#just for the sake of Frost’s mental torment

[luna-the-cretar]

You guys know on how, after Electrum Chef (not the episode but the event), Torbek and Frost (under the effects of the potion that made them into parodies of famous irl chefs) went off into the other room to fuck, and then when they came back the potion had worn off?

Do you guys think the potion wore off before, during, or after the fact?

[bae04xx]

Omg would you write a yandere tsukasa x reader please

i’m actually bare sorry i never check tumblr and when i saw this i was sooo excited so i hope you like it xx

this has not been proof read and i cba sorry

as the winter closed in, there was a chilling presence in the air. i stepped back into the school, noticing the frost that had settled gently against the glass panes of the windows, i tugged my woollen hat down my head further in order to keep the heat in. while strolling through the barren halls i took notice of the oddly quiet atmosphere, sure it had been an hour or so since school ended but usually i could hear some clubs closing up, or at least hanako and yashiro. i made a mental notice of the abnormality, but continued my way to the broadcasting room.

i wonder to myself if i took too long, i had tried to be on time, considering i had to be finished with my homework in an hour- despite being forced to deal with a whole weeks worth in such a small amount of time i was expected to do it all. thanks to tsukasa. according to him if i spaced it out evenly i did it in small parts every day that was “too much time wasted that i could be spent with him” although he’s happy with putting my education on the line…

well at least that’s the only thing he’s endangering- id it were up to him i’d be 6 feet under, my ghost being tormented by his antics constantly.

but like i was going allow that, i’d been firm with him since the day i met him, no matter what happens between us- i am not bound to him and i am not dying for him. sure i loved him..

i loved him more than anything. even if i acted like i hated him, and he got on my nerves like mad, and he was a terrible person, i still loved him. and he loved me. he made it very obvious what he wanted out of me- for me to belong to him. tsukasa was very possessive, especially if he owned an object, but even if it wasn’t his- he would do anything to keep it. and that’s what i hated, i am not an object and i am not something to be kept, or protected; i don’t belong to anyone! his whole ideology goes against everything i stand for, but he just doesn’t listen.

it’s constant affection, constant attention, constant interrogations, he has to know where i am, what i’m doing, who i’m with always. but i’m not a child, fucks sake i am my own person. yet he’s always going on at me how i need to be bound to him, he’ll give me whatever i want as long as i belong to him, he can kill me and we’ll be together forever, i’ll be his princess. but i want to live. i want to make a life for myself, make my family proud, have my own family one day. but yet i love him with every atom in my being..

gosh life is confusing, why can’t it just be simple? i doubt anyone else has these problems.

i stopped dead in my tracks, as i heard hanako’s boyish laugh, my eyebrows knitted as i realised i missed the last flight of stairs, too absorbed in my own thoughts.

“y/n? what’re you doing down here?” i heard him call over from the toilets, of he knew i was here.

“y/n? hey!” yashiro rushed towards me and brought me into a soft hug, she was very warm, the complete opposite to my shivering form.

“hanako- she’s freezing!”

“what’re you doing here? aren’t you meant to be with tsukasa already?” he questioned, ignoring yashiro’s worries in order for his question to be answered.

“i’m fine,” i sighed, “i’m not meant to be anywhere, we aren’t bound.” i stated calmly as he chuckled.

“aren’t bound but you’re wrapped around his finger aren’t you?” he said, his cheeky smile adorning his face.

i huffed, preparing myself reply to his quip before i was interrupted by a cold, ghostly figuring wrapping itself around my back.

“y/n! what’re you doing here? you were meant to be in the broadcasting room ages ago!” he whined in my ear, his grip around my waist tightening, his sinister grip on my contrasted against his childish words.

“amane! i see you found y/n!” his face brightened as he saw his brother, while hanako stood his ground, yet uncomfortably. yashiro backed away from me towards him.

“she found me, i’m guessing looking for you,” he said coldly, as tsukasa craned his neck.

“well she was going the wrong way! c’mon y/n, i’ve got some much stuff to show you!” he smiled, grabbing my hand and leading the way, i sent a weary glance to yashiro, who just stood still, unsure of what to do.

…

“why were you there.” there was a bite in this voice, it was just me and him in the far part of the room, closed off from the 2 other members.

“i don’t know, i was just wondering and was thinking about some… stuff and didn’t even have where i was going on my mind,” i spoke softly, noticing his tense tone and his blank face- he exhibited no emotion.

“i’m not looking for excuses.” he spoke, his dark eyes barring holes into my e/c ones.

“i was on my way to you tsukasa, i promise,” i tried to reason with him, evidently hating the atmosphere.

“when how did you get there y/n, how did to get to amane when you were on your way to the basement?”

“i.. don’t know. i’m just stressed, ok? i’ve got a lot on my mind right now,” i was so close to giving up, walking out of this stupid club and going home to get the first good nights sleep i would get in months. he has me constantly cooped up here until the late evenings. just because he “can’t dread the afterlife with out me.”

“you’re not going home anymore.” he stated, his face still unchanged as mine blew up before him.

“i need to do my homework- my parents will kill me tsukasa! i can’t do this to myself, i need to finish my studies, i can’t always be here with you! my education matters, i put up with you all in my face while i am meant to be learning, set aside my home work to be with you, walk home in the dark all on my own and get god knows how many hours of sleep all for you!” i screamed, i was tired, and the bags under my eyes said that for me. just as i stood up to leave and turned my back on him, he grabbed me from behind.

“you won’t have to worry about any of that anymore, now be a good girl and sit back down for me,” i heard him whisper in my ear, as i tried to break out of his grip i left something sharp and cold appear next to my neck.

he had a knife against my throat.

“now are you going to listen to me?” he grinned.

i silently sat opposite to him, as we had been previously, he could feel the fear aching off me, he was basking in this work, his face staring lovingly yet proudly at my trembling body.

“you really should’ve told me this sooner,” he sighed, playing with the silver knife, spinning it between his fingers.

i said nothing, unsure of what would be the right response.

“are you gonna reply or just sit there shaking like a leaf?” he giggled, before he patted his lap, indicating for me to sit.

i slowly get steadily sat on his lap, as he cuddled into me, taking a deep breathe from his noise while his hands were feeling every inch of me.

“i’m going to miss you being so warm,” he said to himself, i shiver went down my spine.

“what.. do you mean?” my voice was so quiet, i couldn’t manage to speak above a whisper’s volume.

“i’m doing you a favour, i’m going to take away all these bad feelings from my baby, how does that sound?” he teased me with his fingers, sensually moving them against my thighs, i melted into his touch.

