#the age that the first ten gathered— it may be the last time they will reincarnate? like that thing from fruits basket

[sylhea-raemi]

also omg i already predicted before that kanon might have a pov in this volume just because nero have one

[j2hoes]

Eshay Baby. (Anthony Vaughn x Chook's Sister Reader)

Word Count: 5.8K

Y/N Cooper and Anthony Vaughn had a complicated relationship, which becomes even more complex following the reveal of the incest map.

WARNING: This work is not intended for those under the age of eighteen as it does have mature content. This story deals with alcohol, sexual content, drugs, explicit language, violence, death and triggering topics such as sexual assault and abuse.

A/N: I really hope you enjoy this fic as much as I do, I am a sucker for an ex's to lovers trope! This will be an ongoing series with each chapter correlating to a different episode! Love you! x

Fuck you Monday.

I am not a bad person. At least, I don’t believe I am. Research suggests that people become products of their environments, in fact, there’s an entire theory surrounding the self-fulfilling prophecy which suggests that if environmental factors such as the people and community surrounding you believe you will turn out a certain way, you will. It’s something to do with the phrase ‘if that’s what people think I am, then that’s what I will be.’ For as long as I’ve been alive, I have done my best to combat this. Not wanting to prove the countless social workers, mental health professionals, teachers and police correct. I am a good person.

My brother on the other hand, that’s slightly more complicated. He’s four years older than me, he understands and remembers more of our childhood than I do. It’s not something that we often talk about, him opting to avoid the subject entirely not wanting to reminisce on the past. His words not mine. I don’t blame him for this, nothing I can remember is positive. Being passed from one distant relative to the next, each being significantly worse than the last. Until one day we ended up at the home. I can only imagine what other horrors he may remember.

Hence why I stated it’s complicated, everything he does, he does for us. That’s the way it’s always been. Not once has he failed to protect me, agreeing to be my legal guardian the moment he turned eighteen in order to remove me from the clutches of any government mandated home. I’ll forever be grateful to him for that, and so I could never argue that he isn’t a selfless man. Not when it comes to family.

Others may disagree with me, believing he is cruel, callous and cold. Inherently evil is a term that has been used to describe him many times before. I’ll be the first to admit that there are times when I don’t agree with his actions. However, I don’t believe this defines him as a person. People are so complex and have many different layers that somebody cannot be defined by one small thing. So would I say he’s a good person? No, but I also wouldn’t say he’s a bad person. He’s just different.

“Your brother said to tell you he’s setting off in ten minutes so to make sure you’re ready.”

The soft voice at my doorway startles me, too focused on applying my lipgloss to notice the boy standing in the doorway. As I glance up at him through my mirror, I’m hit by the unmistakable stench of marijuana that seems to flood the room. My nose scrunches, slightly disgusted by the thought of my brother and his friends getting high in the living room at eight am on a monday morning. Continuing to apply multiple layers of the shimmery pink gloss, I notice the figure is still standing in my doorway, his back turned to me, stance appearing almost awkward as he scratches the back of his head nervously.

“Cash you can come in.”

He turns to face me, hesitantly stepping through the threshold into my bedroom with a small smile on his face. Closing the old wooden door behind him, only to almost be knocked out by the numerous bags I have hung up on the back of my door.

“That’s a lot of bags.” He comments, resulting in a small laugh from me due to him stating the obvious.

Beginning to gather my textbooks, notebooks and any other supplies I may need for school, I notice Cash standing silently simply observing my bedroom. It’s a stark contrast to the rest of the house. Walls painted a burnt amber with photos and posters plastered up anywhere I could reach. Crocheted blankets are thrown over every piece of furniture in the room and my window stays wide open, allowing the bright morning light to flood the room, the gentle breeze blowing just enough to allow a melodic hum to reverberate through my wind chime.

“Your bedroom is nice. It’s homely.” Cash tells me, waiting patiently as I continue to throw things into my bag.

“Not a chance in hell was I letting Chook decorate my bedroom with graffiti.” I laugh, throwing my chunky black cardigan over my shoulders before the eshay opens the door for me, being the gentleman that he is and allowing me to exit first. “There’s another spray paint to cover a skatepark in here as it is.”

My finger traces one of the many swirls of blue spray paint that lines the hallway as I speak, eliciting a chuckle from the boy that follows behind me. Entering the lounge, I find Jayden and Tilla sprawled out on the sofa, eyes glazed over and it’s clear that they’re both stoned out of their minds. Chook sits on the armchair that he’s claimed as his own, nobody else dares to sit there, knowing it’s his seat. He’s playing with the car keys in his hands, eyes fixed on the unconscious man laid out at his feet. Occasionally nudging him with his foot in an attempt to humor himself.

“Who’s that?” I question, capturing my brother’s attention for the first time since we set foot in the lounge.

“Fuck knows brah, couldn’t handle his drinks though clearly.”

With one last surprisingly gentle kick to the stomach, Chook rises from the chair. Ruffling my hair as he strolls past me and towards the front door, much to my annoyance. I sigh quietly, swiftly smoothing my hair down, to which Cash does his best to muffle his laugh as we follow my brother out the door. Stepping over yet another unconscious man as we leave the house.

Hartley High is only a twenty minute drive, most of which I spend in silence, trying my best to enjoy the drum and bass that erupts out of the speakers as we fly down the streets of Sydney. Chook was never one for following the speed limit, no matter how many times I lectured him on the importance of driving safely.

We pull into the car park outside of school with an ear piercing screech, slamming to a halt directly outside the gates, the unnecessary amount of noise causes many students to look in our direction. Many whispering to their friends as they gawk at us, I do my best to keep my head down as I clamber out of the vehicle. Embarrassed by the commotion Chook has caused.

“Don’t get expelled!” Chook yells out of the car window as Cash and I trudge reluctantly towards the quad. Not wanting to dignify him with a response, I simply throw my middle finger up behind me, hearing his raucous laughter followed by the screech of his tires on the asphalt once again.

“You reckon this year will be any better?” Cash inquires, knuckles white due to how tight he is clenching the strap of his fanny pack that is thrown over his shoulder. He’s nervous. Contrary to what people believe, Cash is a sweet boy. He’s so loving, caring, considerate and kind, he has a lot to offer the world we live in. Nobody seems to see this though. Believing Cash is a good for nothing eshay that will make nothing of himself upon leaving school, most likely following in the footsteps of his mother and ending up in prison. Even he himself believes this.

“I don’t know mate, maybe for you, I mean you technically don’t even need to be here. I don’t have a choice unfortunately.”

“Yeah but that just means you’re stuck with me for another year kiddo.”

“I am literally a year younger than you.” I sulk, giving him a gentle shove in order to express my annoyance. “Besides, you wouldn’t have screwed me if you saw me as a kid.”

Cash stops in his tracks completely, I smirk, pleased that I’ve rendered him completely speechless and offer him a quick wink from over my shoulder as he jogs to catch up to me. We agreed to never speak of it. A one night hook up when we were both heavily under the influence of certain illegal substances. My heart was in pieces following the breakdown of mine and a particular church going brunette’s secret relationship. If you could even call it a relationship, we never exactly labeled anything, nor made anything public. However, it felt as though my heart had shattered, I’d never experienced anything like that before. Not even the pain of my childhood compared to this.

One thing led to another and Cash and I were stumbling into bed together. Both of us knew it was wrong, Chook would kill Cash if he ever found out. Fortunately it only happened once and while I wouldn’t say that I regret it, it did definitely put a strain on our friendship for a while. Mostly due to him being terrified of me telling my brother.

Remembering the memory, I can’t help but smile to myself. Even if it was just for that one night, Cash made me feel whole again. Like I was worthy of finding love. The dopamine from the positive recollection seems to crash like a wave over my body, uplifting my mood drastically despite heading into what is ultimately prison for the next seven hours. That is until I catch a glimpse of the one person I was hoping to avoid completely for the next year.

Anthony Vaughn.

“Oi there’s a fully gacked sex map in the old stairwell.” Shouts from the redheaded girl catch my attention and I’m grateful to be provided a distraction. “It’s called the incest map!”

Students from all directions flock together in a sprint towards the old stairwell. The scene could be described as something out of a nature documentary when a pack of wild animals chase after their prey together. It’s wild and chaotic, completely undignified. So, with a quick glance at one another, Cash and I also follow the crowd, taking off in a run to identify what a ‘sex map’ truly is, and why it is so interesting that the entirety of our school is racing at full speed just to catch a glimpse.

I thank my lucky stars that I’m not claustrophobic when I eventually manage to squeeze my way through the horde of students. Names are scrawled in huge letters across the wall, each with different lines and symbols linking one to another. There’s a key chart to the left hand side and it’s safe to say nobody’s sexual endeavours were safe due to how graphic the key chart was.

The usual suspects are on the map, those who aren’t quiet about their partaking in hookup culture, such as Darren and Dusty. Those in relationships are also unsurprising, for example Missy and Sasha are of course linked, having only just recently broken up. Other names however do manage to shock me, for one I was not expecting to see Quinni’s name on the map, nor was I expecting Cash. Following the three lines connected to his name, it’s only then that I realize in bright red letters accompanied by a pair of devil horns, is my name.

Y/N - hooked up - Cash. Y/N - blowie - Spider. Y/N - fucked - Ant. Y/N - destined - Ant.

With each passing second it feels like my heart has stopped, secrets revealed to the world that were supposed to never see the light of day. How did anybody know about this? Sure, Spider may have blabbed about me giving him a blowjob, most likely bragging to his two best mates about it as though I’m his latest conquest. However, what happened between Cash and I, as well as Ant and I was meant to be kept quiet.

With trembling hands, I begin to anxiously scan the room, looking for any sign that somebody other than myself may have noticed my name. Catching the eye of the brunette, who stands timidly between Dusty and Spider, I discern that he is just as concerned as I am. Fearful of the consequences of this coming out.

“Yo Ant, you fucked the eshay’s sister? Nice one bro.” Dusty shouts, clapping his friend on the back which only leads to the red blush on his face to creep to an even deeper crimson.

“You got further with her than I ever did.” Spider comments, a mischievous smirk spread across his lips. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

Ant simply lowers his head, eyes focusing on his shoes which appear to be a lot more interesting than the map in front of him. I can’t lie and say it doesn’t hurt that he won’t speak about us, but at the same time, I understand. With mates like his, I would want to keep things hidden from them too, especially if this is how they react. Not to mention his overly religious family upbringing and the overwhelming amount of shame he is afraid of bringing on his family.

“Hey, you okay?” Cash whispers, hand faintly grazing mine in a subtle attempt to offer his support.

“I was just about to ask you the same thing.” Offering the mullet wearing boy a forced smile, trying to cover up the embarrassment of suddenly being the center of attention.

Continuing to stare at the map in disbelief, only the shouts of rowdy teenagers can be heard as they find more and more connections on the map that they hadn’t seen upon their first inspection. A few even run out in tears, the map ruining many people’s relationships, outing people and just causing pure humiliation for everybody that has their name scribbled across the wall.

“Hey, do you reckon if we ask real nice, Y/N will let us double dick her?” Spider asks Ant obnoxiously loud, nudging him as they both look over in my direction. Humorless expression evident on my face. “What, we’ve both already been there.”

Spider’s comment is directed to me, with him and Dusty both finding the utmost amusement in the entire situation. Ant, on the other hand, looks as though he wants the floor to swallow him whole, unable to make eye contact with me.

“Are you sure you’d be able to get it up? You and I both know how difficult it was for you last time and that was just for a blowie.” Without giving Spider a chance to respond, I’m pushing through the sea of teenagers, who are now staring eagle eyed between the blonde boy and myself. Invested in the very minor argument between us, a chorus of laughter can be heard at Spider’s expense. Even Dusty seems to take amusement in the mortification of his friend. As I brush past the trio, it’s hard to ignore the self-consciousness on their leader’s face. I can’t help but feel a small sense of pride, knowing that my comment really got under his skin. Eyes trailing over each of the guys, I notice that Ant is already looking at me, a regretful look on his face.

Unlike his two mates, Ant has always been the more caring of the three. Whilst still partaking, somewhat reluctantly, in the shenanigans that the other boys rope him into, he has always had more of a guilty consciousness. Often disclosing the amount of regret and guilt he felt due to some of their actions. Though, he made me swear that information to secrecy, not wanting the boys to view him as weaker. It’s one thing we regularly argued about, with him being unable to fathom the idea that having morals and a consciousness doesn’t make you any less of a man.

The deafening shrill of the school bell sounds whilst I stomp across the quad, alerting me of the fact that I should be headed towards the gym for the mandatory back to school assembly. Yet, I can’t bring myself to face it. Wanting to avoid Spider for a little while longer while I can in the hopes of steering clear of another confrontation. Half an hour into the new school year and I’m already wagging, what a great start.

Without turning to look back, I can hear the shuffle of feet as everybody begins to pile out of the old stairwell. Heading into the main school building, still, I tread on. Doing my best to sneak behind the science block and finding solace in the old dunnies that were closed off to students back in the nineties. Technically, nobody is supposed to be back here, I’m risking detention just by being here, though Cash and I continue to use it as a safe space to hide from the world whenever we need peace.

Rummaging through my bag, I’m quick to find the box of Marlboro Gold’s that I always keep stashed at the bottom, just on the odd occasion that I do feel the urge to smoke. It used to be a rare occurrence, these days, unfortunately it seems to be more of a recurring problem. I’ve hidden the habit from just about everyone in my life, not that Chook would care, he’s done far worse that I ever have. I just don't want people to perceive me as any less that they do now, I know smoking is a dirty horrible habit and yet I can’t seem to quit. So, as I spark my lighter, inhaling the toxic fumes, I begin to take comfort in the calm that fills my body from the lungs outward.

“Shit, sorry, I didn’t think anyone was gonna be in here.”

My eyes sweep up from the ground, and if the baggy jeans and tie dyed jumper weren’t enough of a give away as to who stood before me the cross chain hanging from his neck certainly did. It’s the first time he’s actually spoken to me directly since the night everything came crumbling down eight weeks ago. When my eyes lock with his, I can’t help but take in his beauty as if it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him and before I can react the cigarette is falling out of my fingers.

“I didn’t know you smoked.”

He points to the ciggie that is now beginning to burn out on the concrete floor. With an awkward laugh, I quickly pick it up, stubbing it out on the wall, humiliated that he caught me.

“I don’t really,” Playing with the ends of my hair as I desperately try to think of an excuse that doesn’t truly reveal the extent of my habit.

“Just needed to destress after this morning.”

“Yeah, crazy morning, right?” Ant asks, leaning against the doorframe as he attempts to make small talk with me. “Actually, do you have another one of those?”

With raised eyebrows I nod swiftly, pulling the pack out of my bag and offering them to him along with my lighter. He lights his and I do the same, after all I didn’t exactly get to finish the first one on account of dropping it on the ground.

“You wagging assembly too?”

My voice is quiet, unsure on whether he actually wants me to make conversation with him or he’d prefer to sit in silence. Despite my best attempts to not make it obvious, I watch as he takes a drag from the ciggie, allowing the smoke to delicately fall from his lips. It’s awkward not knowing where I stand with him, sure, what happened was a while ago now and I’d assumed we’d both moved on but that doesn’t make the entire situation any less awkward.

“Couldn’t face it, Spider and Dusty wouldn’t stop hounding me for all the details and I just needed some space.” Ant admits, picking at the skin around his fingers between drags.

“Oh right, I can leave if you want some space, I don’t mind.”

Grabbing my bag and hauling myself off the window ledge, I throw the end of my ciggie to the ground, ready to leave. That is until his hand grabs mine gently, his touch soft as I’m forced to stop and look at him.

“No, stay. You should stay.”

Ant offers me a small smile before letting go of my hand, the touch so fleeting and yet it still manages to make my heart flutter even just the tiniest bit. Sitting beside him on the cold, mucky floor, not minding the dirt if it means that Ant and I are one step closer to mending our friendship. Truthfully, I miss him. I miss him as a friend more so than anything. Our bond was one that you don’t find much in life, one that others struggle to comprehend.

“I owe you an apology.” His words catch me off guard, unaware that he felt the need to apologize to me, let alone, doing so on the first day back at school. Granted it hasn’t been any ordinary first day back. “I was a complete dickhead to you and you didn’t deserve it-”

“Ant you don’t need to explain yourself.”

“Nah, I do. I think I knew I couldn’t be the guy you deserved, and I got scared. It’s no excuse, I know that. Just believe me, I didn’t mean any of the stuff I said to you that night, I was so pissed, honestly, I hardly remember any of it. All I know is I woke up with the worst hangover of my life and you weren’t there.” He stops for a moment, collecting his thoughts with furrowed eyebrows, trying his best to put what he wants to say into words. “You weren’t there and then I saw the messages. Y/N, I’m so sorry. I didn’t ever want to hurt you.”

He’s staring at me intently, eyes trying to find any glimmer of emotion on my face in an attempt to determine what I’m thinking. Opening my mouth to respond, I find myself rendered completely speechless. As I focus on Ant, I can see the worry in his eyes. Uneasy as to what I may have to say.

“Shit, sorry, I’m no good with words, I-”

“Stop talking Ant.” I mumble, putting an end to his rant before he can even properly begin. “Cheers for the apology, it means a lot.”

“Do you hate me?” The question is blurted out before he can stop himself. Shocking even himself judging by the way his widened followed by his head falling to his hands.

“I could never hate you. You should know that.” I tell him, his whole body instantly less tense as the relief floods through him. “I’ve actually really missed my friend. We should’ve never complicated things.”

I almost miss it, but there’s a flash of pain in the browns of his eyes as I say those last words, though he nods in agreement. The silence that follows is no longer awkward, instead it’s tranquil. Plainly embracing the warmth of the early morning sun in one another’s presence feels relaxing compared to the events that unfolded prior. Blissfully enjoying the reblossoming of our once torn apart friendship.

