#the manga has panels of him looking at Ray and reflecting on this too but I adore how solemn yet determined he looks here

[fullscoreshenanigans]

Ray intends to die. From what he said, he's doing it so you and I don't get killed. He didn't include himself in the numbers. He's not escaping. Ray has decided to die inside this house. He's going to set himself on fire to distract Mom in order to let us run away. That's his entire plan.

But I won't allow him to do that. Not ever.

The inclusion of these two simple frames in the anime is everything to me actually

[chidoroki]

182 Days of TPN - Day 119

Chapter 119: “Encounter”

Ever since the escape, the WM pen gave Emma hope, insight and a sense of direction, so seeing her drop something she held onto so tightly now that Norman is back is kinda satisfying I guess? He checks off all those boxes for her sorta. She doesn’t ditch it completely though as we see it used later on before the GF raid.

Goes without saying but the reunion was done so much better in manga. All the emotion from Emma reflecting on their time apart hits so hard and of course seeing all the tears they’re shedding contributes to all that too. Also love how they decided to give this moment a double spread as it helps convey that there’s no longer any space between them. The only thing that would’ve made this scene better (for me) is if Emma had knocked ‘em both down to the floor. I know Norman became taller and probably a bit stronger physically since Lambda, but with the amount of speed and force Emma is putting into that hug I’m surprised he’s still standing.

At least the anime remembered his squishy cheeks.

I know this is a very touching moment but honey, why do you gotta say this so causally?? You’re sure as hell ain’t gonna get it back either!

I guess another reason why the manga handles this whole reunion better is that it includes everyone, not just Emma & Ray. Yeah the anime had the escapees see Norman later at that temple they were hiding at, but it didn’t feel the same. As much as I can appreciate the fullscore trio having their own little moment for themselves, I like seeing everyone’s reactions all at once since there’s a wide range of emotions on display here. Emma also looks so pleased with herself with how large their family has become.

I wish there were more chapters focusing on Norman’s time at Lambda. With how closely he was being watched, I can’t help but wonder how he managed to efficiently communicate with Vincent and Smee and how he orchestrated the whole escape without raising suspicions from the demons and Ratri clan working there. (remember when i said no human (on our side) has killed another? well, i forgot about this whole scheme.. so it seems norman has quite the kill count, even if those were done indirectly by an explosion.)

Few chapters ago I wondered if Hayato & Jin knew to look for the escapees based on seeing Norman’s ID or if he told them both what to look for, and though I believed the latter was the valid reason, I can’t doubt the first option now either since his number is in plain sight. I know he typically hides it when outside paradise when attacking farms and making deals with demons so perhaps that’s why I even questioned it in the first place.

Big history lesson incoming.

Favorite panel/moment:

And to absolutely no one’s surprise, of course Ray slapping the hell outta Norman is my favorite. The anime pales in comparison to the sheer amount of power and lowkey rage behind manga!Ray knocking this boy on his ass. The shock on everyone’s face is hilarious as well. At least Norman is a good sport about it.

The rest of this moment is still sweet though, like Norman quoting the letter he left Emma and seeing my boy finally break and have some tears flowing makes me wanna hug him.

To hear the boy who cursed his life and had plans to end it all come around and say he’s happy to be alive is just.. aaahh so so very important!!!!

I do like how the anime gave us a better look at his face with this line though.

And I got nothing against the panel of Emma down below (because it is adorable how she questions her sudden inclusion in the hug), but I love how relieved she is upon hearing such words from Ray.

Stupid is a term of endearment. And I wish I could say we can never let this trio be separated ever again but.. you know. Stuff happens.

[dongiovannaswife]

sperare

Masterlist. 

cw: sickness, mentions to meds, pregnancy mentions, mentions to past childhood trauma. 

collab with the lovely @softlimefluff​!! ty for your patience and care, aribaby uwu

Knocking on the studio door, Ari doesn't wait for a response and walks right in, phone clutched tightly in her palm. Rohan sighs in frustration, pulling his pen away from the panel he’s inking and glares over. Frowning, Ari waits by the door, cheeks puffy and eyes red.

 “I hate to barge in, Han, but there’s an emergency.”

Taking his glasses off, Rohan rubs his hands over his face, pushing his headband up.

“What. What’s wrong?”

“The. Twins...” 

Ari grips her phone tight again, sniffing back her runny nose. “They’re starting to go through the stand virus. Lena and Gio asked if Dr. Louis would be willing to come consult, but...” 

Taking a few steps forward, Ari sits on the floor next to her husband, slumping up against his desk and looking up at him. “I think we need to be there. We would want the same thing if…” She looks towards the studio door into the hallway. “When Ellie goes through it too.”

Rohan puts a hand on top of her head, petting gently. “Is it that bad?”

She nods, looking back at him. “They’re feverish. Not waking up much.” Ari pauses, tears welling up. “Lena’s really worried about them. So am I…” Small, warm tears finally fall down her cheeks and Rohan catches one with his finger, rubbing over her cheek. 

“Alright. I’ll check in with Izumi and see if I can get time off. I already have two weeks in advance prepared since I got time off for Ellie’s birth. I can use those, and if GioGio and Lena have a desk I could work there.”

“Can you ask for time off? Please... We can do research there or something, but I think you should leave work at home for a few weeks.”

Rohan balks at first, ready to protest and list all the reasons he could keep working and that it’s important to set a good example, before Ari interrupts his thoughts.

“You rarely ask for it. No one would blame you since it’s an emergency. And I’ll still be getting paid for working with the Foundation. I’m sure Gio will accommodate us too. We haven’t had a vacation for a while.”

Sighing, Rohan nods. “Alright. You win, Ari.” Lifting his arms up in a stretch, Rohan’s stomach peeks out, then disappears back under the fabric. “I’ll get everything settled with the manga then get packing. Any word on tickets?”

“I’ll call the main SPW branch and let them know about the situation. See if I can get permission for leave and tickets for us. I’ll have to make sure our branch has everything set before we leave.”

Rohan chuckles. “I forget how much we’re part of this town until we have to leave…”

Ari smiles back. “You’re right. Easy to take for granted.” Standing, she leans down to steal a kiss and wraps her arms around his neck. “We’ll have to get Ellie ready too. Her first big trip.”

“I didn’t even think of that. We missed the comic convention in France and traveling for Christmas last year… Big girl.”

“At least she has a passport already!”

“She does. We’ll have to make sure she’s dressed comfy for the flight. And bring chimera-san. She cries without him.”

“I’ll make sure, babe. Maybe we should bring our Halloween stuff just in case we stay a while?? When the boys are better all the kids could wear their costumes together.”

Looking at the date on his smart watch, Rohan nodded. “I know Tomoko wanted to take her out with us, but we can always do something when we get back.”

“Right. I’ll get started.” Stealing one more kiss, Ari finds Sunnie’s number on her phone, starting a call to get everything rolling.

***

Golden rays filtering through the window in the hall and reflecting the window's frame in the floor of the twins bedroom, silence and sunset come together. 

The Giovanna household remains quiet, haunted by tension and waves of distortion in the environment —halls that stretch like rubber, doors that double their size, gardens that become mazes— as the first twenty-four hours of stand fever go by, keeping the two little boys in bed. 

Standing from the chair at the other side of the room, Dr. Bocelli Enzo sighs, feeling his bones hurt and his spine scream for rest: still, holding onto his cane, he makes his way over slower than usual, eyes glued to the floor. 

Reaching Jovi's side, his hand reaches out, softly landing on the skin of his forehead. There, the temperature he can feel seems the same as a few hours ago: and pressing his lips, he finally looks up into the monitor, feeling his heart sink inside his chest. 

Reaching out to Dante, he repeats the motion —and after getting the same result, he sighs again, closing his eyes as he speaks out loud, intending to let the boys' parents know of the critical situation. “I'm afraid we haven't had any significant process.”

When silence is all he gets, Bocelli's eyes snap open and his heart races —looking back, the couple remains sitting in the couch: Giorno's arm still behind her shoulders and her head laying against his chest, but now Giorno's head is thrown back against the backrest and Lena's hiding into his chest, both asleep. 

Overlooking the sight, Bocelli presses his lips, turning to one of Type O Negative's nurses. The small green being shrugs but does point back at the monitor. 

Eyes scanning over the vitals displayed there, Bocelli hums after a moment, whispering to himself. “Heart rate normal—” he then turns back to the nurse, “Any signs of organ failure, shock…?”

Forming an 'x' with its little arms, the nurse shakes its head. Seeing this, Bocelli opens his mouth to reply when someone stands by the door. 

“Dr. Bocelli, Arroyo from the SPW Guadalajara branch sent someone.” The gunslinger Guido Mista shifts his weight from one foot to another, sealing his mouth with a gesture once he realizes of the sleeping couple. With big eyes, he stands there, watching Bocelli while he thinks, nodding after a moment. 

“Lena asked for support. Where are they?” 

“Uhm,” scratching the back of his head, Mista smiles nervously. “Akashi's a bit paranoid, he doesn't want to let them in unless the bosses or you are there.” 

A grunt resounds through the silence. Shifting, Giorno's neck cracks right as he straightens his position, moving from under Lena's body and, after he's sure she's comfortable, he rises to his full height, turning to Mista. 

“Let’s go.” 

Nodding, Mista turns around, waiting for him in the hall. Coming to a stop beside him, Giorno reaches out, setting his hand on Bocelli's shoulder. “She asked for someone to help you with this. We know you need rest, so… I'll make sure to bring them over as soon as possible.” 

Bocelli smiles —a smile so soft and tired it might be his soul the one smiling at Giorno. His face, though full of wrinkles and liver spots, keeps that peaceful aura Bocelli Enzo carries with himself. “Don't worry, son.” 

Giorno's lips curl up into a small smile that doesn't reach his eyes nor makes his dimples stand out.

Leaving the room, he trails behind Mista, who keeps his guard up as they walk downstairs and cross the main garden that leads to the main doors —huge and imposing, the two doors remain closed before the SPW truck outside. There, two men wait, furrowed eyebrows and confused looks thrown his way. 

Stopping beside Akashi, and knowing this is the Speedwagon Foundation waiting to be let in, Giorno looks back at the pink haired man, eyes hard and cold as stone —a silent question, demanding and equally annoyed.  

Akashi looks back, a grin spreading through his features. Shrugging, the hand that had been resting against his katana raises up to show the keys, “I get it, I get it, let them in.” 

Walking forward, Akashi fiddles with the keys for a moment —then, as he holds one of the doors open, Dr. Joshua López comes in, approaching Giorno. 

“Good evening, Don Giovanna. Director Arroyo sent me here to help with your sons' case. I was not informed of all the details, but I'm grateful for your trust.” offering a handshake, Dr. López smiles, all formality and politics —the trembling of his hand doesn't go unnoticed by Giorno, who takes his hand in a firm handshake. 

“Yes, Dr. Bocelli will give you the details.” 

Nodding, Giorno looks back at Mista. “Take Dr. López there,” then, turning to the SPW foundation worker, Giorno motions forward. “Need a break?” 

The man shakes his head, retrieving the truck keys from his cargo pants, “I’m okay. I was ordered to wait until he was allowed to come in.” 

Waiting until the engine starts and the truck leaves, Giorno gestures back at Akashi. As the swordsman closes the doors and goes back to his position Giorno turns around, looking back over his shoulder: “Don't make me come here again. You know your orders. Next time someone comes in, ask Fugo. He's in charge for a reason.” 

Coming back into the mansion followed by Westwood, Giorno's thoughts drift to the report about Dr. López: born in Mexico City, he completed his medical degree in the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, joining the SPW Foundation right after. His motives were still a mystery, but according to Fugo, he had a vast experience. 

If his wife trusted Director Arroyo and Fugo had already confirmed he could be helpful, then all Giorno could do was trust and hope. 

***

The sun dies in the horizon, bringing the moon and the stars along —as the dark skies settle down for the night, Giorno stands up from the couch, glance lost somewhere in the garden outside. 

Setting his eyes on Akashi and Abel as they keep their positions by the front doors, the Don doesn't look back: only a whisper leaves his lips. “Lena, you should go to bed. It's getting late.” 

Looking back, Lena shakes her head softly even if Giorno's not looking, eyes closing slowly, fighting back the sleep —running a hand through Jovi's hair, she finally mumbles back. “I can't go to sleep knowing they're… Like this.” 

Watching the muscles of his back tense upon her words, she hums, slowly standing up and walking up to him, her arms slide around his middle. As she leans her head between his shoulder blades and presses a kiss there, Giorno relaxes, hands coming to rest on his wife's arms. 

“I know.” he whispers, “But… I won't move from this room. I will make sure they're safe.” 

She steps back and he sighs upon the loss of her warmth —circling him, Lena stops before her husband, soft eyes and pink cheeks. “I know," she quotes him, smiling oh so exhausted, “I know you are the type of man to set the world on fire for us. But… I'm just so worried.” 

Reaching a hand out, his palm cups her jaw, letting his thumb rub over the tattoo on her neck, “They will make it, love. They need time, like we all do.” 

Leaning into his touch, she twists her head to kiss his palm, watching in delight how his eyes light up. “Just like you need time to rest.” 

“Well,” he smiles, a smile so small that doesn't light up his whole face, but does show the tiniest of peace. “You're the one pregnant. You need the sleep more than I do.” 

Shaking her head with a soft chuckle, she finally gives in: “Alright, but promise you will take a nap in the morning.” 

Nodding, Giorno chuckles, soft and deep —laced with hope. Hope for a better morning where the sun shines and his sons start running around the house again, painting the walls and doodling on his books. 

“Of course, Lena.” 

Leaning down to receive her kiss, he sighs against her lips, letting her wrap him up in her arms and sway him from side to side. When she leaves and he sits in the bed, his hand reaches out to Dante, letting his palm cup the infant's face. 

