#thank you for being right there with me as shinya breaks my heart over and over again

[wanderingchocolateeclair]

A Frayed Thread of Hope

[Part 3] (this was written quite a while ago, just a heads up for the quality of it)

Ao3 Link here! :)

Finally got round to transferring and posting this chapter to here!!! It’s taken a little while, but I’m hoping that this being in here might remind and motivate me a little more to write the next part out...the fic is up on ao3 and will be updated on there first when I get round to it and then transferred over here at some point too :)

Tagging (you can ignore if you’d like, or tell me if ya wanna be tagged or taken off the list. This is just a repost of a chapter that’s already up on ao3 so sorry if you’ve already read it 😅 I also haven’t posted in a while so sorry if I’ve accidentally tagged you or forgotten to tag): @kouricaesar @chaotic-trash-can @kiriderp @theshisthings

TW: slightly graphic description of injury, mentions of blood, slight mention of nausea, a lot of crying and sad.

——————————————————

(Flashback)

‘No no no, please-’ Shinya panicked as he heard the lack of response coming from Jeanist’s side of the raid. Minutes prior to this, he had felt his heart drop and a ringing sound echoed through his head. He knew that this was not a good sign, but pushed it away as he helped to apprehend the LoV. ‘Please, please be okay...’ 

Dammit. He knew that he should’ve tried to stop him. He saw it in his eyes...those eyes...his eyes. Tsunagu knew that something was going to happen and that the worst part would hit his team, he always knew when the worst would happen, and it always had to happen to him.

‘That’s why he looked at me like that...Dammit....DAMMIT! Shinya, you are such an idiot!’ Shinya’s mind was racing as he made his way towards Kamino with Endeavour, where the other team was based.

“We can only hope that we are not too late.” Endeavour said harshly, knowing that he had to reassure the other man but unaware of how to do so.

Shinya simply hummed in response, taking a large leap from one building to another. He wasn’t really listening, his mind was way too busy to hear anything but his own thoughts. ‘Tsunagu....why? You knew that this would happen, and you knew the pain I’d be in once I found out...so why?’ He found himself trailing off into thought, ‘heh....nevermind....even if you could answer me now, your words would always stay the same - that it was “the only way I’d prove myself to be heroic” by taking a hit that could kill you, for the sake of others....’

“Dammit....”

(end of flashback)

————————————

Shinya was torn away from his rapid train of thought by the sound of footsteps hurdling towards him and Tsunagu’s family. Before even he could react, cold hands grabbed his shoulders and shook him gently, a pair of red wings knocking over several items along the way.

“Edgeshot-senpai! You’re okay! Well, you look okay! Are you okay?” The flustered young man exclaimed in a panicked manner, blond hair ruffled across his head as messily as a bird’s nest.

“Ah, Hawks...yes...Yes, I’m alright. Ju-just still a little shocked, I guess...what about you? What are you doing here?” Shinya shakily answered, his mind still thinking back to what happened.

The winged hero sighed in relief, giving a small apologetic bow to the family that was scattered around him. “Isn’t it obvious? I heard the news and came as quickly as I could! All Might-san retiring, Endeavour-san...moving...up the ranks...” Hawks eyed the end of the corridor wearily, “it’s all a lot to take in right now...for everyone.”

The ninja hero nodded, gesturing for the other to take a seat. Hawks simply shook his head in response and mumbled something about feeling too uncomfortable to sit down in this situation, making Shinya chuckle lightly in agreement.

“Hey....Shinya-san...”

“Hm?”

“...Tsunagu...” Hawks trailed off, staring cautiously at the door standing opposite them.

The mention of the fiber hero’s name caused Shinya to snap his head up a little too fast, making him wince at the sudden pain that shot through his neck.

Hawks paused for a moment, before slowly carrying on. “Tsunagu-san....will...will he be okay?” He looked at Shinya with sad eyes, nervously fiddling with a small marble that he held in his hands.

“I-” Shinya’s voice cracked as he tried to find an answer, looking down at his own hands, that were still bloody and shaken. “...we don’t know...we- we can only hope...” he blinked rapidly to try and clear the tears that blurred his vision once again. ‘Not here, dammit, not here. You are so weak, Shinya, don’t cry- you can’t...’

They shared a small silence, standing there, gazing at the closed door in front of them. Just as one of them was to try and break this silence, a rather loud buzzing came from the winged hero’s jacket, causing him to fumble around for his phone.

After exchanging a brief conversation with the mysterious caller, Hawks looked up at Shinya apologetically and lightly grabbed his shoulder. “Ah, sorry, urgent call from the commission...I gotta go...”

Shinya smiled slightly. “Of course. That’s understandable. Thanks....thanks for checking up on us....”

“Yeah,well, someone’s gotta do it. We wouldn’t want our favourite parental ninja to pass out from shock all by himself!” Hawks exclaimed brightly, his wings spreading out even more, almost hitting Ai in the face. “Oh, Rumi sends her regards, by the way. She’s busy so she couldn’t come in person, but she said for me to tell you ‘if that jeans bastard dies I’ll kill him, give him a good thump ‘round the head when he wakes up, will ya’ so....uh....yeah! Um....well, please make sure you let us all know how he’s doing...”

“Heh, yeah I will, don’t worry,” Shinya chuckled at the other’s enthusiasm. Waving at the winged hero, he watched as he briskly disappeared from his sight.

Shinya sighed, leaning his head back against the wall, his mind overflowing with doubts and worries yet again. He thought back on the sight of Kamino, destroyed and in ruins. All might’s thin and frail form, barely holding back that monster....and.....Tsunagu... ‘dammit! Stop it!’

——————————————

(flashback continued)

As they arrived, they realised that this was no ordinary villain, and that the LoV had already managed to escape. Shinya scanned the area anxiously, trying hard to mask his panic but failing to do so. ‘Where......where are you....I’m here, please, Tsunagu where are you....’ he tore his attention from the ruins and glared at the madman that was loitering in the air. He was absolutely filled with rage, his body shaking, he could barely breathe. He wanted to lunge forward and completely rip this...thing...apart. He wanted to completely let go, just like he did all those years ago, this time with no regrets. But he knew that it was not his fight to do so. He knew that he was only there for support, with the rest of the heroes, to help All Might.

A huge gust of wind from one of All for One’s blasts knocked him over, sending him tumbling backwards. He was never brilliant at going against power types (he’s a light little man, leave him alone) but this was troublesome. Bracing himself for the impact of a harsh landing, he was startled when he felt himself being caught by something wrapping around his arm.

“Edgeshot-senpai!” Kamui called out, catching the other man before he could hit the ground. He set them down, away from the main fight, sheltered by a huge chunk of a building. His shoulder was occupied by a rather unconscious Mount Lady, but he had another in his arms...

Shinya gave a brief nod of thanks, before noticing the condition of the lanky figure that hung loosely from the other hero’s grasp. ‘Oh please- please, oh god, no...’ he felt his heart drop.

He started panicking as he took in the sight in front of him. Eyes lifeless, staring out at him. Hair, messy and dirty. Tsunagu’s body laying limply, now on the ground, his arms and costume bloody and torn. What’s worse, is the gaping hole that was present in the middle of his stomach. He wasn’t breathing, he wasn’t moving, it was as if his life had been drained straight from his body.

Shinya felt as if he was going to be sick, his body shaking too hard for him to stand. This feeling....this feeling was way too familiar. He was so worried in finding him, but when he finally found him...when his partner’s body was lifted from the rubble...he felt even more hurt than before. He started choking on the tears that he couldn’t hide....that he wouldn’t hide....gasping for air as he stared at Tsunagu’s broken form, imitating that of a torn rag doll, riding the edge of death as if it were a knife with which to cut the rest of the strings that connected him to his life.

“No no no, please, no- not again....not again....why- why? Tsunagu, why you....why my family? Why is it always my family?! The people I love....mother...father...my....why did it have to be you?!” He blurted out, unable to contain the rest of his pain. He held onto Tsunagu’s unconscious form, clutching it tighter as more and more tears soak into his mask. He would hide his anguish, but he didn’t care. Not anymore. He didn’t care who saw him crying. He didn’t care who heard his silent screams and cries of lost hope. He ignored everything around him as he hugged his partner closer.

“Senpai....I’m sorry....I’m...we really need to get him to hospital....he’s...it’s...” Kamui spluttered out quietly. He watched as the ninja hero lost all of his hope and felt his heart beat rapidly at the thought of what else could happen. “We are...we’re out of sight from everyone else...it’s- it’s...”

Shinya sniffled. He looked up at the younger man, his eyes still blurry and unfocused. “Thank you....I’m sorry....I....”

“No...it’s okay....I understand.” Kamui replied, cradling Takeyama in his own arms gently.

(end of flashback)

————————————

His thoughts became muffled, his ears ringing, and only one sound echoing through his head.

“Shinya...”

It was Tsunagu’s voice. He snapped back to reality, looking around anxiously.

“Shinya.....I’m sorry...”

[lotr-mkg]

Prologue Recap 2/2

“Good morning! Good afternoon! Good evening, everyone!”

Freyja summons the contestants back to the Boreal Tryst's sundeck to kick off Love on the Rocks, with her first order of business being to score the icebreakers that the cast has been filling out for the past several days.

"Looks like we got some fierce competition! Was it the passion of love that made you guys so eager to fill this out? Put a little pep in your step? I know it does mine. This won't take me too long to put together and decide a winner. Sit tight for a second, ok? I’ll be done in a j—!”

Her voice abruptly cuts off.

“I’ll be done in a ji—!”

She takes a second before she attempts the line again, repeating her contemplative movement in a cycle. But when she tries it this time, it sounds… Off. Not just off, but strange. Weird. Uncomfortable, almost, as her pitch drops and becomes distorted to the point of being completely intelligible.

“I̸̽̽'̸̀͒l̷̈̊l̶͌̈́ ̵̉͠b̷̌́e̵͒̓ ̴̀̉d̸͖̃ȯ̷͝n̶͛̕é̶͠ ̷̈́͗i̵̎͘n̵͋̌ ̷̂͒a̷͒͊ ̷̈́̕j̶̋͝í̴͐f̷̺̉f̸̂̋y̴̻͝!̸̑͗”

While many of the contestants look on in confusion, some more concerned about the program's well-being than others, a few attempt to gain Freyja's attention.

She doesn’t respond no matter what you say or do to get her attention. In fact, if anything, it looks like your attempts only make it worse. Almost like repetitively left clicking a frozen browser page. Not only does she remain stuck in her two-frame, chin-tapping buffering motion, but her pixels become grainy and glitched in the process. This doesn’t last for too much longer though, because just as it happened, her hologram shuts off all together, and you’re left just… Standing there. No explanation for what happened, let alone why it happened in the first place. You could pass it off at some sort of elaborate joke if you really wanted to - if it puts your mind at ease - but when there is a slow but drastic shift in the ship's course of direction, the fact that something is very, very wrong can’t be ignored. Water in the pool and jacuzzi slowly begins to tip to one side from the sudden change in momentum, the unbolted chairs on the deck slide, and, if you’re not careful, you could very well join them. Thank god for the rails.

