Kinda punny when Badd choosing to use bat (literal bat) for fighting, whereas Zenko using battō (swordmanship) for fighting. Both words has similar pronounciation in Japanese, lmao! 😆

I hoped you enjoyed this AU, despite I know this wasn't impressionable enough as usual I'm so sorry. This idea was only done for 1 hour, another 1 hour to edit so it would coherent enough, so the quality was not quite good enough.. 😔 And after re-reading for several times, I just realized that I reused many elements/dynamic from my WereVamp AU welp, there goes me not being a creative person, already proven several times hhhh 😓

If there's anyone who wants to say something about this AU, please let me know. I'm always happy to receive some feedback even for the smallest, it's okay 👀💦👉👈 Also if anyone interested to use this Batarou AU, I will gladly rolling out the red carpet for you~ 👍❤❤

Thank you always for: @hiro-gari, @the-goddessfighter, @kaincuro, @garous-nipple, @jusqu-une-etudiante, @guby1620, @lovelybutnot-ablankcanvas, and @personne-tmblr, also all of Batarou shippers in the fandom! Thank you for always putting up with me on my lowly stupid af writings, I LOVE YOU guys! 😚❤💜💙💖💝💐

Wished me luck I can bounce back from the depression soon (I haven't getting any sleep for a whole day by the time I wrote this sentence ehehehe), and I hope you have great days, guys. Thank you all.. 🙏🙇💕💞💖🌼🌻

-Little1993lamb-

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~Lilia:

dw I gotchu😉 it’s opm_small_dduck on Twitter, their art is amazing ✨ I knew exactly which one u meant, definitely sets the tone for this hc!!

YAAAS tho I LOVE this AU! Especially them growing up together and having a reliable partner while being raised to fill their unique roles AWWW. They’ve had each other’s backs since the beginning and nobody better mess with them! Big Boss Badd 😤 it suits him so well 👏

The scene at the end tho 🥺 agh, I can imagine how shitty Garou would feel if something happened to Badd under his watch 😖 even if there was nothing he could have done to prevent it, he’d still be all emotional about it... Just might make out with the Yakuza Boss in front of his family without a second thought.., 🤷🏻‍♀️💗

And yes omg I’m love the tats!! The symbolism 👌 you nailed it!! Sword wielding Yakuza Zenko though 🙇‍♀️ Queen. Yes.

Thank you so much for this anon!! Hope you are getting some sleep 😩💖 LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU😚

#what to heck #HOW #you are telling me you did this in two hours??#that’s incredible omfg T~T #I cannot write a coherent paragraph in that amount of time #i hope you get lots of rest and feel better soon 💕💗💖#thank you so much for this #submission #batarou #garou #metal bat #opm #yakuza!au

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rosethornewrites · 3 years

Text

Fic: and sings the tune without the words, ch. 3

Relationship: Jiāng Yànlí & Jīn Zǐxuān, Lán Zhàn | Lán Wàngjī & Wèi Yīng | Wèi Wúxiàn

Characters: Jiang Yanli, Jin Zixuan, Lan Zhan | Lan Wangji, Wei Ying | Wei Wuxian

Additional Tags: Epistolary, Food, Music

Summary: An epistolary follow-up to “the thing with feathers.” Exchanged letters.

Notes: See end.

Previous fic in the series: “the thing with feathers”

Chapters: 1 | 2

AO3 link

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To Jin-gongzi,

I sincerely apologize for the delay in writing back. A-Xian had an episode, like the one you saw, but he was unconscious for two days and very frightened and confused after he woke. I had a letter started before that occurred but am writing a new one now.

I am glad you like Zihuang’s design. When a-die took me to the luthier, we discussed the various options available for both sound and decoration. Since my practice instrument was a shoo konghou, they recommended I choose the same, but the fong shou design called to me.

I decided on the mother of pearl instead of a precious metal or jade because I liked the shine of it, but also for another reason. Before A-Xian fell ill, he and A-Cheng always brought me lovely shells they found while swimming in the river. They used to compete with each other to see who could find the most diving. So the nacre reminds me of them. I don’t know if A-Xian remembers this—perhaps I should mention it to him.

I confess I am still a little distressed over A-Xian’s episode, so I apologize if I go off on tangents.

As a result of my childhood illness, I sometimes have dizzy spells. Largely it is under control, but Healer Kang said that improving my core might also improve my health. I’m happy that I can find a way to contribute to Yunmeng Jiang even with a weak body. I agree that there should be more avenues available to young cultivators who may not be able to fight monsters—if the sects encouraged such disciples to utilize their cultivation to heal or engage in other activities that would enrich the sect, it would only strengthen the sects!

Cooking is an activity I quite enjoy, and I would be happy to serve lotus root and pork rib soup sometime when you visit. My soup was the very first thing he remembered, actually. When A-Xian first came to us, he was scared and so malnourished, and I always cook it for him and A-Cheng, especially when they’re sick or troubled. I’m happy cooking it for him meant so much to him that it broke through his amnesia.

Your suggestion about handstands was something I tried. It was very difficult, and I was so involved in trying to do one that I forgot Lan-xiansheng was coming to give me a music lesson. It was so embarrassing to be caught, as I was a little disheveled. But he smiled—I think he almost laughed, even, especially after I explained.

He said your idea is sound, but I will need to work my way up to an actual handstand. For now, he showed me several exercises I can do to work on my muscles, and recommended I do the arm motions of sword forms with a light practice wooden one. I can move to heavier ones as my strength increases, and eventually I will be ready for handstands. Thank you for the suggestion. I am glad I can speak of this with you.

I was unable to find a konghou score in our library, but I can write to Lan-xiansheng to ask if there is one in theirs. I, too, enjoy that song, though there’s a sadness to it, since it’s a farewell song. I may not be at the level where I can play it yet, but it is good to know what music you like.

One of our cooks is from Lanling, but not near the capitol. I asked her about those dishes, and she knows them and will be happy to prepare them next time you visit. She’s also willing to teach me how to cook them! She cooked up basi pinggou for dessert once A-Xian recovered, even, and we all very much enjoyed it. It’s so sweet, and the texture is very pleasant. A-Xian and A-Cheng competed to make the longest thread of sugar.

