#One and Murata must be so disappointed...

[cursed-confused-trash]

My experience with the opm fandom in a nutshell... Or.. Well, the bad part of it. The straight, horny cis men that just have to ruin everything.

[boundinparchment]

Dream a Little Dream of Me - XLVII

Celestia had a cruel sense of humor. He knew this, even before his days as a student. But to be given a soulmate? Now, when he openly blasphemed against the cursed island in the sky? He would outlive you and the dreadful fated bond that haunted your shared dreams. There was little point in this. He could at least put a Vision to good use.

People were nothing but disappointments. He had no use for you.

Until you pulled the bow across your instrument and awoke a part of him long buried by self-hatred and arrogance.

Soulmate AU; Il Dottore/Female reader w/ established personality and backstory. Slow burn. Lore and world speculation and interpretation within; follows canon story where possible.

Rated Mature. Rating subject to change. Mind the tags. Chapter also posted on AO3; accessible to registered users only.

Zandik sorted his thoughts as he walked up the snowy path and back into the Palace, mildly frustrated at Pantalone's interruption although he kept his face impassive.

He wanted to see your damage to a living specimen, especially one from the depths of that ancient civilization the Jester spoke so fondly of. You would never be on the front lines but it was imperative he knew your capabilities. Zandik could then plan accordingly.

"Unusually eager to bow at the foot of our Most Gracious, dear Doctor," Pantalone said, his words lilting with amusement. "Don't tell me you wanted to get away from your guest that quickly."

"I would like to get this audience over with, if you must know. Unlike you, I have a schedule to keep."

Natlan's weapons plans were close to completion and finally entering the proper testing phase. They were still nowhere near ready to be sent to the factories and put into the fields. Murata, though passionate, was a far better strategist than expected. Any standing against her required the right kinds of arms.

That the Fourth and the Seventh returned with a Gnosis far ahead of schedule meant he had to adjust everything again. Even if he only had one Segment, the adjustments wouldn't be as drastic and the workload could be balanced. As it stood, however, he might have to skip your evening sessions and forego time with you; an option he didn't want to consider when it made his bones ache and his thoughts unpredictable.

"She plays quite beautifully now that she has a more appropriate instrument…her piano playing left something to be desired. Her music certainly livens up the entire wing for the Tsaritsa. Is she finally sleeping, now that you put a dent in the coffers?"

Ahead, a door opened and an unfortunate bureaucrat slipped out into the corridor. Catching himself, he bowed deeply as the Harbingers passed by.

Naturally, the banker just had to have this conversation here. He was going to crack a tooth at this rate, Zandik was certain. Working on one's own teeth was such a hassle on a good day, let alone walking through a minefield of informants for both other departments.

"What is it you really wish to ask, Regrator? Out with it," Zandik snapped when they rounded a corner, the path ahead clear.

"I simply find it hard to believe that a cellist from Fontaine, an allogene at that, is your soulmate. You, the great Il Dottore, heretic from Sumeru who denounces all that Celestia stands for, have a fated bond? I thought you have killed yours already and been done with it."

"I never—"

They passed a junction with another corridor and Zandik was thankful for the Akasha built into his mask; he would not have seen the hall attendant who was being scolded by one of the other Palace servants.

When they were out of earshot, Zandik hissed, "I never claimed she was. You inferred."

Another group of bureaucrats, their assistants trailing behind and jotting notes, moved in a cluster down the hall. This was beginning to get infuriating; usually these pathways were clear of any and all interlopers when the Tsaritsa called an audience. Pierro always made sure of it.

The group shrank to one side and offered the usual platitudes owed to those who upheld the Archon's will. Out of the corner of his eye, Zandik caught the twitch at the end of Regrator's mouth; even the banker was beginning to lose his patience, his mask, at the amount of interruptions.

"And yet, you are not denying I am right," Pantalone finally replied. "What is she, then, your next experiment? You don't entertain the notion of fated connections any more than you enjoy using your Vision…"

He dropped his voice as they passed by another open door, a sitting room being attended to by several maids and a hall boy fixing the lights. Was the Tsaritsa expecting company?

"Not to mention, I have a very hard time imagining you plagued with dreams, considering you barely sleep. But you must, if you believe whatever drivel she's fed you," the banker whispered. "You are not the type to take anything at face value."

No, he wasn't, and he didn't need the banker’s reminder.

Zandik avoided this conversation the first time when he went to Pantalone for additional funds and a good interior designer. The image of you, terrified and lost for a moment before you recognized your surroundings, was burned into his mind and his only recourse was to find a solution.

The topic was an inevitability; just like his connection with you.

After all, the Ninth understood, at a fundamental level, that there was more to this work than stepping on heads to put oneself in a higher position. It was why they worked so well together. The drive to see their goals come to fruition stemmed not from a base desire to sow chaos or to be on the right side of history but to truly improve the human condition and the means in which it flourished.

It helped, of course, that Zandik held severe disdain for the Heavenly Principles and all they stood for. Pantalone held a personal grudge against his Archon, one the scholar knew all too well. If an Archon was meant to be a leader, a beacon of hope, why would any of them allow the suffering of their people? A philosophical question most never managed to answer without a contradiction.

Such conversations made for something close to friendship.

At last, the Second Harbinger stopped, just before they rounded the corner, and were truly out of earshot of anyone.

“I am a scholar, Regrator. A seeker of knowledge. If I am given an opportunity to explore something first-hand, who am I to turn down the chance to analyze and understand that which is so inherently unique to my own existence?”

His companion's response was a low laugh as a single hand left the confines of his cloak to punctuate his words.

"Soulmates are liabilities, no different than any properties or debt or taxes. They're a waste of resources, proof that even if one is not an allogene, Celestia seeks to control all of us. The mere concept is an antithesis to who you are, Zandik."

Who he had been, the Doctor wanted to correct. You were bringing out parts of him that were both repulsive and refreshing. No one held compassion for him in a long time; no one ever managed to inspire him the way your music did. The contradiction of predestination would never make sense but he was at least of the opinion that, if given the choice, he would have crept into that concert hall anyway and felt his skin break out in goose-flesh all the same.

But there was no arguing with Regrator on that point.

"Putting your unique lack of skepticism aside and assuming all else is true," Pantalone said, golden eyes open and locked on Zandik's face. "You know as well as I do that you will outlive her ten-fold. You're already ahead by several centuries. The work we do seeks to change everything. So, I ask you: do you really think this attempt at being mortal and playing house with an interloper, marvelous as she might be, is wise?"

The banker held Zandik's gaze for a second longer than necessary and the Second Harbinger fought the urge to scoff.

"Wouldn't it be wiser still for you to tend to your own affairs?"

Zandik gave a stiff, mocking smile, and stepped around Pantalone to continue up the corridor to the throne room's foyer.

Pantalone's experience would not be his.

He would make sure of that.

They were some of the first arrivals when they walked through the throne room doors; Zandik took his place four steps to Arlecchino’s right and Pantalone stood four paces to Sandrone’s left. Bookends. How quaint.

“Ahead of schedule, Knave. Hopefully the nation didn’t sustain too much damage in your haste,” Zandik murmured.

“Says the one who took twice as long and came back with a stray.”

He chuckled lowly.

“Do not equate yourself to me. I proved divinity can be manufactured in addition to obtaining two chess pieces. Such things take time.”

“When I left, she was playing the piano, stiff and poorly I may add,” Arlecchino examined her ashen hands, nails as sharp as daggers. “The children all say she plays a cello now, one made of Cryo so clear it rivals the Palace. Practice takes time, too, but she seems to be like a duck to water.”

“We all have our talents, Knave. Yours is making orphans.”

Arlecchino gave a hum of agreement in a tone that begged him to question her further. He was not here for games and he was thrilled to see Pucinella arrive so the Knave would be occupied by another.

It wasn’t long before the rest filtered in, Columbina practically floating while the Captain’s presence was more akin to standing at the foot of a mountain.

“Her footing is better, Doctor,” Capitano rumbled. “Her eyes could stand to be sharper but she’s keen already. If one listens, they can hear a symphony in every swing.”

The conversation changed to Natlan almost immediately and Zandik listened, filing away anything useful that would help him either update the weapons or a way to modify the people. Natlan’s climate was, on the surface, similar to what he grew up with Sumeru; it was hotter still, and if Murata didn’t yield to the Pyro Dragon soon, the entire nation would be engulfed in ash and magma.

The Tsaritsa arrived with the Jester at her side and Zandik followed the movement he knew well by now, bowing rigidly, hand over his heart.

His mind was half-present as the Tsaritsa dived into remarking on how low morale had been some months prior as the nation mourned the Fair Lady. Such loss didn’t instill hope when the Sixth seat was empty for so long as it was. But with the arrival of three Gnoses—two from the dear Doctor, one from the Knave and Marionette—was a moment of reprieve, of celebration, even.

Zandik kept his face neutral.

A ball?

Surely not.

No one had the time for that. Least of all him.

The Tsaritsa continued on, citing that Pantalone would be taking lead in order to ensure that the party was reflective of Snezhnaya’s fine tastes as well as a show of power and wealth. A moment for international diplomats attending to truly understand that even the land of Cryo was capable of recovery, of moving on.

And it was not an optional event.

He expected nothing less.

For a moment, Zandik found himself wondering what you might wear, how you would navigate such events. Didn’t you have a false dream of such an event? Were you ever allowed to attend such functions if you weren’t playing?

The entire room would stop for you, he was certain; although gossip was quieter, the intrigue was still present. Parties such as this were dens of vipers, hard to navigate and harder still to escape unscathed.

The attention would be unavoidable if you attended, especially if…

…if you attended with him, beside him. The thought lingered longer than he wished it to and a flash of heat passed through him at the notion of dancing with you, your laugh ringing among the din, feeling your hand on his arm.

He always attended these nonsense events alone. Sometimes, he sent Omega in his stead when he wished to continue working instead; that was, of course, no longer an option.

Zandik’s covered gaze caught the Tsaritsa’s and as she smiled sweetly to them all, something clicked into place like a Ruin Core in its processor socket.

That was the point.

It was no secret that Snezhnaya was looking for the Gnoses and that the Fatui were expanding where they could. Negotiations ranged from tenuous but beneficial to being welcomed with open arms by both the naive and the experienced.

Eyes, curiously, would be drawn to both of you. Even if your face was never shown, if most merely speculated at whatever laid at the heart of the partnership between him and you, fated bonds were akin to watching fireworks, minus the sounds. By the time the evening ended, all would know that you weren’t just some stray; some might find you a curious experiment, doubtful that a soul such as him could have a matching one, but most of the attendees would know the power you held without a rank.

An interesting play, one that tickled the parts of his brain when an idea built upon another, grew the way a tiny shift in stability caused an entire sheet of ice and snow to fall and decimate all in its path. How fun that might be. After all, so many feared him, kept their distance; how interesting it might be to see the reactions at the notion that the Doctor, too, was deemed worthy of a soulmate.

But you would not be pleased, let alone comfortable with such a notion, not when it was not discussed. He could not, would not, take that choice from you, much as he might enjoy watching the public squirm at the idea.

It could backfire, granted. But the percentages were low, unlike morale, and few saw negative sentiments when they held their faith steadfast.

Once dismissed, Zandik returned to you as he always did, like the sea to the shoreline. The sea and fate were not so different, most would argue; fate was a tide, ordained not by the moon but stronger forces that were no longer relevant. Some might find the notion romantic, the tether between two individuals less a fetter than an anchor.

That was your approach to this entire affair. Another would have wanted control, information, attention; it was not security you sought but balance, understanding. If neither sought control but to steady the other, he could see why so many eventually caved entirely.

Why his colleague had.

Embracing the truth, embracing you, was the only way to observe how such bonds affect an individual first-hand. And now, it would seem as if the Tsaritsa wanted that truth upon the world. Was She showing Her cards to the people, to demonstrate that even Her most powerful were still tied to the damned laws of the world?

Or was She trying to prove a point?

The low fire stoked in his chest only grew stronger as he caught your notes floating down the corridor from the throne room. Music, sound, was just as powerful; unlike light, it was only made up of waves, not waves and particles but that didn’t matter…

…Waves. So much of the world was made of waves...

Through the doors, you looked so enraptured that he dared not step forward. Breaking you from such reverie was a frustration he knew too well. Head tilted, eyes closed to read the music only found deep within yourself, Zandik couldn’t help but reaffirm that the divine would be surpassed in every way by human hands.

For you already far outdid whatever lived outside this mortal plane.

Yes, he might just have a breakthrough on those weapons yet.

[demonslayedher]

any random trivial thoughts you have about the lives of the slayers? i like to think that nezuko keeps the acorns inosuke gave her in a jar as a collection and that inosuke is determined to fill the jar completely, hehe. also, do you think an official announcement of nezuko’s existence was made to the lower ranked demon slayers or did it travel through word of mouth. imagine oblivious demon slayers visiting the butterfly mansion, only to be greeted/encountered by nezuko

If I may add to that thought about Nezuko having a jar, Gotouge has stated that Nezuko is okay getting tossed around and bumping her head in the box because she heals from it immediately, but one of this days Tanjiro is going to open it and it will pour with acorns and glass shards, and she'll just be sitting there glaring with disappointment. (Hopefully Nezuko keeps the jar in a safe place at the Butterfly Mansion instead!)

