#riku doesn’t have to act all cool and stuff now

[therealterriblelizard]

Sora: Lemme tell you something.

Sora: At the beginning of my relationship with Riku, I admit-I was the annoying one. I had no problems admitting it, those were facts.

Sora: But now?

Sora: *Slams hand on table* RIKU IS THE ANNOYING ONE.

Riku: Hehe.

[osakaso5]

La Danse Macabre Rabbit TV Part 3: The Third Intermission

Part 4

Riku Nanase: .......

Iori Izumi: .......

Toma Inumaru: ...W-what's with the heavy atmosphere..?

Toma Inumaru: H-hey, Kujo. Aren't you Riku's big bro? You could at least talk to him a little...

Tenn Kujo: ...Sigh... They're probably just moping over their roles.

Tenn Kujo: Leave them be. Otherwise, they'll get you involved, too.

Toma Inumaru: Get me involved how..?

Riku Nanase: Um, Toma-san!

Toma Inumaru: Uaagh!?

Riku Nanase: This tea, Iori... I mean, Kabane... no, wait...

Riku Nanase: Please give this to Iori, who plays the role of Kabane!

Toma Inumaru: Huh!? W-why me!?

Riku Nanase: Well, you're Konoe, aren't you!?

Toma Inumaru: Yeah, so!?

Iori Izumi: Ugh...

Iori Izumi: Nanase-san, how long are you going to keep doing this?

Riku Nanase: ...D-doing what..?

Tenn Kujo: I was wondering about that, too. I know it's important to get in character, but you're taking it too far, Riku.

Riku Nanase: Tenn-nii...

Iori Izumi: For once, I agree with you, Kujo-san.

Tenn Kujo: Weird. I was just about to say the same thing to you.

Toma Inumaru: W-wait, what? Do these two not get along..?

Riku Nanase: ...Mmh... But it's so hard to get in and out of character...

Riku Nanase: There's so much I want to talk to Iori about! But...

Riku Nanase: Since my character needs to ignore him all the time, it's really tough.

Iori Izumi: I-I see. Well... I suppose I understand how you feel, considering how different this drama is from the others we've done...

Toma Inumaru: Right... At least I've got an easy role. Kujo, isn't it tough for you to play Vida?

Iori Izumi: I'd like to know, as well.

Tenn Kujo: ...I've never had a hard time with a role.

Toma Inumaru: ...Seriously..?

Tenn Kujo: Though there have been times when I've needed to put in more work than usual.

Tenn Kujo: Projects like this usually have a huge crew behind them. I don't want any of their hard work to go to waste because of me.

Tenn Kujo: And, I need to understand exactly why I was given the role of Vida in the first place.

Riku Nanase: Why you were given that role...

Tenn Kujo: Your roles come with their own hardships.

Toma Inumaru: Haha. Yeah, because of the whole immortality thing...

Riku Nanase: The first thing I thought about was how it'd feel to be a former Celestial, who's had to live for a really long time.

Riku Nanase: I kind of wished I couldn't die, either...

Iori, Tenn, & Toma: .......

Riku Nanase: But that would  mean that all the sad parts of life  would always stay with me, too. And that would probably be really painful...

Iori Izumi: ...I think so, too. You could only watch as the world changes around you...

Iori Izumi: If we didn't have Konoe, our spirits would have been completely broken down.

Toma Inumaru: Haha, he's a pretty nice dude, after all!

Tenn Kujo: I'd go so far as to call him the friendliest guy in the entire La Danse Macabre cast.

Toma Inumaru: Y-you would!?

Tenn Kujo: Heh. He's the only one who doesn't have some negative quirk or another.

Iori Izumi: ...Qual was very intense... That shoot from the other day gave me goosebumps.

Tenn Kujo: Ryu's looks are usually what catches people's attention, so his acting skills get ignored a lot of the time.

Tenn Kujo: He can put on quite the performance.

Riku Nanase: So could you, Tenn-nii! I've never heard you laugh so creepily before...

Tenn Kujo: Thank you. I think there's something really appealing about the tone you speak in while in character, too.

Tenn Kujo: You should be more confident in your performance.

Riku Nanase: ......! Okay..!

Toma Inumaru: You got a compliment from your bro, Riku. Good for you.

Riku Nanase: Ehehe.

Tenn Kujo: Hey, can you stop calling me his "bro" already?  

Iori Izumi: Exactly. And just so you know, the fixation he has on his brother is NOT a good thing.

Tenn Kujo: And why is that?

Iori Izumi: You know why.

Toma Inumaru: You're arguing again!?

Riku Nanase: Sorry, Iori! You must be feeling left out, since nobody said anything nice about your performance.

Iori Izumi: Excuse me!?

Riku Nanase: I thought you were really cool! Your hooded appearance and the monotone voice you used made you seem super shady!

Iori Izumi: You think it's cool to act shady..?

Toma Inumaru: Yeah, plus Kabane's a literal king! You're always such a polite kid, it's nice to see how differently you act as him!

Riku Nanase: The way Konoe talks fit you really well, Toma-san! It was so informal!

Toma Inumaru: Haha, thanks!

Riku Nanase: ...Ah, I went and said something nice about someone else's performance again, Iori. Sorry...

Iori Izumi: Why do you think I care!?

Tenn Kujo: Heh. You can be pretty cute sometimes, Iori Izumi.

Iori Izumi: Huh..?

Toma Inumaru: Uh, anyway..! All that moving around sure gave me a craving for something sweet!

Toma Inumaru: You guys like sweets, right? Maybe you could introduce me to a place where I could get some.

Riku Nanase: Oh, that's a great idea! What kind of sweets do you like, Toma-san!?

Toma Inumaru: ...Uh... I'm actually not one for sugary stuff, I just happened to be in the mood for sweets today...

Toma Inumaru: That's why I need help from you guys!

Tenn Kujo: ...Who told you that we like sweets?

Toma Inumaru: Huh? A-are you saying you don't!? I read in a magazine that you like donuts, Kujo, and Izumi's family owns a bakery, so I just assumed...

Iori Izumi: ...I didn't know you paid so much attention to us.

Toma Inumaru: ...Of course I did. We're work buddies, aren't we?

Tenn Kujo: Are we, now?

Riku Nanase: Ah..! We should all go visit Iori's family's shop!

Riku Nanase: Right, Iori!?

Iori Izumi: ...Fine. We'll cause less trouble if we go someplace familiar, instead of wandering around town, where everyone can see us.

Riku Nanase: Will you come with us, Tenn-nii?

Tenn Kujo: I guess I will. This sort of stuff isn't too bad, in moderation.

Riku Nanase: Yay!

Riku Nanase: Toma-san, Iori's family makes the yummiest cakes ever! And not all of them are really sugary, either!

Toma Inumaru: S-sure..! Thanks for having me, Izumi.

Iori Izumi: You're welcome. I'll let them know ahead of time.

Iori Izumi: ...But before that, we need to take our behind-the-scenes photo.

Riku Nanase: Our behind-the-scenes photo?

Toma Inumaru: Ah... Come to think of it, Tora and Mina took those, too.

Tenn Kujo: I was just about to bring that up, myself.

Riku Nanase: Really? I feel like you don't usually take pictures like this! Your fans will be so happy.

Tenn Kujo: Yeah. And I want to make this project even a little bit easier for them to watch.

Iori Izumi: How should we pose?

Riku Nanase: Pose... Toma-san, you seem like you're good at coming up with this stuff!

Toma Inumaru: As in, coming up with poses..? Hmm... Maybe like this?

Tenn Kujo: Very rock 'n' roll.

Iori Izumi: TOO rock 'n' roll. Rejected.

Toma Inumaru: Wow, you guys are really strict...

Tenn Kujo: Let's just act natural. Everyone do a pose you feel comfortable in.

Iori Izumi: Right. It'll make the picture look strange if we try too hard.

Toma Inumaru: So why'd you make me suggest anything in the first place..?

Riku Nanase: Alright! Let's do this!

All: Peace!

End of Part 3.

[atomic-taco-muffin]

The Lost Princess Chapter 40

Warnings: do I even have to tell you?

Rating: SFW

Yui and Roxy had arrived at Hollow Bastion and began searching for you. They looked all over town but could not find you. But they weren’t about to give up. As they were scanning the town, a Dark Corridor opened up. 

“I thought that you were searching for the Spirit,” their father said. 

“We are. We know that she’s here, we just don’t know where,” Yui said. 

“Heh, she’s probably with that boy toy of her’s,” Roxy said. 

“Whatever. If she is with the Keyblade wielder, then I’ll take care of it.” Their father walked back into the Dark Corridor and disappeared. 

“Tch, does he always have to ruin our fun?” Roxy asked. 

“You know that he has good reason to do so,” Yui said. Roxy grumbled something under her breath and the two of them disappeared. 

You and the trio had arrived in Hollow Bastion, where the town was bustling with activity. Moogles were flying through the air selling items, and people were at work trying to rebuild the town. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy ran in and gazed at the castle in the midst of rebuilding.

“It's Hollow Bastion!” Sora said. 

“Gawrsh, it looks kinda different now,” Goofy said. 

“I hope Leon and the gang are doing okay,” Donald said. Goofy saw some Soldier Heartless on the roof of a nearby building.

“Uh-oh. Looks like we're gonna have to do some fightin',” he said. You and the trio ran over to the building and took care of the Heartless. You, Sora and company walked through the Marketplace and spotted an elderly duck holding some ice cream near a freezer.

“Uncle Scrooge!?” Donald asked. 

“Er, who?” you asked. 

“He's Donald's uncle---a business typhoon! Before the Heartless showed up, he traveled the worlds on a Gummi Ship with the King. He was helpin' to set up a traffic system,” Goofy said. 

“Transit system!” Donald corrected. 

“What's all the racket?” Scrooge asked. He turned around and spotted you four.

“Why, if it isn't Donald! And Goofy! Hello, lads! Aye, you all look hale and hearty!” he said. 

“So do you, Uncle Scrooge,” Donald said. 

“Ah, if only I were... I canna seem to recreate my favorite old-time ice cream. I'd make millions if I just got it right...” Scrooge looked at the ice cream bar in his hand, licked it, and looked disgusted.

“Terrible...!” he said. You, Sora, Donald, and Goofy made your way to the Borough, where some odd light pedestals appeared and disappeared, as if scanning for something.

“Hey, what's going on?” Donald asked. 

“That's the town's defense mechanism.” The four of you turned around and saw Yuffie on top of a building.

“Yuffie!” you and Sora said. Yuffie waved slightly, and saw something behind you four.

“Look out!” she said. Sora's Keyblade flashed into his hands as a Dusk swooped in to hit him. The four of you were quickly surrounded by Nobodies. The four of you disposed of them, and the defense mechanism also helped.

“Hey, you guys!” Yuffie said as she hopped down to the four of you.

“I see you're still in top form,” she said.

“What'd you expect?” you smiled. 

“Looks like you're doing okay,” Sora said. 

“Well, what did YOU expect?” 

“How are the others?” Donald asked. 

“Great!”

“Hey, Yuffie! Have you seen the King and Riku?” you asked.

“Nope.” She started to walk off toward Merlin's House.

“But I had a feeling I'd see you guys again,” she said. 

“‘We may never meet again, but we'll never forget each other,’” Sora said as he imitated Leon.

“Is that supposed to be Leon?” You, Donald, and Goofy laughed.

“Everybody's working on stuff over at Merlin's house. C'mon!” Yuffie said. Yuffie ran around the corner. You and the trio followed her and entered Merlin's House. Cid was typing at a computer, while Aerith and Leon watched.

“Meet the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee!” Yuffie said.

“We missed you!” Aerith said. 

“Well, if you ain't in top shape,” Cid said. 

“I knew it,” Leon said. 

“Knew what?” you asked. 

“A while back, everyone suddenly remembered you guys, all at the same time.”

“You...remembered? Wait! Does that mean you forgot about us!?” Sora said. 

“Thanks!” Donald said, annoyed.

“So where've you guys been all this time?” Yuffie asked. 

“We were sleepin',’ Goofy said. 

“Where? In cold storage?” Cid asked. You and the trio acted nervously. 

“It doesn't matter. This is great. Everyone's together again!” Aerith said. 

“So, um...we're trying to find Riku and the King. Have you seen 'em?” you said. Leon, Aerith, and Cid shook their heads.

“Right. Um, do you know anything about Spirits and where they come from?” you said. They shook their heads again.

“Sorry. But let us know if there's anything we can do to help. Okay?” Aerith said.

“Okay. Thanks,” Sora said. Cid got up in you and Sora's face.

“Don't go thankin' us just yet,” he said. 

“Hollow Bastion's got a problem. A big problem,” Leon said. 

“You mean, like Nobodies? And Heartless?” you asked. 

“That's right!” Yuffie said. 

“Sounds like you could use our help,” Sora said. 

“Then let's cut to the chase. (Y/N), Sora, Donald, Goofy. We were hoping the four of you might give us a hand around here,” Leon said. Sora patted his chest proudly.

“Like we're gonna say, no?” he asked. 

“...I forgot who I'm dealing with,” Leon said. 

“Hey...what do you mean by that?” Donald asked. 

“Just think of it as a sort of ‘Leon compliment,’” Aerith said. Leon opened the door.

“Follow me to the bailey---there's something you need to see,” he said as he left and Merlin appeared. 

“Oh! I thought it was you. Right on time!” Merlin said. 

“It's Merlin!” Donald said. 

“Sora and the gang said they're gonna help out!” Yuffie said. 

“Splendid! We'll count on you!” Merlin said. 

“Right!” you and the trio said.

“Ah, yes. Did you give them the cards, dear?” 

“Oh!” Aerith said. She took out four cards from her dress.

“Here...they're presents for you. Leon thought you might like to have them,” she said. You took one of the cards and flipped it so you could read it.

“Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member!” you said.

“Membership cards!” Donald said. 

“Sweet!” Sora said. 

“Kinda cool, huh?” Goofy asked. You, Donald, and Sora nodded.

“Hey, thanks, Leahhh...huh?” Sora said. He turned around to the door and saw that Leon was gone.

“Oh no! We're supposed to be at the bailey!” you said. 

“Just a moment, you two. What about your magic?” Merlin said.

“Huh? Oh, that's right...” Sora said as he crossed his arms.

“Maybe you forgot it while you were asleep!” Yuffie said. 

“Now, what am I to do with you? I suppose I'll have to lend you a few spells. But be careful with them!” Merlin said. 

“Thanks, Merlin!” Sora said. 

“What about you, (Y/N)? Do you need some spells too?” 

“Actually, I can summon a guardian when I want to!” you said. 

“Oh! Well, it seems that you’re in good hands then.”

“To the bailey, and fast!” Donald said. you, Sora, and company reached the bailey, and saw Leon looking over the edge at the dark castle far in the distance.

“Look at that,” he said. You and Sora gasped.

“We want to restore Hollow Bastion to what it used to be. Who knows---maybe even something better. There's still a lot to do, but I'm sure we can handle everything--- Except...for that...” Leon said as he pointed to the castle, then pointed to two Dusks walking in the direction of the castle.

“...and that,” he said. 

“We'll handle 'em!” Sora said. 

“Well, that's good to hear. So Sora, (Y/N)---do you know what's going on, then?”

“There's this guy, Pete, who's been going around plotting with the Heartless. But he's not smart enough to tie his own shoes. The ones we need to worry about are the Nobodies. And there’s two Spirits that I need to take care of,” you said. 

“Two Spirits? Interesting.”

“And don’t forget about those Organization XIII guys in charge, too!” Goofy said.

“You called?” someone said. All five of you looked around and saw no one. You and Sora ran out into an open area.

“You're doing well,” the person said. 

“Who's that!?” Sora asked as he unsheathed his Keyblade.

“See dad? I told you the Spirit will be with the Keyblade wielder,” a girl said.

“This calls for a celebration...” Several Dusks had appeared. Leon readied his Gunblade. You and Sora chased the Dusks through the bailey. The gate to the inside closed. You, Sora, and Leon helped keep the Nobodies away from the gate.

“The Keyblade...a truly marvelous weapon. Were it only in more...capable hands...” the person said. A group of six people laughed including two girls.

“Show yourselves!” you said. Six cloaked figures appeared and the central one raised his arms while two girls sat in front of them, smirking.

“Organization XIII!” Goofy said. 

“Good! Now we can settle this!” Sora said.

“What a shame... And here I thought we could be friends. Yui, Roxy. You know what to do,” the central figure said. 

“You got it!” Roxy said. The two girls disappeared and reappeared behind you. 

“Surprise!” Yui said. You felt them grab your arms, giving you no way to grab your dagger.

“(Y/N)!” Sora yelled.

“Sora, help!” you said. The two girls took you through a Dark Corridor and disappeared. The figures disappeared with a laugh.

