#kurisu's thoughts

[risustravelogue]

Thinking about clingy Wriothesley being hesitant to let you go on a one-week work trip.

He helps you with your luggage from packing to pickup, asking if you're sure you've packed the essentials every five minutes. He asks "what else can I fetch you?" again and again so you don't have to go back and forth between your closet and your suitcase.

And when it's time for you to depart the Fortress, he follows you to the aquabus station, his bigger hand squeezing yours tight, his thumb absentmindedly fiddling with your knuckles. You turn to face him before getting on the carriage, cupping his face in your hands while your thumbs caress the soft skin of his cheeks.

"Relax, love. I'll be fine," you say with a smile. The corners of his icy blue eyes crinkle, and his hold on your waist tightens.

"Of course you'll be fine," he says with a smug grin that seems just a little bit off with worry, "you're my beloved, after all."

You chuckle at his attempt to look cool in front of you. He presses his lips against yours in a sweet kiss with his right hand behind your head and his left arm snaking around your waist, pressing your body against his.

"Mm... I love you," he mutters breathlessly when he finally pulls back. "Come back soon, yeah?" he whispers, pressing his forehead against yours.

"I love you, too. Now let me go, my beloved Sir Duke. The aquabus is leaving," you reply playfully.

He plants one more kiss on your lips before letting you go. You wave him goodbye as the aquabus leaves, his tall, familiar figure becoming smaller with each passing second. A pang of pain pierces your chest as a quiet whisper escapes your lips.

"I miss you already, my love."

© @risustravelogue 2023 • no to reposting, yes to reblogging. feel free to send an ask to suggest, chat, etc. :)

[xenotenseikiseki]

[mothoscope]

Cringetober Prompt 2: Tsundere Had Steins;Gate on my mind a lot recently so here is a Kurisu Makise.

[galeforcesystem-selfshipping]

soooooo. new f/o dropped.

[greenbubblefactory]

Matchup for Kurisu 💌

Congratulations you have a match with..

Leona Kingscholar !

★Leona isn’t the type to take immediate interest in people, but you catch his attention for all the wrong reasons at first. Maybe it’s the way you refuse to be intimidated by him, or how you meet his sharp remarks with some equally sharp words of your own. Either way, you make an impression and Leona hates that.

★You don’t go out of your way to impress him, and that annoys him even more. Most people either try to suck up to him or steer clear of him altogether, but you just act normal, like he’s any other person. Even when he throws snide comments your way, you roll your eyes and fire back without hesitation.

★He tests you. A lot. He wants to see if you’ll flinch, if you’ll back down, if you’ll eventually start treating him like the dangerous, untouchable figure most people think he is. But you don’t. And that? That intrigues him.

★Despite being sociable, you have this teasing, sarcastic streak that keeps things interesting. You swear at him jokingly, steal his nap spots just to mess with him, and somehow manage to make him react when he usually can’t be bothered.

★One day, when you’re both forced to work together for a class project, you start noticing little things about him. How his eyes flicker toward exits, how he tenses ever so slightly before answering personal questions, how his lazy posture is a carefully crafted act.

★You don’t point it out. You don’t push. But Leona notices that you notice, and it unsettles him. Because if you see through his act so easily, then what else could you see?

★At first, he doesn’t think much of his attachment to you. So what if he prefers your company over others? So what if he listens more when you talk? It’s just because you’re entertaining, right?

★Then he catches himself looking for you in a crowd, feeling annoyed when you’re not there, getting bored when someone else tries to fill the silence you left behind. And that’s when it hits him,he’s invested.The realization frustrates him. Leona doesn’t do attachment. He doesn’t have the patience for it, doesn’t like the vulnerability it brings. But at the same time, the thought of distancing himself is equally irritating.

★He starts acting more territorial without realizing it. He’ll casually rest an arm on your chair, lean against your desk, or “accidentally” block your path so you have to brush past him. His touch is never overbearing, just subtle enough to make it clear: This one’s mine.

If someone else gets too close to you, he won’t make a scene, but his presence alone is enough to send a warning. A lazy smirk, a slow turn of his head, and suddenly whoever was talking to you finds an excuse to leave.

The first time you call him out on it, he just smirks and shrugs. “What, I can’t look after a herbivore? You wander off too much.”

★Leona doesn’t believe in grand confessions. He’s too prideful, too used to rejection to put himself in a vulnerable position like that.Instead it happens in the most casual, almost dismissive way.You’re arguing over something dumb,maybe you stole his jacket, maybe you teased him about something trivial and in the middle of it, he just says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.“Tch. Why do you think I put up with you so much? You really are dense, huh?”

★You pause. Blink. And that’s when it clicks.

★He sees the realization dawn on your face and immediately groans, running a hand through his hair like this entire situation is exhausting. “Yeah, yeah. Took you long enough.”

★He won’t even let you process it properly before moving on, acting like it’s no big deal. But his ears twitch, and that’s how you know he’s nervous.If you try to get a more serious confession out of him, good luck. The best you’ll get is a lazy smirk and a half-muttered “Tch. You already know.”

