#but this wouldn't be the first time a character from another game has become someone else

[brennacedria]

My Rook's name is Kaela.

I'm going to regret getting attached this early, I know it. This wasn't supposed to happen. I don't even know her last name to make sure it sounds right.

[yandereunsolved]

Hi 👋 I have a few technical questions for the self aware au for HOTD, if you wouldn’t mind me asking.

Does the world just… stop if we pause the tv? If I rewind a scene bc of whatever reason would that give then motion sickness? Back on pausing the show, does the world stop but the character don’t? Like if I paused the tv and started talking to someone about whatever, is Aemond crossing his arms and tapping his shoes while pouting? WOULD MUTING THEM ACTUALLY MAKE THEM MUTE??

Are the dragons jealous if we talk about dragons from other forms of media? I have loyalty to Paarthurnax for best dragon 😅 ooo what If we had a Skyrim tattoo? Imagine comparing lore?

And lastly, how would they react if we had started watching game of thrones? I like to try to rewatch stuff in chronological order if prequels or branching media gets made, I like to see the chain of events you know? Would the self awareness spread to more of that verse bc of that? Can we pull John Snow?

Sorry for the wall of text and rambling, I love LOVE self aware aus and love learning more about them

Let me retrieve my sacred lore scroll.

retrieves it.

For every rule I lay down here—they can be broken under one circumstance: if the character is completely self-aware. None of the characters I have written so far have gotten to that point. Complete self-awareness may drive any of them to insanity.

(1) Does the world stop if we pause the tv?

That version of the world stops. So that canon timeline is still there, but other things are happening off screen. They are subconsciously led back to the plot when the television is unpaused again.

(2) If I rewind a scene because of whatever reason—would that give then motion sickness?

It erases their memory and gives them a sense of deja vu. They prod inside of their mind but it's like a wall has been put up inside of their minds.

If the character is already predisposed to motion borne illnesses then they would get motion sickness.

Example. If Aegon II was incredibly drunk and you rewinded a part he was in it'd make him feel like he was going to throw up. However, he wouldn't actually throw up because he wasn't as drunk/or drunk at all (depending on how much your rewound) at that time.

(3) Would muting them actually make them mute?

Yes, it would. They would be talking in their world and wouldn't be able to understand how you aren't listening.

If they found out how to work the volume then you'd be screwed. Some may be able to do this unintentionally, while others would have to be more self-aware to unlock the ability.

Dreamers are more likely to be self-aware due to their inante abilities. So Helaena would it without even realizing it.

(4) Are the dragons jealous if we talk about dragons from other forms of media? —Imagine comparing lore.

Yes and no. It depends on the dragon's personality. If you were head over heels for another dragon in another form of media then any one of them would be jealous. If you just enjoy the dragons in that verse then some of them are okay with it.

Example(s). Vhagar would be okay with you liking other dragons as long as you liked her the most. Vermithor goes into a rage anytime you so much as mention another dragon in a positive context.

(5) How would they react if we had started watching game of thrones?

Confused at first. Since hotd is the prequel to got they'd be very puzzled. Then they'd be curious. If it took up all of your time then they'd be angry. There would already be an undercurrent of jealousy, but there's also a superiority complex there.

"We were here before them."

"Without us they wouldn't exist."

Them meaning got characters.

(6) Would the self awareness spread to more of that verse because of that?

When consuming any form of their media it is like a portal is being opened up into their world. That's the crux of what helps them become self aware. There's usually a moment in their lives that spurs that on.

With the hotd characters already being insanely jealous that interference between the two media's would cause the self awareness to spread.

(7) The most important question—Can we pull Jon Snow?

Yes.

The shit that dude has been through? He has plenty of opportunities to become self aware. Having someone there for him, even passively, would cause him to become obsessive. Possibly a bit bitter because you aren't helping him until he realizes that you are physically unable to.

Don't 👏 be 👏 sorry. 👏 I love giving lore.

[kurogane2512]

...Womb tattoo Signora's got me thinking about that one older fic ya did about Geo Archon/Lord!Reader. Which has lead me to think about dragon!reader who usually presents female but can mold their body as they please. Listen Ningguang also deserves to be bred thoroughly and marked with a womb tattoo and I just think dragon!reader would take such good care of her Tianquan and see her as her sole/main treasure.

Anon you wouldn't believe me but I was also thinking of that particular oneshot some time ago and wondered about writing a similar scenario again. And yes totally Ningguang deserves good breeding as well she's so fineeeee <333

18+ CONTENT

Game: Genshin Impact

Characters: Ningguang x dragon!reader (fem pronouns, reader has a cock, Ningguang calls you 'my lord')

Type: Smut with little fluff (dry humping, breeding, rough sex, marking, womb tattoo, creampie, possessive dom reader etc etc)

"Lady Ningguang, you have a lunch meeting with Mr Chris at Xinyue Kiosk today." Baishi informed Ningguang one fine morning, going over Ningguang's schedule for the day.

"Mr Chris from Fontaine? Ah, now I remember. He sent that proposal 2 weeks ago, did he not?"

"Yes, Lady Ningguang. That's him. He has been in Liyue since last week for work with the Yuheng, he paid a large sum of mora to book this appointment with you and looks forward to meeting you."

Ningguang chuckled, "Of course, he did. Well, I'll indulge him as he expects. Send him the acceptance."

Baishi nodded and went out of Ningguang's office. Ningguang let out a sigh and rested her head on her table after she went out, "Another one.... It's becoming an increasing annoyance day by day. How much does it make today? 50? 50 alone in the last 3 months after the Jade Chamber was...." Ningguang trailed off then stood up and let out deep breaths, readying herself for the inevitable.

"They should all realize it's futile to win my heart. After all, I have already given it to someone else...." Ningguang pondered dreamily before composing herself to go for her duties.

Soon it was time for the lunch meeting with her esteemed guest, she was greeted with a bouquet of exquisite flowers by him and escorted like a lady to their seat. They spent the day together until evening, talking about some business matters first then eventually delving into a few personal talks followed by a walk around Liyue Harbor until he dropped her off at Yujing Terrace. To the bystanders and onlookers, they appeared like a perfect couple, whispering about how well they complement each other and that Lady Ningguang should choose him.

Little did they know how much Ningguang was forcing herself to be amicable with him, all to maintain a good impression and eventually reject him. She couldn't care less about his advances, his words of affection or his gifts for her. No, she already belonged to someone else. She had already given her heart, soul and body to that person. She disliked how she had to keep her relationship a secret, everything would be easier if people knew she was already taken. But she knew there is a right time for everything.

"Welcome back, my lady. You have a guest waiting for you in your office." Baishi informed Ningguang as soon as she entered her home.

Ningguang frowned, "A guest? I wasn't aware there's another meeting now."

"N-No, my lady. We weren't informed either, but she insists to meet you. It's Ms Y/n, your friend."

Ningguang's eyes widened and she dismissed Baishi and the rest of her servants before fixing up her appearance to meet you. She excitedly entered her office and saw you sitting on one of the chairs, her heart fluttered looking at your distant figure but she quickly regained her composure and walked inside.

"What a pleasant surprise, my Lord." Ningguang chimed from behind you and you stood up to face her with a smile.

"Oh, can the Tianquan really be surprised by a mere citizen like myself?~"

Ningguang chuckled and walked closer to you then stopped in front of you and placed her hands on your shoulders, "Such modesty doesn't suit you, my Lord~"

You snaked your hands around her waist and pulled her closer, a soft gasp escaping her lips as your bodies pressed together. "Perhaps, the Tianquan should exercise some modesty as well."

Before Ningguang could question what you mean, you spun and pinned her on the wall beside you. A surprised gasp— actually, a moan, left her mouth at your action.

"M-My Lord, are you referring to something specific?" Ningguang questioned, making you more annoyed at her cluelessness. You swiftly flipper her over and pressed yourself against her body, Ningguang's back arched into you and she felt something hard poking her butt. Arousal pooled in her thighs realizing what it was, and she tried to sneakily grind her hips into you.

"Hmph, look at you, Tianquan. First you enjoy being spoiled by an incompetent mortal who's only intent is to bed you for your money, now you are trying to sleep with your own God. Should I inform Morax that the humans he entrusted Liyue to are such low-level whores?"

Ningguang was surprised at your words and the rough grip you had on her, but at the same time she couldn't help but be turned on by the situation.

"M-My Lord, you misunderstand. I wasn't....doing anything with him."

You gritted your teeth then rolled your hips into her, your clothed erection rubbing between her thighs and she fought back the moan in her throat.

"You'll say it was an official meeting, just an obligation? Yet you never reject any of these. Tell me, how many have you had since we met?"

Since you met referred to when the Jade Chamber was sacrificed, you had disclosed your identity to Ningguang after it to give her comfort that she's not alone and that Morax's Adepti are still with her.

"My Lord, you know I'm only—"

"Answer my question." you growled into her neck, grinding your hips more. She heard you unzip your pants and free your hardened cock then slip between her thighs again, pre-cum smearing on her undergarments and she let out a whine.

"F-Fifty, almost fifty now.... But I don't accept any of them beyond this first meeting, my Lord!"

You hissed through your teeth and pushed her further before pulling her hips close, her back arching more as she stabilised herself by keeping her hands on the wall.

"What's the point of having these first meetings?! Business? Your reputation? Their intents should be clear to you, they are all useless to you!" you growled near her ear once again, continuing to grind your hips into her and she mewled, she wanted you to be inside and ravage her but you were adamant to deny her pleasure.

"It's.... mhm.... It's only for appearances, my Lord~"

Your fingers dug in her hips as you pulled her into you before leaning on her back and wrapping your arms around her body, engulging her into your embrace. You nuzzled into her neck and inhaled her sweet scent, stopping your grinding for a moment.

"I hate it... I hate it when you give them a chance and they think they can have you. I hate it when they make you smile with their sweet talks, shower you with gifts and dare to touch you in any way. You are mine, Ningguang.... Only mine."

