#sorry guys i know y'all want sun man to be perfect but i refuse to let that happen

[snowshinobi]

I wonder if Kyojuro ever got caught up in the moment during training and pulled out a sick sword move that scared the hell outta Senjuro. Singed the sleeve of Senjuro's white haori, shocked the kid to tears. Kyojuro immediately drops the blade and wraps Senjuro in a hug and later he patches up the haori himself (canon seamster Kyo my beloved), but it weighs on him. Senjuro's a little extra jumpy around him for the next few days and it shatters Kyojuro's heart.

I just keep thinking about that regeneration technique Kyojuro rather unorthodoxly teaches Tanjiro in the very moment he needs it. I wonder how much of the training Tanjiro got builds on what Kyojuro gave his lil brother. Kyo's teaching is no less chaotic now than before, he just kinda be that way, but that emphasis on healing ... came from somewhere.

Fighting on behalf of the weak includes sewing injuries back up. It's about playing defense too, not just offense. I bet that regeneration technique is the next thing Kyojuro showed his brother how to do. "I hope you never need it. I'll make sure you never have to use it because of something I did. But I think learning this will make you feel better." And then Kyojuro slices his palm open WHICH MAKES SENJURO SCREAM but hearing Kyojuro breathe deep as the mark closes up does make Senjuro feel better. A lot better.

[jumukus]

A3! Event: Trump the Phantom Thief Episode 8 Translation

Play time! A heads up on the characters' names:

Muku: King Yuki: Q Kazunari: Ace Juza: Jack Banri: Fox Sakyo: Club

Saionji: Muku-kun, how are you doing? Are you getting seasick?

Muku: I'm doing alright, thank you. Oh, and the room is so beautiful.

Saionji: I am glad it is to your liking. We purposely built the suite rooms in a place where you can't feel the ship's motion.

I am planning to take every possible measure for the theater venue as well, though do not hesitate to let me know if you are unsatisfied with anything.

Muku: I will. Thank you.

Kazunari: Dude, not only the suite rooms are superbs, but to think we also get a whole staff to ourselves…! We can even get the beverages here as many times we like!

Yuki: True. The service is just so good it surprised me.

Sakyo: Don't get too engrossed in these service or you'll be havin' a hard time once we return to Mankai Company.

Izumi: You have a point…

Banri: I don't wanna go back.

Juza: ...I'm thirsty.

Muku: Wanna get some beverages in our rooms?

Juza: No, it's fine. Our rooms are far from here.

Azami: There's a lot of vending machines there. I think they have your favorite strawberry milk.

Juza: I'll go get it.

Muku: …

Izumi: (Today is finally our opening show. I knew it. They all seem pretty nervous because we're going to perform in a different venue.)

Juza: …

Izumi: (Juza-kun looks stiff.)

Kazunari: OK, guys! We've gotta form a circle in times like this!

Banri: Be more specific. What d'you mean by "in times like this"?

Yuki: Bet you already thought of what kind of circle you wanna do.

Kazunari: Righty right! Since our play is about phantom thieves, we all should strike a phantom thief pose!

Sakyo: The heck is that?

Kazunari: No complaining! Just follow me!

Yuki: Fine. Fine.

Juza: ...Muku, do the chant.

Muku: First things first, I'm sorry for causing you guys troubles when I was at a loss of what to do.

I don't want to give up on all the things I want to do. I've decided to do everything I can in all of them.

I'll run through until the end. Follow me, guys!

Juza: Yeah!

Kazunari: Okie!

Banri: Yea.

Q: "It's as musty as always."

Ace: "Clean it up."

Q: "How about you do it?"

Ace: "No way. Geez. This place used to be clean, wonder what happened to it."

Q: "That's because we had a clean-freak before."

Ace: "Okay. Leader, you do the cleaning."

King: "I think it's pretty clean, though."

Q: "Seriously?"

Ace: "Should've known a messy room owner like Leader would say something like that."

Q: "Anyway. Since this is the first time we gathered here after a year, that means you've already set our next target, right? Let's cut to the chase already."

King: "Our next target will be "Mermaid's Tears", a 12-carat diamond."

"It's going to be sold during an auction held at the Royal Star cruise. It's one of the event's highlights and expected to sell for 6 billion."

Ace: "Woo-hoo."

