#~kages thread~

[novaxanomaly]

"Please don't leave the bed.." Sleepy Akina to Kage

PROMPTS FOR THE MORNING AFTER

Kage furrowed his brows at the words the sleepy elf spoke, "Why would I want to do that? When I would much rather do this?" he chuckled and moved closer to her and wrapped an arm around her to cuddle closer to her. "I could easily fall back to sleep like this."

[saturnmused]

@demonstigma ― nhalin & kage ― re: starter call.

❝ AND WHERE IS home for you ? ❞ normally, the lolth-sworn drow would avoid any kind of mingling with others, used to & much preferring to spend solitary time alone. but the other man has intrigued them today, & so here they sit, at the edge of their fire, while the others chat amongst themselves. nhalin hasn't gotten to know any of them well, but seeks to rectify this with kage, wondering what his story is & where he's come from, this enigmatic soul with a noticeable edge to him. chin lifts & mismatched gaze is unrelenting in its scrutiny of his form, as if trying to find weaknesses, areas to push & pry upon, if needed. ❝ it seems many of the others are from baldur's gate. is that where you call home, as well ? ❞

[noblehcart]

@demonstigma ( kage & henry )

"i do still believe there is some sort of scientific explanation- i just simply haven't figured it out yet."

because after decades of brushing into one another and discovering their immortalities dr. henry morgan refused to believe with full entirety that this man was a demon. or even a king for that matter. the only thing that was for certain was that neither of them had aged a day in the two hundred odd years of bumping into each other.

there was an answer somewhere and it certainly couldn't be magic or religion that was the answer to why after being shot on his father's ship in 1814 and dying that he was now immortal. he wanted to think that kage would help him answer that, but after the explanation of deals and his business as it were...well, he was less inclined to ask for favors.

"why are you here? in new york? some teenagers played with a Ouija board? is that all it takes to summon you because i'd imagine it's what keeps you so busy."

[sanguinelupus]

@demonstigma

"Something tells me you're not here to tell me what a wonderful job I'm doing on your behalf," Klaus states this the moment he sees Kage, because of course he's bound to have heard about all the ruckus happening in the city. It's not as if things have been quiet, at all. Still, Klaus remains seated in the library, bringing his drink to his lips. "If you're going to kill me, you'll have a difficult time with that, I'm afraid."

[raaskallen]

Kaged

[orphanedshadow]

continued from (x) with @demonstigma

           "That’s not a problem.“        He has the means to build an army already, at least he thinks so. It’s sizable but the capital forces still outnumber his…so perhaps the time to strike is not yet upon them. It does not hurt to continue building.      "Then you may enjoy what I’m about to tell you. There are eight lieutenants that serve under the King. There were nine of them, but I defected.  They’re called the Crownsguard. Said to be the strongest, the most lethal…the most cunning. Supposedly. Before we lay siege to the capital, I need them eliminated.”        “If it’s not realistic or feasible to eliminate all eight, that’s fine. But enough so that they don’t become a problem. I can give you their locations if you’re up for the task.”

The smile that formed on her face was one of predatory delight, that of a beast ready for a hunt. Powerful demons were her favourite kind of prey, and when they were connected and would likely realize they were being targeted…well that was even better.

“The crownsguard… Now they sound fun. That is the kind of information I would usually be hunting people down to obtain, not the sort I get offered.”

She leaned back against the wall, fingers tapping against one of her knife-sheaths as her mind filled with tantalising possibilities. “I am not the sort to promise, but I have no problem playing with them for a bit, seeing how much damage I can do. They are not easy targets, but that is where the fun is. Give me the information, and I will make things happen, and hopefully those things will include more than a few casualties.”

[empty-movement]

Bud of the White Rose: EVERYTHING

HEY. HI. VANNA HERE. Yes, I've seen the countless messages, mostly on Tumblr, begging for links to download the musical, a static accessible copy of the script, and lyrics in Japanese for the main banger, Absolute Darkness: The Rose Garden.

I've procrastinated on this for many reasons! The script was worked out live in the subtitles, making it...kinda hard to translate back into a normal format. Thanks Notepad++ as always for that one. Also, I've felt like I should make a website for this content, and I still think that, but it also has impeded my sharing the content, and that sucks. But you know what? WE HAVE A FORUM. And unlike Discord, this will be archived and permanent! (Yes, I will do the 2019 Black Rose one as well, gimmie time)

2018's Musical Utena ~ Bud of the White Rose: Script & Everything Else!

(Oh, did you want the 2019 Blooming Rose of Deepest Black? Made that post too!!)

Ok fine, I know most of you want the banger lyrics and are too lazy to click for the thread:

M6: Absolute Darkness: The Rose Garden (plays after Saionji loses the duel) (Note, the romanization is via google, though I did check that it sounded right! The Japanese is from the program book.)

