#Deliver Us From Evil 3

[faresong]

would you still love me if I was a worm?

close-up on the icons in the original screenshot as well!

#a silly worm saga... just for them :3 #// #yttd #your turn to die #kimi ga shine #ryoko hirose #sara chidouin #kai satou #my art #folder #aus #deliver us from evil #;; #ryosara

[wolfofansbach]

BEING A LIST OF THE THIRTEEN GREATEST RIVERDALE LINES, ON THE OCCASION OF THAT SHOW'S TERMINATION

As our much loved/hated show comes to an end, I feel compelled to record, for posterity, the greatest thirteen pieces of dialogue to spring from the pens of RAS and his henchmen. It was, of course, originally a top ten list, but I simply could not exclude a few of these treasures. Without further ado: 

13. 

“I dropped out in the 4th grade, to sell drugs, to support my nana.” 

“That means you haven't known the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of high school football.” 

Spoken by: an inmate of Leopold and Loeb Juvenile Detention Center, and Archie Andrews. 

In: 3 x 2 

Yeah, okay, this one had to be on the list. It’s funny, I’ll admit. It’s a great example of the overwrought semi-sincere melodrama that helped make this show so special. It’s low on the list largely because The Normies got their hands on it, so every time I hear someone make a reference I get all “do not cite the deep magic to me, witch.” 

12. 

“No! No! What are we supposed to do now? I’m horny as heck!”

Spoken by: Archie Andrews 

In: 7 x 16

Season 7 is undeniably dreadful, and yet there are diamonds in the rough. The occasion is the failure of a projector, just as Archie and Reggie prepare to watch a pornographic film. The utter desperation with which KJ Apa delivers this line is exquisite. One is made to feel they are witnessing a genuine tragedy. 

11. 

“Tonight, they’re making an exception and debuting a cover of the song my parents claim they were listening to the night Jason and I were conceived.” 

Spoken by: Cheryl Blossom. 

In: 1 x 1 

Really a fantastic line. A wonderful encapsulation of the casual absurdity of Cheryl’s character, and a foretaste of the lunacy we would plumb in later episodes and seasons. 

10. 

“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m weird. I’m a weirdo. I don’t fit in and I don’t want to fit in. Have you ever seen me without this stupid hat on? That’s weird.” 

Spoken by: Jughead Jones

In: 1 x 10

A genuine classic. “High school football” before “high school football.” One is never entirely sure just how sincere the line is meant to be, both on a meta-level and in-universe. A perfect illumination of Jughead’s pretentiousness. It is made all the better by the occasional cuts to Lili Reinhard’s agonized face. 

9. 

“At the last dance, multiple students were murdered.” 

Spoken by: Principal Holden Honey. 

In: 4 x 2

Delivered as an explanation to Toni and Cheryl, as to why there would be no school dance this year. Principal Honey is in fact supremely rational in the cancellation of this dance. This being Riverdale, he is of course treated as an unreasonable tyrant. 

8. 

“Bro, I know all the secrets of this universe.” 

Spoken by: Archie Andrews (evil version)

In: 6 x 5 

Spoken as evil Archie reveals his evil plan to keep the parallel universes apart. KJ Apa’s delivery once again makes this line. He is comically sinister. Strangely, he sells it. 

7. 

“A Vughead kiss, right now, in the present might be precisely what it takes to save a future Bughead from imploding.” 

Spoken by: Jughead Jones. 

In: 2 x 14

One of those lines that both makes me laugh and makes me genuinely angry. This was a fairly early season, and this may have actually been the first line to get me asking, ‘did they genuinely write and deliver that?’ Extra points for use of the atrocious ‘Vughead’ portmanteau ship name rather than ‘Jeronica.’ 

6. 

“I’m the ultimate wild card. I am the daughter of The Black Hood. The nightmare from next door. I’m training with the FBI and I’m coming for you, you psycho bitch.” 

Spoken by: Betty Cooper

In: 4 x 14 

Just delicious. Another one of those lines that leaves you somewhat unsure whether or not the writers understood how genuinely hysterical it was. “The Nightmare from Next Door” sounds like an announcer hyping up a wrestler. Spoken with a raw sincerity by Lili Reinhart. Also points for the heavy homoeroticism between Betty and Donna. 

5. 

“For I am Cheryl Blossom, Queen of the Bees.” 

Spoken by: Cheryl Blossom.

In: 5 x 16. 

This one really doesn’t require any elaboration. 

4. 

“Elijah ascended…and I will, too.” 

Spoken by: Edgar Evernever.

In: 4 x 5. 

Admittedly, this one is only spectacular with context. But in context—the context being that Chad Michael Murray delivers this line while dressed like Evel Knievel and standing in a cartoon rocket right out of a Warner Bros cartoon—it becomes utterly magnificent. 

3. 

“It’s not queer baiting, it’s saving the world.” 

Spoken by: Veronica Lodge. 

In: 6 x 22. 

It’s actually hard for me to decide whether this one is funnier with or without context. Without context it’s wonderful, but it possibly becomes even funnier when you know that the context is that Veronica needs to kiss Cheryl to transfer superpowers into her body so she can turn into a Scarlet Witch knock-off and stop a magic comet summoned by Sephiroth an English wizard who is also the Devil. 

2. 

“If there’s no wedding reception, it means the Gargoyle King has won.” 

Spoken by: Kevin Keller. 

In: 3 x 12.

One of my personal favorites. This is a perfect line because like #3, it requires no real elaboration. There is absolutely no context in which it isn’t hysterical. 

1 .

“Word of my exploits serving Nick his comeuppance has seeped into the demimonde of mobsters and molls my father used to associate with, so the five families are sending their youngest and brightest, their ‘princes,’ as it were to, well, come court the rare Mafia Princess who can belly up to the bar with the big boys.

Spoken by: Veronica Lodge. 

In: 2 x 20. 

This is, in my opinion, the all-timer. Every word is perfect. The rapid-fire alliteration. The use of the word ‘demimonde.’ The entirely unnecessary addition of ‘as it were.’ This is borderline Dr. Seuss. The fact that Camila Mendes delivered it without cracking a smile should have won her an Emmy. No. An Oscar. This line is Riverdale. 

#riverdale #veronica lodge #jughead jones #betty cooper #archie andrews #kevin keller #cheryl blossom #edgar evernever

[mostlysignssomeportents]

How to shatter the class solidarity of the ruling class

I'm touring my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me WEDNESDAY (Apr 11) at UCLA, then Chicago (Apr 17), Torino (Apr 21) Marin County (Apr 27), Winnipeg (May 2), Calgary (May 3), Vancouver (May 4), and beyond!

Audre Lorde counsels us that "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House," while MLK said "the law cannot make a man love me, but it can restrain him from lynching me." Somewhere between replacing the system and using the system lies a pragmatic – if easily derailed – course.

Lorde is telling us that a rotten system can't be redeemed by using its own chosen reform mechanisms. King's telling us that unless we live, we can't fight – so anything within the system that makes it easier for your comrades to fight on can hasten the end of the system.

Take the problems of journalism. One old model of journalism funding involved wealthy newspaper families profiting handsomely by selling local appliance store owners the right to reach the townspeople who wanted to read sports-scores. These families expressed their patrician love of their town by peeling off some of those profits to pay reporters to sit through municipal council meetings or even travel overseas and get shot at.

In retrospect, this wasn't ever going to be a stable arrangement. It relied on both the inconstant generosity of newspaper barons and the absence of a superior way to show washing-machine ads to people who might want to buy washing machines. Neither of these were good long-term bets. Not only were newspaper barons easily distracted from their sense of patrician duty (especially when their own power was called into question), but there were lots of better ways to connect buyers and sellers lurking in potentia.

All of this was grossly exacerbated by tech monopolies. Tech barons aren't smarter or more evil than newspaper barons, but they have better tools, and so now they take 51 cents out of every ad dollar and 30 cents out of ever subscriber dollar and they refuse to deliver the news to users who explicitly requested it, unless the news company pays them a bribe to "boost" their posts:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/04/saving-news-big-tech

The news is important, and people sign up to make, digest, and discuss the news for many non-economic reasons, which means that the news continues to struggle along, despite all the economic impediments and the vulture capitalists and tech monopolists who fight one another for which one will get to take the biggest bite out of the press. We've got outstanding nonprofit news outlets like Propublica, journalist-owned outlets like 404 Media, and crowdfunded reporters like Molly White (and winner-take-all outlets like the New York Times).

But as Hamilton Nolan points out, "that pot of money…is only large enough to produce a small fraction of the journalism that was being produced in past generations":

https://www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/what-will-replace-advertising-revenue

For Nolan, "public funding of journalism is the only way to fix this…If we accept that journalism is not just a business or a form of entertainment but a public good, then funding it with public money makes perfect sense":

https://www.hamiltonnolan.com/p/public-funding-of-journalism-is-the

Having grown up in Canada – under the CBC – and then lived for a quarter of my life in the UK – under the BBC – I am very enthusiastic about Nolan's solution. There are obvious problems with publicly funded journalism, like the politicization of news coverage:

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/jan/24/panel-approving-richard-sharp-as-bbc-chair-included-tory-party-donor

And the transformation of the funding into a cheap political football:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-defund-cbc-change-law-1.6810434

But the worst version of those problems is still better than the best version of the private-equity-funded model of news production.

But Nolan notes the emergence of a new form of hedge fund news, one that is awfully promising, and also terribly fraught: Hunterbrook Media, an investigative news outlet owned by short-sellers who pay journalists to research and publish damning reports on companies they hold a short position on:

https://hntrbrk.com/

For those of you who are blissfully distant from the machinations of the financial markets, "short selling" is a wager that a company's stock price will go down. A gambler who takes a short position on a company's stock can make a lot of money if the company stumbles or fails altogether (but if the company does well, the short can suffer literally unlimited losses).

Shorts have historically paid analysts to dig into companies and uncover the sins hidden on their balance-sheets, but as Matt Levine points out, journalists work for a fraction of the price of analysts and are at least as good at uncovering dirt as MBAs are:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-04-02/a-hedge-fund-that-s-also-a-newspaper

What's more, shorts who discover dirt on a company still need to convince journalists to publicize their findings and trigger the sell-off that makes their short position pay off. Shorts who own a muckraking journalistic operation can skip this step: they are the journalists.

There's a way in which this is sheer genius. Well-funded shorts who don't care about the news per se can still be motivated into funding freely available, high-quality investigative journalism about corporate malfeasance (notoriously, one of the least attractive forms of journalism for advertisers). They can pay journalists top dollar – even bid against each other for the most talented journalists – and supply them with all the tools they need to ply their trade. A short won't ever try the kind of bullshit the owners of Vice pulled, paying themselves millions while their journalists lose access to Lexisnexis or the PACER database:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/24/anti-posse/#when-you-absolutely-positively-dont-give-a-solitary-single-fuck

The shorts whose journalists are best equipped stand to make the most money. What's not to like?

Well, the issue here is whether the ruling class's sense of solidarity is stronger than its greed. The wealthy have historically oscillated between real solidarity (think of the ultrawealthy lobbying to support bipartisan votes for tax cuts and bailouts) and "war of all against all" (as when wealthy colonizers dragged their countries into WWI after the supply of countries to steal ran out).

After all, the reason companies engage in the scams that shorts reveal is that they are profitable. "Behind every great fortune is a great crime," and that's just great. You don't win the game when you get into heaven, you win it when you get into the Forbes Rich List.

Take monopolies: investors like the upside of backing an upstart company that gobbles up some staid industry's margins – Amazon vs publishing, say, or Uber vs taxis. But while there's a lot of upside in that move, there's also a lot of risk: most companies that set out to "disrupt" an industry sink, taking their investors' capital down with them.

Contrast that with monopolies: backing a company that merges with its rivals and buys every small company that might someday grow large is a sure thing. Shriven of "wasteful competition," a company can lower quality, raise prices, capture its regulators, screw its workers and suppliers and laugh all the way to Davos. A big enough company can ignore the complaints of those workers, customers and regulators. They're not just too big to fail. They're not just too big to jail. They're too big to care:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/04/teach-me-how-to-shruggie/#kagi

Would-be monopolists are stuck in a high-stakes Prisoner's Dilemma. If they cooperate, they can screw over everyone else and get unimaginably rich. But if one party defects, they can raid the monopolist's margins, short its stock, and snitch to its regulators.

It's true that there's a clear incentive for hedge-fund managers to fund investigative journalism into other hedge-fund managers' portfolio companies. But it would be even more profitable for both of those hedgies to join forces and collude to screw the rest of us over. So long as they mistrust each other, we might see some benefit from that adversarial relationship. But the point of the 0.1% is that there aren't very many of them. The Aspen Institute can rent a hall that will hold an appreciable fraction of that crowd. They buy their private jets and bespoke suits and powdered rhino horn from the same exclusive sellers. Their kids go to the same elite schools. They know each other, and they have every opportunity to get drunk together at a charity ball or a society wedding and cook up a plan to join forces.

This is the problem at the core of "mechanism design" grounded in "rational self-interest." If you try to create a system where people do the right thing because they're selfish assholes, you normalize being a selfish asshole. Eventually, the selfish assholes form a cozy little League of Selfish Assholes and turn on the rest of us.

Appeals to morality don't work on unethical people, but appeals to immorality crowds out ethics. Take the ancient split between "free software" (software that is designed to maximize the freedom of the people who use it) and "open source software" (identical to free software, but promoted as a better way to make robust code through transparency and peer review).

Over the years, open source – an appeal to your own selfish need for better code – triumphed over free software, and its appeal to the ethics of a world of "software freedom." But it turns out that while the difference between "open" and "free" was once mere semantics, it's fully possible to decouple the two. Today, we have lots of "open source": you can see the code that Google, Microsoft, Apple and Facebook uses, and even contribute your labor to it for free. But you can't actually decide how the software you write works, because it all takes a loop through Google, Microsoft, Apple or Facebook's servers, and only those trillion-dollar tech monopolists have the software freedom to determine how those servers work:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/05/04/which-side-are-you-on/#tivoization-and-beyond

That's ruling class solidarity. The Big Tech firms have hidden a myriad of sins beneath their bafflegab and balance-sheets. These (as yet) undiscovered scams constitute a "bezzle," which JK Galbraith defined as "the magic interval when a confidence trickster knows he has the money he has appropriated but the victim does not yet understand that he has lost it."

The purpose of Hunterbrook is to discover and destroy bezzles, hastening the moment of realization that the wealth we all feel in a world of seemingly orderly technology is really an illusion. Hunterbrook certainly has its pick of bezzles to choose from, because we are living in a Golden Age of the Bezzle.

Which is why I titled my new novel The Bezzle. It's a tale of high-tech finance scams, starring my two-fisted forensic accountant Marty Hench, and in this volume, Hench is called upon to unwind a predatory prison-tech scam that victimizes the most vulnerable people in America – our army of prisoners – and their families:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

The scheme I fictionalize in The Bezzle is very real. Prison-tech monopolists like Securus and Viapath bribe prison officials to abolish calls, in-person visits, mail and parcels, then they supply prisoners with "free" tablets where they pay hugely inflated rates to receive mail, speak to their families, and access ebooks, distance education and other electronic media:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/02/captive-customers/#guillotine-watch

But a group of activists have cornered these high-tech predators, run them to ground and driven them to the brink of extinction, and they've done it using "the master's tools" – with appeals to regulators and the finance sector itself.

Writing for The Appeal, Dana Floberg and Morgan Duckett describe the campaign they waged with Worth Rises to bankrupt the prison-tech sector:

https://theappeal.org/securus-bankruptcy-prison-telecom-industry/

Here's the headline figure: Securus is $1.8 billion in debt, and it has eight months to find a financier or it will go bust. What's more, all the creditors it might reasonably approach have rejected its overtures, and its bonds have been downrated to junk status. It's a dead duck.

Even better is how this happened. Securus's debt problems started with its acquisition, a leveraged buyout by Platinum Equity, who borrowed heavily against the firm and then looted it with bogus "management fees" that meant that the debt continued to grow, despite Securus's $700m in annual revenue from America's prisoners. Platinum was just the last in a long line of PE companies that loaded up Securus with debt and merged it with its competitors, who were also mortgaged to make profits for other private equity funds.

For years, Securus and Platinum were able to service their debt and roll it over when it came due. But after Worth Rises got NYC to pass a law making jail calls free, creditors started to back away from Securus. It's one thing for Securus to charge $18 for a local call from a prison when it's splitting the money with the city jail system. But when that $18 needs to be paid by the city, they're going to demand much lower prices. To make things worse for Securus, prison reformers got similar laws passed in San Francisco and in Connecticut.

Securus tried to outrun its problems by gobbling up one of its major rivals, Icsolutions, but Worth Rises and its coalition convinced regulators at the FCC to block the merger. Securus abandoned the deal:

https://worthrises.org/blogpost/securusmerger

Then, Worth Rises targeted Platinum Equity, going after the pension funds and other investors whose capital Platinum used to keep Securus going. The massive negative press campaign led to eight-figure disinvestments:

https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-09-05/la-fi-tom-gores-securus-prison-phone-mass-incarceration

Now, Securus's debt became "distressed," trading at $0.47 on the dollar. A brief, covid-fueled reprieve gave Securus a temporary lifeline, as prisoners' families were barred from in-person visits and had to pay Securus's rates to talk to their incarcerated loved ones. But after lockdown, Securus's troubles picked up right where they left off.

They targeted Platinum's founder, Tom Gores, who papered over his bloody fortune by styling himself as a philanthropist and sports-team owner. After a campaign by Worth Rises and Color of Change, Gores was kicked off the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board. When Gores tried to flip Securus to a SPAC – the same scam Trump pulled with Truth Social – the negative publicity about Securus's unsound morals and financials killed the deal:

https://twitter.com/WorthRises/status/1578034977828384769

Meanwhile, more states and cities are making prisoners' communications free, further worsening Securus's finances:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/14/minnesota-nice/#shitty-technology-adoption-curve

Congress passed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, giving the FCC the power to regulate the price of federal prisoners' communications. Securus's debt prices tumbled further:

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/s1541

Securus's debts were coming due: it owes $1.3b in 2024, and hundreds of millions more in 2025. Platinum has promised a $400m cash infusion, but that didn't sway S&P Global, a bond-rating agency that re-rated Securus's bonds as "CCC" (compare with "AAA"). Moody's concurred. Now, Securus is stuck selling junk-bonds:

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/117/s1541

The company's creditors have given Securus an eight-month runway to find a new lender before they force it into bankruptcy. The company's debt is trading at $0.08 on the dollar.

Securus's major competitor is Viapath (prison tech is a duopoly). Viapath is also debt-burdened and desperate, thanks to a parallel campaign by Worth Rises, and has tried all of Securus's tricks, and failed:

https://pestakeholder.org/news/american-securities-fails-to-sell-prison-telecom-company-viapath/

Viapath's debts are due next year, and if Securus tanks, no one in their right mind will give Viapath a dime. They're the walking dead.

Worth Rise's brilliant guerrilla warfare against prison-tech and its private equity backers are a master class in using the master's tools to dismantle the master's house. The finance sector isn't a friend of justice or working people, but sometimes it can be used tactically against financialization itself. To paraphrase MLK, "finance can't make a corporation love you, but it can stop a corporation from destroying you."

Yes, the ruling class finds solidarity at the most unexpected moments, and yes, it's easy for appeals to greed to institutionalize greediness. But whether it's funding unbezzling journalism through short selling, or freeing prisons by brandishing their cooked balance-sheets in the faces of bond-rating agencies, there's a lot of good we can do on the way to dismantling the system.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/08/money-talks/#bullshit-walks

Image: KMJ (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boerse_01_KMJ.jpg

CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en

#pluralistic #shorts #short sellers #news #private equity #private prisons #securus #prison profiteers #the bezzle #anything that cant go on forever eventually stop #steins law #hamilton nolan #Platinum Equity #American Securities #viapath #global tellink #debt #jpay #worth rises #insurance #spacs #fcc #bond rating #moodys #the appeal #saving the news from big tech #hunterbrook media #journalism

[d3arapril]

nsfw modern!abby headcanons

you (1 person) ask.. i deliver. i love abby with my whole heart and i’m excited to share my thoughts <3 feedback is appreciated!

nsfw, 18+ only! mdni pls!

so let’s start with this, abby is a huge softie. we’ve all seen part 2, she’s SO caring and just wants her loved ones to be safe 😔 argue with the wall .

abby ✂️ loves ✂️ to ✂️ scissor.. she loves being skin on skin and feeling close to you

she’ll massage your leg as she holds it up on her shoulder, thin hairs falling from her braid and framing her face as she bites her lip and tries to keep her noises down bc she only wants to hear u and the wet noises ur both making

she also likes to pin ur wrists above ur head with one hand and if she’s feeling evil she’ll lift up a little, spit down onto your pussy and bend her arm around so she can fit 3 fingers into ur pussy whilst she’s grinding her clit into yours &lt;3 “you’re so greedy, baby…”

honestly shes kinda quiet during sex… she’ll utter words of praise every now and then but she mostly just whimpers/grunts and swears under her breath. think of the noises she makes when she’s feeling scared of heights heheiehie

but when she does use the strap 😮‍💨 GOLLY she likes when u go on top so she can just put her hands behind her head, lay back and watch u work for it

she also tried to nonchalantly flex and u cant help but laugh, ur movements faltering.. “abby stop fucking flexing you’re distracting me” “what’re you talking about? this is all natural babe 😏”

abs loves boobies <3 any size any shape she’s quite literally eating them up

u could both just be chilling in bed reading a book and she’ll have a hand up ur top just resting on ur boob, slightly calloused fingers moving to pinch ur nipple every so often.. she struggles to turn her page with just one hand.. u both give up on reading and get crafty ✂️ (if u know what i mean…sorry i’ll leave)

speaking of reading, u go down on her whilst she’s reading and challenge her to read aloud whilst you give her the best head of her life. she ripped a couple of pages in the book from gripping it so hard when she came. she got sad cos it was her favourite :( u got her a new copy :)

abby listens to classical music right? if she’s adamant on taking it slow and appreciating every inch of you she will have music on in the background. it’ll be pretty quiet but it helps her focus

ABBY FILMS IT 🗣️ (consensually. obviously) she likes to film when ur on top, films when you go down on her, props her phone up at the end of the bed and sits with her back to the headboard and your back pressed against her chest as she pulls the fourth orgasm out of you… “damn, should’ve put a towel down..” she whispers into ur ear, just low enough for the crappy microphone on her old iphone to not pick up

she watches the videos back whenever you’re apart and always bites her lip til it bleeds when shes watching that video and the screen becomes slightly blurry and those wet shlick noises from ur pussy grow louder and louder

she’ll facetime u straight after and politely ask u to recreate.. which u happily do

jerks it when she’s eating it 🤝 girlie finds so much pleasure in making u feel good and she can’t help herself.. moaning into ur pussy and begging you to come for her

wants to fuck on the couch/floor/literally anywhere other than the bed if you’ve got new sheets on the bed, modern abby is clean and tidy and get’s frustrated if her fresh sheets are dirtied

if she’s been to the gym she won’t let u touch her until she’s showered. you insist that u don’t care but she REFUSES bc she’s paranoid about being stinky

speaking of… one place she does love to fuck? THE SHOWER 🚿🚿🚿 its clean, wet and fun. what more could she want

takes u out for dinner, fucks u til ur makeup is smudged and you can’t stand all whilst not fully undressing each other and then u both get in the shower and the shower head becomes both of ur best friend :)

until the morning after when abby wakes up early to have a shower and almost has a heart attack when the high pressure setting almost rips the skin off her back

ok i can easily write more because i love abby and tbh i probably will….

