#nirai kanai

[fandomrouletteburrito]

Thinking about how in Tsubasa after reading the entire story how it changes how you feel about all the arcs. Spoilers for the ending and Nirai Kanai and xxxHolic below

There is no happiness in the way the arcs end especially once they reach Tokyo end, there is a sense of completeness but never like: ah yes we are happy now.

The best they get is a sense of satisfaction at having reached the goal and saving people but you know the final goal could potentially take decades and is seemingly endless and that is daunting for the cast.

And once shit starts hitting the fan theres nothing but tragedy after tragedy, the loss of Syaoran, Fai’s near death, Sakura’s loneliness and powerlessness, Kurogane’s anxiety for the other shoe to drop, the ENTIRETY OF CELES, knowing theyre all trying to cope as best as they can but every world they’ve visited since Tokyo has only faced a massacre in Clone!Syaoran’s wake and how traumatizing it is and the pain of knowing he would never do it if he was in control. Not to mention Clone!Syaoran’s inner conflict of knowing deep down he loves Sakura but despite the soul he made it takes losing her WATCHING her DIE to finally bring him to the front however briefly it is.

And in the final end, Clone!Sakura and Clone!Syaoran remain in a state of limbo, kind of dead if we’re being brutally honest.

Like Tsubasa isn’t a story of a happy ending, it’s literally just coping with tragedy and loss. And I think this is what makes me love it so much, that yes all four survived but the cost was two main characters. Its not a satisfying ending, its just tragic, after suffering so much and setting everything right and even being able to live in the original timeline, the two beings that helped them survive this long don’t get to be in this happy ending. Syaoran sacrified his parents, his childhood, his freedom, his time, his chance at a normal life and he still doesn’t get to be with his Sakura all the time. Clone! Syaoran himself said there was a timeline where Sakura and Syaorn can never be together and the knowledge that there was going to be an even worse timeline is so horrific after all that suffering…

And if we want to get into Nirai Kanai, I think this is the only part of Tsubasa I outright sobbed, the cruelty of Syaoran SEEING Clone!Syaoran or his father and needing to FIGHT him and him STAYING DEAD, was so painful. How much Syaoran didn’t want to do it but he had no choice. Not to mention Watanuki had to do the same with Yuuko to help Syaoran(they really do be the same person huh?)

[f1lms4ever]

Letters from Kanai Nirai [2005] dir. by Naoto Kumazawa

[hoesamo]

No Wonder Why You’re Bitchless, Teda

[oratokyosaigunda]

Shakunetsu no Niraikanai series banner

[justlarkin]

I'm interested in how the hierarchy of Nirai Kanai works in comparison to it's influence. In Ryukyuan culture, the noros or priestesses were highly respected, usually even more than the king or government. It's believed that Kinmamon was able to possess noros in general, but it can also be specified to the highest ranking priestess or the kikoe-ōgimi, so Kinmamon should've been very important.

...But Teda only refers to them as just another priestess. In fact, the priestesses actually serve him, and presumably the rest of the Sun Kings. Which yeah, this would be normal on it's own, but I think it gets more interesting when you point out that Kinmamon does and gets away with things that a servant shouldn't. Teda even said that Kinmamon blatantly ignored him and refused to follow his orders more than once. Which she probably could've gotten away with due to Teda being a masochist and letting it happen, but they clearly weren't afraid of the possible repercussions when they did it in the first place.

The lack of disciplinary action paired with the fact that Kinmamon most likely had the ability to see the future based on their mythos and the subtle moment in Holy Night Gangstar, makes me wonder if Kinmamon was actually more of a babysitter there to use their ability to keep Teda safe.

[kairunatic]

Not the same anon of the 4 star title, but using the housamo exile gdrive document from @justlarkin i came with this half baked titles list from the remaining exiles. given how whe dont know anything of Heliopolis yet, i didnt put anything.

15: The Erudite from Gehenna (Faust) 16: The Social Pariah from Great Spirit (Heyoka) 17: The shining Warrior of Tir na NOg (Lugh) 18: The underworld poeth of Kizeth (Veles) 19: The master of storms of Aaru (Seth) 20: The militar hunter of Xanadu (Janmukha) 21: The peace hero of Yggdrasil (Freyr) 22: The Sea Maiden of Nirai Kanai (Kinmamon)

I Thought Heyoka would be called Jester but that actually works

[neapocream]

Still not over the fact that Kinmamon (Nirai Kanai Exiled) took one look at Teda and left.

This why my crushes stay crushes

[leaderoffestivals]

Submarine Ch 25: Nirai Kanai (1) Ch 12

Kuro: “I ain’t obliged to personally intervene in any way whatsoever, but if it gets to the point where I can’t stand to watch ya go on like that anymore, that’s when I’ll step in, by force, if necessary”―you just pass that message on to Mikejima.