“If it isn’t Anthony Vaughn and Y/N Y/LN. You’ve not even been back a day and you’re already wagging.” Ms Woods’ tone is extremely unimpressed as she addresses us, evidently not happy that we’re getting into trouble this quickly. Ant and I can’t help but hold in matching mischievous grins. “My office now!”

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------- “So what were you and Ant doing in the dunnies together?” Cash mumbles the minute my brother is out of earshot and inside Harry’s diner, no doubt trying to chat up all the girls who are trying to eat their chippies in peace.

Slapping him straight in the chest, my eyes flicker towards the door of the diner, wary that Chook will pop out at any second and overhear our conversation. He feigns annoyance, dramatically throwing his hand up to his chest, acting as if I’ve just shot him.

“Oh my god, nothing!”

“I saw your names on the map Y/N, can you blame me for thinking you were trying to cop a root?”

“Shut the fuck up! Nothing happened okay?” I whisper as aggressively as I can, playing with the hem of my pinstripe mini dress in the hopes that I can distract myself from this conversation.

“I dunno, Amerie seemed to think you two were destined.”

“Who’s destined?”

Chook’s voice alarms me, head snapping up to spot the slightly older, male version of myself walking only mere feet away from Cash and I. His casual demeanor suggests he hasn’t overheard the rest of our conversation for which I’m thankful. Locking eyes with Cash, I shake my head in the subtlest way possible so he knows not to say a word. If Chook found out about the map, not only would I be dead, but Cash as well, so it’s in the best interest of both of us not to open our mouths about yesterday’s events.

“Spider and his imaginary girlfriend. That boy is gonna be in a serious relationship with his hand for the foreseeable future.” The lie slips off my tongue so easily that it’s rather concerning. Chook doesn’t question me, though why would he? I learned from the best.

“Sure. You prepared for the cemetery tonight kid?” Chook asks Cash, not even bothering to look up at him as he stashes the boot of the car with countless amounts of junk food he had just collected from Harry’s. “Thank god you stayed at school for another year, since this little bitch didn’t wanna take over as our connect.”

“My bad that I didn’t wanna be running around, pushing drugs for you for the rest of my school life.” I argue, Chook pulling faces as I speak in response. Deciding that this is an argument not worth having today, after all, it’s one we’ve had many times before.

“Yeah, all good brah.” Cash chimes in, answering Chook’s question to put an end to our petty argument before we can take it even further. Before we can get physically violent, even if it is only in a playful manner.

“You two best get going hey, maximize profit and all that.”

Cash doesn’t need any further instruction, hopping on his motorbike after passing me his fanny pack to store in the bag on the back. Something he always does in order to ensure that all his supply is kept perfectly safe while he drives. I’d consider it smart if I didn’t know it was drugs he was keeping safe. Chook jumps in his car, nodding in our direction as he flies out of the car park with Jayden and Tilla shouting out of the window at us. I can’t help but smile at their antics.

Cash offers me a hand on to the back of his bike, hiking my tiny dress up even further so that I can throw my leg over the vehicle. Wrapping my arms around his waist tightly, he watches in his mirror for me to nod before taking off. A habit he picked up when he first began to drive me around on what I like to call his ‘death trap’.

Dance music is belting from the many speakers when we arrive at the cemetery, a fire pit glowing in the middle of the makeshift dance floor as people crowd around it. The sun is already setting as we arrive, illuminating the party in a way that looks angelic. Upon reaching one of the many piles of drinks, it’s hard to notice Amerie dancing crazily, along with Darren, Quinni and Malachai. I point it out to Cash, the pair of us surprised that she has any friends left considering her actions.

Parting ways with the eshay I find taking a swig from one of the numerous vodka bottles before grabbing a bottle of bus, watching as Cash immediately begins to get to work, Sasha instantly running over to him the moment she spots him alone. Rolling my eyes, I plant myself further away from the party, sat with my back against one of the decrepit headstones.

I’ve always been more of an introvert. Opting to be a wallflower and observe rather than be the center of attention, unlike my fellow classmates who all seem to thrive when the spotlight is on them. I hate Amerie for forcing me into that spotlight.

Between sips of the slightly warm lager, I begin to roll myself a joint, figuring I may as well attempt to have a good time at the party. Even if it isn’t my ideal Tuesday night. I couldn’t let Cash come on his own though, not when he’s working for my brother.

“You are a bad girl Y/N Y/L/N.” Ant’s voice shouts from a short distance away, strolling towards me with a cheeky grin slapped across his face. “What is this? The second time I’ve caught you smoking now?”

“Right well I was just about to offer to share this with you but I guess not now.” I joke, lighting it up as Ant flops down beside me. “And technically, I haven’t even smoked this yet so you’ve only caught me once.”

“It totally counts!” Ant argues, waiting patiently as I take a couple of puffs before handing him the joint. “How’d your brother take it when he found out about the map?”

“You’re safe if that’s what you’re asking. I haven’t told him and he’s not the type of bloke that answers the phone when Woodsy rings.” He hands the joint back to me, fingers brushing mine tenderly. “Your mum?

“Not great. Amerie really fucked things up for me, I have to go to church three more times a week now, all because of one wristy and well you know.”

“Did you tell her the truth about us?” I inquire, wondering if he did come clean completely about our situationship of sorts.

“Nah, I told her it was just the once.” He admits, glancing at me sheepishly, almost embarrassed to recount the memory. “Figured that was better than telling her the truth. I may have also turned her that you were my girlfriend at the time, you know, to kind of make it better. Not that she approves of premarital sex or anything and I know we didn’t label what we were but it sounded better in the moment. I hope that’s okay.”

“Lying to your mother Anthony, that’s not very christian of you!” I gasp, to which he snatches the joint back out of my hand in retaliation, laughing along with me.

“Fuck yourself.” Ant chuckles, blowing the smoke directly in my face without any warning, causing me to descend into a fit of coughs.

“What’s the deal with you and Cash anyway? You two a thing now?” Ant’s not looking up at me when he speaks, all his attention fixated on the crowd of teenagers partying in the distance. Anxiously pulling blades of grass from the ground beneath me, I continue to gaze at him, a sigh falling from my lips as I had hoped he hadn’t noticed the line between Cash and my name. It was inevitable that it was going to come up, I had just hoped it would be something that people skirted around, not asking any direct questions.

“Nah.” The word is faint, shaking my head, my eyes fall on the boy in question, completely unaware that we are speaking about him as he stands in conversation with Darren. “We’re just mates.”

The boy nods besides me though I can tell he doesn’t truly believe me, still unable to look in my direction. Nudging him slightly, I give a small smile when he does hesitantly face me. “We hooked up once a few weeks ago, I was pretty much black out and he was just there. It was a fucking stupid decision.”

“Just mates though?” Ant asks, more of a rhetorical question, as if to reassure himself, much to my confusion as I can’t see why it would matter to him whether we were just mates or not. “Okay but who was better?”

Bloodshot eyes and a lazy smile indicate to me that the joint has hit him quicker than either of us expected. Warm blush present on his cheeks, his head tipped back against the headstone , gazing up at the stars that begin to light up the late summer skies.

“You’re so stoned.” I comment, completely dodging the question in the hopes that he’s too high to remember what he had even asked.

“Just like old times, yeah.”

Ant’s fingers brush over my hand just barely, the touch so slight that I wouldn’t have felt it had I not been looking in that direction. Thumb softly tracing circles across the back of my palm, skin feeling as though its been set alight with every small movement. Turning my head, I find Ant already staring at me, mouth curved upwards into a slight smile.

“I wish I never cooked it with you.”

Despite knowing that he is as high as a kite, his words still manage to catch me off guard. Forcing me to pull away, leaning back to take him in properly. From his somber expression to the deep intensity with which he looks at me, awaiting a reaction.

“Cops!” Before I can respond, shouts from the party grab my attention. Head spinning round to see the chaos unfolding, teenagers running in every direction, some scream, whilst others laugh. “Cops! The cops are coming!”

“Oh shit.”

Discarding the bottle I had been nursing, I hop to my feet within seconds, Ant, who now looks surprisingly sober, does the same. Without hesitation, he is grabbing my hand before we take off in a sprint, running in the opposite direction of the flashing lights and sirens that are rolling up to the gatho. As the crowds disperse, I find myself scanning through the seas of people, looking for a certain eshay that would get into a lot of trouble, should he be caught. “Where’s Cash?” Voice breathy, I force Ant and I to a halt, searching my entire field of vision for any sign of him, head spinning so fast that I’m shocked I didn’t give myself vertigo. “Ant, I can’t see him. Where’s Cash?”

“Y/N we need to go.”

With his free hand, Ant easily slides it around my waist, using all his strength to pry my feet from the pavement. Regardless of my unwillingness, I allow the boy to lead us away from the party. Not wanting to run the risk of getting caught, so instead I recite prayers in my head that Cash also hasn’t been caught.

Upon reaching the locked gate, Ant wastes no time in easily pushing me up so that I can scramble over the metal. He does so with ease, a proud display of his strength and it makes me blush. Reminiscing on the ways he used that strength before.

Running hand in hand down the noiseless streets of Sydney, I find myself giggling at tonight’s events. The prospect of an exciting, if slightly chaotic year eleven rises upon the horizon and I can’t help but display my enthusiasm at seeing where the next few months take me. (Hopefully, with Ant by my side, but nobody needs to know that.)

[swan2swan]

Let's talk about what happened with Brookenji.

And no, I don't mean the fallout in Chaos Theory. I mean what happened in the original show. At least, what I believe happened. This is--mind you--total Conspiracy Board style speculation based on little pieces of evidence collected and gathered throughout my years looking into behind-the-scenes stuff and following social media. It would really help if I could find one particularly tweet, but I think it was deleted either in anticipation of spoilers or just because he regularly deletes them.

But...here's the one responsible for that:

Xi.

Xi was the Original Ben, as you can see. Young and nervous. While Ben was...

Well. Ben. Big Ben. But obviously the jock character. The tall, smarmy, rich white guy.

You may be able to see where this is going, but I submit this evidence to you from my memory, and you'll just have to trust me:

One of the showrunners of Camp Cretaceous tweeted ages ago (Season 1-2, well before Season 4 and the Nonsense), tweeted about how there's a disappointing lack of Asian romantic leads in media.

And you know what? He's right. Very much so! Think of ten major tentpole movies from the past thirty years and pull a Japanese, Korean, Chinese, or Vietnamese romantic lead. No, no, no, not the women! The men. An Asian man.

"Oh, well, Shang Chi--" no. Don't get cute.

The fact is, it's just...not a thing that happens. And I think one of the goals with Camp Cretaceous was to change that. Just like they struck ground with Yaz and Sammy being an interracial wlw romance in a children's cartoon, they were gonna put an Asian dude in the romantic partner position.

By now, you obviously see where this is going...and what happened:

If Xi had remained the scared kid, he would have fallen from the train. He would have grown in the jungle and emerged as a wild child. He would have an mmensely different feel in Season 3 where he was breaking away from the group and determining to stay on the island...until the end, when he bonded with the group.

And that is when Brooklynn--or Jules, rather--would have suddenly taken interest in him. Xi and Jules, the wild kid and the rich girl. It would be cute!

But they changed things and took them in a different direction--possibly pretty close to the time the show started. Which meant that the whole first half of the show barely had any setup planned for Kenji and Brooklynn, as they were now known...and they didn't really want to go with Ben and Brooklynn. Especially with how strong the dynamics between Ben and Bumpy and Ben and Darius became.

But they still had to set up the Brookenji romance, and the plans for OG Ben and his Rich Dad to shatter the group dynamic suddenly had to adjust...and you know what? Throwing the romantic strain into it was a pretty good idea! Not bad! But...with the timing of his arrival, the writers only had one season left to them. So they had to jam it all into one season, because there was a little race-swapping done at the last minute that wound up being super-crucial to the endgame.

And personally?

As messy as Brookenji was, I think it was better for them not to remain rigidly focused Xi-Jules and turn it into Ben-Brooklynn. While it would have neatly paired off everyone for the final seasons--Ben and Brooklynn having their Rich Girl/Wild Child romance, Kenji and Darius having their Friends-to-Brothers arc as Kenji betrays the group for his dad (SEE HOW SMOOTHLY THAT WORKS, TOO?), and Yaz and Sammy...well, you know...I think I like what we got with Ben a lot more.

But you can see how the original plan of broad strokes would have been a lot smoother. Turned out that the characters evolved more than planned. And obviously they could have stuck with the Kenji/Darius focus being the main fallout of the group...but that also sort of leaves Brooklynn high and dry with regards to the plot. What's she got left? Though, also...looking back on those seasons...even her romance with Kenji didn't do much for her. Probably because it wasn't really supposed to be a thing. We don't know what the plans for Jules were in the original script, but when those got ditched (PRESUMABLY. THIS IS ALL ME SPECULATING!!!), they had to scramble with her. Maybe she was supposed to have more parental issues. I dunno.

But whatever the truth is, I do still maintain that Kenji was written to be a romantic guy with that in mind. Listening to Brooklynn's color preferences, feeling awkward, being protective...heck, he even kept that rizz through to the new series:

But the bottom line is that Kenji isn't Xi. He didn't have the growth that was planned for Xi, which would have tangentially influenced Brooklynn/Jules's sudden interest in him.

This is also one of the consequences that comes with having shows compressed and rushed so much in the modern era. If we'd been getting filler episodes over the seasons, they might have been able to start building Kenji and Brooklynn up during the E750 arc, if not sooner.

NOTE: I'm not sure what the scripting and planning timetables were with this show. But from what I've gathered, the characters were swapped well after the conceptual stages. And they made it work! There's still a coherent story! I think the sloppiness just came because they had to hurriedly change tracks on some parts, and we noticed.

[greeeengoblin]

The nurses stood up after gathering their equipment. "They'll come to get you for your chemotherapy treatment at 2 PM. Since it's your first session, it may take about 6-7 hours... The patient might want to rest a bit beforehand." the nurse explained. Dick nodded. Despite Jason's age, the thought of him being hooked up to needles and IVs for such a long time was unsettling. Dick could already imagine Jason attempting to escape—most likely losing his patience within the first couple of minutes, his eyes turning green, the Lazarus energy exploding, and Jason going on a rampage in the hospital... Okay, that was a joke; he didn't really think that would happen, but something similar wasn't entirely out of the question.

Jason shot up from the bed. "6-7 hours??? I can't survive that long!" he exclaimed, clearly in disbelief, furrowing his brow and biting his lip. He looked at Dick, expecting him to say something. Dick had said he'd protect him. "Hey!... Are you listening to me?"

Dick averted his gaze and turned to the nurse. "Alright, is there anything else we need to do?" he asked politely. Jason narrowed his eyes, annoyed that Dick wasn't listening to him. He was the one who would have to endure up to seven hours of pain, and the thought was chilling. The blonde nurse Dick had been speaking with took a few medications from the other nurse and handed them to Dick.

"These medications should help prevent nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions before the chemotherapy. Dr. Leslie informed me that various tests, including MRIs and CT scans, have been conducted. We'll provide further information about the chemotherapy based on the necessary evaluations."the nurse explained. Dick placed the medications on the dresser, keeping them in mind for later. Jason's anger surged—double, even triple, or quadruple. After the nurses left the room, Dick sat back down next to Jason.

"You said you'd protect me." Jason said.

"I'm protecting you from yourself."

Jason put his hand on his forehead, looking away and groaning in discomfort. He clenched his fingers together, feeling aggravated by the argument. The fact that it was true made it ten times more frustrating. "Ugh... This is my fault. I shouldn't have trusted you. I should have just run away from this hospital from the start."

Dick frowned. "You know you can't do that, and besides, you're sick. Your body isn't as strong as it used to be, and Bruce has put a lot of security measures in place to keep you safe."

"So, I'm back in Arkham?" Jason sneered, but there was no humor in his voice, only anger and frustration. He spoke with a slight sarcasm, expressing how much he despised the situation. Dick grumbled uncomfortably but didn't respond. Jason rolled his eyes and grabbed Dick's arm. "Come on... I'm begging you, help me one last time. I'd rather die than go through with this treatment..."

Dick's eyes shifted at his words. His little brother's request didn't surprise him. Dick sighed softly and stood up. He moved closer to Jason, taking his hand in his own and looking him in the eye with a serious expression. "You might feel that way now, but after the treatment, you'll feel better. You might even thank me. Everything will get so much better; you're just making things harder for yourself."

Jason quickly pulled his hand away. "I'm scared, damn it!..." He realized what he had said and withdrew. Dick was also quite surprised. He had never heard Jason admit to being scared, not even during his time as Robin.

[spasmsofthought]

currents swept you out (high tide came and brought you in) [shang-chi x fem!reader]

Almost a year later, but the muse came. (Sorry but also not sorry! xo)

I love all the melancholy and weight in Shang-chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. It's something I tried to explore here but I'm (of course) unsure if that was conveyed well.

Also shoutout to the sweet anon who asked about a part 2 to i'll be getting over you my who life many months ago! It kept some of my motivation for this up and kept me from deleting the draft.

Anyways, I love Shang-Chi and I would love to see more writing for him!!!

Please like, comment, and reblog! xo

+++

You think you catch glimpses of him throughout the years. A mirage of his figure around the corner, in a shadowed hallway. When you lay outside among the trees, you swear you see a vision of his face as the sun shines down on you. In the brief moments where the quiet becomes too much at the compound, you glance over your shoulder to see if he’s waiting for you, like he did before when you would sneak around for a quick word or a forbidden touch.

But Shang-qi is not there anymore, not here at all, and you don’t see him anywhere. He feels everywhere but you also know he is nowhere you can reach. Nowhere you can go. He cannot appear to you, even when that’s the only thing you want.

He is a ghost that lingers, but he is a ghost nonetheless.

And when you finally escape the compound and head for Ta Lo, you resolve to leave his ghost where it belongs: in the past.

