#King Rama X

[theroyalsandi]

ROYAL NEWS!!!

King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand are confirmed to attend King Charles’s Coronation next month.  

[royal-confessions]

“I think Rama X of Thailand might just be the craziest Modern day monarch.” - Submitted by Anonymous

[indepwom101]

🇬🇧 King Charles III, The Prince of Wales and The Princess of Wales

🇪🇸 King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain

🇹🇭 King Rama X and Queen Suthida of Thailand

Friday, May 5, 2023

[yore-donatsu]

💜🗨️🤖

👤‼️☕️

👑❓☕️

(read the "Alt" for more info)

[absolutebl]

Welcome to Tumblr BL Fandom - Here’s Your Primer

memes, insider trading & obsession meta post

The Death Stairs 

They haunt us. These same stairs constantly pop up in Thai BLs and we worry that someone is going to die on them (or fuck on them, or both).

BL origin = unknown, we only recently started tracking them (but the actual origin of the death stairs is 99 Home Studio117, RPC6+JM3 ซอย รามอินทรา 117 Min Buri, Bangkok 10510, Thailand. It appears to be a house rented out for filming. Honestly? They should AirBnB that level of fame. I’d rent it, buy a cactus and a chili plant, just for the photo op.)  

Rain Makes BL Boys Sick

For which the only solution is a sponge bath administered by another boy with a bowl of water and a damp white towel.

We don’t make the rules, the BL gods do. 

origin of the rain=fever = cultural

BL origin for the sponge bath = 2014′s Love Sick

The gayest bridge in Thailand

The Rama VII Bridge has appeared in so many Thai BLs - boys kiss on it and in front of it... A LOT. 

BL origin = SOTUS 2016  

Honor the Crumbs

Side dishes given very little screen time always end up being everyone’s favorites (especially in the pulps). Also falls under side dish syndrome. This is mostly a Thai BL thing, since they’re usually the BLs featuring more than one couple. (Taiwan is getting there, tho.)  

BL origin = @heretherebedork

The Engineering Department is Gay (also Pink Milk) 

The hot Thai boy in the engineering smock (red or blue) is either gay or a chaos bisexual. There are no exceptions. 

BL origin = SOTUS 2016 

Korea’s BL bubble 

A world where queer is simply accepted and a hostile society doesn’t exist. ​

Origin, probably Strongberry’s 2017-2018 shorts, but best known starters are 2020′s Mr Heart & Wish You

Namgoong award for best wingman 

Supportive straight(ish) besties! Appear throughout BL history, but really reached peak awesome with Namgoong, so a collection of us just started saying “thank you, Namgoong” whenever this archetype shows up. 

BL origin, Light on Me 

Korea’s BL formula 

(1 short Kpop idol + 1 tall actor / random separation in the last half of the final episode) x a small cast = KBL (usually 6-8 episodes totaling under 2 hrs)

BL origin, 2015′s The Lover 

Korean male beauty ideals here. 

Korea figured out boys can kiss 

To be fair Strongberry always knew this and Just Friends? gave it to us in 2005, it’s just they forgot for a while. A long while. 

origin = Korean 2022 BL

speaking of... 

Dead fish kisses

This tradition carried for years by Japan’s light BL, early Thai BL like Love Sick, & then Korea. It took Thailand’s 2016 BL (specifically elder gods KarnNut & MaxTul) to start breaking this curse. Could be argued that Ohm in 2016′s Make it Right also paved the way (while BoomPeak exemplify dead fish kissing). 

origin = early 2000s JBL when it was still known as Live Action Yaoi 

Taiwan = the kings of high heat 

Taiwan always serves up the most consistent and authentic chemistry, kisses, and higher heat. Thailand has it as well, but isn’t as consistent about it. 

BL origin = 2017 HIStory franchise and every Taiwanese BL since (although Eternal Summer probably started it in 2006) 

Taiwan’s marriage equality 

Taiwan was the first to feature sanctioned gay marriage in a BL, the first to depict queer engagements - and they regularly like to remind us that it’s legal there. As they should. 

BL origin = HIStory 2: Right or Wrong 2017 

Thailand’s food = love

Lovers cook, serve, feed, and/or eat together. Always. At least something along these lines in every Thai BL. 

origin, well just Thailand in general (and Asia to be fair), but probably SOTUS & Love Sick 

Vietnam’s domesticity

Vietnam always depicts at least some of their characters in a home environment, with family life, adopted kids, and more.

BL origin = Tein Bromance Extra

Cactus baby (and chili plant younger sibling) 

Hilariously a cactus plant was deployed as a courting gift, spy device, and blooming representation of sexual awakening in MaxTul vehicle Manner of Death. Tumblr adopted that cactus baby. 

BL origin = Manner of Death 2021

What China Did 

Massive wholesale censorship curtailed/abruptly cut short multiple shows in progress in 2016-2017. Also resulted in rewriting and reshooting of those in production, and more weird and invidious things. This also showed up as a purge (and likely persecution) of Chinese queer vloggers on YouTube, the imprisonment of several danmai authors, and eventually the censored bromances we now get today. 

BL origin victim = Addicted, Advance Bravely, etc...

Japan’s lanes 

Japan’s propensity to lean in favor of either

sweet, campy, and very low heat live action yaoi shot in a manga style with HEA, or 

dark, gritty high heat queer cinema and pinks shot in an atmospheric style with tragic endings 

BL origin, Boys Love 2006 & Takumi-kun 2007 

History of Japanese BL here and the weeds of Japanese BL here. 

#In Strongberry We Trust 

Small, queer, Korean production house Strongberry had been producing short form pro-queer KBL successfully for years, long before larger studios picked BL up. But when they transitioned to long form in 2022, we were a little scared they wouldn’t stick the landing. #InStrongberryWeTrust became our mantra.

BL origin = Choco Milk Shake 2022 

Faen Fatal(e) 

A side character, usually an ex-girlfriend but occasionally an ex-boyfriend, whose sole purpose is as a plot device to drive a wedge between the leads, or cause jealousy. 

BL origin = Love Sick

The Thai BL Pulps

Very low budget BL with terrible sound, crazy soapy plots, and earnest acting.

BL origin = Make It Right 2016 (term coined by @heretherebedork​ & self) 

The Mame effect 

AKA #oh mame must you? 

The mameverse features great characters, killer actor chemistry, and higher heat combined with terrible damaging tropes and non-sensical plot devices.

BL origin = TharnType (although technically started in Love By Chance) 

The 2 Moons Curse 

When a popular BL franchise struggles to survive over one season and keeps having to recast the leads. 

BL origin = 2Moons original 2017 

Dread Episode 11 

AKA Doom of Ep 11

Explained here. 

Golden Rules of BL 

Never trust: 

a Thai trailer, 

a Viki Category, 

a Vietnamese sub, 

an MDL description, 

a Taiwanese title, 

Japan, 

or a BL made before 2014.

Origin = me over the years 

BLoundary Test: has the seme ever respected a single boundary?

BLechdel Test. 2 ukes discuss something that is not their seme(s). Also uke indicates actual interest in sex in a relationship.

(source)

okay what did I forget? 

[rose-tea-and-strawberries]

Heya 👋

I discovered your account a few weeks ago and I fell in love with your twisted wonderland x house of mouse AU and I also started posting about this AU merged with my Twisted Wonderland AU 😊

Alas here is my question

I'm a huge jungle book fan, so I'm curious how they see Yuu in your AU

Hope you have a wonderful day/night 😊

I LOVE JUNGLE BOOK SO MUCH - it's actually one of the only instances where I like the movie more than the book (mainly because the books are super depressing - though it is lowkey funny how book!Shere Khan has the exact same death as Mufasa)

So I'm setting the HoM!AU as post-Shere Khan's defeat and pre-Mowgli going to the man village.

Literally all of them ship Yuu with any Savanaclaw Student

So I've said it before but Mowgli's family - Raksha, Rama and his brothers - absolutely adore Jack. They all like to roughhouse with him it's adorable. I personally headcanon that he's twisted from Mowgli's wolf father which is why he's not as villainous as his peers and also why he has a strong sense of justice - plus why he's close to his younger siblings.

Mowgli and Yuu are best friends. He and his brothers welcome her to the pack the same way they welcomed Mowgli and Jack. Raksha's mother instincts are blaring when she sees her so she joins the other animal Disney mums like Sarabi, Duchess and Mama Jumbo in doting on her with maternal affection.

Bagheera (Disney's OG good kitty before Simba - I literally love him so much he has my heart) is like Yuu's cool uncle. He is such a dad (even though his first instinct was to eat baby!Mowgli when he first saw him), the moment he sees Yuu he's like 'must protect'. Seing a mancub that he wouldn't get grey fur babysitting is such a relief and he spends most of his time just chatting with her and preventing Baloo and the rest of his cast from corrupting her. I have a twst!Bagheera OC that Yuu befriends and he's like this cool senior that warns her of dangers of possible predators.

Baloo is ecstatic to have another mancub to impart his wisdom onto :D (lowkey think that he would be friends with Timon and Pumbaa since they have similar life philosophies of taking it easy and stuff). Yuu thinks of him similarly to how she thinks of Coach Vargas - fun uncle who means well and she probably shouldn't get any advice from.

Kaa tried to eat her when he first met her but was then stopped by Minnie and Bagheera. Yuu's learned her lesson with Jamil when it comes to staring into the eyes of a snake. He and Sir Hiss are snarky snake besties and get snek cuddles around her neck privileges.

Shere Khan with Yuu is: No mancub allowed *sees Yuu* one mancub allowed. He's like a platonic tsundere where he pretends he doesn't like her but still loves it when she gives him head scritches.

I feel like Shere Khan has a love hate relationship with Scar. Tigers are actually stronger than lions are and have been known to beat them in fights even though Scar is, by twst lore and probably also Disney lore, a more important figure and much above SK in the villain pecking order so there would also be that whole fighting instinct over the hierarchy between them. This fighting instinct is also included in the whole Custody Battle™ because they both keep on making jabs at the other's expense (Shere Khan likes to say that Yuu deserves better than some lion whenever Scar is near him). The two of them are also best friends - it's hilarious. It's also funny to watch them gripe about Tigger and Prince John who they both consider the embarrassments of their species.

The elephants are cool. They hang out with the other Disney elephants (like the ones in Dumbo and Lion King). I forgot his name but that baby elephant that Mowgli befriends is totally bffs with Dumbo and the two of them like to play with Yuu and Mowgli together.

[colourme-feral]

The less glamorous siblings of the cable stayed bridges of the Chao Phraya River as seen in Thai qls, specifically in Bangkok and slightly north of Bangkok.

(I have left out bridges that have not made any appearances thus far)

Nonthaburi Bridge (in Pathum Thani and Nonthaburi Provinces) My Ride, Siew Sum Noi

Maha Chesadabodindranusorn Bridge (in Nonthaburi Province) The Luminous Solution, Not Me, Enigma, Be Mine Superstar

Krung Thon Bridge Absolute Zero, My Dear Gangster Oppa, You and My Stars, Moments of Love

Memorial Bridge Low Frequency Pilot Trailer, 'Cause You're My Boy / My Tee, Last Twilight

Phra Pok Klao Bridge (and Chao Phraya Sky Park) Low Frequency Pilot Trailer, 'Cause You're My Boy / My Tee, Last Twilight, Cherry Magic Thailand

Taksin Bridge (King Taksin the Great Bridge) Our Skyy x Dark Blue Kiss

Rama III Bridge and Krungthep Bridge (all appearances have included both bridges together) KinnPorsche, Cutie Pie, He's Coming to Me, Tell the World I Love You

References:

@absolutebl's BL Visual Trope Du Jour: Boys on bridges post

@virtualtadpole's The Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok post

5 cable-stayed bridges that cross the Chao Phraya River

[himehikoshrine]

Weekend Lesson Stage Script (EN)

This is the full Stage Script from the game menu for Weekend Lesson. (Apologies if there are typos, especially one's not already in the game menu version).

There is one part early on where the EN game script mixes up a few lines that I tried to put back in order (Hasekura's 'monologue' about Shiroma at the end of act one). Otherwise I tried to keep things as they are.

As with the others, there are lines and details in the stage script that are not in the performance you see in game, where they are shown only as text-over summary.

Also, as with the others, any ad-libs and such would not be here. The last-minute changes for Weekend Lesson are in line delivery, mostly, rather than lines, so it may not be as noticeable. Of course, you can access it from the game menu, if you’ve got it, but this version is searchable! Because someone else beat me to this project for Sleepless King here [x] that makes this the last of the stage scripts for the collection. You can find my transcription of Mary Jane here [x], of Oh, Rama Havenna here [x], and of all versions of Sissia of the Central Nation here [x].

Weekend Lesson

By Neji Kokuto

(1) Chapter 1

•Outside the Great Galleon

Two women walk together through a business plaza along the shoreline.

They notice a peculiar-looking building in the shape of a ship.

