#sorry for posting this at 3 am MeST

[sleeping-realist-waking-dreamer]

thinking abt. as someone who's skinny I get a lot of like, weird comments that really point directly at this whole double expectation for skinny vs (not even fat people half the time just someone wider than a standing candle) as far as health goes & points at how Little its actually a health issue

like. when talking about food, and esp if i dare say "i shouldn't eat [x]" i commonly get in dialogues & hear:

"well you can eat all that food you want! I'm the one who really has to worry though haha."

& its one of those little offhand things that just always sits wrong with me, and usually results in an "oh yeah maybe not then" when i say its bc im lactose intolerant (i dont just say i shouldn't eat something for fun. i say it bc my bowels hate me.)

and part of it is probably, I hear this a lot more from adults, whether just i dont talk to a lotta people irl my age or younger or just. i dunno but. it always sits wrong. people just naturally assume i eat celery sticks in my free time cuz i dont have enough meat on my bones. & i appreciate the thought n all that i have that much self restraint in my daily life but i promise my number one hobby is sitting in bed and eating cheez its. & it rlly just points directly at this whole concept of like, people dont expect health/dietary issues in skinny especially young skinny people. when its really just. Completely off the mark.

being skinny doesn't mean you eat better or worse than someone who's fat. i feel like ppl come in w that natural assumption a lot thats just. Super unearned and rlly weird. & rlly just points at a general like internalized fatphobia w people being like "well I cant but you can because you're the width of a hairpin." like. idk

ppl expect "i shouldn't eat this" to be dramatics from someone who's skinny. how its always a fret about weight. when usually for me its a fret abt how long im going to sit on the toilet with tummy pains later lmao.

also just. the fact that i see this a lot from people who aren't fat like objectively. like i will say to some degree its probably also a dietary thing for Some amount of these people, but ive yet to hear anything rlly firm. idk

seguing awkwardly to my point here tho of like how its never actually about the food you eat or diet you live on . it is not a health concern. its rlly just about being fatphobic and hating bodies. my health isnt a concern bc im skinny like "i can eat whatever i want" or w/e but for fat people thats like. not the case ur supposed to watch your weight! mind what u eat! not eat too much sugars! & it's just accepted that and literally nothing else. idk something that was keeping me awake to think about.

[alexis-medina]

Dissecting: Edens Zero Ch. 130-134

Kleene/Jinn

I was reading Ch. 83 and found this.

See, I don’t know if Mashima plans his story out or if he develops certain plots on the spot because everything is connecting. “Oh, I could use this later...” Brilliant. Amazing. For real though, I was like damn it’s the Mildian/Sun Jewel arc again (Xiaomei’s battles foreshadowing).

Shura vs Ziggy

It was interesting to read that Shura isn't the biological son of Nero. This leads me to think...what if Shura and Shiki are related? I mean they both have gravity ether and they both were taught by Ziggy. They both are also strong in their own right. We also have the theme from Fairy Tail of Good vs Evil (Zeref and Natsu) but in this instance it would be Shura and Shiki. We also don't know where they came from - their origins. Plus, Nero says that his power was incompatible with Shura but he was able to match with Ziggy's gravity powers.

Later, when the crew of Edens Zero find another relic (Robo Cola cap), they infer that Mother could be a place and a person. I was also thinking that because in FT: 100 years quest, Aldoron was a dragon god but his body was home to 5 cities.

So, if I'm right then, Shiki and Shura maybe are from a city on Mother...and maybe even Rebecca.

I'm noting that Shiki is younger than Shura. When Ziggy was training Shura, that was 15 years ago but, that's also the same time Ziggy found Shiki as a baby....unless Ziggy is lying and he has false memories. 👀👀👀 Is Ziggy truly good or bad? Does Shiki have additional powers like Rebecca?

What is the all-link system? Looks like Shura and Ziggy have the same idea. I think if Shura and Ziggy battle - Ziggy will win. What did you guys think?

Xenolith and the Crew of Edens Zero

I wonder why Xenolith's maintenance is lasting longer. Perhaps it may be revealed in the future. I would laugh if he moved his consciousness/personality data into a younger robot body.