Yunmeng cuisine is indeed known for its spice—but never take food from A-Xian, since he goes overboard with the spices. He dumps chili oil on everything, except my soup which he insists is perfect.

I am very fond of re gan mian (hot dry noodles), and I like pianpiya (Hubei duck) which you might enjoy since one of the dishes you mentioned is a duck dish. As a dessert, I am very fond of sweet doufunao (tofu brains/pudding).

A-Lian was a gift from the lotuses, our beautiful lotus meimei. A-Xian’s illness changed quite a bit for us. A-Niang became protective of him, and she started talking to a-die more. She also decided that we should seek orphans and street children and educate them so they may become cultivators, if they have the capacity, or take on a trade. She’s also made it her personal mission to rescue women enslaved at brothels so they might also be able to be educated and learn trades. Our family has grown, as has our sect, and we’re all very happy.

I think a-niang is happy to have found more purpose, and to have reconciled with a-die. They had deep misunderstandings, I think. A-Xian’s illness forced them to talk, and things are much better now.

I am including some of the rose petal candy you enjoyed with this letter. I hope it finds you and your family well.

Jiang Yanli

To Jiang-guniang,

Your gift of rose petal candy is much appreciated.

I am sorry to hear of your brother’s illness; you obviously care deeply for all of your siblings, so I have no doubt it was distressing for you. When I was there, he passed out for no more than a ke, which seemed from the reaction of everyone to be more typical. Yu-furen mentioned he was attacked and fell into a coma for weeks. It is quite understandable that you are distracted. Is he recovered?

The choices behind your konghou are interesting. I have not engaged in music beyond a rudimentary grasp of the suona as a pursuit of the six arts, but perhaps I should refine my skills and consider music more carefully. As you stated, we need not limit ourselves to the sword as cultivators.

As such, I agree with you on pursuing cultivation for healing and perhaps the arts. I wonder if cultivation could be utilized in the visual arts, as well. I tried to speak of it with fuqin but he seemed disinterested and called the idea “quaint.” I believe it is a good idea—no one thinks the Lan quaint for pursuing musical cultivation, and I have heard a branch of the Wen sect is known for its healing cultivation. In fact, you might look into them, though I don’t know what branch it is.

It sounds very much like you have used cooking almost as a healing art for the benefit of your brother. I wonder if, like with medicine, qi can be infused in food somehow. Maybe not for healing, but for other things like comfort. I have never considered this before, and I am enjoying this discussion. I may research it in the library here, but I would like to know what you find if you look into it as well. Regardless, your cooking sounds powerful on its own.

I had not considered the status of your body, which you mentioned was weakened by your childhood illness, and I am relieved you did not injure yourself in the attempt. That is a very real consideration if you push your body too much; I once tried one of the more advanced Jin sword techniques before I was ready to and wound up hurting my shoulder. I’m glad Lan-xiansheng prevented any harm from coming to you.

I will see if there is a konghou score for it in the Jin library, but it could probably be adapted for the konghou by a musician, perhaps with different levels so you can start with a simpler version and then progress as you improve. That’s usually how I learn footwork and sword technique. I’m not sure if your sect trains the same way.

Your description of your brothers eating basi pinggou made me smile, as I do the same thing. It’s part of the fun of eating it when it’s hot. I’m happy to hear you enjoyed it, and I hope you also enjoy the other dishes when you get to try them.

Some of our cuisine is spicy, but I can scarcely imagine eating something spicier than Yunmeng dishes—your brother must like strong flavors.

I have been living in Koi Tower my entire life, but somehow had never gone to the kitchens before. The cooks were very startled to see me. I asked about the dishes you mentioned, and one of the cooks was familiar with Yunmeng cuisine. She cautioned me that the spice can be quite strong but can be adjusted to taste. In Lanling, our doufunao is salty, so I was surprised it could be a sweet dish.

The cook kindly made a small bowl of it and allowed me to watch the preparation. She used ginger in the syrup. It was a little strange at first, since I’m used to it being a savory dish, but it was quite good. I asked if the kitchen would consider occasionally serving it for dessert with dinner and making it when you and your family come to visit, and they were amenable.

I don’t quite understand what you mean by “a gift from the lotuses,” but it is not my place to pry. Yu-furen stated she was Jiang Wuxian’s adopted sister, so it makes sense that she would also become your sister upon his adoption.

Yu-furen’s idea about orphans and street children seems sensible, especially given your brother’s past. Some gentry may be concerned about elevating the status of such children, though. She may face criticism for this, and for the other. I know a-niang hates prostitutes, but I don’t think it’s their fault if they’re slaves. What else can slaves do but obey? Rescuing them seems just.

Your parents’ relationship has turned quite positive, and it seems good for you and your siblings.

I am including some of my favorite malt candies in several flavors, and enough that your family can try them as well. My favorite is the date walnut candy. I hope you enjoy them.

With best regards,

Jin Zixuan

---------------

Jin Zixuan is a little jealous that Jiang Yanli’s family is so happy and his, well, isn’t. He’s also tentatively fascinated by their discussion of cultivation, and a little mad that his shitty father won’t discuss it with him. He’s also aware of why his mother hates prostitutes but is not willing to say so.

From fan-created maps, it seems Lotus Pier is in Hubei province, so I used several dishes from there as Jiang Yanli’s favorites. Doufunao is called tofu brains but is a kind of soft pudding tofu. In Shandong province it would be made with savory flavors, but in Hubei it’s made with sugar. Cantonese cooking apparently uses ginger with it, and the recipe I found also does. I also found a recipe for date walnut candy that looks divine.

Also, apparently the suona is popular in Shandong province, but also kind of sounds like the mating call of a peacock and I just couldn’t help myself. Music is one of the six arts young gentlemen would be expected to have some proficiency in, so it makes sense that he has at least rudimentary competence.

Jiang Yanli upped the ante by sending him the candy he noted enjoying. And Jin Zixuan is not one to be outdone, so of course he sent some back, and enough for her siblings to boot! This is a matter of pride!

