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yuriskies · 1 year ago

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The Performative Romance of "Yuri Is My Job"

Content warning: Yuri Is My Job contains depictions of homophobia, bullying, and sexual assault.

My friend @esselfortium recently convinced me to read "Yuri Is My Job" (which from now on I'm going to refer to by its fan abbreviation, WataYuri), written by Miman. I'm glad she did, because WataYuri turned out to be an extremely pointed and engaging commentary on the yuri genre. I'll try to keep this review/recommendation mostly spoiler-free while highlighting what I think are the most interesting parts.

Hime Shiraki is a high school girl whose dream is to marry into money and to that end, cultivates a "facade" of the perfect people-pleaser. She is coerced into becoming a staff member at Cafe Liebe after 'injuring' the manager on the way home from school. Cafe Liebe is a roleplay cafe where the waitstaff perform in character as student council members of the Liebe Girls' Academy, a setting intended to mirror a Class S romance novel. The manga explores the character relationships between Hime (performing under the name Hime Shirasagi) and the other members of the staff as she settles into the new job.

At a surface level, WataYuri functions as a criticism of the Class S romance genre, which focuses on close, hierarchal relationships between women within girls-only schools. These relationships often take on the shape of performative romance as a form of emotional fulfillment in the absence of "real" partners (men) within the setting, justifying itself as preparation for courtship after graduation. These close relationships often doubled to disguise intimate same-sex relationships at a time when these relationships were illegal.

The Class S genre leans into the ambiguity between the real and the performative; simultaneously providing a form of quiet affirmation and a cautionary reminder to its audience. This dynamic is understandable given that it is a subversion of pre-war publishing standards and laws regarding same-sex relationships, but many of the themes and plot beats inspired, influenced and survived into modern yuri.

Miman crafts their story in a way that digs into the nature of these legacy ideas with a certain perverse glee. The ever-watchful eyes of the authorities are replaced by those of the parasocial audience Cafe Liebe cultivates. The ambiguity - and often painful miscommunications that result from it - come less from "relationship/situationship" and more from the distinction between performance and the raw emotion it draws from.

In an early comedic moment, the latter dynamic is illustrated when Hime's cafe senpai Sumika Tachibana (an aloof, bookwise character on duty and a somewhat meddling gyaru off duty) and Mitsuki Ayanokouji (a caring, big sister character on duty and a curt, socially distant person off duty) argue in character over how to best handle a floor situation where Hime is struggling. Hime and her friend Kanoko Amamiya (a painfully shy girl with a secret crush on Hime) misinterpret this argument as a genuine romantic argument, and Kanoko uses the opportunity to flirt in character under the guide of expressing support for Hime's ability to do the job. Hime then reads Kanoko's intervention as a purely professional step. Nothing the characters are attempting to communicate gets through, because no one is certain on which side of kayfabe the communication is being made from.

Later chapters begin to tackle darker subject matter, exploring how the job both creates and exacerbates insecurity, conflict, and unhealthy relationship dynamics among the staff. As this tonal shift occurs, Miman writes a fantastic (sometimes horrifying) series of character sketches. Each of the story arcs these sketches support dig deeper into the relationship dynamics and shapes that are commonly adopted in modern yuri, illustrating just how toxic and ingrown the relationships produced by these story patterns can get.

Miman is not afraid to take the story into fraught territory - WataYuri covers a range of subject matter from childhood bullying, coming to terms with acearo feelings, internalized homophobia, and sexual assault - but they handle these matters delicately and sympathetically. These events ultimately highlight the strengths of the working relationships at Cafe Liebe - for as much hurt as the job is capable of generating, the staff's knowledge and personal relationships with one another equip them with the tools and resilience they need to begin resolving these issues as they come up.

Despite taking on the trappings of a shallow workplace dramedy, WataYuri delivers a wickedly sharp exploration of the roles we assign ourselves when building and maintaining our relationships. As it builds off of its consistently great character moments, it argues that our own self-enforcement of those roles is ultimately harmful when using those roles to soften or shield ourselves from the possibility of hurt that comes from expressing our true feelings. At best, it prevents us from finding genuine connection; at worst, it prevents us from moving on while our emotions turn poisonous.

#yuri is my job!#WataYuri #Miman #yuri #manga recommendation #mini essay

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vivagonza · 1 year ago

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If it’s not too much of a bother could we have some headcanons about your other characters in that au white and black are in? I don’t entirely know all the lore you’ve set up for it but I’m still pretty curious :)

you have no idea how happy this ask made me 😭 💓

happily, i will info-dump in what my head has been generating for months adhd style

this is our pink equivalent and im torn if her age is between 5-7 but basically this au has this weird supernatural thing going on and it causes unnatural formities and that manifests strongly in phoebe

she is very tantrum prone and does not speak and is obsessed with flowers and does not smile i love her

she is under whites care and got there because shed be easily hunted especially because shes a clear anomaly and also because her unnature is obvious in how her eyes go to stark magenta when she gets pissy wissy

and also shes a pretty powerful ass kid and she has her own garden full of flowers but dominantly hibiscus

this kid knows floriography too

these two!!! its probably not obvious its yd and bd because of how fast i drew this but meet yvette and bonnie and i must explain them separately before i get too carried away in writing how these two interact and accidentally combust again

Yvette Domante:

- usually the one to carry out physical missions and the detective in the authority

- has been through the shit ™ and white found her and the moment somebody accepted her she swore loyalty on her life

- she has blood, sweat, and teared her way through the ranks of her authority and ended up being whites 2nd in hand with pure effort and pain and she takes her position very seriously

- very serious to the point she immediately chooses fight out of the two options when something isnt going her way if she knows she has a chance but otherwise she is calculated and punctuated

- top 3 gayest people she was sent to go after bon by desv and bon was her first failed mission she couldnt fulfill for desv and she hates bons guts because during the mission she got faked and had the shit beaten out of her by an innocent seeming librarian with hidden rage

- she also nearly got stabbed by bon and white had to be the one to actually go to the situation (which is rare because considering how riskily attention catching white is she has to stay in all day with phoebe and a bunch of papers)

- yvette HATES bons guts (at first) and despises her even more when white realizes the amount of potential bon has and bon is effortlessly moved to 3rd in rank in the authority and loathe as she admits it bon is probably more composed and calculated than she is and maybe attractive but this means they have to go on missions together

-technically second in authority and whites right hand woman (?) but white is smarter and warns that she better not use her position to threaten bon and that they are equal in role just different duties

- workaholic and logical who usually everybody is threatened by except for a certain librarian WHO KEEPS GETTING UNDER HER SKIN and speaking of librarian we move on to

Bon Devadiga

- also went through a shitstorm but has lived in peaceful tranquility for years after as a seemingly innocent and well liked but reserved librarian only to HAVE IT RUINED BY A BLONDE

- she is actually forced into the 3rd position because white (who is also not that good of a person) has dirt on her past

- diplomatic and reserved and maybe gentle

- her toxic yuri relationship with her co-worker eventually dissolves into adversarial remarks but good cooperation

- her relationship with yvette eventually improves through Phoebe when white has to go touch sunlight and do missions for the first time in years (unbeknownst to them— with an enemy) and they have to babysit phoebe

- yvette already knows phoebe and is already accustomed to taking care of her at times when white is busy with illegal documents or whatever

- pheobe gravitates towards her gentleness with kids and eventually gives her an assortment of flowers she doesn't understand but notices that they usually go in a certain order

- she and yvette eventually get closer and maybe do gay shit like beat eachother to near death because of a trust issue inducing order given by an unknown superior as a treat

she is what an ex would be if said ex was an obsessive sociopath who murders people and was romantically manipulative towards their lover who adored them

now imagine if that lover was white

she is part loser (please take me back) and part cringefail (i will kill you if you do not accept my infatuation)

and also shes a hoe but whatever

of course we have the local characters that everybody actually likes to a major extent but there is no steven in this universe so they are scattered but still part of the whole thing

#steven universe #steven universe au #su #suf #blue diamond #steven universe future #white diamond #yellow diamond #white diamond su #black diamond #blue diamond su #yellow diamond su #black diamond su #carbonado #authorion #lonsdaleite #desva almakovich

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sinnohlunarfestival · 10 months ago

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The Aftermath

It could have been much worse. While many suffered the rumbles of such titans fighting and others felt the fatigue of being drained of their will to do anything, the efforts of everyone minimized the possible damage.