Chiaki: Hahaha. “That’s my line”―Mikejima-san says. 

Season: Winter Author: Akira Characters: Morisawa Chiaki, Kiryu Kuro (+Madara on the phone)

<The next day at noon. RYUSEITAI and AKATSUKI are having a showdown on a sandy beach somewhere in Okinawa.>

Chiaki: ―Yes. And that's why all of us are fine now, Mikejima-san. This was all just an unfortunate misunderstanding; just a minor incident, in fact.

And although I'm still somewhat concerned about that piece of suspicious misinformation, I've already taken appropriate countermeasures―

Umu, and that’s why I’ve borrowed a phone from a local resident who shouldn't have have any connections to ES whatsoever――

―And making this call to you through this secure line your mother gave me, Mikejima-san. If I do it like this, I bet even ES would have no way of interfering with it, right? 

There’s still a possibility that someone might be eavesdropping on this call, but still, it’s impossible for ES to alter the content of our conversation in any way. That should be so, at least. That’s what Mikejima-san’s mother told me―

Eh? Why do you have my mother’s contact information―you ask? Well, the reason isn’t anything special. We happened to meet each other by chance at a bookstore a long time ago where she called out to me――

―and introduced herself very politely, saying, "Thank you for always looking after my son", and then, we started chatting about our favourite books.

After that, she said she was tired of walking and that her legs hurt, so I invited her to my home to rest a while―― 

Chiaki: Hmm? That’s the modus operandi of those guys (2) who get close to con you―you say?  Saying ‘those guys’ to refer to your own mother―that’s just way too cold, isn't it? 

It looks like you’ve got a difficult relationship with your family, Mikejima-san, but still, it would be a good thing for you to visit them every now and then to put their hearts at ease, you know?  

Your parents seem really forlorn because of this, and they’re very worried about you, too. 

Besides, Mikejima-san's younger sister often asks me, "Is my big brother doing okay?"

―Eh? Well, I often chat with your sister at a fan-website where tokusatsu geeks gather... … She seems to really stan the villain characters of the series, like the monsters and bad guys―

Kuro: ―Oi. We’re in the middle of work right now, Morisawa, so don't be standin’ there havin’ private chit-chats about monsters and what-not.

Chiaki: Ah, no, the context of this conversation’s closer to that of a business call―

I felt it necessary to give Mikejima-san an account of the religious incident that Kanata’s been involved in―

And if the news I shared were to be inexplicably tampered with again, it would lead to even more unnecessary and problematic misunderstandings, so I needed to use a secure way to get in touch with him. 

Kuro: Hmmm.. Well, I guess that’s necessary, yeah. After all, when it comes to the Shinkai religion, if Mikejima were to get involved, he’s way more likely to go on an even bigger rampage than our Kanzaki here. 

Chiaki: However, it seems like Mikejima-san’s been rampaging non-stop lately. It really worries me―

And during the SS Qualifying Rounds, he seemed to be exhibiting all sorts of puzzling, and even questionable behaviour… …

Kuro: I think he’s just thoroughly enjoyin’ himself, though―or I should say, this is just how Mikejima always is. However, that kind of crazy behaviour’s no different from those idiot street racers racin’ their modified bikes down the city highway. 

“I ain’t obliged to personally intervene in any way whatsoever, but if it gets to the point where I can’t stand to watch ya go on like that anymore, that’s when I’ll step in, by force, if necessary”―you just pass that message on to Mikejima. 

Chiaki: Hahaha. “That’s my line”―Mikejima-san says. 

Kuro: “AHh~? And who the heck do you think we are? There ain’t a chance in hell we’ll ever need ya to help out with anything”―you just tell him that. 

Chiaki: No, wait a minute. Kiryu, wouldn’t it be better if you say it directly to Mikejima-san instead? What’s the point of using me to pass messages for the both of you like some sort of go-between!?

Kuro: Haha. It sometimes ain't easy to say stuff like that directly too, ya get what I mean? 

Chiaki: It’s really difficult huh~, being boys, and all that~... …

Anyway, it isn’t good practice indeed to be talking on the phone indefinitely while at work. I’ve said whatever I had to say, so I’ll be ending the call now. 

Yes…, yes… … I know. I don't know where you are now, or what you're doing, Mikejima-san, but I hope you do your very best too. I’ll always be cheering for you. 

Yes, we'll be giving our all to achieve victory in the “RYUSEITAI vs AKATSUKI Fishing Idiots Showdown” now too ♪

Huh? Why are all of you involved in such a silly-sounding showdown―you ask? Well, I think it's great that we can determine who wins and loses in such a friendly manner, though~!