Q: "Heh. Interesting."

King: "Royal Star is currently hiring staff. Q."

Q: "Got it. That means I have to sneak in as one of their staff members, right?"

King: "Ace, get close to the ship's captain and collect information."

Ace: "Roger."

Izumi: (I expect no less from Summer Troupe. They have great teamwork. I can totally feel it.)

(Not to mention Muku-kun's King is able to unite them as a leader.)

Q: "I'm in charge of the rooms in Block A… Laundry and… Ugh. What a hassle."

"This isn't my job in the first place, after all. If that person were here--."

Crew Member: "Are you new here? You seem lost."

Q: "Yes. I don't think I can get out of this place if I lose the map."

Crew Member: "You can ask anyone if there's anything you don't understand."

Q: "Thank you."

"?"

Crew Member: "What's wrong?"

Q: "I think I saw someone over there--."

Crew Member: "But there's only a garbage can over there. Is it a ghost or something?"

Q: "Hey. Stop. I don't like it."

"Hm? A letter?"

"Could this be--I have to report to King."

King: "I'll take the Mermaid's Tears--Jack."

Ace: "Can't believe he's aiming for the same thing."

Q: "Him and King sure are compatible in a strange way."

Ace: "Even though their personalities are the exact opposite of each other."

Q: "What are we going to do now?"

Ace: "Guess we're gonna have a change of pla--."

King: "We'll continue the operation."

Q: "Come again!?"

Ace: "So you mean we're gonna compete with Jack?"

King: "I will not send out this notice. Let's call it a direct confrontation between Trump and Jack."

Q: "Whaaaat!?"

Jack: "Weird. The cops aren't on the move."

"Hm? Where's my noti--."

"It's been a while. How about a reunion? At The Mermaid's Tears' chamber. Trump."

"King, huh… It's just so like him to do something like this. Fine. Let's have a showdown."

Fox: "Here. I got what you wanted, the Royal Star's blueprint."

King: "It is indeed the blueprint."

Fox: "I got you some addition as well. This one is a lil bit pricey."

King: "Figured as much."

Fox: "What are you going to do with this information, though?"

King: "It's prohibited to poke your nose into your client's private life."

Fox: "Oops. My bad. I was curious since you rarely asked for something like this. Oh, yeah. Your master said he wanted to see you."

King: "Club? I wonder why. I'll try contacting him."

Club: "I'm comin' in."

Fox: "Speak of the devil."

King: "Long time no see."

Club: "Perfect timing. Are you free now?"

***

Club: "I'm goin' to retire soon. Take whatever you need."

King: "Retire? Are you serious?"

Club: "My body is startin' to fall apart. It's an age thing. Tell this to Ja--Oh, right. I heard you two broke up."

King: "You made it sound like we're dating. Please don't do that. He just decided to quit my group on his own."

Club: "Y'all never change. Here I thought you'd keep workin' together. That's what you call youth, I guess."

King: "To be honest with you, I'd also never thought he would betray me."

Club: "Looking at that guy, I think he's in his rebellious phase rather than betrayal."

King: "Rebellious phase?"

Club: "He's got some strong sense of rivalry, y'know? Add that with the fact that he's never won against you."

"He must be jealous of you. You're a genius, while he can only do things in a crude way."

King: "Really? I like his way of doing things, though."

Club: "That's exactly why you're hated. Oh, well. You better make up before I die."

King: "Please tell that to him too. You're going to meet him after this anyway, right?"

Club: "You're right. Guess I'm also gonna tell him directly. Both of you are my most excellent apprentices, after all."

King: "Please take this as my present for your retirement. This one is 40 years old."

Club: "You sure are well prepared."

King: "I was actually planning to use it for the celebration party, though."

"--Oh, right. If you're going to retire, please give me that. You know, the 'Venus Ring'."

Club: "I refuse."

***

Fox: "Welcome. Man, I guess we've got a lot of 'speak of the devil' moment today."

Jack: "What are you saying?"

Fox: "Nope. Forget it. Anyway, this is your requested uniform and safe."

Jack: "Thanks."

Fox: "Oh, yea. Your master said he wanted to see you. Why don't you give him a call?"

***

Jack: "Long time no see."

Club: "Hey. Is it just me or did you lose some weight?"

Jack: "What do you want to talk about?"