The door opens —and the steps that resound through the silent and dark room make him look back, tense and ready to move. 

“Uhm, sorry Don Giovanna. I need to take their vitals.” Standing by the door, clutching his aneroid sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, Dr. López gulps down forcefully. 

Nodding, Giorno stands up, crossing his arms under his chest. As Dr. López comes in, he watches over his movements —the trembling of his hands does not go unnoticed by him: in the end, he knows why. Víctor Arroyo had met Lena back when she was still a student: back then, the rumors of their relationship had spread like a wildfire. 

He could assume Arroyo had warned Dr. López about him and, counting down Akashi's behavior, the poor man must be scared. 

Leaning against the wall by the window, Giorno overlooks the room, letting his words flow out slowly and calmly. “Whatever Arroyo said back there, will not happen, Dr. López.” 

The man tenses, and through rushed handwriting, he finishes his notes turning to him with big eyes and his glasses sliding down his nose. “I'm sorry, Don Giovanna. I was, uh, I… Guess I was jumping to conclusions.”

Humming, he barely smirks, “Let me guess, stereotypes?” 

Dr. López chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “I guess.” 

Nodding, Giorno looks aside, hearing someone's footsteps down the hall. “That's what I thought.” 

The door opens and Agosto 'Westwood' Carvelli comes in, holding two cups of coffee. Giving a nod to Dr. López as he leaves, Hysteria's user comes in, swiftly closing the door with his foot. “Lena said you're not sleeping, so… Here,” passing one cup, Westwood sits down. “I'm keeping you company.” 

Taking the cup from him, Giorno chuckles, shaking his head: “Did she ask you for this?” 

Nodding, West takes his mask off, rubbing his temples. “She's worried about you and the boys, you know?” 

Taking a sip, Giorno nods. Feeling the warm liquid down his throat. “I know. But I can't let her stay here in her state.” 

Chuckling, Westwood leans back against the couch. “Well, love's weird.” 

“You're the one cosplaying Kato on a daily basis.” raising his cup, Giorno takes another swing of his coffee, watching in delight Westwood's frown, followed by: 

“God, I promised her I would stay the night here. With you.” 

Shrugging, Giorno grins. “Others would kill to be in your position, Carvelli.” 

“I will pretend I didn't hear that, Giovanna.” 

After a moment of silence, Giorno's smile vanishes —and Westwood, sensing his worry and sadness, takes a sip from his coffee, runs his tongue over his lips and finally, he mumbles: “Every member of the Joestar family I've met so far has proven their strength,” Giorno looks back, and Westwood keeps going, confident. 

“Dante and Jovi will make it, Gio. They're your sons, after all.” 

October 13, 7:37 AM.

 “Giogio,” Guido Mista calls as he opens the door, head poking from the small gape. “The Kishibes are here.” 

Blinking slowly, Giorno looks back —bloodshot and dark circles under his eyes, furrowed eyebrows and dry lips— and with a small nod, he seems to take a little bit longer to process Mista's words before nodding and, standing up, he stands there, squeezing his eyes shut for a second when dizziness kicks in; then, he looks back, a hand rubbing at his temple, voice low and awfully tired. “Give me five and I'll be there.” 

Mista nods, shutting the door again, leaving the Don and Westwood alone for the time being. Walking back downstairs, patterns of light dance on the staircase as sunlight glimmers through the stained glass rose window above the front door. Mista joins Fugo and Akashi at the front entrance, welcoming the Kishibe family in and letting them know Giorno will be there presently.

Bundled up for the weather, Ellie tosses her cat-shaped beanie onto the ground, giggling. Rohan sighs, picking it up and keeping it in his arms, giving her a little frown. “Eliana, we’re guests. We can’t throw our clothes on the ground. I’m going to keep this…”

Wrinkling up her face, she lets out a tiny cry, sniffling as Ari sets her down on the ground and kneels down to talk. “I know it’s a little scary being in a new place, but it’ll be okay. You’re going to see Auntie Lena and you did so well on the long plane ride…”

Ellie keeps sniffling, letting out big crocodile tears and quiet sobs. “Ahhh, sweetheart, it’s been a big day… I know you’re hungry. I know” Ari hugs her close, standing again and rocking her gently, finally noticing Giorno at the top of the stairs.

Tucking Ellie’s hat into his pocket, Rohan walks to meet the Don, greeting him with a firm handshake and a hug. Both of them have dark circles under their eyes, Giorno’s clearly more noticeable. 

“You look like crap, Giovanna.”

“Nice to see you too, Kishibe.”

They both laugh warmly, walking over to Ari and Ellie. Having calmed a bit, Ellie peeks up at Giogio, then hides into Ari’s shoulder, shy.

“And how is my favorite girl, hmmm?? Other than Lena, of course~”

Ari laughs, patting her back gently. “She’s tired from a long flight or she would be asking everyone to pick her up. It’s good to see you again, Giogio. Is Lena around?”

“Yes, of course, she went to bed last night while I watched the boys, so she is likely getting ready. Westwood is still up there keeping watch.”

Fugo interjects, looking outside. “Can we get your luggage? Your rooms are already prepared. Is Dr. Louis with you?”

“She needed a bit more time to gather supplies for the twins, but she should be here soon.”

“Very well. Akashi? With me.” The two exit to the car, Mista keeping watch over the entrance as they work.

“Ah, Ellie fell asleep again…” Ari glances over at Rohan, eyes soft and tired. “She needs to eat, but I know she didn’t sleep very much on the flight.”

Walking over, Rohan kisses Ellie on the head, putting his hand over Ari’s. “I’m sure the Giovannas will let us clean up and rest a little before we help keep watch.”

“Oh, that’s not neces–” Giorno starts, but gets interrupted.

“We’re here.” Rohan says firmly. “Ari reminded me… We would want the same if. Or when Ellie gets sick. We’re here as your support.”

The Don’s shoulders finally relax, letting out a deep sigh. “I am grateful. Other than my team, you know there’s no one we trust more with our family.”

Thinking back to their conflict earlier in the year, Rohan knows without a doubt that his words are sincere. “I do know… Now. Breakfast? Then maybe a nap for you and Ellie.”

Gesturing vaguely, Gio shakes his head, blinking slowly. “Sorry, I'm not hungry.” 

Someone else's voice comes from the top of the stairs, “Oh no, mister. You are having breakfast.”  

Turning around, Gio chuckles, seeing his wife there. Smiling softly, she walks down slowly —her dress follows her movement, flowing along until she stops by the end of the staircase, taking Giorno's hand to finally reunite with her friends.

There, Lena's gaze lands on Ari, eyes softening as she smiles, approaching her friend. 

”Ariiii,” wrapping her arms around Ari, she's careful with the way she does so, pulling back after a few seconds. 

Glancing down at Ellie, Lena hums, grinning now. “Hi, Ellie,” and looking back, she nods, “She's so pretty, just like her mom~” Turning to Han, she reaches out, pulling him in for a short, friendly hug. 

Now, standing before the couple, Lena nods, hands resting around the baby bump. “Thank you for being here, it means a lot.” 

“I said this before,” Rohan nods in Giorno's direction, then looks back at Lena. “But we would want the same when the time comes… For Ellie.” 

“We'll be there.” with a firm nod, Lena gestures aside in the kitchen's direction. “Breakfast should be ready, please make yourself at home.” 

“Thank you.” Rohan bows while Ari nods, both close their eyes in a signal of gratitude.

As they walk into the kitchen, followed by Giorno and Lena, the table lays ready, displaying a variety of ricotta pancakes, cannoli, brioche, fruit and coffee. 

The chef nods, giving one last salute before he leaves, walking past Giorno with a quiet nod —which Giorno replies with a simple “Thank you, Giuseppe.”

By the time Giuseppe has left and Ariel and Rohan sit by the table, Giorno turns back to them, lending a hand to help Lena sit down. “We usually cook breakfast ourselves, but… As you can see, food hasn't been our priority.” 

“It’s alright, we understand… Can I take Ellie to the bathroom first?”

“Do you remember where it is from the party?”

She smiles, nodding. “Yes. We’ll be right back.”

Finding the espresso machine on the counter, Rohan gestures to it, glancing over at Gio. “Care to show me how it works, Giovanna?~”

“My pleasure~” 

Lena watches as the boys use the machine, chatting idly, reminding her of better days. 

If only this visit had come under better circumstances… 

She reaches a hand to her stomach, rubbing gently to calm herself and gasping as she feels a faint kick meet where her hand is pressing. It’s earlier than with the twins, but exactly the same feeling. 

“Giobaby.”

The Don glances over his shoulder at his wife. “Hm?”

“She’s moving.”

His tired eyes light up instantly and he’s already walking over, leaving Rohan to customize his coffee how he likes. Kneeling down, the Don lays his palm on the bump, resting his head on his wife’s arm.

Rohan notes the use of she for the little one, but keeps to himself, turning to let the Giovanna’s have their private moment. In a second, Ari pops around the corner with a less-bundled up Ellie, who is finally walking by herself now that she’s more awake.

“Papa!” Running forward, Ellie grabs onto his leg, holding tight and hiding her face into the fabric of his pants. He chuckles, leaning down to scoop her up and cover her small round face with kisses, getting a bevy of giggles from her as she holds her tiny palms up to his face. “Papaaaa!!! Noooooo!!!” 

He grins, giving her one last smooch on the cheek and turns back to the coffee. “Ari, do you want some? Gio taught me how to work the machine.”

“Yes, please.” Giving him a kiss on the cheek, she turns to Lena, leaving Ellie content in Rohan’s arms. Seeing Giorno kneeling next to Helena, Ari pauses, her mouth falling open. 

“Is it…?”

Lena nods. “She’s kicking around. First time we could feel her.”

“IT’S A GIRL???”

Grinning, Lena nods. “We were going to tell you soon, but this is as good a time as any.”

“Ahhhh!!!!” Putting her hands up to her face, Ari’s eyes sparkle, her whole face lighting up. “So exciting!! Congrats!!”

Cheeks warming up, Lena nods, laughing quietly. “Thank you, Ari.”

Standing up, Giorno turns to Ellie, gesturing at her to get her attention. “Guess what, Ellie? You'll have a friend soon.” 

Tilting her face to the side, Ellie looks back at her dad, then back at Gio. The Don chuckles, adding: 

“Her name will be Esmeralda, Ellie.”  

“Oh?” Setting his cup on the table, Rohan sits down with Ellie in his arms, smiling as Ari sits beside him. “Esmeralda…?”

Lena hums, “It means emerald in Spanish and Portuguese, it comes from a Greek word.” feeling her cheeks warm up further, she grins, barely hiding her flushed expression behind her hand, “I've always liked that name so, here we are.” 

Sitting beside his wife, Giorno hums, extending a hand out to rub her back as Ari speaks up.

“Esme. It's such a beautiful name.” Looking back at Ellie and Rohan, she laughs softly. “I can definitely see the girls being best friends.” 

“Right.” Giorno reaches out to his cup, raising it to his lips to take a sip from his coffee and hiding a smile. ”Please make yourself at home, eat all you want.” 

Taking a cannoli, Lena pauses midway, looking back at her friends with kind, soft eyes. “Thank you for being here, really.” 

Reaching out, Ari sets her hand on top of Lena's free hand, squeezing gently. “It's okay, Lena. Really. We wanted to be here. For you. For everyone.” 

Tears welling up in her eyes, Lena chuckles, nodding. “I mean, yeah… But you left your home,” she looks back at Rohan, blinking and finally letting a single tear stream down her face. “Your work and life for us. I'm just…” setting the cannoli down, she reaches up to wipe away her tears, leaving back an angry trail over her skin. 

“I'm really grateful for your support.”

Eyes softening, Rohan nods, deciding that maybe, accepting her words will make her feel better: with a silent hum and a bow, Rohan looks over at his wife, who seems to think the same. Imitating her husband, Ari bows, giving one last smile and reaching for a plate of pancakes to cut up for Ellie.

Breakfast goes by through silence and a few moments of conversation —catching up on Ellie's milestones, Rohan's work, Ariel's work at the Foundation, Giorno's law firm and Helena's foundation: by the end, Ari stands up with Ellie asleep in her arms, taking her to their bedroom. 

Rohan stays back, finishing his coffee, before Westwood guides him to the twins' room (not without turning around and reminding Giorno to take a nap with the most dangerous expression he can put on –the gesture makes Giorno laugh wholeheartedly for the first time in hours, though it hides an ounce of pain).

As Rohan leaves and Giorno's laughter fades into silence, Lena looks through the window, sensing something, the type of omen that makes her stomach turn with excitement and her heart to fill with joy and hope for a new day.

But the second Giorno calls for her, it all blends back to confusion and worry.

“Lena.” 

Turning to face him, her breath gets caught in her windpipe upon the realization of his true state: from his bloodshot eyes, dry lips, disheveled hair, his tie hanging around his neck undone and his shirt tucked out his pants to the absolute and raw desperation behind his eyes, barely held back by his will. 

How —when— did it end up like this? A few seconds ago he was laughing and joking with Rohan. And now his mood had shifted instantly.

His question cuts off the silence. “Do you think… Do you think this is a punishment?” 

Lena blinks once, twice, three times in a row before a quiet whisper leaves her lips. “What?” 

Giorno leans back against the kitchen island, water bottle tightly held in his massive hand: rephrasing his question. “Like, karma. Is this some kind of karma? For what we did to the Dallas Board? Have we brought pain upon Dan and JoJo just for the sake of my pride and ego?” 

Slowly standing up and walking around the island, Lena gets closer, standing on her tiptoes to reach a hand out to him. When he leans into her touch, lip trembling and green eyes clouded by pain, she mumbles out: “Baby, no. This is not about karma or… Divine retribution.” Affirming her hold on his face, she presses herself against him, trying to ground him somehow, anyhow —any possible way. 

