#speed up the night (mikado)

[dellalyra]

omg imagine gojo with a welsh or irish gf - another irish girl

Gojo would thrive with one of us Irish women

Because let’s face it: we’re mostly all firebrands, strong, fiery passionate women.

That strong sense of loyalty and family (blood or found) oriented attitude? He relishes it, a feeling of belonging - of being truly loved and respected by someone? Amazing. The fiery nature of our blood lends itself a protective nature. The higher ups are giving him shit? Not a chance.

“Eh? Excuse you, you wrinkly sack of shite? What your last skivvy die of? Hush your gob or I’ll shut it for you. Fucking scarlet for ya’, absolute state of ya.”

Sometimes when you’re angry your accent becomes thicker or if you’re a gaeilgeoir you might slip into your teanga nádúrtha and I stg gojo has never gotten a hard on quicker in his life than seeing you spitting fire at that typical angry Irish girl speed of light.

None of his arrogance or occasional push-too-far would float either. None of us have the energy.

“Satoru, for the love of God, if you keep going on about not wanting to do the washing up because you’re the strongest, I’m going to crack up. I don’t have the energy for your shite right now. Now get up off your arse and clean the pan.”

Probably takes him a while to get used to how casually we curse and drink too, like you’re going to see your friends?

“I’m meeting the gang for a few jars tonight, coming?”

“The fuck are you doing with jars?”

The vernacular gets him too.

“SATORU!” Comes a shout from across the house.

“Yes, gremlin?”

“Grab me a few tea cloths from the hot press will you? Good chap.”

“Hot press? Is that a sex position?”

“Oh, Jesus Mary and Joseph.”

If you guys have kids - they’re brought up with the value that the mammy is the centre of the family and nothing goes on without her say so.

Like imagine a little mini version of Satoru running around and sprinting to his dad.

“Daddy, can I have the sweets on the table?” Shiny blue eyes mirror each other.

“Ask your mother, kiddo, it’s her dairy milk.”

The patter of feet is followed by a:

“MAAAAAAA! Can I have your selection box?”

“You can in your hat!”

Satoru sick? Why do you keep giving him flat 7up or cream crackers? Suguru got wounded on a mission, why do you insist on putting sudocream on it?

Christmas rolls around and for some reason in late November it’s a very big deal one Friday night. You have cornered him, Suguru and Shoko and forced them all into Christmas pyjamas and made hot chocolates for everyone and switched the telly on.

“What is going on? It’s not even Christmas.” Suguru asks, completely lost.

“Wha? Sure it’s the last Friday in November.”

The three just sit in silence.

“You three, thick as a plank, the lot of ye. I told ye last week that it’s the Toy Show tonight!”

“The what show?”

“The Toy Show!”

“It’s a show… about toys?”

“Yeah! A load of kids showing off their toys and showing how they work and all. Fierce funny. Robbie Keane usually ends up on it too somehow.”

If ever there’s an issue where some arsehole is annoying you about stereotypes, it’s always an entertaining show for Satoru.

“Can you do a Riverdance?” The stranger asks.

“Jaysus, sure I haven’t done any Irish dancing since I was in 3rd class and my nanny forced me to.”

Introducing him to Irish delicacies?

No I don’t mean coddle, or stew.

I mean real delicacies.

Like a chicken fillet roll or a spice bag. Your Nana’s apple tart. Soda bread or a bottle of Lilt. Bag of tayto (cheese and onion, obviously) or purple snack bars? A curly wurly? Red lemonade or a mikado biscuit? (Fuck, we love sweets I’m realising as I write this) or a decent cup of tea (Barry’s or Lyon’s, I won’t start that debate here).

Most of all, I think Satoru would thrive in the warmth of an Irish woman. We might be temperamental, battleaxes sometimes, and always a bit mad but one thing I know is we love wholeheartedly and fiercely, with every fibre of who we are. That belonging, the nurturing, the warmth and sheer sense of home that we all somehow tend to exude would made Satoru an incredibly happy man.

[combat-heelys]

Almost swallows his cigarette and ends up in a coughing fit. “Holy shit, Glynda and Ori are back.”

[johannepetereric]

Our Favorite Buddyfight Antagonist, Adopted

It was the night right after Gaen was defeated. Tasuku Sendou went over to meet Rouga Aragami. He touched the older’s shoulder and said, “You look lonely. I know some people who would love to take you in.”

Rouga stopped. He looked at the bluenet, whose eyes shone brightly like diamonds. He looked so full of hope, of faith. It looked like he believed in Rouga. Tasuku smirked, “One of them reminds me of you.” The other gay looked so loving. Something stirred within Rouga. He accepted the invite. “Now, I have to meet up with Gao-kun. I’ll come find you later.”

Rouga looked back at the boy who flies on a dragon, rather than relying on a Buddy Skill. “Tch. Tasuku Sendou...”

15 minutes later, Rouga was standing in the same spot when Tasuku returned. “Let’s go!” He said gaily.

Another bluenet--a shota, by the looks of it--trailed behind him. All three of them rode the public bus. Mrs. Sendou--the older bluenet, he can’t complain--immediately tried to introduce himself to Rouga. Rouga just stayed silent. 

“Ano, just like Toshiki-kun.” He scratched his face. Rouga filed that name for later.

Tasuku also fell asleep on the half-hour bus trip. It was so crowded, Rouga sat on the floor, much to their protests.

Before he knew it, he was woken up with a snort, standing. In front of him was a store. The big sign atop the door read “Card Capital.” Both Sendous looked excited. It was sliding doors.

It was a small shop, only one floor, and a whole gang of adults were seated at tables, placemats in front, yelling names he vaguely remembers Tasuku calling out in almost all his matches. 

One cold-looking brunet was standing against the whole looking cool. His hair was flying to the right, just like Tasuku’s. Amost all the adults hurried over to greet the Sendous. Rouga stayed silent, vaguely annoyed, but then...

“Oh! Meet my friend, Rouga. He’s the lonely guy I told you about!” 

“Hn.” Rouga grunted.

A clamor ensued, but was silenced by the brunet asking, “Do you really want to be adopted?”

That took Rouga by surpise. Tasuku gently held his arm. It was cold yet warm. It came like a surprise to Rouga. Again, the younger bluenet looked so pleading. And lonely. He could see himself, strangely enough, in those eyes.

“Tch. Yes.”

“Ok, I have to call my husband.” A gray-eyes blond said. The other interrogated him, Tasuku answering for him. The lady behind the counter eyed him suspiciously. 

He couldn’t blame her.

Before long, he heard a vroom.

Through the door rode a buff man who looked like a gang boss.

“Yo! This the lonely kid?”

“Yes!” Tasuku called. He looked cheery for someone who was calling Rouga “gangsta.”

The brunet said. “Enough!” The clamor died down. “He have the papers ready.”

 The crime boss stared at him seriously and said, “Would you like your name changed? We understand that you don’t have one.”

What?...Well, this name was given to him by Kyoya. His friend is lost, but...

“Yes.”

“Do you have anything in mind?”

Tasuku rattled off a list of names. Rouga sighed. This was going to be a looong day.

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A week later, he woke up from the blackness on something cushy. He could smell breakfast across the hall. He followed it, despite squishing the very thick pillow onto his face.

He could hear two voices which he had gotten accustomed to over the past week. It was arguing over what they should have for breakfast. He still has a hard time processing that he’s adopted--and with a name change at that. He actually decided on his identity! Unbelievable. Instead of sitting at the table, he layed down on the floor, clutching his pillow, attempting to return to bed. They didn’t notice him yet.

A while later, the door rang. The arguing extended to who was getting the door. They argue too much, he’s noticed. Mr. Sendou said that they still have to work out the kinks, but this is ridiculous!

He opened the door instead. Two innocent faces stared back at him, two eyes blue, the others red. 

“Hey, Katsuki!”

Katsuki smiled slightly at that. They decided yesterday that his name was going to be Katsuki--for now. It doesn’t fit right, but it will do for now. He’s always wanted a name with started with K. 

It was small talk, then running to the bus. Mrs. Sendou said that this--the running--doesn’t happen often.

And then... “Is the bus always this crowded?” 

“Yes.” Tasuku replied. “At least the fangirls can’t follow me home!” Katsuki doesn’t reply to that.

Mrs. Sendou hugs them both in front of Aibo Academy, a tearful send-off given by the mother, then they all split for their own ways.

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The UFO b***h flew into their faces, screaming, “Nani?! Rouga Aragami is back at Aibo Academy? What are you doing here?”

“I am not Rouga Aragami anymore. You will refer to me as Mister Mutsuki.”

“Wha?”

Tasuku defended him with “He’s my new cousin. My first, infact. Please leave him alone! We all have school.” And proceeded to drag Katsuki to class--with directions from Katsuki, of course. The younger has a surprising amount of stamina for someone who doesn’t take Phys Ed or is in the Buddy Police. They managed to ourun her. Tasuku waved him off before speeding to his own class.

Katsuki spent class staring off into space, thinking about the boy, while still being able to be attentive. 

The teacher got his name right. His cousin said that he might have to correct the teachers. As if it was an unfortunate fact.

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Katsuki found his cousin at lunch, sleeping on a bench. He shook the boy awake. 

Slap! “Nooooo! Let me sleep, you twats!” he said grumpily. 

“Get up! You said I could find you here!”

The blunet was grumpy for the rest of the day.

“I said five minutes before class!” He glared at the older.

Both their brows were furrowed in frustatration. Which resulted in a staring contest. Then they has chit-chat about plans for after school.

Then a tiny brat ran over to them, panting. “Sendou-senpai! Time for class!”

“Auuuuugh! Go away, brat!” The bluenet snapped. The kid fled in tears, extremely noisy about it. It grated on Katsuki’s ears. Tasuku’s, too, by the looks of it.

From then on, he learned to not wake the younger up--ever--unless it was five minutes before the bell. Or it was an emergency. Like family or Mikado.

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The ride was even more crowded than this morning, if it was even possible! Katsuki rode on the floor this time, his cousin moping through it. His mother tried to cheer him up.

It barely worked.

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“So...how was school~?” The blond--mom, he decided to call him--teased. 

“Hn” Katsuki did NOT feel like talking today. 

But it was fine.

“Oi, Taishi! If he doesn’t wanna talk, he doesn’t wanna talk? Remember?”

Mom groaned.

Katsuki could get used to be part of Tasuku’s family, even honorary ones. At least he’ll be around good gays.

[tang-wei]

Ichinose Guren’s World Resurrection at 19  Volume 1 Chapter 2 Part 2 English Translation~

Title: The survivors (part 2)

Translator: @tang-wei​

Raws: My own copy of the LN

The masterpost for the curious, and the translation schedule for the impatient

T/N: Laughs nervously, I hope it’s still the 26th somewhere heh

At the same time ー

It happened. Something strange came from the sky. A strange gogogogo sound came from the sky. “Eh? What’s that?” And then Narumi raised his head, trying to identify the sound that was approaching. A huge passenger plane. He saw the aircraft pierced through the clouds, cutting through the darkness. It fell at a strange angle, the nose obviously tilted towards the ground, and his eyes opened wide.

“Eh, hey hey hey, are they okay?” The roaring sound was echoed around them as he said that. There are no airports around here. Therefore, it was impossible for the aircraft to come this close. In other words, the fact that a passenger plane has gotten so close to such a place, it means that it crashed. The airplane looks like it’s about to fall on the city, “Oi Shuusaku! The plane’s going to crash!” As he shouted a Shuusaku, all around him, he saw airplanes falling. Diagonally, as if slowly falling like a shooting star in a picture book, but actually falling to the ground at a great speed ー

Don. Don. Don. Don. Don. Don. Don. Don.

