#it’d be so cute to have homura all

[homuraakumaakemi]

Have a shitty meme!

[delirious-donna]

Rebecca Bluegarden or Homura Kougetsu

As much as I love Rebecca, I feel that two blondes would just be absolute chaos, so it’d be Homura.

I’d have a blast making her admit cute little things such as how much she likes when my touch dances along the curve of her neck. How needy it makes her when I flutter my lashes at her, eyes all doe-like.

Homura would be a great girlfriend, attentive and most definitely fiercely protective. I feel she would be the type not to indulge in PDA other than wanting to hold hands, never straying far enough from my side that her fingers couldn’t reach my own.

She’d blush like a tomato at the teasing words from the rest of the crew but a bashful smile would live permanently on her plush lips.

[stonesparrow]

For the dr.stone x atla crossover I feel that even if Hyoga is or was a soldier in the fire army he wouldn’t have liked the idea of a nations worth of centuries of knowledge pasted down through generations being wiped of the face of the earth.

I just had a thought Hyoga could be a soldier in the fire army but he could also be a master instructor at his own dojo he inherited from his master kinda like master Piandao. He’s still a fire bender though.

Also I think I would be a cute and funny plot twist if he has a daughter who is still young but old enough to help fight and strong enough to thanks her dad training her. I think he’d be the same tough and cold character he is but he’s surprisingly tender, caring, gental, and kind to her in his own way that would just make the characters in the dr.stone universe jaws hit the floor lol.

Ah, you do have a point with Hyoga likely being disappointed that the knowledge of airbending was lost to genocide - all those ancient techniques would probably be really fascinating to him as a martial artist. Though I can also see him buying into the Fire Nation’s imperialist message of “we are the strongest nation, so we should rule over all the weaker nations.”

I like your idea that Hyoga is a fighting instructor, with his values he’d probably be something like Zuko in skillset - he puts a lot of effort into firebending, but also into spearfighting since he deeply respects the nonbender master who taught it to him. At the same time he has no time for people who either don’t take it seriously or are too weak to make a difference.

(More under the cut because this got long)

Him having a kid is an interesting plot twist and while it’s more twisty than I’d expect, I’m kind of intrigued by the potential it has. Though that also brings up the question of who the kid’s mom is, and when the kid was born (I estimate Hyoga’s age in DCST to be around 20-22). Homura maybe? Like...perhaps Hyoga and Homura were both fairly high class and had an arranged marriage, but while Homura fell in love with him as they grew up together Hyoga only respected her as a friend and fellow fighter.

And then if they had a daughter (maybe pressured by both their parents to produce an heir of some sort) it could make them both more complex characters. If the kid was really strong though I’d lean more towards an Ozai-Azula like dynamic with Hyoga impressing his values of “only the strong and skilled deserve to live,” onto her. Plus if we’re keeping relative canon ages then I’d estimate Homura to be 20, Hyoga to be 22, and their daughter to be 2 by the time Team Avatar shows up in the Fire Nation to do their thing.

However...I can see some potential with the kid turning out physically weak, and that throwing Hyoga’s values into wack.

Let’s say the toddler was born healthy and strong and an assessment by some Fire Sages said that she’d become an extremely powerful bender - this pleases Hyoga, since he can’t imagine having fathered a weak child with him and Homura’s combined firebending ability. And indeed, by the time the kid is two she shows signs of firebending power well beyond her age group, with Hyoga planning to train her into an extraordinarily strong warrior.

Except with such a strong fire at such a young age, the little girl suddenly falls terribly ill, having raging fevers and struggling to breathe. Hyoga’s ideals would tell him that such an ill child will die, and that’s that, the weak and ill perish while the strong survive. But he finds himself insisting that the kid will survive, because she’s strong, she has to survive. She’ll recover and become the strongest firebender this side of the Nation, not die a weakling.

Some time later, the Gaang shows up to Hyoga’s town to resupply. Pre-Zuko joining but maybe somewhere between meeting Piandao and encountering Combustion Man? Aang decides to visit the local firebending dojo (rip Sokka’s nerves) because hey, he wants to see some firebending techniques from actual benders, and he can tooooootally handle staying low key this time, honest! He encounters Hyoga and gets a fair bit intimidated by him, though Hyoga seems to approve of “Kuzon’s” highly adaptive martial arts style.

At some point, a messenger comes and Hyoga slips away. Being nosy, Aang follows them and catches enough of the conversation to determine that there’s a sick kid living in that fancy mansion, and relays his concerns to the Gaang. Katara immediately wants to investigate further - Sokka is again very stressed but understands that he can’t stop his sister once she’s made a decision (plus this is post Painted Lady and Katara is even more determined not to let children suffer if she can do anything about it). But when she tries the front entrance, the guards won’t let her in, even when she says she’s a healer. In fact, they deny that there’s a sick child at all, while Aang insists he didn’t hear wrong.

So Aang and Katara, ever the problem solvers, break into the mansion (airbending is super useful!) and find the kid’s bedroom. Katara assesses the patient - she determines that even with her waterbending, the kid will likely suffer from complications her whole life due to the damage she’s already sustained. Hyoga suddenly appears, asking them how they got into his house (he’s actually very curious, since they seemed to enter silently and without alerting anyone). When Katara excuses herself and says she’s a healer from the colonies (Aang’s explanation for how Katara has “special healing techniques unlike any other”) and just wanted to help, Hyoga says that he doesn’t need a healer, and that the girl will recover soon. Katara starts to argue and Hyoga starts insinuating that he could easily beat her in combat, when Homura shows up, pleading with Katara to save her daughter.

Hyoga and Homura start arguing, with Homura saying this may be their last chance and Hyoga saying that a true daughter of his would be able to fight off the sickness alone. Homura eventually asks if he’d rather have a dead daughter than a weak one, which makes him go quiet (Aang and Katara are standing there awkwardly watching all of this). Hyoga then calmly says that since they seem to be at a standstill, the reasonable course of action is an Agni Kai (Aang goes pale at this, while Katara doesn’t actually know what that is).

In the courtyard the Gaang watches anxiously as Hyoga and Homura begin their duel, which results in quite a few impressive displays of firebending. Homura however seems to be holding back slightly, more on the run than attacking. At one point Homura gets thrown on her back and nearly burnt, but Katara calls out to her, saying she has to win for the kid. She gets back up and starts attacking Hyoga with renewed resolve, and even Hyoga is surprised.

Hyoga realizes that as loyal as Homura is to him, she really is doing her best to win, even coming at him with direct shots of flame now. And since this is still Hyoga, he respects that deeply - she’s doing things “properly,” even though she doesn’t want to. He even respects that Katara was so dedicated to her role as a healer that she broke into his house just on the mere mention that there was a sick child there.

And in the very bottom of his heart, despite all the talk of strength and weakness and who deserves to live, he has a hard time realizing that he doesn’t want his daughter to die, even if it means she’ll be weak and reliant on others her whole life. This might be a little OOC for canon Hyoga, but hey, it’s an au and maybe if canon Hyoga did have something small and weak to protect, he’d be less of an ass to Senku and company.

So at a key moment in the battle, Hyoga pauses for a split second instead of dodging a blast from Homura and allows himself to be grazed on the chin, reminiscent of his revival scars in canon. It’s not a bad burn, and those watching closely realize that he let her win. Hyoga turns to leave, only saying that Katara will be compensated for her healing services and that they truly did things “properly.”

Katara heals the girl, saying that the fever is gone but her lungs are damaged and she’ll have breathing problems from now on. She’s paid a small sack of gold by a servant that she initially refuses, but takes in the end since it’d probably be good to have extra Fire Nation currency on hand. The Gaang leaves the mansion feeling...a little conflicted about the experience, honestly.

Meanwhile as Homura sits by the girl’s bedside Hyoga appears in the doorway, having treated his burn from the duel. An awkwardly long silence passes before Hyoga says he’s been thinking about the skills that "Kuzon” and “Sapphire” displayed, and that he’s considering buying a home in the colonies so he can learn about those types of skills (since Aang claimed they were from the colonies). He turns to leave, but not before offhandedly saying that the seaside air in the colonies he’s looked at might be good for their daughter’s lungs.

[irkimatsu]

Okay, after way too much delay - it's my Eurovision 2021 Final Ranking! This took me a while for a lot of factors - took extra hours at work to make sure I could get time off this week, some recent family events... and most relevantly, the fact that this year is so damn good that no matter what, I knew someone was going to get ripped off by ending up somewhere in the bottom half. Just know that being toward the bottom of the list doesn't necessarily mean I dislike it, especially this year - it just means I like other things more. This year is going to be an absolute bloodbath. I am both excited and terrified.

Try not to take my ranking too seriously, by the way - I'm an American who unironically listens to stuff like Scooch and Dolly Style. I'm not exactly a seasoned music critic. I just know what sort of music makes the happiness center of my brain light up, what the hell is music theory

Ranking made with the sorter at http://esc.gerbear.com/sorter2021.htm, then slightly adjusted when it put some songs concerningly low on the list. Okay, so I cheated a little

Firstly, in the interest in completion - if Belarus didn't get disqualified, they'd be in the big fat 40 rank, with a big bold "Hate" right above. Fuck that song. I've only listened to it once and am so glad I have no obligation to acknowledge it any further. Those fucking lyrics. Mother of Christ. Fuck you guys.

I also offer my condolences to Armenia for their having to bow out this year. I'm sure whatever you guys sent, it couldn't have possibly been worse than "Chains On You".

Now, for the songs that actually matter:

Indifferent:

39 – Spain - “Voy a quedarme” by Blas Cantó: Welp, already I’m gonna get shot. I can’t remember how this song sounds at all. I know it’s tender and genuine and sweet and everything… I just… kinda don’t care. Nothing to say. I liked his entry last year even more, and even that was pretty damn dull. Just not destined to be a Blas Cantó fan, I guess!

38 - North Macedonia – “Here I Stand” by Vasil: I’m with most other rankings I’ve seen; what the hell is this? I at least kinda remember it, which is more than I can say for poor Spain, but oh my god it’s so boring. I really liked “You” last year! What the hell happened, Vasil?

37 – Albania - “Karma” by Anxhela Peristeri: Another “oops” from me, huh. It’s another one I immediately forget about the instant it ends. I at least don’t remember it boring the crap out of me, hence it placing higher than Spain and Macedonia, but I still can’t say anything nice about it – or anything at all, really – so I’ll leave it this low. I acknowledge that I’m in the minority, I won’t protest if it qualifies, but personally, it’s not my pick.

36 – Georgia – “You” by Tornike Kipiani: Give him points for passion, I suppose! At least I’m not laughing at him like I was last year. On the other hand, less ridiculous also means more boring. Points for earnestness, but this is just another song that goes right over my head.

35 – Portugal – “Love Is On My Side” by The Black Mamba: An English song from Portugal? That’s new. Too bad it hasn’t rescued the song from the darkest depths of Boring. I will confess that I spice it up a little by associating it with Homura from Osomatsu-san, thus rescuing it from the deepest pits of my ranking list… but it’s still stuck down here. Portugal and I have never gotten along well Eurovision-wise. I’ve come to accept that.

34 – Slovenia – “Amen” by Ana Soklič: I’m gonna call this a song that I respect more than I like. She’s got a great voice, I can’t deny that… but when I’m ranking this purely based on what I’d go out of my way to listen to, this one falls flat. I warned you at the beginning that I have no taste! I’m not normally into straightforward ballads, the religious connotations are lost on me… this isn’t the song for me.

33 – Austria – “Amen” by Vincent Bueno: Back to back “Amen”s! Tip for getting me to like your Eurovision entry, apparently, is “don’t call your song Amen”. It’s a ballad, earnest and trying but overall not my type of music. I’m running out of ways to say that. Breakup song, a tad bitter, we’ve all heard this sort of song so many times before. It doesn’t stand out, and I think it’d be a waste of a spot in the final.

At least, I thought this was a breakup song when I first wrote this, but apparently it’s about the death of a loved one…? I would say that makes me hate the bitterness, but… given how I’m handling a death in my own family right now… god, I don’t know. I just can’t handle this song, not at any time but especially not now. It doesn’t even provide catharsis like a song later on in the list. It stays this low regardless of its meaning, I just don’t like it, I’m sorry, moving on.

…” 'Cause it all feels like you didn't even try to save us, all this time wasted on a lie”… ugh, my personal problems…

32 – Switzerland – “Tout l'Univers” by Gjon’s Tears: Another one I respect more than I like, and another opinion I’m gonna get my ass beaten for, I’m sure. I respect the artistry, but this is so far removed from anything I’d ever listen to on purpose. It might have landed even lower if I wasn’t afraid of pissing people off. I’ll understand if it wins, but I’ll also be hoping for most anything else.

31 – Russia – “Russian Woman” by Manizha: I don’t get it. Sometimes it’s pleasant enough to listen to, but overall I don’t get it. It’s unique, I’ll give it that! I understand why it won its national final, and why so many people enjoy it! But for me, it doesn’t quite cross that line between “interesting” and “enjoyable”. I'm not Russian - this isn't for me, and it wasn't supposed to be. Though I will confess that there may be some bias at play here. God, I miss Little Big…

Okay:

30 – Estonia – “The Lucky One” by Uku Suviste: The voice is okay, the music is okay, I like how the bitterness is handled here more than in Austria’s… but this is still as high as I can go on this one. It’s serviceable, but this year has so much better to offer.

29 – Sweden – “Voices” by Tusse: Sweden really does like sending the same song over and over again, huh? I don’t hate it, but it does strike me as a lesser “Too Late For Love”, sound wise. Sweden almost never takes risks, and it’s causing me to look over them more and more with every year. I respect it too much to put it in the “Indifferent” category, but given how the rest of my ranking played out, this the best I can do for it. (But again, do not trust the opinions of someone who teethed on cheesy Europop and fondly remembers when Sweden was flooded with the stuff…)

28 – Belgium – “The Wrong Place” by Hooverphonic: Once again, Hooverphonic help Belgium fill the role of Eurovision’s “Most Likely To Appear In A Bond Movie” song. It’s fine. It’s a song! I don’t know what else to say about it! It does its job well enough, it’s just not really a job I care for that much.

27 – Ireland – “Maps” by Lesley Roy: It’s cute enough! A cute little radio tune. It’s no “Story Of My Life”, though. If “22” couldn’t qualify then this probably won’t, either, and I can’t say I’ll miss it all that much. Still pleasant enough when it comes up on the shuffle.

26 – Bulgaria – “Growing Up Is Getting Old” by Victoria: I admit it, this ranks as high as it does because of anime and that’s basically it. If I was still doing plain category sortings this would have landed straight in “Biased”. My favorite anime is about a bunch of 20-somethings learning that growing up sucks and trying as hard as possible to avoid it, and I first heard this song around the same time that I watched that show’s relatively melancholy season finale, so it ended up sticking with me on that note. Don’t have much to say about it musically, just that it makes me picture sextuplets crying and that’s one of my hobbies, so I’ll grant it an “Okay”. (It may also worth noting that if I heard this song before 2019, in the state my life was in before then it would have probably left me too inconsolable to listen to it more than once. Growing up is growing old indeed!

…it’s also worth noting that after I wrote this blurb, a major event happened that really enforced that growing up is getting old, so I listened to this quite a bit for a few days, among some other non-Eurovision songs. I’m probably gonna have an emotional breakdown on Thursday when this one starts. So, um, look out for that, guess. Between this one and Austria’s, I swear to god…)

25 – Italy – “Zitti e buoni” by Måneskin: I’ve been trying to get this one to rank higher, I really have, but its inability to crack the top 20 just says a lot about how damn good this year is. It sounds great, it’s very well done, and I wouldn’t hate to see it win! It’s earned its popularity. Everything holding it back in my own personal ranking is just that, personal – I do lose something when I can’t sing along or understand the lyrics, and there’s another rock song this year that I like way better. Still wishing you guys the best!

24 – Netherlands – “Birth Of A New Age” by Jeangu Macrooy: This song has a great style that I respect a lot. The message, the vibe – even if it’s not a culture I’m a part of, I feel and appreciate the hell out of it, and I really hope it does well. I don’t understand why so many people seem to think it’s not interesting! It may not be the sort of thing I’d go out of my way to listen to, but I’m glad it’s here. Catch me singing out “Yu no man broko mi” on Saturday! It’s been a while since I’ve given a shit about a host country’s entry, so I’m really glad for this one.

23 – Romania - “Amnesia” by Roxen: I’ll admit something else unpopular – I hated “Alcohol You” last year. Didn’t see what the big deal was at all. It sounded okay, I guess, but the lyrics were so pretentious and awful, and I’ve never liked the topic of “I love you even though you have no redeeming qualities whatsoever and you make me feel like shit”. But it seems like in that year, Roxen has discovered that self-love is important, actually, and it’s not worth it spending your time on some shitbag who consistently disappoints you. I appreciate it for that alone. Character growth! Plus, I feel the whole thing of “forgetting how to love yourself because everyone around you sucks”. It’s not the perfect song, not by a long shot, but it has a nice melody, and Roxen has a nice voice. It’s good to hear her using that voice on something I don’t find obnoxious.