Kanna: Ms. Ando! There’s a ship right in the middle of the business plaza. It looks as if it’ll set sail any moment!

Ando: Oh, Kanna. There’s no way there would be a ship on land.

Ando: That’s a building designed to look like a ship. And there are no sailors in it, but office workers.

Kanna: Really? What a very unique building it is. It must be a new company.

Ando: That company’s much older than we are.

Kanna: Whaa?!

Ando: I believe you may have heard of it. The company’s name is…

Louis exits the building. 

Louis: Good morning! Good morning! 

Louis: From space exploration research to selling food and beverages, Great Galleon SJB is here!

★Dance

"We Are the Great Galleon"

Louis: Allow me to explain what our company is!

Louis: It’s been 200 years this year since our founding. An old company whose founder built up our assets through trade and said, ‘If you set sail, head for Acapulco!’ and always, always, challenge yourself!

Though I’m not sure what that means…

Louis: Our business has expanded to over a hundred countries. Our sales are on the level of national budgets, and our stocks have only been rising. Prime ministers and presidents are nothing compared to our president. Oh, but I kid. Well, probably.

Louis: Our pay? It’s good, of course. This suit is tailor made Paul Louis. ALL my personal belongings are Paul Louis. 

Louis: The work environment? Our employee benefits are perfection. Our company bistro serves nutritionally balanced, healthy meals, and our employee gym is always bustling with invigorated employees working up a sweat!

Louis: ‘Overtime’? What is THAT? Oh right, that evil concept I’ve heard so much about. Our company is nothing but wholesome, with abundant vacation time.

Louis: Recreational leave, maternity leave, family leave, confession leave. Even our crew who might get rejected from a love confession can feel at ease.

Louis: When you feel fulfilled in your private lives, your motivation to work rises. And we don’t neglect upskilling our employees, either. That all comes back in contribution to the company.

Louis: What do you think? Amazing, isn’t it? The Great Galleon SJB!”

Louis finishes his line. Everyone disperses.

Next to Louis, Hasekura hurriedly exits the building.

Hasekura: Documents… Documents…

Louis: Hasekura? If it isn’t Hasekura! Good morning my friend, my colleague!

Hasekura: Ah… Good morning, Louis.

Louis: You weren’t at dinner with our group the other day. What’s the matter? We go out every month, remember? 

Hasekura: I thought I’d bring down the mood if I went, so I didn’t go. Once a month is pretty frequent, too…

Louis: What are you talking about?! Everyone missed you. It’s ONLY once a month!

Hasekura: I’ll try and join next time. Well, I have to go turn in these documents. 

Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.

Louis: We were talking at the dinner, you know.

Hasekura: Y-Yeah? About what?

Louis: You see, I’ve actually been entrusted with a big project coming up.

Hasekura: You really are amazing. You’re the star performer out of all of us hired that year. Tell me more about it at the next dinner. I’m just going to turn in these documents…

Louis cuts off Hasekura as he tries to get away.

Louis: I’m being told a promotion’s just around the corner for me, but I really like not having the responsibility, so I’m in a bit of a tough spot.

Hasekura: Oh, I see. I can understand that.

Louis: Though I know I should happily accept being able to be part of a new project as the result of my hard work.

Hasekura: Right yeah, that’s true. So, I’ll just be submitting these documents…

Louis grabs Hasekura’s shoulders as he tries to get away.

Louis: it’s just, I can’t handle this project alone.

Louis: The ship’s captain, no matter how skilled he is, can’t overcome stormy waters without a crew…

Hasekura: Yeah… I got caught in another long talk with Louis.

Hasekura: I’m at fault. I’m at fault for trying to walk past him…

Louis: …In other words, I want you to help me. You’ll do it, won’t you Hasekura?

Hasekura: Huh? What was that?

Louis: I’m saying I want you to join the project that was entrusted to me!

Hasekura: Me? I can’t, Louis! I’m not as talented as you. I’ll just get in everyone’s way.

Louis: Hasekura… you gotta aim higher. ‘If you set sail, head for Acapulco!’ Right?

Louis: Your guardian angel can’t help you fly if you stay curled up and looking down like that all the time. You gotta change, Hasekura!

Hasekura: S-Sure…

Mukai: Hasekura, there you are.

Mukai: Our boss was making a fuss about not having the documents they needed first thing in the morning.

Hasekura: Mukai, I’m sorry. I got to work early today, but…

Louis: Oh, if it isn’t Hasekura’s subordinate, Mukai. How are you this fine day?

Mukai: Louis, I see you’re the culprit.

Mukai: Hasekura’s supposed to get the negotiation documents for Europe to our boss. Please don’t hold him up.

Hasekura: Er, no Mukai, I’m the one at fault.

Louis: Mukai, can you convince Hasekura here? He really should join my project.

Louis: If he does, you can join the project, too. We can open a path to success together. You ever heard this before? ‘If you set sail’…

Mukai: Where Hasekura needs to head isn’t Acapulco, but our boss’s desk.

Mukai: Besides, if you have that big of a project, shouldn’t you be busy as well?

Louis: Ah, that’s right! I had a meeting first thing in the morning. Sorry, Hasekura, Mukai, I’ll take my leave now!

Louis leaves.

Hasekura: I’m sorry, Mukai. I caused you trouble.

Mukai: A project, huh? Isn’t there a possibility he’ll just use you however he needs and take all the credit himself?

Hasekura: I think he really just wants to give me a chance, since I’m so hopeless.

Mukai: Do you want to do that project?

Hasekura: I… Well…

Mukai: For now you just need to get those documents submitted. Please get going. 

Hasekura: Yes. Understood.

Two employees pop out of the shadows.

Employee A: What a fun Friday it is. The golden glittering of the world after 5 PM

Employee B: The things we want to do are as countless as the stars. What should we do today?

Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura. How are you today? What sort of fun are you going to have today?

Hasekura: Er, no, I’m just… going to go home and do nothing, I guess.

Employee A: Oh my, what a lazybones!

Employee B: Then what about tomorrow? How do you spend your days off?

Hasekura: I sleep until noon on my days off… And then do nothing… And then sleep when it’s nighttime, I guess.

Employee B: Ohhh, how dreadful!

Employee A: You need to sparkle more!

Employee B: She’s right, how about you come out with us?

Hasekura: Er, uh, well…

Employee A: We’ll find a way to bring your life to life!

Mukai: Stop.

Employee A: Oh, if it isn’t Mukai! What are your plans today?

Mukai: We’re in the middle of work right now, so we can’t talk.

Employee B: Well, aren’t you all business. I see a hint of a cool sparkle in your eye.

Mukai: Hasekura, let’s go.

Hasekura: R-Right… Excuse us.

Hasekura stops after walking for a short while.

Hasekura: I’m sorry, Mukai…

Mukai: This company has a lot of people who love themselves and want to make others their little clones. 

Hasekura: I feel like I’m being targeted because I’m such a boring person…

Mukai: How about picking up a hobby? It’ll be a good shield for you, too.

Mukai: Is there anything you’re interested in?

Hasekura: There’s nothing I can think of… Ah.

Mukai: It’s Shiroma from reception.

Shiroma: Hasekura, Mukai. Hello.

Mukai: Hello.

Hasekura: …

Shiroma: Well, goodbye.

Hasekura watches her walk away, unable to say anything.

Mukai: Are you okay not saying hello to Shiroma?

Hasekura: I didn’t?!

Mukai: I certainly didn’t hear it.

Hasekura: Damn it…

Mukai: Let’s just get those documents submitted. I’ll come with you.

Hasekura: Sorry…

Monologue

Hasekura: Rome…

Hasekura: Our company is a large corporation where anyone would want to work. It must have been due to some mistake that I was able to get in.

Hasekura: I have no place here. All my peers are climbing higher into the distance as I continue to cause trouble to my subordinates.

Hasekura: Throughout it all, she is my only source of peace. Her gentle smile comforts me. 

Hasekura: She is a faraway land to me. My Rome. A beautiful capital, just out of reach. 

(2) Chapter 2

•Bistro

Mukai: Excuse me. Two iced coffees please.

Mukai: Hasekura, we’ve finished putting together the project overview.

Hasekura: Sorry… I somehow got you involved in Louis’s project. 

Mukai: It’ll help me develop my skills, so it’s no big deal.

Mukai: Are you sure you’re all right being a part of the team?

Hasekura: Someone like me is being allowed to join on a big project. I should be grateful for the opportunity…

Mukai: But…

The door opens

Mukai: …Hm? Speak of the devil. It’s Louis.

Louis: …

Hasekura: Oh, you’re right…!

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: Shiroma! Why is she with Louis… 

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Mukai, I’m heading back to the office.

Mukai: But the iced coffees aren’t here yet.

Hasekura: B-But…

Louis: Aren’t I lucky to find you here during lunch? Having lunch with you would make the food even more delicious!

Shiroma: Oh, Suzuki. You’re such a sweet-talker.

Louis: Call me Louis. That’s what everyone calls me. Also, I really meant what I said. 

Louis: How about dinner sometime? I know a good place.

Shiroma: Sure, if the opportunity comes up.

Hasekura: …

Mukai: The star performer of the office and its most captivating beauty having lunch together. A pair that would stir the hearts of anyone who laid eyes upon them.

Hasekura: Hahh… You’re right…

Mukai: …

Mukai: Are you sure you’re all right with this, Hasekura? This work, the accolades, and the woman you admire are all in your coworker’s sights.

Hasekura: Huh?! It’s not like I…

Mukai: How about you try going after them yourself? Some things can change with just one word, just one step.

Hasekura: Er…

Hasekura: I don’t have that kind of strength. 

Mukai: Hahh. Let’s go. We can still get out now without having to talk to them.

Hasekura: O-Okay…

Fade out

•City (Night)

Hasekura: …Hahh.

Hasekura: The city’s bustling tonight. It is a Friday, I guess.

Hasekura: Maybe I should wander around a bit.

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: …?!

Hasekura: That’s… Shiroma… Oh no, she’s coming this way!

Footsteps come closer, then fade away.

Hasekura: Oh good, she didn’t see me. Er, no, wait, why did I hide? I should have just greeted her!

Hasekura: I wonder where she’s going? It’s dangerous for someone as pretty as her to be walking the streets alone… 

Hasekura: …

Hasekura follows behind Shiroma

•Outside the Ando Dance Studio

Shiroma: …

Shiroma walks up the stairs.

Hasekura: Is this where Shiroma was headed?

Hasekura: There’s a sign… ‘Ando Dance Studio’?

Hasekura: Is she learning how to dance? I wonder what style of dance it is…

Ando: They’re social dances.

Hasekura: Huh?

Ando: Good evening. 

Hasekura: A, h-hello! Er, I was just interested in dance, so…

Ando: Then would you like to observe a class?

Hasekura: Aaaahh, no, no! I’m sure it would be a bother to the instructor and their students. I’m a beginner, I’ve never danced before…

Ando: Oh no, beginners are more than welcome. I can assure you that these are the words of the dance instructor.

Hasekura: The dance instructor…? Er, are you the one teaching the class?

Ando: Yes. Come on in.

Hasekura: Ah… Okay…

•Inside the Ando Dance Studio

Ando: I’m back.

Kanna: Welcome back!

Kanna: Oh? Who’s the new guy?

Ando: This person is…

Shiroma: Hasekura?

Hasekura: …Shiroma.

Ando: Oh, Shiroma, do you know him?

Shiroma: Yes, he’s a coworker of mine.

Kanna: A coworker? So he works at Great Galleon SJB?!

Kanna: Then he’s part of the corporate elite!

Hasekura: I just happened to get in on a fluke.

Shiroma: But still, why are you here, Hasekura?

Hasekura: Er, well…

Ando interrupts to help him.

Ando: You mentioned you were interested in dance, right?

Hasekura: Ah, yes, that’s right. Are you learning dance here too, Shiroma?

Shiroma: No, I…

Kanna: Shiroma occasionally comes to watch me dance! She used to do social dancing during college.

Shiroma: I don’t anymore, though. Do you have any experience dancing, Hasekura?

Hasekura: I’m a complete beginner, actually…

Shiroma: You’ll be able to dance right away under Ms. Ando’s guidance.

Shiroma: All right, I’ll be leaving now… Hasekura, do your best, okay?

Hasekura: R-Right!

Sounds of footsteps leaving and the door closing.

Hasekura: Shiroma…

Kanna: Hasekura. You didn’t come here chasing after Shiroma, did you?

Hasekura: Wha-?!

Kanna: There were people like that during college, too.

Kanna: Are you sure you’re interested in dance and not Shiroma?!

Hasekura: I-It’s not what you’re thinking!

Ando: Kanna, don’t be rude now.

Kanna: Shiroma hates people like that!

Hasekura: I’m joining!

Ando: Oh?

Hasekura: Please let me join your class!

Ando: Are you sure?

Hasekura: Please.

Ando: …All right. Well, since we’re here, how about we start the lesson.

Hasekura: O-Okay.

Hasekura: Oh, no… Am I going to be okay? I’ve never danced before.

