#i was really scared that he would get kuru

[thermometermercury]

*watching Hannibal saw will’s head open with the intent to eat his brain* oh no girl! :0 Watch out for those prions!!!

#mental disease #:( #i was really scared that he would get kuru #would be kinda romantic tho… #something about wasting away from a neurodegenerative disease bc you consumed your love #very Hannibal #hannibal nbc #hannibal lecter #hannibal #hannigram #hanigram

[mylesimeblr]

A little Aonung/Spider I've been working on... (not proofread)

Warning: T rated for this one but might go up to M or E rated when finished (I might add a first time moment at the end of this)

Aonung has had enough.

Can’t they mind their own business?

Yes, he knows Spider is different from him, in more than one way. But he has accepted it. So why do they have to make such a big fuss and be so weird about it?! Three talks! He’s already had to suffer three talks! With their worried expressions and not so subtly allusions he might hurt Spider with his size and his weight, as if he were some sort of horrible brute. It makes him sick, this image they have of him… of them and his love.

Yes, he’s aware making Spider his official mate will be… a conundrum. He’s not stupid. He’s seventeen. He passed his Rite. He’s an adult now. Spider has no Kuru to make the bond with him. He couldn’t even pass his own Rite, being unable to ride a Tsurak like a Na’vi. Jakesully said that Spider can be considered an adult in human standards but the tribe will never validate it - not really. And Spider is small. Child sized. He reaches Aonung at the waist and Aonung isn’t stupid. He noticed how incredibly much larger he is and what it means. Yes, he’s scared. But he knows that adorable tawtute is the one. Did he ever think his mate would be a tawtute? No! But that’s what happened. And now, he’s determined to take things as they are and not as he wishes they were.

He will make this work.

He knows he can, somehow.

That Avatar - Norm - was a great help. He owes him a lot. He’s the one who told him about human physiology and how Spider’s body works. It was probably the only interesting talk he’s had so far… So much better than all the fearful warnings he got from his father, Toruk Makto and even his mother. Neytiri was… her whole sort of weird. That woman is terrifying - poor Toruk Makto. But Norm was different. Norm was… trying. He was instructive. 

Aonung wants the evening to be perfect. 

He has spent hours preparing everything while Spider was held busy by his very supportive sister. When Lo’ak understands why Tsireya insisted they needed to weave twenty five new nets when most of the used nets seem to be perfectly fine, he might get angry. But that’s an ordeal for another day. Right now, his priority is to finish having things ready when Spider returns to his shack. He hopes the boy will not find him intruding or strange… He has no idea how to court a Sky Person. He knows Spider was born and raised among Na’vi but he still has his own things about him that Aonung can barely start to understand. 

It took Spider months to understand the young Na’vi was courting him at all. 

He accepted the gifts but with an expression that even Aonung translated as confused. It was only when Kiri told him that Spider had no idea Aonung was courting him at all that he decided to communicate with words and Aonung confessed that he was indeed interested in the tawtute. He thought it would finally settle everything down but then Spider rejected Aonung’s courtship and it hurt. Because Aonung wasn’t expecting to be rejected.

It could have ended right then and there but Aonung was not one to give up and he persisted. He liked this cute but fierce little tawtute and was determined to win him over. It took a moment but Spider eventually confessed his fears and Aonung did his best to reassure him. Yes, they were different species but he was sure they could make this work, somehow.

Then, his parents - and the Sullys - decided to step in and discourage him, arguing that he was going to hurt the little human with his large body and that this relationship had to stop before it even got started.

But Aonung doesn’t care. He knows he can make this work. He knows he can.

Which is why he finds himself currently preparing a pik’nik right in the middle of Spider’s shack, not really knowing if what he’s doing is the right thing at all.

The door of the shack suddenly depressurizes and the metal clicks.

A few seconds later, Spider’s voice rises into the windowless room.

“Hey Nung, Reya said you were looking for me… Why are you in the dark-”

He stops right at the threshold, his sentence finishing itself in the air. Aonung feels his heart beating in the back of his throat. His tail goes rigid behind him and his ears fall backwards. Spider is blinking at him with the most dumbfounded expression he has ever seen on his face, eyes wide, lips parted and Aonung does feel like a fool, his immense body knelt as it can in the middle of the room on a blanket that is already too small for him and that forces more than half of his body on the cold metal floor to leave enough space for the small human to fit. He tried to reproduce as best as he could the pictures Norm gave him but couldn’t find any candles like they had and he didn’t want to risk burning the whole place with a torch so he settled for bioluminescent plants that he put in jars instead. It doesn’t give that warm orange light, the plants basking the room in dim hues of pink and blue that reflect on the walls around them and the floor. He harvested Spider’s favorite human edible fruit and took some bread, vegetables and dippings that he arranged in bowls, as well as swamp nectar and prune juice.

For long seconds, Spider just stays there, watching the display in front of him, stunned and at a loss for words. It doesn’t help alleviate Aonung’s nervousness in the least.

“What… What is that?” Spider eventually asks.

Aonung’s ears flicker. Did he do something wrong? Did he miss something in his… reproduction of tawtute culture?

“It’s uhm… A… pik’nik,” he says, trying to pronounce the foreign word correctly.

Spider blinks, “Oh!”

“You know them, right?” Aonung presses, feeling more and more anxious that his idea completely missed the point.

“Only from Norm and Max’s stories. I never really… had one before…” His face takes on that adorable pink color Aonung loves so much, “But… why?” he asks and he sounds like he has no idea why Aonung went through all that trouble.

“For you,” Aonung explains.

“Me?” Spider repeats as if the concept of someone doing something like this for him is an impossibility.

“Yes, you. Please, come sit with me.”

Spider blinks and wobbles on his legs, joining Aonung on the blanket. He swallows. Aonung smiles. It’s one of the first times he can see Spider without his mask. What a beautiful sight. He takes a deep breath from his own mask. 

“Is that… swamp nectar?”

“Yes.”

“Where did you get it?”

Aonung smirks, “I’m the Olo’eyktan son. It comes with privileges!” he says, sounding shamelessly smug and proud of himself.

Spider chuckles and his face flushes again.

They begin to eat, talking about their day. Spider is always shy at first but when Aonung starts speaking with him, he suddenly opens up and can no longer be stopped, going on and on and on about the fish they saw and the nets they weaved and how Lo’ak kept growling the whole time. Aonung smiles and chuckles, watching him. There are so many colors on him when he speaks. It’s like the words are dancing on his skin, each one of them a different emotion that lights him up in so many different shades. His own human bioluminescence. It’s fascinating.

Spider suddenly realizes that Aonung is staring at him intensely. He stops talking and frowns, looking self-conscious again.

“What?” he asks, pouting a little.

Aonung smirks, “You’re beautiful,” he whispers.

Spider swallows, his Adam apple bobbing as he does. Aonung blinks at him. Slowly, he cups his face. His hand is so much bigger, it encircles his head completely. His heart starts beating faster. It’s the first time he can touch his beautiful face, the first time he finally has access to that masterpiece held behind a glass for so long. Gently, he swipes his thumb under Spider’s eye. The skin is so soft.

“Sevin,” he whispers.

Spider swallows again. His eyes are huge. His lips tremble. A breath passes through them, hitting Aonung’s hand with its warmth. He blinks at the tall Na’vi. Aonung bends down slowly toward him. Spider’s breath hitches through his nose and fills his lungs with too much air, making his throat tickle with the need to cough. 

Their lips touch for the very first time.

Aonung has already kissed his mask a few times already but nothing compares to this. Spider’s lips are warm and tiny against his. Aonung’s mouth takes almost all of Spider’s lower face and he adjusts his angle not to smother the human and free his nose, making Spider’s chuckle in the kiss. Yes, that size difference is really awkward. But Aounung wouldn’t change it for the rest of the world and laughs. Spider wraps his small arms around Aonung’s neck, his fingers digging into the thick curls. The Na’vi moans at the gentle contact. Slowly, he opens his mouth and pokes the tiny lips with the bit of his tongue, requesting entrance. Spider shakes against him but parts his lips nonetheless and Aonung touches the tip of a tiny tongue and it feels like a spark of electricity. His braid is heavy on his lap. From the corner of his eyes, he sees his Kuru open and the tendrils reach up, desperate to touch the tawtute. 

The kiss deepens. Spider’s hand cups Aonung’s face. Aonung strokes the soft skin of Spider’s cheek with the back of his fingers. The kiss is slow, careful. Aonung knows that he can’t push the fragile human and he doesn’t want to. This feels so nice, kissing him and touching him like this. Spider tastes like fruit and Swamp nectar. He’s delightful. 

They part. Spider gives him a shy smile and looks down. His lips are a bit swollen and pink. He looks adorable and so much more edible than any of the food on that blanket. Aonung keeps his hand on his face and kisses the tip of his nose gently, making Spider chuckle.

Their eyes meet.

They’re both breathing hard and deep.

Their bodies are hot, heart racing behind their rib cages.

Gently, Aonung lays a soft kiss on Spider’s cheek before diving into the warm crook of his neck. The human’s reaction is immediate. Goosebumps suddenly cover his skin and he moans loudly, tilting his head. Ok, so the neck is very sensitive for humans. Good to know! He gently sucks on the skin, mindful to keep his teeth away and not leave any mark. But that skin is so soft and tender.

“Nung!” Spider whines.

Aonung pulls away and returns to face him with a playful smirk.

“My cute little tawtute is sensitive!” he gently mocks.

Spider turns beet red again but looks down in haste.

“Spi?” Aonung asks, “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you?” he’s suddenly anxious - he did try to be as gentle as he could.

“What?! No! Of course not!”

Aonung relaxes at that.

“Then, what is it?”

He touches Spider’s cheek again, marveling at the softness of that skin he can never feel against his fingers. With his other hand, he takes his mask and breathes deeply in it, the intensity of the kiss having left him a little too dazed for his own good.

Spider shrugs, “Nothing… I just…” shyly, he looks up at the Na’vi, “I just like you, I guess…” he’s quick to look down again.

Aonung feels his heart miss a beat. Here, just the two of them in the confinement of this tawtute shack, in that strange colorful darkness, it feels so much more intimate than in the open of the sea. It fits them. It makes them belong.

“I like you too,” he says, “So much, Ma Spider.”

Spider nibbles his bottom lip, not looking at Aonung. He’s adorable. He smiles and bends down to kiss him again just as gently as the first time. He tastes fruit and swamp nectar again. His mouth is so warm and wet. He loves it. His fingers sink into Spider’s dreads, then on his shoulders, brushing against the blue painted patterns on his skin - he wonders if Spider will let him paint him. His hands find their way down Spider’s arms and onto his waist. The skin is so hard there. There are so many muscles. He’s really beautiful.

His ears fall backwards.

He can feel himself… react. But he won’t give his parents reason. He can control himself. He knows he can. Spider’s is more important than any heat. 

“Can I… see you?” he asks in a whisper.

Spider looks up in haste, “What?”

Aonung’s tail swipes nervously behind him, “Can I look at you… I really want to see you, Ma Spider.”

“I’m right here,” Spider babbles.

“Without your Tweng,” the Na’vi specifies with a smirk, “I want to touch you. All of you. If you allow me."

Spider’s eyes widen and he thinks he’s going to faint.

#miles spider socorro #aonung #aocorro #avatar the way of water #mylesime fics #spider socorro

[daddyy333]

“Please come back to me” | Lo’ak x human!y/n

if you’d like you can reblog my original work, but please don’t post it without credit. if you take inspiration from my ideas please tag me, I’d like to see how someone else would write it

word count: 2.1k

warnings: sort of mentions death, implied death of reader, Lo’ak is scared to lose reader, ?

summary: Lo’ak does not want y/n to transfer her consciousness because he doesn’t want to risk losing you

anything in bold like this in the middle of a sentence means it’s either Na’vi or meant to be in Na’vi but I don’t trust the translation websites so I just use the few words I know and make do with it💀

“Baby! Baby!” You say, running through the forest to find him. He smiles as he sees you, adorable and tiny as hell as your small legs run with speed to get to him. You looked so beautiful, your freshly braided hair blowing in the wind and the woven dress Neytiri made for you accentuating your curves even more.

Once you got caught up to him he quickly scooped you up and pressed a kiss to your cheek. You giggled and he said “what’s got you so happy today, my little love?” “My avatar is ready. I’m gonna test it out in a few hours, Lo’ak, are you ready? I’m gonna be just as tall as you, you won’t have to carry me anymore!” You said and his eyes widened, chuckling a little.

He kept moving as he said “that’s amazing, sweetheart, I’m happy for you” He was, truly. It’s just that he knows what’s coming and he knows it’s coming so much sooner now. Having an avatar is fine, but he knows you prayed to Eywa every night when you were younger begging her to make a Na’vi instead of a stupid tawtute. One day, very very soon, you were going to want to transfer your consciousness to your avatar body.

He was terrified for that day to come. He was worried that even after your deep connection with the great mother despite your lack of a kuru still wouldn’t be enough and you would not pass through the eye of Eywa. Mo’at had told you and him numerous times that was unlikely, but he didn’t believe it. He would rather die than even think about doing something that might take you away from him.

When you entered your avatar body for the first time he was busy hunting and Kiri, Mo’at and Neytiri guided you instead. He hadn’t seen your avatar body at all that day, or even the days after that. It was like he was avoiding you. It made you feel a little insecure, you’d been so excited about this and you thought Lo’ak would be too.

Less than a week later your ceremony came. You knew the ways of the people since you were just a baby, you only had to get used to using your avatar body. Once you were Na’vi, you’d be able to connect with the great mother, complete your iknimaya, and become a woman in the eyes of the clan, and mate with Lo’ak. Everything you’ve ever wanted.

“Lo’ak! Are you going to bring the avatar to the tree of souls for me?” You said, a bright smile on your face as your little legs tried to keep up with him. He sighed and said “um…I thought you were gonna have my mother do it”

You and Neteyam were so close as he was the one that originally found you. You were only a couple months old, your mom had just died and your dad had already died before you were born. The scientists at the lab must’ve gotten tired of you crying, at least that’s what you thought because they had kind of just thrown you out in the forest. You crawled around for a while, eventually crying your ass off for probably days until Neteyam found you.

Neteyam has since told you you were really skinny, and he could tell you just missed your mom. He brought you to his mom and dad and refused to let them do anything but let him take care of you. Of course Neytiri and Jake did a lot of work, but Neteyam took you everywhere.

He would take you with him while hunting, training, cooking, anything. He made a baby wrap so he could still have you with him while you slept and spent so long caring for you. You’d sleep cuddled up with Neytiri a lot, even though Neteyam took care of you. He says it’s because you saw her like another mother.

If it weren’t for him, you might not even be here. So it was kind of assumed that Neteyam would carry you to the tree of souls to transfer your body. Lo’ak was relieved, he didn’t know if he could do it. He almost wished he didn’t have to be there. It's like giving away your soul to the great mother himself.

“Well…I mean your mother is very important in my life but so are you. You’re going to be the father of my children one day” you said and he blushed at that. He chuckled and said “no, you’ll change your mind” he replied, he always insisted you didn’t actually love him and just didn’t know how to say no.

“So…are you?” “I um…I don’t know if I can” he said and you furrowed your little eyebrows. God you were so cute. He sighed and said “I don- I-I don’t even want to be there if I'm being honest. I don’t want to give your soul away to the great mother, y/n” “What? Lo’ak, I thought you said you were okay with it. You gave me your blessing!” You said and shook your head.

You started to get anxious now, did he really think you weren’t worthy? That you would pass through the eye of Eywa. “I just want you to be happy. But I’m scared, oeyä ‘eve. You’re everything to me, I can’t lose you” he said and tears filled your eyes.

You sighed and said “I am not worthy? Do you really think that?” “No, no it’s not that- I shouldn’t have said anything. Just, go get ready. The sun's starting to set” he said and you scoffed. He walked off you and you shook your head.

You didn’t go get ready, instead you hid in your hut which you rarely used because you slept at the Sully home so often. No one would think to look there for a while. You looked in your mirror that you had and more tears filled your eyes. Lo’ak was right. How could the great mother willingly accept a disgusting vrrtep?

Your chin trembled, you knew things were too good to be true. Did Lo’ak think less of you because you were human? Was he beginning to not love you? He promised he always would. Maybe that is why he didn’t see you yet. You were too different.

“Baby! We’ve been looking all over for you” he said as he came into your hut, crouching down next to you. You shook your head and said “it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to do it anymore” “what? Why? Is it because of earlier? Y/n-”

“No, you were right! I am not worthy. The great mother would never accept me, I’ll never be more than a vrrtep. I’m not good enough, not for the great mother and certainly not for you” you said, refusing to look at him.

He rubbed your back and said “baby, that’s not what I meant. I just…I’m just so scared. The great mother is ready to welcome you as one of her children, everyone knows that. But god, I’m so terrified to lose you. It’s my worst fear, baby. If I lost you I- Eywa, I don’t know what I’d do”

“But what if you’re right?” You said, finally looking up at him. He sighed and said “I guess we’ll just have to find out. Please…don’t let me ruin this for you. I’m so sorry, I should’ve been nicer. This should’ve been so exciting, and I ruined it”

You shook your head and said “it’s- it’s fine. I’ll go” “if you’re not ready anymore we can wait” he said and you stood up, walking away. The feast was already prepped and the whole clan was anticipating this. You couldn’t let them down.

