#in every generation a slayer is born

[brown-eyes-blue]

I'm a normal person.

[raisedbythetv89]

Buffy fandom content that’s largely “let’s shame the spuffy and spike girlies!” (girlies used genderlessly) by constantly telling us how bad/wrong/fucked up/sick/crazy/in need of therapy we are under the guise of “concern” for us is so crazy and so funny and so embarrassing for those creators because they’re literally just joss whedon 2.0:

Hating/shaming/finger wagging and acting morally superior to a character/ship and their fans but at the same time being COMPLETELY dependent on said character/ship/fans you spend the majority of your time dumping on!! Like what on earth would you do for content if you took away the thing you spend 70-90% of your time shitting on??? Angel only got a 5th season BECAUSE of Spike - do you realize how crazy that is??? Joss spent all this time trying and failing to destroy Spike’s character because “it wasn’t the Spike show” (screamed in James’ face by joss as he is pinning him against a wall - there’s a guy who’s footsteps you want to follow in!) and then he’s using Spike as a way to save Angel just a few years later 💀💀💀 THAT IS SO EMBARRASSING FOR JOSS AND ANGEL 😹😹😹😹

Like I am so sorry you do not understand spuffy and spike - truly. If you don’t love him and spuffy I genuinely feel sad for you because you are missing out on SO MUCH FUN, beauty, gut wrenching heart ache, angst, healing, tenderness, absolute poetry and all around sexy, slutty time - spuffy is the ship that has EVERYTHING, performed by two absolutely PHENOMENAL actors with bonkers chemistry. Spuffy just is that girl proven by the fact that the haters are making podcasts and writing books just to shit on us (like we didn’t already cover all of it enough from the show’s creator, the patriarchy and the show itself???) DECADES later 😹😹😹

So my darling Spuffys - please don’t take these people’s misogyny and self hatred to heart. I know we’re all often chronically misunderstood and it can be so frustrating to witness a beloved character or ship endure the same treatment of being so horribly misunderstood and to see others support them but truly they’re just FURIOUS angel didn’t do what Spike did and that he doesn’t waste his time moping and hating himself and helps buffy to do the same. They’re hating from outside a club they can’t even get into because they don’t have the media literacy, emotional intelligence, and self confidence in who they are as people to love characters who are naughty and have fun doing it 😈

[5bi5]

Into every generation, a Slayer is born. One girl in all the world. She alone will have the strength and skill to fight the... well there's that word again. What you are. How you'll die. Alone.

[kaszuma]

Mockery | Hoshina Soshiro

Part 0 of “Certainly Yours”

pairing: Hoshina Soshiro x fem!reader

summary: Mina Ashiro needed a team. But the moment she found one, she was at a loss at what to do when her Vice Captain and Lead Technician got off on the wrong foot.

warnings: Slight Kn8 B-side Manga Spoilers, Mentions of Soshiro struggling with self-worth, Mentions of slight animosity between you and Soshiro but nothing too major, First-time meeting, Mentions very few graphic depictions of slaying Kaiju.

wc: 9,712

–

note: Hello! Sorry for the long wait.

I originally planned to write Part 7 first. but decided to write Part 0 as a special chapter since I've hit a hundred followers. But by the time I finished, we hit 150. Thank you lots!!

There is less romance on this one, since it's a prequel to Part 1 of Certainly Yours. I originally wanted to incorporate a rivalry or an initial animosity between reader and Soshiro. So this was my best attempt on the subject.

There is a lot more interaction and inner pining because it's still in the initial stages in the relationship. And I had a difficult time cross referencing B-side manga with the things I've already written thus far. I’m disappointed we don't really have much information on Soichiro. And I have big plans to incorporate him in a separate part in much more excruciating detail later down the line. Involving jealousy..

Anyways. For now, I shall write Part 7 and give ya'll the comfort you need. Might be the big I love you's, you're looking for. Wink wink.

Also, please tell me if I missed any warnings. None of these are proof read and my phone lags really bad when I post 9k words worth of fanfiction.

–

The feeling of being needed was a foreign concept that Soshiro Hoshina had never experienced for himself.

The road that he paved himself had always been a lonesome one. Carved by the very callouses of his own fingertips. Where he'd dive headfirst into the nose of a cliff filled with criticisms and comparisons. The world familiar to him had always been accompanied by a sense of mockery for his craft. A sneaky way to bury his existence in the wake of the world that had been full of firearms and expert Kaiju exterminators.

In the face of it all, he had always been frustratingly average.

Not nearly as bright as the way his older brother had burned for the adrenaline of the battlefield. The use of firearms, specialized tools and weaponry that had been modernized to slay larger than life Kaiju. Had always been stacked against him. Someone who was not born with the innate ability to tackle such large threats. His use had been chained to the blade. One so sharp and pristined to the point of no return.

For as long as he remembered, it had always been like this.

Even before he had joined the Defense Force of his own volition. He had always felt inferior in the way his brother Soichiro had bested him in every sense of the word. A genius incarnation that had rarely been born into the Hoshina family's already impressive lineage. In a family who prided themselves as generational Kaiju-slayers.

By all means, Soichiro Hoshina was the perfect man born for the front lines. His presence alone dominated the field. Any Challengers he'd face would be a place where normal people would never be able to reach.

He mastered a variety of martial arts at a young age. Already flipping over instructors each time he was paired to a battle in an attrition of self-defense.

The sword techniques passed down within the generations of his ancestors, had all been perfected to improve upon his own. His sword an extension of his arm each time he wielded it. And in terms of firearms? Soshiro couldn't begin to imagine ever reaching the height of his brother's skill. The gap between them in terms of long ranged attacks had been far too large for him to delusionally think he'd ever make it. Let alone surpass.

And although their youngest was plenty good at the progress of his own swordsmanship. Soichiro was on an entirely different level than he was.

A genius, some would call him. A fact the younger Hoshina was far too aware of.

The dust he left behind when he ran forward was often a sight Soshiro was familiar with. Sweeping him off of his feet each time he'd issue a direct challenge with his older brother.

And although he hated to admit it. Soichiro Hoshina's existence was both an inspiration and a mockery to his own.

A frustrating truth that even he had no choice but to believe.

His enigmatic older brother had always been a person who was destined to become the Captain of the sixth division. And his junior of five years, who had not excelled in anything but his skill in close quarter combat. Had all but stood in his shadow, destined to live a much ordinary life as an instructor like his family suggested.

Not a single person expected him to keep fighting.

To keep swinging that blade of his which had been both a boon and bane for his existence in the defense force.

Each humorous jab, or critical comment directed his way, had always been replied with a simple smile on his cat-like features. Far too exhausting to correct the people who had never dreamed to understand what he wished for.

And even if they never did, even if no one ever believed that he'd be able to survive the chaotic life of killing a Kaiju with a blade alone. He'd fight tooth and nail if he had to, In an effort just to keep his style of combat alive.

Because swinging the sword had always been something he found extreme joy in.

He refused to let this be the written ending for his story. Refused to let fate decide on the path to his future actions. Not when his undoing had all been decided by his unlucky birth.

Had Soshiro existed in a different era, far away from Soichiro. Things may have turned out much differently, he imagined.

But alas, he was stuck fighting. Climbing the gritty stairs of progress. Dragging the heavy weights of his blades all the way to the bloody top. And It showed in the way he never stopped practicing. His personalized equipment had always remained in top condition. The sharp end of that thinly-cut mass of iron had always been razor edged and cut-throat in the way it was maintained. Not even a dent could be seen on the damn thing.

By all means the weapon he held had always been ready. Waiting in fact, for the day Soichiro would mess up and stumble.

And for some reason? Soshiro had a feeling that day would be today.

It was their usual four round duel. An agreement between brothers who'd meet up every afternoon at the end of their respective classes for the weekday. Books packed hastily in an effort to rush home so that they could clash blades in the open spaces of their house's courtyard.

It had been a daily routine at this point.

Often, Soshiro would be the first to come home. Dropping his bag onto the floor of his bedroom and rushing to wear his hakama which had been prepped on the foot of his bed. And the moment he puts it on, he shows no hesitation when he grabs an appropriately sized bamboo blade that he kept nearest his closet.

Soichiro, who was the last to come, had always returned home with his little brother already waiting for him at their usual spot. Stance wide and ready to begin their matchup.

And although he often found his determination awe inspiring.

The older brother was far too aware of his own blood's presence. His eagerness to catch him off-guard had been made clear. Always at the ready in the case he'd make a mistake so that he could close the gap in skill between them.

And Soichiro. Who was as equally as cunning as he is. Had always been one step ahead, at the ready for any of Soshiro’s practiced attacks that even he knew could catch up to him at any moment.

Genius my ass. What's the point of being called that when your younger brother was so close to surpassing you? His progress in the blade is abnormally fast.

And to Soichiro. It was utterly terrifying.

“Yer too stiff ya’ little wimp. How do you expect to swing and hit me when that stance of yours is too rigid.” Soichiro pointed out. His chin pointed at the darker haired boy's much smaller feet. The boy hadn't even hit a growth spurt yet. And at this point he had been much taller than Soshiro's current height. His little brother barely reached the waistband of his Hakama giving him an ample advantage in build.

“Tryin’ something new. Now shut yer’ trap and let me hit ya!” Soshiro replied. The same serious look plastered on his face.

And such a challenge is met by his brother's own smirk. “Quite the yapper today aren't ya?” He laughs.

“-Fine. If you managed to hit me once, I'll let you go at me for another round. That ‘a deal?”

“Don't even need to ask.” Soshiro smirks. And with quick footwork, the boy had already reached his older brother's inner circle.

His steps were precise in the way he wasted no unnecessary limbs in his movement. In three short steps he had been faced to face with him. The tip of his bamboo sword already pointed at the very sky. Ready to strike him in the shoulder in an attempt to have him drop his own weapon. A technique he had done plenty of times to Soshiro before.

But the braided haired boy had been quicker. More experienced for his age. Foreseeing the minor tells his brother would exhibit when striking his sword down. And he wastes no time, pouncing to the side. Narrowly avoiding the heavy hand that had almost hit him on the jugular. Where he knows would've hurt.

It was done in quick succession. Soshiro didn't even have time to realize that his brother had turned on his heel. His blade held with one hand, had swept the ground to hit his very ankle. Effectively throwing him off balance. Making Soshiro yelp as he landed on his rear. Sword slipping from the tight grasp of his fingertips which had not grown enough to garner a steady grip yet.

And he could hear Soichiro’s obnoxious laughter echoing from in front of him. Slapping his leg to try and calm his breathless laughter.

“Whoops, nearly thought you had me there didn't ya?” He places his free hand over his stomach whilst he slung his sword over his shoulder. Trying not to pop a vein while laughing so hard.

And the jolly expression on his face alone had made Soshiro grit his teeth.

“Hah!? One more round and I'll make ya’ eat dirt you big bonehead.” Soshiro had replied. Already scampering about to grab his sword from the sidelines. Readying his stance for another round.

But a little known fact about Soichiro is that his interests never linger on him for too long. Only allowing the younger boy a total of four rounds per day. No more, no less. Had that number exceeded. He'd spare no glance and show disinterest on entertaining the boy no more. And his laughter soon dies down.

“Nope, No way! That's the fourth loss in a row. That's ‘bout enough for today Soshiro.” The older boy shook his head nonchalantly. Fixing up the loose strands of his braid as he turned to walk away. Uninterested now that the battle had ended quickly.

“You coward–One more round! I ain’t done with you yet!!” Soshiro yelled. But he sees the way his older brother was already kicking the wooden sandals off his feet. Walking back inside where the scorch of the afternoon sun would not hit him. And mock reply he'd refuse much louder than before.

“Nope.” His mouth popped.

“Them's the rules, I'm afraid.. Now I’m starvin, let's go grab a bite to eat.”

He sees the way Soichiro had not spared a second to look back. Immediately making a beeline to the Kitchen where he knew a few snacks would be waiting for them.