★Leona is not a conventional boyfriend. He doesn’t do grand romantic gestures, he doesn’t shower you with compliments, and he definitely doesn’t say “I love you” often. But his love is obvious in the ★way he acts.

★If you’re cold, he’ll toss his jacket over you without a word. If you complain about the smell, he’ll just smirk. But he never asks for it back.If you’re feeling down, he won’t ask what’s wrong he’ll just sit beside you, close enough that you feel his warmth. He won’t pressure you to talk, but if you do, he’ll listen. And if you don’t, that’s fine too. He’s not going anywhere.

★He hates PDA in public (he has a reputation to maintain), but behind closed doors? He’s ridiculously touchy. He’ll pull you into his lap, let you run your hands through his hair, and he’ll grumble if you try to leave.

★If you overthink things, he’ll cut through your doubts with a single sentence.He won’t let you spiral,he’ll drag you back to reality, no matter what.

★When you’re next to him, he sleeps better. He won’t admit it, but he’ll pull you closer in his sleep, holding onto you like you’re the one thing in this world he refuses to lose.

★Leona isn’t the clingy, jealous type, but he is possessive in his own way. He won’t stop you from talking to other people, but he’ll make sure everyone knows you’re his.

★If someone flirts with you, he won’t react immediately. He’ll just lean back, arms crossed, watching. Waiting. And if you handle it yourself, he’ll let it slide.But if they don’t get the hint? That’s when he acts. He won’t start a fight, but one sharp glare, one low, growled warning, and suddenly that person wants to be anywhere else.

★He’ll act like it’s no big deal, but you catch the way his grip tightens on your wrist, the way his tail flicks sharply. He won’t admit it, but he hates the idea of losing you.

★If you reassure him, he’ll just scoff and look away,but the tension in his shoulders eases.

★Fights with Leona are intense. He’s stubborn, prideful, and he does not back down easily. If you’re both pissed, expect some shouting, some harsh words, and a lot of storming off.

★He needs time to cool down. But he never stays mad at you for long. He hates apologizing outright, but his way of making up is through actions.

★If he said something harsh, expect to find your favorite snack casually left on your desk the next morning. If he stormed off, he’ll show up at your dorm later, acting like nothing happened.

★He won’t say he was wrong,but he will let you curl up against him later, running his fingers through your hair until you both fall asleep.

★Loving Leona isn’t easy. He’s stubborn, difficult, and infuriating at times. But if he chooses you, he chooses you completely.He won’t promise the world. But what he will do is stand beside you, protect you, and make sure you always have a place to return to.

★He won’t say “I love you” often. But you’ll hear it in the way he always finds you first in a crowd. In the way he lets you into his space when he lets no one else in.And in the way he holds onto you like he never plans to let go.

English is not my first language so I'm sorry if there are any spelling mistakes!

[azulcrescent]

If you had a Anime crush, who would it be?

Mine is

Hm... i dont think i really had anime crushes? There were characters that i thought were awesome but i didn't really crush on them? if that makes any sense? Makise Kurisu from Steins Gate really stood out to me, but i didn't ever really think of her as a waifu. And sadly and a younger kid i thought Asuna from SAO was great, but well, SAO being how it is... lol

[aerithisms]

one thing about me is i have always thought kurisu and suzuha should've lezzed out about it. they have all this tension and one-sided hatred and you're telling me there is not ONE fanfic about this? sad!

[aleenya]

sharing a little bit more of my steins;gate mtg deck bc im having a lot of fun with it and to be cringe is to be free

context: these are all mtg proxies. ive changed nothing mechanically except the card names or flavor text (some i need to tidy up or format better tho.)

i wanted to prioritize thematics above all else so most of the cards come from the dr who sets!! (which are so banger omg. suspend is a great mechanic.) if ur interested in the full deck feel free to pm me, im happy to share! it still needs some editing/reworking but its fully playable and legal as is

commanders

so these are the commanders. kurisu (clara proxy) is scarily good bc whenever an activated ability triggers on a doctor (all the doctor cards are mostly just world-line variations of hououin kyouma/okabe LOL) then it triggers a second time. and that gets ridiculous fast 🧍

hououin kyouma (tenth dr proxy) is great bc he gets cards into suspend, the mechanic this deck is built around. when cards are in suspend, they're considered 'exiled' and have time counters on them that tick down every upkeep. once there's no more time counters on those cards, you play them for free. He can also time travel (bc of course) which can either add or remove time counters. hes honestly a lot of fun, i love the lil combo this pairing has!! and i love the thematic element that kurisu just makes okabe better bc its true jfghdhdhdh

see more below!

creature highlights

ignore the fact that mr braun is an alien rhino soldier i just had to have this card in my deck bc i thought it was funny LMAO

i also have other wordline variations of suzuha and all the lab mems <3

spells/instants highlights

one thing: all of history all at once + rousing refrain = insanity

i have no defense for grapeshot i just really wanted the cg of mayuri with the gun in my deck KGHXDH

enchantments highlights

artifacts highlights

i have a lot more artifacts (including the time machine and a lot of the future gadgets, like moad snake, which gives protection from all creatures for a turn.) round table and the moment are thematically fun tho - and of course obligatory ibn 5100.

