#i hope rui does okay because man

[kdsburneraccount]

Rui traded to the Lakers it’s joever for me

#guy was the reason i became a wiz fan :( #and for Kendrick nunn and 3 second round picks??? #lakers becoming wizards west atp tho they got tbj and thomas bryant too #we don’t even really need guards wtf tommy #eugh regardless we proceed this is not a fun trade #i hope rui does okay because man #nba #basketball #washington wizards #rui hachimura

[giggly-squiggily]

Hiya! I hope this finds you well! I just checked your request list! Such gems!😖. May I request a Lee! Douma Ler! Akaza and Rui revenge fic? With all the Ler! Douma requests, he deserves it🤣.

*Squee!* LEE DOUMA! :D He really does need his tickles after all his day to day antics! I've gotcha covered, anon! :3

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps):

@myreygn @thatbigbisexual29 @duckymcdoorknob @wolfyeatstacos @gladdygirl18 @baby-tickles2022 @cupcake-spice13 @backy-san @t-wordiiish @sarahmaystock5578 @rachi-roo @mystwrites @chibisstuff

Akaza was gonna murder this son of a-

“Lord Akaza? Are you okay?” Rui was upside down, staring at him with wide eyes. Of course he’d ask- the upper third demon was lying on his back, chest heaving expression one of exhaustion as Douma ran off in glee. While it certainly wasn’t a new sight in infinity castle, it was always a brow raiser.

“Eh, I’m fine. Douma’s…” Oh man- why was this so hard?

“He’s wreaking havoc again.” Rui nodded solemnly. “He got me earlier.”

“What?” Akaza flipped over, wide eyed. “No, spidey squirt!”

“He was hiding in the empty rooms- I couldn’t avoid him at all.” Rui bowed his head in defeat, shoulders slumped and voice heavy. It was so pitiful but so cute Akaza found himself fighting a grin. “We were no match.”

“No, we weren’t.”

Rui sighed glumly. Then he looked up, something new and determined in his eyes. “Let’s team up.”

“Yeah- huh?” Akaza blinked. “What?”

“He won’t stop until we tickle him back. Lord Kokushibou told me himself- he’s an attention seeker.” Just what the hell was Kokushibou teaching this kid? “He only does it because he wants us to get him.”

“That’s…true.” Akaza sat back cross legged, thinking. It would explain Douma’s sudden interest in tickling everyone- plus the idea of giving that icy bastard a taste of his own medicine was rather irresistible…

