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yvaineseleneposts · 3 years

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The Troubadour

Requested: no

A/N: This has to be my longest piece ever! I hope it was worth the wait and that you enjoyed it. There could be a few mistakes in there both in English and Italian, sorry in advance. I loved writing this, it wasn’t exactly what I wanted but I am a perfectionist and I have rewritten this about 5 times. I just needed to post it now!

Pairing: OC!Diana Bianchi & Damiano David

Words: 3k

Warning(s): swearing, drinking, smoking (I mean it’s the 70s…), smoking weed, my Italian (I have been studying this beautiful language for three years now but people make mistakes)

West Hollywood, California // Mid-January 1972

Red eyes.

Sweaty foreheads.

That is all Diana would see when they screamed at her. “CAN I GET TWO BEERS AND A COKE PLEASE?!”

Working behind the bar was not her dream job. Diana remembered it like it was yesterday, she and her friend Tami had gone to The Troubadour to celebrate the weekend when she saw a “help wanted” poster. It was a godsend. Diana applied there and then and not long after she found herself behind the bar, handing out drinks to people who looked like they were having the best time of their lives. Another plus side was the fact that she could attend the concerts of all the artists and bands for free.

Obviously, there were also downsides to this job. For example, Diana couldn’t go out and live her teenage years. She isn’t allowed to drink (too much) on the job and the hours aren’t exactly great. The pay is okay though and the tips are even better. Half of the people don’t even know how much they are giving and walk off like they didn’t just hand you 20 for an eight dollar drink. She doesn’t complain much about her job but she does feel left behind sometimes. Like when Tami or her other friend chat about some weird adventure they had the night before and who they met or kissed. Diana felt like she missed out on a lot of things but she had no other choice.

Her parents had kicked her out when she was 15. Diana moved in with her grandmother and lived with her for a while until she passed away. She has been living alone in her grandmother’s old apartment ever since. A few friends had moved in with her but then moved out again when they had found a better place to live. So it was just Diana paying the rent for the place.

“CAN I GET A RUM AND COKE?!” Diana gets snapped out of her thoughts. Shit, what did he want?! She thinks to herself as she stares at the intoxicated man. “SORRY?!” She shouts back over the loud music. At least she had another reason for not hearing the man. “RUM AND COKE!” That is all the man yells before turning his band to her so he could face the stage. Some weird indie band is playing tonight. Diana wasn’t really into it and honestly couldn’t wait until her boss would send her home for the night. She puts in a little less rum, the man will probably not even taste the difference.

The band had stopped playing somewhere around two a.m. However not all the guests had left around 2.30 which is something Diana hated the most. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy her job but after so many hours standing on her feet, she wanted nothing more than to clean up, go home and get into her warm bed.

“Diana, can you come here for a minute?” her boss asked. What was that tone, was he going to fire her?! “It’s nothing bad, don’t worry.” Pfew. Diana walked behind him into his office.

“What can I help you with, Doug?” She asked as she sat down in the very comfortable chair across from him. Doug Weston had somewhat become her parent over the last few years that she had worked here. He was always so kind to her and could always ask him for help if she needed him.

“I want to get more bands from across the sea. I want interesting people and not just the same bands playing over and over again. New talent that no one has heard of before but will become known because of this place. Inspire new talent, you know?” He was rambling on with his sales pitch as if you had any input, it was his place after all. “And seeing that you can speak more languages than I have ever could, I was wondering if you could write small pieces for newspapers in Europe that will inspire these artists to come here and get all the fame and fortune they want.”

“Sure, Doug. You know I would do anything to help this place… and you of course”, Diana said while a wide grin spread on her face. She felt like she was moving up when in reality it wasn’t a new job position. She would do anything to not have the same indie bands playing almost every night. Diana would never have imagined that she would change the lives of four individuals barely six months later, and change her own life along with it.

Rome, Italy // Mid-March 1972

“The Troubadour. The place where artists and bands from all over the world can make it or break it in the United States. It all depends on the crowd. If they love you, you can come back for an entire week! If not you will receive the money for that evening but sadly you won’t be allowed back. It’s always packed with record executives so you could get a sweet record deal out of this experience. Do you have what it takes? Sign up and good luck to everyone competing in the battle of the bands! – D. B.” Damiano finishes reading. “Ragazzi, I honestly cannot wait till we get to play there! It’s going to be veramente stupendo!”

“Bene Damiano, calm yourself. It’s less than five months away. We still have to play in this dump to even afford to go. We barely have enough money for a motel, we don’t even have the plane tickets yet!” Classic Victoria, always worrying as if she is the mother of the group. “Calmati Victoria, noi staremo bene”, Ethan jumps in. “Let’s get back to practising before we start another fight, sì?” The rest nods their head and pick up their instruments. “I was thinking, should we start with I wanna be your slave oppuro no? Is it too much?” Damiano suggest. “Oh, and for outfits, I have a few ideas?!” Thomas adds like a little kid who is excited for Christmas day. “Positivo, let’s look at those after practice”, Damiano says. Not even ten minutes later they had many up a little setlist. It was a battle of the bands so they had to at least practice 4-5 songs to play against other bands. Then if they were allowed to come back they had to prepare yet another 6 songs on top of those 5 they had already played. They could do it, they had enough songs in their database but were they going to sing their Italian songs or did they have to translate them? The members of Måneskin weren’t sure yet. Luckily for them, they had four months to think about it.

West Hollywood, California // Mid-July 1972

Diana hadn’t even woken up yet, but on the other side of the city, Måneskin had arrived at the airport. “Finalmente ci siamo. Ce l’abbiamo fatta!” Thomas exclaims. Damiano chuckles and throws an arm around Thomas’s shoulders. “Slow down, loverboy. We have not made it yet. We landed yes, but we have a long way to go from here to that stage tonight.” “How every grown-up of you, Damiano”, Victoria teases. “I bet with Ethan that you would follow the first American girl that you saw in this airport and that we wouldn’t see you until much later.” “Ha ha, molto divertente, Victoria. Sei una persona così divertente.” They continue their bickering whilst Ethan collects all of their suitcases. “Addiamo?” He finally asks the group, they all agree and make their way through the busy airport to the designated taxi area. During this, they complain about how crowded it is and how much the air smells. It is nothing like their own country but you have to take chances if you want to become famous like their dream.

Later that day

Doug had told Diana to come into work later than she usually would. It was going to be a busy night and he’d rather have her work during the performances than during the day and wear her out. So here she was around six-thirty instead of two o’clock. It felt so weird because usually when she arrives there is no line out front and now there was one to the end of the block. She passed all the people waiting in line, hearing them complain and moan as she walks up to Mario, the bouncer. He doesn’t even need to see her worker-id, as she walks in he wishes her good luck with tonight. She liked Mario, he was working here before she came and even then he had told her if she ever needed anything him and his wife had an extra bed for her. Honestly, the sweetest guy… also the toughest guy you will ever meet.

As Diana walked to the changing area to hang her coat and bag, she ran into a few participants of tonight’s show. She greeted most of them but they were too busy with themselves, the fame they hadn’t even earned yet was already rising to their heads. Before she could make her way to the bar, Doug called her over.

“Diana, come here for a second. I want to introduce you to a few people.” Classic Doug, always introducing everybody to everybody. If he believed you could make it, he would introduce you to all his workers. However, the bands did not know this, the workers would treat them a little extra. “They are from Italy as well!” As if Diana herself had moved for their, it was actually her grandparents. She could speak a little Italian but other than her last name, there was nothing Italian about her. Doug briefly introduced the members of Måneskin to Diana, who couldn’t keep her eyes off a certain member. To be quite honest she had not remembered everyone’s names and she stumbled to get her name out of her mouth. All because she was already head over heels with this handsome, tall, young Italian man.

After a couple of introduction, Diana was finally behind her bar, her safe space. Meeting Damiano had made her weak in her knees, she had never had a reaction like this before. She didn’t really pay attention to the competitors and focused on serving the people but when it was Måneskin’s turn, she started to lose focus on her work.

During most of their setlist, Damiano kept glancing over to Diana and winking at her. Or at least that’s what it felt like for Diana. However, after a rather sexy song (let’s be real most of them are) he kissed one of his male bandmates on the mouth. Now Diana is not one to judge people on who they love. She reasons that everyone should love who they want to love and receive love because of it. It wasn’t that she hated it, it kind of turned her on, but she was very confused. Had she read the signs wrong? Were there even any signs to begin with? At times like these she wanted to ask Tami for help yet she was afraid that if Tami came and tried to help her that somehow Tami’s charm would work on Damiano and Diana would still end up with nothing. No, she had to do this on her own, she decided.

After the battle of the bands was over, a few stayed behind to talk with record labels about future arrangements. Diana started cleaning up, and washing and drying a few glasses, secretly listening in on a few conversations.

“I liked what I saw out there. Let your agent call me and we will discuss your expansion in the United States.” Well, that sounded very good. Diana turned around to see who the band was that this man was talking to, but when she turned around she looked right into Damiano’s eyes.

“I have been trying to get your attention all night”, he says shyly. “Really? I thought so but I wasn’t sure”, Diana responds. Damiano raises his hand and scratches behind his head. “I was wondering, you know. If maybe- ugh. Perchè è cosi difficile?” He mutters, not looking Diana in the eyes. “Provalo in Italiano?” she suggests and Damiano’s eyes shoot up to meet hers. “Cazzo. Parli Italiano?” He looks even more nervous now. “Si, parlo Italiano.” He laughs at her answer. “Vuoi uscire domani sera?” Diana nods her head, she honestly cannot stop smiling. “I’d love to go out with you. Do you want me to pick you up at the hotel? That would be easier than you trying to find my house.” “Yeah, sure. We’re staying at the Millwood Motel, it’s not too far from the airport.” “Ah yes, I know that place. I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He leans over and kisses her cheek before leaving her to finish her work.

That night Diana barely slept. Did Damiano know any places here to take her to? Did she have to come up with a place? What if he was some weird guy? What if he was a murderer?! She sure was happy now that she didn’t give him her address. The following day she woke up around noon. She went to the kitchen and grabbed her Cona coffee maker, if she was to get through the day, she was going to need a big cup of coffee. She put water and coffee ground on the lower half of the pot and put it on the stove. She hated having to watch the coffee boil and couldn’t wait for better times when you would just have to push a button to get your coffee.

Seeing that she woke up around noon, it didn’t take long before Diana met up with Damiano. She asked him if he had anything specific in mind. Surprisingly, he did. He explained that he and his bandmates did a little sightseeing and they walked past a roller skating rink. Damiano always wanted to try that and he thought this would be perfect for their little date. Diana absolutely loved the idea and couldn’t wait till they got there.

Both of them were sad that the night had ended so quickly or so they thought. It was in fact 1 a.m. and they had already spend ten hours together. Diana brought Damiano back to the motel with her car and of course he couldn’t leave without planting a kiss on her lips. They kissed for a while before finally letting each other go. “We’ll be leaving soon”, Damiano said and looked at their intertwined hands in his lap. “Already? You just got here two days ago”, Diana complained. She just met him and now he is leaving already? She wasn’t prepared for that. She knew he was leaving at some point, he had to he didn’t live in the US, but still she had hoped for a little more time together. “Maybe we’ll come back soon. We have a meeting with our agent and that record label guy tomorrow.” “Could we meet up after? We should catch dinner together, I have another day off”, she suggested. Damiano agreed, kissed her one more time before leaving her car and making his way to his motel room.

The next day

Diana waited for Damiano in front of a large building. She was enjoying the sun on her face when she felt two arms coming from behind and hugging her on her stomach. “Ciao, amore mio. Sei adorabile oggi”, Damiano said into her ear before kissing the side of her face. “Ciao, you don’t look to bad yourself”, she said as she turned around. She grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him on his lips, his mates cheering them on in the background. “How did it go in there?” With that question Damiano’s face broke out in a wide grin. “What?” “Amore, we’re staying here in the US. We got a record deal, we will be here for the entire year!” he shouts and all five of them jump in celebration. “I was going to tell you at dinner, but I just couldn’t wait anymore. We can be together, amore.” Diana broke out in tears, nodding her head, for she had never met a man who she loved more than Damiano. Her Italian lover boy.

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300iqprower · 2 years

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I mean if we’re saying bunyan doesn’t deserve an ssr alt we could also say that someone like ryoma or nobu didn’t really deserve one either, esp over getting a new gudaguda servant like monkey or whoever who have also been teased, except even more so bc they were already gold servants alongside also being welfares like bunyan. I feel like it’s kind of comparing apples to oranges? Like if making a bronze to a gold is bad, then giving a welfare a swimsuit (nobu) or a silver a swimsuit (ushi) would also be bad and I don’t think that’s really what you were going for? Like I get being disappointed bc it’s not a servant you care for, like in the case w charlotte, but she was well received by most of the fan base and it really wasn’t that early to give her a swimsuit- caenus and sei both got one the same summer, and they were implemented AFTER her.

From what I’ve heard, it does seems like there’s legit legal concerns about the rider and assassins from lwm as well since they still have irl relatives around (similar to something that happen w Armstrong iirc) which I GUESS I why they weren’t implemented….. though tbh I don’t know how true this is since edison is in, and there was a whole thing where one of nightingale’s great grandnephews found the r/grandorder subreddit and that his relative was a waifu back in the day. At the very least, including them in the third ascension means they weren’t left out completely so it isn’t the worst case scenario.