wincons

wincons are cards where, if i fulfill a certain condition, i win the game! i play mtg very casually and just for fun, so i dont like infinite combos or anything like that. but i thought for s;g it'd be fitting to have some slow-burn win conditions that i slowly build up towards. one is Gates. Gates are special lands from the baldur's gate set; i've reworked them in my deck to either be different s;g locations or worldlines (like alpha, beta etc) and then finally i have the steins;gate card (proxy of maze's end) where if i have at least ten gates in play and then play that, i win. it's a verrryyy slow burn wincon tho and i've only pulled it off once, so it's not very reliable. but its fucking thematic and thats all i care about LMAO

and then the other wincon is the Divergence Meter which is also super slow. if i can at least get the time counters on it to 500, then double to 1000, its pretty much an autowin B) but again, getting it to that point is difficult and takes a while. which i find very fitting

thank u for coming to my deeply autistic presentation. am i slightly deranged for doing this? mayhaps ... but my love for steins;gate knows no bounds </3

[bokujou-monogatari]

Hey! What do you think of Harvest Moon Light of Hope? I really like it but there's not much about it. Ik it's after the marvelous/natsume breakup but uh, I kinda love it.

Okay, first of all, thank you so much for the ask! I'm thrilled that you sent this and shared something you love with me. :)

To preface, I was asked for my opinion, and (usually) I do not solidify opinion without retrospective analysis. So this is some personal opinion, and some observant fact discussion based on stuff that came out with the release of it. I can't talk about this without addressing some glaring discussion points.

My short answer is: I'm not really fond of it, or Natsume titles.

My long answer is below. Please don't continue past the read more unless you're prepared. 🥺

I want to stress that this is entirely not meaning to sour yours or anyone else's opinion and I hope you continue to enjoy what you love.

Never thought I'd ever have someone directly ask me about this game, because in the past, I've freely given my opinion of it. Forgive my long-winded verbosity in advance.

Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of Light of Hope. Next to Little Farmers and Lost Valley, I'd rank it as very low on the list of games I'd ever willingly purchase out of the split. If you were curious, Winds of Anthos is the closest I came to feeling like I might throw $20 to Natsume, but alas I have yet to pay for any of their games. I don't need or want to - and we'll get to that.

If the game were named anything other than Harvest Moon, perhaps I'd have a less strict view of this game. Alas, it's a Natsume title. While being a "Natsume-published" title does not make a game bad by default, it's a Natsume-funded and outsource-developed title under a dead horse label. Light of Hope was, to dismay, released as the "20th Anniversary" title - as in "20 Years of Harvest Moon". I even have the book to speak to this.

As a consumer, and also as a game dev, I would not ever align myself with a company that seeks to obfuscate origin or take credit for others' work - as they so did when marketing this game, using this timeline to allude to sequential relation of their games and the originals under Bokujou Monogatari.

Separate to the name label debacle, there's clearly a progression of improvement across the board from the studio actually putting the effort in - Appci (formerly Tabot inc.) -- I will give them that.

From their previous games, players got a pretty similar experience of writing comparatively with Skytree Village, but there was still something to be desired about the overworld presentation. The overall gameplay loop did not regress but also did not particularly innovate anything. This title, largely, just felt like coasting on a household name without (perhaps intentionally) trying to stray too far to stand on its own two feet.

But this game is perhaps one of Natsume's most egregious offenders in the sheer amount of Questionable and Not Great decisions.

Among Questionable, Not Great, and perhaps Predatory decisions... there were DLCs present in their previous sole-developed titles of course, but this IP introduced:

Three release versions (Base, Special Edition, Special Edition Complete) with each subsequent release retailing for close to the same price as the first time

DLCs sold separately ($1.99, $5.99, $3.99, $5.99) - OR, $9.99 +tax for a "Season Pass" that contained all DLCs.

These DLCs were for tool upgrades, and extra marriage candidates that fans would have experienced to be Part of the Main Game experience if they played a Bokumono game.

Pure speculation on my part, but one of the pay-for-characters introduced was a clear point at Makise Kurisu from Steins Gate. It felt like they were really playing on that likeness to draw people in.

Perhaps the worst decision they made of all was a character known as Soleil. This character was introduced in Special Edition, as a character similar to Jamie (Magical Melody) or Inari (Trio of Towns) - originality be damned - and was portrayed as a gender ambiguous magical being that would be opposite to whoever you chose as the MC.

The kicker - this was a character you had to hatch from a crystal and raise yourself. The events between this character were more of parent and child, and ended with a confession of love from this being that imprinted on you. It was highly inappropriate. The pages are now deleted on their Facebook, but their social media manager took to responding to the criticisms. The responses did not help. You can find this discussion on Fogu for reference.