As for telling the whole Corp that Nezuko got the OK from Oyakata-sama and the Pillars, I can see that being like a low-key announcement that spreads like a rumor, just kinda whenever the crows get around to that detail between missions. It makes sense that Oyakata-sama wanted to tell the Pillars first, and since the Pillar meeting was coming up pretty soon when Tanjiro passed the Final Selection, Oyakata-sama had probably planned as soon as he got Urokodaki's letter than he was going to have Tanjiro and Nezuko at that meeting. Even if we set the Pillars aside, though, there's wide-spread hatred against demons throughout the Corp. It probably helped to have the Pillars generally on board first. I can imagine the rest of the Corp being very curious (if cautious) about Nezuko, and although we see characters who get the pleasure of spending time with her getting to baby her, most Corp members who meet Tanjiro probably don't get to meet Nezuko face to face. Daytime is problematic, or Nezuko would otherwise be asleep a lot of the time even if Tanjiro is busy in settings when he'd meet other Corp members. Still, I think Tanjiro's reputation as a nice guy would spread even faster, so even people who were iffy about Nezuko would probably get to know Tanjiro and be like, "oh, she's probably fine."

But if we're going to get into trivial headcanons about the Slayers' everyday lives, you know who I think gets babied more than Nezuko?

Inosuke. Most of the Corp members are freaked out by him at first, but as it dawns on them that Inosuke grew up all alone, it may bring out a nurturing side in them, and it makes everyone happy to see him get better at fitting in among humankind. They get to feel proud of him as he picks up on limited amounts of etiquette and gets marginally better at picking up names, but most of them are still likely to make a quick exit when he starts getting too rambunctious.

Zenitsu, however, is someone who should know better and most people find him really annoying until they go through Pillar Training with him, as that's the strongest bonding experience most of the Corp members have ever shared, aside from the really close bonding that probably occurs a lot among members of the same Final Selection batches. However, the Corp members who have witnessed Zenitsu in action (and who were rescued by him) have nearly the same awe for him that they have for the Pillars, so they never say anything to him about how indebted they feel.

Since more of the Corp members have met Inosuke and Zenitsu than have met Nezuko, Tanjiro's saintly reputation mostly stems from how much of those two numbskulls' company he can stand, and how he can keep them in line (keeping a demon sister in line must be easy in comparison). Also, Tanjiro is not just good at tending the fire to make good rice, his sense of smell makes him a master at seasoning food perfectly, and many Corp members have cried thinking of how their own mothers never cooked so well. Tanjiro is also very good at tending to people when they fall ill.

The Pillars are so advanced in Breath technique that they don't generally catch colds unless they are recovering from serious injury or like, poisoning themselves. Normal Corp members catch minor illnesses all the time, though, and that's part of why they're so slow to advance. They tend to have to take time for lots of little things instead of just major injuries sustained in battle. They still train as much as possible to make sure they don't get rusty when it's time to take a mission again. These recovery periods are some of the only times when they can maintain a reasonable sleep schedule, many of the members who survive to old age feel long term effects of sleep deprivation in addition to lingering injuries. Since the Corp members can't very well engage in long-term goals, simple pastimes are encouraged in the daylight hours to help keep them in the moment. The Butterfly Mansion and most of the Wisteria houses are well stocked with board games like Sugoroku and card games like Karuta, as well as tools for shuttlecock and paper for origami.

While many of the Corp members try to be virtuous, and in indeed there are other circles that have their own sort of main-character like Tanjiro equivalent, there are still those who have less polished, or certainly far less positive character. The rougher members tend to spend their salary and free time on vices. Oyakata-sama understands his children are under a lot of stress and turns a blind eye to it (or two blind eyes, I guess).

Different Breaths tend to come with their own cultures, and overtime different Cultivators tend to get different reputations based on the members they send into the Corp. Like, "Oh, Yamada-sensei? Then you must be a stickler for the 10th form" or "Yamaguchi-sensei? Are you okay out there? I heard he's real half-assed on Breath technique." There is a certain amount of awe that students of former Pillars automatically get, and although some of that is due to pride and jealously, people who have been in the Corp long enough tend to get over these notions and just realize that everyone's doing their best. Since they're core Breath styles there may be other Thunder and Flame Breath users throughout the Corp from different Cultivators, but, pardon the pun, they can't hold a candle to the students of former Pillars (or the Rengoku clan in general) and it's highly, highly unlikely any of them would ever get close to the same level of mastery. There's plenty of Muratas in every Breath, basically.

Speaking of Murata, he and others like him probably had an easy time of settling down and getting married after retirement. Years of experience as swordsmen certainly gave them a mature edge over the average Joes they otherwise would be compared to, but they also have the advantage of not being freaks. Takeuchi remains life-long friends with Yushiro.

The young maidens of Wisteria houses get flirted with all the time. Many of the Corp members are starved of TLC, and while the maidens of the Wisteria houses are polite and have deep respect for the work the swordsmen do, they know they likely will not know most of them for long. However, when there is a true connection between a Corp member and a Wisteria House family member, they tend to make very solid matches. Girls make up a slim percentage of the swordsmen in the Corp, and this is why they tend to get sent on undercover missions a lot more. Demons tend to put their guards down more around women, as they'd more likely be on the look out for male swordsmen.

Girls make up a larger proportion of the Kakushi, and traditionally feminine skills are highly prized. Gotou is very proud of his sewing skills, even though he only does small repairs and has never been tasked with tailoring full uniforms. The Kakushi use a lot of code words and have a very insular work culture that is hard for outsiders to break into; even Oyakata-sama finds himself confused by a lot of it, but he appreciates that it makes them efficient and mostly leaves them be to organize themselves as they see fit (his orders are still absolute, though, so none of them are aware how much autonomy they effectively have.)

Hand signs like "don't breathe" and "don't listen" are unique to the Corp (yes, I have looked them up, consensus in the Japanese fandom is that they are unique to KnY), and taught by Cultivators. Inosuke didn't have a Cultivator to teach him so it took him a while to catch on the existence of hand signs. He makes up his own confusing hand signs to impress people with how flexible his joints are.

For many, Pillar Training was harder than undergoing Cultivation (but still less harrowing than the Final Selection). In Cultivation they tend to get specialized attention from someone who cares about them and actually knows a thing or two about how teaching works. Pillar Training does not fit this explanation at all, especially in the teaching department. As mentioned before, this is when a lot of Corp members who used to find Zenitsu insufferable come around and start to appreciate him more, for they survived different stages of training together, and every time he blew his top and complained, they were grateful he gave (loud) voice to what they were thinking but were too afraid to say. Instead of getting down and depressed, it riles them up enough to keep at it, however ridiculous the Pillar's demands are. Suffering under the Pillars also broke down perceived barriers between different ranks, building a more solid level of comradery among a lot of the Corp. However, this was also the most time most of the Corp members ever got to spend with the Pillars, who they always felt were untouchable and who they feared bothering. They feel very genuine affection for them by the time they all enter the final battle.

Once Inosuke figures out that Zenitsu can only bring out his full abilities in his sleep, he tries to goad Zenitsu into fighting him at full strength by insulting him in his sleep. He did throw a really good punch at him one time, but usually he only sleep-argues back. Other times Inosuke hits a sore spot and Zenitsu starts sleep-crying, in which case Inosuke gets bored and leaves. Once Tanjiro realizes this about Zenitsu (thanks to Inosuke having point-blank explained it to him), he puzzles over it and figures Zenitsu may not be aware of how powerful and helpful he is, and this hurts his confidence, but then again, how can he not know if he's so aware of his surroundings even in his sleep? As Zenitsu sleeps, Tanjiro has been puzzling over this a long time and how he might best be able to help Zenitsu reach his full confident potential, and by the time Zenitsu wakes up and drowsily looks over at Tanjiro, Tanjiro looks him in the eye and very seriously asks, "Zenitsu, what is your problem?" Naturally, Zenitsu interprets this as Tanjiro suddenly being very disappointed in him, and Tanjiro has unwittingly done more harm than good.

On the contrary, Tanjiro has unwittingly done a lot of simple good for most of the PTSD-suffering Corp members with his little throw-away positive comments, just like he did for Muichiro and Aoi. Most of the Corp members have never met Oyakata-sama, so Tanjiro is to many Corp members what Oyakata-sama is to the Pillars. It's like they all have an Oyakata-sama shaped hole in their hearts and Tanjiro just falls into it like a good proxy. After all is said and done and Tanjiro and Nezuko read all the kind wishes left for them in deceased Corp members' wills, Tanjiro is consumed with some guilt that he can't place faces to all the names, though he remembers the majority of them. While his memory is still fresh he works hard to recall the ones who escaped him, and then he makes sure to refresh his memory every year with annual visits to the graves.

[lattexx]

║▌│█║▌│ █║▌│█│║▌║

   ⌜ so when i die, which i must do;

could it shine down here with you? ⌝

    Start.

——————♡——————

 In which a good intentioned 

archon is labeled a villain.

——————♡——————

one. - two.

You didn’t know what was going on in the slightest. It was the most though invoking feeling, struggling internally as you tried to find the right words to describe it. It was like you were falling upwards and flying downwards, a dizzying feeling you couldn't wrap your head around.

It was.. weird.

That was the only word that could properly describe it. It was a weird sensation where you felt clueless, not knowing what emotion to express, how to feel, it was almost numbing if that made sense.

And then seconds after the crooked flight, you had finally landed.. (so you were falling.) As your senses returned to you, your hearing was the first to run rampant.

Screaming rang through your ears, frightened people calling for help, repeating their cries again and again. You rubbed at your temple as your feet planted on the ground, your head pounding from whatever that previous sensation was.

The screaming continued.

It was never ending, and it only made that headache grow. It was so annoying, so irritating, it made you want to eliminate the cause of that noise and put it to rest. You scanned the area around you while keeping the tips of your fingers pressed to your forehead to ease the pressure, warily looking around for the source of the commotion, which really wasn't far.

Another loud scream ensued, a large group of people forming all around you while some made effort to take themselves out and away from that group.

Was someone in trouble? The mortals were supposed to be trained to your knowledge, skilled in defending themselves and others, so unless there was an invasive attack, there should be no conflict from the Children of Murata since monsters didn't dare step foot into the city.

The screaming never stopped. Your head ached worse the longer it went on, until the point you could no longer hold back that immense irritation swelling up in you. Your eyebrows furrowed and your eyes narrowed as you tried to look past the clutter of panicked people, but had no success in seeing past them.

In the moment of irritation from finding yourself out of that strange vortex, you hadn't even properly registered your surroundings to be a foreign place, disillusioned it was your nation undergoing some type of problem.

The atmosphere had a heavy tension, the screams of defenseless people ringing through your ears was making your head pound along with causing your face to morph into a fiercer look of irritation than before, but for a reason aside from the pain.

Pathetic.

they were all just pathetic, the panic and fear being proof of that.

Were they not supposed to be stronger than this? To have wills of steel to morph their fiery spirits for battle, to remain calm under pressure and assure that everything was orderly, and to help one another in need?

You were really disappointed, but you couldn’t do anything about their uneased state, after all, if this was the result of Murata's teachings, who were you to complain? You would have figured if she saw them now, she would probably be disappointed in them all too, because you don't recall her mentioning her people ever behaved like such cowards.

You could only sigh, watching as the civilians who were crying out for help were all surrounding a scene playing out, having gotten closer so you could fully assess it. What first stood out to you was the odd looking spiky creature. It wasn’t an abyss mage, hilichurl, or anything of the sorts, which brought you to the conclusion it was an unknown entity from the abyss.

What had vastly surprised you the most, was the moment the 'abyss' creature had muttered angered words, clear and understandable in the mortal language.

It was… odd. It felt out of place.

“SHUT UP!! HEH, YOU THINK SOMEONES GONNA HELP YOU!?” The creature cackled. So it can speak your same language, and quite fluently at that.

The word were directed towards a woman in front of it, crouched in an uncomfortable position as the porcupine-like creature held onto her by her collar. She clutched something close to her chest, a spilled bag of groceries laying beside her with fresh produce she had just picked up to feed her family dinner that night.

You sent a confused look to the woman who was whimpering, people just staring and not doing anything about the situation.

The woman should have known they should never show their emotions when faced with an enemy since the enemy will never take pity. It was one of the first rules taught, one of the most vital. In your final moments, if it's unpreventable, you should always show no regret and face death head on.

You had thought this without the knowledge the person who implemented this rule had broken it all the same when regrets were the only thing on her mind before death.

‘SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP ME!’ The woman shrieked, though it was followed by a hand making contact with her face, a scuff mark implanting itself on her cheek.

She was defenseless. She couldn’t protect herself... and yet you had realized something. The thing she was clutching onto was none other than an infant, protecting that life with the little ability she seemed to possess.

That was honorable. Although you thought of the woman as pathetic, she was truly far from it as even in such a dire situation, her first instinct was to shield the infant with her body.

You then turned away from looking at the woman to stare over at the creature, and decided to give a quick observation of your surroundings. There were other humans, of course, but they wore such unusual garments. Minimal clothing was the normalcy in Natlan from the extreme heat, and yet most were clothed in more than what would be considered over-dressing.

Now that you took notice of the temperature, there was a cool breeze rather than the warm ones you had been adjusted to.

Though that slipped your mind once again as tensions rose, the man screaming in anger making the woman scream in fear in return.

