#shakujo

[cyberianpunks]

do not sit here

[quilveor]

tfw i wanna ramble about my ocs but i have nobody to ramble it to because the people who heard about them already heard about them

the horror

[detectivesparrow]

Title: Bounded by Resolve

Paring: Sanzo Party x reader (Saiyuki)

Word Count: 2.1k.

TW: gn!reader, platonic?, reader gets hurt, comfort, Sanzo crew gets worried

Sweat beads on your brow as you watch, your heart hammering in your chest with a rhythm that matches the drumbeat of fear pulsing through your veins. The scent of sweat and fear hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest floor to create an atmosphere thick with tension.

The demon's approach is relentless, its movements sinuous and predatory as it slithers closer to the Sanzo party. The dense forest around you seems to pulse with a sinister energy, the eerie backdrop only adding to the sense of impending confrontation.

Suddenly, a low growl breaks the tranquility, shattering the eerie stillness of the forest. It's the harbinger of the approaching danger, a warning sign that sets your nerves alight with a fierce urgency.

With a swift and fluid motion, you step forward, your movements propelled by a sense of fierce determination that burns within you like wildfire.

Your comrades, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of danger, instinctively draw their weapons, their faces etched with a mixture of determination and resolve. The glint of steel in their hands reflects the fierce determination burning within their souls.

Sanzo, with his signature aloof demeanor, grips his gun with a steely resolve, his gaze piercing through the shadows with a clarity that belies the chaos of the moment. His lips curl into a grim line, a silent vow etched upon his features as he prepares to face whatever darkness lurks ahead.

Hakkai's calm facade masks the storm of emotions roiling beneath the surface, his hands steady as he readies his chi with practiced precision. His eyes betray a hint of concern, but beneath the worry lies a steadfast determination to stand firm against the encroaching threat.

Gojyo's easygoing demeanor gives way to a fierce intensity as he brandishes his favorite weapon, the gleaming blade of his shakujo flashing in the dappled sunlight. His stance is one of unwavering readiness, every muscle coiled like a spring as he prepares to unleash his fury upon any who dare to threaten his comrades.

Goku, ever the embodiment of boundless energy and enthusiasm, grips his extendable staff with a fierce determination, his eyes blazing with an inner fire that refuses to be extinguished. His muscles tense with anticipation, his entire being a testament to the unwavering loyalty he holds for his companions.

Demons emerge from the shadows like a nightmare-given form, its grotesque features twisted into a snarl of malevolence. Their eyes narrow as they size you up, their predatory gaze flickering with a hunger that sends a shiver down your spine.

With every strike exchanged, the forest seems to hold its breath, the sounds of battle echoing amidst the ancient trees like a primal chorus. The clash of metal against flesh reverberates through the air, a symphony of violence and chaos that echoes through the ancient trees. Each strike is a dance of life and death, a testament to your skill and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

With a guttural snarl, it lunges forward, its claws slashing through the air with deadly accuracy. Pain explodes across your side as you take the hit, a sharp gasp escaping your lips despite your best efforts to suppress it.

Adrenaline courses through your veins, heightening your senses to a razor-sharp edge. Every movement of your adversaries is cataloged with meticulous precision, their intentions laid bare before you like an open book.

As you stumble backward, the forest spins around you, disorienting and chaotic. The world tilts dangerously, threatening to swallow you whole as you struggle to regain your footing on unsteady ground. Every movement is an uphill battle against the relentless onslaught of pain that courses through your body, a symphony of agony that threatens to drown out all other sensations.

But you refuse to succumb to the overwhelming tide of pain. With a fierce determination burning bright within you, you push through the agony. The very fiber of your being screams in protest, but you steel yourself against the onslaught, drawing upon reservoirs of strength you never knew you possessed.

The world starts to blur around you, the sounds of battle fading into the background as you focus all of your energy on the task at hand. Each breath comes ragged and labored, every movement an act of defiance against the pain that threatens to consume you.

With each blow you deliver, you chip away at the demon's defenses, inching closer and closer to victory with every strike.

And as the battle rages on around you, you find yourself drawing strength from the unbreakable bond that binds you to your comrades. Their faces flash before your eyes, a reminder of the stakes at hand and the importance of your mission.

The battle rages on around you, a chaotic symphony of clashing weapons and anguished cries. Your vision swims as you struggle to keep pace with the frenetic pace of the fight, each movement sending waves of agony radiating through your wounded side. But still, you press on, driven by a single-minded resolve to protect those you hold dear.

A wave of exhaustion washes over you, threatening to drag you into unconsciousness. You cling to consciousness by sheer force of will.

As the last of the demons falls, a deafening silence descends upon the forest, broken only by the ragged gasps of your companions and the steady rhythm of your own labored breathing.

Your limbs feel as heavy as lead, each movement a Herculean effort that sends shooting pains lancing through your battered body.

Your muscles ache with a deep-seated weariness, every fiber screaming in protest with each faltering step you take. It's as if your bones are made of molten iron, dragging you down with each labored breath, each heartbeat a thunderous drumbeat in your ears.

Your vision swims in and out of focus, the world around you reduced to a hazy blur of muted colors and indistinct shapes. Each footfall sends shockwaves of agony radiating through your weary frame, threatening to send you sprawling to the forest floor in a heap of exhaustion and pain.

But still, you cling to consciousness. Every ounce of your being is focused on the single-minded task of following the Sanzo party back onto the road.

"Aw man, that was it?" Goku chimes out. "Man, I'm starving!"

"Shut up, you stupid monkey!" Gojyo shouts.

"Hey, that was a big fight!"

"Now, now, the next town is about a drive's breakfast" Hakai chides.

"All right! Let's go!" Goku says as he jumps in the backseat.

You move carefully with them, to avoid the injury being seen. Sanzo takes a small glance back at your unusual slowness, but chalks it up as exhaustion.

With every passing moment, your condition worsens, the relentless march of time eroding the fragile facade of strength you've meticulously maintained. The blood-soaked fabric of your shirt clings to your skin like a macabre second skin, a grim reminder of the toll exacted by the fierce battle you've waged.

Each movement sends jolts of agony coursing through your weary frame. Your vision narrows to a pinprick, the darkness at the edges creeping ever closer with each labored heartbeat.

The world blurs into a hazy blur of pain and exhaustion as you struggle to remain upright. Each breath comes out softly, ragged and labored, with the darkness at the edges of your vision creeping ever closer.