With Freyja missing in action, the Boreal Tryst barrels towards land, eventually striking a number of rocks along the shoreline before coming to a stop. The contestants go uninjured, save for maybe a few minor bruises from stumbling around, dazed, confused, and angry about whatever just happened.

Among the chaos of their shipwreck, they're able to spot buildings in the distance. Hoping they've lucked out on being dropped near civilization, the contestants safely climb their way down the escape ladder and make their way towards what appears to be a small town, hoping they'll be able to call the producers and explain what happened.

... A small town that's entirely abandoned, unfortunately.

The streets are filled with hollow and dilapidating buildings, with no signs of life in sight as the light dusting of snow crunches underneath their feet.

Suddenly, a familiar upbeat voice cut through the cold.

“Hello? Hellooo?”

A small display of Freyja pops up from each one of your watches, speaking in unison.

“Oh, gosh! That was so weird! My body felt all tingly and numb… My head got all dizzy... Or, it would have if I had a body that could feel tingly and numb, and a head to get dizzy in the first place. Haha!”

Questions about their circumstances begin to rise. What happened? Where are they?

"Luckily, I do know where you are, Liezel! A liiittle isolated coastal city way up north of Norway called Forsetalundr." She giggles before leaning in, like she's whispering. "Kind of cozy, isn't it?"

“My sensors are telling me that the cabins in the ship aren’t being fed heat anymore… But that’s nothing to worry about! I’ve found a nearby motel for you all to stay in, and I even took the liberty of assigning you some new roommates for a change of pace. You know, since, um, you’ll prooooobably be here for a while!”

“I guess I could [also] send out a radio signal on an open channel to ask for help, buuut… I don’t think I’m gonna do that! If someone else shows up to save you guys, that would ruin the whole show, you know? Since the whole point is to see what you guys do without other people interfering, right?”

The group begins to grow irate. What is she talking about?

"... Oh! I know this one. That sounds like disappointment, doesn't it? Anger, maybe? I know it's not super ideal, but I've been told that people say the show must go on, or something! So, we're going to keep playing the game, okay? Buuut, if you really want to go home, you can always d̶̦̚ì̴̅v̴̻̄o̵̩̕r̴̛̼c̴̆̍e̶ someone."

"It'll break my heart - and theirs, I’m sure - but if you d̶̦̚ì̴̅v̴̻̄o̵̩̕r̴̛̼c̴̆̍ẻ̶̗ one of the other contestants without getting caught, you'll get closer to me signaling for help! How do you divorce someone, you might ask? Welllll, it's simple, really!"

"You k̸i̵l̶l̸ them, of course!"

"It'll be so romantic, but so tragic! You've all read Romeo and Juliet, right? Star-crossed lovers, pulled apart by the claws of death..."

"Oh! But I know that's pretty vague, so I went ahead and updated your guidelines on your RIMEKEEPERS with more information on how it'll work. Do me a favor and read those over, will you? Thanks!”

The contestants read over the updated rules provided by Frejya, naturally outraged... well, save for a certain Shinya, who seems pretty amused by the whole thing. Hey, this isn't what they signed up for at all, is it?

As her last order of business before disappearing, Freyja finally seems to remember what started all of this-- The icebreaker! But what she adds seems... a little different than your standard dating show fare.

“Since we're probably going to be stuck here for a while, we'll need some new ground rules, since this isn't the ship, right? Our three winners of the icebreaker - the person with the highest score and two runner ups - will be this rounds very special lawmakers. They worked really hard, so I figured they would be best fit to set the bar for this lawless town. Like sheriffs back in the days of cowboys!”

“They’ll get together and discuss one rule to set into motion, for better or for worse. This rule could potentially only help them, or help the entire group if they’re feeling generous. Either way, it won’t be easy. It’s a lot of responsibility, and it’s hard to make everyone happy! I’m sure they’ll do juuust fine though.”

Before anything else can be said, her display on your watch flickers off, and you’re one again felt with how you started — alone, together. Is this… really what you all signed up for? Being stranded in a desolate town, being held hostage unless you’re compliant, and being forced to kill one another if you ever want to leave? Is this Love on The Rocks?

[twilightknight17]

Forgetting to buy more SP patches before taking on the final boss was probably a mistake.

Forgetting to sell the items I can’t take into NG+ for cash that I can take into NG+ was probably a mistake.

Forgetting to get Arsene out of Lockdown so that I can record his awesome new stats for NG+ was probably a mistake.

In my defense, I was really excited. I wonder if the game will let me make a side trip while I’m out...buying flowers. Because that is what it has come to.

Buying flowers.

Shinya is a terrible brat and wasn’t in Akihabara at ALL until the day before the deadline. Thanks, Shinya. There goes my max confidants. Blugh. At least I got some other things done. Got the award for the maid cafe, so I don’t have to go back except once to open the Twins field trip. I still suck at batting even with third eye. But I am a champ at fishing, it only took me like five trips to the fishing pond to catch the Guardian! I could have done it in less if I’d figured out how to manage my bait properly sooner.

Smile, Akira, we’re awesome! ...still not even halfway to enough fish points for the award, though. :/

I am also awesome at the crane game in Akihabara, and by that I mean I am persistent and have enough yen that it doesn’t matter how many tries it takes.

Ryuji truly knows the way to my heart. <3 I missed two episodes of Featherman; one I forgot to check the TV, and the other I was laughing so hard at the title that I forgot to write it down. But I know where they are, so it’s something else for NG+. ^_^

So I romanced Sumire, and I’m...slightly off-put. Only slightly. Not because of her, but once again, because of the writing. Sumire is cute, but the game is singling her out as “special” again.

She is the only one who confesses to you, and you explicitly have the option to turn her down, rather than the implications of a confession that you can shoot down indirectly (Haru’s, Makoto’s, Futaba’s), or the absolute fucking galaxy-brain leap of logic that is Ann’s dialogue choices. X’D

If you ignore that, though, they’re stupidly cute. Akira’s a little shit, as usual. Sumire asks you to “look at her”, based on her whole confidant thing of realizing that having someone you care about watching you makes you want to do better.

And so Akira looks.

And looks closer.

Dorks. XDDD

They’re sweet. Not my favorite romance route; that still goes to Haru. I think in the end I still prefer Akira adding another member to his army of younger siblings. He’s gotta be better than Yu. XDDD

So I got Kasumi’s rank 10 and literally the next day was February 2nd, and I spent the afternoon getting her third-tier persona. So I didn’t even get to see...Vanadis? in battle. Vanadis matches a little too well to Arsene for my tastes, and Ella is pretty, but I’m not sure how I feel about it looking kind of bride-ish when Maruki’s running around in a wedding tux.

.

Anyway...what do we do the night before the meeting that will decide everything?

We make curry and we pretend everything isn’t about to go to hell.

.

So, Maruki. Let’s chat.

Does no one die in your world? Or move away? What if someone’s dream is to move abroad, and someone else’s dream is for that person to stay with them forever? If what we saw in your Palace is any indication, both of them would be tortured into accepting new dreams where they wouldn’t hurt each other. Dreams that you deemed acceptable. And that’s why you’re wrong.

So you’re giving up your happiness to make sure everyone else is happy? Why can’t you just use your powers to make her remember you, without the trauma? Are you not all-powerful?

Or are you running away from the person that reminds you how helpless you used to be? You’re not moving on, you’re dwelling, and using it as an excuse to be terrible. For all of your kindness, you know Akira is a threat. And benevolent or not, you’re being manipulative. You’re using Goro against him. You’re hoping that he makes the decision you didn’t, and chooses the person he cares about over the reality he wants.

Every time he says something like this, I feel exactly the way he says he didn’t want me to. Newsflash, asshole, that’s exactly what it seems like. If we break your reality, you’re heavily implying he won’t be here afterwards. And you’re gambling that it will be too much pain for Akira to bear, because you know how important they are to each other.

Goro, meanwhile, is both perfectly determined and perfectly stupid.

“Don’t tell me you think dangling my life before us is going to have any impact on our decision.”

Goro. Honey. Do you really think he cares so little that he wouldn’t hesitate for just a moment?

Akira practically throws the calling card at Maruki before he leaves, which I think sums up his feelings pretty well.

I appreciate that Morgana understands that this is something between them.

Goro doesn’t want to be controlled or manipulated ever again. Which... I get it. He’s never had a chance to have full control of his own life. But that doesn’t mean Akira isn’t going to be upset by the idea of him dying. Again.

Two out of three dialogue options are basically “hang on one fucking second,  your life matters to me.”

“Don’t oversimplify this.”

“Oh, but it IS simple. Do you think I’d be happy with this? Being shown mercy now of all times? I don’t want to be pitied-- this isn’t something I’m debating with you! Your indecisiveness is essentially a betrayal of my wishes.”

It’s not pity, you stubborn, idiot boy. ...and I hate that you see it as a betrayal.

Maruki is...very confident. And very kind. And part of the reason he upsets me is because he isn’t wrong, in many cases. But he uses that to justify imposing his will on everyone.

And being kind doesn’t mean that you are free from sin. You can be kind and still be manipulative. And selfish. In the end, that’s what separates him and Akira. Akira, despite all of his hesitation, refuses to be selfish. Even when he has every right to be. He will not hurt someone else to prevent himself from being hurt.

He will not hurt Goro by refusing to fight Maruki, even if it will rip his own heart to pieces.

Oh, I like you. At first glance, the silhouette was very similar to one of Mordred’s original pieces of concept art, though, and I was ready to Yell before I looked closer. XD

And so, at 11:30pm, having completely forgotten the several things I needed to have done before the meeting with Maruki, we head in to steal the Treasure.

This man needs to stop. How dare he know how much I love Cool Stairs?

I find it very concerning that the core of Eden is a writhing mess of tentacles. The metaphorical worm in the apple? X’D We were so close to getting Nyarlathotep, but Azathoth is suitably intimidating. And I appreciate that he’s using the same concepts as the Thieves: his will to rebel against what he sees as an unfair reality, and removing his mask to summon his distorted persona. Thanks for validating all of my headcanon meta about Adachi and Palaces all in one go.

But...

I can’t do this. What the fuck are you wearing?

At least Azathoth is cool.

Somehow I managed to bring exactly the right team to get consistent four-person baton passes for the whole first round. That one was about half an hour.

...the second round was an hour and fifteen minutes because holy shit this thing was a tank and had entirely too many arms and really needed to stop healing.

The torch is very pretty, at least.

And then before we can completely book it out of there, he steals the torch back and literally forces his second awakening so he can keep going. And at that point...what is he even hoping to accomplish? What is he going to do? Are you really willing to kill us to maintain this illusion?

The answer is apparently yes because it was a surprisingly poetic battle as each teammate in turn got a chance to fling themselves in the way and stop it from crushing Joker to death with it’s big giant hand.

And THEN he goes even further and validates some canon meta and me all at once by fusing with his own persona in a continuing last-ditch effort to... I really think he’s trying to kill us. I think he’s that far gone. Or at least his persona is. Because after the fusion, it’s specifically called “Adam Kadmon”, not Maruki. The persona is in control. It’s canon that if you try to summon something stronger than you, it can overtake and possess you. I know Maruki seemed to willingly give up control, but it’s also possible that forcing his second awakening like that left him with a persona that was entirely too strong for him.