#i didnt realise i wrote so much LMAO #abby anderson smut #abby anderson x reader #abby anderson #the last of us smut #abby baby #my writing

[ittsybittsybunny]

ATLA Live Action Series Review:

The Good

Aesthetically this show felt right. Sure sometimes the outfits didn't quite feel lived in, but I always felt like I was watching a fantasy world with decent effects and interesting design. Also, I really enjoyed the sets!

Bending: Yes some of the fights feel very quick, but the bending looks cool. It is certainly better than 10 benders lifting one big rock. I can honestly say the opening bending fight scene gave me so much hope for this show.

Kyoshi Warriors: I loved seeing them in live action, and I thought Suki's performance was great!

Omashu: I think the mashup of the mechanist made sense since that is an important character overall and I would hate to see him cut. However, both Jet & the secret tunnels felt sloppily thrown in.

Northern Water Tribe: I really loved the way it looked, and appreciated the two episodes we spent here. I think Yue gained more agency in this interpretation, and why shouldn't the moon spirit be a waterbender. Also, episode seven felt the most in tune with the original show's spirit.

Zuko: I think he was one of the most fleshed-out and best parts of the show! Dallas Liu really captured Zuko's spirit, and the scene between him and Aang in episode 6 was wonderful!

Soundtrack: Hearing the original soundtrack bits is always great, and when I first heard the ending music I was so excited.

Is the show perfect, no - but I wouldn't mind a season 2.

The Bad

Pacing: Turning 20 episodes into 8 was bound to lead to some cuts...but oftentimes times things felt too quick or disjointed. I think there were editing problems contributing to this for sure, but sometimes things skipped around too much without a clear purpose as to why. Also, why bring in plots from later seasons when you barely have enough time already?

Writing: This show definitely suffered from exposition dumping, though it did get better as time went on. I think the biggest example of this is actually opening in the past rather than the present. We do not get to learn along with Aang that the world has changed, instead, we get to learn that 100 years have passed....which doesn't hold the same tension or worldbuilding.

Clunky Dialogue: Along with exposition, clunky dialogue is another example of bad writing. I think sometimes I felt like the acting was kind of meh in the beginning, but then over time I began to realize it had far more to do with the lines characters were trying to deliver. The actors themselves are not bad, just cursed with awkward writing and lines that feel out of touch with the setting they're in.

Main Trio: I don't entirely know that I believe Katara, Sokka, and Aang are friends as opposed to 3 people stuck together to save the world. Aang feels a little too somber for a young kid running away from his responsibilities, Sokka is protective, but not exactly the heart of the team, and Katara is sort of just there until the last two episodes. Where is her struggle, her desire to learn so strong she steals from pirates? Also, while Gordon Cormier did a great job, Aang does zero waterbending on his own, is overly serious, and tells Katara not to fight. Where is his desperation to protect his friends? It feels like they all lost emotional depth.

Tension: Bringing Ozai, Azula, and Zhao out in the beginning immediately causes us to lose the realization there is an even bigger bad. Part of why Ozai is so terrifying is he is a primarily silent villain until the third season when we finally see the face of the "big bad evil guy" behind it all. Yes, they add to Zuko's backstory, but again, they are revealing the villains too early. Azula is the antagonist of season 2 and one of my favorite characters, so I hope they do more with her in the future. Finally, Zhao is supposed to be an example of the uncontrollable nature of fire unrestrained, instead, he comes off as vaguely threatening with the supposed true power being Azula.

Characterization: While all characters are bound to lose something in a shorter show, it still felt like certain characters were more mutilated than others. I am sure there are 100 different opinions on who, but I think the biggest victim was Katara.

Katara: Katara manages to go from a complete novice to a bending master in what feels like a matter of days. The journey feels short, and that makes the results feel largely unearned. Katara is one of the strongest personalities in the show, determined, kind, and fiery. In many ways, she is the unpredictability of water - equally dangerous as it is necessary to live. She is the child of a war who lost her mother, forced to grow up too soon, and even raised her older brother. Yes, Katara often gets stereotyped as the mom friend, but overall she feels underutilized in this show. We really don't see enough of her journey until the very end.

Iroh: Iroh was always comedic but most importantly wise. Even when Zuko is trying to give himself advice, he mimics Iroh. Instead, he seems to be used more as comedic relief without the underlying experience. He just doesn't feel right. Also, he kills Zhao instead of Zhao getting himself killed - which is less about Iroh and more about the writing than anything.

Ozai is weirdly a little too nice. Yes, he burned Zuko and pits his kids against each other, but he feels toned down in a show claiming to be more mature than the original cartoon.

Azula is perhaps more realistically worried about losing her status as the golden child, but she is also missing the cruelty she and her father share. I understand worrying about making your character cartoonishly evil, but the Fire Nation is currently a deeply nationalistic empire trying to control the world. Where is the deep-seated belief that they are better than other people, not just trying to bring balance to the world? There is a line between creating complexity and toning down the very real evil inherent in this plan.

Roku: I can only say what the fuck was that. He was barely there, and not the serious master to Aang's youthful exuberance.

The Ugly

Show, Don't Tell: The show's single biggest issue seems to be speeding through story parts by simply stating things. Instead of allowing the audience to discover, trusting that we are smart enough to understand, let's just blatantly say things like Zuko is the only reason the 41st division is alive to their faces. Even though in the context of the story Ozai literally already said that.... it's the division, the division for Zuko, Zuko's division.

Thematic Misunderstandings: I think this show makes several minor changes with major implications, such as airbenders actively fighting the firebenders, when airbenders are known for their pacifist nature and the lie of an Airbender fighting force is actively propaganda. Similarly, Aang very quickly accepts his role as the avatar and doesn't even run away in the beginning. Without this conflict between his desire to be a carefree child and the fact that the world needs him - the show loses a key aspect of Aang's character. Also, the obsession with downplaying the avatar state as something dangerous feels like a disservice to the tradition, connection, and strength of the avatar, which can be permanently destroyed as the trade-off for that kind of power. It's dangerous for the balance of the entire world, not just because it's powerful!

The Agni Kai: Zuko's fight against his father is one of the defining moments of Ozai's cruelty, not just because he is willing to fight his child, but because Zuko tried to do everything right. Zuko shows deference to his father, apologizes, and most importantly refuses to fight! The determination not to upset his father and still be grievously injured and banished is a hugely important theme for the fire nation and Zuko's life as a whole. He tries to do everything he is supposed to and only regains his father's acceptance after he "kills" Aang. Zuko's struggle between moral vs. social right and wrong in contrast to his family is hugely important to his character.

-----

TLDR: ATLA was a fantastical animated television show that was never afraid to show character development and flaws. When you turn 20 episodes into 8, you are bound to lose something. You hollowed out the middle, leaving the shell of important moments and events without ever wondering if all the times in between formed the true spirit of the show.

Rating: 6.5/10 It's perfectly fine and worth a watch. Not a disaster, but certainly falls flat of the original.

#atla #avatar the last airbender #avatar the last airbender tv #atla tv #spoilers #natla #i loved it i hated it i mostly sat through it #i would like a season 2 though #aang #katara #sokka #zuko #iroh #uncle iroh #azula #ozai

[faetreides]

FIND YOUR LOVE | CORIOLANUS SNOW

summary: modern!coriolanus snow thoughts

cw: crack treated seriously vibes, typical coryo warnings, possessiveness/obsessive behavior, piss kink mention, period blood mention, spit kink mention, slight impact play mention, coryo and reader both have double majors because they’re overachievers, plus sized reader implications, drake mention, reader has bunny teeth & hip dips & glasses, talks of carving letters into skin, spying mention, overstimulation mention, images used in social media elements are not an exact represtation of the reader’s gender or image & are more about the vibes, “wife” usage but he’d feminize you no matter what, implications of sejanus playing the long game, 18+ minors dni

word count: 2.4k

requests are open (read the rules first <3)

block & move on if uncomfortable.

do not repost or translate!!

Unaware rich kid because while a tragedy did happen in the family (his mother dying in childbirth according to his politician father who was later assassinated) nothing happened to really set them back to square one like in canon. He never really has had to claw himself back to the top, he’s just always been on a steady elevator ride to it.

Clumsy in the beginning in the way that he tries to be intimidating. He’s never had to starve so how can he understand its usefulness as a weapon?

Meets scholarship student double major classics and archaeology (minor in philosophy) reader who has only ever struggled.

The type to violently beat someone to near death on a whim and smirk as he’s escorted out of the police station with apologies because his family’s amazing team of lawyers were called.

Definitely part of some Saltburn ass family where you visit and you’re just like “what the fuck?” the things the 1% normalize (there are rumors of his family being cannibals back in the day, they might be a crime family, his high school principal fucked his mom AND his dad) never cease to disturb and confuse you but the gardens are very nice!

Strolls with you through them to seem romantic but also to brag about his family on your second date that he insisted be at his house (he was kind enough to let your first be at his family’s vacation house in the south of France)

Piss kink (creaks the bathroom door open to hold your hand or he leans against the door and stares you down if you take too long), period sex (more the type to eat you out on your period though) spit sharing and smearing, etc. Because of his carefully manufactured image, when he’s in love he just wants to completely let go and be gross and have that he accepted by the person be loves (plus it scratches the possessive itch in his brain by marking you and knowing you’d be too embarrassed to do it with anybody else)

Really only hand spanks you when you’re actively fucking and he’s so caught up in it all, he just grips the flesh of your ass and furiously jiggles it in his hands in between brisk strikes of his open palms and gets caught on your hole accidentally, it gets to the point where you’d want him to hit harder even if you thought you wouldn’t be into it because it’s just so unintentionally teasing.

Unlike the stereotypes, wouldn’t really be into drinking (other than wine because he thinks he’s above the beer drinking peasants) or drugs (other than the occasional line of cocaine 🤭) thinks keeping a clear head while you’re doing evil plotting is important. Typical white college rich boy hypocrisy (keeps you away from it though, even weed because it can kill your brain cells and he likes his bunny smart.)

He WILL carve his full government name onto you like a womb tattoo if you answer his texts 5 seconds after he expects you too. You CANNOT play with him.

Asked you out by leaving a bouquet of roses on your desk every morning with a note like “these are my grandma’am’s roses, and their beauty could only remind me of you 🥺🥹” (he threatened your roommate to deliver them and made sure they did thanks to the hidden camera he also had them put in)

Double major Political Science and Latin, minor in Philosophy but he likes ancient/older philosophy more. #1 “um actually 🤓👆” offender (hell is hot but his body runs ice cold, so he does not care <3) someone says they like philosophy and he goes “name three philosophers other than Nietzsche and Camus. I bet you’re the type to read Kafka too huh? whore.” (/j)

So hot though like modern Coryo has the curls but a touch shaggier. Everyone on campus turns their phones to the side and takes “discreet” pictures and makes those whisper posts like “need me an unhinged crazy jealous psycho possessive bf” but they’re not you so that wish will never come true :)

Say you’re going to McDonald’s, and he will kill you (if you’re from the south and you try to feed him anything traditional you’re used to, his charcuterie board and caviar eating ass will implode)

Another student in class asks you to borrow a pencil & his brain genuinely goes haywire so without looking he sends them the “let’s play a little game I made” TikTok (by the time you look back at him, he’s warmly smiling as he makes sure you see his hand sliding up his thigh)

If you think you’re working after getting your degree (he could’ve made you drop out, be grateful you get to spend more time together this way) then you’ve got a big storm coming (hope you can accept being baby trapped mwah)

He’s your little chihuahua named sparkles that bites people.

Emotional drake listener

The type where if you 99.7% (he will allow some wiggle room) give into his delusion and insanity, it’s nothing but smooth sailing (for you) and sex would still be passionate but never rough. Sometimes he slips a bit, but you just get more family heirloom jewelry and 5 billion sessions of oral as apologies.

On the swim team and runs track (somehow still looks hot no matter what doing those sports, wants you lick all the sweat off his body after he’s done. (he’d do that for you.) has a private yacht and does polo with Sejanus.

You once sat down, opened a package of cabbage leaves and went to town & Coryo knew in that moment that love is not a choice, it’s a curse.

Buys you mountains of clothes (the softest sweaters or the tightest evening wear because he loves how nothing about your body is hidden from him and one of his favorite ways to wind down is to soothe the marks left by the tight clothes digging into the chub of your tummy with his tongue) also loves how much bigger your thighs get when they spread out as you straddle him in one of his buttons up that reaches just under your ass.

Has a garage full of classic cars that he fucks you in and takes you on drives in.

(Insp. by that one video) fucks you on your stomach while cradling your jaw and when he’s done, he’s kissing down your back and all over your ass while hold a hand on the back of your neck. Eats you out upside-down kneeling straight up on the bed, the skin of your thighs spilling between his fingers as he grips them and nearly bends you in half. You don’t really ride him because he uses you like a fleshlight.

Tits guy no matter the size, prefers jerking off over them and covering them in cum over a boob job.

He won’t let you out in it, but you can be his bunny for Halloween since your front teeth remind him of a bunny, he already has the ears and tail waiting for you. That tweet where it’s like “okay everybody my bf’s about to walk in you all have to clap or I’m blowing this whole fucking building up” but that’s him when it comes to you.

Canon era snow is a girl dad, but modern snow is a boy dad, I fear.

Met you when you had just finished checking into your dorm, you were scrambling all over the place and without looking you bumped into the it boy of the school. His hands suddenly curved like shackles around your hips, his fingers subconsciously stroking your hip dips being the only reason you both didn’t careen to the floor from the collision.

“You should be more careful, wouldn’t want you to get a nasty bruise now, would we?” said with an unreadable yet playful tone and a snake’s smile, lips slightly curled up in the corners and a little too many teeth showing to feel truly comforted. His tongue flicks over his canines for a split second.

Smells like Maison Francis Kurkdijan’s baccarat rouge 540 (buzzcut Coryo gives Dior Sauvage vibes)

Matching airpod max sets and lets you put little bows on his.

Impeccable cable management, phone wirelessly charging on the nightstand or kitchen counter until it’s at 100% and doesn’t charge it again until it’s at 1%

Teaches you how to swim if you don’t know how, with a hand curled under your neck and another under your thigh to help you float. But has no problem just lounging with your back on his chest on the deck of his yacht or laying his head on your chest while you read together on the private beach he booked during your trip.

Slowly fingers you while making out with you and massaging your throat with his other hand. His chunky rings make clanging sounds against your pussy, and he smiles into your lips when you whine. He rests his forehead against yours & slowly spits in your mouth when it falls open as he makes you cum over and over until you’re too tired to leave the apartment he bought for the two of you.

Jiggles your tummy rolls when you’re fucking but sometimes, he’ll just casually bite them, loves laying his head on your stomach and when you sleep. He likes to have a firm grip on the chub of your tummy. He also just plays with it, pulls it, and kneads it but occasionally he’ll gently smack it.

NUTS ON YOUR STRETCH MARKS LIKE HE’S ICING A CINNAMON ROLL

Anyway, his grandma’am owns a fleet of flower shops across the country as well as managing the snow family’s gardens, and luckily enough the one closest to campus was hiring when you enrolled!

Pisces sun Capricorn rising Aries mars, stay strong.

Has to look you in the eyes or he can’t cum.

Always keeps glasses cleaner and a microfiber cloth on him so the second he sees you rub your eyes in frustration because you can’t see through them anymore (because in your mind that would somehow fix it) and reach to grab them off your face, he’s snaking his hand out and snatching them up. He doesn’t even give then back to you; he tenderly tucks your hair behind your ears and slowly slides them back on your face. literally booping the center of them with a grin. Also has your custom designed glasses case (with his initials) in one of his bag’s front pockets.

You asked him to buy you the Gojo skin in Fortnite and he grumbled “you already have my information.” But in his mind, he’s like “what does he have that i don’t?” 💀 (he’ll lose his mind when he finds out you like Geto more). Will play with you on a team consisting of the two of you and Sejanus. (so, he can keep an eye on you two)

Has very pretty cum, pearly and so thick you get jump scared when it leaks out because your pussy tries to weakly clench to keep it inside and it just pushes through. Cums less often but when he does its huge continuous loads, humps against whatever part of you he can like a dog and lays his head on your chest.

You could almost argue he likes anal more than anything else. When he eats you out, you run an extremely high risk of him “getting lost” and starting to eat out your other hole. When his dick slips out, he makes you watch while he slaps it against your clit and drags it through your slick to teasingly act like he’s going to push it into your ass.

Kisses his camera when you fall asleep on facetime if you’re apart from each other. wipes his lips afterwards though for sanitary reasons.

For sure the type to go overboard when someone says they want honest advice. Then when they’re on the verge of tears and he’s made everything worse, he goes “that’s just me though, who am I to judge yk? take it with a grain of salt.”

Museum dates but he’s pointing at depictions of goddesses and saying, “that’s you.”

Will drop kick those annoying Sephora kids if you need a certain product that they’re going after.

Y’all are battling for who has more products, your bathroom so is huge but every time you move something’s always falling off the double vanity sink.

If you need an inhaler or an EpiPen or anything like that, he’ll always have one on him. when you need it, his reaction is so fast you almost can’t see it and he tries to hide how his hands shake slightly even if the attack you're dealing with is more minor.

You could tell him you hate coconut and when you go on your fancy little dates to 5 stars restaurants, if your plate has even the tiniest hint of coconut, he’s sending that back with the harshest glare on his face imaginable (“They asked for no pickles!” *Gunshots* vibes)

Gets jealous of fictional characters, you show the slightest interest in a man who’s literally not real and his eye nearly falls out from how much it twitches.

The possessive bf coded TikTok trends you’d make him do would go crazy though like the nails on his dick through his pants one, any princess treatment one, any one where you’re dancing and he has to cover you, “hey daddy” & other text ones.

Alarms every five minutes, not only for him but he wants to be awake at the same time as you for a bit before you have to go your separate ways during the day. (kisses your temple when you slump against him while you try to wake up)

“What’s up, Petal?”

“What’s up, Coryo?”

While he acts like he’s been doing you a favor all this time, he would get you that engagement ring that has a spike going through the finger bone in it, and he would get a matching one <3.

Double penetration with a dildo that’s a replica of his cock 😻😽

Closet bi (childhood crush on Sejanus, who btw has been eyeing you too much for his liking lately.)

Scars on his back from An Incident. shaved his head and dropped out of school for a bit but it wasn’t hard for his family to get him back in

Gives you the worst side eye when you ask him to play Roblox total drama island with you but when Sejanus offers, he’s galloping to his pc (he absolutely kills it, like he’s undefeated and he’s not afraid to bully whatever kids are in the game)

Vibes:

a/n: this is lowkey so cringe but i am free. i hate him (i'd tell him i love him on the first date.) will definitely do more with this verse but have this brainrot for now. hope you enjoyed anyway! btw i'll actually be opening comissions next month. so i'd really appreciate it if y'all would keep that in mind! talk to me about modern coryo or any version of coryo lol.

#dividers by cafekitsune and pommecita #dark fic #coriolanus snow x reader #coriolanus x reader #snow x reader #coriolanus x you #coriolanus snow x you #tbosas #hunger games x reader #tw toxic #mdni #⚰️.deaddove #tw dark content #yandere themes #yandere x reader #modern!coriolanus snow

[ourautumn86]

CONFESSEX

ellie williams x catholic! fem!reader

a/n; if you think this might disrespect or trigger you don’t read it! i respect all types of religions and it’s not my intention! <3 love y’all!🩵 also thanks for the 5k!!!!!!!

summary; you wanted ellie. and no god was gonna stop you.

cw; +18 content! minors dni!, ellie calls god your false god, daydreaming, god kink, body workship, weed usage, smoking, ellie being absolutely whipped, kissing, first time for everything (reader), making out, use of pet names instead of y/n, fingering (r receiving), tit and nipple play, praising, praise kink, ellis calls you her good girl, oral (r receiving)…

“Come on, angel, I can’t hear you.” you were whimpering, drooling spilling from those pretty pink lips of yours as big warm and ringed hands gripped your hips, rocking your soaked and throbbing push against the denim of her crotch.