The sponsors moved quickly to clean up the mess made. It was still quite the mess after all. The people working for the sponsors acted as if this was expected, as if they all knew, though not to that scale. After all, the shrine had not expected this either.

Lady Yuri during an interview revealed that the ritual fight was not meant to happen until the day after, however the malice Sinnoh alone had accumulated was too much. Every year the Lunar Race selected a new guardian against the evil that was gathered and sealed within My Coronet. One Pokemon from the Zodiac of that year. It isn't clear why it must always be that year's Pokemon, however it had always worked and in the early years it was never so troublesome or dangerous.

It had originally been a simple, symbolic battle where one side represented the sins of this land and the new Pokemon the champion blessed by the gods. It was only in the last couple of decades that it seemed to get worse.

But they had always kept it quiet; the people of Sinnoh didn't need to know the scary things going on every year. The main shrine always took care of it discreetly. The titanic fight that broke out had not been planned, which means it has gotten much worse.

Yuri says the more mankind modernizes, the more they will find ways to stray. Not that people aren't good, she believes there is much goodness in the world, but sometimes every small little thing we do can change the outcome of the future, how the world would be. She said when she asked everyone to cheer on Rosso, even though it may have seen insignificant, look at the result.

But she asked going forward that everyone perhaps be mindful of themselves. They're only human of course, but every little thing counts.

As it turned out, Rosso will now take on the post as guardian as Lopunny had fulfilled her duty admirably. Unfortunately, her former human partner from the Lunar Race last year had passed away already so she did not have a home to go back to. People were looking for someone to take her in, otherwise the Safari Zone would look after her in any official capacity.

The other Garchomp were free to be taken home by their riders, if they wished, otherwise they would return to their sponsors to be continued to be cared under them. It seemed the Garchomp bonded with their riders, but would understand if none brought them home.

#sinnohlunarfestival2024

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blueflamc · 10 months ago

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𑁍 — twenty-five years young, a firebender and lightningbender from the royal house of yi . many know them to be apathetic & selfish . how unfortunate, truly . . . i’ve always found them to be charismatic & intelligent . they oft fulfill the duties of an army general . oh , i should tell you — they support the rule of house yi . well, you know how every storyteller bends the tale they tell .

hello, my name is exie. and i bring to you princess li yuri. shes become the villains of everyone’s story. under the cut you will find an overview and a few wanted connections.

𝐮𝐩𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠

∘ from birth it seemed li yuri was meant for great things. a prodigal firebender named in honor of avatar yuha.

∘ she was gifted with all the desired qualities of a fire lord. she excelled in everything her brother did not. she mastered the art of lightning bending by the time she was 9.

∘ father has always ruled with an iron fist, and she’s learned to do the same.

∘ however her biggest obstacle will always be her brother. and although she will never admit it openly she still cares for him. he’s the crown prince. she knew and still knows that she would never be fire lord with him in the way. despite this she can’t cause him harm.

∘ deep down she never meant to be the villain. she’s just convinced herself that she is and this is the role she was born to take.

𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

∘ rare blue flame to match her heart of ice

∘ her brothers opposite in everyway.

∘ has a vibrant blue dragon named kaeda. has close bond with her dragon.

𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

∘ close friends who keep her balanced and grounded ( 0 / 2 ) ( f )

∘ enemies ( 0 / ? )

∘ someone she loved who ultimately betrayed her ( 0 / 2 )

∘ first love that ended in heartbreak ( and pain ) ( 0 / 1 ) ( m )

∘ soulmate ( 0 / 1 ) ( m )

#𝐨𝐨𝐜 ✧⁀➷ intro #more to be added #but a good start

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joz-yyh · 4 months ago

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Acta Est Fabula - Ch. 9

SUMMARY: Crimson Court AU. Boudica faces an uphill battle against the captain of the guard, Margaret, but at least there’s comfort to be found in the vestal’s arms. Meanwhile, Reynauld and Dismas are awakened to the news of their escapee. No Beta. Read at your own risk.

PAIRING: Crusader x Highwayman / Hellion x Vestal

RATING: M (vaginal fingering / grinding / drug use)

WORD COUNT: 3,450

READ ON Ao3: -> HERE!!

A/N: Our supporting characters get the main spotlight this time, but don't worry, Damian and Tardif will be back next chapter. My first go at writing a yuri smut scene. Hope it turned out alright. (Did any of y'all catch that tortoise and the hare analogy between Barristan and Missandei?)

Also, did you know the Norse word for hot is hót? XD

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Margaret is in the middle of briefing her men when she spots Boudica stepping into town, marking her return.

“You have your orders. Dismissed.”

As her guards leave to fulfill her command, the captain marches herself right up to prodigal warrior, accusation in her voice.

“Where were you,” the markswoman snaps, giving her no room to breathe.

Despite her smaller build, Margaret doesn't let the size of the hellion's muscles interfere with her interrogation.

“Hello, nice to see you're alive and well,” Boudica replies dryly, dodging her question with petty sarcasm.

Unless their duties called for it, Boudica avoided the captain of the guard as much as possible, their code of ethics and technique always at odds.

“Forget the pleasantries,” snarls the captain, her glove chopping through air, “I want answers. Heard you were the last one to see him before he escaped.”

The warrior woman leers at Margaret's tone, the rise of her voice, meeting it with a low growl of her own.

“Yes, if you must know, I delivered his food. When I returned, I saw the bars were pried apart.”

“And you didn’t think it necessary to alert the other guards because …?”

“There wasn't time,” she explains calmly, “I was determined to handle it myself.”

“And were you successful,” asks Margaret, already knowing the outcome, just waiting for the other to admit it aloud.

Boudica answers with a sneer upon her lips, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of saying, “No.”

Margaret is smug, stalking a circle around her prime suspect, red forelocks bobbing along with the feather in her hat.

“Well, due to your poor judgment, the prisoner got away and two of our guards are dead.”

“Someone was killed,” asks the ponytailed huntress, brows lifting in surprise, having no idea.

Seeing the hellion caught unawares does throw Margaret's theory off, having suspected the painted warrior had a hand in their demise.

“Yes, the two men I had stationed outside. Both of their throats were cut.”

Margaret watches Boudica closely, seeing what emotions pass through her, guilt and mourning among them. “You’re sure you don't know anything about it?”

“No, I don’t.” Instant aggravation, a flat remark aimed at the musketeer.

“It's not nice to point fingers.”

The comment comes from Missandei, inserting herself into the conversation, defending her comrade.

What was once competitive rivalry has now turned into a bitter grudge, Margaret turning to her fellow sharp shooter with contempt.

“Do not tell me how to run my ward. Everyone is a suspect.”

Missandei was not the type to be intimidated by her counterpart, throwing it right back in her face with cool blue steel, “By your own logic, that includes you as well.”

“What,” grits Margaret, fists clenched.

Missy crosses her gauntlet-clad arms, offering an explanation.

“You said so yourself, no one is above suspicion. You could easily use your position as captain to cover up evidence, manipulate your men to your advantage. For all we know, you're the one who sprung him loose.”

Despite Margaret holding a higher rank, she still resented Missandei for being better than her, hated her even more now that she was calling her credibility into question.

Before things can grow too heated, Fergus' bark pierces the night air, her shaggy paws approaching the trio, yapping at the captain in particular.