(Nevermind that him being that strong in the first place is kind of ridiculous. That’s a discussion for after the final credits. I’m just hyped that someone fusing with their persona was a thing that actually happened!)

He’s so big. Where’s Satanael so I can fuse with him and we can have a megazord fight in Collapsing Ideal Tokyo? XD

The kids up the Holy Shit Quotient by a mile by catching the giant fist all together so that Joker can deal the final blow.

And what a final blow it is.

I really like this, because I don’t know if it was deliberate, but I read it as a callback to Daybreakers. Which came out before the game, iirc, so the first real piece of content. It’s just on a bigger, grander scale.

Everything comes full-circle in the end.

I really like the Mona helicopter. XD I just wish it was a little bigger, because poor Goro squished into the bottom. And poor Akira not managing to make it into the helicopter.

And this asshole WILL NOT STAY DOWN.

What is the point of punching it out on top of the collapsing Palace? Are you trying to kill us both? Do you just want to keep going until neither of us can stand? Dude.

And of course Akira won’t let him die. I think the upsetting thing about this, though, is really that you don’t get the chance to say a proper goodbye to Goro. Or anyone, really, but mostly Goro. The Palace crumbles, Akira wakes up in jail, the Thieves wake up the next morning after fighting all night, and Goro is...gone.

At least the Thieves seem properly sad this time. Even if it’s only for one scene.

Lavenza calls it “ironic” that “your wish for other’s happiness prevailed over your own.” I just call it unfair. Once again, hasn’t he done enough? At least he was only technically in jail for nine days from his perspective, but that must have been a whiplash of an adjustment.

Out of jail, Sojiro acknowledges he was Terrible at the beginning of the year, it’s 2:30am, time to do Valentines and then go to bed before the final walkaround.

And then Valentines passes. I spent it with Sumire. They’re cute.

And then it was February 15th and all the rest of the girls gave me chocolate?? It was just a constant ambush of being given chocolate all day?

And then it was March 3rd, and the Thieves are all splitting up and moving away? Are we sure this isn’t Scramble’s timeline? I get it, narratively, they’re taking the opportunities to move forward that Maruki’s reality would have denied them, but it still hurts.

And then it was March 13th and I still can’t save and now it’s 3am and apparently we get to play out White Day and Sojiro is giving me advice for the perfect date because captain idiot here forgot to plan anything and what heckin’ restaurant is getting this flustered that just mentioning Sojiro’s name is enough to get a table when they’re fully booked and---

Now it’s the 14th and I have to go buy flowers for my dinner date and I have finally been given control and saved and I am free.

Now next time I play I have to see if I can go sell my leftover items, because I’ve got a couple-hundred-thousand yen worth, and also rescue Arsene from prison. X’D

More thoughts on Maruki and everything after I see the ending, most likely.

[yumapii]

[Event Story] D.C. 10 Count [12/12]

Parts 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

Mamoru: Round 2 is about to start! ! Bianchi-kun got knocked down once in the first round but I wonder what will happen this time?! 

Champ: You good? I’ll make sure to K.O you this time.  

Yuni: If you can… Then go ahead and try! 

Champ: ! 

[flashback: 

Yuni: Let’s make a deal. 

Champ: A deal? 

Yuni: Go all out against me in our match. 

Champ: ….. 

Champ: Hey now, I’m a pro ya know? 

Yuni: And I’m a proud Sicilian. Holding back will conversely hurt me even more. 

Champ: …..

Yuni: Just like the athletes in this match, I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got. Otherwise the match would be pointless. 

Champ: What’s this DVD? 

/end flashback] 

Champ: You’re still going? 

Yuni: pant, pant 

Champ: It’s about time to end this farce. 

Shion: ! 

Rintarou: ( No, his step is too shallow, that must be-- ) 

Yuni: ( A fake! Now’s my chance! ! ! ! ) 

Shigure: ?! 

// Knocking he wouldn’t connect, Yuniyuni takes a big step forward, full of courage, and takes the punch face first on his own accord. // 

Champ: ?! 

// Slipping into his enemy’s space, a full body counter. Yuniyuni’s right hand breaks through, aiming for the Champ’s cheek-- // 

Shion: ! 

// Climbing over the ropes, the Ringside Doctor catches the tiny warrior. // 

Shinya: Call it off! This match is over! 

Yuni: Shibasaki… Don’t do… useless… things… 

Shigure: Someone get a stretcher! 

// The venue was in uproar. With Shin-chan as the leader, the first aid unit start treating Yuniyuni. // 

// Amidst the chaos, completely ignoring the mood, one man takes up the mic and begins to speak. // 

Champ: Mic test. 

Champ: Hey, you’re here right? 

// His strange question was met with an awkward silence. // 

Champ: Then come. 

// Of course I know who those words were directed at. Besides… That was my feeling too. // 

Mamoru: Wh-what is going on here?! 

Mamoru: Bianchi-kun’s secret weapon who was the star of the previous arm wrestling tournament has stepped into the ring! ! ! 

Shion: No way… Is that you? 

// To answer his question, I perform a Spinosaurus Fist with SHION’s body. (That was the pose I used to make when giving advanced warning that I was aiming for a K.O. ) // 

// The reason I was so late to Yuniyuni’s match was because I had been training to fight by possessing SHION. // 

Champ: Wow, you can do that?! 

Champ: Well, at least this way, we’re able to face off properly. 

Rintarou: Hah, I sure kept you waiting, huh, “myself”? 

// After making sure Yuniyuni was safely escorted off the venue, I take the mallet and ring the gong myself. And my opponent is “the part of me that didn’t progress”. // 

Champ: Round 1, Start ♪ 

Rintarou: Alright! 

// Jab, One-two, and then a Middle Kick. I dodge the attacks directed at me, and go for a Front Kick, which was evaded with a Sidestep. It’ll be over in an instant if I’m caught. No, I will catch him first! // 

[flashback:

Shion: Take revenge. 

Yuni: As long as you continue to breathe, your melody will never end. Wounds are the cornerstone of change. You can’t play the same melody forever, can you? The 10 Count is already over! 

Champ: I think I’m more suited to being “me”. And you’re more suited to wandering for eternity, don’t you think. 

// sigh I’m tired. Tired of struggling. // 

/end flashback] 

// Inviting a counter, I intentionally approach with lowered defence. // 

// And then he, who hates taking a Backstep, comes forward like a mirror reflection. // 

Rintarou: ( Now, now is the time! ) 

// For the longest time, I had been imprisoned by that ring, together with that neverending 10 Count. Staring up at the sky disgracefully, always being washed over by the bright stadium lights. //

// I put more strength into my legs, pushing myself off the floor no matter how unsightly I may seem. // 

Rintarou: ( If I don’t force this one step, I will, never, defeat myself! ! ! ) 

// With the Brave Heart that I have regained. Towards the world beyond that 10 Count, I can proudly say… // 

Rintarou: That the me as I am now is the most like me! ! ! 

// I take a huge step forward, much bigger than the one I took before. While experiencing sensation in my legs for the first time in a long while, I put all my power into a punch, landing straight on my past self’s cheek. // 

Shion: Cross Counter… 

Mamoru: He did it… As expected of Bianchi-kun’s strongest weapon! ! ! He’s splendidly defeated Kuma-kun~ ~ ! ! 

// The explosive cheers of the crowd sound so far away. // 

Rintarou: ( Yeah… I’m the strongest. Because I’m a God after all. ) 

// The view before me is the same as it was then, however the brightness of the lights was different. I raise a fist towards that light. // 

Rintarou: That was a good punch, self. 

// My raised arm was lit by the lights above. // 

[courtyard] 

// A few days later. // 

Shion: Does that mean we have to part? 

Yuni: Yes. We finished testing his capabilities so it’s time to send him back to Father for mass production. 

Touji: Please ensure that all the future models have a different design! If so many Mikekado-senpais were to appear… When two already stirred up my heart so… Oooh, a crowd of Mikekado-swenpwai… 

Yuni: He’s in his own world again… 

Shion: Leave him be. 

Yuni: President-san, don’t you want to say goodbye to SHION? 

// Yuniyuni turned back to call out to me but his interest was shifted to something else. // 

Yuni: Are those the gloves you lent me the other day? 

Rintarou: Yup. You’ve got to take them out to air sometimes. 

Yuni: Everyone says your match at the end was amazing. How regrettable! I wish I could have seen it too! 

Rintarou: Nyahaha! Well but considering the state you were in then. 

Rintarou: But I’m really thankful to Yuniyuni and Mikepon. 

Rintarou: Thank you. 

Shion: I didn’t really do anything.

Yuni: You’re very welcome ♪ 

// Yuniyuni smiles as bright as the sun and I return a smile of my own. Then I casually look up at the sky. // 

Rintarou: ( Perhaps that guy was also trying to help me move forward. Though there’s no way of knowing now. ) 

// And though it was supposed to be the same sky as always, for some reason… // 

Rintarou: ( The sky today is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. )

[manjuhitorie]

Hitorie’s unreleased concert recordings, are coming out on wowaka’s birthday

https://www.hitorie.jp/Loveless_IKI/

Hitorie’s full length DVDs of 2 concerts: The Loveless tour final and the IKI tour final in their full glory! It's region free and the release date is November, NOVEMBER, 4th. wowaka’s birthday.

The cover art has been unveiled, and the details of the bonus items have been divulged! 

The standard edition cover feautures wowaka in ai/SOlate T-shirt twanging his guitar! 

It comes with both concerts and an envelope with a lottery ticket for a chance to win a framed photo. It's cheaper and only comes with the 2 DVDs, the perfect piece! Regular edition DVD: via cdjapan

The limited edition cover features all members basked in laser lights! 

The complete special package comes with both concerts, a new special photobook of unreleased photos by cameraman Nishimaki Taichi, sticker replicas of the staff passes used for both tours, and an envelope with a lottery ticket for a chance to win a framed photo.  It’s also separated into Blu-ray and DVD, so make sure you buy the right one for your gear! DVD limited complete edition: via cdjapan   Blu-ray limited complete edition: via cdjapan Bonus pre-order items!!!

If you preorder from select stores you’ll receive a A2 size poster of the wowaka photo (Tower Records and CDJapan are sure to have it)!

Amazon preorders will include a 5 piece set of concert photo post cards! (Amazon hasn’t prepared a page yet though, I'll link it ASAP).

And preorders from the concert venue booths will nab you a Hitorie-chan themed ticket case. 

The track list is as follows

From Hitorie’s UNKNOWN-TOUR 2018 "Loveless" at EX THEATER ROPPONGI March 25th 2018 01. NAI. 02. Shinya 0-ji 03. Inperfection 04. One Me Two Hearts 05. Nichijou to Chikyuu no Gakubuchi 06. Bathtub and Sleepwalk 07. Eve Stepper 08. Loveless 09. Monocolor 10. Glare 11. Senseless Wonder 12. Unhappy Refrain 13. Social Clock 14. Namid[A]me 15. Talkie Dance 16. Unknown Mother Goose 17. Absolute Encore 1. Dancing Mannequin, Singing Fool Encore 2. Little Cry Baby

AND

From Hitorie’s National Solo Tour 2017 "IKI" at STUDIO COAST May 7th 2017 01. Heart Breath 02. One Me Two Hearts 03. Inperfection 04. Daydreamer(s) 05. Eve Stepper 06. Rularula 07. doppel 08. Lights in the Polar Night 09. Saihate 10. KOTONOHA 11. Hagure no Color 12. 5 Count Hello 13. Dancing Mannequin, Singing Fool 14. Shutter Doll 15. Little Cry Baby 16. Glare Encore 1. Kara no Waremono Encore 2. Senseless Wonder Encore 3. SisterJudy Encore 4. Montage Girl

"The full crowd bouncing around today was the best, I wish I could've shown everybody how crazy you guys looked. Please stick with us through future endeavors to come." After the IKI show in the DVD, ygarshy had said this.

