#i blame hiromi for it LOL

[l-e-i-k-o]

[where-them-kinomiya-at]

A small portion of my character analyzation of Tyson Granger/Kinomiya Takao in V-Force.

I’m so sorry, I really gotta get on with another V-Force post about Tyson/Takao.

This is purely based on the first half/20 episodes of V-Force.

Also excuse me while I switch between the dub and sub names lol.

There was no defined build-up in this episode explaining why the boys were acting so frustrated the first thing in the morning (except for Kai’s loss over Yuya/Wyatt). It so happened that they faced another Psykick labrat, but I really do think that this episode says a lot about Takao.

It started off with his teammates yelling their asses off at him, not to mention Rei and Max legit giving him glares during the practice run. I do understand Takao’s utter frustration in his episode, had I been the one getting yelled at for just messing up a practice run the first thing in the morning, I wouldn’t react too well either.

When Hiromi came up with a valid point and tried to mellow things down, Takao took it the wrong way,

and then this-

The similarities between these two scenes is concerning. The G-Revolution one obviously hits a lot harder, but the dialogue just proves that Takao was as frustrated and insecure even back in V-Force. His V-Force demeanour, I do agree, is masked by his ego and anger, which is why people often overlook his character in this season. Not that I’m saying that he was the nicest guy in that season- he was that fourteen year old (dub) that got on everyone’s bad books real quick, but there are just certain things that are overlooked.

Heck I don’t even blame him for getting annoyed at this teammates.

If you look at these clips, it’s obvious that he didn’t mean one bit of it. It was clear that Takao was trying to mask the insecurities his teammates put upon him by talking trash. I’m not going to defend him for what he said towards the end of the scene, but calling him an unapologetic ego centred asshole? Nah, give him a break.

One important dub reference:

In episode 20 when Ozuma encounters Tyson, he says:

“You’re not good enough to beat the Psykicks.” Which completely shook Tyson, instead of flipping him. It continued with, “You lose your temper, Tyson and lose focus and the same goes when you battle. Every time time you get mad you lose control of dragoon and it’s a sure fire way to get beaten-sorry, but that’s the way it is.”

Tyson suprisingly said nothing. He just stood there and hesitated, panicked and clutched onto dragoon. He very well knew Ozuma was right. V-Force Tyson having no control over his frustration and anger really made me feel more sorry than hostile towards him. When I first got into Beyblade I disliked Tyson’s V-Force persona. But as I grew up, I realised what the creators intended- he can expose his weaker side and softer side even with a personality like that and even the dub tried to portray something- showing him as an actual teenage boy. This was honestly a decent approach.

Prior to this scene where Hilary and Kenny came by the river to comfort him (not directly) was indeed overwhelming because that’s what he needed.

Again, I don’t mean to defend his attitude.

Also I’ve been digging into Beyblade cause my exams are over, so if I post a lot…well yeah.

I would give an entire speech only about Tyson in V-Force, let alone the series itself, but that’s gonna be way too long lol.

Clips: Bakuten Shoot Beyblade 2002/V-Force episodes 17 and 20.

[asknarashikari]

Ikki and George: *holding a baby together*

Vice: Sooo...

Ikki and George: We ask for Random's help on this matter.

Vice: Was it painful, Ikki? I mean, this is the longest we've been separated.

Ikki: Yes, Vice. Very painful. And I get to have this ability for as long as I need it.

George: All he did was tap our heads 3x and then swipe gently. Then make us choose 3 options. Old-fashioned, machine and pick, or instantaneously.

Kagerou: This feels weird... where does... nevermind. I visited his place while I was separated from Daiji. I'm not going to say anything.

Then, from the front doors.

Hikaru: Hey. Guess we're not the only ones who ask him.

Tamaki: *holding a baby*

Me: Don't blame me... They came to me first and were kind of jealous of their AU selves. Though only a "little bit"...

The rest of ReviceCast reactions?

Well... as long as the Baby Acquisition doesn't involve unethical shenanigans, I don't think that the Igarashi family would terribly mind having some new members. Granted, this means little Koushiro is an uncle at less than two years of age, but stranger things have happened.

Also I can see an Igarashi Gayji moment ensuing when Daiji sees Hiromi as a Daddy XD (I mean, they have Rumi, but still, the image of Hiromi with a baby in his arms may just do Daiji in lol)

Hana's gonna keep a sharp eye on Hikaru though... if he takes one misstep with Go and the baby she'll murder him in his sleep.

[scoups4lyfe]

What did Hana tell you, George? Please don't do something you'll regret?!!!!! now look at what you've done?

Scoups, I know someone who doesn't really like George, they feel like he's been forgiven for all his shadiness all too quickly for their taste, don't get me wrong, I agree with that sentiment, but I'm eh to him :p

Honestly though—he didn’t even wait that long before going to see his father. Imagine he waited like 30 minutes before making his way over there. (Too bad it was 30 minutes too late.) 

It just makes it all the more tragic because it shows that George put everything—EVERYTHING— bad that his father has done to him on the backburner, sucked it up, and went to see him before he died one last time. He likely had things he wanted to say, but ESP. things that he wanted to hear. 

But he couldn’t do it right away because his emotions were still too high, so he built himself up to go see him; but when he did, it was too late. And it was only a few minutes, too. 

(Now onto the other part of this ask :D ) 

I don’t think George has been forgiven for his shadiness too quickly at all tbh.

Though I can see how it comes across that way.

My logic really just revolves around George’s Igarashi SIMP card. Episode 13 was the first time he actually admired someone —Ikki, and episode 18 the first time he apologized to someone—also Ikki. 

Everyone else was pretty much “whatever” to him, but when it comes to the shadiness, let’s examine: 

(1) Gave a fked up Daiji the driver ← → It ended up working out in the end.

(And Ikki was lied to about it so who knows how much they know about that, other than Daiji.) 

(2) Everything he did to Hiromi ← → Showed (in the episode where Hiromi got shot off a cliff) that he at least wanted Hiromi to hate him / blame him / leave his position (and thereby not have to fight anymore).

He also apologized to the Igarashi’s for being soooo….shady as sh*t LOL, like ten episodes later. 

I know I stated this before but George (much like his own father, RIP) has a tendency to rely on masks when he’s vulnerable.

In particular, the mask that gives him the most control —which for him, is being a villain. AKA — The shady scientist with loose to no morals. 

George does this even when it feeds into the negative perception of himself because he feels a general lack of control from his circumstances, so at least he can be in-control of how people view him

(as by being an a$$hole). 

It’s a trauma response.

George never had any control over his life, that’s why he’s such a little prick.

(Not that this excuses him BEING a little prick <333. Fr turned Hiromi into a granddaddy.) 

 In the beginning we see him working for Akaishi and this can be for many reasons but most likely Akaishi was taking advantage of a vulnerable George and getting him to “take up his father’s legacy” mixed with George’s inner demon actually being his father’s.

We’ve seen Akaishi do his cult propaganda on people in similar situations; Oltecca —(abusive household, made to feel like a freak, Akaishi called him a genius and ‘special’ boy instead of treating him like how everyone else did)  and 

Daiji —isolated and out of control because of “killing” his inner demon. Can’t see right from wrong, becomes obsessed with “doing the right thing” and makes that his identity, driving him to an identity crisis 🤝🤝 Akaishi seeks him out after beating him and convinces him that siding with Giff is “the right thing.” 

Time and time again we’ve seen that bastard a$$ sea-faring mfer manipulate people in vulnerable states into doing insanely bad things. 

Likewise, in episode 26 —we saw just how little of control George had in Fenix, because when he objected to giving Kagerou the stamp, Akaishi grabbed him by the collar.  

Even when he helped Oltecca jack up the DEMONS driver, he was being held hostage, mixed with his father’s demon / ‘legacy’ (literally the last thing Masumi worked on before he ‘died’)

PLUS

being vulnerable = George going extra hard into his “bastard personality.”

It’s what he falls back on, time and time again. 

We saw him do it just before his father died, he put all of himself into his science

(he’s a ‘shady scientist,’ remember?)

and he likened his father to a “frail old man” or something like that. 