Your eyes rolled to the back of your head when her lips latched to your neck, biting hickeys and dampening your skin in open mouth kisses.

“Give us this day our daily bre…bread, Ellie…” you cried out when her hips thrusted upwards, both hands moving from your hips to your ass for her nails to dig into, pushing you harshly against the bulge of her strap. She chuckled, hushing you in a whisper.

“Shh, we’re on mass baby.”

She was dazed. Those pretty tears of yours making a mess out of her. She knew it was bad. Fucking you on the oratory room? And during mass? Really bad. But oh well, Ellie was not a good girl. She was worse.

“Go on, or you’re gonna get left behind.” she encouraged you, smirking when her fingers got inside your panties and you choked on air, withering when her fingertips sank on your sticky folds.

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those… those who trespass against us!” you mumbled in between crying soft whines. “Please, Ellie…” he clicked her tongue, fingers entering your twitching hole and thrusting in you, making your nails dig on her shoulders.

“Go on, gorgeous. I know you can do it. You’re a good girl.” you almost came in the spot, when her fingers curved and hit that sensitive spot in your gummy walls. She felt them flutter around her fingers and stopped every movement, leaving you almost touching heaven just to let you fall back to earth again. You cried, face scrunching when your orgasm was stolen out of your reach for the third time in less than thirty minutes. “Ah, ah…” you heard her warn, chuckling when you tried and reach after it, rocking against her rough hand. “No cumming ‘till you finish your prayers, baby.”

New tears fell down your cheeks, hiccups of frustration only making Ellie’s boxers wetter. “I can’t, icanticanticant…”you whimpered, unable to control how much it hurt ‘down there’, as you always said. You had to cover your mouth when a scream left your lips at the harsh spank the auburn haired gave to your ass, the sting making your hips buckle against her.

“Yes you can. Come on, use your words gorgeous.” you hissed when she sucked a new bruise on that sweet spot on your neck.

“and lead us not into temp…temptation,” you stuttered when her fingers moved again against your clit. The burning sensation in your lower stomach was like the deepest pits of hell, torture, but it hurt so good that you found yourself begging for more. “but deliver us from evil. Amen.” you moaned that last part, fingers thrusting deep inside of you, the wet sounds of your juices filling the little wooden room along with your gasps and silent whimpers.

“See? I knew you could do it. Such a good girl for me.” you hid your face in the junction of her neck and shoulder when her fingers started to fuck you just right.

“Ellie… Want… Want…” you were a babbling mess, drooling and crying on her neck as she made sure to fuck that precious mind out of you. You couldn’t even form a simple fucking sentence.

“What do you want, hm? Tell me and I’ll give it to you, angel. Anything you want.” but she already knew what you meant.

“Wanna cum, pleasepleaseplease…” you muttered, cheeks burning up but still the feeling of your building orgasm being just the perfect inhibitor that you needed.

“You wanna cum sweetheart?” you nodded, pretty moans falling off your lips when her free hand —the one that wasn’t buried deep in your panties— tightly gripped your soft and silky locks so she could get a glimpse at your pretty and fucked out face. Her thumb pressed against your clit, making your eyes roll to the back of your head. “Fuck, I love when you do that shit. So fucking pretty for me…” you were begging at this point, needing her to give you the green light to gush all over her ringed fingers. You just needed her to give you a last push, to let you let go. “Come on baby, show me how much you love my fingers, how much you love me to fuck you in the church of your false god. Cum for me, angel.” and just like that, you were cumming, so fucking hard that if it weren’t for her mouth muffling your moans and screams, the full church would have known what was going on in between those tight walls.

Her mouth was like a drug. The more you tasted it, the more you found yourself begging for it. Her tongue was hungry, yet lazy against yours, spit dripping down your chin as her fingers kept thrusting in you, helping you ride out your high. Your brain was a pink mush at that point, too fucked out of it to even know what was going on, stars dancing behind your close pretty and teary eyes. You still couldn’t get used to just how good it all felt. The touching, the kissing… Ellie.

“Look at you…” you gagged when she pushed her dripping fingers inside your mouth. “Look at the fucking mess you’ve made.” you moaned around her fingers —being able to taste your release on them— pupils blown and used cunt fluttering around the emptiness her big fingers had left once they had left your gummy walls. “Such a dirty girl, letting me have my way with her in church…” you whimpered when another spank made your skin grew in goosebumps. “You should be embarrassed of yourself.” she said while pulling her fingers out of that tight and warm mouth of yours.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, god, I’m sorry…” her pitch black eyes shone in lust at your pleads of forgiveness. “Please forgive me, please…”

“You want forgiveness?” her wet fingers caressed your cheek and, later on, your hair, patting it slightly as you nodded. “Then kneel.” she said, chuckling a little bit when she could see the confusion on pretty face. “Kneel.” this time, she pushed your head down, her other hand guiding you to get off her lap to settle in between her legs. You gasped due to the sudden push against her strap, the damp denim and warmth pressing to your warm cheek. You heard her groan at the sight of your lips being so close to her cock, and pussy. “Now be a good girl and pray, hm?” she gave you a sweet smile as she unbuckled her belt and tugged on her jeans, the strap bouncing and resting against his happy trail. “Pray with your lips around my cock.”

“Ellie?” she came back to the present and got out of her head when she finally heard your voice calling out for her. “Can you please hand me my bible?” your sweet little voice filled your pink and strawberry scented room —which now was indulged in the sour weed smoke that scaped from her lips—.

If Ellie was proud about anything in her fucking life, that would be you. Her sweet best friend. You were so perfect, so innocent, so pure… An angel.

You were scribbling in one of your notebooks, finishing up some kind of homework in between little hums and babbles. Ellie was just lost in how beautiful and ethereal you looked, with your little pink lips pursed and silky hair framing your face. God, she wanted to ruin you…

“Sure thing, gorgeous.” she said, leaving your bed —in which she had been laying and smoking on for the last hour while staring at you— to reach out for the little bible that rested on your nightstand and slowly walk up to you. Her hand handed it up, but before you could take it she pulled her hand back, making you frown. “Nuh-uh… You know how to ask for things, don’t you sweetheart?” you let out a little giggle as she leaned in, waiting for you to close the distance in between your lips and her cheek, which you happily did.

You loved to kiss Ellie, there was something about it that always made your stomach flutter with butterflies.

“Wait… One more?” she whined when you pulled away, but you only shook your head, taking your bible from her hands with a little giggle. Her eyes were bloodshot and half-lided, breath heavy.

“I need to finish my homework, Ellie…” she groaned, ‘cause she knew that you were right and that you were just best friends. You didn’t even know she thought about you this way. But fuck, she wanted you so bad… Needed you so much… And you sounded so pretty trying to be the good girl you always were. Fuck, the things she’d do to you.

She smirked. “Okay.” she rose her hands up in innocence, but there was nothing innocent in the way she was staring at you while biting down on her bottom lip. You were back at doing your homework when she palmed herself over her jeans. If only you could recognize the lust on her eyes as she stared at you…

Ellie had always been careful. Never touched you in a way that screamed anything other than innocence. She couldn’t. Even though she wanted it, so badly. She would die if she’d ever make you feel uncomfortable. She loved you. You meant the world to her. But lately it was getting worse. The constant dirty wet dreams, the daydreaming… You were so fucking beautiful it hurt.

“How much longer, baby?” she inquired, and you hummed.

“Not long.” you answered, and she sighed. She decided to light up another blunt. She just wanted to pull you away from those books and make you pay attention to her.

“What?” she inquired you when she noticed you were staring at her. You took a deep breath.

“Forget it.” you shied out, your cheeks turning pink.

“Hey…” she called out for you, patting the free side on her bed. “What’s wrong, doll?” her hand found your cheek when you sat beside her.

“It’s nothing…” you promised but she wasn’t having it.

“Come on… No need to be shy with me, darling.” you only flushed harder. “What is it? You want to try it?” she asked, pointing at the blunt, and you nodded. She smiled. “That’s okay baby.” she promised, handing it to you, you sat up upright. “Take a small light drag, alright? Don’t want my pretty girl to choke.” you nodded, your body shivering at her cute nicknames. They always made your heart flutter. You followed her orders, but still managed to cough, the feeling of the smoke burning your throat. “Woah…” she patted your back, giving you the bottle of water you kept on your bed site table. “You okay, princess?” you nodded. “I have an idea. Give it to me.” you handed her the blunt, and she took the drag. “Come here.” and you found yourself stuttering when her free hand pushed you from the back of the neck towards her. She smirked at the blush on your face, neck and ears. Your heart was doing flips inside your chest. “Open up.” her hand now was on your face once again, her thumb on your bottom lip, pushing open your mouth. Your eyes fluttered close as she leaned closer, exhaling the smoke inside your mouth, and you inhaled, this time you throat not feeling that sore. “Good girl.” an unconscious whimper left your mouth at the praise, already feeling the effects of the weed. Ellie’s eyes shot open before a smirk took over her lips. “You liked that, baby? Like it when I call you good girl?” you blushed, but still nodded.

“Ellie…” you muttered her name, her eyes glued to her lips. Yours were too. “Can you kiss me?” you inquired, and fuck. Why did you even ask?

You moaned when her mouth met yours, her tongue pushing inside at the first change, humming and groaning. It was your first kiss, and you truly didn’t know how to kiss her back, but you knew it felt good. Too good. She noticed, pulling away. “Open your mouth and put your tongue out for me baby. That’s it.” she was back at kissing you, this time slower, so you could follow, showing you. “Fuck.” she groaned, pulling away. “I can’t. I can’t do this. You’re high. I’m high. You don’t know what you are doing.” she sighed, fighting with herself. She wanted to pin you down and keep kissing you. Pull more of those sweet sound out of your mouth.

“I know what I’m doing.” you promised, sitting on her lap. Ellie almost choked.

“Baby…” you hushed her, kissing her once again, and she groaned. “Fuck. You don’t know what you do to me.”

“Touch me, Ellie. Please…”

“Doll, please don’t.” she begged you, trying so hard to not rip your clothes and fuck you just like she had been dreaming for years on end.

“I want you, Ellie. Please…” fuck, this wasn’t supposed to go this way. Where had her shy little girl gone?

“Fuuuuuck.” she grunted when she felt your lips on her neck.

“Please, please, please…” tears were swelling in your eyes. You had been wanting to ask for it for months. But you were always too shy to ask. Listening to your best friends all talking about their first kisses, first times… You wanted that. But after weeks of thought, you had noticed that all they felt with their boyfriends; the butterflies, the nervousness, the need… You experienced it with Ellie. You liked Ellie. You liked your best friend. Your religion said it was a sin: Loving someone that was your same sex. But you couldn’t fight it anymore. ‘Cause if it was so wrong… Why would this feel so right? So good? You needed her. Humping your little cunt against your pillow was not enough. There was never enough of Ellie.

“Okay, baby. You’re okay. I’m gonna take care of you, alright?” she promised and you nodded, opening your mouth for her when she kissed you again. She turned you around and pushed you against the bedsheets of your bed, taking place in between your thighs. Your back arched when her lips found your neck, sucking bruises that you’d proudly wear tomorrow. Her hands pushed in between your bodies to hike up your skirt.

“Ellie…” you whimpered when one of her hands cupped your cunt, a wet patch adorning your panties.

“Fuck doll, you’re so wet…” you moaned when she started to circle your clit from over your panties. “That feels good?”

You nodded, your hips bucking against her touch.

“Of course it does…” she cooed, pulling from your pj’s shirt to strip you out of it, your beautiful tits spilling out and free for her hungry eyes to see. “So fucking beautiful…” her hand pushed inside your panties as her lips latched to your nipples.

“Ellie!” you cried out. Shit. This felt too good.

She smirked. “Atta girl…” she pushed one of her fingers inside your tight pussy. “Look at you… Taking my fingers so good…” your eyes rolled to the back of your head as she started to thrust it in and out.

You were moaning non-stop. Making her so fucking horny it hurt. You looked so beautiful beneath her, eyes glassy and lips swollen… She wanted to ruin you.

“That’s it. Open up for me, princess.” another finger went in, and you screamed when she hit your g spot.

“Oh god…” tears were swelling your eyes. You’d never felt this kind of pleasure. This love. Your stomach was filled with butterflies with every kiss she left on your skin. And you heart felt so warm… You loved her. You loved Ellie.

“What god baby?” she smirked. “Can god fuck you like I do? Make you feel like I do?” she inquired and you shook your head. “That’s right, he can’t. But I do. Only me.”

“Don’t stop, please Ellie, don’t stop…” you begged and she cooed.

“Look at you. Begging me. Praying at me to make you cum, aren’t you?” you nodded. “That’s right… I’m your god baby.” you moaned. “And I’d go on my knees for mine.”

“Fuck!” you cursed—something you never did— when you suddenly felt her tongue, lapping at your arousal and sucking at your clit. She grunted at your taste, eating you out like a starved woman.

“Pussy so sweet… You taste so fucking good…” she groaned, eyes heavy, pussy drunk just by one little taste.

She continued to eat you, fucking her fingers in and out of you, making your thighs shake. You were gonna cum. You couldn’t take it anymore.

“Ellie. I’m gonna…!” you tried and warn her, your back arching as fat tears slid down your cheeks.

“You’re gonna cum, baby? Gonna make a mess out of my face?” you nodded, whimpering. “Go ahead baby, cum for me. Wanna see you fall apart.”

You came with a deep moan, breathless, your walls fluttering around her fingers and making it hard for her to help you ride it as you clenched. You’d never felt anything like it. This was heaven.

Ellie came up to kiss you, her lips and chin wet in your cum. You could taste yourself on her tongue.

“You’re mine.”

When have you not been?

-

a/n; ellie is my god tbh

#ellie williams imagine #ellie williams smut #ellie williams x f! reader #ellie williams fluff #ellie williams x y/n #ellie williams #ellie williams x you #ellie williams x female reader #ellie williams tlou #ellie williams x reader #tlou #tlou fanfiction #tlou imagine #tlou fic #tlou smut #tlou fluff #tlou ellie #ellie smut #ellie x you #ellie miller #ellie x reader #ellie the last of us #ellie x fem reader #tlou2 #tlou x reader

[roksik-dnd]

UPD: I got the rest of the dev notes out!

Good news everyone! According to the dev notes, Abdirak’s sexiness to creepiness ratio is 6 to 3!

Father Abdirak is a follower of Loviatar, a goddess that thrives on inflicting pain on others. He is indulging in some private 'worship' (self flagellation). He offers to help alleviate the player's pain by giving them 'penance' - i.e, beating them. Loviatar = loh-VEE-a-tar. He is a young and charismatic preacher with a threatening edge.

Abdirak: Greetings, child. I've met few aside from goblins here.

He has paused in beating himself to stand and greet the player.

Player is one of the few non-goblins he’s met in this place. Welcomes another for conversation and discussion but there should be something vaguely threatening about him. Charismatic, sexy, and creepy all in one.

Abdirak: Ah, are you also here to assist with the prisoner?

Player: You mean the one they are torturing?

Abdirak: Please. The things they are doing to that man... so crude and primitive.

Distates. Like an expert in wine being present with a bottle from Tesco. He loves pain, he just has an issue with the lack of artistery.

Abdirak: I was invited to to teach them. I live for pain and its intricacies, you see, but alas...

Discusses eyes light up at the mention of pain but discussing it in an academic sense

Abdirak: Pain without purpose is a terrible thing, wouldn't you agree?

No horror in his voice. Discussing it like an intellectual pursuit. It is not the violence he takes issue with, it is the fact that they do it simply for fun.

Player: It's appalling.

Abdirak: Exactly, pain is an intimate thing. It should be delivered with a loving and measured hand.

Eyes light up as he discusses pain and his approach to it. This is clearly something he is passionate about and believes in.

Abdirak: But trying to discuss such subtleties with these creatures is simply...

Slightly irritated, the goblins have fobbed him off and he’s been left to his own painful devices.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Then why are you beating yourself?

Abdirak: Hah. I realise this looks strange, but I assure you, it is a most intimate form of worship.

The player has pointed out that he is beating himself bloody. He smiles, his eyes lighting up as he begins to explain. He believes in what he is doing.

Abdirak: You see, pain is a loving thing. But trying to explain it to these goblins has proven...

Passionate and enthusiastic as he explains. Pain and its infliction is his pride and joy.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: I thought a follower of Loviatar would approve of pain.

Abdirak: You know the Maiden of Pain? How refreshing. But there is more to us than that.

Eyes light up as he discusses pain. Considers pain and its intimacies a form of therapy and even art, but he knows that not everyone will feel that way about Pain, or his Goddess, Loviatar.

Abdirak: Yes, we worship her through pain - often our own. But it is an intimate and loving thing and one we offer up.

Abdirak: If you would permit it, I can show you first-hand.

He is offering to beat the player with a weapon of choice, This is a sincere and genuine offer, He believes in what he is doing and that it will, ultimately, help the player.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: What's a follower of the Maiden of Pain doing here?

Abdirak: Ah, you are familiar with the Scourge Mistress? Good. I am simply spreading her message, friend.

A smile. The player has realised that he worships an evil goddess. He knows he is likely not going to win this argument on the merits of pain and torture, but he is sincere as he explain how he worships his goddess.

Abdirak: I worship her through pain - usually my own. But I have a skilled hand when it comes to its infliction.

Abdirak: Care to expand your horizons? It will be worth it - you have my word.

A smile as he offers to, basically, beat the player. It is a sincere and genuine offer, he believes it will help.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Who invited you? A goblin?

Abdirak: Yes. One who claims to be a master of pain. Tch.

Player has asked who invited him here. It was a goblin who is torturing someone next door. His tone is dismissive. He believes the goblin doesn’t know what he’s doing.

Abdirak: Pain is intimate and loving. But trying to discuss that with these creatures…

Irritated in the opening line, but then his eyes light up and he smiles as he discusses PAIN. It is his life’s passion and something he is enthusiastic about.

Abdirak: Forgive me, but that look in your eyes - something terrible has happened to you.

He’s looking the player in the eyes and is concerned - he can see the player has been hurt (emotionally) and is worried. This is sincere.

Player: That’s none of your concern.

Abdirak: Do not be ashamed, child. What I see in your eyes, in your soul, is only natural.

Player has told him to bugger off, basically. Abdirak assumes the player is embarassed, he is sincere - he has seen pain in the player’s eyes and wishes to comfort him.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: Clever man. How did you know?

Abdirak: Because I see those same eyes when I look in the mirror, dear one.

Player has asked how he knew something terrible had happened them. Abdirak sadly replies. He is think of his own traumatic past, which ultimately led him to turn to Loviatar as a way coping with the trauma.

Abdirak: We've all suffered in these dark times. It is little wonder you bear scars of pain and anguish.

He is trying to comfort and connect with the player.

Abdirak: Please let me alleviate this pain.

hesitates on the word ‘alleiviate’. He believes that the beating he is about to offer will genuinely help. Sincere. Said with a smile.

Player: And how would you do that?

Abdirak: As the Maiden of Pain, the goddess Loviatar, teaches us...

Player has asked about the ‘penance’ Abdirak has suggested. Explaining about his goddes Loviatar. Sincere. Believes pain is a beautiful thing. Voice more sexy than creepy.

Abdirak: ...through penance - administered by my skilled hand.devnote

Abdirak: My work can grant peace and serenity - the likes of which few experience. It will be worth it - I promise.

He gestures to the table, where a selection of weapons lays ready. The priest should look very sincere in this scene. He genuinely thinks he’s helping you.

Player: Touch me and you'll lose your hand.

Abdirak: Is that a promise?

Player has threatened him with physical violence. He is delighted. Almost winks as he says this.

Abdirak: A pity though. You would know such sweet relief at my hands.

sighs at the player’s rejections. Sounds charismatic and sensual as he thinks of the beating he would have inflicted on the player.

Abdirak: Now, if you'll excuse me, I should return to my own worship.

plans to return to self flagellation. Looking forward to it.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: I've no interest in the teachings of such an evil goddess.

Abdirak: Pain is pain, dear one. It is above 'good' and 'evil'. devnote

Player has told him that his goddess is evil and that he wants to part in this practice. His argument about pain is sincere, he sees it as neither good nor evil, simply as proof that we are alive - and that is worth worshipping and experiencing.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: No - Shar has already claimed me.

Abdirak: A shame - the Mistress of the Night and the Maiden of Pain could have such fun together.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: All right, why not?

Abdirak: Oh, I have something exquisite in mind.

Player has agreed to the beating/penance. Excited. Sexually charged. Already imaging the pain he is about to inflict.

Abdirak: But wait - you are hurt. Please tend to your wounds before we begin your penance.

Player has agreed to do penance but their health is too low. The priest is warning that they must heal first. Genuine and sincere, he doesn’t want to hurt them.

Abdirak: I prefer a fresh canvas.

A smile as he says this - vaguely sexual overtones.

Abdirak: Dear child, I told you - take care of those wounds, and we will begin your penance.

Player has tried to come to him for penance but is still wounded. Tone gently chiding, as if speaking to a child.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Both Loviatar and I are interested in how you handle pain, dear one.