You aren’t expecting to see Shang-qi in Ta Lo when he finally comes. You aren’t expecting to see him at all. Nan had told you that they had prepared for both his and Xialing’s arrival, but you doubted that he would ever come.

You are not even part of the welcoming group when his company rolls up in the car. First treated as a hostile group, then welcome like family. Your duties keep you physically away but the longing in your heart pulls at you no matter the distance you happen to keep from Shang-qi or Xialing.

You long to see his face, to watch as his eyes light with recognition (if, in fact, he did remember you at all). An ache deepens, and the pulling in your heart becomes slightly painful. You decide you don’t know what will be worse: living with the pain in your heart and leaving him alone or being in his presence after fifteen years of absence and wondering and grief.

When you feel your heart has gathered enough courage, you go to find him. Though the scenery is much different, for a moment you are reminded of when you would look for him at just fourteen years old, willing to risk what felt like it all at the time just to see him transiently.

The teenage love you for him that felt so all-consuming now just makes you feel forlorn.

You sit down next to him and greet him, "Shang-qi."

He turns his face and looks at you. It takes a second but there is a little surprise amidst his recognition. There is something else, too, something deeper. Something that you may not have words for but you understand all the same. A tenderness and vulnerability is there, but also shadows and fog. The rawness of what he felt fifteen years ago has dimmed with age and grief

"It was a long time ago when we last saw each other..."

"I didn't even know if you were still alive." He shakes his head and clasps his hands together on his lap.

"I found my own way," You smile, leaning in to his space before retreating.

There is a brief silence that elapses. One filled with a strange, awkward sense of peace. Or maybe comfort.

"I have heard you are trying to find your own."

"That's one way of putting it." His brow furrows and his eyes take on a different kind of shine. It's not as light as it was.

There is a gap of fifteen years in which you both lived without each other. Whatever innocent little thing you shared with him before he left to make another life for himself has been overshadowed and forgotten for things far more substantial.

For a moment the teenage girl in your heart cries. She wonders if you will ever know his lips on yours or his hands in your hair or a smile meant only for you. It is all she has ever wanted. Adult you, however, knows that the chasm between then and now is something that may not ever be able to be bridged between the two of you. And though Shang-qi is sitting beside you now, you recognize that you may never get to find what was lost so suddenly fifteen years ago.

Shang-qi may never stop being a ghost that haunts all your what-ifs and maybes.

“You were so heavy,” Your hands close around his. “So hard. Brittle. When I was younger, until you left the compound, all I wanted was to help you bear your burdens, but I know now that you wouldn’t have let me. If I asked you now, I think you still wouldn’t let me.”

Shang-qi doesn’t say anything, but you can tell from his eyes that he’s listening. He’s always listening. But his muscles are still tense, his shoulders tight. Still listening but withholding at the same time. Always withholding.

“I know I can’t solve this for you — whatever it is you are trying to fix. I can’t do any of this for you; you must do it for yourself,” You remove your hands from their place over his and expel a deep breath. “But I hope you know you can lay some of what you carry down.”

It is still quiet when you stand from your seated position next to him, but the quiet has transformed. It’s no longer peaceful for comfortable or familiar, but solemn and weighty. No matter how much you may wish to, you cannot untangle Shang-qi’s knots for him. You cannot bridge the gap between the present and past for the both of you. You can only decide to do it for yourself and and hope that he meets you halfway.

“Shang-qi,” It takes a moment, but he tilts his head up and his eyes meet yours, “I know who you are. I’ve never forgotten. But you seem to have, and what we — I — want is for you to remember.”

[miss0atae]

Recently I read a post about Krist and Singto reunion and how you can sum up all this new era of Thai BL through their series "SOTUS". This series had such a great impact that it explains why the genre is where it is now. I'm kinda new in Thai BL and I never bothered to watch it. There are so many options nowadays so I never took the time to see what was about "SOTUS". However, that post made such an impact on me, that I decided to start it now. It may be late, but I want to see what is this story and why it is considered such a "classic".

Random Thoughts about SOTUS episode 1:

▪️ I'm always amazed by all this big gathering of freshman in Thai series or any other series to be honest. My country don't do this thing. During all my college life, I barely knew people I was in class with. I feel this big gathering must be great to feel like you're part of the school. Anyway, it had a very solemn vibe in the series, especially when the third years students arrived.

▪️ From the first minutes, you get who are the main characters. Arthit Rojnapat who is played by Krist appears to be the very domineering senior who seems to get off when he can intimidate his juniors. It's my only guess because his requests were really too much. Who can get 1000 signatures in only one week or know in this short time how many people are in their year?! I tried imagining being in the same situation and my anxiety would never let me get away with it. The other main is Kongpob Suthiluck, usually called Kong, the junior who won't cow down to him and who will even challenge him. Saying they didn't get off a good start would be an euphemism.

▪️ It was so weird to see Krist being this annoying senior. Last role, I saw him was as Kawi in "Be My Favorite" and Hunter in "The Jungle". They weren't good guys too, but they more lovable. I had trouble accepting the change, at first. I'm sure we'll see some change after some episodes. However, I have to admit, I enjoyed very much the verbal jousting between his character and Kong. Every time, they were in the same room, it was like something was cackling in the air. The energy was off the chart.

▪️ Kong gave a total different impression. He is nice (he gave his shirt to another classmate when he couldn't get his size), brave (he didn't hesitate to shout in front of a large crowd that he likes men and asked ten of his schoolmates if they wanted to date him, even if it was a dare) and a good friend to have around (He helped M to get all the signature because M is too shy). He never really bends to anyone. He has done all the tasks Arthit threw at him, but it always felt like Kong was the one who had the upper hand, which was something Arthit found hard to swallow. I believe he never met his match before. He can be fierce, so it seems no other students before Kong found the courage to answer him back. Kong stands out from others. At the moment, this is only annoying for Arthit, but I guess it may lead to something else later.

▪️ We also get a few introduction to other characters but as for now they remain more like backgrounds characters. I think we'll learn more about them later in the series. It's so weird to see all these actors I saw in other series because they look so young here. You can see that 8 years have passed. Everyone has changed so much.

Anyway, I didn't think I would enjoy this first episode as much as I did. I thought it would show its age, but I didn't really feel it. It was a nice start and I really want to see the next episode.

[solartranslations]

AF2 Profile

Liberta

Personal Info

Age: “Everyone teases me about being childish, but I’m actually 19 years old.”

Height: “I’m 176 cm! But I can definitely grow taller, you know?”

Birthday: “I think…I heard it was sometime in May.”

Zodiac: “I think May means I’m a Taurus. Bulls sure are cool!”

Position: “I’m part of Intelligence, so if you need someone to gather information, just leave it to us!”

Other: “Actually, I haven’t done any Intelligence-like jobs lately. It’s been a while since I’ve stayed in Regalo for this long.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: I hear Nordia is made up of many islands and has canals instead of roads. And then have a festival for masks. You know how much I love masks! Ahh, I’m so excited!

Introduce Yourself: I’m the sailor who loves freedom, Liberta! 19 years old! And I’m done being called a fool, or an idiot, or a moron!

Recent Interests: That would be telling kids my “Liberta the Hero” stories. I’m actually starting to run out of ideas though.

Role in the Organization: You want to know about the Intelligence Division that I’m a part of? From investigating our allies, to negotiating with foreign countries, and even propaganda. We handle anything to do with gathering intelligence.

A Word to the Heroine: I’ve always thought you were cute, but now I think you’re uhh…well um…hot… *unintelligible*

Cast Comment (Liberta’s CV, Jun Fukuyama): Hello, everyone! Congrats on finishing the route! I’m Jun Fukuyama, the voice of Liberta in Arcana Famiglia 2. So everyone, how did you find this installment? Oh, you want to know why I sound so excited? Well, it’s because we just finished recording! It was a lot of work. As for exactly how much, I’ve been at this for one, two, three, four, five…about ten hours now! Well, obviously not all in one day. But anyway now we’re at Arcana Famiglia 2. Though technically we had Arcana Famiglia first, and then Vascello Fantasma, and then Festa Regalo, but this one’s Arcana Famiglia 2. If you want to know why it’s not called “due”… (TN: he was mumbling a lot here so I didn’t catch it. But made some Dante-level joke about “due” and “two”). Anyway, I had a lot of fun during the recording. And we even have new characters, new characters with routes this time. I’m sure there’s a lot of surprises about what each of the characters are like and how the Tarocco works, so if you’ve only done Liberta’s so far— *beep-boop* Oh whoops, I kicked something on accident, sorry. *laughing* Uh, then I hope you’ll get to the other ones soon too. There’s some super unexpected twists, so I really hope you’ll see them for yourselves. Then for anyone who did Liberta last, what did you think of him? Did you like him? Isn’t he great? I really wanted to be with Felicita, so I really liked the good ending for his route. Anyway, if I keep talking this’ll never end, so we’ll leave it there. Thank you everyone! This was Jun Fukuyama, the voice of Liberta!

Nova

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 16 years old. I’m older now…but I still don’t like pickles.”

Height: “You don’t have to look so curious about it. I’ll just tell you. I’m 168 cm.”

Birthday: “My birthday is October 25th. I’d be happy if you remembered…”

Zodiac: “I’m a Scorpio. Oh right, didn’t you say you wanted to hear the rest of the story about the constellation?”

Position: “I’m the executive of the Chalices serie, which is in charge of security. And for the record, I am not actually a ‘samurai’.”

Other: “My parents weren’t strict with me at first. I think they were also acting in my best interests.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: Arriving at a new place can help you feel refreshed. I hope you’ll find something new in Nordia too. I’ll be with you the whole way.

Introduce Yourself: Hey, don’t pretend like you don’t know me. I’m Nova. I don’t feel like I’ve changed, but I think the Chalices members don’t tease me as much as they used to.

Recent Interests: I’d say buying new clothes. Why? Well I’m taller now so I don’t fit into my old ones anymore.

Role in the Organization: As the Executive of the Chalices and a member of the Family, I’m in charge of security for the mansion first and foremost, but also the entire island. Besides that, we also inspect the buildings under the Family’s jurisdiction.

A Word to the Heroine: You weren’t that reliable at first, but now you’ve grown into a trustworthy executive. Everyone has to grow to improve. And I’m not talking about my height.

Cast Comment (Nova’s CV, Tsubasa Yonaga): “Nova here. I’m happy that we got to meet again.” Hi there! I’m Tsubasa Yonaga and I played Nova in Arcana Famiglia 2. Congratulations on clearing his route. Sooo, how was it? Hmm, you know, if you ask me, I think Nova-kun’s gotten soft hahaha. Right? While playing as Nova, I was kind of surprised by how sweet he can be. So if you also found him cute or fell for him at all, it’d also make me happy. On the other hand, if you missed him being a tsundere, then you can go back to the original Arcana Famiglia haha. Then if you feel like seeing his sweet side again, then come back here to Arcana Famiglia 2. He’s just such a sweetheart. And another thing I’m sure you were all surprised about. But Nova looks different now, right? I think he might be the one who changed the most. I sure was surprised. He’s sure grown up into a handsome young man. But he actually hasn’t changed much on the inside. I find his hostility kind of cute. And I’m also really happy that I got to play Nova for all of you again. I hope you’ll keep playing and have fun getting to know the new characters of Arcana Famiglia too. Anyway, I hope we’ll get to meet again in the future. I think there’s still more to come from Arcana Famiglia, so I hope you’ll continue to support the series! Anyway, that’s all from me, Tsubasa Yonaga, the voice of Nova in Arcana Famiglia 2. “I hope we see each other again.”

Debito

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 24. The age where you have the perfect mix of refinement and allure. Want to see me change up close?”

Height: “I’m 180. I’ve had these clothes for two years now. …Don’t think I’ll be growing anymore.”

Birthday: “It’s September 20th. I’ll be looking forward to your gift of amore.”

Zodiac: “…It’s Virgo. Meaning what I love most, lovely young ladies like you, Bambina.”

Position: “I’m executive of the Coins serie, which is in charge of distribution. …I’m best known as one who spreads love.”

Other: “So, Bambina. How many casinos do you think there are? If you don’t know, I can’t take you to see them.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: A festival for both handicrafts and nice scenery… Sounds like there’s tons to see. Usually I’d be overseeing sales for events like this, but I guess showing you around will be my job this time.

Introduce Yourself: When it comes to Regalo men, you won’t find a more perfect example than me, Debito. It’s worth keeping in mind. Actually, only the good things in life are worth remembering. And by good things, I mean amore.

Recent Interests: Teaching others how to be popular isn’t anything new. Drinking and investigating crimes are also things I’ve done for a while now. Oh, I guess messing with the newbies is new for me.

Role in the Organization: As the Executive of the Coins, I deal with distribution in the island in a bunch of different ways. I also manage the flow of money at the casinos and some other things on top of that. If you’re interested, I don’t mind taking you along. If that’s what you want.

A Word to the Heroine: I’m sure everyone has been praising your performance at work. You can take that at face value. But you should also say how much you appreciate me in return.

Cast Comment (Debito’s CV, Hiroyuki Yoshino): Hello, it’s been a while. This is Hiroyuki Yoshino from Sigma Seven. I provided the voiceover for Debito. Hmm, how many games has it been now? It’s called “2”, but there’s actually been way more than that. I think that stuff has been gradually…like the developments from previous games and what made Debito appealing before…well I’m sure everyone’s impressions are different, but if you go through Debito’s route I think you’ll surprisingly find that it’s leading up to…hm how do you put it? Simply, I feel like he doesn’t get involved as frequently. Basically, he sort of grows cold once he’s in a relationship. Bye-bye!

Pace

Personal Info

Age: “I’m twenty…something. Oh right, I’m 26!”

Height: “My height is 187cm! I can lift up someone of your height easy.”

Birthday: “It’s in July, the 29th! I’m definitely a summer person too!”

Zodiac: “I’m a Leo! Rawr! So, a lion! I’m gonna eat you! …Haha.”

Position: “I’m the Executive of the Clubs, which is in charge of inspections. I can inspect anything!”

Other: “Lasaagna, ahh lasagna, lasaagna. Mama taught me how to do ‘haikus’. Did I do it right?”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: Nordia is known as an archipelago and has a lot of islands. And they have a suuuuper scary governer. Hehe. She might not like me saying that. But it’s a great place, so I’m sure you’ll like it.

Introduce Yourself: My name is Pace! I love both Ojou and lasagna! I’m also the Deputy Chief Executive, and…the lord’s son. Well anyway, I’ve got a ton of titles.

Recent Interests: Maybe customizing dishes to suit my tastes? Just throw a little something in and it’s my own unique spin! Wanna try?

Role in the Organization: I’m the Executive of the Coins, and the Deputy Chief Executive. I take care of stuff when Dante’s not at the mansion. Other than that I do…daily patrols? Hey! It’s not all just eating!

A Word to the Heroine: You’ve gotten really strong, Ojou. I’m always on the receiving end of it. Ah wait, I don’t mean the kicks! You’re always giving me the strength to make it to tomorrow. Thanks for everything, Ojou.

Cast Comment (Pace’s CV, Tomokazu Sugita): “Lasagna!” Congrats. I’m hungry. I’m Tomokazu Sugita and I played Pace. The recording’s all done now. I didn’t think there would be so many puns. I mean, I read it beforehand but actually voicing it feels completely different. Don’t worry, us VAs will take the fall. Anyway, I’m sure you’ve been waiting a long time for Arcana Famiglia 2. It’s always been about the Tarocco, and how it was implied that there were more. The Tower did show up before. And the the Magician in Vascello Fantasma. I always wondered what would happen after Vascello Fantasma, but we actually got even more characters! The Star being a girl surprised me the most. But I feel like we still don’t have all of them. I think? Kind of like the Egyptian gods, but I guess that’s different. Well, if you’ve cleared the game, I’m sure you know how your ending went. But there’s three of them that I recorded for, so I hope you do them all. Ahh, after all that I’m pretty hungry now. A said lasagna this, lasagna that so many times I feel really attached to it now. Actually I made lasagna twice before. Uh, or I guess I had it made for me? Haha… Anyway, to wrap up, I hope you’ll keep supporting Arcana Famiglia. Lasagna!

Luca

Personal Info

Age: “Um, right now…I’m 29. I’m just about to hit the age where I’ll look the most mature.”

Height: “I’m 176cm. It might be my imagination, but I feel like I’m shrinking…”

Birthday: “It’s December 6th. It’s the same day as the death of the bishop Saint Nicolas of Myra.”

Zodiac: “I’m a Sagittarius. Didn’t I tell you the story of the centaur when you were young? Yes, when we pretended to ride horses!”

Position: “Right now I’m your attendant and Papa’s secretary. So I’m actually quite busy.”

Other: “Everyday, I get to perform experiments and make dolce for Ojou-sama… This is truly the meaning of living a peaceful life.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: The gondolas in Nordia are famous. Have you heard of them? They’re the small boats that travel along the canals. Oh, we should ride on one together while we’re in Nordia! It’s a promise, Ojou-sama.

Introduce Yourself: I’m Luca. As you know, I am your attendant. Wait, why are you shaking your head? Ojou-sama!?

Recent Interests: Making dolce I suppose? Ever since we came to the mansion, more and more people have been requesting sweets for afternoon tea. But I’ll do it if I get to see everyone smile!

Role in the Organization: I’d say my role is being Ojou-sama’s attendant. I believe doing what’s best for Ojou-sama also makes the rest of the Family happy, after all.

A Word to the Heroine: No matter where you are, I believe you should take it one step at a time. I can’t be careless either. I’ll put in the effort, so will you allow me to stay by your side?