Slowly, she speaks up, giving him time to process her words, “We're born stand users. Our genes carry the virus. This is just biology; statistics.” 

A tear rolls down his cheek, “But,” a sigh, broken and tired, eyes closed. “I can't stand seeing them in pain.” Opening his eyes, Lena's lips tremble, feeling her own eyes start to sting. “If I could I would swipe places —If I could endure their pain I would.” 

Voice tiny, Lena shakes her head, “We can't. No matter how much we try, Giogio —we can't do that. We can only wait.” 

“Wait and bleed,” a chuckle escapes him, both deep and broken as his arms circle her. Leaning his chin into the top of her head, Giorno mumbles. “You're right.” 

Rubbing over his back, Lena twists her head to lay a kiss against the place his heart beats, “Get a nap, Giobaby. You need it.”

Humming, his arms let go slowly, reluctantly, reaching out to wipe his tears. “If something happens, wake me up.” 

“I will. Rest, honey.” 

Tilting her face up with a finger on her chin, Giorno mumbles, tired. “I'm serious, Helena. We're together on this, hm? Wake me up if something happens.” 

Nodding, she sets her hands on his arm, squeezing back as her eyes bore into his, “I will.” 

Leaning down without letting go of her face, Giorno presses his lips against the tip of her nose, her cheeks, forehead and lastly, lips, sealing his promise with the quietest of signs: a stare, hopeful and full of trust on his wife.

Staring back, Lena's lips curl up into a smile after a moment, relaxed and calmer now: “Goodnight, Giogio.” 

Giorno chuckles, shaking his head as he leaves the kitchen, turning around at the last moment to blow her a kiss —one she catches and keeps close to her heart. 

Standing alone in the middle of the kitchen, Lena sighs, dropping her hand to rest on her stomach. 

“M'Lady,” Abel Agreste clears his throat as his stand, Blinding lights, allows him to materialize by Lena's side, earning a gasp from her and making him chuckle, nervous.

“Sorry, Donna. Didn't know you were having a moment.” 

Rubbing the back of his head, Rome's Capo gestures forward, “Dr. Rebecca Louis is here. Akashi brought her here without incidents.”

Sighing, Lena nods, “First off: don't do that again. Second: don't scare me like that. Third: why did you let Akashi do that?” 

“Eh,” Abel scratches the back of his head, looking up into the ceiling. “He was bored.” 

“He's always bored.” 

Sighing, Abel drops his hands at each side of his body, “I mean, yeah, but I wanted to make sure our surroundings were truly safe. Their stands are messing up with the systems, Fugo couldn't access the cameras for a while.” 

Pressing her lips into a tight line, Lena sighs. “I'll talk to Fugo later. Where is Dr. Louis?” 

“In the living room.” Abel gestures forward, intending to let her walk before him.  

***

Coming into the twins' room, Giorno stops in the doorway, pausing to feel the soft, warm and smooth sensation of Ares' tail as the cat walks between his legs and into the boys' room. 

“Ares.” He calls in a whisper, leaning down to pick him up and pointing a finger at the twins, “They can't play with you right now, hm? But there,” he then points at Rohan, who had been sitting in silence watching over the interaction. “There 's Rohan-sensei, hm? You might want to give him ideas for his manga.” 

Rohan chuckles, shaking his head —raising a hand to comb his hair and fix his headband, his voice comes out tired, but equally enthusiastic: “An enemy with cat-like abilities?” Taking a close look, he hums, noticing how much Ares has grown both according to his age and breed, “And maybe a giant.” 

“See? Told you.” Coming into the room, Giorno smiles and sets Ares down, letting him climb on Jovi's bed — and, trying to keep his eyes open forcefully, he takes a seat on the little one's bed, leaning to press a soft kiss to his forehead, mumbling a few words Rohan can't figure out.

Then, Gio repeats the motion with Dante, mumbling the same words: by the end when he's standing in the middle of the room he looks back and straight into Rohan's eyes. 

“Thank you, Han.” 

“No need to thank me. Get some rest.”

“Yes, yes, everyone’s telling me that.”

“Then I won’t say it again… But.” Rohan looks up at the twins, looking at their feverish expressions and exhausted faces. “Do I have your permission to use Heaven’s Door on the twins if necessary? I know Dr. Louis will be here soon. If I can help with any diagnostic work, I want to.”

“Just don’t write anything in them without both me and Lena here, Kishibe. I trust you, but I don’t want you making any rash decisions that will affect them permanently.”

“You have my word, Giovanna. Now, sleep. You’re going to fall over soon if you don’t rest.”

Walking to the doorway, he muttered something like “going, going, I’m going,” leaving Rohan and Ares behind with the boys.

***

“Mrs. Giovanna, it’s a pleasure.” Dr. Louis removes her glove, extending a warm hand in greeting. Helena grasps it firmly, giving her a welcoming smile. 

“We’re glad you’ve made it here safely. May I take you upstairs to see Dante and Jovi?.”

She nods, gesturing to the packages in Mista’s arms. “Yes, of course. I made a supply run when I got here, so we should have what’s necessary to begin treatment of the stand fever.”

“Walk with me.” Lena heads for the stairs, chatting as they make their way up. “I’ve heard your specialty is stands, children of stand users, and the stand fever?”

“That’s right. I used to be a part of the main Dallas SPW branch… I had seen too many unexplained things in my life–spirits, ghosts, call it what you like. But when I was the victim of a stand attack, representatives from the Speedwagon Foundation had to step in. That’s when I learned all about the world of stand users.”

Intrigued, Lena listens carefully, walking down the hallway. 

“I had no idea what that meant at first, or that you could be born with one… I had a daughter at 18. Single mom, already a year into pre-med, but I was always ahead of the curve when it came to academics. Turns out it was my stand helping. I don’t have a manifested form for mine, but I’m still a stand user. And that transferred down into my daughter as well…”

Waiting outside the door, they stop to finish the story. 

“Did she go through the stand fever?”

Dr. Louis nods, “I was already in residency when it happened. The Foundation had taken me under their wing as a stand user and helped fund my education… I had to take a leave of absence to help care for Rosie, but they continued supporting me. Back in undergrad, I had specialized in biochemistry and had always kept up to date with new research. My special interest, I suppose. So when the Foundation told me that they thought it was the result of her stand awakening, I partnered with their research team to find out what cells activated during the process and how to make that transition slower…”

Lena’s eyebrows raise, hopeful. 

“We were able to slow the process and make it more manageable for her body. Her stand is similar to mine, in that it doesn’t have a physical form, but that’s often easier on her… I’m rambling, forgive me.”

“Not at all.” Lena smiles, glad for the companionship of another stand user parent. “We would do anything for our children.”

Dr. Louis smiles in return, taking a deep breath. “We’ve been keeping an eye on Ellie in Morioh. When the new position there opened up with the research opportunity of two arrow user parents, I couldn’t resist… It’s such an unexplored field. Being a pioneer into new scientific discoveries is something everyone in the medical field dreams of.”

“I agree.” Lena reaches for her hand, squeezing it in affirmation. “My background is medical, so I understand the feeling.”

“Is there anyone else responsible for their medical care already here?”

“Yes, Dr. Enzo Boccelli is here, part of our Naples branch with his stand Type O Negative. You’ll meet them soon. We also have a representative here from the SPW Guadalajara branch, Dr. Joshua López. My husband, Giorno, is taking a nap, as he was up all night and about to pass out. Kishibe-sensei should be in the room now as well. Our guards Mista, Fugo, Abel, and Akashi will all be around in shifts, should you need anything.”

“I’m Mista.” The voice from behind them pipes up. “And while I’m riveted by your story, these boxes are heavy. Can I put them in the room, boss?”

“Ah, yes. Our apologies. Go ahead.”

Kicking his foot on the door to knock, Mista waits for the door to open, a surprised Rohan staring out. 

“‘Scuse me Kishibe, we got some supplies.” 

Rohan nods and walks to the windows, watching things unfold quietly as Lena and Dr. Louis enter the room as well. 

Setting the boxes down by the desk beside Jovi's bed, Mista groans upon the sound of his bones cracking —rolling his shoulders, the gunslinger excuses himself quietly, leaving the room with a faint, pained look at the twins. 

“Dr. López?” Lena calls, noticing the lights from the bathroom turn off and the door slowly opening: there stands Dr. López, rubbing his temples and fixing his glasses but quickly nodding and composing himself once he notices the Donna there.

“Excuse me, I needed to freshen up.” 

With a small nod, Lena smiles, brushing it off with her hand.  “Dr. Louis from the Morioh branch will be helping —maybe you both can set shifts and take breaks? There's a room for each of you.”

Blinking, Dr. López looks aside, quickly finding Dr. Louis by Lena's side, standing there with the same smile he's known for years now. Slowly, his lips curl up until he's grinning, bright eyes and all. “Becca? How long has it been?” 

“A year, maybe? Last time we saw each other was back at that convention.” Stepping forward, Dr. Louis gives him a small, welcoming hug, pulling away from the embrace then looking towards the boys. “Care to update me with everything you know, Josh?”

He smiles slightly, grabbing up a notebook from nearby. “I’ve been recording symptoms and side effects of the stand virus as they occur, trading off with Doctor Boccelli in our observations.” Flipping through the pages, he reads off different entries to her, “We've been monitoring the fever without changes,” Josh pauses, taking a look at Rebecca: “We haven't been able to make it decrease from 102°F.” with a sigh and pushing his glasses up his nose, he goes back to his notes, “There are no signs of shock or organ failure, we've been monitoring blood pressure, diuresis, shock signals and… we were thinking of running some tests, to make sure infections aren't making their way into their systems.” 

Dr. Louis nods, thinking of the information received —and taking a look at the twins, her brow furrows, noting their pained expressions. Though the picture brings back memories of her own daughter, she still hums, turning to ask; “What treatments have you administered so far?” 

Putting the notebook aside, Dr. López looks back at the boys. “Acetaminophen, we've been giving them doses every six hours. Nutrition has been given by Type O Negative, Dr. Bocelli's stand.” 

“I see..” Rebecca steps back, turning around to take a look inside of the top box in the desk.  “Then we need to make sure infections and bacteria aren't making it harder. We should also consider swapping over to ibuprofen and giving them extra doses of vitamins and minerals.”

Dr. Louis holds up IV bags of specially mixed medications, the ones she had acquired just before her arrival. “The stand virus doesn’t respond to usual medications –it’s literally changing and activating their DNA, enabling the genes that create Stands. It’s too late to slow the process down, but we can help them fight. We have to monitor them until it reaches its end point and give them enough bodily resources to draw on to complete the transformation. Our priority is the protection of organs and vital functions.” 

Dr. López steps up, holding one of the bags in his hand. “Hopefully that will happen soon, the environment has been shifting a lot.” 

Rebecca stops, looks back and blinks twice in confusion. “Shifting? What do you mean?” she turns to Lena, who's now sitting by Dante's bed. “How long has this been happening, Mrs. Giovanna?” 

Looking back, Lena presses her lips together, thinking of her response for a minute: “Around an hour after it started. When it happens, clocks stop or your environment morphs. It's like your perception is getting twisted for a second, and then goes back. It's pretty, well, weird and extremely powerful: it made two grown men kneel and gasp for air.”

Rohan stands up, eyes the size of dinner plates —amazed and horrified at once, but mostly curious. “...Who?” 

Lena looks back, lips tightly pressed into a line for a moment before her lips part and her reply comes out in a whisper. “Gio and West.” 

Gasping, Rohan turns to look at the boys, thinking back to the prophecy: cautious, he eyes Lena through the corner of his eye. “Does Dr. Louis know about that, Helena?” 

Closing her eyes and shaking her head softly, Lena turns back to Rebecca, gesturing her over and out of the room. As they stand back in the hall, the Donna guides her towards Giorno’s studio. 

Letting Dr. Louis first, Lena comes in after, letting the door open for Westwood to stand under the doorway. “Excuse me, Dr. Louis. I forgot about that. Please have a seat.” 

Doing as she was told, Dr. Louis sits down before the desk, eyebrow raised in both confusion and wonder. “What’s the matter, Donna?” 

Leaning both hands against the cool wood, Lena sighs, taking a deep breath before she starts. “Did you read the report on the first soul extraction, Dr. Louis?” 

 Dr. Rebecca Louis nods. 

“Then you might already know what happened. My stand extracted the patient’s soul, his stand, technically. The source of his sickness was his stand, which was actively attacking its own user.” 

“You mean Chrono Trigger.” 

“Exactly,” pulling her phone out, Lena keeps talking while she seems to look for something in the device. “Chrono is under my command. It gave us a prophecy back then. About the twins and this exact moment.” Sliding her phone across the table and before Dr. Louis, Lena’s eyes hold a strange haze, one between worry and calm. 

Taking the phone from her, Rebecca takes her time reading over it —and when she’s done and her eyebrows arch, amazement, horror, and wonder blend back into a second glance, then a third and a fourth: there she looks back, big eyes full of questions: “Mrs. Giovanna, do you realize the real meaning behind this?” 

“Their stands are far too powerful, yes.” 

“I mean,” giving the phone back, Dr. Louis looks aside, as if trying to see through the walls and into the twins’ room. “The magnitude of their strength affects the stand awakening process. The virus… It must be aggressive. If that’s what their powers will be then…”

She takes a moment to compose her thoughts, silently musing over everything, then replies again. “We haven't had cases like these before, at least not documented: you’re both born stand users with requiem stands. Yours came after, but Don Giovanna has had his for a while now, which adds to their predisposition for strong stands… The cellular mutation they’re going through is taking a toll on their bodies because it’s such a sweeping alteration of the genetic structure. We have no other explanation.” 