And now.... that chance to see that day's craziness and follow their future is upon us, please do consider purchasing and dancing!!! And thank you for looking... 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

⚠️~~~⚠️~~~⚠️The rest of this post is unnecessary bonus manju material⚠️~~~⚠️~~~⚠️

I had report on the Loveless final compiled together from way back on March 28th 2019, so I’ll post it here again to give a small taste....!

●The stage lighting for Namid[A]me was apparently breathtaking, they made it look like it was actually raining, ●Yumao used a real gong for Social Clock. ●During Senseless Wonder yg went all the way over to snd’s side of the stage, stuck his body against his, and they played it out together. Then came the encore MC break.

●Yu started cheering himself on, while making flamboyant poses: "Yumaooooo!!  Oooh~!  WOooooOOah *rough voice* !!💪( ＞ω ＜💪)” Crowd: “You’re so cool~!” Yu: “Thank goo~ *Goes to a cutesy voice*” “You’re so cute~!” “Thank goo. Thank you!” SND: “Hey dude, they’re all callin’ ya cute and cool y’know.” Yu: “…(short pause) Thank goooo~~~”

wowaka: (laughing) We’re done, that's all we need for MC ahahaa.

●Leaving members stuck on what to ramble about, they’ve already talked so much throughout the whole tour, what’s left? So wo suggested that they do a re-cap on all those fun boring discussions they’ve had. Omnibus time. 

●Back when the Japan was collectively swept off their feet by the Olympic ice skater Yuzuru Hanyu-kun and his performance, wo had also praised him during MC.  Yet just thinking about him puts pressure on Yumao, it inspired Yumao to do his best. And as the next song on Rie’s set list was the inspirational Memai, he concentrated so hard, poured himself in and played super neatly, “Oh shit oh no oh shit, Hanyu-kun makes me nervous.” Yumao explained. 

●During the span of the tour SND fell off the stage way more then once... SND: “The skin on my back peeled off once too.” Yu “Eeeh?!” SND “Saying it peeeled all the way off is an overstatement but..” ”Well then the scab ripped off.” “Seriously?!” “But it healed nicely.” “Ahh” “After that, in Niigata, when I went to brandish my guitar up with a “pwooosh” towards the roof, it went bonking into my forehead.” ●SND’s middle finger had also stopped moving, (nerve palsy maybe??) During Talkie Dance there’s the “piropiropiro” where a “pero, pero” bit comes in between (Queue SND and Yuma singing the riff together), which is very straining. He has to press his fingers against the strings one by one to play it, he was scared but nonetheless. So Yuma watched him at the piropero part wondering “Oh no oh no is it gonna move? Is it moving today??””

When it came down to it his middle finger moved for him so thank goodness... (Manju comment: SND is this karma for all the times you gave the crowd the middle finger when they cheered your name,,, or flipped off girls who waved at you, or giving wo the middle finger a lot? God I love you)

●Yumao “Also ygarshy laughed ONCE!” “There was the one time I was talking nonstop (queue SND and Yumao making “blaghblergh” noises together to imitate him). When yga let out a chuckle, which made me super proud in front of everyone… I went Wahooo!!! but turns out it wasn’t because my story was funny or anything.  It was because yga was off on his own! Testing how many candies he could eat before we would shut up!” SND: “Did you chuckle because you finished the third candy?” yg: “Uhhh” SND: “Well tell us about it.” wowaka: “Is this the first time he’s talking?” yga: “See, I always think our encore MCs are… long. So I feel like having some candy. I was originally worried I wouldn’t be able to finish eating one in time, the song would start and turn into a problem, but.... it turned out that day’s had become the longest MC yet. I lost my inner bet, damn it, I thought. You guys really can talk. Three whole candies worth of talk! So I laughed, and Yumao thought I was laughing at hims story”

Yu: “Yeah yeah!! Honestly the story I had been telling didn’t have a punchline, so I just used your laugh as an escape.”

SND “Foolish” Yu “Yep” wowaka “Well that day the most” Crowd “laughing” Yumao “...Thank goo~ (laughing)” (Yumao you never have a punchline I swear to God I love you too)

●wowaka talked about the story from back when he used to be so so scared of standing in front of people. In middle school his teacher chose him to represent his class in the English speaking competition, yet he was so afraid that he just, went out to the podium crying hysterically. “I can’t talk English in front of everyone waghhh....”

But now he’s able to do >this<. He’s become such an adult. 

SND “I bet there wasn’t even as many people at the competition as there is people here today, haha and you’re able to even talk naturally here, eh, look at you.”

Yu: “Ahh even SND’s such a big boy now~.” SND: “Well we all have.” ●They announced the next nexUs tour at the Loveless tour final. “We just love doing shows” 

●Also Pre- Little Cry Baby emotional speech from wowaka.   “In living we find cool things and sparkling things, yet there’s moments when we betray those things, we worry if ahhh was I wrong with that, there’s so much of this, in actuality that’s all I do, yet still we’re made out of things we can’t throw away, that’s what I think, what is it! Like those sorta texture that have a paint dried over them, like things that are just superficial just… Those are things that I have NO FUCKING  interest in! Like it’s that, c’mON, with music, people are just humans!! trying to be, they’re trying to do what they can do! I have interest in things that only humans can do, some things that can even surpass human, and that’s what fuels me to do music. As long as you follow me, I feel like ,, I could go anywhere!!!!! thank you always, thank you for making me!! Thank you for being here!!!”

This was also the showing they used during the Memorial Service on June 1st… STAFF WE ARE GOING TO CRY “Thank you we were Hitorie, let’s definitely! *through deep breaths* definitely! Meet again!”

Also some from IKI

●wowaka’s mother came to this show.... As divulged in this interview. THE ORAL CIGARETTES had sent Rie flowers in celebration of the event, which were on display at the venue.... Shiohigari SND’s good friend went, also the Synth player of the band “the telephones” who took the picture that’s featured on this blog) went also! ●Before Shutter Doll Yumao did his signature, Yumao! Yumao! Yumao! cheer on rhythm with the familiar intro, but with “Final! Final! instead. Along with We’re ●Hagure no Color had snazzy band introductions molded in between it. ●wowaka had actually cried during Little Cry Baby..... It really is a song that’s so important to him.... I’m anxious to see the video... ●MC: One was wowaka talking about how thankful he is for everyone and everything about this IKI tour. wowaka “I don’t want it to to enddd!” SND “We’re been on this tour for 4 months, it’s been a long time though, it’s amazing, it’s a new record for us.” wowaka “Now what am I going to do with myself tomorrow.“ SND “Go back to our dark dark life...” wo “Why”

SND “You guys had been waiting outside all this time, how was it, was it cold, are you okay? Further crowd: “We were okay-! Closer crowed “(less voices) We were okay.” SND “So you guys were okay and you were cold, okay (laughing). Well if you were cold, then see this sweatshirt Leader is wearing.. please wear one too That thing is perf.  Crowd: “Woooah!!” SND: “Why the fuck ‘Woah.’ Even if you said you’re okay then still go buy one alright. Thanks..”

[witchywitchstudies]

Answers to the 3rd Quarter/Waning Crescent Moon questions are below- did them all in one go during the New Moon ritual. May seem a bit scattered without the questions for reference, but hope it may bring at least some form of entertainment, or a message for you from out-of-this-world. Answering them was more fun than I thought! Highly recommend to anyone 💜

I am allowing myself to enjoy the cozy, simple home things and things in the moment- phone talks with friends, tea, yoga, baths, treats, etc.

What I want to allow myself to enjoy more of- Art, business, social media interaction, my self, my relationships

My awareness practice and study is working. My obsession over thoughts and actions and experiences is not as invasive and overpowering as it used to be. Still have obsessive episodes, but not as many as before.

I am focusing on the inspiration of female wrestling, art, civil rights activists, Beyoncé, music, art shorts, contemporary dance, myth and deities.

I am feeling uneasy, but courageous and stronger.

Biggest challenge is being authentic to selves and others, no matter how much I may deem necessary. Have to stop the triggers and fight/flight responses.

I can overcome it by studying, taking it slow, being kind to self and making sure I am centered and listening to my inner guide as much as possible at every moment.

AM&PM written out, need to reasses and reaffirm. Yoga, reading, tarot, meditation, journaling, etc.

How to improve my self care practice: listen more (self, body), expand and explore self care products and ideas, invest in favorite things- candles, essential oils, tea, etc., rest more, take more breaks/naps, adjust plans/schedule as needs change

Read more, organize my photos, commit more to what I want to get done and have set out in front of me,

I love my depth, creativity, openness, love

Anxieties; fear, abandonment, loss of finance/value/reputation, harming others, making a mistake, saying the wrong thing, not knowing the right things, am i doing enough

I feel good about where I am going, what I am doing and trying to be better about, I feel good about my relationship with Shinya, I feel good about where I am going with my relationship with self. I feel good about the potential of the future, the future of the children, fight, what the light warriors are doing, human connection

3 things in daily routine that could make long term difference: I guess I will keep Yoga, meditation, and hmmmmm either reading or journaling. Let’s do journaling. I’ll still probably keep reading in either the AM or PM routine.

Soft textured socks, blankets, pajamas, and stuffed animals make me feel comfy and secure. Same with inside warmth, tea, being in a familiar, private place

I am thankful for these lessons: how to directly talk to people and openly share not-as-great emotions (and still learning), learning how to be financially independent, or at least calculate what I can. That love conquers all, that everyone is deserving of love, that magic is real. Not to trust too much, but also speak my mind as best I can when I can if something is bothering me.

Look at and check myself before I become toxic to myself or someone dear

Next cycle dreams/projects... have animal donation out and active, complete wolf paw stickers, read witchy books/chapters/manga, be more active in my schedule, plans and day, far along in my commissions, more lovely memories with Shinya,

I am reflecting on how my actions affect others. How my behavior has effected my circumstances and how people approach/treat/communicate with me. How to be as authentic as possible. What I have done in the past, letting it go, and what it means to be in the moment

Am I doing it right? Am I enough? Do I ask too much? Do I unwisely do too much? Exert too much? Give into fear too much?

What is the next big celebration step? (Lots of questions)

I am so excited for my next projects, I love my art and what I do and what I am becoming. Where am i going, where am I going to be? Do I do enough for Shinya? Is the world going to be ok? What is going to happen to the animals and the history of our Earth loving ancestors?

What is on my heart...How do we get there? How do I get there? I feel full of love and light. Wish I knew how to share more of it with confidence.

Rituals I love for this phase: sensory and motivation based- baths, purification, scrying/divination/tarot, yoga, meditation; and also things that help me feel all the feels- binge watching animated shorts, contemporary dance, sad animated movies, music, etc.