22 – Norway – “Fallen Angel” by TIX: Okay, I’ll admit it, this is one where I watched the live video the first time I heard the song, and I was too busy laughing at his outfit to take the song seriously. Jesus Christ, dude, what the hell. Well, that’s Eurovision for you, and the more I listened to it, the more I admitted to myself that I’m a sucker for “I love you but letting you go for your own good, not sure what I ever offered you in the first place” type songs. Knowing the song is inspired by his own disability and self-loathing really twists that knife, to the point where I feel bad that I almost threw this at an anime character. I know I’m usually cold on songs that try to evoke emotions about the singer’s personal problems – Germany 2018, and this year’s Austrian entry – but this one really works for me. Only reason it’s in “Okay” tier is because of its competition – it’d rank way higher in a weaker year.

21 – France – “Voila” by Barbara Pravi: I like a good waltz, I guess! It’s a unique number, and the French language sounds nice, especially with the music. It’s yet another example of how this year is filled with so many interesting entries that I appreciate the hell out of. God bless this diverse year! (Or maybe everything just sounds so good to me because last year’s cancellation left me in withdrawal.) I expect a really nice performance for this one – this song isn’t one you can perform while just standing there, especially not during that speedup toward the end.

20 – Australia – “Technicolour” by Montaigne: That song that sounds like it’s about stripping if you don’t know that she’s saying cloaks. (Guilty as charged.) It’s catchy and fun, and I really love it when it first starts… but unfortunately, it does wear out its welcome toward the end of things. It’s a good party song, just a little repetitive. I still like it just fine, and wouldn’t mind seeing her in the final this year! Hope the performance is colorful and sparkly, it’d suit the song well

Like:

19 – Germany – “I Don’t Feel Hate” by Jendrik: I know stereotyping is bad but I was not remotely surprised to find out that Jendrik is gay. This song is pure gay sass, and god, I love every minute of it. I fully expect it to fall on its ass – this wouldn’t make it to the final if it wasn’t an automatic qualifier – but I’ll have a grand old time watching it! The sarcastic lyrics, the cheerful little ukulele, the middle finger costume… this song is a delight. Only thing that I think really brings it down is that weird spoken bit that interrupts the song. That’s so annoying, brings me right out of it. And I did purposely rank it below songs that aren’t complete shitposts. But thank you for your existence, Jendrik, your contribution to Eurovision is much appreciated.

18 – Israel – “Set Me Free” by Eden Alene: I said it this year and I’ll say it again this year, Eden Alene is a goddess of a woman. Absolutely gorgeous. Appreciation for pretty women aside, it’s a fun party song in a sea of fun party songs! I really do like it, I like her voice, but there’s so much else this year that drowns it out – not much stands out here compared to later entries on the list. Still a good song, though.

…and I do not expect for an instant that this is going to make it to the final. …my personal ranking is based on how the song sounds, okay? Just the song. Just the song. Nothing else. Just the song. Anyway…

17 – United Kingdom – “Embers” by James Newman: What’s this? A UK entry I don’t find bland as off-white paint? That doesn’t happen often! I didn’t like his entry last year, romantic ballad bla bla bla whee, but I’m always down for a good party song. It’s a little generic and radio friendly, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun as hell to sing along with!

16 – Greece – “Last Dance” by Stefania: I really liked last year’s “Supergirl”, but figured it didn’t have too much of a chance because it struck me as being a little too teen poppy to be taken entirely seriously. It seems like Greece thought so, too, because they’ve ramped it up with this year’s entry. They’re not playing around anymore, sending a grand, powerful song that, like “Embers”, is fun as hell to belt. This is another one I’m really looking forward to the live performance for – the music video is gorgeous, and I hope they capture that same majesty on stage!

15 – Moldova – “Sugar” by Natalia Gordienko: Oh, Moldova, I’m so glad you guys decided to be completely batshit again this year. I’ve missed your nonsense so much. Dancing ice cream cones. Cake men. This video is glorious. And the song goes well with the insanity! A catchy dance tune that can only be improved with downright insane staging. Please let the dancing ice cream cones be on stage, I’m begging you

14 – Latvia – “The Moon Is Rising” by Samanta Tina: A unique electronica number backed with a powerful as hell voice. I can see where all the wubbing would get on people’s nerves, but personally, I love it! I love the voice, I love the attitude, Samanta just oozes confidence, and if she doesn’t make it to the final it’s not gonna be because she didn’t give it her goddamn all.

13 – Poland – “The Ride” by RAFAL: Why is this one so unpopular? You people don’t know how to have fun. Yeah, yeah, last year’s “Empires” was a powerful song… but I like my club nonsense much more, so I’m favoring this one. Yet another song that gets me pumped – this whole Contest is gonna leave me with a smile on my face, there’s so much good party music

12 – Azerbaijan – “Mata Hari” by Efendi: Yeah, they’re basically just sending “Cleopatra” again, but “Cleopatra” was so goddamn good that I can’t even blame them for it. This song needed a chance to compete, and I’m glad it’s getting it again this year. I like it so much that I can even forgive the line about being a “godless”. Oh, Europop, don’t you ever change.

11 – Cyprus – “El Diablo” by Elena Tsagrinou: Huh, I didn’t know Cyprus had perfected their Lady Gaga cloning technology. Neat. More seriously, the early 2010’s club vibe of this song is exactly my jam, enough that I can forgive the “I’m in love with a horrible person” theme. (I think I forgive that theme a lot more from catchy party songs than heartfelt ballads I’m actually supposed to feel for.) Hell, I even like the creepy chanting! Sure, it’s a little cheesy, but cheese is always a good ingredient when used in moderation.

(How many songs are we going to get this year, not just in Eurovision, about wanting to fuck devils? I mean, not that I don’t get it… mmm, Akuma Ichimatsu… um. Anyway.)

10 – Czech Republic – “Omaga” by Benny Cristo: And here we enter the top ten of a strong year, where I’d love to see any of them win! Benny, what is with that title. Why. Ah well, like I said earlier, I do like moderate amounts of cheese, and this song is more than fun enough to have earned itself a ridiculous lyric or two. It’s unique, I’ll give it that! The song is just so bouncy and fun that I manage to ignore how pushy the singer is. Another one I expect big things from the staging for.

9 – Lithuania – “Discoteque” by The Roop: Ignoring the current events that surely inspired the song, I do love the more generic “party song for introverts” read on it – if only you knew how many one-person dance parties I’d had in my own house. This song speaks to me deeply. I can’t even begin to call it a joke song; I think it’s doing exactly what it set out to do, and it’s doing it oh so well. God, those synths. Totally okay with dancing alone!

8 – Iceland – “10 Years” by Daði og Gagnamagnið: I want Daði Freyr to adopt me. I don’t even care that he’s younger than me. He’s just such an earnest, fun guy, and I love his 8-bit aesthetic! And come on, he submitted a song about how much he loves his wife! If I ever stop loving this song it’s because my heart shriveled and died. Love isn’t dead, it’s just in chiptune now. I will throw things if this doesn’t make it into the final, do you all have no souls, this is too damn cute

7 – Serbia – “Loco Loco” by Hurricane: Another group I am so excited to see return, because I adored “Hasta La Vista”. I don’t know if I like this one quite as much, but it’s still catchy as hell! I love trying to sing along with it despite not knowing a word of Serbian.

6 – Croatia – “Tick-Tock” by Albina: Another catchy-ass club song! What more can I say? I love how much of this stuff we got this year. I will absolutely be screaming “Don’t go, don’t go, don’t go!” Oh god that was cheesy… I’ve been working on this ranking for too long. Don’t know what else to say about this one, just that I adore it. Just barely missed the top 5.

Love:

5 – Malta – “Je Me Casse” by Destiny: This girl’s got pipes– not surprised to hear she won the Junior contest before! I get major “Toy” vibes from this song, and you all know just how much I adored that one. Aaa, those horns! Expecting big things from you, Destiny! We may have our winner!

4 – San Marino – “Adrenalina” by Senhit – As much of a soft spot I had for last year’s “Freaky”, I don’t think it was gonna make it into the final, unless Senhit had the blessing of the same angels who were looking out for Serhat in 2019. This one, though? San Marino tasted the final two years ago and they are never giving it up again! This song goes hard! Love the song, love the video’s aesthetic, I even kinda like Flo Rida’s rap, even though I’m still baffled by the idea that I have been regularly listening to a song featuring Flo Rida on purpose. I don’t know what he’s doing here but I’m glad he is. Please, please make it to the final, San Marino! You clearly want the hell out of it this year! Favorite club song in a year of amazing club songs.

3 – Finland – “Dark Side” by Blind Channel: After spending about five seconds disappointed that Finland wouldn’t be sending Pandora this year, I gave this song a shot, and was not expecting what it gave me. I feel like an angsty middle schooler again, and it is bliss. This is everything Hatari wanted to be, but unlike Hatari who just confused me, I absolutely love the hell out of this song. …some of those lyrics, though. “27 Club, headshot, we don’t wanna grow up”? Yikes. But as dark and questionable as it might be, I can’t help but get pumped when I hear it. Definitely my favorite rock song of the year – sorry, Italy!

2 – Denmark – “Øve os på hinanden” by Fyr & Flamme: I love you, 1983. I don’t care how dated it is when my entire soul consists of a disco ball. The song’s so damn cute! This is the one member of my top 5 that I’m most terrified of losing – I know it’s not popular, with everyone calling it dated, but my top 5 always has that dated song that I love the hell out of becauseit sounds so classic. The translated lyrics are adorable, too. Even if you guys flame out in the semi, you’ll live on in the disco in my heart.

Favorite:

1 – Ukraine – “Shum” by Go_A: Holy fucking shit. There’s something about the blending of traditional and electronic that gets me hyped – see KEiiNO – and this one does not disappoint. The last minute of this is the best minute of Eurovision this year, and god, the buildup! I don’t even know Ukrainian but I am trying my damnedest to get the lyrics down, phonetically, at least. You know that “dancing goths” meme video? That’s me whenever this song comes on, especially during that speed up. Love the hell out of it. Could Ukraine be on its way to another victory already? I sure hope so, because this song fucking rules. Definitely checking out the rest of the discography someday, if all of their songs are in this folktronica style then they’ve gotta be a treat to listen to. Go Ukraine!

Ideal Qualifiers (favorite of each semi in bold):

Semi 1

Australia

Azerbaijan

Croatia

Cyprus

Israel

Lithuania

Malta

Norway

Romania

Ukraine Semi 2:

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

Greece

Iceland

Latvia

Moldova

Poland

San Marino

Serbia

This is definitely not what's going to happen - there is no universe where Switzerland and Sweden don't make it - but it'll be interesting to compare the reality to my hopes.

Let's go, Eurovision 2021

[themonotonysyndrome]

The Holy Quintet in Twisted Wonderland! (all 7 dorms - Part 1)

This is the third piece of TW x PMMM crossover! The girls have been sorted to their respective dorms and now we have them interacting with the other 6 dorms. This is also gonna be a long one separated to a few parts so buckled up!

Hope you guys enjoyed it! I appreciate the patience. 

-

Akemi Homura & the other dorms (except Scarabia)

HEARTSLABYUL!

Seeing that there’s so many unpredictable danger in TW, Mami wanted the girls to improve their magic in case they’re ever in a pinch. 

Since Sayaka hasn’t unlock the full potential of her magic, Homura figured that it’d be beneficial for them as a team if she lends a hand or give her a few advices (after countless time loops, Homura is aware on what Sayaka could do with her magic without the danger of turning into Oktavia).

The students of Heartslabyul at first bar her from entering their dorm and Homura was about to brush them off and just freezes time for being such a nuisance until one of them explain that they needed to announce her presence to Riddle and Trey first before they could enter. Then they brought her to the lounge.

They warned her of the Queen of Heart’s many, many rules and that their Dorm Leader would be crossed if she would break them and that had her wondering how the exuberant Sayaka survive here.

She noted in mild interest when the students eagerly inform them that Sayaka is doing well for herself in Heartslabyul and fondly calling her their cute knight after she helps out with their Unbirthday Parties and protect the hedgehogs and other small critters.

Riddle caught Homura conversing with the students in the lounge and took this opportunity to invite her to their Unbirthday Party that they’ll be having in a few hours. Curious about this fussy dorm, Homura accepts.

Homura, Sayaka, Ace and Deuce ran around handling the cute hedgehogs and pink flamingos. Ace wanted to leave the chores to Homura since she could round the animals up in a blink of an eye but Deuce stops him before Trey or Riddle could hear him. When asked about Homura’s magic, Sayaka retort not to bothered. She and the rest of the girls don’t even know the full details about it.

When the long table is laden with food and drinks and everyone’s having a good time, Sayaka and Homura sat at the furthest end of the table where it’s quieter. Normally guests are supposed to sit beside the Dorm Leader and Vice Dorm Leader, but ever since his Overblot episode, Riddle let them to talk amongst themselves when Homura insists it’s important.

As the two girls talk, the Heartslabyul gang couldn’t help but observe their interaction. Homura’s expression remain serious the moment she steps into the dorm and as the seconds grow longer, they saw Sayaka’s smile slowly turning into a scowl. Trey and Cater already jog to them when Sayaka raised her voice and Homura is frustrated.

“Why should I listen to you about my magic when you’re never honest about yours? How would you even know about what my magic can really do, hah?”

“You’re as foolish as ever, Miki Sayaka. If you don’t even know how to use your magic, how can you even call yourself a Magical Girl?”

“Whoa, whoa, everything alright here? C’mon, it’s a party! Everyone is supposed to have fun!”

“Thank you for inviting me to your Unbirthday Party, Rosehearts-san. I’ll be taking my leave now.” In a flash, Homura vanishes without so much as waiting for a ‘by your leave’.

After that exchange, Sayaka had to explain to everyone that despite how Homura would sometimes aid them in hunting and killing Witches, they’re not exactly good friends. Homura is as shady as they come and keep her information very close to her chest. Not to mention that her odd attachment to Madoka is a little troubling.

The Heartslabyul gang took her words with considerations but the boys wanted to judge Homura for themselves.

To Ace and Deuce, it’s kinda comical to see Kalim hovering around her, cracking jokes and trying to make her laugh but only receive a fond shake of her head instead. Other than that, she kept to herself and if she isn’t studying, she's eyeing their magical crystal with a dangerous gleam in her eyes. The duo subconsciously put away their pens whenever she’s around.

Trey found Homura to be polite and reserved when approached. She’s willing to help you out with any mundane things as long as you ask nicely. But sometimes, Trey feels that Homura has a skill in avoidance. No one really see her in the crowd of first year students heading to class but then there she is, the first one in her seat! Trey hopes that Kalim and Jamil can help her relax a little because something in Trey tells him that she’s a ticking time bomb.

Cater wants her for a selfie! His Magicam followers would never believe that NRC has a mysterious raven beauty as a student. When word spread of Homura’s ability to disappear in a blink of an eye, he takes it as a challenge to snap her pic. When he told her about this, Homura rolled her eyes. He can try.

Now, Riddle. He couldn’t help but frown whenever he sees Homura passing by in the hallways. Her bickering with Sayaka during the Unbirthday Party left quite an impression on this Dorm Leader (he has a soft spot for Sayaka after the whole overblot ordeal. Sure, it left him bruised and bloodied for days afterwards but she did saved his life. Plus, she also apologised for not realising her own strength). 

Despite presenting herself properly, Riddle wonders if she’s a little like him. That she has something dark brewing inside her based on some traumatic events. He understands that Homura means well when she tried to advice Sayaka about her magic (after all, he did try to impart on his dorm mates the importance to maintain order by following the Queen of Hearts’ rules).  

Maybe if ever they crossed path, he could share his experiences with Homura in hopes that she opens up a little. Telling her that her friends will gladly help her if she just asked them.

Dragging herself through many, many timelines not only hardened her as a person, but they also made her jaded. Nevertheless, Homura quietly promise to herself once Riddle left; to try and save not only Madoka from Walpurgisnacht, but also her friends from their fates. She continues to hope once more.  

SAVANACLAW!      

Like above, Homura would only approach the Savanaclaw dorm if she has to talk to Kyouko. Only this time, she didn’t bother announcing herself. Just freezes time and walk right towards Kyouko’s room. Once time is unfrozen, the students will comment on an unfamiliar feminine scent that somehow walk past by them undetected! 

Kyouko wasn’t surprise that Homura suddenly appear in her bedroom. Already well-used to her antics. Boredly, she asked what Homura wanted as she lied on her bed. Packet of snacks scattered around her.  

Since Kyouko often spar with the Savanaclaw students, Homura request for a favour. She wants to observe her fights against them just to see how far their magical crystals can be push before overblotting. 

Kyouko refuses predictably until Homura offered her help in classes. She’s even willing to help her cheat in a test if Kyouko want. In the end, Kyouko accepted Homura’s requests. 

