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polwigle · 8 months

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hello and welcome to another episode of Shi Has Strong Opinions on Niche Canon with Citable Sources, this time focusing on something that technically isn't canon one way or the other — my preferred fan-transliterated name for Raven's hometown in Tales of Vesperia, which is never referred to by name in any officially translated material.

anyway it's spelled Pharihyde and in this essay I will die on this hill

Context

In case you clicked the read-more with no stake in this game just because you want to see me being pedantic, let me recap the relevant facts of the argument:

Raven's backstory is never fully explained in the base game, but it was elaborated on in official side materials. The same story, titled 虚空の仮面 (Kokuu no Kamen, commonly translated as Empty Mask), was released in multiple formats: light novel[1], manga[2], and drama CD[3]. None of these have ever been officially translated, but fans have made their own attempts at each over the years.

The town in question here does not appear in the original game, due to having been obliterated during the prequel events. It's also never mentioned by name in the drama CD, leaving only two sources for a name: the light novel and the manga.

Officially, it is named ファリハイド (Farihaido).

The first translation the English-speaking fandom ever saw of any Kokuu no Kamen material was when one fan (whose identity was regrettably lost to time) took a stab at summarizing the light novels, not long after they were first published back in 2010. This fan transliterated the town's name as Pharihyde.

Tumblr user dokidokimaster was commissioned to finally translate the manga in 2015. In this translation, the town was spelled Farryheid.

By the time the manga was being translated, the web page that hosted the light novel summary had tragically gone down. Luckily, I was active enough in the fandom at the time to have had the link to the light novel bookmarked, so I was able to find an archive via the blessed Wayback Machine, but I can't fault dokidokimaster for the inconsistencies.

tl;dr of section: OG town name is ファリハイド; LN calls it Pharihyde; manga calls it Farryheid. Rest of essay is about why me preferring the name that came first isn't just me being a cranky fandom elder I swear

It's About The World It's In

In the world of Terca Lumireis, on the continent of Ilyccia, somewhere far from the capital city, Zaphias, there was once a town called... Farryheid? No, Pharihyde. The latter fits better with the precedents set by the official names around it, and I will literally break it down letter by differing letter to prove it!

'Ph' vs 'F'

Among officially transliterated locations and other "made-up" names in Tales of Vesperia, there are 3 that include 'ph' to represent an 'f' sound (Zaphias, Zopheir, Phaeroh). Only a single name uses an actual 'f' for that sound (Ghasfarost), and it also still has an 'h' as the second letter in the word.

Single vs. Double 'R'

After a ctrl+F pass through the entire list of location names in this game[4], not a single one contains the substring 'rr'. Only one R at a time in Terca Lumireis!

Vowel Choice and Lexical Stress

So, English has this neat little feature where some syllables in a word get more emphasis than others! And that plays heavily into this section, because 'i' and 'y' can sound identical when using 'y' as a vowel, but the existing place names stress them differently.

Now, as the Drama CD doesn't give us a spoken example of ファリハイド to work from (and Japanese doesn't do stress the way English does anyway), where the stress goes in either "Pharihyde" or "Farryheid" is technically unconfirmed... But my default reading is with primary stress on the first syllable, and secondary stress on the last (FAR-ee-hide).

In the precedent-setting place names, based on the English dub of the 360 version*, a lone 'i' is seen unstressed in at least 16 distinct names, including the ones I referenced in my intro scene-setting sentence (ZA-phi-as, TER-ca LU-mi-reis). To my knowledge, lone 'i' is never pronounced with stress in dialogue (and potentially appears only once, in the plot-irrelevant Niffel Lake).

In contrast, whenever 'y' is used as any kind of vowel, it always gets at least secondary stress, as in Hypionia (high-pee-O-nee-ah) and Rhybgaro (RIB-ga-ro). Thus, "Pharihyde" using an 'i' for the middle vowel and a 'y' for the last one lines up with established precedent.

Also, the double vowel 'ei' is consistently and exclusively used to represent an 'ay' sound, as in "day", not as in "hide"! Deidon Hold, Keiv Moc, and again Zopheir and Terca Lumireis — none of these 'ei's sound the way "Farryheid" wants you to pronounce it!

Silent 'e'

I did say I'd break down every different letter between "Pharihyde" and "Farryheid", but this last one's not for flavour, it's just to get the 'y' to act as the right kind of vowel sound. Just a normal feature of English pronunciation rules here (though not entirely without precedent: Halure, Relewiese, Laulyse). Sorry to go out with a whimper ^^;;

Conclusion

The base content of Tales of Vesperia sets up some implied rules about how its made-up-for-the-game words function. "Farryheid" may be a perfectly reasonable transliteration of ファリハイド in a vacuum, but "Pharihyde" follows the rules of the setting, literally to the letter!

Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk

*Footnote about the pronunciation thing: the new voice lines added in the Definitive Edition of the game pronounce some place names inconsistently. I can only assume that by the time they recorded the new lines, a decade after the original ones, they forgot how some pronunciations worked and didn't check their old work... :/

References

(bc it's not an essay without citations!)

[1] Light novel summary (archived): https://web.archive.org/web/20110806003312/http://www.fancomic.com:80/vesperia/resources/raven/emptymask.htm [2] Manga translation: https://dokidokimaster.tumblr.com/tagged/kokuu+no+kamen/chrono [3] Drama CD translation, for completion's sake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHEDJ_D4tyI [4] List of in-game place names: https://hyouta.com/vesperia/?version=pc&locale=eng&compare=2&section=locations

#tales of #tov #tales of vesperia #kokuu no kamen #epic length ramble #shout-out to magicmetslogic for suggesting i post this here #instead of just making a discord thread about it

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dialovers-translations · 2 years

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DIABOLIK LOVERS LOST EDEN WonderGOO Tokuten Drama CD ”Coffin Decoration ~ Out of the Counsel of Three comes the Greatest Fashion Sense”

Original title: 棺桶★デコレーション～三人寄れば最強のセンス!?～

Source: Diabolik Lovers LOST EDEN WonderGOO Tokuten Drama CD

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Midorikawa Hikaru, Takashi Kondou & Tatsuhisa Suzuki

Translator’s note: This CD added three days to my lifespan with how absolutely ADORABLE Subaru is. ;w; I love it when he gets super excited about coffins and such, haha. That being said, Ayato and Yuma were hilarious in this CD as well. I loved how they all work together in the end to make what is probably the strangest coffin in all of human and Vampire history. xD

Ayato: …Goddamnit, Reiji. Can he just stop complainin’ ‘bout every single damn thing? I’m not the only one whose room is a mess! It’s my room so it can be as messy as I want it to be, right? …Huh?

Ayato suddenly comes to a halt.

Ayato: Is that…?

Subaru: …

Ayato approaches Subaru.

Ayato: Oi, Subaru! Whatcha doin’ over here? …It doesn’t happen every day that Mr. Shut-In leaves his room.

*Rustle*

Subaru: Shut up!! It’s none of your fuckin’ business, is it!? I’m busy right now so leave me alone!

Ayato: Busy? All you’re doin’ is lookin’ inside some store. …Ah?

*Rustle*

Ayato: What’s this?

Subaru: Can’t you tell? It’s a customizable coffin.

Ayato: Oh. Now that you mention it, it does have these weird decorations on it. …Oh! Are those different kinds of sweets and candy on top? Interestin’!

Subaru: You like that overly cutesy one? The one on the far right is obviously the coolest!

Ayato: Hah? The one with the black wings? …Also could they have fit on any more skulls? It’s way too much.

Yuma approaches them.

Yuma: …Aah? If it isn’t the Loudmouth and the Shut-In. What brings ya two here?

Ayato: Subaru wants to decorate his coffin, apparently.

Yuma: Decorate? Is that the sorta thing you’re into mate?

Subaru: I’m not…!! I never said I’d actually do it, did I!?

Ayato: But you’ve been lookin’ at this even way before I came here, right? I bet you actually want to give it a try.

Subaru: …!! W-Well…

Yuma: Heeh…Well, check it out! It says that right now, ya can put on as many ornaments as ya can fit on there!

Subaru: …

Ayato: If you’re too scared to go inside by yourself, I can come with you? I’ll even help you pick out some stuff! I’ll sniff out the real cool stuff!

Subaru: …I can only see this endin’ badly.

Yuma: In that case, I’ll tag along too! Let’s make a coffin that would turn anyone into a shut-in. (1)

Subaru: You guys are makin’ fun of me, aren’t you? Besides, aren’t you outside for a reason as well!?

Yuma: Yeah. I’m on my way to buy stuff for tonight’s dinner. But I still have plenty time, so it should be fine.

Ayato: I only left the house to escape from Reiji’s ramblin’. …Come on, let’s go inside already.

*Rustle*

Subaru: …Hey!

Ayato: You grab his other arm, Yuma.

Yuma: Gotcha.

*Rustle*

Subaru: …! Ugh…!

Ayato: Don’t worry. You’ll be cryin’ tears of joy by the end.

Yuma: Exactly. Leave it to us!

They drag Subaru inside the store.

Subaru: As if…!! Why do I have to do this with you two fuckers anyway…!? I can already tell you’re goin’ to turn it into some kind of weird shit…!! …So stop pulling me…!!

*TIMESKIP*

Ayato: Oh…They’ve got so many decorations to choose from. Wow.

Subaru: Aren’t their coffins a lil’ too big as well? This is pretty much twice the size of my current one.

Yuma: You’ve got a point. This doesn’t look like it’s meant for one person.

Ayato: What are you sayin’? Not only does it give you more space to work with, but it’ll obviously be more comfortable to sleep in as well!

Yuma: Is that how it works?

Subaru: Che…I can’t keep up with you idiots any longer. I’m goin’ home.

Ayato: That kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? …Let me see…Oh! What do you think ‘bout this one?

*Rustle*

Yuma: Ah! Why a huge cross out of all things!? Ya really think this guy will like that?

Ayato: Ah…? I guess you’re right, it’s kinda creepy. Oi, Subaru. Let’s go for somethin’ else after aーー

Subaru: Not bad…

Ayato & Yuma: Haah…!?

Subaru: I should probably put this one on the lid. Also…It’d look even better by adding a pair of bat wings. …Wait, no! The dragon wings are kind of temptin’ too…

Yuma: No way…That’s the sort of thing he likes? What’s wrong with your lil’ brother’s taste!?

Ayato: Don’t ask me!!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Oi, you guys should bring me some decorations too. If they’re good, I’ll even use them.

Ayato: That arrogant tone pisses me off, but seems like he finally got in the mood. …Let’s do this. I’ll put on some weird shit and turn it into the lamest coffin ever seen. Hehe…

Yuma: I mean, I guess this is a decent way to kill some time, so count me in.

Subaru: What are you two whisperin’ ‘bout?

Ayato: Nothin’! I’ll go fetch somethin’ that’ll blow you out of your socks, so just you wait!

Yuma: You just stick to bein’ your usually loner self and have fun decoratin’ ‘kay?

*TIMESKIP*

Subaru: …Okay. This should do for the lid.

Ayato: Oi, Subaru! Check this one out…!!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Ah? What? Also, what took you so damn long!? I’m pretty much done except for the sidーー …Wait, that’s…

*Dun dun*

Ayato: It’s a mini-sized takoyaki grill! If you put this on your coffin, you’ll be able to enjoy takoyaki all while livin’ the loner life! Isn’t that amazing!?

Subaru: Hard pass! Besides, if I start grillin’ takoyaki inside my coffin, I won’t be able to sleep from the stench afterwards, will I?

Ayato: Haah? But it’s the best smell in the world…? You really don’t get it.

Subaru: I’m pretty sure you’re the only person in this world who feels that way.

Ayato: Fine then. Guess I’ll have to make do with this one instead…

*Rustle rustle*

Subaru: …Please don’t tell me that round thing is a takoyaki.

Ayato: Huh? Are you really that stupid? What else does it look like to you? Well, it’s only a decoration and not the real thing though.

Subaru: But why!? You’re the only person who’d be happy havin’ that thing on their coffin!

Ayato: You already rejected the takoyaki grill so at least let me have this? You’re really provin’ the point that the youngest child is always the most selfish one.

Yuma walks up to them.

Yuma: Are ya’ll havin’ an argument again? Ya never grow tired of that, do ya?

Subaru: We’re not! It’s just Ayato’s who’s tryin’ to put stupid shit on my coffin!

Ayato: Ah…? Maybe you should stop shootin’ down all of my suggestions!

Yuma: Oh come on, lay it off. You’re causin’ issues for the store. …Anyway, I brought some stuff with me.

*Rustle*

Ayato: Let me see…

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: Carrots, peppers, eggplant and cabbage…These are all vegetables, aren’t they?

Yuma: Gotta get those greens in. Works wonders for yer health.

Subaru: No but…Those are not somethin’ you’d put on a coffin, right?

Yuma: Nah, don’t worry. They’re all just incredibly well-made replicas.

Ayato: Heeh, these as well? After seeing the takoyaki from earlier as well, I have to say that they really upped their replica game.

Subaru: That’s not the issue…!! What I’m tryin’ to say is that these don’t fit the aesthetic at all!

Yuma: Hah…? You are in no position to judge, are you!? The fuck did you do to this coffin?

Ayato: Geh…! Now that you mention it, Subaru’s creation is…on a whole different level.

Yuma: Skulls and crows…Ah? And are those thorny vines and snakes running across?

Ayato: And can we also mention the really creepy face in the middle? Is that a monster of some sort?

Subaru: Take a proper look! It’s a devil! Can’t you see its horns?

Ayato: Do devils have horns?

Yuma: Beats me. …Or rather, why would a Vampire put that on their coffin?

Subaru: I just thought the design looked cool, that’s all.

Ayato: Then these spider web-like patterns were done on purpose too?

Subaru: Obviously.

Yuma: I don’t get it.

Ayato: I don’t even want to understand.

Yuma: Guess I have no other choice but to fix it up for ya a lil’...

*Rustle rustle*

Subaru: Oi! Don’t be changin’ the composition without my permission!

Yuma: Oh come on, just watch.

*Rustle rustle*

Yuma: First you put this here…and then…

*Rustle rustle*

Yuma: …There we go! The carrots add a nice touch, don’t ya think?

Ayato: Heeh…You had the crows hold carrots with their feet, huh?

Subaru: I mean…I guess it doesn’t look half bad…

Ayato: …Oh!

*Ping*

Ayato: I just had a genius idea as well…! If I put the takoyaki inside this lizard’s mouth…

*Rustle rustle*

Yuma: Ah! I kind of like it!

Subaru: Say, don’t you think the eggplant would fit well with the color palette as well?

Ayato: It’s purple after all! Why don’t you try wrapping one of those chains around it?

*Cling cling*

Subaru: …Not bad.

Ayato: Let’s add a basketball while we’re at it as well. See? It looks good with a crown of thorns placed on top of it.

Yuma: In that case…The cabbage should go inside the skull, right?

Subaru: No, wait. Tomatoes would work way better.

Yuma: I’d say we go for cherry tomatoes then. It’d look way better if we stuff a bunch of them inside.

Subaru: Yuma, you…You’re a genius!

Ayato: Oi, Subaru. We need somethin’ big which really stands out.

Subaru: Ah, now that you mention it…I saw a spider ornament with really long legs earlier. It didn’t click with me earlier, but it might actually improve the overall design! I’ll go get it!

Ayato: Yeah! We’ll decorate some of the other empty spaces while you’re gone.

Yuma: Hurry up, ‘kay?

Subaru: Kuh…Don’t mess it up!

Subaru runs off.

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle*

Subaru: …It’s perfect!

Ayato: Yeah! We created a true masterpiece!

Yuma: We didn’t skimp on the details after all.

Subaru: I was kind of worried for a sec…But I never thought the end result would be this good!

Ayato: That’s all thanks to my help.

Yuma: What are ya sayin’? I’m the one who did such a great job with the composition.

Subaru: Hah…? We were able to achieve this result because I did the lid first.

Ayato: Excuse me!?

Subaru: Got a problem, huh!?

Yuma: For the millionth time, don’t start fightin’ inside the store! …Anyway, don’t we need to square up now?

Subaru: Ah, right…

Ayato: I hope you’re not gonna tell us you don’t have any money.

Subaru: Hah? Of course I do!

Subaru walks to the counter.

Yuma: Anyway, how much does one of these cost?

Ayato: Hah? Didn’t you say that there’s an all-you-can-fit deal? You must have seen the price then, no?

Yuma: Nah, I didn’t pay attention to that.

Subaru: (muffled) ーー Haah!? Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me!?

Ayato: …!? What’s that guy’s problem? Why is he shoutin’ out of nowhere?

Yuma: Should we go take a look?

Ayato and Yuma walk up to him.

Ayato: Oi, what’s up?

Yuma: Did ya forget yer wallet?

Subaru: I didn’t! But look at the damn total!

Yuma: The price? …Ahー It’s surprisingly…expensive, huh?

Subaru: I don’t have nearly enough money on me.

Yuma: I’ve only got some small change as well. …I mean, there’s the money Ruki gave me to buy food butーー If I use that, my head will be on the choppin’ block…

Ayato: Oh geez, guess I have no other choice. I can easily pay this mu…

*Rustle*

Ayato: Hm…?

Subaru: Ayato…

Ayato: Now that you mention it, I didn’t bring my wallet with me.

Yuma: First ya talk all big and now this!?

Subaru: Or rather…If my pocket money isn’t nearly enough, I doubt addin’ yours to it will make much of a different.

Ayato: Ahーah. We put so much time and effort into it as well.

Yuma: We should have probably checked the price tag first.

Subaru: Haah…My coffin…I’ve decided! I’ll start a part-time job at this store and one day that coffin shall be mine!

Yuma: Haah!? What are ya sayin’...!?

Ayato: It’s not worth goin’ that for, is it?

Subaru: Right! You two should come work here with me as well. I’ll go have a word with the manager, so stay right here, ‘kay!?

Subaru runs off.

Ayato & Yuma: Haahーー!?

ーー THE END ーー

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #ayato sakamaki #subaru sakamaki #yuma mukami #diabolik lovers translation #diabolik lovers drama cd #drama cd

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aceredshirt13 · 2 years

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On what occasions does Ryunosuke Naruhodo get paid?

(inspired by this post)

THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY: ADVENTURES

Case 1-1

Defendant: Ryunosuke Naruhodo

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Unless the economy worked much differently in the Meiji period, Ryunosuke unfortunately cannot pay himself.

Case 1-2

Defendant: Also Ryunosuke Naruhodo

Does Ryunosuke get paid? There wasn’t a trial, so he couldn’t pay himself even if he could pay himself.

Case 1-3

Defendant: Magnus McGilded

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Nope, because in canon he blatantly refused to take any money from him due to McGilded’s obvious murder energy.

Case 1-4

Defendant: Soseki Natsume

Does Ryunosuke get paid? I’m pretty sure Soseki has about five shillings to his name, and none of them are going to Ryunosuke. He’d probably try to pay him a tiny bit, though, and Ryu would refuse.

Case 1-5

Defendant: Gina Lestrade

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Even if she weren’t a homeless teen stealing to stay alive, there’s no way in hell Ryunosuke would charge her a cent. She’s long since been absorbed into the Baker Street family unit. No escape.

THE GREAT ACE ATTORNEY 2: RESOLVE

Case 2-1

Defendant: Rei Membami

Does Ryutaro Susato get paid? Given that Ryutaro is neither a real lawyer nor a real person, there is no way any payment could be legally given - and since Rei is Susato’s closest friend, Susato wouldn’t take it even if she could.

Case 2-2

Defendant: Soseki Natsume again

Does Ryunosuke get paid? If anything, Soseki has even less money than he did previously. So I seriously doubt it. Maybe he pays him back for both trials once he becomes a successful author?

Case 2-3

Defendant: Albert Harebrayne

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Oh, he absolutely does. Yes, Ryu may have said that he didn't need a monetary reward after Albert said he'd have given him all the grant money if he could, but Albert was so so grateful to him that I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to repay him again later (beyond gifting him the little scientific journal he was published in as a memento). And even if Albert's insistence is turned down once again, well... let’s just say Ryu will be getting a significant check in the mail, whether he wants to or not, from a certain wealthy - and very grateful - prosecutor.

Cases 2-4 and 2-5

Defendant: Barok van Zieks

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Once again, very wealthy prosecutor, very handsome check. And it definitely helps when the defense attorney in question literally uncovers and unravels everything you thought you believed about your family and the world at large, positive and negative. I feel like that deserves a handsome check.

BONUS CASES

Escapade 8 - In The Bailey

Defendant: Herlock Sholmes

Does Ryunosuke get paid? Knowing Herlock, almost certainly not. But Herlock appears to be giving him room and board free of charge, so that’s honestly probably enough to cover this fever dream of an accidental parakeet assault case.

DLC Case 1 - Japan Side

Defendant: Kazuma Asogi

Does Kazuma get paid? Kazuma is following in his partner’s footsteps by also not being able to pay himself. Even if this trial wasn’t a farce.

DLC Case 2 - London Side

Defendant: Iris Wilson

Does Herlock get paid? He better fucking not. I know how Herlock is about trying to get money, sometimes even from Iris, but given that almost the entire thing was his fault (despite his, and Iris’s, actually very sweet intentions) and the fact that technically the charges were dropped, I’m gonna say that he isn’t getting monetary compensation from her. At most, Iris might perhaps pay him in tea.

In conclusion, thank God Ryunosuke and Susato had a stipend and a place to live rent-free, because otherwise they’d have starved to death before Barok could put any money in their bank account. (Or perhaps they’d have been more willing to take McGilded’s money, despite the murder energy.)

#red randomness #ace attorney #the great ace attorney #ryunosuke naruhodo #magnus mcgilded #soseki natsume #gina lestrade #rei membami #susato mikotoba #albert harebrayne #barok van zieks #herlock sholmes #kazuma asogi #iris wilson #100 and up neat #I started writing this up way way before I finished the game and the extra content and it’s honestly a delight to have done so #and I think?? this is every official TGAA case?? other than the silly meta ones like Ryu’s Seven Days of Sin which I have yet to watch #none of the drama cds are actual cases so #trying to only count the things that could reasonably be canon and I’m pretty sure those aren’t lol #the original post is one of my favorite things ever and is both fun and makes me laugh #so I hope this post can do even a fraction of that too #the great ace attorney spoilers

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helloalycia · 3 years

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teenage dirtbag [four] // wanda maximoff

summary: Things finally explode between you and Nate, and Pietro decides to get to the bottom of whatever is going on between you and Wanda, though in usual Pietro fashion AKA not subtly at all

warning/s: none.

author's note: this is very beefy, i must admit, but i think you'll all enjoy the outcome 😂💘

Dinner with the Maximoffs wasn't as strange as I envisioned. Her parents were sweet and the twins did their best to make me feel comfortable. Wanda still seemed mildly frustrated whenever Pietro and I would talk though, and I figured she may have thought I was lying when I told her I didn't like him like that. I hoped that wasn't the case.

