#might disappear for a bit and come back later though -- gonna watch squid games with vee in a bit hehe

[quietlyblooms]

i am once again reminding the dash that bunny suit chiyo exists as well as several other variations bc she just!! loves dressing up for her partner!! it doesn't even have to be something intentionally sexy/made for intimate moments ( though you can trust she'll still be wearing lingerie beneath it ); chiyo enjoys dressing up with her partner in mind, so that means putting on a dress they love, maybe their clothes if they like that, wearing stockings and accepting they might get destroyed. she'll tailor outfits according to their preferences if she's trying to rile them up ( and sometimes just in general ), and she'll be so utterly pleased if they notice and appreciate it. call her pretty, point out that she's got your favorite skirt on -- she'll get the cutest lil smile on her face <3

[meimi-haneoka]

Thoughts on Chapter 34 of CCS Clear Card

Aaaaand here we are again, at that time of the month, ready to talk and scream (?) about another of Clear Card’s chapters! Sakura and Syaoran have sorted out their problems, no more lies and secrets between them, Sakura even had the chance to witness in front of her eyes how her wishes can instantly turn into “incidents”, and her resolute face at the end of Chapter 33 hinted that she’s not gonna succumb to her fate!

What possibly could go wrong?

CLAMP:

UNDER THE CUT!!

The calm before the storm

First of all, I have to admit it. Those talking with me on the Clow Kingdom discord server might have already heard this, but this chapter left me totally disoriented. I don’t know whether it’s due to CLAMP not planning the storyboard properly (unlikely) or because it was supposed to feel like this, as the focus is all on the cliffhanger on the final pages (after all, this is future volume 7′s last chapter), but the feeling I got is that the flow of events is a bit rushed. We have many POV in this chapter, first we’re with the kids, then Kero and Suppi, then Nakuru and Yukito, then the kids again. 32 pages might not have been enough to develop everything properly, but we had to arrive to that cliffhanger.

And some things look definitely off. Like, Tomoyo is finally made aware of the fact that Sakura is the one creating the cards. And her reaction is “Oooh.” . She’s totally....unfazed? o_o Even seeing the Clear Card that represents her, she just comments with “まあ”?! Ok, Tomoyo might not be a drama queen ok no scratch that, she totally is, but I expected a bit more of surprise from her. Instead, she gushed over the Rewind card’s cuteness and started her usual ranting about recording this and that. It’s getting a bit repetitive and stereotypical, CLAMP? Tomoyo is so much more than that. She may not be my favorite ever but I do like her and her perceptiveness. I went so far that I even imagined she already knew Syaoran was the one behind the Sakura Card’s disappearance. So much for that. I hope CLAMP will find the time to bring out a shiny moment for Tomoyo, as I understand that the pages are what they are, and they have to develop the plot for the new characters, so they inevitably have to sacrifice the screen time of other characters.

We have a brief moment of Suppi explaining everything to Kero, and here I go “eh?” again at the story: Sakura says “Kero-chan is at home, this morning a guest came over” .... Ok? Did Sakura see that it was Suppi??? DIDN’T SHE INSTANTLY GO “WHERE THE FUCK IS YOUR ELUSIVE MASTER?” on him??? Ok maybe not with those terms, but....isn’t she surprised, didn’t she ask him why he was there? Again, a totally confusing part. We’ll see if that’ll get explained later on. We have a cute moment between the two small guardians, and again we have a character who acts nonchalantly about the situation, justifying it with “It’s Sakura. She’s gonna do something about it.”

DUDE

I wouldn’t want to break your world made of unicorns and tasty gourmet dishes, but this is exactly the reason why Sakura is in the situation she is, right now!!  It’s a problem she’s got in herself and she can’t do much about it, at the moment. This is what she is. A 12/13 year old girl with a scary amount of power in herself, that is growing by the minute (and we’ll see how, in this chapter). A power she can’t control. Sakura being Sakura is the source of the problem in itself.

I know, it’s supposed to show that he’s totally trusting his mistress, like he effectively says to Suppi. But he’s the 2nd character out of 3 who is acting in a  way too relaxed manner, in this chapter.

