#oh right anyway. daigo ......... <- trying so hard to be normal

[todayisafridaynight]

saw IW daigo i think i hauve covid

[unhingedselfships]

She really did love pretty gowns. It's why she put so much effort into this one.

Not that many people were aware that she designed half her clothes. That was fine, it was just for her.

The deep rich blue silk was in one of her favorite cuts. Low and wide V-neckline (“My great rack is my only redeeming feature, of course I’m gonna show it off!”), long sleeves gathered at the cuffs (“I love a romantic bishop sleeve, and it hides my arms!”), criss-cross detailing at the waist accented with delicate opalescent beading (“It does make a difference, not much of one, but I need all the help I can get.”), and flowing out in a soft A-line to the floor. Normally she would balk at the slit details, shoulder to wrist, and hip to floor on both sides, but the pretty iridescent silver-white chiffon peeking through gave it both interest, and coverage.

It was a stunning piece, and she was proud of it.

(If only she looked as good in it, as it did on its own)

She was happy, so long as she didn’t pass too close to anything reflective. Or think.

Shaking her head slightly, she returned her attention back to the conversation she’d found herself in.

It wasn’t really anything overly important. Basic social upkeep and gossip really. Standard fare for these sorts of parties.

It was slightly less standard, though not unheard of, for her to be approached unprompted. She was an outsider, but a very well connected one. 

So the rather smarmy (slimey) man and his stunning, she assumed daughter, were not exactly out of pocket.

Though the disdainful looks perhaps were.

Oh well, she’d dealt with worse. She slipped on her best “customer service industry” smile and greeted them brightly.

They exchanged basic, if somewhat terse pleasantries. The pair she was faced with had a haughtiness to them. She was willing to overlook it and assume the best, especially as the daughter commented on the dress, a work Kimi was actually proud of.

Right up until she mentioned how lovely it would have looked on so-and-so. The “better than it does on you” went unspoken, but fully heard.

(well it wasn’t made for so-and-so. So-and-so didn’t spend hours hand beading or adjusting hems now did she.)

She focused on not letting her irritation show.

The comments continued.

How it was “brave” of her to stay home, rather than being independent and getting a job.

(she’d tried, she’d wanted to, she found other ways to fill her time when it became clear that wasn’t an option)

How she must be worried about her health, it had been a few years since their second child was born and she was still carrying a fair bit of baby weight.

(no, actually, she was just built like that, and anyway her husband liked her soft squishy self)

How it must be so hard, being an American woman in Japan, and she must have such a difficult time with traditions and social conventions.

(she picked up the ones she needed well enough, put in the time to learn so she wouldn’t embarrass her new family. any she failed at, it was likely done on purpose, and with Daigo’s blessing)

It went on and on, faux concern, aimed to tear her down and hurt her. What were they trying to accomplish? Did they think she’d, what? Pack up her kids and go back to the states? Leave the life she’d fought tooth and nail for? The best man she’d ever been blessed to know?

Worrying at the pretty teardrop opal pendant, a precious gift, she tried not to let her lip tremble.

She resented the tears welling in her eyes.

She was an angry crier, just like her mama.

She wasn’t hurt (she was) she was pissed.

She couldn’t let them think they’d won damnit!

—

Having caught on to the quiet commotion occurring on the periphery of the room, Daigo didn’t even bother with more than a passing excuse and left the conversation he’d been wrapped in.

Under other circumstances, his conversation partner might have been irritated but, the man had a reputation, and given the b-line he was making towards his wife, well. No one was willing to say anything.

Slipping up behind the shorter woman, he absently noted the way the eyes of his audience, her attackers, brightened at his appearance.

With an unusually sharp smirk, he grabbed his trembling wife.

A slight dip, and a deep passionate kiss, left her fresh breathless.

Releasing her, and holding her steady, she gasped, their eyes locking. He smiled softly at her, an eternal patience and unending love. Slipping his hands up to cup her face, he pressed one more soft kiss to her lips, and turned to face their shocked watchers, woman tucked firmly against his side.

“You need to leave.”

A pause, then a startled, “What?!”

“You’re no longer welcome here. I’ll have someone escort you out.”