Ningguang's mind plunged in a lovey-dovey haze, she didn't expect you to say those words. Her heart was beating loudly, her own fluids now dripping down her thighs as she felt so turned on.

"Yet you...." you started grinding again, but this time she realized your cock had slipped inside her underwear and was rubbing her cunt directly now. Your tip continuously prodded her clit, making her shudder and breathless. Her slick coated your length and mixed with your own pre-cum, making it so easy for you to grind and seek your release.

"....Am I not enough for you, Ningguang? Is there something you don't like about me? I know I should have helped you long ago, but Morax forbid me. I will give you everything you want, be it any treasure or power that is out of reach for you. I ask for nothing in return but you... just you."

You groaned into her neck as you felt your orgasm approaching. Ningguang couldn't believe your words and felt extremely disappointed with herself, she really only did these meetings out of obligation but she didn't realize how you would see them.

"N-No, my Lord. Please... listen to me. I deeply apologize.... ngh... for making you feel that way, I never intended to. Please, hear me out..."

You hissed and your tip slipped inside Ningguang's hole, both of you gasping at the penetration. You said nothing more and fully focused on thrusting into her, you greedily kneaded her breasts before dipping your hand down and rubbing her clit.

"Aahn!~" Ningguang whimpered, arching more.

"Aah! My Lord! Please... let me! Aah— mmmph!~"

Ningguang's tantalizing moans and the sound of your hips slapping against her thighs echoed in the room, filling your ears. You bit down and sucked at her neck, a mark of your lips forming on her skin. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she was so close.

"I'm going to fill you up, N-Ningguang!~"

"Yes! Please do, my Lord! I want you inside!~"

"Aaah.... s-say my name.... my real name~"

"Y/n.... please~ I want you, Y/n!~"

You grinned then buried yourself to the hilt as you finally released, your hot cum painting her insides. She moaned out loud as you fingered her clit and made her release as well, her walls clamped you tightly and you groaned, pouring more of your seed inside her. Both of you panted out, your arms holding her up as her knees lost all strength from the intense orgasm.

You pulled her up with you and turned her around then connected your lips with hers, she softly moaned into the kiss and wrapped her legs around your waist making you hold her up. You passionately kissed each other, your tongues dancing together. Ningguang could still feel your hard dick rubbing against her, knowing one round is never enough for you.

"My Lord— No, Y/n. I'm really sorry for making you feel that way, but I want you to understand why these things are necessary. However, from now on, I promise that I will make my intents clear from the beginning and reject those who have ulterior motives. Will you forgive me this time?"

Ningguang spoke earnestly, you knew she was serious and you trusted her wholeheartedly. You smiled with a nod then nuzzled into her neck, her fingers softly treading through your hair.

"I know you will never betray me, my light. And I know you keep all your meetings strictly professional and act with caution, it's my own weakness for becoming so.... "

"....Jealous?" Ningguang completed your sentence with a smirk, a chuckle coming from your lips.

"Don't forget who you are talking to, Tianquan~"

Ningguang smirked more and caressed your face, "You are really adorable when you are jealous, Y/n~"

"Adorable? Are you sure that's the correct term, Ningguang?"

"Hmm... perhaps, fierce or passionate are better?"

"Much better."

You laughed together then Ningguang pondered over what you spoke earlier, wondering how to refute that and show you that you were more than enough for her. All she needed was your love, and she didn't want you to think you were insufficient. But before she could speak, you picked her up and started walking out of the office.

"Y-Y/n, where are we going?" Ningguang asked in a startled voice.

"Home. I want to take you to my abode." Ningguang's eyes widened, this was the first time you'd take her to your adobe. She thought only Adeptus and Gods can go there, but she assumed humans would be allowed if you brought them. Within a few moments, a blinding white light surrounded her causing her to close her eyes and when she opened them, she was in a dreamy landscape surrounded by clouds and mountains.

"It's beautiful...." Ningguang spoke in a daze as she looked around. She wanted to take a stroll around and take in the scenery but you had other plans. You carried her to your room, ignoring all her protests and laid her on the bed.

"Y/n, what's wrong?" Ningguang asked out of concern, gazing up at your silent stature. You then exhaled and dropped to your knees in front of her and held her hand, looking at her determinedly.

"Marry me, Tianquan Ningguang. Become my queen."

Ningguang's eyes widened and her lips parted in surprise, an Adeptus was actually proposing to her? This had to be a dream, but she knew it wasn't. Ningguang pondered for a moment then nodded with a smile, "It would be an honor, my Lord. If you deem me worthy then I'm more than happy to abide. I.... I was hoping so long for this, waiting for this day but I didn't know if I deserved it..."

"You do, it cannot be anyone else but you."

Tears filled Ningguang's eyes and she happily accepted, you smiled back then leaned in and gently kissed her. And soon enough, Ningguang was pinned on the bed all naked, her clothes discarded and hair sprawled on the sheets. Your lips engaged in a heated exchange, drinking each other's moans and breaths.

"I'm going to mark you, Ningguang. You will bear my child, your womb will belong to me. Do you want that?"

Ningguang was quick to agree, "Yes, please! My lord, give me your child!~"

You smiled and traced her lower lip with your thumb, parting her lips and she took in your thumb to suck on it.

"How obedient you are, my light. So needy to be filled by me~"

"Yes.... mhm.... please, my lord~"

You wasted no time and aligned your throbbing length with her hole then sheathed in a single thrust, Ningguang arched up with a loud moan feeling your dick penetrate her all the way through and prod her deepest spots. You raised her legs and rested them on your shoulders before leaning forward, enabling her to wrap her arms around your neck.

"Haaahn.... my Lord.... Y/n~"

Ningguang was panting, feeling your cock throb inside as if ready to burst any moment. You then set a deep and frantic pace, thrusting into her relentlessly. The bed shook vigorously with your movements, your thighs slapping Ningguang's hips and her unrestrained moans filling the room. She could feel every thrust you did, the way you scrapped her insides and your tip hammered against that one spot that made her see stars.

"Y/n! F-Fuck~ Aaah~ More....please.... my lord— oh Archons!~"

You watched Ningguang's body writhe under you, her breasts jiggling with every thrust and her face drowned in absolute pleasure. You shifted closer and pushed her legs to her chest, putting her in a mating press and ramming into her. Ningguang couldn't think of anything else now, just your face in front and the way your cock battered her so deep and so good. She watched your eyes glow and at the same time, your tip throbbed as you let out a thick load inside her.

She threw her head back and arched up, you held her by the waist and continued thrusting through your release, her body elevating from the bed and being held by you. You gazed at her abdomen and watched your elemental mark appear on her body, right above her womb. You smirked and the sight only made you release even more cum inside her. Ningguang felt like on fire, her insides burning from your hot seed and her legs trembled as she approached her own orgasm too.

"Aaah~ Y/n! Cumming... cummingg!!~"

Ningguang's moan was downright pornographic, so intense and hot. You felt proud to be the only one who could reduce her to this state, who had the privilege of watching her in this state. Her walls clamped hard on your cock and she squirted all over it, your cum and her juices mixing together. Oh, but you were far from over. You placed your hand over her abdomen where the mark formed and caressed it, "You'll have this mark forever, my treasure. You are mine in every way now."

"Aaahn~ Thank you.... my Lord~"

You pulled Ningguang up and placed her on your lap, your dick once again going inside deeply making her arch. "Oh, we are going to be here for a long time, my queen. I'm going to breed you all night~"

If Ningguang already wasn't hazy with pleasure, she definitely was now. She had no way of refusing, she wanted this— no, she needed this.

[anime-fan-05]

Hello!

Can you please do headcanons of Yuji, Megumi, Toge, Satoru, Suguru and Yuta and the male versions of Nobara, Maki and Mai (I saw you did them for "Code Geass", if you don't want to do them, don't worry) being called 'darling' from their crush (who they aren't together with yet)?

I was thinking maybe the reader could be in a store and she then gets hassled by someone, sees the character and calls him 'darling' to ward off the harasser, but if you've a better idea, you can use that.

Then I've another request: the same characters whose hair the reader plays with.

Please, take your time to make my requests and sorry if there are two.

Thank you very much!

Jujutsu Kaisen ~Being called 'darling' by their crush 1st part~

Manga/anime: Jujutsu Kaisen

Warnings: nothing

(Y/N): your name

As always, I divided the first headcanon into two parts. Second part is here. The two parts of the second headcanon are here (1st) and here (2nd). Furthermore, I leave you the photos of Nobara, Maki and Mai in their male version (they're really handsome!). I'll keep your idea because it's really good!

Premise

(Y/N) is walking through the shops in her city's shopping center. First she was in the company of her friend, but the two separated because he wanted to go to a different store from the one where she wanted to shop.

However, as she walks, she notices a boy is following her, continuing to stare at her, so she decides to return to her friend.

Her walk, which has turned into a run, ends when she finally sees her friend. She approaches him, greeting him and motioning to the boy behind her, who was continuing to follow her, and she tells him: "Darling, here I am!".

Itadori Y.

At first he won't realize what you called him: he'll play your game and pretend to be your boyfriend

When he realizes the nickname, he'll have a huge smile on his face and slightly blushed cheeks

For a few minutes he'll continue to hear your voice calling him 'darling' in his head and he won't listen to anything

Once he calms down, he'll ask you the reason for the nickname ignoring the fact you called him that to probably make your farce true

Sukuna will probably tease him for a long time due to his reaction

Fushiguro M.

He'll freeze

He'll be so still you'll have to check if he'll be breathing, since he won't move a muscle for a few minutes

After he recovers, he'll roughly chase away the harasser (if he wouldn't have already left), but he won't dare look at your face

He won't show you his face during your entire walk back to your house (he'll have insisted on taking you home), because he'll be terribly red up to his ears

He'll probably remember that event for his whole life and, every time he thinks about it, he'll still be blushing

Kugisaki N.

Cheeky as he's, as soon as he sees you running towards him and hears you call him 'darling', a cheeky smirk will appear on his face

He'll play along with your charade, and he'll distance you two from the harasser

After you two get far enough away, he'll start talking, or rather making fun of you a little ("So I'm your boyfriend now?")

