#masa being off-center pains me

[realgraps]

[viadescioism]

Dictionary of the Ravens of antimony as of 7/5/2019

Ravens:

LUST (E) | [eh] /ɛ/ as the “e” in “met.”

PASSION (U) | [oo] as the “oo” in “boot.”

DEVOTION (Æ)(A') | [Ay] as the "ay" in "May"

PREJUDICE (TA) | [Tah] as the "tɑ" in "taco"

ANGER (HA) | [Hah] as the "ho" in "holiday"

MISUNDERSTANDING (RA) | [Rah] as the "ro" in "roger"

SKILL (A) | [Ah] /ɑ/ as the “a” in “father.” as the “a” in “father.”

MIGHT (I) | [Ee] as the “ee” in “meet.”

ASCENDANCY (O) | [Oh] as the “o” in “boat.”

CHAOS (KA) | [Kah] as the “ca” in “cake.”

PANIC (ȜA) (Gha)| [Ghah] as the “ga” in "saga"

HORROR (þA) (Tha) | [Thah] as the “tha” in "thalamus"

DARK (SA) | [Sah] as the “so” in "soccer"

CONNECTION (LA) | [Lah] as the “la” in “lava”

LIGHT (MA) | [Mah] as the "mo" in "mother"

WISDOM (AR) | [Ar] as the “ar” in “car.”

KNOWLEDGE (JA) | [Jah] as the “jo” in “jogger"

LOGIC (NA) | [Nah] as the “no” in “not”

BINDING (BA) | [Bah] as the “bo” in “bottle”

WARDING (GA) | [Gah] as the “go” in “goggles”

PROTECTION (CA) | [Cah] as the “co” in “combat"

INSANITY (ZA) | [Zah] as the “zo” in “zombie"

ILLUSION (QA) | [Qah]

FANTASY (FA) | [Fah] as the “fa” in “father.”

ENERGY (KNA) | [Knah]

LIFE (SKA) | [Skah]

HEALTH (SHA) | [Shah]

CORRUPTION (ACK) | [Ack] as the “ɑck” in “blɑck”

DEATH (ABT) | [Abt]

BANISHMENT (ARD) | [Ard] as the “ard” in “card”

PAIN (PA) | [Pah] as the “po” in “potter”

EXPERIENCE (DA) | [Dah] as the “do” in “dodge”

ENLIGHTENMENT (XA) | [Ksah]

UNKNOWN (YA) | [Yah] as the “ya” in “Yarn'

RELEASE (VA) |  [Vah] as the “vo” in “vowel'

REBIRTH (WA) | [Wah] as the “wa” in “water”

Syntax:

Subject then Verb then Object (SVO)

Head then Initial

Noun then Adjective

Preposition then Noun

Possessee then Possessor

Noun then Honorific

Auxiliary then Verb

Configurations then State

The two configurations:

Projective, yang, masculine, Damakna = Dama

Receptive, yin, feminine, Dasakna = Dasa

The five states of the Ravens of antimony language:

Intention of hostility, aggression, and power = Uknaoxava

Intention of love, calm, and emotions = Shaknaoxava

Intention of logic, good communication, and inspiration = Naknaoxava

Intention of groundedness, sternness, and nurturing = Daknaoxava

Intention of great spiritual understanding, religious zeal, and divine unity = Skaknaoxava

Modifying words:

Plural  = "Ona" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Used like the -ing  = "Vada" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Possession ('s) =  "Iba" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Past tense = "Jaskadala" add this word at the beginning of the statement in order to change its tense.

Present tense = "Daskadala" add this word at the beginning of the statement in order to change its tense.

Future tense = "Yaskadala" add this word at the beginning of the statement in order to change its tense.

Prefix of -er = "Owa" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Prefix of -est = "Oxa" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Prefix that increases the power and energy of the word it is connected to used like the word "very" = "Aiokna" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Weakening of meaning, and sort of representing = "Oacki"

Indicates a question = "Oya"

Word that modifies the word before to make it a number = "Onakna"

Modifying word that changes nouns to the opposite = "Opawa"

Modifying word that changes nouns to the cute form ="Oshasha"

Modifying word that changes nouns to adjective or adverb form = "Oqaja"

Modifying word that changes adjectives to nouns form = "Oqata"

Word that releases energy at the end of a statements ‘so be it.’ = "Skaar"

Honorifics:

Lord, boss, Authority = Omabala

Worker, peasant, underling = Osabala

Master, teacher = Vaarla

Enlightened Being, ascended master = Yamasala

Student = Xajala

Non-binary sir = Dalala

Noun:

Genesis = Oxakna

Theós = Damakna

Theá = Dasakna

Ouranios Ethos = Madaqa

Agora Ethos = Ladaqa

Chthonic Ethos = Sadaqa

Andros = Uknayamasa

Sophizo = Shaknayamasa

Iaomai = Naknayamasa

Pharmakeia = Daknayamasa

Apotheosis = Xaoxa

Philosophia = Najaar

Eudaimonia = Umao

Philotimon = A'jau

Isoropia = Laarda

Sophrosyne = Tau

Eleutheria = Vadaska

Humility = Davaabt

Agapi = Xa'ua'

Stoicism = Abtgha

Physical plane = Dacada

Etheric plane = Shacada

Astral plane = Nacada

Mental plane = Ucada

Causal plane = Sacada

Akashic plane = Lacada

Buddhic plane = Macada

Atmic plane = Dasacada

monadic plane = Damacada

Adi Plane = Oxaknacada

"Name for the dot that makes space in between words." = Arlaar

"Name for colon that acts as a period at the end of a sentence." = Laabt

"Name for question mark." = Layaja

"Name for exclamation mark." = Laola

Force field, and protective energy = Cakna

Ravens of antimony aspects = Okna

Ravens of antimony  Sub aspects = Akna

Antimony = Xadakna

Sun = Ouknadakna

Moon = Oshaknadakna

Name = Skadaja

Help = Wadama

Abundance = Maoo

Alligator = Arskasasa

Ant = Arskakapa

Dear = Arskaiu

Badger = Arskaha

Bee = Arskaa

Camel = Arskahama

Cat = Arskaga

Cheetah = Arskahaa

Chicken = Arskabaskaka

Cow = Arskaba

Crocodile = Arskamama

Deer = Arskaa'

Dog = Arskau

Dolphin = Arskaosha

Duck = Arskavasha

Eagle = Arskavava

Elephant = Arskaua'

Fly = Arskaabt

Fox = Arskaaka

Frog = Arskaza

Giraffe = Arskao

Goat = Arskabada

Goldfish = Arskabasha

Hamster = Arska

Hippopotamus = Arskauu

Horse = Arskababaska

Human = Arskapadaxa

Kangaroo = Arskakaka

Lion = Arskauma

Lobster = Arskashaca

Monkey = Arskapadaxaqa

Octopus = Arskana

Owl = Arskaar

Panda = Arskara

Pig = Arskabaska

Rabbit = Arskae

Rat = Arskanana

Scorpion = Arskakapaha

Seal = Arskaskasha

Shark =  Arskashai

Sheep = Arskaska

Snail = Arskaca

Snake = Arskagha

Spider = Arskatha

Squirrel = Arska

Tiger =  Arskai

Turtle = Arskacaca

Wolf = Arskama

Zebra =  Arskasalama

Yes = Mava

No = Sava

Hello = Labadaska

Goodbye = Dava

Good morning = Tamama

Good afternoon = Tamala

Good evening = Tamasa

Welcome = Mabava

Good = Tama

Evil = Tasa

Time = Qadanakna

Magick = Knaxaja

Magic = Faknaxaja

Language = Laja

Person = Arskaxa

Animal = Arska

Raven = Arskasa

Sigil = Laqa

Text = Laqalaja

Book = Jalaqalaja

Box = Skaqaba

Lesson = Java

Element = Ushanadaskakna

Fire = Ukna

Water = Shakna

Air = Nakna

Earth = Dakna

Spirit = Skakna

Space = Skaknaya

Void =  Skaknayaack

Symbol = Daknalaqa

Mind = Skaskaarkna

Body = Skaskadakna

Soul =  Skaknao

Thought = Skaskaarknava

Individual = Skaska

Door = Daknaga

Doors = Daknagao

Build = Daknabagaca

Home = Daknabaskaca

Reincarnation = Abtwa

Action = Vadada

Terrestrial body = Odakna

Planet = Odakna

Number = Nakna

Library = Jalaqalajadaknabagaca

Sense = lada

Past = Jaskada

Present, Now, Here = Daskada

Future = Yaskada

Abomination = Sakaackyatha

Place = Daskada

Like = Mala

Secret = Naya

Next = Wava

Want = Baa'

Information = Naja

Release = Va

Focus = Taa'

God = Masa

Goddess = Sama

Deity = Yamasa

Northwest = Xaa'skaknaya

North = Xaskaknaya

Northeast  Xaoskaknaya

East = Oskaknaya

Southeast = Yaoskaknaya

South = Yaskaknaya

Southwest  = Yaa'skaknaya

West = A'skaknaya

Day = mama

Night = Sasa

Sunday =  Skamama

Monday = Knamama

Tuesday = Imama

Wednesday = Namama

Thursday = Omama

Friday = Umama

Saturday = Amama

Spring = Shaqadanakna

Summer = Skaqadanakna

Autumn = Ardqadanakna

Winter = Abtqadanakna

January, January moon = Wasaodakna

February, February moon = Usaodakna

March, March  moon = Knasaodakna

April, April moon = Shasaodakna

May, May moon = Skasaodakna

June, June moon = Dasaodakna

July, July moon = Vasaodakna

August, August moon = Isaodakna

September, September moon = Arsaodakna

October, October moon = Thasaodakna

November, November moon = Ardsaodakna

December, December moon = Abtsaodakna

Month = Saodakna

Lust = E

Passion = U

Devotion = A'

Prejudice =Ta

Anger = Ha

Skill = A

Might = I

Ascendancy = O

Chaos = Ka

Panic = Gha

Horror = Tha

Dark, Darkness = Sa

Connection = La

Light = Ma

Wisdom = Ar

Knowledge = Ja

Logic = Na

Binding = Ba

Protection = Ca

Insanity = Za

Illusion = Qa

Fantasy = Fa

Energy = Kna

Life = Ska

Spiritual life =  Padaxa

Health = Sha

Corruption = Ack

Death = Abt

Spiritual death = Yavawa

Banishment = Ard

Pain = Pa

Experience = Da

Enlightenment = Xa

Unknown = Ya

Rebirth = wa

Love = Eua'

Hate = Tahara

Power = Aio

Fear = Kaghatha

Spiritual = Salama

Reason = Arjana

Safety = Bagaca

Delusion = Zaqafa

Creation = Knaskasha

Destruction = Ackabtard

Magick = Knaxaja

Magic = Faknaxaja

Luck = Yama

Toilet = Ackshakna

Abyss = Saoo

Male = Damaska

Female = Dasaska

Nonbinary = Dalaska

Help = Wadama

Great spiritual awe, and a connection to all things past, present, and future = Dasalamaxa

Maybe = Mavalasava

Aman, showing of great honor, and reverence, at the end of communication, thanks, and respect for = skaar

You're welcome = Vawadama

Good morning = Malabadaska

Good afternoon = Lalabadaska

Good evening = Salabadaska

Goodnight = Sasalabadaska

Excuse me = Vaskada

Viadescioism = Talabalabadaja

Path, flow ,Road = Talaba

Emotion = Shaknada

Fluid, fluidity = Shaknaqa

Types of tree, head = Nadakna

Body, trunk =Cadakna

Leg, root = Badakna

Guidance = Talabawadama

Free = Basa

Trap = Bama

Heart = Daknalao

Verb:

Bind = Ba

Ward = Ga

Hate = Tahara

Fear = Kaghatha

Love = Eua'

Experience = Da

Pain = Pa

Panic = gha

Anger = Ha

Misunderstand = Ra

Lust = E

Focus = Taa'

Come = Bavadaskada

Luck = Yama

Help = Wadama

Name = Skadaja

Thank, Thank you, You're welcome = Vawadama

Get = Baba

Give = Vaba

Go = Vadaskada

Understand = Mara

Keep = Labaca

Let, Allow = A'da

Make = Naknaskasha

Put = A'ba

Seem = Tana

Take = Bava

Speak = Vakna

Be, Is, Are, Am, Are = Dada

Do, Does = Tada

Have, Has = Laba

Say = Naqada

See = Qada

Send = Lavava

May = A'ii

Will = Ida

Experience = Da

Time = Qadanakna

Welcome = Mabava

Power = Aio

Sense = Lada

Number = Nakna

Can = Mava

Listen = Arknalada

Open = Vaca

share = Vadalada

Learn, train = Xaja

Mean = Knaja

Like = Mala

Want = Bae

Release = Va

Hold = Bada

Teach, train = Vaar

Shine, shines, emanate, emit, summon, illuminate = Mavava

Activate, start = Navama

Deactivate, stop = Navasa

Cleanse = Ardshakna

Heal = Sha

Lift, Raise = Ooma

Lower, Drop = Oosa

Serve = Bavada

Bless = A'bakna

Vast, large, big = Maskaknaya

Small, minut = Saskaknaya

Kill = Sasada

Adjective, and Adverb:

On = Xama

Off = Xasa

Under = Vasa

Up, Above, high = Mao

Center, Middle = Lao

Down, Below, low = Sao

Within = Maknaca

Without = Saknacava

Not = Sara

First = Tata

Afraid = ghada

Good = Tama

Evil, Bad = Tasa

Individual = Skaska

Sorry = Wama

Open = Vaca

Mean = Knaja

Safe = Bagaca

Past = Jaskada

Present = Daskada

Future = Yaskada

Secret = Naya

Next = Wava

Unknown = Ya

Old = Saqadanakna

New = Maqadanakna

Trick = Aqa

Over = Vama

Through = Vala

Not = Sara

Then = Dayao

Please = Mau

Next = Wava

Wild = Uknaza

fertile = Madakna

pure = Knakna

Conjunction:

And = Lala

Or = Fafa

nor = Thatha

For = Vava

But = Ghagha

Preposition:

About = Jaa'

Across = Dalada

After = Daa'

Against = Sahama

Among = Badaskada

At = Ladaskada

Before = A'da

Between = Saa'ma

By = Daba

Up = Mao

Down = Sao

From = Bada

In, inside = Knaca

Out, outside = Knacava

Off = Xasa

On = Xama

Over = Vama

Through = Vala

Under = Vasa

To = Lava

With = Bala

As = Lada

For = Vava

Of = Labada

Above = Dao

Like = Mala

Next = Wava

Towards = Taskada

Pronoun:

Subject Pronoun/ Object Pronoun:

I, Me = Skada

You = Daska

It, That, This = Daya

Nonbinary pronoun/ Object pronouns = Dala

We, Us = Skada Ona

They, Them = Daska Ona

These, Those = Daya Ona

Reflexive or Intensive Pronouns "repeating word":

Myself = Skadaskada

Yourself = Daskadaska

Itself = DayaDaya

Nonbinary pronoun reflexive pronouns = Daladala

Ourselves = Skadaskada Ona

Yourselves = Daskadaska Ona

Themselves = Dayadaya Ona

Possessive Pronouns = "iba":

My, Mine = Skada Iba

Your, yours = Daska Iba

Nonbinary pronoun Possessive pronouns = Dala Iba

Its = Daya Iba

Our, ours = Skada Ona Iba

Their, Theirs = Daska Ona Iba

Question Words:

Where = Yadaskada

When = Yadaskada

Why = Yaya

What = Yaja

Who = Yadaya

How =  Knacayaja

[theundergrounddog]

Kenny Omega at DDT (Part 2)

Interviewer: “How was it for you adjusting to the Japanese culture?”

Kenny: “Uh well… I was lucky that I sort of had a good introduction to DDT. I mean I made that YouTube video of the anywhere match where I’m wrestling around my cottage and DDT fans are kinda wacky so before even like arriving to DDT they were already really excited to see me. So I sort of had that little bit of buzz. The adjustment was really easy to do in ring and in the match. The more difficult adjustment was adjusting to the actual culture and the food and the language and that was sort of like, you know a really long slow process.

Cause I mean it’s… you’re on your own to learn the language, you’re on your own to figure out to eat properly and maintain your diet and maintain your conditioning and that took about three years to balance it all out and to get to like a level in my Japanese where I could converse and sort of survive.

So yeah, the matches and stuff, that was easy. It was the other stuff, the after/before match type of things, the time when I wasn’t wrestling that was most difficult.”  Under the Mat (podcast) 2014.21.04

(Quick disclaimer: I just want to make it clear that translation-wise I’m operating on google translate and common sense only. I cannot speak or read Japanese. If you can and you notice any issues where the meaning is drastically off, I would really really really like to know!  Thank you!)

Kenny has 9 matches on his first tour in Japan however, 6 of these were during the beer garden shows which were over and done with by the 10th of August.*

At the same time, Kota was working other promotions aside from DDT including competing in Pro Wrestling Noah’s Junior Heavyweight tag league near the end of the month. This despite perhaps not being at 100% health-wise. There are reports on the blogs of him going to hospital to get checked out after his match with Kenny. The story is that he hit the back of his head when taking the Michinoku driver to the chairs and doesn’t remember the match clearly after that. Given that my main source for this is Takagi’s blog, he may be slightly exaggerating it for kayfabe’s sake however this wasn't the only place I saw the rumor that he was made to go to hospital after the match. 

Kota works a match on the 9th for K-DOJO 3 days after his match with Kenny but doesn’t wrestle the final night of the beer garden shows on the 10th. He is at the show, but he just takes part in a comedy skit and works at the shop rather than doing the tag match originally advertised.

(Source)

Kenny has a street fight against the president Takagi himself! Unfortunately, apart from the Kenny vs Ibushi match and the tag match he had before that, none of the rest of Kenny’s matches from this tour are available online as far as I can find.

(Source) (Source) 

Afterwards:

After the match (which Kenny loses) Takagi calls him “the best foreigner” and promises to call him in one year. The crowd chants ‘please come back’. And Nakazawa translates a promo from Kenny for them.

Kenny: "My wrestling career was so blessed to contract with WWE so that I could finally join ROH and finally come to DDT. Whatever anyone says DDT is the best company, with the best wrestlers and the best fans, as long as you want to see me, as long as Mr. Takagi asks me, I will definitely come back because this is where I am." (source)

So now the bulk of the wrestling was over. Kenny stayed in Japan for another three weeks, but only performed on three more shows.* One on the 17th in Nagoya, one on the 27th at Shin Kiba 1st ring again for another promotion called Great Pro Wrestling and one on the 31st at Korakuen Hall.  

Tagaki’s promise at the end of the beer garden show hopefully eased Kenny’s mind a little but his initial concern to prove his worth so that DDT would bring him back was not unfounded. DDT was a small promotion. They didn’t have a huge amount of money to spare flying in and hosting talent from across the world.

The dormitory where Kenny stayed was in a quite run-down state. Matsui, one of the DDT refs, actually writes on his blog that he was impressed Kenny stayed there the whole time without complaining. It was in an industrial area outside of the center of Tokyo. The residents were mostly elderly with little or no English and they often crossed the street to avoid him. When he got lonely, he used to go talk to the staff at the local convenience store. It was a 45-minute bike ride to the closest internet café. (If you want to know more about this, the Japanophiles documentary is probably the best thing to watch. The other tidbits of information are scattered about on various podcasts and shoot interviews.)

Michael Nakazawa was a busy guy who appears to have been holding down multiple jobs, but he still finds time to hang out with Kenny often during his stay. 

From his blog entries, it’s clear that Kota and Kenny’s connection was more or less instant. The day after the beer garden shows end, Nakazawa and Ibushi take Kenny to Akihabara and they play arcade games.

Ibushi vs. Omega, rebound match suddenly broke out! (August 12th)

“It's a game though. (^ _ ^;)

Today we have come to play in Akihabara in a group of three.

A splendid O Mega revenge with an initial D! Happy.

Silent Hill played alongside teaming together. I heard that I have not seen Silent Hill's gun shooting in the USA. You are pretty enthusiastic.

Even so, both of you are considerable gamers .... There is no language barrier in the game. That’s a relief. (^ O ^)”

From an interview with Kenny in November 2008 (August 17th -ish)

“-Then, if there are memories etc in DDT?

Omega: There are lots of memories and it is difficult. If I had to give one, I guess it's the hot spicy challenge with Ibushi. We went to a restaurant in Nagoya. There was a Russian roulette pizza in that shop, and one of the 6 piece pizza had hot sauce on it. Me and Ibushi are poor at eating spicy foods and can not eat them at all, but decided to do the challenge because it would be funny.

Eating with us was a rookie from Nagoya. He ate first but there was nothing. And then we ate, but there was nothing at all. Why?

'The truth is that mine was hit.' The new guy turned white, the Russian roulette pizza was over. But then it's not fun, right? So Nakazawa passed a spicy sauce to Ibushi, and Ibushi made the sauce for my pizza. In return I put sauce on Ibushi’s pizza, but I slipped and put it all over (laugh) But, for the time being, I handed it to Ibushi and decided to eat that pizza quickly. 

Then it's hard to do anything! The two of us drank water, I put ice in my mouth, but I still felt like drinking water. Ibushi cried tears it was so spicy. So, Ibushi wiped the tears with his hands, but his hands actually had hot sauce on and so more and more tears flowed. So, both of our tongues are still burning, I asked for ice cream, but my tongue was still burning, still continued drinking water and then it took a long time to settle out. That was a good memory.”

Kenny’s match on the 17thwas a triple threat with Kudo and Masa Takanashi which Kenny actually won! Kota has a match with Dino in the main event. Can’t find either match online but the latter looks like its pretty standard fare for a Dino vs Ibushi match i.e. a copious amount of non-con kissing and heavily dick centered offense.

Ibushi wins but the Extremeparty recapper still notes some concern over his physical wellness. 

Today's Ibushi & Kenny Omega (22nd)

The events of this day were recounted in both Nakazawa’s and Matsui’s blogs.

Nakazawa: “We joined with Mr. Matsui and Mr. Ibushi, who didn’t play at Noah today, we went to Ikebukuro. When people went to America with ROH before, people who became indebted people are connected, but the barbecue has become a treat for everyone. Well I have not eaten such good meat after a long time Nobunashima ....

Street brothers Kenny and Ibushi-san were playful while eating ice-cream. Good relationship. In this case you do not need an interpreter anymore.

What close friends you are, before they leave the office, they say they say "Hado-ken!" Or something like a fireworks that happened to be sandwiched with both hands and shoot it with you. Ah Ibushi I'm burning a hand. f (^ _^;)”

Matsui: “Tonight, Ibushi and Michael were invited by the mother who took care of me during the expedition of ROH. Ibushi, Michael, Kenny, and me got to eat meals.

It was delicious!

Also moved to the shop that they are doing.

Despite the fact that Kenny did not drink a single drop, he sang English songs for a long time without giving up the microphone, and it made me drink.

Love song sent to Ibushi was sweet and painful.

So, now we will return.