It's Gojyo who notices first, his sharp eyes catching the telltale signs of your distress. With a curse, he breaks away from the group, rushing to your side with a sense of urgency that belies his usual carefree demeanor.

"Hakkai, we've got a problem," he calls out urgently, his voice cutting through the atmosphere like a knife.

Hakkai's brow furrows in concern as he glances over his shoulder, his hands steady on the wheel as he maneuvers the vehicle through the dense forest. "What's wrong?" he asks, his voice a calm anchor amidst the rising tide of panic.

Gojyo's expression is grim as he gestures towards you, his movements urgent and decisive. "It's y/n. They're hurt bad," he says, his words clipped and to the point as he assesses the extent of your injuries.

Panic sets in among your comrades as they realize the severity of your condition, their frantic attempts to rouse you echoing in the recesses of your fading consciousness. Through the haze, you hear their voices, a jumble of worry and fear that cuts through the fog of pain enveloping your mind.

"Hey, come on! Wake up!" Goku pleads, his voice cracking with emotion as he searches desperately for any sign of consciousness.

Sanzo's jaw tightens with concern as he watches the scene unfold, his normally stoic facade betraying a hint of unease. "We need to get them help. Now," he declares, his tone holding no argument, directing Hakkai to pick up the pace.

Through the haze of pain and exhaustion, you struggle to make sense of the chaos around you. The voices of your comrades blend together in a cacophony of worry and fear, their urgent pleas a lifeline in the darkness that threatens to consume you whole.

As you faded out, succumbing to the pain, the group discuss their next action.

"Damn it. Why didn't they say anything?" Sanzo grumbles, huffing out a smoke.

"Hakai, hurry!" Goku shouts. "It looks really bad!"

"I'm trying, Goku. I can only go so fast!" Hakai replies, going as fast as he can, as he glances at you through the rearview mirror.

Gojyo remains silent, his hands putting pressure on your wounds. His expression laced with concern.

"This damn idiot" he curses. "When you wake up, I'll kill you."

Time loses all meaning as you drift in and out of consciousness, the world reduced to a series of fragmented impressions and fleeting moments of clarity.

As consciousness gradually returns, you find yourself enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and safety, the soft embrace of a bed cradling your weary body.

The gentle rustle of fabric and the faint scent of herbs mingle in the air, offering a soothing balm to your senses as you struggle to piece together the fragments of memory that cling to the recesses of your mind.

It's only when you finally awaken to the warmth of a bed and the gentle touch of bandages around your waist that you realize you've been saved from the brink of death.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, you find yourself greeted by the familiar faces of your companions, their expressions a swirling mix of relief and concern.

As you shuffle yourself upright, the group quickly comes over.

Sanzo's gruff voice pierces through the haze, his words laced with a grudging sense of worry that he can't quite conceal.

"You're lucky you didn't bleed out before we found you," he mutters, his gaze flickering between irritation and genuine concern. "Next time, try not to be so reckless."

Hakkai's gentle touch brushes against your forehead, his hands deftly adjusting the bandages that encircle your waist. "You gave us quite a scare," he says softly.

Gojyo's worried expression speaks volumes, his usually jovial demeanor tempered by the gravity of the situation. "Damn it, don't you ever scare us like that again," he grumbles, his words tinged with a vulnerability rarely shown.

Goku's infectious grin is a welcome sight. "I knew you'd pull through!" he exclaims, his voice brimming with unbridled enthusiasm.

As the atmosphere lightens with shared relief, Goku's bright grin widens even further, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hey, now that you're awake, can we eat?" he interjects, his stomach audibly growling in agreement.

A chorus of chuckles ripples through the room at Goku's typically straightforward request. Sanzo rolls his eyes in mock exasperation, but there's a hint of fondness in his gaze as he nods in agreement. "Fine, fine," he concedes, his gruff tone softening just a fraction. "But make it quick."

Hakkai smiles warmly, already rising to his feet to prepare a meal for the weary travelers. "Of course, Goku. I'll grab something simple yet satisfying," he assures, his soothing voice a calming presence amidst the lingering tension.

Gojyo's grin mirrors Goku's as he claps you on the shoulder, his touch gentle despite the underlying strength in his grip. "Sounds good to me. Can't have you starving after all that heroics," he quips, his tone light yet sincere.

As the aroma of food begins to fill the room, a sense of warmth and camaraderie settles over the Sanzo party like a comforting blanket. And as you gather around the makeshift table, sharing stories and laughter amidst mouthfuls of food, you're reminded once again of the unbreakable bond that binds you together, even in the face of life's greatest challenges.

[starlitskvaderart]

Midori One Day One Page 310!

New Theme is Roninmon.... TWO! Because I need to get the Masho some Pokemon too.

Shuten Douji, evil team admin! I chose Kommo-o for him because the scales look a bit like chains, it has the gold trim like the jinbaori on his armor, and best of all Kommo-o's tail is based on a shakujo!

Commissions | Ko-Fi

[niteshade925]

There are lot of Buddhist influence in both Liyue and Inazuma's character designs (which is fitting, given the influence of Buddhism in Chinese and Japanese cultures):

Xiao is a Yaksha/夜叉, and yakshas are (mostly malevolent) spirits in Buddhism.

The boss form of Raiden Shogun the robot specifically looks like the Five Wisdom Kings of Vajrayana/Esoteric Buddhism (Shingon/Tangmi/Mizong):

And now Wanderer's signature catalyst, which is most definitely the sacred bell significant to Esoteric Buddhism that represents wisdom, called Vajra Ghanta/Dril-bu/Lingchu/Gokorei (name differs depending on the language; the 4 listed here are Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese respectively)

Note that the same bell also appeared in Sekiro, the bell that gets you into the Illusive Hall where the Folding Screen Monkeys are:

In Esoteric Buddhism, this bell is often paired with the Vajra/Dorje/Jingang/Kongosho (these are the names in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese respectively), which is the two ended object in the real picture above that respresents a lightning bolt or the "method". This is fittingly held by the boss form of Raiden Shogun (see the middle arm floating behind her, which held a modified version of the Vajra).

The metal loop ornaments attached to the ribbons hanging off of Wanderer's hat looks like the top of a Khakkhara/Khar sil/Xizhang/Shakujo/Seokjang (Sanskrit/Tibetan/Chinese/Japanese/Korean) staff. Famously, Tang Sanzang/Tripitaka carried a nine-looped version of the Khakkhara staff in novel Journey to the West.

Anyway that's just 4 of the many Buddhism references in Genshin so far. There are a lot more in the story itself.