#the untamed #mo dao zu shi #chen qing ling #cql #mdzs #jiang yanli #jin zixuan #untamed fanfiction #untamed fanfic #untamed fic #cql fanfic #cql fanfiction #cql fic #mdzs fanfic #mdzs fanfiction #mdzs fic #my fanfiction

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beteranoob · 3 years

Text

Koi Wo Shiranai Bokutachi Wa 43(final chapter)

Beautiful... Just Beautiful 😊

Not gonna lie. Ikezawa and Taichi scenes were easily overshadowed by Eiji and Koharu scenes at the end. Still there were good moments like when:

-Ikezawa and Eiji reflect on her decisions last chapter and made her cry because of her pride. At the end of it It is Koharu made her realize that there's nothing wrong at her decision. It just needs to have a good time management so that she can go with senpai and the concert at the same time. Koharu even lended Eiji to Ikezawa so that it will not be a date with the senpai

- The talk between Ikezawa and Taichi before the concert. This is where the chemistry between them starts oozing. Taichi ask Ikezawa that in the middle of the concert he will confess to her and he asks her to reply. Ikezawa said that she will indeed reply. How she answered this was savage 😁 Unfortunately the confession was off screen but because it's off screen that it led to Aihara's beautiful words to Koharu later on.

- Too bad Koharu missed the concert but thats ok. Her screen time alone is always a pleasure to read.

- But Eiji is there waiting for her and both of them express how much they want to see each other. They have their own ways to show how they missed each other like Koharu hugged Eiji and Eijj felt out of place on the concert cause Taichi confessed to Ikezawa which Izumi thought that it was a beautiful confession and started crying which she was comforted by Bessho. Since Eiji feel out of place he suddenly miss Koharu and went to wait for her part time job to finish. Very sweet thing to do Eiji! 😊

-Another thing to catch is Taichi and Koharu’s mess are resolved, no hanging plots and for that Eiji is happy with it. No one ended up like his past self. 😊

At the end with Eiji and Koharu:

Eiji beautifully threaded all his words until the end. Especially his smile when he is asking if the ring became heavy! That smile shows like Koharu is the best thing in the world! Koharu would definitely cry! Her Monologue at the end also kinda stings with her getting emotional. She is definitely happy that she fell in love with Eiji and initiated that kiss. As she said 'Happiness'... That made my heart melt. Mizuno-sensei made it like they married and she really drop the bomb on the final part cause it was done excellent!

I actually reread this part with background music named Light Flight by FujiFabric and this final part became more memorable and awesome 😁

Ah shit. I'm getting emotional also cause this is the last time! I felt its unfair that it suddenly ended just like Beelzebub back then yet again sensei gave her best this last chapter and she ended it on high note. Yeah, maybe there will be extra chapters but I'm gonna miss those 12th or 13th nights of the months where I always anticipate the new chapter and I take a vacation leave for this every month. Also because of this manga that I learned how to read japanese. Well not really 100% but enough to read out katakanas and hiraganas with the help of google translator...lol

Thank you Mizuno-sensei for bringing us a well crafted romance manga. This work of yours deserves a space on my shelf and I will definitely buy those volumes i havent had yet. Hoping for some extra chapters of Koiboku so I can post more Koiboku content in future. To Koiboku fans, I'm glad that I'm able to join you on this journey, its been good while it lasted. Don't be sad because it had ended but smile and let us be grateful that we're able to experience and read this kind of manga. All thanks to Mizuno-sensei 😁

P.S

Maybe there will be more of chapter 43 on volume 11? I want more Eiji and Koharu 😁

#Koi wo shiranai bokutachi wa #Koi wo shiranai bokutachi wa 43 #Mizuno Minami #Aihara Eiji #Fujimura Koharu #Ikezawa Mizuho #Senami Taichi #Shiosaki Izumi #Bessho Naohiko

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chiaki-translation · 4 years

Text

Spring Troupe 7th Play: Magician’s Pure Love Ch9-10 Translation

Can I rant before I start? This chapter is so freaking long due to the play. Then there’s Koma, who speaks to doll like he’s speaking to human. It took me a while to understand what he’s saying because of the words he’s using. Then I apologize for the error in the previous chapters, first thing first, my script translation is not correct since I interpreted it wrongly. Well, it’s because I’m doing the translation along with me reading the story myself. I changed it after I understood the story as a whole. The most obvious mistake was Mirage. It’s a name, and previously, I translated is as a mirage, an illusion of sorts. So if you have read those, just ignore them and take this one as the actual story for the play.

Other than that... I’m just so tired now... Let me rest before I continue with the epilogue...

Ch1-2 / / Ch3-4 / / Ch5-6 / / Ch7-8 / / Ch9-10 / / Epilogue

Disclaimer:

A3! is owned by Liber’s Entertainment

Translator’s Note:

During Chikage’s conversation with Masumi, they used 2 different terms for love talk, “Koi-bana” and “Ai-bana”. I think they should be translated to the same word in English, but to differentiate it, I translated “Ai-bana” as romance talk instead.

Masumi:

…Curry shop?

Chikage:

The interview was long, you’re starting to get hungry aren’t you.

Masumi:

You just want to eat yourself.

Chikage:

By the way, this is also Director’s favourite place.

Masumi:

…I’ll eat.

Chikage:

Well, I thought it’s not a bad idea to atone myself here.

Masumi:

Chikage:

What do you want?

By the way, this is their recommended one.

Masumi:

Anything.

Chikage:

Then, I’ll get two of the same one.

Chikage:

Alright, before I start my story, I have to apologize to Masumi.

You might know about it roughly…

You remember that Director disappeared during Oz’s practice right, I was the one who kidnapped her.

I really regretted that time, the Director let it go pretty easily after that though.

But, I would like to properly apologize to Masumi, for I had did that to the most important person in your life.

I really apologize for that.

Masumi:

At that time… I thought I would kill you if you’re actually involved… But maybe there was some reasons involved.

Chikage:

…

Kasumi-san’s story earlier, there are some overlapping parts with mine.