He did this because again, it plays into that villain persona he falls back on when he’s vulnerable, and—

(2) because by calling his dad that, it separates his father into a different category, now he’s a “frail old man” instead of his “father.”

This is another way George handles trauma —by distancing himself from it / the people. 

Right. 

Anyways, we haven’t actually seen George be truly super shady-shady. We’ve seen him be a manipulative, secretive liar.  We’ve seen his reactions to confrontation (laughter, going full villain bastard), we’ve seen him be ruthless (Hiromi), and we’ve seen him consistently distance himself from others. 

Ikki was always his exception. 

Like, we can’t forget the actual good George did as well —creating the drivers, helping with upgrades, making it so Hana doesn’t die, apologizing to Ikki and worrying about his overall health, trying to help himself in the fight but deciding instead to help others fight instead; apologizing to Hiromi and not expecting forgiveness, etc. etc. etc. 

I think the bad he’s shown is far outclassed by his neutrality and then the good acts he’s done to make up for being an evil bastard. 

Besides, Ikki forgives too easily because he doesn’t care about his own well-being, and he needs to use George in order to have power / keep transforming, ergo it makes sense that he stayed amiable with George even after the whole Hiromi situation, and then once George apologized Ikki was instant to forgive because that’s a pretty big thing for George to do, and in Ikki’s experience, he’s only done that when he’s been genuine. 

Daiji forgave him because he really just wanted to pick a fight with Akaishi LOL!!!! 

And Sakura wasn’t really too deep into the gossip / the drama, so she was never close enough with George to feel really slighted by what he did to Hiromi. At least not enough to condemn him completely for it. 

And the Igarashi’s just LOVE pushing things under the rug and pretending it's all okay hahahahaha, so their forgiveness came off very natural to me. 

ANYWAYS — I love George’s character <333 because I’ve always wanted to put him in a little soda bottle and shake it up like a maraca; Or  to put him into a little jar to study like a bug. 

[siren-dragon]

After Eight -- The Cat Returns fanfic:

So... I had a Ghibli movie marathon recently and remembered my old childhood OTP of Haru and the Baron. Then I read a few fanfics by @catsafarithewriter and landed in another fandom abyss, lol. And that later spawned this au one-shot from a prompt I read. Anyway, this is my first time publishing anything for another fandom so hopefully it’s good. Enjoy! ^_^

AO3 story link

Human AU -- “I need to finish my term paper and you’re the only 24-hour internet cafe open. Help me.”

===========================================================

The front door of their small flat closed with a soft click as Haru shrugged her backpack higher onto her shoulder and soon hurried down the corridor and out onto the streets with a determined step. To be fair, Hiromi and Tsuge did try their best to accommodate her as she stared helplessly at her computer screen within her bedroom while they giggled and chatted on the sofa. And though Haru managed to continue through her term paper despite the late hour; her concentration quickly began to wane while the tell-tale sounds of snogging managed to reach her ears despite the closed bedroom doors. So, she rather quickly decided to pack up her supplies and laptop, stuff them into her school bag, and exit the flat in an attempt to find somewhere quiet.

Of course, she didn’t really consider the fact that a) it was 10 in the evening on a Friday and b) she would need wifi if she were going to try and continue her paper.

“There has to be somewhere open…” she groaned, having passed another bar filled with her fellow college students enjoying the beginning of their weekend. “Why are there so many bars everywhere?!”

After traversing the streets for a good 20 minutes, all the while debating if she could chance stealing the wifi from a late-night McDonalds, the brunette soon found herself pausing to stare at the building her feet seemed to have led her to. It was a rather quaint building, reminiscent of European cafes with it’s white and green paint and black sunshade. Written beside the glass and wooden doors was a simple plaque with the words The Cat Bureau scrawled across in dark lettering. However, it was the petite sticker smacked boldly on the corner of one of the windows with a drawing of a cat on a laptop reading “free wifi” that nearly made Haru weep tears of joy.

“Oh, thank God; an internet café!” she beamed with delight before hurrying inside.

If she thought the outside was charming, the interior was spectacular. Alongside the windows were various tables with off-set white tablecloths and a small flower vase as a centerpiece, while opposite sat a wrap-around wooden bar complete with stools. The entire room was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the hanging antique light fixtures and Haru couldn’t help but be captured by the small café. “Wow, this place is beautiful…”

“You are too kind Miss,” an accented voice chimed, causing her to swivel to the source.

Standing behind the countertop was a man, perhaps a few years older than Haru herself, offering her a kind smile with a rag in hand. Though Haru was practically half-asleep due to exhaustion and the creeping energy withdrawals her last study-snack tried to prevent, even she couldn’t deny how attractive the man was. Slightly tousled tawny locks and vivid green eyes stared back at her with an intensity that caused her face to take a distinct pink tint. His attire was a bit formal, what with the crimson vest and collared shirt with a bowtie- though his black apron and rolled sleeves didn’t undercut the professional appearance.

“Erm, I’m sorry- were you closing soon? I can leave if you want. It’s just that I saw you had free wifi and I needed a space where I could finish my term paper…”

The man gave a gentle laugh, “no worries Miss, this is a 24-hour café; stay as long as you like. The Bureau doesn’t often receive customers on Friday evenings, what with many preferring venues that serve alcohol.”

Haru grinned, “you’re a life saver. And this place, I’ve never seen such an amazing café before.”

“Thank you, and please sit wherever you like. Make yourself at home. Is there anything you would perhaps like to order?”

Taking a spot at one of the tables near the window, Haru immediately glanced at the menu resting upon the table, looking over the pamphlet for something cheap that would keep her awake. She was rather impressed by the modest selection- ranging from teas and beverages to cakes, sandwiches, and even a few pastries. “I’ll just have a cup of the house blend tea, please.”

The man smiled, “as you wish.”

If the food wasn’t going to bring her back here, the charming waiter certainly was- though as quickly as the thought crossed her mind Haru prayed her internal feelings didn’t make themselves known with the reddening of her face.

Quickly pulling out her laptop and research materials, in an attempt to finish her work and not stare at the handsome waiter, Haru set to work on trying to finish her paper. The quiet atmosphere gave a rather calm and ideal setting, allowing the brunette student’s work to continue at a steady pace. On occasion Haru would steal a glance to the waiter as he set about making her order, humming a gentle tune under his breath before returning to her paper. It was only when the cup and teapot was set gently beside her did Haru startle from her concentration while another plate- this one bearing a slice of angel food cake with whip cream and strawberries found it’s place beside her tea cup.

“Oh! Um, but I didn’t order-“

“On the house,” the man smoothly replied. “Besides, nothing goes better with tea than some angel food cake.”

Haru giggled, saving her work before closing the laptop and setting it aside for the meanwhile. “Thank you very much.” Pour a dash of milk into the cup, she raised it for a tentative sip and blinked in surprise. “Woah, that’s got to be the best tea I’ve ever tasted.”

“You flatter me with your kind words, Miss.”

“Wait, did you make this from scratch?”

The waiter laughed, “indeed I did. That’s my own personal blend, though it tends to be a little different each time so I’m afraid I can’t guarantee the taste.”

“Well, it’s certainly better than the school’s local Starbucks.” Haru complimented, making the man grin. “Did you make the cake as well?”

“Unfortunately, no. While I am no stranger to the kitchen, that particular cake was made by our resident chef Muta. He has a penchant for sweets which has earned quite a following from the locals.”

“I don’t blame them, if the cakes are as good as the tea- I don’t think I’ll be able to go anywhere else.”

This time the man gave a teasing smirk, “and here I thought it was the free wifi drawing in customers.”

Haru laughed, “well, it certainly did help. I’d take a quiet café with wonderful tea over my small flat and a roommate making out with her boyfriend any day.”

“Well, that certainly would cause a bit of a distraction to a working student. If that’s the case, feel free to stay as long as you like Miss.”

“Haru,” she answered back. “My name, it’s Haru.”

He gave her a soft smile that made Haru’s stomach do nervous flips as bright green eyes met her own warm caramel irises. “Humbert von Gikkingen, at your service but please; call me Baron.”