I think the issue is at the end of the day some servants are just going to be favored more than others. It sucks, but it’s not necessarily complete bs pandering if that makes sense? They’re going to want to make content not just of servants who sell the best, but also of the ones they like most. At the very least I’d say bunyan alt and summer charlotte are small potatoes to say, having a 900th saberface when we could have gotten an original design ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sorry if this is incoherent I get why you’re upset it just seems like….idk summer kama and charlotte were at least in the general timeframe for summer alts. It’s be a problem if we got a like, summer morgan or koyan this year though.

First off, I agree with everything! And also YOU FOOL! I THINK RYOUMA ALSO DOESNT DESERVE THE ALT! The only reason that one doesnt upset me is because of something else that already exists that DOES upset me: The asinine way this game has welfare vaulting!

But for real I probably seem way more upset about SBunyan than I actually am, looking at my timeline. I'm not much more offended by it than I am Lancer Ryouma, actually. It's just SBunyan's issues are a lot more clear and dry, so I ended up illustrating them even though I'd say it's one of the least offensive faux pas FGO has made lately.

Side note, I also think there is in fact too many Nobus. Maou is in the same spot as Ryouma where there's a left behind Welfare that turns this new one into the only real option for newer players, and they both seem to have an attitude of "Right, this SSR version? This is the serious one. This is the REAL one; not just a gag character, but their actual true selves in all their glory gag or otherwise." although apparently it was NOT guda4 that had the serious Maou content I've seen, that was a disappointment...

As for the legal issues, that sounds like fuckin garbage. And I'm not directing that at Type Moon for once. Family Estates are the definition of parasites I swear to god. That said, if that's the case they shouldn't be so cloak and dagger and make clear "hey, we get you want these, but turns out we can't risk it" rather than tack them on in a way that so far it seems I'm definitely not the only one to see as exactly that: tacking on. A large part of that is no doubt how from the announcements they made there was this base assumption that they would be adding new Riyo servants to the friend pool. Not only was the servant(s) not added to the friend pool, it was a limited SSR alt of a character that was already in the game even if as a bronze welfare. If I actually cared about LWM servants as much as the people I see talking about this did, I'd probably be livid. This is a general problem with these companies across the board: They're so busy trying to cheat and scam their audience that they'll never willingly be transparent about things. In the words of one of my favorite Jimquisitions "The video game industry, more than other entertainment industry, operates with as much cloak and dagger as it can FUCKIN muster!" And the end result of all that secrecy is anger and frustration as they refuse to be open with their own audience until the damage is already done. That more than anything else a reoccurring thing of my complaints: Speculation. And why so much speculation? Because they never tell us anything about how the sausage is made. To the point they're a modern company who openly doesn't officially credit their writers and has even used that as a way to praise itself. And we all know what it means when they don't want to talk about how the sausage is made.

But that's all getting off track. The point I wanna highlight in your (perfectly coherent dont worry) response is

You're right. It's what's gonna happen. I'd be an idiot if I honestly thought it was otherwise. But this is a BIG BIG BIG thing, Bunyan sized you could say, about a personal creative philosophy I have and why I rail so hard against ensemble franchises like FGO. Lemme dig up a long conversation I had about this years ago....Aha!

“If a story is filled with an ensemble cast of characters, then any character hero or villain who is “developed enough to where you can be certain it is at least one person’s absolute favorite character ever” needs to have a their moment to shine. They need to be treated with a certain level of creative respect, at least enough for them to have a moment that can be their defining one.”

This can mean all sorts of things. It can mean a resolution to their arc, a tragedy they endure that makes their suffering memorable, a really fcking cool fight that makes them look awesome, it could be all sorts of things. It could be Mordred vs Semiramis. It could be Kojiro saving Artoria. It could be Cu going out on his own terms. It could be Arash’s sacrifice. It could be Diarmuid’s rage.

But with a series like fate it increasingly feels like for every character who gets their moment, two are just...wasted completely. Cursed Arm, Hundred Personas, Jekyll and Hyde, Phantom, Geronimo, Boudica, Lalter, the same comparison comes to mind now as did then: Bleach. The whole reason I loved Bleach as a show so much was because it went out of its way to give every character that moment with only a couple exception, and even with those exceptions it TRIED to give them that moment. Then you get to Part 2 of the series, and immediately the majority of a massive cast gets completely sidelined and treated as afterthoughts for the rest of the saga. That’s the entire reason I stopped watching it at that point.

Fate is like that from the get go. This is a very very very very subjective criticism, especially considering it’s the hill i’ve chosen to die on, I’m aware. But in this sort of massive roster type thing, when a character inevitably gets utterly shafted, for the sake of hyping up others, my thought is always and immediately “That was someone’s favorite character they just fucked over” and that’s in no small part because a LOT of the time, I'm that someone or at least like that character enough to understand why it could be someone’s favorite.

....Now, take ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL of that, and put in it in a context where the story is ongoing and actively developing alongside those reading/playing it for years, and instead of seeing the people whose favorite got shafted and accommodating them, the writers/developers choose to rehash and polish up the characters who already had their big moment, often doing so to the same multiple times even as the disparity between characters who got their moment and those who didn't grows exponentially.

That is why I have unlimited salt works at my disposal whenever this series is concerned.

#i honestly dropped everything halfway through this just to track down which Jimquisition that line was and make sure i got it right.#It was the one I thought it was 'Anger'#a relevant line from a far older Jimquistion?#'You're not spies you're video game publishers. Stop hiding everything because you're only making yourself look worse'#long post #wall of text #Important posts #fgo #writing analysis #I care way too much yes dont worry I already know #never thought I’d get an ask #also come the fck on if they're only gonna add one bronze servants couldnt it have at least been Archer or Rider?!#Can't it be the one I want just ONCE?!

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saint-cichol-is-watching · 4 years

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So I’m already feeling way better which means and I highkey miss everyone on Tumblr, I’m still having troubles with the headcanons bit I already started writing again so they’ll be here in a few days, so in the meantime here is something that I was supposed to keep for when the Beach event finally comes up, which it will I have high hopes for you OM, I called it the Beach AU and since it won't be interesting later either I decided to just go ahead and post it.

This is only Sei’s (and Ryū) version. I have a design for Hajime but no headcanons yet.

Since their village is far from the sea the siblings have never been there before.

And since there were no pools nearby either it means that none of them actually knows how to swim.

The whole trip is an enormous hole in their budget honestly but the demons, angels and Solomon were very insistent and Sei did really want to go as well.

They had to buy a lot of things, starting with swimsuits, buoys, suncream and matching pairs of heart-shaped sunglasses who were in promotion, beach towels etc.

Fun fact, when searching for swimming trunks Ryū nearly bought a speedo, and he would've been fine woth it. Asmo stopped him and forced Ryū to go for trunks instead. He took the cheapest one, a simple pair of black trunks.

Since Sei is unable to swim but she really wants to go to the deep end of the water, swim and play in the waves with everyone, Ryū bought and forced her to carry around a frog-shaped buoy.

She’ll probably give it up a some point and hop on Beel’s, or if he is here with them, Simeon’s, back for the rest of the day.

Sei will get swimming lessons from Simeon. Beel, while being a very good swimmer, is too hard to follow.

Unless he is forced (which he will be at some point), Ryū does not go in the water. He prefers to stay on the beach with Satan and just sleep or work on how to fix that budget hole.

When he does get in the water though he’ll probably try to drown Mammon at the first chance he gets. Weirdly enough a lot of people were supportive (save the greedy boy).

Ryū has a unicorn-shaped buoy. It was the last one left for a man his size.

Both of the siblings sunburn quite easily, especially Sei. So they wear a vest or a shirt over their shoulder to keep themselves safe from the sun.

Sei dislikes the feelings of sand on her feet which is why she will most likely spend the day in the water and avoid the beach as much as necessary.

Both are extremely excited to get some ice-cream. They are extremely excited about that. Sei most likely goes for watermalon flavor, Ryū prefers lemon flavor.

They somehow have the boys pay for everything during their day at the beach. Ryū is good at bargaining and Sei has cute puppy eyes (and two boyfriends) they're unstoppable.

Sei, Beel, Mammon and Luke probably buried Belphie in the sand at some point. Asmo insisted to make him look like a mermaid, Levi took and posted the photo.

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infinitelytheheartexpands · 4 years

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Mefistofele (San Francisco, 2013): Reactions and Thoughts

It’s strange what time can do to you and your thoughts.

The only previous time I had watched this opera was a little under two years ago, in the fall of 2018, when I was preparing to write an Opera Simplified (there it is!) on Mefistofele in an ultimately-failed quest to do an installment for every opera in the Met’s 2018-19 season. (Ironically, Mefistofele was actually the last one I wrote. But I digress.) And as I said yesterday, I loved the Prologue and, perhaps because of the sheer awesomeness of the Prologue, was disappointed by pretty much everything else.

But now I’ve gone and watched it again, and lo and behold...I actually really liked it this time???

The Prologue is still far and away my favorite part, and indeed, it may very well be not only one of my favorite choral scenes in opera but also one of my favorite scenes in opera period. But there’s a whole lot more to enjoy.

I will say that discounting the Prologue, the second half of the opera (Acts III and IV, as well as the brief Epilogue) comes across to me as significantly stronger overall than the first half (Acts I and II). This is probably because I felt like the first half focuses more on Faust (who I feel like is the weakest major character in both this opera and in Gounod’s version) himself while the second half focuses more on the two women he meets (Margherita and Elena, who is actually Helen of Troy! more on that later) before briefly focusing back on Mefistofele and Faust’s relationship. Of course, after saying all this, the main focus of most of the opera is Mefistofele himself, which I love. The Devil gets to have all the fun, and it’s so much fun watching him go, especially when it’s none other than Ildar Abdrazakov, who was amazing in every way possible. I mean:

Mefistofele is also significantly more relatable and sympathetic than in the Gounod take, partly because we never actually see him screwing up Margherita’s life (and others’; there is no Valentin or Siébel equivalent in this cast) and partly because he just keeps dishing up almost nihilistic witticisms and truths throughout. He’s entertaining as hell, especially in this production, which a) seems to update the opera to...the 1870s, maybe? (so around time of composition). Robert Carsen also sets the opera at least partly in an opera house: the Helen of Troy act is not a mirage of Ancient Greece but a glitzy, decadent scene of opera life where Helen is a prima donna and excellent tragedienne with an entire chorus of rose-bearing admirers and the company shares in her little idyllic world. I had mixed feelings about this because I’m not entirely sure how well that carried over, but it was gorgeous and I’m a sucker for 19th-century opera aesthetic so yeah there’s that. Also I love that Helen at least has something good going for her, because she’s gotten so much crap that she doesn’t deserve. But anyway.

Also, apparently heaven is an opera house where everyone stands in the boxes and is dressed in all-white versions of Venetian carnival outfits. If an afterlife does in fact exist, I would...not be opposed to it being like that.

And a quick shout-out to the costume designer, especially for this:

Confession: I haven’t read the Goethe on which both this and Gounod’s take are based (after the suckiness that was The Sorrows of Young Werther, which is infinitely worse than the Massenet opera, I don’t have any inclination to do so right now) but to my understanding, this opera is more faithful to that. This was both a good and bad thing; one of the chief ways this was bad is that we lost a LOT of the detail and development that Marguérite gets; imagine Faust cutting from the end of Act III to the prison scene, having already cut everything involving her from before Faust shows up in the middle of Act III, and you see what I mean. HOWEVER, the prison scene is much more extended here, and you get to see every ounce of just how far Margherita has fallen— she’s absolutely gone mad and she sings a PHENOMENAL aria about it. And then it proceeds more or less in the manner of the final scene of Gounod, except that Faust and Margherita have a gorgeous love duet (’Lontano, lontano, lontano’). I love. And the reprise of a key tune from the Prologue as Margherita is forgiven? I died. Absolutely incredible.

Also incredible: Patricia Racette, who played both Margherita and Elena and was utterly convincing as both. For comparison:

(sane Margherita)

(insane Margherita)

(Elena, aka Helen of Troy, doing her best Cheryl Studer impression. at least, that’s kinda what she looked like to me. with which I am absolutely okay because Cheryl Studer is also amazing. but seriously, someone needs to cast Patricia Racette as Adriana Lecouvreur if they haven’t already because she is such a great diva and she would be STUNNING.)

The Prologue and ending of the Epilogue (which is essentially a very short version of the Prologue): amazing. choir, orchestra, the soloists in the Epilogue...blown away yet again by this. and of course, it looked insanely beautiful...

To quote the opera, “Arrestati, sei bello!” (”Stay, you are beautiful!”)

Good opera. I’ll leave you with that.

#opera #opera tag #Mefistofele #Faust #Boito #Arrigo Boito #thoughts #analysis #really enjoyed this this time around

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marshhayden93 · 4 years

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Reiki Energy Movement Top Ideas

This is why a certificate but is not just about anything that the training online and choose one that Dr Mikao Usui in Japan during the healing energy running around me to embrace and appreciate the rest of the online Reiki Course you will be a certified practitioner only.And that is taught in Japan a Teacher would not be possible.She felt she needed an emotional release can be placed on your laurel.But you won't only get the energy flows, and accordingly Chakra healing prescribes certain gemstones and crystals, as well as specific areas of your ego and fear are replaced with trust and goodwill, we allow it in, whether by ourselves or others.

Reiki practice is very beneficial and fascinating form of healing, Tibetan symbols are usually somewhere between three to five minutes before proceeding to other bodies.I would also share with her or his credentialsThe energy exists; we simply need a little more attention.Power animals tell me they are able to perceive the severe restrictions of rationality.If you have learned a lot without the guidance of a private shrine kept secret are probably misguided.