From all around him, multiple explosion sounds came from all directions. He saw a fire burning far away. He saw the city start to burn. Even though he saw 4 fall from the sky, it sound sounded a lot more than that. Did the noise come from a falling plane? Or was it the sound of another explosion? He do not know. "Wha...... What's going on!" Narumi shouted, but naturally Shuusaku also does not understand. “Makoto. Let’s go down. We need to go.” Shuusaku got up to the branch he was on, and grabbed his arm. Makoto ignored it and turned his eyes toward the city. Fire burned, and more explosions occurred. The flames have grown. Red. Bright red. A red glow rises from inside the city, as if trying to end the night and illuminate the sky. “......Terrorists? War?” Narumi said, as Shuusaku tugged on his hand. "Let's go down anyway. If we don’t extinguish the torii's light, if something is happening, we don’t want to stand out." Shuusaku was right. Narumi nodded and jumped from the branch. He landed at the torii and put his hands on the light. “I’ll do it, Shuusaku.” “Okay.”   Shuusaku closed his eyes. Narumi also closed his eyes. It is to adjust their eyes to the dark. It is night in the mountains. If one suddenly loses the light, it is very hard to see the surroundings. Fortunately, it is a clear night, there are no clouds and the moon is beautiful and bright so even if there is no light ー A sound interrupted their thoughts. Gogogogogo, the sound of another plane falling. It sounded much closer this time. Narumi looked up at it, "Damn" He said. "Makoto, hurry." Said Shuusaku. Eyes closed. Extinguish the light. Eyes open. The light emitted by the planes kept the surroundings bright. “What is it?” After extinguishing the light, Narumi came down from the torii. He was carrying his training backpack and took out a cellphone from it. However, there was no signal. “What about yours, Shuusaku?” Shuusaku shook his head. There was no signal for mobile phones. Shuusaku also carried a backpack. “Let’s go, Shuusaku?” “Let’s go, Narumi.” They nodded, and the two began running. At night, the two 11 year olds went down the mountain at a speed which they did not think was possible. Even so, at maximum speed, it still took about 30 minutes to come down from the mountain. They knew that. As they were descending, Shuusaku said, “There.....” “I know.” Narumi answered. Because he is not fully sure what that is, he runs while conserving physical strength. He slowed down his pace a little. At this rate, it would take 45 minutes. He wanted to go down quickly and see what is going on, but there was no doubt that something wrong had happened. Then, he needed to make a judgement calmly. The sorcerers of 『Mikado no Tsukki』 always moved calmly. Just like Guren-sama. Even when his father was executed in front of him, Guren-sama did not lose his calm. The events were broadcasted throughout the world, making him look stupid. At that time, Guren-sama only thought about his appearance. Is that something I myself can do? To that question, the answer is no. I like Father, and respect him. Father was trusted by the Ichinose and useful to them. I also want to be like Father. Just as how Father was cherished by Sakae-sama, I too want to be cherished and used by Guren-sama. If Father was executed like that, I wouldn’t be able to stay sane. But Guren-sama is different. Be like him now. The Guren-sama that does not get angry at anything. At first, he felt anger, but now, "... calm. Calmly, like Guren-sama, I ......" Muttering this, he went down the mountian.

45 minutes later

By the time the two came down the mountain, the airplanes have stopped falling out of the sky. There were no more explosions. A park. A quiet park at night. There is a clock in the park that is lit. The time is 9:16 pm. Below it is a public toilet. However, there’s no one there. To begin with, there are not many people in this park. The gate closes at 8 pm. They did not run towards the gate, but in the direction of their house. It was beyond the fence. Through the baseball diamond, past the slides and sandboxes for the children to play in. They ran through it and jumped the fence. They were on a road. But there was almost no cars on the street -- "............" On the fence, Narumi stopped. On the fence, he could see turned turtle along the road. “......What is that.” “An accident?” Hearing what Shuusaku said, Narumi shook his head. “How did the car end up on it’s side?” He descend the fence. On the road. He peeped into the window glass of an upturned car. The driver was dead. The head was rested against the handle and was half missing. It was bloody. It was unknown if it was a man or a woman. Maybe it was an old man. "............" When he looked up and looked further down the road, another car had stopped at a corner, hitting the wall. The car was rolled over. Car crashes. Falling aircraft. "............" Looking at it, Narumi hit his chest. Calm. Calm. Was he going to look into the upturned car or return home and ignore it? Then, "Let's go home" Said Shuusaku. That's it. They need to go back. Although they do not know what has happened, looking into the crashed car would not give any answers. Whatever it is, home. Go home. Father is there. As well as his capable men. Shien, Shuusaku's mother, a famous magician, is also there. They will know what the current situation is. Therefore, "Lets go" Said Narumi. They tried to run again, but they stopped. A bit ahead. As they walked towards a street with more cars, they found that all the cars had crashed, rolled over, exploding and burning. But it was very quiet. Police cars and ambulance sirens were not ringing. Even though it was a big accident, no one was making noise. Everyone in the cars were dead. Everyone who was walking on the sidewalk is dead. "... What ... what happened." People had died clutching their chests and necks. As if they had died suffering. The humans on the sidewalk seemed to be bleeding from their nose and mouth. Shuusaku said. "...... Don’t touch it, Makoto" Of course not. He did not know what is going on. "Terrorists? Chemical weapons or something?" Shuusaku shook his head. "I don’t know." "But why didn’t we die?" "Because we were on the mountain?" "Now, it seems like an airborne virus, since everyone died at the same time." It looked like that. Everyone on the sidewalks and people on the car seemed to have died at the same time. "...... Would we be infected? ... How are you feeling Shuusaku?" "What about you Makoto." “I’m good.” “Well then I would be okay as well.” “So that’s how it is. If you’re infected, you can’t stop it. But be careful not to touch the corpse as a precaution, as there is a possibility of infection." Saying this, the two walked carefully, avoiding the corpses. On the way, they broke the window of a private house with a wooden katana and looked inside, but the old couple was dead on the living room's kotatsu, watching TV. On the television, there was only the sound of static. Seeing the television, Narumi turned to face Shuusaku. He saw the clock in the living room. The current time was 9:45 pm. It was Golden Time*. But at this time, the TV is not broadcasting. What does it mean? "............" Are the dead not just in this town? Has everyone in Aichi prefecture died? Or have all the people in Japan died? Or have all the people in the world died? Since they got down from the mountain, they had not met a living person yet. What does that mean? His body seemed to be trembling with fear. It seemed like the only the two who are alive in the world are he and Shuusaku. He couldn’t imagined such a thing ─ Shuusaku also seemed to be thinking along those lines. But, he didn’t say anything. So Narumi also did not speak. But he just wants to go home. To see Father. To run home and escape. But in my heart, he muttered again. Calm. Be calm. Just like Guren-sama. And then he said. "We need to ascertain the situation." Shuusaku then replied, "But how?" Narumi said. "Let's go to a convenience store" Then, the Shuusaku nodded rapidly. "Oh! We can watch the surveillance camera when the plane crashed. Makoto’s a genius!" "Oh?" He tried, but he could not laugh. They entered a convenience store that had the most chain stores in Japan. There were seven people in the convenience store. Two people at the magazine department. One person in front of the cup noodles. Two people at the bento section. There were two staff members. Everyone was dead. They were shedding blood from their mouths and noses. They had entered a convenience store full of corpses. He went over the counter to go to the staff room at the back. He discover a dead body that looked like a manager. He searched for a drawer to open using the key that the store manager held. He found documents regarding watching surveillance cameras and passwords along with some business plans. He had touched the store manager. He touch the blood. However, nothing happened. Apparently he did not seem to have contacted the infection. But he do not know yet. Since he already touched it, he kicked the dead body of the clerk and the corpse of the store manager out from the counter. Shuusaku started to mess around with the computer according to the procedure manual he found. In the meantime, Narumi returned to the sales floor to check the position of the surveillance camera. He also confirmed that the water supply was still running. He took two bento sets and put them in a microwave oven. While opening an onigiri with his mouth, he open the refrigerator and took out a coke and an oolong tea and returned to the staff room. "Which would you like, the coke or the tea?" Then Shuusaku answered while typing on the keyboard. "Sprite." "You can have the coke." Then, Narumi laughed for the first time. He went back to the refrigerator and picked up the sprite. "Here." "Thanks." "What about the tape?" "Soon." The microwave is rang with a ding. "Do you want a bento?" “Yep. I want a croquette.” “We have a seaweed bento and a salmon bento.” He opened the microwave oven and took out the bento. He then looked around. "Chopsticks. Chopsticks. Chopsticks~" He found the chopsticks and took two pairs. When he returned to the staff room, Shuusaku was rewinding the time recorded by the surveillance camera. Shuusaku asked. "From what time do we want to watch?" Narumi answered. "When the plane fell, probably around 8:30 pm," "Yup." "Let's see it from five minutes earlier, if we don’t know exactly when it happened" "Alright" Shuusaku enters 8:25 pm on December 25th. The video of the surveillance camera starts. A clerk is talking about a mess. Apparently the sound seems to be recorded as well. The manager was calling someone. “Go to sleep. Papa loves you --” He said. Apparently he had a child. In other cameras, a male customer in his thirties seemed to be waiting for a bathroom while staring at the erotic book corner. He did not check, but there was another corpse in the toilet. Narumi grabbed a bento and removed the lid. He did the same for Shuusaku’s. The two slowly ate the bento in the convenience store. Movie time passed. Narumi said. "How’s the bento?" "I want to eat mama’s croquette" "That unpleasant croquette?" “Switch off**.” “No, I want to eat Shien’s croquette now.” “Ah, yeah~” The two were feeling tense. They watched the videos while eating their bento. It was 8:30 pm. But nothing happened. It was 8:35 pm. But nothing happens. It was 8:39 pm. There was movement. The toilet door opened. A girl of seven, eight, years old came out. The man who was staring at the erotic books said. “You’re slow.” Then the girl said. “Nasty.” “Did you wash your hands?” “I need to wash it again.” “What are you saying! Mama would be angry.” “Papa should speak softly. Everyone can hear you!” Certainly everyone heard it. Then, the time has reached 8:40 pm. At that moment, the father's body started trembling. Even in the images of other cameras, the store manager and other customers stated shedding blood from their noses as they began to suffer. The girl said. "Eh Papa !? Papa! Stop joking!" The Father noticed the unusual surroundings. The man who was behind him threw up blood and fell down. He turned around to see, clutching his chest. “What......suffer......Misa!” He shouted. He looked at his daughter. She was not suffering. The moment he saw it, Narumi saw relief appear on the father's face, even though he was bleeding. And then he shouted. "Get away from Papa! I’m infected!" "Papa!" "Toilet! Hide in the toilet! Help, ... ...." He spat a lot of blood there. "Papa!!!!!" Shouting that, she began to approach her father. But the father grabbed the erotic book at the corner of the rack and threw it at his daughter. The daughter’s body trembled and she stopped. "Uuwaaaah, uwah uwah uwah uwah." Withdrawing, she did not approach her father, and as told, escaped to the toilet, and closed the door. It was locked with a resounding click. Beside, Narumi turned to face Shuusaku. And Shuusaku said. "Children are not infected!" Narumi said "Stop the video! There are survivors!" He left the staff room and jumped over the counter, heading towards the toilet. The father is dead in front of erotic book corner. He protected his daughter. He threw an erotic book and protected my daughter. In front of the refrigerator, erotic books had fallen. Narumi approached the toilet. He open the door. "............" But, there was no one inside. The daughter was not there. "Did she leave?" Of course. It has already been more than an hour since then. He returned to the staff room. Shuusaku said. "What about that girl?" "Not there." "Did she leave?" "Let's watch the video in the future ..." "Yup." "The children are not infected, but have you seen any children so far?" "No, I didn’t see any children, living or dead." "Well then, where on earth did the children go?" "...... Anyway, let's see" And Shuusaku fast forwarded the video. However, nothing was shown. Ten minutes. Nothing happened. However, he could only hear the sound of the daughter's crying voice. Twenty minutes. Nothing happened. However, he could only hear the sound of the daughter calling for her mother or father. 40 minutes. Nothing happened. However, he could only hear the sound of the daughter crying for someone to help her. However, at forty-three minutes, there was a sound outside. Huuuuiiiiii, a strange, shrill sound. Then the daughter said “Who is it?” The sound continued. “Is someone here?” The sound continued. “Did someone come to help me?” Then, the door opened. The daughter came out of the bathroom. She found the dead body of the Father. Then, her face crumpled and tears spilled. “Papa......” Although she said this, she however, kept her word and did not approach the dead body of the Father. The wise girl chooses to walk between the shelves with no corpses and left the convenience store. The Huuuuiiiiii sound is approaching. Huuuuiiiiii Huuuuiiiiii It sounds like something’s cry . And then, "No, aaaaaahhhhh!" The girl screamed. "Nooooo nooooo!" She cried as she ran back into the convenience store.Then, a strange creature ran after her. A white body, with sickle arms like a praying mantis and the feet of a bug, a monster 3 times the size of a human, chased the girl with the intention to kill her. The girl tripped over a dead body and screamed. But the white monster, with a Huuuuiiiiii raised his sickle arm and swung it. It descended upon the girl. However, another character appeared. The head of the white monster, was cut off from the back with a sword from that person. It was a beautiful man. A man with tall, brown hair. Probably not a Japanese. The white monster was dead. No one knew what it was, but, "...... Adults, there are adults" Shuusaku said. "Were they not all infected?" Then the man in the picture said. “Get out of the way. I want to enter.” He grabbed the white monster and threw it out. The girl looked up at the man as if he was her savior, "Oh, have you come to help?" She said. Then the man looks over at her. The eyes were red. A bright red. A fresh, unclotted, beautiful red. He look down at her with those red eyes, and said. "Why would I help livestock?" "Huh?" And then a voice echoed from behind the man. A voice that was amplified with the help of some equipment. “This is a warning! The foolish humans have caused the spread of the virus! The human race will be destroyed! However, those under the age of 13 are not infected! Therefore the battalion of the 15th Progenitor Lucal Wesker will take the children of this district into custody!” The voice echoed The girl said in a trembling voice. "... ... Destruction ..." Her face is distorted by fear. Then, she looked up at the face of the man she was clinging to...... "But will you protect me...?" Then the man replied. “You took the bait. Now the stupid agreement with the humans is no more, I can suck more now.” And the man grabs the daughter. "Eh? Eh? Eh?" Interrupting her, the man opened his mouth wide. Fangs grew. It was lowered to her neck. The blood was sucked with a gururu, as the girl’s movements slowed. “Ah~” And the man opened his mouth. This is a vampire. A real vampire.