Soleil is also a new marriageable character once he is full grown! Wait a minute…wasn’t the earlier picture of him a male?! What’s the story here…?

Soleil is not a human! Soleil doesn't follow human aging…

Ring ring...Chris Hansen's calling. Just absolutely yikes. Deleting those posts was probably their idea of a smart move, but for those who were there, it is unfortunately very ingrained. People deserve to know the decisions they made here to make informed choices.

So what do I feel about the game?

It's among my worst rated games ever for sheer predatory practices and improper decision making. I'm glad there are people that can find it enjoyable, as I'm sure the team that developed this tried their best at the time. But damn.

[risustravelogue]

I think Wriothesley is foreign to the concept of weekends due to his position demanding him to be present at his office at all times so people can find him with ease. Heck, it looks like he sleeps in his office, on that cushy couch of his.

But when you and he become an item and your relationship progresses to a point where he thinks you'd be comfortable with the idea of sharing a bed with him, he realizes that hitting the hay in his office is no longer an option.

Unbeknownst to you, he actually has a bedroom in the nicest, quietest place in the Fortress with a big window looking into the ocean—he just never uses it because it's so far away to the point where it's more convenient to sleep in his couch. But he's determined to make you happy, so he orders a king-sized bed in secret and installs it himself (to the headache of the building maintenance guy who's in charge of that area). After it's done, he brings it up on a dinner date.

"Darling," he starts with an uncharacteristically hesitant tone gracing his voice. "Would you like to... sleep with me tonight?"

The last piece of baguette in your hand fails to meet your lips. "Sleep with you?" you ask. You avert your gaze shyly. "Um... you mean..."

"No," Wriothesley cuts. "No. I meant just that. Sleeping together in one bed. Just... cuddling to sleep or something." He sighs and takes your free hand into his. "I won't force you if you're not ready."

You squeeze his hand, your thumb caressing his gloved knuckles. "Well... to be honest, I've been thinking about it too," you admit, a blush creeping up your cheeks. "But I don't think the couch is a good place to do it."

A smug smile blooms on his lips. "Not to worry. I've installed a nice, big bed in my bedroom."

One of your eyebrows quirk up at the mention of a bedroom. "You... have a bedroom?"

"Of course I do. I just never thought of using it until you came along and stole my heart," he says with a smirk.

You smile at his flirting. "Hmm, the bedroom should thank me for bringing back its master."

"Sure, sure," he chuckles.

"All right. Let me finish my baguette first, Sir Duke," you tease. "Then you can show me how nice your bedroom is."

That night, you drift off to the first peaceful sleep you've had in years, huddled up under a warm blanket with your beloved's arms wrapped securely around your body.

© @risustravelogue 2023 • no to reposting, yes to reblogging. feel free to send an ask to suggest, chat, etc. :)

[yuzukahibiscus]

ALL THAT TAKARAZUKA — Done only by Flower Troupe, a performance packed with so much character

(Source from VISA magazine June Issue (2021) "Augustus -The Illustrious One- / Cool Beast!!")

A rich sensibility, a delicate heart for acting. Holding a combination of an innate glamorous aura and a sharp wildness of charms  – Yuzuka Rei.

In this performance led by such Top Star, this is her partner Hana Yuuki's graduation performance, a two-set production that is filled with the bond of the Top Combi (couple). 

​​Please don't miss out on the overflowing charms of current Flower Troupe in this performance.

The first Roman emperor, Octavius. How did he acclaim the title of "Augustus (The Illustrious One)" as an emperor? Yuzuka Rei will play the role Octavius in the Flower Troupe performance "Augustus - The Illustrious One" with such history as the base. He was said to be an emperor that was handsome, a man with an overwhelming beauty and captivating aura. A polite young man who doesn't like conflicts against his political rivals, he was nominated by his great uncle – Roman's first dictator in life – Caesar to be his successor and (Octavius) walks his steps carefully in the face of dissension.

"Octavius is a wise man who leaves behind a sophisticated political model. Even someone like him would be immersed in his emotions, and he experienced growth from the many people who taught him along the way. This is already his charm."

​Also, that expression when he is known to be king, it overlaps with that of the Top Star Yuzuka Rei.

"I believe I'm still growing and learning, so I really feel the air/vibe from this role. How should I walk my steps, where should I look forward to my goals, I feel like this production really taught me these various things."

Even though "taking" Octavius is a difficult role, (Yuzuka's) very delicate in portraying the parts for the gentleness and approach to her partner. Among those, the impression remains when (Octavius) lost Caesar and his eyes was bred with hatred.

​​"Hatred is, a hidden emotion that could happen very strongly against rivals, that it burns like fire. When wishes, hope and dreams are taken over by ambition, before they become true, they would turn into hatred. All of these flow of emotions is the point of this production.

​Top Musumeyaku Hana Yuuki plays (the role) Pompeia, who enters the scene consumed in hatred and delivers a strong impact. As a political rival, Pompeia wanted to take Caesar's life. Hana retires from Takarazuka Revue in this production. Octavius and Pompeia share a soulful connection, making us recall the many famous works that this combi have been in relationships of.