 “Okay- let’s do it. BUT!” He raised a hand before Rui could cheer. “We’re gonna need some help.”

~~~

Kokushibou was a picture of calm when he meditated. Still as stone he sat- back straight and eyes closed. It seemed as if the world could implode on itself and it wouldn’t be enough to faze him.

Perfect- just, perfect.

 Douma smirked behind his fan, hiding his glinting fangs as he began his slow ascent upon the swordsman. Let’s just see how long that perfect serenity would last when he felt Douma’s fingers on him!

So close- one stretch of his arm and he could give the socked foot poking out the tiniest of scratches! He raised his long nails high…

“Ah. So that’s where you’ve been hiding, Douma.”

The fan clattered to the floor, the only movement made by the frozen blonde. Colorful eyes widened some as Kokushibou turned to look at him, lips pulling into a small grin. “Hey handsome, come around here often?”

“Hm.” Kokushibou merely stared at him, drawing out the suspense. “Did you truly think this would work?”

“Honestly? Yeah.” Douma flashed his teeth, softening Kokushibou near instantly. The older demon hummed a soft noise before scooting, coming to face the other properly.

“You never change. Douma…if you truly wanted to be tickled, you could have just asked.”

“Huh?” The blonde blinked, seeming to still. That’s when he saw it.

So very fine, those delicate webbings were- attaching him to the floor by his clothes. A tug did nothing- he was trapped from the moment he crept into the room.

Really- he was trapped the moment he dared tickle Rui. Clever child.

“Oh ho ho- look what we have here.” Akaza growled from his left, eyes dancing as he climbed into the room. “It’s like you wanted to be trapped!”

“Sorry Lord Douma- it’s for the best.” Rui poked around the corner from his right, a small smile hidden behind his sleeve. “Thank you for your help, Lord Kokushibou.”

“You betrayed me!” Douma gasped, jaw dropping.

“Forgive me, I’ve been swayed.” Kokushibou shrugged some before taking Douma’s hands within his own, bringing them up and out of the way. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

“Gross.” Akaza rolled his eyes, earning a giggle from Rui.

“Jealous?” Douma’s teasing tone was short lived when fingers attacked his neck, making him squeal and startle forward. “Aheahehahhahahhha! Ahahahahhakahahhahzahahahha!”

“Huh? What? Can’t hear you over the sound of my revenge!” Akaza jeered, worming his fingers along both sides of Douma’s neck as he carried on tracing against the skin. “How you like that?”

“Ahehaahahhahaha! Gehahahhahahahaha, ohoohooohoh, Iihihiihill gheheheheht you bahhahck! Gheahhahha- Ehehehehehhehehe spihihiihdey waahahhhahhahait!”

“Wow- he’s way more ticklish than I thought.” Rui mused out loud, small hands working along Douma’s ribs. No matter where the older demon jerked, he was right there following, poking and prodding at them with ease. “He might be worse than you, Lord Akaza.”

“Hehe yeah-OI!” Akaza shot the spider a look, hands still tickling. “Watch yourself.”

“He’s not wrong though.” Kokushibou mused, earning a snort from Rui. Akaza rolled his eyes. Ganged up on even during his revenge!

“Hahahahahahahahaha! Gehahahhahhahaha, dohoohohon’t thehehehehell thehehem thahahahahahhat!” With limited movement, Douma could only push his face into Kokushibou’s lap, burying it against his stomach as he shook with mirth. “Aheahhahahhhaa Kohohoohoohku sahhahahve mehehhehehehhe!”

“Nah, don’t save him! He was gonna get you next!” Akaza recalled, wiggling a few fingers into Douma’s armpits just to hear him squeak. “Tell us where he’s most ticklish, Kokushibou!”

“He has to have a tickle spot, right?” Rui asked, clawing his hands into Douma’s belly, giggling when Douma snorted. “Where would it be?”

“Kohohohohohku, dohohohohohn’t shahahahhay!” Douma pleaded through his guffaws, shaking his head rapidly. Kokushibou was quiet in thought.

“I cannot say. I was asked not to.”

Akaza groaned as Rui pouted, stopping their tickles and giving Douma a proper break. “Come on, seriously? After all the times he tickled you?” It wasn’t really that big of a deal; they could still find it on their own.

“Even so- I shall not speak of it.” Kokushibou raised his chin, then flicked his eyes downward quickly. He repeated the action a few times before the others caught on, brows raised and smiles growing.

“Hehehey…whatcha do?” Douma peeked, finding Rui’s smiling expression.

Then hell broke loose.

“AH! AHEHAHAHAHAHHAHHA!” Douma practically screamed as fingers danced along his lower back, sending endless bouts of laughter through the room. “OHOOOHOHKAY OHOHOOHKAY NOW STAHHAHAHAP!”

“Hehe, alright.” Akaza laughed as he and Rui pulled their hands back, high fiving over Douma’s prone form. The threads snapped, freeing Douma of his imprisonment and letting him sink further into Kokushibou’s lap. “I suppose you’ve had enough.”

“Sorry Lord Douma, but not really.” Rui patted his arm, plucking the last of his threads away with ease.

“Heh…heheheh…heh.” Douma groaned out, too comfortable to really respond. Kokushibou’s fingers combing through his hair didn’t help at all. “Run while you can- I’ll get you both eventually.”

“Sure, we’ll see.” Akaza snorted as he stood, stepping over him and taking Rui’s outstretched hand. “Come on, spidey squirt.” With a final nod of thanks to Kokushibou, they were gone.

“You told them!” Douma pouted, poking Kokushibou with his accusatory finger..

“I may have eluded.” Kokushibou confessed, laughing softly at Douma’s glare. “Apologies, love- but you’ve been rather aggressive with the tickling lately. It was only fair.”

“...You’re not forgiven yet.” Douma turned over so he was lying on his back, looking up at him with expectant eyes. After a moment of consideration, the older demon laughed again, leaning down before kissing him gently.

“Forgive me?” He asked when they pulled away.

“Hm….kiss me again and we’ll talk about it.”

Thanks for reading!

#demon slayer #tickle #tickle fic #fluff #douma #akaza #rui #kokushibou #12 kizuki #upper moons #lower moons #I love them your honor aklrjearjejkrjka

[pjsk-writin]

hello! id like to request rui, tsukasa and shizuku with a reader who is always warm/runs warm naturally if that's okay! thank you and have a great day!!

ooo sure!! hope you have a great day too, and I hope you like this! <3

♡ WARM - Rui Kamishiro, Tsukasa Tenma and Shizuku Hinomori x Reader

Rui:

Rui is definitely the person who runs cold all the time. I'm sorry, but that man's hands have to be cold as all hell-

So, he definitely appreciates your warmth! He wonders how it's possible for a human to be so warm, and you wonder how it's possible for a human to be so cold. You balance each other out!

He very much exploits your warmth, oftentimes hugging you from behind to soak it in 

He definitely puts his cold hands over yours and grins at you innocently. "Am I cold?" 

He's very insufferable about it, but he does appreciate how you're warm and lovely both inside and out <3

Tsukasa:

Tsukasa is definitely on the warmer side! He's probably warm a lot anyway due to how energetic and loud he is-

Although, the two of you treat each other like human furnaces anyway

Sometimes, he will forget that you're naturally that warm, and will check you for a fever- Every time you stop him, and every time he pauses before being very insistent that he just cares about you

Winter is a great season for you both. He'll just go over to your house and wrap you up in a hug. "My lovely co-star, your wonderful warmth shines yet again!"

You're obviously allowed to do the same, and he'll let you cling onto him for warmth as much as you want <3

Shizuku:

Shizuku leans a bit more towards the colder side, so the two of you also balance each other out nicely!

At the start of the relationship, she's a bit more hesitant to ask if she can hold your hand because she knows how cold she can get, and you're warm

However, the two of you quickly work out that it's nicer to hold hands anyway!

She's a big fan of suddenly hugging you and melting in your arms. You would always be a better heater than any heater out there

She also loves to hold your hand in hers, bringing it up to her face before nuzzling it. "Ahh, this is so nice..."

Whenever she feels bad, she'll hold your hand and nuzzle it. You always make her feel safe and warm <3

#pjsk x reader #project sekai x reader #rui kamishiro x reader #kamishiro rui x reader #tsukasa tenma x reader #tenma tsukasa x reader #shizuku hinomori x reader #hinomori shizuku x reader

[zofja-qualifiedantholic]

HANA Doll track project archive L 2-13 Pensée translation

The translation is very rough!!! More info here

hope this tl helps!!

Rui: Is your condition okay?

Ageha: Occasionally say something a little more original.

Ryoga: Good, you look better than I expected(??). I was just talking to Rui and I heard it so(?). I am-

Ageha: Kagekawa Ryoga-san.

Ryoga: (??).

Ageha: Nice to meet you. My name is Karasuma Ageha. I'm sorry you heard about the terrible situation(?).

Ryoga: Not at all(????). I just thought that if you are a top idol, it wouldn't be necessary to interact with the president when there is a hard time(??????).

Ageha: Thank you for your understanding and concern.

Ryoga: I'd like to greet you again if you like, but before that, you should sit on the sofa(???).

Ageha: No, I won't stay long. Like this(?).

Ryoga: Well then, even if I know that I am unscrupulous I'll ask for one thing(?).

Ageha: If I can do it.

Ryoga: I was wondering if you could shake my hand while greeting me.

Ageha: It doesn't matter.

Ryoga: Thank you. I'm Anthos's Kagekawa Ryoga. Nice to meet you, senpai.

Ageha: Likewise. I'm a young person(?), but nice to meet you.

Ryoga: I don't think you hate that line.

Ageha: Of course it is true. No matter how much I studied, I never felt like I had climbed to the top(?).

Ryoga: I will keep instructions from my senpai firmly in my chest. And you even know my name(?).

Ageha: An expected newcomer to the Anthos HANA Doll Project and an excellent junior. I see the activity every time.

Ryoga: It is an honor to have Loulou*di's Ageha-san say so. Rui doesn't seem to be interested at all(?).

Ageha: Rui, you're rude to him.

Rui: I didn't know who it was until I got it.

Ageha: I'm very sorry.

Ryoga: Wait, raise your head.

Ageha: The mischief of the member is my mischief.

Ryoga: As I said earlier, I was rather surprised for you to know our names(?). Aside from Mahiro and Haruta who you met at the scene.

Ageha: Right. The other day I had a chance to be with them for a while.

Ryoga: Both of them were thrilled to see Loulou*di.

Ageha: Likewise. Especially for Yuki, I wanted to see him once, so.

Ryoga: Because he is the son of the president?

Ageha: Yes. He is more similar to Chihiro than I expected(???). I was surprised.

Ryoga: Did you know Chihiro?

Ageha: There is no stranger who belonged to Amagiri Productions. It's like we're chasing his back.

Ryoga: What does that mean? Well, for us, Chihiro and Loulou*di are both big goals and longing seniors.

Ageha: It is overwhelming to be told in the same line as Chihiro. However, I will continue to do my best, to not be ashamed of that feeling.

Ryoga: I'm sorry, I have to go soon.

Ageha: See you soon. Somewhere(??).

Ryoga: I hope all the members can say hello next time. Rui, thank you for hanging out with me from now(?).

Rui: Nothing to thank for.

Ryoga: You were taking good care of Ageha-san(?). I was relieved. It's sympathy. Well, then.

Rui: Sympathy?

Ageha: He is a man who always flickers around Yuki Mahiro. I think I felt something similar to your annoyance. More than that. What did he tell you(?)?

Rui: Nothing in particular from now on.

Ageha: If that's the case, what are you doing?

Rui: He said hello and was called by the president today.

Ageha: When is the next appointment? But for what(?).

Rui: He was nervous because he didn't know.

Ageha: If he complained, you get along well(????).

Rui: The other side just spoke freely.

Ageha: Moreover, you, his senior, had your first name used(?).

Rui: I told him to do so. Being stiff doesn't suit me(?).

Ageha: ehhh

Rui: Ageha, I'm not interested in Anthos. As you say, Loulou*di is supreme.

Ageha: When I'm humorous, when I'm crazy about Anthos(??).

Rui: No. I just reminded myself that if Ageha is so particular about it, it might have to live a little longer(?).

Ageha: Okay, we're going. PLANTs, start the car(???). Return to the dormitory.

Rui: Sympathy is an incomprehensible birth(?). But if Ageha says, Kagekawa Ryoga is for Yuki Mahiro(??)? Is an irreplaceable person? For me Ageha may be special. Yuki Mahiro, the son of President Amagiri and the younger brother of the former top idol Chihiro. Thanks to the one gift of blood he is a man standing in the place that Ageha longed for. The hatred of Ageha. A man to monopolize. As far as he envy(??).

-----------

Rui: Why were you yelling at the president today?

Ageha: I was told to go to the training center. Talk to current students. (?) is not a star class job. There are many other suitable people. For example, a unit with many trainees from the training center(?).

Rui: That is... Anthos?

Ageha: That's it. I was told that one of the members was injured, but I didn't know it was terrible enough to make a hole in my work.

Rui: Injury?

Ageha: What kind of butt wipe(?).

Rui: Don't you like it?

Ageha: If the president tells me to go, I will wipe my back and do anything.

Rui: Then why?

Ageha: By itself the talk was about to be discontinued(?).

Rui: He's busy(??). You're not infinite(??).

Ageha: Shut up.

Rui: Otherwise you would not be allowed to visit.

Ageha: I know that. But I went on the course because I wanted to talk more with the president. Loulou*di carry all the expectations of the production. I am... We are... That trust must be put into shape and returned. For Chihiro who died like that. Above all, to reward that person.

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

Rui: House system, turn on the light. Toki?

Ageha: Did you go home? I thought you were still in medical care.

Rui: Toki? Toki?

Toki: Ah, Rui-san. Ageha-san too. Welcome home.

Ageha: When did you come back?

Toki: When, um.

Rui: Don't you remember?

Ageha: My(?). I'm about to take a rest. Toki, you too. Be in good physical condition.

Toki: Yes, of course Ageha-san.

Rui: Ageha, the meal...

Ageha: It's okay. Later PLANTs will (?). You take care of Toki. (?).

Toki: Good night.

Rui: Toki, you should better go back to your room. Can you stand up?

Toki: Why do I hear that(?)?

Rui: hm

Toki: Maybe my legs has been ruined again(?).

Rui: Legs?

Toki: Thanks to the flowers, I was able to walk. I-

Rui: No. That's not it.

Toki: Rui-san.

Rui: You are in bad state now. I said something that made you uneasy. Forgive me. Nothing happened to your feet.

Toki: It's true. It's warm where Rui-san touch it(?).

Rui: If you feel sick, I'll send you to my room(?), but what should I do?

Toki: I can walk alone. You see?

Rui: There seems to be no problem. But may we go to the room together?

Toki: I'm fine.

Rui: If I don't keep the word, I'll be scolded by Ageha.

Toki: It can't be helped. Then it's special.

#hanadoll #loulou*di

[madraleen]

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Koyoharu Gotouge Volumes 1-6 running commentary *ANIME SPOILERS!

-Sooo… here we are.

-Dear Demon Slayer manga. I have a nagging, unsettling suspicion that you could actually break my heart. Please don’t, yeah? :)

-Everyone (and by everyone I mean the Tanjiro, Nezuko and Giyu that I’ve seen so far) looks five years younger in the manga.

-Manga!Giyu looks like a child, omg, in the anime he seems in his early twenties.

-Yeah no, I checked, he IS supposed to be 19 in chapter one, God he looks so young.

-I’m sorry, but I think it’s such an iconic moment when Giyu slashes off Tanjiro’s ponytail.

-Omg, Nezuko is biting Giyu’s clothes, help.

-Will we (=Tanjiro) learn to go whoosh-whoosh and disappear like the Hashira do

-“How many demons are there?” Oh, Tanjiro, bb.

-I hope Tanjiro does buy Nezuko a beautiful kimono some day :’)

-What’s interesting to me, and this happened with Black Butler too, is that my affections don’t carry over from anime to manga. I was amazed to discover in Black Butler that I didn’t instantly get to like Ciel or whoever in the manga just because I got to like them in the anime- I had to warm up to them, and the same goes for Demon Slayer. It’s like getting to know everyone anew, and the reason I find this interesting is that I’m reading the manga *because* of the anime, and yet.