!!Chapter 2 Part 2 END!!

Translation notes:

*Golden Time

used in Japanese television to refer to the period between 7 and 9 pm, the equivalent of prime time

**Switch off

The closest in meaning should be "piss off" or "fuck off", but Shuusaku would never curse like that, not at 11 years old and not at Makoto

T/N: Sorry for the slight delay! Was supremely busy with holidays and doing college applications, and was dealing with real life shit (like rejection). We still going to post on schedule though! 

<< Chapter 2 Part 1 || Buy the translator a kofi? || Chapter 2 Part 3 >>

[masaru2042]

Hey, Elon, I got a Proposition!

Someone asked me to answer this on Quora, and well, I actually do have an answer for it!  And it’s pretty awesome.

I’m smiling because I’m actually trying to answer this myself.

And no, I’m not kidding. YES YOU CAN DO THIS, AND I’VE NOW GOT THE NUMBERS TO PROVE IT! I racked this with a good mechanical friend of mine, and another who maintains the boiler at his job. Basically, I’ve consulted people who know what they’re doing.

Basically, I decided to take a fictional locomotive from a very famous children’s story and see if I can stuff a bunch of Tesla battery modules up its tender, and add regenerative braking to said locomotive. Which actually would be better than the dynamic braking used by diesels today. One reason is how regenerative braking works when it comes to shoving a bunch of Tesla batteries up said locomotive’s tender. Though we can do half and half. And granted the locomotive has air brakes, we can just do regenerative blended braking.

On top of…converting said locomotive into a waste vegetable oil burner…which is an actual thing and two steam locomotives currently burn waste vegetable oil.

WVO is wasted cooking oil, namely veggie oil that restaurants use and then must dispose of after they use it. Using waste veggie oil actually saves on water, water that you have to add to cooking oil to even get it to be properly converted into biodiesel. Basically, frying a whole pot of chicken does the work for you. You just need to strain all the stuff you don’t want from the oil and use a fuel injector and atomizer in the firebox to spray the WVO fuel in.

And the fireman’s duties are now to adjust how much is being atomized, as well as the occasional dumping of sand in the firebox which helps keep the fire tubes unclogged. And said dumping of sand is literally not that much. It’s a little bucket and the guy has a small spade and plops a small scoop in.

The two locomotives that are the first to be converted to WVO are the GCR No. 4960 which is a Mikado 2–8–2, and the GCR No. 29 which is a Consolidated 2–8–0. Both locomotives do not use coal at all, only the wasted cooking oil that the restaurants ran by the park’s railways throw out, and for water, only snow melt is used.

Basically these two locomotives that run on the Grand Canyon Railway are carbon neutral burning locomotives. They are THAT clean. They actually did try various other fuel, including diesel! Yes, those two locomotives…burned diesel in their fireboxes once!

So the locomotive in question for this particular experiment that will answer your question is the fabled Gresley 4–6–2 Pacific prototype A0. Said locomotive does not exist in life, but on paper. However, a reverend by the name of Wilbur Awdry made this prototype exist in his book series.

I’m talking about Gordon. The posh, snobbish, galloping, blue sausage himself.

I’ve had fun with this guy. I chose him because of his rather unique attributes and a certain race that though he did lose due to plot convenience and I’m gonna call it that because every boilerman I’ve either spoken with or read in blogs who have looked at the footage from the movie The Great Race all said that Gordon actually had the capacity to defeat the SNCF BB 9003…an electric locomotive that had a top speed of 200 miles per hour. All Gordon needed was a little streamlining to do it. Apparently Gresley built the first steam locomotive that runs on pure awesome.

Basically, Gordon is mainline high speed passenger train material. He always was, but now it’s like…move over Mallard level of high speed. So it would be feasible and possibly even very likely that for the future of the Northwestern Railway, upgrades to Gordon would be required to meet ever changing timetable demands.

And luckily for Sir Topham Hatt, upgrades are easy thanks to him being a prototype. It’s easier to interchange his parts than it would be for a mainline model.

This is why I chose Gordon for this little experiment. Also we’ve got a lot of specs on the guy. And a few possible Gresley-drawn blueprints of the actual, but never built A0. Which included his boiler PSI, and this is important…and that PSI is closer to an A3 than an A1. A1s had 210psi, and Gordon had 220psi. And I have a feeling it might be higher than that…given the performance he gave during that movie and the fact that even with all those problems, he was more than capable of traveling from Knapford to…somewhere close to Manchester…BOTH WAYS!

I’m going with the theorized 250 psi for Gordon.

The other reason for choosing Gordon is well, the weight of the locomotive. The locomotive that is Gordon is around 103 to maybe 105 tons. Very light weight compared to American locomotives of the same Pacific wheel arrangement. This is again key because lighter weight means less fuel and water used, and higher speeds. You want this. Total weight including the tender, Gordon’s around 160 tons. I’m intending to give him two tenders…because…well…where else is he gonna store 67 Tesla Model S battery modules? So, he’ll probably top out a little over 200 tons.

And now you know why he’s often made fun of due to his weight.

Don’t look at me like that, Gordon.  You know you’re a fat ass.

Ahem...

This moves you closer to the goal of making a feasible steam locomotive.

Next, we get to the fuel as well as exhaust. They go hand and hand. To reduce fuel and water consumption in steam engines running in Britain, Gresley class locomotives and others had installed in their smoke boxes a new type of blast pipe called the Kylchap exhaust. This cuts down on fuel consumption and also cuts down on water. Adding two of these to the smoke box doubles the output of the locomotive. This is why the Flying Scotsman has two chimneys (funnels) instead of one.

So, let’s apply that to Gordon’s smoke box. Which as you can see, I’ve done in the image. The elongated chimney is similar to that of the Scotsman. So now, he’ll burn less fuel and use up less water, which allows him to run even longer. Couple that with converting him over to a waste veggie oil burner…we’ve just made Gordon into a carbon neutral steam engine. So, we’re one step closer to making Gordon a practical steam engine that can go anywhere he wants without people having a hissy fit over fires he might cause or soot, or whatever. Essentially, he stops being an insurance nightmare and he becomes officially green technology.

Now we’ve run into the issue that people often will point out about steam engines. Why we switched from steam to diesel. Or specifically from external combustion to internal combustion. Steam engines, although they are cool to see, convert only 10% of the heat they make into energy for movement. The rest is thrown up into the air through the smoke box. And in Gordon’s case, he probably uses 50% of that wasted heat to talk about how absolutely special he is. Well, we don’t want him to do that, we want to Gordon to get the most energy out of his heat.

American steam engines solve this problem with a feed water heating system. Ambient temperature water is taken from the tender, into an injector which is then fed up into a bonnet over the firebox that is heated using the exhausted heat, the exhausted heat is around 1400ºF, and that heats the water to over boiling…and then it goes into another injector that pumps that into the boiler. This maintains the temperature in the boiler, which you want, uses the wasted heat that would just go up into the air…to preheat the feed water from the tender and prevent boiler shock, which you also want.

This also again conserves fuel, and it’s steam powered.

Gresley attempted to apply this interesting thing to his A1 Pacifics, specifically Gordon’s now scrapped brother White Knight.

Unfortunately, the benefits gained through this system were lost thanks to high maintenance of the system itself. So, Gresley opted out of the feed water heater system and used a system that does the same thing, but uses less parts to do it with. So Gordon has an exhaust steam injector. It basically does the same thing, still heating the feed water from Gordon’s tender with the exhausted steam inside his smoke box, and then dumping that heated water into Gordon’s boiler.

And again, it’s all steam powered, so it uses the excess heat that normally would be lost to the sky, into making our locomotive more efficient. The drawback is when we’re firing Gordon up, that to heat the water, we need live steam rather than exhaust steam. This is was an issue with the exhaust steam injectors, and we’ll solve with our little Tesla powered heating system.

But we’re still not there.

Let’s go into the other reason why steam engines are not very efficient…having to each morning light the firebox in order to slowly bring Gordon’s boiler temperature up to proper steam pressure in order to make him move. You cannot rush this. Depending on boiler size, you are supposed to take anywhere from 3 hours to 6 hours or even 8 hours to slowly bring a steam engine under steam. And again, they use live steam to heat the boiler, which makes bring Gordon fully under steam a slow process.

To do it faster, you risk boiler integrity and Gordon’s boiler explodes. You don’t want that. I don’t think he’d appreciate his intestines flying everywhere.

Picture Source: The-ARC-Minister

That is still disturbing to look at.

You have to be careful when hand firing a steam engine and raising steam. How did we fix this problem before? Well, various workshops and roundhouses would have an external boiler that would preboil water and then put it into the steam engine while it’s resting over night.

Did any of you Thomas fans ever wonder why the steam engines were just ready to go in the morning like magic?  It’s because Tidmoth Sheds has an external boiler to introduce live team into them so that they won’t have to wait for the guy who hand fires them in the morning to slowly bring them fully under steam.  And hand firing a steam engine is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!

There have been cases of crew members maintaining temperature of the steam engine while spending a night somewhere by burning what all they could in the steam engine so they didn’t have to worry about slowly raising steam. They just never extinguished the firebox.

We’re gonna go a different route with Gordon. And this is where Tesla comes in.

This is also how Gordon can get his dynamic braking, or rather regenerative braking because that’s better for Gordon than dynamic braking, and still serves the same purpose. And well with regenerative, you can still employ dynamic braking.