(Homura didn’t bother to persuade Kyouko to use her magic. It’s up to Kyouko to overcome her past in order to wield her illusions power again)

When Leona’s actually in the mood to spar a little, especially against Kyouko, Homura is at the bleachers with her arms crossed against her chest. Students from other dorms sometimes watch their trainings but never one of Kyouko’s girl friends before other than Sayaka. 

(Sayaka has a habit of loudly cheering from the stands, jumping with glee whenever Kyouko kicked a burly student across the field. Kyouko would preen and smirks at every cheer. This lead the boys wondering if there’s something more going on between the two of them; the Heartslabyul Knight and their Savanaclaw Brawler) 

Leone felt like he’s under a microscope during their spar when he noticed Homura staring at them. Kyouko made no secret of her request and Leona’s quirk an eyebrow. Well, she’s not Rook but Leona’s gut is telling him that as someone who’s skilled in hunting Witches, Beastmen would be a good practise for this girl. 

But Leona wants to show off so that in the next Magishift Tournament, Homura knows just who she’ll be facing. This lion ain’t backing down! 

Leona can be petty, too. After Kyouko’s explaination, he ordered Ruggie to use his Unique Magic on her. Forcing her to show her own magic for once. 

Ruggie steal the opportunity during lunchtime. A harmless prank, really. He just wants her to trip and drop her food tray. However, he never expected to be frozen in time. Unlike Mami’s ribbon, Ruggie’s ‘Laugh With Me’ couldn’t hold her. So the moment her body suddenly acted on her own, Homura uses her shield to froze time and found a student in similar uniform to Kyouko mimicking the same moves as her. Disgruntled, she packed her food and left the cafeteria before releasing her magic. 

Ruggie is left standing, dumbfounded that Homura could escape his magic! She’s trickier than he expected. When he reported back to Leona, it just fuelled him to really uncover what she’s hiding, though he knows that Kalim and Jamil won’t appreciate him meddling with one of their student.

Jack is put off with Homura’s aloofness and that says something! He sees her friendship with Kyouko as something that’s build on necessity with little trust. Always lurking around and her head in books as if she’s chasing after something. 

He would curtly nod at her if they walk by but never do anything more than that.         

For Homura, she couldn’t care less about Leona, Ruggie and Jack. As long as they don’t butt into her business, she sees no conflict between them. Plus, they kept Kyouko preoccupied. 

OCTAVINELLE!     

On the second day as a student of NRC, Kalim explains about the other dorms to Homura as best as he could. Bless his heart, Jamil had to fill in the rest and more important characteristics of the dorms. 

In the beginning, all she knows about Octavinelle are that the students are intelligent, most of them are mermen and the Dorm Leader is someone named Azul Ashengrotto and his Vice Dorm Leader, Jade Leech. 

Before Kamil and Jamil left for their own classes, Jamil murmurs to Homura to watch herself when it comes to those two and someone named Floyd Leech. 

One day, Madoka - who wanted to spend some time with Homura - suggest that they have lunch at a café called the Mostro Lounge. Homura did her best not to show her hesitation to Madoka when she realised that they needed to step through a mirror since the café is in the Octavinelle dorm.  

It’s still a bit early before the lunch rush, so the girls were quickly seated and attended to by a few servers from the dorm. 

Trouble begins after they ordered their food and Floyd stroll in with Jade in tow, ready for their shifts.

Not one to miss an opportunity to interact with these otherworldly girls, Floyd loudly introduces himself and Jade with a bloodthirsty grin. Homura already disliked his presence. 

Seeing how unresponsive Homura is to his twin’s greeting and Madoka’s shy reply, Jade smoothly interjects. Playing the part of a perfect gentleman, he inquiries if the girls have ordered their food and drinks, have they gotten used to their dorms and etc. He’s not at all deter at Homura’s clipped answers or Madoka’s nervous stammers.   

After all, Azul wanted to know what magic these girls bring to their world. If possible, the Dorm Leader wanted to strike a deal with them.  

The atmosphere around the table is already tense and Homura wondered if it’s best to leave for the cafeteria instead when Azul enters the fray. Like Jade, he made sure to behave properly, offering a courteous smile as he introduces himself.  

“I’m happy that the Mostro Lounge receive such beautiful patrons today! Truly I am lucky.” 

“T-That’s nice of you to said that, Ashengrotto-san.” 

“...”

“Please, the pleasure is all mine. If you or any of your friends have any trouble adjusting to this college, I’ll be more than happy to a lend a hand for a... right price.” 

That set warning alarms off in Homura’s head. Immediately.  

Thankfully their lunch went by peacefully, though Floyd continues to irk Homura of his pestering, but the decor and otherwise calm atmosphere made their meal pleasant. 

It’s only when Homura caught rumours that those who made a deal with Azul must signed a contract for their wish to be fulfil but it always ended up kicking them in the asses. 

Homura made the decision to stay away from him and the Leech Brothers at all cost and if Azul approaches her or god forbid, Madoka, she’ll made him regret it. 

She’s not looking forward to deal with another Kyuubey. (besides, she might not be able to kill the Incubator but a bullet between Azul’s eyes should do the trick. She never kill anything other than a Witch before, but should Azul threatens Madoka then it’s a first time for everything). 

Azul sees Homura as a tough nut to crack, so pulling information from her would be a waste of effort. Better focus on the other girls. He thought that he held his demeanour perfectly during their little lunch, so why is she glaring at him whenever he had the unfortunate chance thei path crossed? 

Floyd finds Homura boring. She hardly react when he tries to get a rise out of her. Though the slap Homura gave on his hand when the eel boy wanted to touch Madoka’s ribbons was surprisingly strong. Like Cater, he made a little game catch her off guard, but by squeezing her. She’s so slippery though. It’s fun! 

Jade doesn’t really have any problem with Homura. He’s curious about her; why does it feel like her wariness of them is something personal? Has she been taken advantaged before?  

Jade has not forgotten how quick she attack the headmaster during the entrance ceremony. He’ll play it cautiously and see what he can use against the girl. 

It’s not fair if Homura holds all the cards to herself.   

POMEFIORE! 

Homura actually stumble across Mami and Rook during their shooting practise in the archery field. They were supposed to meet up for research but she waited until they noticed her.  

It was sweet how Rook treated Mami and it was surprising to Homura that she accepts every praise with a small smile, her cheeks red.  

In a way, their interaction assured Homura that Mami wouldn’t be lonely in Pomefiore. Hopefully that means she’ll be able to emotionally grow while they’re stuck here in TW. 

It was only when Rook packed up that he realise Homura has been watching them the entire time. No one ever stalked the hunter before. Coloured him impressed! 

Rook offered Homura to joined their shooting sessions whenever she’s free. Her aim during the entrance ceremony was precise and quick just like Mami. It’d be nice if the three of them could get together sometimes. 

Homura didn’t made any promises, but she informs him that she’ll keep his offer in mind. 

Mami and Rook brought her to the study rooms in Pomefiore. There are a few students studying nearby and Homura noted how the boys would pull a chair out for her and Mami and offered their assistance if they need any books. Like a princess, Mami thanked them but require nothing for now. 

“The students here are very... gracious.”

“You’ll get used to it, Akemi-san.” 

Homura presented Mami her books and data that she could gathered and in return, Mami toss theories back and forth. The two were at it until Epel came over to asked Mami for an impromptu Alchemy tutoring. He backtracks when he spotted thick papers and books between the girls. 

Homura agreed without a fuss to change their research for school work. She needs to go over her own Alchemy notes as well. 

To Epel, Homura is intimidating. Not as severe as Vil, but there’s an ice cold wall she erected around herself. Even when she helped grammar checked his notes, she gives off an impression that she’s waiting to be dismissed. 

Unfortunately for her, a Pomefiore student came by to announced that Vil and Rook has invited Mami and any of her company to tea. Before either Epel or Homura could run, Mami accepts on their behalf. 

“Schoenheit-san is an amazing person, Akemi-san. He taught me a lot during out short stay here.” 

“Other people would have a different opinion, Tomoe-san...” 

“Al-Asim-san mentioned that he’s very strict towards the students in this dorm. And that he also hold himself in high regards.” 

“The way I see it, he earns the right to do so. Would you like to understand him better, Akemi-san?” 

“No point in refusing now.”

“Urgh, tea time with Vil. This is gonna be a drag.” 

The setting that Mami brought them is picturesque. Apparently, Pomefiore has their own fairytale-like garden; well maintained and immaculate. 

“So this must be your elusive... companion, gem. A pleasure. I am Vil  Schoenheit, Dorm Leader of Pomefiore.” 

Throughout their tea time, Homura did her best not to squirm under Vil’s scrutinized eyes. He would promptly correct her when she reach out for the wrong silverware and not to slouch. Mentally, she sympathise Epel for having to endure Vil’s nagging.

(There’s no way Kyouko would survive 5 minutes in this dorm) 

Although Homura did not carry herself in the same way as Mami does, Vil regard her as a flower that only blooms at night, so only a few could witness its beauty. He offers to make her look more beautiful the next time she visits Pomefiore. 

Rook asked how she’s settling in Scarabia and how the students are treating her there. He’s genuinely surprise that if the topics aren’t about her personal life or magic, she can talk quite a lot. Homura told them about the refreshing mint teas that they introduced her, how despite energetic and loud Kalim can be, he understood when she needed some space and how patient and hard working Jamil is in attending not Kalim, but the entire dorm as well. 

Mami let Homura talk away with a small knowing smile. It’s good that Homura is focusing on other things than Madoka for once. 

Before she left, Homura humoured Vil’s request when he wanted to see her Magical Girl outfit. He ‘hmm’-ed and nodded to self, commenting how her heels and dress are designed for practicality rather than to show off; it’s a little plain though. Like Mami, he sketch her outfit in his drawing book for inspiration. 

Homura felt like she should feel insulted over Vil commenting that her Magical Girl outfit is plain but in the end, couldn’t find it in herself to be bothered.

IGNIHYDE!

Among the students in NRC, Idia is the first one who uncovers Homura’s time magic. 

Since he doesn’t attend classes physically and have eyes around campus through surveillance cameras, he caught Homura’s disappearing act more times than he can count. This boy is instantly curious on how she could even evade his cameras! 

So he analyse the surveillance cameras and noticed that whenever she uses her magic, her Shield would crack open; showing spinning gears and purple sands gleam like stardust but in the next frame, the Shield is closed. Idia deduced that her Shield must be her Unique Magic. But how does it work? What’s the connection between the sands and gears?  

Idia actually feels a little bad stalking Homura through his cameras, but his curiousity has been itching him ever since the girl directed her strange weapon at the headmaster. Isekai’ed weapons are the coolest!

His luck came in the form of Ortho. From his room, Idia watches as his little brother and the Magical Girl interacted in the courtyard. Ortho was carrying some snacks for their gaming session, bought from Sam’s shop and Homura happens to be done with her classes for the day. 

Idia saw Ortho trips and Homura is suddenly holding him steady by his arm, the snacks are secured in her hold. That shouldn’t be possible when Homura is nowhere near Ortho. So Idia rewind and replay the footage but again, it explained nothing. 

When Ortho return to Ignihyde, he didn’t waste any time to tell all about his new friend! How she swooped in and saved him like a hero. Homura was taken aback when she discovered that he’s a cyborg and Ortho explained that Idia was the one who built him. When Idia asked if she did anything strange, Ortho just commented that Homura keeps touching her ring. Could her ring be her magic crystal? 

The next time Ortho and Homura meet up, he invited her to hang out with him and his older brother at their dorm. Idia could’ve die from a heart attack the moment he heard her voice outside of his door. 

On a bad day, Idia could barely stand to be around people, but a pretty girl in his bedroom? Playing games with him and his brother? Dear Hades save him! 

Meanwhile, Homura recalled what Ignihyde meant to represent. An advancement of magical technology. In a way, her time Shield is a magical technology, so is that why her magic reacted positively with Ortho and this dorm itself? 

Despite the gloominess of Ignihyde and Idia’s skittish personality, Homura actually found herself enjoying the Shroud brothers’ company. Ortho is a sweetheart; patiently instructing her how to play their games and explain how most of their techs work. 

When Idia wouldn’t stop squirming beside her, Homura calmly ask him to spit out what’s on his mind. She didn’t rebuked him when Idia asked how she’s been escaping from his cameras. That he didn’t mean anything bad, just curious. 

Homura sees this as an opportunity to strike up an alliance. She told Idia that she’s willing to tell him about her magic, but it needs to keep between them and in return, she hopes that he could help her with her Shield. 

Idia is overjoy to discover such an OP Unique Magic! To him, Homura’s magic is a cheat code that he sometimes daydream of having when classes are a drag! He’s like a kid in the candy store as Homura withdraw books, a comb and a flash bang from her shield (so it’s also a dimensional storage!), demonstrated by holding his and Ortho’s hands how her time magic works and lets him take a closer look at her Shield. The dorm leader is more than happy to help improved her Shield and see how far they can push the limit of her magic safely.

If you think Madoka and Malleus’ friendship is odd, Homura and Idia is equally so. Even if their alliance is purely professional, Homura always made time to hang out with Ortho and when Idia ventures outside, Homura would walk alongside him so he won’t be overwhelmed. Passing students would murmur when they see the two of them together.  

To the Shroud brothers, Homura is a good friend, if a little aloof. Idia likens her to a stray cat; she welcomes to visit Ignihyde (oh gosh, a girl actually wants to hang out with him in his room!) and goes as she please. He enjoys debating on the difference of their magic and that she doesn’t judge his hobbies and games. 

Ortho is just happy that his older brother has a friend! One that can match his online snarky and hammy persona with her sarcasm and wit when they livestream together. Plus, she would come over and ask Ortho he needs help whenever she’s free.  

DIASOMNIA!

The second TW’s character to uncovers Homura’s time magic is Lilia. And that was completely accidental! 

You see, words has gotten around NRC of Homura’s vanishing and appearing act and being a trickster who loves to appear out of nowhere and startle the other students, Lilia wanted to surprise Homura the most! 

When the ancient Fae asked Madoka while they were in her room (she allows him to comb her hair and how can she refuse seeing it makes Lilia so happy) if she knows how her friend does it, Madoka shook her head and reply that none of them actually know the full extend of Homura’s magic. Just that she can summon and stored firearms off any sizes inside her Shield without any limit.

Lilia then asked Malleus, Silver and Sebek if their magic could discern what sort of magic Homura’s uses. Since Malleus’ magic is broader and more in tune with otherworldly aspects as a dark Fae, Malleus could only put into words that her magic is something that acts as a foundation of their dimension, in a sense. Metaphysical. Unfortunately, Homura has been using her magic sparingly so Malleus didn’t actually had enough time to decipher what it is. 

Malleus’ words weight heavy in Lilia’s mind. In all his ancient years, he has never come across a human with such powerful magic! A magic like that would definitely come with a heavy price. After all, humans can never control powers that are beyond their realm of understanding. 

(Ouch, hitting a little too close to home there, Lilia).

So one day, when Lilia caught Homura leaving the Ignihyde dorm (Idia sure love to brag about her whenever he and Lilia are playing online tournament matches), Lilia snuck up behind her. What he didn’t expect though, was Homura’s fast reflex. However, when she turn around to grab his hand before he could touch her, her Shield freezes time right at that exact moment. So Lilia witness with wide eyes how the world around them stood on a standstill and easily figured out her magic.  

“Ho, ho, what a surprise! To think a young human possess the ability to bend time to her whim! I understand now.” 

Well, Homura’s first introduction to Lilia Vanrouge went off a rocky start. Seeing how upset he made her, Lilia is all smile, promising that he won’t spread the truth about her magic. He also encourage her to trust her friends about it, since anything could happen after all. 

When Homura puts away her shield, Lilia offer to make it up to her. Madoka has actually been waiting to spend some time with her. Why don’t they all have a midnight tea party at Diasomnia? Doesn’t she wants to see how Madoka has been faring in their dorm? With Madoka as the bait, he chuckles when Homura accepts his offer without hesitation. 

It’s Lilia that floated near the staircase inside of Diasomnia, watching how Madoka happily invite Homura in. From how coldly she treated him earlier that day, she’s docile when Madoka grab her hand and gently pull her along, how soft and sweet her voice is when she answered Madoka’s questions. 

The moon is full when they arrive at the rooftop. The table and tea things are laid out and their company for the evening were waiting for them. Silver is lightly dozing, his head resting on the table. Sebek is fussing around the table, pouring tea for Malleus first before the other cups. Malleus flash a small welcoming smile to Homura who nods in return. 

Homura let Madoka be, heart at ease that she’s comfortable and happy with this group. Unnoticed by her, Lilia is observing Homura the same way. Well, she’s polite if reserved, but tend to smiles more around Madoka though she grimace when Madoka told her that they’ve been helping Madoka hone her magic better. It’s clear she wanted to interject but held herself back. 

Later in the privacy of his bedroom, Lilia realised that Homura has the eyes of a soldier. Hardened and weary, but one that is still fighting. Now what foe could Homura be fighting against even after crossing over to this world? 

There is a story hidden that only Homura is aware of and until the day arrive when she could finally be honest with not only herself, but also her friends, all Lilia could offer is his assurance that Diasomnia looks after their own. Madoka is no different. 