Abdirak: And should you delight her, you will most assuredly receive her gracious blessing - trust me.

Abdirak: Simply face the wall, and we can begin.

Gestures to the wall.

Authorative tone but also a warning. He wants to hurt the player but not badly, and not outside of his realm of control. Safety first!

---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Dear child, tell me: would you like to continue your worship of Loviatar, Maiden of Pain?

Player started the penance and then cancelled it. Voice low, sexual as he invites them to finish what they started together.

---------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Sweet child. While I enjoyed that, I'm afraid your reaction was... lacking.

Voice low and intimate. Player did penance but did not react correctly. He regrets that the player does not get a reward (but he had a great time, which is all he really cares abotu)

---------------------------------------------------------------

Abdirak: Sweet child, you bore the pain like a true believer.

Penance is finished. He’s a little breathless after beating the player near senseless. Voice is low and intimate.

Abdirak: I could feel Loviatar's pleasure with every sting of my scourge.

Abdirak: I am proud to have served you this penance.

Got his breath back a little. Voice is low and intimate.

Player: I asked you for mercy!

Abdirak: I know, dear one. That was my favourite part.

Player has told him that they had begged for mercy during the penance. Smile on Abdirak’s face as he recalls that moment.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Player: It was an... interesting experience.

Abdirak: Interesting is an understatement, dear one.

voice low and intimate, as if speaking to a lover.

Abdirak: Loviatar herself found your performance... inspiring. She has deemed you worthy of her blessing.

Voice intimate and filled with admiration. His goddess has chosen to bless the player - a sacred gift.

This can be anything - for reaching a hand out and gently passing it over the player to holding both hands out and closing his eyes in concentration as he passes on the blessing. As long as it is something that indicates that a spell/blessing is happening, it can be anything.

Abdirak: And on a personal note, thank you. That was positively divine.

This is a low, sultry. Almost whispered in the player’s ear. Sexy and intimate. But also creepy as all hell.

This is from the datamined dialogue.

#baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #abdirak #there was supposed to be a scourge too! #a whip is mentioned elsewhere #gods I wish it was added #being mauled or knifed just isn't the same #datamining #dev notes

[vrmxlho]

-ˏˋ ur socials as rin’s gf ˊˎ-

-`♡ ´- liked by isagi_11, 666666 and 1.9k others

yn: bless us, o god. bless our food and our drink. since you redeemed us so dearly and delivered us from evil, as you gave us a share in this food so may you give us a share in eternal life

tagged: itoshi_rin

666666: who needs a prayer book when you have user yn on insta 😍

↳ yn: i'm always saving them trees 🙏

eggod: why'd you photoshop rin's face on my body dawg 🤣

↳ yn: LMAOOO

↳ yn: you got me 😒

itoshi_rin: can't even enjoy a pink sky in peace

↳ yn: you're lucky i haven't strangled you yet

↳ itoshi_rin: when i die, they will use this as evidence to convict you

↳ yn: i'm so scared 😱

-`♡ ´- liked by karasu, mikage and 876 others

yn: my personal bag holder kinda cute

tagged: itoshi_rin

itoshi_rin: not as cute as you

↳ yn: ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

↳ itoshi_rin: that was so cringe oml

↳ yn: SHUT UP

mikage: who tfs taking your pics is my question

666666: is he bothering u bae

↳ yn: no nagi he is not 🙄

isagi_11: theres something next to u dont move

↳ itoshi_rin: kys

-`♡ ´- liked by eggod, kaisersexc and 3.1k others

itoshi_rin: my lovely

tagged: yn

yn: i am no man's property 😡😡😡

↳ itoshi_rin: ok

↳ yn: ❗❗❗

megsbachira: food <3

↳ itoshi_rin: thank you for confirming you have eyes

↳ megsbachira: yn come get yo man he's acting out again 😟

↳ yn: rin please be nice

↳ itoshi_rin: no

↳ yn: sorry megs he can't be helped 😞

-`♡ ´- liked by mikage, chigiri and 1.3k others

yn: pt 2

tagged: itoshi_rin

chigiri: wake up break up!!!!

666666: how're u letting it touch you 😧

↳ yn: IT?????

↳ itoshi_rin: you should say goodbye to ur neck nagi

↳ 666666: pls i promise that was a joke 😥

itoshi_rin: i better not see anyone else ever hold your bags

↳ yn: ofc not bby ❤️‍🩹

#also i’m sorry this isn’t gn #but i can’t find any pics that are like 100% androgynous :(((( #blue lock #blue lock x reader #blue lock x you #bllk x reader #bllk x you #bllk #bllk headcanons #bllk anime #blue lock headcanons #nagi blue lock #blue lock rin #rin x y/n #rin itoshi #rin x you #rin x reader #blue lock chigiri #blue lock fluff #blue lock smau #bllk smau #itoshi rin #nagi seishiro #nagi x reader #seishiro nagi #nagi x you #eita otoya #otoya eita #meguru bachira #reo mikage

[the-travelling-witch]

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Anemo as the 5 Love Languages ﾟ☾. ࿐

summary: everyone gives affection a different way, so how about our favourite anemo users?

pairings: xiao : venti : scara : heizou : kazuha x gn!reader

warnings: minor spoiler for 3.3 archon quest [scara]

a/n: wow this really sat in my drafts since august, so much so that i still had aether in instead scara (so sorry, love)

XIAO

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Gift Giving ࿐ྂ

Xiao is still very new to relationships in general, romantic ones even more so, seeing as he kept others at least an arm length away at all times, so the prospect of openly showing his affection is daunting to him

He knows he’s not the best with words, thinks his statements are too blunt and sharp to deliver these confusing feelings in his chest, and he’s wary of his karmic debt tainting you if he reaches for you

So he settled for something familiar to him; by giving you adeptus charms, not only is he warding off evil spirits, he’s also bestowing a handmade gift upon you, something he’s observed mortals doing throughout the millennia, no matter the era

Before, he merely thought they were doing it to appease their partners, but after the first time he gave you a protective charm, he felt his heart flutter at your genuine gratitude and a warm sensation flooding his chest at the heartfelt smile you gave him

He was absolutely hooked

From then on out, he not only made you little talismans but also beaded accessories and decorative trinkets or brought back things he saw while doing his duty and thought you might like

And do not get him started on the rush of excitement he feels when he sees you tying them to your clothes or bag, proudly showing off his gifts or diligently caring for the flowers sitting pretty in a vase 

When he asked you about it and you merely replied “It’s like you’re always with me” as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, Xiao needed some time to get his thoughts and emotions back in order

Maybe showing affection wasn’t so bad after all…

VENTI

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Physical Touch ࿐ྂ

Of course it takes two for this love language to be established but Venti is the one initiating physical contact most of the time

It’s mostly small touches throughout the day, like pushing a strand of hair out of your face or straightening out your clothes when he notices some creases; it’s also very adorable when he latches onto your arm to show you something or swings your intertwined hands around when walking together

Despite being in a relationship already, Venti has made up his mind to try and woo you all over again in your day to day life, so expect the brush of his knuckles on your cheek or a cheeky kiss to the back of your hand

He also loves it when you sit next to him or in his lap (or he in yours) while he sings and plays the lyre; if someone makes the trip out to Windrise on a sunny day, there’s a high likelihood they’ll hear a soft melody accompanied by joyous giggles

All that being sad, Venti also uses physical affection to be a brat (<3)

From clinging to you, so you wouldn’t be able to get up to draping himself over you from behind while you’re working, it’s all a ploy to monopolise your attention but he’ll stop if it’s genuinely bothering you

Playfulness aside, there’s one element of physical touch that only comes to show when it’s solely the two of you, often late at night when the world has gone quiet and ugly memories are rearing their head

Whether it’s him holding you or you holding him, the weight of your body against his, hands trailing each others’ skin and warmth being shared, it helps ground him in the present and serves as a welcome reminder that you’re still here next to him, safe and sound

SCARAMOUCHE

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Acts of Service ࿐ྂ

If directly confronted with the topic, Scara would merely scoff at the notion of being in love or being „soft“ for you but as always, his actions speak louder than words 

He subconsciously looks out for you without giving the matter too much thought, making sure you’re okay and taken care of almost like it’s second nature to him

Ever since the Irminsul incident, he’s become more aware of his relationships and his treatment of the people around him and while he’s still far from being soft-spoken and lovey-dovey, he’s trying to come to terms with his feelings for you and also acting on them

Scara wouldn’t ever tell you but he’s truly scared his words would come out wrong if he tried to tell you verbally or he‘d somehow hurt you when initiating physical contact (although he’s so careful with you ), so he finds it safer to do small tasks for you, trying to make your life a little more comfortable 

It started out as him just wanting to make sure you‘d consider him useful to you, so you wouldn’t abandon him, but with a lot of reassurance from your side he grew more secure in your relationship and found genuine joy in doing little things for you and gladly baskes in your gratefulness (even if he gets a little too smug about it, just bear with it)

HEIZOU

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Quality Time ࿐ྂ

Lives can be stressful and hectic, keeping two people from seeing each other as often as they’d like; that’s why for Heizou every second he can spend with you is to be cherished

More often than he’d like, his job has him investigating far away from home for an indefinite amount of time and all he wants to do when he comes back is indulge in your presence until he’s satisfied

One of his favourite activities has to be solving puzzles with you; whether it’s jigsaw or some kind of logic puzzle, he’s genuinely enjoying seeing your thought process just as much as having you next to him

Likewise, just doing your own respective thing while existing in the same space is a very welcome form of calming down and unwinding; there’s something rather domestic about it and it’s making him all giddy (he is a romantic at heart)

He’s also found that whenever he's stuck on a case, talking things through with you helps tremendously; you don’t necessarily need to provide any professional input or expertise but just listening to him while he goes through all the available clues out loud provides him with a new angle on the situation; obviously, he will patiently sit and listen whenever you need to vent or clear your head as well

KAZUHA

⇢ ˗ˏˋ Words of Affirmation ࿐ྂ

Is it a surprise that Kazuha’s giving love language is words of affirmation?

With his natural aptitude and interest in poetry of all sorts, he supposes it only makes sense he would love to show his affection for you in the most expressive way he can

One thing about Kazuha, every word he speaks, he also means; so while he showers you in praise and reassurance, it’s always genuine and you can hear it in the sincerity of his voice and see it in the certainness of his pen strokes

Subconsciously or not, even when he’s not trying to write about you, he’ll often find a familiarity in his works as he examines them afterwards, smiling fondly at the notion of you inspiring him without even trying; a muse he couldn’t forget even if he wanted to

So while you’ve come to expect his smooth compliments, you never know what form they might take; one day he is reciting his newest haiku to you, the next you find a half finished sonnet on the margin of a random piece of paper or you wake up to a carefully worded letter on your bedside table

Although, one thing that never changes, is the way he whispers sleepy confessions and sweet nothings into your ear while you’re both snuggled up in bed at night, the sound of his calm voice lulling you into a peaceful slumber (and don’t think you’re leaving his side without equally affectionate words in the morning)

tagging: @mccnstruck @teyvattales @silentmoths @ainescribe @meimeimeirin @dustofthedailylife @nsojbbkkm

#holly's potions #genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact fluff #genshin x reader #genshin fluff #xiao x reader #xiao fluff #venti x reader #venti fluff #scaramouche x reader #scaramouche fluff #heizou x reader #heizou fluff #kazuha x reader #kazuha fluff #genshin impact headcanons #xiao x you #venti x you #scaramouche x you #heizou x you #kazuha x you #genshin impact x reader fluff

[faresong]

[ src ]

As I do with most things, I overthink the smaller details even for a joke comic :P

&. Here is the mock-up board I used to figure out their movesets! It's my own chess board, though I didn't quite have the energy to put its details on full display in the comic, I fear...

In any case - let's begin! To save space, I'll put the majority of this under the cut...! ^_^

First off, with the Kings; you'll note that they've already castled (a move to swap the King with the nearest Rook). While this is more strategy rather than symbolism, it does show a sense of self-preservation for both (represented by the King) and some of Kai's own strategies. Hiyori's King was at risk via the Bishop pieces in early game, which were the only aggressive pieces Kai has used thus far (and then, sacrificed. It's difficult to tell with how Hiyori sorts the discarded pieces, which I'll get into later, but those were the first ones he'd caught).

This confidence is notable, as Kai's strategies in actual battle tend to mirror the Bishop - someone who weaves in to attack and primarily relies on his own agility to avoid attacks (as the Bishop can cross the full board at an angle to attack a piece that hadn't expected its presence, almost like... an advanced pawn, in that sense.)

Additionally, the Bishops' name invokes a similar religious connotation of Sage. To that end: Bishops represent faith, in Asunaro. Kai has long lost his blind loyalty to Asunaro, but Hiyori still clings to it in a very literal sense. Existence in Asunaro is justified upon loyalty, and yet his existence exists outside of Asunaro's standard ideals; he does not agree with everything it's done, nor does he wish to stay in the same, boring mould that most agents do (the combination of which resulted in the initial blow to his faith that has already killed one of his bishops). However, as he was raised in it, it remains his guidepost - and when the Bishop falls from his hand, when he is first killed by Alice, that is the start of his demise. No longer does he hold any line of defense to prove himself worthy of upholding Asunaro.

...& without his mother, represented by the Queen, to keep that path intact, it is much easier to completely end him. While difficult to infer from the current board, the Queen was one of the only lines of defense for the King in its previous spot.

Kai had stolen the Queen with his Rook, which is now in danger due to some of Hiyori's following plays. Some of Kai's first moves are shifting the 'army' as a whole forward so he may confidently advance, which resulted in him lining up his pawns to defend one another on his left side. However, this now meant that his pawn on G6 could not be used to defend his Rook (in consecutively capturing whatever piece (presumably the Knight) had gotten to it) when Hiyori approached it with his Knight instead of using his other Knight on E4 to capture Kai's Knight on F6, as was expected. Now, they're locked in a tense standstill that has forced Kai into a position where he is now the one to take initiative - which really does symbolize a lot of their interactions in my AU. Each exchange is lined with attempts at provocation to have Kai slip up, somewhere, and reveal his 'true colors' as an Asunaro agent; as someone to live up to the rumors and title that have surpassed him.

Additionally, as can be implied with the state of the board, Hiyori had begun a 'Scotch Opening' to attempt to get close to Kai, only for Kai to counteract it with his many defensive plays. Kai is much more reserved in terms of what moves he's making, and tends to return enough to set up this consecutive defense (where Hiyori captures one piece, Kai captures his; it places value in weighing the individual piece's abilities to determine whether a risk is worth it).

Meanwhile, Hiyori's remained extremely aggressive in most of his plays. He's spread across the board, yet will not move his pawns unless he has immediate use for them (usually as sacrifice); while this has been largely to his detriment (losing the Queen), he isn't entirely out of the running with his Knights. These are pieces that you often have to account for possible pathing of, as any inconvenient misstep can result in being forced to restrict your own movement after the Knight has unexpectedly shifted positions.

In any case... that's about it :] but here are a few last notes:

- Hiyori arranges the captured pieces by sections of how dangerous they were, as though they're prizes. - By contrast, Kai simply arranges them to have the most recent capture closest to him. - Kai plays the black pieces as it is also a factor in his usual fighting style (observing the other's movement before he swipes in), as well as the fact he still defines himself by his relation to 'darkness' - he has repeatedly been unable to let go of it, though it shines most obviously in YTTS. - I just think it's funny if a part of Asunaro's alliance with mafia in other nations (implied in Kurumada's past-episode) resulted in them being commissioned a chess sets as a gift, which Kai and Hiyori are using instead of shōgi. If I hadn't been tired, I definitely would've liked to pattern the rim of the board to keep up that pristine/formal appearance. - However, even with the above reasoning^ I think it'd make sense (with my personal headcanon of him being multilingual as well) for Hiyori to dig into various cultural history & games to find particular strategies. He's intensely fascinated by humans, and more importantly, the sociable dynamics/aspects of it. I'm sure he picked it up quickly. - Chess also falls in line with this strategy of wanting to keep control throughout, which definitely plays into some of Hiyori's genuine fears of losing his control on various situations. Of course, this means that losing would certainly be a hit to his pride, but in the meanwhile this is just a very minor thrill for him... gets his heart racing each time he adapts to regain his standing. I'm sure it's better to toy with another Asunaro agent, too; preferable to civilians who can become predictable after a time. Chess is simply a microscopic version of the dynamics of social conversation - and unlike social conversation, Kai is forced to play the game through to its fullest rather than depart halfway (as he often does, creating his own exits before Hiyori gets to truly prod at him, with all the courtesy you'd expect...)

#I hope this makes sense ^_^; <3 welcome to my twisted mind...!! #// #yttd #kai satou #sou hiyori #midori yttd #speak #meta #deliver us from evil

[nastasya--filippovna]

WHO IS CROWLEY AFTER THE FALL?

so there is a LOT of debate over who Crowley was before The Fall. I have seen a lot of headcanons going around the place saying he was Raphael or Kokabiel or Baraqiel.

I mean this is the Exhibit A for saying that Crowley is Baraqiel. I think NOT.

Because this is a handbook written by demons for demons. The title is literally (if my memory serves me right) a guide to angelic beings that walk the earth. SO Crowley is not That..

Other than the red hair thing, no other physical characteristic matches. This Baraqiel guy sounds like an absolute gremlin. grisly slug, occasionally damp. NOT CROWLEY. I mean she's the most dashing thing around.

NO. #3 It says CROWLEY one line above the name Baraqiel. If Crowley is Baraqiel then why would his demon name appear right under that?????

And I think somewhere Neil Gaiman refuted this theory (I'm not really sure but I think so plz don't come at me with pitchforks if I got it wrong). So.......

But this is all beside the point. What I'm trying to say is that too much has been said about who Crowley was before he fell. There is very little, if not none, that has been said about who he was After.

Some say that he's an insignificant demon or some loser guy in Hell or whatever the equivalent of an angel principality deputy on Earth is.

I BEG TO DIFFER.

He is Important. Just look at the kind of assignments he's given. Original Sin, Major Historical Temptations and Evil Acts, Delivering the Antichrist and bringing about Armageddidn't.

But who is he exactly??????????

So canonically we're never told what Crowley's rank in Hell is. But there are more that enough hints for us to figure that out for ourselves.

But where does one place him when the hierarchy is so complex and varying across different historical and theological sources.

Such as here:

I have been thinking about this and I have two current theories

Crowley is Astaroth

Crowley is The Leviathan

I'll discuss only one in this post. I'll save the other for the next post.

Now book!Omens clearly tells us that Crowley or Crawley is not his real demonic name. For those who haven't read the book this happens when Hastur Lavista and Ligur come to hand over the antichrist to Crowley in the churchyard and as he's about to sign his name as "Crowley" they tell him to sign his real demonic name.

Are you with me?!!!!!

NANNY ASHTORETH!

Why did she use this particular name for her nanny disguise. What if...... what if this IS her real demon name.

A lot of my real life friends are annoyed beyond measure by my constant ranting about etymologies, origin and construction of discourse and epistemology, especially when it comes to presenting my thesis over how all Abrahamic religions and their symbology and iconography is, how do I put it, inspired from pagan religions that they expunged. I mean the concept of angles, the man shaped being with wings that is actually just a ball of fire or eyes or hale discs or sth is a pagan Persian concept.

Back to the matter at hand.

Ashtoreth, Astaroth, Astarte, Ishtar, are all the same name in different dialects and languages. All of these refer to a certain Babylonian goddess. When the People of God probably cleansed off all the infidels they decided to literally demonize their god and name a demon after her. In Milton's Paradise Lost Astaroth is one of the three princes or Grand Dukes of Hell alongside Beelz and Lucifer. If this theory might be true Crowley is a Prince/Grand Duke of Hell.

Now this gets even more interesting. Ashtoreth, Astarte, whatever you may, is a goddess of fertility and is associated with childcare. I mean at this point I just stopped to marvel at the attention to detail that Mr. Gaiman's work hold, the smallest hidden meanings in the storytelling.

Another thing. The Babylonians built these temples called ziggurats to worship Astarte and they looked something like this

and this

they were also known as sky temples.

Because Astaroth was first and foremost the goddess of stars and the Babylonians were stargazers and the temples were constructed as a stairway to heaven to take them closer to the stars and functioned as an observatory at times.

I'm just imagining Crowley turning up in ancient Babylon and with her other-worldly looks, knowledge of the stars and compassion for children they just..... started to worship her.

Before the Christians came and declared them pagans and the rest is history.

Continued in next post for the second theory......

#good omens #crowley #nanny ashtoreth #nanny crowley #neil gaiman #ineffable husbands #good omens season 2 #good omens meta #good omens brainrot #paradise lost #john milton #christianity #Babylon #history #religious iconology #meena rants #witers on tumblr #azicrow #aziraphale x crowley #go s2 #go season 2 #give me season 3 or give me death #bible fanfiction #leviathan #demons #angels #Astarte #Ashtoreth #Ishtar #etymology

[girlactionfigure]

🇮🇱💔 She was a ray of light in the world, kind hearted, gentle and loving. Her smile was something you could see from afar. It took 11 days before she was identified and the message reached her home. Her mother had a request to identify herself, but the man who delivered the message said "There is nothing to identify" and added "We have a piece of her spine and 3 teeth."

This is the story of Karin. On october 7, 2023 She went to the Nova event with her friends and didn't back down even though she was recovering from a broken leg. At 08:42 Karin called her mother and said: "Mom, we're being shot at, I'm scared to death." If anything happens to me, I love you. We are being shot at with live fire. " and she hung up.