In other words, this is what everyone wished for―Peace, instead of war.

Translator’s Notes:

The title of this arc in Submarine is Nirai Kanai, which is used to refer to “the land of the gods” in Ryukyuan (Okinawan) religion. Nirai Kanai is the land of the gods, somewhat analogous to Heaven, and the place from which all life originates. It is worshipped facing eastward, as it is fabled to be somewhere in the Pacific Ocean. Gods from Nirai Kanai are said to have brought different crops and tools to the Ryukyuan people at different times.

Madara uses やつら (奴ら) yatsura to refer to his mother / parents. It translates to “those guys” which is cold enough, but in JP it’s also used to speak of others in a casual / derogatory way, which is why Chiaki is especially bothered by it. 

I translated this cos I just realised Submarine is coming to EN tonight.

[izartn]

I would love a fic where the Tsubasa crew ended up in the RG Veda world after all the canon happened, and end up passing a few days with Yasha and Ashura.

If we go by post canon Tsubasa, this means it's only Syaoran, Kurogane and Fai, but that's fine by me too. I prefer them all settled on their skin.

Imagine those three finding again Yasha and Ashura, only this time the two are alive and together as their counterparts in the country of Shura/Shara wished, and still gods, but at the cost of loosing everything else. I imagine it's be a very bittersweet feeling.

Imagine the Tsubasa trio (and oh, syaoran only has the memories but he never really met Ashura in person after all. maybe he takes care of remembering everything to tell his parents when he gets them back. the end of the shara arc was so melancholic and sad),

Imagine the Tsubasa trio swapping stories with the RG Veda duo, and the surprise and sad happiness at the recognition of their past companions names, living other lives, happy lives, in other worlds without them. Just the duo reaction to Kendappa being the ruler of Nihon, with Souma as her loyal retainer and a little sister to take care of and spoil, and Ryu having been a close friend of past Syaoran in Outo and also Souma of that world, and misterious Kujaku who helped Syaoran and the rest in Nirai Kanai, still someone of great power and kind nature.

I would love to read it if written skillfully, it could lead to pain, like Ashura deciding it was due to not being born in those places that everything went well, and Yasha reasuring them that it has nothing to do with anything. Maybe TRC-trio revealing what happened in the Shura-Shara world, that they were kind if misguided and people were happy with their rulers and remembered them for centuries.

They both died at the end of course, but given this is the og RG Veda counterparts, Ashura letting go of life after realising there would be no bringing Yasha back makes perfect rational sense to them. It was what Yasha intended to do in this world if there was no bringing back Ashura alive to themself.

Fai getting chills when TRC gets the resumed story of what went wrong in this world and it starts with Ashura going, my father Ashura-ou heard a profecy that I would... I don't think Fai says anything to them? But getting a conversation with Kurogane about the like good of it being the same Ashura-ou who raised him and fucked him up at the same time, and brought the destruction of Ceres by the end... Some startling parallels there, CLAMP did well in choosing the figure of Ashura-ou for Fai father. Didn't our Ashura also had a twin who was killed at birth or something? Or just the living half brother?

Maybe Fai does end up talking a bit with Ashura about the madness of Ashura-ou. And the fucked up thing about destinies and curses that others impose on you. And being saved by meeting their guys and a new family.... And then it gets melancholic and a but sad ;_;

But I belive that Yasha and Ashura are living incognito between humans, although without mingling much, so this visit from the TRC crew maybe makes them realise that although their lives are short, both of them deserve to care and be cared for their new friends and neighbors. Leave them in a better please than the desolation of, at least we both have each other for ever and ever of RG Veda ending, please. More like, without you by my side I wouldn't be able to enjoy life, but together we can be happy and meet new people and new places and help others.

Syaoran telling Sakura about this world, Kurogane and Fai meeting the true Yasha after his feather fake on Shura and realising how much was missing and not, and the measure of the love that's it's there across dimensions and lives for these disasters, Fai and Ashura awkwardly bonding, Syaoran realising this Ashura has never been a ruler of anyone and how that affects then, Yasha being a bit distant from these weirdos who galled through the sky until they sit talking and then warming up bc he's fond of their devotion and follow through, etc, etc.

Just. All these people meeting and being themselves, and the funny realization that Yasha and Ashura had been very powerful and/or gods the two times they've met, deciding the future of their worlds. That nobody is ever all gone.

Lovely lovely.

Of course I also want more Yasha/Ashura fic in general, but also more tsubasa proper crossovers with other clamp verses, or other canons in general so this scenario is like catnip for me, specially considering the arc of shara/shura which adds the extra knowledge for the TRC trio here.

[zablionsea]

I went on the tangent in the shower of trying to decide what Puzzle & Dragons Z teams NOISZ characters would have. So… yeah?