The third one is Yukito. It’s Nakuru to remark this fact, adding that it’s better that way. Sure, if everyone started feeling gloomy it would be a big mess. But even being too relaxed, in a situation like this, might lead them to overlook important things. BTW, it seems Eriol arranged paperwork to enroll Nakuru in college! That’s totally an Eriol move! XD Keeping Nakuru and Yukito together without disrupting Yukito’s normal life, great idea.

Sakura’s anxiety

But it’s when the kids arrive to the classroom, that the “fun” starts. The girls are talking about the swimming class they will have today, and Sakura is her usual cheerful self.

Then, Akiho arrives.

Sakura turns around normally, but when she sees her, anxiety start churning inside of her.

Sakura, who never ever felt anything about Akiho, not even after Kaito rewound time, feels something is wrong with her friend. The moment we’ve been waiting for 26 chapters. But there’s more, she can’t shake the feeling even during the swimming class (OFFICIAL SCHOOL SWIMSUITS, BTW!! they’re even more conservative than before and it’s alright XDD).

Of course, eh, her frown doesn’t escape observative-boyfriend-Syaoran's stare. She asks him if he can feel something from Akiho, and he says no, AND HE’S NOT LYING DAMMIT, he really can’t feel anything, but how can he explain ALL THE REST to her, with the spell placed upon him? Of course, this is Syaoran we’re talking about, so he tries to say something anyway, and finds himself not emitting a single sound. See, there’s so much to talk about in so few pages, like how we’re again presented with the fact that Akiho is similar to Sakura in the good reflexes too, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER Sakura’s smile to Akiho is so forced and lukewarm that you CAN really feel something is terribly wrong. Or, how we cannot talk about the first YAMACHIHA FLIRTING SCENE EVER?? I was so happy, in a moment of such tension those two managed to give us a breather before going back to the utter mess that is about to unfold. I love those two and their relationship <3

BUT LOOK WHO’S BEING A TOTAL CREEPER WATCHING KIDS IN SWIMSUITS? Our legendary asshole Yuna D. Kaito, of course!! XD Now, I have to be sincere. This is another of those “???” scenes because, ok, they try to explain that he’s there to cause some trouble now that Sakura knows the origin of the cards, but I still didn’t get why he’s doing that. What’s the connection between the two things? He smiles warmly while taking out his staff and he’s the usual smartass we love to hate!

Shit definitely goes down again

Then, panic unfolds. We have the final proof that in this chapter, Sakura could feel things before happening TWICE: one is as soon as Akiho arrives to school, having an uneasy feeling that she never had while looking at Akiho, and now, seconds before Kaito stopped time with his magic. Actually, scratch that: they might be 3 TIMES, as she pulls out her key and Reflect Card even before the real attack comes to her. This is all fun and games, until you actually stop to realize...that Sakura’s power might have increased once again, leading her to new heights of worrisome strong magical powers. 

A whirlpool raising from the pool attacks Sakura, to which she effortlessly responds using “Reflect” and here I’m once again confused because the scene just doesn’t flow right, there’s at least a panel missing to show that the one attacking her is “the pool” and those “arrows” don’t come out of nowhere, like the rest of this attack anyway, as it felt totally random (this might be the part pertaining to Kaito, anyway).

And, as if anyone called her: hello there, “vessel-mode” Akiho! (Ah, actually “vessel” is not a thing anymore, as the term has been completely erased in the tankobon release of volume 6, the latest out. The term “vessel” has been replaced with 中, “inside”. I’ll do a post about it, later on.) Just like last time, the usual assholes are talking through her again, using her as an intercom (though, I’m not sure if these are the Squids or the Association), commenting on Sakura’s powers and then attacking her, still using Akiho, stating that they have to bind her to this book. Yes, the verb used is really “to bind, to file” and it’s relative to books etc. 

Soooooo, now what I want to know is:

IS THIS THE CLIMAX STARTING TO MOVE FOR REAL, this time around?

Is something irreparable about to happen? Will Sakura be trapped in that book?

