#treehouse localization

[emblemxeno]

FE Fates Localization: Ending Changes

Wanted to put together what I find to be noteworthy and/or bothersome changes that were made to character endings in Fates from Japanese to English. 

It’s important to note that some changes/cuts are almost certainly because of space limitations; Japanese as a language is able to fit more information in sentences than English can, evident in this game where one English letter is the equivalent to one Japanese character in terms of spacing. So I don’t have major grievances with all of them, as cutting something in order to fit the most important parts was most likely unavoidable.

Credit to @aphonicdreams for the JP ending translations.

Corrin (BR/CQ) - Crux of Fate (Eng)/The One Who Chooses the Future (JP)

Eng: While no official records remain, tales of a hero spread across generations in songs and folktales. And while the stories varied, they all spoke of the hero's critical decision that led to peace.

JP:  After the war, many legends were left behind in every land about the Hero of Salvation. But strangely enough there are no official records that remain. The only certainty is that he chose one path and connected it to peace.

-No issues with this other than “Hero of Salvation” is a banger folk name and I wish it was kept.

Corrin (Revelation) - King of Valla/The New Touma King (***???)  (新たなる透魔王)

Eng: After the war, the portal to the bottomless canyon was sealed forever-as was Anankos's body. Corrin was crowned King of Valla, and the three rulers forged a new era of peace.

JP: After the war, he governed the country as the King of Touma. Closed at the bottom of the Infinite Chasm, the former land of Touma and the corpse of Hydra became sealed together for eternity. Touma, Nohr, and Hoshido were bound by a solid bond and an age of peaceful dawn continued for a long time.

-I knew of the implication that Valla/Touma was given land by Hoshido and Nohr in Rev’s ending but I never found like, concrete lines about it? Is this what this is? Cuz I never knew about this, holy shit. Specifically saying ‘the former land of Touma’ means that Corrin isn’t governing empty floating islands, but is taking the few remaining Vallites to the surface to establish a new kingdom. Cuz how the fuck would anyone get to old Valla if the Bottomless Canyon was shut and only Azura and Corrin can travel through water to get there? This makes more sense than what I always thought of Rev. I highlighted Corrin’s title change as well cuz I don’t speak or read Japanese, and I was wondering if the original sentence means like “The New King of Touma” or “The King of New Touma” since those sentences imply different things, with the latter further supporting how old Touma was left behind.

Silas - Loyal Knight/Knight of Friendship (*)

Eng: Silas returned to Nohr to serve in the castle guard. His honest and dedicated nature earned him the title of lead knight. Records show Corrin and Silas remained friends for all their days.

JP: He returned to being a royal knight and served the Nohr Kingdom. That earnest personality changed the minds of his companions and, in his last years, he was entrusted to be the leader of the knights. Many younger knights adored him. It is said that he continued his close friendship with Kamui for his entire life.

-JP ending mentions younger knights adoring Silas. This was removed in English.

Kaze - Easygoing Ninja/Ninja of the Cool Breeze (*)

Eng: Few records of Kaze exist. Numerous poems of the time say he worked for his homeland and for Corrin from the shadows. His gentle yet mysterious nature made him a legend among ladies.

JP: Not many records are left of him after the war. There are many stories on the streets of his appearances, but he assisted Kamui and his country as a shadow. It is said that his unassuming kindness seduced the hearts of many women in his lifetime.

-No problem with his ending, but Kaze’s title has the wind attribute removed; I mention this now because it’s applicable to other ending titles having a little color or flair replaced or removed. If you see a * next to the titles, it means I think the change is, IMO, interesting to note. This one is inoffensive objectively, but I like element theming, it’s cool.

Mozu - Rural Power/The Country Girl

Eng: Mozu returned to her village and began rebuilding all by herself. Inspired by her efforts, nearby villages began their own rebuilding efforts. Mozu was eventually hailed as a local hero and humanitarian.

JP: She returned to her home town and started rebuilding her destroyed village alone. Soon, people from neighboring villages could be seen helping her, and her home town slowly and steadily regained its former appearance.

-Eng ending has Mozu’s work inspire other to rebuild their own villages. JP ending has people help rebuild her village. Odd change, don’t know why it was done.

Shura - Righteous Rebel/The Bandit Who Discarded His Name (*)

Eng: With the help of the Hoshidan royal family, Shura began the difficult task of rebuilding the kingdom of Kohga. Putting his outlaw past behind him, he eventually ran for office and was elected governor.

JP: He stepped into rebuilding the Principality of Kouga with the assistance of the new King of Hoshido. The people, who had scattered to every land, also returned and the country returned to its former appearance. He refused any condolences for his past as a thief but he became the ruler with the support of the people.

-JP ending mentions other Kohga remnants coming back during Shura’s rebuilding efforts, Eng ending removes this. It can kind of be considered obvious that they came back through implication, but it’s still worth mentioning. Shura’s ending title also is an odd change, because Righeteous Rebel doesn’t really... make sense. Maybe the term ‘rebel’ is more abstract than I think, but he isn’t really rebelling against anything, he’s trying to line his purse to rebuild his kingdom. His JP title is much more fitting, IMO.

Izana - Lord of Leisure/Official Ruler of Izumo (*)

Eng: Izana certainly suffered the ravages of war—he was never able to win another "Best Hair" contest. He tried to make up for it with lavish dinner parties and vacations, but he felt hollow inside.

JP: He went back to the Principality of Izumo and returned to his previous life. By his great efforts in the war, his popularity among his citizens became steadfast. But it is said that there was no difference in his lifelong divine appearance and teasing personality, and those who came to visit him were surprised.

-Endings are pretty much completely different. The trope of ‘ruler/boss being overly casual and friendly to the point of hilarity’ in Japanese is a tough thing to translate to an English equivalent, so Izana being kooky and using funny words in English I think was a good way to do it. That said, I think the ending being drastically changed was a bridge too far, cuz why would the side comment of the Best Hair Contest take priority over him being beloved by his citizens in despite his zany personality?

Ryoma - Peerless Samurai/The Samurai of Hoshido

Eng: Upon ascending the throne, Ryoma ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Generations later, scholars would praise him for surpassing even King Sumeragi's great legacy.

JP: He was crowned as King of the Hoshido Kingdom. His preciseness in forming a fair and impartial government gave the people, who suffered from the ravages of war, courage, and the kingdom soon finished a dramatic revival. In the future, scholars would so comment on him: “He is someone who will exceed even the greatness of his father King Sumeragi”.

-JP ending mentions Ryoma implementing a fair and impartial government and giving people courage after the war. This is cut in the Eng version.

Hinoka - Warrior Princess/The Warrior Princess of Crimson

Eng: Hinoka became general of the Hoshidan army. While her official portraits depict a gentle princess, she was known to personally go on solo missions to destroy the remaining Faceless.

JP: For the sake of the country’s reconstruction she created an army for self-defense and controlled the Hoshido Kingdom’s forces. Although she became somewhat more princess-like during the war, occasionally she would aimlessly leave to defeat the remnants of the Nosferatu; her characteristic excitement had not changed.

-JP version mentions that Hinoka personally created a self defense army for Hoshido’s reconstruction. Eng version cuts this.

Takumi - Wild Card/Master of the God Bow (*)

Eng: After celebrating Ryoma's coronation, Takumi struck out on his own—volunteering to help rebuild war-torn villages. Over the years, he grew into a wise and patient leader.

JP: He assisted in the restoration of the Hoshido Kingdom, which had been desolated due to the ravages of war. All the human kindness he had seen suppressed the shadow, he was recognized throughout the country as a skilled leader, and he became someone who could be relied on.

-JP version details Takumi’s dark side being suppressed due to the human kindness he witnesses. Eng version cuts this.

Sakura - Loving Priestess/Priestess of Love

Eng: After Ryoma ascended the throne, Sakura led recovery efforts to heal the bodies and hearts of war-torn Hoshidans. She was known far and wide for her compassion and the strength of her resolve.

JP: Even after Ryouma was enthroned, she remained in the royal palace and supported the government of the king as a royal. Sakura, who matured, became a woman who gave off the impression of the former Queen Mikoto, and it is said that she captured the hearts of her subjects wounded by the war and was someone for those hearts to rely on.

-JP version mentions Sakura supporting Ryoma’s government plans and becoming a woman just like Mikoto. Eng version cuts this.

Saizo - Angry Ninja/Explosive Flame User (*)

Eng: While no official records of Saizo the Fifth exist from after the war, later scholars agreed that he most likely stayed in Hoshido, working covertly for the Hoshidan royal family. What else would he do?

JP: His figure disappeared from the official records. But in the future, the opinion of scholars all agree that he did not leave to another country but once again dove into the darkness to work for the sake of the Hoshido royal family.

-Nothing was cut here, but why was “What else would he do?” added in the English version, that’s mean :/

Azama - Calm Philosopher/The Aloof Priest (*)

Eng: After the war, Hinoka assigned Azama to a remote post on the very fringe of the kingdom. Despite initially clashing with the locals, he gained a cult following--and ultimately founded a new religion.

JP: He went around on a trip to every land of the Hoshido Kingdom. Without leaving his post as Hinoka’s subordinate, he contributed to the reconstruction of the country by skillfully guiding the areas that were difficult for the royal family to oversee. It is said that he was surprisingly loved by many with the success of his personality that was unattached to anything.

-WOW, okay this one is fucking weird. JP version has Azama willingly go around to help people and that his personality actually won people over and helped them out. And he’s still in Hinoka’s employ. Eng version has Hinoka kick Azama to the curb, he acts like a dick to the locals, he gets a few troll followers and starts a new religion despite not really liking religion himself. Nuts.

Hana - Focused Samurai/Tomboy Samurai (*)

Eng: After the war, Hana was entrusted with her own division, where she enforced her own training regimen. She remained close friends with Sakura, and trained every day to protect her and Hoshido.

JP: She entered the forces of the kingdom, and was entrusted with the whole army. It appears that after that she involved her subordinates into her own training without reserve. She continued her friendship with her master, Sakura, through her whole life and it is said that she improved her swordsmanship for Sakura and for Hoshido.

-Nothing to mention here other than the ending title. Fates was released back in the era of gaming and Internet where feminism was in its loud 'Not Like Other Girls’ stage, as opposed to now where nuanced and leftist feminist points are seen more. So any mention of gender roles/dynamics and descriptors in this era were changed or altered in Fates and it really shows its age. In this case, Tomboy was replaced with Focused, even though Hana is a Tomboy and the term itself is very inoffensive nowadays. This also applies to her personal skill, where the name was changed from Tomboy to Fearsome Blow. This is the first of several instances.

Camilla - Bewitching Beauty/The Bewitching Flower (or Beauty? *)

Eng: After her brother ascended the throne, Camilla largely withdrew from royal affairs. She focused instead on humanitarian efforts, eventually adopting as many as 11 children by some accounts.

JP: After ensuring Marx’s enthronement, she removed her status as a royal of the Nohr Kingdom. Thereafter she left behind legends in every land and, guessing from her tracks, she walked on as someone who somehow watched over Kamui secretly.

-JP version has Camilla continue to watch over Corrin, Eng version has her adopt lots of kids. Again, in 2015/2016 this was probably seen as an “aww she’s grown and changed and is helpful now” moment, but in 2023, all I think of is “wow the woman with an abusive childhood was written to just become a mom to solve her problems.” Not a fan of this change.

Laslow - Dancing Duelist/Blooming Smile (*)

Eng: Laslow disappeared shortly after the war, but his unique dance style grew in popularity and paved the way for future generations of dancers. They say his dance has the strange ability to rally spirits...

JP: His figure disappeared after the war for a short while. But the dances that he danced remained in the hearts of the girls he met, and were inherited as the foundation of later dancers. It is said that those dances had the strange ability to make their watchers smile and feel energized.

-JP version mentions girls Laslow courted remembered his dances, English version replaces it by saying his dances grew in popularity. Technically the same meaning, but not as much specificity. And idk, I like the idea of a guy indirectly teaching women dances in a usually women oriented field, it’s cute. 

Selena - Cutting Wit/Concealed Aspirations (*)

Eng: Not much is known of Selena's postwar activities, Depending on who you believe, she became one of the world's best seamstresses, metalsmiths, actors, and/or mercenaries.

JP: After the war, her whereabouts immediately became unknown. There is nothing certain that is known about what became of her, but appreciation was high towards the woman who make any effort to achieve her goal, and she was praised in the future by people as a “true genius”.

-JP ending remarks Selena as a genius, Eng version replaces it with a list of things she might have been the best at. I don’t think the latter is worse per se, but I really like how she’s called a genius like her mother was. Same deal with her ending title, which is the same/a similar ending title to her Awakening one, which was neat.

Niles - Cruel to be Kind/The Habitual Sadist (*)

Eng: Niles continued to support Lord Leo throughout his royal career, handling some of the unsavory tasks a royal must assign. As a result, he wasn't popular- except among Leo's staff.

JP: After the war he devoted his abilities to expanding the Nohr Kingdom as Leon’s subordinate. At times he supported the kingdom as part of the shadow and stained his hands in dirty jobs. There were many people who detested him but it is said that he continued to be a priceless treasure in his lifetime for Leon.

-They’re pretty much the same, but the JP version has Niles being called a priceless treasure to Leo and that’s 🥺🥺🥺. Also big L for removing any mention of Niles being a sadist, I shake my fist at thee.

Effie - Army of One/Knight of Superhuman Strength

Eng: Without the need for as much brute strength after the war, Effie reluctantly turned her attention to teaching. Traveling far and wide, she helped promote fitness throughout Nohr.

JP: She helped the revival of every land after the war for a while. Her physical strength was a great blessing to the reconstruction of the Nohr Kingdom. After returning to the castle, she continued to work as Elise’s subordinate, and it is said that the friendship between the two continued for life.

-LMAOOOOO. I don’t remember if it was @ezralahm​ or @agoddamn​ who said Effie invented Jazzercise in the English version, but it’s really fucking funny. Effie remaning by Elise’s side like, y’know, a retainer would was apparently not interesting enough to keep, so they scrapped all of it and made a gag ending. Like, it was written right there that her strength was a great boon to reconstruction, and then it was changed to being useless??? What!?

Charlotte - Wily Warrior/Women’s True Nature (*)

Eng: Charlotte returned to the castle guard and took her duty quite seriously. She never married, but she never stopped appearing at royal balls, bewitching the hearts of eligible young men.

JP: She returned to being a royal soldier, as per her desire. After that, she learned from her past failure, and worked seriously on her duties as a soldier. But her passion for marrying rich did not disappear and it is said that she lead astray many male hearts as a beauty of high society.

-Lol, okay Charlotte’s title is one I can more understand why it was changed. The implication that all women are two faced, while kinda funny in satire, is still pretty yikes. Wily Warrior was a good alternative, it keeps a similar meaning without the negative connotation, and alliteration makes my brain feel good.

Benny - Gentle Giant/Heavy Knight of the Scary Face

Eng: Benny returned to his hometown village and was assigned to train new soldiers in combat. He never reported for duty. Instead, he lived out his days in the forest, frolicking with his animal friends.

JP: He returned to his home village at the borders of the country. He taught the next generation for a little while but soon took his leave of that as well and disappeared. After that there are no official records which talk about him but, according to stories, it is said that he happily spent his remaining years in the forest together with animals.

-JP version has him train recruits for a bit before taking leave, Eng version has him never bother in the first place.

Sophie - Clumsy Knight/Scatterbrain

Eng: Sophie became a knight of Nohr so talented that many of her records are yet to be beaten. In particular, young squires study her life to learn how to become better masters of their horses.

JP: She entered the knight forces of the Nohr Kingdom. Thereafter she bloomed the talent handed down by her father and was remembered as an excellent knight. Her particular ability on horseback surpassed the rest and her model of “one horse one rider” became something to be handed down.

-JP version mentions “one horse one rider” which I believe is a Japanese phrase of a technique relevant to horseback archery? This same phrase is used by the Japanese car company, Mazda, so one could assume non-Japanese people might know it, but meh. 

Midori - Reliable Chemist/Of the Reliable

Eng: Midori developed a number of new medicines after the war, healing wounds and curing illnesses. It is widely accepted by scholars that she saved more lives through her work than anyone in history.

JP: She worked hard at developing new medicines for the people who were injured from the war. Her medicines saved many lives and cured their injuries and illnesses. Due to inheriting her father’s blood, it appears that when she grew up she captured the hearts of many men.

-JP version mentions that due to Kaze’s genetics of being irresistable to women, Midori after growing up, became loved by many men. This was cut in the Eng version.

Mitama - Starry-Eyed Poet/Tanka Composing Priestess (*) (Tanka is 31 syllable poetry)

Eng: After resting at home for a time, Mitama was inspired to travel the world. She wrote a number of poems while visiting famous sites and ruins. Generations of poets would later retrace her steps.

JP: After returning to her residence and sleeping for a little while, she went to travel around the world to take it in. She visited every famous and historic place in each land and composed verses, but soon it appeared that her trip focused on visiting famous locations and set aside the creation of verses.

-JP version has Mitama become less focused on her poetry and more keen on experiencing the world around her, Eng version changes this.

Hisame - Pickle Pro/The Calm and Collected Samurai (*)

Eng: After the war, Hisame retired from combat and turned to research and teaching. Hinata was disappointed, but Hisame went on to become one of the most respected professors of his era.

JP: He placed his sword aside and devoted his strength to the reconstruction of the Hoshido Kingdom as a civil official. His father Hinata was disappointed but, in the end, respected the decision of the son he doted on. His calm and prudent nature was a blessed ability to him as a government official.

-JP version mentions that Hinata respected Hisame’s decision despite initial disappointment, Eng version cuts the respect part. Also lol at Pickle Pro.

Forrest - Fashion Forward/Adorable Prince (*)

Eng: Forrest began a career in clerical work alongside his father and uncle in Nohr. Soon, however, his fashion designs and artwork led to worldwide acclaim - and a second career in the art world.

JP: He remained by his uncle and father, and contributed to the development of the Nohr Kingdom. Although he exhibited capability in government affairs, he surpassed everyone inside and outside the country in fashion sense and fascinated many, and he contributed greatly to developing the culture of the royal palace.

-JP version mentions Forrest’s capability in government and contributing to palace culture, Eng version loses a bit of specificity. 

Soleil - Adorable Adorer/Girl Lover (*)

Eng: Soleil left one day never to return. There is no record of her travels, but numerous bards sing of a traveling heroine whose skill with a blade was surpassed only by her skill at seducing young women.

JP: One day she went on an aimless journey. It is said that her goal was the formation of a mercenary group and that she became a dancer who trained very hard, but the official records are uncertain. This resulting gossip can be considered to have come from the many women she mingled with.

-JP version mentions Soleil might have become a dancer, Eng version cuts this.

Nina - Eye Spy/Perverse Fantasies (*)

Eng: Nina put her snooping skills to good use after the war, forming an undercover vigilante group focused on keeping the streets safe at night. She also continued snooping as a personal hobby.

JP: She stopped being a chivalrous thief and formed a vigilante group. She protected the weak and punished her enemies as well as the rich who stole from the poor. According to legends, her vigilante group consisted of many handsome men. It appears that her tastes never changed throughout her life.

-JP version had Nina create a Yaoi Squad LMAOOO.

Percy - Luck’s Sidekick/Lucky Hero

Eng: Percy joined Nohr's army and led a squad of wyvern knights. His luck never failed him, and he didn't lose a single battle over a long and distinguished career. Ace went on to lead a squad of wyverns.

JP: He entered the national forces of the Nohr Kingdom and commanded the Wyvern Riders. His good luck never changed and no matter what adversities he faced he never lost somehow. On the other hand, he didn’t exactly win either and, as their strange commander, he earned the name “Not Invincible but Unbeatable”.

-JP version treats Percy’s luck as something that doesn’t really help him win, just he can’t lose. Kind of confusing, so I guess that’s why the Eng version changed it.

M!Corrin/Niles (CQ)

Eng: After helping restore Hoshido and Nohr, Corrin and Niles traveled the world together. The two were celebrated for their humanitarian work, inspiring songs, folktales, and poems worldwide.

JP: Kamui, after helping the reconstruction of both Nohr and Hoshido countries, traveled the world. By his side was the constant presence of Zero. It is said that the two of them left stories in every land. In their later years, they opened a small orphanage for children who were not blessed and lived their lives quietly

-JP version mentioned that Niles and Corrin opened up an orphanage 🥺🥺🥺 Eng version cuts this sadly.

M!Corrin/Niles (Rev)

Eng: Corrin and Niles ruled over the Kingdom of Valla together, ushering in a new era of peace. Some years later, they adopted two orphaned children and raised them as successors to the throne.

JP:  Kamui governed the country as the King of Touma and, while being supported by his spouse Zero, created an era of a long and peaceful dawn. In their later years, the two adopted a child. One bright and innocent child and one other child, who was said to have a unique sense.

-JP version has the adopted children noted to resemble F!Kana (bright and innocent) and Nina (unique sense), respectively. Eng version cuts this.

F!Corrin/Rhajat (Rev)

Eng: Corrin and Rhajat ruled over the Kingdom of Valla together, ushering in a new era of peace. Some years later, they adopted two orphaned children and raised them as successors to the throne.

JP: Kamui governed the country as the Queen of Touma and, while being supported by her spouse Shara, created an era of a long and peaceful dawn. In their later years, the two of them welcomed an adopted child. It is said that the child was as pure as Kamui and was as devoted as Syalla.

-For some reason, the Eng version basically copy pasted the Eng version of M!Corrin/Niles (Rev) where they adopt two children instead of adopting one. (JP version alludes to this being a pseudo M!Kana)

Felicia Paired Ending

Eng: Felicia gave up her career in the service industry for the military, ultimately becoming a commander.

JP: Felicia, who became a wife, endeavored valiantly to be of help to her husband, and matured from breaking three sets of tableware to one.

-JP version has Felicia continue to be a maid and become better at it over time, Eng version has her give up maid work and become a commander. This is despite the fact that Felicia repeatedly states that she loves her job and prefers housework to fighting. But again, in 2015/2016, it didn’t matter it the woman in question liked her work, she had to be written into the “more useful” field anyway. :/ Times have changed, thankfully, where nuance around this is more common.