“What's that mutt doing here? Shouldn't you be out searching for the murderer?”

“Actually, that's exactly what we’re here to report,” William says, coming up after his loyal canine, back from their scouting mission, “The trail led us to the crimson court.”

The musketeer steps back, feeling threatened and outnumbered.

"Then why aren’t you out pursuing them?”

He laughs just a little condescendingly at Margaret’s unreasonable expectations.

“Missy and I make a great team, but for the two of us to go in there unprepared and without reinforcements would be suicide. Thought you might want to know that the culprit might be a bloodsucker.”

“The two victims bled out on the ground,” the captain reveals, “we found no bite marks on their neck.”

“Maybe they weren't hungry,” William says with a shrug, “Or maybe this is some ploy to turn us against each other which given the state of things, seems to be working.”

The musketeer swears this lot has spent too much time around Tardif, adapting his mutinous tendencies. Did no one respect authority anymore? Margie grits her teeth, frustrated that the tides have turned on her.

As bleak as the circumstance may be, her detective instincts kick in, keen eyes noticing a possible clue.

“Those marks on your glaive, were they always there?”

Fear flickers across Boudica’s face, quickly masked by anger. “What are you going on about now?”

“You were close with Tardif,” Maragret says, feeling a bit more confident at this discovery, “Who's to say you didn’t help him escape?”

“Do you have proof or is this more biased conjecture,” Boudica argues, getting fed up, “Perhaps, I should mention to lady Junia that if you were competent in your position, Tardif never would have gotten away in the first place.”

“I knew it,” Margaret hollers, “You’re all against me. Out to relieve me of my position!”

“Not this again,” the archer sighs, “we all know you're captain of the guard. No one's calling that into question. I lost. You won. There, I said it. Are you happy now?”

No, no she's not. Missandei was Barristan's favorite, hand picked for the position after he retired, but it was overridden, handed to Margaret instead in a flex of power unearned.

“How can I be? I can't trust any of you! I know you all hate me for taking his place.”

“No one hates you,” William says, “you're the only one taking it personally.”

“Not everything’s a competition, Margie. Loosen up,” Missandei says, hoping to inspire some compassion.

“You loosen up! And you,” Margaret says, pointing her finger now at Boudica, “don’t go too far.”

“Wasn’t planning to.”

Having lost the higher ground, the musketeer storms away, crashing her shoulder against Boudica's, to which the hellion shoves her right back, making the other girl waver in her thigh-high boots, cape staggering in the wind, the group waiting til she’s out of earshot to finally relax, speak casually.

“Thanks for the assist back there,” Boudica remarks, smiling at the two specialists.

“You would have done the same for us,” William nods, loyal to a fault, same as his four-legged friend, “Truth be told, that girl’s in way over her head. Job's too much for her.”

The lawman looks to Fergus, meeting her brown beady eyes, resting a hand upon her head.

The arbalest joins in to console her, squatting down to give the shaggy dog some chest rubs, her collar tag jingling, “Sorry, she yelled at you, girl. Margie's having a bad day.”

Tail wagging, Fergus bathes the freckles of her nose in kisses.

“We all know the job was yours, Missy. Barristan picked you as his successor. Should've stayed that way.”

“Well, Reynauld had the final say in that,” the arbalest reminds him, looking just a bit sad, having already made peace with it.

“I know. It just ain't right.”

“Nothing we can do about it now.”

“True, guess all we can do is hope for the best,” William sighs, shaking his golden locks with disparagement.

“Should visit *skilpadda (turtle) sometime,” Boudica suggests, “I am sure he would love it.”

It's a mantra the arbalest has told herself countless times, missing her mentor dearly, and yet something has been holding her back.

“I haven't gone to see him since the changeover. I guess I just don't want to see him disappointed.”

“I don't think a visit from you could ever disappoint him, *kanin (rabbit).”

With encouragement like this, Missandei can't help feeling a whole shine better, like a polished medal.

“Thanks guys.”

“Hey, you think he's alive? Tardif, I mean.” asks the blonde-haired ranger, peering off towards the untamed wilds of the vampire’s den.

“It's the bloodsuckers that should be worried,” remarks Boudica, sharing in the same distant gaze.

“Yeah, remember our bet,” Missandei smirks at her gambling partner, “I am sure he's carved out his own little slice of paradise out there.”

“How could I forget? I am still recovering from the loss.”

“Then, c'mon let's get a drink. Drown our sorrows,” suggests the easy-go-lucky archer, standing tall in her grieves, reinvigorated with purpose.

“Suppose the captain would want us to lay low, let her handle the investigation,” William nods in agreement, “That is, so long as you're buying.”

He fixes the dark-skinned beauty with the same sad puppy eyes that Fergus is so good at making, his bearded scruff only adding to the effect.

“Yeah, yeah, you don't have to beg. I'll cover the tab. Boudica, you wanna join us? I’ll buy you a turkey leg.”

“Give my half to Fenrir, here,” she chuckles, petting the wolfhound's spine, a series of spirited swipes through shaggy fur. “I think I am going to turn in for the night.”

The talented pooch stands on hind legs, giving the hellion a doggy hug, licking at her face, making both Missy and Will laugh.

“I think you just became Fergus’ new favorite person.”

“Only until she finishes eating.”

The valkyrie indulges the canine with a little dance before setting her paws back down, Boudica remaining there, kneeling. She meets the pup's soulful brown eyes, a hand under her muzzle, making a vow.

Fergus’ tongue bleps out, giving a gentle lap at her nose in promise.

"Look out for each other, OK? I don't want to lose anyone else.”

“You can count on us,” the houndmaster assures her, dutiful, striking a courageous pose.

“Good.”

Boudica rises, pleased with this, finding it hard to contain her smile around them.

“Send Junia our love,” adds Missandei with a chipper, knowing exactly where the vestal's honor guard would be heading after this exchange.

“I will. Be safe my friends.”

“You too. We'll see you around,” the arbalest waves, the two parties going their separate ways.

—-

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Reynauld awakes to the insufferable pounding of his chamber door, his guard shouting an endlessly string of, “M’lord! M’lord!”

The crusader grumbles, holding his aching head, hardly sober enough to deal with this disturbance so early in the morning.

“Yes, yes, what is it?”

“Sir, please, come to the door. It's urgent.”

The crusader is no less annoyed, having no choice, but to get out of bed.

“I'll be right there.”

Reynauld turns to Dismas, a master of quick change, his partner already retrieving his trousers from off the floor, pulling them up around his waist. Such was a soldier's life, needing to be ready at a moment's notice, surprises like this bound to happen.

Usually, they would be given more time to cuddle, Dismas’ ear pressed to Reynauld's chest, arms coiled around one another, but now he can only mourn the empty pool of sheets growing cold beside him.

Rey can't be bothered to fully dress, dawning a robe, tying the sash closed as he answers the door, opening it just a sliver.

“What's this all about?”

“It's the prisoner, Tardif. He's escaped.”

“Ha,” Dismas shouts from afar, “ya better be jokin’!”

Reynauld ignores the interjection, keeping the ex-bandit out of sight.

“I am afraid not,” the guard answers, “it happened at 0300 hours.”

A singular thought circulates within the archbishop's mind, ‘the baroness will not be pleased.’

“Inform Junia that her presence is required in the meeting room. We will deal with this accordingly.”

“Sir,” the guard advises, “Boudica is a suspect.”

Reynauld doesn't like his judgment being called into question, even if it's overtly insinuated.

He leers with a vestige of authority, tone stern as he says, “My orders have not changed. Now go.”

The guard salutes, off to carry out his command and Reynauld promptly shuts the door.

“This is bad, very bad.” Dismas frets, the news hitting him the hardest. If Tardif truly knew what Dismas thought he knew, then their missing man just became a very big liability.

“You worry too much. It's only a matter of time until we find him. And when we do, his actions solidify his offenses. He's done us a favor.”