“yeah.. that sounds good,”

“so, you want me to take all these bad feelings away from you? no matter what the consequences are?”

“mhm..” i mumbled, too tired and my feelings being all over the place to speak.

“i’m gonna need a yes y/n,” he chuckled.

“yes tsukasa,” i said wearily, before i felt it.

his knife went through my heart, i sprung up as a i felt an animalistic scream emerge from my throat. as the blood spewed out of my i felt my lover’s chest rising to the beat of his uncontrollable laughter. i watched as he floated above me, his hands gripping my cheeks as he giggled and stared at his masterpiece, i felt my body dying and the blood rushing around me- only to leave me. my eyes slowly started drooping, until all i saw was black, and i felt myself slip away, finally at peace.

“y/n! you’re finally awake! gosh, you couldn’t of taken longer, could ya?”

“wh-what’s going on? i thought i was dead..”

“sakura! she’s awake! y/n is finally awake!”

“very nice tsukasa.”

“you’re finally mine, all mine. we can be together forever now!” he giggled, before planting a kiss on my forehead.

[vajranam]

Take 100% Responsibility For Your Life

I make prostration to the Three Rare Supreme Gems. “The Throwing Star Weapon Striking the Vital Point of the Foe.” I make prostration to forceful Yamantaka.

(1) In the case of peacocks strutting in jungles of poisonous plants, although medicine gardens have been finely decked out, the masses of peacocks don’t find (them) enjoyable. Rather, peacocks thrive on the nutriment of poisonous plants. Similarly,

(2) In the case of brave (bodhisattvas) engaging themselves in the jungles of recurring samsara, although glorious gardens of delights and pleasures have been decked out, the brave ones are never attracted. Rather, the brave-hearted thrive in the jungles of suffering.

(3) Thus, it’s the case that, despite our gladly taking on delights and pleasures, we bring sufferings (onto ourselves) through the power of our cowardice. But those brave-hearted ones take sufferings on gladly, and always are blissful through the power of their bravery.

(4) Now here, longing desire is like the poisonous plant jungles. Brave ones, like peacocks, can take it under their control, whereas to the lives of cowards, it would be deadly, similar to the case of crows. How could those with selfish desires take this poison under their control?

(5) And if they similarly tried to apply (this method) to the other disturbing emotions, it would take the life of their liberation, (also) similar to the case of crows.

(6) Thus, it’s the case that brave-hearted (bodhisattvas), like peacocks, transform into a nutriment the disturbing emotions – which are like the jungles of poison – and (thereby) engage themselves in the jungles of recurring samsara. In having gladly taken it on themselves, they’re able to destroy this poison.

(7) So now, while we’re circling (in samara) without control, we must cast away our selfish desires, our desires for pleasures, our delights – these messengers of the demon of grasping at a “true self” – and gladly take on, for the purposes of others, what’s difficult to do.

(8) We must pile on top of (this) “true self” that has desires for pleasures the sufferings appropriate to each of the nine kinds of beings, due to the push from their karmic impulses and their habituation to disturbing emotions.

(9) At times if we’ve come under the enthrallment of our selfish desires, we must turn from them and give our own pleasures and happiness to wandering beings; just as, at times, if wrongs befall us from our circle, we need to compose our hearts with a sense of contentment, feeling, “(This is) in return for having been distracted about my ‘true self.’”

(10) At times when unbearable sicknesses befall our bodies, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having inflicted harms to the bodies of wandering beings. Now, let’s take on ourselves (all their) sicknesses, barring none.

(11) At times when sufferings befall our minds, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having deeply disturbed the mind-streams of others. Now, let’s take on ourselves (all their) sufferings, barring none.

(12) When we ourselves are tormented by terrible hunger and thirst, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having taxed, plundered, stolen, and acted miserly (toward others). Now, let’s take on ourselves (all their) hunger and thirst, barring none.

(13) At times when, powerless, we’re enslaved by others and are maltreated, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having been hostile toward the lowly and exploited them as servants. Now, let’s use our bodies and lives for the service of others.

(14) When only nasty words befall our ears, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from our misdeeds of speech, such as slander and the like. Now, let’s discredit all faults in our speech.

(15) When we’re born in lands that are completely impure, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having always been habituated to (seeing) appearances as impure. Now, let’s habituate ourselves to (seeing) appearances exclusively as pure.

(16) At times when we’re parted from helpful and loving friends, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having lured away to ourselves those in the circles of others. Now, let’s never cause (anyone) to withdraw from the circles of others.

(17) When all hallowed ones are displeased with us, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having forsaken the hallowed ones and entrusted ourselves to bad circles. Now, let’s rid ourselves of bad friends.

(18) At times when others (falsely) accuse us of the wrongs of having done or of having not done something, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from ourselves having denigrated the hallowed ones. Now, let’s not denigrate others (falsely) for having done or for having not done something.

(19) At times when our material goods of necessity fall apart, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having considered of no value the necessities of others. Now, let’s help them acquire their necessities of life.

(20) At times when our minds are unclear and our hearts are unhappy, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having caused other people to build up negative force. Now, let’s give up (providing) conditions for others’ negative karmic force.

(21) At times when we’re frustrated from the depths of our minds that our works are never accomplished, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having caused interference to the hallowed ones’ deeds. Now, let’s rid ourselves of all our interference-making.

(22) At times when no matter how we’ve acted, it never pleases our gurus, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having acted two-facedly regarding the hallowed Dharma. Now, let’s minimize being two-faced regarding the Dharma.

(23) At times when people find fault with everything (we do), this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having belittled moral self-dignity and care for how our actions reflect on others. Now, let’s be shy with respect to uncivilized (behavior).

(24) At times when, as soon as we gather a circle, disagreements (arise), this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having peddled all around our bad ugly characters. Now, let’s act kindly toward anyone at all as our human characters.

(25) At times when all who are close rise up as our enemies, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having harbored inside us bad thoughts (about others). Now, let’s continually minimize our pretense and cunning.

(26) At times when we’re sick with consumption, tumors, or dropsy, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having had no morals and having commandeered religious offerings without caring. Now, let’s give up confiscating monastic property and the like.

(27) At times when, all of a sudden, infectious diseases strike our bodies, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having committed actions causing our spiritual bonds to decline. Now, let’s rid ourselves of destructive actions.

(28) At times when our intelligence becomes murky regarding everything knowable, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having made Dharma matters into things that are fit to be left to the side. Now, let’s habituate ourselves to discriminating awareness, such as from listening (to teachings) and the like.

