#that the “good end” laid with following taiga

[yuri-is-online]

(🐍) On of the main page dialogue scenes with Haku, he says: “Oh, finally here, huh? I'm not really ready for you yet though... Ha ha. Wait over there for me, would you? “ This is so weird to me, idk what to make of it honestly. It’s just so suspicious!

Hypothetically, if he’s outed as a spy, how much of his personality/persona is real? And who is he even reporting to? The Chancellor is the only person I could think of, unless it’s someone else entirely. Maybe the Janitor? I’m really itching to know what’s going on here. The next ep can’t come any sooner.

There are definitely lines that the characters have where they're talking to other people and not the MC, Tohma has one where he quotes a poem about sleeping to Jin basically to tell him to get his lazy ass out of bed but that line really does feel like it's from Haku to the MC. Another thing I noticed is I had a campus event where Subaru makes him some tea and while Haku compliments it and tells him not to be so formal, he also pretty much immediately leaves to go do something else, or be by himself I'll have to check.

I think he's probably a bit more violent that his dorm assignment might suggest, but that's just a feeling and I don't have concrete evidence for it. I don't think he's reporting to the Chancellor? We haven't seen enough of Cornelius to know for certain but I think we'll know if that's the case next Book. His connection to Tohma is interesting, as is his smoking. So far that makes three smokers: Jin, Tohma, and Haku, does that mean Haku knows Jin on some level too? Alan and Tohma were in Vagastrom at one point, which is said to be a dorm of delinquents so I could see the two of them having been in a gang at one point. Haku says his parents were probably "glad to be rid of him" when he went to Darkwick, so maybe he was part of that gang too and that's why he knows Tohma.

This might be semi unrelated but I feel like Haku might be based off a Kappa? But my thinking that is admittedly based off him being green and semi associated with water from how his flute seemed to work. I'd like to know more about his family's shrine and what his real feelings about it are. I don't have his SR so I can't really check but a lot of his campus events see him talking but not really saying much about his own opinion or feelings. The bit about liking cars is the closest we got to and that, if he is the spy, seems more like a jab at Tohma to let him know he's being watched. The one person who he does seem to express some... genuine feeling towards is MC and a lot of that, to me, seems like it's because he needs her to stay at Darkwick.

I wouldn't be surprised if he had been assigned by someone to watch her and make sure she doesn't get away.

[yakuzacanons]

Hiiiii!! Could I possibly ask for the boys reaction to their S/O being pregnant (if you're comfortable with that)? Your writing is so good aaahhh fuelling my Ryuji brainrot

CRACKS KNUCKLES yes I'm down for some sweet adorable fluff. Also Ryuji brainrot never ends, does it lol. Sorry for the delays, this one took a while. Enjoy!

Kazuma Kiryu

Has the calmest reaction of all the boys. Is quite happy to be having a child of his own. Pretty prepared for what's to come and generally remains calm throughout. Is noticeably more gentle when hugging you.

Majima Goro

His initial reaction: "I'm gonna have a kid?!". His reaction following that: "I'm gonna have a kid!! Hell yea!". Nervous as hell, maybe more so than you, but also just as excited. He's gonna go tell Saejima right away too.

Saejima Taiga

A mix between Kiryu and Majima's reactions. He's happy, frankly overjoyed, at the prospect of a family but he is worried. He hopes he can be a good father and a good partner to you in the process.

Akiyama Shun

Honestly, he's kind of like "Well... that was going to happen at some point". He's not against the idea of kids so don't take it personally if his reaction is kind of middling. It's honestly just something he expected to happen eventually with a long term partner. Takes it entirely in stride but is nervous deep down.

Tanimura Masayoshi

Surprised but isn't shell shocked. If anything, his reaction is to start getting serious about his work and finances. He'll start caring more about his health too and say stuff like "I gotta do better if I wanna be a good dad!". His dedication is admirable.

Ryuji Goda

Probably has the loudest reaction of all the boys. He is EXCITED. Ryuji doesn't seem like a family guy but the thought of having a little kid running around just gets him happy, he can't explain it. Maybe it's just because he loves you so much. Hope you're ready for an Omi celebration too.

Nishikiyama Akira

Openly nervous about it. He is excited by the prospect of having a family but he has a lot of worries as to whether or not he should. A lot of it has weird ties to his own childhood and Kazama. He'd never fault you for it as he knows this is something he has to deal with but you'll catch him mulling over it now and then.

Daigo Dojima

Overjoyed. There's no other word for it. Out of all the boys, Daigo is the one that's always actually wanted a family ever since he took over the Tojo Clan. Unlike Ryuji, he'd keep the celebrations private with you as he sees this time as deeply intimate for the both of you.

Mine Yoshitaka

Calm on the outside, panicking on the inside. Mine honestly never had expectations for romance let alone having a family but now that both are happening, it's one of the few times he's genuinely had no idea what to do. He'll compose himself pretty quickly though. Would help you design one fabulous nursery for the baby.

Tatsuo Shinada

Kind of freaking out about it. How's he going to support a family? How does one even have a family? How are babies made? The man's brain is emptying as we speak. Once the shock subsides, he's happy though. Shinada thinks babies are adorable, even if he has no idea how to change a diaper or anything.

Ichiban Kasuga

Similar reaction to Ryuji. He's kind of like "Hell yea, I'm going to be a dad!". Doesn't know what he's doing but also doesn't care. He's just excited to be on this journey with you. He'll be the most doting partner during your pregnancy.

Tianyou Zhao

Despite his laid back attitude, he reacts super sweetly to the news. He'll just hug you and smile. Words couldn't really express how he feels. Would cook you anything you crave during your pregnancy.

Joon-Gi Han

You'd think he might react badly but he's actually kind of relieved to hear he'll have a proper family. He's been on his own for so long that the idea of familial bliss felt like a fantasy. Out of all the boys, he'll be the first to start suggesting baby names.

[darktapufifi]

5566 — Planet Ourea

Classification: Terrestrial Group - Tectonic Class - EuGaian - Paludial Gaian - Bathy pelagic

[See Resources for definitions/explanations, the post I got them from did some amazing work.]

This planet is located outside of the normal solar system, and its current location has been lost to time.

(Terra Quadrant - Māter Sector - 7° - 62° - 42°)

Terrain & Ecosystem: Boreal zone

The planet is almost entirely comprised of mountainous regions, the mountains made completely of rock, assumed at one point in history to have been the tectonic plates of the planet, but the truth has been lost to time. Between the walls of mountains there lies valleys, abundantly filled with life. Many of the valleys are filled with taiga forests and freshwater lakes, however there are some deciduous forests scattered amongst the coniferous taiga forests all over the planet amongst mountains. The mountains however only take up around half of the planet, the other half is an abundant and deep ocean, with some manmade sea stack island, as some of the more aquatic or recluse species and individuals refused to move on land or to live in the mountains.

Social Climate: Democracy

many of the areas inside the openings in the mountains lack any land to begin with, which is why they've probably adapted a way for sea life to get up to said cities, like a water elevator or smthin, or like a water proof teleportation pad

The planet adapted to the mountainous environments by building homes and cities along the mountainsides, where all walks of life lived from the sky to the land and sea. They built systems to get up and down the mountains, and even to get into the ocean from one point to another with ease, allowing ocean stacks to visit the mainland when needed. Due to the abundant resources and knowledge on the planet however, it became a supply point and rest stop, the economy boosted by the visitors coming and going from the planet. It was visited often enough that the space riders had an unofficial station located on the planet for any business they needed to conduct. Strict laws were set in place so the planet was not over harvested for its natural resources, and those laws were passed down and improved upon over thousands of years until they could have easily been considered sacred to the inhabitants of the planet, the punishment of violation often ending in exile or death, though everyone always had a vote in the matter, and all opinions were heard out. Many markets had currency exchange areas to allow those from other worlds to be able to purchase until there was a standardized currency declared and used widespread. Merchants and merchandise were subjected to laws to ensure regulation standards were followed when it came to the buying and selling of goods, but it was also to keep track on the resources heading out so they could abide by the harvesting regulations. They had a bustling economy and a diverse population up till the end.