Club: "I'm gonna retire soon. Take whatever you need."

Jack: "Whatever you need, huh. By the way, the 'Venus Ring'..."

Club: "Y'all really have the same taste. I ain't gonna give it out. I sent it to the right place."

Jack: "By y'all… Do you mean King?"

Club: "You should just go back and regroup with him."

Jack: "I'll never go back until I win against him."

Club: "What a pig-headed kid. So? You see any chance to accomplish that?"

Jack: "I have a feeling we're finally going to settle this soon."

Club: "Heh. You seem confident."

Jack: "Because I've made arrangements ahead of time."

Club: "That's so you. You still look as gloomy as ever, though. Why don't you go soaking up the sun in some warm places in the south once in a while?"

Jack: "No--But you have a point. Maybe I'll do that once this is over."

Club: "Do that. And make up with King."

Jack: "...It depends on him."

Guard A: "Wait there."

Guard B: "This place is restricted to authorized personnel."

***

Q: "'Mermaid's Tears' has been carried away."

King: "Got it. Looks like they put it at the expected place."

Q: "How about the security? Can you unlock it?"

King: "I've already made preparation for that. We just need to see how things will turn out."

Ace: "Hey, wait a sec. Please, King."

King: "Find out the schedule for the guards' lookout."

Q: "Ugh. What a pain. Why do I have to do this…"

***

Q: "The guard will change at 1 P.M. The key will only be handed over when a substitute comes."

King: "So we need that key and the password that the captain has to unlock the door."

Q: "Ace, gain some time for us."

Ace: "Roger. Leave it to me."

Q: "Don't screw up."

***

Ace: "Hey, good work."

Guard A: "You're here sooner than I thought."

Ace: "Boss said my shift would start 30 minutes earlier since I'm always late, you see. Today I got here on time, though."

"Oh. Don't tell me you're gonna get scolded if you end your shift early? Wanna have some chat for thirty minutes then? Man, being a guard sure is easy."

"I actually want to increase my shift more, you know. But I don't reall--."

Guard A: "No, it's fine. I'll end my shift now. Bye."

Ace: "Oh. Okay, then. Bye."

***

Ace: "Mission complete. It's your turn now, King."

King: "Let's see, now. This is unexpectedy such a hassle~."

Ace: "I'm glad you seem to be having fun but please hurry up."

***

Q: "It's almost been thirty minutes."

King: "Just a little bit more…"

Q: "The guard is coming."

King: "I'm counting on you, Ace."

***

Ace: "Hey.."

Guard B: "Hm?"

Ace: "Ouch ouch ouch…"

Guard B: "What's wrong?"

Ace: "Oh, are you the substitute? Thank God. I'm starting to panic since my stomach is killing me. Good bye!"

Guard B: "Hey, wait, the key--."

Ace: "Key? Oh, right. I've gotta hand it ove--ouch ouch ouch."

Guard B: "Hey, you okay?"

Ace: "Wait a minute. Just until I calm down. Ouch ouch ouch…"

Guard B: "F-For now, just go to the toilet first."

Ace: "Don't think that's possible. I feel like it's gonna come out once I move."

Guard B: "Whaaat!?"

Ace: "Do you have some medicine or anything?"

Guard B: "No, sorry…"

Ace: "Can you bring me one from the infirmary? I'm on the edge here."

Guard B: "O-Okay! Wait a little bit!"

Ace: "King, you better open it now."

***

King: "...Weird. We may not make it."

Ace: "Come again!?"

King: "Oh, I got it. This one."

"...Nice. It opens!"

"Q, carry it out. Let's retreat."

Q: "Got it."

***

Guard B: "Hey, I have the medicine!"

Ace: "Very thanks, man. Here, your key! I'll leave the rest to you."

Guard B: "Yeah. Hope you recover soon."

King: "...This is weird. Jack didn't come in the end."

Q: "Maybe he realized it's impossible to go against phantom thieves."

King: "No. That guy…"

Police: "Freeze! We're police!"

King: "--."

Q: "!?"

Ace: "Since when!?"

King: "We're being set up. Q, throw the 'Mermaid's Tears' to the sea."

Q: "Huh!? Do you hear yourself now!?"

King: "Do it now. We'll escape the moment the police look away."

Ace: "You're lying, right!?"

King: "Quick."