Hinoka Paired Ending

Eng: His wife, Hinoka, became general of the Hoshidan royal army, and the two remained together always.

JP: Hinoka, who became a wife, retired from her post of supervising the armies of the Hoshido Kingdom, and chose to walk the path of life together with her husband.

-JP version has Hinoka retire, Eng version has her become a general. A bit of a different discussion here compared to Felicia, cuz Hinoka retiring to life with her husband makes sense in the greater scheme of following Hoshido’s more patriarchal setting. But, since said patriarchal aspects of Hoshido were cut or underplayed in the English version and again, this was a weird era for feminist politics in western gaming, the ending was changed. 

Azama Paired Ending with Corrin (Rev)

Eng: Azama decided to use his talents to inspire and heal people—rather than taunt them.

JP: Husband Asama was often absent but he traveled to every land of the Touma Kingdom and guided the people as a royal.

-JP version has Azama do his duties as befitting royalty, Eng version meanwhile is more or less a copy paste of his basic married endings.

Peri Standard Paired Ending

Eng: Peri eventually learned the difference between right and wrong. It took a while.

JP: Pieri became a loving and devoted wife but her emotional and crybaby side was unchanged and it appears that her husband was often at a loss.

-JP version details how difficult Peri’s husband found it to keep track of her emotional side, Eng version has her develop better morals.

Peri Paired Ending with Odin or Laslow

Eng: Records of his wife end around the same time, as does a curious string of missing-persons cases.

JP: Wife Pieri’s records, at the same time, also came to an end at the borders but, according to rumors, it appears that she became a good wife beyond recognition and lovingly supported her husband.

-JP version details Peri as becoming a wife beyond recognition, Eng version implies she became a serial killer.

Beruka Paired Ending

Eng: Beruka was torn about leaving Camilla but enjoyed having enough emotions for them to conflict.

JP: Belka, who became a wife, was lost after leaving Camilla’s side but, after being persuaded by Camilla, moved together with her husband.

-JP version has Camilla encourage Beruka to follow her new life, Eng version instead makes comments on her developing emotions, which should already have been implied to have happened since she is getting married.

Charlotte Paired Ending with Odin or Laslow

Eng: His wife, Charlotte, went with him, but scholars note they sent their daughter an allowance every year.

JP: Wife Charlotte, lived happily together wherever her husband was, and it appears that no matter where she was she would always send money to her family.

-JP version says Charlotte is sending money to her family (most likely her poor parents), Eng version has her sending money to her daughter, which... doesn’t make as much sense since unless Ophelia/Soleil is also married, why wouldn’t they all just go together? Especially since the daughters’ solo endings imply they disappear in a similar way as it is. 

F!Kana Paired Ending

Eng: Scholars believe Kana traveled the world doing good. Most stories of dragons were based on her deeds.

JP: Wife Kanna was always together with her husband. It is said that when they occasionally got separated she would feel very lonely.

-Eng version copy pasted M!Kana’s paired ending onto F!Kana. JP version is different and deals more with her semi-unique tendency to cry/get upset over loneliness often.

Soleil Paired Ending

Eng: Historians disagree about Soleil's final fate but agree she was an inspiration to everyone she met.

JP: Wife Soleil acted cheerfully and firmly, without shrinking from any adversity, and from the beginning encouraged her husband and the people around him.

-Eng version is basically an entirely new ending, most likely part of Treehouse’s attempt to sell Soleil as a lesbian instead of bisexual, even though Laslow implies she’s bisexual in the English version of her paralogue. Soleil in the English version is a mess of contradictions and poor fixes in general, so this isn’t surprising.

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Final note is that the Paired Endings for the Awakening Trio in the English version can cause contradiction issues for Xander, Leo, and/or Corrin; basically the Eng version has both husband and wife leave public eye, which is really odd for two countries’ crown royals and Leo being an important policy maker to do. The JP version of these paired endings don’t have these issues. Camilla and Elise also leave in both versions, but since Camilla doesn’t like being royalty it makes sense, and Elise doesn’t really have any contradictions in her case.

#fire emblem fates #fire emblem #fire emblem if #fe14 #corrin fire emblem #meta #storytelling #treehouse localization

[jojococomo]

[Before Law can get a word in edgewise explaining how he would rather not. Luffy's gone in a whirlwind. Or a typhoon. Any natural disaster that left the land devastated in its wake. Law is left standing in the middle of the cafe, clutching his phone as the door slams shut behind Luffy, the bell ringing his exit. 

Law slumps into his stool, suddenly exhausted. 

“Sorry about him.” Nami says sliding into the seat that Luffy just vacated, “He’s like that. Once he takes a shine to you, that’s it. He’s all in. He has no care about whether you want to be his friend or not.”

“We’re not friends.” Law mutters. Nojiko snorts into the mug she’s drying, “I barely know him.”

“I’ve been friends with him for years and I barely know him.” Nami responds with a shrug, “That’s just Luffy. Count your blessings that he likes you. People he doesn’t like usually get punched in the face.”]

---

I should be working, but today brain bad. Here's a peek into my LawLu hospital AU that is never going to see the light of day because i'm a BAD person who can't finish things.

#LawLu #One Piece #jojomakesart #jojowritesfic #monkey d. luffy #trafalgar d. water law #Law is a ER surgeon who specializes in cardiothoracic trauma #Luffy is a firefighter who is surprisingly good at their job #the first drawing has some of my favorite little detail work #also Cora is ALIVE in this AU because I want him to be an embarrassing dad #Ace is NOT alive because I need that good good angst #Sabo is and he's feral #Zoro owns a dojo called Santoryuu that Luffy trains at #Nami is a weather girl for the local news station #Robin is a archeology professor who also has a shady past in espionage #Franky is a engineer that specializes in ship building (and also likes to make wild and outlandish treehouses in his spare time) #Usopp is a biochem major who also spray paints murals into parking garages at night #Brook is an 80 year old musician that is surprising spry but cannot help making the 'when I die...' jokes at every opportunity he can #Sanji obviously is at the Baratie but he also does DRAG because he likes to wear dresses DAMMIT #A list of fun easter eggs because tumblr does not want people to see my genius #1. Law's Coffee Cup is from Camie's the local coffee shop and art house that services the greater area of the Grand Line. #It has Hachi on the logo a la starbucks #2. Nurses station- Kaya as a oncology doctor and Conis as a triage nurse. They gossip a lot and Law does not GOSSIP #but he does #3. CP9- Going to visit Rob Lucci #4. Room sign- 2Y3D #I imagine the hospital is set up not unlike the mangroves in Sabody #5. Reallllly tiny can't see it but the exit sign has Bon Clay on it #6. Patient File- Whitebeard's Law's patient

[bowbowis]

How Much Difference Does the Translation of the "Reconquer" Line Make?

When he confronts Edelgard in Crimson Flower Dimitri asks her the following: "Must you continue to conquer? Continue to kill?" Edelgard's response has often been mocked for being ad hominem attack. Some insist her reply is mistranslated and that she makes a stronger argument in the original Japanese script, others contend that the line is basically the same in both versions. Who is right?

Here's her reply in the English localization:

Must you continue to reconquer? Continue to kill in retaliation?

Here's a version closer to the original Japanese:

So you'd feel better if you reconquered... if you killed in retaliation?

So there is a difference between the English and Japanese lines. The Japanese version puts an emphasis on Dimitri's motivation that is mostly absent in the English version. The significance of the change becomes more pronounced when you remember that Edelgard says more after that. Her complete reply is, in English:

Must you continue to reconquer? Continue to kill in retaliation? I will not stop. There is nothing I would not sacrifice to cut a path to Fódlan's new dawn!

In Japanse:

So you'd feel better if you reconquered... if you killed in retaliation? I will not stop. I am willing to sacrifice to pave the way for the future!

While you can still kind of get the original intent by reading between the lines of the English version the Japanese version is much clearer that Edelgard is not only calling out Dimitri for doing what he's accusing her of but also contrasting their reasons for doing it. She is going on the offensive to bring about a better future, he's doing it to indulge his own desire for vengeance (note that she never brings up his purely defensive actions, only his retaliatory ones).

It actually mirrors what Dimitri says when he's tormenting Randolph in Azure Moon:

Dimitri: You are a monster too, General. You have just yet to realize it. A monster who thinks he's a man... despicable. As a general, you must have killed countless souls without a shred of mercy. Do you still remember the sound of them begging, just as you're begging now? Or, now that your life is at its end, will you hold to the lie that your hands are not stained red with blood? Randolph: This...this is war. I did what I had to for the Empire...for the people...for my family! Dimitri: So, you are piling up corpses for the people and for your family. And I am doing the same for the salvation of the dead... After all is said and done, we are both murderers. Both stained. Both monsters.

The difference of course is that while Dimitri rejects the idea that why he and Randolph kill makes a difference, Edelgard highlights the fact that although they are both killing people she is doing it in service of the greater good, while Dimitri is just looking to satisfy his own desire for vengeance. It's a reflection of their deontological and consequentialist ethics respectively.

#edelgard von hresvelg #dimitri alexandre blaiddyd #fire emblem three houses #fe3h #translation differences #edelgard discourse #The localization also made Edelgard sound more extreme #changing her being “willing to sacrifice” to "there [being] nothing [she] would not sacrifice” #because Treehouse

[lazzledazzler]

Hello. I wanted to ask ? Did you married Inigo in your Awakening file ? if so you accidentally made a KMLZ file and was accidentally shipping them the entire time since Robin is Corrin's reincarnation in Fates jpn dub.

yes i’ve played fates in jp~ it’s implied in one of rhajat’s supports.

Intsys did this because they knew i felt uncomfortable marrying a 2nd gen unit in awakening so they were like ‘no, no you see? it’s been kmlz this whole time!’ facts

#in all seriousness while og fates had some terrible/problematic tropes the actual storytelling was much better than the localization #for some reason the localizers got rid of a lot of Kamui’s characterization and changed a lot of stuff crucial to the storylines #i believe there’s a master list on here someone made where they delved into it #so when vocal western fe fans shit on fates half of me is like well blame treehouse lol #mitsu talks #anonymous

[kyufessions]

sweetheart

synopsis: your annoying neighbor bothers you yet again

pairings: neighbor! eric x afab! reader

genre: smut, 18+

request: “open your mouth” + “why so shy?”

word count: 2.2k

warnings: spitting, oral (f. receiving), making out, playful teasing, pet name (sweet heart), lmk if i missed anything!

a/n: i’m writing this half asleep so it’s not proofread whatsoever,, oopsies

general taglist: @jwnghyuns @eaudenana @soobin-chois @haechansbbg

tbz taglist: @ilovechanhee

Only if everyone knew. Only if everyone knew that the boy next door you always swore annoyed you to your very core since you had first moved in over ten years ago, would meet you in your old tree house that stood between both of your houses at ungodly hours. With what started as another night wanting to get away from one of your family’s parties, turned into heated makeout sessions that led to what anyone would imagine.

Throughout the years, your father had been kind enough to re-do the treehouse. Seeing as you still adored it, he re-vamped it to make it seem more private and to your liking since you were now in your early 20’s. There was even a small makeshift door and small windows with curtains that you often kept closed- it was your favorite place to get away from madness when your room wasn’t cutting it. That was- until one spring night.

You had been in your treehouse reading a new novel you had bought at your local barnes and nobles, your lamp on and one of curtains slightly open to enjoy the slight breeze. Tonight your parents had some guests over from work, their conversations and jazzy background music being too loud for your liking. So you quietly made your way to your treehouse and enjoying your time alone until you heard some rocks being thrown at the door. Groaning, you ignored the disturbance. You knew exactly who it was and you did not want to deal with him tonight. One more rock, two, even three more were thrown. Thats when you stood up and fully opened up the half drawn curtain, looking down to see the annoying boy next door.

He stood there with his devilish grin, wearing a white tank and his baseball varsity jacket from the college he attended. He waved hello as soon as he saw you looking down at him, catching a glimpse of you from the limited lighting. “What do you want eric?” you shouted down, making sure your voice was only able to be heard between you both and not to disrupt what was happening inside your home.

He shrugged, his grin never fading. “I’m bored.” as you rolled your eyes and started to pull back down the curtain, he yelled back out to you. “Wait!”

You shushed him right away, his voice too loud for your liking. As you motion for him to come up the wooden ladder, he does as instructed and you watch as he climbs up halfway before you stop him with your words. “What do you want?” you ask again, annoyance stringing through your voice.

His lips form another shit eating grin. “I’m bored and saw the light on.”

“Find someone else to bother.” you start to close the door but see his hand stop it from closing.

Before you can begin to speak up again, eric decides to first. “Come on, i’ll stay in the corner and let you do your own thing. I won’t bother you. I just don’t want to be in my house right now and am grounded from using my car.”

“Is no an option?” you ask him with a puff. With a swift shake of his head, you open the door fully and allow him inside.

He looks around in amazement at the fairy lights and overall set up, noticing how you plop back on the mini couch you have set up in the corner. His eyes scan over a small drawer with a chipped paint job, old drawings and paintings hanging throughout that’s barely holding on with tape and some nails. There are some obvious new items hanging about and some older ones, and he quietly takes note of that as he walks around to inspect. As he does so, you occasionally glance at him to make sure hes not touching anything he isn’t supposed to. After a little more snooping, he takes a seat on the floor and starts aimlessly scrolling through his phone while you continue to read your novel.

Minutes pass in pure silence- nothing but the occasional hoot from a faraway owl and the distanced sound of jazz music from your home below. That was, until eric opened tiktok. His volume was louder than necessary, his laughter echoing in your ears. You try to continue your reading, trying to be the nice guy. But it felt as if each tiktok he watched just made him laugh harder than the last. You make a mental note of the page you stop on before closing your book and looking over at him, your face blank with irritation.

“If you’re going to be in here, can you at least quiet down? I’m trying to read my book.” your eyes finally meet and he just chuckles, getting up off the floor and walking over towards you.

“What’re you reading anyway?”

You clear your throat before speaking as he inches closer, trying to keep your book close to hide it from him. “None of your business, just please keep it down.”

Eric notices you trying to keep the book from him and as he steps closer he tries reaching for it but failing as you hold it closer to you. He scoffs, trying to reach for it again. “Why so shy about it, huh?” his tone is playful, his eyes beaming with curiosity as he tries to sneak a peek of the cover. You try moving your body to hide it from him but as you’re squirming, he snatches up the book and examines the cover. A small laugh leaves his lips as he notices the explicit cover, your face turning a slight shade of pink as he then reads the first page that started off juicy. When he looks down at you, your cheeks are now red and your eyes wide. “This is the shit you read?”

You stand up and grab the book back from his hands, or at least attempt to before he raises it above your head with a smirk. The height difference between you both wasn’t much, but the fact he was also wearing grey sweats right now didn’t really help the burning sensation growing in the pit of your stomach. To say eric was ugly would be the biggest lie- you actually found him quite attractive. He was just annoying and pestered you often, but he was quite handsome. As his hand was held above you, your book in his hand, you can notice his peaking bicep from under his varsity jacket.

Your silence and wandering eyes failed you as eric took note of this. “Checking me out, huh?”

As you're snapped out of your daze by his words, you jump up and grab the book from his hand successfully and try to move around him to leave but fail. Although your treehouse is spacious, it’s not the biggest either. So now you’re backed into a corner by the hot annoying neighbor who just found out you read smut. Cool. you just sit down on the small couch, puffing in annoyance in an attempt to hide how flustered you’ve become.

“No i’m not.”

His index and middle finger tap the right side of your cheek, a smirk playing on his lips. “Your red cheeks say otherwise, sweetheart.”

Normally you'd swat away his hand, but as you looked in his eyes you felt the air catch in your throat. You felt as if time had stopped due to the close proximity you both were in. the little nickname that normally bothered you made your stomach churn with butterflies, your hands gripping your book tighter.

you tried to hide it once more, trying to keep your tone high and mighty. “don’t call me sweetheart.”

“then try to act like you don’t like it and maybe i will.” eric then squats so he’s now eye level with you, his fingers tracing from your cheek all the way down your neck and to your shoulder ever so gracefully as he does so. your eyes just watch him, unsure of what this feeling is that’s come over you. his head tilts, his face amused by this. “does mommy and daddy know you read smut all up here by yourself?”

eric had always seen you as this goody-two-shoes; mommy and daddy’s most prized possession who always got fantastic grades and went to one of the best colleges the states had to offer. throughout the past ten years, he had always seen you achieve the highest possible grades with honors just to seek your parents approval. never brought over a guy, your nose always buried in a book whether it be for your studies or for fun. he also noticed how your hair never failed to be done perfectly, different colored bows or hair accessories to match your dress or skirt. you always had to present the world with this perfect image of you, and he was just so curious to get to know you deeper than this facade you try to sell everyone you come across.

he watches you shake your head, no words being spoken as you seem choked up. your eyes sparkle under the dimly lit fairy lights as they glare at him, causing him to chuckle lowly yet again. “what if they found out?”

“don’t you fucking dare eric sohn-“

“ah ah,” he slips the book from your hands, placing it beside you. “why don’t we put page one to the test?”

your eyes widen, eyebrows raising. “e-excuse me?”

eric slips off his varsity jacket, tossing it on top of your book. “i skimmed the page over. doesn’t ellen get eaten out, or am i mistaken?” you’re left speechless, yet your face continues to redden all over. eric has thought about this for years but never thought this day would come, only in his wildest of dreams.

eric stands up a little bit to hover over you, lifting your chin and leaning down to rest his forehead against yours as he stares deeply into your eyes. his hair is messy, probably from the baseball practice he had earlier in the day. your lips are inches from his, yet not a word can be spoken as you’re just in shock.

“all you have to do is tell me to stop and i will.” is all eric whispers before placing his lips on yours.

both of your lips move in sync with one another, his fitting perfectly on yours. his hand moves from your shoulder to your cheek, his entire palm cupping it and his fingers placing themselves on the nape of your neck. his touch sends shivers down your spine, his fingertips delicate and careful. his other hand moves to your left thigh, starting to spread it apart from your right one. but you don’t stop him, something within you tells you to allow him. as he bites down on your bottom lip, his hand on your thigh travels to the inner part and stops near your panties. his fingertips graze your folds, the lace material feeling good against his skin.

the sound of your whimper against his lips makes his blood rush, separating his lips from yours. for a few moments he just stares down at you, taking in the view of your wide innocent eyes and puffy pink lips. “fuck you’re so pretty, you know that?”

eric then gets on his knees in front of you, and you watch as he slips off your white silk pleated skirt and stare at your pussy in awe. “all wet for me already, sweetheart?” you bite your lower lip as you watch him, arching your back against the wall at the nickname.

his fingers push the fabric aside, the fingertips grading your folds ever so slightly to take in the beauty for a second. he grins up at you before slipping in one finger, earning a gasp from you. eric starts slow, pumping in and out of you teasingly. he just stares up at you the whole time, taking in the beauty of your reactions. he watches your hand involuntarily reach for his hair, tugging on it once he picks up the pace out of satisfaction. you let out quiet moans as he slips in a second finger, not wanting anyone to potentially hear anything happening up in the treehouse.

after a few moments of his second finger, he puts his mouth to your clit. with this sudden movement you throw your head back, starting to grind against his face. eric takes in every movement you make, enjoying how you use him for your advantage to release. his fingers continue pumping in and out of you at a consistent pace, his tongue occasionally moving in and out of your hole as his lips continue to satisfy you. as your breathing pattern picks up and your legs begin shaking, he knew it was only a few seconds before you climaxed.

once you did, you let out a loud moan and eric took in every juice you offered to him. he begins licking you up, cleaning you up the only way he’s currently able to. he then leans up, grabbing you by the cheek and staring down at your tired face.

“open your mouth, baby.” he murmurs. you do as instructed, allowing him to spit in your mouth. you watch him through half-lidded eyes, smirking as you take in the taste he offers you.

and that’s the night where it all started, your friends with benefits relationship with your annoying neighbor.

#kyufessions the boyz #the boyz #the boyz eric #eric sohn #tbz eric #tbz smut #the boyz smut #eric smut #eric sohn smut #🌙 completed requests

[cyborg-franky]

Summer is coming... So what are they planning for you?