Lo’ak came in and smiled at you, as beautiful as the day he truly fell in love with you. You smiled at him just barely. He caressed your hair and said “are you ready? I’m going to take you. Neteyam will bring the avatar”

“Lo’ak-” “shh! I want to. Come,” he said, bending down. You walked over, wrapping your arms around his shoulders. He scooped you up and noticed you were shaking, something you did when you were…damn it he couldn’t remember the word. Started with an a maybe?

“Y/n…you know you’re gonna be fine right?” He said and you shook your head. He let out a shaky breath, he felt terrible for scaring you and he was trying to convince himself you’d be fine but he couldn’t.

He whispered a prayer over you as he walked, making you shake less. “You’re going to be just fine,” he said, gently setting you down. You looked up at him, reaching up to touch his face one last time. He caught your hand and kissed it, holding it tight.

Tears filled his eyes as he gently lifted off the mask and kissed you gently, but longingly. “Please come back to me,” he whispered, resting his forehead against yours as he stopped kissing you. He whimpered and you smiled slightly. “I-I promise. I I-I swe-ear” you said, struggling to breathe.

He smiled, kissing your cheek gently before he stood next to his mother, father, brother and grandmother. “You don’t come back and we kill you, girl” Neytiri said, a sad smile on her face as she cried.

She felt like she was giving up her child to the great mother, she was so scared. She didn’t feel this way with Jake, she convinced herself the great mother wouldn’t dare take him away from her and well, she was right. But would the great mother bless her so greatly twice in one lifetime?

You closed your eyes, your heart rate slowing and beginning the ritual. You relaxed, trusting that whatever happened was meant to be in your last moments in the human body. Lo’ak was shaking with fear, every prayer he called to the great mother wobbly and choked out. He was begging her, begging her to give you back to him. He made countless promises to the great mother, intending to fulfill every single one should his prayers be answered.

Mo’at called for everyone to stop and many of the clan members' ears perked up, tails swaying nervously as they watched. Lo’ak whimpered, running over to your avatar body as he called a prayer over you once more.

“Y/n…don’t…don’t do this. You promised me. You said you’d come back,” he said weakly, his entire body shaking. Mo’at bent down, whispering a prayer as her hands ghosted over your bodies.

“Just…wait,” she said, singing a prayer by herself. Lo’ak cupped your cheeks, sighing softly, giving up on hope. Just then, you opened your eyes and took a deep breath.

The clan gasped with joy, all whooping and yipping as they all cheered for you. Lo’ak’s body racked with sobs, Mo’at began to cry too. Neytiri and Jake ran over to you, hugging you tight as you sat up.

“Oh, sweet child. Thank you great mother, thank you!” She cried, the biggest smile on her face. You chuckled, looking up at Lo’ak. The truth was, he hasn’t looked into your avatar’s eyes not one time.

“Oel ngati kameie” he said, shocking you and himself. You blushed and tears spilled from both of your eyes rapidly. “Oel ngati kameie, sayríp”

Neteyam ran over and hugged you tightly. You looked around at the clan, looking behind you at your human body. You then looked up at Lo’ak with tears in your eyes as you whispered “I told you I’d come back” he scooped you up in his arms, standing up and shouting out at the clan.

He was so happy you came back to him. He should’ve known you would, your soul too pure for Eywa to withhold from the clan. He set you down and almost blushed when, despite being several feet taller than before, you still had to look up at him.

You threw your fist up, howling with the clan. You jumped down, hugging the children and the elders who also raised you your entire life. You’d never felt so loved. You felt like you belonged.

Kiri shoved him as she said “of course his skxawng ass scared her into thinking she wouldn’t come back” Neteyam laughed and so did Jake and Neytiri. Lo’ak shook his head and said “shut up! You wouldn’t get it cause nobody wants to mate with you” “Lo’ak! Be nice” Mo’at said and Kiri giggled.

Taglist: @laylasbunbunny @goddesslilithmoriarty

As of now l'm writing for

Eddie Munson

Lo’ak

Neteyam

Sebastian Stan

Bucky Barnes

CW!Bucky Barnes

Chris Evans

Geralt of Rivia

Henry Cavill

Chris Sturniolo

So just comment the taglist you want to be added to and l'll add you :)

#avatar fic #avatar 2009 #avatar 2022 #avatar 2 movie #lo’ak sully x reader #lo’ak te suli tsyeyk’itan #lo’ak fanfiction #atwow lo’ak #lo’ak #lo’ak x y/n #lo’ak x fem!reader #lo’ak avatar #lo’ak fic #lo’ak sully #lo’ak imagine #lo’ak x you #lo’ak fluff #lo’ak angst #lo’ak x reader

[theblueflower05]

Oooo girll that drabble got me sanginnggg

"Sweets for my sweet, sugar for ma honey!" *Reggae version!*

YOU👏🏾 DON'T 👏🏾MISS

Hmmm what would I like to see in the development of this story? I'm cool with anything you come up with honestly but I'll add my lil dollar token. I know this story is focused on reader and Neteyam but I would love to see other characters brought up too. I love when family themes are brought into play, even if they appear with a couple lines or whatever. It warms my heart. And thats that really, looking forward to some Protective, Freaky, Sempul Neteyam hehe Mehbeh.

Side thoughts!

I can't help but think about being shacked up with Ao'nung during fertility season; and all I can think of is being his main side piece, the one he loves for pleasure when it comes to sex but also when he needs someone to talk with. Continued, before the season ends we both smoke some Mary Jane, and have some dazed conversations in all seriousness but still with the flirty bits and joking bits too. I can just see it, laying against his chest and talking about any and everything.

Oh I need to share this too and then I'll leave hehe. Ao'nung would have more sex appeal than Neteyam right. But Neteyam is the silent freaky type, you know what I'm saying. I'm saying like Neteyam in the bedroom is; you don't know what hit you until it hit you. Oh shit you can do that, oh you like it like that. Like he looks like he can be smooth when in the mood, but you didn't know that smooth.

Okay I'm out 🫶🏾

I want you to know that you made my brain short circuit. Oh my Eywa. All of this is so fucking FUN TO TALK ABOUT.

I also love when other characters are brought in. Mostly because I really like being able to see different POV’s around Neteyam and the Readers relationship. Like Jakes little snippet at the end of the last Part was so fun to write😂

THE FACT THAT WE KNOW AO’NUNG WOULD HAVE A ROTATION.

I’m glad that with his two lines in this whole story it’s very apparent that he gets bitches. Women adore him and he loves women.

Um this is such a good take! Him with his favorite piece, getting stoned and talking about life and he’s like huh I’ve never had the urge to make Tsaheylu during Fertility Season before but his kuru’s itching to connect. She’d leave his Mauri all fine and satiated and he’d be in inner turmoil.

Like what the fuck just happened???

lololol I love this. Ao’nung is one of my fave characters(I may or may not have a a little smutty one shot planned for him in the future)

Hell yeah Ao’s very confident in his sexuality. Every woman who he’s ever been with has been thoroughly pleasured-

The sounds he hears coming from you and Neteyam’s hut sometimes scares him. You sound like you’re being gutted. Ao’nung truly wonders what that skinny forest boy could be doing to you to make you sound like that.

#this shit is so fun omg #okay so #do we all love Ao’nung? #because I will 100 write for him

[straycatofring]

5 (tetora) + 25 (finn) + 46 (hagumi) !!

A memory with family / those you considered family

Rolling around so happy! So Kuro is such a dad it makes me ill I love him. A good memory with him is probably me coming to Kuru shaking and crying like a chihuahua bc I was going on my first ever date in my life and I was scared i was gonna fuck it up and I didn't know what to wear and I was just djsjsjsn. He helped me get ready and gassed me up and gave me tips and it made me feel so much better and so ready and I had a lovely date and I told him all excited and it just just shshbs!

Someone you wish you were closer to or knew better

So so many ppl I kinda lived a life of going places and meeting people and never seeing them again. The biggest ones I think is my mom. It's so cheap and easy but God what I would give to know Mineva and better. And what I would give to have a relationship with my dad too. Understand why Martin is the way he is. AUGH AND FERN. I loved him like a brother I mourned him like he was someone I was exceptionally close too but I really didn't know him all that well and I regret that. I think outside of family things like that...Tiffany I think he was really fucked up and needed friends and wish I could have been that for him. He had no one until after he died and that's so sad.

Your favorite things as Hagumi

I loved cows a lot! And I think my favorite object I owned was a cow plushie that Kokoron gave me! As a general list of things I liked tho its cows, friends, friendship bracelets and other hand made jewelry, plushies and, bright colors to name a few!

#☆ ask game #☆°• Tetora Nagumo #☆°• Finn Mertins #☆°• Hagumi Kitazawa

[veterveter]

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH

OKAY, TUULI. OH GOD!

Mi amor, mi corazón, mi cielo. Te adoro! Te amo! Te quiero montones. 

I'll grab my bat and go with you: This title, this willing misinterpretation of things🤣. It's fucking genius.

Martín winced. “Let’s steal a crocodile or something instead. A zebra. A hippopotamus—”: 🤣🤣🤣. Are you scared of a little flying rat, Martín?

“They can carry rabies.”: Such a baby🙄. Andrés being the rational one? Gosh Tuuli this is hilarious.

"Kuru disease,": Okay, this is awful I know. BUT from a purely biological standpoint it's so fucking amazing and intresting. It's really morbid but I'll have you know I have 'opinions' on Kuru😆.

 “Did I tell you that one, or did you tell me?”

Andrés wasn’t sure. They had known each other for so long, it was like they had entertained every single conversation, or at least some version of it. And yet – or maybe because of that – Andrés never tired of his company. No one else could ever rise to his level so quickly, let alone stay on it, the way Martín did. In every conversation, in every eventuality, Martín always met him halfway.: I just love when they are an old married couple. Okay. It's so good and so mushy. Them knowing the other better than themselves. That is relationship goals.

If one of them was ever researching a morbid and fatal disease, it was usually Martín.: Here Martín is me. I get so invested in horrible and unprobable diseases. It's for anthropological curiosity.

There truly were many bats. Rows and rows of bats, of different colours, and shapes, and sizes—: Is this heaven? Appreciate it Martín, this is beautiful.

“I’d rather steal anything else that was big and golden.”: I love shiny golden things but BATS are better, dear Tinchito. I'm kind of a magpie too, tbh.

“The large flying fox,” Andrés said with a nod: Beautiful friend😍

“I hate that you would choose to point this out. Like it could also be a vampire bat. Like there’s the option that one of those might fly into my face and suck my blood and give me fucking rabies.”: Martín is like my mom in this I swear🤣🤣🤣. They are beautiful, important and peaceful creatures, don't hate them Martín. It's thanks to them that we have wine after all. You should be grateful just for that.

“They don’t suck blood; they bite you and lick it off.”: Blood lickers🤗

Its wings are too big. What could it possibly need them for? If you know, please don’t tell me.”: Oh the things I could tell you, querido.

“You should, honestly. They’re beautiful.”: I love you Andrés. Thanks for appreciating art in all its forms. Not like the idiot of your soulmate.

“Next you’re going to tell me that they’re a masterful feat of engineering.”: They ARE. They are evolution at its finest.

“Andrés,” Martín said suddenly, in a croaky voice, and when Andrés looked at him, there was a haunted look in his eyes. “I hate bats, and I want to leave.”: Poor baby. You're being an idiot but I can relate *Spiders* 😖.

But he had assumed it was just personal preference, not some… deep-seated trauma.: Now I want to know what happened to him. Martín having a horrific animal encounter would be just hilarious.

His discomfort made Andrés uncomfortable, and Andrés could be considerate – when it came to Martín, anyway.: Oh Andrés, awwww.😍

“Figures it would be in Spain,” Martín said, a little bitterly. Most of the time, he was all in to steal back the treasures of his country. Apparently he did not extend that courtesy to bats.: YES!!!!!!! Our beautiful Latino heroe. Take back all our gold mi amor. AGUANTE ARGENTINA!🥰

Or he would have found something else for them to steal. A crocodile or a zebra.: 🤣🤣🤣

Martín said, and Andrés watched as he picked up the bat gingerly in his gloved hand, like he half-expected it to come to life and attempt to drink his blood. “I look forward to being rid of it,” he said.: You don't know how lucky you are, corazón. But at least you touched it. I'm counting that as a win.

He trusted Andrés so much—: Awwwwww, my loves😍. Came here not only for the BATS but for Berlermo too, after all.

This little bat was going to be worth a fortune, if they made it out alive.: Yessssss!!!!!!! Bats are just priceless. But apart from that I'm reading this as that bat being the 'holotype' for Eptesicus ulapesensis. And if it is the holotype, yep Andrés your right sweetheart. It's very worthy.

He grabbed Martín’s hand.: Yes grab his hand. Grab his everything, go ahead I give you permission.

What was that surprise other ending😳. I'm really curious now.

Tuuli, Tuuli, TUULI! This is just perfect my lovely. Just what I didn't know I needed. Perfect birthday gift. One of the best I'll ever be given I tell you.

Gosh it's not even 8am and you and Kal have already made my day. What am I saying MY MONTH! I'll be grinning like a fool for the rest of the day.

And seriously there is simply no way for me to express my gratitude and the love I feel towards you. You have my heart:

Not much else to say. I love you friend and I'm so grateful that I got to meet you. Now you'll have to tell me when's your 'cumple' cause I gotta repay you with my love. 

Truly thanks for this, you made this a perfect birthday. And I'm so grateful, I love you Tuuli.

Have some cuties to show my happiness and undying love:

Te amo, corazón. Gracias por el magnifico regalo. Te adoro de aqui a la luna.♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Manuuuuuuuuu I would say that these words are entirely too kind but—but one does not argue with the Birthday Girl. What you say is law. *serious nod* But honestly, I’m so glad you liked it. So very glad. Thank you for throwing this ask at me (I’m glad tumblr is starting to be less hostile to your asks!), it honestly made my day. And next week, too!

Hahaha I found that title more hilarious than I had any right to, possibly. I was talking on the phone with my boyfriend when I thought of it and I was like “this is awful I love it will you allow it??? Allow it or not but I’m doing it—” I’m really glad you found it amusing too!!!

Oh, Martín is not scared of the flying rat, he’s terrified of it. Full-on chiroptophobia (not that he’d ever admit this, not on his life), boy needs therapy (boy’s not getting therapy).

I’ll admit, with only very little shame, that Kuru disease is one of my favourite Wikipedia rabbit holes. I just find that very interesting. Martín, because he’s awful, especially likes how it disproportionately affected women and children. :’D Consider this your invitation to give me all your Kuru opinions. Or all your rare and creepy disease opinions, in general. My curiosity is morbid, like yours. ❤️

I agree, they’re so precious as an old married couple! It just suits them so well. They spend all that time in the monastery, just by themselves? Old married couple, it’s basically canon.

Martín: I would like to die right now get me away from these fucking bats— Manu: But you are in heaven, querido! Me & Andrés: Just hanging around, vibing, eating popcorn. Bats are pretty cool.

Martín absolutely has had a horrible bat-encounter, the poor thing.

I’m personally really gay for the idea of Martín wanting to steal back the treasures of his country, I mean it’s canon and he absolutely 100% deserves it. So does Argentina, all of Latin America—you do that, boy. Steal this bat, rob Banco de España, do all of it. ❤️

Hahaha there’s mostly just bats in this one but sometimes there’s also Berlermo. That’s just the way of the world, they can’t exist together without being a bit gay for each other.

While you obviously don’t need to write me anything (how could anyone ever outdo the beauty of Sparkling Dutch Nights, anyway???), that is very precious and greatly appreciated and I’ll tell you my birthday is January 7th!

Also!!! Thank you for these bats I (obviously) love them!! This is such a nice niché interest to have in common with someone, honestly. Bats!! ❤️

Cue me also grinning like an idiot for the rest of the day (or the upcoming week), my friend, your joy just made me so happy. I'm happy I could make you happy! I’m glad you liked it. Really glad. This was one of those Jay Gatsby parties hosted for the benefit of one person only, and you were that one person. 😍 Lots and lots of love, I'm so happy to have met you!!!

Yo te amo también ❤️❤️❤️ ¡Feliz cumpleaños!

PS: Also, since you asked so kindly (and the birthday girl gets what the birthday girl wants!) here’s the ending I wrote last night with my boyfriend (read at your own risk, bearing in mind that it was 2am and we were both feeling less than intelligent):

It was 2am. 🤣🤣

Happy birthday!!!! Again! ❤️

#Manu this was so precious you are so precious I'm honestly very happy you liked it #this fic had One Job and it was Accomplished #!!!!!!!! happy birthday dear friend !!!!!!!! #I have run out of words but te amo muchísimo #nice asks about my fics #fave #and by fave I mean you #bats #also bats always bats in case it wasn't clear many bats on this day

[nemossubmarine]

Warhammer 40K: Wrath & Glory RP #35

We pick up right where we left off, Gorm chasing Knut into the webways, Gimlet and Saef hot at his heels (although Gimlet falls behind a bit after they get into the webways). Gorm catches up with Knut, who knocks him down with psychic energy. Saef knocks Knut down with his psychic energy in turn, so Gorm has time to get his hands on him, tearing his strange form into pieces. 