WAKABA: Wrapped in a nostalgic fragrance…​ 懐かしい香りに包まれた​ Natsukashii kaori ni tsutsuma reta​ NANAMI: …sealed with the wax crest of a red rose, a formal invitation arrives.​ 赤い薔薇の刻印に 飾られた招待状​ Akai bara no kokuin ni kazara reta shoutaijou​ MIKI: A white rose is pinned to the chest, this becomes the target.​ 胸に差した白き 薔薇を目印にして​ Mune ni sashita shiroki bara wo mejirushi ni shite​ JURI: The desperate search for you, a pursuit that begins on the night of the ball.​ 君を探し求める 舞踏会の夜​ Kimi wo sagashimotomeru budoukai no yoru​ SAIONJI: A heavy gate opens… and then! The sharp point of a sword—​ 重い扉は開き 鋭き剣先は​ Omoi tobira ha hiraki surudoki kensaki ha​ TOUGA: …plucks at the strings of destiny, and the music swells…​ 運命の音楽つま弾く​ Unmei no ongaku tsumabiku​

EVERYONE: The two of you begin to dance, and before long hurt one another.​ 君と君を求む者が舞う やがて互いを傷つける​ Kimi to kimi wo motomu mono ga mau yagate tagai wo kizutsukeru​ EVERYONE: A dance turned to a duel. Just like puppets…​ 決闘と化し まるで人形のように​ Kettou to kashi marude ningyou no you ni​ EVERYONE: …at the mercy of a god’s rhythm, two shadows suspended in absolute darkness.​ 神のリズムに翻弄される 漆黒に浮かぶ 二人の影​ Kami no rizumu ni honrou sareru shikkoku ni ukabu futari no kage​ EVERYONE: The rose garden… And you — the Bride.​ 薔薇の花園 花嫁の君​ Bara no Hanazono hanayome no kimi​ ANTHY: When the rose petals are scattered…​ 輪のバラの散らされた (As in the program, but not accurate to the sung lyric, which I will use from here on.)​ 一輪の薔薇の散らされた (Accurate to the lyrics, credit to barafubuki's initial Japanese script)​ Ichirin no bara no chirasa reta ​ ANTHY: …you turn up your face to the heavens…​ 天空を見上げれば​ tenkuu wo miagereba​ UTENA: …and there you see the illusory castle that will descend, someday.​ 幻の城いつか御許に 舞い降りる​ Maboroshi no shiro itsuka mimoto ni maioriru​

EVERYONE: At the mercy of a god’s rhythm, two shadows suspended in absolute darkness.​ 神のリズムに翻弄される 漆黒に浮かぶ 二人の影​ Kami no rizumu ni honrou sareru shikkoku ni ukabu futari no kage​ EVERYONE: The rose garden… And you — the Bride.​ 薔薇の花園 花嫁の君​ Bara no Hanazono hanayome no kimi​ EVERYONE: We’ll never be separated again!​ 二度と離さない…​ Nidoto hanasanai…​

M25: Absolute Darkness: The Rose Garden ~ Reprise ​ NANAMI: Grasping for control…​ 狂わされた運命​ Kuruwasareta unmei ​ MIKI: …of a mad fate…​ 支配された​ shihai sareta​ NANAMI: …a spirit bound without hope…​ 魂縛り付けて​ Tamashii shibaritsukete ​ MIKI: …to a vast world of emptiness.​ 広がる虚無の世界​ hirogaru kyomu no sekai​ SAIONJI: There in the smoldering fire is an indelible portrait…​ 炎で燃やしつくしても 消えない肖像​ Honou de moyashi tsukushite mo kienai shouzou​ WAKABA: …rescued by a shadow from inside the frame.​ 絵の中から救ってくれる あの人の影​ E no naka kara sukutte kureru ano hito no kage ​ JURI: Countless illusions of who you are, overlapping each other…​ 無数のあなたの幻影が 重なり合ってかつての​ Musuu no anata no gen'ei ga kasanariatte katsute no​ EVERYONE: …and painting over the real you.​ 自分を塗りつぶしていく​ Jibun wo nuritsubushite iku​ ANTHY: Even in absolute darkness, I feel your warm hands pulling me forward…​ 漆黒の闇もあなたの手の温もり感じ前に進む​ Shikkoku no yami mo anata no te no nukumori kanji mae ni susumu​ ANTHY: …toward the sunlit garden that's surely ahead.​ 光の庭にたどり着く日は きっと来る​ Hikari no niwa ni tadoritsuku hi ha kittokuru​ ANTHY: Then, you'll let go of my hand, and it won’t even matter if we’re separated…​ その時にあなたが手を離して 去っていっても構わない​ Sonotoki ni anata ga te wo hanashite satte itte mo kamawanai​ ANTHY: …because your warmth will stay with me, for all eternity…​ 温もり忘れない きっと永遠（とわ）に…​ Nukumori wasurenai kitto eien (towa) ni…​ ​ (dialogue cut - note that there is also dialogue occurring over and between the lyrics from here, so I will only note large breaks)​ ​ NANAMI: Grasping for control…​ 狂わされた運命​ Kuruwasa reta unmei ​ MIKI: …of a mad fate…​ 支配された​ shihai sa reta​ NANAMI: …a spirit bound without hope…​ 魂縛り付けて​ Tamashiishibaritsukete ​ MIKI: …to a vast world of emptiness.​ 広がる虚無の世界​ hirogaru kyomu no sekai​ SAIONJI: There in the smoldering fire is an indelible portrait…​ 炎で燃やしつくしても 消えない肖像​ Honou de moyashi tsukushite mo kienai shouzou​ WAKABA: …rescued by a shadow from inside the frame.​ 絵の中から救ってくれる あの人の影​ E no naka kara sukutte kureru ano hito no kage ​ JURI: Countless illusions of who you are, overlapping each other…​ 無数のあなたの幻影が 重なり合ってかつての​ Musuu no anata no gen'ei ga kasanariatte katsute no​ EVERYONE: …and painting over the real you.​ 自分を塗りつぶしていく​ Jibun wo nuritsubushite iku​ ANTHY: Even in absolute darkness, I feel your warm hands pulling me forward…​ 漆黒の闇もあなたの手の 温もり感じ前に進む​ Shikkoku no yami mo anata no te no nukumori kanji mae ni susumu​ ANTHY: …toward the sunlit garden that's surely ahead.​ 光の庭にたどり着く日は きっと来る​ Hikari no niwa ni tadoritsuku hi ha kittokuru​ ANTHY: Then, you'll let go of my hand, and it won’t even matter if we’re separated…​ その時にあなたが手を離して 去っていっても構わない​ Sonotoki ni anata ga te wo hanashite satte itte mo kamawanai​ ANTHY: …because your warmth will stay with me, for all eternity…​ 温もり忘れない きっと永遠（とわ）に…​ Nukumori wasurenai kitto eien (towa) ni…​