[erabundus]

@curiouskinetic &&. said... Idly bats at the ribbons dangling off his hat, looking thoughtful. Probably a little annoying, but at least she isn't tugging on them. "Do these ever get in the way when you're fighting?"

the  tassels  sway gently  in response to  the  prodding.  ren  turns  to  stare  —  yet  (  surprisingly  )  offers  very  little  in  the  way  of  PROTEST  otherwise.  few  could  ever  claim  to  do  the  same  without  facing  repercussions  —  a  harsh  glare,  harsher  words.  perhaps  even  a  slap  to  the  hand, if he's feeling especially sour.  maybe  sora  is  simply  special  in  that  way.  (  a  friend;  the  word  lurks  at  the  forefront  of  his  mind  like  a  THREAT.  )  maybe  the  wanderer  is  simply  in  an  unusually  good  mood.  even  he's  capable  of  levity  from  time  to  time.  ❝  no.  ❞  he  shrugs  at  the  inquiry.  ❝  my  hat  is  another  catalyst  i  use  to  help  myself  fly.  ❞   ren  deigns  not  to  go  into  the  intricacies  of  how  it  works  —  if  only  because  he  has  a  sneaking  suspicion  they'll  be  there  all  afternoon  while  he  goes  on  yet  another  LECTURE  fueled  by  an  eternal  fascination  with  all  things  weaponry.  ❝  i'd  rather  do  most  of  my  fighting  from  the  air,  ❞   the  wanderer  explains instead,  ❝  and  the  form  it  takes  under  those  circumstances  guarantees  it  isn't  often  an  issue.  ❞

he  demonstrates  only  briefly,  raising  a  finger  to  point.  the  kasa  dissolves  into  a  flood  of  anemo-hued  light  —  only  to  reform  behind  ren's  head.  a  halo.  a  lotus.  (  both.  )  his  namesake,  in  a  sense;  the  resemblance  to  the  FLOWER  was  the  first  thing  he  thought  about  when  prompted  to  select  something  new.  the  longer  he  dwelled  on  it,  the  more  the  idea  took  root  —  much  like  a  plant  in  its  own  right.  after  all,  lotus  flowers  were  known  for  rising  from  murky  waters  to  bloom.  something  beautiful,  born  from  the  world's  filth.  was  that  not  precisely  the  thing  he  ASPIRED  to  become?

the  hat  reforms  atop  his  head  —  almost  as  if  it  never  moved.  ren  still  takes  a  moment  to  adjust  it,  regardless.  call  it  force  of  habit.

❝  it's  unlikely,  but  on  the  off  chance  i  encounter  a  situation  where  i  can't  fly ...  i  could  probably  use  the  shakujo  to  just  hit  someone.  ❞  fingers  then  curl  around  one  of  the  tassels  —  as  if  to  test  its  weight.  the  metal  on  the  end  is  fairly  hefty;  he's  confident  in  his  ability  to  do  some  serious  damage  if  he  feels  so  INCLINED.  it's  simply  a  matter  of  not  wanting  to  dirty  his  beloved  hat  with  the  filthy  blood  of  whatever  vermin  manages  to  invoke  his  ire.

[rasenkaikyo]

⛩ HINAKO DAIGO ⛩

Full Character Sheet

https://hinako.crd.co/

imgur + art collection

sheet text below cut

大 悟 の 日 和 子

HINAKO DAIGO

HEIGHT: ~63 ILMS NATIONALITY: YANXIAN GENDER: FEMALE AGE: 26 NAMEDAY: 16TH SUN, 3RD UMBRAL MOON BIRTHPLACE: IWAMURA, NORTH YANXIA OCCUPATION: SHRINE PRIEST DISCIPLINE: SHUGENDO

DEFAULT ATTIRE PRINCESS PEACH’S CORSAGE DAI-RYUMYAKU NECKLACE DALMASCAN DRAPED TOP HIGH SUMMONER’S ARMLETS EIKON CLOTH CULOTTES OF HEALING GUOC

THE FAMILY CREST (KAMON) OF THE DAIGO CLAN, HINAKO’S BLOODLINE, ORIGINATING IN HINGASHI AND CONSISTING OF VENERATED WARRIORS AND ONMYOJI.

HINAKO IS ANGELIC; FEW THINGS WAVER HER SAINTLY DISPOSITION OR SUNNY AURA. SHE STANDS UNDAUNTED IN THE FACE OF THE UNKNOWN AND THE UNSEEN. THE PRIEST AIMS TO ALWAYS BE A FRIEND WHEN REASONABLE AND LOVES TO SHARE A FRESHLY BREWED POT OF TEA, AND SHE IS KNOWN TO BE MORE RATHER OUTGOING TO THOSE WHO HAVE BUILT CLOSER BONDS WITH HER. DESPITE THIS, SHE IS NOT SOMEONE WHO SHOULD BE TRIFLED WITH, AS A SKILLED MAGE AND, WHEN BACKED INTO A CORNER, A FIERCE COMBATANT.

ALSO TRAINED IN HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT AND SWORDPLAY, AND ALLEGEDLY LENDING TO HER AURI HERITAGE, HINAKO HAS A MORE PRONOUNCED PHYSIQUE THAN MAY BE EXPECTED AT A GLANCE FOR A PRIEST OR CAREER HEALER.

BURN SCARS AROUND SCALES ON THE TORSO

SLASH SCAR NEAR THE SHOULDER

LITTLE HORNS! (CHARM POINT)

THE LIMBALS OF HINAKO’S EYES GLOW WITH AN INTENSITY WHEN CHANNELING A SURFEIT OF AETHER (QI).

CONVERSELY, IF HINAKO IS SIGNIFICANTLY DRAINED OF ENERGY OR DEPRESSED, THE LIMBALS MAY APPEAR DARKER, MORE SUBDUED.

HINAKO IS A SHRINE PRIEST (SHINKAN) VERSED IN SHUGENDO, A SYNCRETIC DISCIPLINE THAT CAN BE LIKENED TO WESTERN CONJURY AND WHITE MAGIC, WHILE EMPLOYING LOCAL PRINCIPLES OF GEOMANCY AND ONMYODO. KEY TO HER PANOPLY ARE OFUDA - PAPER TALISMANS THAT CAN SERVE MYRIAD FUNCTIONS INCLUDING FORMING BARRIERS. IN COMBAT, HER OPEN HAND IS USUALLY POISED FOR SEQUENTIAL GESTURES (MUDRAS) AND TO EQUIP OFUDA.