“Stop!” Donald said. He ran to a set of stairs and a single cloaked man appeared before them.

“What's the big idea!?” Donald asked. 

“Oopsy-daisy!” the man said. 

“Move!” Sora said. 

“Now, do you think that's polite, shutting me down like that?”

“I said get outta the way!”

“As if! You can talk all you want, but that won't change a thing.”

“Then we're gonna MAKE you move!” Donald said. 

“See, that would work---if I were just any old dude. 'Cept I'm not. I'm with the Organization. Nothing ‘any old’ about me.” (really?! how do explain the whole luxu thing then?!)

“Ha! Tough talk for someone who stood on the sidelines while his Nobody flunkeys did the fighting!” Sora said.

“Oh, dear. I think you got the wrong impression.” The hooded man wagged a finger at Sora.

“You gonna cry?” Sora asked. 

“As if! Why don't I remind you how tough the crowd you're dealing with really is?”

“Remind me?” Sora snapped out of it, causing the man to laugh.

“That's RIGHT, he used to give me that same exact look,” the man said. 

“I guess you think you can psych me out by saying really random stuff!” Sora said.

“Gee... I just don't know.” The man spread his arms open as if challenging them to strike him. He soon gave up.

“Ugh, you guys are boring,” he said. 

“What did you do to (Y/N)?” Sora asked. 

“Me? Oh, you’re accusing the wrong person here. That was all Yui and Roxy. The Superior’s daughters. They have the power of a spirit as well. So, they needed (Y/N) to help complete their powers.”

“What do you mean by that?” Sora asked. 

“Can’t say. But I do know that those girls will take good care of your precious (Y/N). They’re not that mean, you know.” He looked at them and waved.

“Be a good boy now!” he said. 

“Wait!” Donald said. The man disappeared as Donald tried to jump on him.

“Nuts! He got away!” Donald said. 

“That was weird. WHO gave him the same look? And what did he mean by taking care of (Y/N)’s powers?” Sora said. 

“Y'know, I think he was just tryin' to confuse ya,” Goofy said.

“Yeah, you're right. Only one me!” Sora took out his membership card and read it.

“The Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee Honorary Member---” he said. The card began to glow. Sora gasped and let go of it. It floated in the air to everyone's amazement. The Keyblade started to glow as well.

“Huh?” Sora asked. 

“What's this?” Leon asked. 

“Gawrsh, ya think...?” Goofy asked. Light flashed from the Keyblade and the card. Wind blew through Sora's clothes and hair as a crown symbol appeared on the ground beneath him. The card revealed a Keyhole and Sora locked it, opening a gateway.

“Ohh...now I get it. That must've been the gate Yen Sid talked about,” he said.

“Oh boy!” Donald said. 

“Sorry to run, Leon, but other worlds are calling. And I have to save (Y/N) from the Organization,” Sora said. Leon nodded.

“Organization XIII... They look tough. Be careful out there,” he said. 

“See ya soon.” Leon saluted them. Sora's group reboarded the Gummi Ship and noticed that their map had changed.

“Hey! What happened to Twilight Town?” Chip said.

“It's gone!” Dale said. Sora piloted the Gummi Ship through the Asteroid Sweep to the Land of Dragons.

“Don’t worry, (Y/N). I’ll save you,” he said. 

To be continued...

[courage-a-word-of-justice]

Maou-jou 9 - 12 (FINAL) | Idolish7 s2 10 - 15 (FINAL) | SLS 2

I’ve been holding off new seasonals because of other things, but after I post this I’ll have enough time to get around to them. That’s why I can’t guarantee winter 2021 seasonal tags on this post...maybe the next one will have them...

Maou-jou 9

…it seems shopping channels even are the same in the demon world.

Now even the demons have quests! (The frame is different to the princess’s, though.)

Oh! The quest failed.

Neo Alraune: in flower language, “the 2nd coming of happiness”. The worry from a little while ago was, “I’m worried about my brother.” The worry from recently: “I didn’t think about being happy that the princess didn’t kill my brother.”

The penguin demons are pretty cute!

Don’t you know how parents forbid children from sleeping until they finish all their homework? Must be something like that.

Yoku ganbarimashita! – Syalis worked hard!

LOL, mental age: 3. Poseidon likes cute things…I can’t read a lot of this…the hardsubs cover the JPN text.

They…both succeeded! (…LOL?)

Maou-jou 10

Owarinocity = Endopolis. It’s a good equivalent, if I do say so myself.

…oh yeah. What happened to Alraune? Update: There she is!

Also, that blonde guy in the infomercials doesn’t look too bad…*makes chef’s kiss gesture with one hand* Nice.

I wonder, was Twilight once human…?

LOL, there’s a goat symbol on the cleric’s pyjamas. Also “first time”, LOL.

I think they were playing shiritori at one point.

Hanamaru saikou yoku dekimashita!

Maou-jou 11

…How does one “sleep cheerfully”, anyway?

I think I saw Twilight drop something…some kind of paper…

Aw, Twilight blushing is kinda cute!

LOL, 70s shoujo style. Also, “It cannot be!”

Whoa, she cancelled it?!

I read up on this series on TV Tropes…and apparently the Demon King captured the Princess in her sleep.

Kagemusha? Like a ninja or something?

Apparently the Demon Cleric is much older than he looks.

Ooh! Hypnos is back!

A-whatsit really is abysmal levels of stupid!!! (LOL)

Maou-jou 12 (FINAL)

Who’s that one tiny guy occupying one of the Ten Kings’ seats?

*watching after Christmas, about a week after the anime finished* This is not seasonally appropriate!

…*thinks for a second, then spits* That’s the 2nd Nemu in the fall 2020 season!!!

Ooh, the head paladin doesn’t look that bad, either.

“…is it good to be…”

“…has seized the princess!”

“…that demon king is rather cute.” – See? Someone agrees with me.

Anyways, that was a fun series. See you soon!

Idolish7 s2 10

…Back at it after so long…(I can’t help it though – Crunchyroll, per month, is about double the local Funimation sublicensor’s fees, and for much less content that’s worth my money to boot!)

I’ve always thought Momo was like Sasara (HypMic), so seeing him anguished hurts me in the kokoro too…

I know Banri was involved with Re:vale somehow…this must be it.

…Male idols are also popular among men? Is this why there are 8 (!!!) idol anime in winter 2021 alone…? (Also, that’s why HypMic became popular? Multidemographic appeal crossed over with obvious merchandising opportunities?)

It’s kind of scary how Momo stepped the formality towards Yuki like that (to -san).

I guess in his heart Momo still reveres Yuki, some way or another.

The rakugo curtain really sold the moment that they (current Re:vale) were acting like an old married couple.

Yay! Silver Sky is such a cool song! Of course I recognised the intro when it came on.

…I see. The elder Kujo is entrusting his dream to Tenn, so that’s why he banned Aya from seeing Tamaki. However, it’s hard to know what to feel when Aya speaks in the vaguest terms possible.

I think that was a special ending for only this episode. I don’t know what its name is, but I guess I might recognise it on Spotify one day.

Idolish7 s2 11

LOL, Nagi’s reaction.

Considering the ‘rona is getting worse outside our very windows as we speak (type?), I think it’s correct to be concerned about your future right now.

Looking at these narrow streets reminds me of going to eat hotpot at the end of my Japan trip…only Japanese streets look like that, I think. Hong Kong’s streets are more crowded than that and America likes their suburbia.

Of course, when you say hajimemashite (nice to meet you), someone’s gotta say it back, hence the reply.

Considering there are people all over the world watching the Idolish7 anime, I would say you are telling the world about I7, Riku.

Oh! Restart Pointer! There was an MV for that one…I think it was around the time Idolish7’s MVs started getting better.

So this is the context around the new outfits! Cool!

There have been way too many puns about “idol” being…y’know, “ai (love) doll” and stuff like that…

I have one Twitter person who I follow (DejiNyucu, part of the creative team for Autumn’s Journey) because I don’t get much I7 content and they keep mentioning this “Haruki” person…and suddenly a “Haruki the Betrayer” showed up in the graffiti…they might be the same person, I think. Not Deji, but Haruki. Update: Sakura Haruki, perhaps…?

Sougo’s such a bad liar…

Sometimes, the best way to deal with things is to be direct…(I’m not very good at that, I naturally talk in a very roundabout sort of way.)

Sougo with long hair like Yuki would be really pretty… (<- has an obvious thing for guys with long hair)

Idolish7 s2 12

Nagi’s stupid accent is generally what he’s best remembered for (for me), so seeing him speak normally, and do a press conference on top of that, is…impressive.

A kabedon on top of all this! Whoa!

Shibuya 109 parody…? (I’ve seen that once or twice – parodying that means people know their stuff about Shibuya.)

I think the “it’s overflowing!” is referring to the hype in the “room”.

…this dejected Momo is worrying…(well, he is worrying and I am worrying about him.)

Oh, I see. The person responsible typed the letter so that they couldn’t be traced back. Kind of like those old movies where the culprit would cut letters out of newspapers to make threat mail, but…with even less traces than that, because cutting letters out leaves evidence.

…wow, it took a while for this ep. to have an intro…

…LOL, I just spotted Kenjiro Tsuda cited as the “fake Zero”, meaning the real one might never show up this season.

There’s something really stupid and infectious about these managers’ enthusiasm for drinking energy drinks. It puts a goofy smile on my face.

Is Musubi Tsumugi’s mother…? Update: Yes, she is.

…Wait, so the Chiba Shizuo guy is actually important?!

Idolish7 s2 13

Whenever someone says “by the way”, it means they’re changing the subject. I hate to state to obvious, but Sougo is clearly deflecting the topic of conversation from being about him.

I wonder if this guy (Haw9) is the actual Zero graffiti vandal…?

Hmph, I didn’t realise Tenn doesn’t refer to Kujo-san as his father, but…like that (“Kujo-san”) instead.

Oh hey! These are shots from Vibrato!

Most dramas can be solved with the power of Good Communication. That includes this one.

I feel like “he has a dark side” describes both Tenn and Kujo-san.

“Everyone, remember to wash your hands and gargle thoroughly.” – This is always a good thing to remember in the time of ‘rona. Reminds me of Jakurai’s line in ARB (<- this game started just after the ‘rona came down).

What did Sougo go to uni for (what specialisation)?

Idolish7 s2 14

I just realised Banri calls Momo -kun. Hmm…

Denki = electricity, LOL.

I feel like Tenn is basically Ramuda, give or take actual pink hair…guys in musical groups with pre-existing angst that they become the “centre” of. The fact Fling Posse have Saito Soma and so do Trigger strengthens the connection.

I would watch the heck out of a musical like that! Make it come true, Idolish7! (Also, today is I7 day! I’m not much of an I7 fan outside the anime, but…that’s cool!)

That shot of them jumping! I remember seeing it on the official site before!

Idolish7 s2 15 (FINAL)

There you go! I was wondering where Banri’s injury was – that was the only bit that didn’t add up for him to be Yuki’s old partner.

Hmm…Momo is 4 years younger than Yuki but 2 years younger than Banri…

This episode has a real concert vibe to it, to the point where I got startled by how loud the yell was at one point. (Even if it is mostly stills.)

LOL, lookit Okazaki!

Apparently, if you’re a hako oshi, you like all the members of a group. Someone with a green light and a pink light likes both members of Re:vale.

LOL, Usagi for Asahi beer.

…I forgot Nagi is 19.

…Ooh, I think that’s the kid from ZOOL. No wonder they needed a season 3!

That’s all. See you next time!

SLS 2

“fine and upstanding person” – That’s…hard to believe, Hayato.

I wonder how many bois Toboso designed for SLS…?

…The episode title is actually “Blank”. Not “Break”.

One of the guys’ shirts says moteki on it. That’s a period in one’s life where one enjoys more romantic attention than usual, literally “popularity season”.

The subs missed an I, so initially I knew Kiriyama’s name as “Kiryama”.

There are meant to be 2 wings, right…?

“He who controls information controls everything, right?” – For once, I’m surprised Hayato is right (and not just in that smug way of his).

“…I’m being treated like a manager.” – But Hayato is a manager! (In a sense.)

The plait guy jumps to nicknames really fast…also, why do I get the feeling Maeshima will lose the key?

I hate to say this Maeshima, but I side with your childhood friend (Kiriyama) here. As much as the anime wants me to back you, I’m watching for everyone else at this point.

That blocky building looks pretty cool. I think Zel (Archi-Anime) would like it.

Sasugai’s setup looks pretty cool, including his chair.

…hmm, Maeshima’s like me in a sense. I learn best by copying others, but memory is my best asset. If I don’t regularly train the fundamentals, I suck at everything. That said, I don’t have an eidetic memory. Also, I didn’t quite figure out Ken = Ken(sei Maeshima) until I watched long enough to connect the dots.

LOL, Derry’s. (<- reminded of a word for “butt” <- derriere)

Well, the guy’s (Souta…?) shirt does say moteki…

Kiriyama kinda looks like Jyuto (HypMic), come to think of it…Right down to his angry streak (although Jyuto has a reputation to keep as a “cool dude”, while Kiriyama is more of a Manza (Boueibu HK) and he’s more angry than he looks).

…This ED is nothing special.

…Hmm? Is that a small Terauchi and Maeshima…?

I think I’m sold for now, but I’m rooting for the other team, not Maeshima’s…not yet, anyways.

[minijenn]

Random Keys/UF Crossover Ideas

Because I’m torn between both of my projects right now and I hate myself, here’s something that’ll only really appeal to the very niche audience of people who read both Universe Falls and Keys to the Kingdom. Basically its a list of somewhat spoilery (for Keys more than UF) headcanons of what it might be like if the Gravity Falls world scheduled to be in Keys was a Universe Falls world instead (in the sense that it still takes place in Gravity Falls physically but like... its set in the universe of Universe Falls (oy I’m explaining too much lemme just start rambling off the random ideas that have been popping into my head over the last several days of this hypothetical crossover of my two stupid fanfics):

For reference’s sake, on the UF end of things, this would take place somewhere around the middle of arc10ish, pretty close to Weirdmageddon as the GF world in Keys is gonna take place pretty close to Weirdmageddon too. 

For Keys, the trip to this world would still take place in the same spot the GF world does, so semi close to the end of the story, as one of the last Disney worlds of the fic (guess it wouldn’t really be a “Disney” world here but ehhhhhh) 

Guess I better give some context about what’s going on in each fic around that time; UF’s is easier to do so we’ll start with that; basically without spoiling a certain upcoming arc ender too much, during arc 10, everyone’s sorta frazzled what between all of the interdimensional travel, worries about Bill coming back and causing chaos, worries about the Diamonds possibly getting involved in stuff, shaken by the recent revelation that Rose allegedly shattered Pink Diamond and so on (basically there’s a lot going on in the leadup to UF’s ending hahaha) 

Context for Keys (again without getting too spoilery (gotta tread even more careful here) is that by this point in the story Sora is basically in nonstop Panic Mode about the whole norting thing thanks to a certain encounter with one Bald Old Fuckhead during the Aladdin world immediately before this; so Sora’s on the run from basically his entire support system cause he’s all worried about unintentionally hurting his friends (and he also just doesn’t want Riku or Kairi in particular to see what’s happening to him cause Disaster Bi). 

