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reki-of-the-valley · 2 years ago

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Through the Seasons

Read it here on ao3!

Spring | Summer | Autumn

2 - SUMMER

Reki takes a deep breath as he stares at himself in the mirror. It’s today. Today is the day he’s dreamed of his entire life, as cheesy as that sounds. It’s cheesy, but, despite denying it for so, so long, it’s nothing but the truth. Today really is the day he’s been waiting for since he was a little kid. Today is the day; his moment is only minutes away. New adventures are merely minutes away, long minutes that pass in a flash. A new chapter of his life begins as soon as he steps through the door.

“You’re gonna be late if you keep staring at yourself in the mirror like that.”

Reki whips around to face his little sister and her never-changing annoyed look. Her eyes narrow onto him as she crosses her arms over her chest and raises an eyebrow. And he knows he looks like a deer in headlights, but he can’t help the distressed look. He can’t help the pounding of his heart or the buzzing in his ears. He can’t help the stress that’s weighing down in the pit of his stomach. No matter how hard he tries, Reki is incapable of wiping away the visible panic on his face.

“I have to look perfect!”

Koyomi sighs as she pushes herself off the wall and makes her way to her brother. A smile creeps itself onto the corners of her mouth as she reaches out for him, fingers surprisingly gentle against his neck as she fixes his red bowtie.

“Breathe, Reki.” Reki takes a deep breath which has Koyomi smiling even more. “You know, you could walk down the aisle in your underwear and Langa would still think you’re the most perfect, most good-looking bastard in the world.”

Reki lightly shoves his sister, who lets out a snort as she stumbles back. Still, her smile eases Reki’s nerves a little, leaving him with a matching expression. She’s right, of course she is, and Reki knows it, but still, he can’t help but be in shambles over this. This is his wedding with Langa. Dreamy Langa. Perfect Langa. His best friend first. The love of his life, for crying out loud! Reki’s actually marrying the guy! Reki is marrying Langa, and everything starts in only a few minutes! Reki has minutes before everything turns on its head and changes. Everything is changing!

“Reki!” Koyomi gives a tug on his bowtie, the shock of the jolt just enough to pull him from his spiraling thoughts. “I said: breathe. You’re gonna give yourself a panic attack at this rate, and it is not the time for that.”

“I’m fine!”

Amber eyes narrow onto Reki, and he feels himself shrink under the intensity of the gaze. While she may be smaller than him, he knows she can very well take him in a fight, and she is not above hitting him on his wedding day. Call it sibling love, if you will. But Koyomi is the definition of compact strength, and Reki doesn’t want today to be the day he learns what she’s capable of while in a dress and heels. If there’s one thing he’s learned growing up, it’s that for some weird twisted reason, the more impractical the outfit, the more Koyomi is capable of kicking ass.

“What have we been telling you for basically the entirety of your existence? About the whole ‘I’m fine’ thing?”

“That whenever I say that I’m fine, I’m actually not fine?”

“Exactly. So just—” Koyomi takes a step back, assessing her work— “take a deep breath and remind yourself that soon enough, you’ll get to see Langa. You’ll get to be all stupidly smiley and all your worries – useless worries at that! – will simply vanish. And just so you know, he’s also nervous as hell.”

“You saw him?”

Reki feels his head spin once more. This is getting more and more real as the minutes go by. What had once been nothing but a fantasy, something his 17-year-old self used to think about in bed instead of sleeping, is now his reality. To think that this had once been but a silly fantasy, a dumb princess story that was totally impossible. But as always, the universe has a way of turning the impossible into a reality, and here stands Reki, Reki who is so terribly excited and nervous at the idea of finally getting to tie the knot with his forever. He’s marrying Langa. He’s marrying his best friend. He’s finally going to be able to vow infinity to Langa, for real this time. And of course, the stress he’s been trying so hard to brush away these past few months crashes against his fickle brain, reminding him of all the ways a perfect fantasy can be burned to the ground. But also, for some strange reason, the idea of Langa also being stressed, it calms him ever so slightly.

“You should’ve seen his mom; the poor woman was trying to calm him as he kept digging through his stuff. I didn’t catch everything she was saying to him since they were doing that thing where they flip between English and Japanese, but I can assure you that he wants this to be as perfect as you do. He wants it to be perfect for you, Reki.” Koyomi’s hands are warm against Reki’s cheeks. And it’s calming, the way she holds him. It’s the same calming touch their mother has. “Your husband-to-be is also going crazy, terrified that he’s somehow not perfect enough for you.” And her smile, it has to be one of the brightest ones Reki’s ever seen. “You two dimwits are literally soulmates! You’re both idiots that need to be reminded that you’re already perfect for each other. You’re so perfect for each other that I might actually vomit from how cute you are. You’ve been perfect since the very beginning, and a wedding isn’t going to change that. So just… It’s just gonna be perfect!” Koyomi’s amber eyes shine as she squishes her brother’s cheeks, pulling a squeak out of him. “Reki! Reki, you’re getting married! You’re getting married to Langa, and he’s gonna be your husband for real! You’re actually getting married and you’re gonna have a husband!”