But unlike the eldest, Soshiro had stubbornly stomped behind his brother. Trying his best to keep up with the older boy who had much larger strides in his steps.

“That ain't fair, you said you'd give me five rounds today!”

“I said I'd give ya an extra round IF ya’ managed to hit me. And beggars can't be choosers here seeing as how not one of your attacks managed to graze me at all.”

“-Looks like you'll need more trainin’ ya little twerp.” His hand had reached to pat him on the head. But Soshiro had slapped it away before it could ruffle the tips of his hair.

“Quit callin me twerp ya Bonehead! I'm not the one who's running away–Come back here so I can kick yer’ sorry butt!” He chased after him. A common sight for the household who often saw the siblings bicker with one another.

But Soichiro was too fast. The pleasant smile on his face remained as he grabbed a rice ball nearest the counter. All the while effectively avoiding the smaller one's tackles.

It had been a few seconds more before Soshiro would give up in his pursuit. The sound or his grumbling stomach made Soichiro want to laugh. But he figured he could spare the poor boy the embarrassment of pointing that out.

Eventually, Soshiro stopped. Grabbing a rice ball of his own, he chooses to sit at the tatami nearest the windowsill of their home. And with much delight begins munching on the rice ball with a fuming look on his face.

He hadn't given up..he’s just a little hungry. That's all. He reminds himself.

“One of these days I'll beat ya’ on the first swing. Just you wait.” And that sentiment makes his older brother smile.

“That so?” Soichiro replied. Sitting beside the younger boy who had taken large bites from his own food. And unbeknownst to Soshiro, a smile appears on the corner of his older brother's lips.

“Well, guess I should buckle up and train too. Wouldn't want my wimpy little brother here to get ahead of me. Now do I?” The younger one couldn't help but roll his eyes. Clearly unamused that his brother had taken to scorn him again.

“Train with what? You're already plenty good at everything else. Yer’ just being mean.” Soichiro couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's small pout. Already grabbing him another rice ball to hand to him, as a form of apology. And Soshiro wastes no time to accept his offer. Enjoying the fresh grains of rice wrapped in that salty seaweed sheet. A singular pickled plum had peaked from within the blankets of warm grains.

“Sure. But I ain't about to slack off and give ya an easy-win.” Soichiro chuckles. Though for some reason, his voice had been far kinder than usual. “-Besides…”

Soshiro pauses, raising a brow at his older brother who had stared at the golden rays nearest the open window. And a strange expression was etched on his very face.

“I'm willin’ to bet that someday..yer’ gonna find someone who's gonna need you. With or without that blade of yours.”

And he raises his head to meet his older brother's strange smile.

It had been a selfish, childish desire for sure. One that disliked the idea of his younger brother overlapping him one day. The sheer dedication and progress he had been making was a far cry to his own. But those words, he meant sincerely. And whether Soshiro was aware of that, he was sure that one day he'd at least think back on it as simply words of mockery to discourage him.

And he did not bother to correct him.

…

It had been a few years since then. And for some reason those words stuck to Soshiro like a moth with a lamp.

It was uncharacteristic of Soichiro.

Even after he cut ties with his older brother. He had always found that sentiment of his, strange. The enigmatic Soichiro did not usually go out of his way to comfort him. Let alone aid him in his training. In fact, he distinctly remembers all the times the braided haired boy discouraging him each time they dueled. Demotivated him to stop in his endeavors.

It wasn't uncommon for his anger to boil when it came to Soichiro’s demeaning behavior. His words, often echoing on days where he’d fail to prove his worth to the defense force.

And although he knew Soichiro was only teasing him. His constant onslaught of berations had made him think he needed to improve upon his flaws even more. His words of mockery, a lingering thought on the back of his mind that would've normally made a person give up. Had only strengthened his resolve. And his actions only lead to even longer strides of hard work that only evolved each passing moment he'd swing his sword.

So why was it that those words of his didn't sound like mockery at all?

Had his brother meant it? When he told him he'd find someone who'd need him with or without the skill of his blade?

It had been almost an entire decade since he last saw his brother. Who had gone straight ahead and became a captain of his own division. And Soshiro had just about joined the defense force. Hoping to prove his worth.

But that was easier said than done.

It wasn't until Mina Ashiro had walked in. Scouting him directly from the Kansai District. Offering him a chance to join the Third Division and rise to the top to become her Vice Captain. But even then, it had still felt like a blow to his existence who had been fighting just to stay in the game.

“I need your abilities. Will you join my force, Hoshina?” Captain Ashiro of the Third Division had spoken. Unabashed upon his entrance to her office. It had been one of those rare instances where he got to visit the Tokyo District. And he wondered if the woman in front of him was being serious in her resolve.

“Me?” He gives a wry chuckle. “Not sure I follow Captain.”

“You're a blade specialist. Yes?”

“That's correct.” He spoke with a weary formality.

“We can't overlook the possibility of miniature-sized Kaiju cropping down the line.” The Captain had spoken with determination. And her eyes meet Soshiro's with much the same determination she had when she first offered him a place next to her.

“When I need to shoot a threat, can I trust that you'll clear a path for me?”

…

Soshiro was frozen on the spot.

He was practically unable to answer her. Too shocked at the mere possibility of being offered a need for his skill with the blade. He had been forced to carry a gun with him before, and that didn't end well. Yet here she was, seeking assistance in a blade specialist who had so often struggled to keep up with entire platoons who had wielded firearms instead of steel.

So why now? Why was it when he resolved to only use blades did Captain Ashiro of the Third Division scout him out? Modern Kaiju of this day and age were large. Gigantic with plated shells that even firearms had struggled to pierce through. What good would a sword do in that situation?

And yet even then, he thought about it.

The possibility of fighting his way in the midst of soldiers who carried firearms and freezing rounds. The sheer thought of rushing forward and slicing Kaiju with the perfected combat abilities he had been polishing way before he had resolved to join the Defense Force.

But before he could resolve to make an answer, the door had opened. And you had entered the fray.

“Him? Well I suppose this isn't the first time the Third's willing to recruit strange people.”

Strange?

Soshiro had looked to the side. Catching a glimpse at your figure as you slowly closed the door behind you. Hands shoved to the front pocket of your lab coat as you walked right next to him. Saluting towards Captain Ashiro to formally greet her upon meeting her gaze.

“Captain.” You addressed. Right beside Soshiro. And you could feel his stares poking through your sides.

“At ease.” The Captain looks back towards him. “Officer Hoshina. This here, is the Third's Lead Technician. She's a weapons specialist and will be here to provide your support should you choose to join our division.”

The sweet smile on your face had not faltered. Taking you back to a relaxed stance as you came face to face with Soshiro’s own scrutiny. His raised eyebrow had been an indication of his hesitancy towards you.

Your eyes had made contact with his. And although squinted, you could see the glimpse of his wine colored eyes. Observing you thoroughly from head to toe.

You weren't exactly sure what was running in his thoughts at the moment. But his skepticism was met by a similar opinion of your own. Not entirely sure if he was as good as Captain Ashiro praised him to be. Though you had to admit, he was at least somewhat nice on the eye.

“I heard about you.” He tilts his head. Fox-like in his gaze. And a smile had stretched amusingly on the corners of your lips.

“Oh? Good things I hope?” He looked unbothered. Though in a sense that his kindness was only a front that he had all but gotten used to in hiding. Likely from your comment from earlier. And you had an inkling that he had a few things to say of his own. Sly in the way he'll word it.

”I suppose..” His reply was curt.

“Heard yer’ one of the few technicians that actually make Specialized Bioweapons, that about right?”

You nod. “Only for the strange ones.”

“-Ones that can't conform to the normalcy of standard firearms. Much like you, it seems.”

This makes Soshiro’s lips quirk. Suddenly very aware that your statement had been a jab of sorts. One he had gotten used to from his own division. And such a challenge was directly and expertly countered back in tandem.

“Well yer’ not so normal yourself ya’ know?” His accent had been made much clearer. And your eyebrows raise. Slightly irate in the way he jabbed at you. Though you let him continue, just to see if he could keep up with his own feist.

“-Heard you were the Technician that was kicked out for bein’ so stubborn to work with.”

And you had to hold back a wry chuckle. It seems his smile had a few sharp claws to fight back with. “So you've heard.”

“-But I suppose you too are used to that very sentiment, yes?” Your words seem to make that easy smile of his falter slightly. It was a miniscule comment, but judging by the way he had remained silent. The tension of the room grew weary as the two sparked a similar glare for each other. And although he found the situation slightly amusing, his displeased conversation had definitely soured his thoughts of joining.

Maybe the Third Division wasn't the place for him either.

What were the chances he'd have a different point of view should he switch divisions now? Your existence proved the very mockery his brother had implied. His Father who was normally supportive had not praised him for wanting to join the Defense Force when all he had was his skill in the blade. And the thought alone is enough to convince him otherwise.

Captain Ashiro's offer had been tantalizing, but not definite. And he has half a mind to excuse himself before things could escalate.

But as luck would have it. Captain Ashiro had been observant. Her intentions were never to have them be at odds with one another. And she clears her throat in the hopes she could ease the tension in the room slightly.

Administering as the only superior officer in the room. Who needed to take much responsibility.

“Sleep on it, Hoshina. We could use a close combat specialist like you out there.”

And whether or not she meant that. There hadn't been much time before an alert went off. A pin placed on his thoughts as he had found himself participating with the Third's mission to exterminate acid spitting Kaiju on the eastern side of the Kanto region.

…

Despite his hesitance. The thought of it still remained. And as if magnetized, he found himself willingly transfering to the Third Division. Somehow surviving a Kaiju attack that he had helped fend off with Captain Ashiro's help.

His sword. One he brought with him from back home. Had all been melted to the hilt. Its black steel had an unnatural wave of color on it. A result of his reckless actions when he remembered having to cut through the insides of a Kaiju's mouth. Saving both himself and a child from being devoured and melted.

Had Captain Ashiro and Okonogi; the Third's Lead Operations gal. Not hac impeccable timing, he was sure he would've been dead meat by now. And yet here he was, alive coupled with only a few bruises on his sore body.

After a few days, he had recovered fairly well since then. Deployed from the hospital after a back and forth discussion between the Tokyo and Kansai district. And he had finally gotten permission for his official transfer. h

His things were readily packed as he made his way to the bunkers of Tachikawa's base.

And just as he had stared at the broken blade, he had debated on whether or not he should've just thrown it out to get a new one.

It took ages to convince the Kansai district to forge him a blade. Steel that could withstand the strength of Kaiju skin. Or have a high enough melting point so that the acidic burns of its saliva and stomach were not affected by it. But that type of material was hard to come by. Let alone, he doubts command would grant him access to such weaponry when he had done nothing to prove his usefulness.

So even then, when he had been given the minimum necessity, he had been careful in its uses. Unsure whether or not his platoon leader would allow him to be given a replacement blade when he had so little opportunity to showcase his skill infield.

He’d likely have to ask Platoon Leader Ebina for a replacement. He had so few extra blades to spare. But the Third had at least been kinder to him than his last division. Surely they'd grant him better access to the weaponry of his choice, right?

Though just as he loathed the thought. His footsteps halted.

And in the middle of the empty hallways, nearest the corner where the sleeping quarters should be. Your eyes had met with his once more. The first time in a while since your encounter in the confines of Captain Ashiro's office.

“It's you.” You had spoken.

Suddenly aware that he had been staring at the broken blade in his hand. Unfazed by the heavy duffle bag he had carried with his other arm. The sudden softness of your voice had been unexpected to say the least. Given the last animosity you both displayed towards each other.

You walked closer to inspect the melted steel. Having already heard the report from Captain Ashiro’s latest mission. And for a moment, he feels as if you had looked almost displeased at the weapon. Guilty for having assumed the worst of him. “Looks like the acid's melted it down. I assume you have a spare?”

He nods. Sheathing the broken shortsword back in its holster. Making it look like it hadn't been broken at all. “That's right. Though I ain’t excited that I'm gonna hafta' throw another one out.”