But Karin couldn't run. She arrived at the designated ambulance parked in Nova, it was supposed to be a safe place, but the terrorists fired an RPG into it as soon as they discovered people inside. They were all burned alive. 137 days after that morning, a package arrived at her house, inside, what was left of a watch in her hand.

This is a story of a lifetime and dreams that were cut short. A story of absolute evil versus pure good. This is the story of the angel Karin who didn't return from the nova. She's smiling in heaven now. Her spirit is with us forever.

@noamagid The memorial page of the late Karin Durno @remember_karinjourno

melissaschapman

#Israel #October 7 #Hamas Massacre #Nova Music Festival #💔😢

[mirai-e-jump]

Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger Character Book: We're KING!!!!!! Main Cast Member Interviews (translations below, LONG POST)

Taisei Sakai (Gira Husty) Interview

-Have a backbone when facing as Gira-

"When you were first accepted for the role, what did the Director and Producer tell you about Gira's character?"

Sakai: When all the cast members got together for the first time, we were given all our materials, and I spoke with Director (Kazuya) Kamihoriuchi, who told me, "Be yourself when playing Gira." At first, I didn't really understand it, but as filming progressed, I slowly began to understand what he meant. Gira is very genuine with his emotions. When he's mad, he's mad, when he's sad, he's sad, and his facial expressions are distinct, so I interpreted it in my own way, by acting honestly, and even now, I'm still mindful of that when performing.

"Gira's brother and former king of Shugoddam, Racules Husty, thought of his citizens as tools, and while it was meant to oppose him, Gira sometimes called himself, "The evil king." What are your thoughts on this?"

Sakai: I think it's something that comes out unexpectedly, like when my emotions start to overflow, or when I have something I want to hide, but my personality makes me unable to lie. It's also the same for when I want to motivate myself.

"Is it difficult switching between that and regular Gira?"

Sakai: It was difficult. Director Kamihoriuchi gave me detailed instructions on the emotional flow of going from regular to evil, and then from evil to regular, and I'd practice alot even after going home.

"You seem to do alot of preparation before you start filming."

Sakai: Yeah. I think it's important to spend time going over the script in order to get into the role. I imagine everything from, "Why is Gira in this place?," "What types of food did Gira eat growing up?," "What kinds of kids does he spend time with, and how does he play with them?" By doing so, I feel that I can easily get into the role.

"You have a unique way of delivering lines, it's abit literary, isn't it?"

Sakai: I looked up things in the dictionary, like the meaning of, "One tree, one plant"* (laughs). But, while it's important to understand the meaning, I also think it's important to know who Gira's speaking to and with what kind of emotion, so I try to be aware of that. (*Japanese idiom)

"It's been about six months since filming began. Are there any areas where you feel Gira has grown?"

Sakai: Recently, I became more aware that I'm king. As king, Gira struggles with what he should be doing going forward, but I feel that he's grown compared to the first episode. I've learned alot from my conflicts with the other kings, such as with Yanma (Gast) and Hymeno (Ran), and while I haven't changed at my core, I'm gradually becoming more mature.

"Once more, when playing the role, what do you consider to be the most important features of Gira's character?"

Sakai: He's the type of person who's straightforward and expresses his emotions more than the other kings, so that's probably the most important thing I'm conscious of. When I'm happy, I look happy, when I'm mad, I look mad…and so on. I myself am not the type of person to express my emotions very much, so I try to be conscious of raising my "gears" 2-3 times to get as close to Gira as I can.

"As filming progressed, did you feel more comfortable being Gira?"

Sakai: I think so, recently I felt that I'm finally getting used to it. But, I still have a long way to go. I can do "angry" and "sad," with ease, but "happy" is still difficult for me. The way I feel is something I'm still struggling with.

"Conversely, what do you enjoy about performing?"

Sakai: The times when I can act as myself. When I can communicate well with those around me and think, "This scene will definitely turn out good," I feel very fulfilled. When I can absorb myself into a role, I don't feel strange when I watch my performance in the broadcast. However, there are times where I'll already have something to reflect on during filming, and when I see the broadcast I'll think, "I could have expressed myself better there."

"You get so into your role, that we were surprised to hear that you're the type of person who doesn't show much emotion, so were you surprised when you were chosen to play Gira?"

Sakai: Gira's slightly outgoing, innocent, and straightforward personality may have been something I could've identified with, but even so, it still felt like something I wasn't expecting. Everyone around me is so amazing at their performance, that I wondered, "Was I really the right person for this role?" At the time, I really felt this way.

"At the time of this book's publication, episode 26 will have aired, but please tell us about any memorable scenes or lines."

Sakai: The scene with Racules in episode 20. Gira's objective since the first episode has been to defeat Racules, but it was very difficult to maintain that objective throughout those 20 episodes. In this episode, Gira says to Racules, "I'll surrender if you apologize to everybody and become a king who'll work to protect them." When I said that line, I perfected it after thinking back on the events from the first episode, so it's a scene that I'm very attached to. Furthermore, It was also a turning point for us because (Masato) Yano-san, who plays Racules, would be stepping away from filming.

"Do you think that the talent of Yano-san was a big part of the reason for that scene turning out good?"

Sakai: I've really learned alot from him. We've worked together on other productions in the past, he's been a great help to me in my private life, and of course, he's consulted with me alot on set. To me, he's like a big brother I can rely on.

"How's the action in the scenes where you fight without transforming?"

Sakai: About a day before filming, Action Director (Watanabe) Jun-san gives us a chance to practice in the studio. I'm not that good at action, so if I don't practice, I might have a hard time later. The sword is also heavy, so the action scenes were already difficult. I'm going to do my best at improving my sword fighting skills.

"In the movie "Adventure Heaven," which released this past July, there was a scene where you and Shido Nakamura, who played the role of Reiniol, the first king of Shugoddam, had a fight, and so the practicing continued."

Sakai: Once again, by being apart of the Super Sentai series, it's given me the opportunity to experience not only acting, but also action, dubbing, variety and a wide range of other things, I'm very grateful for this. Also, another moment that left an impression on me, was the dialogue with Kuwagon (mechanical lifeform "Shugod" Gira fights alongside) in episode 25. Chatani Kazuyuki-san gave me detailed directions, and through trial and error, shot the scene about 5 or 6 times. At first, I was saying my lines unconventionally, but the Director told me to just perform it from the heart. The Director then encouraged me to add inflection to my lines. By changing my attitude, I was able to really get into the scene, and I felt a good response with this change, so it's a scene I'd like everyone to watch again.

"In episode 26, Gira's line of, "If you make the first move, you're evil, if you win, it's called justice, none of it even matters. All that really matters is….who can apologize first," was also memorable.

Sakai: As of this interview, we haven't shot that scene yet, but it's a scene that I really treasure. I'm currently thinking of a plan for how to act out the scene where I make the sincere apology.

"It shows that Gira is a person truly worthy of being king."

Sakai: It shows the size of Gira's capability, doesn't it? I think Gira's grown in this respect compared to the beginning of the series.

"Also, for a time, Gira often wore disguises to hide the fact he survived, were any of them memorable?"

Sakai: It would have to be the pillbug looking "Pilltaxi" suit I wore in episode 15. As I said in my dialog, it really was super hot to wear (laughs). The filming took place during the time of season where either short sleeves or long sleeves were appropriate, but first, I had to wear yellow tights, 2 down jackets on top, carry a heavy shell on my back, and put on goggles and headphones…..It was very hot and I also had to do action scenes, so while it was alot of fun, it was also pretty difficult (laughs).

-Moving straight ahead to create a "Good Country!-

"Next, please tell us about your impressions of the other kings. Let's start with Yanma."

Sakai: I have the most scenes of conflict with Yanma, but, he's also my partner. Aoto Watanabe (who plays Yanma), also puts his emotions into his performance, which then turns on my "switch," and allows me to give it my all. Gira is usually pretty direct, but I think he's most direct with Yanma. It feels like we're alittle special. When Gira rushes to Yanma's side in episode 17, it made me think that we share a very passionate friendship.

"By the way, how do you think Gira feels when Yanma calls him "Octomush"?"

Sakai: I don't think he has any complaints (laughs). If anything, it makes me think, "Ah! He called for me!" I guess it feels the same as being called "Gira" normally. Currently, being called "Octomush" has become normal. That's why I was alittle surprised when Yanma said "Gira" in episode 17, even though Gira wasn't around.

"Please also tell us about Hymeno."

Sakai: I often clash with Hymeno as well. In episode 14, when Hymeno was about to go down a slightly different path as king, Gira strongly says, "Is this the face you want your people to see?" However, from an objective view, I feel that Gira is treated like a toy by Hymeno (laughs). I'm sure Gira doesn't think anything of it, but from my point of view, it's an interesting relationship.

"What about Rita Kaniska?"

Sakai: I think Rita is the one Gira respects the most. Of course, everyone else also respects them. The scene in episode 5 where they pass judgment saying, "If I say he's not guilty, he's not guilty!," it was so cool that I got goosebumps. They're the opposite of Gira in terms of personality, but from Gira's point of view, they're an elder like figure who looks out for him. We haven't had many one on one scenes together, so I hope there'll be more in the future.

"Continuing on, please tell us about Kaguragi Dybowski."

Sakai: Regarding him, the way Kaguragi was towards the end of episode 15 left a strong impression on me. The concern Kaguragi has for his sister and Toufu makes him choose to side with Racules and, by extension, the Bugnarak, despite his true beliefs. The scene where Gira asks, "Isn't your heart crying?" was really memorable. Kaguragi is often misunderstood because he won't show his true feelings easily, but Gira tries to see the good in him and appears to trust him. The scene in episode 18, where Gira secretly communicated with Kaguragi behind the other king's backs, was also a wonderful one. Not just Kaguragi, but the scenes where each king showed their emotions left a lasting impression on me.

"The powerup item for KuwagataOhger, the Ohger Crown, was stolen from Racules and given to Gira, suggesting that Kaguragi also trusts Gira."

Sakai: That's right. At first glance, the relationship between the kings may seem surface level, but I feel that they've gradually started trusting each other. I thought that although the characters were different, they all faced the same direction. When I think back on it, my impression of everyone might be similar due to how Gira treats everyone the same (laughs). But, the good thing about Gira is that he doesn't change depending on the person. However, I think the way I treat Jeramie (Brasieri) is alittle different from the others. He's got a boyish spirit and is a character loved by everyone around him, so I think we share a similar character, almost like we're, "A couple of bad boys." He's alittle different from the other kings, and I expect that their relationship will become even more heated in the future.

"We'd also like to ask about your feelings towards Racules, who you've been fighting. You must have mixed feelings…."

Sakai: For me, I wasn't told about the kind of relationship they had as children. Gira is said to have little memories of those days, so it would be better if he didn't know. I'm trying to imagine if Gira was told anything by Racules, so I'm looking forward to finding out the answers to these questions in the future.

"Also, you're often able to perform with children, such as Kogane and Boone, who grew up in the same orphanage as Gira, please tell us what you keep in mind with them."

Sakai: I think it's important to have the same point of view as children. I'd make me happy if Gira's attitude was that he wanted to have fun with the children from the same perspective. The stance of wanting to have fun together from the same perspective is something that Director Kamihoriuchi told me from the beginning of the series, so I'd like to push that point further.

"Do you think there's anything about the other 5 cast members that you would actually consider to be kingly?"

Sakai: Watanabe (Yanma) has a manly spirit, which is really similar with Yanma in that respect. When we stop by a convenience store, he'll buy something for me without me knowing, and he'll do it without hesitation. He's the type who takes his acting very seriously, which I also think is really cool. When we watched "All Rush" (pre broadcast screenings) together, he'd sometimes reflect saying, "I wish I did more of this." I think he's a really passionate person. Erika-chan (Hymeno) is someone who pays close attention to her surroundings. I admire her for her thoughtfulness. Her demeanor is beautiful, and I think she's the perfect fit for the role of Hymeno. I think Yuzuki-chan (Rita) is way different from Rita (laughs). She's very approachable and mindful of her surroundings. Both Erika-chan and Yuzuki-chan are very mature, and good at being able to see the whole picture. Yuzuki-chan is also the youngest member of the main cast! Kaku-san (Kaguragi) is accommodating, offers advice, and livens up the scene. He's like a father to us, gently embracing us all with kindness. Finally, Masashi (Jeramie) didn't come off very Jeramie like at first, but lately, he's been smiling all the time and is very charming, similar to the kingly side of Jeramie. I feel that everyone has elements in their personal lives that fit the characters they play.

"Starting in September, we'll finally be entering the new chapter, Sakai-san, please give a yell of support to the current Gira!"

Sakai: Now that he's the king of Shugoddum, I think he'll have a stronger sense of responsibility for the country. I'm looking forward to seeing how Gira will deal with the other king's conflicts and the various situations that the children will face. Gira's idea of a "Good Country" is one where, "The king protects his citizens, and everyone protects those who are important to them." I believe that this goal is an expression of Gira's humanity, and I hope that he'll keep it in mind as he moves straight ahead.

_

Watanabe Aoto (Yanma Gast) Interview

-The name "Hymeno" is a privilege for Yanma only-

"What kind of character did you feel Yanma was when you read the script?"

Watanabe: My first thought was, "This guy, I think he's a really cool man!" I've always admired men who take the initiative and lead others. Yanma shows off his cool side, but is also the type of person who can expose his weaknesses. That's why those around him want to help out. I remember thinking that the role was very appealing.

"Speaking of, Yanma's main characteristic is his pompadour hair style."

Watanabe: Actually, it wasn't going to be a pompadour in the beginning, but the Director, makeup artist and I came up with the decision. At first, I suggested a perm, with a "wet" look, but they wanted something edgier, so, they started trimming my sides more and more, until we ended up with the style you see now (laughs).

"Compared to the start of filming, have you discovered any new aspects of Yanma that you find appealing, or do you feel that you've grown?"

Watanabe: At this point, I really feel that he's trying to keep his cool image. Starting with Gira, he also seems to have a good relationship with Jeramie and Kaguragi, and I think it's because Yanma's willing to open up and talk with them. Don't dismiss your friends, but make sure to express your own opinions. With that kind of attitude, I feel the respect for each and every one of them. I also really like the distance that Yanma gives when interacting with someone.

"At the time of this book's publication, episode 26 will have aired, but, please tell us about any memorable scenes or lines."

Watanabe: There are alot of scenes I like….First, there's episode 2, where I say to the people of N'kosopa, "You guys, just shut up already and follow me. I'm not going to lose to anyone!!," there's also the scene in episode 7, where Hymeno reveals her past to Yanma. The scene in episode 10, where Legend King-Ohger arrives after the passionate exchange with Shiokara (Yanma's retainer), I really liked as well. Also, there's the wacky scene in episode 11, where they discussed how to reveal to the people that Gira, who was supposed to be dead, was actually alive. Ah, also! I liked the scene in episode 14, when Hymeno suspects that Jeramie's the one who caused the "Wrath of God" (disaster from 15 years ago), and Yanma says, "Things'll become clear when you finally meet Jeramie." Instead of being like, "I'll help you," he's more, "I'll throw you a rope, but it's up to you with what you do with it," leaving it up to her to decide, which I thought was very cool and totally like Yanma. I also like the scene in episode 17, where Gira saves Yanma, who's falling apart, and then the whoopie cushion scene in episode 19, where Yanma and Jeramie talk to each other, and they’re both smiling and laughing together, I really liked that one! It was the first time where I felt that he and Jeramie were facing the same direction.

"What do you keep in mind when playing Yanma?"

Watanabe: Before filming, the Director told me about my eyes. He said that if I remained as I was, they wouldn't have any "sharpness" to them. I watched yankii movies by myself, and since Yanma is a character who leads people, I wondered, "What kind of person would people want to follow?" I also read books and biographies written by people who've held leader positions. Through this process, I've slowly developed a sense of, "The coolness of someone who leads others." Now, I'm in the process of putting out what I've been studying.

"Like what for instance?"

Watanabe: Usually when Yanma talks to people, he'll consciously turn his head at an angle to them. He'll look away and stay calm, and only makes eye contact when the moment is right. I'm especially careful of the timing for when I face the person and when I make eye contact. I think this is an important factor in expressing what I consider to be Yanma's, "distance between people".

"What are some of the challenges you face when performing?"

Watanabe: The explanatory lines…there's so many Katakana characters. But, that's pretty much it. At other times, my jacket would fall off my shoulders while I was doing action scenes (laughs). Ah, speaking of the action! Yanma's pretty weak in fights, but I myself want to play the role of a more cool Yanma, so I'm alittle torn. In the movie "Adventure Heaven," which was released in July, there was an action scene between Rita and Yanma. During filming, Yanma was being overtaken by a swarm of Sanagim (Bugnarak soldiers), but, when I looked at Rita, they looked so freaking cool beating them up. Honestly, I was abit jealous.

"So you had a hard time with the explanatory lines, huh? There are many proper nouns unique to the show, so did you struggle with the intonation, especially in the beginning?"

Watanabe: It was difficult! I struggled the most with the accent for "Shugod."

"For Hymeno's name, should it be pronounced with an accent on the "Hy" or should it be pronounced normally?"

Watanabe: Actually, only Yanma's allowed to say it normally. Everyone else is told to put the accent on the "Hy". It's a privilege only I have!

"When do you most enjoy playing Yanma?"

Watanabe: For me, with the more serious scenes, I think I enjoy them more when they're over. As a citizen of N'kosopa, I also become nervous with all the extra cast members, but at the same time, it makes me feel excited. I approached these things with the mindset of, "Yanma's someone who brought these people together," but, when I walked down the red carpet with about 300 people all staring at me, I once again felt excited and the tension started to rise.

-Whatever choice you make, choose the one you won't regret-

"Now, I'd like to know what kind of impressions Watanabe-san has about the characters that surround Yanma. First off is Gira."

Watanabe: This can be said for all the kings, but I feel that he has his own sense of justice. I think that Gira's desire to protect people, even at the cost of his life, is stronger than others. He played the role of an "evil king" to make it happen. Yanma might laugh at Gira's way of doing things, but from my point of view, I think it's very cute. I mean, he's got a cute face, doesn't he? (laughs). There's something sparkly about his moments of "nothingness," and I think it grabs the hearts of both men and women. Even when he's doing something ridiculous, he has an atmosphere that makes the people around him want to support him, which is very much in tune with being a main character.

"What do you think about Hymeno?"

Watanabe: In my opinion, among all the characters in the show, aside from Yanma, I'm fond of Hymeno. For me, I love cool female characters. Furthermore, the selfish ones are the strongest of them all, right?! I also really like the relationship between Yanma and Hymeno. When Hymeno says something like, "you lack elegance," I tend to rebel against her, but I feel like we recognize each other's beliefs. Even when they're fighting, I don't think they feel awkward, I think that they're just enjoying themselves.

"In the beginning, Yanma called her, "Hymeno-chan," but before we knew it, he just calls her "Hymeno."

Watanabe: Actually, he hasn't called her by her name since episode 3, when he called her "Hymeno-chan." He did sometimes call her "Princess," though. So, I kept waiting to see when he would call her by her name next. And then, in episode 17, he said her name for the first time in such a long time, and it was also the first time he called out to her! It was the scene where Yanma relies on Hymeno, and I said to Erika-chan, "It's finally here." I thought it was really passionate that he called out to her for the first time in such a situation. I feel that Hymeno and Yanma are subconsciously acting in a way that'll make them like each other. For instance, in episode 7, I wonder if Yanma's answer to Hymeno's question about her past could've been more heartfelt because it was Hymeno. For Yanma on the other hand, when he asked Hymeno for a favor, I really like how she always smiles and helps me. In the beginning of the story, there were scenes depicted in which it seemed that Yanma had a crush on Hymeno, but I hope that in the end, Hymeno will fall in love with Yanma. That's my wish, but when I told Erika-chan about it, she said, "No, it won't happen that way. Because Hymeno is becoming more mature, in the end, Yanma will fall for Hymeno once again." (laughs).

"(laughs). So, what about Rita?"

Watanabe: For Yanma, Rita is the most distant of the 5. That's why Rita's the only one he hasn't called by name yet. I think for Yanma, it may have to do with Rita's position as chief judge. He has respect for them, so he doesn't want to interfere too much in the decisions they make. However, when dealing with them as a person, I think Yanma's the type of person who says whatever he wants. That's why he said, "So annoying!," when Rita screams in episode 19. I personally think that since Yanma can make friends with anyone, that I'm sure he can make friends with Rita as well. Still, he doesn't know much about Rita's personality, so if he can just break down some of their barriers, then surely…..Well, I do wish Rita would atleast be alittle more honest (laughs). But, Rita just goes at their own pace.

"Next, tell us about Kaguragi."

Watanabe: For me, I think that Kaguragi-san and Racules-san are characters that are most likely popular among adults. When I auditioned for the show, there was the script for the scene in the first episode, where Gira and Racules confront each other. At that time, I very much empathized with Racules. I'm only in my mid twenties, but even I know that you can't live by empty words only. I'm the type of person who has a hard time trusting people 100% right away, so I feel that the way Racules-san and Kaguragi-san go about politics makes the most sense. Among other things, Kaguragi-san's appeal is in that he's willing to dirty his hands to protect his family and his citizens.

"What are your impressions of Kaguragi from Yanma's perspective?"

Watanabe: Even as Yanma, I don't think he'd deny the way that Kaguragi-san does things. In episode 19, When he said to Kaguragi-san, "I guess I can trust you after all," is because he doesn't do things out of self interest, and that he's more concerned with protecting Toufu than the way it appears. I think Yanma can trust him. He was considered a traitor by many of those around him, but his actions are based on his beliefs. I think Yanma recognizes these aspects of Kaguragi.