However, if he'll notice you're upset, he'll immediately become concerned and start asking if you're okay

He'll want to stay with you until you'll have to go home (know he'll force you to let him accompany you): he'll take you shopping and buy you everything you want or he'll invite you to an arcade to cheer up your spirits

Inumaki T.

At first he'll look at you questioningly, not understanding the reason for the nickname you used

Nevertheless, he'll immediately understand your situation and take you by the hand, either moving you away from the harasser or making him leave

Afterwards, he'll ask you if you're okay, not totally realizing the nickname

After making sure of your well-being, the nickname you used will hit him hard like a brick, and he'll blush heavily and cover the blush with his uniform's collar

As soon as he arrives at his house, he'll send you a message telling you he would like to be called 'darling', but as your boyfriend and not friend

Okkotsu Y.

Poor boy, you'll kill him if you call him that

The only thing that comes out of his lips will be a continuous stammer, and he'll blush and start shaking, not looking neither you nor the harasser in the eye; so, the boy won't likely believe your lie due to that and he'll try to pull you towards him by your wrist

That will be when he'll wake up from his trance: he'll gently grab you by your wrist and waist and pull you against his chest, telling the harasser to leave his girlfriend alone

Then, he'll return to his shy behavior and ask you if you're okay, worried about having hurt you

You'll never have to remind him of that event: he'll blush furiously, even if years will have passed since that day

💮 Rules 💮 Masterlist 💮

[tw1l1te]

I didn't know you took asks! If it doesn't go against your rules, could you write a yandere reader trying to hide their more possesive/obsession side from the chain (Wind being seen as a younger brother, ofc), only to figure out they are all equally as obsessed with them? There's not enough yandere reader in the world 😔

Take care of yourself, and drink some water if you haven't in a long while ♥

Why have I never considered this. Like-

⊹ ࣪ ˖

Ok so like I envision this working well with a modern!reader/guide, since well, y'know, Zelda's a pretty large franchise in the gaming industry and in general

Reader has been a fan since they were young, maybe starting at the ages of 6-8 and have played through most, if not all of, the Zelda games. They become obsessed with the lore, characters, possible theories, the timeline, Link.

So if they land in Hyrule of all places one night? They are searching.

It doesn't take long though, its almost fate considering how fast the Chain find the reader.

Obviously the reader tries not to seem overly jumpy/fan-like, so they shut away their thoughts for now, trying to gain their trust

They are honest about how they're not from any of their Hyrule's, and eventually tell them about the franchise but don't tell them about the fact you've spent so much time, money and energy on them.

It takes another while for them to get used to that idea, but Reader was honest, so why wouldn't they trust them?

The growing bond, of course, causes... feelings, or rather more extreme feelings, to bubble up.

Longing smiles turn to sitting next to each other turn to holding hands turn to cuddles-

Reader's so jittery. Like, they've been waiting months for this to happen since they first met the Chain. And now that they are getting into romantic territory? There's no going back.

Once the Chain collectively admit their feelings to yandere!Reader, Reader is locked in. They get so overprotective, Wind in particular, as they view him as their little brother. Nothing can ever hurt him again.

Constantly cuddling or touching someone.

A reckless accident happens, mostly by your instigation, as something was going to harm Time and you had tunnel vision. This life was the one thing you wanted, and you wouldn't let a measly Lynel take away a part of it.

The battle was bloody, some of the Chain looking at Reader in shock in love after the battle, blood caked onto their chin, hands, anywhere that wasn't covered in clothing. They burst out crying, admiting to how attached and bonded they felt to each one of them and that they wren't going to let any more harm come to any of them.

They all had a bit of whiplash to how genuine and terrifying you sounded, but... they couldn't say they felt any different.

After all, they watched you when you slept, softly cooing at you when you were in the process of waking up or if you were having a nightmare

Wolfie was always with you, watching looking over you.

Wild almost always made your favorites, occasionaly adding some sleeping elixir to your portion so you could catch up on lost sleep so he could brush through your locks.

Time never allowed you to go anywhere alone, most times accompanying you to protect you, to be there with you.

Wind clung onto you, viewing you as his older sister/brother/sibling. He needed you there when the memories or nightmares came back in the night, petting his hair and singing a lullaby from his home.

The mutual attraction made it so much easier, for both you and the boys! No one had to worry about running away or leaving because they were never going to.

You were bonded forever.

⊹ ࣪ ˖

[gulava]

Kairi is Xehanort's 14th Darkness

Now before I go into this, I must deeply express I will not put up with any Kairi negativity in the tags. This is not meant to demonize her or put anyone else on a pedestal in her place. Literally everyone in this series has been manipulated by Xehanort to some extent and Kairi is not exempt from that. We need to get past all these preconceived notions of who Kairi is supposed to be and see her for the complex character that she truly is. And this is a part of that.

Now let's get started.

Xehanort's intentions from day one were to reenact the Keyblade War. In Dark Road, it's revealed that he's interested in the Darkness that survived by disguising itself as an ally of light. It's possible that he thinks Vanitas is this since he hid himself inside of Ventus but that's all...in the eyes of the beholder. It could be anyone. But Xehanort would take this information either way and use it in his reenactment.

But you may ask: Why would he have a fourteenth? Didn't he intend to use thirteen? That was very clear throughout the series. Well, you'll need to watch Dark Road if you still think this. He left out a little something in the other games when describing his plan.

He wanted ANOTHER vessel to experience the world afterwards. Yes, he's incredibly extra as always. We are used to this by now, I hope..

But why is that vessel Kairi?

(dude's literally telling her what role she's to play even if it probably wouldn't make any sense to someone her age lmao)

As far back as the first game, something never truly added up. Kairi isn't given the role to hold back the darkness with the other princesses. She's paralleled to Wendy who is very explicitly stated to NOT be one of the princesses. Her "power" is never utilized a single time after KH1 either...nor is it brought up until briefly in KH3.

And you know...remember that little thing about how the X tells Xehanort where you are at all times? X marks the spot, they say!

And Xehanort REALLY loved making the X wearers into his vessels, didn't he? Kairi had been wearing it as early as BBS.

Kairi was the one who finished this drawing.

Red flags...red flags, everywhere!

By the way, wasn't Kairi's meeting with Aqua a little...TOO perfect?

Why...it's almost like...it was staged!

Kairi already had the flowers she supposedly picked for her. But why would Xehanort want Kairi to meet Aqua and have her be fond of Kairi?

Two reasons as far as I can see.

1.) Aqua is well attuned to the fine art of spells.

Sound familiar?

2.) Receiving a Keyblade

When Kairi runs to Aqua, she touches her Keyblade. This has been compared to the passing of power like Terra with Riku. Personally, I have no idea if it's as simple as this without the whole ceremony but I don't think this would be shown without reason.

And with this, her role truly started. Kairi was to become the new darkness disguised as a guardian of light. She would befriend and become close with a Keyblade wielder and they would strive to keep her safe so she would survive for the world after.

But *record scratch* how is she a darkness already by the time of BBS and how is she able to hide? Before that, let's discuss the princess she took the place of in KH1. You know, the elephant in the room.

Ariel.

Part Two

[selkiewife]

Helaena's "Where would I go?" question. The way she looks so... interested in a way? I can't decide if it's like "Where would I go? I already know the future so I don't know where I could possibly go?" OR... maybe this is the first time someone has presented her with another option... and she is actually totally intrigued. It seems as though she receives kind of waking dreams or visions a lot and can't quite separate herself from the dreaming/real life. I think? Tell me if I'm wrong or if you have another interpretation. She tells Aemond this essentially- even if you killed me it wouldn't change anything. But maybe it would?

I have always said that I LOVE the prophecy inclusion in House of the Dragon because it brings up so many interesting questions. And I think what is the most interesting is the way people REACT to the prophecy- and that seems to be a huge thing in the asoiaf novels as well. You might have a dream or prophecy but interpret it wrong. You may have a dream or prophecy and interpret it "correctly" but go about achieving it "wrong." I'm putting it in quotes because I realize it's much more nuanced than I am describing it. I personally love the idea that the Targaryens are having "correct" dreams about the long night but are trying to solve the problem in the "wrong" way. Like yes, uniting Westeros may seem like the right idea (and I honestly can't blame them for thinking that) but it ultimately becomes a really distracting, brutal, self annihilating side quest? Maybe? Helaena, unlike most of the other dreamers or characters motivated by prophecy in asoiaf, doesn't seem to impose her own ideas or actions onto the prophetic visions she receives. She kind of just receives the visions and she doesn't say- "Oh, here is how I can help this prophecy come to fruition" (like Macbeth or Rhaenyra and now Daemon) or "here is how I can prevent this prophesy from happening" (like Oedipus and Daenys- Daenys being more successful than Oedipus of course lol.) Alicent has also seemed to travel her own "I must prevent the "prophecy" (from Otto) of my sons' death from happening- and yet everything she does to prevent it unfortunately ends up leading to her sons' death...

But Helaena doesn't seem moved to action by her prophetic visions. I think it's because she sees that as futile. It upsets her greatly that she can't prevent the tragedies (like her son's murder.) But! At the same time, she is in a culture that kind of reinforces this idea of passive acceptance. "I can't prevent the evil that I have seen is coming" pairs with Otto's non prophecy real world pragmatism of "this is the way the world is- either play the ugly game or die."

And yet, for the first time in perhaps her life, Alicent asks Helaena if she'd like to go somewhere else- to break script- to break her destined path. And I feel like Helaena seems to consider it for a moment. I think it would be an interesting exploration if Helaena is genuinely asking, "Could I? Could I do this? Could I leave the path that is laid out for me?" I also think it's interesting (and I really love) that it is Alicent that presents this possibility- who has always been such a symbol of walking the path that has been laid out for them. Helaena says later in the episode, "It's all a story. And you're but one part in it. You know your part." But can the part players improvise? Can they go off script? Can they wander off the path? Can they collaborate with the story? Can they change the story?