The ravenette appreciates the vote of confidence, hoping it's enough to manifest Tardif back into their custody once more.

“God, I hope yer right.”

His breath is heavy, expelling, head sunk against Rey's shoulder.

“I am always right,” he reminds him, stroking a hand through the heckles of his partner's neck, allowing this interlude of solace, “Now, get dressed. We have work to do.”

“I am dressed,” the highwayman argues, “You're the one walkin’ ‘round with that slinky robe on.”

It's true, aside from his boots and jacket, Dismas is presentable, the sneaky pickpocket playing with the twin ribbons that hang around his knight's hips.

Rey chuckles, glad to see his paramour calm again, “Help me suit up, won't you?”

Dismas loved putting the crusader’s armor on almost as much as he enjoyed taking it off, looking forward to the transformation with a sultry glint in his eyes. To see him shining, the embodiment of romantic heroism reflected back in that floor length, golden encrusted mirror, light pouring in from all around, was quite the inspiring sight.

“Always.”

He leans into his superior, soliciting a kiss, the cunning man grinning into it.

—--

The vestal is in her private quarters, poised at her desk, indulging in a fine line of sanguine snuff. A sniffle follows, a rub at her nose as the drug takes effect, leaning back against her chair, hoping to settle her nerves.

Boudica, the prowling tigress, lingers in the shadows, stealthy when she wants to be, her blue eyes observing. The room is large, dark save for a few flickering candles, plenty of places for her to hide. When it suits her, the hellion sneaks up on Junia, stealing a startled surprise from her lady.

“Caught you,” she shouts, clutching the nun from behind, covering her mouth so she cannot scream, strapping her middle down with the other.

Junia’s startled cry is muffled, dominated by the warrior’s laugh, Boudica revealing herself.

“Oh, Boudica! Thank goodness it's you!”

The vestal rests her hand over the callous ones now crossed over her chest, heart still thumping.

“Really got the jump on you that time.”

“Yes, yes you did, but tell me, how’d it go? Is he alright,” she asks, swiveling in her seat, both fear and excitement warring in her eyes.

The hellion smirks, using her nickname, a special code phrase that signified a successful mission.

“I am Scarlet Night, keeper of dawn.”

Junia finally relaxes into her touch, stifled relief pushed from her lungs.

“Good. I never would have forgiven myself if it had turned out any other way.”

“I know. He sends his love. Says for you to lay off the snuff.”

Boudica raises an eyebrow, nodding in regards to the canister the vestal just polished off.

Junia cackles, boisterous, tears coming to her eyes with the force of her laughter.

Boudica revels in it, her mistress’ humor a rare thing these days, letting her go on for as long as she wished.

“Such a caring boy,” the nun says, her tone crumbling, melancholy, “He has suffered much. I still grieve for the life he lost.”

“As do I, but we did the best we could. Gave him all the love we had.”

“I can only hope it's enough. He deserved better than what we could give him.”

“Perhaps, this is a tale held true by many, but his spirit is far from broken.”

“Always so stubborn,” Junia adds, recalling fond memories of his youth, “never one to give up.”

“You know,” Boudica elicits, shifting around, hooking a leg over the corner of the desk, using it as a stool, “I think he may be seeing someone.”

Junia faces her partner with wide eyes, mouth aghast as they partake in this gossip.

“Our Tardif? Are you sure?”

The redheaded huntress nods, staring at the flickering candelabra’s flame.

“Ever since he returned from the court, he's been a different man.”

“I've noticed it too,” Junia concurs, “but I never thought … well, I assumed his mission was the cause.”

Boudica begins to hum, harmonizing an old Norse song, a gentle celebration, providing an escape from troublesome thoughts.

“What do you think she's like,” asks Junia, trying to imagine it just as she imagines rolling hills and flower meadows.

“Beautiful like you. Strong like me.”

“I expect so,” Junia giggles, soothing like a turtle dove, “Do you think he would introduce us?”

It's the hellion’s turn to chuckle. “Hm, doubtful. Knowing us, we'd probably scare her off.”

“How else could we be sure they'd make a proper fit? If she could survive us, then the two of them could survive anything.”

“I can only hope I am around to see it. Margaret is desperate to find me guilty of the crime.”

“Yes, I heard,” she laments, reaching out to hold her honor guard's hand, squeezing it tight, “We’ll find a way, always have.”

The hellion can see how her precious vestal hangs her head, so full of worry, for her and for him.

“When’s the last time you've slept, my lady?”

“Hm? Oh … probably not since you've held me,” she admits quietly, cheeks becoming as rosy as the powder she keeps.

“Then, it's time I do so again.”

“Boudica— ,” she gasps, scandalous, peering around the room for hidden voyeurs, “out in the open like this?”

“I made sure to lock the door, close the curtains. Besides, If those *fífls (idiots) can get away with it, why not us?”

“We must set a better example.”

“We do, considering how loud they get,” the hellion teases, recalling too many instances when she came across questionable noises coming from Reynauld’s room.

“You always could make me laugh.”

“That's not all I can do,” she smirks, grasping her lady by the thighs, sitting her atop the desk she once occupied, standing between her spread legs.

“Oh …”

The redhead has successfully boxed the fair maiden in, widening the gap of Junia's legs with rough swiftness, making the woman gasp, inclining her weight into hers, desiring a kiss.

A swallowed bleat against ruby lips, sweet, innocent like a lamb, Boudica's fingers slipping under her skirt.

Her touch glides up, past the crease of soft skin, white like magnolia petals, Junia gasping into her mouth, shivering the closer she gets to burning heat.

The hellion traces a thumb around her folds, rubbing down the front of her slit, hidden behind a swell of dark curls and cotton undergarments, growing wet for her.

Junia holds the harsh ferocity of her features, pulling her tigress closer, shifting her weight, slipping her hands down, grabbing hold of barbaric breasts.

“No need to be shy, my lady,” Boudica teases, the heat of passion coloring her face, propositioning Junia to squeeze them harder.

She topples the nun down, the vestal melting against the desk as her lover thrusts, their lower halves meeting despite all the layers of fabric still left between them.

“I want to feel you, inside,” Junia breathes, delirious with desire, consumed by her vibrant spice.

“*Ja, I want it too,” she pants, foreheads touching as she finally pushes two fingers past waiting flesh, making them both groan.

“So hot,” Boudica revels, fingers dripping with her slick, impressed by her velvety smooth pussy. She thought about wetting her fingers first, showing off her tongue, but Junia didn't need it, not at all.

“Mm, more. Let me have your full strength.”

“As my lady wishes.”

Boudica thrusts in, making her beloved moan, watching her writhe, grinding her hips for more of her touch.

She adds another finger, Junia taking it all, the hellion rewarding her with a vibrato of swipes over her clit.

The huntress feels her clench, arch, gush against her fingertips. She drinks it all in, the sight, the sound, delighting in the taste of her.

“*Ástin mín (my love),” she cries, reaching to intertwine their hands, the warrior holding her tightly through the hymns of bliss.

Junia had remembered the term the hellion had taught her, Boudica blessed to hear the call of her homeland in her sweetheart’s voice, a sacred spark of wildfire.

“Shall we move this to the bed,” she asks once the vestal’s breaths have settled, “Try it without our clothes this time?”

There was more maneuverability to be had there, more positions to try and the hellion wanted to ride her until she was ragged and sore.

“You better,” Junia lilts, glowing with a beauty that could rival the goddess Freya, “You haven't worn me out yet.”

“Heaven help you when I do.”

#my writing #darkest dungeon #reymas #dd hellion #dd vestal #dd highwayman #dd crusader #hellion/vestal #yuri #crimson court #au #Acta Est Fabula #fanfiction #dd #updated a week ago but forgot to post here #dd musketeer

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natsmagi · 1 year ago

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Selfishly, I am very glad you did not give up your art. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT NATSUMUGI LESBIANS!? Happy anniversary!