I’ve also lost him, my most important person, my family, and my reason to live.

I became desperate afterwards and I entered the troupe, set out on getting revenge on my opponent. That was the reason I kidnapped Director back then.

Masumi:

…

Chikage:

When everyone went to the airport to get Masumi who were going to go abroad, I couldn’t stop thinking, what kind of family play was that, what kind of bullshit was that, and I was so irritated.

I’ve lost my family, there’s nobody else.

But, in the end, it’s another family who saved the me back then.

With that guy who was an irreplaceable member of my family, as well as my new family in the troupe… and the feelings left behind by the lost family member for us.

If you ask me why I am still alive right now, my answer would always be the same, as I thought, I live for the sake of my family.

The reason that I’m doing acting right now, it’s complicated, but in the end it’s for the sake of my family.

I’ll also treasure it, the performance that is treasured by my family more than anything else.

…In that sense, Masumi and I might be a bit similar, Kasumi-san too.

Masumi:

Towards the family members who have passed, like Kasumi-san, do you still love them now?

Chikage:

Love… Love huh.

I don’t really express it with words, but it might be the case.

Even now, my feelings for him will never change.

Surely, going forward, when it comes the time when I need to say goodbye to the current family, it will be the same, my feelings will never disappear.

Masumi:

…

Chikage:

It’s Masumi’s turn next.

Masumi:

Me?

Chikage:

About Masumi’s love towards Director-san, can you tell me all about it again.

Masumi:

Why again?

Chikage:

According to Chigasaki, I won’t be able to have a proper love talk with Masumi and it’s vexing.

Masumi:

…For me, getting to like her and falling in love with her are such a simple thing.

I met her and I’m glad I followed my heart back then.

But… I have been doing my best in a lot of things, all for the sake of receiving her love.

If moving forward, Director ends up with another guy, I feel that all my efforts will go to waste and now I’m just lost.

Without my relationship with her, will I still be able to do my best as an actor…

As I thought, I can only act for her sake. In order to be the number one person in her eyes, in order to be recognized by her…

If I told her about this, I thought she would tell me something about finding my own motivation, one that’s more for my own sake…

After listening to Kasumi and Chikage’s story, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to do your best for the sake of someone else.

(It’s not that I want to be an actor at first.

Acting for me is, a way to express my love for her, to not be separated from her. That’s the number one meaning of my acting.)

If, I’m going to continue as an actor until the end of my life…

Even if Director ended up marrying someone else, I don’t think I can change this feeling of love I have towards her.

Chikage:

Hmm… The power of love is really great.

It can even change our lives.

Masumi:

How about you?

But not about Director.

Chikage:

Well, whatever… I’ve reached “Normal Clear” on love talk with Masumi now.

Masumi:

And upgrade from love talk would be… romance talk?

Chikage:

Romance talk huh.

Masumi:

Then, I’ll ask you properly this time, what is love to you?

Chikage:

It’s embarrassing so stop writing it down.

I guess… for me, love is--

“Love is, surely, something that won’t be lost.” By Utsuki Chikage

Announcer:

Thank you very much for coming today, Spring Troupe’s 7th Performance “Magician’s Pure Love”, will be starting soon.

Director:

(It’s finally the opening day… It’s the usual thing, but it’s been a while.

I’m a bit worried about Masumi-kun, but after the talk with Kasumi-san, I’m glad he’s back to normal.

I’m glad I relied on Chikage-san. The play is slowly getting better too.

Masumi-kun has been trying to appeal to me on top of stage, much more than usual, and his power of attraction is really amazing.

He’s able to attract the audience’s attention to him, as an actor, as the lead, it’s really a great talent to have.)

Director:

Everyone, we should get ready--

Itaru:

So you really have a love talk with Senpai?

Chikage:

Are you still going to treat me like a man with no romance.

Masumi:

That’s why, it’s not love talk, it’s romance talk.

Director:

… Masumi-kun, really can’t compare with the time during our flagship performance, you’re familiar with everyone now.

Sakuya:

Ah, Director!

Director:

Everyone, the audiences are in!

Tsuzuru:

It’s finally time.

Citron:

I’m excited~

Director:

Well then, I’ll be with the audience, good luck on your first day!

Masumi:

--Wait.

Director:

Masumi:

Come here for a bit.

I have something I need to tell you.

That day when I saw you performing in Veludo Way, was the first time I started acting.

I started everything for you, I did everything for your sake but…

Since then, it’s been fun, and I guess that’s one reason I’m doing theatre now.

Together with everyone in Spring Troupe, the thought of being able to continue performing with everyone from the troupe, made me really happy.

I feel that I can do something that I wasn’t able to do before, after acting as different roles, I feel that I’m overflowing with different emotions I’ve never felt before.

I’m glad to have met you, I’m glad I started acting.

Thank you.

Director:

Masumi-kun…

Me too, thank you for growing to love acting.

I’m also very happy, to be able to see Masumi-kun who slowly grows to appreciate acting.

Masumi:

…

(But in the end… My reason for acting will always be you.

I want to be the number one in your eyes…

I want to be your ideal actor.

There are other reasons, but in the end, like a dumb simple man that I am, my number one reason to be an actor will always be for your sake.

Just that, will never change no matter what happened.

The truth is, all of my acting until now, is a form of love letter directed to you.

But, you’ll be troubled if I tell you all of this, so I won’t.)

--Today too, look at me.

Director:

Yeah, of course.

I’ll look at you properly.

Then, I’ll see you later.

Masumi:

…

Citron:

Masumi, that was a confession of a lifetime huh?

Masumi:

I’ll do that everyday.

Starting from now.

Itaru:

As expected, you’re consistent.

Sakuya:

You’re so energetic as always!

Chikage:

That’s Masumi after all.

Tsuzuru:

Right.

Masumi:

This time, I’ve learned a lot from listening to everyone’s stories in Spring Troupe, and I understand that there are different forms of love.

For me, my number one love will always belong to Director but…

I’ll try to share only a small bit with you guys too.

Tsuzuru:

Only a small bit is….!

Itaru:

So stingy.

