#this one can be twisted!ryuu xd

[murfeelee]

BG3 INSP: Escape the Nautiloid

Githyanki Woman: Abomination! This is your end! Narrator: Your head throbs and your skin tingles. Visions run past: a dragon's wing, a silver sword--and a flash of your face seen through the strange woman's eyes. Githyanki Woman: Ugh, my head! What is this? Tsk'va! You are no thrall? Vlaakith blesses me this day! Together, we might survive. Imps block the path forward. You will assist me in destroying them--we must reach the helm before we transform. Ryuu: Transform? What do you mean? Githyanki Woman: We carry Mind Flayer parasites! Unless we escape--unless we are cleansed--our bodies and minds will be tainted and twisted. Within days we will be ghaik: Mind Flayers! Ryuu: We are turning into Illithid? There must be something we can do! Githyanki Woman: We can do nothing until we escape--that must be our priority. Ryuu: I am Ryuu; who are you? Lae'zel: Who am I? Your only chance of survival, Lae'zel. Ryuu: Is the helm our way out of here? Lae'zel: It is where we might gain control of the gh'ath--this Nautiloid ship. Once in command, we will deal with our ghaik captors. We will address the matter of a cure for this infection once we reach the Material Plane. Ryuu: Onward then. The ship won't be able to take another dragon attack. We need to get out before it's too late.

-- Baldur's Gate 3

MY THOUGHTS (mini rant) & CC CREDITS

MY THOUGHTS

Unpopular opinion, but I LOVE Lae'zel. She's my favorite character in the whole game (EASY #2's my daughter Karlach 🥰). People say Lae'zel's hella mean, but I like her whole melting the ice queen shtick.

My biggest complaint about BG3 is that most of the companions are way too irrelevant--other than Halsin, Lae'zel's the only one closely tied to the actual frikkin plot (unless you count that annoying wench Shadowheart blabbing about Lady Shar all frikkin day. I haven't dealt with her & the Nightsong yet). I was with Lae the whole time: get these nasty AF parasites out of my frikkin body RIGHT NOW. 🤮 To the creche! (Then we got to the creche and I was like jfc. 👀💀)

And her going on & on about Queen Vlaakith was way more interesting than Shadowheart with Lady Shar & her whole amnesia excuse (plus I just don't like her, so.... XD).

The Githyanki were giving me strong Qunari vibes from Dragon Age--but that's not surprising, since Bioware made the first two Baldur's Gate games & DA likely lifted at lot from D&D. Lae's kinda like a way more intense Sten or Iron Bull? And both the Gith & the Qun have dragon-obsessed cultures; these are my people. 💪😤

CC CREDITS

- Midnight Hollow lighting mod

- Tank pose w/ 75% OMSP resizer

- Skyrim dragon by me

- Fireextinguisherfailfx is a GREAT Fog Emitter fire-breathing effect, which I realized when I had Ryuu detonate the parasite pool, and the explosion set sim!Lae'zel on frikkin fire! That orange burst when the extinguisher fails is just perfect.

I was dying when Ryuu just STOOD there while she did all the work putting out the fires, after I told him to put out the fire FIRST! Typical; Dark Urges can't be bothered helping people, I guess. XD

Fortunately for sim!Lae, there was a nifty Restoration Station nearby where she could wash all the soot off:

- Lae outfit from Dragon Valley, boots & bracers at TSR

- Ryuu Dragon Age staff acc by @greenplumbboblover

[ultraviolet-ink]

power imbalance!

Honestly, depending on the definition, these could fit a LOT lmao!! Time for me to act as terminally online as possible 1. I'll hit my ships first:

SessRin, he's a demon who knows how to fight, Rin is a human

InuKago, just one "SIT BOY!" and boy is DOWN

RyuuSusa, she can kick his ass and also she taught him everything he knows

BaroRyuu, Barok is more experienced in the legal system and Ryuu is a novice

NaruMitsu, Edgeworth is the literal Chief Prosecutor lol!

JigoHart, Stronghart is Jigoku's blackmailer and he is also the Lord Chief Justice. It was HIS word that got Jigoku his position as the Foreign Affairs minister. That's the biggest appeal of this ship

2. It's so easy to twist the definition to turn even the most vanilla ships problematic, it's a fun little thought experiment lmao! I am always here for drama and tension, it's the Tele lover in me XD

3. Honestly, see the above for Ace Attorney ships that aren't canon that I would definitely read for the trope. I would also read some Stronghart/Ryuunosuke for that vibe!

Ask Prompt Here!

