#he's so wonderful kyaaa

[jellophoid]

okay this majima is growing on me

[exhaslo]

Kinktober Day 31- Ghost face!Miguel x Shy!Reader

*Requested by the many fans of tumblr. Happy Halloween!*

        Everyone had warned you about moving to Nueva York. The amount of dangerous people in that city were overwhelming. You were going to be eaten alive as your friends and family warned. You thought of yourself better and wanted to prove to them that you could survive. The shy and quiet you, who barely had to courage to say no. It was something you always struggled with, but you hoped that this new job would help you with it.

        You were hired at Alchemax as a lab assistant. You tried to fit in, but everyone was so self centered that you ended up being a loner. Everyone except one person. Miguel O'Hara. He had extended the hand of friendship to you, wanting to make you feel more comfortable around the place. You instantly fell for him. He was so kind to you and understanding. You had just wished that everyone was like him. You had wished you had the courage to ask him out.

"(Y/N), are you okay?" Miguel asked as he tried to grab your attention. You flinched out of your daydream,

"Y-Yeah, sorry. I've been...tired lately."

"I've noticed that you've been taking on other people's work. You need to learn to say no," Miguel told you before typing away on his computer. You could only nod,

"I...know...I've also had trouble sleeping...N-News of that...Ghostface going around killing people has me spooked." Miguel glanced you way, handing you a bottle of water, "T-Thanks."

"You'll be okay, tomorrow's Halloween, that's the last day he goes out. Just stay home, okay?" You let out a small whimper, hesitating. "You are staying home, right?" Miguel asked, stopping his work. Tears almost fell from your eyes,

"I-I got...I was told to join some of the others...a-at a small...work...party," Miguel saw you shaking, "I-I...I couldn't say no..."

"Sí, ¿qué voy a hacer contigo? Mi pobre muñeca inocente. (Aye, what am I to do with you? My poor innocent doll.)" Miguel whispered, knowing that you knew nothing of Spanish. He took you hand, calming you down, "Don't worry, you'll be okay."

        You looked into Miguel's eyes, smiling softly as you calmed down. After wiping your tears away, you thanked him quietly before hurrying off to go back to work. Miguel watched you scurry off. He growled lowly as he walked to his trash. That invitation was in there somewhere. Your coworkers didn't care about you to invite you to some Halloween party. They had other plans, and now Miguel did too. Finding the paper, Miguel's eyes shined brighter than normal.

"Tendré que matar a todos y hacerme el héroe, sólo para ti, mi preciosa querida. (I'll just have to kill everyone and play the hero, just for you my precious darling)"

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

        You stood in the corner of the small party, watching all of your coworkers enjoying themselves. You glanced down at your costume, wondering if it was too weird. Everyone else was dressed up in slutty and revealing outfits and here you were, with the costume you thought looked the cutest. You sighed sadly, wondering why you were even here. No one was talking to you. You were just there. Another sigh escaped your lips as you made your way to the upstairs bathroom.

        As you washed up, you heard faint screaming. You gasped and shut the light off, your heart beating faster. Loud thumps echoed from the staircase, causing you to whimper. Tears rolled down your cheeks as the loud thumping stopped right in front of the bathroom door. You hurried into the tub, holding yourself as you shook. This was not how you wanted to die. You cried as the door slammed open,

"BOO!"

"KYAAA!" You screamed, covering your ears. You heard loud laughter and raised your head to your coworkers,

"Ah man! Did you get that on video!?" One of them yelled.

        You stormed out of the bathroom, sobbing past everyone as they laughed at you. You made your way to the backyard since the front entrance was blocked off. You sat on the steps, crying your eyes out. They only invited you to make fun of you since you were so scared of Ghostface. You were just a quiet coworker, what did you do to deserve this? Upon hearing another scream, you whimpered in response. Were they trying to scare you again?

"I'll just stay here for a bit. They have to unblock the door soon," You whispered.

----------

        Miguel had watched the whole thing. His anger had reached a new boiling point. Fixing his mask, Miguel's grip on his knife tighten as he made his way inside. He was the one who blocked the door. Standing in the corner, Miguel watched you ran outside crying. Perfect. He was going to start with the stragglers downstairs. It was a big house and not too many people. The job needed to get new employees anyway. These guys were just dead weight.

        Miguel approached each person a little louder than he wanted. He was so fueled with anger that he couldn't focus. He just wanted everyone to pay for what they did. After his first kill, Miguel inhaled deeply. The smell of metallic blood filling his nostrils. He was not going to get now. He had taken out his anger during this month. It was the only time he could. Slowly making his way over to his next victim, Miguel resisted a chuckle as he thought of you.

        You were going to be his perfect little wife. Miguel was going to make sure you stay in the dark about his secret. He just wanted to keep you safe. He wanted to keep you protected and loved. When you first arrived at Alchemax, Miguel thought he saw an angel. A shy little angel who entered his life just for him. Miguel had hunted every single asshole who dared tried to flirt with you, or even scared you. Miguel was going to be your dark protector.

"AHHHHHH!" 

        There it was. The first scream of the night and not from a scare, but because of the dead bodies that laid under Miguel. Smiling through the mask, Miguel watched the girl run to warn the others. Ah yes, that was the start. Miguel inhaled deeply, getting enjoyment from true horror. He was going to enjoy his last few kills of the night. It was going to be another year until Miguel could kill again.

----------

        After calming down, you decided to leave. You rubbed your eyes once more before entering the house. It was quiet aside from the sound of thumping from upstairs. They were probably enjoying themselves. Honestly, you were mad at your cruel coworkers. You stopped at the front door, seeing that it was still blocked. Why were they doing this to you? The couch was far too heavy for you to move on your own. Looking for another way out, you gasped as you stepped in something.

"My shoe," You whimpered, looking at the red puddle.

        Following the puddle, you gasped sharply as you saw one of you coworkers dead. Your heart started to race again as screams came from upstairs. You hurried to the kitchen, wondering if there was a door there and froze as another dead body laid before you. This was bad. Ghostface was here and he was killing everyone. Tears began to roll down your cheeks again as you hurried to find somewhere to escape. Maybe there was a gate in the backyard?

"Please! Don't kill me!" One of your coworkers screamed as another ran down the stairs,

"(Y/N)?! You're still here?!" He yelled and gasped as Ghostface started to walk down the stairs, "Fuck it, I ain't dying here!"

        You yelped as your coworker grabbed you harshly and threw you in front of the staircase. You eyes widen as you nearly froze in fear as Ghostface stood directly before you. You couldn't move. His knife was stained with blood. You shook and closed your eyes, crying as you waited for the worst.

"No! Stay back!"

        You shuddered a gasp as you heard Ghostface leave to your coworker first. Quickly, you found a closet and hid in there until it was safe. You were frighten and scared. Covering your ears, you tried to stay quiet as you waited. Waited for Ghostface to leave.

"(Y/N)? Are you here?" That voice. You knew it all too well.

"M-Miguel! R-Run!" You cried out.

----------

        Miguel whispered some cusses towards your coworkers as he stabbed him. Now that everyone was dead, it was time for you. He knew that you ran to the living room, but where were you hiding? He stopped to clean his knife in the kitchen sink, washing all the blood off. Once that was done, he attached the knife to his thigh strap under his pants. He then took his mask off, putting it inside one of his cloak pockets that was big enough.

"(Y/N)? Are you here?" He called out, wanting to bring you out of hiding.

"M-Miguel! R-Run!" Those cries weren't meant for you.

"It's okay, I'm here now. I saw Ghostface head upstairs, quickly close your eyes and come out. I'll get you out of here."

        You were such a good girl for him. You crawled out of the closet with your eyes closed, your breathing still heavy. Miguel just smiled towards your shaken form, knowing that you were going to be in his arms in a second. With ease, he picked you up, holding you close. He could feel your heart beat. You were sobbing and holding onto him for dear life. You had no reason to cry now. Miguel was going to take care of you.

"Shh, it's okay. I'm here," Miguel whispered as he stroked your head. You just cried into his shoulder,

"M-Miguel, I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

"You have nothing to apologize for. I'll take good care of you,"

"T-They're all dead. I-I thought...I was next...Miguel...I love you. I love you. I'm sorry, I'm a scaredy cat and shy and nervous...I'm sorry I didn't say it sooner," You kept babbling, crying your heart out since you thought you were going to die.

"Dios mío, no me esperaba esto. Voy a follarte bien esta noche para que te olvides de todo esto. (My god, I wasn't expecting this. I'm going to fuck you go good tonight that you're going to forget all about this.)" He groaned lowly.

"M-Miguel?"

"It's okay, (Y/n), I love you too. I'll take good care of you."

-----------

        You sniffled as you stepped out of Miguel's shower, rubbing your arms as you wore some of his spare clothes. Miguel was kind enough to take you to his home, wanting to comfort you for the night. You were nervous as you stepped into his living room. It was quiet. Miguel was taking a shower in his other bathroom. Who would have thought that Miguel was rich? You explored his place, still surprised by the turn of events.

        You ended up in the kitchen, noticing a knife in the sink. It looked so much like the knife Ghostface had. Shaking the thought out of your head, you made your way back to the living room. You wanted to forget about what happened tonight. You tried to at least. You knew you were going to have trouble sleeping again. Tomorrow was going to be harsher because everyone was going to be asking about the others. Asking why you were the only one left alive.

"W-What if they think I killed them?" You stuttered at the thought. Miguel approached you from behind, wrapping his arms around your waist,

"Then they would be fools," He kissed the back of your neck.

        You shuddered at the affection Miguel gave you. Turning around, you pulled him into a tight hug. Miguel chuckled as he picked you up and carried you to his bedroom. Your cheeks burned up as he placed you on his bed. Miguel stroked your cheek, calming you down again. His smile instantly making you fold for him.

"Do you trust me?" Miguel asked you as he slowly climbed over you. You just nodded, "Good, there's something you need to know,"

        You whimpered as Miguel kissed your neck. His hands stroked your sides under the shirt you wore. He let out a low groan since you looked so good in his clothes. You let out a breathless moan as he cupped you breasts. Miguel was going to wait until you were completely in his grasp before telling you. After all, you couldn't say no. You were going to be his good girl forever.

"M-Miguel?" You whined softly as he took your shirt off, squeezing your breasts and pinching your nipples. 

"You're not going back to work," Miguel whispered as he started to grind his bulge against your cunt, "You're going to stay here. Make it look like you died with the others."

"W-What?!" You asked, but flung your head back as Miguel sucked on your breasts.

        You moaned softly as Miguel spread you legs, allowing him to rut into you rougher. You felt yourself getting wetter. The boxers he let you wear were too thin and easy for him to grind against. You tried to ask him what he meant, but you were being overwhelmed with pleasure. Miguel's hands were now resting against the boxers, rubbing your clit against the fabric. You body leaned into his touch, desperate for more. His tongue swirled around your nipple, making his way back up to your neck.

"You're going to stay here, baby." He whispered again, his fingers dipping under the boxers and circling your clit, "My beautiful angel. I can't let anyone have you. I can't let anyone harm you. You were always mine."

"Mhm~ M-Miguel~"

"(Y/N), don't be afraid of me. I will never harm you." Miguel watched as you bit you lower lip, moving your hips with his hand, "Así es. Déjame convertirte en la esposa perfecta. Déjame manchar tu hermosa inocencia. (That's right. Let me fuck you into the perfect wife. Let me taint your beautiful innocence." He groaned lowly.

        You whimpered a moan as you felt a knot tighten inside you. Miguel moved his fingers faster against your clit, causing that knot to tighten. You tried to rub your legs together, but Miguel kept them spread. He sucked against your neck, groaning as you cam from just him playing with your clit. His fingers dipped lower, two digits entering your tight, soaked cunt. You moaned again, your cunt squeezing his fingers as he pumped inside you.

"Ah, my sweet innocent little angel. Watching you break because of me is so delicious." Miguel groaned as you squirmed and moved your hips to his touch, "You're going to stay here. I'll make sure no one will ever hurt you again, understood?"

"Y-Yes! Yes!" You cried out as his fingers feverishly fucked your tight gummy walls.

        You whined as Miguel raised your legs over his shoulders. Your pussy clenched his fingers as he started to curl against your sweet spot. You flung your head back as he started to wiggle his fingers inside you. His thumb rubbed against your clit again, bringing you over to the edge. Miguel wasn't making any sense, but his words were making you wetter. Honestly, with how tonight went, you wouldn't mind being stuck in Miguel's home forever. He was your protector.

"M-MIG-" You screamed out as you reached another orgasm. Miguel pulled his fingers out, licking them,

"You even taste sweet," He hummed, holding his erection towards your twitching folds, "You have no idea the amount of men I had to get rid of to make sure you stayed innocent, just for me. Seré tu primero en todo... y tu último. (I will be your first for everything...and your last.)" He groaned.

        You whimpered as you felt Miguel's dick stretch you out painfully. His cock was so thick and long. Your pussy was convulsing around him, sucking him in while drool rolled down your lips. He was making you feel so full. You wanted to question him on what he meant by getting rid of people, but you started to get drunk off his cock. Another whimper escaped your lips as Miguel groaned, fitting his whole length inside you. You swore that he was pressing against your cervix, but you weren't sure. This was a first for you.

"Un ajuste perfecto. Fuiste hecho para mí, cariño. Voy a grabar la forma de mi polla en tu memoria. (A perfect fit. You were made for me, darling. I'm going to fuck the shape of my dick into your memory.)" He groaned, slowly pulling out of you, "Killing all those people made this worth it."

"H-Huh?"

        You moaned loudly as Miguel thrusted his dick back inside you, hitting your cervix with each thrust. You cried out as Miguel started to bully your cunt, causing you to turn into putty under him. You could barely feel your legs as the slapping sounds between you grew louder. His dick forming a perfect space inside your pussy. You trembled as you started to reach another orgasm, unable to take the pleasure that he was filling you with.

"Look at you, so fucked out on my cock. How does it feel to get fucked by Ghostface, baby? Does my dick feel that good?" Miguel moaned as you tighten around him, "Yes, it does, doesn't it. Why else would you be squeezing me this tight?"

"H-Hah~ Ah~ Y-You're....ah~ mhpm...G-Ghost...f-face?" You whimpered lowly. Miguel fasten his pace, enjoying the white ring that formed around his dick,

"Yes. I'm the scary Ghostface that killed those asshole coworkers of ours," He chuckled, stopping to fill you with his seed, "I told you that you'd be okay. I will never, ever hurt you. Only love you."

        You wanted to be scared. You truly did, but both your brain and your heart were only thinking about Miguel's dick pounding you still. His hot semen filling your womb as he kept fucking you dumb. You body twitched from overstimulation as Miguel started to rub your clit again. He leaned down to kiss you, biting you lower lip as you moaned for him. His grip tighten against your hips, rutting into you furiously. He wanted to make sure you knew that you were his.

"Awe? Tired already? I think I need to show you how many people I've killed for you. Here's the second victim." Miguel groaned as he cummed inside you again. 

"Mhm~" You muffled lowly, growing exhausted. Miguel chuckled as he pulled you to his lap,

"Tienes razón cariño. Vas a ser la esposa de Ghostface. Siempre puedo mostrarte mi amor en cualquier momento. (You're right darling. You're going to be Ghostface's wife. I can always show you my love anytime.)

----------

        When you woke up, Miguel was by your side with water, vitamins and breakfast. He had bathed you and put on a fresh pair of clothes. You recalled his confession from last night and grew slightly nervous. Miguel, the man you longed for, was the murderous Ghostface. He killed your coworkers and faked your death. You now belonged to Miguel. You wanted to be scared, but Miguel had proved to you that he was never going to hurt you.

        Maybe it was your blind faith or actually being fucked dumb, but you willingly agreed to stay with Miguel. You stayed in his place as his house wife, greeting him with love everyday. Miguel rewarded your love with his brutal sex, reminding you that you belonged to him. By next Halloween, Miguel returned to his Ghostface persona, needing to release some steam. You became his accomplish, making sure that he returned home safe and sound.

"How was my good girl tonight?" Miguel hummed as he slapped his dick into your soaked pussy. You whined into the bedsheets,

"D-Distracted t-the...ah~ police...s-sending em...mhm~ opposite side of...of....ah~ t-town~!" You cried out. Miguel groaned happily, harshly shoving his dick deeper into you to fill,

"That's my perfect angel. Well done."

"T-Thank you!" You moaned against him, shaking from the pleasure. Miguel hummed happily as he kept thrusting inside you,

"I think you deserve a reward. Why don't we try making a little Ghostface jr?"

"Yes! Yes!"

        Your vision blurred as you moved in rhythm to Miguel's thrusts. Your mind started to fill with lust as you became tainted by Miguel. You were just as bad as him now, but you didn't care anymore. As long as Miguel was there to love you and protect you, you were okay. You moaned loudly as you cam against his dick, burying your head into the pillow again. You were happy with you life now. You were going to protect and live with Miguel forever.

Forever as Ghostface's wife.

[tateragi]

kazuaki: kyaaa hes looking at me so intensely i wonder what hes thinking abt >//<"

hitori: wondering what color contacts to get and how much bleach to use to steal his identity one day

[judesmoonbeauty]

Only Look At Me CE: Victor

This is a fan translation only. Not 100% accurate, so please expect grammatical errors. Cybird owns everything. Re-blogs are appreciated, but please do not post my translations elsewhere. Dividers: @/natimiles. Thank you for your support! ☾.

There was a large long box  with a handle that was placed in the lounge room.

(It’s big enough for someone to fit inside, but I wonder what it’s going to be used for.)

Just as I tried to open it -

Victor: Seems like it’s been found.

Surprised by his voice I let go of it, he approached with a bitter smile on his face.

Kate: What is this?

Victor: It’s a new magic trick gadget!

Opening the box revealed nothing, but a dark empty space.

Kate: It looks like an ordinary box…..what sort of magic tricks can it do?

Victor: I’m glad you asked!* It’s a magic trick you can use to escape from an ordinary box.

Kate: Oh, I’ve seen that before!

Victor: Since Vogel is here, I was thinking of performing a magic show as a welcome reception.

Victor: I wanted to take the opportunity to try something new.

Kate: Well, they did say they wanted to deepen our friendship.

Kate: I should also speak to and get to know them!

(I know what Harrison said, but it’s important to get to know the person.)

I suddenly noticed Victor staring at me…..

Kate: What’s the matter?

Victor: You’re such a kind-hearted young lady, but I want you to know more about Crown.

His shoulders were slumped down, and he seemed lonely,

Victor: And of course, about me too.

I could tell by his playful wink, that he really didn’t mind.

Victor: Now, in order to regain Miss Robin’s attention, I shall monopolize your time!

Victor: First of all, I’d like for you to help me practice some magic tricks, okay?

I was happy when he said that he wanted me to help him practice, so I gave a BIG nod.

Kate: Please just leave it to me!

Once I entered the box, I found that it was spacious enough for one person to fit inside.

Victor: There is a mechanism inside, and if you touch it, the back plate comes off.

There wasn’t any switch in the box,

Victor: The manual should be around here somewhere, but…..

He leaned forward, half way inside.

As I watched his hands search for the switch earnestly,

Kate: Oh, isn’t this it?

Victor: THAT’S IT!!

I found a slight protrusion, and he happily pressed it.

The next moment,

Victor: Huh?

Kate: Woah.

The door suddenly closed and we were trapped inside the box.

Victor: That was surprising….are you alright, Kate?

Kate: Yea, I’m okay……

(What should I do, we’re super close…!)

With our bodies close together, I could hear our breathing in a way I normally couldn’t.

There was a small gap between us thanks to his hand against the wall, but in this darkness, with the slightest movement we’d be pressed together.

Kate: You know how to open it from the inside, right?

I asked trying to hide my nervousness,

Victor: …….I don’t know.

I never expected him to say that.

Victor: I thought the switch from earlier was for the escape door.

Victor: We might have to wait for someone to open it.

Kate: To wait for…..

(I was thinking that if we pressed the switch again, it would open.)

Kate: Let’s press it again! It’s around here….

Victor: Woah.

My fingers touched his side and he let out a sound I’ve never heard before.

Kate: S-sorry!

Victor: It’s okay, I was just a little surprised.

He bent his arm as it seemed to be getting tired.

I gasped as we grew closer, his glossy hair brushing against my cheek.

His soft voice, his scent of a cold night, I felt heat run to my cheeks where his hair touched.

(We need to get out of here soon….my heart can’t handle this.)

I placed my hand against the door to get out as quickly as possible.

Victor: Kate?

Kate: If I keep touching it, I might be able to find the switch.

Victor: That’s right, I’ll look for it too!

Kate: Kyaaa.

As I moved, the box shook causing me to loose my balance.

I quickly try to stand, but ended up straddling his lap.

Victor: Sorry, I’ll move if you lift your hips a little.

Kate: Just give me a moment, hng.

No matter what I did, I couldn’t change my position in the narrow box.

His knee pushed up between my legs, rubbing back and forth.