Kenny wanted to stop by the arcade,

"If you play now, the train will be gone!" I said in Japanese.”

Kenny Omega Night (August 24th)

Ibushi’s Noah matches start on the 23rd. Meanwhile, Kenny and Nakazawa hold the first Kenny Omega Night at Dropkick! He squishes the grapefruits with his bare hands apparently. They play street fighter with customers + other DDT wrestlers.

Then they play strip street fighter. Which goes badly for Michael.

They do a little Q&A with Michael translating:

"The reason that I came this time was to fight Ibushi. The fight against Ibushi was the most important match. I did not expect it, but after fighting we got along well. I want to do a rematch with Ibushi when coming next time, but, only if Ibushi has the same idea, it is possible we could tag. "

"It's boring to stay in the dormitory, I’m a rarity in Adachi-ku so it is not very pleasant. It’s not like that in Akihabara or Shibuya. I like all Japanese food, but I have to ask Michael and Matsunaga to explain all the menus. I was surprised by the Moss Burger Rice Burger. How does rice replace the buns? I thought it was delicious when I ate it. I had an image of Japan as the advanced country of technology, the impression has not changed since coming. "

There is more strip-Streetfighter and Michael loses again.

Yesterday appeared in the S Arena! (August 27th) 

Nakazawa:“Yesterday, Mr. Ibushi & Kenny appeared on the S - Arena on Samurai TV, so I was present as an interpreter. I wonder if I can translate properly. It's my first time to interpret something on TV. It is not bad usually as usual.

However, it was a big pinch before recording. We were meeting at the studios at half past eight, but no one had come yet. Well Kenny I know was at Great pro's match at Shinkiba from 7 o'clock before this recording, but Ibushi-san was late for no reason as usual (lol). What should I do if they never turned up? He was not upset but upset. Actually, Ibushi-san arrived after broadcasting had begun. f (^ _^;)

If you were watching the broadcast yesterday, you will understand, but there are not any words such as the language barrier, they are really good friends. They are is about the same age, and wrestling is a person who can respect each other, both of them are fond of games, they cannot drink alcohol or spicy food. They like the streets, and like indies. I guess there are things that germinated through fierce fighting and sympathies that they both feel.”

“After that, we went to eat Okonomiyaki by three people, we cooperated together and breathed in briefly and baked over with one more thing! Another photo was baked by Kenny: Smiley Okonomiyaki It was my first taste & mischievous but it seemed like it was.

Kenny's last match in Japan for the time being is 8.31 Korakuen convention, please come and watch! Without business, Kenny Omega once I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon.”

The match Kenny has before going to the TV station on the 27th is a bit of a mystery. It’s for a promotion that isn’t DDT called ‘Great Pro Wrestling’(?) but it was in the Shin Kiba 1st ring which was the same place the beer garden shows were held. I didn’t find out about it anywhere the rest of the match recaps are, but from our old friend Griffon591! The match was against JOM Taro but I’m struggling to find much information on it. Griffon591 did however take some really cute photos of Kenny standing about.

Before Korakuen (August 29th-30th) 

Everyone is busy in the run up to the big DDT show at Korakuen Hall. Kota is also in the middle of the NOAH Junior Heavyweight Tag League at this point, fighting guys such as but not limited to: Daniel Bryan, Davey Richards, Kenta/Hideo Itami and Taiji Ishimori.

(source) (source)

Matsui: “Yesterday I made a mozzo in my office, and I drank with Kenny and others. I nearly missed the last train.

It looks like Kenny managed to learn how to get back to the dorm from here by train.

Korakuen is nearly here so today I stayed at the office for a while. There was one meeting and two meetings. I will return from now. The office has always had a high population density in the production of DDT. About 9 o'clock, Ibushi, Kenny and Michael came to the office, but of course he was playing.

However, the way of Ibushi and Kenny's communication is quite creepy. Words are hardly exchanged, communication is measured only with a smile. Surely, I wonder if there is something known only to crazy people.”

DDT Summer Vacation Memories (August 31st)

The big Korakuen Hall show finally comes and Kenny has his last match of the tour was against HARASHIMA.  

(source)

Promos after the match:

HARASHIMA: "Kenny Omega! Your last trick, it worked ... Damn, I lost, as you know, Kenny will return to Canada at the end of the game, but I will not allow running away. We will play with this DDT ring!"

Kenny: "HARASHIMA-san, Thank you. Korakuen Hall, DDT, DDT fans, This is my dream. And my dream has come true. For you fans, I gave 100%, I gave everything in every match I had in DDT."

“(He did not have an interpreter this time, but chose language that was easy to understand.)”

There’s also much amusement from Yukihiro Abe (another DDT wrestler) that Kenny has the [for private use] copyright warning on his gear. 

Kenny’s knee was apparently injured during this match but it’s not so bad that he doesn’t keep wrestling on it.

Saying goodbye (September 1st-3rd)     

Kenny leaves on the 4th but it looks like he probably says goodbye to Ibushi on the 1st. This makes sense considering Ibushi’s Noah matches. He has one on the 2nd and one on the 4th both of which are outside Tokyo, so maybe he just wasn’t coming back in between.

Matsui: “Today, slowly to the office from the evening.

I was thinking that I would normally take a day off but I decided to go in because Kenny is coming by.

Kenny is going to return to Canada on the 4th.

We may meet again tomorrow or the day after tomorrow but we may not meet with everyone so we took a photo.

He wasn’t selfish, even though he lived in a dorm for a long time he did not complain, but it was a truly wonderful foreign player who performs great in the ring (even on the street).

Good bye Kenny.

Until the day we meet again!”

Nakazawa: “Since from today Ibushi-san has matches with Noah, campground, SEM and so on, we will have a memorial photo with everyone as this is probably the last chance we can meet with all of you. Mr. Ibushi must also be missing. It will come back again soon.”

Nakazawa (in a later blog entry): Kenny says, "It is a funny thing, as returning to Canada comes closer, it becomes a bit sad every time people say: "Kenny, today is probably the last day to see you before your return." Yesterday is really something I (almost?) cried, I rarely get such a thing. I finished playing games at the arcade and it's about time to go home and say goodbye to Ibushi. I came back to sleep with an attitude almost incomprehensible because it was difficult to cry.

See you! (September 4th)

Nakazawa: “Yesterday was the last chance to see Kenny. Today I work in the gym so I cannot go to the airport to see you off ... I'm sorry. 

At night I went for dinner with Mr. Matsui and Inokuma but I had my two-shot taken at the end. Double Hadoken! (Why naked and in the station premises) 

We shook hands and hugged and parted. It was a busy month after Kenny came, but it was fun. I am really looking forward to seeing you again and again. There are also opportunities to have a match against you next time. See you!”

And that’s the end! Spoilers: Kenny does come back in January 2009 and many more times after that. Lots of cute shit happens then too. Go out onto Michael Nakazawa’s blog and discover it for yourselves. 

*I say at the start that Kenny had 9 matches, but earlier this week I thought he only had 7 so there could easily have been more. I was going off cagematch’s results and then found the mystery 2 with blind luck lol. 

[nezzfiction]

ENMY Chapter 54 - The First Profane Maiden

Chapter Synopsis: As tensions between Yang and Cinder rise, more insight is revealed into the Fall Maiden's mysterious ambitions.

Team RWBY is disbanded, and Yang must find herself new allies. For her, that might very well be yesterday’s enemies. Joining up with the likes of Emerald, Mercury, and Neo, the four will comprise Team Enemy.

Links to read the series: Ao3 or FF.net

Or hit the jump below

.

The First Profane Maiden

.

The best people possess a feeling for Beauty.

The Courage to take Risks.

The Discipline to tell the Truth.

…And the Capacity for Sacrifice.

Ironically, their Virtues make them Vulnerable.

They are often Wounded.

…

And sometimes,

Destroyed.

.

.

In the midst of a forest experiencing the peak of winter, Raven stood on an unnatural patch of lush, green grass. With her was a young boy, whose height barely reached her waist.

“She’s gone, Argent. It’s what Bean and I said,” Raven spoke into her scroll.

“……Are you sure?”

“Bean can’t sense her, and I can’t find a trace of her in the Never Realm. If that wasn’t enough, this should convince you.”

Raven turned on the camera on her scroll and transmitted a video feed of what was before them.

Centered in the patch of luscious green land, was a headstone carved of finely polished boulder. The workmanship was uncanny, and the environment just so. The ones who erected the monument made certain it would withstand the tests of time.

On the headstone, it read:

One who Championed the Future.

Who stood tall among Remnant’s finest Huntresses.

Headmaster of Haven Academy.

Loved by Friends, Family, and Students.

Here rests, Victoria Stein.

…

Argent recognized the craftsmanship immediately.

“Masa…” he let out a soft mutter. “If she was the one who made this, it cannot be a lie.”

“I’m sorry, Argent.”

“…...Both of you should return to the armada. You’ve been away long enough. If you are attacked now, there would be no assistance.”

“I am truly sorry.”

“Are you?”

Raven paused, and was about to flare with anger, when she remembered all the things that happened between them. Also, the man was clearly grieving. This was a time for understanding, not defending some petty sleight.

“I am, Argent. You have my sympathies.”

“…”

“I’ve lost siblings before. It was when I was young, and we were never truly close, but I know the pain. I doubt you’d take the offer, but if you ever want to talk… the offer stands.”

“I see.”

“Arge—”

“I must inform Henry. He will not believe it coming from someone else.”

“Tell my father—!” Bean tried to hop within screen view. Raven leaned lower to him. “Tell my father, I am sorry I failed him.”

The Prime Minister shook his head.

“You did not fail him. It is us that failed her. You must take great care, Bean. Your father would not be able to stand losing you as well.”

“I… I understand.”

“Stay close to Blake and Raven.”

“…Instructions will be followed.”

Bean was about to say something more, but shut his mouth.

Raven immediately caught it and knew. It was these precious few moments, these small and humble words that held the most importance. But if never spoken, something would be lost forever. Time can never reverse, and matters left unsaid was a tragedy she experienced too often herself.

She gave Bean a gentle prod on the back. The boy looked up at her face, which all but told him to speak his mind.

“I… I never knew the subject called, Victoria Stein. She… was my mother?”

Argent expressed a bit of confusion. “I suppose, in a sense.”

“I would request her information disclosed to me.”

“…I can arrange you access to her archives.”

“I meant—I request the Prime Minister personally disclose the information to me,” he spoke quickly, but awkwardly. “Father does not speak of her much. Curiosity, peaked. Personal interaction, no longer viable. Would like to know.”

Finally understanding the meaning behind Bean’s words, the elder man smiled. His eyes glossed, unable to bury his emotions.

“Yes. I would be happy to speak about Victoria with you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“No. Thank you, dear boy. We shall be in touch soon.”

The call ended.

Raven and Bean stared at the grave for a while.

“My gratitude, Commander,” the boy said.

“……Remember this, child. Never leave anything unsaid. Ever.” Raven sliced open a portal and plucked a white rose from it. “Never give in to the chance that the words you leave someone aren’t your last. Cut a few simple words short—and you can carry regrets that will eat at you for the rest of your life.”

“You reference previous experience?”

“……Yes.”

“A mother?”

“No. Someone whom I loved more than anything and anyone in the world.”

“They sound important.”

“Yes.” Raven spoke a silent prayer before laying the rose at the grave.

“She was my moon on peaceful nights.

And the bell that chimed my happiness.

Now, the nights are dark.

And my ears can’t hear a thing.”

.

* * * * *

.

“…”

“…”

“That. Is not disturbing in the slightest,” Cinder groaned, waking up to the blank, empty stare of Penny from across the room. “I believe sleeping arrangements had myself and my subordinates in one room, with the rest of you in the other.”