(29) At times when sleep overwhelms us while practicing the Dharma, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having accumulated (acts of) defilement toward the hallowed Dharma. Now, for the sake of the Dharma, let’s practice what’s hard.

(30) At times when our mental wandering is great, delighting in disturbing emotions, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from not having meditated on impermanence and the drawbacks of samsara. Now, let’s maximize disgust with recurring samsara.

(31) At times when no matter how we do things, they go astray, never working out, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having made light of karma and behavioral cause and effect. Now, let’s make effort to build up positive karmic force.

(32) At times when the measure of our having performed rituals is that things work out contrary (to what we had wished), this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having placed our hopes and reliance on the side of black (magic). Now, let’s turn away from the side of black (magic).

(33) At times when our requests to the Three Precious Gems do not reach fulfillment, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from not having had confidence in the Buddhas. Now, let’s entrust ourselves exclusively to the Precious Gems.

(34) At times when superstition, strokes, and possession by harmful spirits befall us, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having built up negative force with respect to the tantric deities and mantras. Now, let’s destroy all our bad understandings.

(35) At times when we have to wander about, like people not under their own control, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having kicked out gurus and others from where they are staying. Now, let’s never expel (anyone) from any place.

(36) At times when unwished for things happen, like frost, hail, and the like, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from not having safeguarded properly the morality of our spiritual bonds. Now, let’s keep our spiritual bonds clean and so forth.

(37) At times when our desires are huge, but we’re poor in our wealth, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from not having made donations or offerings to the Supreme Gems. Now, let’s make efforts regarding offerings and donations.

(38) At times when our faces and bodies are ugly, and our circle insults us, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having made ugly images and disturbed (others) with our anger. Now, let’s make (beautiful images of) deities and be long-suffering in temperament.

(39) At times when, no matter how we try, attachment and anger upset us, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having stubbornly harbored unseemly bad streams of (self-centered) thought. Now, let’s pull out from the root (concepts of) a “true self” and a “true you.”

(40) At times when no matter what we practice, it does not reach its aim, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having held a bad outlook inside. Now, no matter what we’re doing, let’s make it something for the purposes of others.

(41) At times when, although we’ve performed constructive actions, our own mind-streams are untamed, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having gladly taken on grand ambitions for this life. Now, let’s hold tightly onto the wish for liberation.

(42) At times when, no sooner do we plan (to do something), we reconsider and regret it, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from running after those in lofty positions as our new friends, without caring how this reflects on our old ones. Now, let’s take care about how and with whom we make friends.

(43) At times when we ourselves have been swindled by others’ cunning, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from our selfish desire, arrogance, and greed having been great. Now, let’s minimize our trying to make profit off of anyone.

(44) At times when attachment or hostility have led us astray while listening or explaining, this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from not having thought about the demonic faults in our hearts. Now, let’s examine (these) adverse conditions and then rid ourselves of them.

(45) When everything good that we’ve done has elicited a bad (response), this is the sharp weapon of negative karma circling back on us from having counterbalanced in an opposite manner all our repayments of kindness. Now, let’s accept on the crown of our heads repaying kindness.

(46) In short, the strikings, like lightning on our heads, of (disasters) never wished for are the sharp weapons of negative karma circling back on us, like the murder of a sword smith by his own (fashioned) sword. Now, let’s take care about our negative deeds.

(47) Our experiences, as well, of sufferings in the worse rebirth states are the sharp weapons of negative karma circling back on us, like the murder of an arrow smith by his own (fashioned) arrow. Now, let’s take care about our negative deeds.

(48) And the strikings, too, like lightning on our heads, of the problems of family life are the sharp weapons of negative karma circling back on us, like the murder of parents by a son they have raised. Now, it would be fitting forever to go forth (as monastics).

(49) That really is the way that it is! So, I’ve caught the enemy! I’ve caught the thieving bandit, who laid in ambush and deceived me, the fraud who, disguised as “me,” then cheated me! Aha! This is grasping at a “true self!” There is no doubt!

(50) Now, (Yamantaka,) raise over your head the sharp weapon of your actions! Circle it three times round your head in a forceful way! Plant your two feet wide apart for the two truths! Glare with your eyes wide open for method and wisdom! Bare your fangs for the four forces, and pierce the foe!

(51) O King of Pure Awareness Mantras that torment the enemy, draw out the spoiler of our spiritual bonds, who brings to ruin ourselves and others – that vicious savage, called “The Demon of Grasping at a ‘True Self’” – who, causing us to get struck by the sharp weapons of karma, has been making us run through the jungle of samsara, without any control.

(52) Draw him out! Draw him out! Forceful Yamantaka! Batter him! Batter him! Pierce the enemy, a “true self,” right in the heart! Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(53) Hum! Hum! Produce miraculous emanations, o great Buddha-figure! Dzah! Dzah! Bind this enemy up tightly! Phat! Phat! Free us, I beseech you, from all our fetters! Slash! Slash! I beseech you, cut the knot of our grasping!

(54) Come here, fierce Yamantaka, you Buddha-figure! Pray burst, right now – pow! pow! – this bag of karma and five disturbing emotions of poison, which keeps us stuck in the swamp of samsaric acts.