After dinner, Wanda took me upstairs to show me her bedroom. I'm not sure how to describe it other than it seemed so Wanda.

"I'm guessing red is your favourite colour," I said when I saw the hints of scarlet in her bedroom. On her walls, in her bedding, on her pillows. Just like her car and her jacket, they were all bright and very her.

"Great observation, Sherlock," she teased with a sly smile.

I returned the smile, sticking my tongue out at her playfully, before having a walk around and coming across her massive CD collection and CD player. Her music taste was actually quite similar to mine, which I definitely didn't expect. It just made her ten times more attractive to me which wasn't good, but oh well. I was here for a good time, not a long time. And my crush on Wanda Maximoff would surely be the death of me.

"D'you have any CDs at all?" she asked, joining my side when she noticed me staring at the shelf.

I crossed my arms, glancing at her. "Don't get me wrong. I'd love to collect them, but it's just so much easier to have Spotify, y'know?"

My intention wasn't to make her laugh, but God I was glad I did when her eyes crinkled and the sound rang around the room, making my heart pinch with adoration.

After giving me some of her pyjamas, the two of us got ready and brushed our teeth before I realised she wanted me to share bed with her.

"You wanna watch some TV before bed?" she asked, clearly not registering my hesitance to slide into her Queen-sized bed.

I swallowed hard. "S-sure."

She turned on the TV at the end of her bed as I slipped in beside her, still a bit rigid as I kept a fair distance from her.

"What you feeling? Comedy? Drama? Horror?"

"Anything is fine with me," I said, still tense.

She hummed in acknowledgement before leaning down on her pile of pillows behind her, edging closer to me. My heart was hammering in my chest as her hair tickled my arm from where she was laying.

"You comfortable?" she checked in, leaning backwards so her head was upside down to see me. "I have more pillows if you need them."

I offered her a small smile, hoping it disguised my nerves. "I'm good."

She nodded before flicking through the channels and eventually settling on reruns of The Office. It took time, but I eventually overcame my initial shock of sharing bed with the girl I had a major crush on and instead relaxed, getting comfortable under the covers.

After watching some TV, we called it a night and fell asleep quite quickly, the day taking its toll on us. For once, I wasn't panicking about doing something stupid. I simply fell asleep, trying to ignore the heat she emanated from beside me.

It was a peaceful night – her bed was super comfortable – and I woke up to the sound of Wanda moving about in her bedroom.

"Shoot, I'm sorry, did I wake you?" she asked when she saw me moving about under the blankets. I tried to blink away the sleep as she continued, "I was gonna wake you soon. School starts in an hour."

I rubbed my eyes, yawning, before sitting up and seeing she was practically already dressed. That meant she would have been up for a while, meaning she would have seen me fast asleep. God, I hated when people saw me sleeping. It always felt so weird.

"It's okay," I got out tiredly, before running a hand through my hair.

"You sleep well?" she asked, spinning around in her chair, her makeup half done. "I tried my very best not to use you as a teddy bear."

She was joking, but I felt my neck grow warm at the thought and damn, it was just way too early to be flustered.

"Yeah, I slept great," I settled, feeling her gaze on me. "Thanks again for having me over."

"Anytime," she said, and something told me it wasn't just a friendly response but that she actually meant it. Maybe it was the kind smile on her lips as she said so. "Just like last night, if you wanna use anything in the bathroom, go for it."

I gave her a thumbs up, taking a moment to wake myself up a little more, before heading to the bathroom to brush my teeth. When I returned to Wanda's room, I saw she'd already made the bed and had laid my clothes on top of it.

"I've got a shirt you can borrow," she said when I grabbed my jeans.

"Oh, I can just wear the same thing again, it's no biggie," I told her, already grabbing my shirt.

She pouted before grabbing a shirt from her closet. "Just hold on. You'll love it."

In no time, she came out from her closet and held out a Paramore tee shirt on a hanger towards me.

"I got it from the last concert I went to," she explained. "I thought you'd like it."

I couldn't help but smile at the thought. "Wow, Wanda. Really? You don't mind?"

She nodded, shaking the shirt as emphasis for me to take it. I did, having a look over it and smiling to myself.

"I'll wash it and give it back to you tomorrow," I promised, taking it off the hanger and holding it with my jeans. "Thanks."

"You can keep it," she said, scratching the back of her head apprehensively. "I've got loads."

"Oh, no, I can't do that," I began to deny, but she shook her head.

"It's fine, I'm giving it to you," she said, before smiling sweetly. "I'm sure you'll look better in it anyway."

Again with the warmth spreading up my neck...

"I doubt that," I quipped with a small smile.

"Go! Go get changed," she said, already pushing me towards the door. "I'll meet you downstairs for breakfast."

I snickered, letting her shove me into the hallway, before heading into the bathroom to get ready. The shirt was oversized, so there was no need to be worried it wouldn't fit. It was actually really nice, plus I liked it that extra bit more knowing Wanda gave it to me. Though I knew I wouldn't keep it. It was hers and she was just being nice.

When I finished making myself look presentable, I headed downstairs and found the twins at the kitchen counter, chatting between themselves. Their chatter ceased when I walked in, with Wanda biting her lip and looking me up and down with satisfaction.

"I was right," was all she said, making me nervous. "You do look better in it than me."

—

The day after that, I did as I said I would and returned Wanda's shirt to her, washed, folded and ironed. Knowing she wouldn't accept it without a fight, I left it in her bag when she wasn't looking during class.

I should have expected her to approach me at my locker afterwards.

"It was supposed to be a gift," she said, and I saw her pretty face reflected in the mirror hung inside my locker.

I turned around, already knowing what she was talking about.

"I told you I couldn't accept," I said politely, giving her a small smile. "I appreciate it though." She seemed disappointed which obviously didn't help with my feelings for her, so I took a leap and added, "Maybe I can get my own at their next concert. In the summer, right?"

She picked up on what I meant and smiled, stifling a laugh. Running a hand through her hair, she met my gaze and I found myself frozen in place as always, unable to look away. I wondered if she knew what she was doing when she did that, knew that she was giving me heart palpitations every time her lips turned into a playful smirk and dark eyes studied me curiously.

My eyes drifted to her lips subconsciously and she must have put on some lip balm or something, prior to finding me just now, as they looked shiny and pink and just so damn kissable. Nate was one lucky guy.

—

Having faced issues with Nate three times now (AKA the three times he happened to launch a football at my head), I'd figured I wouldn't be seeing the last of him. He was a dick, meaning he had a natural inclination to piss people off, particularly me. But I never thought he'd go for Y/BF/N.

We were chilling by our lockers, chatting about his film project, when his books suddenly got knocked out of his hands and he was shoved against the lockers. I straightened up when I saw it was Nate, looking pissed off as he had Y/BF/N's shirt bundled in his fist.

"What the hell are you doing?!" I shouted, trying to shove him off, but he merely pushed me back.

"This isn't your business," he said to me before glaring at Y/BF/N, who was quiet with panic. "You. You've been hanging around my girlfriend and I don't like it."

The colour drained from Y/BF/N's face as Nate slammed his hand to the lockers beside his head, startling him.

"I want you to stay the fuck away from Wanda!" he ordered, and students were starting to pick up on the fight that was clearly about to break out. "You fucking hear me, you nerd? Stay the fuck away!"

Poor Y/BF/N nodded his head, eyes avoiding Nate's. Meanwhile, I was angrier than Nate probably was. Y/BF/N had done nothing wrong. Maybe Nate had just seen Wanda hanging with me and because Y/BF/N was always with me, assumed the worst. Either way, this was no way to handle the situation and I was not gonna let this dick threaten my friend.

"Get the fuck away from him, Nate," I said through gritted teeth, glaring a hole into the side of his head.

Nate barely glanced my way. "I told you this isn't your business, honey."

"Five seconds," I said, standing behind him as a crowd began to form. "You've got five seconds or I'm gonna kick you."

He seemed to ignore me as he tightened his grip on Y/BF/N's shirt, only pissing me off more.

"Five," I began to count down, the grip on my books tightening with nerves and anger. "Four."

He still didn't look my way, just kept slapping Y/BF/N's face to scare him.

"Three, two, one," I said quickly, tired of giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Without waiting anymore, I kicked him between the legs with full force, watching as he instantly let go of Y/BF/N and doubled over. Everybody began to laugh, some making 'ooh' noises, but the consensus was clear – it definitely sucked to be Nate right now.

I tried not to laugh as I watched his face scrunch with pain, turning red. I was starting to appreciate my choice of wearing my doc marten boots today.

"No more balls for the guy who keeps throwing them at my fucking head," I got out, jaw clenching.

He looked up, his face crossing with realisation as he recognised me. In response, he glared in my direction, but it didn't faze me.

"Come on, Y/BF/N," I said, looking to my startled friend. "Let's go."

"What on Earth is going on over here?!" a teacher's voice rang out in the distance, and I groaned internally.

When I turned to leave, I heard Nate from behind me, grunting with dissatisfaction.

"Fuckin' dyke," he mumbled under his breath, and I paused, clenching my fists.

"Y/N, don't–" Y/BF/N tried to stop me, but I was too pissed to care.

I spun around and punched Nate square in the face, feeling good as his smirking face scrunched in pain and his back hit the lockers from the impact.

"Woah!" a teacher came out of nowhere, shoving herself between us and pushing me away from him. "What the hell is going on here?!"

I shook my hand to ease the pain on my knuckles, though the pain couldn't stop the grin on my lips as Nate raised his hands to his face, holding his busted nose. Students were going crazy, egged on by the potential fight, and for once, I didn't mind the attention. Nate had that coming for a while now.

"Everybody back to class! Now!" the teacher yelled, glaring all around her, before her eyes settled on Nate and I. "You two. Nurse's office now."

Nate glared at me behind his bloody nose and, once again, I tried not to laugh. Y/BF/N patted my back, amazement written on his face, before letting me leave with the teacher and an unusually silent Nate.

—

Kicking Nate in the groin and punching him in the face wasn't something I did to get attention, yet that's exactly what happened. Word of the incident spread around the school quite quickly, so much in fact that even students from other grades became aware of the situation and were approaching me to tell me how awesome I was. The whole thing was definitely strange, but I could tolerate it.

What I couldn't tolerate was having Chemistry after lunch and wondering if Wanda knew.

Would she hate me for punching her boyfriend? I wasn't sure. I just knew that when she walked into class and sat next to me, I felt everyone's eyes subtly watching us as if waiting for her to explode at me.

I'd been given an ice pack for my bruised hand after my visit to the nurse's office earlier whilst Nate had been treated for his broken nose (the fact that I'd broken it was hilarious to me, since I knew I wasn't even that strong). The principal had a very angry yell at us both in his office, neither of us willing to reveal the premise of our fight, before giving us detention every day after school for two weeks straight as punishment. Of course, Nate got his two weeks at a different time to mine for fear I'd punch him again (he definitely didn't like that, but he couldn't exactly say that to to principal).

I didn't bother using the ice pack in Chemistry for fear Wanda may ask what was up. I successfully managed to hide my hand and as a second surprise of the day, Wanda mentioned nothing about the incident. Not one thing about her boyfriend, about Y/BF/N, about any of it. I thought she might hint at it, trying to get me to bring it up. But she didn't which made me think she actually had no idea it even happened. Had anyone told her? Had he told her? Nah, probably not. His fragile masculinity probably caused him to change the story to something else so he didn't look like a wimp in front of his girlfriend.

Whatever it was, I was safe for now.

Thinking I'd got away with a confrontation from Wanda, I went about the rest of my day as usual. Well, that was until I was replacing some books in my locker at the end of the day and saw Wanda at her locker behind me, arguing with– yep, you guessed it. Nate.

Y/BF/N was collecting some books from his own locker beside me and we both exchanged looks as we saw the two lovebirds in a heated argument. Just when we were about to leave, someone cleared their throat from behind us, making us turn around.

Wanda was stood there, backpack hanging from her shoulder, beside Nate, who looked like he would rather be anywhere else but here.

"Hi," he started quietly, making Wanda clear her throat. He glanced at her before looking to Y/BF/N. "Look, man, I'm really sorry about earlier. I was wrong about what I said. We cool?"

I tried not to laugh at the way Nate was being forced to apologise by his girlfriend. Y/BF/N glanced to me with questioning eyes, so I simply shrugged.

"I guess...," he finally answered Nate, still a little awkward.

Nate nodded before looking to me. He still had his reservations, judging from the twitch in his expression, but for Wanda's sake, he kept his cool.

"I'm sorry for treating you badly," he said reluctantly. "With the football and just generally."

God, it was so hard not to laugh in his face right now. His nose had gauze taped to it and it made him look like an idiot. I fake coughed to disguise my smile, before meeting his gaze.

"It's, er, cool," I said, not in the mood to be an arsehole to him, even though he deserved it. I'd punched him – I think we were equal for now.

He nodded, before staying quiet. Glancing to Wanda, he waited for her to say something. She rolled her eyes and nodded for him to leave. When he was gone, she sighed tiredly.

"I only heard about what happened after Chem class," she said, mainly to me, a guilty expression on her lips. "I'm so sorry he acted like a jerk."

I chewed my lip, unsure what to say.

"It's okay, Y/N here took care of it," Y/BF/N said, smiling with amusement at me. Okay, well now she definitely knew.

"Yeah, sorry you felt you had to do that," she said with a grimace. "I guess he deserved it though."

"Kind of," I agreed, before noticing the regretful frown on her lips. "He apologised though. It's already happened. I kinda broke his nose... No point in dwelling on it."

She smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah..." Her eyes fell to my bruised hand before lifting it gently. I winced at the ache, but let her hold it, studying the purple bruise painted across my knuckles. "That looks bad."

It felt good punching him though, but I wasn't about to say that since it was her boyfriend I was talking about.

"It's alright," I said dismissively, shrugging. "Nate kind of got it worse. I'll live."

The pad of her thumb stroked the bruise gently and I held my breath, the feeling of her hands holding mine sending shivers up my arm. Her eyes flickered to mine, softened with guilt, before she let go of my hand.

"I should head home," she said after a pause. "I'll see you both tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Y/BF/N said for both of us, sensing my loss of words.

Wanda held my gaze once more, eyes half lidded as they glanced down. Before I could even question what she was looking at, she waved goodbye and left.

"She's either starting to realise what a dick her boyfriend is or she's just really into you," Y/BF/N said, patting me on the back. "Maybe both, who knows?"

—

"You definitely cheated," I told Y/BF/N once we finished yet another round of air hockey. "Nobody wins six times in a row like that!"

He laughed at my expression. "Tell me, dear Y/N. How would I cheat? The concept of the game is simple, really. It's not my fault you're terrible."

I rolled my eyes lightheartedly. "Seventh time's the charm. C'mon."

He chuckled, about to put more money in the machine, before his eyes got distracted by something behind me. "Well, would you look at that. The Maximoff twins are here."

"Very funny," I said with a knowing look. "You can't throw me off like that. We've established I'm already terrible. Now c'mon. Let's go!"

"I wish I was joking," he said, shaking his head.

I scoffed, not believing him, and turned around to prove him wrong, but I was surprised when I saw Wanda and Pietro walking into the arcade we were in. They seemed to spot us instantly, waving in our direction before approaching us.

"Fancy seeing you here," Pietro teased with a smile as they stopped before us.

I cracked a smile as Y/BF/N joined my side. "We're hanging out. And you?"

Wrapping an arm around his sister's shoulder, he tugged Wanda close to him. "Sibling bonding time."

Wanda rolled her eyes at his childishness, but I could tell she found it endearing all the same.

"Well, if you want, you can hang with us," Y/BF/N offered, and we all looked to him, myself raising a brow his way. He seemed to sense my reluctance, it egging him on as he grinned at them. "Y/N doesn't mind. Do you, Y/N?"

I swallowed hard as I looked between the twins. "'Course not."

And that's how I found myself playing arcade games with the Maximoff twins that Saturday afternoon. It was actually pretty fun, with Pietro being as competitive as I was and Wanda being the sweetest loser with everything she played. It was so adorable, but I ended up letting her win some games of skee-ball just so I could see that cute nose scrunch of hers as she realised she'd won.

"You gonna let me win like that, too?" Pietro caught on as he took his sister's place in playing against me. He had a mischievous grin on his lips and I felt my mouth go dry at what he was implying.

"You wish," I said, playing it cool, though I wondered if he cared that I clearly let Wanda win. He wouldn't read into it, right?

Pietro took his go as he spoke. "So, I heard what happened with you and Nate at school last week."

I closed my eyes, cringing at the reminder. Pietro merely laughed.

"You kicked him super hard, right?" he asked excitedly. "I heard his face went so red with anger that you could fry an egg on it! And don't forget that punch, goddamn what I would pay to have seen that!"

"Pietro!" Wanda scolded from behind us as her and Y/BF/N played air hockey. "Don't be a tool!"

I felt my face heat up with embarrassment as Pietro continued to laugh. Y/BF/N joined in whilst Wanda tried to hide the smile dancing on her lips.

"You're not even together anymore," Pietro called to Wanda between laughter. Wait, did I hear that right?

"You and Nate broke up?" Y/BF/N asked with disbelief. "Our grade's 'it' couple broke up?"

Wanda ran a hand through her hair to distract from her flittering eyes. "He treated you horribly last week. Both of you." She glanced my way before looking at her shoes. "He was a jerk. It was long overdue... Also, I would have broken up with him there and then had I known what he'd said to you. I'm sorry he said what he did."

She stared at me with apologetic eyes and I wasn't sure what to say or do other than nod awkwardly and look away. The fact that she'd broken up with him put a smile on my face though.

"I just think it's awesome," Pietro admitted, before saluting playfully to me. "Thank you for your service. I knew you were awesome, but this is a whole new level."

I sighed, attempting to hide my smile, before straightening up to play. Pietro and I played some skee-ball before I decided to have a go at the claw machine. Wanda was at the one beside me, attempting to win herself a fluffy black cat plush toy. She'd had three goes before giving up, admitting to defeat.

"Typical Wanda," Pietro teased. "Giving up when the going gets tough."

She punched him in the arm, making him jump and rub it. That elicited a smile from her, making me laugh at their immaturity.

"How about Wanda and I go and get a table in the diner next door whilst you finish up winning whatever it is you're trying to win?" Y/BF/N asked, looking to me, as if assigning blame.

"I already told you, I'm not leaving this machine until I win at least one thing," I stated stubbornly.

"The amount of money you've put into the machine won't make up for whatever you win," Y/BF/N teased with amusement.

"Just go," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "I'll be there soon."

"I'll wait with her," Pietro said, resting a hand on my shoulder, making me shrug him off jokingly. "See you soon," he added with a laugh, to his sister and Y/BF/N.

When they left, I looked to Pietro with an amused smile. "I don't need you to look after me, y'know."

He shrugged and looked through the glass of the claw machine. "I know. But I stayed to give you some advice, princess."

"Oh, really? And what advice is that?" I asked, before putting some coins in the machine to have another go.

"People usually tend to win these things for people they like, right?" he asked, nodding to the plush toys in the machine.

"Or for themselves," I corrected with a curious smile. "Take Wanda for example. How badly did she want that cat?"

He crossed his arms, smiling with amusement. "You could win it for her, y'know."

"What?" I asked, half paying attention as I attempted to grab a teddy bear.

"Win the cat for my sister and give it to her?"

I ended up dropping the teddy from the claw as I looked to Pietro with shock. He laughed at my expression, leaning against the machine.

"You do like her, right? Otherwise this is awkward," he added as an afterthought, looking down and smiling to himself.

My jaw hung open. "I– er– I never really– I don't–"

"She must definitely like you," Pietro noted, glancing at me.

I licked my lips as I found my words. "Did she," I cleared my throat, "did she say something?"

"Well, no," he said, "but she looks like she wants to murder me every time I hang out with you."

"That's just a coincidence," I said, shaking my head and looking back to the machine. "She's not–" I thought about, before shaking my head again. "No."

I appreciated Pietro's help, but Wanda definitely didn't like me like that. She was just protective of her brother and friendly to me. It didn't mean anything.

"Look, you don't have to listen to me," he said, straightening up and looking at the machine as I slotted another coin in. "But you could give it a shot. See what happens."

I glanced at him, his blue eyes watching me knowingly, a matching smirk on his lips.

"Fine," I gave in, hoping it wouldn't backfire. "Let's see what happens..."

#wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff imagine #marvel imagine #marvel #mcu #elizabeth olsen #wanda maximoff au

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shihalyfie · 3 years

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Kizuna itself vs. the two versions of the novel

Written on request from a friend who wanted to remain anonymous. This is more of an editorial than a meta, and while I usually have a policy of “this is an analysis blog, not a review blog” it goes into more of my personal impressions and opinions than usual, but it’s something I write hoping to be helpful.

There are basically three “official” full versions of Kizuna: one being, of course, the movie itself, one being the Dash X Bunko version of the novel, and one being the Shueisha Mirai Bunko version of it. While it’s certainly not to say that any of the three is an “incomplete” version of the narrative, if you really want as full of a picture of the story as possible, somehow, each of all three versions of the story happens to have really important information that the other two do not. If I had to pick only one of these three versions to recommend to people, I would of course pick the movie itself; it’s obviously the base story everything else is based off of and was the one the production centered around as a priority, but the novelizations have a surprising amount of info that provide a lot of insight into the movie’s story and themes.

I get the impression that the creation of Kizuna involved making a lot more story and background details than could fit in a 95-minute movie, so these novelizations, which were based directly off the original movie script, ended up being an outlet for a lot of these details (and as much as I could be harsh on the movie itself for being a bit “reliant” on extra material, I have to admit that Adventure and 02 were both like this too -- a lot of our current understanding of the series comes from the Adventure novels and drama CDs -- so frankly I’m thankful we at least got this with a 95-minute movie instead of a yearlong series). On the flip side, while I'm not going to say that the novels are completely and utterly inaccurate representations of the movie, in a perhaps too-close approximation of Adventure and 02's writing style, this is a movie where even the nuances in a single line or split-second moment carry heavy implications, which become much blurrier or harder to identify when they’re presented differently (or not even presented at all) in the novel’s context, especially when they emphasize very different things from what the movie itself was emphasizing.