Chikage:

Only, I’ll be waiting for more in the future.

Sakuya:

Haha, but I’m really happy, Masumi-kun!

Citron:

Like Masumi-kun said. Love have different forms. Love is not only romantic love.

Your petty love towards Spring Troupe is overflowing!

Tsuzuru:

Plenty, right!

Sakuya:

Love towards family is also love! Right.

Citron:

You’re right!

Next time, let’s get Spring Troupe to perform as a family!

Make sure we draw the passionate encounter between the father and the mother properly~!

Itaru:

I wonder if I’m going to see Senpai shedding tears for his cute grandson…

Chikage:

Do I need to ask Azami to put an old-man make up on me…?

Tsuzuru:

Haha, it will be a full-blown comedy.

It’s going to be fun writing it.

Sakuya:

Masumi-kun, should we get to the cheering?

Citron:

Do one that only Masumi can do!

Masumi:

…Everything’s for the sake of love towards Director.

Sakuya:

Ah, yeah~!

Citron:

For the sake of love!

Tsuzuru:

Too heavy…!

Itaru:

It’s hard to continue.

Chikage:

But, it really sounds like Masumi.

Petén:

The world’s in recession now, I wonder if there’ll be any good business request coming in.

Kiel:

I thought looking for job is not a part of a magician’s job.

Petén:

It’s not that I want to play manager too.

Kiel:

I want to make a name for myself before I retire though.

Kigutsudou:

Petén, are you here?

Petén:

Oh, Kigutsudou. It’s been a while.

Kigutsudou:

So that child over there is the rumoured disciple.

Petén:

He’s Suga Kiel. Kiel, this is an old friend of mine, Kigutsudou.

Kigutsudou:

Nice to meet you.

Kiel:

Same here.

Petén:

So, what’s going on?

Kigutsudou:

Actually, there’s someone who would like to request for your Magician Show.

Petén:

I’ve already retired though. How about Kiel?

Kigutsudou:

Ah, hmm, it’s from someone who has taken care of me so I can’t really refuse.

Petén:

Should we listen to your story first then.

Kiel:

Please don’t decide on your own.

Petén:

I’m your manager, aren’t I.

Kiel:

I thought you said you don’t want to play manager just now.

Petén:

You said you wanted to make a new tool for your escape trick right. It’s good to start collecting money early.

Kiel:

Well, that’s true but…

Director:

(Masumi-kun and Chikage-san’s interaction has a nice feel to it.

There’s also the way the script was written, I’m starting to get hooked.

They seemed to close their distance during the duration of the performance this time, they’re surprisingly a good combination.)

Petén:

It’s a private party in the mansion, huh.

Kiel:

Then, will it be a Close-up performance?

Kigutsudou:

Close-up?

Kiel:

It’s when you do the magic trick right in front of the audience, usually for a small amount of people.

Kigutsudou:

Ah, I see.

It’s a private residence this time, but there would be a small hall there.

The client is Ritchie Marney…

He ranked very high in the list of real estate king in the magazine every single year…

Mr Marney is a connoisseur, he created an art museum on his premises to display his collections from all over the world.

Every year, he would open his house for 3 days 3 nights to showcase those collections, it seems that he called us to be in that demonstration.

Petén:

It sounds like a good business. Take the job, Kiel.

Kiel:

Please don’t just selfishly decide like that.

Petén:

I’m the president of this office. I have the authority to.

Kiel:

You just do whatever you want…

Kigutsudou:

Petén, you won’t do magic anymore?

Petén:

Kiel can earn for me now. So I’ll stay behind the scene.

Kigutsudou:

Why not become a puppet artisan then?

With your hand I’m sure--

Petén:

I don’t have that kind of talent like my father or grandfather.

Kiel:

Puppet artisan?

Petén:

Well, might as well tell you.

My family has been living by making dolls for generations.

Kigutsudou:

I’m actually a disciple of Petén’s father.

Master was a wonderful artisan…

Petén:

Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit any of those.

Kigutsudou:

I wonder. But you chose magic right.

Kiel:

Why not master appear together in a show with me for once.

Petén:

The old wound I received on the battlefield hurt, I couldn’t really move my hand anymore.

Kiel:

I don’t see any scar though.

Petén:

I did some cosmetic surgery.

Kiel:

I saw you when you were stealing my pudding, it didn’t look like someone who can’t move their hands.

Petén:

I’m still a genius magician. I’ll be waiting for Suga Kiel to catch up to me.

I hope you’ll be able to reach my expectation through that escape trick you called magic.

Kiel:

Something like magic is… I just unlock my way out. If you’re talking about magic, it should be something like Mirage’s Show right.

Kigutsudou:

Mirage--

Kiel:

She’s taken the earth by storm, a genius magician who suddenly disappeared a few years ago.

Petén:

You’ve also taken a liking at her.

Kiel:

I was just stating the fact.

Director:

(Itaru-san’s Kigutsudou is, a bit mysterious but he’s close enough to Petén, the atmosphere around these three people feels so natural.

It seems like the actual relationship of these three people are projected through this scene.)

Marney:

Ah, for the rare magician, Kiel, to appear before me, I’m honored.

Usually, every year, I would let everyone who’ve been in my care to see my collection, but I thought I could change things a bit this time.

I want you to do an escape magic show using my collection, how about that.

Kiel:

By collection you mean those valuable items?

Marney:

Yes, well there’re all sort of stuffs, but every single one of them is unique in this world.

Kiel:

If I just happened to break any of those--

Marney:

That nervousness can definitely raise the tension of the show.

Whatever, I believe in Kiel-san and I’ll leave everything in your hand.

Kiel:

Well, we can put it inside tempered glass, I think there’s a method for that…

Petén:

Even when we don’t use your collection, I’m pretty sure Kiel can deliver a show that will satisfy the audiences.

Marney:

But that’s just like any other show.

This time, I want to request for a show that you can only see here.

Petén:

…What will you do? Kiel?

Kiel:

To be honest, I don’t really feel like it…

Petén:

You said that, but rejecting after we’ve come this far is…

Kiel:

I thought you were going to listen to me.