(NOISZ Ignition and re:||VERSE spoilers ahead)

(Puzzle & Dragons Z main story and post-game spoilers ahead)

Remora

(Leader) Stormy Sea Dragon, Levia (Water) - Levia is a recommended lead for defensive mono-Water teams. Why a defensive (basically) mono-Water team, though? Besides the fact that it fit Guivre Chimera well? After what happened with Stornel, Remora has to be cautious. Considering the devastating consequences for upsetting Gaius or Arietta too much, she can't afford to act ethically until the end of re:||VERSE. She has to prioritize her survival over doing what she feels is right. So, I think a defensive team fits well for that reason.

Dark Blue Skydragon, Nirai Kanai (Water) - A Skydragon given life by cursed technology and filled with hatred? Hmmm, that kinda reminds me of Void Beasts.

Guivre Chimera (Water) - I hope it's obvious why I'm giving Remora, the character who transforms into a chimera when you fight her, the chimera monster.

Death Scissors (Water) - Death Scissors was used by Team Paradox members, and Antiphon gives me a Team Paradox vibe. Plus, we've already got a few water monsters going on here, so why not complete the mono-Water defensive team?

Guardian Dragon, Avalon Drake (Wood) - Avalon Drake, formerly protecting the Skydragons, was defeated and manipulated by the Dragon King Avalon. In this evolved form, it was forced to absorb energy from Orbs extracted from the earth. The process of obtaining these Orbs destroyed the lands greatly. The Orbs granted Avalon Drake twice its former power, but it broke its spirit. Being manipulated around by a defeat and forced to hurt people? That sounds familiar…

Its lack of synergy with the other monsters on the team? Of course, that just happened to be that way, but it could represent the conflict between wanting to help her friends and being under blackmail.

Beyond

Beyond seems like the kind of person to try to have a well-balanced team (like, 5-color) and then pick what monsters based on personal preference.

(Leader) Mui-Mui (Flame) - Beyond is the character associated with Dancer Style, which is an assistive style meant to help those who struggle with timing the shot/shield inputs or pressing buttons repetitively for long periods of time. Mui-Mui's skill shows you how to make combos, providing somewhat equivalent assistance.

Tree Dragon, Kukunochi (Wood) - Morigon, one of its preevolutions, is described as having a big appetite (note Beyond's seemingly infinite metabolism and love for sweets). It's a bit of a daydreamer but very reliable, like how Beyond, according to the re:||VERSE art/lyrics book, is a bit naturally silly but shows a colder, tougher side of her personality in tricky situations. Kukunochi is a kind monster, seeking to uphold peace in the woods and bring new life wherever it goes. Beyond wants to bring peace to her and Arietta's chaotic lives.

Deep-Sea Dragon, Abyss (Water) - Another True Dragon whose preevolution is described as kind-hearted in some way. Abyss is rather reclusive, living far out of reach of any human being. This reminds me of the RE:||PARATION ending of re:||VERSE, in which Beyond becomes extremely isolated, shutting people out for days at a time, and even for someone she cares dearly like Remora, shuts her out occasionally too. (As well, Abyss pairs nicely with Remora's Levia, I think. The two are, like, halfway to being considered a couple. They deserve matching monsters at that point.)

Viciousdragon Helheim (Dark) - This monster is very frequently used by Dogma, the leader of Team Paradox, the villainous organization of Puzzle & Dragons Z. It turns out that Dogma was ultimately being manipulated by Enigma, who uses what Dogma set up to seize power and return to his role as the Dragon King Avalon. Although, he was separated from his body long ago and inhabits a different form.

I feel like that has some parallels to Beyond's getting manipulated by Alpha in the form of Arietta's body and being so insistent upon her goals that she didn't realize something was wrong until far too late.

Dark Shining Divinegon (Light/Dark) - Representing Beyond's tragic, misguided heroism in Ignition and re:||VERSE. Someone whose light that pierces through the endless darkness has been steered into darkness itself. Beyond, so desperate to help her sister achieve her dreams, put their lives in danger. And desperate again to right that tragedy, followed a heartless, callous being without even realizing the sister she loved so much was no longer in control.

(or, instead of Divinegon) Life Skydragon, Zerclea (Light/Light) - I think it fits well with re:||BIRTH. Plus, it pairs nicely with Arkvelza. I can't have Zerclea in the same team as Divinegon because that's not allowed in PaDZ.

Arietta

Although her color scheme works great with mono-Fire, I'm actually going to have to go with mono-Dark for a few reasons.