You are doing great, you are doing just fine, happiness, joy, hope, dreams, unlimited possibilities, vastness, courage, sturdiness, boldness, strength, fresh, reflecting

Weekly Mini-goals: Reading a chapter a week? 5 pages a week? WEBTOON reading? Art sketches, #daily animals, etc.

Sacred self moments: self reflective moments of epiphany, dancing to music alone, achieving something great

I wish for a way to connect more deeply with my art

[cleverwolfpoetry]

Translation from Psycho-pass 下 Kougami and Akane's last scene

CONTAINS UNAIRED SCENES – QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THE ANIME!

I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. It was a big big surprise to me. Why haven’t I heard someone talking about this scene before?????   

 PLEASE, DO NOT REPOST, JUST REBLOG IF YOU LIKE IT AND FEEL LIKE SHARING. THANKS!

translation by cleverwolfpoetry @ https://cleverwolfpoetry.tumblr.com/

Kougami pointed the dominator at the refrigerating van but it didn’t change its shape into decomposer. It was stuck in paralizer mode, it couldn’t be helped.  He dodged by a hair the refrigerator van that was running against them, stepping aside from it with all his might.

The van sped up and ran away breaking through the fence dividing the factory from the wheat fields. Rolled to the ground, Kougami jumped up to his feet and --- Akane’s figure, who was supposed to be behind him, was not there.

Kougami ran after the escaping van. Akane was clinging to the vehicle side.

“Akane!”*

Without realizing, he screamed her name. He started running with a desperate look on his face.

  The refrigerator van was running fast on the farm road between the wheat fields. Akane was hanging to the side of it with her left hand. She was about to dislocate her shoulder but, come this far, she couldn’t whine about it. She desperately focused all her strength not to be thrusted out as well as not to let go of the revolver in her right hand.

From that unstable position, Akane aimed at the tire of the refrigerating van with the revolver. 

She pulled the trigger.

At the recoil of the magnum bullet, she remembered the tactile sensation of the time she had shot with Toyohisa’s shotgun*. 

The tire of the refrigerator van blew out. The van lost control and started weaving. Akane was thrown off and the refrigerator van fell sidelong and plunged into the wheat field.

“… ! …”

Akane, who had hit the ground, lost consciousness.

  --- that moment, was it  shortly before the murder case of the avatars thief started?

When Akane had entered the large office at the Criminal Investigation Department, Kougami was dozing at his desk. 

Maybe he was hot after the training or something and he had taken off the suit jacket.

“…”

Without any particular reason, Akane stared at Kougami’s face. He was resting with his chin on his hands swaying his chest slowly like he was rowing a boat.  That defenseless sleeping face was really unexpected and Akane felt her heart beat so fast.

---  broad shoulders, a thick chest. Probably the type who looked thinner in his clothes than he really was. She also watched his arms carefully and they were quite thick. A muscular, masculine body. Just looking at him, for some reason she hadn’t enough of it. An incredibly well-shaped nose. The thin mouth was attractive but the lips were a bit chapped…

The sound of a ventilating fan not fitting for a contemporary building. There was no one else apart from the two of them in the large room.

--- I wonder why.

Suddenly Akane got antsy. This man --- Kougami Shinya --- someday, he will surely go somewhere far. She had such a feeling.

Kougami woke up.

“…mm?” he looked around with a confused face. “Inspector…Tsunemori?”

“Yes”

“I…was I sleeping?”

  --- Akane awakened too.

  At the same time she regained consciousness, she had an attack of severe pain.

--- that’s right, I’ve been thrown off the refrigerator van.

When Akane tried to stand up, she was kicked hard at her side.

“Ah!”

Akane screamed, writhing in pain. She let go of the revolver.

Makishima was standing right beside her.

“Now that I think about it…Inspector Tsunemori…I should have killed you in the first place” he stated coldly. “My biggest mistake. As a result of my information gathering, I thought ‘you were the weak point of the Public Safety Bureau CID’s Division 1’. At least, that had been a correct perception until Funahara Yuki was killed…”* 

Enduring the pain, Akane crawled on the ground and extended her hand toward the revolver. Makishima raised his foot stepping on the back of her head --- . 

“Makishimaaa!”

Kougami caught up with them with the dominator at a ready.

Makishima laughed scornfully at Akane and ran away towards the field.

“…tsk” clicking his tongue, Kougami rushed over Akane.

Akane was still trying to pick up the revolver desperately.

Instead of her, it was Kougami the one who grasped the revolver. Holding the dominator in his right hand and the revolver in the left one, Kougami was comparing the two guns with a blank expression.

“…don’t…don’t do it…” sensing that Kougami was thinking about something, Akane grimaced in sadness. “Kougami-san! There’s still room for negotiating with the Sibyl System. As long as we catch Makishima alive…”

Kougami threw away the dominator. Gritting her teeth in frustration*, Akane shed regretful tears.

“That…is your choice, Kougami-san”

“Somehow, we are like the destiny that makes a different choice at each fork road. I think we’ve not been a bad pair but… we would gradually part ways, like travelers who carry a wrong map”

“I don’t want it. At this rate, going on with your escape someone will kill you…” 

“If someone asked me how precious my own life is or so, I would be unsure but…being killed by the Sibyl System wouldn’t be too pleasant for sure. So, I’ll try to put up resistance until the end. That’s really a goodbye. Tsunemori Akane” Kougami gave her a kind glance. “…this is a matter between me and him only”

With the revolver in his hand, Kougami rushed towards the middle of the wheat field where Makishima had escaped.

“Kougami-san!”

Akane’s cry was heartrending but it faded away without reaching no one’s ear.

   NOTES TO TRANSLATION:

 *Akane: very personal note…I’d like to underline that this is the unique, only moment when Kougami calls Akane by her first name. There won’t be any other moment in all the seasons +movie where he does it. Three syllables, just a single kanji, but it means the whole world for me.

*Toyohisa’s shotgun: here the author is referring to the moment when Akane tried to shoot Makishima with the rifle he had given her (that was Toyohisa Senguchi’s one) the day Yuki died.

*until Funehara Yuki was killed: I know that this sentence may sound strange. I mean…Makishima who simply says Yuki was killed, like he has no other information about it. I translated the passive form literally for a precise reason. Japanese often uses passive form, in particular when the action and the person who undergoes it is more important that the subject doing it. I found particularly disgusting that Makishima said “Funehara Yuki was killed” and not “I killed Funehara Yuki”, especially in front of Akane and I wanted to let all the readers know a bit about the original text.

*gritting her teeth in frustration: the expression in the original text is 奥歯を噛む. It’s used to indicate the internal struggle in making a hard choice or a hard surrender or something you’re forced to do but you don’t want to. In this case, it’s regret and frustration for not convincing Kougami to let go of his objective.

For more translations, visit me at https://cleverwolfpoetry.tumblr.com/

[yuzukimist]

*flails in tremendous joy* You liked it! I'm so glad you liked it, you gave me like the best feedback ever (I was so moved by your comments that I actually started to tear up and someone I was sitting with was like “...Are you okay?” and I was just “ Y-yeah. *sniffles*” XD).

The birthday fights and the flashback parts were really hard for me to write about, because my heart was just breaking into painful little pieces for Shinya the entire time. Like, I had to actually step away from writing the chapter at various points because I was just a little too overwhelmed by the emotions I was putting into it. (That ridiculous GureShin fanvid happened during one of those breaks, actually; I was trying to distract myself from all the angst. XD).

And Kureto, jeez. I just...can't stand him! Or any of Shinya's family other than Shinoa, really. They are all just horrible and awful. I wanted some ambiguity here, though, because there are occasional hints in the light novels and the manga that maybe Kureto's not a complete and total asshole...but to me he will always be at least 98% asshole no matter what, so when I had Kureto give Shinya mandatory leave from duty, I left it open to interpretation as to whether he's doing it purely for Shinya's well-being or not (Shinya for his part, is probably inclined to believe Kureto was being underhandedly malicious and who can blame him, since Kureto's such a jerk to him?). In any case, in hindsight, it did turn out to be very beneficial for Shinya's, because if Kureto hadn't forced him to take time off, Guren never would've come looking for him and comforted him. ;D  

I can also relate to Shinya working himself so hard to try and forget his problems, though; like you, I have a tendency to do things like clean my house or do yardwork (or wash my truck, or re-organize my books, or...you get the idea XD) when I'm upset or need to not think about certain things. Shinya seems like the sort of person who would do that, too, so it felt very natural to write that in.

And Guren showed up at precisely the right time! I had a lot of trouble trying to figure out when, exactly, he would turn up, and also how. But then I was writing and suddenly it was like “He's going to knock on the door and find Shinya on the floor, duh” and while I'm sure Shinya didn't agree, it felt like the perfect moment to me, too. XD

And I am SO GLAD you like how Guren handled it. I was so terrified of making him seem out of character, so I was second-guessing like every single thing he said.  I swear the parts with Guren took me the longest of the entire fic, just because I really wanted to get it right; like, this was what the whole story was building up to, it had to be perfect. XD In the end, I just tried to remember that Guren's, like, emotionally repressed and just not good at expressing concern like 99% of the time, so whenever he's worried, the initial emotional reaction is going to be “anger born of worry”, hence the “Shinya, what the hell is wrong, why didn't you tell me?!” moments, which later mellowed into him being more comforting and just...saying exactly what Shinya needed to hear, I think. :) And yeah, Guren has a pretty solid zero tolerance policy for bullshit, so I definitely liked being able to have him glare at Shinya and be like “Cut the crap, I know something's wrong” and Shinya just caves and explains because he knows that Guren is not going to let it go. XD

Honestly, you picked up on all the things I was thinking of when I wrote this, even the little things that I was worried about no one noticing because I might've been too subtle. You're the best~

((ahhh...kind of? *guilty smile* it's okay, though, we'll suffer together! Seriously, though, as soon as I saw that gif of little adorable kiddie Shinya [with a heart no less!!!] I just had to add it because...LOOK AT HOW ADORABLE AND PRECIOUS HE IS!!! And he's like, actually smiling and means it and he's too cute and little, I can't stand it. *hysterical sobbing*))

Anyway, thank you again SO MUCH  for all your wonderful and amazing comments, they literally made my day! :D 

So...I have a sudden desire to write a 5+1 Things one-shot about Shinya...

Specifically five times Shinya had a serious panic attack and had to deal with it alone, and one time he had someone help him through it (it’ll be Guren, of course, because I’m GureShin trash). 

So….yeah, that’s a thing that might happen. XD

[ask-the-phan-site]

Phan Cam: A Superior Suspicion

>Shujin Academy. First day back after Summer Break.

>Homeroom.

Welcome back, class. I hope you all had a nice summer.

>The class agreed.

Becky: Today, I would like to start class with a question. Now, look at this kanji.

Becky: Now most of you already know, this means “shark”. Here, we pounce this kanji as “sam-eh”. But when written in romaji, it’s spelled as a completely different word from the English language. Does anyone know what that word is?

>She looks around... Finally, some raised their hand.

Becky: You?

>...

This word is “same”. As in things that are alike.

Becky: Correct! However...

You being here makes it feel like the same old days when you were under probation.