Native race/species: Anthropoeidís

Also known as Beast Folk in layman's terms, the Anthropoeidís species is a group of highly intelligent organisms, akin to humans or critters, that originate from the planets oldest living species of animals, and evolved over thousands of years. The history of each different animal is passed down its species line to what was current day before the destruction of the planet.

Status: Destroyed - Necro Gaian

Annihilated by the Prototype. The cult laid siege to the planet, captured any inhabitants possible, then destroyed the planet. First flooded it with red smoke, then completely destroyed into rubble. Disrupted the ecosystem and killed all life.

TLDR: Planet core got pumped so full of smoke that it imploded.

Appearance & Map:

[See Resources for the site used to make the map.]

Space Riders AU by @onyxonline

~{ Resources }~

Planet classification —

Map making —

[lilyginnyblackv2]

Kazuki Dragging Rei Around

I skimmed through the episodes again (#1 - 7) to see when exactly Kazuki drags Rei around and in what kind of situations. Now, I didn’t fully rewatch all the episodes, just skim them, so I may have missed an instance, but this is what I found:

Episode 1: No dragging at all, even in the opening scene where they need to go to the daycare to pick up Miri.

Episode 2: This iconic scene, of course.

Where Kazuki is dragging Rei and carrying Miri from the gun fight going down. In this situation it’s just a safety thing. He needs to get all three of them out of there. He basically has to drag Rei away even though Rei is in his element. Though, because Rei is in his element here, he doesn’t make any complaints about this, he’s just focused on shooting his gun. Rei also doesn’t have much of an emotional attachment to Miri yet.

Episode 3: Kazuki doesn’t physically drag Rei anywhere in this episode. But he does kind of bring him along for the ride to see Miri’s mother. 

Rei kinda just goes along with it though, probably because he knows that Kazuki does actually want to keep Miri and he has started to form his own emotional attachment to her. But yeah, he is initially just met to keep an eye on Miri. Miri drags him to the park to play in a way too.

Though, once again, no physical dragging takes place here.

Episode 4: This is the episode where Kazuki drags Rei. He drags two times for sure, and one time that is heavily implied:

The first drag is to the first daycare that turned out to be an awful place. The second time is only implied and it is to Miri’s daycare (Aozora). The last time is when they are at Kyu’s bar and have to go pick up Miri at the daycare. In all of these cases, Rei was being dragged away from or being kept from indulging in activities and habits he likes (video games and smoking) to do something responsible and largely connected to Miri. He is also in his “Off” mode during all of these moments, not in his “On” mode and focused on his job.

The rest under a Read More due to length.

Episode 5: Kazuki doesn’t drag Rei around in Episode 5, but Miri does for at one point.

When the subject of their jobs gets brought up, Rei was going to try and escape it by jumping into his work “Scouting time.” But Miri sees him, stops him, asks him a few questions, and that causes him to turn around. No need to drag him back when Miri does it for him, lol.

It shows how Miri has a much bigger influence on Rei now.

Episode 6: Kazuki drags Rei, but not because Rei doesn’t want to go somewhere, but more so because they aren’t supposed to go there. 

Rei and Miri are once again shown to be very similar in this regard. Miri is shown to be a good kid who sticks to the rules. That is her general understanding of “right vs wrong” at this stage in her life. Taiga is shown going against the rules, so she knows that he is wrong. He also goes against societal rules (taking food, etc.) to get attention, so Miri also views that as being “wrong” and “mean.” Because often “mean things” are things that hurt others in society. 

Now, we know because of Rei’s upbringing that he doesn’t necessarily have a normal sense of right from wrong. In Episode 1 he was ready to shoot through Miri to get their target after all. But from the brief interactions we’ve seen with his father (and based on the kind of work that he was trained to do from a young age), it would make sense that Rei would be hyper aware of following rules that are laid down for him. 

So that’s why he doesn’t want to go to the zoo. Not because he wouldn’t want to (when they actually get there, he seems quite excited at going to a zoo for the first time), but because it was something they were told they shouldn’t do by the daycare. Those were the rules. Mirii is kinda the same. Taiga does something he isn’t supposed to do (like Kazuki), Miri follows/gets dragged along (like Rei), but both her and Rei end up having a bit of an adventure and a good time (overall).

Episode 6 is also the first time we see Rei (alone) bring Miri to school. It’s likely a first in general, since Rei was shocked at Miri stating she wanted him to bring her in. And I think that is a key thing to note here, Miri basically demands that Rei bring her in and not Kazuki:

She doesn’t ask. She states that Rei will bring her, so he is kinda “dragged” into doing so by Miri. He really has no other choice. 

Because neither Rei nor Kazuki are certain about how Miri is feeling about Kazuki after going to the zoo, Rei has to be the one that picks her up from daycare as well. Once again, there really isn’t any other option.

Episode 7: Now, in Episode 7, there isn’t any dragging on a physical or narrative level here in regards to Rei, Kazuki, or Miri. Kazuki does up and leave for the episode, but this isn’t dragging Rei into doing anything. Kazuki (and Miri) have both already done that enough with Rei. Now it is Rei’s time to drag himself into doing things. And he does them. 

When Miri asks about daycare, she isn’t demanding he bring her like Episode 6, she just asks about it. Rei realizes the time and then he actively gets up and starts getting Miri ready and brings her there (and then back). Miri will remind Rei of the things he needs to do with her in this episode (”I’m hungry” etc.), but Rei is the one that actively does it on his own (even if it is just ordering pizza). 

It will be interesting to see if Kazuki and/or Miri dragging Rei around physically or narratively will continue to happen now or if the series will stick to this growth we’ve been seeing build up, and have Rei take the initative on his own more and more. 

[alexthegamingboy]

Toonami Weekly Recap 1/16/2021

SSSS.Gridman EP#01 - Awakening: A young boy named Yuta Hibiki awakens in the home of one of his classmates, Rikka Takarada, with no memory of his past and sees hallucinations of a robot named Gridman in an old computer terminal in Takarada's family store. The next day, Yuta meets his friend Sho Utsumi, who helps him cope with his amnesia. Intrigued by Yuta's story about Gridman, Utsumi asks Yuta to show him the terminal (which he nicknames "Junk"), and they run into Rikka along the way. A kaiju then abruptly appears and begins attacking the city. Yuta is sucked into the terminal and reappears as Gridman to battle the Kaiju. With help from Utsumi and Rikka, Yuta is able to defeat the kaiju, but Gridman warns them that there will be more kaiju to come. Next day, Yuta and his friends are shocked to see that their school, which was destroyed in the kaiju attack, has somehow been completely rebuilt.

Attack on Titan: The Final Season (Marley Arc) EP#02 (61) - Midnight Train: At a Marley military strategy meeting, the generals express concern that the usefulness of the Titans is being overtaken by the armaments of the enemy nations. Zeke, who is also present, proposes to use his last year of life to attack Paradis Island and retake the Founding Titan, thus buying time for the reconstruction of Marley's military. On a train back to their homes in the city of Liberio, the surviving Eldian soldiers praise Gabi for her courage, while Reiner secretly encourages Falco to become the Armored Titan himself instead of Gabi. Cousins Gabi and Reiner arrive home and reunite with their family, while Falco supports a pair of returning Eldian soldiers traumatized by the war. Zeke believes that the independent Eldians on Paradis are preventing local Eldians from integrating with Marleyan society. The next day, Zeke informs the other Titan Warriors of his plan to use the Tybur noble family and their War Hammer Titan to announce an offensive against Paradis. The Tybur Family is influential because of their success in driving King Fritz into exile, so he proposes that the Tyburs publicly announce their involvement during a festival in Liberio where dignitaries from various other countries will be present.

Sword Art Online: Alicization: War of Underworld Part 2 (Alicization Lasting) EP#20 (44) - The Night-Sky Blade: To save the dragons from death, Kirito turns them back into eggs and while Asuna takes Alice to the World End's Altar, Kirito stays behind to confront Miller. Despite his new abilities, Kirito is easily overpowered by Miller until he releases the power of both his swords, which restrains the enemy and creates a night sky across all UW, with all of Kirito's friends sending their thoughts to empower him. With the help of Eugeo's spirit, Kirito defeats Miller for good just as the UW server reaches maximum acceleration, which forcibly logs out all other players from UW while Alice also departs to the real world through the altar. Realizing that he will be trapped inside UW for 200 years, Kirito bursts into tears until Asuna appears before him, much to his surprise.