[kusunokihime-a]

"I think you'd look a lot better drenched in blood for what you did."

[ @ofascxnsionss ]

     “But the stains are so dreadful to get out…at least let me have a change of clothes first…

     “…not to mention what it does to my hair…”

[onedivinemisfit]

During my recovery, this has been my biggest project, no kidding. I looked but couldn’t find Obi’s witcher!AU body template so I sketched some Bruxa!yuki designs instead. <w< I’ll finalize and colour them when I’m well, or so I hope, unless I forget XD

Pls forgive any mistakes I’m not 100% yet. ^^; 

Explanations below the cut~

AnS (c) Akizuki Sorata Witcher (c) Andrzej Sapkowski TW3 models (c) CDPR Art: Me

Disclaimer: I am not a tailor and as such all my opinions are based on preference and evt pushing rules in my favour XD

The main idea with her wardrobe was to underline that whatever she’s doing, Shirayuki is feminine, and wants to present feminine, hence the skirts and ribbons and embroidery. She’s also a person fond of utility, so belts, pockets, and layers that can be added or removed as she fancied, was also an important facet to add. But she’s also bruxae, monster species, so she’s got a few blind spots, so to speak, regarding what is and isn’t proper to wear in human society. But most of all, her clothes make it easy for her to use her bruxa powers to move around swiftly, silently, and with purpose

Around half of these were referenced from the witcher 3 game, with me picking my favourite garb, and what made more sense for her in different situations. 

1. Huntress Outfit - this one I made myself, using only some of the basic wardrobe notes from tw3. I’ve a softness for overdresses/kaftans with splits, especially if they’re combined with tights/buckskins. Shirayuki is a poor bruxa living in the woods outside a small human settlement, so she doesn’t have access to a tailor other than on market day, or when peddlers arrive, hence she often has to redesign old/too-small clothing for new purposes. Another point was to reinforce her sleeves, to make it easier to brush away branches and undergrowth, and adding the Skelligan waist shawl, a gift from her half-sister, as recurring themes.

2. Winter Outfit - another I made myself, because I was dying to design something that included a sheepskin jerkin. The waist shawl helps redefine the jerkin and give it a feminine twist, and the wrapped sleeves both reduce noise and keeps her cuffs from leaking precious warmth. The wool tunic could have been a dress, but I wanted to focus on showing off her fur-tucked winter boots and knitted long socks. Shirayuki probably knitted them herself.

3. High Summer Outfit - another self-made design. Made so as to underline her non-humanness, borrowing heavily from witcher elven aesthetics, with lots of exposed skin, crossed fabric, and asymmetrical cuts. This is what she wears when the weather *won’t* allow you to dress decently or you get purged by the sun, basically. Again, since Shirayuki’s often short of fabric, a lot of refashioning going on. 

4. Commoner Outfit - A very basic woman’s dress, very presentable, very respectable, especially since Shirayuki is trying to sell the lie that she’s a normal human woman. It’s her go-to outfit for visiting human settlements, or for performing simple chores around the house, such as cooking, sewing, or spinning. Things that keep her in or around her homestead, and not gallivanting in the woods at midnight looking for prey.

5. Relaxing Outfit - merely a dusty day dress pulled over her nightgown, for those chilly nights where Shirayuki doesn’t want to undress for bed until she’s halfway under the covers. When the chores are done and all that’s left to do is sip a cup of blood, read a book beside the hearth and wait for Ryuu to return from his late night wandering, she likes to shed all those layers and relax.

6. Throw-together Outfit - referenced from the game, almost entirely (Keira Metz’ witch model) - save the shoes and headband. After the loss of her home and her more presentable clothing thanks to witcher Obi (who will later admit that yes he does in fact owe her a new dress... and blouse... and apron...) this outfit was assembled through raiding an abandoned witch’s hut. Anything that could suffice as clothing, basically, even the old curtains. Shirayuki doesn’t personally care that some of her *assets* are pretty much on display, but she would like some linen anyway, the cotton does chafe a bit. Aside from the pearl necklace, nothing she’s wearing actually belonged to her in the first place.

7. Formal Commoner Outfit - reffed from the game, (Keira Metz’ second model) the shoes being the sole exception. A dress for special occassions, perhaps May Day, Equinox celebrations, etc. Not that Shirayuki often dared participate in such events, due to the amount of people who show up even in small villages to throw tankards together and dance around bonfires. But she does pilfer the dress from the abandoned witch’s hut anyway, thinking maybe, afterall, since it’s so pretty and it had matching sleeves to go with it... keeping it wasn’t such a dumb idea. 