(dialogue cut)​ ​ EVERYONE: When the rose petals are scattered…​ 一輪の薔薇の散らされた​ Ichirin no bara no chirasareta ​ EVERYONE: …you turn up your face to the heavens…​ 天空を見上げれば​ tenkuu wo miagereba​ EVERYONE: …and there you see the illusory castle that will descend, someday.​ 幻の城いつか御許に 舞い降りる​ Maboroshi no shiro itsuka mimoto ni maioriru​ EVERYONE: At the mercy of a god’s rhythm, two shadows are suspended in absolute darkness.​ 神のリズムに翻弄される 漆黒に浮かぶ 二人の影​ Kami no rizumu ni honrou sareru shikkoku ni ukabu futari no kage​ EVERYONE: The rose garden… And you — the Bride.​ 薔薇の花園 花嫁の君​ Bara no Hanazono hanayome no kimi​ EVERYONE: We’ll never be separated again!​ 二度と離さない…​ Nidoto hanasanai…​ ​ (credits/cast walk-on)​ ​ UTENA: When the rose petals are scattered…​ 一輪の薔薇の散らされた​ Ichirin no bara no chirasa reta ​ UTENA: …you turn up your face to the heavens…​ 天空を見上げれば​ tenku wo miagereba​ UTENA: …and there you see the illusory castle that will descend, someday.​ 幻の城いつか御許に 舞い降りる​ Maboroshi no shiro itsuka mimoto ni maioriru​ EVERYONE: At the mercy of a god’s rhythm, two shadows are suspended in absolute darkness.​ 神のリズムに翻弄される 漆黒に浮かぶ 二人の影​ Kami no rizumu ni honrou sareru shikkoku ni ukabu futari no kage​ EVERYONE: The rose garden… And you — the Bride.​ 薔薇の花園 花嫁の君​ Bara no Hanazono hanayome no kimi​ EVERYONE: We’ll never be separated again!​ 二度と離さない…​ Nidoto hanasanai…​

(credits/cast walk-on)​

UTENA: When the rose petals are scattered...​ 輪の薔薇の散らされた​ Ichirin no bara no chirasa reta ​ UTENA: ...you turn up your face to the heavens...​ 天空を見上げれば​ tenkū o miagereba​ UTENA: ...and there you see the illusory castle that will descend, someday.​ 幻の城いつか御許に 舞い降りる​ Maboroshino-jō itsuka omoto ni maioriru​

EVERYONE: At the mercy of a god’s rhythm, two shadows are suspended in absolute darkness.​ 神のリズムに翻弄される 漆黒に浮かぶ 二人の影​ Kami no rizumu ni honrō sareru shikkoku ni ukabu futari no kage​ EVERYONE: The rose garden... And you — the Bride.​ 薔薇の花園 花嫁の君​ Bara no Hanazono hanayome no kimi​ EVERYONE: We’ll never be separated again!​ 二度と離さない…​ Nidoto hanasanai…

[martialartslover7]

Weird Wednesday Headcanon: Outside of Team 7, Neji, Shikamaru and Kiba sympathize the most with Sasuke's fall from grace after the Five Kage Summit.

Alright, this is another headcanon of mine that can be written off as "mental", but hear me out, this has so much potential.