Fire Force Season 2 Chinese Peninsula Arc EP#08 (32) - Smoldering Malevolence: Shinra believes the internal voice came from the Tabernacle. Scop explains the history of the Tabernacle and how a young woman in black robes taught them to speak and repaired the structure. Suddenly the group are attacked by cloaked sentient Infernals who have also set booby traps in the surrounding area. An Infernal states that the Tabernacle was built to destroy the world, but this is refuted by Scop who says it has benefited them, leading Shinra to believe that an Amaterasu can be used for good or evil. Meanwhile Tempe's Infernals have completed gathering a series of tablets which he plans to use to release the Tabernacle's full power. Purt Co Pan, Victor and Arthur enter the Tabernacle to investigate while outside Tempe leads an attack by his Infernal followers against the Fire Force. Tempe reveals his intention is to kill himself and ascend to Heaven by blowing up the Tabernacle. Because this will also destroy the forest and the surrounding region, Shinra vows to defeat Tempe who has the power of a demon. Suddenly, Shinra detects the Adolla Link as the young woman in black robes appears behind him. Meanwhile inside the Tabernacle, Purt Co Pan and Victor vainly try to decode numbers engraved on the tablets and the walls, when Arthur suddenly comes up with a solution.

Assassination Classroom EP#17 - Island Time: Prior to their trip, biologist Hinano Kurahashi helps Nagisa, Sugino and Hiroto Maehara hunt for bugs, while pervert Taiga Okajima shows them his own trap laid out for Koro-sensei using a pile of porn magazines. However, Kurahashi becomes fascinated when Koro-sensei spots a rare stag beetle worth a ton of yen. Later, Lovro is called in to help train the students for their island assassination, taking interest in the two top marksmen of the class, Ryūnosuke Chiba and Rinka Hayami. After telling Nagisa about the world's most infamous assassin known only as The Reaper, Lovro decides to teach Nagisa a surefire assassination technique. The students of Class 3-E soon arrive at their island resort, making all the necessary preparations for their assassination. After having dinner, during which Koro-sensei inadvertently uses up his emergency shedding technique to get rid of sunburn, the class begin their assassination attempt aboard an on-sea chapel.

[toku-explained]

The Darkest Swordsman

Z: GAFJ have developed D4 from Barabas' horn, a dimension destroying weapon, and have ordered it's installation in King Joe STORAGE Custom, the installation overseen by Yuki Mai. The Maintenance team make clear from the start they are against this, and the main squad are clearly against it as well, and the Director makes clear he is against using D4 as well, but orders have come down, he's not well, and Celebro encounters him. When Kelbim arrives, drawn by the energy at the initial test site, it quickly heads to where the next D4 weapon is, and the Director brings down the orders from on high to use only King Joe STORAGE Custom and make use of D4, even as more Kelbim descend from the sky and hatch. It's pretty obvious what has happened to the Director, but it's not outright shown. In defiance of orders, Hebikura dispatched Haruki in Windom, but even as they take out one another spawns, and Z is forced to come out. As they continue more appear and Yuka detects the Mother Kelbim in space. Z Delta Rise Claw goes to face it, but even as it wins the numbers become to much and Yoko is forced, out of desperation, to use D4. The attack does take out the Kelbim, but the dimensional collapse keeps spreading, only being stopped by Z. Hebikura makes clear he is angry about all of this, and Yuki Mai seems to have ideas about Ultraman's power. But the big this this time is, as every single member of STORAGE, the entire maintenance team lead by Bako, Yuka, Yoko, Haruki and Hebikura defies GAFJ orders, and the entire unit is being dissolved.

Ultra 6 Brothers The Live: I laid actual money to watch this, since it seems to tie into The Absolute Conspiracy. After Nice warms the crowd up, the story introduces us to Baltan Seijin Baruru, a child alone on a world save for his robot friend. Baruru seems to remember his grandfather, but that's it. One day Red King, Hellberus, Astromons and Giestron rampage, and Man, Seven, Zoffy, Hikari and 80 arrive to stop them. Afterwards the brother discuss why the Kaiju are acting out before all but Ultraman leave. He meets Baruru and befriends him before leaving, asking the robot to look out for him, and after it's gone Baruru and the robot plan to plant a flower, when a gang of Valkie Seijin, Magma Seijin and Zarab Seijin arrive, and start beating up Baruru, calling Hellberus back to assist. The Robot, inspired by Ultraman's words, fights back and does a decent job until losing power, but as more Kaiju come the day is saved by the arrival of the Ultra 6 Brothers. Zoffy fights Zarab, Man fights Red King, Seven fights Valkie, Jack takes Giestron, Ace battles Hellberus, Taro deals with Magma. After the brothers win, they save the Robot and leave, Baruru and his companion continue their journey, but in the end Baruru walks away from the robot, which continues the other way with the flower. Absolute Tartarus appears, commenting on a power. After an intermission the plot moves forward, and to an earth in 2020, where Bemstar and Telesdon come down from the sky, and the narrator explains the Devil Splinters, this is followed by Z Alpha Edge's stock footage, the Rise accompanied with a new one for Zero. Zero and Z Alpha Edge face the two Kaiju, then discuss about the Devil Splinters when an effect devices the Kaiju. Zero defeats Bemstar only for Tartarus, who Zero is aware of, to appear and revive Bemstar, and reveal his servant, the adult Baruru, who created the system reviving the Kaiju. Zero and Z are overpowered until Ultraman and Seven arrive and help defeat them. Ultraman recognises Baruru, and Baruru remembers him, Tartarus arrives and explains their plans. Ultraman asks him to stop but he lashes out, and uses the system to revive Zetton and EX Zetton, which overpower the Ultras, before taking them aside and fusing their genes with himself to become a Zetton Baltan Seijin (variants previously appeared in Orb stages, one being a Dark Ring fusion), and join the Zettons in their battle. While the other Zettons take Seven and Zero offstage, Man and Z fight Baruru. Nice comes onstage to guide some audience interaction to power up the heroes here, which brings Seven and Zero back, and the rest of the Ultra 6 Brothers. After a moment where Man and Baruru wordlessly reflect on their past, Nice somehow finds himself faced with Tartarus, who trounces him before the Brothers minus Man pull him away, they then defeat the Zettons. Zero and Z face Tartarus until he decides to leave, but Z pursues. Ultraman and Baruru fight, although really it's just Man trying to remind Baruru of his true self, Baruru wakes up and returns to normal, but Zetton Baltan Seijin still exists on its own, now mindless and Ultraman is injured taking a hit. Zoffy, Ace and Seven take care if it long enough for Baruru to revive Man using his device, and he destroys Zetton Baltan Seijin. Tartarus murders Baruru and calls on Tyrant, which already mostly defeated Jack and Taro, and Man, Zero and Z struggle with, until Nice leads the audience again. Together the Brothers Zero and Z defeat Tyrant. The dying Baruru is shocked by the robots return. Ultraman informs him they're on earth. The robot uses the system to save Baruru, and presents the healthy plant. After sharing some parting words Baruru and his friend leave. The assembled Ultras thank the audience and leave some last words. All in all good, but about as important as those Ultraman Festival Stages or the Final Stages. Also this is pretty clearly pre-Z so I don't know why they didn't just have Z in his initial state.