Unfortunately, despite his brother’s passing, Gorm is not seeming any less wolfed out, and in fact he rushes back towards where they came from, shouting about needing to make sure all of Knut is destroyed. Only, he can’t find the entrance anyway, so he just takes off in a random direction, Saef and Gimlet shouting at him to stop. Gimlet tries to get people to go to a certain direction, though Gorm is not in much of a listening mood. Finally Saef shouts at him that Gimlet has seen something.

Gorm is still running, on all fours, still very much a wolf, and Saef and Gimlet try their best to keep up. They come upon a walled off castle of sorts, and Gorm jumps the wall and then starts climbing the tower wall. He spots a woman in the window and smashes through it, pinning the woman on the ground. The woman is understandably quite scared. Someone shouts at Gorm to get his hands off their mom, and then Gorm is hit with a chair. It doesn’t do much, and Gorm grabs the offender, a young man and pins him down as well. He shouts at them about getting out of the webways, and they direct him towards the “Lord” upstairs. So Gorm goes there and busts down the door into a study where an older man resides. The man turns out to be an Imperial Navigator by the name of Adelbert Valance, and he doesn’t take kindly to interruptions. Gorm threatens him a bit, but he seems unmoved, asking Gorm to calm down. Gorm lets the Navigator know he needs to get out of here, and Valance starts looking at some maps.

And while all this is happening Saef and Gimlet merely see Gorm smash and jump through the window and then hear a woman screaming. Saef picks the lock on the door of the gate and he and Gimlet rush the tower and find the scared occupants, and then, eventually, Gorm, standing in a doorway, talking with someone on the inside. Gimlet and Saef ask Gorm to please calm down, which he doesn’t seem to be in the habit of doing. Saef tries to intimidate him into calming down, which goes about as well as one might imagine (I mean, Gorm is intimidated, but that only makes him more aggressive). Gimlet says he would like to see the person inside the room Gorm is standing in front of. Gorm says that situation is under control and asks people to move, as he has promised to fix a fucking door. Gimlet refuses to budge and Gorm start to get proper threatening, reaching for his chainsword. Then there's a knock on his shoulder and he turns to face the navigator, gazing right into his third eye which knocks him right out. The navigator returns to his work, advising someone to give Gorm first aid. Gimlet does so and Gorm comes to with the worst hangover of his life, not remembering much anything what happened. Gimlet and Saef clue him in on what happened and where they are, and the trio finally introduces themselves to navigator Valance.

Gorm asks after Uffe and Saef attempts to contact the vox transmitter that was given to the Harlequins with his own. What they hear is… not great. They hear a person shouting, clearly in agony, and recognize the voice belonging to Uffe, they hear metal cutting flesh, and the laughter of the Haemonculus. Saef closes the channel. Gorm is understandably rearing to go, but Valance says it’s not that simple, if the Haemonculus has locked the webway gate from the other side. Easiest way to get there would be getting their hands on few personal webway gate creators made by the Harlequins, so a trip to the Black Library is in order. Unfortunately the webways are near impossible to navigate, which reminds Navigator Valance, how did you guys find here anyway? Gimlet admits that he may have something to do with that, as he, kind of, feels something, relating to this place, more specifically the navigator himself. Valance looks at Gimlet for a long time and then asks “Demetrius?” and Gimlet says yep, that’s his name, any chance Valance might be his dad? “I didn’t recognize you,” Valance says and starts crying. Gorm and Saef quietly exit the scene, leaving Gimlet and his newly-found dad to catch up. 

It is a confusing and emotionally wrought situation all around. Valance asks after Cara, and Gimlet has to let him know that Cara is dead. Valance apparently had lived 20 years in the dark about the fate of his wife and son, about whether they just decided not to come back, or whether they died. The short version of Valance’s and Cara’s story is that Valance was supposed to marry the daughter of Paternova Shaneka Locarno of the Navigators, but instead married her servant, Cara, which is the reason the Paternova declared house Valance renegade. Inquisitor Tanner Valance doesn’t know personally, apparently he was for some reason after Cara who is an abhuman same as Valance (as all Navigators are, he has some extra growths), though she didn’t look like it. The refuge, aka the castle, they are currently in, was originally made for psykers by the Harlequins. Valance made a deal with the Harlequins, so they taught him to navigate the webways, making it possible for the others to go outside (to get food from Pomegranate Blossom’s planet), but making it so that he is unable to leave. Valance shows Gimlet some childhood drawings of his and a picture of the family together (which he lets Gimlet keep). Regarding Gimlet’s strange skills, it was apparently some latent Navigator genes Valance and Cara activated when Gimlet was a baby. Cara was very insistent in getting her hands on Gimlet’s genes, something regarding her own mutations, the nature of which Valance doesn’t know exactly. Originally Gimlet could only locate Valance himself, so he has no idea what the other thing Gimlet feels is, maybe something relating to his mother? Gimlet asks about Valance being stuck here, and how to stay in contact, and Valance can’t really offer much as cell phones won’t work and neither will vox transmitters in and out of webways. Obviously Gimlet could always attempt to renegotiate the terms of Valance’s contract with the Harlequins, though they don’t have much of a leg to stand on in that front.

While this is happening Gorm and Saef go downstairs to meet Jani and her son Yesukai. Jani offers them apple pie, and Gorm a hang-over cure (which Gorm pours down the drain). Yesukai asks if our heroes could take him (and his mother) out of here while they’re at it. Yesukai, a rather pale man, has apparently grown up in the webways, and would very much like to get out. Gorm asks Saef to check in on Uffe. Luckily(?) there seems to be a pause in the torture, as they only hear very labored breathing.

Gimlet is about done with his dad so Gorm and Saef join them upstairs to see what they need to do, which is to say to go to the Black Library of Chaos and loan some Harlequin stuff. Valance teaches Gimlet how to use his inate Navigator-ish skills to navigate the Webways to the Black Library.

And off they go! Gimlet apologizes for taking time. Gorm says that they’re friends, so no need to apologize, and Saef points out that they all have family issues, so it’s fine to take some time to resolve stuff like that. 

As they walk, the conversation turns to what happened to Gorm. Gorm explains that that is something that can happen to Wolves because of their unstable geneseed. Uffe has the same problem, worse than Gorm actually (re: eating that Chaos dude). Gorm apologizes for that happening, and instructs how to help him de-wolf, holding him down might work, but that’s probably best left for Uffe, reminding him of who he is, telling it’s safe, or knocking him out. Saef asks if showing like a picture of Layla would help and Gorm says probably, they agree that Gorm will send a pic of Layla to Saef and Gimlet once they’re out. Gimlet asks if this was night training, and Gorm says yes, Uffe has a bit of a problem, with Chaos nightmares. Saef asks what is night training, and Gimlet says he thought Gorm and Uffe were fucking, but apparently it was just wolfing-out problem. Gimlet also asks if Vivek got the data disk of Kuru, and Gorm says yes, but he was planning on giving the original back to Gorm once he had copied it into himself. Saef is like what? And Gimlet and Gorm apologize and hug him for him being out of the loop (“Vivek probably just didn’t have the time to tell Saef about it”), Saef says is fine.

Saef mentions that he has seen the Webways before, in a dream he had while he was being carried by Uffe. As he explains the dream, Gorm recognizes it as one of Uffe’s nightmares. Saef isn’t sure why or how he got it, but he recognized the demon that he saw in Ivar as being part of it (thing Uffe never saw), and mentions piece of Ivar’s soul that he has. Gorm is excited to see the piece and is keen on keeping it, but Saef warns that the soul has attempted to escape few times, so best let Saef keep it. Gorm agrees, though mocks the soul a bit before handing it back to Saef.

#nemo roleplays #wag rp #wag rp writeup #campaign tag: the great off road webway adventure #well that was proper emotional #surprise its ya dad #i wonder who's dad we find next sesh #nah the proper question is how much of an emotional whiplash will it be #to go from gimlet being reunited with his dad and listening to a man being tortured #to having to deal with harlequins :D with their funny lil accents #and general antics #well that is up ahead tomorrow #no idea how long this will take

[demonkidpliz]

Things I learned while re-watching Star Plus Mahabharata (Part 4/many):

1) Finally, Dronacharya is in the picture and he has some major attitude and aukaat. This will spice things up amidst the vanilla, pansy-ass Kurus.

2) Mahabharata is here fulfilling all my brother-in-law angst.

3) Kripa hitting Drona where it hurts..uff.

4) I solved the mystery of why Kripa is motherfucking old, he’s an immortal.

5) Kunti praying to Shiva…if I were Shiva I would be scared and give her what she wants. These Yadavs are not to be taken lightly.

6) Bhishma is not fooled by a single one of his grandsons, is he?

7) I’ve said this before but I love Shakuni’s dramatic ass.

8) Not Ram. Arjun is the best of men. Even as a child, it’s so clear why he was Kunti’s favourite, Drona’s favourite. And Bhishma’s favourite. Arjun is Draupadi’s favourite and Krishna’s favourite. When you’re God’s favourite, you obviously are the best of men.

9) ‘Parth’ is canon eeeeee

10) Yudhisthir trying to teach his brothers to be pansies just like his father taught him. Thank God Kunti and all her Yadav sense was there to knock some sense into them.

11) Poor Bhishma trying to so hard to be human and to care like one and failing mostly. Not everyone has nailed this avatar thing properly.

12) Bhishma reminding Dhritarashtra that he’s not the first blind person in the world lmaoooo

13) Drona appears to be a little extreme but a rational person at the end of the day. How did he end up with the bad guys?

14) Also, his mild obsession with Drupad makes me think that there was more to that story than meets the eye.

15) No wonder Drupad wanted Arjun to be his son-in-law, the one person Drona loved the most.

16) Drona’s statue built by Ekalavya looks a lot more like Kripa.

17) I feel like I should feel bad for Ekalavya as he’s going to become one of the first victims of casteism in India…oh no, wait, he just shot three arrows into a dog’s mouth, he’s dead to me now.

18) What happened with Ekalavya, is so poignant, and a proof of how for millennia we have been complicit in the subjugation of our scheduled castes and tribes - this story really has everything in it. Also A+ 10/10 for the background score.

19) I love Drona. I didn’t think I would this much, but I do. There’s something so otherworldly and primal about him - like Ganga. And the actor, he doesn’t appear to be acting at all. Drona is his role of a lifetime.

20) The reason I love Arjun the most is because of all the qualities we have identified in the best of men - bravery, loyalty, intelligence and ambition - he is a combination of all four.

21) I can just imagine Ganga cackling to herself as she sends this big-ass crocodile to take a chonk out of Drona thinking, ‘this is going to be so much fun’.

22) Karna obviously did not get the memo that Drona is the biggest casteist this side of the Indus because he thinks he’s going to teach him, a Sut kid.

23) I just realised that the actor who played Duryodhan in B R Chopra’s Mahabharat plays Parashuram in Starbharat! Good for you, Puneet Issar!|

24) Goddamit Karna is going to get bitten by that fake looking bug.

25) I was just going to say that Dronacharya probably learned his casteism from Parashuram but it appears that they had to make Parashuram a legit Vishnu avatar. He seems okay. Where did we go wrong, Ram?

26) Aww, even Kakashri Vidur and Drona are friends. What’s the deal with Vidur anyway?

27) Duryodhan and his L’oreal hair.

28) Yudhisthir straight up bungee jumped into the playground bro.

29) My man, Kuntiputra Arjun, maybe just a prince, but he sure is the king of trash talk.

30) They were right. This story really has everything. But most interestingly I like how this story is mostly about selfish parents, even the Gods, wanting to leave a legacy for their children. Ganga wanted Bhishma to be king. Satyavati wanted her sons to be kings. When her sons died without heirs, she wanted her illegitimate son’s bloodlines to inherit the throne. Dhritarashtra wanted Duryodhan to be king. Pandu wanted Yudishthir to be king. Kunti wanted Arjun to survive over her illegitimate firstborn. Duryodhan wanted Lakshman to be king. Subhadra wanted to Abhimanyu, and after him, Parikshit, to be king. Krishna crowned Pradyumna crown prince in the hope that he would be Lord of Dwarka after him. And at the end of the day, the Kauravas and the Pandavas fought the war but the war was won by the Yadavs that played the long game. This story indeed has everything. But in the end when it is being narrated to Janamejaya and Vajranabha, the kings of Hastinapur and Indraprastha respectively, one is the are grandson of Subhadra and the other is the great-grandson of Krishna, and that tells you that men and Gods alike have one and only one primal instinct - to leave behind a legacy for their children.

31) Did they change Kripacharya? Looks like being an immortal is like being an icchadhari naagin.

32) The biggest disservice any retelling of Mahabharat can do is to downplay the relationship between Karna and Duryodhana. Yes, Karna was a social climber and Duryodhana only made friends with him in the hope that he would come in handy against Arjun. But it didn’t start and end there. Karna was loyal and he loved Duryodhan. Duryodhan never begrudged Karna’s low birth and treated him like a friend and equal. Karna was as much a part of his family as any of his brothers. Karna was friends with his wife, was an uncle to his children. That sort of thing is not born from just convenience. People need to stop whitewashing Karna as some guy who was compelled to fight for Duryodhan against his will. What makes Karna’s character so great was the fact that he was so flawed and hitched his ride to the wrong wagon but stuck by it.

33) Duryodhan pointing out that the five Pandavas are not Pandu’s biological children, which is 100% fact but somehow is considered scandalous. Also, how does it even matter? None of them are Shantanu’s bloodline. That died with Bhishma, Chitrangad and Vichitraveerya. They are all sons and grandsons of randos. Important randos but randos.

34) The Pandavas and Kunti always get to me. Is there anything as pure as the love of a single mother and her sons?

35) Arjun so soft. Cries in court.

36) As a person who grew up in a family that loved them only to be estranged as ambitions diverged, I can feel the story of Dhritarashtra, growing up loving Pandu, only to hate his sons. Sometimes, in Indian families, love isn’t enough.

37) How does everyone not immediately shit their pants when Dronacharya stares down at them? That man gives me crazy Vishwamitra vibes.

38) Every time you think you know what the Mahabharat is about, it changes. It goes from being the story of a war between the Pandavas and Kauravas to Bhim and Duryodhan’s enmity to Arjun and Karna’s stand-off to a story of revenge. Drona’s revenge on Drupad. Drupad’s revenge on Drona. Gandhari and Shakuni’s revenge on the Kurus. Draupadi’s revenge on the Kauravas.

#mahabharata #starbharat #siwt #starbharat recap

[k-l-s-h]

The Black Plague

          He’d lost the notion of time by then. Unable to tell if hours or days had passed. Paying no more heed to the jabs and curses thrown at him, he was just waiting for it to come. The last horseman. His head was hanging low. Hair covering his face as he braced himself, for the umpteenth kick of the man that decided to be his new persecutor, to come. But it didn’t. Instead, muffled sounds greeted his ears. It didn’t take long to the young man to understand that he was chocking. Making Kurus frown.

And then he heard it. Hoods. Clapping on the ground.

They were here.

Gasps. Terrified ones, rose everywhere around him. Thumb! The sound of something heavy falling. Shrieks. Rapidly silenced. And then, all he could hear was his erratic breathing and his own heartbeats, thumping in his ears. He was scared. So scared.

Bare feet came into his view, soon covered by the fabric of a dress. A second passed. Another. He didn’t have the strength nor the courage to raise his head. So they crouched down. She crouched down. The first thing that he felt, was the chain restraining his remaining arm, falling to the ground. Releasing him. And then, small hands with long fingers, cupping his cheeks.

For as long as he can recall, all the tales he used to hear about Death were hushed. Whispers exchanged with an underlying terror. The dread that saying her name too loudly would invoke her cold grip. But to him, her touch was warm. Like the stone heated by the sun in the early morning. And her piercing eyes lacking pupils, peaking at him under the hem of her hood, held more care and compassion than those of his peer. Only dead people could look at Death herself in the eye. He knew that. So, he croaked a laugh. He laughed with tears in his eyes. Making her tilt her head to the side. Everything was silent. Like the whole world was holding its breath aside from him. And then she spoke.

“Do you know who I am?”

The voice of Death was, peculiar. Like an echo laced with whispers. Omnipresent and yet, in some way hushed. Nothing like what he’d pictured. So, he gulped painfully, mouth still dry, responding with a nod instead. Making her squint her eyes.

“Then why are you laughing, mortal?”

Why was he laughing? The response was simple, really.

“… Relieved.”

A pause.

“You feel, relieved?” Death queried, hands still on his face, near his neck.

He nodded again, the corners of his lips lightly lifting up. Because he truly was. Because it meant that this curse, his suffering and the weight of their hateful glares, would all cease. It meant that the memory of his sisters’ fearful and guilty faces, would haunt him no more. And death could give him all of that.

The frown that was twisting the ethereal features of the last rider, deepened at first. She scrutinized his slumped form. His face only held high thanks to her. The icy blue of her stare making shivers run down his spine. And Death softened.

“Tell me, mortal,” she then began, wiping off the dirt and dust of his face without breaking eye contact. Her ashen hands now stained. “What is the name that was given to you?”

