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twst-kumi · 3 years ago

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Children of secrets Chapter 1

In the great library, Crowley searched for the group's country but couldn’t find anything. They even showed him their ID, student card and currency, so it wasn’t a lie. The problem was, he couldn’t find anything in his book and maps about a country named Japan. It didn’t exist. At least not in this world or planet.

_There is nothing, Japan doesn’t exist here. Then how did the black carriage took you? (Crowley)

_If we knew how we would have left long ago. (Sano)

_Then could you come from another dimension or planet? (Crowley)

‘There that option, yes’ The group looked at each other before looking at the poor director. Truthfully they already knew they were not in their world. But in a world where they didn’t know if they were hostile to Yokai or not, it was better to act clueless and like they were human. Deep in thought, Crowley looked at them, two boys and six girls. He could shelter the two boys but what about the girls? It’s an all-boy school, he can’t let girls stay here. But… he also couldn’t leave them without a place to go.

_This is quite problematic, while the two boys could stay without a problem, you young ladies can’t stay in a school full of males. That's dangerous. (Crowley)

_Ah, I understand. After all, boys are more dangerous than being homeless without anyone to protect or help you. (Aoi)

_What? No, I will make sure you stay somewhere and are taken care of. (Crowley)

_I see, thank you. I suppose putting us in a stranger’s care while separating us is the best option. (Asano)

_Ah… I’m sorry but I rather live on the street than be separated from our group. (Yuuken)

‘Wait! It sounds like I’m heartless and irresponsible.’ Crowley thought while sweating at the situation. Maybe they are more dangerous than the boys in this school. If word of that incident were to get out, that would be bad for the school. And their reputation would be stained forever.

_ Of course, you will stay, until I find a way to send you back! (Crowley)

He hurriedly blurted the word out before seeing the small smile on their face. Ah, so he got tricked. They knew what they were doing when they played with his word. And he couldn’t come back on his word.

_Well since I am a kind teacher, I will provide you with your needs and shelter. Of course, you will have to work to earn your bread. (Crowley)

Turned toward the door and left with them. He continued talking about what they would be doing from now on and a bit about the school. They followed him listening carefully. As their new home came into view, their eyes grew a little bigger. This dorm was practically run down.

_Thankfully we didn’t demolish this old dorm, this is Ramshackle dorm. Students tend to avoid it so you will be safe here. (Crowley)

_Does that mean we can do whatever we want with it? (Asano)

_I… well, yes. I was planning to destroy it so I suppose you can. Although… What are you planning to do with it? (Crowley)

Yuuken laughed when he saw the man growing worried. He patted on his shoulder before reassuring him.

_Don’t worry, we were just planning to renovate it a bit. (Yuuken)

After a quick tour of the dorm and a “warm” welcome from the ghost, the group settled their thing and started to examine every still usable element in the dorm. They still have electricity, clean water and a stove working. Finding a broom and a bucket, they started to divide the chores among them. Yuuken and Kaiba would do the heavy lifting and important repairs like the stair, Sano and Haru would take care of the small repairs and mending the furniture, Asano and Aoi the bedrooms, Alice and Yume the cleaning. Everyone was laughing as they started and soon the place was more livable. They still had more repairs to do but it was far more than enough for a start. After they would finish, if they could completely modify the dorm it would be even better. Thankfully, they had the acknowledge to renovate the dorm themself. This was the perk of being a century-old (or more) yokai, from the most rudimental house to a traditional Japanese house to a slightly more modern house. They had the time to learn and use those skills and their power helped a lot. Putting some buckets out as they heard the rain pouring outside, they were starting to make a list about what was left to repair or change. They could hear the rain leaking from the roof.

They were still chatting when Crowley came back with their meals. First, he was surprised to see the dorm almost fully repaired. Even with his magic, he couldn't be that fast. Hard to believe it was a run-down building. He could also feel something strange. Something was strange here, almost as if something unbeknownst to him was there. He could feel but he couldn't point it out.

_How incredible, you repaired that place fastly. If I leave this place to you then maybe we could open this dorm again. (Crowley)

_ Or not, we prefer keeping your Territory untouched by strangers. (Sano)

_I’m sorry? (Crowley)

_Sano is right, we don’t know if we will be able to return to our world. So we may as well claim this place as our own until we find better or you take care of your mistake. (Yuuken)

Those kids were talking fearlessly or carelessly in their case. This confidence made him question them a bit. They were talking out of habit like they are used to it,he could see that. They weren’t even scared about the situation, rather… they enjoyed it? They were hiding something from him, it was carefully hidden but still there, hiding beneath their smile. Like small predators ready to bare their fangs if provoked.

_Well, you sure know how to work together. Maybe it was destiny that you got here… (Crowley)

_To clean your school? (Asano)

_How humorous! It seems like we have funny students this year!! (Crowley)

Muttering to herself a small “I wasn’t joking tho”, Asano crossed her arm and huffed a bit. She could definitely feel that chore coming their way.

_But yes, I want you to work as a janitor and in exchange, we will provide you with your meal. (Crowley)

_Ugh! No way I rather go to class than clean. (Aoi)

_Unfortunately, only a magician can go. A magicless kid like you can’t. (Crowley)

Before she could even do anything, she was stopped by Sano. But as foolish as the director looked, he was still a powerful magician. And fastly caught on to what was happening. Now he was sure, they were hiding something. Dropping quickly the kind act, he looked at them seriously.

_You! What are you and what are you hiding ?? (Crowley)

Looking at each other, they sighed and let the ginger head wrap things up with her skill as they acted guilty. Aoi’s species were known for their skill to deceive the living, she was after all a Kitsune. One of the most famous Yokai species alongside Sano and Kaiba as an Oni and Yuuken who are a Tengu.

_Ah…. I’m sorry, the truth is with actually have magic. (Aoi)

_Nonsense! The mirror said you didn’t have any! (Crowley)

Showing him a part of their actual power and revealing her fox ears, she shed tears crying pitifully. She could see the man calming down before trying to soothe her.

_We hid it because we didn’t know if you guys would be hostile to us or not. You see, the world we come from is quite hostile toward magic and mystical creatures. If found, we could get killed at any moment. I remember that witch who used her power to help someone, and she was burned alive! I’m sorry if it seems like we were deceiving you director (Aoi)

That begin said the witch was burned 200 years ago, but he didn’t need to know that detail. After all, the best lie is when you tell a bit of truth in it.

Not finding any lie, Crowley calmed himself and even felt a bit sorry for them. Because this world wasn’t hostile to magic it didn't mean that was the same for them.

_I see, I’m sorry for forcing you to reveal such a traumatic matter but as your kind educator, I must know what happened. (Crowley)

Crowley smiled at them trying to be as reassuring as possible.

_But if it’s that hostile, why do you wish to return? (Crowley)

_Huh? But we never said we wanted to return, you’re the one who said that we must return. (Yume)

_That true (Alice)

Thinking carefully about it, Crowley felt like he couldn’t let them simply go. They had magic so they could technically enrol in the school. The problem was most of them were girls, and with the incident that happen today, he didn’t know how he was supposed to cover it. They didn’t want to part and that was understandable in an unknown world. Resigned to this fate, the masked director decided to do an exception and let them all enrol in the school.

_Tomorrow come to my office after you guys cleaned the main street. (Crowley)

_Huh? We are still cleaning? (Aoi)

_Of course! I may let you guys be as students but you will still be this school janitor. And until I prepare everything you need plus work you all can along with your studies. (Crowley)

Aoi truly wanted to burn this man to crisp. She didn’t want to do those kinds of works. She hated that to be real but at least they had a place to sleep so she couldn’t complain.

The next as promised, they gathered at the main street with the cleaning tool. They laughed while chatting about what they wanted in their new dormitory and made some jokes. Reaching the alley, they looked surprised and a bit amazed bit the statues. No matter how they looked at it, this was a Disney villain’s alley, right? They started the cleaning not daring to bring the matter out. At some point, it was Yuuken who brought it up.

_I wonder who they are… I mean, they look like Disney characters but that it, right? (Yuuken)

_What you don’t know about the queen of hearts? (Ace)

‘Like in Alice in wonderland?’ Yuuken looked at the redheaded boy behind him. He was soon joined by Haru who wasn’t far from him.

_Queen of hearts? It’s my first time hearing about it. (Haru)

_In the past, she was the queen who lived in the Rose Maze. She was someone who valued rules and discipline above all, strict in all things from the march of the card soldiers to the colour of rose bushes. It was a land of madness where all submit to her rule. (Ace)

_Wow, she was really strict. (Haru)

_Even me, I’m not that strict in the kendo club. (Yuuken)

Ace laughed putting his hand behind his head. He couldn’t help but throw small glances at the petite girl’s skirt. She was truly a girl in an all-boys school.

_Yeah, no one can compare to her in that. Why do you ask? Because it was off with your head! (Ace)

_Who’s the other then? (Haru)

_No you should ask about who he is first, don’t you think? (Yuuken)

Haru pouted as she felt like she begin to be scolded by him.

_Ah… It’s alright! I’m Ace. A fresh-faced first year. Nice to meetcha. (Ace)

_I’m Yuuken, and this is Haru. The other are Kaiba, Yume, Sano, Aoi, Alice and Asano. (Yuuken)

_You….What? (Ace)

_Just call me Yuu. (Yuuken)

_Hey Ace, what about that lion? (Haru)

Haru grabbed his sleeve as her eyes shone with curiosity. The young male blushed, she was so cute. He could die from it. She was almost like a kid, Yuuken noticed Ace's reaction and couldn’t help but laugh silently. The poor first year was a blushing mess.

_S… Sure! This is the king of the beast who rules the savannah. However, he was not born to be king, but he took the throne through effort and elaborate planning. After becoming king, he even allowed the loathed hyenas to live in his kingdom without discrimination. (Ace)

_Well You can’- (Haru)

_Haru! (Yuuken)

_What about the octopus woman? (Haru)

Swallowing her sarcasm, Haru changed the subject by pointing to the next statue.

_That’s the sea witch who lives in a cavern in the deep. Her purpose was to help all unfortunate merfolk. As long as you could pay the price she could transform you, help you find love, anything. If it was within her power there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do. They say her prices were pretty high though.

Ready for another sarcasm, Haru opened her mouth and looked at Yuuken who shook his head to say “no”. She pouted before turning her attention to the fresh year.

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst x reader #twst oc #leona kingscholar #floyd leech #jade leech #ace trappola #twst yuuken #enma yuuken #ruggie bucchi #malleus draconia #azul ashengrotto #deuce spade #jack howl #silver x reader #Children of secrets

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awesomerextyphoon · 4 years ago

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A Warrior’s Heart | Phase 1: Welcome - 2

Girls’ Night

Summary: Ife begins her first ‘mission’ with the help of her friends.

Warnings: Swearing, Excessive Partying, Some Angst

Rating: Explicit/18+

Word Count: 4,145

Main Pairing: Stucky x Black!OFC (Ifekerenma ‘Ife’)

Characters: Ifekerenma, Wanda, Natasha, and Ife’s friends

A/N: I’m sorry that it’s been a while since my last chapter. Please practice self-care, everyone! Also, thanks to everyone who has given me feedback. Dividers were created by the wonderful @firefly-graphics! Check them out!

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

<<Previous

(late May 2015)

“Ah, that hits the spot!” Ife moaned as she submerged into her heated circular indoor pool.

So far the team has treated her well enough given how her first 24 hours went. No one had any major negative emotional echoes coming off of them and they even talked to her, especially Steve and Sam.

Her first mission was mostly a success.

The team was able to stop and apprehend the Macedonian weapons smuggler, Branko Stojanoski, before he made it to Paris with HYDRA/Chitauri stockpiles.

One would think that would be enough, but it left Ife with more questions. Why did some of the weapons look like Magitech? Why did one of the female combatants feel like more than human, like Natasha?

She needed to inform Eliza.

After Ife finished her R&R, she made her way to the Common Room only to find Wanda practicing her powers while flying. Well, trying to anyway.

Ife had always felt that Wanda’s methods were lacking which made sense. Both Wanda and Pietro got their powers ten months ago when Strucker and HYDRA experimented on them. They’ve never really had the chance to practice, surrounded either by vicious idiots or well-meaning comrades who were seriously out of their depth.

Perhaps she would be the best place to start.

Wanda was trying to levitate herself while taking apart the steel cube again with no luck. She couldn’t get herself in the ‘right mindset’ which was just aw well since she was always surrounded by chaos.

Their parents tried to shield both her and Pietro from the chaos outside their sanctuary of the apartment building. She even had friends in Angelika and Emil. They would pretend that they were exploring an enchanted forest and other fairy tale adventures. Pietro would join in when coaxed by Angelika (Wanda knew he liked her).