The Absolute Conspiracy: The highly anticipated event begins. New Generation Heroes was a prequel to Taiga, and featured the first live action appearance of a character previously only seen in a Pachinko machine. Similarly, The Absolute Conspiracy is a prequel to Z and features several characters previously only seen in the Ultraman Festival Stages. There are differences too though. The central villain here is, to my knowledge, wholly original, and while New Generation Heroes was a a single narrative from start to finish, this is a story in 3 "parts", and while New Generation Heroes focused on only the New Generation Heroes, as well as the two most direct mentors to that group, and an Ultra who debuted in the era but is not considered part of the group, here we have quite a diverse group. So we start here in Part 1, starting Ultraman Ribut. In the M78 timeline this would appear to be set sometime in the 1000s of years gap between Mebius and Ultra Galaxy. Cool to see there's a proper OP this time, evidently going to switch up for each part. After our brief appearance by Absolute Tartarus our focus moves to young recruit Ribut, who is working alongside Civilisation Guard Max (original VA), who is one of a number of M78 Ultras who was originally believed to be from his series' universe version of the Land of Light, but since the Zero movies we now know them to be from the main M78 universe, and traveled from there to the timeline of his series. The planet is having it's energy drained by a Maga-Orochi egg, the existence of which is concerning due to the Maga-Orochi being sealed on Orb's earth....by a group of Ultras that included Zero....this might be later in the timeline than I thought. Hellberus might be an indicator Tregear is behind what's going on, he has interfered with several other New Generation Kaiju, but Sran Seijin is the only mastermind we have at the moment. Gudis Cells are infecting Max now, and I presume they want the Maga-Orochi to evolve into something more. We go to Planet Kanon. This is before the event of The Origin Saga, as the Tree of Life is still standing. The present War God, Queen Izana, is also part of the Galaxy Rescue Force, which seems to draw from an old idea from the 70s of a Galactic Federation that Tsuburaya's heroes were all part of, in this instance though the alliance is multiversal. Anyway here we have Sora, making her first appearance outside of stages, she started out as one of the generic Ultras, but now have that armour to stand out. She's accompanying Yullian (new VA) princess of the Land of Light, who is wearing a mantle here for the first time. Leucocyte attacks, which may further point to Tregear, and 80 (original actor) appears to help, until Leucocyte flees. The 80 sequence heavily reminds me of the Ace and Leo Brothers sequences in Ultra Fight Victory, giving the classic Ultra a strong showing before the newer hero takes centre stage. Ribut reports what happened to Zoffy, Taro and Hikari (all have their longstanding VAs) when the other 3 arrive with their own report, giving them a lot to deal with, and establishes the history of Ribut and Sora. They have to create an antibody to Gudis' cells in 3 days or Max is lost, and Ribut is sent to train on K76, where he meets for some intense training Great (New VA) and Powered (Kai's actor Kane Kosugi in English, Kai's dub VA in Japanese).

Saber: Tassel on the phone to somebody, interesting. I've gotten over my issue with Touma's memory from last time, knowing he was friends with Kento and finding Kento was in the memories that seemed to be dreams are different things. It's only natural that Kento is confused, and he decides getting Kamijo to tell him everything is the only option. Apparently the 6 swordsmen being present is reason for Legeiel to step up Megiddo plans using Goblins. Kento and Rintaro argue before the activity starts, Sophia gives Mei a key and heads out, leaving Northern Base to her. Kenzan goes to face one Megiddo, while Buster's mission to face another is interrupted by Desast. Rintaro and Kento argue about duty to Sword of Logos when Kento is called by Reika to where Sophia is confronting Caliber. Saber arrives at another Goblin. Sophia is trying to get explanations from Kamijo when Kento and Rintaro appears. Kento asks if the worst possible scenario is true before confronting Kamijo, Espada and Kamijo clash, Slash joins Saber and lends Bremen no Rock Band, when Zooous arrives to face Slash. Caliber claims he cut down Hayato for being a traitor, while calling himself a seeker of truth, Espada uses Golden Alangina and pushes Blades out the way. Kento gets a good hit in, and Caliber decides to use Jaou Dragon, becoming Caliber Jaou Dragon. While they fight Sophia suddenly vanishes. Mei uses the key an unlocks the screen, and Saber uses Dragon Bremen to defeat his Goblin as Kenzan does the same. Unfortunately, this is exactly what Legeiel, Zooous and Desast wanted, opening gates of Fire and Wind. Caliber overpowers Espada on the end, and tries to make the killing blow, but Blades takes it, and Rintaro is in critical condition. I think Kento's probably going to act less rashly now. Tassel has a guest, and I have an idea who. I might be wrong.

Kenshin Retsuden: This time we have an episode of Kenzan, listed as being "another side" of episode 9. Ogami and Ren are both looking for Caliber when Ogami realises Sophia is about to do something reckless. Desast, who is looking for Caliber to reclaim his book, confronts Ren and mocks him on the nature of ultimate power, Ren showing some serious might makes right thoughts, before leaving, thinking something about him afterwards about Ren's nature. Ogami saves Sophia as in the episode, but afterwards Sophia comments that Kento will be hurt regardless of who Caliber is, opening Ogami's eyes to the possibility of someone else behind the mask.

Kiramager: Whatever it is the guy wants to say to Sayo, he's clearly nervous. Sayo has gone into the dinner with certain expectations, but isn't sure how she feels quite yet. The team tries to let her keep the evening for her date. While the team is busy, she really wants to hear it at least. Garza's plan is to unleash multiple Jamenju, which Riddle Kamen is making plenty of energy for. As for Sayo, it's not like she doesn't like the dude, but she won't know until he says it, but I like how everyone is just desperate to know more. Sayo solves the riddle but doesn't tell the others what it is. Garza is bending Hakobu to his will. While it appears what Kusaka had in mind was something different, Sayo gets straight in to helping him. I am a little disappointed that we're having a marriage would mean quitting being a ranger plot for a female in fucking 2020, but that doesn't matter because turns out, surprise, Kusaka was working with Yodonna. Garza is off to eliminate Oradin. Sayo still protects him, but any chance of anything more is done for, but she still entrusts him with warning CARAT. To be fair about the marriage plot, Sayo herself had every intention of making it work, and there is the whole surgeon thing giving it more justification here than in other plots. I like how we have this goofy scene of Juru making Riddle Jamen answer a riddle of his own interspersed with the fairly serious drama of the Sayo plot. Garza has arrived in Atamald, the plant is sprouting, and 3 Jamenju arrive.

[trans-taiga]

Hi! I have a question: are you ok with others using your concept for how creepers look?? (With credit, of course)

JDIENFJE YEAH ABSOLUTELY? I'm almost inclined to ask if it's actually my concept you want to use and not one I've reblogged bc I'm surprised ppl like it LOL

Here's some concept doodles for tobias specifically! These can be used as a general reference tho

Image 1: paws! like rodent feet combined with hooves. The claw tips are very hoof-like and broad, and the rest of the foot has no distinct pawpads, but rather little raised squishy areas. The whole bottom of the foot is smooth skin

Image 2: this shows of some other features! Creepers have short bodies and long necks with protective scales the run down their back ending at their tailbone and they don't have tails! Think of the scales as looking and working like Pangolin scales

Image 3: Cyrus and Tobias! You can see the back scales more clearly here, one main line of plates with other scales surrounding it. In terms of size, it's good to keep in mind Tobias is a baby as well as a runt, so unlike him a full adult creeper would probably come up to your chest

Image 4: this one is just my favorite drawing, the way Tobias's head looks is my ideal, but I have trouble matching that shape a lot you can also see the leg plates really well! They start at the "hooves" and typically go to the first joint in the leg. Also snake tongue

Feel free to take and leave what you want for your own interpretation, I don't mind at all! You don't have to follow and of these "specie standards" I've laid out, especially if your creeper is specific to a certain biome! Environmental variants are fun! Tobias is a taiga creeper, so a creeper born somewhere else could be very different from him

[ultraericthered]

Anime Update 20

CLANNAD - This was a pretty good finale. Serviceable for what it was, but a bit underachieving compared to what it could have been. After last week’s anxiety-inducing episodes, the emotions I felt in this one felt positively tame and underwhelming. It’s gonna sound mean of me, but when one of the big emotional beats in the episode relied on Nagisa watching such accidentally guilt-tripping video footage of her dad back when he was a senior in high school, it just had me cracking up rather than feeling anything. Akio’s big day-saving moment where he pleads for his daughter on stage to follow her dream was touching, as was the last bit with the girl and the junk doll in the other world. And knowing what I know about the True End in After Story, the part of Nagisa remembering the end of that story and Okazaki saying “I doubt the song they sang was Big Dango Family” was priceless in it’s irony. But the big payoff was the final scene with Okazaki and Nagisa in the classroom, and the song that played in the background just really made it work. I’m definitely on board with them as a couple and wish them a nice, long, happy life. ...Right?