This makes you smile. And his eyes had widened ever so slightly at the sight of your pretty teeth

So that's what you looked like when you smiled.

“Figures. It isn't very common for people to use steel against Kaiju nowadays. Let alone swords.” You spoke slowly. And this time, you see the way his mouth visibly frowns. A stark contrast to that usual unbothered smile of his when you had first met him.

“Well I ‘spose I'm not your common folk.” He spoke tight-lipped. And you cringe inwardly at your thoughtless words.

You hadn't meant that. A force of bad habit it seems. One that came from a place of wanting to help.

A soldier’s life, especially one that dealt with monstrous Kaiju, had always tipped the balance between life and death. And you had thought it reckless to see him remain stubborn when you first heard your Captain praise Soshiro's skill in the blade. Your impression on him, had made you think he was a reckless fool who did not value his life. At least not enough to learn how to handle firearms.

Though now, after having witnessed his actions through Okonogi and a few key witnesses from that day. You knew that you had been wrong in your assumptions. Planning to make amends the only way you knew how.

Your place as a Technician who could only fight through the weapons you made. One that you hoped would help people survive. Even for just a minute longer, just to make a difference.

“I didn't-” Your words were cut short. Not entirely sure why your voice had cut from the tip of your tongue. So instead you move closer grabbing the hilt of his blade from his fingertips. And that alone makes Soshiro tilt his head in confusion. “Here, let me have a look.”

And he watches you admire the weight and feel of the weapon. Staring at the black leather hilt that he had so often found himself gripping. Enough to cause a few dents in the area. Only further proving his dedication to his craft. But he did not understand your actions. Far too vague in deciphering you when he barely knew much to tell if your actions had been one of curiosity or just sheer brazenness.

“Do you…have something against me? Or is there somethin’ I’m missing here?" He blurts out. Unsure if your earlier comments were made from a place of ignorance or as a way to insult his way of fighting.

And your eyes had so easily pried from the blade and back to his face. Surprised that the relaxed persona of his had momentarily disappeared.

And for a second, you felt the weight of added guilt in the way you had addressed him earlier.“Against you? No, I-”

You sigh. “Not really. If anything I'm interested in you.” Managing to blurt out, almost frowning at the way you stumbled to admit that. Somehow that had been hard to say in front of his face.

“That so?” He tilts his head with a smile. “And here I was, under the impression that you hated my guts.”

You had half a mind to roll your eyes. Make another comment that might've irked his feathers for a bit. But you stopped yourself. Finding the smile on his face much more pleasant than you had imagined. A far cry from the masked practiced one he had adorned when you first met him with. And this time, you had made an effort to be more sincere.

“You've gained my trust.” You simply spoke. This time in a much more pleasant tone than you had anticipated. “I was wrong. I misjudged your confidence for stupidity.”

His eyes had trained over each other. And silence swept over them before you spoke hesitantly once more.

“I thought you were unwilling to adapt to change. But I see now you are much more careful than I anticipated.” Your admission makes him look away momentarily. Suddenly unused to such sincerity after their last meeting.

“Your skill in the blade is impeccable. And instead of being stupid, I'll replace your weapon for you.”

He raises his brow. Not entirely sure what you were getting at until you held the weighted blade with one hand. Unused to the way you had spoken softly this time. Almost apologetic even.

“You mean replace my weapon of choice?” He had assumed as much. Maybe you’d hand him a gun and see just how terrible he'd be at it. But you had almost smacked yourself on the head for wording things so vaguely.

“No.” Your reply was immediate. Making it clear that you had not meant to insult his skill in swordsmanship. That much was for sure. And maybe that had been the first spark that finally got through the both of you. That you had not meant to offend each other. Not this time.

“I meant–the material your weapon is made out of. It's barely functional, let alone made for slicing thick-skinned Kaiju. I didn't mean too.. yeah.”

Your words had caught his throat dry. And Somehow the awkwardness you had displayed had made him chuckle in response. Amused in the way you too, had stumbled in your words when you had so confidently spoken to him last time. He wonders if you were even the same person who'd responded with the feist he had experienced first-hand. Jabs and all.

Normally conversations like these would lead to persuasion. A simple comment to get him to use other weapons. To give up on his hard work with the blade.

By all means, he was used to the impracticality of his craft.

He was good with the blade. A prodigy some would call him. But his weapon of choice had not been suited for practical use. Often delegated as a Martial Arts technique, required to join the Defense Force as a form of experience.

But it seems he had forgotten who he was talking to.

For you had not been a very practical person either. A technician who made specialized weapons for the odd who would not dare conform to the standard way of fighting a modern Kaiju. And this time, he understood the words you had struggled to say out loud. Your apologies were clear, and you wanted to help. Even if you did look adorably helpless in trying to offer that option to him. “So, what I'm getting at is that, yer’ offering to help me. Yeah?”

“Yeah. Cause I have no idea how you survived for this long with such a flimsy weapon.”

“‘Scuse me?” He couldn't help but laugh a little more. Finding your bluntness a charm. Your aura had been quite different from his initial assumptions. And it seems you were just a bold individual who was unafraid of speaking the truth if need be.

And the thought alone made him smile. Much more genuine in the way he realized he'd be faced with.

“Normally people just tell me that I'm bein’ stubborn by sticking to the front lines. But never that..” He chortled again. Finding the amusement almost breathtaking to stand upright.

And the sound of his laughter had been similar to the pretty bells you once heard during the peak hours of a windchimes's ring. Nice and genuinely pretty.

If he had laughed like that everyday, it might make things a little harder for you to deal with. But you ignore the quick pace in your heart strings. Rolling your eyes as if nothing changed in your demeanor.

“Oh please. I've seen it from the Operations Room. You're more than capable. But the weapons they've given you are…subpar to say the least.”

“-If you actually want to do more, you're gonna need a stronger steel base than this.” You had flicked your finger against the holster of the blade. And the sound of contact had echoed to his ear. And suddenly he is all too aware of that soft smile plastered on your face.

A confidence brimming in you that told him all he needed to know. A thought that you'd help him. To stick by his side and pave a way for him. Starting with a better weapon.

“And I can help you. If you let me.”

“Oh. So you're offering to fix my blade for me?”

“Even better. I'm offering you specialized blades. Ones that won't break so easily.” You beamed. And the sight of your eagerness had made him almost giddy. It almost sounded like a pipe dream in the way you had offered no hesitance in supporting him. It was a breath of fresh air amidst the many who had given up on him.

“Though of course, you'd have to rise through the ranks. Command will only authorize special made weapons for the strongest Officers after all.”

“Like Captain Ashiro?” He had spoken out of turn. A tilt on his head at the memory of her rather peculiar specialty. “I assume you'd want someone who can dish out firepower as strong as hers.”

It was no secret that the Captain of the Third Division had an unusual affinity for firearms. Her large weapon was akin to a cannon, fit to destroy larger than life Kaiju should they appear before them. But you had all but shook your head at his comment. Already one step ahead to stop his doubts from formulating. And somehow, despite the difficulty in reading him. You found yourself able to at least grasp a feeling of his inferiority. One that had been beaten down on his very body that had made you feel guilty at the words he endured.

The very same words you've mocked him with.

“No. The rest of the command can have Mina Ashiro for all I care. It's you I want.” You pointed to him. your finger squarely on his chest. And he hopes you couldn't feel the vapid way his heart was hammering upon its contact with the fabric of his standard uniform jacket. Eyes fixated at your determination and unexpected confidence in him.

“But why? Wouldn't ya’ prefer someone more capable in both long and close range weapons?”

“Like who?” You had inquired. And suddenly his thoughts shift to that amazing but annoying recruit he's encountered during his entry exams. One that he had formed a small rivalry with since they had entered the force right around the same time.

“Maybe someone like Gen Narumi?” He shrugs. Though you could tell he was hesitant in his choice of words. Which makes you chuckle. “The soldier who requested a ridiculously large bayonet? No.”

Somehow that made Soshiro visibly relaxed.

“He’s good but there's nothing I can do that can help him further. But you on the other hand?”

He raises his brows. Seeing the way you tilt your head forward towards him. And his breath is caught on his lungs, unencumbered in the way you speak your mind openly and in confidence towards him. Comparison did not exist in your mind. And from the look on your eyes, there had not been an edge of doubt in the way you responded almost immediately to his doubts.

“I'd be a pretty bad Technician if I didn't see your uses beyond that sword of yours.”

“So ya need me?” He spoke incredulously. And although it embarrasses you, you give him a curt nod. That makes a chuckle escape from his lips. “And suddenly I'm beginin’ to feel special since I joined the Third Division.”

“Well, it's true. The rest may not be able to see it. But I know it.” You paused. Looking at him in sincerity. One that he was not used to seeing. And he flinches upon your hand grabbing his own. Feeling the way his skin had rich blisters that had been replaced with heavy calluses over the time he spent training.

“You'll save more lives than I can count, and the only way you'll do that is if you're given a proper blade.”

“-Created by yours truly of course.” You let go of his hand. Hopefully he hadn't noticed the red tint on your cheeks as you looked away. And his laugh is the first thing you hear that makes you want to admire his pretty face.

“Yer crazy..” He shook his head.

Though more of a vapid insult. The smile remaining on his pretty lips had indicated it was done on jest. And for a moment, you were suddenly all too aware of how husky his voice had been, or how much taller he had shadowed over you. Or how much better he looked when he smiled.

And you find yourself taking a few steps back. The broken blade already slotted on your shoulder. Ready to take it to your lab and get a head start on designing a suitable prototype for him.

“So I've heard. But the Third Division is already full of that, don't you think?” And he couldn't help but nod. Watching the way you had slowly walked passed him. Already unused to the given space you had provided. For a moment, he wished you had held his hand longer. It had made him miss the warmth of your closeness from earlier.

“I suppose so. It's a lot different from the Kansai district, I'll give ya’ that.” He turned. Watching as you retreated slowly. And with a single glance, you had all but piqued the very last of his interest.

Suddenly, it was like getting caught on a hook. And he’s afraid he'd be seeking you out everyday. If he can help it.

If you’d allow it.

“If they couldn't make you shine then I'll make sure to pave that way for you. No kaiju is gonna break that sword of yours.” You turn around. Already taking a step forward. Hiding your pink face from his sight. Which he was admiring rather languidly had you not turned your head.

“You have my word.” You had finished off. And before he could even reply, Soshiro was left in the empty hallways of Tachikawa base.

The sudden absence made him slacken, who had gotten so used to your comforting presence. But in spite of his disappointment, he somehow found himself smiling on his own.

It sure is strange hearing someone say that to him.

Mina Ashiro may have been the first to ask of him. To request an offer for his help in the field. His assistance would prove helpful in the face of her attacks, which was made for long ranged weaponry. And he had finally gotten a chance to prove his worth to the defense force. By means of paving a path to slay the Kaiju that got in her way.

But you had been the first to offer that yourself. To pave a path for HIM should any Kaiju get in HIS way.

You offered him a chance to shine.

And he'd be damned if he doesn't reach that expectation of yours.

The one who had challenged him to go beyond a greater height than he had ever envisioned himself climbing. To be needed.

It wasn't after half a month later had he come back boasting the highest melee kill count from small to midsize threats of Kaiju. His actions ebbing a spark in the third's outlook on Bladed users. Inspiring a few onslaught of officers to join a few joint training sessions held swordsmanship. The Kendo match between districts has become a much more popular feat than before.

Now, learning the blade wasn't a simple formality anymore. It had been another path forward. And although only a fool would continue to wield a blade instead of the practicality of long ranged weaponry. Hoshina Soshiro had been that very same fool. He who pushed forward like a madman and insisted on using his signature shorthanded blades, despite the odds stacked against him

And Mina Ashiro had placed a great deal of faith in him. Enough to promote him to a platoon leader. And eventually a Vice Captain of the third Division.

And your eyes had never lingered elsewhere in his pursuit.