“Right.” Sighing, Lena rubs her temples, letting her phone aside. “I know this should take two or three days, but… At the moment, I can’t imagine it will ever end.” 

Eyes softening, Dr. Louis reaches out, laying a warm palm over Lena’s cold hand. “I understand, Helena. No mother wants to see their child hurt. Now that I’m here, I’ll make sure to provide the best care possible.” 

“Sorry to interrupt,” Westwood speaks up, slow but calm. “Donna, Dr. Bocelli is here.”

Looking up from the desk and back at the door where Westwood stands, Lena nods. “Let him in, Dr. Louis needs Dan and Jojo’s patient history.” 

Standing aside to let him in, Westwood waits until Dr. Bocelli walks in and sits by Dr. Louis’ side, setting his cane between his legs so he can offer a handshake. 

“Good morning, Dr. Louis. It’s a pleasure.” 

Taking his hand, Dr. Louis smiles gently, “I’m glad to finally meet you, Dr. Bocelli. Your paper on the stand fever was truly amazing.” 

“Oh, thank you. May I give you the details?” 

Standing up and taking her phone, she makes her way to the door, stopping by Westwood’s side and turning to them, adding: “I’ll let you have your meeting, okay? I need to see how everything is going in our surroundings.”

“Of course, Lena.” Dr. Bocelli nods, a warm smile her way. “Don’t tire yourself out, okay?” 

She hums and, as she walks down the hall, Westwood gestures at Akashi, who’s quick to follow her. 

***

Pannacotta Fugo has been awake longer than this. For him and his insomnia, more than twenty four hours up is not a big issue. 

But this time is different. The twins don’t show signs of recovery, their parents are too worried to care for their own needs: he’s used to seeing them strong and imposing, nothing has ever had this effect on them before. 

Leaning back against his chair, a sigh passes his lips right as his next thought crosses his mind and his eyes scan over the security cameras, watching Abel and Paolo take turns to have breakfast.

Giorno and Helena are strong. Together they’re undefeatable. But the twins are their kids and everything that happens to them will always worry and stop their whole world, because that’s how parents are supposed to feel. Just because his parents didn’t, doesnt mean others’ parents can't or don’t feel that way. 

Parents, what had happened to his? 

Were they still alive, wealthy and equally judgmental? 

What about his butler, the one who used to bring him snacks during his late night study sessions? Had anything changed or was it still a broken and empty home? Were the halls of that house haunted by his suffering? Had they moved out after that incident…?

The truth was he didn’t miss them —his father did not deserve to be called that, and his mother was not someone who should be missed in the first place. After all, their treatment had killed his ambitions and passions for years until he settled down with the new Passione… And only there, under Giorno’s command, had things started to change for him. His will to live instead of just surviving had emerged finally in the shape of his passion for science and occultism, something he refused to let go, holding onto it through his toughest challenges.

The door opens and he, startled, almost knocks over his coffee cup. Lena’s voice brings him out of his daydream when she calls out to him, gently, like she always does: a gentle soul. “Good morning, Panni. Have you had breakfast yet?”

“Lena.” Standing up, he quickly offers his seat to her, insisting until she gives in. Only there he rubs the back of his neck, holding his coffee mug with the other. “I’ve had coffee. I’m not, uh, hungry.” 

Turning around, Lena smiles, revealing the cannoli wrapped up in a napkin that she holds carefully, almost like she’s afraid of dropping it. “I thought so. Please have this, and make sure you eat something later.” 

With a nod, he takes the pastry, sitting on the couch at the other side of the desk, pondering on his question for a while —from time to time, his eyes fall on the Donna, who’s busy looking at the different cameras displayed around the mansion. 

His voice surprises him when it comes out, taking him off guard. “Helena.” 

She hums, giving him a short, curious look. 

Clearing his throat, Fugo asks: “I…” He hesitates, swallowing hard, then tries again. “Will they be okay?” 

Her lips seal into a line: looking around his dark office, the Donna thinks about his question for a while, only stopping when the room around them becomes bigger: the walls grow like trees in a haunted forest and the computers are suddenly tiny little objects in the desk: the distortion lasts a second before it goes back with a thump. 

Lena then looks back at him, a smile grazing her lips. “I think so. I want to believe they will make it.” She looks back at the cameras, watching Abel and Paolo freak out after switching places during the distortion. 

“It’s just that you and Giogio are always so calm and collected… I think this is the first time I’ve seen you two so worried. Not even back when you took over the Dallas Board.” 

“That was a different situation, yes. We never thought this would happen so soon.” 

Fugo hums, looking at the monitor where the boys lie sleeping, faces feverish, but hands reaching towards each other, drawn subconsciously together even now… Throwing the napkin into the trashcan and taking a bite from the cannoli, he listens to Lena while she walks out. “Even so… I can assure you, Panni, the sun will shine on us again.” 

A warm sensation blooms in his chest right after her words have registered on his brain —hope shines, even if the room goes dark when she closes the door behind her.

***

Laying on his stomach with both hands tucked under his pillow, Giorno stirs awake upon the sound of his phone. The device, set by the bedside table, vibrates and the screen lights up displaying 'fully charged' at the bottom of the screen. After a few seconds, the screen goes black, vibration stops and he's left there, one green eye peeking through the mane of blond hair that fell over his face while he was sleeping.

With a quiet hum, he rolls on his back without moving to the other side of the bed. Running a hand up to get his hair off his face, his free hand carefully pats his side in hopes of finding someone there --however, all he can feel is the mattress and silk sheets under his warm palm.

The twins.

Memories flash behind his eyelids fast: from his wife's worried expression, Westwood driving him home, to Dante and Jovi's feverish expressions. It makes him stir awake completely and as he sits up by the edge of the bed and reaches out to his phone, the darkness around him does not help soothing his mind.

10:39 AM.

“Three hours?” he mumbles to himself, unable to find out how much he slept —but feeling better now.

Standing up and throwing his phone on the bed, he walks up through the familiar bedroom until the pads of his fingers find the light switch, flipping it.

Warm light bathes the room —there, he takes a moment to look around, eyes scanning over the decorations: from his and Lena's CD's collection, to the empty side of the bed, where her sweater lays folded on top of her pillow.

Sighing, he turns around and gets into the bathroom. Stripping off his boxers and getting under the shower head, letting the cold water run down his body. 

Stepping out, a towel wrapped around his waist, Giorno throws his hair back, feeling some water drops run down his back in the process. Coming into the closet, his hand rests above the towel holding it in place while he looks for something to put together a decent outfit. 

Finally dressed in black pants and a black turtleneck shirt, Giorno walks around the closet, looking for his shoes until he finds them by Lena’s side —he’s not sure how they got there— and puts them on, turning to pick his black trench coat from the hanger. Letting it drape over his arm, he comes to a stop by the mirror, making quick work with his hair, simply combing it back loosely, with two stubborn pieces of short hair falling on his forehead and putting on his barrel piercings, rings and the arrowhead hidden beneath the fabric of his shirt. Taking one last look in the mirror, his brow softens as he nods to himself, putting on his trench coat. 

Exiting the bathroom and standing in the middle of the room, his eyes fall on Lena’s sweater atop her pillow: walking up to the bed, he tucks it under his arm, slipping his phone inside his pocket before leaving the room.

The hall is empty, he notes, and the silence in the mansion is something he’s grown unfamiliar with. As he rounds the corner, Akashi comes into view. The swordsman is sitting at the top of the stairs, talking to someone in the lobby.

As he keeps walking, Akashi seems to sense his presence and, turning to him, the pink haired man grins, standing up. “Goooooood morning, boss!” 

“Good morning, Akashi.” Looking down, Abel’s already waving from the lobby, grinning and excusing himself when Mista calls for him from outside. 

Akashi walks before him, gesturing him forward, “C’mon, Lena’s with the boys! Dr. Louis is here, too, and she’s already working to get your mini you’s up and ready to run around!” 

Humming, Giorno follows him, quietly listening to the story he has to share now —Akashi has been alive for about 400 years, and he’s admitted openly how bored he truly is: to Giorno, listening to his stories seems like the best way to help him get rid of his boredom at least for a while. The man is also impatient, intolerant to getting interrupted with a quick mind: and Giorno, ever the patient man, has no problem listening to him. After all, Akashi has been alive through historical moments and always has something to share. 

“Anyway, I’ll tell you about Tesla and Edison later: just keep in mind Tesla was right and Edison was a bitch.” Coming to a stop before the twins’ room, Akashi looks up to declare that right into Giorno’s eyes. The Don, with a nod and a smile, replies: “I’ll remember that, Akashi.” 

“Good.” opening the door, Akashi lets him in, closing it behind his back. 

Four pairs of eyes fall on him as soon as he steps in and the door closes. 

“Well, good morning, Giovanna. You don’t look like crap anymore~” Rohan is the first to greet him, waving from his seat on Dante’s bed, where Dr. López stands holding his clipboard and pen.  

Chuckling, Giorno walks in, patting Rohan’s back a bit too hard, and pressing a kiss to Dante’s forehead. Then, he walks around, kisses Jovi’s forehead and offers a handshake to Dr. Louis. 

“Thank you for being here, Dr. Louis. We’re grateful for your support.” 

“Of course, Don Giovanna.” Dr. Louis nods his way, turning back to check Jovi’s blood pressure and write down notes on his breathing. 

Looking on, he makes eye contact with Lena, a warm smile spreading through his lips when her cheeks turn pink and her smile reaches her eyes: she’s sitting on the couch, overlooking the procedures. Walking up to her, he sits by her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, feeling her nuzzling her face against the side of his face. By her side Ares meows, purring and climbing on her lap to get his attention. 

Pulling back, he reveals the sweater under his arm, laying it gently over her form with a soft whisper of, “Your nose is cold, dear.” 

She smiles, taking the garment from him and pulling it on. “Not as cold now~”

Rohan glances around at the room, filled almost to capacity with visitors. “If it’s alright, I’ll go check in on Ari and Ellie… Now that Giovanna is back.”

“Yes, of course, re-join us when you’re ready.” Giorno offers a warm smile, gesturing to Akashi. “If you’ll show him to the Kishibe’s room??”

Jumping up from his seat, Akashi grins. “I’ve actually been waiting for a chance to talk to you, Kishibe-sensei!” Walking over, the two exit the room, Giorno shaking his head.

“Kishibe may have a hard time getting him to shut up now that he’s started.”

Lena smiles, leaning into his chest. “Rohan can handle it, I’m sure~”

Lowering his voice to a whisper, the Don focuses his gaze on the twins. “How are things going? Did you make any progress?”

Whispering back, Lena replies. “I think so. Dr. Louis has more experience with these kinds of situations, so I have more hope now… More confidence that we have the best team possible here.”

He kisses her forehead, noticing she’s warmer than usual herself. “Have you gotten enough water, baby?”

She shakes her head no, but reaches for a bottle nearby. “We’ve been so busy getting everyone up to speed, I haven’t had time.”

Giorno reaches gently for the bump, resting his hand there. “You have to take care of yourself. For us. And… For Esme.”

She nods, tearing up a little and taking a sip from the bottle. “I know…”

[just-like-playing-tag]

Personal highlights from the fourth chapter of the fanbook!!! You can read the entire chapter translation here :)

Thank you so much @/1000sunnygo for the translation!!!!!!

According to Shirai, one of the reasons why Emma needed to be a girl is because of her so called "soft idealism" in not wanting to kill demons, which (somehow????) could come off as "uncool" or "naïve" to readers if coming from a guy (?????????????). However Shirai also says that “he wished Emma's words were acknowledged even if it came from a male protagonist instead of having the stereotypical expectations of what a man should be like”, which is nice in its own way.

The idea of a demon with no face under the mask, which was used both in chapter 103 and later in chapter 155 for Legravalima's transformation, was inspired by an old note Demizu left on a early draft where she commented on how it would be “creepy if a demon is actually faceless if you remove their mask”.

Sugita comments that Shirai often used to say "I wanna draw another jailbreak!", like dude same 😔😔

Shirai says that the escape from the bunker felt close enough to a new jailbreak, but the sadness of knowing that Yuugo and Lucas would have had to die “overshadowed the joy of being able to draw an escape again.” (╥﹏╥)

Sugita thinks that since most of the adults of the story are selfish and filled with hatred, it was nice having Yuugo and Lucas as adults who were loving and caring towards the kids. I never thought about it that way, but it's actually a very sweet fact. Yuugo, Lucas and grandpa Alex for the best adults awards!!!

Shirai speds time complimenting Sandy's good heart and ability with the younger kids which has me (◍•ᴗ•◍)

Shirai actually addresses the matter of Lucas not having recognized that Minerva's voice in chapter 110 was too young to belong to an adult: he says that there was too much noise for Lucas to suspect the difference.

While Sugita had repeatedly asked Shirai and Demizu to make the series darker, he jokingly says that Andrew's face was overdoing it- Shirai remembers Sugita saying “It's too scary! The children will cry!” pffttttt

Sugita actually had Andrew's face at the end of chapter 110 censored because the original illustration was too gorish (the mangled half of Andrew's face was blurred)

Andrew survived the explosion by doing the opposite of what Yugo and Lucas did: using his subordinates as a shield.

This is such a cool fact yet I feel like I didn't want to know ಥ_ಥ

The initial plan was to have one of the children shoot (and supposedly kill?) Andrew, but “it was more satisfying to let him be eaten after he called the children "food" ”; I actually really like this detail. Shirai also says that thanks to the stray demon, Ray didn't have to become a murderer. Thank goodness! For once Shirai chose the non-traumatic way for Ray XD

The wild demon saying “uh” after eating Andrew is indicative of it gaining human intelligence. Said demon was supposed to reappear in his human form, but that plotline was ~once again~ discarded.