“You can’t-”

“Last I was aware, I am still the Chairman here, and I can, will, and am. I expect to never see you near my wife again.”

He tried to make it not too obvious he was preparing to go further on the defensive, as he spotted his mother making her way over.

Yayoi walked with confidence and purpose, a woman on a mission, and flanked by a pair of lower level members.

Gearing himself up to defend himself, to resist her insistence that he smooth things over, he had to stop himself from visibly deflating, as she instead turned to stand, not against, but with him.

“You heard my son. These gentlemen will see you to your car. Have a good evening.”

Her tone brokered no argument, and after a moment's hesitation and angry gaping, the man and his daughter huffed and blustered, but cooperated nonetheless. This was not a fight they wanted to pick. Not now.

Watching the pair leave, Daigo relaxed slightly, still holding his trembling wife to his side, fingers absently brushing her waist.

“Thank you, Yayoi-okaasan,” her voice was soft, small and watery.

The woman fought the urge to sneer at her unwanted daughter-in-law, “Yes, well. Whether I like you or not is irrelevant. Any insult to the Dojima family cannot be allowed to stand.”

A watery giggle-hiccup, “Still. Thanks.”

The smaller woman leaned into Daigo tighter, before pulling away slightly. 

“I’m going to go call and check on the kids. I love you.”

Another chaste kiss, and soft adoring smile, “I love you too, sweet girl.”

Watching her carefully wander off, he loosed a deep sigh, before turning to the older woman.

“Thank you. You didn’t need to do that.”

This time she did turn her nose up at her wayward son.

“I may not agree with your choices Daigo, but at least you have the integrity and honor to stand by them.”

[itsybitsylemonsqueezy]

kazumaji 15? ty

Of course! Thanks for all the likes, btw 💕It is appreciated!

15. things you said with too many miles between us

“Another designer seeks to commission us to build an... aquarium? I’m not sure we’re certified for that...” Nishida muttered, checking his paperwork on his clipboard. 

“Boring, reject it,” Majima commanded idly, lolling back in his office chair. 

“An aquarium is boring now?” Nishida blinked up at him. 

“Boringggg,” Majima whined, spinning around slowly, “Tedious, pain in the ass, move onnnn...” 

“Er, I think that’s all the pitches and Daigo-san requests your presence for a meeting on Friday,” Nishida announced, lowering his clipboard. 

Majima snorted. “Yeah, alright,” he sighed, not for the last time regretting his promise to Kiryu, “Tell him I’ll come.” 

“Then that’s all of the matters of business for today, sir,” Nishida explained with a shrug. 

Majima frowned. “Really? That’s all of it?” 

“Well, you’ve rejected the last 62 construction contracts so...”

“We’re busy!” Majima crossed his arms. “Ya want me ta put my men at risk working them to the bone?”

“We’re below capacity at present, sir. If you took on just one of these smaller projects, like the foundation repair in the post office...” Nishida began flipping through his notes. 

“Gah, who has time for that?! There’s too much to do!” Majima insisted, spreading his arms over his completely empty desk. 

“...yes, sir,” Nishida replied and Majima could hear the restrained eyeroll from his subordinate, “But, respectfully, sir, you do seem to be spinning your wheels a bit.”

“If Kiryu hadn’t up and taken all the best parts of the city with him, I wouldn’t have this problem,” Majima muttered, staring at a table leg. 

“Why don’t you head out anyway? See what fun you can scare up on your own?” Nishida smiled encouragingly. 

Majima glanced up at him and offered him a small grin. “Guess I could do that... good work, Nishida, you can shut down for the night,” he said, standing.

 “And will you at least think about the smaller projects? I’ve kept a dozen earmarked that we could do at short notice,” Nishida called after him as he headed for the door. 

“Yeah, yeah, quit naggin, I’ll think about it.” Majima waved him off, headed out into the last gasp of sunlight without a backwards glance. He knew Nishida was right; they could easily be doing more and it would give the men a morale boost to complete a project. He just didn’t want him to be right. He was too busy trying not to wallow in self-pity and failing. 

