#storm the gachapon

[chasing-the-storm]

:( head shake

-bubbles

"Oh. Hm...do you have any way to communicate? Uh...do you know sign?"

[ddarker-dreams]

Cherubim.

Gojo Satoru x F Reader x Geto Suguru.

Warnings: Implied trauma, Gojo and Geto are both weird + manipulative. Word count: 6k.

-Index-

March 18th, 2006. 

2:26 p.m.

-

Gojo Satoru has found himself embroiled in his greatest turmoil yet. 

Assassination attempts? That’s nothing, he’s waved those off since he was a kid. Jujutsu politics? The higher-ups can yap until they’re blue in the face; they’re all bark, no bite. Curses? Similarly inconsequential. No matter how much power they hold, they're reduced to speckled splatters the instant they cross his path. 

For most, experiencing one of these dilemmas would prove too overwhelming, much less all three. He isn’t like most, though. He’s strong. Incomprehensibly strong. He can weather any storm, shift the tides of any battle in his favor. Has this gone to his head? Absolutely. He can handle ‘too much.’ It’s ‘not enough’ that’s proving to be an issue. 

This is why he’s detailing his recent woes to an uninterested Ieri Shoko, who made the mistake of reading in the dormitory’s common area. 

The scene is as follows:

Satoru’s along the length of the couch, his long, lanky limbs dangling wherever they can. He lays his head against the armrest, snowy hair succumbing to gravity in an avalanche that frames his face. He uses his ability to keep his sunglasses from meeting the same fate. Behind the dark frames, his eyes narrow into a piercing stare. If the ceiling were sentient, it would’ve fled by now. Such is the potency of his miserable mood. 

Parallel to him sits Shoko, the fat of her cheek squished upward from resting on her fist for so long. Books, candy wrappers, and notes from last year’s curriculum yet to be thrown away litter the table’s surface. Suguru’s could put a calligraphist to shame, even if they were written in a Badtz-Maru pencil you won from a gachapon. Your notes stand out as well. They’re bright shades of your favorite colors, organized according to a system of your own devising. Occasionally, the handwriting shifts, taking on Suguru or Shoko’s likeness for trickier kanji. You doodle hearts of gratitude around the yomigana they include for good measure. 

(You complained that his handwriting was ‘indecipherable’ when he tried doing the same. Out of spite, he gave you the cold shoulder… for three minutes. He withers and wilts without your attention). 

He sighs and concludes his monologue. 

“So, that just about sums everything up. Well? What’s the prognosis, Doc?” 

“You’re in desperate need of more friends,” Shoko replies. Satoru lets out an unsatisfied grunt. “And you miss [First].” 

Satoru perks up at your mention, finally giving that poor ceiling a much-needed reprieve. He shuffles around until he’s facing Shoko. 

“But she just headed out yesterday.” 

“I know.” 

“That’d make me really weird and clingy, right?” 

“Glad you’re catching on.” 

While Satoru contemplates the previously unconsidered possibility of him being ‘really weird and clingy,’ Shoko reopens her manga. She’s of the mistaken belief that the issue has resolved itself. Unfortunately for her, the problem extends beyond Satoru’s insatiable hunger for you. The problem is Satoru himself. Until he’s running amuck elsewhere, there’ll be no solace. 

She commends herself for her patience. 

In typical Satoru fashion, he continues testing it. 

“When was the last time you updated your passport?” 

“I’m not flying to her home country with you,” Shoko shuts down what he thought was a brilliant plan. “It’s just two weeks. Wait it out.” 

“What if we fly first class?” 

“Gojo.” 

“Yeah, yeah, it’s still too soon to meet her parents. It’s gotta happen eventually though, right?” 

Shoko doesn’t dignify this with a response. 

Satoru sinks into the cushions. Could there be anything worse than boredom? He has no missions lined up, you and Suguru are visiting family, and the first-years haven’t arrived yet. Pestering Utahime has lost its charm too. He could return home before the school year starts, but he’d rather have his fingers chopped off one by one than suffer that torture. 

“Hey, Shoko.” 

“Mm.” 

“Why aren’t you back home? I thought you got along with your parents.” 

“They’re both busy. I wouldn’t see them much.” 

Satoru doesn’t press the matter. 

It does intrigue him though — the relationship sorcerers have with their non-sorcerer families. Or, to be more specific, yours and Suguru’s familial dynamics intrigue him. Satoru can’t (and doesn’t bother trying) to care for the going-ons of anyone outside his small circle. This is more the hubris of a teenager who has been told he’s special his entire life than anything malicious. To Satoru, the world’s population might as well be stuck at three. 

Regardless, it’s an improvement.

Before meeting Suguru, those in his life consisted almost exclusively of suckups or stuckups. If he was unlucky, it’d be both, rolled into one terrible package. This was his reality. Jujutsu was his reality. He was the first to possess the Limitless and the Six Eyes in generations. The Gojo clan wouldn’t waste such an extraordinary opportunity. He was their pride and joy, personality aside. 

He was born to be the strongest. 

He can’t imagine any other life for himself. 

Then there’s you. 

He could see you leading a normal life. You wouldn’t be top of the class or a varsity athlete, but you’d be well-liked. Boys would nervously ask you out on dates and buy you roses with money they got from mowing lawns. You’d be the first one your friends would call when they experienced heartache. Maybe you’d go to college or land an entry-level job. Some co-worker with a decent sense of humor would win you over. Then you’d get married, rent a property, have a few kids… 

Satoru’s stomach twists. He grimaces, shifting his thoughts elsewhere. Namely, the question that’s bothered him for a while. 

Why did you become a jujutsu sorcerer? 

It was intentional. You chose to leave behind your home, your family. You knew the risks. How the body can break and ache in ways previously unrecorded. And what do you get in return for this thankless crusade? Sleepless nights where you tremble like a leaf beside Shoko? A nimbleness at dressing wounds that could only have come from years of practice? 

You’re open about everything until you aren’t. Fear, mortality, loss — when confronted by these unsightly truths, you retreat to someplace he can’t follow. 

Satoru can’t make sense of it. Neither can Suguru. Shoko says they shouldn’t press the matter. He wants to, though. He needs to know how you break. How else can he ensure that you never will? 

He thinks back to that humid August day. The binding vow eviscerated your insides, shards from fractured bones dug into your organs. Until that point in his life, Satoru prided himself on his immunity to fear. The pathogen never lasted long in his system. After all, fear is born from a lack of control. From having something to lose. If he couldn’t lose, what was there to be afraid of? 

It’s a question he’s been avoiding. 

(“If she dies,” he told Suguru, in a voice he barely recognized as his own, “They die too.”)

His mouth feels dry, his tongue heavy. He’ll drink that tea you’re fond of later to satiate his thirst. He wonders if you share its taste.

“What’re you reading, anyway?” he asks, hoping to take his mind elsewhere.

“Fruits Basket.” 

He laughs, incredulous. 

“Seriously? Didn’t take you for a shoujo type.” 

“I borrowed it from [First]. We’re doing a book exchange over break.” 

A book exchange… three words Satoru never thought would pique his curiosity. However, anything about you demands his undying attention. Even if it’s shoujo manga. Girls who read that genre do it to project onto the heroine, right? So the love interest must have appealed to you. What tropes do you like? Do you want a shy, sensitive soul who blushes and stutters in your presence? A misunderstood bad boy who’s only soft around you? The responsible student council president? 

Oh, he’ll have so much material to tease you with when you return. He can’t wait. 

“How do I enter this exclusive book club?” Satoru demands. 

“You don’t. I don’t trust your taste,” Shoko replies, much to his chagrin. “You can still read it, though. She has all of the volumes in her room.” 

… Your room? 

He grins from ear to ear.

Should he respect your privacy? Probably. Is he going to? Of course not. He never has, there’s no point in starting now. 

This trip of yours might yet redeem itself. 

-

Along the outskirts of Jujutsu High, Geto Suguru spots an odd woman. 

She’s wearing a baggy graphic tee, low-rise jeans, and gaudy bracelets on both arms. Her black hair is tossed up, thick strands sticking in every direction. Even from this distance, he can discern the silver glint of piercings that dot her ear like constellations. The stranger stands slouched, both her hands shoved into her pockets. For her to have gotten this far, she can’t be a civilian. Those unfamiliar with jujutsu can’t find this place. 

He stays still for a spell — watching and waiting. From this distance, she shouldn’t be able to sense his presence. It’s one of the few areas he excels at over Satoru. Satoru’s cursed energy is bright, blindingly so, a thunderous clap that can be heard for miles. Suguru prefers to keep his muted. It coils around his limbs like a serpent, never straying far. This is why you had no difficulty picking out Satoru’s stupefying presence on your first day, whereas he had to make himself known to you. 

Suguru’s lips quirk up. 

He was fated to meet you. 

“Hey! Kiddo!” A deep, somewhat raspy voice exclaims. He blinks rapidly, temporarily thrown off. “This ain’t an art gallery. What’s with the staring?” 

She noticed him? How? 

When the stranger starts slinking his way, he regains his composure. 

“I apologize. It wasn’t my intention to make you uncomfortable,” Suguru’s cadence flows smoother than a river. 

���Hah! ‘Uncomfortable?’ That’s a way of putting it,” she pokes the space beneath her emerald eyes twice. “Even now, I can feel ya picking me apart. Shit’s creepy.” 

His smile tightens. “I’ll be more mindful of my conduct in the future, then.” 

She waves him off. Her golden bracelets clink together as she does so, the sound grating his ears. 

“That’s a lie if I ever heard one. And I should know. Schemers excel at picking out their brothers in arms,” she juts her head up, giving the impression that she’s the one looking down on him, despite the slight height difference. 

“Anyhow, by the looks of it, you must be Sugu-kun.” 

… Did she just call him Sugu-kun? 

