#i had to keep rewriting this because it felt like i was going “look mahiru is inately toxic in the same way kazui is queer!”

[dearmahiru-archive]

TW: discussions of suicide DNI: if you villainise mahiru or kazui

so recently my thoughts have been absolutely consumed by mahiru and kazui. specifically—i think it's really interesting how the catalyst of mahiru and kazui's murders is a trait they cannot change.

Mahiru: You’re wrong. It wasn’t that. I…never even wanted to kill anyone in the first place! Es: [pauses] Mahiru: I just… I was… just being myself

Mahiru: Because I know how precious it is to be in love. The moment you love someone, you realize the beauty of the world as it changes. To not forgive me means to take the act of loving away from me. That’s the same as not being alive. It’s the same as not being able to drink water or breathe. So… if this love isn’t allowed, then I don’t mind dying.

in contrast to kazui, mahiru strongly desires love, marriage, and to have children. however, her relationship was doomed to never bear fruit because of how unhealthy it was.

it's fascinating too because while it's kazui's lies that serve as a catalyst for his murder, mahiru is portrayed as her own catalyst. it's mahiru as the noose suffocating her boyfriend and her presence alone that stresses the bluebird to point it's shedding it's feathers. mahiru's love is somethings that's so ingrained to her person that, to change, would be the same as dying.

Kazui: I despise myself for lying, too. Being a liar, you see – it’s painful. Es: Heh. Then just– Kazui: So I’ve tried to change! I’ve tried to change. I have tried to stop lying to myself and others!

and where mahiru refuses to change, kazui strongly desires to. i personally lean to the interpretation that kazui is queer in some fashion and we all know sexuality isn't something you change. like how mahiru's relationships was doomed to fail because of her love, kazui's marriage could never work because he could never romantically love his wife.

Q. What was your lover like? Mahiru: (handwriting dips) Overall, a kind person

Q. Did you love the person you killed? Kazui: (no answer)

anyway this post was brought to you by the psychic blast these two answers delivered

[komahinasecretexchange]

Title: Hopes Peak University

Author: @bidoofgodofdestruction​

For: @behindtherobinsmask​

Prompt: College au

Notes: Hi! I just want you to know for your prompt regarding them knowing eachother before the tragedy I have my despair arc rewrite! So consider this two prompts answered for the price of one! But putting that aside, writing this made me happy! Komahina in general makes me happy but this really felt warm. I’m glad to have been assigned to someone who prompted me to make something fun like this. Well, without further ado...

Nagito Komaeda wasn’t supposed to make it to college. His first year of high school was meant to end with his demise if it didn’t come sooner, but what do you know, the doctors were able to save his life and cease the effects of dementia.

Was he happy about that? He didn’t know.

He ended up as a business major since that seemed to be the most understated major he could think of and he was happy with anything understated. But, his life could never be understated. He knew that fact for a long time.

“So... your horoscope says you’re going to have a romantic encounter with someone you spend time around for obligations. Class and such. Isn’t that interesting?”

Nagito inspected his roommate hanging upside down off his bed, holding a tabloid and grinning.

“And what does yours say Kokichi?” He answered the question with another one, and got answered with a wink.

“It’s a secret.” He said spacing out the syllables in the last word “Anyways, I’m heading out in ten. Don’t miss me too much kay?”

“What are you heading out for again...?” Nagito asked, looking up from the mystery novel he’d had his nose in.

“A party! P-A-R-T-Y! You can come too if you’d like!”

“No thanks.” He politely declined “I’d probably bring down the place. Plus I have to return this book.”

“Lame!” Kokichi sing songed “Fine. Enjoy your lame book. Give me a call if you want to live a little.”

And that was that. He finished the book before Kokichi left but waited after he left to go to the library- on foot. Not that it was a short walk, but accidents were always prone to happening around him so transportation in a way that could end in fatalities was a no-no. It was after dark by the time he arrived at the library and he was stifling a yawn as he walked in. Lazily, he placed the book in the return pile and going to find a new book. It was then he noticed someone sitting at a table, asleep on top of a pile of books. Oh. He recognized him.

He snuck up behind the boy... and shook his shoulder. He burst awake and turned around so he moved out of his field of vision, and then he turned in the direction he actually was.

“Nagito.” Hajime Hinata gave him an icy look “What do you want?”

“Well, for one thing, I wanted to make you stop drooling on library property.” Nagito said pointing to the book pile. Hajime looked at the pile with a disdainful look and buried his head in his hands sighing.

“I can’t study this crap. It’s all so boring.” He complained “All this degree is gonna land me is some boring normal job as a faceless cog in the machine. That’s gonna be my life. I’m less than excited.”