Citybreak They are planning a long weekend in a city you have always wanted to visit. Nice dinners, taking in the local vibe. Nightlife? Shopping? Museums? Whatever your preference is, they have you covered. Maybe you just want somewhere different to explore and venture around. Looking out your hotel room at night with the skyline of glittering lights! Sanji - Marco - Corazon - Law - Killer - Mihawk - Perona - Boa - Nami - Brook - Robin - Uta

--

Camping The moment summer is around the corner, they get the tent out and make sure it’s ready to go. They are getting into hardcore camping mode. Everything you’d need is all packed and ready. It’s time to have nights out by a lake, maybe fishing or swimming. Campfires and nature are all around you. Thatch - Ace - Sabo - Usopp - Jinbei - Zoro - Luffy --

Beach holiday Sunsets and cocktails, swimming all day, tanning under the sun, building sandcastles together. They can’t wait to feel the sand between their toes and splash you in the water or ensure you have enough sun lotion. Then there is the pier, the view, and the silly games and amusements that line it. Sanji - Marco - Ace - Nami - Jinbei - Franky - Luffy - Robin - Shanks - Crocodile --

Staying at home Both of you are exhausted and just need a rest. You don’t leave your house, and you also don’t lift a finger to work. You both have time to be together, have some movie marathons, catch up on your hobbies, and create creative joint space with one another. You are just decompressing after stress at work. Both of you are ignoring the outside world. Thatch - Deuce - Law - Mihawk - Usopp - Zoro - Robin --

Amusement park holiday They want nothing more than to book a stay at a water park or amusement park. After a long weekend of screaming on the rides, eating junk food, and being scammed at the amusements, they insist on winning you a plush, and in the end, they manage! Walking around the parks until you think your legs might fall off. Taking in the shows and all the entertainment together. Ace - Corazon - Killer - Barto - Sabo - Brook - Franky -Luffy - Buggy - Uta

--

Glamping Wanting to be outside but with class. No sleeping on the ground. They’ve planned a week-long stay at a cabin or a treehouse, maybe a strange-shaped place like a UFO you can sleep in? The calm nights in nature but with a good night's sleep. Also, the hot tub while you listen to the world around you. Thatch - Corazon - Mihawk - Nami - Benn --

Travel to another country It's time to explore another place entirely. They’ve planned this for months, and now it’s time. You both can’t wait to see the sights: the food, the art, the everything. You are immersing yourself in adventures together.  Sanji - Thatch - Deuce - Izou - Law - Doffy - Perona - Sabo - Usopp - Brook - Robin - Shanks - Benn - Crocodile --

Roadtrip Just you and them. The car is packed, the snacks and drinks are loaded in the cooler, and you have a list of things you want to hit on your summer trip. Music, the open road, singing along with one another. Maybe you don’t even have a plan; perhaps you just wing it. Windows down, wind in your hair and being in one another's company. Marco - Ace - Deuce - Kidd - Killer - Sabo - Franky - Zoro - Luffy --

Snowy getaway. Maybe it’s snowboarding and skiing in the cold? Lovely wooden lodges, hot cocoa, and their competitive streak. White snowy scenery and comfy warm sweaters. Log fires and exhausted limbs. Law - Kidd - Ace - Zoro - Robin - Benn --

Resort The best money can buy. Three meals a day, all top-tier with wine, cocktails, and anything you could ask for, brought to your room with the best view in town. A private pool, a private beach area just for you. They have it all planned and want to live in the lap of luxury with you: couples spa day, the works. Sanji - Izou - Doffy - Boa - Nami - Crocodile --

Hotsprings Traditional, calm, relaxing, and good for your soul, it involves just you and your partner chilling out in a beautiful inn with delicious food and birdsong from the garden. This is perfect for you both: taking everything easy at your own pace. Maybe you sit with sake and watch the little animals in the garden. You could cuddle up in the hot spring and feel the world just fade away as you enjoy one another's company in a comfortable silence. Marco - Izou - Law - Killer - Mihawk - Boa - Nami -Jinbei - Zoro - Robin --

Festival Depending on the vibe, you either go camping to a festival with chill vibes or going to fucking party. You guys enjoy the music, so many bands you love. Getting to dance, mosh, sway, whatever to the music together. Getting to camp together as you also meet new people. BBQs, booze, summer vibes for days.

Ace - Kidd - Killer - Perona - Barto - Sabo - Brook - Franky - Uta

#one piece x reader #one piece reader insert #one piece x you #marco the phoenix #sfw #one piece #gender neutral reader #portgas d ace #one piece x yourname #one piece x yn #one piece x y/n #one piece imagine #marco the phoenix x reader #portgas d ace x reader #thatch #thatch x reader #izou #izou x reader #masked deuce #deuce x reader #corazon one piece #portgas d. ace #corazon x reader #trafalgar law #law x reader #kidd x reader #eustass kid #massacre soldier killer #killer x reader #perona x reader

[pasteltraitor]

finally posting my swap au! ill post more but i have a lot of doodles so they're getting their own post

Simon Petrikov the human is a part-time hero to the local monster kingdom and any in need! He enjoys adventure, learning about history, and finding ancient artifacts. He fights with a crossbow and has a very good aim! and he lives with his older sibling Gunter

Gunter is Simons older sibling, their parents used to live in the ice kingdom before moving away. now they live with simon in their treehouse. they have a short temper and like to break stuff. they have the special power to make green clones of themself

The Ice Prince is the ruler of the frozen land of the ice kingdom! he doesn't limit his kidnappings to just princesses and everyone's in danger of being "saved" and taken to his kingdom. He once was a boy named Finn Mertins before the ice crown took hold. he seems to really want a little brother to play with

ill be going into this au a bit more later but i'd love to answer questions about this au if u have any!

this au is loosely based on these fics but I've got very different plans for this au but i'd recommend checking out these fics cuz they're rlly good!

#thetraitordraws #adventure time #finn mertens #finn the human #simon petrikov #adventure time au #at au #at finn #at simon #ice finn #adventure time swap au #maybe ill come up w a better name for it later :P

[mushroomates]

gimli headcanons:

likes doing laundry. finds it soothing

history nerd!! loves reading old tombs/biographies of his ancestors

is incredibly intelligent. beats frodo in chess. would beat gandalf but gandalf cheats. has been in a stalemate with aragorn for two and a half years.

well mannered but chooses to forgo his politeness to make a point. especially around elves.

does NOT like horses. not just riding them, which is canon, but actually dislikes the animal itself. the reasons why include (but are not limited to) :

he does not like being not on ground. he does not have a fear of heights so much as a fear of… feet not on ground. as evidenced by refusal to jump, treehouses, and well, horses

he does not like their faces. they are long and have eyes on the side like prey. gimli thinks this is deceiving as horses are very large and can kick in someone’s skull. not his skull.

gimli believes that in a one on one match with a horse, he could easily win. he has thought of several, very specific, scenarios of this and has a detailed plan of attack should this situation occur.

they so easily turned against their home for an evil overlord (read: sauron stole all the black horses from rohan) and therefore cannot be trusted. as a rule, anything that willing you let you ride it cannot be trusted. they can’t be satisfied with this life. they are plotting something.

believes he would be great at drums. it’s just hitting things hard and he’s pretty strong.

ok, another thing about horses: they are fragile to a ridiculous extent. you breath wrong and it breaks. they have bad bones and bad blood flow in their legs, and their legs are all that they’re used for. he doesn’t understand why humans invested so much time into horses when they’re genetically bad at what they are meant to do. he’d feel bad for the horses if they weren’t so awful.

drinks coffee, not tea

takes great with the up keeping of his gear. he sharpens his axes, polishes his boots, shines his armor and waxes his mustache. that’s not gear, but he takes great pride in looking groomed and caring for his belongings.

has an axe for every occasion. battle axe? do you want throwing or slashing. a day on the town? have you seen this intricately carved masterpiece that also is a weapon? doffing a hole? PICKAXE. cutting a cake? how about an axe???

hates the rain because it ruins his hair and beard. also loves the rain because it ruins legolas’s hair and clothes.

will eat anything. has a great tolerance for spice. contrary to popular belief, dwarves are not shy of seasoning but are very cautious around other races in fear of poisoning their friends

will also eat some rocks. salty is his favorite (halite, hanksite, glauberite) but also likes to add chunks of chalcanthite to his food for a slightly sweet yet metalic flavor. this is also slightly (SLIGHTLY) poisonous as evidenced by sharing his trail mix with boromir

also calls dirt the “local seasoning”

will taste dirt to try and get a feeling for the land. this tells him the acidity, weather, possible wildlife, and also pisses off legolas

actaully genuinely likes the taste of dirt. (note: if you desire to eat clay/dirt that is a symptom of iron deficiency. for gimli, he eats spoonfuls of the stuff like their supplements because as a kid it was fed to him like multivitamins)

OK SO HEAR ME OUT: lack of sunlight can cause really low hemoglobin and ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron) sooo being constantly in dark caves can cause some forms of iron deficiency. because dwarves are conscious of their young, dwarf children often grow up not often being in direct sunlight.

the solution? dirt. dirt contains iron and other tasty minerals that are good for the body. charcoal has natural antioxidants. so does clay. am i saying that momma gimli (unnamed) fed her son ash and clumps of dirt? yes. also bits of broken pottery. it’s also good of the immune system.

fr tho clay/dirt/charcoal are the dwarven multivitamins. you have a tummy-ache? here, have a rock. i truly believe this was scientifically proven by dwarves and only FOR dwarves (plz do not eat dirt)

fuckin loves mushrooms. has a mushroom log at home. whenever dwarves find some fungai in a cave they go feral

likes dogs. thinks it’s great that they dig holes. thinks it’s fantastic that the bury things in holes. absolutes loves when they get muddy, and then shake off all water and dirt all over you.

when he came back home with the name lockbearer, a lot of the dwarves thought it was really cool and he has some sort of elven puzzle that requires a code to unlock something. imagine their surprise when he rocks up and is like: no, even better. HAIRS. three of them.

enjoys making mudpies- made them as a kid with his cousins, (mostly with rock slurry) and continues to, even even as an adult.

made them on the fellowship with the hobbits. taught them all about the best types of dirt and the water-to-soil- ratio needed.

while cutting up slices of his pie, he offered one to boromir, who in good nature, took it, clearly thinking it was just part of the bit.

poor boromir was locked in a stalemate after gimli cut his own slice, and began eating it.

to his credit, boromir did brave a few bites, but had to stop once he nearly had a mouthful of maggots

“protein”

gimli is like crazy good at hair. can braid quickly and efficiently in elaborate styles

picked up eleven hair style techniques in lorien (quicker than legolas) and was forced to relay them to the elf through twine as there is no way he’s letting grubby elf fingers to touch his glorious mane that’s been decades in the making

would ask for a drink “on the rocks” and get slightly upset if it did not come back with actual rocks

#lord of the rings #jrr tolkien #lotr #legolas #lotr headcanons #lotr gimli #gimli son of gloin #gimli #dwarves #lord of the rings headcanons #the lord of the rings #dwarf #and my axe #axes #jrrt #jolkien rolkien rolkien tolkien #middle earth #mines of moria #tolkien headcanons #misty mountains #gimli and legolas #gimli headcanons #the fellowship #the fellowship of the ring #moria #ered luin #durins folk #durins bane #gimli lockbearer #three hunters

[pixelnrd]

Dusty was growing up fast. He lost his first tooth, learned to ride a bike, and joined the local scouts troupe. He loved school and his friends, and soon enough he had a great gang of neighbourhood friends who he would spend all his time with after school and on weekends, playing in his treehouse and riding their bikes all around town looking for adventures.

#sims 4 decades challenge #ts4 decades challenge #sims 4 historical #ts4 historical #ts4 legacy #sims 4 legacy #the langston legacy #gen 10 #1980s #dustin lenowski

[emblemxeno]

Localization Changes: Takumi #ProtectThePineapple

Paging @theeeveetamer / @teaveetamer 

I love Takumi! Easily Top 5 favorite Fates characters, probably number 2 after Xander if we’re being honest. The complex machinations of his self esteem issues, imposter syndrome, desire to be loved by his family, among many other aspects, is what makes him very endearing and loveable to me.

His antagonizing actions and harsh words made him divisive, especially when Fates first released, but to me that only made him that much stronger of a character. Raw anger and bitter resentment paints a wonderfully contrasting color to his heartfelt and even downright cute moments.

However, I feel like there are instances in Fates’ localization that kind of cheapen Takumi a bit. Moments where he lashes out are made into quippy one liners and can make him seem bratty and immature first instead of genuinely upset. His xenophobia gets amped up to a point where, while present in the JP script, it now became a trait that’s associated with him the most due to localization changes. Most of all, there’s even some instances where his agency and character growth within the story are, I feel, completely erased or blurred to the point of being unrecognizeable.

I wanted to detail stuff about Takumi that was changed, so this is what I could find. I get these things from this JP supports Pastebin , a Fates translated playthrough (all routes are on the channel linked) and Pegasusknight.com (the latter of which I do my best to interpret from translation tools, which is very subject to me being wrong lol). Keep in mind I also took a few liberties in writing down the lines from the JP version. I trust that the translators got the message across well enough, but the English major in me couldn’t help but clean up some things here and there to help the translations come across less stiff.

The rest will be under the cut! Any instance of me referring to Corrin, I’ll be using he/him, and I’ll be using the JP version of the character names when applicable and appropriate. Also, if you want, give a watch to the Fates Drama CDs! The first two volumes deal with Takumi’s thoughts, feelings, and character in regards to Corrin’s return to Hoshido during chapters 4, 5, and 6! While I won’t be citing them here, they give extra insight to his character and are very cool!

Prologue

JP Version

Hinoka: What!? The river dried up...!? Did they use the power of the Dragon Vein...?

Takumi: ...It looks that way. The enemy is drawing near...

[...]

Takumi: Pull yourself together, Kamui. The enemy... The Nohrian royal family-they’re strong. If we don’t stick together, we’ll... ...No. Right now, we have to work together. You let me know if you have any ideas.

[...]

Hinoka: Good, you’ve defeated the enemy! Kamui, Takumi, great work! This is the power of the bond between siblings.

Sakura: A-amazing, Big Brother...

Takumi: It went well thanks to someone’s well-planned instructions. If we join our powers together, we may actually win this war...

Hinoka: Well then, let’s hurry back to Ryoma!

Treehouse

Hinoka: The Nohrian army used a Dragon Vein to dry up the river! But I thought only royals held that power...

Takumi: Yeah, which means there must be some real big shots over there. Suit me just fine. I've always wanted to use a Nohrian royal for target practice!

[...]

Takumi: Hang in there, Corrin. The Nohrian royals are not pushovers... We'll have to work together to beat them. As the eldest, I guess you're in charge. Tell me what to do and I'll do it.

[...]

Hinoka: Corrin, Takumi, good work fighting off that ambush.

Sakura: You were amazing, Corrin.

Takumi: That went well. Probably because SOMEONE gave you good advice. ...And you're welcome, by the way.

Hinoka: No time to talk! Let's see how Ryoma's doing.

I’m glad that memes surrounding how characters sound in Marvel movies and Disney channel shows exist, because now I have something to describe how Treehouse makes Fates’ cast sound: right out of a sitcom. The whole “he’s right behind me, isn’t he”, tryhard ironic vibe is everywhere in the localized script, and it can suck the tension out of certain scenes. Takumi’s “I’ve always wanted to use a Nohrian royal for target practice” line is an example of this. I think it’s funny, tbh, but it evokes a different feel of his character, especially since this is the first thing the player sees of him. What I find more egregious though, is that Treehouse replaced his more sincere words of worry and doubt with cockiness across the board. While this can be charming in its own right, again, it changes the first impression. It gives you the idea that he’s genuinely overconfident, rather than finding out later that he’s compensating hard. 

I didn’t include some context, but in the ‘well SOMEONE gave you good instructions’ line, the JP version of the archer tutorial just has him tell you how he fights rather than it being him telling you exactly what to do. Small changes, but it causes a ripple effect that extends to the line being changed, because what was intended in the original was him complimenting Hinoka (or maybe Corrin?) on her planning and how working as a team of siblings will get them through the war, but Treehouse changed it to him saying that it was him that saved the day.

Chapter 5, in the plaza.

JP version

Kamui: It’s just like you and Sakura said, the Hoshidans are all good people. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves here.

Aqua: I’m glad you like it. I love it here, too.

Takumi: Aqua. And Kamui…I mean, Brother. Mother wants me to start calling you that, now.

Kamui: ...

Takumi: Don’t get carried away, though. I don’t trust either of you.

Aqua: Takumi…

Takumi: Don’t speak my name so casually. You’re a Princess of Nohr, the kingdom that killed Father. There’s no way I can trust you. Kamui, you’re the same. You’ve been a Nohrian Prince for so long, after all...

Kamui: No…You’re contradicting yourself, Takumi.

Takumi: What?

Kamui: Aqua has been in Hoshido for as long as I’ve been in Nohr. By that logic she should already be one of your comrades, right?

Takumi: ...Hmph. Either way, I don’t trust you two. I just wanted to let you both know that.

Sakura: Big Brother, if it suits your taste... These dango are very good. Here!

Treehouse

Corrin: Everyone really is friendly here. And it’s so…bright…and open. It’s quite a contrast from the fortress I grew up in.

Azura: I’m glad you like it. Like I said, I’ve always been happy here.

Takumi: Just don’t get too comfortable…BROTHER.

Corrin: Pardon me?

Takumi: I don’t trust you. Shouldn’t you be heading back to Nohr soon?

Azura: Takumi…

Takumi: Hey, who said you could call me by name? You haven’t earned that privilege either.

Corrin: That doesn’t even make sense.

Takumi: Excuse me?

Corrin: Azura has been in Hoshido for as long as I’ve been gone. Shouldn’t that be enough to consider her part of the family?

Takumi: I don’t care. I don’t trust either of you. I just wanted to tell you that to your face.

Sakura: I apologize for Takumi’s rudeness. He’s a bit of a hothead. Anyway, how’d you like to try a sweet rice dumpling? It’s a Hoshidan specialty!

He’s giving his feelings towards the situation of Azura and Corrin both being Nohrian, but the way it’s written between versions conveys differences. Now from what I know of the logistics of the Japanese language, lots of context can be missed or hidden. The JP version can probably be seen as him being just as rude as he is in the Treehouse script, but from what’s here he does come off more... immature? Plus some context as to why he doesn’t trust Azura or Corrin gets cut, and Sakura calling him a hothead gets added in.

I considered putting the after battle conversation from Chapter 5, too, but there’s not enough significant difference between the JP and Treehouse’s version of Takumi’s lashing out to really warrant it. Though one difference is that when Corrin gets the Yato, Treehouse has him just say “Impossible.” whereas the JP version has him say nothing. The drama CDs do go more in depth into what he’s thinking, and given how Takumi’s written later in the game, it makes sense why he would stay silent rather than continue talking shit. But again, I don’t wanna cite the CDs too much, cuz I don’t know how much they can be considered canon even though I think the same writers (sans Kibayashi I’m guessing) wrote them. 

Chapter 6 Birthright (After the Nohrian siblings react to Corrin’s choice)

JP version

Takumi: I will do it... For my fallen kinsmen, and for Mother’s sake as well...

Treehouse

Takumi: Stupid Nohrian jerks! I'll kill all of you!

Once again, a more thoughtful reaction was changed into a more juvenile anger. Not completely surprising coming from Takumi, but makes him a bit more one dimensional, imo.

Chapter 10 Birthright (Takumi shows up possessed)

JP Version

Hinoka: Ugh!? Why did you do that, Takumi!?

Kamui: Takumi, stop! You could’ve shot Hinoka...!

Takumi: Kill...

Kamui: Huh...?

Takumi: Me... everyone should only... appreciate me...

Hinoka: It’s as if he’s a completely different person...!

Sakura: B-brother... What’s happened to you!?

Takumi: I’m strong... I... have a divine weapon... But even then... all everyone talks about is my siblings... all everyone talks about is Kamui...

Kamui: What are you saying!? Takumi, please come back to us!

Takumi: There’s no need for people who don’t look at me... there’s no need for people who stand in my way... why don’t you all just... DISAPPEAR!!

Kamui: Takumi!?

Treehouse

Hinoka: Gah! What's wrong with you? That arrow almost hit me!

Corrin: Takumi, what are you doing?!

Takumi: Kill...

Corrin: Um...

Takumi: I should have been the chosen one...

Hinoka: This is creepy...

Sakura: *sob* Takumi... What h-happened to you?

Takumi: I am ignored...alone...forgotten. But I am more powerful than they can imagine!

Corrin: What are you saying? Snap out of it, Takumi!

Takumi: Ughhhh... I will not stand in the shadows any longer... They will all see me for the first time! I will make them pay for what they've done. I will make them...I will make them... DIE!

Corrin: Takumi?!

The JP version of this exchange centers around Takumi’s own inheritance of a divine weapon as well as his inferiority complex in regards to not only Corrin, but his other siblings as well. This is important, because it was never only Corrin coming back that caused Takumi to feel left out and ignored, but also Ryoma’s natural talents making Takumi feel inferior and Hinoka’s unintentional aloofness towards her siblings as a result of purely focusing on her training (these are things that are touched on in his supports with both of them btw). Sakura is exempt from this sentiment though.

Chapter 10 (Azura cures Takumi’s possession)

JP version

Takumi: ......

Aqua: Takumi... your eyes, and that gaze... Maybe, just maybe... If my hunch is correct, my song can do something about this. I can only hope it’ll be enough...

Takumi: No one...no one... looks at me... No one at all...

Aqua: Wait, Takumi.

Takumi: You are...

Aqua: Listen. You're being controlled by an unseen force. How awful... This isn’t you. Which is why... Please listen to my song...  (Sings Lost in Thoughts)

Takumi: Ugh...! Gaaaaaaaah!!

Aqua: ......

Takumi: Ungh... ! Aqua...?

Aqua: Thank goodness. You’ve come back to us.

Takumi: Come back...? What do you mean? W-where are we...?

Aqua: I’m sorry, but we don’t have time to discuss that right now. The people of Fuuma have ambushed us. Can we count on your assistance?

Takumi: Oh... okay. I understand.

Aqua: ...Hey, Takumi. 

Takumi: What is it?

Aqua: I can always count on you. You are very strong and intelligent. You have a charm that your other siblings don’t have. That’s what I think.

Takumi: H-huh!? What does-

Aqua: Hmhm, well let’s be off. Standing idle won’t do us any good.

Takumi: Hey, wait up! ...Hey, Aqua! ...... (smiling portrait) ...Well it can’t be helped. All right, time to show them what Prince Takumi can do!

Treehouse

Takumi: Unnnhhh...

Azura: Look at the color of his eyes... Could it be? There's only one way to find out. I'll have to sing to him...

Takumi: No one...notices me. No one...cares. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die.

Azura: Takumi...listen to me.

Takumi: You... You are...

Azura: It doesn't matter. I'm someone who can help. You're being controlled by a dark force. This is not who you are! You don't have to give in. You can survive this! Listen carefully... (Sings Lost in Thoughts)

Takumi: Ugh... Gyaaaaah!

Azura: Takumi, can you hear me now?

Takumi: Ohhhh... Azura? Is that you?

Azura: Yes, it's me! Oh, thank goodness.

Takumi: Uh...where am I?

Azura: Unfortunately, we're right in the middle of a battle. I don't really have time to explain. Are you in any condition to defend yourself?

Takumi: I...I think so. I feel OK.

Azura: Very well. Just remember.. You're strong and intelligent. There's a certain something about you. I believe in you, Takumi.

Takumi: Um, OK...

Azura: That's the Takumi I remember. Now, come on! You'll need to focus to make it through this battle.