-I am asking respectfully. Urokodaki really doesn’t want to see another of his students killed. So. If Tanjiro impales himself on his traps during training. Then what. “Oh well”?

-Aw, I really liked Makomo and Sabito in the anime, it’s nice to see them again.

-Oh my little Tanjiro, I’m tearing up at his kindness with the Final Selection demon.

-Love that Zenitsu has a sparrow and just no one addresses it, like yes, here are your crows, now let’s move on.

-Urokodaki hugging both Nezuko and Tanjiro makes me cry, like at that moment, for this one instant, we’re safe.

-So okay, if only Muzan can turn humans into demons, then when Mugen Train demon tries to get Rengoku to agree to become a demon, what he actually means is that he’ll take him to Muzan to make him a demon, right? Not that he’ll do it himself.

-Love the first panel of Tanjiro and Muzan side by side. Love it.

-“Those earring – shiver.” SHIVER? Man, who was Tanjiro’s dad, what happened

-Oh EVERYONE looks younger in the manga than the anime, okay.

-Imagine calling Nezuko a hag. Ridiculous.

-Okay, so Yushiro is the only non-Muzan demon. Okay.

-Oh no way, manga!Zenitsu doesn’t share Tanjiro’s rice ball? Interesting, interesting.

-The little question mark bubble over Nezuko’s box, I can’t.

-I’ve warmed up to Zenitsu much faster in the manga, probably because it’s funnier when all his screaming is in silent letters than him screaming in my ear from the get-go.

-Zenitsu, man, he’s so cool when he fights, idk.

-Giyu is a GREAT P.E. teacher, okay, don’t let that stupid PTA make… I mean... erhm… hm.

-I understand Zenitsu is afraid of demons, but I find it fascinating that when against a human (Inosuke), he stood up for Tanjiro and his ~box with everything he had.

-I’ll give you that- I couldn’t stop watching the fights in the anime and I can’t stop reading the fights in the manga, you just want to see what happens next.

-Zenitsu’s moral compass: Tanjiro.

-I don’t quite understand what happens with Inosuke’s mother. She throws him off the cliff?

-Giyuuuuu

-Can I just say, I find it really smart that Rui cut his head off before Tanjiro could do it and end him

-Giyu is so… calm and concentrated, argh, I love him. He just up and went and developed a new eleventh form himself that only he can do, what, like it’s hard?

-Ah shut up, Rui’s story makes me tear up.

-I love how the demons’ appearance evolves the more demonic they become.

-Also, Shinobu. I kinda love her too, she’s terrifying.

-Jesus Christ, the Hashira look so young compared to the anime.

-Wait wait wait, so the fact that Muzan’s curse is removed from Nezuko means that he knows where she is, but not what she’s thinking?

-This feels like a good time to stop this commentary, because we’re approaching intense-storytelling territory.

#demon slayer #demon slayer manga #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba manga #manga #manga commentary

[serodev]

Heya!

I was wondering if you could do Rui, enmu, and akaza with Male a s/o who likes cute stuff (feminine clothes, plushies, pink, etc.)

Warnings: None!

Pairing: Rui, Enmu, Akaza x male!reader

Note(s): I love it when men can be feminine! That's the only thing I can really comment on right now because otherwise, my head's pretty empty.

Rui

» Rui's probably really passive about it because he's never seen a man act like this, so he's understandably almost weirded out about it at first until he gets used to it.

» That being said, when he learns how feminine you like to be, he does his best to bring you gifts here and there (which usually consist of stuffed toys). It takes a while for Rui to start buying you clothes or anything because he doesn't want to make mistakes with the sizing and such.

» He's still proud to call you his boyfriend! People can (and probably will) mistake you for a girl once in a while, but Rui reminds them that you're his boyfriend and not a girlfriend (unless you're okay with that term).

Enmu

» Enmu loves how feminine you are because, to be fair, he's pretty feminine himself! That's why he jumps right into buying stuffed toys, pink clothes, girly accessories, and everything else.

» It shouldn't come as a surprise when I say this: you two are going to share a ton of different clothes and accessories with each other if it's just possible. Boyfriend goals, right?

» One of Enmu's favorite things to do with you is to help you style your hair (and he loves it if you ever do the same for him)! Testing out different hairstyles and maybe even makeup styles is something that you two enjoy doing together.

Akaza

» Akaza was the most surprised out of the three because he really thought that you were a girl before he got to know you a lot better and started to date you.

» He stumbled a lot at first regarding your style and likes because he wasn't sure what was okay and what wasn't okay (for example: should he call you his boyfriend or girlfriend). It took a lot of time to learn these things.

» However, he's really thoughtful about you, and he loves to buy you different outfits because he likes to see you wear them while you two go out. Hell, it's not hard to talk him into dressing a bit more femininely either.

Author's note: I hope you enjoyed these headcanons! I'm not a too feminine man myself, even though I'm kind of petite, but I love the styles some people have come up with!

#kny rui #rui #rui x y/n #rui x you #rui x reader #enmu #kny enmu #enmu x y/n #enmu x you #enmu x reader #akaza #kny akaza #hakuji soyama #akaza x y/n #akaza x you #akaza x reader #kny x you #kny x y/n #kny x male reader #kny x oc #kny x reader #kny #kimetsu no yaiba #demon slayer #sero writes #lower moons #upper moons #request

[0ooruioo0]

↣Senku Ishigami

Fandom: Dr. Stone

Pairing: Senku/Reader

Content/s: His was kinda longer lmao

Request: Hi! Can I have a scenario for Hyoga or/and Senku please? Tsukasa/Senku revives a girl who is known in their time to be the best swordman of Japan, even if she is deaf and mute. When she comes out of her petrified state, she acts like Hyakkimaru when he get his ears back : desoriented and in pain because she can ear everything around her. She scream of pain and tries every source of sound she ear. After she calms down, Yuzuriha/Rui wraps a tissue around reader's ears like Hyakkimaru. Thnaks!

Everyone stood around the stone statue Senku found. Eyes glistening to seeing someone being depetrified for the first time in their lives. Everyone except Gen of course. The mentalist knew who it was, and agreed that depetrifying her would help them into their soon to be stone wars.

She was of course, one of the greatest swordsman back in the modern era. Even though she was unable to hear and speak, she was marked as the best of the best.

"It will be your first time seeing this, so everyone sit back and watch" Senku grins pouring the revival fluid onto her head.

Slowly but not to slow, the cracks appear falling to the ground. E/C eyes glistened right before them in the sunlight as it blinked.

And then, something unexpected happened.

Hands clutching onto her ears, she screamed in agony. The world's sounds echoing repeatedly onto her healed deafening ears.

Everyone else headaches at her scream, the sound quite high than any sound they ever heard. Senku grunts in pain, wondering what the hell was up to you.

It clicked for a second, grabbing a cloth he quickly wraps a cloth around your ears, and ties it to prevent any sounds from coming at the moment. With a few seconds you calmed down, your head spinning from all those sounds you've heard.

Maybe it could be from a mile away, but it was so painful.

For the Ishigami village, they could only hope that will be the last time that ever happened to a modern himan.

"Oh? Y/N-san can hear things?" Gen, eyes wide as saucers looked at Senku in disbelief.

"Yeah, maybe being petrified made her able to hear things. But for now we can just put that as a theory"

"So then that means she can speak to right?"

Senku nods slightly looking at your figure. Helping out Kohaku with carrying heavy things to the village. With a final look and Gen he just shrugs and says.

"I'll just be observing for now, it seems we still have some things we haven't figured out yet"

―――――

"I'll be removing it now, this wil be your second time so tell me if you want it back" Senku says untying the cloth he placed around you on the first day. Ruri mentioned the day before she wanted to wash the cloth because it seemed like it was getting dirty.

Senku agreed not wanting to deal with an infection that might come sooner or later.

"How is it?"

Silent, Senku sweats wondering if your voice hasn't really healed like your ears.

"I was wondering if you can speak, since your not deaf anymore"

Your eyes perked up, mouth opening maybe in excitement on wanting to say something for the first time.

"It... hurts"

Senku blinked an odd feeling going on around his chest, but he soon dismisses it. Maybe that theory could actually be true then if both her voice and hearing came.

Y/N covered her mouth, jumping a little bit like a child. She wanted to cry probably scream, but judging from the looks before she decided not to.

"Alright, if you want we can try and let you get used to hearing and speaking"

She nodded excited that she can finally do things she's always wanted to do back then.

Suddenly, a sharp noise entered from her hearing.

"Ah!" Y/N jumped.

"Maybe we should take it slow..."

―――――

After that, Senku has been helping Y/N in getting used to both of her senses whenever they had the time. On some days Ruri would come by, and replace the cloth so her ears wouldn't have problems.

Y/N, wanting to speak and hear before always looked forward in every sessions they'd have in the woods or the waterfall they found.

Getting used to every noise, realizing that some of them really are quite annoying from what she was told. She walked to the waterfall seeing Senku wait for her by the river.

"Oh? Not wearing the cloth, that's nice"

"Yeah, though the screeching noises are still very annoying..."

He chuckles, a sound she loved to hear rather than someone screeching metal over metal.

"Those are noises most people hates, at least you got used to everything else now"

She nodded happily stopping beside him with a smile.

"Does that mean we won't do these anymore?"

"Yeah"

Silence filled the two, the only sounds you could hear was mostly the fountain that was inches away from them. Y/N felt like she didn't want these sessions to stop, like she was wishing that she didn't get used to her senses at all. But then that would be selfish of her to wish for.

She looked at Senku, his eyes looking at the water with fondness. She wanted to know what he was thinking sometimes, her level of smartness wasn't quite in par with him.

They were both opposites now she thought about it.

Senku was a man who wasn't athletic, and she was but wasn't quite smart.

She chuckled at the idea.

"Thank you for helping me" she broke the silence.

Senku smirked looking at her "Yeah, now we have to focus on the stone war that's coming soon"

Senku starts to walk away, quickly turning around she calls out.

"Would it be okay to... hang around here sometimes?"

He raises a brow "Why?"

She swallowed hard, nervousness swirling around her being. It was like walking to the middle of the crowd during a match before. But this time it was different somehow.

"I really like to listen to your voice.."

He smiles, first time he's ever heard of that before. Yet somehow he didn't feel uncomfortable over her saying things like that.

"I'd like that"

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰*.:｡✧*.｡:｡*.｡✱ ───

Inbox closed atm for requests. But open for questions! :>  

Fandoms I write

#Dr Stone #dr. stone #dr stone senku #senkuishigami #dr. stone senku x reader #senku ishigami x reader #DCST #senku x you #ishigami senku #senku x reader

[demonslayedher]

I'm glad you reactivated the questions, here are some flowers for you: 💐 Seriously speaking I'm sorry that because of a question I asked you a few weeks ago you watched a series of videos of psychopaths 🥲It made me laugh at first but then I felt guilty 💔 it's all Muzan's fault for leaving us all with curiosity (imagine his parents' reaction once they realized there was something wrong with him even as a human)

Yay, flowers (which I shall kill with my black thumb)! And no, no, it’s fine, I had hoped it came off funny! I like listening to stuff like that while I draw anyway because I’m a nerd anyway and I found it very interesting.

Speaking of being a nerd, you have innocuously unlocked the following essay about Heian period nobility and wisteria flowers: There is nothing to state so in canon, but I find it highly reasonable to say Muzan might had been of the very powerful Fujiwara clan. Step inside my office, Anon.

Okay. So. The Heian period, simply put, was a time of cultural flourishing and beautiful pastimes, the origins of a lot of Japanese style aesthetics, and a romantic courtly like of romancing everybody else in the court. This is assuming, of course, that you were at the very, very, very, very top of society. Otherwise, the vast majority of people were poor and sick and starving and ew, in young Muzan’s world, we do not wish to associate with that. In the Heian court, Kyoto basically is the whole cultural world. Even though there were other cities that could rival Kyoto, the emperor was there, so it was essentially the cultural center of the country. The nobles who lived there got money from owning land in far-flung provinces, but actually having to live in those provinces? What a drag! Having to live away from Kyoto for work, even if it wasn’t an official banishment, often felt like a punishment to the nobles and their families who were used to the social scene at court. And, like affluent courts around the world throughout history, understanding all the intricacies of style and “Heian Rumors” was key to having social clout, and popularity was power. And yeah, nobles would be vicious to each other. While clan dynamics and history are complex and not something I’m getting into here (I don’t consider myself well-versed in it enough), the Fujiwara clan is a BIG DEAL.  Basically, in Heian times, children were typically raised in their mother’s home, thereby heavily influenced by their mother’s clan, so besides a young man’s parents, his in-laws also would had been hugely influential in his life, as they will have a long-felt influence on his progeny. The Emperors typically married Fujiwara daughters. This, in addition to other positions of influence of the Fujiwara clan members usually held with influence over the Emperor, means that politically, there was no messing with them. Now, just because I say Muzan might had been a Fujiwara clan member, I don’t necessarily mean a member of the main branch of the family. Often, due to inheritance management, different branches of various noble clans might be given different surnames. The Fujiwara clan does have different branches, some of which did go one to have close ties with the imperial family even after the fall of their power at the end of the Heian period and all the way through the Taisho, and some branches carry some impressive family legacies but otherwise live like normal or high-class common folk in modern-day. (I know one such Ojousama from a renamed Fujiwara branch; she’s a sweetheart and never brings it up herself but every time I hear other people say things about her family, I’m like, dang.) We can venture from Muzan’s likely expensive medical treatment, multiple marriages (meaning other clans sought to be connected with his family even by marrying their daughters to a sick man), and even preparation for cremation as a baby that he was of a very, very high status. 