From your knowledge... there should not have been any conflict in Natlan for the time being, seeing as the Snezhnayan forces had retreated after confirming Murata's death.

You only narrowed your eyes once again, scrutinizing the scene before deciding you should step up seeing as you waited long enough for any development.

You took a step forward, your hand reaching out in front of you as you made your way through the abundance of people.

"...Leave this to me, I must ask of you to retreat to safety if you're really as defenseless as you make yourselves out to be." You spoke monotonously, placing your hand on one person's shoulder as those around looked over towards where the attractive voice emerged from.

You sent a soft, reassuring smile, and although you had minimal contact with other people, you felt you were interacting quite well. Some definitely looked stranger than what you were informed about, but nevertheless, you were given the duty of protecting the people of Natlan at any cost as the new pyro archon.

If only you took a moment to focus on something other than ridding the people's troubles along with your headache, then maybe you could have prevented everything from going so wrong. Although, as always, you can never change what has happened in the past since as of right now, you only focused on the responsibility that was passed down to you.

You walked forward and your presence alone had made people make way for you, some holding strange devices up and pointed towards the commotion while on instinct some of those devices turned to point in your direction.

Whispers emerged from within the crowd, those who had taken notice of you whispering, while some screaming still ensued, calling out for a 'hero' to help.

Since Murata was no longer here to give her judgement, you did so in her stead. Your face had scrunched up in dissatisfaction no matter how much you tried to put up an approachable façade. It angered you that no one was stepping up to help.

Natlan was known for their rigorous training techniques children were taught in their youth, so why did everyone just stop and stare, defying the law of 'help when one of your own is in danger'?

As you mentioned before, the display of everyone gathering and becoming an audience was absolutely pathetic.

"SOMEONE, PLEASE! WHERE ARE THE HEROES AT?!"

                                         ——————♡——————

You could only sigh once again as you strut forward.

So, they all just rely on this ‘hero.’ huh? well, whoever this so called ‘hero’ was, they don’t look like they have any intentions of helping with the situation escalating this far already.

"MWUAHAHA! DON'T EVEN BOTHER, ALL THE PRO HEROES IN THIS AREA ARE BUSY WITH MY PALS! WE MADE SURE TO SPREAD OUT THE HEROES FAR AWAY SO THAT OUR CRIME CAN GO UNINTERRUPTED!"

At the Porcupine looking man's exclamation, fear settled even further into the onlookers eyes. If the heroes truly were busy, would this woman be mercilessly killed and robbed along with the rest of them?

Most of them had half a mind to consider getting the fuck out of there, but the sudden exclamation of someone in the crowd had made them reluctant to do so.

"WHAT'RE YOU DOING?! ARE YOU A HERO?! IF NOT, IT'S DANGEROUS! GET BACK!"

You had gotten out of the crowd that had kept their distance from the attack and proceeded to move towards the very thing they avoided.

"Are they a hero?! Has a hero finally come!?" A news reporter exclaimed as their eyes twinkled with a promising look, the lug of metal they hauled around turning so that it could capture everything this brave person did.

"Submit and I will consider being merciful. Are you so absentminded to forget the laws our lady Murata had placed on this land?" You patronized, kindly reminding the creature that everyone was supposed to follow the rules Murata had left, even after her death.

"HUH?! Mind ya' damn business! You think you're some hot shot or something here to stop me?!" The man with a gruff and stuffy voice exclaimed as his head shot in your direction, though he never let go of his hold on the woman he seemed to be harassing. "AS IF I WOULD JUST OBEY YOU, YOU NOBODY!" The man said as he simply sent one last glance over in your direction, deeming you completely weak and nothing he wouldn't be able to handle since you weren't familiar in his eyes. He was a powerful villain after all, and no simple d-list hero would be able to take him down.

His narrowed eyes filled with such a deep hatred as he looked back over at the woman in his hands, harshly pulling and shaking her collar as her tight bun un-did itself from the harsh treatment, her eyebrows creased in horror and strands of hair sticking to her face from the perspiration of fear she had built up.

"NOW YOU... HURRY THE HELL UP OR YOUR BRAINS WILL BE SPLATTERED ON THE GROUND!"

The woman screamed as she began to sob, shaking her head back and forth as she tried to free herself from his grasp. Her heart was unable to take the scrutiny and malice directed at her. She felt frozen in place, defenseless, and weak as she waited for a hero to come and save her, and though there were so many people, only one had dared to walk forward.

And yet her resolve to protect the weak and fragile child in her arms remained. Although she herself couldn't move with the man keeping a hold on her, she clutched her infant to her chest who was hysterically crying, protecting them in her motherly embrace as she used her body to shield the baby.

...It enraged you how this talking creature could be so insolent. Had he known of who you were, he wouldn't have done such a thing in front of you. Nor would he even dare to look you in the eyes, and yet the creature spoke fluent in the human tongue and had the balls to ignore you.

"So be it." You simply said while slipping out the book from its accessory on your hip, the book that made up most of your good memories from your childhood. It floated up towards a height you could see, unaware of the gasps of awe while the criminal turned to look at what was going on.

The porcupine man looked confused at what you could have been implying with what you said, and having a sliver of intelligence in his skull, he let go of the woman with the baby as he realized he would be engaging in battle.

"I WASN'T REALLY LOOKIN' TO KILL NOBODY TODAY, BUT IT SEEMS YOU'RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO INTERFERE IN MY BUSINESS." The man said as he arched his back, the long spikes along his spine seeming to jut out further than what they looked to be earlier.

"That's very contradicting. So, what are you, a creature of the abyss?" You asked, seeing as this one was very talkative, and perhaps you could question him for details pertaining to the very source where creatures like him dwelled.

"WAS THAT SOME DUMB INSULT? WELL, NOT LIKE I CARE. ENOUGH TALKING, LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH SO I CAN STICK TO THE SCHEDULE!" The man said as he shot out one of the spikes on his back, the spear like thorn slicing through air as it lodged right in your direction.

"Mitsuki, time to play."

In excitement, the blue spirit shot out of the catalyst, chirping in concern recalling its last encounter with you. You smiled to give it reassurance that you were fine, the calmness making the news reporters hold their breath and shout to watch out as the sharp spike was close to your face, nearing its destination to impale you.

Mitsuki shot up right in front of your face, its beady eyes seeming to narrow as it opened its mouth, the spike entering just as it did so causing the spike to incinerate into ash. Mitsuki hummed in delight at the meal before spitting the ashes out, the flaming ash shooting like a bullet in the assailants direction.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?! IS YOUR QUIRK SOME TYPE OF SUMMONING QUIRK?" The man shouted in disbelief as he jumped backwards, his feet skidding against the ground as to avoid the unknown bright blue beam of light headed in his direction.

It swiftly past by his face, and with the speed it was homing in on him, he was only just able to avoid it by the hairs on his face. His eyes shot wide open at the intensity of the heat it produced, a bit of his fur instantly charred and falling to black ash on the ground.

From the corner of your eye, you watched as the woman who was clutching onto her child snuck away, the crying of the child stopping as the infant looked over its mother's shoulder and cooed as seeing the bright blue flames.

You turned to look back at the man who was readying to throw more of those insanely sharp spikes on his back, bending over and aiming before shooting at least a dozen rapidly, the first shot only being a test shot.

"Mitsuki, show no mercy to those hailing from the abyss." You stated as your catalyst hovered in front of you, Homura and Himeko wanting to come out as well but you didn't allow it. After all, Mitsuki, the hottest of your three flame wisps, was more than enough to take on an abyss creature such as this one.

Mitsuki sent a soft look and hum at hearing the command from you, the floating flame turning around to stare at the incoming spikes, readying to send them back to the sender.

While the rapid back and forth battle between the porcupine man shooting spikes and Mitsuki sending them back flaming was going on, an ambulance had arrived on scene to assist the victim, reassuring the on-lookers that heroes were on their way.

You dodged a certain spike that had managed to get past Mitsuki, which Mitsuki sent a brief apologetic look for, but they couldn't stare much longer because it was like the longer this went on, the more spikes the guy would shoot.

"ARGHHHHHHHHHH! JUST DIE!" He shouted angrily as his chest hurt from the overexertion of his quirk, producing too many of the needles too rapidly. He ignored this fact and began to quickly shoot them off, faster and faster, resilient in trying to get this person he deemed a 'nobody' away from him so he could retreat to safety.

You just remained quiet as you trusted Mitsuki with incinerating as much as it can, spitting back some occasionally when it could but the rate of firing was so rapid, a moment of delay could mean that the spikes could hit you, or worse, the people behind you from the momentum the spikes had.

"UAHHHHHHHHHH!"

And with that final shout, in a last ditch effort, the porcupine man had sent out a few dozen at once instead of one at a time rapidly. You scanned each spike with narrowed eyes, the reporter's eyes widening in horror as one was coming directly towards them.

The reporter squeezed their eyes tightly, thinking this was the end for them. They were going to fall victim to a villain attack just because of their occupation. If they lived, they would surely quit.

The reporter hesitantly opened their eyes upon feeling no impact in the slightest, the image in front of them shocking them to the highest degree.

You stood in front of them with the spike gripped in your closed fist, having catching it before it could even touch the bystander. Your arm was extended out to the side with the spike in hand, the large camera still rolling live but the reporter paid it no attention as they chose to instead stare in complete awe at you.

With a small grunt, you tossed it to the side, a faint cut on your hand from just how sharp the quill actually was. A small streak of blood dribbled down your hand, and upon noticing it, you became completely enraged.

The man was fatigued, his last ditch effort ending in failure. He bent over with his hands resting above his knees to regain his breath, rapidly scanning around to look for an escape route, but there was such an influx of people there really was no way out because of the scene he created.

There was in fact already a hero here, but they were working on crowd control, pushing them back for their safety as they assumed you were a hero and could handle it yourself, but needed the civilians out of the way.

"HOW?! THERE'S NO WAY... MY QUILLS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN UNSTOPPABLE!" The man exclaimed as a frightened chill ran up his spine seeing you begin to walk eerily slowly over. Mitsuki burped loudly from the sheer amount of quills it had eaten, the flame shaking as it felt it would burst if they didn't release it all soon.

Step after step, everything went completely silent as you were the focus of everyone's attention on the battle field.

"Fool. You could have lived a bit longer if you hadn't drawn any blood from me." You said as your face scrunched up in displeasure, Mitsuki floating over beside you and holding back the urge to let the accumulated flame burst out.

"W-wait what are you talking about? You're a hero, aren't you? You're not seriously going to--" The man couldn't even finish his sentence as you had willed for Mitsuki to let everything out.

The scene was incredibly gruesome, recordings would have to blur out many scenes in the future.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" His raw and disfigured scream of unrivaled pain echoed throughout the streets, those hearing it alone having their hearts dropped realizing just what was going on.

You weren't stopping, you weren't putting the man under arrest, but you were killing him.

"Cremate and let your ash fly through the Anemo sky."

The sound of blaring sirens and the arrival of a certain hero on the scene would signify the shattered reputation of the young archon, the archon unknowingly in a world that festered on reputation.

They had only the best intentions when putting down the 'beast', and yet no one shared that sentiment of good-will, instead looking on in fear and resisting the urge to throw their stomachs up from the grotesque display.

[fugitoidkry]

Top 5 Books to Read This Year

Thanks @bloody-wonder  for tagging me!

1. ‘A Marvellous Light’ by Freya Marske.

Oh! I’m excited about Marske book because is like the type of book i feel like reading at the moment since exams are coming and i don’t want to complicate myself with heavy reading. Magic related and Edwardian period? I’m in! I’ve tried to not read much info about this book to not let the hype cloud me like other books ‘cause i’ve been a bit disappointed with the latest YA books i’ve read recently.

2. ‘The Charioteer’ by Mary Renault.

It’s a classic and a must read within queer circles, and everyone who talks about this book always goes like ‘it is not what you expect, don’t trust the summaries about it’, i also did read  ‘Fire from Heaven’ a long time ago and i liked it, so i want to read more of her work after finding about this one.

3. ‘Legendborn’ by Tracy Deonn.

A friend recommended me this book but told me to ‘wait until the second part was out before reading it ‘cause you’re gonna climb walls when you finish it because of the tension of the ending and the need for more’, and lucky me the second part will be out this year so, i’ll finally be able to feed my curiosity about this one!

4. ‘The Lymond Chronicles’ by Dorothy Dunnett.

It is self-explanatory.

5. ‘ Convenience Store Woman’ by Sayaka Murata. 

There’s a TV night program where they make commentaries and generally discussions on diverse lit and movie topics, and in one of these they were talking about this one book and now i gotta check this out and maybe after this one i will read another book of hers called ‘Earthlings’, because for what they described of her writing she comes as a Mendoza type of absurd lit and not so much like Murakami’s so i am in.

[pi-cat000]

BNHA: something sad (Resentment)

Summary: The last time Katsuki sees Izuku alive the other boy is rushing to save him.  A ‘the Sludge Villain incident gone wrong’ aka Izuku dies.

Characters:  Katsuki Bakugo

Fandom: My Hero Academia

WARNINGS! Major Character death, swearing, heavy angst, graphic descriptions of violence

Other parts in this AU: (Something Sad),  (Anger), (Grief) 

This is the direct sequel to (Implosion)

......

“Not many people get hit with a concussive blast of this strength and walk away will so few injuries.” Is what the paramedic that looks Katsuki over says, hand glowing a faint blue as he uses some sort of diagnostic quirk.