8. Pants Outfit - reffed from the game (juggler npc) A cross between a traveler and a city dweller, a light-weight yet very elegant outfit for strolling in the human cities. The top is presentable enough that she doesn’t look poor as a pauper, while the pants give the impression of someone on the move, a stranger. It also provides the most comfortable riding experience, the few times she does ride, as she has no need for a lady’s saddle.

9. High-Class Outfit - reffed from the game/one of my favourite tw3 modders, (New Sorceress models by Roksa) I only added the shoes and circlet. When Zen has the dress made for her, it is by FAR the most expensive thing she’s ever worn. Not a single thread of the dress isn’t well-made, the dyes are the brightest and most even-coloured, and the silk is light as a touch on her skin. While the dress itself is a demure, feminine dream, what sets the ensemble apart are the dark cat’s eye gems, just hinting at Shirayuki’s darker secrets. They’re set in gold, for obvious, unspoken reasons, as she reacts to silver much like being set on fire...

10. Evening Outfit - reffed from the game, I just changed the necklace (Ida Eméan’s Gwent card art) another very expensive dress, but surprisingly one that Shirayuki tolerates better. No stiff, itchy velvet, no heavy damask, just sheer silk with gold thread (again for reasons obvious to a bruxa) some simple sleeves, and a chain of stones, no gilded jewellry that could empty a bank vault if sold to the right people. She probably takes a fancy to this dress while attempting to woo a certain witcher, which explains the understated beauty, the most daring of cuts, one that screams “look at me, only me” and the simple-at-a-glance design. Much like Shirayuki herself.

11. Skellige Outfit - inspired by the viking-esque game design for Skellige fashion, this dress is for when Shirayuki and her family stay in the Isles, following her sister’s suggestion. A dress that signifies the matron head of a household with its pewter clasps and apron, follows Skellige fashion demanding you wear a shawl with your clan colors (Shirayuki, although clan-less, was given one by Torou) and layers. And armguards. And a split overdress. To show that this is Shirayuki’s choice wear afterall. 

[liums]

Malleus Draconia SR Halloween “Scary Outfit” Personal Story-This is...interesting

Part 1

Diasomnia Dorm- Lounge

Lilia- ....Here you are Malleus. I was looking for you.

Malleus- Lilia. What happened?

Lilia- There’s something I want to ask for.

Lilia- Would you decide on the disguise for Diasomnia this Halloween?

Malleus- Me? Why? Lilia did chosen it last year and 2 years ago.

Lilia- This year, in particular, I’m working as a steering committe member. I have to show up in the club activities .

Malleus- However, I don’t know what to do. I think there are more suitable people...

Lilia- No, only our Lord.

Lilia- Choosing a disguise means deciding Diasomnia theme for year.

Lilia- if its such an important thing...in my opinion, then I, or the dorm learder must decide.

Malleus- Does Lilia, who looks forward to halloween every year, decides the outfits for that reason?

Lilia- Kufufufu...Well, there is another reason.

Lilia- Its boring that I get to decide a costume every year.

Lilia- However, if the next king of the Valley of Thorns chooses, all diasomnia students will be curious.

Lilia- Of couse, I am too. How is it? Will you do it?

Malleus- ....All right. If Lilia says so, I will choose.

Malleus- Certainly, I will choose a ghost costume with various monsters caracteristics (Didn’t understand well,its literally translated as- Certainly, I was dressed in a ghost costume with various monsters as mortifs from each dorm)

Malleus- I will go to the library and try to find useful books.

-Library

Malleus- ....Well, what kind of disguise should I wear?

Malleus- Even if I choose a theme, it needs to be relatable with Diasomnia.

Malleus- A high-rank being is desirable, but....

Malleus- If I choose the dragon, Lilia will complain I should deviate a little more.

Malleus- It should be a creature that I myself has never seen. If I do that, It will be possible to make a difference to the other Dorms.

Malleus- If I look up local folklore from diferent regions, I may find information about creatures that you can’t find regularly.

Malleus- However, it will be hard to find those books.

Maleus- I’ve heard that you can search for the book you need by using a computer in the library....

Malleus- .....No, it’s complicated to use them.(poor Malleus ｡T ω T｡) .Let’s go around and looks for a book.

...*some time passes i think*

Malleus- ...98.....99....this is the 100th book.

Malleus- No way, there are about 100 folklore books in this library...

Ortho- Wow! So many books!

Malleus- You are....the youngest Shroud.

Ortho- Malleus Draconia!

Ortho- What happened to be stacking a lot of books around?

Malleus- I have to decide on a Halloween costume.