The finale left me with a lot of these questions. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I'm just really curious and wish for more exploration of these themes.

[randoimago]

Hello, hope you having a nice day!

Can I request a childhood to lover for Mitsuru, Yukari, Fuuka, and Akihiko

Childhood Friends to Lovers

Fandom: Persona 3

Character(s): Akihiko Sanada, Fuuka Yamagishi, Mitsuru Kirijo, Yukari Takeba

Type of Request: Headcanons

Note(s): Here you go! Massive spoilers to the game !!

Akihiko

You got to see all the tears that Akihiko shed as a kid. He really was a crybaby when he's cry over you and Shinjiro teasing him or when you would go out of your way to buy something for Miki that Akihiko couldn't.

You also saw the tears after the fire and when Miki passed. You both shed so many tears until Akihiko was the first to stop and promise that he'd get stronger. He didn't mean to grow distant, he just wanted to become stronger to protect those he cared about, to protect Shinjiro and to protect you.

You joined SEES with him and he was glad to have you and Shinjiro still by his side. But then the other incident happened and Shinjiro left and Akihiko felt more alone. He made you promise that you wouldn't leave him - something that he cringes about since and gets flustered when thinking of. But you instantly promised him to stay and it made his heart beat faster than he thought possible.

It isn't until he's trying to get Shinjiro to join back up that he realizes what he feels for you. He always thought it was just love as a really good friend. But Shinjiro teases and taunts him about not asking you out yet and that causes Akihiko to pause and really think about his words. And then he lost Shinjiro and now he can't lose you. All of his feelings come out like a dam being broken and he can't stop it, nor does he want to. Hearing that you love him back feels like he's finally let down the heaviest weight he's carried.

Fuuka

Fuuka has hid out at your house many times, promising her parents that you both would study. Which you do a little bit of just so she doesn't have to be a liar. But it's mostly her having fun and hanging out with you instead of being stressed about the pressure from her parents.

You were one of the only people that she talked to and was open with. Fuuka was so shy with everyone else, but you always made her feel comfortable and happy. And you were by her side when the bullying started. She tried not to bring it up, she didn't want to worry you. But then she vanished.

When Fuuka came back, she did her best to explain what she could to you. It was difficult - how does she even start to explain shadows and Tartarus? But she does her best as she doesn't want to lie and hide from you anymore.

And that includes her feelings. While she tried not to think about it, not wanting to confess when she wasn't proud with herself, she eventually does. It's scary and she doesn't want to lose you, but she knows she can't hide it any longer. You reciprocating her feelings causes her to sigh in relief and when she can make chocolates without accidentally poisoning someone, she'll gladly make you some.

Mitsuru

Growing up together was definitely interesting. You two became friends because you were both taken to the same festival together and learned you lived relatively close. As kids, you both didn't quite realize how different your lives were, you were just kids.

As you grew older is when the differences made themselves more clear. A lot more was expected of Mitsuru. She had to learn to be more prim and proper, not that she minded. But you continued to be so different from her and she liked it. She enjoyed the differences you both had.

Going to the same high school together had given you two another reason to hang out since Mitsuru was constantly busy now. She tried not to drift away from you, she didn't want to lose you. But with SEES, with the Kirijo Group, and with Tartarus, a lot more was stacking on to her plate and it was tougher to find time for you. But she still did her best.

It wasn't until her father was murdered and she shut down that feelings came out. You helped snap her out of it. You were the one that said your feelings first. And while Mitsuru still had so much going on, she appreciated that. She promised you that once everything was fixed, you would learn everything and then you both could go on an official date. Just please, wait a little longer for her.

Yukari

Your house was her safe space after she lost her father and her mother started leaving her behind. There's been so many tears that she's shed in front of you and so many times you've both fallen asleep cuddling because she needed that affection.

It was no wonder that she'd end up being a bit clingy to you growing up. At some point, she does try to distance herself because she doesn't want your relationship to turn sour or unhealthy because she's too dependent on you.

When she was spending time away from you, she realized how much she misses you. At first she thought it was just because you two are really good friends. But then she realized that it was more than that. Yukari definitely had some conflicted feelings after that realization.

Held her feelings back for the longest time because she was afraid of losing your friendship. It isn't until she does find her confidence and place within SEES that she decides to go for it. At hearing your feelings returned, it makes her laugh just because her worries seem so silly now that she knows you love her back.

Taglist:

@reo-the-leo

[real-fire-emblem-takes]

(The following is some rambling, FEH Spoilers ahead if you care)

I hope at the end of FE:Heroes life, that instead of it just becoming a forgotten mobile game, a fully fledged game is made out of it. Because I really do think having a FE game that have shorter Saga's would be really fun to play through. And just how much Alfonse could be challenged in a full game where he can MASSIVELY develop instead of the time strides he's made in the mobile game.

Of corse of a full game they'll need to change several things such as how much of their army is made up of heroes from other worlds. But having this HUGE skeleton with FEH for a full game could make one of the best, if not the best, Fire Emblem main line game.

Like, we have the set up to have Alfonse really turn into his own. He's gets to talk to past heroes and other world versions of those heroes. There is so much he can learn from them all but more importantly, so many people to compare him to. Just feeling like a failed leader because all these heroes that saved worlds are around him, while he's a prince in a world that's currently in a war with his neighboring country.

He keeps feeling this way until he meets the Summoner (Avatar Character). Someone from another world who isn't a hero. They're just an average somebody in that world. Even though they are able to use a Devine weapon that belongs to his family, he fights with them and grows closer as friends. He learns that it doesn't matter name or status, but what you do with your own strength to help everyone you can. And even when you can't save everyone, you can always work together with others to raise you and everyone to the point where you can save more people than you could alone.

While the first two Books of FEH didn't really do much for Alfonse, I do think in a full game they would be able to have a better foil with Bruno through these early parts. While Veronica is a very tragic character, she is more so Shernna's foil through the first book and then becomes a fascinating character through the rest of the books (so far). If the story would follow Alfonse's point of view, it would do wonders to REALLY push that foil with Bruno more and more until that foil changes into irony and tragedy that was played in the later books.

While Book 3 was one of the biggest breaking points for Alfonse's charcter, I really do belive that if Alfonse were to have a stronger written connection with Bruno early on. The death of Bruno would hit harder. We know Bruno and Alfonse were childhood friends to the point Alfonse's first actions we see is looking for Bruno (Under his fake name, Zacharius). Hell, you can make this hurt even more by adding an underlying feeling Alfonse had for Bruno. But seeing as Bruno meant a LOT to Alfonse at such a young age, where he was still getting compared to his father and other heroes. To just have someone that wouldn't judge you, have fun with you, and make you laugh. Most people would devolve some romantic feelings for that. While this seems more fanficy just because "Lead turned GAY for Enemy?!" It's use in a story here would push character development further.

Some of the best stories ever written i've read are about building up the base of a character. Only to destroy EVERYTHING about them. Leaving only their bare core and true thoughts on display. Only for them to either have the story end with such a melancholy finish that it just feels. Or give that charcter a way to rebuild themselves stronger, more ferm in their ideals then ever to change the odds. Alfonse is someone, if given enough time and attention in a full game, to be this charcter. He already has enough set up within FEH for this to become real. He really is burdened by the form of media he's in.

I don't really have any closing notes after that but yeah. Alfonse is actually one of the best Fire Emblem Lords when you think about it. Put him in the next smash game

.

[cheapshrimpysheep]

Hello!!! I love sm your hc/scenarios, they are SO GOOD!!!!

If it's not too much trouble, you could do an Obey Me scenario with the 7 brothers (separately obviously) with a fem (or gender neutral, if you prefer!) s/o who is pretty buff and what do they think about it?

I'm still kind of new to this game, so I don't really know about events or storyline😭😭 so do as you wish or which one would best fit in this situation!!

COMMENTS: Hi! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy them so much 😊

I found your request interesting. I decided to write with a Fem Reader because a muscular body is seen differently if it is a man or a woman. As I don't have that type of body, it's difficult for me to think of a scenario, that's why I ended up doing headcanons.

I hope you and all enjoy it 💪

P.S.: You said you're new to the game. Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay. 😈

CHARACTERS: Demon Brothers (Lucifer; Mammon; Leviathan; Satan; Asmodeus; Beelzebub & Belphegor)

TAGS: Fluff; Fem Reader; Comfort; Bullet Points

WORD COUNT: An average of 250 words per character.

CONTEXT: From the conversations in the game I assume that Beelzebub works out at home, so I also wrote thinking that MC would also work out at home and not in a gym.

Lucifer is very proud of you, BUT he still has his own pride as the man in the relationship.

Even with his brothers he likes to be the strongest, out of pride and to protect those he loves most. Things wouldn't be any different with you.

He doesn't want you to be weaker, he just wants to be stronger than you. He wants you to depend on Him and not vice versa, especially in matters of strength and power.

He will be happy to join you in your workout. In addition to spending more time with you, he also takes the opportunity to see how your workout is and set an even harder for himself without you knowing.

You'll never know how hard he works to remain the strongest in the family (which includes you). From him, you will only hear how proud he is of you, perhaps a similar pride to what he feels for Beel in a way.

That and provocative phrases to compete in some way to see that he is still the strong-... I mean to see who would win.

If anyone even has the audacity to insinuate that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step in and use all his intimidation skills to humiliate the demon to the point of them being ashamed of open their mouths ever again.

Mammon's feelings are conflicted. He loves you and is proud of you, BUT if you are as strong or stronger than him it will be a huge blow to his pride.

He knows he's not that smart, so he only had his strength to brag about. If he doesn't even have that, then what can he contribute to the relationship?

At first he will need you to reassure him, telling him why you love him and that it's not because he's strong... I mean, not just because of that...

After that he will become more confident and maybe join you in some workouts.

One day, he might even consider the idea of helping you open a gym so you can both earn a lot of money. But then he will think of you as a personal trainer for some other demon and his jealousy will win and he will discard this idea completely.