The short version of this is that I believe the Dash X version contains the greater amount of “plot and story” information but significantly misses out on the emotional themes and presentation, whereas the Shueisha Mirai version abridges and cuts chunks of content but is much better at conveying the intended message. More on this below the cut. (Note that the following post spoils Kizuna’s plot events.)

The movie itself

Since the following parts are more “in comparison to the movie”, I’m not going to go too much into this in this section, but one thing I will say is that the official English subtitle translation for the movie is really not great. Even if you take out nitpickiness about the fact it misses several significant nuances (the difference between “unchangeable fate” and “changeable destiny”, or the fact that Gennai refers to partnership dissolution as a “case” and not like it’s something that happens overall) at really plot-important moments, some lines (thankfully, usually not plot-important ones) are just straight-up incorrect. And worse, there’s evidence the official English dub was based on that translation! (I’m not faulting the people in charge of the dub for this, but whoever handed them that translation to work with.)

The dialogue in the Dash X Bunko version is transcribed effectively word-for-word from the dialogue in the movie (or perhaps vice versa, given that the novel is based on the original script), so I highly recommend checking that version as a reference for dialogue or if you want to do any intimate analysis on it. I don't want to go as far as to suggest not supporting the official version of the movie because of this, but at least please be aware that the translation used there is not entirely reliable.

Dash X Bunko

If you talk about “the Kizuna novel”, this is the one that people usually tend to be referring to, for two reasons. Firstly, it was translated shortly after the movie’s release, and due to the unfortunate circumstances of Kizuna being delayed in accessibility outside Japan for several months, this basically served as the only comprehensive source of info about the movie outside Japan for a very long time. Secondly, in Japan, this one was marketed as “the one for adults” in contrast to the Shueisha Mirai one being “for kids”, which meant that a lot of people assumed that the latter one was just an incredibly stripped down version that was otherwise disposable or replaceable. (This is very, very much not the case, and is extremely ironic when it comes to a movie that partially centers around the dangers of looking down too much on things associated with childhood.)

When it comes to “plot and story info”, this is the one that probably serves as the best reference (especially for fanfic writers or those who need a refresher on certain plot events or to look up something quickly), and probably has the most “comprehensive” listing of plot events surrounding the movie. The dialogue in it is a word-for-word recreation of the movie’s script, and actually includes more scenes than the movie itself does, including two that I suspect to be deleted scenes (a detailing of the specifics behind the initial plan to pursue Eosmon, and a conversation between Koushirou and Tentomon) and adaptations of the first and second memorial shorts within their context in the movie. It also contains some interesting background details and extra context for some things in the movie that you might think would normally be animation flair or something, but take a very interesting implication of story importance if they’re going out of their way to write this in the script. (There’s a scene where Agumon and Gabumon appear in front of their partners when they’d been behind them a minute before, and it’s easy to think this might be an animation error, but not only does the surrounding context make this unlikely, the novel itself actually directly states that their positions had changed.) Given that, I think it was very fortunate that this novel was available to us for those outside Japan waiting for the actual movie to come out, because this level of detail was very important to have on hand rather than fragmented spoilers on social media.

However, the part where I think the novel is significantly deficient in compared to the actual movie (and also to the other version of the novel) is that it describes the plot events in too blunt of a manner and doesn’t bring out its themes very well. (It’s kind of like having a long and very detailed Wikipedia article plot summary; it definitely got all the hard facts down, but the emotion is gone, which is still a pretty significant issue when media’s all about the feelings and message in the end.) While “considering the movie to be more cynical than it’s probably meant to be” happens regardless of which version someone’s working from, I’ve talked to perhaps an unnervingly high number of people who started with the novel and were absolutely convinced that the movie’s message was about adulthood sucking and needing to just accept it, until they saw how the actual movie pulled it off and the surrounding atmosphere and realized it definitely was not. (I think one really big factor here is that a lot of the visual imagery makes it extremely, extremely hard to miss that Menoa’s mentality is completely screwed up and her way of seeing things was dubious to begin with; prose descriptions really just don’t capture the way they slam this in your face with visual and musical cues during the climax of the movie.)

You can figure this out from the novel itself, but you have to really be looking closely at the way they word things, and on top of that it’s hard to figure out which parts you should be focusing on and which parts aren’t actually that important -- in other words, the “choice of priorities” gets a bit lost in there. Even the little things lose a lot of value; it’s theoretically possible to use the novel to put together that Daisuke is wearing his sunglasses indoors during his first scene, but you have to put together the context clues from completely different paragraphs to figure this out, none of which compares to the actual hilarity of visually seeing him wearing the thing in a very obviously dimly lit restaurant because he’s our beloved idiot. (For more details, please see my post with more elaboration on this and more examples of this kind of thing.)

I wouldn’t say that the movie itself isn’t guilty of (perhaps accidentally) having some degree of mixed messaging, but I would say this problem is rather exacerbated by the novel’s way of presenting it due to its dedication to dropping every single plot detail and event without much in the way of choosing what to contextualize and what to put emphasis on (as it turns out, treating practically everything in the movie as if it has equal weight might not be a great idea). So, again, for that reason I think the novel serves as a good reference in terms of remembering what happened in it and knowing the movie’s contents, but I also feel that it’s really not the greatest deliverer of the movie’s message or themes at all.

Shueisha Mirai Bunko

The second version of the novel was not translated until several months after the movie first released, and shortly before the Blu-ray and streaming versions of the movie itself came out anyway, so my impression is that on this end a lot of people don’t even know it was a thing. On top of that, even those who know about it often dismiss it as the “kid version” -- and to be fair, it did baffle quite a few people as to why this version even exists (Kizuna is technically not unacceptable for kid viewing and its plot is still understandable regardless of age, but since the movie is so heavily about the millennial existential crisis, it’s not something kids would really relate to). So a lot of people tended to just skip over it...which is really a shame, because it contains some interesting things that actually aren’t in the other two versions at all. For instance, did you know that, as of this writing, this is the only thing that plainly states the specific explanation for why Yamato decided to become an astronaut, for the first time in 20 real-life years?

While there are still some things that weren’t in the movie proper (mainly the Eosmon initial plan and the adaptation of the second memorial short), for the most part, the actual events are somewhat abridged compared to the movie and the Dash X version, and other than a few stray lines, there’s not a lot of extra information that would be as helpful for referencing the events of the plot. The version of the novel here is rather broadly interpretive of the scenes in the movie, so several things are condensed or taken out (and, amusingly, because it’s assuming that the kids reading this don’t actually know the original Adventure or 02, it has to describe what each character is like in a quick one-liner).

However, interestingly enough, it’s because it’s so heavily interpretive that it illuminates a lot of things that weren’t really easy to glean out of the Dash X version. For instance:

Some scenes are described with “other perspectives” that give you info on someone else’s point of view. (For instance, we see more of Yamato’s perspective and thoughts when he has his first phone call with Daisuke, or a bit more detail in the process of how Eosmon kidnappings work.)

We get a lot more information on what’s going through everyone’s heads during each scene, and what emotions they’re feeling at a given time. (This is something that you could at least get to some degree in the movie itself from facial expressions and framing, but would often be a lot blurrier in the Dash X version; here, it’s spelled out in words.)

When things are abridged, you get a clearer idea of what the intended point and theme of the scene was because it’s stripped down to include only that part. In one really interesting case, the scene with Agumon finding Taichi’s AVs has a “censored” equivalent where Taichi’s pushed to a corner because he can’t find anything non-alcoholic in his fridge -- so when you look at the two versions of the scene and what they have in common, you can figure out that the point isn’t that it was a lewd joke for the sake of it, but rather that Taichi’s forcing himself into boxes of “adulthood” that are actually meaningless and impractical.

Some of the descriptions of the characters, scenes, and background information make it a lot more obvious as to their purpose in the narrative (it outright confirms that Miyako being in Spain means that her personality is getting overly enabled there).

The scene where the circumstances behind Morphomon’s disappearance are revealed makes it significantly less subtle what the point is. In the actual movie, a lot of this involved visual framing with Menoa seeming to become more and more distant, but in this version of the novel they basically whack you over the head with the final confirmation that Menoa is guilty of neglecting her own partner, which contradicts her own assertions that “they were always together” (maybe not emotionally, it seems!) and helps clarify the commonality between her, Taichi, Yamato, and Sora in what exactly led to their partners disappearing.

Bonus: this version of the novel really wants you to know that the ending of the movie is about Taichi and Yamato fully having the determination to turn things around and lead up to the 02 epilogue. (The movie’s version of this involves the extended version of Taichi’s thesis and the credits photo with Yamato obviously next to a rocket, while this novel’s version involves more detailed fleshing out of how Taichi and Yamato decided to use their experiences to move onto their eventual career paths and what kind of hope they still have at the end. The Dash X version...didn’t really have a very strong equivalent here.)

In other words, while this version of the novel isn’t the greatest reference for plot or worldbuilding, it does a much more effective job being straightforward about the intended themes and message of the movie, and even if the scenes in it are much more loosely adapted, it’s much better at adapting the emotional nuances of the things that would normally be conveyed via visuals, expressions, and voice acting. (Although I would still say that the movie itself is the best reference for that kind of thing, of course.) If you just want lore or plot ideas, I don’t think it’ll help you very much, but since this series is so much about characters that had their ways of thinking fleshed out in such incredible detail, and about strong theme messaging, this is all still very valuable information in its own way.

#digimon #digimon adventure last evolution kizuna #kizuna spoilers #shihameta

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thejustmaiden · 4 years

Text

Heyo, fellow Inuyasha fans! Happy Friday! This particular blog will serve as a collection of random thoughts I’ve been mulling over lately. Hope you’ll consider giving it a read. By the way, it’ll specifically pertain to the Sessrin ship. If that’s not something that is of interest to you, then no need to read any further. Whatever happens, I wanted to get this out before the sequel. Alrighty, let’s go!

I’m not sure many of us realize just how much fiction sparks public dialogue and shapes culture. There have been countless studies and research done to prove it, therefore this really isn’t up for debate. What the real question here should be is have we taken the time to fully contemplate and assess just how much fictional experiences are able to change or influence our perspective on real, everyday life? The visual arts are just one of many evolutionary adaptations that serve to give us more insight into one another’s mind. If our outlook on fiction contrasts with said insight, then perhaps some re-evaluating is in order.

Powerful works of literature such as 1984 and the beloved Harry Potter series are just two examples. George Orwell’s book contributed strongly to how readers viewed government and politics during that time, and to this day it’s a book that resonates with many. As much as Harry Potter is cherished all across the world, there are religious and academic institutions that condemn it or have even gone so far as to ban it. I may not agree with the extreme measures taken, but it’s fascinating nonetheless to witness the extent to which fiction can move and mobilize people for a cause.

The takeaway is that indicating fiction doesn’t have the power to create change in our everyday lives is misleading to say the least. So how exactly then can fictional stories that are, after all, completely made up affect society in such profound ways? It all lies in the power of the psychology of fiction. According to cognitive psychologist and novelist, Keith Oatley, who’s been researching the psychological effects of fiction for over a decade, he states that engaging with stories about other people can improve empathy and theory of mind. When we identify with these characters’ struggles, we begin to share their frustration for societal problems that plague them. These types of stories tap into our emotions more so than- believe it or not- nonfiction, and thus their effects inspire us and even have the ability to alter our worldviews.

I’ll be returning to that specific topic a bit later, but moving on for now!

It’s safe to say that I speak on behalf of the majority of antis. That being said, I first want to add that we are aware that sessrin shippers claim to agree that there was nothing inherently romantic that took place between Rin and Sesshomaru during their travels together. The thing is we have trouble believing you guys when you time and time again provide contradictory statements to defend your stance.

Voicing things like, “all signs point to Rin” and “it’s been foreshadowed” sends the exact opposite message of what you supposedly stand for and, if anything, confirms that you’ve had romance on your mind long before it would’ve been acceptable to come out with openly. You can’t just go along with what we say when it’s convenient to your argument and then back it up later with “who else but Rin.” How can the relationship you’re imagining be so obvious if they didn’t hint at it for the whole duration of the original series like we agreed upon? Elaborate on how we could’ve possibly come to such wildly different conclusions when we started AND left off with the same views for and throughout the series.

On top of that, making the excuse that we don’t speak for adult!Rin and that she has the right to make her own decisions once she’s old enough is a weak defense. Firstly, because we haven’t even met her. Secondly, because it’s unfair of you to assert that you know what’s best for Rin and then say we’re not allowed to just because it doesn’t align with your beliefs. I get that you feel protective over her character, but do recall that this adult version of her none of us have actually met yet. We have no idea what kind of woman she’s become, what her dreams or aspirations may be, and whether she’s married or even wants to be. I’m not against the idea of her falling in love, I just don’t think it’ll be with Sesshomaru. I guess I’m also a fan of the idea of her following in Kaede’s footsteps, because if anyone can grow up to be an independent, trusted, and wise leader of the community like her it’s Rin.

To make matters worse, way too many of you continue to celebrate the drama cd and profess that it was sweet that Sesshomaru basically promised he’d wait for Rin all while somehow ignoring the glaring grooming implications. Why do you only see what you want to see and fail to acknowledge that actual child grooming scenarios do in fact play out like this in real life? A high percentage of people who have been victims of grooming can attest to this. If Sessrin does go canon, all the sequel succeeded in doing to avoid the direct correlation with grooming was skip over the more questionable and dodgy portions of it. Take out the time jump, however, and you no longer have a loophole to cover up the scary unmistakable truth, which is that Sessrin and grooming are essentially one in the same.

No one case is identical to another so please don’t come to me with your “but how is it grooming if Sesshomaru didn’t manipulate Rin” refutes. Nobody knows what the hell went on during those years between The Final Act and this upcoming sequel. Based on everything exhibited so far- that is if we decide to recognize the drama cd like so many of you choose to do- Sessrin’s dynamic is eerily reminiscent of real life child grooming. Why else do you think a lot of us fans have a huge problem with it? It’s triggering for a reason.

Let’s be honest, Sesshomaru’s supposed love confession could’ve just been the first of many gestures like it. Who really knows, right? According to you shippers, a major shift in their relationship took place sometime during this critical period none of us got to watch unfold. I’m sure you all have explored the various ways this would’ve gone down in fan fiction and through other creative means of expression. Not to spoil the fun, but all I can’t help but wonder about is just how many of those supposed “cute moments” would’ve been as creepy and cringey as that proposal. Hundreds of thousands (possibly millions?!) of fans would undoubtedly agree with me, too. It seems to me this ain’t due to a mere difference of opinion. Taste is one thing, ethics a whole other.

By the way, in case you didn’t know, groomers don’t necessarily need to plan out every single move in order for their behavior to constitute as grooming. What we should be paying attention to instead is the fact that Sesshomaru made a conscious decision to act on his own selfish desire for a young girl who couldn’t have possibly known in that moment the magnitude of what he was asking of her. Why is it that a vulnerable Rin is put in a position that forces her to be the one responsible for making such a big, life-changing decision for the both of them? Yes, Sesshomaru gave her the choice and, yes, she doesn’t have to make it till later, but why on Earth is he coming to her with this well before a child her age is ready and mature enough to handle it? Even if his intentions are good (broadly speaking of course), his what you shippers probably call “innocent acts” are incidentally coercing Rin into reciprocating his feelings. Whether he planned for that or not, he’s at fault. Period.

That’s one way the power imbalance works. A child wants nothing more than to please the adult they look up to and adore, because they’re impressionable like that. Maybe Rin processes this like she’ll want whatever he wants, so that’s what she trains herself to believe- either right then and there or over time. Plus, if you really think about it, why wouldn’t she trust him if in her eyes he’s been nothing but good to her and that’s all she’s ever really known? (Psst! Charm is integral to the manipulative nature of grooming so it’s deceiving AKA manipulation can come off as praise or flattery.) Bottom line is that Rin is too young to have to think about this kind of deep stuff at all, and Sesshomaru shouldn’t have taken advantage of the power he had/has over her to influence a decision she was by no means prepared to hear about much less decide on. Your headcanons seem to imply that she’ll eventually have to choose though, and Idk about you but I rather not push my own fantasy agenda onto a underage girl regardless of how much I want it. Idc if she’s fictional, it wouldn’t feel right so why would I want to see that? My principals couldn’t ever allow for it.

Even if it wasn’t an official proposal, per se, it’s still disturbing to me that so many of you find joy in the thought of a grown adult male essentially waiting for a young girl HE KNEW to become old enough before pursuing her. I know this drama cd ain’t technically canon, y'all, but since this is literally the only source we have that may foreshadow a potential Sessrin to come, and it’s referenced a lot, I figured it still should be called out for exactly what it is- Grooming: 101!!!!

Just as I demonstrated above, fiction has the ability to make even the most inappropriate and uncomfortable situations be viewed in a favorable light when you put the right spin on it. *cough* Lolicon culture, need I say more? *cough* Despite what you may believe, the strategies fiction utilizes to explain themes/concepts can genuinely lead to how we perceive them, and ultimately to how we come to make sense of a similar event presented to us in real life. Especially if we have no prior experience with any of it and have nothing to compare something to, these perceptions can be dangerous yet still persuasive to certain fans- young ones in particular. The more narrative consistency across stories and different mediums, the more likely they’ll influence social beliefs. Minors don’t possess the same capacity as adults to think critically about the content they consume, and if we aren’t more careful about what we put out there then all of us will continue to face serious repercussions.

This is precisely why it’s crucial we persist in our fight against the rabid phenomenon of glorifying young girls in every sexual context imaginable. Just look at what something as seemingly harmless as fiction has the power to do. The scope of fiction is broad and far-reaching, and it’s about time we stop denying that fact and actually do something about it if we have the means to.

The truth of the matter is that we’re in desperate need of proper education and training programs on this issue in our communities. Families need to ensure their children have access to the necessary resources, but it isn’t just on them. ALL of us gotta do our part and ALL of us should be up for the task. It takes a village, right? If we do not properly discuss and address child sexual abuse (CSA) with our children and in public forums, including the internet, then we’re ultimately accepting incidents of CSA should they arise. Consequently, that also translates to indirectly accepting that the predators among us stay untreated and/or unpunished. That’s how the generational and societal aspect of the abuse can continue, and we must do everything in our power to secure our children’s future. Yes, even when it comes to fiction.

If you still somehow don’t think the Sessrin pairing has anything to do with grooming, allow me to break this down for you one more time:

1. If some of your fellow sessrin shippers say that a relationship like this in real life is harmful, then that should be pretty telling in and of itself.

2. Piggybacking off #1: if your only defense to that is “well it’s just fiction,” then you should ask yourself why you can’t ever come up with better reasons. Same goes for history and culture, so please stop using those to justify this relationship. None of the above can or should be applied since it’s already been established that fiction pervades our lives and vice versa.

3. If fellow shippers who are victims of grooming say they are drawn to Sessrin because it allows them in a way to “take back control” from their abuser so that they can better cope with past traumas, then they’re inadvertently admitting that Sessrin does possess qualities associated with the past child sexual abuse they underwent. AKA Sessrin is relatable for its abusive dynamic.

I have to ask by the way, but why do you get so offended when we don’t support your ship anyway? Is it because we interpret it to be controversial and you don’t like your ship getting a bad rap? Is it because it would be insulting to admit that antis actually have a point in it being problematic and you rather double down instead? Or is it because you’re projecting yourself onto Rin and prefer to not go into detail about why that is? Maybe it’s too personal, or maybe it’s because deep down you’re ashamed. Of course that doesn’t mean you’re bad people, but suppressing these kind of negative emotions can’t be healthy for anyone. A little awareness and self-reflection on your part can benefit not just you but all of us in the long run. Cognitive dissonance can suck, but it’s also part of being human.

I recently came across a comment I’d like to share with you. Unfortunately, this is not the first time nor will it be the last I see the likes of it. Anyway, in it a fan stated how embarrassing it must be being an Anti in this fandom when an episode like “Forever with Lord Sesshomaru” exists. Guys, this shipper and all those who liked their post are showing their true colors. Perpetuating and/or anticipating these sexualized images of young girls is a grave issue in both our society and media alike. I think we can all agree on that, or at least I hope so. It’s remarks like these that prove we still got a long way to go in terms of progress, and if we ever hope to effectively reverse some of our backwards way of thinking. So serious question for ya in regard to this: Why is it too much to ask that grooming be portrayed for what it is? Grooming. To clarify, grooming is bad and needs to be painted in a bad light. It’s as simple as that. If only we could all acknowledge it for what it is, we wouldn’t be in this predicament.

Historical accuracy and cultural differences aside, it appears the crux of the matter between Sessrin shippers and Antis is our acceptance and/or denial of fiction’s influence on real life. If we can’t agree on this, then we’ll never agree on anything else. As mentioned earlier, there is more than enough evidence to support the idea that fiction impacts our lives in extraordinary ways. I, for one, believe in the transformative power of stories. I think they do more for us than many of us give them credit for and/or are inclined to admit.

This is partially why I believe that the majority of sessrin folk are missing the point most of the time. All they do is focus on insignificant and irrelevant information that accomplishes nothing but more gaslighting and strawmanning. Whether it be an intentional or unconscious decision, whatever we argue goes right over their head. All they do is throw around deflections and antagonizing remarks that serve no real purpose other than to make Antis out to be the unreasonable and irrational ones. Making connections between our own lives and our stories is a completely natural and normal occurrence. If those particular shippers insist on denying just how interconnected real life and fiction both are, what that tells me is they’re either out of touch with reality or deliberately choose to be.

Just to be clear, I am of the opinion that most if not all antis aren’t real life predators. If they say they aren’t, I honestly take their word for it. Speaking to Sessrin shipper directly: We know it’s not Sesshomaru you want to be but Rin. No, we’re not calling you pedophiles or groomers. None of us think you are using a fictional ship to attract underage fans to be the Rin in your life or anything of the sort. We are well aware that many of you are self-inserting yourself as Rin, so please don’t feel the need to tell us yourself because that would be stating the obvious.

I learned from a few of you since this sequel was announced that the Sessrin relationship isn’t just a ship but an opportunity for you to confront the person who used and abused you. So there’s two issues with this I’d like to raise. (Sorry if I’m repeating myself, but it’s urgent I stress this again!) This is what I have to say:

If fiction does not affect real life or have the ability to normalize anything as you claim to believe, then why does “fixing” what happened to you via your preferred choice of coping associated with these two characters in the first place? Why bring your past abuse into this at all if at the end of the day it’s “just fiction” and nothing more to you but a source of entertainment?