Being the sick son of a prominent family may have warped his personality in multiple ways: first, he was probably already used to a culture of popularity equated political power. We see in Muzan’s dealings with humans in the Taisho period that he can be exceedingly charming to get what he wants (a psychopath trait, haha), so he was probably pretty aware of the complex ways of socialites in the court. But, even being aware of that, it probably frustrated him to no end that he was too sick to take part in the social pastimes where he’d gain clout. It’s also possible that he was a bit of a bargain husband for his wives’ families who were seeking to a make ties with his family, as they must not had been politically useful enough to be married off to other powerful matches. This may be some of why he was so ruthless to them, for he never saw them as useful to him in the first place. This probably got a bit worse once he became a demon. Now to be lewd, but he probably got more vigorous in his pursuit of more powerful lovers, and knew how to slay the women’s hearts as he liked (you know, popular Heian pastime, everybody had lots of lovers, it was the norm, though political marriages and legitimate children were still important). That new sense of power probably went to his head. But, ultimately, he must had been limited in clout since he couldn’t take part in any daytime activities, thereby limiting his access to more powerful spheres of influence. His reputation from having grown up sickly must had followed him too. It’s anyone’s guess how much affection his parents had for him and how happy they were about his health at first, and if and when they might had noticed his changes. He was a full-fledged adult by the time he turned into a demon, so who knows how closely they even associated with him. They likely had healthier children who they devoted more care and attention to, and invested more family resources in while assuming Muzan would probably die young.

Who knows what the final straw was in Muzan leaving court? Was it frustration at not being able to walk in daylight that made him flee to the Kanto area in pursuit of the blue spider lily (from near where the doctor lived) long before Kanto became politically affluent? Or was it the rumors at court about how he didn’t age, and that he was eating people?

Of note, a lot of the early legends of demons in Japanese culture take place in the Heian period.

In his book “Japanese History of Demon Slayers,” retired Shizuoka University professor Tetsuo Owada capitalized on the success of Kimetsu no Yaiba to dive into a lot of ties between the series and what it may pay homage to throughout Japanese history and culture. While this was published last September and a handful of his theories have been disproven by the second fanbook published last February, and while I think a lot of his theories are stretching a little too far to make strong connections, it’s still deeply, deeply interesting stuff. He goes into some specific comparisons of demons, like Minamoto-no-Raiko and his posse of four big bad warriors taking on the Tsuchigumo (giant spider demon) terrorizing the mountains north of Kyoto harkening to the case of Rui’s family (and, ding ding ding, this was the primary focus of the official Kabuki/Kimetsu crossover last November), as well as takes little questions left in canon and dives into them a bit deeper. One such question is, why were wisteria lethal to demons? According to Prof. Owada’s research, there is no historical basis for this. Some of the talk online is that: 1. Wisteria are in fact poisonous, and consuming too much of them would cause vomiting and diarrhea (though I’ve also seen people make jam out of them because of the fragrance, so, like???) 2. Beans are thrown around at Setsubun to ward off demons (like so, Feat. Muzan and Kimetsu Beans), and wisteria are of the bean family 3. Wisteria like sunlight, so perhaps like Nichirin, they soak up some of the sun’s properties that are lethal to demons 4. In the language of flowers (Hanakotoba), wisteria symbolize kindness, welcomeness, refusing to leave someone’s side, being drunk with love, being straightforward and truthful, not losing the humanity in one’s heart, thereby containing a lot of meaning contrary to the conduct of demons Interesting, but some of its kind of a stretch. While still finding it a stretch to apply it to wisteria being poisonous to demons, Prof. Owada goes on to say that since ancient times, while the wisteria has some negative connotations of how it was sometimes written with characters meaning “doesn’t heal” (不治) and growing downward with smaller and smaller flowers like symbolize the slow downfall of a family line, it conversely also carries positive connotations of longevity and flourishing family due to the fact that its vines grow upward.

Now, you might picked up at some point that the Japanese word for wisteria is “fuji.” Not to be confused with Mt. Fuji (that’s written differently), it IS the same fuji as in “Fujiwara”: 藤.

Prof. Owada goes on to explore the association with the use of Wisteria crests in Kimetsu no Yaiba, especially on the houses of supporters of the Demon Slayer Corp. His recurring thesis is that the pandemic is partly responsible for Kimetsu no Yaiba’s popularity since demon legends have long since had origins in epidemics, and he supposes the Wisteria crest has a protective effect on the houses, similar to a talisman used in a lot of real life rituals for warding off illness and then often displays in or on the entries of houses to protect the family every year (I have one such item gifted to me, it stays by my doorway, along with a couple sticks of charcoal (but the culture of charcoal is a post for some other day)). The talisman is in reference to a god of Hindu/Chinese origins being treated with hospitality by the So clan, so although other families perished in disaster/disease, he promised to always protect the So clan descendants, so the talisman says “Descendants of the So Clan” so that any household may try to claim that divine protection. The gratitude-exchange of hospitality and protection and sure sounds familiar! Prof. Owada isn’t done yet. While the crest design used in Kimetsu no Yaiba isn’t an actual family crest in in real life, there are lots and lots and lots of family crests that use a wisteria design and have the character for “wisteria” in the name. Any time you hear “—tou”, like Satou, Saitou, or even Gotou, you can typically assume it’s 藤. It’s very common nowadays, but the first family to be granted the use of this name was the Fujiwara clan, when one of the pre-Heian and very powerful emperors granted their clan head this surname, which was a major honor, and it marked the start of the Fujiwara clan’s political dominance (there was already influence leading up to this, but meh, we like clear-cut stuff to simply centuries of history, don’t we?). Furthermore, although we often think of the Fujiwara clan for their influence at court, and we might think of the Minamoto clan for warrior heroes who fought demons, Prof. Owada concludes his argument of wisteria’s protective influence by pointed out a long list of Heian period Fujiwara warriors who also were the heroes of demon slaying legends, stating that their name has also long been tied with demon slayer culture. SO!!! Let me go on with my theory here. Muzan is from the same family line as Ubuyashiki. At some point (I assume after Muzan is long gone from Kyoto), the family is told while their children keep dying, and they accept their mission to bring an end to Kibutsuji Muzan and clear this curse on their family line. My thought is that their ancestor was a full blood sibling of Muzan, one whom was more invested in than sickly Muzan. While perhaps already an off-shoot of the Fujiwara Clan and thereby not entitled to the same sorts of inheritance, they probably maintained close ties with them. But, as it was already not direct by that time, the other Fujiwara clan branches were not affected by this curse. To further spare the clan the effects of this curse, this was probably when that sickly branch took the name Ubuyashiki. (And yes, I have things to say about this name and its possible mythological origins which I find a highly, highly interesting connection. Prof. Owada supposes it is tied with Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine and that is why there are nine pillars, but as much as I love Izumo Taisha and its giant pillars I base my argument in separate Shinto (but also Izumo!) mythology and accept that there are not always supposed to be nine Pillars specifically and Gotouge simply chose that number based on the number of strokes in the kanji for ‘Hashira’ (柱) BUT I DIGRESS). So, the Ubuyashiki Clan is it’s own thing, but is sort of like a cousin to the other Fujiwara branches and thereby continues to enjoy Fujiwara support throughout the Heian period, like some of the Fujiwara warriors going out there and slaying some of Muzan’s early demon experiments, and using their influence to bring in other warriors to the demon slaying cause (pet

theory: Genpei War warrior Kumagai Naozane was a member of the proto-Corp and using Kasugai-garasu was in practice since at least late Heian period). While the Ubuyashiki Clan probably already their own inherited land (and funds that came from it), throughout their history, their cousin clans might also have provided financial support to the Ubuyashiki Clan. But, they probably distanced themselves from the clan due to the curse and not wanting to be tainted. When you bring back in the wisteria associations this puts the contrary associations with a flourishing and dying family line in a new light. Furthermore, the “not healing” way of writing “fuji” also means a lot more in the context of Muzan’s, and later the Ubuyashiki clan’s illness.

#KnY nerdery #Kny fandom theories and meta #kibutsuji muzan #ubuyashiki kagaya #Kimetsu no Yaiba #Demon Slayer

[cheri-translates]

English translation under the cut!

More skits: Gavin l Kiro l Lucien l Shaw

[ knock at the door ]

Victor: Come in.

Goldman: CEO, I’m here to confirm some matters regarding the LFG annual meeting.

Victor: Continue.

Goldman: Because we’ve used the words “华” and “锐” last year and the year before, we’ll be using “集” as the opening. The tentative theme will be: Drawing on Collective Wisdom”. It’s meant to imply that in the new year, the organisation will collect the wisdom of everyone, extensively accepting beneficial suggestions.

[Note] In CN, the Loveland Financial Group is called 华锐集团 (“hua rui ji tuan”). The tentative theme Goldman is mentioning is an idiom, 集思广益 ( “ji is guang yi”), which conveys the idea of drawing on collective wisdom

Victor: Mm.

Goldman: According to the results of an investigation by the staff, the annual meeting will be held in Loveland City’s Amusement Park. The business contract related to it is expected to be reviewed and signed by you tomorrow.

Victor: All right.

Goldman: Erm, the poster for this annual meeting...

Victor: I hope it can showcase the professionalism of LFG.

Goldman: I’ve already matched the schedules with the Producer yesterday. This time, she’ll bet working on it personally.

Victor: Next time, there’s no need to specially report such things to me.

Goldman: Yes, CEO! Please carry on with your work, I won’t disturb you any longer.

[ door shuts ]

Victor: This dummy.

-

[ door knocks ]

Grandpa Chuck: Based on the time, I guessed it was you.

Victor: Mr Chuck.

Grandpa Chuck: Don’t just stand at the door. Come in to talk.

[ footsteps ]

Grandpa Chuck: Must be hard for you to visit this old man every year.

Victor: You’re too polite. There’s a new batch of exquisite products from the wintery, and I thought you might be interested.

Grandpa Chuck: Eh, why didn’t that lass come along with you?

Victor: She’s been doing some things for me, and is a little busy. She’ll give you a proper apology when she visits again.

Grandpa Chuck: Haha, okay, okay. There’s no need to be so polite.

Victor: Have you been well?

Grandpa Chuck: [sighs] My legs haven’t been working well. Recently, my hips would feel a little painful on overcast and rainy days.... it happens with old age. Which is why I told the both of you to take more walks while you’re still young.

Victor: What you said makes sense.

Grandpa Chuck: [sighs] Just look at yourself - why are you always so mature? This Evol does affect you slightly... Things like time truly erodes people... Only when that lass is around do you have a sense of youth.

Victor: [clears throat] Time is a mysterious thing. The things I gain from it are even more that what I have to bear. In relation to this, I’m actually grateful to it. Don’t worry. With her making a clamour at my side, my life will not be ordinary. All this while, she’s been taking good care of me. Even though she’ll never know this, and thinks that she’s living under my protection, I’m very grateful. Whenever I need her, she’s always by my side.

Grandpa Chuck: You should say such things to the lass directly.

Victor: Even if I don’t say certain things, she’ll definitely know.

Victor: ...no. You’re right. I should tell her.

#mlqc #mlqc victor #mlqc GOLDMAN and his golden voice #GOLDMAN-LOVING ANON PLEASE NOTICE THIS POST #update: it has been noticed :>

[space-------kid]

Ack! It’s perfectly okay! But in short, Akaza, not hakuji, is human, still apart of the 12 moons, meets a flower shop owner, who after becoming friends with, ends up showing him a flower that they found, the blue spider lily, the flower of which he needs, and he contemplates over turning it in and potentially risking the owner’s safety (cause like, hey, where’d ya get the flower) and keeping here and potentially getting in trouble for not finding it. Maybe smol angst with a fluff ending?

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and clarification - I appreciate them very much! 😭💕💕💕

I hope you like what I come up with, anon! 😊💕

༻﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡༺

𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓫𝔂𝓮, 𝓶𝓻. 𝓯𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓮𝓯 𝒽𝓊𝓂𝒶𝓃!𝒜𝓀𝒶𝓏𝒶 𝓍 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝒹𝑒𝓇

༻﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡﹡༺

              The strum of Nakime’s biwa is the last thing he hears before he is transported away from the Dimensional Infinity Fortress. Akaza gets up from his kneeling position, sleep-deprived and mentally exhausted from his meeting with the demon he calls his master. Behind him, the sun is starting to rise from the horizon, signifying a new day he has to face with only one thing in mind.

                Despite his abhorrence for humans, Kibutsuji Muzan finds it in himself to tolerate the presence of the only man occupying a spot among his Twelve Demon Moons, more so giving said man the title of Upper Moon Three  – the rank branded on his back. Human though he may be, Akaza knows that Muzan favours him along with the top two Upper Moons because of his many uses. For one, no one will suspect that a human like him is willingly working for a demon. And two, he proves to be more useful in the progenitor of the demon’s search for the mysterious blue spider lily - having the capacity to look for the flowers in broad daylight rather than being limited by night. Perhaps these are simply the reason why Akaza hasn’t been turned into a demon yet, and he’d rather not if he’s being completely honest.

                The danger of being eaten or mercilessly killed by his fellow Moons remain, however, and it pervades within the ranks of the Lower Moons. While the Upper Moons may have been lenient because they also recognize the uses of a human belonging in the ranks and being of service to Muzan, the Lower ones hate Akaza with a burning passion. How could one measly human gain Muzan’s favour, something they can’t even obtain (maybe with the exception of Lower Five, Rui, who sees Muzan as a father-figure and Akaza some sort of an older brother)?

                But Akaza is used to the threats by now. He’s learned to live with every single one of them -- that, after all, is what it means to be a human who chooses to be subservient to the creator of demonkind.

                Prepared for another long day ahead of him, Akaza squares his shoulders and sets off on his journey.

--

                Akaza’s trail leads him to a post town called Magome located in the Kiso Valley.

                While the town doesn’t look promising enough with regards to his journey, the third Upper Moon still sees the charm of the place itself. He initially plans to stay only for a day and move along with his search, but he hears talk of Demon Slayers converging on the next town he is headed so he decides to lay low for a few days. While he is confident that he can take them on with the use of his Destructive Kill Style - a self-taught Breath Style he has formulated to oppose the Demon Slayers’ - he finds it prudent that secrecy will better help him with his quest for the time being.