They were in their own little paradise...until the bombs came.

Wanda just got back from playing with Angelika and the music box that she got for her tenth birthday. Her mother was preparing Pietro’s favorite dinner when they heard the blaring of alarms and evacuation orders. Her father hurried them to the door, but their mother forgot to turn off the oven. He went back for her when the mortar shell hit their home.

Both of their parents died instantly. She and Pietro huddled together under the table for dear life when the second bomb landed four meters in front of them. They were in that position for two days wondering if the rescue efforts would sign their death warrants, all while glowering at the words engraved on the missile.

STARK INDUSTRIES

When the rescuers finally got them out, they found out that they were the only ones to survive the bomb raids. One of the rescuers handed Wanda Angelika’s music box thinking it was hers.

They attended their first Anti-US Imperialism protest three weeks later.

––––––––––

Years passed and Wanda would sporadically spare a thought for her parents, Emil and Angelika. She kept wondering what they would do if they were in her place. Somedays the only she could remember Angelika was when she played the music box.

One day, a man simply known as List approached them after yet another protest of a craven leader. List said that he could give them the power to end all the revolutions and strife in Sokovia.

Frustrated with the lack of progress, she and Pietro agreed to the experiments along with 212 other volunteers. Once again, they were the only ones to survive.

List and Strucker subjected them to painful and demeaning ‘tests of strength’ not two days after they received their powers.

Both their hatred for HYDRA and their yearning to be free grew in the coming months. She almost gave up, until one day in early March when the Avengers finally found the base.

This was their chance.

–––––––

It wasn’t hard to plant a seed of chaos into Tony Stark. He already had one foot in the proverbial hero’s grave already. To be honest, she was surprised at how quickly the Avengers turned on each other. Witnessing their inner anguish was just desserts.

The problem was that it worked too well.

Sure, it was fair game to go after Tony, but Bruce? In retrospect, setting the Hulk loose on Istanbul was a low blow.

And Seoul….where to begin.

As soon as she caught a glimpse of the mass extinction Ultron desired, she knew they fucked up big time.

She and Pietro only wanted the Avengers and the US to fall, not wipe out all life on Earth! They knew that they had to swallow their pride and hate if Earth wasn’t going to have an unexpected turn of events (i.e. everything going the way of the Dodo).

Thankfully, the total death count was three (especially since reports put the worst-case scenario at least 15,000).

Although sometimes Wanda wondered if her drive for revenge was worth it.

“Hi, Wanda! How’s it going?”

Wanda snapped out of her thoughts and turned around to find Ife with a warm smile.

She didn’t know what to think of Ife at first. Okay, besides the fact that she consumed enough food to feed a village in under two hours, she was kind. More importantly, she feared neither her nor her brother. She started cooking for the team and staff (turned out she’s what Sam calls a ‘supreme chef’), and would answer questions they had about non-humans. It’s just that something seemed amiss about her and the way she answered the questions like she’s hiding something.

Wanda returned the smile, “Not much.” Just trying to get a simple task done.

Ife pressed her lips together in contemplation, “I was wondering if you would like some help training. I’ve seen you practice by yourself and,” she hesitated for few seconds, ”well I figured you would like some help, or at least the company.”

“I would like that.”

“Great! Give me ten minutes.” And with that, Ife flew out of the room.

“Okay, this is a magic gauge. Homo Magi and other Non-Humans use it to see where a person is power-wise.” Ife explained as Wanda approached the peculiar object.

The gauge was made of glass (at least Wanda hoped it was glass), double-gourd in shape with floral engravings.

It glowed Venetian Red with the intensity increasing the closer Wanda got. The glow’s color quickly turned Burnt Maroon then Red Ink once she touched it. Soon she felt a pull from the gauge as if it was reaching into her mind. Her anxiety flared up and Ife pulled her out of the way as the gauge exploded.

“Well, um...do you want to take a break and continue tomorrow? I’m so sorry about that, Wanda.”

“It’s alright. I’ll see you around dinner.”

“Okay.”

“So, um how to put this...we might have a problem,” Ife stated as her friend group met virtually to discuss what to do for Girl’s Night.

“What is it, Ife?” Ashtoreth asked.

“Did they find out about your room? Or about the time when-”

“Okay, Djamila,” Itzel interjected, “Please continue.”

Ife shot Itzel a grateful grin, “Thanks ltzel. So you know how Eliza Maza tasked me with aiding the Avengers?”

“Yeah, so they can help us in the future? Figured someone from BNA would ask ya. Didn’t think it would be so soon.” Azeneth noted.

“Makes sense, they’ve been trying to get in with them for years now-” Mayumi started.

“Back to the direct topic at hand, is it possible that a few of you could help Wanda Maximoff?”

“The new Homo Magi that has the Magic Council up in arms?” Marama guessed as Ife grabbed the footage from earlier.

“Yeah. Take a look at this. I think we might have a problem on our hands.”

Ife watched as her friends’ expressions shifted from mild amusement to sad and worried. Except for Djamila and Gulmira, they had a good chuckle.

“I think Wanda has an affinity towards chaos magic, specifically reality-warping and possibly Hex Bolts. She might have more, I couldn’t tell. She’s more powerful than the Magic Council originally guessed. Although, that’s not the problem here.”

“She’s mentally and emotionally unstable,” Nermin stated.

“Right to the point, I see,” Marjani commented while examining her fingernails.

“Exactly. I fear that she may become a danger to herself and the planet.”

“And all of BNA’s hard work goes up in flames. So, what do you want to do, Ife?”

Ife bit her thumbnail in contemplation, “We have to train her. I can show her some of the basics, but the rest of us will have to train Wanda before she hurts herself. She’s barely making it on her own and let’s face it, no one else here knows fuck all about magic .”

“Hot in looks but clueless when it comes to magic and Non-Human affairs.”

“I wouldn’t say completely clueless, Azeneth.” Ife corrected, “I showed them ‘The Basic Bitch’s Guide’ and I’ve answered any basic question regarding Non-Humans. They’re not up to speed on BNA, but at least they know about dragons, yokai, and the Fae.”

“Ok. So, it’s safe to say that you’ll be keeping a tight lid on the UA, right?”

Ife sighed and offered Marama a small frown, “Yes. And it would be best that you do as well. Please?”

“No problem, Ife.” Ashtoreth assured her while the rest of the group nodded,” Now that we’ve settled the Wanda Matter, What are we going to do in celebration of Xiomara’s grand opening?”

Several days passed and Wanda was making great progress in her magical studies with Ife (after Ife promised to make it up to her). She was getting the hang of levitation and flight as well as basic Magical Energy Manipulation in the form of force fields, telekinesis, illusions, and some basic spells.

It was nice to not have to rely on her anger nearly as much. Though she couldn’t access Ife’s mind. Not that she meant to, it was an accident.

Maybe in time, Ife will let her.

“Hey, Wanda. I was wondering,” Ife bit her thumbnail as she’s want to do, “Do you want to come to Girl’s Night with me this Saturday? One of my friends, Xiomara, just founded and opened her own design studio! The rest of us wanted to celebrate. I figured it would a great chance to introduce you to my friend group and have some time away from the Compound.”

Wanda lowered her head in thought. It would be nice to meet Ife’s friends and connect with individuals who don’t fear her. Getting off the Compound would be a great bonus.

“Sure. On one condition: Natasha has to come as well.”

“Okay.”

After asking (slight begging) Natasha to join them for Girls’ Night, the trio agreed to meet outside of Ife’s quarters around 6:30 PM.

Natasha gently grabbed one of Wanda’s hands, “Relax, It’ll be fine.”

“I know. It’s just-”

At that moment, Ife stepped out into the hallway looking well, strikingly different. She was wearing a gold and sapphire mid-thigh length African wax print dress done in detailed petal designs. Most of her long Midnight Purple hair was in a single braid with a high, single wrap around the back of the head and a single row of gold bands down the middle of her scalp that she divided into three parts with a comb.

It was nice and a little weird seeing her outside of her uniform and tactical gear. She looked gorgeous!

“You came!” Ife beamed as she gave Wanda and Natasha a hug, “You look lovely,” she added noting their attire. Natasha was sporting a Faux Leather Mini Skirt with a Wine colored deep v-neck top. Wanda was dressed in a Spartan Crimson Deep V Bodice Satin Short A-Line dress.

“You look ravishing! You should be out of your normal gear more often!” Natasha praised as Ife frowned ever so slightly.

“Well, aren’t you going to let us in?” Wanda asked sensing Ife’s discomfort.

“Of course! Come in.” And with that, Ife welcomed the two heroines into her ‘apartment’.

“You do realize that we’re having our Girls’ Night in your room from now on, right?” Natasha insisted as she and Wanda entered Ife’s living quarters.

“I figured,” Ife muttered as she turned to look at her teammates, “I know I sound like an asshole for asking this, but could you not tell the others yet?”

“Well, you agreed to let us frequent the room for our own Girls’ Night, so yes.” Wanda decided as the trio came to stop in front of a 20ft (6.1m) spherical door with an Art Nouveau design.

“Okay. Let me put in the codes and we’ll be on our way.”

“Make sure to get all the characters this time, Ife. You don’t’ want them to wait for 30 minutes like last time.” A pretty deep, easy-going masculine voice chimed in.

“What-” Wanda started.

“Oh, that’s BEBOP, my AI. He’s like FRIDAY or JARVIS, but cooler.”

“A lot cooler,” the voice said before materializing in front of the women,” Let’s try this again. Technically, my name is BEBOP, but you can call me Spike.” The holographic man was tall (6’4” / 1.93m), lean and athletic in build, had a fluffy mop of dark green hair, light brown eyes, and wore a navy blue leisure suit with the sleeves rolled up.

“So you created Spike?”

“I made BEBOP, but he named himself Spike,” Ife explained as she tried her darnedest to enter the codes before Spike embarrassed her.

“She also has six patents for-”

“Got it! After you, ladies.” Ife announced as the door glowed Pale Gold and opened in a spiral motion.

The door opened to a coffee shop that wouldn’t be out of place in the ‘hipster corner’ of an urban neighborhood.

“Hello. What can I do for you three?” The barista greeted as they raised their head out of the book they were reading and smiled at the trio.

Ife glanced at the chalkboard menu, “I would like a medium Lemongrass Twilight Tea please.”

The barista’s eyebrows raised ever so slightly, “Seems strange for the season.”

“I know, but one should enjoy the simple things in life while they last.”

The barista seemed to like Ife’s reply because Wanda heard the ding of an elevator to her left.

“Enjoy your evening ladies.” The barista said as Ife dropped $100 into the tip jar.

The elevator was a lot bigger on the inside with its interior having a modern Victorian design.

“What’s wrong?” Ife asked as the elevator’s doors closed behind her.

“Nothing.” Natasha replied as she did a quick scan to see if any ‘funny business’ was about to go down.

“Relax and enjoy the ride,” Ife assured as the elevator started to speed up its descent after a few minutes.

The elevator’s interior got larger and larger until a voice announced that the elevator would be entering ‘Pod Mode’. Automated controls and windows started forming at the front and sides of the now morphed elevator interior.

“You might want to strap in,” Ife advised as three seats formed from the now pod floor.

The pod paused in its descent and accelerated forward on what seemed to be high-speed rail tracks.

Wanda looked out the windows in awe as she started to see a floating light, then a floating landmass, then buildings Wanda only saw in fantasy/sci-fi novels and concept art.

“Welcome to Nephetz, ladies,” Ife announced sensing Wanda’s wonder and Natasha’s subtle amusement.

Hopefully, they’ll like her friends.

Twenty minutes after Ife made her soft announcement, the trio arrived at the number one club in Nephetz, Zenaida.

Ife walked up to the bouncer, a troll in sleek obsidian armor, and showed them her invite.

“Welcome to Zenaida, ladies.” the bouncer greeted them as Ife led her fellow Avengers past the threshold.

Wanda gasped at what was before her.

The club’s interior was massive, to say the least. The first thing to hit her was the giant floating orb over the center of the dance floor. It had stage lights shooting out pinks and light blues orbiting around it like satellites and what looked to be five women dancing on a stage about 33’ (10.1m) above the orb. A DJ stage was set in the far left of the dance floor with sparkling mist flowing beneath it. Around the dance floor was a body of water containing spectacular coral reefs and grottos with what seemed to be mermaids, tritons, nymphs, and Aquatic Atlanteans dancing in it. Above the main dance floor were 25 floating islands with magically sustained clouds underneath them. All around the club were glowing orbs much smaller than the one above the dance floor.