Toradora - Wrapped up this series with it’s final four episodes. The first was, for the most part, another groaner. It had a few good moments (like ”Order only what’s on the menu or I’ll poke your eyes out!” and “Talking to you is like having my period.”), but I’d had it with Ryuji’s wishy-washiness and foolish decision making at that point and just wanted him to get some sense knocked into him so he and Taiga could come clean to each other already. The second one, the one set on Valentine’s Day, was a massive improvement - I enjoyed watching Taiga and Ryuji getting a job together to help Yasuko, and the part with Ami being made to give free publicity was especially priceless. And then came that scene at the end, where you’d think it’d get as anxiety-inducing as the penultimate CLANNAD episodes but since I knew what was coming here, I was ready for it and living for it! Taiga and Ryuji’s best laid efforts needed to fall apart and they needed to be taken to task for their bullshit, and given her frequent emotionally volatile state, Minori is the last person whose buttons could be pressed by their antics - she definitely redeemed herself for all the gloom, angst and mood swings from her. Ami and Kitamura’s contribution was great as well, especially Ami, she is too awesome.

Then we got the last two episodes. I recall from years back not much liking the ending to Toradora. Revisiting the series made me rethink it and see what my problem might’ve been, and honestly, it’s most likely because that second-to-last episode was just too good and could’ve made a spectacular series finale itself. Ryuji and Taiga finally confessed their mutual love for one another, they both stood up to their mothers when they intervened (Ryuji blowing up at Yasuko for her failings was particularly tough to sit through but it felt like a long time coming too), they both started to overcome their own self-loathing, everyone else in the main cast played a part in helping them out, Ami and Minori got their own closure (they’ve totally got the hots for each other - I’m not making that up, I’m just going by what was clearly showcased on screen) and Ryuji and Taiga’s decision to elope and go live at Ryuji’s grandparents’ house was so daring and bold a move to make in the story, and so if the series had ended on THAT note? Given the way they played it, it would’ve felt right and I’d have been satisfied. But since that wasn’t the end, there had to be more...and therein lies my problem, because following that huge turn in the plot, I’d expect that “more” to be A LOT more. Like something bigger and heavier than what a single last episode could carry. This is going to sound crazy but since Taiga and Ryuji’s family drama had entered the picture and Taiga even mentioned her dad leaving town for good because his business went under, I kind of wanted Taiga’s dad to show up again. He was the only purely unsympathetic, despicable character in this entire series, so if anyone could be cause for family unity against him hurting his daughter even more, it’d be him. Instead, while Ryuji’s reconciliation with Yasuko was excellent and even brought tears to my eyes, Taiga’s decision to transfer out of school and go back to her mother, stepfather, and baby brother to face her family issues head-on and hopefully unite them all by sharing the love and happiness she got from Ryuji came out of left field. It made narrative sense for her to want this, but just having spent some time as Ryuji’s girlfriend didn’t seem like reason enough for her to come to the decision to pursue it. I did enjoy the fallout at school, especially the capper put on Ami’s character arc (best development in the series, hands down) and the Palmtop Tiger becoming a school legend. But then it just ended anticlimactically, to the point where the screen could’ve just faded to black after Taiga headbutts Ryuji and it’d have the same effect. So I felt alright about it overall but was still a bit let down. The story’s actual ending from the novels just felt like something that didn’t work well in anime form. 

Overall though? I love and appreciate this series a lot more than I used to. I think the most pleasing thing I took away from this watch was a newfound appreciation for the characters of Taiga and Ryuji, and of their relationship that’s at the very heart of the series. I recall not finding either character to be that interesting compared to the other main cast members back when the series was first out and in Japanese only, but by God do Cassandra Lee Morris and Erik Scott Kimerer sell me on the characters in the dub. Their performances and vocal characterizations are just so full of life and charm and energy, making them both so much more endearing and believable. I wanted to follow these two, I wanted to see how it all ended for them. And as for their love story, derided as being “just the same ol’ shit” back in it’s day? This old Youtube review summation says it best: "You know, I could go through every single episode of Toradora and analyze the crap out of it, but it doesn't change the fact that there's one main reason I love this show so much: Toradora gets what love is. We're taught growing up, especially in the West, the love is this "Prince & Princess" kind of thing, with "soul mates" and, how you're bound to meet "The One." While that can happen, in actuality, love is this big, weird, confusing, wonderful mess, where anything can happen. Toradora understands that you're just as likely to find love that's been right next to you the entire time, and while it's no dragon-slaying knight and princess, that doesn't make it any less grand, strong, or beautiful." That review’s title was honestly correct. Toradora is currently still the best romantic comedy anime of all time.

Excel Saga - Oooooh wow. I always fucking loved this concluding set of episodes and revisiting them now, I still love them. It’s just incredible how so many things that were set apart from each other the whole series actually all play a part in this big epic story arc. - The Puuchu, which have been recurring throughout the entire series up to this point, finally get their big pay-off which was honestly kind of hard for me to follow since so much of what was going on with them seemed to spoof anime I’ve never seen. But the ultimate purpose of these aliens and their antics becomes clear in the final minutes of episode 22, where it’s their space shuttle that comes crashing down into F City, pretty much nuking it all. This also kickstarts the final arc for the City Defense team, where most of them leave Kapabu on his own as he, guns blazing, makes his last stand to protect the city, which fails as it all blows up in a Puuchu explosion. - With F City in ruins, ACROSS finally manages a swift and easy conquest. Seeing the state of the city and all of it’s citizens at the mercy of Ilpalazzo and his goons in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Mad Max/Fist of the North Star parody was surreal given the status quo we’ve had in this show before now, and the best part was that Excel was wandering around not knowing what even happened. - There were two other moments in episode 23 that stand as two of the series’ greatest surprises - halfway through the episode, Ilpalazzo answers a call from his boss at HQ, the true mastermind behind ACROSS...who is revealed to be That Man! All along, ACROSS having branches in different cities of different nations has been a smokescreen for That Man’s planned ascension to godhood, so that once he succeeds, he’ll have a world all ready for his rule. Suddenly, the very different plot lines of Pedro’s family drama, Nabeshin’s big mission, and the aspirations of ACROSS are all connected in a way no viewer could’ve ever seen coming, which to me is total brilliance. And the other is at the very end of the episode. Ilpalazzo coldly shoots Excel when she shows up outside his base...and it’s played for drama. Because with the Great Will of the Macrocosm at the mercy of That Man, this, like the city’s destruction and conquest, could have permanent consequences. Excel could actually die.  - Which leads to episode 24, the “gag-free” episode. Which is actually a lie, as there are some gag moments to be found even at a time as bleak as what this episode shows us, but the episode’s tone is surprisingly dark, serious and somber. Larissa Wolcott gave an actually phenomenal performance as sad amnesiac Excel, making you feel for a character you didn’t think it was possible to feel these things for. Seeing Excel and Menchi being true friends to each other was sweet, Hyatt’s concern over her senior’s whereabouts and Ilpalazzo’s clear signs of subconsciously missing Excel too were touching, even Nabeshin’s part was bittersweet. Because he dies. - The City Defense Force VS ACROSS climax is everything you could want it to be. Our hapless heroes fight their way through brainwashed masses, raid the stronghold, come face to face with Ilpalazzo himself (who is a goddamn ferocious beast in a fight, surprisingly enough), and Watanbe even has his reckoning with Hyatt and who/what she’s truly been this whole time. I appreciate how vague they kept Kabapu and Ilpalazzo’s shared past, too. In the manga there’s some contrived lore about how the two of them are actually ancient gods living their lives in human form, but that wasn’t needed for the anime - the idea that the two of them were once friends and comrades in their own Sentai force before splitting ways over their differing ideals, sort of like Alfor and Zarkon, was enough. - Speaking of Ilpalazzo, his arc is one thing in these episodes that’s played in a consistently serious light. Key’s message clearly got to him and made him want to double his efforts to conquer the city, which he did after it got blown up, but the whole ugly affair clearly fractured his psyche and allowed his inner demons - or maybe it’s Shioji’s dad or some unrelated dark entity - to take on a life of it’s own and possess him into continuing on a path of endless conquest. Watching him having these mental meltdowns and struggling against his worst nature was sad - not even a bad guy like him deserves this! - Contrasting with Ilpalazzo, Pedro and Nabeshin’s story that came to a head with the final battle against That Man for the fate of the Great Will, Pedro’s Sexy Wife, and the universe itself was played as the big farce that it was all the way to the end. The beam struggle between Pedro and That Man, especially when Sandora came in to make it a father-son tag team against the enemy, was transparently spoofing the Cell Saga’s climax from Dragon Ball, and then the spirits of Nabeshin and three of his allies coming in to help win the day was clearly lifted from the first Sailor Moon finale. Everyone growing afros and finishing That Man off together with their overwhelming power was the only way this could’ve ended. It’s ridiculous and I love it. -  And that ending. Excel and Ilpalazzo have the final showdown, where neither one can bring themselves to kill the other, so the demon within Ilpalazzo has to take full possession of him. Excel does what only she could do - punches Ilpalazzo in the face out of “love” in order to save him and destroy the demon. The base begins to self destruct, the good guys make their way out, and as the trapdoor pit that Ilpalazzo routinely sends Excel down is the only escape, both he and Excel go down it together. “WE’RE FALLING!” BOOM. The evil ambitions of ACROSS are buried, all is right with the world. What a freaking perfect end to this crazy series’ crazy narrative. Emotional sincerity coming from such an absurd comedy premise is seldom ever expected, but this is one show that actually pulled it off surprisingly well. The special end credits set to the theme song were great too, showing all the still living characters settling into their own happy endings. Except then at the last minute, it book ends with Excel coming to assassinate the real Nabeshin, Shinichi Watanabe. I think that’s meant to explain why episode 26 came into existence... Overall, Excel Saga still holds up and I had a blast watching it again.