                Akaza, however, doesn’t count on finding all three inns in the town fully booked. His displeasure must have shown on his face because most of the townspeople have been veering off his general direction. He would have ignored them, but a soft tap on his shoulder sends him turning around to look at whoever it is with a glare.

                Looking back, Akaza doesn’t expect that his short stay in Magome will earn him a friend in the form of [Name], an unassuming yet kind owner of the sole flower shop in the town. She has heard of his plight and - as her usual routine - offers to let him stay in her home above the shop. Akaza wants to turn down her request for he barely knows her save for some of the townsfolk encouraging him to do so. After all, they say, [Name] is known to take in those who have been unfortunate enough to be unable to find a place to stay in during their time in the town.

               He continues to harbour doubt. What if he’s a thief who wants to take advantage of her offer? What if he’s a murderer? His questions and doubt are short-lived, for [Name] is completely safe under the protection of three older brothers who live close. While not being a part of the Imperial Army nor his enemy the Demon Slayers, [Name]’s siblings are capable fighters who dabble in kyūdō, jiu-jitsu, and kenjutsu each. Despite being capable of defeating all three of them easily should a combat ensue, Akaza is more than satisfied with the knowledge that the unexpected and only friend he’s ever made is safe from the scum of humanity.

                And despite his better judgement, Akaza has actually enjoyed his short stay with [Name]. Aside from her kindness, he sees that she’s also understanding and considerate with other people’s plight. She seems to also possess the patience of a saint, and only gets angry for the right reasons. She knows not to pry with other people’s business if they choose to be secretive, but she’s also perceptive enough to know if someone is bearing any malicious intent or ill will towards her. But what Akaza finds endearing about her the most is that she is a genuine person - every action and decision she makes doesn’t contain even an ounce of a hidden agenda of some sort.

                After his stay, Akaza surprises himself with visiting [Name] at Magome whenever he can. He thinks at first that she will make a great asset with his search for the blue spider lily, what with her owning a flower shop and all. Slowly, however, he finds that the reason for his visit becomes less and less about the rare and mysterious his master has long coveted.

               The Upper Moon incognito gratefully accepts the tea [Name] serves him, fighting the urge to blush under her kind gaze. A bright smile is painted on her face as she begins chattering about the goings on in the town during his absence. Akaza shares the mundane events he encounters as well, mindful not to expose who he is, what his reasons for traveling are, and who he is allied with.

               “…then my brothers chased him away and threatened to throw him to prison if he ever sets foot in town because I found out that he’s a liar and has already promised the tailor Hanako-san marriage!” [Name] recounts of a time, during Akaza’s absence, where a shameless man attempted to court her despite being already engaged to one of her friends. “You would’ve disliked him instantly if you’ve been here and saw what he did, Akaza-san. That man has no respect for women!”

               Akaza quietly agrees, and it doesn’t escape his notice why the offender would offer [Name] courtship. She’s single and at the perfect age to get married. Aside from her behaviour, she is also an undeniably beautiful woman, with lively [colour] eyes, [length and colour] hair that flows like silk, and [tone] unblemished skin. She is very attractive, both in appearance and personality, and Akaza would be a hypocrite if he denies ever wondering what she’d look like in a shiromuku.

               Heat spreads on Akaza’s cheeks at the thought. Maybe… maybe when he’s done with his quest and Lord Muzan has finally achieved his goal, maybe Akaza can…

               He shakes his head at the thought. As much as he wants to court [Name] and later ask for her hand in marriage, he has a feeling that his master may not approve.

               But maybe Lord Muzan can make an exception? Maybe if Akaza can finally present the demon lord his long coveted blue spider lilies, maybe he’ll grant the third Upper Moon any desire he’d request?

               Akaza falters, almost dropping the cup and hearing [Name]’s worried gasp. He’s her friend, why is he thinking and desiring of marriage, of all things? And since when has he started to fantasize about making [Name] his woman? Does a male friend think of his female friend the way he does these past few months of knowing her?

               “I’m sorry,” he tells her with a reassuring smile. The lie – he’s the only one who manages to deceive her, why? – comes out smoothly from his lips as he greedily drinks in her reciprocating smile, “I’m just tired from the long journey. I apologize for making you worry.”

               Red paints [Name]’s cheeks as she holds the tray close to her chest. Akaza likes to think that it is because she is affected by his smile, just as hers affects him in more ways than one.

               “O-Oh!” She blinks in surprise and ducks her head in embarrassment at his claim. “I’m sorry for dragging you off to chat as soon as you came, Akaza-san! Please stay here and let me tidy up your room!”

               She is up to her feet before he can stop her, and he tilts his head in curiosity when she rushes back to him with an excited smile on her pretty face.

               “Before I forget–! You should come to the forest with me, tomorrow, Akaza-san!” [Name] tells him, looking positively thrilled that it bleeds into Akaza’s chest. “I found something that I want to show only you!”

               Something that has excited her– something that she wants to show only to him?

               Akaza smiles softly at her retreating form, anticipation building in his entire being. He can’t wait for tomorrow to come.

--

               The trek to the forest has showered Akaza with opportunity to spend more time alone with [Name]. While her older brothers have been kind and open to him, they still exude that protective air around her whenever Akaza’s gaze stays at her longer than they’re comfortable with.

               Kiso Valley is beautiful during the summer season. He admires the way [Name]’s face lights up as she points at the flowers they pass by on the trail, explaining to Akaza that the area is where she mostly gets and cultivates the flowers she sells in her shop. He’s seen and heard her talk about her beloved shop and flowers for what seems to be a hundred times already but Akaza doesn’t tire about the topic – not one bit, not when [Name] glows with passion for the things she loves.

               The trail soon becomes steep, and Akaza is quick grab [Name] by the waist when she almost stumbles in the uneven ground. He can feel her softness through the fabric of her kimono, marvelling at how perfect she fits against his battle-hardened frame. They stare at each other in surprise, the close proximity between the two of them painting their faces a bright shade of red. Akaza reluctantly lets her go, immediately missing her soft and sweet frame against his, and he wonders if it has just been his imagination working in overdrive when he notices that [Name] sort of looks like she is feeling the same. He offers her his hand instead, and his heart leaps with joy when she shyly accepts his offer.

               [Name] looks around fifteen minutes later, seemingly checking for anyone in the trail with them.

               “Do you see anyone else here, Akaza-san?” she then asks him, her free hand clutching the sleeve of his dark blue gi like a child looking for an adult’s guidance. Akaza bites his lip to keep himself from smiling at the adorable sight, and focuses in their surroundings.

               Utilizing his heightened perceptions, Akaza shakes his head at [Name] when the only battle spirit he senses in the area is hers. “We’re the only ones here, [Name]-san,” he tells her, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

               [Name] smiles eagerly up at him and, to his surprise, leads him off the trail. They walk in silence deeper into the forest, to Akaza’s mounting confusion. [Name] seems to be growing more excited while they walk, and a gasp of delight slips past her lips when they reached a small clearing.

               “They’re here again!” she exclaims giddily and excitedly tugs Akaza along with her. Akaza looks around, unable to find the source of her excitement until his blues eyes shifts their focus on the small patch of flowers in the middle of the clearing.

               “Look, Akaza-san! Aren’t they pretty?”

               Heart beating wildly in his throat, Akaza gazes wide-eyed at the blue spider lilies before him. He cannot believe what he is seeing, cannot believe that the one thing his master has been looking for for centuries now lay in front of him.

               Akaza’s done it, he has succeeded more than the rest of his fellow Upper Moons! His long search for the mysterious blue spider lily has finally come to an end!

               [Name]’s delighted laughter reaches Akaza’s ears, snapping him out of his stupor. He watches as she plucks one of the blue spider lilies and shyly offers it to him.

               “I knew the sight of them would render you speechless,” she tells him softly, [colour] eyes glowing with pride and happiness, “just like they did to me when I first saw them two years ago.”

               Akaza lets [Name] guide him down until they are both seated on the grassy earth. He takes the proffered flower and studies it with open curiosity, prompting her to tell him what she knows of the strange flowers.

               “I found them by accident, you know,” [Name] says. “My first thought upon seeing them was how much money I could be earning should I sell them, but I realized that they’re better off staying here and flourishing by themselves. They’re strange, see, and I found out why the hard way. From what I’ve observed, they only bloom for three days every year! They only bloom during daylight and wilt when the sun sets. How very strange!”

               Ah. So that was why Lord Muzan’s search has been ruthless for the past centuries. The only thing he needs to fully unlock the immortality he so craves is perfectly guarded by the Sun he cannot conquer. And with such a short lifespan, it’s no wonder his fellow Upper Moons’ contacts cannot find even the shadow of the blue spider lilies.

               The success belongs to Akaza now, doesn’t it? He’s finally found the blue spider lilies. Plans to contact Lord Muzan and tell the latter of his find runs rampant in Upper Moon Three’s mind, but [Name]’s smiling face instantly derails his thought process.

               He knows Lord Muzan is a man who believed that his word is absolute. If Akaza tells him that he’s found the flowers through [Name], he is sure that the progenitor of demons would hold her accountable for his centuries’ worth of fruitless searching. Lord Muzan will accuse her of keeping the blue spider lilies’ existence and location a secret, thus endangering her and her brothers’ life should Akaza report his find.

               Akaza reminds himself that his loyalty is with Muzan alone. But what stands in his way of proving that loyalty comes in the form of the only friend he’s ever made his whole life – a friend whom he is quickly falling in love with. Would he be willing to trade the happiness [Name]’s presence offers him for the undying loyalty and servitude he’s first offered Muzan? Would he willingly go far as to endangering her life for the fulfillment of his mission?

               “I’ve been keeping their existence a secret from the townsfolk and the outsiders,” he hears [Name] speak to fill in the silence between them. Akaza looks at her, and he is reduced to admiring the way her cheeks flushed under his gaze, how her eyes brightened the longer she stares at him.

               Akaza’s heart is flooded with a surge of warmth and deep affection at the words she say next.

               “I want them to be just mine and Akaza-san’s secret, because… because Akaza-san is special to me!”

               The way [Name] speaks with such conviction has Akaza come to a decision himself.

               He would rather get himself into trouble for keeping his discovery a secret than to have the only light in his life be snuffed out because of him. He would lie to his fellow Demon Moons, would lie to Muzan himself, if it would keep [Name] safe. Akaza has never been this sure his entire life – in exchange for making him experience what it feels and means to be happy again, he would willingly die in his master’s hands in exchange of [Name]’s safety.

--

               At the end of the day and their trip to the forest, Akaza promises [Name] that the blue spider lilies’ existence will be their secret.

               The third Upper Moon – should he still call himself that? – gazes up at the moon through his room’s window. He can hear [Name] moving in her room next to his and soon enough, her soft footsteps approach. Akaza turns just in time to see her silhouette through the shoji door.

               “Akaza-san? I’m sorry for the intrusion, but are you still awake?”

               He gets up from his seat and moves to open the door. [Name] blushes under his gaze. She is carrying a tea set on a tray with her, and she seems to be fidgeting where she stands.

               “W-Would you like a cup of tea before you sleep?”

               She is acting like a caring wife, and Akaza is now convinced that he won’t trade her for anything in the world.

               He lifts a hand and softly pats her twice on the head, smiling affectionately at the meek smile she gives him.

               “Only if you join me,” he softly tells her. He quickly backpedals, however, when he realizes that he hasn’t been clear with his words when [Name] gapes up at him with wide eyes and a deep blush on her face. “W-With the tea– d-drinking t-tea, I mean! Please, h-have a cup of t-tea with me, b-b-before I sleep!”

               Face still flushed a lovely shade of red, [Name]’s tinkling laughter echoes in her humble home as she enters Akaza’s room.

.

.

.

.

#akaza #akaza x reader #kny x reader #kimetsu no yaiba #kny

[fanwright]

Gladiator: 200th Chapter Celebration

Tagging: @kigozula @seyaryminamoto

---

Seyary, this is a great milestone for you. Just want to let you know that I’m happy for you and impressed by the work that you have done over the long years of writing this story. You’ve inspired others to get into Sokkla as well as to have fun with the ship. Its been a great pleasure!

When I first picked up this story, I was still in college and rediscovering ATLA. Gladiator, as well as your other stories (which I recommend that others read as well) really cemented my liking for this ship. Years later, I’m still here, though all the ups and downs.

Now, despite me liking Gladiator a whole lot, I’ve admittedly fallen behind on catching up with it, chapter by chapter. That said, I do want to read it at my own pace and as I read more I still find myself loving the story, as there is much to enjoy. 

So, to that end, I’ll be commenting on the parts of the story I have been caught up with, Chapters 1 to 100. I hope that’s okay. 

---

1.) Favorite Character: Sokka

Now, this doesn’t mean I don’t like Azula. Of course not. And choosing one over the other is such a hard call to make that I would rather have them both occupy the same spot. But I decided Sokka in this case for a number of reasons. Others have commented on Azula in their own posts, so I thought giving my reasons for Sokka seemed only fair. 

We’ve seen Sokka change a lot over the course of the story and I seeing him morph into the character he is now is such a stark contrast to the one we saw at the very beginning. He hated the Fire Nation and was unwilling to cooperate with Azula. And yet, after trial and error and harsh circumstance, we have seen become a great warrior in his own right and the closest companion Azula has ever had, being her secret lover. It has been such a treat seeing him change and adapt and grow in this story. And as someone who really does like him as much as Azula, it was (and still is) a thill to see him get an all-star treatment in a story. 