Malleus wonders if he and Homura shares a lot in common. The two tend to brood and kept to themselves after all (though Malleus suspect that the later might be a personal preference for Homura). Madoka had nothing but good words about the raven haired girl so he figured there must be something else going on in the background. 

He could only detect the basis of her magic when she vanishes near him. He wonders if her magic is as powerful as his and how good of a fighter she is. After their midnight party, the two often nod at one another if they passed by in campus. Malleus appreciate that she will sits beside him in class when Lilia and his group aren’t with him. 

Silver doesn’t know a lot about Homura to actually hold an opinion about her, other than what Madoka told them. He’s aware that people can be biased when it comes to their dear friend. But since she and Malleus seems to be a lot more amiable than before, he hopes that Homura won’t try do anything against them. 

Sebek treats Homura the same way how he treats the other human students. If they don’t have anything to do with his lord, then he doesn’t care about them. Though he will tolerate her presence when Madoka invites her into Diasomnia. He overheard Lilia mentioning that Homura reminds him of the soldiers that he fought alongside with all those many years ago and Sebek wondered what does that add into her mystery. 

As for Homura? She’s the last person to judge the Diasomnia gang and if they truly care for Madoka then perhaps she can pour her energy and time to planning on how to return home. 

She won’t admit it but Homura respect Lilia. When she’s feeling practically brave, she would quietly ask for advice on how to expand her magic and how to learn hand-to-hand combat.  

Sebek is just too loud for her taste. Does that boy ever calm down? He can dismiss her all he likes, it good to know that Sebek has a 1 track mind when it comes to Malleus. That makes him predictable to Homura.  

When Silver suddenly drop to sleep in front of her, Homura startles. Thinking that he’s ill or worse, she actually call for help. Only when the other students about his habit of falling unconscious at any given time or place did Homura let out a sigh of relieved. But just in case, she made sure that Silver is sleeping at a safe and open spot so the Diasomnia students could see before leaving. 

Malleus exude the same type of yearning that Mami has, Homura figured that out after their midnight tea party. They yearn for bonds to ease their loneliness. No doubt that Madoka would definitely help this tall Fae come out from his shell little by little. As of now the two have a mutual respect of one another.    

-

Wow, this took 2 days to write! Yeah, it’s a good idea to separate this part into each girls. Anyway, sorry for any grammar or spelling errors! Editing this took time. 

[joshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Do you have any favorite magical girl weapons?

Oh yeah, tons!

I love every Madoka weapon, Kyouko’s chain spear is just genuinely awesome as fuck, and Mami’s ribbons and muskets get used in really creative ways, something MagiReco did a good job with as well. It’s hard to deny the simple appeal of Madoka’s bow, and Homura just using actual guns is hilariously cool. But Sayaka’s sword takes the cake for me, they’ve got a really sick design that compliments Sayaka’s look ridiculously well, and she already has my favourite design of the bunch so like, yeah. Plus it’s sick seeing her throw them around everywhere and I mean

She has 8 of them, what more could you want?

I’m also a huge fan of Fate Testarossa’s Bardiche, which feels like cheating since it can be all of these and more

But what can I say other than it’s badass as fuck? I really like Nanoha’s design sense of blending mecha elements with more magical girl stuff and these weapons, though they lean more into mecha than magical girl, I think they fit Fate super well and again they’re just so fucking cool, plus Bardiche itself is a neat personality, even if he’s not quite Raising Heart. There’s a reason I popped off for getting a Fate Nendoroid.

Sakura’s Star Wand has a really simple and quintessentially magical girl design that I absolutely adore, it’s mega cute and goes with like every single outfit she wears it with. But moreover I really love the story behind it, that season 2 finale is super sweet and emotional and having Sakura create her own wand from the power of her own Stars, cause she is a little star after all, fuck dude I’m tearing up thinking about it it’s so good.

Sailor Moon has a lot of really awesome weapons but I love the Kaleidomoon Scope the most, Moon Gorgeous Meditation is one of her best attacks for me and moreover it’s kinda sword shaped, being a baton, which if you haven’t gathered by now I love a lot. I also think it manages to have a really elegant design without being too much, plus it’s the most visually distinct of her 90s weapons imo just because it’s a baton rather than some sort of wand or stave.

Also Sailor Moon, I adore the Silence Glaive. It’s such a simple, and elegant, yet unbelievably foreboding tool, one that complements Saturn’s, compared to the others at least, sinister design, it’s so fitting for the Soldier of Destruction and Rebirth.

For similar reasons I do like Ruler, this little halberd from Magical Girl Raising Project. It’s a pretty cool looking weapon in the anime, but I especially like it for how it looks with Snow White

Not something the anime gets to, and I’ve never read any of the novels or manga, I just know that this happens, and it looks so fucking sick. Sure it’d look more sick if I could find art of Snow White with it that wasn’t chibi, but every other option is fanart so I’ll pass. But yeah I love the contrast in someone who looks so ideal as a magical girl wielding, once again, such a sinister looking weapon, yet one that totally befits a magical girl like her given the series she’s in.

I also really like the Scissor Blade, which might be cheating since I don’t know if this is technically a magical girl weapon since they can be used by anyone, but they were built for Ryuuko and she’s a magical girl so I’m counting it. It’s an appropriately ridiculous and funny weapon for a show like Kill la Kill but it does look pretty fuckin’ epic in spite of that, and like it’s another sword so obviously I’m into it.

I’d also be remiss not to mention whatever the fuck this thing from Flip Flappers is. Memorial Booklet just says “bazooka/combined weapon” so it’s not really got an official name, it’s just a thing Papika and Cocona use. But hey I like it, it’s a fun cooperative effort for the pair, an excuse to have a beam struggle in the show, and even if the design is uh, significantly less conventional than everything so far I still like it a lot, it’s got that Flip Flappers appeal.

And then last, and I guess least based on the order of this post but still good enough to make it...

Yuki Yuna’s fists. Yeah it’s not really a weapon but if she’s as strong as she is and she shouts “Yuusha Paanchu!!” every time then I want to count it because like, I just fucking love seeing cute girls and especially cute magical girls punch things, there’s such a raw and unmatched energy to it, it’s so good. I know they have their Mankai (or Bankai? I can’t remember) forms later which are closer to actual weapons, but those ugly as hell, and I also know her friends all have proper weapons but I remember these punches standing out way more, so they win for me.

And that’s that, hope you had fun reading.

Edit: completely forgot to mention, but I’m also a huge fan of Ren Isuzu’s weapon in Magia Record.

Normally it’s that mostly sort of standard battle staff type thing with the wing for some mahou shoujo flair, and already I really like that, but, and I couldn’t find a photo in my 2 seconds of Googling, but it can also project some magic from the top and become this super awesome scythe, which aside from looking sick as fuck works well for Ren because if I know her backstory she like died twice or something so the scythe gives a really cool grim reaper look, while the staff is more her on her way to happiness again, it’s super good.

Yeah now we’re done.

[fulisha-of-light]

Remembering my MagiReco Experience

I’m gonna reminisce for a bit and whatnot since I can’t join JP but want to remember my NA account before it goes~

The final version (compare the first time I shared my PlayerID). I managed to come quite a long way and despite some of the struggles I don’t regret anything. I can’t refund the money I put in on Kazumi (or Mito...or Homura...), but it was my birthday at the time and I think it was well spent to see this pure cinnamon bun everyday:

Kazumi’s “Ciao!” always made me smile :’D this game really made me like her a lot more than I already did, she’s just so cute! And powerful af

And my Supports:

For those that don’t know, I like Kanoko a lot, right up there with Kazumi. Enough that I made her my All Support consistently since I’ve started playing. She’s my god damn ace and is just so useful for everything such as stunning bosses and leading most of my teams, I’ve never found her too weak or anything.

And while near everyone complains about all of the girl’s outfits or themes, I personally think Kanoko is the best designed girl in the game:

She’s got a very clear theme that fits with her wish, unique weapon, clever soul gem shape, and she’s just pleasing to look at overall. Other than that I also liked her design because it eerily looked like one I was making for a magical girl oc that I ended up scrapping because I couldn’t work out her backstory and wish with her design (parts of her ended up getting added to my current ones)

I hope we get to see her Witch someday and maybe see her in more events.

Runner Ups:

I don’t really care what people think of her outfit, I like Leila regardless. I actually thought her design was by Inu Curry at first because of the heart’s design and the palette she had. Plus as my healing Fire user she saved my ass a few times. And she reminds me of Blossom from the Powerpuff Girls =P

It’s a shame I couldn’t have 2 Fire girls on Support because Aimi was also a favorite of mine and has saved my ass during the Ui event. Simple design and her personality is great. I hope to see Hayato’s official design someday, maybe when Aimi finally confesses to him lol

Konomi I like from a design perspective, though I would’ve never thought that her main flaw is that she lacks personality beyond liking flowers (which are said to express personality ironically.) Where most just disregard her because of how flat she is, I found it intriguing and it makes me want to see her Witch and hope she’ll finally develop in the future.

While I didn’t use Emiri as much, she was fun to use while starting out. And I grew to love her personality over time too. She just has so much chemistry with everyone.

Also want to talk about my special team that I used mostly during the main story and sometimes in Mirrors. The theme team, Boys☆Only:

Consisting of the most boyish characters, Corbeau, Kirika, Kanae, Kaoru and Akira~ Difficult to use because of some of their Connects and single target Magia, but they’re pretty powerful under the right circumstances.

Mirrors:

And Main Story:

Kanae was my favorite of the bunch in particular, her design is unique (though she looks like Edward Elric from FMA lol) and her voice is surprisingly deep.

It was unfortunate that the game forces you to use Supports so I had to rotate everyone from time to time. During the formation of this team and while I waited for better girls such as Corbeau, I used other ones that I considered boyish:

These guys I used for a short time, but Mito was a solid staple because of her usefulness (and she looks cuter with her hood up.) I really wish we could’ve gotten part 2 because I was really looking forward to adding Yozuru to the main party and perhaps Sakuya and Hotori as well to round them out.

I really wish the server didn’t have to shut down so early, but I suppose it’d happen eventually given how shitty 2020′s been and how hard it’s been hitting some people financially. The crazy part of me hopes they’ll reboot the server globally and update it for Part 2 but I doubt it.

It’s been fun, but all good things come to an end eventually.

Ciao.

[doppel-drop-distance]

4, 15, 19!

4: Who has your favorite magical girl design?

I went over some of my favorite magical girl designs in Magia Record in this post, but if we’re asking my favorite in the whole franchise, then, oh gosh...

I’m going to narrow this down into the two iterations of the franchise I’ve actually invested in, since I don’t think it’d be fair to judge designs from spinoffs and such that I haven’t read.

PMMM: This is a toughie because I think all of the designs in the original series are pretty solid, but Madoka’s is just so freaking cute you guys. I know I typically get attached to the fancy, thematic ones, but Madoka’s ribbons, puffy skirt, little ribbon shoes, the ruffles...Even her Grief Seed is cute, it’s got a little ribbon! Madoka just radiates magical girl and I love it.

Magia Record: Sana Futaba’s! I won’t go too crazy with this since I already talked about it in the last post but just know I love the contrasts and the themes. I think it’s the best design out of the main cast, but that’s just my personal opinion ^^

15. How would you have reacted to finding the truth about Soul Gems and Witches?

Assuming this is in the context of being a magical girl, pretty badly my dude. I’d already be having five anxiety attacks about the idea of fighting eldritch beasts from beyond and now you’re telling me it’s basically inevitable that I’ll become one of those things if I don’t just get an arrow to the Soul Gem first? I’d totally flip out. Probably cry. Need some hugs maybe. It’d be a disaster.

If I had some buddies to get me through the initial terror, I’d still be pretty on edge, and 100% more paranoid about the state of my Soul Gem. But in that scenario at least there would be fellow magical friends to help me through it.

19: How do you feel about the Holy Quintet’s Witch form designs?

This question was MADE for me. But to save you all the headache of reading a novel-length ramble, I’ll try to sum up my thoughts concisely:

Candeloro: I love that she’s just...tiny? I think she’s one of the smallest Witches in the franchise, actually. Fitting, since I believe she’s meant to look like a dress-up doll. Also, her cute little tea party Barrier is very nice.

Ophelia: The patterns on this design are especially nice to look at it, and I love that she’s just..her heAD IS A CANDLE. I honestly wish we got to see this Witch (and Candeloro’s) in more spinoffs and things...

Oktavia von Seckendorff: She’s a warrior mermaid! That’s so cool! If there’s anything I love the most about Oktavia, it’s her connections to the Little Mermaid. Plus the musical theme to her Barrier is great. I still listen to that theme while I work.

Homulily: Which one? Regarding the one in Rebellion, there’s so much in her design, from the red spider lilies to the Nutcracker connotations in her design and I love it all. But if we’re talking about mortal-world Witch Homulily (the one in the Portable game), man I’d just love to know more about her. That Homura is pre-Rebellion, so...what would her familiars be like? What about her Barrier? You only see her in the Game Over screen of Homura’s bad ending...I want to know more :(

Kriemhild Gretchen: I know so little about this Kriemhild Gretchen and that’s what scares me. You don’t get to see a lot of her beyond the fact that she’s huge. I remember reading a comment that says that Madoka’s Doppel is so big that all you can see in the animation is her core, the Soul Gem - and idk if that’s true, but regardless it has some terrifying implications. She scares me.

[wheremytwinwatches]

[Where My Twin Watches]: PMMM Rebellion - Part 1

Showtime! Tephi has seen Rebellion now, so I’ve got the all clear to watch it myself. For planning purposes, I’m keeping a list of break points q_3 suggested (14:30, 30:30, 41:30, 54:30, 1:07:30, 1:23:50, 1:33:30) as planned stopping points between posts, barring ragequits. I’ll be watching the DVD, but feel free to follow along on Netflix! Because apparently the movie is on Netflix, as I only recently discovered when I went there to rewatch some Madoka episodes in preparation for this. All right! Time to dive back into the world of Madoka Magica. Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie - Rebellion

Main menu is split between Ribbon!Homura looking off to the left, and the cover art of Magical Girls on the right. Light flute music playing. Black background, a small but bright pink light growing larger in the screen “We are the ones who pray for hope, embrace curses and fight ever onward. We are Magical Girls.” I think this is Homura narrating. Light shows itself as a Soul Gem, as Homura talks about how in obtaining miracles Magical Girls take a “destiny of battle” upon their souls. And that the destiny ends with the “salvation of oblivion”. Off to a cheery start, here! But! “By disappearing from this world, we could escape our fate of despair.” That’d be the change Madoka made, taking MGs away before they Witchified. Now the Gem’s falling through water, to a window? “Someday, that final day will come. As we wait for the Law of the Cycle to lead us away, we continue our unending battle.” Um, is it just me or am I hearing voices in the background? Can’t make out what they’re saying. “In this irredeemable world, forever repeating its tragedies and hatred, I dreamt that I encountered that familiar smile once again.” Camera is now looking over a sprawling city (Mitakihara, right?) at night, lots of shining steel and glass structures. But a series of colorful lines snake through the air putting out lights, then the artstyle starts getting trippy. Silhouettes of ballerinas?

Uh, now there’s a 2D teddy bear/doll thing dancing? Which just spat out a couple of smaller teddy bears and SWEET MADOKA they just blew through a building! The heck? This is clearly a Witch, what with the Labyrinth and wanton destruction and all, but how? Weren’t Witches replaced by Wraiths in the new world? As is, Teddy Doll is now resting to the graceful classical music and looking at the ballerinas Wait is that Madoka!  It’s Madoka! Which… raises so, so many questions. But whatever, just look at her! So cute, shooting her bow into the air… and then frantically dodging the arrow storm. Hmmm, inexperienced Madoka? Teddy Doll runs from the barrage- and is followed by bubble-bouncing Sayaka? Ok, so this has to be an earlier timeline if they are here. Now Kyoko’s joined in the chase! Sayaka and Kyoko both attack Teddy Doll, lovely teamwork between these two, but it slips away from them into a building. Where it sits down at a dinner table? Wait, what’s going on now? There’s a French-style song with an accordion about “dreaming of the morning”, and Madoka just entered with a basket of bread. She’s feeding the Teddy Doll? And Sayaka and Kyoko just came in with more food?

Mami! Artillery Magical Girl is here, with some floating guns and And What the fuck is that thing doing here It’s Dessert Witch, the one that ate her head It’s right behind Mami What the hell Ok, what the hell just happened. Dessert Witch just sat down at the table, there was a huge burst of light as our girls just kept smiling. What is going on? Madoka wakes up? Ah, an odd dream. Wait, are you holding a giant orange Incubator plush? That’s INCUBATOR! GET OUT! That thing is lurking on Madoka’s shelf. Stop acting cute, you freak. I know what you’re capable of. Don’t say “Good morning” to it, Madoka! Cherry tomatoes getting cut? Ah, it’s like the first episode at Madoka’s house! Father gardening, Madoka getting her hungover Mother out of bed. There’s a change in the bathroom dialogue, instead of talking about Hitomi’s love letters it’s about how she’s dating Kyosuke. Well! Isn’t that convenient! Wait, no, this is the show that launched my Ship of Death. Nope nope not pursuing that.