Cont. Context for Keys cause that last bullet point was Long: Despite all this fuckin Angst, Sora’s still out searching for the Keys on his own in the hopes of securing the final few for the guardians of light before he can be fully norted and forced into handing them over to the Organization instead 

Not to mention those freak relatively dark/light powers of his are alll outta whack cause he A. Doesn’t know how to control them At All and B. Is Emotionally Distraught so that’s only making things worse

And the entire gang is more or less out searching the worlds tryin’ to find Sora (he yeeted his Gummi Phone off a fuckin cliff or something just so nobody could get in touch with him smh what a waste of a perfectly good cell phone); among the teams that are out doing so include the one we’re gonna focus on here, Ven and Roxas  

Back to the UF end of things, I wanna talk about where each of the Mystery Kids are at this point; Steven is sorta all over the place with, again, the revelation that his mom could have been a murderer; Dipper is hella nervous about the idea of Bill getting his hands on the Rift (even moreso after RMD cause PTSD is Somethin Else kids), Mabel is in that mindset of not wanting the summer to end so they can all stay together, and Connie is basically (as usual) the only one with any brain cells as she’s trying to hold the gang together

(lowkey spoilers for the Keys GF chapters start here) So Sora arrives in Gravity Falls, suffering from all the angsts and anxieties and whatnot and just Not Having a Very Good Time Emotionally/Mentally as he starts lookin around for the Key in the woods or whatever

But lo and behold everyone’s favorite Evil Corn Chip just so happens to be spyin’ on him, and before too long Bill makes his appearance and acts all friendly to Sora, claiming that he can basically undo the whole norting thing (which he knows all about because of course he would, this is Bill Fucking Cipher we’re talking about here)

Sora’s skeptical but at the same time he’s sort of willing to do whatever he can at this point to keep his heart from being taken over by Mr. Bald Old Fuckhead and all Bill is asking for in return is for him to nab some sparkly snow globe that he claims already belongs to him but was stolen by some local family who Bill makes out to be pretty bad so hey, why not at least give it a shot? (dumb, the kid is dumb this is something we’ve established many times over by this point)

So Sora sets out to look for both the rift and the Key (while also being harangued by Xemnas who’s the Org. baddie of the GF world but errrrr i don’t have a ton of ideas about what he’s gonna do yet so we’ll just skip over that for now and focus on somethin else)

Something else being the fact that Sora happens upon a bunch of kids being attacked by a group of Nobodies, so he swoops in to save them even though the kids already look like they’re holding their own pretty well against them (two of them are out here swinging swords around, one’s really handy with that grappling hook while another one has some sort of magical shield? Its weird??? But cool imo) 

So they all team up to take the Nobodies out and following that, Sora meets and mostly hits it off with the Mystery Kids

Mabel is super hype (she kinda instantly crushes on Sora as soon as she sees him even though he’s too fuckin old for her); Steven and Sora radiate the same sort of Sweet But Sad energy so of course they’re best friends immediately 

Connie’s a lil bewildered by Sora (who the hell goes around swinging a giant key like its a sword, that’s just not practical???) but Dipper’s distrustful radar is instantly raised for a a number of reasons, but the biggest red flag he notices about Sora by far is that his eyes are yellow (btw by this point his eyes will more or less be completely yellow and his hair almost entirely white; he usually wears his hood up to try and hide that, but it got blown off during the forementioned fight) 

So the kids were out and about in the woods for mystery hunting reasons, mostly cause they were trying to cool their heads from all of the stress they’re under mentioned earlier (and cause hey, the summer’s ending soon and they gotta spend all the time they can together at this point) 

However, they quickly change gears when they learn about Sora’s quest to find some magical Key and they all eagerly decide they wanna help with that cause it sounds hella rad; Dipper would likely be the only dissenter to this plan, but he’d be lowkey about it, kinda deciding to keep a suspicious eye on Sora all the while (he doesn’t really act like he’s being possessed by Bill, but ya can never be too sure nowadays...) 

So they all set out in search of the Key (Sora decides not to tell them about Bill or the rift just yet, but even so right off the bat he’s basically decided “yes I’m adopting all four of these kids as my new little brothers and sisters and no one can stop me”)

So cut to the other end of things and we have Ven and Roxas who have basically only just met each other face to face for the first time (they’re both basically constantly doin that spiderman look alike meme); they’ve been more or less teamed up to look for Sora together tho, and they both got a massive guilt complex about the whole thing cause they used to be able to directly protect him inside his heart but now they can’t since they’re out of it so they’re determined to find him and make sure he’s OK

They also show up in Gravity Falls, arriving much closer to the Mystery Shack and the Gem Temple than Sora did; since its the closest thing nearby, the boys decide to venture over to the Mystery Shack to look first 

After some brief, confused yet fun conversation with Soos and Wendy, they bump into Stan and that initial meeting goes something like: 

Stan: Who the hell are you two supposed to be? You twins or something?

Roxas: No??? What the fuck is a twin??

Ventus, realizing that Roxas has like 0 real world experience or regard for world order at that moment right fucking there: (oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck) Ummmm YES WE ARE WE’RE TOTALLY TWINS AHAHA AREN’T WE BROTHER?

Roxas, immensely confused: What the hell is a brother??

And then Ford shows up and Roxas looks between him and Stan is just like “ooooh ok now I get what a twin is” and Ven is just like “oh my god I think Roxas managed to catch some of Sora’s stupidity after all asdkjalsdkalsd” 

Anyway after all this awkward confusion is over, Roxas and Ven bring up that they’re there looking for someone, and while neither Stan nor Ford are that invested, they do offhandedly mention maybe the Crystal Gems can help

Ironically enough, the Gems happen to burst into the shack right then and there, taking refuge from the surge of strange creatures swarming outside (Nobodies & Heartless); the Gems are rather overwhelmed by them since their weapons don’t work that great on them so they’ve come to seek Ford’s help (since he’s got all those weapons and lasers and shit he keeps stockpiled) 

In this Ven and Roxas end up meeting the Gems and both of them are just like :O (Ven’s lowkey like, “Aqua would get along great with these ladies, they’re total badasses just like her!”) and the Gems just kinda pass the boyos off like “yeah whatever there’s a fuckton of monsters outside meanwhile where are our kids?”

Stan and Ford are like *shrug* cause neither of them are very good at being Responsible when it comes to keeping an eye on these danger-prone kids and the Gems are just like *facepalm* “Morons” so they set out to find the kids and Ven and Roxas are like “well they know their way around here so why not go with them to see if we can find Sora too!” and so they all head out on a lil adventure

Then a whole bunch of stuff happens on both sides of the plot that I haven’t bothered to figure out; bunch of cute character interactions and whatever; insert possible second encounter with Xemnas in here somewhere where he basically shows up just to intimidate Sora but Sora’s like “no way jose, you touch any of these precious kiddos and you’ll Die” 

Somewhere in here, under... some circumstances, Sora and the MK make it back to the shack but like... everyone’s gone? (cause they all went out to look for them, didn’t even leave a note, fuckin rude) 

They search the house for anybody and then, on complete fuckin accident, Sora finds his way down into the basement (the portal room to be exact) and what else does he find down there but that thing Bill asked him to get (the rift)! 

Though he’s a little confused about why its there (Bill did say some awful family “stole” the rift from him, but none of the MK are awful, they a bunch of Good Kids); Sora still pockets it like a desperate dummy dumb anyway and doesn’t say a word about it to the kids because he thinks they might be too innocent and young to know anything about it anyway (he’s wrong of course because much like him these kids are Traumatized with a capital T but we’ll just ignore that for now)

Still on the search for that Key, Sora and the kids head out only to run right into Stan, Ford, and the Gems on the way out; course, Ven and Roxas are still with them and they see Sora and they’re like :D while Sora’s just like “aw fuck” and runs away from his problems like always

So he rushes off into the woods and who else would show up but that Motherfuckin Evil Corn Chip again who’s like “yo kid ya got the stuff” and Sora’s just like “brb having a panic attack rn” but then he ends up obliviously handing the rift over anyway cause again he’s incredibly desperate for any way out of his current horrible situation

Of course because I’m a sap for Drama, he happens to do so just as all four of the MK show up, having followed him into the woods and ohohohoh boy oh boy let’s just say them seeing Sora just up and giving the rift over to Bill would be a Moment (well, at least for Steven and Dipper cause they actually know what the fuckin rift is unlike Mabel and Connie who still wouldn’t at that point) 

So basically Bill is a little shit and takes the rift, but he can’t actually fuckin do anything with it cause he’s a physical object and he’s still intangible (or somethin like that idk I just don’t want Weirdmageddon to happen cause it would make things too complicated) so he’s like “fuck gotta find some stupid sap to possess so I can smash this dumb thing” and he nearly targets Sora (cause the kid was already stupid enough to help him in the first place so why not?) until Steven ends up being the one to fend him off using his shield 

Bill shrugs it off and makes off with the rift anyway (its like... hovering or something? idk I’m running out of steam) and everyone panics of course, especially Sora cause he’s just like “well shit I certainly Fucked Up didn’t i?” and the MK are both a mix of “YOU THINK?” (from Dipper and Connie mostly) and “imo not your fault Bill’s tricked just about all of us he’s an asshole” (from Steven and Mabel)

Amidst this a bunch of lil things also happen; the Stans and the Gems show up (along with Ven and Roxas), basically everyone is immensely confused (aka those who have no idea what the fucking rift is) and alarmed (those who do know what the rift is) that Bill has what he needs to more or less fuck the entire world over 

So everyone just decides to put everything aside and team up all together to track Bill down and get the rift back before he can break it (there’s a lot of heartwarming trust moments in here, mostly cause trust is like... the cornerstone theme of the GF chapters in Keys for obvious reasons) 

They eventually do find him and *insert big epic battle scene here* where everyone teams up to basically beat Bill to death or whatever (don’t ask me how they be doin that if he’s intangible, again I.... I’m tired and this post is long enough as it is) 

Yadda yadda yadda they beat him, get the rift back and effectively prevent Weirdmageddon from happening to begin with (which just does SO much wonderful fuckery for UF’s timeline moving forward but whatever, this ain’t about that) 

Oh and during that Climactic Battle Scene somewhere there’s some bit about Sora learning to better trust others/himself that leads to him getting the world’s Key? I-I I dunno its a work in progress...

Anyway after this there’s a lot of good character interactions all around, reconciliations between the UF characters and the Keys characters, particularly between Sora and the MK (again he’s adopted these kiddos and don’t you forget it)

So with the Key in hand, Sora starts to leave and Roxas and Ven almost convince him to go back with them until *insert Big Keys Spoiler here that results in the Organization getting their hands on that Key Sora just got and also results in Sora running away again cause... reasons*

And that’s the end of the chapters or whatever idk 

There’s probably more ideas I had in mind for this but I literally can’t do anymore my brain is dying 

I might possibly write this for reals someday i dunno I’m stuck in two personal hells here so I might as well combine ‘em

Yes I’m aware this post leans more heavily on Keys than UF but its set in the world of UF so fuck off 

Feel free to add on with any thoughts you might have about the idea

I’m tired

Amen 

[tigerintokyo]

IDOLiSH7 Part 1, Ch 6.5 side story

Side Story: The Rhapsody of the Launch

(other parts in the directory)

Translation under the break.

-

(Tsumugi: IDOLiSH7 was a huge success! Even with the sound cutting out, they connected Tamaki-san's dance break to Sogo-san's solo!

Tsumugi: After the concert, they were all congratulating each other on a successful performance!)

Mitsuki: That was awesome! You looked really cool, Tamaki!

Tamaki: Did I get on TV? Did I?

Riku: Sogo-san's timing was perfect too!

Sogo: Thank you. I'm glad I didn't mess it up.

Yamato: OK! Should we stretch out our legs for a bit and have a party tonight with a few drinks?

All: Yeah.....!

Iori: ......a few drinks? Some of us are underaged and can't drink though.

-

Nagi: OH..... Why did Tsumugi already go home? It feels empty when there's no party flair.

Iori: The president called her home so that we could "celebrate with just the guys." Well, I'm sure he would be worried about his daughter in this situation.

Mitsuki: OK. The food is ready! You guys get yakisoba.

Iori: Thank you. Nii-san, you went drinking with Nikaido-san and Osaka-san before, right?

Mitsuki: We did! It was fun! I can't really remember though!

Iori: ………...

Sogo: I don't remember much from that night either... The only thing I remember is waking up in my room.

Iori: Will you all be okay tonight? With the drinking...

Tamaki: Yakisoba! And fried egg! Super fancy!

Riku: Tamaki, we have to wait for everyone!

Tamaki: The yolk is mine!

Yamato: Your onii-san remembers everything from that night. Sou was guzzling down any cocktail or liquor that he could remember from song lyrics.

Sogo: Ah, that's right. I've always wanted to know what some of those drinks tasted like. It was nice to finally be able to have them.

Sogo: Since then, I've been gathering cocktail making tools to try making some myself.

Yamato: Really....? Well, just don't drink too much.

Mitsuki: Old man, don't be so stingy. What's the big deal?!

Yamato: You got drunk before him, so you don't have a say.

Mitsuki: Yamato-san, you were the one whose face was all red! Fine, how about starting with beer?

Yamato: Thanks.

Mitsuki: Everyone, pass your glass over. If you're underaged, you can't drink though!

Iori, Tamaki, Nagi & Riku: Okaaaay.

Riku: What do you want to drink? Orange juice, soda, or oolong tea....

Iori: Since it's yakisoba, it has to be oolong tea.

Tamaki: I want juice! The carbonated one!

Nagi: I'd love to have a glass of wine, but I'm following Japanese rules. Maître, something that goes well with yakisoba. [1]

Riku: Orange juice!

Iori: Oolong tea.

Tamaki: Soda!

Nagi: No....! Don't pull on me all at once!

Mitsuki: Does everyone have their drink? Alright, cheers!

All: Cheeeers!

Riku: Sogo-san, what are you drinking?

Sogo: It's a rusty nail.

Sogo: It's in the lyrics of the third song of the second album of that band that lent to you before. I also want to try a Lucien Gaudin that's in the fifth song on that album, but I heard it was sweet.

Riku: It's a drink that shows up in the song's lyrics!

Sogo: That's right. I was thinking of trying a gimlet, a godfather, and a Whisky Mac today.

Riku: That sounds so cool! I can't wait until I can drink with you too. But, Sogo-san, you're not drunk at all.

Sogo: I guess not.

Yamato: Sou, can you come over here for a second?

Sogo: ............? Alright.

Mitsuki: Yamato-san, it seems like you're trying to pressure Sogo! Don't use younger people like that.

Sogo: Haha.. I don't mind.

Yamato: Can't you see that I'm about to become a human sacrifice in the spirit of Princess Andromeda?

Tamaki: Sou-chan! I want to try this one! The one that sounds like kacha-kacha!

Sogo: A cocktail shaker? Of course. But, Tamaki-kun, you shouldn't drink.

Tamaki:  I know! Hey, Nagicchi. How do you do this one?

Nagi: Why are you asking me?

Tamaki: It seems like you can do it.

Riku: Ah, I know how! I can shake it like a bartender!

Nagi: Sorry. I only specialize in drinking what's served to me. Iori, do you know how?

Iori: I don't.... But don't you just put liquid in a container like that and shake it?

Tamaki: Liquid? Is anything okay?

Nagi: If it's Sogo's cocktail, shouldn't it be what Sogo likes?

Tamaki: Tabasco....?

Riku: It would have to be tabasco, right...?

Iori: If it's only tabasco, there's no reason to shake it. You have to put alcohol in it too.

Tamaki: Beer and... this should be good.

Riku: What did you put in?

Tamaki: V-O-D-K-A..."bodoka"? ......

Nagi: It's vodka.

Nagi: You made a beer buster. It's better stirred and not shaken. This goes without saying, but if you shake up beer...

-Boom!-

Tamaki: Waahhh...!

Nagi: Shit.......!

Tamaki: It's cold! It exploded....

Iori: Here, both of you, wipe yourselves off with this!

Riku: ........

Iori: What's wrong?!

Riku: I remember! His name was Wada-san. The bartender from my Dad's place.

Iori: Nanase-san, you sure are free from worries.

Iori: Are you talking about the show club your parents used to run?

Tamaki:  Hey. I've been meaning to ask, but what is a "show club"?

Riku: Hmm, it's kind of like a cabaret?

Tamaki: What?! Isn't that the X-rated one?

Riku: No, no! Um.....

Riku: ........ow!

Mitsuki: Tweet-tweet!

Mitsuki: Yellow card!

Riku: .........?

Mitsuki: You can't do that! Kids should be kids and talk about wholesome things!

Mitsuki: Who's in charge over here?!

Iori: In charge...?

Nagi: Mitsuki, are you drunk already...?

Mitsuki: You're the one!

Nagi: Ouch!

Mitsuki: You're the oldest over here! Line up by age! Number off! Starting with the youngest!

Tamaki: One.

Iori: Two.

Riku: Three.

Nagi: Four.

Nagi: .......OH! I am the oldest!

Mitsuki: Right! You're the team leader?!

Nagi: I'm head honcho! I'll do my best to be in charge, Mitsuki!

Mitsuki: Great! As you were!

Tamaki: ......Mikki, your face is super red....

Iori: Nii-san has a habit of getting in your face when he drinks. Nii-san is such a good communicator. He even lets you know clearly when he is drunk.

Riku: Hey... I'm not sure if I should, but can I say something?

Iori: What?

Riku: You're pretty much a bro-con, Iori.

Iori: What? I'm just giving my objective analysis. Your case is different.

Riku: What?! I think I'm just as good as being objective as you are...!

Tamaki: No fighting! Let's go back to what we were talking about before. What was it again? Something about Rikkun and X-rated...

Nagi: Stop...... I'm going to get scolded. Instead of that word, you should use a code.... Let's use a cipher.

Tamaki: OK. Rikkun's X..... FSC.

Riku: Oh, that really big company! You can use "FSC" instead. Um.....

Riku: Our place wasn't FSC though. We had live bands and small shows.

Tamaki: That's it? There weren't any FSC girls there either?

Riku: There were people who wore like FSC-looking clothes, but I was just a kid. I hid with Tenn-nii under a skirt.

Tamaki: That's super FSC!

Riku: I was a kid!

Iori: Even if you say it's not FSC, if it's FSC, it is FSC, Nanase-san...

Nagi: Now, now. Everyone has memories of the charm of the FSC.