If he becomes too comfortable with the idea of you being so strong, he will try to convince you to be his bodyguard. Mainly for the times when someone is after him to get their money back.

If someone insinuates that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step in and incite a fight with the person who said it. And because it was about you he will use all his strength if necessary to shut up anyone who wants to try and say something like that again. He will make sure he wins all these fights. And if you help him, honestly, so much the better.

Levi never cared about being strong. But in your case, that's just another quality of yours for him to worship- I mean love. You are the knight in shining armor that he so admires.

Whenever you need it, he will tell you how wonderful you are and how incredible your body is. In a respectful way of course. The downside is that now he'll have something else to self-deprecate about.

He won't join you in the workout, sorry. But if you turn your workout into a game, maybe he'll consider it. But not in a PvP game, okay? He knows he can't win against you and even if he could he doesn't want to fight you.

He will ask you, without any shame, to open something that requires strength. And tell you how incredible you are right after.

If there is a couple that you both would like to cosplay and the man is the strong one, Levi will have absolutely no problem, and he may even be the one to suggest that you cosplay the characters but swapped. Or even change the genders of the characters. He will love doing couple cosplay with you no matter what.

If someone insinuates that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step in like the simp- I mean stan he is, and start with that speech of an emotional fan defending the character he loves most without any hesitation. The demon who dared to say that will have to deal with his burning passion to the point of being like "O-okay, I’m sorry! Chill man...”

Satan always gave more importance to intelligence than strength. But if you have both, so much the better.

Your muscles don't bother him, at best they impress him. How could he not be impressed by your hard work? As long as you still have time to enjoy a book with him, he's just proud of you.

In general, he wouldn't treat you any differently. He would treat you the same no matter what you look like because what he loves is your inside, what you look like on the outside is just a beautiful cover of an amazing book, no matter the edition.

He wouldn't join you in the workout, sorry. Unless it's some kind of race after a cat or a competition with Lucifer to wipe the smug off his face, he'd rather sit and read a book.

However, there is a good chance that he will read books related to physical exercise to help you improve your workout. Or food books to recommend new recipes for dishes or drinks if this also helps you.

If anyone even has the audacity to insinuate that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step in, probably in his demon form because he will be furious. No one talks bad about you in front of him! Whoever said that will be reminded why they should be afraid of the Avatar of Wrath.

Asmo will keep telling you how beautiful you are, like he always does and always will.

There are so many styles of clothes he can try on you that would look so good on your body type! You'll love it, you'll see!

He is already Princess Asmo and you will now be his knight in shining armor. This would probably describe your relationship pretty well.

He wouldn't join you in the workout, sorry. Your exercises are probably too hard and heavy for the type of body he prefers to have. Oh, but he LOVES watching you train. It's so hot!

He will definitely join you to eat. And if you start a diet or improve the one you already have, he will join you. If it's not a specific one for those who work out a lot.

He will also love taking photos with you and suggest that you take photos of you working out. They tend to be very trendy on Devilgram. And those photos from you? Everyone would love you even more! And Asmo would probably create some kind of album to feast his eyes on.

But he also has another, more protective side. From time to time he will ask if your exercises are not too demanding. You know, you shouldn't be so demanding on yourself, you can get hurt if you don't take it easy sometimes.

If someone insinuates that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step in, with an aura that is both rare and intimidating. He will react to someone saying you are less than gorgeous the same way he reacts when someone insinuates the same about himself.

Beel and you are two beans in a pod, and that is awesome! One of the people he loves most can work out with him! What's there not to love about it?

There's a good chance you two will ask Lucifer to turn some spare room into an exercise room. And the same good chances of Lucifer authorizing it. This will become your special place and you would probably decorate it as such. Needless to say, Beel's brothers will start to get jealous.

Matching gym equipment and clothes!

Your walks in the park are jogs together. And there's a good chance this jog will end in a picnic in the park.

More jealousy from his brothers. Which will probably make all of them, except Lucifer and Belphie (Belphie is never jealous of Beel), suddenly have a huge desire to start working out too and join you. Beel will be extremely happy about this but they won't last much longer than a day. However, Beel will be happy that at least for one day he worked out with his family. And the others will be happy that he was happy. So, everyone ends up happy in the end and the jealousy ends up disappearing.

You will cook and make smoothies for both you and him. Otherwise he ends up eating everything before it's ready.

If someone says that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will step with that extremely rare angry aura, like when he's been hungry for too long and is capable of going on a rampage. In an imposing pose in front of the demon that insulted you to the point that they were covered by Beel's shadow.

It is undeniable to say that his twin brother is the brother that Belphie loves most. And now you have even more things in common with him! He absolutely loves you!

Needless to say, he won't be joining you for a workout. But he will support you in whatever way he can like he does with Beel.

He will be the person who tries to convince you the most to go down the wrong path. Not because he wants you to stop working out, but because he likes being lazy with you. He already does this normally but as you take time out of your day to work out, you can feel him being more pampered.

That or try to convince you to do something for him. Or instead of him. You are so much stronger and more athletic than him. It's so much easier for you to do household chores. Are you sure you can't do that little favor for him this time?

If someone insinuates that women are not beautiful with muscles, he will "nicely" give the demon an opportunity to apologize. If not, he'll just be one more nasty comment away from taking on his demon form and strangling the demon who dared to insult you.

If you dropped in here out of the blue and want to read more from me, you can find it in my pinned post: INDEX

[oneverydelululemon]

SXF MANGA SPOILERS, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Hi! It's me again!

I want to thank all of you wonderful people who have read the first fic I did, The Conversation. I love and appreciate every single one of you! <3

Since that post gained a bit of traction, I decided to write down the prequel, aka how Damian even realised Anya can read minds. (Un)fortunately, this fic got a bit long so I'll be posting the first part for now. I hope you enjoy!

The Revelation - part 1

Damian was sitting on his bed in the dorms, his legs crossed. He had spent almost the entire day studying in the library, his nose in the books until Ewen and Emile dragged him out. After forcing Damian into the dorm, the boys went to get something to eat. Since Damian wasn't hungry, he chose to go to their room instead and have some well deserved rest. However, once he snuggled into his bed, he couldn't fall asleep.

Damian had been struggling with insomnia for a while, and the causes of his lack of sleep were always one of two things. If he wasn't stressing about his academic status, his mind liked to drive him crazy with all the memories he has about that shimp-haired commoner. The latter frustrated Damian to no end. He hated his own mind for toying with his heart in such a manner, for having chosen to give so much of its precious attention to someone so undeserving of it. If he'd paid as much attention to his studies as he did to Forger, he'd have already become an Imperial Scholar. A part of him wished he would come to his senses, but a small part of him hoped it could be like this forever.

So Damian did what he always does when he needs to relax and stop thinking about that girl - he took one of the many "The Serpent's Orb" comics he owns and began rereading it.

"The Serpent's Orb". Oh, how he adored that comic. He started reading it during the Dark Preschool Ages. He would read it whenever the halls of his mansion felt too empty and the rooms too big. Damian cringed thinking about the time he spent reading and reenacting the story to Jeeves. He cringed even harder when he remembered he would sometimes tell the same story to his old plushie whenever he'd be too scared to sleep at night, believing there were monsters in his closet. By the time he moved into the boys' dorm at Eden, he already knew every line in all the volumes, every episode of the show. Damian was ecstatic to hear Ewen and Emile were fans of the show like him, but they were never as enthusiastic about it as he was. He never blamed them for not loving it as much, though. For them it was just another cool show, but for Damian, "The Serpent's Orb" was a lifeline.

He took one of his favorite volumes from underneath his bed and began reading the first page. He usually reads through an entire volume in the matter of minutes, but he found it hard to concentrate during school break. His mind had been too occupied reliving the last time he saw that peanut-obsessed stalker. He did his best to call the night of the gala anything but magical, even if he did spend a good portion of it arguing with her.

Damian rubbed his eyes in hopes of erasing images of Anya dancing with him. He reread the page he stopped on. The main character read the mind of his best friend to find out what happened on the planet he visited. Damian hadn't really found this scene as interesting as many other fighting scenes up until that moment.

Mind reading, huh? - he pondered. It reminded him of the joke that dummy made at the gala. Damian knew better than to believe such an ability exists. This is the real world, not some cartoon or a comic.

I mean, imagine what life would look like if telepathy was real. You would know exactly what the other person thinks. If i could read minds, I'd have perfect grades! I would win every game of Old Maid and excel in every quiz! There's no one I wouldn't beat in every single football match! Bazooka Bill would fear me!

He kept daydreaming, chuckling to himself.

Until it hit him. He felt his stomach sink.

Didn't Anya make Bill cry when she dodged his every single throw, as if she knew what he was about to do? Didn't she know about some of the most embarrasing moments in Damian's life, like when Max pushed him into a pond on accident? Wasn't it Anya who won the first round of Old Maid, before she agreed to play another round because it seemed like she cheated? Didn't she somehow find out the bombs around their necks were fake in that damned bus, despite nobody ever hearing any of the terrorists say it?

Damian's mind was racing, going over every single interaction he's ever had with Forger. He stared wide-eyed at the pages in his lap, his face turning paler by the second. He dropped the comic from his hands as they were too shaky to hold it anymore.

In that moment, he was rethinking his entire existence. Is this life real? Is Anya real? Is he real? Is this all just a bad dream or some sort of a fictional simulation? Does he live in an actual cartoon?!

Damian didn't sleep that night. He barely managed to sleep every other night after that, counting the days before the beginning of the second semester.

He had some investigating to do.

And that's it for this one! I heard somewhere Damian imagined he's on a planet in Dragon Ball Z when he was "training" for the dodgeball match, so I took that fun fact and ran with it. That being said, I've never watched the anime or read the manga, I just searched up if it involves any telepathy. It's why I tried to keep it vague. I hope I didn't get anything wrong but let me know if I did!

I'll make a part two that will revolve around Anya finding out he knows.

Let me know what you think! Any feedback is appreciated! And thank you once again for reading my delulu little stories! Love you to the moon and back!