The truth was he wanted to be a petulant child for once and rail against this shitty babysitting project Kiryu had saddled him with. But he had this unforgivable honorable streak in him that kept making him get up and obey his word, even when there was absolutely nothing in it for him. Except Kiryu’s smile. But now even that was too far away. 

Majima reached for his cigarettes and lit only quickly. The warm smoke in the just cooling air did him good, buoyed him with the memory of past warmths and intimacies. Kiryu had asked him, after all, and he was a goddamn sucker for Kiryu asking him shit. 

“You’re a goddamn fool, Majima,” he muttered to himself, walking past Millennium Tower and into the busy nightlife. A little too busy for his current mood, really. He ducked into the dark side alleys, walking, and thinking, and occasionally smoking, until he ended up by that bar Kiryu liked so much. He puffed hard on his cigarette then, remembering the night Kiryu wouldn’t fight him, the night before it all went wrong. Fuck, those ten years had been hard and this was beginning to feel a lot like that. He tried to shove that thought away; it was selfish and it wasn’t fair and it would just throw him deeper into des- 

His pocket was vibrating. 

Majima frowned and plucked his phone from his back pocket. His face lit up as he saw the name. 

 “KIIIIRYU-CHAN!” he squealed into the receiver without a care to give for Kiryu’s eardrums, “I was just thinking of ya!”

Kiryu’s little chuckle did things to his heart he didn’t think his heart could do any more. “It’s good to hear you too, Majima.”

“Oh, ya sweet thing,” Majima purred, batting his eyes and wishing Kiryu could see him do it and smile that bemused smile he had, “Got me all buttered up now, what’d’ya call for?” 

“Uh, actually, I just wanted to talk.” Kiryu sounded sheepish. 

Majima’s eye widened. “Oh? Ya saying ya missed me, Kiryu-chan?” He hadn’t smiled this hard in ages and his body thrummed with the excitement.

Kiryu fidgeted, nervous noise coming from his throat. “Well... yeah,” he ultimately mumbled. 

Majima’s smile strained his face and he swore Kiryu could probably hear it. “Awww, Kiryu-chan!” he flopped against the brick wall with an over-exaggerated sigh, “Ya brighten my days with that. I’ve missed your dour looks too.” 

“I don’t look dour, do I?” Kiryu pouted. 

“Ya grumpier than a cat in a rainstorm, Kiryu-chan!” Majima giggled, “But don’t take it too hard, I’ve got a soft spot for grumpy ones.” 

“Uh, thanks? I guess.” Kiryu huffed a laugh. 

“Mmmm, it is good to hear your voice again,” Majima sighed, melting a little at every word, “Whatcha up to on that boring island of yours?”

“Not much, just sent the kids to bed. I’ve just been looking out at the ocean. It’s quiet here,” Kiryu sighed. 

Majima cocked his head. “Ya don’t sound totally thrilled with that, Kiryu-chan.” 

“No, it’s great here, it’s peaceful and relaxing, it’s just... mmm, well...” 

Majima nodded. “Go on,” he encouraged. 

Kiryu sighed. “Sometimes it’s just a little too quiet. I mean, for me, grew up in the city and all so I’m used to it and... I dunno, all the city noises still feel like home. Is that weird?”

Majima shook his head. “No, no, not at all. Growing pains is normal, you’ll adjust.” And he hated himself for not really wanting him to. 

“Yeah, probably.” Kiryu paused, maybe sitting down or stretching, Majima guessed. “So what’re you doing?” 

“Oh, the usual, thrashing punks and taking names,” Majima smacked his fist against his thigh so Kiryu could hear it, “was just taking an evening stroll and thinking of you.” 

“You’re sweet, Majima,” Kiryu murmured. 

Majima flushed. Shit, fuck, shit shit. “Err, well, I was just by your sweetie’s bar and ya happened to spring to mind, is all, nothin-”

“I think about you a lot too,” Kiryu continued, “even here.”

Majima swallowed hard, mouth dry. “Y-Yeah?”

There was a muffled sound and Majima assumed Kiryu was nodding into a pillow or something. “Yeah... so I called ‘cause I just wanted to hear your voice.” Kiryu’s sigh had a dreamy quality to it like he was really longing after something. Majima felt like he had to sit down.  