Nagi: Even Sogo, for example, will have some FSC memories.

Sogo: ..........!?

Riku: Sogo wouldn't be involved with FSC.

Tamaki: Yeah, I don't think Sou-chan would be FSC.

Nagi: He doesn't look like it, but he is FSC.

Iori: Kind of like, he's unexpectedly FSC....

Sogo: .......um...... Uh.... I......

Yamato: What's the matter? Your face is really pale.

Sogo: I'm okay. It's nothing.... .......gulp......

Yamato: You drank that in one shot. What are you drinking?

Sogo: Godfather.

Yamato: That's a pretty strong drink... I'll drink yours. Sou, you should drink a glass of water.

Sogo: I'm not drunk. Yamato-san, you should watch how much you drink today too. Last time, you got red immediately.

Yamato: Ah, but you really can't tell if Sou is drunk... That is until the switch is flipped.

Sogo: Switch?

Yamato: That's right.

Yamato: You're so cute when your enjoying your drinks. I don't want to ruin the mood. But then, of course, I have to take care of you until the end of the night.

Yamato: So, if you start feeling it set in, make sure you tell your onii-san as soon as possible.....

Sogo: ......fufufu......

Yamato:  Did the switch just flip?

Sogo: I want whiskey.....

Yamato: You can't.... At least, do something weaker. Why are you always drinking the hard stuff.....

Sogo: If it's not whiskey, it's not rock 'n' roll.... fufu....

Yamato: I'm going to debut in a rock band and write lyrics like, "Non-alcohol! Yay! Yay!" so you should drink beer that even kids can drink....

Iori: ......? What's going on over there? Nikaido-san and Osaka-san are acting real strange, don't you think so?

Riku: Hm, I don't know, it's weird... It's kind of like when the person next to you on the train is sleeping and then slouches in front of you.

Iori: That doesn't really happen, does it?

Riku: It does. You were like that before. I could even see your scalp on the top of your head.

Iori: Stop messing around!

Tamaki: Sou-chan, are you drunk...? I forgot to give it to him, but it's probably better not to give him the one I shook up, huh?

Nagi: OH.......... Under the current circumstances, it's not a beer buster; it would be a Sogo buster.

Riku: Oh, Sogo-san is looking at me!

Sogo: …….

Tamaki: He's laughing and making a zombie pose.... I'm scared....

Riku: Zombies have their hands facing the other way. This pose if more like, "Take this feeling with you!"

Nagi: It's the same pose as Magical☆Crush!

Iori: Usually, that would be the gesture for "please." Are you sure he isn't just asking for a refill?

Sogo: Iori is right....

Iori: ........!?

Tamaki: Iorin......?

Nagi: Sogo, what's wrong?!

Riku: Oh, Yamato-san covered up Sogo-san's mouth!

Yamato: This guy...! This moron....! If the kids find out your drunk, you're gonna feel bad tomorrow!

Sogo: Fufu...... Feel bad......

Yamato: Right?! Fine, let's go to bed now. Your onii-san will go with you....

Sogo: Ah......!

Yamato: Wh--what's wrong?

Sogo: Um..... Today, there was lightning......

Yamato: Yeah, lightning did strike today...

Sogo: I'm glad I didn't mess up.....

Yamato: Yeah, you did good....

Sogo: Fufu......

Yamato: OK! Bed time......

Yamato: Ah, ow!

Mitsuki: Tweet-tweet!

Mitsuki: Yellow card!

Yamato: .......what?! Your onii-san didn't do anything wrong!

Mitsuki: We're all having a good time, but you're going to bed! Geez, Yamato-san! Such a sneaky boy!

Yamato: I'm not! Sou is passing out, so I'm just....

Mitsuki: Are you passed out?! Sogo?! Are you drunk?!

Sogo: I'm not drunk.

Mitsuki: See! He's not drunk!

Yamato: You're drunk too!! Here, have a lemon....!!

Mitsuki: Mmmph...!

Iori: Hey! What are you doing to Nii-san?!

Nagi: OH! Mitsuki! I'll rescue you! Lie down! ......AED!

Mitsuki: MMmmph....!

Iori: Rokuya-san....! Doctors don't mount the patient!

Tamaki: Sou-chan, you guys, calm down! Adults shouldn't act so crazy! Especially you, Sou-chan!!

Sogo: ………….

Sogo: Riku-kun..... Hey, come over here.

Riku: What is it? Hm...? My ear...? You want to ask me a question?

Sogo: Yeah.....

Riku: ………...

Tamaki: ………….

Sogo: ........Tamaki-kun is always quick to yell.....

Tamaki: Are you whispering about me?!!!!

Sogo: Ow.

Riku: Sogo-san is so funny tonight!

Sogo: Yay.

Riku: Do you want to lean on me? I'm used to seeing the tops of people's heads, so it's no problem at all!

Sogo: Riku-kun, sing.

Riku: Okay!

Sogo: Yay.

Nagi: Great! The operation was a success! I have removed the lemon-yellow tumor!

Mitsuki: ..........cough........! Oh god.....! Why didn't you get it out faster?! I didn't need the chest compressions!

Nagi: That was a special service for you. I'll also add a wink. Ciao.

Iori: Well, it's Nikaido-san's fault anyway! Don't do things like that to my drunk and defenseless brother!

Yamato: Who was defenseless?! He was all offense!

Iori: Nii-san was looking after everyone, wasn't he? How could you do that....?!

Iori: .........Mmmmph.....!

Yamato: Then you can have your brother's lemons!! From now on, I'm gonna call you two the Lemon Brothers!

Sogo: What? There's a new band?

Riku: Do you want to sing a Lemon Brothers song?

Iori: .......ah, sour.... ah, so sour.....

Tamaki:  Ah!!! Enough! You drunks are so loud!! Quiet down or you're gonna get it!

Mitsuki: Tamaki....! It's not polite to stand on the table! And, what's that you have in your hand....

Nagi: No....! Tamaki....! You mustn’t shake the beer!

Tamaki: Take this....!

Riku: Gaaaah.... it's cold........

Nagi: .........hn......oh my god....! There's beer and tabasco in my eyes....

Mitsuki: Ah, it's sticky! What is this...?!

Sogo: ......hn..... It has a bite, but it's delicious......

Tamaki: ............!? Ah! Guys, this is a big problem....!

Tamaki: My eyes hurt! I can't open my eyes! Oh my god! Oh my god!! Somebody get a towel...!

Iori: Did you hit yourself with it?! Are you stupid?!

Tamaki: But....!

Yamato: ………….

Yamato: .......This was a big win for glasses.

Tamaki: My eyes hurt!

Sogo: I want another one.....

Yamato: A big win!

Mitsuki: Shut up! Go get some towels!!

To be continued...

-

Placeholder: next chapter

-

T/N:

Nagi uses the French word “maître,” as in a master of the bar who preps drinks.

Please do not use my translations without my permission.

[satorisa]

in which Risa gets blindsided, twice, and decides to go with the flow for as long as it will have her.

inspired by this fic by @carebearos

...

Risa stands in front of the Starbucks by the station, checking her phone as the appointed time draws near. She had arrived thirty minutes early,  punctuality driven by the sheer insanity of the situation, dressed in an outfit she would almost wear to see Dark.

She must be out of her mind.

Satoshi invited her out for coffee before the long-awaited weekend, and she said yes without any hesitation. Had he asked before she attempted to treat him for the strawberry milk, she most certainly would’ve declined. But she was intrigued by the Satoshi who joked around, smiling and sarcastic, in those empty hallways after school in front of the vending machine.

Her curiosity might be the end of her, she internally grumbles, as she checks her phone again to see the time. Not even a minute has passed, and she groans before tucking her hands behind her back while she bounces in place. She can’t control the anxiety flowing through her body even though she knows that anyone who would make a big deal about this was busy and as far away from the scene of the crime as possible.

Ding!

She swings her phone back to her face to see a text message from Ritsuko with a selfie of her and some of their classmates. Someone had invited the class out on a whim before the last bell rang, literally right after she made plans with Satoshi, and so those who accepted are taking a day trip away from their small town. Takeshi’s right in the center with Ritsuko, hogging all the attention as usual, and Riku and Daisuke are in the corner of the picture, awkwardly smiling as if Ritsuko had caught them at a bad time.

Bless her best friend for giving her the DaiRiku content that fuels her life.

Risa’s about to reply to Ritsuko’s follow up message about missing her, but her phone rings again. When she sees a message from Satoshi saying he’ll be running a little late, she nearly drops her phone.

Somehow, in the span of an evening, she had completely forgotten that they had exchanged numbers after they confirmed their plans. And this friendly reminder nearly sent her into cardiac arrest.

She might actually die today.

And so, she goes back to jittering in place, garnering attention from passersby as she tries to mentally escape the situation that she’s in.

“Harada.”

The calm, monotonous voice snaps her back into reality. Satoshi now stands in front of her, his hair still damp, wearing a surprisingly snappy ensemble that somehow matches her own outfit.

She’s ready to eat her own foot.

“Sorry I’m late. Something had come up and—”

“There’s no need to apologize; stuff happens.” She smiles, mentally wondering what she’s channeling to be outwardly calm when she’s inwardly screaming. “Come on! Let’s go!”

The smell of coffee hits her when she walks in, and they fall into the short line in front of the cash register.

“What do you want?”

“Um…”

She looks up at the menu, mentally reeling at all the coffee choices. Matcha’s not too appetizing to her either, even if it is blended with enough sugar and cream to last her a lifetime, and she’s feeling lukewarm about everything else on the menu. Risa only ever goes to coffee shops when she’s out with her parents; she’d rather have bubble tea more than anything if she’s going out.

“I can order something for you if you’re having trouble deciding.”

“With your taste buds? No thank you.”

“I’m not going to order you coffee or anything like that. Starbucks just came out with their spring menu, so they have a cherry blossom cream frappucino—”

“That. I want that.”

Satoshi stifles a laugh behind his hand, but she can still see the upturned ends of his lips. She pouts. He’s not allowed to be amused at her predictability.

She digs into her purse to fetch her wallet. “Lemme know how much it is so that—”

“No need, Harada.”

The line moves, and they’re at the register. Satoshi orders and pays for their drinks before she can pay for herself.

“Today is my treat.”

She’s a little confused as to why he invited her out for no reason and decided to pay for—oh my god. Risa glances at Satoshi’s outfit, noting that it’s nicer than the time she’s seen him in casual wear, before looking down at her own outfit.

Oh. My. God.

…is this a date?!

How could she unknowingly go on a date with Satoshi? How could he even ask her on one when he knows that her heart belongs to Dark? Does she—

“Harada, this isn’t a date.”

She stops her mental deliberations before shooting Satoshi a concerned look.

Is he reading her mind or something?

“I just thought you’d like the frappucino is all. Please don’t overthink this.”

“Then why are you treating me?”

He shrugs. “I figured going to Starbucks with me was the last thing you’d want to do on the weekend, so it’s just a small gesture for your time.”

Risa smiles. “I really don’t want to keep being indebted to you, Hiwatari-kun.”

Satoshi smirks. “Just accept it and let it go, Harada.”

They sit in a table along the glass-lined wall of the store. Satoshi doesn’t say anything, quickly busying himself with his phone, so Risa looks outside, watching the bustling street until she sees him put his phone away in her peripheries.

“I have a question for you, Hiwatari-kun.”

“Shoot.”

“Do you actually like black coffee?”

He chuckles. “I do. You can only really discern the taste of the bean when it’s black.”

“So…you’d rather sacrifice sleep for coffee?”

Satoshi tilts his head down and attempts to cover the growing grin with his mouth. He fails, simply because he’s finding this amusing for some unknown reason, and eventually composes himself decently enough to still reply.

That stupid smile is still on his face, though.

“As much as I stay up, I, too, enjoy sleep like everyone else.”

“But isn’t black coffee just…black coffee?”

“The beans and how it’s brewed are important. If I’m craving some good coffee, I’ll grind the beans I have at home and make myself a cup of pour over. If I need to stay up, I’ll just have whatever I can get. After all, the only way to get through a shitty day is with a shitty, bitter cup of coffee.”

Risa blinks, trying to process what he had just said. Did he just—

The barista calls their order before she can even respond to what just occurred. Satoshi gets out of his seat and returns to their table, placing her drink in front of her while he sits down, already sipping on his americano.

“…who are you and what have you done with the Hiwatari-kun I know?”

The unrestrained joy that she’s seen thus far dissipates when she sees the far-off look in his eyes. Just like before, he’s receding away, just like a dream on the cusp of awakening.

For whatever reason, he invited her out today. And perhaps today, only today, is he allowing himself to let down those walls that she’s so familiar with. Risa doesn’t know what to think of the Satoshi in front of her, casually chatting about himself and joking around like they’re good friends, but she at least knows that she likes it.

As strange as everything is, she’ll play along with it just this once.

“This is where you’re supposed to laugh, you know, and not stare off into space as if you’re having an existential crisis.”

“But who doesn’t have a daily existential crisis?”

Risa laughs before sipping her drink, enjoying the sugar and milk that’s sure to lull her into an afternoon nap when she gets home. It’s the perfect thing to chime in the spring season, and she makes a mental note to drop by a corner store on the way back to see whatever seasonal items she can ration until next spring.

“How is it?” Satoshi asks.

“Good! Do you want to try?”

“I’m fine, thank you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. One sip of that will give me a headache.” He sighs. “I don’t understand how you can drink that.”

“Because I’m here to enjoy life. That—” She points to the iced americano in his hand. “—is no fun.”

“It’s fun enough for me.”

“You’re boring.”

He smiles, a small smile, but it’s genuine. “Maybe I am, but I’m content all the same.”

Risa doesn’t quite remember what follows that. Perhaps she was so hung up over how calm and comfortable he was in that moment that it lingered, like a footprint on the sand, on her mind. Either that or all their smiling and laughing had blurred together and overwrote the moments in between.

By the time their conversation had ended, the sun had already set. She remembers almost inviting him out to dinner to prolong this precious moment, but she stopped when she glanced at the messages on her phone. Ritsuko and Riku were already on their way back; it was far too risky for them to be together any longer.

And when they walked out of the Starbucks into the cool, evening air, they unceremoniously said their goodbyes before heading their separate ways.

…

When she arrives at school Monday morning, it’s just like any other morning. She walks into the classroom and settles down into her seat, taking out her things for the first class of the day before hanging her bag on the side of the desk.

Ritsuko’s not there yet, and Riku’s still at lacrosse practice, so she takes out her phone, ready to check her social media when the door opens.

She looks up to see Satoshi walking into the classroom, hair slightly tussled, clothes slightly wrinkled, with that unaffected expression on his face. Their eyes meet, just for a second, but he doesn’t acknowledge her. He stares past her before heading to his seat, acting as if nothing happened.

As if they have no relationship. As if they’re back to what they were before.

With that, her dream ends, and she wakes up in the cold truth of reality.

[oveliagirlhaditright]

Not Such a Small Little World - A Sora, Riku, and Kairi Friendship Fic

(Part 1 of what I’ve written for Sora’s birthday.) Summary: A Sora, Riku, and Kairi friendship piece. Sometime after the next saga--when the trio actually gets some peace--they all hangout at Riku's house, like old times... but fight over what they want to do, as friends do. And through it all, Kairi has a certain epiphany about Sora's worries.