Hey, looks like Madoka already has her Soul Gem in the form of her ring. Confirmation of earlier timeline. Also, Ms. Saotome’s talking about the end of the world in class? She's upset that her students are hooking up while she’s still single? New student transferring to class that day? Hmmm, a certain Mysterious Transfer Student, is it? “I wonder what they’ll be like? I hope we can become friends.” Oh, I have no doubt of that, Madoka. And then the Incubator ruins the mood by showing up. Bleh. Same sweet breakfast scene between the family, Madoka heads out while still chewing her slice of toast. The Incubator hitches a ride on her shoulder, and our Protagonist laughs. Ugh! Stop with the suspense, Urobuchi, looking at Happy Madoka just makes me more and more nervous. A light poppy song comes up, with credits? Intro sequence? Light gloved touches form a tree-shrouded pond, and MG!Madoka strides across the water. Now she’s seated at a carnival teacup ride, as Sayaka and Kyoko spin one of the cups. Daw, they’re on a daFRIENDLY CARNIVAL OUTING BETWEEN FELLOW STUDENTS. Ha, almost got me there, Urobuchi! Homura at the same park at night? Looks up at the sky which is raining white feathers. Madoka walks through a field of flowers next to the amusement park, then through the park hand-in-hand with Sayaka. Now it’s fall (Sayaka is in an adorable beanie and sweater) and they’re joined by Mami. Now it’s winter and Kyoko is chasing Sayaka for withheld food, she trips into Blue-Hair and they tumble to the ground entOH GEE HOPE THEY DIDN’T SCRAPE THEIR KNEES. Whew, too close. Spring again as the four walk up to a white-dress Homura? Homura’s surrounded by gears now, until a hipcheck from Madoka snaps her out of her doldrums and she’s dragged into the amusement park. More flashes of gears, then a carousel where Homura is kneeling and has muted colors, while the other four girls cheerfully dance. Showing how she’s separated from their time? Flashes back to the lake, Madoka extends a hand to help Homura up from her kneeling position. Homura reaches out- Madoka’s hand crumbles to sand? What? Homura’s now in what looks like a desert with stone pillars in the background. Cries? There’s a black earpiece-thing in the sand with a purple gem? And yeah, we end in the desert, the movie’s title coming up.

Well, ok then. I’m completely lost. What does all this mean? Back to the light peaceful music as we repeat the first episode, Madoka meets up with Sayaka- and Kyoko? So she’s going to school with them in this timeline? Quick zooms confirm that the girls have their rings as well, and Sayaka compliments her for her work last night. So they did fight the Teddy Doll? The girls walk into the school, and man the studio got even more animation money for this movie, didn’t they? Lost of students running around, the building looks even more ostentatious that before. Standard Magical Girl chatter about “Oh, I didn’t get the reading done/Meh, I didn’t bother doing the homework, can I copy yours?” Sayaka takes offense to Kyoko trying to copy off of Madoka, they squabble as Madoka tries to play peacekeeper. Even the Incubator pats her head in ‘sympathy’. In class, Teacher’s saying that just because the Mayans were wrong about Doomsday, doesn’t mean that they’re safe! Um. Ok then? Alright, maybe you should take your meds lady. It was bad enough when you wasted class time ranting about your exes, why don’t you do your job. “Well, to be honest… I think perhaps the ending of the world may not be such a bad thing.” Ok really now, you- “After all, I’ve had my fill of dealings with men and love and so forth. If I must carry on this way and have my age rounded up to 40 from now on, I’d rather everything just ended at once, in one fell swoop.” Ah, ok then. Teach’s just having a midlife crisis. Move along, nothing to see here.

Say hello to the Mysterious Transfer Stu- wait. Homura has her glasses and braids? Is this the first timeline, in fact? Even not being so Mysterious, the class all gives a gasp as she enters. And are those blushes I see on our characters' faces? Especially Maodka? Daw, that’s CUTE THAT SHE LIKES WHAT SHE SEES WAIT NO I MEAN IS HAPPY TO SEE A NEW FRIEND. HAH, DODGED THAT ONE. Huh, Homura’s cheerfully saying hi, no hesitation. So not the first one, then. Yup, brushing back her hair she flashes her Ring, our other MGs immediately recognize is for a Soul Gem. Right, this isn’t her first pass so she’s already got her powers. And maybe it’s still early enough she can be happy about the thought of saving Madoka? Now we’re on the roof, apparently Mami already knew about Homura, thought it’d be fun to surprise the other girls. Homura says she should have introduced herself last night, when they were fighting the- Nightmare? Translation change between the show and movie? Mami confirms that she was around last night, and that she has significant power as a Magical Girl. Homura protests that she is more of a support role that anything (still early enough she hasn’t been raiding armories for weapons). Sayaka welcomes the help, as does Kyoko “provided last night wasn’t a fluke”. Madoka grasps her hands, and welcomes her to the team.

All right! Now, what to say about the movie so far? AAAAAAHHHHHH THE DESSERT WITCH IS ALIVE IT IS FOLLOWING OUR GIRLS WHY WHY WHY WHAT IS GOING ON?!?!?! Ahem. So, obviously Dessert Witch being around is a Big Deal. Question is, what does it mean? All the signs are pointing toward this being an earlyish run for Homura, not the second because she didn’t immediately spring to blurt out Madoka’s secret, but early enough that Looping Fatigue hasn’t set in yet, nor has she developed her full combat style. However, now that I think about it I’m not sure all the mentions of Nightmares instead of Witches are translation changes anymore. What we saw of Dessert Witch in the show was an entity that wasn’t that cunning, mostly just focused on eating or destruction like the other Witches. But maybe there was a change this timeline. Maybe this time the Witch is taking a more subtle approach, is tricking or brainwashing our Magical Girls to clear out other Witches under the guise of “hunting Nightmares”. Which brings up some rather stark concerns about where this movie will go. Homura knows the truth, knows what Dessert Witch is and can recognize that something is wrong. So it’s only a matter of time before she rebels (title relevance!) and tries to take it out. But I don’t think the manipulated girls are just going to stand by for that. Hmmm.

[magical-xirl-4]

My PMMM Ship List

Warning: Long post since I go into description in why I like these pairings. There’s six couples in total (pics included).

And btw... these are rambles on each ship, I’m just putting out my subjective opinions on them.

OTP: KyoMado

Ok, but like... How could you not have a soft spot for this pairing?

In my opinion, Kyoko and Madoka would have the cutest chemistry, not to mention the themes that do and can surround them are lovely. They became friends quickly in the anime, which wasn’t feasible with the other girls Kyoko interacted with, showing that they mesh well and could help each other fit in the parts of themselves that they’re lacking (Madoka could soften Kyoko and give her the warmth that she needs. In Episode 9, Madoka made Kyoko feel comfortable enough to open up about her love of fairy tales. Kyoko needs someone loving and caring like Madoka. In turn, Kyoko can rub off on Madoka with her confidence. In Ep 9, she played a big part in how Madoka chose her wish, and wanted her to be strong enough to make that wish. Homura’s Revenge also highlights this as she reflects on her words and appreciates what Kyoko said to her in the last timeline! Madoka needs Kyoko for strength). Their need to have a person in their lives like the other is backed up by The Different Story and how they were so supportive of each other in that. Outside of character analysis, there is not much angst surrounding the ship, making mostly fluff. Another cute concept could be the Kaname’s taking care of Kyoko and treating her like a daughter, and Kyoko could be a big sister to Tatsuya (which is explored in Kirara Time Magica, Dinner Tastes Like Happiness). The central theme of this pairing would be of course the ribbons, as their own ribbons connects them and there’s plenty of adorable fan art for it. Their core dynamic is chaotic, rough and brazen, meets sweet, soft and dainty (total opposites). On a more aesthetic level, KyoMado are pink and red, two colours that are fundamentally the same, but different shades because of their life experiences. They also wear parts of their respective colours on their magical girl outfits. Unfortunately, their relationship hasn’t been fully explored yet. There’s the Battle Pentagram Max Relationship Scene which really emphases their dynamic, their small friendship in the Different Story, the potential of them in Homura’s Revenge at the end of the timeline, and their time in the anime/manga. But that’s really it. It’s a shame, because the dynamic that they have is heartwarming and it’d be so good and satisfying to see more of them, they’re just missing out on that tiny push of screen time ! I think it’d be easy for them to get along. They are similar on the inside, so finding a connection with more time spent together would be perfect for the ship.

HomuSaya

Ah yes, the tragedy ship. I’ve always been confused as to what I find appealing to them, until recently. Sayaka is the person that Homura was never always fond of in each timeline, and vice versa. However, in Rebellion, they have a very interesting bond that I think should be expanded upon. Sayaka actually grows sympathetic and perhaps even empathetic to Homura’s plight, because she understands the pain that someone would have to go through to become a witch. She’s been there before, and knows that Homura is suffering, and wants to help her. Not to mention, after Rebellion they would have a rivalry, all the while Sayaka could still show sympathy to Homura, and have mixed emotions towards her; being angry with her, but probably still wanting to help, all the while Homura is lonely and fragile behind an arrogant and conniving façade. Aside from that and on a more fluffy note, I like it because of their connection to Madoka. They would be able to generate a connection through Madoka, and honestly, without all the magical girl bs, they would most likely be really good friends. I also really like Moemura with Sayaka, although their Max Relationship Scene in Battle Pentagram is so cute. It gives you insight into what a genuine friendship/relationship would be like. It’s the typical “happy-go-lucky person paired with the quiet person” ship, and most of the time I love stuff like that. I like both sides to this ship. They can connect over their despair and over come it together, and they can also create a relationship built up on friendship and love, rather than sadness.

KyoMami

Back at it again with a heavy feels ship. The Different Story is so powerful, and I love both Kyoko and Mami’s relationship within it. Yet again, their pairing could also be typed as being connected with ribbons. And... ugh, they just give me intense feels, but they also makes me happy as I remember their early stage of friendship. They just work nicely together too, because there is so much sincere support, trust, and love for one another. They have the richest history out of the five main girls, and I think they have a bond that is able to last lifetimes, no matter what kind of relationship they are in. The way that their personalities played off one another in the beginning was wholesome, and it was healthy. Their strong friendship could become romantic love somewhere down the line. Some fan art out there of these two is so beautiful as well, representing how deeply they felt about each other. Their relationship is still being explored in MagiReco, and while I haven’t actually played the game I am aware something like this is happening, and I’m really happy that their relationship is being recognised outside of any manga. To me, KyoMami is like an extension of KyoMado (this is mainly because Madoka and Mami are the most caring out of the girls). However, KyoMami just has more support in terms of their relationship in the canon, and way more fan content. (Additionally, I actually ship these two couples as an OT3. Please, I need more KyoMadoMami fanart!)

TL;DR KyoMami is satisfying, heart-breaking and beautiful all at the same time.

MadoSaya

Seriously, these two just have the most pure relationship. They grew up together, and since then Sayaka has always protected Madoka, they’ve been so close for a long time. Their relationship only fell apart once the world of magical girls was introduced to them, (and in an interesting comparison, unlike KyoMami, who came together because of the world of magical girls). Aside from that, Madoka and Sayaka have the strongest bond and longest history together, although it was rather simple in how they met. The fact that they place each others safety and well being so highly is inspiring and sweet, because it truly shows in the most simple, straight-forward way possible how much they care about each other. While I do love them just being friends, the aspect of them being in a relationship is so much better to me. If they ever did get together, it would feel so natural and understandable. Their max relationship scene in the Battle Pentagram is... I mean, Madoka outright says that she loves Sayaka! Even though that could be taken in a platonic way, that’s the only time someone’s said how they much they care about another person, upfront, to their face, with pure honesty, in this franchise. Also, the end of the Different Story with these two gave me feels. And don’t even get me started on Madokami and Sayaka. That kind of bond is something else, something genuinely powerful - which makes MadoSaya, all the more a great ship.

MadoMami

I see this ship as probably the most wholesome and fluffy in the whole series. Madoka and Mami are the most selfless people out of the quintent, so putting them together would just result in the sweetest, giving relationship. There’s also the senpai/kouhai dynamic, which is cute, and it’s just so easy to see Madoka falling for Mami, since she is the ideal magical girl, her senpai. Mami needs that love and support too, and who better than caring Madoka? A relationship between them would be easygoing, very domestic and homelike, and let’s be honest, the Kaname’s would love Mami too. They would cherish her like a second daughter, which is what she needs after being alone for a few years. Mami and Tomohisa cooking in the kitchen, Junko finding Mami very respectable, and Mami spoiling Tatsuya with food. Just.... very healthy stuff here. (Seriously though, the Kaname’s would also welcome Kyoko into their family just as much as Mami, and Kyoko would need a family like them. Not trying to turn this into a KyoMado discussion again, just making it so KyoMadoMami is recognised as a wholesome OT3)

MamiSaya

This is another senpai/kouhai relationship that I’m fond of. It’s similar to MadoMami, but Sayaka is a lot more extroverted, and has the same ideals as Mami. They’re the true justice pair, and their time together in the different story was emotional. Like, Mami saving Sayaka from Elsa Maria? Iconic. Mami reaching out to her and nearly saving her? Also iconic. Mami would love feeling accompanied and supported by Sayaka, and Sayaka would just love cheering on Mami and not making her feel lonely. Because their colours are blue and yellow, I look at this pairing and they remind me of clear blue skies, with the sun shining brightly... just a really happy vibe emits from their aesthetic. Justice/Hope Pairing™. And I’d be lying if I said that MadoMamiSaya wasn’t my second favourite OT3, cause... Heck yes magical girl troupe! To conclude, this ship is really cute just like the former, but it also has a particular edge to it, since Sayaka is more of a go-getter than Madoka, and would encourage Mami in different ways. (Wish I could say more on this one, but I can’t since I’d just be repeating what I said about MadoMami)

[justselfloathingthings-blog]

How about madohomu?

PRE-END OF REBELLION

A+: OTPA: I love itB: It’s really cuteC: Not a bad shipD: I’m neutral on itE: I don’t really like itF: NOTPN/A: I don’t know the ship well enough

I think that Homura has a lot of problems, and I think that her issues with Madoka are the core of most of them. I think they definitely have a lot of chemistry and are very cute together, but Homura has a lot of baggage that I think will be hard to unpack. And there is the decent chance that she could develop this nasty co-dependency on Madoka that would lead to a horrible relationship even if she hadn’t meant it to. 

But. If she had merely ascended, if Rebellion had ended that way, I think things could have definitely worked out. She would be around Madoka, the person she loves most, and people that would in the end be supportive. (Honestly even in Rebellion Sayaka seemed to be coming around, likely because she now had knowledge of everything Homura had done specifically for her best friend.) I think that it would be a slow road to recovery, but she could get there at the end of the day, given how supportive and patient and gentle and kind a person Madoka can be. 

In terms of the relationship itself, I like it. I admit I can’t like… write an essay like I can with Sayaka/Kyouko, but I think it has its strengths. I can completely buy that Madoka would mean that much to Homura; we really don’t know that much about her life but the idea that she hasn’t been treated with such compassion and kindness isn’t entirely unreasonable. This was the girl that saved her life without even being asked, just because it was the Thing To Do. She’s somebody that always treats her with a friendliness and compassion and kindness that Homura may not feel like she deserves, but I think really helps her, and helped her believe in herself.

And Madoka I think could definitely use somebody that may not be the best at saying no to her, but wants to protect her and can try to keep her from making mistakes, because Madoka is definitely very idealistic and probably naive at heart and will frequently make them. 

There’s more I could say if I thought some, but that’s what immediately comes to mind and there’s room for a good ship there. But…

POST-REBELLION

A+: OTPA: I love itB: It’s really cuteC: Not a bad shipD: I’m neutral on itE: I don’t really like itF: NOTPN/A: I don’t know the ship well enough

Like, honestly I think we need to see this from Homura’s perspective. The way it comes across, is that she happily mind-raped Madoka, the friends she cares deeply about, all because she wants to control her. That’s not going to pretty much ever lead to a healthy relationship and I’m not sure, in itself, that it’s possible to come back from that. That is a betrayal of trust that… I can’t find a comparison for; somebody wanted to be together with you, purely consensually, and you spit in her face because it wasn’t good enough for you.

But. I recall one fic, The Persistence of Memory (it’s quite good), that emphasized that at heart Homura doesn’t like the world she made either. She gets what she did was wrong, but she was scared and lonely and she just really fucked up. She puts up the demoness nature as a facade, because she at heart didn’t want to admit that to herself, and believed there was no going back. The utter climax is when the facade drops entirely, you basically get the scared girl Homura was at the very start of the series, desperately not even wanting Madoka to forgive her, because she doesn’t deserve it. 

Give me something like that, and I think it can work out. If Homura truly feels regret for what she’s done, if she gets she fucked up deep inside, then she quite plausibly has burned a lot of bridges, but at a bare minimum I think the relationship itself can be saved, and maybe she can rebuild things with the people she’s hurt. 