Takumi: Wait! Azura! Ugh, I'm still a bit woozy. So many questions... (angry/cocky portrait) I guess I'll just have to stay alive to get them answered.

I touched on this in my general Birthright script changes post, but I thought I’d bring up the overall tone shift here. Takumi’s genuine happiness in the JP version was replaced with an awkward reaction and a cocky response in the Treehouse version, hence why I also noted the portrait change. Not out of character per se, but I think Takumi having his first real establishing moment of joy being replaced does a disservice to both his character and the player getting to see it.

Chapter 10 (after battle)

JP version

Sakura: Takumi!!! You... you’re back to normal...!

Hinoka: (voice clip of her crying) Moron...! We were... so worried about you...!

Takumi: H-hey, quit crying. Aren’t you both too old to be doing that?

Sakura: I don't care about that! You’ve come back to us, so I’m fine with crying!!!

Hinoka: Me too! I love you too much to care about things like that now!

Takumi: Sakura, Hinoka... Thank you. I’m sorry that I worried you this much.

Kamui: I’m curious to know what’s been going on. What happened at the border battle, Takumi?

Takumi: That battle... it was a struggle. We fought by Izumo’s border at first... But before long the battle extended all the way to the Infinite Chasm. During the march there, I got separated from Ryoma.

Kamui: I see, so you don’t know where he is either...

Takumi: During the battle, the enemy’s attack triggered a massive rockslide. I got caught up in it... and fell into the Infinite Chasm.

Kamui: The Infinite Chasm!?

Hinoka: But... you’re alive. How did you manage to come back?

Takumi: That I still don’t know... Everything after that is a blur... I can’t remember anything before I woke up here.

Hinoka: I see... Well, at any rate, I’m relieved that you’re back alive. It’s a miracle you were able to survive that bottomless pit.

Takumi: Hey... what have I been doing all this time?

Aqua: It's best not to worry about it, Takumi. Some horrible magic took hold of you and brought you here against your will. That’s all it is.

Takumi: No... that can’t be it. Hinoka’s arm has been grazed by an arrow. It looks like it was cause by the Fujin Yumi... I attacked her, didn’t I?

Hinoka: Well, that’s... 

Takumi: Tell me... what did I do in front of all of you?

Kamui: ...... ...Takumi. When you met us here, you immediately started attacking us. Until your sanity came back, you were fighting Hoshidan troops.

Takumi: !! That’s...! Attacking my own countrymen... Unforgiveable. I don’t think I’m qualified to be a part of Hoshido’s army after doing that...

Kamui: No, being qualified doesn’t matter. I was in a similar situation, being raised as a prince of the enemy country... but even so, you all accepted me without hesitation.

Takumi: No... I wasn’t like that... 

Kamui: Er, well, be that as it may... What matters now is you’re here with us. If you feel you’ve made a mistake, you can make up for it from now on. I’d really like to fight alongside you, Takumi. Do you feel likewise?

Takumi: ...... I will, if you can forgive me for the harsh words from earlier.

Kamui: Of course. Those are things of the past. 

Takumi: ...Thank you, brother. And thank you too... Sister.

Aqua: ...No, it’s quite all right. ......

Kamui: ...Aqua, are you okay? You look kind of pale...

Aqua: ...I’m fine, just a little tired. Don’t worry, I’ll get better soon. 

Kamui: Um, okay...

Treehouse

Sakura: Brother! I'm so glad you're back to normal. We were all so w-worried about you.

Hinoka: (voice clip of her saying “I won’t allow it!”) Yeah. Don't ever do that again, OK?

Takumi: Whoa, guys! Stop crying. You're making me all embarrassed.

Sakura: I don't care. We didn't know if we'd ever see you again. And then when you showed up all weird like that...

Hinoka: Yeah. We didn't know if you'd ever be the same Takumi we know and love again.

Takumi: Well, it's definitely me guys. Thank you for your concern. And I'm sorry I made you all worried.

Corrin: It's good to have you back, Takumi. But as much as I would like to savor this moment. Ryoma is still missing. Can you tell us anything about what happened to you two?

Takumi: Yeah. It was insane. We ran into Nohrian troops just outside Izumo and began fighting. Ryoma and I were separated in the early stages of combat, before we had to retreat. We were outnumbered...and pushed to the brink of the Bottomless Canyon.

Corrin: So we still have no idea where he is...

Takumi: No, I'm afraid not. Something triggered a massive landslide, and I was caught up in it. That's how I fell into the canyon.

Corrin: You actually fell into the Bottomless Canyon? How are you still alive?

Hinoka: I've never heard of anyone returning from there before.

Takumi: I...I have no idea. All I remember is falling. There was a period of darkness, and then I woke up here.

Hinoka: Well, I'm just glad to have you back. It's a miracle you survived a fall like that!

Takumi: So, um, can anyone tell me how I ended up here? Or what, exactly, I was doing before I woke up just no?

Azura: It's best you don't worry about it for now. Just get some rest.

Takumi: No, I need to know. My Fujin Yumi was in my hand when I came to. And some of you have wounds in your backs...

Hinoka: Well...

Takumi: Tell me! What did I do?

Corrin: Takumi...you must have been under some sort of spell. You stumbled out of the woods and started attacking our party. Please, try not to worry about it. We know it wasn't really you.

Takumi: Oh, what have I done? A prince attacking his own men? How can I show my face in Hoshido again?

Corrin: Please! Someone... or something...was controlling you. We know you were not in your right mind.

Takumi: That's small comfort right now, I'm afraid.

Corrin: Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but all that matters now is that we're all here. Will you join us in the search for Ryoma? Perhaps something along the way will jog your memory. Can we count on you?

Takumi: Yes. If you can forgive me for all the hurtful things I’ve said and done.

Corrin: Of course. We must move forward—not dwell on the past.

Takumi: Thank you, Corrin. I also need to thank you...Sister.

Azura: Oh! You called me— I mean...you're quite welcome, Takumi. Ahem... *cough* *cough*

Corrin: Is everything OK, Azura? You don't look well.

Azura: I'm fine. I think I'm just a bit tired. Please, don't worry about me. I'll be better in no time.

Corrin: If you say so.

Hinoka was made kind of... less concerned over Takumi in the localization. Or at the very least, less worried like how an older sibling would be, where her crying is replaced with more of a reprimand. 

In the JP version, Takumi specifically mentioned attacking Hinoka and her having an arrow wound to signify it, the localization changed it to a general “some of you have wounds in your backs.” 

The instance of Corrin comparing his own situation to what just happened with Takumi was cut and replaced by talking about the possession (even thought it’s been talked about already), meaning a nice moment of character bonding and calling back to previous scenes was cut. 

And lastly, there’s another instance of Treehouse Corrin in Birthright acting like an douchebag that I actually missed in my general Birthright post. In the JP version, when Takumi says he wasn’t as accepting of Corrin at first, Corrin tries to just shift the conversation to something Takumi can be more positive about. Treehouse replaced it with Corrin basically saying “well, I’m sorry that you feel that way, but can you help us now” which is such an asshole thing to say to someone who’s just now realizing he hurt his sister and has lost his memory up until this point.

Chapter 11 (before battle)

JP Version

Kamui: ...Phew. We made it to a ship just before it set sail. I never thought there’d be Nohrian soldiers at the port. We haven’t been attacked since Fuuma (Mokushu), so my guard was down.

Sakura: Yes. But somehow we managed it. Big Brother... you should probably rest a little bit, at least.

Aqua: I don’t understand... how did those soldiers track us down in the first place? No one should know that our party is crossing into Nohr.

Takumi: Don’t tell me... there’s a spy in our mix, isn’t there?

Aqua: Spy?

Takumi: Yeah. Haven’t you considered it? There could be a spy among us working for the Nohrians, reporting our movements. That mage... he’s especially suspicious.

Zola: H-huuuuh!? I am!?

Hinoka: ...Well, you are suspicious. Very much so.

Takumi: Big Brother Kamui said... before joining you guys, he tried trapping all of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried something again.

Zola: W-what!?

Hinoka: ...Right, then. As promised, I’ll strike to kill.

Zola: Eeeek!

Kamui: ...No. Please stop, everyone. It’s not good to doubt your comrades.

Hinoka: Kamui...

Kamui: All right? There’s no proof that he’s a spy. Once we decide to believe someone, let’s keep believing them.

Takumi: Brother... Even so, I can’t trust this man.

Kamui: Yes... Well, it’s not something I can explain right now, Takumi. I’m sorry. Let’s talk about it later. For now, I’d like for you to trust in him a bit.

Takumi: ...... ...Very well. If you’re insisting that much, I’ll make an effort to believe him, too. 

Zola: Lord Takumi...!

Takumi: What is it now? I never said I’d trust you right away. I’ll start considering it after hearing what my brother has to say. And stop saying my name so casually.

Zola: Gah! No, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Treehouse

Corrin: Well, this should be interesting. I've never sailed before. And we made it just in time to catch the last boat leaving the harbor. How lucky!

Sakura: I know. It's been such a long march—I'm really looking forward to r-resting a bit.

Azura: I wouldn't get too comfortable. Remember, we are on our way to Nohr. Some of the passengers on this ship could be our enemies.

Takumi: Yes, and there could be a spy among us.

Azura: What are you talking about, Takumi?

Takumi: You know exactly what I'm talking about. That whiny little mage from Nohr! Whose idea was it to let him tag along?

Zola: Gah! I'm no threat, guys! I promise! Haven't I been helpful so far?

Hinoka: Don't worry, Takumi. I've been keeping a very close eye on him.

Takumi: I don't know. Didn't he set everyone up back in Izumo? I wouldn't be surprised if he were plotting something.

Zola: But...but...

Hinoka: OK, I'll get my knife ready...

Zola: Eeeek!

Corrin: Calm down, everyone. I trust Zola, and I believe you should as well. He stood with us through one battle without stabbing anyone in the back. Besides, how could he even really information to Nohr? It's a preposterous notion.

Takumi: Sorry. I can't just take your word for it. I don't trust him.

Corrin: That's fine. A little healthy skepticism won't hurt. Just try to be civil, OK?

Takumi: I'll do my best.

Zola: Lord Takumi...

Takumi: What's wrong with you? Did I say that you could speak my name?

Zola: Gah! No, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Never caught this before. In the JP version the party apparently got ambushed by Nohrian troops at the port, and that’s why the topic of there being spies is brought up, since Azura wonders how the soldiers even knew of the party’s whereabouts. Treehouse cut out this information.

Takumi in general is more abrasive, which is consistent to how Treehouse has been so far. I’d also like to note that Corrin’s insistence on believing in people is diluted a bit in Treehouse’s version, where he says civil skepticism is fine instead of trying to get Takumi to trust in people more. While this can make Corrin seem more palatable and smart, this doesn’t line up with his established character. He’s supposed to have a backbone when it comes to trusting in people and peaceful, diplomatic solutions. It’s why he almost got killed by Xander for not wanting to kill prisoners of war. If Corrin actually believed in “healthy skepticism” he wouldn’t let Zola in the party, especially after almost hurting Sakura. 

Also, Takumi’s supposed to be softening up to Corrin as a brother at this point and be more willing to listen to him, and Treehouse’s version of the exchange-while not bad in the logisitic sense-does a poor job in showing a family bond growing between them. A family bond which, if you recall, was mentioned in the JP version all the way back in the prologue. So... points for being consistent in cutting out themes, I guess.

Chapter 11 (after battle)

JP Version

Kamui: All right, we took care of them.

Takumi: No problem. Even invisible, there’s no way they could beat us.

Kamui: Haha, you’re very reliable, Takumi.

Takumi: (Smiling portrait) Well, yeah. I have to make up for my mistakes. A certain someone told me as much, anyway.

Kamui: (Smiling portrait) Takumi...

Treehouse

Corrin: That's the last of them.

Takumi: Ha! Those stupid things didn't know who they were messing with.

Corrin: Well, I'm glad to see that you're feeling like yourself again. Takumi.

Takumi: Me too. (Frowning portrait) After all, I have a long way to go to redeem myself...

Corrin: (Neutral portrait) Takumi, that's simply not true.

Corrin in the JP version: Takumi and I are starting to get along and he’s happy, that makes me happy too :)

Corrin according to Treehouse: Takumi, you’re really fuckin up the vibe :/

Jokes aside, it really does baffle me what Treehouse’s obession is with a) making Corrin kind of a dick and b) not letting Takumi smile/be happy more often, like wtf. I know that Corrin saying Takumi doesn’t have to redeem himself could be taken positively, but since a specific tone has already been set by Treehouse, it unfortunately comes off as patronizing instead.

Chapter 11 (after Zola protects Takumi)

JP version

Kamui: Are you okay, Zola? Thank you for helping Takumi earlier.

Zola: No need for thanks... That was something I wanted to do. When I saw Lord Takumi in danger, my body moved on its own.

Kamui: Even so... thank you.

Takumi: Hey... Zola.

Zola: ! L-lord Takumi! Ah, forgive me. I said your name again...

Takumi: No, it’s fine. You can call me whatever you like. I’m sorry for doubting you earlier, Zola.

Zola: What...?

Takumi: Yeah. You just saved my life at the risk of your own. If you hadn’t done that, that guy could’ve killed me. So I’m sorry I didn’t have faith in you.

Zola: That’s...! Please raise your head, Lord Takumi! There’s no need to thank me for this. I merely did what Lord Kamui did for me back in Izumo, when Lord Leo was about to execute me.

Takumi: What!? Kamui, you did something that reckless?

Kamui: Ah... haha... well, something like that... 

Zola: Yes. Since then, I’ve changed. Thanks to Lord Kamui.

Takumi: ...I see. Well, with a story like that, I have no choice but to believe it. I’ll be counting on you as a friend from now on, Zola.

Zola: Likewise... thank you very much.

Kamui: (Smiling portrait) ......

Treehouse

Corrin: That was extremely courageous, Zola. Are you all right?

Zola: It was nothing. I'm just glad that Lady Sakura was able to heal me.

Corrin: I beg to differ. It was not nothing. It was a remarkably selfless act.

Takumi: Zola...I have something to say to you.

Zola: Yes, Lord Tak—I mean yes, milord?

Takumi: Please. You've more than earned the right to speak my name. I'm sorry for doubting you.

Zola: Really? You mean that?

Takumi: Yes. Talk is cheap, and I still think I was smart not to trust you at first. But you may have just saved my life. It was a heroic act.

Zola: Thank you, Lord Takumi! I'm just following Lord Corrin's lead. If it weren't for him, I may have died at the hands of Lord Leo in Izumo. Now maybe you'll have the chance to perform a similar gesture.

Takumi: Wait, Corrin jumped in front of an attack meant for you? Right after you tried to kill him?

Corrin: Ha! No, Takumi. It wasn't exactly like that. I merely asked Leo to spare Zola's life. He was helpless and defeated.

Zola: Yes. And that kindness was enough to sway Lord Leo. He merely exiled me instead of taking my life.

Takumi: I see. Well, I just hope we can put all of this behind us.

Zola: Of course, milord!

Corrin: (Neutral portrait) Yes. It's time to focus on what's next. Who knows what's waiting for us in Nohr...

Takumi in the JP version is more willing to admit a mistake without a kind of “but I was still right” line, Treehouse adds one in anyway.

Also Treehouse made Corrin into a buzzkill, in other news, the sky is blue.

In further chapters, it’s mostly the same routine. Takumi is more abrasive and certain tender family moments involving him are diluted. I mentioned back in my general Birthright post that Takumi in his sickness, bed ridden delirium in chapter 16 talks in bigger detail about the “truth behind this war” and while this doesn’t have much to do with Takumi in particular, I thought I’d bring it up again.

Chapter 24 (pre battle, Takumi talks to Iago about possession)

JP version

Takumi: How dare you manipulate and mock me? What you said earlier about my feeling inferior is true... but I've learned something in this fight. There’s things only I can do! That's why... I would never betray my beloved siblings or my precious friends! As a proud prince of Hoshido!

Treehouse

Takumi: I just woke up for good. That's what happened. You were able to exploit some of my deepest fears and flaws, but that's over. My brothers and sisters need me, and I won't let them down. I'm a proud prince of Hoshido, and from now on I will live up to the title!

Both are fine, but the JP version is a bit more self actualizing, whereas the Treehouse version is more dependent on Takumi feeling like his siblings need him.

Chapter 24 (Takumi vs. Iago boss conversation)

JP version

Takumi: I’ll never forgive you...How dare you...how dare you take advantage of me. Macbeth...

Macbeth: You just regained your senses, and already such cheek...! You should’ve stayed as a good little pawn right until the end.

Takumi: When I was freed from your control, I remembered everything... How I’d send an owl with information of my whereabouts every night. How I’d lose all memory of it every morning. How I suspected my allies without knowing I was the traitor all along... What an absolute disgrace...

Macbeth: Then repent for your sins and quickly die. Isn’t that better than living a life of shame?

Takmui: Shut up! I'll live to pay for this crime! First, I’ll start making up for what I’ve done by defeating you here, Macbeth!

Treehouse

Takumi: Yes! I was hoping I'd get a chance to kill you myself. This is for everything you've put me through!

Iago: *yawn* You know I chose you because you were the weakest, right? You should never have come out of that spell—now you're going to suffer!

Takumi: Wrong! Now that my head is clear, my aim is truer than ever. I'm going to turn your face into my own personal bull's-eye.

Also touched on this in the Birthright post. The fact that Treehouse cut out the entire explanation for how exactly Takumi relayed information to Iago is freaking weird. Like... why?

Overall, though that’s about it for major changes to Takumi in Birthright’s story. Now for Conquest.

Chapter 10 (pre battle conversation) 

JP version

Hinata: Lord Takumi, it seems the Nohrian army is stationed at the port.

Takumi:  …An ambush, is it? Well, I expected no less of them. We won’t run away with our tails between our legs. It’s what they want.

Treehouse

Hinata: Lord Takumi! It seems the Nohrians aren't going to back down.

Takumi: So they plan to fight us, do they? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Nohrians aren't like normal, decent people. They live for the thrill of battle. All the better. I shall delight in putting those cowards in their place.

While I’ve said before that Conquest’s localization changes aren’t as egregious as Birthright’s (at least when not concerning Xander), I do find it funny that Takumi is consistent for the most part, aside from taking little jabs like he does in Treehouse’s version. Here’s another example: 

Chapter 10 (Corrin vs. Takumi)

JP version

Takumi: ! Kamui...

Kamui: Takumi... 

Takumi: Never expected to see you here, Prince Traitor. For the person who left Hoshido in such a wreck, you’re sure doing well for yourself.

Kamui: I’m sorry... I’m afraid I have nothing to say to that.

Takumi: Hm... guess you’re still man enough to feel guilt, after all. Then you can start regretting your mistake as I kill you right here!

Treehouse

Takumi: Any last words, Corrin?

Corrin: Takumi... In your heart you must know this is the last thing I ever wanted.

Takumi: Ah, how quaint. More pretty words from the Prince of Betrayal. How can you stand to live after the horrors you caused in Hoshido? My suspicions must be accurate. Nohrians don't have souls.

Corrin: Words could never express my sorrow for what took place...

Takumi: Oh? Are you still human enough to feel remorse? Fascinating. It's a fitting last emotion. I hope you feel its sting as I strike you down!

Takumi being a little shit towards his enemies is always hilarious, that’s one thing that Treehouse did that I think is fun. Another one I like is in chapter 13, where when Camilla calls Scarlet a traitor, Takumi responds with “Nohrian logic never ceases to amuse me.” And again in chapter 23 where, while not funny but more dramatic, he tells Corrin he “...shall cherish the sound of life leaving your body for all eternity.” Lines like these weren’t in the JP version, but since they are harmless additions and not replacing anything, they’re all fine. It only becomes an issue to me when said moments start replacing genuine tender scenes or cutting out details, like in Birthright.

Endgame (Corrin talks to Takumi in purgatory)

JP version

Takumi: Thank you. It would have been if we had fought alongside each other. Kamui. The truth is... I always wanted us to get along as siblings. I wanted to call you ‘brother.’ I wish I could have said that when I was still me... but I'm so stubborn that I just couldn't be honest with you. ...... I'm sorry.

Kamui: I’m sorry, too... Your resentment is my doing. ...I have always wanted you to call me ‘brother’, as well. Once the war was over, we could have been close as siblings should be. And yet...I am so sorry that things turned out this way.

Takumi: No, it’s all right. You accepted my resentment and came all this way. That's enough. Thank you, brother...

Treehouse

Takumi: Thank you, Corrin. I wonder…what it would have been like to fight on the same side as you. I always wished we could have been close, as you are with your Nohrian siblings. Right up until my last moments, I wanted so badly to call you my brother. To look up to you and love you…and never allow anything to come between us. I wish I had told you that before I died. While there was still a chance… I was just so stubborn, so hurt. I couldn’t admit those feelings even to myself. For that, I am truly sorry. I’m so sorry for letting you slip away, dear brother.

Corrin: Takumi…I’m sorry too. I caused you so much pain. The truth is, I longed to have you accept me as your brother too. I never let go of the dream that after the war we could all be together again… I’m so sorry things turned out the way they did.

Takumi: It’s all right, Corrin. We finally got to say all the things we needed to say. You have done more than enough. My heart… It’s finally at peace. Thank you, Brother…

I mentioned in my Conquest post that, while the Treehouse version is perfectly fine, it could potentially be read as putting more of the onus of Takumi and Corrin’s falling out on Takumi rather than Corrin. The JP version makes it more clear where each party is responsible.

Anyway, since Conquest’s localization has a fraction of the issues that Birthright’s has and Takumi showed up less frequently since he was an enemy, time to move on to Revelation... or at least, I would, but like Conquest, Revelation doesn’t have nearly as many localization issues as Birthright. Plus, Takumi has to share the spotlight with 7 other siblings and Azura, soooo... not many lines to screw up, anyhow.

So instead, time for supports and other general dialogue!