By confessing that you use Sessrin to cope with your past trauma, you therein reveal that Sessrin does in fact resemble an adult-child relationship with a grooming dynamic. So why then would you want other fans to be exposed to a pairing that brings to mind the very abuse you endured? We’re supposed to stop this toxic cycle- NOT find more ways to manifest and relive it, much less subject other fans to it.

You may think that Sessrin doesn’t fit the textbook definition of what child grooming is, but that’s not to say it doesn’t embody it or that it doesn’t at the very least have traces of it that stand out.

“Antis are miserable people who don’t know how to enjoy a good story. It’s just fiction, stop ruining it for other fans!”

Well, no, it’s not just fiction or just a story. Some of you evidently went and proved that yourself, and without my help, by revealing how you relate Sessrin to your own life and apply it to cope with past abuse. Past abuse or not, as far as I can tell we’re all equally invested in these characters. That speaks volumes and just goes to show that fiction touches our lives in long-lasting ways.

I have something I want to say concerning some of who believe that it’s inconsiderate of antis who have been victims of grooming or another form of child abuse to tell other victims who ship Sessrin how they should cope with their trauma. Now as much as I respect the various means victims discover to deal with their painful pasts, there’s always an appropriate time and a place for these things to occur. We must seek out better ways to safely cope with the abuse we lived through (if any) without running the risk of hurting and endangering others.

There are plenty of fans in other fandoms who don’t try to defend their ships going canon, because they’re able to recognize an unhealthy or toxic pairing when they see one and won’t try to justify it. A Sessrin romance simply does not belong on a show geared towards teens, and I really don’t need to go into detail about why we shouldn’t support it, at least canon-wise. Shipping Sessrin is your right, but if you don’t keep it to yourself and your corner of the fandom then you really shouldn’t be surprised by the opposition. All we ask is you respect that their specific dynamic falls under the category of child grooming (or very close) and should be treated as such in public. The world of fiction may be wider than the world we live in, but that doesn’t always mean “anything goes.” In the creative spaces our minds occupy we must still adhere to the same fundamental and moral guidelines we live by in life. There’s nothing wrong with exploring new terrains and experimenting with ideas, but we must also remember that our stories are all about communicating and connecting with people. So let’s please be more mindful of the sort of messages they’re sending.

Besides, this isn’t only about you and what makes you feel safe, it’s about all of us. I don’t know how much more I can stress that really. How can thoughts endanger our children, you ask? Well, it’s not like we’re suggesting that our thoughts can jump out of our tvs, materialize themselves, and place kids under mind control. The forces behind fiction are a lot more complex and nuanced than a “monkey see, monkey do” approach, so don’t waste any more time trying to describe that to us. You’re taking this argument in the wrong direction.

Take the “violent video games breed killers” theory. I’m afraid you’re misconstruing what we’re saying and then taking it quite too literally. Please stop twisting our words, because nobody on our side is saying that just because you play violent video games that you’ll become a violent person. The Sessrin equivalent of that would be if you ship them then you must be a pedophile or turning into one. *sigh* I know you guys are feeling attacked, but I’m afraid your defensive nature is keeping you from thinking straight. Clearly, there are always exceptions (I’d recommend reading up on the Slender Man case), but Antis aren’t saying you’re one of them.

You see, it’s not so much about the content as it is the notion of the content. Kids and teens who are playing these video games have been informed that killing is wrong, because they grew up learning that early on like the rest of us. No sane person would advocate for violence and nonsensical killing in real life. Since they fully understand the severity of the consequences of killing a person in real life, they are able make a clear distinction between the two. When it comes to killing there is hardly any ambiguity. Sadly, that is far from the truth when it comes to sexualizing girls. It should immediately be perceived as wrong leaving no room for interpretation, and yet here we are still putting up with these inaccurate and demeaning female representations.

Most children who have been groomed don’t realize it till years down the road. If they aren’t ever taught the telltale signs to properly labeling grooming situations, how do you expect them to make sense of and relate to a fictional version? Let’s think of about it from a child’s perspective. Yes, this includes teens who rely pretty heavily on adult guidance and the content we put out there for them. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment and picture that you’ve never had child grooming explained to you (because that’s just the reality for so many unfortunately). Wouldn’t you say it’s possible for them to deduce that what they see on their screens is how they come to discern something in real life, especially if they have little to no experience with it? Perceived realism is plausible, y'all.

What it comes down to in the end is that the ideas and emotions we cultivate behind these stories leave an impression on others. Impressions are capable of influencing the way we see the world, which in turn affects us and beyond just our imagination. The way I look at it, stories contribute to how and why we normalize certain beliefs and trends. If fiction reflects real life like most of us tend to agree, then wouldn’t you say Sessrin is a (in)direct result of this world’s tendency to place young girls in overly sexual or romantic environments? Where do you think fiction draws its inspiration from? Sure, some of it originates from our imagination, but most of what drives us to create these stories is the real world and the people who live in it.

Fiction is meant to mirror reality, but it’s ridiculous to suggest that it’s only a one-way street. That fiction in no way, shape, or form influences our reality? Or that it only works the other way around? With all due respect, that’s simply not true. No productive discourse can be had if we choose to ignore the truth and don’t come together (at least halfway) to tackle the real issues at hand.

Okay, I think I’ll leave it off there! Thanks so much for reading. I expect this to be my last blog on any topic regarding Inuyasha in the near future. As much as I’ve looked forward to answering all of your asks and writing all the blogs I have over these past almost 5 months, I think it’s best if I spend some time away for now. With the sequel fast approaching, I’m doing what I always do: hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. I’ve met some amazing people along the way, that’s for sure. And who knows, maybe you’ll see me active in the tags sooner than we think. Until then, it’s been an absolute pleasure! Enjoy the sequel, all of you. 💜

#inuyasha #hanyo no yashahime #anti sessrin #it's been real y'all #catch ya on the flipside #(which I hope is in a promising sequel 🤞)

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boycottyashahime · 4 years

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What makes Sessrin so much creepier is the fact that 11 year old Rin can be very easy to be manipulated by Sesshomaru because of all the hero worship she has for him, if he confesses to her like in the CD drama, she will think that is cool to have this powerful demon showing his feelings for her and she doesn't even understand the situation she's being put in. And that's not okay because it seems like Sesshomaru is taking advantage of her naivete and inexperience. Or am i just overexaggerating?

Not overexaggerating in the slightest, querent. I wholeheartedly agree; Rin’s tendency to obey Sesshoumaru’s orders to a literal degree and her regard of him as good and kind regardless of the less-than-kind ways she herself has seen him act puts her firmly in the position of uncritical admirer. No matter what horrible and mean things Sesshoumaru does, he is essentially above reproach. Even when she fears Sesshoumaru wants to kill her friend Kohaku, Rin doesn’t question whether he should, just tries to come up with reasons why Kohaku is good actually so could Sesshoumaru reconsider please? All in a very “I know I disobeyed you but it turned out okay” childish way.

The unambiguous romantic relationships in Inuyasha, the ones we don’t spend ages debating on the nature of AFTER canon, do not function in this way. Kagome, Sango, Kikyou, none of them act as though they can’t question the actions or morality of their love interests. None of them obey their love interests, or offer up supplicating justifications as to why they didn’t. They are critical, and sometimes violently so, of their love interests’ shitty behavior.

But I don’t see how Rin can be that way with Sesshoumaru, even after she grows up, because the very relationship is built on viewing him as an inscrutable authority. How is she supposed to view him any differently if that’s the only context in which she’s related to him? So, taking the drama CD as an example just like you did, if at 12 years old Rin finds herself being propositioned by a man whom she has always known to be a good and kind authority with her best interests at heart, why would she question that? Shippers say it’s her choice, but is it really? What choice does Rin have but to go along with whatever Sesshoumaru suggests, because he would never do anything bad to her?

This is why child grooming is an issue in the first place. On top of children not really having a lot of capacity for critical thought, the question of how meaningful their consent can be when they just obey a trusted authority automatically without really thinking about it is always important. When the trusted authority is also someone the child has a deep admiration for their whole life, it’s even more insidious. The coercion is subtle, but very real. Just look at the many cases of grooming that are popping up regarding internet celebrities these days (that have only recently been drawn to my attention as well): cool influencers who encouraged parasocial relationships with their impressionable teen audiences and took sexual advantage of them. These influencers often created narratives around themselves and their content to make it more appealing to younger viewers too.

If this can happen over the INTERNET and to TEENS, why should I not see grooming in a ship involving an 8-year-old girl and her protector? Why should I not be critical of content like this when I see this kind of abuse playing out all the time in real life? Why should I, and the querent, and many many others, not be critical of the implications of SessRin? Considering all the examples of grooming that have been experienced and continue to be experienced within our ranks as well as in the wider world, I think it’s a perfectly reasonable reaction to have to this pairing, and it’s something of a shame that we have to keep explaining ourselves in this regard.

#inuyasha #anti sessrin #rin (inuyasha)#sesshomaru #sesshoumaru #anti grooming #it's a little annoying when people say we shouldn't have a problem with the ship #when real grooming is so prevalent and pernicious #even if we agreed for the sake of argument that romantic depictions of it in fiction #don't have any bearing on the problem in real life #why should actual grooming victims not feel bad that their experiences are portrayed positively?#or that they have to see their abuse constantly used as titilation on the screen?#i don't know why there seems to be a consensus that everyone should just be silent about the things that make them uncomfortable #Anonymous

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jokertrap-ran · 4 years

Photo

[Drama CD] AGF’19 Uta No Prince Sama: Sweets Vampire ~Key towards your heart~ Side: Kotobuki Reiji

Company: Broccoli CV: Morikubo Shoutaro ( 森久保祥太郎 )

*Commissioned by @utapriciation, Thank you! *Spoiler free: Translations under cut

Commissions are still open!

A place where only the chosen can tread upon; a forbidden mansion. The enthralling scent of sweet chocolate and freshly baked confectioneries drifts in the air, enticing and ensnaring the poor souls that dare step foot into the mansion.

And sleeping within the tightly enclosed chocolate coffins…

Were none other than Vampires. Eternal, immortal, immaculate and seeking love forevermore. The only things that can awaken these slumbering being are a secret key and your sweet, delicious love.

And that key, is proof that you’ve entered a contract with one of the dwelling vampires in the mansion. Such an innocent and pure love you bring; so much power. Thus, the vampire will wait upon you. In exchange for the immense power they gain in return.

Now…

Use that burning passion of yours to melt these glacial icy hearts that never beat…

For a sought after, never-ending, immortally eternal love. I wonder if you know how long I’ve waited for such a moment to come. You’re the main character from the moment that key landed in your hand.

Sweets Vampire: Key to melt your heart

⊹ ˚✩ ━━━━━━━ ༻ ✩ ༺ ━━━━━━━ ✩˚ ⊹

Mnngh…? Just a little...Let me sleep for a while more. Let me slumber till later in the da- no, I suppose it should be early in the day now. I’ve been up writing all day long. It’s still early in the night so I can still have the excuse of laying back a little easier, right? Besides, I don’t think it’s ethical for you to be coming all the way here without informing anyone beforehand. Even I have conveniences to meet, despite how I look, I’m actually quite the busy person.

There’s no need for you to apologize that much. Everyone makes mistakes. How about this then; My head hurts from the lack of sleep so could you rub it gently for me? Treat it as an apology of sorts, if you have to.

Is this the first time you’re meeting a vampire? You don’t have to be that terrified. Look, see? I’m not that different from a human now, am I? How nice. You might have a knack for massaging heads. There; you’re finally smiling. That suits you much better. Here, come closer so that you’ll be able to reach better with your massage. Heh, caught you. See? I lied about my head hurting. I mean, look. I’m a vampire, so there’s no way I could ever be suffering from sleep deprivation. I’m dead, after all. See? My heart doesn’t beat now, does it? You already know that and you want me to release my hold on you? Nope. I wish to stay close to you for a bit longer.

Yeah. Huh, I can’t believe this excuse actually works. Your innocence and naiveness is an attractive feature in and off itself but this means that you’re an easy target for trickery...and that’s not very good...I’ll be very worried in the future so I’ll educate you well. You can’t ever go onto a guy’s bed as unguarded as you are now, okay? Because someone like you will only be gobbled right up. Just joking~ Did you think I’d actually kiss you on the lips? I’m a gentleman so I’ll settle for doing it on your forehead. Well, I can understand why you’d fall for that though. I used to be an actor in the past. So this means that I’ve yet to lose my acting prowess. Hm? You want to hear more about my past? Wow, you’re really brimming with curiosity when it comes to me, huh.

Sure. I’ll tell you everything; until you eventually get bored of it.

Just like I told you before, I was an actor before I became a vampire. I was part of a theatrical troupe, writing stories to entertain the folks and those of higher class. Stories about affection and love were the hot favourites. Things like gossip, maybe. I’m sharp, so I pick up on these things easily. Plus, there’s no end to it on the streets so I had plenty of references to work with. However, somewhere along the way, I felt an emptiness in my heart. I write to support myself, so I have to be aware of what the recruiters would want to see. I’d write what they’d want and not what I, myself, wanted. So I was troubled for quite a while, thinking if the works I made were actually things that I personally wanted to write. And then came a genius, who eventually became my rival while I was still conflicting with myself. I was in a hurry, panicking about the new rival. So I made a story, one with a hint of spice, based off a real incident. Something different from the rest of my works up till now. Something taboo. And then...Somebody poisoned me. Alas, that’s how I came to be standing here right now. I guess I dug my own grave since I used the story of someone else as a stepping stone to elevate myself from the masses in a fit of wild panic.

While I might have used unorthodox methods back then, I learnt one thing from that fatal experience of mine. Vampires aren’t the scary ones in the world; it’s humans that you have to be afraid of. Because just a little of anything, a small misstep; and they’d kill you off without batting an eyelid. But!! That might be what makes humans so alluring. All that power they hold in their hands, one that can end another’s life despite what a small minute existence they are. Now, I wonder how far that story has traveled after my death. Perhaps it may be still alive, moving around the streets through word of mouth. Maybe more popular, now that I’m no longer a part of the living. I guess that might just be what amounts to the stage equipment in a play since the world’s just like one gigantic stage in my eyes.

Who killed me? Was it me? Was it a Sparrow? Or was it someone, who noticed me and eventually grew to despise me? Now, here’s a story. You can only count how many there might be that arises. This story is one where people who have died turn into vampires and are revived as such. Those who still hold onto the strings of feelings so strong that they’re able to return to the land of the living. Different, but amongst them. And now, with how I am right now! I can write and research anything I wish, freely. I’ve been writing, just as I have been before I died. It’s a life that I could only dream of before. And what colours my life now...That’d be Tokiya and Syo. They were turned into vampires way after me, but they’re an interesting duo, those two. Tokiya was a doctor before he turned. A genius, researching immortality. If he lived a little longer...his research might have been stolen by others. But I don’t know what happened now that he’s firmly out of the picture. Syo’s his friend. He’s still as bright and honest as ever, despite having turned. Now, if only I was like that. I’d probably be going down a different path in life and I probably wouldn’t have been poisoned to death either.

In exchange for pulling a few strings here to allow them to live in this manor, they exchanged their life stories for a roof over their heads. And now I’m free to use their stories to make my own. Although it’s a little hard to swallow because you’re writing stories about how pitiful the lives of others are. Tokiya even brought up how he wasn’t such a chatterbox. And Syo got mad real quick and yelled about how I shouldn’t be writing him off as a midget.

Although I personally think that’s only but the truth, but that might be why they’re in denial in the end. It’s still a happy incident, though. Freedom after death. Everyone can enjoy the stories of anybody to their heart’s content with no fear of any drawbacks whatsoever.

Ah...Sorry, this conversation went on a little longer than expected. Let’s end the small talk here and get to the real topic at hand. What I actually want to talk about right now is our story. This new story of ours that is about to unfold. It might be too early, but how about one of love and romance with a little flair of the dramatic? It’s up to you to decide how this story turns out in the end. With you as the master and how this romance with the underling blooms. How about we start it off like this? It was love at first sight. Me, the underling who’s subjugated under the master, wakes up to see a cute, lovely girl. And she wasn’t just cute but she was innocent as well. Those bright sparkling eyes that’d look at me as she’d hear everything that I have to say. The owner of a beautiful heart. I wonder how I can make someone so lovely fall for me. Even though I want to treasure you and treat you as the treasure you’re supposed to me, there’s a part of me, somewhere within. Something greedy and ugly that wants to take you all for myself. Even though I’m normally smooth around others, I just don’t know what to do with myself when I’m around you. I’m no good, aren’t I?

That’s not the case at all? Really? No lying. You just, can’t. Even if you’re trying to be nice. Haha. You don’t have to deny so vehemently, I get it. I know fully well that you mean it. Besides, the sound of my heartbeat is drowning out everything else when you gaze at me like that. You’re just as lovely and nice as I thought you were. I can never win against something like that. Even if I try to shy away, you’d just open more doors into more possibilities. Heh, that’s right. I can’t just be hiding and running away from everything. I have to throw away this veil of lies and deceit and show you the real me that’s hiding behind this facade that I created. That’s right, I’m not the one that needs this veil right now. Perhaps you’re the one that requires it most. This veil, set atop your head, whit and flowy. And then a profession of love that’s not far behind. Ah, yes. The end of this story will be nothing short of a happy ending. Clapping’s forbidden, though. How strange for me to be this muddled when it comes to you. So much that my mind blanks out and I can’t think of anything else. I never knew that it was such a wonderful feeling to be able to trust someone from the very bottom of my heart like this.

I think the final and last part of this story has already been set in stone. And so, the duo shared a hot passionate kiss and lived on happily forever. Now, here’s the kiss to seal it all. I love you.

#Drama CD #translations #commissions #Translation comission #Translation commission #Uta No Prince Sama Uta #No Prince Sama: Sweets Vampire #Utapri #Otome #Broccoli #Otomate #森久保祥太郎 #morikubo showtaro #morikubo shoutarou #Kotobuki Reiji

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dialovers-translations · 2 years

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DIABOLIK LOVERS LUNATIC PARADE Imajin Webshop Tokuten Drama CD ”The Youngest Child’s Agony ~Shuu VS Ruki, the Older Brothers Guide to a Succesful Banquet”

Original title: 末っ子の受難～シュウVSルキ正しき長男たちの饗宴～

Source: DIABOLIK LOVERS LUNATIC PARADE Imajin Webshop Tokuten Drama CD [CD not owned by me]

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Toriumi Kousuke, Takashi Kondou & Takahiro Sakurai

Translator’s note: Even though this CD features my top two boys in Subaru and Shuu, in general the story felt a little...bland? You can definitely tell that Rejet was just trying to just pump out as many tokutens as possible to go with the release of the game. ^^;; I do like the contrast between Shuu & Ruki when it comes to their approach as the eldest of their respective families, but the comedy wasn’t quite as nice as it is in some other tokuten CDs.

→ LIKE MY TRANSLATIONS? SUPPORT ME ON KO-FI!

Shuu: Zz…Zz…

You accidentally step on him.

*Thud*

Shuu: …Ow…What? …Oh, it’s you. What do you mean, ‘What are you doing’? Can’t you tell? I was taking a nap.

You frown.

Shuu: I finally fell asleep too…Anyway, you’re not going to apologize after trampling all over me?

You apologize.

Shuu: Haah…This is the worst. You woke me up by stepping me on. I’ll have you make it up to me now. ーー For starters, come here.

He pulls you close.

*Rustle*

Shuu: I guess it’s the perfect opportunity to make you my personal pillow? …Well, I have to say your body is lacking softness in that regard, but it’s still better than lying on the cold, hard floor. Nn…

*Rustle rustle*

You protest.

Shuu: Don’t make a fuss right by my ear. Just be quiet and let me use you as my pillow.

Subaru walks up to the two of you.

Subaru: Oi, Shuu! What are you doin’ over there!?

Shuu: …Hm?

*Rustle*

Shuu: Oh, Subaru…

Subaru: The fuck are you doin’ in the middle of the road!? Let go of her already!

Subaru pulls you free from Shuu’s grip.

*Rustle*

Subaru: Che…Are you alright? …God. I was wonderin’ where you had gone, but you got caught up in Shuu’s shenanigans, huh?

Shuu: Haha…It’s none of your business, is it?

Subaru: I-It totally is! If you want to snooze that badly, you can do so by yourself! No need to get her involved as well!

Shuu: Zzー...

Subaru: Oi! Why are you sleepin’ already!? I’m still talkin’ to you!

Shuu: Nn…Shut up. You’re the one who told me to sleep, so I did. Honestly…You sure have some nerve for being the baby of the family, you know that?

Subaru: Hah! Says the one who only acts like an older brother when it actually benefits him!

Shuu: Truth remains that I am in fact your older brother though, no? Too bad for you.

Subaru: Fuck…

Ruki walks up to them.

Ruki: I was wondering who could be making such a ruckus, but it was you two. What are you doing out here in the middle of the main street?

Subaru: Hah!? Can’t you fuckin’ tell!?

Ruki: Heh…Brotherly quarrels even at the Parade? You must be rather ‘close’ then.

Subaru: Che…Fuck off.

Ruki: Did you say something?

Subaru: Nothing! …Anyway, what makes you think we are close? Don’t make me gag!

Shuu: Agreed. It gives me cold shivers.

Ruki: Good grief…Never heard of the term ‘sarcasm’, have you?

You ask Ruki what brought him here.

Ruki: Huh? Me? I was looking around for Kou and the others. We agreed to a place to meet back up, but they never showed up. …Now may I ask why the two of them were getting into an argument? I’m sure it’s over something ridiculous again…

You explain.

Ruki: Hooh…I see. The youngest of the family barged in while you were being pestered by the oldest brother?

Subaru: That’s…She seemed uncomfortable, so Iーー

Shuu: She wasn’t uncomfortable though?

Subaru: Haah!?

Ruki: Calm down. …Well, to be honest. Sakamaki Subaru. I understand where you’re coming from.

Subaru: …Excuse me?

Ruki: I can imagine it must be frustrating to have this guy act like your elder just because he was born a few years earlier than yourself. I relate to that.

Shuu: Hah…? What do you mean?