Shirai regrets not having named Andrew Bernard or Bell had him been female, both references to Tinkerbell. I love this!! Wish you had thought about it sooner @Shirai ahah

Vincent calling Norman "James" instead of "boss" in chapter 112 was him just being playful

Hayato "looks as a protagonist", since his design was taken from a resistance leader from a discarded plotline. Shirai's initial intention was to make him cool and serious, but Sugita suggested to make him kind of a fanboy of Emma's group to reflect how amazing they had become.

Sugita (jokingly) says he “used his absolute authority as the editor to make Anna and Ray interact”, since he likes them as a couple

During the serialization, Shirai used to calculate the timing of information release of both the SJ serialization and volume release so that magazine and volume readers could enjoy similar revelation simultaneously. Following that logic, he synchronized Norman's riapparence in the manga and the volume 12 “merry Christmas Vincent” to happen around the same time, which was also when anime season 1 started airing.

THIS Q&A:

Q: Why do Peter’s men wear sunglasses?

A: Because Peter-sama is too dazzling.

Shirai says the symbol on the back of Norman's Minerva cape is the crest of the demons who lived at the hideout. Though I'm not completely sure it was intentional, the choice of having Norman wear the robes of a demon while planning the eradication of demons is... Peculiar, and also kinda ironic.

Peter and Andrew are related!! Andrew too was born from a branch of the Ratri family.

Okay this matter is tricky, but I think it was actually explained how there's demons like Musica and Sonju's horse and the demon pigeons that won't eat human meat. Apparently as of this panel of chapter 103 (which is also one of the few things included in the anime, ahah)-

There's five different species of demons, one of which - fourth column - may have gone extinct. Out of these five species, only one includes humanoid demons, who thus are the only ones who need to eat humans in order to maintain their form.

Also the Demizu note at the end of the chapter is such an highlight:

How he [Shirai] never gives up. Till the last minutes, he keeps adding corrections. I really admire his belief, “I'll surely bring a better result than the last time”. This “I'll bring something better than last time” mentality is a huge thing. Usually, when I make corrections, I feel like maybe it was better the last time. So I always used to think it's best not to mess with my arts too much. But I changed my mind after seeing Shirai sensei. There were times I'd be surprised to receive a text message at 4 am (laughs) It made me worry if he was resting properly.

You have my heart Demizu-san 🥺🥺🥺

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 188: Hard Knocks Path to Redemption

Previously on BnHA: The Todoroki kids sans Shouto (and Dabi lulz) visited their mom at the hospital and awkwardly discussed Endeavor officially becoming the #1 hero. Shouto’s older brother Natsuo wasn’t happy about it, saying that the world doesn’t know about “what he did” and how he treated his family. But interestingly, Rei came to his defense, saying that things were more complex than that. She said she doesn’t know what’s going on in his heart, “but he hasn’t left us behind.” We then cut to Endeavor’s fight with the High Tide Noumu, which basically consisted of Endeavor hovering for a few seconds with his flames, and then getting very violently flung through a building. Like, he was basically used as a human laser saw to cut the top of this high rise clean off. A bunch of people nearly fell to their deaths, but thankfully Hawks saved them all with his ridiculously OP Mighty Wings quirk. Speaking of Hawks, idk but it sure is some shifty bullshit that Your Highness Noumu just happened to attack him and Endeavor in this building right when they were having a chitchat about Noumus. Something is definitely up you guys.

Today on BnHA: Endeavor continues to battle the High Heaven Noumu and pulls off some impressive feats, such as dicing a falling building into tiny pieces with his flames so that the spectators below don’t get crushed. Unfortunately these techniques come at a price, and he finds himself beginning to struggle due to the heat building up in his body. Meanwhile the High Hopes Noumu remains mostly unfazed, even dispatching a bunch of disgusting slimy clone things to wreak some havoc and distract Hawks and the other pros on the scene so that they can’t assist. Realizing he has no choice but to Go For It, Endeavor powers up his flames and hits the Noumu with massive flame attack: Prominence Burn. Unfortunately the Noumu anticipates his actions and is able to avoid being completely disintegrated. He regenerates, and then brutally slashes/stabs Endeavor in the most ironic spots possible -- his torso (nearly the same place where All Might was wounded by AFO), and his left eye (don’t think I have to explain this one lol). It’s all very violent, and probably not the sort of thing you’d want your child to witness on live television -- oh hey there Shouto. Didn’t see you there. Uh... well, shit.

(As always, all comments not marked with an ETA are my unspoiled reactions from my first readthrough of this chapter. I’ve read up through chapter 209 now, so any ETAs will reflect that.)

interesting title!

I wonder which of his four kids this is referring to? ngl I’ve been missing the U.A. kids for these past couple chapters so it would be nice to get Shouto back in here

holy shittttt

thiiiiiiiis is bad. that is some serious destruction. not something they can just shrug their shoulders about later, especially in BnHA where damage like this actually has lasting consequences

lol some other heroes are watching from a distance and they’re all “did Endeavor just Vidalia Chop Wizard that whole fucking building”

meanwhile Hawks is tumbling to safety on a nearby rooftop

and he’s referring here to Endeavor’s opening line in the chapter, “I’ll dice you up and burn you until there’s nothing left”

(ETA: in addition to being the first reluctant hero in the series, Hawks is also the quippiest we’ve had by far. Hawks is all your dialogue polished up by a Marvel screenwriting team or what)

I appreciate Hawks’s efforts at combat banter, but all I keep thinking is that those pieces actually did look remarkably neat and uniform, and that it wouldn’t kill him to show a little appreciation for what was honest to god one of the most insane quirk feats we’ve seen to date

also, looking at this picture more closely, my disbelief is gonna need a little more suspending, because I honestly don’t feel like either of them should currently be able to fly the way they’re doing lol. Hawks’s wings are in a pretty sorry state at the moment

and here comes High Treason Noumu back at them again, and he’s grumbling “bird...” like he’s all pissy at Hawks

lol what is this

what the hell is this quirk. does he shoot air gun fists or something. and this other guy has all of his fingers fucking disconnected for no apparent reason. like, what the hell is that even gonna do besides gross people out

(ETA: and isn’t this Tokage’s quirk as well. getting lazy are we Horikoshi)

now High Score Noumu is doing something disturbing oh god

ffffffffff WHAT IS THIS. WHY DO WE HAVE TO LOOK AT A CLOSE UP OF IT

Endeavor’s hitting it with another fire blast. thanks man

and now he’s doing a mental tally of the thing’s quirks

and don’t forget “can fucking talk.” not to mention what I still think is the most intriguing one of all, “has Kurogiri’s fucking face”

oh and I guess this is a new one

fucking gross ew fuck sick gross ugh!! why are they so gooey sob

I don’t really understand what’s going on but Endeavor seems to have it all figured out, so here

okay so he wants to fight strong opponents like Endeavor so he made some disgusting clones to deal with the small fries I guess

-- hold up. that muscle amplification quirk... that looks and sounds a whole lot like Muscular’s, though

is it just coincidence? that this Noumu just so happens to be so strikingly similar to not one but two captured villains previously associated with the League?? just what in the hell is going on here dammit

meanwhile, as Endeavor observed, the Noumus that emerged from his body look completely different and appear to be just your everyday run-of-the-mill Noumus

just a little grosser is all

Hawks is swooping down and taking them out without much effort. looks like he’s gotten most of his feathers back too

he’s telling everyone to keep evacuating

and he says that to be frank, power struggles aren’t his “forte”

so he’s acknowledging that he doesn’t have the All Might Factor, so to speak? that even though he’s strong and popular, he’s not at that level of always beating the big bads no matter what?

you know, that actually makes some sense. I can maybe understand a little better just why he was bothering Endeavor so much. that is, if it weren’t for the fact that I STILL DON’T TRUST YOU, HAWKS, YOU SUSPICIOUS LITTLE SERAPH

High Speed Noumu is asking Endeavor if he’s done shooting those red hot little slice-and-dice death rays

oh snap this thing really is smart

it’s not just talking and thinking, it’s fucking analyzing. there’s some real brainpower at work in this thing

now Endeavor is talking about his quirk, and I’m just gonna post the panel because like hell am I gonna try to summarize this

he was thinking this a few panels earlier, too. that he’s got a lot of heat built up now

and now he’s thinking about Rei and his kids with their ice powers

fuck me but every single time I start wanting to root for Endeavor he’s gotta go and remind us of this, though

also!? fourth kid alert!?? and this kid seems to have white hair just like all the others, and seems to be younger than Natsuo in this shot. which would seem to go against the prevailing theory? explain yourself, manga

(ETA: lol and I got an ask about this just today. I gotta give this some thought. but I still think it’s Dabi! maybe Endeavor is just confused about what his non-Shouto children looks like because he spent so much time ignoring them all!)

so now Highlander Noumu is making a crazy face and extending his arms or muscle fibers or whatever the fuck these things are again, and saying he wants to test out his new power on Endeavor

shiiiiiit this does not look good

this doesn’t seem like the kind of move he can maintain for very long given what he was saying earlier

he’s shouting at the Noumu that he’ll incinerate him until there’s nothing left, and his regeneration won’t be enough

well this has worked before, to be fair. back in Hosu

but why do I get the feeling that isn’t going to be the case this time, though

lollllll

is this the literal translation. is there some other meaning of “prominence” other than “famous and well-known” that I’m not thinking of. I guess it can also mean “something that sticks out a lot”, but I don’t see how that would apply to this attack

basically, to me this reads as “Endeavor’s I-Wanna-Be-Famous Big Fire Attack”

and damned if that just doesn’t say it all, though

he’s thinking back to what he said at the JP Hero Billboard thing. “just watch me”

and that he won’t disgrace himself by failing here

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh shit

HE WAS SO CLOSE

THIS THING IS REALLY FUCKING HARDCORE OMG

OH MY GOD

you’re telling me that Endeavor’s attack actually worked, but that he wasn’t able to disintegrate the whole Noumu because HE FUCKING RIPPED HIS OWN FUCKING HEAD OFF AND FRISBEE-D IT TO SAFETY AHEAD OF TIME!?

OH SHIT

goddamn -- fucking --

DAMMIT. COME ON ENDEAVOR. DON’T FUCKING DIE, DUDE. FUCKING GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER AND BEAT THIS HIGH FIVE NOUMU ALREADY, THE WORLD NEEDS YOU

ARE YOU SERIOUS

ARE YOU TELLING ME THE TWO OF THEM JUST HAPPENED TO BE WATCHING?? ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS, SHIT

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

motherfucker oh shit you guysssss

(ETA: how does he even still have that eye though)

you guys. oh shit. this is so bad. you don’t understand

shit. because let me tell you, the very first thing that ran through my head was that he’s going to look so much hotter now and fuck, you guys. I KNOW THAT’S NOT WHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE THINKING RIGHT NOW. BUT I CAN’T HELP IT. noooo what the hell is wrong with me I feel like slapping myself lmao

I fucking started laughing in real life at my own absurd reaction. I am ruining the mood of this chapter so damn fast

nooooooo

the parallels, though. oh shit. the same eye

and did Shouto’s quirk activate just now?? are those flames on his left side? oh shit

okay I need to get myself under control. fucking stop this now. stop thinking about how much hotter Endeavor is going to be with a big ol’ slashy scar along the left side of his face. and maybe an eyepatch. oh god. no, stop

(ETA: I really thought there was going to be an eyepatch. how does he still have that eye)

and now we’re cutting back to U.A. and Aizawa is gently telling Eri he’s gonna take her back to his room and I can’t you guys. first Endeavor losing his fucking eye and now Aizawa being a loving, protective parent on two counts, because LOOK WHAT HE SAYS RIGHT AFTER

now All Might is gripping at his stomach wound nooooo

seems like every big hero has That Moment, huh

oh fuckkkkk

fuuuuuck, Endeavor. going for that hard knocks path to redemption, huh

but I fucking can’t, though, because I just keep picturing Horikoshi’s creative process. like, you fucking troll, though. goes and creates the worst character of all time (not literally, I’m just being dramatic here just let me have this) and does his absolute fucking best to make him as terrible as possible, and then challenges himself to redeem him nonetheless. “how can I make readers actually feel sympathy for Todoroki fucking Enji in spite of everything? oh I know I’ll take away everything he ever wanted and make him finally start to realize what was really important and have him finally start trying to be a better husband and father. and then I’ll fucking murder him”

and like, I really need to stop laughing at this chapter, though. I’m ruining it, I know. if it helps, it’s not mirthful laughter though! the best way I can describe it is “haunted house laughter.” like, this is how I react when I’m walking through any sort of haunted attraction, and I’m really tense and excited and on edge. my weird natural response is usually to start laughing, possibly as my brain’s way of psyching myself up to be brave and reminding myself that it’s not real and they’re only actors. I feel like that, for some reason. and I don’t know why, but it’s actually a very positive thing, because this is the first time in quite a while that I’ve gotten this excited about the manga, actually

so I’m sorry, Endeavor. I’m not laughing at you, I’m laughing because OH SHIT THIS IS GETTING GOOD and I’m really loving it. and also because Horikoshi has got some serious balls

(ETA: and because this is Kamino all over again. and I was fucking pumped. angst!! stakes!! tension!! there was just a ton of adrenaline all of a sudden and I didn’t really know what to do with it so my brain was like “well then let’s just do something really weird!”)

anyway, so we’re cutting back to Shouto and U.A., where Shouto is watching his dad die on live television

aaaaaand that’s the chapter end

my god. this went from “eh” to “epic” in like .06 seconds. is this the fight that anon was talking about a while back? because this was pretty damn good, I gotta say. fucking damn

[bthump]

watching jojo's bizarre adventure anime adaptation and seeing how much the anime team fixed araki (the mangaka)'s bad writing makes me rlly wish that if berserk gets a proper anime adaptation whoever does it will do the same with miura's writing (and some of his art too tbh). like for example for all their faults the berserk movies did improve casca's character. what are your wants for a potential full berserk anime adaptation? (also let's hope that this is the year we finally get one 🤞)

I never finished JJBA or watched the anime so idk, but I’m curious how much they changed. Like were there big changes to the plot, or was it mostly just little minor changes to smooth over some flaws?

ty for asking, and I apologize in advance for how long this got lol.

tbh I think my ideal, if not realistic, Berserk adaptation is one that just goes ‘fuck it’ and throws out most of the story lol. Starts with Black Swordsman, ends with Femto lowering his hand and letting Guts escape - well more specifically, on this panel:

Like that is a perfect final shot imho.