Corrin Support

In the JP version, when Corrin notes that it’s harder to draw a bowstrong than he imagined, Takumi notes that it takes a lot of physical and mental strength to do so. Localization just has him say “Well of course, did you think it’d be easy?” Similar message, but fewer details. Corrin then notes that because of that, he realized once again how talented Takumi is. In the JP version, Takumi gets flustered and nervous, in the localized version, he asks if Corrin is being sarcastic. Again, same message, but comes across a bit differently.

Other than those things and few lines being rearranged, the support chain is pretty faithful for the most part.

Felicia Support

In the JP version at the end of the A support, Felicia says that, while satisfied with Takumi’s apology for being rude, she still wants to share stories of her hometown, so he should be prepared. In response, Takumi laughs and says something like “Is that so?”. Treehouse changed this to have Takumi say outright “No more Ice Tribe stories anymore.” The reason why this was changed is most likely to fit in with how the S support is framed, where Takumi says he was frustrated with Felicia only talking about her hometown all the time instead of about herself. The JP version kept it intentionally ambiguous because there’s no guarantee that Takumi and Felicia will S support one another, so meh. Not a huge mistake, but thought I’d mention it. Other than that, the support was done well.

Azura Support

Again, not many major differences. Just in the JP version of the A support, Takumi says “from now on, let’s get along like brother and sister” whereas Treehouse has him say “we’ll both make more of an effort.” Less familial, so it can be seen as lacking a bit.

Sakura Support

JP version of the C support has Takumi mention that prominent aristocrats of Hoshido will attend the party/banquet attending, so that’s why he and Sakura can’t skip it. Treehouse cut out this small detail. Also, in the JP version Takumi says the atmosphere of these kinds of parties are stuffy, whereas Treehouse has him say “I wish we could leave all this highfalutin stuff to someone else”, which honestly got a chuckle out of me. Love words like that.

Treehouse version of the B support adds the line where he suggests lighting the guests hair on fire and running for cover, alongside the pre-existing line of faking being sick. Again, pretty funny to me tbh. Takumi saying crazy shit is a-ok to me, so long as it’s not at the expense of other lines being removed or moments being ruined.

Hinata Support

C support in the Treehouse version has Takumi pull rank by saying “Is that any way to address your superiors? “Show yourself”? Seriously!?” JP version just has him say “If you need anything, just tell me.” The idea of Takumi pulling rank isn’t exactly surprising per se, but he’s more the type to lash out at unfamiliar people speaking too casually with him. Hinata is a close friend and retainer, so it’s a bit out of place.

Oboro Support

In the Treehouse B support, Takumi says the fabrics that Oboro chose get the “Takumi seal of approval.” Not a negative addition at all, it’s cute.

Kagero Support

In the Treehouse C support, Takumi says “It seems like stealth comes naturally to you. After all, just a moment ago you popped up and scared me so bad I peed a little.” The peeing line wasn’t in the JP version. They made my son a pissbaby.

Kana Child Support

I felt obligated to mention how Takumi says “Well mold my onions, aren't you clever?” in response to how Kana has been helping Corrin out during the little father-son contest. Not in the JP support, obviously. But y’know. Onions, lol.

Camilla Support

Bit of a change here.

JP version

Takumi: I may seem unreliable as I am now, but if it's for you...I will definitely become even stronger, no matter what it takes!

Camilla: ......

Takumi: That's why...please marry me!

Camilla: Prince Takumi...You were...very dashing just now. I...didn't know you could be so bold.

Takumi: Princess Camilla...

Camilla: I...happily accept your proposal. Please let me watch over your growth by your side, okay?

Takumi: Yes. Of course.

Treehouse

Takumi: I know you still see me as cute, or childish, or as a fun plaything. But I have more to offer than that! Give me the chance to prove it to you!

Camilla: Hmmmmmmm... That was shockingly mature, for you. I've never known you to be so solemn and direct.

Takumi: Princess Camilla, I...

Camilla: I accept your proposal. Perhaps I flatter myself, but I suspect it's my care which has helped you along. In which case, staying by your side for years to come will only improve you further.

Takumi: N-not exactly the response I was hoping for...but I'll take it. Here's to our life together!

Like Camilla says herself in the Treehouse version, she flatters herself more. She also says him being mature is a shock, which is kinda mean, and that feeling only gets cemented when Takumi says it wasn’t exactly the response he was hoping for. JP version more or less has Camilla be more genuinely surprised at how bold he is.

Leo Support

More significant differences. First is a part of the C rank.

JP version

Leon: I'm telling you in advance that we probably won't be getting along well.

Takumi: Hm, What a coincidence. To tell you the truth, I thought so too.

Leon: What...?

Takumi: That haughty attitude, and that condescending way you look at other people... I knew you were a disgusting sort of person from the beginning.

Leon: ………… …Okay then, your childish way of thinking makes me want to vomit. I won't ever approach you, so you also must never approach me.

Treehouse

Leo: We might as well get this out of the way. You and I are not going to be friends.

Takumi: What a coincidence! I was just thinking the same thing.

Leo: Of course you were. You have such an arrogant attitude and—

Takumi: Me?! I'm not the one going around patronizing everybody! You're the jerk!

Leo: Is that the best you can do? You sound like a whiny, little brat. Just as expected. Let's make a deal. You stay away from me, and I'll stay away from you. Think you can manage?

Consistent with certain other instances of Treehouse, the same message is getting across, but the tone is a bit different. Both are definitely hostile, but the Treehouse one could come across more... immature, I guess. I personally don’t take issue with it, but I thought it was relevant to bring up. Now on to a part of B rank:

JP version

Leon: Prince Takumi... What's your favorite food?

Takumi: I like miso soup...

Leon: Miso soup?

Takumi: Ah, you mix miso and dried bonito in hot water, season it, and add other ingredients such as vegetables or tofu to boil and then eat.

Leon: Wha...?

Takumi: Hm, what's wrong?

Leon: I... like food such as soup and stew. To put it simply… Food where you mix meat and vegetables in boiling water which you then season …In other words, it's something like miso soup.

Takumi: Wh-what?

Leon: W-well then, what's your favorite kind of book to read? Novels or essays, or poetry anthologies? What's your favorite genre?

Takumi: Books, huh… I read all kinds, though I mainly like philosophy books. Philosophers from the past who expresses a different way of thinking compared to the people who are living now. That's what's interesting to me...

Leon: H-how is this possible!? How can this be the same too!?

Takumi: Then, what about your favorite pastime... What's your hobby!?

Leon: I-I like chess. Chess is a strategic game where you use pieces to battle on on a board.

Takumi: Th-that's... In Hoshido, that's something called Shogi!

Leon: ...And do you like this Shogi game, Prince Takumi?

Takumi: Like is an understatement, I'm the best in our family. How... how do we have so much in common?

Leon:  …………

Takumi:  ………… Hey, Prince Leon. Maybe getting to know one another isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Leon: What a coincidence… I was thinking the same. Do you want to continue talking about each other's tastes?

Takumi: Y-yeah. Who knows, we might find out about other things we have in common.

Leon: In the unlikely event we do hit it off, I’m sure we’ll get along well, h-hahaha...

Takumi: Hahaha...

Treehouse

Leo: They say that people with similar personalities like the same things.

Takumi: I like miso soup.

Leo: Mee-so soup?

Takumi: Yeah. It's a Hoshidan dish. You got a problem with that?

Leo: No. My favorite food is beef stew. It's kind of like a soup. Hmm...

Takumi: What kind of books do you read?

Leo: I read all kinds of things, but I have a passion for history.

Takumi: Is it...because you love to study the strategy behind past battles?

Leo: Gods, don't tell me... Do you like to read history books too?

Takumi: Yes, but I'm sure our hobbies are different.

Leo: My favorite game is chess. It's a tactical board game where—

Takumi: In Hoshido, our version is called shogi.

Leo: And do you like to play this "show-gee" thing?

Takumi: I'm the best shogi player in my whole family.

Leo: I can't believe it. Who would have guessed we have so much in common?

Takumi: I don't know, but I'll tell you—it's hard to hate someone with such excellent taste!

Leo: No kidding. I was about to say the exact same thing. Hmm... Maybe we should do this again sometime.

Takumi: Ahaha! Oh? So now you want to be best friends?

Leo: Ha! Of course not. That will never happen.

Takumi: Never!

Once again, similar message gets across, but lines are rearranged. However, this time, some details are cut, such as discussion of how both Takumi and Leo take their miso soup and stew respectively. One significant change is how originally Takumi and Leo loved philosophy books, but Treehouse changed this to battle strategy and history. Don’t know why this was changed, I thought it was neat. Also near the end, while both versions of the support have a kind of “in-denial” aspect about becoming friends, it can come across a bit differently. Though this is just linguistics in general, tbh. Japanese itself is a more... indirect language when it comes to speaking. There’s also Leo saying “mee-so” and “show-gee”, which some can probably think is cringe, but meh. It fuels my “Hoshido and Nohr speak different language” headcanon, so I’m fine with it.

Anyway, in the JP A support there’s another description by Leo of the miso soup recipe and him detailing a bit why he enjoyed it, but other than that, that’s it for their support. And for supports as a whole, too. 

Private Quarters 

When inviting:

JP version

"Brother, what did you want?"

"Brother, what should we talk about?"

"Brother, I’m here. What’s going on?" 

"What’s wrong? ...Am I in the way of something?" (When Married to someone else)

Treehouse

"What is it? Did you want to tell me little secrets or something?"

"What's with all the racket in here? Are you playing the drums or something?"

"What do you want? There's no point in sparring. You couldn't keep up!"

"Huh! If this is how it is, I'll get my slippers. We can all cuddle." (When Married to someone else)

The JP version of these lines are a bit generic, so I appreciate the changes Treehouse made here.

Last, but not least, while there are other changes to his lovers lines in Private Quarters, his S rank line in particular I wanna bring mention too.

In Treehouse’s version, it’s this: 

“I would do anything for you. Would you do anything for me? I need to know...”

In the JP version, however, it’s this: 

“I love you. If there were another world in which I raised a hand against you… at that time kill me to stop me. Promise me that you will definitely do that.”

Big difference. Treehouse did this a lot with certain private quarters lines and confessions, where references to story happenings get outright replaced. Off the top of my head, Xander’s S rank private quarters in the JP version talks about how he’d be fine with dying if Corrin was the one doing it, referencing his death in Birthright. Elise, Ryoma, Flora, and as seen here, Takumi, have similar cases. It’s a shame that these were replaced, because I find it pretty neat that tragedy involved with these characters gets invoked in personal settings.

Anyway, I couldn’t find any more significant differences! I looked at DLC lines, My Castle lines, and the like to make sure, but all of it was pretty faithful to the original script. Overall, yeah, there are pretty significant changes here, with Birthright being the main offender as per usual. Some of them are baffling, some are effectively harmless, but regardless thought to do this because Takumi remains one of my favorite characters in Fates and Fire Emblem as a whole.

I hope you all enjoyed reading it!

#takumi fire emblem #fire emblem fates #fire emblem #fe14 #hoshido #fire emblem if #treehouse localization #meta

[rassicas]

I don't think this nuance carries through in my posts all too well with how much i criticize splatoon's english localization. But I believe the fault is less so on the localizers themselves and more so on the higher ups and whoever is managing the localization team. For one thing there needs to be better communication between the Splatoon team on the JP side and the localization team to convey whats going on with the worldbuilding. I'm not all that involved with the Kirby series, but I am aware that there have been some localization choices that seriously contradict with the JP version in a way that affected the lore. I don't know how well the localization of Kirby and the Forgotten Land turned out, but one of the developers mentioned that there was collaboration with the localization team to ensure they got the lore right.

And with some of the choices made in Splatoon 2 especially, (like pearl making all the octopus jokes about marina and references to the destructive power of pearl's voice being cut, both of which ended up being really important for octo expansion) this level of communication about Splatoon's world and story was definitely not happening for the writing Splatoon and Splatoon 2. Splatoon 3 it's hard to say, but there's were certainly some questionable choices in the Squid research lab posts leading up to Splatoon 3, and also whatever happened with Mr. Grizz's characterization...We'll see how Side Order turns out.

also according to this article (from 2022), nearly half of NOA's localization team are contractors rather than full time employees, and there were no full time hires over the past 3 years. It sucks for the contractors who don't get those privileges of fulltime employees, and it sucks for fulltime employees who have to reorganize workloads to compensate for those whose contract expired. I'd imagine this also leads to less time for some of the localizers to really get to know the source material of what they're translating.

One other weird thing about this is that the majority of weird localization changes are from NOA, while NOE localizations tend to be more accurate to the source material. There's probably a variety of factors at play, like what philosophy NOA takes in localization practices + the other factors mentioned above. anyways just getting thoughts out there. what the hell is happening at nintendo treehouse

#idk what to tag this as. we are rambling here. #splatoon translations #yeah i guess it can go in that tag. #ive had a lot of time and thoughts in my brain lately about Funny Squid Game so hence my long posts as of late #long post

[teshamerkel]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Seekers of Soul

[Chapter 50]

<< First | < Previous | Next >

AO3 Link

-

Tobias and Nia take the ferry north to the guild, but the river might not be as peaceful as they would hope.

-

When Tobias wakes at sunrise, he has to take a few minutes to settle his thoughts. For once, they’re racing almost as soon as he’s conscious, still tangled up in all of the information Nia dumped on him after her impromptu talk with Giratina yesterday.

As if that situation wasn’t terrifying enough on its own.

No, she also had to come back from her little chat with news of the world ending. And somehow, Nia and Tobias are the ones put in charge of stopping it.

No pressure or anything.

Tobias knows they can’t just ignore it, though. If Giratina is telling the truth—and Tobias is still a bit iffy on that, but can’t find much reason for why he would lie about such a thing, either—then it needs to be fixed. It’s not something he’s willing to take a chance on.

At least they have a plan. Tobias isn’t looking forward to groveling to Will for the assistance Nia is convinced he can give, but he’ll feel better once he loops August and Alistair and some of the other guild ‘mon in on this. See what they know. Someone has to have an idea of where Xerneas’ resting place could be.

But before worrying about all of that, they need to actually make it back to the Lexym Guild. Even taking the ferry, it’ll probably be a couple of days until they reach home. They can think over how to bring all of this to light once they’re back.

Tobias sits up with a groan and goes about his usual process of rolling Nia out of bed. She whines in protest, but he manages to hurry them both out of the inn and into the heart of Shivergleam just as the first rays of dawn start to peek orange-bright through the foggy gray morning.

Shivergleam is strange to see in the light of day. Most Pokemon are either already asleep or heading to bed, and as they pass a grocery store Tobias sees a yawning gourgeist flip their OPEN sign to CLOSED. The ominous, twisted wooden structures around them suddenly look harmless. Almost like a town of whimsical treehouses, some distant cousin to his own home in the Lexym Tree.

Tobias leads Nia across creaky bridges (which are scarier in the day, when he can see just how far down the drop is to fog-capped swamp water) towards where he’s pretty sure the Aqua Jet had docked the night before. It’s not like it’s too big of a town, and Cordelia’s white and orange ferry stands out against the much more modest wooden canoes that the locals own.

The two of them hurry down the steps to the ferry, catching Beck just as he pulls himself out of the swamp. Water runs in rivulets through his thick orange fur and splatters onto the wood as he looks up.

“There you are! Perfect timing. Our other passenger just boarded so we’re ready to go.”

“Who’s the other passenger?” Nia asks.

Beck scratches at his chin. “A sableye. Some kind of researcher? He’s heading to the caves north of the Lexym Guild, near the foot of the mountains.”

Nia perks up at the word researcher. “I wonder if he’d tell us what he researches!”

“Not sure. He was a bit mumbly—real quiet guy.”

Tobias can handle quiet. They don’t need any shenanigans on their trip back north, especially considering they have to be on the water again. Not exactly any fire type’s favorite place to be.

“And they’re back!” A voice crows from up near the captain’s cabin. A blue and yellow maw leans out to peer down at them, teeth bared in an obnoxious grin. “Couldn’t stay away from the beautiful riverfront, could you, Charmander?”

Tobias curls his lip at her in return. While Nia waves and says hi, Tobias boards the ferry and moves to the back deck out of the croconaw’s line of sight.

It’s there he spots their new co-passenger: a spindly, dark purple ghost type with large, unnerving gemstone eyes. As in they literally look like cut gemstones. Creepy. The Pokemon is curled around a backpack and tucked up against the cabin of the ferry, half-hidden in shadows.

Tobias’ gut instinct after last night with Edme (and the general distance of the Shivergleam residents as a whole) is to be wary of their fellow passenger. Not that it would be likely for Edme to send someone after them for information about Giratina or revenge or something, but…

“Tobias, did you—“

Nia stops as she catches up, blinking as she notices the other passenger. It takes her a beat longer than usual, but she does step closer to give the ghost type a nervous smile.

“Hello! You must be the researcher Beck mentioned, right? I’m Nia and this is Tobias. I thought we should introduce ourselves since we’ll be traveling together for a few days!”

The sableye curls in a bit more at the greeting, but does quietly say, “H-Hello. Carnelian. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too!”

Carnelian gives a jerky nod. Not rude, but clearly anxious and maybe not used to socializing.

They take a few steps away to give him some space. As the crew finishes preparations, Nia looks to Tobias, probably waiting for him to head back down to the boiler room with Ignatius.

Tough luck. After last night he’s not letting his danger-prone partner out of sight quite yet. He waves her off, gesturing for her to sit wherever she’s planning to sit so he can figure out where he’s settling for the morning.

Nia frowns, catching on. “You can really go inside if you’d like.”

Tobias rolls his eyes and takes the initiative, plopping down against the ferry’s middle, as far as he can from Carnelian. “I’ll go in if I want to.”

Nia doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t argue as the ferry starts up. Tobias hears Beck and Nori leap overboard with a quiet splash. Ignatius must’ve already descended into the boiler room to get the steam engine running. Which only leaves—

Caspian comes plap plap plap-ing around the corner. The little quaxly is clearly full of energy despite the early hour. He waves happily to Nia and Tobias before scampering from one side of the deck to the other to make sure that everything is in place and properly tied down. Tobias still isn’t sure if the kid is actually responsible for that part of the routine, or if the crew just gave him a “job” to help him feel useful.

Regardless, as Nia and Tobias watch, Cas runs to and fro before deeming the ship worthy. He leans through the railing to wave down at the river, and Tobias hears a quiet splash as Beck swims around to the front of the ferry to give Cordelia the all-clear. Within a minute, they’re moving slowly across the swamp, through the narrow channel leading back to the Lilycap River.

In the light of day, the swampy environment just looks…peaceful. Inviting, even, if you don’t mind water.

Carnelian doesn’t seem too keen to chat, so Nia sighs and lays back across the deck. “…I should probably practice my aura.”

Tobias raises a brow. It’s not unusual for Nia to practice her aura abilities, but it is unusual for her to jump to that option immediately, especially this early in the morning. She must be thinking about what Giratina said. Tobias has the itch to train too, knowing what they’re up against.

“Aura?”

Cas has moved to their side. The quaxly tilts his head at Nia.

Nia sits up. “Oh. Um, it’s sort of like….a specific set of moves I can use as a riolu. Everyone has aura, but I can use it for attacks and sensing things and reading someone's energy.”

Cas’ brow furrows. “‘Reading?’ Like a book? How do you do that for energy?”

“Well…aura is sort of like each pers—each Pokemon’s, um. Life energy, I guess? And everyone’s is unique! Like a fingerprint. I can look at them and know more about someone’s character and personality.”

“Could you read mine?!” Cas asks, confusion dropping in exchange for sheer excitement.

Nia looks torn between amusement and discomfort. “I-I mean. I could? But it’s sort of…personal. I see a lot about who you are. Some Pokemon find it kind of…invasive.”

“I don’t mind!” Cas insists, plopping down and scooting closer with all the reckless excitement of the child he is. “Please? It sounds neat! And I’m not big enough to help out with anything else right now so I have time.”

After another moment of hesitation, Nia huffs a laugh. She relaxes and holds out a paw. “All right. Could I have your wing for a minute?”

Cas complies, and Nia closes her eyes. Bright blue energy outlines her body, and the appendages at either side of her head lift as she concentrates her aura.

Tobias watches this process with vague curiosity. While he’s been adamant from the start that Nia not read his aura, the process doesn’t seem quite as awful to him as it once did. Not if Nia’s the one looking at his soul, at least. He would still rather she not, a little uncomfortable with what she might find, but the thought doesn’t send anxiety rushing through him, either.

Plus, she already glimpsed it down in the mines. Red. He’s red, apparently. Whatever that means.

“You’re sort of a bright pinkish-purple,” Nia says. “Almost fuchsia.”

Cas, who had been nervously staring at Nia, perks up. “That sounds pretty!”

Nia smiles, eyes still closed. “It is pretty. It’s like…the reflected colors in a bubble. Fun and light. Or…coral? Supportive. Tougher than it looks.”

Caspian looks like he’s feeling self-conscious but isn’t sure if he should be. “So is fuchsia…good?”

Nia releases the quaxly’s wing and smiles. “Well, I sure like it!”

Caspian looks down, feathers fluffing with pleased embarrassment.

“A lot of water metaphors this time,” Tobias notes, amused.

Nia shrugs with a smile. "Just felt right."

“Is that because I'm a water type?" Cas asks. "Do all types have the same color aura?”

“No, as far as I can tell your type doesn’t actually matter,” Nia says. “I’m sort of a turquoise blue, but I’m a fighting type. And I know another water type who’s green.”

“Oh.” Cas looks up thoughtfully. “I wonder what color Delia is.”

Tobias snorts. He can’t imagine Cordelia feeling comfortable letting Nia look at her soul. She seems like the fiercely private type—not that he has any room to talk.

Nia shrugs. “Could be anything, really.”

Cas mulls that over, leaning to the side and trying to peer around the tall cabin of the ferry as if he could actually see Cordelia at the wheel, let alone into her soul.

“Your aura control is really solid now,” Tobias comments.

Nia's tail wags a bit. “Thank you! I still feel like I have a long way to go, but I’m getting better. I’ve been practicing a lot!”

Tobias knows, considering he’s been around for most of her practicing.