Byeeee <3

[zetsubo-bani]

Is Yana losing interest in Black butler?

This is something I've been seeing for the last couple of years. A lot of people, especially after the most recent chapter (210), are saying that yana has lost interest in black butler and that it is apparently evident. While no one knows for certain if she has actually lost interest in it, I would like present some of my thoughts as to why I don't think she has lost interest in it.

First of all though, why are people saying that she has lost interest?

It has to do with a the slow pacing of the story which has been a complaint for a long time now. The chapters typically don't have more than 20 pages nowadays and the most recent one had only 11 (9 if you don't count the chapter cover). It's frustratingly slow and always ends with another little cliffhanger.

Naturally a lot of people are fed up and lose motivation to continue reading it monthly since it feels like we're barely advancing with the story and because of this slow pace, people are saying that yana doesn't have any motivation to continue it further.

Now the reason why I think the pacing is so slow is because of twisted wonderland, the game she is in charge of. She is responsible for the main concept, scenarios, character designs and also creates most of the art in the game herself. That's a lot of work she has to do, especially if you consider that she's also working on black butler.

The number of pages a chapter have started dropping since the blue memory arc. From what I've seen, a lot of the pages back then started to have only 20 pages and the drop to the 10-20 pages seemed to have become a thing around the start of the blue revenge arc. And since then the number of pages is different depending on what happens in the chapter. We already had a 9 pages chapter back in 167 so it's not that she goes increasingly lower with the pages number.

The blue revenge arc started in 2019 and considering that's also the year that the game twisted wonderland got announced, I think we all can think of why the pages number started to drop.

So to me it doesn't look like that she's intentionally keeping the pace slow because she lost motivation, it's because she already has a lot of work to do with twisted.

I've seen someone say: "but why doesn't she go into hiatus if it is so much work? Wouldn't it be better if she put black butler in hiatus to work on twisted and then later return to finish it properly?"

Well she could certainly do that but you have to consider that twisted wonderland is a gacha game. Gacha games require continuous content even long after the main story ended. Events that can draw in the players to continue playing and pull for the characters or cards they like.

So if she were to put black butler in hiatus to focus on twisted, it would be a very long hiatus, one that she would probably not get out of unless she handed her job to someone else.

Now onto the chapters itself. While the pace is indeed very slow, one thing that I've noticed is that she puts more effort into the chapters art. And I don't mean the characters, they of course look great.

I'm talking about the backgrounds.

Back then, a lot of the pages had blank backgrounds with a certain few having a little background. Of course there were also a lot of pages with very beautiful and detailed backgrounds but I'm talking about the smaller ones.

While the newer chapters still have a lot of blank backgrounds, they do feature more panels with a background than the old ones did

There several panels in the new chapters where I would have bet that the yana could have put a blank background but she didn't.

So while the pacing is still slow, the chapters have a lot more detail art wise in my opinion. That alone says to me that she didn't lose interest in black butler.

There's probably more that I could talk about that I will later notice but I don't want to make this post too long.

Please remember, this is just my opinion.

I'm not trying to excuse the slow pace of the chapters by the way, I'm just as frustrated as everyone else. I'm just providing some of my thoughts as to why I don't think yana has lost interest in black butler

[temporalhiccup]

Intimacy in TTRPGS

(art by @geezmarty)

It's been a while since I geeked out about ttrpg design and I thought I'd dive into it! Some time ago there was discussion about intimacy and romance in games, and I wanted to talk about that today.

In particular this is about the Reveal Your Heart move in Apocalypse Keys and how it's a response to games that came before it.

Above is the Comfort or Support move from Masks: A New Generation. It's representative of what a lot of similar Powered by the Apocalypse moves are like (and many PbtA games since Masks have emulated this too).

In my experience with Masks it created a lot of lovely drama, "on a hit, they hear you" suggested that on a miss, they didn't. This often lead to delicious moments filled with angst: misunderstood feelings, good intentions not being enough, or being interrupted at the worst possible moment!

My main issue with this move and those like it (and it came up with various groups and players) was that most of the time it's hard for a player to correctly guess what would actually comfort or support another character in the moment.

It was also interesting that this was a move that was mostly about the person you were trying to comfort or support! Like most PbtA games, you're statistically more likely to roll a 7-9, which meant the target of the move was the only one who benefited mechanically.

This lead to a lot of awkward play. If we were lucky, the target of the move would speak up and offer a clear alternative "Oh that wouldn't actually comfort my character, he doesn't like being hugged or touched. I think what he'd want to hear in this moment is that he matters to you, that you think he's an important member of the team."

But most of the time something would go wrong somewhere - the target player wouldn't feel comfortable with speaking up, the triggering player would insist that this is what their character would do, etc. So the move would effectively not trigger, or we'd pretend it would and everyone would be awkward.

It just reminded me too much of my own personal experiences, where I would have to pretend I was happy with someone trying to comfort me because they had good intentions and it didn't matter if I was actually comforted or not. Seeing it play out, again and again, in Masks was something that always made me feel uncomfortable.

The trigger includes keywords like "offer" (suggesting acceptance is not guaranteed), "in a way that could be meaningful to them" reminds a player to place the target of the move's preferences first. Both results require the target to "open up to you", if they don't, the rest of the move just doesn't trigger.

Thirsty Sword Lesbians, which has a lot of Masks DNA in it, addresses this in an interesting way. It spells out a few things by refining the trigger and response of Emotional Support.

It felt a lot better in play, but for Apocalypse Keys and my own design preferences I wanted to shift the move into a different direction!

Reveal Your Heart (like every move in the game) taps into the relevant central themes. In this case the PCs are Omen-Class monsters who struggle with staying in control and handling difficult emotions (as well as the horrifying truth that they may become a Harbinger one day, and bring about the apocalypse instead of stopping it!).

The trigger here is dependent on a revelation of some kind, what are you revealing to another? This suggests vulnerability, or at least an innate truth of self. "try to sincerely connect to another" replaces the awkward and difficult task of trying to figure out what would comfort another person. This is a move that prioritizes an attempt towards intimacy, whatever that may look like. This is usually much easier to figure out, the question then becomes "how vulnerable are you going to be in this moment?"

Like in most Apocalypse Keys moves, I wanted each narrative choice to lead to a mechanical reflection. This further supports the idea that the narrative and emotional are mechanical and structural truths in the game - roleplaying and characterization are not separate aspects, they are connected to the act of playing. It also gives the players room to interpret what that means, "they gave you hope", what does that hope look like to you? How does it quell and calm the Harbinger that shifts and aches in your soul?

But! In general, I love how much intimacy and romance have flourished in the indie ttrpg space! It's definitely improved my play experience, and it's something I love to design around in my own games!

Essentially this move offers the players the room to name the feelings they have and lay bare the nature of their relationship. By the end of the move there's usually a sense that we've learned something essential about the relationship between the characters. No matter how small, it bears significance.

Many of the moves in Apocalypse Keys focus on relationships and intimacy of some kind, it's just very very queer that way.

[rui-drawsbox]

hmm im curious. whats olba about :0?

Oh anon you have no idea of what you just asked-- let me get my teacher costume

AHEM

OLBA or Our Life: Beginnings & Always it's a visual novel where you can play the perfect life you never got and cry about how much you wanted it after you finish it :DD (available on Steam for pc and Itch.io for both pc/mac and android!)

You play as-- well, you (or not, you choose)! You can choose your name, last name, pronouns, appearance, personality, hobbies, everything except your family, but you wouldn't like to change them for anything after you meet them.

You start the game as an innocent 8 years old kid that meets a random guy that tells you that he just moved across the street, he also tells you about his son: Cove! who has the same age as you. This guy tries to bribe you with 20 dollars, you can accept or refuse (or run! i like that option), either way you end up in a poppy hill behind your house and find the so famous Cove! He tells (cry) you that his parents just divorced and that he miss his mom ( :c ), you can comfort him or not, but you two still will be found by both of your families and have to go home.

That's the prologue! Gameplay aspect: it consists in 3 Steps of your life: 8, 13 and 18 years old! Each Step comes with 5 Moments, where you can spend time with (mainly) cove, if you're playing the base game. Talking about base game! You can complete it in around 5 hours (that's what took me the first time i think), and it comes with a 4th Step that work as an epilogue!

There are 6 paid DLC's (and a free one that is a name pack), 3 are other 15 moments for the first 3 Steps, 1 is a wedding dlc for our lovely Cove <3 (we'll get to him in no time), and the last 2 are extra content for two characters you'll meet in your very first playthough: Derek in Step 2 and Baxter in Step 3 (you should know this one very well if you follow me lmao), each with 5 moments extra for their assigned Step and their own Step 4 where you can follow and give proper closure to their stories!

I'll try to not ramble a lot because it's something you just need to experience yourself to get it but-- i will introduce you to the love interests! (or friendship interests, you don't need to crush on anyone to have a great time)

Cove Holden! Our lovely neighbor that we see almost everyday for like 10 years! You could also call him the second main character after you, since you learn more about him and his family during all the game. He's an introvert and ocean nerd (in the cutest way possible), depending on your choices you can shape his personality/style and become best buddies, the sweetest couple or just remain neighbours that never really got along. (you'll learn to love him, platonic or not, trust me)

Another perk of the game is that no matter what you do there's not "wrong or right" (unless you feel bad for the characters, like me), your actions does have consequences but there's nothing like a "bad ending/good ending", after all it's just your life, it goes on no matter what! Unless you want to reach a specific scene you found online you'll never have to use a guide for anything.

Derek Suarez! A caring guy! mabye a little too much, he's the oldest brother of 3 and that shaped him in a way that he always feels responsible of everything😔. During his storyline you'll help him to learn how to relax and lean on other people :D!

Baxter Ward! A monochromatic gentleman, mischievous as a cat and emotionally repressed like a pressure cooker <3. Struggles a lot with making deep conections and being emotionally vulnerable, you can imagine about what goes his storyline lol.