But otherwise I can’t see any way it’d be workable. Would we get something like that? It’d require for Gen and/or Shinbo to care and give us something that actually ends Madoka’s story, and I doubt we’ll get that. So. 

Fanfic, for ref, can be found here. Again, I highly recommend it: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10762203/1/The-Persistence-of-Memory

[akemilena]

SolidS Unit Song Series COLOR -RED-

Soliradi Special Mini mini edition (ver. RED)

Drama || Translation index

Tsubasa: Ehh, SolidS fans from all over the country, sorry for the wait!

Shiki: Thank you always for your support!

Rikka: We are delivering to all of you this live broadcast-style radio…

Dai: … SolidS radio, also known as Soliradi…

Tsubasa: Special mini mini edition… it’s~ sta~rting~!!

Everyone: *claps*

Tsubasa: Well, then! It’s Soliradi time. Everyone in front of the radio, ciao! How do you do? I’m today’s main personality, Okui Tsubasa from SolidS!

Rikka: Hello. Likewise, I’m Sera Rikka from SolidS. Hope we have a good time.

Shiki: I’m SolidS’ producer and leader, Takamura Shiki. Nice to meet you.

Dai: I’m Murase Dai. I’ll do my best today.

Tsubasa: And the four of us together are SolidS! Just kidding. Well well, we’re a unit affiliated to Tsukipro, and we sing songs, but for those who meet us for the first time, hope we get along well! For those who already know us, let’s continue doing so~

Rikka: Let’s have a lot of fun together until the end!

Tsubasa: Okay, so then! We finished introductions quickly, so for the people who don’t know what Soliradi is, let’s explain it very easily! Uuuuum, let’s go with the one who won’t speak even as half as me if we leave him… low calorie boy, Dai-chan! Please explain.

Dai: What’s low calorie boy… it’s because you talk non-stop that I have no gap to say anything. I’m surprised your mouth runs so well.

Shiki: That’s not all, his switching is fast too, and he’s good at making the conversation advance. He’s perfect to be a radio personality. I usually get annoyed at his never-ending talk, but at times like this it’s really reassuring.

Tsubasa: Hey, you two, I don’t know if you’re praising me or badmouthing me, pick one~

Rikka: *chuckles*

Dai: Er, so, explanation, was it. Which should I read?

Tsubasa: *laughs* This, this. The cheat sheet.

Rikka: You gave it to him so proudly…

Dai: Okay, okay. In Soliradi, the members of SolidS become radio personalities and deliver this in public recordings and live broadcasts. It’s a heart-throbbing radio. … heart-throbbing…

From the messages and questions received beforehand, our leader Shiki selects some…

Shiki: I selected them.

Dai: … and we reply to those questions and messages.

Shiki: While replying, we want to get you more interested about us. That’s the objective of Soliradi.

Tsubasa: Yep yep, that’s it~ There are times when we talk endlessly about one topic, but today we’re going to reply a lot! We got many messages piled up.

Rikka: The week before last we talked about Shiki’s lyrics writing, and last week about our recommendations for restaurants around the city. We got really excited. Just with our talk, we ran out of time…

Dai: I think about it every time, but it’s surprising we don’t get scolded, being this relaxed.

Shiki: Tsukipro’s tradition: “let’s be natural” is the basic concept, after all. Light-hearted and comfortable, for the speakers and the listeners.

Tsubasa: No but you know, for the other units’ radio? Tsukiradi? IveRadi? Are also like this, Dai-chan.

Dai: Really… That’s really relaxed.

Rikka: *laughs* The fans said they feel like they’re seeing us talk behind the scenes, and it makes them happy.

Tsubasa: Right, everyone loves back stages and things like that! Eh, wait wait, we’re going off the rails again. Okay, let’s go back! Soliradi’s outline is, like Dai-chan just explained. There might be times when the expressions of some parts of the messages are changed or omitted. Ah, also, if we don’t know how to read a handle name and we say it wrong, I’m sorry!

Rikka: We’ve got a lot of messages. Everyone, thank you very much! Sadly, we can’t read them all, but I saw there are also words of support along with the questions, and it made me really happy!

Dai: For me, especially, since we can’t interact directly… I can’t really get used to it… but, um, getting words of support makes me happy too. Thank you.

Shiki: If there’s another time, please send them again.

Tsubasa: Okay, then, let’s start!

Eh, here, handle name: Homura-san. Thank you very much! “Tsubasa-kun has known Dai-kun for a long time, so if you know any interesting episode from his student days please tell us.”

Dai: Huh?! Hey, Tsubasa, don’t say anyt-

Tsubasa: Ohhh, I have plenty of stock… Aaah!! Something that sounds like a lie but it’s true. You know, a cute girl from his school told Dai-chan “Murase-senpai, please go out with me!” and he said “To where?” so seriously, it’s become a legend. I didn’t think there’d be someone to actually do that!! *laughs*

Dai: Idio- why do you know that?!

Tsubasa: Hehe, don’t underestimate my information network.

Shiki: Living your youth, huh… Dai.

Dai: Don’t say it so heartily.

Rikka: Living your youth, eh, Dai.

Dai: It’s not anything to say so happily either! Tsubasa… you’ll remember this…

Shiki: Handle name: Megu. “Please tell us if there’s something you’re fixated about when brewing coffee”. Hm. I think I’ve talked about it a few times, but I have a different brand for work coffee and after-work coffee. By changing the taste, it also serves like an on/off switch for me.

Rikka: Try not to drink too much, you can damage your stomach!

Shiki: Hm, you’re right.

Rikka: Let’s continue, then. Handle name: Naamin-san. “Rikka-san is SolidS’ conscience, but are there times when you get angry? Also, how are you like when you’re angry?”

Dai & Tsubasa: Ohhh…

Rikka: Shiki…

Shiki: I personally wanted to know the answer, so I chose it.

Dai: Shiki, you’ve known him for a long time. Hasn’t he ever got mad at you?

Shiki: Nope. There are times when I think “maybe he was angry back then?”, though. Ah, a while ago he got angry at Tsubasa. “Stop fighting”, he said.

Tsubasa: Hey, hey hey! He didn’t get angry at me only, you were as guilty! Also, that was… he didn’t get angry, he just scolded me! But still… it was scary…

Dai: Eh… is he scary?

Rikka: I-I don’t think I’m… scary…

Tsubasa: Nonono he’s totally scary! Rikka’s like, silent anger, so it might be difficult to see…

Shiki: That’s it! There’s no mistake about that.

Rikka: Shiki… you’re having fun with this. But, that’s true. Rather than raising my voice and yelling, I think I’m the type who goes silent… probably.

Dai: So gotta be careful when Rikka goes silent. I’ll take care.

Rikka: I don’t get angry that often?

Dai: Um, next. From Takamucchi-san. “Dai-chan can drink alcohol now, so a question. How are you like when you get drunk? I’m very interested. I’d be very happy if everyone tells their drinking habits too”. Uh… I���m the type who gets sleepy when drunk. The others are stronger than me with alcohol, so I haven’t seen them get drunk.

Rikka: By the way, the strength of SolidS members, if we take Dai as the average, starting from the top it’d be Shiki, Tsubasa, and me.

Tsubasa: Shiki goes beyond a strong drinker, so he drinks like a fish with a serious face. At the first drinking party we had, I remember I said I’d crush him but I sank first instead.

Shiki: Well, it runs in the family. The Takamura household is strong with alcohol, it’s in our genes. It also has to do with your physical constitution, so it’s nothing to drink forcefully. It’s best to drink the appropriate amount for each one so everyone has fun.

Dai: I’m a bit envious that you’re strong, though.

Shiki: Really? When you think you can get tipsy with a bit of alcohol, I think your level of tolerance is more efficient. And you’re fun when you’re drunk.

Rikka: Rather than fun, maybe… cute~ That’s why I like drinking with you, Dai.

Tsubasa: Fufufu, that’s true, Dai-chan is so cute~

Dai: Wait, what do I do when I’m drunk other than getting sleepy?

Shiki: Oh no, I won’t tell you~

Dai: No, I don’t understand why you’re trying to act like a cute girl now.

Tsubasa: But… oh no, I won’t tell you~

Rikka: Let me see… it’s a secret!

Dai: Dammit… these guys are so annoying…

Tsubasa: *laughs* Okay, let’s continue! Eh, here, from Cheeta-san! “SolidS Nabe Party looked really fun! Which hot pot is your favourite? I can’t handle spicy food that much, but I like kimchi hot pot.” I like the ones that have a lot of seafood, like yosenabe, hmm, or soy milk pot! Also, how about that? Does ajillo qualify for a hot pot?

Shiki: What’s with that mysterious war cry? AJILLO!!!!!!!

Tsubasa: It’s not a war cry!!! You know, it’s that, from Spanish cuisine, that one where you cook the ingredients with olive oil and garlic.

Shiki: I see, I don’t get it. Cook it next time. So, I like the ones cooked in water, and simmered tofu.

Rikka: I like tomato hot pots. Like pot-au-feu?

Dai: I like sukiyaki, with white rice.

Tsubasa: Hehehe, our tastes are splendidly scattered. But you know, food tastes and personalities are what show our individualities!

Shiki: Hm. From Senju-san. “Please tell us your favourite smells.” I don’t know too much about perfume types, but I like Japanese-style smells. Like incense sticks, or anti-mosquito incense.

Tsubasa: Both of them are incense! I… hmm… if it’s not me who’s wearing it, I like the ones that women would indeed like, floral and a bit sweet. If it’s for me, I like something refreshing. Something that’s not too intruding on last note, that blends in naturally.

Dai: Last… note…?

Tsubasa: Ah… you know, that. That smell when it’s been a while since you’ve put on perfume. For perfumes, there are different types of smells, ways to put it on, where to put it on, and… differences in composition? It’s pretty deep. Did you know, Dai-chan?

Dai: Eh… I didn’t. Like Shiki, I’m not too fond of perfumes in general, and I have no knowledge about them. If you ask me my favourite smell… uh… citrus?

Tsubasa: *laughs* Eh, where did citrus come from?

Dai: Bathing powder.

Tsubasa: *laughs* Ah… um? Yeah… That answer is very like you, Dai-chan.

Rikka: There was a time I was absorbed in aromas, so I was in contact with some of them, but I like the classic lavender the most, it calms me down.

Shiki: Aroma, huh… from the sound of it, it’s really fashionable.

Tsubasa: Okay! And so, time up! Since it’s a mini mini edition, it was a bit short, but I think we answered quite a lot.

Rikka: Yep! We did our best. I hope our listeners are happy too!

Dai: We also discover things about us while answering.

Shiki: See, it was worth doing it, Soliradi. Ehem!

Tsubasa: Shiki, your character really changes… Well well well, but Soliradi was fun, wasn’t it? Let’s do a reply festival again!

Dai: Yep, let’s.

Rikka: Yes, let’s do it!

Tsubasa: Well then, that’s all for today’s Soliradi! Thank you everyone for listening until the end! Let’s meet again at this hour next week~

Shiki: From now on, please continue supporting relaxed SolidS.

Dai: Thank you very much.

Rikka: Thank you very much. See you again~

Drama || Translation index

TL notes:

Soliradi aka the line between the characters and seiyuu gets really blurry. Also where Shiki goes crazy and looks like he’s from another dimension.

The questions and messages are actually real and recieved from the fans via twitter! Soliradi are recorded in almost one take to make them as natural as possible. I’m pretty sure there’s a few ad-libs here and there too. 

Tsubasa mentions Tsukiradi and IveRadi too: they’re, you guessed it, Tsukiuta Radio and ALIVE (SOARA & Growth) Radio. I’m sure the bgm of this track also sounds familiar if you play Tsukipara!

Thanks for reading!

[oumiyuki]

The Daily Life of Loving a Really Cute but Dense Vampire Ch4

Chapter 4 - The Vampire Side Of Life

This chapter, let’s see some of the others after school ended for the first day.

May you enjoy! :D

Nico was going to enjoy her quiet walk home before having to handle the kids at home, but Nozomi decided to say hi.

“Nicocchi. Wait up.” Nozomi took larger strides to catch up to Nico who tried to ignore her. “How was first day of school?”

“Fine until now.”

“Really? I thought it was really interesting too.” Nozomi giggled to herself.

“Ugh…Is it so hard to ask for silence?” Nico looked to the sky exasperatedly.

“Oh, you didn’t want to chat?” Nozomi looked over to see Nico frowning.

“What tipped you off?” Nico groaned.

They continued walking in silence for a minute before Nico broke it.

“Why aren’t you saying anything?!” Nico accused with a stamp of her foot, stopping in her tracks all together. Nozomi’s eyebrows rose but just gave her usual grin.

“You wanted silence, no?”

“Ugh, but you wanted to talk. So talk.” Nico grimaced. Nozomi stayed silent. “Fine, I’ll talk. Are you trying to get close to Ayase before sucking her dry?”

“What? No! Of course not, Nicocchi. Why would you even think that?” Nozomi was appalled that Nico would even suggest something like that.

“Why else would you want to be vice class president? Nobody wants to be vice class president!” Nico flailed around as she continued her accusation.

“Oh. Well, I thought it’d be nice to try something new in high school. Elichi being a nice person is a bonus.” Nozomi winked at Nico who pretended to gag.

“Sure, I believe you.”

“Why won’t you, Nicocchi?” Nozomi faked a hurt look.

“I ain’t forgetting how you play nice with the deer before you devour them whole!” Nico shook her head at the memory.

“You make me sound like a monster. I just sucked its blood. And…playing nice is a tactic. Doesn’t differ from how you attack your prey too.” Nozomi had a small pout, not entirely sure how to defend her actions.

“Right…Whatever. Has long as you’re not going to suck human blood, I’m fine.” Nozomi giggled.

“Nicocchi cares after all.”

“Who’s caring?!” Nico crossed her arms and looks away.

“A certain class idol perhaps~” Nico glared at Nozomi who had a huge grin on, now that Nico is on the teasing end. “Since we’re on this topic, do you think Honoka-chan is one of us?”

“Huh? Honoka? Vampire? Do you need a head checkup, Nozomi? There’s no way someone as dumb as Honoka can be a vampire.” Nico couldn’t believe that Nozomi would suggest such a possibility.

“You can never guess, Nicocchi. She was speaking of blood-”

“She’s just weird. If she was a vampire, our existence would be known to the world already.” Nico still refused to believe, seriously, how can someone with so much dumb energy be a vampire. Vampires should be more collected, wise and low-key.

“You’re trying to be an idol.”

“That’s a cover! So no one would second guess! And idols are amazing! Hmph!” Nico crossed her arms and huffed. No one should speak ill of idols in front of Nico, or at all. Nozomi chuckled.

“Well, Honoka-chan might have someone keeping her in line?” Nico’s eyebrows rose sky high at Nozomi’s implication.

“You mean Sonoda is vampire?” Nozomi shrugged.

“You never know~”

“Uh…Don’t beat around the bush, psychic. If you think they might be vampires, do you want them to reveal their identity? Or we can both don’t know the truth of each other. It’s not like it’ll cause lots of harm.” Nico is starting to lose her patience, she had better things to do then discuss possible vampires; like take care of her siblings or watch more idol videos.

“Well, I just didn’t want to repeat fifth year gym class.” Nico’s eyes widened, a spark of rage flashed within.

“That-”

“Accusing the poor girl who just happened to be more athletic then you to be a vampire.” Nozomi grinned mischievously.

“Well, it’s not my fault that I was in front, she happened to overtake me, and then tripped me-”

“You lost your own balance.”

“I was undernourished! She then goes off and wins first place.”

“It wasn’t a race, was it? Just running.”

“That’s not the point! And she doesn’t eat!”

“A lot. She does not eat a lot because she watches her diet.”

“Details.”

Nozomi chuckled. “She tried to call you a vampire too, and you were stumped. That was a sight to see. If only I had my camera.”

“… Okay, fine. We’ll find out if Sonoda and Honoka is a vampire. Happy?”

“Maybe~” Nico sighs and mutters under her breath.

“Why do I always have to do the hard work?”

“Let me know if you need help.” Nozomi grinned.

“You’re usually more trouble than help, so I’ll pass.” Nico walked off.

“How mean~” Nozomi went on her way too, already deciding that she’ll help out wherever she can.

Hanayo and Rin are walking home together as they only live two blocks away from each other.

“Kayochin! Today was so much fun right?” Rin speaks with a bounce and hands thrown up high energetically.

“Mmph…”

“Ah~ I can’t wait for tomorrow! Let’s make lots of friends nya!”

“Friends… New friends..?” Hanayo looks down uncertain of whether she can make new friends on her own.

“Don’t worry nya! The whole class was so friendly and open! And there’s always me nya! We’ll make friends together! Okay, Kayochin?” Rin flashed a huge smile to Hanayo who laughed softly before nodding.

“Mmph, even if I can’t make new friends, I just need Rin-chan.” Hanayo smiled to Rin.

“Aw~ That’s so sweet, Kayochin!” Rin hugs Hanayo tightly.

“Ah, Rin-chan…” Hanayo hugs back lightly, afraid that she might accidentally use too much strength.