From a soldier developed to Caesar's righthand man, Seto Kazuya, who's also retiring​ in this performance, plays the role of Antonius. As a man that's filled with ambition and a mature appeal imprinted in his bones, Seto gets to show her real colours. Nagina Ruumi of Senka plays the role of Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII. With a unique presence as otokoyaku, their love story paint depths into the plot.

Also from Senka is Natsumi You, who plays the role of Caesar. This musical summarizes him as "ancient Rome's greatest careerist" that sways the hearts of the people. Octvaius' assistant is Agrippa, played by Minami Maito. As Yuzuka's classmate, she plays a great ally (of Octavius) that "breathes the ways he does". Troubled with frustrated thoughts towards Caesar, who later also assassinates him is Brutus, played by Towaki Sea. Oto Kurisu's vocals and Seino Asuka's heart in acting also leaves an impression.

Another side is "Cool Beast!!", a show that talks about the story with the theme of beast. Yuzuka says, "This is a show that there are so many scenes with energy and power, fantasy, comical, jesting, with so many expressions involved".

Yuzuka says that the scene she especially want to see is her "longtime dream" – her barefoot dance, and her number with Seto.

"Usually, the otokoyaku would be wearing shoes that are tightened to the ankles. But now that I'm free with barefoot, the space where I could move and jump is vastly different. I love to roam free on the stage and feel the music freely."

For the latter, it is a bewitching number worth watching that has a shared scene with Seto in a rich mature appeal. What's more, there's also an intensive beasts dance, where there is a dance battle of Yuzuka and Minami, who's proud of her superb dancing; and a midnight jungle motif with a beguiling chuuzume. Giving a special appearance in the performance is Miho Keiko from Senka with her vocals. This is not just a performance to see how Yuzuka presents her body to dance, but also (a show) with numbers of vibrant charms. This is an original two-set performance that could only be done by Flower Troupe. The performance opens at Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from May 28 to July 4, (2021).

[melia-an2fa]

i think this is hands down still my favorite screencap i ever got from a miitopia playthrough. i made kurisu and okabe the prickly couple in neksdor because i thought it would be funny and kinda cute i did not KNOW that the prickly husband would send a letter saying "ever wish you could travel back in time" so this was just. world's happiest accident.

[mydisenchantedeulogy]

Mirror Image [Chapter One] Hands of Time [Sesshomaru]

A/n: Updates on this story will probably be extremely slow. I apologize for that. And tags will be added as the story progresses.

Aspects of this story came from 'The Secret of the Cursed Mask'. It was one of my favorite InuYasha games. Please enjoy.

Warning(s): Japanese mythology and folklore, reincarnation, deities, demons, curses, self-worth, supernatural elements, isekai.

No Minors Allowed!!

Spring in Kyoto was nigh, yet the early February air was dry and chilly. Aono disliked this type of weather. Or rather her skin did. It was the reason she carried lip balm and moisturizer in her tote bag, along with her textbooks. Despite the temperature, and her desire to hide in her room until March, she had much to do. 

As a private tutor, her schedule was booked. Midterms were in 3 months and some of her students were eager to start reviewing the material. Aono honestly did not mind. She had 2 months until she enrolled in the university and the extra Yen she was earning would help her considerably. 

So far, her temporary job was going rather well. She had two clients scheduled for today, and both completed their lessons early. Aono was currently on her way home. She wanted to rest before dark when Setsubun began, a bean-throwing festival meant to drive away evil spirits. This event meant a lot to her grandparents and so she did her best to assist them. 

Aono tightened her green wool coat around herself as a bitter wind tossed her long hair, opting to make a stop for a cup of green tea. Entering Amano Coffee, she recognized her friend behind the cashier's desk and waved to her. Yua waved back heartily and smiled.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" She asked. 

Aono smiled back and approached the counter. 

"I came for a cup of warm green tea."

Yua faked a pout. 

"I thought this was merely a social visit. I see how it is."

"You can work and talk at the same time," Aono retorted.

She was right. Yua snorted and prepared the tea maker.

"Are you excited for the festival?"

Aono sighed. She was in a sense, but she was far too busy to attend.

"I can't go, unfortunately," she answered. "Jiichan (grandpa) was asked to bless Kyōzō Shrine and he wants me to assist him."

"He's really pushing the shrine maiden thing, isn't he?" Yua asked, giving her a sympathetic look before she returned to the task at hand. 

He was.

"Okaachan (mom) was a Miko before she married my father. He wants me to follow in her footsteps," Aono remarked.

Eimi became a shrine maiden when she was nineteen, but Aono did not want to work at a shrine. She wanted to make something of herself, but honestly, she had no idea what she wanted to do.

I still have time to decide before the spring semester starts.

"It's your move. If you want to be a Miko, that's fine, but if you don't, you should speak up," Yua stated. 

She snapped a lid on top of the paperboard cup and sat it on the counter. 