Weisz stays being a perv lol with the bondage training.

Did Xenolith teach Shiki 'Black Sky?' For me, I feel like in the next arc, when Shiki is facing a really tough opponent we will get flashbacks of his training with Xenolith and him learning Black Sky. Then, he'll perform it against the enemy...which could be Ziggy. So, yes, I think Xenolith did teach him. Could be wrong but we'll have to wait and see!

Both Xenolith and Xiaomei have stated that Rebecca's power will change/save the world/universe.

- Xiaomei (Ch. 64): "She has only just begun to unlock the secrets of Leap’s real power. This power may truly save the universe one day."

- Xenolith (Ch. 132): "Her power is weak…but it is the most special. Special enough to change the world."

Witch calling Rebecca a 'Chrono Witch' is giving me Scarlet Witch vibes...

Math for Dummies lol

Stronger heart = Stronger gravity Strength + Tranquility = Strong Heart = Rise from darkness Strength - Tranquility = Weak Heart Weak heart = Weak gravity = Fall to darkness

Fan service with the bath scenes but, at least it is keeping the story going, in that, she has to train in the bath in order to get stronger. Sister makes me geek, "You better get out of those ropes before this turns x-rated." When I read that scene, it gave me Virgo vibes from FT.

I also want to see how Xenolith met Ziggy. So, I'm wishing for a flashback.

I don't know if I put this on a post before or not but, my thoughts are that Ziggy did reach Mother and found Shiki there. He erased the Four Shining Stars memories because something bad would happen if he didn't (like they would get infected the way he is now). So, he did it to save them.

UGHHHH BUT THAT CLIFFHANGER...WHYYYYY - It'll probably blow my mind when it gets revealed.

Also, WOOHOOO! Jinn and Kleene joined the crew. That cute ass smile!!! OOOMG his face when he isn't able to untie Kleene. 🥺🥺🥺

The Oceans

So cool to see the winners of the Edens Zero character competition featured as the Oceans 6! I'm a fan of all of them and don't you worry...we won't forget Shura's assistant even though she's not part of the 6. However, she might be since Shura killed off Cyca. Yikes.... RIP Cyca

Their designs are so clean!! (Sorry if the images look blurry Tumblr only allows 10 photos per post so I tried stitching them together in Illustrator but I think the file size is too big for Tumblr so that's why it may be blurry but, I hope you get the gist of their designs.)

Holy

I wonder what she means by that...I feel like this will be important later. We also don't know much about the other members of the Oración Seis Interstellar. I'm excited to see what their ether gear is...especially Eraser. 👀👀👀 Does his ether have something to do with erasing things? Are they corrupt or good guys? I guess we'll found out soon...

B-Cube

Rebecca has carved 'Edens Zero' onto her B-Cube. Did you guys notice in Ch. 134 that Rebecca's ingrained B-Cube is the same one we see in Ch. 4? That's the scene where there are two robots 20,000 years in the future who find two bodies (a man and a woman) and a B-Cube which we can now confirm is Rebecca's.

The Ships + Other Notable Mentions

LOL I feel like if I was a B-Cuber, I would be an entertainment/fashion channel....basically like Sorcerer Weekly but make it Space Weekly or a cool name like Into the Void. Maybe a play off of 'Cosmopolitan' but shorten it to 'Cosmos.' So many options.

Anyways lets get into the ships. I talked about this first ship in a recent post.

#1 Homura and Creed

I'll say it again...I SHIP IT! I am hoping for some more scenes with them together. He always looks so cute when he blushes <3 He's a Homura stan too hahah. 🥺🥺🥺

Predictions: - Creed and Homura will fight - Creed will protect Homura again - Homura will save Creed - Creed will join the Edens Zero crew

Now, I was reading on a few discord channels that people are comparing Creed to Mest (Fairy Tail). Now, I am really trying to understand this comparison because frankly, I don't see it. Creed has a crush on Homura. That's valid. Also, Creed doesn't just have pictures of just Homura, he has Weisz, Rebecca, and Shiki. He's not creepy like Mest.

Mest was a weird guy when we first met him laying in the pool or eating flowers. Their personalities are totally different IMO. We could talk ages about the age gap stuff but I'm not really gonna go into that.