Reki takes a shaky breath that turns to a giggle as Koyomi practically chants the word husband over and over again. It’s like they’re little kids again, playing make-believe in the yard together. It’s like they’re children all over again, but they aren’t. They’re both fully grown adults, both with lives that are finally taking off. They’re both set for life, Koyomi graduating from university real soon and starting a job she’s been dreaming of for years, and Reki with his ever-growing brand name and a husband only minutes away. They feel like little kids as they jump and dance around the room, but they’re so much more now that they’re grown. This is so much more exciting because they’re grown.

It’s nice having Koyomi in his arms. When was the last time they had hugged? Forever ago, probably. It’s been so long since they’ve been this close; life got in the way and they forgot what it feels like to be in the same room, spending time with one another. It’s been forever since the last time it was just the two of them, even longer since the last time they didn’t bicker. Today, right now, it’s a nice reminder of how things can be. It’s nice knowing that deep down, under that annoyed exterior, Koyomi really is just Reki’s caring little sister that gets just as excited as him with things like this. She’s still his Komi, his little sister that will dance around the room. She’s still his Komi, his favorite hypewoman.

“And then there’s gonna be music and everyone is gonna enjoy themselves and mom is—”

“Where’s mom?” Reki feels himself suddenly tense, all the worst-case scenarios flooding in. “She’s not bailing on me, is she? She promised she’d walk with me, and I don’t think I can do it without her.”

Koyomi scoffs as she gives Reki one last squeeze before wiggling out of his embrace. “As if she would miss the first wedding of the family.” Warmth and serenity fills Reki at the sight of the sunshine shimmering in his sister’s amber eyes. “Mom would literally fight a zombie apocalypse to be here if she had to.”

“You…” Reki sighs, light laughter on his lips, as he pokes the girl’s cheek. “You’re probably right. But really? A zombie apocalypse?”

“What?”

“You’ve been spending way too much time with Miya.”

A smile eases its way onto Reki’s lips as Koyomi scoffs again, arms crossed over her chest. He isn’t sure if that’s a blush that’s starting to blossom under her skin or if it’s the makeup that’s now really popping under the burning summer sun, but regardless, she doesn’t seem too interested in addressing his accusation. She seems far keener on getting his last-minute touches down, one last straightening of his bowtie, a tug on his vest, and a quick and futile attempt at taming his tangles.

“There. If Langa wasn’t already so disgustingly madly in love with you – which he is, don’t try to convince me otherwise – he would fall head-over-heels in love with you right here and now.” Her eyes lock with his, a sudden look of seriousness overshadowing the glee that shimmered just moments ago. “You look good, Reki. Amazing even.” A grin illuminates the girl’s face. “My brother is the hottest groom, and Langa is one lucky man to spend forever with you.”

“Your boyfriend dared you to say that, didn’t he?”

“Oh my god, Miya’s not my boyfriend!”

“Who said anything about Miya?”

Koyomi inhales sharply before shoving Reki aside. Her heels click against the hardwood floor as she fetches the purse she had tossed onto the bed a little earlier. This time, there’s no mistaking the blush that takes over her face, embarrassment now impossible to conceal as Reki laughs. She doesn’t look very happy, but also, he knows he’s safe for the day. She wouldn’t hurt him on his wedding day, right? No, she’s not that mean. Hopefully.

“Mom’s gonna be here in like two minutes, so have fun being alone during those two long, insufferable minutes.” She grumbles something under her breath, something that weirdly sounds like needing a drink, which pulls yet another string of giggles from Reki. “I come here in peace, trying to calm you and help you get ready, and you have the audacity to blatantly attack me. The absolute disrespect!”

“I love you, Komi.”

Seeing her turn around, a slight smile pulling at the corners of her mouth, Reki can’t help the tears that start to well up at the corner of his eyes. Sure, it’s probably just because he’s an emotional mess right now, but it’s nice seeing Koyomi smile so unguardedly. It’s nice seeing her without some façade. It’s nice just seeing her, his little sister, the girl he grew up with. And when she says it back, returning to his arms and hugging him like when they were kids and needed a safe space, he melts. Reki melts, silent tears streaming down his cheeks as he hugs his little sister back.

“I love you too, Reki. And today’s gonna be perfect, just how you dreamed it would be. And,” Koyomi tightens her embrace, “I mean it when I say Langa’s super lucky to be getting married to you. No one’s better than my big brother.”

“My babies are actually getting along!”