Now it was Haru’s turn to give a small smirk. “So, Baron… this teapot looks like there is enough for another cup or two. Maybe, you would like to share it?”

This time it was Baron’s turn to flush the faintest pink before giving a rather delighted grin and retrieving another cup from behind the counter and taking the seat across from her. “I would be honored. After all, nothing makes a cup of tea better than sharing it with a rather fetching young woman.”

If Haru’s face wasn’t red before, it certainly was now- and judging from the slight mirth dancing in Baron’s eyes, the warmth of her face was easy to spot.

 =========================================================

“I didn’t even know we had a 24-hour internet café near the campus.” Hiromi commented in confusion, “must have been nice since you didn’t come back till after midnight.”

“Hey, I was giving you and Tsuge some space so I could work on my paper.”

Hiromi grinned, “uh huh, then why were you frantically typing this morning in an attempt to finish it? Maybe you got distracted on your little night excursion.”

“Yes, by tea and cake.” Haru answered dryly, trying to keep calm and prevent a tell-tale blush to creep up her face. “Trust me Hiromi, you’ll love the place.”

“Alright Haru, I- hey is this the place?”

The two girls stopped in front of the familiar white and green painted café, same black sunshade up though this time there were a few tables set up outside and a few more customers than the previous night. However, this time, a waitress with white-blonde hair and a pink ribbon around her neck was serving customers outside while inside a tall and thin black-haired man clad in the similar formal attire Baron wore yesterday tend to the waiting patrons. Yet she couldn’t hide the small frown at the lack of Baron’s presence, wondering if perhaps he only covered the evening shift.

It was then did she finally hear Hiromi’s laughter, when the chestnut-haired brunette pointed to a sign on the door. “Haru, you did read the sign before you went in this place last night, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

She merely silently pointed to the hours of operation, which clearly stated that the café was only open from 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM, with it opening later in the morning on Sundays. Haru felt her jaw drop slightly as her face turned cherry red while Hiromi merely laughed louder.

Of course, she did get a slight just desserts when the two friends were seated inside and Haru noticed Baron nearly fly out of the kitchen, hastily tying his black apron before catching her gaze. The black-haired waiter was whispering frantically to him while Baron looked to be offering some polite apology. Though when he caught Haru’s eye he couldn’t help the knowing smile on his face while Haru gave a rather sheepish look as he approached the table to take their order.

“Welcome back, Miss Haru. I hope your paper was a success.”

“Yeah, it really was…. Especially after the extra 2 ½ hours I worked on it last night.” She said with an embarrassed groan. “I am so sorry for butting into your café last night. If I knew you were closed I would have left and-“

“Think nothing of it, you needed somewhere to work and I was happy to help.” Baron replied with a kind, though slightly tired smile from the previous evenings unintentional long shift. “Perhaps… I could suggest another cup of our house blend in the name of bygones?”

Haru gave a shy smile, “yes please.”

“Make it two,” Hiromi added. “And whatever pastry you would recommend.”

“Certainly. I shall return momentarily, ladies.”

As Baron returned to the counter, Hiromi waited perhaps 2.1 seconds before whirling upon Haru with a large grin reminiscent of a satisfied shark. “Do you think he’ll write his number on the napkin for you to take home?”

While Haru didn’t make a point of causing scenes in public places, she couldn’t help flicking a sugar cubes at her friend’s laughing face. Though judging from the laughter dancing in Baron’s vibrant emerald eyes and the tint of pink dusting his cheeks, she wouldn’t be complaining if that was the case.

[komatsunana]

My Yuri/wlw Manga Rec List

Heeeey I’m bored so I’m making a Yuri manga/webtoon/etc recommendation post of some of my faves that are underappreciated or deserve more love. Obviously this isn’t a comprehensive of all great Yuri series out there, just some that I enjoy & think are worth reading... And have (obviously) either read or are caught up on.

All of these are available to read as online scans, but I’ll indicate if you can legally purchase it in English as well.   I’ll also indicate if they are on-going as of April 2019.

There’s a lack of yuri series that aren’t set in a high school but I’m going start with all of those first, just to get them out of the way, but this list will mostly be dedicated to college and older aged characters.

Additionally, my recommendation of these series is not my personal endorsement of everything about the series. Don’t expect any of these stories to be perfect by any standards, much less Western standards.  Additionally, I try to give warnings for some series with dark themes: that is not me giving the series a condemnation.  Just a heads up for common triggers, that I caught and remembered to warn for.

A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow (Nettaigyo wa Yuki ni Kogareru) by Makoto Hagino

Summary:

Konatsu Amano is a high school girl who has just moved to a seaside town in Ehime Prefecture after her father is transferred overseas for his job. Lonely and unsure of her new surroundings, Konatsu finds herself gravitating towards Koyuki Honami, an older girl at her school who is popular but is seen as out of reach by her peers who view her as too perfect. Koyuki is also the sole member of the Aquarium Club, which in turn makes her feel cut off from others. In an attempt to help ease Koyuki's and her own feelings of loneliness, Konatsu befriends Koyuki and the two gradually grow closer together.

Why I think you should read it:  This is SUCH a sweet but impactful series.  At a surface level read, it’s a beautiful and enjoyable series that I’m interested in seeing where these girls’ relationship goes, but a deeper look at the series really shows the amount of thought that went into the characters and their surroundings.  Honestly [this] YT video by Zeria is why I finally started this series and covers why this is such a good worthwhile series much better than I can so I recommend watching it, if not jumping straight to reading!

Status: On-going, first English volume will be released in late 2019!!

Their Story (Tamen de Gushi) by Tan Jiu

Summary:

Tamen De Gushi manga is a slice of life manga that revolves around two high-school protagonists, Sun Jing and Qiu Tang, and how they meet and fall in love and start dating.

Why I think you should read it:  If you’ve been on tumblr long enough and follow enough queer fandom blogs you’ve probably heard of this series.  Everything you’ve seen about it is true: it’s sweet, cute, funny, and fluffy.  It also covers topics like victim blaming without derailing from something you’re reading to distract you from reality.

Status:  This one is a webtoon and currently on-going.

Pietà by Haruno Nanae

Summary:

A story about two classmates, Sahoko and Rio. Rio is depressed and self-harms due to lack of loving relationships with her "family" -- which consists of her negligent father, selfish stepmother, and stepbrother; and Sahoko quickly becomes her only comfort in life. Sahoko on her part has a frigid relationship with her otherwise loving parents, and lives with her aunt.

Why I think you should read it:  Prior to meeting, these girls dealt with mental illness and that’s what bonds them very quickly as they come to rely on each other.  I debated whether or not this series should be with the school-girl series or the adult ones, I decided to keep it with the school-girls because... they’re high school girls! Even though the girls’ school is really only ever the place they first meet, it’s the fact they are high school girls that colors their perspectives for the best and worst.  

But the reason I think it is worth reason it is that it portrays depression, self-harm, and suicide the way you think about it as a depressed high schooler but it is narratively treated with the seriousness it deserves, and to be responded to with love and compassion.  While we’ve got Rio’s parents who don’t take her mental illness seriously and compassionately enough (or at all), but there other adults who do from the very beginning.  It’s 1 volume long and despite all the trigger warnings I am about to give for the series: I promise a happy ending. 

*Warings* Self-harm, suicide attempt, forced institutionalization, parental abuse, gaslighting

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Kase-san by  Hiromi Takashima

Summary:

Yui Yamada, a girl who enjoys tending to her school's greenery, falls in love with the athletic Tomoka Kase. The two eventually begin dating, and the story follows the pair as they face various challenges in their relationship

Why I think you should read it:  Another one I see on tumblr a lot and, again, it’s everything you’ve been promised: cute, fun, and a natural progressing romance.  What I think is worthwhile about the series is that it’s continued into their college years, but that hasn’t automatically made them adults. They continue to deal with the same insecurities they did in high school, but even still they’ve been maturing since the start of the series and they continue to do so. 

This series is unlikely to ever delve into darker or political themes, but we need series like this - where problems don’t linger but are resolved relatively quickly without losing the character’s defining traits and flaws.