(Leader) Dark Night Skydragon, Elysium (Dark) - Elysium's skill grants a turn of invincibility, which reminds me a lot of Arietta's Crash Style. Plus, she fits well with a few other dark monsters. Dark Elysium's lead skill multiplies attack for Dark monsters, being attack-oriented like Arietta's Mega Style. Dark Elysium was created with terrible technology, like the Void Beasts. Arietta was the one who insisted on using the NOISZ Beast technology on Noise Beasts, after all.

Immortal Dragon, Cursed Wyrm (Dark) - Cursed Wyrm's skill does more damage at higher HP, which fits well with Crash charged shots doing more damage at higher combo.

Anubisis (Dark) - Enigma uses this monster. Enigma has some parallels with Arietta in terms of their roles in the narrative. Also, its skill deals 4,444 damage. Haha, funny STARLIVHT number. And Arietta's the person that recruited them in NOISZ SL. Anubisis is the Producer theory confirmed/j.

Drawn Joker (Dark) - It has a mischievous look to it that fits Arietta's playful and impulsive personality well. (I would also like to add “Arietta is Joker character” theory as a justification for this)

Lightning Dark Tiamat (Dark/Light) - Representing Arietta's redemption arc in re:||VERSE. She's someone who's done terrible, horrific things who's now trying to correct those mistakes. A light finally breaking through a sea of seemingly never-ending darkness. Plus, a Dark orb changer is an essential member of a mono-Dark team. It's no good not to have enough Orbs to clear. You need those for damage and skill points.

(or, instead of Tiamat) Death Skydragon, Arkvelza (Dark/Dark) - Pairs nicely with Zerclea, which I think Beyond has. Arkvelza's skill lowers foes HP by a set percentage. But I mainly picked Arkvelza for theming. I can't have Arkvelza in the same team as Tiamat because that's not allowed in PaDZ.

Leader Monsters Only

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough ideas to make full teams for these folks. My apologies.

Stornel

Dimensional Guardian, Hellgate (Wood) - Stornel's soul guards one of the NOISZ's most powerful secrets: imprinting souls. He acts as both the gateway and guardian of imprinting, similar to how Hellgate is both a portal and monster.

or

Immortal Dragon, Cursed Wyrm (Dark) - It's a deceased dragon who was reanimated by dark magic and trapped in the shell of its body. “Now I'm trapped inside this shell, the world has turned to black around me” as Stornel might say in Quicksilver, I suppose.

Sora

Phoenix Knight, Homura (Flame) - It goes on with its blue flames? Yeah, sounds like Sora in his beast form.

Or

Garuda (Flame) - A very powerful phoenix that requires the rarest evolution material in the game (Ifrit Chip).

[ganglie-lover]

Exile Guesses

Bored so here’s my guesses for the unconfirmed exiles

Garo Demana: Iblis

The narration described Iblis as the “thought cutter”. Outside of a deliberate fake out, there’s no other reason to describe him as such.

Nirai Kanai: ???

Honestly they’re so vague about it, it’s hard to narrow it down to one person. It could be Ryujin, some sort of moon goddess, a priestess or a former sun god like Teda. My money’s on Ryujin since he’s an actual dragon but who knows.

Oceanic Realm: Tane/Kane

I’ve already described the relationship between Tane and Tangaroa in a pervious post.

Heliopolis: Atum

Granted, we don’t really know anything about Heliopolis. I only picked Atum because he was at the center of a cult in Heliopolis and is associated with serpents and the underworld like Seth.

Utopia: Frankenstein

The monster? The scientist? Some combination of the two? Who knows but it would make sense if the World Representative of Utopia really is based off of Mary Shelly like people have speculated.

[lilover131]

Chapter 64 Analysis

I’m sorry for being so late posting this!! I really did want to write this analysis sooner, however I got held up by an unexpected source. The English translated chapter was unavailable for download until today (it was never disclosed why this was so delayed), and I really did not want to write my thoughts using the red, blurry screenshots from the Youtube video on the official CLAMP channel. Now that I can have decent screenshots to outline things, I can finally write this properly!

This chapter was everything I had hoped for, and it leaves me so excited/scared for the future! Without further ado, let’s jump right in! -queue Chrissy listening to “Come into my Dream” by Foggy-

OMG, THIS COVER PAGE!! It’s so beautiful, and I absolutely love the way Syaoran is drawn in this color image. CLAMP wasted no time showing us the official colors of these outfits, which I’m sure will only serve to feed into the fanart (it certainly did for me!). I don’t have a lot more to say about it as there doesn’t appear to be any further symbolism to it that I can tell other than matching what is already going on. I love it nonetheless and have definitely turned it into a background for some of my devices. Haha!