“Yes I know.” Nagito replied sitting down “I tend to hear you complaining under your breath during lectures.”

“... That’s private.” Hajime replied, his cheeks beginning to show a hint of reddening.

“Of course. But if I may ask- why did you choose this major in the first place if you’re not satisfied with it?”

“... because it’s easy.” He averted his gaze “I don’t have any special talents. That means a boring normal life in business is the easiest way to get by.”

“Oh poor sweet Hajime…” Nagito giggled.

“Don’t get smart with me.” Hajime glared “Besides, it’s not like you’d be taking this route for any other reason.”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Nagito smiled “I couldn’t care less about success. I just find the normality comforting.”

“I wouldn’t expect such a weirdo to find normality comforting.” Hajime snarked.

“Do I not live up to your expectations?” He laughed “Well I live to disappoint.”

“... I guess it does explain why you have good grades.” Hajime muttered chewing on his pencil.

“Do you want me to help you study?”

“Help? No I-“ he did a double take before gritting his teeth for a moment and... “Oh what the hell? Teach me your ways.”

“Very well.” He smiled reaching for one of the books “I’m no teacher but I’ll see what works for you.”

“Sure... let’s just start by reading it together. I’ll say ‘page’ when I’m ready to turn it.”

“Sounds good.”

Nagito placed his hand on the corner of the page and leaned towards the material, until the two of them were in close proximity to each other.

“Oh... wait.” Nagito frowned “Is this too close?”

“It’s fine, don't worry.” Hajime said “This is college, not a romcom.”

“Whatever you say.” Nagito read through the wall of text in the book and waited for Hajime to say ‘page.’ One minute passed. Then two. Then three. Then Hajime just threw his hands up with a growling noise before planting his elbows on the table with a thud.

“This is useless!”

They got a shushing from a girl with braids nearby and Hajime sheepishly sank down.

“What’s wrong?” Nagito asked him curiously.

“I can’t read this. It all just goes away as soon as I do! I keep reading the same sentence over and over!” He complained, “How am I supposed to understand this material?”

“... I can explain it to you.” Nagito offered.

“Please do.”

“Well...” Nagito gave his own summary of what was on the page to the best of his abilities. “Sorry. That wasn’t great was it?”

“No... I actually think it’s way better coming from you.” Hajime replied “Can you give me more like that?”

“Ah... most people don’t want to hear me speak...” Nagito recoiled “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

Nagito cautiously nodded and took Hajime through a crash course of the material. Hajime was clearly engaged by his body language and frequently asked questions.

“For someone who hates this, you sure are getting into it.” Nagito mentioned at one point.

“Well… you make it interesting. That’s quite the good quality.” Hajime said.

“Oh… you’re making me blush.” Nagito laughed “I don’t have many good qualities to speak of. I mean look at you! You have a lot of friends when nobody bothers with me.”

“That’s not- I mean-“ He groaned “Speaking of friends, I wish Mahiru was here. She’s a good people person.”

“Well… I can consider you a people person.” Nagito claimed “Because I’m starting to warm up to you.”

“... I guess you’re a people person too then.”

“I’m really not.”

“Well, maybe you should find the right people.” He suggested “Let’s continue.”

The hour eventually grew late. The boys packed their things and started to go out.

“Hey Nagito... have you considered going into teaching?” Hajime asked “You explain things really well... and you seem to have a ‘good with kids’ type of personality.”

“That’s quite the proposition. I’ll have to think about it.” Nagito laughed “But just one thing?”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t have to be ashamed of normalcy. Lots of people are normal.”

“... Yeah. And Nagito?”

“Mm-hm?”

“If you do switch majors... let’s keep in touch. You’re a lot cooler than I thought.”

“... Huh. That’s the nicest anyone’s ever been to me.”

“Then we should hang out more.” He held out a fist “See you?”

Nagito looked at him and bumped his fist into his. “See you.”

The boys parted ways and Nagito went back to his dorm, resting on top of his bed. Eventually Kokichi came back.

“Hey Nagito~” he sang coming in “What’s with that look on your face?”

“... Say Kokichi. Do you have any more of those horoscopes?”

[annsparksthegmr]

Dangan Thieves AU - Sonia Nevermind

So here’s the lovely Ultimate Princess of the Dangan Thieves AU and… *face plants onto desk* As much as Sonia is a likable character she is more of a pain to write simply because of her “perfect character.” I had to rewrite this like… four times just so it felt like this could possibly be Sonia Nevermind and not somebody else. Why is her character designed to be nearly like a Mary Sue at points? Couldn’t she just have a few more notable ones or did I overlook them?