Q: "You're the one who told me to do it, alright!"

Police: "H-Hey! The jewel! Pick it up, quick!"

King: "Let's go!"

Police: "Wait!"

Q: "What do we do now!? All of our hardship went to waste!"

Ace: "Our 6 billion…"

King: "That was a fake jewel Jack had prepared."

Q: "What?"

King: "Jack had stolen 'Mermaid's Tears' in advance and replaced it with a fake one."

"He was the one who snitched on us."

***

Narration: "The day before…"

Guard A: "Hey, what's wrong?"

Jack: "No, it's just… the engine…"

Guard A: "Hold on, hold on. If there's any trouble, you better do something about it or else it'll get worse later on. If we're liable for the damages…"

Jack: "There's smoke coming out!"

Guard A: "Say what!?"

Jack: "Stay away from the car!"

Guard B: "Whoa!"

Guard A: "C-Call the fire station! Wait, we gotta get the safe first!"

Guard B: "Hey, is it okay?"

Jack: "Yeah. The smoke disappeared. I found no issues with the machine too."

Guard A: "That means the safe is alright, yeah? God. Give me a break. We almost carry it away ahead of time."

***

Q: "So that's why Jack didn't show up…"

Ace: "He really got us! I already thought it was weird for the police to appear at times like that!"

Q: "Ugh. Even if the police didn't appear, Jack still won since he already got the 'Mermaid's Tears' before us."

King: "I wonder about that."

***

King: "He hasn't made any changes in his base. Well, isn't he a little careless…"

"Even his security system is so weak."

"Hm? A card?"

"'Out of respect of Master's retirement, I will hand over the victory.'"

"Don't be satisfied with second place. You could have taken measures if you know there's a chance it'll get stolen. Oh, well. I'll accept your kind offer…"

***

Jack: "..."

"He really came…"

King: "Hey."

Jack: "--ugh. Why are you still here, King?"

King: "It's been a long time, I want to renew our friendship. I even brought alcohol with me."

Jack: "This is why you're hated."

King: "But you don't hate me, do you?"

Jack: "How did you find out?"

King: "I got some information about you from Fox. It helped me understand your strategy to some extent."

Jack: "In that case, why did you fall into the trap?"

King: "Because, otherwise, you won't move forward as planned. I'll be troubled if you're on your guard."

"I could narrow down your base thanks to the location device I planned on the alcohol I gave to Club. The rest is my intuition."

Jack: "I can never bring myself to like you in the end."

King: "Now, now. Let's have a toast for the 'Mermaid's Tears'. Q and Ace are waiting."

Izumi: (This is the only scene where Jack and King talk face to face. Even so, you can tell how close they are just by watching this scene alone.)

(Maybe because they are cousins, they can create a unique relationship between rivals who understand each other the most.)

***

Muku: Thank you so much!

Juza: Thank you.

Sakyo: Thank you.

Yuki: Thank you.

Kazunari: Thankies thankies~!

Banri: Thank you.

***

Sakyo: The audience's reaction on our first show is great.

Juza: King was so cool.

Muku: Jack was even cooler! The fact that he's active behind the scenes is just so Juchan!

Juza: I can also feel the gap between King, a sharp person with a gentle look, and you, Muku.

Muku: I-Is that so? Ehehe. But your Jack…

Azami: They're going to be like that forever at this rate.

Yuki: When are you going to stop?

Banri: But well, it was good overall. Right?

Kazunari: Totally! Their chemistry was just perfect on the stage, even the audience was pleased!

Izumi: Let's keep this energy until the closing show!

Muku: Yes!

< Episode 7 | Masterlist | Episode 9 >

[jelanisaeed]

Round 2: VS Piplup - Legends Part 2

And here we go with Chapter 2! This one took a lot of different tries. But once I settled into lessening the new for fight scenes, it became easier. I hope y'all like it!

Oh, and just like the last chapter, this chapter was inspired by the Calling All Lovers Album by Tamar Braxton. The song that helped the most was Circles.

…

Pokémon Adventures: Turquoise, Jasper, & Ammolite

Round 2: VS Piplup – Legends Part 2

Location: Lake Verity Date: August 4th , 3000 Time: 11:00am

"I'm the guardian of Lake Verity. My name is Turquoise. Turquoise Yukule."