Do you see the comparison?

#2 Rebecca and Shiki

Shiki escaping from his restraints to save 'Rebecca' made me happy lol. It makes me think what he would do if it was Homura or Weisz in that situation. What would Shiki do? Plus, after the simulation was over...we can see Rebecca in awe and blushing.

Then, Shiki is hugging Rebecca and they're both blushing 💕 That's a cute moment ngl.

"I'm not THAT into Shiki." - So, you don't deny that you like him 😉

#3 Hermit

I don't know if I mentioned this but I fucking love Hermit's name. It's such a cool name.

#4 Justice

Ch. 130 he was looking gooooood with his bandages. 🥵🥵🥵

Ps. Did you get a chance to view Edens Zero PV 2?!?

Did you notice the homage to Fairy Tail in Ch. 134? "Why are your ideas so Fairy Tale?"

[sweetmemories2606]

Dangerous Game (Gruvia and NaLu fanfic) Chapter 5

I am so behind on posting this one here, sorry about that. I hope people still remember this story, but in case you need a reminder, here's the basic info:

Title: Dangerous Game

Pairings: NaLu and Gruvia (main), Gajevy, Miraxus and MesCana (minor)

Summary: While Natsu wonders about all the times he failed to protect Lucy, Gray worries about the dangerous game that he's been playing. Who will have to pay the price for his decision to leave Juvia behind?

Timeline: Avatar Arc (SPOILERS if you haven't watched the first 8 eps of the Final Season)

Genre: Angst

Word Count: around 12000 words (all chapters)

Links: Chapter 1 (NaLu focused)  Chapter 2 (Gruvia focused)  Chapter 3 (NaLu focused)  Chapter 4 (Gruvia focused) , Chapter 5 (Miraxus focused)

Also, if you want to read ahead: Chapter 6, (Gajevy focused) Chapter 7 (MesCana focused)

I hope you enjoy! 

                                   ----------------------

                             Chapter 5: Searching For Her

                                       March X792

A lone figure walked along the forest, forced to take slow steps because of the snow. They were covered by a dark blue cape, hiding them from the world. Although, there wasn't anyone else in the forest.

After a long time, they found themselves standing before a large tree that was actually a house. With a relieved sigh, they made their way towards it and knocked on the door.

"Who's there?" An angry yell was heard.

The figure removed her hood to reveal long, wavy hair as white as snow and big blue eyes. Gently, she answered. "It's just me, Porlyusica. Will you let me in?"

She was met with silence before another voice spoke. "Mirajane? What the hell are you doing here?" It was the person she had come here for. Laxus.

Mirajane had learned a few days before that he wasn't as okay as everyone had thought. Instead, the bane particles which he had inhaled in his attempt to save Magnolia had never left his body and continued to damage his organs.

Now aware of this, Mirajane had decided to try to help him, thus she had come all the way to Porlyusica's cottage where he had been staying for the past 2 weeks-much to his displeasure.

After being welcomed in and briefly chatting with Laxus and Porlyusica, she asked how she could assist. The healer informed her that the only way he could improve was for the particles to be fully removed, but that had proved impossible.

Having recently taken over all the demon gates from Tartaros, Mirajane suggested one of them should be able to do this. While Laxus was not in favour of her taking such a risk to save him, Porlyusica reminded him that he would die otherwise.

"This isn't your choice to make." Mirajane argued. "I came here to help you and I will do so, regardless of the risks."

                                   ----------------------

                                       June X792

With Laxus healed, the only issue remaining was the unspoken feelings between them, which neither was willing to discuss as of yet. Instead they resumed their friendship as it was before the war against Tartaros, neither willing to take the next step.

They kept on like this for 3 months while staying at Blue Pegasus' hideout since Laxus had previously joined said guild and wished to return after he was healed.

The Thunder Legion and Blue Pegasus members certainly did not help them keep this charade, for they kept teasing the two despite their protests. Evergreen and Bickslow wasted no opportunities commenting on Laxus' feelings for Mirajane, Sherry and Jenny always made it clear she should make a move and even Itchia brought up the possibility that they were secretly dating at times.