Malleus- I was gathering books, but when I noticed, I was surrounded by a lot of  books.

Ortho- Hmm. Can I help you if you are looking for something?

Ortho- If you are interessed, you can use a database instead of the books in the library.

Ortho- And if you use the ”Olympus” search engine

Ortho- You can also do a semantic search that uses the user intentions and purposes. How about?

Malleus- In other words....what do you mean? (why is this cute)

Ortho- It identifies what Malleus Draconia wants to find out. (also Ortho deserves best brother award)

Malleus- Hmm....I understand.

Ortho- “Activate voice recognition function. Start the semantic search”.

Malleus- ......................

Ortho- ....Oh, so?

Malleus- what?

Ortho- Um...Can you tell me what you want to look up, even if its fragmented?

Malleus- Can I?

Ortho- Of course.

Malleus- Then...I am looking for information on creatures used as inspiration in halloween costumes...

Ortho- “Searching...”

Malleus- What happened?

Ortho- Don’t worry, can you tell me more?

Malleus- ....Alright.

Malleus- I would like to consider a high-ranking creature suitable for Diasomnia.....

.....

Ortho-”Search complete”

Ortho- I found it, Malleus Draconia. I’ll project the image on the wall right away!

Malleus- Oh, This is.....Interesting.

                                                    Part 1 end

Part 2

-.Library

Ortho- Is this the creature that Malleus were looking for?

Malleus- Hmm...The King who dominates the demons on Bald Montain.

Ortho- It has a big pitch black body and huge wings. And its penetrating eyes....so cool!

Ortho- I’m certain there was never a costume with this concept in the history of Night Raven College before.

Malleus- Certainly he is a high-ranking being....

Malleus- However, if the body is all black, it will not stand out. Lilia would likely complain that it’s too plain.

Ortho- “Researching.....search completed”

Ortho- If that’s the case, then look. A headless horseman who rides trough the valley at night!

Ortho- A galloping horse swinging a sword! The red cloak stands out, dosen’t it?

Malleus- ....No, its no good.

Ortho- Eh!? Why?

Malleus- When it comes to reproducing its appearence that has no neck, The costume becomes too complicated.

Malleus- Besides, it would be difficult to prepare horses for all the students.

Ortho- I see....

Ortho- Reflecting the current information, the next image is...This!

Malleus- .....Oh? It’s quite small but, is this red being is.....a dragon?

Ortho- Oh? Dragon should have been omitted from the search since we looked it up before....Oh!

Ortho- This is not a dragon. (doragon is what they said, they mean the english version of dragons, lthe classics like maleficent one) Its a dragon! (”Ryuu” wich means dragon in japanese, they are refering to oriental dragons, like the one in Ramshackle dorm and the one from Dragon ball Z, chinese dragons basically)

Malleus- A dragon(ryuu)....A being that lives in the Far east and is sanctified by humans.

Malleus- It combines both strenghth and grace.....A dragon-like high ranking being....

Malleus- Above all, a being that I have never seen myself...

Malleus- Alrigh, I decided. The costume of Diasomnia will be a dragon (ryuu)

Malleus- Detailed information is needed create the costumes. Can you search for it?

Ortho- Yeah! Leave it to me!

.....

Ramshacle Dorm

Malleus- ....Sorry I kept you waiting.

Malleus- This will be the halloween costume for Diasomnia this year.

Sebek- Young....Young master! Such a dignified figure! (hes crying.. 0.0)

Silver- It really suits you.

Malleus- How is it Lilia? I want to hear your opinion.

Lilia- Its has such a sophisticated design, but its really collorful....I like it!

Lilia- Looks like it was the right choice, leaving you decidde the costumes.

Lilia- I would have never guessed you would use a Far eastern dragon as a motif...

Malleus- Its not a dragon.

Malleus -Dragons and dragons are different, from appearence to abilities, the kind of horns and the lack of wings....they only look similar on the surface.

Lilia- Hahahah wow! Its like how you said. You managed to do so susch a good  research in a short period of time. You are such a prefecionist

Malleus- It was thanks to the yougest shroud. He did a good job

Malleus- Though...I didn’t understand at all how he did it. (*pat pat* its alright, its alright, u are perfect just like that)

Lilia- Well, the costumes are perfect, lets give them to the dorm members.

Malleus- Ah. This year’s halloween we’ll bring more fear than before.

 -Halloween day-

Malleus- Trick or threat! (my lips are sweet, does that count??)

Malleus- Fufu... The majesty of this dragon, Ill burn it in your eyes...!