Cast Comment (Luca’s CV, Yuichi Nakamura): Hello everyone, Nakamura here. Oh, I’m the one who played Luca. Uhh, I guess I don’t know what order you would have cleared Luca in. I might get sad if I tried to guess… Some people might have cleared several endings already, or Luca might have been their first route. How was it? Arcana Famiglia 2? It’s been quite a while since the first Arcana Famiglia. I’m not even sure how many years it’s been. Frm a recording standpoint. The recording’s been done for a while now, and I don’t know when it’ll reach all of you. But it’s cold out right now. And when we recorded Vascello Fantasma, it was… Actually maybe I shouldn’t say. Am I even allowed to say? Haha. Probably shouldn’t say too much. Anyway, I’m supposed to reflect and talk a bit here. Hm, I wouldn’t know which endings or what routes you’ve seen so hmm. I guess there aren’t as many short scenes like before, and the lines are more story based. I think we recorded things more or less in order too, and that made it easier to get the emotions down. I’m not sure if that’s better from a player’s perspective. Like if it makes sense to have this conversation at this affection level, but it is one approach. It was easier though, so I hope you’ll enjoy this game too. The other characters and Luca. And a lot of the characters have…I don’t know if I’d say “bad ends” but there are some not that good endings. For Luca too. We had lots of discussions about it. Me with the staff. Like if he can’t talk, then do I need to talk? Shouldn’t he and Felicita be communicating with his expressions instead? And isn’t that what Felicita does and what makes her unique? That’s what I told them anyway. Not that I don’t want to talk. I just wondered if the scenes would be more impactful without voiceover. Wouldn’t that make the consequences more severe? But they said it was from Luca’s POV, so I guess that makes sense. Well anyway if you happen to agree with me, there’s a feedback card and a link on their webpage so you can let them know what you think. Maybe we’ll get a revised version. Hahaha. But anyway, the story is how it is because a lot of people came together. So there’s a lot of ways to enjoy Arcana Famiglia, you know. Anyway, this Yuichi Nakamura. I hope we meet again sometime. Is there even anymore time? Okay, bye!

Dante

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 39 years old. It’s the age when a man has experienced both the ups, downs, and everything in between in life.

Height: “I’m 199cm. It’s not bad being this height, but I always need to get my clothes tailored to fit.”

Birthday: “My birthday is April 9th. Whenever spring comes around, it makes me realize that my age is catching up with me.”

Zodiac: “I’m an Aries. I hear many commanders have the same sign, but what do you think? ‘Sheep are cute’, you say? …I-I see.”

Position: “I am in charge of both the Intelligence division and the executives of all the serie. Though I feel Intelligence suits me better.”

Other: “Lately, I go fishing nearby when we go out to sea. At this rate, my reputation as a former pirate will be tarnished.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: It’s a city where you could learn a lot. The governor especially is a proud and eccentric woman. Though personally, I would rather you didn’t imitate her completely…

Introduce Yourself: I am Dante. You couldn’t forget this bald head of mine even if you tried. Haha! As long as I manage to leave an impression on you.

Recent Interests: Coming up with more puns, I suppose? But none of them seem to be landing lately. Maybe a siesta is all I need for a pun fiesta… Just kidding! (TN: original pun was on “neta” meaning both “joke” and “slept”)

Role in the Organization: I’m the Chief Executive of the Family. My job is to lead both the Intelligence division and the other executives. I’m no advisor, but feel free to ask me for advice on anything!

A Word to the Heroine: We can all tell how much of a hardworker you are, Ojou-san. But we also do worry whether you’re pushing yourself too hard. I’m always here to talk if things get difficult. No matter what it is, I’ll be sure to listen.

Cast Comment (Dante’s CV, Jurota Kosugi): This is Jurota Kosugi, and I voiced Dante. Sooo, what did you think of Arcana Famigia 2? Since it’s the second one, it really feels like the world of Arcana Famiglia got bigger. I think there’s multiple reasons for that, but I feel like the scenario had a lot more depth to it. I felt like a lot of the lines had some deep meaning to them. And as I’m sure you’re all aware, they’ve added quite a few new characters. We got some new friends, so that sure makes the world seem bigger too. And for me personally, we sure got a lot more of the younger Dante in Arcana Famiglia 2. Oh and this isn’t a spoiler, but while we were recording the director would tell me stuff like “this is the old one” and “this is the young one”. So they were differentiated but, I wonder if you all could actually tell hahaha. I did try to make the old one and the ~*young one*~ sound different, so I hope you could sort of tell haha. Anyway, I think it would take a lot of time for someone to experience all of Arcana Famiglia 2, but there’s no need to rush! I hope you’ll take your time and play through it as many times as it takes. So please have fun with Arcana Famiglia. This was Jurota Kosugi, the voice of Dante!

Jolly

Personal Info

Age: “You want to know my age? …You sure are full of curiosity, Ojou-sama. In that case, come to my office later and I’ll tell you.”

Height: “I doubt you will gain anything by knowing that, but I’ll tell you. I’m 184cm.”

Birthday: “It’s March 8th, but I don’t particularily care. What matters is what you do after you are born.”

Zodiac: “I’m a Pisces. …Perhaps I have some connection with sea creatures.”

Position: “I serve Mondo as the Family’s advisor. But it appears that’s not what you wanted to hear.”

Other: “There are more flowers in my laboratory as of late. Perhaps someone is being kind enough to provide me with more materials for my research.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: It resembles Regalo, but I suppose its abundance in water makes it distinct. And its governor. As a woman in power, she is sure to be a good influence on you as our future Donna. I look forward to see how you may change after meeting her.

Introduce Yourself: Isn’t it a little late for introductions? I’m Jolly. If you want to know more, then you’ll have to come see me privately. I’ll take my time answering your questions.

Recent Interests: I enjoy alchemy in the purest sense. Hmph, if you doubt me then come and visit my lab.

Role in the Organization: I’m the advisor. But lately, I have been entrusting those duties to my assistant instead of performing them myself. But I’m not abandoning my post. This is simply in case of an emergency.

A Word to the Heroine: It’s suprising how much can change in a year. Though I suppose our relationship hasn’t changed all that much. However, I would like it to. As you learn more about me, I’ll learn more about you. Now, why don’t we see what happens?

Cast Comment (Jolly’s CV, Koji Yusa): Hello, this is Koji Yusa and I voiced Jolly. Thank you all for clearing his route. There sure were a lot of difficulties this time around. The Jolly fans really had it rough. Did you see all the endings yet? Personally I wanted to let ‘em have it over what happened, but I guess we can save that for next time. Hmm, what else… Oh, I was in some of the other character’s routes so I guess I saw some of those two. But I feel like they were especially harsh on Jolly. I wonder how you all felt about that… Is it what you wanted? If it’s not then maybe you can send in that you don’t want them to be mean to him and to fix his eyes and such. I’d appreciate it too. Then maybe we can see each other again someday. Thank you! This was Koji Yusa, the voice of Jolly.

Ash

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 17. Same age as you. Right, Strawberry Head?”

Height: “I’m 180cm. I don’t know what it is when I’m a tiger… But it’s definitely over two meters, right?”

Birthday: “It’s February 3rd. I used to celebrate every year with Joshua and the skeletons.”

Zodiac: “I’m an Aquarius. …I don’t know much about star signs. Huh? There should be a tiger one? Don’t make fun of me!”

Position: “I’m the inheritor of Vascello Fantasma. I’m just sticking around for the time being. Don’t forget that.”

Other: “The people on this island keep coming up to my ghost ship since they’ve never seen one before. It’s not a tourist attraction!”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: Nordia? Oh yeah, I heard it was that little city with the canals running through it. If you’re curious, I’ll take you. My ship can get us there within three days. If I feel like it, that is.

Introduce Yourself: I’m Ash. The Vascello Fantasma ship belongs to me. But I’m staying in Regalo for now… Hey, you got something to say!?

Recent Interests: The best way to eat apples. But they’re usually used in dolce, so you don’t see them in main courses often.

Role in the Organization: I ended up as the assistant advisor. Huh? You want to know what I do? …To put it honestly, I’m just that damn Sunglasses’s lackey…

A Word to the Heroine: I didn’t know you a year ago. But even I can tell that you worked real hard to get to where you are now, Strawberry Head.

Cast Comment (Ash’s CV, Nobuhiko Okamoto): Hello, I’m Nobuhiko Okamato, the voice of Ash. So, how was it playing the game? There were a variety of new characters, but personally I was most interested in Vir. And Ash actually said the name Vir Ingeniosus in the previous game, and now we finally know more about that mystery. So no wonder he’s so strong. And a lot of things ended up being connected. Oh and I’m sure you know from playing his route, but there’s a part where Ash leaves for a bit and comes back in a few years. I’m actually pretty curious about what happened with Ash and Felicita during that time when they couldn’t see each other. I wonder how they worked it out long distance. Anyway, I’m sure there’s more Arcana Famiglia to come and I’d appreciate all your support. Thank you!

Mondo

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 59. Almost in my sixties. It’s about time to give serious thought to handing over the torch.”

Height: “I should be 195cm. Haha, I wouldn’t seem as commanding if I wasn’t this tall.”

Birthday: “It’s April 1st. Thinking of my birthday reminds me of when I announced the Duello.”

Zodiac: “I’m an Aries. I suppose I do have the typical traits like being straightforward and a short temper.”

Position: “I’m the Papa of Arcana Famiglia. My duty is to lead the Family towards a bright future.”

Other: “To think my daughter would want to go abroad… I suppose this is her time to leave the nest… But, I still think it’s too early!”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: I just came back from a trip there a few days ago, but it’s a charming archipelago that’s completely different from Regalo. You should visit too. It’ll be a good experience. …You want to go on a couple’s retreat? No! You’re too young for that!

Introduce Yourself: As you know, I am the Papa of Arcana Famiglia, Mondo. In order to fulfill my daughter’s wish, I intend to maintain my position for as long as I can.

Recent Interests: Being affectionate towards my daughter! …Although my attempts always end in failure when I am driven off by a kick. Won’t you please understand how I feel, my dear daughter!?

Role in the Organization: As the head of the Family, my job is to lead the organization. I always have the final say. My actions are with the Family’s best interests in mind.

A Word to the Heroine: You do seem to face nothing but hardships. But that’s exactly why I wish for your happiness. I say this not as the leader of the Family, but as your father.

Cast Comment (Mondo’s CV, Fumihiko Tachiki): Welcome, hello, good evening. I’m the voice of Mondo, Fumihiko Tachiki. Welcome, welcome, welcome to Arcana Famiglia 2! Anyway, good work for getting this far. We’re far from done though. So I hope you’ll keep enjoying Arcana Famiglia even more. Now why am I saying all this right now? Well, that’s because we just finished recording for the amazing game that is sArcana Famiglia 2. And I hope this kind of raw…uh, not raw…organic message will help you enjoy the game even more. Anyway I hope you keep enjoying the Arcana Famiglia world, characters, and voice actors. Thank you! And Happy New Year!

Sumire

Personal Info

Age: “You really shouldn’t ask a woman her age… How about I turn the question around. How old do I look to you?”

Height: “My height is 174cm. Haha, that’s when I’m wearing my boots mind you.”

Birthday: “It’s January 1st. Where I’m from, you turn one year older the moment the New Year starts. I’m not sure if it’s still like that though.”

Zodiac: “I’m a Capricorn. But that’s not based on the day I was actually born, so perhaps that doesn’t match. Haha.”

Position: “I’m the Family’s Mama. You can talk to me if you’re ever having any trouble.”

Other: “I’d like some new flowers for the rose garden. I’ve been enjoying gardening recently.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: We have long received goodwill from Nordia. It is a lovely place that is abundant in water. And above all, they have a wonderful governer. You could learn a lot there.

Introduce Yourself: I am Sumire, the Mama of this Family. Introducing myself to you after all this time has me feeling a little shy.

Recent Interests: I’ve taken a liking to chicken dishes lately. I wonder how it should best be cooked? Idealy, it should have good flavor, but not result in any weight gain…

Role in the Organization: Hmm… I suppose that would be supporting Mondo in his position as Papa. And fortune telling, though I’ve done that for a long time. I consult the Tarocco to determine its will. That’s an important job that only I can do.

A Word to the Heroine: You’ve grown strong. And you have someone who cherishes you. So you’ll be alright. I hope the two of you will work together towards your future. That is what Mondo and I both want from you.

Cast Comment (Sumire’s CV, Kikuko Inoue): I’m Kikuko Inoue and I voiced Sumire. I’m 17 years old, yes I am! So, how was Arcana Famiglia 2? For me, the script for this game was quite interesting so it was really exciting to work on. Sumire’s kindness and strength as a mother, along with her strict outlook on life came through a lot in her lines. And a lot of the scenes left a strong impression on me. She had a difficult past, but that didn’t matter! She did her best to push forward to the future. I really hope that you all will see that through playing the game. And I even got to play Felicita’s kids! It really is one of the perks of being a voice actor. So I hope you’ll enjoy experiencing that too! Thank you so much, everyone!

Vir

Personal Info

Age: “Exactly how I look. Perhaps 25 or 26. …You think I’m lying? Hm, perhaps.”

Height: “My height is 175cm. I look perfect standing next to Neve.”

Birthday: “I believe it is October 9th. It is quite a comfortable season, which I enjoy.”

Zodiac: “I’m a Libra. They are said to value nobility and are skilled at keeping their emotions in check… Haha, it looks like you have something to say about that.”

Position: “I am but a humble merchant from Nordia. I really have no idea why I’ve been summonded to the mansion.”

Other: “I enjoy painting and earning money. Besides that, I suppose I am fond of my own name as well.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: If I wasn’t so attached to Nordia, I wouldn’t be a merchant. Haha, no need to worry. You’ll come to visit one day It’s written in fate.

Introduce Yourself: I’ll keep it brief. My name is Vir. I’m a merchant. …Is there anything else you’d like to ask?

Recent Interests: Perhaps it comes from being a merchant, but I am quite fond of paintings. I am always drawn to lovely works of art.

Role in the Organization: I’m a merchant affiliated with Nordia. Nothing more, nothing less. Though it doesn’t look like you believe me.

A Word to the Heroine: I’ve long foreseen that I would come to this island. It was under the guidance of the Tarocco. I look forward to meeting you, Ojou-sama.

Cast Comment (Vir’s CV, Daisuke Hirakawa): Hello, this is Daisuke Hirakawa and I played Vir. Congratulations on clearing the game. How was it? Did you enjoy Arcana Famiglia 2? Oh, and what routes have you played and what was Vir like in what you’ve seen so far? He’s a shady character, but I feel like he changes a lot. So if you haven’t played all the routes yet, I hope you’ll try them out and see all the different sides to Vir. The characters aside from Vir are great too, so I hope you’ll keep enjoying all Arcana Famiglia 2 has to offer and supporting the series. Congrats again for clearing the game. Thank you! This was Daisuke Hirakawa.

Sera

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 18. So one year older than you. I hope we get along.”

Height: “I’m 179cm. You know a lot of people taller than that, so do I seem short to you?”

Birthday: “It’s July 12th. A birthday can be considered a turning point. It’s an opportunity to reflect.”

Zodiac: “My sign is Cancer. I thought I might talk about what Cancers are known for, but I guess that’s not very romantic.”

Position: “I suppose that would be my status as the only son of Nordia’s governor. Though I’ve been abroad…”

Other: “In Nordia, it is said that those skilled in gunmanship are dexterous. How about where you’re from?”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: Even the Capital of Water has some downsides. But I do think it’s a good city. If you ever visit, would you let me show you around?

Introduce Yourself: My name is Serafino. You can call me Sera. I’m usually focused on my studies while in Nordia, but I understand that’s not very interesting.

Recent Interests: I enjoy buying glass trinkets at the places we visit. I found a very nice key dish the other day. It had good color and shape. A real high quality piece.

Role in the Organization: I’m the son of Nordia’s governor. Right now, I’m traveling with Vir so I can see the world from a variety of perspectives.

A Word to the Heroine: I’ll be staying with you all for a short time. I hope you’ll get along with Teo and Neve too. Me? Of course. It’s nice to meet you, signorina.

Cast Comment (Sera’s CV, Yuki Ono): Congratulations on clearing the game! I’m Yuki Ono and I voiced Sera. Thank you, and congrats! *clapping* Hmm, so you have to clear the game to listen to this recording, so I think I can talk about what happened. Let’s see, I think what I like most about Arcana Famiglia would be how the towns look. I’ve got a panorama of the town with me right now, and I really like this illustration. It’s got all these white buildings, and you’ve got a view of the sea and the mountains too. I really like it. And I also had a lot of fun getting to know the world of Arcana Famiglia 2 along with all of you. I hope we get to meet again someday. Again, congratulations on clearing. This was the voice of Sera, Yuki Ono. Yaaaay! *clapping*

Teo

Personal Info

Age: “You think I look around 14? We can go with that then! No point thinking about it too hard.”

Height: “…I’m 163cm. It helps me maneuver more easily.”

Birthday: “I think it was in the summer. But I don’t really remember.”

Zodiac: “I think I’m a Cancer. But I like shrimp more. Now I want some shrimp!!”

Position: “I’m a merchant who works with Vir. Anything you want to buy from us?”

Other: “You think I talk weird? Don’t be dumb. It’s something uniquely me!”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: I don’t really like the place. Sure, the canals are pretty but that’s about it. Really! That’s it!

Introduce Yourself: I’m Teo. I travel around with Vir. Nobody beats me when it comes to dealing with customers or transporting products!

Recent Interests: I love looking for the places with the best shrimp dishes wherever we travel to! I love shrimp!

Role in the Organization: I had one before, but that doesn’t matter anymore. I’m just a merchant from Nordia. What else do I need to say?

A Word to the Heroine: I’m just going where Vir goes. I don’t plan on being friends… But if you treat me to some shrimp, I’ll think about it.