Hasekura: And this is social dancing at that. The thought of dancing with women is just too much for me…

Ando: Let’s try walking first.

Hasekura: Walking? In a dance class?

Ando: Yes. Try walking straight and coming back here.

Hasekura: All right.

Hasekura: …I should be able to manage this much.

Sounds of footsteps retreating and then approaching.

Ando: I see. I got it now.

Hasekura: Got what?

Ando: I have an idea of how you’ll improve, Mr. Hasekura.

Ando: Posture is important in social dancing. Mr. Hasekura, can you try walking one more time?

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Stop!

Hasekura: Okay!

Ando: Hasekura, look in the mirror. How would you describe your posture?

Kanna: He’s slouching forward with a tilted pelvis!

Hasekura: …What she said.

Ando: Ugh, Kanna!

Ando: Hasekura, let’s start with shoulders back.

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Yes. From there, hold your head upright with your chin parallel to the floor. Make sure your line of sight doesn’t drop to the floor.

Hasekura: Right…

Ando: Look again in the mirror.

Hasekura: My posture’s better.

Ando: Right? Now let’s try walking again. Push off your back foot and land on the heel, rolling forward to the ball.

Hasekura: Push off my foot and land on my heel, rolling forward to the ball…

Hasekura wobbles along unsteadily.

Hasekura: Huh? This is hard… I’m only walking.

Ando: It’ll get easier if you count while walking. One-two, one-two.

Hasekura: One… two, one, two…

Hasekura continues learning to walk. 

Fade out.

Ando: All right. That’s it for today’s class. Good work, everyone.

Hasekura: It’s over already? All I did was walk…

Ando: But you’re tired, right?

Hasekura: Well… yes.

Ando: As you go about your day, keep an eye on your posture in any reflections that you pass by.

Ando: All right then, I’ll see you next Friday!

•City (Night)

Hasekura: I’ve gotten myself into a predicament…

Hasekura: I’ll just make some excuse and drop out after a while… Hm?

Hasekura: I can see my reflection in a showroom window.

Hasekura: The posture I learned in class… was like this, I think.

He fixes his posture in front of the glass, which worsens again as he starts walking. He fixes his posture in front of another pane of glass. He exits the stage with his posture somewhat improved.

(3) Chapter 3

•Dance Studio

Ando: Good evening, Hasekura. Let’s begin today by practicing how to walk again.

Hasekura: Okay.

Hasekura walks.

Footsteps.

Ando: Much better than last week! I see you’ve been practicing.

Hasekura: There’s just a lot of mirrors and glass around town…

Ando: But there are people who improve and those who don’t. You’re clearly the type to apply yourself and get results, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Oh, no, it’s not…

Ando: Now then, let’s add something else to the walking today.

Ando: And that will be me.

Hasekura: What do you mean?

Ando: I’ll walk alongside you, Hasekura. Try walking while adjusting your pace to mine.

Ando: All right, let’s go.

She begins teaching blues dancing for beginners.

Ando: Front, front… side.

Hasekura: Side? L-Like this?

Ando: Yes. Next, back, back…side!

Hasekura: Like this…

Ando: Now just repeat those steps. Front-front-side, back-back-side.

Hasekura: Front, front, side, back, back, side…

Ando: Yes, not bad. Now let’s use our hands.

Ando: Hasekura, try stretching your right hand out straight forward.

Hasekura reaches his right hand out forward.

Ando: Gently curl your hand as if you’re carrying a ball.

Hasekura slowly curves his right hand.

Hasekura: Like this?

Ando: Yes. And now your left. Stretch out your left arm to the side and bend your joints upward.

Hasekura: Like… this?

Ando: Yes. Now let’s incorporate the steps. Front, front, side. Back, back, side.

Hasekura: Ah…this… makes me feel like I’m dancing.

Ando: You are dancing, in fact.

Hasekura: Really?!

Ando: Social dancing looks difficult at a glance, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.

Ando: All right. Lastly, clasp your left hand with mind and put your right arm around my waist. 

Hasekura: Huh?!

Ando: Now, let’s dance! Front, front, side. Back, back, side!

Ando: Say it with me, Hasekura!

Hasekura: R-Right. Front, front, side! Back, back, side…

Ando: You’re dancing!

Hasekura: Dancing… I’m dancing…

The two of them dance.

Fade out.

Hasekura: Even someone like me can dance…

Hasekura: Er, no, it’s just because you’re a good teacher. I didn’t really do anything.

Ando: You’re able to dance because you took this practice seriously.

Hasekura: Th-Thank you…!

Ando: Let’s learn a new step while you’re still in that mindset of success.

Hasekura: O-Okay!

(4) Chapter 4

•Office

Employee A: Another Friday’s come again at last.

Employee B: A golden spark to set off our weekend.

Hasekura: …

Employee A: Oh dear, Hasekura. Where are you off to in such a rush?

Employee B: Will you be getting into some mischief this weekend?

Hasekura: Er, no, I don’t have any plans in particular…

Employee A: Ever the layabout! Why not come out with us, then?

Employee B: She’s right, Hasekura. Let us share our sparkle with you.

Hasekura: No, I… E-Excuse me!

Employee A: Aww, a pity what a sloth he is! That Brian Hasekura!

Employee B: Friday after five is when we come alive! Enjoy yourself amongst the living, Brian!

Mukai: …

Mukai: It’s pretty unusual for Hasekura to turn someone down so firmly…

•Dance Studio

Hasekura: I got here earlier than usual. I’ll practice the steps I learned from last time…

Kanna: Hey, Ms. Ando. Are you really not entering competitions anymore?

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Not this again, Kanna.

Kanna: but you studied dance abroad and even joined an international competition!

Kanna: You were the one who inspired me to dance, Ms. Ando!

Kanna: I want to see you shine in the spotlight…!

Ando: Forget about that. It’s all in the past now…

Ando: Ah! Hasekura…

Hasekura: G-Good evening… Um.

Kanna: I’m going home for today.

Ando: Kanna!

Footsteps of Kanna leaving. 

Ando: …Hahh.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Ando: I’m sorry. Let’s begin practice. 

The two of them dance awkwardly.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando… Should we end the lesson for today?

Ando: no, it’s fine…!

Ando: I’m sorry. I really am no good.

Ando: Hasekura, would you mind if I asked you to join me for a moment? 

Hasekura: I’ll do what I can.

Ando: All right then, let’s go!

Hasekura: Huh? Where? Whoa!

Ando rushes out of the studio, pulling Hasekura by the hand.

•Piano Lounge.

Hasekura: Is this… a bar?

Ando: It’s a piano lounge.

Sound of the door opening.

Piano music can be heard playing. 

Hasekura: I see. Everyone’s dancing to the music.

Ando: You can dance with anyone you find interesting. Just approach whoever you like.

Hasekura: Er, ah, no, um…

Ando: Heh… Then may I have this dance?

★Song

“Ms. Robin”

Hasekura: It’s really difficult to dance with other people around! I keep bumping into everyone.

Ando: A bit different from the studio, isn’t it? You have to find an open spot. Over there, look.

Ando leads Hasekura

Hasekura: Wow, we got through.

Ando: Heh…

Ando: …

Ando: Hasekura, do you enjoy dancing?

Hasekura: Huh…?

Ando: The truth is… you came to the classroom because you were curious about Shiroma, weren’t you?

Hasekura: …!

Ando: I apologize if I’m mistaken.

Hasekura: …What got me started, was exactly what you said.

Ando: If dancing is challenging for you, then…

Hasekura: Ah…

Hasekura: I was surprised that even a person like me could dance.

Ando: Huh…?

Hasekura: I can’t accomplish anything at all, so it made me happy to be praised for being able to dance. 

Ando: But you work for a famous company with so much history.

Hasekura: There’s no overtime and it’s easy to take paid leave. It encourages a good work-life balance. It’s the perfect place to work.

Ando: That sounds lovely.

Hasekura: I’m sure it would be for normal people. But I want to work overtime, and I don’t want to go on vacation. 

Ando: Huh?

Hasekura: I’d rather work at my own pace than rush myself just to get out on time, even if it means working overtime.

Hasekura: I feel worthless, having nothing to do when I have so many empty days off. I would rather work in that case.

Hasekura: Everything about it that others envy just feels like pressure to me. 

Ando: Ah, I’m sorry… How rude of me.

Hasekura: No, I’m just fighting against the times. It’s my own fault. I’m surpassed by my peers, I cause trouble to my subordinates, and I’m just a boring guy.

Ando: That’s not true at all!

Hasekura: Huh?

Ando: To me, you’re a fun person to be around, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Fun? Me?

Ando: Yes. I mean, someone once so afraid of dance is now dancing out in public.

Ando: I’ve never witnessed such an incredible change. 

Ando: Seeing you now makes me feel proud for starting my own studio.

Ando: Yes, it was a good thing to have gone down this path…

Ando: …Hasekura! Let’s dance with more liveliness!

Hasekura: Whoa… W-Wait, Ms. Ando!

Hasekura and Ando dance together.

The song ends and the stage fades to black

(5) Chapter 5

•Office

Mukai: …

Hasekura: …What is it, Mukai?

Mukai: Hasekura, recently… You’ve gotten taller, haven’t you?

Hasekura: Taller? I don’t think I could suddenly grow taller at my age.

Mukai: You look more fit.

Hasekura: You’re just imagining things.

Mukai: Other employees around us were talking about how you’ve been looking more handsome lately. 

Hasekura: Huh?! I’m sure it’s just mockery… Oh.

Mukai: What is it?

Hasekura: The social dance class…

Mukai: Social dance?

Hasekura: Oh, no, it’s nothing.

Mukai: Did you start a dance class?

Hasekura: Yeah… It’s strange for a guy like me to be dancing, huh?

Mukai: No, though it is unexpected. So that’s why your posture and movements have changed. 

Hasekura: My posture’s just slightly improved, that’s all…

Shiroma: Mukai, Hasekura. Hello.

Hasekura: Ah, hello. 

Mukai: Hello.

Shiroma: Let’s all work hard today.

Shiroma leaves. 

Mukai: You’re even able to greet her now.

Hasekura: Ah… Y-Yeah…

Mukai: It’s Friday today. How about you keep up that momentum and ask her out on a date?

Hasekura: Wh-What are you talking about?! There’s no way I can do that. Besides…

Mukai: Besides?

Hasekura: I have dance class today…

Mukai: …He really has changed.

•Dance Studio

Hasekura: Hello.

Kanna: Oh, Hasekura! Perfect timing! Listen to this!

Hasekura: What is it?

Kanna: Shiroma will be joining us today!

Shiroma: Come on, Kanna, you’re making a fuss.

Hasekura: Shiroma!

Shiroma: Hello, Hasekura. I’ve heard your dancing has improved.

Hasekura: No, it really hasn’t…

Ando: …

Ando: We must let Shiroma see what you can do, Hasekura. Now then, let’s begin…

Sound of a door swinging open energetically. 

Louis: Pardon me! The name’s Louis of the Great Galleon SJB!

Hasekura: Louis?!

Louis: I heard you were in this dance class, Hasekura! Why didn’t you tell me? I’m hurt! …Oh?

Shiroma: Louis.

Louis: If it isn’t Miss Shiroma.

Hasekura: Louis, what are you doing here…?

Mukai: Louis, please don’t do anything rash!

Hasekura: Mukai?!

Shiroma: Mukai.

Ando: Hasekura, Shiroma… You know them?

Hasekura: We all work together at the same company. Mukai, what’s going on?

Mukai: When I mentioned you were taking a dance class, Louis said he wanted to learn, too.

Louis: After seeing how much Hasekura changed from a simple dance class, I wanted to try it out, too!

Louis: But I had no idea Miss Shiroma would be here as well.

Hasekura: Shiroma’s just here to watch her friend dance. Don’t make it out to be something strange. 

Louis: Come to think of it, I remember talking about this at lunch the other day, Shiroma. That you learned dance in your days as a student. 

Louis: I’m sure Miss Shiroma’s dancing must be quite lovely. Don’t you think, Hasekura?

Hasekura: What are you saying, Louis? That’s…

Kanna: …

Kanna: Oh! How about this, then?

Kanna: The two of you compete against each other in dance, and whoever wins can dance with Shiroma!

Shiroma: Kanna?!

Ando: What are you talking about, Kanna?

Kanna: There’s a dance party hosted by the Ando Dance Studio in a month, right?

Kanna: It’s an event where people young and old gather to have fun dancing.

Kanna: So Hasekura and his talkative friend can compete to see who’s better at dancing, and the one who stands out most can dance with Shiroma. 

Kanna: Wouldn’t it be romantic to see two men fighting over who gets to be her partner? 

Ando: Kanna, that’s hardly the purpose of a dance contest.

Louis: No, it’s an interesting idea! I don’t have any experience with dance, though I do have confidence in my physical abilities.

Louis: I’m sure I won’t lose to Hasekura.

Mukai: …!