Ruki: Exactly as I said it. An older brother is supposed to be the uniting force who guides his younger brothers into the right direction in life. However, Sakamaki Shuu, in your case…

Shuu: …So what? Are you trying to imply that you’re doing a better job then?

Ruki: Of course. I put in effort to achieve that every day.

Shuu: Heh. I wonder? It’s not my duty to hold their hand the whole time just because I’m their older brother. I’m pretty sure you’re just spoiling your siblings far too much?

Ruki: Heh. You’re not sugarcoating anything, are you? In that case, why don’t we use this opportunity to settle it once and for all?

Subaru: Settle…what?

Ruki: We’re obviously going to decide…which one of us is more fitting to hold the title of ‘older brother’!

Shuu: …Haah?

Ruki: I’ve always been curious about how you behave like an older brother on a daily basis, so this is a great opportunity.

You remind Ruki that he was looking for his siblings.

Ruki: Hm? Ahー No need to worry about Kou and the others. Right now, this has higher priority.

Shuu: What a drag…I’m not interested. Just do as you please. Besides, what’s even the point in deciding who is ‘right’?

Ruki: Running away, Sakamaki Shuu?

Shuu: Heh. What a weak taunt. I have better things to do.

*Rustle*

Subaru: Oi…I’m not quite sure what’s happenin’ here, but I have a bad feelin’ ‘bout it…Let’s make a run for it before we get caught up in this mess!

Subaru grabs your hand.

Subaru: Come on, hurry.

Shuu & Ruki: Hold it.

*Rustle rustle*

Subaru: Wah…!? What!?

Ruki: Where are you going? Who will decide the winner if you two leave?

Shuu: I don’t care about winning or losing, but do something about this.

Subaru: What’s your problem!? Don’t get us involved!

Ruki: What are you saying? You’re going to decide who is the better older brother. The opinion of a younger brother is absolutely necessary. …You just so happen to be the youngest of the family, correct?

Subaru: That doesn’t matter!! For one, if you were looking for Kou and the others anyway, why not drag them over here and have them join this farce!?

Ruki: However, leaving the decision up to Sakamaki Subaru would make the results too subjective, so Livestock will have to share her input as well.

Subaru: Oi! Don’t ignore me!!

You try to convince them that Subaru is more suited to decide that.

Shuu: There’s no way we can leave it up to Subaru to settle this case, right? Besides, none of this would have happened if you hadn’t stepped on me. You didn’t fulfill your duty as my pillow either, so you better take full responsibility this time.

You nod.

Subaru: Oi! Why are you noddin’!?

Ruki: You are being rude, Sakamaki Subaru. You heard her. Now behave and do as we say.

Subaru: Che…This sucks. Hah…Fine! I just gotta do it, right!? God…This is fuckin’ ridiculous!

Ruki: That settles it. Well then, Sakamaki Shuu and myself will now talk about our personal pursuits as older brothers. I want the two of you to judge whichever approach is more suitable.

Well then, I will start. …Heh. In my humble opinion, a true older brother should be in control over his younger brothers.

You note that the Mukami family does give off that kind of vibe.

Ruki: Exactly? We always look out for each other. I am sure that is why we appear to be such a tight-knit family as Livestock just stated as well. …How about you, Sakamaki Shuu? Do your younger brothers obey you?

Shuu: Who knows…I honestly don’t really care. Nor do I want them to. Honestly, it’d be kind of annoying to have them admire me the whole time.

Ruki: Haah…Oi, Sakamaki Subaru. Are you fine with your older brother being like this?

Subaru: If anything, it'd be a pain to have to show my appreciation, so I’m glad to have an older brother like Shuu.

Ruki: Excuse me? Good grief…I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Shuu: …Hm? Ahー It’s my turn next? Haah…What a drag…Personally, I believe that I should give my younger brothers the freedom to do as they please. They can live their lives however they want.

Subaru: Haah…!? That’s how you’ve been feelin’...!? Is that why you seem so indifferent towards everythin’...!?

Ruki: As they please…? Don’t you think that’s the reason why your family is always the one causing trouble?

Shuu: Even if a problem occurs, it’ll get fixed as long as Reiji is around.

Ruki: Because of his hard work and effort, you haven’t been fulfilling your duty as the oldest son, correct?

Subaru: I have to agree that we often have to suffer because this guy just does however he pleases. Whenever the Old Man sends a message, he delays informin’ us about it.

In that regard, I guess Ruki might be a better older brother even if he’s kinda nosy…

Ruki: Hmph. I suppose it’s a draw then.

Shuu: A draw…? Don’t tell me there’s still more…? Haah…I really don’t give a damn so just get this over with already.

Ruki: A winner hasn’t been decided yet. Well then, let’s go to the next category. ー Oi, Livestock. Do you have any good ideas?

You frown.

Ruki: Anything will do as long as it gives us a chance to show our skills as older brothers. Hurry up and give me an answer.

You make a suggestion.

Ruki: Hooh…I see. We should put the theory into practice? Not a bad suggestion coming from you.

Subaru: Put it into practice? What are you going to do then?

Shuu: I’m not doing anything too bothersome.

Ruki: Hm…In that case, how about we do something like this? We will give a demonstration of an older brother’s correct behavior towards his younger sibling. How about we decide the winner like that? Sounds easy enough, no?

Subaru: You call that easy?

Ruki: Our earlier match ended in a draw, so we’ll settle the score his way. Well then, I’ll go first. Ahem.

Ahー Sakamaki Subaru.

Subaru: …W-What?

Ruki: Staying cooped up inside your coffin all day is bad for your health. You should go outside every once in a while.

Subaru: Haah…!? Why do I have to do that!?

Ruki: I’m worried about your wellbeing. Although if you truly don’t want to, I suppose I have no other choice. I’ll make your favorite food instead, okay? What would you like to eat?

Subaru: I don’t have a favorite food, buzz off…Anyway, the fuck’s goin’ on? Why are we perfomin’ some kind of play!?

Ruki: How odd…Kou and Yuma always fall for this trick right away. For one, why are you so obsessed with your coffin? If something is weighing heavy on your mind, I don’t mind offering my advice? Come on, talk to me about your worries. …Ah. Or are you perhaps hiding a secret from me!?

Subaru: Che…Can you please just fuck off already!? I’m not keepin’ any secrets!

*Thud*

Ruki: …Hmph. A rather rebellious younger brother, I must say. However, I suppose I showed what I wanted to. Those were the words of a caring older brother who is concerned about his younger brother’s wellbeing. I came across as a fine older brother who looks out for his siblings, did I not?

Shuu: …I wonder?

Ruki: Run your mouth all you want. Oi, Livestock. How did I do?

You try to explain.

Ruki: Excuse me? You’re being rather vague.

You elaborate.

Shuu: Haha…She does have a point. You seemed more like a nosy mom rather than an older brother.

Ruki: I’m no mother. I’m an older brother. …I did well, did I not, Sakamaki Subaru?

Subaru: For the millionth time, I don’t want to have to show appreciation for someone else! I don’t give a damn if they’re the oldest of the family or not! Don’t try to order me around!

Shuu: It might have worked on your younger brothers, but you barked up the wrong tree.

Ruki: Kuh…! …Then, what will you do?

Subaru: Oi, can’t we call it a day already? Let’s stop this…

Shuu: No…I suppose I could play along for a bit.

Subaru: Wha…!? Are you crazy?

Shuu: Ahー... The Old Man summoned me, so I want you to go and pass my message instead. I’m using my veto as the eldest brother.

Subaru: Haah!? Fuck off! That’s your duty, isn’t it!? Don’t be pushin’ it onto your younger brother instead!

Shuu: You’re going to defy your older brother? In that case, I might just have to tell him about the little secret you’ve been hiding in your coffin…

Subaru: H-Haah…!? Like I said, I’m not keepin’ any secrets or anythin’...

Ruki: Good grief, you’re barely any different…

Shuu: Don’t group us together.

Ruki: Hmph. You’re done, right? I doubt this will settle anything, but we need to decide on a clear winner. ーー Well then, you two. It’s time to choose which one of us was the better older brother.

You struggle.

Ruki: Why hesitate? There is only one answer to give, no?

Shuu: Hurry up and answer already.

Ruki: Oh? You can’t decide? …Well, you aren’t a younger sibling after all. …In that case, I suppose it’s up to Sakamaki Subaru to make the final decision after all.

Subaru: Che…How am I supposed to make a choice? Both of you are a pain in the ass!!

*THUD*

Ruki: …!

Shuu: Ahーah…Here we go again.

Ruki: I cannot believe he would not only refuse to give an answer, but immediately become violent as well…

Shuu: I told you it was a bad idea to have this guy decide from the very beginning, didn’t I? ーー Anyway, we can just consider it a draw, right? …Pwaah…I’m sleepy…

*Rustle*

Shuu: Oi, you. I’m leaving the rest up to you.

You seem surprised.

Shuu: I have better things to do than deal with Subaru’s angry tantrums. I’m gonna go look for a quiet place and take a nap. See you.

Subaru: …Aaah!? You make us go through all this shit and then you run!? Oi!?

Shuu: Pwaah…

Shuu walks away.

Subaru: Shuu!!

Ruki: Good grief…I suppose I just can’t understand those Sakamaki’s after all. Haah…Well then, Livestock. I shall get going as well. It’s about time I start looking for my younger brothers.

Ruki starts to walk away as well.

Ruki: ーー Ah, one more thing. You should probably stop that guy before he completely loses control. I’m sure the restoration costs of this place’s venue would give Reiji an immediate cardiac arrest.

He leaves.

Ruki: Haah, good grief…That was a complete waste of my time…

Subaru: …Ugh…

You ask Subaru if he’s alright.

Subaru: You really think I’m ‘alright’ right now? If it was up to me…I’d gladly pass up on those poor excuses for an older brother…!! Ugh!!

*THUD*

*CRASH*

ーー THE END ーー

#diabolik lovers #dialovers #shuu sakamaki #subaru sakamaki #ruki mukami #diabolik lovers translation #diabolik lovers drama cd #drama cd

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everything-laito · 4 years

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Never expected the Laito vs Shin CD to be this deep on Laito’s side. Hi, I’m back at it again with another long rant.

Hiiii! It’s Corn here, with a long awaited analysis of the Laito vs Shin drama cd!

I didn’t expect to like this pairing as much as I did, but honestly Shin’s abrasiveness brought more out of Laito than I expected. Maybe it’s also the combination of Laito struggling to keep himself restrained.

If you wanna hear my shitpost 2 am reactions to this, here’s the link. I go back now and realize I forgot some stuff in my notes to put in there, but oh well haha. If you want me to release the ones I forgot let me know lololol, my 2 am ramblings are pretty funny in hindsight. Thank you to @/dialovers-translations for providing the translations to these CDs! If you want to check the CD out for yourself, here it is. And as always, if you want to add anything, feel free to! Huge analysis under the cut :)

So the CD starts off with Laito and Yui. They’re in public somewhere and Laito’s being… Laito. But he’s trying to be quiet which was off putting for me at first. Anyways, this takes place right after the Lost Eden ending. I will admit I haven’t played Lost Eden or has seen the translations yet (I like playing the games as I do) but I do know that in in some endings the Sakamakis (and Mukamis???? I think??? Not sure) inherit daddy ketchup’s power. (I think it’s all of them that do in their endings but correct me if I’m wrong).

So we know that Laito doesn’t like violence from him saying it multiple times in past games, drama cds, etc. He also mentioned in Haunted Dark Bridal that he doesn’t like family politics and has no interest in having the throne/Karl’s power. So, safe to assume from the start he doesn’t like having this power. And oh boy he is NOT having it.

In my notes of the first track I made a quip of that Laito’s been kind of a “wannabe romantic.” I know that’s not the best way to describe it, but he’s like “human girls like this right?” or “this is what you do in a relationship, right?” (And he either puts his own twist on it or it ends up being More Blood’s vampire ending). So in this he holds your hand, no tricks, no nothing. I know this is a result of Rejet’s writing change after HDB, but also I think it’s some development on Laito’s end too (either way, it’s cute as hell). I honestly took this as him trying to distract himself from the power he now has; one that he never wanted in the first place. And we know Laito: master of distracting himself from his own issues and other people.

Laito: “Fufu…You’re shaking~ In that case, should we just dive down from here while I hold you in my arms? …We’ll reach the ground in no time, but it might be reaaaaaally scary.”

Laito: “I’m not going to jump down. After all, I’ve decided I won’t use these powers no matter what.”

Although it takes some deeper knowledge of Laito, he definitely is using the ol “making fun of things I’m insecure about = coping mechanism” plenty of people like to do. He’s teasing himself; making a little quip of it and then kinda turning serious, yet still remaining his “~playful Laito façade~” self. In my notes I say that I’m glad Rejet stuck by with Laito’s whole “I have no interest in these powers” kinda thing. I also think that it scares him, on top of the fact that he just doesn’t give a shit. Or him having the “I don’t give a shit” attitude is a cover up for that fear? We’re gonna go deeper into that, my fellow sinners.

Before I get into that, I just wanted to point out yet another quote that follows the ones that I put.

Laito: “Don’t look so puzzled. This is the human world, isn’t it? It would be odd. There’s no hidden meaning behind it. That’s all.”

I liked my note in response to this quote: “H A H don’t be so DAFT, Laito, you’re the KING of double meanings. I know this is a liiiieeeeee” and man, I gotta agree with my cryptid self. He’s using the fact that it’s the human world as an excuse for him to not use his powers. Which…. Is a valid excuse. But this is also Laito we’re talking about. And he just sucked your blood in public. And moaned. I can see right through you man. Laito without double meanings is just…. He can’t exist. There’s no way. Sure he’s developed but if he’s still sticking with his façade from time to time, it’s a safe assumption; deductively.

As for Laito fearing his powers, it really starts to prove itself by Track 02. Shin finds him, attacks him with wolves, and Laito STILL doesn’t use his powers, even in self defense. For a man that has 0 self restraint typically,,,,,, he really can restrain himself for the most specific things. This further supports my claim that Laito’s scared of himself with these powers. He’s also just really dedicated to his morals, whether they’re falsified morals he created himself in self defense, or ones that go deep to his core (oh shit, another analysis idea???).

Then… Laito got angry, and attacked Shin in the process (this happens in track 04. Shin steals Yui in track 03). Again, I know I just said he’s pretty dedicated to his morals. But it’s an oddly human thing to do; breaking your morals once in a while to achieve something. We’ve all done it at least once in our lives. Then Laito beats himself up over letting his angry emotions get to him. And we get such a moving scene.

Laito: “Ah…Fuck…! Why…! Why!? Why did I let myself fall for such an easy taunt!? …Bitch-chan? I’m weird, right now, aren’t I? Because of that guy’s powers…Aren’t I going crazy?”

Laito: “…!? I…I’ve been composed this whole time. Yet…Why do you tell me such a thing!? Just as I thought…You also think that I’m becoming weird! If not, you wouldn’t look at me with those eyes!”

Laito: “Don’t touch me…!! If you touch me…You’ll be corrupted as well.”

Laito: “Fufufu…Ahaha…! I’m not corrupted? No, haven’t you experienced it first-hand? That man’s sullied blood and powers are flowing through this body of mine. Even though I don’t need them…! Even though I never wished for them…! Why…!? Why did I have to get these things forced upon me!? Fuck!”

I know that Japanese doesn’t technically have swear words like we do. He says 「くそ」 (“kuso”) which is an interjection that describes something that’s outrageous. Which is why it gets translated into “damn!” “Shit!” “Fuck!” Based on the context and aggressiveness. But, Laito rarely ever says 「くそ」, and he said it a LOT in this CD. And that’s what really caught me off guard.

So, SO much is said in those quotes I cannot even begin to fathom. So let’s break it down.

Firstly, as I mentioned, He’s beating himself up (as well as gaslighting himself(?) Is that possible?) over breaking his own morals and not wanting to have these powers in the first place. And he uses Karl as a scapegoat, as he (and the other brothers) have a habit of doing. Also, he refers to his powers as “that guy’s powers.” He hasn’t even accepted that they’re his, and that’s also what’s really sad.

Then the second line. “I’ve been composed this whole time.” Well we, as Laito fans, know that what we usually see Laito is a façade. But this, right now, is raw Laito, baby. He then kinda gets a paranoia of some sort, trying to read your eyes (which is most likely sympathetic, not thinking he’s weird) in order to blame it on someone, or continuing to gaslight himself. And the third line… Wow that hit hard for me in the feels. You know how Laito usually says he wants to corrupt you? Steal your innocence? (Again, projection, from what Cordelia made him feel). This also further supports the notion that Laito doesn’t think that highly of himself (well, people who have some type of superiority complex do. And he definitely does, sometimes on Ayato levels) and also the fact that he still keeps that façade up. Probably to protect these inner feelings. Again, his statement about his composure says as much.

It’s then implied that Yui tries to comfort him, saying that he’s not corrupted. He continues to not listen to her and kinda say his bottled up feelings. God that last quote, and the way he says it,,,, ugh god it’s so heartbreaking. As we previously knew, he didn’t want these powers at all. He never wanted to be in any part of Karlheinz’s games. He just wanted to live the way he wants to (even if it is,,,, an unhealthy mindset to live in). He says it in such a fearful and tragic way. Again, he’s afraid of himself with these powers. He’s trying to build back up his facade or adjust it in any way that he can to avoid it, but right now, it’s too much for him.

Laito: “Bitch-chan, you see. As long as she has someone to make her feel good, she will make do with anyone. …Power does not matter. That’s what being a ‘Bitch-chan’ is all about, isn’t it?”

Shin: “Che! You’re just spouting random crap! You won’t deceive me.”

Laito: “Heh…There, there…Don’t glare at me like that..We’ve come all the way up here…It would be foolish to waste our time talking about power dynamics. Let’s enjoy ourselves…I don’t care about complicated stuff. To me, this is everything.”

I actually said something coherent enough in my 2 am notes in response to this to pretty much put it in here verbatim:

Damn, this boy really just wants to vibe and avoid responsibility (I mean, don’t we all Laito) but he just has to face it. I kinda realize through this drama cd that Laito just… doesn’t wanna face complexity too. He doesn’t, never has. Violence is too complicated, getting involved with Cordelia and Ayato’s relationship by standing up for Ayato as a kid is too complicated, getting on Cordelia’s “good side” (which is uh,,,, awful) is too complicated.

Putting up that whole perverted façade in order to hide from his own feelings; holy shit idk how I didn’t notice this blatantly before. I didn’t know it would take Shin to make me realize this. Laito never asked for any of this happening to him (none of the boys really did; at least for their pasts). Goddamn, when I try to look at the overly complex stuff, I miss the simple shit so easily. People in real life try to escape like this––using sex and pleasure––just like Laito.

(Can’t believe I said that at 2 am omg) But, to add onto that, the whole “That’s what being a ‘Bitch-chan’ is all about, isn’t it?” Has SO much meaning to it. First of all, it’s a question. Which raises uncertainty about a subject. This subject is what being a ‘Bitch-chan’ is. It’s phrased in a desperate way that this is Laito’s way to ask you to help. And that’s huge. Also, I think it’s Laito’s way of saying to not judge him right now, and to still accept him for who he is. If he really thought that Yui was that “loose” of a woman with no standards, he wouldn’t have cared to say this, or implied his purpose: which is wanting to make Yui feel good. Which, I think in Laito terms, means “wanting to make Yui happy.” And he wants to continue to be there with her through this double meaning. And wow. That’s,,,,pretty poetic.

Last note; I know that Shin even said or implied (I’m too lazy to go back to the direct quote) that he was like “bruh get over yourself, these are your powers now, get used to it” (which set Laito off I believe). And going in, I didn’t think I’d get much out of this duo in terms of development, but WOW, there’s a chock full of stuff.

If you’ve made it this far, congrats! Holy crap I think this is longer than the Hilde analysis.

Thanks for reading as always! -Corn

#analysis #Diabolik lovers #dialover #dialovers #Diabolik Lovers analysis #dl #laito sakamaki #sakamaki laito #raito sakamaki #sakamaki raito #laito

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kumoriyami-xiuzhen · 4 years

Text

Hakuoki Zuisoroku Omokage-Hana Drama CD “At Shimabara”

I think quarantine is finally getting to me lol. Or perhaps it’s just that I’m only starting to feel overwhelmed right now cuz of my classes... or how awful the news coming from south of the border is... so I kinda went on an absurd spending spree... then decided to finally get a translation for this commissioned because I reaaaaaally wanted to know what happens in this drama as I believe it’s the only one with just Saito, Hijikata and Kazama in it...

anyway.

This is translation is of the 薄桜鬼随想録面影げ花いまじんWebショップオトメパック限定特典ドラマCD 「島原にて」 (name and image pulled from suruga-ya) which google mtl basically says is the game’s Image Web Special Edition CD... or something. the entirety of that is not mentioned in the audio so I don’t really care. lol.

This was translated by the lovely Ran @jokertrap-ran. Check out Ran’s page here for info on commissions! Thank you again for accepting my commission, Ran!

Edited this a tiny bit since I’m only sticking this up as a text translation post.

Hakuoki Zuisouroku Limited Edition Drama CD “At Shimabara”

Translation by @jokertrap-ran

(footsteps, then a door slides open)

Saito: I have returned, Vice-Commander.

Hijikata: Oh, Saito. How was it? Did you manage to successfully see the messenger from the Shogunate back? Heh, I suppose there’s no use asking you that. There’s no way someone like you would leave any stone unturned.

Saito: Indeed; everything has been set into place. He told me to relay the message that they’ll stay on standby once evening comes once we reached the courtyard, vice-commander.

Hijikata: So it seems like they’ve finally acknowledged our strength, huh. There’s nothing I can say if we finally have something that stands out in their eyes. Good work out there, Saito.

Saito: It is only my duty.

Hijikata: You’re still as stiff and uptight as ever...Well, now that this has been settled, how about enjoy a cup of tea and relax for once?

Saito: But Vice-Commander, don’t we have to return to headquarters?

Hijikata: I’m actually still a little tipsy from when we were entertaining the guests earlier so I thought of sobering up before we returned.

Saito: I see. Then, I shall partake in a cup.

Hijikata: Come to think of it, you aren’t a light-weight, right?

Saito: No, I can’t say that I’m that resistant to alcohol…

Hijikata: What are you holding back for? You can’t just be going with a single cup! Here, have a ton!

Saito: Vice-Commander? A ton? Did I hear you wrongly…? Are you perhaps still a little inebriated?

Hijikata: There’s absolutely no way that little bit of alcohol would ever make me drunk!