Marney:

Then--

Kiel:

Please take all the necessary safety measures.

I’ll pay close attention to the precautions as well.

Marney:

Of course, my friend!

The one I want you to use this time, is this one.

Kiel:

Bisque Doll, is it?

Marney:

“Luchenne of The Lakeside” in terms of monetary value, it’s not as expensive as the others, so there will be no problem even if something happened.

Kiel:

Not as expensive…

Petén:

It’s an antique doll with diamonds as eyes right.

Maybe around ten million worth.

Kiel:

Ten, ten million……!?

Marney:

What about it, it’s my money.

Director:

(Citron-kun’s Marney too, still kinda detestable but he has that dignified feel.

If not careful he might become a hated character, but thanks to Citron-kun, he becomes a charming person.)

Petén:

So you’ll be using the Bisque doll during the climax on the third day.

Kiel:

Yeah.

I have to think for the whole composition of the show during the three days so as not to make it boring…

???:

Wha, what’s this!?

Kiel:

Petén:

It’s lively over there.

Koma:

Marney-sama! I found something in the entrance--!

Marney:

What is it.

“I’m going to save Luchenne from your captive. Phantom Thief Face.” it said!?

Koma:

Should we do something about this!?

Marney:

Call the police!

Kanagi:

I’m Kanagi from the Metropolitan Police Department, let’s hear what you have to say.

Kiel:

It’s about the notification letter from Phantom Face.

Kanagi:

Do you know about this.

Petén:

We happened to be there.

Kiel:

But anyway, who is this Phantom Face?

Petén:

You don’t know about it?

Kiel:

Petén-san, you know?

Petén:

He appeared in the television and newspaper, he’s famous isn’t it.

Kanagi:

He’s a thief who continuously aims for antique items. He will send a notification letter before stealing. I really have to catch him this time--

Kiel:

With this situation, I wonder if the party will be cancelled.

Kanagi:

About that, Mr Marney seems to be going with the initial plan. He cannot adjust because he has friends who cannot change their schedules.

Kiel:

Then, what happened to using the Bisque Doll as props?

Kanagi:

You can continue as planned.

Kiel:

Eh…

Petén:

It becomes an absurd request.

Kiel:

Who received the job in the first place.

Kiel:

Then, we’ll keep the tempered glass for the escape magic—

By the way, I can be careful not to break it, but I cannot promise that I can protect it from Phantom Face.

Marney:

I’ll leave it to Detective Kanagi for that matter, so no problem.

In the worst case, it’s going to be stolen, or left with minor scratches…

But no matter what, it’s weird.

Kiel:

What is it?

Marney:

I have other collection that’s much more expensive than this one.

For him to choose a Bisque Doll among all those things…

Petén:

Do you want use to use your other collection for the magic?

Marney:

No, it’s just a thought about Phantom Face.

Anyway, I’ve already announced it.

The audiences are looking forward to it.

Kiel:

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Tonight, let’s enter the into the realm of dream in this moment.

Audience A:

Woah…!

Audience B:

That’s so great. It reminds me of Mirage’s show.

Audience C:

It’s true that Mirage was great, but I think he’s better.

Director:

(Masumi-kun’s magic trick is really great.

He really looks like a pro magician here.

He is performing the magic trick as Kiel, but the reaction of the audience on stage are linking to the actual audiences.)

Kigutsudou:

That’s a wonderful performance.

Petén:

It’s great to have an excellent disciple.

Kigutsudou:

I thought you’re an excellent magician too.

Petén:

Without any business tool, I’m out of business.

Kigutsudou:

…

Petén:

So what are you going to do on the third day?

Kiel:

Rather than doing it in the same hall, I was thinking if we can change to a different place.

Petén:

Hee…

Kiel:

I haven’t decided though.

Petén:

Will you make it in time?

Kiel:

Well, I have until tonight.

Petén:

Sigh, you’re an excellent disciple you know.

I think you would be able to surpass Mirage.

Kiel:

That can’t be. She is—Her very existence is art itself.

Petén:

You’re so deep into your first love.

Kiel:

--You, you’re wrong! It’s just that, she’s the magician I admired since I was small and she’s what I aim to become--

Petén:

Right right. It’s too blinding for an old man like me, you’re going to crush my eyes.

Koma:

Ojousama, it’s dangerous to stay here.

I’ll try to figure out a way to escape…

Petén:

Ah, isn’t he the servant, Koma?

Who is he talking with?

Kiel:

That is—Luchenne!

Petén:

Oi oi, does that mean that Phantom Face is this guy?

Kiel:

Wait--!

Koma:

Hi, hieee!

*runs away*

Petén:

He’s behaving pretty suspiciously.

Kiel:

Let’s go and tell Detective Kanagi!

Koma:

It’s a misunderstanding! I wasn’t trying to kidnap Luchenne-sama!

Petén:

Kidnapping you say, you’re being suspected for theft.

Kiel:

Then, what were you doing loitering around there?

Koma:

That is--

Kanagi:

It’s useless to hide anything.

Koma:

I, I was, I was just there to fix Luchenne-sama’s hair!

Kiel:

Hair…?

Petén:

What do you mean by that?

Koma:

But honestly, It was all Marney-sama’s fault.

He kept passionately seeking for Luchenne-sama.

But since she entered this family, his affection for her just faded and thrown out of the window.

I was lamenting for Luchenne-sama’s situation.

Kiel:

Passionately…

Kanagi:

Entered the family?

Koma:

Oh, poor Luchenne-sama…!

Without any affection, she’ll rot away!

Kanagi:

Eh, so what you mean was, Koma-san was doing maintenance on Luchenne, right?

Koma:

I personally take care of her!

Kanagi:

I, I see.

Petén:

Well, it’s true that it’s well taken care of for such an antique item.

Koma:

Of course! Luchenne-sama’s glossy hair and shiny eyes too, there’s no other like her in this world!

She’s made by a contemporary doll artisan. Kigutsudou-san will understand too, those delicate face and limbs—

Such a wonderful being and he wanted her to be involved in such a dangerous escape magic--

Kiel:

So, you’re a doll maniac.