"Besides, even if you become a Miko, I'll still be your best friend. But don't ask me to come visit you at one of those old creepy shrines."

Aono snorted. 

"Of course."

Yua really was a great friend. 

Reaching into her short black hair, she unfastened a heart-shaped pin from her bangs and offered it to Aono; the latter raised a curious brow.

"Your hair's a mess. You look like a Ushirogami," Yua teased. 

Aono took the pin from her and stuck out her tongue. The wind outside was bitter and feral. It wasn't her fault her hair was in her face. But she was no less thankful to Yua.

–

Around dusk, as Setsubun began, Aono dressed in a sweater, jeans, and her wool coat. She clipped her hair back on one side with the pin Yua gave her, then grabbed her tote bag and walked downstairs. Her grandparents waited for her in the kitchen.

Kurisu Kamiyama eyed her through her oval-shaped glasses for a moment, then returned to adjusting the white linen jōe her husband wore.

"Are you ready to visit the shrine?” She asked Aono. 

"I suppose,” the latter retorted. 

Kurisu narrowed her eyes and glanced at her husband, who sighed.

"I know this is not something you like, Aono, but Eimi and Isao wanted this for you,” Seiji stated. "We are just following your parents' wishes.”

If only I were old enough to remember them. 

Both died in a car crash when Aono was a baby. She had nothing but pictures to remember them by; parents she did not even know. 

Even so, she doubted that they would force their wishes upon her. This was what her grandparents wanted for her.

"I understand,” Aono uttered. "It's just…taking some time for me to come to terms with.” 

It meant working at a shrine and undergoing a comprehensive training program that she was not sure she was ready for. Aono could not express her worries to her grandparents; they were unreasonable.

Seiji guffawed.

"Eimi was scared too at first, but I took her to Kyōzō Shrine when she was your age, and after talking to the Kannushi, she wanted to be a Miko. All things worked out fine.” 

Aono wasn't so sure. 

When her grandfather was dressed, he put on his peaked cap and gathered his haraegushi, a ceremonial wand with paper streamers, and then led her from the house outside. The strong sweet odor of roasted sardines and holly sprigs flooded the air as Aono passed the gate, a sign that her grandmother had decorated it with them to scare away Oni.

She walked silently with her grandfather up the hillside beside their home to the top where an old curve-roofed shrine sat. Two vermilion Torii gates stood before them, beckoning for them to enter, and on either side stood three smaller buildings. Two were houses for the shrine maidens and the Kannushi, and the other was a store room. 

In the eighteen years that she lived with her grandparents, she had only been to the shrine twice. She knew the Kannushi, Mr. Kenshiro because her grandfather and he were close friends, but she never knew much about the shrine.

"Jiichan. What sort of shrine is this?” Aono asked.

"It was built during the Nanbokucho era, dedicated to a deity who was said to protect her followers from evil spirits and demons. However, it was revealed that the source of the demons came from her. The shrine was later abandoned during the early Sengoku era and the deity was long forgotten,” Seiji explained. 

Aono widened her eyes. 

"She was a demon?”

"Some believe that, but the people who worshiped her believed that she was born from a God, which made her a deity. So long as the village prayed to her, she did not harm them,” Seiji answered. "It is the reason our family continues to bless this shrine. Some fear that if the blessings stop the Goddess of Protection will return and bring with her misfortune.”

How frightening. 

Aono understood how important this was to her grandparents. The hillside in which they lived has been in their family for generations. Perhaps even her ancestors were worshippers of the deity.

At the purification fountain near the shrine’s entrance, Seiji took one of the ladles provided and rinsed his hands.

 

"I want you to remain outside as I go into the inner shrine. Once I am done, I will take you to see Kenshiro,” Seiji ordered. 

Aono nodded in understanding. 

Her grandfather then rinsed his mouth and spit the water beside the fountain. Once he was done, he led Aono up the stairs to the entrance. 

"Behave,” he ordered, before he walked into the shrine. 

She nearly snorted. What sort of trouble could she even get into? Aono took an uneasy breath and turned her back to the entrance. Her breath came out in puffs as she breathed, ignoring the chilly bite of the night air. It was odd, but the shrine almost felt abandoned. 

Where were Mr. Kenshiro and the shrine maidens? 

Aono shivered in fear. The story her grandfather told her was messing with her head a bit. 

Walking away from the shrine, she noticed a weathered statue of a woman at the base of the stairs. Her face was gone, faded by the elements, but she was dressed like a deity.

Aono bent down to examine it a bit more, but a noise caught her attention. She looked up to see a dark-haired woman dressed in a green kimono standing near the storehouse. She held a paper lantern in her hand that emanated a soft glow. Fear took hold of Aono, but she quickly overcame it, telling herself that the woman was most likely one of the shrine maidens.

"You scared me,” she mentioned. 

"I am sorry,” the woman stated. "I was just retrieving something from the storeroom. Would you mind helping me?”

Aono was hesitant. She felt a bit suspicious of the woman, but she pushed aside her worries and nodded. What harm could come from it?