I'd like to think that, outside of Team 7, Sasuke wasn't just closely acquainted with Naruto, Sakura or Kakashi, but also:

Neji (whom we even got a small teaser hint of a rivalry between him and Sasuke for, which sadly, never came to be, because Byakugan VS Sharingan is a question in the community, that truly needs answering)

Shikamaru (shogi rivals, nuff' said, the only guy, that managed to corner Shikamaru at his own game, I mean, Sasuke is meant to be a genius too, so, why not?)

Kiba (just being around him, Sasuke's IQ just automatically decreases, but in a fun way, like Renji and Uryu from Bleach, considering, Kiba had lived most of his life, surrounded by moody, dominating women, and he might be Sasuke's "stay-in wingman", when it comes to Sakura, or they would just talk about how tiring women can be, but they do manage to get best results out of you with their motivation, and he would be way easier to handle for Sasuke, because unlike Naruto, Kiba ain't braindead)

These are the three main players, but if you want, you can also put Choji and Rock Lee into the mix, considering that, later down the road, Sasuke's and Choji's daughter would end up becoming besties, and if Might Guy wouldn't survive the war, he and Lee can become the new Kakashi and Might Guy, the next generation, if you will. And this is ironic, because...

...just by coincidence, who else was sent to get Sasuke back, to prevent him from defecting to Orochimaru? Ah yes.

But now, I get to the meat and bones of this thread. And that being, the reason why I believe personally, it was a wasted opportunity to not give Sasuke more personal allies that sympathize with his actions, after he joined the Akatsuki.

Like, NO ONE can tell me, that the Uchiha weren't the only ones, who were under close observation within Konoha borders, by the elders. Sure, they were the biggest target, but it leaves you asking, especially in regards to those clans, who are either the strategist faction, or possess sensory type abilities: What about them? Wouldn't they suspect that something was going horribly wrong over there, at the Uchiha compound? Did absolutely NO ONE hear the screams, or blood splatters? I am just not sold on the idea that EVERYONE in Konoha blindly agreed to Tobirama's discriminatory policies, some had to know better than most. The select few, who weren't exactly fans of just distancing themselves from another clan, all because some frankly racist piece of garbage for a Hokage said so, along with the useless shitstains, that are the Konoha elders, especially Danzo.

And now, three people come to mind, where I truly felt like, they could have been there that night, when the Uchiha clan was being slaughtered, and they were either too late to stop it, or Itachi had knocked them out with his Genjutsu (which purposely contradicts Madara's propaganda about "no one in the village cared about the Uchiha, and only saw them as tools"). And ironically, they are probably the very select few of the adult shinobi, who weren't complete sub-human trash.

Hizashi Hyuga.

Shikaku Nara.

Tsume Inuzuka.

Just picture these three adults being the only ones, who caught on to what was happening, through not just the screams of terror, the smell of blood, or seeing through the walls with the Byakugan from Hizashi. But sadly, by the time they arrive, most of the Uchiha were already slaughtered. And right before they could even act to evacuate those, who may have survived, Itachi arrives, and knocks them clean out with his Tsukuyomi, not killing them, as their passing would just cause an uproar throughout the village, the following day.

And once Danzo learns, that three non-Uchiha, Leaf shinobi, were actually present that night, and they may or may not have caught a glimpse of who else was there that night, Hizashi, Shikaku and Tsume were forced to stay silent on the matter, as Danzo threatened them, through the lense of the ROOT Anbu:

"Dare to let a single word about last night's events slip, then your clans will be receiving severe repurcussions."

I mean, sure, it's kind of silly to try and silence three unrelated Leaf ninja into keeping silent, but considering how paranoid the elderly can be, especially Danzo, I wouldn't put it past him to actually go there.

And how convenient, because as the story progressed, two of these adults would wind up deceased. Shikaku died in the 4th Great Ninja war. One piece of the puzzle, gone.

Hizashi would actually be the first one to die, before all two of them, because the Hyuga clan was trying to mend their security blunder that one fateful night, when someone from Kumogakure tried to kidnap Hinata. But keeping in mind everything I just said, it just adds another layer to how corrupt this shinobi system truly is. Who is to say, Danzo basically bribed the Hyuga elders to sacrifice Hizashi, in place of Hiashi, because he couldn't possibly risk that one defiant Hyuga showing lip to the Hokage? Something to think about. Even if Hiruzen remains a useless piece of shit. You can never be TOO careful, right?

Tsume would probably be the only adult to keep on living, to tell the tale, and through her, does Kiba learn, how deep the rabbit hole with Danzo actually goes, and how Sasuke's hatred for the village MIGHT be """mildly""" justified. Especially if Neji and Shikamaru were to approach him about their own clan blunders, involving Danzo, right after his passing at the hands of Sasuke.