Status:  Ongoing and available to buy in English.  Also has an OVA.

Ano Musume ni Kiss to Shirayuri o (Kiss and White Lily for my Dearest Girl) by Canno

Summary:    

In middle school, Ayaka Shiramine was the perfect student: hard-working, with excellent grades and a great personality to match. As Ayaka enters high school she expects to still be on top, but one thing she didn't account for is her new classmate, the lazy yet genuine genius Yurine Kurosawa.

Why I think you should read it:  A rivals-to-lovers story, for all my rivals-to-lovers lovers out there! <3 While Shiramine and Kurosawa are definitely the protagonists of the story, roughly only 40% of the time are chapters focus on them and their relationship, as the series spends a lot of time on their many, many side characters and relationships... which are all wlw too.  Lots of different relationships explored in the side characters, including a triad that forms together wonderfully.  

A part of the series that particularly tickled me was that male characters are barely ever mentioned, if ever.  It’s entirely possible that that men do not exist in this world.

*Warning*  One romance between a student and her aunt (though the aunt is only 4 years older).  The two chapters depicting their relationship are skipable and even then it’s vague enough that you can interpret it as a family relationship imo.

Status:  Completed and available officially in English.

Bloom Into You (Yagate Kimi Ni Naru) by Nakatani Nio

Summary:

Yuu has always loved shoujo manga and awaits the day she gets a love confession that sends her heart aflutter with bubbles and blushes, and yet when a junior high classmate confesses his feelings to her...she feels nothing. Disappointed and confused, Yuu enters high school still unsure how to respond. That's when Yuu sees the beautiful student council president Nanami turn down a suitor with such maturity that she's inspired to ask her for help. But then the next person to confess to Yuu is Nanami herself.

Why I think you should read it:  What, did you really think it wouldn’t make my list (lol)?  Of course everyone should give this series a try!  I’ve been following this series for a while so I’m glad to see it blow up in popularity recently because of the anime because it really deserves it.  This series is very far from your typical straight-forward cute high school yuri romance, it’s an awkward fumbling as the girls have their first relationship and all that comes with that - including learning consent and boundaries -  in a very unusual set-up (that I’ll let you read to discover).  

Additionally, an adult relationship between two women is also portrayed, proving the usual “lesbianism is transient” is many school-girl manga wrong, but the adults tend to mentor Nanami’s also gay friend more than Yuu and Nanami (who could frankly use some adult guidance, since they can’t seek out their parents). 

Yuu reads as very aro-spec too, if that resonates with you, and I (personally) don’t think that anything in her relationship with Nanami negates those feelings.

Status:  Currently ongoing and available in English.  Anime which covers the first half of the series.

Nameless Asterism (Nanashi no Asterism) by  Kobayashi Kina

Summary:

Tsukasa, Nadeshiko, and Mikage have been inseparable since they began junior high, but Tsukasa has a secret she's been keeping from her best friends—she actually has a big crush on Nadeshiko. Not wanting to risk their friendship, she planned to keep it a secret forever, but when Tsukasa learns that Nadeshiko has a crush on Mikage, her desire to support her friends now conflicts with her own feelings. First love blossoms in unexpected ways for these three young women and their circle of friends.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is actually a junior high school one, but I’ll stick it here regardless.  But it’s a fun series, and for a love-triangle story it’s not over-wrought at all.  More than a series about love, it’s about the concept of romantic relationships at the characters’ age as well as friendship. One of the character’s in particular thinks her feelings are transient, but it’s also rather clear that they are not and she’s just scared after a bad past experience. Despite being in a love triangle that not all of them are completely aware they are in, it’s also very clear they want to keep being friends and fear losing their friendship more than anything else.

It ends prematurely so some things are left unresolved but still a fun read and I still give it a huge rec.  YMMV on the handling of one cross dressing character, especially as he takes over the story for a bit, but it’s far from the worst handling but. ya know.  Heads up, he exists.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Aaaaaand that’s about it with the light-hearted (mostly) school romances.

On to college-age and working adult yuri series which don’t get nearly enough love!

It’d be great if you didn’t exist by Carbonara

Summary:

Why did she meet her ideal girl in the worst situation?

After catching her boyfriend with another woman, Han Guk-hwa promptly breaks up with him and expects to never see him again. What she didn't expect was to keep thinking about the woman who was with her ex and develop a begrudging crush on her.

Jang Mi, the crush in question, also didn't expect to see such a beautiful girl approach her and finds herself thinking that she could do so much better than the scumbag Guk-hwa was dating.

Why I think you should read it:   There’s.... a lot of reasons I could give you about why this series is worth reading.  It’s a wonderful balance between funny and a soft, tender romance between two women, even while dealing occasionally with darker themes and topics.  The characters are both well fleshed out with flaws and a rationality to their actions.  More than that: for every bad experience they had in the past which gives them insecurities about themselves and others, they are rewarded for trusting each other with a happy, loving relationship.  Inter-relationship problems (like insecurity) are resolved with communication, while their separate personal problems they share mutual support. 

BUT ALSO, I mean... it’s pretty much like that text from last night that goes:  “ I just found out two girls I dated met each other, bonded over how much they hate me, started dating and are gonna get married soon.”  And I just.... really enjoy and appreciate it. Because it’s like: that’s it that’s the series.

*Warnings* Stalking, abuse, bullying

Status:  Another webcomic, completed at 80 chapters all available online in English

Cheerful Amnesia by  Tamamushi Oku

Summary:

Arisa wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of the last three years. When Mari, a girl who's just Arisa's type, arrives at the hospital and informs her that not only are they living together, but they're actually in a relationship, Arisa is over the moon.

Why I think you should read it:  MC has amnesia, but as the title suggests, it’s light-hearted series.  Afterall, MC wakes up to discover she has a beautiful girlfriend!  What couldn’t be better in life?  Well, there are... like sex with your girlfriend.  Wait no, that’s way too good for Arisa to handle (lol). And it just gets better for Arisa as the story plays out.

Usually the amnesic lover trope is played for the drama, but here it is only played for laughs.  A little eye-roll-y regarding some aspects and maybe even down right stupid but still cute and a fun romp if you need mindless fun. It’s a 4-koma so it’s not particularly deep, but a fun exploration of the story’s premise.  Let’s be honest: all the jokes about sex probably won’t make you laugh and probably won’t even titillate you, but you’re not here for laughs you’re here for something cute and see an adult relationship between two women get to be fun, silly, and mindless.

Status:  On-going and not officially in English but completed online scans are available.

Ultramarine (Gunjou) by  Nakamura Ching

Summary:

Out of desperation, a woman asks an old high school acquaintance to kill her abusive husband for her. The acquaintance, having long been in love with this woman, does it, and now they are on the run from the law.

Why I think you should read it:  I’m going to be honest.  This isn’t a series for everyone or even a series that most would like and that’s ok. The summary just covers the first few pages - everything devolves from there as they avoid the police and the stakes get higher - or rather, revealed to us as the readers.  Definitely not a series for a fun, quick read and I don’t rec it if you want an ideologically pure series - but the series mostly acknowledges the fucked up nature of everything going on.  If you’re interested in story where the main characters aren’t clear-cut “good” and “bad” and you don’t mind not rooting for the main characters’ romance, give it a try.  Because this is not a series about two women learning to be good to each other.

It’s a heart-wrenching read for those that read it and explores themes that aren’t often explored without being edgy for the sake of being edgy.  I think if you can stand to read this series in one sitting, you’ll be absolutely gutted and be thinking of this story for a while.  It’s a powerful read, awful in a very necessary way.

*Warnings* for rape, abuse, dub-con (between the main characters), lots of talk of suicide, infant death, death of a wlw (not main romance).

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Lonely Wolf, Lonely Sheep by Fuka Mizutani

Summary:

Two women with the same name happens to meet each other when they're at the same hospital for the same injury. They want to become closer, but both must overcome their insecurities and self-loathing first.