 

"You know, I was beginning to think no one was here.”

The woman laughed.

"We are always here.” 

"Sure,” Aono uttered. 

She was a bit weirded out by her.

The woman opened the storeroom door and walked inside. The only source of light came from her lantern, so Aono had to hurry to catch up with her before she was left alone in the dark. 

Selves of items sat against the walls as they wandered further into the room. At the back wall, on a table, the woman turned and pointed with a slim finger to something. It appeared to be a small box with an amulet attached to it. 

"That is it. Can you pick it up for me?”

Aono raised a curious brow.

"Am I allowed? I mean…it seems sacred. I don't think I should–”

"Pick it up,” the woman ordered. 

What was up with her? 

Aono narrowed her eyes and grabbed the box off the table but as soon as she did, a burning sensation engulfed her face, and she dropped it onto the floor. Crying out in pain, she placed her hands against her heated skin, but no sooner had it started, than it stopped.

What just happened? 

Aono peeked out from between her fingers and to her horror, the amulet tied around the box had come done. The woman grinned eerily and leaned down to pick it up, taking off the top. Inside was the distal phalanx of a finger bone. There was something seriously off about this situation. 

Taking a step back, the teen gasped as the dark-haired woman reached out and grabbed her by the arm. Even though she was wearing a long-sleeved sweater and a wool coat, she could feel an icy chill creep up her skin.

"Let me go,” Aono ordered sternly, attempting to pull her arm back.  

She did not think the woman would do it. 

With her arm free, Aono stumbled back. She caught her balance and sneered at the woman. But to her horror, the lantern she was holding began to shake. A cut formed in the middle, running horizontally, and when it parted, a long and grotesque tongue protruded from it. Then a single bloodshot eye opened above the mouth, turning to her. 

Aono gasped. She turned to run, but the tongue shot out and wrapped around her leg, knocking her off balance and to the floor. Turning onto her back, she leaned up on her elbows and watched the woman turn and dislocate the bones in her arms with a sickening crack, turning them around her back like a contortionist. 

She sank to the floor and crawled up Aono’s body, pushing her back onto the floor. The hair around her head began to rise, revealing an open mouth that contained sharp needle-like teeth on the back of her head. 

Aono attempted to push the woman off her, but the hair took hold of her arms and shoved them onto the floor on either side of her head. A thick lock coiled around her neck like a snake and tightened, making Aono gasp for air.

This thing was going to choke her to death.

Struggling, Aono watched through teary eyes as the woman removed the distal phalanx from the box and lifted it to her mouth.

"Swallow it,” the woman ordered. 

Was she insane? 

Aono tightened her jaw in protest. But the mouth on the back of the woman’s head opened up and screeched obscenely, making Aono cry out in tremendous pain. The two-mouthed woman took the chance to slither locks into her mouth and shove the finger bone down her throat. 

Choking on the foreign object, Aono felt the woman release her and back away. She wasted no time and sat, trying to remove the finger from her mouth, but it was far too late. An intense pain overtook her, and she collapsed to the floor, writhing. It felt like every nerve in her body was on fire.  

Something was not right.

"Jii…chan,” she managed to cry.

It was too much. Darkness took hold of her and she fell unconscious as the hands of time turned in reverse.  

[thegodcyclecomic]

Hello! I wanted to drop in and say thank you so much for your comic! I really enjoy reading it! I'm eagerly awaiting the next update.

I like asking about inspirations and character creation, and the character that really captured my heart was Athena. I think you once mentioned her design is modeled after Kurisu? Were there other sources of inspiration you use for Athena?

I found how you wrote characteristics of Athena rarely discussed from Greek myths into your story - it was so refreshing to read! It made me go on an Athena binge for a time.

Thanks again for writing and drawing a cool story!

Thank you!!! It makes me really happy to know that people read my comic and enjoy my interpretation of Greek mythology :")

Yes, looks-wise Athena is inspired by Kurisu from Steins; Gate. For the most part, this was subconscious on my part until I remembered that I had watched the show before designing her, and when I thought about an "intelligent woman with daddy issues" Kurisu was what popped into my head. It also helped that Kurisu had a similar disposition for the kind of unemotional woman I imagined Athena to be.

(for those not familiar with the anime/visual novel, this is what Kurisu looks like)

Personality-wise, I had to think a lot about the kind of person Athena is and her characterization. It was really difficult for me at first because she's actually very complex in the canon, this is because her personality is dictated by her domains of warcraft and politics so I had to read up on a lot of theory regarding that. The main idea was that Athena is intended to be an idealistic but machiavellian character. Her intentions and end goals are good and look to the benefit of the majority but her methods of achieving them are morally dubious (this is supported by her actions taken in the Iliad and Epic Cycle).

Makima (Chainsaw Man)

Makima is very manipulative and does not hesitate to use violence to achieve her ends. When asked about her motivations by Kirishibe she replies something to the effect of, "do you think the Prime Minister of Japan would make a contract with such an evil Devil?" implying that her actions were motivated by issues of national security. The ending of season 1 reveals Makima to be a pitiful and lonely woman who was powerful, but lacked a true equal.