MAGATAMA - A SOUL CRYSTAL OF JADE BEARING AN ANCIENT SYMBOL AND THE WISDOM OF THE PAST. IT IS GRANTED TO EVERY OFFICIATED SHINKAN. OFTEN PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN VARIOUS RITUALS AND DIVINATIONS, HINAKO TYPICALLY KEEPS HERS ON A STRING OF JUZU BEADS.

MASAKAKI - ADORNED WITH THE LEAVES OF THE SACRED SAKAKI TREE, THE SIGNATURE SHAKUJO OF HINAKO WAS ADAPTED FROM TRADITIONAL RITUAL DISPLAYS, BEFORE COMING TO A MORE ACTIVE USE IN THE HANDS OF SHRINE PRIESTS - AN INFLUENCE OF TRAVELING ASCETIC MONKS.

THE PRINCIPLES OF OFUDA WILL VARY. IN THIS STYLE THERE ARE “ANCHORS” AND “BRIDGES”, GREATER AND LESSER OFUDA. THE ANCHORING OFUDA BEARS THE NAME OF A PATRON KAMI, AND STAMPS WITH THE NAMES OF THE SHRINE AND THE USER. THE BRIDGING OFUDA ARE OFTEN WRIT PLAIN WITH THE SYMBOLS “TEN”, “CHI” AND “JIN”.

“CLASSIC” ATTIRE - NON LA, PEACH BLOSSOM CHOKER, HIGH SUMMONER’S DRESS (MASHUP BY CLEF), EASTERN JOURNEY ARMLETS, LADY’S KNICKERS (BLACK), LITTLE LADY’S CLOGS

HTTPS://HINAKO.CRD.CO CREDIT TO BIZU/ILLYRIANA/TSAR, RUTA, CLEF BENITOS88, MUGI @DAINTYDROPKICKS FOR THE “LITTLE HORNS” DOODLE

ASK ABOUT MARE SHARING

TWITTER @DUCHESSDYNAMIC TUMBLR @DUCHESSDYNAMIC/RASENKAIKYO FINALRESPITE

[the-secondborn-of-seven]

Witch of Penchant

Prologue: Part 2/4

Shingen x MC (Mai)

Previous

Logline - A women in nuns clothes, with an unsettling resemblance to a fox, the witch of Honno-ji, has traveled back in time to an era she has already lived through. She accidentally saved the life of Nobunaga Oda, but now she wonders how else the past has changed.

2330 words

A tall (Big, Giant, full head Taller than the one she held hands with) man in a brown haori and dull red kimono, with a massive sword bound in red, looked to them, “What’s this Yuki? We’ve been here ten minutes and you’ve already found yourself a woman?” He grinned as he approached ‘Yuki’ at the edge of the unforested path.

“Don’t tease me, Shingen-sama. She was about to dive off the cliff.” ‘Yuki’ responded, pushing Mai into the clearing.

Mai stumbled, “I knew where I was going much better than you bumbling fool.“

“Yeah? At night in the woods, you mean? What for?” ‘Yuki’ asked.

Mai sighed, “I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…” (my cave, I just want to be in my cave!)

‘Shingen’ looked at her, “Hmm… Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night. Perhaps you’re a ghost? Though you’re the most beautiful ghost I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks,” Mai pulled a vine from her leg, ”A ghost would be an accurate description for me.”

A flash of white appeared then quickly vanished from view. The shrubbery rustled as animals made their way to safety from the smoke muddying the air. If one listened closely, some creature wasn’t fleeing, but circling the clearing, the sound then suddenly plummeted into the forest. Mai Scanned the edge of the clearing where the sound disappeared.

There! A path! Darting out from between the tents, she rushed to the footpath.

“Mizusaki-san! Mizusa—–-” Toyotomi-san and Akechi-san called after her. Walking along the path until the camp fell from view, and the noise of bustling soldiers faded, Mai searched for the white flash of fur (Searched—searched is the wrong word;) once certain of her solitude, Mai stood in the path, waiting. A fox appeared. White, with a striking grey mask, and a black cowl. The fox stood on its hind legs, it was unusually large, coming up to Mai’s chest.

It held out a torch to the witch, “You and the rift are safe, I assume?”

“Yes? Why do you have a torch?” Mai grabbed the torch.

“Have you seen the fire?”

“I was in the fire.” Mai held the 

“How unfortunate for you.”

“Bearsace, What did you do?” Mai gestured back at the temple to her fox familiar.

Bearsace sneered at the witch, “There was an army surrounding the temple, they were coming for people in the temple. What's more urgent, a fire or a girl with her fox?”

“Fine, fine. Head to the cave.” Mai said, continuing to walk along the path. “I will catch up to you later, I am going to search the area.”

“So brave of you. When you get to the cave, we will have to hide until the army departs.” Bearsace said before once again fading into the wood.

Just then, the soft chiming of bells and dry leaves being crushed under someone’s foot could be heard.

“Ojou-san, what are you doing in the woods this late at night?” said a weathered looking man with a chiseled looking face, smiling as he walked towards the woman—a fact made more intimidating by the scar slashing across his face. Was he a Buddhist monk from Honno-ji? The man in yellow and purple robes did not bring to mind any monks Mai knew from Honno-ji the first time it burned. His shakujo, a prayer staff with rings, shook with every step.

The Monk said, “I am called Kennyo and I am a traveling monk. Perhaps I can be of assistance to you?”

Mai’s attention flitted to him, "A kind offer, but I know these woods quite well.” Rings, RINGS! He fits the silhouette of the man I saw attack Oda-sama. Mai’s eyes narrowed as he took a long stride towards her only to put a hand softly on my shoulder.

Kennyo, squeezing her shoulder, said, “You should return home quickly; demons lurk in the woods at night.” His eyes - they were so strange and I chilled, his smile seemed friendly but cruel.

Mai responded, “No worries, I am going that way,” He smelled of soot. She wrinkled her nose before melting into the brush like she was made for the shadows.

Mai raced through the woods. Her path was as familiar as a fondly remembered dream, but she was as sure footed as she was fast. Quickly the sound of the windy cliff face reached her ears. So close to her second home. So close to the fox, she so recently could only speak in alleyways under the cover of dark. Then…

SLAM! “Watch it!”

Out of nowhere, a man grabbed her by the arm, yanking her backward. “Whoa!” She fell backwards onto the man, sending them both to the ground.

“Ouch!”

“Sorry!” A well built man with a handsome face was lying below like an unhappy cushion. Mai scooted off, kneeling at his side.