(55) Though having brought on ourselves the sufferings of the three worse rebirth states, we rush toward their cause, not knowing to be alarmed. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(56) Our wish for happiness is enormous, yet we fail to build up a network of its causes. Our tolerance for unhappiness is little, yet our ambitious desires and greed are great. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(57) Our expectations for speedy success are high, yet our perseverance in spiritual practice is low. The projects we engage in are abounding, yet we never bring any of them to their end. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(58) Our new friendships are copious, yet the future of our concern and sincerity in them is short. Our longing for food is tremendous, yet our hard work goes toward striving to plunder or steal (for it). Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(59) We’re experts at flattery and indirect pressure, yet the gloom of our dispositions is thick. We’re hard-working to gather and accumulate (wealth), yet despite what we have, we stingily clutch it. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(60) What we’ve done for everyone is little, yet our boasting about our hardships is great. What we’ve been responsible for (accomplishing) is nothing, yet our imposing posture is grand. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(61) Our spiritual teachers are numerous, yet our ability to carry the load of our spiritual bonds is minute. Our disciples are abundant, yet it being time to nurture and help them is rare. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(62) Our spiritual promises are grand, yet our practice of helping (others) is tiny. Our spiritual renown is tremendous, yet when it’s examined, (even) worldly gods and demons would be ashamed. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(63) The extent of our listening (to teachings) is miniscule, yet our bragging and showing off with empty words is huge. The extent of our scriptural knowledge is tiny, yet, understanding nothing, we (pretend that we) understand a lot. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(64) Our circle (of followers) and attendants is vast, yet those who bear (in mind what we say) include none. The officials (we know) are plentiful, yet when we need backing and support, we’re bereft of protectors. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(65) Our status is lofty, yet our qualifications are less than those of a ghost. We’re (considered) great gurus, yet our attachment and anger are coarser than those of a demon. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(66) Our philosophical view is the highest, yet our conduct is worse than that of a dog. Our good qualities are abundant, yet we cast to the wind their (ethical) base. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(67) All our innermost longings, we keep (hidden) inside us. While all our affairs that have gone crooked, we blame on others, contrary to fact. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(68) We’ve clothed ourselves in robes of saffron, but then sought protection and refuge from ghosts. We’ve taken on vows (of ethical discipline), but then made our behavior comparable to that of a demon. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(69) Our joy and happiness have been provided by (entrusting ourselves to) the heavenly (Buddhas), but then we’ve made offerings to mischievous ghosts. Our guidance has been fashioned by the Dharma, but then we’ve deceived the Rare Supreme Gems. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(70) We’ve entrusted ourselves to monastic seclusion forever, but then we’ve been carried away by distractions. We’ve requested hallowed Dharma and the spiritual sciences, but then nurtured (others) with prognostications with dice. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(71) We’ve discarded our ethical discipline (as homeless monastics) – the path to liberation – and then grasped onto a home. We’ve thrown joy and happiness into the river, and then run after woes. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(72) We’ve discarded the ford (to cross) to liberation, and then wandered about to the ends of the earth. We’ve found precious human bodies, and then (used them to) accomplish (rebirth in) the joyless hell realms. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(73) We’ve set aside the special (benefits) that come about through the Dharma, and then tried to make profit through business transactions. We’ve set aside the Dharma schools of our gurus, and then wandered about the area of towns. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(74) We’ve set aside our own livelihood, and then stolen for our income. We’ve set aside the sustenance (inherited) from our parents, and then robbed it from others. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(75) Wow! Our fortitude for meditation is little, yet (we expect) our advanced awareness to be sharp. We’ve not taken the first step of the spiritual path, yet our legs are rushing after meaningless things. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(76) We’re given advice for our benefit, and then, with angry minds, take (the persons) as foes. We’re fooled by deceitful (flattery), and then, without a brain, we repay their kindness. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(77) We’re trusted as intimates (by others), and then reveal their innermost secrets to their foes. We’re befriended in goodwill, and then, without care for how it reflects on them, rob them of their inner strength and courage. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(78) Our short temper is perfect, yet our prejudices are coarser than those of anyone. We have difficulty in being friends, yet we continually arouse (others’) bad characters. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(79) When asked to do something (for others), we don’t listen, but rather covertly try to cause (them) harm. When we’re agreed with, we don’t bow (and accept), but rather distance ourselves and seek to argue on. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(80) We get mentally upset at (others’) advice, and then always have difficulty in being friends. Things that cause us offence are aplenty, yet our holding on (to them) is always tight. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(81) Our put-down of high ones is heavy; we hold holy beings to be our foes. Since our lust is enormous, we eagerly take on young people (as partners). Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(82) Since the future duration (of our friendship) is short, we cast off at a distance former friends. Since our new friendships are copious, we lay out before all of them empty promises of fun. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(83) Since we lack clairvoyance, we must readily accept deprecation for our lies. Since we have no compassion, we snatch away the trust (in us of others) in their hearts. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(84) Since our listening (to teachings) is negligible, we must scratch around and guess about everything. Since the extent of our scriptural knowledge is tiny, we generate distorted views about all. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(85) Since we’ve habituated ourselves to attachment and anger, we berate all our opponents. Since we’ve habituated ourselves to jealousy, we libel and discredit others. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(86) We haven’t made proper studies, and so we’re dismissive of the vast (teachings). We haven’t entrusted ourselves to gurus, and so we berate their oral transmission. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(87) We can’t explain The Three Baskets, and so we feign (teachings) that we have made up. We haven’t gained mastery through (genuine) pure visions, and so the gauge (for the authenticity) of our discourse is that we speak, reprimanding. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(88) Toward non-Dharmic actions, we don’t make any censure. But toward all excellent explanations (of the Dharma), we spout forth with insult. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(89) Toward situations to be ashamed of, we don’t hold any shame. But toward what isn’t to be ashamed of, we distortedly hold them as shameful things. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(90) What’s proper to have been done, we don’t do even once. But what’s not fitting to be done, we do them all. Crash, really crash down, right on the head of (this) ruinous concept! Deal the death blow to the heart of this butcher, a “true self,” our foe.

(91) (O Yamantaka), endowed with a Blissfully Gone (Buddha’s) Dharmakaya, destroyer of the demon, the view of a “true self” – oh, wow – (o you,) with strength and force, and possessing a skull-headed bludgeon – the sharp weapon of your actions of no “true self” – circle it three times round your head, with no indecision.

(92) We beseech you, free us from this enemy, with your great ferocious force! We beseech you, smash this bad thought, with your great discriminating awareness! We beseech you, protect us from karma, with your great compassion! We beseech you, demolish (this) “true self,” once and for all!

(93) As much suffering that there is in samsaric beings, heap it, definitely, I beseech you, on my grasping at a “true self!” As much of the five poisonous disturbing emotions that there are in anyone, heap it, definitely, I beseech you, on this one, who’s the same class!

(94) Although we’ve identified, through reason, beyond any doubt, the root of our faults, like this, barring none, if you can expose (any part of us that’s) still taking its side, we beseech you, demolish that very one who’s taking it!

(95) Now, having placed all the blame on one thing, let’s meditate strongly on kindness toward all beings. Having taken on our own mind-streams what others never wished for, let’s dedicate to every wandering being the roots from our constructive acts.

(96) By having taken on ourselves, like that, (the negative consequences) of what others have done over the three times through their three gateways (of action), may the disturbing emotions be transformed into aids for enlightenment, like peacocks having radiant color through (feeding on) poisonous plants.

(97) And by having given to wandering beings the roots from our constructive acts, and, like curing with medicine crows who have eaten poisonous plants, having saved (then) the life of liberation for all beings, may they quickly attain Blissfully Gone Buddhahood.