Kanagi:

It seems so.

Petén:

Well, you’ll be happy if you were the doll.

Director:

(Sakuya-kun’s Koma is a bit different, but he has such a pure and passionate love. He really puts on a good performance.)

Kiel:

Petén-san, where did he go?

Even thought I told him to have a meeting about tomorrow…

Wait, is that maybe, Mirage?

Wait!

Kigutsudou:

…

Kiel:

Kigutsudou-san…? He’s looking at Luchenne…?

Kigutsudou:

Kiel:

Ah--

Kiel:

…Why did he run away.

Petén:

So, you’re here, Kiel.

To forget the timing for a meeting, you fail as a pro.

Kiel:

Who forgets about it. I contacted Petén-san but it never got connected, I was looking for you this whole time.

Petén:

Ah, that was my bad.

Kiel:

Really… By the way, just now I saw Kigutsudou-san looking at Luchenne but…

When he realized I was there, he immediately left and ran away.

Petén:

He’s just looking at them for reference isn’t he.

Kiel:

I feel that there’s something more to it…

Petén:

It can’t be, are you going to say that he’s actually Phantom Face?

That is impossible.

Kiel:

Ah, then Mirage was--

Petén:

Mirage again huh.

You should stop it already, why not just find a new love.

Kiel:

Tha, that’s why, I don’t have that kind of feelings towards her, it was just admiration!

Director:

(Kigutsudou’s suspicious behaviour… Kiel who found the shadow of Mirage…

We were enveloped by such a disturbing atmosphere, and the party finally reached the morning of the third day--)

Petén:

O, oi, Kiel! Look at this!

Kiel:

The tool is… broken?

Petén:

That’s cruel…

Kiel:

Well, it was about time to get a new one, but for it to be broken on the actual performance day…

Petén:

So what are you going to do?

You were planning to use this for the escape magic on the third day right.

Kiel:

I have no choice but to change the program.

Petén:

But Marney’s request was for an escape magic.

I don’t think he would accept otherwise.

Kiel:

Even if you say that, without the tool…

Marney:

I heard all about it. It’s so sad to hear that the tools are broken.

Kanagi:

It doesn’t matter that it’s just a small thing.

Leave the investigation to us.

Kiel:

Thank you.

Petén:

Marney-san, it’s about the show--

Marney:

You don’t need to worry about that! I’ve prepared a substitute!

Kiel:

Substitute?

Marney:

It’s a bit sudden, but I managed to get that Mirage to come!

To be able to see the comeback show directly from my own home, it will be a great present to everyone who were invited here.

Kiel:

Mirage is!?

Petén:

I see, so now we’re useless.

Marney:

About the tools, we’re also partly responsible.

I will send the rewards for all three days properly, if you would like, the two of you could stay and enjoy the show too.

Kiel:

To be able to see Mirage’s show again….

Petén:

You’re simply too happy.

Kiel:

That’s not it--!

Kiel:

Mr Marney seemed to be very confident, but is the security really perfect?

Kanagi:

We’ll only put up Luchenne in front of the audience on the last minute, it will be the security guard who handles her transfer too.

After Mirage is tied up with Luchenne using the chains, she will try to escape while hanging from the East Tower.

Mirage will remove the chain from Luchenne and herself, afterwards, Luchenne will be put back to the side of the stage and we’ll guard her from there.

Kiel:

If Face decided to attack during the escape performance, Mirage wouldn’t be able to handle it by herself.

Kanagi:

Mirage and Luchenne will be bounded by the chains, so even Face wouldn’t be able to take her away.

Of course, we can’t really offer help to Mirage then, but we planned to secure the surrounding area as much as possible.

Kiel:

It’s fine if we can do something about the opponent, but if something actually happened to Mirage… It would be a great loss in the world of magic.

Kanagi:

About Mirage, is she really such a wonderful magician?

Kiel:

She’s a genius. She’s able to change people’s complexion through that vivid performance of hers.

Even from a pro’s point of view, her performance is like magic.

Kanagi:

Even Kiel-san?

Kiel:

I’ve seen Mirage’s show before, it’s her magic trick that made me admire magic so much now.

Kanagi:

I see…

By the way, do you know anything about her personal life?

Kiel:

Let alone the face, there is so little known about her private life. She’s a very mysterious magician.

Why do you ask such thing?

Kanagi:

…Previously, Phantom Face had appeared in the middle of Mirage’s Show.

This time, it’s the repeat of the same thing, I think it might not be a coincidence anymore.

Kiel:

Mirage is not Phantom Face!

Kanagi:

But, there’s a possibility that they’re related--

Kiel:

Impossible! For a person with such pure and clear magic, she won’t use her show to steal…

Kanagi:

… Sorry. Let’s just forget I said that.

Kiel:

You suspected Mirage…?

Mirage is not related at all. I’ll prove it.

Director:

(Tsuzuru-kun, he said he will try his best for his role study, but in the end it becomes a Tsuzuru-kun like character who was filled with humanity.)

Kiel:

Petén-san and—Kigutsudou-san?

*peeks into the room*

Kigutsudou:

I’ll do anything I can for Mirage, but I can’t guarantee that it will work.

Petén:

The truth is, I don’t want to let it be this way, my disciple will end up crying so.

Kiel:

Eh? --What’s the meaning of this?

Things that he can do for Mirage… I’ll end up crying?

--Ugh

Director:

(He was suddenly attacked from behind, and he woke up to a pitch black view…)

Kiel:

Here is…?

Am I actually trapped here…? Anyone, why do they even… Tch, to do such thing, there’s no one else but Phantom Face.

Does that mean that Face has already sneaked in to the mansion?

But then, why me…

The only way I can think about it, is that I was in the way of him stealing Luchenne. The fact that he broke my tools, it must be for the same reason too.

Is it because I tried to catch Face for Mirage’s sake?

But, my tools were broken before I heard about Mirage and Face from Kanagi-san.

That means, there must be another reason he broke my tools.

Even so, maybe the reason my tools were broken was to prevent me to hold the show—

Is it so that the show can be given to Mirage?