All in all, it was probably the coolest place Wanda’s ever seen.

“Ife! Finally, you’re here!” a tall, dark-haired woman in a black PU Jumpsuit with a maroon oak crop jacket walked up and pulled Ife into a short hug.

“Salam, Nermin! I see you’ve made it early.” Ife remarked as Nat softly elbowed her upper arm.

“Right! Nermin, these are my teammates, Natasha Romanova and Wanda Maximoff. Natasha, Wanda, this is Nermin Ozana Negrescu. She was the one who helped me in Novi Grad.”

Nermin held out her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both! Ife has told us much about you.”

“Good things I hope.” Nat prodded as she shook Nermin’s hand.

“The best,” Ife assured.

“Well, we have one of the VIP Islands for Xio’s bash. Let’s go!” Nermin announced as a self-driving group hoverboard descended in front of them.

“All aboard!”

The floating island had about 40 people lounging around different tables and booths with the largest one having 17 people around it.

“Ife!” The island’s occupants cheered when the hoverboard dropped off the group.

“Late again, I see,” a woman in a Cardin Green asymmetrical maxi dress with a plunging V-neckline, padded shoulders, and long sleeves.

“I know, I know. Husna, I already got it from Nermin at the entrance. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, Ife. We know.” Husna reassured Ife as they made their way to the big table.

“Everyone,” Ife announced making the table’s occupants turn their heads, “Sorry I’m late,” everyone groaned, “I know. But, I would like you all to meet two of my new teammates, Natasha Romanova and Wanda Maximoff.”

Everyone on the island crowded around the duo effectively pushing Ife to the sidelines.

Wanda felt it was a bit surreal meeting Ife’s friends. All of them looked happy to see her, not the mixed looks of fear, hatred, and disgust that most people (outside the team) would give her.

{{Ife sure has a lot of friends.}} Wanda thought almost bitterly.

Ife’s friends, or ‘crew’ as she calls them, were an eccentric group of demigoddess, Fae, Homo Magi, Homo Superius, Demons, Jinn, Orcs, and Succubae.

Their names were: Caterina IsmeneMetaxas, Itzel Erna Alondra Losnedahl (Arnesdottir), Batari Moon, Thiri Rajvir Sharma, Marama Zehra Arslan-Avci, Ashtoreth Marceline Sabah-Faucher, Nermin Ozana Negrescu, Djamila Ijebusomma Ngozika Amantea, Azeneth Esperanza Zoraida Ramirez, Gulmira Eriayomi Hendrix, Mayumi Filippovna Lebedeva, Marjani Subira Xun, Husna Meadhra Al-Hashim, Astridr Kara Signe Losnedahl (Bjørnsdottir), Xiomara Ekundayo Jimenez, Aghavni Jamshidi, and Lakshmi Hamasaki.

((Here are the face claims for Ife’s friends))

When she got past the ethereal glitz and glamour, Wanda realized that these women were quite funny and nerdy, like Ife.

Maybe her heart had room for a few more friends.

“I can see why you’re worried.” Azeneth stated as she and Ife were watching Wanda being the center of attention, “I can feel her anxiety from the threshold.”

“I know. Do you think you can help her?”

“We talked about her before you arrived. Djamila, Nermin, Nazaret, and I will train her if she’ll have us.”

“I’m sure she’ll have you. Thanks, Azeneth.”

“No problem. Although, there has been talk amongst the Magic Council about her. Strange is doing his best, but there are others who want to bring Wanda in.”

Ife frowned remembering the Magic Council’s need for control. This wouldn’t be the first time her crew has ruffled a few of their feathers.

“So, did BNA find anything about the Magitech info I sent them?” Ife asked in reference to the Branko assignment.

“Nothing yet, I’m afraid. It seems that HYDRA’s not dead just yet.”

Ife pressed her lips together in annoyance,” Thanks anyway.”

Azeneth noted Ife’s choice of words,” It looks like it’s time for the toasts.”

“To Xiomara! May all your dreams be fulfilled and the well of your creativity never runs dry!” Caterina proclaimed to the crowd.

“Here, Here!” the crowd cheered as everyone down another shot of Zenaida’s House Fireballs (Nat and Wanda had a lighter version).

“To Xio Labs!” Djamila shouted as the crowd downed another round of Fireballs and Xiomara got up to speak.

“Thank you, everyone! It has been a rough couple of years, but it was worth it. And with your support, it will be glorious!” Xiomara exclaimed to thunderous applause and the raising of glasses.

“Alright, time to dance!” Lakshmi trumpeted as she, Djamila, and Marjani coaxed everyone to the dance floor.

“Don’t worry, I’ll follow,” Ife reassured Wanda and Natasha when they noticed her hanging back on the VIP Island.

Ife flew down to the dance floor once everyone else got off their VIP Island. She found Lakshmi up to her usual shenanigans (flirting with a female Undine). Wanda was dancing with Batari, Aghavni, Djamila, and Gulmira while finally easing her nerves (that’s a win in her book).

A couple of guys tried to flirt with Wanda, but Batari and Gulmira shooed them away.

Ife spied Natasha checking out Renata Labriola, a drider, in her human form.

Ife’s plan seemed to be working perfectly.

“So, are you ready to let loose?”

Ife groaned as she awoke on a super comfy couch. She didn’t remember what happened after that question was asked. It was probably Djamila getting back at her for Spring Break.

“Figures she would do that,” Ife muttered to herself as the Woman of the Hour waltzed into the room with Natasha and Wanda in tow.

“Nice to see that you’re awake,” Djamila stated in a sing-song manner that made Ife want to throw a pillow at her.

In good fun of course.

“Neat.” Ife deadpanned followed by a mirthless chuckle when Djamila pointed to the time.

“You looked and felt pretty tense during the toasting so I gave you a gentle push to loosen you up a bit. It worked and you were the center of the dance floor for about an hour, flew up and danced on the platform above the orb, made-”

“Okay, okay. I get it.” Ife interrupted too embarrassed to know what happened next.

“Fine,” Djamila raised her hands up in submission, “After your escapades, you and your teammates were wiped and I had the three of you crash at my place for a few hours.”

“Thanks, Djamila.”

“Just so you know, now we’re even.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Ife grumbled as she got her things.

“Okay, let’s head back.”

The trio passed the way back in relative silence, but a peaceful one instead of the stereotypical hangover groans and slight shame.

“How did you find last night?” Ife asked as they stepped into her quarters.

“It was great,” Wanda stated, happy that she found people who weren’t afraid of her. Perhaps she could ask Ife if they could help her with her powers.

Ife could hear the emotional echoes of excitement from Wanda and smiled knowing that she succeeded in her plans so far.

“That good. One more thing,” Ife paused, not knowing how to phrase the next bit of information,” the portal uses a time manipulation spell (and some other stuff) and well, the 15 hours we spent in Nephetz was about three hours on the Compound. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Right, good night, Ife.” Nat said as Ife led them to the door.

“Hey, Nat can I ask you something?” Ife queried when Wanda passed the threshold.

“Shoot.”

Ife pressed her lips together in contemplation, “Does the rest of the team know you’re 80 years old?”

*-Elsewhere-*

“How is our Danica faring?” A woman in black asked.

“She’s doing well, better than we expected.” A voice replied from the shadows.

“Good. Has Kaecillius and his team dealt with the Magic Council yet?”

“Not yet, Mistress. Though Jon Canmore has gotten his own show on CNN and Maximus has procured enough Terrigen Crystals for our plans.”

“I see. Have our allies in the Inter-Realm Parliament be informed of our progress.”

“Yes, Mistress. One last thing, Our sources believe that the French Ambassador is on to our plans.”

The woman sighed, “Have Yelena handle him. We can’t leave anything to chance now.”

“Of course, Mistress.” The voice uttered and left.

They’ve put so much into this and they can’t fail. Not when they’re so close.

Next>>

Taglist: @giorno-plays-piano @lookiamtrying @jtargaryen18 @sapphirescrolls @jobean12-blog @sweeterthanthis @gotnofucks @mculibrary @saiyanprincessswanie @golden-ariess @navegandoaciegas @stargazingfangirl18 @opheliadawnwalker3 @tilltheendwilliwrite @imanuglywombat @bucky-the-thigh-slayer @navybrat817 @anyatheladyclown @buckysbunny @nacho-bucky @donutloverxo @stephanieromanoff @threeminutesoflife @angrybirdcr @angrythingstarlight @chixkencxrry @hurricanerin @marvelfansworld

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sticky-llama-perfection · 4 years ago

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youtube

Ive had a horrible day today with my PTSD and flashbacks. Domestic abuse is a hell of a thing to go through....but im a survivor...and i may go through living hell more often than i like thanks to the aftermath... but like my sis said, your past doesnt define you. And im not gonna let it define me.

Anyways, have a Izayoi standing up for her demon hubby. Cause in my mind, she will always be a crazy ass bitch who will stand up for her family.

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Izayoi could feel the stares even before the doors were open and they were presented. Being the only human in a castle full of powerful yokai who absolutely despised humans and viewed them only as toys or food should have terrified her. Should have...but this was Lady Izayoi...she was literally fucking the most powerful youkai in existence. Why should she be afraid?

Now dont get her wrong. It wasnt just because of Toga, standing by her side, that calmed her fears. No, it was the courage she felt deep down inside her that made her fearless. The courage to show these yokai that she was more than just a toy, more than just a fling. She was a strong woman and she would prove it to anyone who dared talk her down.

"My dear, if you were a inu bitch you would be feared with that spirit of yours." Toga said with a smirk as he held out his arm for his lover. The doors were opening and he could literally hear the sneers and jabs from the nobles present already. He frowned and noted one particularly disgusting whisper a lioness youkai snarled.

"I dont think I would make a very good youkai demoness." The human hime replied as she took his arm. "I am way too soft for that business." She whispered as she plastered a smile on her face as they were presented to the waiting nobles. She stuck to Inu no Taisho's side as he led her through the crowd, ignoring the snide remarks said loud enough for her human ears to hear. She didnt mind them...until one lioness demon spoke up about Toga. She patted Toga's arm as she halted, earning a raised eyebrow in return as he watched her turn towards the same demoness who he had heard earlier. He couldnt keep the smirk off his face as he watched his little hime march right up to the demoness.

"Say it again." Izayoi said sweetly as she stopped infront of the lion demoness.

Kumani sneered as she flicked an ear towards the annoyance, she was a very elegant looking lioness yokai who chose to keep more of the animalistic looking traits which included ears and a tail as well as fangs and claws. She hated humans and saw them as nothing more than an annoyance. "Excuse me?" She hissed.

"Say what you just said again. What you said about Him." Izayoi said as she pointed back to her husband. If she had been of miko blood, Toga was positive all would have been reduced to ash from the way his wifes aura had flared.

"Oh, you mean about the so called 'Lord of the West's bedding a lowly human? Or do you mean what i said about him having stooped so lo...."

The resounding smack echoed through the great Hall as all eyes turned towards the little human who had just smacked the lioness. Silence coated the room as all awaited her fate.

"You can speak about me anyway you want to. I dont care about that." Izayoi said, struggling to keep her emotions under control. "But when you speak down of my Lord like that..." She was visibly trembling with rage when she felt strong arms encircle her.

"You know, I believe Lady Kumani was just taking her leave." Toga stated as he tried to calm his hime down. "Let this be a warning to you all," he said with a smirk on his face, " you will all have to deal with this feisty one if you dare insult me." Golden eyes scanned the room as he laughed softly.

"But To...." Izayoi began.

"And if any of you harm her or talk about her in any way," his deep voiced was laced with venom as he let his aura surge, "then you will have to deal with me." He promised with reddend eyes.

The yokai nobles in the room bowed low in respect as Toga once again led Izayoi through the room. "Now....this is a celebration! Its the Winter Festival! Let the party begin!"

#llamas drabbles #inuparents #inupapa #izayoi #inuyasha

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moonlit-sea · 6 years ago

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Beneath the Brine (pt. 1)

The most frightening part of the sea was the great nothingness in it. Above great forests of seaweed, reefs in rainbow hues of red, and the endless schools of fish there was an emptiness that yawned like death. Abyssal, it barely promised hope of an end. This was where the weight of an endlessness seemed to crush in hardest, pushing down to keep any of its citizens from rising any further. It was a fear that the Raen had confronted once before, and found the second time no easier. Swimming in a headlong rush through its void was foolhardy, for the water swallowed endurance as easily as everything else.