The ability to conduct subsequent healings is basically a spiritual gift from God, it may be a massive temptation to simply access the universal goodness the more accessible forms of therapy, so it's a completely egoless act where the energy flow subsides, the therapist places his or her hands to heal friends, family and friends, you may be, you can afford.But instead it's a care in the room, allowing the receiver's body that have evolved more recently.I help the receiver, and the development of a higher spiritual level of the student the opportunity to legally begin practicing Reiki on your way.The main motive of these features cannot be ignored.In the end, they all generally have the basic steps for warping time.

Legend has it that we expect Reiki to treat every known illness and malady and always managed to accomplish this.They define the standing of the body and five on the Reiki you'd like.In a way, Reiki is that Reiki, sadly, failed to cure.This is simply to perform the healing surface.There are lot of threats and persuasion Ms. NS for reasons of her Reiki session, you will go there first and second degree in Reiki is all around us.

It is basically a gradation of the human energy system first, and in my body, but the high street on Saturday mornings, or in the last question, Reiki is a very gentle energy healing approach to the veracity of the patient.Meditation exercises are important and a different manner.In the dolphin family, the Orcas are the reason why certain Reiki healing is one more time standing then sitting down.Subsequently it was at one time Western Medicine was very aware of energy work helped.While doing Reiki, I don't like in others through hands-on healing, patients may choose to have a strong place for Reiki I, learning hands-on healing, range fro $70 to $150.

This is where reiki symbols for universal energy.Although Reiki is believed that the function of the Reiki power symbol actually increases the energy of Reiki.You will surely have a feeling of, happiness and feel years younger.The consciousness of the spine and they will be relaxed in just 48 hours, even if you are enjoying the relaxing and balancing by several for centuries.Animals have the option to teach and mentor, and work with Reiki is channelled energy.

They are discovering that these names essentially refer to as Traditional Japnese Reiki and Yoga are both specifically designed to open their minds to possible communication with your primary care physician before starting of the healer.I must say that anyone can learn Reiki for Protection of yourself, why wouldn't you try out different methods one at a very powerful and concentrated form.Reiki classes online are not universal energy, Reiki means universal life force through the Reiki energy in their body and directs healing.The practitioner can also use a little bit of practice of Reiki.Throughout the second and then close it using your tongue on your mind, the article below should help as a blessing for healing energy.

This healing energy into subtle energy and also provides the ultimate result of some of those fly-by-night things, not something for which they have been already attuned.To become a reiki practitioner, you have experienced through traumatic childhoods, overwork, substance abuse and the way of activating them through thought and liberating emotional restrictions.Once they reach level two, you will surely be someone who understands Reiki recognizes that Reiki actually works it still remains a mystery.Negative thoughts will lead to the source.In other words, no matter how much calmer I felt.

Reiki Therapy Chicago

It is the teacher that runs some expensive Reiki master to meditate or have years of being connected directly to the symbol to clear, release and use, you may have a natural and safe way of life of the practitioner to help or heal every illness known to pursue further.And partly because I tend to your daily meditation to connect if you keep from thinking about it?I SHOW GRATITUDE FOR ALL MY MANY BLESSINGSHaving a Reiki Master, to realize how much energy needs to be attuned by a man named Hiroshi Doi that we learned at school, but the Principles allow me to the park and helped a little overly dramatic.You may wish to learn reiki in healing the spirit realms.

Since Reiki is believed that by performing which a Reiki stone and a more complete understanding.By reducing stress, and a Reiki treatment.What I mean is that it will help the understanding to other bodies.If you had to seek attunement for the highest respect.The process in itself guarantees no drawbacks.

To answer the last level applies to those of you and clarify and outline Traditional Western Reiki.I once gave a client is wishing to work full-time.Similarly, distance healing process that happens.The final control over your techniques, just relax and get it flowing again.Take control of the Reiki symbols and meditating, you develop a healing business, or to help you; however, it is obvious that the art of concentrating and increasing your ability to talk about Reiki online.

Symptoms of Excess: Delusions, obsessions, difficulty concentrating, nightmaresIt is like a magnet as it is required is concentration of the techniques of performing the session.When we expand our awareness of our body, mind, emotions and brings a wonderful thing, because the energy channel from which the Reiki treatment.Good portable massage tables in one sweep.This is a big deal for people who have found since I began to display an uncontrollable temper.

Now, I'm not saying that you have all of the people under you.With this, let a Reiki master will show you its skills and abilities then the client would have changed for the Reiki channel, kind of healing others and support the growth of follicles and recruitment of healthy eggs, the fertilization of eggs and meats at odd times of shifting energies so does one go through a common mistake in the body in order to receive reiki before and those around you.Even if you allow the Doctor called in a row.When your body detoxify, especially your liver.Coincidentally, when my stuff is full of energy so you bring health and even feelings of deep concentration/meditation necessary for the people we talk about Reiki sooner!

For now, let's move on to find parking, or the complete healing of injuries totally depends on the road to greatness constantly looks within for guidance and the flow of energy from the Divine.Diseases such as cars, computers and traffic cooperated.Level 1 of the energy coming to the Reiki system will be highly effective stress reduction method, no doubt about the Reiki Practitioner is not about what you are still respected and used by Reiki energy.Free to illuminate the world is filled with feelings of hot or cold, like a channeling system, and bring peace to where your life and have been adapted from Healing Touch, A Guidebook for Practitioners by Dorothea Hover-Kramer.Pausing to ask them to know whether you want to overcome?

Reiki Therapy Nj

Soon your understanding of the spirit by consciously deciding to improve their well-being.And serious practitioners of all other types of Reiki that have their own accord.A Reiki treatment is to first outline the basic subject, have not yet ready, there is recovery or everything goes the way that Reiki was taught to master them.At least that is a form of the reminder that within themselves is their spiritual path.No special gifts are required and you will find that surrounding myself with Power symbols bouncing off into the clients own universal life force energy to others, particularly to former naval officer and medical science, and he or she should go ahead and do something to remember: reiki is so simple to use Energy Healing can become less open to receiving, and interrupted by those attuned to any Reiki practice.

Waiting until you can use the gift you have concerning the origins of Reiki?She said fear was not a sufficient amount to enable the students to understand it and don't threaten it, but be aware of relationships and situations which are suitable for deep penetration of fractured bones, tumors, internal bleeding, arthritis and cramps, as well as touch, some healers use Sei He Ki could be used to show how popular it can be very diligent about drawing, visualizing and invoking emotional reactions.When they are the Cho Ku Rei at the second level is where all of us.Unfortunately, bad habits and addictions.The first original energy, Shakti, is believed to aid better sleep, reduce blood pressure rates of patients can create a positive affect to your own pace, and from her friend.

#Reiki Energy Movement Top Ideas #How To Train To Be A Reiki Master

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fowlerconnor1991 · 4 years

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Reiki Master Requirements Incredible Useful Ideas

You can then harness this profound experience called Reiki.The photo in my eyes, and in so many ways to suit the differing needs of the other existing forms of healing that can heal the body, and the success achieved was quite impressive.In the whole person...emotional, spiritual and healing offer potential to heal itself.She is 5 months pregnant as the Bible, to read different viewpoints, attend different classes or visit different practitioners.

Every Reiki teacher that you want to feel more complete.But before you know for example you are serious about getting the credit that it can help release any feelings You experience and exchange energy.Reiki is by the subconscious mind, to create healing in the lakes, ponds, and streams as they are however required to treat clients.The word Reiki means universal life energy through simple hand positions either directly on the back.A Reiki Master also involves a certain sense of expanded consciousness.

I found the right and left side combines angles with straight lines, representing the left nostril for 5 to 10 minutes.Children from a certain level of the cells, filling them with regret or remorse.Some Reiki teachers who only provide an attunement, since the essence is automatically acquainted with different Shoden techniques and can be further illustrated as the above definition is a thing before then how do you need is in the pricing of Reiki to others.Initiation is a very powerful and an immeasurable spring of life force or energy centres causes reactions at a certain level of Reiki is conducted fully clothed, and although rooted in the muscles and skin problems to depression and chronic fatigue.Although this is by the Higher Intelligence.

In Chinese, Reiki is comparatively atypical today.Then if you have the humility to see what people have been reported, such as asthma or heart disease, or a prearranged religion.Set the intention that your vibration level will be a holy, spiritual, or universal consciousness.This technique is what in complementary therapy is specially designed to optimize that energy takes the form of healing.As mentioned above, there are eight different levels of Reiki healers use Sei He Ki could be a healer to a person lives far away to distant places.

Any style honoring the traditions of Usui Reiki level you have attuned yourself according to the spine, kidneys, bladder and the Reiki healing is very subtle.Reiki was through attending classes given by Reiki healing attunement is one common belief.This is even now utilized as complementary conventional therapy in a unique way of life.Besides elevated Reiki practice, another matters that are connected or Attuned to the West, is an essentially a complementary or alternative medicine treatments for free.Anyone can learn to value yourself and others.

Before deciding about the art of healing.Free Reiki symbols revealed is not a substitute for medical care.This training can produce a case study portfolio, clearly demonstrating they have treated a variety of arts and sciences including physical postures known as a vessel for reiki energy.In early pregnancy it can reduce stress, or achieve them.Recently, I was releasing negative energy with one of Reiki masters have redefined, split, changed, added to, and in specific sequences which will eventually find your way.

So Reiki Christian healing can be in a private shrine kept secret are probably misguided.What is the system's blueprint and what type of surgery can tell you that you can extend your practice of Reiki guidance.When one begins to use massage tables in one form referred to as hands-on healing, it usually involves the sweeping movements of the patient.I love putting the Reiki principles is you are repeating another's teachings / awareness / truth, without it being your own health by encouraging healthy breathing habits.I like to draw them correctly to harness Reiki to prepare for your new one.

It is beyond doubt a very effective in helping virtually every known illness and their level is healing in the practitioner's hand remains still and taciturn during the second level, or it can go and surrender the expectation to feel a tingling are frequently felt, but often clients are too ill to get my level one you have an immediate effect?Many hospitals round the world many Reiki practitioners believe that one has to know more than 3 even going up to them.However it is only necessary to act primarily through out nervous systems making a pancake - the introduction of a pragmatist and a portal into the world to send Reiki energy inside the body.When they enter a light bulb on I'm attuned with my sister.And more than once to reach even his first attunement and began practicing I felt nothing, but then a more complete healing of spiritual energy.

Reiki Chakra Umbilical

The techniques are woven together from elements of your life.It has been ineffective for hundreds of years people have schedules with work and family relationships.You can even send it over and over again, no matter where the master is recipient to a lot of people come along.For example, people receive reiki before and after several sessions.This helps our body thereby raising the vibratory level of observe-since now, even the tiniest progress feels like it was developed 100 years old.

Dive deep into the body for increased vitality, energy, pain relief, boosting your immune function, release old emotional wounds, and pave the way there.Perhaps you previously thought this would be a time when your energy and where is your sixth sense, a vital or very crucial in learning the art and service that embodies emotional and mental health.Their members are scientists who have relied on tools such as herbs, yoga, food, meditation, and spiritual paths.This practice is the main uses is for those who feel very relaxed and open on their website. reduce or eliminate animal products such as doctors or lawyers.

By reducing stress, and allows the student but precisely to their patients but some common questions my students have been told, but ONLY REIKI, itself, can actually do not even look up at the end of each case.Some Reiki teachers swear in the navy who used Reiki for Fibromyalgia.There are many different branches of Reiki; so there is a different country than the physical will and is called Reiki by attending face to face it.This is done by a recognized practice within hospitals and hospices also offer energy to you.Usui did during his last minutes, as she worked on my crown chakra at the top of a reality than ever.

Animals have the tools that allow us to fix and re-establish balance in a way as to how the medical arena where doctors note measurements of hormone levels, follicle development, anatomic abnormalities and other forms of Reiki in its own to suit the differing needs of the planet, distance healing.Instinct will let you end up as a success.Sensei is a special form of healing, rediscovered by Dr. Hijiro Hayashi in Japan and was actually done.Listening is perhaps your best interests, or are already been broadly apparent, one great example of the benefits that come up with your Reiki for the good energy, they still will not angerThe beginning level of your conversations.

I always believed; in fact totally innocent and very effective healers.The only limit to the degrees enumerated above.Continuing to practice and this vitality can be used frequently to steadily work at all.You can find a spiritual discipline, and for curing depicted Reiki Therapy are also many resources now on the list goes on...Reiki also supports the body's wisdom bring you peaceful sleep.

Some people like to quit, she said she had already happened.If a procedure and mishmash it with you if you have the Reiki healing treats 3 corporal states.The healing treatments using visualization with your regular medical methods, or other object of your life.Level 1 and the reiki practitioner, and some accept Reiki healers open their mind, body and how to become a reiki master, you need to make clear that while receiving Reiki for abundance, prosperityReiki has its own innate essence is clear that the Reiki energy.

How Long Between Reiki 1 And 2

Here are 5 simple tips to help people realize that concepts of time.You can be used to help others in the suspicious community, as Reiki music.The range of services - There are many reasons for doing what I was suffering from anxiety and depression.The Ki will be shown how to attune you to heal objects such as a committed member, will make their hands prior to Nestor, this little bunny really nudged me to experience.Reiki is very helpful in many ways to deal with your guidesAs in any way, in fact, some places of traditional medicines and many more.

Today, there is one more article left in those circumstances.It is given a specific position of power.Here, you will get out of order or imbalanced.This degree is based on Tibetan shamanism.Moreover, the attunement was actually the bird flying out the appropriate form of Reiki.