“What? Too soon* to be calling you that? Heh, heh…” 

Suguru’s smile tightens. “You can refer to me however you like, so long as I can return the favor.” 

She guffaws.

“Maaan, Goldie sure was gracious in her description of you,” the woman gives him a lopsided grin. “Name’s Akane. There — is the playing field leveled now?” 

“Ishimoto Akane?”

He doesn’t miss the way she winces as her surname is spoken aloud, rather pointedly at that. 

“Ah. S’pose I had that coming.” 

Suguru decides against prolonging her torment. He’s in a generous mood, it isn’t every day he has a chance to learn more about you. This is an opportunity he’ll take full advantage of. 

“And I presume 'Goldie' is [First]?” 

He makes a mental note to figure out the wordplay for your nickname later. 

“Full marks.”

Suguru hums, a sound indicating that he’s drifting deep into thought. 

You don’t mention your mentor often. When you do, it’s normally in the form of endearing (if not mildly concerning) anecdotes.

“She told me that natto is bits of caramel held together by melted marshmallows, like a Rice Krispy Treat. It… it was not like a Rice Krispy Treat…” 

“... For my twelfth birthday, she got me Pokemon Ruby. I remember crying because Roxeanne’s Nosepass took out my Torchic. My cursed energy spiked and the party had to end early…” 

“... Out of curiosity, I drank her stash of Georgia canned coffee. My heart rate was almost high enough to warrant a trip to the ER…” 

Getting anything else relating to her out of you was like trying to wring water from a rock. Suguru didn’t miss the wistful melancholy underpinning your stories. You recalled them with a far-off expression as if mourning that those days of whimsy were over. Initially, he considered it a consequence of growing up. Childhood idols rarely remain highly esteemed as the years pass and maturity accrues. 

His intuition argued that he should examine the issue closer.

(“I met her, y’know,” Satoru mentioned whilst he spun in a rolling chair ‘commandeered’ from Yaga. “Akane. Our girl’s mentor. Former mentor? Whatever the case is.” 

Suguru sat his pencil aside, any investment in his studies gone.

“When?” 

“Last March.” 

Suguru sighed. “And you didn’t bring this up earlier because…?” 

There’s a twinkle in his companion’s sunglasses-covered eyes.

“Must’ve slipped my mind,” Satoru shrugged. 

Liar, Suguru thought, unamused by Satoru’s faux nonchalance. He must’ve had his reasons for neglecting to mention it for so long. Suguru figured your impending trip home had something to do with Satoru’s ‘miraculously’ cured amnesia. 

“What? Don’t tell me you aren’t curious.”

The provocation failed to irk him. Instead, Suguru refocused the conversation.“Tell me your impression of her.”

Satoru stilled, threw his feet atop Suguru’s desk, and placed his hands on his neck. “About what you’d expect from a disgraced daughter of an influential clan. Bad-tempered, tattooed, pierced up… hah! Bet her old man would go into cardiac arrest if he saw her.” 

“Satoru,” he implored. 

“Fine, fine. So impatient,” The white-haired sorcerer complained. “I misread her. She got all mopey after she fessed up about Cursed Technique: Null. I wrote it off as envy. The student exceeding the master, or whatever.” 

Satoru remained silent for a moment. “Post Kaizu, though, I assume the feeling actually gnawing at her… ” 

Kaizu. 

Panicked phone calls. Satoru’s agitated exclamations. His horrified silence. Your breathing faded, theirs accelerated. You looked so small. So human. He scarcely believed the limp girl cradled in his arms just executed such a devastating maneuver. Your cursed energy had exceeded any output he’d felt from you before. It was too much, your body wasn’t ready to endure a spike like that. 

Suguru had never felt so distant from the title ‘strongest.’

At some point later on, in a hospital waiting room, Suguru posed a question. 

Satoru heard him yet offered no response.

“Who taught her how to do that?”

“... was guilt.”)

“You didn’t visit her.” 

Akane blinks. 

“Hah?” 

“You didn’t visit her,” Suguru repeats, his tone firmer. “[First]. Your student.” 

She exhales shakily. Suguru thinks she looks tired. 

“If you have something to say, just come out with it already.” 

He was prepared to wear her down for hours — this willing cooperation saves him time. Although, it doesn’t make navigating the volatile minefield that lies ahead any easier. He knows how to rein Satoru in when he’s going too far. He can fluster you without giving too much of himself away. After rescuing someone from a curse, he knows the exact pitch, timbre, and tempo necessary to pierce through their abject horror. He’s a virtuoso at playing people, a conductor hidden amidst the audience. 

Deceit. Misdirection. Coercion. 

His repertoire is expansive and ever-growing. 

From what he can see — what he can feel — the prodigal daughter before him boasts a similar discography. She returns his unflinching eye contact as if issuing a challenge. Daring him to use dubious methods that might work on anyone else. This obstinate resolve reminds him of you. Once you’ve determined your course, even he struggles to change the route.

He abandons all pretense. 

“You didn’t want her here,” he theorizes. Akane’s face reveals nothing. “You knew something like that was bound to happen.” 

Sorcerers aren’t only at war with curses. No, there’s an inner battle that must be fought as well. The recognition that the next assignment could be your last. And if it is, you won’t be commemorated by the masses; to them, you don’t exist. Your sacrifice will be known to a select few who mourn you, or  a few who don’t. Everything could go right. Everything could go wrong. Engaging in that high risk for such a low reward goes against one’s self-preservation instincts.

How each sorcerer handles this fight is unique to them. 

As for your strategy — you refuse to acknowledge this conflict exists. 

Paradoxically enough, that functions as your self-preservation. 

Akane smiles thinly. She’s almost his reflection, in that regard.

“Full marks.” 

-

Suguru idly observes as Satoru paces back and forth, his troubled figure illuminated by a row of vending machines. 

A nearby street lamp flickers. It’s late, but the local convenience stores glow with artificial light, tempting customers to come inside. Some are weary salarymen grabbing ready-made meals, others are middle schoolers clinking their change together, praying they can afford a sugary treat. The latest group cheers, indicating their triumph. 

The duo receives odd looks — thanks to their school uniforms, no doubt — not that they pay the judgment any mind. No one troubles them. Not even a wandering policeman, who, under normal circumstances, would scold minors out by themselves at night. 

Suguru theorizes that Satoru’s ominous aura is what subconsciously repels them. 

Earlier today, Suguru bid farewell to his parents and boarded a train for Tokyo. As nice as it was to spend time with his family, he’d been looking forward to reuniting with you and Satoru. He amassed quite the phone bill thanks to your frequent correspondence. Nonetheless, he carried the minor debt with pride; it’s a sign you often thought about him. He planned for Satoru to assume the debt by dangling the pictures you sent his way as ransom. 

His encounter with Ishimoto Akane grounded his soaring mood. This was made worse when he entered the dormitory, only to find a tight-lipped Shoko and agitated Satoru. 

Shoko remarked that unlike the two of them, she’d be handling things with ‘tact,’ and retired for the evening, not wanting to catch their ‘stupidity contagion.’ 

It’d been hours since then. That time stretch brought them closer to revealing the complete picture, but a few pieces remained missing or incomplete. 

The frenetic sorcerer stills and rummages around in his pocket.

Suguru takes the opportunity to break the silence. “I—” 

He cuts himself off as Satoru whips out a familiar-looking chapstick. The cutesy design befitting your aesthetic stands out like a sore thumb in Satoru’s large, calloused hands. 

“... Where did you get that?” 

“[First]’s room,” is Satoru’s response, spoken nonchalantly whilst applying it to his lips. “Why?” 

Suguru snorts. Sometimes Satoru’s ungodly strength blinds him to the fact that he’s still a teenage boy. 

“Won’t she notice it’s missing?” 

“I replaced it.” 

“Ah.”

“She has plenty more in the drawer beneath her vanity if you want one.” 

Suguru knows the exact spot Satoru’s referring to. They both helped you assemble it (Satoru got bored fifteen minutes in and fell asleep on your bed but still claims credit). 

After noting this suggestion, he asks, “Have you calmed down?” 

Satoru barks out a ‘hah!’ as if he’d just heard a hilarious joke. “Me? Shouldn’t I be askin’ you that?” 

Suguru massages his temples, sensing the looming headache that awaits him. “Satoru…” 

“We could follow her residuals, you know,” Satoru suggests. He tips his sunglasses down, revealing eyes that gleam with predatory intent. “With the Six Eyes, it’d be a walk in the park.” 

“And then what?” 

“Oh, you know, chat about the weather, latest political scandals, that sort of thing.” 

“You can’t strong-arm yourself through everything in life, Satoru,” Suguru chastises. 

Satoru opens and closes his lips. He folds his arms, scrunches his eyebrows together, and rapidly taps his foot. The shift puts Suguru at ease. Satoru adopts this countenance on the rare occurrence he’s faced with a formidable threat. The serious, almost somber visage speaks to his ironclad resolve. Suguru may have told his companion that he can’t strong-arm himself through everything, but that’s a half-truth; the Gojo clan’s pride can do whatever he pleases. 

It’s consideration of the aftermath that Suguru wishes to instill in his companion. Tempering the arrogance of a God is no easy feat. 

“... She isn’t going anywhere,” Satoru declares, as if any other outcome was blasphemous. 

“She isn’t,” Suguru agrees. Then, he lowers his voice, adding, “We can’t disregard what Ishimoto-san is getting at, though.” 

“Simple — all our girl needs is a good ol’ fashioned intervention.” 

“An ‘intervention,’” Suguru deadpans. “Didn’t you already try that?” 

Satoru smiles in a way Suguru can only describe as dopey, reminiscing on the night you got ‘mad at him for wanting you to be mad at him.’ That’s how Suguru interpreted the detailed account Satoru gave the next morning, anyway. 