[I was ordered by Emerald to announce when you were awake.]

“An order she did not think through thoroughly, it seems.” Cinder saw the beds beside her empty. “Where are they?”

[Training, as per usual scheduled routine.]

“Training. I remember when those two shuddered at the word.”

The woman threw off her covers, dressed, and went into the living room.

There, she found Team ENMY sitting with their backs against each other, eyes closed. From what Cinder could tell, they were probably in the middle of running a hallucinated simulation. A practice she had originally designed.

[Cinder has awakened!]

Penny yelled through her internal loudspeaker.

“BAH!! Freakin’ hell!” Emerald gasped, along with her other teammates.

“Em, don’t just bring us out like that!”

“Yeah. It’s my fault your friend freckles over there almost gave me heart failure.” Realizing that her boss was awake, Emerald swiftly regained herself. “Evening, Cinder. Me and Merc didn’t want to wake you, so we thought we’d let you sleep in a bit longer.”

“I see. Never do so again.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“I will oversee your next training session. It would do well to grasp how much you two have grown—and what more you have to improve on.”

“About that, do we even need training anymore?” Mercury cut in. “I mean, bringing up the obvious here, but we’ve got two powerhouse Maidens.”  

“I’d hate for the both of you to return to your old slothing habits. So, yes. Your training will resume as it always has, but under my supervision. Have our fake identities been prepared?”

“Just *huff* got ‘em!” Junior ran in out of breath, while passing out several passports. “Only the best, for the best.”

They each took their forged credentials with an obvious scrutiny.

“‘Masamune’? You’ve spelled this one’s name incorrectly.”

“‘Hermes’. Sounds like an STD.”

“What in the hell is an ‘Aladdin’? Is that a guy’s name?”

“‘Rapunzel’? Really?”

“‘Cinderella’. Hm.”

“GUYS. That’s the point of fake IDs. They’re fake. They’re not supposed to actually sound like you.”

“I can’t believe we’re paying you for this,” Emerald clicked her tongue and badly threw a stack of lien to Junior, which he almost dropped.

“No. Of course, no ‘thanks Junior’ or ‘you’re the best, dude!’ Forget that I saved your lives that one time.”

“You had keys in your hand, and you tossed them to us. I wouldn’t exactly call that saving us from a giant, lava assassin, but sure. AND we paid that debt back, and then some. So, no more milking that tree.”

They all gathered around the dining table to have some breakfast/dinner. While Neo, Yang, and Masa were on the cooking shift, Emerald read through news articles on her scroll.

“Can you believe this? ‘Heroes or Menaces?’” She showed them the title of the news article and the picture below of Team ENMY laying waste to a street full of gangsters. “Conveniently forgot to mention that those assholes attacked us last night for the bounty.”

“Heh, chumps. But seriously, what exactly happened to these two?” Junior asked.

“What are you talking about?”

“I mean, how did blondie get a massive upgrade. And I remember this one being freaky before,” he nodded to Cinder. “But these two just solo wiped the concrete with all my business rivals. Like, what’s the deal. New workout routine? Steroids? Or new workout routine AND steroids?”

“None of your business, beardo. Back to what’s really important, our fame just kicked up a few notches. Will these fake IDs hold up?”

“Of course! You can see for yourself. Perfect replicas of Vale Army IDs to get you train access, then Atlas personnel credentials to get you the rest of the way. I pulled a lot of favors to get you these. All you need now are pictures. My advice, don’t look like yourselves.”

Neo instantly morphed into her dark-haired, green-eyed persona.

“Were is so easy for the rest of us,” Cinder commented.

“Mine says I was injured in combat?” Mercury furrowed his brow. “Says I lost both my legs from an airship falling on me.”

“Better than me,” Yang snarled. “Says here, I got my arm decapitated by one Ruby Rose.”

“LOOK. I thought it would sell better if your backgrounds read soldiers returning to Atlas as injured combatants,” Junior huffed.

“That’s actually pretty smart,” Emerald approved.

“Not too insensitive?”

“Oh, it’s insensitive. But it also tickles me, so whatever. Looks like Mercury has to put on the old, ‘you hit me with your car’ routine again.”

“How’s this?” Mercury cleared his throat. “THEY GOT MY LEGS!!! OH GOD! THOSE BASTARDS GOT MY LEGS!!! THE AGONY~~~!!!”

“Okay, maybe we add shattered jaw to your list of injuries.”

“I still can’t believe everyone bought that,” Yang commented in disbelief.

“Like suckers for suckers. How about you? Think you can act like when you first lost your arm?”

“You mean, when I was angry all the time and hated all of you, and didn’t talk?”

“Yup.”

“You just want me to look angry all the time and not talk, don’t you?”

“Yup.”

“……Yeah, I can do that,” Yang rolled her eyes.

“Great. Only problem is, unlike the rest of us, anybody with eyes will recognize you a mile away. Maybe, do something with your hair?”

“Dye it black,” Cinder immediately recommended. “I think it would look rather fitting,” she grinned.

Emerald, Yang, and Neo simultaneously twisted their expressions at her words.

“That. Was a joke.”

“Ha-ha,” Emerald tried to laugh forcefully. “Um, also, I think you might need to change your appearance too.”

“I do?”

“A lot of authorities know about you—especially Atlas officials. And you’re also really…”

“Yes?”

“……Eye-catching,” Emerald blushed.

“Hm. I suppose you’re right.”

“Someone, gag me now,” Yang moaned from the side of her mouth. “Oh, but I could ugly you up a bit. Then, no one would recognize you!”

“A haircut, then. Something short.” Cinder turned to Neo, who was setting the last dinner plate. “If you would do the honors?”

The petite girl nodded cheerfully.

Waiting until they were out of earshot, Yang whispered to Neo with a chuckle.

“Hey, do you think you can mess up cutting her hair?”

The girl violently flicked her nose.

“GAH! Really? I thought you’d be all for doing that.”

Neo puffed her cheeks and jabbed Yang’s chest with her finger.

“Okay, okay, I got it! You take your hobbies seriously.”

She continued to poke her.

“‘Friend’, huh? Cinder is?”

Neo nodded with crossed arms.

“…Why?”

The petite girl threw her a hard look.

Just because you hate her doesn’t mean I have to too.

Don’t be stupid.

Neo turned and walked away.

Back at the table, Emerald continued reading off various news articles.

“Mistral’s pushing hard from the east. ‘Vale forces are faltering.’”

“All according to plan, it seems,” Cinder commented.

“They’re losing the war on purpose?”

“Calculated retreat. Vale’s army is drawing them as close to Atlas’s forces as possible, while making it difficult to gain ground. They plan to force the war into a long-term contest of attrition. It’s the only viable option they have.”

“Hm? ‘Atlas campaign is halted’?”

“…Elaborate.”

“A large portion of the Atlesian Fleet has been recalled back to the Kingdom. They’ve taken a secure post in Vale, but right now, it doesn’t look like they’re continuing with the invasion.”

“Has a reason been given?”

“Nothing said here.”

Cinder held her chin in thought.

“I don’t like it. We’re moving up our departure time.”

“I must reach Atlas as soon as possible.”

.

* * * * *

.

“So, they finally got their asses over here,” Coco muttered, while watching an incoming ship from the harbor.

“It’ll be so great to see them again!” Velvet smiled excitedly.

As soon as the ship docked, a Faunus girl stepped off its outstretched plank.

“Always have people begging to be smuggled out of Atlas—but smuggling people in?” Ilia shook her head. “Well, I got your order. Including two Shade Academy students, safe and sound.”

Filing off the boat behind her were two male figures. One with short hair and an enormous glaive mounted on his back. The other with dark orange hair and whited irises.

“Did you boys miss us?” Coco smirked.

Velvet ran up to Fox and Yatsuhashi, and threw her arms around their necks. They supported her weight as they hugged her back.

“It’s great to see you again, Coco,” Yatsuhashi replied.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t get sappy on me. We got a lot of work to do. Team CFVY’s reunion party can wait. There’s a big meeting starting soon.”

“Where is Weiss anyway?” Ilia asked.

“…She’s got her hands full with something else.”

“Uh huh. I was wondering if the rumors were true.”

Coco tilted her sunglasses down.

“What rumors?”

“They say the heiress is dead.”

“She isn’t. It’s business as usual.” She tilted her sunglasses back up. “Vel?”

Velvet let go of her reunited comrades, and handed Ilia the data for the next batch of Faunus waiting to be smuggled out of the Kingdom.

“Alright. Well, along with your friends, this week’s shipment of Dust is underneath the floor of the lower deck. Just crack that baby open, when you wanna move it out.”

“Our people got it from here.”

Ilia nodded.

“…Send Weiss my best, then. Tell her she should show herself at the next shipment.”

“Does she need to be here?”

“No, but yeah. She does.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ilia’s tone lowered and she rested a hand on her hip.

“It means, me and Temujin made a deal with her, not you. No offense. If she’s not around, our business is done. That’s just professional practice.”

“I don’t get it. She’s here, she isn’t here. What does it matter if you still get what you want?”

“Heh,” Ilia chuckled. “See, that’s why you don’t. You’re a mercenary. You’ll work for anyone who pays the right price. People like us? My people? We only work with those we trust. And as weird as it sounds, we trust Weiss to do what’s fair.”

“You’re right. That is weird.”

“Look, I’m sure you’re a really cool gal with your shades and brand-name clothes, but if I don’t see Weiss next week—you don’t see me. We crystal on that?”

“…Yeah. Fine.”

“Now, if that’s all, I got a job to do.”

The girl walked past them and vanished into the streets.

Once Ilia was gone, Velvet walked to Coco’s side.

“This is bad.”

“I know. One thing at a time, Vel. One thing at a time.” She turned to Fox and Yatsuhashi. “Alright, you two.” Coco led them to a waiting car, and tossed them a pair of trench coat jackets and sunglasses from the trunk. “We’re hitting the ground running on this.”

As Team CFVY was driven to the Silbern Mafia meeting, Velvet filled their comrades in on the situation.

“This information is classified and should stay between us. At the moment, Weiss is asleep and we can’t wake her.”

“Do you know who’s responsible?” Yatsuhashi asked.

“Someone who we thought was an ally, Hades,” Coco snarled. “Apparently, he fed her magical fruit or some bullshit. Did the same to the Winter Maiden too. Now, they’re both out of commission.”

“With Weiss gone, Coco and I have been running the organization in her stead,” Velvet continued. “Unfortunately, the work is becoming more harrowing. We need help, which is why we asked you two to come.”

Yatsuhashi and Fox nodded with recognition.

“We’ve tried to cover for Weiss’s absence, but as you’ve seen at the docks, rumors are starting to spread of her disappearance. To be honest, there are a few individuals who are trying to take over Silbern. That, and we are entering strenuous relationships with the other organized groups in Atlas, including the White Fang.”

“This sounds worse than you described,” Yatsuhashi said.

“Much worse. Feel like trailing it back to Vacuo?” Coco snickered.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Knew I kept you guys around for some reason,” she jabbed him with her elbow.

The team reached the meeting place and entered the abandoned theater. Members of the Silbern Mafia had already filled in the seating. Compared to when Weiss was in charge, the cascading waves of discussions did not cease upon their arrival. Something that irked Coco at the back of her mind.

As they strode down the aisles, murmurs and whispers rose. Some commented on how Weiss failed to show again. Others questioned who the two new members were. Everywhere they turned, it seemed doubt dwelled in their numbers.

As the acting boss, Coco couldn’t help but aggravate under the difference of treatment between her and Weiss. If she was being honest, she thought she made a better leader. At first, the girl thought it was because the members were averse to change, but she was growing to realize it was something else entirely. She touched on it earlier in her conversation with Ilia. And she certainly felt it now.  