REALLLLLLLLL god. the first ship art i ever drew of natsume and tsumugi was actually femstars omg. idk how many ppl are aware of this. ive come full circle. fulfilling my yuri duty..........

#AND THANKUUUUUUU 💕💕💕💕💕#ask #i had an old femstars natsume design where she had a ponytail it was kinda cute. maybe i should draw it again #drew her before i created this acc

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cursedmystic · 11 months ago

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The gift she left for Matsuba was a very personal one and a singular thing that she had worked hard to attain. Once given, it was up to her where it would go afterwards. Kept in her own hands, or given away to one she deemed worthy.

After all, she did what she did for the sake of her loved ones. And she has loved Matsuba in various forms through almost her entire life.

Opening the small, silk covered box, he would find a golden ring, warm to the touch and with a single, simple stone the colour of jade. When he would eventually hold it, it would be clear its true origin.

The note attached said this:

"Many maidens from my family always gave away pieces of jewelry to symbolize their bond with their guardians. And while you were never named officially one of them, I have considered you a close family friend, a protector who looked after me through many years of my life. So this blessing is for you. Happy holidays, love, Yuri."

Matsuba was now in possession of the Blessing of Ho-Oh.

This was more than a gift - this was a responsibility, one he knew had been held by one of the many names on the tree that rooted him into this city. A long time ago, the Mori clan had offered services to the maidens of the moon, to guide them on their journeys through life and protect them from the evils of the world.

The ring is warm in his hands, like the gold had laid out in the sun, and he rubs his thumb over the stone with the sensation that he was being watched. It made the feathered emblem at his throat buzz with power, an echo of something beyond valuable.

He'd thank her later for it - eventually, he would fulfill his duty to her to guide her on her path as well.

The ring is slid on before he pulls his gloves on to head out for the day, though the clothing is mostly a formality. He felt warmed by the sun, even in the winter gloom.

#advanced holy symbol get?????#moonkssed #oseibo 2k23 ;#holiday stuff ;;

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astralartefact · 1 year ago

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I'm raising my Voice (of Cards) Divine Yurie Analysis Post

Part 1: Akeha // Part 2: 063y

Voice of Cards: Forsaken Maiden Spoilers below!

If this ends up being true Voice of Cards will eventually be the second most referenced Drakenier game despite never having an actual crossover event... and don't worry, I also don't really know if I believe any of this, but I will get into that shortly.

If we follow along what is potentially Yuki Wada's crazy reference to that other game he wrote, Yurie's costume is likely inspired by the [Black] Spirit (I don't know the correct english VoC localization terms, I only know that White is Ivory) (for a better picture of the spirit see 063y's post)

Notable Details include:

She has claws, like the Black Spirit Serpent

The colors of the outfit are predominantly black and a golden brown and it features a lot of draping fabrics, like the fabrics hanging off the Black Spirit Serpent

The design on her cowl is 100% supposed to look like a crown (which all of the Spirits in FM have)

But is that enough? Am I ready to say "Three times is a pattern, this is a thing"? Well... My current position is that I do think it makes more sense if this is what's going on, but I'm still not 100% sold on it. It does seem to me like the draft was "Make these costumes inspired by the gods in VoC:FM but feel free to make it as vague as you want we don't really want people to notice it too much."

But there are just enough little details that I don't think they would have gone for without these references as a basis to the designs. Like why does Yurie have claws? What about monster claws is "Divine"? I know there are cultures where long nails are religiously significant, but if that was what they were going for I feel like they would look different. And why is Akeha's outfit so grey? I would assume if it wasn't for Lac they would have chosen a different color instead of a 70% grey, that's really not a particularly "Divine" Color, is it?

I will probably make my final verdict with the next design though, since if these costumes are actually based on VoC then it should be obvious with the next one. With only the blue and red spirits still missing the usage of those colors should be noticeable, especially since this outfit line hasn't been particularly colorful yet.

Anyways, even if they aren't based on VoC, I really love these outfits, Yurie's especially. I love the use of white in this one and I'm always a sucker for medieval-ish puff sleeves combined with modern aesthetics. (Also can we talk about how the design sheet says "The circular object [...] was designed with symbolism in mind" and it's just a halo, which is like... duh. A lovely meaningless phrase that will 100% enter my every-day vocabulary.)

Stories Divine Ruler

She gives form to her people's hopes and dreams. She presses on with her duties, that she might fulfill her life's purpose. ────────────────────────────── She cannot understand her people's pain and sadness. How, then, could she give life to their wishes?

Pious Soulgun

If we obey it, we will never be wrong. If we believe in it, we will never have to worry. If it orders us to die, we will obey without question, for we trust in its judgment. The order it gave me is essentially a death sentence. It is never wrong. It can never be wrong. Which means… It is undoubtedly a fake in its current form, for it would never order its pious followers to die. I will strike it down!

The Weapon story reminds me of something one of my favorite video essayists Biz Barclay talked about (I think in her video about Midnight Mass? But I'm not sure and it's too long to "check real quick") in reference to the Binding of Isaac (not the game, the thing from the bible) - but I haven't watched that video in a while and I don't want to put words in her mouth so I will just encourage you to watch her stuff, she's great!

From a Voice of Cards perspective the stories (as with the other ones) don't really interact with VoC at all so we can just ignore them, I just wanted to put them here in case you want to read them.

#nier reincarnation #nier #voice of cards #forsaken maiden #also yes i know i'm late i was on vacation

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historyhermann · 1 year ago

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Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Season 2 Review

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is an anime which combines the fantasy comedy, isekai, and iyashikei genres. It is based on an ongoing 19-volume Japanese light novel series written by Kumanano and illustrated by 029. This series is produced by Japanese animation studio EMT Squared. Hisashi Ishii and Yuu Nobuta are series directors. This review will have spoilers.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the thirty-sixth article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on June 23, 2023.

The show's first season introduces Yuna (voiced by Maki Kawase), a bored teenager reincarnated in a fantasy world. The higher power (voiced by Shizuka Itou) gifts her an all-powerful, but comical, bear suit. She tries to adapt to her new life and finds it more fulfilling than anything she had on Earth. In the process, she becomes close to Fina (voiced by Azumi Waki), a 10-year-old girl and Crimonia town resident. Fina soon becomes her work partner and her sister. She is drawn to another ten-year-old named Noire "Noa" Foschurose (voiced by Rina Hidaka), who founds a fan club for the bears that Yuna uses to defeat monsters (Kumakyū and Kumayuru). The younger sister of Fina, Shuri (voiced by Miyu Tomita), and granddaughter of Gran Farrengram, Misana "Misa" Farrengram (voiced by Satomi Amano) also become her friends. Along the way, Yuna meets nobles, maids, fellow adventurers, and princesses.

Although the series is an isekai, it is more like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, than any other series out there. Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is arguably an iyashikei, a Japanese slice-of-life work which portrays characters in calm environments. Such works have less focus on the plot or characters, but more on an immersive setting and worldbuilding. It is unlike other anime in the same genre, as few are fantasy comedies, and none, that I'm aware of, are isekai.

This makes Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear unique. There's no focus on romance, music, camping, or mystery, as other iyashikei have done. Instead, Yuna is only trying to enjoy her life, with the help of her friends, and her bears Kumakyū and Kumayuru. Thanks to her bear powers she can even create structures, like houses to live in. The series has strong yuri subtext primarily manifested in the close relationship between Yuna and Fina. Also, female characters far outnumber male ones.

The laid-back tone of the series offsets other more drama-filled anime, such as The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Ippon Again!, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, and The Dangers in My Heart. The same can be said of Western animation such as Villainous, RWBY, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and Velma.

The second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, also known as Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch, is much more than that. It continues the plotlines from the first season. In the first episode of this season, there are flashbacks to remind the audience what happened. Yuna has become a bit of a celebrity and is called "Bear sis". While she isn't used to this, she doesn't shirk away from helping others. She even drives away orcs from a honey tree, so that she can have honey on her pancakes at a local cafe.