(Also I might mirror it with the opening shot. Like I wouldn’t open on Guts fucking an apostle lmao, I don’t actually dislike that opening but it doesn’t fit this theoretical adaption. So how about we open on a long shot of Black Swordsman Guts surrounded by the ghosts he’s fighting, that mimics this?)

Ooh I might also… I might stick the Lost Children arc in between Snake Man and Count Slug. Ugggh there are some logistical issues to untangle there, but I really, really want Jill/Rosine Guts/Griffith parallels, and I want ghosts taunting Guts about becoming a monster like his friend. Subtlety is for cowards. Oh except we wouldn’t’ve seen Femto yet so that wouldn’t work. Well, “like him” then instead of “like your friend.” There now it’s foreshadowing 2 ways.

the climax of the story is the moment of sacrifice because there’s no Eclipse rape, Casca dies shortly after Judeau, and Guts’ horror at being sacrificed by Griffith is the emotional low point. Potentially no gtsca either if I can figure out a way to incorporate Guts’ stupid dream speech somewhere else. Maybe it can be a flashback during the Wyald fight, which I’d keep incidentally, sans attempted rape, w/ Guts talking to Erica. Actually yeah that would be perfect and immediately tie Guts’ “dream” of fighting stronger and stronger enemies with fighting monsters lol, meaning I could bypass Guts’ post Eclipse war declaration that draws that comparison more explicitly.

Boom, Berserk is now a nice little self-contained tragic story about two dudes each becoming solitary monsters because they abandoned each other for abstract dreams, and threw aside the potential for true emotional healing (relationships) for shallow coping mechanisms (swords/dreams). Uhhh, also Puck is cut. Sorry Puck, ilu but you’re a ray of hope that ruins the vibe here.

And finally since this is my ideal adaptation, the subtext between Guts and Griffith is text. They don’t actually fuck or kiss, because that would avert the Eclipse, but… hm how do you make it clear that they want to fuck but are too repressed to do it and that’s what ruins everything? Okay well Griffith’s torture chamber monologue includes “love” a la the anime dub, and maybe “desire” or “need” to completely remove that ambiguity desperately maintained in the minds of straight people. And Guts… I don’t know that I can go textual lol. The only point in the story he can possibly recognize his own feelings is chapter 71.

Ooh I got it. Just include “at that time he shone before me as something beautiful, noble, and larger than life” after the Count’s backstory lmao. Do you really need more? Well, maybe “he shone before me as something larger than life - noble, and… beautiful.” Or just cut to the chase completely: “At that time, he shone before me as something beautiful, noble, and larger-than-life. I loved him.”

OKAY all that said I feel like this wasn’t really what you’re asking lol since you mentioned a complete adaption. So okay assuming there are no huge major changes to the content or structure of the story, here’s a (stupidly long, like only read this if you for some reason enjoy seeing me ramble for days about minute details lmao) list of some more minor things I’d want to change:

I’d start with the Black Swordsman arc and continue as the manga goes. Yes, in this one Guts still fucks an apostle. This is right before the credits, and it’s depicted as badass and cool. In fact, I might actually split the scene with the credits - start the opening sequence right after Guts blows her up, and resume on this shot with more of a sombre tone:

Like okay that would be pretty cheesy lol, but this is the Black Swordsman arc. It’s supposed to be a little campy, and really unsubtle, and this seems like a fun way of highlighting this little tonal shift.

Relatedly, I would not acknowledge the fact that most people watching already know where it’s going. I would maintain the integrity of the first arc in starting off with Guts as an apparent cool badass and then tearing that down, as well as keeping Griffith’s identity and Guts’ motivation a mystery in theory, and making the Count’s backstory the climax of this arc in a revelatory sense, rather than in an action sense.

To get more general, no fanservice for straight dudes. no one’s tits are randomly out, and when they are they’re drawn realistically and subject to the laws of gravity. casca’s clothes don’t get torn all the time, rosine’s got full moth fuzz coverage, farnese is wearing a shirt when guts takes her hostage and if we need self-flagellation (and tbh I wouldn’t necessarily cut it) it can be in a flashback, etc. Oh except Slan I guess. Her whole character is fanservice so w/e I’ll allow it.

not every woman is in love with and solely motivated by a dude. skip the queen’s completely unnecessary reveal that she was in love with julius, skip casca’s “I lived my life with the intent of sacrificing myself on my unrequited feelings for griffith” bullshit, skip sonia’s crush on neogriffith, skip tf out of schierke’s crush on guts, skip the random period of incest-y bdsm-y vibes in Farnese and Serpico’s backstory that adds nothing lol, skip the suggestions that Farnese is jealous of Casca’s history with Guts, etc

also most sexual assault scenes are cut. Casca is running for her life during the 100 man fight, not from attempted rapists. Wyald does not assault Casca, Farnese is not almost raped by a fucking horse, we chill out a bit on the sexual torture in every bg scene during the conviction arc jfc, Casca’s multiple assaults during that arc are cut, troll rape is cut, you get the point.

I’ll keep Adon’s shitty threats tho bc i feel like some violent misogyny is necessary if i’m not changing everything, but I’d completely lose the comic relief vibe he gets and make Casca’s fight with him properly epic and satisfying. The movie did this a bit better imo, but I’d really remove Adon’s whole boastful loser schtick. That might disappoint some fans, but idc Casca deserves to kill someone who is actually kind of a badass.

There’s a lot of bullshit around gtsca that I’m torn between wanting to cut, and instead wanting to just depict very negatively. Like would it be better if instead of Casca shyly asking Guts how she looks in a dress she just complained about the dress being uncomfortable, ie we completely cut that burgeoning “soft side” bs?

Or would it be better if she still asked him how she looks, then we call back to that moment when she gets awkward about her scars before sex, we keep Judeau musing on how she’s showing a soft side, we call back to that when he tells Guts to save her from leadership, we tie it all together when Guts asks Casca to leave with him, and bring it home by making it abundantly clear that Casca moving from being Griffith’s sword to Guts’ sword is not a positive change.

Like highlight everything negative about it - Guts being a huge dick, the ominous undertone when he invites her along (like cue the creepy cello music when they kiss right before we shift to monsters and behelits lol), all the parallels between him and Griffith wrt their dreams, Guts telling Casca to fuck off while he fights Wyald, maybe even add a moment where Casca actually reflects on how she’s left out of all the dream/equals bullshit and what that says about their priorities and how they see her. Might be a nice lead up to her telling Guts to leave to pursue his dream and be Griffith’s equal.

also maybe show that judeau is wrong about casca being better off away from the hawks? ugh there’s so much that would have to be reworked with her narrative. like if she still has to attempt suicide, again can we ditch the lead up about how it’s because she has an unrequited crush on griffith and just keep it about the fact that she hasn’t slept in a week and she’s on the run and her hawks keep dying and griffith is being tortured and she just stabbed guts and she’s had a very difficult year?

and like, maybe she leapt to accept Guts’ ‘come with me’ offer because she’s exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, but are you kidding me? While Guts gets an entire narrative arc about abandoning his found family, Casca doesn’t even think about it for a moment before agreeing to ditch them? Can we maybe have some indication about how she feels about the Hawks as a family, maybe some reflection about why she would choose to leave, maybe some second thoughts about it after the Wyald fight when it becomes abundantly clear what her role would be while Guts pursues his dream, like god she’s such a pawn of the narrative, I hate it. Give her some real reasons for doing stuff!

ANYWAY moving on

like the movie, I’d give charlotte more agency in the sex scene w/ griffith, I liked her asking him to stay and moving his hand to her tit herself. I probably would not actually make griffith so out of it though - i enjoyed that in the movie but I don’t necessarily consider it in-character. The way he went from literally crying in the rain to smiling and making charming jokes as soon as Charlotte opened the window in the manga honestly makes perfect sense to me lol. Just uh, make Charlotte into it from the start because there’s zero reason for her not to be other than bad misogynistic cliches?

Also I feel like there’s a balance to be struck between depicting het sex as dude sticks his dick in, woman somehow has a good time a la the manga vs making guts and griffith competent at foreplay and oral a la the movies lol. Like maybe depict the sex scenes as the bad sex they are but Charlotte still feels closer to Griffith afterwards despite not coming from a dude fucking her while thinking about another dude and like, just keep Casca telling Guts he was obviously a virgin afterwards lol.

I guess we’re stuck with the Eclipse rape, but it happens mostly off screen and in close, telling but non-explicit details, like yk, big clawed hand holding a wrist, Casca’s eyes squeezed shut, Femto’s hand on the small of her back (I’m thinking a reversed call back to the wagon scene w/ that to suggest Femto’s motivation being a show of power tbqh). Some would be from Casca’s pov, with maybe one brief moment from Guts’ pov as he loses an eye or something. Keep the movie’s visual reference to Griffith saving her. No pornographic angles. No apostle rape prelude to it. Casca doesn’t have an orgasm. Femto doesn’t stare at Guts. It’s not about Guts at all for either of them, it’s about Femto taking Griffith’s fucked up relationship to sex and expressing it monstrously, and it’s about Casca being betrayed and symbolically negating the agency she fought for since Griffith threw her a sword. Guts’ reaction is horror and fear, not manly heroic outrage. He might still rip off his arm to attack Femto, but that would be because that’s always his reaction to whatever scares him, not for Casca’s sake. Might have to contextualize that with flashbacks to his childhood, or at the very least strong visual parallels to both his childhood and the Zodd + Wyald fights.

I want to cut the fetus, replace it with like a cronenburg-y fucked up dog-like demon in the Black Swordsman arc - not as a literal version of the Beast of Darkness, but just as a metaphor for how Guts’ inner darkness is twisting him into a pathetic asshole lol. But tbh cutting the fetus is a logistical nightmare because Casca needs magic protection during the Conviction arc. So idk. But NGriff doesn’t need it, and his narrative would be more engaging without that scapegoat. Fuck emotional ambiguity, I just want to drop the news that NGriff has feelings, and then not change anything else about his narrative. The themes of isolation and loneliness threaded throughout would just shine through lol it would be great.

I would emphasize the shit out of the Beast of Darkness/Femto parallels. Yeah Guts would still assault Casca in my adaption too. If the Eclipse rape happens, that has to happen because the point is that Guts’ inner darkness is the same. But like, I’d cut the page where beast of darkness guts bites her head off while raping her. Also I’d keep the visual parallel to the Eclipse rape (the v similarly depicted kisses) and add another from Casca’s point of view, or have her flashback then instead of just staying in Guts’ head.

as for the fallout, I’d give Guts a proper scene where he sees himself as a monster, like damn he got more of a self-reflective and telling reaction that time he accidentally killed a random kid, we should get something when he sexually assaults Casca. but overall I’d focus way more on Casca being afraid of him now rather than his mopey guilt. I would also… I mean god this should be addressed in the fact that Guts fucking wears the Berserk armour all the time lol. Like one second he’s all, “omg Flora can put a magic seal on my brand that’ll depower my magical evil jiminy cricket wolf and hopefully prevent me from raping and murdering Casca, that’s great!” and the next second he’s all, “omg magic armour I can wear that will enable me to kill everything with the side effect of superpowering my inner evil wolf and turning on my companions? sign me the fuck up I’m sure nothing bad could possibly happen with that.”

Like what I’m saying is I’d either make Guts a lot more reluctant to use the armour and take Skull Knight’s warnings seriously and genuinely reflect on the fact that mysterious magical children have to prevent him from murdering his friends over and over again, or I’d draw attention to this idiocy and fully commit to Guts as a dumbass hypocrite blithely walking down the path to more tragedy of his own making. and probably the latter based on where the story is likely to be headed lol.

in the lost children arc, I’d give Rosine’s mother more of a role as a good parent who Rosine has a loving relationship with, who tried and failed to stop her father’s abuse or something, because honestly I love the Peekaf story and I find Rosine’s regret at the end as she tries to fly home v powerful, but I hate the idea that she regrets sacrificing her abusive father so maybe this way I can split the difference.

and Jill’s ending where she goes home to endure abuse would be depicted much more darkly.

like straight up I’d depict Jill flying with Rosine as a truly beautiful moment, I would show that Jill has the potential to fulfill Rosine in a way her neverland kidnapping bullshit can’t and that yes, if Jill stayed with Rosine everything might actually work out and with Jill’s influence the whole land of the elves thing could be reworked into less of a nightmare and more of a haven lol. And Guts would absolutely be depicted as fully monstrous in comparison, ruining both these kids’ lives. Like, no ambiguity, no suggestion that Jill learned an important lesson about living with abuse lmao, no implication that Rosine brought her tragic end on herself by not being a good enough child abuse victim, just Guts sowing tragedy wherever he goes.