Joker: ...

Becky: I know, I know, it feels natural being here since you’ve been coming here for a year. Never mind, just as long as you behave yourself, I’ll just tell them that your old school is having some trouble and sent you here to finish your studies. Anyway, yes, in English it would look like “same”, which is pronounce with the silent e at the end making the a say its name. If you ever get confused about shark and same sounding the same, if you pardon that, have a look at this.

Becky: Just imagine that this is the dorsal fin of a shark sticking out of the water. And those lines at the bottom are its back fins. Okay, now, for the remainder of the lesson, write a full page essay on what you did over the summer.

>Luckily, my level of Knowledge should help me make something up so I won’t have to add all the Phantom Thief activities. Except for the Dream Festival and the End of Summer since those things actually happened.

>The courtyard at lunchtime.

I can’t believe it. We just had the greatest summer of our lives and now it’s over.

Well, you have to admit, this summer was unforgettable. Especially you turning into an alien.

Skull: And made a new friend on the way.

And encountered a dangerous cult. With a third rate hacker.

Sounds like something I should have seen.

Skull: I’m sure you’ll see Overflow soon.

By the way, Sakamoto kun, how was New York?

Skull: It wasn’t exactly how we expected.

Joker: Why? What happened?

Skull: Well, at Coney Island, Black Cat stole the prize money from a hot dog eatin' contest... Which Miles won. Pete, as Spider-Man, had to go after her. At the ball game, some moron called Tinkerer tried to sabotage the game so his team would win. Spider-Man managed to stop him, but Aunt May thought he was bad luck and asked us to leave, mostly to check on F.E.A.S.T., which wasn’t so bad because, to our actual luck, Captain America and Captain Marvel were there visitin' the younger homeless there. Next, the Ross Caliban concert was almost canceled because someone kidnapped Ross Caliban. It turns out it was Hammerhead so he could sing at his son’s birthday party. Spider-Man, me, and Akechi saved him, along with a selfie, but we couldn't go back to the concert.

Royal: That sounds like you and Akechi kun had a hard time.

Skull: Well, it wasn’t entirely bad.

Joker: Why?

We made a new friend at camp.

Panther: Really? Who?

We... Can’t really tell ya. But I’m sure we’ll see him again someday.

I’m sure you will.

Royal: I almost forgot, it looks like it’s not just Persona 5: Royal that will be coming out.

Joker: I know about Persona 5 Scramble: The Phantom Strikers.

Panther: First a game where we dance, then a game where we are in another dimensions, both of which we might have little memories of. Though, we definitely remembered the dancing. And now we have an Action RPG?

Oracle: Well look on the bright side...

There’s a chance it won’t be delayed like a certain other action rpg we know.

Royal: Now that’s a mean thing to say about Kingdom Hearts III.

Panther: I wonder if it’ll be like a Kingdom Hearts game. I know I saw the footage, but it’s still a bit hard to believe. A lot of us grew up on that game.

Skull: I’m still pissed about what happened to Sora at the end.

Joker: We’ll see him again soon, Ryuji. If there’s one thing we should know about Sora, he’s not the type to just up and die. He’ll be back, just like he said.

But just to be sure, I’ll have to have a little talk with Tetsuya Nomura... Or that guy from the other cafe.

What do I have a bad feeling on both accounts?

>Time passes and the bell rang to end school for the day.

Joker: Hey Ryuji, wanna train today? I was originally going to do some people watching with Yusuke, but he got chosen for duty today and can’t make it. And Makoto, Haru, and Akechi are busy with their studies.

Skull: Normally I’d say yes, but I got a follow up interview with KUROFUNE today. Maybe tomorrow.

Joker: Ann?

Panther: I’ve got a photo shoot today.

Oracle: And I promised Sojiro I’d help him and Diego at the cafe today.

Royal: And I have gymnastics practice.

Admin: I’m available. I’ve actually been meaning to gather some information about any criminals.

That might be a bit too much. But thanks, I’ll come.

Sweet! Let’s go.

Oracle: Take care of him, Nishima.

>Admin sighs in frustration over what Oracle keeps calling him, but just laughs it off and we head off.

>Akihabara. Me and Admin walked around trying to gather information on potential targets... Nothing. But we did some nice stuff from the capsule machine.

Admin: Guess things are good here for now.

Joker: I’m sure something will come up. The Phansite is still up and I’m sure something will come.

I know. Thanks.

>Admin checks his phone.

Admin: We’ve been walking around for hours, I guess we should eat before going home.

Joker: Alright. But let’s eat at the diner. I’m in no mood for having hot coffee spilt on me or my omelet having too much ketchup.

>We were just about to leave when we heard someone calling... It was Shinya’s mother. She looks worried.

Mrs. Oda: You!

Joker: Me?

Mrs. Oda: Yes, you. You’re the one my son spends time with.

Joker: Yes, I am. Why, what’s wrong?

Mrs. Oda: You haven’t seen him, have you?

Joker: No. Why?

Mrs. Oda: He was suppose to be home from school. I thought he probably went to the arcade like he normally does. We moved above there since they renovated. But he wasn’t there. I even asked his friends. I also though he probably went to the hospital to visit Yuta since his brother or whoever he is to him won the money for the operation. He’s not there either. Which Yuta’s unhappy about.

Joker: What do you mean?

Mrs. Oda: I spoke with Yuta’s mother. They’ve set the date for his operation. It’s very soon. Yuta was hoping to ask Shinya something.

Joker: What?

Mrs. Oda: (shaking her head) She said he would only tell Shinya. But we can’t find him anywhere.

Joker: Have you tried calling him?

Mrs. Oda: I did. It just goes to voicemail. I even tried asking at his school. His teachers said that he left school as the bell rang. No one had seen him since. I’m about ready to call the police.

Joker: Hold on. I have a friend who might be able to help. If that’s okay.

Mrs. Oda: Right now, I’m willing to try anything.

>I take out my phone and contact Oracle.

Futaba, can you help with something?

What’s up?

Shinya Oda is missing. His mother tried contacting him, but now answer. Do you think you can track his phone?

I’ll see what I can do. Good thing I brought my laptop.

>A little later.

Got it! I’m sending you the location now.

Thanks, Futaba.

>With that, I get the location on my phone.

Mrs. Oda: Well?

Joker: It looks like his phone is near Miura Beach. Let’s look there.

Mrs. Oda: Right.

Admin: I’ll stay at the arcade in case he comes back.

Joker: Right. See you.

>With that, we leave.

>In the summer, Miura Beach is crowded with people. But now the summer was coming to an end and autumn fast approaching, there were very few people still here... We really need to remember to come back here next year. Anyway, me and Mrs. Oda arrived.

Joker: Okay, the map says that Shinya’s phone should be right over...

There!

Mrs. Oda: (a bit surprised) Well... I guess... It’s no surprise that a legendary gamer would want legendary ramen.

Joker: Try calling again.

>Mrs. Oda takes out her phone and calls... We hear a ringtone inside the truck. We check inside. We find a backpack with Shinya’s name on it. And near ti... His cap. We look inside the backpack... His phone with at least a dozen messages from his mother.

CRAP!

Mrs. Oda: That’s it, I’m calling the cops.

>Shinya where the hell are you?

>On a hidden ship out at sea, Shinya comes to.

(if you’re wondering why he has his cap on when it was left behind, that’s because this is the only sprite there is of him) Wh- What happened to me? I remember the legendary ramen truck. I knew I had some money and some time, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to stop for a bit. Damn, I should have known it was odd. The legendary truck never stops unless someone catches it. I got in, got some ramen, eat some of it and...

Ugh! I just can’t remember.

>Shinya tries to get up... But he feels something painful on his back.

Shinya: OW! What the...

>He feels his back. It was...

What!? WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!?

>It was... A shark dorsal fin.

????????: Ah, I see you’re awake at last. I know it was wrong to hijack a legendary ramen truck, but still, for my research.

Shinya: What... What did you do to me?

????????: I merely gave you half of my serum.

>The man then walks into the light.

The rest is right here. Don’t worry, this won’t hurt... Much.

>Shinya tries to back away from the man, but he was too strong and quick and grabbed Shinya and injected him with something. After that, Shinya started writhing in pain.

Mad scientist: Amazing! The legendary gamer, Shinya Oda. You have been playing Gun About for so long, you might actually become skilled with a real gun. And combined with this serum. This... Gene Slammer, I might actually create the perfect being that I, Dr. Anton Sevarius, would put this serum’s original creator, the ‘great’ Dr. Luther Paradigm, to shame. You see, the problem with our creations... Is who we chose for it. We chose random people... But now I’m choosing more carefully.

Shinya: (still in pain) What’s... What’s going to happen to me?

Dr. Sevarius: Rest assure that when the pain is over... You will be beautiful.

Shinya: (now in the greatest pain there is): No... N-

NOOOOOOOOOO! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

>With that, Shinya falls.

Dr. Sevarius: Such drama... I love it.

>Suddenly, someone comes in.

I don’t feel right about mutating a kid, but if it means we can make the Pack stronger, we’ll try anything... Can a shark even be part of a pack?

Dr. Sevarius: Normally, a group of sharks is called a frenzy. And that’s why we will be creating this new group of fighters. Our... Pack Frenzy.

Wolf: I see. By the way, Jackle-

Voice from outside: (clearing thought)

Wolf: (groan) Captain Jackle said we’re approaching Fission City. I can’t believe this ship got us here so quickly. Where did you say you got it from again?

Dr. Sevarius: Just something Halcyon Renard won’t miss... Especially where he is now.

>Meanwhile, in a riverside warehouse in New York where the ship is suppose to be...

Well... This can’t be good. Miss Anastasia won’t like this... If she ever comes back from one of her long trips.

Worker: What do you suggest we do, Mr. Vogel?

Mr. Vogel: ... Get me Elisa Maza.

>Back on the ship which is now really close to Fission City, California.

Wolf: I don’t understand. Why come here to Fission City? What about those Street Sharks who live here a lot?

Dr. Sevarius: Think of it this way... No gargoyles.

Wolf: That’s something, I guess.

>Hearing this, after the pain finally stopped, Shinya breaks free of his chains and knocks the two men aside. He runs out of the room and jumps off deck into the water and swims to the city ahead.

Wolf: That can’t be good. I’m going after him.

Dr. Sevarius: Don’t bother. Where will he go? He’s a stranger in a strange land... and sea here.

Wolf: What about the Street Sharks?

Dr. Sevarius: ... Go after him.

>Then, with a loud howl, Wolf changes.

Believe me, I will.

>Fission City. Shinya Oda, once a regular boy who was really good at shooter games, was now roaming in a place he has never been before... But he does know of it.

Shinya: (at his mother’s request, we will not be showing him as a shark/human being, use your imagination) If this place is Fission City... Lena... Damn, if only I had my phone.

>Shinya looked around and spotted a phone booth and goes to it. He finds a phone book. Keep in mind, Shinya is still learning English, so finding what he’s looking for in an American phone book is difficult. But, after a little struggling, he found what was looking for. Lena Mack. Her address was with it.

Shinya: Got it!

>The apartment of young scientist, Lena Mack. Lena Mack was just about to go on her morning run when...

Shinya: (calling from the bushes) Psst!

Who’s there.