The man, dressed in red, looked startled, “Whoa, are you crazy? Don’t move!”

As she stood up, he did too, grabbing her from behind and pulling her against him. Wind came from a great depth and tugged at her hair. The cliff stretched downward as the endless sky overhead sparkled with the stars.

The man in red smiled in relief, “That was close.”

Mai stared into the vast night, stars were so much brighter here and now, she sighed out a “Gratefully, and what are you doing so close to a cliff?” She turned in his arms, the question was blunt as her gaze mere inches from his face.

The man’s face turned almost as red as his haori, “Uh…”

“Um?” Mai said.

The man in red began to reel back, away from the cliff “I don’t need thanks. Just give me some space, would you!”

“Right!,” Mai said, she would have continued to the cliff, but the man caught her arm once more.

“Not that way.” He pleaded with her.

“I’m just giving you some space.”

The man pulled closer to her, stabilizing on a young tree, “Well watch it. that rock is loose. Can’t you see that for yourself?”

Down the cliff is the quickest way to bearsace, Mai scoffed, knowing the route well, even if the path wasn’t clear to mortal eyes. “Look I understand your concern, alright? But I’m perfectly sure footed here.” She kicked the rock, it pinged off the rocks and tumbled down below. She took his hand before pushing through the brush to walk a narrow path between the drop and trees.

“Hey!,” the man let himself be pulled along, “I’m not mad at you, okay?“ He was smiling now, their hands interlocked.

"Good” Mai smirked at the awkward man. He was quite boyish in attitude as they walked together. They came upon a wider stretch of clearing with several people gathered.

A tall (Big, Giant, full head Taller than the one she held hands with) man in a brown haori and dull red kimono, with a massive sword bound in red, looked to them, “What’s this Yuki? We’ve been here ten minutes and you’ve already found yourself a woman?” He grinned as he approached ‘Yuki’ at the edge of the unforested path.

“Don’t tease me, Shingen-sama. She was about to dive off the cliff.” ‘Yuki’ responded, pushing Mai into the clearing.

Mai stumbled, “I knew where I was going much better than you bumbling fool.“

“Yeah? At night in the woods, you mean? What for?” ‘Yuki’ asked.

Mai sighed, “I was looking for a shortcut to my happy place…” (my cave, I just want to be in my cave!)

‘Shingen’ looked at her, “Hmm… Smoke from Honno-ji and a woman all alone at night. Perhaps you’re a ghost? Though you’re the most beautiful ghost I’ve ever seen.”

“Thanks,” Mai pulled a vine from her leg, ”A ghost would be an accurate description for me.”

The second person in the clearing made themself known, “Your ability to spew cheap pick up lines never ceases to amaze me.”

Shingen laughed, “I just call it like I see it, Uesugi.”

(Shingen and Uesugi. Weren’t they rivals?)

A masked man appeared beside Uesugi, “My lords, I have returned. Oda’s forces have extinguished the fires at Honno-ji.”

He seemed to have come through the surrounding thickets. Strangely his footsteps didn’t make a sound. (Dressed for camouflage and ease of movement with a close fitting layer that won’t rustle. It's been so long since I've been in a world with shinobi.)

“Thank you for your investigation, Sasuke. So, I presume Oda is still alive then?” Uesugi asked. 

Sasuke answered solemnly, “Yes.”

(They are not exactly celebrating that fact are they?)

Shingen responded grimly, “He’s got the devil’s luck.”

“Or he’s the devil.” Yuki added. 

The group gathered closer, their tones were hush and serious. It was clear that they don’t like Nobunaga, but they do take him seriously. Suddenly, the shinobi looked at Mai.

“You - ”

"Me?“

Uesugi looked over, “Yuki brought her. Do you know this woman?”

Sasuke blinked, no other emotions were readable on his face, “No. I was mistaken. Though I spotted a village on the way here. She must be from there. I’ll escort her home.”

“Moving quick aren’t you, Sasuke-kun?” Shingen moved towards Mai, ”Give the rest of us a chance, will you?”

Sasuke had already started encouraging her towards a break in the thicket, “Takeda-sama, please. You and the others should return to the city.“ Excusing himself, the shinobi took her hand as the two disappeared into the woods.

"Hold on, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not from a village or anywhere near here, I was going to hide in my cave for the time being- ”

Sasuke stopped to lean against a fallen tree, “I know. I’ve been expecting you. Wait, Cave?”

(What does he mean by that?)(What does she mean by that?)

(He’s been expecting me?) “Wait, wait,” He turned, ensuring they were deep enough in the dark woods. The shinobi then lowered his mask, “Do you recognize me now?”

“Uh, oh hey! You’re the med-school student at the Honno-ji monument!” Mai saw the resemblance to the med school student in green with the watch! The cloud burst, the lightning bolt, the shattering stone…  His watch, lab coat, and green shirt were gone, replaced by his shinobi attire.

Sasuke pulled a microfiber cloth from his person, cleaning his glasses absentmindedly, “Post graduate in physics not medicine. But I’m glad you remember me. That makes things easier. “

“I’m so glad I found you” Mai sat beside him, relieved,”…Why are you a shinobi?” Relief–gone.

“It’s easiest if I start from the beginning.” Sasuke put his glasses on, “I go by Sasuke Sarutobi and just like you I come from the present, or the future, rather.”

Sasuke slowly began to explain what had happened since the encounter at the stone monument.

“So your explanation,” Mai stumbled through the complicated physics, “is that lightning strikes cause spacetime to warp around us and sent us into the past?” It was… close to the rifts reality.

Sasuke responded, “Yes, that is a very simplified and condensed version of my theory. We entered the wormhole at the same time. However, I arrived four years prior to you. In that time I’ve learned that this Sengoku period, Japan’s civil war is different than the one we’re familiar with.”

Mai carefully listened to Sarutobi-san’s explanation. According to him—just like what had happened to Nobunaga and Mai, Sarutobi-san had arrived at the date of Uesugi Kenshin’s historical death. But Sarutobi-san’s quick thinking and knowledge of modern medicine had ensured Uesugi-sama’s survival.

Now he—like Oda-sama—was alive but they weren’t the only ones. Takeda Shingen (the tall flirt) on the cliffs was supposed to have died by this time too. In this strange place and time, he too was alive when he shouldn’t be.

What would Mai tell Bearsace, that she hadn’t protected the rift? That she might not be the witch he knew a day ago? Where was her present (past self)? “I can’t believe it. What am I going to do? What’s happening next?”