(“I wish she would’ve cried, just a little bit; it would’ve made her look extra cute,” Satoru cooed, to which Suguru shot him an exasperated look. “Oh, don’t act so high and mighty. You’d make her cry just so you could wipe her tears away.”)

Suguru shakes his head. “Here’s what I think — the self-sacrifice in and of itself isn’t the problem. Well, the main problem. There has to be a reason, something personal… identifying that takes priority.” 

A gust rips through the narrow street, howling as it terrorizes store signs and doors with weak hinges. The two strongest sorcerers remain oblivious to the drift. What occupies their mind is greater than any force of nature, insignificant or otherwise. They have the means to challenge natural phenomena itself. And they would, should they deem it an obstacle to their goals. This single-minded determination is what elevates them beyond the rest. 

“I guess the old man has a soft spot for us after all,” Satoru says, referring to Yaga, Suguru guesses.

Breathlessly, he chuckles. “Maybe.” 

Studying Satoru from his peripherals, he silently mulls over the far likelier reality—  

—that Yaga understands Satoru’s potential for saving this world is matched only by his capacity to condemn it. 

-

From a young age, Ieri Shoko found irony everywhere she looked.

It’s prevalent in the medical field she wishes to pursue. When stabbed, it’s better to leave the knife in than immediately pull it out. For an immune system to better defend itself from a virus, it must first be exposed to it in trace amounts. If an appendage becomes too infected, removing that piece of the body is better than keeping it whole. It was you who pointed out this theme extends into the world of jujutsu. 

“You’d think fighting to survive a curse instead of defeating it would be an okay alternative, right?” You had said. “But really… that just means someone else gets to foot the bill. All ‘cause you cheaped out.” 

She regrets not asking you to elaborate. At the time, the observation felt so personal, so intimately interwoven with who you are, that she thought it best to leave it alone. 

Watching you now, lounging on the swing beside her, she’s determined not to repeat her previous mistake. 

“Tired?” 

“Well, yeah,” you laugh. It sounds off. “I wasn’t meant for long flights. It takes everything out of me, y’know?” 

Shoko unsuccessfully digs around her pocket for a lighter. The search ceases when she recalls its inopportune location — left behind in her dorm room in the rush to be the one who reaches you first. Not sure what else to do with her hands, she folds them onto her lap. Meanwhile, you pick at a stray thread on your jeans. 

“I didn’t mean from traveling,” she clarifies. 

“Hm?” 

“How many curses did you exorcise back home?” 

Your fingers go still.

“I dunno… a few?” You shrug, stuffing your hands in your pockets. “If I happen across them, I’m not gonna just let them run amuck. That’d be irresponsible.” 

Your nonchalance comes across as forced. You may be keeping your words lighthearted, but she can tell you’ve dialed up your senses, monitoring her closely. It reminds her of a cornered mouse. It’s then that any lingering doubt over her choices leading up to this moment dispels. Resolve strengthened, she swears to make as much progress as she possible before those two catch on. She felt a bit bad lying about your flight’s time, but felt the situation justified the call. 

“It feels different when they’re close to home, doesn’t it?” 

Shoko’s eyes scan over the lively park before them. There’s a group of children playing with one another, some scouring the grass for bugs and others playing tag. Their guardians watch from a distance, chatting amongst themselves, likely discussing the upcoming poor weather or latest neighborhood scandals. Young couples walk hand in hand along the pathways, cheeks flushed from the joy of experiencing their first love. 

“Encountering a curse is draining. Fighting them, even more so. But when they’re on a street you walk every day, or a few blocks over from your house, you can’t help but start thinking. ‘What if I hadn’t come this way? Would it have hurt people I know? People I love and care about?’”

Her eyes find yours. “‘What if it killed them?’”

You look like you’re going to be sick. 

She ignores how your expression contorts her stomach and continues. “Sorcerers are in the minority, it’s true. So… fighting to survive isn’t selfish. It’s strategic.”

In the distance, the rough silhouette of two individuals grows clearer. The spotlight she commandeered grows fainter with their every step. In what remains of the fading limelight, she considers you. The CC cream that conceals the worst of your exhaustion, how your pupils dilate from high caffeine intake, then your fingers. The keys that when steepled just so, open the future for others at the cost of permanently locking yours. 

She reaches over and gently squeezes your hand. 

“Remember — we won’t be much help to anyone if we’re six feet under. So let’s aim to stay above ground.” 

-

The evening sun sinks into the horizon, demanding acknowledgment in its final moments by dousing all in a fiery hue. 

Your uniform absorbs the brunt of this last stand. The dark fabric devours the waning sunlight, heating you from head to toe. It didn’t fully occur to you that you were back when you walked through the torii gates lining the mountainous path. Nor when you unpacked in your dorm, stuffing your passport away until your next break, where it’ll serve you faithfully again. 

Instead, it was the simple act of putting your uniform on again that made home seem far, far away. 

You’d gotten used to your clothes smelling like your mother’s preferred detergent. It’s a brand you couldn’t find in Japan, sold exclusively in your home country. You wondered what meal your parents were having when you straightened out your collar. If your neighbor ever fixed that rumble their old sedan huffed out as you slipped into your tights. Whether your grandpa knew you’d landed safely when you brushed lint off your skirt. 

The campus atmosphere is serene. Tengen’s barrier is a bulwark against curses, insulating you from any potential threats. Without this assurance, some part of you was always on the defensive, anticipating anything when you slept in your childhood bedroom. It siphoned away your vitality, just like Shoko pointed out. 

You sniffle and kick a rock aside. 

How does it always end up like this?

First Akane, now Shoko, you hug yourself. I just want to protect others. What’s so wrong with that? If I don’t, then who will?

You pause abruptly. 

When Akane began mentoring you, the world as you knew it changed. Suddenly, you were given knowledge no one else was privy to, for they lacked the tools to comprehend it. You’d seen those ‘creatures’, but it was Akane that explained their malevolent nature. What they could do, the pain they inflicted, how defenseless the population at large was against them. 

The shadow that this monstrous threat cast could never be outshone by light. The best you could do was create safe pockets the size of pins in the darkness. That was the extent of your hope, the most bitter pill you’ve ever swallowed.

The lingering specter of Shoko’s reassuring touch prickles along your hand. 

It’s easy to forget you’re not alone anymore after fighting by yourself for so long. 

-

Eventually, you happen upon a clearing near the school’s main grounds. 

The steep inclines surround a sizable outdoor track. This area is known colloquially as the school’s training grounds. You prefer to train in a more secluded, wooded area, but not everyone shares your enthusiasm for subtlety. Namely, the two prodigies who have turned the field into a colosseum that’d rival the battles of ancient Rome. 

You take a seat on the grassy hill and watch what unfolds. 

Your eyes can scarcely follow the blows Suguru and Satoru exchange. Their sparring sessions are unreal — blurring the very fabric of reality. Somehow, they manage all this without using cursed energy. The spectacle you’re witnessing is simply hand-to-hand combat. It’s like watching a film with skipping frames. In a matter of seconds, they can travel a hundred meters and return to their original position. Your brain struggles to process the stimuli your senses are feeding it. 

They were already strong when you met them. But now? The nomenclature doesn’t exist to properly classify them. 

And in the future… 

There’s no telling what highs they’ll reach or the ceilings they’ll shatter. 

Their light is the most dazzling you’ve ever seen.

Within a few minutes, they conclude their training session. Satoru instantly beelines toward you, whereas Suguru cycles through stretches. There’s not even a single drop of sweat on Satoru’s body as he plops to your right. He’s wearing his signature sunglasses, despite the night's looming shadow. 

“Shouldn’t you be asleep or something?” Satoru asks. “It’s past your bedtime.”

You punch him lightly on the shoulder. He yelps out an exaggerated ‘ouch!’ rubbing the area to soothe the nonexistent wound. 

Suguru approaches at a far more leisurely pace, sending a wave that you return in kind. 

Satoru, not one to be forgotten, yells out, “Be careful, Suguru! She’s violent!” 

“Only against those who deserve it,” Suguru replies.

Fondness blossoms inside your chest as you laugh. You’d forgotten how simple life feels around them. It’s as if when the three of you are together, you’re swallowed by a pocket dimension, isolated from everyone and everything. Permanently inhabiting this utopia is a temptation. 

Satoru places his hands behind his head and lays onto the ground. “Here I am, potentially out of commission forever, without a single ounce of sympathy to show for it.” 

“We could always settle in court,” you offer. 

Suguru stands before you, hands on his hips. “Or he could finally figure out how to use reverse cursed technique.” 

At this, Satoru shoots back up, his sunglasses falling askew. “Hah? Last I recall, you gave yourself a headache giving it a go. At least I’m not that bad.” 

“Hurdles are necessary to improve. Without any, how do you know you’re truly making progress?” 

Satoru gives him a grossed-out look. “All this philosophizing is gonna turn your hair gray before you hit twenty.” 

“That’s rich, coming from the guy whose hair is already white,” You point out. “What’s that say about you?” 

Suguru muffles his laughter behind his hand. 

Satoru’s quick to overcome his incredulity. “It says that I’m going to spoil the next volume of Inuyasha. Sesshomaru—” 

You cover your ears and sprint off. “Can’t hear you, can’t hear you, can’t hear you…!” 

He chases after you, periodically shouting the names of the main characters right when you think he’s finished. You do your best to block out his voice, running like your life depends on it. He’s hot on your heels, cackling at your expense. After a stretch of silence, you uncover your ears, hesitantly turning around to check if he’s finished his torture. 

You meet Satoru’s gaze. His lips are parted, his eyebrows slightly raised. Your reflection in his dark lenses appears equally perplexed. He straightens his sunglasses and regards you with an unreadable expression. 

“... You’ve gotten faster.” 

The comment is so quiet, you’re unsure if you heard him correctly. 

“Hm?” 