Yuna is often pulled into the world of nobles. Her fan club includes princesses Flora (voiced by Hina Kino), Noa, and Misa. Even the local feudal lord of Crimonia, Cliff Foschurose (voiced by Kōji Yusa), owes her favors. As such, she agrees to make picture books for those in the castle, but not anyone outside of it. This contrasts with the goal of Myne, in Ascendance of a Bookworm, who wants to provide books to the masses. At one point, Yuna caves to pressure and reluctantly agrees to a task given to her by noble Eleanora Foschurose (voiced by Yuiko Tatsumi): guarding students of the royal academy for firsthand training.

The latter duty, predictably, annoys Yuna, as she is comfortable with her simple life in Crimonia. The arc with the students, compromising the second and third episodes, lampoons incorrect judgment of others. Two students, Cattleya and Marix, voiced by Misuzu Yamada and Misato Matsuoka respectfully, think that Yuna is a spoiled and rich lady, and not even an adventurer. In contrast, Yuna finds it exhausting to be around people her age.

As often happens, Yuna easily defeats the beast, known as a black tiger, and takes the pelt for herself, thanks to her bear equipment. The lesson is that no one should judge someone else based on their looks. Such an empowering statement rings true when watched today or any time in the future.

While some children in Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear work, these children are enthusiastic about their work. In the fourth episode, Sherry (voiced by Kozue Yūki) makes a cushion for Yuna and aprons for those at the Bear-themed diner. She later becomes an apprentice at a tailor's shop. Since Sherry is enjoying her work as an apprentice, for which she is probably paid, I'm entirely convinced it is child labor.

Child labor is often defined as any work which deprives children of their childhood, interferes with school attendance. It can also be any work which is harmful mentally, physically, morally, or socially. I'm not sure if Sherry's work is affecting her personal development or health. Her duties are akin to assisting a family business. Arguably, her work is contributing to her development as a child and providing experience and skills. It may even be preparing her to become a productive person later in her life, as an adult. Furthermore, she is not enslaved nor engaged in illicit activities.

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Sometimes, the isekai nature of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is stronger than at other times. In the fifth episode of this season, Yuna learns that Fina can't cut through the skin of a black tiger with her current knife, and is determined to get a mithril knife. However, to do that, she has to fight golems in a cave, which are blocking access to the resource. While she collaborates with other adventurers, she ends up clearing the cave and getting what she is after by herself. She even receives a finds a substance named Bearmonite. She later believes that the God of the world set up the whole situation so she could get a reward. At another point, she even admits that the mithril knives remind of her previous life as a shut-in gamer.

As for Fina, her fear of nobles may be symbolic of her desire to be at Yuna's side no matter what. For example, she is terrified of people trying to make her wear expensive clothes. She is afraid if the clothes are ripped, she will be chastised. Adding to this, she worries about accidentally offending the King. As it turns out, the nobles don't mind her. They ease her nervousness. Even the King thinks that Yuna is annoyed with him! He believes that Fina is more well-mannered than Yuna. When she ends up spilling orange juice on her clothes, her worry fades away. It turns out that those at the castle are just as messy as her.

Otherwise, food and eating are another key part of the Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear story. This is exemplified by Yuna winning over the mother of Fina. The latter is annoyed that Yuna wants to give Fina an expensive mithril knife. Yuna makes her strawberry shortcake, which she calls "devil's dessert". In another episode, Yuna works with Nerin (voiced by Saki Ichimura) and others to bake the same dessert. She gives the same dessert to those within the castle. In the same episode, a maid named Lala helps her and Fina brew tea together, and the royal chef, Zeref (voiced by Taichi Takeda), thanks Yuna for previous recipes.

This plotline reminded me of the slice-of-life comedy drama, Antique Bakery, the only cooking anime I've watched, and the centrality of food in the Laid-Back Camp, an adventure iyashikei, and in series such as Is the Order a Rabbit?, Tokyo Mew Mew (and the sequel), and Sweetness & Lightning. I also immediately thought of the third ending sequence of Cardcaptor Sakura, set to the song Fruits Candy by Megumi Kojima. The sequence depicts protagonists Sakura Kinomoto, Tomoyo Daidouji, and Kero as baking (and decorating) a cake together. In fact, it is my favorite ending sequence of that magical girl anime.

Another important theme is the message that overwork is not a positive. In the ninth episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, characters discourage Sherry from tiring herself out. This is like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, mentioned earlier in this article, which is strongly against overwork. In this series, Yuna likes her easy life, and doesn't do more work than she has to. She likely encourages others to do the same.

The last few episodes, comprising the final series arc, are more dramatic. Fina, Yuna, Cliff, and Noa all go to the castle where Misa and the rest of the Farrengram family are living. There is conflict with nobles, including the Salbard family, who control half of Sheelin. The Farrengram family control the other half. The Salbard family want to take over the entire city for themselves. Thanks to her friendship with the nobles in Crimonia, Yuna easily navigates through this class conflict. She even brings in the royal chef of Zelef to ensure that the birthday celebration of Misa goes as planned.

In this arc, one of the worst characters, Gajurud (voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya), is introduced. He is arrogant, brash, and likes to get his way. He falls right into a trap, since Zelef promises to report the insults that Gajurud hurled at him, and the food, back to the King. Gajurud's lackeys even abandon him and claim their taste was off because of colds. His awful son, Juliane (voiced by Yōko Fujita), declares he will strike back. It appears, at first, that this attack will occur when Yuna is wearing a dress, for the first time. She is only wearing some of her bear gear, making her a bit more vulnerable.

The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear dashes the latter possibility. Yuna, wearing her bear suit, races to save Misa. The latter was kidnapped by the arrogant son of Gajurud, Juliane, with the help of the bodyguard, Brad. This all makes for an enjoyable action sequence. Yuna busts into the Salbard family mansion, beats up two nobles (Juliane and Gajurud), and clocks the bodyguard, after he underestimates her. As often happens in this series, characters underestimate how powerful Yuna is. They believe they can commit heinous acts because they see her as a kid in a bear suit.

This perception is incorrect. Yuna fights to protect her friends and those she cares about. She has a license to do this, to an extent, thanks to support from friendly nobles. In fact, Eleanora helps in this case, by arresting Gajurud and Juliane, with the help of royal guards. The mansion is then searched to retroactively uncover evidence to justify their arrest. This is an intense use of royal power, but is justified by the fact that they kidnapped Misa, and three other children from around the city.

Yuna cares about other people. In the final episode, she hugs and comforts Misa. Understandably, Misa is terrified after she was brazenly kidnapped. Yuna also reunites Misa with Fina and Noa, following her rescue. These actions make Cliff, and the Farrengram family, eternally grateful. Misa, Noa, and Fina even start to believe that Yuna is a goddess. She accepts this, to an extent, even when she is called the goddess of bears.

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The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ends nicely and ties up loose ends. However, retributive justice is shown uncritically. Gajurud and his son, Juliane, are imprisoned. They are given the death penalty after a "mountain of evidence" results in their convictions. Brad is imprisoned, exiled, and stripped of his title. Furthermore, the Salbard family property is confiscated, and the economy recovers. Adding to this, Misa's father becomes sole leader of Sheelin. All of this makes sense, considering the crimes of Gajurud, Juliane, and Brad.

In a large part, this reinforces retributive justice paradigms. The punishment of the nobles is imposed, without possibility of remorse. The state unilaterally declares what is, and isn't, a crime. In some ways, Yuna is in league with the criminal system of this medieval world. There is the presumed widespread belief that those accused of crimes cannot be rehabilitated.

The series doesn't turn these paradigms on their head like Villainous. The ending could have depicted restorative justice as being applied to the villains. Unfortunately, the writers didn't want to go that route. This isn't a shock, considering there are few examples of this in fiction, other than depictions in documentaries, podcasts, or films such as Red Dust. Furthermore, there is still continued debate over this approach to crime.

