#please im too emotional for this

[maragarita]

Jimmy's face here is so devastating to me because you can tell that when he looks at Kara he doesn't see the cute girl he showed around metropolis anymore. This is the face of a boy who's afraid

[shepscapades]

This one was a freaking doozy. If I keep talking i think i may be in trouble

[lovesickeros]

☆ even the gods bleed [ pt 2 ]

{☆} characters furina, neuvillette {☆} notes cult au, imposter au, multi-chapter, gender neutral reader {☆} warnings none {☆} word count 1.9k {☆} previous [ 1 ]

This had to be a punishment of some sort – some kind of divine punishment.

She was bored out of her mind just watching the sleeping body – she hadn't blinked once in the past five hours, her eyes were really starting to hurt. Yet they still hadn't moved so much as an inch since she sequestered them away to the only place she had known to be safe.

But it'd been almost a week since then.

The only solace she found was that Teyvat had seemed much less hellbent on collapsing in on itself like a dying star.

That counted for something.

Not much, but something!

..Even if their position was no better then it was a week ago.

There was, after all, still the issue of what to do about the false Creator – the actual imposter – and the Archons following them like blind lambs. The other Archons wouldn't listen if she tried to reason with them, and it would only risk the life of Divine One if she spoke of their location to anyone else.

She also was pretty fond of having her head still attached to her shoulders.

So she avoided them all together. Partially because she wasn't sure she wouldn't have a breakdown at the sight of them..she'd never been a fighter, and fighting an Archon? Easy pass.

Instead she was forced to babysit the sleeping Divine until they woke up while Neuvillette handled taking care of the nation and dealing with the other Archons – and by extension the false Creator.

Really though, she would almost think them dead if not for the subtle rise and fall of their chest.

Though..this also left her with a lot of time to herself. A lot of time to think.

She really didn't like it.

There wasn't a lot to occupy her mind and what little there was only distracted her for a scant few moments before her eyes drifted back to the Divine like she was locked in their orbit, unable to escape.

She closed the same book for the twelfth time – she kept count – and returned it to it's meticulously designed place within her bookcase. A low, barely audible huff of frustration escaped her lips before she could bite it down, her stare boring a hole into the body of the Divine One with a sharp intensity she rarely showed.

She was tired, bored and constantly on edge, fearing that at any moment someone would find out about their presence here.

That, at the drop of a hat, she would be powerless to stop the greatest tragedy of her time play out before her eyes.

Neuvillette would have scolded her for being so petulant, especially around the Divine One, if he were here.

But he wasn't.

He was out running her nation, instead.

And what was she doing? Nothing!

She grit her teeth, nails digging harshly into the palm of her hands as she took a deep breath – now was not the time to think about that. She had..much more pressing matters. Sulking and letting her thoughts spiral helped no one, least of all herself.

Yet her attention was caught by a harsh inhale, the rustle of fabric – were they finally waking up? She was exhausted, but it all vanished at the sudden drop of life within the otherwise deathly still body of the Divine.

Her eyes followed the subtle twitch of their fingers, watching as their brow furrowed and their features twisted in something almost like..pain.

..She wasn't ready.

What was she supposed to say?

Should she even say anything? Would that be considered impolite? Does she wait for them to speak first? Should she kneel? Bow?

She doesn't get much time to find her own answer before their lashes flutter, chest heaving with every strangled breath. Every single thought vanishes from her mind the moment she meets their eyes.

For a long, silent moment she thinks that her heart must have stopped.

Their eyes glow like the cresting of the sun over the horizon, painting the world in hues of gold – yet it also reminded her of the dipping of the moon below the waves, casting the briefest, most gentle of lights upon the world engulfed in darkness. In the depths of their eyes was the birth and death of stars in the infinite cosmos – glittering stars in a sea of empty, blank space that left her feeling lightheaded and breathless.

Beneath the splendor is a spark of recognition in their eyes so vibrant it was like a shooting star piercing through the dark night sky, leaving nothing but the wonder in the eyes of the observer as the only proof it ever existed – brilliant in it's beauty, however brief.

It is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

"Focalors?"

The lilt of their voice nearly made her knees buckle beneath her – euphoria so consuming it left her feeling she was starving swallowed her whole, her mind blanking in a moment of utter bliss. It was..an indescribable feeling that she doubted she could ever hope to put into words – not in a way that could properly express it, try as she might.

She swallowed the words that threatened to spill from her lips – she couldn't make a fool of herself. Not in front of them of all people. She'd never forgive herself.

"Divine One," She rasps, clearing her throat and covering her mouth with a hand to mask both her nervousness and the small smile that creeps across her face. She quickly regains her composure, hand resting on her hip as she puffs out her chest with every bit of pride she can manage. "I am sure you must be confused, but worry not– your most loyal acolyte has seen the truth!"

The silence is deafening.

She opens one eye, peaking at the bewildered and almost distraught expression of the Divine.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

That..she was not prepared for. Surely they knew who they were! Surely they knew. They had to– she's been praying to them for as long as she's breathed, she's dedicated every hour of her life to living up to their ideals, they can't just–!

"Lady Furina?"

Neuvillette, thankfully, spares her the embarrassment of having a meltdown in front of the Divine, the gentle rap of his knuckles against the door making her and the Divine pause, the soft lull of his voice soothing her nerves and yet setting her on edge at the same time.

"Neuvillette." She clears her throat again, her steps hurried as she marches to the door and pries it open none too gently, a forced smile pulling at her lips. She wastes no time tugging the man into the room, shutting the door behind him with a short huff. The silence is, somehow, even worse then before as the three of them stare at each other in absolute exasperation.

Neuvillette, for his part, manages to get his act together with a sharp clearing of his throat, bowing so low even she looks unnerved. She steals a brief glance at the Divine, and she's taken aback by the uncomfortability twisting their features into a grimace.

Their expression is schooled back into one of empty apathy when he stands back to his full height, but she saw it – she knows she did! Did they not like their worship? Were they not respectful enough? For a moment, she feared the Divine would smite Neuvillette down on the spot..but they just stared at him like he was a ghost.

"Why aren't you killing me?"

The defeated, resigned tone combined with the way their voice cracks makes her heart ache in her chest – it feels as though her entire world is crumbling down at her feet, and she cannot explain why she feels such emotions so strongly, but it is suffocating. It is almost as if Teyvat itself is weeping, bearing down upon her shoulders like a heavy weight.

She feels the urge to weep herself, but she powers through, gritting her teeth long enough for Neuvillette to take his place at the side of her – though it feels more like their – bed, kneeling like he was going to pray.

"Divine One," He offers a hand with a quiet rumble of his voice, the words slipping off his tongue like honey. It's like trying to soothe a stray cat..though she'd never voice such comparisons of the most Divine out loud. "I..we mean you no harm. I swear on my authority as the Iudex of Fontaine and Chief Justice that you are safe with us."

The skepticism she expected, but the reverence in which Neuvillette must convince them – or perhaps they are simply so tired that they simply did not care any longer if it was all some ploy to drive a knife between their ribs. She didn't expect them to actually place their hand in Neuvillette's.

He didn't either, judging by the way he visibly brightened – not that they'd notice, but she did.

..Not that she could really blame him, her heels clicking against the floorboards as she shifted her weight to the other foot with a nervous energy that was practically bursting at the seams, more then a little jealous of the attention he was receiving. She was the one who found them, she was the one who stayed with them the entire time..but he gets all the attention?

How unfair.

"O-of course! We would never lay a hand on our creator," She adds, her voice a little higher pitched then she would have liked as she placed her hands on her hips, puffing out her chest and brushing off the sting of jealousy. "Least of all I– your most loyal, most devout acolyte!"

She felt baffled when she heard the sound of their laughter, her shoulders hunching and her cheeks flushing on mere instinct – she was expecting mockery, but the look in their eyes, still dulled by a pain she cannot even begin to imagine, made her hesitate.

..It was, perhaps, the most genuine thing she'd heard from them ever since before the hunt began.