“It looks like you have a few cuts, bruising, strained muscles and sprained wrist from what I can see. I’d recommend getting a proper examination at the hospital but there’s nothing life-threatening here.” The medic continues.

The emergency doctor at the hospital confirms the diagnosis and shakes his head in disapproval, adding, “…bruising on your ribs and a fractured finger. No concussion, thankfully, but you’ll have a nasty bump on the back of your head. If your quirk didn’t make you naturally resistant to these sorts of shock-based blasts, you would be dead..”

…

After that, everyone is practically falling over each other to lecture him on how irresponsible and reckless he is.

..

His mum arrives and there is a lot of shouting which just pisses him off.

“HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO REACT WHEN I GET WOKEN UP AT ONE IN THE MORNING BY POLICE TELLING ME THAT MY IDIOT SON, WHO SHOULD BE ASLEEP, IS IN HOSPITAL!!”

 “WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!

Then there is the quiet disappointment he gets from his father when his mum is done yelling which only fuels his resentment.  

“I don’t understand why you did it son. Did you want to get into that fight? Or was it a mistake? Please. We can’t help if we don’t know what’s going on.”

Eventually, he finally snaps, “I fucking felt like it! That’s why I did it! And you know what, I’d do it again.”

It wasn’t like he could or even wanted to explain that he’d jumped out his window to wander the streets at midnight because he had had a bad dream and his All Might poster had looked at him funny. That the rage and anger were preferable to that sinking empty feeling that had turned his every waking moment into a pointless repeat of everyday routines and useless interactions.  That every time he let himself pause and reflect, Deku’s stupid smiling face was mocking him from the afterlife.

Next, he spends an hour with Senior Officer Watanabe recounting every possible detail from his stroll through the streets to his climactic fight with Lanky, Tiny and Grease-Hair.

“Well, you definitely don’t do things in half measures kid. So far we have private and public property damage, unlicensed quirk usage, quirk usage with the intent to harm, vigilantly activity, assault...”

“Assault! Why the hell is that on the list. Those bastards started it.”

“You can’t go around beating people up no matter how good your intentions are!”

“So, you wanted me to just watch!”

“Yes!” A long breath, “I know it can be hard but you need to wait for the pros. You got lucky this time but what if things had been different? You had misread the situation. What if you had been badly injured? What if you had accidentally injured the victim or killed someone? There is a reason we make people get a license for Hero work. Seison Masuyama is a B-rank villain.”

“B rank? He wasn’t that strong.”

 “His quirk, Kinetic-Force, collects kinetic energy and releases it in one overpowered attack. It’s deadly to most people. You were lucky he had already used it once that day and that you were resilient enough to withstand it."

After multiple repeats of the ‘you’re lucky you’re not dead,’ with a side order of ‘it’s a good thing you’re still a minor because you could go to jail for this,’ he gets to go home.

It is three in the morning by the time he arrives back at the apartment, two exhausted parents in tow, having been issued an ‘official warning,’ an order to complete 100 hours of community service and instructions to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. He has never felt angrier or more resentful.

A days later and he is back at school, wasting his time watching clocks and avoiding classmates. 

Nothing had changed.

…

…

…

The car screeches to a stop at the school gates, throwing Katsuki forward in his seat. His mum turns to fix him with a stern glare, eyes narrow.

“If you’re not waiting right here by the gate when I come to pick you up or so help me I’ll be escorting you to and from your classroom from the rest of your school life,” she threatens.

“Lay off you old bat,” Katsuki snaps as was becoming routine since his mum had started driving him the short distance to school, “I got it the first million times.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it.”  A finger is pointed at his nose, waving in an almost menacing fashion. “Remember. Here. School Gates. 4:00pm. Don’t you dare think about ditching again.”

 Katsuki sneers and kicks open the car door, turning to slams it shut with as much force as possible in retaliation. He stalks through the gates, shouldering his way through a group of loitering students.  They all scatter when they recognise him. In some ways, he prefers dealing with the anger and yelling of his mum than his father’s quiet disappointment. That doesn’t stop it from being annoying as hell.

A spike of pain runs through his hand from where he must have used a little too much force on the door. Maybe he should take his father up on those kickboxing classes. Sure, he had practised punching after reading a bunch of online guides, but reading and solo practice were completely different when compared with real actual fighting.  That was assuming he was going to be getting into more real fights.  He opens and closes his bandaged fist, feeling a slight sting in his wrist and fingers. He glares. Four days on and he can still feel the echo of adrenalin.  The thrill of righteous anger had been so much more satisfying than the directionless rage he was accustomed to. It had rekindled some of that fire that drove him to be the best, to win, chasing away the sickening emptiness which had been dogging his every waking step.

He wants to feel that again…He wants to do something other than listlessly go through the same daily motions as he drifts towards his now uncertain future. 

“Hey Bakugō!” 

He keeps walking, ignoring whatever loser classmates wanted to talk to him.

“HEY!”

A hand lands on his shoulder and Katsuki twitches, a hairs breath away from spinning and firing a blast point-blank into the pest’s face. Instead, he stops and deliberately turns to glower at the pathetic piece of trash behind him. Murata Taheiji from his homeroom is standing there, one hand on his hip, flanked by two other boys he doesn’t know the names of. Two more appear to stand in front of him, blocking his way. They are all puffed up like they think they’re hot shit. Katsuki scoffs. Are these failures really trying to bully him? HIM!? 

“How about you get the fuck out of my way and go find a first year to pick on. You know, someone more on your level.”

That gets him an irritated scowl that transforms into a patronising grin, “You were always such a stuck up prick Bakago…Acting so high and mighty all the time. Not anymore, I know the truth. You’re just like the rest of us.”

“Huh?” he drawls, dragging out the sound, turning so he is facing the boy, “What the fuck are you on about.”

“My dad works for Musutafu police dispatch and he told me something real interesting yesterday.” A dramatic pause, “He said that you got arrested a few nights ago.” There is a laugh that is echoed by the four surrounding him. By now the confrontation has garnered the attention of several onlookers, who are slowly drifting closer.

“All that shit about being a Hero and you got arrested. What’d you do? Steal some candy from a convenience store? We all know you don’t have money.”

Around them, the growing audience is eyeing him with varying levels of eager anticipation like they think he’ll break down and start crying because of some dumb-ass insults. Damn, if that doesn’t just piss him off. How dare these losers think him that weak.

“Don’t compare me to your loser selves,” he dismisses aggressively, making to turn and forcefully elbow his way past. He is stopped by Murata’s hand which is still on this shoulder.

“You know what I think. I think you’re all talk.”

Katsuki stills, letting the words sink and curdle in his stomach. In one short move, he turns and steps in close to Murata so they are almost nose to nose.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” he warns.  The other boy tenses, looking like he wants to say something else equally stupid. If he remembers correctly Murata has some sort of muscle-enhancer, reflex quirk. One of the only worthwhile quirks in the school.

Katsuki jerks his elbow up and around in a quick jab. It smacks into the loser’s face. Crack. Guess having fast reflexes didn’t make a difference when you never saw the blow coming.

There is a cry of surprised pain and shouts of alarm from the peanut gallery. The other boy falls back, tripping over his own feet. It is ridiculously simple to lift a leg and deliver a kick to the stomach, not even a strong kick, so his failed bully thuds onto the ground, tossing up a small puff of sand. Unlike the fight in the ally, there is no rush of excitement, no spike of anger or adrenaline. No exhilaration. He is just irritated and maybe a bit disappointed. That’s what he gets for expecting anything out of the pathetic losers that went Aldera Middle School. They were more annoying than anything else.  

Murata rolls around in the dirt, wheezing, trying to draw breath. He can almost imagine Deku running up to complain about his violent tendencies or sprout some shit about Hero’s needing to protect people like Murata didn’t ask for it when he decided to try his luck bullying someone obviously stronger than him.

The reminder of Deku sours his already shitty mood.

“Ah…you broke my nose. YOU BOKE IT…ah…it hurts. Do something!” The idiot calls to his equally idiotic friends as he tries to stop blood from pouring down his face.

Katsuki gazes coolly at the boy before directing his attention at the four other ‘bullies’ standing frozen around him.

“You extras got something else to add to that?” With Murata out of the game, the rest of the pathetic group shuffles about uncertainly.

“Ah…we’re good,” The tallest one says nervously, “Sorry about that Bakugō. No hard feelings right?”

He scoffs.

One of the boys moves forward to pull Murata upright, kneeling and pulling out a tissue to help stem the flow of blood. “Crap. I…I think Murata needs to go to the nurse. This looks serious.” There are a few more apprehensive glances in his direction like the other boys think he’ll insist on continuing the ‘fight’-ha! like this has been anything near a fight- until they are all bloody messes on the ground. Kaksuki rolls his eyes. As if he has the patience to deal with any more of these losers.

“Cowards,” he mutters, shoving past. The crowd of students who had gathered to watch the failed confrontation, scramble to get out of his way. A strong breeze rushes through the school’s courtyard, drawing attention to how quiet it has suddenly gotten. Barely audible whispers follow in his wake and he can feel many sets of eyes on his back, watching.

“He always did have a bad attitude.” They murmur.

“Guess he’s a real delinquent now.”

“…did you hear what Murata said. Do you think Bakugō actually got arrested?”

“That’s got to be fake right? Murata is full of hot air.”

“No way. I believe it. You don’t have to share a class with him, I’m telling you, Bakugō’s gone nuts.”

“Kind of scary when you think about it. With a quirk like that...”

He doesn’t know why they’re all so shocked. This isn’t the first fight he has gotten into on school grounds. Okay, so maybe he’d held off doing any real harm before now, well aware that U.A. would probably check his school record. It had never mattered to him because there was no point in beating up weaklings when he was obviously superior. Except for Deku…the only person he had ever really hurt, the only person he could get away with hurting without repercussions. And now he feels like extra shit. God, what a huge farce it had all been. Kaksuki clenches his fist and growls, wondering if it isn’t too late to ditch and go find somewhere secluded to blow off steam. Anything to escape this feeling of frustration.

 He doesn’t have time to make a proper decision because news of his ‘fight’ had obviously spread to the staffroom. One of the second year homeroom teachers comes barrelling out of the school’s front entrance, eyes immediately landing on him.

“What happened!” Their eyes move past him to the bloody Murata, “Go wait in the principles office. Now.”

Well, he didn’t want to deal with his annoying classmates anyway. He stalks away, the sounds of the teacher fussing over Murata growing fainter behind him. When he arrives, the principal’s office is empty and he flings himself down into one of the comfy couches, irritated. The bell for homeroom goes off and Kaksuki remains sprawled across the couch, arm across his face to block out the light and his view of the clock slowly ticking away.  

Just as he begins to contemplate leaving, Principle Fukuhara comes strolling into the room. 

�� Bakugō,” the man lets out an exasperated sigh, “Sit up please.”

Katsuki moves his arm to peek out and glare at the man, deliberately ignoring the instruction.

“I just finished talking to Ms Yuki and the school’s nurse.  You broke Murata Taheiji’s nose. I hope you realise how serious this situation is and that there will be major consequences. Aldera Middle School does not tolerate this sort of violence on its grounds.”

Silence. That was a fucking lie. Slowly, Katsuki pulls himself upright, meeting the man’s hard stare with his own. 

“Well, do you have anything to say for yourself and your disgraceful behaviour..”

Katsuki narrows his eyes, “The idiot was asking for it.”

Obviously, it's the wrong response going by how the skin tightens around the man’s eyes, “I see...I’m sorry you feel that way. Up until now, our school has been more than lenient. We have overlooked your shameful behaviour these last few weeks because we wanted to give you time to settle after going through such as tragic incident. However, I am afraid that this time you have gone too far. Your parents will be notified. You’ll see the school councillor. You will be staying back for after school detention. Since this is your first major incident we…”

“First?” He cuts the man off. He is sick of hearing the moron’s voice. “Hahaha and people say you don’t have a sense of humour.” He laughs an unpleasant laugh which increases in volume until he is almost shouting.

 “What sort of shit hole are you running? Three years I’ve been beating up the dumb idiots that come here and now you decide to care. Why is that huh? Is it because I’m no longer going to put this shitty place on the map and become a famous hero! HA!”

He lets his voice quieten, sneering “I’ll never be a hero so you’re shit out of luck.” Finally saying it out loud is like throwing a bucket of water over the embers of an already struggling fire. It hurts deep in his chest. The expression of shocked disbelief is almost worth it.

“Thanks for proving what a worthless profession it is,” he finishes with another hash laugh, rage simmering under his skin. When he tries to stand and leave a hand lands on his shoulder, pushing him back down.

The principal, who still looks somewhat stunned at his sudden outburst, orders, “Sit back down Bakugō! I am far from finished.”

Why do people always feel the need to grab him. He is so fucking sick of everyone pulling and tugging on him, trying to control him and hold him down. Katsuki turns slowly, that simmering rage pulsing, running down his limbs. Pop pop pop go his hands. He feels as explosive fire gathering in behind his eyes and in his shadowy stare. It is not the dramatic, adrenaline-induced anger he had felt when preparing for the ally fight. No, this is a dark burning rage, fuelled by his growing resentment.

“Touch me again,” he growls, low and intimidating, “and I’ll kill you.”

The principal snatches his hand back like he has just been burnt. A poignant silence follows in the wake of his threat.