So much for relaxation. After a stressful week, Turquoise just needed one day to himself. Even planned it out himself! Sure, it wasn't much—just a morning swim and some parkour later—but it helped plenty. Then again, he should have expected this. No plan of his ever failed to hit a snag along the way.

Just like now. Morning swim ruined by some stranger fighting Motha. Cute guy with his glowing, short green coils and fade against his soft sienna skin. Not the worst sight by any means. Especially with inviting emerald eyes like his.

"Guardian…?" The stranger frowned. "So, the legend's real?"

Turquoise nodded. "Aye. All legends have some truth to 'em, ya know?"

The stranger pursed his lips. A strange fire burned just beneath his skin and oozed red light. Anger, Turquoise realized. The blaze licked the air in thin wisps of lips only Turquoise saw. Most won't see the emotions take form around them. Or their power. His pokémon knew and squirmed in his hold. Poor girl. Good thing Turquoise kept some pecha berries in his bag.

"What's the big deal, huh?" Stranger snarled. "Attacking people with your ugly bug?"

"Motha's very protective." Master Doryu ensured it with his training. "I'm sorry she attacked you. I have some pecha berries if ya—"

"—I don't need your pity!" Stranger snapped, grinding his teeth. "Your bug attacked a kid too! Left him with a burn—the hell's wrong with you?"

A kid? Turquoise frowned. Motha wouldn't have done that. If the kid came, she drove him off. But burn him… Turquoise kneeled to her and ran her hand through her fur. At once, her emotions and memories flooded his mind in an array of colorful pictures. Yet none told the tale this strange claimed.

Not that he believed it anyway. Motha can't burn anyone.

"I think you got it wrong," Turquoise began slowly as he raised to his feet. "Motha didn't attack anyone other than you."

The stranger rose with his partner to his chest. Lips thinned as he grounded out, "bullshit." Those inviting eyes hardened into cold stones. "So that kid burned himself? Or was that just you, huh? You the monster?"

Turquoise saw those cold eyes on so many faces. And they all hailed him the same. Monster. Maybe there was some truth to it. Through all the shoves and blows, maybe that stuck for a reason. Followed him no matter how much he cried. Even if he couldn't see it in his own reflection. The monster stayed inside him. Without a cure to cleanse him.

"I'm not a monster." He spoke, but he didn't believe it. "I think it's time you left."

The stranger scoffed. "Yeah, right." His lips twitched into a mocking sneer. "Then freak should do better, right?"

They were just words, he knew. Simple letters weaved together by people and given meaning. Power, even, but only if he claimed it. Master Doryu drilled that lesson into his head over and over. Eventually, it got easier. Taunts rolled off his skin and he held his head up higher with each turn. Confident. Empowered.

Not like now.

Turquoise blamed it on the stress. It weighed on his spirit and waned his walls. And allowed those sharpened words to plunge through the cracks and stab his heart. Tears welled in his eyes, but he refused to cry. No bully would ever have the satisfaction.

"Well, whatever you are, Professor Kapok wanted you to have this."

The rude trainer returned his pokémon and pulled something out of his knapsack. A box of some kind wrapped neatly in blue paper. Turquoise accepted the package but never met his eyes. Even as the flames died down and a strange emotion sprouted within him.

"Now I'm outta here. See ya, freak."

Stranger left. And Turquoise stood alone with his package. At least something positive came from this. Even if it unearthed buried feelings in the process.

…

There we go, Turquoise tied his blue bandana to his forehead. His short black coils, lightly dried, curtained over the fabric. Just as he liked it. It matched well with his heavy black t-shirt and cargo pants. And complimented his blue short and sleeveless open vest, utility belt, and hiking boots.

Getting dressed always released the tension locked in his bones. Especially in the comfort of his room. Surrounded by trinkets and posters he collected over the years. After a day like this, he wanted nothing more than to curl up with a good book. But today he had his own story to start. His own chapter to write.

(Trainer,) Empola the piplup waddled to his side. She gazed at him with her sparkling eyes and smiled. (I like it.)

Professor Kapok gave him his own starter pokémon. Him! Little Turquoise from Twinleaf Town—he couldn't believe. But it became the best gift he ever received.

Well, it wasn't the only one, Turquoise grinned. Right on his bed sat a strange handheld painted turquoise and light green. Even had his initials inscribed on the lid. Another gift from the good professor. Along with two letters, of course. Professor Kapok had a way with words.