     END

So as I suspected, that tail is REAL ,Malleus confirms it in one of his lines.

Also XD when Sebek and Silver were little they’d wet the bed on the halloween because Lilia would always scare them, Diasomnia is one big family and I just love it

Add me if you want uwu

-Please don´t post it anywhere else, just redirect them here

disclaimer- I do not own Twisted Wonderland or any of its characters

[traditional-with-a-twist]

xxxii. Beauty and Her Beast

@claudeng80 ha ha ‘a title has not helped Obi express himself better’ - truer words never spoken XD Ryuu just processes too slowly to keep up with things, and you’re so right, everyone is still shell-shocked and twisted around!

@bubblesthemonsterartist awwww, yeah, probably safe to say that Obi and Shirayuki are not doing great at seeing the bigger picture here XD I’m a little chagrined, putting them through these situations that push them so far outside their healthy canon!

@the-pompous-potato hahaha thank you for accepting my slightly contrived criteria for the wedding ceremony XD wish I were one of those authors who meticulously researches culture/history but ANS is such a mishmash! You are too sweet about the writing and feels and everything; makes me so happy to know that you’re enjoying it! <3

<<Previous || first arc || second arc || AO3

The first prince entertained very few visitors in the wake of the intensive administrative outpouring surrounding his public address.

There was too much to do, to rebalance the scales and irrigate the neglected areas of his responsibilities.

After revolving on its hinges in the days leading up to the grand announcement, Izana’s door presented now an unyielding front to almost all callers.

When Kiki Seiran presented herself, however, the guards admitted her at once.

...

She found the prince deep in thought, chin resting on a long-fingered hand. 

Only his eyelids flickered in acknowledgement of her entrance. He knew without asking what she had come to deliver to him.

She laid the report on his desk: her official account of their journey north. 

As she backed away, Kiki inclined her head in deference to his position and to the gravity of the task. He had entrusted her with a deep and dangerous secret, and she knew it wouldn’t be the last time.

He regarded her with that slight smile that was more forbidding than another man’s frown. “Your service will not be forgotten, Kiki Seiran.”

It is a compliment, but also a promise.

...

As she turns to go, her eye catches on a pair of figures, plainly visible in the courtyard below through the prince’s sweeping glass doors.

The woman’s hair flames, while the man’s swallows the light. They linger together before parting.

He slides in the direction of the pharmacy; she starts towards the castle.

...

Kiki’s eyes dart towards the prince, but he is watching her, still with that same slight smile.

Izana is enigmatic as a mirrored window. He let you paint your thoughts onto his facade, inviting any interpretation, any fear, no matter how wild. 

All the while, he revealed nothing of himself.

...

Kiki bows herself out.

She knows without knowing how that Shirayuki wants to speak with her, so she goes to make herself available - to intercept the intended second princess before anyone else in the castle does.

Calculating without conscious effort a range of factors from the relative privacy that they might expect, to the likelihood that Shirayuki will seek her there, Kiki positions herself in an alcove with a view of the forest.

...

As she gazes on the waving branches, Kiki thinks of nothing in particular, content to wait, and see.

It is as if her body remembers for her: riding horseback, side by side, perfectly in synch.

She had known the day she met Mitsuhide that he was the man with whom she wished to spend her life. 

Subsequent exposure had served only to confirm, as snarls arose and pulled smooth in a spiral of increasing intimacy.

...

His awkwardness, his uncertainty around her, had gradually transformed from cause for misgivings into evidence in his favor.

She had weighed and measured each of his qualities, each exchange that passed between them, and found him worthy.

She no longer wondered who would preside alongside her at Seiran manor, whose crest would join hers over the fireplace in the great hall, whose name she would carve into the seal of the wooden chest delivered on her birth.

Now she doesn’t even know where he is.

...

Still that wooden chest waited.

As she grew, she had added to its contents: laboriously contrived needlework, then finer things, and more recently the delicately crafted weapons that one might slip under an embroidered sleeve or wear along with layered skirts.

The chest had accompanied Kiki to the palace alongside trunks of finery which she had made use of perhaps twice since arriving: once at the ball where she met Mitsuhide and once to play charades with Zen in the garden.

Shirayuki is smaller than I am, Kiki thought, but some of the simpler shifts might suit her. She could wear one intended for garden parties, sewn at tea-length, without having to pin up the hem.

Such a dress would easily stretch to cover Shirayuki’s ankles and render her acceptable according to the unwritten yet ironclad rules of the game that Shirayuki had decided to play.

...

Kiki had feared for her less when Shirayuki had engaged to play with Zen as her partner.