She wasn't sure why her heart hurt at such an idea, but it was enthralling to see the beginnings of a half hearted smile on their lips.

For a moment, her mask of theatrics was forgotten as she stared at them in a mixture of awe and adoration– and though she didn't look at Neuvillette, she could imagine he must've shared such an expression.

Had she any doubts that they were her Creator, that they alone were the most Divine..they would wiped clean now. There was no mistaking the way the world itself seemed to grow clearer as they glanced up at her like she was worth something.

For a moment, she realized how cold the false Creators gaze had been now that she has felt warmth so gentle it almost made her knees buckle beneath her. It felt like a pale imitation, now.

Nothing could compare to the warmth that spread through her body at the mere semblance of a smile upon their lips. She didn't even mind if it was her they were laughing at anymore, she just wanted to hear them laugh again.

She'd make a fool of herself, if she had to.

She'd never felt so..ravenous for such a thing, but just the briefest glimpse was addictive.

She simply couldn't help herself from striding across the room and clasping their free hand in her own, her smile wide enough to unnerve as she leaned her weight onto the bed. For a moment, she considered pulling away at the way they startled, but her mind was made up by then – there was no going back.

"Again."

[komipacket]

AHHHH YES i hear you sobbing there

I was thinking a lot about qsmp recently so the last 9 hours i was speedrunning this comic guys im crazy im bonkers you have no idea

The audio inspiration is ellie from last of us 2 singing take on me, idk i just feel that the song is so slime vibes but at the same time can sound SO FUCKING SAD AND YOURE SOBBING LIKE CRAZY this song (take on me in general by a-ha) is basically what is like to watch slimecicle's characters imo

...I just wanna watch flipariana chilling together at eggxile and having fun waiting for flippa to be back...

[swiftmitsu]

Erm my excuse is. Erm. Emotions :3 *i emote my way outta here

Nothing against u grizzly barbecue<3 all on me

SUNNYYYYY

WHYYYYY

I CANT ESCAPE IT.

THEYRE BOTH STUPID.

THEYRE BOTH IDIOTS.

I LOVE THEM.

[starry-bi-sky]

Okay so this is almost a direct copy-paste of my earlier reblog but only the Xin Yuan parts, because its long enough to be its own post and i want to share it! It deserves it's own post <3 typical starry stuff to write a 2k word long reblog, unfortunately.

I say almost because I went through to proof read and ended up adding more stuff.

I've been cooking on this idea for the last two days since I saw the Xin Mo!Shen Yuan post but??? I can't find anything on Xin Mo's backstory or how it came to be -- which means that's free fucking plot right there baby. That's a sandbox and im making LIFE SIZED CASTLES. I'm so excited.

The idea of Shen Yuan transmigrating centuries before the events of PIDW as Xin Mo -- but when he wakes up, he's not the sword. He wakes up in the body of a young boy named Xin Yuan. Now it makes sense for this boy to be a demon, but the drama, the intrigue, the spice of Xin Yuan being a human child.

SY wakes up as a boy below the age of ten, and the System tells him where he is, and SY is excited to meet his favorite protagonist -- only to gradually realize that he's like, a thousand years or so before the events of the novel. The rant he gives the system is legendary.

Bc what's the point of getting dropped into PIDW if he's never going to meet his favorite character??? This is a scam! BUT he settles into his new life, he's like, some orphan street rat or some other tragic airplane-esq backstory.

The system gives Shen Yuan his first mandatory quest: become a righteous cultivator. Which was like, kinda his plan/hopes anyways, except! There's like?? No official cultivator sects anywhere? The Cang Qiong Mountain Sect hasn't even been established yet, and there are pockets of cultivators running around, maybe some groups or schools popping up and then sinking back down, but nothing's really taken root!

If he asks someone how to become a cultivator, there's no straight answer. No "oh you can go to X to do that". He's pissed! How can he become a cultivator if there aren't any schools around to teach him? Deus ex machina, that's how.

Out of sheer luck, SY manages to help save a rogue cultivator, and promptly gets adopted by said rogue cultivator, who gives SY the name 'Xin Yuan'. He is ecstatic. And you know what? It's actually pretty fun!

He's getting to travel the world of PIDW in its early stages, and gets to see the building blocks for the eventual main story. He's discovering all this local flora and fauna that are foreign to his old world and unmentioned in the book, and he's learning cultivation! Granted, its unsafe, newly(ish) discovered cultivation, but it counts!

Wistfully, he thinks about perhaps he'll do something grand and get his name carved into legend. Something that would eventually help the protagonist later down the line in his quest for revenge.

The system remains silent to his thoughts.

But Xin Yuan doesn't take much stock in that daydream anyways. It's nothing more than fantasy to him; wish-fulfillment. He does discover however, that he is positively brimming with spiritual energy. Overwhelmingly so.

It's both a blessing and a curse, as it puts a strain on his meridians if he's not careful, and leaves him prone to qi deviations for the exact same reasons. He already has a heart demon or two from a few traumatic experiences in the past.

(bc hey! angst a day keeps the writer sadism at bay, and all that)

I'll say he's about... eight when he gets picked up by the rogue cultivator, who I'm calling Lin Kai bc he deserves a name. They travel around PIDW up until Xin Yuan is twelve, where he goes through a traumatic experience that results in a heart demon.

It's after that that Lin Kai decides to put a stop to his wandering, and find a place to settle down to raise Xin Yuan in. Coincidentally! They settle down in a nice mountain region that's thriving with spiritual energy. The mountains at the time were called something different, but they will be eventually known as the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect

Coincidentally, the mountain Lin Kai and Xin Yuan end up on is Qing Jing Peak. XY does not realize that the mountain he's on is Qing Jing. The System does not tell him. But he likes it there, more than he was expecting. And as much as he's traveled around, he really does enjoy being in one place.

He has a tendency to go down the mountain and help the village setting up down there, and when he's a teenager he starts venturing out more and more.

Xin Yuan forgets sometimes that he's in a novel, especially after settling down on Qing Jing peak. The system becomes remarkably quiet since there's no quests for him to do and not a ton of opportunities to get B-Points. He cultivates with Lin Kai, helps tend to the garden they're growing, goes down to the village to play with the other kids.

There's one boy he's best friends with, a boy whose not all that good with words, named Liu Zhihao. He's got potential for cultivation though, so Xin Yuan drags him up the mountain when he can so that Liu Zhihao can sit in on lessons with Lin Kai. He drags him all over the forest at the foot of the mountain to go look at bugs and animals.

(One time, when they're fourteen and Liu Zhihao has been learning cultivation for a few years now, Xin Yuan drags him out of bed late one night to go look at the stars. Xin Yuan tells Liu Zhihao about ascension -- something that still feels like a far off dream to many in this time -- that night, while they're sitting on the wet grass.)

("We should ascend together." Xin Yuan tells Liu Zhihao, jade eyes gleaming. Never let it be said that Xin Yuan doesn't love deeply, no matter what kind of love it is. He was always so lonely as Shen Yuan, Liu Zhihao is his best friend. "We'll become immortals, and then we won't ascend until the other is able to.")

(Liu Zhihao stares at him silently, his face unreadable. Then, quietly, he asks; "Promise?")

("Promise.")

When he starts adventuring outwards, further away from the mountain and the village, Liu Zhihao sticks to him like rice. Not that Xin Yuan's complaining, that's his best friend after all, and Liu Zhihao has become a formidable cultivator. He deserves to show off his skills.

He starts making something of a name for himself by the time he's, like, 18 -- although that name is in its baby steps, along with Liu Zhihao. They're slowly growing renown.

Perhaps XY uses his knowledge of PIDW and cultivation in general to help make advancements in the cultivation field. Although the system prevents him from sharing too much, it doesn't mean he can't practice it himself. Perhaps he's one of the first cultivators to develop a golden core. One of the first known immortal cultivators. One of the first to have a spirit sword.