Cast Comment (Teo’s CV, Ryota Osaka): I’m Ryota Osaka, the voice of Teo. Congratulations on clearing the game. Teo can be quite a handful and is like a little brother to the heroine. I hope you all were able to give him a warm welcome and had fun being like a big sister to him. Umm, anyway, I played Teo in Arcana Famiglia 2 but I actually had a small role in one of the previous games. I never thought I’d get the chance to play Teo this time and I really enjoyed it. We’re already at AF2, but if there is a sequel I hope I’ll get to play Teo again in it too. I hope you’ll continue to love Teo. Thank you so much and congratulations!

Neve

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 17 years old, the same as you… I’d be happy if we got to talk more.”

Height: “I’m 158cm. If I were a little taller, than when standing next to him, I’d… Oh, nothing!”

Birthday: “The day I met my husband is my birthday.”

Zodiac: “My occupation is in fortune telling. Looking at the stars is one method. Any further information will be 5000 Lira.”

Position: “I am a merchant along with my husband. And I do a little fortune telling…”

Other: “I like my monkey, Princess and your little owl. I hope they can become good friends.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: It’s the place that gave me a home. The people are wonderful too. I love this town.

Introduce Yourself: My name is Neve. I’m a traveling merchant along with my husband, Vir.

Recent Interests: I like teaching Princess new tricks. She learned how to do a somersault recently.

Role in the Organization: A fortune teller, I suppose? And I’m also Vir-sama’s… Ah, nevermind!

A Word to the Heroine: I’m not very good with my words. But I still want to try. Because I want to be friends with you.

Cast Comment (Neve’s CV, Sayuri Yahagi): Congratulations on clearing the game. I’m Sayuri Yahagi and I played Neve. I haven’t played a character that looks this cute in while. And she even has a partner. She’s a character with a lot of intimate lovey-dovey lines and getting her character profile even made my palms sweat. But we just wrapped up today, and I feel pretty satisfied. In the story, she’s already with Vir but after reading through the story, I think like Luca the most right now. The game hasn’t been released as of now, but once it is I think I’ll take the role of Felicita and experience the romantic moments with each of the guys. There really are a lot of characters, so I hope you get to enjoy this game many times. Thank you!

Elmo

Personal Info

Age: “Well? I look around your age right?”

Height: “I’m 168cm. And I’ll get taller. Then you’ll be the one looking up at me.”

Birthday: “Jolly’s records say I was completed around April 10th. Is that a birthday?”

Zodiac: “My sign is supposed to be Aries. Do you think I’ll make a great grown up too?”

Position: “I don’t really have a position…but if I had to say, I guess I guard the laboratory.”

Other: “My old clothes didn’t fit anymore, so I got new ones. Do they look good on me?”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: I’ve seen it in books before. It’s a beautiful place with lots of canals. I wish you could see it. And I hope I’ll get to be the ones to show it to you.

Introduce Yourself: I’m Elmo. Haha, are you surprised? I look different now, but I’m still the same person.

Recent Interests: Right now, I’m curious about everything. But I think alchemy is what I’m most interested in. You can make something out of nothing. It really is amazing.

Role in the Organization: Hmm… I don’t think I have a role right now. You can just consider me a citizen of Regalo.

A Word to the Heroine: My heart is full of feelings towards you. Will I get to tell you about them someday? I really…want to.

Cast Comment (Elmo’s CV, Yuichi Iguchi): This is the voice of Elmo, Yuichi Iguchi. Congratulations on clearing the game. Since you’ve cleared Elmo’s part, that means you’ve seen all of his different sides. I feel like Elmo’s feelings and looks both really changed from the beginning of the game to the end. But I hope you got to see how he’s grown. Elmo just suddenly grew up. He physically got around 10 years older in under one year. So I wonder what he’ll be like in another year? Would he start looking older than Jolly? Like an old man? Since he grows so fast… Well, I wouldn’t know. But I think you’ll find out if there’s a sequel, so we’ll be counting on your support. This was Yuichi Iguchi, the voice of Elmo!

Agata

Personal Info

Age: “I’m 42. It’s an age that makes a leader look dignified.”

Height: “I’m 160cm. However, I don’t believe that height is a measure of one’s power.”

Birthday: “It’s June 11th. It’s always busy around that time of the year… Due to preparations for my birthday party, of course.”

Zodiac: “It’s Gemini. …I suppose I did always have a connection with twins.”

Position: “I serve as the governor of Nordia. I am eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Other: “Quality ingredients and experienced hands make fine wine. Yes, I think I’ll enjoy myself with a drink tonight.”

Comments

About Nordia, the Capital of Water: I believe that the sights and people of Nordia are the greatest in the world. That may sound like I look down on other places, but this city won’t improve without love from its governor.

Introduce Yourself: I am the governor of Nordia, Agata. The position of governer requires me to be strict. I do hope you understand.

Recent Interests: Collecting whips. You may think I always use the same one, but they vary in length, material, color, and… Wait, are you listening?

Role in the Organization: I lead Nordia as its governor. Though, I may be nearing the end of my term…

A Word to the Heroine: As the daughter of Mondo and Sumire, I will be sure to witness you grow into far more than just a little girl.

Cast Comment (Agata’s CV, Miki Ito): Hello, this is Miki Ito, and I played the governor of Nordia, Agata, who is a new character. Congratulations on making it this far! You’ve cleared one route, right? Good work! For this game, I played the governor of Nordia, who is a very strong and accomplished lady which was fun. I wish I could be as cool as her too, though I wonder if it’s a little late to be saying that. I look forward to seeing you all again sometime. I hope you enjoy the other routes too! See you!

~*End*~

(Back to Directory)

[thissying]

It's not Verstappen’s triumph in Monaco that causes a stir, especially his qualifying lap has got instant iconic value.

At age 25 Max Verstappen is already quickly on his way to becoming one of the greatest in Formula 1 history. Not just in numbers but especially because of his occasional exceptional deeds. Acts like the one in qualifying in Monaco.

A corner for eternity

Confronted with his stats, realisation suddenly seemed to kick in. Like reality had suddenly sunk in halfway through his answer. His 39th victory in Formula 1, with which he definitively leaves Sebastian Vettel behind as the driver with the most wins in a Red Bull, what did that really mean for Max Verstappen? The  two-time world champion initially began talking about the qualities of the car, tried to explain his achievements in a bone-dry manner. As he usually does.

The day before he’d shrugged his shoulders at the historical value of his incredibly good qualifying during the Monaco Grand Prix. “I always put the pressure on myself to perform and luckily that works,” the Dutchman responded, somewhat trivialising. But on Sunday he let that down-to-earth shield drop a little. “Yes, it’s great,” he concluded. I never thought I’d be in this position in my career. When I was young, I wanted to be a Formula 1 driver and the fact that I’m winning races now is fantastic. It’s better than I ever could have imagined.”

Because at age 25, Verstappen isn’t just a mere Formula 1 driver any more. He’s a motorsport legend in the making, a driver of historical proportions. He has two world titles and, as stated, 39 wins. This puts him sixth on the eternal rankings of most successful drivers, measured by race victories.

And in Monaco he underlined once more that he’s rapidly heading for a third world title, even though this season is only six grands prix underway. Only ten drivers before became more than two-time world champions. Ayrton Senna is one of them, the Brazilian has three. Meaning Verstappen can equal him this season. And if he wins the next grands prix (Barcelona and Montreal), he will also equal Senna in day victories.

Epic

But it’s the Brazilian who crashed fatally in 1994 of all people who has shown that a legendary status isn’t just commanded with stats. It comes down much more to showing extraordinary things. Senna’s epic, sometimes dirty, battle with Frenchman Alain Prost still captures the imagination. Just like Senna’s qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix in 1988. The way in which he won pole is to this day still considered to be the best lap ever driven in a Formula 1 car.

As far as that is concerned Verstappen achieved something similar over the past weekend. Especially the image of that one turn to the right at the end of qualifying lasts. Knowing he needed a perfect last sector to enforce the crucial pole position, the world champion sought the limits. He couldn’t have cut the corner a millimetre sharper. And a striking animation of his fastest qualifying lap and that of Fernando Alonso later showed flawlessly how he turned a deficit into a lead exactly in that corner. It was perhaps the best taken corner of all time. A clip that might just, like Senna’s superior qualifying lap, show up for decades in the run-up to future editions of the Monegasque street race. This way, Verstappen has once again enriched his heritage with a special deed.

If he ever quits as a Formula 1 driver, the Dutchman will be remembered as the king of overtakes. He will be commended for his strategical ability, his tire management. But above all he will have gathered a number of extremely special highlights. Such as, of course, the way he took his first world title. But most certainly too, the magnificent qualifying from last Saturday with which he rose above himself under great pressure.

- Marijn Abbenhuis, 29 May 2023, Monaco GP, Algemeen Dagblad

[randomlyblue]

In the early hours of the morning, a 15 year old girl trudged out to the living room, pillow in hand, before light had even broken out over the horizon. It was 4:00 a.m. but the room was charged with a fervent sort of energy, a giddiness that finaly peaked when Birendra Krishna Bhadra's sonorous voice rang out with the first words- "আশ্বিনের শারদপ্রাতে". 

It was মহালয়া- the beginning of 'দেবীপক্ষ'. I do not think that any words, except the ones privately spoken by each Bengali to Ma, of his wishes and woes, hopes and sorrows in silent prayers between the chants during Ashtami's Anjali, can convey the feeling in his heart as one by one, all the houses are filled with 'আগমনীর গান' while the sun slowly creeps into sight like a sleepy child unable to stay away from the excitement of all his aunts, uncles and older cousins huddled outside infront of the radio with tumblers full of steaming, milky tea.

There is a certain quiet beauty in the knowledge that every year since 1931 when the show first aired, Bengalis within Kolkata and without have been dutifully waking up at 4 o'clock to welome our Maa home. A five year old girl rubs her drowsy eyes infront of the radio as she hears the voice she will learn to eagerly wait for throughout the year when she grows older, for the first time. Lying propped up on the cushions in her hospital bed, much to the protest of her nurses, her great grandmother ruefully smiles when she realises that it would be her last time, and for a glorious hour and a half, the pain of the cancer in her liver bows down to মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী. A large joint family gathers in front of the antique record player, with endless cups of tea and aluminium tins of biscuits under the arches of their ancestral home in North Calcutta, where only a few days later, they would welcome their very own Ma Durga. In the servants' quarters, the 'rannar thakur' sits on the front steps of his tin roofed home with his thin daughter and thinner wife, and his stomach's grumbles of hunger are drowned out by the music carrying from the record player. A Muslim boy, not daring to tell his orthodox father, cycles to his Hindu classmate's house before the sun rises to catch the first strains of Aagomoni. For মহালয়া does not merely mark the coming of Ma, it marks the advent of hope in the form of our ten-armed Goddess for every Bengali, irrespective of his age, social standing or religion. Even if it may be just an old recording playing from some houses on the streets, to me and to any Bengali, it seems more like on one magical day every year, all the clouds in the sky strike up a wonderful heavenly orchestra of voices, filling all the empty spaces in the sky, till Ma Durga herself comes to fill up the place waiting for her on the mandaps and in our hearts.

-Priya

[penvisions]

return the favor {chapter 11}

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader 

Summary: Things get complicated when Henry reveals his true intentions and explains the plan he has for getting out of the city.

Word Count: 5.4k

Warnings: ptsd, mentions of past SA (not detailed), canon typical violence

ao3 link || series masterlist || main masterlist 

“Welcome to Killa City.”

The sun was shining, having risen an hour or so ago. The city was large, stretching further than you can see on the horizon. There was movement in only one small pocket of the expansive gathering of buildings, stores, homes, businesses all long abandoned. That would've been a good thing...if the building you were in wasn't smack in the middle of all the movement. You watched as a rather large vehicle drove out of the controlled zone of movement, two more following behind. The QZ boarder was easy to spot, the gate and barricades large even from this high up. Though the area inside the perimeter yielded various controlled fires that caused plumes of dark, thick smoke that rose to the sky. You swallowed hard, not wanting to know what was being burned.

“No FEDRA.”

“Not as of ten days ago, no.”

“We always heard KC FEDRA was-“

“Monsters? Savages?” Henry turned to pin Joel with a serious stare, there was no telling the horrors he had been witness to and experienced at their hands while living on the QZ here. Especially with someone so young dependent on him that could be used as a way to manipulate him. Beside him, the older man had his arms crossed over his chest, flannel looking so green in the light coming from the giant windows. “Yeah, you heard right.”

“Raped-“

There was a rather loud clatter as the can you had just pulled out of your pack fell onto the table and then rolled off its surface and to the floor. The two men whipped around at the noise, thinking something may have alerted you, further down the room at the table Ellie and Sam were talking too animatedly to notice the commotion. Joel’s expression turned soft as he watched the way your hands shook, though he couldn’t see your expression with your back to him. He held up hand in a vague ‘excuse me’ motion and moved away from Henry and over to you, his focus solely on you.

The young man watched as Joel called your name softly, walking around to your left side. He picked the can up off the ground where it had come to a stop after rolling and placed it on the table in front of you, by your pack where you had intended to put it beside the first one. You didn’t immediately turn to look at him, though he could see your lips move as you said something under your breath.

Henry tore his gaze away, feeling as if he was looking in on something he wasn’t meant to see. It was too soft a side to the older man that he had witnessed take out a whole crew of people just yesterday. Soft demeanor meant only for you and for Ellie. Too soft and vulnerable a moment for you as someone who had done the exact same. He had done his best to avert his first attempt at sneaking up on you all last night when he had found Ellie fast asleep alone in the living room. But it made sense in way now that he’s talked to everyone a little, figured out the dynamic a bit with small tells and clues. Ellie was the main concern, anything else that happened because of maintaining her safety and spending time together to ensure that goal.

His words obviously triggered something in you that he didn’t really want to dwell on. The world was harsh, everyone having their own traumas that snuck up and took over them sometimes. But he was glad you all had each other to help when things got overwhelming. Companionship is so rare a connection in this day and age. Something that he was mildly jealous of as he heard Joel’s boots move back toward him.

“She-“

“She’s fine. Don’t worry about her.” Joel’s tone left no room for further conversation on the matter. You were off limits, Henry gathered that much. He hadn’t known what he was going to say regardless, though he did make a mental note watch his words a little better. He glanced at the man back beside him, arms crossed and a more focused expression on his face. Apparently you were already on edge due to the state of the city and being up higher to get decent view wasn’t sitting well with you.

“Okay…well, FEDRA tortured and murdered people for twenty years.” Joel was watching him as he spoke, so he turned to face him, both of them trying to come to an understanding with each other, trust each other enough to get everyone in the room to safety with as least issues as possible. “And you know what happens when you do that to people?”

“The moment they get a chance…”

“They take back what’s theirs.” You sidled up to them, having given each Ellie and Sam a can of food for breakfast, it was the last two you had but the children didn’t need to know that. They just needed to know that they had food for the day and that’s all that mattered.

“They do it right back to you.” Henry agreed.

“But you’re not FEDRA.” Joel pointed out, that still didn’t explain why Henry was the focus of the city-wide manhunt. Why a young man with a kid brother was on the run in an already tense situation. Why they had been so on edge to catch you in the truck yesterday. The young man took a deep breath and hoped his next words didn’t alter the shaky ground that all three of you stood on. You were more understanding, from what he can gauge from interactions so far, but Joel….Joel wouldn’t like the next words out of his mouth.

“No…worse.” His eyes flicked from you to Joel. Maintaining eye contact, he spoke the truth, hoping that that at least gained him some points with the older man despite the weight his words held. “I’m a collaborator.”

Joel’s expression fell, his mouth open slightly in disbelief. He hadn’t known what was about to be said but it certainly wasn’t that. But it would explain how he hadn’t been forced to interact with dangerous people up until the city fell. He had FEDRA protecting him and Sam, protection in exchange for selling his fellow QZ inhabitants out. In another city, in another setting, Joel would’ve rocked him, taken him out with the knife holstered on his hip. He was sure you would’ve done much the same if the sharp inhalation of breath you had taken was any indication.

Collaborators made it hard to keep up with the demand and need of ‘illegal’ items and supplies. Which sometimes was the only good part of people’s days. So much medicine had been taken from those who had rightfully found it both within and outside of parameters, so much more than just medicine. He shook his head slowly and uncrossed his arms as he took a step back from the young man. “I don’t work with rats.”

“Yeah, you fucking do.” Joel fidgeted on his feet, wavering but not stepping away beyond the initial one he had taken back. His hands hung by his sides, fists clenching and unclenching in that tell tale sign of his anxiety that you doubted he even realized he had. Henry was facing you both straight on now, wavering slightly on his feet as well though his tone was bordering on forceful. “Today you do. ‘Cause I live here and you don’t. That’s how I followed you. She picked up on it the later it got, but even so, I know this city and I’m gonna help you get out.”

“Why help us?” Joel narrowed his eyes at the young man, needing to understand why he was so adamant, so persistent to the point of waking you all up at gun point to exchange words.

“I saw what you did…what you both did. The way you killed those men. Now, I know where to go but I don’t know how to make it through alive, not if it’s just me and Sam.” He turned away from your combined gazes, taking a breath. There was something else he wasn’t sharing, something that would surely make you not want to work with him. You narrowed your eyes, taking in the way his demeanor was changing. He was getting desperate, his voice taking on a more forceful tone with every word, every thought he had.

“You seem capable enough.” Joel deflected. He didn’t like the idea of being this person’s bodyguard if he didn’t need to be. He didn’t want to be affiliated with him for a second longer than he needed to be and he was confident you felt much the same way. Ellie was his main concern, you were second. You two were what was important, adding anything or anyone else onto that would make it a lot harder to extract yourselves from the restless city. Especially if that someone had been so willing to sell out others before, patterns like that were hard to break when the deal seemed so sweet. “You’re armed.”

“You’re wrong and wrong.” He shook his head, his eyes taking on a frantic edge as he realized this may not pan out the way he wanted it to, needed it to. “Never killed anyone. And pointing an unloaded gun at you was the closest I’ve ever come to being violent.”