Masae’s face glows with pride as Reki and Koyomi slowly step away from each other. Her hands are clasped over her heart, and Reki swears he sees tears forming at the corner of his mother’s eyes. He knows she’s proud of him, of Koyomi, of all her children, but seeing her like this, seeing that fond expression decorate her face, Reki can’t help but rush to his mother’s arms, melting into her. And as she wraps her arms around him, everything is right. There’s nothing quite like a mother’s embrace. There’s nothing like a mother’s love to make everything better, better than they already are.

Her hands are warm against Reki’s cheeks as she lifts his head from her shoulder. Her smile, it means everything to Reki. His mother means everything to him, and he hopes she never forgets it, not that he’ll ever let her.

“Are you ready, honey?”

Reki gives her a curt nod as he links his arms with hers. It’s now or never. It’s now and he knows it. It’s now as he turns to Koyomi, extending his hand to her as he grins from ear to ear.

“Let’s get this wedding started!”

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mirai-e-jump · 13 days ago

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TV Guide, 2/28/2025 Issue ft. No.1 Sentai Gozyuger Main Cast Member Interviews (translation below)

Publication: February 12, 2025 (before broadcast start)

Gozyugers -Who has the "number one" hero pose?-

Fuyuno Mio (Tono Hoeru/GozyuWolf)

I don't have much experience in acting, and I'm feeling all kinds of pressure, but I believe one of my strengths is my willingness to go after what I lack, so I'd like to maintain this attitude for the next year and improve my performance.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: Samurai Sentai Shinkenger. Writing kanji characters in the air, and then transforming through the power of kanji……it left an impression on me, so I remember it well.

Suzuki Hideharu (Byakuya Rikuo/GozyuLeon)

There's still alot of things I'm not good enough at, but I'll be required to act, do action, and do post recording on this set, and since I'm playing the role of a former idol, I'll likely have to sing and dance. Because there's alot to learn, I believe that I'll grow, and I hope that my growth will help to move this production in the right direction.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: GoGo Sentai Boukenger. I was excited when I learned that Action Director Fukuzawa-san was BoukenRed's Suit Actor.

Kanda Masakazu (Bakugami Ryugi/GozyuTyranno)

First, I hope that this production reaches many people, and I'll do my best with that single thought in mind. Then, I'd like to learn action and post recording through filming so that I can make the most out of it in my future career as an actor. I'd also like to learn from all the cast members so that I can grow twice as much.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: I watched Seiju Sentai Gingaman as it aired. I also watched Ninja Sentai Kakuranger together with my older brother.

Matsumoto Jin (Takehara Kinjiro/GozyuEagle)

I hope that each and every one of us, myself included, can create characters that people will be happy to see appearing on screen. And then, just like how I myself was as a child, I hope that we can all work together to create a production that'll make people want to sit in front of the TV at the exact time the program starts.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger. I liked toys, so I would collect the Ranger Keys.

Imamori Maya (Ichikawa Sumino/GozyuUnicorn)

I want to make sure that everyone who watches the show is thrilled and excited each and every week. For my role as Ichikawa Sumino, I'll be consulting as well as discussing things with the cast and staff, and I hope that we can present you with a production where every single moment is wonderful.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: Shinkenger. My older sister was studying kanji at the time of its broadcast, and the Shinkengers would fight by writing kanji that could be found in her workbooks. I remember that well.

Q: Who among you is the most heroic?

Imamori: I think each one of us has aspects that make us heroic.

Matsumoto: In terms of reliability, it'd probably be Masa-kun.

Fuyuno Suzuki Imamori: We know what you mean.

Suzuki: He's very kind. I have no acting experience, and my nerves were already shot when filming began, but Masakazu-kun called out from behind me during filming and said, "Don't worry, go on, you got this." I thought he was a hero for doing that, and it made me happy knowing that I'd be involved in the same production with such a kind person.

Kanda: Keep talking (laughs).

Matsumoto: Then there's Mio-kun. He's positioned as Red, so his turn to perform comes up quite often, which must also put him under alot of pressure, and yet….

Suzuki: He never looks like he's having a hard time, and will always smile at you. He's both tough and reassuring, so in that sense, he's the most heroic.

Fuyuno: (said shyly) Really?

Kanada: It seems like there's a side of him that changes once he gets into his role.

Suzuki: Lately, Mio's facial expressions have been different compared to when we first started filming. I could feel it just by watching you through the monitor.

Kanada Matsumoto Imamori: (they nod in agreement).

Fuyuno: Thank you so much (laughs). _

No One World Buraidan -Who has the "number one" villain pose?-

Sambongi Daisuke (Fire Candle)

Personally, I'd like to see spinoffs made for each character, but first, it's important for the children who watch the show to admire us and have dreams. So, I hope that tons of children will buy the toys. If they like the show, they'll want to buy them, so please buy them (laughs).

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: The first one I watched was Kakuranger. The most memorable one is Gingaman. I love its opening song. I'll often imitate Gingaman's poses and running style.