(98) Till the time when we and all who have been our fathers and mothers attain enlightenment in Akanishta, the Realm Beneath None, may we mutually (help) one another to uphold but one mind ( – the bodhichitta aim – ) although, through our karma, we may roam through the six wandering states of samsara.

(99) During that time, when we’ve undertaken to enter the three worse rebirth states, even for the sake of a single wandering being, may we lead out of the sufferings of the worse rebirth states (everyone there), never letting our great bodhisattva behavior decline.

(100) As soon as (we’ve landed there), may the guardians of the joyless hell realms come to recognize us as their gurus. May even the (rain of) sharp weapons turn into a shower of flowers, and may peace and happiness flourish, with there being no more harm.

(101) Then, when even those in the worse rebirth states have attained advanced awareness and retention power (for the Dharma), and, having taken on heavenly or human bodies, they’ve developed bodhichitta, may they repay, with their Dharma (practice), the kindness received from us. May they entrust themselves (to us), having taken us as their gurus.

(102) At that time, may all wandering beings in higher status rebirths as well, having meditated supremely on no “true self” (of all things), similar to that regarding the “true self” (of persons), then meditate with absorbed concentration, nonconceptually, on the equal nature of compulsive samsara and tranquil nirvana. And may they recognize themselves as being in this equal nature.

(103) If we’ve done like that, this enemy will be destroyed. If we’ve done like that, the concept (of it) will be destroyed. Having meditated on no “true self,” with nonconceptual deep awareness, how could we not have attained the causes for the effect: a Buddha’s Form Body?

(104) Hey, those like me! All of those are things that dependently arise, and what relies on dependently arising cannot be self-supporting. Changing into that over there and changing into this over here, their false appearances are an illusion. They are reflections that (merely) appear, like a whirling firebrand.

(105) Like a plantain tree, our life force has no core. Like a bubble, our life span (too) has no core. Like a fog, having descended, they’re things that disperse. Like a mirage, they’re things that are beautiful (just) from afar.

(106) Like reflections in a mirror, they seem so real, so real. Like a cloud or a mist on a mountain, they seem to stay and to stay.

(107) This butcher, a “true self,” the enemy, is like that. Seeming like it exists and exists, it never has existed at all. Seeming like it is true and true, it’s never been experienced as true anywhere. Seeming like it appears and appears, it’s beyond being an object that can be added or taken away.

(108) Whatever sharp weapons of karma that that (butcher) possesses, although they, too, lack self-establishing natures, like this (enemy) does, they dawn like the reflection of the moon in a full cup of water. These karmic causes and effects are assorted displays that are false, yet, while being mere appearances, hey, I tell you, “We must accept and reject (the appropriate actions).”

(109) When, in the dream world, there blazes an eon-ending fire, though it lacks a self-establishing nature, yet we’re still terrified. Likewise, though what occurs in the joyless hell realms and the like lack self-establishing natures, yet because of fear of being boiled, burned, and so forth, we need to abandon (their karmic cause).

(110) When we’re delirious with a fever, even though there’s no darkness, (we feel like) we’re passing into a deep, long cavern and suffocating. Likewise, although unawareness and so on lack self-establishing natures, we must clear away their delirium with the three types of discriminating awareness.

(111) When musicians are playing a beautiful song, and we analyze, there’s no self-establishing nature of the sound. Yet when we don’t analyze, a melodious sound, which is an accumulation, has been produced and then has relieved the torment in people’s minds. Similarly,

(112) When we thoroughly analyze karmic cause and effect, although they lack self-establishing natures as being the same or as being different, yet, seemingly appearing and appearing, phenomena are made to arise and perish. And seemingly existing and existing, we experience various (things) arising and perishing. Yet, while being mere appearances, hey, I tell you, “We must accept and reject (the appropriate actions).”

(113) When a vase has been filled by drops of water, the vase wasn’t filled by the first drop, and likewise not by each (of the others) – the last one and so on. But rather the vase is full through a dependently arisen accumulation. Similarly,

(114) When we experience any happiness or suffering as a karmic result, it isn’t by means of the first instance of its cause, and it isn’t by means of the last instance and so forth. We experience happiness and suffering through a dependently arisen accumulation. Yet, while being mere appearances, hey, I tell you, “We must accept and reject (the appropriate actions).”

(115) Wow! These appearances of pleasant things which, unexamined (seem to exist as if) all alone, have no core, and yet these things (still) appear as if truly existing! That’s profound! But, it’s difficult for the lesser-minded to see.

(116) Yet now, when we totally absorb on this (voidness), what is there even that is definitely merely appearing? What is there that is existent (at all)? What is there that’s even nonexistent? What is there anywhere that can be asserted as existence or nonexistence?

(117) But if we place our intelligence, without any contriving, serenely in its primordial state, which doesn’t contain objects and what have those objects (both) having actual true natures, and which is parted from all accepting and rejecting and parted from mental fabrication, we shall become great beings.

(118) By practicing conventional bodhichitta and deepest bodhichitta like that, and bringing to completion, without interruption, our buildup of the two enlightening networks, may we attain the splendor (of enlightenment, fulfilling) the two aims.

(Colophon:)

In a jungle retreat where various fearsome beasts of prey roamed, Dharmarakshita, a great yogi (endowed with) scriptural knowledge, logic, and realization, composed (this text) called “The Throwing Star Weapon, Striking the Vital Point of the Foe” in accord with the words of his hallowed gurus. Then he practiced it in that fearsome jungle retreat during his degenerate age.

He imparted it to Atisha, and then Atisha, as well, practiced it, never just partially in this direction or that, in order to tame the many limited beings that were difficult to tame. When he developed realization, he proclaimed these verses in fact:

When I abandoned royalty and practiced difficult austerities, I built up the positive force so that I was able to meet my superlative guru. In showing me this nectar-like teaching, he conferred upon me the power of the Dharma. Having obtained an opponent for the present day (problems), I committed it to memory.

When, having spread my intelligence out and studied all around, without being partisan toward any system, although I saw fathomless wonders (in all of them), this teaching (in particular) has brought benefit in these degenerate times.

From among the many unimaginable disciples he had in India and Tibet, Atisha imparted this teaching to Upasaka Dromtonpa – who had been prophesied by fathomless Buddha-figures, such as the Vanquishing Lady Tara, to be their most fitting vessel – so that it could tame the uncivilized disciples of remote Tibet. The triumphant fatherly (Atisha) and his spiritual son (Dromtonpa) themselves served as the pandit teacher and translator for it.