 So I’ll start off by saying this….I was wrong. I feel like such an idiot for being so convinced that this black cat portrayal was not Syaoran and some magical entity, but it turns out I apparently know nothing about Syaoran and he is in fact an incredible actor. LOL. Honestly, I’m still so shook by it and how cool he’s acting! I’ll bet that Syaoran internally is embarrassed by this, but because this is clearly for Sakura and his classmates, he’s doing his absolute best and making it look easy!

 I’m proud of Syaoran for stepping up to do something he was clearly uncomfortable with, and his reasons for doing it really just continue to build on what a genuinely kind person he is. He realized that by doing only the voice, he was giving more work to others in animating the puppet, so he was in fact doing more harm than good. Syaoran really doesn’t like to give anyone a hard time, even for something as simple as animating a puppet, and it just melts my heart and how thoughtful he is! Of course the most important reason of all for him choosing to do this is to be closer to Sakura if something happens during the play. It seems that everyone senses something important is going to happen at this play, including Tomoyo, who explained that she had never put so much thought into costumes before, but that she did so because she felt that this play was special.

Watching from the trees, Kero and Suppi remark about how they feel the presence of magic, and Nakuru and Yukito exchange glances that express that they too, feel the same thing. Nothing has happened yet, but it seems everyone is on edge, and it’s easy to see why. I think we’re all honestly on edge waiting to see what happens. Haha! 

Syaoran jumps down from the pillar he was sitting on with expertise and impresses all his fellow classmates with his graceful athleticism, and I find Touya’s face to be absolutely hilarious when Syaoran gets so much applause. Touya certainly cares about him, but that doesn’t mean he likes him. Haha!

Syaoran and Sakura speak their lines, the black cat stating he was waiting for Alice, and that she had asked him to “guide her to the world she wanted to see”.  What Syaoran says next is awfully foreshadowing in nature, and he states that the destination is for Alice to decide. What she will or won’t do or where she will go is up to her, and what she decides will shape her world. This seems to come back to the ‘decision’ that CLAMP keeps teasing us with. It seems Sakura’s moment of choosing will come soon, and I’m so worried about this choice. Often, ‘choices’ in CLAMP works are very difficult ones with a lot of emotional pain, like Syaoran in Tsubasa World Chronicle having to choose between not killing the other Syaoran and saving the people of Nirai Kanai. I’m sure if it were an easy decision, then CLAMP wouldn’t put nearly this much attention on it. I have a sinking feeling that this choice Sakura has coming will be related to Akiho and Syaoran, and that whichever choice she makes will determine who ends up being the true cloaked figure.

 The song Yamazaki wrote starts to play, the lyrics describing how this is the story of Alice’s choice, and the cat will lead the way to her dreams. However, it is incredibly creepy how the lyrics are cut off in perfect time as it says “Carry on. But know….” And then is interrupted by the mysterious voice saying “You can never go back.” If you have read my post titled “Why I’m scared for Syaoran” (link here if you want to read), you’ll know how I feel about this particular disembodied voice, and I especially don’t like how it comes up right as Sakura is reaching for his hand (which she cannot physically touch right now due to the spell keeping them apart). This keeps giving me awful feelings that my prediction might be right, and I’m still clinging onto hope that I’m wrong.

Right after that moment, the scene shows Akiho standing at the top of the winding steps. She looks awfully mysterious under that veil, but I gotta say that the Red Queen outfit suits her incredibly well and is super beautiful. She insisted on having that role after all, so it seems she was really made for it. I really love the headpiece in particular with the massive flower, but the black spikes coming from it really do remind me of the dragon for some reason. Or maybe I’m thinking of the Association. The outfit in its entirety though really reminds me of the outfit Sakura wears in Recourt and Acid Tokyo in Tsubasa, and any Tsubasa readers will know how traumatic that arc was in particular. Hahaha!

For the second time now, when Akiho goes to say her line where she introduces who she is, she seems to hesitate, and this seems to be unscripted. There appears to be some sort of internal thought Akiho is battling with, and I’m curious to know what it is. Does it feel too real for her to say she is the Red Queen, or does she feel like she is telling a lie that is fighting and wants to correct? I’m sure we’ll get answers soon enough. But I imagine having a play that draws so much inspiration from the book she resonates with so much and only she can read must be somewhat surreal feeling.

 After their introductions are completed, Sakura and Akiho walk through a beautifully decorated archway, which seems to turn into an actual portal, and the two disappear within it. Touya signals to Yukito, who immediately goes into action. His new powers go into effect, his huge wings wrapping the entire school in a barrier. It is then that we get something completely shocking and not at all what I would have predicted. TOUYA CAN STOP TIME?!!!! We finally get to see this new power he has been teasing, and it turns out to be time magic of all things! Everyone is just as confused as we are naturally, but Yukito explains that this stopped time won’t last long and urges Syaoran to go after the girls while he can. He promises to bring Sakura back, which reminds me of another Tsubasa scene (STOP DOING THAT CLAMP), and once he passes through it, the gate closes behind him.