Gordon and his brothers and cousins don’t use air brakes like American steam engines do, they use vacuum braking. It’s why to make the Flying Scotsman street legal, they had to install air braking on top of the American loud chime whistle, bell, and high intensity headlamp.

We’re gonna rip Gordon’s vacuum brakes out and shove blended/regenerative braking in. But to do that, he needs a mechanism to power these brakes. Steam provided that mechanism at first, and yes he does have a dynamo, but that’s only good for powering the lights.

Don’t worry, he won’t mind if we rip something out of him. Back in 1939, Hatt had William Stanier, yes THAT William Stanier, rip Gordon’s Gresley conjugated valve gear and replaced it with a 2 cylinder Walschaerts valve gear. It actually increased Gordon’s tractive effort. Again, another good thing!

Let’s shove a bunch of Tesla car battery modules up Gordon’s tender. About maybe 67 should be enough. Yeah, we need two tenders. The numbers we ran to fully power Gordon with Tesla modules required basically 100 of those modules in his tender. But we’re turning Gordon into a hybrid, not a fully electric steam locomotive. We want enough to maintain boiler temperature during idling and when he’s tucked snugly in his shed. And enough to power his dynamic/regenerative braking, and perhaps enough to help in powering the coaches he pulls.

This is a Tesla Model S module.

We’re gonna shove 67 of those up Gordon’s tender to create a battery powered preheater to his water and help insulate his boiler to retain heat when he’s all snuggled up in his shed. We’re gonna make a big electric blanket for Gordon so he won’t have to wake up with a cold boiler anymore.

We’re wanting to make Gordon practical. And well, we have. In reality, there is a railway which have steam engines that use a variant that I’m describing for Gordon.

Brienz Rothorn Railway is a railway in Switzerland and the steam locomotives are rather unique. They are a real world example of the modern steam locomotive and how we can create a modern railway using steam locomotives. Which includes something that I’m gonna put in Gordon, a way to preboil water using electricity from a battery installed in the locomotive itself which cuts the time of slowly raising Gordon to steam, pretty much turning 8 hours to 1.

In fact, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to get a diesel engine revved up for service as well, which is why railways such as Norfolk and Southern are implementing a similar system for their diesels so that they can be up and running even faster especially during freezing cold weather. We’re just doing this for Gordon. And why Tesla? Does electric semi-truck tell you anything? Of course our real world Tony Stark would want to see if it’s possible to run a steam engine using his batteries.

Even if it’s a publicity stunt.

So, we have our steam engine, we have a way to make said steam engine carbon neutral. We have ways to make said steam engine more efficient using both the technology that was invented at the time of Gordon’s construction, and today. And now we have a way to not only insulate Gordon’s boiler to prevent heat lost during idling or when we’ve tucked him to bed at night as well as making sure he has his coffee in the morning so he can be up and ready.

So what’s the point of having the batteries for Gordon’s electric boiler blanket if we can just hook the big guy up to Norfolk and Southern’s SLEEPER system instead? I’m sure he wouldn’t mind having a power cord sticking out of his tender some times. Those batteries power the new advanced braking.

So let’s go ahead and rip out that braking system and replace it with a new one.

I suspect that modern NWR would have replaced the vacuum brakes of its steam engines with air brakes at least. Because those things became obsolete in the 70s. We’re giving Gordon regenerative braking. Regenerative braking is something that was applied to a steam locomotive one time. General Motors created four types of steam locomotives, all were scrapped…utilizing electric turbines!

Meet Jawn Henry!  The electric steam turbine locomotive.  And if it weren’t for dieselization, we would have continued researching to improve this massive behemoth.

Yeah, the same thing they used to make power in a power plant, they decided to put that in a locomotive. And on top of that, they had regenerative braking. My friend in this project, since we’re using Tesla, and this is Elon we’re talking about…suggested shoving 3.5 Model S Tesla motors up Gordon’s bogey, which will coincide with the regenerative and blended braking.

I suggested Gordon doesn’t need this, BUT we are also thinking about possible breakdowns that might happen en route. So…yeah…Gordon switching over to his 3.5 Model S motors might be a good thing? But then if we do have the 3.5 Model S motors, why do we need Gordon? Well, unfortunately, the numbers we ran only say the motors are powerful enough to move Gordon himself, not the train he pulls. And certainly not at the speed we need him to be at. The motors act like attaching a diesel to the back of Gordon’s tender.

Um, example A?  I think Gordon would much rather have Tesla motors in his bogey than Paxton shoving against his tender when he breaks down.

The purpose there is for potential mechanical issues, power to the coaches, and powering regenerative braking to Gordon.

The system, much like a system in a hybrid car, monitors idling time Gordon has verses running time, and during down time switching between firebox heat and battery heat. While still keeping the pilot light going so Gordon’s not using his fuel up. And in the mornings all you have to do is light Gordon’s firebox, but he’s pretty much at a good head of steam to start off already thanks to the preheated water.

And the 3.5 Model S motors provide power to the regenerative and blended braking which I suggest to my buddy whom I had this rather long discussion with.  Regenerative braking coupled with the motors actually charges the batteries.  So every time Gordon applies the brakes, he’s charging his heating blanket.

And this is how we turn a steam engine into something possibly practical.

Maybe.

In conclusion, we’ve reduced the steam engine’s carbon footprint with the WVO fuel, reduced the amount of fuel and water it uses with the Kylchap exhaust system, maximized the conversion of wasted heat from the engine with exhaust steam injector, gave the steam engine an electric blanket to sleep under at night, and coffee in the morning which makes the time the steam engine takes to get started a lot less. And with that electric blanket, we’ve now given it a proper regenerative/blended braking system and secondary “get out of dodge” method just in case the engine brakes down during an excursion. Because we don’t want the engine to tie up the line.

And now Gordon doesn’t have to listen to all those mechanically inclined people telling him what a literal waste of energy he is.

This was an exercise that we did when we were bored and there was nothing on TV.

I’m sure someone can come along and possibly suggest something better than this.

And if you’re really curious, we did run the numbers for if we just say…let’s get rid of Gordon’s firebox altogether and make him a completely electric steam engine. You know how many battery modules we would need to shove up Gordon’s tender to make that a possibility? About 100 or more. It’s why I told him that it’ll be better if Gordon was a hybrid.  It’s just not practical to power up a steam engine using lithium batteries.

So we’re supplementing Gordon’s power with WVO and the batteries. Adding the electric traction motors…aka the 3.5 Model S motors. And using electric motors to supplement the steam power, allowing the boiler to run at lower PSI and fuel input rates, and increase overall efficiency.

I think we got a steam locomotive even the diesels will be jealous of. Yay?

All we need to do is get Tesla involved.

Remember, this is just a fun theory we worked out, and I’m still tweaking it as I go as I discover new things about modern steam power.

HEY, ELON!  HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO INVEST IN THE MOST ADVANCED AI IN THE WORLD...THAT’S LITERALLY CAPABLE OF ABSTRACT THOUGHT?!  We call him Gordon Gresley.

[aja154ever]

Uta no Prince Sama Maji LOVE LIVE 6th Stage - 05/27/2017

OMG. OMG. OMG. I have still not completely absorbed the fact that I was there - that my dream of attending Maji Love Live concert has finally come true on this fateful day. *cries a river*

This is a fan report - which is basically my feelings put into words. And warning: as in my previous seiyuu event reports (Bungo Stray Dogs, High Speed), this is looooooong. ^_^ Plus, I used the seiyuu’s nicknames for convenience.

ST☆RISH

Shinomiya Natsuki - Taniyama Kishou (Kiiyan)

Ichinose Tokiya - Miyano Mamoru (Mamo)

Aijima Cecil - Toriumi Kousuke (Tori-san)

Jinguji Ren - Suwabe Junichi (SuwaJun)

Ittoki Otoya - Terashima Takuma (Terashii)

Kurusu Syo - Shimono Hiro (Shimono)

Hijirikawa Masato - Suzumura Kenichi (SuzuKen)

QUARTET NIGHT

Kotobuki Reiji - Morikubo Showtaro (Morikubo-san)

Kurosaki Ranmaru - Suzuki Tatsuhisa (Tatsun)

Mikaze Ai - Shouta Aoi (Shoutan)

Camus - Maeno Tomoaki (Maenu)

HE★VENS

Hyuga Yamato - Kimura Ryohei (KimuRyo)

Otori Eiji - Uchida Yuuma (Uchida-kun)

Amakusa Shion - Yamashita Daiki (Daiki-kun)

Kiryuin Van - Takahashi Hidenori (Takahashi-san)

Otori Eiichi - Midorikawa Hikaru (Midorikawa-san)

Mikado Nagi - Yonaga Tsubasa (Wingu)

Sumeragi Kira - Ono Daisuke (OnoD)

It was a tough day. I already expected that there would be A LOT of people but not to the point that the performance would get delayed because half of the audience has not yet entered the dome. I do not know what totally went wrong but it really felt frustrating that many of us were still in line outside that was not moving at all, though it was already 4:30 PM - the scheduled start of the performance, while there was no announcement from the staff about what’s going on. Maji Love Live’s system is quite strict and complicated as compared to other concerts. Here, the ticket buyer’s name is actually printed on the ticket and before entering, you have to show a valid ID that it is yours. This year, the organizers were really at fault as to why this did not go smoothly and also the fans were at fault for failing to go the venue early to line up. They said that it may have something to do with the wrist bands because it was the first time for that to be implemented.

ANYWAY, moving on, we were finally able to go inside at around 5PM, but we were literally running because the live has already started! The intro VTR was already up, and while I was still running looking for my seat (which turned out to be on the other side of the dome damn it lol), ST☆RISH already appeared with Maji LOVE Legend Star! Like OMG WAIT! The fangirls alongside me were also on a rush but we did not fail to chant “Peace! Chu! Hey! Go! Legend Star!” being the dedicated fans we are. It was really funny running and singing at the same time, but still frustrating as I was not able to focus and watch the performance well esp that it’s their first time singing Legend Star live. I think I arrived at my seat in time for the last chorus. And this is my first Maji Love Live so why did it turn out like this huhu.

QUARTET★NIGHT - Shoutan and Maenu’s hairstyles were Ai’s and Camus’. What struck me here was Tatsun’s voice. I was not a fan of Tatsun’s voice - I mean it was averagely good for me but when I heard him today live, it was beyond average ok, it was good! (Anyway it was basically not my first time hearing it live if I would count his mini singing performance as middle school Makoto in last time’s High Speed event lol)

Tempest 

It rained OMG as in like in the music video lol. You know I can watch Mamo performing forever because for me this guy really does the best musical performances. Good voice, good moves, good looks, and the heart.

QUARTET NIGHT Duet & Solo

KILLER KISS - Reiji & Camus

Haruhana - Ranmaru & Ai

Melting of Snow - Maenu becomes more and more like Camus in every live. His hair, his eyes, his actions OMG. It’s as if Camus became real. A table and chair were set up for him, as he drank his cup of tea. So classyyyyy

On・Your・Mark! - It showed how Morikubo-san is so used to performing. I felt his confidence, and oh this ojisan can also dance yeah. And hearing him live for the first time, I actually appreciated his voice which I have not liked ever since. He’s a singer after all.

BE PROUD - Ok Tatsun, I’m proud of you. I’m sorry for not realizing that your voice was this good ok.

Synchronism - Shoutan was so cute. What’s new? But though I have always viewed him as feminine, seeing him live today for the first time made me see that Shoutan was cute, in a masculine way. His dance moves were really cute. The last pose he made where he captured his eye with his fingers in a peace sign, was really cute. Ok haven’t I used the word cute too much. Anyway, I know for a fact that Shoutan has one of the most beautiful singing voices in the seiyuu industry, and I have affirmed that today. He sounds pretty much the same recorded or live.