"Will you just quit it?" Laxus yelled after they were teased again, making everyone silence. "There is nothing going on between us, so stop trying to pretend there is."

"But Laxus..." Evergreen tried, but was interrupted.

"Instead of trying to force us into a relationship, you should figure out what you want from Elfman." Laxus continued.

Her face paled at his words. "That's none of your business!" She snapped.

"Doesn't feel nice when people get into your business, does it?" He raised a brow.

Before the conversation could go any further, Sherry and Ren came into the hideout, looking nervous. "Mirajane, you have visitors."

The woman in question frowned, confused. Who could it be? After thanking them for warning her, she quickly left the room, eager to get away from the tension.

Once outside the hideout, she was surprised to find Jellal and Doranbolt-or was his name Mest?-standing in front of it, looking nervous. "Hello. It's been a while." She offered them a smile.

"Mirajane." Jellal greeted her with a nod. "I'm sorry for bothering you."

"We need to talk to you about something important." Doranbolt spoke, tense.

"What is it?" Mira asked, concerned. Is something wrong? Why do they look so unsettled?

Instead of answering, Jellal suggested that they distanced themselves from the hideout since they didn't wish for their conversation to be heard by the Blue Pegasus members nor Laxus' dragon slayer hearing.

Once they were at a safe distance, in the heart of the forest where a long time ago the battle against Grimoire Heart and Jellal's revival had occurred, Doranbolt finally told her why they were there.

He mentioned that they had been searching for her for quite some time because she was the only one who could help them.

"Help you with what, exactly?" Mirajane asked.

Mest proceeded to explain his undercover mission at the council and how Makarov had instructed him to keep an eye on Alvarez. Then he mentioned how Angel, now known as Sorano, had warned him of their plan to send Lilith, a demon from the books of Zeref, to infiltrate Fiore.

Jellal noted how he believed that Mirajane could help them track Lilith since she was familiar with demons. He also highlighted how important this was since Lilith could be gathering sensitive information which would harm Fiore in case of war.

                                   ----------------------

It didn't take much to convince Mirajane to help. She easily agreed to join them in their search, thus they waited outside the hideout while she said goodbye to her friends and packed a small suitcase.

Laxus, who had disappeared while she was talking to everyone, showed up while she was packing. Without much time, they had a brief conversation about her leaving, the mission and his-barely concealed-concern for her safety.

He also thanked her again for saving him all those months before and let her know that if she ever needed his help during this mission, she should call him. Mirajane was surprised when Laxus presented her with a cellphone, Warren's new invention, but she gratefully accepted the gift.

They shared a rather awkward hug as she wondered if perhaps this was a good time to tell him how she had been feeling for a while. Unfortunately, he pulled apart before she could decide and left her with another goodbye.

She watched him leave the room, suddenly cheerless as she realised it might be a long time before she had another chance. However, there were bigger priorities at the moment thus she finished packing before going outside to meet Jellal and Doranbolt.

Their journey to find Lilith began that day and they were later joined by Meredy and Cobra- who now referred to himself as Erik. Over the course of their mission, Mirajane got to know all of them better and learned about their pasts, present and hopes for the future.

Neither member of the group expected that it would take them so long to actually find the demon, but 3 months passed and though they had searched almost all of Fiore, Lilith's trail remained cold.

After Mirajane received a letter from Lucy about Fairy Tail's reunion, she decided to briefly leave the group. What she didn't expect, though, is that this would be the answer to their quest.

                                   ----------------------

After watching Juvia threatening Lucy's life, and listening to her dialogue, Mirajane quickly figured out that this must be Lilith.

Knowing that the demon was in fact possessing the water mage made things more complicated because this meant she couldn't directly attack it without harming her friend. Thus Mirajane took some time to think of a solution while simultaneously contacting both Laxus and Crime Sorciére.

Unfortunately, the situation soon became even worse once Lilith trapped Natsu and Lucy. Though Mira wanted to help them, she quickly realised that the only way was for Juvia to take control back.

Gajeel and Gray seemed to think the same for they began encouraging the water mage. Mirajane was actually surprised when Gray confessed his love for Juvia in front of everyone, but relief soon filled her once the water mage returned.