(My body’s reacting, what should I do?)

My toes twitched as his knee rubbed against my sensitive spot, while I clutched his shirt to brace myself.

Kate: It’s alright, please don’t move.

Victor: [Gasp]!

I hear a gasp as his knees push my body up.

Victor: ……I’m sorry.

When I looked up I saw an apologetic look on his face, there was a crash and my lips hit his beauty mark.

Kate: Ah, it’s open…..?

Normal scenery came into view, I stumbled a bit when I exited the box, and collapsed in relief.

Victor: Are you hurt?

I looked up at him as he held out his hand worriedly

(Come to think of it, I kissed Victor in the end…..)

Feeling both sorry and embarrassed, I took his hand without making eye contact.

Kate: …..I’m not hurt.

Victor: If we’d been trapped any longer, I think my heart would’ve exploded.

He spoke in a cheerful tone as he turned towards the box, and I suddenly noticed something.

(That…?)

Amidst his glowing black hair, his ears were slightly red.

(Did I see that wrong? But, I guess he’s aware of it too…..?)

Victor: Kate?

His voice somehow sounded lustrous as he called my name, and the heat that I felt inside that narrow box lingered.

Tagslist: : @sh0jun @theimaginativelyreticent @sapphire-323 @letter-from-afar * I was torn between this line. It seems like it could also be rendered as [I'm glad you were to listening!], implying that no one gives Victor the time of day when he talks about magic, but I chose to render it as I did above.

Vivi is so cuuuute! His little ear blush!!

[kajibunny]

haiii i wanted to share this super adorable kajimii artwork by @the-original-skipps !!!! ♡

thank you so much skipps my love ૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა this is super special to me because i absolutely love her art and omgomgomg the way she just knew my perfect dream yukata design and and KAJI IN A YUKATA!1!!1!1!1! he is so precious!!! festival date ashdbxjdnsnxjd ₊˚⊹♡ i legit teared up when i saw this AAAAHDBSNZNSNSN thank you kyaaa do i even deserve such a wonderful gift??? huhu ilysm <33333 needed the double umemiyas to help me present this masterpiece lmao HAHDHWHWHHXHXHAHA

[yuhi-san]

Slowly reading through trimax made me think about vash’s scars again. Less about his feelings towards his scars (how they are a reminder, the price he pays and all that), I have seen many posts and takes about that but more abut, well, how he treats his scars. I try to put my thoughts in coherent text.

Vash doesn’t like showing his scars too much. He generally keeps all of his body covered up when he is out and about. He knows his scars are off-putting to others and that they are not pretty to look at. Both in trimax and 98, vash does this squirmy ‘kyaaa’ thing and all that puts a funny twist to the situation.

he does make remarks about how he doesn’t like people to see, though they are more of the ‘girls wont like it because its not pretty and that lowers my chances’ kind. Which really is more a deflection from the horrifying implications of HOW someone got scars like that.

In stampede, vash is also a little sheepish and makes a comment on how wolfwood seeing is scars is ‘embarrassing’.

But other than that, he doesn’t actually seem all that embarrassed about it. He doesn’t even bother covering up after milly and meryl saw him. Especially in trimax when he is traveling with wolfwood he does his training and stuff in just a sleeveless shirt and all. Like, vash genuinely doesn’t seem insecure about his scars (or his lost arm for that matter). Him covering up seems really more a habit than anything else, not because he himself feels any shame about how it looks but to avoid peoples reaction to what they see.

(yeah yeah, we all like to think we wouldn’t be judgmental, mind our own business, not be rude and stare but scares like vashs? With metal sticking out? You sure would look and you sure would wonder at least.) and vash likes just being some dude and not drawing attention.

Like, vash covering up his scares has more to do with him not wanting the extra attention than with him being self-conscious about them. I just thought that was kind of interesting.

(so far, vash also doesn’t seem particularly hesitant to let people get their hands on him to patch him up)

[cainluvr69]

Main Story 2 Chapter 22 - The Days I've Spent Alongside Wizards (Second Half)

Previous Chapter

7 - At the Center of Their Cheers

Oz: <Vox Nox>

Flying Battleship Airman: Wah…! Wasn't I just on the airship…?! You've saved us…!

Mithra: We only made it in time thanks to my doors.

Oz: We did not make it in time.

Riquet: I wasn't able to purify the entire area, but I can purify everyone individually. <Sunrotea Edif>

Cortes Citizen: …ah, I can…I can breathe again… Thank you so much…

Cain: That ship… (Is that the same one as that engineer we met on a mission here in Western Country made? Benjamin…) (I'd heard that the one he'd made that went crazy and got destroyed was the only one made, but…) (They must've been building more somewhere he wasn't aware of. There might be even more…) (If they were made by the Magical Technology Corps, there's probably more than just airships…)

Oz: If we do not make haste, night shall fall. The source of the miasma is before us.

Cain: …! The airship crashed…!

Owen: Is that that flying battleship thing? There's a ton of mana stones aboard.

Cain: The mana stones are what make it move. …?! The green mist is covering the fallen airship…!

Owen: If that monster eats all of those mana stones…

Cortes Citizen: Kyaaa…!

Cortes Citizen: It's an earthquake… The earth is shaking…!

Cain: No… That's… The sound of footsteps…

✦✧☾✧✦

The sun was silently sinking behind the horizon line. Darkness encroached, leaving us with only the light of the moon…

And a monster the size of a castle was bathed in that light… Looking down at us.

Cain: … …The walking Hell…

✦✧☾✧✦

Candles around the base of the goddess statue in the plaza of the City of Fortune were lit as a prayer for Western Country's growth and harmony. That was how the lighting ceremony began. The plaza had swarmed with people hoping to catch a glimpse of their young queen, the talk of the town. Standing next to her meant that I, too, had hundreds of eyes on me, and I was so nervous I could hear my heart in my ears. But I had Arthur with me, and I was able to keep my calm thanks to all the practice I'd done in front of the Sage's Lattice.

✦✧☾✧✦

Arthur: Standing in front of a crowd is something that will always be nervewracking on your first attempt. But you'll enjoy it more as you get used to it. It's fun in the same way that having a conversation with them would be.

Akira: A conversation… But I'm not going to be actually talking with them, right?

Arthur: Correct. But standing before them will still tell you how they're feeling. Like "this is kind of boring," or "they're getting excited!", or "this is the best!" That kind of thing. It's especially easy to tell if they respond to the movements you make with your hands. I love the way that everyone moves in concert, like friends would.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: (I wonder if I'll be able to tell how they're feeling as well as he can…)

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Shylock! This way, this way!

Shylock: Shh, Murr. We'll be noticed.

Chloe: Well? It sounds like General Barnett isn't going to be anywhere near her tonight…

Shylock: … …I believe she may be human. If she is truly a wizard, she must be extremely skilled at hiding herself… Or she must have been presenting herself as a human very thoroughly for a very long period of time.

Chloe: What do you think, Murr…?

Murr: I'm with Shylock on this one! But if she's transformed herself, there should still be something out of place somewhere.

Chloe: I heard about how she's got a habit of playing with her hair from Gregory, but hair quality can change pretty easily…

Shylock: Let us observe her, as earnestly as if she were our true love.

✦✧☾✧✦

Western Official: …And that concludes her Majesty Queen Liliana's words of gratitude.

Queen Liliana made a small bow, and the plaza erupted in wild cheers.

Western Citizen: Praise Queen Liliana!

Western Citizen: Praise her Majesty!

Western Official: Silence! We would now like be bestowed the honor of hearing the Master Sage's address.

The plaza fell silent, and everyone's attention turned to me. It was an overwhelming sight. I felt like I might be crushed. I felt my cheeks started heating up, blushing brightly in front of the audience. My heart was pounding in my throat. I need to calm down. I need to calm down. I could feel myself getting worked up, but on the edge of my vision, I saw Arthur wink. "Everything is going to be okay," the shard of Murr in my pocket whispered to me. Figaro smiled gently at me and nodded encouragingly. I smiled back, and took a deep breath.

Akira: I'm so happy to be able to participate in the lighting ceremony with not only her Majesty, but with her beloved people as well.

I could feel my nerves starting to settle, bit by little bit, as I spoke. My heart was still going a mile a minute, but not so much that my mind was blank. Thanks to the Western people's curiosity and appreciation of me, I was getting a good reaction. I saw nothing but smiles. I think I love the people of the West as much as I love the people of Central.

Akira: Queen Liliana is a woman who treasures her people very dearly. I've been wondering if she had any interesting hobbies or interests, actually.

Liliana: …

Akira: So I decided to speak with one of the servants who had been in attendance at Cortes Palace while Queen Liliana still lived there.

I spoke of the Liliana that Gregory had told me about. About her skill in singing. About how she would pick berries alongside her townspeople. As I spoke, episode by episode, the audience's eyes on Liliana softened, gazing at her with an almost familial sense of pride and affection.

Liliana: …

Maybe it was just my imagination, but I think that Liliana too, behind her noble smile… Had the smile of a big-hearted girl raised in a peaceful providence.

✦✧☾✧✦

Shylock: …She's a wizard.

Chloe: Huh?

Shylock: Queen Liliana is a wizard. It was only for a moment and only in a trivial way, but she altered herself. By alteration, I mean regarding the image she's built up. The illusion within herself manifesting externally. Thanks to Master Sage's speech, the image of Liliana within the witch who has taken her form has changed somewhat. It was only a slight change, but still, she adjusted herself. She is a wizard.

Chloe: Then, is she…?

Shylock: I cannot say for sure. But if we are to believe Kelvin's story, then it would be best to not say her name aloud. For those who know of her secret…

Chloe: …But I can't just ignore Rustica like this. Let's go back to the manor.

Murr: But if Rustica leaves the tower, he's gonna turn into feathers. Well, he turns into feathers in the tower, too.

Chloe: I'm going to talk to him. And then I'm going to save him from that tower, the way he once saved me. Can we go to the tower? Murr, Shylock.

Murr: Yeah!

Shylock: Of course. Let us depart at once.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: …And that concludes my speech. Thank you very much for listening.

Western Citizen: Praise the Sage!

Western Citizen: Praise Master Akira! I came to see her Majesty, but I've fallen for the Sage, too!

Western Citizen: Same here! They had nothing but good things to say about her Majesty and us! That, and they've cleaned up all sorts of weird incidents around our country! I want to hear all about what sorts of things they've seen!

Western Citizen: Same here, same here! Both her Majesty and the Sage are so wonderful! And the Central prince is smiling so brightly and waving at us! I'm so happy! I was expecting that Southern doctor to be just an uncivilized bumpkin, but he seems quite intelligent! I thought wizards were all a dangerous sort, but… The Sage's wizards must all be of a special breed!

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Haah… …I was so nervous…

Arthur: Very well done, Master Sage. That was absolutely marvelous!

Akira: Thank you so much. Do you think this will make everything work out okay?

Figaro: It definitely will. Even if the effects aren't immediately obvious, we'll still see them, slowly but surely. Even if you were a vile villain, those who know of you would still try to protect your honor after today. Their very existence, small though it may be, places restraints on the Queen. The bonds that had so distressed you have now been laid at her feet. Well done.

Akira: Will we be able to return to the Central manor?

Murr: We will. Should an incident occur, if it is our now beloved Sage who settles it, you'll be able to return all the faster. Speaking of, you mentioned that something serious is happening at Cortes, is it not?

Akira: That's right! I need to make a report to her Majesty.

Figaro: To the Queen?

Akira: I feel like the Queen would want to know about anything major happening in her country. And… If we can settle this incident by working together, it'll make it look like we're getting along even better.

Figaro: Ahaha! You certainly are a fascinating one. You've got a good heart, but you're still calculating under the surface.

Murr: Well then, shall we be off? Our production continues.

Arthur: Production?

Murr: We'll be presenting the Sage's wizards as even more dashing, spectacular, and beloved than ever before. With one Chloe Collins's outfits.

Arthur: I see! We're going to dress up in the outfits Chloe made for us again. Oh… Speak of the devil. There's Chloe and the other Western wizards.

Figaro: They must've caught sight of the lighting ceremony while flying back through town. Let's catch up with them.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: Mithra! Can you help the people who've collapsed get to safety?!

Mithra: Ask me later! I need to find Mitile and Rutile. <Arthim>

Riquet: I can help, Cain. Oz, please wait somewhere safe as well.

Oz: This monster breathes miasma. It is not something the two of you alone can…

Riquet: We will be fine. Cain. There are many people all wearing the same clothing coming diagonally from the right. They're the ones Oz saved just a short while ago.

Cain: The people manning the airship. Riquet, take Oz somewhere away from here.

Riquet: Just Oz? Understood.

Flying Battleship Airman: What's going on here?! How dare that monster do that to our ship… Is there anything we can do to help?!

Cain: I'm Cain, a wizard from Central. Good to work with you.

Flying Battleship Airman: You were on the ship just earlier! You really saved our bacon… Oh, I've seen your portrait before!

Cain: (He's seen me. So he's definitely a Western soldier.) (If he's seen my portrait, that means he'd be able to pick Oz out of a crowd, too.) (It'd be bad if they found out Oz can't use his magic right now.) The miasma that monster's making weakens you the more contact you have with it. There are a lot of people who can't stand because of it. Can you carry as many of them as you can out of here and up that hill? You all watch yourselves, too.

Flying Battleship Airman: Got it. You keep your eyes out, too.

Cain: … Oz, Riquet!

Riquet: Have you finished your business with them? Then let's begin our rescue operations.

Cain: Yeah. But first, Oz. We can't let them find out about your nighttime condition. Can you try watching over us like a mentor or a coach or something? Put on a good act for them.

Oz: I have no experience in such performances.

Riquet: Yes, you do. You learned proper and friendly behavior to blend in with average people on the street from Cain alongside Arthur. You did quite well. I am sure you will do well this time, too.

Oz: I see.

Cain: How should we go about trying to take that thing down?

Oz: Attacking it will simply cause it to produce more miasma. Overcoming it with magic strength prior to its miasma overtaking you should be possible.

Cain: But the miasma is getting everywhere. The people on the ground would get caught up in it like that.

Oz: Such is unavoidable. This area is a price to be paid in exchange for felling such a large monster.

Cain: So this place is going to get to the point where nothing can grow here at all?

Oz: I imagine it will recover in several centuries.

Cain: … If you're going to lead me down a path that would upset the people… I'll try to become a decoy first.

Oz: Leave that to the Northern wizards.

Cain: If it attacks, the land will die. I can't imagine how horrible the residents' grief would be to lose their hometown. I need to do something. So I'm off!

Oz: Cain!

Riquet: I will guide as many people as I can to safety. Oz, you be sure to stay away from anywhere dangerous, too!

Oz: …

✦✧☾✧✦

Heathcliff: Shino! Lennox…!

Shino: …gh…Heath… Just stay where you are.

Heathcliff: You look terrible… Did you get caught up in the miasma? …I'll take you to Mr. Faust. Where's Nero?

Shino: He's carrying people who've collapsed…

Heathcliff: …How could a monster that big show up somewhere people live…

✦✧☾✧✦

Mithra: Rutile! Mitile! …The miasma is so thick I can barely sense them… Rutile! Mitile!

Mitile: <Scintilla>!

Mithra: … …It's been so long since I heard that…

Mitile: I took care of the fallen tree! Everyone, please follow this road!

Cortes Citizen: …uu… Thank you, Mister wizard…

Mithra: Mitile.

Mitile: Mithra…

Mithra: You're using her spell.

Mitile: …I am…! <Scintilla>!

Mithra: …Haha…

Mitile: Hehe…

Mithra: That's a relief to hear. How's Rutile?

Mitile: My brother is…oh no, that's right! My brother is hurt bad!

Mithra: He is?!

Mitile: Yes! I'm trying to find Faust!

Mithra: I'll take you there. <Arthim>

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: <Cure Memini>

Owen: Think you can handle it? …Cough. If we had the time, I know my dog could deal with you. I think the land here is going to die completely. Is that okay? Well, not that I care. <Cuare Mori…>

Cain: Owen!

Owen: … What is it, Sir Knight? You should stay away, you know.

Cain: I can't do that. Attacking that thing just makes it gush more miasma.

Owen: Sure seems like it.

Cain: Could you help me lead it somewhere out of town? I'll act as the decoy.

Owen: How? It's not going to follow you. And I won't follow you, either. That's what the Western wizards are for, aren't they? They specialize in charming everything around them.

Cain: They definitely do… But none of them are in town right now.

Owen: Huh. Too bad.

Cain: …! What's with those weird movements…?

Owen: Is it going to attack? No… The meat is falling out…?

✦✧☾✧✦

Officer: General Barnett!

Gilles: What.

Officer: A report has just come in! A flying battleship has just crashed in Cortes…!

Gilles: It crashed? What was the cause? Or was it shot down? Is the crew dead or alive?

Officer: The cause and number of deaths are both unknown. We are collecting information as fast as we can.

Gilles: There's no need to collect any information. A crashed airship is a major incident. Residents of the area will likely have lost their lives as well. I will organize and lead a rescue operation at once. The initial response is crucial. If they are unhurt, then that would be ideal--that's all.

Officer: Sir…!

Gilles: I can only hope there's no major damage.

Nova: Gilles.

Gilles: What do you want, Nova?

Nova: I will accompany you to Cortes. I want you to give me personnel to assist in collecting data.

Gilles: Data?

Nova: The airship crashed because of a subspecies of artificial wizard. Halitus Mortifer. I used a resurrected ancient magical creature as the basis, and built onto it. I haven't yet perfected it, but things have gotten quite interesting thanks to its escape.

Gilles: …Interesting? You've likely killed my soldiers.

Nova: My experiments are more useful than your soldiers. This has done nothing but prove that conjecture.

Gilles: … You will not be joining me on an airship, and I have no men to collect your data for you.

Nova: I was fairly certain your Queen had ordered you to assist me in my research.

Liliana: That I did, Gilles.

Gilles: Your Majesty…

Liliana: I shall also board your ship. We are leaving for Cortes by airship immediately.

Gilles: …As you wish.

Liliana: Nova. You will take responsibility for this, but not now.

Nova: I'm well aware.

8 - Final Words and an Endless Rain

Painting Snow: The sun has finished its descent…

Painting White: At the very least, we can still step out from within this frame, but…

Lennox: …gh…ugh…

Faust: …! Leno…!

Painting Snow: Those wounds look terrible!

Painting White: Faust! Leave the barrier to us, and go to him!

Painting Snow: Shino, Nero! You shall aid us.

Nero: Got it!

Shino: On it! I studied for this.

Snow & White: Lovely to hear it. <Noscomnia>

Faust: …I'm sorry. <Salliuqnart Mulcredo> Leno, pull yourself together. I just cast healing magic…

Lennox: …You don't need to do that. You should be saving your magic for more important things… Please…

Faust: But…!

Lennox: …I attacked the monster's head and dealt a good amount of damage, but it was able to recover as time passed. Even if you attack its head, dealing a fatal wound will be…difficult… …But I did notice something odd while I was fighting it. There was something in its ribs… I saw what looked like the shining of a mana stone under its skin…

Faust: A mana stone in its ribs… Like with the artificial wizards…?

Lennox: If you attack that, you might be able to deal the beast a fatal blow… But dealing that blow while facing its miasma head on, and without using magic to deal it… …Is something I couldn't do… The miasma from its mouth and claws is especially thick. If one could avoid it and destroy the mana stone-like thing inside its abdomen… It's possible…that we could fell the beast…

Faust: …A mana stone in its body. Got it. I'll let everyone know. You shouldn't try to talk any more, Leno…

Lennox: …Please, Lord Faust…

Faust: Shh… If there's something you want from me, I'll hear it later. You'll open your eyes again. You can tell me then.

Lennox: Haha… Too bad. It's something I want you to hear right now…

Faust: I'll hear you out later. No matter what it is.

Lennox: …No… …

Faust: Leno? Lennox…! …Snow, White!

Snow: What is it?!

White: Is something wrong?!

Faust: I need you to look after Lennox for me. I need to tell the Northern wizards the monster's weak point…

Mithra: Rutile… Rutile…!

Mitile: Rutile…! …! Even Leno's been hurt…!

Faust: Mithra… Mitile!

Mithra: Is that man dead? When did he lose consciousness?

Mitile: No… Rutile! Leno…!

Snow: Both of you, calm yourselves! We're doing everything we can!

White: Should we be able to keep them in this condition, we will be able to heal them with no lasting effects, but should they once again be exposed to a great quantity of miasma…

Mithra: …Hah… <Arthim>

Snow & White: Where are you going?!

Mithra: I'm going to get Figaro. Faust.

Faust: What.

Mithra: He's in danger too, isn't he?

Snow: (Oho?)

White: (Who could have imagined the day would come when Mithra would worry about Lennox's health?)

Faust: …He is. Can I leave him in your hands?

Mithra: I will be back momentarily. Please ensure Rutile doesn't die.