Shining Dream Festa

DAY DREAM - Tatsun, Terashii, Shimono, Suwajun, Kiiyan, and Morikubo-san in one song. Oh this was really fun. Foo! Foo! Fo foo!

NIGHT DREAM - Tori-san, Maenu, Suzuken, Mamo, Shoutan in one song. This was beautiful awwww. Love! Love! Love for you!

ST☆RISH Solo

Be the light - Mamo appeared as Hayato this time emitting all the happy vibes. As much as I love Tokiya, we all know that Mamo’s personality matches Hayato better though. “Tanoshindenyaaaaa??”

Hatsukoi o mata hajimeyou - Shimono came out of nowhere like we heard someone was singing but there were no signs of presence on the stage. Minutes later, we saw him coming from the side of the audience as in he performed on the stairs in the middle of the audience seats. (Lucky for the people who were near yay huhu) As usual he was jumping while waving his towel.

Tears in Love - Okay Kiiyan, guess who was in tears because of her overflowing love for you? Lol. Honestly, I was looking forward to a dance number because remember that they were teasing Kiiyan in 5th stage about not dancing. But this song was accompanied by piano, guitar, and viola. Anyway, I am more than satisfied with this performance as, with tears in my eyes, I have once again confirmed that Kiiyan has the best singing voice in the planet. (Fight me lol) And anyway this 41-yr old ojisan looked so hot in his hairstyle  。⁄(⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄)⁄

Give me True Love - We all know that SuwaJun’s one of the members who doesn’t do much dancing but no one expected what he offered to us this time. This 45-yr old ojisan came out riding an orange hoverboard and flawlessly maneuvered it for the rest of his performance. 

Kanbinaru Arcadia - True to what he said during 5th stage, Tori-san really did bring a black cat on stage this time lol. There was smoke and poof he appeared thereafter as the cat disappeared. Ofc, he did not dance again, but he jumped. Yeah that was his cute way of telling us that he was having fun.

I Swear - SuzuKen’s is one of the singing voices I like among the Shining seiyuu members and now hearing it live for the first time, I can say that he sounds pretty much the same whether recorded or live. I mean that in a good way. He performed with the accompaniment of a dancing fountain.

Brilliant Days - Yay! I give Terashii the best solo performance award this time. Kids on red shirts suddenly came out in the middle of his performance as back-up dancers. It was basically like Otoya who was the older brother in the orphanage as they danced and played like they were the cutest thing. But wait there’s more. Towards the end, the kids brought out and waved sunflowers and yeah we remembered that scene about the sunflower field and OMG there’s more. ST☆RISH members went up on stage to join them and lastly, they somehow reenacted this pose from the anime and we all just went awwwwww huhuhu

Intro - Shining Agency

ST☆RISH called QUARTET NIGHT to go up on stage and so the cast members from the Shining Agency were now gathered and officially welcomed everyone to the event, “Uta no Prince Sama Maji LOVE LIVE 6th Stage e youkoso!” What was obvious was that they were not talking as much as they did in previous live performances, and this is basically because of the delay in the start of the performance, meaning less time. They had to keep their intros short, which saddened me because I looove seeing their interactions.

Maji LOVE 1000% - ST☆RISH and QUARTET NIGHT

They soon segued to singing the song they deemed they’ve been singing since the beginning and they believe everyone knows well - Maji LOVE 1000%. I was really shocked because they have always put 1000% as the last song because we all know how perfect it is for encore. But who cares, everyone immediately went all out singing this. I was soooooo happy that I was finally able to sing this song with everyone because this is basically where everything began right? Huhuhu.

HE★VENS

After the best performance, a familiar voice finally echoed in the stadium, Midorikawa-san’s “Ii” and we all know that it’s time for HE★VENS.

HE★VENS GATE - Beginning of the Legend - I didn’t expect to enjoy HE★VENS’ performances this much but everyone’s still pumped up fresh from Maji Love 1000%, then HE★VENS came out soaring high on their podiums - yeah it was a really good entrance as the Heavens gate opened. And the crowd went crazy shouting, “YES CALL HE★VENS ! YES CALL HE★VENS !” It was really fun! It felt like HE★VENS actually received a warmer welcome than ST☆RISH and QUARTET NIGHT LOL.

They then introduced themselves one by one. I felt like they did more talking than  ST☆RISH and QUARTET NIGHT, which is fine, it’s their first time anyway. They teased OnoD to lead the talk as Kira does not speak that much in the anime. OnoD laughed as he agreed that he didn’t really have much lines when they do recordings in the studio. They mentioned that their bond has gotten closer as they actually created a group in LINE. Meanwhile, Daiki-kun was very serious in portraying Amakusa Shion’s character. Midorikawa-san felt happy singing and performing on stage as he said that maybe it has been 20 years ago since the last time. And Wingu, OMG it’s my first time hearing Wingu live. His voice is soooooo cute!!! They then performed another song: HEAVENLY PARADE.

Duet Project

Mighty Aura - For me, this is the best duet performance of them all. I have high praises for Uchida-kun for being able to keep up with Mamo’s singing and dancing. (Like OMG this is Miyano Mamoru we are talking about. Did you not feel intimidated with such senpai) It was really a good showdown and was overflowing with passion - it felt like I was really watching Tokiya and Eiji.

Grown Empathy - Kiiyan and Wingu came in carts from opposite sides of the dome. In the end, they had the “Let’s shouting” written on their palms as they stood back to back in the end. Damn it, soooo cute. And Kiiyan’s smile *faints*

Lasting Oneness - SuzuKen and OnoD performing together. Isn’t that in itself enough to give you a heart attack lol. Honestly, I didn’t like OnoD’s singing voice that much but hearing it live for the first time, I was amazed as it was really good. Then add the feels that Masato is my 2nd fave character in Utapri while I like Kira the most in Heavens.

Lovely Eyes - SuwaJun and Takahashi-san came in carts from opposite sides of the dome, this time near the audience seats, somewhat similar to what Shimono did earlier. 

Visible Elf - Tori-san and Daiki-kun came out riding hot air balloons which actually went flying inside the dome OMG. When they landed, Tori-san again did jumps while performing. He’s so adorable awww

JUSTICE IMPULSE - OMG KimuRyo and Shimono didn’t fail to give us a really intense performance. They fought as what Yamato and Syo did in the anime, while flying. Yeah, we saw how fantastic Shimono’s performance was in the last live and now he even dragged KimuRyo into this. Haha. This is the best next to Mamo and Uchida-kun’s.

NEXT DOOR - Kudos to Terashii again! I felt like I can see Otoya’s darkness in his eyes as he started off with an emotionless performance. Later on he went all dramatic as he clenched his fist on top of his heart while seeming to be in pain. All I can say is, “Saikou ni ii!”

As everyone went off the stage, a VTR was played on the screen showing clips from the previous Maji LOVE LIVE Stage performances from the first one up to the 5th. The audience happily sang along with 1000%, 2000%, and Revolutions.

Triple S Concert

And now we got to see the Triple S showdown live as the three units sang their respective songs.

God’s S.T.A.R. -  By this time I am really convinced that QUARTET NIGHT members are really good performers. They don’t only sing but even their dancing is on point. I understood why they have many fans and how this unit was able to hold its own live last time. They really brought the anime into life. We just went crazy shouting “Wow wow wow wow wow wow wow wow!”

Fumetsu no Inferno - I felt HE★VENS desire not to lose as they also delivered an intense performance, with such good lighting that heightened up such intensity.

WE ARE ST☆RISH - I was pretty sure that I’d cry when I hear this song live. I mean, I already did just by watching it on the anime so what more when I see and hear it live? And so my voice was really cracked while doing the “ST☆RISH! Love! Legend Star!” chants as I was just overwhelmed with happiness. The only sad thing was that they did not do their chants (e.g. “Omaetachi, tsuite koi yo”) which I was badly looking forward to. But the seiyuus actually did most of the dance moves which killed me!!!! Damn it, I love ST☆RISH!!!!! (I’m still getting goosebumps right now as I write this AAAAAAAAHHHHH)

Yes, they did this pose and Tori-san and Shimono looked so lovely sitting there o(╥﹏╥)o

Encore

After gaining enough time to change their shirts while the audience chanted “Encore!”, the 3 units finally appeared on their carts going around the arena. HE★VENS and QUARTET NIGHT were on the right side while  ST☆RISH came from the left side as they sing��Yume o Uta e to. It was funny because while the focus was on HE★VENS and QUARTET NIGHT since it was their turn to sing first, my focus was actually on ST☆RISH. Aside from the fact that they were on the side closer to my seat, and that I love them the most, I just couldn’t take my eyes off of Mamo and Kiiyan. I mean, I honestly love these two more than anyone else but please explain to me why Mamo and Kiiyan were dancing like crazy. Kiiyan’s hips and legs please. Please! They looked like they were having such a good time lol. I’m so glad I was not the only one who noticed as I read a similar report from @socialdegenerate here. Yay!

New Project 

After singing, Terashii announced that the time to bid farewell has come but before that they have special announcements. Ofc, they made SuzuKen lead the announcements. First is that the sale of Blu-ray/DVD of 6th stage has been decided, which ofc everyone already expected. Lastly, we all know that a new animation project is in the works as was announced in the Legend Star’s last episode. This time they specifically revealed that it was a movie adaptation. OMG I didn’t expect this. They’re finally moving to the movie theater. Yay! Honestly I was expecting a 5th anime season because even if I already got tired of the story, I’m still willing to support the series because of the songs. As the fact remains that UtaPri as an idol anime really produces good songs sang by great seiyuus. I think it’s actually a good thing; there might be something new as it was compressed into a film instead of stretching it to a series.

Final Messages

After the announcements, each of them gave out their final messages starting from HE★VENS to QUARTET NIGHT and lastly, ST☆RISH. It was again noticeable that they kept their speeches short. Midorikawa-san didn’t actually want to speak much as he said that guys his age actually tend to cry in such kinds of moments. Awwww! Meanwhile, Wingu was laughing while speaking - it really showed how much fun he was having. HE★VENS members were particularly happy for being able to perform on stage for a series as big as UtaPri. They also felt grateful for the warm welcome they received from the crowd. Camus did his trademark speech of greeting everyone politely then calling everyone “gumin-yo” soon after. (I’m so glad he did as when he did not do it in the intro, I thought he wouldn’t be doing it anymore.) Each of them also gave us one to two lines of sweet messages (I don’t know what to call them lol) in their characters’ voices as in Terashii’s “Minna, daisuki da yo!” and Kiiyan’s “Kimi dake shika imasen!”

Maji LOVE Legend Star

I was expecting Maji LOVE 2000% as the last song as they already sang 1000% earlier. But they did not sing it, much to my frustration huhuhu. I think they might have been adjustments to the set list as we didn’t get 2000%, Revolutions, and Mirai, Yume, Arigatou…Soshite! which I think everyone expected to be there. Again this is because of the lack of time due to the delay.

The seiyuus especially ST☆RISH was aware that many of the audience came in late. SuwaJun asked who among the crowd did not make it right in time for the first song, and got a huge amount of hands and screams as a response. In compensation for that, they sang Maji LOVE Legend Star once again as the last song. I’m so glad that I was given a second chance to properly sing with them together this time. So I just went all out singing “Peace! Chu! Hey! Go! Legend Star!”

Goodbyes, Thank Yous

The cast gathered at the center of the stage, stood side by side holding hands, as they said thank you without holding their mics. That was so precious awwwww. They then made rounds on the stage waving goodbye and repeatedly saying “arigatou!” to everyone. Mirai, Yume, Arigatou…Soshite! was playing in the background. Each of them also passed in front of the camera, doing whatever poses like winks, kisses, high-fives, fist bumps, etc. Mamo, ofc, being Mamo, showed off his body as he pulled his shirt up. And OMG Kiiyan, did the same but the camera stayed longer, which then killed me lol.