[nuttyrabbit]

So it’s been a while since I posted Gambit’s bio, and I think it’s about time I started posting bios for my other characters, don’t you? 

This is Frost the Snow Leopard, and next to Gambit, he’s the character I’m the most proud of out of all the characters I’ve made. He’s also the one I’ve put the most amount of work into when taking into account both the character and everything surrounding him.

But this wasn’t something I did on my own.  Huge, HUGE shoutouts to my best friend @pidgeonspen who not only helped make Frost’s initial design, but also did his redesign, did this entire beautiful ref sheet, helped me figure out a lot of character stuff and of course, helped me with the bio. 

Speaking of the bio, let’s get right into it! Everything is below the readmore 

Age: 30

Occupation: Self-proclaimed Emperor of Osakiru 

Personality: Cold, calculating, driven and authoritative - these are but some of the  words that can describe Frost. 

His immaculate ability to inspire both the best and the worst in those around him is drawn from his ambition, his driving ideals of both strength and self, and his sheer intensity.  He is a skilled manipulator, able to easily influence those around him into fighting for his cause using a his natural inclinations towards both strategy and diplomacy.  Frost is a very pragmatic individual, often making decisions based off of what he feels is objectively the “best” for both his country and himself.  He is not someone who angers quickly, nor is he someone who will resort to violence unless he deems it necessary. However, if he feels he needs to, he will use the threat of violence to get his subordinates in line, and more often than not, he will use both fear and violence to subjugate those that dare to resist, justifying it under the guise of a “greater good”

He also possesses a keen insight which allows him to quickly and easily derive information about people, places, and situations that he then uses to his advantage. 

Skills: As his name implies, Frost can control ice; he employs his power both offensively and defensively, and to great effect. However, this power does not come freely. The sheer cold he produces takes quite an extensive toll on his body, and  using it for too long can have detrimental - possibly even permanent- effects on his body. because of this , Frost has had to spend most of his life learning to control this power, with him only recently having found a way to do so. While he can now control his power without actively concentrating on it, it still poses a huge risk to him. As a result,  in combat Frost  only uses his powers when he absolutely needs to, instead usually falling back on both his swordsmanship and hand to hand combat skills instead.  Since he has had little to no formal training in either, he’s instead self-taught,  spending hours upon hours studying and training himself, with the end result  being a fighting style he can truly call his own.  When it comes to his swordsmanship, his focus is primarily on quick, precise sword slashes  that dispatch foes quickly . His hand-to-hand style is one that is  heavily counter-focused , taking advantage of  openings with hard-hitting, precise strikes.  When he is forced to use his powers however, he usually channels them through his katana, minimizing the toll his powers take on  his body, and boosting the power and range of his strikes

Hobbies: Training is Frost’s main hobby, and one he takes very seriously. Reading- While Frost places great value on the importance of honing ones’ physical strength, he places just as much importance on the strengthening of ones’ mind, and as such, he is an avid reader. If he is not in his personal dojo, he can often be found in his study, perusing the many books he has acquired via his conquest or otherwise.   While he occasionally dips his toes into the realm of fiction, his preferences lie in the realms of history and philosophy, both spritual and practical.  Mental challenges-  In the same vein as his love of reading, Frost has recently taken to occasionally indulging in mental exercises in an attempt to truly stimulate his mind.  Games such as Sudoku, Shogi, and even Risk are ones he not only enjoys on the rare occasion he gets to play them, but ones he is also extremely good at, since they play to his strengths.  Meditation-  This is less so a hobby and moreso a problem solving technique Frost has found useful.  Whenever he needs to figure out the solution to a complicated issue, he will often sit in silent meditation  to clear his mind so he can come to what he feels is the perfect solution.  

Likes: The pursuit of strength, seafood (In particular lobster and salmon), reading, comfortable silence, mental exercises/problem solving of any kind, clothing (Suits and jackets in particular. He gets them custom made), order/control,  sake, and hot baths/saunas (he finds them relaxing)

Dislikes: Disorder, insubordination, cowardice, excessive heat, “talking heads” shows,   sweet foods and drinks, and excessive noise (He can handle it he just dislikes it) 

Flaws: Frost’s cold, calculating worldview ultimately leads him to see people less as individuals to be treated with respect and more as tools to be used to reach whatever ends he desires.  While Frost is an excellent strategist, his plans tend to be rather complex in both scope and execution, requiring many moving parts to work in tandem. As a result, his plans can fall apart if exposed to an overly chaotic element, albeit there is usually a slight margin of error there anyways.

Backstory:  From the very start, Frost’s life was marked by constant struggle, in part due to his powers. When his gelid powers began to manifest in his early childhood, Frost needed help to survive - his powers would begin freezing him to death lest his body temperature was regulated. As he lived in poverty, the most viable option came in the form of quite literally boiling water for baths at regular intervals in an attempt to keep him from freezing himself over.  Unfortunately, these powers  had a tendency to attract attention - something his family truly didn’t need nor want, living in squalor among one of the most crime-ridden parts of the country. 

      Frost’s father himself was a low-ranking thug in the local yakuza, while his mother stayed at home, looking after Frost – and over her shoulder constantly.  Frost’s parents demanded Frost “keep [his] head down and don’t draw attention.”; and for a long time, he did just that. But try as he might to “blend into the background” as his parents wanted, his inability to control his power continually drew attention to him, often leaving him ostracized and sometimes even harassed by his peers. Even his older brother was of no use, instead content to follow in his father’s footsteps and pretend all was well, also desperate not to make a “fuss” as it were, the few times he stood up for the young leopard ultimately making little difference..

      Alone, living in absolute filth, burdened with powers he could not control, the young Frost was miserable, and he constantly hoped and prayed that things would change, that he wouldn’t have to live like this, that things would just somehow get better. But those prayers would never be answered, and for a long time it seemed like there was no way out for Frost–until he found it.  One day, while enduring yet another round of harassment from his peers, something in Frost just *snapped*. For the first time in his life, he truly unleashed his power and froze his tormentors solid.  The incident quickly drew unwanted attention, resulting in his father pulling him out of the school to prevent any further mishaps, desperately hoping things would blow over and return to normal.  But they never would, for Frost had learned a very valuable lesson: the power of fear.  