But especially Neji, man... If everything I said gets applied in practice, it would mean, outside of Naruto, he might also be considered worthy of facing Sasuke in battle, after the Five Kage Summit. Because, not only does he more than understand how it truly feels to lose family and loved ones, but also, how this entire shinobi system is essentially screwing over those, who were unfortunate enough to be born into families, that get treated like dirt by the government, that is supposed to protect them. Just imagine their exchange, while Kiba faces off against Jugo, and Shikamaru holds Suigetsu at bay.

"A slave to your own family... I really don't need another moral lecture from a man, who willingly decided to stick to his own kin, despite them viewing you as nothing short of cannonfodder. And yet, despite it all, you still side with them... Run, Neji. Run and hide with your insignificant existence weighing you down, before I tear you to pieces." --Sasuke

"No, Sasuke. You're wrong. If it's any consolation, I am more than able to sympathize with your current state of mind. As of recently, I had to learn the hard way, that you and I, at the end of the day, are not so different. Believe me, you're not the only one, who was royally screwed over by the same village that you once swore to protect. The only reason, why I am not defecting, is because I still have family left to protect... Which is something I cannot say on your behalf, as much as it saddens me to say this. You have every right to hate us. Especially considering, we believed the rumors first, leaving no room for you to speak up and defend yourself. I didn't come to lecture you. And I won't run... because I am going to make you listen." --Neji

Pretty epic, isn't it? I am sorry, Neji is just the GOAT to me, and anything to make him and Sasuke spiritual broskies, I am here for that. Just visualize how adrenaline-driven their encounter would end up being, if you add the Bankakyo Byakugan into the mix. This is how Neji's Bankakyo would look like (source by Aleister Brown):

And for context on what this eye gives Neji for busted abilities, which make him a more or less equal match to Sasuke, after he got Itachi's eyes implanted:

Left eye: Foresight (he can look 10 seconds into the future, to predict Sasuke's moves, before he could even pull them off)

Right eye: Timeskip (improves his Taijutsu, by basically freezing time all around himself, and teleporting, at anything his eyes can see for time)

And, to make it even, with the Bankakyo, you can even summon a chakra avatar, similar to the Susano'o called, Sarutakahiko, take a look:

And because it's me, this is the music that plays in my mind, every time I am trying to visualize their fight, with these conditions being met:

...and to end this thread on a more comical note, when I said, Sasuke's IQ lowers around Kiba, and I compared the two to Renji and Uryu, here is why. It's even more ironic when you consider, Uryu and Sasuke have the same seiyuu! Noriaki Sugiyama! Check it:

OK, OK, enough with that. Have a nice day.

PEACE.

[saturnmused]

@demonstigma // continued from here.

the shot is impressive, especially given that the scrying eye is the one at the most risk of exposing their plans. astarion isn't easily impressed, this is true; but kage does it relatively easily, at least compared to the others. there are many reasons why they get along so well, all good reasons for which the vampire spawn trusts fighter more than anyone else at camp. however, other's flirtations are something that he's had to get used to, and while kage is only teasing, astarion finds it familiar and difficult to be the subject of affections. ❝ trying to court me, kage ? honestly, you'd think i was a damsel in distress. ❞ the pale elf makes a gesture, as if to say, 'do continue'. ❝ you do seem to wield it well . . . you have the steady confidence to match. you're very convincing. ❞

[miidnighters]

It's the end of 2024, and man what a wild time this year has been for me. A whole host of things changed in my life but I knew I always had this space to fall back on. I came back to RP in October 2023, so this time last year I was still somewhat finding my feet but this year things really took off, and I have made some real friends that I absolutely treasure. Anyone who's followed me for a bit knows that I love surprising u all w a follow forever because I love to shout out the people who have made being here so fun and so special.

Much love to you all and I hope 2025 brings you everything you've ever wanted ♡.

@92328 / @laidbear

Every time I see you pop up in my notifications, I know I’m in for a treat. Your creativity is unmatched, and I love how real all your characters thoughts and motivations are even if it’s unconventional. I’m always so excited for whatever you have planned next.

@defloweir

We also haven’t written together a heap yet but I think your characters are really interesting and I’m really enjoying what we’re starting to do together with Callie and Colt. I’m excited to start digging into some of the others.

@demonstigma

Kage is so well-crafted, and I’m always wanting more every time we write together. You have such an incredible way of balancing chaos and heart, and I’m obsessed with our nonsense.

@epistrefei / @kinlochs

I know Artemis is a little quiet right now, but even though they were the one that sparked us off first, I love every single character you make. Every plot feels so rich and alive, and I’m so excited for whatever we cook up next.

@exquisitexagony / @cursedvessels / @distantsongsofjoy

Moss, the way you explore Sami's happiness and pain (as Arthur) and growth is so compelling. No matter what blog you’re on, I’m always excited for what we’ll create next together. You’re a star.

@filthystill

We also haven't been writing very long but even already it seems like your brand of nonsense matches my brand of nonsense. Your characters seem so interesting and I can't wait to see what else we cook up.