ST☆RISH was the last one to get off stage, and as the curtain (whatever is that) slowly went down, they all kept waving to the point of lying on the floor just to wave up until the last moment that they can be seen, which made me love them even more. ❤

“See you again” was flashed on the screen after voice overs from each of the cast saying goodbye to everyone.

Screenshots from Official accounts (Twitter/Blog):

Waaaa. I’ve sworn to go to 6th stage ever since I missed the chance to go to 5th stage last year. I’ve been looking forward to this event so much because I know that it would bring so much happiness. I mean, just watching the DVDs of the previous lives made me very, very happy, so what more if I were there in person. I’ve prayed for this more than any other event I’ve wanted to attend and God knows how much grateful I am that this dream has come true. And indeed, I believe this is the event of my year and one of the happiest times of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever screamed that much in my whole life. And I had this much good time despite the shortcomings so what more if everything actually worked out smoothly. I’ll definitely be there next stage, and sing 2000% and Revolutions too, with everyone. THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH. I can’t wait for the DVD PLEASE COME OUT ALREADY!

At least on this day, Kiiyan and I wore the same ring on our left ring fingers. Yay! (I wasn’t able to get a Tokiya ring for Mamo tho)

[combat-heelys]

"Well that explains it. I had you as a substitute at one point back at Beacon. Well, before it all went to shit. Mikado Haruna."

“Thanks for noticing I’m adorable.” October laughed sweetly, his tail flickering around as he leaned against the counter. “Well, handsome, my name’s October Pasteel, part time blacksmith, full time huntsmen.”

[itinerantscribe-blog]

Day 9 of 56

It begins before I exit the house. I am already notified of its potential presence by some instinctive reticence to go out, years and years of exposure to this funny thing embedding in me an almost 6th sense as to its proximity or distance, not to say that the speed that it can cover any ground could not overturn this basic awareness of its position in a blink of an eye. I know that the culprit is not booze today, nor is this knowledge garlanded in self-denial. I know myself, I know this condition, it and me? We are old friends. I would admit freely the identity of the culprit if I were possessed of the information, I don't know the identity, I just know what it is not. Aware of the interval twixt my last Bacchanalian revelry and now, knowing that I am free of that influence today, I fortify my resolve and insist that I exit. I want to have coffee, not for coffee's sake but for the opportunity to participate in the local milieu, an environment I oft times deny myself when housebound by you know what. To prove I can do it. It is after all, only coffee, me, alone, no need even to entertain or engage with anyone, just simple coffee. I want to extend my range beyond that today and go to the library for a brief respite from my cocooned environment, my home, which is the primary backdrop to the lion share of my day, of every day. I see no reason why I cannot accomplish this ambition, heaven knows, it is a most modest ambition. I am irritated that I am struggling. I was able to execute the same task yesterday with fluid facility, and that was closer to the temporal fallout zone following cessation of my vice than is today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmpOc94s1a8

As I am walking up my road, rucksack in place, straps positioned in such a way to allow a tight tug as I walk to tense my arms and then release them, practical yoga on the go, the subtle relaxation technique concealed and hidden from any observer by the seeming authenticity of the natural purpose of pulling straps tighter on a backpack, I am aware that I may fool them, but I am not fooling me. It is definitely bad today. Damn. I will not turn back. The feeling is building and gathering momentum. But this is not the House of Commons, this is not an airport terminal, this is doable. Do I really care if people spot me struggling to walk in a straight line? Do I care if they look askance at my self-tactile behaviour as a sudden, abrupt sensation tickles my chest demanding the immediate attention of an arm to check that all is in order? Yes I care. I care very much. I am not yet ready to start jerking my head back and forth publicly, I am not yet prepared to consign myself to maniacal gestures or lend myself to hysterical vocal outbursts in public. I am sure I am not insane. Surely not. Did Aksenty Poprishchin know he had gone mad? I order my coffee, overwhelming relief that the establishment is half empty so that any unexpected and unintentional strange display as I order will be limited to the minimum number of observers, myself and the girl at the till. I go at once outside, isolated table as always, measuring my anxiety before the next phase of my expedition. Coffee. I really should avoid coffee. It is certainly not going to alleviate this sensation. But no, I think, why should I? I have tried giving up so many things, beer, sugar, companionship, I REFUSE to give up my one cup of coffee a day. Fuck that. I REFUSE to give up life in its entirety. A recurrent thought doffs its hat at me. Yes yes, maybe this does prove re-incarnation I say by way of acknowledgement, I am being punished to expiate the sins of some previous life, or lives perhaps. I smile in spite of myself. Silly sod! Drink your coffee and get on with it. I do that very thing. But as I walk towards the library, I am aware that my old friend is walking with me all the way, nice of it to take time out to keep me company. Dear friend. I stop in the Co-op. I'd rather not, but there is absolutely no reason for me not to be able to, the booze is historically distant. It cannot be that! What on earth is causing this? I collate my items, present myself at another till, another gargantuan effort, feigning all calm but fighting to suppress the screaming torrent inside. This is why I have never really put on too much weight. Such a funny thought to occur to me. Oh well, every cloud and all that.. I have bought some spicy thingamabobs, perhaps sugar levels are low, I didn't sleep well again, sugar spike or sugar degradation, I can't remember. I stopped all that research a while ago now. Eventually, the searching for a cause, an explanation, becomes too tiring, too frustrating, too disheartening and even when you think you've hit the mother load, suddenly the condition, playfully in abeyance for a while, teasing and taunting and dangling false hope, BOOOM, re-appears, wagging its finger as it whispers no, no! Not even warm, mate! Maybe being a mad Irishman would not be so bad, less effort...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DotsQoAQPoo

I eat my treats in the park adjacent to the library. I need a piss but that means crossing the bloody road. Oh ffs, more theatre, more stress but I'm not going to ask for the key to the library latrine (how alliterative is that, library latrine?). They might take pleasure in saying no today. I have no confidence in good things this Tuesday. The treats have worked, I feel better! It was a temporary sugar drop! Hurrah! I leave the park, prepare to cross the road. The treats haven't worked. Where are those damned straps? My sunglasses, they are a permanent fixture on my face, they absolutely attract attention, constantly worn all seasons as they are. Absolutely don't care about that, they stay, non negotiable. Without them I would be blinded by the unforgiving light of life. Deep breath, off I go. Misjudged. I look like a numpty as I'm suddenly running across a car-less road. Who cares? I don't care any more, nothing seems to work. Beer doesn't work either. I don't actually want a beer. No cravings at all. It's sugar. I am still quietly minded that sugar is a key issue. I make a detour to the shop to buy some Mikado chocolate sticks. After all, sugar probably isn't the issue at all. I want Mikado sticks. End of. Good price. Fifty five pence. What a palaver buying those.

I'm in the library. I'm writing this. I'm not fully focused as I am also contemplating the return leg of my fun filled jaunt. I want to go to the greengrocers. I want an avocado and eggs. Maybe I should give up all the things I eat and try a completely new diet. Oh yes, why not go to extremes again? Such resounding success resides in extremes after all. Yeah right. I wonder if I'll succeed in effecting my purchases or if I will be compelled to walk straight by, frustrated in my attempt. My old friend didn't come into the library with me. I am fairly sure it will be waiting for me at the door though. It is a good friend, it wouldn't desert me so readily. Loyal, faithful, proper pal. I am so tired. I could sleep but daytime sleeping you may as well kiss goodnight to a full night's repose. God knows I can't afford to lose any more sleep! I was fine indoors. I'm fine here, in this indoors, this library. It's the life in between that's the problem. I am beginning to think this condition is here for life. I'm not sure such thinking is helpful but after 35 years, well, perhaps I should wake up and smell the coffee. I wonder if smelling coffee is acceptable to my mate? I'll try it and see…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkwc0RSihRI

Oh, my young friend called this morning, before I left. She's still with me, but...her use of language is a concern, she's making noises I've heard and made before. Her booze brain is working hard on her. It's trying to convince her that it wasn't booze that made her feel so awful that she wanted to stop. It's telling her that something else was/is responsible. It is conveniently not telling her that the reason why she is more in control, more able to cope, is precisely because she desisted from chucking down her throat the very thing that it is suggesting, gently at the moment, that she should try again now. It is being gentle with its argument thus far, but it won't be long before it begins to shout, to scream, to DEMAND that she obeys. It is a spoilt child, it is a monster fighting for survival itself, it will not cede lightly, it will fight, it will fight hard. Is she strong enough to resist? Am I?

PS I am about to leave the library and guess what? It has begun to rain, it is pouring down! Me in shorts and summer attire, a flimsy hooded fleece my only protection against the precipitation. Everyone in the vicinity in their summer garb. Good news at last!!! The streets will be emptying, people will be taking shelter under shop canopies, the rain is my best canopy, it is my escape hatch! I will be able to run, act aberrantly under the guise of normality in the face of these unsavoury conditions! I will make it to the greengrocer now, I am in no doubt. I will be able to run across car-less streets with reason, I will be able to hide beneath a fabricated hood of pretence, I can dance in the rain if I want, no-one will mind. I LOVE the rain. Today is not the first time the rain has been my best friend. The other friend, the nasty friend, that friend won’t be able to keep pace with me on the way home. Not now. Not now the rain is here. This could be the beginning of the best day EVER!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1ZYhVpdXbQ

Pps I can't wait to get home, this time I don't think I will ever go out again.

[kinomiya-kazane]

Epitome of Eighteen Histories 18: Kinomiya Kazane Episode

This is my translation for the last episode in the Epitome of Eighteen Histories extras! It was a lot of fun working on this, especially since Kinomiya Kazane is a really special character to me. 

I translated this from a Chinese translation, which translated it from the original Japanese, so um, translation-ception? ;w; 

Feel free to point out mistakes I may have made! (there are probably many)

Thanks you @candleoreo for proofreading owo

I hope you enjoy! 

Translation under the cut 

“Mommy, mommy, aren’t you going to meet Onii-san?”

Kazane had once asked this question as a child. However, at that time, her mother only smiled nonchalantly and replied,

“Right now, it’s enough for me to know that he is living happily. But if Shinra wants to see me, then of course I’ll go meet him.”

Her mother would often travel overseas because of work, and often came home only once in a few years. While Kazane did feel lonely, she never once blamed her mother.

Even though she was a child, she understood her mother’s deep love for her.

Kazane had never seen the sight of her mother together with her brother before, so she had asked this question innocently. However, her mother, while smiling, continued to speak.

“Also, Shinra, he…”

♀♂

At that time… what did her mother say?

Kinomiya Kazane dug into her deeply buried memories as she raced through Ikebukuro’s darkness.

On the night that she decided to go meet her brother of a different father, what entered her eyes was the sight of an unknown person carrying her brother, dressed in white, jumping out of the window of a tall apartment building - and a pitch black monster that pursued tightly afterwards.

If she didn’t catch up now, then she might not be able to see her brother ever again - this sudden rush of unease propelled her to break into a run after the black shadow moving above the buildings

However, it was impossible for her body to keep up with the speed of the monster - within 30 seconds, they had completely vanished from her line of vision.

But she continued to race after “her brother’s shadow”.

Maybe she was mistaken.

Maybe her brother was still peacefully sleeping in his apartment.

If she could convince herself of this, then she could stop her racing footsteps. But Kazane had also been a person that would often be swirled into troublesome situations since childhood. Because Shinra was certainly her brother, her intuition told her that he was probably being twisted into the center of a giant collision of trouble.

“What…. What’s happening on the street?”

After running on the street for a while, Kazane gradually realized that the atmosphere was completely different from usual.

It was approaching the late hours of the night, but she saw that Ikebukuro’s business sector was still filled with the shadows of countless people moving about.

Looking from afar, their movements seemed very strange - with an unnaturalness reminiscent of wooden puppets on strings, wobbling back and forth on the road.

Having experienced a number of past strange events  - Kazane’s intuition now warned her not to approach them under any circumstance.