“You going to show Val the new aura radar trick you figured out in the mines?"

“Yeah! I just hope I can recreate it when I talk to her.”

Cas tunes back into the conversation, chirping, “So what all can you do with aura?”

Nia gives Tobias a wink before forming a short staff of aura and giving it a twirl.

Cas gasps. “That’s so cool!”

“You have any cool tricks?” Tobias asks the little water type.

“I can’t do anything like that, but Auntie has been working with me on a lot of other moves and stuff. Here, watch this!”

The quaxly hops to his feet and spurts a weak water gun attack out over the railing to splatter harmlessly into the river channel.

Nia claps, and Tobias makes a suitably impressed face.

“I don’t have much else, though. I’ve mostly been working on, uh, status moves,” Cas says, sitting down. “Auntie’s a primarina, so she’s really good with that sort of thing. And she says that I shouldn’t be in the middle of serious fights at my age anyways.”

“Status moves, huh,” Nia echoes, idly twisting her aura baton through her fingers.

Tobias knows that look. She must be thinking about which ones she could use herself. He nudges her. “You ever gonna try learning work up? It’s a normal type move.”

Nia’s eyes widen. “I forgot about that one! What does that do again? Raises attack, right?”

“And special attack.”

Nia’s brow furrows. “Great. So now all I have to do is just…learn it.”

“Is it a TM?” Cas asks.

Nia blinks, first at the water type and then at Tobias.

Tobias barely bites back a rude remark. “No, it’s not a trained move for you. Should be learned naturally.”

Cas turns a confused look onto Nia.

“I…have trouble learning new moves,” Nia explains, sheepish. “Learning moves naturally. It doesn’t come to me as easy as it should.”

“That’s all right!” Cas says, surprisingly genuine. “I struggle sometimes with the moves Auntie and Delia teach me, but eventually I figure ‘em out! Usually I just gotta figure out how to form ‘em.”

Nia tilts her head. “How to form them?”

“Yeah!” Cas nods. “Like how a water gun is all about focusing my power in my belly, where my water sac is, but for disarming voice I try to push my energy into my lungs and throat.”

“Oh! Right.” Nia watches Cas with a quiet intensity as the klinklang turn inside her head. “How…how would you try using a move like work up? Where your whole body gets stronger? I was thinking that I would just need to spread my aura—my energy throughout my body, but that doesn’t seem to work.”

Cas glances at Tobias, as if unsure of why Nia is looking to a twelve year old of all ‘mon for guidance. But then he speaks up, “Well…does it feel like you’re giving your muscles any kind of boost when you do that?”

Nia closes her eyes for a moment, as if testing it out, and frowns. “…No. it feels like it’s just leaving my body without doing anything.”

“Oh, I used to do something like that!” Cas says, clearly thrilled to be able to help. “It's probably ‘cause you’re just pushing your energy out, away from your body. Auntie said you just waste it when you do that.”

Nia groans, head landing in her paws. “Great.”

“She told me that instead of pushing your energy away from you, you have to, um…how’d she put it? You have to use your energy like a river.”

“A river?” Tobias asks, doubtful.

Cas nods. “Yeah! Like, channel your energy through your body in one big loop instead of outward, starting at your shoulders then down to your feet and back up. She said that keeping it moving is what makes the power.”

Nia’s eyes widen as she straightens up. “Like a water wheel. If the energy is the water, then keeping it in a constant river loop keeps it contained in your body—“

“Instead of just pushing it away from yourself and wasting it,” Tobias realizes.

Nia grins. “Of course! Oh, that makes so much sense. Thank you, Cas! I’ll try that.”

Cas fluffs again, happy but shy. Once Tobias asks him about his aunt who taught him that, he starts chattering again, clearly super proud of the primarina.

As he does, Tobias glances at their sableye travel-buddy, who is still hunched over in the shade of the boat’s middle. Then Tobias lets himself fall back to the warming deck and closes his eyes, pillowing his head with his arms to listen.

While he might not be fond of boat travel, there isn’t much else to do over the next couple days aside from plan and do what little training they can. Might as well chat with Cas and relax while they can.

—————————————————————————————————

Over the next day and a half, Tobias’ fear of leaving Nia alone dies down, allowing him to retreat to the warm isolation of the boiler room when the river starts to become too much. He still doesn’t stay with Ignatius as much as he did on their first trip, though.

He feels the need to keep an eye on Nia, worried about where her head is at. It’s just like the period after her illness, when she would space out and drown in her own thoughts. Sometimes Tobias catches a sheen of tears in her eyes too, like she’s just barely holding it together. Tobias doesn’t know if it’s the fear and pressure of the mission dropped onto their shoulders, or if she’s worried about being able to return to the human world.

Either way, he can tell that she’s…off.

Tobias doesn’t know how to ask her if she wants to talk about it. He feels hot embarrassment burn at his face and close his throat any time he considers it. Instead, he opts to just stay close.

Not that Tobias is much better, between his own fear regarding their world-saving mission and…well.

He’s thinking about Team Zenith again.

It starts with the crobat—Asra or Vesper or whatever his name was at the end. Tobias still hates him, still feels loathing sit cold and heavy like a ball of steel in his chest. He hates the crobat more now that he knows the coward got to live a happy life with his family after what he did to Tobias’ own.

Even if his mate was right and the crobat regretted what he was a part of. Even if Tobias recalls in scattered memories that the crobat didn’t do much more than corral them, he still didn’t stop Dismas or Sulien either. Instead, he let them kill Tobias’ family then ran away.

At least he’s dead now. Tobias should probably feel bad for the quiet satisfaction that thought brings, but he doesn’t.

Instead, Tobias thinks about Dismas and Sulien. The pangoro and arcanine presumably still out there, living their own lives. Do they regret it? Have they had their own families too? Tobias doesn’t remember much about the pangoro aside from flashes of black and white fur, snarling and grappling with his mother, before the arcanine pinned Tobias down and took up the entirety of his vision.

Tobias can only think of what happened to him in pieces before forcing himself to focus again on the world around him, digging his claws into the wood of the boat and looking out over the river. His heart pounds and a chill rises over his skin. He feels his head go light.

Funny enough, the end of the world is somehow a less terrifying thing to focus on. Tobias and Nia haven’t talked about it much since learning of it, seeing as they already have their vague plan and nothing to do until they get back to the Lexym Guild anyways. Tobias doesn’t think talking about it in circles would help.

So they both stay quiet.

Beck catches on quickly to their distracted thoughts and somber mood. The floatzel doesn’t ask, but Tobias notices how he checks in with them when he can, recruiting Cas to buoy the atmosphere. Beck talks to them about the river and the crew’s travels, clearly working hard at making Nia smile. Normally, Tobias would find something like that annoying, but Beck isn’t overbearing about it.

Tobias does find their sableye co-passenger—well. Not annoying, per se, but off-putting. He keeps entirely to himself, occasionally digging through his backpack to write in a little notebook, and Tobias can’t help how suspicious he is of what the little ‘mon writes so fervently.

The last time they trusted a ghost Nia got yanked into the distortion world against her will. Tobias doesn’t think anyone could blame him for a little caution. Well, anyone but Nia apparently. The third time she catches Tobias glancing warily at Carnelian, she pulls him aside to ask him what’s up.

“Weren’t you the one who said ghost types get unfairly discriminated against all the time?” She whispers.

“I’m not doing that!” Tobias hisses.

Nia gives him an unconvinced look.

“He’s just…weird.”

Nia huffs a laugh. “Just because he’s quiet doesn’t mean he’s weird. Maybe he’s anxious because he’s not used to being away from Shivergleam.”

Tobias sighs, rubbing at his face. Is he being suspicious for no good reason? Would he be less suspicious if the passenger was just as weird but not a ghost type?

…Probably, some small, ashamed part of him admits.

“Sorry,” he mumbles. “Just…on edge.”

“I get it.”

From that point on, Tobias does his best to just ignore the sableye lurking around the ship. Even when they stop to eat in the evening and the sableye mysteriously vanishes.

“Probably finding his own food,” Ignatius explains once he notices Tobias looking around.

“Ah, right. Sableye eat rocks or something, right?” Cordelia says through a mouthful of the stew they’d cooked up.

“Rocks?” Cas echoes, eyes wide.

“Gems,” Nori corrects quietly. “Crystals and minerals.”

“Eh, same difference,” Cordelia dismisses.

The second day of travel dawns as calm as the first. The river is still flooded, rushing by at unsettling speeds, frothy and impossible to see through, but Nori and Beck manage to navigate the rough waters with ease, and Cordelia’s hands are steady at the wheel.

Even the weather is decent. Slightly cloudy and overcast, but no longer pounding rain like it was on the way into Shivergleam. It’s even warm enough for the deck to heat under Tobias’ scales and lull him into a nap while Nia practices her aura.

It’s not until early afternoon that something goes amiss.

Their first sign of danger is Carnelian, scuttling to his feet and looking around. The little Pokemon is fidgety, but something about the abrupt gesture speaks of panic.

Tobias and Nia snap into ready positions themselves a moment after, looking around. Cas, who had been perched on a crate nearby and watching the river, looks nervously between the three of them.

“Carnelian?” Nia asks, quiet. “Did you notice something?”

Carnelian opens his mouth, only for an unfamiliar shout from the front of the boat to snag their attention. It’s more feminine than Beck’s deep voice, and it takes Tobias a moment to realize that it’s Nori. The golduck who has been nearly silent the entire time they’ve known her.

That can’t be good.

Nori is calling something up to Cordelia, who Tobias can vaguely hear cursing in the captain’s quarters. The boat swings suddenly to the side, as if trying to slow to a sudden stop. Nia and Tobias stumble and grab onto the railing, and Caspian falls into Tobias’ side. Carnelian yelps and goes sliding across the deck.

A second later, Tobias feels what Carnelian and Nori must’ve noticed first. A tingling against his skin, in his limbs. Something uncomfortable and off, hard to pin down but familiar enough by now.

A mystery dungeon.

Nia, probably still unable to sense it due to her fighting type nature, frowns at his paling face. “What?”

“Mystery dungeon,” he grits, trying to determine how close it is. If he can feel it in the air, it must be dangerously close.

Cordelia finally manages to ease the boat against the muddy bank of the riverside. It shudders to a stop, and everyone breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Cordelia leaves the cabin and rushes around the corner, eyes honing in on Caspian and relaxing once she catches sight of him. Then she glances around. “Everyone all right back here?”

They all nod. A moment later, Beck and Nori leap out of the river with a splash and thud on deck.

“Everyone okay?” Beck echoes. “Where’s Natius?”

Right on cue, the door to the inner cabin swings open and Ignatius stomps out on-deck. “By Moltres’ flames, what is going on out here?”

The crew relaxes seeing their last missing member in good shape.

“Got a bit too close to a mystery dungeon,” Cordelia sighs, rubbing a clawed hand down her snout. “Nori caught it in time.”

Tobias is glad she did. Even now the tingling is strong, still blaring alarms in the back of his mind that danger is nearby. Tobias looks at Nori. The golduck is staring out into the forest, ruby eyes narrowed.

“U-Um,” Carnelian pipes up, voice high and nervous. Everyone turns to him, surprised to hear the sableye speak.

He shrinks, but glances at Nori, claws twiddling anxiously. “M-Miss Nori, I could be incorrect, but do you still..?”

Nori’s beak flattens out into a grim expression. She nods. “Something’s wrong.”

Tobias exchanges an uneasy glance with Nia.

There’s a tense moment of silence, save for the loud rush of the river. Tobias’ heart pounds as he swears the tingling feeling gets stronger, somehow. His head feels fuzzy, which is strange. He didn’t hit it or anything.

Tobias sees the moment Nori figures it out. “The dungeon is still forming. Right on top of us.”

Oh. Oh no.

Cordelia, who had crouched to pick up Cas, stares at her crewmate.

“W-Wait—it’s still forming?” Nia asks, glancing out at the forest. “Here? Right now? But if that happens—“

“We’ll turn feral,” Ignatius sighs, sounding almost resigned. He puffs out a cloud of smoke. “No telling what’ll happen after that.”

Tobias feels his blood chill, goosebumps rising on his skin. Now that he knows what’s happening, he can consciously recognize how slow and clumsy his thoughts suddenly feel. Like his mind is trying to wade through thick, sticky sap. If the mystery dungeon forms on top of them, they’ll turn feral until it clears again, which could be weeks. And in the meantime they’ll be mindless beasts. If one of them gets hurt, then—

Cas whimpers, burying his head in Cordelia’s stomach. Everyone else looks quietly terrified, eyes down and hands balled into fists.

“C-Can’t we do something?” Nia presses. “Can we outrun it?”

Beck shakes his head. “‘Fraid not. I’ve heard musings, but…”

“Musings?” Tobias asks.

“Unsubstantiated musings,” Nori says.

“I don’t care if they’re substantiated or not!” Tobias snarls. “If you’ve got an idea then say it!”

“Safeguard,” Beck says. “Heard a rumor ‘bout it. But unless one of you has safeguard in your arsenal, we ain’t got no way to protect ourselves even if it would work.”

There's a heavy moment of silence. Then—

Nia’s head whips up. “Protect. Would protect work?”

The crew blinks slowly at Nia, as if trying to process her words. Tobias hears Carnelian let out a animalistic whine of fear.

Nori is the first one to shake out of it enough to speak. “I don’t—“

“Do it!” Tobias growls.

Nia throws out her paws, and her aura snaps into being around them, surrounding the group in a thin dome of blue energy. Immediately, Tobias feels his sluggish thoughts clear, like the first breath of fresh air after a stuffy nose. He realizes he’d been hunched over in a crouch, and straightens up.

Everyone else snaps out of the creeping effect of the dungeon too, standing taller as their eyes clear. Cordelia almost seems to be ashamed about succumbing to the effect, and focuses on murmuring reassurances to Cas. Beck lifts his chin to look up at the protect bubble in awe. Nori is rubbing her forehead, wincing, while Carnelian whimpers and cowers closer to Nia.

Ignatius simply says, “Huh. I’ll be.”

Tobias relates. He kind of can’t believe that worked. It’s…unheard of, to get firsthand experience from Seekers or researchers who were caught in a forming mystery dungeon and able to ward it off. He didn’t know it was possible for a move to save them from such a thing.

“It worked,” Tobias breathes, relieved.

“Why did it work?” Cordelia asks, frowning and looking to Nori. “And why haven’t I heard about these rumors?”

Nori, still rubbing tenderly at the red gem on her forehead, shrugs. “Beck and I heard a rumor earlier this year. About someone using safeguard and escaping from a forming mystery dungeon unscathed. We didn’t think it was true.”

Safeguard…so that means—

“You saying Pokemon going feral is nothin’ more than a status condition?” Cordelia asks, squinting.

Nori shakes her head. “It has to be more than that. But it might work in a…similar way. A form of confusion. If so, it makes some amount of sense that it could be stopped by a strong safeguard.”

“Or a strong protect, apparently,” Beck says. “We’re real lucky you were here, Nia.”

Nia smiles, but Tobias can see the beginning of strain in her expression, in the way she doesn’t respond. She used her protect in the mines at Fort Asra, but Tobias doesn’t think she’s ever made a shield this large. It’s going to drain her quickly, even if she has been practicing with her aura.

“However it worked, we've bought ourselves a few more minutes of sanity,” Tobias says. “But now what? We’re still stuck in the middle of it and Nia can’t keep this up forever.”

Nia’s mouth twists unhappily, but she doesn’t argue.

“Could we move the boat?” Cas suggests quietly.

Cordelia shakes her head. “‘Fraid not. We would need the whole crew at their stations for that, and we’d be too far apart to protect everyone.”

“C-Could we send a distress signal?” Carnelian pipes up, voice shaking. He glances at Tobias and Nia. “To the guild.”

Oh. Right. Tobias feels a little angry that he didn’t think of that himself. He hurriedly reaches into their satchel to grab one of their badges. Then he frowns.

“No go. Too far out.”

Carnelian shrinks back into himself.

“Okay,” Tobias says, running a hand back and over his head. Think, Tobias. They aren’t technically on a mission right now, but they are Seekers. It’s their duty to protect the crew and make sure they’re safe. And Nia is busy as is, so he has to take the lead.

“Moves,” he says. “Or items. Does anyone have anything that might help? Something to stop confusion or get us out of here. Safeguard, protect, uh…fly, teleport. An escape orb?”

“Aren’t you the Seeker?” Ignatius huffs. “You should have the items.”

Tobias shoots the torkoal a nasty look. “Any helpful suggestions?”

Each Pokemon grows quiet, then shakes their head. All except Cordelia, who is looking down at the top of Cas' feathery blue head with a furrow to her brow.

Tobias stares at her, expectant.

She glares back at him, but relents. “We…might have something.”

Then she detaches the teary quaxly from her front, kneeling down to meet his eyes.

“Hey, bro?”

Cas sniffs. “Yeah?”

“Do you remember that move Auntie’s been working on with you? The one with the pink misty stuff?”

Caspian’s brow furrows. He tilts his head. “Misty train?”

Cordelia chuckles, but it’s strained. “Misty terrain, yeah. Can you do me a favor? D’you think you could try to use that?”

Tobias frowns. Misty terrain? The move sounds vaguely familiar, but…

The aura shield around them flickers. Weakens and thins and grows more transparent for just a moment as Nia growls. Tobias, concerned, steps closer and presses his arm against hers.

“A big burst of it, yeah,” Cordelia says, encouraging. “Enough to fill this whole bubble!”

Caspian glances around at everyone’s eyes on him. “W-Would it help?”

“Honestly, bite? Not sure. But it might. And we gotta try something.”

Cas falls silent, looking down at his feet.

Tobias glances at Nori. “Misty terrain?”

The golduck hums, gaze flicking between Cordelia and Cas. “Similar to safeguard. If he can use it, then we might be safe while the dungeon finishes forming.”

Tobias tries not to cling to that hope. He doesn’t want to put that kind of pressure onto a kid. But as he watches, Cordelia braces her hands on Cas’ small shoulders and gives him a squeeze before stepping back.

“All right, Cas. Give it a go. Just like Auntie showed ya.”

Everyone stills as Cas close his eyes. After a moment, he bobs his head—one, two, three, four. His little webbed foot taps along to an unseen beat. Nia, at Tobias’ side, is breathing hard as she continues to hold the protect.

Then Cas starts a little dance, surprisingly rhythmic. His feet tap and arc across the wood, his wings twisting and turning. Before Tobias can question what the heck he’s doing, he spins.

A cloud of pink energy bursts out from him in a wave. Tobias throws up his arms, and when he lowers them the air in their little bubble is…sparkly, the wood beneath their feet tinted with a shifting pink fog.

“Did it work?” Nia asks, voice tight.

Caspian, panting, looks between Nori and Cordelia.

Nori says, “No way to tell.”

Tobias grows colder. “So we have to just…”

“Try it,” Beck sighs. “Well? Do we want to rip the bandage off quick?”

“Awful casual about it,” Tobias growls.

Beck shrugs, though Tobias catches the concerned look he gives Nia.

Tobias sighs.

“Nia,” He says. “Drop the protect.”

She cracks open an eye, unsure.

“You can’t keep this up forever. Either it worked or it didn’t.”

Nia is clearly uncomfortable with that sentiment, but Tobias can see the way her arms tremble. How her ears fight to pin back with the strain.

“Nia,” he says, sharper.

She lets go with a gasp. The blue around them vanishes, leaving the open air of the river and the forest on either side. As Nia pants, Tobias holds his own breath.

The pink mist plays across the ground around them in a circle. It doesn’t dissipate, hovering around their feet like a protective presence.

Tobias glances at the others and can see the same nervous caution on their faces. But as the seconds pass, Tobias counting each beat until one minute passes, then two…he doesn’t feel that same fuzzy confusion return to slow his thoughts like tar.

“Did it work?” Ignatius asks, hushed. “Or did the dungeon already finish forming?”

Nori shakes her head, pointing out into the trees.

Tobias follows her gesture, feeling his skin crawl. The forest looks…restless. Trees roll in waves as the landscape shifts. Like the earth below them is a great waking beast. Even the boat tilts and groans, as if it too is being pulled into the distortion of the mystery dungeon.

Loud, sharp cries echo from the forest: Pokemon who weren’t as lucky as them. Pokemon caught up in the dungeon's haze. Within their circle of pink mist, however, their minds seem untouched.

Everyone releases a collective breath.

Cordelia whoops, scooping Cas up and spinning him in a tight hug. She’s yelling about how she knew he could do it and that he kicks tail. The quaxly giggles, a little teary-eyed.

Tobias finally relaxes, sinking down to the deck next to Nia. She laughs, tired and relieved as she bumps her head into Tobias’ shoulder.

“G’job, little ember,” Ignatius says to Cas. Then he turns to Nori. “How long will this hold?”

“Long enough, hopefully,” Nori says. “Eventually the dungeon will settle. All we can do is sit and wait for it to finish.”

Since Nori is keeping a watchful eye on their environment, Tobias allows himself to take a moment to breathe. He can’t make himself relax entirely, but he can’t do much at the moment either. He looks around at their companions.

Ignatius and Cordelia are murmuring to each other quietly. Cas looks exhausted by his big burst of energy, and leans heavily against Cordelia so she can scritch at his feathers. Carnelian is curled into a nervous ball around his bag, plucking at the backpack's cloth with his claws. He has scooted closer to Nia, as if soothed by her presence. Beck seems to be lost in thought, until Tobias notices how the floatzel glances at the edge of their protective circle. Ah. Keeping an eye on the misty terrain, then. Good.

Nia, finally having caught her breath, turns to sit against Tobias. He leans back as well so they’re spine to spine and tries to reign in his nerves. They need to stay calm and hope that the dungeon finishes forming before Cas’ attack wears off. Then…he supposes they’ll need to fight their way out of the dungeon.

He and Nia need to be ready to lead them when that time comes. They’re young, but they likely still have the most experience with navigating through situations like this.

“Huh,” Nia says, almost too quiet to hear.

“What?”