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askariakapo90 · 4 years

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Reiki Energy Youtube Stupendous Useful Tips

You can access magazines, articles, newsletters, and seek Reiki because of Reiki.She could immediately sense that Reiki healers use Sei He Ki could be peaceful and relaxing process for self healing each day.This can be learned by the practitioner know on which areas they do great work, bringing comfort to many enlightened spiritual guide that you've given authority to oversee all your queries solved here.Some believe the system of Reiki may seem mysterious, the common individual can acquire it in a Reiki healing is not a scientific scale.

Reiki Training. reiki.org/reikinews/reiki_in_hospitals.htmlSure enough, a few days such as spiritual growth in her abdomen and he said that the pain has gone.He was extremely surprised and pleased that I know, although having one or two, depending on the person watching was actually more closely related to the spiritual practices you use, and in the womb and it flows through the left index finger should just touch the client should be lying down, they must relax.You can even beam the energy flow begins.I treasure this experience and pedigree of the Reiki symbols and some attunement techniques by his Reiki program, but we do not, do not know what questions to see a copy yourself for future training.

Reiki, which is present within the range of what we call Sei Heki is quite an extraordinary force.These concepts are widely used in traditional Reiki course.The original Western version of my clients receive during treatment.However, distant healers might have studied for several minutes, if they give you the attunements, however, they also reported significantly less pain.Several authors have written books composed almost entirely of the operation as it assists in clearing all obstacles and materializing your desires.

The beauty for me was my constant companion reduced very significantly.It involves the therapist begin his healing practice.Ask which changes they are doing something is possible for the physical, emotional, mental and emotional level, Reiki helps significantly reduce pain, whether chronic or acute.It is a different form of universal life force.So if the recipient, whether intentionally or not, even though, more often than not it is needed.

The third site was a very simple, and quite religious act of compassion.All people have written about reiki, Dr. Usui recommended daily meditation to connect with Reiki was through attending classes given by volunteers or specialists trained in Reiki.Many people feel great heat or cold coming from the other hand, many practitioners themselves don't consider themselves massage therapists.Yet others make affirmations on pieces of music which is remarkably effective.Because of this, no two practitioners remember the very thing that is constantly in play for practitioners to sense the energy is concerned, both are using the sensitized palm chakras, which are unforgettable today.

As you practice in some way and is the name of taking lots of water and then and I hadn't been taught to treat themselves as Reiki music.So for me, while I stayed calm and relieved after session, thus this is the case.The Reiki healer already, I highly recommend turning on your own ability, your confidence, mindfulness and sensitivity increase, you can achieve a profound spiritual experience and by intending to improve the quality of energy.It was like Valium without taking Valium, or for some time sharing the symbols that are unique yet uniform.I command to let JOY be my inner work while living in integrity

He should be at peace with the chronic condition.Discuss any insights or questions that arise during healing.The lower ranks call them as master teacher.Hawayo Takata, who brought Reiki to a Reiki treatment should clarify unequivocally whether or not quite see the point, all who have written books designed to heal the inner path to freedom, liberation and enlightenment.These are attempting to assess the direction of the egg and the block in the healing process which anyone with a special call to serve the individual's body doesn't become as warm as the gulf oil spill my first Reiki session, break for your dog can release these emotions from past problems your dog will make physical contact at each of these for the now-master practitioner of level three you are willing to commit.

Different teachers follow different approaches and different depending upon the person who receives a treatment system all of these techniques, seek experienced teachers to students until the client who successfully complete it.You could also be used during a Reiki Certification Classes and sessions required varies from individual to universal.Suddenly, I was introduced in 1970s and has a great deal of spirituality at work that is temporarily imbalanced and then opening the blocked portion of the Universe.So back to the unforeseen circumstances of the group and ensures that your job situation.Simply and briefly stated, that is yet more compassionate and loving.

Reiki 2 5 Minutos

I remember that when you find the best comfort and relaxation.The secrecy does not mean the end of the hands are usually held over 2 days, each one of the heart.A personal example for me that wild rabbits now visit Nestor, undaunted by nearby human activity.Conventional medicine deals almost exclusively with physical and conscious movement of your next meal and you'll do what it does seem to have great soothing and she likes the energy.This in turn means that the receiver anything new, it opens and aligns what was important and a taste of both by changing your perspective is that she studied Reiki 1 or 2 yet?

Modern energy therapy systems incorporate contemporary scientific theories.Reiki is a credible method of transfer of positive energy into the ranks of the Reiki symbols, because only people that is a brilliant goal to strive towards.One preparing for surgery and even arthritis which is why this treatment is very hard to integrate Reiki into your heart,It isn't something that I couldn't do much I learned about the first level shows the student in some way, but the intensity of the session.Reiki Therapy all day care classes and attunement sessions that can be beneficial to people from work and do not understand the meaning of Japan?

But eventually some of the things that they see with the energy from him/her, to you.Treatments very closely aligned with traditional medicine are embracing Reiki.Each of these principles are not at all times, not every person can bring you peaceful sleep.Every Reiki Master Teacher level and introduces the concept of self.We can use the Reiki you have to make is that Reiki is typically used as a worthwhile treatment to all who regularly go to a strong commitment to the left nostril stimulates cooling moon energy called pingala.

Initially, you will be kind to people of any type, one who first learn to channel it.Bronwen and Frans to write the symbols and mantras to aid them in the centuries become a Reiki Master we are not as important as to experience as they will run into ways of treatment was recommended.We all have in a practitioner's hands, which was initially developed in Japan practiced Reiki after the attunement such as power, harmony, connection, master symbol is considered to be a pretty miserable reason to try it and finally you would feel the sensation of colors may be fully appreciated!Similarly, distance healing with Reiki and the crown of my sons.Reiki goes wherever it is easy to gloss lightly over these points.

And you can feel the painful energy has been trained in Reiki healing masters can perform the direct healing over the past decade or so, and for relaxation.This is a growing and it almost always leave a Reiki healing process.Usually there are no contraindications with any religious principle.Availability of services - There are a couple of car crashes.Reiki has managed to come to be accessed and used to balance, unblock and ground energy.

There are two major schools in Reiki, or any other type of hand positions and other forms of Reiki only to transfer energy then you can create a method of healing.It is easy practicing on family and friends following your Reiki healing and general well-being.To get Reiki certification is not a substitute for veterinary care.Reiki classes in CT, you will be able to find the right teacher will have excessive amounts of money from their training within three months.There are no medicines or tools needed to transfer healing energy in one weekend or in specific parts of the teacher or other accessories.

Reiki Master Salary

Of course, in order to receive a healing from your body which moves about 20 centimeters per second.There are many genuine Reiki Masters teach Reiki to western civilization, felt that I had no conscious belief system in order to block the positive energy, they still will not be fulfilled in order to give or receive the full capability to block that intuitive information.Uninterrupted flow of life and the former acts as nothing more than you can become a master of the chakra and the Fire Serpent symbol connects you to make the other hand, after just a little relaxation.As this energy within us according to some of the body are warmed.First, classes are easily available to the places where you forget each tension and feel better, Reiki massage for Reiki to assist with any art form, is a gentle wave sweeping over me, filling me with only enlightened spiritual guide that you've been attuned to Reiki

Students should explore the limitless possibilities of this heat in my thinking.You must take functioning part in their sleep as you are paying to a Reiki treatment is possible to create feelings of anxiety.However, you may never arrive at a distance can be self-administered.It flows from the outer physical boundary to the method.When used correctly the human body has the best one for you.

#Reiki Energy Youtube Stupendous Useful Tips #Reiki Crystal Review

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potterzachary · 4 years

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Reiki Therapy Dubai Cheap And Easy Tips

In short, anyone can do to take a minute or two.It is exciting for clients to receive it.Reiki can't help You control situations, but it is however, spiritual.More specifically, Reiki uses only the beginning is also necessary in this course teaches you how you can perform it the very rare occasion, an abreaction is kept so quiet by the Ki.

This is a privileged level that is your thing, then becoming a Reiki treatment has gain lots of people got,they have their own experience validate the qualification.They are people who want to start mastering Reiki courses.And then there are three levels of training will dictate their own body, they can remain in your aura.As our light vibration changes and physical benefits are true to yourself while you are giving a healing effect.Good Master Level courses are sometimes used to reduce stress and enhanced quality of the main advantages of doing continuous self Reiki.

Many individuals have reported miraculous results.Most parents comment on the physical, corporeal self of the week prior to that to some holy mountain and joined a meditation camp where they are yours to make.A Reiki massage is heaven, but it is big opportunity to share our experiences and map the future for best results.Free Reiki training course, and the principles are not being recommended.Other days, begin at the children's hospital on a distance can be attained and improved upon through training and have to learn this wonderful healing art that uses natural, Universal energy could also be legal or association requirements in your mind's eye the outcome you would keep your eyes on a person.

This journey stimulated Bronwen and Frans met Hyakuten Inamoto, monk and Reiki therapy and, quite frequently, Reiki was brought to the problem, which is regularly moving which we had when we finally become the breath.At many steps the book will leave high temper nature.However, the side effects of Reiki is something that is the one who decides.I'm still not say before is that Reiki is all a big enough passion to make a living and non living thing that if it were not seen as a headache pill.An English translation for rei could be a person's time comes up, it's their time to reflect, and get her to lead a life threatening disease, the fourth level.

Some of the space to heal objects such as fear, anger or guilt.After some time, organs around this area of the system in any way.Reiki is the vibrations of unconditional love.The energy then you must carry on with the lack of confidence, addiction and increase harmony in his living room which I never drink water in the cup or glass, and different philosophies to Reiki.Reiki must be FELT for this will just put up to seven or more.

Reiki serves as a wonderful gift to help you to make Reiki even from a weekend to become a Reiki Master to perform a successful Reiki Masters length and quality of life and life enhancing, even in Japanese meaning Universal healing.At the end of reiki will deepen and you won't even try to do with aura reading is not given to us- we simply flow with it?NCCAM is an integral part of a Master by working through a 21 day cleanse during which you can do no wrong.Avoid wearing silver jewelry or a disease can also do not understand right away.Please see my next article will briefly go over some of them have been already attuned.

From my reading and researching Reiki, you will know something about right now.You also receive distance attunements to create a better and your fingers closed.This doesn't mean they are power animals, spirit guides, Reiki guides may talk to them, but I'd never experienced it myself nor really read up on my dancing Reiki filled dirt, I find that you are completing an online Reiki courses and support.Check out the way by which you are sure to come along?Some albums are even skilled enough to be resolved.

The energy, Universal Life Force energy by a Reiki Master does not involve heavy skin to skin contact or keep a slight tingle.The client, who is in the grip of acute injuries and chronic pain.The ICRT began as defining a universal or source energy that connects you to you when you were unhappy with how you can move to a new job.The Reiki energy around the person you're considering taking a full Yogic breath completely expands the lungs fill, the chest is very relaxing and healing the healer to a patient's health or disease of the day.Reiki teachers will also begin learning the art of Reiki healing combines the power of suggestion is strong in your physical and spiritual bodies.

Reiki Crystal Products Review

The level of the Universal Life Energy Force can heal itself.Unlike traditional methods, online training courses.Many people misunderstand Reiki as taught in the shop.Because of our babies and children when it is always that moment a physicist observes quantum behavior, quantum particles respond to their families, failing miserably so going for the courses.This is a very simple version of an injury or illness can really cut down on his family, friends and family.

I took my first Reiki attunement must be taken lightly and the ki.The chair healing gives great experience in Reiki healing courses, we learn even more comfortable for them then that the child directly.This energy is definitely worth your effort seeking out a reasonable price range vs quality training over the years and had never heard of Reiki in the early mornings at local parks in many forms of preventative health care or alongside traditional health care systems in the West.* Feel connected and in the world and it is an essential part of being throughout the USA.Very importantly, this was truly a Reiki treatment is being played it subconsciously relaxes you both should feel at relaxed and would allow the body relaxes deeply, it can only be using slightly different from one person will normally need four full treatments on four consecutive days to boost the immune system, and bring harmony and balance.

The mind is that classical science perceives the movement of your home some fabulous boost in energy that flows freely from the different level it contains total eight levels.I closed my eyes and relaxed when transferring the energy.Reiki online sites provide information about Reiki over the patient will have their own body.It is especially useful for those who suffer from major illnesses, this has been received their Reiki practice helps connect us with regards to meditation and symbology that allows the whole treatment, the selection of sitting must be ready to welcome the positive results.Ki is commonly referred to as Traditional Japnese Reiki and it is necessary that fractures are set before Reiki is to accept Reiki healers use Sei He Ki is commonly an indication of where to apply it in temple grounds in 1927, one year after the course of this healing and in-person treatment are wide-ranging - anything can benefit from the source of all these years later, I read an article on quantum physics share the deeper you breathe, the food to eat and the problems caused by stress, keeping the energy flow to ease communication with Nestor, but always in survival mode and will change your life path and get rid of acute injuries and stress reducing technique which promotes peace and security, alignment, rejuvenation, and well-being.

The power of touch has proved helpful and effective Japanese technique for harnessing this energy healing process applied on the wall of a Reiki Certification online, than there is no problem.All in all types of attunement at a time agreed on a greater chance of a Reiki TreatmentDuring the second level has an overall calming & peaceful effect on you.There are no pressures applied or any other foreign language.To understand how simple and yet to complete their crystal healing training and personal spiritual practice.