Sasuke didn’t seem to react to Mai panicking other than stroking her back, “To a degree. We’re in an alternate Sengoku period, not the one we know from school. Because of fluctuations in spacetime we’re in a divergent time - one in which history will take a different course.”

Mai slumped further. (He knows about the rifts, he knows about the rifts, he knows about the rifts, he knows far too much about the rifts!!!!!)

Sasuke continued, “I major in theoretical astrophysics at Kyoto University, specializing in wormholes and their potential for time travel. I’d conceived of a method for predicting the conditions for and patterns by which traversable wormholes manifested. That’s why I was at the stone monument that day. To verify my method.”

Sasuke had a smile in his voice, “I’ve been looking for you here, expecting you must have traveled back in time as I did. I hadn’t conceived of the possibility that you would arrive four years later.”

“Has it been hard?” It was surprising to Mai how emotionless he sounded. She remembered how Japan used to be, war-hardened, next to the kawaii scenic tourist location foreigners so romanticized in the twenty-first century. Mai quietly said, ”This is a war hell compared to the Japan you grew up in.”

Sasuke finally smiled, “I suppose you could say it’s a dream for me.  I get to see famous men and women of the Sengoku Period with my own eyes.”

“You’re strangely chipper about this.” Mai needs to get him home, probably now, and this was taking priority over discussing the properties of the rift with Bearsace after hearing how much history has changed.

Sasuke was happily talking now, “My parents were huge history buffs. I got my name from Sarutobi Sasuke-”

“Sarutobi Sasuke doesn’t exist. And I know that because I—hmm—Because I’m an actual historian.” He already knows about the rift—time travel—Mai considered just telling him about her being a witch.

Sasuke's face twitched, or lit up, “The legendary shinobi who served Sanada Yukimura. Because that Sasuke is fictional, I’ve taken his 'place’ in this time. That will let me keep my historical impact low.“

Mai fake laughed, ”Saving a dead man’s life isn’t low. And since when were you a shinobi, boy?” I was half joking. “Or is that something you picked up while you were here, Sarutobi-san?”

"I studied that here. It seemed useful to pick up a marketable vocation. Oh, please call me Sasuke.”

"Oh! I’m Mizusaki Mai. Mai is fine.” (We were each other’s only connection to home after all.From astrophysicist to shinobi. He’s frighteningly quick at adapting. I shook off my shock.)

Sasuke put out his hand. “Right now I’m employed with the men you saw earlier. Come with me. I promise I’ll find a way to return us both to the present.”

(Now would be the time to tell him I’m a witch.)

Mai was ready to take his hand when the sound of horses' hooves interrupted the silence.

[sharplikenedge]

Name:  Akira iwasaki

AGE: 25

OCCUPATION:

AGENT(PART OF SUPERNATURAL AGENCY OR SA )

Exorcist/ biker gang/ Summoner.

SPECIES: Human

Transgender male.

HEIGHT: 6′1″

PERSONALITY:

Rash, forward thinking. Temperamental to the core, Akira is your typical bad boy type who is out for a thrill. Rather listen to his heart than listening to others around him, Akira likes to stick with his plan and thinks its the right thing to do. While he is irrational from time to time, Akira is a kind hearted guy who would do anything for an innocent person to the point where he would give out his life for the stranger.

Some would find him to just be a meathead, but Akira is quite a thinker in strategic, being a summoner that he is, he needs to think ahead before helping someone.

BIO:

Akira comes from a long line of exorcist living in Japan, they’re so well known that demons are scared of them. Akira’s father is a very strict Monk and his mother is also too, but she is more lenient towards the situation and loved dear Akira. Although, accident happens where he loses both of them to evil and he is the only inherent from his line of family; at a teen he is moved to America and live under a family’s friend, who would teach him of his exorcist ways. Akira learns to grow and having the same blood as his father, he was also a summoner.

Their summon skills came from their great grandfather who became close to may spirits during his life time, the spirits became close and would serve underneath and to protect their family line.

Akira during his years became more reckless of a teen and once he hit college, he drops out only to join in a group of bikers. He still does his duty as a exorcist, saving folks along the way, but eventually meets with SA during his travel and joins them.

ABILITY:

Summoner: using his chant and beads from his wrist, he can summon any creatures.

Weapons:

Shakujo (Japanese Monk staff): Shakujo has element ability, but mostly uses Fire and thunder from the tip of his staff.

[roninversary-brawl]

On one side we have Kayura, the powerful warrior with a mysterious connection to the Shakujo!

VS

Nise Suiko/Red Torrent, the sinister copy of the armor of water!

Can Kayura sweep Nise Suiko away? Or will its poison prove too potent?

[grumpy-limsan-customs-cat]

#26 - Last

Slowly, surely, the gentle sound filled the air around the field. The sound of the shakujo, its rings chiming together to form the rhythm, the heartbeat

A second one joined the first, then another one, then another. They circled each other and echoed, forming the chariot the song would be carried along.

A mantra, words flowing into one another, distinct voices that melted into one, filling the air as the time and place disappeared within it.

And in the middle of it all, he danced.

The sound of his staff breaking the rhythm of the others, forming its own melody. Separate, but still part of the whole.

It was a blessing, a prayer sent for all kami to hear - to protect, and to watch over him during his travels.

For this was the last time he would see the place that had been his sanctuary; the last time he would see the people who had taught him everything he knows.

His path was taking him elsewhere.

Where only his song was the one dancing in the wind.

[quilveor]

Shakujo sure seems to have interesting sleeping habits. It's astonishing his spine still functions properly.

- I can't believe he's comfortable. - Shoulda seen him yesterday.

Fissure with a coffee cup is a very familiar sight around the base, the flygon has one method on going through the days and that is it. It's somehow less weird than Shakujo, who finds comfort in the strangest positions... although seems Disglair is taking things in stride. He's got a book to read, some hakamo-o ain't gonna throw him off of that.

I would elaborate more but it's 3:30 am and I am tired and also I don't want to get into the whole setting quite yet, lemme post my goobers =]

[letterfromajax]

I am burdened with Scaramouche knowledge and understanding against my will, so with the recent release of his full redesign heres my general analysis of it. I’m sure other people will have pointed this out, but you know ^_^

Some of thenotable change to his design are: his wrists no longer look like the ball joints of a doll; his hat looks very similar to Ararycan (blue aranara); the very top looks like a lotus; obviously the loss of his veil; the dangly parts connecting to his hat now look like a shakujo; and the presence of a Sumeru vision.