When she apologised, though, Mira was back to worried and once she realised what Juvia was about to do, she screamed. "No, Juvia!" I can't let her die!

It was too late. Juvia had already stabbed herself before anyone could reach her. She let out a gasp before removing the bloody dagger and throwing it on the floor. Her face showed pain and sorrow, but also relief once she looked back at Gray.

He was the first to reach her, having ran so fast that even Jet seemed impressed. Mirajane watched, still in shock, as the ice mage held onto Juvia as her body gave in.

"No, please no." He kept mumbling while his hands desperately tried to stop the blood flow.

"You idiot! What the hell did you do?" Gajeel yelled at her, trying to take a step but Levy stopped him, placing a hand on his arm.

"Let Gray talk to her first." She told him gently.

"But I…." He looked back at the water mage in anger but also fear. Mirajane felt sorry for him. He doesn't deserve to lose his best friend.

She glanced around, looking for Wendy, who could surely heal the water mage. She was busy helping Lucy, who lay unconscious in Natsu's arms.

"Come on, Lucy." Mirajane overheard him plead. Poor Natsu. He must be so worried.

"She'll be okay." Wendy reassured him.

"I was supposed to protect her." Natsu lamented, frowning deeply.

"Don't." Juvia's plea made Mirajane look back at her and Gray. She noticed that he was about to use his magic to stop the blood flow. Why is she telling him not to?

"But Juvia..." Gray protested.

"I'm sorry." Juvia's hand reached for his hand. "I just wanted...to be free..." A pause. She coughed a bit, which reminded Mirajane of Laxus. I need to save her too…

"And you will be." Gray told her as he squeezed her hand. "We'll find another way."

Mirajane really hoped they would, but time was running out. Checking her phone again, she was disappointed to find no messages. Why aren't they answering? She started panicking as it became increasingly clear that she would have to figure this out on her own.

[thefairystales]

Mashima Hiro long interview translation (part 2)

This long interview with Mashima Hiro is published in Magazine Pocket. The interview was carried out right after the storyboard for the final chapter was completed. The interviewer was Hashimoto, who had previously served as Mashima-sensei’s editor for 2.5 years. Mashima-sensei’s current editor was also present at the interview, and the responses labeled with “editor” are from him.

The interview is really long, and I have broken it up into 3 parts. Part 1 has been posted here, and part 3 will come later.

Translated by thefairystales | DO NOT EDIT OR REMOVE SOURCE Please credit by linking back when using. (usage rules)

On Erza

What about Erza?

She’s someone who does things without considering any objections to it. I had originally intended for Gray and Erza to be series characters. However, they both grew in popularity and became regulars. For this reason, Erza gives the impression of being a character who is raised by the readers. She grows together with them.

She’s strong.

“Strong” comes to mind when speaking of Erza. In a sense, she’s a character that symbolizes what I picture as “strength”. That might be her greatest identity. There were various reactions from the fans because of that. There are people who think “I never want to see Erza losing!” as well as those who think “Erza is too strong. She should lose occasionally.”

She also has a feminine side.

She likes sweet things and cute clothes, and I personally feel that this side of her is charming.

Do you have a profoundly memorable episode involving Erza?

“Pandemonium” in the Grand Magic Games. It was one of the occasions where I depicted Erza’s strength extremely prominently, and it’s a favorite of mine. It also received a lot of comments from the readers. Erza also has a side where she’s a “big sister” character, and I’ve liked this type of character since a long time ago.

It’s the first time I’m hearing about this.

I’ve always longed to have an older sister since I was a child. That’s why I’m motivated when it comes to drawing characters like that. Haru from RAVE has an elder sister for the same reason.

On Wendy

I’d like to ask about other characters, but there are too many... If you had to name another character who is strong, who would that be?

Wendy. There had never been such a small and cute warrior that appeared in my manga until her. I thought that she was so so cute when I looked at her after I had finished my drawing. (laugh) She became a character that I grew to love even though I was the one who drew her.

Her character setting is one that seems difficult to handle in a battle manga.