Weiss had a specific personality—a charisma. She inspired people and drew their trust. She was tough, but fair to all. People had faith in her judgment, because in a way, she made herself completely transparent. There was no questioning her intentions. Within every action, they could see Weiss truly aspire an equality in the Kingdom. For not just people to rise, but to rise together.

It was something Coco could not do.

She took her seat center stage with the rest of her team standing at her side.

Not a second after she did, one member stood and puffed out her chest.

“I propose a vote on new leadership!”

Team CFVY froze immediately, while the rest of the auditorium nodded and voiced agreement with the proposal.

Is it over already?

Yatsu and Fox just got here.

I thought we could get them to calm down if we produced results, but we might not even get a chance to.

Crap!

CRAP!

“I…”

“Once Weiss returns, you may place forth a request to vote for new leadership,” Velvet’s voice echoed with the acoustics. “Until such a time passes, we will operate as business per usual.”

“Except we can’t!” one of the members yelled. “One of the aristocrats must’ve gotten her. We need to pay them back!” another shouted.

“Everyone, calm down.”

“We should just join the White Fang, instead. It was stupid trusting a Schnee,” a Faunus protested.

“Please, you all know the good she’s done.”

“She’s right! If Weiss Schnee isn’t leading this outfit anymore, I’m outta here!”

“Weiss will return shortly. We promise that. She is currently busy with another emergency.”

“Liar! Our birds at the Schnee household told us she hasn’t been there for a while now.”

“…!”

Velvet was going to make another excuse when Coco held her hand.

“You tried. You really tried, but it’s okay.”

“Coco?”

She sighed, and depressingly thought, ‘what would Weiss do in this situation?’

…

Yeah, okay, let’s give it a shot.

“Alright, everybody. Listen up,” Coco stood.

The audience was still in an uproar of debate.

“EVERYONE, SHUT THE FUCK UP RIGHT NOW!!! OR I’LL OPEN UP SOME NEW EARS FOR YOU!!!”

““…””

“Thank you. *Ahem*. It’s true, the princess is out of commission—for now. She’s sleeping away while we’re all freezing our asses off trying to revolutionize a Kingdom. Typical, right?”

A few chuckles came from the crowd.

“While Weiss is getting her beauty rest, we need to pick up the slack. A lot of you have followed us this far. When she came out with her true identity, not one of you left. That means something. I know it does, and I know you guys think so too, cause let’s be honest folks—none of us expected anyone to stay after that. But here you guys are.”

Coco took a deep breath.

“All we’re saying, is hold out a bit longer. The princess isn’t dead. We’ll find a cure, and when we do, she’ll be back on her feet. Come on, who else is going to fight for you like she has? Is there anyone else you’re willing to trust like that? The White Fang? The other crime syndicates? The aristocrats? Let’s not kid ourselves.”

Much of the audience nodded with some mumbles of acceptance.

“Look at all of you; Faunus, Human, poor, rich, middle-class, military, civilian. Weiss was able to bring you together for a reason. She doesn’t just fight for one of you, she fights for all of you. And I think, that’s worth waiting around for. At least for a little longer.”

The theater was silent for a long stretch of time.

…

Then one voice spoke up.

“What’s wrong with her?”

Coco was surprised, since it was the first question about Weiss’s well-being. She coughed and shrugged.

“She literally ate a bad apple, got sick, and fell asleep. Like, not even joking.”

The audience erupted into laughter. Atmosphere in the abandoned building eased.

A few words of, “Food poisoning? She’s sick with food poisoning?” or “I guess the boss is still mortal, after all” made their way through the crowd.

“Um, if the temporary leadership needs help, the Mantle Loyalists will provide support!” a young girl piped up. “Also…”

“What?”

“If we’re talking about a sleeping princess and a cure to wake her up....”

“……You’re going to suggest that? REALLY?”

“A true lover’s kiss should do it!”

More laughter erupted down the rows of seats.

“I volunteer!”

“Me! I’m a great kisser!”

“I don’t know. I think the boss is likely to the kick the crap out of anyone who disturbs her beauty rest! Hahaha!”

As more of the members joked, Coco fell back into her chair shaking.

Whattaya know.

Sometimes honesty is the best policy…

Just as she was starting to relax, Velvet came to whisper in her ear.

“On that note, I think it’s time we tell Ruby about Weiss.”

“……Yeah. Been putting that off for a while, but the kid’s better off hearing it from us than anywhere else. Was not looking forward to that conversation.”

The thought dampened Coco’s mood, but at least the most immediate problem was resolved. She wondered if Weiss would ever understand how strangely she affected these people. How she inspired them.

Now, all we need is for our princess to wake her ass up before Ilia’s next shipment.

.

* * * * *

.

A jolt of energy passed Yang’s senses and made her look outside the train.

Their group had been traveling with Vale’s reserve armies for a few hours now. The train had stopped to refuel, and most of the passengers were fast asleep. Including Neo and Masa, who nestled closer to her on each side.

Ever since gaining her newfound powers, Yang found no problems dealing with the weather. Her perpetual warmth was quickly taken advantage of by her teammates, who clung to her like a lifesaver from the cold.

Along with her self-sustaining heat, she gained what she could only describe as a heightened sense of energy. Her eyes did something similar, but this was different. Almost as if Yang could read into the space where fabric of reality and Never Realm overlapped. And it was this strange form of intuition that revealed to her a burst of power some distance away from the train.

She looked across their compartment, and saw Emerald and Mercury without their own Maiden body-heater. Yang remembered Cinder leaving earlier, but pretended not to notice.

After carefully untangling herself from her allies, the girl made for the fluctuating energy signature outside.

…

…

“Are you guys actually asleep?”

“No, but I was enjoying the peace and quiet, Mercury. Plus, it’s too cold to sleep without Cinder or Yang around.”

Emerald, Mercury, Neo, and Masa opened their eyes and sat up.

“Okay, so everyone’s thinking the same thing I am, right?”

“No one. Ever. Thinks the same stuff you do—”

“What’s our new team name? Are Masa and Penny included? Cause I kinda feel like they shouldn’t be.”

“We are not, this one says firmly, not wanting to be associated with your team’s infamous reputation.”

“Cool.”

“Merc. We have more important things to worry about than team names.”

“CYNEM is what comes to mind.”

“Not a high priority. And what the hell is CYNEM?”

“Cinnamon. Like cinnamon cruncha munch.”

“You’re only thinking that cause it’s one of your favorite cereals.”

“So?”

“We’re not naming our team after a freakin’ cereal.”

“Fine, but you explain to Cinder why her letter’s not in the name when that fun topic comes up.”

“Burn that bridge when we cross it……… And it’s CMYNE. Carmine, you dumbass.”

“What the hell is carmine?”

“It’s a kind of red color. Which makes more sense than ENMY, actually.”

“Ah, yeah. Now that I think about it, our team name does kinda break that rule. How come we went with that? I mean, you noticed when you first came up with it, right?”

“Sure, but I thought the team was going to be super temporary, so I didn’t care. Now, we’re just stuck with it.”

“I like it though.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“I don’t really wanna change it to whatever the hell carmine is.”

“Naming’s hard.”

“So, next question.”

“God! There’s more?”

“Who would win in a fight between Yang and Cinder? I mean, really.”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“Everybody knows you love Cinder, but let’s be real. Who do you think would win?”

“……You know what? No. I’m not gonna guess who would win if they fought.”

“Not even if we put lien on it?”

“……No! I’m not doing that!”

“I think Yang would win.”

“Merc!”

“What? I’m not saying I’d let Yang kill Cinder if it ever happened. I’m saying maybe, possibly, if they fought, 1v1, no handicaps, final destination—Yang might win.”

“That’s messed up. Why?”

“Just a feeling I got.”

“Mr. Mercury’s assumption is accurate.”

Emerald and Mercury whipped their necks to Masa, accompanied by a crooked stare.

“Wait, why do you think Yang would win?” Emerald asked.

“Hm. It is true they are both Maidens, and under correct circumstances, neither would be stronger than the other.”

“But?”

“But Cinder is fundamentally flawed, this one surmises. Her power is incomplete.”

.

* * * * *

.

On the edge of a ridge, Cinder clutched her burning eye and screamed.

Fire and pillars of molten glass rose around her like a hellish nightmare-scape. The earth itself broke out in an endless bramble of dark, polished crystal. The Maiden warped the surrounding environment itself by raw power alone.

At the edge of her manifested territory, glass shattered from a mighty blow. Cinder knew who it was, without seeing her. As more ash and fiery flakes fell from her body, the woman felt her Aura overflow, begging to be unleashed.

Her counterpart appeared from the tree line. Glowing feathers rose in her wake. Eyes piercing with crimson. Yang didn’t seem at all surprised to see the other’s outbreak.

Cinder stopped covering her eye. She stopped trying to fight the pain. Instead, she embraced it.

Although Yang just arrived, she read into the air and knew what to do.

Her arm cocked and triggered, propelling her towards her opponent. In response, Cinder erected a wall of molten glass spears to block her. Flame plumed and bust down the barrier.

The Fall Maiden propelled back with rocket propulsion. In her hands, she materialized a bow and arrow. She pulled the string made of energy, and loosed a number of razor edged projectiles.

Yang parried every one of them with her gauntlets. When Cinder reached groundside, she closed in and brought the fight into close quarters. A furious combo of kicks and punches were exchanged, miniature shockwaves detonated with each meeting.

Though the battle bordered on cataclysmic, it was nowhere near a life or death conflict between Maidens. If anything, it was a simple spar. No more than an exercise, or flexing of muscle.

…

…

When Cinder finished expending her excess energy, she sat on the cliff of the ridge.

“You can’t control it, can you?” Yang stood next to her. Not close enough as friends would, but not so distant either. “Do you know why it’s happening?”

“It is none of your concern.”

“Yeah. It actually is. I keep wondering when that’s gonna happen to me.”

“You have nothing to worry about, I’m sure.”

“…What’s that mean?”

“Nothing. Unlike you, I must devote special care in keeping my power in check.”

“Didn’t look that way just now.”

“I merely thought it was convenient you were here, and took advantage of the opportunity presented to let off a little steam.”

“Hmph. Right.”

Cinder grimaced. She disliked Yang, but even more so in this moment. This moment of weakness.

“If you’re having trouble, tell Emerald and Mercury about it,” Yang said. “They shouldn’t have to put up with you fronting like you’re alright.”

“It is not a concern.”

“You think they don’t notice, but they do. The way you toss and turn in your sleep. We all know. How you have nightmares of still being stuck in the Never Realm. They’re just too nice to tell you.”

“…And you are not so nice.”

“No. I’m not.”

“Heh,” Cinder chuckled. “Not very compassionate of you,” she remarked with a snide.

The two stared out into the open space for a while. Nothing but still air in their surroundings. Any ambient noise was muffled by snowfall.

…

…

“Why are you doing this?” Yang asked.

“Doing what, pray tell? You’ll have to be more specific.”

“All of this, what you did before, what it all leads to. Why do you want to destroy Atlas so bad?”

“Emerald and Mercury haven’t told you?”

“No. I didn’t want to put them in that position either. Figured it was better to ask you myself.”

“I simply want what is rightfully mine.”

“And what’s that?”

“The keys to the Kingdom…… along with my personal freedom.”

Something about Cinder’s words and tone struck a chord with Yang.

“Freedom?” she asked.

“Yes. Don’t you feel the same?” Cinder asked back expectantly.