"Thanks Empola," He clipped his luxury balls to his belt and gathered up his rope.

He spent hours packing up his finneon print travel duffle with the essentials. Finally, he was ready. Rooms cleaned and he left a note for his mom when she got back. She had to be on the plane with Celeste by now. He hated to leave on the terms they did, but he felt for the best. Once he came back, they would settle things. For now, though, he needed to take a chance.

Turquoise hooked the rope to his belt with a sigh. That's it—he's ready. At least, he should be. Yet trepidation chained him in place. He didn't deserve this opportunity.

Just send it back! A part of him nagged. You'll just mess it up! Like everything you do.

Maybe it's true. This wasn't the first time he tried to leave and start his journey. Not day went by when he didn't stare off into Route 201. Enticed by the sounds of nature luring him closer. With each step, their sounds found a rhythm. And a beautiful song filled his ears. It lulled him forward and just before he stepped foot in the grass, that nagging voice cut through and his confidence died away.

Master Doryu would be disappointed. Not that he blamed the man. At thirteen, Turquoise wanted nothing more than to take his journey like his classmates. To evolve as they did. Even his bullies came back changed and apologized!

"Empola, do you think I should go?" He pocketed his device and frowned. "Do you think I'm ready?"

Empola huffed. (Trainer, shape up!) She puffed up her chest and held her flippers at her hips. (You ready! I'm ready! We're ready! Now let's go!)

Maybe it was that simple. Mama always wanted this for him. And, deep down, so did he.

But Empola wasn't finished. She pounded her chest with her chest and smiled. (I'm with you, Trainer.) She spoke softly as a blush bloomed across her face. (For everything.)

Turquoise smiled and pulled her into his embrace.

Monster or not, Turquoise wouldn't trade this blessing for the world. His pokémon became more than friends. They were his family.

Normality's overrated, Turquoise gazed at his room. Three, long, unhappy years spent in these four walls. The next time he came home, he'd have new memories to fill it. More posters and pictures of the world that yearned for him.

Time to take the world by storm. Just as Professor Kapok said.

I hope this letter grants you the clarity to move forward, the letter began. To grab onto the horns of the tauros and race forward. With the world watching your back for a change.

…

The setting sun was the perfect backdrop. It bled swirling rays of orange light whose warmth caressed Turquoise's dark skin. He smiled. He stood tall at the archway to Twinleaf. A new addition to the town that he helped pain all those years ago. And not a bad job, if he said so. Way better than the dreadful tan they envisioned. A little purple went a long way, after all.

He always passed through the archway whenever he left town. But now was different. It could be months before he ever set foot here again. So much could change by then. The daycare could receive new kids for all he knew! Most of all, however, he knew he would change.

And he hoped for the better.

Ight, Turquoise took a step forward and Empola mimicked him. Albeit clumsier as she stumbled over her feet. Time to go.

Adjusting the straps of his travel duffel, Turquoise stepped through the arch. With each step, they got closer to the tall grass. And farther from Twinleaf Town. A rush of guilt filled his heart, but he pushed forward.

Empola led the charge through the tall grass. And got her first battle from an overzealous bidoof. A clean fight that earned her a few scraps. She came out on top, of course, and puffed out her chest with pride. Turquoise laughed. Only she made confidence look so adorable.

They had not made it far when he felt it. A disturbance, Thick, and heavy dark emotions slithered through the breezes. His sensed cringed, but they moved unperturbed. Coiled around him. Hissed in his ears and flooded his veins with their presence.

Turquoise gagged and found Empola trembling.

He knew this aura anywhere.

The trees behind him erupted in flames. Mr. Stranger trembled out. Followed by a beautiful lizard pokémon with dark skin highlighted by pink markings. She stared at them with glowing, purple eyes. Drenched in an eerie dark purple aura.

"A Shadow Pokémon."

…

And there's Chapter 2!

For Turquoise, I kind of envisioned him as mix of the Pokemon Breeder and Pokemon Ranger, just more on the Ranger side for now. Incorporating the Breeder look was hard though so I settled on a bandana for now!

I love Turquoise lol. I hope y'all do too. And don't worry about Paxton, he'll get better lol.

As always, feel free to leave a review or PM me!