She might have become a minor character if she hadn’t been set up to be a dragon slayer. I had originally planned for the female dragon slayer to be a little older. However, when I came up with Wendy, I felt that I had to use her in the manga and I drew her resolutely. The result was good.

What’s your memorable scene of Wendy?

The part where her dragon force awakens towards the end of her battle with Ezel. I drew everything that I wanted to, including her relationship with Carla. I also managed to make the readers wonder if she would die. However, I decided that she would not die, and I didn’t want to confuse the readers, and thus i forcibly added the scene where Mest saved the both of them.

On his conviction

There are various opinions about Wendy getting injured.

I believe there are people who reject the idea of her being injured since she’s a little girl. My editor at that time also said "isn’t this overdoing it”. However, Wendy is a warrior and not an existence that must be protected. A warrior has to fight, and getting injured is something to be expected if you fight.

You said that during our meeting.

I drew Wendy as a comrade who fights together with the others. Even though she’s a little girl, as a fellow comrade, it would be a lie if she doesn’t get hurt together with the others. It hurts me to do that, but it’s something that can’t be helped. It’s painful for me to see her getting hurt. But I feel that this is what it means to be a comrade.

It’s Mashima philosophy.

It’s nothing cool (laugh). There are countless of such minor things that are like “FT rules”. I can’t put it clearly in words, but there are rules that I decided I must adhere to when drawing FT. It’s something akin to the atmosphere.

That atmosphere was understood by your editors during your meeting with them.

I think it was conveyed to the editors to some extent, even though it might not have been everything.

There were several times when I felt “ah, this is the part which shows the conviction” while I was working on the storyboard [as an editor]. I did not understand this when I was a reader.

It’s because I have these rules that I was able to keep drawing. The manga could not have continued for such a long time if I were to tear down these rules and draw without any limits.

Wendy’s story is an example that’s easy to understand.

A rule that I can put into words properly is something rare. I believe that many other manga artists, and not just myself, have such an “atmosphere”. That’s why manga artists are troublesome people. We are awfully particular over things that other people view as inconsequential (laugh). You can say that our convictions can’t be wavered.

I think that should be the way.

On the fans

There are various fans for the various characters.

In manga, there are characters who have bitter experiences and those who face defeat at times. There have been many instances where the fans of these characters have gotten angry. They say things like “Why does Gray have to suffer!”.

Does it bother you?

I accept comments as a whole, but I avoid pondering over each comment individually. There are fans who don’t use social networking sites, and thus I can’t only read the comments from the people who use them. That applies to both positive comments as well as criticism.

Has the story been influenced by the fans’ voices?

I would like to say no, but I wonder. There might have been parts where I accepted their opinions even though I had not intended to. I don’t know.

Were there certain comments that you received especially frequently?

The fans were so excited over the coupling controversy that it surprised me. However, I had decided not to take fan opinions in this matter. I’m sorry about that, but I had already decided everything myself and finished drawing the manga in the manner that I had decided.

On popularity overseas

The foreign fans seem unusually lively.

I’ve heard that FT has been popular overseas since the beginning, and it’s something I’m thankful about. Because of this, I tried my best to reduce the amount of bad puns and wordplay in the manga, and also drew the speech balloons to be circular. So that it would be easy to translate.

Was it something you aimed for?

Certainly not! I’m still surprised even now. There have been times when I thought “it’s popular for this reason”, but I couldn’t analyze it. I can only say that I was lucky.

Do you feel that you are accepted overseas?

I have many overseas followers on Twitter, and I feel accepted there. There are also many wikis overseas, and they have diligently recorded minute details that even I myself might forget. Don’t tell anyone else about this, but I am very thankful for that (laugh).

You have the most Twitter followers among manga artists. You have over 1 million of them.

I’m really grateful. I opened my Twitter account when the manga was at the Grand Magic Games. The manga was unexpectedly popular back in its early days, and I received many comments saying that “it was really interesting!”. Being a simple person, my mood becomes good when someone say “this person isn’t bad”. (laugh)

(laugh)

I receive many messages from overseas fans, and I try to read them using translation software. I also tweet in English sometimes. Also, drawings are common to the world, and it seems that the fans are happy when I post many sketches.

That’s certainly the case.

(to be continued in part 3)