2. Homura Akemi (Madoka Magica Rebellion)

The reasons for this are [REDACTED].

3. Violet Evergarden (Violet Evergarden)

I thought a lot about Athena's lack of childhood and how her earliest life experiences involved killing (Pallas) and war and it reminded me of this character. Violet only sees herself as a weapon instead of a human, and being surrounded by violence has desensitized her to it, making her emotionally stunted. The part where she asks in the first episode, "What is love?" really cemented this idea for me. I also borrowed some elements of her relationship with Gilbert for Athena and Ares (minus the squicky age gap and power dynamic).

3. Clavis Shepherd (Genocidal Organ)

Shepherd is an intelligent and introspective Black operative assassin for the US government, in both the novel and film adaptation his insight into the military and politics reminded me of Athena. I found the way he suffers and experiences PTSD to be very compelling, as well as his relationship with Lucia and killing.

Why wouldn’t someone just tell me that I was a murderer? That I was a killer? I wanted someone other than this counselor to tell me that I had shed real blood, killed real people, of my own real free will. I wanted to feel what I felt during battle, staring over the edge of the precipice into the abyss. I didn’t need any counseling. What I needed was punishment. I needed someone who could punish me. I desperately wanted to be punished for all the crimes I had committed. -Excerpt from the Genocidal Organ novel written by Project Itoh

4. 2B (Nier Automata)

Very similar to the Violet Evergarden example, I wanted to explore the mindset of a "living weapon" whose only way of connecting to another person (Ares) is through the context of war.

Everything that lives is designed to end. We are perpetually trapped in a never-ending spiral of life and death. Is this a curse? Or some kind of punishment? I often think about the god who blessed us with this cryptic puzzle…and wonder if we'll ever get the chance to kill him.

The Athena in canon has so many dimensions to her that I could go on discussing it at length if you wish for me to do so in the future. I hope these inspirations give you a good idea of the direction which I want to explore her character and expand on what's already written in the original.

I'm generally not a fan of the popular/fan interpretation of Athena because I think it is often full of acephobic, misogynistic, or oversimplified generalizations about her character. Making her into an over glorified NPC quest giver or someone who simply helps others out of the goodness of her heart ignores 90% of her characterization. It's also extremely boring and centers her entire role around serving various male figures (that being either Zeus or some other hero/demigod) when she always had her own agenda and thngs going on for her.

Thank you for reading The God Cycle and I hope you'll stick around for the upcoming season finale!

[wandapinkay]

As a cis person, I don’t mean to speak for trans people when I say this, but I actually thought Luka in the OG Steins;Gate was very good trans representation. Even if Luka was technically cis in the worldline where she became a girl, I honestly forgot that she was cis and not just someone who transitioned in that worldline while watching. When Kurisu was defending her from Okabe’s thoughtless but well-meaning comments about her being a guy, it felt like I was watching a cis girl defend her trans friend from transphobia. And then later when Ruka gave up her pager number and resigned herself to becoming a guy again, it was made VERY clear in the show that giving up the gender she identified with was the hardest thing she’d ever had to do in her life, and that she was giving up a part of herself that made her feel complete. I was moved. It helped me empathize a lot with people who experience body dysphoria.

And though I did feel that there was no excuse for Ruka not getting to identify as a girl in S;G0 since it was a sequel, I can’t help but say, that’s just Japan for you. I mean, even now in 2024 we’re only just starting to get yuri animes where the characters explicitly use the word “lesbian” to refer to themselves (nobody better fact check me for this because I stole that from someone else’s post). People forget what it was like in 2009. Trans characters simply did not exist on TV unless they were lascivious drag queens or goofy transvestite characters played for laughs. And heck, even when I was still in school back in 2016, trans people were still called “transsexuals” and there were only three sexualities and two genders.

So for a Japanese VN that came out in 2009, I thought Steins;Gate was pretty damn good trans rep.

Completely valid view tbh! I was still shocked that, despite some unsavory moments, there was still an "attempt" to make Luka what she wanted to be in the end without her being judged for it! I'm sure trans people viewing Luka were feeling seen, and I've heard of people realizing they were trans because of her and that's awesome! And surely there's media that have trans people as laughing stock, but it's still a shame that Steins;Gate has "moments" like that in a way.. One thing that bothers me more though is not only how she was written per say, is how people fetishize her trope, those are the bottom of the barrel hands down. And people that justify her not being canonically trans because the creator didn't say otherwise, it's just an excuse to be transphobic. And I think in that case is just people being assholes, but surely Japan normalizing the trope like that isn't helping either. Still, thank you for the ask! Have a great day :D

[i23kazu]

hello ying, i'd like to report a strike for @risustravelogue ✨ (idk if it counts since it's a private server but i got her consent to report so i thought why not 👹)

KURISU NOOOO aishhh that's a strike for kurisu.