Not only this, but there was a countless flow of cars on the main highway, as if they were all converging towards one spot somewhere deep in Ikebukuro.

“Oh… this place…”

When she had come back to her senses, she was already standing in a seemingly familiar location.

The first time that she had met Orihara Izaya, he had brought her to this pedestrian bridge.

In order to find out what was actually happening, she temporarily stopped her footsteps, pulling out her cellphone to check Ikebukuro’s current news.

Any clue, no matter how small, would be enough. She prayed that at least one other person had also witnessed the mysterious black monster as she fiddled with the phone. However, what she found was information that was beyond belief.

A gang that called themselves “Dollars” had fired a gun at the Awakusu-kai residence and the police station. Along with the incident where the police were attacked by a group of unknown people - it was difficult to distinguish between truths and falsehoods as the information exploded across Ikebukuro’s online forums.

Just a few seconds ago, she was chasing the removed-from-reality news of the “abnormal situation on the streets.” But what was entering her eyes now was precisely the reality of the “abnormal situation on the streets.”

“...”

Not long ago, she had interviewed the young boy from the Dollars, Ryuugamine Mikado.

What exactly had he done?

No, or rather, maybe he was an innocent victim that was caught up in these strange events?

---- The headless rider.

All of the clues pointed to one place, in the end.

This lingering idea mingled with the sight of the “black abnormality�� she had just witnessed, and grew into a giant monster that engulfed her mind.

--- The headless rider that the young boy had mentioned.

--- The headless rider that was living together with her brother.

--- The headless rider - the urban legend that galloped through the streets and alleyways of this   city.

The headless rider, that despite everything, was undoubtedly, firmly existing in this world.

It was both fantasy and reality.

The world’s “This side” and “That side”.

Kazane realized this.

That the very fact that the headless rider existed, was where the twisted part of this world became reality.

--- This is a crack… a boundary line…

She recalled what Izaya had once said to her.

“You should be careful not to get engulfed, as well.”

Maybe her brother had already stepped knee-deep into this world long ago.

Whether it was of his own will, or from the headless rider manipulating his heart.

Maybe if she took another step, she would also end on “the other side”. Maybe she would never be able to return to her past self.

Or maybe, precisely because she was afraid of this, she had always hesitated approaching her brother. This deeply buried thought began to surface in the jumbled sea of ideas.

She tapped intently at the screen of her phone, madly digging for the truth hidden between Ikebukuro’s fantasy and reality.

When she had returned to her senses, her phone was already dimming after displaying the “out of battery” notification.

Watching the screen fade to pitch black, she sunk into a deep silence.

To the other passer bys, it only looked like a few minutes, but to her, it felt like a long time had passed.

There was an intense conflict raging in her heart.

After a moment of deep reflection, she came to this kind of conclusion.

--- On some level, the headless rider and Nii-san are no longer ordinary existences

--- If I reached my hand out, then the present familiar world would be completely overturned.

--- Then all of the common sense and knowledge from before might be shattered.

As if to confirm this again, she contemplated inwardly as she walked on in the night.

“And if that happens…”

Her inner voice blurted it out like it was only natural.

“And if that happens…”

“And if that happens… so what?”

Emotions that she had carried in her heart for nearly twenty years began to erupt, erupt, erupt.

Clapping her hands to her cheeks forcefully, she stood on the pedestrian skywalk overlooking Ikebukuro’s streets and yelled in a loud voice.

“My name is Kinomiya Kazane! Kinomiya Kazane!”

Nobody else had heard her voice - it was as if she was announcing her own name to the city itself.

Throwing away everything, she began to look her brother all over again.

She had already made up her mind - it didn’t matter if she could never go back.

Even if she couldn’t return to “that side”, in her heart, she silently thanked her parents and all the other people she had felt grateful towards in her lifetime.

Suddenly, she realized something.

It was already far past the time that the sun should have risen, but the sky above was still shrouded in a layer of pitch black.

The darkness was far too excessive even for a cloudy day. Furthermore, the sky in the far distance showed an edge of bright daylight.

In other word, only the sky above Ikebukuro seemed to be covered by a huge black umbrella. Kazane felt more and more unease in this abnormal darkness. With rising unrest, she continued to wander the streets with the clear goal of searching for her brother’s shadow.

Although she had no real sense of direction, her premonition led her closer and closer to a certain place.

Her brother was trapped in this abnormal situation.

Not only, but this abnormal situation seemed to have something to do with the headless rider

Then, perhaps her brother was in the middle of this madly swirling hurricane of events.

With no evidence for her thoughts, Kazane simply followed her intuition as she ran towards some direction.

Towards the heart of the black shadow that engulfed the entire city.

As well as the place where the red-eyed people were converging.

The place where the people who had lost control of themselves were gathering.

Where the members of the Dollars were also gathering.

At the base of one of Ikebukuro’s iconic landmarks, the towering Sunshine 60.

♀♂

And then she saw it, raising her head to look up at the sky from the base of Sunshine 60.

She saw the giant horse running through thin air, and the armour-clad silhouette that sat atop the horse.

The sky above was illuminated only by the light from the tall buildings, so she could not see very clearly. However, she could see that the person was holding something under their arm.

She could also see that the armour had nothing but emptiness in the space above its neck.

--- There’s no mistake… this must be the headless rider’s true face.

--- Then, what about Nii-san?

Kazane noticed that there was no such white-clad person sitting on the back of the horse. She continued to watch the giant horse anxiously. In the next instant, a hard-to-believe scene entered her vision.

Suddenly, a white shadow emerged out of nowhere, hurling through the sky towards the black horse at a frightening momentum.

--- Eh?

She was stunned for a moment.

When the black shadow reacted first, she suddenly realized the identity of the white silhouette.

--- O-Onii-san!??

She couldn’t help but cry out like a surprised child, hurriedly rushing toward the spot where the two figures had fallen.

And then, she saw it.

♀♂

After a few minutes, she arrived where they had landed.

In a corner of Sunshine city.

On the black web that had expanded from the dark shadow, Kazane saw “that sight”, and she remembered.

From her childhood, the second half of her mother’s words.

“And Shinra… he… is living with someone right now. When he smiles at that person, his expression is a lot brighter than when he smiles at me.”

“Of course, even though I’m unsure what to do, if Shinra can smile that happily, I believe that she is not a bad person.”

A smile.

Shinra’s entire face was filled with an almost overflowing smile.

Her brother’s whole body was wrapped in bandages, and he had just risked his life. But as he was being tightly held by the headless rider, he wore a refreshing and exceptionally tender smile.

As if that smile wasn’t for himself, but to comfort the uncontrollably shaking headless rider in his arms.

Seeing the tightly embracing pair, Kazane temporarily forgot her next move.

It could be said that she was mesmerized by this sight.

Because although she had always been watching her brother from afar, she had never seen such a blissfully happy smile on her brother’s face before.

And then she remembered the last of her mother’s words.

“...But if mom saw Shinra’s happy smile up close, then mom would surely be jealous of that person. So, it might be better if I don’t go see Shinra.”

“Because in front of her son, how could a mother show a jealous expression?”

“Ah, I’m sorry, right now, these words might be hard for you to understand…”

--- But I understand it now, mother….

Kazane began to walk toward the two people.

--- But it’s alright. Be it me, or mom, there’s no way either of us could be jealous towards  that person.

She said this within her heart, for herself, and for her mother far away overseas.

--- She is the person brother likes, right? So I will definitely like her as well… although this is only my feeling.

[Ah, S-Shinra! There’s someone watching!]

Hearing her motorcycle’s warning neigh, Celty became aware of a woman approaching them and twirled Shinra away to show him her PDA.

“Eh? Ah, sorry to disturb you! We’ll leave right away!”

Shinra waved his hand while gently smiling. Seeing him like this, the girl’s eyes filled with tears as she opened her mouth to say:

“This...suddenly bringing this up...might startle you…”

Towards the the girl that was now addressing them, Shinra and Celty felt some confusion. The girl suddenly bowed deeply, announcing her name in a clear voice.

“My name is Kinomiya Kazane! This is our first meeting, Shinra Nii-san! I’m your younger sister of a different father!”

♀♂

Years later…

--- I remember it clearly even now… Nii-san’s shocked expression, and Celty’s even more shocked expression.

The female freelance reporter heading towards Shinra’s apartment, Kinomiya Kazane, was walking on Ikebukuro’s sidewalk as usual while holding her phone to her ear.

A familiar voice from long ago came from the other side of the line.

“Oh? How did a freelance reporter find this number? Did Tsukumoya tell you? ...Well, it doesn’t matter - if you can call me now, it means that you have already left the path of ordinary people.”

Towards the other person’s slightly surprised tone, Kazane replied without any hint of timidness.

“Haha, that makes me remember… At that time, you once said to me that whatever I feel toward my brother is my own free will, but to be aware of the headless rider.”

“...”

“You said that the headless rider was an existence beyond normal understanding. And my brother who was obsessed with her, also might no longer be an ordinary existence for me…. then I should be careful not to get caught up too deeply.”

“Who knows? I forget things from such a long time ago. But I feel like that is a piece of earnest advice, no? Don’t tell me you called me just to say this?”

Hearing his slightly awkward tone, Kazane replied in an extremely clear voice.

“After this, everyone will be gathering at brother’s apartment for a hotpot party. Nii-san and Celty-san’s friends are invited… Shingen-san and Emilia-san, Kadota-san… Also Mikado-kun, Kida-kun, and Sonohara-san, the people from Russian Sushi, and your sisters Mairu and Kururi-chan are also coming! If they have time, Hanejima Yuuhei-san and Ruri-san are also trying to get here! You know all those people, right?”

“Oh? You can tell just from the list of participants that it will be a lively event…”

Hearing the other reply without change of emotion in his tone, Kazane spoke his name while continuing to talk.

“If it’s okay for you, would Izaya-san be able to attend as well? The reason why I called was to invite you!”

“...It’s rare for me to receive such an enthusiastic invitation, but I’ll have to decline. Right now, I am rather far from Tokyo. Also, Tsukumoya must have already told you that my body is not in the best condition right now, so I won’t be able to rush back just like that.”

“How about if Shizuo-san comes to pick you up? Then you might get here faster that way.”

“... Your style has changed a lot, it’s nearly comparable to Tsukumoya’s level now!”

After spitting out obvious words of ridicule, the man on the other side of the phone lowered his voice slightly as he asked her a question.

“Hey, Kinomiya Kazane,”

“What is it?”

“What exactly are you trying to become? You are but a magazine journalist that happens to have some connections. On this mystical stage full of ridiculous dolls dancing a mad dance, what kind of act are planning to perform?”

Towards Izaya who had suddenly changed his approach, Kazane maintained a serious attitude, stopping her footsteps on the sidewalk to answer him clearly.

“What I’m planning to perform is exactly the ‘magazine journalist that happens to have some connections’ that you described!”

“...”

“What I wish to become, is simply ‘Kinomiya Kazane’”

Her words contained no hint of confusion or ambiguity, directed straightforwardly at the person on the other side of the phone.

“Liking my brother, liking my sister-in-law Celty, a common, ordinary little sister, just like everyone else.”

“... How worthy of celebration. In the end, you were also enraptured by nonhuman beings. It’s regretful.”

“Um, but are you really not coming to the hotpot party?”

“Sorry, but I actually hate hotpot. I dislike hot foods.”

Carelessly saying an obvious lie, Izaya prepared to hang up the phone. Towards this, Kazane spoke in a serious tone.

“Izaya-san, one last thing.”

“...What is it?”

“One day, for sure, I will let you have a reunion with brother and Shizuo-san again!”

After a moment of silence, he laughed as he gave his strange but sincere reply.

“...If you think you can do it, feel free to try. At that time, I will use my full effort to run away from you.”

---

Like this, history was written down.

From one person’s subtle movements, to the flow of an era set by the endless accumulation of fate between people,

Accepting everything that had changed, Ikebukuro’s streets welcomed a brand new day.