Scara is a physical representation of Ei’s eternity—her grief and a reminder of her own failure as a warrior to save Makoto. Scara is both a mark of dishonor and a show of divine pride & power. Scara is everything and nothing all at once. Ei originally sought eternity through the preservation of an unchanging, perfect moment. Scara counters this by destroying. He is eternal and perfect while everything else is momentary and flawed.

I’ve spoken about it before, but I think his veil is meant to emulate Ei’s longer hair while also shielding his backside. Obviously, covering his backside is most likely meant to be symbolic of how he is very closed off from those around him. He refuses to trust others and let them in after all that he’s been through. He does not need anybody to have his back, he doesn’t need anybody, not the way Ei did. She’s weak and he is not. Where she has failed he will not. Regardless of his feelings towards Ei, his emulation of her is (in my opinion) meant to be a reminder that he is her creation. Even if Ei is not aware of what he’s done, Scara destroying people and things is both the end of an eternity and the birth of one. The creation of that loss & grief in it of itself becomes an eternity to the mourner. I also believe that this is a way he lashes out towards Ei. I think in his head he believes that Ei sees him as one of her greatest failures and he wants to remind her of this. He wants her to see him one way or another and he wants it to hurt. This is also most likely why he sports the raiden shogun’s tomoe.

It’s particularly interesting to me that his wrists no longer look like the ball joints of a doll. I think this is to show that he is “free of strings” so to speak. While trying to one-up Ei, he fell victim to the same eternity she did. Grief. He grieved the existence he never got to have. He wasn’t good enough to be the raiden shogun. He wasn’t good enough to ever be accepted by humans (later on I think this became more of a “I’m better than them” belief). He wasn’t even good enough to be destroyed like initially planned. His fate was decided from the very beginning and it was taken from him every step of the way. She made him like this. The loss of this detail is meant to show that she no longer has that kind of influence over his actions and choices. Yes, he is angry at her for the fate she crafted and stole from him and he wants her to always know that he is her responsibility. She can’t just cut him off like that and act like she’s not to blame. But, he is now starting to carve out a path for himself. He is creating his own eternity one free of Ei’s influence.

His hat is very interesting to me. Ararycan is a timid, self-described hero aranara. He is the only blue aranara and the only one that carries a sword. Similar to Scara, he is special, he’s different. Ei and the raiden shogun are exact copies of one another just like how a majority of aranara look very similar, but Ararycan and Scara are the ones that stick out. They’re different. The aranara similarity is also really interesting in that they are caught in a seemingly endless cycle of loss and rebirth. The humans that meet forget them and they forget those humans eventually, but those memories do not fade entirely from this world and are still stored within seeds and stories and songs. An eternal loss and gain. Though the meaning may be forgotten the feelings will remain. Overall, Scara as the wanderer is a sort of rebirth. Another go at it. I just think that’s interesting.

The lotus is a plant that is able to grow in muddy, murky waters and for this reason it is symbolic of new beginnings, rebirth, & purity (there’s more but they’re all kinda similar to this). Which definitely builds off of the rebirth and second chance thing. He rose from the murk and blossomed. Maybe he’s not exactly pure, but he is willing to try again and start anew. This time will be better, he will be better, he will live. I don’t know if this is like based off of a real world lotus through I know that Sumeru also has lotus shaped plants that only blossom at night and are used to create medicine. So perhaps it’s healing?

A shakujo is a kind of staff often associated with Buddhist monks. It has a couple different names. The rings on the staff make noise and were used to announce the monk’s approach supposedly it was also used as a weapon, but I’m not too sure how true that is. The number of rings also have symbolic meaning, but I cant pin down what 2 on 1 shakujo means, but he has 2 shakujo and 2 rings to each and that’s 4. 4 rings symbolizes the 4 noble truths. The 4 truths represent the awakening & liberation of the Buddha and the potential of his followers to be able to reach enlightenment as well. I don’t really know how to explain the meaning behind the truths if I’m being completely honest and this post is getting kinda long, but they’re the really basic principles of Buddhism and are about attaining enlightenment and true happiness. But yeah Scara has a lot of Buddhist symbols now that I’m looking… The lotus, the shakujo, perhaps the 8-spoked wheel on his veil..? Which I think is very interesting. I imagine this was done on purpose since Inazuma’s overarching message is seeking eternity in the moment as they happen and rebirth through acceptance.

The Sumeru vision is a fun little detail. Obviously the anemo vision has symbolic meaning relating back to his own experiences with loss and eventual freedom as he allows himself to start again. But he obvs got his vision in Sumeru hence the Sumeru casing, so I’m assuming this is a recent development. I know that the archons do not actually grant vision havers their visions and that it is celestia itself, but I’m unwell so I choose to make it deeper than it needs to be. While Nahdia is the archon of wisdom, her being a child (someone capable of dreaming in Sumeru) I think in Scara’s case this might be a draw on hope and an almost sort of childlike wonder. Like allowing himself to sort of unravel in a good way so he can live a life that he actually wants to have.

ANYWYAS it’s def not that deep, but it could be…..also note the infinity symbols on his little tassels which connect to the shakujo…………..twisted…

[one-hell-of-a-lazy-woman]

A week have passed, Gojyo have won the bet...

Y/N was still processing about how Gojyo won the bet, she even told Sanzo to smoke real slowly to see what he is missing out on. But Gojyo didn't even look in his direction.

Y/N's heart was beating rapidly as she thought of what Gojyo would do to her. He was out eating with the group at the moment. She lays down on her bed which was on the far right of the hotel room. Y/N's face heats up as she thought of the moments she had with Goyjo and she smiles widely to herself. She loves that Gojyo let's her sleep on his shoulder, she loves that grin of his, she loves his red hair and eyes that touches her soul and she loves that he would look after her when she isn't feeling well.

"I actually love him....I love Gojyo." Y/N whispers out as those words warm her body and she holds her self, probably trying to recreate Gojyo's touch. "I'M IN LOVE WITH GOJYO!" Y/N leaps off her bed and shouts out. She wanted to say it loud to make sure that she is truly feeling it.

Gojyo: "I know, but that's all the woman in the world." He snickers lightly and you open your eyes and saw Gojyo leaning on the doorframe with that signature grin of his. "But, I know the entire time you were into me." He tries to sound cool.

Y/N: "Oh shut up! Who would love a pervert like you?!"

Gojyo: "Didn't you just did you love me!?

Y/N: "I've never said that!?" Y/N felt her face burning. "Then....how do you feel about me?" Y/N asked meekly.

Gojyo looks away from Y/N and then he covers his face with his hand. His ears were red.