@freekzout / @hungryyheart

The most chaotic yet well-crafted duo I’ve ever seen. Not only that, but the rag-tag team on the multi, and Conrad (getting war flashbacks from that one time I called him Conan w my whole chest)? You bring so much life to every plot, and I love seeing the wild ideas we come up with take shape. Truly iconic.

@fvzzyelf

You are such a light on my dash. The creativity and care you bring to Kurt (and all your other characters) is so inspiring, and every time we write together, it’s something truly special. I’m so lucky to get to collaborate with you.

@gingerspiice

The way you craft Frenchie is so detailed and compelling to me. Every thread we’ve started is so fun, and even when you’re not writing with me I love seeing what shenanigans Frenchie is up to with everyone else.

@gollldrush

I know we’ve only really just started writing but I’ve seen you writing with other people on the dash and I’m already in love with Leo and Billie’s antics. I can’t wait to see what else we can throw together.

@idnull

The layers you bring to your characters is so inspiring. You’ve created some of the most complex and intriguing characters I’ve ever seen, and it’s always such a joy to explore their dynamics with mine no matter what pair or context we throw together.

@inrovina / @holyrots

There’s no character of yours that doesn’t feel alive and captivating. The way you build worlds and relationships is nothing short of masterful, and I’m so excited to play in this huge interconnected network we’ve built.

@interxstitial

I love seeing how Jiwon interacts with anyone I throw at him, and every dynamic we’ve explored has been so fun and meaningful. He and Flynn especially are so special to me, and I can’t wait to see what else we can throw together.

@kurjaks

Every time I see your writing, I’m blown away by Kurjak. Full stop. I’ve said it before but the choices you make for him, be it what he says or how he acts are so interesting and it makes for such compelling interactions.

@narrativedemanded / @narrativeanomaly / @narrativeobsession

The way you write your characters is so rich and full of life—I’m always captivated by the way you bring them to the forefront. The threads we’ve had by just throwing muses together have been some of the most fun I’ve had in ages.

@recitedemise / @mageister

Dean, your writing is like poetry, and I’m constantly in awe of the way you bring Gale and Dorian to life. Every thread feels so rich, and I can’t wait to see what more we can create together. You’re truly amazing.

@sorrowsick

Elliot, your creativity knows no bounds. Every time we come up with something, it feels fresh and exciting and just a little insane. I love the relationships we’ve built, and I’m so excited for whatever wild ideas we dream up next. 

@starlyht

You bring so much creativity and heart to everything you do. Every character you write feels so real and captivating, and as much as I love our interactions with Sol’rys and Fox, I’m so excited to explore this new stuff with Kyran and Sszefryn too.

@strszyga

Klava is so interesting to me. I love that she’s not easy to talk to in the first instance, because it makes me think of how my own characters interact differently. I can’t wait to see what else we do.

@soulmissed

The way you write August’s emotions is so beautiful and raw. Every interaction feels so meaningful, and I’m always excited to see where our threads will go. You’re such a talent.

@tewwor

You’re a master of chaos, and I love every second of it. Your characters and concepts are so vibrant and full of life, and I’m always so excited to see what we come up with together - or what you’re coming up with with other people.

@unpossession

Willow is such an incredibly rich and captivating character, and I love how we've started exploring her dynamics with Bella and Flynn. I'm so looking forward to what else we can throw together.

@vitalphenomena

I am in awe of your mind. The world building and depth you bring to your characters is so inspiring, and I’m so glad we get to write together. Every thread we put together is so much fun. 

@whileurmine

Every thread we’ve done has been an absolute joy. Your characters feel so real and layered, and I’m always so excited to see what we come up with next - particularly when it comes to the Roosevelt men and what grief my characters are giving them.

Also special shoutout to my darlings who were/are on hiatus but who I still think about lots:

@abysswarden @bloodykneestm @cigarettesandcoffee / @whiskeyneat @draconisa / @fairytaletold @fangmother / @luxbrumalix @pohlepen @solrites @womanlives @yxkanna / @cxldblxxded

[novaxanomaly]

Kage squeezed Eboni's hand, and sighed.

Jax wrapped his arms around Riona protectively.

Enkai sighed, "she is ok."

Mika chuckled "come here you." he moved to pick the nymph up and brought him upstairs to his room.

Mission: Rescue Enkai || Closed Starter

@co11ywobbles

Enkai didn't know anything, as he lay passed out on the floor of a wooden shed somewhere.