       The faces of those around him - frozen in fear, their hands trembling, their jaws slackened - desperately backing away from him, in what seemed like pure terror, told him everything he needed to know.  But perhaps almost as telling was his father’s solution to this issue;  instead of trying to figure out how things had gotten to this point, he had simply chosen to keep quiet, too worried about “making a fuss”, perfectly content to let things go on as they always did. And when Frost had finally snapped after years of torment, his father’s solution was to simply hide him away, trying to wait for things to go back to normal.   In fact, when Frost thought about it,  that is what everyone else had done all this time. They were content to simply let things go on as they always had, too worried about causing a fuss or shaking up the “status quo”, too concerned with saving themselves above all else . That is when Frost realized something: if he truly wanted to improve his situation, he would have to be the one to do it; him and no one else.

     Yet despite these revelations, Frost was still very much at a loss as to what to do: He knew that he was the only person who could improve his situation, but he was still at a loss as to the how. He knew fear would be an effective tool in reaching those ends, but he was still at a loss as to what those ends even were, much less how he would even use it effectively.  But as fate would have it, he would not find his answers in the present, but the past.  Stuck in his own home with no recourse, Frost stumbled upon a dusty, nearly tattered book on his father’s bookshelf.   The book itself told the tales of great kings and empires gone by, of men turned myth, who were respected, beloved, and most of all, *feared*.  But that alone was not enough to give Frost the direction he needed. It was only when he began to pay attention to the news, to the state of his country, that it all came together. It struck him with a revelation: it wasn’t just his parents or his teachers or the adults around him that were complacent and fearful of change, it was the entire country. The entire country was just as stagnant, squalid, and content to lie in its own filth as the small corner he was forced to call home.  Those in power - the formal Osakiran government, and the Yakuza syndicates that held the leash, were far too weak, too complacent with their comfortable lives to bring the change the country needed. It brought to mind those emperors of old Frost had read about; men who rose to power, uplifting and uniting their people all the while. Not like the privileged cowards who ruled now… and that’s when Frost realized what it would take to salvage both himself and  Osakiru, what separated the historical rulers from the present: strength.  Osakiru would need someone who was truly strong not just in body, but mind and will as well.  And it was then that Frost realized that he and only he could become that man.  He would have to dispose the feeble cowards and take their place at the top, not just for himself, but everyone else.

       Frost knew what he had to do now, and he was already training both his mind and body in preparation for the task to come. All he needed was an opportunity, and one such opportunity would soon make itself known.  One day, the syndicate Frost’s father had spent his life working for finally came for him, punishing him for one mistake too many, dumping his fetid corpse onto the street for all to see. All, including Frost and what was left of his family.  His brother, seeing the very clear writing on the wall, decided to flee the country, attempting to take both Frost and his mother with him to safety. But despite the pleading of both his mother and brother, calling his actions “suicide”, Frost would not flee. He knew what he had to do, the image of his father’s corpse only cementing into his mind his mission.  And so they fled, leaving Frost alone, and it was then that Frost, not even an adult yet at the age of 17, pledged himself into the service of the very syndicate that had taken his father’s life, seeing the path to the top through them

      Frost began his climb to the top then and there. Despite the many mistakes he made in those formative years, which  showed themselves through bruises, scars, and even a missing finger, Frost pressed on, pushing himself to become the *best*. He trained his body, his mind, his *will* to the point where he could not take any more, yet he kept going, pushing himself to greater and greater heights, modeling himself after the very rulers he had read about all those years ago, all in an effort to be the very image of strength he knew he had to be. His efforts  would not go unnoticed, and within a few years, Frost found himself to be the 2nd in command of the entire syndicate.  But this was not enough, and Frost knew this, and soon enough he struck down the patriarch, and took the entire syndicate for himself, as well as the thing that would come to be Frost’s trademark: his katana.  Though it was merely a talking piece hung on the wall of the patriarch’s office, Frost would make the blade his own, a true extension of himself in every sense of the word.

       From here on, Frost would truly begin his conquest of Osakiru and one by one, the other yakuza syndicates fell to Frost, surrendering their power, their influence, and most of all, their resources.  As Frost’s reach grew, so did his numbers, whether it be through assimilating the other syndicates or people joining his ranks of their own volition. Four individuals in particular, all of whom Frost saw untapped potential in and who saw in Frost the key to their own salvation, would come to make up his inner circle, soon to be known as the Black Lotus.

      Eventually, the last of the syndicates fell to Frost’s forces. Now, all that was left to do was to overthrow the formal government. At this point, they knew that  Frost was on his way, and that it was too late to stop him; they were outmatched, outplayed, and ultimately overwhelmed.  When his icy blade ripped through the Prime Minister’s chest, spilling crimson onto the steps of Osakiru’s Capitol Building, it marked the final, bloody conclusion of Frost’s 11 year conquest.  No longer would Osakiru be ruled by yakuza thugs or ineffectual Prime Ministers.  Now it would be ruled by an *emperor*, one who would bring Osakiru into a new golden age.

       Despite the success of his initial conquest, Frost knew the real work had only just begun; there was no time for celebration, and he quickly got to work imposing his will unto the country. He cleaned the streets,  both figuratively and literally, reorganizing the pathetic OSDF into a true army, and created a new police force to unflinchingly carry out his will and being the emperor’s eyes and ears. He knew that in order to secure his vision, sacrifices would have to be made, and so he quickly consolidated all of Osakiru’s media under a single banner in a bid to suppress any thought of rebellion, and to push his ideology onto the people. Schools suffered the same, their curriculum changed to emphasize nationalistic pride and personal achievement. Every able-bodied adult was put to work under his rule, for the betterment of economy and to aid in building his ideal nation.  Among the first orders of business was renovating the decrepit palace to fit Frost’s vision, a symbol of his immense power and of the dynasties he sought to emulate. He made sure that no matter where you were in Osakiru, his presence was *felt*.  He became at once the most beloved figure in all of Osakiru and the one everyone feared the most.  

         Two years later, and Frost continues to rule Osakiru with an iron fist, still seeking new ways to develop and strengthen both his country and himself. One of his latest approaches involves seeking new, diplomatic relationships with powerful allies, such as the Kingdom of Acorn and G.U.N., hoping for both an economic partnership and one to strengthen defenses against the likes of Dr. Eggman - the one factor that keeps Frost from expanding Osakiru’s territory. With his sights set southward to Osakiru’s historical rival, Chun-nan, Frost knows it’s simply a matter of time. Eventually, the opportunity will rise, and Frost happens to be a very patient man.

[tarralin]

Inhibitions

Fox Hunt, Chapter Five

(Board gifted by @under-sengoku-skies)

Thank You @rainyluneotome and @aromantic-misguide-to-romance for beta and proof reading!

Enjoy!