Mukai: Louis, you’re always like this!

Hasekura: Mukai?

Mukai: You’re always trying to show off your superiority by looking down on Hasekura!

Louis: You’ve got it all wrong, Mukai. I’m only speaking the truth.

Mukai: It’s even worse that you don’t realize what you’re doing!

Mukai: Shiroma, this competition is just idiotic, but how about accepting his terms? I won’t feel satisfied until Louis’s arrogance is beaten down!

Hasekura: What’s wrong? Calm down, Mukai. This isn’t like you.

Mukai: I’m completely calm!

Shiroma: …All right. I do enjoy dancing. I’ll practice dancing for the party.

Hasekura: Shiroma?!

Louis: That settles it, then. I apologize for the fuss. Who’s the one in charge here?

Ando: … That would be me.

Louis: A pleasure to meet you. My name’s Louis. I’d like to ask for your guidance. 

Ando: Everyone has their own personality, so I won’t be teaching you the same way as I do him. Let’s find a dance style that suits you.

Louis: Now that sounds promising. How about we get right into practice? Strike while the iron’s hot, as they say.

Hasekura: …

•Outside

Hasekura: That was a surprise. I didn’t think you’d come to the studio, Mukai.

Mukai: I’m sorry… This is all because I mentioned your dance class to Louis.

Mukai: And on top of that, I made everyone agree to that stupid competition…

Hasekura: There’s no use trying to change what’s been decided. I’ll just do what I can, though I think it’ll be difficult to win.

Mukai: Hasekura, you’ve been practicing all this time, right? Louis is starting just today, so…

Hasekura: You saw him, didn’t you? He only just started and he’s memorized steps and begun dancing already.

Hasekura: If he keeps getting better at this pace, he’ll pass me in no time.

Mukai: That’s not true!

Hasekura: Mukai?

Mukai: Do your best. You can win for sure.

Hasekura: I’m sure you’re just being considerate. Don’t worry about me. I’m the one at fault, not being able to do things a normal person can do.

Mukai: …

Mukai: I’m sick of hearing that!

Hasekura: …Urk?! Mukai...?

Mukai: Whenever anything happens you’re always saying, ‘It’s my fault,’ ‘It’s my fault,’ but what did you ever do that was so wrong?!

Mukai: If you keep saying how much you’re at fault, what do you want me to say?!

Mukai: Would you be satisfied if I told you that you were at fault?!

Hasekura: Mukai, I didn’t mean it like that…

Mukai: Every time you demean yourself like that, it hurts me too!

Hasekura: Mukai…

Mukai: Damn it… Excuse me!

Hasekura: Mukai! Mukai!

Sound of Mukai running off.

Hasekura: Mukai…

Ando: …Hasekura.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando! Ah…

Ando: I’m sorry. I overheard your conversation.

Hasekura: No, it’s my fault… Ah.

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Mukai’s a new hire who’s always calm and considerate. I should be leading by example, but I only ever cause him trouble… 

Hasekura: he’s such a strong person, I never imagined that he could be hurt by anything. 

Hasekura: No, I never even thought that he might feel that way.

Hasekura: That he would be hurt on my behalf. All because of me….

•Office

People cross paths within the office.

Hasekura is looking around for Mukai

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: How am I supposed to face him now…

Mukai: Good morning.

Hasekura: Mukai…!

Mukai: What’s the matter? let’s get going.

Hasekura: R-Right…

Hasekura: Mukai, about last week…

Mukai: Let’s just call off the competition.

Hasekura: Wha…

Mukai: It’s ridiculous to be forced into some contest because someone else wanted it, when you’re only doing dance as a hobby.

Mukai: I’ll go around and apologize to everyone.

Hasekura: Mukai.

Mukai: I’m just like all the others, trying to push their own ideals on how you should live your life.

Mukai: This was what I wanted, not you. The whole thing is my fault.

Hasekura: No, it’s not!

Mukai: Hasekura…!

Hasekura: I know you said it for my sake.

Hasekura: You should come to the dance party, too.

Hasekura: I’ll win against Louis.

Mukai: …

Hasekura: Er, well, I don’t want to pressure you, so…

Mukai: I’ll come… No, I want to support you.

Mukai: I believe you’ll be able to win, Hasekura.

Hasekura: Mukai… Right!

(6) Chapter 6

•Dance Studio

Louis: Hasekura, I’m glad that I’ll finally get to see your A-game today.

Hasekura: I’m not sure ‘A-game’ is what I would call it, but I am taking this seriously.

Kanna: They’re totally fired up! This is so exciting!

Ando: There’s only a short amount of time, so let’s choose one type of dance for each of you and practice it thoroughly.

Ando: I believe a quick, lively step dance would suit Louis. You’re good at them, right Kanna?

Kanna: Leave all the footwork to me! I’ll be a great partner for you.

Louis: Looking forward to it, Miss Kanna.

Kanna: Wow, he’s so cool!

Ando: Hasekura will learn an elegant waltz. I’ll be your partner.

Hasekura: Thank you very much.

Ando: now then, let’s all work hard for the dance contest! 

Everyone begins practicing.

Louis and Kanna dance with nimble footsteps

Kanna: One, two, three, one, two, three! Wow, you’re really good, Louis!

Louis: Haha, thanks!

Ando: They seem like a good pair.

Mukai: …

Ando: Hasekura?

Hasekura: So that’s what Louis looks like.

Ando: You see him every day at the office, don’t you?

Hasekura: I do, but… I’ve never really looked at his face.

•Outside

Louis: All right, see you next week, Hasekura!

Hasekura: Right.

Hasekura: …I’m not used to seeing coworkers after work like this.

Ando: Hasekura.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando. What is it. 

Ando: Well… I was just thinking about what you said while we were dancing.

Hasekura: Yeah…

Hasekura: Up until now, I’ve always looked down as if to avoid others’ attention. I never tried to look them in the eye.

Hasekura: But now that Louis and I are competing, I’ve looked directly at him for the first time.

Hasekura: He was dancing his best and breaking a sweat… He might actually be a hard worker. 

Hasekura: It was sort of a revelation to me, after only feeling intimidated by him for so long. 

Hasekura: I’m starting to feel like dancing has made me notice things I wasn’t able to before.

Ando: Hasekura…

Kanna: Wow, that’s so amazing!

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Kanna?

Kanna: Louis and Hasekura are steadily getting better and better! My idea was a huge success!

Shiroma: Jeez, getting everyone involved, too…

Hasekura: Shiroma’s with her…

Ando: The two of them are going to dinner, I imagine. 

Hasekura: They’re close, huh…

Kanna: You’re so lucky, Shiroma. I’m jealous two guys are competing over you.

Kanna: Hey, so what are Louis and Hasekura like at work?

Shiroma: Louis is popular within the company and well known in general. He was recently put in charge of a big project. 

Kanna: And Hasekura?

Shiroma: Hasekura is…

Shiroma: Scary.

Hasekura: …?!

Ando: Oh…?

Kanna: Scary? How so?

Shiroma: Hasekura seems somewhat hollow inside… I don’t know what he could be thinking about.

Shiroma: I get scared every time our eyes meet. I’m always smiling awkwardly to brush it off.

Hasekura: …!

Kanna: Ohh, no way! Tell me the details over dinner!

Sounds of the two of them leaving.

Ando: Hasekura…

Hasekura: I-I’m sorry. Haha… I feel bad for eavesdropping on them during such an awkward conversation.

Hasekura: Just when I thought I was starting to be able to see things I couldn’t, who knew I’d also realize I wasn’t actually seeing the things I thought I did. 

Hasekura: I really am no good. It’s not a new problem for me. I’m at fault. I’m… I’m…

Ando: You’re not at fault.

Hasekura: …!

Ando: You’re not at fault Hasekura. You’re not…

Ando: Hasekura. Let’s dance.

Hasekura: But, I just don’t feel like it right now…

Ando: And that’s why you should. Cast off in a stormy night and your boat will simply sink. 

Ando: At times like these, you need to keep warm and wait it out until the sea calms down.

•Dance Studio

A waltz plays.

Hasekura: …

Ando: …

Hasekura: …There’s a part of me that can see why Shiroma would be scared of me.

Hasekura: But… it still made me sad to hear it.

Ando: …

Hasekura: …I’m going to forfeit the competition.

Hasekura: I don’t want to do anything to scare Shiroma any further. 

Hasekura: And I think… I should quit dancing as well.

Hasekura: I’ll just return to my life from before… That’ll be fine. I don’t need anything…

Ando: Are you really all right with that?

Hasekura: I am.

Ando: Then, why do you look so sad?

Hasekura: …

Ando: I know I shouldn’t be talking about this right now, but I don’t think Shiroma was actually afraid of you. 

Hasekura: But she said…

Ando: I know. I heard it too, after all. But, I just can’t believe it…

Ando: She was listening intently about how you were progressing. She was smiling as she said you were amazing.

Hasekura: Then why…

Ando: I don’t know. But if you end things now, you’ll never know the answer.

Ando: Hasekura, do you really want to stand still for the rest of your life?

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: …I don’t want to stand still.

Hasekura: …I guess I was having fun. Dance felt like the first thing I was capable of doing in my life.

Hasekura: Yeah, that’s right. I’m having fun. I may be in pain, but even now, I’m still having fun dancing.

Hasekura: …I don’t want to stop.

Ando: …Ah.

Hasekura: What is it?

Ando: It’s because you smiled, Hasekura.

Hasekura: I did? I didn’t realize… 

Hasekura: It’s hard to believe I could smile when I’m on the verge of tears.

Ando: It’s because of dance.

Hasekura: No, it’s because of you, Ms. Ando…

Ando: Me?

Hasekura: Ah, it’s nothing… Is it okay if we dance a while longer?

Ando: Sure.

(7) Chapter 7

•Dance Studio

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three… Yes, perfect.

Hasekura: Thank you very much.

Kanna: Louis, you’re so good!

Louis: Thanks!

Hasekura: He’s really improved a lot.

Hasekura: I was just thinking that he might be a hard worker, but now I’m actually a bit frustrated. 

Hasekura: Maybe it’s because I don’t want to lose.

Ando: You have your own strengths, Hasekura.

Ando: I’ll be dancing in a way that highlights those strengths, so don’t you worry.

Hasekura: Thank you…

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: But if that’s the case, won’t you feel held back, Ms. Ando?

Ando: You’re the star here, Hasekura. You don’t need to worry about anything like that. Now then, let’s dance.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Hasekura and Ando dance.

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three…

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Do you ever feel like you want to stand out, Ms. Ando?

Ando: Huh? …Well, there was a time in the past when I did.

Hasekura: In the past?

Ando: When I did competitions as a dancer, I would think things like, ‘I’ll be the most dazzling person in this hall!’

Hasekura: That’s normal if you’re in a competition, isn’t it?

Ando: That’s what I thought, too. But…

Ando: At some point, I would only be satisfied by being commended with awards. 

Ando: I danced not because i wanted to dance, but because I wanted to win awards.

Ando: Maybe that’s why dance became less and less fun for me…

Ando: One day, I just quit and turned my back on it. I swore to never enter another competition again. 

Hasekura: I never imagined…

Ando: I didn’t want to use dance as a way to fight.

Ando: But I think my thinking has changed a little.

Hasekura: …?

Ando: Hasekura, your improvement was faster after it was decided you would have this competition, right?

Ando: I feel there are things that can improve when you compete with others.

Ando: I felt perhaps that my days competing were not a waste.

Hasekura: Ms. Ando…

Ando: Well, let’s end here for today. I’ll see you next week, Hasekura.

Hasekura: …

Kanna and Louis are about to head home.

Hasekura: Kanna.

Kanna: Hm? Yeah?

Hasekura: Do you have a moment…?

(8) Chapter 8

•Party Hall

Louis: The day’s finally here, huh, Hasekura?!

Hasekura: Yeah…

Shiroma: …

Hasekura: Shiroma is smiling in her usual way…

Mukai: Hasekura.

Hasekura: Mukai.

Mukai: I know you’ll be great out there.

Ando: I’m the host of this dance party, and my motto is to have fun. You have some freedom here, too. Please dance to your heart’s content.

Louis: I’ll go first. Watch me.

Hasekura: Yeah, all right. Do your best.

Louis: …

Louis: Hey, Hasekura, I envy you, you know?

Hasekura: Huh…?

Louis: No matter what happens, you’re always firmly grounded and work steadily through any sort of boring work. And you do it so well. 

Louis: You’re the exact opposite of me. I respect you for that.

Hasekura: Louis… 

Louis: That’s why I won’t lose. All right, I’m up. Miss Kanna, may I have your hand?

Kanna: Yes!

Mukai: I never knew that’s how Louis felt…

Hasekura: …

Music for a quick step dance plays.

Ando: Louis is much better now than when he’s practicing. I see he’s the type who does his best performing for an audience.

Mukai: He’s so good, even an amateur like me can tell…

Hasekura: He’s our star performer in our group at work, after all.

The music changes to a waltz. 