“Suspension,” the man says, swallowing,  “You’re suspended. I’m calling your parents right now.” And is it just him or does he look genuinely worried? There is even a hint of fear in his wrinkled face. Katsuki takes vindictive joy in the achievement. Finally…finally the worthless morons are seeing him, truly seeing him and not whatever Bakugō -delusion they’d all cooked up in their heads.

[weebianplebeian]

Ch. 104 Redraw Thoughts

because I haven’t done a post like this in a while and some of u actually care about my opinions :’)

HERE WE GO

alright here to start we got the “fake it till you make it” fam

it took me a second to remember it was iaian who supposedly came up with this idea from the last redraw?? like??? he really went “let’s act our way out of it” instead of just steamrolling everything 

THE WAY HIM AND KAMA ARE SO COMMITTED TO THE ROLE AND THEN DRILL IS JUST “no” ALDJLJLDSJDSDKL

he’s so disappointed awwwww chin up man i’m sure that acting will get you somewhere if hero society collapses <3

the detail...the dynamics...iaian’s scruffy hair...must i comment further...? 10/10 belongs in the louvre

THE WAY SHE’S SO PROTECTIVE OF HIM IS SO CUTE I’M-

big sis kama to the rescue!!

iaian also looks v cute looking up at her in the second pic aww

oh don’t make me start simping for you now

i know he’s stubborn but its moments like these where i realize he’s nowhere NEAR as hard-headed as his master 

the expressions are just GOLDEN

even drill can’t stand the captain’s attitude damn

CHIBI CHILDREN CHIBI CHILDREN CHIBI CHILDREN CHIBI CHIL

my goddess, your goddess, the goddess of the universe

impeccable form WHEW MA’AM IM GONNA ACT UP-

pinkies out 

now this gave me a big surprise, because her being able to sword fight with an injured foot makes their victory against dlh so much more impressive assuming murata and ONE don’t change the story too much now

it also says a lot about how strong she is?? like damn girl go off

another big surprise! drill’s sword isn’t just a drill, it doubles as an actual katana!!

which is cool on so many levels damn

ending this post on what is probably my favorite set of panels in the whole chapter

you can just feel the camaraderie pun fully intended between these three

like you get this sense that they’re not just teammates, but genuine friends who train under the same pain in the ass teacher together

[hiro-gari]

It's currently 1 AM at my place and I just waking up to see Awakening Monster Garou arrived to the scene like WHAT THE FUUUU-- I NEARLY SCREAMING YOOO HE LOOKS SO FINE HHHH OUR MONSTERBOY IS FINALLY SHOWED UP, THANK YOU MURATA THIS IS A SURPRISE GIFT 👏👏😍😭💗💘💕

Now I'm waiting for Badd's arrival!! He must sees Monster Garou in his full glory, too. I want to know how Badd would react to Garou's new look, and if they have the long awaited rematch like what we've been anticipated 😳✨ If Badd also arrived at there soon, my dream for this year would be fulfilled 🙏🙏 Murata where's our other chaotic boy?? Please make him showing up, too 👏👏

(btw I LOVE your new theme and the colour scheme!! It looks really great especially to celebrate Garou's arrival 😳👍💯✨)

YESSS OMG I’M SO HAPPY ANON 😭😭 Literally all of us Awake rn

I finally just calmed down enough to discuss lmfao also I was in the middle of a swamp with a dying phone when the chapter dropped but anyways HIS ENTRANCE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I’m so thrilled my heart might just explode 😍 Just channeled all my energy into a new theme so fast lmfao, I’m glad you like it 😘

And when ELSE is Badd gonna show up?? It has to be soon anon for real, he can’t possibly show up after the fight right?? murata pls no Like I literally can’t think of what else he and King are gonna do lmao. HE IS GOING TO SEE GAROU ✨*manifesting*✨

I’m so hype UGH this wait for the next chapter is gonna be a long one 😭

[sol-korolevas]

—haunted house tour, part i 

pairing: pillars x reader 

summary: it’s the season of the witch and you’re invited to take a tour of a haunted estate by your friends. 

warning: none

words: 2k+

note: a long overdue halloween fic that was originally a super spicy sanemi story with no plot whatsoever. then i decided to incorporate a few of the other pillars so a monster fic was born. i had so much fun writing this and there will be a part 2 coming soon so please enjoy! my inbox is open for requests. 

someone managed to convince everyone that the western tradition of halloween was a fun social event that could boost morals. while a fun event was an indisputable fact, you’re not quite sure if it will boost morals. for starters, the pillars themselves were partaking in the event as individual monsters they’ve picked out from a book that were imported from overseas. 

shinobu was in charge of decorating an empty estate, alongside aoi and the butterfly girls. however, shinobu wanted to be a witch, so during the evenings, you saw her wearing a large pointed hat that looked a bit big for her small head. from what sumi said, she even hand painted the marks of a witch onto her face. the craftsmanship was so well-done that you thought shinobu had contracted warts. 

“maybe i should paint something on your face too?” her soft voice couldn’t hide the vein that’s pushing upwards underneath the skin of her forehead. “you and everyone else who’ve asked me this question!” her lipstick-stained mouth twitched upward into a grin that hid malevolence underneath, causing you to shrink back and excuse yourself. 

when the night of the haunted house tour arrived, you were the only person who wanted to go as a single. everyone else went as groups of three or more. when tanjiro and his friends came out, you noticed the immediate reactions. while inosuke insisted on going inside so he could fight everyone, zenitsu was dragging him back, while crying over the horrors within the building. tanjiro, on the other hand, seemed to be the only one who enjoyed it. 

“where’s nezuko?” you asked, noticing the absence of the demon girl. 

“she’s part of the attraction with the others,” tanjiro replied, beaming with pride. “we got a good glimpse of her, but i think she’s trying a little too hard to be scary.” the last of tanjiro’s words came out in a whisper. he then waved at you, just as both inosuke and zenitsu started tugging at his arms. “you enjoy the house, okay?” 

once the butterfly girls came out, sniffling and laughing at the same time, it was your turn. you handed murata your ticket and he beckoned you in. 

the first thing you noticed was the sheer darkness of the interior, followed by the subtle scent of wisteria flowers flowing through the air. you knew that the estate was a bit far away from the other buildings, so they put wisteria incense around to deter potential demons from slipping in. according to the people who already went, the path was just a one-way destination. after you finish, you go around the building and collect a wisteria pouch for your trip down. 

when you enter the first room, you noticed that you’re face to face with a well placed in the very center. it didn’t look real enough to be one so you suppose it must be made from scratch materials. nothing else was in the room, though you notice a thin mist covering the bamboo floor. 

the only logical thing to do was to interact with the well. steeling yourself, you made your way up and gazed into it. 

“boo.” muichirou popped up, dressed in the clothing of the dead as he dropped a white ceramic plate onto the floor. he looked absolutely emotionless, perhaps even bored. when you didn’t react, he propped his chin on his arm and tilted his head. “strange,” he said softly, “everyone else was shocked and scared.” then, looking embarrassed, he sunk down into the well again. 

for a moment, you were left startled by the suddenness of muichirou’s appearance. you’ve never thought of him to be an easily embarrassed type, so you felt guilty for not pretending to be scared. you walked over to the well’s entrance, seeing him adjusting his accessories within the darkness, and said, “you did a good job!” there was silence, before you distinctly heard muichirou’s voice respond with a ‘thanks.’ 

moving on, you trudged through a hallway lit with lights behind partition doors. the way they made it look like some of the lights were floating, but you noticed the people behind, moving the lights themselves. shrugging, you continued until you felt someone pushing you into a room. “from now on, random monsters will come and try to scare ya!” the voice said, muffled by a fabric covering their entire face. 

and they were right, because for a short duration, multiple people covered in make up and cot sheets were jumping out from room and oddly placed furniture. they each attempted to grab at you, only for your hand to automatically come up and slap them lightly. soon, you began muttering more apologies than actually being scared. fortunately later on, the people started dwindling until you found yourself in another room. 

the second room you were in was lit with individual lights of orange, red, and yellow. someone had brought in thick wax candles that were carved to look like ghoulish faces. you also saw two fake western pumpkins perched behind a group of candles, no doubt the brainchild of someone from shinobu’s estate. despite the wisteria scent still hovering in the air, you noted a vague smell that lurked underneath. 

suddenly, mist poured forth in thick waves. a shape appeared, before it slowly lumbered over to you. their hands were stretched out, as if vying to grab hold of something. you then saw the paper talisman hanging off of their face and the mane of fiery hair underneath the hat. 

“rengoku?” 

your heart hammered with excitement as you watched rengoku amble towards you. a groan escaped his mouth, before he stopped, body frozen in mid-walk. “[name], you’re supposed to run around the room!” he quickly said in a whisper. then, he was back at walking, now hunching forward as he made his way around the room. frequently, he would shift his body towards you, but you stood there, stifling a laugh and body unable to move. 

instead, you lunged forward and wrapped your arms around rengoku’s midsection, giggling. he froze then, arms sagging as he dropped his gaze to you. a faint breeze from your movement lifted a portion of the paper talisman upwards. through the tiny amount of light, you noticed that rengoku’s face was in shock—and if you dare to say—with darkening cheeks. but the shock coming from rengoku subsided and soon you felt two hands cupping your cheeks, gently lifting your head up. 

“you’re quite a troublesome victim, [name]!” he said, voice bright and cheerful as always. in response to his comment, you stuck your tongue out before waltzing back. 

“next time, i think you should be more fast and really grab someone!” you replied, holding your hands behind your back. “i wasn’t scared at all, not when you look so nice in that outfit.” 

rengoku laughed, but you knew he was feeling more than happy on the inside. he then waved at you, just as the lights flickered off. now, it was time for you to leave his room and move on to the next attraction. 

upon stepping into another corridor, you smelled the faint scent of something sweet. coupled with the wisteria scent that drifted through, it felt more like stepping into an oiran’s room. you also noticed that this hallway was a bit brighter than the last, with colorful decorations that were most liely imported from overseas, and some fake flowers that lined the walls. you pondered about staying here for a moment, just to gaze at everything, before you heard someone cough and whisper for you to go on to the next room. 

before you could slide open the door, mitsuri came out, dressed in fake ears and several fake fox tails. she was absolutely giddy about something, but it wasn’t her expression that caught your surprise. no, it was the desserts that were placed on a long table behind her. none of these desserts were the same and some were even new to you. 

“hello [name]! welcome to my banquet!” she said, holding your hand as she took you to the table. “i made most of these, but sanemi made the ohagi and—oh! he was here a moment ago, but i guess he went off to prepare for his room.” briefly, mitsuri looked disappointed before she perked up and tugged at the sleeve of your uniform. “but don’t worry your cute face, i’ll make sure to feed you well!”

“feed me?” you said, taken aback by the drastic change. however, you were feeling hungry and the temptation of sweets tugged at your mind. so before long, you were eating, with mitsuri piling more on your plate every time it goes empty. while doing so, mitsuri was talking about her room. she wanted a more western themed banquet that aligned with halloween, so everything was made to look like some type of spooky creature and item. 

“i must say, sanemi was really good with reshaping those ohagi so they looked like cats, but i wouldn’t put it past him, he’s good with his hands after all!” mitsuri squealed and clapped her hands to her cheeks. she’s gushing about all of the pillars and non-pillars while you shove food into your mouth. suddenly, you heard the familiar sound of a snake’s hissing and accompanying footsteps. 

“ah, iguro!” mitsuri said, moving to sit next to you. she then embraced you from the side, pulling you so close to her chest that you felt heat rushing into your cheeks. when you saw him, you almost choked on your food. wrapped around him was a fake cobra made from paper, but it looked so realistic that you thought it could’ve been breathing. 

iguro looked at mitsuri first, then his eyes turned to you. “hurry up, you’re taking precious time away from us.” he was leering down at you, but you only swallowed your food and offered iguro your plate without saying a word. instead of decisively turning away, iguro stepped back. “..i didn’t say you can share your food with me!” he then turned around, but not before muttering ‘idiot’ under his breath. 

“oh stop that, [name] was being nice!” mitsuri said, plucking a small onigiri off of your plate, before throwing it into her mouth. “iguro wants to join us, right?” there was a teasing tone in her words and you were certain iguro noticed. but in the next moment, he was sitting directly besides you. you were now sandwiched between both love and snake pillar, an d their close contact was making you shift with a fluttering sensation inside your ribs.

“here, a gift,” iguro said gruffly, showing you a sock puppet with eyes made of flat stones and a smile painted crookedly by hand. you set your plate on your lap, before mitsuri reached over and took it from you. you then slid the puppet onto your hand and played around with it. 

“thank you! it’s lovely,” you said, “you’re really good at making these, you should show me how to do it later.” you saw iguro cross his arms against his chest, but all you heard was a grunt as he turned his head away. mitsuri was cooing at the leftover food, which she was too busy fawning over while eating. noting how much time you’ve already spent in this room, you then stood up and thanked both for their individual hospitality, sock puppet still on your hand. 