On the other hand, Yuna's violence is primarily defensive and meant to protect her friends. She doesn't go on rampages against any villains, but chooses when and where she acts violently. She lashes out at Gajurud, Juliane, Brad, and their guards. Understandably, she is furious they kidnapped one of her friends and hurt her friends in the process. No one can fault her for that.

Apart from what I've mentioned previously about this series, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear shines through is in its voiced acting. Maki Kawase, Azumi Waki, and Rina Hidaka, who voice three of the protagonists, are known for their voice work in Tamayomi, Kandagawa Jet Girls, A Centaur's Life, Michiko & Hatchin, YuruYuri, and Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood.

More prominently, Kawase voiced Shima Iwashita in Bocchi the Rock!. Waki previously voiced Flatorte in I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Tsukimi Teruya in The Aquatope on White Sand, and Takumi in Do It Yourself!! Hidaka lent her voice as Kobachi Osaragi in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War?, Ren Yamai in Komi Can't Communicate, and Himi Akane in Princess Connect! Re:Dive, to name a few.

Voice actors, such as Miyu Tomita, Satomi Amano, Hina Kino, Kōji Yusa, Yuiko Tatsumi, Misuzu Yamada, Misato Matsuoka, Kozue Yūki, Saki Ichimura, Taichi Takeda, Shizuka Itou, Yasuhiro Mamiya, and Yōko Fujita, make the series stronger. Some appeared in series like Otherside Picnic, Miss Kuroitsu from the Monster Development Department, or Too Cute Crisis, or lent their voices to characters in Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure, Princess Principal, Management of a Novice Alchemist, and Bodacious Space Pirates.

The studio EMT Squared, which produced the series, is known for four series directed by Hisashi Ishii, and another he did with Yuu Nobota: I'm Quitting Heroing. The show's composer, Shigeo Komori, is known as a writer, lyricist, video game director, and producer. Series writer Takashi Aoshima has worked on series such as Love Lab, Love Tyrant, Karin, and Petite Princess Yucie.

The present series ends with a scene in which Fina and Yuna declare "we're home" and smile. The pages of a book close, showing that this book/series has ended, that this chapter is over. If a third season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear were produced, it would continue the story of Fina, Yuna, and their friends, reopening the book for all.

The first and second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear are currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

#kuma kuma kuma bear #yuri #pop culture #lgbtq #reviews #isekai #iyashikei #i've been killing slimes for 300 years and maxed out my level #ascendance of a bookworm #child labor #villainous #retributive justice #restorative justice #Youtube

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tessadiscordia · 2 months ago

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Our Ritual

(Mis)fortune befalls a palace maiden when she catches the eye of the Emperor's daughter.

Concepts: power imbalance, royal setting, toxic yuri

Content warning for mentions of emotional and physical abuse, manipulation, and an incredibly unreliable narrator

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I am but a simple handmaiden. That is all I am. I serve the Royal Family, that is my duty. My purpose. I wish it could only be that simple, but fate is a cruel mistress and I would soon find myself in her crosshairs.

Her name is Nezera. Princess Nezera. She chose me. Out of ten dozen other palace servants, guardsmen and knights– she chose me, and even her hands around my neck feel like a warm embrace.

I remember the first time I met her. I was introduced to her by her father, the Emperor, the day I was first brought to the palace to fulfill

my duties. The first time she gazed upon me I saw my life flash before my eyes. I remember her piercing gaze, the curls of her long black hair, the way she smiled at me. That sickly sweet smile of hers haunts me to this day. I knew the minute we saw each other that she intended to eat me alive.

And that she did. The Emperor had sent me off alone to fetch some fabric for the clothesmith, but I never reached my destination. Princess Nezera cornered me in the halls, staring me down with those hungry eyes of hers. I was helpless, I felt naked under her gaze. Frozen in place like a deer in headlights. She saw right through me, into my deepest and most hidden desires. Things I had worked so hard to conceal, and yet it was as if she saw everything. She took me then and there. Pulled me off into a dimly lit storage room in one forgotten corner of the Palace. I was powerless to stop her, and even then I was not sure if I wanted to. The rich scent of her hair, and the softness of her skin against mine clouded my thoughts and made my vision spin. She drew my fate in the haze we created, she claimed what she now deemed to be hers.

It barely felt real. I remember waking up the following morning believing that I must have dreamed it. I went about the rest of my day under that assumption, fulfilling the tasks delegated to me by the rest of the Emperor’s court and making sure that things around the Palace ran smoothly. If I didn’t then nobody else would. However I soon learned the Princess had other plans, and I was summoned upstairs to her chamber.

I was escorted by her personal knights, but they did not follow me inside. Inside I only found Nezera, with those eyes that could paralyze me in an instant.

“Take off that dress, won’t you?” It was an order but it did not feel like one. It was a simple request at face value, but there was an edge to it. As if there would be consequences for disobeying. I would have obeyed regardless.

I did as she asked, and before I knew it I was drinking in her scent once more. Pinned beneath her weight it was all I could do as she buried herself between my walls, her length caressing sweet spots I didn’t even know existed. My body at her mercy, bending to her every whim. My mind like putty between her fingers. I could only cry out to no avail, my begging did not move her. She relieved herself between my trembling legs, painting my insides with her holy seed before sending me off to fulfill my duties elsewhere.

Even as I went about the rest of my day I could not stop thinking about her.

As the days passed, I awaited the moment when she would summon me again. She had sent for me two days in a row since we met one another, so I knew it would only be a matter of time.

—

More days passed.

Days turned into weeks.

Sometimes I would see her in the hallways and I’d feel my heart skip a beat. Memories of that early afternoon flooding my thoughts and snatching the air out of my lungs. She’d walk past me as if she didn’t even see me. It was like I was invisible to her now.

Another week passed without her attention, until we crossed paths in the hallway yet again. I thought she would simply walk past me again, but as I was about to pass her she grabbed me by my collar and yanked me hard. I stumbled, losing balance and falling into her grasp. She dragged me off behind closed doors and made quick work of undressing me.

It all happened so fast. I blinked and I was bent over a table with her length stretching me agape. She grasped a fistful of my hair for leverage as she took me, I felt the wet slap of her thighs against my bare ass. She was even more rough than she had been in the past, her nails dug across my back and threatened to pierce my delicate skin. I wanted to cry out for her to stop, tell her that it hurt, that I had cum twice already and I wasn’t sure if I could do it again– but she needed me. She made that much clear, the way she wrapped her hands around my twitching cock, squeezing its contents out of me as she pummeled my prostate. She saw me and she needed me. She would milk me until I was dry and sore, she would breed me until I lost all of the feeling in my legs. I was happy just to be seen by her, even if my body ached for reprieve. Even as tears pricked the corners of my eyes and my body screamed that it could not take much more of this. She saw me. That was all that mattered.

“I love you,” I managed to whimper between choking sobs. “I love you, Your Majesty. I love you.”

She did not respond. She merely continued to plow me without a word exchanged, taking what was rightfully hers.

—

And such became our ritual. I saw her often– every few days– but rarely would she even acknowledge me in the hallways. Still, I eagerly awaited the moment we would cross paths, even if she did not seem to notice me. Seeing her for those fleeting seconds was enough to bring the light back into my day and part the clouds that hung over me. For that brief moment, I did not feel so empty anymore. I had only realized then how empty I had felt until Princess Nezera came into my life, and now with her everything finally made sense. The days I did not see her pained me the most.

Occasionally she would disappear for weeks. Sometimes months. Every waking hour was occupied with thoughts of her; her laugh, her praises, the way she would twirl her hair between her fingers. The feeling of her nails raked across my chest as she forced her tongue down my throat. Those sensations I’d all but forget before I ever got to feel them again.