And yet there are lingering complexities within him in this story, as far as I have gotten in it. There is still that awareness within him of who he serves and what he is doing, along with a nagging feeling of inadequacy that has hounded him at every turn. Bit by bit, either by his own efforts or with a little help, he is clawing his way forward internally to find some reconciliation. And I find that very compelling. 

And also its fun to see him thrash gladiators.  

2.) Least Favorite Most Dreaded Character: Ozai

Well, that’s not true really. I don’t dislike any of the reoccurring characters actually. 

The best way to describe this particular choice is “Most Dreaded Character”. I chose Ozai for this one because I dread the moment in when he finds out Azula and Sokka’s little affair. Now, again, I’m only on Chapter 100, so things could have changed by now. Yet, I believe still that if Ozai finds about about all this... a lot is going to change for Azula, Sokka, and even the Fire Nation. He will be a consequential character in the chapters to come and dread to see the his wrath and what that will mean for everyone else. It will not be pretty.

3.) Favorite “Antagonist”: Toph

When I first picked up this story and saw Toph introduced as an adversary, I was hyped. Like, you have no idea how hyped and pumped up I was for them to brawl. And I was not disappointed. 

See, for me, Toph represented more than just a metaphorical torn in both Sokka’s and Azula’s side for a good chunk of this story. She is at times a very compelling mini-villain, as if she is straight out of a Disney movie. She loves what she does and enjoys it, and knows just how powerful she is. And flaunts it in spectacular display. She has such a simple yet understandable motivation and was a very real threat to Sokka’s own life in the very first fight they were in. And despite both Sokka and Toph eventually learning to respect and even befriend each other, there was always the nagging thought that they would eventually fight again, and each one knew they wanted to win that rematch. Toph provided Sokka and Azula a reoccurring adversary to strive toward beating. Even as other gladiators came and went, they always knew Toph would be their biggest obstacle. So much build up was focused on training for that eventuality. And all of it was compelling enough to paint Toph as this great rival to them. Her being a part-time ally in some cases and even being a friend didn’t really change that until after they had fought a second time. 

Its because of this that I now believe firmly that Toph should be used as an antagonist more, if a story needs one. She is just so fun and so good as villain that hope others come to use her as one in AUs. 

As I read more, I’m sure this might change in time. But, even with all the fights Sokka has had, I firmly maintain that Toph was his greatest adversary on many levels. 

4.) Favorite OC: Rui Shi

Honestly, I think this guy is a sprit animal to someone out there. He’s just a guard trying to do his job right and the person he protects consistently makes that job harder for him in the most ridiculous ways. “Oh great, my princess is in an affair with her Gladiator and that won’t stop fucking like rabbits. Joy.”

Honestly, this man needs a vacation. A long one. And Seyary hasn’t given it to him, because she likes to make his life hard. Rude. 

For the longest time, I actually thought Rui Shi was much older than he actually is in the story. So until a picture of him was finally made, I pictured him as a 40 year old veteran with a graying mustache and beard. Even with how he actually looks, I wouldn’t be surprised if his job made him grow gray hair from all the stress. 

Good OC, one of a few I like.

5.) Favorite Suitor: Zhao

Should probably be no surprise. Where I am at right now, he’s essentially the suitor to beat as well as having the ultimate Gladiator for Sokka and Azula to defeat. Azula even admired him at some point. Though that has changed, I feel that Zhao has his eyes set on courting Azula further. Its a move that Ozai would likely not object to, provided Zhao pulls off something grand to earn that honor. And although every suitor has made Sokka angry, I feel Zhao would anger him on a deeper level as his interest in Azula grows. 

I look forward to seeing him more.

6.) Favorite Gladiator(s): Jet and Suki (For Chapters 1-100)

Jet being a brainwashed Gladiator highlighted a dark aspect to the games. He was also a brutal berserker when in the ring and one of Sokka’s most bitter adversaries. Suki to me was an interesting contrast to Sokka his situation with Azula. She was to me a kind of noble gladiator, an Amazon in the ring put gentle when out of it. Putting the canon characters in as Gladiators was always a treat for me and actually lends itself to some world-building.

7.) Favorite Gladiator-Canon Pairing: Sokka/Azula

This should not be a surprise :P 

I could go on and on about it, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll keep things short. This should not be surprise because the driving force and the very soul of this entire story is about a warrior-princess falling in love with a tribal gladiator. Their differences and how they reconcile them, their fears and pain, their passion and drive, all propel this story forward. Things have changed in this story because of them and they themselves have changed because fate brought them together.

If that isn’t enough to make them my favorite, then I’m sorry I don’t know what else to say to convince you XD 

8.) Favorite Arc(s): Rough Rhinos Arcs

Two arcs hit me hard on an emotional level - The end of the introductory arc and the Rough Rhino’s arc. They literally crawl out of quagmire, find a dragon in the process, and have one of the most touching and sincere heart-to-hearts in the story thus far. It was one of my favorite arcs to read and the emotional stakes were high. As I read more and continue, this might change, but for now I maintain this is one of my favorite arcs.

9.) Favorite Places/Locations: To Be Determine

This is the down side of having to catch up. There are a lot of locations in the story and in the ATLA universe that I like, and its always a hard choice for me to decide. I am a big fan of settings for a story and when I find a setting I like I usually latch onto it in all its locations. So for now, I will not decide on a solid choice.

... however, in any AU it might show up in, Bs Sing Se is my first choice by biased default. I just love that city and I always appreciate when a story fleshes it out in little ways. Gladiator being set for a fraction of its time in the city was great for me as I got to read more about the city I like so much. 

10.) I wish to see Sokkla in...: More tender, couple-like moments

Surprising, I know. But I what I mean is this - moments where they refrain from arguing, don’t bicker, and just enjoy being around each other, doing small things together. And its hard for them, they have to train they, have to keep their relationship a secret, they can only be a true couple for fleeting moments because of how dangerous and vulnerable it will leave them. And it claws at my heart every time. So I cherish the moments they have when they can be themselves around one another, fleeting as they sometimes are. 

11.) I believe Sokka and Azula’s relationship will be revealed when/like/because of...:

... when they get careless. When they feel that they are safe in their secrecy, complacaent in their routines for keeping their relationship hidden, that’s when it will be revealed. Its a kind of Hubris of sorts. 

And when its revealed, it will lead to something bad and irreversible for the both of them. You can only hide something like this for so long. Even historical royal affairs were never as secret as theirs. And they have taken painful precautions to keep it all under wraps. 

So when it finally does, it will change everything. And that’s going to be quite the wild ride.

12.) I believe at the end of Part 3...:

... that a sacrifice will be made. A death or a relinquishment of something. Sokka and Azula will be together, but something will have to be given up, and it will test them for the final time. 

I can’t say what it will be, but I’m going to enjoy finding out.

#Sokkla #Sokka #Azula #Gladiator Chapter Celebration

[cadence-talle]

Rain Against A Window (Chapter Three)

Pairing: Eventual Fitz Vacker/Dex Dizznee, Eventual Biana Vacker/Sophie Foster

Wordcount: 1,547

Summary: In which Alvar (previously Vacker) has to grow up far too fast, and Ruy makes an unexpected decision. 

Other notes: And after far, far too long, here’s chapter three. Enjoy! 

Taglist: @everyonehasthoughts, @clearlykeefitz, @loverofallthingssmart, @a-lonely-tatertot, @enbies-and-felonies, @molly-sencen, @lemontarto, @appalyneinstitute1, @ruewen-and-rising, @silver-snow, @linhamon-roll, @hyperlollypop, @never-ever-too-many-fandoms, @keeper-of-the-lost-queers, @impostertamsong, @vibing-in-the-void

Read it on ao3 or under the cut!

St Petersburg, Russia. October 12, 1917. 

Alvar’s not entirely sure when he discovered he would never rule. 

It might have been when he was nine, and had snuck into one of his father’s strategy meetings only to be thrown out of the room and given a talking-to later. 

It might have been when he was eleven, and hadn’t been allowed to take part in the royal parade. He had stared out the window of his bedroom, watching the people below move back and forth. 

It might have been when he was fourteen, and Alden had commissioned a family portrait while he was away in the country. His father had claimed it was just a way to welcome Fitzroy and Bianca to the family, but Alvar knew better. 

That painting, the four of them smiling cheerfully out at the world with no sign anyone was missing, that painting was just another way to say he didn’t belong. One more rope tying him back from the rest of his family. 

Really, that painting was the catalyst for everything that happened afterwards. 

He meets Ruy when he’s sixteen. The boy has been posing as a kitchen server for the past few months, and it doesn’t take much for Alvar to figure out he’s up to something. So he corners him one day after dinner, pulling them into a room off the side of the main hall. 

“I know what you’re doing,” he says quietly. There’s a flash of something in Ruy’s eyes- whether it’s fear or recognition, Alvar doesn’t know. “And I want to help.”

Ruy tilts his head and smiles, a slow, sharp thing. “All right, then.”

From that day forward, he isn’t Alvar Vacker, son of the tzar and shunned heir to the throne. He’s just Alvar, angry and determined to change things. Alvar, who masterminds a plan to overthrow the royal family. Alvar, who sneaks ten people into the palace one night, who helps explode the west wing, who points a gun at his mother and tries not to show how much he’s shaking. 

At the end, the fire of his anger has burned out. The embers remain, glowing brightly, but there’s no smoke to cloud his mind. He’s just… tired of playing this part. 

He’s never going to rule. He’s never going to be as important as his siblings. He’s never going to be seen, by anyone. 

And he promises himself, as he pulls the trigger, that he’s never going to regret this. 

-/-

St Petersburg, Russia. February 26, 1927.

The city is quiet. 

Not in the literal sense, of course. Alvar is pretty sure the city has never been literally quiet. Even in the darkest hours of the night, there’s noise; laughter, singing, shouting. No, this quiet is subtler, almost unnoticeable if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The streams of gossip have slowed to a whisper. 

Alvar has ears in every district, but even his best aren’t hearing much. Something is changing, a new wind blowing into the city, and it brings with it the smell of hope. 

Hope, especially among the lower class, is never a good thing. 

There’s a knock at the office door and Ruy pokes his head in, face impassive but eyes twitching this way and that. 

“The new report came in,” he says, seating himself on a chair in front of Alvar’s desk. “I thought you would want to see it.” 

Nodding, Alvar takes the offered stack of paper and begins to flip through it. It’s normal stuff, mostly- records of Vacker-owned contraband being sold on the black market, a baker over by the Neva who’s been harboring nobles in his basement. Alvar makes a few notes and turns to the last page, which seems to be an itemized list of rumors all on the same subject. He growls and sets the report back on his desk. Ruy bites his lip. 

“Yeah. You- you don’t think there’s any truth to them, right? It’s impossible.”

“It is impossible,” Alvar says in a tone he hopes sends the message that this conversation is over. “Fitzroy and Bianca are dead.” He would know; he killed them himself. Still, Ruy seems apprehensive. 

“I know. But even rumors have some truth to them. And that night was so long ago-” Ruy hesitates, reaching across the desk to touch Alvar’s hand. “Do- are you sure you killed them?”

There are flashes of light behind Alvar’s eyes, screams echoing through hallways. The cold metal of a gun in his hand, his own face reflected back at him. He doesn’t relive that night, doesn’t think about it unless he has to. He doesn't regret it, not yet, but he’s afraid that he will if he thinks too hard. 

“Yes.” He pulls his hand away from Ruy’s, glaring at the other man. “I’m positive. They’re dead.”

“Okay.” Something crosses Ruy’s face, an emotion that’s gone as soon as it appears. He taps the paper again, on a list of names. “The Ruewens are offering a pretty big reward, though. Schemes are popping up all over the city.”

“So we bring them in.” Alvar marks a few names. “Not all of them, just enough to get our message across.”

“And our message is… what, exactly?”

Alvar meets Ruy’s eyes. “That anyone found consorting with the prince and princess will face the consequences.”

-/-

“Look,” Ruy says as calmly as he can, looking at the sobbing man across from him. “You’re not in trouble. I just need you to confirm you don’t know the Vackers.”

“I- I don’t know the Vackers!”

“And I’m sure you’re aware what the penalty for lying to an officer is.”

The man’s eyes go wide and he nods vigorously. “I promise, I’m not lying! I’ve never heard of any Vackers!”

That’s obviously a lie, but Ruy suspects it’s more out of panic than actual malice. Sighing, he waves towards the door. 

“Right. Well, goodbye.”

The door swings shut and Ruy sinks further into his chair, rubbing his temples. He hates this. It’s unnecessary and, to be honest, probably useless; he understands the need to find whoever’s trying to impersonate the prince and princess, but dragging in half the city isn’t going to help. If Fitzroy and Bianca really are alive, they’d have to be much too smart to just… be arrested. 

A knock on the door signifies the next person is about to be sent in. Ruy glances up, looks back down at his desk, and then does a double take. Because seventeen-year-old Alvar is standing in the doorway- or, not Alvar, not quite, but close enough. Same hair, same jawline, same slouching posture that still has hints of military upbringing. The only difference is the eyes- while Alvar’s are cold, dark blue, this boy has teal eyes. 

Teal eyes. Just like the Vackers. 

Ruy feels his blood run cold. 

“Sit down,” he croaks out, gesturing towards the hard wooden chair. The boy nods and lowers himself into it, looking around in slight confusion. 

“May I ask why I’m here?” he says. “Someone just grabbed me off the street-”

“What do you know about the Vackers?” Ruy asks. A look of recognition and fear passes over the boy’s face before it’s gone, schooled into something calmer. He shrugs. 

“They were the old royal family, taken down by the rebels. They’re almost all dead now.”

“Almost?”

The boy blinks. “Well, yeah. There’s Alvar, isn’t there?”

Oh. Right. It’s funny, really, how often Ruy manages to forget that Alvar is a Vacker; he’s just Alvar, to Ruy. Weird and annoyed and constantly angry, but not a prince. Not a member of the tsar’s close family. 

But a prince he was, and a government leader he is, and Ruy would do well to remember that before he does something stupid like fall in love with the man. 

… Fall even more in love, that is. 

“Of course,” he says hastily, realizing he’s been silent for far too long. “I thought you meant something else. I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but there have been a surprising amount of rumors surrounding Prince Fitzroy lately.”