“But don’t be so pessimistic nya! If anything, I think Honoka-chan will be friends with us!”

“Mmph…” Hanayo smiled back to Rin to show that she’s no longer feeling negative.

The girl who loves blood and was really helpful earlier…I hope we can be friends…

“I’ll be heading home now, Kayochin! See you tomorrow nya!” Rin points straight ahead to where she has to go. Hanayo nodded.

“See you tomorrow, Rin-chan. Take care.” Rin laughs heartily.

“Don’t worry nya! It’s just a short walk to home! Bye bye nya!” Rin runs off, leaving Hanayo smiling as she watched her bestfriend run home.

In the house where the aroma of freshly cooked rice floated around, Hanayo’s mother calls for Hanayo.

“Hanayo, dinner is ready. Is two bowls enough for you?”

“Um…I think two bowls will be enough for tonight.” Hanayo walked into the kitchen.

“Well, the rice cooker has more if you need seconds. And your favourite blood topping is in the shelf if the one on the table runs out.”

“Okay, mum.” Hanayo took the bowl of rice from her mum to bring to the dining table. “Let me help.”

“Thank you, Hanayo.” Hanayo’s mother passed the bowls to her daughter before taking her own serving.

“Ah~ Blood O topping on hot, steamy rice~ This must be paradise~” Hanayo tucked into her meal with an expression of bliss; what can be better than rice and blood for Hanayo.

Honoka reaches home half an hour after she waved goodbye to Kotori. It did not take so long to reach home because she took a wrong turn and followed a kitten into another alley, nope it did not.

Honoka opened the door to her house and greeted her mum who was manning the counter of their family business “Homura Manjuu”. Theirs is a special business that caters to both vampires and humans with blood manjuus and normal manjuus respectively.

“I’m back, mum!” Honoka opened the door with the same amount of force she did with her classroom’s door. However, no slam was heard. After years of having such a rambunctious vampire daughter, you would know to have your doors have an automatic slow down plus reduce impact feature.

“Welcome back, Honoka.” Her mum greeted but gasped when she saw her daughter. “What happened to you? Did you get into a fight at school?” Honoka’s mum left the counter to take a closer look at Honoka’s scratched up uniform and slightly ruffled hair.

“Ah…No, I was just playing with this really cute kitten in an alley…somewhere close to home?” Honoka was not sure where she was, but she made it back home, that’s what matters right? Honoka’s mum sighed.

“Honoka…Go take a bath and clean up.” Honoka’s mum pushed lightly on Honoka’s back to usher her upstairs.

“Okay~” Honoka happily obliged, she felt kind of sticky anyways. Rolling on the floor with the kitten made even a vampire dirty.

“Luckily we bought ten pairs of uniforms for Honoka. We are down by one on the first day already.” Honoka’s mum smiled wryly as she shook her head, returning to the counter.

Honoka entered her should’ve been unoccupied room to get her change of clothes, but to her surprise was greeted by her blue haired childhood friend. Umi sat in a seiza position and gave Honoka a stern look when she opened the door.

“Umi-chan? Um, welcome?” Honoka smiled nervously, wracking her brain immediately, thinking if she done anything to anger Umi today. She did a lot, but those were not why Umi was here.

“Pardon the intrusion.” Umi stood up, her stern gaze changed into that of furrowed eyebrows. “What happened to you, Honoka?”

“Oh, I was playing with a cat.” Honoka laughed sheepishly while scratching the back of her head. Umi sighed heavily.

“I’ll cut to the chase-”

“Ah, can I go get a bath first? I’m kind of sticky…hehe.” Honoka smiled expectantly.

“Alright.” Umi turned to sit on Honoka’s bed. “The cat is still alive right?”

Honoka who was taking her clothes halfway spun around with her jaw agape. “What?! Of course it is!”

Umi quirked an eyebrow from Honoka’s bed, while Honoka pouted.

“Good to know. Now what about a bath?”

“Boo…I don’t go around sucking everyone’s blood, Umi-chan. And I wasn’t feeling hungry then.”

“Lucky for the cat, now go bathe. We need to talk.” Umi had an amused smile on, she takes pride in being able to make Honoka speechless.

“Talk about?” Honoka picked up her clothes and disappeared through the door for the bathroom.

“Our identity. And even if you can still hear me, you shouldn’t just disappear like that.” Umi talked to the table, she could vaguely hear a laugh and ‘I wanted to make it fast.’ over the sound of the shower. Umi had better hearing than humans too, but unlike Honoka who seems to catch on to anything, Umi chooses when she wants to focus her hearing, it was a handy skill against the cicadas in summer and crickets at night; those almost drove her crazy when she was younger.

Honoka was done with her shower in about five minutes.

“You sure you scrubbed yourself properly?”

“Sure did! Here you can check!” Honoka plopped herself beside Umi on her bed while stretching out her arms for Umi to inspect causing Umi’s cheeks to light up from the sudden close proximity with Honoka.

“I don’t want to. And since you don’t smell bad anymore, I’ll give you the pass. Now give me some breathing space, Honoka.” Umi moved herself while Honoka kept her arms and laughed.

“So what did you want to talk about?”

Umi stared into Honoka’s eyes which sent Honoka the message that the topic is serious so she focused and waited for Umi to start talking. “Hm. Did you reveal to Kotori about being a vampire?”

Honoka’s eyes widened. “To Kotori-chan? No. Why?”

Umi scrutinized Honoka’s expression. “You didn’t accidentally reveal your identity?”

Honoka shook her head rapidly. “No, I didn’t. I know we need to keep our identity a secret, Umi-chan. Have some trust in me!”

Umi sighed. “It’s not that I don’t trust you… I trust that you have a high chance of spilling the beans. Like maybe, look, I can jump three stories high.”

Honoka pouted. “I can jump higher than that…”

“That’s not the point, Honoka.”

“Well, I didn’t. And I don’t plan to jump so high in front of Kotori-chan.” Honoka smiled proudly.

“Alright, just remember to be careful.”

“I know.”

“On another note, you sure made friends fast.” Umi smiled softly.

“Are you lonely, Umi-chan?” Honoka looked earnestly at Umi.

“What? No! Why would I be lonely…” Umi looked away.

“I just thought since we spend most of our time together, and today I went home with Kotori-chan instead, you might be lonely. But if you’re not, that’s great!” Honoka leaned back on her arms.

“Right… You’ve got another week before we go to the woods to fill ourselves up again, right?”

“Mm…Yup! Should we hunt a lion or a bear next time?” Honoka kicked her legs excitedly.

“I prefer deers, so…”

“Aw~ But bears are much more fun to fight with.”

“If we didn’t had to keep our fangs in shape, I’d rather we don’t hunt.” Umi stared into the distance.

Honoka faced Umi with an understanding smile. “I know…” They both shared a moment of silence which did not last long.

“But you like how fresh the blood taste when we sink our fangs in, no?” Honoka commented with a teasing tone. Umi’s face dropped.

“No comment.” Umi stood up to leave the laughing Honoka.

“Leaving already?”

“To prepare for school.”

“What’s there to prepare?” Honoka genuinely did not know.

Umi turned around to give Honoka a look of ‘you’re seriously asking’.

“Textbooks.”

“Oh.” Honoka smiled widely. “Thanks for the reminder!” Honoka hopped onto her feet to see Umi off.

“And pencil case for you.”

“Oh~! Definitely that! Thank you, Umi-chan!” Honoka hugged Umi from behind as thanks for reminding her about her favourite pencil and necessary school materials.

Umi tried to shake Honoka off half-heartly. “You’re making it hard to walk.”

“Are you taking away some manjuus?”

“…Yeah.” Umi smiled at the thought of Homura’s blood manjuus, it was her favourite. Honoka chuckled and rushed past Umi.

“I’ll help pack! Is one box enough?” Honoka skipped to the counter to let her mum know.

“Yeah. One is enough.” Umi smiled as she walked over.

“Type A?” Honoka asked with an open box and a manjuu in hand.

“Two type A, B and O each.”

“Oh~ Umi-chan sure can eat everything!”

“I’m getting some for my parents too. Though it’s true that I’m not picky.”

“Hehe, but other than our manjuu and blood, you don’t eat anything else.” Honoka skipped over after packing Umi’s order.

“You know human food is tasteless to our taste buds…Or could make us gag.” Umi frowned at the memory of trying to eat human food.

“I eat bread!”

“There’s something wrong with your taste buds.” Umi took the package from Honoka.

“No there isn’t!” Honoka protested while Umi chuckled as she made her way to the exit.

“You love bread.”

“That I do!”

“And even then, it has to be strawberry filling.” Umi smirked as she stepped outside.

“Strawberry jam bread is delicious!” Honoka shouted and stuck her tongue at Umi before running back up to her room like a child. Honoka could hear Umi’s clearly amused laughter from her bedroom.

Notes

And we get a peek into the vampire side now! Since Kotori is busy fantasizing about Honoka in her room.

This chapter here should’ve shown more about our vampire friends. (I miss Kotori already. :P)

[banditchika]

pet, kotoumi ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Honoka passes her last exam by the skin of her teeth, as usual. And Umi scolds her as usual when she finds out, all the way to the Homura Bakery. The minute her house comes into sight, Honoka perks right up and makes her escape, yelling apologies and farewells over her shoulder as she ducks through the door.“Honestly,” Umi sighs. Kotori laughs, resting a hand against her back. She’s not as frustrated as she makes herself out to be, really. Kotori thinks sometimes that Umi scolds Honoka because it’s what they’re used to--what they’re comfortable with. Oh, Kotori doesn’t doubt that Umi wishes Honoka studied a little more and was a little more diligent with her studies--but Honoka is Honoka! And it’s not like a few bad grades have made her any less amazing, anyways. Umi shakes her head regardless as they leave the bakery behind. “Sometimes it feels like looking after a little puppy,” she murmurs. “I don’t know. I always thought of Honoka as a daughter, when she gets like this.” Umi sputters and Kotori laughs, linking their arms. She’s staying over at Umi’s today. To study, and then to do some sewing work if time permits. And then Umi will walk Kotori to the station, and back home she’ll go! It’s a little sad that she lives so far from Honoka and Umi. It’d be nice to be neighbors with them--Honoka in the middle, and Umi and Kotori to either side! It would have been cute, for sure. Umi unlocks her door, and Kotori calls a polite greeting as she toes off her shoes.  

Not that she really needs to. Umi’s parents are busy today. Kotori looks around the house--it’s neat, clean, and traditional. Besides the two of them, there’s no sign of anyone else within. “Umi?” Kotori says when they’ve settled into her room. Umi hums, raising her eyes from her worksheet. “Have you ever wanted a pet?” “I can’t say I haven’t thought about it.” She scribbles something, punches something into a calculator. Kotori picks up her pen and pretends to be just as productive. “But it is a lot of work to care for another being. I’m busy enough--I would not be able to give a pet the love and attention it deserves.” “That’s a very Umi-like answer.” “... As you say. And you, Kotori?” When she raises her head, Umi’s put down her pencil, fixing her full attention on Kotori. “Have you ever wanted a pet?” She taps the end of her pen against her lips. “Well... I wouldn’t say so, no.” Kotori reaches over and takes Umi’s hand, pressing its calloused palm to her cheek. Umi flusters, but Kotori won’t let her pull away--at least, not without pressing a kiss to the webbing of her fingers. “Why should I, when you and everyone else make me so happy?”

[quarkie-blog1]

Thoughts on Arc-V

Welp, finally finished it. Now that more than a day has passed, I’ve been able to properly sit down and think about it more carefully. This is just really a ramble of what I found was cool and what was terrible in the series. Some of them were from reading online (with points that I consider valid), others were more of my own observations/opinions. 

While I don’t have very strong opinions, I may be brutally honest...

So let’s start with the beginning, what I found was really awesome about Arc-V. 

1. Yuya’s personality Following the cheerful and naive Yuma, we have Yuya the entertainer. The first thing I had noticed was that his father had also disappeared, like Yuma’s. Yuya does act goofy, but one could easily tell that he was doing it purposefully, to make others get a laugh out of it. For me, this way of speaking and acting intentionally is something I can relate to on a very fundamental level. While the first season shows that it’s not the best solution to simply laugh it off, I was impressed that he did something rather than staying depressed. The other that did make Quarkie like him is that he handles kids well. It’s just that in the previous series you don’t see it too often (Even with Yuma, who was only looking after Haruto for a little while). Yuya was able to make the kids at Yushow school laugh, and he certainly cared very much about Reira. 

2. Entermage/Performapal deck I know a lot of people found it laughable, but I found it refreshing. The previous MCs had decks with warrior/dragon/magician monsters as the majority. (I don’t know about Yusei’s main deck yet, but I’ve been seeing a lot of Junk Warriors and Stardust dragons). Again, it means that Yuya’s ideal wasn’t to show “strong via strength”, but “if it can make people smile”.  The other reason why I liked it was also because it seemed like a troll deck... when people won’t take the circus animals seriously and the odd-eyes pendulum dragon appears next minute. 

3. Female characters (mostly Yuzu and Serena) The best of the female characters in Yugioh were never able to beat the main character in any duel. Now enters Yuzu, who does so in episode 2. Furthermore, they had given her duels and moments where she develops her dueling. I don’t know about Akiza but this is not seen in the others. Serena’s duelling seems more consistent but you see how her views on Academia change as she is with the Lancers, and how she forms a bond with the other Lancers.  I’d like to take this time to address about Rin and Ruri being “neglected”. I do not know if it really was necessary to have all counterparts having more even screentime, but I was happy enough if there was just one or two properly developed females. Or maybe some just like Ruri or Rin more. 

4. Synchro arc This was where things were most interesting to me. Yes, it was another tournament, but the situation isn’t as safe for our characters anymore. I enjoyed all of the duels, and don’t consider them a waste of time. When the Lancers were up, I could compare their dueling to season 1. I think Serena and Shun’s had the most difference. I wouldn’t have gotten as attached to all the Lancers if it wasn’t for the Synchro arc. On top of that, Yuzu had continued to demonstrate the fruits of her hard work in dueling.  The Lancers had also struggled with the values of the society in this foreign world. Particularly Yuya, and he had to climb up his way so that he can be heard. I found this rather realistic. I do suspect that other than because he had no name Jack Atlas was more critical of him not being honest to himself. 

@homura-bakura had also made an interesting take on Yuya’s egao, and how that develops throughout the series. You can read it here, and I believe that the Synchro arc had significant influences. 

5. Pendulum summoning Like before, a new series meant making summoning monsters quicker. In a similar manner: - When synchro summon came out, you can special summon a monster without waiting for the polymerization card - When XYZ summon came out, you don’t need to wait for that tuner card to come out.  In this case, you can summon several monsters at a time, no tributing needed either. Oh, and your monsters don’t go to the grave if defeated in battle.  I imagine at the beginning there was perhaps rage about this, but there was encouragement and hype also for the other types of summons. By incorporating the dimension wars and summons, they were able to show a wide variety of duels of different styles. In Arc-V, there were specific duels that could easily show that pendulum summoners could still be utterly destroyed.  

6. The music Kotaro Nakagawa was the one who composed the music, the same one who arranged the music for Code Geass. Obviously I wasn’t let down. 

7. The themes Very early on, we’re shown about there’s something lurking in the background. And we come to know about the tension between the dimensions. I found this clash of ideals between different dimensions/societies rather interesting. It’s not just with the differing views about carding people in the series, but also how to resolve conflict as well. There are a lot of people (mostly from the XYZ dimension that believe in defeating enemies and carding them back is the method, while Yuya and his friends simply want to stop them). The stakes are really high, which realy adds more onto the challenge of how is Yuya going to achieve by “bringing smiles to everyone”? The other theme of course is “the other self”, which is common in all Yugioh series. I found it interesting at first how all four MC counterparts already had physical forms, but they were linked by the same conciousness when they are in a desperate duel, or brought together. 

There’s other things that made me really like it, but those were the main ones. Now in terms of the things that I can’t help but notice was terrible... this is in no particular order. 

1. Action cards and Tag Duels For me this isn’t absolutely bad, it was just something I wasn’t too fond of. I have heard that many Japanese fans were also not happy about how the tag duels were handled? I’m not saying that they were a bad idea, but rather it felt there was more plot armour incorporated at times. This could just be me though... 

2. Animation quality Admittedly I watched the Synchro arc and everything else after finishing Zexal. So... it was disappointing seeing the animation wasn’t as consistent. I mentioned before, I suspect that it seemed likely because of the DSOD being in development at the same time. This honestly saddens me. 

3. Yuya’s personality Yep, I like Yuya’s personality, and I do like some of his flaws incorporated in, but there are some that seem a really strange to me. Namely, when Yuya feels like a bit of a hypocrite to me. From Synchro arc, he begins to tell others the importance of smiles (perhaps he started in the previous tournament but I don’t quite recall as much). While he has good intentions, he hasn’t been doing much of a good job with maintaining his own smile as compared to season 1. Particularly when he goes into berserk mode by Roger tampering with his helmet. I guess you could argue that it was showing that Yuya’s previous method of laughing things off isn’t working, but I find it questionable that they would make him seem like a hypocrite. (Also I guess I just didn’t like this flaw in general, but that’s my own opinion, it just doesn’t sit well with me since I don’t feel like it ever got properly addressed). 