Mukai: The song has changed. 

Ando: It’s finally time.

Hasekura: I wish I could tell myself from a few months ago that I’d be dancing in a competition here.

Ando: I wonder how you’d respond.

Hasekura: ‘I don’t really know how, but I’m sure they just let me in on a fluke.’ 

Ando: Heh heh. All right then, let’s dance. 

Hasekura: Yes.

Louis: I wonder what sort of moves we’ll see from Hasekura.

Kanna: I’m sure you’ll be surprised.

Kanna: By him AND Ms. Ando!

Ando: Let’s relax and enjoy ourselves.

Hasekura: Right.

Ando: One, two, three, one, two, three…

Hasekura: One, two, three, one, two, three…!

Ando: …?!

Hasekura begins dancing, leading Ando.

Louis: Hasekura’s leading? 

Hasekura dances so that Ando stands out.

Ando: Hasekura, what’s the matter? You won’t stand out at this rate. You won’t be able to win against Louis!

Hasekura: I realized… No, it’s something I knew from the start. I just finally became aware of it.

Ando: Aware? Of what…?

Hasekura: Unlike Louis, I don’t want to stand out.

Ando: Huh…?

Hasekura: I hated myself for being too reserved to step out in front of performative people, but that’s actually a unique part of my personality. 

Hasekura: Rather than stepping forward myself, I like supporting the people who are made for the spotlight. 

Hasekura: And Ms. Ando, there is no one better suited for it than you. No…

Hasekura: It’s that I want more than anything to see you in that spotlight now.

Ando: …! 

Hasekura: That’s why I learned how to dance from Kanna in a way that makes you look beautiful.

Hasekura: If you set sail, head for Acapulco.

Hasekura: That’s our company motto. I don’t know what it means, but it just sort of gives me courage. 

Hasekura: Please dance, Ms. Ando. For your sake. 

Ando: …

Ando: Can I count on you to lead?

Hasekura: Yes.

★Dance

“Compass Line”

Kanna: Ms. Ando looks just as she did when she used to compete…!

Louis: He’s managed to surprise us with a brilliant strategy. No, this is Hasekura showing off his true strength. Mukai, looks like the competition’s decided. 

Mukai: …Yes, it does.

Mukai: Everyone on the floor is watching the two of them dance. 

Shiroma: …How lovely, Hasekura.

The song ends.

Kanna: Yes! Hasekura, it was a huge success! Everyone’s eyes are fixed on Ms. Ando!

Ando: Kanna…

Kanna: This is what I wanted to see! I’m so happy! And now I understand that you can shine even when you’re not competing, Ms. Ando!

Kanna: You can shine whenever it is that you want to!

Ando: Thank you, Kanna…

Kanna: Hey, Hasekura. Shiroma told me she used to be afraid whenever she saw you.

Kanna: She said she could never tell what you were thinking. 

Hasekura: Ah…

Kanna: But after watching you take up social dancing, Shiroma realized… 

Kanna: That you’re a reserved, thoughtful, warm person! She told me how embarrassed she felt that she never saw you for who you were.

Shiroma: Hasekura.

Hasekura: …Shiroma.

Shiroma: You were wonderful today. Ms. Ando was of course beautiful as well, but… To me, you were the most dazzling.

Shiroma: So…

Shiroma: Won’t you please dance with me?

Mukai: Good for you, Hasekura, You did it.

Hasekura: …

Hasekura: Shiroma. It was your smile that saved me. I was able to keep going at work because you were there. 

Hasekura: That’s why I’m happy to hear you say that to me now. I really am happy.

Ando looks away.

Ando: …

Hasekura: But… The person I want to dance with… is Ms. Ando.

Ando: …!

Shiroma: Heh heh… I had a feeling.

Ando: Hasekura…

Hasekura: Ms. Ando. I want to watch you, shining more brightly than anyone else, closer than anyone else. I…

The volume of the music rises.

Fade out.

(9) Chapter 9

•Outside

Employee A: Live through each day until the day you’ve been waiting for has arrived.

Employee B: Yes, the long-awaited Friday! The most sparkling day of the week!

Hasekura: …

Employee A: Oh my, Hasekura! How are you?

Employee B: Do you have any plans tonight?

Hasekura: Plans? …Ah.

Hasekura: Today, I’ll be dancing.

Everyone enters to perform.

The End.

[nattaphum]

A few updates on Man Suang

Editing is done ✅

Final sound of the trailer is done ✅

About the soundtrack:

Pond posted this story (translated by google on the right):

Ohm is this artist that Apo met 2 months ago:

Today Pond and Bible did a live with him on IG and he let them hear the demo of the soundtrack of Man Suang for the first time:

Ohm said that the demo is finished, but the music is not 100% complete because it requires a lot of musical instruments.

Bible said that it sounds very majestic. Pond said that it fits the city of Mansuang and many people's lives of that time. Ohm said that there will be a MV.

Apo talked about the Man Suang’s project for all fanartists (with eng subs):

Tong, Bas, Nodt and Pong went to the launch of SONG WAT GUIDEBOOK on June 16.

Song Wat is an area of Bangkok with a great historical value. The name "Song Wat" translates to "drawing by the king". In fact, it was built by King Rama V; the Siamese government wanted to expand the roads and public utilities to a wider area and King Rama V wrote the line of the area with a pencil on the map by himself (source).

The project of Man Suang x Song Wat is still unknown!

[inspofromancientworld]

Legendary Creatures: Personification of Death

By Jbuzbee - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4835571

Many cultures have a representation of death, either as the cause of a person's death through the removal of the person's soul or as a guide to the afterlife (a psychopomp). Death is often also the guardian of dead bodies. Throughout this death as the end of life will be minuscule and Death as a personification will be majescule.

By Region:

Latin America:

By Unknown author - 1898 facsimile edition, online at FAMSI.org, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3975254

Aztecs view Death as a Queen of the Underworld (Mictlan), Mictecacihuatl, ruling over it with her husband Mictlantecuhtli. The Lady of the Dead, who was represented by a 'fleshless body…with jaw agape to swallow the stars during the day', also kept watch over bones. Her ancient festivals morphed into the modern Dia de los Muertos as the Catholic colonizers took over.

East Asia:

By Unknown author - Source:Yama's Durbar and HellSize: 52 x 37.7 cm.Tempera on cloth pasted on wooden plank.Fine lines and beautiful colouring. It is probably from Kurnool.Purchased in 1924. Museum collection of Government Museum Chennai[1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15973687

In India, Death is King Yama (यम राज, Yama Rāja) also is the King of Karmic Justice (Dharmaraja). He rides a buffalo and lassos the soul to lead it to his home Naraka. He also has aids called Yamadutas (यमदूत) that bring in souls as well. King Yama judges the souls and decides what their next life should be or if they've reached moksha/nirvana (मोक्ष/निर्वाण).

By Riku Chuen 陸忠淵 - http://www.emuseum.jp/detail/100087, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42896906

Yama (閻魔/閻摩), also known as King Yan (閻王/阎王) or Yanlou (閻羅王/阎罗王), came to China via Buddhism and ruled over the ten gods of Diyu (the underworld). He typically wears a judge's cap with the character 王 (king) on it. He determines the path that a soul will take, whether good fortune or suffering, before being returned to earth in the cycle of reincarnation.

By Originally uploaded on sv:wiki 10 April 2005 kl.18.50 by Lamr�� - From sv.wikipedia.org., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=626913

Yama entered Japan as the Greak King Enma (閻魔大王). He was only the judge. The personification of death was Izunami (formally Izanami-no-Kami 伊弉冉尊 or Izanami-no-Mikoto 伊邪那美命), who was burnt to death while she gave birth to the god of fire, Hinokagutsuchi. She's sent to Yomi-no-Kuni (the realm of night) where her husband Izanagi tries to rescue her but finds her no longer beautiful. They fight and she swears to take a thousand lives every day, becoming Death. She tives birth to Raijin (the god of lightning, thunder, and storms) and Fuujin (the god of the wind). There are minor death gods called shinigami (死神) that take care of the more personal tasks of death.

Western Asia:

By Rama - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2994550

Among the Canaanites of the 13th century BCE, Mot (Phoenician 𐤌𐤕 mūt Hebrew מות māweṯ Arabic موت mawt) was the psychopomp and god of the underworld. He is a son of 'El (the supreme god) and lives in a city called Mirey (hmry). Ba'al (Hadad, the storm and rain god) warned the other gods 'that you not come near to divine Death, lest he make you like a lamb in his mouth, (and) you both be carried away like a kid in the breach of his windpipe'. Ba'al is devoured by Mot, then buried by Shapash, goddess of the sun, and 'Anat, his sister and goddess of warfare and hunting, 'Anat attacks Mot, splitting him with a blade, winnowing (tossing him up in the air and sifting what remains), burns him up, then grinds him up before tossing him in a field for the birds to eat. 'El (also Ba'al's father) dreams that Ba'al is alive and sends Shapash to disinter him. Seven years later, Mot comes back, seeking his vengeance on Ba'al until Shapash warns Mot that 'El will take away his throne if he doesn't knock it off, so he does.

By Evelyn De Morgan - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by User:Melesse using CommonsHelper. and [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4394578

Among the Hebrews, Death is seen as an 'Angel of the Lord' who passes though camps and nations to slay their enemies, and as a 'destroying angel' and as Azra'il (עֲזַרְאֵל ʿǍzarʾēl, 'God has helped') and 'Abaddon' (אֲבַדּוֹן Ăḇaddōn, 'Destruction' or 'doom'). Death could also be another god that God could turn over Judah to as punishment for worshiping other gods, the group of angels, at times, that destroy those not protected by the guardian angels. It was thought that the soul escaped through the mouth, so Death waits by the head of the person. A cry goes around the world, even if people can't hear it. Death may wield a sword, a knife, a noose (cord), or hot lead. Death is also a shape-shifted, taking on the form most needed at the time. Gradually, this became six angels of Death, 'Gabriel over kings; Ḳapẓiel over youths; Mashbir over animals; Mashḥit over children; Af and Ḥemah over man and beast', which seems an extension of the shape-shifting ability.

By Gustave Doré - http://thelondondiary.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/gustave-dore/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9048383

Among early Christians, they adopted the form of death that was local to them as well as that presented in the Book of Revelations, where Death (Thanatos, as early Christian writers were very Hellenized) is one of the horsemen of the apocalypse. And the apostle Paul states 'O Death, where is your sting' in the first letter to the Corinthians. They viewed Death as impotent to them since they expected that the world would end soon and they would be granted Heaven (a type of paradise reserved for those who follow the teachings of Jesus). Sometimes, as in the book addressed to the Hebrews, the power of death is held by the devil (the spiritual enemy of believers). At the end of the mortal realm, after the apocalypse, Death is to be destroyed.

By Zakariya ibn Muhammad Qazwini (ca. 1203-1283)Muhammad ibn Muhammad Shakir Ruzmah-'i Nathani - Walters Art Museum: Home page  Info about artwork, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18854360

In Islam, the Archangel Azrael (عزرائيل) is the Malak al-Maut (angel of death) and is in charge of many others that do the work of removing souls from bodies and guiding them through their journey. Their exact appearance will depend on the type of life the person lived (beautiful for the good, for example). After the body is buried, two angels, Munkar and Nakir (منكر ونكير, 'The Denied and The Denier'), who test the dead and determine their afterlife. If the person answers correctly, they go on to live in peace, else wise, they are punished. Death itself is seen just as a transition rather than an ending.

Europe:

Greece:

By Jaime Ardiles-Arce (photographer). Krater by Euphronios (painter) and Euxitheos (potter). - File:Euphronios krater - front.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9746343

Thanatos (Θᾰ́νᾰτος) is the son of Nyx (Νύξ personification night), though he and his brother Hypnos (Ὕπνος personification of sleep) usually have no father, though sometimes Erebus (Ἔρεβος personification of darkness). According to Hesiod, the sun 'never looks upon them [Hypnos and Thanatos], And the former of them roam peacefully over the earth and the sea's broad back and is kindly to men; but the other has a heart of iron, and his spirit within him is pitiless as bronze: whomsoever of men he has once seized he holds fast: and he is hateful even to the deathless god'. The only person recorded as escaping Thanatos is Sisyphus, who tricked Thanatos into chaining himself up, preventing anyone from dying for a time, until Ares (Ἄρης god of war) released him. Next, Sisyphus convinced Persephone (Περσεφόνη queen of the underworld) to release him so that his wife could have a proper funeral for him. It took Hermes dragging Sisyphus to Tartarus and setting him to work rolling a boulder up a hill until it rolled back down before it reached the top. As the idea of Elysian Fields (Ἠλύσιον πεδίον, a type of paradise reserved for heroes and the upright and chosen) developed, Thanatos became less feared and more beautiful and gentle.