There it is- that flinch, that fearful look that flashes in his eyes. If Ruy wasn’t sure before, he is now; this boy knows something about the Vackers. Perhaps even is one. 

“All right,” he says. “I’m going to need you to go to the second floor, where-” Ruy trails off, meeting the boy’s eyes. They’re scared, sure, but there’s some semblance of hope in them. Some glint of happiness. 

Ruy was like that, once. When he was seventeen and eighteen, fresh off their victory against the tsar. When the city was cold and crumbling and days were long but none of that mattered because they had won. When Alvar was always by his side, and the two would run through the streets and laugh together. When the world was narrowed down to one place, one moment, and everything was aglow in the light of Alvar’s smile. 

Alvar doesn’t smile like that anymore. He’s sadder, angrier, even around Ruy. Happiness stolen away long ago. 

Ruy finds himself wanting to preserve this kid’s happiness for as long as possible.  

“Actually.” He says. “I’m going to need you to leave the building right now. Have a good day.”

#wow i fucking hate this chapter #oh well #next one will be up soon! #lynn rambles #my writing #alvar vacker #ruy ignis #ravioli #fitz vacker #kotlc #kotlc fanfiction #anastasia au

[seyaryminamoto]

Anon-Nemesis - Right, I’ve got some free time, so I’ll have to make this a quickie, but I thought about my answers while at a boring family lunch thing.

Favorite Character: Ozai (The way you write him anyway, he’s pretty meh in canon))

Least Favorite Character (one who’s constantly there): I do have a few less than liked minor characters, but none of them are “Constantly There” So I have no good answer for this.

Favorite “Antagonist”: Ozai & Ol’ Spooky (Seethus) Lets face it, Ozai is the big papa of baddies, quite literally, and Ol’ Spooky spooked me good in his arc, at least till Azula and Xin handed him his own ass on a golden platter. I’m listing them together because you sort of portray them as a team where Seethus is just an extension of Ozai’s will personified (I might’ve picked Zhao too, but he hasn’t actively opposed our main duo too much so far, so instead I will pick)

Favorite OC: Rui Shi, duh. The guy has been there nearly from the start and has had Azula back even back in the early days when she was quite a jerk and hadn’t been, uh, tamed by Sokka (lol, not my best choice of words but I’m sticking to it, Azula might find the idea privately amusing these days but would kill me for sure for saying it like that) I feel like Goro would be high on this list, as would Ol’ Spooky, but we seen too little interaction with either for me to list them.

Favorite Gladiator: Aside from Sokka and Toph; My fav is The Millennium Dragon. Runners up The Alchemist (Well his sponsor is more interesting than him) Special Shout Out to the Dart Slayer, he jobbed so hard he got Sokka recruited (Was it Dart Slayer? Shit, it was so long ago) and a last conflicted entry, Rhone, I like what he represents (Basically Evil Sokka) but I don’t like him as a person, the dude is a straight asshole who needs a good thrashing.

Favorite Suitor or a Suitor I wished would make moves on Azula: Toph, I don’t mean in a shipping sense, but just Toph could mess with Azula and offer to marry her as a joke or something. Azula’s reaction would be priceless. A more serious answer, Zhao, He may be a douche, but I kind of like the guy in Gladiator, he’s not quite morally grey, but he does seem to only want the best for Azula, or his idea of the best, which ain’t actually the best for her.

Most Relatable Character: The young dude who works the desk at the Royal Dome, Shouji I think its spelled, such a timid little fellow, yet so composed since he’s always coming face to face with some of humanities mightiest people, the Gladiators, and scummiest people, sponsors. Plus he knows his business and does his job effectively. Supporting Sokka’s career is also nice. Also, special shout out to Keno. Wait, who was he again? Ah nevermind, probably nobody important. Anyway, where was I? …

Character I’d like to see more: Ol’ Spooky, mainly, that creeper really fascinates me, Its funny how he and Azula are frightened of eachother even though Azula would effortlessly waste his ass. I want to know how Ozai keeps the loyalty of someone that dangerous. Is he even human? Or some ancient fire spirit? He’s one of the biggest mysteries you’ve got going. Goro is one I really hope you develop, He’s got a nice fatherly, or grandfatherly vibe that could be a much needed point of stability for Azula in part 3.

 Favorite Canon (Gladiator canon)Pairing: Main Duo aside, Rui and Song were my number 1, but lately Ozai/Ursa has stolen it (Even though Ursa is gone.

Favorite Non-Canon Pairing: I can only come up with joke pairings I’m afraid, but. One sided Ty Lee X Ozai (The mental image of Mr. propper n serious, but buff, handsome Firelord with that bubbly bundle of joy hanging off his arm, bugging him to take her somewhere fun. I can’t stop laughing, he just wants her to get lost, and Azula is deeply worried about her friend’s sanity) Azula X O'l Spooky, or Azula X Sparky Sparky Boom Man (No matter which way you slice it, its one big, powerful and passionate fire storm, loud and explosive, silent and deadly, and each hella destructive) Okay fine, I’m only thinking of their bending, not the characters themselves. Sokka X Boomerang/Sword/Club (Wholesome until you realize he’s having a foursome with his own armory. Hell, let’s throw Azula into the mix, she can bring her own sword. Man, that’d be a dangerous bed, so many sharp and pointy accidents waiting to happen. But maybe Space Sword X Wolf’s Bane, they fight together, and snuggle together, just like their owners.

Favorite Arc: Tough call. Its a rivalry between Giving In arc, Slave Riot arc, Fire Lord’s Shadow and Air Temple arc for 2nd place. But 1st Place goes to combined Whaletail Island/Shu Jing arcs with how well they flow together, you outdid yourself with them, fluffy as half of them were

Favorite Place/Location:

 Part 1 or Part 2?:

I wished to see Sokkla more in/like … :

Guessing Game: Guess how good/bad I am at guessing games.

Finish the following sentences: “They don’t? I guess they were probably too busy looking at your… a-at… y-your ? ? ?” (Yeah, spot that one motherF-ers, I dare you.)

I think Azula & Sokka’s relationship will be revealed when/like/because of … Their own inability to exert willpower over their horny impulses. In other words their own reckless stupidity.

I believe at the end of Part 3 … Ozai gonna die, that’s about all I’m certain of. The invasion happens, lots of death and destruction. Since Aang ain’t a killer, my money is on Aang defeating Ozai but its Katara or The White Lotus who kill him. I don’t think Azula could do it though no matter how much she comes to hate her dad. Sokka won’t either since Azula still cares about Ozai, he’s still her papa. Besides, Azula may be too busy having a violent ass knockdown drag out deathmatch with Ol’ Spooky to keep him off the heroes backs, she wins and Ozai loses his two greatest assets. Ozai fights to the bitter end, ignoring Azula’s pleas for him to surrender, he’s too far gone in his hubris, his ego and his rage at Azula’s betrayal by then. Afterward, happy-ish ending, bittersweet, but Azula becomes Fire Lord, Sokka becomes Fire Lady, and has lots of kids and rule happily everafter, of 5 minutes ever after since those two can’t stop attracting trouble.

I’m glad you had a chance to join in! :D thank you for that submission, my friend!

#Anon-Nemesis #honestly some of your answers made me LOL #so much #thank you xD #Gladiator200thChapter #submission

[zofja-qualifiedantholic]

HANA Doll track project archive L 2-3 Univers translation

The translation is very rough!!! More info here

hope this tl helps!!

Rui: Ageha... House system, one tea. It's not good to overdo this(?).

Ageha: When did you become a life instructor? Divine grace(?).

Rui: Can you feel the sound at this level?

Ageha: What is it(?)?

Rui: I think so too.

Ageha: I'm used to it(?).

Rui: Find out if you can change your  settings to (????).

Ageha: I just said my impressions.

Rui: The ring(?????). Message? This sender is...

Ageha: President Amagiri. A summary.

Rui: Be sure to take a look.

Ageha: Is it just this? How many times?

Rui: He didn't write it anywhere.

Ageha: You can tell how long you look at it.

Rui: Documents are attached. It's a video.

Ageha: Output station on TV monitor.

*I know, Who I am strats playing*

Ageha: !

Rui: This is... Anthos.

Ageha: House system, turn off the monitor(?).

Rui: This date. Probably the live broadcast that took place the other day. This stage should have been the official debut.

Ageha: It doesn't matter.

Rui: But the president says we have to watch it.

Ageha: I don't need it.

Rui: It means something because that person sent it.

Ageha: Shut up!

*something breaks*

Ageha: Even if you watch it and study. We are. Anthos are not even at our shoes's level(???), they have spent a year blooming. They're not strong(???).

Rui: Ageha.

Ageha: They are in the way(?). Proud. That is the video of idol that Amagiri Production is aiming for. Loulou*di lived up to that expectation and tried to win the industry's top-level reputation. That is... What we have built with effort. I made it with a predicate(???). We'll meet on the stage(???)!

Rui: Ageha. Be a little quiet.

Ageha: Don't order me!

Rui: It's not an order.

Ageha: It's the same thing.

Ruo: It's different. I'm asking. Don't be ignorant(???). Ask(?). House system, one tea with a lot of sugar.

Ageha: What happened to the president? They can't make a flower(????). They debuted before our return.

Rui: That doesn't matter.

Ageha: It doesn't matter if it's overtly neglected so far(?).

Rui: It doesn't matter what the president thinks. But how you get it(?). That's it.

Ageha: Do you have no pride(?)?

Rui: I don't(?). There is only one thing I should protect. However, one of them does not give up no matter what anyone says.

Ageha: A man who listens to anything I command is good.

Rui: That's right. If you tell me to die, I will. I will never betray you.

Ageha: Really?

Rui: If it's good for you.

Ageha: It's a beautiful thing. Even though it can't be done.

Toki: You made a great noise. Oh, a cup. Did you do it? Why?

Ageha: It's nothing.

Rui: Ageha, where are you going?

Toki: Hey...

Rui: PLANTs, clean up the room(?).

Toki: Did Ageha-san and Rui-san had a fight again?

Rui: It wasn't a fight.

Toki: But, isn't it only when Rui-san is there that Ageha-san makes such a loud voice?

Rui: I don't deny it. Right now, it's not a quarrel, just saying that Ageha left it to his emotions.

Toki: House system, one warm cocoa.

Rui: Did you saw the video sent by the president?

Toki: Only beginning. Is that so? Ageha-san hates Anthos, right? Well, I hate it too.

Rui: Is that so?

Toki: There is no element I like.

Rui: Such a thing.

Toki: Rui-san, what do you think of Anthos?

Rui: I don't feel so strong that I hate it.

Toki: Does Rui-san sometimes get angry?

Rui: I don't.

Toki: I think it's okay to get a little angry if you hit a cup with contents.

Rui: Did you see it?

Toki: I didn't have to see it to know. The cup is broken and the clothes of Rui-san are wet. Your forehead is scratched.

Rui: oh

Toki: Sometimes Rui-san is extremely dull, isn't he?

Rui: Might be so.

Toki: A good person like that person(???).

Rui: PLANTs, you can go down after cleaning up. Ageha is fine. That nobility is a symbol of Loulou*di. I'm here in order for him to remain the champion.

Toki: Me too. Ageha-san has no objection to the place of Loulou*di(????), of course.

Rui: If Ageha hits the cup, what will you do?

Toki: That... I don't know.

Rui: I told you to answer me(???).

Toki: For me, Ageha-san is a respected idol, a center and leader of the unit, and a big senior. It's absolutely impossible to get angry(?).

Rui: I am the same.

Toki: Me and Rui-san are completely different. When I get angry it's much more unfavorable than when Rui-san gets angry(?).

Rui: Unfavorable?

Toki: I haven't achieved as much as Rui-san yet. If I give an extra answer and Ageha-san hates me, I may be kicked out of Loulou*di. The risk is too great.

Rui: Ageha will never drive anyone out Loulou*di.

Toki: But, Amemiya Kaito has withdrawn, hasn't he? I was lucky to get into Loulou*di because of that(?).

Rui: The withdrawal of Kaito was not decided by Ageha. It wasn't a dispute among the members.

Toki: Really?

Rui: I swear it's true.

Toki: That would be fine. I really respect Ageha-san and Rui-san. I would absolutely hate withdrawal.

Rui: You don't have to worry about that. Then, Toki.

Toki: Yes?

Rui: Don't talk too much about Kaito. Especially in front of Ageha.

Toki: I won't. I know he's in a bad mood.

Rui: That's right.

Toki: But, that's right. I will be more careful than ever. I want Ageha-san to always be in the best condition. This, Rui-san, I will give this to you.

Rui: This...

Toki: You don't know? Adhesive plaster. This is my favorite. The bears are cute aren't they(?)?

Rui: That's right. It's cute.

Toki: This is a thank you in China.

Rui: Thank you for that.

Toki: Shall I put it on? The forehead seems to hurt quite a bit.

Rui: I'm fine.

Toki: You don't have to do this(??).

Rui: It's a waste to use it now even though you gave it to me. I'll save this for more important times.

Toki: More important? Do you mean a serious injury? It's no good at that time, it's not the case when you put a bandage on it. You have to call an ambulance.

Rui: That's certainly true.

Toki: By the way, put it(??).

Rui: No, I feel angry with Ageha, so I'll stop.

#hanadoll #loulou*di

[tanglebond-tales]

Wake Up, Lupin (pt. 1)

Most days, it doesn't matter what time Lupin casts the spell.

But today is Thursday, and therefore, it matters.

Ding a ling a ling, says the first alarm. Ugh. That means it's 6 o'clock. Two hours til work, one hour til portal time.

Lupin goes back to sleep.

Bing bong, says the second alarm. Ugh. Six thirty.

Wake up, Lupin. Now. Says the third alarm. Okay, the first two didn't actually SAY what they said, it was onomatopaiea. Sounds that they made translated into words. But this one actually talks.

"Uh. Portal day."

The alarm clock does not respond. It only knows how to say that one thing, repeatedly, in its tinny little voice.

"Wake up, Lupin. Now."

"Fine! Ugh. Fine. Okay. Get up, Lupin." She rolls out of bed. At least it's warm.

---

"Ugh. Why is it always so warm here."

Lupin draws the final stroke of chalk to complete the circle, and before she can even look up, there is a flash of light.

"Hello, Lupin. It's been a while."

"It's been a week." Her handler's enthusiasm at this time of morning was routinely offensive.

He steps forward out of the teleportation circle, places the supply chest on the sideboard, and makes a show of brushing the dust of the conjuring chalk from his otherwise immaculate coat. "It has! I do hope things are going well with you."

Lupin yawns and stretches. "Not bad. Work is fine. Y'know, hammering steel. Over and over."

"But you are getting plenty of practise with those elementals."

"Well, yeah, it's what I do like literally all day, so yes."

"I am glad. I take it they are co-operative."

Portal successfully cast on time, Lupin has retreated to the kitchen. She is making toast. "They're okay. I mean, some more than others, some of them are rude. Some of them are lazy. But most of them are nice. And some of them are really funny."

"I actually kind of envy you. The air realm boundary here is so thin. You're really getting the best of it. It's a wonderful assignment."

"Rui, I've been here for a year. It's getting pretty boring. And why do you always have to visit so early?"

Ruiprouice Frouce sighed. "I know. It is a long time. But we all do it. And, as you know I have a lot of people to visit. This is how I like to start my Thursdays."

She cracks some eggs into the pan and smiles at him over her shoulder. "You're sweet.” From nowhere, a wooden stirrer coalesces in her hand and she prods at the sizzling eggs. “Okay, look, I know. Rite of passage as a conjurer, blah blah. I get that, and I'm grateful for the chance. But, Pelor, am I ever ready to move on."

"Yes, Lupin." Closest thing Lupin ever had to an uncle, but he never used her nicknames. "Just one more week."

Lupin sighed. "Yes. Just one more week. Have you had breakfast?"

---

Felton Blacksand sighed, stroking his long beard and looking at the chrono dial. "Where, oh where, is Lupin."