“Ya can call me any time, Kiryu,” he mumbled, “rain or shine, day or night, I’ll always pick up for ya.” 

“That’s good to hear, Majima,” Kiryu murmured, starting to sound sleepy, “thanks.” 

“Mmm, no problem,” he muttered back, “Can I... will ya call again? Soon?” He hated how pathetic he sounded, how his poor little heart squeezed tighter in anticipation. 

“Mmm, I’m out all day tomorrow, but what about after that? I can call you then.” 

Majima choked down the hum of happiness that threatened to bubble up. “Yeah, yeah that’s perfect,” he sighed. 

“Good. Mmm... I have to say good night now Majima,” Kiryu said with a yawn, “It’s early mornings over here.” 

“Yeah, yeah,” Majima nodded vaguely, still in a daze, “got all them kiddies to get up and get dressed.”

Kiryu chuckled and the sounds pierced Majima to his core. “Wish you could meet the kids, you’d like them.” Majima bit his lip so hard it bled. “Well, good night, Majima.”

“Good night, Kiryu-chan, sleep well.” 

Kiryu hummed at him and the line went dead. 

Majima slid to the ground, a limp puddle of feelings. Fuck. Shit. As soon as he could walk, he was buying the first fucking plane ticker to Okinawa and telling that bastard off for ever leaving him. And also would he please consider going on a date maybe? 

Eventually Majima got to his feet and dusted himself off and he’d almost made it out of the alley way before... wait, shit, had Kiryu been in bed that whole time?!

[engekihaikyuu]

Hyper Projection Engeki Haikyuu

Prince of Stage vol. 9 - Interview Translation with the new Karasuno cast!

======

Part 1: The First Years Hinata Shouyou: Daigo Kotarou Kageyama Tobio: Akana Ryuunosuke Tsukishima Kei: Yamamoto Ryousuke Yamaguchi Tadashi: Oribe Yoshinari

======

Full interview translation and more photos under the Read More! Please do not repost my translations or scans.

Please give us a highlight or something to watch out for in the upcoming play. Daigo: The atmosphere and activity that’s in Engeki Haikyuu is really distinctive, and I think it inspires a very unique feeling when you watch it.  This production is going to have few scenes with matches and instead portray more of the main character’s shared emotions.  We’ve changed everyone in the Karasuno cast, and we’re all challenging ourselves at something new!  Right now in this moment, I feel a burning desire to not lose to the previous productions.  I have a hunch that the outcome will be a spirited production.  Please look forward to it as you wait! Akana: Even though it’s a play, it does have the flavor of a live concert.  With the footage, the music, and the acting... it’s a production that has really a lot of realism.  I would rather people come with the same excitement as if they were going to see a concert rather than a play, and then I think they’ll be able to enjoy it even more.  When it comes to the production, I think there are parts that will leave you pondering after you’ve seen it, but I hope that when you finish watching Engeki Haikyuu that you leave feeling refreshed.  Maybe if you can feel like, “Tomorrow I’ll work hard!”  It’s a show that can cheer your up and leave you feeling brighter, and I think that’s something that a lot of other productions don’t have.   Yamamoto: When it comes to enthusiasm, the previous cast have definitely passed that on to us... in that respect nothing’s really changed.  With Worry-san as our director and our chief, we’re gradually taking in new ideas, and trying a lot of new methods that haven’t been used in Engeki Haikyuu before, so I think it’s going to turn out completely different from the previous shows.  And with that difference, I hope we can show off our new “Karasuno colors.”   Oribe: I was able to watch the previous show, but it’s like everyone else has said, we’re going to be a completely different Karasuno from before.  And I really want the audience to see us already.  Rather than a specific highlight, I feel like I want people to really pay attention to all of it.  We want to surpass what the previous Karasuno cast have created, in a sense.  To have inherited something that has this three-year history, it means that we’re the ones who have to keep it going.  So everyone is working together so that we can continue the legacy of those three years.  It’s a promise we have within our team, and I’d like to be able to convey that to the audience.  