[cinnamonspicewritingroom]

More Than Diamonds

Pairing: Prince Friedrich x Princess! Reader Description:

A hardcore Bridgerton fan, Davika bit the dust in 2021 during a wild protest against Thailand's king on the way home. But instead of the pearly gates, she woke up in the 19th century, suddenly the offspring of Siam's 2nd king and some British lady of mystery descent. Armed with her modern know-how, her main goal is to stack up that cash and upgrade Siam for some chill vibes to avoid being sold off in some arranged marriage mess. But who knew she'd find herself smack in the middle of her beloved Bridgerton drama series? Talk about a plot twist! How's she gonna handle this? Amelia better watch out not to change the story—or is it too late?

Meanwhile, the Brits are buzzing about their new royal guest just in time for the 1813 debutante ball. Princess Amelia of Siam has rolled in as the fresh Ambassador of Siam. With Daphne and Prince Friedrich's courtship hitting the skids, nobody expected him to stick around London, but Friedrich's not one to skedaddle with his tail between his legs. Homeboy's on a mission to snag a wifey and he's not backing down. Friedrich's never been one to back down, but when it comes to Amelia, he's all cold feet. Folks say Amelia's a brainiac, but love? That's a whole different ball game. Those butterflies in her stomach? Yeah, she ain’t got a clue what to do with 'em.

Tags: Slow burn, Coming of age, Time-Travel, Back to the past, Friends to Lovers, Royalties, Oblivious!FLxObvious!ML, Jealous! Friedrich, Slightly Possessive! Friedrich, Black cat gf, Golden retriever bf Timeline: S1&S2

Chapter 2. Princes and a Princess

Calm down, Davika—No, Apsara. Davika is dead; now she is Somdet Chao Fa Apsara Chaiya Kanika, and she fought for her title. Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth. You learned this in your overpriced yoga class before you bit the dust and got transported into the middle of the fucking Bridgerton series. 

Focus on the present—right now she is having tea with Golda Rosheuvel—Queen Charlotte, the lineup of princes who are yet to marry, and the current Prince Regent, Prince George IV.

“Lady Amelia, I heard that you are a driving force in the Siamese court,” Prince George IV looked at the Siamese Ambassador. He did not know what he expected, but not a petite-looking teenager; she is not even a woman yet. To believe that she has been advising the Crown Prince and King in the Siamese court was truthfully hard.

“Surely you jest, your highness. I am not much of a driving force as you implied. My achievements are minuscule compared to the King and Crown Prince. I merely stated my opinions on several topics. They are generous enough to listen to my chatter,” Amelia politely responded.

“Starting very young, at the age of 13 years old, I heard you had helped the Crown Prince, Prince Rama III, to establish education for girls by creating a law in which every citizen, man or woman alike, had the fundamental rights to education.” Several of the princes chatted with one another; one of them stated how women's education is useless and how their position is to stay at home with the children. Girl—wait till you hear about the 21st century; women can vote and work.

“And pray tell, why did you think education for women is useless, Prince Frederick?” This put the spotlight on Prince Frederick, who was talking to Prince Augustus. The Queen eyed him sharply; Frederick knew he had to thread this carefully, especially since he was in the presence of the Ambassador of Siam; they could potentially pull all rights for trading and business in their land. They cannot afford that right now, not while they are still at war with Napoleon.

“I think women are gentle creatures who need to be loved. Rather than dealing with harsh politics and boring numbers, they should be surrounded by beautiful things. Music, poetry, paintings. Do you not agree, Lady Amelia?” He looked so proud of his words; Amelia wanted to gag at his face, but instead she chuckled and slightly shook her head.

“May I ask you a question?” Still glowing in pride, he only answered with a gesture, which probably meant ‘go ahead.’ “When you were still a child, which parent did you see more? Your father or your mother?” Several of the princes glanced at their mother, including Prince Frederick. The Queen gestured to him to answer Amelia’s question.

“As my father was busy with work, naturally I saw my mother more than him.” Amelia nodded. “And which parent oversees your education? The one who consulted with the governor, asked you about your progress?” Prince Frederick paused before answering, “My mother, of course. Is it not natural that children will spend more time with their mother? After all, fathers are usually busy and away often.” Amelia smiled subtly.

“Absolutely, mothers are the ones who spend more time with their children compared to their father—” “And as they are at home, why would women burden themselves with education? They should focus on raising the children and make sure they are raised properly.” Amelia stared at the prince for several seconds before she picked up her tea to take a sip.

“Queen Charlotte,” Amelia changed her tactics and turned towards the Queen, who was staring at her with interest. “I heard you were originally from Germany?” The Queen blinked and frowned a bit; she was a bit disappointed that the Siamese Ambassador backed down from the debate against her son. Maybe she is not as brilliant as rumoured.

“Why, yes, I came from the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, located in Northern Germany. You should come visit; it is a very beautiful place.” Smiling, The Queen had a look of longing and pride for her country. Amelia nodded. “I will inform the King; maybe he will consider visiting Northern Germany for his annual honeymoon destination.” The Queen nodded with a smile and proceeded to pick up her tea. She was quite pleased with that answer. 

“Your Majesty, I am quite curious about the subject of education for European noblewomen. If education is limited to males, what subjects are allowed for noblewomen to learn?” So Lady Amelia did not back down; the Queen smiled behind her cup.

“Noblewomen are taught how to read and write; they learn about cultures, music, art, and literature. However, as the Queen of England, I need to understand the history of the country and calculations.” How will the Ambassador answer her son after she gives her ammunition?

“If you don’t mind me asking, how does your education experience help you manoeuvre your children’s education? Such as, have you ever consulted subjects you deemed more necessary for the princesses and princes with their governor and governess?” Out of the corner of her eye, Amelia eyed Prince Frederick. He was still looking as smug as ever with his lukewarm answer.

“Lady Amelia, my children are the future of the country. My job is to make sure they receive the best education possible, so of course I would need to consult with the governor. God knows how many times I consulted them, and even more often for me to help them learn and understand what they were learning about.” The whole time Amelia was looking at Prince Frederick. “And you raised them beautifully, Your Majesty. They could not be like this without you.” Amelia sweetly smiled at the Queen before fully turning around to face Prince Frederick.

“You see, Prince Frederick. We have established that mothers spend more time with their children, more than their father. Mothers are the ones who oversee their children’s education, but more than that, they are also their first educators.” She needed that. The pettiness to emphasise that word.

“If the mother has no solid education, then it is easy for the children’s education to go astray. It was fortunate that you were born royal with a mother who had received proper education in her early years. Your mother was able not only to consult with the governor and governess but also helped with your learning process. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough.” Amelia knows she has won the argument with these facts; she just… wanted him to burn a bit more.

“Prince George.” The said Prince perked up. “From what I remembered during the introduction, you are the Prince Regent, correct?” “Yes, you are right.” He confirmed as Amelia gave him a strained smile.

“I must confess, I am never one to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong. I don’t know how you run your country, but I know the Siam I envision it to be.” Amelia sighed, her thumb tracing the edge of the saucer.

“We want to establish peace in the country, and we want equality for everyone. That is impossible without having the citizens educated. Women included because women count.” Her light brown eyes met Prince George’s dark ones. He can see it now; this is Lady Amelia, who rose in the Siamese court in a mere three years before starting her role as an Ambassador.

“Because women are a part of our people. The law is not only to give them a chance to do what they want but also to protect the women from getting blamed for their children’s education.” Amelia may sound cocky about this matter. She was aware that this could potentially insult the Queen and the Princes, but since they laid the stage themselves, might as well show them why Siam is not a country to be messed with, why they are a progressive country.

“We need to educate the children and citizens; therefore, they have the ability to process and filter liable information in order to create a strong and united Siam. That is my opinion about why it is necessary to establish the law of education.” As she concluded her discussion, Amelia could see the sour faces of the princes.

Queen Charlotte should be angry at the Ambassador for embarrassing her sons, but Lady Amelia was correct. It was an impressive debate; instead of debating Frederick on what-ifs, Lady Amelia used her, his mother, as an example.

“Now that it’s done, come with me, Lady Amelia. I would love to show you my peacock collection.” Queen Charlotte stood up, followed by Amelia as they exited the room. The princes who were left in the room stared at the two retreating figures before the footman closed the doors.

“What a petty woman. She strung mother along in order to win the argument,” Prince Frederick huffed in distaste as he stared at the closed doors.

“Please, Frederick, you are just angry you lost,” Edward chuckled as he picked up a scone. “I think she is interesting,” he continued while spreading jam before taking a bite of the scone.

“She’s far too young for you, Edward. If you try anything, it will cause a strain in our relationship with Siam,” George said as he picked up two sugar cubes, dropping them into his tea.

***

For almost an hour, Queen Charlotte showed Amelia her colourful peacock collection, which is truly fascinating, as Amelia even got the chance to hand-feed one of the birds under the keeper’s watch, despite Queen Charlotte’s hesitation. Queen Charlotte and Amelia discussed many things: their differences in art and cultures, sports played in each country, fashion, even education. The Queen was so fascinated by Amelia’s decree to make it mandatory for girls to also get education that she questioned the education system in Siam. Amelia really likes talking to Queen Charlotte; she is curious and genuinely interested in her opinions and beliefs, which became her drive to make Siam a better country for the people. Yes, the Queen might be a strict person, but she is someone who is.

“Before I leave, can I ask you something, Your Majesty?” Amelia asked as they ventured into the garden. The Queen glanced at the young lady next to her. “Why of course, ask away, my dear.” Amelia braced herself to spit out the question. “Could you please tell me where the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh live currently?” Out of all the questions the Ambassador could have asked, Charlotte never thought it would be that one. “The— Why?” Compared to debating with one of the princes, the Ambassador looked way more scared asking that question.

“I have a letter I need to deliver. It was a personal request from the King.” Queen Charlotte raised a brow. Her brother-in-law and his wife, Abigail of Gloucester nee. Bridgerton, received a letter from the Siamese Royal family? Amelia caught her expression and quickly explained.

“His Majesty, the King… I heard that he was one of the students of the Siam’s Ambassador to London at the time…” Amelia explained slowly. “Perhaps His Majesty has made some sort of relationship with the Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh during his time here…” The Queen nodded, acknowledging the possibility.

“Alright, I will make sure the letter will reach the Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh. Do you have the letter with you?” Amelia's eyes met the Queen in surprise and nodded her head. “I have it with Lynn, my secretary.” Amelia turned towards Lynn and signalled her to come to her.

“Your Majesty, Milady—” Lynn greeted before continuing with her question. “Anything I could possibly help you with?” Amelia nodded. “Do you bring the letter from His Majesty the King to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Edinburgh?” Lynn nodded and reached for the handbag she was carrying and took out a leather pouch embossed with the emblem of the Rattanakosin Kingdom.

Amelia grabbed it, and passed it to Queen Charlotte, but was received by her secretary- Brimsley. “Brimsley, quickly send it to Prince William.” Brimsley silently bowed, and exited the room. 

“Your Majesty, I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity to help me.” Amelia sincerely bowed to the Queen for the help she provided. The Queen merely smiles her way, being sincerely appreciated for her generosity is quite rare these days. The last person who often appreciates her, willing to spend lots of time with her, and someone she genuinely enjoys spending her time with, was her nephew, Princess Felicia of Gloucester, only child and daughter to Prince William Henry and Lady Abigail Bridgerton. Sadly she ran away 23 years ago. The Queen sighed, and focused on the present once more. 

“It is alright, dear. However, if you really want to thank me, maybe you can come visit me for tea sometimes.” Amelia gave her a huge smile and nodded. Queen Charlotte was always one of her favourite characters in the Bridgerton series, and despite being a devoted wife and mother, she has quite a tragic background due to the pressure of being a wife, a Queen and a mother.

“Your Majesty, I must thank you for the tour and the delightful afternoon tea. It was refreshingly different from what we have in Siam.” Amelia paused, wondering if she’s allowed to say this. “Queen Charlotte, I must say that I admire you. Not only as a Queen, but also as a mother who is able to raise not only one, but 15 children. I hope your children share the same sentiments.” Amelia gave her a sincere smile and curtsy before walking out.