"I'm here!" hollered Lupin, her attempt at sneaking into the office foiled by her big mouth and scrabbling feet. "I'm sorry."

"It's Thursday, already?"

"Sure is! So, what needs doing?" she inquires as she catches her breath, coils up her two long braids, and stuffs them into her beret.

Felton sighed. Not that he'd been paying close attention, but he knew the year was almost up. When he'd gotten the letter from the conjurers’ guild - sorry, the Guild of Conjurers and Summoners - he hadn't expected much, a bookish nerd maybe? Certainly not someone so talented in the trade as well as the craft. The thought of Lupin moving on was heavy on his mind.

"Crew two is on the Hammer, so they'll probably need you to help get them started. Third crew is in the mines, so Pelor willing they won't need much attention, but crew four is on the mechanisms so they'll definitely need your support. And crew five is,” he consults his clipboard, “smelting, so they may need some fires put out."

"Put out? Come on." She shimmies indignantly into her company-issue grease-spattered overalls. Frowning as she spots a couple of small tears, she jabs at them with a finger and they mend instantly.

"Loops. We're training your replacements. Give them some space to make mistakes."

Lupin was losing track of the number of sighs today. Plus one. "Can I at least stoke some fire tomorrow?"

"Sure, as long as they learn a lot today."

Lupin rolled her eyes. "Thanks, I guess."

"Crew one is on bucket detail, so keep an ear on them. They're not exactly fast."

"True, that. Anything else? Roll on end of shift, right?"

"Roll on. Don't forget to eat lunch."

"Thanks, boss." Lupin left.

---

It hadn't been an eventful shift. The air elementals had been compliant, mostly, but she'd had to talk down to a fairly large firey, and he almost didn't accept her bluster. She knew the protocol for that situation - contain with a magic circle, call for the water squad - but she was proud of the fact that she hadn't had to do that in a bit over six months. She could usually get them to listen to reason, which helped a lot since her physical stature would hardly be described as intimidating. Not that she didn’t have a few other tricks up her sleeve if it really came down to it.

Anyway. The shift was over, and Lupin was heading home. The viewing platform was on the way - about the closest thing this charming hamlet had to a tourist attraction - and hey, the Hammer in action was always a sight to see after walking up that big darn hill on her short gnome legs, so Lupin often stopped there.

Today was different, though. It was Wednesday; nearly a week had passed since Rui's last visit, and tomorrow was the big day. It was tradition in the guild to time the final day of casting with a visit, do a bit of a ceremony and whatnot, and that was tomorrow.

But more immediately, today there were some actual tourists.

A bunch of weirdoes, actually, thought Lupin as she approached the platform. In a good way, an interesting way, and certainly something she hadn't seen in a while. An elf lady with a fancy-looking bow strapped to her back. A tall human man with rippling muscles and a giant sword. A robed monk, a little girl, a birdman. A lizardy guy. Lizardy? No, more dragon-y. And a peculiar boy, not so much taller than Lupin, humanish but for the pointy, swept-back horns atop his head. Lupin somehow has an impulse to just run forward and hug him.

She suppressed it, barely, and instead sidled up to the group just as the dragony man was leaving. Adventurers? What were they doing here? "Hi! I'm Lupin!" She thrust her hand out in the vague direction of the boy with the horns.

---

It seemed like the boy with the horns had a lot on his mind, but that was okay, because Lupin loved talking about her work, and had been doing so incessantly. "And then, right? We put the molten slug on the anvil. And then, the hammer smashes it flat! So flat. Keeping that hammer working is basically my day job. You know, just the other day..."

Fancy bow lady interrupts her. "So, you work here, then?"

Lupin stops. Was that sarcasm? She wasn't used to that, around here.

"Yes, I do! So where are you guys from?" Funny how the fatigue of a whole shift in the steelworks could be erased with a little bit of chitchat.

---

It turned out they were new in town, just passing through really, and looking for somewhere to eat, drink and sleep. Lupin knew just the place - and what a coincidence, was going that way. Even if she weren't, she would have said she was. She'd learned some names, including the horn-headed fella, Russell. Walking next to him, she felt like he was in need of some cheering up.

"Hey, do you like animals?"

Russell immediately perks up. "Yes! I love animals."

"Oh, well." Lupin clasps her hands together, and then opens them a crack. A tiny nose peeks out, whiskers twitching as it samples the air, followed by the face and long body of a silky white ermine, which scurries up Lupin's arm and perches on her shoulder, looking intently at Russell.

"Russell, this is Snickers."

Russell is agog. "What.. how.. did you just.. summon that?"

"Her. And yes. Well, no. Well, she's always around, just not always in material form. I think she likes you."

Lupin bumps her shoulder into Russell's and Snickers scuttles across, disappearing up Russell's sleeve and, a moment later, poking her fuzzy face out of the neck of his armour.

Russell's excited grin has turned into barely contained paroxysms of laughter. "That.. tickles!!", he exclaims between gasps of air. "Oh yes indeed," says Lupin, "this is definitely her tickliest form. Sometimes she's a cat, sometimes a rat, we didn't really like her as a snake, but birds are a lot of fun. Though, not as cuddly."

Snickers has wriggled free of Russell's armour and parked herself on his shoulder, busying herself with nuzzling him incessantly. Accordingly, Russell has regained the power of speech. "She can change forms?”, he asks, returning the affection. “Like, whenever?"

"Oh, well it takes a little bit of doing. We have to cast a spell for it, which needs some fancy ingredients, so it's a bit of a special occasion when we do, you know?"

Russell is impressed. "That is so, so cool."

Lupin blushes a little. Finding a familiar is among the most basic of basic conjuration, but it’s nice that he's impressed. And it’s nice to be chatting to someone who doesn’t tower over her. "You think that's cool? You should see what I do for a living." She starts into telling him all about a day in the life of an elemental wrangler as they walk on.

---

"So, this guild has had you living here for a year, casting the same spell every day, over and over, to - set up a portal?"

Sitting around an assortment of tables, the adventurers are exercising their elbow muscles hefting tankards of excellent ale. Blacksand's Brewery is crowded, as always after the end of a shift at the 'works, with dwarves, gnomes, and humans, far too many of whom Lupin knows by name. The elder of the Blacksand brothers, Beren, tends bar, and waitstaff sashay busily amongst the tables.

"Yep, that's right. It'll facilitate travel and trade and blah blah blah. And it'll mean I've concluded this stage of my service to the Guild, so I'll be presented with a shiny new badge and make a bunch of people real proud, but best of all, I won't have to stay in this boring excuse for a town anymore."

"Oh come on, it's not so bad. This place is nice. And the hammer is really cool!"

"Yeah, so cool! So much going on here! And I get to hear the clanging all day every day from up close AND far away!" Lupin is thrilled to be using sarcasm again. She makes a show of counting on her fingers. "You've seen the Hammer, you're eating at Blacksand's, and you've met me. I think that about covers the highlights of the Praak experience."

She pauses to sip her ale. "I will not miss this place. I will miss some of the people, though." She looks around at the interior of the Brewery. "And, well, I might miss this place. But Praak generally? I don't think so. I don't exactly have a plan yet, but I'm sure looking out for an excuse to leave." A smiling waitress deposits several plates of delicious-smelling food on the table, and Lupin nods in acknowledgement, suddenly feeling a twinge of guilt for badmouthing the small town. She picks up the smallest plate, containing a boiled egg and small cubes of various cheeses, and sets it to one side. Snickers goes straight for it and gets to nibbling.

"But you have to finish this portal first, right?"

"Oh, yes, well, that's happening tomorrow."

Russell's eyebrows raise precipitously.

"Tomorrow! And you said there's going to be a ceremony?" Had she said that? She wasn't sure, but the thoughtful look on Russell's face stilled her tongue. "Do you know anyone who could transport someone between planes? That's a conjurer thing, right?"

Lupin hesitates, unsure of what is happening. "Well - that's something I'm studying towards, but yes, I suppose I do know some people. And yes," she anticipates his next question, "it is possible some of them might be here tomorrow."

"Huh," says Russell, his eyebrows returning to their typical stance as he grabs a chicken leg and leans back in his chair. "Gaalin will want to meet you."

"Who's Gaalin?", says Lupin.

[the-archlich]

Would you prefer a DW game to be completely Historic without any fictional aspects like characters like Diao Chan and battles like Hu lao gate or do you like that DW leans heavily on the fictional aspects of the Three Kingdoms ?

Take from this answer what you will. My opinion on any semi-historical adaptation is as follows: (this turned into a long, kind of rambling essay.)

First and foremost, I think it is the responsibility of anyone adapting something from history to represent the real people involved with integrity. People who did terrible things shouldn’t have that covered up for the sake of the narrative. People who did heroic deeds shouldn’t have their efforts dismissed. Even if used fictitiously, these were real people. Their hopes and dreams were real. Their suffering and struggles were real. And if you’re doing any kind of adaptation it is important to represent those things honestly. You have a duty to show people for who they were - or, more practically, who you perceive them to be.

Obviously the easiest way to do that is to stick as close to recorded facts as possible. The less you deviate from the truth, the less you have to worry about. If the narrative just doesn’t let you incorporate something factual, then it’s your responsibility to try to get as close as you can. The Sanguo Yanyi usually has Taishi Ci die heroically at Hefei. And while that didn’t happen it does show him as a brave man and a powerful warrior whose unexpected death is widely mourned. That’s now how it happened, but it at least represents the spirit of the man faithfully.

And sure, there’s room for ambiguity. Who is the “hero” in a story about Wei’s Zhengshi period? What were someone’s real motives? What were they really like? Our records only show certain sides of people. That’s okay. That ambiguity is where you have room to improvise and build a historical figure into a character. But if you’re taking advantage of ambiguities to wave away serious problems, you’re not acting in good faith

There is a lot of ambiguity, for example, in the Zhengshi period. At the same time, there are some interpretations that are simply not made in good faith. I don’t believe that anyone can look at Sima Yi’s actions and honestly believe that they were selfless, taken only in the interest of preserving Wei. You could argue that they were justified and logical, but saying that he was doing it all for “the greater good” would be dishonest. Depicting Cao Shuang and his group as innocent victims attacked senselessly by a jealous rival who just wanted to seize power is just as dishonest, as it requires one to ignore the efforts they made to consolidate power. You can build a good character in the ambiguities and the things left unsaid, but it should always come from a place of honesty.

This is a roundabout way of saying that the most important thing to get right - the thing that matters to me more than anything else in adapting a story - is representing the people involved with honesty and integrity. They were real and whether you see them as heroic, villainous, or elsewhere or that spectrum (most people were, of course, in the gray area between) it is important to show them honestly.

The easiest way to do that is, as I said, to stick as close to recorded facts as possible. The more inventions you toss in, the farther from the truth you’ll wander. You mentioned Diao Chan and Hulao, and those are actually two good examples on the opposite ends of this continuity.

Hulao is, of course, a fictional battle. It is often preceded by a battle at Sishui (which appears to have been another name for the same mountain pass) and followed by a battle where Cao Cao gets ambushed and is no longer able to pursue Dong Zhuo. The Sishui battle is pretty directly inspired by the battle at Yangren, the battle at Hulao is inspired by Sun Jian’s battle against Dong Zhuo at Dagu Pass, and the ambush is inspired by the battle at Xingyang between Cao Cao and Xu Rong, which actually happened before Yangren and Dagu.

As an adaptation of those three historical events (Xingyang, Yangren, and Dagu) Hulao is terrible, particularly at the Sishui and Hulao portions. at Yangren, Sun Jian defeated Lu Bu and killed a staff officer named Hua Xiong (a man of no special importance. Then at Dagu he defeated Dong Zhuo himself and drove him off to Chang’an. At Sishui, however, Sun Jian is unable to accomplish anything and Hua Xiong cuts through many fictional characters before being killed by Guan Yu - who was not at Yangren, the battle that inspired it. At Hulao, Lu Bu does the same feat before Guan  Yu, Zhang Fei, and Liu Bei fight him to a draw. Again, none of those men were actually present at Dagu. That was all Sun Jian.

So in adapting Yangren and Dago into Sishui and Hulao to better fit the narrative, Luo Guanzhong completely cheats Sun Jian out of all credit. He was the only character to have success against Dong Zhuo, but he is rendered a minor figure and upstaged by three men who didn’t even fight against Dong Zhuo (they were in Qing or You at the time, nowhere near the campaign against Dong Zhuo). This is an adaptation with no integrity. Sun Jian is robbed of his heroic accomplishments and glory is showered on people who did not earn it.

The Diao Chan story, on the other hand, is a pretty fair adaptation. The woman herself is fictional but the events the story depicts are reasonably close to the truth, if a bit embellished. There was a rift that formed between Dong Zhuo and Lu Bu - and while it wasn’t due to both desiring the same woman that rift was very much a real thing, brought about in large part due to Dong Zhuo’s terrible treatment of Lu Bu (even throwing a halberd at him once). And Wang Yun did take advantage of this rift to turn Lu Bu against Dong Zhuo. This allowed him to arrange Dong Zhuo’s assassination by Lu Bu’s hand - all of which does happen in the fictionalized version of the tale with Diao Chan. My only major qualm is that it writes out Shisun Rui, who was another major architect of the plan, but he didn’t want credit for it anyway so I can let it slide.

What I’m saying is, it’s all about integrity. It’s easiest to represent people honestly when you just stay close to the truth. Inventing and embellishing things is fine - that’s how you get a story instead of an essay. But those inventions and embellishments should serve to reinforce who these people really were, not cover it up.

So what I ask from any adaptation of any historical period - Dynasty Warriors or something else - is this integrity. I don’t demand strict accuracy or realism but it’s easiest to achieve this integrity when you stick close to the truth.

One other thing I’ll add is that in most cases, and especially in the Three Kingdoms, I find the truth to be far more interesting than the stories made up later. I prefer that any adaptation/narrative about the period stay close to the truth not just to represent people with integrity but because the events that actually happened are usually more exciting than invented tales. And history can get away with things that fiction can’t. The story of Taishi Ci rescuing Kong Rong is downplayed in the Sanguo Yanyi because even for a novel like that, the truth seems hard to believe.