Often following his line of sight when you'd seen him train on the very confines of the training room. And even now, you had stared directly at him. Unable to look away.

Not when he had entered your lab with the unusual formality of his standard uniform. His star studded pin hooked on the left side of his jacket's chest. An insignia that had been a symbol of his inauguration as the new Vice Captain of Third Division's upper ranks. His title attained by the mere fraction of his efforts and hardwork.

And you dare not face him with such petty grievances like you had in the past. A smile etched on your pretty lips as you greeted him in a mock salute. As if to tell him you had been expecting this day to come.

“Took you a while, Vice Captain. I almost thought you'd given up on me.” Your joke had made him let out a chuckle. Closing the door behind him as he walked up to your place nearest the desk.

“And miss out on yer’ startled face? Never.” He had spoken more informally than you had imagined. Which made you drop the mock salute you had given him. Rolling your eyes as you moved to stand. Heading to the next desk over as he followed you suit.

“I think you're the one that should be startled.” You had hinted with a giddy giggle.

The correction made Soshiro tilt his head. A sort of curiosity washing over him. And you watch as he closes the gap between his and the proximity of your bubble. Braving to graze his shoulders against you as he crosses your side. Eyes magnetized in the way it had seen your pretty smile. “Oh. Didya' have a surprise for me? Didn't peg you as someone who gave gifts often.”

And you lean forward, nearest his chest. As if to whisper your little secret that you've been meaning to show him for a while now. “In case you forgot, let me remind you.”

Upon landing his gaze on the small glass case on the desk, you had moved your hands to slowly remove the top cover. Revealing the two refined swords around the same length of his arms.

The outer casing, its holster. Was tinted purple like his dark hair. The hints of military green had no doubt matched that of their Combat Suit's design. And it veered to life the moment his eyes fell upon the familiar insignia of the Third Division's logo atop of its hilt. A sign that this weapon had been his.

Well at least, he assumed as much. Judging from the proud and almost excited look on your face. “I finished your swords.” You spoke factually. “Just need your verdict on the matter.”

His eyes had widened. This had been a stark difference from his previous blade. The way it was made was measured perfectly to the length of his arms. The sword bent in a grip for just the way he preferred it to. And its tip? The one where a pivot was placed had been an indication that it was designed so that he could connect the two blades. Form it into one long sword, if he truly wished to.

That alone was an indication that this was likely not a normal melee. Made of simple bronze or steel.

No.

This was a bioweapon. Made from Kiaju to kill Kaiju. One that was only granted to the strongest in the Force. One that had been ready for his use. Built in custom to his preferences. And their eyes met, only confirming his suspicions when she had given him an awkward shrug of her shoulders. Acting as if invisible ink had occupied the space between their feet.

“I said I'd make you a weapon that won't break easily, didn't I?” In an instant, a hot flush billowed in his cheeks. Much the same when your normally hidden shyness had finally resurfaced.

The rare times it did, he couldn't help but stare. Far too enraptured in the gap that had swung between your feist and your awkward responses. And he nods in turn. Suddenly aware that you had been doing such a task so diligently to perfection. “I don't know what to say. I didn't think you'd actually make it.”

You hear him chuckle. And your shoulder had pushed him forward. Towards the weaponry you had made for him.“Go on, it's not like anybody else can use it.”

Soshiro had looked at you, hesitant in the way you had so readily offered him such a gift. Your words had been proven in the way your assurances hit his heart. And his hand had a mind of its own as it grabbed the hilt of the blade. Sliding its cover right off so he'd have a chance to see the refined structure of the thinly cut mass of iron.

One he had been accustomed to weilding since he had been born.

Though instead. He was met with the dark shade of a similar material. Stronger than Iron, nor any steel for that matter. It was a blade far too distinct to forget. Luminous in orange hues as if it burned with the same heat that had allowed him to move in the enhancement of his suit.

And it had been clear this weapon was far stronger than the rest of his blade. Bound to cut a Kaiju's outer shell much easier than his previous ones would let him.

And the light one that breathed with an eery calm had reflected his own wine red eyes on the blade. The very movement caused a sound cutting through air when he'd expertly move it with his fingertips.

A sight of which had glued your eyes onto him. Finding his stupor rather mesmerizing than usual. His concentration had not been a rare sight for you, especially when you had caught glimpses of the many nights he'd spend alone in the training room.

But being this close. Seeing the joy nipping at his face. Somehow it makes your heart flutter strangely. And you had to shake your head to snap yourself out of admiration for the man. Suddenly focusing your attention back to blade one which vyed for his approval.

“So, do you like it?”

Soshiro had hummed. The usual grin on his lips remained unphased despite the giddiness in his chest. “Mmm...I ‘spose it's subpar at best.”

“Excuse me? Rude.” He laughs at your comment. And he puts the blade back in its holder. Already placing it on the back of his waist, right where it belonged.

“I'm kidding.” He spoke immediately after. A laugh bellowing from his abs. Though your scrunched nose had made it difficult for you to believe his immediate reply.

“No, I'm serious. You've outdone yourself sweetheart. Never seen a sword this sharp before..” He looks you over, admiring the easy smile on your face. That and the nickname seems to have made your cheeks flare up in surprise.

And he had to remind himself to engrave that very image of you on the back of his mind. Fearing that he may never get to see such a sight again.

“Well say that first! It's kind of difficult reading your facial expressions, you know?” You huffed. Though the easy laughter of his had remained. And a smile soon replaces your hefty frown.

“Sorry, sorry. Is there a price I hafta pay ya’? You know, for making me such a nice weapon and all that.”

You shrug, scooting your way right in front of him where he could just as easily close the gap between the two of you.

Have your chest pressed up against his, hand gripping the plush of your lower back. Admiring the gentle way you'd likely stare up at him with flamed cheeks. But he stops, already feeling too guilty to indulge himself further. And your reply had been quick enough to distract him from any incoming thoughts that had pushed his mind to try and get closer to you.

“Only your help, when it comes to a few suit upgrades.”

Help huh? He supposes this would be a good excuse to go see you more often. Though the simplicity of such a task was a little more suspicious on your part. And he had an inkling you had a few things in mind that involved more than just that.

But then again. He couldn't exactly read you either. Not completely at least.

Not yet.

“Quite demanding, aren't we?” He nods.

You had rolled your eyes at his teasing.

“You're the one that offered. But fine, be like that.” You had crossed your arms. Already backing away, and you had felt the way he had firmly pulled you back. Hand against your elbow. Making you face him whilst he tilted his head in your direction.

“Now, now..I never said anything about refusing you didn't I?” He chuckles. And the deep rumble makes your stomach churn in small caterpillars. Ready to form butterflies should he continue.

“Wasn't that already implied?” You spoke. Aware of the way his palms had steadied you by the elbows. The hint of warmth against his skin was almost tantalizing to make you lean forward. But before you had the chance to, he let you go. Leaving only an inch of space between the both of you.

“Shh..” His finger had raised itself against your lips. Shushing you before you could make another smart quip at him that was sure to insight another bout of witty banter. One that he knew he'd grown accustomed to in the future.

“I was just messing with ya'” He laughs. Only confirming that he had been hooked indefinitely by you. And he moves his free hand to tug your hair behind your ear.

“Do you, or do you not want to help me?” You had asked incredulously. Already finding his musings rather annoying. But the way he looked at you had your breath caught in your throat.

His gaze, although clouded by the silent promise to himself. Had not seen the way you too had a similar look on your face. And whether or not you had been aware of this promise. It doesn't fail to make your heart pick up its pace. His voice was almost reminiscent of prayer when he spoke your name in a whisper.

“I do want to help.” He spoke slowly. And your eyes flutter closed wondering if his touch would linger for a bit longer. But his fingertips remained curt. Pulling back just as soon as it grazed your skin.

“And how do I know you're being serious?”

“All ya’ have to do is call me. And I’ll Certainly be Yours, if you want me to.”

And he meant it. He was sincere in his intention to get close to you. To help you like you had sworn to him. Use his skill to protect you, should you ever need it.

And somehow, he is reminded of the time his brother had spoken to him long ago. Back when they were kids, dueling with simple bamboo swords back in the peace of their own home. Eating those childhood rice balls in the afterhours of their respective schools.

Soichiro be damned. Because somehow he was correct in his predictions. His words were every bit of a mockery to his craft. And although it was a rare sight to have him be soft in his presence.

Somehow, that was the one time he did so dissolutely.

And now, it looks like he's found someone who needs him. With or without that blade of his.

And this time, there was genuinely no sense of mockery in the way he had met you.

He only hoped he wasn't too late.

[legallybrunettedotcom]

BUFFY READING LIST

As promised @possession1981 and I have compiled a list of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel) related academic text and books. I think this is a good starting point for both a long time fan and for someone just getting into the show, or just someone interested in vampire lore. I have included several books about the vampire lore and myth in general as well. Most of these are available online.

BOOKS

Fighting the Forces: What's at Stake in Buffy the Vampire Slayer; edited by Rhonda V. Wilcox & David Lavery

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy - Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale by James B. South

Buffy Goes Dark: Essays on the Final Two Seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Television, edited by Lynne Y. Edwards, Elizabeth L. Rambo & James B. South

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Myth, Metaphor and Morality by Mark Field

Televised Morality: The Case of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Gregory Stevenson

Undead TV: Essays on Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Elana Levine

The Aesthetics of Culture in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Matthew Pateman

Girls Who Bite Back: Witches, Mutants, Slayers and Freaks by Emily Pohl-Weary

Why Buffy Matters: The Art of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Ronda Wilcox

Into Every Generation a Slayer Is Born: How Buffy Staked Our Hearts by Evan Ross Katz

The Lure of the Vampire: Gender, Fiction, and Fandom from Bram Stoker to Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Milly Williamson

Blood Relations: Chosen Families in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel by Jes Battis

Sex and the Slayer: A Gender Studies Primer for the Buffy Fan by Lorna Jowett

Diseases of the Head: Essays on the Horrors of Speculative Philosophy; edited by Matt Rosen (chapter 2 Death of Horror)

Public Privates: Feminist Geographies of Mediated Spaces by Marcia R. England (chapter 1 Welcome to the Hellmouth: Paradoxical Spaces in Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Open Graves, Open Minds: Representations of Vampires and the Undead From the Enlightenment to the Present Day; edited by Sam George and Bill Hughes (chapter 8 ‘I feel strong. I feel different’: transformations, vampires and language in Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

The Contemporary Television Series; edited by Michael Hammond and Lucy Mazdon (chapter 9 Television, Horror and Everyday Life in Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Joss Whedon and Race: Critical Essays; edited by Mary Ellen Iatropoulos and Lowery A. Woodall III

Buffy and the Heroine's Journey: Vampire Slayer as Feminine Chosen One by Valerie Estelle Frankel

The Existential Joss Whedon: Evil and Human Freedom in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly and Serenity by J. Michael Richardson and J. Douglas Rabb

Buffy the Vampire Slayer 20 Years of Slaying: The Watcher's Guide Authorized by Christopher Golden

Reading the Vampire Slayer: The Complete, Unofficial Guide to 'Buffy' and 'Angel' by Roz Kaveney

Hollywood Vampire: The Unnoficial Guide to Angel by Keith Topping

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Monster Book by Christopher Golden

Slayer Slang: A Buffy the Vampire Slayer Lexicon by Michael Adams

What Would Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide by Jana Riess

ARTICLES, PAPERS ETC.