Why I rec it:  Ehehe.  If you follow me, then you probably know I’m half-way to being a NANA blog.... Well this has the basic premise of NANA, with two girls with the same name (in this case first AND last) meeting under similar circumstances.  It’s a short & sweet series, but not without a lump of angst mixed in, because despite their meet-cute they’ve still got a shared loneliness and fear of rejection to contend with.  Despite that: it’s not drowning in angst and unnecessary, drawn-out melodrama.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Fluttering Feelings by Ssamba

Summary:

The comic follows the life of two Business University students, the average slightly immature Kim No-Rae and the beautifully captivating Baek Seol-A but equally immature, as well as their friends and family.

Why I think you should read it:  This series is a beautiful exploration of two women slowly falling in love - or rather, slowly realizing and accepting that they are in love with each other.  A lot of will they, won’t they story get stale very quickly but here the characters are so expertly explored that you understand why they aren’t kissing right now this second and it just makes you hope that one day they will and be happier.

Additionally, just because they aren’t dating doesn’t mean that they friendship doesn’t continually progress and flourish as they continue to get closer and more emotionally intimate with each other.  As their friendship gets closer, they struggle more and more to define their feelings for each other.  

Unfortunately Ssamba passed away last year, before completing the series.  So the series will likely remain forever unfinished but I think this series is so great that it’s a worthwhile read even unfinished.  I think Fluttering Feelings maybe even is a series that especially proves that unfinished series are worth reading, because for me: the ending to a story is one of the most important parts... but not for this series.  This series is all about the journey and the journey until where it left off was worth it.

Status:  Unfinished Webcomic, available online in English

Ohana Holuholu by  Shino Torin

Summary:

Maya, who works as a translator, lives with her bisexual former girlfriend, Michiru, and Michiru's son, Yuuta. Residing in the same apartment building is an actor called Nico, who drops by for a visit almost everyday, and knows about Michiru's past. Somewhat like family, and somewhat not, their lives interweave full of warm days.

Why I think you should read it:  This one is about family, at it’s core.  A found family, in particular.  I think for many like me, that’s enough of a recommendation (lol).  The rekindling of Maya and Michiru’s relationship is an important part to the story, but just as important is the fact that they have formed a family even before then.  Michiru isn’t always the best friend, roommate, lover, or even person and she definitely isn’t the best mother, but watching over her growth through the series to take responsibility for herself and for her family is incredibly rewarding.

Status:  Complete, still in the process of being translated online into English.

Collectors by Nishi Uko

Summary:

Two women in a relationship disagree about the other’s spending habits.

Why I think you should read it:   Most of this list is comprised of series that are about before the relationship begins, but Collectors is here for everyone who desires a pre-established relationship!  It’s very sweet and very obvious how much the two women love each other.  

This is the bickering couple done right - with love, especially after the initial few chapters, and it’s honestly just a form of flirting as the characters just as often find common-ground on their spending habits.  

It’s primarily 4-koma style, so not much happens story-wise but it’s well worth it just for to see their day-to-day interactions, how much they enjoy spending time with each other, and their friend’s commentary about their relationship. Also, if you’re a collector or hobbiest that compulsively buys things related to your interests... be prepared to be called out!

Status:  I thiiiiink it’s on-going - definitely the English online translations haven’t caught up as far as I can find.

The Robot Next Door (Tonari no Robot) by Nishi Uko

Summary:

In an ordinary neighborhood, a team of engineers are developing a robot they call Praha, who looks like an ordinary human high school girl. Chika, a 4-year-old girl who lives next door, meets her neighbor and learns her secret. The two girls become friends and high school classmates, and Chika teaches Hiro—as she calls Praha—about human emotions, including love.

Why I think you should read it:   Another story by Nishi Uko!!! There is a severe lack of sci-fi Yuri works!!  It’s a short and sweet feels trip as it explores the premise - a robot and human girl having feelings for each other.  While the bulk of the series takes place while both characters are in high school, I’m sticking it here with the “adult” series because it’s not about youth so much as it is about the premise.

Anyway: one of the interesting things about the series is how Praha expresses her love for Chika, which is obviously different than how humans feel ”love” because she’s a robot.  Meanwhile, Chika pines for Praha in her youth but insists that Praha’s feelings aren’t love.  She thinks their feelings for each other are “different,” which is both true and untrue.  As it is thought, robot/human love stories are often bittersweet because the premise predicates that the human will age while the robot will not.  Honestly, the ending is not bitter in the least, but it’s something that looms over you as you, the human reader, know as inevitable future.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Poor Poor Lips by Gotou Hayako

Summary:

Okashi Nako is a young woman living in poverty. When she applies to work at a Gem store, she learns that store owner, Otsuka Ren, is a lesbian. Ren promises that Nako's not her type, but she may be lying.... Nako takes the job and so begins a comedic tale of rich and poor, sickness and health, for better and for worse!

Why I think you should read it:  It’s a boss/employee romance but tastefully done imo - it’s been a while since I read it but I remember it fondly. It’s primarily set-up as a comedic series (another 4-koma!) but by the end the ladies *are* explicitly in a relationship, after some “will they/won’t they.”

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

Octave by Akiyama Haru

Summary:

This story revolves around 18-year-old Miyashita Yukino and her life as a former idol. As a child, Yukino had always been fascinated with TV. And before she knew it, she wanted to be one of those idols behind the screen. At 15, she entered the entertainment industry and debuted as a member of the four-person group "She'sN." However the group wasn't very successful and they broke up shortly afterwards. Returning home in disgrace, Yukino was welcomed with people's curious looks and hurtful words. Wanting to find herself, regain her pride, and perhaps experience love, Yukino decides to move back to Tokyo. There she meets a certain woman, former composer Iwai Setsuko. Together they embark on a very interesting and mysterious relationship.

Why I think you should read it:  Don’t be fooled by the simple, minimalist art... The characters are complex and each of them realistically flawed.  The series explores themes unfulfilled dreams and miscommunication and most of all: maturing into a decent person.  A lot of people are turned off of this series because the choices Yukino sometimes makes are, but it’s worth seeing her journey imo.

The series also deals with coming out not being an entirely positive experience and... it’s gutting but real and in the end says more about other people than Yukino.

Status:  Completed, not officially in English but completed online scans are.

And that’s it for now!! Let me know if you read any of these, whether or not on my recommendation or not!  Depending on if people liked this I might do another one, because I discovered a whole bunch of series while researching plus cut some from the list last minute that I still think deserve a rec!!

[dbphantom]

Canon: Zane Flynt fucks

Me: haha u know what this means ;))))

Me:

Me:

Me: merfolk glamour time

[[MORE]]

Alright but for real tho u wanna see how deep I am in this fucking universe? Lego

I don't even know where to begin with this universe (Zer0 is an alien! Hammerlock is a werewolf! Troy is psychic! Tannis is a skag! Wait, no, wrong shitpost...) so imma open the 140 page document and start from the beginning

Annnnd Clay! Junpai-7.

When Zane meets Clay for the first time he mentions they did a smuggling job together on Junpai-7, u know, the water planet, so obviously this is good news (This made me super happy because my discord channel's name had been the junpai-7 moon pool for a while so I was like 'holy shit it's canon now' :') )

Timeline wise this isn't the beginning, but I don't write in chronological order and I don't order anything in chronological order, either, so. Eh.

Speaking of chronological order, I once got a line where Zane was like exclaiming something and used the moon instead of idk a god or powerful figure or smth and I was like 'lmao that's canon now'

So the moon... Elpis fucking got yeeted halfway across the galaxy or smth, and, considering we've seen (more) ocean on Pandora in 3 instead of just, like, Liars Berg (getting to THAT) or Tretchers landing, I feel bad for the tides. But that's good news for everyone else. Unless you were on Elpis, I guess.

Also hoh boy the 'end' of the game where Troy Phaselocks the moon was fun to write (it actually wasn't, I lowkey hate writing Moonstruck phases because... It hurts and I can't do it well.) also can we talk about how in tps the psychos are called Moonstrucks in tvhm because this makes me so happy. I really hope they did that intentionally considering H2O is an Australian show because my two favorite things combined can and will kill me. Wait actually the Troy boss fight is gonna be hilarious to write mostly because of that one attack with the tidal waves lol oh no

Also, also, also, you guys it's only explained in a guide book and never actually in-game as to why Captain's ship is Like That (TM) so I took some liberties and uhhh blame the Crackening. I mean the crackening happened after dahl pulled out of Pandora/Elpis so it works. It sorta works. It mostly works. Fuck. It works okay? shut. That's why Liars Berg is all frozen ocean [shoves 3 page essay about climate change on Pandora into the trash] don't need that anymore.