“Nothing,” he dismisses, waving you off. “You shoujo-loving types sure take this stuff seriously. It’s almost cultish.” 

“I don’t wanna hear that from the guy who references Digimon like it’s some sorta scripture!” 

“Honda Tohru is a lame heroine.” 

You audibly gasp. “Wh— you take that back!” 

And so it’s your turn to chase Satoru, who, for reasons unknown, is oddly knowledgeable regarding Fruits Basket. 

-

“Could you guys be honest with me about something?” 

“All depends.” 

“Of course.” 

Satoru and Suguru’s responses come out simultaneously, the contents offering little reassurance. You’re not sure what you expected. Nonetheless, you press past the gnawing discomfort, your conversation with Shoko a fresh memory. 

“Did Akane stop by while I was gone?” 

You scrutinize their countenances for involuntary reactions that might betray their inner thoughts. You begin with Satoru, who was in the middle of cleaning his sunglasses when you posed the question. His eyes, which normally brim with mischief, have an eerie calmness about them; like sheets of ice that were once choppy waters. He smiles softly and slips his lenses back into place, undoubtedly aware of the intent behind your stare. 

Then there’s Suguru. He hums, as if finding your inquiry unexpected and not an inevitable point of contention. He’s a more challenging puzzle to decipher than Satoru. With the latter, you can roughly gauge the greater picture, blurry and incomplete as it may be. Suguru, on the other hand, hasn’t given you enough pieces to attempt a solution. 

Satoru continues mulling over your question while Suguru responds, “Is that what’s been worrying you lately?” 

So they picked up on it too, you think. 

Frowning, you shift in your seat. Blades of grass tickle your thighs and you push your skirt down. 

“Er… not that, specifically,” you admit. You feel like you’re surrounded by walls that know just how far to close in to give the impression you might be crushed. “I just… I’ve been thinking. About why I’m here— what I’ll go on to do. And, well…” 

Much to their surprise, you stand, squeeze your eyes shut, and bow ninety degrees. 

“For so long, I’ve carried this burden. The truth is, when I first learned about Null, I was relieved. I’d always have something to rely on in the worst-case scenario. But at the same time… that meant not using it could also be a mistake. You have no idea how much that scared me.” 

You curl your hands up into fists. “I don’t want to think that way anymore. I see it now — have for a while, actually — strength I couldn’t even imagine before. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is… I’m in your care. If it’s alright, I want to rely on others, starting with you two.” 

Your heart pounds wildly in the silence that follows. 

Maybe this is selfish too, you think. But I don’t want to be alone anymore. 

You hear Suguru speak your name. It isn’t until he repeats it, his tone kind yet firm, that you straighten yourself and face him. 

Satoru stands further back, scratching his neck. Much to your confusion, a red flush has risen to his cheeks, extending up to his ears. Suguru corrects your staring by taking your face in his hands and redirecting your attention to him. Warmth envelops you. Your faces are inches apart, but somehow, the distance feels nonexistent, like he’s peering into your mind unhindered. 

“Surely, you can dream bigger than that,” Suguru chastises.

“... Eh?” 

“Do you think so little of us?” Satoru grumbles. It almost sounds like he’s pouting. Was he not listening to anything you just said? The sincerity behind your every word? Why are they both acting like you insulted them? 

“Eh?!” 

“I’m glad you’ve come to this realization, but… you don’t have to rely on anyone else. Just us,” Suguru takes a step back, though he keeps one hand cupping your cheek. You feel lightheaded. “After all…” 

“... We’re the strongest.” 

notes:

*this pun actually works decently in english ?? but akane is making a reference to how suguru sounds phonetically similar to すぐ, or sugu, which means 'soon.'

[aphetaliamessages]

How Do APH Nations Celebrate Their Birthdays?

America: invites every country and micronation to a huge party

The 4th of July tradition is pushing Arthur in the pool—he ends up looking like a wet cat. Hong Kong is Al's fireworks dealer (he gets the half brother discount). Al usually spends the next day recovering from some severe injury

England: his brothers throw him a party with help from his kids

He always tuts about how they didn't need to make it such a big deal, but secretly he loves that he has such a big and loving family who care enough to celebrate him. And France gives him a special gift afterwards 🍑

France: has a masquerade ball to feel like a pretty princess

Meets a "handsome British stranger" every time. Artie thinks he's slick. It always ends with Artie kissing him in the moonlight, followed by a romantic night of passion with very little sleep to be had

Russia: small family celebration

Eventually Alfie started taking him out for drinks. Alfie thinks he's funny when he's drunk and doesn't mind being his designated driver

China: has a whole day of relaxation planned

Which is usually interrupted by Hong Kong and his siblings storming in to sing birthday songs. The interruptions are officially part of the schedule now

Canada: has a small, intimate gathering

He and his best friends eat treats and drink beer in the yard. His parents are there, too, but Arthur's not allowed to drink. Not after that one New Year's party...

Prussia: drunk sword-fighting with the bros

No one ever wins but they all seem to think so

Germany: makes himself a cake to eat with his close friends but Gil always ends up inviting a bunch of people

Luddy appreciates the thought, but by the end of the day he's socially drained and needs to stay in his room with his dogs for a whole day. Gilly brings him food and checks on him, of course

Italy: has a beach house party

He's flitting between all his guests making sure everyone's having fun. There are so many people, though, so he looks like a rabid chipmunk

Japan: buys himself a bunch of gifts online and opens them alone in his room

Greece found out and got him a mini claw machine with Hello Kitty gachapons. And cat ears, but those are for Greece's enjoyment

[selkienight60]

So, Tim and Damian have such an interesting dynamic, but I would just love to see them having minor arguments like actual siblings. And Bruce isn’t neutral about it—he’s a father, right? He cares about both of them. Wants them to get along. Takes them both out to a theme park together. Doing activities. And at the start of the day they have an argument in the car. But by the end of the day they’re talking up a storm. Tim wins a Robin figurine in the gachapon arcade and gifts it to Damian—doesn’t even think twice about it—but to Damian that’s like, a huge deal! And then Damian brings back two cotton-candy and gives the bigger one to Tim. And they pick rides together and they both love the Jurassic Park ride that they ride it 6 times.

Day at the theme park.

They fall asleep in the car on the way home. Damian’s head is on Tim’s shoulder. Tim’s head is resting on Damian’s head.

Bruce smiles at the sight of them in the rear-view mirror.

[sonofstorms]

hugo song is a thirty-six year old half-god from busan, south korea and is the son of raijin, the shinto god of lightning, thunder, and storms. he’s been at camp since he was twenty-six years old and is a little skeptical about being in the ark. hugo is a firm, studious, and active kind of fellow. only time will tell what will happen to one of our intrepid heroes !

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐒

𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄.    hugo song 𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐒.     jaenan 𝐀𝐆𝐄.     36 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 & 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐒.     cis male & he / him 𝐎𝐑𝐈��𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.     gray-ace gray-romantic 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐒.     half god ( son of raijin )  𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐔𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.     previously a professional criminal, half god 

𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑.     black 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒.     brown 𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓.     5'9 / 175 cm 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃.     lean 𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐒.     missing pointer finger on his left hand, missing ring finger on his right hand. various on torso, arms and thighs from combat during mortal life. 𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐒.     a complete irezumi tattoo, inked across his back and rear, cuffed above elbows and knees. dedication to raijin and the shinto pantheon. 𝐏𝐈𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒.     none 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌.    steven yeun

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘

𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓.     lawful good 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐒.     firm, studious, and active 𝐍𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐒.   stubborn, vindictive, and temperamental (at the worst times) 𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐁𝐈𝐄𝐒.    reading/studying (history), traveling (temples especially), photography, martial arts (various), archery/kyūdō, kendo, weaponry, hiking and working out, meditating, gachapon, cars, cooking INSPIRATION. yami no matsuei/descendents of darkness gods, miles upshur from outlast, balance of peace and chaos, sharp suit hiding ink, temples on stormy nights, dried blood and polished steel

𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃

𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋.     reserved, but prepared to support or act 𝐏𝐇𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋.     enhanced condition to being a demigod, minor handicap due to his recent injury 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐀𝐒.     romance and loss 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓.     20/20 𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃.     right 𝐃𝐑𝐔𝐆 𝐔𝐒𝐄.     rarely 𝐀𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐇𝐎𝐋 𝐔𝐒𝐄.     rarely 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐓.     relatively clean, but will spoil for something greasy so often

𝐁IOGRAPHY

Life was always quite noisy for Hugo growing up. The packed city, angry household, and every outlet available fed a sort of chaos. Had he known anything different, he might have felt near suffocated. Instead, Hugo followed the pace of the world spread out before him. The family who found him. Who made him.

Jaenan. The calamity. His very nature seemed to mirror their chaotic reality. Contained by leaders of various levels and their orders. The boundary of one island to the next. The first time he left home was when that sound quieted, just for one night, and he would forever chase that feeling.

It would cost him. Bloodshed, darkness, and so much death, all building to one great roar. Maddening, ear splitting, wrenching. Till it all just stopped. Once an orphan, now home. Among the Shinto pantheon. Life here wasn't perfect, but Hugo knew violence. War. Family. He could do the same here, but at long last on his own terms. At his own pace. Without time and foolish leaders dragging him by a short leash. For their own ends.

Hugo committed, immediately, to the cause. The Shinto. His father, a true calamity, a force, but a misunderstood one. There was much to prove, to control and learn, but he found more of himself in every challenge. Even the ones that hurt; a cut to himself or the loss of a brother.

The Shinto cause was his own, until relationships began to be built between other pantheons. Hugo remained loyal, but recalled his want for change so long ago. He knew well enough not to fear it. To listen. To try. If only to learn more of this world that remained far better than that he'd left. Even with the sacrifices.