"What about Jeramie?"

Watanabe: Jeramie's real cute, huh? Although, he's abit too pretentious for my tastes (laughs). In episode 12, Jeramie's origins were revealed. I think Yanma also feels that he's cute in that, even though he's been alive for 2,000 years, he still gets pulled around by everyone around him. Furthermore, there's the scene in episode 19, where Yanma and Jeramie fistbump, and I think that Yanma wanted to have an equal relationship with Jeramie at that time. So, I was mindful of that when I played the part of Yanma getting angry for a moment in response to Jeramie's words. Also, Jeramie's really strong. So, I hope Yanma can be in a position to guide him in using that strength.

"Do you think there's anything about the other 5 cast members that you would actually consider to be kingly?"

Watanabe: They all have their own wonderful qualities. Taisei may seem like an innocent airhead, but he's also got a manly spirit. Erika-chan is someone who always thinks from the perspective of those around her. She's dignified, in a good way, and that's something I want to learn from her. Yuzuki-chan is the same, she has a keen sense of observation. For example, when she sees someone who appears to be in trouble, she tries to move towards that person to help them. It's wonderful that she's not only able to anticipate, but is also able to act properly. Kaku-san is very experienced! He's the ideal adult man. I want to be like Kaku-san someday. Finally, Masashi is very friendly. Before I realized it, we became very close. I seem to have ended up talking about what I like about the 5 of them, rather than what I think is kingly about them (laughs).

"We'd also like to ask about Shiokara, Yanma's retainer."

Watanabe: My relationship with Shiokara is also a heated one. Yanma used to be a loner, but Shiokara accepts him and has stuck around ever since. They've spent alot of time together, so he's someone Yanma trusts the most. For me, I'm very happy and grateful to have someone like Shiokara by my side. He works for me, coordinating our foreign diplomacy. And, Shiokara's someone who can speak up for Yanma, so in a way, he also acts as my "brakes."

"If you think about it, Shiokara seems to have great communication skills…"

Watanabe: That's right. That's why I think his role is to act as a connection between Yanma and other people. For example, if it were just Yanma and his citizens, there would be alot of conflict, but with Shiokara intervening, they can move things in the right direction.

"In the future, are there any situations or scenes that you'd like to play as Yanma?"

Watanabe: I have so many that I've been writing them down in my phone's memo pad (laughs). The first, would be an awakening scene. I think it's okay for someone to lose sight of themselves. If Yanma were to switch places in the scene where he says to Hymeno, "The grief of losing someone, it's a luxury I've never had," he'd probably find himself in a situation where his rationality is thrown out and his eyes are opened. Another scene would be where Shiokara is fighting, and while everyone else is worried about him, only Yanma is watching and laughing. I thought it'd be nice if the person closest to Shiokara believed in him and watches over him, and so something in Shiokara would also awaken…I think that'd be a good scene. Wouldn't it be real passionate if we could draw out Shiokara's strength even more because Yanma believes in him?! I want to try doing it!

"As we enter the new chapter, please give a yell of support for the current Yanma."

Watanabe: I want you to stick to your own style until the end, even if there are many challenges ahead. It's okay if it's different from what Yanma thinks now. For example, right now he’s saying, "I don't flatter or bow down to anyone," but when the time comes that Yanma thinks it would be better to do so, he may lower his head. I think that's just how you grow. Whatever choice you make, I hope it's one you won't regret. From now on, let's show off another new side to Yanma!

_

Murakami Erika (Hymeno Ran) Interview

-I can say, "Thank you," with all my heart-

"At the time of being cast, what kind of character was described to you?"

Murakami: The first thing I was told, was that Hymeno's beloved parents had lost their lives. I was asked to create a role based on this fact. So, I didn't ask about the specifics of her personality, rather, I developed the character of Hymeno while acting. Hymeno's character introduction on the official site states, "Extremely selfish" and, "Has no hesitation in saving someone's life." I think being selfish means to have a strong will and a strong heart that won't be discouraged by anything. With that, I think it comes from the frustration of, "I wasn't able to save my parents." The reason why Hymeno was able to move forward with determination, and not give up no matter what happens, is most likely because she's overcome the sadness of losing her parents by herself. So, when I play Hymeno, I value having that kind of backbone the most, and it became a very important point of reference in my interpretation of Hymeno.

"Compared to the beginning of filming, do you feel that Hymeno has grown in any way?"

Murakami: It would be the fact that she's started to say thank you from the heart. Hymeno has a desire for revenge due to her parents being killed when she was younger, but I think she's lived most of her life while hiding those negative emotions. But, the more I came into contact with kings from other countries, the more I had to face it. For example, in episode 14, after learning that the animation, "Together with Moffun," was created by the people of Ishabana to cheer up Hymeno, who ascended the throne at such a young age, there's a scene where Hymeno says, "Thank you," to a girl, one of her citizens. Of course, as the queen of Ishabana, I'm sure that she had much to thank her people for, but I felt that her "thank you" at that time was a sincere one that brought her back to her original mindset, which she had forgotten. I think that's where Hymeno grew the most. Also, in episode 7, Yanma tells Hymeno that, "The grief of losing someone, it's a luxury I never had," and I think that was a scene where Hymeno realized alot of things. It's discoveries like this, through the other kings, that allow her to move forward again. These kinds of changes wouldn't be possible if Hymeno was all alone. Also, no one believed her when she said that her parents hadn't died from the disaster, but were instead murdered, except for Rita, who was the only one who believed her. Episode 16 proved that the "Wrath of God" was a deliberate act. As the story progresses, Hymeno, who would've never relied on others, came to rely on everyone at important points. At the beginning of filming, I was thinking mainly about how to make Hymeno's character stand out, and how to show the relationship between the kings, but, as Hymeno has grown, I feel that I've come to grasp the role in a deeper way.

"In episode 16, Hymeno gives Rita a "Premium Chibi Moffun" as a thank you present.

Murakami: I think she was just really happy that Rita relied on her to analyze the poison, and that she opened up to them and told them about her past. Hymeno grew up with alot of love from her parents, and I believe that she really wants to interact with alot of different people. That's why her interaction with Rita reminded me of my own childhood and made me feel nostalgic. While she's a strong woman, I feel that Hymeno must have often felt lonely.

"In the film "Adventure Heaven," which was released in July, the kings visited the Kingdom of Death, and Hymeno was reunited with her parents. During filming, did you ever remember your own parents and call them?"

Murakami: I did! I talked alot with my parents before shooting that exact scene. We didn't talk about anything special, we just had a casual conversation. But, I think what Hymeno wants the most, is the daily life she had when her parents were still alive. So, while I can talk to my parents whenever I want, I imagined what it would be like if I couldn't do that anymore, and developed Hymeno's feelings from there. So basically, I tried not to decide too much for each scene in my head, but rather, I tried to decide how I would act by my movements and feeling the atmosphere of the scene.

"Was that the way you approached the role from the beginning?"

Murakami: No, in the beginning, I did things my own way. I would often come up with a plan and then go to the shoot. However, I thought that I could make the performance better if we all worked together on it, as things can change when you're working on it with someone else. I realized this in episode 17, in the scene where Yanma said to me, "I need your help to evacuate the people of N'kosopa. You're not so heartless to leave the wounded behind, are you?" When I read the script alone, I thought that Yanma would say it like he was exhausted from battle. But, in reality, he said it with a very relaxed smile on his face. I thought, "I see. I'm surprised that Yanma would do such a thing here!" I responded to him with a smile of nuance, as if saying, "You know I'm not that kind of a girl, right?" I'm sure that I wouldn't have been able to do that if I had perfected the performance by myself.

"With that, she said that she's now able to perform with more composure than when she first started."

Murakami: That's right. At first, as I read the script, I thought about each line with, "Why am I saying this here?" I would think about each line and write various things into the script. However, I thought that if I kept doing that, I'd have a hard time in the future, and that if I didn't think too much about it, I'd be more flexible if something different from what I had anticipated happened on set. In fact, my stance has changed, and I felt much more at ease when I went to one of the film sites without any script.

"When do you enjoy playing Hymeno the most?"

Murakami: There are many times. For example, in episode 16, where I tell Rita, "Thank you," and I happily hum as I leave was really fun to perform. Also, the scene where Hymeno becomes startled from when Rita screams, "Aaaaah!!," is also funny due to my amusing reaction. I like performances that are dialogue heavy, so I'll read the script, and imagine things that haven't taken form yet as I go to the set, and when I get there I think, "Ah, this person is going to do this here! Well then, I'll try to get in on it." It's really nice seeing new developments happening all the time.

"On the other hand, are there any struggles when playing Hymeno?"

Murakami: Hymeno has dealt with many difficulties in the past, so she's not easily fazed. That's why I've had a very hard time with more emotional scenes. In the film, there's a part in which I had to hold back tears during the scene where I say goodbye to my parents. If it were actually me, I would definitely start to cry, but Hymeno has the strength to endure it. During those times, it's difficult for me to distinguish between the emotions of myself and those of Hymeno.

-I sometimes offer my ideas about Hymeno's makeup-

"Hymeno's elegant behavior is appealing, but is she influenced by Murakami-san as well?"

Murakami: My grandmother was very strict about etiquette, so I was often told that I, "had elegance." In episode 14, I said to Jeramie, "You, just reveal the truth, and nothing more!" But, I've never said "You"* to anyone, so, how was I supposed to say it?! I was really worried. But, I thought that Hymeno could say it, since she's a strong woman. The more I understand Hymeno, the more I realize that she's a stronger person than I thought. My goal was, "Have a strong heart, and be someone who isn't discouraged by the smallest things," and I feel like I'm getting closer to that by playing Hymeno. In the past, when it came to acting, I often felt sad and thought, "I should've done that more like this." But now, even when I'm feeling down, I can think, "Alright, how can I reflect and put it to use next time?" (*she uses an informal way of saying "You")

"I admire women like Hymeno. She's strong, but cute."

Murakami: She really is! Hymeno is selfish, but I think being selfish is wonderful. In this generation, I think there are many people who can't say what they want, because they feel that they have to conform to their surroundings. If those people can gain even alittle bit of strength and courage from watching Hymeno, it would be a true honor for me as an actor.

"Hymeno's costumes, hair and makeup are just like those of a princess. Do the costumes and makeup turn on your "switch" as Hymeno?"

Murakami: Rather than the costumes, I feel that I look the most like a queen when I sit on my throne. There are alot of accessories around me, so I get tips on how to hold a teacup and do other gestures. Also, when it comes to the makeup, I sometimes suggest colors for my lipstick, eye shadow, and blush. I'll sometimes even bring my own cosmetics to the set.

"What are some key points of Hymeno's makeup?"

Murakami: I try to keep a good balance in the use of colors. If the eyes are darker, the lips should be lighter, and so, if the lips are darker, then the eyes should be lighter. What I'm most particular about is always having, "Curled eyelashes." When you draw Hymeno in fan art, I think it looks more like Hymeno if the eyelashes are quickly raised up!

"At the time of this book's publication, episode 26 will have aired, but please tell us about any memorable scenes or lines."

Murakami: The line in episode 21, where I say to Gira, "What's wrong with being selfish?," is catchy, and it's my favorite because it suits Hymeno so well. Also, when I sensed that Scorpi (God Scorpion) had feelings for Kabutan (God Kabuto), she says, "Are you really just friends?," and I liked how Hymeno was sensitive towards a young maiden's heart. Also, in episode 25, where she says, "I always hate it when the flowers fall. But, if I think of it as a way to scatter the seeds so more flowers can bloom, then I can accept it." That line made me happy to see Hymeno grow so much.

"Next, please tell us about your impressions of the other 5 kings. First is Gira."

Murakami: At first, I thought Gira was the type of person who would be very noisy, but when I saw how he behaved himself during the meal scene, I felt that he gave off an aura of someone who was more than just an ordinary person. In the scene where she first meets Gira, Hymeno says, "I'm interested in you," and touches Gira's chin. I remember being surprised because we had only just started filming (laughs).

"Next, tell us about Yanma."

Murakami: Hymeno is a young lady with a rich upbringing, while Yanma is a yankii who's risen up from the streets of poverty. They're complete opposites, but they have a strange relationship in that they can share some things with each other. In episode 7, when Hymeno talks about her past, Yanma doesn't stand by her, instead, he speaks from a completely different angle. But, I believe that Yanma's statement of, "That kind of consolation doesn't help people grow," was said out of kindness.

"What's your impression of Rita?"

Murakami: Rita is a neutral person, someone who attacks everything with logic, so at first, there were scenes where I was made to feel as if, "Someone I don't like very much is here." But, as I got to know them better, I found that they looked directly at Hymeno and took her more seriously than anyone else. Rita is someone who can stand by others. The back to back fight with Hymeno is my favorite scene with Rita.

"How about Kaguragi Dybowski?"

Murakami: For Kaguragi, I got the impression that he was a very hospitable, lively and pleasant guy, but, he's also deceitful and had ulterior motives, so I couldn't trust him. Even in episode 13, there's a line where Hymeno looks annoyed when she sees Kaguragi and says, "Why are you (here)…?" That foreshadowing was beautifully revealed in episode 19! You can't tell people just from looking at the surface….

"Please also tell us about Jeramie Brasieri."

Murakami: I got the impression that he was a, "Strange spider man," who didn't really know what he wanted to do. However, when he finally opened up, I realized that he just wanted to get along with everyone. From Hymeno's point of view, it's like, "Why are you doing things in such a roundabout way?!" (laughs). In episode 14, Hymeno doubted Jeramie, saying, "Are you the one who caused the Wrath of God?!," but he kept saying, "I want you to read between the lines." If you just speak properly, I'll get the message. But, it's probably because he's never been able to engage with other people before. I find his clumsiness abit endearing, so I can't just leave him be.

"Do you think there's anything about the other 5 cast members that you would consider to be kingly?"

Murakami: One day, I was on standby for my scene, but due to time constraints, we didn't film it. I was feeling alittle sad about it, but Taisei-kun encouraged me by saying, "Don't worry!" I thought his casual concern for others was like a king. For Aoto-kun…when we had just started filming, there was a time when I was feeling depressed because I felt that I couldn't act well. When I went to the filming site the next day, Aoto-kun said, "I'll give you some candy." That sort of indirect kindness is both heartwarming and comforting.

"Looking through Murakami-san's SNS, we can see that she and Yuzuki Hirakawa-san, who plays Rita, go out together on their days off and seem to get along well."

Murakami: That's right. There are separate dressing rooms for the men and women, so Yuzuyan (Hirakawa) and I spend all our time together, even when we're not filming. I sometimes call her "YuzuYuzu." She's someone who can honestly and clearly say what she thinks, and I think that's a strength similar to a king.

How about Kaguragi's Kaku So-san, and Jeramie's Masashi Ikeda-san?

Murakami: Kaku-san is the oldest of the cast members, and I can tell that he's looking out for all of us with a sense of responsibility. He plays the kind of king who surrounds everyone. Ikeda-kun is always smiling and laughing at my boring jokes. The same goes for Kaku-san, and their kindness makes me feel like they're kings with a big heart.

"Are there any situations as Hymeno that you'd like to play in the future?"

Murakami: After filming the movie, I felt there were situations where I was like, "Hymeno is strong, so I can't let these things discourage her." I would like to try something like, "(through tears) I don't want to ruin my mascara." (laughs).

"Since we're about to enter the new chapter, please give a yell of support to the current Hymeno!"

Murakami: Hymeno~! You're not only selfish, but you've also got a cute side to you. I don't know what the new chapter will look like yet, but, as long as you stay the way you are and walk the path you believe in, I'm sure you'll be fine!

_

Hirakawa Yuzuki (Rita Kaniska) Interview

-Rita is calm and quiet, but is the opposite of "cold"-

"At the time of being chosen for the role and filming began, how did the staff explain the character to you?"

Hirakawa: Since the time of the audition, I was told that Rita would be, "A character who's calm, quiet, and fazed by nothing." The word, "Immovable," came up while I was reading the script and having discussions with Pilot Director, Kazuya Kamihoriuchi-san. Also, they mentioned that the character doesn't show many emotional highs or lows. As the international chief judge, they always take a step back and look at things objectively, but, this wasn't dictated by the production team, I thought it'd be better to do that if I were Rita, so they adopted it. Even at times when I'm with everyone during filming, I try to keep one step back.

"For your role Hirakawa-san, what kind of character do you think Rita is?"

Hirakawa: Rita has many faces, including the face they show to everyone and the face they show when they're alone. At a glance, they may look like an inhumane and cold person, but, they scream alot and talk with their Moffun plushies to clear their mind, and among the 6 kings, I feel that they're surprisingly humane. But, on the other hand, they also have a role as chief judge, and there are times when they have to stand in front of a crowd as king. Even in our normal lives, there's a sharp contrast between when we're working and when we're having fun. I'm sure that Rita feels that way too. Because Rita has so many sides to them, it's easy for viewers to relate to each side and way of life, and I think that's why we've received so much positive feedback. Furthermore, Rita often confronts people with the harsh truth of their situations, but it's proof that they've seen and dealt with them properly. If there's even abit of doubt, they investigate with their own eyes and legs.

"Compared to when you first started filming, what are some new things you've discovered about Rita recently, and how do you feel they've grown?"

Hirakawa: When we first started filming, we only received the scripts for 2 episodes, so I though, "What's going to happen to Rita?" In episode 5, which is Rita's first main episode, the scene where they talk with Moffun I had already performed during the audition, so I an idea that such a scene would be included. As I read the scripts and acted in episode 5 and so on, my image of Rita finally solidified in my mind. Thinking about it again, I've recently started to show my own personality in front of everyone.

"The scene with Morfonia in episode 10 was particularly memorable."

Hirakawa: That's the scene where, through Moffun, Morfonia said to me, "If the world's going to end, why not ask for someone's help just once? Moffun wants to stay together with Rittan." At that time, I think the feeling of, "I have to tell you what I'm thinking," developed within Rita. As a result of having the courage to show their true feelings to Morfonia, I felt that they had become less of a barrier to those around them. It was a moment where I felt that Rita had grown by taking a step forward on their own.

"You mentioned earlier about your position. What else do you keep in mind when playing Rita?"

Hirakawa: Rita's face is usually covered by the collar, so there's alot that can be conveyed by the way they look at you, the way they blink, and how they open their eyes. For those reasons, I pay extra attention to eye contact. Since the only source of information about facial expressions is through the eyes, even a quick glance at someone conveys information about how you feel towards them. The same goes for the movements of the body as a whole, but I'm still very conscious of the eyes. This is a character whose imagination grows in the minds of viewers, so I want to make sure they don't get the wrong impressions. And, when I'm speaking as chief judge, I also try to make my words sound compelling. I have a naturally low voice, so in order to make my voice more low pitched and stable, especially when making a verdict, I would lower my voice and make it stronger. The trial scenes are the most difficult, because there's alot of difficult lines (laughs). When I read the script and came across a word that I wouldn't normally use, I'll use a handwriting app on my phone to find out how to read it. I think that if you don't understand the meaning of your lines before saying them, it'll be unconvincing, so that's one of the points I'm working on. In addition, Rita, from their position of neutrality, has many loud, impactful lines in which they declare important things for the countries, such as the "Five Kingdom Alliance," and the trials by combat. I'm mindful of closing scenes like that in a cool way.

"Speaking of voice, the tone of their voice when they're alone in their room was also striking."

Hirakawa: The tension in the room when I was speaking to Moffun was like, "No moooore!," as I had been influenced by the script and felt it was much different at first. But, when I was reading the script the day before filming, Director Kamihoriuchi told me that there was a change in direction (laughs). However, I think the fact that the tension was the same as in the actual broadcast made the scene more surreal and cute. Still, just talking to some plushies is quite a contrast, isn't it? I also enjoy the close up shots. The lines that Rita says to Moffun aren't meant to be sweet, but are instead abit of a lesson. By speaking with Moffun, Rita must be trying to clear their mind. Performing those interactions has become a "switch" for me, and I feel as if I have a small Moffun in my head as well.

"It seems to be very difficult to keep the tension the same, in addition to being required to perform in a slow, almost whispering manner."

Hirakawa: That's right. Also, while men's low voices resonate great, it's abit difficult to make women's low voices resonate. Voices change depending on the condition, so I have to pay attention when making adjustments.

"Another scene that's received alot of attention, are those where your character screams in panic."

Hirakawa: The script said, "Aaaaaah!," so I wasn't sure what to do at first… (laughs). I hadn't really screamed much in any of my previous roles, so when we set up for the shoot, the Director gave me the direction of, "More screaming! more!" This happened before we ate lunch, but during the actual performance after eating, the volume of my voice became much louder. I then realized the importance of food. From then on, whenever my voice became low during filming, the Director would ask me, "Want to eat some food for now?" (laughs). Rita does that outburst when they feel like their head is about to explode, so I guess this too is sort of a "switch." It's normal of Rita to make strange noises in order to calm down. In episode 9, when Rita screamed, Yanma responds with, "Stop that! It's so annoying!" That was actually an adlib by Watanabe-kun, who plays Yanma. It made me very happy!

"What are some of the challenges you face when performing?"

Hirakawa: My visibility is poor. When I check my standing position on set, I can't see the right half of my body. As for the difficulty of my movement, I've been doing this for more than half a year now, so I've gotten used to it. Speaking of getting used to it, I wear boots with a heel of about 10 cm.* They're one of my favorites because of how cool they are. (*alittle under 4 inches)

"When are the times where you feel most comfortable playing the role?"