Precisely because she was able to understand all this, Kazane was able to walk bravely forward.

There were as many people as the number of beautiful and terrifying distortions engraved into this continuously flowing tale.

Even tomorrow, the story of these streets, filled with hope and countless dreams, will continue on as always.

Kinomiya Kazane Episode.

Along with the compiled tales of Ikebukuro’s inhabitants.

Continues to weave out a new history.

[noizchild]

What This Week Looks Like

Monday-Friday:

Strange Animal Days (Original, Chapters 44-End)

Summary: Noizchild is banished out of Clover House because of a fight into the all-boys dorm house, Animal House. Now along with her lover, Rob, she will turn Animal House upside down and wreck havoc upon the greedy house owner, Artemis.

Monday:

Tea Leaves and Opal Necklaces (Wasteland 2011, Hetalia Section, Season Six, Match Twenty-Nine)

Summary: Sixth volume is up. One of three stories that follow my poem, “Wasteland 2011.” The ladies of the Liao clan are pushing Yao and Ju to have a baby. Despite the unease, the couple agree to get started. However, there are pressing issues are threatening to throw everything into a nasty spinner. Japan still struggles with the Woman in Red haunting him and everyone is panicked by her.

Wednesday:

Wonderland Chaos  (Wasteland 2011, Durarara Section, Season Six, Halo Twenty-Four)

Summary: Sixth volume is up. Second of three stories that follow my poem, “Wasteland 2011” and the core story. The third gate has been opened and Kitano and Etsuko decide to take their experiments even further. With help from the Dis Program, Tandeki has an edge in the game. Things start to speed into overdrive as Mikado and the other tadpoles start to notice changes to their bodies.

Friday:

War Stories (Wasteland 2011, D.Gray-Man section, Season Six, Key Nineteen)

Summary: Sixth volume up. Third and final part of the “Wasteland 2011” trilogy. What is the Great Crash and what caused it? The angels in the Tower, Fallen City, and living world are starting to remember what happened and how they ended up where they are. Meanwhile in Heaven, Komui launches a private investigation about what the Dark Order is hiding about the Great Crash and the war.

Saturday:

London Wedding (Original, One-Shot)

Summary:  Noiz is invited to a wedding in London by her former professor.

Sunday:

Hitchin' a Ride (Original, One-Shot)

Summary: Alex and Noiz end up lost in the English countryside at night in the rain. The only way to survive is to hitch a ride back to London.

[combat-heelys]

"I mean, you could give it to someone who's actually gonna use it and appreciate it for its intended use. Uses which do not involve it being scrapped."

aut-cbhn replied to your post: “Treasure chest opened! You acquired a whole and entire car.”:

“…Y'all gon’ drive that?”

“Drive it? Why would I drive? I’ll just have it made into scrap, that will give this worthless hunk of metal some use.”

[cassandralyn]

  Our Mexico Trip

  I can’t tell you how old I was when my family traveled outside of the American board for my first time.  We took a trip to Canada, but it was before 9/11 and didn’t need a passport to exit or reenter the country from that border.  So when my husband first named the possibility of going to Mexico, I was a bit gobsmacked.

As the months passed and it looked like we were really were going to have the chance to go, I started the process to get us both passports.  It was a process.  But you don’t care about those logicists.  Frankly, I don’t either.  Just know that I was very nervous about getting it done and getting it done right.

When the hubby went on his annual company trip, it was confirmed that in January we would be traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I was excited, but it was also months away, so I tried to not think about it.  

Then January came, and I had to think about it.  We were going!  OMG.  Now first, let me explain, this was not just a vacation that we decided we were going on.  This was a reward for the extremely hard work my husband has put into his company and the great job he had done in the year for the company.  My husband went in early, came home late and busted his butt while he was there.  He took a store that was in trouble and turned it around to make it profitable.  He’s like in the top 20% of the company nationwide.  It’s pretty incredible to think about the work he’s done.  The pride I feel for him is overwhelming.  He is an amazing man.

So, he EARNED this trip.  An all expense paid trip to the Marriott Resort in Mexico.  The airfare, hotel accommodations, meals and drinks through the day.

  We left Friday morning, Roger was kind enough to be at our house 3:20 am to get us to the airport in enough time to check in and all that.  Mom was amazing and was already at my house to be with the kids.  After a round of kisses, we were off on our trip.  We got to the airport and I was super nervous.  One. I was going to a foreign place.  Two. I hadn’t flown over a decade.  Three.  I already felt sick to my stomach from lack of eating a proper supper.  The airport was the airport.  We left from Concourse A; which happened to be the concourse that I ran all over the summer after my freshman year working.  But man, it was different.  They have really upgraded the airport.  I mean, that was ten years ago, so I am not surprised, but whatever.  Finally, we had boarded the plane and were off.  Flying into Houston, Texas; a place I’ve also had never been to before.  We were flying before the sun had risen, so seeing the sunrise about the clouds, well that is a view that is just incredible.

  In Houston, we went to our next gate and hung out eating some snacks.  Boarding again, I knew when we landed we would be in a different country.  When we were coming into our landing in Houston, you could see all the roads and buildings.  It was the typical city from the air.  But when we landed into PV it was a different world. The roads we saw from above were primarily dirt roads.  Now they did have paved roads throughout the main part of the city, but the overall landscape showed dirt paths.  But what was amazing was the mountains.  Now I have seen the Great Smokies.  And they are large and incredible.  But the mountains as we came into land were just different.  They were more grand, larger, beautiful.  My pictures really don’t do it justice.

  The landing was easy, the flight hadn’t been as terrible as it could have been. And once we breezed through customs we were to head to the greeters who’d take us to the hotel.  But first, we had to pass through the Shark Tank.  This was the scariest part of the trip.  Phil had our suitcase, I had our carry on and we walked with our group into this room full of people who was trying to make a sale.  They were like a crazed and vicious dog.  They were yelling about having our travel arrangements and having to pay a tax for it.  And all this other crazy stuff.  No was not the answer they wanted to hear, and I felt tired after getting through to the room.  Once we were out, we loaded into the bus and took a ten-minute ride on the CRAZIEST road to the hotel.  They drive so differently.  People are cut off, speeding, changing lanes.  You think Ohioans can’t drive well, let me tell you they are saints compared to the crazy Mexican drivers I witnessed.

Walking up to the hotel from our van was a relief.  But it was weird.  Any hotel I’ve ever been to has had a door to walk through.  Not there, though.  It was an archway.  The lobby was open aired.  And from the second I was through it I could feel the ocean breeze hitting my face. The hotel was grand and wonderful and had all these beautiful flowers everywhere.  Once we got into our room, we took a stroll on the beach.  I finally have had my feet in the Pacific Ocean.

The beach was rocky.  It would have stretches of sand that were peppered with tiny rocks and then there were be these massive big rocks that the water hit.  I’d never seen that in my limited beach trips.  That night I started to feel sick (I assume from the travel and lack of eating proper meals) but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the dinner that Phil’s company had arranged.  Each manager that was there was recognized for their achievements.  But the organizers took the time to recognize the spouses for their part of it.  Which I had to say felt very nice.  I sometimes feel like I’m not that important because I only run the house.  But I run our family, while he runs his business. And that is important.  They were also thankful that we put up with them being gone for so long.  I liked that they did that.

***

On Day Two, Saturday,  I felt much better.  Thank God.  We got up and had an amazing breakfast.  It was buffet style and had a lot of choices I recognized.  It had some weird choices and I just avoided them.  I stuck with food I knew for that morning since I was afraid to tempt fate too much.  We traded our American dollars for Mexican peso and felt like we were rich.  Since $200 equaled over 4,000 pesos.  Then in a group of 8, we went to the boardwalk.  This place was very beautiful.  And had many shops where we spend those pesos.  Getting a small gift for loved ones.  There were all kinds of strange statues and nifty things to see.  The thing that really got me, was there was very few blocking.  It was all open, even when it was a straight drop down.  There was no fences or anything.  Like even with the statues there was no don’t touch type of deal.  There was one statue that was a ladder straight up, and people were climbing it.  I was like, seriously, why?

My favorite part of walking on the boardwalk was going into this cathedral.  It was gorgeous.  It had all these statues and carvings that were just impressive.

  I know, it’s a lot of pictures.  But it was a beautiful place.  Once we got back from town we hung out in the pool with a group until it was time to get ready for our dinner reservations.  We ate at Mikado, which was hibachi.  (We made a point to eat at all 4 resort restaurants.)  It was a fun evening we met up with another couple and just had a good night full of laughs.  It was good food, and it was so filling, but it wasn’t quite the hibachi that we are used to.  Since it wasn’t overloaded with soy sauce.  There was also no yum-yum sauce.  So that was crazy.  We spend the rest of the night sitting in the lobby bar hanging out.  They had a live duo playing songs and it was just a nice night.

***

Day Three, Sunday was a new experience we got up, had room service for breakfast.  The french toast was good, even with the raisins in it.  Then after a bit of indecision, we went off to the spa to have back messages.  I spent time in the steam, the sauna and the jacuzzi.  Then had my back pampered and it was perfect.  That night was the real treat.  A huge group of us, (24) loaded into two mini busses and took an hour drive up a mountain to a restaurant called Le Kliff.  It was built into the side of the mountain and made with the idea of a wonderful view at dinner.

This night was wonderful.   It was just great to sit around with other adults and eating fancy food.  The crazy thing was they gave you a cup and pour a bottle of water into it.  All fancy like, but they also put a random piece of fruit in it.  Some had cucumber, some had grapefruit and on and on.  They didn’t ask you want you wanted either, they just gave it to you.  I had beef medallions and they were yummy. There were these weird animals that I had never seen before coming into the restaurant.  A lot of our group went and played with them. Phil said they were like cats.  But others described them as possums.  So I stayed far, far away.  Though it was cool how friendly they were.    The ride back was insane because there were no traffic lights.  There were no street lights.  It was just lit by headlights.  I sort of just held on to Phil and tried to not worry.   That night was just chill time in the hotel lobby again.  We watched the BJ Penn fight on UFC on the TVs and that was disappointing.

***

Day Four, Monday was our last day there.  I spent the morning packing and then we went and had breakfast.  There was just a lot of downtime as we were prepping to come back.  We loaded onto a bus and went to the airport.  It was a much easier time to go into that airport.  Then we hung out forever until our flight.   That flight was the hardest flight of the entire trip.  It was long.  I was uncomfortable.  I was so fidgety.  I read over 200 pages to attempt to calm myself.  We were on time until we hit the Chicago then due to weather we were in a holding pattern.  Coming down to land was rough and it made me feel lightheaded.  Once we landed we literally had 30 minutes to go through customs, get our bag, recheck our bag, go to Terminal One to go through security, get to Terminal Two and board out flight.  And we made it JUST IN TIME.  It was very close.  Landing at the home airport was nice.  It was just good to be home.  Roger drove us back home.  Where my boys were still sitting up.  The trip was incredible.  It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so thankful that I was able to go.  I’m thankful to my parents for keeping my kids.  Knowing they were in safe hands, made it easier to relax.  I have to say, anyone who gets the chance, should go.  Go have a fun trip.

Here is a gallery of all my photos:

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And that is all.

Traveling Aboard Our Mexico Trip I can't tell you how old I was when my family traveled outside of the American board for my first time.  

[combat-heelys]

He wants to increase his fruit intake so he’s going to eat more pineapple pizza from now on.

[combat-heelys]

“I swear I saw Oobleck at a nightclub once... Granted- could have been me hallucinating but i am 99% sure it was that lanky motherfucker.”

[combat-heelys]

“You eat cherries? Fucking crin-”

[combat-heelys]

"Everyone calls my car the clownmobile because of the fact I managed to get 11 people inside it this one time." Mikado chuckles. "Not the most legal way to get everyone home from the club but I was tired and didn't wanna do more than one trip."