“You already have it. You can walk away, find some small place to live with Merc and Em, and just—”

“There are those who will never stop hunting me, never stop wanting me dead. In order to live my life, I must have power. It is my raison d'etre. My calling. Surely you understand that more than most. I can read it on your face. You seek your own brand of freedom. The two of us…”

“If you give me that, ‘you and I are not so different’ spiel, I will literally knock your tongue down your throat.”

“Hmph,” Cinder scoffed. She plucked a few frosted blades of grass in her hand. When she blew them into the wind, they turned into burning embers. “Emerald tells me you’re fond of fairytales. You and your sweet little sister.”

“…”

“Have you heard of the First Profane Princess?”

“……I don’t like that one very much.”

“I’m sure you don’t.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“It’s where my story starts. You want to know why my first ambitions involve the crushing of Atlas? Then, allow me to tell you a tale. One unfiltered and unsoftened for the ears of children.”

“……I’m listening.”

…

With that, Cinder began to narrate with an enticing, smoky voice.

Long ago existed a prosperous Kingdom.

As a nation, it was young. Only one of the few permanent settlements to exist outside of Mistral.

The environment was cold and harsh for living. An everlasting Winter all year round made survival rather treacherous. A commonality among mankind’s pioneering years.

Though the Grimm that inhabited the lands were powerful, the land also yielded large amounts of Dust, with which the people defended themselves by. The citizens of the Kingdom struggled, but for the most part, grew happy. This was considered due to the benevolence of the royal family, or more commonly known then, as the Mantle Monarchy.

The Queens chosen to lead the Kingdom were famed for being exceptionally selfless in their rule. They gave resources freely. They never taxed heavily. They worked tirelessly for their people, overworking themselves to the point of sickness.

How admirable, is it not?

This trend continued until the turning point of one of the Monarchy’s fateful generations.

Two sisters were considered candidates for the throne. While one was a true heir, the other was only a step-sibling.

Now, I’m sure you’ve heard the most popular part of this tale.

To choose the next ruler, a test was conducted. Whosoever’s feet fit perfectly into the shoes owned by each presiding generation, was the one meant to rule.

An inane concept, substituted for something greater. If there ever was such a thing, it was created to make sure those of a specific genealogy inherited the throne.

And we know what happens next.

The true heir was favored to rule. She was benevolent and selfless, just like those that came before her. She was loved by the people. And with the throne, and the power that came with it, the heir was set to bring more good to the Kingdom.

But the evil step sister grew jealous and greedy.

She killed the true heir.

But because she was not a full descendant, her feet did not fit the shoes. So, she sliced off pieces from her feet. Some say her whole heel was carved. She did so until the shoe fit.

The First Profane Princess.

And with her, started a Game of Thrones, as it were. The royal family blackmailed, injured, and murdered each other for the right to rule.

That is what the former Kingdom of Mantle is known for now.

Now, comes the part where I ask how much you’ve been paying attention.

So, Yang Xiao Long.

Have you discerned the tale underneath the tale?

…

“……The Profane Princess didn’t just kill her step sister for the throne.”

No. She did not.

“She killed her for the Fall Maiden’s powers. She was the first to kill a Maiden to gain their powers.”

And started a bloody tradition that continues to this day.

The First Profane Maiden.

My ancestor. My legacy.

Cinder formed a shard of blazing molten glass in her hand.

“That’s… pretty terrible.”

“The ‘evil’ step-sister is painted rather convincingly as the antagonist, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Is there any other way to look at it?”

Cinder crushed the polished crystal in her hands with an ear-splitting snap.

“What the stories and the histories forget to mention is that war loomed on the edges of the Mantle Kingdom. That the First Profane Princess killed the step-sister she cherished with all her heart, because she knew she was too weak, too selfless to win the war for them. In a sense, she too was so selfless as well… And it led to self-sacrifice. The princess took actions knowing full well what those around her and in the future would call her. A monster.

Cinder formed a twisted smirk.

“Virtues have a way of weakening one, even if they have the power, they refuse to use it out of some misplaced sentiment. That was the fault of the true heir. She would have surrendered her Kingdom away for the sake of peace, if allowed to live. Knowing that, I wonder who was truly the antagonist of the story.”

“You’re not going to convince me you or your ancestor were misunderstood victims. This lesser evil, greater good crap is just something people hide behind to do messed up shit.”

“And you believe those most purest of virtues are in the right? Surely, you’ve learned better than that on your journeys.”

“I know owning principles isn’t everything. But throwing them away and making your own rules is just as stupid. Like everything, there’s a balance. Right or wrong doesn’t exist. Only the actions and decisions people move forward with, and the consequences after.”

“My. No wonder you were deemed worthy.”

“……What do you mean by that?” Yang kneeled beside Cinder and grabbed her collar. “What do you mean by that?” she asked again through gritted teeth.

“So, very compassionate is Yang Xiao Long. A true Maiden of Spring. The first in a very long time, I think.”

“Answer me!”

Yang’s temper boiled. She was called compassionate and worthy by Victoria Stein upon accepting the Maiden’s inheritance. Back then, she assumed they were just parting words, but were they more?

Cinder grabbed Yang’s wrist and peeled it off.

“There was an older way the Maidens were chosen. Not by those who had slain them, or those held in their final moments. They originally meant to stand as judges for their successors. The inheritance was promised to those who held the purest virtues given on the premise of the very first Maidens.”

Cinder touched her freshly short hair for a second, and continued.

“In the beginning, the Four Maidens went in search of a key to helping their people. On their journey, they met a powerful old man that gifted them with the Magic to save their Kingdoms. For Mantle, at its earlier conception, was ripe with corruption, the immortal gifted the Maiden who exemplified Selflessness. For Vacuo’s Maiden, whose lands were the most defeating of all, he gifted their most Hopeful. And Vale, whose people suffered from sickness and poor health, he granted power to its most Compassionate.”

Yang paused.

“That’s why there’s something wrong with your powers,” she tensed. “You killed for your inheritance.”

“Indeed. On the other hand, you removed the thorn from a lion’s paw, as it were. Compassion,” Cinder repeated with emphasis.

“And what about the Winter Maiden?”

“I’m not sure. I can fathom a few guesses, but whatever virtue Mistral’s savior personified has been lost to time.”

“Hm,” Yang repeated the words. “Hope. Selflessness. Compassion.”

“An optimistic ideal. But we know the flaws that lie there.”

“…”

“Hope can lead to Naivety. Selflessness can lead to Sacrifice. And Compassion…”

“Yeah?”

“…Blindness. You can see so much of what makes someone flawed that you forget they are that same darkness no matter what reason they have. How often has your compassion blinded you to what things truly are?”

“Not for a long time,” Yang answered bitterly. “And?”

“And, what?”

“The First Profane Maiden. The Mantle Monarchy. Where do you come in?”

“Mine is not so grand a tale. Twenty years ago, the Monarchy was overthrown. In its ruin, rose the capitalist empire of Atlas. My family was stripped of power. The Fall Maiden’s inheritance, taken and hidden away.”

“…”

“To ensure we would never rise again, we were hunted. As a child, I was almost killed simply for bearing my last name.”

“……And then, my mom saved you.”

“Yes. Raven did.” Cinder’s expression softened, before hardening again. “And I swore I would never feel so powerless again. To live a life that wasn’t my own—at the whims of Atlas or Salem. Never again. I’d die before that happens a second time.”

“…”

“As such, my only option, the only way I can exist, is through the destruction of Atlas.” She spoke with a fire. A confident certainty Yang had so rarely seen in others. An almost undeniable draw, like gravity. “And I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t enjoy watching its disgusting Kingdom burned to nothing but shadow and ash.”

Yang closed her eyes.

She hated how much she could empathize with Cinder. Powerlessness and the desire for freedom were things Yang knew too well. They were more than enough driving forces to cause anyone to seek less-than moral methods. She compromised in her own way, after all. Not to the lengths Cinder had, but in another time...

The woman took Yang’s chin in her hand, and they locked intense gazes.

“Emerald was born to be a thief.

You were always meant to fight.

…

And I?

My destiny

Is to Rule.”

[drink-n-watch]

Genre: Drama; Sports; School

Studio: Kyoto Animation

Waiting is always the hardest part, isn’t it? Those moments of uncertainty where meager hope keeps the pain nice and sharp and healing has no chance to begin. When you’re in the moment your vision dwindles down to the smallest pinpoint. Your senses dull and you walk around in a daze until it passes. Unless something can forcibly drag you back in the moment.

snap out of it!

Five boys, excited and nervous at their first Kyudo team tournament. The result of months of hard work and years of ambition. Already in a precarious state. And now they just found out that their beloved coach is in the hospital after a car crash. Nothing else. They have no idea whether he’ll be able to coach them again or if the accident caused permanent  damage. they don’t even know if he’s alive. It’s more than enough to throw anyone off their game.

Thank goodness the girls were there to shame some sense back into the Kazemai team. They might still be standing there in the entrance gaping at their phones like goldfish otherwise, desperately trying to get some information about Masaki’s accident. It was a nice moment. Noa berating them for selfishly focusing on their own troubles instead of doing what they had to. Snatching their phones and saying she would carry their worries for the time being. You had to be there but trust me, it was good.

and *we* need to fence some phones!

And the girls certainly did their part, they rallied those boys and got them to take their first steps but the journey doesn’t end there. It’s never that easy. Their minds might have recovered some reason but their hearts were still troubled. Their senses dull. To busy seeing the ghosts of their coach to make out the target. Trying to hard to grasp memories to feel the bow.

It’s subtle. From the outside, you really can’t see the difference. But the consequences are felt nonetheless. No matter how hard they try, how perfect their form and correct their technique, the arrows just don’t seem to be finding their mark.

but why?

Everyone tried really hard. Coach Masa finally decided to face the weaker, uglier parts of himself no matter how unpleasant the task so he could finally become the mentor his team deserved. The effort cost him the opportunity to be their when that same team needed him most. The girls accepted their limits and single handedly held their team together when no one else could, only to be pushed to the stands, unable to help as Kazemai slowly unravelled.

Kaito pressed down all that teenage anger and frustration to find his center and really focus and he almost hit the target. Ryouhei buckled down and put everything he had learned to the test while Nanao made the supreme sacrifice of checking his ego. Reliable Seiya stepped on both his pride and jealousy recalling his coaches words and Minato finally felt connected to the sport like he hadn’t in years. In the end none of it mattered. They performed worse than average and didn’t make it.

I  guess so…

I don’t mind some bitter in my sweet. I respect stories that just don’t work out. It was a fitting end. After all Tsurune has been heavily tinged in disappointment and regret since the beginning. Sometimes you have to learn to appreciate the journey because the destination is forever out of reach.

And sometimes, you get lucky.

yay!

It seemed another team had underperformed and Kazemai had one last chance in a sudden death round. Not that it was much of a chance when you considered their earlier performance. And that’s when the pieces fell into place. When a terrified and guilt ridden little Minato realized that the most important thing Masaki had thought them, was the thing he never said.

Kyudo is a solitary sport. A lone archer with his target…. But that doesn’t mean you’re alone… The ochi is the last position on the team. The last one to shoot. It’s scary. There’s no one behind you to set things right if you screw up. It’s also the only spot where you can watch everyone else shoot. Where you can breath in and listen to those strings. Kyudo is a solitary sport but it doesn’t mean you are alone. And burdens are much easier to carry as a group.

it’s ok, phones can be carried by just one person It’s even easier that way – also look at Seiya being Mr. cool

Then they made it past the first round and Coach Masa is probably going to be ok! YAY!!!

I goof but let me assure you, I was almost as relieved as those boys to hear his voice. I’m not sure what they’ll do with the last episode and it doesn’t really matter. I just want to spend on more lazy afternoon on those gorgeous shooting ranges quietly enjoying the moment. When you realize what matters to you, it just gets easier.