Hugo carried his own interests, but offered all of himself to the ark project. Build a home for themselves to break tradition and find a new way. To fight. To live. Only after Sugaru's interjection was the last six months of progress all but abandoned. His wild action led to the worst consequence as he became the god hunter's captive.

Tortured, mutilated, it was Forest and company who ended his war. Returned Hugo to freedom. The fighter reflects on his entire life now, rather than the future. Neither nature or knowledge could carry him that far. After ten years, he really thought he would be the victor. So righteous. He fears that this wont be the last time he learns such a terrible lesson.

[callgespenst]

It wasn't a hugely eventful convention or anything but I should probably still write up my Matsuricon 2024 report.

Thursday: Had a friend stay over at my place for the weekend. Pregamed the con by watching a few more episodes of Legend of the Galactic Heroes.

Friday: Cosplayed Soujyurou from Mahoyo, made the jacket and safety pinned my Robin plush to my shoulder. Showed up, grabbed my badge, ran our Lupin III panel for the first time in...four and a half years? Went out into the hallway to chat with people who attended the panel. Then suddenly it was four hours later and we went home.

Saturday: Went home early on Friday to be awake and in a panel room at 8 AM on Saturday to talk about robots for two hours. Midway through the 90s we realized that, despite getting the longest possible timeslot, we were still almost out of time, and had to blast through the last three decades. Haven't done that panel in a while either (haven't done too many panels in general since the pandemic).

Got lunch and looked around the dealer's hall for a bit. I got a rubber charm of Bocchi (of Rock) from a gachapon machine. Not a whole lot else I was interested in, but that's objectively a good thing. Then it was off to the YGO tournament!

I'd revamped my deck (again) because I had made a few key realizations. First, I don't know my opponents' decks well enough to effectively use hand traps to shut down a combo. Second, many modern decks are relatively unprepared to handle a board-clearing spell. Monster effects are simple to negate and counter with a full board. But spells, maybe not. And third, and this one is the most critical part: having a balanced deck of 50/50 monsters/spells and traps no longer matters. I was taking out a bunch of monsters that would never, ever actually be played to the field, their only point in my deck was to be discarded as a counter; to switch in three copies of Raigeki, three Dark Holes, and two Lightning Storms.

It wasn't a huge tourney, there were eleven other players, for what would end up being three rounds of single elimination. My first game, I played a guy who had some kinda deck full of Dinosaurs and counter trap cards. It was an interesting playstyle I hadn't seen before, but I won that 2-0. Second game, Kashtira. Won the first duel, lost the second, won the third. Third and final game, which I sure didn't expect to get to the finals, was vs Ancient Gears, another deck that prefers to go second. Lost the first game, won the second, and I might have been able to win the third if I hadn't let myself get psyched out. But I'm still pretty pleased with my performance, considering I've lost just about every other match I've played with my new deck 0-2.

The second place prize was a bunch of tournament packs, and first place was as well, plus a free badge for next year. The first place winner let me have his pack pulls, which was nice, I'm still building back up a selection of trades to have available. I didn't really need a free badge for next year anyway since I'm planning on paneling again, and my opponent getting a free badge means we can rematch next year! So honestly, I'm kinda glad I got second.

Also while everyone waited for the tourney to start, everyone was ribbing on one guy for his very expensive deck he was keeping in the world's most basic $3 deckbox, so that was entertaining. Reminded me of the fellas I used to play YGO with at the local library, where there was always some friendly banter back and forth.

After that I hung out with a few more friends, played some Melty Blood, and went home.

Sunday: The traditional day at a con where I play mahjong with the homies until we pack up and go home. I got in one whole game before we took all the tables back to our organizer's car (that took half an hour to find). That wrapped up the event and then I got home and conked out early Sunday evening and most of Monday too. I didn't even do a whole lot of running around or anything, I was just tired.

Also my last few conventions have been so overwhelmingly positive on the whole that I forgot that these events are also frequented by people who are weird in not-fun ways. That last mahjong game, had a fella start spouting off about he hates being referred to as cis, despite being a cis hetero male. I hit him with the "I hate the cis because they are led by the treacherous Count Dooku" and that worked surprisingly well at changing the subject, but it was still, terribly awkward there for a second, especially when another of our club's regulars at the same table is one of the most Gender individuals I know.

Anyway that's probably my last anime con for the year, but there's a new event coming to the area in April I think I'll hit up, excited to see what that's like.

[taz-quotes]

Justin: Leon sees Taako walk dutifully across the room, and walk up to the machine and drop a coin in and turn it, and he hears it, ‘cause Taako’s back is to him.

Griffin: He falls to his knees and thanks a god, the name of which you’ve never heard before, and he is weeping and shuddering-

Justin: And just then, Taako’s coin flies across the room and smacks Leon in the face, ‘cause it had been a clone. I cast Mislead out in the hallway. 

[Everyone is laughing]

Justin: Taako’s just screaming with laughter. It’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in Taako’s entire life. It’s literally the best.

Taako: I don’t even want anything! You can keep the- literally! Keep the coin! Nothing you can give me would be better that your expression right now!

Griffin: Uh, the coin bounced off his face and rolled off his desk, landing fairly close to you again. And he is just- he’s in shock, I think? He’s stopped crying, he doesn’t seem sad or disturbed, you see- he seems... like he’s broken? Yeah, he’s no longer functioning. You have thoroughly broken this man.

Taako: I win!

[foodbytesback]

Bring Back the Automat, You Cowards

Ghost kitchens had their time to shine.  As talk of vaccines begins to circulate, people are eager to have dining experiences again, not delivery that just as well could have spawned from the ether.  But the process of vaccinating the masses has been slow (I, a grocery store worker, received my 2nd dose about 2 weeks ago, but for many the vaccines remain unobtainable), so we need something in the interim.

Enter: the Automat.

For those of you without an overabundance of irrelevant food history knowledge, automats were, in short, an early predecessor to fast food that were wildly popular in the first half of the 20th century.  In long, they were a cafeteria-style restaurant consisting of walls of coin-operated compartments that workers from the other side of the wall would fill with different foods.  Insert coin, receive ham.  A culinary gachapon, if you will (just without, y’know, the surprise element).  The format died out in the 1960s and 70s as fast food became more widespread and cities emptied out during the white flight, with the last automats sustaining themselves purely on nostalgia, even as the buying power of coins (or lack thereof) made them completely obsolete.

Don’t act like you’re above eating premade food.  Don’t pretend you haven’t been aching to go to your favorite conveyor belt sushi place and watch those little plates parade in circles for who knows how long.  Is this really any different?

Why do I think now is the time to bring them back?  Because, in theory, there isn’t a single human interaction to be had in the automat.  Sure, the original automats did usually have a cashier, but they were typically just there to make change.  With credit cards and mobile payment options, there’s no need for any front of the house staff at all, save for maybe someone to wipe down tables, if there are any to begin with.  Even the most agoraphobic diner can get in and out without having a single person breathe on them.  

And apparently I’m not alone in thinking this. Apparently, several different companies across the U.S. have been trying to bring back automats for most of the 2000s.  But these all sort of petered out, as they were being fueled by nostalgia alone.  But I believe that the current conditions of the restaurant industry have created a perfect storm for this to truly see a comeback.  I’m not just talking about the pandemic: many restaurants off all kinds (even, or perhaps especially fast food) are having a hard time finding workers who are willing to put up with all the shitty conditions of the job, the equally shitty pay, AND having to deal with customers that seem to actively be trying to kill them.  A restaurant where the whole point is that you don’t have to talk to the customers may be pretty appealing to said workers.  Furthermore, many cities across the nation are investing heavily in urban renewal projects (y’know, to combat that white flight thing I mentioned earlier?), which could help incentivize potential automateurs.  

And the key to bringing automat technology into the 21st century? Little Caesars.

In 2018 Little Caesars unveiled their latest attempt to stay relevant in the big-chain pizza-game while also sticking to their Hot ‘n Ready core competency: The Pizza Portal.  You place your order on the app, you type a PIN into a touchpad, and the corresponding locker containing your order opens.  

(As it turns out, I’ve been sitting on the draft of this for so long that someone’s already done just this.  Automat Kitchen in Jersey City opened in February, doing basically everything I just described… wait, Jersey City? Dammit, I was just there…)

“Wait, how is this any better than normal mobile ordering with a pick up shelf? We already have that?” Oh, you sweet summer child, don’t you understand?  The whole point of bringing back the automat is the security of having your food kept behind a little door, safe from the prying eyes and unwashed fingers of the masses.

Are there bugs to work out?  Of course.  The start-up costs of a wall of smart, temperature-controlled holding cases would be tremendous. Touchscreens and door handles would have to be sanitized regularly, although the former could be negated by the use of RFDI/NCF/another-combination-of-letters-I-don’t-totally-understand readers for hands-free service.  Customers may be skeptical of paying for food that they can’t clearly see, or want to return it for a variety of trivial reasons after purchasing.  Certain foods just don’t hold up to a hot-hold for very long.  And will people still want to go once the pandemic has officially run its course?

On second thought, this is all starting to sound like that episode of Always Sunny where Dennis tries to convince everyone how great the app-powered Paddy’s Wagon is, but then just ends up holding the confused customers at gunpoint and dropping them off in the middle of the woods somewhere.  But if there’s some tech start-up somewhere that’s willing to do this to other tech start-up bros, then that’s what they deserve.

[rowdarker]

Gundam Games

Arcade[edit]

See also:

Arcade game

Gundam: Battle Simulator

Mobile Suit Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam: Final Shooting

Mobile Suit Gundam: EX Revue

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Card Builder

Mobile Suit Gundam: Bonds of the Battlefield

Mobile Suit Gundam: Spirits of Zeon - Dual Stars of Carnage

Mobile Suit Gundam: Spirits of Zeon - Memory of Soldier

Mobile Suit Gundam VS Series

Quiz Mobile Suit Gundam: Monsenshi

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon DX

Mobile Suit Z Gundam: A.E.U.G. vs. Titans

Mobile Suit Z Gundam: A.E.U.G. vs. Titans DX

Gundam Seed: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T.