He wasn’t - hadn’t been - all wise, or impervious to attack, but he was native to it. He was also by nature brave and generous, and that, combined with his own peculiar insights into the hearts of others, meant that he had known when to bow before the rules and when to break them.

Kki had believed they would find a way together, and she had been proud to walk beside them.

...

Now she felt no such assurance.

She wouldn’t say that Shirayuki and Obi were like the blind leading the blind - despite their carelessness and outright willfulness at times, she knew them better than that.

It was more that neither spoke the language of the court from birth - and on whom could they reply to interpret?

Instead of a loving prince, they now relied for patronage on Lord Haruka, a reluctant and embittered enemy, who would have gladly seen them both vanish off the face of the earth had his duty not impelled him otherwise.

...

Kiki shook her head.

She didn’t like it any more than she had before the announcement, news which she had greeted with the grim resignation of one accustomed to witnessing births, marriages, and deaths all managed like pieces on a chessboard, as it suited the political purposes of those in power.

Shirayuki and Obi might have convinced themselves that the game was over, but Kiki knew that it had just begun.

...

...

Shirayuki saw with relief that Kiki didn’t look busy - she was only standing by a window, as if lost in thought.

She approached the other woman shyly, still more relieved when Kiki greeted her with the customary quiet smile.

Friendship was a strange thing: Shirayuki would have trusted Kiki with her life, as she had while sailing on a ship with an evil captain into unknown waters -- but now she felt nervous.

She had never asked Kiki for a favor before.

...

Shirayuki joined Kiki at the window. The thought crossed her mind that her friend looked sad, even as Shirayuki was preoccupied with churning doubts over how to broach such a sensitive subject.

“I,” she faltered, blushing. “I’ve heard that--at least, here in Clarines--”

“I have a dress that will fit you,” Kiki answered, in unhesitating agreement with the question that had yet to be asked. “You won’t need much more than that.”

“Oh,” Shirayuki squeaked. “Really?”

...

“It will be a small ceremony, and you can keep your underclothes.” Kiki paused. “Unless you want silk stockings.”

“What? No, no!” Shirayuki waved her hands, her face flaming. “That’s not--I don’t need…” She stopped when she saw a twinkle in Kiki’s eye.

Shirayuki smiled back weakly. “Thank you. That’s very kind. Very, very kind!”

...

“This way.” Kiki was already in motion. “You can have it from my chambers now.”

“From…?” Shirayuki stumbled to keep up. 

An uneasy thought struck her. “Kiki...is it...your dress?”

“Tell me if it’s too long, and we’ll find a tailor.”

...

“But!” Dismayed, Shirayuki caught at her sleeve.

Kiki looked over her shoulder, her expression gentle. “Don’t worry, Shirayuki…

“...I won’t be needing it.”

[infinitelystrangemachinex]

For the writing asks: 1, 5, 6, 9, 19, 20, 21 and 23! :3

1. Tell us about your current project(s)  – what’s it about, how’s progress, what do you love most about it?

For fic, along with the dystopian AU, I'm trying to get far enough into a background fic I've been writing to fill the Sports square in the way I really really want to fill it! I can also fill it if I get far enough on the Regency square, but I've been wanting to unveil this "Sports" fic for a long long time because it's just the sort of dumb tropey thing that Andi goes in for, lol.

5. What character that you’re writing do you most identify with?

I'll say Ryuu. Every time I write him, I tap into my pre-college self who was awkward in a whole lot of ways but still eager to do good and make friends.

6. What character do you have the most fun writing?

I love writing Obi. No surprises there. XD

9. Are you more of a drabble or a longfic kind of writer? Pantser or plotter? Do you wish you were the other?

Almost everything I come up with is longfic really, with me trying my hardest to limit myself to just one portion and almost always failing completely. I'm definitely a plotter, but I also tend to discover stories as I'm writing them because I don't make myself be married to outlines, and then the next version of the story is totally different.

19. Is there something you always find yourself repeating in your writing? (favourite verb, something you describe ‘too often’, trope you can’t get enough of?)

"Just" and "sigh" are big ones. I think I do variations on "sit" and "stand" too much too.

20. Tell us the meta about your writing that you really want to ramble to people about (symbolism you’ve included, character or relationship development that you love, hidden references, callbacks or clues for future scenes?)

Nothing is jumping out at me right now!

21. What other medium do you think your story would work well as? (film, webcomic, animated series?)

I mean, I'm always imagining my stories as TV series or movies, especially my original fiction. Whether they would ACTUALLY translate well or not is another thing entirely!