Please tell us something about how you relate to your characters. Oribe: Well Ryousuke-kun and I are like the actual characters. (laughs) Daigo: I do wonder if you’re just normally like that or if you’re being in character, as Yamaguchi and Tsukishima, I mean. Oribe: Isn’t it fine if just being normal matches being in character? Akana: …..I think if you were really like them, people might dislike you? Everyone: Hahahah! (laughs) Daigo: But doesn’t Yamaguchi feel the same way?  Maybe. Akana: But he doesn’t hate being that way really? Daigo: But Ryousuke-kun might dislike Yoshi.... Yamamoto: ….I mean if I did, I can't really say so. Oribe: Hey!  At least deny it?!   Daigo: I don’t actually have a lot in common with my character...  I think just about everything is different.   Akana: You aren’t really alike, huh. Daigo: But maybe we’re a little alike in our enthusiasm?  Or at least I’d like us to be.  As an actor, I can really respect how much he loves just that one thing.   Akana: I’ve been told that my face is like Kageyama’s, also my aura.  Or the shape of my head.   Daigo: Your personalities aren’t that similar at all though.   Akana: Some of our circumstances are a bit similar.  If I’m trying to manage a group, people usually hate me at first. (laughs)  But fundamentally our personalities aren’t the same.  I can’t love something to the degree that I’d be that much of an idiot. Yamamoto: For me, I also have bad eyesight.   Daigo: Oh that’s very true. (laughs) Yamamoto: And I’m also very smart, and have blond hair. Akana: Hang on, no you don’t! (laughs) Oribe: You’re also very tall! Daigo: And you can jump really high.  It’s actually really amazing.  He’s exactly like Tsukishima that way.  

If you could pick a favorite character within the series, who would it be? Daigo: Kiyoko-san!  Because I always love the cute girls in anime...  I’m kidding.  In all seriousness, I love Hinata Shouyou.  He’s so bright and energetic, and I love that about him. Akana: For me, it’s Oikawa Tooru.  I mean, he’s popular, right?  Girls are screaming kyaa kyaa for him during matches, so he’s basically like a star.  I kind of want to live my life like that. Yamamoto: My favorite character is... well I kind of end up focusing on my own character as I read? Daigo: Yeah.  That’s really true! Yamamoto: So because of that my favorite character ends up being the character I play.  In the end, my favorite is Tsukishima.  When I’m reading the manga, I get excited whenever Tsukishima does anything.  If I could try playing a different character, it would be Kageyama I think.   Oribe: In all honesty, I didn’t have any favorite characters when I first read Haikyuu.  But when it was decided that I would play Yamaguchi, it’s exactly like Ryousuke-kun said, I started being really aware of Yamaguchi while reading, and in the end Yamaguchi became my favorite character.  If I could try playing a different character, I’d also pick Kageyama.  Kageyama and Yamaguchi are complete opposites and their personalities are completely different.  So I get kind of curious as to, “If I played him, how would I do it?” and stuff.   Akana: ...ohhhhh. Yamamoto: It really doesn’t matter to you, does it? (laughs) Daigo: That was suuuch a displeased response! (laughs) Akana: No no!  I’m actually really happy.  The fact that other people think of my character and go, “I wanna try playing him too.”   Everyone: ….hmmmmm. Akana: Okay, good job everyone! Everyone: (laughs)

Please tell us a story from your rehearsals. Akana: Everyone’s getting to be really good at volleyball now.  Because everyone keeps playing during breaks so our breaks aren’t even breaks. (laughs)   Daigo: Kou-kun is always moving around so much at rehearsals, but even for like 10-min breaks he’s still practicing volleyball.  It’s to the degree where I kind of wonder if he might be an idiot! (laughs)   Kanegae: Hey, I can hear you!  Who are you calling an idiot?!   Everyone: Hahahah! (laughs) Daigo: No but really, he'll always stay super late for more volleyball practice.  He’s getting better than everyone else, so I think he’s pretty amazing. Akana: I mean his athleticism was outstanding to begin with. Yamamoto: And he’s got that shaved head. Kanegae: Hey!  Who are you calling bald?! Daigo: He didn’t actually say ‘bald.’ (laughs)