Saito: But didn’t you say so earlier that you were still feeling a little intoxicated…?

Hijikata: You’re starting to sound like Kondou-san and Sannan-san. “I know more about how much you can handle than you, yourself”.

Saito: No, it wasn't my intention to be suspecting you but…

Hijikata: Yea, I know. There’s no swaying you once you’ve already set your mind onto something. However, there are still times where you need to loosen your shoulders a little. That’s why you should drink a little and relax, for once.

Saito: Understood. If you insist, Vice-Commander. But, drinking alone is a little... It would be much appreciated if you could join me as well, even if it’s just exchanging cups.

(pours drink)

Hijikata: I see, that might be true. I shall join you then.

Saito: Here’s a cup.

Hijikata: Thanks.

(Hijikata drinks)

Hijikata: Ah...

Saito: Vice-Commander!? Are you sure that’s okay…?

Hijikata: (sounds a bit drunk) Don’t fret about the small things! I don’t think you’ll drink up if I don’t start first anyway.

Saito: Then, vice-commander, I’ll down one too then.

Hijikata: Yeah.

-------

(crickets + sound of something being poured)

Hijikata: But, I still can’t bring myself to believe it.

Saito: Believe…?

Hijikata: In the fact that I can walk alongside Kondou-san out in the open and still receive money from the others like that when it was previously unthinkable. Even though it was just a few years back when we were poor, broke and scavenging; barely able to make ends meet at the dojo. It’s almost like a dream come true…

Saito: I do not agree with that. I simply think that the two of you have finally managed to obtain what you deserved.

Hijikata: Well, it’s a fact that we’re now doing more jobs that pay us at a more reasonable price. Even the dream I had of making Kondou-san a daimyo might come true...Will you pour me another cup?

Saito:...Are you sure?

Hijikata: What? I told you didn’t I? A little bit of alcohol like this will never get me drunk!

Saito: Is that so...then…

(more pouring then drinking)

Hijikata: Ah.... In any case, we’ve still got a long way to go. They haven’t yet seen everything that we have to offer.

Saito: Is there some dissatisfaction you’d like to voice…?

Hijikata: No, it’s just that the idiots out there have been fooling around much more since we came here. Souji, that dumbass, was playing such a childish prank just the other day!

Saito: Souji did…?

Hijikata: Yeah, he took the book I was still in the midst of writing and rearranged my entire collection. I had to go back and rearrange all the tomes [pages] from scratch again, thanks to him. Hiding things while I’m working outside, replacing the fillings of my steamed buns with wasabi and messing around with the boats. He’s really been such a handful. It would be great if he put even a little of his love for pranks...no, if he put all of his love for fooling around into helping, the Shinsengumi prosper a little more!

Saito: I deeply apologize for his actions...I shall make sure to give him an earful from my end.

Hijikata: No, there’s no need. It’s not your fault at all. This is all on Souji! And Shinpachi, Harada and Heisuke...Those three only cause nothing but an abundance of noise and trouble when left on their own. If only they’d learn to quiet down a little and learn the right way to treat guests. Maybe they might even be able to knock a couple more strategies into those hard skulls of theirs if they learnt to sit still for a bit. They’d all whine and complain about me being a demon and whatnot if I so much as give them a little warning…

Saito: I understand where you’re coming from...I’ve also tried warning them about it since I’m of the same mind, but... as you can see…

Hijikata: That’s why I said that it’s not your fault at all, didn’t I? None of this is! And Kondou-san has his own thing going on too. He might explode on them one in a while, but he’s still way too soft on them! Haa...Well, it’s my job to clean up after them for Kondou-san’s sake as well, so it’s not like it’s anything new now, but…

(door slides open)

Kazama: I’ve heard everything.

Saito: You are-- Kazama!

Kazama: It’s been a long time, Shogunate dogs. I’ve made it a point to drop in once in a while to see what antics the humans have been putting themselves up to.

Hijikata: I never would have thought that I’d be seeing your face here, in a place like this.

Kazama: I was there watching things go down between the Satsuma and the Aizu, but as usual, such things are of no concern to me. I couldn’t care less about humans, but you, I cannot ignore.

Hijikata: No one’s asking you to join us. I’m just asking what you are here for.

Kazama: I just happened to overhear your conversation about the Shinsengumi. It seems like you’re not all a united front.

Hijikata: Heh. It’s quite a bit of work to make everyone work together and it’s not like we’re the only ones attempting to do it, despite the amount of hard work we have to put in to achieve it.

Kazama: You certainly have a point there.

Hijikata: Huh? What, you’re actually being surprisingly honest today. You’d normally snort and turn your head away, mocking us from that high horse of yours and spouting about how you’re greater than all of us down below.

Kazama: Hard Work; no matter what the cause or source is no different even if the subjects are Oni or Human.

Saito: I don’t know what to think of you calling yourself a vessel, but…

Hijikata: Oh? Doesn’t that mean that you’re one in the world of Oni as well? Have they lowered you into one? Although it’s hard for people like us to understand.

Kazama: Unlike you lot, I’m proud to be one and am willing to uphold the name of the Kazama family from whence I came-!

Hijikata: Yeah, yeah, alright, I get it!

(sounds like Kazama sits. drinks are poured again)

Hijikata: Anyway, how about you drink up too? So? What happened?

(Kazama drinks)

Kazama: Hmm.... Nothing much. Although, there’s something about the Kazama’s family retainer, Amagiri...I do wish that he wouldn’t stand out so much.

Hijikata: What, does that Oni called Amagiri pull stuff off like our Souji?

Kazama: For better or for worse, he lives up to his name as a retainer. Although, he really should familiarise himself more with the Satsuma domain’s workings... He seems to lack awareness when it comes to my position. Fetching my bride back isn’t my only duty. He always seems to be lecturing me about the other things I have to attend to as the head of the Kazama family.

Saito: Isn’t that just the result of you digging your own grave? I’d have done the same too, if I were in Amagiri’s shoes.

Kazama: Silence! I absolutely detest those of a lower rank than me to be mouthing off towards me all so cheekily!

Hijikata: Saito... you should really watch what you say during times like this...or you’d carelessly be adding oil to the fire.

Saito: Roger.

Kazama: What are you whispering between yourselves about over there? Didn’t you want to hear what I had to say?

Hijikata: Yeah, yeah. We are listening. And then?

Kazama : It’s not just Amagiri; those Satsuma guys too… They seem to have mistaken me for their errand runner or something, calling me to them and then sending me off on one troublesome task after another.

Hijikata: I get where you’re coming from! We’re made to take care of the jobs nobody wishes to handle and all the delicious scraps go to you lot!

(drinks poured again)

Hijikata: Uh, I seem to recall you having other subordinates, right…? That...guy with a gun? Shiranui…? What happened to him?

Kazama: Ah... He’s not one of us nor is he someone from the Kazama family. He just got involved in this and threw his lot in with the Choshu by his own free will.

Hijikata: Oh? He joined of his own free will only to end up in such bloodshed along with you and the Choshu? I suppose he picked the wrong place to belong to. I pity him.

Kazama: But he is a fellow Oni, so I’ve warned him countless times... I told him that he should have more pride and be more strict with himself when doing things in Takasugi’s name. I wonder where in the world his pride as an Oni has gone off and disappeared to!? Is what he feels that he owes from his relationship with Takasugi that important!?

Hijikata: Yeah, I get it. We have a good lot of people here who have no sense of who’s their higher up too. There are countless out there who expect us, Shinsengumi, to be cleaning up after them even though we’re on off duty on that day!

Kazama: Precisely! Oni will be Oni, no matter what the circumstances. It’s unfathomable to think otherwise! We cannot participate in conflict between humans.

Hijikata: The new recruits all get scared shitless when they see the Special Corps... cowardly and unwilling to throw everything in the name of pride, where in the world has their Bushi spirit [spirit as warriors] gone!?

Kazama: Hmm... I never would have thought that we’d ever be seeing eye-to-eye on something like this... Drink up, Hijikata.

(drinks are poured and Hijikata drinks again)

Hijikata: Thank you…

Saito: Vice-Commander? I don’t think you should be drinking any mo--

(sets down cup)

Hijikata:...Shuddup! Leave me be!

Saito: But-

Kazama: Enough. Just let him drink his share. I’ll forgive it.

Saito: No, just because you’re willing to overlook it-

Hijikata: I’m fine! ‘Sides, weren’t you the one who told me to drink!

(slams cup)

Saito: No, I only told you to act the part and not to actually drink more of-

(pours again)

Kazama: He, himself, is saying that he wishes to drink. Let a man live, won’t you?

Hijikata: That’s right, you heard him! I won’t go crying to you just because I’ve hit my limit.

Saito: But-!

Kazama: Saito, you aren’t yet one who has become as resilient as man as you should. There’s no way a true man will ever fall victim to as little alcohol as this.

Saito: No, that might be true for you Oni, but the Vice-Commander’s-!

(sound of HIjikata drinking)

Hijikata: Ah.... Saito! Have you not been listening to me at all!? It’s not like I can’t drink; I just don’t!

Saito: Then I suppose it’s fine... (whispers quietly) why am I being attacked by both of him and Kazama at the same time? How did it come to this...This is an unexpected turn of events!

Kazama: Although this has come to the attention to the Yase, even if someone as powerful as myself steps in and attempts to extend a helping hand, those Oni are all unwilling to join me....! They all prattle on about how they’ll never submit to the likes of someone like me... If only they weren’t of higher standing than me, from the Kazama family... I would never allow people who’d dare disgrace me as such live!

Hijikata: Yeah, I understand! So many people have crossed me to the point where I could probably pour oil and light a whole hut of them up on fire. They’re all worthless people who can’t be saved at all... I suppose there’s no saving them, even if you wanted to. Ah, here! You should drink more too!

(drinks poured again)

Kazama: I will drink more, even if you don’t push me to.

(drinks)

Kazama: I do not plan to sit here and do nothing about how I’m being treated as lowly as this forever. I will not put up with this for much longer, just you watch…

Hijikata: Yeah, let’s show them! It’s...not like...we’ll accept being treated like this...for..ever…

(hijikata falls down and passes out)

Saito: Ah! Vice-Commander! Wake up, Vice-Commander! This is no good, it doesn’t seem like he’ll be waking up at all…

Kazama : Hm... How boring. Has he already reached his limit? It’s about time I return too. Would you tell Hijikata that this alcohol wasn’t all too bad for me when he wakes up?

Saito: Ah- Wait!

(door slides opens and kazama leaves)

Saito: ...How irresponsible for him to leave the Vice-Commander in such a state and then make a hasty retreat on his own… But, the Vice-Commander seemed to be able to hold a proper conversation with him earlier...Is it because of the alcohol? Or is it that...I don’t want to think about it, but could they be similar to one another? No! There’s absolutely no way! I’m sure that was just a coincidence!

Hijikata: Mmngh... Just you...watch…! I’m...not going...to be put...down by something...as simple...as this…

-end-

#hakuoki #hakuouki #hakuoki zuisouroku #hakuoki drama translation #hakuoki drama cd #Saito Hajime #Hijikata Toshizou #Kazama Chikage

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muwi-translates · 4 years

Photo

Collar x Malice予約特典ドラマCD「HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR……」

Collar x Malice Yoyaku Tokuten Drama CD - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR...

Word count of 4712, approximately 35 minute long track. Spoiler free. Just a note that I used a Chinese translation as my main source, and did some light cross-referencing from the original audio. I guarantee there will be some inaccuracies.

**Please don’t move this translation or claim it as your own.**

---

Shiraishi: This is Yanagi Detective Agency.

From cat hunting to investigating extramarital affairs, all kinds of complicated cases aren’t refused. This is an agency where detectives specialising in different fields live together.

Eh? Shinjuku quarantine? Nonsense, nothing that shocking has happened here. That must have happened in another world’s Shinjuku.

In short, the members of the Yanagi Detective Agency are Aiji Yanagi, the director, and the investigators; Mineo Enomoto, Takeru Sasazuka, Kageyuki Shiraishi, and…

[Knock knock]

Okazaki: Good morning, detectives of Yanagi Detective Agency, here’s today’s request~!

Enomoto: You again, Okazaki?

Okazaki: Yup, me again. I’ve already become a regular here. I’m coming in~

Enomoto: But we just finished your request not that long ago.

Okazaki: And thanks for always helping.

Enomoto: You probably don’t even need detectives for your request. It’s always something that you can do yourself.

Enomoto: You even asked Yanagi-senpai to make you food a while ago.

Okazaki: It’s because I’m disastrous with housework. Plus, Yanagi-san’s homemade food is so delicious~

Shiraishi: It’s because Yanagi-kun is particular about the details.

Sasazuka: That said, Yanagi-san, even though that guy said it was because he made a request, don’t you think he comes in and out of here too often?

Yanagi: Ah, it’s because he pays generously. Maybe he’s scam-- no, he’s definitely a regular customer.

Sasazuka: Maybe he’s planning something? It wouldn’t end up being something like “he’s actually from the police force” right?

Yanagi: Enomoto and I can’t do anything, if you and Shiraishi just look into him then we’ll be able to see his true colors.

Sasazuka: Don’t act like it’s none of your business, aren’t you the director? This should be a joint responsibility.

Enomoto: Well? What’s it going to be today? Cleaning your house? Repair the roof? Walking the dog?

Okazaki: All of those are attractive, but it isn’t about me today. Actually, I wanted you guys to help plan Ichika Hoshino’s birthday party!

Everyone: Hah?!

Okazaki: Eh? Why’s everyone so surprised?

Yanagi: Let me just confirm first… Hoshino is a member of our agency, you do know that… right?

Okazaki: Mhm, of course I know. You’ve been looking after me the whole year, after all.

Yanagi: So why exactly are you asking us to help you plan her birthday party?

Okazaki: Eh? Isn’t it obvious? I want to get along with her more.

Enomoto: Hey, you dumb gourd. Don’t tell me the reason why you keep coming up with requests-- was ‘cus of her?!

Okazaki: …Of course not~ ⭐

Sasazuka: What’s with that unnatural reply?

Shiraishi: I see, I suppose ‘a moving effort’ is a nice way to put it.

Enomoto: No matter how you look at it he’s one step away from being a stalker.

Yanagi: Okazaki, if you’re going to do this to our staff--

Okazaki: Ah, if it’s about the payment, I already prepared it.

Yanagi: …!

Okazaki: I’ll pay for the full cost of the birthday party. I think… this should be enough?

Yanagi: W-With this amount, this month’s rent…

Enomoto: W-Wait, Yanagi-senpai! I can see dollar signs in your eyes!

Yanagi: Food expenses have gone up recently too...

Enomoto: Nonono, you can’t sell your conscience like this! If we don’t have enough money, you can just borrow some from Takeru!

Sasazuka: Don’t joke around, you won’t get even a cent from me.

Enomoto: HEY! You’re the one who’s upping our food expenses!

Sasazuka: I’ll only pay for my portion.

Shiraishi: Now, now, it’s not a difficult request, let’s just accept it. It’s just her birthday party, nothing bad.

Yanagi: But…!

Shiraishi: As long as we keep watch, even if Okazaki plans to do something weird, we can stop him before that happens.

Okazaki: So mean, I already said I won’t do anything weird. I’m not Shiraishi-san.

Shiraishi: Ahaha, I hope that you’ll acknowledge that everyone thinks you’re more dangerous than me, hm?

Yanagi: Well, fine. We’l...l accept your request.

Okazaki: Really? You’re a great help~ I already promised Ichika-chan that I’d throw her a birthday party.

Enomoto: Hah?!

Sasazuka: Oi, when the hell did you--

Okzaki: It’s a birthday party, right? If you don’t tell her about it and she doesn’t come then there would be no meaning, right? You should schedule these things ahead of time!

Shiraishi: As expected of Okazaki, you move quickly.

Okazaki: Hehe, compared to Shiraishi-san I’m still a long way off.

Sasazuka: You two, you’re making it feel colder here with those smiles.

Yanagi: As long as we’re able to keep Okazaki and Hoshino from being alone together we can avoid any issues.

Enomoto: That’s true… as long as we can protect her from Okazaki’s claws then--

Okazaki: It feels like you guys have some sort of misunderstanding about me? I’ve been officially introduced as a pure-hearted airheaded man who’s completely harmless, you know.

Sasazuka: You’re just saying that yourself.

Enomoto: A guy who pretends to be an airhead is the most dangerous of ‘em all!

Okazaki: So mean… well, fine. Then, let me explain my request again from the top.

Okazaki: I want you guys to investigate to see what will make Ichika-chan happy, and help throw a wonderful birthday party~

Okazaki: After all, her birthday is only 5 days away.

Yanagi: I got it. It’ll be faster if we split the responsibilities. We need someone for the gift, the food, and the cake, and… let me think, if we’re going to have a surprise party, we need someone to be in charge of that too. Since it’s a surprise party, we should also take into account how to make Hoshino happy.

Sasazuka: I’ll take the cake.

Enomoto: You’re deciding yourself?!

Sasazuka: Because I’m not going to eat a cake that tastes bad.

Enomoto: So you just care about eating it yourself…

Yanagi: If Sasazuka chose it himself then there probably won’t be any problems. Next, the cooking--... I guess it’s me.

Okazaki: Yanagi-san makes the best food, after all! I’m looking forward to it!

Enomoto: Okayokayokay! Me! I’ll do the presents!

Sasazuka: Hah? You?

Enomoto: That’s right, I’ll use my high aesthetic sense to make her happy!

Shiraishi: Haha, indeed, Enomoto-kun does have “good” sense in a way. But if you’re going to go while wearing those clothes, then I don’t think you have the right aesthetic sense that will please girls.

Enomoto: Heh, Shiraishi-san. I don’t want to hear that from a guy who’s almost thirty years old who wears cat ears.

Okazaki: Hehe, that’s true.

Shiraishi: Hm…? Enomoto-kun, you see, I don’t often get angry, but just then, I felt just a little mad.

Enomoto: Guh…! I-I didn’t say anything wrong, I-I’m not scared of you!

Sasazuka: You’re shaking though, and your voice is getting smaller.

Okazaki: Hey, hey, should I be in charge of the present too? I want to give her some sleeping goods, so my gift to her will be the gift of the most comfortable sleep! What do you think?

Enomoto: Aren’t you the client? Why are you taking part?

Yanagi: A present, huh… well, at Hoshino’s age, wouldn’t accessories be more appropriate? When it comes to women, they’d be happy to receive those.

Okazaki: Accessories? I’ve already decided to give those to her when the opportunity is right.

Enomoto: When the opportunity is right?

Okazaki: It’s customary to give an engagement ring when you propose, right? Ah… a birthday proposal doesn’t sound like a bad idea.

Enomoto: E-E-E-E-Engagement?! A birthday perpozal?!!?!

Shiraishi: Enomoto-kun, Enomoto-kun? You’ve gone from disbelief into speech impediment territory.

Enomoto: Shiraishi-sanwhatareyousayingIdon’tunderstand!!

Shiraishi: I meant you were saying words that sounded right but also mangled almost beyond recognition.

Enomoto: Oh, yeah, right!

Sasazuka: Hey, Okazaki, what you just said… are you being serious?

Okazaki: Eh? Why wouldn’t I be? I wouldn’t joke about these things.

Sasazuka: Hm...

Enomoto: Yanagi-senpai, is this okay? Our own staff member is gonna get taken by this guy--

Yanagi: [Sigh] ...Calm down. Okazaki just said he’d do that when given the opportunity. And he never said he was talking about Hoshino.

Enomoto: Oh… I see… Yup! That’s true! I was overthinking too much! Ah, got all surprised for nothing.

Shiraishi: Well, I just think he wasn’t saying it clear enough.

Okazaki: Haha, that’s true.

Enomoto: W-Wait, what’s with that secretive dark smile?! Don’t tell me this guy… is planning to do something!!?

Okazaki: Hm? That’s why I said I wanted to give her a birthday present, it’s why I came to make my request today.

Sasazuka: Tch, that stupid cat. Don’t just be all nice to people whenever you want, god dammit.

Enomoto: Arghhh… alright, Okazaki! Come out! To the roof!

Okazaki: Huh?

Enomoto: We’ll decide with a contest who will get the gift! It’s a duel! And it’ll definitely be me, the great Mineo Enomoto, who shall be victorious!!

Yanagi: No, no, Enomoto, wait a second--

Enomoto: Don’t stop me, Yanagi-senpai. There are moments where a man has no choice! Yoooooooooooooooooo--!!

[Door slams]

Okazaki: ...He left...

Yanagi: Good grief, did he forget that this was Okazaki’s request?

Shiraishi: Isn’t this a good thing? It’s all in good fun. If there wasn’t a contest, then Enomoto-kun wouldn’t have accepted it.

Yanagi: You say it like that but...

Shiraishi: Then Okazaki-kun, Enomoto-kun, Yanagi-kun and I will be part of the contest. It looks like Sasazuka-kun doesn’t plan on doing anything else other than picking the cake, so could you be the referee?

Sasazuka: So annoying, I want to hurry up and pick the cake.

Okazaki: Hehe… a contest? I’m getting all excited.

Yanagi: Huh? Me too?

---

Sasazuka: Let’s start, who’s going to buy the present? Fight for it. Tell me what gift you’re getting for that stupid cat. The most suitable gift for her will be in charge of the gift. That is all. Anybody going to raise any complaints?

Enomoto: No problems here but… did we really have to take this to the roof?

Enomoto: So cold… who was the one who wanted to do this up here? Ah. It was me.

Yanagi: Enomoto…

Enomoto: Guh… I’m sorry...

Yanagi: You need to be more observant of things around you.

Enomoto: I’ll keep that in mind…

Yanagi: Well, the roof isn’t bad. [Lights a cigarette] I can smoke here.

Enomoto: …! Yanagi-senpai! I’ll follow you for as long as I live!!

Yanagi: Ugh-- don’t get so close, it’s disgusting…

Shiraishi: You two get along so well, even though it’s a little suffocating.

Sasazuka: If I had to say, it’s a little cold. It’s not really a feast for the eyes if it’s Mineo and Yanagi-san.

Enomoto: Hey, don’t say stuff that people will misunderstand! In my heart, I’ve already decided on a partner--

Sasazuka: Whatever, talk about it later. Let’s hurry up and get this over and done with.

Enomoto: Okay, okay.

Yanagi: [Sigh]

Sasazuka: Then let’s start with Shiraishi.

Shiraishi: Can I? Let me think… I want to give her a pair of cat ears like mine.

Okazaki: A pair like Shiraishi-san’s...