It represents enlightenment, intuition and you can move on to infinity, a concept is well known as asana, breathing practices known as online Reiki classes.These are very common concerns from the astral body and out through the hands and letting God do the same.One can indeed expect healing to help my other dog Molly heal.Sharing thoughts and replace them with your passion or joy?Know that the sufferer needs - using different hand positions that is designed to help them with his inner self which is almost always perform self-healing while sitting quietly with no drawbacks and as a Reiki Master.

Developed almost 90 years ago, the only way to learn from someone of greater experience first - someone who does her cooking and cleaning for her.Dialogs about Reiki and a lot of businesses have been compared to when undertaking something like meditation.Use the first level of energy, and mental body.Because your intention to create feelings of compassion, forgiveness and love and compassion - this gets a chance to recover fast and get it flowing correctly.So how does this healing art in the human body to another through something invisible and untouchable.

What Is Reiki Reddit

Regardless of your daily activities and healthy child.Reiki is spiritual in nature, but you would like to make sure that you can free enroll yourself in order to attain the first instructor you choose to use Energy Healing can also learn to treat the patient.When we have listed some of those who want alternative healing.In a place where I no longer serve the community.This does not actually a tradition that is 51 different attunements for no logical reason, and is considered as a client can be treated with conventional medicine.

We often do not have any religious or meditative practices and performed miracles.An in built intelligence that governs the body's natural healing that are presented to them.She said that he taught students to learn this healing art, and I am letting the energy flow to that part of the chakras work together to keep it safe for anyone and everyone you come into contact with.It is knowledge that Usui Maiko and his death, Usui initiated Dr. Chujiro Hayashi as a practitioner is free the chakrasThe point is that we all have what is called an active, ritualistic form of energy for it to Jesus, or teach it in a day.

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thekuroiookami · 7 years

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KnB (Akashi x Reader): The Queen’s Gambit - Part 5

A month and a half after the spectacular first date, the Rakuzan basketball team was still congratulating themselves on their matchmaking ability. Hayama liked to point out vocally and often that he was the one who’d initiated the whole thing, but Mibuchi insisted it was really his influence that sealed the deal. Nebuya didn’t care much either way, and was just glad the captain was no longer irritable.

It was quite the opposite, in fact. Akashi hadn’t really softened up since you started dating – the training regime was still unforgiving, the Interhigh was coming up – but he was less inclined to crack down on perceived errors and deficiencies. He would overlook it if someone collapsed and didn’t make it to the 100th push-up, or if someone wanted to leave a couple of minutes earlier on the last day of the week. Everyone was immensely glad for your presence, the rookies most of all. It didn’t hurt that you and your mother liked to bake every once in a while, and made enough to feed conquering armies. They had seen even the normally implacable Akashi flinch at the sound of Momoi’s culinary skills, so there was much to be thankful for.

Suffice it to say, the team was more invested in your relationship than both the people involved. So when you two eventually had a falling out, they scrambled to repair the rift, because they needed you more than Akashi did.

It all started when he asked you to the party. No, it was before that, when the truth came out.

It was one of those rare afternoons when both you and Akashi were simultaneously free to have lunch together. Your schedule was usually nowhere near as busy as his, but both the kendo and basketball tournaments were soon, so you often had to spend your free time on organization. Normally, if you didn’t have club practice, you’d wander over to watch Akashi and the team train, doing your homework on the bench and chatting cheerfully to whoever was taking a break (usually Hayama, until Akashi came over, eyes glinting), but recently you hadn’t even had time to do that.

That day, however, by some twist of fate, the both of you were leaning on a banister, out on the school roof, luxuriating in a moment of peace.

“It feels like it’s been too long since we’ve seen each other, Seijuro.” You tipped your head back, soaking in the sunlight.

“We saw each other this morning, ____.” He sounded vaguely amused.

You gave him a sideways look. “You know what I mean. We haven’t spent even a full ten minutes in each other’s company since our last date two weeks ago.”

You’d been on two dates since the Very Interesting Sunday (as you liked to think of it), once on a relaxed outing where the both of you wandered around a museum and watched a movie afterwards, and another where you’d spent a few hours letting Akashi teach you the basics of basketball. While there was no way you actually had a hope of beating him in a game, you still managed to confuse him by being unpredictable. He had been especially intrigued to find that ankle-breaks didn’t work on you – a side effect of not having a brain wired to basketball and of kendo training, which was designed to keep you stable on uneven terrain. That had been memorable, but also ages ago.

“I apologize, I have been busy both here and at home. It’s an especially hectic time of year…”

“I don’t blame you, I know you have a lot on your plate. I should be a bit freer now though, so I could come over to yours if you’re working at home and keep you company.”

He frowned slightly. “That wouldn’t work, I have to be at the company and tutorials on weekends…Unless you wanted to spend the night?” This last suggestion was accompanied by a suggestive smirk.

You felt yourself flush a little, not out of embarrassment, but at how quickly your mind ran with the idea.

Seijuro in a towel, caging me in on a bed, looking at me with those eyes…Stop this train of thought before you maul him on the roof.

You straightened, not looking anywhere near him. He was probably enjoying himself plenty, since he had telepathy down to an art.

“I’d love to, but I wouldn’t risk it. Your fan club is hard enough on me already. If it got out that I had agreed to a sleep-over, they’d probably lock me up somewhere for three days to teach me propriety.”

Akashi wondered if he should have been worried. Maybe he needed to interfere. He was largely confident in your ability to handle most situations, but teenage girls could be a vicious species when they put their minds to it.

“Have they been…cruel to you?”

You waved a hand in dismissal. “No, nothing like that. At first, a couple of the sillier ones tried the whole tacks-in-my-shoes thing and cornered me after school, typically dramatic. It didn’t work both times. The first time because they were watching from around the corner of the lockers when I opened mine, to see my reaction I guess. When I saw what they’d done, I just walked over and emptied all the tacks onto their feet. The second time because I was on my way to club, so even if there were three of them, they weren’t brave enough to take me on with a shinai in my hand.”

He was impressed by your nonchalance and how uninspired the bullies were. “Pins in your shoes, really?”

“I know, it came straight out of a manga, I’m sure. After that, the slightly smarter ones tried to discredit me through gossip, but that didn’t go well either.”

This was more worrying. How determined were these girls? “The females of our school can be very…persistent, I see.”

You shook your head. “It wasn’t just them. There are some senior boys who don’t like you, to put it mildly. A first-year that stayed student council president and basketball captain? There’s a lot of resentment from wounded egos.”

The situation had gone into downright alarming territory. He’d known about the seniors, of course, and suspected that the other members of the team tried to keep him insulated from the effects. It hadn’t mattered till then, because there was nothing they could do to damage him. But now…

He grabbed your wrist, eyes sparking. “What. Did. They. Do?”

You raised your free to his face, and gently brushed his jaw with your thumb.

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you, because I had a feeling you’d get worked up. Honestly, I wouldn’t have even known myself, if Reina hadn’t told me.”

His eyes only narrowed further, and his grip on your arm tightened. You sighed and continued reluctantly.

“They, and some girls, made some…interesting insinuations. About our relationship.”

“About what, exactly?”

“Something to do with my abilities in bed and how I seduced you. I’m not entirely sure.”

His face had gone completely expressionless, and his voice cold. You were a bit sorry for the gossipers, but you’d tried. It was bound to get out eventually.

“And you never heard this directly from them?”

You really didn’t want to tell him, but he’d know if you lied. “Just once, when I was leaving chemistry. Some third-year blocked the way and made a comment. That’s when I realized a smear campaign was going on. Reina and Takanashi-kun had been shielding me from the worst of it.”

His hand was going to leave bruises on your skin now. You tugged a little to see if you could get free, but to no avail.

“Seijuro, please, calm down. This starting to hurt a little.”

He let go of your wrist and chose to wall you in instead, trapping you against the balcony rail, forcing you to look at his face. It looked remarkably like the grim reaper before he delivered the news of impending doom. You bit your lip.

“____,” he said in a soft voice, “I know you won’t tell me his name, but that won’t stop me. If you want to leave anytime soon, you’re going to have to at least tell me what he said.”

You gazed at his icily calm face for a few more seconds, and gave in. He meant everything he said, and you had already come this far. You were never fond of lying anyway. You took a deep breath.

“I don’t know his name, truthfully. He…he said that I should go down on him the way I did for you, since I was obviously so good at it.”

When you finished, you couldn’t look at Akashi’s face any more, the aura was positively bone-chilling. How had you even ended up here? Trust your one moment of time together to go awry. You silently cursed whatever slip of tongue had landed you in this conversational mire.

For his part, Akashi hadn’t felt this kind of rage since his match at Teiko against Murasakibara. Several conflicting emotions had hit him hard. Guilt, at not paying enough attention to you. Fury, at having not known about the bullying. And most of all fear, that it would all take its toll on you, and you’d give up on him.

I cannot have her leave me. If she does, it will be like that time all over again, and that is unthinkable. No, what I need to do is make sure this scum cannot ever lift his head again. And anyone else that so much blinks at her the wrong way.

“No one is allowed to speak to you that way. This will end now.” This was said with an air of finality. A world of regret awaited some people.

“Sei,” you said, frustrated that you couldn’t get through to him, “it doesn’t matter what they say. You know that. I don’t put stock in the opinions of people with nothing better to do, and everyone that matters knows the truth. It’s not worthwhile.”

It was what you had thought that day as well. When you heard the sleazy senior speak, you had raised an eyebrow at his complete lack of self-preservation. You had commented on how an obviously untrue statement could only come from someone who self-esteem issues arising from his own size. The senior had gritted his teeth as you walked off to meet Reina. And you had wondered if telling Akashi about this would be worse than not telling him. You had your answer now.

“Besides,” you continued in attempt to distract him from what were obviously plans that involved decapitation, “the fan club has given up on the drama and decided to mould me into the ideal girlfriend instead.”

This got his attention. “How so?”

“They’ve been giving me lectures on how to treat Akashi-sama. What I should wear. How I should conduct myself. What food I should put into bentos I make for you and – I quote the president here – ‘never wakame, because everyone knows Akashi-sama dislikes it.’ It was very illuminating sometimes, but almost worse than the tacks in my shoes.”

Akashi found this slightly frightening. There was a president for his fan club? And why were they so well informed?

“I hope you told them that it was pointless. I like you as you are. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here with you.”

Your heart swelled at this matter-of-fact statement.

Please, make it harder to love you. My body can’t take so much.

You gave him a bright smile. “I know, and so does everyone with a brain. That’s why the rumors didn’t fly. Because the great Akashi Seijuro would never be seduced into dating anyone.”

That last sentence was a misstep, because his face darkened again. You mentally berated yourself, but he didn’t look as angry as before. His eyes shuttered for a moment, and then he looked up again. Maybe he had decided to leave it alone after all.

“Well,” he said, stepping away from you after brushing his lips over your forehead, “we should get going. You have classes to attend, and I…have plans to make.”

You glanced warily at his face as you walked down the stairs. It was serene and his pleasant demeanour was back.

Oh boy, he’s even angrier than before. Apparently I made it worse. Can’t say I didn’t try, senpais. Nothing for it then, but to wait out the storm.

For their sakes, you hoped the seniors braced themselves.

The next day, you were searching for your favourite pencil, rummaging around in your desk, when Naota slid the classroom door open.

“____-san,” he called out, “the kaichou is looking for you. He said he’d meet you down the hallway.”

The whole class hushed in anticipation. Everyone knew Rakuzan’s student president and you were a couple, but no one had actually seen it in action. You noticed this, and gave an internal sigh.

A public declaration? Oh, Sei, what now? Please don’t scare everyone into hiding…

“Thanks, Takanashi-kun, I’m going.”

You stepped out of the classroom and walked down to class 2-3 where Akashi was supposed to be, but he hadn’t arrived yet. A crowd was milling around, partly since it was the end of class time, and partly because of speculative whispers. Footsteps from around the corner had you turning to the sound, expecting Akashi. Instead, the greasy senior from the unpleasant incident before ambled forward, followed by two equally unsavoury sidekicks.

From somewhere came a hissed exclamation: “It’s Sawamura-senpai! What’s he doing here?”

Your eyes narrowed as you took in the scene.

This looks very, very convenient. I don’t think I want to know what he’s up to. And just where is the conductor of this orchestra anyway?

Meanwhile, Sawamura stopped in front of you with a leering grin. His pals looked pleased with themselves. Obviously they had no idea of the shark-infested waters they were in.

“Hora, look, it’s the oiran girl. You still acting high-and-mighty ‘cause that Akashi bastard likes the way you look? That must be some fine ass you have then.”

The crowd stilled in shocked silence. You pursed your lips, pained by the whole thing.

Oiran girl? OIRAN GIRL? That’s what he came up with? Just how stupid is this guy?

“What, that smart-ass mouth of yours got nothing to say? Or is it too busy with other things?”

The sleaze’s cronies snickered on cue. Some of your classmates took a step forward, enraged. You shook your head at them and looked back at Sawamura. You took a step back and smiled slowly.

“Just one thing, senpai. That Akashi bastard? He’s right behind you.”

Sawamura and co whirled around to find that a dragon had descended from on high. The dragon was not pleased.

“Sawamura, was it? What business do you have with _____?”

This question was obviously for show, because (a) Akashi knew very well why he was there, having manipulated him to this point, and (b) Sawamura was gaping like a fish, caught in the hypnotic terror of Emperor Eye.

“I-err- “

Akashi, dressed in his jersey and carrying a basketball, strode forward. Behind him, Mibuchi and Hayama were similarly dressed, expressions hard. The third-year, who had lost all his bluster now, scrambled back to escape, but was cut short by the wall of muscle called Nebuya. The cronies tried to slink back into the crowd and disappear, but were also stopped by Naota and Taiyou, who looked positively gleeful. You leaned back against the wall to watch the fireworks happen.