…

Anyway, Sonia Nevermind position as the main party Support member came from my chat with @shsl-shipper-gamer-fangirl and we came to the conclusion we’d at least have two members taking that role (Being Sonia and Mahiru). As for her Persona, I’d like to thank @killr-cupcake for suggesting ideas for the Persona - and helping me narrow down the list. Though after Sonia I’m going to take a break from characters and work on other things… like possible Palaces and Mementos stuff! Be sure to take tune for that and ENJOY!!!

Sonia Nevermind

Arcana: Empress

Codename: Enchantress

Outfit: A spiked crown rests upon her head as Sonia’s blonde hair is now in a long braided style. Around her neck is a golden dog whistle and it leads into a brown and golden transformer skirt dress. Wearing brown boots underneath, the accessories on her dress are golden roses pinned around her waistline alongside the smaller ones which are pinned to her leather gloves.

Mask: A Kai Ken dog designed mask.

Persona: Hecate. (Greek Goddess of magic, witchcraft, the night, the moon, ghosts, and necromancy.) Note: Hecate takes the form of three-headed dog mecha which she can enter and pilot to avoid being targeted by enemies. Upon the second awakening, it is rebirth into a three-headed dog-dragon hybrid mecha and it can now actively use abilities while flying through the sky.

Skillset:

Short Reconnaissance - Can reveal the basic information about enemies after defeating them.

Sparking Justice - Donning the mask itself, she yells words of encouragement. Little apple projections surround the party as they get attack buffs.

Health Reserve - Recovers 5% HP after every battle.

Upgrades to

Health Assistance - Recovers 20% HP after each battle.

Midnight Slip - Taking off one of her slippers, she throws it onto her enemies as it grows in size. Pointing towards the falling slipper, her Persona’s mouths open to reveal missiles that fire to shatter the falling object. While this does minimal damage, it reduces the enemy's Accuracy/Evasion. There are also tons of profanities flying across the battlefield.

Energy Reserve - Recovers 5% SP after every battle.

Upgrade to

Energy Assistance - Recovers 10% SP after each battle.

Royal Decree - Removes all debuffs on the party as Sonia reads a scroll that released a wave of energy.

Bad Apple - Summoning a huge apple with a green aura, she tosses it into the middle of the field, where it falls apart. Allies can gain buffs to the Attack, Defense and/or Accuracy/Evasion and the enemies will suffer debuffs matching the boosts the part received. The buffs will come at random with small changes of getting all of the current buffs.

Bewitching Torch - Has a rare chance to fully recover the HP & SP of an ally.

*All-Out Attack Card: “Bow before your enchantress!” beside the enemies getting roasted by her Persona. Sonia is happily smiling with the catchphrase “Oops. Sorry about that!”

Persona Awakening Dialogue:

Hecate: “You’ve made me wait for so long as you hid behind your title? Do you finally understand now? That using your perfect image of being a princess can no longer protect you from the despair that plagues your soul every day. Everything you love will be robbed anyway if you do nothing… have you given into despair so easily?”

Sonia: “...I… No, I still haven’t lost hope yet. Everyone’s hope being butchered into despair here by a cruel soul… Now I truly believe what they’ve said. If only I had the strength to save them!”

Hecate: “...Your heart is as pure as your intentions may seem to be… there is hope in forging the contract with you. Together, we may yet strike a chance to waver the fate and your destiny into the one desired. The contract itself can be sealed now with your new found hope rekindled. I am thou, thou art I… Let your graceful facade shatter their vision and reveal to all the true passion you crafted!”

Sonia: “Of course. And I shall no longer be a subservient bystander to this madness!! This will end with all my might and it starts today! Time to shine forth! Hecate!”

Quotes:

“All hostiles have been annihilated. Well done everyone!”

“There appears to be a safe room up ahead. I advise that we all rest before continuing.”

“I’ve appeared to have gotten stronger!” (Level Up)

“My magic’s improved!” (Skill Up)

“That shimmering shine… Ace, we’ve got some treasure to get!”

“...Have we been in here longer than we should have? I’m getting some weird readings on my end. Be careful.”

“We are on a roll! Let’s keep going!!”

“Everyone is too badly injured; I suggest we retreat for now and recover Ace.”

“Hostile Shadows up ahead; will we engage or sneak by them?”

“Huh? Did you expose yourself by accident?” or “Look out! Hostiles coming!”

“Don’t waste yourself on these ones.”

“...Shadows up ahead are quite dangerous; perhaps we should sneak by?”

“Something’s amiss here; I suggest safety protocols before proceeding.”

“Congratulations everyone!”

“Our teamwork was on point.”

ENTERING A BATTLE VIA AMBUSH: “The odds are in our favor. Let’s keep it that way okay?”

GETTING AMBUSH: “We’re surrounded!!! Keep your guard up!”