He's my favorite, if you haven't noticed. He has that infuriating charm that only someone that unironically says "Hallelujah" has. A very dramatic route, he's a very dramatic guy, you should see how he texts in step 3 aghsdas.

Also! all the side characters are super likeable, from your family to the baker of that bakery that is metioned a few times!

ANYWAYS, in conclusion: this is a very relaxing game! If you like visual novels you should definitely give it a try, the amount of replayability this game has is insane. My recommendations for when you play are:

Try the base game first! If you like it you can buy the moments dlcs (theyre only 3$ each!), mabye the wedding dlc after that (if you want to marry cove that is, this one is 2$ btw), Derek's dlc and Baxter's dlc (5$ each) for last. Those are pretty much the release order but i that's also the order i enjoy the most!

(play this game at least 2 times trying different choices/personality, the differences are ughhhh/pos)

When you're playing for the first time you should play the moments left to right. On later playthroughs you should change the order to find new dialogues! theyre small things but omg theyre so fun

Have fun! do whatever you want, i literally said there's no bad or good ending, take advantage of it and be as foward or shy as you want, be a little shit or a literal angel! That is your life we're talking about.

[iouinotes]

You're my dream | Alex Walter

pairing: Alex Walter x female!reader

genre: fluff word count: 3,4k

show: My life with the Walter boys

summary: Alex thinks you prefer Cole over him. You show him that he is the most important person in your life.

a/n: @bbr0wni3 and I had the same idea for a story, so I hope you like the final result :) and sorry for gatekeeping sooo long

Alex had been quiet for the entire walk home. It felt like the school day had passed painfully slow, without his sympathy, his jokes, or his comments in math class. I've tried to find out the reason for his silence, but each time I asked about it, he changed the topic and I was left clueless.

Of course, I thought about what could bother him so much, but none of my suggestions were that convincing. Maybe it was his bad history essay? Or did he have had another fight with Cole? Was it about Paige? She had become his black shadow over the last year and if I'm being honest, I never really liked her. I mean, as Alex's best friend, I have little say in his dating life, even though my opinion is important to him.

Because when Alex falls in love, no one can stop him. It happens quickly and is usually associated with a lot of pain afterwards.

But if I remember things correct, Alex has been acting a bit strange for a while now. I mean, I tried to get to the bottom of his sudden mood-changes, but understanding Alex's mind has never been an easy task.

Good thing for me, I've never liked things too easy. Then again, bad thing for me, that I'm in love with my best friend.

I didn´t notice it at first and I can't pinpoint the exact moment, when my feelings for him meant more than just friendship.

Alex has always been a special person in my life, someone I could open my heart to and who would never hurt me. Apparently, I opened the doors to my heart a little too wide for him, because on one warm spring day, when I couldn't stop looking at his smiling face, my feelings for him became very clear to me. I literally hung on every word he said and I didn't even know at that point, that you could see a light in his eyes, when he talked about something he liked, that shone as beautiful as the rays of the sun.

And then, without even paying attention to what he was saying anymore (I think it was something about a new video game, he was playing), I quickly wrote down a few phrases in my notebook. that came to my mind. Unfortunately, I probably acted a little bit too hectic, because he stopped talking mid-sentence, irritated but curious.

"What are you doing?" I heard him ask, a smile on his lips. He leaned towards me and before I could hide it, he read the words out loud.

"Looking at you is like having the sun right in front of me.

I´m blinded by your beauty."

I thought my heart would give out at that moment, but he just grinned at me with twinkling eyes and asked who these two poetic sentences were addressed to. I said back then that it was about a character from a movie, because he wouldn't have bought anything else. After all, he had known me for so long that he knew about every crush I ever had, so choosing a boy from school would have been out of question.

But he never found out that my inspiration was actually him.

However, when I clear my thoughts and turn to look at him now, a visible frown is attached all over his beautiful features. I decide to put my arm around his arm, the typical pose for a married couple, so he isn´t able to get away from me and I can convince him to hang out. With the aim that I can lighten up his sadness.

Unfortunately now, much to my discomfort, he's looking at me with raised eyebrows, which is why I finally bring up the sensitive topic.

"So, something is clearly bothering you and I will take it as my duty to change your miserable mood. Don´t protest, because we are going to my place and I will take care of you with lots of ice cream. How does that sound?" I see a smile tugging at the corner of his lips, he signs but then quietly nods. And when we arrive at my house, luckily my parents are still at work, I turn the key and let us in. He takes off his jacket, my eyes secretly wander to him and I notice, while my heart is pounding, that he wears my favorite sweater. A white one with a blue hood.

He fixes his hair, that always need to look perfect and I smile lightly, because I love every time that I can get on his nerves, when I ruffle through it. He throws himself on the sofa and while I turn on the heater and go into the kitchen to get the ice cream, he has already made himself comfortable with a blanket. When I see him hugging a pillow, still scowl on his face, I sit myself right next to him. But as he keeps his attention at the black TV, I notice his exhausted figure and decide to speak up.

"Alex, come on. Talk to me, something is obviously going on. I don´t like it, when you are sad. Plus, I really miss your smile." My hand rests on his shoulder, lightly stroking the hair on the back of his neck, because I know he has a weakness for physical touch. When I see him struggling to keep up his act, I approach him and whisper "you can tell me anything, you know that right? I would never judge you."

Again, he signs loudly, but finally looks at me. His eyes are searching for mine and now that his attention is focused completely on me, I suddenly feel uneasy.

"D-did I do something?" My nerves are getting thinner by the second. I hate to upset him. Probably because I love seeing him happy so much.

"No, it´s-" his hand brushes over his face. "It is complicated." I'm still trying to understand, why he can't tell me what's going on.

"You didn´t do something illegal, didn´t you? I mean, I would still be your best friend, but I would have to make up a story, why I'm visiting you in prison-" at that, he quietly laughs and shakes his head.

"It´s legal, even though I feel like it shouldnt be." Now I'm curious and scared at the same time.

"Please, tell me. I´m dying to know." I try to put on my best puppy dog look, even though it probably looks pretty stupid.

A few seconds later, he slowly raises his hand and places it on my cheek, gently stroking my skin, while still holding the eye contact. His gesture leaves me speechless. I mean we cuddled every now and then during a movie or I've fallen asleep on him. I've also kissed him on the cheek once while doing a chore, but otherwise we always kept a decent distance. The fact that he's coming so close to me now is catching me off guard.

"You...you would tell me if you like someone, right?" His question surprises me.

"Yeah, of course. You now, that I can barely keep something from you. You always know what I get you for your birthday, because I can´t resist, when you keep asking me about it." His hand slowly sneaks into mine. My eyes wander to our laps. I feel myself getting more and more confused.

"Alex, what´s going on? I don´t hide anything from? Do you think otherwise?" I feel a pang in my heart as I look into his eyes.

"I heard a rumor" he begins to say and I draw my eyebrows together at his words. He never considers any rumors, because most of the time they are false anyway.

"And?" I want him to continue.

"It was about you and-" hopefully not about the fact that I'm in love with you, just let it stay my secret.

"-Cole." What?

"What?" He signs, looking away from me.

"Someone said, he heard you talking about how in love you were with him or something. That you prefer him over me." He averts his eyes so he's no longer looking at me. I almost laugh at this ridiculous statement.

"Do you really believe that? That I would prefer Cole over you? My funny and kind, but sometimes very very stupid best friend? You really think, I hang out with you in every free second, that I have, because I like your brother? Who is by the way, not even close on my list of people I would visit in prison." I'm glad he didn't do anything illegal and it's just about a stupid rumor. But now, I still have to convince him, that it is in fact just a rumor.

He is quiet for a moment, but when he speaks up, I almost laugh at his question.

"Where am I on your list?" His eyes look into mine and now I'm the one taking his hands.

"Alex" I start to speak in a gentle voice "you will always be my number one, you hear me? I don´t think, I like another person in this world or in this universe as much as I like you. Sometimes, it feels like you are literally the reason, that the earth revolves. Because for me, my world revolves around you. I enjoy every second, I spent with you and I would never, ever trade this for even a minute with Cole. Okay? Never. I promise."

I finally see his shoulders relax and a genuine smile that spreads across his face. When I nudge him on the shoulder, he laughs.

"You, big dummy. I thought, you would tell me, you robbed a bank or something."

"Oh, I would never dare. You would kick my ass." We smile at each other in silence.

But I still want to know, how it comes, that he would believe something so ridiculous.

"So, why did you think, I would prefer Cole over you?" It hurts a little to think, that he believes he´s not that important for me.

"Because" he begins to say, gesturing with his hands "the Cole effect exits and all that. Every girl falls for his charm or whatever. I can´t compete with him." Something I will never understand. How he always makes himself look bad in comparison to his older brother.

"Well, for the matter, you affect me with your smart and kind soul. And I think my heart could bear it a lot better, if you would not look like a dream come true."

He's silent for a moment and I begin to panic, when he suddenly looks at me with a nervous expression.

"Can I- I mean, I think I´m going to say something really concerning. And it will affect our friendship, like a lot. So, just let me say it." Since that means, that he wants to talk about something important, I stay quiet. Nevertheless, still holding his hand for support.

He exhales heavily, but then looks directly at me. "I know you for as long as I can remember, you were by my site since the second I walked on this earth. You know, quite literally, because we were in the same kindergarden group. You were my first friend and I remember so many moments, that will forever exist in my memory. And...in my heart. Because you seem to have a say in what my heart wants and it feels like it wants you, for some time now. I know you are my best friend, but I cant imagine someone else being so connected in my life. In everything I do, everything I am. You support my decisions, even if you don´t like them. When you force me to watch rom-coms with you and the characters talk about finding their soulmate, doing all these cheesy things, I realize I want that too. With you. Since watching the Notebook three weeks ago, I wake up every day and wish that you would lay next to me. So, I could-"

He leans forward and with a shy smile, that makes my heart burst with happiness, he kisses me. It´s a feeling, I never want to miss again.

"-kiss you. It would be the first thing I would do in the morning."

He tucks a strand of hair behind my ears.