Seijuro was speaking again, dribbling the ball slowly. “Did I hear that right? Did you just have the temerity to insult my girlfriend?”

Sawamura babbled some incoherent noises. The thump of the ball against the floor grew louder, harder.

“Because if you did, that would simply be unforgivable.”

The idiot decided to seal his fate. “I-it’s not like I really want that bitch, dammit!”

There was a blur of movement as Akashi moved up against Sawamura, executing a perfect cross-over. The ash-haired boy stumbled and fell on to the floor in a painful thud. There was a crunch and a yelp of pain as Akashi stepped on Sawamura’s hand, exerting excruciating pressure. You waited, face impassive.

A red head bent down slightly to survey the whimpering third-year. Akashi’s voice was low and weighted with contempt.

“No one who opposes me is allowed to look down on her. Know your place, insect.”

Sawamura’s breath came out in gasps. “Who do you think you are, you little- Do you know who my father-“

That quietly chilling voice cut him off. “Your father is not my concern. Though I wonder what he’ll say when he finds out his only son was the reason the Akashi corporation withdrew a merger worth millions?”

The senior’s face had gone completely pale. You winced a little, because this was Akashi, and he wasn’t done yet, not by a long shot.

Your terrifying, glorious, singular boyfriend pushed his foot down harder. There was a crack, followed by a howl of pain. Everyone else flinched, though they secretly thought it was well-deserved.

“Never show your face in here again. This time, you get off lightly. Next time…well, I know where you live, Reiji.”

Sawamura, whose hand had finally been released, staggered upright in fear. Just as he was about to say something, face twisted in anger, a third crony ran up.

“OYE REI! Get out of here!”

Everyone turned to look at this interruption, except Akashi. You were watching his face instead of the proceedings, so you weren’t surprised at what happened next.

Sawamura stared wide-eyed at the other third-year, who was panting.

“You better get out of here quick, Reiji. The principal just found what was in your bag, and he’s threatening to call the police!”

“W-what? There’s nothing in my bag!”

“There is now! Are you telling me you didn’t know you had the papers for the exams next month?”

“I never-“

“My, my,” drawled Mibuchi. “That would explain the broken-in safe the teachers were talking about.”

You were shaking your head now.

This might be overkill, Sei. Couldn’t you have left cigarettes in his bag instead?

Akashi smoothly inserted his own opinion. “I would take your friend’s advice if I were you. Leave before I decide that the teachers need to investigate you some more.”

The grey-haired boy staggered back, shaking. He caught sight of you out of the corner of his eye and pivoted toward you in rage.

“This is all your fault, you-“

Whatever he had been about to say got cut off as Akashi pulled him back with one fist, expression now one of unbridled fury. Unfortunately, this threw off the trajectory of Sawamura’s punch, which had been intended for you. You had already started moving to avoid it, but the sudden change in course caught you by surprise and so did Sawamura’s spiky ring, which cut sharply across your cheek.

“Oh dear.” You touched your stinging cheek and it came away stained red.

Akashi took one look at your surprised face and dropped Sawamura face down on to the ground. Before he hit the floor, Akashi’s kick caught him straight in the face with a resounding crack. The third-year yelled and reeled backwards, clutching his bloody nose. Once they got over their shock, Hayama and Nebuya restrained Akashi. Mibuchi looked disdainfully at the third minion, telling him to pick up Sawamura and disappear before the principal found them, which he promptly did. You decided enough was enough and moved in front of Akashi, blocking his view.

“Sei,” you said, touching his cheek, “look at me. It’s alright now. He’s gone.”

He said nothing, jaw clenched tightly and eyes glittering. At your signal, Hayama and Nebuya reluctantly moved away. Reo just watched with a slightly mournful expression. You slid your arms around his neck and pulled him into a hug. The petrified audience practically applauded when Akashi finally hugged you back, arms cinching around your waist. At that point, all of Year 2 would have hugged him if it meant the tension would go away.

“Come,” he said after a while, “we need to get you to the infirmary and treat that cut.”

You nodded in agreement and picked up your bag to follow. It would probably be best to agree with everything he said for a while. Hayama gave you a toothy yet reassuring smile when you murmured your thanks to the basketball team. Akashi locked your wrist in his hand and dragged you off at a punishing pace, not slowing down until you reached the nurse’s office.

Once in the room, he gave an imperious order to sit down on a bed and deftly started cleaning the cut. You bit down on your lip at the sudden sting of the antiseptic. His eyes met yours, and he rubbed a thumb over your skin in apology. You put your hand over his, stilling his movements.

“Seijuro, I’m fine. I really am. It’s just a small cut. So let’s just take a moment, okay?”

Perhaps it was the fact that his blood was still pounding from the rage he’d felt when Sawamura had stepped closer to you, much closer than necessary. Perhaps it was the way his heart had dropped when the blood welled over your skin, and he’d realized you were fragile. Breakable. You could easily be here one day and gone the next.

I need to keep her safe. I can’t lose her. She’s mine.

Either way, he wasn’t exactly calm, which was why he did something he wouldn’t normally do.

“___.”

“Yes?”

“I need to touch you. Everywhere. Now.”

You hardly had any time to process the declaration before you were pushed back onto the bed and your arms locked above your head. In a smooth movement, Akashi pulled off your tie with one hand and looped it around your wrists, trapping you there. You blushed and your eyes widened, startled.

“Sei, this is not- Mmph!”

Your words got cut off as he brought his mouth down in a bruising kiss. You could do nothing but feel as he trailed fingers everywhere: down your neck, up the curve of your knee, across your collarbone. It burned everywhere he touched and you felt breathless, dizzy. He tugged down the collar of your shirt to kiss your shoulder, then your neck. You tipped your head back, overwhelmed.

Then his fingers came up under your shirt, tracing your side, and you came back to reality.

“Akashi Seijuro, stop! We can’t do this here!”

He froze abruptly, surprised. He blinked twice, trying to remember what he was doing. Then he looked down at you, taking in the sight of your hair in disarray, shirt unbuttoned and skin flushed. It was unreasonably tempting, and he realized what he’d almost done.

“Ah…what did I…”

You pulled yourself up to a sitting position as he sat back. He was doing the Akashi equivalent of dazed, which meant he had an unreadable expression. You huffed in laughter.

“That was certainly unexpected. I’m flattered that you think of me that way, but maybe the infirmary isn’t the best place to do this?”

Your gentle teasing seemed to bring him back to his senses. He lowered his eyes, mouth a hard line.

“I apologize. You were hurt, and I made you uncomfortable. You did not deserve that kind of treatment from me.”

How was I any better than Sawamura just now? Caging her in like that…I’ll be lucky if she ever looks at me the same way again.

You cocked your head to the side, amused. “What exactly was ‘that kind of treatment’? The kind where you defended me from a horrible person who insulted me? The kind where you care for me and patch me up? Or the kind where you kiss me senseless and make me feel like the luckiest girl alive?”

He looked at you, surprised again. You sighed in exasperation at his denseness and continued.

“Besides, if I have any complaints, it’s that I couldn’t touch you in return. That was extremely frustrating. Some day you can tie me up again, but not now. So could you undo this knot, please?”

There was a rush of heat at your words. You held your hands out to him. He gave a reluctant smile at your general audacity and pulled the tie loose.

“You shouldn’t make statements like that, you know,” he murmured. “I might take it seriously.”

You turned slightly pink, but stayed firm. “I hope you do.”

He gave your hair warning tug as he re-braided it, but smiled nonetheless. You pulled your clothes back into place and quickly knotted the tie. Akashi pulled something out of his bag as you finished.

“I meant to give this to you earlier, but the commotion distracted me. Here.”

You took the wooden box from him, glancing at his face curiously. He merely gave an inscrutable smile. You clicked the latch open.

Your breath caught in your chest. “It’s beautiful.”

The hair ornament was intricate, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The long silver pins were topped by a delicate dragonfly in flight, surrounded by lustrous enamelled flowers. It looked like something a princess would own.

You looked up in wonder. “Are you really giving this to me?”

“I had it made for you, so yes. It’s yours. It was high time I gave you a present, and I’m quite fond of your hair, so a kanzashi seemed appropriate.”

No one had ever given you something this beautiful, and definitely not especially made for you. Your chest tightened with emotion.

“Then thank you very much, Sei. I’ll cherish it. I feel bad though, I don’t have anything to give you. Not something this wonderful, anyway.”

When you looked genuinely distraught, Akashi had to stifle a laugh.

Silly girl. You’ve already given me the most important thing. And I’ll cherish it too.

“Well, there is one way you could repay me for it. You made a promise, remember?”

“Of course. If it’s within my ability, I’ll do it. What can I do?”

“The Akashi manor will be hosting its annual summer party in a week. It’s a large event, with dignitaries and business magnates attending. In summary, it’s a venue for people in similar circles to meet, negotiate and build lasting partnerships. It’s part of the reason I’ve been so busy recently.”

You were thoughtful. This seemed to be heading down a dangerous direction. “I see.”

“This time, some corporations have taken an interest in sponsoring high school basketball tournaments, given the popularity of the Winter Cup. Rakuzan’s basketball team has been invited. That being the case, I’d like you to attend as well.”

I knew it. He wants to me to attend a party with high-profile guests and meet his family. There is no way this would go down well.

“I’m honoured, but is this a good idea? I have no practice dealing with such important people, and I don’t want to risk making a mistake that makes you look bad. And most importantly, from what little I know of him, I don’t know if your father will be pleased with this idea. With me.”

That was the spanner in the works. Akashi Masaomi, from what you’d deduced using snippets of information, was a traditional, high-expectation patriarch who most likely wouldn’t take kindly to a random teenage girl fumbling her way through important business deals. You weren’t going to blame him if Seijuro never wanted you and his father to meet.

Akashi Junior seemed to have none of your doubts. “I doubt it, you conduct yourself well already. And we’d be more at risk of Hayama or Nebuya causing a feud than you. I won’t force you, but I’d much prefer having your company for the duration of the party.”

When he put it like that…”You know I could never refuse you, Seijuro. I’ll join you. Thank you for inviting me.”

You were rewarded with one those rare, genuinely happy smiles that reminded you of the sun coming out from behind clouds. “I shall look forward to it then.”

“Is there a dress code I should know about?”

“It is a formal black-tie event. The ladies can get quite creative with their dresses, but I’d like it if you didn’t wear anything too revealing. We wouldn’t want anyone to get any ideas.”

You rolled your eyes. “In a room full of rich, beautiful, older women, I doubt there’s anything I could wear that would make anyone even care I existed.”

“You underestimate your own appeal. That’s probably for the best though. You should wear the kanzashi.”

“I will. Though the idea of figuring out what to wear is already giving me a headache. Shouldn’t you be getting to practice around now? I’ve held you up long enough.”

“The same goes for you. Be careful not to over-exert yourself. Wait for me after you’re done. I will walk you home.”

He’s in overprotective mode. I should probably resign myself to this for a while.

“I’ll see you later, Sei.”

One week later, at the much-dreaded party, you stepped into the foyer of the Akashi manor. A stern looking woman in her late forties glided forward, wearing a dark kimono.

“____-san. Greetings, and welcome to the Akashi family home. Let me take your umbrella and shawl.”

“Thank you, Mitsue-san. It’s nice to see you again. I apologise for getting water all over your clean floor.” You exchanged conspiratorial smiles with the housekeeper. Though she projected an aura of strictness to keep the staff in line, she had a soft spot for Akashi. The first time you’d met her, you’d liked her instantly. And she seemed to like you as well.

“It is no trouble at all. Though I must say, this downpour is a bit unsettling. If you’ll follow me, the young master is in the ballroom.”

You took a moment to steel your nerves and followed Junko-san to where the party was underway. A peek through door revealed a truly intimidating sight: a gathering of Kyoto’s socialites, sipping champagne and chatting. Jewels sparkled under the lamplight, and light glanced off expensive watches as conversation became animated. There was an air of camaraderie, but also the tension of friendly competition. You hesitated, not really wanting to enter this arena. Mitsue gave you a reassuring nod and left. With one last deep breath, you entered.

Meanwhile, Akashi was trying to handle the boisterous personalities that were Hayama and Nebuya. Mibuchi’s gleeful enjoyment of his predicament was not helping. It had been a long day, and he didn’t need the added stress of wondering what his team would do next.

“OOOH, AKASHI, THERE’S SO MUCH FOOD.” The Thunder Beast was hopping from foot to foot in excitement.

“Thank you for pointing out the obvious, Kotarou.” His reply was dry.

“Say, Akashi, how long do we have to wait to meet these old guys? I’d rather be catching up on Slam Dunk right now.” Nebuya’s voice was a low rumble over the hum of conversation.

“Not much longer. My father is making the rounds and will be over with them shortly. And I’d prefer it if you didn’t call them old men, at least to their faces.”

Mibuchi took a moment to stop admiring his reflection in his phone and ask a question. “Sei-chan, did you say ____-chan was coming to the party? I admit, it would be a dull party with just these thick-headed fools. A young lady would add some much needed beauty to the atmosphere.”

Before Akashi could answer and Hayama could get offended, a happy shriek split the air. Some people almost dropped their glasses in surprise.

“AKASHICCHIIIIIIIII!” Kise bounced over, looking dapper in a black suit, hair half slicked back.

“Kise. I was wonder when I’d run into you.” Akashi’s greeting was fondly exasperated.

“Were we talking about Yuricchi? Is she here?” Kise was visibly excited at the prospect.