4. Side characters (Part I) - Kaito Tenjo, Edo Phoenix & Jack Atlas I haven’t watched much of Jack Atlas, so I won’t talk about him too much. My issue is not that “Arc-V versions made them OOC”, since if I was to write a fanfiction it’d probably be even worse... In Arc V, they are like alternative selves in a parrallel universe but with the same name. Unfortunately, Kaito and Edo were introduced when there were obvious pacing problems. Edo’s abrupt change to accept that “duels can make you happy” was something of a problem ongoing since early Yugioh, but I felt the need to mention it anyway. (Yes I see this issue at times even in Zexal...). However, I can completely understand the issue with Kaito Tenjo. In the context of ignoring what Zexal Kaito, Arc-V Kaito seemed to be acting OOC. How did he suddenly decide to help Yuya and the others when they were surrounded by the Obelisk force? What made him become more accepting of people from the fusion dimension? The questions were still not answered... I know that these three (and Crow, and Asuka, etc) are to be considered side characters and we shouldn’t be too invested in them, but this is creating a plot hole....

5. Side characters (Part II) - Asuka & Sora Sora was a character we see since the first few episodes of Arc-V. I admit that I might have gotten a tad too excited to see his cute but also scary persona. When he had left the Standard dimension there was an unfinished duel against Yuya left hanging. The next time we see him again in Synchro arc, he seems too agreeable with helping Yuya? I legit thought that he was perhaps faking everything, but by the time we reached the 100 episode it didn’t seem like the case. In which this leaves another question, what made Sora do that? Now with Asuka, I don’t mind her having less screen time as with all of the previous gen characters. However, I just question what was her purpose in the duel against Yuri. Maybe they ran out of time, but I was a bit confused when I saw Yuri holding a card. It was then I realised that the duel didn’t even take place at all on-screen. 

6. The last arc: Episodes 141-148 - Responses from the characters By this time, I had low expectations already, since I had a feeling it would be hard to salvage everything after the dip from episode 100ish. However, I felt that there were a lot of questions that could have been addressed. How did the Lancers feel about Yuya being Zarc? What about Reira? (Do they still think of Reira as being too young?) What made Reiji’s mother suddenly care about Reira a lot more? Shun was obviously devastated about Ruri and Yuto not coming back at first. How the heck did he come to the conclusion “Oh, I should accept the duel with Yuya because it’s alll I have left”?  The story really falls apart here.. Overall, I felt that there were a lot of people becoming happy a tad too quickly, and there was no one questioning Yuya’s identity. I know that duels are more important (and it seems that the japanese audience sees them as just as important as plot), but surely some could have already been incorporated in?

7. The counterparts This isn’t a complaint about how they’re all inside Yuzu and Yuya now. It’s not the happiest ending, since they were the most loved side characters in Arc-V but it is oddly realistic. The problem is that it really doesn’t leave much of an impact. (The closest I can relate to is when Atem left for good in DM, but they had spent episodes building towards that) I’ve mentioned that things were really glossed over already, and once again Yuya seemed to have accepted too quickly when Yuri suddenly was talking to him. On second thought, since when did Yuri become so encouraging?

Final thoughts: 

Did I enjoy Arc-V? Yes. I loved the characters and the music. I was very focused on each duel. However, at the back of my head, my alternative self would always go “HAH....” at the end of several episodes. 

There were many things I don’t think were executed well. Whilst I wasn’t raging or angry, there were a lot of unanswered questions in the end. (I don’t expect them to be answered, since it seems like it’s left to our own interpretation and imagination now). EDIT: Yes, I know it is a kids’ show on card games, but it seems that towards the end it wasn’t getting good reception even in Japan (based on Nico nico video rankings. Whether it was due to trolls I don’t know, but glossing over duels didn’t help). 

Seeing the fanfiction section yesterday, I see that people are going be creating stuff to fill in these gaps we are left with at the end of the series. (Either due to rage, or wanting more out of it). Whatever the case is, I think all readers/viewers should be additionally appreciative of others making something to give you maybe a version that should have you more satisfied with. 

That was a long ramble... thanks for reading, and it was enjoyable being in the Arc-V fandom. 

[themonotonysyndrome]

The Holy Quintet in Twisted Wonderland!

While I was having a writer’s block for ‘A Modern Fairytale’, I complained to my friend and we chatted on Discord. I told her about TW and she asked me if TW ever gonna have an anime adaptation since Magia Record:PMMM had an anime after the game is released. We love the Madoka Magica series and since they’re some similarities between the two, I thought why not have the main girls (I haven’t watch Magia Record yet though I’m aware of the existence of Doppels) react to the world of TW? 

For those who don’t know about Puella Magi Madoka Magica, here’s a brief summary: It’s basically an anime about cute magical girls fighting evils where absolutely nothing bad ever happened. Like, ever. 

Anyway, hopefully by the time I’m done with this, I can get my flow back for my previous writings...  

*Since the First-Years are 16, I aged up the Holy Quintet just to match. 

Homura could’ve unleashed a thousand bombs and grenades onto the wretched white rat the moment she realise that they were no longer in Mitakihara City or even on Earth! 

Her day has been going on so well, too.

Morning arrives with the same monotonous routine. It’s a new day and a new timeline which means a whole new planning she needed to do before the fated day. But that can wait after school.

The teachers and students followed their scripts perfectly. Homura deftly ignore the hallway where the History teacher would request her help carrying the journals for the woman’s next class, spin around before the clumsy girl from the class next door would spill her water bottle onto her and even freezing time to whisper into Hitomi Shizuki’s ear who is lingering outside their shared class; how she had been neglecting her dear friend Sayaka lately in favour of Kyousuke Kamijou, how unfair her treatment of Sayaka has been lately. 

By the time recess roll by, Madoka is alone just like Homura planned. Sayaka is pulled away by Hitomi. It wasn’t hard to wait quietly in her seat before the other girl spotted her and asked if they could have lunch together. 

Homura accepts without hesitation. 

She let the hours went by at their own pace until the moon is high in the sky. There’s a Witch that has been causing quite a ruckus near the shopping district. One that Homura would have no problem killing on her own, but Kyouko found it first and not even a day later, Mami caught wind of it as well. 

As the clock is about to strike midnight, the Holy Quintet are standing in front of the Witch’s Labyrinth; the back door of a luxurious shoe shop. Homura ponder on what was the connection of the shop and the Witch, before Kyouko suddenly declare to kill the Witch herself. 

“Hey, I was the one who found it first! This kill is my right!” The redhead Magical Girl announced with a Pocky stick pointing sternly at them to back off.

“Shouldn’t we work together to stop the Witch? Tomoe-san mentioned that it’s strong...” Madoka softly countered. Kyouko’s loud voice didn’t scare her but since the prize is a Grief Seed, everyone wanted it. Madoka wouldn’t dream of rebuking her friends of it. Not when they dearly need it for their magic. 

“I don’t want to add more to the fire, but if we work together, who’s going to claim the grief Seed?” Sayaka interjects, her hand up in the air as if they were in class. They haven’t transform for battle yet; it’d be a waste of magic to transform only to have half of them returning home later or search out for another Witch all night long if Kyouko won’t budge from this one. 

Madoka, Sayaka and Kyouko all turn to Mami when she remains silent for too long. 

“It can’t be help then.” Mami shrugs. “If Kyouko is adamant to kill this Witch, then we should leave it to her. She was the one to discover it after all.” 

When Kyouko whoop and cheer, Sayaka went ahead to scold her. But their relationship had progress to a stage where they could banter easily with no hard feelings involve, so Madoka is at ease. 

Homura, however, is not as it slightly deter from the script but she wisely keeps it to herself. 

Homura’s day went wrong when Madoka sweetly offer, “I still have some Grief Seeds on me, so I’m more than happy to help Sakura-san out!” 

“Madoka - ” Homura automatically begin, she would rather have Madoka reserve her magic but luckily Kyouko beats her to it. 

“Aww, it’s fine Kaname-san. I’m a big girl, ya know? I can’t handle one Witch.” Kyouko assured her with a bright smile that’s enough to dissipate Madoka’s worries. “Beside, you guys have been working hard these past few nights hunting Witches. You guys deserve a break for once.” 

“I can’t argue with that...” Mami ruefully reply. The girls all decide to leave this Witch to Kyouko’s capable hands and was about to make their way home (with Mami escorting them back even if she didn’t have to) when the door to the Witch’s Labyrinth suddenly flings open. Light, colours, myriad of voices and music flood out from the shop. 

“D-Did the Witch realised we’re here already!?” Sayaka said through gritted teeth. The corrupted Magic that’s spilling from the door is overwhelming, trying to pull the girls inside. 

“That can’t be!” Kyouko retort with her spear already in hand and stab to the ground to anchor her. Her other hand is gripping Sayaka’s to hold her steady in place. “A Witch only have absolute reign in its Labyrinth. Not in the real world!”

The Magic then began to slowly drag their feet towards the door. Madoka, who is the closest to Homura, touch her Soul Gem. Homura didn’t want her to fight, she’d rather deal with the Witch herself. 

“Madoka, wait!” Homura shouted and lunge to grab her. Her Shield is already on her arm despite that she’s still in her school uniform. She just needed to freeze time and then  - 

“Now this is interesting. This doesn’t feel like a Witch’s magic at all.” Perch on top of the many lamp post and unbothered by the overwhelming magic is Kyuubey. The Incubator blink its pink, beady eyes before jumping down and landed beside Homura. 

“You - You’re not needed here!” Homura hissed viciously.

“Look carefully through the door there, Akemi Homura. Doesn’t that look like a mirror?” Kyuubey instruct in a pleasant tone that irked the girl. 

“What are you - ”

“Akemi-san, look! There’s a mirror!” Mami’s urgent voice snapped Homura to attention. 

Indeed. There’s a black mirror inside the shop, floating in air. 

“Is that how the Witch noticed us!?” Kyouko is already brandishing her spear to throw it straight through the mirror.

Before any of the Magical Girls could do anything, the mirror forcefully yank them towards it and swallow them whole. Silence descend on the streets. 

Homura fought to stay awake but the magic lull her to close her eyes and sleep. 

-

“Did.. did a mirror just appear from the ceiling and spat out... girls?” An unfamiliar, incredulous voice was what stirred Homura up. Something feels off.  

When Homura open her eyes and realise that she and her friends are surrounded by people in strange robes staring at them as if they were aliens, a man wearing a mask and a mirror with a green face floating in it, she immediately went for the offence. 

She withdraws a gun from her Shield and aim straight at the masked man standing beside the mirror, her eyes never waver away from the crowd in robes in front of her. With a quick glance underneath her, Madoka and the rest are still unconscious before focusing on the enigma of this world and something in her whisper that she should hold the masked man accountable. 

“Where are we?” Homura demanded in the calmest voice she could muster, her finger is light as a feather against the trigger. The scripts has gone completely off the rail. “Who are you people?”

“Well now, I think that would be my question!” The masked man rebuked. Homura’s ears picked up the dumbstruck and lividness in his tone. “Really... a mirror suddenly summoned in the middle of the dorm sorting ceremony and you girls interrupted it!” 

A bullet wheeze past by the masked man’s head, only grazing a lock of his hair. Just like that, the crowd is silent. Finally realise the strange and uneasy atmosphere that curtains them, courtesy of one Magical Girl.

“I won’t ask again.” She threatens. Her eyes narrowed when a few of the people in front of her shifted. A short boy with red hair and a bespectacled boy with a beauty mark on his lower lip. She studied them warily and they did the same towards her. The fingers twitch to a small... pen? The red and grey gems will become her targets if they so much as move. 

“Geez... the situation suddenly turn dangerous.” A voice said through a floating tablet. He sounds meek and scared. 

Murmurs follow soon after. She's losing control on the situation. 

“Well?” Homura pressed and this time, she aims the gun right between the masked man’s eyes. Adults in strange coloured clothings that stood behind the mirror with the green face slowly tried to separate Homura from the crowd. Their expressions severe and cautious. 

They don’t feel like familiars. This strange room doesn’t feel like a product of a Witch’s magic. What’s worse, Kyuubey is nowhere in sight. 

“Young Miss, I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here but you’re in the prestigious Night Raven College. Did you and your friends forcefully unlock your coffins?” The masked man asked, with his hands on his hips like a scolding parent yet tentative when addressing Homura after her warning shot. 

“Night Raven... College? Coffins?” Homura repeated, growing confused by the minute. She’s never heard such institution before! 

Her gun lowered slightly when she caught pieces of conversations floating from the crowd. 

“... a mistake? Night Raven College is an all-boys school after all.” 

“We woken up every first year students before coming here. There’s no way we could missed them!”

“So they somehow broke out from the coffins on their own earlier?” 

“...that in her hand? It looks some kind of weapon but I’ve never seen anything like it...” That came from the floating tablet. 

“It happened so fast that headmaster couldn’t even react! Whatever that thing is, it’s dangerous.” The short redhead boy added, his fingers nearly brushing his red gem now. 

“Where is Mitakihara City?” Homura asked instead.

The masked man titled his head at her question. “Mita... what? There’s no such city with a name like that. Did the mirror where you came from malfuction? And what’s with your clothing, Young Lady? Is that supposed to be a school uniform?” 

This is bad. Nothing makes sense. “Students of this college would already be wearing their ceremonial robes the moment they step out of their coffins.” The masked man continued, oblivious to Homura’s concern. The other Magical Girls remain sleeping. It’s up to her to get them out safely or try to figure out what’s going on. 

This couldn’t be the incubator’s game. 

Homura pulls her gun back and relax her shoulders just a little. Enough to show that she’s calm and not going to attack any time soon. “A college you say? My friends and I were forcefully pulled in through a mirror and then I woke up here. Tell me, are we even on Earth?” 

Now the masked man is perplexed. “Earth? I’ve never heard such a word before! Why, this is Twisted Wonderland!”

Homura bit her lower lip to prevent herself from calling the masked man out as a liar. She doesn’t have any prove or any information that the man is joking after all. 

Homura comfort herself by tugging on her magic and grip her gun. Good. She still has her full arsenals and useful items as well as her magic is in its peak form. 

Her mind is racing now. If one wants information, one must offer their piece first, yes? 

“I believe there’s been a... mishap. My friends and I aren’t from here. We came from a place call Mitakihara City. Twisted Wonderland doesn’t exist for us.” Homura begins. That should suffice for now. 

The floating tablet floated near Homura although there is still some distance between them. “A-Are you serious!? A bunch of girls literally isekai’ed into Night Raven College!? I can’t believe this is actually happening! My manga is a reality!” 

Homura is taken aback at the sudden enthusiastic voice. Truly not expecting a 180 from his previous meek tone. 

“Eh? Another world? Did you and your friends came from another world!?” A white haired boy with ruby eyes intervenes. Despite how odd the situation is now that he said it out loud, he’s excited about the notion. 

“It would seem so...” Homura murmus. If this is meant to be a college then the crowd must be students and adults here are their teachers. There’s magic lingering in the air. It’s unfamiliar to Homura but it’s magic nonetheless. 

“The sorting ceremony must continue on.” The mirror with the face boomed. Its voice deep and unsettling. The masked man react accordingly to it. 

“Yes, yes, we musn’t dawdle! Now then Young Miss, if you’d be so kind to help bring your unconscious friends here beside me so that the others students could - ”

“Step forth you who have mastered time and space.” The mirror with the face ordered. 

Another silence descend the room before the white haired boy with red eyes shattered it. 

“So they ARE students! This is so exciting, isn’t it Jamil? We never had students from another world before!” The boy exclaim with a beaming smile. Somehow, his smile reminded Homura of Madoka’s when she’s in a really good mood. 

“We still don’t know what’s really going on, Kalim.” A boy with complex, braided hair chastise him. Though it doesn’t deter his friend’s excitement at all. “After all, she was willing to attack the headmaster.” 

“I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding! Won’t you be confused and scared too if you’re suddenly teleported to a strange land, Jamil?” The white haired boy countered before shooing Homura to the mirror behind her. “Go see what the Mirror of Darkness has to say! Maybe it could help you.” 

The masked man sigh. “I guess it can’t be help. Young Miss, please address the mirror properly.” 

Homura tucked the gun back into her Shield and slowly turn around. The mirror with the face doesn’t strike fear in her like Kyuubey or Walpurgisnacht do, so she slowly padded towards it. 

And thus begin the Holy Quintet role as students in the world of Twisted Wonderland right after each one of the girls has been sorted. 

-

The next continuation will be dorm sorting! It was a little tough trying to sort 5 of them when there are 7 dorms but I have a idea how to get around this. Hope I did Homura justice and you guys enjoyed this piece. I adore crossovers! 

A big shoutout to @twsted-caramel​ (I hope it’s ok to tag you here) for giving me the big inspiration. Please check out their crossover of KNY and TW pieces! It’s amazing!)