✦✧☾✧✦

Isaac: <Animum Vexat>!

Bradley: Tch…! <Adnopotensum>!

Isaac: …gh, gahhh…!

Bradley: C'mon, don't back down. How's Eva supposed to be happy with this? That's what eatin' a stone means, y'know.

Isaac: …Damn…! <Animum Vexat>!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Isaac: …Uuugh…! I cannot lose to you! I ate Eva's stone! I can't…!

Bradley: Is that right? Then why are you dyin' over there? <Adnopotensum>!

Isaac: Ahhhh! Gh…uu…!

Bradley: You shouldn't try to move. I missed all your vitals on purpose. Start fixin' how you talk about Eva.

Isaac: …uu…

Bradley: Don't you dare disgrace death. Even you deserve a proper end.

Isaac: Hah… Hah… … …Haha… …I understand… I surrender, Bradley.

Bradley: …

Isaac: Come here… I'll tell you what Eva's last words were. She said…

Bradley: Don't need to hear them.

Isaac: Wai--!

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Isaac: Gh…!

Bradley: …

Cortes Citizen: …Mister Isaac…!

Bradley: …

Cortes Citizen: How could you…! What did he ever do to you?! He saved my son…he was a kind person…!

Bradley: That's why he died.

Cortes Citizen: …

Bradley: Hold out your hand.

Cortes Citizen: What…?

Bradley: It's that guy's stone. It's good quality. Lotta value. He was a strong Northern wizard. And it's yours.

Cortes Citizen: …

Bradley: Don't stop here. Get yourself to that magic circle up the hill.

Cortes Citizen: … …I'll never forgive you…!

Bradley: … Didn't ask you to.

✦✧☾✧✦

The door opened. Chloe was paying me a nice visit. Chloe. He seemed like he might've been someone I loved very dearly, but I couldn't quite recall. Chloe said the word, "Rustica". Rustica, let's go outside. I looked around the room. I wanted to help Chloe find this "Rustica" he was looking for.

Chloe: Rustica is Rustica. Rustica is you. Rustica is my precious teacher. Rustica is the person who swept me from my home and took me with him when I was all on my own. And then he showed me so many amazing sights, and told me so many wonderful things… You've given me an infinite amount of things, Rustica.

But Rustica did not respond. I decided to make a suggestion to Chloe. Maybe it'd come out if he put out some of its favorite food? Chloe smiled.

Chloe: Rustica's favorite food? That's syrup-covered savarin.

Rustica: That is very delicious.

Chloe: I do think I'm a bit grown up, but I don't think I can substitute for savarin. So I'll need another way to get Rustica to come out of this room.

Rustica: How intriguing. What do you propose?

Chloe's eyes, the color of violets, met mine. The face he'd had when he was young was layered over the face he had now. The face he'd had when he'd been hidden in the depths of a tailor's shop. The face he'd had when his eyes had sparkled as he stared around a shop full of bright colors. The face he'd had when he'd stared in wonder at the meteor shower above.

Chloe: You're crying, Rustica.

Rustica: …

I hesitated. I hadn't realized I was. The possibility hadn't even crossed my mind. How long had I been shrouded in happiness? I had very little experience with tears rolling down my cheeks. So once they did begin to flow… They became an endless rain. I was crying so many tears that it frightened me.

Rustica: I'm not sure I can approve. Are you sure I can't have any savarin? Perhaps with a nice, warm cup of tea.

Chloe shook his head. He took my hands in his own, hands that were very skilled at needlework. I'd been very startled when I first met Chloe. He cried very often, you see. The tears that spilled down his cheeks were as beautiful as rain rolling down a window.

Rustica: Thank you, Chloe. But I'll be fine without it.

Chloe: I won't be fine without it, Rustica. Let me see the expression you make when you cry. Don't worry. I'll stay right next to you until you're done crying, and I'll dry your tears as many times as I need to. Here, I can wipe them with that embroidered scarf you told me you liked. Do you remember that? My bluebird of happiness will open the cage door to let you fly free as many times as you need.

Rustica: …

I felt something stopping up my throat, and my vision grew blurry. I shook my head in a panic, not wanting to see this endless sorrow of mine. After all, I knew nothing but the warmth of the sun's rays. And yet, the falling rain did not stop. What should I do…

Chloe: It's okay. You don't need to be afraid. Remember that day with the big storm? The rain was so loud, and there were puddles all over town. But after that, the cheery white clouds started spreading out, and we got greeted with a beautiful blue sky.

A beautiful blue sky was a wonderful thing. I could picture it clearly.

✦✧☾✧✦

I had lost something very dear to me. I had misplaced my wonderful tomorrow. It was a wish that should have been granted. It was a pair of people who should have been happy.

✦✧☾✧✦

Chloe had cupped my cheeks as I'd been thinking. His palms were warm and kind and filled with grief. Something deep in my heart was shaking. I felt so helpless. My chest hurt so badly I couldn't stand it. I was scared to find out how many cracks had been made in its surface. And yet…

Chloe: It's okay, Rustica. Remember, I'm good at sewing… I'll give you the sun and the moon and more. If your heart's been ripped up, I'll sew it back together and give you a new one.

My eyelids responded to his gentle invitation and opened, though I'm not sure when I closed them. And when I blinked, my tears began to overflow.

Rustica: …uu…

And I cried.

Chloe: It's okay… It's okay. It must have been so hard… You must be so sad, Rustica. But it's all going to be okay now.

Rustica: …uu…sniff…uuu…

Chloe: Because I know all about it.

Rustica: …uu…wahhh…! …wahhhh…!

✦✧☾✧✦

That is the story of how I left that room, filled with tears. Though I cannot recall most of the things that happened within it…

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: Why, I'm feeling quite refreshed.

Chloe: I know, right? Crying's great for that kind of thing. I'm a real crybaby, so I know all about it.

Rustica: Is that right?

Shylock: Rustica. I'm so glad you're feeling better. Please, give me a hug.

Rustica: Of course. I'm glad you're doing well, too.

Shylock: How do you feel?

Rustica: I'm not exactly certain, but to be doing better is certainly a good thing, yes?

Murr: That's right! I'm happy Rustica's all better, too!

Rustica: As am I, Murr.

There were more than just the Western wizards celebrating my feeling better. There was also the bird, Gregory…

Gregory: Murr, Shylock! I saw you returning on your brooms. My, is there something you're celebrating?

Murr: Rustica's all better!

Gregory: That's wonderful to hear! 'Tis a wonderful thing to be better. Arguably one of the most important things.

Master Sage, and Prince Arthur, and Dr. Figaro, and the shard of Murr's soul were all thrilled with my recovery as well.

Akira: I'm really…really so happy you're okay now.

Rustica: I feel the same. It seems everyone present feels the same, in fact.

Arthur: Ahaha! How like you to say that, Rustica.

Figaro: Let us know if you still feel off anywhere. I am a doctor, so…

Mithra: <Arthim>

Figaro: Mithra.

Mithra: Figaro. Come with me. Rutile and Lennox are dying.

Akira: …?!

Figaro: Tell me what happened.

Arthur: Something must have happened at Cortes. Let's hurry! Master Sage!

My, what a startling turn of events. The people who had been happily celebrating my recovery had been replaced with people thinking many painful thoughts. In the time it had taken them to say those words, however, Mithra had opened a door through space.

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: The meat is falling out…? What meat?

Owen: Guts. Look, the guts are coming out.

Cain: My guts?

Owen: … …Are you even looking at it?! Why would your guts be coming out right now?!

Cain: Oh, sorry. What am I apologizing for…? So you meant the monster's guts. Ah… Oh, you're right…!

Owen: They're oozing out from under its arm, like cream. I think they'll fall all the way out soon.

Cain: Is it damage from an injury someone inflicted on it?

Owen: It's moving around, but it's like a corpse.

Cain: …A corpse…

Owen: How weak… Did you already get affected by the miasma?

Cain: …No, I'm good.

Owen: Then don't back down.

Bradley: Owen, Cain!

Cain: Bradley.

Bradley: We need to recoordinate. The Western wizards are here.

Owen: What?

Bradley: Look, just come here.

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: <Possideo>

Rutile: …uu… …

Mitile: Rutile…!

Rutile: Mitile… Dr. Figaro… Mithra's here, too…

Mithra: …Thank goodness…

Rutile: …I'm sorry…I made you all worry… Even though I know that if anything happened to me…it'd upset Mithra…

Mithra: Well, that is true…

Figaro: That has nothing to do with you yourself, Rutile. You don't need to apologize to anyone when you're feeling this weak.

Rutile: Thank you…

Mithra: … It was that thing that made you like this, right? I'm going to kill it now.

Rutile: …

Mithra: Where's my "thank you"…?

Rutile: I don't want you to get hurt like Leno did… …But I'm sure you'll be able to defeat it, Mithra.

Mithra: Exactly. Just sit here and wait.

Mitile: I--I'll go, too!

Rutile: Mitile…

Mitile: Please take me with you, Mithra! I can go with you, can't I?

Figaro: Mitile. No matter how strong you are, you're still…

Mithra: Sure.

Figaro: …

Mithra: You'll be with me, but I'm sending you back if it gets dangerous. Let's go.

Mitile: Yessss!

Rutile: Mitile! …I hope he'll be okay.

Figaro: Well, probably.

Rutile: …I'm feeling a lot better thanks to you, Dr. Figaro…

Figaro: As for you. You might be in a better state, but try not to push it.

Rutile: Okay… I'll just do what I can.

Lennox: …Me, too.

Figaro: Leno.

Lennox: Don't worry… I won't strain myself. Let's join up with everyone else.

9 - This Battle Shall Connect Our Hearts

Akira: That monster's so big…ah…

Bradley: Woah, you good?

Akira: …Sorry, I'm feeling a little dizzy…

Bradley: Stay right next to me. I'll put up a barrier.

I nodded, even though it made my head swim even more, and took a step closer to him. The monster was so big I had to crane my neck to see it in full, and its noxious body was swaying back and forth, its movements unsteady.

Bradley: Look at that.

Akira: …! It's spewing out green mist… Is that the miasma?

Bradley: Yeah. But…

Bradley stowed his gun and held out one hand towards the Halitus Mortifer.

Bradley: <Adnopotensum> Mithra and Mitile were the ones who noticed first, but if you freeze it in place first, it won't make more miasma. That said, you can't hurt it, either. But you can still stop its movements. According to the curseworker, there's no point in attacking its head. It's got a fake mana stone in its abdomen. He said that's what we need to crush. So we freeze it, and while it can't move, use non-magical attacks to break the stone. Good plan, yeah?

Akira: Bradley…

Bradley: What, you fall for me?

Akira: Honestly, that's basically how I feel, yes! I had no idea what we could possibly do to deal with this massive monster and the miasma it's making. But thanks to you, I feel like we really can win against it! Let's try it!

Bradley: Hell yeah. Let's get started.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: You get the plan, Northern wizards? When that monster…

Murr: Halitus Mortifer!

Bradley: Yeah, when that thing gets attacked with magic, it absorbs the magic and converts it into miasma. To keep things simple, what I'm saying is if we just go at it with wild abandon, all the humans around here and even the land itself are gonna die.

Akira: So what our plan is, is to start by leading the Halitus Mortifer away from the castle and more towards the Royal Botanical Gardens. The Western wizards will be the ones to lead the way. I know it's a dangerous task, but please, we can't do it without you.

Rustica: It's a wonderful idea. Please leave it to us, Master Sage.

Shylock: I shall entice it to the best of my ability to lead it to a place with as few people as possible.

Chloe: But… Will a monster that big even notice us, much less follow us?

Shylock: Given it's a monster born in the West, it will be naturally attracted to Western magic, and thus to us.

Rustica: I'm sure it loves the thrill of things being a bit dangerous as much as everyone else in the West does.

Murr: Let's dance with Halitus Mortifer!

Chloe: We'll do our very best! But first, could I get everyone's attention?

Heathcliff: What is it?

Chloe <Suispicibo Voitengok>

Riquet: Wah…!

Arthur: Our outfits for the investiture ceremony!

Cain: Yeah! From the night when we saved the Central capital.

Oz: We donned these only a few days ago as well.

Shylock: Clad in this, I do feel more at home. Like a proper Sage's wizard.

Rustica: I just adore the epaulettes and the cloth you used for this jacket. It's simply lovely, Chloe.

Chloe: Thank you! I wanted everyone to go to battle in these outfits!

Murr: What about the me who isn't here?

Faust: I wouldn't have thought I'd be doing battle in these clothes again…

Nero: Well, it's our very own tailor's pride and joy. I'll make sure to not get it dirty this time.

Shino: Heath, let's show the Westerners what we're best at.

Heathcliff: Yes, let's. Let's put our plan into effect as soon as possible so no one else gets hurt.

Figaro: You three better not push yourselves.

Rutile: We won't, Dr. Figaro. We'll be too busy making sure we're supporting everyone from the sidelines.

Mitile: I'll be fine! I'll work hard enough to count for the two of you!

Lennox: That's good to hear. But my stoutness is worth something, too. I'll be working hard right alongside you.

Snow: Yes, yes! This outfit was the first time we all matched. We love to match, you know.

White: Matching makes you feel as one, like we'll all win or lose together.

Mithra: Does it?

Owen: No, it doesn't.

Bradley: Maybe that's how it works for you twins. …Sage, you're looking pretty damn dapper in that, too.

Akira: Yes…! Thank you! Let's get back to the topic at hand. The Western wizards will be leading the Halitus Mortifer away from here… And the Northern wizards will be using ice magic to freeze it in place and immobilize it. And that's when we'll have someone use non-magical attacks to destroy the mana stone-like thing in its abdomen…

Oz: This will successfully subdue the Halitus Mortifer.

Akira: That's right. This should let us take care of it while minimizing collateral damage as much as possible.

Faust: How are we going to go about launching a non-magical attack? It's going to be a pain as it is making it to that thing's ribcage without magic.

Akira: That's true…

Arthur: I'd like to volunteer Cain.

Cain: …

Cain's eyes grew wide. But before he could say anything, Bradley spoke first.

Bradley: I think the knight's a good choice, too. You spent a long time actin' as a knight without usin' any magic, yeah?

Cain: Yeah.

Bradley: That's exactly what we need. If you were any more experienced with your magic, you'd be using it on instinct.

Shino: Leno said something similar to me. I think Cain's a good pick.

Lennox: …Me, too.

Arthur: Are you willing, Cain? It's a dangerous mission, and I don't want to force you into anything, so answer me sincerely.

Cain blinked, once, twice, three times. Riquet, on the other hand, looked so happy he could hardly stand it, clasping his hands in front of his chest. Cain took a deep breath, his expression stiff.

Cain: I… Of course I will. On my honor as a knight.

Riquet: Cain, it's so wonderful you've been chosen for this! I'm proud of you as a fellow Central wizard!

Riquet's enthusiasm made Cain smile. It wasn't a simple and innocent smile, one of someone who had never been hurt. It was the smile of someone who had rejected the title of wizard and acted as a human for a long time, working his way to the position of Captain of the Knights… I wonder if that's something that weighs heavy on Cain's conscience, given his bright, straightforward personality. He had a bit of a handicap, as well. Cain had the least amount of experience using magic out of anyone here. But the day that such things were needed had finally come.

Cain: I'll do it. I'll make sure to. With all my might.

Cain clenched his fists tightly. Next to him, Oz bit into one of his own fingers. He wordlessly took Cain's hand and drew a magic circle on his palm. Cain's eyes widened, and he glanced back and forth in disbelief between the palm of his hand and Oz's face.

Oz: It will not last. There are many who seek to use my blood or hair as a medium. However, I have faith in you.

Cain: Oz…

Bradley shrugged his shoulders and plucked a single hair from his head.

Bradley: Y'got a point. This guy's weirdly trustworthy. I'll give you a medium, too. But it'd be pretty bad if someone stole it from you while you're busy with the monster. If that happens I'll have to shoot you right through the heart to avoid my own personal Calamity. If you're good with that, then gimme your hand.

Cain: Ah…

Cain's determination set in stone, he extended his hand. Owen grinned and grabbed it before Bradley could.

Cain: …?!

Owen: Bradley's intro took too long.

Cain: Owen.

Owen: I guess there's nothing else for me to do, Sir Knight. Well, it's just that it'd be terrible if you failed at such a troublesome task. And if you're trying to plot anything, like Bradley was saying, I'll kill you anytime, anywhere. But if it'll raise your chances of success even a little…

Mithra: Your intro's also taking too long. I'll give you one, too. Give me the hand Oz's circle isn't drawn on.

Cain: Uwah… I'm feeling stronger already…

Mithra: I haven't even done anything yet.

Owen: Excuse me, Mithra, we're in the middle of something right now.

Snow: We will also offer you our protection.

White: May you grasp victory.

Faust: Cain. May fortune lead you.

Shylock: Be sure to show me how cool you are, you naughty child.

Figaro: Well, I guess I can throw my hat into the ring, too.

All the wizards, young and old, had words of encouragement for him. Cain nodded with vigor, smiling. Sometimes, he looked like he was on the verge of tears.

Cain: Thank you, all of you… I'm so grateful. I'll be sure to meet your expectations. I'll definitely…definitely succeed.

Bradley: Hell yeah.

Arthur: I know you can do it, Cain. I'm leaving it to you.

Cain: Arthur…

Riquet: Please do your best!

Oz: We will be watching over you.

Cain: Thank you! Ah…

Owen: What.

Cain: Weren't you going to give me something, too?

Owen: It was just on a whim. I'm not going to give you anything now.

Cain: No? Well, I guess I got something from everyone else, so I'm pretty well off either way.

Owen: Yeah, you are.

Cain: But…

Owen: …

Cain: C'mon, you were the one who taught me about what the words in my spell mean, and other stuff, too.

Owen: Hmph… Are you stupid? I'm not giving you anything.

Cain: Alright. Then… I'll wait for the day when you do.

✦✧☾✧✦

And then our operation began.

Shylock: Let us depart. You're up, Rustica.

Rustica: Yes, just leave it to me. <Amores Viesse>

Rustica recited his spell, and a violin appeared in his hands. He drew the bow across the strings, and played a comforting, heartening song. Shylock put his pipe to his lips, breathed in, and then exhaled white smoke. The smoke shined like a comet in the night sky and circled around Rustica's violin.

Shylock: <Inviebelle>

The next moment, Rustica's playing was imbued with an additional timbre that played on my heartstrings, reverberating far into the night sky. The massive monster turned to face him.

Murr: C'mon! Let's play! <Eanul Lambru>

Murr chanted his spell, and then swapped off with Rustica behind him, who swapped off with Chloe, who swapped off with Shylock. They took to the sky on their brooms, a line of four Western wizards. It looked to be more fun than anything else in the world. The winding, meandering music and their swaying, fluttering dance had turned the night sky into a ballroom floor.

Chloe: <Suispicibo Voitengok>

With Chloe's spell, the tracks their brooms left behind them began to flutter like ribbons amongst the stars. The Halitus Mortifer stumbled after them. It was now moving in the opposite direction of the town with the castle at its center. And there were wizards following in the Halitus Mortifer's wake, too. It was Riquet, Arthur, Mitile, and Figaro. The Eastern wizards were bolstering the magic circle to protect the people who'd collapsed from the miasma. The injured Rutile and Lennox stayed with them. And finally, with all the dignity and grace of the world's strongest wizard, was Oz, watching over them.

Figaro: It seems like the Halitus Mortifer can make miasma regardless of if it gets attacked or not. If we see anyone who's been hurt, we need to rush to their aid at once.

Arthur & Mitile & Riquet: Okay!

I was riding on the back of Arthur's broom, and wiggled myself around so that I could see them all. Their teamwork was impeccable; they quickly located and treated anyone who needed it. Their back and forth was… Not something they would've been able to do when the four of them had first met. It wasn't something that was possible because of one person's efforts or as a test of endurance… But because of the time that they'd spent together, getting to know one another. They knew how each other smiled, how they worried, how they triumphed. And I knew, too, because I knew them just as well. Even with the golden moon above and the dark around them that threatened to swallow them whole, they still… Connected their hearts to one another, bit by little bit.

✦✧☾✧✦

Kelvin: Something's coming… …Is that a huge monster…?! Ah… Lord Rustica…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Rustica: This should be far enough away. The floor is yours, Northern gentlemen.

The music rang to a halt, and then five shining stars appeared above the Halitus Mortifer's head. They weren't really stars, of course--they were the five most troublesome, fascinating wizards in the world.

Snow: Well then, that's our cue.

White: Oh, yes. Are you all ready?

Bradley: That's what I should be sayin'. Remember, do not use any magic but ice magic. You'll turn our knight in shining armor to stone.

Owen: Hmph. If he turns to stone while armed with all those mediums, I'm going to laugh at him.

Mithra: Look. Its guts have fallen out. They must have gotten pulled out while it was walking over here. I can see something that looks like a mana stone in its ribs.