The screencap issue is not getting any better…

Tsurune Episode 12 – The Importance of Being Ochi Genre: Drama; Sports; School Studio: Kyoto Animation Waiting is always the hardest part, isn't it? Those moments of uncertainty where meager hope keeps the pain nice and sharp and healing has no chance to begin.

[emblem-333]

Paul Millsap: And The Music City Miracles

Trade deadlines are fun. Though sometimes uneventful. With the moving of Kyle Korver to Cleveland, the Atlanta Hawks have given up on the season, winning in this era. 21-16, currently on a six game winning streak, seeded fourth in a unspectacular Eastern Conference. If Atlanta decided to once again stand pat for the remainder of the season they’d likely finish above younger teams like Boston, Charlotte, and Pacers, grab home-court advantage, lose to Cleveland either in round 2 or three in another curb stomping.

Course there’s nothing wrong with being that team. I defended the Los Angeles Clippers running back the CP3-Blake-DJ nucleus in hopes of becoming the late-90's Jazz, when competition becomes lackluster enough for a second-tier team gets to the final round.

Trading Korver to the second best this team in the league signals the end of an era, any hope to strengthen the roster before February, and commence the rebuild. That last part being said, it is too late to tank for the Hawks are twenty-games better than the worse team in the NBA: Brooklyn Nets. Tanking is basically pointless for Atlanta, as they are only able to, at best, capture a pick between 10-15.

With this strategy, what the Hawks should try to obtain for All-Star forward Paul Millsap shouldn’t be a high 2017 pick, as it seems the only potential buyer/pseudo contender that can reasonably pony up for him is Boston. It make zero sense for Danny Ainge to give up a top-2 pick for a player that doesn’t push them over the top, arguably cannibalizes the forward positions, and will have to pay a large sum of money this summer to keep.

Boston is not a team that should push all their chips in the middle of the table for one year of contention. The Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers are those teams who should do an all or nothing deal like this. Their respective futures are nonexistent, but LA and Indiana possess the assets to chase someone of Millsap’s caliber. Washington can put up the best offer out of the three teams: Ian Mahimi, Markieff Morris, two 1st round picks (2017-18). Their general manager is desperate to keep his job, no matter how painful it may be to the team’s future.

Washington is the clear front runner to trade for Millsap. Their package of picks, chances of mediocrity make what they’re offering more enticing than the Raptors Terrence Ross, Patrick Paterson, Norman Powell, Jakob Poeltl, and an unprotected 2018 pick.

The upside to that Raptors deal I just outline is fairly hit or miss. Powell is a quality two-guard that doesn’t play enough where he currently is. We don’t know what Jakob Poeltl is, has an accomplished résumé from Wisconsin, winning the PAC-12 player of year with 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds over 30.5 minutes per game. That 2018 pick may be a middling first rounder, even if the Raptors lose one or both of Valanciunas, DeMarre Carroll, or Paul Millsap; to keep all of Millsap, DeRozan and Lowry more than $100 million of the Raptors cap will be tied to those three players. The risk could be too much for GM Masa Ujiri to take, but Toronto’s been wanting to make the big move for the past two seasons, only to have no fish to catch. This is the biggest fish they’re gonna have the chance to catch for the time being.

Outside of the east, Memphis is a team that could offer mainly cap filler, a prospect, and draft picks. The Grizzlies kinda lucked into a season as pseudo-contenders in a year they weren’t supposed to be. Marc Gasol is the best center in the NBA, has extended his game beyond the arc, the emergence of James Ennis, Troy Daniels, Zach Randolph as a bench player, and rookie coach David Fizdale successfully transition the Grizzlies from the old school “Grit ‘n Grind,” and combined aspects of the previous era into new school Pace ‘n Space basketball.

After this season it is hard to see the Grizzlies being this good with this nucleus. They’re two stars are getting up there and have their fair share of injury history. Fans, players of the team have clamored for one more chance against the Warriors, a team they held a 2-1 lead over despite Mike Conley having a broken face. This is the price a contender must pay. You cannot think of just your future when your present could lead you to Cleveland in early June.

Looking east, Danny Ainge of the Celtics is willing to be the third team in a deal such as this. Boston has too many picks for its own good. Last summer the Celts had to depart with players they did not want to due to the unavoidable roster crunch. Some of those assets outside of those Brooklyn picks can be appealing to a team as long as they ain’t giving up much for them. Ainge can afford to take a risk on a guy like a Dwight Howard. Not saying that’s what I’m proposing, but you get my point.

Atlanta can pilfer the Grizzlies for Brandan Wright, Andrew Harrison, Memphis’ 2018 1st, and 2nd round picks, and unprotected 2020 pick. The Celtics can throw in their 2017 2nd round pick from the Clippers, their own 2018 1st (top-15) protected, and Amir Johnson’s expiring to make the contracts work.

Memphis will get Paul Millsap and Tim Hardaway, Jr. a player they’ve been shopping for recently, hoping to get multiple 2nd round picks in return. It was a mistake to trade Bobby Portis for Hardaway, I don’t believe they’ll get much for him outside of a deal like this. I don’t know what team is begging to give up assets for someone that’ll sit on the bench for the most part of ballgames. This is a guard heavy league, not many squads outside of Memphis need one at the moment.

Hardaway may be able to play point guard, which would mean the world to Memphis due to their lack of depth besides Mike Conley at that position. Hardaway has been respectable this year. 44.7% from the field, 35.3% from three, 64.8% at the rim.

It be interesting to see if the Hawks inquire Memphis of rookie point guard Wade Baldwin IV. He’s only played 314 minutes in his career, it can’t hurt for the Hawks to have a rookie prospect under a cheap contract for a few years.

For Atlanta, they get a plethora of picks that can jump start their rebuild, 2017 is a loss cause if they decide to tank right now (which makes a Paul Millsap trade stupid, but I think we’re heading there regardless).

Boston could take advantage of the cluster of forwards in Memphis’ frontcourt, and curry favors for assisting them. Grabbing Zach Randolph’s expiring, maybe Deyonte Davis too, if Ainge can somehow manage that.

Randolph for Amir could be a big boom or bust deal for Boston. Amir is a quality backup center, frontcourt partner for Al Horford, and is the best rim protector on the team that really doesn’t value that skill too much. Defensive minded, Amir takes no shit, can bang against Tristan Thompson, and belongs on the court against the Warriors. Him and Thomas running the PnR was huge last season, and his numbers haven’t dipped considerably from the 2015-16 season, a year he ranked 10th in Defensive Box Score Plus/Minus (3.2). On certain nights he just brings it, is ferocious, attacks the basket and assumes the amount of swagger that energizes the crowd, teammates and shifts the momentum of ball games.

Randolph possesses an outside shot, something Amir struggles with. Numbers suggest Zach crashes the defensive glass more than Amir, 28.8 DRB% ranks 8th in the entire league, his ORB% of 10.4 ranks nineteenth. Him and Johnson play roughly the same amount of minutes per game, the difference in what constitutes as a great game could be startling. In my opinion, a great game for Amir is judged by what doesn’t show up on the stats sheet. For Randolph, it’ll be measured solely on points scored, given up, rebounds, etc.

Relegated to the bench since the departure of the “Grit 'N Grind” era, Z-Bo shined against the 2016-17 World Champion Warriors, in his reserve role. Posting a 24/11/6, 12-17 from the field in 35 minutes of playtime.

That night may just be an anomaly. Or, a shine there is something left in the tank of the 35-year-old.

Paul Millsap to Memphis means the Grizzlies now have their army ready to take on the Warriors Armageddon Society. Gasol is already an All-Star, and would be the best center Millsap has ever played with. Horford is great, and his floor spacing rubbed off on Millsap as shown by his dip in field goal percentage when paired with Dwight (last two seasons with Horford: 47.6%, 47%, first season with Howard: 43.8%). But Gasol shoots has a better 3P% on a team that is worse than Boston at shooting. As a team, Boston ranks sixteenth in the league in FG% (45.1), Memphis ranks dead last (42.5).

DRB% is roughly the same, both are the long bigs with the privilege of working with top-tier guards and quality head coaches. What a Millsap/Gasol frontcourt can accomplish, with the emergence of Troy Daniels, James Ennis, and if Chandler Parsons can just play 20 minutes a night, 65 games (including playoffs) the Grizzlies can beat back the Spurs, who are weak at the point guard spot, and don’t have as much depth, and place themselves as the second best team in the conference.

Could they beat the Warriors? The Grizzlies showed allot of moxie in their ability to take all the punches the Warriors had to offer. When facing Golden State you’ll have to deal with deadly runs from Curry or Durant, being down 15 midway through the third quarter. What the Grizzlies exposed was their opponents inability to finish off good teams in the final period. The Grizz, on the other hand, know how to finish. So does Millsap.

You can reach me @Sailboatstudios, Vinny on twitter.com

[viadescioism]

The arskasa ona language of the ravens of antimony, and the basic dictionary

The alphabet of desire known as the Ravens of antimony can also be written, and spoken using its own syntax, and grammar. It's language is primarily based off english and is primarily used by me The Wolf of antimony to obscure information from people I do not want to know it. It is also used as a magickal language in my rituals, and spells as something that can connect me more in my craft when I am partaking in it. This language is made up of the 36 sounds of the ravens of antimony alphabet of desire. These sounds are connected together along with the meanings of the sounds to form words. This means that you can take the ravens of antimony's word for raven which is arskasa, and are able to split it down in its letters to gain its basic meaning. In the case of arskasa it would come down to AR - SKA - SA. AR meaning wise, SKA meaning life, and SA meaning dark, so the word for Raven technically comes out to in its base meaning wise life dark. Arskasa is a word that is also made up of a another word. This word being arska meaning animal. Also each letter is its own syllable and will be spoken as such. The Ravens of antimony language is written, and spoken in subject-verb-object sentence structure, just like English.

LUST (E) | [eh] as the “e” in “met.”

PASSION (U) | [oo] as the “oo” in “boot.”

DEVOTION (Æ)(A') | [Ay] as the "ay" in "May"

PREJUDICE (TA) | [Tah]

ANGER (HA) | [Hah]

MISUNDERSTANDING (RA) | [Rah]

SKILL (A) | [Ah] as the “a” in “father.”

MIGHT (I) | [Ee] as the “ee” in “meet.”

ASCENDANCY (O) | [Oh] as the “o” in “boat.”

CHAOS (KA) | [Kah]

PANIC (ȜA) (Gha)| [Ghah]

HORROR (þA) (Tha) | [Thah]

DARK (SA) | [Sah]

CONNECTION (LA) | [Lah]

LIGHT (MA) | [Mah]

WISDOM (AR) | [Ar] as the “ar” in “car.”