I have no idea how to deal with the conviction arc in general lol, specifically the ultra cynical tone the actual narrative seems to take. Like, the Black Swordsman arc was idealistic compared to the Conviction arc, they clash badly imo. Extremely badly. Like it’s a giant mess. It’s like

Black Swordsman Guts: fuck everyone who dies because they weren’t strong enough to deal with my existence. *turns and wipes away a tear* *lets a zombie kid stab him* *evokes pity from puck*Conviction Guts: fuck everyone who dies because they weren’t strong enough to deal with my existence. *poses with his sword in one hand and the rescued love interest in the other* *the crowd cheers* *luca nods sagely*

yk it’s just… awkward. It’s hard to mitigate through like, film choices yk, because a lot of it is due to the circumstances. Guts telling Puck innocent people are just ants under his feet is much different than Guts refusing to let the big bad kill Casca by telling him that tens of thousands of people can and should die because they pray too much lmao, no matter what music plays in the background. Guts’ attitude is the same, the narrative’s attitude is contradictory.

Maybe I could make Guts less of a dick and cut a lot of those cynical moments? Not really call attention to the fact that Guts is effectively sacrificing tens of thousands of refugees for Casca, or more accurately, for his own desire to feel like a hero since he isn’t even the one who saves Casca, he got distracted trying to fight the fake Godhand.

Or lol maybe I’ll just have Isidro point that out in like, a smug way. Maybe I’ll have NeoGriffith personally thank him for his contribution to his resurrection. I mean I really want to call this questionable shit into question, yk? Not to declare Guts wrong for wanting to save Casca, but to declare his cavalier idgaf attitude a big problem that has consequences. Which would actually tie in nicely with emphasizing Guts’ dumbassery in brushing off Skull Knight’s warnings about the armour and insisting it’s nbd. lol I really hope this is what Miura’s going for, just more subtlely.

Actually I wonder if I could get away with cutting Isidro out entirely. Anyone could’ve saved Casca there.

Oh I’d cut the hell out of a lot of Guts’ fight scenes in the MF arc, and if I could possibly get away with it I’d cut out everything on the beach after Skull Knight’s ominous warning. Like this might end up being the Griffith show for a while because Guts’ half is a fucking slog. And of course I’d cut the entire boat trip. They get on a boat, they get off a boat, the end.

Okay I need to stop somewhere. I’m ignoring a lot of later stuff because it’s so dependent on where the story’s going now that Casca is awake etc. Like eg the Moonlight Boy. Can I cut him? Give him a more ominous tone? Emphasize the saccharine tone he evokes for the sake of pulling the rug out from under the audience later? Will I be forced to make huge changes anyway because I can’t stand where the story ended up going? Idk it depends.

If I could tho I’d definitely cut Magnifico, Isidro, Ivalera, mermaid… like Farnese, Serpico, and Schierke are the only characters on Guts’ side who contribute to the story in a meaningful way. And without Isidro Puck could again too.

Oooh yk one thing that might be nice would be framing Farnese as the main protagonist of Guts’ half of the story during the MF arc. Just focus on her, show more stuff from her perspective, cut down a lot of fights but keep her digression back home, maybe give her some additional content that explores her character shift better, show her struggling more with her own inner darkness a bit when she first joins and give her some character beats as she slowly grows more comfortable with Casca, maybe put her backstory chapters in the first episode of a new season (a great season ender would be Guts walking away from the Hill of Swords js), etc.

lmao god I feel like I could keep going forever. sorry this is so meandering but ty for giving me the opportunity to go on and on about this. Is there anything you’d really like to change yourself?

[beneaththetangles]

Otaku Reader’s Corner: Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, TPN Side Story, and the Final Ao Haru Ride

Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 13

After thirteen volumes, Ao Haru Ride has come to an end, but instead of celebratory feelings, I couldn’t shake an irksome question: Why is it that this story just never really works? The unlikeable lead characters are one reason, with Kou and Futaba hurtling forward, especially in this volume, without much regard to others (The latter says the following or something like it more than once: “Even if I feel guilty, I have to keep moving forward.”), though the biggest concern with Ao Haru Ride is rather that there’s no subtlety. Despite the frustration I share with fans at the actions of Kou and Futaba, I mostly appreciate the authenticity and realism of thedr deeply flawed characters. Instead, my biggest criticism is that Io Sakisaka lets readers know too much about what they’re thinking, which not only reduces much of the suspense that naturally develops in a story, but also contributes to this dislike of the characters, for the more we know about an individual, the more there is to dislike. That’s how people are—beneath the beautiful veneer lies imperfections and even awfulness. And in addition, there’s not enough time within chapters to just let things rest: Too many panels feel like info dumps, and confessions come together far too quickly (as one does in this volume). Longtime readers will be excited to see how relationships evolve and culminate in the finale, but for the rest, we may be more excited about the bonus chapter to Strobe Edge, included in the volume, or Love Me, Love Me Not, Sakisaka’s more recent work which has been fantastic through its early volumes, better reflecting her enormous talent. ~ Twwk

Ao Haru Ride, Vol. 13 is available through Viz.

The Promised Neverland Special Side Story: The First Shot

Months after the finale of The Promised Neverland was released, readers were given a surprise: a whole special chapter dedicated to Ray before the events of the story. I gotta say, I enjoyed reading this while having my heart broken to pieces over this boy, especially as it confirmed a lot of things I suspected about him. In reading through his many thoughts and actions, it helps show why Ray became so cynical and suicidal over not being able to save everyone. Adding to that thought, the side story also develops his character further, shaping him into someone more hopeful and idealistic all the more fulfilling thanks to Emma’s influence on him. It also makes certain parts of the main story harsher in hindsight, such as the nightmarish experience Ray had in the Seven Walls, and Phil living out the same experience he had after the escape from Grace Field. Overall, this was a great focus chapter, and here’s hoping there’s more chapters Shirai and Demizu have in store for us (and if I had to choose which character I’d like to see next, it’d definitely be Ayshe). ~ thathilomgirl

The Promised Neverland Special Side Story: The First Shot is available through Viz.

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, Vols. 1-3

After reading stardf29’s first impression of the Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear anime, and watching the first episode for myself, I felt rather curious about how different the light novel might be. This is another fantasy-world-based-on-a-game type isekai story, with the major quirk being that protagonist Yuna is totally helpless unless she equips the magical bear onesie a god gave her. But OP battle shenanigans wearing a bear suit aren’t really the point of this tale. I get serious vibes of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, another tale about a cynical, lonely moneygrubber changing with supernatural help. Yuna’s story is about a bitter, hurting person who claims to care about nothing but money finding healing through an unknown god’s meddling. This will sound ridiculous, but Yuna starts as a female teenage Japanese Ebenezer Scrooge in a bear onesie, before her isekai adventures push her to change. Three volumes in, I’m really enjoying this series. Beware, however, because you’ll need to bear with a fair number of ursine puns. ~ Jeskai Angel

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is published by Seven Seas Entertainment.

Laid-Back Camp, Vol. 7

Nadeshiko goes on her first solo camp! As much fun as it is to have the entire gang together, some of the best stories in Laid-Back Camp focus on the individual character journeys (both their physical trips and the little things they learn along the way). Volume seven features just three characters through most of its chapters: Nadeshiko, making her aforementioned trip; Rin, as she also goes solo camping; and Sakura, Nadeshiko’s older sister, who is making a journey as well. The usual laughs and cuteness are found on every page, as usual, but there’s also some nice relationship development that occurs in this volume, even as characters are mostly traveling apart, demonstrating the skill it takes to create an effective story that is far deeper than its CGDCT surface would indicate. Also per the the usual, these excursions will make you want to go camping, as the food that the girls cook and eat will make your mouth water—with the exception, perhaps, of a pungent and long-stewing Bear Paw soup. Yuck. Oh, and beware of tents dropping potatoes (and other wondrous things that come into Shimarin’s mind). ~ Twwk

Laid-Back Camp, Vol. 7 is available through Yen Press.

All My Darling Daughters

I had extra digital dollars at Amazon again, and looked into single-volume manga there that were well-received. That’s how I found All My Darling Daughters. Fumi Yoshinaga is known for her acclaimed shoujo and BL work, but though this series is out of that realm—a josei romance—it had rave reviews, so I snatched it up. I was not disappointed. The story centers on a group of women following the marriage of one of their mother’s to a much younger man. After surviving cancer, the mother decided to live her life as she pleased, with her actions impacting each of the members of the family and friend group differently. All My Darling Daughters is an interesting, self-contained story about adult relationships and how they can change over time. Very raw and unfiltered at times, I really appreciated this female driven story. ~ MDMRN

All My Darling Daughters is available through Viz.

Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside, Vol. 1

This mouthful of a light novel title is about a former member of the hero’s party who was kicked out by another member because his skill, which gave him a large starting level advantage and trivialized the early-game, was starting to fall off in the mid-game. Taking on the name Red, this former hero heads off to the frontier, far away from the whole Demon Lord war, and starts an apothecary, where he’s joined by a princess that he worked with in the past. This is a super-charming novel with a very sweet romance developing between the two leads, interspersed with some stories both past and present about the hero’s party, what role “Red” had beforehand, and how they’re coping with losing a member that might have been more helpful than one of the members thought he was. The way this world uses the idea of every character having a “unique” ability (a “Blessing”) is also interesting because those abilities also affect their mental states, and not always for the better. It’s an interesting mix of laid-back romantic slice-of-life and more serious events, and I definitely want to read more of it. ~ stardf29

Banished from the Hero’s Party, I Decided to Live a Quiet Life in the Countryside is published by Yen Press.

Fairy Tail, Vol. 30

I’m nearing the halfway point of my read through of Fairy Tail and let me tell you—it’s okay. I’m surprised this series has kept my attention for as long as it has for there’s nothing deep and the series feels very superficial. It’s an action series about a group of scrappy wizards. It’s fun and entertaining…and I don’t have to think about it too much. Yet, at times I find the characters surprising me in unique ways, with this volume centering on climactic events at Tenrou Island that shake the series to its core, while continuing to move character growth forward (particularly with Cana and Gildarts), being no exception. And I’ll say this as well—Mashima basically makes every other chapter cover page a picture that feels like an Instagram model’s thirst trap post. No, I’m not joking. That said, I’m still keeping at it and will continue to work my way through the entire main series. I mean, it’s kind of mindless at times, but it’s fun, and sometimes that’s all you need from a manga series. ~ MDMRN

Fairy Tail, Vol. 30 is available through Kodansha.

The King Of Fighters: A New Beginning Chapters 1-8

The King of Fighters series is a staple in the fighting game genre. I enjoy the rivalries that several of the characters have, like Iori and Kyo or Terry and Geese. The opening chapters of the manga center on a tournament to decide who is the greatest fighter, with a new mysterious team watching to see who is the strongest. He seems very powerful, and would even challenge the main heroes or villains of the series, so that’s interesting! I got through several of the chapters pretty easily as the beginning is just introducing the various teams. In the game and this manga, there are three characters that are partners or share similar fighting styles. The artwork was very detailed, but also fanservice heavy, which I don’t appreciate. What I did enjoy, though, was the first battle between the famous Kyo and Iori; it was great to read and looked similar to the game. I look forward to reading more, and seeing what’s in store for this tournament—hopefully more depth than just some random powerful character with an ego. ~ Samuru

The King of Fighters: A New Beginning is published by Seven Seas.

[marlikesthings]

I decided to make a character appreciation post for m21 (although it’s mainly me rambling and saying why I love him). I have done the same thing for my favorite characters in other fandoms (i.e. kkm and bsd). I felt it wasn't fair to not do the same for m21 (my favorite character in noblesse) so here we go.

When I first saw m21 he was a “bad boy”.  At that time I didn't expect to love m21 as much as I do now, much less did I think he would become my favorite. First of all, because I thought he would be an antagonist who as in many others mahwas/mangas end up being defeated and then you never see them again. If he was going to disappear eventually, then what was the point in liking him, right? Yet, m21 character keep growing and keep getting a lot of panels, and I realized there was much more to this boy than the eyes meet. 

The first time I felt he was going to become special was when he decided to contact rai and frankenstein in order to survive. M21 was just a modified human struggling to survive (and still is by the way). His bond with m24 was so strong and his reaction when m24 died made me feel things I wasn't expecting. Suddenly this 'bad boy' didn't look as bad in my eyes.

M21 is strong. He is very powerful (enough to confront yuri, Dr. Aris and mark and defeat them and later defeat urne, a werewolf warrior). He is able to use a technique not many werewolves warriors can. To quote lunark: “And that skill that human used a minute ago. He was lacking a bit in power but he used a technique only our warriors know...” (chapter 455). She said he was lacking in power and was surprised he managed to use that ability. What if he wasn’t lacking in power? How much damage would he have caused? Another interesting fact that I like about him is how his werewolf form is always evolving. It’s like it changes to show he is more powerful.

This is in chapter 406

This is in chapter 456

He tries so hard to become stronger in order to protect his family, his comrades. He is not only strong physically but also mentally. He survived all those years thanks to his stubbornness, and even now he doesn't give up. When Irene was experimenting on him he always insulted/mocked her because he couldn't stand being treated as a disposable tool once again and thus, he rebelled. Of course, he paid the price since Irene tortured him, but he never cried. This brings me to my next point.

I really like his cool attitude and his sarcasm. He is stubborn yes but he always says what he thinks (unless it comes to his feelings) and isn't afraid of speaking up. Irene is an example, but so is regis. Let's not forget that both are nobles. Strong nobles. He also confronted frankenstein when he first arrived in the household (although now he knows better XD) and was able to make frank regain his senses after almost losing control to dark spear once. The only one besides him who did this, was rai, frank's master.

Frankenstein says later it was thanks to rajak's blood he came back to his senses, but you can see it's only after m21 screams that he wake up. Then frankenstein says to the trio (while he was smiling): “and you... stop yelling, it's starting to piss me off” (chapter 192). Although the image shows the trio, I can't help but wonder if he said that to m21. 