Ace Attorney - First off, let me address this story’s wasted potential and what I wish could have happened. This case’s single biggest flaw would be how long they keep Maya’s kidnapping in effect just to push on Phoenix this moral dilemma that...isn’t really as challenging a moral dilemma as it’s being made out. As a defense attorney, Phoenix should be fighting for a Not Guilty verdict for his client by default, his own privately admitted guilt be damned - it shouldn’t require Engarde hiring an assassin to kidnap Phoenix’s sidekick to force him to fight for an acquittal. Phoenix’s insistence on standing for “the truth” comes off as childishly naive idealism when given the line of work he’s in and what such lawyers must actually go through in real life, so this is one time where this series’ romanticizing of a lawyer’s career and role in a court of law works against it. What could’ve fixed this? Having Maya get rescued ahead of schedule but without Engarde catching on. This way, there’s no leverage being held over Phoenix’s head to get him to fight for Engarde’s acquittal, but Phoenix could realize that he still should be doing so because that’s what his job requires he do - having integrity as a defense attorney depends on an honest effort. Then the TRUE moral dilemma would arise when it becomes clear that Engarde is out to get an innocent person (Adrian) pinned for all of his crimes and locked up instead while he, the true guilty party, can get a Not Guilty verdict and walk free. THAT would be the line Phoenix couldn’t bring himself to cross, and so he and Edgeworth would work together in a mirror of the previous samurai case, this time with Phoenix subtly getting Edgeworth to win the case so that Engarde’s guilt is proven and Adrian be spared. The lose-lose situation they trap Engarde in can still happen and the case can still resolve itself the same way. 

Now, with that part out of the way? I freaking LOVED the rest of this case. The full details of the story were captivating. Adrian is one of the most sympathetic witnesses in addition to being the hottest. Seeing how far Edgeworth has come as a dutiful but fair playing prosecutor and how he helps Phoenix through his own crisis of faith in how he defines and pursues justice was greatly touching and well done. Matt Engarde is by far one of THE most evil and reprehensible characters in this series - the first one I truly despised with all my heart - so seeing him getting reduced to a quivering, sobbing, screaming wreck who would grovel and beg for his own Guilty verdict because he feared for his life were he to be acquitted brought me more catharsis than even Von Karma’s breakdown and defeat. And the emotions - good lord were they high. I don’t recall crying over Ace Attorney until this one. That big moment between Phoenix and Edgeworth where they show how sweet and true their friendship is and how they helped change one another’s lives, and then the scene with Franziska and Edgeworth at the airport where Franziska shows her vulnerability and Miles is just such a good big brother...it really got to me. Shows how much I’ve come to love these characters and this series, both in anime and in game format. So I definitely look forward to starting on Season 2 (Trials & Tribulations) next year.

Nadja of Tomorrow - I skipped over an entire episode because the next episode preview last time showed that it would involve Christian the mummy professor boy, a character I have zero interest in because he has no point until Nadja and the others are actually in Egypt much later on in the series. Instead I watched the one where Colette reminisces about how she met, fell in love with, and eloped with her music teacher, who’s Najda’s late father, how he passed away leaving her to take care of baby Nadja on her own, and how she came to believe that her baby died. If I didn’t loathe Duke Preminger already, I certainly would now that we actually see for ourselves what he put his daughter through just so that she could be brought back into the nobles’ life and he could have a spare heir on the table. Fuck that old bastard. The only thing that didn’t click for me was how Oscar didn’t want to go to a ball due to family troubles, but then he decides he will go because he was told a story of a romance that started at a ball and led to a family that ended in tragedy, with both the husband and the baby dying? That didn’t make any sense!

That’s it for the Anime Updates in 2019, and four series’ wrapped up. CLANNAD: After Story and Ace Attorney Season 2 will obviously take their originals’ places, I’ll find shows to replace Toradora and Excel Saga, and I’ll resume viewing Dragon Ball and G Gundam.

Next month, next year!

[sshoujo-ais]

😘🎵💞💋🛡️🌌 and💐 for Ryuko and Taiga!!!

THATS

A LOT HOLY SHIT

😘: What’s your f/o’s favorite thing about YOU? 

i’m someone to fight for! rather than just stirring up trouble for the sake of asserting dominance they get to show off to me just how cool they are WHILE asserting dominance!

🎵: What are some song lyrics that make you think of your f/o/your relationship with your f/o?

fhsjdjshf this is very difficult bc ever since i got them from you i’ve mostly listened to reol songs where i don’t pay attention to the lyrics much… but from fall out boy’s champion, “if i can live through this i can do anything” is such a mood for both of them

💞: How do you both express affection?

ryuko i feel like doesn’t really express affection rather than just, quietly pretends to not need any in an attempt to coax it out of me and taiga. but she does actually express it!! mostly with physical touch and closeness, like, standing right next to me so that our shoulders are rubbing together, gently brushing her knuckles against mine… and then blushing at the thought of actually holding my hand EVEN THOUGH WE’VE LITERALLY KISSED MANY TIMES ALREADY

taiga on the other hand is INCREDIBLY affectionate. the queen of pda. she’ll not hesitate to say “i love you” like 3 times in a row to make sure she got her point across and then once more for good measure. inbetween kissing either of us on the face. also lots of hugs and nuzzling.

as for me i’m somewhere in the middle? i do like to express myself both physically and verbally but i’m not nearly as intense as taiga but not as reserved as ryuko either. just somewhere in the middle. i love showering both of them with praise though, just to see them blush~

💋: Where are your favorite places to kiss your f/o/where are their favorite places to kiss you?

basically everywhere! we’re not shy with the kisses at all… well ok ryuko is but when me and taiga are getting affectionate with each other she just, like, coughs loudly to indicate that she wants some attention too

also they love when i kiss them wherever they’re hurt cause it makes them heal better apparently :p

🛡: Who’s the more protective one?

ghfjdsfh BOTH OF THEM MORE THAN ME THATS FOR SURE!! although i feel like taiga is the one who, if anyone laid a finger on me or ryuko, she’d fold them like a lawn chair without thinking

🌌: What was your first date like?

taiga took us both to her favorite cafe! she’d been there with ryuko before but never with me, and we had lots of fun talking together (mostly about each other, since at that point i didn’t know the two of them that well and they didn’t know me) and eating the best cheesecake i’ve ever had (on taiga’s recommendation and ryuko’s reluctant agreement with said recommendation). then we retreated to taiga’s apartment (where ryuko has her own room cause she stays over a lot when she needs to get away from her dad, which is most of the time) and we all made out a bunch ;3

💐: How did you two meet?

we met by virtue of them protecting me!! i was being followed by some shady guy and they noticed and stepped in to intimidate him away!! and then i offered to repay them by joining their girl gang but i’m not actually good at fighting or being intimidating >w

[jadehqknb]

Follower Appreciation Post #4

Here it is the final appreciation post for my top four followers for the month of July. Thank you again so much for all your support and your sweet words! This dear follower asked for a fluff piece for Kagami just enjoying the simple things in life. I really hope you like this!