Before this, he was lounging in the back yard of his childhood home, and dozed off waiting for his girlfriend to show up. He is a deep sleeper, so he didn't notice anything when he was kidnapped.

~~~

Ayaka walked into the backyard with Mira, after giving her a ride home on her bike. "Remember, shush about what I said about your brother... I kinda like making him wonder if I like him or not... his faces are so cute.." She said and dropped her bag on the ground next to the lounge chair Enkai would have been in if he was there.

[just-somehuman]

May I request some silly Ayakoi HCs? I read my very first fic after so long, and it makes me crave more silliness.

And silly headcanons you shall have. They be here.

Silly ARR Headcanons

(spoilers ahead watch out 🤫)

- Aoi occasionally puts in coloured contact lenses of the opposite colour in his eyes (yellow in the green eye and green in the yellow eye) to mess with Oji

- Shizuki took Toichiro's shed fur (also hc that he sheds) and stuffed it in a pillow. He gifted it to Kuya when he wore a hole in his, and he's never found out... 🤫

- Koga was a bit reckless using his powers once and a little girl saw him in his ayakashi form, and the only way to get her to keep quiet about it was letting her decorate his horns. So he went home with some bows on his horns that day.

- SPEAKING OF DECORATING AYAKASHI FEATURES, headcanoning (wtf) that Oji has a form with all 100 eyes, and he's 100% tried putting makeup on all of them don't fight me on this

- I know Shizuki's broken some invaluable ornament Toichiro bought, but he just... hid it... and threw it away... silently... "Toichiro-Sama, you owned no such item. Your frivolous spending has gotten to your head. Perhaps it would be in your favour to spend wisely next month."

- Koga invited the twins to go for hotpot once, but Yura started mixing his with sweet bean paste so he never invited them again.

- I KNOW Yura got his flute stolen by a critter before, but his slow ass couldn't catch it, so he had to beg Gaku to go find it for him 👉👈

- Oh and Aki's egret has definitely poked him in the ass before.

- Headcanon that Kuro's snakes on his beast form are separate living entities. When Ginnojo finds mice in his plumbing or something (don't ask me why he has mice in his home), he just hands them over to Kuro to feed to his snakes.

- And Yura (without the curse) can definitely charm the snakes.

- Just remembering that Oboro is a mouse so it probably won't go well for him if he meets Kuro in his beast form.

- What sort of headcanons list would this be if I didn't include my BOYFRIEND?? Kagemaru doesn't only like summer because he hates Shizuki and because he can wear loose kimono and look sexy in them. It's mosquito season, so he just plucks them from the air and eats them. Spider stuff, I guess...

- Kage's used his spiderwebs? Spider threads? in place of yarn before to play with Nachi in his cat form. Or just cats in general.

- And now that we've mentioned animal behaviours, Yakumo's bat ass sleeps upside down. He can recreate the Spiderman scene with his doll if he wants to.

- I ALMOST FORGOT KYONOSUKE. He canonically takes care of the flowers in Mrs Oyama's garden, and I imagine that he did when he was younger too, maybe as his way of expressing gratitude or compensating her for adopting him? ANYWAYS when he was younger, he definitely got stung by ivy and pricked by thorns because he didn't know what the hell he was doing, and he got his ass handed to him by Taketora.

- BONUS BECAUSE I ALREADY MENTIONED HIM AND I CAN'T JUST NOT TALK ABOUT HIM NOW: yes he was a strict father with high expectations for his sons, but his boys knew that they could go to him if they needed anything ❤️

- this is supposed to be silly not sweet

- MRS OYAMA IS NOT AFRAID TO SMACK TAKETORA WHEN HE PUTS CASUAL CLOTHING ON (it's canon he also has an atrocious fashion sense)

- that's all for now gng 🤞

[konjaku]

糸桜[Itozakura] Cerasus itosakura f. itosakura

It is a variety of 江戸彼岸(C. itosakura) with drooping branches. Another name is 枝垂桜. The type with reddish flower color is called 紅枝垂. 江戸[Edo] means old name of Tokyo, 彼岸[Higan] means equinoctial week, 糸[Ito] means thread, yarn, string etc., 枝垂[Shidare] means drooping branches, 紅[Beni] means crimson or red.

The following three old sakura trees are known as 三大桜[Sandai sakura](The Three Great Sakuras).

山高 神代桜[Yamataka Jindaizakura] in Yamanashi Prefecture https://maps.app.goo.gl/kSDJgxyQRMMz5TWG6

根尾谷 淡墨桜[Neodani Usuzumizakura] in Gifu Prefecture https://maps.app.goo.gl/z5yn79dcM4HWPSKt9

三春 滝桜[Miharu Takizakura] in Fukushima Prefecture https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1JHr4Se4y5G6QER6

They are listed in order of age. And, they are all Edohigan, with only Takizakura being Benishidare among them.

影は瀧 空は花なり 糸櫻

[Kage wa taki sora wa hana nari itozakura] Itozakura, its shadow is like a waterfall, and when looking up, the sky is filled with its flowers By 加賀 千代女[Kaga-no Chiyo-jo] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuda_Chiyo-ni

瀧 and 櫻 are the old forms of 滝 and 桜, respectively.

[ivory-lamps]

L4mps - Ivory (full size) / Romaji & English Translation

Credits:

▼L4mps