I was gonna talk about smth else

Oh yeah

Mostly brain freeze and trick of the light. That one meme video I made of Tannis and the Flynt Brothers imposed over that one clip of H2O (so let me get this straight: you freeze things, you explode things, and you boil things) wasn't just for laughs, it was actually a warning.

Each Flynt has a thing and Zane's is ice, Baron's is explosions, and Captain's is fire. (Glorious cleansing fire) Because it fits. It fits so well. I will say right off the bat that Mako Mermaids isn't my canon. I lowkey want to write out Charlotte as well (lol) because I've seen the 2nd season so many times and tbh I much prefer them having 1 really strong power over having 3+ really weak powers. Also Charlotte did nothing wrong in the first half of that season. Cleo was just a bitch to her. And Mako Mermaids is just. Not great on the power side of things. You can TURN INVISIBLE. USE IT. Soooo. (also cam got destroyed in s1 and I'm so glad they ended up making him work in s2 and 3. Because he deserved better and Zac was a terrible friend to him and only got away with it because he's a main character). /rant sorry I have so many feelings about these shows. Grew up with them soooooo.

And if ur wondering why I brought up trick of the light it's cause the 13th year exists and that movie was bopping. U guys remember Jess? Good times... Tuba pool scene is iconic. U know the one. I would also bring up aquamarine but ngl that movie was weaksauce comparatively. They hid that bitch in a water tower and iunno talked to earrings. Meanwhile in the 13th year they bring Jess back from the fucking dead and climb on walls like Spiderman. Clearly one is superior.

"but cruddy Aurelia has ice powers too and she's not a mermaid" no she's a werewolf like her brother we already went over that. Did u think I was kidding? No! I'm never kidding unless I am and I fucking love werewolves so I'd never kid about that. I love werewolves and I love Hammerlock and it's perfect I just love the idea of this gentlemanly hunter being a werewolf because I want to see a giant hulking monster being all proper and shit. They're just really cool. Werewolves > vampires and ngl I'm sad skyrim screwed over werewolves with the dawnguard dlc. Anyway Aurelia's ice powers are nanobots as explained in-game and listen I already lore-scienced this okay? Let me say it's amazing the things science is capable of when it thinks it's trying to beat out a competitor and doesn't realize non-Siren magic exists. Even better now that we know Sirens are not Eridian and actually existed before Eridians. Makes me giddy to think about. The universe is tearing me APART Lisa.

Oh speaking of, can we talk about the witch's brew quest on eden-6 because holy shit I had been writing Hiromi and her fascination with discovering all the secret circles long before the game came out and then learning about the group of witches and The Pact (TM) made me lose my shit because 'oh my god it's actually canon now'. We're on the canon path nowwwww. Soon. I hope we get a water planet dlc. I wants it, GB, I wants it.

Also I was totally gonna write a clip in the main story of the game (because I write a lot of backstory stuff if you can't tell, I only have like 3 scenes that take place during the events of the game and like 4 that are speculatory from before the game came out (including a scene from before I realized Troy was Like That but I edited it so he's more in-line and also has Maya's powers now so that's... Hm. In line with the storyline somewhere, but not an actual scene in the games story. Because its not possible with how the game does things (seperating Vault Hunters) I suppose I could just insert a 5th Vault somewhere and say it's the 4th Vault connected to the Machine (with nekrotefeyo's being the 5th). Fuck it.) and then 9,000 are backstory) where Hiromi comes back after like decades of the two not seeing each other and she's been hired to assassinate Zane by one of the many corporations looking for his corpse for a multitude of reasons (And Emma and Nino are both d e a d a s f, you know, for context). And like Barnabas (ya old bastard) Zane is still joking around and just having a grand old time catching up with his black ops buddy meanwhile she had just tried to blow his brains out (she's a sniper) and got pretty damn close. She's not even amused because of her psychic powers so she's just like 'ok' every time he opens his mouth because she already knows what he's going to say she's mostly just frustrated that she missed because she thought she knew him well enough to go off instead of just listening to her intuition but alas people change after, like, 3 decades of not seeing them.

Oh since we're talking about Hiromi that reminds me why Zane wears the black suit. In my non-h2o universe it's because it looks cool and provides some protection from dots. In the H2Oniverse it is because it's waterproof. Okay wait hang on context so Hiromi doesn't like take off his suit or anything, she's extremely gay and not interested, because I realize now how that sounds me relating Hiromi to the clothes, they just get into an argument about how Sirens don't have to follow any arbitrary rules to hide their magic and how it's easier to hide magic without giant glowing tattoos (and mind you this is before Zane even knows Tannis exists though he does immediately know she's a Siren and that's a whole nother can of worms) and hr's like 'I wear a bodysuit for most of my waking hours, so I am pretty sure they can try wearing long sleeved shirts and makeup for a day. Just a suggestion' but like way more in character (and for the scene) because do I sound like I'm in character right now? I'm not. I'm me. And God what a terrible thing to be.

So context for the context: ~magic is real~. If you've got it then you can usually tell who else has it if you're looking. It's especially clear if they're 'similar' to you (if ur a werewolf and u meet another werewolf then you sorta just know they're a werewolf) or if you're psychic (like Hiromi) then you can make some informed guesses. Like. Same Hat? Same Hat!!! Sirens are basically such powerful magic users that they are in literally a whole nother ball park. They're leagues above everyone else. Kill you just by looking at you sort of deal. So sirens normally don't feel other magic because their own magic is so strong it just 'overwrites' the other signals. You know, to not only explain why Lilith isn't immediately like 'who the fuck are you' to Zane and also how Amara couldn't tell Tannis is a Siren. I had a whole thing with Troy (who is psychic) being able to tell Zane had magic despite being near 4 Sirens at once because Troy grew up with Tyreen always at his side so he's used to it and knows how to look through it. Meanwhile Hiromi is basically incapacitated when she's near a Siren because she gets overwhelmed because her powers make it easier for her to read other people's magic.

Oh, context, the black ops outfit worked with Atlas for a short time (the group being Zane, Hiromi, Emma, and Nino. Emma is the yeehaw captain. She's the leader) and ended up meeting Steele for a little bit. Hiromi was just dead the entire meeting, Zane was totally out of it, and Emma and Nino were too busy eyefucking to really care that there was a Siren in the room so. Just imagine one person lying face down on the floor and crying, another staring at the wall without blinking, two undressing each other with their eyes, and then Cmdt. Steele standing in the middle like 'how the fuck did I get here'.

So that was everyone's first experience with a Siren.

There are more but ehhhh I'm tired and I mostly wrote this because I wanted to talk about it with someone else but they haven't read the whole thing yet so now I can scream into the void about it and not feel like I'm bothering them.

Hooray!

[asknarashikari]

The rest of ReviceCast reacts to someone mistaking Koshirou to be HiroDaiji's son?

Daiji: Ah... I think there's a big misunderstanding here.

Hiromi: Sorry but this is my bo... *ahem* Fiancé's little brother...

Fujoushi: Oh... OH... My bad. I thought you two adopted a kid together.

Elder woman passing by: What a nice little family.

Fujoushi: Even she agrees to the misunderstanding. *LOL*

I mean... who can blame them, Daiji is old enough to be his little brother's dad, and Hiromi even more so. Ikki probably gets a lot of that too, and Sakura might get some funny looks herself.

It's probably just something they learn to live with lol

Of course, Daiji being the disaster gay that he is, would not be opposed to the idea of having a few little ones with Hiromi, but the idea of Daddy Hiromi is too cute for him and he can't handle it, rip

[asknarashikari]

Officiator: By the power vested in me, you can now kiss each other.