Also, this same guy decided to protect rai, the noblesse, and the strongest guy in this manhwa’s world (he still had enough energy at that time). Rai himself said this was the first time someone else besides frank said he would protect him. Can we talk about this? How come m21 was the only person (besides rai or frank) to say he would protect rai and to help frankenstein regain control of himself? I think this is very interesting and I really like his interactions with them. Of course, I love his interactions with other characters too, especially with the trio and when he is bickering with regis. Their interactions are most of the times hilarious (unless the situation is serious) and I really like that. Moreover, I like seeing m21 enjoying himself and having fun.

Furthermore, although he can be very sarcastic and cool/cold, he is can also be humble and nice. Like when he asked frankenstein if tao and takeo could live in the house and then frankenstein reminded him this was also his home. He gave tao and takeo a place they could call home and new comrades. 

I like how complex his character is (for me). The previous example is there to illustrate how he can be nice, but at the same time this reflects a bigger problem. The fact that m21 felt the need to ask frank shows how m21 is struggling with his feelings. M21 lives in frankenstein’s household yet he used to feel like he didn’t belong there. It shows how traumatized he is for being used as an experiment for so many years. He never felt like he belonged anywhere. He never had a home. Even the other experiments treated him (and m24) badly.

There are many reasons that could explain why m21 didn’t consider himself part of the household. Maybe it is because as an experiment he is used to being thrown away and he was expecting rai and frank to do the same? Or because he doesn't feel worthy of being happy/having a place where he belongs? I have no idea. I personally think that m21 can't forgive himself for being alive, for being the only survivor. Maybe he thinks/used to think he doesn't deserve to be happy because of it. I love him because he keeps on trying to live with m24 even though he could have given up. Considering all they went through I think this is amazing. He is, in a way, mentally very strong. Nevertheless, he now has a home with people who love him and would go as far as to declare war to another race for his sake. He is in a very different place from before. M21 understand this now.

While I love how mentally strong he can be when it is necessary, I also love the him that is insecure. The him that tries his best in order to protect his loved ones. The him whose only dream is to find his and his comrades names. His dream is so simple, and yet the fact that he still doesn't know shows how sad/painful his life is. Also, he only wanted to be human, to be normal, but the researchers didn’t care. To quote m21: “I never wanted these powers... I wanted to be human!” (chapter 407). Please protect him! Why must he always suffer??

Also, he is a very mysterious character. This is mainly obvious at the beginning of the manhwa. When we didn't know what his real intentions were and he always hid his feelings behind his poker face (he still does it). One of the reason why I love m21 is ironically, the fact that we don't know much about him. Whose heart does he possess? What is the limit of his power? Will he ever be able to fully transform like maduke? Why is crombel hiding his past and why is he hiding the fact that m21 betrayed him? So many questions and still no answer. 

Nevertheless, although he always has a poker face and he might seem cold, M21 is definitely not emotionless. He has seen too much, he has suffered too much, but he still cried when he thought m24 (mark) was alive. He also cried when rai came to his rescue in recent chapters. But m21 is still struggling with his feelings. One example is when he was surprised RK5 (or RK4 in this case) came to his rescue during the werewolf arc. Or when he asked them to leave (to protect them) after he decided to save lunark thinking they would actually do it. M21 knows he is loved but at the same time it's like he is still trying to convince himself this isn't a dream. And why wouldn't he? He lost his friends, his comrades to crombel and the scientists. He doesn't even know his real name. For all I know m21 might be older than he looks and has been suffering for many years being treated as an experiment with no one (besides m24) caring about his feelings. He doesn’t love himself and he is not yet used to being loved. Frankenstein’s household is helping him though and I think that’s beautiful. 

Anyway I just love m21 and I wanted to talk about him XD

[chidoroki]

The Promised Neverland S2EP7

aka: lucky #7 but no walls? ah..

Oh! They added Norman at the very beginning of the OP too, where you see the shadows running. At least, I assume that’s him.. did I miss that last week? Probably.

You know, all Emma has to do to prevent Norman’s extinction plan is to rage flip the table. It’ll cause both bottles of poison to shatter and earn her a plentiful amount of praise from me.

I don’t know why I like this shot of Norman’s reflection on the broken table so much but I do.. kind of like he’s broken too deep down.

“They’re definitely an uncertain and dangerous element to our plan. We have to find and kill them.” Oh, boy, you’re gonna wish you hadn’t said that.

Please anime, just have Emma throw the briefcase containing the poisons across the room.

Also, this shot of Norman sitting on the arm of the couch is good. I know the manga had him doing the same too during this conversation, but how the anime has him facing away from not only Emma & Ray but the light as well, causing his face to be covered in darkness is great.

Excuse me..? Norman, why do you also have a pen?

So the escape route at D100 was destroyed by the farms already?

Well yeah, Grace Field House holds an escape route, but so do the other farms, but I guess we don’t care about them right now.

Ohh Ray, that smirk of yours as “Existence of an Insider” kicked in was fantastic!

“If we chose our path based on certainty, we never would have escaped.” “And, as a result, I was shipped out.” Dude! That was your choice though?? Hello??

Damn, Norman acting so cold right now but I love seeing Ray get angry at him too. This might just be me, but I feel like they included Ray a little bit more during this entire scene, which I, of course, appreciate.

Yo, boss even slipped his hand out of Emma’s grasp.. also, no hug huh?

Not even a second later and Emma flips back to her usual optimistic self, completely unfazed as if nothing happened to make a deal with him. Have I said how much I love her yet?

Again, I love how this scene constantly has Norman’s face in the shadows.

Pfft, their little bickering about how many days he’ll give them both to find Sonju & Mujika.

Well, I guess this guarantees that The Seven Walls arc ain’t happening.. damn it!

ZAZIE!! ... AH why the fuck is your voice so low?? You’re 5!

Vincent makes Norman look so short, I can’t get over it.

Oh Barbara, that rage!

I kinda liked how the scene shifted in and out of focus as she was crying though.

“GF House” again.. but are we not gonna get the iconic “I will gladly become a god or a devil,” panel? Hmm, I guess it makes sense? I mean, Emma didn’t call him a god towards the end of their conversation so the anime wouldn’t have any reason to include it, but whatever. Still a shame.

“You’re going to go look for Sonju & Mujika? And in just five days?” “Is it reckless?” “Obviously!” Aw I love these kids, and Emma’s smile was so cute.

Ray, why you always gotta be leaning up against a wall?

I loved the shocked expression on Emma’s faces after Ray’s “she’s crazy” comment!

Don you’re such a good boy.

Aww the hug between Emma and Gilda though was cute.

I was so caught up in all the children’s chatter that I didn’t notice “Emma’s Determination” at first.

Oh! Emma is inviting Gilda to search with them!

And Ray invited Don too! Good! As it should be!

Of course we’re missing Ayshe completely, but ya know, the anime has been crushing all our hopes and dreams this season so that was to be expected.. damn it all! I can’t believe only 4 outta my top ten favorites are animated, how sad.

Wait! That little head bump between the girls was fucking adorable!!!

Oooh Norman’s seizure! So he was tested on during this timeline too.

Ah he coughed up blood! That’s from ch145!

Okay why are we getting a flashback from his shipment? I was doing so well with not getting emotional this episode, am I gonna fail right at the end? With “Isabella’s Lullaby” playing too?

Oh! Are we finally getting a glimpse at ch74?

“Good evening. It’s nice to meet you, Norman.” Shit, here he comes! Bastard #3 spoke words!

Makes me wonder though, if T7W isn’t animated, are we not gonna see the one true bastard either?  Yeah I despise him completely due to manga events, but then I have no idea how the children are gonna escape this world.. or how this season will end. It keeps me intrigued, I’ll admit that much.

[just-like-playing-tag]

Based on your current ask, i do like your analysic about Norman, make me know more about his prespective. But do you think Norman in love with Emma ( or do you support the ship Noremma? ) and will do anything for her even he has his own way to resolve things ?

About this

First of all: I had never really thought about this, so thank you very much Anon for prompting!

Ok I've been thinking about this a lot. To answer briefly: I believe the authors ment to leave the matter of Norman's feelings for Emma to the reader's imagination, and there isn't really a right answer. After this I'm putting a few considerations on how I personally interpret the character, but I believe it's really up to the reader. Which, at least for me, isn't that bad actually? The series never focused on romantic love, so I personally think it would have felt kinda weird to explore that aspect of Norman more in depth. I personally like it for how it is.

While reading the manga, my personal take had been that Norman had a crush on Emma back at Grace Field - one of these things you say to have when you're eleven, but that don't really mean "love" because at that age you don't even know what love is. But then, after having been parted from her for so long, it was something he somehow grow out of. Once he started being Minerva*, he had completely left behind the most childish sides of his personality to fully focus on doing the best he could to protect his family and all the children born to be cattle. Nota bene!! With that, I'm not saying he stopped loving Emma (that would be a very dumb thing to say lmao). I think he started seeing the feelings he had towards her under a different, more mature light- that may not correspond to love, but isn't any less deep. Romantically or not, Norman loves Emma.

(*Kinda irrelevant to the point but I'd like to specify: I actually think Norman leaving his child-self behind has even older roots to him taking on the Minerva facade, and exactly dates back to when Isabella announced his shipment. It was in that moment that he realized that wasn't a game, and that the escape - according to him - couldn't have taken place without having to sacrifice someone.)

But you see, these are more of headcanons, there's very few about canon to support this- it's just the idea I have of the character, and thus how I personally see him... And also how I like to interpret his feelings towards Emma.

To put it this way, this is just my headcanon to fill what I think can't be deducted from the manga. Or at least, that's what I thought until chapter 179, but that chapter made me significantly reconsider the whole thing?? It kinda delivered some details that could hint to Norman having carried his romantic feelings towards Emma till this moment. I'm talking about these panels in particular:

Maybe I was just naïve to ignore it in the past, and maybe there's been many other little hints of Norman's love for Emma I have been blind to; still, seeing this surprised me a lot. And that's simply because - as I just said - I thought Norman got over that kind of feelings; I thought he had left them at Grace Field. Practically speaking, he wouldn't have thought about them anymore, because that's not what his true feelings were. And yet here they are! Displayed as something still undeniably relevant inside of Norman. But if those feelings are still there then, what are they? I 11 y/o crush would definitely fade in two years, so you're telling me it was more than that? You're telling me a 11 years old loved someone?? Because nnnnnngghh maybe it's just me but that doesn't sound right... I personally wouldn't like it if that's how it is, that Norman meant t r u e l o v e. I don't really like the trope of children falling in love you know? Just- let children be children.

Could it be possible that Norman's childish crush over the years grow up to be something more? I guess that's a possibility! But let me be honest with you pal - it's my opinion that if you're living an apocalyptic scenario where not only you, but your entire specie isn't given to survive, then you probably don't have much time to reflect on questions like “are the feelings I had towards this one friend I had a crush on when I was 11 actually mean love?”.

Back when his life was at risk in Lambda, when he was all alone and separated from all of his friends, I find it much more likely he found the strength to go on with the constant thought that he wanted to see his family again (all of them, but especially Emma and Ray), that he loves them, and that he wants to live with them: his thoughts weren't directly focused on Emma, and as for how I see it it's likely that they didn't change much once he met her again.

It's true Emma was the reason he wanted to survive (together with the rest of his family) but peoples I... Just don't think that's enough to say that he loves her????? She's the person he's the closest to, she's his family, but that doesn't necessarily mean he romantically loves her. Maybe it's just inner me believing that romantic relationships are overrated, but still,,,

There's another aspect of the matter I want to take into account. If Norman romantically loves Emma, then what are his feelings towards Ray? It's true that Norman is shown thinking a lot more of Emma than to Ray (really, he's thoughts are always like: “Emma... oh and that one other guy - Ray - too ofc”); but between the fact that she's a person he deeply cared about who opposed his plan, that that she's the main character and the story obviously focuses more on her, and that Ray has been pretty much brushed aside the last few arcs, I think we can't take it as an hint of Norman's romantic feelings towards her.

My personal take on Norman's relationship with Ray is that Norman has the same feelings towards Ray than what he has for Emma; they're a trio, and they're ment to be together on all counts.

Tl;Dr: In my opinion, Norman and Emma are linked to an extremely deep bond; but if that bond is also equivalent of love is up to the reader.

But this is again and again only how I like it, more than something based on canon. My thoughts haven't changed much since I first catch up with the manga, that are: they are a trio that works perfectly together, and all of them have amazing chemistry; to take out one member would feel weird, and it would make everything much more unbalanced.

Now, if I support NorEmma as a ship is a different matter. I have friends and people I like in the fandom who ships them, so like... If I support them supporting their ship, I guess I can say I somehow support the ship myself (?). But yeah even though I'd like to say I ship all of the trio members equally, I admittedly ship NorEmma a bit less then the other two pairs. You have to understand... When I first started the series, I was watching this anime that looked very very cool, and all the children seemed great!! But then at the end of the second episode they slapped to my face this 11 y/I who "was in love", when I honestly was so over straight cliché and especially *children* love. It felt like someone had pour a bucket of ice on me and it kinda influenced how I saw the ship for a long time - as in, I really don't want to see them together.

But now I pretty much got over it! I saw lot of fan content that made me consider new aspects of their relationship, and now I guess they're cool, but it's just? I find the other two couples dynamics kinda more intriguing and appealing,,, but it's really just a matter of personal taste. I do generally like the trope of opposites attract you find with NorEmma, but also,, there's a significant lack of communication and understanding between Emma and Norman in the series that makes it hard for me to see them work together. Emma and Ray are often seen confronting their ideas and sharing their troubles and burdens, and it's quite canon that Norman and Ray think very alike so it comes very easy for me to think they would work just fine. But Norman has lied to Emma again and again, and I think they still have to work on communication and trust a lot.

Again, thank you very much Anon for asking!! This got quite long and includes additions from the very day you sent this till today, but it was really fun to reflect on. And thank you for your patience!!!