In this realm, the only thing existing was their own self. Their heartbeat, their breathing, their own labored movements far too small to introduce a shred of comfort in such a remote hell. Seeing only indigo became a curse, its depth and darkness playing tricks upon the edges of their vision. The cold was oppressive, eating at their limbs unlike any other part of the sea. Each malm gained for the surface was another bite of ice, with lungfuls of water washing down in a cruel, bitter way.

Rising for the surface was a trial of meditation. Empty was the sea, so empty became their mind. Izayoi let go of fear, embracing the sea’s encroaching vacancy. This was the best way to rise through nothing, and break up from it with the moon just setting. It was their namesake, for the strongest light just now waned, and so they took this as a blessing in their endeavor. Exhausted from the void, they let the current wash them along. To favor the sky with attention was refreshing, as the celestial maidens fell back into their beds and the sun loosened her gown to wash the world in white and blue. It was a thing that they liked, strange as the sunrise was to see in a world away from home.

So near to shore had they surfaced that the towing of the waves brought them only closer, a high tide that was as kind as the sky’s blessing. The Kami, they thought, were surely upon their side. Encouraged by the plentiful gods and their own Princess, the fear of a stretching nothingness was left behind. Such aching hollowness was now in the water, as they put their foot upon stable ground. Following exhaustion, confidence was the first emotion inspired in the priest. Surely, their venture forward would only go well. They had followed the signs of great evil, after all, to come where any below were forbidden. Was that not the act of a hero, a champion, who followed their duty far and beyond any others would? This was a bolstering idea, comforting in the same way the dawn had been.

Izayoi walked for a nearby stone outcrop, legs unsure of such a strange thing that dry ground was. Much akin to sailors coming to dock after long months on deck, they had yet to adjust to balance without softly rolling waves. By aid of a staff used like a cane, the priest made their way. The light of sunrise cast odd-looking shadows, pale and stretched, that seemed to taper into points like fingers or arrows. It was an omen that they took readily, following both stones and shadows.

Before memory, a princess had once killed herself upon such rocks, and turned into a red serpent. In such hideous transformation, she grew quite a hunger for the souls of men. However, it was not this ancient princess who had been causing unrest, but one of her daughters. A shapeshifting yokai that had been seen coiling over Shisui, fleeing as soon as being was noticed. That was what had given such unusual sanction as to permit one of the hidden city’s own priests to leave, and come ashore, hunting for her blood colored scales. Izayoi did not quite enjoy such pursuits, but it was important, and they were who could most strongly feel a demon’s presence.

It did not much matter how far ahead her lead was, for Izayoi knew the habits of Kiyohime and her daughters. They were forever drawn to the water, but loathed to linger in it, and loitered around rocks to sate both needs at once. Such terrain gave a guise of being more mortal than they were, as well, for they could drape their tails over the precipice and lure men by pretending to be mortal women. This was the terrain the priest sought, following divine guidance and the wisdom of legends, thinking that there must only be a finite number of stony shore to search. Under such leisure, they walked for only a short distance, feeling no earnest rush under such a blessed destiny as theirs. The dry earth was uneasy to tread upon, and it took whole bells for them to go just beyond a malm. There was a kindly smooth stone to sit upon, and rest feet that disliked this terrain more than any other. As the sun heightened, a heat began they were likewise unaccustomed to, burning remnants of water from their pale skin and causing their scales to itch. Though Izayoi did not understand sunburns, they knew already that the open light was an unkind thing from the tales of the Kojin.

While they rested beneath the boulders, in the morning shade, the world continued to move. Clouds blew in from the distance, and birds wheeled in the sky, and Izayoi did not know the words to describe either. It was an interesting phenomenon to face. There were plenty of words that they knew, educated and versed as they were, but ‘horizon’ and ‘flight’ were not ones they possessed. Contemplating this epiphany kept the priest dreaming, relaxed as they were beside their temporary shelter. Yet, like the birds, time did not wait for them to continue. It progressed in its earthly march, and so the Raen rose to further their own pursuit.

This became a pattern that fell into place rather naturally. Izayoi would drag their feet until they were tired, rest in ever shortening shadows, and then rise on. Though it was very unlike the trial of the nothingness, it mirrored the same fear. The strangeness of being on land had not at first been overwhelming, but now its epiphany of discomfort grew delicately alarming. Air had an oddness to being breathed, insubstantial and unfilling. To breathe through water felt of something, feeling it move through their self had long ago become a regular comfort. In disquieting contrast to this was just how burdensome their body became. Limbs that were dextrous and quick in the sea were now unnatural attachments. Dense, unmoving things that needed to be dragged and moved with tiresome amounts of effort. Very quickly, Izayoi was not becoming a fan of this exercise upon the land. To wind around stony outcroppings and seek shade was necessary, but added so much effort that it felt more than it was worth. As the sun rose to begin the afternoon, their skin was tinted pink like a shell’s inside. There, they lamented the heaviness of a body in the lightness of air.

It was as the priest yielded to another spike of fatigue that they had to climb to escape the sun. As the sun rose, the shadows became denser but closer, and shelter took more effort to find. The signs of the Kami had not visited them since leaving the Ruby Sea, and they now feared that the gods could not follow them. That they were somehow bound to the beauty of the waves and tides, and thus could not come so far ashore where the stones rose and strange things lurked upon the horizon. The land was hostile, turning against an innocent wanderer, its nameless vegetation and creatures no longer wondrous. It was all just strange, and a resentment grew in Izayoi at that. This odd mixture of disillusionment and weariness had their heart feeling muddied. They did not like what they were doing, nor what it was doing to them. The very realm that was the surface was an unkind jester playing countless pranks.

Dark became their heart, borne of the harsh experiences, but also from the presence of a serpent. Her malice was a venom that pulled at any buried emotions and clouded judgement. From above uncoiled this predator, with her long hair trailing and longer tail winding from a bank of stones. Though her scales were beautiful in their sheen of light and dark, their unnaturally red pigment marked her as a descendant of the immortal and fierce yokai princess. Even her face and arms were so coated, leaving her black hair and sharp, white teeth in stark contrast to her personage. All this Izayoi knew. They had seen drawings of her with great detail, and even the masks their warriors wore were crafted like Kiyohime. Each cruel detail had been taught to the underwater priest, and yet as they turned to behold the source of their uncharacteristic discontent, it was still striking.

How could evil be both fearsome and beautiful? The shadows sank like water into her eyes, and yet the light danced off her face in a playful contrast. The yokai’s lips were full but her teeth were longer, protruding from under them. Strong, muscled arms kept her held up from the surface of coarse rocks, but her long tail was arched elegant and slim from under her yukata. The spider flower print upon the fine cloth was a cute touch, Izayoi mused, taken very off-guard by the appeal of such a deadly spirit. Her power was of allure, but it had never been spoken of being under a physical attribute. Always, texts described her unnatural skills to sway men. And yet, though her aura was ill and dark-humored, she had not even attacked while the priest sat there staring.

“You, I presume, are the priest who has been following me.” Her words were soft, a rolling lisp curling around both narrow tongue and large teeth. Izayoi, standing, spoke nothing. They had been trained, and used their lessons like a shield against any uncertainty. “I am very surprised by your persistence. Your poor skin is all burnt up!” She was very sweet, sounding earnest in her care, and came even lower down the rock’s heights.

Very deliberately, Izayoi took a step away from her. As appealing as her face was, they knew better than to be taken in by it. Unfortunately, they had climbed into this position, and could not step far. The beach wasn’t a terrible distance, but it was still unwise to fall. The yokai frowned, and crept even further down, until they were upon nearly level surfaces. There was an awkward pause, as the princess’ daughter and the Raen did not act or speak. For their part, Izayoi was cataloguing what to do. They had imagined an epic battle, some sort of contest between fire and water. A peaceful chat was not how the stories went.

“Usually priests follow my sisters to slay them, or attempt to. Are you very different, then? An onmyoji, perhaps, or some other sort of witch?” She spoke with her hands, which were more like the talons of a beast than a person. Like a dragon’s, with large knuckles and claws as long as a joint. They were terrifying, but wreathed in delicate rings of gold and copper that matched her scales well. When Izayoi continued their silence, the yokai continued as well, “I will make a deal with you, then, strange little witch.”

“I will not be seduced by your magicks,” they interrupted, finally. Their voice was hoarse, cracking with unnatural dryness. If Izayoi had cared more for appearances with this creature, they would have explained how they had been out in the sun too long. But her smile spoke of knowing, and any explanation or thought of it was banished by that kind expression.

“I do not use magick to seduce. Yes, I am sure your teachers say so, but what song could call a man to his death? He would fight it, as is man’s nature. They survive, and persist against all odds. No enchantment could undo that.”

That was frustratingly reasonable. While they wished to argue with every word from the black-haired beauty, they stood there and instead watched as her tail coiled up lazily around herself. Silence did not seem to perturbe the yokai regardless, who was all too happy to speak rather than fight. It was a sentiment that Izayoi noticed, begrudgingly, that the two of them shared. Who wished to kill another upon reputations alone? Perhaps, just perhaps, they could learn something before they return with a duty fulfilled.

“Knowledge is what all men seek,” rasped that gentle voiced spirit. “Ah, I see you about to protest, but do not. There are mysteries that remain forever covered by fate. To throw off its veil is the greatest power of all. Most men wish to know their death, but I see you are different. You do not wish to see yourself - that is something you know as intimately as the sea. But there are two who are lost.”

Izayoi’s heart stopped long enough that it ached. Even breathing in such a thin material as the air became too much. No, they wanted to say, don’t you dare. But their mouth dried itself shut, unable to open.

“For Hinata, I can offer you nothing.” Don’t. They would beg. “Ryuusei is someone I can promise much more for.” Though their mouth was closed, too arid to even attempt speech, tears burned and threatened to fall. The contrast of temptation and iniquity was finally overwhelming. It was an inhuman emotion to inspire such want and such hurt in a singular frame. This was the honest power of a yokai, the Raen realized with pangs of dulled fear. Their emotions were at war too much to feel anything else strongly.

With faltering capacity, they finally answered the waiting serpent. “I would... would assume he’s dead.”

“Promise I shall go unharmed, and I will tell you just where the Garleans keep him.” That voice that Izayoi had imagined was sweet was instead like the rasping of scales upon stone. It grew grating the closer it came. And her smile, so cute and quirky, held in it an eagerness that was not appropriate for this moment. But was their duty not to their family, and the honor of their mother and father? Was Ryuusei not worth saving more than some prideful chase? This yokai, who had hurt no one they had seen, offered both for such a simple desire. She wished to live, and was that not the most mortal sentiment?

“I will hear of my brother, and then will strike our deal,” came the whisper of a priest.

#Izayoi Shicho #mateus rp #background story #title from a song by the Family Crest #I'm unoriginal

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recentanimenews · 6 years ago

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Manga the Week of 10/31/18

It’s Halloween, and the trick is being able to stand under the weight of all this manga.

Ghost Ship has a 7th volume of “porn or not?” series To-Love-Ru Darkness.

J-Novel Club has a trio of ongoing titles, as we get the 8th Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, the 7th The Magic in This Other World Is Too Far Behind!, and the 2nd Sorcerous Stabber Orphen.

Kodansha’s print debut is Hiro Mashima’s Playground, which as you might guess is a collection of short stories from the creator of Fairy Tail.

Speaking of short story collections, we also get Battle Angel Alita: Holy Night, which collects previously unseen one shots from the Gunnm universe. (What’s Gunnm?, I hear you cry. Well…)

ASH: Oh, I had missed this one being picked up, though I’m not surprised that it was.

SEAN: There’s also the 14th and final volume of Animal Land, a series whose first volume came out in North America sometime in 1643.

MICHELLE: I legitimately forgot this series existed.

MELINDA: Same.

ASH: It really is a shame that this series hasn’t gotten more attention. It’s a little strange, but quite good.

SEAN: The digital debut is a sequel, as we get the first volume of Princess Resurrection: Nightmare, the sequel to… well, Princess Resurrection. It still runs in Shonen Sirius, and seems to be more of a Tokyo Ghoul-style reboot.

Also out digitally: Beware the Kamiki Brothers! 6 and Heaven’s Design Team 2.

MICHELLE: I read the first volume of the latter and it was.. odd. We’ll see if the author varies the already established formula at all with volume two.

SEAN: Seven Seas is hitting us with lots of stuff. The debut is Versailles of the Dead, which does not feature Oscar but does feature Marie Antoinette and zombies. I think it’s currently running in Hibana, though it’s changed magazines a few times.

ANNA: I have to admit I am intrigued by the title, along with historical zombies.

ASH: As am I! It’s by the creator of Afterschool Charisma, too.

SEAN: There’s also The Ancient Magus’ Bride Supplement, yet another in-depth guidebook to the series.