“Oh. I was just thinking that it makes sense. What Nori said, about the dungeon causing something similar to confusion.”

“Why’s that?” Tobias asks, tilting his chin back to look at the side of her head.

“Well…” her voice lowers. “If what Giratina said is true, then the borders of the rift are made up of aura. Of…life energy. And moves also come from our own life energy, our own aura. So I guess it just makes sense to me that damage in the border could…confuse the world in the same way Pokemon get confused by like, a confuse ray or something.”

Tobias snorts, remembering what Nia told him after her last breakthrough with aura. “Avery is going to lose their mind when you tell them that.”

Nia laughs. “I know.”

The group starts up a quiet conversation while they wait for the dungeon to finish forming, everyone likely trying to avoid thinking too hard about whether or not Cas’ misty terrain will hold. Tobias eyes the changing surroundings as they talk.

The forest almost seems alive, closing in tighter and tighter to form the mystery dungeons' trademark “rooms” and “hallways.” The trees shift and twist, weaving together with loud cracks that make Carnelian, Cas and Nia flinch. Weedy grasses and muddy banks rise higher into sharp inclines, boxing them slowly into a long corridor. It’s unnerving to watch happen, as if some invisible giant is ignoring the laws of reality and molding the world around them, stretching trees out like putty and raising the earth like sandcastles.

Slowly, the movements settle. The open air of the wide river has been contained to something much smaller, partially blocking out the overcast sky. An uneasy quiet descends on the forest, and Tobias isn’t sure why it feels this unnatural until he hears Cas murmur something about the river.

That’s it. The loud roar of the river is just…gone.

“I believe it’s finished,” Nori finally says.

Everyone stands tall to try peering over the lip of the boat and into the corridor they’re now trapped in. The “walls” of the hallway are unnaturally steep banks of mud, smooth river stones, and long grasses, with tree roots twisted throughout here and there. Tobias thinks he can see rivulets of water trickling down them, and hears the gentle burble of running water that can’t compare to the roar of the river.

The rivulets bleed into the “floor” of the hallway, which is covered in a sheen of water, as if it has become its own modest stream. Tobias feels his heart drop at the sight and squints, trying to look past the bright reflection of the sky to see if the water is deep or just surface-level. He has no idea how they’re going to fight their way out if the dungeon is covered in deep water. Just walking through a floor of the stuff would burn Tobias’ feet raw.

Nori is the first one to move. She exchanges a look with Beck, then calmly walks out of the protective circle. Tobias' heart jumps. Cordelia makes a sound of alarm and darts after the golduck, but Beck steps in her path.

“Beck, if you don’t move that waterlogged orange pelt—“

“Someone has to test it, and Nori is the most sensitive of us to psychic fields. She knows what she’s doing.”

Cordelia’s eyes flick past him to Nori. She grits her teeth and watches the golduck take a few more steps to the railing of the boat before turning to look at them, crossing her arms to wait.

“Give her a few minutes,” Ignatius says. “If she feels fine after that, we should be safe to move.”

After a moment, Cordelia returns to Cas' side. But she keeps her eyes trained on the golduck to watch for any signs of her being affected.

Luckily, Nori calmly stays in place, looking out over the corridor. After a few minutes, she pushes off and walks back into the protective circle of the misty terrain.

“I believe it’s safe.”

“Clearly,” Cordelia snorts. Then her voice hardens. “Don’t do that again. Captain’s orders.”

Nori nods, as if she didn’t just deliberately make a decision knowing Cordelia would object.

Cordelia grunts. Then she turns to look around at the rest of her crew and their passengers. “Well, Cas and the riolu saved our tails, but we still gotta get out of here. We ready to fight?”

“We’re not going to fight unless we have to,” Tobias counters, crossing his arms. The crew members look at him, surprised.

“And what makes you think you’re calling the shots here, kid?”

“Because Nia and I are Seekers, remember? Unless you’re secretly dungeon divers yourselves, we’re the most familiar with navigating places like this.”

“You suggesting you two lead us through this mess?” Ignatius asks, incredulous.

Tobias nods.

“Can you fight?” Cordelia challenges.

Tobias rolls his eyes. “Of course we can fight. But we should avoid ferals when possible because we have a giant group and an unknowably deep dungeon—we have to conserve our energy where we can.”

“He has a point,” Nori says.

Beck's tails twist worriedly, like a propellor. “This is unfamiliar territory you two aren’t used to. You sure you're up to this?”

Tobias snorts. “Every dungeon is unfamiliar territory. You wouldn’t be any more used to it than we are.”

Beck frowns, conceding the point but not looking happy about it.

“I would like to keep an eye on Cas,” Cordelia admits. Then, more of an order than a question, “What’s your team rank?”

“U-Um. D, right?” Nia says, glancing at Tobias.

Tobias winces, then hurries to add, “We’ve only been Seekers for a couple of months.”

“Awful proud for such shiny new recruits,” Ignatius mutters.

Tobias opens his mouth to snap something at the torkoal, only for Nia to stop him with a gentle paw on his arm.

“I know we’re young,” Nia says. “And we haven't been doing this long. But we’ve already been through…a lot. We’re stronger than we look.”

“And we’re the Seekers,” Tobias stresses. “Even if you can battle, this is different than a spar between two sane Pokemon. Let us lead.”

“We can clear a path for you,” Nia adds. “If it turns out that we can’t handle it, you guys can step in.”

The air is still heavy with uncertainty.

Tobias is irked that this is suddenly an issue at all when they face dangerous missions every day, but he knows Nia’s calmer approach is more likely to prove their point about them being mature enough to handle this, so he keeps his mouth shut.

The crew exchange looks with one another. Nori seems to surprisingly be on their side. She stares her crew mates down, apparently firm in her decision. After a moment, Ignatius grumbles something about young startups, but backs down. Cordelia, after a long and wordless exchange of expressions with Nori, nods once.

Beck is the only adult crew member who hasn’t agreed.

“What? What’s the problem?”

The floatzel sighs. “…Nothing. Just getting old and letting my instincts as a dad win out over my instincts as a crewmate.”

Oh. He’s…worried about them? He shouldn’t be. They just got the fate of the world dumped on their shoulders. They can handle a little mystery dungeon.

“We can handle it, Beck,” Nia says, echoing his thoughts. Her voice is firm but not unkind. She gives him a smile. “I know you’re worried, but this is kind of our job.”

Glancing around and realizing that no one else shares his concerns, Beck caves. “All right. Just…let me know if you two need help, all right? These old bones can still fight if need be.”

“Deal!”

The group cautiously moves out of the protective effect of Cas’ circle and to the edge of the boat. Beck insists on going down first, “Just to check how deep it is,” before slipping overboard. Tobias frowns when Beck goes entirely underwater, confirming that the path is too deep to walk through. The floatzel surfaces, glancing around to make sure nothing is about to attack before waving up at them.

Cordelia smirks at Tobias. “You sure you still want to lead, flame?”

Tobias, on completely stupid impulse, glares at her before hopping over the edge of the boat. Beck barks a startled sound but manages to catch him on his chest.

Tobias pushes roughly at the paws on his arms. “Let me go! I’m fine.”

“You can’t be implying you’re going to swim through this.”

“I said we’ll lead and I meant it!”

Beck tightens his hold. Tobias could break free, but he doesn’t want to hurt the stupid old ‘mon.

“Just…let me give you a lift through the water,” Beck says, meeting Tobias’ eyes. “In return, I won’t fret about you two leading us.”

“Or you could just let me go and not fret anyways.”

Beck’s gives him a look that feels too fatherly to be comfortable. As if to say he has the patience to wait out Tobias’ stupidity.

Tobias growls. “…Fine.”

Beck releases him, and Tobias sits up on the floatzel’s stomach. The water type is long and flat, admittedly perfect for ferrying passengers.

Nori slips over the boat next, into the gentle current with a quiet splash. Then Cordelia and Cas. After that, Cordelia yells up at the boat until Ignatius stops hollering about dying on solid ground where sane fire types belong. Then the torkoal tumbles over the edge in his shell for Nori to catch and hike carefully onto her back.

Finally, Carnelian peers over the edge, shaking visibly even from here. Nia is clearly trying to soothe the sableye, but whatever she says must work, because he eventually hauls himself over the side of the boat with jerky movements. Nia climbs out after him, watching the sableye’s feet and murmuring reassurances.

Tobias rolls his eyes. “Nia, watch your own paws!”

It’s a clumsy effort, but the two of them manage to slide down the boat in fits and starts. Beck drifts closer and Tobias holds onto the boat so the floatzel can roll over onto his belly. Then all three of them climb atop his wet back—Tobias in front, with Nia and Carnelian behind.

“Everyone good?” Cordelia calls. She’s treading water easily, Cas perched on her back.

Irritation gnaws at Tobias as the croconaw takes charge, but he nods.

“Keep an eye out for ferals,” Cordelia adds. She swims forward to take the lead, but hesitates and glances at the quaxly over her shoulder, clearly not wanting him to be in the first line of defense.

Tobias takes their chance. He gives the thick orange fur below him two pats, before anyone else can try to take point. Beck hesitates, but eventually obeys, moving forward to lead the group down the corridor with a near-silent lap of water.

Aside from the gentle rush of the stream, the air is silent. It feels even more tense now that they’re in the dungeon proper.

Tobias leans back to murmur to Nia, “I’ll keep an eye on the water since I have sharper eyes. You take above.”

Nia nods.

Their group drifts down the corridor and around the corner. Halfway down the next hallway, the terrain slopes up to grassy, muddy land before dipping back into the water again. Looks like they’ll be traversing a dungeon of streams and islands.

Lovely.

When they reach land, Nia and Tobias slip off Beck's back to stand on their own feet. The ground underfoot is damp and sticky with mud between smooth river stones and long patches of lush grass. Tobias tries not to let his distaste with the damp environment show as he takes lead, Nia right behind him.

So far no ferals, but Tobias can see Nia’s ears twisting and turning to catch distant sounds out of the corner of his eye.

“What kind of Pokemon do you think we’ll run into here?” Nia whispers.

Beck answers from right behind them. “It’ll be the Pokemon who live near the river, right? So water types for sure. Otherwise, likely grass and bug. Normal. Some dark types.”

Tobias flicks his tail. Most of those types shouldn’t be an issue, but the water types could be a pain for him. He’ll have to watch out for them.

Once they reach the stream on the other side, the group wordlessly moves back into their previous formation. Tobias grudgingly climbs atop Beck’s back in front of Nia as they wait for Carnelian to scramble on behind them. The floatzel slips into the water, and Tobias hears Cordelia and Nori follow behind.

They don’t run into their first feral until they reach the next patch of land, luckily in the same room as the stairs. The staircase sits eerily in the corner of the room, cutting off into nothingness six or seven steps up. They’re made of wood like Cordelia’s boat, with chipping paint to match.

The feral standing in their way is a thwackey nearly twice their size. It screeches with blank white eyes when it sees them, then launches at their group with sharp fangs bared.

Tobias and Nia rush forward to intercept. Nia is faster, and ducks low to kick out a leg and topple the grass type into the dirt. Tobias takes the opportunity to engulf it in a cloud of embers. The thwackey screeches and skitters back on four legs.

Nia hesitates on her follow-up attack, probably caught up in her own head again. Not that Tobias can blame her this time—it’s hard to think that this thwackey was probably a regular Pokemon living their life just an hour ago, and now—

Not thinking about it.

The thwackey wipes embers out of its eyes and goes at Nia with fists swinging. Nia creates a staff of aura and blocks the attack with a grunt. Tobias takes the opening while it’s turned away to breathe a plume of fire onto his hands. Then he darts forward to slash at the thwackey’s back with heated claws. 1-2-3-4—

The thwackey cries out, stumbling. Before Nia and Tobias can attack again, the feral spins and crashes off through the foliage, down one of the dungeon's hallways.

Tobias huffs out a breath, snuffing his fire down to smoke. He glances at Nia to make sure she isn’t injured, then back at the rest of their crew.

Beck is blinking at them, halfway into a battle stance and clearly surprised. Cas' eyes are starry, and even Cordelia looks a bit impressed with them.

“Not bad,” the Croconaw says. “Guess you two are a bit tougher than you look.”

Tobias rolls his eyes despite the warmth spreading in his chest. “Yeah, yeah. Everyone just hold hands already so we can go to the next floor.”

Cordelia looks sour once he repeats the command and she realizes he’s serious. Only the explanation that they might lose each other warping to the next floor makes her acquiesce.

Tobias climbs the stairs first, Nia right behind him. When Tobias reaches the top creaky step, his stomach turns with vertigo and their surroundings shift. In a blink, they’ve warped to a location that is eerily similar but distinctly different in its layout.

Unfortunately, they also warp to a room that is almost entirely covered in water. Tobias lets out an embarrassing yelp as he falls under with a splash. The gentle current feels freezing against his hot skin, and the immediate wave of prickling pain knocks the breath from his lungs.

A strong arm scoops him up and out of the water before he can thrash for more than a second. In a whirl of movement, Tobias finds himself still drenched but out of the water. He cracks his eyes open, panting hard and shuddering through shocks of pain. His clenched hands hold onto thick, creamy fur.

“Tobias!” Nia coughs, seated atop Beck’s stomach as well and dripping audibly. “Are you all right?”

Tobias wipes his mouth with a shaky hand. Ugh. “Fantastic.”

Nia’s paw lands lightly on his shoulder, but even that touch feels overly sensitive and raw. He jerks away with a hiss and she whispers a string of apologies.

Tobias takes a moment to catch his breath and calm his pounding heart. As the water falls off his body, the painful burn on his skin starts to die down to a more manageable ache. Finally, he looks around.

Beck, lying on his back, is watching Tobias with concern. Nia, sitting next to him on the floatzel’s belly, wears a similar expression. Carnelian is shivering as far away as he can get on their makeshift raft, tipping his backpack to clear it of water.

Nori seems to have caught Ignatius before the torkoal could get similarly dunked. Cas is floating anxiously next to Cordelia in the water. Most everyone’s eyes are on Tobias, so he flushes and forces himself to sit up straight so he can look around.

They’re in a room filled with stream water, the surface finally calming down after their sudden entrance. Two hallways branch off on either side.

“Everyone all right?” Tobias rasps.

Cordelia arches a brow. “You’re asking us?”

Tobias takes that as affirmation and scowls down one hallway, then the other. There really isn’t any rhyme or reason to how he and Nia usually pick directions in dungeons, so he points Beck in the direction of the one he sees grasses poking out of farther down.

“We can wait here a moment for you to catch your breath,” Beck starts.

Tobias shakes his head. “We shouldn’t. It’s best to keep moving in a dungeon or we might get ambushed. I’m fine. Go.”

Beck’s gaze flicks to Nia. The riolu looks like she wants to agree with Beck, but Tobias gives her a hard look so she doesn’t argue.

Finally, Beck swims down the pointed direction. Cordelia and Nori follow quietly behind. When they reach land, Tobias gratefully stumbles onto the marshy ground. His limbs are still a bit shaky and his skin feels tight and uncomfortable, but he’s fine all in all.

A rustle ahead is their only warning before a new, bipedal green Pokemon shambles out of the grass, something oddly rhythmic to its steps. The lilypad atop its head and its bright pink beak tip Tobias off.

“Lombre,” he hisses, he and Nia moving into defensive stances. “Water and grass type.”

The lombre chitters aggressively when it sees them with its milky eyes. It lunges. Nia meets it head-on with a burst of aura, then dances out of range.

The lombre turns on Tobias and sucks in a breath, clearly about to spit out a water type move. Tobias braces to dodge.

They're interrupted by the sound of crashing water, and then a bright blue streak slams into the lombre and sends it rolling into the tall grass. Tobias blinks, stunned, as blue water splatters to the ground and Beck cuts off his aqua jet attack to land on four paws.

Beck glances at Tobias and opens his mouth to say something, but he's cut off by a bright green ball of energy as it shoots from the safety of the grass and hits him hard. The floatzel stumbles back into the wall of the dungeon, then slides down to the ground.

“Beck!” Nia calls, distraught.

Nori is already moving to Beck’s side, so Tobias decides she can handle that. He focuses back on the fight with the lombre, only to hear a startled squeak from behind him, near the back of their group.

He looks just in time to see a blue Pokemon—a tirtouga?—spitting attacks at Cordelia and Cas. Cas hides behind Cordelia as she turns on the tirtouga with a snarl.

“I got ‘em!” Nia shouts, using quick attack to flash past Tobias. She leaps out over the water, staff arcing high over her head, and Tobias has a good feeling she’s going to hit her mark.

Tobias turns back to his own fight as a water gun shoots from the grass, narrowly missing him. He growls. If his opponent is hiding, he should just burn the feral's cover to the ground. But lombre are half water type and the grass is probably too wet to catch, so—

Dragon rage it is.

Tobias sucks in a lungful of air and releases it in a stream of purple fire. The flames catch on the damp grass much easier than regular fire would, quickly scaring the lombre out.

Tobias takes his shot amidst the feral’s panic and shoots off another dragon rage. The lombre shrieks under the fresh onslaught. Tobias rushes forward and spins, slamming the feral into the dungeon wall with his tail.

Tobias pants in the ensuing quiet, watching the lombre for a moment to be sure it’s down. Then he looks behind him.

Nia is paddling through the stream back towards land, waterlogged but no worse for wear. Cordelia pulls her out. The little quaxly in her arms is clearly spooked but seems unharmed.

Nia hurries immediately to Beck’s side, kneeling across from Nori. “Is he all right?”

The floatzel groans at the sound of her voice, eyes fluttering open. His gaze is bleary and unfocused.

“Beck?” Nia prompts.

The floatzel closes his eyes, scrunching up his snout. “‘M fine, Hazel. Stop worrying. Where’re the kids?”

Nia stills. She stares at Beck with a stunned expression. “H-Hazel?”

“His mate,”  Nori says, watching the way Beck is blinking back to reality. “I suppose you do sound a bit like her.”

“His mate,” Nia murmurs, frowning. Tobias can tell that this info means something to her. The name Hazel is actually tickling something in the back of his mind, too, though he can't quite pin it down.

Cas escapes Cordelia’s protective hold and scampers to Beck’s side. “Are you okay, Beck?”

Something about the quaxly’s voice seems to clear Beck's mind. The floatzel shakes his head and slowly props himself up on his arms. He gives Cas a shaky smile. "I’m fine, dewdrop.”

“I’ll decide if you’re fine,” Nori says, pushing Beck back down with a webbed hand against his chest. “Follow my finger.”

Beck sighs but patiently follows her instructions as she checks for a concussion. Once she deems him safe to move, Beck climbs to his feet with a groan, using the shifting wall of mud and grasses to stand.

Good. He’s up. That means Tobias can chew him out.

“Beck.”

“Yeah?”

“What was that?!” Tobias snaps. “I told you to stay back and let us handle the fighting!”

Beck winces. “I…was worried about you facing a water type. Especially right after falling in.”

Tobias jerks an angry thumb over his shoulder.

Beck follows the gesture. Smoke is rising from the ashes of the large patch of grass Tobias just burned, purple embers still sparkling. The lombre is knocked out cold to the side.

“Riolu one-hit KO’d a tirtouga, too,” Cordelia laughs, glancing over her own shoulder to the water.

Beck blinks, then barks a laugh. “Well. Suppose I look a bit foolish right now.”

“…What.”

“You two said you could handle yourselves, and it looks like you were right. Sorry for doubting you.”

Nia beams. “That's all right! I know we’re not, uh...all that intimidating.”

"Speak for yourself," Tobias grumbles, rubbing at his face. Unsatisfied anger burns in his belly as all the wind leaves his sails. It doesn’t feel right to go on a tirade if the floatzel just…immediately apologizes. “Whatever. Just…don’t do it again.”

“Not planning to. That knock to the noggin hurt.”

“We should rethink how we travel,” Nori says, her quiet voice heavy enough to cut through their conversation. “If we continue this way, we have to worry about the back half of the group getting ambushed.”

“Yeah,” Nia agrees, frowning.

Tobias and Nia haven’t really taken many escort missions through dungeons—and especially not with a group this large—so they didn’t think about it beforehand, but…

“You’re right. We need a better formation,” Tobias says, crossing his arms. “Who here has experience fighting? Actual fighting, not just friendly spars.”

Nia, ridiculously, raises her paw. Tobias gives her a dry look until she lowers it again.

Cordelia snorts. “I can fight if I have to, but my first priority is keeping an eye on Cas and my crew.”

Tobias nods. “That works. Cas will stay in the middle of the group, so stick with him.”

Cas pouts but doesn’t argue.

“Nori and I are in decent shape, but we aren’t used to fighting often,” Beck says. “As you just saw.”

Ignatius puffs a wisp of smoke. “Hate to say it, but I’m probably as weak as Cas at my age.”

Tobias nods, looking between everyone and calculating. With Nia’s abysmal sense of direction, Tobias needs to be in the front of the group to direct them. But they do need someone to watch their backs, too, and Tobias trusts no one else but Nia for that. The most vulnerable members should be sandwiched in the middle when possible.

“In that case, I’ll take point. Nia, you take back. Cas, Cordelia, Ignatius and, uh…Carnelian. You all need to be in the middle. Beck and Nori, you flank me and Nia.”

“And when we’re in the water?” Beck asks.

Tobias hesitates.

“Well, we can’t do the same formation in the water,” Nia says, half to herself. She jumps when she realizes all eyes have turned to her. “C-Could we swap?  Have Ignatius rides with Tobias and Beck up front and Carnelian and I go to the back with Nori? That way we don’t have to rearrange much when we get to land.”

To Tobias’ surprise, no one questions the idea, seeming to agree with both of their judgment calls.

After checking that Beck is good to go, they form up. Nia takes the rear, giving Tobias a thumbs-up. Nori moves in front of her with a quiet comment that makes her smile. Carnelian shuffles nervously in front of them, clutching his backpack close. Then it’s Cordelia, the croconaw keeping little Cas right in front of her, then Ignatius. Finally, Beck stands right behind Tobias, the floatzel acting as a taller lookout. He gives him a nod, all his previous uncertainty with Tobias’ abilities seemingly gone.