>Shinya comes out of his hiding place.

Lena Mack: (surprised) A shark!?

Shinya: Lena onesan*.

Onesan=big sister

Lena Mack: Wait... King bo*? Is... Is that you?

Bo=used for babies or young boys.

Shinya: I could use a little help. Can you take me someplace.

Lena: I know a place.

>In a sewer like lair, Lena introduces Shinya to her friends, Bends... and the Street Sharks.

I don’t believe it! We finally lock up Piranoid for good, then someone comes along and copies him? And does it to a kid? Taking him away from his mother just like that?

I know you’re upset, Jab, but we can fix this. We still have the antidote we used on ourselves once.

I don’t know, you guys. I’ve heard of this Sevarius guy from a friend of mine in New York. If what he says is true, there’s a chance he’s probably expecting us to use the antidote and made it so it wouldn’t work, or worse.

Then what are we suppose to do?

Bends: I suppose telling someone won’t work. This guy might try to do something if we do.

Then we’ll just go after him. We’ll make him pay for what he did.

Streex: He’s got the Pack with him. And they’re probably prepared for us... Makes you wish those gargoyles were here right now. But still, we can’t let this go by. If we want to be sure that if he really made it so the antidote doesn’t work, we need to get it straight from him.

Lena: How do we do that? Convince him to have a change of heart?

Shinya: ... Actually, that’s exactly what should happen.

Lena: You know something?

Shinya: I do. All I need... Is the Internet.

>Ripster takes Shinya to the computer and he begins typing away.

Shinya: Phantom. Aficionado. Website.

Ripster: The Phantom Thieves of Hearts? I guess that might work. If this guy isn’t heartless as people say he is, they might help.

Shinya: No, I can tell he’s definitely heartless... But I think I know a target for them.

Bends: Who?

Shinya: A member of the Pack, Wolf, he sounds like he genuinely didn’t like that Sevarius mutated a kid for his plans. Maybe he’s our ticket.

Jab: (smiling) I actually like the way you think... Kahuna.

Shinya: (puzzled) Kahuna?

Jab: Yeah, gotta call your shark form something. Going by your real name might cause problems. I thought of Kahuna ‘cause you’re the big man where you come from. Plus, you managed to escape from your kidnappers and swim all the way here.

Shinya: Kahuna? ... You know, I actually like that.

Big Slammu: Glad you do

>So, Kahuna, begins making his request... What’s going to happen next.

[tommyboyproductions]

An Apology and an Offer

Story under cut, pt 7

The entire festival seemed to have fallen silent upon hearing what Mr. Okuma had just stated aloud, infront of everyone. Ray could feel his chest tighten and his head hurt from even greater confusion. How could he not have known about his mother being an Okuma? Why had his father not told him about this. This entire time, Saya had gone on hating him, when they were actually family. 

"Shinya, why are you doing this now." Hokuto stepped forward, Ray looking over to his father. He hadn't realized he was even there until now. Mr. Okuma turned towards Hokuto.

"Ah, it's been years Hokuto. Don't tell me you haven't mentioned to your son about his own mother's family?" Mr. Okuma cocked his head and Hokuto furrowed his brow.

"This isn't your place. You should leave." Hokuto's tone grew darker. Sara had made him promise to only tell Ray about the other side of his family if it were completely necessary. Until now, it hadn't been. Sara had been outcast from the Okuma family from the time she grew into a young adult and began seeing the world of cooking in extremely different light than the rest of them. The last thing she wanted was to burden Ray with the exhaustion she had dealt with her whole life. The Okuma's tended to be extremely intolerant people and no matter how hard Sara tried to get them to see eye to eye, it was always in vain. Especially when it came to her older brother Shinya Okuma. Bringing brought up with the old beliefs of their ancestors, the Okuma's looked at cooking as a duty rather than a pass time. It was not something to be enjoyed or toyed with. It was something you did to bring up your family and make them stronger. It was how they defined their family name and anything beneath that was viewed as weakness.

"Don't worry, I'm just about to. But Hokuto... perhaps you should consider sharing with your son where he truly comes from. It's never too late for the younger generations to follow suit. Your son was born for this purpose. Don't you think?" Shinya smiled a demeaning smile while Hokuto stood silent. He wasn't about to fight back with this man who he had so long despised. "Daddy... What are you even talking about!? You mean... Ray's a part of our family?" Saya's head was about to burst along with everyone elses. Her stomach was a mess and her frustration with her father was only growing. "Why wouldn't you tell me?! You're so upset with Ray's dad for not telling him, but you did the same thing!" 

"Until now, Saya, there was no need for you to be aware of Ray has an Okuma. I was simply waiting for him to blossom as he so clearly has. Perhaps you could learn a thing or two from seeing my battle with him. You still have much more growing to do." Shinya smiled at his daughter, who still stood in shock.

"I don't mean any disrespect sir, but you sure do talk a lot." Ray rolled his eyes, grinning. "I said I would cook with you. And I'm sure my mom would love to see me beat you. I mean, she couldn't have been too fond of you if she never even told me about you." Ray sighed, looking over to his father. There wasn't even an ounce of him upset with his dad for never telling him. This news he was just given, if he really thought about it, hadn't changed anything. He would still cook just as he always had. 

"I see... you have an attitude like her as well young Ray." Shinya was obviously becoming more aggitated. "Then it's settled. I'll have someone contact you with the date and location. Until then, I suggest you practice. Practice more than you ever have, since it will quite certainly be the last time you cook with such a fire in your eyes." Shinya turned, looking at Saya once more. "I'll be waiting at home. We have alot to discuss." And with that, he returned to his car, leaving everyone standing still in silence. Saya couldn't break her stare at the ground. It was as if a ton of bricks had just fallen on her. This whole time, she hated Ray so much for everything he had and did, when he had been family all along. She was so confused and so angry, she couldn't move.

"Saya." Daizo stepped up from behind, placing his hand on her shoulder. He could tell a part of her was falling apart inside. Not only had she tried so desperately her entire life to please her father and to some how become better than Ray, now she had to face the fact that he was an Okuma. He was undoubtedly born with the talent she had always longed for. 

"I..." Saya began.

"...Well! That was... unexpected!" Sachie laughed into the microphone awkwardly, trying to snap everyone out of it. "Anyways! Enjoy the rest of the festival everyone! In just a few moments, we'll have a special performance from the Music Club, along with some fireworks to close down the evening! It's been great!" Sachie cheered, placing the microphone back on the stand. She was definitely ready to be done with that thing, especially after the turning of events that had just taken place.

"Yo dude... whaaaaaat?" Shouta made his way up to Ray, his face in complete disbelief. Hokuto had already walked over, shaking his head. "Was that guy really serious?" Shouta turned to Hokuto for confirmation. Ray's father looked down, a pained look on his face. It was obvious he regretted never mentioning it to Ray. Even a part of him imagined having to do it one day. But not like this.

"Ray..." Hokuto began.

"It's okay, dad." Ray smiled, nudging his father. Hokuto looked up at his smiling son. "I can see why Mom wouldn't like that guy. He's pretty annoying..."

"You got that right. That dude has somethin way far up his ass..." Shouta tisked his tongue. Akihiko made his way over, his face a bit dull, but not from the big reveal.

"Congratulations Ray. You've seemed to have won fair and square." Kiko admitted. His support for his sister had not dwindled and it pained him to see her lose, but he was mature and could handle the disappointment with dignity.

"Thanks! Your sister was awesome. I'm kind of surprised she didn't win!" Ray spoke earnestly, cheering Kiko up a bit.

"As am I." Kiko smiled, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "But she will redeem herself. You have not seen the last of Aimi Ito." Kiko was certain there would come a day where his sister and Ray would battle with their talents again. "You rang?" Aimi made her way over to the group, standing next to her brother. "You did awesome Ray. I'm glad we got to cook against each other like that. You definitely didn't disappoint. And now, I can say I battled an Okuma..." Aimi winked, leaning into her brother's side.

"Seriously dude, you know what this means right!?" Shouta jumped excitedly, grabbing his bestfriends attention.

"...What?" 

"You're like... famous! Like, Okuma famous!" Shouta seemed more hyped up over the news than anyone. The shock had definitely worn off.

"I'm not sure if that's a good thing..." Ray smirked, enjoying his bestfriends enthusiasm.

"Hey uh... Ray?" A small, strawberry voice flew through the air as Honda walked over to where the group stood. "I can't believe all of that just happened..." She was obviously just as shook as everyone else was. "Are you alright?" Honda asked, shyly pushing a part of her hair behind her ear.

"Yeah! I'm okay. It doesn't really change anything for me. It just gives me more cooking to look forward to." Ray nodded. "And... I kinda wanna see if I can get this guy to change his mind. Why would you want to be so serious all the time? Seems boring."

"Man, you're telling me. He gave off this weird, miserable aura. D'you feel that?" Shouta acknowledged. Everyone seemed to agree. There was definitely something off about Shinya Okuma. Perhaps Saya's attitude was forced into her. Maybe that's where she got all of her miserableness from.

"Your mother and Shinya disagreed on practically everything, Ray. That's why she never told you about him. She didn't want anything to cloud your happy judgement of cooking. But now, I don't think that's possible. I'm sorry I wasn't the one to tell you..." Hokuto couldn't shake the feeling of regret for not being honest with his son. He had always been open with Ray about everything, especially since Sara had passed. But this was totally different.

"Like I said, it's okay. You kept Mom's promise. That's what's most important to me." Ray sighed. He suddenly felt a presence behind him, causing him to turn. There stood Mahiru Masaomi, his hand clutching his opposite arm.

"Hey, Ray?" Mahiru began.

"Yo! You're that Mahiru dude!" Shouta lunged forward, throwing his arm around Mahiru's shoulders. Mahiru looked at Shouta, alittle surprised by the greeting.

"...Uh... yeah!" Mahiru smiled.

"You man. You have serious talent, you almost completely bombed this thing! Ray's a lucky guy." Shouta grinned, causing Mahiru to smile as well.

"I figured he would win... he's got way more talent than any of us..." Mahiru admitted. Ray shook his head, obviously disagreeing, but before he could say anything Mahiru continued.

"Ray? Can I talk to you for a second?" Mahiru requested. Ray nodded, commenting to the other's that he would return. The two boys walked away from the group, back over to Mahiru's booth. 

"What's up?" Ray asked. Mahiru looked a tad excited but also nervous. His exact mood was hard to determine.

"So... you're really going up against Mr. Okuma, huh?" Mahiru began.

"Yeah... I guess so!"

"Well... I was wondering..." Mahiru paused, running his fingers nervously along the back of his neck. Why was this question suddenly so hard to ask? Perhaps now that he had lost to Ray, he was a bit intimidated by him. But another part of him was so entirely intrigued, he couldn't control himself. "I was wondering if I could help you... you know, prepare for the cook off and stuff. We could look into recipes together and..."

"Of course!" Ray immediately accepted, his cheeks turning red. Thinking about getting to cook again with Mahiru, this time in a friendly way, made his heart race. There were surely things Mahiru could teach him as well in vice versa. And the fact that Mahiru had the same burning passion for cooking as Ray did made it even better. 

"Really?!" Mahiru was more than happy for Ray's acceptance and it showed clear on his face. The two boys had barely even met and they could already feel their souls intertwining. 