(Although I don't know the logistics of any of this since my knowledge on xanxia/cultivation stuff in general is all still pretty new and google wasn't all that helpful lol.)

Either way, its my excuse to eventually make Xin Yuan come across as ethereal to other people. Peerless beauty SY for the win. Hs wifebeam is too strong, Xin Yuan has a line of suitors following after him and he's completely unaware of it. The rest of history is not.

Demon realm stuff has been stirring up since Xin Yuan was a kid, but at the time it was rare and in the beginning stages. Its been steadily ramping up and the system is sending him on more and more treacherous quests -- some of them mandatory, some optional. SY doesn't often take the optional ones unless it comes with a sufficient B-point reward.

for all intents and purposes though, he's a wandering rogue cultivator with Liu Zhihao, going from place to place to either help a town or village, or to discover more creatures or artifacts (although there aren't that many). Just all around living his life. He participates in a few major quest lines that are sure to get him mentioned in legend, even if it's a background character way.

(Unbeknownst to him, rather than being a side character in these legends, he's named directly. You can't become one of the first immortal cultivators and NOT get name dropped for clout.)

He has a spirit sword named Shā Mó, (杀 shā - to kill/weaken/counteract/reduce) (魔 mó - evil spirit, demon, possession). He routinely goes back to QJP to see Lin Kai, or to rest when traveling has worn down on him and he wants nothing more than to sleep somewhere he knows he'll be safe in. It becomes more frequent as Xin Yuan becomes more famous. Liu Zhihao often comes with him.

it all comes to a head though when the rifts between the demonic realm and the human realm become too great, and the balance between both realms becomes unstable. A demonic emperor's influence, wanting to merge the two realms so he could conquer both to satiate his own greed.

Typical evil king stuff. This comes to a climatic head in a great battle between every cultivator available and the demon emperor's army. Xin Yuan was one of the many who helped lead the charge.

In the end, it was Xin Yuan who ends up defeating the demonic emperor, but the rift that the emperor used to cross between worlds is destabilizing as well. Except instead of trying to close, it's getting bigger and bigger, threatening to swallow the heavens and earth and demonic realm whole.

You know how Yue Qingyuan's soul is bonded to his sword due to a qi deviation? Let's take it a step further >:)

Xin Yuan uses himself and Shā Mó to close the rift. However, it takes all of his spiritual energy to do so, as well as him filtering the demonic qi into his body to redirect it back to the demon realm.

In the end, Xin Yuan and his beloved sword Shā Mó fuse. Xin Yuan's soul becomes trapped in the sword. His physical body is unable to handle the immense amount of power it takes to close the rift, and is destroyed. He is immortalized in legend by his grieving cultivators.

(Liu Zhihao ends up ascending alone. He ascends with the hope that one day he'll see Xin Yuan again, even if it's in the face of someone else. Lin Kai does not ascend, too weighed down by the grief of losing his son.)

Xin Yuan, now Xin Mo, falls into a stasis. He's very confused and disorientated when he regains 'consciousness'. The system has been silent for most of his life, only popping up to give him mandatory quests, hints, points, or to answer any questions.

But once he wakes up, it cheerfully pops up again, congratulating him on completing the origin story of Xin Mo. SY freaks the fuck out. he'd shake the system screen if he could, but he doesn't have arms. or legs. or eyes for that matter.

He can sense his surroundings, but its all like imprints to him. He can sense the energies, but he can't see anything. It's all very disorientating and horrifying after years of being human. Like a sensory deprivation chamber.

The closing of the rift and the cycling demonic qi tainted both Sha Mo and Xin Yuan irreparably, and it did some kind of damage that resulted in SY needing to feed in order to use the spiritual powers. Kinda like how Xuan Su uses YQY's life force for it's spiritual energy, but instead of feeding on his own lifeforce, Xin Mo feeds on others.

The rest is history. Xin Mo is originally tied to the story of Xin Yuan -- believed to be all that remained of the man after he sacrificed himself to keep the realms separate. It's believed that the force of the realms closing permanently infused Sha Mo with demonic energy, turning it into Xin Mo.

But, like many stories do when faced against the tide of time, things get lost; chipped off; changed. Xin Mo is steadily separated from Xin Yuan, especially once it becomes clear how parasitic the sword really is, until they are all but separate entities themselves and the origin of Xin Mo's creation all but forgotten.

The years blur together when Xin Mo is not being wielded, and at first Xin Yuan was agonized by the fact that he stole the lives of all his wielders. He knows it's only a novel, but his decades spent in this life have softened him, and he's grown attached to the world around him.

But time erodes the mind like water erodes stone, and he becomes numb to it, then eventually anticipating of it. He forces himself to remember what he knows of PIDW's plot, and kinda fixates back on his old obsession on Luo Binghe. But while PIDW stays in his mind, his memories as Xin Yuan fall to the wayside.

Not forgotten, per se, but... tucked away. The system prevents him from forgetting fully.

Xin Mo isn't fully a demonic sword either i think, but instead harbors an ugly cocktail of both spiritual and demonic qi. Special circumstances and all that. Everyone just assumes he's a fully demonic sword because that's usually at the forefront, his spiritual qi weakened from the initial fusion and from years of not being fed spiritual qi. It's part of the reason his wielders always end up destroyed by him, other than the whole, yk, 'overwhelming qi' thing.

Nobody would recognize Xin Mo's human form as Xin Yuan other than some truly ancient demons. Of which Meng Mo might. But even that's iffy because there's a lack of surviving paintings of Xin Yuan, but also because of XM's demonic appearance and supposed lack of connection to XY.

Xin Mo has never spoken to his wielders before, not in the same way he does Luo Binghe. He tells Luo Binghe this, and he also tells Luo Binghe down the line that he is both spiritual and demonic -- something he also never told his wielders because there was no point to it.

okay okay i've got to end it here because its already gotten ridiculously long -- of which im both apologetic and unapologetic for -- but i DO think the Shang Qinghua and Shen Yuan meeting (and reveal) would be fucking hilarious. Especially if SY has learned how to pop between sword form and human form by then -- although i guess it doesnt matter either way because SQH's reaction is still the same.

And that reaction is internally screaming and going "hey what the FUCK?? WHY DOES XIN MO HAVE A HUMAN FORM??? WHAT IS THIS??? SYSTEM??? EXPLAIN???"

meanwhile from his place on the sword hilt xin mo is squinting at Shang Qinghua in bewilderment and going "aren't you supposed to be dead" but doesn't pay too much mind to it because its not like its going to change anything.

...up until he catches shang qinghua going "WTF" silently from his little corner while all eyes are off him. One moment SQH is standing beside his king, and the next he's been tackled to the ground by one wild-eyed, human-shaped Xin Mo.

everyone, including SQH, thinks Xin Mo is going to kill him. It is a surprise to everyone when he does not, and instead dissolves into deranged, uncontrollable laughter after spitting out some phrase in some ancient tongue and watching SQH's eyes grow wide in recognition.

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 793: The palms of their hands

Pag 1

1: Holding hands with you rival

Pag 2

1: Grasping tightly the gratitude

They're moving forward... to the future!!

Pag 3

1: 1500m left until the mountain line!!

Pag 4

2: You're kidding....

He's coming....?

He's getting closer?

3: So odd, and yet I thought I had left him behind completely

This is “three times”, isn't it?

5: He's coming

And moreover

Pag 5

1: He's doing it while singing!!

Even though Hakogaku's Manami had left him so much behind in a moment...

Mountain King is getting closer!!

He's not giving up!!

The distance is closing!!

That's right ♪ I know ♪ If you do this ♪

Pag 6

1: The princess' wish ♪

2: Will come true ♪

3: Mountain King is amazing!! He's humming a tune!!

I heard of this, Mountain King becomes faster when he hums a tune!!

What, amazing!

The magic singing!!

I'll try singing too next time I'll climb!

4: No

It's not magic

5: For you, that “song”

Pag 7

1: it's a device to activate your power!!