But most importantly, will Kaito rewind time once again and make the fandom riot like they never had before??? I really want to see if CLAMP are going to put their fan’s patience on the line like that ^^””” Still, it probably feels too soon to wrap this up, considering Kaito said there aren’t enough cards not many chapters ago. She did 3 in one day, yes, but if Kaito was about to cause something before the assholes interfered, it’s probably because he wanted her to give birth to another card. And now we have to see if this will happen or not.

If you’re wondering when next chapter is going to be released, please read my post on the matter.  UPDATE: a confirmation of a break for the July issue came from Nakayoshi’s Twitter account, you can read more HERE .

Thanks to @horitsuba for the scans featured here and thank you for sticking around to the end of this rant!! Mwah mwah! XDD

[swanqueeneverafter]

20. Into The Deep, Pt.5

The Enchanted Forest. Past. (The Curse begins to spread over the land. Cora and Hook watch as it approaches. Then Cora hits the ground with her staff causing a magical barrier to appear over them covering a portion of the land.) Hook: “Wouldn't it have been easier to reconcile with her before her curse destroys the land?” Cora: “Regina doesn't need me – not now, not when she thinks she's about to win. But I still have a place in her heart. And the curse won't last forever. It will end. In twenty-eight years, there'll be a Savior. And she'll break it.” Hook: “Twenty-eight years!” Cora: “You won't even notice. You'll be frozen, like all those in this corner of the land. But when the curse ends, our quest will resume. And when it does, Regina will truly have lost everything. And then she'll need me. That's when we'll go to this new land. You'll get your revenge. And me, I'll… help her pick up the pieces.” Storybrooke. Present. The Well. (Mr. Gold holds the wand up in the air and green lightning transforms the water in the well.) The Enchanted Forest. Present. The Dark Dungeon. Mary Margaret: “We are going to get out of here.” Emma: “How? By staring at that scroll? It's not like its going to magically open a door for us.” Mary Margaret: “Yes, it is.” Emma: “What?” Mary Margaret: “When I was little girl, I used to sneak into Cora's chamber and watch her practice magic. She had a spell book. And Emma, the spells were in the book.” Emma: “Yeah. Isn't that what a spell book is? A book that has spells in it?” Mary Margaret: “Watch.” (Mary Margaret blows on the scroll. The ink slides off into a mist.) Emma: “Whoa. Squid Ink! Gold wrote the scroll in squid ink.” (The ink spreads onto the cells bars and then disintegrate. Emma laughs.) Mary Margaret: “Told you. Good always wins.” (They begin to leave.) Aurora: “Wait! I can't go. You have to tie me up.” Mulan: “No. I'm not leaving with you.” Aurora: “I can't be trusted. Not as long as Cora has my heart.” Mulan: “Then I will get it back for you.” Aurora: “Oh, Mulan.” Mulan: “I will.” Emma: “Mulan? We got to go.” Aurora: “Do it. (Mulan ties Aurora up:) Good luck.” Mary Margaret: “Thank you. Good luck to you.”