He blinked. Weary for the briefest time and making her smirk. A name held a lot of power. Especially given to a being like her. But as his eyes met the terrified ones of the people that he used to call his own, he remembered that he didn’t have much left to lose. So he gave it away.

“… Kurus.”

“Kurus…” She repeated. Tasting it. Making it roll on her tongue while he, barely managed to utter it. “And what about the name of your family?”

Family.

The image of his sisters, his three sisters, came to him. And with it, a mixture of emotions that made him sigh shakily.

“Does it truly matters now?”

The hooded woman chuckled without malice nor sadness. The oddity that was her voice getting almost gentle, just as the way that she brought his hair back to clear his face. The vestiges of its beauty still there, despite the hollowness of his cheeks and the circles under his sunken eyes. “I suppose it does not.”

“… Kurus tell me.”

“What is it, that you desire the most?”

…Huh.

That too, was a simple question.

One that brought tears to his eyes again, but that he could no more contain.

“Please, please just- make the pain stop...” He begged, choking and spurting. The hand that she unchained weakly griping one of her wrists. “I just want it all- to stop… Please…”

In this instant, Kurus barely registered the shrieks and cries around him. Nor did he quite acknowledge, the apparition, of the three other horsemen. Which would have filled him with newfound boiling rage, if his eyes had crossed a third time, those of The Conqueror that brought the plague on him. No. Because the only thing that counted, the only thing that he had left, was death. The only thing, the only entity, that even through the blurriness of his tears, looked at him like he was still something.

“Mortal, are you aware, that a bargain with me has a price?” She warned, the whispers of her voice tinted with an underlying feeling that he’d call worry, if she wasn’t an angel of the end of mankind.

“You are no simple man, mortal. You were the first struck by my brother and yet, not the first to fall. Your God chose you in the cruelest way. And do not take my words lightly, when I say that he will not let you meet your end peacefully. After all, you were all carved in his image. And you out of them all saw, felt, how vile and vindictive humans can turn out to be. God is love. Yes. But they loves like a selfless mother, a capricious child, and intransigent father does. Wholeheartedly, selfishly and unforgivingly.”

“I understand.” He answered slowly. Voice still broken as every single one of her words hit him, like the stones that were thrown on his decaying body.

“Good.”

“But I do not care!” He hastily added. Gripping her wrist with the despair of the dying man that he was. Panicking when the only warmth that he felt in months, that her hands gave him, left his face in the slightest. “I do not I-… I would do anything, for it all to just stop. As long as it does end.”

“… These are grand words mortal.” She cautioned for the last time. “Are you ready to assume their weight? Are you capable to do so?”

Was he?

Was he really?

“J-just promise me. Please.”

Tears were running down his face again. Rolling on the delicate hands of his salvation – or damnation? – and washing in trails, the dirt of his face from them. Her expression was impenetrable. She was beautiful. He noticed. Impossibly so. Just like the three others. Just like her bastard of a brother. But with this peculiarity that defined her. Like her voice. Like her eyes. Like the silky black smoke of her hair contrasting with the white ashes of her skin. Like her warmth that maybe only he, and other mad people felt. Because that’s what he must have been if, in his last instants, he was admiring the beauty of Death. But who could blame him though? He’d always love charismatic things unless they were men that were more so than him.

“… I promise, Kurus.” She declared solemnly. Her voice full and strong. The whispers lacing it, not whispering anymore. Making his eyes grow wide. “You will suffer no more physical pain. Neither tomorrow nor for the centuries to come.”

If it wasn’t for the shock of the strength of a promise given by Death, or the shapeshifting creature that he didn’t notice until this moment, sharing the cape and hood of the last rider, Kurus would have questioned the meaning behind her cryptic words. But with the almost wonder and horror, came contempt as well. though he could have sworn, that as she stretched her neck to lay her lips on his forehead, she apologized in the weakest murmur. And all that he remembers, after the kiss that Death gave him, was the thing hovering them both, swallowing their form in soothing darkness. The pain had stopped. Finally. She’d kept her promise.

And he woke up.

#Cyrus Kaveh #Arria Jie Zhang #angearriaaaronarch #The Four Horsemen #the four horsemen of the apocalypse #The Black Plague #writing #text #drabble #fiction #a snippet of a one shot that I lost half of and wrote a while back now #I really really like it though #Death suits Arria so well #and oh boi don't get me started and Ange Arch and Aaron as War Famine and Conquest/Pestilence #Maybe someday I'll wrote again the whole fricking missing part #and edit this post or even repost it #Cyrus hates Aaron with his whole heart #the looming form on Arria's back is Lucjan #-I looked and behold an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him.- #-This fourth pale horse was the personification of Death with Hades following him jaws open receiving the victims slain by Death- #He is her buddy!! Hadess #Arria is rarely rough with the mortals she slays because Ange and Aaron with his diseases (aka the other babes) do most of the dirty work #(tho when she does yIkeS lmao) #(same goes for Arch) #but she tends to develop a soft spot for the ones that becomes the personification of the disease Aaron has the burden to spread #and Cyrus is really the one that she cared about and for #Death does care for the one who became the black plague and that she calls Cyrus now #anyway I wanted to post it even if it's unfinised so there you go #ah and one more important tag #krasnyzmeya

[aion-rsa]

Wynonna Earp Season 4 Episode 9 Review: Crazy

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This Wynonna Earp review contains spoilers.

Wynonna Earp Season 4, Episode 9

Wynonna Earp has often balanced the inherent darkness of its premise with, among other tones, some zany supernatural fun. Ostensibly, “Crazy” is another case-of-the-week story that has Wynonna & co. hunting a social media-obsessed genie who has a cannibal suffering from kuru disease as her, er, master.

Past that, it’s yet another glimpse into just how deeply Wynonna has internalized the curse she was once ruled by, and just how much she is suffering because of it. She may no longer be beholden to the Earp curse, but Wynonna is still living as if the only thing she’s good for, the only thing she deserves, is a life of demon-killing. “Genie, you’re free,” our protagonist tells her target—the implication being that there is no such freedom for Wynonna, only a life of looking morally ambiguous monsters in the eye as she kills them and then going to sleep drunk and alone. I can’t quite figure out where Wynonna Earp Season 4B is going thematically, and I love that I don’t know because I think that is part of the point: Wynonna is in a dark, messy place. She’s an imperfect heroine, a hero who has made some bad choices, and the show isn’t giving us an easy answer to the questions of morality those choices have brought up.

In “Crazy,” Wynonna’s antagonist is not Doug, but rather Ginny the Genie. I’m not sure how well it works that Ginny’s relationship with Doug begins narrative life on this show as an allegory for domestic abuse, but, aside from that, Ginny’s messy end works incredibly well with this larger thematic exploration of monsters & morality Season 4B has been exploring. Because Ginny’s culpability in Doug’s murders isn’t black and white. She may be hiding behind Doug’s wishes and his disease, or she may be genuine when she tells Wynonna she silenced her screams because she couldn’t stand to hear them when there’s nothing she could do. Wynonna seems to believe this is a lie, but it’s unclear if she would have made a different choice, that she would have spared Ginny’s life, even if she did believe the excuse.

“You gotta listen to the screams. You’ve got to look the cost of it in the eye, and tell it to go fuck itself,” Wynonna tells Ginny. Because this is the deal Wynonna seems to have made with herself, the line she has drawn in the sand, and you’ll notice it is very different from what happened with Hoyt Clayborn. She didn’t look Hoyt in the eye. She waited until his back was turned to shoot him, and she seems to think there is no coming back from that. She doesn’t believe she can be with Doc unless he falls down to the dregs of humanity alongside her. “Welcome to the moral low ground,” she tells Doc when she believes he has killed someone, so happy to have a companion once again because she is so damn lonely in her moral failure. But she doesn’t know how to ask for help; she only knows how to keep fighting. “The difference is that you have a way out,” Wynonna tells Ginny because she is so unpracticed at imagining a future for herself guided by self-compassion and forgiveness—these weren’t thinks her daddy taught her.

Meanwhile, Nicole is finally able to face her own ghosts—and I’m (mostly) not talking about that chicken-kicking video. It’s fitting that this episode begins with Wynonna and Nicole doing some friendly sparring because the two mirror one another in some interesting ways in “Crazy.” The difference is: Nicole is much further along working through some of the issues holding her back. She is able to look Doc in the eye and be honest about the mindset that led to making a deal with Margo Clanton, trading Waverly’s safe return for Doc. She admits that she was scared, and she thought Doc would be able to get out of whatever the Clantons had in store for him. She doesn’t say she regrets it because that would probably be a lie—she had to be sure that Waverly would come home—but she listens when Doc rebuts and she apologizes. More importantly, she faces it… and herself.

In the process, she reclaims the town sheriff position. (The democratic process has really fallen by the wayside in Purgatory, huh?) It’s hard for me to get behind Nicole’s return to the uniform as anything other than a plot point driven by characterization. If this series has a major narrative flaw, it’s the lack of specificity in its small town setting. As someone who grew up in the middle of nowhere, I’m always on the lookout for more authentic representations of rural life, and Purgatory is not it. (Though it does get winter right—for obvious reasons.) That being said, I don’t need Purgatory to be authentic, but I do need the setting to have, for want of a better phrase, better character continuity. Wynonna Earp seems to want Purgatory to have a sense of place, but it’s been incredibly erratic, from season to season and sometimes from episode to episode. That someone could live in this town and not know that Doc is a hundreds-year-old vampire or that Waverly is an angel is unlikely. The memory-altering fog hasn’t made it to town… yet.

Speaking of which, Ginny tells Wynonna: “I can stop what’s coming,” implying that yet another Big Bad is on the way—presumably, Eve, whom we haven’t seen since the beginning of the season. It’s too soon to tell and not as much fun to dwell on as other aspects of this meaty scene. We’ve discussed much of it, but not the fact that Wynonna is offered Ginny’s power and seemingly easily refuses. And that’s one of the things that sets Wynonna apart from the villain she is so afraid she has become. Villainy is using the power you have to hurt other people for the sake of securing and/or accumulating that power. It’s what Doug was doing when he started eating people’s brains. (Although that analysis is complicated by the fact that Doug seemed to have some kind of mental illness?) Wynonna has only ever used her power to try to protect others.

The question then becomes: what was Wynonna’s choice to kill Hoyt if not villainy? Is shooting someone in the back to keep them from potentially hurting your family an act of securing power? Does it matter what we call it? Should any one person have the right to decide which demon lives and which demon dies? Wynonna is obviously wrestling with these questions, even if she is unable to articulate them in any real way to herself or her loved ones. The closest she gets is in her conversation with Ginny—a “safe” space to express her feelings as Ginny is about to take them to her grave or hell or wherever she is about to end up. “I get it. I’m poison too,” Wynonna tells Ginny, equating herself with someone who just helped a man slaughter multiple innocent people. It’s yet another sign of just how poorly Wynonna thinks of herself these days, and just how dark this show can get in an episode that also involves another character delightfully yelling “Kristi Yamaguchi!” to a crowded bar.

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Additional thoughts.

It’s telling how cult-like and obsessive people can get about trivia irl that it took. meso long. to realize that everyone in town was under the influence of Doug’s wish.

“I never want you to blunt your ambition… it’s one of the things that makes you you.”

“I got you back. That’s my happy.”

Doc is surprisingly good at pop culture trivia.

“I must remain in this battle to prove that it is I who has the ideal brain.”

Maybe Purgatory should come up with an alternate model of local law enforcement?

I loved the multiple convos between Nicole and Rachel—a reminder that these two spent a lot of time together as family when Waverly, Wynonna, and Doc were in The Garden.

Doc has minions now.

“God damn law enforcement.” “The gun does tend to go to their head.”

“That means our beautiful cowboy is in the clear.”

Jeremy’s a really bad coroner, huh? He didn’t notice that those corpses have no brains.

Jeremy and Waverly get to make a murderboard!

Weather facts!

Wynonna: I won’t leave your side. Wynonna: *immediately leaves Ginny’s side*

“Random trivia is not an accurate way to judge intelligence.” Scream this from the rooftops. But also I love trivia.

“Well, now I love trivia… and you. In that order.”

What did the Clantons want with Doc? I assumed Margo just wanted to, you know, torture him then kill him, but the fact that Season 4B made a point of bringing this up again makes me think it’s more complex than that.

“The badge alone does not give the authority.” Doc demonstrates his peptalk superpower yet again.

Anyone else miss iZombie while watching this episode?

The gap between real-life cops and TV cops is so broad.

The post Wynonna Earp Season 4 Episode 9 Review: Crazy appeared first on Den of Geek.

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Phan Cam: Top Three (Dream FES Finale [for the year])

WARNING: This post may be a bit long.

>Saturday.

GOOD EVENING, TOKYO! It’s the last day of Dream FES! It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The competition to see which Rookie Idol’s dream of becoming True Idols and making their CD debut come true! If any of our Rookie Idol’s make it in the Top Three, they will become True Idols. If they come in 3rd, that’s okay, they’ll still become a True Idol. It’s only if they make it in 1st or 2nd that they will get their CD debut. However, 2nd place will got you only some song recorded. But in 1st, you’ll record even more.  Also, we have a grand finale is store for you. The collaborated song with DearDream, KUROFUNE, and ANSwer!

>The crowd cheered. Then, Haruto Mikami gets on stage.

So, are you all ready for the show?

>The crowd cheered again. Then, the Rookie Idols come on stage

Our goal is the Dream Festival! Dream FES is about to start!

Rookie Idols: Enjoy the show!

>In the backstage dressing room, as the Rookie Idols perform on stage, Skull waited for his turn with the others. The idol next time him, let’s call him Guren Ike (since using his real name would expose our true identities), spoke to him. Guren is an upbeat kind of guy, always looking on the bright side of things.

Guren: Are you as excited as I am, Sakamoto kun?

Skull: Well, maybe I’m a little nervous. But my friends and family are watchin’, so I guess it should be okay. What about you, Guren kun?

Guren: My dad and little sister are in the audience, too. My mom can’t make it because of her job. I think some of my friends from school are there, too.

Skull: I see. Good for you, then.

Guren: You, too, Sakamoto kun.

???: Oh, please, the only reason Sakamoto made it this far is because some of those friends are Spider-Man and Harry Osborn. Not to mention you’re already a member of KUROFUNE.

>They quickly turn to see another Rookie Idol had come to them. Let’s call him, Kumokuro Kazebaggu. He a bit more stuck up and is only an idol to emerge from the overwhelming success of his parents.

Skull: (a little upset) You wish, Kazebaggu. They just gave me a push. The rest came from me.

And what about you? Scared Mommy and Daddy’s money won’t save you this time?

Kumokuro: (more upset) We’ll see about that you-

???: Both of you, please.

>It was another Rookie Idol. Let’s call him Unakarui Kurume, Kuru for short. Apart from being an idol, he also plays Duel Monsters and hopes one day to meet the King of Games himself. He’s also the calm type and is in the same unit as Guren.

Kuru: I know you both just want to get to the Top Three, but remember, you have to be fair to your opponents. Even they deserve a little kindness.

>They just stared in silence.

Guren: Uh, Kuru, buddy, this isn’t a duel, you know?

Kuru: ... It’s not? Well, same difference.

You sure are... Unique.

Worker: RosyRosy, you’re up!

RosyRosy Leader: Guren, Kuru, we’re needed!

Guren: Coming, senpai! See you soon, Sakamoto kun.

Skull: (happy) You go well tonight. See ya.

>With that, RosyRosy leaves for the stage... Then, me, Fox, Crow, Peter, and Harry come in.

Hey, how are you?

Skull: Fine.

Really? Aren’t you even a little nervous.

Skull: Okay, I’m a little nervous. Like...

Is this actually happenin’? Or, am I just dreamin’?

Kumokuro: If you are, then it’s time to wake up and leave.

We weren’t talking to you.

Ryuji, you are here. This is really happening.

Don’t start doubting yourself. That just wouldn’t be beautiful.

You just need to believe in yourself. Or, are you thinking of quitting?

Hell no! I ain’t done yet! Not at all!

Now there’s the Ryuji Sakamoto we all know and love.

Right. You never gave up on me, so I ain’t givin’ up on you!

>Suddenly, Skull felt something in his heart and looked inside.

WARNING: Some Persona 5: Royal spoilers.

That is right, Ryuji Sakamoto. You will not give up. You have come so far.

Yes. You would not back away if this did not mean anything to you. Would you?

>Then, Captain Kidd and Seiten Taisei come together in a burst of light...

Now the time has come. Are you ready?

You bet, William... In fact...

>Skull turns to Crow.

Skull: Akechi, did you bring your notebook with you?

Crow: Yes. You never know when a mystery will strike. Why do you ask?

You’ll see.

Kumokuro: You mean a new song? I doubt that’s going to work.

You might be surprised.

>RosyRosy comes back in with the worker.

Worker: Kumokuro Kazebaggu, you’re on!

Kumokuro: (stuck up again) Now to show you how a True Idol works.

>With that, he leaves.

Such arrogance. You better defeat him, Ryuji.

Skull: That’s the plan.

Harry: Good luck.

Peter: Knock ‘em dead out there.

>With that we leave. Skull takes the notebook and begins writing away.

>Back on stage, Kumokuro had just finished his song.