“oh don’t mind us, we’re just looking out for our cutest member,” mitsuri said with a light giggle. she then stood up and lightly pushed you out of the door on the other side of the room. then, leaning in, she added, “he may not look like it, but i think iguro likes you a lot! and watch out for the dog up ahead.” just when you were about to turn around, mitsuri plants a kiss on your temple. 

you felt yourself inhaling a deep breath, cheeks now hotter than ever. throwing your gaze back, you saw mitsuri watch you leave, hands clasped together. she wasn’t hiding her face nor did she look embarrassed, so you began to wonder if, perhaps—

but your thought was quickly pulled away when you felt someone lift you up off the ground. a small whimper escaped your throat as you feel them move, your legs hovering uselessly off the ground. but you sensed no malice from this person, so instead of fighting you close your eyes. 

after all, this was still part of the attraction right?

[scumerage]

The Story of One Punch Man Season 3

Aplogies to @gofancyninjaworld this reply was so late, was kinda distracted by the new chapter. Anyway, here is my second response, hope it finds you well!

@gofancyninjaworld (original comment to my original Season 3 post, which in turn was a response to their original Season 3 post) If you’re a punter who got into season 2 enough to fish $300 out of your pocket to own the series, what did you come for?  Garou, most probably. What’s going to happen to Garou if the story ends at chapter 108?  The first three-four episodes, he’s going to get the crap kicked out of him by monsters and left unconscious in a hole in the wall. Forever.  That’s it.  The interesting things the story will have hinted around limiters and explosive growth, no visible relevance to Garou.  You’re probably going to feel a little cheated.  Okay, maybe you’re into the other characters.  Well, Genos spends his time cleaning the apartment, Bang is wandering aimlessly through the Monster Association along with Fubuki and Bomb.  As is King, who you only saw briefly a couple of times at the beginning and then no more.  Suiryu? Oh go whistle – but you were going to have to do that anyway, it’s a shame how much real estate he took up last season. The kid is rescued and the other heroes are doing okay.   Tatsumaki is taking on the real big bad and is also doing okay. You’re arguing that seeing Saitama punch a monster that is posing no imminent threat to anyone, and whom he dismissed with less respect than he did Elder Centipede constitutes a profitable end.  One that will satisfy people enough to buy in and come back for more.  You must be kidding!   The storyline has effectively wandered off in the middle and says nothing and means nothing. It’s the other half of the story that starts to land the second shoe and to show WHY there’s a conflict worth following in the first place.  The concept of growth through near-death experiences, now it will make sense when we see Garou wake up, challenge Darkshine and complete the tantalizing hints we’ve been given since season 2. While giving us yet more to look forward to – can he truly crush both Hero Association and Monster Association? The carelessly-dismissed Orochi comes back in more fearful form.   You want to talk about hype?  Here we see the very first monster to survive one of Saitama’s killing blows.   The support heroes do more than standing around wondering what’s going on, and we get our appetites whetted by the longest-running mystery in OPM.  The other heroes we’ve been following stop cleaning or wandering around aimlessly and do something.   The S-Class heroes who had been so impressive until now are in deep shit that runs beyond their ability to do something, now the cleverness of the Monster Association mastermind becomes manifest. And Tatsumaki – why the Hero Association leans on her and how her existence has led directly to the strategic mistakes they’ve made to date will be really great to see.  There is literally a Tower of Despair that’s been dragged out of the ruins of what was City Z to counter the Tower of Justice built out of the ruins of what was City A.  [ If the production studio is really clever, they might do a little ‘preview’ of what’s coming next season with Metal Bat and the other hospitalised heroes coming out and little snippets of the battle to come.  Or they might not – it won’t matter.]

(A) The Second Rise of Garou

First off, to the claim that Garou will disappear after 3-4 episodes in a shorter Season 3 is complete baloney. The end of Volume 19 is 500 pages past Season 2… and from there to Saitama vs Orochi is 700 more pages. Somehow… a 12 episode Season 3 would cram 125 pages or more into the first 4 episodes… then spread the remaining 8 with 90 pages or less? Garou is making it to episode 5, period. Maybe only the first half, with the S-Class meeting covering the second half. So Garou will be the main character for 35-40% of the season.

Now to his relevance… what happens to Garou?

The offer of 3rd in command at the Monster Association and his mission to kill his first hero

Betrayal of the monsters and fights in defense of Tareo

Dr. Genus’ Limiter monologue during his fight specifically to hype him up as a potential second Saitama

A bloody warpath through the monsters ranks, only stopped by the monster executive

Gyoro Gyoro’s plan to make Garou the new monster King, culminating in a duel between Garou and Orochi himself.

That… that is all irrelevant? People will feel “cheated” by Garou leading his own personal assault on the Monster Association, being singled out by both man and monster as having unlimited potential, and growing far more than he ever did in Season 2? If that is “cheated”.... then adding 12 more episodes just for Garou vs Darkshine is grand larceny.

(B) Season 3 without Garou… who will be watching?

But yes, you do make a crucial point, similar but different to Season 2: Garou will be non-existant for the second half of Season 3 (while he dominated the first and last third of Season 2). So anyone who enjoys Season 3 must care about characters other than Garou, such as Saitama or the other heroes.

Saitama fans?

Many people were drawn to One Punch Man specifically for the revolutionary character of Saitama. Presumably why the Orochi “fight”, the refereeing of the Phoenix Man battle, and Flash and Baldy’s Bizarre Adventure were added at all. So it’s no small thing to end a season on Saitama (Boros/Orochi)…. As opposed to not Saitama (Psykorochi) or barely Saitama (Elder Centipede).

The Dine and Dash, Hotpot, Limiter, Phoenix Man, and Orochi far from reduce Saitama to a gimmick… but even if they did…. does adding 12 episodes, which includes the Flash teamup, magically fulfill his character or give Saitama meaning in the story? No. “Saitama ditching his tab on Blizzard, the source of his power, saving a child hero from despair, and killing the Monster King was quite disappointing.. but Flash and Saitama running around? Finally, the anime is saved!”

Saitama Gang fans?

Of course the Saitama group will be sidelined… no matter what. Even pulling 24 episodes would just give them one fight each. Nobody will ever, ever buy the entire Season 3 blu-ray for them alone. “Aw, sucks they do nothing but eat hotpot in the first 12 episodes… but hey, they get one fight each in the next 12! Worth it!” That individual is a fantasy.

Side Character/Worldbuilding fans?

Who will be enjoying either version of non-Garou Season 3, the Saitama group hardcore fans? After the hotpot, no (two fights < a second cour). The Saitama hardcore fans? Until the hotpot, sure, but after that it’s just Phoenix Man and Orochi (and Flash for 2 cour), solid, but not enough to carry the season. Only one groups is left: the people willing enjoy side characters, just as they did after Season 1.

Amai’s Mask reentering the story and war by force

the support team contrasting the S-Class

Flash’s duel of the fates

The battle for the soul of Child Emperor

Zombieman’s slasher flic

Atomic’s Pupils’ S-Class potential

Tornado’s first onscreen “fight”... against the monsters’ 2nd in command

Those are the Metal Bat/Suiryu/Blizzard/King of the next season. Anyone too narrowminded would have left after Saitama/Genos/Mumen/Tornado/Sonic took a heavy hit in screen time for Season 2.

(C) The Final Battle of Season 3

Now for the finale: Orochi is the second character in series after Boros to both “fight” Saitama… and instantly respect him as a god among men. The Monster King recognizes the bald hero as the world’s strongest hero, the victor over two of Orochi’s strongest warriors, and the mystery monster of City Z… sounds a lot like a certain alien finding Earth’s strongest warrior, the killer of his two generals, and the fulfillment of a prophecy? Yes, of course, Orochi dies in one normal punch, he is but a shadow of Boros… but that shadow is less respectful and threatening than one giant bug who has no character whatsoever? Also a reminder: Murata said he would redraw the fight, so presumably it would be a better finale in the second version.

Yes, I’m not kidding, that is best ending for a season of One Punch Man since Boros… and will be until the end of this saga. Even Elder Centipede or Psykorochi’s defeat are obvious stop gaps (unlike the fakeout ending of Orochi), ending simply after big battles in the middle of a still ongoing war. Is it an ideal ending? No, it’s a worse repeat of Season 1’s ending… but is actually is an ending. Want to know what isn’t an ending? Cutting off at the start of two character facing off…. While other characters are being dragged up in energy bubbles… and while the main character is digging rocks. And you argue that “constitutes a profitable end… One that will satisfy people enough to buy in and come back for more”? That is far closer to “effectively wandered off in the middle and says nothing and means nothing.” It’s not even a bad ending…. Because it’s not an ending.

(D) The Unnecessary Additions to Season 3… that don’t lead anywhere:

Garou’s growth was already addressed with Genus and Orochi, it is merely 100% confirmed with Darkshine. Orochi was the first monster to dodge a punch from Saitama, even Boros never did that (though Boros did survive a direct normal punch to the chest). The Organization, the support team, the Saitama group, they aren’t necessary, the hero vs monster war works fine without them. The S-Class actually losing, Orochi returning, and Tornado nearly dying is great…. but it doesn’t lead to any sufficient result, at least not until after Psykorochi is defeated. Paralleling the monster’s tower to the hero’s tower is just a nice touch… but it adds no impact or conclusion to the story whatsoever.

[gofancyninjaworld]

OPM Manga Chapter 113 Review: ‘Terrible Luck’

When I said it’d be a couple of days before I could get round to reviewing Chapter 113, I didn’t realise it’d be nearly a week.  Ah well, better late than never. 

This may be a shortish chapter that webcomic readers expect they know allll about, but there’s still value added here that’s great to see. 

Gallows humour

It must surprise many readers (and viewers) who get sold on One-Punch Man as a comedy that pokes fun at shonen tropes that it’s actually a dark and serious fantasy that finds reasons for us to laugh anyway. And I do mean for ‘us’ to laugh.  The characters almost never laugh.  Homeless Emperor obliges with a story that would be outrageous if it weren’t painfully close to what all to many people have experienced for real.  Being so desperate for work that one will do anything. Unfair dismissal. Homelessness. Suicidal ideation.  The streets have no pull: rather, it is ‘home’ that has given one the push. 

Yet, even in this, the story finds humour. What are the chances of a ‘person’ who for all intents and purposes looks and talks like a mentally ill homeless man convinced about the reality of a deity who has invested him with a divine purpose actually being a homeless man who really has had a conversation with a deity that has left him vested with a divine purpose -- and the firepower to match?  One of society’s most powerless and overlooked... with the power to end society itself.  It is a joke as black and as bitter as the carbonised bits of sausage scraped off a barbecue grill.  I put ‘person’ in inverted commas because Homeless Emperor’s repudiation of mankind and commitment to the destruction of humanity is monstrous to its very core, even if his outward form is yet to follow.

It’s also not every day that you find the hero disappointed that the villain doesn’t monologue for long enough -- bad luck, Zombieman. 

On the other side of the story, we have another hero coming face to face with a monster who believes himself a hapless victim of circumstance.  Amai Mask may be nobody’s idea of a nice guy (even if he doesn’t exactly agree with that assessment), but that monster is still monstrous.  The beheaded monster begging to be killed rather than listen to any more of Amai Mask explaining how inconvenienced he was by the extension of the mission is a very nice touch.

there’s thinking highly of yourself and then there’s this 

Fuhrer Ugly’s problem is that the world is a lookist one.  He might not have been able to help the way he was born.  Changing the reality that society treats beauty as virtue,  out of his control too.  We can feel sympathy for him on that too.  But the response, to be so consumed with resentment as to lose all humanity, that was entirely within his control.  And utterly reprehensible.   

Then again, ugly versus uglier (in character, not looks) is the sort of mudfight you get popcorn out for.  I quite understand anyone who does just that.

Come to think about it, one thing that ties all four characters together is how they’ve responded to circumstances not entirely of their making.  Zombieman never asked to be an undead creature, and while he was angry about it (still is), he’s nevertheless made enough peace with it to lead a socially beneficial life and even allow Dr Genus to live.  Under the skin, Amai Mask is not pretty and he really is wearing a mask for he has a huge complex about it.  Still, even as he doesn’t endear himself to us, he is like a wasp, unpleasant but still a beneficial creature on the whole.

Conversely, Homeless Emperor and Fuhrer Ugly have abandoned any notion of humanity and feel themselves empowered to destroy the world of men for having the temerity to not treat them in the way they ought to have been. Which is nonsense. 

If you want to take over the world, you need scale up

Standards are so low in the megalomaniacal villain world that any time I see a bad guy give thought to how to scale up activities to meet the challenge, I feel like giving them a prize.  Well, I feel like giving the author a prize for remembering that the world is actually a big place. 

Of course, Gyoro-Gyoro doesn’t want to take over the world: just kill all the people in it.  Which is much less admin. 

Even if each monster can kill hundreds of people, you still need millions of monsters to efficiently kill billions of people, particularly as people are as a whole resourceful and adaptive and will absolutely learn to fight back quickly if not utterly overwhelmed.   Just killing off the strongest heroes and smashing the Hero Association will not be enough to wipe out humanity.  

The manga has taken the time to show us two very important things.  First, pro-heroes are just a small subsection of all the really strong people out there; even with heroes gone, there will be a lot of people able to oppose heroes by force of arms (to say nothing of our ability to force multiply with weapons technology). Second, while the S Class may number fewer than 20 individuals (counting both Amai Mask and Saitama), the vast majority of monsters can be killed by the vast majority of heroes.   If Gyoro-Gyoro wants to succeed, the monsters need serious and rapid force multiplication of their own.