Kairi’s PoV While at the mall with her two best friends, Kairi looked at this "Lollipop Chainsaw" game. And despite how macabre it was, she couldn't help finding the pairing there kind of cute... Maybe as a Princess of Heart, she was just hardwired to like anything with romance. And while Riku was by Kairi’s side—checking out other video games—it was only Sora who noticed that she was holding the game up to the light with a reverent look on her face. And he came abreast her the moment he did, it seemed to Kairi. "I didn't know you liked that game," Sora said with an amazed lilt to his voice, as he put his hands behind his head in his trademark gesture. Kairi giggled. There was just something about seeing Sora in that pose, that always cracked her up. "One of my favorite parody editors made a video about Lollipop Chainsaw… and I liked it enough to give the game a go," Kairi said as she put a hand on her hip. Then, reluctantly, she placed the game down… almost feeling sad about it, which was ridiculous since she already owned it. Riku—who had come into the conversation somewhere during the middle of it—grinned, as he ruffled Kairi’s hair some (something that Kairi pretended she didn’t like, but really she did): "This game fits the princess. Doesn't it, Sora? I can just see her poppin' some gum and being cheerleader-like while fighting in a stronger manner than anyone else." And at this, Kairi couldn't help but to blush and bow at Riku for his compliment. She was still new to the Keyblade, after all. So any praise like this made Kairi's heart soar… and made her think she didn't quite deserve it. "Yep! I'd sure say so!" Sora joined in with the attempted ego-boosting now—making Kairi feel even more humiliated, as he handed one of the Mario games where you played as Princess Peach to her. “Sora, what-“ Kairi started, because while she thought she knew where he was getting at with this—that she was as strong as they eventually made Princess Peach in some games—there was another way she could’ve been taking it, too. And seeming to realize that, Sora scratched his cheek a bit awkwardly and decided to go another route. "I would've gone with Tales of Vesperia, since Estelle's a lot like you in my opinion… But that game’s still Yuri’s… and Kairi, what I’m trying to say here, is that one day the game is going to be yours. I just know it.” Kairi grinned widely—fully appreciating Sora’s words and kind gesture now—but also wanting to get the focus off of her some, she decided to move the conversation to another topic. "So, what are you two shopping for?" But the moment the words left Kairi's mouth, she already figured out the answer when it came to Sora; he was holding the item he’d come here for in his hands, and it was a Naruto game. Riku just shrugged and pulled out what he'd been hiding behind his back... and he seemed a little bit embarrassed about it, if Kairi said so herself. "I bought a Dating Sim..." And instead of commenting on that, like she really wanted to—though it seemed Sora was about to speak on it, with the way he leaned towards Riku with a cheeky look on his faced—Kairi made the decision about how they should spend the rest of the day for them. "So, I say we go over to Riku’s house and play a lot of video games, like we did in the early days of our friendship. Sounds good to me! Sign me up! Maybe it’ll even inspire my fighting some!” So that was how the three friends found themselves on Riku’s balcony: their old hangout. And Kairi was about to put one of the video games in for them, but Sora stopped her as he came forward and put a gentle hand on her wrist. “Actually, Kairi… I feel like we should watch something instead. Maybe something we’ve all already seen. Because, to be honest, I want to enjoy this new Naruto for all that it is, and I know we’d just talk over it. And I’m sure Riku feels the same way about his lovey-dovey, kissy-kissy, game, too.” And as Riku started chasing Sora around the balcony then—threatening to throw him off of it—Kairi set to work finding an anime they could all watch together. And almost instantly, her fingers found “Cardcaptors”, and she sighed. “You guys are gonna wanna watch Cardcaptors, huh?” Kairi asked as she looked over her shoulder, to see that Sora and Riku had finally settled down on the couch and were watching her in an expectant manner. “Even though this weird version of it killed some of what the original—‘Cardcaptor Sakura’—had, by doing things like increasing Syaoran’s—I’m sorry. ‘Li’s’—role? “It did do all of those things,” Sora said, as he fist bumped with Riku. “But it made a cool anime even cooler, because he’s the best.” "...I guess I can give you that. And I assume every boy in the world feels that way,” Kairi said surprisingly bitterly… almost wondering if this hangout was a good idea, if they were going to be arguing over this fandom. She hung her head and had to fight against putting a video game in, after all. "...But since you guys love me—and can respect that I think they downplayed Sakura to do this—can we watch something else?" It was then that an answer to all three's prayers arrived, in the form of Riku getting a package dropped off at his house downstairs, that he quickly went to retrieve... a package full of anime stuff, since he was subscribed to a company that gave him new content of it every month. And what was this, that Riku was showing them now?! Some sort of anime and manga named "Tsubasa", that had Syaoran and Sakura as the main characters?! Kairi was ripping the items out of the box they’d come in, and eyeing them immediately—as she tried to figure out just how much the gods of Olympus must have loved them all, to make this a thing. "Well, there you guys go," Kairi laughed, as she handed the manga to Sora and the DVD to Riku (having to knock "The Third" DVD out of Riku's hand, so there was room for it). "There's a Cardcaptor Sakura spinoff, where Syaoran is the main character. Now, this I can get behind, since it respects the original writers' wishes. So, let's watch away." …But half-way through, they couldn't do so anymore. The boys missed the humor from Cardcaptors and/or Cardcaptor Sakura: whichever. And Kairi felt the show was somewhat slow. "…Even from the little I remember of being in your heart, Sora... I don't think you wasted so much time exploring every nook and cranny of a world on your first journey…" I have an idea," Riku said, as he gave the kind of small smirk he’d always worn before suggesting they do something that would get them all into trouble. Kairi's breath hitched in her throat. "…Why are we even trying to watch anything, anyway? Most of the times we played some sort of game together: video game or other. So why don’t we do that now?" Kairi thought that was a fine idea; she had many pleasant memories of playing Monopoly with Sora and Riku... as well as Life, even though those boys had always somehow beat her at that. She always won at the Barbie Rapunzel game she made them play with her, however. But somehow, she thought that they wouldn't appreciate that suggestion now… "I know!" Sora exclaimed, as he clapped his hands together. And Kairi, jokingly, was tempted to ask him if he had been spending more time with Tifa Lockhart or the London Tipton girl they’d just met, because they were both known to do that. "Why don't we go out and buy that 'Boxers and Briefs' game? It's supposed to help friends get to know each other even better, in an amusing way." Kairi was down for that (and she tried to discreetly let him know this, in handing him his favorite orange soda when his first can went empty). But really, she was always down for any of Sora’s ideas. But Riku seemed dubious… as he tried to act like he was above Kairi and Sora, Kairi guessed, by eating orange candy instead of drinking pop with so many calories. "It sounds like that 'Would You Rather' game. And we can easily make up questions for that ourselves. So, Sora... why even bother spending munny on that rip-off game, then?” "To... uhh, celebrate us all finally being together on the Islands again?" Sora asked, as he jumped atop a pizza box to try and stand taller and make them buy into his point that way. He seemed cute like this, to Kairi. Like a little kid play acting for the first time… which sounded a little condescending, but she swore that it wasn’t! Especially since she was on his side! Or maybe… now that Kairi thought about it, mayhap Sora looked more like something else she knew about… "You look like that lovers’ statue from Olympus, that you said Meg hates," Kairi laughed. But Sora was instantly retorting. “I do not! If anything, I look more like Meg when she grabbed onto the statue to keep from falling. Not the statue itself.” Kairi really could’ve argued the point… but since Sora still knew more about Olympus than she did, she decided to drop the issue and return to the matter at hand: “….I think we should play this game of Sora's, Riku. Who wants gross things—like ‘would you rather have a ton of bandages ripped off your hairy skin or lick a dirty one?’—when I’d like to believe this similar game has better questions?" Riku seemed like he was about to say something—perhaps to argue with Kairi, that he thought this new game would be much worse—but Sora gave him a look, Kairi saw, so he zipped up his mouth and threw away the key. And smiling at Kairi then, Sora muttered, “So ‘Boxers and Briefs’, it is.” But by his tone, he almost seemed sad by her agreeing now and at first, she couldn’t figure out why. But then she did. "Unless... unless it isn't," Kairi said, feeling as though she'd just had an epiphany as she pulled at the fuzz on the orange blanket atop her. She'd been desperate for this hangout because she'd wanted a normal night with her friends again more than anything...  and was Sora the same way? "…Sora, you’re really not fighting for that game itself, are you? You’re worried that we don't know each other anymore?" Kairi asked as she put a comforting hand on Sora’s shoulder and snuggled a bit closer to him. "I- I guess?" Sora admitted, but he seemed to think it was shameful to do so. Because almost immediately, he'd clapped a hand over his mouth. But then, sighing, Sora continued on after Riku shot him a look this time. "I mean, how could I not? We've all been to so many worlds lately, but without each other. I wanted to make sure we haven't lost track of who the others are. Even though we didn't play this type of question game back in the day, we would play things like 'Trivial Pursuit' and I wanted to recreate that… and more." "We do still know each other, Sora," Riku promised, as he also got closer to Sora and slapped him on the back. "I know you hate Mr. Sanyee with a passion... that Kairi wishes we'd bake bread at school every day, and you guys know how I love to grill food. You two are the chefs, but I'm the griller. None of that has changed. "But if you're really worried, Sora, I'm willing to put my love for grilling aside and cook with you guys. Why don't we make pizza like we used to with Sora's mom all the time?" "You guys-" Sora started with tears in his eyes. And he was clearly so moved, that Kairi was sure he'd be the one to give Riku the affirmative. But when he instead seemed too choked up to, Kairi went on ahead with it herself. "Let's do it, Riku!” …And while Riku threw flour at Sora, Sora cooked up a mean sauce, and Kairi amazingly found some black truffles to put atop the pizza, she reckoned the three of them had never had a more magical time: even amidst all the normalcy. “Small little world”, her foot! Author's Note: I swear I wasn't bashing any of the fandoms referenced in this story. I just needed to give them all different opinions on things. Also, full disclosure... I haven't played Lollipop Chainsaw or any of the Princess Peach games. And Riku being rich, and with a balcony, is based off the manga. I swear I didn't include Tsubasa as a joke, since Sora's Japanese VA is also Syaoran's Japanese VA, but it still works well for one. And I also just realized it's funny that Kairi likes Lollipop Chainsaw, when Sora almost had a chainsaw in KH. Yep.

[blackasteriia]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 oh no it’s on fire, rant for me bb

 Feed the Fires of my Salt

Guts I know you don’t know anything about Kingdom Hearts, and bless you, but I’m here to talk about Riku. I’m here to talk about Riku in 358/2 Days. Because what the heck is going on with him?

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Riku is a pretty good guy. He’s human, he’s made some mistakes. He got possessed by the villain a couple of times, happens to the best of us. At heart, Riku has good intentions. He cares in a deep, compassionate way about his friend. Without hesitation he’d risk life-and-limb for Sora, Kairi, Naminé or anyone else. He helps those in need and he’s polite, well-mannered. Riku has a cool, logical look on life and he is rarely reckless-- although he is fearless. As he has struggled with the darkness, he is uniquely compassionate with people who are suffering as well. 

So why is he complicit in Xion’s murder?

Xion meets Riku in 358/2 Days when she confronts the ‘imposter’ impersonating an Organization member. They fought and he defeated her with ease. Riku takes her keyblade and calls it a ‘fake,’ and a ‘sham,’ ‘worthless,’ ‘can’t fight fire with sparks.’ Stop running with those Organization guys, bad news. Riku doesn’t offer Xion any alternative to the Organization. He abandons her in the courtyard and washes his hand of any responsibility. This had a profound effect on Xion. Her failure to defeat Riku --an experience and powerful keyblade bearer btw-- causes Saïx to reject her. Saïx is certain to reinforce Riku’s opinion that she is worthless and is a fake that doesn’t belong in the Organization. Riku causes Xion to question her position in the Organization in all the worst ways. Why is she so inferior? Why doesn’t she belong? What’s wrong with her?

Imagine the scenario where Riku did not abandon Xion in that moment. He’s beaten her, stripped her clean, she’s already down and out. There is no reason to insult her. If he complimented her, told her he admired her determination, asked if she was okay-- the contrast to how Saïx treats her alone would make her ask the right questions. Why does the Organization treat her worse? What’s wrong with Saïx? Why won’t they accept her? Riku doesn’t know who or what Xion is, but the principle of the matter stands: make friends, not enemies. Riku’s behavior comes off as cold and callous when it has no reason to be. He becomes another cruel person in a conga line of abuse. 

Later on, after Xion learns about the replica program, Xion travels to Destiny Islands. The force of Sora’s memories causes her to have a mental breakdown and collapse. Riku finds her there and when she wakes-up they talk. Riku tells Xion that in order to save Sora, she has to give-up the memories she’s taken. He gives her some time to think about it.

Here’s the deal with this conversation. Xion can’t just give-up Sora’s memories. Those memories are the foundation of her existence. If she loses those memories, we are told, she will cease to exist. Riku just told Xion that in order to save his friend, he needs her to die. Oh, we can go on that she ‘goes back to Sora,’ and ‘she comes back in KH3 Gina!’ No, neither Xion nor Riku know that Xion will get a second chance. ‘Going back to Sora,’ is Xion letting go of her lease on life and ceasing to exist. She will be dead. They don’t even know she has a heart. Riku gives Xion two options: go back to your friends and continue to exist; or, come back with me and be killed so Sora can wake-up. Xion is uncertain so Riku says this to her: 

Because, you know, when someone is contemplating suicide, they really need to weigh other people’s opinions. Xion needs to consider if she’s being a burden on her friends. Make sure she’s not being too selfish. Hey, Xion, Riku really, really, wants his friend to wake-up, do you maybe mind dying so he can have him back? Also, Xion your continued existence may not be the best thing for your friends, so like? I mean, you are ‘stealing’ Roxas’ powers and life force.

Riku gives Xion more ‘time to think about it,’ before he walks-off again and leaves her there. From that moment forward Xion understands that she is living on borrowed time. She talks like she has a terminal cancer: “I have to make the most of the time I have left.” Riku doesn’t give Xion a real option to say: ‘I do not want to die.’ That is never presented as a legitimate choice. He gives her the options of now or later. And Xion delays until someone forces her to choose and she is killed. I don’t believe, for all the mournful and morbid ways she talked, Xion ever wanted to die. She wanted to live. She wanted to be with her friends, even as those relationships fell apart. 

And like Xion is a replica. Xion does have Sora’s memories intentangled with hers. She is leaching Roxas’ powers because of the nature of her design. She is a weapon and tool of the Organization designed to secure Xemnas’ goal of Kingdom Hearts, and world domination --or whatever. She’s a nobody without a heart, ya-da, ya-da. Riku knows that she’s a real person though. He’s interacted with her, spoken with her, and Naminé has told him that Xion is real. Riku never acts like this though. He never intervenes to even attempt to save Xion’s life. Not once, and this isn’t a black-white dichotomy ya’ll. Naminé says that it’s possible to remove Sora’s memories from Xion and have her survive. It would just take more time and DiZ, her jerk handler, wouldn’t allow it. 

And for some reason Riku doesn’t say: ‘fuck DiZ.’ Naminé has all the power in this situation. She is the sole person who can put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Not all the king’s horses and all the king’s men. Riku isn’t know for being obedient and complaint either. He’s supposed to be this cool rebel, working against the power to save his friends. He’s hot-topic levels of edgy, and it’s hollow and empty because he follows DiZ like a good little boy. We are led to believe that Riku traveled with Xion for almost forty days, an entire month, and was basically okay with her death. 

Because after Destiny Island, Xion and Riku don’t show-up until Axel captures her again in Twilight Town. Xion returns to the Organization and it’s implied that Xion relies on Riku now, more than she did. She looks to him for answers. After her first return, xion is under absurd pressure. Her mere presence is slowly killing her sole friend; She is a slave and soldier of the Organization, forced to meet increasing quotas of heartless; She is being physically and emotionally abused by her superiors, to the point of murder attempts; And even Axel is taping the watch, waiting for her to keel over. She finds Riku, he tells her to find Naminé,  and Naminé can put her out of her misery. Then Sora can have the memories Xion ‘stole’ back and he can wake-up. 

Saving Sora is Riku’s sole motivation in this game. It’s for that reason he goes along with DiZ’s plans. He persuades Xion to give up her memories and kill herself. He captures Roxas and lets DiZ stuff him into the digital Twilight Town while he is psychologically tortured. So, Nomura wants me to believe that Riku, basically-good-protagonist, is willing to torture, kidnap, and murder in the name of his friends. When I know for a fact that if Sora found-out what was being done in his name, he wouldn’t accept it. Sora would rather stay asleep forever than know that Xion and Roxas were killed on his behalf. I will take that hot take with me to the grave. This is the idiot kid who was willing to be stripped of all of his memories so he can save Namine, who he met that day. Why isn’t Riku on the same page as his best friends?

And you’ll say, oh their teenagers, they don’t know better. One, they’re child soldiers in a war and they have a back bone. Riku has already been manipulated once with Maleficent and Ansem. He knows better than to blindly follow authority figures by now, at least I hope. Two, teenagers aren’t known for being compliant with authority anyway. Naminé is more than willing to risk life and limb to help Roxas, Sora, and Kairi, why not Xion. Three, it’s a better plot. A good plot is Riku subverting DiZ and Xemnas, helping save Roxas and Xion, and finding a way wake-up Sora, despite the presumed challenges. Because that’s what protagonists are supposed to do. 

C’mon Nomura, this isn’t hard. 

[themattress]

KH3 ReMind - Pros & Cons

Pros, otherwise known as the fixes for KH3′s bullshit:

- CHRISTOPHER LLOYD AS MASTER XEHANORT. ‘Nuff said.

- Chirithy is still cute, and we find out how it got back to Ven.

- All of the new battles and tweaks to old battles are great.

- Namine actually gets some real screentime and is seen doing stuff.

- The outcome of Lingering Will vs. Terra-Xehanort gets shown.

- You can play as heroes other than Sora throughout the climax.