Bibliographic Good vs. Evil in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by GraceAnne A. DeCandido

Undead Letters: Searches and Researches in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by William Wandless

Weaponised information: The role of information and metaphor in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Jacob Ericson

Buffy, Dark Romance and Female Horror Fans by Lorna Jowett

My Vampire Boyfriend: Postfeminism, "Perfect" Masculinity, and the Contemporary Appeal of Paranormal Romance by Ananya Mukherjea

Buffy, The Vampire Slayer as Spectacular Allegory: A Diagnostic Critique by Douglas Kellner

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer": Technology, Mysticism, and the Constructed Body by Sara Raffel

When Horror Becomes Human: Living Conditions in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" by Jeroen Gerrits

Post-Vampire: The Politics of Drinking Humans and Animals in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Twilight", and "True Blood" by Laura Wright

Cops, Teachers, and Vampire Slayers: Buffy as Street-Level Bureaucrat by Andrea E. Mayo

"Not Like Other Men"?: The Vampire Body in Joss Whedon's "Angel" by Lorna Jowett

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the Domestic Church: Revisioning Family and the Common Good by Reid B. Locklin

“Buffy vs. Dracula”’s Use of Count Famous (Not drawing “crazy conclusions about the unholy prince”) by Tara Elliott

A Little Less Ritual and a Little More Fun: The Modern Vampire in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Stacey Abbott

Undressing the Vampire: An Investigation of the Fashion of Sunnydale’s Vampires by Robbie Dale

"And Yet": The Limits of Buffy Feminism by Renee St. Louis & Miriam Riggs

Meet the Cullens: Family, Romance and Female Agency in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twilight by Kirsten Stevens

Bliss and Time: Death, Drugs, and Posthumanism in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Rob Cover

That Girl: Bella, Buffy, and the Feminist Ethics of Choice in Twilight and Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Catherine Coker

A Slayer Comes to Town: An Essay on Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Scott Westerfeld 

Undead Objects of a “Queer Gaze” : A Visual Approach to Buffy’s Vampires Using Lacan’s Extended RSI Model by Marcus Recht

When You Kiss Me, I Want to Die: Gothic Relationships and Identity on Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Ananya Mukherjeea

Necrophilia and SM: The Deviant Side of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Terry L. Spaise

Queering the Bitch: Spike, Transgression and Erotic Empowerment by Dee Amy-Chinn

“I Want To Be A Macho Man”: Examining Rape Culture, Adolescent Female Sexuality, and the Destabilization of Gender Binaries in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Angelica De Vido

Staking Her Claim: Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Transgressive Woman Warrior by Frances H. Early

Actualizing Abjection: Drusilla, the Whedonversees’ Queen of Queerness by Anthony Stepniak

“Life Isn’t A Story”: Xander, Andrew and Queer Disavowal in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Steven Greenwood

S/He’s a Rebel: The James Dean Trope in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Kathryn Hill

“Once More, with Feeling”: Emotional Self-Discipline in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Gwynnee Kennedy and Jennifer Dworshack-Kinter

“The Hardest Thing in This World Is To Live In It”: Identity and Mental Health in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Alex Fixler

"Love's Bitch But Man Enough to Admit It": Spikes Hybridized Gender by Arwen Spicer

Negotiations After Hegemony: Buffy and Gender by Franklin D. Worrell

Double Trouble: Gothic Shadows and Self-Discovery in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Elizabeth Gilliland

'What If I'm Still There? What If I Never Left That Clinic?': Faërian Drama in Buffy's "Normal Again" by Janet Brennan Croft

Not Gay Enough So You’d Notice: Poaching Fuffy by Jennifer DeRoss

Throwing Like A Slayer: A Phenomenology of Gender Hybridity and Female Resilience in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Debra Jackson

“You Can’t Charge Innocent People for Saving Their Lives!” Work in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Matt Davies

Ambiguity and Sexuality in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Sartrean Analysis by Vivien Burr

Imagining the Family: Representations of Alternative Lifestyles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Vivien Burr and Christine Jarvis

Working-Class Hero? Fighting Neoliberal Precarity in Buffy’s Sixth Season by Michelle Maloney-Mangold

A Corpse by Any Other Name: Romancing the Language of the Body in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein for the Adam Storyline in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Amber P. Hodge

Sensibility Gone Mad: Or, Drusilla, Buffy and the (D)evolution of the Heroine of Sensibility by Claire Knowles

"It's good to be me": Buffy's Resistance to Renaming by Janet Brennan Croft

Death as a Gift in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Work and Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Gaelle Abalea

“All Torment, Trouble, Wonder, and Amazement Inhabits Here": The Vicissitudes of Technology in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by James B. South

Staking Her Colonial Claim: Colonial Discourses, Assimilation, Soul-making, and Ass-kicking in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Jessica Hautsch

“I Run To Death”: Renaissance Sensibilities in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Christine Jarvis

Dressed To Kill: Fashion and Leadership in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Christine Jarvis and Don Adams

Queer Eye Of That Vampire Guy: Spike and the Aesthetics of Camp by Cynthea Masson and Marni Stanley

“Sounds Like Kinky Business To Me”: Subtextual and Textual Representations of Erotic Power in Buffyverse by Lewis Call

“Did Anyone Ever Explain to You What ‘Secret Identity’ Means?”: Race and Displacement in Buffy and Dark Angel  by Cynthia Fuchs

“It’s About Power”: Buffy, Foucault, and the Quest for Self by Julie Sloan Brannon

Why We Love the Monsters: How Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer Wound Up Dating the Enemy by Hilary M. Leon

Why We Can’t Spike Spike?: Moral Themes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Richard Greene and Wayne Yuen

Buffy, the Scooby Gang, and Monstrous Authority: BtVS and the Subversion of Authority by Daniel A. Clark & P. Andrew Miller

Are Vampires Evil?: Categorizations of Vampires, and Angelus and Spike as the Immoral and the Amoral by Gert Magnusson

BOOKS ABOUT VAMPIRE LORE AND MYTH IN GENERAL

The Vampire Lectures by Laurence A. Rickels 

Our Vampires, Ourselves by Nina Auerbach

Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality by Paul Barber

The Secret History of Vampires: Their Multiple Forms and Hidden Purposes by Claude Lecouteux

The Vampire Cinema by David Pirie

The Living and the Undead: Slaying Vampires, Exterminating Zombies by Gregory A. Waller

Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend by Mark Jenkins

Slayers and Their Vampires: A Cultural History of Killing the Dead by Bruce A. McClelland

The History and Folklore of Vampires: The Stories and Legends Behind the Mythical Beings by Charles River Editors

Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology by Theresa Bane

Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions by A. P. Sylvia

The Vampire: A New History by Nick Groom

Vampyres: Genesis and Resurrection: from Count Dracula to Vampirella by Christopher Frayling

Race in the Vampire Narrative by U. Melissa Anyiwo

Vampires, Race, and Transnational Hollywoods by Dale Hudson

[captainuranium543]

Laxus erza and natsu rambling

In my head growing up laxus held somewhat of a grudge against natsu and erza and it was entirely his father's fault.

For natsu, I think the grudge stemmed a lot from jealousy. Natsu is a natural born dragon slayer, an extremely rare and powerful magic. As soon as he arrived everyone was marveling at how amazing it was that he wielded such a rare magic type and that it was an actual dragon that taught him. Laxus is also a dragon slayer, the difference is that he had to go through an insanely traumatic experience to gain even a fraction of what natsu got for free just by being born.

Not to mention I think Ivan definitely compared the two of them as a way of putting laxus down. After all, the only reason that laxus had to go through the lacrima implant in the first place was because (from Ivan's pov) he was born too weak to deserve to be in the guild, how could he ever compare to a boy who has it all naturally at such a young age. At this point where he still respects his father and buys into all his ideas of being strong that was a slap to the face.

I don't think he was actively antagonistic towards natsu so much as very cold and dismissive to him. generally just treating him as beneath him which we kinda see in the thunder Palace arc.

Meanwhile for erza, it was the exact opposite problem. Where natsu entered the guild as basically a magical prodigy, erza was a complete mess. She was severely malnourished, in terrible condition physically and most importantly had no magical training to speak of. For laxus at the time (who as I said before was still buying into his dad's bullshit) she was the very definition of a weakling, and yet the master still let her join.

Ivan was pissed when she joined and tried really hard to get her expelled which influenced laxus heavily. In his mind at the time, only the strong deserved a place in the guild. I mean, why should she be allowed in with no power to speak of when he had to go through hell to be deserving of his place? How is the guild going to be strong if they let in every random kid off the street?

That's also why I think later down the line he was so quick to diminish her despite the fact she was an s class wizard. Until after the Thunder Palace arc he refused to see her as anything more than a weak little kid who didn't belong here.

[buffonia]

“Into every generation a slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their number. She is the Slayer.”

[coraniaid]

Of course the boring truth is that (with just a handful of exceptions) the Buffy writers never really take seriously the idea that Buffy is not actually "the" Slayer. They try as much as possible to pretend that Kendra and later Faith simply don't exist when they are not the immediate focus of the current episode or arc.

In fact, they do this so aggressively that the episode immediately after Kendra's first appearance (in the two-parter What's My Line?) starts with Giles's pre-show voiceover solemnly repeating the (just proven false) claim that "in every generation there is a Chosen One … she alone will stand against the vampires" (and after What's My Line?nobody mentions Kendra again until she shows up to die a few episodes later). And so aggresively that, between going to prison in Sanctuary [which happens just before Season 4's The Yoko Factor] and coming back to Sunnydale in Season 7's Dirty Girls, Faith's name is spoken just four times over a run of 63 consecutive episodes (once in Season 4's Restless, twice in Season 5's Checkpoint and once in Season 7's Bring On The Night). In fact they do it to the extent that Faith's very last words in the show are to earnestly ask Buffy what Buffy is going to do now that she's "not the one and only chosen anymore" (something that Buffy has of course never been at any point in the roughly four years Faith has known her, exactly because of the mere existence of Faith herself).

But. Putting that aside for a moment.

Do we think that the monks who turned the Key into a human and sent her to be protected by "the Slayer" knew in advance that there was actually more than one Slayer in the world? Or did they only know to come looking for her in Sunnydale after the fact?

I mean, it doesn't seem like they had much time to prepare after "the abomination" found them, turning the Key into a human seems very much to have been a last minute spur-of-the-moment kind of plan born of desperation as much as anything else, and it's not clear why an order of monks who guarded some mystical glowing green energy for centuries would have spent much time keeping track of the lives of individual vampire slayers (let's face it, even the Watcher's Council didn't ever bother to do that, and some would argue that it is quite literally their only job).

In other words, did the monks actively pick Buffy Summers to look after the Key (and if so, how did they know who she was?) or did they just send the Key to "the" Slayer and get very lucky?

Is there some possible alternate world where one day Faith Lehane wakes up in prison somewhere in California and suddenly remembers that she has an estranged kid sister she hasn't seen in years who lives on the other side of the country?

[doumadono]

Emergency request

Hi Ty for the clarification! I'm in kind of a weird mental spot right now- may I request Akaza and/or Aizetsu reacting to their s/o who's generally composed and lighthearted suddenly start crying during a cuddle session just because she feels so loved? Growing up I didn't get much positive reinforcement or affection that didn't feel obligated. All I've ever wanted was to love someone and be loved myself so every time someone genuinely shows that they appreciate me makes me SO emotional

Thank you so much in advance and for your time

Akaza & Aizetsu with s/o getting emotional during cuddles

A/N: your desire for genuine love is valid, and I hope you find the warmth and connection you deserve. If you ever want to talk or share more, I'm here for you

DEMON SLAYER EMERGENCY REQS MASTERLIST

Aizetsu

Aizetsu, normally quiet and insular, is caught off guard when he notices the shift in your demeanor during the cuddle session.

As you bury your face into his chest, your tears staining the fabric of his shirt, he freezes for a moment, not entirely sure how to react to such a display of vulnerability from you.

"What's wrong?" he asks, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity. Aizetsu's blueish eyes soften as he watches you, realizing that your tears aren't borne from pain but from an overwhelming surge of emotions. "Hey, little one, hush. Don't cry. You're making me super sad right now."

You look up at him, your eyes glistening with tears, and manage to crack a small, watery smile. "I just… I've never felt so loved, Aizetsu. It's a lot to take in. Thank you for loving me the way I am..."

Aizetsu's expression softens, and he places a gentle hand on your cheek. "You are loved, more than you can comprehend. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, but don't doubt for a moment that you deserve it."