What were your first impressions of each other, and your impressions of each other now? Daigo: My first impression of Nosuke (Akana) was basically, I thought he was crazy. Akana: Hang on a second... how many times have we had this conversation? Daigo: I mean I’ll say it however many times.  It was my first impression after all.  Because we met during our costume fittings.  Nosuke went first and I went in after he did, and he just went, “Ah!  I forgot to wear underwear!”   Oribe: Ehh?! Yamamoto: Why were you going commando?! Akana: Well, I can’t sleep with underwear on.  And that day was in winter and it was cold, so I had on thermal leggings, and I’d put on my pajama pants over those to sleep.  And leggings feel pretty snug on the body so they’re basically the same as underwear anyway.  That’s why I thought I had them on, and the next morning I took off just my pajama pants and put on regular pants instead over the leggings.   Yamamoto: Do you call them leggings?  Aren’t they long johns?   Akana: Eh?!  Don’t people call them leggings?   Daigo: Yeah, if you’d said long-johns I’d know better what you were talking about.  I don’t know about leggings.   Akana: People from Nara say leggings* though...  Ah, well, then, I was wearing long johns. (laughs)  So then when it was time for costume fittings and I had to strip, I had to say, “I’m... not wearing any underwear...”  

*Akana actually uses a slang word for thermal leggings that’s borrowed from Korean, which is partly why Ryousuke doesn’t really know why he’s saying that instead of the more standard word: 股引.  This is difficult to translate exactly because English doesn’t have a very slangy word for leggings or thermals and certainly not one that we borrow from another language.  Leggings was the best I could do because in all fairness, guys don’t really wear them.  

Daigo: That was before we became friends so it wasn’t something you could really joke about, but you laughed a lot. (laughs)  So that was us at first, but lately I’ve found some things I can even respect about him.  Nosuke’s really really good at dancing.  And he’s really quick to memorize choreography, and then he takes the initiative to teach people who can’t do it yet.  He’ll even suggest like, “Maybe it would be better if you tried it this way,” and so I thought he was really dependable.  I respect that a lot about him. Daigo: Actually, Yoshi and I went to the same high school.  And we used to hang out a lot privately. Oribe: It’s pretty funny.  When we were in school we used to just hang out normally as friends, but now we’re working together.  It feels a little off.   Daigo: It’s not like that anymore, but at first it did feel really strange.  

Please give one final message to people who will be going to see the show. Oribe: I want everyone who’s going to come see Engeki Haikyuu to be able to feel the passion and enthusiasm of the show in person.  I think there are a lot of different ways they can enjoy the show, thanks to our teamwork, and so please look forward to the tour!   Yamamoto: Worry-san said to us, “Let’s make this next productiong while keeping in mind the keywords, ‘connect,’ and ‘entrust.’”  This production is something that’s been entrusted to us by the previous cast, and we have to connect with that in order to continue, it’s important to understand that.  While being mindful, we as the new Karasuno generation will make a new wind blow, this is our starting point, but first we have to take that first step.  I hope we can really burst onto the scene together.  We’ll be working really hard! Akana: Since we’ve had some time at rehearsals now, I can say with 120% certainty that it’s going to be a fun show.  There’s no way it won’t be with this cast.  I’m sure there are fans that are uneasy because of the completely new cast, but I think if they just make their way to the theater to see us even once with all of their expectations, the rest of their time will be spent just enjoying the show.  Please wait for us! Daigo: I want people to feel extra motivated and invigorated because of watching Engeki Haikyuu.  I want to work hard and do my best together with everyone who comes to see the show.  I have this image where the audience can be motivated because of us and that we also work harder for them, and I’m going to work extra hard at the thought of seeing everyone’s smiling faces.  I want to make a show where we all encourage and empower each other.  

======

Translated by @nimbus-cloud Please do not repost my translations!  To me, this includes screenshots of bits and pieces taken out of context, especially if they don’t link back to me.

If you appreciate the work I do for this blog and want to support my translation efforts, please consider donating a ko-fi!  (x)

If you’d like to buy the magazine that features the original interview, you can find it on Amazon JP: (x)

Parts 2 and 3 with the second and third-years will follow!