Gojyo: "I love you...too."

Y/N then runs towards Gojyo and then pulls him down to kiss him. She felt her heart fluttering to his soft moist lips. He then gently places his hand on Y/N's hips. They slowly pull away from each other.

Y/N: "Who taught you how to kiss? You're pretty good."

Gojyo: "Come on, you know I'm self taught."

Y/N: "What should we do now?"

Gojyo: "You did say that your body is mine..." He trails off as his hands slowly travel inside Y/N's shirt reaching towards her chest.

*Demons burst through their inn room's window*

Demon # 1: "Sweet! We've finally got them separated! The bounty is ours!"

Demons surrounded the two.

Y/N and Gojyo press their backs together. Gojyo summons his shakujo and [You can think of any weapon you can slay demons with.]

Gojyo: "Damn it! These guys are really annoying. Just as it was getting good too!"

Y/N: "The others are probably in a similar situation as well. Ready to kick some demon ass?"

Gojyo: "Absolutely." He smiles at Y/N and she smiles back.

After all the demons were killed Gojyo throws his arm around Y/N's hip. He started to softly kiss her neck and started to undo the buttons of her skirt.

Gojyo: "Now, let's continue where we left off~"

Y/N: "I love the sound of that...ah...ah!"

Hakkai: "Gojyo! Y/N! Are you two Alright!?"

The door starts to slowly open and in a panic Y/N punches Gojyo in the gut which send him flying back.

The others came in and they were relieved that the two were alright. Well mostly alright.

Hakkai: "Y/N, are you okay? Your skirt is a bit undone." Hakkai said looking away nervously.

Y/N: "Nothing, it's just Gojyo being a pervert again." Y/N fixes her skirt.

Goku: "Wow I knew you were a perverted kappa, but I didn't expect that from you Gojyo." Goku looks disgusted and steps in front of Y/N.

Sanzo: "Let's leave this crappy Kappa behind." Sanzo said blowing out a cigarette.

They all left the room with Gojyo holding his stomach in pain.

Damn that was a long ass post. Maybe I should do Goku x Y/N next. Because I'm just feeling it. Sorry for the long pause recently. I was just focusing on classes stuff.

[deesfanfictionkin]

IMPORTANT CANON CHARACTERS - TEGENKYO

NAME: Genjo Sanzo

FACTION: The Paidui, working with La Revolucion (barely)

ABILITY: Sanzo has the ability to both nullify and create magical abilities and magical charms/curses through various chants that he knows or has to figure out in his mind.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Son Goku

FACTION: The Paidui, working with La Revolucion

ABILITY: Goku has the ability to heal his own wounds through stealing lifeforce from the people or world around him. He can recover from even the most serious of injuries by doing so. However, he cannot control this ability well and it can be dangerous to those around him, so he wears a partial power limiter created by Sanzo.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Cho Hakkai

FACTION: The Paidui, working with La Revolucion

ABILITY: Hakkai has the ability to create barriers, which can both protect allies and himself, or trap enemies.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Sha Gojyo

FACTION: The Paidui, working with La Revolucion (barely)

ABILITY: Gojyo has the ability to produce and control a cursed weapon, taking the shape of a shakujo, in which lives a demon. The weapon can make anyone cut with it fall under the control and service of Gojyo.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Kougaiji

FACTION: The Paidui

ABILITY: Kougaiji can transform into a devil-like monster, which grants him super-sharp claws and teeth, thicker skin, enhanced strength and speed, at the expense of losing all semblance of his human mind.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Yaone

FACTION: The Paidui

ABILITY: Yaone has the ability to produce various drugs, with different effects, though different bodily substances (such as blood, tears, sweat, spit, etc.)

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Dokugakuji

FACTION: The Paidui

ABILITY: Dokugakuji has the ability to produce and control a cursed sword, in which lives a fallen God. The sword steals the memories of anyone it touches, with the exception of Dokugakuji.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Lirin

FACTION: The Paidui

ABILITY: Lirin was born with the ability to leap and jump inhuman distances, as well as being quite a bit more agile than a normal person.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

NAME: Dr. Ni Jianyi

FACTION: Whichever faction or person will provide him the most amusement, honestly. He's very much a hedonist, often in the most disturbing of manners.

ABILITY: Dr. Ni can control and revive the dead. However, this ability does not allow him to control anyone who has suffered La Petit Morte, as their bodies are technically still alive.

ADDITIONAL ABILITIES: None as of current

[erabundus]

@tosxah &&. said... Childe flicks the rim of the man's hat, looking at it with curiosity "Isn't that heavy? It looks... cumbersome." thats a big word for childe

❝  ...  ❞  eyes  narrow,  a  frustrated  little  grumble  building  in  the  wanderer's  throat  as  he  quickly  moves  to  readjust  his  hat.  (  it  looks  absurd  when  he  allows  it  to  sit  crooked.  )  ❝  doesn't  your  head  feel  light  with  NOTHING  between  your  ears?  ❞  ren  shoots  back  dryly  —  a  toothless  jab.  he's  more  irritated  about  his  kasa  being  touched  without  permission.

❝  it  is  heavy.  ❞   the  wanderer  suddenly  continues.  he  hasn't  a  clue  why  he's  bothering  to  HUMOR  childe's  question  —  but  he  supposes  it's  harmless  enough  not  to  be  too  cagey.   ❝  if  it  was  lighter,  i  would  have  to  contend  with  every  gust  of  wind  threatening  to  knock  it  from  my  head.  ❞   not  to  mention  the  shakujo  dangling  from  the  back  making  it  near-impossible  to  wear  as  it  is.  his  kasa  is  quite  the  ornate  work  of  art  —  one  of  the  nicest  things  ren  owns  by  a  considerable  margin.  however,  its  true  worth  shows  in  the  intricate  construction  of  its  design.  not  only  in  its  capacity  to  be  used  as  a  catalyst,  but  rather  in  the  way  that  its  weight  has  been  secretly,  strategically  DISTRIBUTED  to  keep  it  sitting  evenly  upon  his  head.  the  front  is  noticeably  heavier  than  the  back.  an  ordinary  person  might  find  wearing  it  quite  uncomfortable  for  extended  periods  of  time  —  particularly  if  they  are  unaccustomed  to  the  feeling.

a  shrug.  ❝  it  doesn't  bother  me ...  it  makes  navigating  through  crowds  less  tedious.  ❞   by  virtue  of  people  giving  him  a  wide  berth  lest  they  get  SMACKED  in  the  face.