After Syaoran disappears, Touya explains himself to the guardians that he had a conversation with his mother’s spirit about Sakura’s growing lack of control over her powers and how he could help her. It turns out that Sakura has technically always had the power to see spirits, but she could not see them because she did not wish to see them out of fear. But now she can see spirits despite this, indicating that her choice has now been overruled by her own destabilization. Touya remarks on how he discovered a new power within himself, which was the ability to stop time, however he can only do so for about 2 seconds. He asks his mother if this ability could help her, and she tells him that in her time of need, it can, however he should not do it alone.

 It turns out that what she meant was to utilize Yukito to help increase the time he can use this magic, and that he can do so because the magic Yukito has was given to him by Touya, thus is his own magic. I really love how CLAMP incorporated that connection here, but it also really feeds into the Touyuki ship in ways that makes me want to squeal. Lmao. Touya explains that he and Yukito had been practicing quite a bit to get it right, and I love imagining how hard they were working quietly behind the scenes for this moment. Yukito’s eyes also look soooo pretty with Yue’s slits for pupils. I do feel kinda bad for Yue though, who is probably feeling a bit useless right now. However, before Yukito made his wish to the Tsukimine Shrine, he said he had written a letter to Yue to ask how he felt about this, and Yue responded “Do as you wish” (lol), so at least Yue’s feelings were considered here.

 Kero shouts from the trees that Touya and Yukito were cheating using time magic, but I don’t really know how that is considered cheating, or why the two of them were trying to hide at all from them. I guess Kero and Suppi didn’t quite feel comfortable talking directly to Touya yet, and I only really just now realized that this is the first time they’ve actually communicated to each other. But like…Touya is so far in the know about the magic world, that it makes literally no sense for them to hide anymore? Hahaha. Like, honestly they could’ve talked to him a long time ago, and it would’ve been fine. In fact, the whole freaking household should be totally okay with magic at this point, including Fujitaka. If they are not all talking to each other openly by the end of the series, I’mma riot. Lmao. 

 Anyways, Yukito states seriously that all they can do is help from that side of the door and that it’s “up to the cat now”, since they likely did nothing to stop Kaito. This seems to imply that not just Sakura’s return rests on Syaoran’s shoulders, but that he is also expected to be the one to deal with Kaito. None of these are going to be easy, so it appears Syaoran has a huuuuuge role in this climax, which was expected.

 I am BEYOND excited for the next chapter. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely insane, and I’m also so so so so nervous for what is about to happen. I believe things are seriously going to amp up in the next chapter and that we are going to come face to face with Sakura’s decision. There might also be a round 2 for Syaoran and Kaito, so things are certainly about to get epic!!!

[hoesamo]

Okay so the exile of Nirai Kanai is Kinmamon, but they would possess a miko (technically noro/nuuru, if we want to use Ryukyu-specific terms), a shrine maiden. Noro were the oldest religous leaders (kaminchu) within Ryukyu society, and women were the primary interlocutors between people and spirits. It seems that in Housamo’s interpretation, the maiden who channeled Kinmamon straight up left Teda, which was a big deal specifically because the maiden was to be by his side, as he is king. Kinmamon is also a very important dragon, as they are one of the most significant deities within the belief. Nirai Kanai’s faiths in both the sun (literally Teda) and Dragon of the Sea (Kinmamon) means that they are both of extreme importance. Kinmamon has been by the sides of kings for generations, but will leave them when angered by their actions. Teda doesn’t understand what he did wrong, but it’s kinda clear to the reader his habit of charming everyone likely has something to do with the noro bearing Kinmamon leaving him.

[crime-bot]

as you should!! he deserves a hot cocoa actually.

for hugin & munin, the idea partially comes from goro's symbolism with crows & that we know he's yaldaboath's babyboy, and partially comes from a post-canon fanfic where goro washes up on an island (named nirai kanai, which in japanese mythos is basically the island of heaven and doesnt actually exist) and he has crows follow him around. 2 notable ones are hugin and munin, who follow him into The Forest (which you can find more about if you read the fic. said fic also helped me shape goro more and led me to finding out about Mordred.)

the fic is called rose and rot, it's by sixteen juniper. it's a long (& at times, exhausting. i had to take a few months off of reading it) read but it's definitely worth it, and it is still updating :D

for my ideas, i like him having hugin and munin as a throwback to norse mythology and the fact that goro is a navigator. hugin is the raven (crow in the fic and in my ideas) of sight, who allows odin to see all, and since odin also represents wisdom (& sometimes justice) i find it fitting. munin, in the fic, shows goro and collects the statues of people he'd let into the afterlife (people who he killed. the forest is entirely made up of them & goro has to do tasks for them to let them go off into the afterlife), and so i like the idea of munin being the crow to collect information around the palaces, see what shadows are around, etc.