MC: And that was Kumokuro Kazebaggu, ladies and gentlemen!

>The crowded applauded... Somewhat.

MC: Next up, he’s a bleached boy who once ran for his school and is now taking his magic legs to the stage. He just joined KUROFUNE as a part time member, but hopes to become a True Idol. I hear he has a huge fan club in the audience tonight.

>We all cheer louder than the rest of the crowd.

MC: Alright, ladies and gentlemen, here he is, the Pirate of the Track, the Full Sail Athlete... Ryuji Sakamoto!

>With that, Skull runs on stage and the audience cheers loudly.

Skull: Yo, Tokyo!

>The crowd cheers again.

Skull: At the last minute, I wrote a new song. This song talks about how far I’ve come in the idol world. But I couldn’t have done it alone. My friends and family helped me along the way. Ren, Ann, Yusuke, Makoto, Futaba, Haru, Akechi, my mom, Harry, Peter, and all the others who we hold dear to our hearts, thank you.

Hmm?

Yeah, you, too, Diego.

Diego: (quietly) Thank you.

Skull: This is a song about dreams and how we hold them dearly in our hearts. And before you know it, you will also be realizin’ just how important it is to believe.

Now to show you how to KEEP RUNNIN’ DREAM!

Dorkia Time!

Catch Your Cheers!

Skull: Let the race begin!

>Skull changes clothes.

Cheerful Jam Series! Complete!

(Just want to remind you that J-pop is one of my weakest points.)

(Beat box opening) Dreams They come true everyday Dreams Helping make you way Dreams They help you speed on And in the end your future you have won

Keep running dream To your future ahead Don't stop until you are dead Through the sunlit beam Go on and on To the day is done Keep running dream Keep running dream Keep running dream!

>After the song, everyone cheered and applauded wildly. I guess this song actually reached out to everyone... Way to go, brother.

MC: Epic! Really Epic! I couldn’t think of anything other than the words of that song!

Thanks! And thanks, everyone!

>Everyone cheered loudly. Especially us.

>Back in the dressing room, we, including Stark and the Future Avengers, come to congratulate Skull for his performance.

That was really great, Ryuji senpai!

Yeah, that was amazing.

You did real great tonight.

Skull: I have you guys to thank. You gave me the courage that touched my heart.

That’s true. Only a True Idol can sing from the heart. And the heart has many connections to others.

Don’t I know it.

I say you pretty much leveled up in my game.

That’s pretty much Futaba’s way of saying that you showed real talent.

What’s this? The great Sojiro Sakura actually praising someone?

Joker: Actually, he’s done it before with me.

Now cut that out.

Either way, the was a pretty neat show.

That’s my Ryu kun. He really knows how to put on a show.

I know I normally prefer heroes, but man, you really blasted us there.

Same here. Still, this was good too. (By the way, this is my anime form.)

True. It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.

Skull: I’m glad you guys liked it.

We actually loved it. You’re sure to at least land the Top Three.

Keigo: He’s right. If you can at least make it into the Top Three, you'll become a True Idol. But if you make it in the Top Two, you’ll record a CD.

Skull: I hope you’re right.

You’ll make it. We promise.

Besides, I’ve have a betting pool with Michael right now. If you end up in the Top Three, he’ll have to pay Japan another visit to kiss your feet.

And if he doesn’t.

Toshi: I go over to his place and kiss his feet.

I guess that sound fair... I think.

A chance to see a world class chef and author get humiliated like that? I’d love to see it.

Is your idea of fine like that?

Alistaire: Maybe.

Maybe?

(whisper) Sicko.

The point is, Sakamoto, we know you’ll make it.

Skull: You think?

If not, I can always pull a few strings.

Harry: You probably shouldn’t.

Skull: That’s right. What happens now, I want to show everyone I can do this without havin’ to rely heavily on those with a lot of power. But I’ll still need you guys in my life.

That’s true. Though you want to stand on your own, but that doesn’t you have to be alone... Isn’t that right?

Pretty much.

It’s the same with me.

Grady: And me. Don’t be afraid to rely on others.

Yeah, we’re here for you, Ryuji san.

Thank you , everyone.

You’re welcome, brother.

>I look at everyone who is now happy for Skull... Especially Makoto who seems the most happiest for him. Although Bruno is trying to hit his own smile.

Worker: Hey, they’re about to announce the winners. You better hurry.

We better get going.

Good luck out there, Sakamoto... Or is it break a leg?

I’ll explain later.

See you soon.

We’re rooting for you.

>Later on the stage, the MC, the Rookie Idols, DearDream, KUROFUNE, and ANSwer were ready for the announcement.

MC: The time has come, time to announce which Rookie Idols’ dream is about to come true.

We wish only you young idols the best.

If you can make it in the Top Three, you will become a True Idol.

If you come in 3rd, you won’t be getting a CD deal, but you will still become a True Idol, and you will be eligible to start your own Idol Unit with D-Four Productions.

If you come in 2nd, you will get a CD deal, though, the number of song will be limited.

And if you come in 1st, you will get a CD deal and record as many songs as you desire. Just don’t forget to include other songs from other idols.

Yuto: And the rest who didn’t make it will be given a consolation prize of your choosing.

Keigo: And you’ll be able to perform for a chance at being in the Top Three again at next year’s Dream Festival.

And you can keep going as many times as you desire.

Or at least until your contract with D-Four expires.

Yes. Now, let's begin.

MC: When I call out your name or the name of the Unit you are in, come forward. Now, in 3rd Place...

Ryuji Sakamoto!

FOR REAL!?

Keigo: (whisper) Well, go on!

>Skull comes forward.

MC: So, Ryuji san, how does it feel to know that even though you won’t get a CD, you’re still a True Idol?

Skull: It’s... It’s actually pretty sweat. No one thought I could do it. I almost believed them. But my friends and family supported me and I kept at it.

Thanks, everyone! I love you all!

>The crowd cheered. We love you, too, Ryuji.

>After the other winners were called (Kumokuro came in 2nd and RosyRosy came in 1st), it was time for the grand finale.

Kanade: Now it’s time for our last song of the night and the end of another Dream Festival.

Keigo: But don’t worry. This will all happen again next year. And we will look forward to seeing you again.

Akiomi: So, from all of us, we hope that your own dreams will come try just as dreams did tonight.

KUROFUNE, DearDream, and ANSwer: ENJOY THE SHOW!

>The crowd cheered.

Keigo: Ryuji san, care to join us?

You bet!

>We’ll skip this part because... Words just can’t describe it.

WARNING: Spoilers for Persona 5: Royal ahead.

>Kichijoji. Stark reserved Penguin Sniper for us so we wouldn’t be bothered, especially by reporters... Well, except maybe one.

Thanks for pulling a few strings and letting me in here.

Joker: It’s no trouble. I’m sure Mr. Stark wouldn’t mind.

Stark: (coming to us) I would... But I’ll make an acceptation since she’s so cute.

Ohya: You say that to all the female reporters.

Stark: True. You’re not the first female reporter to fall for my charm... I really should pay Nanami a visit the next time I’m here.

Ohya: Anyway, I’m not here to interview you. I’m here for KUROFUNE. I want to get in a word before tomorrow when Blondie and the Detective Prince leave.

Keigo: Alright, but make it quick. I’m about to own Flash kun in darts.

Flash: Yeah right!

>With that, KUROFUNE go to get interviewed by Ohya. I return to my billiards game with Diego, Crow, Mikoto, and Bruno.

Mikoto: So it’s actually happening to him.

Joker: It is. And he’s even thinking of returning to the tack team to get into a good college.

Diego: Can he?

Crow: Ryuji is pretty much famous now. I’m they’ll make an acceptation.

Mikoto: But I thought he wasn’t going back.

It’s still up for debate.

Crow: By the way... Why did the Future Avengers come to Dream FES? Makoto san, you said that you are a distant relative of Ryuji....

I really don’t buy it.

Makoto: (sweating) Umm... Well...

Bruno: (quick and stern) Makoto will tell you everything you need to know when he’s good and ready. Let’s just leave it at that.

Okay, okay. I won’t question anymore for now.

Bruno: Forgive me. I know as a detective, you can’t help but feel a little suspicious.

Crow: True. That’s just how it is. However, Ryuji and his mother trust you. So does Tony Stark. So I’ll be fine for now.

Makoto: (whisper to Bruno) Thanks. (normal speech) Anyway, we trust you just as much. So don’t worry.

Joker: Just make sure Ryuji and Akechi will be okay there in New York.

Makoto: (smiling) You can count on me and the Future Avengers, Ren!

Thank you, Makoto.

>I know I can trust this Future Avenger. I can sense he has a tight connection with Skull just like he has with Harry... Now I can sense one with us, as well.

I am thou, thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow.

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of Chance Persona, I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power…

Confidant: Hurricane

Arcana: Chance (This Arcana is made up for this Confidant.)

Rank: 1

Ability: Type 5: Speed

Automatic Masukukaja at the start of battle during Cloudy weather.

Harry: Hey, don’t forget me and Pete!

Joker: Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten you guys, either.

Peter: Good. But don’t worry, we also know the Future Avengers and we’ll help, too.

Makoto: You bet, Spider-Man! I mean, Peter. I forget, I’m suppose to call you by your real name when you don’t have the mask on.

Peter: It’s okay. So, Ren, it’s your shot now.

Okay. Watch and learn.

>I take the cue stick to the billiard table.

Adi: (surprised) Is he really going to play like that?

Diego: Believe it.

>With one hit, I knock one of the balls into one of the holes.

Peter: Score!

Joker: Now...

It’s your move.

>I hand the cue stick... to Adi.

Adi: (surprised) Me!?

Makoto: C’mon, give it a try!

Adi: ... Alright.

>Adi takes the cue stick. He pauses for a moment and then... He goes into the same position I was in.

Diego: (surprised) Wow! He’s gonna do it!

>Adi then hits the whit ball... And knocks the eight ball into a hole.

Bruno: How did you learn to do that?

Adi: I... I don’t know. When I saw Ren do it, I couldn’t help but want to do it myself.

Joker: Well, it is a stylish way to play. I could show you a little more.

Adi You would? ... Thank you.

?????: Well, he did learn from the best.

>We quickly turn to see who just arrived. It was Panther’s mother, Kathrine.

Panther: Mom, you’re here.

Well, I would have arrived sooner, but I ran into an old friend.

>The person who came with her comes forward... I can’t believe who it is.

Well, I can’t help it if my own son spends more time here than he does at home.

I see. Sorry I made you feel that way... Dad.

>With that, everyone’s jaws drop.

#phantom thieves cam #dream festival #dream fes

[ai-da-ice]

[JUNON] Tonikaku Da-iCE!!!!

Let us tell you about this photo shoot (laughs). Letter stamps were prepared as photography props. The person who put all the letters together to spell out the title of the upcoming song [TONIKAKU HEY] would be named the champion! This is the game the member played together (laughs). When the start of the game was announced, desiring to be first place in the world, Haya-chan needlessly gathered all the stamps for himself (laughs). Why is Taiki-kun grasping for the bottom by spelling the word “TONIKAKU PAY”. ..?!?  In the second round, the one who spelled [Da-iCE] first would triumph, though they only had capital letters so they couldn’t get the traditional lowercase stylized parts right. This time they were only allowed to take the stamps one by one, and if they grabbed the correct stamp, they could move ahead, if not, they had to throw it back … it was a fierce battle (laughs). Here as well, the one that was completed first and was defending his place at the top was Yudai -kun! …Hmm? Yeah, Yudai-kun, turned in his paper spelled like “DAI-CE” (laughs) Ah ~ how fun!

Tonikaku Fun

Sota: Recently, Toru-kun and I were working on a stage play, and our amount of activities with Da -iCE was smaller, so it ’s fun to be here with five people again. When the five of us came together after a long time, I thought “I like this the best” yet again. When going out on stage just by myself, I sometimes felt frustrated. In the meantime, when I was in Osaka, I was talking to Toru-kun and confessed to him saying, “I am more powerful when it’s the five of us” (laughs).

Yudai: Both of them kept talking about how they love Da-iCE so much.

Toru: Yes. “I can do anything if it’s the five of us!” (laughs). But because we were working with actors in a similar place as us, doing both music and acting, I think that strengthened us.

Sota: Those were really great relationships for us.

Hayate: Wasn’t one of those actors EXILE’s Matsu-san? (laughs)

Toru: Yes, that was the MATSU-san we co-starred with (laughs). “Stop Da -iCE, let’s do a group together”.

Sota: I wouldn’t say anything by “Nnn~” when he said that, but he’d still be like “Eh, ya?” (laughs)

Hayate: When you told me that, I couldn’t stop laughing (laughs)

Toru: MATSU-san then started saying, “I want to join Da -iCE” all the time, and I was happy just to hear those words.

Sota: He’s really kind

Yudai: Since the stage play began, I began to follow Sota and Toru-kun on SNS more closely. Because I could not see them in person so often (laughs).

Taiki: When the three of us went to see the stage play, Yudai immediately started imitating it. We also started recognizing the dialogue quickly because “If Yudai’s imitating it, it was from the stage play “(laughs)

Yudai: I wanted to imitate cool phrases. "You’re cutting when you want to slash.”

Taiki: That is really cool

Sota: I expected to smile when I saw the members from the stage, but when I checked where the members were beforehand, it was strange just to have Toru-kun on the stage with me (laughs).

Hayate: At that time, for some reason we were really nervous with excitement (laughs).

Taiki: As I thought, years after meeting each other for the first time, we have a sense of security in each other.

Sota: It’s the best with all five of us.

Toru: Hey, how many times are you going to say that? (Laughs)

Taiki: Usually I do not have much time to meet people, but I guess the five of us are already at a family level, so I have to keep meeting them.

Yudai: I’ve seen you all naked [[at this part, the translator almost spit out her milk on her keyboard lol T^T]]

Taiki: I don’t need to see you like that. Let’s be real. Moreover, I want to hear the stories of the stage play “Chiruran Shinsengumi Requiem”, getting back on topic. It’s interesting to talk about it from each other’s perspectives.

Yudai: And here I wanted to talk about fishing stories (laughs)

Sota: Fishing stories can also be funny.

Toru: I also wanted to ask about that. I’ve heard Atlantic mackerel have a lot of fat. I saw it on SNS.

Sota: Oh, I’d like to eat a mackerel

Yudai: It wasn’t easy, but once I caught 70 in one day

Sota: You caught 70? Crazy!

Taiki: And now we’re talking about fish, the width of this group’s conversation is wonderful (laughs).

We love Tonikaku

Sota: Everyone loves [Tonikaku HEY]. At first we planned to release another song, but we agreed, “We’d like to do this song instead”, so we asked the staff to switch. After all, the music I love most of all is the kind we can do well live.

Toru: We’re all about lives, after all.

Taiki: Yeah, it’s definitely about lives.

Sota: After that, I like Junon.

Hayate: We’ve been indebted to you for the longest time.

Sota: You’re the first magazine we appeared in.

Yudai: I remembered the room being decorated

Sota: My parents have three copies of that issue at home

Hayate: I have a memory of wearing a gray hoodie with a blue check jacket.

Toru: Oh, those were our personal clothes, I remember.

Sota: I was in a denim shirt.

Taiki: I was wearing beige riders a sempai had given me.

Toru: Yudai was wearing boots and a leather jacket.

Sota: Toru-kun was in a black jacket

Toru: The one I’ve been wearing for seven to eight years.

Taiki: It’s black leather.

Toru: There are holes all over it (laughs).

Yudai: The pocket was also ripped.

Taiki: You still have that?

Toru: No, I threw it out honestly (laughs).

Taiki: I did not have any money in those days and I did not have that much clothes, but I tried to stay in fashion.

Sota: I want to collaborate with JUNON on a PV next time (laughs).

Tonikaku Surprise

Taiki: A surprising thing? That would be the two of them doing “Chiruran.” The pressure of acting. I was surprised at their aura.

Hayate: We were crying from beginning to end

Taiki: I felt an understanding with the story

Toru: Eh ~ I’m happy

Yudai: My heart was pounding the whole time

Hayate: Same as me, my heart was fluttering

Sota: Why? (laughs)

Taiki: Because “one motion”, “one motion” was amazing. [[He’s referencing a line from the play about sword fighting]]

Sota: I guess it was amazing for the members, too.

Yudai: Also, it was the first stage play I saw in my life.

Hayate: Me too.

Yudai: So everything was fresh.

Hayate: The transition between scenes was clear, so it was very interesting.

Taiki: It was amazing, wasn’t it?

Hayate: I also wanted to sword fight. I do not have to go out on stage, but I want to learn the sword (laughs).

Sota: The “Chiruran” sword fights are probably close to your image of it. You make mistakes over and over until you can reach the swift speed of movement we showed onstage.

Yudai: It’s a high level.

Hayate: “Binbin” came out!

Sota: Did you just try to quote a line? (laughs)

Toru: There’s the line “Binbin Kuru ne” (laughs). I appreciate it. I am surprised that you remembered that (laughs).

Yudai:  Atlantic mackerel is pretty cool at this time of year.

Sota: Then, let’s go fishing together, all five of us, next time.

Yudai: That would be really fun. For three or more people, the price of the ship is discounted, so I would like to go out!