It’s early when Kagami rises from bed, stretching tight, taught muscles. It’s always a bit awkward sleeping in a new bed, even one with a mattress as comfortable as this, but he knows it isn’t lack of comfort keeping him from snuggling back to your side; he’s excited--and nervous.

It’s been a long time coming but you and he finally managed to make it to Japan for a joint vacation with his former team from Seirin. The logistics were a nightmare, mostly due to varying schedules, but the time has finally arrived and he can’t wait for them to meet you; not even Kuroko has.

Truthfully, none of this would have ever happened if it hadn’t been for you. Kagami is no stranger to odd and abnormal abilities in people but still shook his head in bewilderment when you outlined the plan and showed him where you’d all be staying. Finding two bungalows big enough to house the whole former Seirin High basketball team was impressive enough but to be neighboring one another and this close to the beach, elevated his impression of you to a higher level than it already was.

The rumble from his stomach echoes from the bed in a lower cadence and he chuckles as you roll over, your lips moaning out something that sounds like “breakfast”. He can’t tell if you’re putting in a request or dreaming but either way it fits with his plans for the morning and so he heads to the kitchen (fully stocked prior to your arrival because of course you would have found people to get it taken care of) and begins preparations of the meal.

“Taiga?”

Your sleepy voice draws his attention momentarily from the sizzling bacon and despite his best effort he feels a blush creeping over his cheeks at the sight of you rubbing your eyes clad in one of his shirts. You’re positively swimming in it, highlighting the vast differences in your sizes and it wakes something primal and possessive in his chest; but he can’t leave the bacon or it will burn.

Forcing his attention away from you, he says, “G’morning sleepyhead, hope you’re hungry.”

You move to one of the barstools at the counter, taking a deep long breath through your nose; “Everything smells so good, Taiga, you really are an amazing cook.”

He grins at your praise; “And you haven’t even tasted it yet.”

“My nose tells me all I need to nose.”

Kagami groans and rolls his eyes. “Please don’t say anything like that around Izuki-san, they’ll be no stopping him,” he complains.

Your light airy giggle gains another smile from him. The bacon finally finishes cooking and he sets it on paper towels to dry, allowing him to do what he’s wanted to since you entered the room; take you in his arms and kiss you.

Which he does, slow and gentle, but insistent, his large hands trailing through your hair before sliding down your back to settle on your hips, holding you close, pressing the soft of your chest to the firmness of his. You let loose a little whimper and he feels his blood start to race but there’s not enough time to do what he wants to and so reluctantly he breaks the kiss though stays close to you.

“What was that for?” you ask a bit breathless.

“I can’t just kiss my girlfriend?” he asks through a laugh. He’s pleased at the flush of your cheeks, the glaze of your eyes, happy in the knowledge he can melt you like this.

“Of course you can, you just… don’t usually, not like that,” you explain haltingly. After a seconds pause, you continue hastily, “I’m not complaining! Just… it caught me off guard, but it was nice and I--”

He cuts off your cute rambling with another kiss then nuzzles your nose; “Let’s eat while the food’s still hot.”

It’s mid-afternoon when the gang arrives and Kagami opens the door as they make their way up the path.

“Kagami!” Koganei shouts, waving like a fool.

“Hey guys,” Kagami returns, trying to keep his cool but vibrating with emotion fighting to spill out; it really has been too long since he’s seen these guys.

“Wow, guess being a big superstar on the court’s worked out well for you,” Hyuga comments, eyeing the establishments. He winces under a smack from Riko; “What the hell was that for?”

“Jealousy doesn’t become you, Hyuga Junpei,” she huffs.

“I’m not jealous,” he mumbles, slinging his back over his shoulder.

Kagami shakes his head.

Some things never change.

“Kagami-kun.”

Like the fact Kuroko still can sneak up on people without even trying; “Shit Kuroko, I’ve gotten rusty.”

The blue hair male smiles; “What’d you mean rusty? You weren’t that perceptive to begin with.”

“Shut up,” Kagami snaps but there’s little malice in his tone. After a second, he sticks out his hand which Kuroko takes; “Good to see you.”

The group head inside, all jabbering to and over each other, excitement mounting at being back together again after so many years apart. Sure, there’ve been clusters who stuck close, such as Mitobe (who still doesn’t say much if anything) and Koganei and Furihata, Kawahara, and Fukuda who all live together in a way too small and way too expensive apartment but there hasn’t until now been a time formed to get everyone together.

And it’s all thanks to you, who make your appearance as they all settle in the living room.

Kagami’s face lights up at your entry; “Ah, everyone, this is ________ and she’s pretty much the reason we’re all here this weekend.”

You’re blushing, stammering out, “It… it’s no big deal, Taiga, I mean, I didn’t really--”

“Don’t be so modest, _______-chan, we really appreciate all you’ve done to make this happen,” Riko says with a smile, extending her hand which you take.

She calms you and Kagami is thankful she’s there, otherwise this weekend may have ended up a bit more of a challenge since he’s doubtful he could reign in the craziness that is and always will be Seirin.

It takes a little time for everyone to get settled into their rooms--arguments about who’s sharing with who, who gets the bed, the floors, the couch, whatever--but finally everyone is changed and ready to hit the beach.

Kagami tries not to be possessive, but the sight of you in your bathing suit fills his chest with a rush of pride knowing all that loveliness is his and his alone.

The plan is to go surfing, but it ends up that you and he have to teach these knuckleheads first because it becomes apparent that none of them can, save for Mitobe who just stands with that soft smile on his face watching as person after person wipes out.

Not that Kagami is much better of a teacher; “No, no, idiot! Too far forward, you’re gonna--”

“Aiiieeee!!” Koganei shrieks before the wave takes him.

“Tip the board,” Kagami finishes palming his face.

“Patience, sweetie,” you coo but can’t hide your chuckle at their misfortunes.

Most give up after repeated fails, opting instead to sit on the sand or play in the waves while  you, Kagami, and Mitobe wow them with your “hang ten” skills.

Evening falls and everyone is starving, a natural result of staying in the sun and water all day.

“Ugh, I’m so beat, but I’m the only one who can cook,” Kagami complains, his arm slung heavily over your shoulders.

He quirks an eyebrow up at your responding giggle; “Oh ye of little faith, do you really think I don’t have a plan?”

“What do you--” Kagami’s words cut off as he opens the door and the flood of a very familiar and missed scent hits his nostrils.

Every eye goes wide at the sight of an unfathomable amount of somehow, fresh and positively mouthwatering Majin burgers and fries laid out on the table and counter.

“Dig in,” you offer, extending a hand and it’s like the starting pistol for a feeding frenzy.

Everyone gathers mounds of food and drink, moving to various seats to enjoy the salty, grease filled fair.

Kagami takes a large bit of his third or fourth burger and looks around. He swallows then smiles, happier than he’s been in years. He looks at you, laughing with Riko, about what he doesn’t know, but he doesn’t need to.

It may not have been simple getting here, but it is the simple things that make him most happy.

Things like food, friends, family and--most importantly--you.

What more could he ever ask for?

[edibleflowerseu]

SOUNDS

Lungfish / The Unanimous Hour (1999) [Dischord]

“They say it takes only three chords to write a punk song. Lungfish did it with two. And they did it for 18 years. From 1987 to 2005, the Baltimore quartet could be considered the world's leading purveyor of punk-rock-as-devotional-art ... On first listen, it sounds a lot like any other Lungfish record: Two or three chords repeat ad infinitum while Higgs belts out apocalyptic psychobabble.”

“Like the best punk bands, Lungfish used common tools, but created singular music through sheer force of personality ... Punk's basic impulse is fairly concrete, while Lungfish's inspiration is strictly otherworldly. The means of transmission, though, remains simple. On The Unanimous Hour, Lungfish use it to blast their message onward and outward into oblivion.” (---)

...

I like to say the word “lungfish”. I like to read the word “lungfish”.

Ka / Honor Killed The Samurai (2016) [Iron Works]

“With Honor Killed the Samurai, the Brownsville craftsman cements himself as one of this generation’s preeminent stylists, his voice hushed but vicious, his production a grim rabbit hole of found sounds, minor keys, and very few drums.” (---)

...