the two of them can also help robin hood aid off loki, but they can also add to fucking up goro by having him gouge out his own eye whenever he needs their deeds, so he tries not to use their abilities often. they mostly just hang out. i think that when he couldn't follow the PTs in palaces due to something, they'd follow discreetly and make sure he has all of the details

ohhh, checks out! And man... I've seen that fic, Rose and Rot, come up time and time again in my fanfic search results... it's acclaimed by many fans of course, but I wasn't so sure. Now that you talk some more about it, I might wanna give it a shot

Fuck yeah little crow friends!! That require sacrifice, but eh, what's new for Goro? I love the idea of them following the PTs into Palaces... I can imagine them both doing their job but also fucking around with playing or taking shit

[pof203]

A Summoner Birthday

Special Quest: Kijimuna

This place is amazing, Lupin! Thanks for bringing me.

You're welcome, Kijimuna.

You brought Kijimuna to the virtual fairytale world for some fun.

Kijimuna: I want to go to the beach where the dwarves' house is. It sounded like fun over there.

Lupin: Yes, let's go.

With that, you and Kijimuna go to the dwarves' cottage by the beach.

You and Kijimuna arrive at the cottage by the beach.

Kijimuna: (happy) This place is wonderful. It's almost like being back in Nirai Kanai. Almost.

Lupin: We can go swimming in the ocean if you like.

Kijimuna: No thanks for now, but I would like to just go for a run on the beach.

Lupin: Okay, but I'm not much of a runner.

Kijimuna: That's okay, I won't go that fast. Let's get changed and we'll meet on the beach.

Before you knew it, you both were on the beach, the sun shining down on you.

Okay, I'm ready!

What's with the inner tube? I thought you didn't want to go swimming.

Kijimuna: Maybe for later. And what about you? What's with the towel?

Lupin: (laughing) Touché.

You both laugh and you both go on your run.

After you had your on the beach and swim in the water, you and Kijimuna stop to rest.

Kijimuna: (happy) That was fun! Tangaroa should come with us next time. You and even bring Wakan Tanka, if you want.

Lupin: I would like that, but I don't think they want to see each other again right away. I know they are friends, but some part of them still despise one another.

Kijimuna: Well I'm sure it won't last. The them who were with the Invaders can't avoid each other forever.

Lupin: More like for all infinity. But I do want us all to be friends. Wakan Tanka∞, Tangaora∞, we all deserve a chance to find a happy ending and be together.

Kijimuna: Same here. We can't be proper friends if our boyfriends hate each other.

Lupin: They don't hate each other, they just have some issues. But we can change all that. I'm sure they'll get along if they can find common ground. Do you think you can help me?

Kijimuna: Of course, Lupin. You're not only my Guild Master, you're also one of my closest friends. I'll help you no matter what may happen... Our whole Guild will.

Lupin: (happy) Thank you, Kijimuna.

You both look at each other, knowing that you both will always have trust and friend ship to guide your way.

After the sun sets, you both get changed and make your ways back to Candyland to return home.

[justlarkin]

What do you think Tiamat's, Heyoka's and Kinmamon's Rules gonna be?

-Marduk hasn't mentioned much about Tiamat so far besides the fact that she's the embodiment of chaos, so the only thing that comes to mind is something like rending order.

-Kinmamon is kinda hard to guess. Nirai Kanai is a world where the sun can reach you anywhere, even after death, but Kinmamon defied this by disappearing into the abyss, where the sun can't reach them. With most of the exiles' rules being something that directly defies the world, it could be be something like rending light, but it couldn't be that simple, right?

Teda did mention seeing Kinmamon's light during the fight in Holy Gangstar, but I don't recall MC using a specific rule at that time. They just blocked an ice sickle from hitting him.

-Great Spirit has an "all for all" moto, but Heyoka defied this by alienating himself from everyone else, so maybe something like rending unity for him? There's also the idea that characters with the valiant attribute inherited something from someone else and who has a valiant attribute for his summer alt? Thunderbird. I don't recall them elaborating on what exactly he "inherited" during the event, but his bio mentions vision quests.

Heyoka are considered to be medicine-men and healers (at least in Lakota culture), and medicine-men help guide people through their vision quests. I think the specific heyoka ceremony that Thunderbird's summopedia page mentions might actually be vision related as well, but don't quote me on that. And there was one source that said the thunder god Heyoka presided over the land of dreams. That's all just to say his rule could also be related to dreams and vision quests if it's not just a side ability of his.