Toru: I want to go to Hatsushima by ferry.

Yudai: That’s past Atami, isn’t it?

Sota: I’d like to do a BBQ after fishing.

Yudai: There are a few places we could do it. But I also want to fish at Hatsushima.

Taiki: I’d go if we went to Otaru in Hokkaido. When I was in Hokkaido, I ’d get up at 3 o'clock in the morning and go fishing sometimes, but since I came here, I have not gone.

Toru: Oh, then I’d like to go to Hokkaido for an interview with JUNON (laughs).

Sota: Now that you mention it, let’s go there with our fan club.

Hayate: I went fishing one time in the river. But I’m pretty sure I hated the insects on my fish hook!

Yudai: If you get used to it, would you like to come?

Hayate: No, I do not need to get used to it (laughs)

Toru: I definitely don’t want to use anything like centipedes.

Yudai: But, for Atlantic mackerel you don’t need insects. Just attach a small squid to the hook

Toru: That’s fine. It seems like you have a really strong desire to go fishing.

Yudai: It is delicious to eat.

Sota: As for me, I’ll eat it too!

Tonikaku Scared

Taiki: Personally I am afraid of a haunted houses. Rather than entering, I do not even want to think of it and have those memories in my brain. Even if I return home, I’ll still be thinking of it and bringing the scary memories to life.

Sota: I also hate haunted houses (laughs). As for fears related to Da -iCE, I’m afraid of the next tour. During our last anniversary, we were able to perform at the Budokan, and our next tour is a hall tour. My fear of the pressure is strong. Even if we do something unique, I’d like to do a good live that will allow me to exceed what we did at the Nippon Budokan.

Taiki: Even now there is always tension and pressure, right?

Sota: But it’s OK to be nervous, since I think I can’t give a good performance if I’m not a little nervous.

Taiki: Yes. I think that being nervous is definitely better. I often heard the quote “Is there any way to not get nervous? No, because being nervous is necessary”.

Sota: I think that I care a little too much about it though. Every time I get so nervous that I start trembling.

Taiki: In short, when we do new songs for the tour, it’s always nerve wracking to do it in a place we’re not used to (laughs).

Toru: When we go on a new stage for the first time, the anxious feelings while waiting in the wings is incredible

Sota: I think lives I go into without feeling too nervous usually wind up being the most terrifying ones in the end, though. So I try to keep that sense of nervousness (laughs).

Hayate: That’s right. I give myself a push on the back and embrace the fighting spirit

Sota: When I get nervous, my fighting spirit is even more impressive than ever! (laughs)

Tonikaku Impressed

Sota: Speaking of being impressed, on Tonikaku HEY’s coupling song “Sugar High”, I feel like the 3 performers worked together with us well to form a really solid chorus. That was something I wanted to do with them, and I was deeply moved by what came into shape. This song was written and composed by me, with Taiki-kun also helping with the lyrics, and Yudai-kun also did a lot of work on the chorus too and it was very exciting that everyone was involved in the song. Because the three performers’ part in the chorus is really good, I replayed the track many times and thought “Aaah, so good~” (laughs)

Taiki: I enjoyed recording.

Hayate: Because it was my first experience recording like that, I did not know what to do (laughs)

Taiki: Up to now I recorded solo parts, or background parts, but in the seven years since I’ve come here, I have never harmonized my voice into a five member part before. I can’t help but think it will be impressive.

Toru: It was a nice experience. As Yudai has also said before,  when we heard the “group” voice, it was moving. For Da -iCE’s voice in the future, I think it would be good if we could something like this again so when you listen you think "Oh, it’s Da-iCE’ s singing voice”

Sota: Definitely! I want to do it!

Taiki: I think that it be good for all of us to improve our vocal quality.

Sota: If we can do a lot of things on the next tour, wouldn’t it be fun to try singing a single medley with all five people?

Taiki: Oh, that’s interesting.

Sota: Since it is still under development, I hope that this type of song will also make it to a live performance and show that we can do better to earn the audience’s cheers and support.

Tonikaku High Tension

Yudai: Speaking of high tension, I want to go fishing!

Taiki: Again, you! (Laughs)

Toru: It can’t be helped. This is how he gets his high tension. He immediately gets excited (laughs)

Yudai: I get excited about the big things, of course (laughs)

Toru: But, there are surprisingly small things that get you excited too, right?

Yudai: That’s not it (laugh). But it’s always regrettable when I get over-excited at the drop of the hat, since the old man who lives next door will be like “You’re being bothersome~” and I’ll have to go “Yes ~” (laughs)

Toru: Don’t be like that (laugh)

Taiki: When I’m going to the gym, it lifts my spirits. Running while listening to LDH’s songs is good for keeping upbeat. When I listen to J Soul Brothers and Generations, my motivation goes up steadily and becomes just as hyper as Yudai (laughs).

Sota: Recently, during an after-show talk with MATSU-san, he sang “Choo Choo TRAIN” for me and Toru-kun, and our spirits literally soared.

Toru: Definitely.

Taiki: That would be an incredible thing.

Yudai: Super nice ~

Sota: Moreover, my father saw it, and since my father loved “Choo Choo Train” since long ago, I got to be a good son for introducing him to MATSU-san.

Toru: MATSU-san also talked a bit about his life in the group. Before we formed as Da-iCE, he was a superstar to us and I went to his lives, so it was an unbelievable feeling to work with him professionally.

Hayate: I was able to see the performance of Chiruran, and I can’t think of anything more motivating or exciting than that

Toru: I’m glad you think so, Hayate, thank you.

Tonikaku MV

Taiki: This time I had a strong sense of getting down to work. The staff is usually looking for something comprehensive to show what we’ve been doing up to now, and they come up with MVs which showcase us five, but this time we wanted to showcase a world view instead. There is our dance and performance as usual, but I think that it’s more interesting this time. There are feelings we’ve never shown before.

Sota: As a single, its personality comes out right from the beginning.

Yudai: In terms of using props and tools, everyone painted mischievously on the wall, and everyone’s face and clothes got messed up. It was interesting because we couldn’t just do the paint over again. It would be odd if in one shot, someone’s shoes had changed paint styles from the shot before, etc. We put a lot of effort into it, and I think the filming passed by faster than usual.

Hayate: It’s the first time we had to wash our bodies in the middle of MV shooting to clean up the paint. Thanks to that, it was a unique feeling that doesn’t usually come with working (laughs)

Taiki: I understand. I felt that too (laughs)

Yudai: When I got into the shower and returned to the dressing room, I felt like I was going home from the hot spring (laughs)

Sota: My body was getting cold. It felt nice to finish it off with a hot shower (laughs)

Hayate: It was really comforting, that feeling (laughs)

Taiki: It was a difficult to pair dancing with other issues for me this time. But, we worked towards what we wanted to do, and we all made a great emotional delivery for this song.

Toru: Up to now, dancing was our primary focus, but this time I think a lot of other things went into it, so it was very fresh and interesting.

Tonikaku HEY

Sota: To tell the truth, it’s a song where just the thought of hearing everyone chanting “Tonikaku HEY!” live is exciting. Working together with Yudai-kun on this song on its own raises my tension, and also I get to change my singing style musically in this song. I am doing a lot of challenging things, so I think that it’s enjoyable if you listen to on a technical level, too. Of course, I think that it is such a song that even just listening to the BGM will make you feel good.

Taiki: I think there is a lot of room for freedom in the dance, and it’s not as choreographed like other songs have been, and there is a margin for freestyling and ad-libs to bring out the atmosphere, so it’s a rather rare style for one of our singles. The choreo of “Tonikaku HEY” is easy to manage, so there is a good balance which makes us able to be creative in other places.

Sota: Before this, we released an album called “NEXT PHASE”, and this song is the sequel to that, since we wanted to have songs which expressed something like “This is our NEXT PHASE”. This is the song we arrived on to best fit that. It is a song that can also make you feel like you can return to your original intentions and goals despite being a new person who has experienced changes. Since I have been doing my best to compose songs with themes that tie into our indies era, I want to tell fans from our indies days “I hope the songs I write remind you of that Da-iCE too” I wonder if the fans from after the major debut can also appreciate this new side. I hope it’s a song that can take our fans along to the next stage along with us.

Yudai: The title “Tonikaku HEY!” is also great.

Hayate: The title is like a chant at a rally.

Taiki: Usually our songs have English titles which may be hard for people to remember, but I think this one is easy to remember.

Toru: Everyone liked this.

Taiki: I do not want to change this title for anything. The staff presented various things such as “It’s possible to change (kaeru no mo ari ka na)” though. We insisted “Tonikaku HEY!” is “Tonikaku HEY!” Even though they said “People may laugh at you for a title like that in the beginning,” if you listen to the song and see the choreography and come and visit us live,  would you really be able to laugh? I think if you’re able to see it like that, you can’t help but understand it.

Yudai: If you listen to the title and consider the thought of going to rallies, you get used to it and it makes sense. We usually listen to the staff, but not this time. I absolutely did not want to change “Tonikaku HEY!” Staff kept asking what we were doing, if it’s okay to try and sound “cool" or “slang-y.” But if you listen to the song, wouldn’t you say it’s worth the risk?

Sota: Come to Tonikaku Live and scream with "Tonikaku HEY” with us. It will be absolutely fun!

#da-ice #tonikaku hey #junon #interview #translation

[yesyunniechan]

Detective Conan 992 Spoilers [English Translation]

H: At last... yer time has come! TN: Literally: 'koko de outa ga hyakunenme'/we meet here for the 100th year, but it means 'your time has come' O: Yeah... I came to see ya! TN: Unadaptable stuff. Literally he says 'ai ni kita no no tenmanguu'. Which is 'I came to the Northern Tenmanguu. But this stuff is kaketashikotoba, basically what Englsh 'See you later alligator.' means. Echoing the last word to make it sound nonsensical. H: C'mon already... or are ya scared?! O: Ya exposed yer left shoulder and the tip of yer sword is pointing down and away... [Fights are always so unexpected... Western Swordsmen clash in battle!!]

O: The Ittou Ryoudan posture of Yagyu Shinkage school...

O: Well then... Me too...

O: The Hiraseigan posture of Tennenrishin-ryu school...

H: The blade is slightly slanted...

H: And the tip of sword is looking at the opponent's left eye...

O: Ya talk too much... 

O: If ya want a fight... Ya've got one!

[Wait!!]

S: If I hadn't come, you guys would have started fighting...

S: Let's not disturb the murder scene any further...

S: Besides, if you can solve this murder before the tournament starts...

S: We won't have to cancel it in the first place, right?

T: Is that really okay? Won't Megure-keibu get mad?

S: It's fine! Looks like we only have three suspects...

S: Besides, looks like this tournament might be tied to some love affair... <3

T: Err...

R: Excuse me, can I go to the restroom?

R: L-looks like that restroom is unavailable right now...

S: Yeah.... I've heard everything you had to say, Ran-chan...

R: Then excuse me!

(I want to check...)

On: Are you ok?

R: Ah... Yes...

M: Onimaru-kun! Is it true that you won't participate in the finals?

On: Yeah...

R: Eh? He refused?

On: After all, I've got some urgent matter  so that I have to return home sooner...

M: What matter?

On: Tokyo governor...

On: Told that he wanted to grant me the title of an honorary citizen... I'm going home now...

M: O-o! I thought it could only be an elderly person, but that's possible with you, who became a double champion of the whole Japan in such an age!

On: Well, with my inexperience... I don't think I'm worthy of that title, so I'm going home to refuse it...

M: What a waste...

On: I will be there in semifinals, don't worry... There's somebody I wanted to clash swords once...

R: Double champion of whole Japan means that he's the strongest swordsman?..

R: And if that person won't appear in finals even if he will win semifinals, that means...

H: They spoke kansaiben, just like you...

TN: Unclear who, so for now it’s they.

C: I see...

H: What?!

H: Oi! The victim's wife said she's on her way over here...

H: Because she's bringing some spare clothes?!

F: Y-yeah, sounds like it...

C: So what about those spare clothes?

(TN: Kigae todoke ni kuru - for your theory needs)

H: Sorry, Kudo.... this case...

H: Is mine!!

[Only Heiji managed to discover the truth?! Next issue, a stormy ending chapter!!]

#detective conan #dcmk #seriously #why do you hate me so much #i spent hours trying to google this tenmanguu #well #actually it was 10 minutes #but felt like hours #also three pages #means that before my birthday #i will have to translate not just 8 #but 13 #sob #thank god we have google #looks like gosho bought a book '100 puns to break your readers brain' #also i swear to god #next chapter will be full of puns and i will die trying to explain them #wow #looks like i dont care much about kansaiben now #puns took the league #kill me

[drrr-ln-translations]

“—So as I was telling you, it looks like Iza-nii…our brother is up to something again.” “…Shock (I’m so tired of it)…” Raira Academy’s pool was open to students during summer vacation. Two girls muttered as they sat by the poolside making ripples in the shining water with their feet. The one they were talking to—a boy leaning against a wall behind the girls—looked from their backs to other places and back again as he sighed and asked, “…Why are you telling me this?” Kuronuma Aoba, the boy who was talking in a more frank tone than the one he usually used with Mikado and the others, continued with a confused look. “Why did you tell me to come here anyway?” He looked like he wasn’t planning on swimming. Instead of changing into swimwear he still wore a summer coat over a black Kartah shirt that opened at the front and chose to stand where he wouldn’t be splashed. Orihara Mairu, however, threw a handful of water at his feet. She had a sports swimsuit on her appropriately worked out body. Next to her Kururi was wearing a bikini with spider web print. Neither of them was wearing the school’s designated swimwear, but since it was not during the semester, there were no rules saying that they couldn’t. Raira Academy had an eight-story building that kind of looked like a university’s. Strangely enough, the pool was located on the sixth floor. The glass ceiling allowed swimming lessons to continue uninterrupted even on rainy days, and the windows on the walls looked over Ikebukuro. During the summer the pool was open to all students who had a student ID when the Swimming Club was not using it for practice. It looked like the Swimming Club was not using the pool today. Students were spread out in both the lanes reserved for tournaments and the regular space for free swimming, taking advantage of the pool in different ways. Kururi and Mairu were of course sitting and splashing water about in the free swimming area. Beside them boys either whistled as they saw the two in swimwear or stole quick glances and immediately turned their eyes away. Aoba belonged more to the latter category, but compared to the other boys at the pool, he enjoyed the advantage of being told to come by the girls themselves. But he still did not know what their intention was. All he could do was wait for their response with feigned composure, his classmates’ figures in swimwear making the wait all the more miserable. Mairu, meanwhile, was smiling as she splashed even more water at Aoba. “Come on, Kuronuma-kun, aren’t you curious what our weirdo of a brother is up to?” “…” Aoba smiled slightly at the girl’s words. “What I’ll say to you is this: I don’t know what you’re talking about.” For Kuronuma Aoba, the girls’ brother—Orihara Izaya—was one of his enemies whom he despised. He had confronted Izaya indirectly on several occasions in the past. The enmity had been brought into the open ever since a certain incident took place. He had told neither Kururi nor Mairu about this, but it seemed that they already knew something. Aoba was surprised, but not really scared of that fact. It had only been four months since he first spoke to these twins. But he had made a point to find out what they were. Compared to your average family, there was next to no communication between the Orihara twins and their brother. However, it seemed that they had their own information network and were surprisingly knowledgeable about the “underside of the city” that Aoba was dabbling in. “There’s no need to hide things from us. It’s totally fine. We’ll never tell Iza-nii.” “You can tell him if you want. I’d expect him to know what I’m up to, too.” After that, looking around to make sure that no one was within earshot except the twin girls, he muttered, “Though I think in any normal family you’d have been warned to ‘stay away from Kuronuma Aoba’ if your family knew what kind of person I am, Kururi-chan, Mairu-chan.” “When you put it like that it really sounds like you’re obsessed with yourself, you know.” “You (Aoba-kun)…expect (you’re so interesting)…” Aoba sighed again at the twin’s relaxed responses and smiled hollowly. “Sorry, I let me carry myself away.” “Well, we wanted to see a little bit of your real colors, but we are not going to hate you for it or anything. Not after you helped us out such a tremendous lot, Aoba-kun.” “You guys are giving me too much credit.” “Earlier there was this girl who was drawing up a plan to bully us on Raira Academy’s secret posting board, but all of a sudden she disappeared from the Internet, didn’t she?” Mairu and Kururi glanced upwards at Aoba, who darted his eyes away and tried to change the topic. “I see I’m no match for you. …So what exactly is your perverted big brother involved in this time?” “Yeah, this person called Tom-san told us about it…I don’t know if it was a Color Gang or bousouzoku, but he got the girlfriend of one of those groups’ leaders involved. Iza-nii has always walked around with lots of girls. Is he a playboy?” “Lewd (He’s a libertine)…” Aoba paused to think after he had heard more from the girls. It has to do with women. Would that Orihara Izaya really invite enmity so openly? …But then I don’t really have a good idea what people would or would not do for women. Still, he’s certainly not the type to be too infatuated with a woman to properly strategize. As he was busy being bothered by these thoughts, the attractive twin girls continued their frolicking in the water. “Kuru-nee, did your breasts get even bigger? At this rate you’ll soon be like Sonohara-sempai, President Kine of the Art Club, or the Vice President Yumikawa-sempai!” “No (Stop that).” “You keep saying that, yet you still wear a bikini to the pool, Kuru-nee. You’re so sulky and erotic at the same time! I love you!”