Sasazuka: …Cat ears.

Shiraishi: Ah, hers won’t be the same as mine. I’ll make sure they’re high-tech. I want to install a security system that will protect her in any crisis. Ah, of course, I’ll manage the 24 hour surveillance, so there won’t be a problem at all.

Enomoto: What do you mean ‘no problem’?!!!!

Okazaki: It’s like putting a fawn in a lion’s cage.

Yanagi: Shiraishi, no matter what you say you’re obviously out.

Sasazuka: Don’t even need to think about it. Rejected.

Shiraishi: Ehh…

Sasazuka: Isn’t that completely just restraining her? Next, Mineo.

Enomoto: Okay, leave it to me! If it was me then I’d make her a homemade protection charm!

Sasazuka: Next.

Enomoto: HEY! Wasn’t that a quick rejection?! This is going to be my masterpiece so at least listen to ‘till the end!

Shiraishi: Even if he does, it probably won’t change anything.

Enomoto: In the protection charm, I plan to put my own original prayer for her happiness. And, I’ll pair it with a charm of my own in my own design--

Sasazuka: Rejected, next.

Enomoto: So tell me why?!! Give me a reason! A reason!!!

Shiraishi: That protection charm or whatever, isn’t it a bit too serious? I can already roughly imagine what you’ll write on the prayer.

Okazaki: Ah, I know, he’ll curse her by writing “I hope Ichika-chan will fall in love with me”, right?

Enomoto: N-N-N-NoOO!! And don’t call it a curse!

Yanagi: Calm down, Enomoto. All you’re doing is confirming their suspicion.

Enomoto: Yanagi-senpai, you can’t go talking about suspicion or whatever too!

Sasazuka: Plus as soon as you said it was going to be a pair I’d heard enough. As long as I know that they’re a pair, I’m rejecting it.

Yanagi: Maa-- it’s best to try and avoid hiding personal feelings as much as possible.

Sasazuka: Next, Okazaki.

Okazaki: Hm… it has to be those sleeping goods I talked about earlier. High quality sleep is good for health, right?

Yanagi: Well… that’s true.

Shiraishi: Coming from Okazaki, that’s a decent thing to say.

.Okazaki: If she uses the sleeping goods I choose, she’ll definitely be able to fall into a comfortable, deep sleep, regardless if there’s an explosion or fire, it’ll be a top quality item that you’ll be able to sleep in~

Enomoto: Nonono… isn’t that way too much? That’s like… coma-level sleep.

Shiraishi: Aha, so it wasn’t decent after all.

Okazaki: Eh? Is it no good?

Yanagi: Okazaki, you know you’re supposed to be the client, right? Why are you even participating?

Okazaki: Ahaha, that’s true. Ahaha… I got a little careless.

Enomoto: You forgot…?

Sasazuka: Good grief, all these ideas are horrible. If you’re all going to be like this then don’t participate to begin with. You’re last, Yanagi-san.

Yanagi: Didn’t I say accessories were good before? They’re a bit too expensive to buy herself, and rings and necklaces are a bit too heavy, so I think a bracelet would be nice.

Sasazuka: As expected of Yanagi-san, reliable as always. Let’s go with that.

Okazaki: Wow! A decision’s been made? The title “When You Have Trouble Go Find Yanagi Aiji” wasn’t given for nothing, huh...

Yanagi: Where did that come from? Never heard of it…

Okazaki: It’s like saying it’s okay to rely on Yanagi-san even in the main story. They say you’re as reliable as a certain cat-shaped robot [1].

Yanagi: Don’t talk about the main story. And, don’t compare people to service tools. You lot are just too unorganized.

Enomoto: Eh? Wait… if Yanagi-senpai’s handling the gift, then who’s in charge of the cooking?

Sasazuka: We can have Mineo or Shiraishi-san do it.

Enomoto: Eh….? But Yanagi-san’s full course spread…

Shiraishi: I’ve never done anything like cooking before, I’d rather plan for the surprise.

Yanagi: Shiraishi doing the surprise? …I’ve got a bad feeling about that…

Sasazuka: The stupid cat might die if you screw up.

Okazaki: It’s okay, I’ll eliminate any threats that come her way.

Shiraishi: Why don’t you guys trust me? I’ll scare her properly.

Enomoto: That’ll be bad for her heart… I’m sure of it.

Yanagi: Shiraishi, we’re doing a normal surprise.

Shiraishi: Okay, okay, I’ll keep that in mind.

Sasazuka: The cooking duties will be on Mineo.

Enomoto: Me…? Well, if it’s for her then fine…

Yanagi: Then let’s start preparing. That’s all for today. Disperse.

---

Sasazuka: Five more days until that stupid cat’s birthday.

Attendant: Welcome~ Please let me know when you’ve decided on something.

Sasazuka: I’ll have your best looking, best tasting, if a person were to receive it they’d be the happiest ever cake.

Attendant: E-Eh…? Um… uh, I-I’ll get a pamphlet for you… please wait a moment.

Sasazuka: Mm.

Sasazuka: (As always they have the good stuff, as expected, I’m not mistaken. There should be something that will satisfy me in this shop. It’s rare to be able to buy a cake with company allowance, should definitely buy one that’s good. Nothing will go wrong if I pick her cake out myself, plus it’s not bad to see that stupid cat’s happy expression.

Getting a cake that will make her happy is nothing, it’s easy. When she does her work well enough once in a while, she’ll wag her tail when I give her sweets as a reward-- is she a dog? Well, it’s not bad to see. And it’s entertaining.

Besides, she’ll be happy then, because I gave her sweets— no, because I praised her. Even I know this much. Let’s not think about the outcome for now, even I know how hard that idiot works all the time. If I tell her “I don’t hate this idiotic side of you”, then she’ll definitely be happy.

Heh, not bad. There’s a limit on how unlike me I can be though.)

---

Enomoto: Four more days until that one’s birthday.

Hmhm, today’s special is… oh, bean sprouts are on sale. If I grab these then next month’s rent will be a little easier-- wait, no, no, no, no, how could I do something Yanagi-senpai would?! I don’t have to pay attention to what’s on sale if I’m cooking for a birthday!

Hm… homemade… feels celebratory… is a bit luxurious… okay! Let’s go with the great Enomoto special chirashi sushi[2]! That’s that~

When it comes to chirashi sushi, there should be shrimp, and… I’ve read that girls like refreshing food more than greasy ones. Speaking of, does she like eel? … Grilled eel isn’t usually something she’d be able to eat, she’ll definitely be excited for that!

Dammit, if only I could ask her what she likes…

Oh! What about cutting carrots into star shapes? Hoshino likes childish things, she should be happy with that.

Hehe, her smile’s gonna be taken by the great Enomoto!

Hm, no, maybe heart shapes would be better.

Guh, no! It’s not like I’m showing her my feelings! I’m not planning to say something like “please accept my feelings” or anything!!

Uh… what am I saying to myself, I should confirm the menu first.

If the most important flavours aren’t good then there’s no point making it. I’ll definitely make her say it’s delicious!

---

Shiraishi: Three more days until her birthday.

Now then, after some thinking… my head hurts. I’ve never been to a birthday party, nor have I seen one before.

[Clicking and typing]

What exactly is a birthday party?

Even though it’s work, a case that isn’t stimulating is just bothersome.

Well, as long as I understand it well, it’ll be useful in future psychoanalysis, so I’ll deal with it.

Hm~ I see… I mostly understand what a birthday party is, it wasn’t too far from what I expected, next is about the surprise… [Clicking] He~eh? A classic surprise is a trap? And… putting a blackboard eraser in the crack of a door??

Heh, being able to see her surprised reaction wouldn’t be bad at all. She’s so open, seeing her expressions one by one will be amusing. Ah, but.. this is a birthday celebration so I shouldn’t... make her angry.

Even though it’ll be fun to see her angry, I’ll bear with it this time… this time I should try to make her smile?

Hm… what can I do to make her smile? ...How strange, usually these things are easily known just by observing them, but when it comes to her, it becomes more and more difficult to find the correct answer…

But, when I imagine how she’ll laugh… it’s nice, it’s not bad at all.

It’ll be nice to see the real thing once in a while, the smile she always shows when she’s happy.

---

Okazaki: Two more days until her birthday.

Mm! I got it, I’m glad the preparations are going along smoothly. Thank you. I’m counting on you to keep this up until the day!

[Beep]

Everyone’s working so hard, it’ll definitely be a wonderful birthday party. But, I can’t just leave it to everyone else. I also have to think about what will make her happy.

Yanagi-san was chosen to handle the gift we’re giving her… hm… if it was her, no matter what we give her, she’ll probably say that she’s happy.

If that’s the case, I hope she can be happy from the bottom of her heart.

When it comes to things that won’t be forgotten, memories are best.

Ah, maybe I’ll take her out to see the wonderful night view after the birthday party.

Hehe, a helicopter date sounds good too.

Hu… I actually wanted just the two of us to celebrate together… I really wanted her birthday to be a special day. I think about it a lot. ...But, you told me you’d be happy to spend time with everyone… when you say it like that, you make people want to make your wish come true.

But, it’ll be a little frustrating for me to tell them that, so this will be a secret.

Next year, I want to celebrate with just the two of us.

---

Yanagi: One more day left until her birthday.

How weird… how did it turn out like this? How did I end up being in charge of the present when I was obviously more suited for the food?

Attendant: Welcome, please take your time looking.

Yanagi: It’s been years since I went into a jewelry store. No, wait, have I ever been in one? I’ve never chosen a gift for a woman before. Hm...

Attendant: If you’re having a hard time, I can give you my recommendations. Is it a gift for your girlfriend?

Yanagi: Ah- no- it’s for a coworker. [Small voice] A coworker, right? [Normal] A coworker… I… think.

Attendant: In that case, how about something from this series? It’s not as bold as some of the other ones, but it has a cute design, and is popular among women.

Yanagi: A-Ah...

Attendant: If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Yanagi: It’s not too luxurious, but not too simple either. It’s not conspicuous but the design is quite good, it’s not bad. I feel like it’d suit her. This is already the tenth store, I should pick one out soon… if she knew I picked it out what would she think?

“It doesn’t seem like something Yanagi-san would do”... or something like that. … Well, I’m thinking of the same thing about myself anyway.

(That one’s always doing her best. Our office is full of men, not to mention we all have unique personalities. It’s obviously difficult for her to be able to keep up with us. But she never gets discouraged and she thinks about clients more than anyone else. There’s not much I can do for her, but I want to make her happy as a woman just once…)

Attendant: [Laughs] You’ve been thinking about it for a while now, you must be giving it to someone very special.

Yanagi: Uh… ah… yeah.

Attendant: For you to be able to think of her that much, I feel jealous just watching.

Yanagi: (I see… so being this hesitant means that I value her that much. Then let’s keep thinking about it until the last moment.

In any case, I don’t want to choose carelessly.)

---

Enomoto: Is this enough?

Sasazuka: It’s tilted, idiot.

Enomoto: Seriously? Where?

Sasazuka: Why do you have to make that much noise when you’re just putting up flowers?

Shiraishi: Mm~ it looks good.

Yanagi: Shiraishi, why have you been walking around for a while now?

Shiraishi: I’m checking on the surprise.

Okazaki: Are spears going to fall from the sky? Or an explosion? If the office explodes I won’t be able to protect you.

Shiraishi: So annoying, how could you think of me like that? Today’s a birthday celebration, right? A frightening surprise like that would have a negative effect on her heart. I’ve avoided those properly, okay?

Shiraishi: I safely recreated a trick, don’t worry. Hehe, when I see what kind of expression she’ll make…

Yanagi: You? A trick?

Shiraishi: I properly researched it, read all the information, and practiced it several times. I worked so hard, I hoped you guys would praise me.

Enomoto: Ehh, Shiraisai-san? Kinda surprising.

Sasazuka: Speaking of surprising, it’s the same for Mineo.

Enomoto: I-I worked hard, you know!

Sasazuka: It’s the opposite, I didn’t expect you to be able to make a decent dish.

Enomoto: …! Y-You praised someone? Is it going to snow today?!

Okazaki: The chiraishi sushi is made well! The colors are beautiful, the carrots cut into stars are also really cute. I just stole a small bite earlier and it was delicious! The rice was cooked well too~

Enomoto: That’s because I practiced at home so many-- ha?! Y-You ate some?!!!

Okazaki: Eh? Yup! A heart-shaped carrot, it was delicious!

Enomoto: HEEEEY!! That was the ONLY special carrot that I put there!! Besides, why are you eating before the birthday girl?!

Sasazuka: Shut up, what a bunch of idiots.

Shiraishi: Haha, speaking of, as expected of Sasauka. The cake looks both high-quality and delicious.

Sasazuka: I looked a few highly reviewed cake shop, narrowed it down to a small range and decided to eat all the candidates before I decided. It’s impossible for it to taste bad. Should also suit the stupid cat’s tastebuds.

Enomoto: You ate them all… how many did you eat?

Okazaki: And the present Yanagi-san chose fits her image perfectly. Hehe, I’ll be glad to make her happy.

Shiraishi: It looks like you struggled a lot too?

Yanagi: Something like that.

Okazaki: I remember you said you were hesitant about which one to buy for a really long time? I heard you went into every single jewelry shop in Shinjuku.

Yanagi: First of all, just entering one takes a lot of effort.

Shiraishi: No matter how you look at it, you don’t suit jewelry stores at all. It would have been amusing if I was there to see you in person.

Enomoto: Maa, it’s great we managed to finish preperations safely. The interior decoration and the dining table setting are also done. Now all we have to do is wait for today's protagonist to come!

Yanagi: We’re finally here, fortunately nothing bad happened…

Shiraishi: It’s because everyone was doing things their own way~

Enomoto: I don’t want to be told that by Shiraishi-san…

Okazaki: Hmhm! I agree with Mineo-kun.

Shiraishi: How surprising, I care less about the atmosphere more than I do things my way.

Yanagi: The only reason why we’re all willing to assist is because it was “for Hoshino”, huh? No wonder everyone’s been so united...

Sasazuka: I want to hurry up and eat the cake. Is she coming or not?

Okazaki: I think she’s almost here...

Enomoto: Oh! She’s coming!

Shiraishi: Hu… then shall we start the birthday party?

Okazaki: Everyone, are your poppers ready?

Yanagi: Yeah.

Sasazuka: We were ready ages ago, just hurry up and let her in.

Enomoto: Then I’m gonna open the door!

Everyone: ⭐Happy birthday!⭐

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

Yanagi: So you’re a year older now. The age difference between us is smaller by a year for now. You’re happy? Haha, I guess I am as well. I really appreciate the day that you were born, from the bottom of my heart.

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

Okazaki: I’ve always wanted to celebrate your birthday. I wanted to have you all to myself on your special day. Hehe, it feels like I’m happier about this than you, huh? Next time, can I celebrate my birthday with you?

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

Enomoto: Um… you know, I thought about it a lot. About how to make you happy. This might sound stupid but-- when it comes to how I feel about celebrating your birthday, I won’t lose to anyone!

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

Sasazuka: Ah? You’re surprised to see me celebrate your birthday? You’re my plaything, so it’ll be weird if people other than me celebrated your birthday. Alright, don’t be so loud, let me talk. You just need to wag your tail and be happy.

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

Shiraishi: I don’t really understand it but, today is a really important day for you, isn’t it? Then, that means it’s an important day for me too. Haha, yes. Because you’re special to me, in every sense of the word. If this kind of thing can make you smile that brightly, then birthdays aren’t so bad.

--------------------------- Translator’s notes: [1] ‘certain cat-shaped robot’ - Doraemon. [2] Chiraishi sushi - Called ‘scattered sushi’ in English, think of a rice bowl but with sushi rice and sushi toppings.

#otome #drama cd #collar x malice #cxm #yanagi aiji #shiraishi kageyuki #okazaki kei #enomoto mineo #sasazuka takeru #mytranslations #drama cd translation #otomate

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carlatsukinamistolemyhamsandwich · 4 years

Text

My DL Drama CD Collection + Recommendations

At this point in time the Diabolik Lovers series has a huge number of drama CDs and I thought it might be nice to talk about which ones I’d recommend for anyone who wants to get into the CDs but isn’t sure where to start. I’ve included a list of all of the CDs I own under the cut, so you can see exactly which volumes I’m referencing and if you spot a volume that you’re interested in and want to know more about then feel free to send me a message :)

Recommendations:

Rather than recommending random drama CD volumes, I’ve selected drama CD series that I would recommend based on what you’re looking for (and from there you can pick out the volumes of your favourite character(s)):

Darker content -> The original Do-S bloodsucking CDs, the original Versus CDs, the More, Blood CDs and the Versus II Carla versus Shin volume. (One thing that’s worth noting is that in the original Do-S CDs, the dummyhead mic is only heavily utilized in the final ~15 minutes of the CD, whereas this isn’t the case for the versus or More, Blood CDs so if that’s important to you then this might be something to take into consideration).

Romance -> The Bloody Bouquet, Para-Selene or Born To Die CDs are going to be the best choice if you want something romantic. The Born To Die CDs are definitely the best if you’re just looking for fluff, but they are only available for the Tsukinamis and Kino (and to my knowledge none of them have English translations). As for Bloody Bouquet and Para-Selene, given that Bloody-Bouquet is themed around marriage, it’s a bit more romantic than Para-Selene but if you have the time/money then I’d recommend checking them both out.

Action/plot -> The Zero CDs. Because these CDs feature an actual enemy (the portrait version of the boys) they contain much more action than most of the other CDs. The versus CDs also have this to some extent but are much more open-ended and geared towards fan-service, while the Zero CDs have a self-contained story, with a satisfying conclusion.

Comedy -> Any bonus CD featuring multiple characters with the exception of the Chaos Lineage preorder bonus CD (which acts as more of a prequel to the game). In general bonus CDs with more than one character tend be very funny, and although I don’t own too many, my personal favourite is the Lost Eden bonus CD in which you and the boys hunt around the Sakamaki mansion for your and Azusa’s missing socks ( 「靴下を探してin逆巻家～開けてはならないパンドラボックス～」).

In addition: - If you’re completely open to new suggestions, then allow me to humbly recommend Shin’s Para-Selene CD, as besides Shin being my bias, I think this is a really well written CD and does a really good job of summing up Shin’s personality (in fact I would definitely recommend it if you’re trying to get to grips with writing him). - On the subject of writing, if you aren’t particularly confident with the Tsukinami brothers (but want to be) then I would heavily recommend the Versus II Carla versus Shin CD and the Dark Fate vol.1 CD as these a really good reference for writing the brothers interacting with an OC/Yui/a reader prior to any sort of emotional attachment. - If you own Chaos Lineage (the game), unless you’re out to collect all of your favorite boys CDs, I wouldn’t recommend getting the Chaos Lineage CDs, as I wouldn’t say they have any advantage over the game. - I also would not recommend the Lost Eden CDs if you own the game for the same reason (although I haven’t listened to Kino’s volume, which may be of interest to Kino fans). - The Another Story CD from the More, More Blood deluxe edition acts as a companion to the main More, More Blood CD (so Shin’s essentially acts as an epilogue), meaning that if you want the complete story of More, More Blood (and can afford it) then I would recommend getting the deluxe edition over the normal edition, but it is significantly more expensive. - The bonus CDs containing only one character that I own have all been good, so I’d recommend getting a hold of your favourite character’s if you can, however they’re a bit harder to come by than most of the other CDs and they’re normally only about 10 minutes. -The Sadistic Song CDs are all good, but they only feature a song, an off-vocal version of the song and a 9-14 minute mini-drama track for the price of a full drama CD (which is normally anywhere from between 45-70 minutes), meaning they maybe aren’t the best value for money unless you can find them for lower than the RRP.