Then she would come back to me; she would summon me to her chambers, or ambush me in the halls or in the kitchen. Pulling me from my duties and making herself my top priority, much to the Emperor’s discontent. He never knew why I would sometimes take longer to fulfill delegated tasks, his daughter made sure of that.

“If you tell my father what we’re doing here, I’ll kill you. Do you understand?” She would whisper in my ear as she forced herself inside me and pulled me into a deep, dizzying kiss. I could only hum my response and nod my head, my mouth only able to spill out pathetic moans.

Whenever the Emperor would consider punishing me, she would make excuses on my behalf. Fabricate some lie, tell him that she had given me extra work not knowing that I had already been assigned tasks. The Emperor was doting on his daughter, so it always worked. It was never questioned, even when I would show up with bruises on my thighs and marks on my neck.

We had an arrangement. Although the terms of said arrangement were only clear in Nezera’s mind and remained an ever-changing enigma to me. She would give me flowers or death threats depending on the day, she would tell me that she loved me only to disappear for weeks on end, and she’d tell me that I was like the sister she wished she had as she fucked me within an inch of my life. It was only when I was on the brink of losing consciousness in a pool of my own sweat, tears, and a bit of blood, that I got to hear her say those dangerous words I always longed to hear.

“I love you.”

Whenever I heard those words, my brain was relentlessly assaulted with a rush of euphoria. A rising feeling from deep within my core, a burst of elation greater than any orgasm she’d ever given me. A mind-melting pleasure I only had the luxury of receiving once a blood moon. A grace note in the cacophonous relationship we shared, and all of the agony she brought me in between.

The pain of a thousand swords piercing my heart would have paled in comparison to the thing she called her love. Her kisses left burn marks etched into my mind, and her silence was deafening. A night without her warm embrace felt like an eternity. Those nights I would spend tossing and turning, driven to the brink of madness deprived of her touch day after day. Robbed of her intoxicating scent, her heavenly voice, her disarming gaze. How could she spend so long away from me? I thought she loved me. I thought she loved me. It was easy to tell myself that I hated her when she wasn’t around but when I stood face to face with her in the halls, all of my resentment melted away and I was ready once again for our ritual to begin anew.

The cycle continued. I would be hers for as long as she kept coming back to me.

#discordia writes

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wxldlfire · 9 months ago

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❝𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒'𝑠 𝑏𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑑 & 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔; 𝐼'𝑚 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦.❞

𝖆 𝖘𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊𝖗 𝖈𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖘 … have a drink at my table , allow me to tell you stories — stories of dragons and burnt men . tell me about princess yi yuri .

: ̗̀➛ twenty-five years young , a firebender and lightning bender from the royal house of yi . many know them to be prideful & vindictive . how unfortunate , truly … i’ve always found them to be compassionate & scrupulous . they oft fulfill the duties of an army general . oh , i should tell you — they support the rule of house yi . well , you know how every storyteller bends the tale they tell .

i suck at intros but this is me trying ;; hi, hi ! the name's min ( 25+, she/ her ) , and i bring to you the audacious prodigy that is princess yi yuri. you can find details about her and wanted plots under the cut. it will likely be updated as plotting and developments happen. hit the like and i'll come plot~

the princess was a babe born kicking and screaming, her cries echoing down the halls. the very day she came to this world, she made her presence known, perhaps the only time she had done with her voice.

her birth, perhaps out of love, or a contingency should things go awry with the heir apparent, was never something yuri had questioned. she could not care less of things that she cannot control, only that she is here. only that her existence served not for her own, but for someone else's — her brother.

her relationship with her father is civil at best, with the occasional acknowledgements and proud looks, but never truly warm. the fire lord only had eyes for his son, his people, and power. her mother was kinder to her though, caring and doting like a mother should be. and makes an effort to be understanding of her daughter's... oddity.

as a member of house yi, yuri is nothing short of perfection. the young girl seemed mature for her age, needed minimal supervision and fended well for herself... or so most people thought. the attention and acclaim placed on the princess was always at the expense of someone, she was stronger, faster, smarter... one evening, the fire lady, while spending some quality time with her daughter asked if it was necessary to point out others shortcomings when she need only boast her own. the young princess, void of any expression, says calmly, "how will they know what to improve and become better then?" not even a trace of empathy or remorse.

as though set up for greatness, named in honor of the avatar yuha, the princess exceeded what is expected of her. already a prodigal firebender who wields blue fire, she became the youngest known lightning bender in history at only nine years old. many believe that the ability come so easily to her as manifestation of her cold-blooded nature, with lightning often described as ‘cold-blooded fire’; that she is ‘cold-blooded fire’ made flesh. a reputation she possessed to this very day. HOWEVER, a trip to the spirit world took her ability to bend lightning, and gave her complete immunity to fire.

ironically, yuri has an enduring fascination for flowers growing up. curiosity probably started when her father called her his 'little fire flower' and it stuck. she has read a great of deal about them, and has been making as much time as she can to find and see them in person. has this habit of picking up a bunch and giving them to her mother, suho, and her cousins. unfortunately, she's not very upfront about her little guilty pleasure. when not in her typical uniform/armor, she can be seen with floral ornaments in her hair [x][x][x][x].

over the years, she has been proven to possess all the desired qualities a fire lord must have, a scrupulous leader, superior fire-bending skills, and military prowess. should war or chaos break out, the citizens trust and are confident in her abilities to defend and protect them despite her unkindly and ruthless reputation amongst their rank. no dared question her promotions, yuri had the abilities to show for it. from the day she joined the military after finishing primary school, to this day, she had proven there was no privilege or special treatment needed to be where she is.

when not covered with sweat and grime from training or practice, yuri possess soft, feminine features. a face, as her mother teases, that anyone will go to war for. to the princess, it is but another tool to use to her advantage.

cunning, and politically astute, yuri is admired and equally feared by the court. whispers dare say that the princess is a more suitable heir to the throne than her older brother. there have been rumors passed between servants of noble houses pledging their support to the young princess. a rumor that yuri, herself, dismisses; even calls it a farce not worthy to be deemed treason. after all, the princess is loyal to her family and her brother.

among all things though, the princess loves to fly on dragon back. she spends a significant amount of time with her dragon, black fire. while the princess's blue fire burned brighter than the sun, black fire is pitch-black all over, from his horn down to this claws, even the fire he breathes is black with shots of red and orange, and when spread, streaks and smears of vivid red can be seen on his wings. his eyes, however, his most prominent feature, menacing red, matches his childlike temper that only yields to the princess's soft words and hands. some joke that black fire is all of the princess's unrealized rebellion and resentment, that's why he is heftier than other dragons.

wanted plots

yi family members, of course. family drama, let's go

childhood friends from other noble houses that have seen a kinder, softer side of yuri in rare occasions, and who she learned to tolerate; maybe not be totally at east with her because of her cold, dismissive nature but maybe out of habit or orders from the head of house, they spend time together

the supporters who believe that the princess is a more suitable choice than her brother, always at her ears, egging her on; some take her word for it when she denies, while others know of the carefully placated desire she has of the throne and are set on making her admit it

someone who owes a favor to the princess who is adamant on returning it immediately to cut ties with her because of her reputation; or someone she owes a favor to and she wants it over quickly, because she does not like the idea of being indebted to someone .

a small group of people who are loyal to her, don't have to be friends with each other either, just with the princess. a sworn protector maybe? not that she needs protecting, but you've grown quite fond of each other, a readily available sparring partner, an equally talented fighter; someone the princess can trust, and trusts her back

a suitor or partner? someone trying to win her over for political purposes. she wants to at least have some control over who she marries or gain something substantial from it, if it does come to that. she's willing to negotiate terms too think margaery tyrell or cersei lannister. have at it at the heartless princess lol

if none of that tickle your fancy, we can always brainstorm and come up with something fun and interesting.

#rs.intro

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