Bradley: Goddamn. It's just like in the artificial wizards. Let's get this over with already. <Adnopotensum>

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>

Mithra: <Arthim>

Owen: <Cuare Morito>

The Northern wizards' magic froze the beast in its tracks. Its limbs and back were frozen in place, and it tried to breathe out more of the green mist, but its body just shuddered in place. Its entire body was wrapped in ice, trapping the mist beneath it. And then Bradley saw what was underfoot and shouted.

Bradley: Go for it, Cain! You got this!

Cain: Yeah…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: (I need to climb this thing's body.) (I'll need to be careful. They said it's probable its whole body is covered in poison.) (Though they also said that all the charms and mediums I got should keep me safe…) …Hah…hah… Uwah…!

Owen: <Cure Memini>

Cain: …You saved me… (I've learned at least a little about magic, and I know that a wizard's blood and hair are both vitally precious.) (And everyone gave me some, even though my magic's weak, and I have almost no experience…) (I'm proud of that more than any battles I've won or medals I've earned.) (It isn't about what I won…) (It's about them seeing who I am.) (I was so desperate for recognition I did things I never should have.) (But they helped me see that.) (They judged my worth despite that and found it in them to believe in me.) (Nothing could make me happier.) (Please, please…let me live up to their expectations.) (I want to commit myself to what those expectations mean!) …! …uurgh…

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>!

Cain: (I only breathed in the miasma for a moment, but my head is spinning and I feel like I'm going to puke…) (This is bad. My head is pounding. My limbs are shaking…) (Please, let me make it…!) …!

Mithra: <Arthim>

Cain: …If I do it now…!

10 - Uniting Our Strength

Cain: …hah… I made it inside its ribs…! Now I just need to destroy that rock…

✦✧☾✧✦

Owen: Cain's in its ribs!

Mithra: Now he needs to crush that rock as hard as he can, right.

Bradley: Yep. It's all on him now.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Cain…

Arthur: You've got this, Cain!

Riquet: Cain, do your best!

Mitile: Please do your best…!

Figaro: He will. …Ah… There's another airship coming from over there…

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: Is that another airship…?

Heathcliff: Western craftsmanship is amazing…

Oz: …

Nero: Hope Mister Knight's okay.

Faust: Cain will succeed.

Lennox: Yes, he will…

Rutile: I'm sure of it…

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: …Let's do this… I only need one hit…! …Haaah…!

Cain: … Did it work…?!

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: The stone has been broken…!

White: All together, now!

Snow & White: <Noscomnia>

Mithra: <Arthim>

Owen: <Cuare Morito>

Bradley: <Adnopotensum>

A rain of mana stones fell scattered upon the earth. The Northern wizards exchanged glances, all of them looking in a good mood. Cain had avoided their assault very narrowly, and he was waving at them with big motions. Arthur's group was converging on their location, shouting in delight.

Arthur: You did it, Cain! The Northern wizards, too!

Riquet: That was an amazing display, fit for a disciple of God!

Mitile: I'm glad everyone's okay!

Figaro: Good work, everyone.

The Western wizards were still flying airily through the sky, celebrating our victory all the while.

Shylock: Congratulations!

Murr: Congats!

Rustica: That's "congrats", Murr.

Chloe: Great job, everyone~!

The gentle blue of dawn was beginning to light up the horizon. And in the interstice of land and sky flew another airship.

✦✧☾✧✦

Liliana: …

Flying Battleship Airman: They did it…! Praise the Sage!

Flying Battleship Airman: The Sage's wizards are amazing! Between the Sage's wizards and we of the Magical Technology Corps, we've got nothing to fear from <the Great Calamity>!

Flying Battleship Airman: Yeahhhh…!

✦✧☾✧✦

Cortes Citizen: Excuse me, have you seen my family?

Lennox: Did you get separated? Come with me.

Shino: Hey, is there anyone else who can't move? I'll give you a hand.

Cortes Citizen: Oh, please… My head is spinning so much I can't stand…

Faust: I'll purify you. Face me and close your eyes.

Cortes Citizen: I can't hear the monster's roars anymore… Did the Sage's wizards defeat it…? Or did they…

Nero: It's almost dawn. They'll be back before you know it.

Heathcliff: …Mr. Faust! Master Sage's group has returned.

Faust: Good…

Rutile: He's riding back on his broom… You did so well, Mitile!

Shino: They're being escorted by an airship…

Oz: …

Cortes Citizen: Heeeey, Master Saaaage! Thank you so much, Master Sage! Oh my god, they just waved at me! They're so kind! Master Sage! Master Sage!

✦✧☾✧✦

Kelvin: Lord Rustica… You've reunited with Chloe, haven't you? …I'm so glad… It's been so long since I heard your music… …Ah… …The sun is rising…

✦✧☾✧✦

Lord: Master Sage. Master Sage's wizards. I am truly so grateful towards you all for saving Cortes from this crisis.

Akira: No, of course we would. I'm glad everyone's going to be okay.

Lord: My people, my daughter Liliana, and I are all safe thanks to your efforts. Isn't that right, Liliana…

Liliana: Master Sage.

Akira: …

Liliana: Just like the one we have seen this night, terrible events are constantly lurking just out of sight in this world of ours. Let us join hands and protect the people of Western Country together.

Akira: It would be my pleasure.

Cortes Citizens: Yeahhhh…! Praise her Majesty! Praise the Sage!

Liliana: Do you hear their cheers? You, Master Sage, your wizards, and I, shall align ourselves…

Akira: I'll be working hard alongside the people of this country.

Cortes Citizens: Yeahhhh…!!

Akira: And, just as I will here, I want to work alongside the people of Central, of the East, of the North, and of the South.

Cortes Citizens: …

Akira: (I'm sorry I can't be exclusive with you…) (No, I can't apologize, I need to give them something!) (I need to pump up the vibes…!) To the people of the West, who greet everyone they meet with a bright and cheerful smile! I'm always so, so grateful for everything you've done for me during my stay here! You've done so much for me even today!

Arthur: (Master Sage is pumping their fist in the air.) (I'll join them!) …

Gilles: (Both Master Sage and Prince Arthur are making that gesture with their fists. Is this a salute from the other world?) (Then I shall do the same…) …

Lord: (General Barnett is making the same salute?!) (Then, I as well…) …

Cortes Citizen: (Both Master Sage and the lord of the castle are pumping their fists in the air?!) (Then, I guess we should too…?)

Heathcliff: (What… Huh… Should we be doing this too…?)

Shino: (Let's do it.)

Riquet: (Yes, let's.)

Cain: (Aren't we supposed to do this when they're like "Yeahhhh!"?)

Riquet: (Yeahhhh!)

Lennox: (Yeahhhh!)

Mitile: (Oh, everyone else is doing it too. Yeahhhh!)

Figaro: (Is this some sort of local custom?)

Nero: (Sage, you totally missed the timing to put your fist back down…)

Faust: (I'm not doing that…)

Chloe: (Woah, what's this? It looks fun! I'll do it too!)

Rustica: (I shall join you.)

Shylock: (I shall not.)

Murr: (I'll use just my pointer finger!)

Liliana: (…! Lord Rustica has raised his fist in this strange gesture as well.) (Then, I will too…)

Cortes Citizen: (Her Majesty joined them?! Then I need to, too!) (I've got to!)

Mithra: (Huh, what's this?)

Owen: (What is this?)

Bradley: (What's up with this?)

Snow & White: (Looks fuuuun!)

Oz: (…Hm?)

Akira: (Oh gosh, I've started something big. What should I do?) Just like the warm welcome the people of Western Country gave me… I want to cooperate with the people of other countries exactly as I do with you. We'll be returning to our manor in Central, but… I'll always be happy to see you again, no matter where we should meet.

Cortes Citizens: Yeahhhh…!!!!

Cortes Citizen: Come visit us again anytime you want!

Cortes Citizen: I've got family in Central! Give them a visit if you have the chance!

Akira: Thank you, all of you. And I'm looking forward to continuing to work with you too, your Majesty.

Liliana: … Western Country shall welcome you should you ever choose to return to her warm and safe embrace.

Arthur: Please do not worry, your Majesty. I shall protect the Sage both as a Sage's wizard and as the prince of Central Country.

Cortes Citizen: Prince?!

Cortes Citizen: He said he's the prince of Central!

Liliana: … …I see. Please use the Western manor when the time comes that you should stay with us again. It shall be waiting for you, as will the Sage's Lattice.

Figaro: Thank you for providing such wonderful accommodations for us, your Majesty. We will take you up on your kind offer should the opportunity arise.

Liliana: … I ask that you all stay safe.

✦✧☾✧✦

I think it's probable that Queen Liliana's true identity is that of the witch Zara. There's some kind of link between the Western queen and Nova. There's still a lot to learn about the artificial wizards and the shards of Murr's soul. Not to mention the whereabouts of the real Liliana. It feels like I'm facing nothing but mystery after mystery. I think it's a bit too early to decisively say Queen Liliana's true identity… A single misstep could end up getting a huge amount of people caught up in another overly complicated disaster, just like what happened this time. It'd be nice if everything worked out so that there's no friction between Central and the West, but… I wonder what her Majesty is thinking?

✦✧☾✧✦

Gregory decided to stay in the City of Fortune.

Akira: Are you sure? You said the Queen tried to kill you…

Gregory: I am certain everything will work out as long as I don't get found. I need to search for where Liliana herself is. She must be terrified out of her wits.

Akira: We're going to be returning to the manor in Central now, but we'll still help you out however we can.

Gregory: Thank you kindly. Feel free to call upon me when you return to Western Country. I'm looking forward to working with you, Master Sage.

✦✧☾✧✦

And so, we finally returned to the manor.

Akira: Wahh! We're hoooome! It's been so loooong!

Canaria: Welcome home, Master Sage!

Akira: Miss Canaria!

Canaria: You've been working hard! Do you want to eat something, or should I let you rest first?

Cock Robin: Master Sage!

Drummond: Master Sage! Prince Arthur!

Akira: Cock Robin! Drummond!

Drummond: Welcome back! We were quite worried for you, you know!

Cock Robin: You battled a huge monster, right? I'd love to hear all the details.

Canaria: Cock Robin, that comes later. First everyone needs a chance to take it easy.

Hearing Canaria say that lifted a weight I hadn't really been aware of off of my shoulders. Now that I was relaxed, I could better soak up the feeling of being home, taking in the familiar sights and sounds. The sound of footsteps running up the stairs. The quiet sound of someone softly closing a door. The tell-tale glow of someone using magic. Laughter. Someone calling someone else's name. Lighthearted small talk, only-so-serious provocations, displays of emotion, words of thanks. We'd come home to the same place we'd left, but something felt a little bit different now.

✦✧☾✧✦

Akira: Ohh, this is so nice… Saku-chan, come take a nap with meeee. I've always wanted to. Siiiigh… The breeze and my bed and the sunshine all feel so good… …I love this place…

✦✧☾✧✦

Cain: But y'know, I really am so happy you volunteered me, Arthur. I wanted you to acknowledge me. That was how I felt.

Arthur: That's surprisingly cute of you. I just thought you'd be able to do it, so I recommended you. I knew you had both the strength and the will to carry it out.

Riquet: Exactly. You were so cool! Like a storybook character!

Arthur: Yes, you were so cool!

Riquet: You thought so too, right, Oz?

Oz: … Yes.

Cain: Ahaha. Thanks! I feel like all of this has saved me a little bit…from the lies I once told, and from Nicholas's memory… I want to become even stronger than this before the battle with <the Great Calamity>. I will become stronger!

✦✧☾✧✦

Figaro: I see. So Isaac…

Lennox: Yes. You'll have to ask Bradley for all the details, but…

Figaro: No… No need. I still don't know what the right answer to the question he asked me is. How should one attain happiness…

Mitile: <Scintilla>

Rutile: Wah, that was amazing!

Figaro: …

Rutile: You've gotten so much better with your magic! Have you decided to use Mother's spell permanently?

Mitile: That's, umm…

Figaro: …

Mitile: …I'm still thinking about it!

✦✧☾✧✦

Shino: We're finally back. Now we can train in peace.

Heathcliff: Did you tell us to come to the classroom so that we could get started on classwork immediately, Mr. Faust?

Faust: No… …

Nero: If there's something y'don't wanna say, y'don't have to say it.

Faust: It's not that I don't want to talk about it. I've already told Shino, and I imagine the two of you have already figured it out, as well. My name is Faust Lavinia. I was once a Central wizard, and I knew Alec, the progenitor of the Granvelle dynasty… He was my friend.

Heathcliff: Mr. Faust…

Nero: …

Faust: I haven't achieved any of the glory that people attribute to me. I was a fool of a leader who led my subordinates to their deaths. But… I won't let any of you die.

✦✧☾✧✦

Murr: Do you really not remember anything, Rustica?

Rustica: It seems I do not. I apologize for my forgetfulness. But I do remember Chloe bringing me savarin.

Chloe: Hehe. I didn't bring you any savarin. You just really wanted to eat some.

Shylock: Sweets do the tired heart good. It's no wonder he wanted it.

Murr: Castella made with a strong alcohol as its base is good, too.

Murr: Why is this me still heeeere?!

Chloe: Master Sage asked me to repair the breast pocket they keep his shard in.

Rustica: A small Murr is also lovely.

Murr: Why, thank you. A featherless you is lovely as well. It was worth trying to woo you all those centuries ago.

Rustica: My, what a marvelously unique turn of phrase… You must be my bride. <Amores Viesse>

Murr: Wai…

Chloe: Now he's a bird.

Shylock: A songbird shard of Murr's soul, I see.

Chloe: Okay, is there anything else? Is there anything else you remember…?

Rustica: I do… I remember watching the meteor shower with you, Chloe. You came up only this high on me, and it moved you so deeply.

Chloe: … Haha… Thank you for not forgetting about that. I love you, Rustica.

Rustica: I love you, too.

✦✧☾✧✦

Snow: Wonderful work, everyone!

White: You all did your very best! We're sure to be recorded in Western Country's folklore.

Mithra: Sigh.

Owen: I don't care.

Bradley: Whatever.

Snow: Woah, rancid vibes here!

White: We're giving you praise, so you should get more excited about it!

Mithra: But it's rather… Don't you think we've all turned weird?

Bradley & Owen: …

Mithra: How to put it… Like something's starting to pile up in us… It's somewhat difficult to put in words…

Snow: Could it be because you don't have much experience with expressing your emotions?

White: Perhaps it is from staying in Western Country for so long. Perhaps the natural temperament is driving you mad.

Owen: That's it?

Mithra: I should've just killed that swarm of people that kept surrounding Master Sage… But I didn't do anything for some reason…which isn't very Northern of me. Owen, can I kill you?

Owen: Why me… You should kill Bradley.

Mithra: Can't Bradley only die once?

Snow: My…how kind.

White: 'Tis a wonderful thing we bear witness to this moment.

Bradley: … Is it?

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Nero.

Nero: …

Bradley: We need to talk. Come with me.

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: (Findin' somethin' irreplaceable will lead to your death.) (I need to punish the person who betrayed me for the sake of those who used to be with me.) (The wizard of the North, Bradley, should be followin' those precepts as a matter of course.) (I know that, Eva.) (But those beloved principles of yours are just tyin' me down.) (I'm fine dyin' because of my own pride, but I refuse to die a captive.) (I'm the one in charge of my destiny.) (If the thing lockin' me up is me myself, then I'll just run away from that cage.) (Let's have some fun.) (Even if my chosen dance partner leads me to oblivion.)

✦✧☾✧✦

Bradley: Here.

Nero: A mana stone… Is it Eva's?

Bradley: Nah, it's the guy who ate her. …Haha, you don't need this kinda thing, do you.

Nero: No… I'll take it.

Bradley: Yeah. You should. Eva always liked you, y'know.

Nero: (You were the one she liked…) (She was always goin' on about rules and manners, so she was always glarin' at me.) (But you've always been an idiot about these kinds of things, no matter how smart you are…) You're lonely, aren't you… You were pretty close with her.

Bradley: I'm used to it.

Nero: … (He's pretty upset, ain't he…)

Bradley: Hey, Nero.

Nero: Yeah…

Bradley: Why'd you run?

Nero: … I was tired of bein' with you. Because I couldn't be what you wanted me to be.

Bradley: …

Nero: But that ain't your fault… I was the one in the wrong. I just couldn't live the Northern way.

Bradley: That ain't true.

Nero: Yeah, it is. Anyone can tell just lookin' at me. You're the only one who can't.

Bradley: Haha, harsh.

Nero: I loved you. Even now, I'd still die for you. Though I bet you don't believe that.

Bradley: …

Nero: I've been a lot of places, but I never found anyone else like you.

Bradley: That's 'cause you never came to visit me in jail.

Nero: …When are you gettin' out?

Bradley: Who knows.

Nero: …I see… They let anyone start livin' in the manor, like Oz and Mithra.

Bradley: Yeah.

Nero: Livin' with 'em's pretty scary, but I've started thinkin' they ain't really such terrible people after all. So why are you the only one in a cell?

Bradley: …

Nero: …But… (If I say I'm the one who should be in a cell instead, he'll totally kill me…) (He loves freedom more than anything.)

Bradley: Nero.

Nero: Mm?

Bradley: You said I can kill you after we fight off <the Great Calamity>.

Nero: … Yeah.

Bradley: If I'm the one who's gonna turn you to stone either way, then that means I can use your life how I want, yeah?

Nero: …What's that mean?

Bradley: When <the Great Calamity> attacks, I wanna get Figaro and the twins. And I want you by my side for it, partner.

Nero: … Gotcha.

✦✧☾✧✦

The moon outside my window was as unnaturally huge and beautiful as it always was. I was thinking about a day that hadn't been very long ago. The wind had been howling, the cats had been yowling, and the moon had been full on the night I came to this world. I've built up a relationship with the wizards here, in this world where wizards and humans live side-by-side, and connected our hearts… A bond so formless may be a delicate, ephemeral thing, but I still know it exists between us. Between me and my brave, noble, cheerful, prudent, gentle wizards. My irreplaceable friends. At some point during the days we've spent laughing and crying together, I've come to think of this manor as my home. A place I can return to. But then, I thought. This isn't going to last forever. I wish my days living alongside these wizards could last forever, but… How long will they?

Next Chapter

[yaoisex]

Chiaki had an interview about CherryMaho 🍒, and he was asked about BL in general, so that was an interesting read!

Some highlights:

Mentioned how his first BL role was alongside Ryouta with Makonyan as his friend (on the Kare no iru seikatsu BLCD), and that's exactly what's happening in CherryMaho too.

Said he knew 'Yaoi' before he knew 'BL'. When he was on his first year of middle school he was reading a manga that had nothing to do with BL and the word 'Yaoi' came up. He didn't have a smartphone back then, so he was just wondering: "What is Yaoi?" XD A few years later, when he was in high-school, he learnt that Yaoi meant love between men. And when he was talking to a female friend who liked BL he told her: "So you like Yaoi", and she replied: "What is Yaoi?" (because then BL was already the mainstream word for that).

He said that he first appeared on a BLCD as a mob chara, and was impressed by his senpai's work. He said Makonyan was the main in this BLCD, so based on the years, even though I can't remember it, I think he's referring to the Koubutsu wa Mayonakano Uchini Haranonaka BLCD. (At first I thought he meant Kurui Naku no wa Boku no Ban β 3, but that one came a year after.)

He thinks both him & Ryouta were chosen as main for their first BLCD together because it was a pure story so having two seiyuu doing it for the first time was just right. I must agree xD And, he's happy and think it's fate that the three of them (with Makonyan) are together on another project, because it is still very memorable for him <3

"Me and Ryouta have a really relaxed relationship... even during the break in the recording, we felt very comfortable, and I feel like we got to know each other even more through this work." <33

He never once mentioned their 'other' Cherry BLCD rofl, neither the interviewer, he only kept bringing up their first BLCD together. Maybe because it's too hardcore haha.

When recording BL, he's really happy being able to act face to face with his co-seiyuu. What he enjoys about BL is the freedom to improvise ("creating pauses between lines and breaths to match the expressions of the other person").

He's never been to a training school so he had no idea how to make kissing sounds! He learnt from watching and imitating his senpais~

He mentioned the different settings to different BLs, for example Omegaverse and Dom/Sub (he's done both). "it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the worldview before preparing for the role." I felt like a proud mother, really!!

Regarding BL situations: "...I like stories that develop from friendship, so a childhood friend, a high school student, confesses his love just as the sun is setting after school, but it doesn't really come to fruition several years later…" Kyaaa!!

"When people of the same sex have friendship or hostility, they can build a relationship of equals, but when it develops into a relationship, they are forced to lead, protect, and be protected. I find BL interesting in the way relationships change as emotions change. I really like friendships between men, as well as the development of hostile relationships that temporarily turn into cooperative relationships, and I'm even more attracted to works that are an extension of that. I believe that there are changes in relationships and changes in emotions that would never occur between people of the opposite sex. I feel like there's something appealing about that."