2: Like a car's key

3: To carry people and luggage up a mountain road a vehicle needs both a sturdy body, small parts

4: and a powerful engine

5: For bikes, the “body”

Pag 8

1: Practice, repetition, recovery, determination, challenges- everything

2: piles up!!

3: Only someone who has worked

4: tirelessly, without rest....

Pag 9

1: Could get to this position of the mountain stage on the Inter High's first day!!

2: And he can even keep up with my “three times”!!

4: I see, so that's what it means

You piled everything up during this past year...

Pag 10

1: Ouch

2: Ah, damn, I pressed something weird

Ah....

3: Oh, I have a message

Ah, it's from Sakamichi-kun

Ah... it's from three months ago..

Hehehe, ops

4: What is it, what is it...? “Do you remember? The promise we made on the last day?”

Oh... I remember

“We said 'let's race for the mountain stage on the first day next time'”

Ah.. we did, we did

6: “Are we still on for that?”

8: “Of course”

Pag 11

1: To protect your promise with me!!

Wait, Manami-kun!!

Princess ♪...!!

2: Sakamichi-kun!!

3: Manami-kun!!

Pag 12

1: Mountain King caught up!!

He caught Hakogaku's Manami, who had attacked and opened the gap!!

2: He's not surrendering!!

Neither of them is surrendering!!

1200m left until the mountain line!!

Pag 13

1: Now another race...

2: starts!!

4: They're both taking the curve

5: while colliding against each other!!

Pag 14

1: Aaaaaa

Soooreeee

I won't surrender!!

2: They're still neck and neck!!

3: Amazing!

Pag 15

1: From the inner side!!

2: Sooreeee

Manami fell back for a moment and then forced his way forward!!

They hit each other!!

5: The trees are getting lower again

6: One more time...

Pag 16

1: Let's go, “three times”!!

Pag 17

2: Manami used the wind and accelerated again!!

Incredible, what's that!

3: What about Mountain King!?

Pag 18

1: Musical note shaped wings!?

Pag 19

1: Aaaaaaaa

2: Amazing

3: It's just like you

4: You were so desperate to catch me that you unconsciously used the wind to accelerate

5: Interesting!!

Pag 20

1: Mountain King is clinging to him!! I thought Manami had attacked but

Manami didn't get away!!

He caught up with such a weird acceleration!?

Amazing!

2: Maybe your singing is something more than a key

3: Ahhhh

5: These past three years have been fun

Huh!?

Pag 21

1: I'm glad you were here for the past three years

3: Huh... ah!!

4: Thank you

Pag 22

2: Such a close battle like this, such a once-in-a-lifetime battle like this, it could only have been with you

3: Yeah... yeah!!

“The past three years”....!!

4: No, that, I should be the one saying that, really!!

5: That's right... this is my match against Manami-kun...

Pag 23

1: Let's go until the mountain line

2: Let's give everything we have

3: Let's make the most of every second of the time we have left!!

5: 1km until the end....

Pag 24

1: It's the final climb!!

Pag 25

1: Yeah!!

Pag 26

3: Th-thank god I made it in time...

This... I couldn't miss this today

4: Sangaku said that

5: “It will be the culmination of the past three years”

[mother-of-houseplants-2]

fiona gallagher // "i bet on losing dogs" by mistki

[pikathefruitypirate69]

IT'S TIME FOR LUFFY TREATMENT

[24-05txt]

He spits in the vicinity of the guy's face and immediately braces when he sees a gloved hand raise. It's not a flinch—its not—but he needs to be ready when they hit him.

"Hey, Soap," says the man looking over him, quiet and even and casual, and Soap's mind is sent reeling, suddenly, because the last time he heard this voice in that tone was in a shitty kitchenette at three in the morning. Must've been days ago now (at least).

"Ghost?" He tilts his chin up, trying to look down his nose and under the blindfold. If he's hallucinating, he at least wants to see it.

"Yeah. I've got you." A rough, leather-clad hand comes to rest on the side of his head and the blindfold lifts and it's Ghost on the other side. Ghost is crouched over him. Ghost tosses the blindfold away and makes eye-contact with Soap for a long few seconds.

"...Ghost?" He asks again, and hates how plaintive it sounds. He desperately wants to say something funny, even curse a little bit, have a witty quip to kickstart some banter; something to say 'I'm alright, Lt.' But he can't think of a single thing.

Thankfully, Ghost covers for him (as usual) when he says, “that's my name, don't wear it out,” and shifts the hand on Soap’s cheek, taking a more firm hold. “Give us a sit-rep, Johnny, are you injured?”

His thoughts stutter a little, like a car struggling to shift into gear.

"Dunno what time it is," he rasps. His voice is hoarse from alternating between stubborn silence and full-volume yelling with very little between. "Estimate about two days here. Taken a few blows to the head, spotty circulation to my left hand, got me drunk off something a while back—"

"I can smell that much," Ghost grumbles, and Soap can't help but laugh—dry and brittle—at the offense in his tone.

"That bad, is it?"

"Certainly didn't waste the good stuff on you, Sergeant."

Ghost knows what it's like; laying flat on your back, helpless, unable to think anything other than 'it hurts, I'm in pain, I want someone with me. Anyone. Please, God, someone. I dont want to be alone.'

Nobody had come for him—the eldest son of an eldest son—not since his mother was killed. Even then, sparingly (though it pained him to admit any fault on her part. Heavy weight in his chest. Tight throat.) Even after Price came along to play at a guardian, Simon had already been convinced of his place with others. He knew he'd never be able to depend on anyone ever again, not really. Couldn't expect them to come looking for him. Couldn't expect his little brother or his mom to step up when his father put hands on him.

He doesn't know what Johnny's home situation is like; doesn't know if he has siblings, how many, what his place in the pecking order is, if he likes his mum. It's easy to imagine Johnny as someone constantly surrounded by family, but Ghost is all too aware of the things he hasn't heard his Sergeant talk about.

He doesn’t know who comes to bat for John MacTavish, but he isn't shy to count himself among their numbers (however many or few it may be). Simon's had a long time to wish for someone to depend on—has had even longer to give up on it—and he knows what he'd want, in this situation. What he'd want in a Lieutenant. A brother. A friend.

So he gives Johnny a gentle voice, firm hands. Moves quick and efficient and withholds every apology he tries to give for the obvious overwhelm. He treats Johnny himself, lets him shy away from the medics, and is quietly relieved at the lack of serious injury.

The line gets a little blurrier when he wants to tuck Johnny up under his chin, hold him tight against his chest and listen to him breathe. Is that something he wanted, at some point? Does he want that for Johnny or himself?

The fact that he lets Simon do that—curls up against him and sheds quiet, exhausted tears—is... fucking hell it's something all of its own.

[just-null]

I just discorvered your blog and whilst I am primarily a choso enjoyer I do think noritoshi is also a really cool character, and I really hope he and choso get a chance for a proper interaction at some point! I'd love to know what your opinion is of choso and how you think he would interact with noritoshi :) also your art is really pretty

[UPDATE] this post was made before Gege revealed that Choso was a shit teacher and before the Kamos ever interacted. This was just my assumptions at the time.

I also want to see them interact... strap in fam, bc I never shut the fuck up

I may describe Choso as a bit OOC since I don't know much of the manga, but I do know bits and pieces!! also what the wiki told me, heh.

[Choso thoughts]

Choso feels like that big brother who's stricter when training/teaching, but lenient when doing literally anything else involving his younger sibs. Although he's wearing a bored expression the entire time, he's actually super happy when around them.

I really like big brother characters so he might climb up my favorites when I see him in action. from that one popular screenshot of him giving Jogo a goofy smirk, I can tell he's got this tiny side of playfulness to him. He can be annoying if he wants to, and he sometimes does that with his brothers. 10/10 guy!

I've seen fanart and some headcanons of Choso, and I can firmly say that he's a green flag. He's the guy who would fix you without trying. HE'S NOT DOING ANYTHING, YOU JUST FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE TO CHANGE FOR THE BETTER FOR HIM.. OR SO I HEAR

[more details under the cut!]