You sob more, snuggling closer with him.

His fanged grin revealing genuine warmth. "You are cherished," he asserts, his hand now cupping your tear-stained cheek. "Your presence is a rare light. Even if I will never fully comprehend your human feelings, I know that you deserve to be loved."

With a tremor in your voice, you confess shyly, "I've never felt so loved before. It overwhelms me."

The demon smirks softly. "There's no need to hold back, my dearest. Your tears are a testament to the depth of the emotions we share. Let them flow, if this is going to make you feel better. Don't hide the sorrow of any kind in you. That's my role," he reassures, his voice a soothing melody.

As you continue to cuddle, Aizetsu embraces you tighter, occasionally planting a soft kiss on the top of your head. He may not be well-versed in expressing emotions as a demon, but he understands the importance of reassurance and warmth.

Akaza

Akaza, with his rather caring and compassionate nature if it comes to his loved ones, immediately picks up on the shift in your mood. He holds you a little closer, his fingers gently tracing circles on your back.

"What's going on in that beautiful mind of yours?" he asks, his voice a soothing melody.

Akaza is patient, allowing you the space to express yourself without any pressure.

Snuggled against his broad, naked chest, you take a deep breath before confessing, "I've never felt this loved before, Akaza. It's overwhelming, but in the best way possible."

Akaza smiles, his yellowish eyes reflecting warmth and understanding. "Love is a powerful emotion, especially when you've yearned for it for so long. Let it wash over you, my dear. You deserve every bit of it."

He leans down, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I promise to cherish and protect you. You'll never have to doubt the love you receive. It's genuine, and it's here to stay. As long as I have on this goddamn earth."

You look up at him and sob more. "I'm so scared of loosing you one day."

He presses a gentle kiss to your forehead, letting you know that vulnerability is not a weakness. "Don't think about that now. I'm resilient. Even for a skilled demon slayer, ending me isn't a simple task. I've been in this world long enough to know how to protect myself."

Throughout the cuddle session, Akaza peppers your face with tender kisses, each one a testament to the affection he holds for you. He revels in the beauty of your vulnerability, understanding that it's a testament to the depth of the connection you share.

[tridentarius]

the fact, according to evan ross katz’ into every generation a slayer is born, bianca lawson was brought onto buffy thinking kendra would be a permanent player only to get killed off after 3 episodes is actually so much more terrible in hindsight and just reeks of misogynoir.

[peachdues]

Re: bundle of joy - I can't get Sanemi's comment abt how he watched his mom suffer miscarriages at the hand of his father out of my head. What if he saw his mom cry every time she realized she was pregnant again? Like she loved all of her kids, but she knew what their dad would do to them. What if he also helped take care of his mom through her pregnancies and post-partum because his dad never did? I'm just UGH I'm SO SOFT FOR NEMI.

THIS THIS THIS.

Sanemi was the eldest and therefore took on the most responsibility after his mother, and he was a mama’s boy through and through. I think his mother was his single biggest influence. I actually think his early life observing his father’s treatment of his mother plays a huge role in how he approaches Y/N’s pregnancy — and his relationship with her in general.

I imagine that everything he did for Y/N in Bundle of Joy, he learned by helping his mother during her pregnancies. I agree that he probably saw how difficult pregnancy was for his mother (because let’s be real, none of those kids were born from love, and that’s heartbreaking), and has long since promised that if he ever has a child, he will do everything he can for both his kid and their mother. He’s ecstatic at first, but then Y/N says she wants to keep things in the down-low for a bit, and suddenly he’s terrified that he’s done to her what his father did to his mother, and he would rather die than cause her any pain. I think his deepest insecurity is becoming like his father, and while Sanemi can be a hardass and tough, he cannot be anything other than soft for his lover and their children.

I think that after the kid is born (and let’s be real, he is so girl-dad coded), he would take the most parenting inspiration from his mother. Sure, Sanemi is still going to be Sanemi, but both he and Genya idolized their mother. Not only does he love his kid without limit, but I could also see him trying to incorporate her gentle way of parenting, too. He wants his child(ren) to have everything he didn’t when he was growing up, and he will do anything to ensure they get it.

Something that I wish we saw more of in the Sanemi-realm of demon slayer content is more of an understanding of how he treats women in general. I think there’s a tendency to write him along the same lines of how Obanai treats other female slayers apart from Shinobu and Mitsuri, but I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate.

We’re told several times that Sanemi is kind to women, but I don’t think that’s limited to non-Corps women. He observes a lower-ranked female slayer being harassed by M*dea and straight up makes the pig piss himself by yelling so much at him. He doesn’t tolerate any disrespect towards women because Sanemi starts every day by drinking his Respect Women Juice. I’m not saying he’s soft on female slayers, but I think he’s definitely more subdued. He’s not going to level personal/emotional attacks against them because that’s what his father did (along with the physical abuse) and Sanemi hates his father.

Honestly, tempted to explore more of the Bundle of Joy universe — like how Y/N and Sanemi actually meet and get together/their time in their secret relationship, and even as parents. Sanemi doesn’t strike me as someone who sleeps with another without already being emotionally invested in them to some degree, because he doesn’t like to feel as though he’s using them as a means to an end. I would like to write some parallels between Y/N’s pregnancy and his memories of his mothers’ pregnancies and show how they directly influenced him later on. We’ll see!

[tanjirou-no-au]

Upper Moon Hashira

Michikatsu Tsugikuni-Moon Pillar

To everyone else, Michikatsu is the ever stalwart Moon Hashira, the strongest Demon Slayer in the corp, possibly the greatest slayer in generations. If you’d ask him, he’d say you got the wrong brother.

Scion of the illustrious Tsugikuni clan, originators of the Moon Breathing style, Michikatsu grew up in the shadow of his younger twin Yoriichi, and despite his brother’s encouragement, had resigned himself to becoming Yoriichi’s Tsuguko.

Then Final Selection came, an event Michikatsu mostly missed on thanks to an injury on the first day. Yoriichi would continue on alone, slaying every demon he came across and ensuring all of that year’s candidates survived...except for him.

Given everything he ever wanted at the mere cost of his brother, Michikatsu fell into a depressive melancholy he’s never truly emerged from. Despite this, he’s stayed steadfast in his mission, hoping to one day become a shadow of the man his brother would have been had he survived.

Nakime Otokawa-Sound Pillar

Rumours abound of the Sound Pillar’s origin. Some say she’s a kunoichi who escaped under the cover of night after poisoning her clan head. Others say she was street musician, kept captive by a demon to serve as their private musician, only for her to beat them to death with a wisteria rosined shamisen. Others still say she’s a goddess, a kami put on earth to put a long overdue end to the King of Demons.

Only Nakime knows the truth of these matters, though the last story is probably pure fiction. Probably. In any case, Nakime knows the value of a good rumour, acting as the Corps’ unofficial spymaster, gathering intelligence and helping coordinate the Kasugai Crows to assemble reports on their demonic targets.

Outwardly stoic but always plucking out a pretty tune on the nearest musical instrument, her Sound Breathing lulls her foes into a sense of calm before launching into a frenzied crescendo of attacks.

A surprisingly relaxed and friendly woman once you get to know her, dedicated to preventing tragedy, and having the right music to accompany such victories.

Managi Hajime-Water Pillar

Managi had always been an outcast amongst the Swordsmith Village, a “child of water amongst of children of fire,” to quote the elders. He was a craftsman, yes, but his talents favoured pottery over metalworking, and his own fascination with swords seemed less about making them and more about swinging them around.

A chance meeting and persistent pestering of a retired Water Pillar would see him exposed to the world beyond his little village, and Managi embraced it aplomb. New trends, new art styles and new forms of expression all awaited him, from hair dye to painted nails to the flowing movements of Water Breathing.

Though admittedly more than a little vain, the Water Hashira is nothing if not dedicated to his mission, his Swordsmith upbringing and his own perfectionist streak turning him into an utterly thorough Slayer, who will see that both the demon is slain, and any victims cared for in the aftermath.

Douma-Snow Pillar

Born into a cult ruled over by a Demon, Douma’s eyes brought him to the attention of its benefactor and his promotion to messiah. He grew up a kind if...odd boy, one who genuinely desired to help his supplicants. It helped that one, a runaway bride named Kotoha, was actually quite pretty. But alas...nothing good lasts in this world

The cult eventually attracted attention from the Corps, and one botched investigation later, Douma stumbled upon his benefactor, devouring the remains of a Demon Slayer and his beloved Kotoha, with Inosuke nowhere to be seen.

In that moment, something within Douma broke, and he promptly picked up the fallen slayer’s sword, slew the demon with a strength he didn’t know he possessed, disbanded his cult and made his way to the Demon Slayers, all without dropping the small smile on his face.

Douma has proven an incredible Slayer, combining Water & Wind Breathing into Snow Breathing, a flowing, dual bladed style that rips his opponents apart with the ferocity of the arctic winds. But since that that fateful day, he has never again felt the glimmer of genuine emotion.

Perhaps it’s for the best. Emotions are fickle things...liable to get people killed. 

Hakuji Soyoma-Firework Pillar

The swordsman Hakuji humiliated did not resort to poison, instead striking a deal with a crimson eyed stranger. Hakuji himself returned not to find loved ones killed by poison, but a dead teacher and a demon, glutted on the bodies of his fellow swordsmen, looming over his beloved Koyuki.

Common wisdom states that Demons cannot be killed without the sun, wisteria, or decapitation by a Nichirin blade. Hakuji paid no attention to the common wisdom, ripping the demon apart with his bare hans, again and again until dawn rose, accompanied by the Demon Slayers.

When he awoke from his injuries to the Oyakata at his bedside, Hakuji reluctantly agreed to lend his prodigious strength to the corp. Once again paying no attention to the common wisdom, he did not take up a Nichirin sword, instead commissioning clawed gauntlets, boots, and spiked joint protectors made of the sun imbued steel.

His Firework Breathing is an invention of his own design, combining the powerful strikes of Flame Breathing with his own Soryu style martial arts, also incorporating more flowing motions to better redirect the force of Demon strikes.

Yuuji & Ume Shabana-Poison & Ribbon Pillars

Children of the gutter, the Shabana siblings’ disparate appearances and abrasive personalities won them few favours, and following a spate of disappearances, resulted in accusations of murder and cannibalism. It was only the intervention of Douma, in the area to kill the real demon, that saved them.

Indebted, they both joined the Corps, intent on repaying his kindness. But Yuuji found that a life of malnutrition left him unable to cut through the bone of demons. He would compensate with a pair of poison laced sickles, modifying Wind Breathing into his his own personal Poison Breathing.

And as a side effect of his research into poison, Yuuji has fallen into an unexpected (though hardly unwelcome!) position as a medic amongst the Corps.

But what her brother lacks in strength, Ume seems to make for, taking to her chosen Flower Breathing like a fish to water and modifying it even further, wielding a flexible whip like sword in concert with her personal ‘Ribbon Breathing’.

She has become a cheerleader among the Corps, encouraging camaraderie between her fellow Hashira and the lower ranked Slayers. Though admittedly, she is a bit of a gossip.

Kaigaku Inadama-Storm Pillar

For most of his life, Kaigaku has run from responsibility. From consequences. From what most would call ‘the right path,’. Outwardly, he might call it survival, but even he knows he’s a coward.

And no event haunts him more than the night he extinguished the wisteria incense that guarded his home temple, trading his own survival for the lives of those within.

Perhaps that is why he fights so harshly, so fiercely, an oncoming storm intent on cutting down every Demon in his path. He refuses to be a coward again, refuses to turn his back on evil and those in need of his protection. His scars are evidence of that.

Beginning his career as a Thunder Breather, he was forced to adapt as he proved unable to perform it’s primary technique. Instead he borrowed aspects of Water Breathing and others of Wind Breathing to embody the ferocity of a raging storm.