ASH: I’ll be picking this one up!

SEAN: And we have an 8th Dreamin’ Sun, the 8th Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash novel in print, the 2nd manga adaptation of If It’s For My Daughter Etc., the 3rd Mononoke Sharing, the 13th My Monster Secret, the 8th Nurse Hitomi’s Monster Infirmary, and 2nd True Tenchi Muyo! novel, and the 4th and final Yokai Rental Shop.

ASH: I wasn’t as enamored with the beginning of Yokai Rental Shop as I was hoping I would be, but I have been meaning to read more of the series.

SEAN: Udon has a 3rd volume of Infini-T Force.

Vertical has Onimonogatari, which theoretically is about Shinobu but Mayoi is going to steal the show.

That leaves Yen Press, but that’s still a lot.

ASH: It really is.

SEAN: Starting with Yen’s digital-only manga, we see Corpse Princess 19, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun 8, and IM: Great Priest Imhotep 9.

JY is Yen’s imprint for younger readers, and we have two titles to point to. The first is Crush, the 3rd in Svetlana Chmakova’s series that began with Awkward and Brave. It is sure to be as awesome as both of those were.

JY also has a Japanese title debuting. Zo-Zo-Zombie is from the kids’ magazine Corocoro, and is the most adorable zombie manga you’ll ever read.

ASH: D’awww.

SEAN: Yen On debuts Mirai, the latest ‘novelization of a popular movie’ title. There’s also Final Fantasy VII: On the Way to a Smile, in which Aerith is, like Francisco Franco, still dead. Though given these are short stories, possibly not in this volume.

Goblin Slayer, now a hit anime, also gets a side story novel, called Year One. I expect goblins.

Yen On also has new volumes of The Empty Box and Zeroth Maria (4), Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (12), Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Sword Oratoria (7), Re: ZERO (8), Spice and Wolf (20), and its sequel Wolf and Parchment (3).

Theoretically there is also the long, long, long delayed 7th volume of No Game No Life, but I won’t believe this without actual evidence.

And then the manga. So much. Only one debut, which is High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World!. Based on an unlicensed light novel, it’s another isekai, as you can see, only the kids finding themselves in another world are all insufferable geniuses. How will they cope? Easily, apparently.

That leaves the ongoing series. Let’s divide it, as I tend to do, in half. First, NOT based on light novels. There’s Anne Happy 8, Aoharu x Machinegun 13, Demonizer Zilch 5, Gabriel Dropout 5, Hakumei & Mikochi 2, Hatsu*Haru 3, Kakegurui: Compulsive Gambler 7, Kiss and White Lily for My Dearest Girl 7, Murcielago 8, Prison School 11, Sacrificial Princes and the King of Beasts 3, the 5th Sekirei omnibus, Shibuya Goldfish 2, Silver Spoon 5, Spirits & Cat Ears 7, Taboo Tattoo 12, Teasing Master Takagi-san 2, Triage X 16, and Val x Love 4. … I’m actually getting a lot of that. Yikes, that’s a lot.

MICHELLE: Hatsu*Haru, Sacrificial Princess, and Silver Spoon for me.

ANNA: You know, if I don’t read any of this, I’m not behind. That’s what I will tell myself. Although somewhere I have first volumes of Sacrificial Princess and Silver Spoon squirreled away.

MELINDA: Obviously Silver Spoon. Always Silver Spoon.

ASH: Silver Spoon is likewise at the top of my list, but I’m reading (and falling behind with) a few others, too.

SEAN: On the light novel adaptation side, we have A Certain Magical Index 15, Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody 5, The Devil Is a Part-Timer! 12, Durarara!! re;Dollars 3, the 5th DanMachi: Sword Oratoria manga, Napping Princess 2, The Saga of Tanya the Evil 4, and the 4th So I’m a Spider, So What?.

ANNA: Why are there so many light novels, and no one has released any Library Wars titles, or finished 12 Kingdoms????

MICHELLE: Or Saiunkoku Monogatari???

ANNA: YES! Someone bring out Saiunkoku Monogatari!!!!

ASH: I would love to see those series translated, too! I’d add No. 6 and the rest of Moribito as well, though those might not technically be light novels.

SEAN: Are you gorged on all these treats? What’s in your bag?

ASH: SO MUCH.

By: Sean Gaffney

#Anime #News #Manga Bookshelf

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agent-7-at-your-service · 7 years ago

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Future Plot: Syer’s Rebellion - Chapter 7

((Sandra, Pyrrhus, Telemachus (mentioned), Kitzeh (mentioned), James, Market Splatoon, and Jane belongs to me

Camille and Guist belongs to @inklingleesquidly

Nebula belongs to @agenttwo and @myzzy

Marina and Wish (mentioned) belong to @inklingleesquidly@agenttwo and @myzzy; designs are made by @teamuntyblue / @ryan-sign-guy

Vix (mentioned) belongs to @teamuntyblue / @ryan-sign-guy

Beaker Jr belongs to @askvincent and @scrushling

Emerald and Sapphire belong to @son-of-joy and @twelvetailedkitsune

Suzy belongs to @son-of-joy

Mysteeri belongs to @dreadangel ))

((Insert opening: https://youtu.be/IBF9XEsnvJI ))

Last time on Syer's Rebellion:

Mysteeri has found out the truth about the Japanese Internment Camp, Manzanar, and how Camille and Nebula are being confined in the place with so many others. Her defection led to another victory for Syer's Rebellion.

With Manzanar leveled to the ground, it's prisoners freed, it's Splat-Coat survivors left for dead, and California completely liberated, a furious President Howe is now escaping to the Great Plains, wounded by Mysteeri.

Camille, Nebula, Beaker and Guist are finally reunited with Sandra's party, and now they got another member for the rebellion: Mysteeri.

This concludes the Western US Theater and the beginning of the Central US Theater and the Great Plains Theater.

As California is liberated, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah followed in favor of the Revolution. The Steampunk fashions there are no longer the norm and were going to progress back to the modern age. That was the Western US Theater.

In the Central US Theater, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma are the next states that Syer's Rebellion is going liberate. Texas has already seceded, so they are not under influence of the rebellion nor President Howe's regime. The Splat-Coat's Base of Operation in this Theater near the Black Hills. If Syer's Rebellion wins in this Theater, Hawaii, Alaska, and Texas may reconsider their allegiances.

Route from Los Angeles to West Yellowstone, United States of America - 10:15

Camille, Nebula, and Beaker Jr. are finally reunited with Sandra and the others. Guist hid in the Yokai Watch for the rest of the trip. They managed to retrieve their Steampunk Weapons after that whole battle in Manzanar.

Jane and her family bid Camille and Nebula farewell and returned to their home in Terminal Island.

Sandra has everyone come along with Market Splatoon, taking an airship to their destination. They celebrated their reunion in the bridge. Pyrrhus and Sapphire were chatting at the stern of the airship. Emerald and Suzy were at the crow's nest, planning to expand their network further.

"Glad to have you guys back," Sandra welcomed.

"You have no idea what it was like in there!" Beaker complained.

"Camille and Nebula are back from vacation?" Vix asked.

"You guys must've had a terrible time spent in Manzanar," Marina commented, "You could've starved and dealt with dust storms!"

"They've been in Manzanar for less than a week," Wish noted.

"Wish is right, it's no big deal." Camille folds her arms. "It's not like we've suffered so much during that time."

"You guys were in prison?" Vix tilts his head.

"Don't worry, Vixy." Camille pats his back. "It's not as bad as it looks."

"You can tell us more about life in Manzanar later." James's orange octoling companion, Abraham, has his hands on the wheel. "For now, you got make yourselves useful in the Central Theater."

"He means the Great Plains," James explained.

"So this is your brother?" Camille took a glance at Sandra's brother. "Yup... looks more like a cooler version of you."

"Ehh...?" Sandra wasn't annoyed by that comment but was just surprised.

"Now, now, Camille, you flatter me," James teased, "Anyway, I want you and Nebula with me and Sandra in the captain's quarters. Henri, Abraham, make sure we reach Yellowstone."

"D'accord, Monsieur Syer," Henri replied.

Minutes later, the Neo-Squid Sisters would be in the Captain's quarters with a map of the United States on a desk. There were 59 colored flags; 3 flags were gray in Hawaii, Alaska, and Texas; 9 red flags and 9 blue flags were each placed on the 9 states where the Great Plains covers; the rest of the 38 States were marked with a red flag. Again, the blue flags represent the Revolution, the red flag represents Howe's Splat Coats, and the gray flags represent the neutral states.

"Sandra has told me about your adventures." James is using a unique alloy that can be easily be shaped; he used it to create two unique strategic pieces. He would dip each of them in green and pink. "And you've been saving the day and the world so many times. You're heroes!"

Camille acknowledged that compliment. "I'm not a hero."

This was something that her father, Lee Squidly, has said before. https://inklingleesquidly.tumblr.com/post/157487522048/a-masked-stranger-asks-lee-what-do-you-fear

Nebula can guess where this is going. "You want us to help you guys out in the Revolution?"

"If you can influence so many back in Inkopolis, why not here in the U.S.?" James smiled at Nebula.

"Did you see the concert days ago?" Camille reminded. "Howe banned stuff made in Inkopolis!"

"Hey, you're rebels and outlaws at this point," James replied, "You can defy the ban."

"Then we'll do it." Nebula folds her arms. "We owe Felix a tour, and we're not letting President Howe stop this tour."

"James!" Henri enters the captain's quarters in alarm. "Monsieur Pyrrhus and Sapphire found a stowaway!"

Two rebel soldier escorted the stowaway into the room with their chargers aimed at her head. It was Mysteeri. James and Sandra shared a steampunk splat dualies and aim them at her. James knew her as an assassin; Sandra was a bit cautious of Mysteeri even after the battle in Manzanar.

Camille and Nebula stood in their way.

"Don't shoot, you guys! She's a friend!" Camille defended.

"This is the squid responsible for executing the officers in Northern California!" James argued.

"But she helped Sandra break into Manzanar to save us," Nebula defended.

Sandra sighs and lowers her dualies. "She's right, James. I even encountered her and she clearly defected."

James stared into Mysteeri's eyes with a glare. He has no trust towards this inkling, especially if she accepted an offer made by President Howe. How can Camille and Nebula be a this squid's friend? He thought. And why would Sandra trust her defection?

"Go on then," Mysteeri encouraged, "Shoot me if you think I'm still an enemy."

Mysteeri has already seen the true colors of President Howe, but she now had to gain not only James's trust but the rebellions’ as well. James soon lower his gun and handed the steampunk dualies back to Sandra. He sighs.

Sandra pats her brother's back in understanding.

West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States - 12:45 Noon

When they reached their destination, the place they arrived in is a vast valley where forest surrounds two lakes. The shore they were on was actually a geyser basin, and the springs here were boiling hot and the geysers created pillars of hot mists. The rebellion here was fitting in with civilians, wearing a unique badge to show their allegiance to the revolution.

Camille and Nebula to this time to put on their Neo-Squid Sister outfits and broadcast for Inkopolis. They had to update their status in Inkopolis despite the situation they're in. They even interacted with the civilians that came to tour the national park. Suzy, Sapphire, Emerald, Pyrrhus, and Beakers were also there, filling in as background cameos.

Marina and Wish were taking a look around the national park with Henri and Elizabeth accompanying them. Abraham and James are still on the airship with Sandra and Mysteeri. They were planning out several operations simply titled "The March"; it involved a number of groups discriminated by Howe's Splat-Coats. The influence that Camille and Nebula can bring to the people can be used for propaganda according to James, but Mysteeri was against this.

"I'm just saying that they be of use in getting the people on our side," James convinced.

"But they're just here for a world tour, you heard Nebula," Sandra reminded.

"And don't you think that's just 'using' them to advance the revolution?" Mysteeri questioned.

"Yes...no...maybe.........." James didn't know what to say at the moment.

"So we're doing a revolution while protecting Inkopolis's most famous idols?" Abraham saw this as a challenge for James.

"Then the Neo-Squid Sisters will just slow us down!" James disagreed. "They owe me after I saved them."

"James! Just let them do their tour," Sandra convinced, "I'm not asking you to make them slow us down, I'm asking you to cooperate with them."

James looked at her sister and took a deep breath. "I still think they should be of use." He then leaves the airship.

Abraham sighs. "Then we'll just have to split up into two groups. One will deal with the revolution and one will escort and protect the Neo Squid Sisters during their American Tour. Elizabeth, Henri, and I will be the escort team. I can tell, you and James have a lot to catch up on as a family."

"I know." Sandra began leaving the airship.