[Choso + Noritoshi interaction thoughts/headcanons?]

Choso and Noritoshi are like super distant cousins/uncle/nephew right?? They came from the same jujutsu hitler, so Noritoshi is like Choso’s many greats cousin/nephew. Be fr though, if there's someone younger than Choso and is related to him in some way, that's an instant lil sibling of his. WHICH IS WHY, their relationship has two sides to it. (imo)

First up is the teacher/student aspect. 

It's no secret that Noritoshi is weaker compared to Choso, therefore, he'd want to train under him. Choso is a strict teacher, he wants his lil bros to be able to protect themselves if he's unable to be there for them, which is perfect since that's Noritoshi's comfort zone. He wants to hone his abilities to reach or even surpass Choso, so he needs someone who'd nitpick him. 

I can see them sparring, and Noritoshi having an awe struck face every time he gets taken down with a new move Choso has yet to teach him. "How did you do that? You must teach me that next, sensei!"

Choso would probably chortle and lightly nudge Noritoshi with his foot, but internally, he's screaming. Imagine your little brother saw you do something cool, and he's shouting at you to show him how to do it. That's the same feeling Choso would get. Of course, he'd show him eventually, but Noritoshi needs to get the hang of the moves he's tasked with right now before adding more to his plate.

They're both beaming with joy when Noritoshi shows progress. Well- as much as two guys who barely emote can beam. Noritoshi is proud of himself for constantly improving and Choso proud of his lil bro for getting stronger!!!!!!

I imagine they bicker often but when they're in teacher/student mode, they rarely cross each other. Noritoshi knows he's training under a teacher and Choso is teaching his lil bro how to beat ass.

The second half of their relationship is the.. older brother/older(?) brother aspect.

whereas Noritoshi is getting little brother treatment from Choso but doesn't want it and Choso annoys/coddles Noritoshi like the best big brother he is... also my favorite aspect, as shown

Noritoshi is independent. He likes his space and prefers to do things on his own. Because of this he involuntarily became the big brother of Kyoto Tech. People go to him for advice, criticism, help with assignments, and when needing to make a responsible decision, they think, "What would Noritoshi do?" You can say he got comfortable with the role of "big brother." 

So when this new guy comes along who's revealed to be family, Noritoshi deems him as a higher authority. Noritoshi's quick to go back to his old ways of respecting his superiors and it's not that difficult. Choso is older, stronger, experienced, and generally a lot more capable than Noritoshi. However, the downside is that Noritoshi would never grow a close bond with Choso if he kept this up. You can't tell your boss your worries, that's not proper! Choso, knowing this, told Noritoshi to knock off the formalities pretty early on.

I imagine this is the first time they'd ever bicker. Choso tries to get Noritoshi to loosen up a little because they're family, but Noritoshi protests that it's because they're family that he should show extra respect!

Choso probably told Noritoshi to call him brother/uncle or something so they can grow comfortable around each other. Let's be honest, Noritoshi calls his mom "mother," you won't catch him dead calling someone who he currently sees as a superior "brother." They compromise by just using each other’s name without honorifics.

Now that the introductions were out of the way, Noritoshi was now stuck with Choso coddling him. Sure it was nice at first, someone in his family who doesn't yell at him for every mistake he makes and genuinely cares for him, but.. Noritoshi feels… annoyed. Choso reminds Noritoshi of a more tolerable Todo, but he feels like Choso still treats him like Noritoshi needs him. He doesn't need Choso around, but he keeps seeing him everywhere! 

It'd be entertaining to see their dynamic. Noritoshi, the younger brother who doesn't wanna be the younger one and Choso, using that to his advantage to grow close to Noritoshi, by being the annoying older brother. He never takes it too far. just far enough that Noritoshi is saying stuff like “Preposterous!” or “This is slanderous!!” I imagine Noritoshi takes it as a personal defeat when Choso brings him food or treats him to an outing. He allowed himself to get little bro’ed..

Noritoshi would try to take the leadership role again and "big brother" Choso back in a respectful way. Maybe suggesting things he should do. Choso probably lets out breathy laughs and pats Noritoshi's head when he tries this. Then promptly goes back to doing whatever he was doing. Choso sees this as "my little brother scolding me for something." Another defeat for Noritoshi..

I can see these two bickering about the smallest things. And by bickering, I mean Choso annoying Noritoshi because he wants to take care of his little bro!!! and Noritoshi getting upset because he's not!!! little!!! he can do it himself!!!

I feel like Choso and Noritoshi would get comfortable with this though...

Choso would get a side of Noritoshi he doesn't often give to most people. They have a special bond that unites them both. Whether it be their cursed techniques or their similar childhoods or some other third option, they stick by each other. The same is true for Noritoshi, he finally has someone that cares about him and not his status. While yes, Choso can be annoying at times, Noritoshi is growing used to having him around. It would seem too quiet if Choso wasn't making him annoyed in some way.. 

of course, they'd have their calm moments. Having siblings is both a hurricane and shallow waters.

These two are stoic fucks, so I can see them communicating wordlessly. The full fucking package like nodding, shoulder shrugs, huffs, BLINKS, you fucking name it and they just had an entire conversation. They say they make it obvious on their faces, but literally, no one can tell. Some people (Arata) think they speak telepathically..........

I hinted at it in the little doodle above, but Choso would probably help Noritoshi with calligraphy. Choso is OLD so he's got to have seen some old old Japanese cursive... He'd use his knowledge to help Noritoshi improve!!!

The whole thing with Choso cooking for Noritoshi.. Its what older siblings do to coax their younger sibs out of their shell. Who doesn't like free food? Choso learns pretty quick from what i've seen and with coffee being Noritoshi’s favorite drink, he's using that.

Choso: there’s a coffee shop downtown.

Noritoshi: what

Choso: we’re going together

Noritoshi: I never agreed to this

Choso: don’t forget your jacket, it could get cold.

And then they go.

Noritoshi enjoys company if it doesn't bother him. So if Choso walked into his room and sat down to do something quietly, Noritoshi wouldn't bat an eye. and That's how they hang out sometimes, just in the same room and they both have a blast.

this one is just me fucking around but I can see Choso asking for advice on how to approach Noritoshi like a father asking how to approach his teen kid. Noritoshi is similar, but he's asking why this guy is doting on him and being annoying. They ask around because I doubt either of them know how to use a phone. Noritoshi is old-fashioned while Choso is just old.

hmm... I can't decide whether Choso would use Noritoshi's name more often to attach the name to a better person or give Noritoshi a nickname to avoid using it....... I want to lean into the former but hmm......

that's all I got! This could be so ooc but fuck it! I like it. Sorry if this was all over the place, i was throwing spaghetti at the wall!!!!

[my ranting, its not important skip this. theres also slight spoilers]

im sitting here analyzing your wording. youre implying they HAVENT met properly?????? ITS BEEN A FUCKING WHILE. LET THEM MEET AGAIN WHAT THE FUCK IM PUNCHING THE WALL. WASNT THERE AN ENTIRE REVEAL THAT YUJI WAS HIS SUPER DISTANT LIL BRO implying that he also has some relation so to noritoshi too which is super cute now that i think about it.. stoic bitch with a sunshine guy who wont shut the fuck up... wait i love that sm..... but regardless WHAT THE FUCK??? LITTLE BROTHER MY ASS.GEGE YOU HAD NORITOSHI RIGHT THERE. FYM NEW LITTLE BRO YUJI. NORITOSHI IS GOING THROUGH IT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE BUT THIS GUY IS ALONE... I JUST WANT HIM TO HAVE SOME FAMILY BRO. GEGE WHAT THE FUCK. AND CHOSO HAVING THOSE DREAMS AND FANTASIES OF HIS BROTHERS TOGETHER. PUT NORITOSHI IN THERE. BRING NORITOSHI BACK YOU ONE EYED CAT FUCK..... I WONT FORGET THIS GEGE, WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE.....