Zohakuten Hantengu-Emotion Pillar

The youngest son of avaricious minor crime lord, Zohakuten was the runt of his many brothers, mocked for his small size. Though their mocking might have saved him, driving him away the night a Demon fell upon their family.

Attacked upon his return, the young boy flew into a blind rage that saw him defeat the Demon and leave it unable to move as the sun rose. Later found wandering in a daze by a Demon Slayer investigating the attack, he was promptly taken into the custody of the corps.

Greedy, twitchy, and prone to mood swings, no one would’ve expected the boy to survive Final Selection, much less become a Pillar. But become a Pillar he did, defeating a Lower Moon within two months of the beginning of his career.

Though nominally a Flame Breath user, ‘Zo’ has begun incorporating the techniques and philosophies of other Breathing Styles into his repertoire, stitching together a hodge podge Style that Hashira Tsugikuni seems to recognize from family records...

Taisho Secrets

Nakime is the only Hashira who Michikatsu talks to without the process being like pulling teeth. Some of the Kakushi have even heard Shamisen and flute music coming from their manors on some nights...

Managi gives a pot to every person he’s managed to save from a Demon.

Contrary to popular belief, Hakuji doesn’t despise Douma. He’s brusque with everyone, and though the Snow Pillar unsettles him, he kinda feels sorry for the man.

And likewise, it’s rumoured that Douma’s friendliness towards Hakuji is a front for well hidden resentment, jealousy over being able to save his lover when Douma couldn’t.

Kaigaku has a bit of a soft spot for Zo. He sees a lot of himself in the boy, and wants to help him grow as a person.

Likewise, Michikatsu is fond of the Shabana siblings. He sees a bit of Yoriichi in Ume and sees Yuuji as a better brother than he ever was.

The Kasugai crows love all love Nakime, as she gives them snacks and sings them songs, and they’re all jealous of her personal crow.

Kanzaburou is Michikatsu’s crow here, and the only person besides Nakime he really talks to.

[myths-tournaments]

Awful Characters Round 2 Part 2 (2/8)

Propaganda under the cut!

SPIKE

Spike is a mass murderering vampire without a soul (for most of the show), is in general an asshole, and also is off and on presented as incredibly sexist. In his lowest moment on the show he tries to rape Buffy (while still soulless). His relationship with Buffy is incredibly toxic. It's great I love it As for have I seen it, not exactly? Btvs is an older fandom that doesn't tend to get dragged into this kinda discourse, but within the fandom people who are trying to be anti Spike will bring this shit up to prop up their own awful guy (gender neutral) to ship buffy with, classic ship war stuff

STARSCREAM

Literal war criminal. The more evil dude in Transformers, Megatron, gets more redemption stories than Starscream. You can’t fix him. But he was born alone in a wet-cardboard box okay.

The character ever! He’s a terrorist. He constantly tries to overthrow his leader. He’s the second-in-command of an army that does war crimes for fun. Every word out of his mouth is a lie. He’s pathetic. He’s just a silly little guy. He’s killed thousands. He’s IMMORTAL.

[racefortheironthrone]

Warhammer Gaslamp: Peoples of the Old World

(For Introduction, see here; for Imperial Society, see here; for Geopolitics, see here.)

While the Old World of 2725 IC is dominated by the nations of Men, the non-human species of the world are by no means vanished - although all have seen enormous amounts of change over the last two hundred years.

Although they still maintain their traditional alliance with the Empire of Man, the Dawi of the Old World suffered badly from their pyrrhic victories in the Skaven and Greenskin Wars, to the point where they have begun a slow, inexorable demographic decline - not helped by increasing assimilation into the Empire. Increasingly, the Dawi have begun to coalesce around the master plan of the Great Reckoning, an effort to avenge every single Grudge in the Dammaz Kron in one fell swoop through the creation of an army of 100,000 Slayers. When the last of the Grudges has been satisfied, the sages of Dwarfkind believe that the Ancestor Gods will return and restore their people to their former glory.

Proving that it is truly an ill wind that blows no one any good, the shift in the Aethyr mentioned earlier had a profound influence on the Asur. With the increase in the concentration of Aethyric energy around, Asur born since 2594 have universally developed psykic abilities seemingly independent of their access to the Winds of Khaos, such that the younger generation now primarily speak mind-to-mind, can move themselves and objects with a thought, and much more that was once the exclusive ability of magi. Among many of the Asur, this is seen as a sign of the gods' continual favor, but these new abilities will need to be pressed into service sooner rather than later, as the blessed isle of Ulthuan is gradually sliding beneath the waves....

While their territories in Laurelorn have shrunken dramatically, the territories of the Asrai in Athel Loren remain quite strong in Bretonnia thanks in no small part to their political influence on Forest Law in L'Ancien Régime. As part of an increased level of caution (or paranoia), the Spellsingers embarked in a campaign of educating the entirety of their population in how to magically transport themselves between the remaining forests of the Old World and the spiritual dimension of Underhill, where magic remains strong and the verdant world untouched by hands of men, and to use the Glamour to move undetected in the human world.

[From the 9th Edition Imperial Encyclopedia]: Halflings (noun). A malevolent subspecies of mutant, destroyed in the Great Gene-Purge of 2614.

Life for the Vampire Counts has become increasingly more dangerous and complex. Driven from their seat of power in a vicious war that left much of Sylvania a faintly glowing wasteland of bomb craters and barbed wire, the survivors live on the run from the Imperial Plasmic Survey and the Schwarzmänner, although some vampires and thralls alike can manage to stay one step ahead via falsified blood samples and living in masquerade in the teeming throngs of urban society. Many of the surviving vampires have developed wealthy clients from among the nobility and the haut bourgeoisie, who are willing to risk the attentions of the state in exchange for infusions that extend their lifespans by decades. At the same time, the Vampire Counts are learning how to play politics by Imperial rules...

The Old World has changed, but the Greenskins have not. Although banished beyond the World's Edge Mountains, they still practice their traditional ways of WAAAGH! and generally making a mess of things. However, they have adapted to the age of gunpowder by trading with the Ogres of the East for the 'splody stuff, from the Orkish love of really big shootas and the Goblin fascination with bombs. The Greenskins might wear top hats and call their warleaders Nobz now, but they are still the mad, anarchic bastards who refuse to die.

Despite their defeat in the wars with the dwarfs and the mysterious explosion that engulfed Skavenblight in 2573 IC, the Underempire of the Skaven has adapted to their new circumstances in new and strange ways. While increasing urbanization has allowed the Skaven to spread through the sewers and subway systems of the Empire, they face new competition from the "Untervolk" and the increasingly impressive efforts of the human Technomancers. So instead the Skaven have allied with the Slaaneshi to sell warpstone dust drugs to the stupid stupid man-things, using the financial proceeds and the insidious long-term effects of warpstone dust to weaken humanity from within.

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch1 Thus It Begins

(WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMERS!!! EVERYONE in this story is in their early 20s-30s! I DONT own Demon Slayer or any characters in the story!! This story will contain mentions of past abuse and death! I'll be keeping it as SFW. Some backstories have been slightly altered for this particular story, and some characters cannonically dead or harmed is alive and well. I own nothing. 

Credit to www.tumblr.com/flanelltees for the designs I based the demons off to look more demon-like with tails and pointed ears.)

Gather around and hear this tale and heed it's warnings.

The world could be a beautiful place. One full of sunshine and light. Meadows of flowers blessed by the bright blue sky above. Some people were blessed to have this as their whole life. Without worry or woes or any pain. However it's not always bright sunlight. For where there's light darkness will often hide within the shadows waiting to rear it's horrendous head and bare it's snarled fangs into those who don't heed the dangers. And with that danger came the cursed ones. The savages. The snatchers of humans.

DEMONS.

The ones who were known as the Monsters of the Mountain. They were reigning the earth long before humanity was born, but even when they arrived the gods blessed both tribes with peace...until peace was never again an option to have. Many years ago the humans angered the demons by invading their lands and building their villages on the ancient grounds that for generations the demons reigned over without fail. This betrayal that the humans dare bring with them brough the first of many bad instances to come. Angered by the trespassing humans, the demons revolted against them. By day break the next morning, the first of many villages to come was destroyed as if the gods struck it down. Nothing and no one was left standing. A warning to others that this betrayal wasn't going to be taken lightly. And the humans who did not flea the mountain lived in constant fear, anyone who dared fight back was also never seen again. Another casualty of the demons' rampage. And they would have continued if not for the Elder of one village coming to the demons, he could not bare to see anymore of his people be slaughtered for one more second. So the elder dared to approach the demons' and beg for their forgiveness and to apologize for the great dishonor they had shown then.

"Please, oh please," he begged to them all, "I beg of you. Spare my people, and forgive us for the anger we have brought you."

"Why should we?", the demons asked. "We have never bothered to bring harm to humanity but yet you dare to come onto our fields and claim our lands as your own."

"Oh please," the Elder continued to plead less he fail his people, "My people mean you all no harm. They live in fear every night anticipating the worst. We are willing to do anything to make peace!"

"Anything?," the demons asked, "I doubt you will keep your part of the bargain....But we will give you one chance. A trade will be made."

"What trade?," the elder asked them.

"Peace will be made but a price must be paid. A precious trade such as our lands must be met with an equally precious trade from you. A young bride is what we want. Leave her within the mountains on the first full moon of the new year. We will promise peace for the price of one soul every year, but don't take us to be fools. For we will not offer a second chance such as this. Now go. And make your choice wisely."

The Elder was horrified at the terrible demands the demons dare make at them, but less he fail his people, he agreed to the deal they offered. Thus that next year a young woman was taken from the safety of her home and offered up to the mountain where the monsters inside laid, never to be seen again. The demons were pleased with the offering, for no lives were lost to them that year. Nor the next when another young lady was offered to the mountains, nor the next year with it's offering. And many tense years were passed with this tense promise of peace from the monsters. Every year a poor soul was offered up to the mountains with the promise of no return, and another year no lives would be taken, the humans were too scared to dare disobey the monsters' demands less a far more terrible fate be upon them all. No one wished for the fate to be upon their daughters, their sisters, their friends but the monsters kept their peace as long as the offering stood. 

Until one day someone did dare to challenge such beasts. 

One day a mighty warrior ripe from battle came to one of the villages and had fallen in love with one of the young women of the village but even his love would not save the young woman's fate. For she was promised to the mountains and it's monsters the next year and would have to be given up if the humans wished to keep their peace with the creatures that plagued them all. The Warrior became enraged with the destined fate of his lover and vowed to liberate the humans from the monsters once and for all. So he trained his mind and body viciously and prayed to the gods to give him strength for what was about to come. Then when the day came on the new year on the first full moon, it was not the young offering that made the treacherous trip up the mountain but the young warrior to confront the evils that lay await for him. The warrior climbed the mountain until he reached where the fields met the dark thick forests of the demons. The demons became enraged that the humans dare to send the warrior instead of the promised offering.

"Demons! You shall not be taking anymore poor souls!," the warrior challenged brandishing his sword within his hands, "No longer shall you take our loved ones for your own!"

This only enraged the demons more. "Heresy!" They cried. "They have broken our pack and will pay dearly for their treachery! Starting with you!"

"Then I will offer you another trade!," the warrior challenged them all, "Duel me and attempt to strike me down! The loser will have to obey the wish of the victor no matter what that may be! Do you accept my challenge?"

The demons agreed and attacked the warrior without mercy. But the gods answered the prayers of the young warrior and blessed him with the speed and grace of lightning and the strength of a hundred tigers with the accuracy of any striking serpent. Each blow from the demons was blocked, each slashed delivered back twice as hard, and every pain given back thrice as painful. Eventually even the mightiest and most ancient of demons was no match for the strength of the young warrior and by that sunrise all the monsters were defeated. The unluckiest ones were no more. 

"By terms of our agreement I banish you foul creatures into your dark forests of evil!," the young warrior commanded what remained of the monsters. And with the strength of the gods he pushed them deeper within the depths of their terrible forest home. "No more shall you plague my people with your wickedness! No go and take your evil with you! BEGONE!!"