Welp, that was almost the whole article, not really highlights LOL But those were my fav parts anyway. (Quotes are not my translations but Google's).

CHIAKI!! ILU SFM!! PLEASE KEEP DOING BL FOREVER!!

[youkaigakkou-tl]

The Hatanaka Time Travel Theory

Despite this being a thing I bring up often, I realised recently I don’t have a neat write-up about it with all the evidence in one place. (that I could simply link to people, since I had to explain it 2 separate times in the past few days) Also this would serve as the comprehensive I CALLED IT post when it does inevitably happen.

Also, with the new info in chapter 98, this was a good time as any to write this.

TLDR: I think Hatanaka (and probably Haruaki) will end up 100 years in the past somehow, when Takahashi, Yamazaki and Ibara were in school. This is supported by stuff that those 3 say, as well as something Ranmaru says; most of this is from the spin-off, yoseito, but I think this will be a future plot point in the main story.

Background info

(Not going to bring up info from chapter 98 until it gets to that part of this post)

Just to be thorough about evidence, we know Takahashi was enrolled at Hyakki about 100 years ago from chapter 29.

We also know Yamazaki and Takahashi were classmates from chapter 36 and that Ibara was their schoolmate in yoseito chapter 28. (I wonder if we’ll see this classmate who runs a haunted cafe ever?)

Yoseito chapter 28: Yamazaki

This is the single most helpful image to this theory because it clarifies that it is, in fact, main story Hatanaka. Note the hairstyle, scarf, most importantly, the bandaged arms.

His arms, which were injured during the Kyoto school trip.

Yoseito chapter 21: Ibara

Kyaaa I don’t wanna spell out the implications of this I’ll blush its too cute 😳

Just ponder on it for a moment and you’ll figure it out. Actually, it’ll end up getting spelled out at the end of this. Anyway, 2nd (actually 1st chronological) instance of someone from that class 100 years ago knowing Hatanaka. I think the Yamazaki scene is the best one to start on though, since it shows more info than this scene.

(Just for reference, this chapter dropped 3rd December 2020)

Yoseito chapter 31: Ranmaru

There he is. Mister Exposition. Guy who outright says shit and doesn’t elaborate. In any case, 3rd nail in my theory.

Small intermission. This also ties in with my other theory that “Hyakki Academy” was only started around 100 years ago, despite the principal having been teaching on his own for the past 1000 years. In this same yoseito chapter, Ranmaru talks like Douman being a “respected principal” is a relatively recent development. Also, we never get any numbers higher than “around 100 years ago” when talking in relation to the school: the other teachers have been teaching for “over 100 years” longer than the teacher trio, Takahashi & co were in school 100 years ago. The real world timeline lines up as well, Japan started using the gakuran and sailor uniforms in schools around 100 years ago. How this is relevant is, the principal said he had Ranmaru help him teach when he first started the school which, if this is true, would line up with when Takahashi & co were in school.

Main story chapter 79-80

YOU THOUGHT THIS WOULDN’T BE BROUGHT UP IN THE MAIN STORY DIDN’T YOU! After all it isn’t as explicit as it has been in yoseito. Ohhhh man this has bothered me for so long about Haruaki student arc, but IT’S ALL CONNECTED!!

These two chapters point out TWICE that Hatanaka isn’t married to Ibara, and the ending of chapter 79 is spent pointing out that Takahashi is missing. I was wondering about the point of the policeman panel before, but it’s to show that Yamazaki is missing as well.

To go to such lengths to point out that these 3 are missing… (My current theory is that without the time travel, these three… you know…)

How are these two related, I hear you ask. The entire point of these 2 chapters was to show how different the world would be if Haruaki isn’t the exact age he is, in the exact place he is now! If time travel does happen, 5000% he’s the cause of it. Aging him down inadvertently affected Hatanaka’s future, which affected the past 100 years ago and all the people from that time, which then affects the present.

(Just for reference, these chapters dropped around August 2021, so after the first appearance of this idea in yoseito.)

Yoseito chapter 28 again

Now this isn’t exactly a piece of evidence, but it is a very suspicious conversation. Do you know what kind of manga and author we’re dealing with here??? This is the manga that was dropping hints about Renren in the volume 5 character profiles, 6 volumes before Renren arc.

This is the manga that had this in chapter 11, 3 volumes before it ever elaborated on it in chapter 26.

This is the manga that snuck Suzaku and Douman into chapter 47 right under our noses.

Most importantly, this is the manga that dropped this in chapter 51, volume 8.

I could go on all day. Point is you can’t take anything this manga says too lightly! It’s always “haha jk! …unless?”

Yoseito chapter 29: Principal

This counts as half an evidence, I think.

In yoseito chapter 29, the principal was about to say why he hired Hatanaka when he was cut off, and never actually answered it over the course of this 3 part mini-arc. Tamao and Mame come to the conclusion that it’s for his fighting ability, but that’s just their own conclusion. It might be one of the reasons, but it’s definitely not the whole story.

In main story chapter 71, Haruaki says he, Miki and Hatanaka were nepotism hires, and specifically the three of them. “Why Haruaki” is obvious, Miki is the shutendouji’s kid and worth keeping close, but why Hatanaka? If it was just because the principal knew him as a student, why not any other alumni from any other year?

Also, the principal and Hatanaka are close enough that he was one of 3 people at Hyakki who have seen his face before Kyoto arc (the other 2 are mouse-sensei, who’s the 2nd oldest at Hyakki after the principal, and Takahashi, who would have been troublesome to hide from, source), also Hatanaka is the principal’s right-hand man who reports to him about stuff (see chapter 57) (also see this tweet)

Hatanaka, the principal’s dog? Not any of the other teachers who have been there for 100 years? Something’s clearly up here.

It would be another story if, say, the principal already knew Hatanaka from 100 years ago, which would also explain why he trusted that Hatanaka would clean up his act and be a proper teacher when he had a track record as a delinquent.

Main story chapter 98

THIS WHOLE CHAPTER IS DRIVING ME INSANE. TANAMAI SENSEI??? YOU’RE GOING TO DROP THIS IN THE MAIN STORY????? HOLY SHIT????

FIRST OF ALL, info that was revealed in yoseito (like Yamazaki transforming to eat, the three of them being schoolmates 100 years ago) is being reiterated in the main story for people who don’t read the spin-off, and also reiterates old main story info like the 100 years ago thing, MEANING THIS INFO WILL BE RELEVANT.

We also get a more precise timeframe, 120 to 130 years ago, which could also have been deduced from knowing Takahashi is around 140 years old and presumably looked his age as a teenager.

Look at the way the quote specifically blocks the wrist. On the right hand. Where Haruaki’s bracelet would be. Also look at those sleeves. Those are Haruaki’s sleeves. I would recognise them anywhere.

Haruaki thinking “don’t know who that is” immediately after MAY AS WELL BE CONFIRMING IT

Immediately after THAT is this page. What do I even need to say.

In conclusion. This has been the Hatanaka Time Travel PSA. When this inevitably comes true I WILL be yelling I CALLED IT SUCK IT FOOLSSSS from the rooftops. Sorry for getting so aggro at the end here I’m very sleepy.

[fruit-of-infidelity]

♱  DIABOLIK LOVERS: Haunted Dark Bridal ー Sakamaki Laito | Dark 3½  ♱

⌜ Scene: The Limousine ⌟

Yui: ( Phew! The limousine is still there, thank God! )

W-Wait…! Mr. Driver!

Please don’t drive off yet… Can you wait a moment? I left something in there that I desperately need to get out for tomorrow.

― Yui opens the limousine door. ―

( I know I left my homework books in here somewhere, from tonight… )

( I’ve just got to find them! )

― Yui rummages around for a moment more. ―

Could they be… under the seat?

… …

…Huh?

― The door closes behind her. ―

W-Wait…!!

― Suddenly the limousine takes off. ―

I’m still in here! Hold on, please!

???: Oh dear, did you stumble into the wrong car, perhaps?

Yui: Kyaaa!!

― Ryuuto is sitting in one of the seats. ―

( That person… R-Ryuuto-san, he’s just reading to himself in the limousine! Has he been here this whole time!? )

W-Wrong car?

Ryuuto: I was dropping something off to those people just before, and had my own car briefly parked out front their house. However…

By the frantic look you’re giving me, you were too nosy for your own good.

Were you trying to catch a free ride, I wonder? Or… were you trying your hand at escaping from there? It certainly seems to have worked.

Yui: N-No, I just thought this was the other car!

Ryuuto: It would be a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity, though.

Yui: I…

( He has a point. I’ve disappeared without a trace like this, haven’t I? )

Ryuuto: I am heading back to my father’s place, somewhere you are welcome to stay if you so choose to. After all…

With how you have been so poorly treated whilst still settling into that household, would it not be nice to take a breather?

Yui: You mean…

Ryuuto: Laito lacks self-control at the best of times; I’m only taking a stab within the dark at what you have already endured, that is.

I would not be surprised if he had made a series of advances upon you, already.

Yui: That s-sort of stuff… You’re not exactly wrong…

Ryuuto: Tell me, has he sucked from you yet?

No, that is too easy a question to answer; The answer is obvious. Has he, instead, laid claim to you any other way, I wonder…

Laid claim through kisses… through your bodies?

Yui: …!!

━─┉┈◈ Selection ◈┈┉─━

　　❈  That’s my business… Yui: Wh-What gives you the right to ask something like that!? ( There’s no way I’d tell him… tell anyone that! ) Ryuuto: That reaction is all I needed, in response. Yui: ( Whether or not it’s true… ) I-It’s not something I want to discuss with a stranger…!

　　❈  In a way… (♥) Yui: ( “Our bodies”… … ) ( Laito-kun has kissed me, and he’s t-touched me, so… ) In… some sense of the term, y-yes. Ryuuto: …Defiled, so soon. Pity. Yui: …!!

━━─┉┈┈◈◉◈┈┈┉─━━

Ryuuto: Well, regardless of what that person has done to spoil you… At least allow me to make you an offer one final time――

――Allow me to ask you to rethink your selection.

I can scarcely see the benefit in losing your sanity to someone like Laito; It baffles me to think you even thought to consider him.

Yui: You want me to… go with you?

Ryuuto: Bluntly stated, yes.

Yui: ( I’m backed into a corner either way, going along with Ryuuto-san or not. )

( …Aren’t I? )

― Suddenly, the limousine comes to a stop. ―

Ryuuto: Otherwise… do get out, won’t you?

Yui: E-Eh…?

― He shifts very close to her. ―

Ryuuto: I am being overly generous, offering such to you again in the state that person has already left you in…

So if you do not decide now, there is no telling how much farther you will have fallen by our next meeting, Yui.

Yui: ( My name… Ryuuto-san used my name. )

…I…

( …Even still, there is something inside me that give some the creeps about this guy. No matter how “generous” he is being…! )

I can’t…!

― Yui quickly gets out of the limousine. ―

Ryuuto: … …

― She runs off fast, the scene changing to the out front the manor. ―

Yui: ( I can’t trust that person any more than Laito-kun…! )

( There’s just no way… )

( They’re all Vampires in the end, so what difference would it make!? )

Laito: Wo~ah there!

Yui: …!!

― Laito catches her in his arms. ―

Laito: I was wondering where you got to, Bitch-chan. I thought you might have run off in the middle of the night, nfu.

… …

With some other man, at that.

Yui: Wh-What!?

Laito: Fufu, what a cute, worried face you’re pulling.

It makes me want to eat you ri~ght up.

Yui: ( By the sounds of it, he h-has no clue… )

Ph-Phew…

Laito: Say, did you ever find that homework?

If not, we can always study together, you know. They say having a study partner helps you learn much quicker than all on your lonesome.

Let’s put that to the test, ‘kay?

Although, do your best not to distract me too much, Bitch-chan. Or else, I might not be able to keep my hands off you tonight~

✥ TO BE CONTINUED ✥

─────── ≪ °♛° ≫ ───────

←  [ ✥ Dark 03 ✥ ]⎥ [ ✥ Dark 04 ✥ ]  → 　　　　[ ✥ Dark 7½ ✥ ]

[goddessofeternity]

Chronicles of the Supernovas: Chosen

Chapter 22: Truths, Lies...and a little Family Drama

Masami

My marriage is really over. 

After three hundred and twenty-five years, my wonderful and loving marriage with my dear husband was over and there was nothing that I could do about it. I would be gone by the time that he came back from the mission that he was on. I finally manage to pack the last of my bags and clean up around the house. I could at least make sure our…his own home was clean when he returned. After hauling all of my things to the front door, I turned off the stove to finish up the rest of the meals that I made for him. I just fell into my normal routine as I cleaned around the house. It was starting to get dusty and I should change the bed sheets. The garden also needed to be tended to so I should probably do that before I left as well.

“Oh! I didn’t get the groceries! I should go…” Before I had even realized it, much of the house was clean and food was stocked again. 

I felt my heart rip to pieces when I saw that it wasn’t there anymore. I held my hand against my chest as I took several breaths so I wouldn’t cry for the sixth time. Rubbing my temples, I rushed to the door to grab my bags before I broke down again.

I would have rushed out quicker if I didn’t catch a glimpse of our wedding picture on the wall. A day that was overflowing with joy, laughter and love. A day that my heart was filled with so much love that I feared it would burst forth like a geyser. Perhaps I shouldn’t have left my wedding dress behind for him to see. This whole situation was heartbreaking enough as it was.

Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I grabbed my bags and left my home. I was sure that I would never recover from this pain, for the rest of my life.

~~~

“Welcome home Lady Masami!”

“Shh! Shh! Thank you…I don’t want to wake anyone up right now. I’ll just head to my room.” The maids dispersed without another sound. The walk to my room felt heavy and tiring, like I had been walking for months without rest. Finally reaching my room, I opened the door and laid out on my bed with a heavy thud. The days ahead would be long and painful, but my family would be here for me in this trying time. My body would have its rest, but my heart would need more than rest to heal its damage. I turned my face into my pillows so that I would not wake anyone with my crying and whimpering, they deserved a good rest before hearing my horrid tale. It was not long before the rays of the sun forced me awake and I forced myself out of bed. Leaving my room to take a shower, my ears were assaulted by a high pitched scream.

“KYAAA!” I couldn’t help but smile as my youngest sister came flying down the hall at me. “I had no idea you were coming home!”

“Yes I…I thought it was time for a visit.” I rubbed her head as I nuzzled her cheek. “I was about to take a bath before seeing everyone…would you like to join me?”

“Yes!” I smiled at her enthusiasm as we went to the bath. The maids laid out one of my favorite kimonos as we laid in the water. “Ohhh…Mimi-chan! I’ve missed you so much!”

I chuckled as she snuggled up against me and I stroked her hair once more. She was still the same after not seeing her for almost thirty years. Although it seemed as though she let her hair grow out again, and she was a bit more…busty. Something that I’m sure that my father was not happy about. If he was going to be upset, he should be upset with himself for marrying our mother. She was quite curvy and well filled out to put it bluntly. So it only made sense that her daughters would be the same. 

Hmm…I missed them after so long.

“So! Mimi-chan! You have to tell me all about your life so far! How is my brother-in-law?” My heart skipped a beat as I looked into her shining eyes. So hopeful and filled to the brim with a curiosity to hear more about a husband that I no longer had. “Or…are you here to tell us that we’re gonna have a new family member?”

“O-Oh no…I’m not pregnant Emi. I just wanted to visit everyone again. Callum…he’s fine. He has some business that he is taking care of…”

“Ugh!” She pouted and sank into the water and blew bubbles in annoyance. “....”

“Emi…I can’t hear you if you’re talking with a mouth full of water…”

“I want to meet him already!” I shook my head as she jumped up from the water. “These stupid rules about not revealing ourselves are so stupid and outdated!”

“I…I’m sure that they are in place for a good reason Emiko.”  I desperately wanted to change the topic from my marriage. “So…how are you? I heard that you have someone in your life now.”

“Oh yeah…he was in my life. I have moved on from him and taken on a new partner.” She sighed dreamily before sinking into the water. “Father isn’t all too pleased with all of my frequent lovers. I just have a lot of love to give.”

“I think father just wants us to be his flowers forever.” I giggled as she rolled her eyes and twirled a loose hair around her finger. “I’m guessing that you…”

“Hmm? Oh yeah…the first time was awkward…but everything after was great!” I never thought that my youngest sister would have already…ahem…done the deed. I suppose it was because our parents weren’t as strict with us. I also think my father forgot that when children grow up that they start to think about such things. I was never the type, but I’m sure he was more concerned about my brothers getting into some trouble. 

“Oh oh! Hikaru is supposed to be bringing her lover over to meet us today. You came at the perfect time Mimi-chan. Father is being a baby about the whole thing, but mother is excited though.”

“Hikaru is seeing someone?” Huh…she only has ever seemed interested in her potions and such things. She had loves here and there, but for the most part she seemed content on being alone. I really needed to check on my siblings more. 

I suppose now I would have the chance. 

“I think mother is hoping for one of us to get married at this point. She probably wants to see us as happy as you are.”

“Yes I…marriage is really a beautiful thing…” I guess that was the difference with my parents. My father wanted his girls to be unmarried flowers, while my mother wanted us to be married to our lovers, but she was happy for her nonetheless. After we got out of the bath, my mood immediately went right back down. I hoped that I could put on another happy face before my parents. I was not ready to talk to them about my struggles. My parents had changed the mansion once more, but it still held that familiar air to it. 

Emiko walked with me to the main sitting area and I could hear the sounds of Mei’s biwa as we drew closer. Her talent was unmatched and it was always such a soothing sound to listen to early in the morning. I’m sure that my parents were already sitting and eating breakfast to listen to her. 

“Father! Mother! Mei! Good morning! Look who came to visit!” I smiled at her hyper voice so early in the morning. My mother was not a morning person so the twitch of her eyebrow was not missed. It was quickly gone once she locked eyes with me. Both her and my father rushed to hug and nuzzle me before I could even greet them. 

“Oh Masami! Oh I’ve missed you so much!”

“Are you well butterfly? Is your…husband treating you well?” I was glad that my face was buried in between them. 

“Father…you don’t have to say it like he’s some creature…” I chuckled as Mei stopped her playing to hug and nuzzle me too. “You have to stop being so cautious about it.”

“Yes I know I know…I mean no disrespect. I just wish you never left home…”

“Father…”

“Oh Takeshi enough!” He grunted as my mother jabbed him in the chest with her elbow. “She has been married for many years now. Our girls will not stay here forever.”

“I mean…they could…” Her growl silenced him and we all shared a laugh at that. Perhaps this wouldn’t be so hard if I was surrounded by my family. 

“Now…come sit and eat with us. Your brothers are away at the moment and Hikaru should be coming with her lover soon too.”

“Tch…” My mother glared at my father and he coughed and sipped his tea away from her. She never failed to put my father on ice. The glint from the gem on her forehead in the sun made me stare. It was such a beautiful gift that was given to her by the Gods. She never did say why they gave it to her though. 

“Callum…Callum is well. He had some work to do so he’s away at the moment. So…I thought that I would come visit.”

“Oh I wish that my boyfriend was here…”

“I don’t…” I chuckled as my father mumbled against his tea cup and my mother pulled his ear.

“You need to stop…let our girls be happy.”

“They are happy…right here with me and you. Isn’t that right Mei?”

“Hmm?” Mei looked up from her biwa and just shrugged. “I have no opinion about it.”

My father pouted at her as my mother rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to me. The way that she was looking at me was too motherly and analyzing. If I didn’t think they noticed before I was wrong because my mother was looking right through me.

“Masami-“

“Hello family!” I was saved by Hikaru throwing open the tatami doors. 

“I have such loud children in the morning…” My mother grumbled under her breath and my father chuckled and kissed her head. The sight made my heart ache in the best and worst way.

“Oh! Masami!” I was once again assaulted by a hug and nuzzles as Hikaru almost took the breath from my lungs. “I didn’t know you were coming to visit! I would have gotten your room together and had some potions ready for your garden.”

“It’s ok Hikaru…this was a spontaneous thing. I just really missed everyone so I thought I would stop by.” My mother was still staring hard at me as Hikaru informed everyone that her lover was here. Mei was also giving me the side-eye, but I just focused on eating a rice cake. 

“So…your…partner is here? Now?” Hikaru rolled her eyes as she went into the hallway and came back pulling on the arm of a handsome kitsune with dark brown hair and gentle eyes to match. 

“Welcome to our home. I hope the trip to come here was good.” My mother elbowed my father hard and he just frowned in his usual pouty attitude. 

“Oh! Y-Yes my lady. Your lands are beautiful and your home even more so.”

“I’m glad that you think so. I thought it was important for my children to be surrounded by beautiful things.” He gave us all a swift bow before looking at my father and mother and touching his forehead to the floor in respect. “My lord…my lady…thank you for allowing me into your home…and for giving life to the woman I love. I see that she gets her beauty from her mother.”

“Hehe…charmer…” My mother giggled and the look on my father’s face almost made me choke on my tea. “You can raise your head…what was your name?”

“Oh…my name is Yasuke Nagamasaki…I come from a region in the west.” I was surprised that he had gifts for not only our parents, but also for me and my siblings. I eventually left them to their conversation, I would hate to watch my father grill Yasuke. Hopefully Hikaru and my mother could keep the peace. Walking around the outskirts of the mansion, I was greeted by another relative that I hadn’t seen even longer. 

“Masaru?”

“Oh! Well there’s a face that I haven’t seen in a long time.” He hugged me and he seemed to have gotten even taller. I thought my brothers were tall, but Masaru was becoming a tree. “I thought we would had lost you to married life.”

“Mmm…you should try it sometime. You might like it.”

“Nah…when I meet a woman who can throw me over a cliff…then there might be something to consider there…”

“Uh huh…so…is your father around?”

“He was here just the other day. He got into an argument with your mother the other day.”

“What for?” My mother and my uncle were notorious for their arguments, but honestly I felt as though my mother was still punishing my uncle. The things he did in the past were…horrible and unforgiving, but they were out of his control. There was so much evil in the world and something attached to my uncle. He only ever wanted to make things right and be the man that he was always meant to be. I missed him terribly.

“Oh…well Shino showed up unexpectedly and spooked her. Aunt Izumi thought that…well she was not happy about hearing Shino shriek and my father was standing in the same room.”

“It was just an unfortunate coincidence…my mother has got to stop with her attitude. Things will never change and get better if we hold onto hate.”

“That is funny coming from you…” I only shoot him a look and he threw up his hands immediately. “Sorry sorry! Anyway…I swear you are closer to my father then I am. You truly are his favorite…”

“Mmm….well don’t say that…you are his son…his only child. I highly doubt that I’m his favorite.” He scoffed and sat down on the veranda with a frown. I suppose something must have happened if he was making that face.

“Masaru…”

“We had an argument a few weeks back. We were in another land and you know…my father and I just travel and train and train and train. It seems to be the only thing that we ever do together. The only thing that we do besides train is drink together and occasionally have an actual father and son bonding moment that includes more drinks and sometimes women.”

I sat down beside him as he sighed and rubbed his temple in further frustration. The fur on his tails was even standing on edge as he thought about his father. I had never known the two of them to argue about anything. I hoped that whatever it was they could work through it. 

“What caused the argument?”

“You.”

“Me?”

“Oh yeah…and this is hardly the first time.” They argued about me? Why in the world would they have an argument about me? And it wasn’t the first time? “We got into a fight with some bandits and I had gotten injured. One of the men got the better of me…and after we left my father…he just snapped.”

“....”

“You are useless boy! How can you not handle some simple bandits?! You need to be more like Masami! She would never have struggled with them! She has always been perfect! While you can only be described as highly unexceptional! This is why she is my favorite! The only one who has a fucking spark!”

“He…he said that?”

“Oh yeah he did…it continued on for a bit too. Wishing that you were his daughter instead…hoping that you would come home soon. I was fed up with it and I came back here. I hadn’t seen my father in over two months, well that was until I saw him arguing with your mother. He barely spared me a glance though.”

“I’m so sorry Masaru…I never thought that…” I didn’t truly even know what to say to him. My uncle and I had always been close. He was like a second father to me, he was my mentor and he helped me with a lot of things, even though my mother absolutely loathe him. I could actually see that he seemed to prefer me over his own son, but to admit such a thing to his face? It was a horrible thing to do. 

“Hey…you aren’t at fault here. It's just my idiot of a father being an ass. We will eventually talk and work things out like we always do.”

“Still…he should have never said those things to you.”

“Eh…he’s been really stressed out lately. I think it's mostly because he’s been trying to have his own territory, so it's been hard to gather resources and people. He’s trying to get out of your father and mothers way. Now with that argument the other day, I feel that he might want it even more.”

“Mmm…I wish I could have seen him before he left…” Masaru chuckled before he stood up and patted my head. I grumbled and fixed my hair as he did. 

“I’m sure that he would love a visit from his favorite.”

“M-Masaru!” He said nothing else as he walked back into the house and I sighed deeply. It seemed that my family needed some therapy or just help in general. It had been some time since there was any sort of drama in the family, but now it seemed as though things had resumed. My problems could be swept away in their current mess though. Although, my mother could be more hawk than kitsune when it came to us. 

Speaking of family, besides my brothers, there was still someone that I hadn’t seen yet. I should go and see if she is awake. Of all my sisters, I think I missed my sweet sweet Chiharu the most and I wished that I had brought her a gift. I would make sure to get her something soon since I had the time for it now. Standing by her door, I could hear her shuffling around, most likely getting ready for the day. She was probably fussing with her hair. I suppose that I should help her with that, and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face when I knocked and I could hear her fussing more.

“C-Come in!” 

I was assaulted by the gentle aroma of various flowers and the sight of many many stuffed animals. My dearest sister was such a girly girl. My father loved to spoil her with delicate and feminine things. I suppose that she got that from watching me. I was never as into stuffed animals as she was, but others often remarked on my feminine grace, but that was to be expected of the eldest daughter of a powerful clan. 

“Well good morning my love!” I smiled at Chiharu from her vanity mirror and her eyes almost left her skull when she saw me. No more words were said as she flung herself into my arms. The force behind the hug was stronger than I thought it would be, but we laughed the whole way down to the floor. Like I thought, her hair was giving her trouble once more. She had also gotten even more beautiful and I thanked my parents everyday for being together. My siblings and I were stunning and I would forever be conceited about that. 

“Masami! I’ve missed you so much! You have been gone far too long and you must never be away that long again!” I kissed the top of her head and sat up only to see that she had tears in her eyes.

“Oh love…please don’t cry…” I wiped her tears as she tried and failed to keep a straight face. “Come on…let’s fix your hair hmm?”

“O-Ok…” She was practically vibrating in her seat as I brushed through her long hair. Grabbing her bow, I tied half of her hair up into a bun and let the rest fall over her shoulders and back. I never knew how she couldn’t keep her hair tamed, it was so soft and didn’t tangle up too badly. 

“There you go. The prettiest kitsune in all the lands.”

“I think that will always go to you, Masami. If you weren’t married you would probably get more marriage proposals than me and Mei.”

“You both have been getting marriage proposals?” 

“Oh yes…father mostly burns the letters anyway, but some of them still get through. The only reason Emi or Hikaru haven’t gotten any is because father has spread a rumor about her having poor health.

“Poor health huh?” Yes, that was quite the believable rumor considering how often she runs around and is keen on being the most hyperactive kitsune around. 

“Hehe yes…Hikaru hasn’t been getting many proposals because she and father somehow convinced the entire kitsune populace that she was the cause of a recent plague across the region.”

“Huh?”

“Hehe…so every person that has ever been in contact with her has gotten a “deadly” illness. Of course it was nothing serious, but enough people thought it was. It turns out that father and Hikaru mastermind and plotted around with her magic and potions. It was quite a big issue for a while. Mother was beside herself in anger for weeks.”

“I…wow…I’d imagine so.”

“Hehe…father and Hikaru were effectively banished from home for three months before mother let them come back, and even then she made them sleep out in the gardens for another three.”

“Yes that…that sounds like something mother would do.”

“I guess the man that Hikaru is seeing most know that everything was a lie, or maybe she just really likes him, which I’m glad for her. Seeing your love with Callum makes me wish the same for the rest of our siblings.”

“Yeah…” I brushed through her tail before I moved on quickly. “How about for yourself?”

“O-Oh I…I don’t know…I would like to love…b-but…” I raised a brow as her stutter came back in full force, something that only really happened when she was nervous or embarrassed. I thought it was adorable. 

“What is it?”

“W-Well…you know…when you have someone you…d-do things together…”

“Yes? That is usually something you do with a lover. You go on dates and vacations and such…”

“N-Not that! I mean…things that…m-married people do…l-like you and our parents…”

“Like me and…oh! Oh!” Her face burned bright as she looked down at her hands. I twirled the brush in my hands as my own face grew red. Intimate matters were something that I kept private myself and I often got flustered too. Now, to hear my precious and innocent Chiharu bring it up brought a whole wave of embarrassment. “Well…um…you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to love.”

“I know..b-but…it just seems so…like so much and embarrassing…”

“Well…in my um…experience…when it is someone you love and who respects and appreciates you…it will be a wonderful experience. You won’t even feel embarrassed I promise.”

“Really? W-What about you?”

“Oh I…it…it was perfect.”

“Well…that does make me feel better.” I was about to ask her if she had any other stories to tell, but Mei suddenly appeared at the door.

“Sorry to interrupt, but mother wants to see you Masami.” Of course she did. She couldn’t just let me sulk for one day. 

“Alright…we can chat later Chiharu.” My smile disappeared once I made my way down the hallway. What was I to say to them? That my marriage is over and my heart is broken? My father would lose his mind over it and my mother would try to stop him from doing something so stupid. 

I sighed outside the room before I entered to see my mother with an already calculating frown, while my father just looked confused, bless his heart. 

“Yes mother?”

“I thought that I would check on you my butterfly. You seemed distracted when you came in this morning…more closed off.”

“Oh…I’m just tired…it felt strange to be in a bed that I haven’t slept in for so long.”

“You could always stay Masami. Your bed will feel familiar once more.” My mother rolled her eyes but kept her comments to herself. 

“I’m fine really…I just cleaned and prepped dinner for Callum. It just took most of the afternoon since I also went to get food and tend the garden a bit.”

“Does the man do nothing to help you? I swear…”

“No no! I enjoy tending to my home and Callum! Being a housewife is very calming and relaxing for me…I just…needed a break and Callum helps me around the house all the time.”

“Mmhmm…” My father grumbled and went to the other side of the room to sign his documents, but my mother didn’t seem convinced of what I was telling her at all. 

“Masami…is there something going on with you and Callum?” She held my hand and pulled me in close to her. It was easy to relax against her and I just wanted to cry because I had no idea how everything just seemed to fall apart. We should have been planning for our anniversary right now, or at least just loving each other.

“I…yes…” I didn’t want to admit the problems in my own home, especially seeing how wonderful and perfect my parent’s marriage is. It was such a stupid thing to leave him for. It just made no sense to me and I hated it. 

“What?! What happened?”

“I…something happened that wasn’t supposed to happen. The one thing that I wasn’t supposed to do as a kitsune.”

“The…what my butterfly?”

“I shouldn’t have done it!” I buried my face in my hands as my tears finally spilled out. “There was a waterfall and I just wanted to soak in it…I had no idea he was there! Callum saw my tails and everything! So I left…I left our home, my ring, him! It’s over between us!”

“Oh my dear…” My mother hugged me tight and rubbed my back, but it barely did much to comfort me. The love of my life was gone because of a simple mistake. These stupid rules ruined everything and they just made no sense. “I…I’m sorry butterfly, but I don’t see how him knowing that you are a kitsune would ruin your marriage.”

“W-What? Of course it would…that’s why I had you all be in disguise for the wedding. I couldn’t let him know the truth.”

“That’s why we haven’t had a proper meeting with him? I thought it was because we needed to keep our identities hidden because of the forces that he faces. It was understandable, which is why we never fought it and took you for your word that he was a good man. I thought that he knew you were a kitsune?”

“N-No…f-father told me that once a kitsune’s lover sees their true form that they would to leave or something horrific would happen…and it would be even more dangerous because Callum is a Supernova. If my identity would put him in danger with his greatest enemy…I could not risk that no matter what. Our family has a history of misfortune…so I took father’s advice and kept it to myself.”

“....” I leaned back to wipe my eyes and my mother was wearing a blank expression on her face. Her tails suddenly cut through the air angrily before she slowly turned to look at my father…who was currently climbing out the window. “Takeshi!”

I blinked in confusion as my father jumped from the window and my mother practically tore out the window as she chased after him, a slew of curses spewing from her mouth. Rubbing my eyes, it was not long before I heard more cursing and things crashing. The maids walking the halls squeaked in shock as I could hear my mother wrestling my father. It was not long before they both stumbled back into the room, with my mother pinning my father’s arm behind his back before shoving him to the ground, her knee deep in the center of his back.

“I-Izumi! I-I give! I give!”

“Apologize now!”

“L-Listen I only-”

“APOLOGIZE!” 

My father grumbled despite the death grip my mother had on his arms at the moment. If she kept up the force, I’m sure that she would have caused some damage if not ripped them off. “F-Fine…”

Releasing him, my father rolled his arm as he grimaced in pain, and my mother stood over him with her arms crossed and seething in rage. Taking my hands, my father sighed once more before he looked at me quite seriously. “My butterfly…what I told you about the secret and keeping it…was not true. I…it was an old myth that has been disproven for many many years. I…I have always had a hard time with you girls growing up, and when you announced your engagement…well I thought I was losing my daughter. I should never have been petty and done something that has caused you great distress. Forgive me, daughter.”

“....” There was no conceivable way that my father lied to me just because…I…of all the things to do! “So I…I left my husband for no reason! A lie!”

“Masami…I…I know and it is still a failing of mine-”

I wanted to have my chance to rail into him, but my mother suddenly looked out the window. Her eyes were alert, but it was like she was looking at something far away. My father instantly stood and held her hand, and she tightened her grip, which meant that she wasn’t having a vision. She hadn’t had a vision in quite some time, but I just took that as a good thing. I could have been seeing things, but it almost looked like the gem on her forehead started to shimmer. 

“Takeshi…I’m going to head out for a bit.” She gave me a smile before she planted a gentle kiss on my father’s head. “Try not to tell our daughter more ridiculous things.”

“Mmm…” Once she left, I glared daggers into his skull and he rubbed the back of his nervously. “Masami…please forgive me…I never meant to hurt you…”

“Hmph!” I turned my nose at him, intending on making him work for my forgiveness. This also meant that I had no reason to stay. I could save my marriage and be happy once more. “I will think about it…”

“Well…that is the best that I can hope for huh?”

“Yes…yes it is…” 

I was more than a little curious about whatever it was that my mother was doing. It seemed to be something serious, but my father did not budge from his spot. He was always ready to follow my mother anywhere she went to keep her safe. Of course, she would argue him down about being able to take care of herself, but I think she secretly liked to put up a fuss and have my father care for her. Once I finished nagging my father in the ground, I could not help being curious. 

I followed my mothers scent deep into the woods outside our home. Perhaps she was just taking a walk, she often did this every few months, but was always gone for hours at a time. Whenever I asked, she just said she liked the peace and quiet that the forest brings. I never believed it for a second, but I never pressed the issue and eventually left her to her secrets. Now, there was a pull and a need to discover what she was doing. After that, I would leave and be ready to talk to Callum and explain what happened and apologize for everything. 