Nagi Hachinoya (voice: Shogo Sakata / 坂田 将吾) Toi Shiramitsu (voice: Yuki Sakakibara / 榊原 優希) Ryui Shiramitsu (voice: Shohei Komatsu / 小松 昌平) Yodaka Natsume (voice: Takao Mitsutomi / 光富 崇雄) Netaro Yowa (voice: Shun Horie / 堀江 瞬)

Lyrics: OHTORA Composition: maeshima soshi / OHTORA Arrangement: maeshima soshi

【Movie】 Director/collage：iga kitty Character illustration：Morimachiko (もりまちこ) Animation：Higashino (ひがしの) Composite：tugutugu Project Manager：Satoru Araki (荒木悟)

Romaji

Omoidoori ni ikanai mainichi ya Matowari tsuita shigarami datte

Tebanasu yuuki mo tama ni wa hitsuyou sa Hodokiau hakuchuumu no sora

Shiawase hakobu ichirin no hana Kitto ore ni wa niawanai kara

Sajikagen hitotsu de samagawaru joukei ni Tayasuku utsurou kimochi no you

Otentosama ga otoshita kage mo Hi ga kureta koro ni wa kiete nakunatteru

Toozakete shiawase ga Shiranai dareka no tokoro e fujichaku shite Bokura wa sore o mimamotteru

Konya dake wa odotteokure Nanimokamo subete wasurete shimaou Ikitsugi teido no kyou de ii sa Yuube no madoromi ni tokedasu ivory

Yatterannai kako wo nageita wa Nigeba no nai genjitsu ni oiyararete

Kuda wo maita risoukyou ni yumeutsutsu Bonyari ukanda uzoumuzou Tameiki uousaou

Makotoshiyaka na mayakashi mo Itsuka kokoro no naka mebuite

Saite wa kare wo kurikaeshite Tane wo maite shimau kamo ne

Hiroi sekai no katasumi de Umarete shimatta sabishisa nante Hitotsu ni tokeatte shimaeba…

Furisosogu sadame no saki ni wa Ikutsumo no dorama ga matteiru hazu da yo Michiafure yadoru hikari ga Ito no you ni jinsei wo orinashite

Konya dake wa odotte okure Nanimokamo subete wasurete shimaou Ikitsugi teido no kyou de ii sa Yuube no madoromi ni tokedasu ivory

English Translation

Every day when things don’t go as planned And the chains that coil around [us]

The courage to let go is also needed at times The sky in the daydream unravels itself

A single flower that carries happiness I’m sure it won’t suit me

The scene that completely changes at your own discretion Just like [those] easily contagious feelings

Even the shadows created by the sun Will be gone when the sun sets

The happiness that were kept at a distance Had an emergency landing And we’re watching over it

Dance, just for tonight Let us forget everything It’s okay to take a breather for today Ivory dissolves into the evening slumber

Lamenting over the past you can’t deal with Being cornered by reality with no escape

Rambling while being half asleep in paradise A crowd hazily comes to mind [I] let out a sigh as [I] wander aimlessly

Seemingly real deceptions will Also someday sprout in my heart

It blooms, then wilts, repeating itself Perhaps the seeds will then end being sown

If the loneliness that’s Born in the corner of the vast world All melts together as one, then…

Beyond the destinies raining down on [us] Several dramas should be awaiting [us] there The overflowing light that remains Will intertwine like threads to create [our] life 

Dance, just for tonight Let us forget everything It’s okay to take a breather for today Ivory dissolves into the evening slumber

[slumberinglabyrinth]

Found a really old bbs thread about Giffca and they used 影武者 (kagemusha/"shadow warrior") to describe his professional relationship to Caineghis. This has reasonably different connotations than the localization's usage of "shadow" (which, while not entirely inaccurate, could come off as either someone who acts behind the scenes or does shady stuff, or someone who is inseparable and a permanent part of their entourage), where a kagemusha is at their core a political decoy (doing stuff like "I'll sit on the throne while the king goes on important trips so our enemies don't realize our domestic leadership is disrupted" or "I'll pretend to be the king after he passes to give his actual successor time to grow into the role") which is, interestingly enough, the exact opposite of his relationship with Caineghis (Giffca is the one who travels while Caineghis stays at home to prevent a void in leadership).

The games never use 影武者 to describe him, just 影 (kage/"shadow", like in the localization), but since his profile in the first artbook uses 影武者, it seems reasonably likely that 影 is meant to invoke 影武者, especially since the two places where it's used aren't places where his role as an envoy would be highlighted: Caineghis going "hey i know he's still in the room but don't worry about him. we're cool." in Chapter 9 (using shadow because he's not the focus of the conversation) and Ashnard mocking Caineghis for sending Giffca and not fighting him himself (using shadow to mean 'unimportant henchman' rather than 'envoy').

I would be unsurprised if this is where his line about fighting Ashnard as an "impostor [of Caineghis]" comes from (JP uses nisemono, which means the same thing, though I might've picked "fake" in this context instead), since while at no point does Giffca attempt to pose as Caineghis (though he acts in his name, he never claims to be him and they don't even try* to look like each other), a kagemusha in its historical context (warring states period) was an impostor/body double meant to fool one's enemies.

[goresyard]

all kage threads will be moved to @09jersey! with that said i lie down to rest .... 💤💤