[good-beanswrites]

My thoughts on how the Milgram mv machine works based on the evidence we have:

(I know there’s been discussion about where exactly the interrogations take place, but wherever they are,) the prisoners are made to sit in a specific chair near the wall that houses the machine.

It’s ordinarily hidden, but the wall panels shift aside to reveal it when the mechanical sounds play in the dramas. As well as the walls moving, the chair transforms to restrain the prisoner and attach whatever it takes to access their brain. The fact that none of the more frightened prisoners try to run or break it makes it seem like they physically cannot. This is why Fuuta sounds so panicked, and why Amane is suddenly helpless in front of Es in their T1 vds.

(My mind conjures very classic sci-fi mad scientist machines with wires, pipes, lights, nodes, needles, etc, but I’d love to hear how other people visualize it.)

In some vds (maybe all? I’d need to check,) you can hear Es take some steps right before their iconic line -- it would make sense that for safety reasons, the power mechanism is placed across the room. Once again it could be anything, but the sound effect makes me think of one of those giant wall-mounted levers you have to pull down.

The voice dramas don’t really provide the type of crime details that an actual interrogation would reveal, and it’s odd that they’re placed before the extraction rather than after Es gets to see the new details. This leads me to believe the machine functions with priming. All Es needs to do is get them talking about their murder, so it’s on their mind.

The video produced is much like a (non-lucid) dream. Even if the prisoners figure out that this is how it works, they can’t control it just by thinking really hard about something else. The murders produce the strongest emotional affect, and that’s what it picks up on. If someone else used the machine, it would default to whatever gave them the strongest emotional reaction in the ~15 minutes beforehand, hence why Es’ video focuses on their daunting task ahead. (The Undercover theory is still a bit loose, though, given the private shots that Es wouldn't have known about). It’s why the videos are usually closely linked to the vd topics/beats. I also like to think that the reason their prisoner colors appear so much is because they’re looking at those colors on their uniform 24/7.

The bell rings to inform Es that it’s the optimal time to use the machine -- the prisoner has been thinking about things for long enough that the video will be about their crime, and if the conversation lasts much longer they’ll start thinking of other things. It’s at a different time for each prisoner because it’s based on the specific conversation. I guess Jackalope is listening in to the interrogation, timing it perfectly. (The only one that kind of messes with this theory is Yonah, because they just keep talking afterwards lol, but it could just show that the interrogation is still in Es’ control.)

Their “Sing your sins” is the final priming nudge to get them to think of their actions as a sin, revealing their guilt.

Once activated, the prisoner enters a sort of trance/sleeping state. It’s very much like REM sleep, with the machine forcibly activating neurons and recording the output. The prisoners have asked Es what they saw, meaning they don’t remember the mvs. I like to think the prisoners do experience the mv in real time, acting as the major version of themself that appears, but can’t remember it afterwards. It’s when you experience a dream, but as soon as you wake up you’re just left with fleeting emotions and memories right on the tip of your tongue.

The video plays immediately upon extraction -- whether on a huge projection or little screen depends on which room it’s in. It simultaneously saves the memory so that Es can rewatch it later (on those old TVs in the jailbreak mix). The machine downloads the song and video together, but requires special parts to retrieve them. The technology is pretty new and fragile, so if one is broken, there might be a delay between when Es can hear the extracted song and see it with the video. (That’s my justification for Kotoko’s delays -- after 9 prisoners the parts wear out, or maybe Mikoto himself overheats it with his complex situation.)

Based on the lack of conversation we get afterwards, I picture Es leaving before the prisoner wakes from the trance. The machine adjusts their brain back to normal before they awaken, restraints freed and able to return to the rest of the prison.

It’s very much like a dream, so it’s not harmful despite the amnesia/head injuries the prisoners have. It does, however, exhaust them. Brain activity alone takes a lot of energy, so forced brain activity with added emotional strain would cause them to feel pretty drained the rest of the day.

[blueesnow]

(10/10) Epic of Salvation - LE Event Story Translation (UR Tokiya, SR Cecil)

Synopsis: ...Once upon a time, there was a war between humans and demons in the world, and the human fought them off with the "power" that was bestowed upon them by heaven. However now that time has passed, the "power" somehow begin to faded away—A royal fantasy drama passionately performed by Tokiya and Cecil is about to start!

Ch 1:

Tokiya: …~♪ Phew. I wonder if the prayer that I put into the song finally reached someone. Tokiya: (Hm? That sound just now… don't tell me an intruder? …No, the castle's security should be well-guarded) Tokiya: Who's there? Quietly show yourself. Tokiya: Wha… A woman…inside a light? You, are you okay? Tokiya: Oh, you wake up, thank goodness. …You don't seem to be injured. Here take my hand, can you get up? Tokiya: Well then… let me ask you once again. Who are you, and how did you end up lying here. Besides what exactly is those light… Tokiya: …Oi, why didn't you say anything. You could at the very least give me a name… Tokiya: You know nothing? You don't have any memory, you said? Tokiya: …Looks like you're not lying. I do want to trust you but… Tokiya: What's the matter? If you can somehow remember something, no matter how little it is… Tokiya: …You heard a song, you said? Tokiya: You were being led by a singing voice, and that's why you're here. …. Tokiya: (If what she said was the truth, then it matched up with what the legend says. It would also fill up the reason as to why she suddenly appeared too) Tokiya: (And yet that mysterious light just now… Don't tell me, she's actually…) Tokiya: (…No, it's too early to jump to conclusion. Let's wait for a while and see the situation. Besides my song is just a song after all) Tokiya: Hm? Oh… The one who sang just now was me. Tokiya: … I-I see. I'm grateful to hear a compliment from you. Tokiya: It's getting late now. I'll show you around the castle. If you have an amnesia, you probably don't have anywhere to go to, right. Tokiya: You don't need to hold back. Besides I'd feel bad leaving you out here alone in the night. ….Ah, right, I haven't introduce myself, didn't I. Tokiya: My name is Tokiya. I'm the prince of this country.

Ch 2：

-Edelduhr* Castle's Lakeside- Vassal: Prince Tokiya, so this is where you have been. I've brought the person from yesterday. Tokiya: Oh, good work. …Well then, did you sleep well yesterday? …That's good. Tokiya: Let me introduce myself once again. I'm… the prince of this country, Edelduhr Empire, Tokiya. Vassal: Tokiya-sama is the "third prince" of a noble imperial blood. Please be careful as to not be disrespectful toward him. Tokiya: …Cough. You can return now and continue with your duties. Tokiya: …Although it's only been a night, how's your condition. Did you remember something…? Tokiya: Though it's not like it'll be that easy to recover them huh. Sorry, you can forget about that just now. Tokiya: …What's with that look on your face. Is it so surprising that I'd believe in your story? Tokiya: It's true that I was a bit skeptical of it at first, but… I do have a few things in mind regarding you. Tokiya: …Or what, are you telling me that your true identity was actually an assassin targeting a royal family? Tokiya: …I was just kidding. You don't have to deny it so seriously. Tokiya: I don't sense any hostility or malice from you. I have an ability to discern whether someone is a threat or not after all. Tokiya: …It's not something to be praised for. I've just been trained like this since I was a child. Tokiya: It's a skill that you should have in order to protect yourself. …Especially, for someone like me. Tokiya: …Hm? Oh no, it's nothing. Anyway, I have a suggestion for you. Tokiya: Why don't you live here in the castle and be my caretaker for a while? Tokiya: This is the place where all kinds of information gathered here. Maybe one of them might be related to your memories. Tokiya: It might be much more efficient than just randomly searching for clues, right? So, how about it? Tokiya: …All right, well then I'm going to make an arrangements to welcome you. You don't need to thank me. Tokiya: If there's anyone who lost their way, I will lend them a hand. That's what you should do as someone who was born to lead their people.

*: I'm translating it as Edelduhr's Empire for now. The jp name was エーデルドゥール and you can read it as ēderudo~ūru in romaji.