Hirakawa: The setting and worldview are completely different from the environment in which we actually live, so there are many things that we wouldn't normally be able to do. So, everything's alot of fun. It's also the first time for me to play the role of a judge (laughs). As I mentioned earlier, Rita has many sides, so I play them as if I were playing 4 roles at once. The most enjoyable scenes are those in which they can perform comedic movements. For example, in episode 9, they rush forward with the hilt of their Ohger Calibur to stop Gira's outburst, and in the film, they run towards Yanma with their hands raised. I hope you'll pay attention to the way they're slowly making such movements, even in front of their friends.

-They're calm, but, when they're excited, they're excited!-

"At the time of this book's publication, the episode that will have aired is episode 26, which is the end of the battle with the Bugnarak. Please tell us about any memorable scenes or lines from Rita."

Hirakawa: I was really impressed by episode 16, which dove into Rita's past and their childhood when they became a judge. I also liked that Rita's first exchange with Shiron, who they judged, was connected to the main plot of the story. This was the episode where Rita reaffirmed their resolve and responsibility as king, and strongly vowed, "As king, I will absolutely uphold neutrality and order," so it made me feel even more nervous playing the role. Gokkan is a special country whose citizens are current or ex criminals, so it seems alittle different from the other countries.

"You've had a lot of battles, which one has been the most memorable in terms of action?"

Hirakawa: Hachisuka Yuichi-san, the suit actor who plays PapillonOhger, Rita's transformed form, has been carefully teaching me how to swing a sword and move my feet one by one. Even the smallest movements, like how to hold the sword or the angle of the sword towards the camera, are the parts that he's very particular about, as he watches and guides me from the monitor, he says, "If you do it this way, you'll look cool!"

"We'd like to hear Hirakawa-san's impressions of the characters surrounding Rita. First, please start with Gira."

Hirakawa: He's so straightforward, that it makes me worry. It's really cool that he acts for everyone's sake, even at the cost of his life, but, he also has a boyish cute like feel to him that I think makes him a really lovable character. It's also nice to see him switch from his cute face to a cool kingly face. It's wonderful that he always thinks with everyone in mind.

"How about Yanma?"

Hirakawa: Out of the 6, he's the most wild, and has a manly spirit. When he says, "I'll follow the path I believe in!," I like the way it sounds, it's got a strong feel of passion within its roughness. It might be because he grew up in the slums, and has worked his way up the ranks, but he also has abit of a playful and approachable feel to him. Most of all, his cool attitude of "Follow me," makes me think that he'd definitely make any N'kosopa citizen a fan.

"Continuing on, Hymeno Ran."

Hirakawa: I think everything about her is beautiful and cute. I feel the strength of a woman from Hymeno, and she's the kind of hero that girls admire. She acts selfishly, but it's not for personal gain. It's wonderful that she does it for the sake of protecting others. I also feel the power to keep believing in what I once believed in, and to keep moving forward with it. I also think the fact that she enjoys fashion with her hair, makeup, and constantly changing dresses, is also appealing.

"Next is Kaguragi Dybowski."

Hirakawa: I don't know what he's thinking anymore! (laughs). Kaguragi is always up to something, and I think he's the most unpredictable out of the 6 of us. But, as king, he says he'll, "Get his hands dirty to protect his people," so he really does come off like a nice older brother. He's a man who'll take any side for the sake of his own benefit, so I feel that he's the most important person for Rita to watch out for and to always keep an eye on.

"We'd also like to ask about the sixth warrior, Jeramie Brasieri."

Hirakawa: Jeramie is someone who also has alot, if not more, mysterious parts to him as Kaguragi. He's brought to Gokkan every time something happens, so he has alot of scenes with Rita. I personally don't get what, "Between the lines," Jeramie is saying for us to read (laughs). However, I think he's got some similarities with Rita. I think they can relate to his inability to honestly express his thoughts, and his emotional highs and lows. I think he's the talking type, and the fact that he's so mysterious is interesting.

"Finally, one more person. What do you think about Morfonia, Rita's retainer who really understands them?"

Hirakawa: Although she's someone who always says, "Work is too much trouble…," she's a hard worker, who does what Rita asks her to do quickly and efficiently. I don't think their relationship with her was that close until episode 10, but after that conversation, the way they treated Morfonia changed. For her, she's also changed the way she treats and looks at Rita, and I think she's become more interested in Rita as a person. She's a cute, reliable and a beloved character.

"Do you think there's anything about the other 5 cast members that you would consider to be kingly?"

Hirakawa: I was told that it's uncommon, but this time, all 6 main cast members are over 20 years old. So even though everyone is usually pretty calm, when they're excited, they're excited, just like the kings in the show. When one person messes around, another one joins them, and then another will pick up on it…it's a really peaceful and fun scene to witness (laughs). No matter what I do, there are those who will definitely join me, so I'm grateful for that.

"You're all good friends, aren't you? We've heard that you'll sometimes go out to eat together."

Hirakawa: That's right. We often go out to eat together after filming, and we have alot of fun talking not just about filming, but about casual things too. It's currently pretty rare, but since I'm from Kumamoto, sometimes it's hard for me to understand the intonation of some words in standard Japanese. Furthermore, I was nervous about the intonation of some words we don't usually use, like court terms and the explanatory lines, so I had to ask Watanabe-kun and Kaku-san about them. Then, they'd say something random and unintelligible to confuse me, so I'd always laugh and say, "That's definitely not true, right?!" Also, it's very popular to imitate and speak as the characters on set. If you imitating Racules's name calling, or if you speak in a way that takes alot of time, like Kaguragi, you're sometimes called, "Toufu Ruler" (laughs).

"From now on, do you have any hopes for Rita to develop in the future?"

Hirakawa: Someday, I'd like to take off the collar and talk with my face in front of everyone. Right now, they only take it off in scenes where the other kings aren't around or during battle scenes. Scenes for joking around are also good. I think it'd be really interesting if a character who doesn't usually do silly scenes, actually does some, and I think Rita is the right person for that role. On the other hand, I'll have a sense of responsibility to make it funny, but, I'll be sure to give it my all if my wish comes true!

"We're finally entering the new chapter. Hirakawa-san, please give a yell of support to the current Rita!"

Hirakawa: Just as peace has been restored with the creation of the sixth kingdom, I have a feeling that new enemies will also appear. However, if you have faith in what you believe in, and do what you need to do, I'm sure you'll be able to face the challenges. You have wonderful friends now. Please take a quick breather and do your best!

_

Kaku So (Kaguragi Dybowski) Interview

-Being recognized as a liar makes me happy (laughs)-

"We understand that Kaguragi was meant to be more dark hearted, and to be more of a villain in the initial setting."

Kaku: During the time of the audition, I got the feeling that he not only played tricks, but also cheated others with his words. However, I thought that the type of character that's skillful with words but pushes through with power in the end would suit my style, so I tried to play it in that manner. Later, when I got the role of Kaguragi and filming started, the character wasn't as cruel as initially described, he was always smiling, and was able to overcome any situation with force. I think there was a direction to make him more scary, as if you don't know what he's thinking, but, I got emotionally attached to Kaguragi and decided to make him more interesting, somewhere between "amusing" and "cool", I played the role while thinking that it would make his character come to life more, and that's how I ended up with the image of Kaguragi that you see now. Kamejim, the Bugnarak's Prime Minister, is a dark hearted character who's also a trickster, but, unlike Kamejim, Kaguragi is a more refreshing character. Instead of those around him saying, "(with a frown) He's a bad guy…" it's more like, "(with a look that says: I've been robbed) He's a bad guuuy!"

"As the story progresses, what new aspects of Kaguragi have you discovered?"

Kaku: In episode 8, when Gira and Racules were doing trial by combat, Kaguragi was supposed to give Racules an anesthetic disguised as poison, but, when Hymeno asked him if he had switched them, there was a scene where he turned his head and went, "Ho?" Director (Kyohei) Yamaguchi, who directed episode 8, told me to, "Make it easier to understand," and I did just that, and it was unexpectedly popular on set (laughs). I was worried that I might lose the character of Kaguragi, but the response to the broadcast was positive, and I realized that going in this direction was also acceptable. Episodes 1-5 were a period in which the framework of Kaguragi's character was established, and while the framework we created was important, we didn't want to stray too far from it. However, I thought that if I was too concerned about not wanting to change my original image, I wouldn't be able to expand the scope of my role.

"As the story progresses, we find out that he has a little sister named Suzume."

Kaku: I knew early on that I had a younger sister, and that she was being held in Shugoddam as a hostage, but I wasn't told how she ended up there. In episode 15, the scene where he talks to Suzume for the first time was depicted, but, if I had been acting in the image I had up until episode 5, I might have thought, "Is it okay for me to act so silly with my little sister?" I was able to act easily after playing the unusual role of Kaguragi for so long, and (Mami) Kamura-chan, who plays Suzume, is an excellent actor and is good at adlibs, so we can act and joke around with each other in a positive manner. I was led to believe that Suzume was gentle and had a sincere personality, but that's not the case at all, the character is more, "Like brother, like sister." They have the same core beliefs that everything they do is for the sake of their country. They're the perfect siblings for the country of Toufu, don't you think?

"What do you pay special attention to when acting?"

Kaku: In regards to facial expressions, I thought it'd be funny if I smiled during critical scenes, or, if I had a more serious look in a scene, people might think, "Is Kaguragi being cornered?" I try not to bore the audience with my performance. I want to be as funny as possible, but in serious scenes, I just have to go with the flow. I make sure to pay attention to that.

"Kaguragi is always a step ahead and planning strategies, but how far ahead does Kaku-san know?"

Kaku: I don't know anything (laughs). I only knew that Racules would be leaving, and that the new chapter would begin after episode 26. I act after understanding the developments of the story up to 2-3 episodes ahead of the one we're currently filming, then, I would get the script for the next few episodes and continue to work on the story. It's a process I'll repeat. Even in the scene where he and Racules are trying to figure out each other's true intentions, as part of his trickery, Kaguragi pretends not to know, even though he does know alot of things, while I myself don't know anything. Honestly, it's difficult to play the role this way. I wish they'd atleast tell me alittle more…(bitter smile).

"Masato Yano-san, who played the role of Racules, was said to be aware of what was going to happen in the future."

Kaku: He knows what'll happen to Racules, but he doesn't know anything about the other characters. Maybe he does know and is just keeping quiet (laughs).

"The battles between Kaguragi and Racules to find the other person's true intentions were always worth watching. Some fans said, "Just those scenes alone were like a night time drama."

Kaku: (laughs). I had alot of fun interacting with Racules. I knew alittle bit of what was going to happen, so I used my imagination to fill in the blanks, and I discussed the performance with Yano-chan. It was more like a negotiation than a discussion. We didn't talk much about the details, but I would watch Yano-chan's performance on set and think to myself that, "If that's how he's going to do it, then I'll do it too," and, "I see, so that's how it's going to be," and I played my role, thinking it was a good learning experience. It's nice to be called a, "Night time drama." I think it means that we were able to create a world for the 2 of us. Kaguragi has a very serious face for serious scenes, but in the scenes with Racules, he bluffs or makes exaggerated and dramatic facial expressions and movements, and I like these scenes because it gives off a sense of trickery, and expresses Kaguragi's true side.

"The scene in the film, "Adventure Heaven," which was released in July, in which Kaguragi and Iroki, the previous ruler of Toufu, confront each other, is also memorable."

Kaku: Hinagata Akiko-san played the role of Iroki, and I think it turned out to be a very good scene. Also in the film, the confrontation between the kings and their past hardships was the highlight of Kaguragi's performance.

"What do you feel is the most difficult when playing Kaguragi?"

Kaku: In the beginning, I had a hard time with the dubbing. Now, I'm quite used to it, and the other cast members are also getting alot better with their voices, and I'm always impressed at the speed in which they're growing. My comments are somewhat from a father's point of view, but since I'm older than the other main cast members, I can't help but feel this way (laughs).

"Can you name some of the most memorable scenes and lines of Kaguragi up to episode 26, which has aired by the time of this book's publication?"

Kaku: Episode 18 left a lasting impression on me overall. Particularly in the second half, when he and Gira cooperate to defeat the giant robot King-Ohger ZERO, which is piloted by Racules. When asked by Racules, "Was everything you did to take away my power?!," it became clear that Kaguragi himself was acting in a calculated way. The first half's, "He's unfair," is also memorable. When Gira tells me how Suzume is doing, and I ask, "What do you want in exchange for this information?" Gira replies, "Nothing." I was once again drawn in by Gira, who never asked for anything in return….It was a nice scene. Taking place in Toufu, Episode 4 is also very impressive. He's unmoved by Desnarak VIII, and dosen't show his true feelings, but, his expression changes the moment the crop fields are burned. I remember that scene well because it clearly showed Kaguragi's character, someone who values the country of Toufu and its citizens above all else.

"In episode 5, when the 5 kings fight together for the first time, Kaguragi says, "I've always believed that this day would come!," and it's funny to see Gira and the others yell at him with, "Liar!"

Kaku: I was happy that the other kings recognized me as a liar (laughs). Being a liar is one of the characteristics that define Kaguragi.

"If the kings are going to unite to fight against new enemies in the future, we feel like Kaguragi won't be able to showcase his individuality…"

Kaku: My own prediction is that the kings will break up atleast once. I have the impression that the royal Sentai aren't always on good terms. Therefore, I believe that Kaguragi's character will continue to be shown off. Also, if the enemy were to say, "We're going to destroy all the countries, but we'll save only one," Kaguragi will betray the other kings in an instant (laughs).

-Out of the 6 of us, I'm the, "Selfish king," that hogs the air conditioner-

"Now, we'd like to hear your impressions of the other kings surrounding Kaguragi. First, let's start with Gira."

Kaku: In episode 18, it's clear that Kaguragi is drawn towards and approves of him, as evidenced by the "He's unfair" line. However, some may think that he's easier to handle and hold in my grasp as opposed to Racules, so I like him because he's easier to deal with. Personally, I think he's cute (laughs). I think he gives off the strong feeling of a little brother.

"Please tell us about Yanma Gast and Hymeno Ran."

Kaku: There haven't been many opportunities for Kaguragi to interact with Yanma, but, Kaguragi understands that Yanma is smart, so if he wasn't able to manage himself well, he'd probably be thinking carefully when talking to Yanma. On the other hand, I think part of him feels that because Yanma's so smart, it's easier for him to plan ahead, or that his actions are easier to read than Gira's, which are based more on instinct. My impression of him is that he's passionate and cool! I liked the scene in episode 17, when he's falling apart, and says, "Don't you dare lose!," and Gira takes over. I think it's great that he's always so cool. The way he lives, the way he thinks, and even his actions have a certain charm to them that makes him a lovable character. Aoto, who plays the role, is also very cool. He's always on the scene as Yanma, or rather, he's always thinking about how Yanma would act in certain situations.

At one point, I thought that Hymeno and Kaguragi got along, but I think they probably don't like each other since the falling out in episode 8, where he went, "Ho?" (bitter smile). I hope they can talk things out and make up in the future… My impression is that she's simple and cute. She acts like a princess in every way, and even though she's selfish, that by itself is cute. Even still, the way she stands and acts in the battle scenes are powerful and cool. That kind of contrast is also wonderful.

"Next, Rita and Jeramie."

Kaku: Rita is also cool. When they're interacting with Moffun, I think the contrast is rather sly (laughs). I think Hirakawa Yuzuki-san, who plays the role, is very good with action. It must be difficult to move in those boots. From Kaguragi's perspective, they seem like a strict judge, and I think he perceives them as someone he'd like to have on his side somehow. In their relationship, Kaguragi visits Rita and tries to give them a gift. Rita doesn't want to accept it, but Kaguragi says, "Now, now, that just won't do," and forcibly hands it to them, pulling them into his own pace…that's the image I got from it. This is all just my imagination.

In episode 20, Kaguragi and Jeramie worked together to deceive Racules, and as a result, they revealed that Boshimar (Racules's close aide) was really Kamejim, and they've been fighting together ever since then. He also looks over the relationship between Kaguragi and Suzume, so I think they also have a good relationship. I think it's because of his parents unacceptable relationship, being between a human and Bugnarak, that Jeramie has a weakness for separated families, and he wants to support them. From my point of view, isn't he too good looking? I think he is. And that voice…it's really not fair. I'm talking about his actor, Masashi Ikeda-kun, who plays Jeramie, he's also good at soccer and plays the drums. (said earnestly) It's so unfair, isn't it?~…

"(laughs). We'd also like to hear your impressions of Kuroda-san, who's close to Kaguragi."

Kaku: From the beginning, I was told that Kaguragi was served by people dressed in black, but I wasn't told that there was one prominent member among them. From the viewer's point of view, I guess they wouldn't have expected such a person to exist, but gradually, Kuroda-san became more noticeable, and his relationship with Kaguragi began to be depicted. Kuroda-san is more like a family member than an aide. I think he's been by Kaguragi's side for a looong~ time. He's alittle older than me, and I think we've grown up together since we were children. He's capable of saying one word that'll resonate with Kaguragi's heart, and I think he's able to do so because he's always been watching over Kaguragi.

"Among the main cast members playing a king, who does Kaku-san feel is most kingly?"

Kaku: Hmmm, since the show was first announced, I've often been asked questions related to being a king, but I still can't come up with any good answers…If you think of a kingly image, "arrogant" or "selfish," may come to mind, but there's no in this cast that fits those terms. Everyone, they're all such good kids. But, I may have to say that I become selfish when the temperature rises. I'm sensitive to the heat, and since I'm wearing such a costume, I tend to hog all the places where an air conditioner is running, or, I turn the temperature down really low and tell the others not to turn it up, even if they're cold (laughs). If I were to consider the most kingly character as a leader who pulls everyone along, I would say it's Taisei. Calling him charismatic would be abit of an exaggeration, but, even if he's lacking in certain areas, he's good in others, and he has a certain atmosphere to him that brings everyone together. People around him want to support him just like Gira, and maybe even carry him up in a holy palanquin. In that sense, he's like a king.

"What scenes would you like to play in the future?"

Kaku: It would be a scene where I take off my costume and show off my body. Actually, I've already told the staff what I want to do, but if it's going to happen, I'd like to know as soon as possible. I'd like to finish my body first. And then, a twin episode (laughs). Within the Super Sentai series, often times there are episodes where someone who looks exactly like a character appears and swaps places. Since the first part of King-Ohger ended with episode 26, we didn't have room for that kind of story, but, it may be possible now. I have a twin brother who looks exactly like me, so I'd like to make the most of that. He's not an actor, but he says he'd be happy to act in the show if it were to happen (laughs). Also, Taisei himself is a very interesting character, so I hope there'll be a time when we can make use of him. That boy, after all, he shines the brightest when he's just messing around. That's something he's admitted to himself and others. Also, I'd like to see Rita being more expressive. In the film, it was ghosts, and in episode 26, they're depicted as being afraid of the dark, but I think there's another side to them that we don't know about, so I hope we're given a close up. Hirakawa-san herself is frightened easily, and when I tell her a slightly scary story, she screams, "Please stop it!" (laughs).

"Finally, Kaku-san, as episode 26 finishes, please give a yell of support to Kaguragi."

Kaku: I think Toufu will probably be in danger again (laughs), so you may have to deceive your friends in order to protect the country. I also think that Suzume will be entering a difficult time in her life. But, please don't be discouraged and do your best!

_

Ikeda Masashi (Jeramie Brasieri) Interview

-I like talking, but I'm not used to talking to other people-

"In the beginning, what kind of character was Jeramie and how was he explained to you?"

Ikeda: He’s 2,000 years old, so he has foresight and plenty of time to waste, and was born between a human and a Bugnarak. When I asked…I was told that he can manipulate spider webs at will. It was also explained to me at the beginning that he's the storyteller of the world's story and will also narrate the show.

"In episode 11, we got goosebumps hearing, "A man who becomes king, this is my story," in the ending narration.

Ikeda: I was also surprised when I read the script. It was an original concept, so I was looking forward to seeing the end result on screen.

"Based on the description you received, how did you approach the character?"

Ikeda: When I read the script, there were many unique lines and inflections, so the first thing I thought about was how to express them. I'd record different ways of speaking, listen back, and then decided that the stuck up way of saying things were the most interesting. The premise is that Jeramie likes to talk about himself and the stories he's created. So, when I talk to someone, I try to look like I'm having fun and enjoying myself more than anyone else. I think it'll lead to expressions with more composure. I was also conscious of the way I walked, my gestures, and appearance in general so that I could develop a habit of being Jeramie. The most difficult part of the role was that his mother is a Bugnarak, and that his emotions are different from those of a normal human. I wondered, “What would it feel like if my own parents were Bugnarak?” In the beginning, I couldn't comprehend it no matter how much I thought about it, so I just kept imagining memories of my mother that weren't depicted in the show. Even still, it was difficult for me to find feelings for the Bugnarak, or rather, affection for non human beings. I also wondered how he'd seen the world over the past 2,000 years and what he'd been thinking about when he wrote his story. There are many aspects of Jeramie that are not depicted in the show's script, so I had to really think about it. Even now, I still do.

"Did you make any new discoveries while exploring further, or did you have to revise your performance over the course of the episodes?"