It was eerily quiet despite it being so early in the morning. There wasn’t even any animals running around. I quicken my pace towards my mother because I didn’t like the feeling that I was getting. It wasn’t until I heard her voice that I finally stopped. 

“Yes…I know…it is holding strong…I promise that you have nothing to worry about and if anything happens you will be the first to know.”

“....”

“Yes…I will stay close by to ensure that it doesn’t break or that no one has discovered it.” I crept closer so that I could hear who she was talking to. 

“I have to get to them…but they are fighting back far more fiercely than I would like. They want that child badly…but she’s running out of time…”

“I have faith that you will persevere and get through your battle. I wish that I could give you more hope than just my words.”

Wait…that female voice sounded like…

“I can’t send it directly to her while I am fighting…”

“I’m glad that I was able to make it so quickly for you, but yes…there is no telling if it will be delivered while they are fighting. It could get lost or smashed in all of the chaos…”

“Masami…perhaps you could help?” My ears perked up as I stepped through the brush. My mother’s eyes narrowed as I stepped over to her. Looking at the person she was talking to…I was surprised to see a pure white kitsune, and even more surprised when I realized that I recognized her.

“Lady Serafina?!”

“Masami! What are you doing out here?!” I flinched at my mothers tone, but she relaxed when lady Serafina placed a hand on her shoulder. It was only after she did that I realized that I could see right through her hand, and most of her body for that matter. This was only an image of her, her real body must be indisposed somewhere else, and by the sounds of it, she needed to get somewhere in a hurry-

“Is Callum alright?!” My heart leaped to my throat as I rushed over to stand beside my mother, who still looked annoyed at me being here. That didn’t matter because Callum was the only person on my mind. They were in the middle of a mission and she was voicing such concerns that something must have happened. 

“He…well they are running into some serious issues. Celica in particular is going through the worst of it. She’s dying Masami…and she has less than an hour left if something isn’t done.”

“What?!” I felt sick. I felt useless and weak. MY legs felt like they were going to give out under me if not for my mother holding my waist. My Callum was in danger and my best friend…she…she would be dead in an hour. What in the world was happening on that mission?

“It is the weapons that are being spread across the cosmos…” She turned and ran a agitated hand through her hair. “They give even the weakest mortals strength and if a god was to wield them…well it has been a disaster.”

“There….there must be something that can be done right?! You have to help them!”

“Masami I am trying…believe me I am. The Darkness is making it impossible to make it down to the planet. I came here to ask your mother for a healing tonic she specifically made for injuries only the Darkness causes.” 

“You made a medicine for injuries that the Darkness causes?” I raised a brow at my mother who sighed deeply before sharing a look with lady Serafina. 

“Do you remember all those years ago when…when we were at war with the Nobara clan? Those creatures in the woods were from the Darkness. It caused a lot of injuries but…well your mother is pretty smart when given the right tools and cause. So I made something that Celica needs to heal.”

“I…I remember them but…” That day flashed back in my mind, thoughts of the war always found their way to my mind at random. The entity in the field that day, it was not just some creature…it was-

“It is exactly what you think it is Masami.” I snapped my eyes up to meet lady Serafina’s and she only gave me a weary smile. “You were…very lucky that day- no…luck had nothing to do with it. You are stronger than anyone would dare give you credit for.” 

“...” I highly doubt that. It had to have been sheer luck for things to go my way that day. The thing that was nagging me was how did my mother and lady Serafina know each other? Looking at my mother, it seemed that she didn’t even want me in these woods, and I swear that gem on her forehead was shimmering again. “Mother…what is your relationship with Lady Serafina? That gem on your forehead…what is it and what are you hiding in this forest?”

“Masami…” My mother sighed deeply as she faced me. “My butterfly…I promise that this is nothing for you to worry about. We…we have known each other for a while and the reason for that is nothing to be concerned about. Your friend and husband are in danger…”

“I…”

“You can discuss it with her later.” I looked back at lady Serafina as she locked eyes with my mother. “You can tell her about it, but for now I need something from her.”

“What? My daughter is not about to be tangled up into something that is no concern of hers…this is something that your people have to handle.”

“Mother please…” I grabbed her arm and she sighed in annoyance. “What is it, my lady?”

“I need you to go to Zosmuna and get this medicine to Celica. I will send you there so I would need you prepare. Celica does not have much time…none of them do. I could fight the Darkness for a long time…they don’t have that and the child must be moved.”

I could feel my mother growing agitated next to me, but I could only think about my love and my friends. I had to help them no matter the cost.

“Mother…I will be alright.” She closed her eyes and I could see the gears in her head spinning, spinning in fear. “Callum will be there…I will be surrounded by gods who will keep me safe.” 

“I…I don’t like this one bit…”

“Mother…I will be just fine. I will be in and out.” I hugged her close and she nodded against my shoulder. 

“Alright…just be careful. Your father is going to have a heart attack over this though.”

“Yeah…I imagine that he would.” Rubbing my cheek and giving me a final hug my mother left me alone with lady Serafina.

“So…how are we doing this?”

“I will send you to the planet and I’ll give you something to track them if you need it. Other than that just get the medicine to Celica. I will try to wrap this fight with the Darkness up so you all can make it back to my temple.”

“Alright…I can do that…” Turning back to the mansion, I was stopped by her speaking up once more. 

“I know that it has been some time Masami…but hopefully you won’t have to get involved…”

“Yes…for their sakes…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next: https://www.tumblr.com/goddessofeternity/748036122900348928/chronicles-of-the-supernovas-chosen

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Thanks for reading! Likes are appreciated!

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[cuiizhu]

Helios Rising Heroes - Sing in the Darkness 3

Chapter 25:

Female Citizen E: Kyaaa—! Stop it, stay away…..!

Male Citizen G: What is that…..!

Male Citizen H: IT’S A MONSTER! SAVE US…!

Female Citizen F: What on earth is happening to New Million !?

Oscar: Brad-sama….what in the world—

Brad: I don’t know. If this is the work of Eclipse… or the result of Substance….

Brad: In any case, the situation has suddenly changed. All the citizens have been distracted and confused by it. 

Brad: Now it’s our turn to do our job as heroes. Protect the citizens from harm!

Oscar: Yes sir!

Oscar: [speeds off]

Akira: Hell yeah! If we’re dealing with a monster, we don’t have to hold back on using our powers, right? 

Will: I-I wonder about that…? Anyways, I haven’t fully grasped the situation, but for now let’s protect the citizens! 

Akira: Yeah!

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

Male Citizen I: RUN AWAY—! LET’S GET OUT OF CENTRAL FOR NOW! 

Male Citizen J: Th-thank god… the monster doesn’t seem to be following us…u-UOH!? 

[Eclipse mobs shoot]

Female Citizen G: This is bad! Now it’s Eclipse…!

Female Citizen H: There’s more over there! What should we do, there’s nowhere to run!

Male Citizen K: T-THE MONSTER IS FLYING—! 

Female Citizen H: No more! What in the world is going on!?

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

Masked Man A: Hey, oi….isn’t that the Savior?

Masked Man B: Eeh? What are you talking about…that kind of monster is….

[pause]

Masked Man B: I-it’s true! That’s the Savior! But, why…..

Masked Man A: He must have come to help us! It’s definitely so! He is the Savior, after all!?

Masked Man B: OI–! Dear Savior! Over here, over here!

[Licht lifts the men up]

Masked Men: Uwaah!? 

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

Licht: …………

Masked Man B: D-dear Savior…..?

Masked Man A: We are allies of Thonis! We believe in salvation…and in you, Dear Savior! Please help us! 

Licht: ….. Worthless pests…..

Masked Man A: Dear Savior!? Please wait, dear Savior….!

[Eclipse fires another shot]

Masked Man B: Hiie!?

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

Masked Man B: I-It’s too late to escape….!

Masked Man A: Dear Savior…..why…..!

Masked Man B: S-save us….please! Someone, anyone….help us—

Jay: Haaaah…!

Prev || Masterlist || Next

[rukiyui-fanblog]

RukiYui fanfic [ part 01 ]

{ this is not my destiny }

I never believed in love. I never thought that the day would come when I would see myself in someone else's life. My whole life was for Karl Heinz Sama. He was the one who gave me this life.

But today I am sitting next to you. I look at your weak and thin body. How many days have you been motionless like this? How many days have you stopped calling my name? How many days have you not looked at me with your shining eyes full of tears?

I can't believe that I am saying these words. But I miss you. I want to feel the warmth of your breath next to me again. I want to hear your sweet cries and laughs again. I want you to call my name again.

What did you do to me? I never knew what love was.But today I see my life in you. You were Eve who had to reach Adam and her true lover. But today the snake has captured you. This snake is a devil who is fascinated by you and does not want to let you go.

Please wake up . I miss you .

_Flashback_

Yui : ( How long have I been here? I don't notice the passage of time anymore. My whole body hurts. I've been imprisoned here since I was stolen by the Mukami brothers. I think this is a dungeon. It's so cold here. I can't stand it. Here It's dark. I can't see anything.

Even though the Mukami brothers brought me here together, Ruki is the only one who drinks my blood. He is really violent. He constantly calls me a livestock and bites me very hard. I thought Ayato was very rough . But now I understand that Ruki can be much more rough .

He constantly drinks my blood and punishes me for small mistakes. Last time, due to dizziness from my anemia, a glass fell from my hand and broke, and Ruki punished me with a whip. Even now, he has imprisoned me here in the dungeon. I don't know how many days have passed. But I feel very lonely. )

The door opens with a loud sound and Ruki slowly enters the dungeon.

Ruki: Oh, you are awake. This is very good . Because I am thirsty.

Yui: Ruki-kun...

Ruki: Are you really a stupid livestock? Aren't you ? Have you forgotten what I told you? No wonder you forget. I really can't believe that you forgot what I told you so soon. You forgot what to call me. I am your master. So master is the word you should call me.

Yui: ...

Ruki: More important than that. I am thirsty . Let me suck your blood.

Yui: ....!

Ruki: Aren't you going to protest? Very good . It's like you learned how to be a useful livestock for your master. I hope you have learned your lesson and don't break my things carelessly anymore.

Yui: It wasn't my fault. I really didn't want to break anything. But you sucked my blood a lot and I was dizzy and it made...

Ruki: Quiet! Like you still need more training. no problem . I will gladly train your body as your master.

Ruki bites Yui and sucks her blood.

Ruki: Nah.. Phew

Your blood is really delicious. It makes any vampire lose their mind.

Yui: It hurts.

Ruki: Of course it hurts. It must be painful to learn. Don't forget this is a punishment. I will bite you harder so that you learn not to answer your master rudely.

... Nn .. Mm. Phew...ha

You belong to me. Do not forget that you are only mine.

Yui: .....

Ruki: Did you learn your lesson ?

Yui: Yes.

Ruki: Say it loud and clear. yes what ?

Yui: Yes, I learned my lesson. I don't break anything anymore. I promise .

Ruki: And?

Yui: And... I won't be rude anymore.

Ruki: Good. I think it is enough. Your punishment is over. Now you can get out of here.

Yui: Really?

Ruki: Don't you want to stay here forever?

Yui: No, no. Of course not.

Ruki: So hurry up and get up. let's go out .

Yui: Okay ... . Ah . Kyaaa ... !

Yui fell before she could get up .

Ruki: ......! What has happened ? Why did you fall before you could stand up? Oh, I understand. Is it because of the pain? No matter what, your legs have endured a hundred lashes. Fufu... it's really funny. What a incapable of livestock you are. You will die alone. It's really pitiful.

Yui: (How cruel. Even though he is the one who caused me to be in this situation...)

Ruki: I think I have no other choice. I will carry you to your room. You better be grateful.

Ruki gently lifts Yui in his arms.

Yui: Ah... Ruki-kun... please be more gentle ... it hurts...

Ruki: Really ? I can't believe you are so weak. Apparently, your body needs more care. Don't worry, as your master, I will take care of you completely.

Yui: ....! Thank you .

Ruki: Let's get out of here.

They slowly make their way out of the dungeon.

__To Be Continued __

[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Akari (Twitter: akari)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

Editors: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail), Lacey (Twitter: fairyharp), Mae (Twitter: itoshikimaegirl)

QA: Rei (Twitter: wolfe_raine)

June — Looking Up at the Sky Rhapsody

It’s June. The days are often rainy and some are cooler than in May. And yet…

Jinguji-san is as passionate as ever.

Ren Jinguji: Hi, little lambs. Looking as cute as ever, I see.

Female Student B: Kyaaa!! Jinguji-san!!

He says charming words to the girls and blows heart-melting kisses all over the place.

Syo Kurusu: He has no standards, as always. Haruka, I don’t know how you can partner up with a guy like him.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san is a very inviting and very attractive man. I think that’s why the other girls can’t leave him alone.

Haruka Nanami: Rather, I’m sorry I'm not worthy of him.

Jinguji-san’s song was wonderful!

I only listened to one chorus, but I could feel the difference between our abilities. His musical sensibilities are way above mine.

I think he doesn’t come to practice because I’m not good enough.

Haruka Nanami: I have to work hard.

Jinguji-san’s color... the mood around him, his natural sense of style, that natural charisma…

His presence that entraps everything around him and doesn’t let go is something I’ve come to understand over the last two months, but...

I just can’t find the right “sound”.

At first, when I just heard his voice, I had an image of it, and the sound started to come together.

However, the more I get to know him… the more I see his many faces and the more confused I am by his depth.

The song to be sung by Jinguji-san.

There must be a song that only Jinguji-san can sing, but…

I just can’t grasp the melody.

I think we need to talk about it, even if I have to force him, and give it shape note by note.

Haruka Nanami: …

I was staring at Jinguji-san. And then…

Ren Jinguji: Huh. I think I’m feeling an intense gaze…

Jinguji-san sighs and comes to my seat.

Huh, oh. My heart’s not prepared for this…

Ren Jinguji: What do you want? If you stare at me like that, you’re going to burn a hole through me.

Select the Phrase!

れ、練習を… T-to practice… (+ 25 Love +5 Music)

Haruka Nanami: I sure would love for you to come to practice.

Ah! I couldn’t help but to be honest…

Ren Jinguji: Oh, is that all you want? Why don’t we go somewhere else for once?

Somewhere else...?

Ren Jinguji: Nothing comes to mind?

It would be really, really fun to go somewhere with Jinguji-san, but if you ask me where exactly…

Truthfully, I just want him to come practice… I’d like to hear him sing.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry. Going out is nice and all, but I really want to hear you sing.

Ren Jinguji: Don’t be sorry. I was just asking. However… you really like music, don’t you?

Haruka Nanami: Yes!

All my life, I’ve always had the most fun playing the piano.

I never went anywhere with friends and was always alone. Music was my only friend.

So… I have no idea where to go.

Instead, I’d like Jinguji-san to know more about the joy of music and I’d also like to try to create music together with someone.

Ryuya Hyuga: Hey, homeroom’s already started. How long are you gonna keep making noise? I could hear you all the way down the hallway.

When Hyuga-sensei arrives, the girls who had just surrounded Jinguji-san go back to their seats obediently.

Ryuya Hyuga: Now, do you guys know about Ohayaho~ News?

Male Student A: Yeees! I know it!

Most of the students nod. Of course, I also know about it.

Ryuya Hyuga: It’s sudden, but that program... is coming to our school tomorrow.

Ohayaho~ News.

It’s a morning news program with the idol I admire, HAYATO-sama, as the reporter.

For each broadcast, HAYATO-sama visits a popular location and then does his best to tell the viewers about it in a cheerful and energetic way.

And Ohayaho~ News is coming to our school…

That means…

I might be able to meet HAYATO-sama!!!

Ah! I have to keep it together.

I’m aiming to be a professional, so I can’t act like a fangirl...

But… I’m really… happy!!

I shouldn’t bother him when the day comes. I’ll watch him from the shadows of the school building.

Ryuya Hyuga: I’ve been told he wanted a student reporter as support… Jinguji, the president has designated you.

Ren Jinguji: The boss?

Ryuya Hyuga: Yeah, he has a plan. Will you do it?

Ren Jinguji: I can't disobey an order from the boss.

Ryuya Hyuga: OK, well, we’re counting on you.

Today is the day. For some reason, Hijirikawa-sama is at the meeting place.

Masato Hijirikawa: Jinguji… you’re late. It is almost time for the show to start.

Ren Jinguji: ...Masato Hijirikawa...? ...Why are you here?

Oh, this feeling again…

When Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-sama come face to face, the atmosphere changes drastically.

There’s a tense mood in the air, just as hostile as they’ve been before between them.

Masato Hijirikawa: What? Didn’t you hear from the principal?

Masato Hijirikawa: Today's report is "An in-depth expose on school life of the two major conglomerates!” Apparently, he is going to present our school lives.

Masato Hijirikawa: I do not want to disclose too much about my household, but… there is no way around these circumstances.

Ren Jinguji: Household…? Given the rival relationship between two major conglomerates, it’s inevitable that they’ll be compared to each other.

Ren Jinguji: For a long time, there have been comparisons about everything between our families. To think this would continue even after I’ve come to this school, and have this exposed to the world…

Ren Jinguji: It seems that you and I are doomed to fight no matter how far we go.

Listening to the conversation between them, it seems that this is not a relationship that began yesterday or today.

It’s a conflict involving not only the people in question, but also their households. Looking at their expressions, it seems like there’s a deeper connection between the two of them than most people would imagine.

I’m Jinguji-san’s partner, but I guess I still don’t know much about him.

Masato Hijirikawa: There is no need to fight.

Ren Jinguji: How naive. Even with no points involved, we’re going to be on the same screen. The viewers will judge us based on things like popularity and our conglomerates’ powers.

Ren Jinguji: This is a noteworthy battle, whether we like it or not. It means you and I will go on fighting.

At that moment,

The ground where the two of them are standing shakes violently.

Ren Jinguji: Ah! An earthquake?

Bump! Boom!

It’s the principal who breaks through the ground.

Shining Saotome: Mr. Jinguji is right! This IS a noteworthy battle! AND I’ll add a point system as well!

Haruka Nanami: Points? But… how will you do that?

Shining Saotome: Hehehe. That is…

Haruka Nanami: What is it?

Shining Saotome: What would it be? YOU right there, answer please!

Haruka Nanami: Eh? M-me?!!!

Suddenly, the principal points a finger at me. I don’t understand… but I have no choice but to answer.

Select the Phrase!

アイドル力？Idol Power? (+0 Love +10 Music)

Shining Saotome: Hahahaaa! That’s right!!!

Shining Saotome: This is an idol training school, so it’s all about idol power!!

Haruka Nanami: Idol power… but how…?

Shining Saotome: Mmm, like this moment. Let’s explain it on TV instead.

Soon afterwards, HAYATO-sama and his staff arrive.

HAYATO: Ohayaho~! Ten million HAYATO fans all over Japan, how are nya?

HAYATO: Today, we’re here at Saotome Academy to bring cheer to you all!

HAYATO: And today, these two people will give you a tour around the school instead of me!

Masato Hijirikawa: My name is Masato Hijirikawa. I look forward to working with you.

Ren Jinguji: I’m Ren Jinguji. Today, I’ll show all you viewers out there just how charming this school is.

HAYATO: Come to think of it, today, instead of just presenting the school, the two of you are going to have a reporting competition, right?

Shining Saotome: That’s right! The two of you will have to compete with all the power you have and all the power of each conglomerate!

HAYATO: AH, this is the school principal, SHINING SAOTOME!

HAYATO: He’s a legend, so I don’t need to introduce him to you because everyone knows about him.

Shining Saotome: Hahahaaa~ I’m the national beautiful boy idol!

Ren Jinguji: Beautiful boy…?

Masato Hijirikawa: Yes, and he even called himself “national”. Should we interfere here?

Ren Jinguji: No, let’s leave it to HAYATO for now.

Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-san seem to be talking in a whisper, but I can’t hear them clearly from where I am.

Shining Saotome: Anyway, you two are going to have to report on how gorgeous and haaandsome you guys are!

Shining Saotome: This is also publicity for Saotome Academy, so give it your all! It will also affect your future grades!

Shining Saotome: And you, yes, YOU in front of the TV will decide who wins and who loses!

Shining Saotome: We’re going to have the audience vote to decide which of the two is better! In the end, the one with more votes wins!

Shining Saotome: Now, now, to vote, use number one for Mr. Hijirikawa and number two for Mr. Jinguji at the end of the following number on the screen!

Shining Saotome: And if you vote for Shining Saotome, add a number three respectively, beep boop bop! Give us a call!

Masato Hijirikawa: I understand the rules, but why is the principal the third option?

Ren Jinguji: Who knows. But, well, he’s just trying to show off anyway, right?

Shining Saotome: Hahaha~ Correct answer! Then, then, the report game starts now! But first, a commercial!

The school principal points his index finger at the camera.

Then the staff members start to move in a hurry.

Ren Jinguji: Points, huh...? It might be a good opportunity. We’ve always been compared to something, even between our households.

Ren Jinguji: Being in different grades made it difficult to see clearly which one of us is better, but with this…

Ren Jinguji: This time, it’ll be crystal clear who is the winner and the loser.

Masato Hijirikawa: There you go again. I do not understand why you are so concerned with winning and losing. You weren’t when we were children.

Ren Jinguji: I’ve forgotten about those days. I just… I just want to show that I’m better than you.

Masato Hijirikawa: Show? To whom? To the world?

Ren Jinguji: I’m not obliged to tell you that. Besides… I haven’t got anyone to prove myself to… not anymore.

Jinguji-san mutters something in a whisper.

Ren Jinguji: Anyway, as long as it's a match, I'll just do my best. Will you support me too?

I am standing in the corner where I wouldn’t get in the way of the broadcast’s filming when Jinguji-san approaches me.

Select the Phrase!

はい。喜んで！！Yes, I’d be happy to! (+25 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: Of course, I’ll support you. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help!

Ren Jinguji: Heh. Good girl. I like honest girls.

Haruka Nanami: L-LIKE?!!!!!

Ren Jinguji: Hmm? Something wrong?

Haruka Nanami: I-i-it’s nothing!

It’s not like he means something deep, but even though I know he doesn’t…

I was surprised when he said “like”.

It’s the first time somebody has said that to me.

Soon after, the power match between the Hijirikawa conglomerate and Jinguji conglomerate begins.

First, it’s Jinguji-san’s turn. He’s bold enough to wear a swimsuit… as he presents the pool.

Ren Jinguji: Heh. I’m confident in my reporting skills. I won’t lose to Hijirikawa.

Jinguji-san stands in front of the TV camera with a daring smile on his face.

Ren Jinguji: This here is the pride of Saotome Academy, the indoor pool. The pool is completely enclosed by glass walls, and it’s even soundproofed. The ceiling is retractable, perfect for sunbathing on a sunny day.

Ren Jinguji: Would you like to swim with me, all you little lambs watching out there?

Ren Jinguji: I’ll show you not only how to swim, but also every step of falling in love.

He winks as he says that.

H-he… looks so cool! I’m sure there’ll be a lot of squealing voices on the other side of the TV!

It was silly of me to think the swimsuit would be too much. As we watch, the audience vote counter displayed in the corner of the TV screen fills with votes for Jinguji-san.

Incidentally, the results of the audience vote are shown as bars, with Jinguji-san’s displayed in red and Hijirikawa-sama’s displayed in blue.

Haruka Nanami: Amazing…

George: ... It’s only natural.

Suddenly, I hear a voice from behind me. Startled, I turn around to find George, Jinguji-san’s butler, standing there!

I didn’t notice him at all… When did he…?

Jii: Mhmm! No, this isn’t good, we must not allow this! We must go on the offensive!!

Masato Hijirikawa: But I do not behave like that…