Anger flared hot in your chest as his words settled in the air. Your body shifted as you realized what he so stupidly admitted to you, the absurdity of him thinking it would make you work with him. The fear that had been on Ellie’s face last night and the subsequent panic you had had to push down to make sure she was calm had you moving the second the words were out of his mouth. The sight of the gun aimed at a sleeping Joel made your fingers twitch as you brushed passed the man in two long strides, shoulders knocking into his upper arm as you did so to grasp the back of Henry’s neck with one hand and pull his arms back behind him in a tight grip with the other. You shoved him up against the table, forcing him to double over, his head thumped with the force of movement, a shuddering gasp punched from his chest.

The room fell silent, the kids on the other end of the table halting in their enjoyment of what qualified as breakfast. Joel was too stunned by the explosion of movement to do much other than see where this was going. You had easily overpowered the taller man, though Joel was gathering that you would’ve been able to do that even without the adrenaline of the situation coursing through your veins. He genuinely doubted you would hurt Henry, but he wasn’t too happy with the kid himself right now. Maybe a little fear was what the boy needed to realize just how badly he had gambled last night and that every action had consequences.

“You saw two people kill an entire group of men for wrecking their truck full of supplies and targeting them the second they set foot in the city and you thought it would be a good idea to corner them? You can point a gun at me, and you can point a gun at him. We can handle ourselves as you gracefully keep pointing out, but you pointed a gun at a child! Do you have any idea the trauma you inflicted yesterday? And all just to get us to play nice with each other?” You kicked his legs apart, leaning over his shoulder to snarl in his ear. “With a fucking unloaded gun? You’ve got a lotta fuckin’ nerve, child!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t know how else to approach you!” His voice was high, panic making him lose what little control he had thought he had over the situation. He quickly realized he had never had control of the situation, even from the second he had decided to follow your trio. He had expected Joel to be the one he had to worry about the most, the protective man in charge of two younger females, his family.

But you were the one pinning him down with a crushing grip. You were the one snarling threats in his ear in a barely contained manner.

“Maybe without pointing guns around! They aren’t toys! Guns kill people, they kill innocent, good people all the time! I’ll be damned if Ellie becomes another!”

“Even if it had been loaded, I wouldn’t have shot her! She’s important to you both and I need you two on my side, even if it’s just for today.”

“She’s important because she’s a fucking person, not because she’s under someone’s care!”

“You’re right! I misspoke. She’s important. She is important, I didn’t mean to offend.”

“Fuckin’ collaborator. You have no right. People are people, not pawns in the screwed-up game of chess that FEDRA and the Fireflies are playing all across this damn wasteland. You only see your brother as a person, that’s the whole goal of the move you made to follow us. You’re right, you do need us. Because you are weak, do you hear me? You are weak for playing along with them the way you have. You may not have killed anyone but there is blood on your hands.”

“Holy shit,” Ellie wasn’t sure what had been spoken but the conviction behind your words was enough to have her standing up from where she had been sitting. Her eyes glued to your face as your words ripped into Henry. Your voice was low, tongue sharp with the words you had ushered. He had gone limp under your hands, letting you push him further into the table with some of your words to emphasize them, just taking the retaliation for his heedless actions. Henry just nodded his head, not daring to move in any other way, the motion making his jacket collar hush across the top of the table. The sound of him sniffling back tears became clear as the seconds ticked on.

Sam slammed his hands on the top of the table to get your attention. You kept your grip and pressure on Henry but looked over to where he stood beside Ellie. He signed fast, hist hands trembling slightly with his emotions.

“He was just trying to protect me.”

“If you ever pull another weapon on me or my people again-

“I won’t! I won’t! I swear to you!”

Without another word, you pushed yourself from the young man. Your steps were silent as you walked over to your pack and snatched it from the table. Your fingers were sore from gripping Henry so tight, your knuckles cracked when you closed your hands over the straps, making Ellie jump on the other side of the room. You slung it over your shoulders and walked out of the conference room, needing to get some space from everything for a second. Everyone watched as you moved across the room, not daring to say anything in the wake of your outburst. Once you were out of the room, the door closing behind you, Sam ran over to Henry’s side.

“Um, okay?” Ellie wasn’t sure if she should follow after you through the door or leave you be. She looked to Joel for guidance, but the man wasn’t too sure himself. He lifted one of his shoulders in a shrug, letting her know as much. They hadn’t ever seen you act in such a way, but truth be told you weren’t one to mince words with those who needed to be taken out. You were precise in movements and words when he came to dealing with conflict. This was different, this was…a new side of you they hadn’t yet seen. Joel’s heart was beating so hard in his chest it nearly hurt, you had just revealed that you were so much more like him than he had initially thought.

“You both finish your meal.” Joel looked from Ellie to Sam, by Henry’s side. The younger man had moved to kneel on the ground, one hand resting on the top of the table to help him maintain his balance. He was half-heartedly signing with Sam, hands shaking slightly. A look of defeat on his features as wasn’t sure how everything would proceed from here. “You need the nutrients.”

Ellie moved to dig around in her pack, Henry having gently pushed Sam back in her direction. When her fingers grasped on what she was looking for, she brandished her second volume of Will Livingston at the younger boy. He smiled hesitantly at her before glancing back at his brother, wanting things to go back to how they had been just minutes before. Ellie held out a hand for him and at a fervent nod from Henry, he took it, closing the gap between them and settling back into his chair.

Henry stood and moved to face Joel once again. He wasn’t sure what could even be said in the wake of that, so he just waited for the older man to break the tense silence. Positive anything he would have to say would be taken out of context at this point. Giggles erupted from the other end of the table. The awkward moment having been more fleeting for the younger members of the group. A smile pulled at the corners of his mouth, his heart feeling full despite what just happened as he turned to see Sam and Ellie with their heads close together, trying to take bites out of their food even as laughter rung in the air.

“Haven’t heard that in a long time.”

Joel just shook his head, his thoughts going a mile a minute. The sight of the two children stirring old protective instincts overriding his sense of judgement toward the situation. The truth of the matter was that they needed to get out of the city, the sooner the better. The easier the better. And Henry had the knowledge to make it easier, what did it matter anyway? They would part ways the second they were out of the limits. Joel heaved a sigh, his body fidgeting as the adrenaline drained out of him. He turned to face Henry, his mind made up. You had been right last night, the best course of action was working with them to get out of the city. Hands coming to rest on his hips, his mind made up. You had agreed to let him lead, and he was going to do just that.

“So how are we gettin’ out?”

-

Ellie peered into the last door in the hallway, having had no luck locating you in all the others. The floor was split into two conference rooms, an old tech room, and a bank of both men and women restrooms.

She found you staring into the broken mirror in the women’s bathroom. Your fingers were pale where they gripped the edge of one of the sinks, nails white with the pressure. There were fresh drips of blood from your nose that had fallen to splatter on in the sink basin. She called you softly, her shoes scuffing along debris that was scattered about. She had half a mind to see if the lockers along one wall had anything in them but she kept her eyes trained on you.

You closed your eyes as she approached.

“I didn’t mean to make you feel weak, but he needed to be put in his place.”

“I don’t think you made me look weak.” Her tone was firm, she didn’t have any qualms about what you had just done. She knew you and Joel had your reasons for things, and that had been no different. She had been worried last night, the laid out glass having not worked despite reassurances that it would. But if someone was traveling with a child that was hard of hearing, of course they would be extra cautious of sound, of having to be careful not to make too much. The glass would’ve worked on anyone else, the situation would’ve been different if you and Joel hadn’t both fallen into deep sleep, tired from the tumultuous day, the bad day. “I think…we all did the best considering the circumstances.”

“I don’t want people thinking just because you’re younger and smaller that they can use that against you, use it to their advantage. You are capable, despite emotions that run high in the face of a threat.”

You weren’t sure if you were saying the words solely for Ellie’s benefit or if you were saying them as a reassurance to yourself.

“I know.” One of her hands came to rest atop yours. Her smaller fingers dug underneath yours and pried them free of the grip on the sink. You followed her silent request and loosened your other hand and turned to face her. You watched her look over you, sure the bruises around your nose looked something awful. Her next words made warmth blossom in your chest. “You’re teaching me that.”

“I want you to be able to read people, but it’s so terribly hard sometimes. I want you to survive, Ellie.”

She closed the small gap between you at the look of pure desperation on your features. Her arms coming up around your ribs as she buried her blotchy face in the front of your hoodie. “I want us to survive, okay?”

You wrapped your arms around her shoulders, bringing her closer to you, resting your chin on the crown of her head. You just nodded, your own face feeling hot.

-

You stepped back into the room without a word, sidling up next to Joel as he stood at the head of the long table closest to the door. He had high left hand on braced on his hip, his right resting on the table as he leaned over slightly to better see the paper Henry had placed on the top of it. He was standing on the other side of the table, the corner separating you all. You pulled Ellie to stand between you, the motion not going unnoticed. You just nodded at Joel, signaling that you were more collected after stepping away.

You nodded over at Henry as well, the young man doing so back. You turned your gaze to take in the crude map that had been drawn on the paper, lines intersecting each other with highway numbers marking what they were. Beside you, Ellie did the same. Feeling a little giddy at being a part of the discussion of what happened next. You and Joel had mostly kept things reigned between you two, having the knowledge to make decision that were best for your little trio so far. But she felt…valuable as you included her in this particular discussion, and that Joel seemed to agree with you that her opinions and feelings important on the matters at hand.

“This whole area belongs to Kathleen.”

“She’s in charge?” Ellie asked, curious.

“Leader of the resistance.” He looked back down at the paper, using the pencil to point to the points where the lines intersected each other. “You can see the way we’re bounded by highways. They got people posted all around the inside perimeter. If we get close, we get caught. No question.”

“That’s a smart move on her part. Control of a set area, no one in or out without her knowledge.”

“So how do we get across?” Henry posed as he turned to look at Sam further down the table, by where you all had been standing before the scuffle. The boy was busy with his writing tool, doodling on it to pass the time while everyone else discussed the situation. Henry tapped his palm on the table top three times to get his attention, the boy looking up as the vibrations traveled down to him. He repeated his question in signs, prompting Sam to erase what he had been working on to quickly write something with his left hand. You glanced at Joel, taking in the way he was focused, the concentration furrowing his brow and making him purse his full lips slightly. His eyes cut to you for the barest second.

When Sam held up his writing tool, it only had one word on it.

TUNNELS.

Henry snapped his fingers, making you jump slightly at the unexpected sound. Your hand had gone to Ellie’s shoulder, prepared to grab the red zip up she had on and use it to pull her body behind you, the other going to the colt in its holster. He looked as if he was about to say something but thought better of it at the way you had startled.

“Kansas City has a subway?” Joel hadn’t thought they did. It was a major city, sure, but not one that warranted an underground public transport system.

“No, but they do have maintenance tunnels. There’s a bunch of buildings all put up by the same developers. And they share these tunnels, including a bank building here.” He marked the spot on his simple map, Ellie looking down to focus on it with a serious look. His voice was taking on that energetic manner once again, confident as he shared the knowledge he had. “So we enter the tunnels here, travel underground and pop up here. Westside North. Residential.”

He moved to draw a curved line on the corner closest to that intersection. When he did another it resembled a crude river, he drew a line that went through the ‘river’, a bridge. “There’s an embankment on the other side of the houses. We head down, pedestrian bridge over the river…free as a bird.”

“You’re right. It’s a great plan.” He looked to you and then Ellie between you two. “So what do you need us for?”

Henry looked over at you, taking a breath to steady himself. You made him nervous now, more so than before.

“You noticed anything strange about this city?” His eyes danced between all three of you. “I mean, other than the strange shit you’ve already seen?”

“It’s like you said yesterday,” Ellie motioned to you. “No Infected.”

“Oh, there’s Infected.” For a split second the thought that Kathleen had somehow corralled them all to use in her takeover of the city sparked real fear in you. “Just not on the surface. FEDRA drove them underground fifteen years ago and never let them come back up. It’s the only good thing those fascist motherfuckers ever did.”

“So you want us goin’ into a tunnel?” The disbelief in his voice was obvious. Tunnels were already a risky idea, but tunnel full of infected? That was a death wish. Joel was starting to think this kid was more trouble than he was worth.

“Everyone thinks that it’s full of Infected, including Kathleen, which means that we’re not gonna be running in to any of her people.” Henry was waving a hand around, trying to express that this was still the best way, the easiest way. He smiled down at Ellie, hoping that it was comforting in some way before he looked back to Joel. “But you see, what I know is, that it’s empty.”

“You’ve been down there?”

“No.” His face fell. “But the FEDRA guy that I worked with told me that it’s clean, completely clean. They cleared it out. All of it.”

“When?” Ellie asked, nearly cutting the young man off. There was a small shake of her head, she wanted to believe him, but it was hard to, he had painted such a tantalizing escape route just to bathe it in uncertainty a second later. She was also picking up on the contained hostility and disbelief from both you and Joel beside her. You were both tense, muscles urging you to get as far away from this plan and place despite the near desperation that Henry was displaying as he tried to convince you to listen to him.

“Like…three years ago.”

Joel scoffed, head shaking back and forth as he leaned both hands down on the table, his shoulders hunched over. He shared an exasperated look with Ellie, then a concerned one with you over her head.

“Okay, maybe, there’s one or two, but you handle it.”

“No.” Henry looked to you, his heart rate picking up at your denial. Your expression was hard, eyes watching him, making him feel like he was on trial. “Let me get this straight. You want me to take it on faith that a FEDRA officer assured you years ago that the tunnels were clear. And if they aren’t, which let me remind you that fungus thrives in underground environments, you want me to take care of any Infected that still run rampant?”

Joel turned to Henry with a similar look. “It’s not a matter if there’s more, it’s how many more.”

“Or one of those blind ones that sees like a bat?” Ellie’s tone mimicked yours and Joel’s, her trust in the man across from her faltering as his plan suddenly didn’t sound so easy anymore.

“Wait, you…you ran into a Clicker?”

“Two of ‘em.” She corrected him, though it had the opposite effect she had hoped for.

“Got a scar from one of them, myself.” You supplied, needing Henry to understand the severity of what he was asking you. It didn’t matter how competent someone was or how skilled someone was. Tangling with the Infected, on any scale was risky, was not something everyone came out from alive.

“And you’re all still alive?”

“Alive doesn’t mean shit when it was pure luck and circumstance that scraped you out of a bad situation.”

“Still. You see? You’re the right people.” He had the nerve to look like he just won a few points in the argument, his expression self-assured as his eyebrows rose. “If it gets bad down there, we turn around and run right back out the same way we came.”

“Oh, that’s your great plan?”

“No, that’s my dicey-as-fuck plan.” He had an attitude about him now, not worried about showing his true colors as you had shown yours. You and Joel were poking holes in every word he said, making him feel incompetent and he wasn’t a fan of it. He was getting angry, he was getting upset that none of you were even willing to hear him out. You were all skilled, he wasn’t, he didn’t understand why it seemed like such a big deal if you had the weapons, if you had the skill set, the drive. “But as far as I can tell it’s our only shot.”

Joel straightened up, standing with one of his legs a step in front of the other as he tried not to close the gap between him and Henry and smack some sense into him. His hands were on his waist, eyes locked with the younger mans and they stared each other down.

Sam was the one that broke the tension, banging his tiny fist on the table twice to get everyone’s attention.

“What are they saying?”

“They’re saying, they’re going to help us escape.” He spoked before anyone else could, signing crisply as he faced Sam. You narrowed your eyes at him. Not liking the way he was trying to take control of the conversation. Acting as if his word was law because he had the knowledge. You could see Joel’s jaw twitching as he held back his own heated words on the matter.

You patted the table with an open palm once, bringing both hands up in front of you. Palms facing up you mimicked the movement of a see-saw, signing ‘maybe’ toward the young boy. He nodded before going back to his drawing.

“Do not speak to him.” Henry snapped at you, not liking that you undermined him directly in front of Sam.

“Do not speak for me.” You fired back. You pointed at Joel, making the man feel as if he was in the spotlight. You leaned over your other hand on the table, closing the distance between you and Henry a little to get him to really pay attention to you. “I don’t know where your nerve is coming from, but I’ll be damned if you use me as a way to gauge how much control you have in this situation. You may think that this is a plan, whether that be good or bad, but it’s not. It’s desperate. It’s risky. And if we do this, you have got to start fucking listening to reason and heed what that man says, you got it?”