Ch 3 :

-A few days later- Cecil: So Tokiya, where is she right now? Tokiya: Wait for a moment. She'll come soon… Oh, look there she is. We're right here. Cecil: Oh, so you're that rumoured "Messiah"! I've been wanting to meet you. Cecil: As I thought, you're such a wonderful person. She looks as if she's a goddess herself. Tokiya: Hey Cecil, look you're bothering her. …I'm sorry for surprising you. Tokiya: This person is a prince from a neighbour country called "Forsden* Kingdom", Cecil. Our country are on good terms with each other. Cecil: Nice to meet you, I'm Cecil. I'm the 3rd prince just like Tokiya, I hope we can get along well. Tokiya: Why you… This is your first time meeting her, so why don't you be a little bit more polite— Cecil: I've heard from Tokiya. You were attracted by his singing voice and that's how you came to this country, right? Cecil: To think that the legendary "Messiah" herself has appeared right before my eyes. It's very assuring to know. Cecil: Eh…you never heard of this story before? Tokiya, you didn't tell her? Tokiya: …I have no proof that she is what we're talking about. Besides I didn't think it was the time to talk about it yet. Cecil: But, she appeared right on this lakedise, didn't she? Isn't that literally matched with what the legend of Edelduhr says? Tokiya: It would be rash to judge based on the current situation alone. I can't be sure until I actually see the Messiah's "power" within my own eyes. Tokiya: And most importantly, she has lost her memory. Talking about it like this will only make her more confused. Cecil: Oh, so that's what it is. It seems like Tokiya really care about you. He may look grumpy, but deep down he's kindhearted. Tokiya: Don't you make fun of me. ….But well, I can't keep quiet about it forever, can I. Tokiya: It might be quite an ambiguous story and it may also be a burden toward you…but even so, would you like to listen to it? Tokiya: …Thank you. First, let me explain the situation of our country right from the very beginning.

*: Same with before, I've just translate this one as Forsden (the same as mtl). The jp name was フォルスデン and you can read it as forusuden in romaji.

Ch 4:

Tokiya: A long time ago, there were frequent wars that happened between humans and demons in the world. Tokiya: The demons have an overwhelming physical capabilities, and we as humans are no match for them in a proper fight. It was even impossible to communicate with them. Tokiya: However, there were some people who bravely stood up against them. Those people are the one who held special "powers" in their hands. Cecil: For example, some people could freely control the wind at will. While the others could create fire and water, or even heal an injury. Cecil: …And like this the "power" that people can use varies from one and another. Tokiya: People worshipped this "power" that exceeded human knowledge as a gift from the heaven, and those who defeated the demons became heroes. Tokiya: Eventually, they created their own countries, thus establishing the world as we know it today. Cecil: Among the several countries that were formed, Tokiya's country, Edelduhr in particular gathered a lot of people with special "powers". Cecil: As a country that was deeply influenced by the breath of God, it had become a great empire that reigned at the center of the world. Tokiya: …That was once in the past. As time passes the world will change as well. Tokiya: The "power" that was once abundant in the world a long time ago has faded with the passage of time and become a rare commodity. Tokiya: Nowadays, the only people who have "power" are the imperial family, a few members of the aristocracy, and a handful of ordinary people. Tokiya: …Me? No, I'm just a normal human with nothing in my hands. Cecil: I'm also the same as Tokiya. I'm supposed to be a member of the royal family, but I can't even use those "power". Cecil: Even though our older brothers already have impressive "power" in their hands. Tokiya: … Tokiya: …However, recently there have been incidents happened that indicate the resurrection of the demons. Tokiya: There are only faint signs for now, but it won't be long before a conflict breaks out once again. Cecil: Even if we were to try to defeat them again, there are only a few of us who can use "power". There is a huge difference in　strength between now and the past. Cecil: But at that time you… the Messiah appeared.

Ch 5:

Cecil: There's a legend that has been passed down since a long time ago in Edelduhr Empire. Cecil: When the world faces the demons once again, offer a song from the bottom of your heart to the lake in front of the castle. Cecil: And the Messiah of this world shall appear and destroy those demons… Cecil: Look, it's literally the same situation as when you first showed up, right? We've been looking forward for your arrival. Tokiya: I told you before that it hasn't been decided yet, right,　Cecil. And besides we don't even know whether the legend itself is true in the first place. Tokiya: It could just be a rumor that was started by someone who was worried and wanted to ease their minds, and naturally those story just grew bigger and bigger on its own. Cecil: You're as serious as always, aren't you, Tokiya. Tokiya: …It's not like I'm completely denying it. I'd be happy too to know if the Messiah herself has finally appeared. Cecil: I know. I think it's the right thing to do to be cautious about information. Cecil: But I can't help but feel hopeful when she finally appeared as if she had sensed our crisis. Cecil: Even though we keep losing our "power", we can still fight against the demons. I can't help but think that this is such a good omen. Tokiya: …Only time will tell if the legend is true or not. Tokiya: Anyway, we just have to do whatever we can for now. Cecil: …That's right. We'll definitely have to fight the demons sooner or later. We need to prepare for that time. Tokiya: …Don't you worry. We're not going to stand by without doing anything. Tokiya: Right now my country and Cecil's country are working together to strengthen the vigilance of the surrounding areas. Tokiya: We're sending out scouts to gather information in various places, so if anything happens we'll be notified right away. Cecil: Our older brothers are also leaving to a neighbouring country to gain more allies. Cecil: I'm sure they'll be back bringing good news with them. Tokiya: ….Right. ….

Ch 6:

Tokiya: … Tokiya: Who's there? Oh… it's you. What is it, you can't sleep? Tokiya: …Not really, I'm not particularly feeling down or anything. There's nothing for you to worry about. Tokiya: Don't mind me and go back inside. …I told you before it's nothing, okay. Tokiya: …You're more stubborn than I thought. Tokiya: What I'm about to say now is just a trivial monologue. If you want to listen, feel free to do so. Tokiya: Even though I'm of an imperial blood, I wasn't blessed with "power" unlike my older brothers. Tokiya: Ever since I was a child I used to think that my fate was cursed. But even if I lament on it, God won't show me mercy. Tokiya: Once I realized that, I devoted myself to improve my swordsmanship. Tokiya: Even though it may be quite an insignificant power that can't even become real, I couldn't help but do something. Tokiya: …When the signs of the demons' revival finally showed up, I actually volunteered to be a scout. But I wasn't allowed to. Tokiya: I guess the Emperor and my brothers probably don't have any expectations for someone who doesn't have "power" to begin with. Tokiya: No…they probably already aware of it. In the first place I actually prefer music rather than swordsmanship. Tokiya: It was also the same on the day you appeared too. I was actually there singing to vent all of my feelings. Tokiya: I guess it's natural to be disappointed. No matter how much you sincerely love singing, a song like that is useless. Tokiya: There's no way someone like me could summon the Messiah here… Tokiya: …. The song, was my power…you said? Tokiya: I've never thought of that before… But, if that is true…then… Vassal 1: Pardon my intrusion! A group of demons has been spotted in the east. The Emperor has ordered you to attend the meeting immediately. Tokiya: …! The time has finally come, huh.