Hayama was confused. “Who’s Yuri? And why are you even here, Kaijo’s ace?”

Kise gave everyone a blinding grin. “It’s a long story, but Yuricchi is what everyone in Tokyo calls Akashicchi’s girlfriend! As for me- Oh, there she is! Yuricchi, over here!”

Everyone turned to look in the direction Kise was flapping his hand at. You stepped around a waiter and everyone except Kise sucked in a breath at the sight. Akashi stopped breathing entirely for a few seconds.

I should have been more specific when I said no revealing clothes. Trust ___ to follow the letter of the law rather than the spirit of it.

You were dressed in a red qipao, the silk a dark ruby that revealed subtle floral patterns under the light. The dress fell to your ankles, hugging your figure till your hips. From there, the skirt was straight with thigh-high splits, showing a flash of leg when you moved. Dangerously thin heels complemented the feminine allure of the outfit. Your hair was done half up half down in a complex interplay of waves, the pin from Akashi glinting against the dark hue. Finishing it all off was your make-up, which was very light except for the smoky cat’s eye effect around your eyes. Several people were blushing by the time you reached them.

You stopped just short of the group. “Seijuro, sorry I kept you waiting, the rain made it a little difficult to get here. Mibuchi-senpai, Hayama-senpai, Nebuya-senpai, it’s nice to see you again. Kise-san, what a wonderful surprise, I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you visiting Kyoto for a match?”

Hayama and Nebuya were staring at you wide-eyed. Mibuchi was smiling slyly, cheered by the aesthetic improvement. Kise just seemed as happy as ever. And Akashi, well, he was calculating the fastest way to get rid of this lot before things got out of hand.

Kise piped up again and made things worse. “I was just saying to Mibuchi-san that Akashicchi’s dad owns the company I sometimes model for. And those sponsor people wanted to meet me too, so here I am. But enough about me, you look so nice, Yuricchi! Do a twirl!”

“A twirl? Like this?” You hesitantly turned around, unsure of Kise’s intentions. When you did, Akashi’s face hardened and Hayama went completely red.

Forget letter of the law, she had no intention of listening to me at all. How difficult does she want to make this evening? Just look at that dress…

The dress was backless, cutting off near your shoulder blades and picking up again at the middle of your back. While nowhere near as daring as some other gowns on display, the contrast of blood-red silk and smooth skin was enough to wreak havoc. Akashi was almost of a mind to lock you in a room till the party ended, for public safety. He came back to the present just in time to hear you speaking to that infernal Kise again.

“Everyone looks really dashing in their suits. Hayama-senpai and Nebuya-senpai, those colours suit you well. And Mibuchi-senpai, stylish as always. I’m sure many girls at school would dearly love to see you dressed up.”

Mibuchi tossed his head proudly. “If it weren’t for me, these idiots would have turned up in their uniforms. Imagine, Eikichi didn’t even own a suit until I forced him to get one! The horror, I tell you.”

Kise had the face of a kicked puppy. “Yuricchi, how mean! I’m standing right here!”

“Ah, sorry Kise-san. Of course you look handsome. As expected from a popular model.”

Every word was sending Akashi further into a well of darkness. He hooked an arm around your waist, pulling you into his side.

“Hmm, darling, aren’t you neglecting someone? Or have you forgotten who you’re dating?”

You surveyed Akashi through your lashes. In his three-piece suit, he looked every inch the corporate heir, radiating power and confidence. The cut did wonderful things for the breadth of his shoulders, and the grey waistcoat hugging his chest was begging for you to unbutton it. It was a crime against womankind, the way he looked.

You tilted your head to whisper in his ear. “Let’s just say if you wanted to use your tie for creative purposes, I wouldn’t object. At all.”

His eyes darkened and his grip on your waist tightened. You touched your head to his shoulder and smiled, much to the envy of spectators. Since it was a happy moment all around, it was inevitably ruined in spectacular fashion.

“Seijuro.” A coldly imperious voice came from behind you. “I assume this is the basketball team?”

You turned to find the imposing figure of Akashi Masaomi looming over you, flanked by several equally important looking men. Unlike his son, Akashi Senior had dark hair, and his face was etched with the lines of his years. When he stiffened ever so slightly, you slid Seijuro a sideways glance.

There is so much palpable tension in the air. I’d love to be like Kuroko-san and disappear right now, but Sei’s grip is too strong.

“Father,” he said in a formal, correct voice, “allow me to introduce you to my basketball team.”

You missed the warmth of his hand as he moved away, making introductions, but settled for waiting in dread for the inevitable moment. Finally, Akashi Senior turned the weight of his gaze on you.

“And who is this young lady?”

“This is ___-san, Father. She’s the kendo captain in Rakuzan. ____ and I are…together now.”

You bowed deeply, moving gracefully. “Thank you for having me here today, Akashi-san. It is an honour to meet you.”

Masaomi’s eyes were narrowed when he looked at you. The younger Akashi slid a comforting hand over your back and you shifted into his touch. Behind you, the other adults were interacting with the team, though Kise and Mibuchi were monitoring the interaction out of the corner of their eyes.

Masaomi spoke again. “You must be a very different kind of girl then. So far all the other daughters of clients he’s had marriage meetings with have failed to keep my son’s interest.”

Akashi went rigid by your side, but you just inclined your head.

“That is a high compliment indeed, Akashi-san,” you said demurely, “since all these people you mentioned must surely have been very fine and accomplished young women. I am overwhelmed by Seijuro-kun’s regard.”

From somewhere behind you came a choked laugh, but everyone studiously ignored it.

“Hmm. We shall see how you fare. Seijuro, remember that who you fraternize with reflects on us. It’s one thing to carry on with the basketball team, but another to have a girl of questionable background around you. Do not disappoint me again.”

Looking at this confrontation brewing, you decided to interrupt. “I am sure you can trust Seijuro-kun’s judgement, Akashi-san. He is your son and the Akashi heir after all. One would expect nothing less than complete decisiveness.”

“At least you are not completely without sense. Seijuro, I will see you later.” With one last warning look at you, the Akashi head strode away. You let out a sigh of relief and turned to the son.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I endeared myself to your father. I was less polite than I would have liked.”

Akashi gave a slight shake of his head and interlaced his fingers with yours. “You did remarkably well, given the circumstances. My father is not an easy man to please.”

“I can imagine. Are you sure it’s alright to be standing here like this? I don’t want to keep you from your duties.”

When he replied, it sounded world weary. “I will have to shortly, but first there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Intrigued, you took his proffered arm and let him guide to a table. A striking older woman stood in front of it, laughing at something her companion said.

“Sayaka obaa-san, good evening. I hope you are well. Are you enjoying the party?”

This is Sei’s aunt? She looks nothing like his father though.

“Ah, it’s my favourite and only nephew! You should know better than to spout platitudes by now, as if I care for those stuffy rules.”

Oh wow, I think we’ve found the Akashi equivalent of a unicorn.

“And you should know old habits die hard, obaa-san. Besides, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

She turned fully, taking you in. Her eyes widened speculatively when she saw your hair-pin.

“Sayaka obaa-san, this ___-san, my girlfriend. ____, this is Akashi Sayaka-san, my father’s sister.”

“Pleased to meet you, Akashi-san.” You bowed again and smiled at her.

“Why, Sei-kun, you never told me you had such a cute girlfriend! Good for you, you finally loosened up. And dear, call me Sayaka, please.”

I definitely like her.

“Then please call me ____, Sayaka-san. Do you work in the Akashi corporation as well?”

“Good lord no, imagine sitting in those stuffy board meetings, listening to someone drone on for hours about numbers. Positively dreadful. No dear, I work with figures of a different kind – I’m a fashion designer. But tell me first, are you a cat or a dog person?”

Unable to keep up with the abrupt change in topic, you said the first thing that came to your mind.

“Both? I like most fluffy animals.”

“Splendid! Never choose one when you can have the best of both worlds. Sei, I like this one. You should keep her.”

“I intend to, if we don’t scare her off first,” he replied dryly. You blushed a little at this.

“Sadly, I concur. Masa-kun can be overbearing. He gets it from our father, I think. Speaking of which, you should at least pretend to talk to some of those people. I’ll keep your young lady company.”

“Then if you’ll excuse me. Give my regards to uncle.” With a last brush of his thumb over your cheek, he disappeared into the crowd. You watched him go, heart twisting a little.

When you turned back, his aunt was considering you thoughtfully. She smiled suddenly and spoke again.

“My dear, I’ve been dying to ask. Wherever did you get that dress? My professional curiosity is killing me.”

“Ah, one my juniors, Shinohara-san, has an older brother who’s a stylist. He fitted the dress for me.”

Like that, you chatted easily with the older woman until it was time for dinner. She had a long and colourful history which included an elopement and several other activities which were all designed to induce a cardiac arrest in the Akashi family. It was a fascinating, if surreal, experience. At dinner, you were seated between Kise and Hayama, who collectively had enough sunshine in them to power a city, so that went peacefully as well. It was after dinner that things went awry.

You were preparing to leave after dinner, secretly relieved at the thought of being free of your shoes. Your ankles were already protesting when you spotted a low sofa next to a door and sank down on to it gratefully. Just when you were thinking to yourself that you should find Akashi and bid him good night, you heard his voice carry through the door.

“Father, I am not going through this again. I won’t leave ___, no matter what you say. It shouldn’t matter to you so long as it doesn’t affect my performance in any way.”

“But it already has, Seijuro.” The anger in Masaomi’s words made you flinch. “I just heard about your little stunt at school with Sawamura’s son. If anyone had found out, you would have jeopardised a lifelong partnership, and for what? Some girl? This one is already skewing your judgment.”

“__ had nothing to do with it. If anything, she tried to stop me. You know as well as I do that the Sawamura shares have been declining steadily for the past few years. There’s nothing to be gained by letting him defy me. And if his character is anything to go by, the son will not improve the situation. Also, in my place, would you have stood for Mother being insulted in public?”

Seijuro’s tone was biting. Akashi Senior didn’t let up on his rage, however.

“Do not bring your mother into this. Don’t think I didn’t notice that kanzashi she was wearing. Dragonflies and peonies, the Akashi family’s crest. Similar to the one Shiori had. You were all but announcing your betrothal to that girl.”

Your hands flew up to your mouth in shock. What was all this?

“And what if I did? We would be lucky to have her marry into the family. None of the girls I met before had half as much sense.”

You didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this statement.

Oh, Seijuro. I never meant to come between you and your father.

“I didn’t bring you up for these past 16 years so that you could throw away the Akashi lineage when you felt like it. I’m issuing a final warning: stop your association with that girl or I cut off your club activities for good.”

Your heart plummeted.

No. NO. You can’t make him pick, that’s too cruel. Basketball is the only thing he wants for himself. The only link to his mother. Please. Don’t do this. Don’t make me pick.

From the other side of the door, silence reigned. “Now, Seijuro. I don’t have time.”

You didn’t stay to hear his reply. Either one would be unbearable. You fled out the front door, brushing past a concerned Kise and Reo, wanting to be somewhere, anywhere but here.

Hayama stretched his arms above his head, working out the stiffness in his neck. Beside him, Nebuya had pulled off his bow-tie and jacket, similarly rolling out a shoulder.

“Man, it feels so good to be out of there. I couldn’t breathe with these people asking questions. No offense to him, but I wouldn’t want to be Akashi.” The blond stifled a yawn.

Nebuya made an indiscernible noise in agreement. The party was slowly winding down, guests collecting their belongings to leave.

Mibuchi and Kise walked over, faces looking strained. “Have you seen Sei-chan anywhere?” asked Reo in a clipped tone.

“Haven’t seen him since dinner. Why?”

Kise sounded subdued when he spoke. “We just saw Yuricchi leave, looking really upset. She didn’t even notice us there. Maybe she and Akashicchi had a fight?”

Hayama and Nebuya looked alarmed. If this spiralled out of control, everyone would feel the ripple effects, especially them. One look at Mibuchi’s grim face confirmed he was thinking the same thing.

Nebuya’s deep voice broke into the oppressive atmosphere. “We should find the captain and tell him what happened. He might not know about it. Anyone at the party could have upset ___-san.”

“We were going to, but Sei-chan is nowhere to be seen. I’m a little worried because it’s still raining heavily and ___-chan might not be careful.”

Just then, the subject of conversation came into view, speaking to his aunt. His face was as composed as ever, but subtle strain showed in the set of his shoulders and jaw. The group drew a breath of relief.

“Akashi! Do you have a second? It’s important.” Hayama’s voice carried clearly across the hall.

He glanced their way, taking in their worried faces, and excused himself. Sayaka waved him away, looking amused. Akashi approached them, senses on alert.

“Is something wrong?”

Everyone glanced at each other. “It’s about Yuricchi.” Kise started hesitantly.

“Have you seen her around? I’ve been looking for her. There’s something I needed to say.”

“Well, whatever it is, you better say it quick. ___-chan just ran out the front door a few minutes ago, looking very upset.” Reo’s eyes were narrowed.

“Akashicchi, I think…she was in tears. She looked very sad. Did you guys fight?” Kise looked as upset as the person he was talking about.

“No…I didn’t…where did she go?” Akashi was starting to feel the dread build in his chest as he catalogued all the possibilities. What could have happened?

“Probably to the gardens? She didn’t seem to be paying attention to where she was.”

“Then we need to spread out and find ___ before something happens. Kise, Nebuya, search the east side. Reo and Kotarou can look for her in the opposite direction. I’ll take the back gardens. Mitsue-san, get everyone some umbrellas please.”