Henry let out a deep breath, swallowing some of his pride as he watched the way you kept your eyes trained on him. He felt his heart beating fast, his fingers tingling at the focus in your gaze. He had never encountered someone who was simultaneously frustratingly strong headed, defensively combatant, and undeniably appealing as a result of that in his life. He nodded his head once, a flush rising to his cheeks, though it was barely visible on his dark skin. He felt his stomach twist when you turned your gaze to Joel, softening almost immediately.

previous chapter || next chapter 

[elderwisp]

i spent the last hours reading tessellate from the start so i just wanted to drop a little love because eeeeeee i like it so much!!! first off all ur characters are a hit!! dynamic personalities, and they all mesh with one another really well in interesting ways. it all feels like a little peek into the lives of random people and sometimes that all you really need babey! i'm excited to see where you go with things especially with atlas, dan (my beloved), also the way that there are multiple storylines/ a large cast of characters yet i never feel overwhelmed <3333 and ofc visually, the post are lovely. the one juxtaposing frances and atlas coping...u know you ate with that. that last closeup with ares and dan with the lighter and frances's recital?? so pretty!! stapled in the brain.

on a less serious note, frances and icarus SAVE ME i like their dynamic so much their interactions seem very organic and fun. a friends to lovers (would they fall under that category..ik he's her boss but they're friendssss) for the ages. i feel like with a name like icarus things are destined to get messy between them and im afraid of it but also im not....but also i need only good things to happen to frances always, tu sabes. and its so funny that i finally read this after you mapped out their first kiss scene, bc i would not have survived the irl four years of building their relationship up godbless <3 also BEEE!!! sorry i just remembered i love bee and i hope she stands up to her boss at work one of these days (and gets whatever she wants for the rest of her life despite how inadvisable it may be at the moment :) )

hope this all isn't too weird, but i had thoughts to share and who better than with the author. tldr: your story brought me joy at 1:15 am and i appreciate it!! also everyone has such cool names??? what a slay. ty and take care <3

live footage of me reading this:

this seriously made my evening i think i reread this about ten times!! i honestly had to retype this message several times because just being able to receive commentary like this is everything. a lot of these characters have been with me for such a long time so to be able to share the little dudes livin their lives AND have people enjoy it??? AWESOME! a lot of the scenes you mentioned are also seared in my mind forever LMAO especially the scene between frances and atlas. i think the week i was gathering everything to shoot it, i completely scrapped the original and the parallels post was a complete spur of the moment thing but i'm glad it happened GAH i'm so excited to share more in the future <3 also with icarus and frances, they're actually my most difficult pair to write for simply because initially (in my ts3 days) icarus was supposed to be such a small part but they had such a good dynamic i had to expand that! so he's a fairly new character for me!

anyways thank you so much! i hope you have a great day! :D flowers is for u <3

[backmaskcd]

(Nicholas Hamilton) [THE UNTOUCHABLE]. Please welcome [MILO BANKS (HE/HIM)] to Huntsville, WV. They are an [24]-year-old [RESIDENT] who lives in [TOWN]. You may see them around working as a [UNEMPLOYED]. They are looking for [FORREST AND BECKETT BANKS] their [BROTHERS] Poor unfortunate soul. We’ll see if they survive.

Full Name: Milo Benjamin Banks Birthday: May 4 Age: 24 Hunter or Gatherer: Neither Sexuality: Gay Height: 5'11 Relationship Status: Single

The youngest of three - buy a minimum of six years - Milo was pretty sure that he was his parents last ditch attempt to save their marriage. He wouldn't ever say this, though, and spent the first four years of his life following Beckett and Forrest around, trying to mimic them, thinking they were the coolest people in the world. However, around the time he was five, the Banks parents decided to officially call it quits, and while Forrest and Beckett opted to live with their dad and visit for holidays, Milo was too little to travel much, and spent the next five years almost exclusively with his mother.

Gaining a step sister was fine, but she wasn't his biggest fan, and he didn't like her very much either - between the fact that she refused to baby him or let him in her room and the fact that he was mimicking Beckett every chance he got, the two butt heads often. The saving grace in this was that by the time Milo was ten, he was able to visit Beckett more frequently.

The biggest downside to having such a big age gap was that both his brothers had lives that were completely separate from him, and while they loved him and checked in on him often, Beckett joined the military and Forrest was traveling. So Milo had to make his own fun. He did junior ROTC in high school, but he really didn't feel like he fit into that sort of environment. If anything, he did it to try to feel connected to his dad and Beckett, but when he finally came to terms with the fact that he wasn't having fun, he quit.

He opted to not go to college; he could have, it's not that he wasn't smart enough, but Milo just wasn't particularly interested. Neither Forrest nor Beckett did, so why should he? Instead he decided to move to New York, and spent a few years getting immersed in the LGBT scene there, finally piecing together why he felt and seemed so different from all the other boys. It was great, and he had the time of his life, but he missed his brothers a lot. He hadn't heard from either of them in a while, and he thought maybe they just didn't know where he had ended up, and thought maybe paying a visit to Huntsville - a place he had only lived for five years - might be where they retreated to.

Milo has been in town for about two years, and while it's nothing like the exciting, fast paced life he lived in New York, he has Beckett and Forrest to keep him entertained (and Beryl, he supposes.) Often leaning on the support of his brothers to back up whatever wild claim he's made, he could be considered a borderline partier, longing for the never ending nights of the New York club scene, but having to make due here.

[veryace-ficrecs]

Stranger Things Modern AU

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

come what may (i will love you until my dying day) by emurph_24 - Rated M

“Robin, I got it,” he said, shakily.

“Got what, Steve?” She had just woken up and sleep still had a firm grip on her mind. Steve stood there in their tiny apartment kitchen, waiting for her brain to catch up.

“Moulin Rouge, Robbie.” Robin’s eyes went wide, the last bits of sleep leaving her brain.

“You got it?” she squeaked. Tears filled his vision as she walked towards him.

“I got Christian. I did it,” Steve whispered.

OR: Steve Harrington lands the role of a lifetime in his first broadway production. Nervous as he is, he is ready and mostly prepared. Until the world spins on its axis and the pit director turns into the love of his life.

the night breeze carries something sweet by asbealthgn - Rated M

Eddie is used to getting recognized in public, but it doesn’t mean he likes it.

That is, until the most beautiful man he’s ever seen in his life sits in the seat next to him, unfurling a giant map that easily shields both of them. Eddie’s fucking savior.

“Hey, you wouldn’t happen to know how to get to Japantown, would you?” the guy asks.

Sweet tooth by Eddies_ArtofSuffering - Rated M

At noon, as expected, the doorbell chimes. Eddie’s head snaps towards the entrance, mouth falling open as Hot Steve walks in. Eddie shoos his coworkers away with a frantic wave, straightens his name tag, and rests his chin on his palm and bends over a little, elbow on the counter. It’s go time.

-

Or: a stupid coffee shop AU in which Steve takes his break from his bookstore shift at noon to come to Café Byers every day, and Eddie loses his mind every time.

caught my attention by sky_of_starflowers - Rated T

“Haven't you heard by now, King Steve?” Steve shudders while Robin laughs at him, the sound bouncing down the nearly empty hallway, a few kids looking at them funny. “Eddie “The Freak” Munson has made it big!”

Oh no, Steve thinks as Robin drags him along. “Eddie?” he asks, and something about his voice makes Robin turn back to look at him. “We’re going to see Eddie’s band?”

Steve kissed Eddie once, briefly, at a party before running away. Ten years later, Robin drags Steve to a Corroded Coffin concert in Indy, and Eddie sings a song about kissing Steve in front of several thousand people.

I Like the Cool Way You Look at Me (Everything About You is Bringing Me Misery) by DiscoSuperFly - Rated E

Teaching middle school and working on his masters degree has Steve sleep deprived and trudging through his weeks.

He tries out a 24 hour café on his best friend Robin's recommendation.

He can't help but become a regular when a tattooed, long haired barista catches his eye.

Paint Nights by AnnetheCatDetective - Rated T

Steve is looking for something for Dustin, but when he walks into the game and hobby shop, he sees something he likes.

Some Guy by MIA_MAX - Rated G

 He's taking it in stride too, bless his heart. Just like every other thing people used to mock him for. Eddie remembers gathering the Party once a long time ago, before he and Steve were an item at all, and telling them stop calling Steve      stupid.    He remembers how fucking angry he was at them, because they'd looked so      horrified    when he told them that Steve really believed them, like they didn't drive it home every Goddamn time he asked them a question.

 He's getting off topic. Point is, the people of the internet are berating the love of his life. Saying he's too boring, too tame, not      worthy    of Eddie, and he's having fucking none of it.

i could tell that you'd be on my mind tonight by anniebibananie - Rated T

 The room clapped, and Steve watched as a man stepped out from somewhere behind a nearby bookshelf to approach the microphone. Edward Munson. Steve wasn’t sure what he’d expected him to look like, probably some balding middle-aged man with a beer belly, but it was just… a dude. A guy, probably around his age, with dark hair pulled into a low bun, fingers stacked with rings, wearing a Metallica shirt with dark jeans and thick combat boots. He was, well, he was kinda hot honestly.

 Maybe Steve did understand why so many people were sitting in the crowd to get a glimpse of this dude.

When Steve gets dragged along to an event for the author of the Vecna's Curse series by Nancy and Dustin, he isn't expecting anything to come from the night. He's definitely not expecting Eddie Munson.

Somebody To You by tears_for_years - Rated T

@ bisexual_disaster: i would let eddie munson make me bark like a dog

--

Eddie Munson is in a famous band called Corroded Coffin. Steve Harrington is a fan who likes to tweet about how hot he is. Eddie sees King Steve from high school posting thirst tweets about him. He decides to give him a follow. What could go wrong?

for this gift, I do feel blessed by wheatisstillwheat - Rated E

Steve was supposed to be in Berlin with his best friend Robin, not wandering around looking for a coffee shop, not speaking a lick of German.

Steve definitely wasn't supposed to take the only open seat next to a beautiful, mysterious (sexy), and slightly pissed stranger at said coffee shop who cannot believe Steve wasn't angling for an autograph from him,

which Steve definitely isn't, because Steve has no idea who he is...

yet.

(OR Rock Star AU - in which Eddie Munson is a famous grunge/alt/metal band frontman and Steve is as clueless as we'd all expect. hi-jinx and love ensue.)

You Ahh Sooooo Byuootifuh by StarsHideYourFires - Rated T

 Hey, you’ve got Robin. Or I guess you don’t, really. If this is important text me, but you can leave a message and I’ll get back to you eventually. Unless you’re my mom, then probably sooner! BEEP.

     “Rob-biiiiihhnnn! Where are you? There’s a hah guy shtanding ow-side my room, and I don’ know where I am. I need you here, Robbie. Yuhv gotta hehp me! I’m gonna say somethin’ shtupid and ‘mbarrass mysel’ in front of the hod guy. Robin, come save meeeeeeee!”  

     Steve gets his wisdom teeth out and has trouble coming out of general anesthesia, much to Eddie’s amusement.  

[of-canes-and-manes]

003: Cleaning Saddles Ten Minutes at a Time

Now that I’ve been riding consistently for a few weeks, it became time to properly clean and condition the tack I’ve been borrowing from my mom.

Her tack, a beautiful Circle Y all-purpose Western saddle and a Western bridle sized to fit our half-draft Tim, had been sitting in the barn for ages, gathering dust and only getting used a handful of times a year. With how little she’s been able to ride and how much she works, my mom just wasn’t able to take care of her tack at all over the years. Luckily I have a fondness for cleaning and working with leather, and I had the spare time and energy to take on this monumental task.

I set up the saddle stand on the back porch, put on the next episode of the Gunsmoke radio program, dug out the leather cleaning soap, and got to work, taking breaks to rest every ten minutes or so. My mom had warned me that if done properly, cleaning a saddle should take hours. It sure did take hours, but a good half of that time was spent resting, and I loved every minute of it.

By the time I finished scrubbing out every nook and cranny, I had spent more time actively cleaning that saddle than I usually spend driving to, attending, and driving home from doctor appointments. In the interest of preserving my energy, I opted to let the saddle dry overnight and come back the following day to condition it. That seemed to do the trick, and I then spent the week working conditioner into the leather on a daily basis until it was time to ride again.

I applied the same routine to cleaning Tim’s bridle; I deep cleaned it the first day, then conditioned it once daily over the following days. The bridle wasn’t nearly as dusty or dry as the saddle had been, but it still benefited greatly from the TLC it received. And even my hands benefited from the daily conditioning routine: I get dry and cracked skin on my hands year-round, though it’s usually better in the summer, and after a week of working on the tack my hands were softer than they’ve been in years!

Now that the saddle and bridle have been finished, I’ll only need to worry about conditioning them once or twice a month, and I won’t need to do another deep clean until they get dirty again. In the meantime, my mom requested that I clean her other saddle too, another Circle Y that she’s been borrowing from her former trainer. I agreed without any hesitation at all.

First I had to find it, and when I did, there was a clear quarter inch of dust covering the whole thing. It took me a good thirty minutes of dry brushing over the course of two days to get it dust-free enough to start cleaning.

But once I got to the cleaning, this saddle wasn’t so bad; I used an oil soap instead of the cake soap I had used before, and with a little elbow grease I was able to clean it up in a matter of hours, even with breaks. I also chose to split the cleaning into multiple days, where I cleaned the whole saddle on the first day, then scrubbed out the nooks and crannies the next. That decision saved me a lot of energy, for sure! Then I did the same daily conditioning routine as before, and though it still needs a good bit more work, it’s really cleaning up nicely.

This level of deep cleaning wouldn’t have been possible only a few months ago, and I’m awful grateful to have been able to do it. If it weren’t for those frequent breaks I took, I might not have gotten through the work at all. I’ve spent the last few months learning how to pace more effectively and to take breaks before I need them, and that seems to have made all the difference. Five to ten minutes of work at a time may not seem long enough to accomplish anything, but it sure does add up quickly!

I’ve got some photos of the first saddle and the bridle all cleaned at the bottom of this post. It didn’t occur to me to take before pictures until I got to the second saddle, so unfortunately the only before and after comparison I have is of that second saddle.

the first saddle and Tim's bridle

a before and after of the second saddle

May you have a peaceful day.

[wangsejabin]

Chapter 55

Respectfully, they escorted the prince back to his quarters before Jiang Cheng and his father turned to walk outside. "What did you see?"

Jiang Fu rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "This Crown Prince is more profound than His Majesty's thoughts." Jiang Cheng was the current head of the Jiang family. He did not look impressive, just a dry and thin little old man, but in fact he was a master who shook Yangzhou three times when he stomped his feet.

Jiang Fu is his eldest son and is highly valued by him. At a young age, he has been working with his father to manage the family business. Last time when Emperor Cheng'an was on his southern tour, Jiang Fu served his father, and although he could only stand in the most inconspicuous corner, he had seen the nature of the Prince, and this time when he received the Prince, Jiang Cheng brought him along with him, both to open his eyes and to let his son have a good relationship with the Prince.

After all, the Jiang family's fortune is only possible because of the relationship between their clan and the emperor, and the emperor is no one else.In the eyes of the Jiang family, the crown prince has been sitting on the throne for nearly 20 years, if there is no accident he is the next heir to the throne, before the rest of the Jiang family still have a sense of how good the southern tour, the emperor did not come instead sent the crown prince, Jiang Cheng but think it is a good time.

This was the first time that the Jiang family met the Crown Prince, and the banquet was not so much a reception for the Crown Prince as it was a way for the Jiang family to get a general impression of the Crown Prince's character. The words spoken might seem ordinary, but they all contained deep meaning, which was why Jiang Cheng asked Jiang Fu.

"Since you have seen it, then serve well, and remember that even if you can't get a good impression, the Crown Prince must not be vicious to you. You are not young now, you have been with me, your father for more than ten years, so grasp the measure yourself." Jiang Cheng stroked his beard and said. "Yes, father."

"Our Jiang family can have such a good relationship with the royal family because we think what people think and solve their difficulties. These eight words may seem light and feeble, but in reality it is extremely difficult to do well. I have heard that the Crown Prince has only brought one concubine with him on his tour, a woman named Su, who is said to be extremely favoured and jealous, so it is better to see what happens first, don't lose the chicken and underestimate the pillow talk, if the pillow talk causes disgust, the loss will not be worth the gain, you know the Jiang family can have such good relations with the royal family. We don't have such good relations with the royal family just by sending women." Jiang Fu was in a cold sweat at the comment, for Jiang Cheng had hit on exactly what he was preparing for, and now he was keeping a few of the top lean horses in his other courtyard with this in mind. "Yes, father."

"I see that the Crown Prince is mild-mannered and quite articulate in his speech, and I have heard that he has been well read in poetry since he was a child, and has been praised by several great scholars from the Hanlin Academy, so I think he is also a man of letters, so you should hold a few more elegant gatherings, and also let the Crown Prince know that our Jiang family is not one of those crude salt merchants who only cultivate gardens, raise opera singers and enjoy fine food, and are different from those people. ""Yes, father." At that moment, a servant hurriedly marched in. "Master, young master." Jiang Cheng lifted his hand and said, "What is it?"

The servant bowed his head and reported, "As expected, Master, the Xu family, the Chen family, the Wang family and the Pei family have all come, but they were all stopped outside and didn't let in."The top ten salt merchants in Yangzhou had their own order, and this order was ranked according to the strength and heritage of their families. The servant said this precisely because he had heard what Pei Yongchang had said in the concierge's office. However, this person only thought that Pei Yongchang deliberately wanted to find an excuse, so as to get to see the holy face, such and such things are not unprecedented before, so they did not take it seriously, at this time to say that it is only this incident has left him an impression, subconsciously bring out.

It's a good thing that Jiang Cheng waved his hand and said, "Good job, these people all want to eat ready-made, let them spread the public and private floating fees when they are poor, but now they are here, there is no such thing as a good thing in the world."Jiang Cheng then gave a few more words of explanation to his servants and Jiang Fu, and then dispersed without mentioning them.

--

Pan'er was in a daze when he felt someone else beside him. When she opened a slit in her eye and looked out, she saw his perfectly shaped jaw. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and although it was still early spring, it was not cold anymore. The Jiang family's gardens were well maintained, and the natural view from the Prince's quarters was the best, and listening to the faint sound of running water and the chirping of birds outside made people feel happy for no reason.

Without speaking, she rubbed her face against his chest in one smooth motion and felt a faint vibration, as if he had smiled.She obediently lifted her head and looked over to see the Prince looking at her with a smile in his eyes, and when he saw that she was willing to open them, he rubbed her long, cascading hair, "Why are you acting like a puppy."

"Not at all!"

She yawned slightly and added, "Has Your Highness finished the banquet? Was the food good and the wine good?" That was interesting. "Are you ready for lunch?" She nodded in his arms, "Yes, I did. In the past, I thought I was a Yangzhou native and had eaten a lot of Huaiyang food, but when I came here today, I realised that I was really a frog in a well."

The prince made a questioning sound. Pan'er continued, "There are eight cold meat dishes, eight vegetarian dishes, eight meat dishes, and six large dishes for me today. I remember there was a colourful dish called "Three Stars of Bliss", which was made with beef in sauce, mountain mushrooms, eggs and spring bamboo shoots, which looked good and tasted good, but the portion was too large. There were also prawns in oil, razor clams, crystal delicacies, dried duck in salt water, roasted suckling pig skin, three shreds of sesame oil, amber walnuts, double diced in honey sauce, etc.