Abraham looks at Mysteeri. "As for you, now that you've defected, you might know something about the Splat-Coats."

Mysteeri had only worked for President Howe for less than 3 weeks, but she did manage to get some information. She has been eavesdropping on officers, reading military documents, and reading blueprints of new inkomatons. The most important of these inkomatons was called "Angels of America" and there were four of them: Justice, Liberty, Prosperity, and Happiness. The reason for their creation is unknown, but what is known is that Howe commissioned them.

"And you think these Inkomatons will be a high threat?" Abraham asked.

"Most likely, and I think one of them would be stationed here." Mysteeri points to the Black Hills. "I heard this used to be a holy site until the United States started settling here. First for gold, then for a passage for oil, and now for this: a base of operations."

While Abraham and Mysteeri talk over about how to end the Central Theater quickly, Sandra drags James to a diner that's reserved for the Neo Squid Sisters.

"Hey! What gives, Sandra!?" James didn't like it when his sister drags him to place.

"Oh don't react like that," Sandra answered, "I want to know if you remember how Mom and Dad made their chocolate cake."

James definitely knows. "Uhh... Yeah........ wait you can't remember the recipe?"

Sandra looks down and shakes her head.

"I only know the ingredients, and I tried to figure it out," she confessed

"It has been a while..." James now sounded guilty, but he tried to stay positive. "But it's okay, I know the recipe for it. Mom and Dad called it Ocean Blue."

When Sandra sets up the ingredients and the cooking tools, James noticed something missing. Sandra got the ingredients right: chocolate cake mix, coconut cream, coconut water, coconut shavings, crushed macadamia nuts, and whip cream. The only missing ingredient was a simple condiment.

"You're forgetting the sea salt and chocolate frosting," James advised.

"Sea salt and chocolate frosting?" Sandra knew something was missing. "That's what I was missing."

James sighs and offers Sandra his help. He helped her mix a teaspoon of sea salt with the coconut water and coconut cream. He then let Sandra add the chocolate cake mix and coconut shaving before mixing. Minutes later, when the cake is made, James helped Sandra cover the top of the cake with chocolate frosting. Later, they added the crushed macadamia nuts and later the whip cream.

"And here it is, Sandra." James pats her back. "A cake by the ocean blue." He takes a slice, puts it on a plate, and hand it to Sandra along with a fork. "Here, taste it now."

Sandra took a bite and tasted the Ocean Blue Cake, and she is astonished by the cake's creamy texture and it's salty but sweet flavor. And all this time she was missing two ingredients.

There something to the cake's flavor that tapped into Sandra's memories:

A young Sandra was sitting at steps of her house in Seychelles, crying about something. Then her brother, James, approached Sandra and comforted her, and then Sandra's parents came along to bring the two back inside as it was beginning to rain outside.

In the kitchen, Sandra's family was having a perfect meal: Coconut Curry, Ladob, Saffron Rice, and their family recipe -- Ocean Blue Cake. Sandra and James were sharing a cake. Sandra's father then walks over to pat James's shoulder while her mother came over to kiss her cheek.

Sandra can recall what she had said:

Sandra, my sweetie, no matter what happens, stay brave. Keep moving forward and stay brave, even if all is lost and even if there's nowhere else to turn. I know you and James will make your names known to the world like Papa and me.

Stay brave~

Sandra tears up a bit from the memory.

"Sandra?" James can see the tears.

Sandra quickly hugs her brother, trying not to cry. James wraps his arms around him, comforting her the same way he did many years ago. He understands.

#Future #Plot #Syer's Rebellion

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100wordanime · 7 years ago

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This might seem like an odd choice for a list but I’m going to be honest, going into Summer 2017 there were only a few shows that on reading the synopsis made me want to try them and then most of those were unavailable to me. I did get to watch Elegant Yokai Apartment Life and it had the opposite problem of the write up makes it sound more fun that it is. So instead I got to just randomly sample shows that I went into expecting not to really like them very much and in some cases the results have been pleasantly surprising. That’s not to say these are the best shows I’m watching or the best on offer, only that they are actually more fun than I initially thought they would be.

Anyway, I’d love to know if there’s a show that has surprised you this Summer season by not being dreadful.

Please note: Probably only limited spoilers below.

Honourable mention this week to Princess Principal. Not only is it one of my favourite shows of the season, it is one that from the short synopsis I read and the character designs I was pretty positive I was going to drop, not because it sounded bad, but because it just didn’t sound or look like something I would enjoy. So glad I watched the first episode because it was great fun.

Number 5: 18if

After going to sleep like normal, Haruto Tsukishiro wakes up to discover something unbelievable—he’s stuck in dream world! Here, witches plague the dreamscape and are more than dreamy figments—they’re the trapped souls of young women who’ve rejected reality and are afflicted by the “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.”

The above is the Crunchyroll synopsis and reading that it just screams that this is something to be avoided. Stuck in a dream world? Okay, here’s another chance for a writer to just be totally random for no reason. Oh, there are witches who are actually the trapped souls of young women? Suffering from a syndrome named after a fairy tale character. It all just seemed far too much like a desperate cry for attention and to be honest with each episode featuring a unique art style and tone you could be forgiven for thinking this entire story is just a project being made by an over-zealous art class full of students that all just want their turn at creating someone for Haruto to rescue. Despite that, it actually hasn’t been a bad watch. There’s been quite a bit of heart in some of the stories and there’s been enough cohesion with Haruto to carry us from story to story without too much confusion. Admittedly, this could still end very badly or not at all if they don’t bother to get to some sort of more definitive point before the season draws to a close.

Number 4: Gamers

“Would you like to be with me… in the Gamers Club?” Amano Keita is a perfectly mediocre loner with no particular distinguishing features other than his love for games. One day, his school’s prettiest girl and Gamer Club President Tendo Karen suddenly calls out to him. That moment changes Keita’s life forever, as he now finds himself in the midst of a romcom with beautiful girl gamers… or, well, that’s how it usually goes. Not with him, however.

As much as I like games and gaming, this anime didn’t exactly scream that it was something I wanted to watch. Everything about the synopsis is cliché and high school, club anime about loner boy getting targeted by the school’s ‘prettiest girl’ to join a club just didn’t seem like something I was going to get into. And the first episode more or less confirmed those fears and then it didn’t. Gamers managed to turn the trite and overused scenario on its head and admittedly it has marched us through a lot of tropes and clichés the way it manages to continue to defy audience expectations while remaining watchable is pretty amazing. The narrative is completely shot at this point because of all the twists they keep building in but it doesn’t really matter because I’m just caught up with these odd characters and their odd but charming interactions.

Number 3: Fastest Finger First

Bunzou High School is welcoming its new first-year students. One of them, Koshiyama Shiki, is chosen to participate against his will in an impromptu fast-buzzing quiz meet by the president of the Quiz Bowl Circle. As a quiet boy who loves reading and doesn’t want to stand out, Shiki is overwhelmed, but his classmate, Fukami Mari, is able to hit the buzzer and answer questions before the full question is given.

Once again, high school club with quiet boy getting dragged into things. What actually drew me to this one is that it was about quizzes and I really enjoy them so I ignored all my trepidations and took on the first episode. While I can’t say that this has truly defied any of my expectations, it is really quite watchable and mostly that is because of Koshiyama as the protagonist. He might be a quiet kid who doesn’t like standing out but there’s more to him than just that and he’s actually proving to be a reasonably well rounded protagonist. Does that make the show particularly good? Not really. Unless you like quizzes there really isn’t a lot to get into with the story. However, given what my initial thoughts were when reading that synopsis I’ve ended up finding this fairly okay.

Number 2: Clean Freak Aoyama-Kun

Aoyama kun is a hot, young soccer prodigy who plays midfielder for the National U-16 Soccer Team. But he’s also an extreme germaphobe! The TV anime adaptation of “Keppeki Danshi! Aoyama kun!” (Clean Freak!! Aoyama kun) portrays the friendships he forms and the challenges he overcomes in a “spotless” coming-of-age story!

Seriously? It is a story about a ‘hot’ soccer player who is a germaphobe and in case that isn’t enough to make your eyes roll right out your head at the sheer gimmicky nature of that match up we then get an incredibly tacky pun dropped into the synopsis just for fun. There was absolutely nothing about that write up that made this seem like it would appeal and to be honest, there’s nothing about the show that really should given its basically an episodic comedy that has a cast of overly zany characters that each seem to get one episode in the spotlight where their extreme dysfunction takes centre stage as we circle around Aoyama and then we move on. Despite that, I’ve been finding this anime oddly charming. Not every joke is a winner and some episodes are more tiresome than others, but overall, Aoyama has been kind of interesting and part of that is probably because despite the cheap jokes and gimmicks, for the most part it seems to respect people with conditions. There are a lot of tacky jokes in the series but Aoyama’s need to clean has for the most part been treated as a setting rather than the target of the humour.

Number 1: In Another World With My Smartphone

After dying as a result of God’s mistake, the main character finds himself in a parallel world, where he begins his second life. His only possessions are the body that God gave back to him and a smartphone that works even in this new world. As he meets all kinds of new people and forges new friendships, he ends up learning the secret to this world. He inherits the legacy of an ancient civilization and works together with the kings of some very laid-back countries on his carefree travels through this new world.

Right from the title you know what this show is giving you. It is another self-aware isekai story about an overpowered protagonist trapped in another world. Gimmick to throw in is he gets to take his phone with him and somehow it works. There’s really no reason at all this anime should have appealed to me and yet there’s just something about how it delivers its tropes that manages to entertain. It seldom crosses into overly cringe worthy territory and even though the last couple of episodes have started to become a little repetitive, due to Touya being all but an unstoppable force of nature at this point, there’s still plenty to make me smile about this show. Nope, it has no depth and it isn’t trying to actually make itself distinct or a satire on the genre or anything else. What it does is simply remember why these clichés became cliches and what makes them fun. It delivers lines that in most shows would all but be followed with a nudge to the audience to let us know that they are aware it is an overused line in an absolutely serious manner. Just as it delivers cloth dissolving slimes without a hint of shame. All and all, of all the shows I tried without really expecting anything from them, this one is the one I’ve ended up having the most fun with. Again, not exactly the best anime of the season but nowhere near as terrible as it could have been from that synopsis.

Over to you, which show this Summer did you find to be oddly not terrible after reading a synopsis that kind of made you wonder why you were even pressing play?

Thanks for reading.

If you enjoyed this post and like the blog, consider becoming a patron to support further growth and future content.

Thanks,

Karandi James.

Tuesday’s Top 5: Shows of Summer 2017 That Weren’t As Bad As Their Synopsis Made Them Sound This might seem like an odd choice for a list but I'm going to be honest, going into Summer 2017 there were only a few shows that on reading the synopsis made me want to try them and then most of those were unavailable to me.

#18if #anime #Clean Freak Aoyama Kun #Fastest Finger First #Gamers #In Another World with my Smartphone #list #Summer 2017 #Top 5 #Tuesday&039;s Top 5

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nazih-fares · 8 years ago

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Announced at the 2005 edition of E3 as an exclusive for the PlayStation 3, Team Ninja’s Nioh have come a long way before reaching the Bluray players of our shiny PlayStation 3. Originally created by its mother company Tecmo Koei, Nioh was supposed to be a “simple” JRPG, with very classical elements, telling William’s adventures, an Englishmen based on a real historical figure (William Adams), who had come to Japan and learned the local martial arts way to become the first ever Western Samurai. Sadly,as if it’s tradition with 1Japanese games, things when wrong and the project was transferred to the hands of another studio called Omega Force, known for turning everything into a Muso genre (Warriors, Orochi, Samurai and Dynasty series). After a few years of development, Nioh, unable to satisfy the demands of Tecmo Koei, changed for the ultimate time development team and started from scratch with the makers of Ninja Gaiden (and Dead or Alive): Team Ninja.

It was up for this studio to completely transform Nioh, and heavily influenced by Hidetaka Miyazaki, create a similar style experience, closer to a Japanese universe and lore. Were Tecmo Koei and Sony Interactive Entertainment (for the West mainly) right to put his baby in the expert hands of this Action game studio? Or was the obsession to create another Dark Souls too much to lose its core values? Let’s see in this review.

The first thing you’ll notice by booting the game and discovering its artistic direction, is the feeling of Nioh passing through several studios before landing in the hands of Tomonobu Itagaki (Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden’s creator), with remnants of work done by Omega Force especially on all historical aspect of the game. Nioh takes place in feudal Japan invaded by demons, yet doesn’t seem to prevent the local warlords to still wage war against each othters. These generals are the same historical figures that can be found in all the best Muso games in the world, character design included (visually speaking, very close to a Warriors Orochi). So forget the bootylicious bimbos of other Team Ninja productions, but Nioh’s character design are great nevertheless without being raunchy, whether it’s the main hero, but also for the heroines, monsters and bosses.