[adventure-hearts]

tri. Chapter 5 - Recap, Analysis, Review [ part three ]

(part one) (part two) 

Watching the Chosen Children brainstorm as a group is always interesting, but I’m particularly fond of how tri. has played with the Koushirou/Takeru dynamic, making the latter constantly ask relevant questions that point Koushirou to the right answer. After deliberating, group comes to the conclusion that Meicoomon may have been used as a "switch" by Ygdrasil, in order to bring these digimon to the real world and exterminate humans.

That is to say, at this point, the Chosen Children think that “Yg-something” is behind all the strange things that are happening in the world, and that it’s somehow against them. However, they still can’t quite understand Homeostasis’s agenda.

This is interesting because they still assume that Homeostasis is on their side but just not helping them; which shows that at this point they’re still seeing things from a narrow enemy/ally prism.

 *

The “horror story” sequence comes next, because this was getting a bit too serious and needed some room to breathe. Let me start by saying that humour is one of the things I value the most in all kinds of stories, and the type of humour tri. has used (often very meta, poking fun at characters and specific running gags) has been right up my alley.  Moreover, I think tri. is often at its best when it moves away from the plot for a bit and just shows us light-hearted character interactions and funny hijinks.

Yet, although I loved this scene and I think it serves a purpose in the episode, it does feel slightly out of place in the middle of a battle for the two worlds, when the characters are pretty much hiding from the media and maybe even the authorities. Sure, it’s Takeru’s idea, and Yamato immediately points out that it’s stupid, but everyone goes along, especially when Takeru enters full-on Troll Mode.

"Oh, he’s just being hopeful”, you may say. “All he wants is to cheer everyone up!", you might say. Let’s be real, he's 99% trying to piss off his brother. (Yamato being afraid of ghosts and playing air bass when he's afraid is two bits of information I NEEDED IN MY LIFE).

Jou tells the first story, because he’s The Eldest (TM) and, obviously, the funniest character in the group. Of course, down-to-earth Jou’s idea of a horrifying experience is very different from the others.

(This was an hilarious moment that reminded me of Hermione’s boggart in Prisioner of Azkaban reflecting a similar fear - but it also indicates that Jou’s preoccupation with school didn’t just vanish after his epiphany in Ketsui.)

Then Meiko gets central stage, and we see a repetition of a familiar pattern: she is amazing at something, apparently out of nowhere (see also: drawing and lighting fires in the woods). It’s the kind of thing that could come across as forced and a bit too convenient, but mostly it just shows that Meiko has talents and a personality beyond her current tragedy.

And, anyway, isn’t it bizarre to see these kids all terrified of some stupid, vaguely scary horror tale? The same kids who have faced literal demons, Vampires, evil clowns, ghosts, and darkness? Frankly, Takeru is the ONLY one who has a normal reaction to Meiko’s story.

His smile is sweet but, like always, you wonder what’s behind it. Is he happy to see Meiko come out of her depressive state and join the fun? Is he just happy to see Yamato's reaction to the whole thing? Is he glad to see the group forget about their troubles just for a while? tri.’s Takeru is a bit of a cypher, and that’s great.

On the whole, I'm still ambivalent about this segment. On the one hand, somehow it also feels slightly out of place and it’s hard to understand how the kids can forget what’s happening out there to play games in the dark. On the other hand, it delivers in terms of laughs and characterisation, and it is nice to have a little break in the middle of all this tragedy. Maybe the point is just to remind us that these are normal kids, who somehow manage to find some solace with each other.

*

In contrast, the " Phone Home" scenes are a terrific depiction of the characters and relationships, via “show not tell”. Mimi and Sora supporting each other; how Koushirou can't leave the computer even for a second; that Yamato still doesn't want to talk to his mum (suggesting the dynamics in that broken family are still complicated). And Taichi's mother trusting he'll be all right and joking about his animated Summer is kind of a gut-punch in retrospective.

It’s always nice to see tri. remembering that the kids’ families exist, so I wish they can make room for actual cameos eventually!

*

The conversation between Taichi and Meiko, and its aftermath, is in many ways one of the most interesting moments in this movie. In it, Taichi and Meiko’s dilemmas in the face of what’s going on are explored, setting things up for later.