There were so many dishes that I can't remember them all. "You say just listening to the name of the dish is actually quite ordinary, and it's not like you've never eaten it before, but it's done in such an exquisite way. There was a garlic pork ribs, the ribs were fried and wrapped in something, the outside was crispy and the inside was tender, I don't know how to describe it except for the word fragrant. "And that crystal delicacy...

"I asked the maid, who said that the dish was still made from pig's trotters, but that it had to be marinated for three whole days with various secret ingredients, and when it was done, the soup was made from whole chickens and ducks, as well as the bones of the pigs, and the soup had to be simmered for twelve hours, then the pig's trotters were boiled, slowly over a gentle fire until the bones fell off and the skin was crispy, then chilled and frozen. I was so big-headed, but it was delicious. And that roasted suckling pig skin, you have to choose a suckling pig that has only twenty pounds for three months as raw material, too short a month and the skin won't be strong enough, too long a month and the skin will be old ……"

As she spoke, the Prince's eyes darkened, he smiled and said, "I didn't see that you were a glutton for food."Pan'er said justifiably, "It's not that I'm a glutton, it's that it's so delicious. But I'm a small eater and I didn't eat much, so I gave a lot of the leftovers to Xiang Pu and the girls, and they were all quite full."

When she said she had been stuffed, she subconsciously touched her belly.After a good night's sleep, she finally didn't feel bloated, but Pan'er was also a bit surprised at her current ability to restrain herself. In the past, if she ate so much, it would be difficult for her to settle down if she didn't eat for half an hour, but today she fell asleep, maybe because she was too tired?

"The feast I ate today was also sumptuous." It was no worse than the one in the palace. No, to be correct, it was more elaborate than in the palace, and the ingredients used were rarer. The ingredients that Pan'er ate were those that could be found in the ordinary course of cooking, but what the Crown Prince used today was rare, not to say dragon's marrow and phoenix liver. The prince was not a man without knowledge, but he knew that many of the things he ate today were not available in this month.

He had long heard that the salt merchants were so rich that they could not be found anywhere else in the world, but today, when he entered the garden, he had really seen it. "You still want to sleep again? It's better to sleep a little longer."

Pan'er was not really sleepy anymore, but seeing that the Prince had just returned and had not yet rested for the day, he lay with him for a while longer, sleeping for almost half an hour. After getting up and having a cup of tea, Pan'er came in earlier and knew that the garden had a good view, so she dragged the Prince to the garden to enjoy the scenery. The scenery of the garden is really good, simply every step is a scene, Pan'er only thought of a few words 'although man-made, but like the work of heaven', simply the garden of Jiangnan to the extreme.

In his previous life, Pan'er had never left the capital since she entered the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was a majestic structure, but if the scenery was anything to go by, the only one with the most Jiangnan characteristics was the Western Garden, which had been built over several dynasties, but if compared to this place, it was noble and elegant, but the scenery was not as good.Of course there are reasons for Yangzhou's natural location, but one can only imagine how much silver was spent on the garden they saw.

It may look elegant, but in reality, it was all piled up with silver. Pan'er's heart sighed a little, and the Prince was not happy, and a cold colour was visible between his brows. The Jiang family is a bit silly. If you have money, you have money, but why show it to others, especially to the future lord of the world, is it to show the crown prince that you have more money than him, or do you want to give away all your family's assets?

In fact, she knew very well that the reception might look very glamorous, but in fact it was difficult. If the reception was too simple, they might think that the hospitality was inadequate, and if the reception was too extravagant, they were afraid of attracting taboos. It is not the first time that the Jiang family has received a ride, as the Jiang family received the ride for the three southern tours of Emperor Cheng'an, even the time of the previous emperor, so it can only be said that the crown prince, who is a grandson, has a different 'aesthetic' from his own father and grandfather.

Although Pan'er saw the Prince's face was cold, but thought he would not be angry, it seems that the former Emperor Jianping has been thinking about the two Huai salt merchants, maybe and this Jiang family has a relationship.At this time, a man dressed as a servant came over, and before he could get close, he was stopped by a small eunuch under Zhang Laishun's hand.

After a while, the eunuch came to report to Zhang Laishun, who then came up to the prince and said: "Master, that servant said that if you are bored with enjoying the scenery, there is a play arranged at the Hearing Sound Pavilion in front of you. The people of Jiangnan love to listen to theatre, especially the people of Yangzhou, and those who have some money at home will usually keep a theatre troupe at home. This later passage was added by Zhang Laishun himself, generally the servants serving beside the masters have to be proficient in this, not to say that they have to know everything, but also have to know a lot, otherwise the masters ask when the servants are blind, then what else is there to do, replace them. "Then let's go and see."

The servant was leading the way, and it was clear that he was a well-trained one, behaving in the right way, not making people feel over the top, but also not losing their manners. The pavilion was also built in an unusual way, right on a small lake. The lake has lotus flowers on it, and there are koi of all colours swimming happily in the lake. It was built as a water pavilion, with the side facing the lake wide open and surrounded by a wooden fence.

Directly opposite from this side, there was a stone platform on which a theatre building had been erected, which was a beautiful sight to behold. Once seated, tea was served. This tea was also different from the usual, not the same, but several kinds. Pan'er's was a bowl of lotus root powder with rock sugar, melon seeds and walnuts as well as apricot cheese, and another was a bowl of Tie Guanyin with small orange cakes, red dates and cinnamon meat to sweeten the mouthful of tea.

For the Prince, there was a bowl of fine rainforest Longjing and a bowl of Eight Treasures tea. For the Prince, there were four dried fruits, four fresh fruits, four snacks and four preserves, making a total of 16 plates. The prince only drank tea, and did not even touch the sweetness of the Eight Treasures tea. A servant came to ask if he could order a play.

The prince had never watched theatre, and if he did, it was only when the palace hosted a banquet, and he occasionally watched it with Empress Fu for a while. In her previous life, Pan'er had not been a big fan of theatre either, but she suddenly remembered the Peony Pavilion she had listened to before she arrived, so she ordered the one about the Peony Pavilion's frightening dreams. Soon after, the sound of music came from the opposite stage. As the music came, a 'woman' with a very distinguished figure and costume came out from behind the curtain.

[ota-division]

Chinami's Thoughts on Okinawa Division

Ace Douglas

The seeress of Ōta sighed as she had finished performing another divination. She didn't mind it, though because her previous customer was a foreigner, it made communication somewhat... difficult. Thankfully, interaction came and went and the customer left satisfied. And on the bright side, her conversation with them helped Chinami figure out which division team she would look into today: Okinawa Division.

"Douglas Ace."

Speaking the foreign leader's name into her crystal ball, she looked as it, at first, did nothing. A second later, however, it began glowing a mystical white and began playing out scenes from the individual's life as it always did. The first scene shows a young blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy of nine or ten sitting on the floor in a room as a much older gentleman in his mid-to-late 60s with only one leg, sits in front of him in a wheelchair. The old man is speaking, telling the young boy stories of his time as a member of the army. He was only a teen when he was drafted to help America fight the war against Japan in WWII. It was in that same war that he, unfortunately, lost his right leg, which he points to, making the boy gasp.

This isn't the first time the boy has listened to these stories, but he enjoys them, all the same. One reason because they fill the boy with a sense of pride for his grandfather, whom he deeply respects for everything he has done for his country. And the second reason is because it makes him realize just how horrible and evil this country called Japan, which he has never seen before, truly is. He doesn't know how the Japanese act, but he doesn't care. He doesn't like them.

The next scene plays out showing the boy a few years older, now a teenager. He is currently outside, running around a high school football field with many other young men around his age. He is currently panting as his face is bright red and sweat is pouring down his forehead into his eyes, partially blinding him. It had already been a couple of weeks since he first joined his high school team's football team. Since he was only a freshman, he was still on the developmental squad, meaning he and others like him, still had to learn the basics first before they could actually participate in games.

He disliked it, a lot. He wanted to be with the other guys, out there on the field, throwing the ball, running with it, getting field goals, touchdowns, and first downs. He wanted to be on the field, playing, not sitting down on the bench watching others play. Still, he knew that his day would come. It was this only thought that kept the boy from quitting. He knew the day would come when he'd be out there. He'd be an awesome player; the reason why his team would go to the playoffs. Yes, he would definitely be out there. Someday. The scene ends as he continues running, panting as he does.

The scene starts up, showing a dark, cloudy sky with gray clouds. It looks dark enough that it may start raining soon, but it hasn't yet. It helps to set the overall mood of the day: depressing. And it's a correct mood it is, as the world has just lost one of the finest people to step foot on it: a former American soldier who had fought his last battle with Death, and lost. A plethora of people are seen in a cemetery, surrounding a casket with an old man, dressed in a tuxedo, lying inside of it. The old man's family are gathered around him, some of the shedding tears at his death, and others looking melancholic.

Everyone soon turns their attention to a familiar-looking teenager, who is standing on a podium, reading an excerpt by Marcus Aurelius. He was one of the older man's favorite philosophers. And in particular, there was one quote from the philosopher the man held dear to his heart: 'Do not despise death, but be well content with it…' The boy reads the excerpt clearly and precisely making everyone nod their heads in appreciation. The teenager finishes his poem and walks off the podium, and goes back to standing beside a young teenage girl of the same age. The girl slips her hand into his, which he takes. He closes his eyes, and it is at that moment that rain begins to fall from the sky. How coincidental that the sky chooses to cry at the very same moment the boy's eyes start to be filled with mist...

The next scene shows the young teen much older, in his early 20s. He is dressed in formal attire as he stands beside the women of his household: his mother and two older sisters. All of them are in their nation's capital, Washington D.C., smiling as the patriarch of the young man's house, his father, is sworn into office, becoming the next President of the United States. Though he is all smiles, the young man, truthfully, is just glad that this entire charade is over. Over with his father's victory, he can obtain some peace and quiet. If only he knew...

The last scene plays out, showing the young man a bit older, but still relatively the same. His legs are crossed and his head is resting atop his fist as he sits in his seat aboard a private jet to the country he never wished to visit: Japan. Per his father's orders, he was now the ambassador for the country. He sighs as he looks out the window of the plane, seeing nothing but white clouds and the bright blue sky. As he stares at the scene before him, he briefly wonders if his grandfather, is watching over him, and what his thoughts on this are...

The young American patriot. His love for his country is undying and he will go to great lengths to showcase its superiority to the entire known world. But will his love for his country blind him to the culture of the world around him? And now that he is here in Japan, the home country responsible for crippling his grandfather, will he ever be free of the hate-filled pool that he is currently drowning in?

Evelyn Rose

"Rose Evelyn."

The image on the crystal ball plays out showing a high school football field on a sunny afternoon. A bunch of yells and commands can be heard as a group of cheerleaders are performing drills and cheers on the field. At the top of one cheer the squad is doing, a familiar blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl can be seen as she is thrown up in the air and then caught by the other team. The captain of the squad offers some advice as they prepare to keep practicing. At the moment, the football team comes out of their locker rooms, prepared for another hard day of work.

As they pass by, the young teenage girl looks at one member of the team, in particular. His helmet is off, showcasing his features, which included blond hair like hers, piercing blue eyes, and a rugged handsomeness that made him seem irresistible. She knew who he was as she had seen him many times before, but never talked to him. She wondered if he even knew that she existed. She looked as there was a serious expression on his face as he continued walking alongside his teammates toward the field to practice. She promised herself, she would talk to him before too long. She promised.

The scene on the ball changes showing the football field again, only it is dark and there are a lot more cheers and yells heard. A game is going on as multiple people, separated only by the color of their football jerseys, are busy blocking, tackling, and hitting each other as they try to gain control of a brown-colored ball. It was the last quarter of the game, and the teams were tied. Needless to say, everyone's attention was on the scoreboard, hoping it would change before the time ran out.

...That is everyone, but the young teenage girl from before, who was now a few years older. Her attention was on a certain quarterback on the field who was crouched down, ready to receive the ball. She looked as after the hike, instead of throwing, he began running down the field, the ball tucked in his chest. She looked as he dodged and evaded all opposing players on the field until he at least made it to the end zone, scoring a touchdown for his team. The crowd erupted in cheers as the game ended with their team victorious.

All the players and cheerleaders on the team rushed to the field, including her, who looked around for the familiar boy. She looked as he was crowded by other players on his team, congratulating him. The two locked eyes for a brief moment, before their vision was obscured by the crowd once more. He eventually made his way to her and she immediately hugged him, with him reciprocating after a second or two. It was a good day for all.

The scene changes again to show a sunny day with dozens of people in attendance in an outside stadium. Over 100 teenagers are seated in front of a podium, all wearing matching graduation caps and gowns. A familiar-looking girl is seated next to her friends, a smile on her face as she never thought she'd reach this point. But... she did, and it still feels like a dream. As everyone is listening to an old gentleman speak, he finishes and all of the boys and girls throw their caps up in the sky, happily. This is truly an awe-inspiring moment.

The last scene changes once more to show the young woman now standing in front of a camera, posing. She enjoys having everyone's eyes on her. She loves what she does because it helps to establish her worth. ...But... that's what worries her. What exactly is her worth? She joined this adventure with her boyfriend to prove she could be helpful, not only to him but also to herself. But can she truly do that? She wishes desperately she had the feeling she had when she models to stay with her all the time. At least then, she wouldn't have to worry about disappointing everyone...

Rashaad Young

"Young Rashaad."

At first, the crystal ball doesn't activate to the man's name, making the diviner crease her eyebrows. Placing her hands around her orb, she envisions the man's face, which seems to work, as images begin to play out on the sphere, depicting a family moving into an apartment. A team of four workers are busy moving things from a moving truck into the building. In one of the rooms, a young teenage boy with a crew cut is busy arranging his bedroom, putting his things somewhat similar to how it was back in his old house back in his home country. Thinking about his old life made the boy feel saudade.

Looking out his bedroom window, he saw people driving to and fro on the streets. Across the street, he looked as there was a playground, with a group of kids playing on various equipment and a group of young men playing on a basketball court adjacent to it. Such sights reminded him of Puerto Rico. It's funny how some things changed, yet a lot of things stayed the same. Could he grow to love this new place? Who could say? He was knocked out of his thoughts as his mother called him downstairs. The scene ends as he leaves his room.

The scene changes to show a high school gymnasium with bleachers filled with dozens of people cheering and shouting as they are watching a basketball game between two rival schools. One family, seated high up on the bleachers, was watching one player in particular: a young teenage boy with a crew cut wearing a basketball jersey and shorts. He has a look of determination on his face as he catches the ball from one of his teammates. He immediately jumps, shooting it for the basket, and going for a three-pointer. It effortlessly goes in, making the entire crowd cheer as the scoreboard changes, showing the home team up by several points. The scene ends as the boy smiles, rushing back down the court as the game continues.

The scene opens showing a white room; a hospital room, to be exact. A familiar-looking young man is seen on a hospital bed, a ventilator over his mouth as it is pumping oxygen into his lungs. He is lying on a bed, bandages wrapped around his head and a cast on his right leg. Beside him was a slightly older young woman, looking at him with sadness in his eyes as she held onto his left hand. If not for the fact that his vital signs were showing that there was still life in his body, she'd think that he was dead. She grasps his hand tightly as tears fall from her eyes, begging him to wake up. It's the same scene that plays out every day. Will it ever change? Who can say...

The next scene shows the young man much older as he is sitting in an alleyway, his hands on his head as he wonders just where his life has led him too. He thinks back to the mangled body of his best friend, lying dead on the ground after being caught in the crossfire. He wasn't even supposed to be there! But... he was... And now... he was gone... He was dead. A guy with so much potential was now dead. Why did this have to happen? Why?! The young man places his hands on his head as he lets out sobs as the scene ends.

The scene changes to show the inside of a clothing store. An older gentleman is seated outside a dressing room, his head resting on his hand as he impatiently taps his foot. He yells at whoever is inside the dressing room to hurry up, before tapping his foot again. After a minute or so, the dressing room door opens, and out comes a familiar-looking Puerto Rican man wearing a white long-sleeve dress shirt with a black vest and matching-colored dress pants and shoes. He looks down at himself and then at the old man who looks at him for a minute or two before nodding. He stands up and waves his hand toward him as he walks toward the register. The young man nods and grabs his old clothes before running after him as the scene ends.

The final scene plays out showing the young Puerto Rican behind a bar, mixing drinks flawlessly and precisely. He slides a tequila sunrise to a patron while simultaneously passing a Hurricane down to someone else. The bartender certainly didn't expect his life to lead him to this point, but he enjoys it well enough. Still though, he can't help but think back to his past. When he is alone with nothing but his thoughts, he can't help but remember the family and friends he left behind, and the sacrifices he had to make to get to this point. Can he truly move on from his past? Or will it eventually catch up to him?

Liberty Guild

Karasu looks down from atop his master's shoulder as her left index finger scans the 78 cards of her tarot deck, as she tries to pick out three that best suit the foreign team of the D.R.B. Stopping at one, she flips it over, revealing it to be an injured man holding onto a stick with eight more looming behind him (The Nine of Wands). The next card she flips over resembles a man in armor holding onto a chalice (The Knight of Cups). The last card features an angel pouring liquid from a bottle into a chalice (The Temperance).

Observing the three people of Okinawa, Chinami finds it strange that three people not native to this land have made such an impact. Images flow from her crystal ball showing Ace arguing with Kyler, Evelyn in a standoff against her rival, Lola of Saitama, and Rashaad serving drinks with a smile on his face. It is unknown what impact these three individuals will have on this land rife with turmoil and anarchy. Will they find a way to stay true to themselves while here in this hostile land? Or will they succumb to their own inner demons? Only time will tell...