~*~

She hadn’t known what she was looking for as she kept scanning the party until her eyes locked with his and her blood had been replaced with the sweetest fire. No. She was wrong. She knew exactly what she was looking for.

She was moving. Her feet were carrying her across the square like the proverbial moth drawn to its fatal flame. Step by step, past the gathered patrons until she was nestled in the epicenter of dancing townsfolk. Typically, she avoided crowds like the plague-- unless they benefited her missions-- but right now she had the aid of liquid courage on her side and paid no mind to the writhing bodies around her.

And he met her in the middle.

“Find what you were looking for, Dearest?”

Oh, that voice should be illegal… The strained question rumbled from his chest an octave lower than the normal intonation he portrayed. And what did he mean, anyway? Had he been watching her?

She found her answer in his golden gaze and knowing smirk. Of course he watched her, and the knowledge only seemed to stoke the flares in her veins to blazes. The same blazes she’d felt roar to life countless times over the last few days when his eyes found her, always finding her even when he himself didn’t seem to know what he was looking for.

“I was going to ask the same of you,” MC smirked back proudly, as Mitsuhide’s eyes narrowed to cunning slits as if he were trying to peer through to her center. She was certain this was the look that usually gained him results from prisoners and spies. When thrown her way, however, the only effects were delicious shivers reverberating to her toes.

“I always find what I seek.”

“And what, exactly, are you seeking right now?”

He simply raised his hand in the same manner Nobunaga, Masamune, and even Hideyoshi had when they asked her to dance. Theirs had been a friendly dance between comrades, but Mitsuhide had the devilish curl to his lips that clearly marked this as a challenge… or a trap.

He knows by now I won’t back down from a challenge… She stared at his offered hand for a long moment before examining his eyes once more, almost losing herself in the swirling, honey dark depths.

Well, at least I’ll enjoy the trap.

~*~

Nobunaga grinned to himself as he sipped his new cup of sake. Not even Hideyoshi’s admonitions would dampen tonight's success.

Mitsuhide had been distracted to the point of Mitsunari noticing and that was a problem he could not afford, but could not figure out the root cause of…

That was until the last war council.

Once again, he was distracted through most of the meeting. Only when dinner was served did he revert to a semblance of normalcy, and that was the tipoff Nobunaga needed, considering that Mitsuhide did not find food exciting.

MC was accompanied by two maids as they wheeled in a cart and began dispersing prepared dinner bowls. She delivered his and Mitsuhide’s and continued about the room, ensuring the warlords lacked for nothing. Slyly, Nobunaga watched Mitsuhide as his eyes kept returning to Azuchi's little fireball.

Well, this is interesting.

Nobunaga orchestrated a game of sorts over the next few days, ensuring MC had plenty of letters to deliver to the troop camp on rifle days, or summoning Mitsuhide to lunch just to cancel and send her in his stead. Like a game of Go, he continuously manipulated several pieces to guarantee those two found themselves in the same place, at the same time.

Yet, despite his attempts and plans, the truest sign of progress came by chance. Just a simple line of conversation heard in passing that morning, leading to the scramble of activity for this last-minute festival.

And as her good luck would have it, he’d finally managed to set the little fireball right where Mitsuhide could no longer ignore her. Nobunaga grinned again as he watched the duo slip away from the crowd and disappear in to the shadows.

It was a good night.

~*~

They almost didn’t make it to her room but after being kissed breathless against the wall for the third separate time, she really didn’t care if they made it or not. Modesty be damned.

Now, safely hidden away behind her door, one hand fisted around his necklace to keep his lips in place on hers. The other pushed away the lapels of his yukata to expose that glorious expanse of skin, the time spent on battlefields and in dungeons coalescing before her eyes.

She had known he was the Dungeon Master for reasons very few seemed privy to and those who were remained remarkably tight lipped upon her questioning. Only that he was the most experienced. First hand experience it appears. The slender triangle of skin that taunted her during the day appeared to be the only untouched swath on him as scars of varying depths and age crisscrossed along his torso, descending out of view over the ridge of defined shoulders.

Magnificent.

Oh… forget the voice, your clothing should be outlawed!

Strong fingers framed her jaw and pulled her focus to his and she mentally slapped herself. “I’m sorry, I didn’t--”

“Don't be,” he hissed, sending more delicious shivers through her core as his gaze bore into hers. “I see no pity in your eyes and, must say, I quite enjoy that look on you.”

Ah. Pity… how she so despised that look in people's eyes. Worse, still, when it infected the careful glances of friends. Physical torment was painful enough to survive, but coupled with the ‘well meaning attention’ of others and it became a never ending reminder that loved ones would now only see a broken individual. Does anyone know just how much this man has truly suffered?

Mimicking his actions, MC gripped his chin in her hands and stared into the golden pools before her. “Only fools pity survivors their scars, Mitsuhide… and you should never kowtow to fools.”

She realized belatedly just how rushed their kisses were before when driven by desperation to quench the building blazes between them. She had ignored how his hands cradled her as if she were fine china that could shatter under his touch. How she had overlooked the raging inferno burning within him while absorbed in her own need. And she had most definitely missed how his lips tasted. Now, as her tongue danced with his, the burn of sake mingled with the sweetness of cinnamon from the party rolls. Whiffs of spent gunpowder tickled her nose as he pulled her flush against him, once again trapping her against the wall and a strange sense of belonging enveloped her as he pinned his forehead to hers--

“Eyes like that… makes leaving infinitely more difficult.”

--And then it was gone.

Slowly, Mitsuhide pushed away from the wall as deafening silence filled the growing distance.

“Wait…what?” It took her far longer than she would have liked to collect her thoughts with the remaining threads of desire holding her captive. Leaving? This was her room, she wasn’t going anywhere… A painful groan ripped from her throat when he shrugged his yukata back onto his shoulders.

His fingers caressed her jaw softly once more. “Ah, Dearest, there really is nothing else I’d rather be occupied with--”

“Then--”

“Not tonight, not like this. As much as I’ve enjoyed seeing you without your usual inhibitions, you've had far too much sake to be thinking clearly.” His lips brushed so lightly across her brow she almost thought she imagined it.

And then he disappeared through her door.

Well… Damn. Sinking to the floor, MC couldn’t help her growing grin. Why'd you have to go and earn my respect like that?

Who would have thought the one most feared by town was one of the most honorable?

~~*~~*~~

‘Only fools pity survivors their scars and you should never kowtow to fools.’

-Vlad. “Twice Tempted: A Night Prince Novel” by Jeanine Frost