When Taichi overhears Meiko admitting she's not okay, expressing her love for Meicoomon, and pretty much questioning all that talk about "hope" the other kids have been feeding her, it has an impact on him. There’s some flirting  kind words between them, while the Digimon spy on them from afar (I half-expected them to start singing Kiss the Girl).

Now, any shipping considerations aside, it's clear there's a mutual respect and empathy between these two. (See my previous comment on Taichi/Meiko). Taichi tries to comfort Meiko once again, by sharing his own doubts about growing up and how he trusts his natural connection with Agumon. It’s an interesting moment when Taichi opens up and is willing to show vulnerability. 

However, Meiko contrasts his arguments with Mystery Mans's words. She still blames herself for Meicoomon going bad. 

At this point, Taichi snaps at her. Is he getting impatient, after hearing her repeat the same doubts, when everyone keeps telling her her the same old stuff about partners and hope? Regretting his bluntness, Taichi walks away, but tells her she's wrong.

Still, you have to wonder if he’s wrong. Is it Taichi (and the Chosen Children) who can't put themselves on Meiko's place and relate to her unimaginable situation? Meiko sure envies them, the bonds they have with their partners, and their absolute certainties. As far as comfort goes, Agumon's simple advice about partners loving each other (from the Digimon's perspective) is more effective and it allows her to finally break down.

*

We get Taichi's side as well. It seems he's starting to see things from a different perspective. He recalls Hikari’s words earlier, about people being unable to understand what doesn’t happen around them.  

Taichi’s inability to relate to Meiko’s situation – that is, not understanding why she simply won’t believe – is frustrating for Taichi, but it also forces him to question his own approach. This reflects the overall conflict in his story: He wishes he could go back to being a carefree child, but it’s too late; he’s already grown up. Now, he can’t not worry -- he can’t help being introspective and reflecting on things instead of jumping blindingly into the fight. His identity is changing, and the way he responds to problems is, too. Old Taichi may have ignored Meiko’s words, but this Taichi listens.

*

Next morning, Meicoomon shows up again. Despite her previous failure, Meiko has listened to her friends’s advice. Once again, she tries to reach out to her partner, to understand why she’s acting this way. In an attempt to share Meicoomon's burden, Meiko asks her to direct these feelings towards herself, for not being a worthy partner.

However, Meiko then tries a different strategy. For the first time, she tells Meicoomon the suspicion she’s been harbouring throughout this episode – the possibility that the partner bond between them is gone.

The other kids decide to follow through with their plan and try and stop Meicoomon again, despite the risk that the digimon may become infected again. 

Meiko senses that Meicoomon is scared - just like she was back in Tottori and in the lab. Daigo points out that fear seems to increase Meicoomon’s powers.

Then Jesmon (who’s on Homeostasis’ side) shows up, presumably to execute Meicoomon. In response, Meicoomon turns into a new form: Raguelmon, a Fallen Angel Digimon. 

Mystery Man, who is back in Digimon Kaiser cosplay (could it be that he needs to use this form in the Real World?) is ecstatic with this development, because everything is going according to Keikaku.

Not only is Homeostasis trying to destroy Meicoomon, but Meicoomon’s powers are increasing to the point when Meicoomon's very existence is destroying the human world.

Slowly the Chosen Children are starting to realise what’s happening: Homeostasis isn’t kidding around, and it’s determined to eliminate Meicoomon, without them. 

So the truth soon becomes apparent. This isn't just “Ygdrasil's will” - this is Homeostasis working against them!

Taichi’s words express their surprise at this revelation. Until now, they’ve always faced a more clear division between “enemies” and “allies”. They always found themselves playing in Homeostasis’s team. But now, not only has (the man they think is) Gennai gone evil, but Homeostasis is trying to kill their friend and is willing to push them aside, regardless of what they want. The Reboot, let’s not forget, was suggested by Homeostasis.

The situation is a bit too complex in comparison to what they’re used to, and this drives the kids crazy. But this is the point where the Chosen Children’s childlike naïveté becomes a problem. They were wrong to assume that just Homeostasis helped them before, it’s always on their side. Above all, they were wrong to assume Homeostasis cares about bonds and friendship as much as they do. The very reason why they’re fighting is about to be challenged.