- Aside from failing to correct that scene with Terra-Xehanort (where everyone but Donald and Goofy acts like an idiot), Kairi is done justice throughout. Lea is shown to believe in her inner power which she displays by fighting Xemnas to a stand-still, her not doing anything while being kidnapped now makes sense because Xemnas used a Nil technique to drain all of her energy and she doesn’t have a time-traveling counterpart to restore it like Sora does, once Sora brings her back she kicks Master Xehanort’s ass and gets to be part of the group when they destroy him, she gets to have a romantic moment with Sora in the Final World and be aware of his upcoming fate so that she’s prepared for it, we see her actively take part in restoring Namine, and she actually has good facial animation that captures her character this time around!  If only Hayden Panettiere had returned to voice her, then it’d have been perfect.

- The messy Seasalt Trio reunion sequence has been heavily modified so that it’s more coherent as to what’s going on and, while I don’t particularly care for the Seasalt Trio, it does bring them greater closure than they had before so their fans should be happy with it.

- Explorable Scala Ad Caelum, and it’s as grand as I’d imagined it to be.

- Sora being legitimately smart in the solution he comes to at the climax.

- The battle with the Xehanort Replicas, but in particular the part where you play as King Mickey. The Kingdom Hearts franchise hadn’t pulled something that powerful since KH2, and it does wonders at redeeming Mickey’s reputation, which had taken a hit these past 3 years. 

- Via his merged replicas, we finally give Master Xehanort the death scene he deserves: engulfed in a mega blast of light from everyone’s Keyblades which causes him to shatter. It’s also the only time since the original game that repeating “My friends are my power!” works.

- Leon, Yuffie, Aerith and Cid return in “Limitcut Episode”.

- Data Analysis and Data Greeting; the former being a return of the Data Organization XIII type of battles players loved so much in KH2:FM (really, there’s even a datascape-based recreation of the Garden of Assembly and a remix of its musical theme), and the latter being an insanely fun and unique idea that lets you make your own KH adventures, which is far preferable to sticking with this series in the future. Thank you, Cid, you are a true tech genius!

- The final line of the true final scene (whichever version you get). I cannot stop laughing; it’s clear that the game developers have developed a sense of self-awareness and could not resist ending the Dark Seeger Saga with a line that most perfectly surmises the whole thing. 

Cons, otherwise known as Nomura not knowing when to quit:

- The opening sequence of ReMind, which goes from a bullshit new scene with Xigbar and Luxord to that bullshit end scene of KH3 when Sora embarks on his quest to find Kairi via the Power of Waking to a bullshit flashback of Young Xehanort meeting the Master of Masters (huh!?) to a scene where old Master Xehanort is relaying this memory to Saix and Xigbar before the three of them make their plans, which require a lot of exposition. And I thought the first 20 minutes of The Rise of Skywalker went by too quickly while throwing too much at you!

- “Limitcut Episode” begins with Riku finally interacting with Terra, which should be good since it was such an obvious oversight KH3 made. Unfortunately, what they talk about simply amounts to more obnoxious character shilling for Creator’s Pet Riku, continuing to beat in the retcon that started since he met Terra that he always sought “strength to protect his friends”. 

- Well, the justice done to Kairi in “ReMind” sure didn’t last long, because once we get to “Limitcut Episode” we learn that she willingly placed herself in a coma for a year so that Ansem the Wise and co. can study her heart and see if it holds a key to bringing back Sora. She could’ve easily been the one to do all the active stuff that’s being done here at Radiant Garden, her own birthplace, but nope, it’s gotta be Riku because of fucking course it is. 

- Yozora. Just...everything about him and having to do with him. I guess it’s kind of cool that Dylan Sprouse is his English voice actor and he gets to show his range, but otherwise he’s just the worst. Final Fantasy Versus XIII didn’t happen, Nomura. Deal with it and move on!

- Willa Holland, Alyson Stoner, Quinton Flynn and David Gallagher are not even trying here. And yeah, that was true of Holland and Gallagher in the first place, but I got the impression that Stoner and Flynn were at least giving it a genuine shot even if it didn’t turn out that well. The only positive is that David Gallagher playing Riku giving exposition on what everyone has been up to since Sora’s disappearance in “Limitcut Episode” is so bad that it’s hilarious.

- As cool as all of the fixes for KH3′s ending are, they still chronologically transpire after the original ending, so that remains in place as having actually happened at some point. What’s more, the fixes are reliant on further convoluted time travel and the Power of Waking bullshit.

- The nature of the thing. The stuff KH2 was missing that KH2:FM absolutely needed to add in order to fix it amounted to just a higher difficulty mode, a few scenes, a boss battle, a new ability (actually, an old one), and a collection quest added to the worlds. Everything else on top of that was just icing. But the stuff KH3 was missing was on a much more fundamental level that it needed this much of an overhaul. KH2 was a satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy even before it got its Final Mix, whereas KH3 was not a satisfying conclusion to the whole fucking Xehanort Saga until this DLC release, and I’ll never be able to overlook that.

[bluerosesburnblue]

Yeah. I just like to give a benefit of a doubt (and like you said. KH doesn't always have the best writing). But I'd also say you're probably not wrong. There's a surprising amount of old people who have caused a lot of problems or have questionable worldviews (Yensid. Eraqus. Xehanort. Mickey. Ansem. MOM ect. Adults are shifty in KH. Except you Donald, Goofy, Leon, Cid, Tifa, Aerith, Sully and Mike ect. You guys are cool). What you said got me thinking. The MoM was really the one who created-

entire system for Keyblade weilders: Bequethings. Rigid traditions. Strict views. No questioning what has been passed down. This system has had quite the impact on Keyblade wielders. Not a lot of it good. Eraqus got easily manipulated into letting Xehanort rig the test to fail Terra. Then later tried to murder Ven and hurt Terra. All because of his inability to confront darkness in other people w/o resorting to violence. Aqua was also guilty of this when she was going to go after the evil -

family in Cinderella all because she sensed darkness in them. For all she knew they could have been good people struggling w/something like Terra (they weren’t but that’s not the point). She wasn’t trying to be malicious but I definitely believe she was acting in a way she thought Eraqus would. I also think they all relied so much on the system (instead of critical thinking and their hearts) that when it didn’t provide a good answer they failed each other and themselves until it was too late.-

the Keyblade wielders from the past don’t seem to be doing any better. They keep repeating the same mistakes over and over. Instead of forging their own path and trying to figure out what’s right, the Foretellers keep clinging to the MoM who abandoned them after giving them separate jobs in secrecy. Their devotion and inability to think for themselves or for the children who looked up to them caused so much death and destruction. I doubt the Dandelion leaders will even be able to fix things -

as much as they hope to (I guess nobody really learned my your heart be your guiding key back then except for the rare few). Basically we’ve seen how the MoM created system has either always been detrimental or got warped (not that he cared). Masters Mickey, Aqua and Riku aren’t anymore capable then Sora is. In fact I think they still have a lot of issues. Mickey’s guilt. Riku’s blindness. Aqua’s ptsd and loner streak. The only time the day has been completely saved was when the dull ordinary-

Keyblade weilder unlike any other (aka Sora) came rushing in to break all expectations and traditions of how things should go and instead does what needs to be done. Sora is the one big Keyblade players who doesn’t fall into the need to conform to the MoM system. Even Riku got a bit influence by it when he received the Master title. The Foretellers represent the old broken ways that have no mercy w/shallow views of worth. Sora represents the merciful loving way that can lead all into the light

Just to be clear, I don’t think that Yen Sid is actively malevolent at all. I just think that he’s not as smart or wise as everyone makes him out to be, is a horrible teacher, and is honestly kinda lazy. He’s not sitting there going “Haha! How can I ruin this child’s life!” but he is overestimated by pretty much all of the major protagonists because he’s an old, mysterious wizard who used to be pretty good with a key-sword

And yeah, that’s what I’ve been getting at with the MoM vs. Sora stuff! How MoM made the traditions that people have been using for at least a century but almost must be longer, and how Sora flies in the face of all of them

The Master set up a system designed for him to manipulate. A strict Light-Good-Darkness-Bad dogma, a chain of command where the apprentice must be completely subservient to the master, and a no-questions mentality. Now, maybe he just did it to make his plan for his own six apprentices work, but given how we see him talking to YMX in Re:Mind I get the sense that the longevity of these traditions is exactly what he intended. It would make manipulating further and further down the chain that much easier. He passed these ideas on to his apprentices, who passed it on to the millions of theirs, who would continue passing it on even when almost all of them were wiped out. The Union Leaders have a strict rulebook for crying out loud!

And I think even the mantra of “may your heart be your guiding key” could be designed to manipulate. After all, wouldn’t most people’s hearts tell them to do what their master asked of them? If you truly loved your master, wouldn’t your heart guide you into acting in a way that you believe would make them proud and please them? It certainly seemed that way with the Foretellers

And that’s where Sora gets interesting. He’s self-taught. He has no notion of any kind of structure among Keyblade Wielders because for a while he thought he was the last one left and even once he’s proven wrong… the last known people enforcing the structure are dead (Eraqus), literally trying to destroy the world (Xehanort), retired and scooting around the universe avoiding all human contact (Yen Sid), and zipping around the universe trying to find other ways to help (Mickey). When Sora hears “may your heart be your guiding key” he has no real master to impress. His desires are simple: protect those he loves. So that’s exactly where his heart leads

And you would expect Riku to break it as well given his Dark streak… until you remember that Riku’s been traveling in close contact with Mickey since Chain of Memories. Mickey’s practically Riku’s Master, even though it was Mickey’s Master who did their Mark of Mastery. Yen Sid passed the tradition onto Mickey, and Riku would probably be getting them from him. The only thing that they ever did was come to the joint conclusion that Actually Darkness Can Be Good Sometimes, but they never reevaluated the rest of the tradition

And I love His Royal Highness Michael Theodore Mouse as much as the next person, but he’s not immune to slipping back into the old ways. I mean, how could he with such a strict teacher anyway?

The tradition vs. innovation theme is one that I really hope they explore in the next arc and really treat with respect. Because the first seven Keyblade Wielders returning to face off against the Universe’s Biggest Unchosen One is just too good of a thread to ignore

[osakaso5]

Toma Inumaru Endless Rabbit TV Part 1: Tetrarchy

Part 2 | Part 3

Ryo Tsukumo: Hey, guys. Are you interested in doing solo songs?

Haruka Isumi: What? Ryo-san, did you come up with some weird plan again?

Toma Inumaru: Well, I guess solo songs are par for the course when you're an idol.

Minami Natsume: They appear to be the sort of thing that is bestowed upon those who get popular within their group.

Ryo Tsukumo: Haruka and Toma, the center vocalists! Torao and Minami, who perform and sing the choruses!

Ryo Tsukumo: I have to wonder how the people would react when the four of you sing separately!

Torao Mido: I don't know, and I don't care.

Ryo Tsukumo: "Wow, even the back-up singers, Torao and Minami, can sing like this! Amazing!"

Ryo Tsukumo: "Haruka and Toma are a different kind of cool when they sing alone!"

Ryo Tsukumo: The world's perception of my adorable ŹOOĻ will change. Isn't that exciting?

Toma Inumaru: ...What are you planning, Ryo-san? You've never had these kind of expectations for us before.

Haruka Isumi: Isn't it because that guy released a solo song a while back?

Torao Mido: "That guy"?

Ryo Tsukumo: Precisely! Riku's solo was great.

Minami Natsume: Did Nanase-san's solo song influence your decision to give some to us, as well?

Ryo Tsukumo: Fufu. Good idea, isn't it? You'll listen to Riku's solo too, won't you?

Minami Natsume: I'll look into it.

Toma Inumaru: Because of Riku... Are you for real, Ryo-san?

Torao Mido: That's Ryo-san for you, I guess.

Ryo Tsukumo: In any case, write some, Minami. We'll release them on your birthdays.

Minami Natsume: ........

Haruka Isumi: Minami's making them?

Minami Natsume: I could write songs for us because ŹOOĻ has such a clear concept.

Minami Natsume: However, I cannot write songs for these people, who I barely know. I must refuse.

Toma Inumaru: Mina...

Torao Mido: Haha. We're not the kind of buddy-buddy group that IDOLiSH7 is, after all.

Torao Mido: Isn't that right, Haruka?

Haruka Isumi: Nobody thinks we're friends, anyway.

Ryo Tsukumo: Too bad, no one cares about your relationship. All they care about is the kind of entertainment that'll have a hundred million people jumping up and down.

Ryo Tsukumo: ...I'll be counting on you, Minami.

Door closes

Haruka Isumi: ...And there he goes.

Haruka Isumi: What are you gonna do, Minami?

Minami Natsume: Oh dear. I can't make solos for us. Perhaps I should commission another songwriter.  

Toma Inumaru: ...Let's do it.

Torao Mido: Toma?

Toma Inumaru: Let's sing solo songs! Ones that Mina made.

Torao Mido: ........

Minami Natsume: As I keep telling you, I can't make them. It's too big of a responsibility.

Toma Inumaru: ...Nothing's gonna change for us if we give up before we even get started!

Toma Inumaru: Mina will write the songs, we'll sing them, and then we'll release them on our birthdays! Doesn't that sound fun!?

Haruka Isumi: Great... Toma's getting fired up again.

Torao Mido: It's good that you're excited and all, but don't you think Minami's got a point?

Torao Mido: He can't make anything when we barely know each other.

Toma Inumaru: Is some random composer gonna do a better job based on just our public profiles, then!?

Haruka, Minami, & Torao: .........

Toma Inumaru: C'mon, let's give this a try. If we don't have enough info, then we'll just have to start getting to know each other now.

Toma Inumaru: Besides, I know Mina's great at fortune-telling, a hard worker when he puts his mind to something, and suprisingly enough, a ramen lover.

Toma Inumaru: That's already plenty, isn't it?

Minami Natsume: ...Fufu...

Haruka Isumi: Minami?

Minami Natsume: Very well. I'll give it  try.

Minami Natsume: Perhaps it'll do me good to allow myself to be seduced by your passionate words.

Toma Inumaru: Sedu...

Torao Mido: Hahaha. You're a real Casanova, Toma.

Minami Natsume: Indeed. This must be what the women you seduce always go through, Mido-san.

Torao Mido: Feels great, doesn't it?

Minami Natsume: Yes. It's like walking on a soft carpet.

Toma Inumaru: W-well, as long as you're in the mood to do this, Mina..!

Toma Inumaru: Haru, Tora. You guys are okay with this too, right?

Haruka Isumi: Fine, as long as Minami's making the solos. I wouldn't feel like singing if it wasn't one of his songs, either.

Torao Mido: Sure. Let's give 'em one hell of a show.

Torao Mido: I'll teach you the kind of seduction that feels like you're tucked in a soft bed next time, Toma.

Toma Inumaru: Oh, come on! Let's drop that, already..!

Minami Natsume: I'll try my best to make something good. I will consult you all about this later. 

- - - -

Toma Inumaru: ...Alright! I guess that's enough for today.

Toma Inumaru: You guys have been taking today's lessons pretty seriously. Keep it up!

Minami Natsume: .......

Torao Mido: .......

Haruka Isumi: ...Sigh.

Toma Inumaru: W-what..? Did I say something weird..?

Haruka, Minami, & Torao: Not really...

Toma Inumaru: You're always perfectly in sync when it comes to this kinda stuff..!

Toma Inumaru: Just tell me what's up. We're a team, right?

Haruka Isumi: ...Hey. Don't you seriously get it?

Toma Inumaru: Huh..!?

Toma Inumaru: Don't tell me, Haru's mad because I haven't been sending him hearts in his game lately..!?

Minami Natsume: Goodness, you're so...

Toma Inumaru: Uh..!?

Toma Inumaru: Maybe Mina's angry because he found out I've been going to the ramen place he likes without him..!?

Torao Mido: Slow on the uptake, huh?

Toma Inumaru: Wha..!?

Toma Inumaru: Did Tora get dumped by a girl because I've been lecturing him not to play around so much..!?

Toma Inumaru: Sorry, I..!

Haruka Isumi: Your birthday's coming up, right?

Toma Inumaru: ...Huh..?

Torao Mido: Would it kill you to sound more excited?

Minami Natsume: Exactly. I'll be making a song about you. I can't have you acting so lethargic.

Toma Inumaru: Guys... You were worried about that..!?

Haruka Isumi: What... W-well, duh. I wouldn't wanna have my turn skipped, either.

Torao Mido: I just happen to enjoy parties.

Minami Natsume: You haven't been talking much about your own birthday. I've been waiting for you to bring it up.

Haruka Isumi: And you were just gonna leave without saying anything, so we were like, "Huh?"

Torao Mido: Tell us about yourself, Toma. We'll hang out with you.

Toma Inumaru: Ahaha..! Thanks, I'm so happy!

Haruka Isumi: Wha... Don't wrap your arm around my shoulder, it's too hot in here..!

Minami Natsume: In any case, what were you just trying to apologize for?

Toma Inumaru: U-uh...

Torao Mido: Oh, so it's something you can't tell us.

Toma Inumaru: N-no it's not! It's really not!