"I would-" his hands move to my waist and pull me onto his lap. "-make you sit right here and whisper all the things I adore about you. Like-" he kisses my forehead, I feel his lips across my face. I close my eyes and enjoy being so close to him. He leans further towards me, his lips brush over my neck and leaves a kiss there.

He mutters a few words, that I -much to my dislike- can´t understand. But I´m too caught up in his embrace to ask about it.

But then, he seems to get more confident and when he speaks again, I almost tear up.

"I love you. As my best friend, my heart, my love, my person. If you let me. I'll be yours, if you want to be mine."

I kiss him again, letting the tears flow, because I don´t know what else I could do to show my happiness. When we break apart, I look at him. A lovesick feeling inside my chest.

We're holding each other in our arms, but just a few seconds pass until his curiosity wins and he turns to me.

"That quote, that you wrote a few weeks ago, about someone being like the sun for you. Who was it about? Because you did not, just for once, talked about a fictional character. I would remember." Okay, I didn't expect that.

His beautiful eyes continue to look at me, encouraging me to come out with the truth. I nervously smile, tracing the lines in his hand.

"As you said, you ever looked at someone and just thought: This is my person? Someone, you want to have in your life, no matter, if it´s just a friend, a boyfriend or maybe even a best friend." I look at him, searching in his eyes, that he knows how I feel. Then I continue.

"Someone who makes you smile just by existing. Or someone who has a shitty humor, but he delivers his jokes so perfect, it makes you laugh anyway. Someone, who holds my heart and my mind in his hands, even if he doesnt know it."

"What´s he like?" His eyes are curious, but to my surprise, he seems irritated by the thought, that I could be in love with someone. Someone, who isnt him. You big, big, idiot.

"He's kind, has a fascination for fantasy books and for riding horses, playing baseball or fighting creatures in video games. He doesn't know, why I have a soft spot for sweet, gentle and caring characters, even though he is my inspiration for writing them."

His lips part in surprise.

"He's my everything. Sometimes it makes me sad, because I can´t love someone else, the same way. But then, I look at him and I feel like, why do I even want to love someone else, when he exits." I pause for a moment.

"When you exist."

My words make him speechless, but he continues to hold me close to his heart.

"For a long time, I didnt even know I had feelings for you too, Alex. You were always like a second home for me.

You are someone I trust the most and who I rely on in any kind of situation. You make me laugh and you´re always there for me. At first, I didnt notice my change of feelings. Because you kept being my safe place, but as I grew up, I realized that nothing mattered the way, you matter to me.

Sometimes, when I look at you, it feels like I have met my other soul or that maybe, we share the same. Nothing in this world is as important to me than you or your feelings. Maybe it wasnt clear enough for you to see, but I am in love with you.

Your existence in this world is so special and like nothing else, I could ever dream of. Because you are my dream, the most-dearest one."

[welcometothejianghu]

Hey, you! You should watch Hikaru no Go!

Welcome to another round of W2 Tells You What You Should See, where W2 (me) tries to sell you (you) on something you should be watching. Today's choice: Hikaru no Go/Qi Hun/棋魂.

Based on the manga of the same name, this drama is the Chinese live-action adaptation of a story about a boy who plays Go, the spirit only he can see who teaches him how to play Go, and all the friends and enemies he meets along his journey to become a good Go player.

...Wait, no, come back. I swear it's more interesting than that makes it sound.

What it is, is a character-driven tale of a charming young boy who, among a bunch of weird and wonderful people who love him, grows up to be a charming young man.

(You see how his shirt says SWEETIE CUTIE? That is because he is a sweetie cutie.)

It's a sports manga, so you've got Training Montages and The Big Game and all sorts of tense moments like that. But there's also lots of fun, gentle plotlines that are equal parts tearjerking and heartwarming. It is incredibly written, act, and produced, and I can't believe that it's not more popular, because it's so good.

Here are five reasons you should watch it:

1: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY

Word of Honor is merely the second gayest thing I have ever seen a c-drama do. Hikaru no Go is gayer by an order of magnitude.

I think the way they got it past censorship was by saying, oh no, this isn't gay, it's just a sports rivalry! But come on, what do you mean sports rivalries aren't gay, have you seen how all those Canadian and US hockey players keep marrying one another? This is that. This is the tale of two boys who've been in love since they were seven figuring out that they've been in love since they were seven.

(And speaking of seven-year-olds, the kid casting is amazing.)

I mean:

This is an actual still from the show.

So is this.

So is this.

These are not taken out of context. The context would make them gayer. That's how gay they are for each other.

But you know what the best part is? They're not the only pairing. And I don't just mean this like, oh, here's two other cute boys, you can imagine the times they kiss -- I mean, the show itself has its own ships! Ships you wouldn't expect! Intergenerational gay Go solidarity!

Now here's the catch: You have to wait for it. But oh boy, the payoff had us clutching our heads and screaming as quietly as we could because it was after midnight and we were losing our minds.

That last episode!! You have to see it to believe it!!!

2: EMOTIONS!

Bring the tissues. There are parts where it was kinda hard for me to watch because I was sobbing.

Because it's a sports manga, there are lots of triumphs and tragedies. Not everybody can make it to The Big Game. Not everybody gets to live out their dreams. Sometimes you try your hardest and it's not good enough. Sometimes you play your best and you still lose. Some people have to give up on what they love. Some people who were there with us at the beginning don't get to make it with us to the end.

What really makes it is that the show sits with its emotions. Events will affect people's emotional states for multiple episodes to follow. People who have sadness don't just snap out of it. Loving someone doesn't automatically fix them. Shit's hard!

Of course, this contrast makes the triumphs even more wonderful. I will tell you that the show has a happy ending, but not always the ending you would expect would have been their happy ending. It is overall an incredibly uplifting show. You'll need tissues for that, too.

3: (Nearly) Everything Is Pretty Dang Normal

Part of what I mean by that is that while a lot of the actors are real pretty, they're also done up in ways where, like, if you met this person on the street, you would think, this person is pretty! and not, what the hell fancy-ass magazine cover did you just step off of?

Look at these normal goobers:

There are two exceptions to this. The first is Chu Ying, because he is a ghost energy being from the distant past, and ghosts energy beings from the distant past get astonishing eyeliner.

The second is Fang Xu, because his actor, Han Mubo, is an actual idol. Congratulations on your face, sir.

However, I also mean that the story is delightfully mundane. Sure, there's that one supernatural element to it, but everything else is just a regular story about regular people who have regular human problems. There are characters who disappoint their parents and mentors, struggle to pay their bills, try to balance school and extracurricular activities, have crushes, argue with teachers, flake on responsibilties, get lost in the woods, and do some pretty normal human things. Nobody's avenging anyone or trying to slay anything. It's just people being people.

It's even a bit of a period piece -- the show starts out in 1997, then jumps forward to the late '00s, so everything's just charmingly slightly outdated. Damn, I love everybody's flip phones.

4: Actually Good Television

Okay, if you like c-dramas, you know they can be ... janky. Episodes sometimes end practically in the middle of sentences. CG leaves much to be desired. Obvious cuts and last-minute overdubbing really stand out. You can tell where the censorship mandates got in there and started mucking around with things. That kind of jank.

This show feels different. It feels like someone thought out each episode, start to finish, and then created each piece to fit that vision. Every episode even has a title and beautiful title card. They start and end in dramatically logical places. The cinematography isn't anything particularly artful or experimental, but it's solid and clean and lovely. (And if you're sick of shows so dark you can't see them, you've got no worries here.)

The CG in the show is unobtrusive, and most of it is spent making Chu Ying subtly transparent.

There are a bunch of secondary characters, but to me that never felt overwhelming. Most of them are interesting, three-dimensional characters, no matter how short their screen time is. And while there definitely could have been more female characters, the show itself is pretty open about how sexism in the Go world means that it's mostly a boys' club -- and the ladies that are there are great.

In short, this is a show you can show to people who don't have c-drama brain and thus are less inclined to overlook some of the more cringeworthy aspects of their productions. I bet that your Average American Television Enjoyer Who Can Handle Subtitles would have no trouble getting into the groove of it, which I imagine could be very useful for those of you who have people you'd like to watch c-dramas with, except you don't feel like stopping every five minutes to apologize for one thing or another.

5: Better Than The Source Material?

This is the point where I have to admit that I myself have never read the manga or seen the anime. I came into this with only the vaguest familiarity with the source material. I can only tell you that the live-action drama is good; I can't swear that it's better.

However, @jianghootinandhollerin can speak to this comparison more authoritatively than I:

When I was 20, Hikaru no Go (manga) was my favorite thing, the primary obsession, the source of multiple livejournal themes, custom winamp skins, and a fanfic where Hikaru got a go stone stuck up his nose. Because of this deep love in my history, I was dubious about a live action version and the changes it made, but hey, turns out, those changes were exactly what the 20 years older version of me needed. This version of the story benefits so much from having the full, completed story to work from from the outset. The manga didn't know where it was ending when it started, but this show got to, and the story gets to be richer and the characters' stories get to be deeper thanks to that. And also, very importantly: everyone is older and much, much gayer.

Look, I understand if "but it's not the original manga/anime" is a dealbreaker for you. There are adaptations of things I can't watch because no matter how good the end product may be, I'm going to hold it against it that it's not the source I'd rather be seeing, and that's not a fair standard. That's fine. It happens.

But if you can, give this a go (pun unintended). It does not replace the original thing; it is a different take on the same idea. And yeah, it's one that really speaks to me here, on the other side of forty as I am. Maybe I would have missed it at twenty, but the person I am now really respects its attitude that while Being The Best is all well and good, it is not the only thing, and it is absolutely not more important than being yourself and doing what you love with the people you love. Sometimes you peak and can't advance anymore, so you become a teacher, and you know what, that's better than okay, that's actually pretty great. (Do I overidentify with Bai Chuan? Listen: maybe.)

Have I convinced you to watch it yet?

You can watch it on iQiyi, or you can watch it on iQiyi's YouTube channel. I hope you love it as much as I do.