Words: 2293 words

Edited: 02/04/2024

More Than Diamond's Master List

IMPORTANT NOTES A/N: Hello, how are you guys? I hope you are well. Regarding this story that is following Julia Quinn's hit series, Bridgerton, I would start by saying I read the book first before I watch the Netflix series, thus I apologize if there are some differences with the Netflix version, but I will try to make it as similar as possible. I would also ask the readers to be kind when criticizing this story as this is my first time to actually publishing my work in the open. For the story, as you can see there is a time-travel tag. Our reader was sent back to the past with all the knowledge from the future. If you are also confused with Davika's education, I actually based her using Spencer Reid, a character from Criminal Minds. I also made Friedrich to be a year younger than Benedict when in actuality, he was born in 1794, 2 years younger than Daphne. If you are not interested or felt like those 2 themes ruined a historical romance story, then please do not leave any bad comments as you can just stop reading this story. Thank You Very Much! Much Love, Cinnamon Meilleure's Writing Room

[sigyns-drafts]

▷∙∘Mastlist∘∙◁

Norse mythology

Odin

Frigg

Fulla

Baldr

Hodr

Hermodr

Nanna

Hoenir

Jord

Thor

Sif

Thrud

Magni

Modi

Jarnsaxa

Loki

Angrboda

Sigyn

Fenrir

Jormungandr

Hel

Njord

Skadi

Freyja

Freyr

Gerdr

Eir

Lofn

Sjofn

Saga

Sol & Mani

Snv/RoR

Odin

Thor

Loki

Heimdallr

Brunhilde (including all Valkyries)

Hermes

Hercules

Aphrodite

Hades

Shiva + his wives

Rudra

Anubis

Lu bu

Adam & Eve

Kojiro Sasaki

Jack the ripper

Buddha

Qin

Apollo

Poseidon

Smite

Maman Brigitte

Amaterasu

Anhur

Anubis

Ao kuang

Aphrodite

Arcane

Ares

Athena

Artio

Awilix

Baron samedi

Bastet

Ballona

Cernunnos

Chaac

Chang e

Charon

Cu chualinn

Da ji

Discordia

Erlang shen

Eset

Fafnir

Freya

Ganesha

Gilgamesh

Guan yu

Hantchiman

Hades

He bo

Heimdallr

Hel

Hera

Horus

Hou yi

Isthar

Iz chel

Izanami

Janus

Jormungandr

Kali

King Arthur

Kukulkan

Lancelot

Loki

Maui

Medusa

Merlin

Morgan le fay

Mulan

Neith

Nike

Nox

Nemesis

Nu wa

Odin

Olorun

Osiris

Pele

Persephone

Poseidon

Ra

Rama

Sequet

Set

Shiva

Sol

Skadi

Sobek

Sun wukong

Surtr

Susano

Terra

Thanatos

The Morrigan

Thor

Tiamat

Tsukuyomi

Tyr

Ullr

Vulcan

Xbalanque

Yemoja

Ymir

Yu Huang

Zeus

Ror!Thor x Fem!Sif reader(A kiss under the evening sun)

Ror!Hermes x NB! Human reader (Enchanting music of the night)

In whistling spirits can be growth (Hades x Persephone)

With an Honorary status, beware the rubble (Odin, Loki, Sigyn, Angrboda)

The unlikely jackal-headed companion (Ror!Anubis x fem!reader)

Bonding by the Nile (Smite!Sobek & Neith)

With parental aid, my cycle's dread will fade (Hel!Reader with Loki and Sigyn)

Slumber in the Divine Boardroom (Gn!Reader x ror!Hades x Buddha x Loki x Poseidon)

Secret crushes and seashells (Ror poseidon x oc)

You remind me so much of him (ror buddha x fem!reader)

[royal-confessions]

“King Rama X? More like King Rama-nov X” - Submitted by Anonymous

[indepwom101]

🇹🇭 King Rama X and Queen Suthida of Thailand

Friday, May 5, 2023

[mutable-manifestation]

The Ghost King (of Miscommunication) Ch. 24

Part 1-12,Part 13,Part 14,Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23

Part 24!

Me, trying to write the DC characters in-character and desperately trying to sort through the various timeline changes to get a rough idea of how they should/would behave, in patrick star voice: WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE!?

Anyway, this took forever but here it is.

***

Deadman is really feeling his namesake not five minutes into Batman grilling him for details on the Realms.

The guy sure can glare.

‘I don’t know what the majority of the place looks like because I never left Rama’s side when I was there’ is apparently unhelpful, but he can offer them what he read about it - an endless expanse dotted with doors and islands and other small structures.

“Doors are always lairs - ghost homes, basically - if they’re floating alone, but the ones on islands can be normal doors - mostly. You can kind of get a feel for which are which. Islands vary from lairs to wilds, but you can’t really tell based on appearance since a ghost might just want a jungle lair. Our best bet is to just not open any doors or land on any islands.”

“If everything is floating, is it like space? I mean, is there even any air in there?” Flash asks, brow raised.

“Yeah kind of! And no, everything is made of ectoplasm.”

“You said it was human-safe,” Robin glares.

“It is!” Deadman smiles guilelessly.

“How are we meant to breathe if everything is made of this ‘ectoplasm’?”

Apparently ‘You just do’ isn’t a very reassuring answer.

He throws his hands up at the collective bat-glares.

“Hey, hey, don’t shoot the messenger. I dunno what to tell ya here. Humans have ventured into the Zone before and they were breathing just fine. Went back to the land of the living in one piece with no problems. I’m no scientist, I can’t begin to tell ya the hows or the whys of it, but I guarantee you can all breathe just fine in there. Double-cross my core and everything. If it’ll make you feel better you can always bring air tanks or somethin.”

“Right,” Signal sighs, “We’ll figure something out. If we need to fly to traverse the place we’re probably better off taking the jet anyway, assuming you can make a big enough portal?”

“Uh,” Deadman stares at him, wide-eyed. “Who can make a what-now?”

“A portal,” Red Robin interjects. “If they’re required for you to access your home realm there’s no way you don’t know how to make them. How else would you have gotten to the ‘Zone’ originally to ‘not leave Rama’s side’?"

“Yeah, no,” he crosses his arms in an X for emphasis. “Portal powers are rare. Like, rare-rare, even in - maybe even especially in - the Realms. Rama can communicate through the veil with little effort, but even she had to use a complex ritual to summon me to her side and later send me back.”

“And yet the wolf just tore one open with a swipe of his hand,” Red Robin notes.

“Yeah, because he’s Wulf - it’s his name, by the by. With a ‘u.’”

“You know him?” Batman demands, leaning forward even more attentively.

“I know of him. I’m pretty sure no ghost doesn’t, what with how he’s the right hand of the High King of the Infinite Realms and all.”

“‘High King of the Infinite Realms?’” Constantine pipes up, voice high and strained.

“Yep,” Deadman pops the ‘p.’ “High King of the Infinite Realms, King of the Dead, or just ‘The Ghost King.’ He’s the guy that has the final say on everything in the realms. Like, if Hades and Anubis get into a fight, he’s the one to break it up, that kinda thing.”

There’s a long silence at that.

“But there’s no need to worry!” Deadman hastens to amend when the quiet stretches worryingly long. “The current king is a nice guy! He’s hailed as a hero for defeating the old tyrant king, Pariah Dark after he escaped the Sarcophagus of Forever Sleep. And he’s been making a lot of positive reforms ever since he took the throne! Look on the bright side! At least you know your guy is getting the comfy treatment!”

“This entire mission hinges on us having access to the Infinite Realms,” Batman states, ignoring Deadman’s attempt at positivity and the implications of his son apparently being taken in by ghost royalty. “Do you think the ritual that was used for you to cross over would work for this?”

“I doubt it. It wasn’t a portal, I was literally just. Summoned. Here one moment, there the next, no tears in space involved.”

“Lucky us,” Oracle pipes up from where she’d been typing away since Wulf first swept Jason away, “We might have another option. I’ve got a few hits on ‘ectoplasm’ in the system. Old files - like, really old - and three of them mention portals.”

Tentative relief floods the room at a solution presenting itself nearly the moment the problem crops up.

“Two locations,” she continues, putting a picture of an…eccentric building on the display. “The first is a ghost-themed gift shop-slash-museum in a small town in Illinois. Records show the previous owners to be self-proclaimed ghost hunters with what the shop’s website calls a ‘full armory of ecto-weapons, sensors, and defensive tools.’ Apparently they sell replicas, keep the originals for the museum display. The portal has since shut down but the new owners have kept everything well-preserved and documented, despite passing it all off as a heavily-themed tourist trap.”

“A promising lead if the tech is truly functional,” Batman muses. “And the second?”

“An abandoned mansion in the middle of Wisconsin. Apparently the owner went missing but has automatic pay set up for taxes and things to remain ready for his return ‘in perpetuity’ - at least, until the money runs out - even in the event of his untimely death. Some financial consultant manages the whole thing, and has ever since he picked up where his father left off around 50 years ago.”

She takes a second to replace the eccentric building with two more images - a grand castle and a lab straight out of a mad science cartoon.

Or a very thematically dedicated rouge.

“Some housekeeping staff reported odd stuff in the basement, and a now-defunct government branch called the Ghost Investigation Ward - which was only functional for 3 years - came in and classified a lot of the stuff as ‘ecto-tech’ and even documented the presence of a ‘ghost-portal.’ They were going to claim the ecto-tech for research, but the Ward was shut down before the project could get any further. If it works like the paperwork claims, we may just have our way in.”

“If they were finding working portals to the afterlife then why was the Ward shut down?” Red Robin asks, disbelief scrawled across the visible parts of his face.

“A lot of things. Trespassing, destruction of property, entry without a warrant, false imprisonment, use of untested weapons, reckless endangerment, child endangerment, loitering, littering, stalking, harassment, emotional and psychological distress, assault… the list drags on. Apparently they were more lucky than competent, stepped on a lot of toes. Then they left some kind of weapon lying around and it ended up killing two kids. The parents and community as a whole had enough at that point - most of their work was in a single location, specifically the town with the museum portal - and came at them with every charge that they had any evidence for. Which was almost all of them.”

“Ah, so we might have a portal to literal hell or two just lying around in the middles of nowhere, America. And at least one of them is probably booby-trapped with a few deadly weapons,” Constantine snips. “Perfect.”

“It’s not hell, Constantine, it’s the afterlife as a whole,” Deadman corrects.

Constantine does not look soothed.

“The castle first,” Batman decides. “The sooner we get to Red Hood back, the better. Red Robin, get in touch with the consultant. Oracle, get a list of all the ecto-tech the Illinois location claims to have and what it can do. Flash, given your reaction to the portal earlier do you believe it would be better for you to remain behind?”

Flash flinches.

“I…just being near it was…horrifying. Going through it…I don’t know if I can. If the other side all feels that way….” He shudders. “I think I’d be better off guarding the portal from this side of things.”

“Right,” Batman agrees before turning back to Constantine. “What can we do to prevent a repeat of the earlier possession while we’re in there.”

Constantine’s right eye twitches, but he barely has a chance to open his mouth when Deadman answers for him.

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that!”

Constantine slams a hand on the table as he stands.

“Like bloody hell there’s no need! If we go in there without preparation we’re all liable to end up short a ‘self’ to control!”

“You’re still thinkin in terms’a this side of things, Constantine. Things don’t work like that in the Zone.”

“What, so humans are just suddenly immune to being possessed so long as they’re surrounded by ghosts?” He tosses his arms in the air disbelievingly.

“No, I mean a living being in the Zone can choose to be outta step with it. Kinda like how stronger ghosts can choose to be outta step with this side to phase through things, or how I’m outta step by default. Living beings aren’t from the Zone so if you kinda focus on that lack of hold, nothing in the Zone can affect you - including possession. It’s why the new king kept some of the restrictions on bringing real-world items into the Zone - usually it requires a level of sentience, but without special care even generally inanimate objects could end up as untouchable debris somewhere. They can still follow you back to the human realm to hurt you, though, so I’d highly recommend avoiding inciting any grudges while we’re in there,” he tags on hastily.

“‘Generally inanimate?’” Batman asks.

“Eh, ecto does whacky things to real-world items sometimes,” Deadman shrugs. “It takes, like, at least a decade usually, but they can sort of gain just enough awareness to not want to be touched - like a flower fleeing shadows to chase the sun.”

“Poetic.”

“Eh, just trying to distinguish from, like, bugs and animals and stuff.”

“Right. We’ll have to run some tests from this side of the portal first. Given the involvement of this ‘High King’ I’d say this is an all-hands situation.”

“Given the way my powers work,” Shazam speaks up, “this High King is apparently my powers’ sources’ boss, I definitely want to be there.”

“Indeed,” Aquaman adds. “As a fellow King it is important to establish diplomatic retort. While the lead-up to this meeting is somewhat unfortunate, we can hope the conclusion will be as peaceful as Deadman believes and work towards that very outcome.”

Green Lantern and Wonder Woman nod their agreement.

“Then I will remain here, to look after the Earth in your absence,” Martian Manhunter says.

“I’ll let Guy and John know to contact you if anything comes up, then,” Hal nods.

With that, Batman stands.

“Let’s move.”

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

Kevin Bordair - the estate manager for the departed Vlad Masters - was more than happy to have them explore the lab.

He had been very hands-off with the lab, as his father had instructed, but that lack of information on what might be festering down there….

When he’d looked over the more publicly available Fenton documents he’d discovered that it was…inadvisable to leave most of the materials in an ecto-lab to fester. Without proper filtration for so long there could be explosive results if anything turned on.

No one he’d contacted had wanted to enter the place.

His only saving grace was that the weapons were largely dormant and the portal had mysteriously shut down on its own some 20 years before he took over.

The lab itself didn’t have anything in the way of instructions - presumably the previous owner kept them all digital, but no one wanted to risk turning on the computer without a guarantee that it wouldn’t blow up.