It’s in this Japanese era that William fights against forces of evil, stalling their march on their world domination, but also to save his loved one held prisoner. If this starting pitch is much more concrete than the riddles of Dark Souls, while being supported by cinematics at the beginning and end of each chapter, Nioh’s narration is as much a conundrum as a From Software game can get. The mission briefing is often a single page to read, with no real indication of your goals, and although easy to follow, the tribulations of William in the different regions of Japan are very conventional, with this duo of demons and civil war. In any case, the overall mood of game is greatly pictured, with a true feel of Japanese folklore, whether in the interpretations of Onis (the traditional name for Japanese evil spirits) or in the settings and surroundings. The soundtrack also demonstrates talent, both in terms of music and sound effects, composed by Yugo Kanno, mostly know for his work on Rain but also a hell lot of Anime composition such as JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Psycho-Pass and more. For those of you preferring original voice acting, you’ll be glad to know that Japanese voices are in the game, on top English dubbing, and numerous other languages in terms of subtitles and localized menu.

Now let’s jump in the heart of what matters in a game like Nioh: the gameplay. While Tecmo Koei as a whole had influenced the artistic direction, we will obviously find a lot of features from Dark Souls, but embellished with a whole lot of elements unequivocally belonging to Team Ninja original work. So let’s start by mentioning what Nioh really took as an inspiration from Dark Souls, to answer directly to the questions that most of you From Software fans want to know.

The first basic mechanics that can be found in this Dark Souls-like is the way how experience works, managed via camp fires. If the player dies, it loses all of its hard-earned experience (called amrita), which will remain there at the very place of your death, and finds itself in front of the last altar you visited. Your task then is to recover your precious belonging without dying, otherwise you will disappear forever in a limbo of ragequit and the frustration of having done all this for nothing. Because yes, the other basic principle of Dark Souls is that the game is one hell of challenge for players, and while not impossible, it pushed me at some point of almost rage quitting. Hell the slightest mob can send you to an instant death, the moment they feel a glimpse of confidence, an honest error, or have fallen into a trap, but that’s another story.

The fighting mechanics against various bosses, both in terms of size and design, relate as well to Dark Souls, and here it will often be necessary to go through a series of trials and errors to find the beast’s weaknesses, whether it’s in his evasion speed, the elementary damage or use of a particular item. On this front, the sensations in combat are closer to a Bloodborne than to a Dark Souls: the dodge is much more practical than a parry, as the latter consume more of your stamina (or ki) gauge, which can be bad when an enemy is countering you. The game is nevertheless more accessible than a Dark Souls for amateurs, since it offers a real tutorial where we learn more about the many subtleties of the gameplay.

True to any Team Ninja games, the fighting mechanics feel great (if not better than Dark Souls or even Bloodborne). The most striking aspect being the postures that one can adopt with its weapon, comparable to a “stance” in a fighting game: Medium is your standard mode, high stance to strike harder but become more open to attacks, and low stance to be more focused on defense but will do less damage. Another big subtlety, that reminds me of a bunch of Naruto games is the ability to recharge your ki faster by pressing R1 precisely when you’re done doing a combo, as your body start absorbing blue orbs around the arena. All these numerous and very demanding fights are already more exhilarating with the mechanics, and Nioh even inherited a feature straight out of Ninja Gaiden which are bloody dismemberment. Finally the last added feature is the living weapons, a sort of elemental powered attack where you are immune to damage and weapons deals extra damage, on top of being able to trigger your spirit guardian’s special attack.

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Level design wise, don’t expect the Metroid-ish world of Dark Souls, but arenas divided into different stages, which are more linear, yet still offering many shortcuts to unlock near shrines. It starts from a view of the map of Japan, where you choose your mission, main or secondary one, and teleport straight to the action… A big difference from the massive linked levels of Yarnam. Nevertheless there’s a lot of exploration to do in Nioh, but the overall level design are not as complex as I would’ve liked it to be from JRPG, even if really great to look at. Plus the game is a visual marvel, whether you play it on a regular PS4 or PS4 PRO (with 4K HDR resolution), locked at a constant framerate of 60fps with no slowdown in the time of my reviewing, just rare slow loading of enemy animations from a range.

On the front of gear and loot management, Nioh also stands out very strongly from its influence, as it’s closer to a Diablo than anything else, with insane amount of drops on a constant basis. Gear plays a big part as well as heavy load can harm your attack speed and will require William to spend more Ki to attack or do any sort of action.

When it comes to multiplayer, there’s only a coop mode for the moment, with a PVP planned later on as downloadable add-on. In any case, I briefly managed to play a quick multiplayer session, where you basically join yokai realm missions with other Williams that are harder and more rewarding. The other function is called Random Encounter where you make yourself available to anyone who is calling for help at a shrine. Add to this a really long game lifespan, thanks to its multiple challenge levels and replayability based on missions, you’ll have a lot to do, especially if you’re aiming for a Platinum trophy (crazy you).

Nioh was reviewed using a PlayStation 4 digital code of the game provided by PlayStation Middle East. We don’t discuss review scores with publishers or developers prior to the review being published

Nioh is the kind of action-JRPG that we like, and even if heavily influenced by Dark Souls, has its own charm and original mechanics. A must have! Announced at the 2005 edition of E3 as an exclusive for the PlayStation 3, Team Ninja's Nioh have come a long way before reaching the Bluray players of our shiny PlayStation 3.

#Editor&039;s Choice #Featured #PlayStation Exclusive #Sony Interactive Entertainment #Team Ninja #Tecmo Koei

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for-gold-and-glory · 5 years ago

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Blitzball Tournament: Menphina Madness

I'm mulling over ideas for next season, and there's a few teams that might get renamed. And I’m working on the Wild Card Team. These are the ideas thus far, I don’t think we’ll make a decision on the Wild Card until March, but let me know what sounds good! Limsa Lominsan: Sanguine Sirens (formerly Black Abyss) Uldah: Gil Turtles (same) Gridania: Sea Chocobos (same) Ishgard: The Eyes (same) Ala Mhigo: Royal Griffons or Thunder Coeruls Eastern: Kugane Koban Crushers or Doman Hell Frogs Garlemald: Salt Barons (formerly Classiarii Technici) Wild Card: Mor Dhona Crystal Braves, Thavnair Corsairs, Doman Hellfrogs, Meracydia Mist Dragons, Azys Llas Allagan Abes

============================== Limsa Lominsan Sanguine Sirens ================================

They're back and under their own banner! Made famous for kidnapping and marooning the Bucaneers two years ago, the Sirens have earned their spot in Menphina Madness, not through piracy but through CRUSHING their opponents. Rumor has it, the Sanguine Sirens train in a secret pirate city located in a hidden cove in the Isles of Umbra.

Their team colors are: Black, red, and pink.

============================ Ala Mhigan Thunder Coeurls ===========================

THUNDERCATS ARE ON THE LOOSE! Based in Rhalgr's Reach, this team is fierce, proud, and full of salt. Normally, the Ala Mhigan team that scores the spot for Menphina Madness flies under the banner of 'the Royal Griffons' but the Thunder Coeurls have opted to keep their original name... and they're taking their big ass coeurl mascot with them to Kugane. Thunder Couerls ROAR!

========================= Garlemald Salt Barons =========================

Unrest in the Empire is effecting even the Blitzball team, as four - count them FOUR - teams show up in Kugane claiming to be the official representives of Garlemald. The Classiarri Technici, of course, have the most legitmate claim, but that doesn’t stop them in engaging in a bloody street battle in front of the Hydalyn Blitzball Association Consulate. Of course, authorities were called and the sekisei-gumi quickly cleaned up the situation. But now the Empire has an even bigger problem! All four of their teams have been arrested and being held in Kugane! Stepping up to represent the Empire? The former Imperial Ala Mhigo Salt Barons!

---

WILD CARDS:

======================== Mor Dhona Crystal Braves ========================

(Crystal Keepers, Crystal Lakers, Crystal Braves, Crystal Drakes - name is a work in progress)

From the aether infested lake of Mor Dhona comes the valiant Crystal Braves! This team of refugees and weirdos sports an incredibly unusual play style. One might assume their training and equipment to be humble in origin, but spectators are quickly shocked to discover that the Crystals are outfitted with super advance, hi-tec Allagan equipment. This team recruits from everywhere (and I mean EVERYWHERE).

Recruitment: Adventurers, Mor Dhona refugees/locals, Dalmascan, Castrum Centri based Garleans, Allagan experiments, First Shard characters

Icon: A crystal tower behind Midgarsomnr

OOC Notes: I'm pretty gung-ho for this team, so I don't have any concerns. It would serve as a great place for people with eccentric characters to play and I think it has a good theme

=================== Thavnairian Corsairs =====================

The Near East is taking to the high seas! State sponsored and highly trained, the Thavnairian Corsairs are the rival team of Limsa Lominsa. Also referred to as "the Gamblers," the Corsairs adapt to water through famed Thavnairian alchemic modifications. The base modification is irreversible, but in the interest of recruiting famed players from abroad, they have also developed a potion that temporarily achieves the same effect.

Recruitment: Thavnairian players, Far Easterners, adventurers

Note: The Corsair's modification turns the player into a chimera and is irreversible! This is not required to join the team, as they also have a 'breath in water' potion that can be used, but the offer is on the table!

Icon: Undecided

OOC Notes: I think these guys are cool, but I worry there isn't a big cross over between Thav RPers and people who want to play blitzball

================== Doman Hellfrogs ===================

From the hell pits of Doma, emerge the Doman Hellfrogs! This team means business, bringing the best of Othard to revel in the madness. Rumor has it that several members of the team are yokai. With the full support of the Doman Enclave and the Eastern Alliance, the Doman Hellfrogs are here to rah rah rah. I'll think of a better write up later.

Recruitment: Far and Near Eastern characters - Doman, Steppe, Higan, Kugane, Kojin/Lupin/Namazu, Thavnairian, Dalamascan, Nagxian, Western Adventurers! No Garleans.

Icon: A Hell Frog Colors: Red, Purple, Green

OOC Notes: I love the Hellfrogs, I think their aethestic is bad ass and I think there is a good amount of eastern players that also like to play blitzball. I'm mostly reluctant to remove the Koban Crushers, because they're the team that hosts Menphina Madness, and they're a good 'international' team for people who don't want to be too tied down in which country they represent. If the Hellfrogs are a Wild Card, I'm worried there might be too many 'Eastern Teams' to recruit for.

======================= Meracydia Mist Dragons ========================

The Merdragons are back! Representing the assorted Mi'qote Tribe, the Merdragons get their name from their ancestorial roots of Meracydia. They welcome both Keeper and Seeker members. You could call them a Panmiqo'te movement. Their mascot is the fierce but adorable Mist Dragon. They train in various facilities in Eorzea. However, they have recently attracted attention from 'parties from the south' and have been granted a boon of gifts from a mysterious sect of 'witchdoctors.' Is this the beginning of a Meracydian Revival?

Recruitment: Miqo'te only! Half-Miqo'te allowed.

Icon: The Mist Dragon Colors: pastel purple and blue

Notes: This team was easy to fill in the minor leagues, so I think it would do good!

====================== Azys Llas Allagan Abes =======================

Up in the forbidden island some new technology has been unearthed. An Allagan Blitzball Stadium! Hotly contested by the Eorzean Alliance and the VIth Legion, spectators were SHOCKED to discover that the two factions suddenly reached a compromise, forming a united team together and adopting the historical name: The Allagan Abes.

The Allagan Abes are a mixed group of players from the Ironworks and Eorzean Adventuring Guilds, the Eorzean Alliance, the VIth Legion, and Ishgard. The information surrounding their athletic alliance is shrouded in mystery and a source of contention for both sides, but their team has been recognized by the Blitzball Association. Utilizing ancient Allagan technology and training, the Abes have shot up as a terrifying dark horse. Rumor has it that they are being trained by an actual Allagan.

Rumor also has it that the players have been brainwashed and turned into Allagan chimeras

Recruitment: Eorzean, Garlean, Allagan players. You aren't going to be brainwashed, but you will be encouraged to take part in the story arc presented for this team! Chimeras also welcomed.

Icon: undecided Colors: undecided

Notes: \=D... I dunno. But this could be a fun story to tell!