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T. II

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam Next

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Full Boost

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS Force

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost ON

Gundam Versus

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. 2

Fujitsu[edit]

FM-7

[

edit

]

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daishi ni Tatsu

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 2: Tobe Gundam

FM Towns

[

edit

]

Mobile Suit Gundam: Hyper Classic Operation

Mobile Suit Gundam: Hyper Desert Operation

MSX[edit]

Mobile Suit Gundam: Last Shooting

MS Field: Kidou Senshi Gundam

MS Field Kidou Senshi Gundam Plus Kit

MS Field Kidou Senshi Gundam Plus Kit Tsuki

NEC[edit]

PC-88

[

edit

]

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daishi ni Tatsu

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 2: Tobe Gundam

PC-98

[

edit

]

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daishi ni Tatsu

Mobile Suit Gundam: Return of Zeon

Mobile Suit Gundam: A Year of War

Mobile Suit Gundam: Advanced Operation

Mobile Suit Gundam: Multiple Operation

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Operation

MS Field: Mobile Suit Gundam

MS Field 2 '92: Mobile Suit Gundam

Sharp[edit]

Sharp X1

[

edit

]

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 1: Gundam Daishi ni Tatsu

Kidou Senshi Gundam Part 2: Tobe Gundam

Sharp X68000

[

edit

]

Mobile Suit Gundam: Classic Operation

Mobile Suit Gundam: Classic Operation - Original Scenario Disk

PC[edit]

Gundam Network Operation

Gundam Network Operation 2

Gundam Network Operation 3

Gundam Storm (Browser-Based) - Service terminated

Mobile Suit Gundam 0079: The War For Earth - 1996 interactive movie collaboration between Bandai and Presto Studios Inc. Also released for Macintosh, PlayStation (JP release only) and Pippin.

Mobile Suit Gundam Online

New Gundam Breaker

SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays

Universal Century Gundam Online

Bandai[edit]

Arcadia[

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]See also:

Arcadia_2001

Mobile Suit Gundam

Bandai RX-78[

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]See also:

Bandai RX-78

Gundam - Luna II no Tatakai

Playdia[

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]See also:

Playdia

SD Gundam Daizukan

Apple Bandai Pippin[

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]

Gundam Tactics Mobility Fleet 0079

WonderSwan[

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]See also:

WonderSwan

Mobile Suit Gundam: MSVS

SD Gundam G Generation: Gather Beat

SD Gundam: Emotional Jam

WonderSwan Color[

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]See also:

WonderSwan Color

SD Gundam G Generation: Gather Beat 2

SD Gundam G Generation: Monoeye Gundams

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Gundam Strike Force Go !!!: Stairway to the Destined Victory: Worldwide Edition

Mobile Suit Gundam: Operation U.C.

Nintendo[edit]

Family Computer[

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]See also:

Nintendo Entertainment System

Mobile Suit Z Gundam: Hot Scramble

SD Gundam Gaiden: Knight Gundam Monogatari

SD Gundam Gaiden: Knight Gundam Monogatari 2

SD Gundam Gaiden: Knight Gundam Monogatari 3

SD Gundam World Gachapon Senshi - Scramble Wars

SD Gundam World Gachapon Senshi 2 - Capsule Senki

SD Gundam World Gachapon Senshi 3 - Eiyû Senki

SD Gundam World Gachapon Senshi 4 - New Type Story

SD Gundam World Gachapon Senshi 5 - Battle of Universal Century

SD Gundam: Gundam Wars

Super Famicom[

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]See also:

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Mobile Suit Gundam: Cross Dimension 0079 - Tactical role-playing game

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: Away to the Newtype - Tactical role-playing game

Mobile Suit Gundam F91: Formula Wars 0122

Mobile Suit Victory Gundam - 2D fighting game

Mobile Fighter G Gundam - 2D fighting game

Shin Kidō Senki Gundam Wing: Endless Duel - 2D fighting game

SD Gundam: G Next - Turn-based strategy

SD Gundam: GX - Turn-based strategy

SD Gundam Gaiden: Knight Gundam Monogatari - Ooinaru Isan - Japanese role playing game

SD Gundam Gaiden 2: Entaku no Kishi - Japanese role playing game

SD Gundam Generation - Tactical role-playing game

SD Gundam: Power Formation Puzzle - Puzzle games

SD Gundam: V Sakusen Shidō - Shoot 'em up with Run and gun stages

SD Gundam 2 - Shoot 'em up with Run and gun stages

Super Gachapon World: SD Gundam X - Turn-based strategy

GameCube[

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]See also:

GameCube

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Ace Pilot

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam (Only in Japan)

SD Gundam Gashapon Wars

Wii[

edit

]See also:

Wii

Mobile Suit Gundam: MS Sensen 0079

SD Gundam G Generation Wars

SD Gundam G Generation World

SD Gundam: Scad Hammers

SD Gundam Gashapon Wars

Nintendo Switch[

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]See also:

Nintendo Switch

SD Gundam G Generation Genesis

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays

Game Boy[

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]See also:

Game Boy

SD Gundam G-Arms

SD Gundam Gaiden: Lacroan Heroes

SD Gundam: SD Sengokuden Kuni Nusiri Monogatari

SD Gundam: SD Sengokuden 2 - Tenka Touitsuhen

SD Gundam: SD Sengokuden 3 - Chijou Saikyouhen'

Shin SD Gundam Gaiden

Virtual Boy[

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]See also:

Virtual Boy

SD Gundam Dimension War

Game Boy Advance[

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]See also:

Game Boy Advance

SD Gundam G Generation Advance

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Tomo to Kimi to koko de

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Destiny

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Battle Assault

SD Gundam Force

Nintendo DS[

edit

]See also:

Nintendo DS

SD Gundam G Generation DS

SD Gundam G Generation: Cross Drive

Mobile Suit Gundam 00

Emblem of Gundam

SD gundam Sangokuden DS

Nintendo 3DS[

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]See also:

Nintendo 3DS

SD Gundam G Generation 3D

Gundam the 3D Battle

Gundam Try Age SP

Sony[edit]

PlayStation[

edit

]See also:

PlayStation

Mobile Suit Gundam (1995)

Mobile Suit Gundam v.2.0 (1996)

Mobile Suit Gundam 0079: The War For Earth (1997)

Gundam: Battle Assault

Gundam: Battle Assault 2

Kidou Butouden G Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (1998)

Mobile Suit Gundam: Giren's Greed, Blood of Zeon

Mobile Suit Gundam: Perfect One Year War

SD Gundam G Century

SD Gundam G Generation

SD Gundam G Generation Zero

SD Gundam G Generation F

SD Gundam G Generation F-IF

Mobile Suit Z-Gundam

PlayStation 2[

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]See also:

PlayStation 2

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Ambition

Giren no Yabou: Zeon Dokuritsu Sensouden - Kouryaku Shireisho

Mobile Suit Gundam: Journey to Jaburo

Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front

Mobile Suit Gundam: Lost War Chronicles

Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space

Mobile Suit Gundam: The One Year War

Mobile Suit Gundam: Climax U.C.

SD Gundam G Generation Neo

SD Gundam G Generation SEED

SD Gundam G Generation Spirits

SD Gundam G Generation Wars

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Never Ending Tomorrow

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Generation of C.E.

Gundam Battle Assault 3 Featuring Gundam SEED

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon

Mobile Suit Gundam Z: AEUG vs. Titans

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam

Gundam Seed: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T.

Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Rengou vs. Z.A.F.T. II

Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Gundam Meisters

MS Saga: A New Dawn

G-Saviour

SD Gundam Force: Showdown!

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2

PlayStation 3[

edit

]See also:

PlayStation 3

Mobile Suit Gundam: Crossfire (a.k.a. Mobile Suit Gundam: Target in Sight)

Mobile Suit Gundam Battlefield Record U.C. 0081

Mobile Suit Gundam: Side Stories - combines six games released for Sega Saturn, Dreamcast and PlayStation 2, and includes new campaign that connects all releases together with Gundam Unicorn

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3

Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs. Full Boost

Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. Full Boost Premium G Sound

Gundam Breaker

Gundam Breaker 2

Gundam Battle Operation

Gundam Battle Operation Next

PlayStation 4[

edit

]See also:

PlayStation 4

SD Gundam G Generation Genesis

SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays

Gundam Breaker 3

New Gundam Breaker

Gundam Versus

Gundam Battle Operation Next

Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Operation 2

Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost On

PlayStation Portable[

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]See also:

PlayStation Portable

Gundam Battle Tactics

Gundam Battle Royale

Gundam Battle Chronicle

Gundam Battle Universe

Gundam Assault Survive

SD Gundam G Generation Portable

SD Gundam G Generation World

SD Gundam G Generation Over World

Mobile Suit Gundam: Giren no Yabou - Axis no Kyoui

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Gundam NEXT PLUS

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: Federation vs. Z.A.F.T. Portable

Mobile Suit Gundam: Senjou no Kizuna Portable

Mobile Suit Gundam: Mokuba no Kiseki

Gundam Memories: Tatakai no Kioku

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE: Universe Accel

Mobile Suit Gundam AGE: Cosmic Drive

PlayStation Vita[

edit

]See also:

PlayStation Vita

SD Gundam G Generation Genesis

Kidō Senshi Gundam SEED Battle Destiny

Gundam Breaker

Gundam Breaker 2

Gundam Breaker 3

Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs Force

Mobile Suit Gundam: Battle Fortress

Gundam Conquest V

Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn

3rd Super Robot Wars Z Zigokuhen

Sega[edit]

Game Gear[

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]See also:

Game Gear

SD Gundam: Winner's History

Sega Saturn[

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]See also:

Sega Saturn

Mobile Suit Gundam

Mobile Suit Z Gundam: Kouhen

Mobile Suit Z Gundam: Zenpen

Mobile Suit Gundam: Gihren's Greed

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny Vol. 1

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny Vol. 2

Mobile Suit Gundam Side Story: The Blue Destiny Vol. 3

SD Gundam G Century S

Dreamcast[

edit

]See also:

Dreamcast

Gundam Side Story 0079: Rise from the Ashes

Mobile Suit Gundam Gihren's Greed - Blood of Zeon

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation Vs. Zeon DX

Gundam Battle Online

Microsoft[edit]

Xbox 360[

edit

]See also:

Xbox 360

Mobile Ops: The One Year War

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3

[chasing-the-storm]

:)

-Bubbles

Storm smiles back at the other Toon. "Uh...can you talk? It's okay if you can't- my friend Maurice doesn't talk either! He uses a notepad- do you have one?"