The Enchanted Forest. Present. Lake Nostos. Cora: “And now the ashes. Would you care to do the honors? (Gives Hook the bottle with ashes. Hook takes the bottle and pours the ashes into the lake. A portal opens:) Here we go. We'll be in Storybrooke soon enough. I really look forward to seeing my daughter. I told you I'd deliver you to Rumplestilskin. (Hook holds onto the compass:) Now don't let go unless you want to end up some place that isn't Storybrooke.” (An arrow is shot at the compass and is knocked out of Cora's hand. Across from them, Emma, Mary Margaret, and Mulan are revealed.) Emma: “You're not going anywhere. This portal's taking us home.” Mary Margaret: “The compass. Get it.” (They all split up.) Cora: (To Hook:) “Find it first. I'll take care of them. (Hook proceeds to do so, only to be pursued by Emma. The two of them begin to sword fight. Cora creates a ball of fire and throws it at Mulan, only for her to deflect it with her sword. Mary Margaret aims an arrow at Cora, only to miss when Cora disappears in smoke, sending Aurora's heart flying over Lake Nostos. Hook catches it just in time and tosses it back to a surprised Mulan.) Hook: “I may be a pirate, but I bristle at the thought of a woman losing her heart . . . unless it's over me.” (He picks up his sword again and Emma and he restart their fight. Mary Margaret runs over to a still-shocked Mulan.) Mary Margaret: “Go!” Mulan: “No. You need the compass.” Mary Margaret: “But Aurora needs her heart.” Mulan: (Handing Mary Margaret her sword:) “Take it. It deflects her magic.” (Mary Margaret takes the sword, and Mulan runs back to Aurora. We return to Emma and Hook.) Emma: “I had no idea you had such a soft side.” Hook: “I don't. I just like a fair fight. (Hook knocks Emma over:) Good form. But not good enough. (Mary Margaret hears a whistle, and turns around to find that Cora is right behind her. The two begin to face off. We return to Hook and Emma, the latter of whom is trapped on her back against his sword:) Normally, I'd prefer to do other more enjoyable activities with a woman on her back. But with my life on the line, you've left me no choice. Bit of advice: when I jab you with my sword, you'll feel it. You might want to quit.” Emma: (Discovers the compass right beneath her:) “Why would I do that when I'm winning? (In a sudden blast of strength, Emma stands up and punches Hook down:) Thanks. Now let's go home!”

Storybrooke. Present. The Well. (Mr. Gold stands in front of the now-mortally dangerous well as Ruby, Regina and Henry enter.) Regina: “Gold!” (Mr. Gold turns around, surprised.) Henry: “You aren't helping Emma and Mary Margaret, are you?” Mr. Gold: “I'm helping you, Henry.” Henry: “What are you talking about?” Ruby: “You're gonna kill them!” (She proceeds closer, only to be knocked out cold by Mr. Gold's magic.) Mr. Gold: “Sorry, dearie.” Henry: “What are you doing?” Mr. Gold: “I can't let Cora came through the portal. You have no idea what she would do to us.” Henry: “Emma and Mary Margaret are going to defeat her. They're the ones that are going to come through!” Mr. Gold: "It's going to be Cora.” Henry: “No! It won't! Good always defeats evil. (Turns to Regina:) Stop it! You can stop this! He’s gonna kill them! Please!” Regina: “Henry, the only way I can do that is to absorb the magic. That would mean using magic.” Henry: “I know! Please, you have to try! They're going to make it through! We have to turn it off! It’s gonna kill them! (Desperately:) You said you wanted to change, to be better. This is how.” The Enchanted Forest. Present. Lake Nostos. Mary Margaret: “Why do you want to go to Storybrooke?” Cora: “Because my daughter needs me. And now I'm going to give her the one thing she's always wanted: your heart. Goodbye, Snow.” Emma: (Running in front of Snow:) “No.” Mary Margaret: “Emma!” Cora: (Her hand inside Emma’s chest:) “Oh, you foolish girl. Don't you know? Love is weakness.” (Cora attempts to rip Emma’s heart from her chest but she cannot.) Emma: “No, it's strength. (From within Emma, a blast of magic blasts Cora backward:) What was that?” Mary Margaret: “That is a great subject for discussion... when we get home. (Runs to the portal:) Come on. Ready?” Emma: “Yeah. Let's go.” (They both jump into the portal.)

Storybrooke. Present. The Well. (Regina walks toward the well. Placing her hands over it, she begins to absorb the magic.) Mr. Gold: “Regina!” (A sudden blast, knocks Regina down.) Henry: “No!” (Henry runs forward to check on her.) Regina: “I'm sorry, Henry. I'm sorry.” (Emma begins to climb out the well.) Henry: “Mom?” Emma: “Henry!” Henry: “Mom!” (Rushes over to her.) Emma: “I missed you.” (They hug.) Henry: “I missed you, too.” Emma: “I missed you so much.” (Mr. Gold & Regina exchange glances and he retreats back to town.) Mary Margaret: (Joins the hug:) “What's going on? What happened?” Henry: “My mom saved you. She saved both of you.” Emma: (To Regina:) “Thank you.” Regina: “You're welcome.” Ruby: (Running forward:) “Are you okay?” Mary Margaret: “Hey. (They hug:) Where's my husband? I need to find him.” (Ruby and Mary Margaret leave.) Emma: “Um, your mom - she's... She's a piece of work, you know?” Regina: “Indeed, I do. Welcome back.” Emma: “Thanks. (Henry beams at Regina as he hugs Emma tightly. Noticing how she’s leaning against the tree:) Are you all right?” Regina: “I’m... fine. I’ve just absorbed a lot of magic and-” (Regina attempts to stand by herself but stumbles.) Emma: “Hey.” Henry: “Mom?” Regina: “I’m all right, just a little drained.” Emma: “I’ll drink to that. Here. (Emma offers her arm in support and Regina accepts:) Kid, you wanna take the other side?” (Henry moves around to support the weakened woman as all three head back towards the town.)