Honorable Mentions:

Sharlayan Aquamammets Unnamed Dalmascan Team (gonna wait for the MSQ for further information) The Marvelous Mascots

If you’re interested in playing in Menphina Madness, the next season begins n March! You can join our discord: https://discord.gg/XUju3HR

#blitzball #Menphina Madness

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recentanimenews · 7 years ago

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Manga the Week of 12/20/17

SEAN: Are you ready? 3-2-1 let’s jam.

MICHELLE: *cracks knuckles in a preparatory fashion*

ASH: Get everybody and the stuff together, because there’s a lot of it!

KATE: There is SO MUCH MANGA that even I had to chime in.

SEAN: We start with Bookwalker, who has the second volume of their light novel The Combat Baker and the Automaton Waitress. I felt it was a good series for them to pick up (certainly better than their other LN series), and will be getting this volume.

J-Novel Club has the 4th volume of Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, which remains the top choice for those who like overpowered isekai and take it Very Seriously Indeed.

Kodansha has many, many things, both digital and print, which I will tackle alphabetically, starting with a 4th All Out!!.

MICHELLE: Woot!

SEAN: Attack on Titan has a big change coming with the 23rd volume, one that (like everything Attack on Titan has ever done) has gotten a mixed reaction.

Cardcaptor Sakura remains one of CLAMP’s most beloved franchise, despite age, appalling Nelvana dubs, and Tsubasa World Chronicle. Now we finally get a sequel with Clear Card, which apparently picks up where the old series left off. I will give it a shot, though I warn you I’m mostly reading for Tomoyo.

MICHELLE: This has been available digitally for a while, and I read it in that format. It’s a cute start, and I loved seeing Kero-chan again.

MELINDA: I’m obviously on board for this.

ANNA: I enjoy early CLAMP, and am leery of recent CLAMP. That being said, due to my love of Cardcaptor Sakura, I will check this out.

ASH: Same! I really do love Cardcaptor Sakura, though.

SEAN: DEATHTOPIA has its 7th and penultimate volume coming out next week.

And there’s also a 4th volume of Elegant Yokai Apartment Life.

If you haven’t yet picked up Ghost in the Shell’s hardcover deluxe editions, why not get them in a handy box set?

We’ve caught up with Japan for Happiness, so it’s nice to see a 6th volume drop.

ASH: I need to catch up with this series, myself!

KATE: The last volume of Happiness had a big time jump and shift in emphasis — something that worked surprisingly well, and and promoted one of the most interesting (and resourceful) supporting characters to a leading role.

SEAN: Inuyashiki comes to an end with its 10th and final volume. It’s always been a bit too weird for me, but then I felt the same way about Gantz.

Kasane has an 8th volume of suspense and horror.

The digital debut next week is The Prince’s Black Poison, a Betsufure romance that honestly sounds like exactly the sort of title I avoid, but what the hey. Recommended for those who like handsome manipulative men. It’s by the author of Gakuen Prince, which was also very much filled with those.

MICHELLE: Oh dear.

ANNA: Feeling sort of meh on this.

SEAN: And Real Girl has a 9th volume of whatever it is Real Girl does, besides remind me how many of these Kodansha digital titles I have yet to sample.

Say “I Love You” has come to its 18th and final volume. Despite the occasional overdose of melodrama, I greatly enjoyed this series, and am happy to see the conclusion after a long wait (we had, again, caught up with Japan).

MICHELLE: I’ve been awaiting this release for a long time!

SEAN: If you haven’t picked up A Silent Voice’s 7 volumes, Kodansha has a box set for you! (Both this and the Ghost in the Shell box are clearly meant for Christmas purchases.)

Speaking of the author of A Silent Voice, we’re getting a 2nd To Your Eternity next week as well.

ASH: Definitely picking this one up. The first volume was very good and surprising in ways that I didn’t expect.

KATE: What Ash said; To Your Eternity is definitely on my short list of Best Sci-Fi manga of 2017.

SEAN: A 6th Tsuredure Children has more 4-koma romance.

And Until Your Bones Rot has a 3rd volume of what is, let’s face it, NOT 4-koma romance.

Seven Seas is next. Arpeggio of Blue Steel is up to its 12th volume, and I’m still really interested in it, which is surprising given it’s about a bunch of cute girls who are really boats.

There’s also a 3rd “not Alice in the Country of Hearts, but the next best thing” series Captive Hearts of Oz.

Unlucky it may be, but the fact that Magical Girl Apocalypse has gotten to Vol. 13 means it’s popular as well.

Seven Seas is starting to pick up light novels that aren’t J-Novel Club print editions, and we begin with Monster Girl Doctor, whose title speaks for itself, though I’m not sure how this falls on the scale between ‘fetishey’ and ‘spooky’ monster girls.

And if that’s too millennial for you, how about a series from the 1980s? We get the first in the Record of Lodoss Wars novels, The Grey Witch, in a fancy hardcover edition.

MELINDA: It’s hard for me to dismiss something from the 80s…

ASH: It really is fancy! I’m looking forward to giving the Lodoss novels a try.

SEAN: Chi’s Sweet Coloring Book is a spinoff from Vertical featuring lots and lots of pictures of Chi to color.

Speaking of cats, Nekomonogatari (Black): Cat Tale is the first of a two-part set in the Monogatari series that finally resolves most of Tsubasa Hanekawa’s ongoing issues.

And there’s also a 4th Flying Witch.

Viz gives us a 3rd Golden Kamuy, which I suspect will have a bit less cooking and a bit more life-threatening violence this time around, but who knows?

ASH: I plan on finding out!

KATE: I seem to be stalking you through this week’s column, Ash! I’m butting in to say GOLDEN KAMUY IS AWESOME. I think Asirpa deserves her own damn series. Heck, it could be a cooking manga and I’d read it.

SEAN: If you want to get someone something terrifying for Christmas, you absolutely can’t go wrong with Shiver, a collection of stories selected by the author, Junji Ito.

ASH: I’m always happy to see more Ito being released! This collection should be great.

KATE: Nothing says “Deck the halls” than a little Junji Ito, I always say.

SEAN: And if you want to give some yuri manga, there’s a 2nd Sweet Blue Flowers omnibus.

MICHELLE: Yay!

ANNA: Behind on this already but I’m gonna read it!

ASH: You absolutely should! I’m so glad this series is finally getting the treatment it deserves in English.

SEAN: Lastly (for Viz only, trust me – we’re not even halfway), we have the 2nd Tokyo Ghoul: re.

And now on to Yen Press, pausing only to scream until our throats are raw and we are coughing up blood. (pause) There we go. Onward.

First off, we have the digital-only titles. Aphorism 13 is the second to last volume, and is for fans of survival manga.

Corpse Princess is up to its 14th volume, but it still has a long way to go. It should appeal to fans of fanservice and zombies.

And Saki 13 means we’re close to catching up, but that’s an ongoing series, so no worries there either. Recommended to those who like mahjong and breasts, not in that order.

On the Yen On side, we finish the digital catch-up for Accel World (9-11) and Irregular at Magic High School (5).

There’s also a new digital release of an older, pre-Yen On title. Kieli was a 2009 series of novels about a girl who can see ghosts, and it had an associated manga as well. Yen now has the digital rights to the novels, so we get the first one next week.

There are also a GIANT number of ongoing and new light novels in print. We get a 12th Accel World, which is in the midst of Haruyuki dealing with another mysterious threat.

The Asterisk War’s 5th volume wraps up its tournament arc, I believe… or should I say, it’s first tournament arc.

Baccano! starts a new 2-volume arc taking place in 1933 and subtitled The Slash. This first volume will show us what happened to that Mexican stereotype of an assassin from the Drug & the Dominoes book.

The Devil Is a Part-Timer! 9 has far less part-time work than expected, as the devil has returned to his homeland to rescue Emi and Alas Ramus.

Goblin Slayer 4 will feature what sounds like a collection of short stories judging from the description. And probably goblins being slayed. The Irregular at Magic High School’s 6th volume starts a new arc called the Yokohama Disturbance Arc, which I think was the final arc adapted for the anime.

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? asks the same question again, only this time it’s Monsters. Bell says no, others think differently. Vol. 10 drops next week.

KonoSuba’s 4th volume has the inevitable Hot Springs arc.

Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers has a 3rd volume, and I must admit if the storyline is “who’s the traitor” I may bail.

The first light novel debut is The Saga of Tanya the Evil, which is another isekai. A Japanese HR manager with a cold, ruthless reputation is killed, and then reincarnated by God. Not with the best intentions, though – God dislikes his logical attitude and so puts him in a world where magic exists and there is constant warfare. Oh, and he’s in the body of a little girl.

Sword Art Online has reached a dozen volumes, and we’re still in the midst of the epic Alicization arc. We finally see Alice again, but is she brainwashed? Can Kirito and Eugeo save her?

The other light novel debut this month already has its manga coming out from Kodansha, and is the 2nd of the three ‘ridiculous’ light novels Yen licensed recently. That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime arrives next week.

We’re nearly at the end! Only 28 more titles to go! And they’re all Yen Press. We start with a 6th volume of spinoff Akame Ga KILL! ZERO.

Angels of Death is a survival manga with psychological overtimes, which comes from the oddball Comic Gene. I’m not sure what to think of it.

An 8th Aoharu x Machinegun is shipping next week.

And a 5th Bungo Stray Dogs will give us literary references galore.

Light novel adaptations galore! Starting with a 4th manga of Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody.

Dragons Rioting has a 9th volume, which is also its final volume.

If you like the idea of Goblin Slaying but hate prose, I have good news, the first volume of Goblin Slayer is for you.

I know little about Graineliers except it’s from GFantasy, it has two male leads, and it’s not BL but feels like it should be.

MELINDA: Did you say GFantasy? Count me in!

ASH: It’s also by Rihito Takarai (of Ten Count fame) so I’m very curious to see how this series develops. If nothing else, the artwork should be great.

SEAN: Manga based on an unlicensed light novel, part one: the 10th volume of High School DxD.

Manga based on an unlicensed light novel, part two: the 8th and final volume of How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend.

After a year’s hiatus, the Kagerou Daze manga picks up again with Vol. 7, and should be arriving more regularly from now on. For light novel fans, the story here is different from the LN (and indeed the Mekakucity Actors anime.)

A 5th Kiniro Mosaic gives you vague yuri galore.

If you liked the idea of Magical Girls dying tragically but hate prose… well, you know. Magical Girl Raising Project, now in manga form.

The 11th Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi-chan is the last, which I’m pretty sure means there are no current ongoing projects for this franchise, be it anime, manga, spinoff manga, spinoff anime, or the original novels. We should take off our hats and mourn the end of an era.

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong as I Expected gets a 7th manga volume, though I’m not sure which novel volume it’s adapting.

No Matter How Much I… sigh. WataMote gives us an 11th volume. Sorry, I’m exhausted.

Of the Red, the Light and the Ayakashi ends with its 9th volume, though I believe there is a Volume 10 with side/after stories.

ASH: Another series that I’ve been enjoying but need to catch up on!

MICHELLE: Aha! I had been thinking it was complete in 9, and then recently noticed there’s actually a tenth. Nice to have an explanation for that!

SEAN: One Week Friends is a Gangan Joker title about a cute friendship and the amnesia that threatens to tear it apart.

Re: Zero finishes its adaptation of the 2nd arc with the 4th A Week at the Mansion volume.

Rose Guns Days has a 2nd volume of its 3rd arc.

School-Live! does not come to an end with this 9th volume per se, but I think the series is on hiatus right now, so this may be the last for some time.

And a 3rd Smokin’ Parade arrives as well.

I enjoyed the first novel of So I’m a Spider, So What?, though am curious as to how a book that’s half internal dialogue will translate to manga. We’ll see with this first manga volume.

Strike the Blood’s manga has a Vol. 9, which, like the light novels, has Yukina and only Yukina on each cover.

Sword Art Online has the manga adaptation of the Calibur arc complete in one volume. It’s a great arc if you like the supporting cast, who all play a role – for the last time to date, in fact.

If you feel that yokai manga have gotten too serious lately, you should enjoy A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School, a GFantasy title that is terminally ridiculous.

ASH: Yokai comedy, you say? Count me in!

Umineko When They Cry begins its 7th arc, Requiem of the Golden Witch. Battler is nowhere to be found. Nor is Beatrice. Instead meet Kinzo’s heir Lion Ushiromiya. Oh, did I mention this first omnibus is 826 pages?

Lastly (yes, I promise, we are at the end), there’s a 7th omnibus of Yowamushi Pedal, which should be SUPER EXCITING.

MICHELLE: Yay!

ASH: I know I’m excited!

SEAN: (falls over) So are you getting everything on this list, or just most of it?

By: Sean Gaffney

#Anime #News #Manga Bookshelf

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