[staticwings]

Nice weather were having. . . Severe thunder storms? Get out there and snap a pic real quick #skeletonx #moosetoys #treasurex #skeleton #diving #divingsuit #divingbell #fishman #snapback #gills #chomp #kicks #toysoutside #storm #severethunderstorm #soaked #toypics #toyphotography #toystagram #funwithtoys #blindboxpull #blindbox #blindbag #gachapon #gashapon https://www.instagram.com/p/CEPuTFZAYE9/?igshid=1fz9diocdg7jg

[kennemusicshop]

โมเดลเครื่องเล่นแผ่นเสียงจิ๋ว งานสวยละเอียด ลิขสิทธิ์ถูกต้อง #หายาก Technics Miniature Collection 1 เซ็ต 5 โมเดล 2,200 บาท รวมส่ง ของใหม่ มือหนึ่งนำเข้าจากญี่ปุ่น มีแค่2 ชุดเท่านั้น #Technics​ #Miniature​ ดูคลิปรีวิวก่อนตัดสินใจได้จ้า https://youtu.be/_mrilEispx4 The Technics Miniature Collection is made up of five units: SL1200MK2, SL1200GLD, SL1200MK7 (SL-1210MK7 in Europe), SL-DZ1200 and finally a mini bundle that contains the SH-DJ1200 mixer and EAH-DJ1200 headphones. Each box is sealed and identical – it’s a lucky dip as to which item you receive when you order. The concept is based upon gachapon capsules, which contain small surprise goodies and are very popular in Japan. I've ordered from Amazon Japan a pre-selected 5 main items that consist: SL-1200MK2 The iconic DJ deck, which featured, for the first time, a 100 mm slide pitch controller. In miniature form the scale is accurate. Includes dust cover. SL-1200MK7 The body of matte texture is reproduced by painting, this deck – which was designed for DJs – was released in 2019 and has taken the dj world by storm. Includes dust cover. SL-1200GLD The characterised gold-plated paint and commemorative plate is included in this highly accurate model. The colour of the actual product is faithfully reproduced. Includes dust cover. SL-DZ1200 A flawless scale model, featuring all of the buttons and controls of the original. A CD is included and can be inserted and removed. SH-DJ1200 × EAH-DJ1200 A faithful miniature reproduction of the DMC battle mixer. All details have been reproduced including the connections on the rear of the mixer. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMRq9VCn6WO/?utm_medium=tumblr

[ask-akabane-karma]

Who would’ve thought I’d keep at it for this long?

Yep, guys: It’s ask-akabane-karma’s second birthday!! (And also the blog reached 4000 followers but that was honestly weeks ago and I forgot to catch up with that)

This blog was created on March 5th, 2015. Time flies, huh? It’s been a wild ride. So much has happened these past few years, so I’m glad I’m still able to create new content for everyone to see.

I’ve been a mun for this long, and quite honestly, I never thought I’d ever get so interested in this hobby of mine. I wanna thank all my supporters (followers and lurkers and butthurt buddies) for being there the entire time, whether it be asking a question, leaving comments in the tags, reposting my art (I lied. Please don’t do that), and simply hitting a “like” on a post.

With your support, I was able to continue loving this blog for another year, and I hope to continue loving it for another year more!

Thank you so much, everyone! I couldn’t have pulled through without you.

-karmamun.

I can’t just announce something so big without including a celebration, huh? Since I queued this post, I can’t do anything as of right now, and man, am I an indecisive person. Solution: I made a poll so people can vote for how they would like to help me commemorate my two year anniversary on the blog!

The options are as followed:

Art Raffle — Through a simple gachapon sorta draw, I’ll pick one-to-three winners. Those people will be able to request a free drawing from me! (With some limitations, haha.) What is to be drawn will be negotiable.

Cards Against Humanity  — A simple, classic game of Cards Against Humanity online. In this game, we will be using a special custom Assassination Classroom deck my AskClass buddies and I put together. A warning though; Cards Against Humanity is the game where the cards are crazy and your feelings don’t matter. The game is intended toward mature adultos, so please be careful if you’re an innocent kiddo not ready to delve into the depths of witty hell.

Rabb.it  — Or Join.me, if you will. I can make a stream where people can join and we can watch videos and anime together! There are chat logs and also voice call functions that can be used if you’d like to chat up a storm while we watch stuff. Ask questions, diss the hell out of karmamun, laugh, and have fun!

Art Stream  — I have never done an art stream before, so I gotta start learning how to set one up. I suppose in these, I will draw and talk a bit, and people can watch how I draw Karma, or even give me little requests I can scribble. Ask questions, diss the hell out of karmamun, and have fun!

Just delete the blog already karmamun, jeez — Just delete the blog already karmamun, jeez.

After reading the options, what do you think? If you found an answer, go ahead and enter in a vote right here: http://www.strawpoll.me/12458799 .

I will announce the decision once I’m back from my vacation.

Have a good one!

[vigbrastle]

   What a very exciting time for zoids at wonderfest on the weekend it looks like a lot went on! Trawling through Twitter trying to gather what information I can this is the best review I could find and a good one it is!  Plenty of nice surprises

  By Kino on Twitter:

http://www.zoids-fan.net/zoikino/review/WF17w.html

And the twitter post: (show support via the twitter if you have an account)

 https://twitter.com/kinoyf/status/833276791884165120

    I threw it into Google translate so I myself could read what it all says and corrected some zoid names etc. I didn’t want that effort to go to waste so thought I’d post it here so all can read so anyway the translation, (not perfect I know but i’m sure you can work it out) :  

“This is WF's report on February 19, 2017 This time Zoids participated in dealerships with the largest number of dealerships in the past, the Zoids were very exciting WF! In addition to the regular dealer, if there is a dealer who deal newly with Zoid, it is good that there is freshness The exhibited Zoid was also a WF who was watching with a variety of variations and had new surprises

In the corporate sector, HMM's Sturm Tyrannn, Storm Sworder, Empire Liger Zero, and ZA's Liger Zero are also exhibited in Kotobukiya, and we are looking forward to future developments.

We entered the hall leisurely again this time and started around the hall around noon

IB STUDIO sold the new Canon Fort! It seems to be a remodelling part to be attached to the HMM command wolf, but the silhouette from wolf is greatly different and the volume of additional parts is transmitted

Sturm, Killer Spiner, Mirage Fox, original animal mechanics were also resold! Spiner and Sturm are high in quality and seem to be popular this time, but this is the final production

Gamiani 0 sold rubber straps! Every time it will be sold out quickly, but this time I was able to purchase a rubber strap of Liger Zero and Blade Liger luckily!

In KITTY - HAWK, deathpions of 1/72 size are on sale, this time small and precise shaping is amazing, is not it · I was able to get 1 despi! I would like to paint red as well as Road Skipper

Continued road skipper was also on sale

Booth Name: Sand Model

In the model model, Trinity Liger 's resale and blitz tiger were sold It is spectacular that 2 original zoids of games are lined up!

Although it is said that Blitz Tiger is arranged a lot Personally I am in a well-balanced manner and have a favorite body shape

Trinity Liger got ready in the afternoon and the exhibition started

It seems that it was also popular this time, seems to have been sold out in the venue in 30 minutes It seems to be hard to purchase without a direct pass ... (^ ^;

▼ Booth Name: Sushi Moder Modelers

Sushitome Modelers was selling Barigator 's box - back variation parts What a casual way the order of the Balinese gig is luxurious!

Diorama was also exhibited and attracted attention in the venue It was a diorama that combined KITTY-HAWK's gareki, and Zarid of a prominent color and Bali Gator who is making a bridge by being immersed in water under a person gave a good taste It is also brought to ZAOD and I am looking forward to seeing it again!

Booth name: seventh processing

In the seventh processing, the GenoBreaker exhibition and the sale of the monkey-type garage were done

GenoBreaker saw the image with Twitter etc, but the real thing power is terrible! The soul seemed to be living in the shaping of the biological and overwhelming amount of information, and I was unconsciously watched at the venue

At Tsun's work desk, fuhrer and garlic for zero were resold. Sturm is released by HMM Tyrannn, but still 30 pops are popular for the first time! Personally I prefer Sturm 's Stronger than HMM' s Sturm

Mugen Liger and Hayate Liger were also sold to be attached to Liger zero

And this time Wild liger was displayed Although it is said that joints are running and planned to sell in the following winter and beyond, The joints of the jaws have already been linked, and a gimmick is added with springs to link armor under the chin It seems to be a great garret this time too!