Jii: No! Young Master, there is no way you can lose to someone like him! Come on, this way...

Perhaps Hijirikawa-sama is not good at improvisation, because Jii-san is holding out a cue card on the other side of the camera.

Masato Hijirikawa: ...T-this is… the… rooftop. It is open to students… Many of them use it during their lunch break…

Masato Hijirikawa: A-at night... the stars are beautiful. And…!!!

Hijirikawa-sama’s face freezes at the sight of the cue card, then instantly turns bright red.

Masato Hijirikawa: I-I’m sure that the stars reflected in your eyes would be so beautiful that I would be drawn into your gaze.

After saying that much, Hijirikawa-sama takes a single deep breath. Then, he looks straight into the camera.

Masato Hijirikawa: One day, I wish to view this night sky with just the two of us…. Is it sinful of me to feel that way? … No, no matter the weight of the sin…

Masato Hijirikawa: … I long for you… For the moment I can hold you in my arms…

The rooftop is silent. It’s like watching a scene from a drama.

We’re all drawn in by the performance. It must be the same for the audience because Hijirikawa-sama’s vote count has gone up a lot.

After that, every time Jinguji-san reports, his votes go up dramatically…

And each time Hijirikawa-sama conveys a scene, his votes also increase rapidly.

Moreover, perhaps as a demonstration of the power of the conglomerates, there is an explanation of the amazing musical instruments donated by both parties and the equipment developed by the companies.

It’s turning into a bit of a conglomerate promotion situation.

There’s a state-of-the-art computer and a sophisticated electronic piano in the computer room.

There’s a tremendously accurate mixer in the recording room.

Not only that, but they also lined up luxury cars owned by their households in the schoolyard.

It’s a mess with private helicopters flying in and out. And so on.

I’m also doing my best to help Jinguji-san change his clothes and carry the luggage he asked me to carry, but…

It’s kind of dizzying because there are so many things happening that are beyond anything I could have imagined.

I don’t usually think that much about it, but now I’m realizing that both of them really live in a different dimension.

While the people around them make a fuss, the two of them don’t flaunt what they have, so they must think this is all normal.

Ryuya Hyuga: I see, so this is why Jinguji and I weren’t told about today’s plans until the last minute. If I had known in advance, I’d have stopped it.

Haruka Nanami: Ah, Hyuga-sensei.

Ryuya Hyuga: They’re ridiculous, aren’t they...? ... Well, for me, as long as the school facilities stay intact, I have no complaints…

Haruka Nanami: Um… this is on such a grand scale, I don’t know what to think anymore.

Ryuya Hyuga: Well, it’s dealin’ with two of the biggest companies in Japan. There’s also the fate they share.

Ryuya Hyuga: Even if they don’t personally agree with this rivalry, they have no choice but to participate to keep up their households’ images.

Ryuya Hyuga: Anyway, looks like the servants are getting more heated than those guys are.

Haruka Nanami: Fate…?

Ryuya Hyuga: Hm? What, you don’t know?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. I know that the two major conglomerates are rivals, but…

Ryuya Hyuga: To put it simply, they’re competitors. Apparently, the Jinguji conglomerate was originally bigger.

Ryuya Hyuga: Once, when the Hijirikawa conglomerate management was declining, a considerable number of subsidiaries were absorbed by the Jinguji conglomerate.

Ryuya Hyuga: But ten years later, the Hijirikawa conglomerate took them back by fairly forceful means.

Ryuya Hyuga: In fact, it seems that they tried to cut down the company affiliated with the Jinguji household.

Haruka Nanami: They were�� competing for affiliates? Somehow, it looks like the game Hana Ichi Monme, where two groups compete for members by playing rock-paper-scissors.

Ryuya Hyuga: It’s not that trivial, but… that’s what it’s all about. After a fierce takeover battle, internal affairs were disrupted and even the Japanese economy was affected.

A-amazing! It was on such a huge scale that even all of Japan became involved.

Ryuya Hyuga: Somehow, they agreed that they wouldn’t buy out each other’s conglomerate, but… their resentment from back then probably remains.

Such a thing could be… I wonder if that’s why Jinguji-san considers Hijirikawa-sama a rival more than seems necessary.

George: At this rate, this fight’s not ending...

Jii: Hm, looks like this isn’t settling... In that case…

George-san and Jii-san turn away from each other and leave in opposite directions, their brows wrinkled.

... What should I do? I’m kind of getting anxious.

Select the Phrase!

放っておく. Let them be. (+10 Love +0 Music)

Ren Jinguji: Hm? What’s going on? You have quite the expression… What’s the problem?

While I’m standing in the corridor, not knowing what to do and unable to move, Jinguji-san calls out to me.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, George-san and Jii-san are…

Ren Jinguji: Hm? Oh. Is it sabotage? That’s something George would think of.

Ren Jinguji: He put a thumbtack in Hijirikawa’s shoe earlier. Not that he’s the kind of guy who would fall for such a thing… and… neither am I.

Suddenly, Jinguji-san pulls me to his shoulder.

Haruka Nanami: U-um…

And then…

BANG CLANG!

From the ceiling, a large metal sink… No, a wash basin crashes down.

Haruka Nanami: U-um, this is…

Ren Jinguji: Sabotage… right? It’s probably the work of Jii-san on Hijirikawa’s side. Truly a classic trick.

Sabotage… This is…

A direct hit to the head like this would have been very painful.

I wonder if there are going to be dangerous traps everywhere if we just let things go on like this...

I can’t let that happen. Absolutely not. I-I have to do something.

After that, I found George-san and Jii-san trying to sabotage things and I did something about it.

Because… I don’t want the two of them to get hurt…

George: Hm. This will be enough.

George-san smirks, mutters, and walks away.

But right nearby…

Masato Hijirikawa: ... Here’s the athletic field… In addition to being used for physical education classes, it is also used by the athletic department after school.

Hijirikawa-sama is explaining about the athletic field…

Was George-san setting some kind of trap again? Anyway, I have to do something.

With that in mind, I approach the spot, watching where I step… but…

Haruka Nanami: Ah. AAAHHH!!!!!

Haruka Nanami: Ouch, ouch, ouch. U-um… This is… a pitfall… isn’t it? I fell… in it, right?

Fortunately, I didn’t sprain anything. Maybe it’s because the soil is very soft.

I just…

Haruka Nanami: Erm… the sky is far away…

I look up and see that the entrance to the hole is very far away, revealing how deep the hole is.

Haruka Nanami: ... I wonder… if I can climb this…

The ground is damp and as I move I hear the sound of splashing water. The sides of the hole are also moist with water.

It looks like water is seeping in from all sides, gradually filling the hole.

At that moment, I imagine a newspaper article with the title, “High school girl drowns in a pitfall.”

This is terrible!!

Haruka Nanami: And if a scandal like that happens at the school, it’ll cause a great deal of trouble. Hmmm…

... I have to try to climb somehow, after all.

Haruka Nanami: O... kay… One… Ah!

The soil here is soft and crumbles after a short climb.

No matter how hard I try, I slowly slip down. I don’t think I can reach the top.

Haruka Nanami: Is it… impossible… to climb? What if I stay like this forever…?

I’m sure Tomo-chan will be sad if I’m gone…

And everyone in the class… How would it be for Jinguji-san in particular?

I wonder if I’m being of some help to him.

I’m still working on the song, but I think Jinguji-san can make his debut on his own.

He’s a person who wants to live a free life, so he probably wouldn’t want me to persistently ask him to practice.

... I guess he may not be in trouble even if I’m gone. I’m sure he’ll find a new partner in no time…

Another partner, not me? Jinguji-san will team up with someone other than me…

Haruka Nanami: E-eh…?

It’s funny. I’m kind of crying.

When I wipe the tears off with the back of my hand, the mud gets into my eyes and more tears come out.

I don’t… like that idea. I want to write a song for Jinguji-san, a song made for his voice.

... If that’s not even possible, at least I want to hear his voice one last time.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san…!!

And, at that moment.

Ren Jinguji: Geez. Just when I thought you were out of sight, I happen to find you in a place like this!

Haruka Nanami: Eh…?

I can hear Jinguji-san’s voice from above the hole.

Am I mishearing? Maybe because I wanted to hear his voice for the last time?

But, apparently, I’m wrong.

Immediately, a rope ladder is thrown into the hole and Jinguji-san climbs down.

Ren Jinguji: You’re so covered in mud… and your tears… Your pretty face is a mess.

Jinguji-san sighs and wipes my face with a handkerchief.

Haruka Nanami: T-thank you very much. But… why?

I mumble to myself, stunned. After all, it wouldn’t be a problem for Jinguji-san if I was gone.

Besides, he’s in the middle of a game and doesn’t have time to deal with me.

He wouldn’t even notice I’m not there… is what I thought. Because I’m not necessary to him.

Ren Jinguji: I was looking at the monitor and I just happened to see the moment you disappeared.

Haruka Nanami: But… you’re in the middle of an important battle now…

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, it’s an important moment, so I’d like to get this over with as soon as possible. Come…

While saying that, Jinguji-san extends his hand.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… I’m muddy right now… so… erm… you’ll get dirty.

If he stands in front of the camera with muddy clothes even though the match is still going on…

Ren Jinguji: So? I have plenty of spare clothes.

Haruka Nanami: B-but… the audience votes… will decrease during the match…

Ren Jinguji: Do you want to be saved or not?

Eh? Is Jinguji-san angry?

Haruka Nanami: I want you to help me… but… since it’s a match… I want you to win…

Ren Jinguji: If that’s what you think, don’t go getting into trouble so easily, princess. The prince can’t always come to help you.

Haruka Nanami: I’m sorry.

Jinguji-san sighs again as I start feeling discouraged.

Ren Jinguji: Come on… You don’t want to be in this place forever. You’d end up being depressed. Let’s go.

Jinguji-san picks me up forcibly and carries me out of the hole.

While he’s not as gentle as he normally is while escorting, right now he feels powerful and reliable.

It’s different from usual. However, I’m sure this is one real side of him.

Haruka Nanami: U-um… thank you.

Ren Jinguji: Don’t thank me. That was George’s mismanagement. I’m glad you’re okay.

With a very kind expression, he gently strokes my head.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san… thank you very, very much!

Haruka Nanami: It was dark and I felt helpless, and I wondered if I was going to die like that, but I thought it’d be okay because no one would be troubled… I was so sad.

Ren Jinguji: Hey, hey. That’s what you were thinking about? Geez, this kid...

Haruka Nanami: Yes, because I haven’t been of any help. I’ve been causing you so much trouble…

Ren Jinguji: If you feel that way, you should try harder. Are you going to lose the bet before you’ve even composed the song?

Ren Jinguji: Besides, I have a certain amount of trust in you as a partner. I don’t want you to leave without telling me.

Haruka Nanami: ... Jinguji-san, do you accept me as your partner?

I thought that maybe I was being annoying.

Ren Jinguji: Isn’t it obvious? Or what? Are you questioning my decision to choose you? I’m still a good judge of character.

Ren Jinguji: I don’t want you to underestimate me. What’s more, I wouldn’t be talking to you if I wasn’t really interested at all.

Haruka Nanami: ... So, why don’t you join me at practice?

Ren Jinguji: Lady, are you going to make a song that is far different from my personality and that I can’t sing without practicing hard?

Haruka Nanami: ... No, as much as possible, I want to create something that is easy for you to express…

Ren Jinguji: Right? And you’re talented enough to do it… or that’s what I think, at least. That’s why I chose you.

Ren Jinguji: I’m busy. I can’t spend a lot of time on just one person, but I’m sure you can make it work on your own.

Ren Jinguji: I may come practice if you make me feel like doing it.. If I think it’s worth it, then it is.

Haruka Nanami: R-really?! Yes!! I’ll do my best!

So, he trusts me… Moreover, he might even come to practice.

That way I can make songs that suit him better.

Ah, I’m so happy! I have to work hard!

Ren Jinguji: And well… At the very least, I’d be in trouble if you were gone.

Ren Jinguji: So don’t think that no one would be bothered by your disappearance.

Ren Jinguji: There isn't a single person who isn't needed somehow—it's no good to think you'd be any different.

At that moment…

Rumble rumble rumble. Boom!

Out of the blue, the principal descends upon us.

Shining Saotome: Beautiful love duo! My tears are f-f-flowing like two beautiful waterfalls! I'm absolutely EXPLODING with EMOTIONS!

Suddenly, the principal appears and sheds a waterfall of tears.

Shining Saotome: Thanks to YOUR passionate friendship, Saotome School’s image is soaring UP, UP, UP!

Shining Saotome: So, this time I’m going to show you a special tour of my secret home!

Shining Saotome: Usually, this trade secret is not disclosed, but in honor of Mr. Jinguji’s passionate friendship…

Shining Saotome: This time only, I’ll show you a sneak peak! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Right now, I have no idea what is happening or why.

After that, Ohayaho~ News runs overtime to showcase the principal’s house.

His home is absolutely gorgeous, with a western castle-like house and then a Japanese-style castle kept as a second home.

Also, there are many facilities at Saotome Academy built using private funds from the principal.

On campus, there are entertainment facilities such as amusement parks, movie theaters, hot spring inns, and, to my surprise, he even has a vacation home on the moon…

Shining Saotome: Ha ha haaa~ This is just a part of it!

Both Jinguji-san and Hijirikawa-sama are stunned by this extraordinary financial power.

And the results of the vote say…

It turns out that the principal, who joined the match unannounced and boasted about his lavish lifestyle, has come out on top!

Shining Saotome: So deservedly! Always aim for the top if you can! That’s what a legendary idol does!

Shining Saotome: ME is number one!

With that, the principal proudly puffs out his chest.

Syo Kurusu: Wow, that’s super immature. He just did everybody in at the end... What was that match all about?

Tokiya Ichinose: It’s useless to ask. That's just the kind of entity he is.

Although Syo-kun and Tokiya-san say that, I still think the principal is wonderful.

And even more than that, now Jinguji-san looks even more radiant than before.

He was willing to get himself dirty, even to the point of throwing away his own important match, to help me.

I’m so happy that I was told that I can help.

I know I have to work hard.

And the show has come to an end.

HAYATO: Your hosts were HAYATO and…

Ren Jinguji: ... Ren Jinguji and…

Masato Hijirikawa: ... Masato Hijirikawa.

Director: Cut! Okay!

HAYATO: Hehe. That was great, both of you! Good job!

Ren Jinguji: Good job.

Masato Hijirikawa: Good job.

Shortly thereafter, HAYATO-sama and his staff leave the school.

Ren Jinguji: In the end, we didn’t find out who would win between us.

Masato Hijirikawa: That is fine, then. We shouldn’t fight if we don’t have to.

Ren Jinguji: You have the option. You’re the eldest son, so you’re naturally ahead of me. That’s why you can afford to be like that.

Masato Hijirikawa: That is not the case. Is your position, free of restraints from your family, not more advantageous?

Ren Jinguji: You can only say that because you’re the one who can go beyond the door. How miserable it is to be someone who isn’t allowed to even open the door…

Ren Jinguji: I just don’t like the fact that you have unconditional happiness. That’s why I have to surpass you to be recognized.

Masato Hijirikawa: What are you saying? Happiness…? I... never…

Ren Jinguji: At least you’re cherished by your family, as the eldest son.

Masato Hijirikawa: Mm, maybe so. Just... as a successor to the household.

Ren Jinguji: That’s enough of a reason. Anyway, we’ll settle this again sooner or later.

Masato Hijirikawa: Do what you want… You have no idea how I feel or how hard things are for me.

And so, both of them walked off in different directions.

Haruka Nanami: Um, Jinguji-san! Good job!

I offer a towel to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Oh, good job… but I don’t need a towel. Why don’t you wipe your face before giving it to me? Your face is still muddy.

Select the Phrase!

神宮寺さんの服にも. So are your clothes. (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: First, we need to get the mud off your clothes.

Ren Jinguji: I told you that I have plenty of spare clothes. It’s as simple as taking these things off. George, get me a different uniform…

As soon as Jinguji-san orders that, George quickly takes out a clean uniform…

Amazing! Is it possible that he carries it with him at all times?

Ren Jinguji: In the end, there was no winner or loser.

Haruka Nanami: Do you want to beat Hijirikawa-sama…?

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, of course. To the extent that the world recognizes that he is no match for me.

Ren Jinguji: It doesn’t matter what your birth order is. That doesn’t make you superior. I’m going to prove it here at this school.

Which one is better…? The graduation audition will reveal it most clearly.

But in a graduation audition, the quality of the song will also be evaluated.

I don’t know what kind of music Hijirikawa-sama’s partner will create, but I can’t lose!

Jinguji-san saved my life. Also… I definitely want to see him succeed as a top idol.

And... he also accepted me as his partner.

That’s why I’m not lost anymore! I’m the one who can make Jinguji-san shine brighter than anyone else…

Just through my feelings and music. I’ll work harder and harder and definitely debut with him!

I swear it firmly in my heart.

Mini Game

Ryuya Hyuga: Today I’m gonna test your lyric-writing sensibilities. Almost all songs are made before lyrics, but sometimes it’s the other way around. Lyric interpretation is very important.

Ryuya Hyuga: Moreover, even if you’re a composer, you’ll still be writing lyrics. It’s good to polish your taste. Listen up! Lyrics aren't poems.

Ryuya Hyuga: Think carefully about composing your melody, making it catchy, and treasuring the image of the song in your mind.

Ryuya Hyuga: You’ll be asked to write your own lyrics for the assigned song. Choose one of several words in a fill-in-the-blank format. Use your sensibility to choose the lyrics that best suit the song.

Ryuya Hyuga: I’ll grade it for you later. Now go ahead and give it a try!

S Rank

The next day, I show the lyrics I wrote for the test to Jinguji-san.

Ren Jinguji: Yes, you have good taste. You not only have great taste in music, but with lyrics as well. You must’ve been born with the talent for music.

Haruka Nanami: Eh… ah… I’m not that impressive…

“Born with the talent for music”... I would be so happy if that were true.

However, that doesn’t sound possible, so I’ll continue to try my best.

Chapter End

[fallingangeltl]

Vanis SR Story - What I Must Do

Chapter 1

Vanis: What do you need? It’s unusual for you to call on me.

Adder: I’ve decided. About tomorrow’s kickoff party.

Tomorrow, all factions, humans, demons— and angels, will gather in Colchicum. I wanted to ask how you would be conducting yourself amidst it all.

Vanis: Me? Why now? I’ll just do what I always do.

Adder: As you always do…… huh. It seems you understand what you have to do as a freeloader.

Your redeeming quality is that affability of yours. Tomorrow, you’ll be networking. And if anyone catches your eye, you will inform me later.

Vanis: So you want me to screen people that could be used as pawns…… is that what you mean?

Adder: Well, that’s what I meant. I don’t intend on letting freeloaders eat for free. Do it well.

Vanis: Got it. Well, I was going to do that even if you didn’t tell me to, you know.

(Internally) Besides…… Tomorrow is a great opportunity to figure out what Gypsophila’s intentions are. In order to fulfill my purpose, I can’t miss this chance.

Is that all you wanted to talk about? I don’t think it’s worth calling me here just for that…… Unless, could it be that you were worried about me?

Adder: You guessed it.

Vanis: Isn’t it even more unlike you to be worried about me?

Adder: Worried…… It’s a bit different from that. It’d be more accurate to say I’m uneasy?

I think you also realize this, but naturally he will also be attending the kickoff party.

Vanis: He?

Adder: If you’re going to play dumb then I’ll say it clearly. It’s “Mere.”

Vanis: ………

Adder: Kukuku…… Your usual composed expression disappeared. As expected of you, though, to do so at the mention of Mere’s name.

Vanis: What are you getting at?

Adder: It doesn’t matter. Just don’t ruin my reputation tomorrow.

(Time passes, at the kickoff party)

Human Man: Hahaha! How interesting! To think that there’d be interesting people like you in the demon world!

Vanis: Thank you. I’m happy to hear you say that.

(Internally) Fuu…… Adder said all that to me yesterday, but I’m the same as usual. There’s nothing to be apprehensive about. At this rate, those expectations will……

Human Noblewoman: Kyaaa……!

Vanis: Oops.

Are you alright?

It’s good to have fun at parties, but don’t get too excited.

It would be terrible if a beautiful person such as yourself fell and got a scar on their face. You should be more aware of your own beauty.

Human Noblewoman: I-I’m sorry……

Vanis: No need to apologize. I should be saying sorry for saying something that would dampen your spirits.

As an apology…… Would you like to dance with me? Let’s enjoy this wonderful night even more together.

Human Noblewoman: B-By all means!

Chapter 2

Adder: Why are you in a place like this? The party hasn't ended yet.

Vanis: You…… No, I just needed a change of pace.

Adder: Changing pace is your way of doing things…… But, as a matter of course, what you need to do is also going favorably, correct?

Vanis: Of course. I’ve left no stone unturned. It seems your needless worrying from yesterday is over.

Adder: Needless? Don’t degrade me. Your pace is slower than usual, it’s obvious.

Vanis: What are you talking about? I’m the same as usual.

Adder: Don’t play dumb. After all, that Gypsophila lot are here, so it seems you’re more fatigued than usual.

Vanis: …… Good grief.

I thought I was hiding it well. You’re really observant, aren’t you.

Adder: Hmph. It must have been a burden for you since you’re just a freeloader. If you’re worn out, shouldn’t you scurry back to the demon world?

Vanis: Hahaha. Thank you for your concern. However, you’re caring too much. I won’t quit halfway through.

Adder: …… Hm, so that’s how it is.

That’s the correct answer. If you said you were going to quit here and now, I would’ve kicked you out of the manor.

We’re connected by our mutual interests. Don’t forget, if you become complacent, then you’ll no longer be of use to me.

Vanis: So you weren’t worried about me, you were testing me?

Adder: Who’s to say. At least, don’t betray my expectations.

(Adder leaves)

Vanis: Whew, Adder really is scary. He said he would kick me out, but that alone is inexcusable.

But…… I haven’t changed. Yes…… I just have to do what I must do.

(Time passes)

Vanis: Here, this is a list of humans who are connected with the devil. You can put this to good use, right?

Adder: Looks like you still have some value to you.

Vanis: It’s most important that you seem satisfied. So, does this mean I won’t be kicked out?

Adder: For now.

Vanis: That’s good, then. I also think it’s worth staying in Belladonna.

For the sake of doing what I must do…… Alright?

[fff777]

part 2 reaction of nct at smtown tokyo 2024 behind the scenes

the guys were having fun stringing together variations of "jam" for word chain and doyoung the fun police came along and broke it up

they're using a lot of loan words from other languages lol

127 being visited by wish! :3

is it weird doing the nct greeting to nct?

aw we only got to hear a short snippet of yuta's japanese message to them. also jaehyun has such a 乖 smile on :P

is this really wish's debut stage? i thought they'd performed before? or is it their first performance in japan?

after wish leaves, they return to their word chain game lmao

doyoung had a special performance with kangta

chenle and jungwoo learning ten's lie with you dance :3 very babygirl of them. also the height difference lol. jungwoo's a long boi.

ten keeps wanting chenle to be in the middle 😅

jungwoo being like do you detest standing next to me or smthg

happy ending

more dance challenges 😅 ten learning smoothie from mark and riku and yushi learning tap from taeyong

hyoyeon and yangyang!

ten and taeyong perform, and then back to dance challenges 😭 i'm sorry it's so exhausting

tbh i thought dream's performance of best friend ever was a bit clunky because they were wearing those fluffy robes over their full outfits underneath. i think it would have been fine if they hadn't worn the robes for best friend over.

baggy jeans guys dancing to drama backstage :3

he touched the butt. three times.

there are FORTY EIGHT performances in total omfg. you must get so much bang for your buck as an audience member lol.

winwin :3

wayv ment time

127 ment

getting up close and personal while yuta does his ment in japanese

japanese class with markmin

dejun and winwin here to crash

did dejun really come all the way to chat with mark about their mics falling off lol

omg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kun has more kids to adopt!!!!!

omg.....kun said that he met yushi when he was that tall 😭 no wonder he's so affectionate with him

ok but???????????????? are they a thing now????? they have been very huggy since nct nation!!!!!!

jeno wants attention

but like renjun........he's going for it. you do you boo

lmfao jisung puffing out his chest and chenle staring off

haewin <3

kyaaa renwin~

you're feeling peppy aren't you bud <3

when he noticed taeyong <3 this was soooo cute