23. What’s the story idea you’ve had in your head for the longest?

Besides what I mentioned earlier, I've had the idea for what I actually did for Nano 2020 in my head since about 2011 or possibly 2010, and the basic idea was "neverending winter keeps main protagonists apart." It's just changed forms several times. I actually started it as a fic in 2017, but I think in planning out that fic, I actually stepped into what I really wanted to do for the original version. So I scrapped the fic and since then, the story has changed again a couple more times, and it's even changed since last year, but I know what I really like about it now. Though it does have a whole lot more big twists in it now, so it's going to be an even bigger challenge to pull off than ever.

[furederiko]

The Dragon's Dilemma!!! For a show with a direct reference to number 9, Kyuranger uses its 9th episode to extend beyond that number instead! XD

- Surprise, surprise! Eventhough Draco Violet made quite an entrance last week, his bravado gets cut short because... his suit has a time limit. No wonder the Draco Kyu Globe looked rather, bland, right? Of course, his main goal is merely to distract Ikagen and Madako long enough for Team Spada to get Team Stinger to safety. Correction, not exactly Team Spada, when Spada himself stays behind just in time to help Commander Xiao, and... gets abducted instead. Ouch. - Bruised and battered Team Balance catches up on this development via teleconference. It might take some time for them to return, so nice excuse to let them off the team! Champ being sarcastic, and Xiao playing janken-kyu (rock-paper-globe) with Kotarou while everyone is waiting for his explanation, are a sight for sore eyes,eh? LOL. Well, here comes the twist. Xiao is NOT a Kyuranger, never was, never has been. Even Ikagen and Madako call him "a pale imitation" while sharing the story to their captive. Which is a convenient way to make Spada up to date. But who or what is Draco Violet, then? - There are Change Kyu Globe, which the legendary Kyurangers have each. Draco however, is just a Skill Kyu Globe, similar to those auxilliary ones like Cancer, Pisces, etc. Xiao, who surprisingly looked really skinny without his Commander's coat, developed the Ryuu Tsueder to force a transformation. This occured before any of the legendary Kyurangers were discovered. So a prototype hero, if you will, which explains the limited use. I don't know about you, but this feels like a nod to "Denji Sentai Megaranger". - We also learn that the assassins wiped out most of Xiao comrades, thus explains why the Rebellions seems 'low' in personnel. What he doesn't reveal to the Kyurangers however, is the fact that during his youth, his rebellious attitude of ignoring orders (or insubordination, if you prefer fancy words), caused the unfortunate death of his Supreme Commander, Big Bear (VA: Kiyoyuki Yanada, who's currently voicing FBI Agent Camel in "Meitantei Conan"). Yes, Big Bear sacrificed himself to protect Xiao from Ikagen and Madako. Hence the hidden grudge aimed towards them. NOTE: Quick trivia! Do you know that the Draco constellation exist in the same family to... Ursa Major and Minor? Coincidence much? Not that it's important of course. After all, it's not like those constellations have anything to do with Big Bear or Kotarou Sakuma, right...? *wink* - Lucky, who seems to be getting more serious in each episode, thinks that he, Spada, and the others won't make the same mistake as Xiao. Unfortunately, it seems Xiao is more intent to repeat history in his tenacity to do the right thing. Vowing that he will not lose a single Kyuranger, he knocks Lucky down and heads out to do what it takes to save Sapada. This can't be good, right? I wonder if this means Spada's going to be the next Commander? Nope, that's not the case. Spada refuses to let Xiao fights alone (while spouting a cool cooking-related reason as well), and neither do the others. - Wow, I get the chills seeing Lucky scolding Xiao for fighting alone. When a loud and generally happy-go-lucky character can deliver a rousing speech, that says a lot, right? And further confirming my suspicion that Lucky works as a catalyst for Kyurangers, all Change Kyu Globes (including Team Balance's, who are still on route) light up and transfer their power to the Draco Kyu Globe. In a scene that easily reminds me of "Dragon Ball" (complete with wish-granting dialogue LOL), a massive violet dragon appears in front of them. We're witnessing the birth of a new Kyuranger! - The violet Draco Kyu Globe is complete now, no longer looking bland. And #10 The Dragon Ma-Star Draco Commander is officially born. Proof? He no longer has time limit, and has his own official roll call now. A cool action sequence is what follows. While Leo Red, Lupus Blue, and Aquila Pink teams up to handle Malistrate Metchatsuyo-Indaver; and Scorpius Orange, Chamaeleon Green, and Dorado Yellow deals with Malistrate Mutschatsuyo-Indaver; Draco Commander takes on Ikagen and Madako all by himself, outdoning both with impressive demonstration of the Ryuu Tsueder's rod/rifle modes... and cocky attitude. "Galaxy! Dragon Crash! Fire!". NOTE: With the convenient absence of Black, Gold, and Silver, this 7-colored formation is clearly a nod to "Ressha Sentai ToQger" Returns. Speaking of which, for a non-Anniversary season, Kyurange sure have so many nods to past teams, huh? - While Ikagen runs off with a piece of Madako's obliterated body, the Malistrates turn giant. Which means, yes, in a cool "Gosei Sentai Dairanger" nod, it's time for Draco Voyager to debut! Loving how the cockpit is held by the dragon's arms instead of plugging in the back like the others. On its own, his Voyager singlehandedly defeats both Malistrates easily. "Dragon Break!" FTW. And together with Kyuren-Oh and Lupus Voyager, the final Stardust Consumarz is destroyed. My goodness, this episode's mecha fight is magnificent. I just love it when the individual arsenals get to show off and kick some butts. I'm curious to why the BLUE Voyager is left out from Kyuren-Oh's formation though? Foreshadowing much? ;D - No moment to waste, time for a new Commander's order. A title rename into "Uchu Sentai Zyuranger" (which is itself a nod to "Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger", of course)!!! Yep, that's NOT happening. Kotarou argues that with the same reason, he can become a Kyuranger too then. Perhaps... next week? LOL. Hmmm I wonder why the Ursa Major constellation lights up when Xiao is talking about Big Bear? Another most curious bit... *wink* NOTE: By the way, Commander Xiao is taking the ending dance spotlight with Raptor. But he's not part of that crowded group shot yet. Possibly... starting next week?