Ch 7:

Tokiya: One of you come with me. The other will escort her to her room. Tokiya: …You don't have to worry about anything. Now, let's go. Vassal 2: —That's the end of the status report. The demons are expected to arrive near the border tomorrow. Tokiya: (They're moving faster than I thought. I'm going to plead with my father to let me fight on the front lines as well.) Tokiya: (If what she said was true, that I too have my own "power"…then I might be able to fulfill my duties as a member of the imperial family.) - Tokiya: Brave soldiers of our country and our allies! All of you are gathered here together in response to the Emperor's orders. Tokiya: As someone who has been entrusted with commanding the front lines, I would like to express my gratitude from the bottom of my heart. I'm proud of all of your courageous will for standing here. Cecil: Let's face this battle with unyielding courage. If our thoughts are becoming one, then there's no need to fear the threat of the demons. Tokiya: The only thing that lies ahead of us is victory. Let's move forward together to a bright future! Tokiya: We will now begin the ceremony before we march to the battlefield. Let's turn our vow of victory into a song and dedicate it to everyone. Tokiya: ～♪ Tokiya: … Cecil: (What is this light…? It's like power keeps coming out from inside his body) Cecil: (Somehow I feel like I won't lose to any enemy right now. …I see, so this is Tokiya's "power"…) Tokiya: Glory to our homeland "Edelduhr Empire" and also to our ally "Forsden Kingdom"! Tokiya: …I'm convinced now. It seems like my song has the power to increase our ability to fight against the demons. Tokiya: To think that I can also fulfill my duties on the battlefield. It was thanks to you to made me realize this, thank you. Tokiya: (This light…! The "power" became much more stronger from where I touched her hand…) Tokiya: (Don't tell me, this is her… the Messiah's power…!?) Tokiya: In my name, I beg of you. Would you please lend me your power to save this country?

Ch 8:

-Wilderness- Tokiya: Thank you for coming here with us. Don't you dare leave my side, okay. Tokiya: …The demons have already begun their invasion. The situation is not good, and our forces are overwhelmingly at a disadvantage. Tokiya: But there's no need to be afraid. As long as you were here, there's no way we're going to lose. Tokiya: Everyone, prepare your swords! Now it's time to attack! Tokiya: Here we go! …Haa! - Tokiya: *pant* Just how many of them are there exactly? They keep coming out one after another. Tokiya: Although everyone is trying their best, there's just no end to it. If it continues like this… Tokiya: …! You, stand behind me! Tokiya: Urgh… Such strength…! Tokiya: (At this rate, I'm going to lose. I have to at least protect her…!) Tokiya: (This light… it's from her "power"! …That's right, this is no time to be getting weak.) Tokiya: There's no way I'm going to fall down on my knees in a place like this. …Haa! Tokiya: …Even though I was supposed to be the one protecting you, I ended up getting helped instead. Even so, what a mysterious "power" that was. Tokiya: Not only just my physical strength, but I also feel like I'm getting much more stronger mentally as well. Thanks to it, I'm fully awake now. Tokiya: (I'm the prince. To all the people who are waiting for victory, the soldiers who fight alongside me, and also her… I'll make sure to definitely protect them all.) Tokiya: I won't let you lay even a finger on the people that I care about. …Haaa! Tokiya: Everyone, don't give up just yet! Look beyond the hill, the enemy numbers are definitely decreasing. Tokiya: Hold your pride in your heart and swing your sword. Protect those you love with your hands. Tokiya: I'll lead the way. Come and follow me, my dear soldiers. Tokiya: We will definitely win this war and take the first step towards peace!

Ch 9:

-Edelduhr Castle's Lakeside- Tokiya: …Thank god we made it back safely. I'm glad that I was able to report the victory to the Emperor. Cecil: We were also very grateful to you as well. You were one of the heroes who contributed to the victory without any problems after all. Tokiya: That's right. But I remember you looked like a borrowed cat* during the audience. Weren't you more nervous at that time than when you were on the battlefield? Tokiya: …What you were thinking soon appeared on your face. I'll never get bored watching it. Cecil: What is it, looks like you two seems to be getting along well just now. Getting ahead yourself is unfair y'know, Tokiya. Cecil: To think that he finally awakened a wonderful "power", leaving me, his best friend, behind all alone. Tokiya: Actually I still can't believe that as well. Tokiya: If it's not for that "power" of song, this victory might not have happened. Cecil: Yeah, that was really amazing. But that wasn't the only reason why we win, right? Cecil: Tokiya has also honed his swordsmanship. And your subordinates know as well that you work much more harder than anyone else. Cecil: It was because of Tokiya that was leading the way that everyone was able to perform beyond their capabilities. Tokiya: …I am very grateful to those who believed in me and followed me. Tokiya: But even if you say that, you also took part in the victory, aren't you? You led the reinforcements into the battle after all. Cecil: Tokiya… Tokiya: Thanks to Cecil's army's surprise attack on the back, the enemy's formation was thrown into disarray. Tokiya: It was precisely because our forces were dispersed that our army was able to attack all at once. Cecil: …That's right. If even one of them had been missing, we might have succumbed to the momentum of the demons. Cecil: This victory was achieved thanks to everyone. Of course, that also includes you too. Tokiya: Yeah. Your presence became our hope. Not only did you give us "power", but you also saved our hearts as well. Tokiya: I'm really glad that I met you. …Thank you.

*: It's a Japanese phrase 借りてきた猫 and is used to refer to situation in which someone acts all quiet and meek (in contrast of their usual behaviour) due to nervousness and/or shyness when they are in an unfamiliar environment.

Ch 10:

Cecil: Hmm, what a nice breeze. It's hard to believe that we were fighting the demons just a little while ago. Cecil: Oh, look. There are birds playing on the lake. They're so cute. Tokiya: What are you being so carefree about… You don't think the war is over yet, do you? Cecil: I know that. This time, we may have only temporarily repelled the enemy. Cecil: Although we were able to reduce the enemy's strength a little, the demons will surely attack once again. Tokiya: Yeah. There's no time to bask in the afterglow of victory. Tokiya: We need to quickly gather forces to be our allies as soon as possible…such as people who possess "power" from each country. Cecil: We should also investigate as to why the demons are being resurrected now. Cecil: If we don't remove the source of the problem, the same thing will happen all over again. Tokiya: …Looks like we need to work together with our brothers to gather information. Tokiya: They're in another country right now, but they'll be returning soon. Since you're the Messiah, I must also introduce you to them. Cecil: If it's like that, then why don't we introduce her to the whole world? Cecil: The fact that the Messiah has appeared will be a ray of hope for everyone. It will also help to unify and bring people together. Tokiya: I have no objections. …Though I'm a little bit hesitant about it. Cecil: Fufu. Don't tell me you don't like it that she'll soon become popular? Tokiya: That's not it. It's just that I thought she might be in trouble if we suddenly drew attention to her. Cecil: If you keep acting like that, someone else might take her away from you y'know? Like me, for example. Tokiya: I told you before it's not like that… You know what, this conversation is over. Tokiya: I would like to thank you once again. I am truly grateful that you were willing to fought alongside us despite the danger. Tokiya: We need your help in order to restore new peace. Please continue to be our goddess of hope.

[clegfly]

Getting REAL sick and tired of how omori TikTok views sunny.

Like, they view any scene of him being emotionally vulnerable, affectionate, or even just making an expression outside of just being completely neutral as “mischaracterised”. He’s not some cool, stoic, unwavering badass, he is a traumatised teenager. Don’t cry whenever he dares to give his friend a hug or (god forbid) be SAD about something??? Isn’t like. Part of the point of his development about him allowing himself to break down the repressive walls he built when he shut himself in? And being able to rely on his real friends instead of imaginary versions? And isn’t the game like. Meant to SHOW that he still cares about them despite isolating himself?

It’s really stupid to get mad at a character like that showing emotion or affection personally, especially since he’s not used to expressing it properly after so long. But that’s just me

[voidlitmoon]

I think Tubbo needed to be the only parent for Sunny. I think Tubbo was purposely put with people who wouldn't want to parent Sunny (for varying reasons) so Tubbo would be the only one available. No other choice

Tubbo is dealing with grief and he does not deal with it well. He needs a project to distract himself, to not think about Fred Purgatory loneliness everything he's been dealing with, to push it all down. He's the only one Sunny has, he can't let them go through the loneliness he has, not knowing who really cares

So he pushes everything down even more. Focus on Sunny. Focus on the Tubchunk. Focus on anything but himself. Even when he tries something to help himself move on, no one but Fred's coworkers come to the funeral

No one for Tubbo

No one believed he was serious

Why would they

He just stands there

A ticking time bomb