“…Public (There are other people around).” The jolly banter continued between the girls as the groping went on in the water. Aoba kept his poker face intact, but darted his eyes away with a slight blush. “…I’m so at a loss as to where to look at.” His attitude was still kind of childlike just as his face was. Aoba brushed away the pink haze that threatened to take over in his chest and went back to analyzing the doubts he had about Orihara Izaya. So. I know that he’s back in Ikebukuro. If I told Heiwajima Shizuo where his apartment is, maybe I’d at least succeed in harassing him, but… He’d probably just flee and change his address. I’d rather stay in the know about his whereabouts than make him disappear again for no good reason. It’s probably safe to assume that he, too, is aware that I know where he lives. Aoba believed that having faith in his opponent’s competence was the best kind of vigilance. Should I try looking into this matter? It would be better to keep Mikado-sempai out of it at this point… Someone showered water as forcefully as they could on his body as he thought. “That was cold—! “ Even his Kartah shirt under the summer coat was soaked. The momentary coldness of the water soon began to turn lukewarm. As he turned to look wondering what had happened, he saw Mairu slashing the water with horizontally outstretched arms like an elementary school kid. That was how she was able to attack Aoba with a wall of water. “You’re like an elementary school kid!” No whistles were blown. She must have done it when the lifeguard wasn’t looking. “Ahahah! Sorry about that! You were making such a scary face by the poolside, I couldn’t resist!” “Don’t give me that ‘Sorry.’ Now my clothes are all wet. What am I supposed to do about that? Honestly.” Did I really let so much of that show on my face? Aoba thought as he complained about his wet clothes and took a step towards Mairu— But something soft was already touching him from behind. “Game (We were just kidding)…” “Heh?” It was a quiet, seductive girl’s voice that had just whispered into his ear. As soon as he realized that it was Kururi’s voice, he also realized that he was being hugged by the girl. Eh!? What? Kururi-chan? When did she!? Wait, this soft feeling on my back…don’t tell me that is…!? Am I in some sort of adult game? Wait, is she pressing herself against me? Eh, calm down… Excitement and shock complicated his expression as Aoba turned around while falling into the pool— He saw Kururi standing there with a deflated beach ball in her hands. Ah. A beach ball!? So it was not Kururi-chan’s chest after all. I don’t know whether to feel disappointed or grateful for that but calm down arghhh— Aoba ended up landing in the pool next to Mairu without finishing his thoughts. As he hastened to get back on his feet in the water, the bespectacled girl giggled and Kururi’s voice was asking “Health (Are you alright)…?” “Oi, you over there, stop fooling around!” The lifeguard must have seen them this time. The voice of warning rang throughout the pool. “We’re sorry—!” “…Regret (Sorry about that)…” “Ah, sorry…but there’s nothing I should be sorry for, really…” After the trio had apologized in three different ways, Aoba took off his completely soaked shirt and left it by the poolside. Through half-closed eyes he kept watching Kururi and Mairu. “Honestly, I didn’t expect Kururi-chan to be the type to do something like that.” “When we pull pranks on people, we’re the same person!” “Same (Yeah)…” “Kururi-chan, don’t tell me you got all excited because it’s summer and we’re at the pool?” Instead of answering Aoba’s question, Kururi got into the water herself and, together with her sister, trapped Aoba in his swimwear in the middle. “Wait, I’m out of here, I’m out of here.” No longer able to stand being sandwiched between two girls, Aoba tried to clamber up the stairs to the poolside. His arms, however, were seized from both sides and he was pulled back into the water. “You’re actually enjoying it, aren’t you? Kuronuma-kun, you always put on such a sulky face just to look cool!” “…Like (That’s cute).” Aoba’s male classmates passing by the poolside began to talk in a jealous tone as they saw the weakling of a boy being bullied by two girls. “Oi oi, Aoba, what’s up with that? Are you really going out with those two?” “Looks like he’s just being toyed around to me.” “There’s no way Kuronuma would have the guts to go out with women.” To hide their jealousy and bitterness the boys managed to remain calm by making fun of Aoba. They were of course without girlfriends. But Aoba had no retort since what they said was the truth. Our villain who created the gang called “Blue Square,” who ingratiated himself with Mikado and who was currently plotting something using Dollars’s power had almost zero experience in dealing with the opposite sex even if it was just as friends. Right now he was completely at a loss as to what to do about the twins in front of him. To his classmates who knew nothing about the real Aoba, however, it just reinforced the image that he was the lucky guy hitting it off with pretty twin girls despite being as useless as he was. His classmates continued to chitchat as Aoba remained unable to say anything in return. “But then I’m seriously jealous of that little bastard.” “Should we go pick up girls later?” “Speaking of which, I heard that last year there was this Raira sempai going around the city trying to pick up girls until he dropped.” “Ah, I saw him a lot when I was in middle school. But I also heard that he dropped out of school.” “For real?” “Yeah, he eloped with this girl or something.” “I heard he found a job to save money for getting married.” “Either way that makes me jealous as hell. He has a girl!” “…You’re making me sad.” They were no longer paying attention to Aoba as they walked with lowered heads to the locker room. Having watched them leave, Aoba plunged his face into the water and sighed heavily underwater as he waited for both his head and his heart to cool. Had he not done this in time the girls next to him would have made even the evil residing in him melt away. Somewhere in Tokyo “…So as I was telling you, that really bothered me. Both of them were so cute. I was this close to just burying myself in Kururi-chan’s chest and letting everything else go screw itself.” “…I’m going to kill you!” As he heard Aoba’s voice on the other end of phone, the tall boy ground his teeth loudly and yelled. But Aoba’s voice remained as calm as ever on the phone. “I’ve heard you say that line too many times already, Yoshikiri. But the guy those two really have the hots for is Hanejima Yuuhei. They’re not just fans, mind you—they really are after him. I can’t blame them for thinking that they actually have a chance, though, since they know his brother and everything.” “Aoba, you bastard…did you have to mention the name of that idol who’s like the representative of all popular guys in the world? You did that just to annoy me, right? Right?” “You may want to reserve your rage towards popular guys for when we’ve finally crushed Orihara Izaya.” “That Orihara Izaya, is he really that popular?” “Ever since high school he’s had this following of girls who kind of worship him or something. What is more, Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan call him ��onii-chan’ or ‘Iza-nii.’ What else do you want?” “…Great, I see. Since you were giggling when those twins splashed water on you at the pool, I’m going to kill you, too.” “Looks like I’m getting killed either way.” Aoba’s chuckle on the other end of the phone infuriated the boy named Yoshikiri further. “So are you trying to get me mad on purpose because you have a death wish? Is that why you called me? It is, isn’t it?” “It’s not like that. After I had supper with Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan I looked a bit into that thing Izaya is involved in right now.” “Supper!? With two girls!?” “That was not my point at all. Just listen. There’s this strange group called ‘Heaven Slave’ dealing in drugs in Tokyo. They got into trouble with Awakusu-kai.” “…Never heard of that. So where did you eat?” “Russian Sushi. …Heaven Slave isn’t really active in Ikebukuro, so I didn’t expect you to have heard of it. Ikebukuro is a relatively safe area in itself, and the one in charge of the places such groups would usually go happens to be Awakusu-kai’s Akabayashi, who’s kind of famous for hating drugs.” “I see. So basically you’re on a drug-free high from treating two girls to a meal, right? Lucky bastard.” “No, I was the one treated to a meal. Those two have a lot of money on their hands for some reason.” “‘I was the one treated to a meal’! Hehhhhhh! If you split the bill it would have been another story, but you let two girls treat you to sushi? You gigolo bastard!! ‘I was the one treated to a meal’! And you had the guts to say that to my face! Hehhhhhhhhhhhhh! I’m going to kill you! Die!” “I know, I know. So this ‘Heaven Slave’ is both the name of their drug and their branch that sells the drug. That is but my own speculation, though. Anyway, it seems that those people are looking for information on Orihara Izaya for some reason.” “…How did you know such stuff?” “An old acquaintance of mine works at the nightclub they’re now using as their headquarters… I was asking around about Izaya, and he just happened to know. He said those guys were staying in a certain room in the club and coming out to the hall to sniff around for information on Orihara Izaya.” “Wait a second. If even Aoba knows where to find them, the yakuza at Awakusu must have been aware of them since long ago. Why have they not crushed them yet? Are they backed by some other yakuza group?” “I don’t know if there are other yakuza groups involved, but Awakusu-kai probably just thinks now is not the best time. There’s this guy called Shijima among the members…he’s a college student, but it looks like he comes from a rich and powerful family of pretty high status. There seemed to be no way to get information on the group’s leader even if I tried. Awakusu-kai could just have got hold of one of his underlings and made him tell everything. They’re probably waiting for the best time to act to make the job cleaner.” “I see. So are we going to do anything about them?” “Just keep an eye on them. I don’t know if and how Orihara Izaya is involved, but it’s better to consolidate our own territory first for now. Of course, we can’t risk letting their moves go unnoticed either, so make absolutely sure that we have our eyes on them at all times.” “I see. Die.” “I see you don’t even know what you’re saying anymore when you say ‘Die,’ Yoshikiri… But that’s fine. Anyway, it’s true that certain groups are acting weird recently. I heard that the remnants of the Yellow Turbans are acting kind of weird, too.” “Is that your brother’s doing?” “No…I wasn’t talking about the Blue Square people who infiltrated them before…I was talking about the same group of people who first confronted us.” “Huh. Those guys. That was back in our first or second year in middle school, right?” “Back then you were already fighting high school students, Yoshikiri. You hardly ever lost.” “It made no sense at all. They were older than me, yet they were weaker. Is seniority just an urban legend now?” “That’s not how you use the word ‘seniority.’ Speaking of which, I’m surprised you even know that word, Yoshikiri. Whom did you hear it from? Your grandma?” “…I’m going to kill you!” “Your death threats carry less and less weight now, Yoshikiri. I’ve gotten so used to them they don’t scare me at all… Seriously, is that all you’ve got in your vocabulary, Yoshikiri? Do you know any Japanese besides ‘I’m going to kill you’ and ‘seniority’?” “…~~~~~!” The cell phone was squeezed so hard that it began to make cracking sounds as Yoshikiri yelled something that didn’t sound like words. As soon as he did so, a boy called his name from afar. “Oooi, Yoshikiri—pass me the phone.” “…” “I’m finished. All that’s left is him.” As he heard him Yoshikiri ground his teeth and tossed the cell phone to the boy who just spoke— And immediately stopped the metal bat being swung at his side with his other hand. “Hello? It’s me, it’s me. Send some money my way.” Aoba answered in an even tone to the teasing male voice, “Ah, Gin. Where’s Yoshikiri off to?” “To finish the last one of them off.” The boy called Gin was looking at Yoshikiri as the latter kicked a delinquent in the front teeth with the heel of his shoe. “That guy’s really something. How on earth does he manage to fight while speaking on the phone?” As Gin looked again he saw that several more men had already fallen at Yoshikiri’s feet, either unconscious or groaning in pain. It looked like all the while he had been on the phone with Aoba he had been fighting multiple men using just one hand, both feet, and a forehead. “Seriously, I was having a hard time dealing with just three. Anyway, neither Yoshikiri nor I made it to the fight with the stalker earlier. That stalker kicked several of our Blue Square men’s asses. The shame, man, the burning shame.” “Don’t say it like that. That stalker was far stronger than we expected. I’m actually more interested in the Yellow Turbans guy who beat two of our people.” “Well, that is quite embarrassing too since we lost two to one. Shame on our members is shame on us, isn’t it? I’m so embarrassed I gave it my fullest today. Yoshikiri feels the same way. I thought it would be piece o’ cake today since we called all our best men to come, but the Nitari* brothers said there was this anime they wanted to watch so they passed, Neko’s with his girlfriend, Houjou’s sleeping, so we ended up having to beat these guys flat on our own anyway, you know that?” * Nitari, Neko: Nitari (“fox shark”) and Neko (“cat”) are most likely nicknames.* Several men were sprawled out on the ground at Gin’s feet. His head was injured. Blood trailed down his face from his temple. From the phone dirtied by Gin’s blood, Aoba’s voice continued regardless. “Well, Yoshikiri’s good at fighting, not at thinking. All he said to me on the phone was pretty much just ‘I’m going to kill you.’” “What? Was it something you said, Aoba?” “I told him that I went to the pool with Kururi-chan and Mairu-chan.” “Die, you. Just die. Why aren’t you here, anyway?” Aoba laughed as Gin gave a straightforward reply. “I will die. I’m human after all. I’d like to live until 80 if possible, though.” “We’ll see if you’ll still be alive after 80 seconds. Shut your mouth.” “Why is it that everyone in Blue Square has such a nasty tongue?” “Be grateful that at least we are there to hang out with you. If not for us a bastard like you would have ended up nothing more than a lonely petty criminal for life.” As he heard the vicious remark Aoba answered as if to get Gin mad on purpose. “I put on a good show at school, so I actually have quite a lot of friends.” “Is that so? I get it now. Die. Or, in English, S-H-I-N-E*!” *“Die” is pronounced “shine” in Japanese.* “That’s still Japanese. SHINE is English for ‘emitting light.’” “I was telling you to trigger a nuclear fusion inside you, emit as much light as you want, and die. Just explode already, you fool.” As Gin kept behaving like an elementary school kid Aoba switched back to the topic in all seriousness—probably because he knew it would be futile to stop him. “…So, how is it going? Is Mikado-sempai alright?” “Yeah, he’s alive. But honestly, that one’s not carved out for fighting at all. He fell unconscious halfway so I took him back to the van to let him sleep. He’s almost as bad as you and Yatsufusa. I don’t even know why he insists on coming to our ‘cleansings’ of Dollars himself. Since he’s basically the god on the portable shrine he should just stay behind and smile upon us.” “No, actually…I don’t think I could have won against him in a fight, either.” Aoba laughed pleasantly and muttered as if to himself: “Because I have no idea how Mikado-sempai is going to turn out, really.” ♂♀ After hanging up the phone, Aoba looked at the scar on his left palm and muttered, “I can’t wait to see how this is going to turn out, Mikado-sempai.” At the same time he was reminded of what Gin had just said. “…What if there was no one willing to hang out with me? I don’t even want to think about it.” In his mind’s eye he saw the brother of the twins he rather liked—the man toward whom he could feel nothing but animosity. “Because the last thing I want is to turn out like that shitty bastard.”

- Durarara!! Light Novel Volume 9

#drrr #drrrx2 #durarara #durarara light novel #aoba kuronuma #kuronuma aoba #kururi orihara #orihara kururi #mairu orihara #orihara mairu #kurumai #aokuru

[the-queen-unitato]

Heyo I was tagged by the bae @casandsip because let’s be real who else tags me in things? Thank you dear! <3

Edit: And @theowletqueen so I shall add thier question and answer it too sorry dear just saw it

Rules: Answer all questions, add one question of your own and tag as many people as there are questions.

1. Coke or Pepsi: I do not like soda and they? Taste? The? Same?

2. Disney or Dreamworks: Disney because Alice in Wonderland 

3. Coffee or Tea: Depends I require coffee to live but I prefer the taste of tea so???? 

4. Books or Movies: I mean... Manga???? Does that count as books???? Cause Tokyo Ghoul is currently my shit and I would like to have time to sit down and read all of them kthx but I’m only on 10 I think :(

5. Windows or Mac: windows

6. DC or Marvel: neither

7. Xbox or Playstation: Neither I’m boring

8. Dragon Age or Mass Effect: see above but i have a friend who loves dragon age for Gay Reasons and i always vote with my gay <- I’m gonna leave this cause I have no idea what either of those are

9. Night Owl or Early Rise: n i g h t o w l my favorite thing in the world is to go on a jog at like 3 in the morning when everything is quiet and everyone’s asleep and it’s quiet and pretty and stars and yes a++++++++++++

10. Cards or Chess: cards I haven’t played chess in approximately 11 years and I don’t remember how to play

11. Chocolate or Vanilla: vanilla

12. Vans or Converse: converse but I have a pair of vans I love so? But converse

13. Lavellan, Trevelyan, Cadash or Adaar: I have no idea what this si

14. Fluff or Angst: angsttttttttttt

15. Beach or Forest: forest I hate sand bye

16. Dogs or Cats: CATS but I love my doggo a lot but... Cats. Especially my kitty Loki she a precious baby I love her

17. Clear Skies or Rain: I don’t mind, no I don’t mind, I don’t mind the rain ... I hate myself... but ye rain 

18. Cooking or Eating Out: cooking I love cooking

19. Spicy Food or Mild Food: I love spicy but? I? Can’t? Eat? It?

20. Halloween/Samhain or Solstice/Yule/Christmas: THIS IS HALLOWEEN THIS IS HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN 

21. Would you rather forever be a little too cold or a little too hot : A little to cold I hate being hot then there’s sweat and everything is terrible and no. I’m like always cold anyway so it w o r k s 

22. If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Mind reading cause tests and anxiety and like.... mind reading.