Luckily, Bordair was eager for the potential to have them deal with the mess and had brought print-outs of the Fenton documents - including blueprints for the weapons and the portal that hadn’t been available digitally.

Most of the writing on them was practically chicken scratch, but between Oracle and Red Robin’s technical expertise they were able to work out a proper filtration method.

Five hours later, they had just enough clean ectoplasm to start up the portal and power a few of the net devices they’d found lying around. The rest was too decayed to use and none of the notes explained how to extract or synthesize more - the Illinois location’s documents stated that all of its ecto had been ‘properly disposed of’ decades ago.

The portal whirred up surprisingly quietly, green blooming to life with no more noise than the gentle hum of a refrigerator.

A portal to the afterlife, torn open with less effort than it took to put the Riddler back in Arkham after an escape.

Superman was the first to venture in - to test the atmosphere for the more squishy members of their groups, as well as the comms.

He reappeared not 10 seconds after he entered.

“Deadman was right, empty space all around. We’ll need to expand the portal to fit the batplane or pair off into flight-capable teams. No trouble breathing - felt just like an in-Earth atmosphere to me - but there’s nothing on the comms on my end.”

“I could just get us all some ghost phones?” Deadman offers, drawing all eyes to him.

“That’s a thing?” Constantine asks incredulously.

“Yeah! The Ghost King 2: Electric Boogaloo ma-”

“I’m SORRY? Ghost King 2???” Constantine interrupts, standing from his slouch against the only non-weapon-covered wall.

“There’s more than one ghost king?” Batman demands.

“Well, yeah? There’s only one High King, of course, but he’s got two spouses - his wife The Ghost Queen and his husband. Apparently the observants wanted him to have the standard ‘Prince Consort’ title, but the High King and the Queen were not having it because it sounded belittling or like he was less important? Something like that. The point is that none of them liked it, So King 2 decided if they wanted him to have a title that differentiated him from the High King he’d title himself Ghost King 2: Electric Boogaloo.”

Deadman leans forward gleefully, “Rumor has it that the only reason the title was approved - without the High King having to force it through - is because the Queen & High King couldn’t stop laughing whenever the observants said the title to try and contest it, which just made the big O’s angrier and angrier until they just ended up signing the approval to get them to leave.

Anyway, King 2 is all about tech stuff and he - alongside his right hand, Technus - is responsible for adapting modern technology to work throughout the greater zone. Fully functional stuff with all the bells and whistles are pretty limited, but simple headsets for vocal chat are pretty easy to get.”

“…Can you guarantee that we won’t just phase through them,” Batman asks.

“Nah,” he answers, waving a hand carelessly, “The old models are made with a split of real-world and ghost-zone materials, nothing can phase through them.”

“Do they accept human currency?”

“...Maybe?”

“Maybe,” he deadpans, crossing his arms.

“Give me a break! I never needed ghost phones before!”

“Do you even know where to get them?”

“Um. Most major lairs are supposed to have extras…?”

Batman pinches the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath.

Red Robin coughs pointedly before he can begin to address the various problems with Deadman’s suggestion.

“The Fentonworks location lists having a dozen devices called ‘Fenton Phones’ in their display. Supposedly meant to act as interdimensional communication devices. If we sacrifice one of the nets we should have enough spare ectoplasm to power them all.”

“Flash.”

“On it!”

“Right. Expanding the portal isn’t feasible given the limited supply of ectoplasm. We can’t afford to damage this. We’ll have to pair off into teams of two - one flight-capable member each-” he cuts himself off, noticing the sudden hand waving in the air. “Yes, Deadman?”

“So, uh, mighta forgot to mention this before, but that’s really not necessary. Remember how I said you’re ‘out of step’ with the ghost zone? Yeah, you can also fly.”

“...I see. Are there any other things we might do in the ghost zone that we should be aware of in advance,” Batman asks, suppressing an eye twitch.

“Not really. Just don’t go offering up soul bits to randos like JohnCon here and try not to offend anybody.”

Constantine’s eye twitches.

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

The museum is more than happy to lend them the Fenton Phones, thankfully. Once they’re all online they have just enough for each member of the team being sent in - Shazam, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, Orphan, Red Robin, Signal, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Constantine, and Deadman - and one for the team guarding the portal - Flash, Oracle, and Robin.

Down to two working net devices, they leave one with Robin in case of a ghost escaping into the living - a valid concern since the portal will have to remain open due to the lack of a seal other than ‘turn it off.’

The other stays with Batman for their journey into the zone.

He hopes things will remain peaceful as Deadman claims, and the ability to not allow themselves to be untouched made him much less uncomfortable going in with so little in the way of gear. Still, better safe than sorry - even if Deadman, Shazam, and Constantine should be able to act if needed - thus, the net.

Another quick test by Superman verifies the headsets work between the castle and the Zone, and Batman himself jumps in to test intra-zone communications - as well as to verify the flight ability.

With that confirmed and Deadman’s confirmation that he knows the way - mostly - and that it shouldn’t take more than a few hours to arrive, the rest of the Zone team files through the portal, taking a moment to get their bearings.

987 miles away, Dick and Stephanie lay sleeping in their rooms after their cover-patrol while Alfred has his breakfast and prays for his family’s safety. Below them all, a glowing green note falls to the floor in an empty cave.

***

@mayoota-blog1 @kyrianclawraith, @do3y, @someonebored0100 @omegasmileyface @a-star-with-a-human-name @akikoyuii @newgraywolf @tytythehistoryguy @lemccr

Fun Fact(s): Danny doesn’t do the whole ‘servant’ thing, but he got Wulf perma-freed from Walker’s prison unless Danny approved the imprisonment first (which he wouldn’t do without a good reason, and bringing in living world books doesn’t count)

& Wulf was like ‘I owe you’ to which Danny was like ‘Hey you really don’t have to but I should be able to make my own portals at some point and if you don’t mind can you teach me how so I can find xyz quicker to keep improving the GZ’ to which Wulf was like ‘of course! :D’

And he just kinda took to retrieving people/things on Danny’s behalf while he was still learning - akin to how Fright Knight retrieved stuff (crown, amity park, probably a few people’s heads/cores on a platter, etc) for Pariah Dark, earning Wulf the title ‘Right Hand of the High King of the Infinite Realms’ despite the fact that it was only sporadic stuff over the course of, like, three years (yeah, the portal power was a lot), which is how Deadman recognizes him (from the ‘Read these or else’ books)

Tucker absolutely jokingly refers to Technus as his minion sometimes (bc they’re tech buds now & Tuck’s a king. Just some friendly teasing) But the gossip chain don’t care, the gossip chain just went: That’s king 2’s minion [like wulf w a less-flattering title]

A scene I wanted to add but couldn’t make work: Superman: And also how anyone else is supposed to move in there, given the lack of a ground?

Batman: the what

Deadman, seeing opportunity: you just float

Batman: some of us can’t float

Deadman, grinning: We all float down there

Batman, who has seen the movie:...

[defjux]

100 of my favorite Hip Hop Albums of 2022 Might be excessive but there was simply just a ton of music this year that I enjoyed and found myself going back to, and I believe each of them is worth checking out.  Each of the album titles here also links to either a bandcamp page or stream where you can listen to the project. Hopefully you’ll at least find one new album that you enjoy here, and as always feel free to reply with what you enjoyed and connected with the most this year. I’d love to know, and any other recommendations are definitely appreciated. This was an incredible year for new releases, not just for hip hop but for music in general which is why i’ll be posting another top 100 list for all of the non hip hop stuff I enjoyed from this year, hopefully in the next few days.  Peace. Chart w/ titles included 2022 Hip Hop Spotify Playlist 1. Billy Woods & Preservation - Aethiopes 2. Avantdale Bowling Club - TREES 3. Cities Aviv - Working Title For The Album Secret Waters 4. MIKE - Beware of the Monkey 5. ELUCID - I Told Bessie 6. AKAI SOLO - Spirit Roaming 7. Teddy Faley - Teddy Brown Brown 8. Defcee & BoatHouse - For All Debts Public and Private [IMPORT EDITION] 9. Ka - Woeful Studies / Languish Arts 10. J.I.D - The Forever Story 11. Open Mike Eagle - Component System with the Auto Reverse 12. billy woods x Messiah Musik - Church 13. Danger Mouse & Black Thought - Cheat Codes 14. ShrapKnel - Metal Lung 15. SolarFive & Iceberg Theory - Momento Mori 16. Moor Mother - Jazz Codes 17. Serengeti & Child Actor - Ajai 2 18. Infinity Knives & Brian Ennals - King Cobra 19. Joshua Virtue - RAMA 20. Zilla Rocca & andrew - Don't Wait For Me to Leave 21. Fly Anakin - Frank 22. Cities Aviv - MAN PLAYS THE HORN 23. KILLVONGARD - I Think I've Lost It. 24. R.A.P. Ferreira - 5 to the Eye with Stars 25. Illogic - The Transition 26. Quelle Chris - DEATHFAME 27. Bloodmoney Perez - Curses 28. Fatboi Sharif & Noface - Preaching In Havana 29. Ockham's Blazer - Ockham's Blazer 30. Little Simz - NO THANK YOU 31. Theravada - Strange Voice 32. amani & robalu - I'll Be Right Black 33. Jam Baxter – Fetch The Poison 34. OKnice - Have You Tried Being Happy? 35. Davis & Foule Monk - Plum Whisky

36. Noveliss - Vagabond 37. SHIRT & Jack Splash - I Turned Myself Into Myself 38. Moses Rockwell - Until You Run out of Cake 39. Ja'king the Divine - 手术: BLACK SUN TZU 40. Archibald SLIM - Worldly Ways 41. NNAMDÏ - Please Have A Seat 42. YUNGMORPHEUS & Theravada - Up Against the Wall; a Degree of Lunacy 43. Roc Marciano & The Alchemist - The Elephant Man's Bones 44. Nas - King's Disease III 45. Lord Kayso - MOOR CHORES 46. Ace Cannons & MIGHTYHEALTHY - Mightycannons 47. Rich Jones & Iceberg Theory - Smoke Detector 48. Lukah - Raw Extractions 49. Nicholas Craven & Boldy James - Fair Exchange No Robbery 50. Ghais Guevara - There Will Be No Super-Slave 51. Lupe Fiasco - DRILL MUSIC IN ZION 52. Milc & Televangel - Neutral Milc Motel 53. ILL Conscious x Mute Won - Acres of Diamonds 54. L'Orange & Solemn Brigham - Marlowe 3 55. $ilkMoney - I Don't Give a Fuck About This Rap Shit 56. Teller Bank$ & Ed Glorious - The I & I 57. Wiki & Subjxct 5 - Cold Cuts 58. Love, Ulysses - 61​,​265​,​147 59. Vic Spencer & August Fanon - Psychological Cheat Sheet 3 60. Stik Figa x August Fanon - Heresy 61. Raz Fresco & Nicholas Craven - Boulangerie 62. QThree - U Be Ight 63. Wrecking Crew - Sedale Threat 64. eLZhi & Georgia Anne Muldrow - Zhigeist 65. Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene - Cost of Living 66. miles cooke - i used to feel things 67. Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire - I Love Y.O.U cuz Y.O.U Ugly Vol.1 68. demahjiae - Angels Wear Black 69. AJ Suede & Televangel - Metatron's Cube 70. Sacco & Vanzetti - It's Not Paranoia If They're Really Out To Get You 71. Mavi - Laughing so Hard, it Hurts 72. Rhys Langston - Grapefruit Radio 73. Steel Tipped Dove & Aloe Vera - Days Pass Strange 74. PENPALS - Dimensions of Dialogue 75. Malachi. Whitman - Happy Place 76. Denzel Curry - Melt My Eyez See Your Future (Extended) 77. Lungs/LoneSword, Phiik & Cise Greeny - Where Are The Bugs!? 78. Pink Siifu & Real Bad Man - Real Bad Flights 79. Andrew - The Rain Knows What It's Doing 80. Mattic & Parental - Down In The Rabbit Hole 81. Boldy James & Futurewave - Mr. Ten08 82. Ransom & V Don - Chaos Is My Ladder 83. Torito & Small Professor - Soiled 84. Jermiside & The Expert - The Overview Effect 85. big kahuna og & graymatter - METAL GEAR SOLID 86. Duncecap & Hajino - Go Climb A Tree 87. Earl Sweatshirt - Sick! 88. Deca - Smoking Gun 89. Freddie Gibbs - Soul Sold Separately 90. Mickey Diamond & Big Ghost Ltd - Gucci Ghost 91. Rome Streetz - KISS THE RING 92. Redveil - learn 2 swim 93. Daniel Son - The Bush Doctor 94. Dälek - Precipice 95. Jesse the Tree - Pigeon Man 96. Jason Griff - Fireside Chats 2 97. Benny the Butcher - Tana Talk 4 98. Killah Priest - Mother 99. Lord jaH-Monte Ogbon & Sadhugold - The Black Möbius 100. Kipp Stone - Room 109