Ka is something else. How, I'm not sure, but you can feel it. This is his only album I've fucked with, but I've been meaning to check out his other project Dr. Yen Lo, and he's got a couple other albums that seem worth fucking with. He's outta Brownsville in Brooklyn in New York City, and has an ever-so-slight connection to Wu-Tang by way of a guest verse of GZA's Pro Tools back in 2008.

It's almost certainly the samurai connection, but all his work to me seems to float in the same pond as the East Asian-influenced hip hop not only of Wu Tang, but in the movie Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. An honor code, or interest therein, in an environment of chaos and violence. Power through discipline. Navigation through stormy seas, eyes straight. Or like that kinda imagery n shit. Parallel worlds, if you choose them to be. Whatever, you know.

NTS Radio / Death Is Not The End’s Jamaican Gospel Special mix (2016) [no label]

“O lord, o lord I'm not ashamed to cry Nor pray, pray until the hour is gone Mi work until the day is done For there is something that I can do.”

...

The Death is Not the End label (which I just found out existed like ten minutes ago and is super good!!) in some capacity organized this mix for NTS Radio and it's a fucking wondrous treat. It's a good soundtrack for a snow day. It reminds me of deeply religious lo-fi Spongebob music.

Unsane / Scattered, Smothered, & Covered (1995) [Amphetamine Reptile]

“This is a punishing, but ultimately tuneful album, realistic in subject matter, as engaging as it is abrasive.” (---)

...

You can easily hate this band. Wikipedia tells me Unsane laid the “blueprint” for noise-metal bands to follow, it sounds like an underwhelming distinction. But I fucking love this shit. These guys tear it up. Unsane's music is more or less variations on the same thing, but as with Lungfish above this doesn't have to be a bad thing. Occasionally leans too rock'n'roll-y for my usual tastes, but I find I'm not off-put by it. The roaring sea by another name.

Dog-eared a couple of other bands from this time/scene/genre and hoping to flesh out how I feel bout all of it. Sometimes ventures to close to lame-o alternative metal, but only sometimes.

Truthfully, just a sucker for bands that put their name in the same font on every album they release.

Other shit:

Slime Girls ilovemakkonen Taiga Remains Migos / Culture Woods / At Rear House Bruce Springsteen / The River

[yakuzacanons]

How The Yakuza Characters Would Celebrate Your Birthday

Alright, this is gonna be a long one cuz I’m expanding to a bunch of other characters like Ryuji and Mine, so hang onto your hats. No spoilers in this one.

Kazuma Kiryu

He’s not much of a party person but he will still try to plan something special. It might be simple, like him making you a homecooked meal, but you can bet he will put his whole heart into it.

Haruka and the other kids will help him come up with ideas. Some of the kids might even just come up to you and ask you outright what you want for your birthday, much to Kiryu’s embarrassment.

For gifts, Kiryu always tries to get something thoughtful and personal. If you ever mention that you like a specific thing, he’ll make a mental note of it. Not the best at wrapping gifts but Haruka helps with the presentation. She also helps him pick out a cake, which usually gets shared with the kids in the end.

Majima Goro

This man may as well have the words “party city” written on his forehead. Once he knows your birthday is coming, he will start scheming, likely dragging Nishida and Saejima along for the crazy ride.

As over the top as his plans may be, what’s most important to him is that you have a good time. He isn’t sure what kind of party you’d like so he just includes it all: food, drink, singing, dancing, getting the entirety of Majima Construction to sing happy birthday, etc.

Speaking of singing, not only will he get Majima Construction to sing happy birthday to you but he will proudly conduct them himself, megaphone in hand, singing louder than all of them. He just wants you to feel special.

Saejima Taiga

Pretty much functions as the polar opposite of his sworn brother. He doesn’t want to take up your whole day as he feels it’s more important that you should be allowed to do whatever you want. It is YOUR birthday, after all.

Although he will totally get dragged into whatever Majima ends up doing, he will try to catch you alone and give you a small cupcake with a single candle on it. His way of saying happy birthday.

He’s a nervous wreck when it comes to gifts. He never knows what to get anyone and he can’t rely on Majima to give him sound advice in that category. If he really likes you, he might carve a wooden statue in your likeness but he will absolutely blush if you compliment his handiwork. When in doubt, he gets you a gift card for your favorite restaurant and apologies fervently for not doing better.

Akiyama Shun

Tries to play it cool but inside he’s panicking. Almost always calls upon Hana for assistance. Despite working regularly with girls, he’s not the best at gift giving. He will still get you something nice, although it may not be something as personal as Kiryu would get you.

For celebrations, his default is going to a nice restaurant. However, if you tell him there’s someplace or something you want to do specifically, he’s all ears. You lead the way, he’ll cover all the costs.

Out of all of the boys, he’s the best at picking out a cake by himself. Always gets a custom message written on the cake.

Tanimura Masayoshi

Gifts are his forte as he cannot always guarantee that he’ll be able to take time off to see you on your birthday. If it’s a busy work day, he’ll at least step out of the office long enough to hand deliver your gift, usually followed by a big bear hug before he runs back to work.

If he does end up getting the day off, then he’s absolutely treating you to the best food in Homeland. He’ll be sure to ask Mei Hua and Zhao to cook up a special meal just for you.

Tanimura is pretty laid back when he has time off so he makes no crazy plans beyond food. If you want to go to a bar, go to karaoke, or go dancing, he’ll let you decide. He’s chill with whatever.

Ryuji Goda

Similar to Majima, Ryuji goes all out but in a slightly different way. He prefers to celebrate your birthday with you privately rather than have literally everyone he knows show up.

You can bet that he will be taking you to the absolute best restaurant in town. He’ll even buy you a fancy outfit for the evening if you don’t have anything to wear.

Most of his gifts are jewelry. He’s got a great memory when it comes to what you already own so you’ll never get the same gift twice. If you have a lot of jewelry, he’ll buy you a nice pair of shoes instead.

Mine Yoshitaka

The best at keeping surprises to himself. You may even think he forgot your birthday until he shows up with a pretty cake and some balloons. Like Ryuji, he prefers to have birthday celebrations be a one-on-one affair.

He’ll likely just come over to your place to celebrate. If there is someplace you want to go, he’ll take you there. In his private car, of course.

For gifts, Mine is surprisingly over the top. He often chooses to get a custom piece of art commissioned for you and will personally see that it is hung up in your home. If you don’t have room in your home for art, he’ll get you a giant bouquet of flowers and a nice set of books.

Dojima Daigo

Being head of the Tojo Clan means he’s always busy but that doesn’t mean he won’t make time to see you on your birthday. If he’s particularly close to you, he might even play hooky and sneak out of work entirely, the both of you chuckling to yourself as you sneak around Tokyo.

Always gifts you something practical. Did you forget your umbrella once in front of him? He’s getting you a brand new umbrella. Needing a new cellphone? He’s got you covered. Is winter on its way? Expect nothing but the warmest and comfiest coat from Daigo.

If he can’t take time off of work to see you, he’ll call you late in the evening, apologizing for the delay. He’ll immediately take his car over to your place with his gifts and to-go from your favorite place. He will probably be too tired to go out but he’s just happy to see you after a long day and will promise to do better next year.

Nishikiyama Akira

Regardless of if we’re talking about Yakuza 0 or Yakuza Kiwami, Nishiki will always do his best to impress you. Like Akiyama, he’ll try to play it cool. He’ll try almost TOO hard.

Will pick the flashiest place to get food at. Will order the most expensive bottle in the place, even if neither of you like it. He will absolutely spend the most, although it may not seem the most thoughtful at first.

The party itself will always be the most lavish but his gifts are shockingly the most personal. Things like a custom necklace or an imported bag that he’s paid way too much to have put on hold at Le Marche can be expected. He’s also really good at wrapping presents.

BONUS ROUND

Haruka Sawamura

Unlike Kiryu, she is fully confident in her gift giving abilities. She will encourage the kids at Morning Glory to all work together to make something handmade for you. Usually it ends up being a drawing.

She will make you a personal gift like a hand towel with your name embroidered on it. It’ll always have your favorite colors.

If she has the time, she will bake a cake for you. If she can’t find the time, she will go with Kiryu to pick one out for you. She’ll also decorate all of Morning Glory with banners and balloons. Expect the biggest hug from her when you show up.