Marupi (Bouquet)

It's my greatest pleasure to say that Bouquet's visuals are "number one" in leaving an impact, but I want to be an actor who can leave an even greater impact than that. I want to create a production that'll make lots of people think, "Watching Gozyuger made me happy," and I have confidence that this team can do it.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: Mahou Sentai Magiranger, as it's a story about a family who stand together. I remember it well because I love my own family.

Karuma (Kuon)

With it being a 50th anniversary production, there'll be a festive atmosphere, and I feel that it's to be expected that irregular things will frequently occur, but I think we can exceed expectations, and I want to be apart of that. I'm looking forward to learning what kind of person Kuon is, and having others get to know him as well.

Q: Which heroes do you admire? A: I watched Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger, Ninpu Sentai Hurricanger, and Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger. I'm currently listening to Hurricanger's opening song.

Q: Who among you is the most villainous?

Sambongi: You mean someone who looks like they're plotting something? We would've liked to have named someone who's heroic too… (laughs). Still, each of them is carefully thinking about the role they play. I can often sense that on set.

Marupi: The impression I have of Fire Candle-san is that he's someone who's just a passionate idiot, but I can tell from his performance that he's not a character that can be described in a few words, and I think the viewers will understand that. I'm also playing the role of Bouquet with the hope of delivering a surprise that you wouldn't imagine from her appearance, with the same going for Kuon too…

Karuma: He's a mysterious character, so I can't just say things like, "He looks like this, but is actually…" (laughs).

Marupi: We're all thinking about how to present our roles (laughs). _

Special Talk

"Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to perform."

Fuyuno: I've admired heroes since I was a child, so I was happy, but at the same time, I felt pressure.

Suzuki: I grew up watching the Super Sentai series and saw them as my role models, so I was beyond surprised to find out that I would be apart of it. It wasn't until filming began, and I got on set to strike my transformation pose that I actually felt it.

Kanada: I was suddenly called into the office, told that I had been chosen to appear in the show, and was congratulated, but I was simultaneously happy, under pressure, and confused as to why they had decided to surprise me with it.

Matsumoto: I loved hero shows and would wake up on Sunday mornings just in time for them to start. It was exciting to think that I'd be seen as a hero by children who, like me at the time, wait excitedly in front of the TV.

Imamori: When the decision was made, I was so happy that I cried, as I couldn't believe it. I still feel like I'm dreaming, but I'd like to create a good show while discussing it with everyone.

Sambongi: When I was selected to appear, I thought the times had caught up with me (laughs). After that I thought, "I guess it was fate." Rather than being nervous or happy, I thought, "This is where it all starts."

Marupi: First, I couldn't believe it, but at the same time, I was determined to live up to the honor of being chosen to be apart of the 50th anniversary production. When I was chosen, I felt that 2025 would be the best year ever, so I want to return the favor.

Karuma: When I got the offer, I thought it was a mistake (laughs). I can't say anything right now about Kuon's character or how he'll influence the story (bitter smile), but I was happy to have been given such a role.

"In reference to the title, please tell us the number one person among the eight of you. Who's the number one morning person?"

Sambongi: If you've ever been late, be honest and come forward!

Marupi: Not me (laughs).

Imamori: Mio-kun comes to the studio very early, doesn't he? In addition, while everyone else sleeps on the bus on the way to the filming location, he continues to talk (laughs).

Matsumoto: It's like an unwritten rule, if you have to sit next to him on the bus, you better be ready to talk (laughs).

Fuyuno: I'm just trying to live each day to the fullest.

Suzuki: How cool (laughs).

"Who's the number one eater?"

Everyone: That would be…(they all look at Matsumoto).

Suzuki: I'm always eating the food prepared by catering.

Imamori: If I have alittle free time during filming, I'll sneak over to the catering area.

Kanada: You were holding some potato chips yesterday (laughs).

"And now, who's the number one person with leadership skills?"

Matsumoto: The five Gozyuger members are usually together, but when the time for filming approaches, Masa-kun often calls out to those around him by saying, "Shall we go now?"

Kanada: It's just that I'm abit of a cautious person, and tend to think that I shouldn't be late and need to start moving ahead of time. Well, I may be the leader in terms of pulling things along as a timekeeper, but Mio's the leader in terms of pulling things along on set and creating the mood, wouldn't you say?

Matsumoto: Mio naturally takes the initiative, and everyone will gather around him.

Fuyuno: I'm not trying to take on a leadership role though. Since one of our themes is being "outcasts," I think it's fine for each of us to be independent.

Karuma: You guys may never come together and remain separated.

Marupi: Wouldn't you lose members? (laughs).

Sambongi: It'd end up being a two person Sentai (laughs).

Kanada: If that continues, instead of number one, it'll become "only one Sentai" (laughs).