As I thought, there’s a relation between Mirage and Face—

No, that’s impossible.

I don’t believe that Mirage will use magic to steal.

From the beginning, why was Face so wary about me…

Maybe I have already approached Face without me knowing?

It’s no good. I have no idea at all. If I recall correctly, Petén-san and Kigutsudou-san were talking before I lost consciousness…

Ah right, Kigutsudou-san said that he will do anything for Mirage, but what does that mean?

Petén-san, is he connected to Mirage after all?

I don’t understand at all. Anyway, first thing first, I have to get out of here.

An escape show without audience is pointless. It will be great if Petén-san realized I was missing and come to search for me but…

I shouldn’t get my hopes up.

The chains are wrapped around my arms. If that’s the case there should be a lock somewhere—

--, there it is!

Alright, if that’s it…

…

…It’s opened!

*out from the dark*

But, this lock… Is Petén-san’s…

I have no choice but to ask him directly.

Ah, I have to hurry! Mirage’s show is starting…!

Director:

(Masumi-kun’s long dialogue and escape show…

It’s only a while, but with the escape scene, as expected, you can really feel the tension.)

Audience A:

Kyaaaa!!

Audience B:

That’s amazing. How do you even escape from that state?

Kiel:

Mirage… So she’s using her own body and Luchenne to release herself from the strangling chains…

If Face were to steal Luchenne, he would do so during the middle of the show when Luchenne was separated with the police, most probably before her successful escape.

It is difficult to steal Luchenne when she’s chained like now…

If that’s the case, now, the one that Mirage has is fake…?

No, but the police has been monitoring the situation even before the show started…

There’s no way that he can switch it beforehand.

When will Face make the appearance to steal Luchenne?

I have to figure it out soon otherwise the show will end… If it was me, if I need to get my hand on Luchenne in the middle of an escape show…

He can unlock the lock beforehand.

In the first place, Luchenne and Mirage’s lock are not removed simultaneously. Even though they looked like so.

If so, before Mirage removes the chain and return to the ground, when Luchenne’s lock is removed, that will be the easiest time to steal Luchenne.

A place where you can reach Luchenne—The tower’s window!

Petén:

So you managed to escape after all.

I raise my hand already, you’re really an excellent disciple.

Kiel:

Petén-san, why.

Petén:

Luchenne was made by my great grandparents.

He was deceived, and Luchenne was one piece that ended up in auction after it was lost.

Kiel:

You can still stop it. This kind of thing is--

Petén:

It’s too late.

Kiel:

--Mirage!?

Petén:

I’m sorry.

Kiel:

Wait, Petén-san!

Audience A:

Kyaa!

Audience B:

Mirage is shattered--!

Audience C:

Mirage is a doll!? What’s the meaning of this!?

Kiel:

Audience B:

Is this a part of the show?

Audience A:

Amazing…!

Kiel:

That’s not true… That was, the real one is…

I see, that’s why Kigutsudou lend his power to Mirage…

There’s also the fact that Phantom Face is Mirage…

Kigutsudou:

Luchenne… So I didn’t make it in time…

Kiel:

Kigutsudou-san?

Kigutsudou:

Even thought you ended up sacrificing yourself.

I’m sorry, Mirage.

Kiel:

What do you mean by that.

Kigutsudou:

I’ve already realized that Petén is Phantom Face from the first incident.

But I didn’t think that we’ll find his great grandfather’s work in Mr Marney’s collection.

Kiel:

Kigutsudou-san, what did you do to Mirage?

Kigutsudou:

Mirage was originally made by me. When I was studying as a disciple under Petén’s father, I was asked to create a doll to be used in shows.

But, an escape show leaves a heavy burden on the doll.

It was damaged to the point that I have to retire it.

That’s the truth behind the story of disappearing Mirage.

Petén asked me to repair it so it can withstand just one more show…

There’s nothing I can do.

I didn’t want him to sin anymore than this.

Sorry, Kiel-kun too, I’m sorry.

Kiel:

No, I was…

Kigutsudou:

Thank you, for loving Mirage.

Kiel:

…Uhh…

Director:

(This is a scene where Masumi-kun found difficulties with during practice…

Kiel lost his first love and his tears are so pure, it’s beautiful.)

Marney:

I’ve decided to leave my collection under Koma’s care from now on.

I feel that I’ve been too disrespectful with the history of all my collections.

I felt it in my body now. Those things are ephemeral.

I should play my part in preserving their history.

Kigutsudou:

If it’s Koma-san, I’m pretty sure the dolls will be happy.

Koma:

Leave it to me!

Kigutsudou:

Kiel-kun, what are you going to do from now on?

Kiel:

I’ll keep doing my work as a magician like I always do.

I lost my manager so it will be a bit boring, but Mirage’s magic hasn’t disappeared after all.

Director:

(He has such a refreshed look on him. Even though he lost Mirage, the magic of first love never disappear. It will always remain in Kiel’s heart forever…

With the magic of first love in mind, Kiel will continue to do magic from now on too…)

Masumi:

Thank you so much.

Chikage:

Thank you.

Itaru:

Thank you.

Citron:

Thank you dayo~

Sakuya:

Thank you so much!

Tsuzuru:

Thank you so much.

Director:

…

Masumi:

…

(…Hey, do you know? That you’re also an actor.

From the top of the stage, on the dimly lit seats, surprisingly I can see each of the audience’s face clearly. Even the change of their facial expression…

Even among the people in this crowd, I will always find you first.

If it’s not fate, how do you want to call it?

When I look at you who was watching my performance, I could feel an infinite power surging through me.

I understand what Kasumi said now. I feel that I have received the courage and I would be able to become anything, I would be able to do anything.

Since I met you, I’ve always seemed to be possessed, but I’ll brave anywhere for you.

I’m pretty sure, you’re my one fated partner in this lifetime.

And for me, love is…)

“Love is invincible.” By Usui Masumi

#a3!#a3! translation #a3! act! addict! actors!#spring troupe #masumi usui #sakuya sakuma #chikage utsuki #minagi tsuzuru #citron #chigasaki itaru

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