So the tanks for nurturing and multiplying the monster cells Orochi produced is absolutely necessary.   Looking at the size of the tanks compared to Amai Mask, there are tens of millions of the cells to use. Not every person will knowingly and willingly eat a monster cell, but enough will that they can kill off those who won’t.

This is a big change from the webcomic.  In the webcomic, in keeping with the heroes accidentally stumbling on an unprepared Monster Association, Psykos (the real person behind Gyoro-Gyoro) had no credible way to carry out her ambition of wiping out humanity.  In the manga, she does. 

Yup, that ought to do it.  The power of science augmenting the power of monsters

Good on Amai Mask for destroying the facilities and good on Murata for doing a good job of showing how thorough Amai Mask was.   With Orochi also dead, what could have been a much nastier version of a zombie apocalypse is now averted.    It’s not impossible that there’s still some monster out there with a few monster cells yet to be handed out, but monster cells as a ready source of monsterisation, that’s no longer an issue. 

As I said in an earlier post, it’s good to see that the competing theories as to why so many monsters in City Z that Spring Mustachio enumerated all the way back in Chapter 20 were all correct, being parts of a bigger whole.    It’s also very interesting to see that when Phoenixman spoke of the Monster Association having scientists, he didn’t only mean G5 and its strange fixation on the Metal Knight.

I love it when stories tie plot ends together when the time is right for them.

The only actual bit played for laughs.

Ahh, if only you knew, Saitama.    It’s bad luck for you too, but good luck for everyone else that you’re stumbling around the place.

[recentanimenews]

Summer 2019 Anime, Ranked.

With the exception of Fire Force’s twelfth episode, we’ve wrapped up our coverage of the Summer 2019 season, which is just as well since we’re technically in the second week of Autumn.

Between Braverade, sesameacrylic and MagicalChurlSukui we watched and reviewed eleven shows in all (plus additional coverage from Oigakkosan, not detailed here), totaling 132 episodes, or approximately 53 hours. Without further math, here’s how we ranked those shows, and why.

11. HenSuki

RABUJOI Score: 7.00/10 MAL Score: 6.83/10

Pros: Novel premise, colorful pastel palette, likable characters, generally witty banter, risque ecchi situations that never cross hard lines of decency.

Cons: Uneven at best animation, silly central mystery that drags on too long, “twist” resolution feels like a cheat.

Verdict: An enjoyable, fluffy guilty pleasure. I try to watch one per season.

10. Lord El-Melloi II Case Files

RABUJOI Score: 7.77/10 MAL Score: 7.44/10

Pros: Built-in goodwill from Fate/Zero, always intriguing setup for cases, sumptuous setting, production, and mechanical design, stirring score, bonkers magical battles.

Cons: Excessive magical technobabble can be exhausting, conclusions to mysteries can feel contrived/arbitrary, non-Fate fanatics will end up hopelessly lost by most cameos or name-drops.

Verdict: A pale shadow of the classic upon which it’s based, but nonetheless a fun and moderately clever detective series.

9. Fire Force (Episodes 1-11 of 12)

RABUJOI Score: 7.82/10 MAL Score: 7.75/10

Pros: Gorgeously bizarre alternate-universe setting, elegant world-building, virtuoso action sequences, powerful orchestral soundtrack.

Cons: And MC who is dull and cliched within an inch of his life, Characters who go from evil-to-good (or vice versa) at the drop of a hat, a tedious central conspiracy, the potential for character bloat, frustratingly uneven gender balance, pathetic bouts of fanservice.

Verdict: A stylish show primarily about spontaneous human combustion might’ve weathered news of the horrific KyoAni arson attack, but isn’t quite good enough to watching following into the Fall.

7 (tie). How Heavy are the Dumbbells You Lift?

RABUJOI Score: 7.83/10 MAL Score: 7.68/10 Pros: A fresh, original premise to which it remains totally devoted, marvelous comic timing in the rapid-fire, self-deprecating, fourth-wall breaking dialogue, lovable and believable MC, decent animation, one hell of an earworm OP.

Cons: Ecchi elements and a superfluous Russian chick don’t add much, some parody bits are too on-the-nose, the show loses momentum in the final couple episodes.

Verdict: The show that inspired me to get off my skinny, underdeveloped backside and actually join a gym for the first time in my life!

7 (tie). Cop Craft

RABUJOI Score: 7.82/10 MAL Score: 6.94/10

Pros: Cool reverse-Isekai-lite premise, Range Murata character design, toe-tapping OP and lively soundtrack, entertaining buddy cop dynamic, engaging fights and chases.

Cons: Lame villains, some odd narrative choices, inconsistent/unfocused direction, disappointing animation, underutilized supporting cop cast, lots of loose ends.

Verdict: A show with some good parts to work with, mostly used badly. A wasted opportunity that’s not as good as our episodes ratings indicated.

6. DanMachi II

RABUJOI Score: 8.25/10 MAL Score: 7.45/10

Pros: Appealing, charismatic characters you love to root for, amusing romantic polygons, tremendous score, superb utilization of twelve episodes to tell a variety of engaging stories with a beginning, middle and oh-so-epic end, culminating in a quiet finale that doesn’t forget its core goddess-child dynamic.

Cons: Villains’ barks prove far worse than their bites, a couple slower episodes between mini-arcs don’t really distinguish themselves, and that huge Amazoness Phryne…what the hell?! 

Verdict: After the very lame Sword Oratoria spinoff DanMachi got a proper sequel, focused on the characters we cared about, full of emotion, excitement, and good old-fashioned fantasy ass-kickin’.

5. Fruits Basket 1st Season (Episodes 14-25)

RABUJOI Score: 8.50/10 MAL Score: 8.36/10

Pros: Impeccably-rendered characters and depictions of their various psychological issues, dark and poignant flashbacks, exquisitely cozy slice-of-life, a good balance of the mundane and the mystic, and hard-hitting cathartic scenes.

Cons: Some members of the Souma family are more interesting (and tolerable) than others, but even the less interesting ones get plenty of screen time, Tooru’s saintly selflessness can wear thin at times.

Verdict: A beautifully-crafted second half that rewarded patience by delivering some of the strongest and most moving episodes of the year.

4. Master Teaser Takagi-san 2

RABUJOI Score: 8.58/10 MAL Score: 8.40/10 Pros: Truly magnetic chemistry in the central pair, Deft use of subtle facial expressions and body language in the animation, superb performances by Takahashi Rie and Kaji Yuki.

Cons: Like the first season, the various teasing games can grow repetitive, as can Nishikata’s denseness and inability to see more than one or two moves ahead, the side stories involving side characters often felt like padding.

Verdict: Continues and refines the brilliantly simple teasing formula of the first season, while ever-so-gradually blurring of the line between teasing and flirting. A sweet and touching, slow-burn portrayal of young, awkward first love.

2 (tie). Vinland Saga (Episodes 1-12)

RABUJOI Score: 8.67/10 MAL Score: 8.57/10

Pros: Flawed but rootable MC whose character is more complex than it initially seems, his multi-layered antihero mentor, exemplary action and battle sequences, powerful score, compelling exploration of the hard old world, with enticing glimmers of a brighter new one.

Cons: That said mentor would keep a kid dedicated to murdering him around so long stretches credulity at times, those battle sequences sometimes feature individuals or groups doing superhuman things that detract from the otherwise naturalistic milieu.

Verdict: While not quite as big, loud, epic, or bonkers as Attack on Titan, or Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, Vinland Saga is arguably Wit Studio’s most balanced and human series. Looking forward to the second half.

2 (tie). Astra Lost in Space

RABUJOI Score: 7.77/10 MAL Score: 7.44/10

Pros: Very well done futuristic world- and space-building, a large-ish main cast that you steadily come to know and love, the sense of family that arises from the crewmembers’ experiences together, an optimistic spirit of exploration that isn’t constantly beset by mortal peril, creative planets and lifeforms, thankfully subverted expectations for a Lerche-style bloodbath.

Cons: “Character gets a backstory” formula to some episodes felt repetitive at times, the crew almost faces too little mortal peril considering their circumstances, they similarly rely on a lot of luck, some major plotlines and twists could have been left out and still resulted in a pretty strong show.

Verdict: Maybe the season’s biggest surprise hit, the ambitious Astra calls to mind some of the best of live-action shades-of-gray sci-fi (Firefly, Battlestar, Expanse) while maintaining an old school optimistic, exploratory outlook. It set out to do and say a lot, and was mostly successful in doing so.

1. O Maidens in Your Savage Season

RABUJOI Score: 8.58/10 MAL Score: 8.40/10 Pros: Fearlessly tackles tough social topics on adolescence, sexuality, gender roles, upbringing, and abuse, ably juggles multiple, diverse love stories and triangles at once, pleasingly drawn and animated, and despite all its serious themes, doesn’t leave out the comedy.

Cons: What seemed to be an irreversible dive into an abyss that would tear the five girls apart, they work almost everything out almost too easily for a tidier ending than expected; while the show dips a toe in LGBTQ themes through Momo’s awakening, her’s is one of the least developed arcs despite being one of the most interesting.

Verdict: A rare-for-anime honest and unblinking exploration of the awkward, painful, and sometimes savage emotional journey to adulthood all kids must face (and not always at the same speed). By the numbers, the best show I watched this Summer, and the one I looked forward too most from week to week.

Summer 2019 Big Board:

By: rabujoistaff

[inamindfarfaraway]

More Stuff About Unsung

Themes

Parenting. Every character is on some level a product of their environment and upbringing, of the people who raised them, no matter how much they try to distance themselves from that influence. They can reject it or even directly oppose it, but ultimately they can’t ignore it. Of course, they are also independent beings capable of self-determination. Indeed, for the teenagers of 1-D shaping their own identities is essential. Letting their parents define them is no better than severing their pasts entirely; the golden mean is accepting where you’ve come from while finding where you want to be. On the other side of the coin, the parents have different ideas about what their children mean to them and how best to raise them. Every single one is a person, some decidedly good or bad, but all flawed and fallible. Most relevant to the arcs of Goto, Pedreira, Sara Goto, Marcos and Fernanda Pedreira, Wakimoto, Suda, Nozaka, and Murata.

Expectations. From society, tradition, family, peers, or themselves; big or small; positive or negative and anything in between. Almost all the characters have at least one layer of expectations placed on them and must decide to live up to them in any way or not. Some have the additional or alternative dilemma of letting go of their expectations for someone else. Most relevant to the arcs of Goto, Pedreira, Sara, Wakimoto, Suda, Nozaka, Hattori, Murata, and Reizei.

Heroism, both defined as the work of actual heroes and the virtues and drive to do good anyone can have. Heroes always have a strong presence. 1-D is full of people with the potential to have an altruistic impact on the world specifically by following paths besides professional heroism. Small, mundane moments and gestures are often highlighted as just as important, sometimes more so, than grand, remarkable ones. Most relevant to the arcs of Goto, Pedreira, Sara, Marcos and Fernanda, Hattori and Reizei.

Dual identity, especially in terms of having a ‘false’ self that is presented to others or that others choose to see and look for, and an internal ‘true’ self. Many characters struggle with whether to and how much to express or suppress this true self. Everyone is more than meets the eye. Can be applied to practically any character with enough analysis, but most relevant to Goto, Pedreira, Sara, Marcos and Fernanda, Nozaka, Hattori, Murata, Reizei, and Oyakawa.

Character Introductions

Goto tries to stop his fingernibs from leaking and cleans the ink off his sleeve cuffs with a stain remover pen in his trouser pocket, mentally reviewing his mother’s possible reactions when he tells her he isn’t in the hero course and the myriad of ways he could suffer in high school. This is on his way home just after getting UA’s email with his entrance exam results. His written paper was almost perfect, but he failed the hero exam. To calm himself (and make use of the ink that still hasn’t stopped) he stops by his bedroom once he arrives does some calligraphy artwork and through his wandering thought process alone ends up creating a beautiful kaleidoscopic rendition of ‘plus ultra’ in kanji. He then makes a point to go downstairs to breaks the news before he loses his nerve. This shows that he’s paranoid and pessimistic, but still practically and emotionally prepared to take responsibility for his actions, especially inconvenience caused by him; he has real artistic talent that he uses as escapism; and in retaliation against his fretting over the future, he’s happiest letting his intuition guide him and living in the moment.  

Sara warmly welcomes Goto to dinner and asks him if there’s any word from U.A. yet. He tells her the news, and her face can’t hide a flash of disappointment before she congratulates him. She tells him she can’t wait to see what he achieves, but specifically brings up that if his performance is exceptional, he could still be transferred to the Department of Heroics. She admires his artwork, noting that it’s the first time he’s changed the colour of his ink mid-stroke. Though she’s loving and proud of her son’s talents, she’s fixated on him being a hero and his practical progress.

Takeshi commends Goto immediately for getting into the best school in the country, giving Sara the second needed to compose herself with the implication he knew she’d be bothered. He and Goto geek out about the quality of the education. He gently tells Sara to lay off hero talk and brings up the calligraphy to change the subject. What he pays attention to is Goto’s creative process - he asks what “going beyond” means to him. This establishes that he has less expectations for his son, thinks in a more abstract way and is the attentive oil in the family unit’s gears.