Ikeda: When he first made his appearance, he always said the words, "Between the lines" (laughs), and I just felt that he was someone who wasn't used to having conversations with others. But as times went on, I came to realize that Jeramie was truly a genuine and honest person. I felt that this is why he reacts to many things in a more genuine way than anyone else, and shows it most in his facial expressions. As Jeramie gets more involved with the 5 kings, he changes and grows, becoming alot more careful about communicating clearly between the lines. Every time I'm given a new script, a new side of Jeramie's character is depicted, and I feel like he's constantly being updated. Despite being 2,000 years old, he's never socialized before. The first big change was that he took off the mask he'd been wearing in episode 11, and I think we can all agree that he started a new life from that moment on. At that time, if you were to interpret it as Jeramie being reborn, he's still like a baby, so it's only natural that he'll continue to grow everyday. There are new changes every time, and thinking of ways to express them is both fun and a challenge. In that sense, I'm grateful for the role of Jeramie, as it gives me a sense of fulfillment as an actor.

"The symbolic color of Jeramie is white, and Ikeda-san personally loves white, so he wore a white outfit to the audition."

Ikeda: I matched everything in white, which might be hard to imagine (laughs). My shoes, pants, shirt, cardigan, and jacket were all white. I wore a white coat over it all. I like white, but I had never dressed myself up this much. But, I wanted to give it a shot, so I auditioned completely white. And with the role I got, his getup was even whiter than mine. Jeramie's costume is really cool. When I stood in front of the mirror for the first time wearing Jeramie's costume, with my hair and makeup all done, I thought, "Who's this?" (laugh). I'd never had the opportunity to wear such a prince like costume before, and I don't think I ever will again. Every time I go to filming, I'll wear it while thinking about how happy it makes me.

"Do you have any difficulties narrating the show? We've heard that you don't like hearing your own voice…"

Ikeda: Every time I do the narration, it's given the OK for airing, but I've never been satisfied with any of the ones I've recorded. There's alot of trial and error each time I record, but I don't feel like I'm getting a good reaction. I think I still have a long way to go, so I'm going to keep working hard.

"Every time we listen, we think you have a nice voice."

Ikeda: Thank you so much. It's very encouraging to hear you say that. But, being a storyteller means I can see every detail, and that I also know how the story will end, so I can feel the difficulty of it all. Some episodes have a closing narration at the end, and I do like those lines because they're cool. Is it the narration as a storyteller? or is it the voice of Jeramie's heart in that scene…? I think you'll enjoy the show more if you watch it while interpreting things in many different ways.

"As of the publication of this book, episode 26 will have aired, but please tell us about any scenes or lines featuring Jeramie that are memorable."

Ikeda: It would be episodes 24-26. Those 3 episodes were a turning point in Jeramie's life, where he felt the same realization of growth, maybe even more so, than when he took off his mask. All of the scenes and lines are memorable. In episode 24, when Boone discovers that his fear of Bugnarak is based on a legendary story he wrote, Jeramie is stunned, saying, "Common sense, rules, prejudice, discrimination, bigotry…I was the one who created them…" I was just as shocked when I read it in the script. The legend of the royal Sentai doesn't state that the Bugnarak did anything wrong. But, reading the text, "5 heroes and their guardian god King-Ohger defeated the Bugnarak and saved mankind," would make anyone believe that the Bugnarak are bad guys. I was impressed by how well done it was, and Jeramie seemed to enjoy talking about it, that I almost felt like saying, "It's no good!," in a forced way. In episode 25, the conversation with Gerojim was memorable. He says, "What you lack is determination!" Jeramie responds, "Follow me…to the In between Land Bugnarak. You'll be the first citizen." I'll never forget it because it was the moment when Jeramie decided that he was ready to become the king of Bugnarak. From then on, I'd be playing Jeramie as a king, so the scene was a turning point as well. In episode 26, there's the scene where Jeramie is entrusted by Desnarak VIII, saying, "You will be king, and they will accept it. That the Bugnarak, are here…!" In the 3 episodes beginning with episode 24, it's revealed that Desnarak had alot of things on his mind when he was king, and Jeramie inherits that. Now, I have all these feelings regarding Desnarak, that when I first read the script, I cried. And also, there's the narration before the opening of episode 24. It was different from the usual wording, so it's stayed with me.

-I like Kaguragi, as he's someone with alot of space between the lines-

"Now, please tell us about the characters that surround Jeramie. First, let's start with Gira."

Ikeda: From Jeramie's point of view, I think he trusted Gira from the beginning, and for the time after the broadcast of episode 26, I think he genuinely thinks he's a good person, more suitable as the king of Shugoddum than anyone ever was. The impression I have is….he's cute. He's pure, and when I look at him, I often wonder, "What's he up to?" In episode 15, he camouflages himself as a taxi that looks like a pillbug (laughs). But, I think him being straightforward to protect his people is really cool.

"How about Yanma?"

Ikeda: Jeramie understands that, just like Gira, Yanma is a good king. On the other hand, we know that he's abit of a bad boy, and in episode 19, just like a bunch of bad boys, we joined forces to get some payback on Racules, who treated Jeramie and the other kings cruelly in the past. At that time, I think Jeramie went along with Yanma's plan because he trusted him and realized he was his friend. Yanma always reacts when Jeramie says something. It must be nice for Jeramie, a storyteller who wants someone to listen to him. As for me, I have the impression that he's a passionate guy. I think he fits well with the title "President" of the N'kosopa citizens.

"Now then, how about Hymeno Ran. She and Jeramie had abit of a dispute over the issue of the "Wrath of God."

Ikeda: At first, Jeramie called Hymeno, "Young lady," but, in episode 14, when he saw Hymeno promise to the girl in Ishabana that she would keep their country beautiful, he acknowledged her as queen. Jeramie doesn't look down on the other kings just because he's older. He did used to treat Desnarak like a kid and provoked him (laughs), but he sees all of the human kings as equals and trusts them. Of course he trusts Hymeno, and I think that's why he asked for Gerojim's test. And my own impression is that she's just so beautiful. Not only in terms of appearance, such as the costumes and hairstyles, but also in terms of strength, so I think she's beautiful on the inside as well.

"Next, tell us about Rita Kaniska."

Ikeda: I have a feeling that Jeramie trusts Rita like any other king, but also thinks that they're cute. Sometimes Rita screams real loudly. Towards the climax of episode 19, they screamed, and while everyone was surprised, only Jeramie was laughing. He saw a human side of Rita and smiled, knowing that there must be a side of them that they've yet to show everyone. Because they trust him, even if they suspect something from him, Jeramie feels safe when they take him to court. But, then again, Jeramie's put on trial alot, isn't he? (laughs). Also, there are so many things that Rita makes him realize. For example, in episode 14, they explained to him why Hymeno was angry, because he wasn't able to read between the lines. And when he was down, Rita gave him a chance to get back on his feet. For me, I think Rita is just too cool. When they transform, their right eye, which is usually hidden by their hair, is revealed…and it's gray colored. I love situations in manga and anime where a person reveals something that's usually hidden and goes into a stronger mode. So, Rita's eye isn't fair! (laughs), and yet, they also have the cuteness to talk to their plushies…I think they’re a wonderful characters.

"Please also tell us about Kaguragi."

Ikeda: From Jeramie's point of view, I think he has slightly deeper feelings towards him than the other kings. That's because, he knows about his sister. Because of Jeramie's own upbringing, he can't leave people who care about their family alone. In episode 15, when he finds out that his sister is being held hostage in Shugoddam, he takes the lead in helping Kaguragi, and in episode 20, when he hears that he's doing it for his sister, he helps out by disguising himself as Kaguragi. Kaguragi has also relied on Jeramie, and I think they communicate with each other more than with other kings. I think there's something about Kaguragi that I really like about him, and I feel that he has a story that's, "between the lines," more than mine is. That's why I interact with him alittle differently than the other 4. As a viewer, he must be an interesting character to watch. Just when I think I've got him figured out, he outwits me. It's hard to read what he's really thinking. I think he adds a good "spice" that makes the show more interesting.

"At this point in time, Gerojim is probably the closest to Jeramie, so we'd like to ask about him too."

Ikeda: He's the first citizen of the new Bugnarak Empire. While they meet in a different way compared to the other kings and their retainers, Jeramie trusts him, and a sort of friendship formed between them, while also having a strong desire to protect him. In episode 25, Gerojim risks his body to make Jeramie realize that he lacks the determination to be king. In episode 13, Jeramie saves him by pretending to have defeated him and brought him along, but back then, I never thought that he would end up playing such an important role. With such a voice, he says, "What you lack is determination!," and, "If you're going to be king, you must be prepared to risk your life," so I can't believe his way of speaking…

"He's voiced by Seki Tomokazu-san."

Ikeda: During filming, I would act with Seki-san's voice in mind, and when I heard his actual voice in the finished video, it's always better than what I had imagined. We haven't had a dubbing scheduled together, but I'd like for us to perform together someday. Everyone always imitates Gerojim's voice on set. I'm so emotionally attached to Gerojim, that I can no longer look at him objectively, but I'm curious about how everyone else sees him.

"Other than Gerojim, are there any other Bugnarak characters that you really like?"

Ikeda: It would probably be Desnarak. But, I really like Prime Minister Kamejim as well. I changed my mind when I found out that he was disguised as Boshimar, one of Racules's close aides (laughs), but he was a beloved character on the set until half way through filming.

"Among the main cast, Ikeda-san, who do you think is most kingly?"

Ikeda: It would be (Masato) Yano-san, who plays Racules. When he's playing the role of Racules, he's a very cruel king, but when I talk to him inbetween takes, he's calm and has a relaxed way of speaking. Yano-san himself is very kind and will say interesting things to keep everyone upbeat. Furthermore, he has alot of special skills and can do almost anything. For me, Yano-san is a king in the sense that he's perfect and someone who is respected. Racules is a king, but the person playing him is also a king. Not for me, but when the 5 King-Ohger members put on their costumes and prepare for their role on set, the "switch" is flipped and they all become kings. The scenes where they're all lined up is so cool that you can't help but admire them.

"Are there any scenes you'd like to play, or developments you'd like to see happen in the future?"

Ikeda: In episode 19, the hammock that Jeramie was laying in was made from spider webs. I'd like to do more scenes using spider webs even before transforming. Especially for action. While his friends are in danger, he could fly in from off screen while smiling, or he could be standing on a wall. It would be difficult to achieve, but there aren't many roles that can make use of spider webs.

"Finally, for the current Jeramie, Ikeda-san, please give a yell of support to him."

Ikeda: Please build a good country, and work hard to make the world a peaceful one. For Jeramie, the "color" of the country he rules over is different from other kings, and I believe that Jeramie will be the one who determines the future of Chikyu. Please ensure the prosperity of the country of Bugnarak, realize the day we join hands with humanity, and pass it on to future generations. We're all supporting you!

#ohsama sentai kingohger #kingohger #super sentai #gira husty #yanma gast #hymeno ran #rita kaniska #kaguragi dybowski #jeramie brasieri #my scans #my translation #tokusatsu #toku cast #ohsama sentai king ohger #king ohger #gira hastie #yanma gust #himeno ran #we're king #interview #sorry these took so long #I wanted to post yesterday #but this is the most I've ever typed for a translation #so I was hesitating to hit post #I just kept proofreading #well...I think it's fine already so i'll post lol

[earth2eden]

"Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread...

... and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen."

Father!Todd au in where, you guessed it, Jason comes back and becomes a priest instead of Red Hood <3

if u cant tell i love giving every character in every show religious trauma/connections, it pleases me greatly :3

ver w out overlays vvvv

#e2eart #dc fanart #dc comics #jason todd #jason todd fanart #father todd #jason todd but hes a priest #crazy #dc universe #dc au #batman comics #red hood fanart #red hood #batfam fanart #batfamily

[yyawnjun]

SWEET LIKE APRICOTS

a.n: it's won's birthday, one of the biases I've become most fond of in a short time, HAPPY JUNGWON DAYY.

Actually this is dedicated my favorite girl, lia @sobun1est !!! I wrote all this and thinking of you mwah mwah mwah, I hope you like it bby <3

princess!reader x gardener!jungwon ; fluff!! ; second part?? who knows; gentle won supremacy; I tried to use ur favs trope lia mwah mwah; 2.2k wc

Your father had ruled over the kingdom of Ethera for as long as you could remember. Your twenty-one birthday has arrived, and the kingdom will soon be yours. It was a family tradition; 21 was the ideal age, and you were more than prepared to follow it and rule the kingdom. 

Or so you repeated to yourself insistently in the mirror as you stood alone in your room during a full moon night.

Your hair was loose, and your face looked tired, but the moonlight illuminated it fiercely bringing out your deep-set eyes and moving lips. The candles had long since gone out, and you had been trying for about two hours to repeat in a low voice the speech you had prepared for the next day - and you knew it by now by feel. 

Actually, you were used to talking in public; after all, you were a princess and had often found yourself having to communicate with the people of your kingdom. 

You did not despise the court world, and you were willing to continue to conduct an approach of peace and, at the same time to preserve the interest of your people. You had altruistic goals; you would put your devotion to the people who so admired you in front of everyone. 

At the same time you had always been firm and thoughtful in your decisions, everyone believed that you would only make shine the kingdom. 

Your kingdom. 

For on that night, you were not the only one divided between fears, agitations, tensions, and concerns; everyone was just as nervous (almost) as you. Everyone was looking forward to the next day, when a golden crown with a crimson ruby would be placed on your head, forever changing your life.

And your mother was writing the letter you'd receive on your birthday the next day; this was a tradition she'd kept since you were born. Twenty-one letters would be delivered tomorrow, all from her, lovingly talking about you, your growth, and the strong bond and responsibility that was going to blossom.

However, those are not the only letters you will receive tomorrow. You snorted at the idea; you were tired of letters that were large and inflated in style but hollow in content from various princes who lusted only after the status of king.

The prospect of spending the next evening politely rejecting all the guys, all under your father's severe gaze, made you shudder slightly.

You got up from your chair where you were sitting and went to fetch a small medium of paper that you so secretly hid under the floorboards.

There was the letter there that made your heart flutter the most, the letter where the power of the content was more than enough to make you daydream of a happy and perfect future.

Not to misinterpret you, your future as queen appeared perfect to you... but there was one condition that has not yet been mentioned so this perfection was not only in appearance.

One more condition for your perfect future. 

By your side, you would have wanted no one but the author of that letter - the only writing of which was "To my Y/n." ; in which your name was written without preciseness, with a poorly practiced stroke and a few erasures. 

By your side, you would have wanted no one but Yang Jungwon.

Not a noble prince, not a rich king nor a refined marquis. 

Rather, the court gardener.

Well yes, you read it well. You had fallen in love with the court gardener. 

You had quickly given up fairy tales about princesses falling in love with the charming prince after he saves her from an evil dragon.  Because you got lost in the young gardener's hazel eyes as you first spoke to him. 

-We can ignore that your first conversation began when he gently (and maybe cheekily) critiqued you for wanting to pick the flowers early. -

You initially tried to hide the blush that appeared on your cheeks when he spoke to you. But you soon noticed that he didn't understand what was going on because he leaned toward you and placed his hand on your forehead. He was instinctively concerned that you did not have a fever.

"Your Highness. You are warm. I wonder if you have a fever." he had told you surprised.

"Of course. It's the middle of summer, and we've been under the sun for at least five minutes," you had promptly lied as you turned to allow your blush to fade.

He had nodded, and after a slight bow and a polite goodbye, he had turned away. And he had gone back to caring for the plants he so loved.

He moved agilely through the field of flowers, hopping from one side to the other where he would pause for a few seconds to observe every plant; and after a few whispered reflections he would run into his toolshed and come out with some new essence to give to the plants to allow them to cool off on that hot summer day. 

For moments that seemed interminable, you stood watching that boy, while your guard had stepped aside and was in turn, watching you from a distance.

Jungwon appeared so focused, so happy and so at ease while surrounded by so many colorful flowers and plants. You had been so mesmerized that you had almost forgotten about the heat you were taking. As soon as this realization came to you - maybe because he had noticed that you were still there or maybe because twenty minutes in the hot sun would have drained anyone - you felt a great heat and a great struggle to remain impassive. 

You made to turn away, but soon he caught up with you even before your bodyguard could notice. As he watched with his careful gaze those colorful flowers he so adored, at that moment he was watching you as your face was red, and your gaze fixed on his.

As soon as he had noticed your astonished look, he had looked away and explained that he had reached out to you to make sure you were all right. Emphasizing that you had reached in your face the color of the red dahlias flower that he had pointed out to you as he spoke those words

It was on that summer day when you had almost fainted from the heat, that you had begun to like that precious gardener.

You had thus begun to spend whole nights fantasizing about him, and whole days observing him from afar. 

Within a year you would become queen, never a love affair with the gardener would be well-liked. But as with all forbidden things, the more you tried to suppress these feelings the more they grew.

In an attempt to get to know him better, you had also made the first move - was this controversial? Weren't you supposed to just like him from afar? Well yes, but we are talking about young love so everything is acceptable.

You listened to each other, and slowly the tender love blossomed in your hearts. 

Without your being able to realize it, your talks had been increasingly crowned with romantic words and gestures of more than kindness or mere formal politeness.

Jungwon was now talking to you about flowers and plants that reminded him of you: your scent, the blush on your cheeks, your bright face, your personality - indeed once he had explained to you how (according to him) each flower had a specific personality.

And you hung on his words, feeling vulnerable and bewitched before his words and sincerity. No malice, no other reasons, was it just a dream? 

No. He was more than just a dream. 

You also now spoke freely to him about all your interests, and he listened in silence, nodding. Sometimes he lost the thread because he focused a little too much on your figure, your beauty, your words, your gentle manners, your reddish lips…

Months had passed, and love after blooming like a flower now let its intense scent fill the air.

And without you both realizing it you were caught in the web woven by this intense scent and decided to start dating.

Secret dating. No one was supposed to know about you. You did not want any grumbles, complaints, protests, or obstacles. You just wanted to savor as much as possible, that young love that was as sweet as the scent of apricot - to Jungwon that scent reminded him of honey.

And as you remembered that, so many other things you knew about him. He had told you how he ended up being a royal gardener, following in his father's footsteps - who had died a few years earlier. 

He had also told you, during one of your discreet late-night dates in the garden under the weeping willow tree, that he had fallen in love with the as beautiful as a faraway princess long ago. However, he wasn't expecting to be able to express his feelings, and even less had he hoped to be able to kiss the beautiful princess under that tree.

His initial shyness now appeared only in the most intimate moments, when, for example, you would interrupt one of his speeches with a kiss. Always apologizing by saying it was too irresistible, like a beautiful flower, so he would blush like a newly bloomed red rose, and you could do nothing but kiss those rosy cheeks again and again.

It happened that admirers would come to you to ask for your hand, and because Jungwon knew he had no chance of making them go away. So, to remind you of his closeness - but let's be honest, he was incredibly jealous - he would bring you a bouquet each time to keep in the room in which you would meet your admirer.

"You will look at these dahlias, and you will remember our first meeting. So it is as if I were there with you love," he had whispered to you once when you had found each other under the weeping willow. 

He had called you by that nickname for the first time on that night, and if we think that just the pronunciation of your name sounded as sweet as an apricot - let's talk about how much that nickname completely melted you.

And so the meetings with the admirers passed quickly, you remained unemotional, your eyes fixed on the flowers as you contemplated when you might see Jungwon again.

The evening would come, and like every time you would sneak out and stand under the weeping willow tree to wait for your beloved.

One evening he was late, very late. Circumstances that had never happened, he was always early. You worried.

But it was no use because when he arrived he held in his hands a candle, a piece of paper, and a fountain pen - and in his teeth, a red rose he had shyly held out to you.

"Please teach me how to write, princess. I want to be able to make eternal the thoughts I want to dedicate to you. I want something you can always bring with you that will remind you of me and my devotion." 

So you taught it to him that night, and the first thing he wrote, after multiple tries to write flower names, was on the piece of paper you clenched to your heart on that spring night before your coronation.

That night, the silence seemed timeless and peaceful. 

But an odd noise outside the window made you gasp. Who on earth would have thrown you an apricot in the middle of the night? Who else but your beloved?

You giggled at the fruit splayed at the window, and promptly opened it to check if it was still down there. 

And there it was, looking dreamily toward your room's window on the second floor.

As soon as your gazes met, both of you blushed and reddened, like dahlias, and you moved to lower a rope ladder, allowing him to enter your room.

As soon as he arrived, he took you in his arms, as if he had been waiting all day for this moment. He kissed you, grabbing your face. And in one kiss, all of the worries that had been bothering you only moments before slipped away.

The silence in your room was filled only with delicate kissing noises and pleasure-filled whispers.

You remained in front of the window, lost in each other's arms, almost attempting to unite and conjugate your love. 

While you were feeling all of this, he quickly took your face in his hands, drew your faces closer together, gave you a shy kiss on the nose, and then whispered words so sweet...like apricots.

No matter what the next day would be like, for nothing in the world would you have given up on him. And he would not give up on you.

You were talking about this when you had found yourselves admiring the sunrise from under your weeping willow tree when your kingdom rose and your promise of eternal love was renewed.

Whatever the next day brought, you would never have given up on him; and he refused to give up on you.

You were talking about this while appreciating the morning under your weeping willow tree when your kingdom rose and your promise of forever love was born.

[to be continued??]

Let me know your opinions and hcs !! comments, like and reblogs are always greatly appreciated. I hope y'all will like it ♡

#k-labels #k labels #enha x reader #enhypen imagines #enhypen scenarios #enhypen fanfic #enhypen reactions #enhypen x reader #enhypen fanfiction #enhypen fanfics #enhypen x y/n #enhypen x you #enhypen headcanons #jungwon #yang jungwon #enhypen jungwon #jungwon x reader #jungwon x y/n #jungwon imagines #enha fluff #enha royal au #jungwon fluff #jungwon imagine #jungwon enhypen #enhyphen