RUSH: “Eliminate them all quickly!”

ENCOUNTERING THE REAPER: “Are you trying to face Death?! Flee at once!”

ATTEMPTING TO ESCAPE FROM BATTLE: “An escape route? I’ll see what I can do.”

PARTY MANAGES TO ESCAPE FROM BATTLE: “Retreat now; I’ve made an opening!”

AN ENEMY FLEES IN A PALACE: “What?! Pursue that Shadow before it raises security!!”

Short Reconnaissance: “I’ve made a record of the Shadow for future reference.”

Sparking Justice: “One morale boost coming up!”

Midnight Slip: “Oops I…” *proceeds to yell out profanities*

Royal Decree: “Cease these debuffs on my party immediately!”

Bad Apple: “Want something refreshing? Here you go!”

Bewitching Torch: “I’m dropping off some aid; who needs it most?”

WHEN SOMEONE’S HEALTH IS LOW: “Watch your health; one more move might end it all if not healed.”

WHEN SOMEONE’S INCAPACITATED: “Oh no! Somebody please help them!”

WHEN SOMEONE’S WEAKNESS IS EXPLOITED: “They found their weakness! Cover for them!”

WHEN SOMEONE MISSES: “Did you forget to aim for the target?! Be careful.”

PERFORMING 3 BATON PASSES IN SUCCESSION: “Excellent! This is just what we needed.”

ANNOUNCING ALL-OUT ATTACK: “Time for some execution!”

Burn: “...Do I smell something burning?!? Somebody put that out now!”

Freeze: “We don’t need a human popsicle! Somebody thaw them out!”

Shock: “They got paralyzed; they won’t be able to do anything until it is removed!”

Forget: “Why did you get this now? Help them to remember their Persona!”

Charm: “...Flirty with the enemy? Is that common in Japanese culture?”

Rage: “What are they doing? I can’t get through to them!?!”

Brainwash: “This isn’t good; they see us as the enemy! Break the sell please!”

Despair: “Somebody fell into Despair; somebody give them a pep talk before they lose it!”

Hunger: “Who forgot to have a snack? Get them some food stat!”

Dizzy: “This isn’t a merry-go-round ride! Get them back to normal quickly!”

Sleep: “Falling asleep on the battlefield? This is no time to take a nap!”

Silence: “Why have they gone silent? Somebody help them!”

Mouse: “Aw~ They look so adorable as a mouse~ I just want to pet and love them~!”

Mementos Chats:

“Not to seem inconsiderate Ace, but you’re driving... well… lacking in some places.”

“I’ve got to say; having a dog mecha as my Persona just like in those historical animations I used to watch is amazing! I wonder if I can find more of them…”

“Using a dog whistle to recollect my Persona is a bit awkward… but I can make do as long as I’m not in the fray.”

“Freeing the hearts of those inflicted by despair… that is what I wish of our accomplishments to amount towards.”

“Never once did I believe that a Dangan Thief would be this engaging. I can safely say that these memories I’ll never forget for the rest of my life!”

Sonia: “I’m impressed at how you’ve managed to make it for so long without somebody having a Persona like myself!”

Hinata: “Um… thanks, I guess?”

Hinata: “...Hold on, haven’t we been here before?”

Sonia: “Perhaps… then again most of this place looks the same to me…”

Sonia: “How peculiar that my Persona manifested so differently that I have to keep a dog whistle to control it… Huh?! What game are you playing?”

Chiaki: “Oh this? It’s one of those games where you take care of pets… just like this dog right here.”

Sonia: “Ah! Are you okay Heartbeat? Why are you laughing so much?”

Mikan: “Ehehe, s-sorry about that. I’m j-just having so much f-fun with e-everyone…”

Nagito: “Dearess Enchantress, your hope has truly been bountiful to our efforts. With your ravenous canine on our side, there is no way despair can stop us.”

Sonia: “Thank you… so much… I guess...”

Sonia: “Owl! I’m so delighted that we are working together. Tell me, are you up hanging out with us girl sometime? We’re planning a baking session.”

Peko: “I’d… like that very much if I have the time.”

Fuyuhiko: “Yo Enchantress, are you sure you know exactly what you’re doing?”

Sonia: “I know very well what I’m doing here Gangster. Thank you for asking.”

Sonia: “...Why is he the only one who I can’t truly identify? Is he hiding something…?”

Imposter: “Did you say something Enchantress?”

Sonia: “Oh nothing! Sorry, I was just thinking if I can make anything else with my powers to help us in the future!”

Sonia: “I’m so grateful to have another thief just like you; we’re sure to make an excellent team!”

Mahiru: “Yeah…  that is if you’re carrying your own weight most of the time.”