Overall: Kyuranger succeeded in giving its first two-parter, an equal if not better second half/conclusion. Great action scenes, fantastic story beats, and multiple nods to past Sentai seasons. Giving flaw or 'sin of the past' for its commanding officer was truly a nice touch. It allowed the show to explore a little backstory for him, but also turning him into a more relatable character. More importantly, Xiao was granted his true power via the 9 Change Kyu Globes, so his ascension to hero status never broke the symbolism of the title. In this case, the Kyurangers have proven why they are called 'Saviours of the Universe'. At the very least, they just saved Xiao's life so he could carry on with Big Bear's legacy... Next week: Orion's crashing down? Ghost of Brother Bear? And oh boy... it's a Blue Boy...

Episode 09 Score: 8,4 out of 10

Visit THIS LINK to view a continuously updated listing of the Kyutama / Kyu Globes. Last Updated: April 12th, 2017 - Version 14. (WARNING: It might contain spoilers for future episodes)

All images are screencaptured from the series, provided by the FanSubber Over-Time. "Uchu Sentai Kyuranger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

[ultraviolet-ink]

2, 5, 6, 9, 20 :D

2- Definitely Turnabout Goodbyes! It's so bittersweet and tragic and the line the Judge gives is haunting in all the best ways, "You were innocent. You ARE innocent" <3 <3 <3 <3 5- I really love playing as Ryuu! You can really get that fish out of water vibe with him, but he really shows that he's skilled! Especially in public speaking if you've played the first escapade adventure! I think he's definitely my favorite protagonist of all the series 6- Ohhhhh definitely a tossup between Miles and Barok. Miles is definitely the least gimmicky prosecutor, but he definitely feels like a challenge, especially when you take in the context of how he thinks in the Investigations games! I know the big joke is that his secret lawyer superpower is Logic, but it really is! XD As for Barok (who can't love the leg slams, wine shenanigannery, and bottle yeeting???), I also love his theme the most! He's also legitimately one of the least corrupt prosecutors, he doesn't even fake corruption, he just wants an honest trial. You'd think he'd be shady, what with his nickname and all, but he's legitimately honest and isn't afraid to pursue the truth no matter what his superiors would have to say (see 1-5) Wow, who knew that my favorites would be Wannabee Victorian Sephiroth and a Castlevania reject? XD 9- Luckily, I already answered this question here, I couldn't pick just one so I compiled a list of "Oh Shit!" moments throughout the series XD 20- Objection 2001, DL-6 Theme, Gant's theme, Steel Samurai, Apollo's Objection, Twisted Samurai, Nahyuta's theme, Shi-Long Lang's theme, Kay's theme (+Reminiscence!), Obviously Barok's theme, the last Objection in DGS2, Ryutaro's Objection, The Revived Prosecutor, Enoch Drebber's theme, Both of Susato's themes <3 Prompts here!