KNOWLEDGE (JA) | [Jah]

LOGIC (NA) | [Nah]

BINDING (BA) | [Bah]

WARDING (GA) | [Gah]

PROTECTION (CA) | [Cah]

INSANITY (ZA) | [Zah]

ILLUSION (QA) | [Qah]

FANTASY (FA) | [Fah]

ENERGY (KNA) | [Knah]

LIFE (SKA) | [Skah]

HEALTH (SHA) | [Shah]

CORRUPTION (ACK) | [Ack]

DEATH (ABT) | [Abt]

BANISHMENT (ARD) | [Ard] as the “ard” in “card”

PAIN (PA) | [Pah]

EXPERIENCE (DA) | [Dah]

ENLIGHTENMENT (XA) | [Ksah]

UNKNOWN (YA) | [Yah]

RELEASE (VA) |  [Vah]

REBIRTH (WA) | [Wah]

The two configurations:

Projective, yang, masculine, Damakna = Dama

Resistant, yin, feminine, Dasakna = Dasa

The five states of the Ravens of antimony language:

Intention of hostility, aggression, and power = Uknaoxava

Intention of love, calm, and emotions = Shaknaoxava

Intention of logic, good communication, and inspiration = Naknaoxava

Intention of groundedness, sternness, and nurturing = Daknaoxava

Intention of great spiritual understanding, religious zeal, and divine unity = Skaknaoxava

modifying words:

plural  = "Ona" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

used like the -ing  = "Vada" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

possession ('s) =  "Iba" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Past tense = "Jaskadala" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Present tense = "Daskadala" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

Future tense = "Yaskadala" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

prefix of er = "Owa" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

prefix of est = "Oxa" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

prefix that increases the power and energy of the word it is connected to used like the word "very" = "Aiokna" as its own separate word after the word it is modifying

weakening of meaning, and sort of representing = "Acki"

Indicates a question = "Oya"

to release the energy of the sentence = "Ovakna"

word that modifies the word before to make it a number = "Onakna"

modifying word that changes nouns to the opposite = "Opawa"

modifying word that changes nouns to the cute form ="Oshasha"

modifying word that changes nouns to adjective or adverb form = "Oqaja"

word that releases energy at the end of a statements = Oxajava

Honorifics:

Lord, boss, Authority = Omabala

worker, peasant, underling = Osabala

Master, teacher = Vaarla

God, enlightened Being, ascended master = Yamasala

Student = Xajala

Non-binary sir = Dalala

Noun:

Genesis = Oxakna

Theós = Damakna

Theá = Dasakna

Ouranios Ethos = Madaqa

Agora Ethos = Ladaqa

Chthonic Ethos = Sadaqa

Andros = Uknayamasa

Sophizo = Shaknayamasa

Iaomai = Naknayamasa

Pharmakeia = Daknayamasa

Apotheosis = Xaoxa

Philosophia = Najaar

Eudaimonia = Umao

Philotimon = A'jau

Isoropia = Laarda

Sophrosyne = Tau

Eleutheria = Vadaska

Humility = Davaabt

Agapi = Xa'ua'

Stoicism = Abtgha

"Name for the dot that makes space in between words." = Arlaar

"Name for colon that acts as a period at the end of a sentence." = Laabt

"Name for question mark." = Layaja

"Name for exclamation mark." = Laola

Force field, and protective energy = Cakna

Ravens of antimony aspects = Okna

Ravens of antimony  Sub aspects = Akna

Antimony = Xadakna

Sun = Ouknadakna

Moon = Oshaknadakna

Name = Skadaja

Help = Wadama

Abundance = Maoo

Alligator = Arskasasa

Ant = Arskakapa

Dear = Arskaiu

Badger = Arskaha

Bee = Arskaa

Camel = Arskahama

Cat = Arskaga

Cheetah = Arskahaa

Chicken = Arskabaskaka

Cow = Arskaba

Crocodile = Arskamama

Deer = Arskaa'

Dog = Arskau

Dolphin = Arskaosha

Duck = Arskavasha

Eagle = Arskavava

Elephant = Arskaua'

Fly = Arskaabt

Fox = Arskaaka

Frog = Arskaza

Giraffe = Arskao

Goat = Arskabada

Goldfish = Arskabasha

Hamster = Arska

Hippopotamus = Arskauu

Horse = Arskababaska

Human = Arskapadaxa

kangaroo = Arskakaka

Lion = Arskauma

Lobster = Arskashaca

Monkey = Arskapadaxaqa

Octopus = Arskana

Owl = Arskaar

Panda = Arskara

Pig = Arskabaska

Rabbit = Arskae

Rat = Arskanana

Raven = Arskasa

Scorpion = Arskakapaha

Seal = Arskaskasha

Shark =  Arskashai

Sheep = Arskaska

Snail = Arskaca

Snake = Arskagha

Spider = Arskatha

Squirrel = Arska

Siger =  Arskai

Turtle = Arskacaca

Wolf = Arskama

Zebra =  Arskasalama

Yes = Mava

No = Sava

Hello = Labadaska

Goodbye = Dava

Good morning = Tamama

Good afternoon = Tamala

Good evening = Tamasa

Welcome = Mabava

Good = Tama

Evil = Tasa

Time = Qadanakna

Magick = Knaxaja

Magic = Faknaxaja

Language = Laja

Person = Arskaxa

Animal = Arska

Raven = Arskasa

Sigil = Laqa

Text = Laqalaja

Book = Jalaqalaja

Box = Skaqaba

Lesson = Java

Element = Ushanadaskakna

Fire = Ukna

Water = Shakna

Air = Nakna

Earth = Dakna

Spirit = Skakna

Space = Skaknaya

Void =  Skaknayaack

Symbol = Daknalaqa

Mind = Skaskaarkna

Body = Skaskadakna

Individual = Skaska

Door = Daknaga

Doors = Daknagao

Building = Daknabagaca

Reincarnation = Abtwa

Action = Vada

Terrestrial body = Odakna

Planet = Odakna

Number = Nakna

Library = Jalaqalajadaknabagaca

Sense = lada

Past = Jaskada

Present, Now, Here = Daskada

Future = Yaskada

Abomination = Sakaackyatha

Place = Daskada

Like = Mala

Secret = Naya

Next = Wava

Want = Ba'

Information = Naja

Release = Va

Focus = Taa'

God = Masa

Goddess = Sama

Deity = Yamasa

Northwest = Xaa'skaknaya

North = Xaskaknaya

Northeast  Xaoskaknaya

East = Oskaknaya

Southeast = Yaoskaknaya

South = Yaskaknaya

Southwest  = Yaa'skaknaya

West = A'skaknaya

Day = mama

Night = Sasa

Sunday =  Skamama

Monday = Knamama

Tuesday = Imama

Wednesday = Namama

Thursday = Omama

Friday = Umama

Saturday = Amama

Spring = Shaqadanakna

Summer = Skaqadanakna

Autumn = Ardqadanakna

Winter = Abtqadanakna

January, January moon = Wasaodakna

February, February moon = Usaodakna

March, March  moon = Knasaodakna

April, April moon = Shasaodakna

May, May moon = Skasaodakna

June, June moon = Dasaodakna

July, July moon = Vasaodakna

August, August moon = Isaodakna

September, September moon = Arsaodakna

October, October moon = Thasaodakna

November, November moon = Ardsaodakna

December, December moon = Abtsaodakna

Month = Saodakna

Lust = E

Passion = U

Devotion = A'

Prejudice =Ta

Anger = Ha

Skill = A

Might = I

Ascendancy = O

Chaos = Ka

Panic = Gha

Horror = Tha

Dark, Darkness = Sa

Connection = La

Light = Ma

Wisdom = Ar

Knowledge = Ja

Logic = Na

Binding = Ba

Protection = Ca

Insanity = Za

Illusion = Qa

Fantasy = Fa

energy = Kna

Life = Ska

Spiritual life =  Padaxa

Health = Sha

Corruption = Ack

Death = Abt

Spiritual death = Yavawa

Banishment = Ard

Pain = Pa

Experience = Da

Enlightenment = Xa

Unknown = Ya

Rebirth = wa

Love = Eua'

Hate = Tahara

Power = Aio

Fear = Kaghatha

Spirituality = Salama

Reason = Arjana

Safety = Bagaca

Delusion = Zaqafa

Creation = Knaskasha

Destruction = Ackabtard

Magick = Knaxaja

Magic = Faknaxaja

Luck = Yama

Toilet = Ackshakna

Abyss = Saoo

Male = Damaska

Female = Dasaska

Nonbinary = Dalaska

Help = Wadama

great spiritual awe and a connection to all things past present and future = Dasalamaxa

Maybe = Mavalasava

Aman, showing of great honor and reverence, at the end of communication, thanks and respect for = skaar

You're welcome =  Vawadama

Good morning = Malabadaska

Good afternoon = Lalabadaska

Good evening = Salabadaska

Goodnight = Sasalabadaska

Excuse me = Vaskada

Verb:

Bind = Ba

Ward = Ga

Hate = Tahara

Fear = Kaghatha

Love = Eua'

Experience = Da

Pain = Pa

Panic = gha

Anger = Ha

Misunderstand = Ra

Lust = E

Focus = Taa'

Come = Bavadaskada

Luck = Yama

Help = Wadama

Name = Skadaja

Thank, Thank you, You're welcome = Vawadama

Get = Baba

Give = Vaba

Go = Vadaskada

Understand = Mara

Keep = Labaca

Let, Allow = A'da

Make = Naknaskasha

Put = A'ba

Seem = Tana

Take = Bava

Speak = Vakna

Be, Is, Are, Am, Are = Dada

Do, Does = Tada

Have, Has = Laba

Say = Naqada

See = Qada

Send = Lavava

May = A'ii

Will = Ida

Experience = Da

Time = Qadanakna

Welcome = Mabava

Power = Aio

Sense = Lada

Number = Nakna

Build = Daknabagaca

Can = Mava

listen = Arknalada

Open = Vaca

share = Vadalada

Learn = Xaja

Mean = Knaja

Like = Mala

Want = Bae

Release = Va

Hold = Bada

Teach = Vaar

shine, shines, emanate, emit, summon, illuminate = Mavava

Activate, start = Navama

Deactivate, stop = Navasa

Adjective, and Adverb:

On = Xama

Off = Xasa

Under = Vasa

Up, Above = Mao

Center, Middle = Lao

Down, Below = Sao

Not = Sara

First = Taa'

Afraid = ghada

Good = Tama

Evil, Bad = Tasa

Individual = Skaska

Sorry = Wama

Open = Vaca

Mean = Knaja

Safe = Bagaca

Past = Jaskada

Present = Daskada

Future = Yaskada

Secret = Naya

Next = Wava

Unknown = Ya

Old = Saqadanakna

New = Maqadanakna

Trick = Aqa

Over = Vama

Through = Vala

Not = Sara

Then = Dayao

Please = Mau

Next = Wava

wild = Uknaza

Conjunction:

And = Lala

Or = Fafa

nor = Thatha

For = Vava

But = Ghagha

Preposition:

About = Jaa'

Across = Dalada

After = Daa'

Against = Sahama

Among = Badaskada

At = Ladaskada

Before = A'da

Between = Saa'ma

By = Daba

Up = Mao

Down = Sao

From = Bada

In = Knaca

Out = Knacava

Off = Xasa

On = Xama

Over = Vama

Through = Vala

Under = Vasa

To = Lava

With = Bala

As = Lada

For = Vava

Of = Labada

Above = Dao

Like = Mala

Next = Wava

Pronoun:

Subject Pronoun/ Object Pronoun:

I, Me = Skada

You = Daska

It, That, This = Daya

Nonbinary pronoun/ Object pronouns = Dala

We, Us = Skada Ona

They, Them = Daska Ona

These, Those = Daya Ona

Reflexive or Intensive Pronouns "repeating word":

Myself = Skadaskada

Yourself = Daskadaska

Itself = DayaDaya

Nonbinary pronoun reflexive pronouns = Daladala

Ourselves = Skadaskada Ona

Yourselves = Daskadaska Ona

Themselves = Dayadaya Ona

Possessive Pronouns = "iba":

My, Mine = Skada Iba

Your, yours = Daska Iba

Nonbinary pronoun Possessive pronouns = Dala Iba

Its = Daya Iba

Our, ours = Skada Ona Iba

Their, Theirs = Daska Ona Iba

Not sure:

Where = Yadaskada

When = Yadaskada

Why = Yaya

What = Yaja

Who = Yadaya

How =  Knacayaja