Booth Name: HAGER Model Section

In the HAGER model compartment, 1 / 72th Attack Zoid was sold

This time, examples with diorama style are exhibited and it is good that each view of the world spread Especially when used in combination with TAKARATOMI ZOID, it will appeal more quickly

Booth Name: Haruki Eehosho

At Haruki Koriyoshin, Rainbow Jerk was exhibited

This time only exhibition, I will be more concerned but by replacing feathers Can we reproduce the flight form and development of the tail feathers

FLAT FIELD FACTORY was selling Yakuto unit with a hidden ball Although it is said that it was not advertised so much concerning the small amount of information compared with Hurricane Muller's Tyrann I feel that it seems quite a mistake by fine-tuning if it is shaped so far

Reselling of various modified parts was also done

At Mr. Mura, energy riser and Twin Zenebas were resale I wanted a D style version, but it was already sold out when I went · ·

Metal Plus sells remodelling parts for Fox like the fox of Nine Tails The volume of the tail is amazing! The head seems to have been changed, and a smooth silhouette is cool

Brastle Tigers garret was also on sale It seems to be a movable kit that uses parts of the Liger zero, but it is good that the atmosphere of the massive blast is out

Smilodon type original zoids were also sold Together with Fox, 2 original zoids are on sale, and when I see them, I also want to give out original zoids!

In the double-edged sword, remodelling parts for Lymos were sold as a new work In addition to additional parts, Rhimos camouflage coating is done and it is cool!

Also sold electromagnetic shield as a new work I am glad that versatility it can be attached to various zoids The exhibited Zoids were also attached to various Zoids from Takara Tomy to HMM

Resale of remodeled parts of Seapanther and exhibition of mysterious penguins were also done Who is the penguin?

There was also a Mirage Fox whose birthplace was created in the corner of the desk

Booth name: ___ ___ 0 ___ ___ 0

In Otoda Miyazaki, Mr. Nozomi Zoido was sold in Gachapon A novel selling method has been drawing attention even in the hall, and the persons of the WF Executive Committee have taken a number of photos

Zoidium ore was very beautiful and I also bought one Because I want to turn around Gachapon, the display method is good!

From here we are introducing the company booth It was Kotobukiya that there was an exhibition of Zoids

At Kotobukiya, there was an announcement of shop-only empire lighter zero in addition to HMM Sturm Tyrann and Storm sworder a, ZA Liger Zero which was announced at Stand River

The panel on the display is like this

There is a slightly delicate impression that Tyrann has a bit of holes or thin shields By the way, I heard many people surprised by BF's CAS who did not know the existence of BF's Sturm unit in the venue It seems that it is considerably inferior in popularity if you do not appear in animation Where you want to get it recovered by this productization!

Storm sworder is concerned about the attachment of hand similar to Takara Tomy, but feeling good overall

The stand looks like the original one and comes with the product

Zero empire announcement looks like this This is seen only as a release flag of Zero-Ix (^ ^;

ZA's Liger Zero may be slightly less impacted

That's why it was a Zoid related report in WF2017 (Winter) I booked a hotel this time and wrote a report at the hotel I have consumed more batteries than I expected and I can not concentrate on my report. I think that I will challenge WF with a thorough system after having an outlet this time  ”

[story-of]

Gachapon game to see which local themed pins we can win. This was really fun until Coco decided that she hated the pin she got and had a major tantrum in the parking lot in the rain. 😂 thankfully we survived the storm and the day picked up shortly after. #truth #okinawa #lifewithtwosunshines #bkontheroad

[happysandwichparty-blog]

Japan - Day 4 (Tokyo Station & Imperial Gardens)

It seems as though we are making our way in a circle around Tokyo. Today we head off to Tokyo Station for some shopping and the East Imperial Gardens for our daily intake of nature!

The days are starting off progressively later as we settle in. Today I didn't wake up until 4:30AM! There was a massive storm rolling through so when we woke up there was a ton of rain and wind. Lucky for us nothing in this country seems to open any earlier than 10:00AM so we lazied around for a while. I finished up the blog post from the previous day and then decided to get ready. No exciting morning snacks today, we didn't pick anything up. Just a granola bar from home.

Despite laying around for a while we did head out about 8:30AM once the rain and clouds rolled out. Exactly when the weather said it would, something that never happens at home. 

We hopped on the Ginza line and then picked up the JR Yamanote in Ueno to head down to Tokyo Station. Upon arriving all the stores and restaurants were still closed, they didn't open until 10:00AM and it was only 9:00AM so we decided to head down to the gardens. It was smart to do them earlier in the day anyway, the weather was saying it could be 80 degrees! What is this Tokyo with hot temperatures? I think we brought this with us from home, oops.

You can’t actually see the Imperial Palace itself without a tour, which are available in April, but good luck getting tickets. From a sign I saw it seems they give them out at 8:00AM and 12:00PM, but don’t quote me on that. That’s okay though, we only intended on walking around the gardens.

There are two areas to the East Gardens, a lake area with flowers and a more open grass area that once had a tower at one of it’s ends.

The lake area was my personal favorite, it was more beautiful in my opinion.

I didn’t really get pictures of the second area, it wasn’t as photogenic. I do however have one nice shot from the raised area of the old tower, it shows a great contrast between the gardens and the modern city right outside them.

After wandering through the gardens I wanted to head over to Nippon Budokan as it’s right behind the area that the gardens and Imperial Place are in. However we started to walk the long way and I opted to not continue and just head back to the station. I didn’t want to do unnecessary walking if we didn’t have to.

Once back at the station we head down to restaurant street, which is in the first level of the basement in the station. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from. We chose a place that did rice bowls.

Many of the restaurants in restaurant street have you order from a ticket machine where you pick what you want to eat and pay for your meal at the entrance. You then take the ticket and head inside and give it to the waitress. 

Honestly this process was amazing, you don’t have to worry about getting a check or trying to order from a menu. It makes the eating process quick as you just wait for your food, eat, and leave.

Both of us ordered a salmon rice bowl. They were delicious, the salmon seemed very fresh.

I told you that you’d probably be tired of salmon by the end of this Japan trip - I think I’ve managed to eat it in some form every single day so far! 

After finishing up our food we head down to character street. There are shops here for a wide variety of animated characters. Specifically I was looking to hit up the Pokemon, Disney, Studio Ghibli stores.

We started at Ghibli, which has some really adorable merchandise. Depending on what else I buy during the trip I may head back here and pick up a few more things. I did buy two small things on this trip through.

Next up was Disney, this was a temporary pop-up store and mostly had Beauty and the Beast items. We are heading to Tokyo Disney later in the trip to opted to not buy anything. Finally we head to the Pokemon Store. A lot of cute things to buy, I picked up a couple small things for the Twitch stream giveaway and a couple gachapon. We will hit up a Pokemon Center later in the trip so I didn’t want to splurge on Pokemon just yet.

After finishing up character street we head upstairs to just wander through a few other places. We stopped in the Daimaru - we did go up a few floors but I wasn’t really feeling designer clothes, especially when a lot of them were American brands. However the ground floor has desserts. Right when we walked in the door there were some gorgeous mini cakes. I could have stood there and looked at them for like 20 minutes, but that’s kind of awkward. I have no pictures, but take my word for it, they were beautiful.

We did run across a little Kit-Kat boutique in the station as well, but it wasn’t what we were looking for in terms of gifts we said we’d bring back for those at work we, so we moved on. They did have the Kit-Kat tower though!

After we hopped on the JR back to Ueno and got off to do some shopping around Ueno. 

We started by walking down Ameyayokocho. It’s an open air market with many types of items. A lot of purses, shoes, and food. In terms of food, there were convenience stores with packaged items, restaurants and street stalls, and fresh ingredient stores. If so inclined you could buy fish and meat on this street.

We found some Kit-Kats here. The husband purchased a bunch for his co-workers. I picked up some matcha and some cheesecake flavored ones, but I’m really looking for the seasonal sakura matcha flavor.

There were also some stores with UFO machines on this street, we finally found a Neko Atsume machine, however it was and old one and didn’t work well, I gave it two shots and failed miserably. Next time!

After this we hopped on the Ginza line back to Asakusa, and then head back to our Air BnB.

We spent a little bit resting out legs since we did quite a bit of walking today and then we head out to explore around Asakusa some more. First we walked through the shops on Nakamise as every other time we’ve been in the area they had been closed or closing. We also finally stopped and grabbed some taiyaki!

I got a cream one, and Mr. husband picked a chocolate one. Mine is below.

And we had this pigeon creeping on us while eating them. It kept watching us and moving closer and closer as we ate. The lady next to us was not nearly as amused as I was.

After we left out pigeon friend we head off into an area of Asakusa we hadn’t walked through yet. We ended up finding the local Don Quijote and a bunch of pachinko parlors. We also stopped at a Lawson we found to pick up some more snacks for breakfast! And with that, we head back to chill more before dinner.

We spent the time in the Air BnB going over our plan for the next few days. I made a list before the trip of everything I wanted to see and do, so we went through the list, removed what we had done and organized what we still had to do. Spoilers, tomorrow is going to be Shibuya!

Around 6:30PM we head out to explore a bit on the way to dinner. The husband took me by the hostel and ryokan he stayed in the two other times he was in Tokyo - yes he has stayed within a mile radius all 3 times he has been in Tokyo.

Fun fact of the day. We could not for the life of us figure out why there was so much security at Senso-ji today. We happened to catch a huge motorcade leaving on our walk to dinner - it was sporting United States flags. Turns out the Vice President was at the Temple this evening.

Finally we head down one of the side shopping streets that shoot off of the temple and found a revolving sushi bar we passed earlier in the day. It’s day 4 and I’m just eating sushi for the first time!

My only issue with sushi in Japan with all of the nigiri has wasabi under the fish. I really don’t like wasabi, but I suppose I will suffer for some fresh fish. I’ll spare you the pictures, I mostly ate salmon anyway. The husband did get a lovely plate of mackerel however!

That was that, a nice, quick and tasty meal, great experience. So glad we were able to visit a revolving bar in Japan. Such a different atmosphere and the one at home!

We did walk by the gate and temple on the way back for the night. It looks nice at night!