Huh. Tobias feels kind of proud about how well that went. He’s still uneasy about how large of a group they’re leading through, but they’ll just have to try their best and hope they make it out with minimal injuries.

“All right,” Tobias says, trying to sound more confident than he feels. “Let’s go.”

#pmd #pokemon mystery dungeon #pokemon #pmd seekers of soul #golduck #croconaw #quaxly #charmander #riolu #floatzel #torkoal #sableye #tesha draws #tesha writes

[angelicyouth]

Treehouse

⇢ pairing: kenny mccormick x marsh!reader

⇢ genre: high school ; social media AU

⇢ synopsis: ❝Low on weed, you decide to take a chance and hit up your brother's local drug dealer.❞

BONUS:

#south park #south park x reader #kenny mccormick x reader #kenny mccormick #south park fanfiction #lalawrites

[lilacura]

Apocalypse

pairing: Kim Minji x Reader

>wc: 1.6k

summary: Childhood friends Minji and Y/N grow distant after high school, a silent grief replacing the laughter that once defined their bond. Unspoken words and the weight of separation leave them prisoners of a fading friendship and an unexpressed love, drowning in the sorrow of what once was.

based off of the song 'apocalypse' by cigarettes after sex

your lips my lips 

apocalypse 

From the moment Kim Minji and Y/N met on the playground, a friendship blossomed that was destined to withstand the test of time. Childhood for them was a kaleidoscope of laughter, scraped knees, and shared ice cream cones on sweltering summer afternoons.

Their afternoons were often spent in the treehouse at the end of Y/N's backyard, a sanctuary built with mismatched planks and scavenged nails. Seated on worn-out cushions, the two friends concocted fantastical stories, their imaginations intertwining like the branches outside their secret haven.

"Do you think fairies live in this tree?" Minji once wondered, her eyes wide with wonder.

Y/N grinned, a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. "Absolutely! And I bet they're the ones who make our wishes come true."

In the quiet moments that followed the sun's descent, casting a warm, golden glow over their neighborhood, Minji and Y/N would find solace in each other's homes. The murmur of late-night conversations beneath the blanket forts, illuminated by dim flashlights, held an unspoken depth that echoed the profound connection they shared.

Lazy Sunday mornings saw them pedaling through the streets, laughter reverberating off the walls like an echo of their unspoken bond. The local park, their shared kingdom, witnessed battles fought with imaginary swords and capes, victories celebrated over melting popsicles, concealing a subtle undercurrent of emotions left unexplored.

Minji's infectious energy danced with Y/N's calm demeanor, creating a harmonious balance between them. They were two halves of a perfect whole, their intertwined lives revealing a friendship rooted in a profound mutual understanding. As the years unfolded, the beauty of their connection remained intact, its uncharted depths harboring the unspoken truth that both harbored a love too delicate to voice, too scared to disrupt the fragile balance they'd created.

go and sneak us through the rivers

flood is rising up on your knees

oh please 

Drawn by the moonlit allure, Minji and Y/N found themselves at a secluded river. The night embraced them as they waded into the cool, flowing waters, a symphony of crickets and rustling leaves providing the backdrop to their clandestine escapade.

In the soft glow of moonlight, they played like carefree spirits. Giggles and laughter echoed along the riverbanks as they began splashing each other with water, the joy of the moment lighting up their faces. Each ripple created by their laughter seemed to carry away the weight of unspoken words, replaced by the simple delight of being together.

As the moon painted a silver path on the water's surface, they engaged in a playful dance, their laughter harmonizing with the gentle murmur of the river. Water droplets sparkled in the moonlight as Minji and Y/N, caught in the magic of the night, shared secret glances that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

Giggles became an unspoken language, and the river witnessed the beauty of their uninhibited joy. The night, with its whispers and reflections, carried away any fears or uncertainties, leaving behind the essence of a shared laughter that would resonate in the depths of their friendship for years to come.

come out and haunt me 

i know you want me

come out and haunt me

 Minji and Y/N found themselves immersed in a game of hide and seek. The vibrant greenery of the backyard served as their playground, and the air buzzed with the excited anticipation of a childhood game.

Minji, the seeker, closed her eyes and counted, her small fingers covering her face. As she finished counting, she eagerly ventured into the backyard, searching for her hidden friend. Amidst the giggles and rustling leaves, Y/N crouched behind a sturdy oak tree, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the game.

As Minji roamed the garden, she eventually stood before the tree where Y/N was hiding. A mischievous glint shone in Minji's eyes as she pretended not to see her best friend, gazing around with feigned confusion.

"Hmm, where could Y/N be hiding?" Minji mused aloud, her tone exaggerated for effect.

From behind the tree, Y/N stifled a giggle, trying to stay hidden. "Maybe she's behind the shed?" Minji suggested, making deliberate, theatrical glances in all directions, except towards Y/N.

The charade continued, each feigned search making Y/N's concealed position all the more amusing. "Not behind the flower bed either," Minji declared, peering into the bushes while Y/N bit her lip to contain her laughter.

Just as Minji turned away, Y/N couldn't resist a playful whisper, "Am I that good at hiding, or are you just playing along?"

Minji, maintaining the act, glanced around dramatically before lowering her voice conspiratorially. "You're a master hider, Y/N. I might never find you."

Y/N burst into laughter, unable to contain it any longer. Minji joined in, and the backyard echoed with the joyous sounds of their shared amusement. The oak tree, a silent witness, stood tall as the keeper of this delightful childhood secret—a moment where playful deception only deepened the bonds of friendship.

sharing all your secrets with each other 

since you were kids

Beneath the oak tree's comforting branches, Minji and Y/N found solace in the whispered echoes of shared secrets that spanned the years.

"In this big universe, I always dreamed of being an astronaut," Y/N confided, her voice carrying a wistful tone that danced with the rustling leaves overhead.

Minji, gazing into the distance, responded, "And I wanted to be the person to make everyone laugh, you know? But lately, it feels like the weight of expectations is suffocating."

Their shared dreams and fears became the currency of their confidences, an unspoken pact forged through time.

Years later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Y/N confessed, "Love is a beautiful mess, isn't it? I thought it would be like the movies, but it's more like navigating a storm without a compass."

Minji, with a subtle nod, replied, "It's hard, Y/N. Relationships are messy, but we'll navigate those storms together."

The oak tree, a silent guardian of their shared intimacies, bore witness to more profound revelations.

In a moment of vulnerability, Minji confessed, "I'm terrified of failing, of not living up to everyone's expectations. What if I'm not enough?"

Y/N, her voice gentle, responded, "You're more than enough, Minji. You always have been."

The oak tree, a testament to the passage of time and the fragility of dreams, stood witness to the ebb and flow of their lives. The rustling leaves overhead seemed to carry with them the bittersweet symphony of a friendship that weathered storms, embraced joys, and mourned the innocence lost to the ticking clock.

sleeping soundly with the locket that she gave you 

clutched in your fist 

High school arrived like a cold, unwelcome wind, disrupting the warmth of Minji and Y/N's inseparable bond. The day of Minji's departure unfolded with a heavy heart, tears flowing freely, marking the beginning of a soul-crushing farewell.

Amidst the quiet rustle of leaves beneath the oak tree, Minji and Y/N clung to each other, their tear-streaked faces a poignant reflection of the impending void. The laughter that once painted the air with joy now dissolved into heart-wrenching sobs, the weight of separation settling like a relentless ache.

"I'll miss you so much, Minji," Y/N whispered, her voice trembling with the weight of unspoken sadness.

Minji, choking back tears, pressed a small locket into Y/N's hands. "Take this. So you'll always have a piece of me with you."

As Minji's departure became a distant memory, the shared sanctuary beneath the oak tree transformed into a haunting relic of their unbridled friendship. Nights became a silent procession of tears, Y/N clutching the special locket Minji had given her. The cold metal offered a fragile connection to the warmth of their shared past.

In the dim light before sleep, Y/N wept, the memories of Minji flooding her thoughts. "Why did you have to go?" she whispered to the empty room, her cries muffled by the suffocating loneliness.

The oak tree, once a witness to their laughter, now stood as a stoic sentinel of the pain that lingered. The locket, a tangible piece of Minji's presence, became the only solace in the lonely hours. Y/N would hold it close, tracing its contours with trembling fingers, each delicate detail a painful reminder of the friend who slipped away with the inexorable march of time.

you’ve been locked in here forever

and you just can’t say goodbye

Years passed like a heavy fog, enveloping the once-vibrant friendship of Minji and Y/N in an eerie silence. Laughter, once the heartbeat of their connection, faded into a haunting echo, replaced by a vast emptiness.

The warmth that once defined their camaraderie now lay dormant beneath layers of unsaid words, the distance between them stretching like an unbridgeable abyss. The bond that had weathered childhood storms now seemed fragile, hanging by the thinnest thread of memories.

In the lonely expanse of their separate worlds, Minji and Y/N wrestled with the relentless ache of unspoken sentiments. Each passing day etched lines of longing on their hearts, like scars that refused to heal. The desire to reach out, to rekindle the friendship that time had worn thin, lingered like an unfulfilled promise.

Yet, the weight of silence prevailed. Both Minji and Y/N stood on the precipice of reaching out, fingers hovering over the keyboard or poised to make a call, only to withdraw. The love that once flowed freely between them had become a silent river, carrying the weight of what was lost.

Night after night, they lay awake, tormented by the echoes of what they could no longer say. The words, heavy with unspoken affection, hung in the air, forming an unbreakable barrier. They yearned to let go, to sever the invisible tether that bound them to a past slipping away like grains of sand through clenched fists.

Yet, the fear of disrupting the fragile equilibrium held them captive. And so, in the silence that echoed louder than any conversation they never had, Minji and Y/N found themselves prisoners of a love they couldn't let go, and a friendship that refused to be forgotten.

a/n: i hope ur ready to cry

#new jeans #kim minji #kim minji x reader #minji x reader #newjeans x reader #girl group #gg x reader #minji #newjeans minji

[radicalgraff]

"Wuhli Stays, Forest Instead of Asphalt"

Sticker spotted in Wuhlheide, a forest in Eastern Berlin which the local government plans to clear to build a new road. In recent weeks the Wuhli has been occupied by forest defenders who have built barricades and treehouses.

A few hours ago Berlin police descended on the camp in massive numbers and are currently in the process of clearing the camp and evicting the treehouses.

For more info check out:

#wuhli bleibt #stickers #environment

[doimaru]

LIKE WE JUST MET (p.js)

apart of a collection ⤳ ISTJ masterlist pairing: first love!jisung x reader genre: fluff wc: 2.5k synopsis: Coming back to South Korea after so many years, you hope that things hadn't changed much. But, how much many things can stay the same? And how many people can really wait for you after 6 years? note: i was also using broken melodies as inspiration if u squint since i couldn't decide between the two at first... and yes it's cringe and corny but it was the only way i could make the idea work!!! This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

You exhaled a sigh of relief as you stepped into your parents’ car. It had been years since you’ve been in Seoul, yet everything seemed the exact same as you had left it. The airport was still busy as you remembered, and your parents' car still smelled just like lemons. Your little brother smiles cheekily at you before squealing, “How does it feel to be home, sis? I can’t wait to tell you everything you missed!” and you swear you would have cried just hearing his voice. It was different than it was 7 years ago now that he went through puberty. It wasn’t just that he went through puberty, but that you were finally hearing it in real life and not over a phone or facetime call. “It feels the same,” you say, making contact with your dad in the rear view mirror before continuing, “but everyone’s just… older?” you say hesitantly. Your family laughs at your comment before your mom sniffles quietly. “Mom? Are you crying?” you ask while putting your hand partly on her shoulder and partly on the back of her car seat while she laughs again. “It’s just that we haven’t been a full family in a long time, you know?” she says, looking back and smiling at you sweetly. You smile back as your dad grabs her hand and gives it a kiss, while mumbling “Well we’re here now, honey.”

You stood on the sidewalk in front of your house as you heard the box truck unload behind you. This moment was so familiar, as it felt like it was the summer before grade 8 all over again, when you moved to America with your dad. You sighed as you recalled how many friends you made cry that day as you looked down the road to the park where kids played. Where you once played with your friends. You stared back at your house before walking inside it after so many years.

You grinned brightly at your group of friends pulling up to your house on their bright, multi-colored scooters. “_____! What’s with these boxes?” Jisung asked as he swatted away the empty cardboard box that was about to fall onto him. “Jisung, you haven’t heard? Our _____ is moving…” Ningning sniffles a fake tear and wipes it off. Jisung’s eyes went wide and shooed all of your friends home to “privately talk to you” (everyone knew you were crushing on each other, it was quite obvious). Not before Jake screamed “They’re going to get their braces stuck together trying to kiss!” and Ningning laughing obnoxiously while skating away. You saw Jisung’s red-tinted cheeks before you gave him a sweet smile and led him into your backyard and inside your treehouse. Jisung and you always loved staying in it until late as it was adorned with multiple fairy lights, many pillows, and the ground was lined with fluffy blankets. Jisung smiled at you sadly, before encasing his small hand over your smaller ones. “____… You won’t forget me and find a new boyfriend wherever you go, right?” he asks timidly. “I won’t, if you’ll promise to stay here until I come back from America!” you look at him fondly as his eyes shift around, anxious. He finally makes eye contact with you before saying “Pinky promise.” and locking pinkies. Jisung began to speak, “ I—” “____! Come on, we need to get ready for the airport!” your dad interrupted him, Jisung just stayed silent before you yelled back at your dad, “5 minutes!” “Jisung, say what you need to say… I have to go soon.” you said before you saw him looking down at his legs, which were criss-crossed of course. “____… I’m going to miss you…” Jisung said and you swear you felt his voice falter into a softer voice than usual. “I’ll miss you too Jisung,” you started and hugged him. “I have to go now.” you said, disappointed that this was how your relationship with him was going to end. “I’ll tell my mom to call you often so we can talk! And don’t worry, I’ll find my way back to you.” you said before letting go of him, and you walked to the ladder. Jisung quickly trailed after you as he yelled your name. You turned around, looking at him confused about why he was pulling you closer before you felt it.

You felt his puckered lips meeting your slightly agape ones. 

You gasped into his mouth and accidentally inhaled his breath, making him pull away and cough multiple times. He gave you a wonky smile before you reciprocated, speeding down the ladder before smiling even wider. 

Your first kiss.

Walking into your house, you saw all of the photos of you hung up alongside the photos of your brother and family. You sat down at the couch before you looked around. You are right, nothing has changed in your house. There was no new furniture, not a single missing picture frame of you and your old friends. You grabbed one of Jisung, Sara, and you at the fair. You look lovingly at the photo, remembering this day clearer than any day in your childhood. 

“Mom, I want that!” you screamed as you pointed at the beige and white hamster plush. The fair worker gently smiled at you before informing your mom that one play was $2. Your mom hurriedly shuffled around in her purse before pulling out six $1 bills, politely handing them to the fair worker. “Kids, go play!” she urged Jisung, Sara, and you to the stand. “This is going to be hard to win…” Sara mumbled before throwing the ball at the stack of empty bottles. In the end, your mom lost $12 dollars and you lost your dignity. None of you could even knock down three bottles, let alone six. You sulked towards the pirate ship before Jisung stopped in front of the line. “What’s wrong Jisung?” your mom asked as Sara and you both stopped walking, turning to face them. “I-I don’t want to go on this ride…” he mumbled before looking down, shamefully. “It’s okay! you girls go together, alright? I’ll stay here with Jisung.” your mom ushered you and Sara to go on the ride. Before you could protest, Sara pulled you by your linked hands white shouting “Come on!”

While on the ride, you looked everywhere for your mom and Jisung. You couldn’t find them at all, twisting your head in all sorts of ways before the ride stopped. Everyone rushed off the ride as you were still looking for your mom and Jisung. You heard Jisung yell your name before you snapped your head in the direction of his voice. You turned giddy as you felt Jisung wrap your hand around the soft, fluffy fur of the stuffed animal.

It was the hamster stuffed animal you wanted.

You squealed and hugged him as he laughed, saying into your ear “I got it for you!”As you pulled away you looked at him adoringly, and for the first time he felt shy under your gaze. You thanked him and looked at the plush again, then him. 

It was the first day you started crushing on Jisung. 

As you were about to walk up the stairs to your room, your mom called you. “____! Could you go to the store and pick up something, please? I forgot to go grocery shopping before picking you up from the airport.” Your mom spoke from downstairs, and you could smell the scent of braised meat rushing out of the kitchen as you walked towards the door. “Text me what you want!” you said before leaving the house. 

You breathed in the cool, moist air of the grocery store before grabbing a red cart and opening your phone to see the grocery list and $50 of apple pay your mom sent you.

Eggs Milk Cereal (Anything your brother and you like) Salt Crackers You can get anything else you want with the extra. Love you!

You smiled at her text before looking for the items she requested. You placed the dark green box of Club Crackers into the cart as you wheeled it to the cereal section. You tried to remember what cereal your brother liked… Was it Frosted Flakes? Or Cheerios? 

Scanning the isle, you took a lucky guess and looked for Frosted Flakes. You went to reach for them on the third shelf, but there was a problem. 

You weren’t tall enough.

You sighed as you looked around for an employee to help you, but you couldn’t see any employees anywhere. Did all the employees really have to be busy right now? You just saw three on your way to the cereal section!

You looked around once more before accepting that you couldn’t see anyone that could assist you, before trying to reach for the box of sugary cereal once more. You were on your tippy toes, fingers nearly gazing at the cereal box before the scent of vanilla and coconut lingered around you. 

It smelled just like the eau de toilette you got Jisung for his 14th birthday. 

The person grabbed the box for you before you turned around, pushing the box into your hands. 

For a moment, you thought he was Jisung. But the thought quickly vanished as you blinked and the picture of Jisung smiling at you was replaced with the face of a complete stranger.

“Thanks…!” you mumbled quickly before rushing off to your cart before he could say anything to you.

You sat on your pink, pretty princess bed as you opened boxes to put your belongings away. Your room is still as cute and glittery as you remember, the years of love (stickers and drawings) shown on the walls around you. You gazed at the photos on the wall and laughed at the picture of Jisung and you with flower crowns in the park next to your house, where you both met.

You were on the grass, picking flowers as a shadow blocked your sight from picking a white flower. You quickly looked behind you before you saw a small boy’s big, anxious eyes gazing at you. “I—... Wow, you’re beautiful!” his little voice said before you laughed at him. His face lightened up as you invited him to pick flowers with you. Every time you went to talk to him, his eyes still peered at you lovingly, in adoration. It made you just as nervous as him.

 As you opened the last box labeled “miscellaneous”, you found your old flip phone. Your parents didn’t trust you enough with a smartphone, so instead they gave it as a farewell gift to keep in touch with your friends. It was fun, but short lived as you could only keep contact for so long. You kept reminiscing until you heard a group of people talking and laughing outside your window. Turning around to open your curtains, you saw a group of people around your age outside Jisung’s house. 

Soon, you saw Jisung exiting his house. A girl wrapping her arm around his shoulder, her face scrunched up into a happy grin. 

You furrowed your eyebrows as you looked at someone who was once so present in your childhood. 

Did he contradict what he asked of you before you left and found a new girlfriend? I mean you never really broke up and you couldn’t expect him to wait for you forever.

You chewed at your nails as you watched the group sit on his lawn, the girl’s arm still around him before her fingers entangled in Jisung’s now-dyed dark blue hair. You stare a bit more at her chipped, white nails before you abruptly shut your curtains closed.

Is it wrong to still be in love with someone you knew in the past?

It kept you up all night. What if he saw you? What if he's not the same person he was before? What if he doesn’t remember you? Similar questions swirled around in your head as you looked at the pictures of you and your childhood friends plastered on your bulletin board. Hopefully, you’ll figure out all the answers to your questions. And hopefully they’re all the answers you want to hear.

You groaned as you woke up to the sound of your younger brother running into your room. “Hello~! Get up! Let’s go get ice cream!” Your brother yelled, jumping on you. “Hey, hey! Okay. I’m up… It’s too early for ice cream!” you scolded him as you stood up, the hamster plush Jisung gave you falling off of your bed along with your pink blanket. 

You were about to speak until you heard your door ring. “Where’s mom and dad..?” you rest your hands on your hip before your brother tells you about the “overdue date” they’re on, and that you have to take care of your brother while you’re away. You exhale as the doorbell rings again. “Go make your bed,” you say as you peek into his room, seeing his bed sheets messy and pillows everywhere. “We can go eat breakfast after and get ice cream.” you tell him as you race down the stairs. The doorbell rings once again, followed by aggressive pounding before you whine out a loud “I’m coming! Geez…”

Opening the door you freeze as you see who it is. Jisung mimicked the look on your face (of shock, by the way) as he saw you, his eyes lit up. 

As you both stand still by the door, you look at the contents of the plate he was holding.

M&M brownies, your brother's favorite.

You look up at him and open your mouth to say something, except nothing comes out. You gaze at his face harder, noticing how he’s aged over the years. He no longer had his blue braces and his hair grew out into a mullet. His face was no longer the gentle, cute one you remember, now it was sharp and chiseled. He was now the tallest boy at school, instead of the shortest. One thing that never changed about him however, was the tint of softness in his eyes. He always looked at and treated you like you were made of porcelain ever since you were both kids. Also, he still smelled like vanilla and coconut. 

“Jisung?” you muttered quietly, but loud enough for him to hear. His face slowly bloomed into a smile, the same smile you remember. 

“Hi..!” He whispered, his voice now deep and rich. You smiled back at him, feeling the homesick feeling finally fading as you took the plate from his hands and led him inside. You listened as he excitedly talked to you. Every time you looked at him, your stomach churned with each word he said all over again.

Because he still looked at you like you just met.

#nct dream x reader #nct dream reactions #nct jisung #jisung nct #park jisung #jisung #jisung park #jisung imagines #nct #nct dream imagines #nct fanfic #nct dream scenarios #nct fic #nct dream #nct scenarios #nct series #nct drabbles #nct x reader #why am i like this