And thus the demons retreated within the large mountain forest. Never to be seen or heard from again. The warrior returned home to deliver the news to his people, and was met with a celebration in his honor. The warrior was able to marry his beloved and go on to guard the mountain villages for the remainder of his days, though no demons were ever spotted again bringing their wicked ways. Although to this day the mountain forest is one of evil, where any human is forbidden to go. Any human who wonders into the forest never comes out, but outside the mountain has remained safe for any humans who live or travel along it's earth.

*********************************************************************

The fire crackled around the warm room, lighting up the faces of the many young ladies gathered around the elder as he told his tale within the warm light of the fire. It's warm glow lighting his pale face and adding a calm, fathering almost heavenly glow to his wise features. His eyes blindly staring at the smiles that he felt warmly given to him as he shared the tradition of the years end. Beside him were his daughters who patiently sat beside him like the wonderful, beautiful children they were. Always attending their father's every need less he needed anything. The robes he wore shifting with his movements as he gestured with such gentleness at you all.

"And in honor of the warrior who fought so valiantly for the love he held, it's now become a tradition for every young lady to be retrieved from the mountain by their future husband before they become married. So every new year on the night of the first full moon we leave the young lady by the creek halfway up the mountain, as a way to honor and remember those poor souls who had done what they had to do to keep us, their descendants, safe from the evilness that once plagued our homes and lives. To honor the brave women whom now shall always be remembered in our hearts and stories."

The room was all a bunch of smiles and giddiness towards Elder Ubuyashiki, after all it was always a tradition at the end of every year all the eligible, unmarried women of age from the village and neighboring villages would come to gather around and listen to the Elders retell the famous story of the mountain monsters and how the New Year Moon Marriage Right had come to be, and what the rules were. It was seen as an honor and a privilege to be the next to carry on the tradition and be married the day after the marriage right took place. However you were a different case. This only brought the unpleasant thoughts of being the next one to be tied down, the next one to get a husband who'll be the only one to make decisions for you. You always wished to leave this place. To not be tied down like so many others. Just wanting to travel. It was why you envied the many beautifully painted birds that flew around your home, they all could just spread their wings and fly away forever and ever and never look back. But you were sure you wouldn't be picked like the last two years you attended these traditional meetings, and your plan you used usually worked. The plain working robes you wore weren't special like the other women's. They were just a plain beige colored compared to the flamboyant kimonos the other ladies wore. And you planned it that way. Because in just three more months you could finally leave this place like you planned, you just needed to have a little bit more money saved up! Then you can finally pay it off-

"As you all know at the end of every year, it is my duty as elder to decide which of the young ladies shall continue on the tradition into next year to bring luck and prosperity," Elder Ubuyashiki continued making Y/n once again pay attention instead of fantasizing more about your eventual escape from the debt hanging over your head. "Which is why I've summoned you all here. One of you shall be chosen by be to continue on this tradition, and after my choosing it shall be up to your parents to decide who they shall send to retrieve you. The man they chose shall then be wed to you the next day as a part of the right and become your husband."

"Knowing any of us, it'll probably be Uzui or his brother again making off with another wife," a voice huffed with almost a scoff and you had to turn your head to one of the other women currently present with the rest of you. 

There was only seven of you this year including yourself, one of the reasons why you weren't particularly worried about being picked. After all there was only a one in seventh chance you'd actually get picked and it seemed far more likely that one of the other women would get picked. You unconsciously glanced around to make out where the insult had been thrown from. To the left of you, lit up by the warm flames was three figures. One you recognized instantly as Yuki. She was a farmer's daughter who lived just two homes away from you stayed. She like you, didn't really have any interest in being here, after all it was well known she was already engaged to another farmer's son. She only attended out of tradition most likely because she wasn't married yet, so even if she was picked, her parents already knew who to send for her husband. Beside her was a girl called Nezuko who just came of age last year at the age of twenty. She was wearing that favorite pink kimono you always seemed to see her in, you didn't know much about her family but sometimes you'd see one of her siblings or her mother around town and they always seemed nice, especially the oldest brother. And next to her closest was Mitsuri, she was always a strange was. Really nice! But...strange, her hair was a mixture of two strange colors and she was unusually strong for a girl her age and height but you didn't all care. In fact she might be the one person here you liked here for her confident attitude. She really wasn't needed to attend. Why you ask? Because she was already married if the ring around her finger was anything to go by, and because you literally saw her get picked by the elder last year, you figured she must've just come to listen to the elder's story-...Or to see if her best friend, who was currently single would be the one to be picked, speaking of which- Your f/c eyes sneakily glanced to the right where four others sat. Now these girls were the ones who'd be more likely to be picked out of any of you. The Kocho Sisters from the Butterly House. They were from the next village over, from a much larger more wealthy much more profitable village. They're family was well known for their prosperity and beautiful butterfly gardens for generations, which was why it's been anticipated that one of the four daughters sent from the Kocho household would be the ones to be honored with the mountain tradition. They sat from eldest to youngest: Kanae, Shinobu, Kanao, and Aoi with Aoi being the closest to the Elder. Like the Nezuko girl, this was Aoi's first time being here turning twenty, and you had deduced that the scoff had come from her since she was the only one with the frown and crossed arms to match the annoyed tone.

"Now Aoi," Kanae spoke with the gentleness of their families' symbol, scolding her youngest sister without actually scolding her, "You mustn't disrespect Tengen's family like that. Uzui is very good to his wives, and you know Mother and Father would not let you marry someone they knew you disliked."

Sometimes you wondered how it must've been with such a patient and angelic sister such as Kanae. She was certainly a kind woman who didn't spare anyone her heart, but it just seemed like her youngest sister rolled her eyes at even the mere mention of Uzui. Couldn't say you blamed Aoi however. Everyone knew the famous Tengen family from the same large town as the Kocho family. You'd only seen him once because one of his wives, Suma if you remembered right, was picked to be one of his wives and went through the tradition here three years ago, because one of his wives was from your village. You couldn't remember exactly, you were too busy working to make what money you could so you could save up and repay the debt your parents put you into- You'd only seen Uzui once and that was from far away when he came to visit his wife-from-your-village's side of the family. He seemed to have a giant head and ego to match from what flexing and showing off he seemed to do. His family were known to be strong warriors so you supposed that's how they prospered. 

"I can assure you all that Mr. Uzui has no current interest in selecting another marriage," Ubuyashiki promised you all, "But Kanae is right, Aoi. We shouldn't speak ill of one's marriage in a way." 

Aoi only huffed through her nose and turned away. 

"Soooo, does that mean you already have someone in mind for the ritual already?," Mitsuri's voice gushed to your left.

"I have," the elder confirmed which only surprised the girls and made Mitsuri practically squeal in giddiness. 

"I knew it! It's Shinobu right!? Is she finally marrying Giyu-"

"MITSURI!!"

"What? It's not like you try to hide your fascination with him.~"

"They're only friends," again Kanae spoke gently being the voice of reason between the sisters. "And you only want her to be next so you can be the one to plan the wedding like you did your own with Obanai."

That wasn't an understatement. Mitsuri had planned out, gotten ready for, and organized her entire wedding to the gentle Obanai after she was chosen last year to be the one doing the marriage tradition (all in one night too-) after two other marriages being called off before meeting Obanai. In a way you envied her, Obanai was one of the first to fully see her true self and love her for who she was. In the end they were perfect for each other. But you knew for certain who would be picked next..I mean by this point it wasn't a secret even to herself. Your eyes glanced back towards Kanae and her ever calm gaze. It wasn't much of a secret anymore that-...Well. There was a reason you saw Kanae often in your village, and it wasn't because of the yearly tradition you've been attending for a few years now. It was because for as long as you could remember there has been meetings between the Kocho and Shinazugawa families, or at least meetings between Kanae and your village's local protector Sanemi. It wasn't a secret the Shinazugawa family suffered heavily throughout the years. The first tragedy was when the head of the house, who as far as you could remember anyways, had been an alcoholic and eventually abandoned his wife an many children. But it was the second tragedy that made you feel any sort of pity towards the otherwise unlikable man. The tragedy that left his family deceased. When you were younger there was a much larger problem of bandits looting nearby villages, no one had thought they'd venture this far into the mountains until they did, and chose a young Sanemi's family to be their next target. The after math of bandits' looting was brutal, the only two survivors were Sanemi himself and only one of his younger brothers, Genya who wasn't much older than Aoi. The tragedy left the man to train harshly and become the villages resident protector, and it left both men covered in various scars still visible on their bodies and hardening Sanemi to be both a cruel and harsh man at times. Except to three people whom you knew of. One of those people being the Elder who took both him and his brother in after the tragedy, another was his own brother Genya but that was only sometimes and it was only ever a lesser harsh than what he usually dished, and the third was Kanae herself. It wasn't a secret that their mothers were once friends and thus so were their eldest children, and you wouldn't blame him a bit for falling for Kanae. She was as beautiful as she was kind, as smart as she was elegant, as gentle as she was patient. She had to be to be around Sanemi. He never made his usual outbursts whenever her presence was around, you should know because you've accidentally crossed paths with him once or twice on a bad day and ended up with him cussing you out or yelling for no reason before stomping off leaving you annoyed and angry. The rumor was already that the two of them were to be the ones who would attend next year's tradition. Thank goodness. You couldn't take much more of him anymore despite how sorry you felt for him. 

"Elder, who did you chose to journey into the mountains?"

That was a question you'd also liked answered! The sooner answered the sooner you could leave!

However the elder only spoke calmly once more. "That will be revealed shortly. For now you are all dismissed. Please leave me be for now." The girls and yourself took that as an excuse to leave. Thank goondess crossed your mind as you slowly made to stand up amongst the others, the rustling of clothes sounding off as you all stood at once. "Except for you."

This was it. The part of these yearly meetings that told you who was being married. It was always the one who stayed behind to talk with him. Last year he had pointed out Mitsuri, and she had been the one to be chosen after being told to stay behind. Which shouldn't have been a problem. So why was your body suddenly frozen?

....It was Kanae...It SHOULD'VE been Kanae. There was some mistake when a paled hand was pointed at the direction right down the middle of the crowd, making all heads turn to follow it. The hand's direction was tilted in a way that made no mistake who the blind man was pointing at, despite the fact he couldn't see he made no mistake. So when the hand pointed, and everyone fell silent, whether in shock or respect you weren't sure. But what made your blood cold was the serious hand pointing in the direction of your own, frozen and shocked body.

"Y/n. Would you please stay behind with me? I have something we have to discuss."

[lisannastraussisanangel]

Do u have any hcs or theories on dragons (could be dragons in general or dragon slayers ? Or both ) love to see what you come up with

I def have some ideas! This is gonna be general ideas I have but if you want ideas about specific dragons or slayers, let me know!

Not just anyone can be a dragon slayer. It's a very powerful magic type so in order to learn it you must have a crazy amount of power already

All dragons can turn into humans, but not all of them are good at it. The older dragons struggle with it, but the younger gen can do so easily. (evolution or something)

Humans are kinda like cockroaches to dragons. They keep squishing them and they keep coming back (ignoring the fact that dragons eat them. people eat bugs all the time)

Some dragons are absolutely terrified of them. Like imagine a dragon settling down to sleep, seeing a person, jumping into the air, and screaming for someone to "kill it omg ewww"

Dragons have different languages just like humans. Not human languages but something unique to their species

All the slayers that were taught by dragons speak at least one dragon language

Dragon scales are actually pretty slippery. Riding one is not as easy as you think

Not every dragon can use magic. They can still fly and are super strong but they can't like breathe fire or anything

There are dragons that live entirely underwater. The ocean dragons were untouched by Acnologia and are flourishing

Dragon slayers have extended lifespans. No one knows how long the slayers will live till because most turn into dragons before they get too old

Dragon slayer's children are born with enhanced strength and senses. It's not very noticeable but with training can give them a significant advantage