Toma Inumaru: In any case, you better be free on our next day off! 

End of Part 1.

[littlepurinsesu]

[IDOLiSH7] DUSK TiLL DAWN (Story Translation 3)

*Note: This is a Chinese-to-English translation using the official Chinese translation from the TW server! There’s a small chance that some phrases may differ slightly from the original Japanese text due to different wording and localisation, but overall there shouldn’t be too much of a difference so probably nothing to worry too much about xD

CHARACTERS: Iori: Io Yamato: Yamarson Mitsuki: Mick Tamaki: Tamathony Sogo: Somas Nagi: Nagistopher Riku: Rictor

(I will include the characters’ names in brackets even if they haven’t revealed their names yet, because it would just be too confusing otherwise. I recommend having the game story open as you read so you get a better feel of the characters’ actions and expressions, since I won’t be indicating them here ^^)   ---

STAGE 3

20:30

Tamathony: If we rush down this path in one breath, we’ll get to the underground subway!

Io: Woah…! There are monsters approaching from behind…!

Mick: Don’t look back! Just run!

Yamarson: Huff, huff…

Somas: That monster really was slow.

Io: What?

Somas: It really had the feel of a zombie, amazing!

Io: What are you still being happy about at a time like this!

<ROAR>

Yamarson: Oi, we’re being surrounded…! What do we do!

Mick: Ah, wait for me for a moment! I’ll bring out the secret weapon now! You guys block your ears…!

<CRASH CRASH CRASH>

<ROAR>

Mick: Okay!

Nagistopher: Mick. Throw it to the enemies here, too.

Mick: Okay, Captain! Ah, oh no, my hand slipped…!

<BAM BAM BAM>

Somas: Wow~! So cool…!

Rictor: S-So amazing… Not only shooting down a grenade, but also hitting the Gathereds…

Mick: That’s our Captain!

Nagistopher: Mick, that’s the seventh time you’ve done that since this term.

Mick: Eh, did I do it that many times…?

Yamarson: Woah! What’s that! Siren head!?

<ROAR>

Io: There’s no end to this…! Just how many are there! Somas, there are monsters over on your side!

Somas: Woah…!

Yamarson: Dammit, we were just a little away from the underground subway, and now I have to fight with this little knife…!

21:00

Io: Huff, huff… We finally managed to get to the underground subway.

Mick: It’s so quiet…

Io: It’s missing the breath of humans, this place makes me feel uncomfortable…

Somas: There’s not only a strange fog, but also lots of dead mice.

Yamarson: Sigh… Are we really going to go through a place like this to get to the lab?

Rictor: Sorry, taking this path is the quickest, and the safest. There’s a hidden passageway up ahead; even among those in the lab, only a small number of people know about it.

Io: Why do you know about this passageway? Didn’t you say you were a basic-level employee?

Rictor: … The doctors told me. People like me who were born in the lab rarely go outside, so they told me so that I could use it in case something happens… The doctors have always treated me well, trying their hardest to make sure I don’t feel lonely.

Mick: You say you were born in the lab, meaning that your parents are those two doctors?

Rictor: No, the doctors are the doctors. I don’t know who my parents are… Woah! Ouch.

Io: A-Are you okay?

Rictor: Mm, I’m okay… It’s too dark, so the view isn’t very clear…

Io: Rather than saying it’s too dark… why not say that it’s because you’re wearing that mask?

Rictor: Eh?

Io: Alright, stand up. It’d be better to take off that mask.

Somas: Eh! He feels really strong and cool wearing that mask, is he going to have to take it off?

Mick: Io is right. Bad vision could be fatal! If you don’t want to become a part of those guys, take it off.

Rictor: … But… is the air here okay?

Mick: Air?

Rictor: It must be really dirty…

Io: He seems to have been taught to wear that antivirus mask whenever he goes outside.

Tamathony: Is that so? Then isn’t it really bad that we aren’t wearing masks?

Mick: Not at all… Seriously, what kind of education did you receive. Rictor, the air here is fine. If there were any problems, we’d all be dead ages ago.

Rictor: Th-That’s true… I understand. Huff… It was so uncomfortable just before.

Mick: What, you’re still just a kid! Are you really a researcher?

Rictor: So mean! I’m a true adult through and through…!

Tamathony: Mick doesn’t really have the right to say that.

Mick: Ah? Did you say something just then?

Tamathony: No~ Ah… hey, we’re gonna continue ahead, right?

<ROAR>

Rictor: Woah!

Yamarson: Oi oi oi, just how many are gonna come…!

Tamathony: There are so~ many. It’s basically peak time.

21:45

<BAM BAM BAM>

…!

<ROAR>

Io, Yamarson, Somas, Rictor: Huff, huff…!

Mick: Just how many are there! You guys, don’t get surrounded!

Nagistopher: Get on the subway tracks!

Tamathony: Hurry up! Run, run!

Yamarson: Urgh…

Somas: Yamarson!!

Yamarson: Huff, huff…

Rictor: …! Just as I thought… you’ve been infected, right?

Somas: Infected…!?

Rictor: Your complexion has been looking pretty bad, and you have symptoms of a fever. And… your eye is already showing early signs of an outbreak…

Io: I-It’s shining…!

Tamathony: Is this for real…

Yamarson: N-No! I haven’t been infected! I…!

<CLICK>

Yamarson: No… please no! Don’t dispose of me!

Rictor: P-Please wait! He hasn’t broken out yet! We can still make it, we can save him if we have the vaccine that the doctors made!

Mick: … But we don’t even know when he’s going to break out!

Rictor: In any case, give him a painkiller first…!

Tamathony: Hey…!

Rictor: Yamarson, please eat this first… This is a new medicine, but I think it’ll work.

Yamarson: Urgh…

Io: Can he really be saved?

Rictor: Yes… As long as we give him the vaccine before he breaks out.

Yamarson: …

Mick: Sigh… Listen carefully, bringing him with us means placing everyone in mortal danger. Do you understand?

Rictor: I-I understand… But, he still has a chance to be saved.

Somas: … Um~

Mick: What is it?

Somas: Sorry, but I thought of a common trope in movies. If we kill our comrade now, it’ll raise a death flag for another person… We all went through so much to make it here, so I think it’ll be better if we get to the end together. If we can save Yamarson, acquire the vaccine, and everyone lives on, then it means we win. It’ll be a happy ending!

Io: You’re saying this kind of stuff again! I told you we aren’t filming a movie!

Somas: But…

Io: There’s never a good outcome when I listen to you, I’ve lost count of how many times…!

Somas: I-Is that so…?

Io: Did you forget? Something happened when we were in middle school…

Somas: Woah! Do you have to mention that thing now!?

Io: Anyway! You always act on a whim, never considering the outcome! … But…

Somas: …?

Io: If possible, I also hope we can all live on together!

Somas: Io…!

Tamathony: Hey~ Are you guys done yet~

Somas: Ah… sorry.

Mick: Captain! … Ah, it seems that there’s no need to ask, you’ve already made your decision, right.

Nagistopher: Yes, it’ll be fine as long as we keep a close eye on him during the journey, simple as that. Let’s hurry up and keep moving.

Mick, Tamathony: Understood!

<ROAR>

Rictor: !?

Io: What is it this time!?

Somas: So loud… Is it the roar of something…?

Mick: Something’s coming…! Everyone prepare for battle!

<CLICK>

<ROAR>

22:30

<ROAR>

<BAM BAM BAM>

Tamathony: Oi~ What’s up with this guy, he’s super strong~!

Io: My arrows are getting absorbed…!

Tamathony: It’s so hard to grasp whether its body is hard or soft!

Mick: Anyway, just take it on!

<BAM BAM BAM>

Rictor: I-It’s no use!

Yamarson: It’s can’t be…

<ROAR>

Somas, Rictor: Woah!

Io: Somas! Rictor!

<ROAR>

Tamathony: If we keep this up, more and more of them will gather!

<BAM BAM BAM>

Yamarson: Urgh…!

Rictor: Yamarson!

<BAM BAM BAM>

Nagistopher: Tamathony.

Tamathony: What~ Captain! I’m a little busy at the moment.

Nagistopher: You take everyone to the institute.

Tamathony: What!?

Mick: We’ll be wasting too much time if we’re all stalled here!

Tamathony: But, will you two be okay!

Mick: Please, did you forget who we are!

Tamathony: … Got it!

Nagistopher: We leave it to you over there.

Tamathony: Mm! Leave it to me!

Mick: We’ll be depending on you! We’ll catch up very soon!

Io: … I’ll stay behind too.

Somas: Io! What are you saying…

Io: It’s not like me to continue receiving help one-sidedly.

Somas: That may be true, but it’s really dangerous! It’s not like you to be so reckless!

Io: I’m very calm. Also…!

<SHOOT>

<ROAR>

Io: I can cover for them from afar!

Somas: But…!

Mick: You’re pretty good, huh! Alright, then Captain and I will fight that big one. We’ll leave the surrounding Gathereds to you!

Io: Alright! I understand!

Somas: Io!

Io: Did you forget about my skills!?

Somas: … Of course I didn’t forget… You took three consecutive wins in the World Archery Championships’ Junior Division! Right!

Io: That’s right! Having me go against those weak ones is way too easy!

Somas: … I understand. But don’t push yourself too hard!

Io: That’s my line. Leave this place to us, you guys quickly go ahead!

Tamathony: Why is he giving instructions.

Somas: Io is the student council president! So cool, right!

Tamathony: Then, Captain~! We’ll go on ahead~ Mick, don’t die~

Mick: I’m not gonna die!

Nagistopher: Alright, let’s clean up these guys.

<ROAR>

<BAM BAM BAM>

Nagistopher: Your opponent is here.

Mick: I’m already gearing up…!

---

Stage 1  |  Stage 2  |  STAGE 3  |  Stage 4  |  Stage 5

---

Follow me on Twitter for more IDOLiSH7 fangirling! ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡

[absoluterpmemetrash]

SORA

"I've been having these weird thoughts lately... Like, is any of this real or not?"

"Well, whoever you are, stop freaking me out like this!"

"Oh yeah? Well, you'll see. I'm gonna get out and learn what's out there."

"What a dream... This isn't a dream! Where am I?"

"Ok, why not? I'll go with you guys."

"What's so funny? I've fought a bunch of monsters!"

"Heart or no heart, at least he still has a conscience. You might not hear it, but right now it's loud and clear. And it's telling me you're on the wrong side!"

"I don't need a weapon! My friends are my power!"

"That's not true! The heart may be weak and sometimes it may even give in. But I've learned that deep down, there's a light that never goes out!"

"____, remember what you said before? I'm always with you, too. I'll come back to you. I promise!"

"Yeah, it was good to see everyone. But what do you really want from me?"

“Where are you?! Don't you dare hide from me! Show yourself!"

“These memories you gave me... In my head, I know they're lies, but they still feel right. Like the promise I made. I said I would protect you and that I wouldn't make you cry... not ever.”

“If you cry now --- I'll feel guilty, like I let you down."

"What's going on? Everything's black and white."

"I dunno what that was about, but I'm glad it's over. Everything's harder on four legs."

"We have to say goodbye for a little while."

"Gee, thanks for looking out for us, mister. But I think we can take care of ourselves just fine."

"Go on. Show them who's boss."

"Man. What kind of world is this, anyway?"

"Not what I had in mind, but I'll take it!"

"I looked for you! I looked everywhere for you!"

"Why didn't you let me know you were ok?"

"Just give it a rest! You're Nobodies! You don't even exist! You're not sad about anything!"

"There's more to a heart than just anger and hate. It's full of all kinds of feelings. Don't you remember?"

"That doesn't mean YOU'RE eternal!"

"Aw, c'mon, ____. You've been hanging around darkness for too long. You gotta try and think positive."

"He can't let his heart be a prison. Don't worry. I'll go talk to him."

"I think, for now, you two better get out of here."

"Hey, listen, Your Maj-- ...I gotta stop that. ____-- what can I do to save you?"

"It's not every day I get to do a favor for the king."

"So then, all that stuff I just saw--did you put that in my head?"

"Well...my heart was aching. That's why I kept going."

"Why, then? Why did you lie to them and tell them they had no hearts?!"

"Just stop it! You treat people's hearts like bottles on a shelf, but they're not! Hearts are made of the people we meet and how we feel about them. They're what ties us together even when we're apart. They're what...make me strong!"

“I'm like the best secret-keeper in the world!"

KAIRI

"____, you lazy bum. I knew that I'd find you snoozing down here."

"I’ve told you before, I don’t remember."

"So, suppose you get to another world. What would you do there?"

"____, let's take the raft and go—just the two of us!"

"You know, I was a little afraid at first, but now I'm ready. No matter where I go or what I see, I know I can always come back here. Right?"

"This time, I'll protect you."

"I didn't want to just forget about you, ____. I couldn't."

"Come on, ____. We made it this far by sticking together. You can't go alone."

"Take this. It's my lucky charm. Be sure to bring it back to me."

"Don't ever forget. Wherever you go, I'm always with you."

"His voice always used to be there... but now it's gone. I can't think of his face, or his name. I feel awful about it."

"I said that no matter where he is, I'll find him. One day. And when I stopped writing, I remembered we made a promise, something important. This letter is where it starts. I know it."

"You and ____ never came home, so I came looking for you."

"I don't like the feel of this place. It's almost like a graveyard. Just about everything is in ruins."

"So all of you were out adventuring while I was living a normal life. Why do I always get left out!? You're going to tell me about it later!"

"I'm tired of waiting, so don't tell me to stay behind! From now on, wherever one of us goes, the other follows, got it?"

"Thinking of you, wherever you are.”

“We pray for our sorrows to end, and hope that our hearts will blend.”

“Who knows: starting a new journey may not be so hard, or maybe it has already begun. 

“There are many worlds, but they share the same sky — one sky, one destiny."

"I picked you some flowers. Thank you for saving me."

"Could you tell me that story?"

RIKU

"When we grow up, let’s get off this island. We’ll go on real adventures, not this kid stuff!"

"Giving up already? Come on, ____. I thought you were stronger than that."

"Well, I haven’t really thought about it. It’s just... I’ve always wondered why we’re here on this island. If there are any other worlds out there, why did we end up on this one? And suppose there are other worlds... Then ours is just a little piece of something much greater. So we could have just as easily ended up somewhere else, right?"

"If two people share one, their destinies become intertwined. They’ll remain a part of each other’s lives no matter what."

"Once we step through, we might not be able to come back. We may never see our parents again. There’s no turning back. But this may be our only chance.” 

“We can’t let fear stop us! I’m not afraid of the darkness!"

"But ___, I thought you liked games. Or are you too cool to play them now?"

"Why are you doing all this for me? What’s the catch?"

"Are they that important to you? More important than old friends? Instead of worrying about them, you should be asking about her."

"What? You’re saying my heart’s weaker than his?"

"Take care of her."

"Of all the people I could run into, it had to be you..."

"I turned to darkness because my heart was weak. I hate that weakness. It's like I'm my own enemy."

"So let me guess... You want to pull me back into the darkness and play puppet master again... right?"

"Oh, I get it. You think I'll stop fighting the darkness just to prove I'm not afraid of it. Nice try. But I'm gonna keep fighting."

"I never thought I'd miss the island winds so much. Funny — there was a time I couldn't wait to get off this rock. And now I'm acting all relieved."

"This seemed like a boring place to take a nap anyway."

"I guess I followed the darkness right to you."

"You can't get the memories back out."

"You don't have to worry. I'm getting the hang of keeping the darkness under control."

"I'm no one --- just a castaway from the darkness."

"His heart's decided. We can't change that."

"Once we go through, there's no turning back. It's victory... or oblivion."

“Let's go home together this time."

"Don't worry. You're all still you."

"All right, that's your cue. Go save the world, hero."

"He won't listen. Once you've fallen that far, there's almost no coming back."

”She sacrificed herself to save me? Why did you keep it from me for so long?”

"What about us? You could’ve given us a choice. We could have gone and helped her."

[nadziejastar]

Props to you for using IkeSoren 👍. Radiant Dawn was full of implied gay, especially in the original text. People still fight over Ike’s sexuality to this day lol

Yes, it was, lol. Personally, I don’t even see how there can be so much debate about it. The writers didn’t put all of that stuff in by accident. I see people all the time saying there’s “no evidence” and that they’re just brotherly and/or very close friends. Yeah, whatever. A lot of people need everything spelled out for them. If something is never made explicit, they just don’t see it. Or they refuse to accept its validity until it’s confirmed by the creator. But with gay pairings, a lot of the time, they keep things limited to subtext on purpose. So all the arguing that it’s not explicit is pointless. If Soren had been a girl, there would be no debate.