Daiji and Hiromi: *looks at each other tenderly*

Akaishi: ITIGIL ANG KASAL! Stop the wedding!

Akaishi: Daiji, my son, that man is not perfect for you!

Akaishi: He's a heretic that won't praise Giffu!

Genta: What did you say?

Genta: DAIJI IS MY SON! DAIJI IS MY SON WITH YUKIMI!

Hiromi: It's okay Papa-san.

Hiromi: I will handle this myself.

Daiji: Are you sure?

Hiromi: I am

*cue Hiromi beating the living shit out of Akaishi, and not a moment soon, Yukimi and Genta joins in.*

----

Hiromi: *Wakes up*

Hiromi: Wha-

Hana: So you're marrying the wayward sibling, huh?

Tamaki: Now who'd be marrying the eldest one?

Hiromi: I hope its not George.

Hiromi sure has an active imagination, huh. And he must be quite the sleeptalker if Hana and Tamaki heard all of that lol

Let's be real though everyone's itching for a chance to kick the guy's butt, so I can't blame Hiromi for thinking up that scenario

Also, in the real HiroDaiji wedding 90% of the guests are also Kamen Riders who would happily participate in the Akaishi beatdown XD And of course Lovekov and Vice get a few hits in themselves

[asknarashikari]

Birth Of Chimera:

Hiromi! Azuma almost snapped his Neck!

Nozomu and Mukai seem like Main Rider Material.

Takaiwa-san got to actually act in a role. He desrves that.

Chic is... something alright.

George def lost his own demon too when Chic left, so he's going through the Same thing Hiromi and Daiji went through. Alongside losing his dad, no wonder he went insane.

Man, I wish I could already watch Battle Famillia.

But for now, gotta skip it. Revice 47 it is.

I haven't actually watched this yet lol. I was planning to do it when the movie came out subbed, but I'm more or less aware of the gist of things.

George... I can't really bring myself to blame his later actions on him losing his inner demon and becoming unstable or whatever because of it. He did so many questionable things earlier in the series, and it almost felt like the whole thing with Chic was just the writers attempting to absolve George of them. His actions later on were the same thing- it just felt like they were avoiding admitting that George took out his daddy issues on his friends.

[asknarashikari]

More Ikki and George minific please

Lol remember how we all went wild after Revi was first revealed

"Ah, Karizaki-san? I do have to ask..." Ikki coughed awkwardly, looking down at his suit. "About my suit... it's... rather sculpted, isn't it?"

"Hmm? I guess it is." George supposed, busying himself with adjusting something on his laptop. "What about it?"

"Wasn't it supposed to be used by my brother?" Ikki questioned. "I mean... it's a little provocative, don't you think?" He frowned. "Why would you design something like this for him?"

"I didn't really design it with him in mind, per se. Or anyone, for that matter." He waved vaguely to the collection of Kamen Rider figures behind him. "I just based it off what other Riders looked like. With my own twist, of course."

"Hmm... I see." Ikki hummed. "I don't know... the chest area just seems a bit... too prominent?"

"Oh, that?" George finally lifted his eyes from the laptop. "Well, I just like them big, you know?" He grinned and made finger guns at Ikki. "Can you blame me?" He laughed. "Besides, you're pretty impressive under the suit too." He winked. "I've seen you in the baths, after all."

"W-What?" Ikki exclaimed, suddenly covering his armored chest with his arms. "What do you- I mean- That's kinda-" The Rider was reduced to a blushing, sputtering mess as the scientist smiled at him all too knowingly.

Meanwhile...

"They just forgot we were here too, huh." Sakura said.

"This is... kinda disgusting to watch." Hiromi admitted.

"Oh, god, someone, just kill me," groaned Daiji in embarrassment.

[scoups4lyfe]

Prpbably obvious but am I the only one that's noticed a significant drop in George's more immature, chaotic energy, behaviour in recent episodes? I think it coincides with him starting to lose control of what's happening around him, both through Deadman and Weekend interference. I think what we're seeing now is more of who George really is. I don't think his quirkiness is 100% an act but it's clearly something he only does when he's in control or at least thinks he's in control. Does that make sense or am I just rambling lol?

OOPArts Anon.

nah I think you got it spot on.

Even if its things he's not really in-control of, if George has known about it for a hot second he'll be able to adequately present his usual veneer of chaotic bastard confidence

(i.e Hiromi )

-- I don't genuinely think George wanted anything bad to happen to him, but it was out of his control and he's known for a long time what would happen if he gave that belt to Hiromi,,,,,, so when Hiromi confronts him about it?

George goes full malicious fked up and evil scientist. And? Honestly I think that's his own defense mechanism. Like a very toxic 'You can't blame me for this. You're the one that asked for it' thing -- while somehow ALSO fully shifting the blame onto himself. Particularly the attention on him as a bad person.

which both emotionally distances George from the situation/his part in it-- and also pushes Hiromi away from further questioning.

It's a very interesting defense mechanism. "Yeah I did it -- Im the villain and you asked for it."

See -- he does this because he doesn't like for people to see him weak or vulnerable. Because if they see that, then they can use it against him.

But if he's the villain? That gives him power over the situation. Over others.

We also see this the episode after Hiromi goes MIA. When Ikki questions whether or not George's intentions are to use him as a lab rat/experiment?

What does George do?

He reminds Ikki of who has more power in the situation.

"I made the Revice driver."

<-George created it. He has control over it. So if Ikki wants to continue to fight? (Which they both kno he does) Then Ikki will have no choice but to rely on George.

'You need me, therefore you can't question me.'

Again, I found this so fascinating because if there's (1) thing that any of us can actually be SURE of -- its that George cares about Ikki.

Ikki's the first person we see George express remorse to. (Episode 18 -- Their hospital scene.)

So -- if George legitimately cares about Ikki and his safety and well-being, then why manipulate him like this? Why not apologize? Why not express remorse for Hiromi?

And I think this is because George tends to become more emotionally involved if what's causing the problem is something he created.

Hmmm. What i mean to say is

George gave and created the Kamikaze stamp to Ikki -- he wanted Ikki to use it.

But Ikki used it and got hurt.

George did NOT create the Demons belt -- nor did he ever plan on giving it or letting Hiromi use it.

George created the Crow Stamp, but didn't give it to Daiji because he didn't want Daiji to Kamikaze himself like Ikki did -- aka he knew he wasn't ready.

But when he's forced to give something he made over -- knowing it may very well cause unintended harm?

Well? George lost his sh#t.

This tells me that for the Demons situation, George really had no control over that. Yeah there will be consequences, but it's not like he even knows Hiromi all that well, AND he didn't even create the belt so

へ‿(ツ)‿ㄏ

[wp-blaze]

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[scoups4lyfe]

Hi Scoups, just was curious of your thoughts on a theory I have. It seems to me that Daiji feels a bit out of focus and I don't get why he is so loyal to Fenix. Then it occurred to me that Hiromi was added in to the story. Since they are both Fenix soldier, what if some of Hiromi's story was originally Daiji's? I am thinking of the commander in particular. Hiromi was the worst until his peptalk and then his determination came through to achieve success in Fenix. That sounds like Daiji as well...

Heyo~. I've read both part (1) and (2) of this ask.

And hmmmmmm. Y'know I gotta say I've seen this theory or at least something very similar going around tumblr and I gotta say. I think that does a major disservice to the writers LOL!

Not to say that its impossible because -- heck yeah that's something that could have easily happened.

But since Im too deep into the Revice insanity I kinda get these authors on a spiritual level lol. And with all my nonsense research, analysis, and essays I can say without a doubt in my mind that even though Hiromi was a last-minute ad-in I don't think his story was originally something for Daiji.

(Or if it was -- I don't think them taking it and giving it to Hiromi weakens Daiji's own narrative arc and plot importance)

I know I mentioned this at some point but Daiji's loyalty to Fenix stems almost entirely from his own view of himself and his self-worth.

Hmmm. I'd say Daiji is to Fenix what Ikki is to Vice.

(LMAO) So what the heck do I mean when I say this?