23. Animation or Live Action: Animation I would never be able to give up anime like I cannot Haji means too much to me

24. Paragon or Renegade: i don’t know what these are in reference to but renegade is a good styx song <---- leaving this yes Rose I am proud of you

25. Baths or Showers: showers

26. Team Cap or Team Iron Man: Nope 

27. Fantasy or Sci-Fi: fantasyyyyyyyyy

28. Do you have three or four favourite quotes? If so, what are they: "THERE WILL ALWAYS BE PEOPLE WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND YOU, IN THIS CRAZY WORLD. THERE WILL ALWAYS BE FOOLISH PEOPLE FILLED WITH HATE THAT WON’T ACCEPT OTHERS, BUT I’LL MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND AND I WILL A L W A Y S PROTECT YOU” BLOOD FUCKING PLUS MY FUCKING SON KAI EPISODE 50 NAN-KURU-NAI-SAH (it might be  the end of 49 I don’t remember but I like nankurunaisah more so I’m sticking with it)

29. YouTube or Netflix: Youtube I would literally die if I had to give up watching the Queen she is too important I’d rather never see Ty again than stop watching her you can’t make me

30. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson: harry potter

31. When You Feel Accomplished: When I can help a Friend feel better about something they’re stressed about

32. Star Wars or Star Trek: ....................................I’veneverseeneither

33. Paperback Books or Hardback Books: paper backs cause I’m a piece of shit and fold them over also most manga is paper

34. Handwriting or Typing: typing my handwriting is atrocious also I cannot spell

35. Velvet or Satin: saaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnn

36. Video Games or Movies: movies

37. Would you rather be the dragon or own the dragon? BE THE DRAGON ONLY IF I CAN BREATHE FIRE otherwise own cause I wanna ride her around like a BAMF

38. Sunrise or sunset: Sunseeeeeeeetttttttt

39. What’s your favourite song? .......Unravel but also Skillets new album like???? That’s all I’ve listened to for???? Weeks????? 

40. Horror Movies yes or no: Y E S VIOLENTLY YES

41. Long hair or short hair: I plead the fifth 

42. Opera or Theatre: Theatre I suppose

43. Assuming the multiverse theory is true and every story ever told has really happened somewhere, which one of the movie/book/tv show/game/etc worlds would you pick to travel to first? ......Do I haaaave to? Can I just say Supernatural so I can go to purgatory and snuggle a vampire? ........ SoulEaterIwannapunchMakaintheFace

44: If you had to eat only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?  Green peppers 

44: Are you scared of thunderstorms? Why? I am not I love thunderstorms more than anything cause they’re perfect and comforting and I like curling up with a book and tea and listening to the storm and hi I’m a stereotype 

45:  What instrument would you like to learn? Viola, I used to play but I quit and when I was trying to relearn my shitty ex-friend made fun of me and I stopped and yeah I want to get super good out of spite cause he was a super shitty friend and made me feel terrible about every relationship I was in because he was a typical fuckboi and just generally making me feel Bad all the time and I really regret wasting so much of my life trying to be a good friend to him (there were some good times I’m not that stupid I didn’t stick with his bitchass for 15 years for no reason we had fun and I miss the fun but f u c k him)

46: If you had to be an animal for the rest of your life, what would you be? Does it have to be a R E A L animal? Cause sloth because me but like .............. Hainu 

47: What toppings do you put on pancakes? I don’t actually like plain pancakes that much but???? I like banana pancakes with whipped cream???? *insert dick joke and Gabriel eyebrow waggle here* 

NEW QUESTION 48: How do you take your coffee?

Idk I’m not tagging 47 people like no fuck off but obviously the usuals @blueeyedcastiel and @yesmyqueen of course my princess @thesongsmithtumbles <3 uhh.... @thinkdouble-pink @your-ebil-twin @lafitte @lili288 (hi yes I saw that note spam hello we should be friends) @dat-targaryen-tho @thegrimmwolfhufflepuff @destielisjohnlocked (saw your spam too we should be f r i e n d s) @samgirl2552 ... idk who am I missing uhh @wonder2neverland and @meomeiko 

#I'm a piece of shit #I regret nothing #not spn #personal #tag game

[ekatheshallowbird]

Nama Lily Collins sebenarnya udah sering aku dengar, tapi aku nggak begitu penasaran sama sosoknya. Satu filmnya yang aku tahu adalah Mirror Mirror, tapi itu pun belum sempat aku tonton. Barusan aku ngecek Wikipedia, ternyata aku udah nonton beberapa film yang juga dibintangi dia. Kayaknya wajah dia nggak begitu nempel di otakku ya, lol.

Waktu seorang teman baca biografinya Lily Collins, aku mulai penasaran lagi sama sosoknya. Makanya, begitu ada film To The Bone di Netflix, di mana Lily Collins menjadi bintang utamanya, aku langsung download. Apalagi filmnya berkisah tentang gangguan makan yaitu, anorexia. Menurut Wikipedia, kisah di film tersebut berdasarkan pengalaman sutradaranya, Marti Noxon. Lily Collins pun katanya pernah mengidap penyakit tersebut.

Di sini tubuh Lily Collins benar-benar kurus. Aku antara percaya dan nggak percaya ketika melihat tubuh Lily sesaat sebelum ditimbang. Serius dia rela menguruskan badan sampai sedrastis itu demi peran di film ini? Atau ada efek tertentu biar kelihatan jauh lebih kurus dari aslinya? Memang sih ada yang nekat menguruskan tubuh sekurus-kurusnya demi akting. Contohnya, Christian Bale di film The Machinist. Tapi… aku nggak tega kalau pelakunya cewek. Apalagi cewek itu punya histori mengidap penyakit tersebut. Takutnya penyakit itu balik lagi. Kan kasihan.

Buat pengetahuan soal anorexia, film ini benar-benar mencerahkan. Yang awalnya cuma tahu sedikit, yaitu sebatas ketakutan mereka untuk makan dan kejelian mereka soal jumlah kalori dalam suatu makanan/minuman, aku mendapat pengetahuan tambahan dari film ini. Apa yang dipaparkan pun benar-benar hal baru. Contoh khususnya, Lily yang berperan sebagai Ellen, suka banget sit-up berlebihan sampai tulang punggungnya memar. Dia juga sering mengukur lengannya memakai ibu jari dan telunjuk supaya nggak melebihi standar yang dia mau. Anorexia pun membuat Ellen mengidap Lanugo, yaitu tumbuhnya rambut berlebih di lengannya sebagai upaya alami tubuh untuk menghangatkan diri.

Kehidupan di rehab pun digambarkan dengan baik. Dokter dan terapisnya udah tahu banyak soal trik-trik para pengidap gangguan makan tersebut. Makanya di setiap kamar nggak boleh dipasang pintu supaya ketahuan aktivitas para pasien, apakah mereka olah raga berlebihan atau enggak. Tapi tetap aja sih ada pasien bulimia yang mengumpulkan muntahannya di sebuah plastik yang ditaruh di kolong tempat tidur. Di tempat rehab itu pun selalu diadakan konseling dan ajang curhat.

Yang menurutku kurang dari film ini adalah penyebab utama anorexia yang diidap Ellen. Memang sih Dokter Beckham (Keanu Reeves) bilang susah untuk menggali itu, karena penyebabnya bisa banyak. Aku awalnya mengira ini ada hubungannya dengan ayah Ellen. Tapi Ellen nggak pernah buka suara soal ayahnya (seingatku begitu). Atau bisa jadi karena dianggap menjadi salah satu penyebab bunuh dirinya seorang cewek. Cewek tersebut katanya terpengaruh oleh gambar-gambar yang Ellen buat dan posting di Tumblr. Bisa jadi juga karena ibunya yang menjalin hubungan sesama jenis. Whew! So, mungkin memang benar penyebabnya banyak. Tapi… sekali lagi, aku berharap banget penulis skenarionya memberikan alasan yang jelas soal gangguan makan Ellen.

Meski dia berasal dari keluarga broken home, ibu sambungnya, Susan (Carrie Preston) cukup perhatian sama Ellen. Adik sambungnya pun, Kelly (Liana Liberato), sayang banget sama Ellen. Cuma terkadang perkataan Susan agak nggak bijak untuk dikatakan sama seseorang yang jiwanya labil seperti Ellen. Tapi kelihatannya Ellen udah kebal dan agak apatis sama kehidupan. Dia nggak pernah menanggapi secara berlebihan ucapan ibu sambungnya.

Sama seperti film remaja dengan penyakit lainnya, film To The Bone pun dibumbui dengan kisah cinta antara Ellen dan Luke (Alex Sharp). Karakter Luke nggak jauh beda dengan karakter cowok lainnya, contohnya Gus di film The Fault in Our Stars. Kenekatan mereka ditengah penyakit yang mereka idap menjadi salah satu kisah romansa di antara mereka.

Bagian yang paling menyentuh hati dari film ini adalah ketika Judy (Lili Taylor) menawarkan pada Ellen untuk memberikannya susu melalui dot sambil menimangnya layaknya seorang ibu yang menimang bayi. Sewaktu Judy mengungkapkan idenya tersebut, aku sempat mengira adegannya pasti bakalan lucu. Namun begitu hal tersebut mereka praktekan, aku terharu banget, nyaris nangis. Mungkin selama ini Ellen cuma butuh kasih sayang seorang ibu. Dan mungkin ini pula yang sesungguhnya menjadi alasan utama Ellen menjadi pengidap anorexia.

***

  MY FINE LINE

    “It’s like, every time you turn on the TV or look at a magazine, it’s, “Oh, my God, this cake is so delicious.” And, like, your reward on something. And then, you turn the page, and there’s some sad, fat “before” girl, and she’s all, “I hate myself.” And then, the thin “after” girl goes, “I did this diet, and now I’m happy, and everyone loves me.” What about the chocolate cake? It’s like they’re trying to drive us crazy.”

(Penny)

  “Society’s to blame. The world is so unfair. I have to die.” There’s no point in blaming everybody. Live with it.”

(Ellen)

  “Oh, my God. Its like you have calorie Asperger’s.”

(Kelly)

  “You know that I love you like a full sister, but you look like absolute crap. And every time I ask you why you do this, I always get some stupid non-answer from you.”

(Kelly)

  “I’ve got it under control. Nothing’s bad gonna happen.”

(Ellen)

  “Susan, my stepmom, has a reality problem. You get one letter, you have a crazy fan.”

(Ellen)

  Dialogue:

Susan: She said she was taking the anti-depressants, but she’d been flushing them down the toilet. She was afraid they would make her gain weight. And I know, she has a right to lash out. Her mother Judy, she is a bipolar lesbian. Ellen: That is not why— Susan: Judy has had several breakdowns, hospitalizations. Poor Ellen had to call us one time because her mother was writing her own bible on the walls. Judy came out when Ellen was 13. The child is going through puberty, and overnight, she’s got two moms? Traumatic. It has got to have something to do with the weight and— Dr. Beckham: Sounds rough. But looking for one reason is a losing battle. It’s never that simple. Susan: Absolutely. I say that to her father all the time. He blames himself. Now, I think throwing Ellen into the deep end, real life… might do her some good. My family was on welfare. We had nothing. Dr.Beckham: Okay, thank you. I think I got it.

  “You know how sharks have to keep swimming or they’ll die? She’s kinda like that with talking.”

(Ellen)

  “Lanugo. Your body’s trying to keep you warm by making more hair.”

(Dr. Beckham)

  “I talk to kids like you all day, every day. So, I know that you are, as a rule, full of shit. You’re not thin. You scare people. And I’m guessing you like that. But the way that you’re going, one day, you won’t wake up. And I’m not going to treat you if you aren’t interested in living.”

(Dr. Beckham)

  “Jesus, Mom. Just because her mom is gay does not mean that she’s gay.”

(Kelly)

  “That’s why we don’t have any doors. They know we’d jog around the room all day if nobody could see us. It’d be like the Rexie Olympics up in here.”

(Pearl)

  “I know, Isn’t that fantastic? Nobody can keep up with me.”

(Luke)

  “When the exercise and the rituals kick in and… the cyclical thoughts about weight take over, everything else goes away. And starving yourself can make you feel euphoric, like a drug addict or an alcoholic. It’s not about “thin enough”, right? There’s no “thin enough.” It doesn’t exist. What you crave is the numbing of the thing that you don’t wanna feel. And we give you a lot of rope here. It’s scary, but only you can decide… to see what’s good, to be alive.”

(Karen)

  “I’m sorry… that I’m not a person anymore. I’m a problem. And it’s all my fault.”

(Ellen)

  “Fuck fault. Fault and blame have no place here. Only how you wanna live, moving forward. Who you wanna be.”

(Dr. Beckham)

  “If you die… I will kill you.”

(Kelly)

  Dialogue

Luke: Cigarette for dinner. That’s not gonna get you points. Ellen: Not in the mood. Luke: Okay. Ellen: And who in hell made you house den mother? You walk around here like you’ve got it all figured out. Well, if you’re so fixed and special, why don’t you go back to New Jersey or London or wherever the fuck you’re from? Luke: I am going back, as soon as my BMI’s closer to my age. But right now, I’d rather try and help people than mope about feeling sorry for myself. Ellen: You have no idea how I’m feeling. Luke: I never said I did. Ellen: And what? You wanna help people? What are you, a doctor now? You feel pretty proud of yourself? Luke: Yeah, I am, actually. I’m moving the needle in the right direction. Sorry if that scares you. But people actually go home sometimes and have a life, even people with fucked-up families. Yeah. There goes that fucking excuse again, huh?

  Dialogue

Luke: In my defense, though, I’ve been running on empty for so long that when I actually eat now, I get this crazy burst of energy. Ellen: That’s why you’re so weird. Luke: I’m always weird. That’s why I’m… assertive. Ellen: How do you do it? Eat. I mean, I see you, and I just… I get… I get all panicky even thinking about it, like the world is gonna fall apart. Luke: I feel that way. But you know, feel the fear and do it anyway. Ellen: Yeah, but aren’t you scared you won’t be able to stop? That you’re just gonna— Luke: Be like one of those guys who has to be lifted out of his bed with a crane? Yeah, but Dr. Beck says that’s not gonna happen, so… Ellen: Yeah, but he has to say that. Luke: Well, he’s pretty straight-up. Plus, I’m not gonna lie, I’m really fuckin’ hungry. Like, two years worth of hungry.

  “You know what the body burns after there’s no more fat? Muscles. Organ tissue. Pretty soon, you’re gonna be flopping around like a boneless fish.”

(Lobo)

  “Luke just made me touch chocolate.”

(Ellen)

  “Tell me it’s not the Holocaust Museum. My mother took me there to make me feel shitty, you know, about starving.”

(Megan)

  “Yeah, that’s bullshit. That voice that says you can’t. Every time you hear that voice, I want you to tell it to fuck off.”

(Dr. Beckham)

  “I… I need to do my research. And you… you need to be touched by someone who actually cares about you.”

(Luke)

  “People say they love you, but they mean is, they love how loving you makes them feel about themselves. Or… Or they love what they can take from you.”

(Ellen)

  “Listen. Bad things are going to happen. That’s not negotiable. What is, is how you deal with it.”

(Dr. Beckham)

  Dialogue

Dr. Beckham: There is no point. Or at least, big picture, we don’t get to know what it is. Why we live, why Megan lost the baby, why that girl killed herself. Ellen: You’re not reassuring me, doctor.” Dr. Beckham: I can’t reassure you. This idea you have that there’s a way to be safe… it’s childish and cowardly. It stops you from experiencing anything, including anything good. Ellen: You don’t think I feel bad enough already? I know I’m messed up… but you’re supposed to teach me how not to be. Dr. Beckham: You know how. Stop waiting for life to be easy. Stop hoping for somebody to save you. You don’t need another person lying to you. Things don’t all add up. But you are resilient. Face some hard facts and you could have an incredible life.”

  “I just want you to know that… I accept it if… If death is what you want, I accept it now. I accept it, but um… I love you. I just—I can’t keep fighting you.”

(Judy)

  “Whatever. You do this again, I’m gonna punch you in the vagina.”

(Kelly)

    COURAGE 

By Anne Sexton

It is in the small things that we see it. The child’s first step, as awesome as an earthquake. The first time you rode a bike, wallowing up the sidewalk. The first spanking, when your heart went on a journey all alone. When they called you ‘crybaby’ or ‘poor’ or ‘fatty’ or ‘crazy’ And made you into an alien… You drank their acid and you concealed it. Later, if you faced the death of bombs and bullets You did not do it with a banner You did it with only a hat to cover your heart. You did not fondle the weakness inside you though it was there. Your courage was a small coal that you kept swallowing.

***

    MY BEST SHOT

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***

    Sutradara: Marti Noxon

Penulis Skenario: Marti Noxon

Berdasarkan Pengalaman Marti Noxon

Musik: Fil Eisler

Sinematografer: Richard Wong

Desain Kostum: Maria Tortu

Tayang Perdana: 14 Juli 2017

Durasi: 1 Jam 47 Menit

Nonton di: Netflix

Rating: 3½ dari 5 Bintang

To The Bone Nama Lily Collins sebenarnya udah sering aku dengar, tapi aku nggak begitu penasaran sama sosoknya. Satu filmnya yang aku tahu adalah…

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