Mr.Gold's Pawn Shop. Present. (In the shop, Mary Margaret runs to David, who lays on a cot surrounded by the dwarves.) Mary Margaret: “David!” (Mary Margaret kisses David, and a burst of magic erupts. David awakens with a gasp.) David: “You... you did it.” Mary Margaret: “Did you ever doubt I would?” David: “No. (David and Mary Margaret kiss:) Though the burning red room did give me pause.” (David and Mary Margaret kiss again.) Outside The Mayor’s House. Present. (Henry walks his mother to the door as Emma waits by the path.) Regina: “I can take it from here, Henry. I just need to rest.” Henry: “Are you sure? I can stay, if you want.” Regina: “I’d love that, but I don’t think I’d be much company. How about you and Emma go and have dinner at Granny's?” Henry: “Yeah, that’s a great idea. (He begins to leave then stops:) You know, I was right. You really have changed. (Runs back and hugs Regina:) Thank you.” (Regina slowly melts into her son’s embrace and sighs. Kissing him on the head, she releases him, watching as he joins Emma on their way back to town.) The Enchanted Forest. Present. Rumplestiltskin's cell. (Mulan is holding Aurora’s heart in her hand.) Aurora: “Have you done this before?” Mulan: “No.” (Pushes Aurora's heart back in her body.) Aurora: (Gasps:) “Thank you.” Mulan: “What now?” Aurora: “Cora told me something. When a wraith consumes a soul, it's not trapped there forever. It can be reunited with its body.” Mulan: “You think we can save Phillip?” Aurora: “We can try.” Mulan: “Then let's try.” (They stand and leave the cell together.) Mr.Gold's Pawn Shop. A short time later. (Emma enters the shop and crosses over to Gold.) Emma: “We need to talk.” Mr. Gold: “Yes. I believe apologies are in order.” Emma: “No. No apology is necessary. I understand why you wanted to keep Cora out of here.” Mr. Gold: “Just remind me never to bet against you in the future, Miss Swan.” Emma: “It's not really a bet when the game is rigged, is it?” Mr. Gold: “To what exactly are you referring?” Emma: “Your scroll. I saw it in your cell. You wrote my name again, and again, and again.” Mr. Gold: “I just wanted to make sure it would stick.” Emma: “The ink - it was there all the time. You could have gotten out.” Mr. Gold: “I was exactly where I wanted to be. You needed to find that, so all of this could occur.” Emma: “You created the curse, Gold. You made me the Savior. So everything I've ever done, it's exactly what you wanted me to do.” Mr. Gold: “I created the curse, dearie, but I didn't make you. I merely took advantage of what you are - the product of true love. That's why you're powerful. And everything you've done, you've done yourself.” Emma: “So you don't know.” Mr. Gold: “Know what?” Emma: “Cora tried to rip my heart out, but she couldn't. She was blasted back with something inside me. By... By...” Mr. Gold: “By magic. Whatever that was, I didn't do that. You did.” The Enchanted Forest. Present. Lake Nostos. Cora: “We failed.” Hook: “Really, Cora. After all this time, why do you still doubt me?” (He holds up the giant’s bean.) Cora: “But that bean is petrified. It's useless.” Hook: “But these waters have regenerative properties. Perhaps it's time to do some gardening.” 

The End.