If you were writing a gay pairing, but had to keep it ambiguous, it would look exactly like Ike and Soren. And while I wouldn’t argue that it’s as official as Korrasami or something, it’s very easy to see what the writers of Radiant Dawn were implying if you read between the lines. Their two hearts become one? That is not the kind of language you use unless you are referring to lovers.

With anime characters, they’re almost always designed to send a specific message about the character’s personality. It’s why Isa’s design stood out to me so much when I played BBS. He looked like Soren! It was quite a divergence from the whole idea behind Saïx’s original design, which was more Xemnas-like. Isa had a very soft and feminine design. You can tell a lot about a character by the size and shape of their eyes, lips, etc. And Isa’s design sends the message that he’s introverted, intelligent, and empathetic. Cold on the outside, warm on the inside. Still waters run deep. Now it seems like they’re just going to slightly alter Saïx’s cold and callous Xehanort-like personality and make that Isa’s canon personality. Yuck.

Saïx: The marks under your eyes. They’re gone.

Lea: Yeah. Don’t need ‘em.

Saïx: Always told you they’d stop you from crying. The upside-down tears.

It’s why the whole clock tower scene felt so weird and out-of-character to me. Saïx comes out of nowhere and starts acting “friendly”. And look at Axel’s reaction to his comment. I mean, he was practically pouting for crying out loud! He acted like a 5-year-old kid whose older brother told him to stop crying.

I’m sorry but, that’s just not who Axel is. Yes, he’s a very emotionally intense person. But he always hides his true feelings and plays it cool. He can be VERY aloof and VERY cynical. One minute he was happily telling Roxas why the sun sets red. He seemed perfectly happy. But as soon as Roxas looked away, he showed how he was really feeling.

He was always like this. In 3D, Axel broods the entire time after finding out Isa was a vessel, but he said nothing. Before Riku goes to rescue Sora, he smiles at him at tells him “Dark Rescue” is his middle name. Then he goes right back to brooding. He’s brooding when Kairi approaches him to train. He smiles and they eat ice cream.

Look how he started flailing his popsicles around with this exaggerated expression on his face, lol. I can’t see a person as mature as Axel getting so worked up over such a juvenile comment.And keep in mind, Isa was supposed to be the mature one, lol. It’s utterly ridiculous to think he’d say things like this.

I HATE the idea of Lea being this big crybaby and Isa being this emotionless jerk who constantly told him to man up. God, who the hell came up with that? Their relationship wasn’t like that. Axel wasn’t Saïx’s submissive whipping boy. Axel chose to be incredibly patient with Saïx, despite his abusive personality. Because Axel genuinely cared about him. He knew Isa was never like that before and felt sorry for him. He wasn’t afraid to stand up to Saïx. He saw him as a victim of trauma, like himself. He had a hard time being harsh with him, because he empathized with him so much.  

After experiencing the tragedy of his past, he’d be the first person to bottle up all of his pain and not shed any tears. I just can’t see him needing Isa to tell him to stop crying. Please. If anything, I can see him giving himself the upside-down tear marks. Emotionally speaking, Axel is tough as nails.

Then, behind him, a door opened. He ran to it, and Axel was waiting. Roxas mumbled his name.

“You really do remember me this time? I’m flattered!” A mean, twisted smile came to Axel’s face as he conjured his chakrams.

He had a twisted smile as he fought Roxas, the only person he thought of as a friend at that point.

“Let’s meet again in the next life.” A dark mist rose around Axel as he spoke.

“Yeah. I’ll be waiting.”

“Silly. Just because you have a next life…”

Axel was breathing hard, his shoulders heaving, as the darkness swallowed him up. Roxas didn’t look away until well after he disappeared.

He was smiling as he told Roxas they’d meet again, even though he didn’t think they would.

“What are you going to do now?” Saïx asked, watching the portal close with no discernible reaction.

“Nothing that’s any of your business.”

Saïx shifted his shoulders. “I beg to differ, if you’re going to betray the organization.”

“…So, are you saying I’m not already a traitor?” Axel smirked.

He smirked when Saïx confronted him after he deserted.

“Our goals are constantly evolving,” Saïx explained dispassionately, taking a step toward his retreating target.

In response, Axel leaped back. “Oh yeah? Huh… That’s news to me. So, what’re your orders this time? You can tell me,” he mocked, as he started to create something behind Saïx. To the naked eye it appeared to be nothing but a black dot.

He’d jumped away for a reason. He just needed a little more time and distance, and the blue-haired man wasn’t the type to attack without any provocation.

“My orders are to take you down!” A heavy sword materialized in Saïx’s hands, and he closed the space between them in one leap.

“…Not the brightest, are you?” Now that Saïx was in very close range, Axel sprang right over him and ran. The setup he’d planted was just ahead now—a distortion in the air steadily taking shape. He knew he had no chances of defeating number 7 in a fight, but he had every confidence in his own speed and cleverness.

He mocks and taunts Saïx while fighting him.

Axel stretched his neck and munched on his ice cream. “You know, I don’t mind disappearing.”

Naminé’s breath caught. Riku stared at him.

“Roxas is gone. When we bring Kairi here, Naminé will be gone, too. So, same for me,” he said, as if he were discussing the weather, and then punctuated his comment with another bite of sea-salt ice cream.

“We don’t disappear… We’re only reborn,” Naminé murmured, perhaps to herself.

“I’m not like you and Roxas,” Axel said flatly. His hand holding the ice pop stick paused in midair.

“But—but you…” She looked down, clenching her fists.“It’s because I don’t have a heart,” Axel went on. “I don’t want to disappear, but I’m not upset or sad about it.”

He munches on ice cream as he talks about disappearing. He talks about it as if discussing the weather.

“Axel!” she cried, jumping up to run after him.

“Don’t worry, Naminé. I’m the fastest the organization had. If I run, they’ll never catch me. Got it memorized?” She stopped short and nodded.

“See you.” Holding the ice cream pop in his mouth, he stepped into the rift.

And he munches on ice cream as he prepares to return to the Organization as a traitor.

“Good to be back.” With a smile curling his lips, he approached them and settled into seat number 8. He held a half-eaten ice cream pop. Pale blue sea-salt ice cream.

“What are you doing here?” The Claymore materialized in Saïx’s hand.

“Foul traitor—”

“No, Saïx,” said Xigbar, glaring hard at Axel.

“What have you come for?” With rage barely contained under every word, Saïx stalked toward Axel.

“Well, if I stay out there, Sora’ll get me, too. Anyway, it looks like you’re having a personnel shortage. How are you gonna get ahold of Kingdom Hearts like this?”

Xemnas smiled as Axel taunted them.

He munches on ice cream again when he returns and faces Xemnas. He taunts them all.

As he went down the halls, he sensed someone following him and turned. “You need something?”

“I don’t trust you,” Saïx replied flatly, the enormous Claymore in his hand.

“Trust? We don’t even have hearts,” said Axel with a twisted smile. “How can we trust anyone in the first place?”

He has a twisted smile when Saïx says he doesn’t trust him. Just like when he fought Roxas.

Then someone else spoke behind him. “I’ve been waiting for you, Axel.”

“Yeah, I figured you’d show up.” His smirk turned nastier as he turned to see Saïx. He didn’t take his eyes off the other man as he spoke to the girl in the cage. “Listen, Kairi! Trust me. I’m going to get you out!”

Behind him, the portal closed. “What are you saying…? Vile traitor!” The great Claymore took shape at Saïx’s back. Axel didn’t waste a second grabbing his chakrams. But his body was reluctant somehow.

I don’t want to disappear… But still, it wouldn’t be so bad if I did. Not here.

He had a nasty smirk when Saïx showed up to kill him. Even though facing him hurt so badly he wanted to disappear.

“Hey.” He was grasping at his chest as he staggered toward Naminé. He glanced up at Riku and summarily bit into the ice cream.

“Ooh, salty…,” he mumbled, and then he collapsed into a chair, his breathing labored.

When he returned after being mortally wounded, he casually munched on more ice cream.

He laughed under his breath and took a bite of ice cream. “Do you need help with that?” Ansem asked him, glancing pointedly at his wounded chest.

“What’s the point? Nobodies aren’t supposed to exist, right?” Axel popped the rest of the ice cream in his mouth and dragged himself upright.

“Besides, this way I’ll finally get to see Roxas again.” He tossed away the Popsicle stick and opened another dark rift in front of him.

“Well, I’m off, Ansem the Wise.” He smiled as he made his farewell. Axel waited. In the shadows of the spaces between, he waited for Sora… For Roxas.

He smiles as he says farewell. He eats more ice cream as he prepares to die.

“Traitor,” Saïx had called him. But his betrayal of Organization XIII wasn’t exactly a recent development, Axel thought with a bitter laugh.

He laughs bitterly as he thinks about the irony of his former best friend calling him a traitor and trying to kill him. The only reason he stuck around in the Organization so long was for him.

“You’re…fading away…” Sora knelt down to peer anxiously into his eyes.

“Well, yeah, that’s what happens when you throw your whole being into an attack… Didn’t have any better ideas.” A smirk curled one corner of Axel’s mouth as he looked up at Sora. Or tried. His sight was already going dark.

He smirked as he lay dying.

“See you, Axel,” Roxas told him.

He looked over his shoulder.

It was a promise.

Like we promised to meet again in the next life. We’ll make another promise.

“See you, partner,” said Axel.

Roxas gave him one last smile and vanished into the air. Moments later, Axel did the same.

And he smiles as he sheds a tear and disappears, believing it to be his final moment of life, ever. Axel was a fucking hardass.

And this is supposed to be Isa’s true personality? A guy who looks down on others for expressing emotion? So much that he constantly belittles his best friend and encourages him to tattoo himself for shedding tears after being traumatized? This is what happens when you try to redeem Saïx instead of bringing back Isa. Look how miserable Lea was when he interacted with him in Twilight Town.

Lea: In memories, you live forever, you know?

Isa: Well, you may be a really small part of my memories, but at least you’ll never disappear.

Compare that to their scene in BBS. Isa made a sarcastic comment to Lea when he said he wanted to live forever in people’s memory. And it was obvious that he was joking. That is just his way of showing affection. He smiled and closed his eyes during this exchange, indicating that he was shy and flustered.Isa was being sincere when he said he’d never forget Lea. And Lea knew this.

Lea: I’m SO flattered.

Isa: You’re such a pain.

Isa’s sarcastic comment made him really happy. Because he also likes to show his affection through sarcasm. And he replied to Isa with a similar sarcastic joke. He was also being sincere when he said he was flattered. He recognized that Isa was expressing his deeper feelings for him through humor. They both understood each other. Lea had the happiest smile I had ever seen on him in the entire series. His whole face lit up when he joked with Isa. Their relationship in BBS bears NO resemblance to the trainwreck we got in KH3.

[nobodies-png]

Hey!! I love this blog. Would you please do some hcs about how (modern)roxas/sora/riku would deal with their bff (&secret crush, shhh) being really homesick for where they grew up, and missing the people there? (Sorry for a sad-ish prompt, the holidays just kind of mess me up.)

awe, hope you feel better, anon ! 

Sora :

Ohhhh, trust me, he knows that feeling. Sora travels a lot but never stays in the same place for too long - it’s also been so many years since he’s been to his own hometown ! So he knows what it’s like to miss your friends, wondering how they are and what they’re doing. Because he’s familiar with feeling homesick, Sora would push his feelings towards you aside - crush or not, you’re a friend in need of comfort ! There’s no time to think about w o o i n g you when you’re sad ! 

If you want to talk about it, he’d be a l l ears. Once you got everything off your chest, Sora would try to cheer you up by telling you funny stories or experiences he’s had. Like that one time he was out of town and things weren’t going great, so he called his mother in the middle of the night cause he felt lonely - but instead, she put Kairi and Riku on the phone to keep him company until sunrise (turns out they also missed him, but were afraid of bothering him if they called)

Sora would try to get you to visit your hometown and friends - or get them to visit you, but if that’s not possible, he’d encourage you to call/text/skype with them ! Like sure, it can be scary because all this time and distance apart can affect friendships and relationships, but in the end everyone loves to know that you miss and care about them ! Sora doesn’t get why everyone’s so reluctant to show affection, it’s 2019 guys - live your best life by being nice to yourself AND the people you love ! 

Sora knows that sometimes it’s hard to be far away from the places and the people you love, but even so, you should feel happy ! Because it means that you’re never lonely with this bunch of people in the planet who love you ! No matter the distance, you still have all those memories of you and your loved ones with you ! He’d go on and on, rambling with such passion in his eyes that you just can’t help but laugh at how endearing this boy is. 

And he’d give you a sheepish grin while rubbing the back of his head, blushing because o h wow, he actually managed to make you laugh ! Let’s be honest, he half expected you to just tell him to shut up lmao - If you’re still homesick, he’d try to distract you by doing all the things you like to do or even n e w stuff with all the friends you have here ! In the end, you would have so much fun, you’d feel a whole lot better than before.

Riku :

Riku would help you out because you’re a friend in need - romance can definitely wait. Of course, he’d be happy to know that you trust and rely on him in moments of vulnerability like this ! And he gets to spend time with you so that’s also a plus. Riku would listen patiently and give you the same ideas and suggestions as Sora : to call your friends and whatnot. It’s not the same as being next to them, but it sure can help.

If you c a l l him out, saying that you didn’t expect this soft and openly caring side of him (because homeboy still likes to act c o o l to impress you) he’d probably b l u s h and look away. Like he’s somewhat of a lone wolf, but he has had those moments of missing someone a LOT (like you for example but he ain’t gonna just reveal that) and his mind would often drift to more and depressing parts.Thankfully he had his friends to help him out of those habits ! 

And he’d gladly be your voice of reason and support so you don’t end up like that. Cause it’s okay to be sad, but don’t let that consume your entire life - find reasonable solutions for your problem ! Okay but like, he’d be super cool and supporting, checking on you daily to make sure you’re okay but also keeping his distance as to not be overbearing. If you ever need someone to hang out with or to keep you company, you know you can count on Riku to be at your doorstep in like. 10 minutes. 

He’s like a White Knight ! That p a n i c s whenever he receives a text from you cause y’know. He s t i l l has a crush on you, but he’s good at hiding his nervousness. Sora and Kairi probably get a kick out of seeing him so fidgety, often asking them for advice on how to properly comfort someone. “So what do I do if Y/N HUGS me ? ?” “H U G THEM BACK? RIKU UH, THE FUCK -” “And do the back rub thing ! Everyone loves the rubs.”

o k a y but imagine hanging out with Riku late at night, both half asleep just spread all over the couch, chilling, watching movies and accidentally confessing. Wait. H u h ? Yeah you heard right ! Surprisingly, Riku is the one who’ll most likely end up confessing his feelings for you in this situation - but it’s fine if you don’t return those feelings, he’d still be there for you. he said it’s fine, nope, no need to answer, please stop staring and laughing at his red face !

Roxas : 

Roxas can’t really relate to feeling homesick, he doesn’t have any strong feelings towards his own hometown, so it doesn’t mean much to him. To Roxas, a “home” is more than just a place you used to inhabit - it can be anything that makes you feel safe and gives you strength, like a memory, a taste, a scent and of course, people ! And that’s exactly what Roxas considers his home : his friends ! Wherever they go, he follows. Which is why he bluntly tells you to “go up and visit them if you’re lonely”. 

Don’t get him wrong, he wants to comfort you and lend a hand ! But he can be a bit dense, not realizing that sometimes you can’t just pack your shit and leave everything behind just to do something you want (and that’s basically his modus operandi so h u h). After you explain that to him, he’d realize his t i n y mistake and apologize for that while the g e a r s in his brain start turning for some good advice to give you. You can literally see the s t r u g g l e - like dude, don’t hurt yourself.

Like 20 minutes later, he’d gasp as if God himself had passed down some ancient and sacred piece of revolutionary knowledge onto him - and he’d d r a g you to eat some ice cream at his favorite spot ! Of course, it’s on him. His genuine expression and gesture to comfort you are so pure that you’d just burst out laughing - it should be I L L E G A L to be this wholesome. Still, you two would chill together, drowning the sadness with ice cream - talking and daydreaming every afternoon about maybe saving up so you can go to your hometown and visit everyone ! 

Roxas would want to do more for you, but he doesn’t have a shit ton of friends like Sora and he’d feel like he’s intruding if he were to just stay at your place most nights, even if its to keep you company. In the end, he’d resort to asking Axel and Xion for help ! They would g l a d l y adopt you into their group, dragging you along to many adventures to new places. 

Can’t feel homesick if you’re too busy having fun, right ? Your room would be decorated with photos and little trinkets you gather during those adventures with them. If you’re still feeling homesick after that, Roxas would a w k w a r d l y tell you that he might not be the people you want to see right now, but that he’ll always be by your side ! It’s super cheesy, but give him some credit, he rehearsed that in the mirror for d a y s. He’s still working on that love confession, but for now, Roxas is content with just seeing you smile.