Suda strikes up small talk with a nervous Goto on the first day of school at the gate to put him at ease. He admits that he didn’t get into the department he applied for, Support, either, since while he’s a scientific prodigy (“My teachers’ words, not mine”) he couldn’t think of anything to invent in the actual exam. Goto listing a few ideas off the top of his head provokes laughter, not jealousy. So Goto has nothing to worry about, because if he needs someone to count on Suda will be there. Friendly, reliable, intelligent in a different way to Goto, but blithe and an archetypical teacher’s pet.

Wakimoto is rushing to and fro enthusiastically introducing herself to her fellow new students.

Nozaka scares Goto on purpose - grinning and suddenly growing piranha teeth - and laughs. But when he is shaken instead of joining in, she hastily apologizes and explains her Quirk. Similarly, she sets up a bucket prank above the classroom door only to frantically apologize to Pedreira the instant it befalls him. A gleeful class clown, yes, but responsible once she’s had her fun and intending joy rather than any pain or discomfort.

Pedreira opens the door and the class has just enough time to register, time seeming to slow down, that this is Inácio Pedreira, activist, social media star, actually good teenage author, perhaps the most accomplished person in the room and definitely in the class... before the bucket fully tips and neon pink paint splatters him from head to toe. Everyone stares in shocked silence. Nozaka leaps to her feet and starts babbling in utter regret, but the shock intensifies when he bursts out laughing. He delightedly declares that she got him fair and square, and with such a classic prank, no less. He tells them his name like it’s necessary and politely excuses himself to wash the paint out of his hair and off his skin. He doesn’t mind it on his clothes though; now they’re truly one of a kind.

Shirayama accidentally spooks Goto by turning her head around 108 degrees to cheerfully greet him.

[marumafan]

Yuuram in Novel 8

And with this we end the Caloria arc. May I remind you that yuuram had been absolutely lowkey up to this point (this novel included), and that the real yuuram is about to come? Anyways, it’s so nice to re-read these parts... yuuram is mostly ignored after the cliff scene in this arc, and there are so many more scenes.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.1 -You'll have to forgive this brotherly love bit-

Wolfram's jaw muscles moved almost imperceptibly. "I agree. That guy is my brother(ani)." Brother? Did he just say "brother"? Although he is normally very composed, sometimes he would say things so surprising that I almost get a heart attack.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.2 -Fighting-

"What's going on, Caloria's representative? You want to end the game in such a boring way? I thought you were a man, that's why I proposed a fair and square showdown. But if you prefer to act like a timid little girl and chicken out, oh, that would be so disappointing."(...)

"Yuuri, don't worry," Wolfram called out to me. "I won't call you henachoko if you give up!"

"Shibuya, listen to your fiance!" Screamed Murata. "No one will blame you, I promise! When we get back to Japan, I'll treat you to rice with grilled pork ribs! So give it up! You have fought enough!"

Really, had I? Had I tried my utmost in this match?(...)

That is the problem with using bat as weapon, there is no middle ground to negotiate. I should have listened to Wolfram's advice and chosen a sword. If only I could point my sword at him, I might be able to force him to surrender.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.5 -Yuuri was willing to drink alcohol ...again. Even if it wasn’t by sheer luck-

Before I could say that I don’t drink alcohol because I’m a sportsman, Wolfram, Josak, and I were each handed their own cup. It was a stone liqueur glass with a stem. The amount inside was less than my mother uses for cooking so I gave up.

“That is the ceremonial water known as the Holy Water of Gillesby.”

Luckily, it wasn’t alcohol.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.5 -Wolfram's emotions flowing right into Yuuri-

“I ended up calling him that. My previous master always told me not to refer to him as His Majesty.”

To think that wish would be granted like this.

“As for you… I intend to strive to not call you that as well.”

Murata is looking at me. He’s probably worried that I’ll lose my cool and explode. Wolfram took a half a step towards me and leaned his shoulder against my left arm. It was as if his body heat that had suddenly risen with his emotions was flowing right into me.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.5 -Random praises-

“What, Yu-… Norman Gilbit?” Wolfram corrects himself by using the full name in an unnatural way. The problem is that he’s too beautiful to play the part of a stray mazoku mercenary hired by a human.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.5 -Equals, and Yuuri worrying-

Wolfram, likely having feelings the most similar to mine out of everyone else here, was staring me straight in the face. He slowly unclenches his fists, spreads his fingers and folds his arms with deliberate movements. Standing with his back slightly arched, his left foot is pointing toward Lord Weller. I’m kind of relentless with this, but is his back alright?

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.5 -I'm dying, Wolfram was the one convincing him to not take the box. How did I miss this!?-

“Is it okay for the spoils of that being Conrart who disappeared?”

“But Wolf…”

“I feel the same.”

Of course he feels the same. His beloved brother is serving the person in power of an enemy country. It’s probably painful that he’s not trying to come back. If he could, as a little brother he would probably like to use the power of the victor to drag him back home even by force.

“But that’s not our right. It’s the right of the man whose mask you’re wearing.”

No, to say it more precisely, it is the right of those who live in Caloria and love it.

“If you’re saying that getting the box is for Conrart, then that’s a misunderstanding on your part. Don’t forget whose victory this is. Don’t forget who you are.”

That’s right. If I decided to play the part of someone else, I have to play it perfectly until the curtain comes down. The laurels that Norman Gilbit has gained belong to the people of Caloria. If I want honor, it is for his country. If I want the box, it has to be for the people.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.6 -more praising-

Unlike me, Wolfram is a certified pretty boy so no matter what outfit he wears it looks good on him. Even so, it's a surprisingly simple and normal outfit for him.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.6 -Yeah, go talk to Wolfram -

At that moment I finally felt several gazes upon me. They weren't from the people dancing nearby. Those people were completely indifferent. They were engrossed in politics and dancing. Then the gazes were probably those of my guardian Josak and my overseer Wolfram. Looking around in all directions… over there. The third son was standing by the southern window visibly disgruntled. He had a glass in each hand and both of them were empty.

"Flynn, Wolfram is over there so go have a chat with him."

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.6 -A little input from Murata's POV-

“I followed you because it would be dangerous for you to go walking around by yourself, but… I’m worried that His Majesty might do something annoyi-… perform a deed that commoners would never think of. I informed His Excellency Wolfram about the situation before I left, but despite appearances he’s like that too… Oh, honestly! To think guarding His Majesty and Your Highness at the same time would be so difficult!”

“Yeah, leaving Shibuya and Lord von Bielefeld together will be a lot more fun~.”

“That’s not what I-”

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.8 -Yuuram and T-zou scene-

"Yuuri!"

"I'm here."

Looking relieved at hearing my response, Wolfram comes running forward.

"Who are these people!? Or perhaps I should ask who they are."

"Those are kind of difficult questions."

In the battle of 30 versus 15… 16? About 17. However you looked at it, the smaller group seemed superior. There were only two swordsmen on horses, so being maneuverable seemed to be an advantage. Also, the group with assorted clothes and weapons fought dirt-… er, cunningly. None of them were fighting one-on-one and none of them went in for a direct attack from the front.

I ended up behind Wolfram and T-Zou and I leaned back on the muddy carriage wheel.

The world is a large place, but I might be the only man who has been protected by a sheep. It's a depressing thought.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.8 -aww, language-

"Yuuri!"

"Whoa, huah!?"

I had only let my attention stray for a few seconds, but a knife had stuck into the cloth canopy behind me. It was only a few centimeters from my ear. It looked like it had been struck with something that set it off course right before my eyes. Maybe someone threw a rock.

"What do you mean, 'huah!?' Don't say 'huah!'"

Wolfram was fairly strict with language.

------------------------------------------------------------------ Novel 8. ch.8 -I'm telling you this 16 y/o's gonna end up with all the legal vices-

The man in the Shimaronian military uniform urged his new master along and turned his back. If it will divert my misery, I'll give up my abstinence from alcohol and tobacco.

I must have been making quite a pitiful face because Wolfram lightly touched my elbow. His tone was much gentler than usual.

"Do you remember what I said to you?"

"What? You've said a lot of things to me so I have no idea."

He sheathes his sword that was cleaned of blood. It made a clinking sound of the end of battle.

"… That the foolish one is Conrart."

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

Yuuram in Novel : 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17

[berezina]

In the park, Mrs. Murata kept Father Kleinsorge awake all night by talking to him. None of the Nakamura family were able to sleep, either; the children, in spite of being very sick, were interested in everything that happened. They were delighted when one of the city's gas-storage tanks went up in a tremendous burst of flame. Toshio, the boy, shouted to the others to look at the reflection in the river. Mr. Tanimoto, after his long run and his many hours of rescue work, dozed uneasily. When he awoke, in the first light of dawn, he looked across the river and saw that he had not carried the festered, limp bodies high enough on the sandspit the night before. The tide had risen above where he had put them; they had not had the strength to move; they must have drowned. He saw a number of bodies floating in the river.

[...]

In Kabe, on the morning of August 15th, ten-year-old Toshio Nakamura heard an airplane overhead. He ran outdoor and identified it with a professional eye as a B29. 'There goes Mr. B!' he shouted.

One of his relatives called out to him, 'Haven't you had enough of Mr. B?'

[...]

Some time later, in a letter to an American, Mr. Tanimoto described the events of that morning. 'At the time of the Post-War, the marvelous thing in our history happened. Our Emperor broadcasted his own voice through radio directly to us, common people of Japan. Aug. 15th we were told that some news of great importance could he heard & all of us should hear it. So I went to Hiroshima railway station. There set a loud-speaker in the ruins of the station. Many civilians, all of them were in boundage, some being helped by shoulder of their daughters, some sustaining their injured feet by sticks, they listened to the broadcast and when they came to realize the fact that it was the Emperor, they cried with full tears in their eyes, 'What a wonderful blessing it is that Tenno himself call on us and we can hear his own voice in person. We are thoroughly satisfied in such a great sacrifice.' When they came to know the war was ended—that is, Japan was defeated, they, of course, were deeply disappointed, but followed after their Emperor's commandment in calm spirit, making whole-hearted sacrifice for the everlasting peace of the world—and Japan started her new way.'

~John Hersey [source]

[chloe-jayde]

Dollar hovers near 3-1/2-week high after Yellen testimony

New Post has been published on https://worldwide-finance.net/news/commodities-futures-news/dollar-hovers-near-3-12-week-high-after-yellen-testimony

Dollar hovers near 3-1/2-week high after Yellen testimony

© Reuters. File photo of United States one dollar bills seen on a light table at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington

By Yuzuha Oka

TOKYO (Reuters) – The dollar held gains near a 3-1/2-week high on Wednesday after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen signaled a faster pace of U.S. interest rate hikes.

Yellen told the U.S. Senate Banking Committee the central bank will likely need to raise interest rates at one of its upcoming meetings, although she expressed caution amid considerable uncertainty over economic policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The (), which measures the greenback against its six major peers, was last up 0.1 percent at 101.26. The index rose to 101.38 on Tuesday following Yellen’s remarks, the highest since Jan. 20.

“Investors didn’t expect Yellen to be that hawkish, so the dollar gained,” said Ayako Sera, market strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank.

“There are no big factors preventing the Fed from raising rates in March. Unless the emerging markets become volatile or the U.S. economic data shows weakness, the March rate hike is highly plausible,” Sera added.

U.S. interest rates futures implied traders saw about a 20 percent chance of three rate increases in 2017, up from less than 10 percent on Monday.

Since the end of the 2007-09 recession, the Fed has raised rates once in December 2015 and again in December of last year.

President Trump has announced a rollback of financial regulation though details remain scarce, and markets are yet to get clarity on the size and scope of the tax cuts he has promised.

“Changes in fiscal policy or other economic policies could potentially affect the economic outlook,” said Yellen, underscoring the uncertainty over economic policy.

Yellen is scheduled to appear before the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee later on Wednesday.

“Yellen doesn’t seem to have changed her stance on rate hikes. Bids on a March rate hike still remains to be a minority,” said Masashi Murata, senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers Harriman.

“The dollar/yen was weak last week, so investors bought back the dollar on Yellen’s comments,” Murata said.

The dollar was fetching 114.32 yen , not far from the two-week peak of 114.49 yen touched on Tuesday. The dollar recovered from a 10-week trough of 111.59 touched last week.

The euro was last down 0.1 percent at $1.0572, wallowing near a one-month low of $1.0559 plumbed on Tuesday amid political risk and disappointing regional economic data.

The euro has come under pressure from concerns about France’s presidential election and Greek bailout talks. Polls showed National Front leader Marine Le Pen, who has promised to pull France out of the euro zone and hold a referendum on European Union membership, is leading in the first round of the French presidential runoff.

Greece was aiming to conclude the drawn-out review of the country’s international bailout on Feb. 20 to coincide with a meeting of euro zone finance ministers.

However, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem said on Tuesday that Greece and its international lenders are not expected to reach agreement by next Monday, noting “the IMF must also be on board”.

Talks between Athens, its European Union lenders and the International Monetary Fund over labor and energy reforms, fiscal targets and debt relief have dragged on for months, rekindling fears of a new crisis in the single-currency bloc.

Investors are eyeing a batch of U.S. economic data due out later on Wednesday, including consumer price index (CPI) and retail sales, for any fresh catalysts.

The CPI is expected to have risen 0.3 percent in January after a similar gain in December, while retail sales are likely to have risen 0.1 percent in January after advancing 0.6 percent the previous month.

Read More https://worldwide-finance.net/news/commodities-futures-news/dollar-hovers-near-3-12-week-high-after-yellen-testimony