My DL CD collection:

- DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Vol.1 Sakamaki Ayato - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Vol.3 Sakamaki Kanato - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Vol.4 Sakamaki Laito - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Vol.5 Sakamaki Reiji - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Vol.2 Laito VS Subaru - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Vol.3 Kanato VS Reiji - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD MORE, BLOOD Vol.8 Sakamaki Subaru - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD MORE, BLOOD Vol.9 Sakamaki Shu - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS II Vol.2 Shu VS Reiji - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS II Vol.4 Carla VS Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS DARK FATE Vol.1 Chapter of Eclipse (the DF Tsukinami CD) - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD BLOOD BOUQUET Vol.3 Tsukinami Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD BLOOD BOUQUET Vol.7 Tsukinami Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS VERSUS SONG Requiem (2) Bloody Night Vol.Ⅲ Carla VS Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Ⅲ Vol.1 Ayato VS Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Ⅲ Vol.2 Laito VS Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS LOST EDEN Vol.3 Tsukinami Volume - DIABOLIK LOVERS Sadistic Song Vol.3「CHAOS★PARTY」 Sakamaki Laito - DIABOLIK LOVERS Sadistic Song Vol.4「アイオライト」Sakamaki Shu - DIABOLIK LOVERS Sadistic Song Vol.5「Mr.ButterflyMask」Sakamaki Reiji - DIABOLIK LOVERS Sadistic Song Vol.6「SQueeze...」Sakamaki Subaru - DIABOLIK LOVERS CHAOS LINEAGE Vol.2 VIOLET - DIABOLIK LOVERS CHAOS LINEAGE Vol.3 ORANGE - DIABOLIK LOVERS Para-Selene Vol.2 Kino - DIABOLIK LOVERS Para-Selene Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS Para-Selene Vol.11 Tsukinami Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Ⅳ Vol.1 Ayato VS Shin VS Kino - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD VERSUS Ⅳ Vol.3 Subaru VS Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Floor.4 Tsukinami Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Floor.9 Tsukinami Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Tsukinami & Kino Born To Die Vol.1 Tsukinami Carla - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Tsukinami & Kino Born To Die Vol.2 Tsukinami Shin - DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin

Bonus CDs: - DIABOLIK LOVERS DARK FATE Limited Edition Bonus Drama CD「ディアボリック★エステティック～心も身体も血液もドSに美しく～」 (ft. Ayato, Kanato, Reiji, Ruki, Yuma and Shin) - DIABOLIK LOVERS DARK FATE Limited Edition Bonus Drama CD「悪魔的★ドSティーチャーズ～夢か現か～」 (ft. Laito, Subaru, Shu, Kou, Azusa and Carla) - DIABOLIK LOVERS LOST EDEN Limited Edition Bonus Drama CD「最強のあだ名考えます★ヴァンパイアたちの苦悩」 (ft. Ayato, Laito, Ruki, Yuma, Kou and Carla) - DIABOLIK LOVERS LOST EDEN Limited Edition Bonus Drama CD「靴下を探してin逆巻家～開けてはならないパンドラボックス～」 (ft. Kanato, Shu, Subaru, Reiji, Azusa, Shin and Kino) - DIABOLIK LOVERS Para-Selene Vol. 4 Tsukinami Shin Animate Bonus CD - DIABOLIK LOVERS VERSUS Ⅳ Vol.3 Animate Bonus CD 「ヴァンパイア、バイト始めたってさ」( A vampire started a part-time job) (Subaru version) - DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Floor.4 Tsukinami Shin Animate Bonus CD「夜更かしヴァンパイアの食テロ飯」( A vampire’s late night snack) - DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Floor.9 Tsukinami Carla Animate Bonus CD「夜更かしヴァンパイアの食テロ飯」( A vampire’s late night snack) - DIABOLIK LOVERS CHAOS LINEAGE Preorder Bonus Drama CD「混沌への目覚め」 (ft. all 13 of the boys) - DIABOLIK LOVERS CHAOS LINEAGE Stellaworth Store Privilege Bonus Drama CD「ヴァンパイア達の日常ボードゲーム編～コウ・ユーマVSカルラ・シン～」 (ft. Kou, Yuma, Carla and Shin) - DIABOLIK LOVERS Do-S Bloodsucking CD Tsukinami & Kino Born To Die Vol.1 Tsukinami Carla Animate Bonus CD「彼が貴女の誕生日をお祝いする」 (He celebrates your birthday) - DIABOLIK LOVERS Born To Die Vol.2 Tsukinami Shin Animate Bonus CD「彼が貴女の誕生日をお祝いする」(He celebrates your birthday) - DIABOLIK LOVERS Born To Die Vol.3 Kino Animate Bonus CD「彼が貴女の誕生日をお祝いする」(He celebrates your birthday) - DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin Deluxe Edition Bonus CD「アナザーストーリー」(Another story) - DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin Animate Bonus CD「たまにはまともに学園生活」(Seldom straightforward school life) - DIABOLIK LOVERS MORE, MORE BLOOD Vol.4 Tsukinami Shin Stellaworth Bonus CD 「彼が貴女を独り占めする」 (He monopolizes you)

(Can you tell that I’m not a huge Mukami fan? ^^;;)

#Making this list was actually a good idea because it's made me realise there are a couple I haven't listened to #because I forgot I owned them >_<#Not the Shin ones I listen to Shin's drama CDs on a regular basis #except for the LE one because it's er... not Rejet's best work in my opinion #ref #own post #this was originally just meant to be a list of all of my drama CDs for my own reference but oh well it is what it is now I guess

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shihalyfie · 3 years

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Kizuna drama CD: Detail spotting and nuance analysis

02 involved displaying its group dynamic through mundane interactions and wacky hijinks, and the circumstances of an eight-year block of time between Kizuna and 02, plus the fact that Hikari and Takeru operate separately from the others due to the movie’s circumstances, mean that the drama CD centering around the group is actually our most reliable source of info regarding how they’re doing at this time and how their group dynamic is going. Much like 02 itself, getting a lot of this nuance requires reading between the lines, so let’s take a closer look!

Since this is a drama CD and not animated material, I’ll be going through this in bullet points instead of screenshots.

The fact that the drama CD itself deliberately uses the same format as a 02 episode carries a very strong implication that, unlike their seniors who are going through an existential crisis about how much of their childhood experiences they can bring with them into adulthood, the 02 group is still roughly able to recreate the same atmosphere they had eight years ago. Noticeably, the ending song chosen for this is the first ED (Tomorrow My Wind Will Blow), the more lighthearted one used for the first half, before a lot of really emotionally vicious things started happening to them.

The phrase “it’s been a while” and variants thereof come up between this group a lot within this drama CD (and once in the movie itself, from Hawkmon to the others). Look closely at the circumstances of this drama CD and how everyone seems to be very intimately aware of each other’s situations, and the fact that this story obviously takes place only a short time before the movie itself -- so it really hasn’t been a very long time at all, but apparently even that much is considered a “long time” for them. (It also seems like they’re going out of their way to make sure they’re still keeping in regular contact even when they can’t actually meet up.)

Daisuke says, very clearly, that Iori was the one he intended to approach “first” because he was so busy -- but he’s shown walking in with Takeru, meaning that the two of them are on very good terms now and seem to have been hanging out independently.

Daisuke wanted his plan to be a “surprise” reveal to the others, and the actual practical purpose of his plan (it being a career study trip for him) seems to have been very low on the priority list to the point it takes the CD’s entire half-hour runtime for him to finally bring it up. Before then, he’d been cheerfully fantasizing about all the fun things he’d get to do with them, and it even says a lot that he’d also wanted to discuss this at a karaoke bar of all things, so, really, in his head, “hanging out with friends and having fun with them” is the actual priority (especially since there’s basically no reason he needs to have the others on his ramen research trip, he just wants them there because he does).

The fact that the boys have to sneak in the Digimon to avoid getting extra charges means that society will now recognize them as patrons to be regularly charged.

Daisuke is asked by Iori which people he intends to bring to his trip, which implies that the 02 group isn’t technically an exclusive club or anything...but then Daisuke proceeds to list off the 02 group by name, implying that this group does indeed have a particularly elevated level of importance to him.

Look carefully at the nuances surrounding whom Daisuke wants to invite to his trip: he wanted to invite the seniors as well, but resigned himself to the fact it’d probably be impossible because they were too busy...only for the others to point out that the rest of the 02 group is also busy, but everyone is confident that they’ll make it work, and Daisuke wants them there to the point of listing them by name. So in other words, Daisuke likes everyone and would like everyone around in the ideal situation, but when push comes to shove, the rest of the 02 group is whom he really wants to have around, and said group can be reliably counted on to do whatever it takes to make it work.

The way everyone casually describes each other's circumstances (and in specific detail, not just generally describing what they're up to) says a lot; Armadimon's still talking with Hawkmon about Miyako (meaning Miyako and Iori are still regularly in contact), Takeru's up-to-date with Ken's life to the point of knowing his upcoming schedule, Daisuke's fully aware of how busy Iori is, and, later, the one to affectionately greet Hawkmon is none other than Wormmon, who, back in 02, used to only really be close with Ken himself and V-mon. You can see that everyone’s still constantly involved in each other’s lives, including their own partners being up-to-date on each other (compare the more distant relationship their seniors are portrayed with in the movie itself, both with each other and with their partners), and you can also see that Ken and Wormmon have fully integrated themselves into the group to the point it’s a completely casual affair (Iori, the one who infamously had the longest and most drawn-out process in accepting Ken, is the one to personally ask him about his preferences).

That said, note that Takeru and Iori still seem to be on surname basis with Ken, even despite obviously being much closer with him than they were before; unfortunately, it seems that having been on surname basis with him so long in 02 became a habit, leaving Daisuke and Miyako as the only ones currently known to have switched to given name basis with him.

It’s interesting that Ken, not Daisuke, is the one explicitly stated to be keeping up with soccer to the point of having schedule commitments, whereas no mention of this whatsoever is made with Daisuke, and it’s entirely possible that Daisuke actually quit playing it in an organized fashion. This is, however, consistent with their personalities, in that Ken would likely want to keep up with organized extracurricular hobbies, whereas Daisuke may enjoy soccer as a hobby, but not enough to continue committing to a high-level team. (Remember that Daisuke took a while to get a regular position even back in elementary school; as much as he liked the sport, he also wasn’t particularly outstanding at it, and especially not in comparison to Taichi, Sora, or Ken.)

Miyako leaving for Spain seems to have been a recent thing, since it has to actively be brought up in conversation as a reminder (and Daisuke seemed to initially have not taken into account that she wouldn’t be easily able to join the trip in that case, since the issue of the D-3 hadn’t come up yet). When she shows up later in person, everyone’s shocked, as if it’s unnerving for her to be back in Japan already.

Daisuke still seems to have a thing for Hikari, but note that this doesn’t really go beyond “wanting to hang out with Hikari a lot”. Also, he says this in plain view of Takeru without bringing him up at all, and Takeru himself has nothing to say about it (not even awkward laughter), meaning that he really has no object in this whatsoever.

It’s interesting to see that Armadimon, who used to have to ask about how human society works quite often in 02, is now well-versed enough in Japanese culture to be really passionate about it.

As usual, Iori does not mince words (when it's about Nagoya specialty food, at least).

Also as usual, Ken is surprisingly academic about his interests and a huge nerd.

Note Takeru's awkward "I don't really want to insult you, but also, that's weird" reaction to Ken’s speech about the hot springs -- very classic Takeru, not quite being honest for the sake of keeping the peace and awkwardly trying to be nice about it -- in contrast to Daisuke, who just honestly goes straight for the commentary. That said, regardless of how unusual of a hobby everyone around him clearly finds it, note how they all still decide to accommodate it anyway and support his interest in it.

Hypocritically, V-mon calls Daisuke out for being “embarrassing” regarding his fixation on Hikari, only to suddenly get caught off-guard by Tailmon shortly after...

Hikari's behavior has the most clear-cut contrast from herself in 02, consisting of her very assertively stating what she wants, for herself -- very important because her problems in 02 revolved around her compulsively being unable to voice her own thoughts if it meant putting a burden on others. Here, Hikari gets argumentative about what she, personally, wants to do. Given that she doesn’t quite act like this in front of her seniors in the course of the movie, and is depicted as being particularly in-sync with Miyako here -- and given how Miyako was instrumental in reaching out to her during the events of 02 -- it’s pretty easy to see how Hikari became able to assert herself like this.

Similarly, much like how Tailmon was portrayed as lightening up a bit between Adventure and 02 thanks to her new, happier life, here, she seems to be exactly on the same page as Hikari in terms of wanting to fight people for something materialistic.

Hawkmon says that it's "only natural" for them to show up whenever this group is getting together, and, indeed, Miyako was technically uninvited because everyone thought she was busy in Spain -- but was clearly in contact with them (or at least Hikari) to know that this meeting was happening. (There’s probably a group chat.)

This is implied to be the first time the 02 group has seriously considered using D-3 gate exploitation to visit each other and to travel. The group had already made use of this exploitation during 02 itself (to have Palmon delivered to New York back in 02 episode 38 and to meet up in the Digital World), but it is true that they hadn’t been necessarily using it even when it arguably would be more convenient than Tokyo transportation and Imperialdramon. So in other words, for the last eight years, through all the meetups they seem to have been having with each other (and remember, Ken lived in Tamachi, not Odaiba, at the time of 02, and there’s no guarantee that nobody in the Odaiba neighborhood didn’t move at some point), they were perfectly fine with using the inconvenience of Tokyo transportation to meet each other, or to meet up in the Digital World instead -- but then Miyako found herself in another country, and decided that she wasn't going to stand for being separated from the others for too long.

As usual, Hawkmon still has to be Miyako’s concerned minder when she’s on the verge of going out of control.

Miyako had already been implied to be in Barcelona thanks to the scenery outside her window and the movie end credits, but her speech about Spain drives it in even further with the Gaudí references.

Despite Spain being possibly the one of the worst possible options for what's later revealed to be Daisuke's motive for this trip (ramen research), it seems that Miyako baiting him with mention of the soccer league was enough to get him momentarily distracted (and also indicates that Daisuke still clearly has an active interest in soccer even if he may not be regularly playing anymore).

Speaking of which, it’s pretty obvious that Miyako knew exactly what to bait Daisuke with in order to do this.

Takeru, the group's resident moderator, is of course the one to step in and prevent Tailmon and Armadimon from wreaking too much havoc (Daisuke is mostly just slightly intimidated) -- but you might also notice that he's otherwise not saying anything about the group's chaotic antics, and in fact is guilty of enabling them even further...

Daisuke continues to have his penchant for pointing out the elephant in the room -- he's exactly right, how is Wormmon supposed to put on skis?

It is, of course, only natural that Miyako would be sensitive to knowing about currency exchange and the use of American dollars in the Digital World, given that she presumably hasn't forgotten the Digitamamon incident from 02 episode 14.

For the first time in 19 real-life years, we finally learn what Daisuke’s original motive for wanting to get into ramen making was: in true Daisuke fashion, he himself has no idea (but he just really likes ramen).

Daisuke "credits" his friends for giving him insightful advice and helpful resources in thinking about his career and future plans, but, as it turns out, everyone else wasn't thinking nearly as much of it -- either they hardly remember it, or it wasn't actually supposed to mean anything insightful. It's obviously not to say that they're not fully supportive of him (the events of this drama CD blatantly indicate otherwise), but rather that Daisuke attributes everything important and helpful in his life to his friends to ridiculous degrees, even when it's something completely ordinary like a train ticket that anyone should know about.

As always, Daisuke is very realistically aware of his own limitations, admitting freely that he was actually lacking in experience and insight to follow his dream (especially since he took the "advice" from his friends very, very seriously).

Note how quickly everyone changes their tune and immediately decides to unequivocally support Daisuke the moment they realize there's actually a very important reason to him that he wants to go on this trip.

Also note that when Hikari compliments Daisuke, Daisuke is completely at a loss -- yet again, Daisuke's been so busy rolling around for Hikari's approval that he hasn't accounted for what to do when he actually gets it.

Daisuke picking New York, of all locations, as his stop to research ramen certainly explains why Ken has to ask "why ramen?" during the movie itself -- as this drama CD indicates, and as per the events of 02 episode 50, he absolutely knows why Daisuke would want to get ramen, but ramen in New York, which isn't exactly the cultural center of ramen making, is a different story.

The fact that this was a planned multi-day trip also explains why the group changes clothes and is in New York for multiple days over the course of the movie (because they probably had a hotel, too). It also further contextualizes the likely reason Miyako felt like dealing with Menoa’s request was too much work -- she wanted to be on this trip instead -- and says a lot about how she’ll dump a request on her seniors when it’s too much hassle for her, but accept that same request back if it’s something she gets to do with her friends.

Takeru and Hikari are explicitly stated to be scheduled to join the trip on the second day, meaning that them operating separately from the quartet during the events of the movie was sheer scheduling circumstance -- and since we find out in the movie that Takeru was the one to inform Yamato about Daisuke's whereabouts, this CD here clarifies that Takeru has this knowledge because he himself was set to be on this trip (and would have been, if the events of the movie hadn't gotten in the way).

Probably the most interesting take-home from this narrative is how absurdly close the 02 group is portrayed as, and in very, very stark contrast to their seniors in the movie itself -- who are said to be drifting apart as they all find their individual paths. Here, the 02 group is the opposite; while they do seem to have their own goals (Hikari and Daisuke are outright identified as having some of the clearest ones), it’s obvious that those goals are secondary to being able to hang out with and support each other (in other words, they still have those goals, but they’re much lower priorities for them). This is consistent with how these dynamics were portrayed back in 02, since the Adventure group had been portrayed as being prone to drifting apart as early as Our War Game!, whereas the 02 group was built from the ground up as needing each other’s mutual support much more deeply -- it’s just that, now that they’re all much older, this distinction in group dynamic is much more prominent.

#digimon #digimon adventure 02 #digimon adventure last evolution kizuna #detail spotting #shihameta

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trashexplorer · 5 years

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BLCD 2019: October Releases

Legends:

✓ - have

💡 - interested

✘ - not interested (but will probably still listen to)

🙏 - dying for

Tumblr can try stopping me, but I ain’t gonna back down so easy.

1. Megumi to Tsugumi ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/10

Cast: Ono Yuuki x Matsuoka Yoshitsugu

Synopsis: Megumi, an Alpha, son of the great Kokonoe Academy Chairman, goes to avenge his friends who were beaten by a yankee wielding a metal pipe. But that yankee is Tsugumi, an Omega who doesn’t use suppressants and deals with his heats through sheer willpower. Tsugumi loathes all alphas because they consider omegas just tools for reproduction and has sworn to kill them all. Megumi, whose behavior is different from other alphas, confuses Tsugumi and leaves him torn between rage and desire…

2. Sex Suit Love Battle ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/11

Cast: Takeuchi Ryouta x Shingaki Tarusuke *ooohh Yashiro’s back

Synopsis: Taga Masashi happens to catch his boss, Ibuki Keisuke walking out of a hotel with one of his sex friends. To keep his mouth shut, Keisuke proposes that he’ll be Masashi’s sex friend!

3. Therapy Game Mini Drama CD Dear + November 2019 💡

Release Date: 2019/10/12

Cast: Shingaki Tarusuke *screams x Ono Yuuki

Synopsis: Just a little preview for what’s hopefully going to be one of the best BLCDs of this year.

4. Trash Sequel Lost Virgin ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/16

Cast: Ono Yuuki x Yamashita Seiichirou

Synopsis: The sequel for Kirishima’s Onee-Oniisan x Rapist Enomoto or Emoto idk fuck this bitch.

Comment: First of all, why? Second of all, what a waste of trees, talent, brain cells, art, and investment. Nobody asked - or should have asked for this. If this doesn’t end with Emoto (and Kirishima ototo) getting jail time after raping Kurama, imma flip shit.

5. Trash Extra Renai Fuyuki Todoki Kanzenban ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/16

Cast: Furukawa Makoto x Satou Takuya *I hate how this is the only work they’re paired up together in

Synopsis: Trash.

6. Remnant 3 - Juujin Omegaverse - 🙏🙏🙏

Release Date: 2019/10/22

Cast: Kawahara Yoshihisa x Satou Takuya AAAAAAAHHHHH

Synopsis: The third and final installment of the adapted series.

Comment: Satou Takuya’s redemption has come! 😌🙇‍♀️ I’m so fucking excited for this!!! Finally!!! 😭😭😭

7. 30-sai Made Doutei da to Mahou Tsukai ni Nareru Rashii ✘ *it’s shounen-ai, so

Release Date: 2019/10/23

Cast: Satou Takuya *slow down, my man + Abe Atsushi *ooohhh welcome back

Synopsis: Adachi, a thirty-year-old virgin, has developed the power to read people’s minds by touching them. After a brush with his very handsome colleague, Adachi realizes the guy has a raging crush on none other than Adachi himself! (Square Enix Manga)

Comment: Sounds like Kotonoha no Hana but comedic.

8. Bokura no Koi Seishun Subete case: 04 Hokenshitsu no Bokura ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/25

Cast: Itou Kento x Kijima Ryuuichi

Synopsis: Fourth installment of the series.

9. Chijin no Ai BL-ban ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/25

Cast:

Yamanaka Masahiro x Yashiro Taku

Hose Yuuichi x Fukamachi Toshinari *this’ll be their debut as lead characters

Synopsis: System Engineer Kawai Jouji falls in love with cafe part-timer Naomi. Jouji was initially content with watching Naomi from afar, but after getting to know him, Jouji decides to take him in and send him to college (Naomi actually adopts ‘Kawai’ as his last name). The two begin to live together as Naomi starts college, and Jouji gradually becomes attracted to his ward sexually with the two of them eventually forming a relationship. Over time, Jouji develops a foot fetish and discovers that he was actually a masochist. On the other hand, Naomi’s insecurities (one of them being him desperate for love and attention) come into light making him casually “test” Jouji’s feelings for him as a result. Naomi starts affairs with his friends from his university; Kumagai Masahi and Hamada Ryou. Both originally hold romantic feelings towards Naomi, but develop a physical relationship with each other later.

10. Koisuru Asahaka ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/25

Cast: Eguchi Takuya x Shirai Yuusuke

Synopsis: Meiko, an ordinary high school student, gets raped by a handsome man on the way home who turns out to be an incubus who only preys on blonde boys!

I can’t believe I managed to fit all of that bullshit into one sentence. 👏👏👏

11. Kuro ka Shiro ka 2 🙏

Release Date: 2019/10/25

Cast:

Hirakawa Daisuke x Itou Kento

Toriumi Kousuke

Okitsu Kazuyuki

Tamaru Atsushi

Tadokoro Hinata

Synopsis: Adaptation of the second volume of the series with the same name.

Comment: Yo, I saw volume 1 in Animate Shibuya, but I didn’t have the time to buy it. I was like: “Yeah, I’m going to Shinjuku tomorrow anyway. Might as well buy it along with the others.” and I kid you not, I NEVER saw another copy in Shinjuku (granted I was only able to go to that one with the non-existent-in-my-mind Given anime elevator doors)! 😩 Toranoana didn’t have a copy either, which is why I only came home with Alternative. Sad. If someone has a copy, please share it with me. 😭😭😭 🙏🙏🙏

12. Yarichin Bitch-bu 4 🙏🙏🙏

Release Date: 2019/10/25

Cast:

Hamano Daiki + Kobayashi Yuusuke + Murase Ayumu *Yacchan needs to be here too! Fight me!

Satou Takuya x Kumagai Kentarou

Yonoga Tsubasa x Yamanaka Masahiro

Okitsu Kazuyuki

Nakazawa Masatomo

Synopsis: Fourth installment of the adapted series.

13. Akiyama-kun Second ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/30

Cast: Matsuoka Yoshitsugu x Okitsu Kazuyuki *sorry babe

Synopsis: Second installment of the adapted series.

14. LOVE HOLE 202 Goushitsu ~ Ukkari ☆ Night Fever ~ 💡

Release Date: 2019/10/30

Cast: Itou Kento x Yamanaka Masahiro

Synopsis: Konno Yukiya, who has a virgin complex, finally decides to graduate from his situation by employing a prostitute’s services. After arriving at the designated hotel room, he meets Amagasa Shou, a senpai from high school whom he hasn’t gotten in contact with since the latter went off to college, inside. Yuuya asks his senpai why he was there and the latter goes on to explain that he had actually called for a male and gay prostitute!

Comment: Dammit. One of the reasons why I went to Japan is to find the first installment. It was sold out at every Mandarake I went to. 😑

15. Sankyoudai, Oniichan no Koi ✘

Release Date: 2019/10/30

Cast:

Kamio Shinichirou x Komada Wataru

Nogami Shou x Nakajima Yoshiki

Yamashita Seiichirou x Kasama Jun

Synopsis: The three beautiful brothers, Ren, Miki, and Suu, might have different fathers, but they are all close and they all love each other a bit too much. Ren, who has an inferiority complex towards Miki, is secretly in love with his younger brother’s best friend, Ai. Ren also is aware of his brother’s feelings for Ai, so it will forever remain a secret. However, a work client somehow exposes his feelings to Ai, and the brothers’ relationship with each other begins to change after the revelation.

#blcd 2019 #blcd releases

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