Well Daiji (IMO) has 2 major arcs (that I'm editing an essay about as we speak) which impact his arc narratively. The first was getting rid of his debilitating self-hate -- which he did through the battle in episode 26.

But the reason why Daiji's story feels so whack is because he still hasn't allowed himself to *BE* a main character. Which is something that'll only happen when Daiji learns to accept himself. Like he got rid of his self-hate but he has still tried to keep himself within a damaging binary.

"Good versus Evil."

Once he accepts Kagerou -- or at least the darker parts of his character -- he'll finally be able to step into the role of an MC instead of playing the damsel in distress (hahahaha).

Fenix wise --

Daiji joined Fenix because he wanted to make a name for himself, and show his family (re: Ikki) that he can be responsible and reliable too. So badly Daiji wants to be seen as someone with value. Someone whose capable.

So he tied his self-esteem to Fenix. To this concept that Fenix is essentially important to his person and his worth, and that without it his value will fall back to ground zero.

Daiji also has a major guilt complex that stems form his slow self-esteem and self-worth, so when bad things happen he 100% blames himself.

(Which is why Kagerou was created -- cause Daiji couldn't survive this way)

So I think for Daiji -- since he's tied so much of himself, his worth and value, his identity, and his responsibility to Fenix -- then he no doubt probably sees their sins as his own.

"These things happened because I wasn't good enough to stop them. I should've noticed before it got to this point."

Is the thought process.

Since he's now trying to grow as a person, he's not trying to actively blame himself--- but he still wants to prove his value by "purifying" Fenix.

Because he sees Fenix as an extension of himself.

So, similar to how Daiji saw the darker sides of himself as inherently bad and evil -- which led to a lack of trust in himself and his decisions / autonomy; the worse parts of Fenix are something he sees in a similar fashion.

"Fenix is bad, it needs to be cleaned of its filth. Only then does it have value. Only then can it do things and help others."

The problem in -- Daiji's literally projecting his own false beliefs onto Fenix. Since he believes he 'killed' Kagerou, he thinks he needs to do the same thing to Fenix.

That he needs to "purify" it. And then it can be good and have value.

(And then he can be good. he can have value. The horrors committed by Fenix will be atoned. It won't be his fault.)

But as the nurse lady said in episode 30 -- "Justice" is a word you gotta be careful with because life isn't black and white.

[asknarashikari]

1. With how Emu reacts to baby riders, its a matter of time before he gets his own.

2. While jury is still out on where George falls on the morality spectrum, I believe he has a soft spot for Ikki as when Ikki combusted, George actually apologizes and takes responsibility.

1. Lmao Emu in my hcs is actually aro-ace, so he's not gonna have babies anytime soon. And I don't think he's gonna have a kid with the kind of lifestyle he has- taking care of his friends is like taking care of a bunch of kids already lol

2. That doesn't make up for what he's doing to Hiromi. And honestly, he's partly to blame for Kagerou's rampage too, since he gave Daiji the TwoSiDriver knowing that Kagerou was lurking within him. Sure, Daiji was able to take back control eventually, but not before Kagerou terrorized his whole family and caused a whole lot of trouble.

[scoups4lyfe]

Right this is a continuation of

this ask

My base-a$$ interpretations and timeline of how Daiji + Kagerou got to that point in episode 26 / the special mix of events that created his self-hate

Under the cut cause uh,,, im insane

Note: I'll add pictures later. I kno I gotta head to work soon and I wanna start episode 27 LOL

Papa-san has trauma <-He's most of what Mama-san can focus on. --->Papa-san almost kills the family? (Because of said trauma) --> Vice is created, Ikki's childhood is deleted.

Ikki now feels responsible for the Igarashi family's safety, happiness, and overall well-being. --> Mama-san is still preoccupied --> Ikki ends up raising Daiji and Sakura and taking on the role of "father" for the Igarashi household.

--> This irreparably traumatizes Ikki,

-->turns him into someone who doesn't know how to live if he isn't constantly sacrificing himself and caretaking for others. Ikki wants to be accepted for who he is, but no one sees nor understands that Ikki needs to feel accepted and loved in order to start healing/to grow as an individual -->

Ikki's becomes 'helicopter parent' to daiji. Daiji never learns how to do anything on his own.

--> Daiji is now traumatized because of the learned helplessness stitched into the very foundation of his soul. He's overcome with anxiety, doubt, and does not feel in control of his own life.

--> TLDR; Daiji learns he can't trust himself. He now has negative self-esteem.

--> They grow up. Daiji realizes how the family has fked his older brother up. This is a hard pill to swallow. Probably blames himself because he came along and then Ikki went from child to caretaker, thinks that being born harmed his brother, is overcome with guilt and his negative self-esteem falls a few notches lower

--> Daiji tries to do everything he can to help; but he doesn't know how to help and Ikki doesn't know how to ask for it -- AND they continue to be stuck in their set roles of Parent and Child.

--> Daiji decides he needs to do something big to his brother can see that he can be trustworthy, reliable, and someone he can lean on/share his burdens with

--> Daiji joins Fenix. Daiji becomes super passionate about helping and protecting people. (Along with the success that comes from the title of a high-ranking officer) --> Gets the Kamen Rider position

-> He Flops at the ceremony when it matters most. People (his mom) gets hurt, Ikki sacrifices himself for Daiji - A G A I N. --> Fenix wants Ikki --> Daiji's has now ruined his brothers life twofold

--> Daiji's negative self-esteem doubles.

--> Daiji hates himself for not being able to protect people, and having to rely on Ikki / 'force him' into the position he couldn't fill. Ikki doesn't want the position. Sakura gets kidnapped + people get hurt. Daiji blames himself. --> Daiji blames himself. -> Daiji blames himself

--> Ikki still refuses the position. Daiji lashes out; begins projecting his own self-hate onto his brother.

--> Ikki reluctantly accepts the position. Daiji realizes he'll always be a failure who burdens his brother and is unable to save or help anyone. Daiji's negative self-esteem falls past hell itself straight into purgatory

--> Daiji now hates himself so much he doesn't w a n t to be 'Daiji'. He doesn't want to be 'the burden' anymore. He doesn't want to BE anymore.

--> [The mirage enters]: Kagerou takes over. The narrative changes.

--> Now Ikki's the one burdening others. The one hurting others. The one hurting Daiji. --> So now Ikki should die.

--> Kagerou attempts to kill Ikki. WHile doing this he shows Daiji that Ikki can be just as helpless as Daiji.

--> Ikki apologizes for not trusting or believing in Daiji. Ikki tells Daiji that he's strong. Daiji's negative self-esteem is still negative, but now he can live with being Daiji.

-->They make up. The underlying issues continue to never be addressed, or talked about.

--> Ikki trusts Daiji more. (For Daiji.) -- Daiji doesn't trust himself ---> Sakura becomes a rider. --> Daiji's placed in another helpless position as Hiromi is throttled by Chamleon. --> Daiji's rage simmers inside of himself. -- Ikki & Sakura bring out Kagerou because they /need/ him

-->Daiji is helpless to his siblings whims. His say continues to not matter. --> But at least some part of him was *needed* . --> Ikki's need to help worsens --> Daiji watches from the sidelines worried, not knowing what to do, and so furious at Ikki because he doesn't know how to help him

--> Ikki uses the kamikaze stamp and combusts into flame --> Ikki could die --> Daiji is morbidly happy that his brother has been taken out of commission and can't do anything on his own for the time being

--> Ikki says: yeah well I hate myself and don't rlly care if I die as long as I help others --> Daiji projects Ikki's situation onto Hiromi

--> Hiromi is a martyr. Hiromi doesn't listen to him, and Ikki doesn't help at all because he's also a martyr. --> Hiromi gets punched off a cliff by Olteca <33. --> The Igarashi's have a mental breakdown (separately)

--> Gifu gets stronger --> Kagerou talks to Daiji but Daiji doesn't want to accept, rely on, or acknowledge Kagerou --> he feels pain as Kagerou continues to get stronger.

--> Ikki switches with Vice. --> Ikki combines with Vice --> The Igarashis' find out about the Igarashi fam history

--> Kagerou takes over and forces Daiji into a life or death battle.

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