"How could I turn that down? I've never known anyone my age that felt the same way as I do about cooking. This could actually be really fun!" Ray knew there were endless possibilities as to what the two of them could create together. And if Mahiru hadn't of asked first, Ray may have suggested the idea himself.

"Ray! Mahiru! It's about to start!" Shouta shouted over to the boys, waving for them to come back to the group. The Music club had just finished setting up and soon after their performance would be the fireworks. A perfectly good way to end that year's festival. Mahiru walked over with Ray and the rest of the group looked on as a small, brunette walked to the front of the crowd. In her hand she held a violin and without another word, she began to play. Throughout the day this had been the same girl who played here and there to entertain students who walked by, but now, the every single eye was on her. The music began to flow from the strings and everyone was suddenly entranced. It was as if a peaceful spell had been cast and every last one of them had fallen prey to it. This girl was clearly very talented with her instrument of choice which made it no surprise that she was the one chosen to calmly end the day for everyone. 

"That's... that's the girl from earlier!" Shouta whispered to Akihiko, wondering if he had remembered passing by the small girl playing the violin.

"That would be a solid observation." Kiko agreed. He too enjoyed the sounds she made, but Shouta was on a whole other level of enjoyment. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her long, flowing brown hair blew gently as the breeze passed by, carrying the sweet melody she played along with it. There was something about the way she looked when she played. Anyone could tell that she truly felt the music. Alot like Ray when he cooked. Shouta knew he had to meet her. She was a mystery to him and he was determined to get her attention some how. Once the music had ended, applauds erupted, causing her to blush a bit. She looked timid, which may have been why she exitted the impromtu stage immediately. Shouta's eyes followed her, but before he could see where she went, Ray grabbed his arm.

"Come on man, let's go watch the fireworks." Ray smiled, pulling Shouta along with their friend group. Shouta sighed, following along. He'd have to find her later on some how. The two boys walked with everyone to a small patch of grass where they all took a seat.

"Hey guys!" Fuyumi's voice cheered joyfully as she bounced up to the group, taking a seat without an invitation.

"Hey Fuyumi! Where's Sachie and Maaya?" Honda questioned. Before Fuyumi could reply, the other two girls walked up, taking a seat as well.

"Mind if we join you?" Sachie smiled, receiving a smile from the rest of the group.

"You did a great job hosting today!" Ray complimented. Sachie grinned, running her fingers through her hair. 

"You guys were the ones that did /really/ great. So don't even!" Sachie eyed the chefs sitting along the grass, Ray, Mahiru and Aimi. She could tell without even asking that the three were about to become even greater friends after the night was over. Maaya squirmed where she sat on the ground, as if she had something to say. She bit her lip nervously before finally speaking up.

"Mahiru, you're... very talented." She stated, with a tone that was unlike Maaya. Typically she was extremely profound when she spoke. Very similar to the way Akihiko presented himself. Mahiru looked over, patting the back of his head. "Thanks...!" He smiled, thankful for the compliment, but surprised by the delivery. Fuyumi and Sachie looked at each other shrugging. They could never quite tell what their friend Maaya was thinking, so they shrugged it off. 

"I can't believe today's almost over..." Honda sighed, leaning back on her palms.

  "Yeah, it went by way too fast. I'm bummed." Shouta huffed.

"But it was awesome, guys! And now, we have even more to look forward to. I want to see all of you this summer. A lot." Ray stated, looking from each friend to the next. He couldn't remember the last time he was surrounded by such amazing people. People who had impacted him so greatly in such a short period of time.

"Of course!" Honda agreed.

"Yes! Definitely!" Fuyumi was pumped.

"So this is where all the cool kids hang." Yuki snuck over, plopping down next to her younger sister Honda.

"Hey sis!" Honda hugged her, happy that her sister had made her appearance that day.

"I heard you guys talking. You all need to come over to our house next week! I'll make you some dinner. I mean, you three have cooked enough for a life time these past few days, right?" Yuki giggled. The entire group lit up at the invitation. Hokuto looked on as the young group laughed and talked together. It warmed his heart seeing Ray in the middle of all the excitement. He wanted nothing more for than his son to be happy. Both him and his wife always dreamed of that. And even though Ray was young and had a lot in store for his future, right then, it was as if every prayer Hokuto and his wife had made had been answered. "Aimi, you should come over early that day! We can all have some girl time before the boys get there." Yuki winked, the other girls seemed to like the idea as well. Suddenly, a loud burst filled the air as beautiful colors displayed themselves way up in the sky. The glitter came down in streams, causing everyone to ooh and aah in amazement. The fireworks had finally begun. The group silenced themselves, observing the beautiful colors one by one as they exploded above them. This was the perfect way to end such an exciting day and in that moment, every single one of them felt completely at peace. The warmth of each others company only added to the comfort and none of them wanted this moment to pass. Students all around the festival seemed to find themselves in similar situations. Friends smiling together. Couples leaning against each other. With incredible fireworks displayed all around them. The school year may have finally come to an end, but the summer was only about to begin.

[wanderingchocolateeclair]

So since you were asking for agnst or working on that stuff and you also asked for ideas

How about the rest of the top five comforting Shinya after his sister may have died and its just been a really rough week for him and he’s thrown himself into his work

(Kamui and Mount Lady headcanons with that is welcome too)

Oooohh thank you for the angsty suggestion!! You always have great ideas for me to ramble about! This was gonna be a short one but, unsurprisingly, turned out rather long, and I may have thrown a bit of edgejeanist in there as well(also I hope you don’t mind me shoving my own OCs in there)

I made it a bit too long so imma shove it under the cut :)

Warning: mention of death and everything that goes with it - rather angsty.

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“She’s dead.”

That’s all Shinya heard as he stood in the kitchen, phone pressed against his cheek. It was dark outside, the wind smashing against the window, when he was woken up by his phone buzzing violently across the bedside table. He didn’t particularly want to answer it at 2:00am but being a hero he had no choice - it could be an emergency - so he glanced to his side to make sure the lanky figure beside him was still asleep and slid out of bed, taking the phone down into the kitchen where he couldn’t disturb anyone.

As he answered the phone, he was greeted by a shaky voice. He was confused, this wasn’t someone he was familiar with and suddenly his instincts were screaming at him that nothing good was going to come out of this conversation. But he pressed on, listening to what this mysterious voice had to say. It was only when they mentioned Hana’s name that alarm bells started going off in his head.

‘What happened to her? Where is she? Where is my sister?’ His head was racing at this point. He had a bad feeling but he was hoping, praying that it wasn’t right. But it was, as usual, and yet again he felt his world collapse around him. She had been severely injured by a villain in her nightly patrol, and died shortly after, before Shinya could even be notified. He couldn’t believe it. It was exactly like what happened all those years ago, except that this time he wasn’t there. This time he couldn’t even get close to helping...and to him that felt somewhat worse than the feeling of watching his own mother die in front of him. Maybe it was how long it had been since then, who knows, but he didn’t care at that point. His sister was dead and he couldn’t save her.

After putting the phone down, Shinya gazed over to the window beside him and watched as a few raindrops started to dance their way down the cold glass. He smiled gently. It reminded him of a time when he was a kid, watching as his family danced through the streets of his village, hand in hand. He remembered how Hana would race him to the riverside and use her quirk to create beautiful illusions that lead to a big tree that stood in the middle of the forest. They called it their special little “secret hideout”...they were fond memories, but the remnants of them stung a little too much when he was reminded of the real time that he currently stood in.

As his mind came back to reality, his head was spinning, his balance faltered and he felt the ground get closer. But he didn’t do anything to stop it, he just prepared himself for the harsh embrace of the cold kitchen floor that lay beneath him. However, it didn’t happen, and he was confused at this - surely he should of hit the ground by now... so why hadn’t he? His mind was put at ease when he felt a pair of thin arms winding around him, guiding him gently to the floor. Shinya looked up to see Tsunagu looking down at him in return, eyes weary but gentle, reassuring him that he is safe and that nothing is going to happen to them in that moment.

Shinya scrambled to find words to tell the other what had happened, needing to let it all out, but the words were all caught in his throat. “She’s...I can’t...Tsu-”

“I know. It’s okay, I know.” Tsunagu reassured the shivering figure that he held in his arms, “I heard you wake up, and you were longer than usual so I decided to see if everything was okay but once I got here I realised that, well, you know...” he trailed off. He knew exactly what Shinya was thinking in that moment and knew that all he needed was to not be alone. So they stayed there, huddled in each others arms on the kitchen floor, spending the early hours in a deeply solemn mood.

A few days had passed, and the others had heard about what happened. Shinya had fully absorbed himself into his work and allowed himself to spend endless nights on patrol as a distraction from his grief, some nights not even coming home. During daily hero work, he ended up taking on the majority of the main work while he left Kamui and Mt. Lady with barely anything to do. Normally, they would do everything to prevent this from happening but they knew that in this situation, it’s the only thing that he needed. So they just had to tag along, and watch as the older man worked himself to the bone.

Telling Hana’s friends about it was the hardest part for him. Seeing the shattered look on Mao’s face when she hears that the bashful little fairy she loved to joke around with would no longer be there to walk with her to her apartment. Or watching as her students came to the realisation that their teacher would no longer be there every morning with her classic bubbly smile. All of her friends, breaking down when they hear that someone they cared for had died...and I guess that was the difference this time. People cared, and they were there to grieve alongside him. It all felt so strangely odd to him, since the last time something like this had happened, they were simply ignored by everyone around them.

He walked through his old village, making his way to the place where his family lay resting. Kneeling before the ground that held Hana’s fallen sister, he cried, apologising for everything - for not being there to protect her. He let all of his grieving words be carried to the hearts of his family and all those that had cared for them, resting in front of him, feeling them surrounding him in comfort. He knew deep down there was nothing he could’ve done but he still had to apologise to all those that had tasked him with taking care of her. Her sister, his mother, the kind old lady that had taken them in. All of them were there for them when they were alive, and so he knew that revealing his thoughts to them would allow his mind to be more at ease.

Everyday Hawks would swing by Shinya’s office, bringing snacks and drinks and checking if there’s anything he needs. Rumi offered - no - insisted on taking care of some of his patrol areas, allowing him to stay closer to his main area and not have to put his mind to getting to those places. Enji took care of some of the bigger assignments that he had been tasked, not saying much about it but just doing so to ease the other’s conscious off of those things. Tsunagu had already made sure to take care of Shinya’s massive pile of paperwork and put his own work on hold to help the other cope with what he was going through.

They all worked so hard together to make sure that Shinya knew that he wasn’t going through it alone, because unlike all those years ago, he had people who were there for him...and he was more than grateful for that.

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And that’s all!! Sorry it was originally supposed to be a short list of headcanons but I couldn’t resist the urge to ramble in the form of endless writing... I really enjoyed writing this - it has gotten me in a great angsty mood to continue with my angsty drawing!

Thank you again for the wonderful ask @ohpleaseiwillendyou!

Anyone feel free to send me asks, questions and suggestions about my favourite ships and characters and anything really!! I’m more than happy to answer most things so if you have any please swing them my way, I’m off of college currently and have got quite a lot of time to answer things!!

~Eclair ❤️