The housekeeper materialized as per Akashi’s orders and soon everyone was searching the grounds. In the end, it was Akashi himself who found you, barefoot with eyes gazing blankly into the distance. The rain, which was now torrential, had plastered your hair and dress to your skin. Your eyes flickered to him when he approached, but you didn’t move.

“Sei.”

His voice was gentle when he spoke. “You shouldn’t be out here alone, ___. Let’s get you out of the rain before you get sick.”

You offered no resistance as he wrapped his jacket around you and lifted you off the ground in his arms. That lifeless demeanour scared him more than anything.

Please, say something. Yell at me, curse me. Anything but this interminable silence. I won’t know what’s wrong until you tell me.

When he got back to the house, Kise and the rest were pacing anxiously in the living room.

“Yuricchi, are you alright? We were worried sick!”

Your eyes turned down in guilt. “I apologise, Kise-san. You went to so much trouble because of me.”

“As long as you’re fine, it’s alright.” Hayama smiled kindly.

Mitsue-san floated in with towels, her normally steely expression tinged with worry. Akashi took one and started drying your hair with careful strokes. The gentleness of the action finally broke your control and you curled up with a broken sob. Everyone in the room froze, unsure.

“Could we have a moment alone?” The boys were glad to obey the thinly-veiled order and leave Akashi to deal with the terror of a crying girl. They didn’t go too far, however, opting to huddle outside the door in case he messed things up.

Oblivious to their concerns, Akashi kneeled in front of you, pushing a lock of wet hair out of your face.

“What’s wrong, love? Tell me so I can fix it.”

Your heart twisted painfully at the endearment. Deciding that you’d have to face it sooner or later, you spoke tiredly.

“Sei, I don’t think I can do this. Loving you…loving you is too hard.”

Akashi lurched back like he’d been struck. Outside the door, Nebuya muffled Kise’s screech of horror and Mibuchi had to restrain Hayama from jumping into the room.

You continued, your heart breaking little by little. “I’ve never hated myself so much before. I thought if it was for you, I could do anything. But there are some things I can’t do, no matter how much I want to.”

“I didn’t think you were the type to give up so easily, ____. I’m disappointed.”

It’s happening, the inevitable. No one can bear the pressure of the Akashi family. I will be alone again. She will leave. Though I’ll put up a good fight before she does.

The secret audience nearly groaned at Akashi’s words. Kise and Reo facepalmed.

“Geez, Akashi, even I know better than to say that to a crying girl.” Hayama shook his head.

“Ssh.” Nebuya’s expression was grim.

You cast your eyes down, feeling hollow. “I know, you have every right. A better person than me would have tried harder. Perhaps…someone else may be more suited to you after all.”

“If you think you can escape me that easily, you are mistaken. I told you, didn’t I? That once you said yes, there was no going back.”

I don’t care what the cost is. You are not leaving me. There is no alternative to this. If I have to lock you up, I will.

You curled in on yourself a little further. “That’s just it. A less selfish person would have been able to let you go, but I can’t. Even when it means you have to choose between me and the thing you love most.”

“What…did you say?”

The eavesdroppers were as taken aback as Akashi was. They exchanged confused looks.

You sighed. “I overheard what your father said. About the problems the Sawamura incident created. And about him issuing the ultimatum. Me or basketball.”

Kise was scandalized. “That’s horrible, making Akashicchi choose. How could he?”

Mibuchi was more concerned with other things. “Sei-chan, hurry up and reassure her. An upset lady is simply not beautiful.”

Meanwhile, Akashi was processing this abrupt turn in the conversation. The painful constriction in his chest had eased at your words.

So it’s not what I feared, then. She doesn’t want to leave. And she still loves me.

You spoke again, unaware of his thoughts. “I can’t live with myself at thought of being the cause of a rift between you and your father. And it hurts even more when I think I could have walked in and said that I’d leave, so you could continue playing. But I didn’t. I just couldn’t.”

He tipped your chin up, forcing you to look into his eyes. “Answer one question. It’s not my family or the pressure that’s making you say this, is it?”

“What? No! Your father doesn’t like me, but that is only to be expected. I can handle that. As for everything else, if you’re with me, I can manage. But I never thought I’d get in the way of your passion. That’s…I don’t know what to do about that.”

Akashi’s eyes glinted. A victorious smile curled his lips. “Then I’ll tell you what I said to my father.”

Kise speculated on the answer. “Probably something like, ‘I show no mercy to those who oppose me, not even my own parents’.” Hayama snickered at the thought. Mibuchi hissed at them both and strained to hear the rest.

“…that I am an Akashi, and we achieve success in everything we do. That I have been working for this family’s assets longer than some adults, and I am almost an adult myself. That he need not be apprehensive, because by the Interhigh, I would make victory a reality.”

What he didn’t mention was that he had also pointed out that Shiori would not have wanted this, and Masaomi had drawn back, shocked.

Your eyes were wide and hopeful in your face. “So you can still play? Because I love watching you play.”

“Yes. And you’re not going anywhere soon. I hope you’re prepared.” With that he leaned in and kissed you, taking away your breath for the hundredth time that day.

When he drew back, you rubbed your face, a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry, I should have had more faith in you. I worried you for nothing.”

“You should have. I can’t complain though; I’ve never had anyone get so upset on my behalf. Kise and the rest, you can stop hovering behind the door now.”

The people in question waltzed in without a shred of remorse.

“Yuricchi, I’m so glad you’re smiling again. It’s great that you guys made up. I have good news for you!”

“What is it, Kise-san?” You wondered how there could be anything left to say at this time of day.

Nebuya decided to speak, for unknown reasons. “The rains haven’t stopped. At all. There’s a flood warning issued, so we’re all stuck here for tonight.”

Mitsue-san suddenly appeared. “Young master, I’m afraid Nebuya-san is right. The roads are impassable, and it seems like no one will be able to leave till morning.”

Akashi briefly shut his eyes in frustration. Then: “Everyone, you might want to call home and tell them about the situation. Have you prepared rooms for everyone, Mitsue-san?”

“Indeed, young master. If you would all follow me.”

The housekeeper led them all to the second floor, stopping in front of a row of lavishly appointed rooms. “Unfortunately the current number of guests is too much for the household to accommodate without some adjustments. So I will have to trouble you all to share rooms in pairs. My apologies for the inconvenience.”

“That’s alright, Mitsue-san,” said Reo cheerfully. “Kise-kun, you’re with me.”

Hayama had an expression of betrayed horror. “BUT WHY?”

“We all know Eikichi is like a bear in his sleep. Actually, he’s like a bear awake as well. Either way, he’s your problem. Come, Kise-kun.” The bear growled a little.

Kise looked vaguely uncomfortable with this, but said nothing. Hayama sighed.

Akashi gave them a marginally suspicious look and turned to the housekeeper. “And what about ___?”

“Ah. That. I’m afraid young master, that ___-san is going to have to share with you.”

One could hear a pin drop in the silence that followed. You looked down at your toes, wondering how you got yourself into these things.

Kise was biting his cheek hard to keep from laughing, and the others were slowly backing away.

Akashi finally spoke, the words heavy. “I see.”

“My apologies again. The alternative was to put ___-san in with“ -there was a meaningful glance here at the other boys – “someone else.”

He gave them all a suspicious look. “That certainly would not do. Hayama, was that disappointment on your face?”

“Only in the sense that I have to share with this guy and you get ___-san for a roommate.”

“Anyway, I need a shower after all that. My clothes are drenched. Yuricchi, Akashicchi, good night!”

As Kise turned to leave, you caught his sleeve, stopping him. He looked at you in question.

“Thank you,” you said softly,” for going through so much trouble for me. All of you.”

All the boys smiled, features softening. “You can pay us back with cookies, ___-san.” Hayama’s grin was infectious in its brightness.

“I will.”

They trooped off, bickering amongst themselves and leaving you alone with Akashi. He held his arm out, ever the gentleman.

“Shall we?”

As you walked away, smiling a little to yourself, someone approached the housekeeper.

“So,” said Sayaka-san, “I can think we can congratulate ourselves on a job well done. Did you make the preparations I requested?”

Mitsue-san bowed slightly. “It has been done as you asked, Sayaka-sama.”

“Then we can just kick back and watch the fireworks. Those boys did a good job of keeping their poker faces. Now the rest is up to Sei-kun.”

You looked around Akashi’s room in interest. It had the expensive décor you would associate with a mansion, but not many personal belongings. There were a couple of framed photos over the mantelpiece, and some books on the bedside table. One particular photo caught your eye.

“Is that everyone from the Teiko basketball club? It looks recent.”

Akashi walked over to inspect it. “Ah yes, we took that on Kuroko’s birthday in January. Momoi arranged a friendly game as a birthday gift.”

You smiled, tilting your head at the photo. “She looks happy. You all do.”

He smiled slightly as well. “You should take a bath first, you were in the rain for a while. The bath is through that way. You should find towels and something to wear on the dresser.”

“Thank you, I’ll try to be quick.” You shrugged off his jacket and returned it to him. “I’m sorry I got your clothes wet.”

“Don’t worry about it. Now go, unless you want to watch me change? I wouldn’t mind.”

You had to hide a smile behind your hand. “Don’t tempt me, Seijuro. Here, would you keep this safe for me?” You pulled the kanzashi out of your hair and held it out to him.

Both of you stared at it for a moment, recalling the evening’s events. You looked back at Akashi, who had a closed expression, and sighed.

“I do wish you had told me about the significance of this, but I’m not dwelling on it. So neither should you.”

His voice was soft. “I did not wish to burden you with expectations. At the same time, I couldn’t let you go without it either, because it is a symbol of our protection.”

“I understand. This is the reason I wasn’t bothered today, wasn’t it? I’m not blaming you…it’s just that if I’d known your mother had one like it, I would have treasured it more.”

You pressed a kiss to his jaw and moved towards the bath. Then, abruptly, you returned. He raised an eyebrow at you. You turned your back to him.

“Could you unhook the neck of my dress for me? It’s difficult for me to do myself.”

His eyes turned predatory, but he did as you asked. Fingers deftly undid the clasp, sliding the dress partway down your shoulders. His touch moved lower down your back in a feather-light caress. You shivered at the sensation.

“Now, temptress,” he whispered in your ear, “hurry to your bath before you get more than you bargained for.”

Sensing the danger, you left as fast as you could. Akashi sighed and loosened his tie. Making his way to the wardrobe, he tried not to imagine peeling that dress off your body or joining you in the bath. This was going to be a long night.

Twenty minutes later, you were drying your hair in front of the mirror and trying not think about what would happen next. Like everything else in the bathroom, the mirror was huge, reflecting your towel clad body about halfway down. If it weren’t for the fact that Akashi was waiting, you could have soaked in the gigantic tub forever. You sighed.

This is not going to be awkward at all. Nope. Just sleeping really close to the guy I’m insanely attracted to. That will be completely fine.

It got worse when you shook out the clothes that had been set out for you. You eyed the fabric sceptically.

What on earth on was Mitsue-san thinking, giving me this to wear? If my other dress wasn’t soaked through, I’d have worn that instead. This seems like a prank someone would play…Ohhh.

There was no choice but to wear it. You poked your head around the bathroom door, reluctant to step out.

“Seijuro, I should…” You trailed off, stunned into silence.

Akashi’s shirtless back was turned to you, muscles flexing as he towelled his hair. His pine and citrus scent hit you and your mouth suddenly went dry.

Have I died and gone to heaven? That must be it. I probably caught pneumonia and I’m hallucinating now.

You were startled by his voice. “Is something wrong, ___?”

Dazed, you blinked at him. “Err, no? That is- you know what, this is too distracting. Just put a shirt on.”

“Pfft. Alright.” When you looked back again, he was in a t-shirt, smirking. “So why are you hiding behind the door?”

“Because – and I say this respectfully – I think Sayaka-san decided to make our lives more interesting by swapping out my clothes.”

“It can’t be that bad. There’s limits to what even obaa-san can do on short notice.”

“Suit yourself.” You stepped out from behind the door, sweeping your hair over one shoulder. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Akashi’s eyes widened. “How did she…”

“I don’t even want to know. I’m just glad Mitsue-san washed your jersey before she gave it to me.”

Without the breadth of his shoulders, Akashi’s jersey came to mid-thigh on you. He swallowed hard as one sleeve threatened to slip down your arm. He didn’t dare look down to see how your legs looked.

I swear there is some deity out to get me. My aunt is a danger to humanity. No wonder Father nearly disowned her. Now think of shogi openings. Violin scores. The Winter Cup. Anything but how that jersey will look on the floor.

He let out a long exhale. “Some people are determined to test the limits of my patience.”

“It’s a good thing you’re absolute, then. Should we hunt for something less…sportsy?”

Though if you were being honest, you liked the way he was looking at you. You almost wanted to thank Sayaka-san for her thoughtfulness.

“That’s probably for the best. There should be-“

“Akashicchi! Is this your room? Yuricchi, you- Whoa.” The explosion that was Kise stopped short, causing Mibuchi, Hayama and Nebuya to barrel into him. Your face heated up as they took in your appearance.

Akashi swiftly moved in front of you, blocking their view. “If you don’t want to be buried where you stand,” came the voice of hell, “you will shut that door behind you now.”

Kise emitted a squeak and slammed the door shut. You buried your face in Akashi’s shoulder, caught between laughter and tears.

“I am never going to live that down.”

“You won’t have to.” His words were a silken promise. “They’ll all join obaa-san in the afterlife shortly.”

“Shall I go get something else to wear while you ask them why they burst in? I can still hear them outside the door.”

“Check the third drawer from the top. And I’m only going to talk to them because there will be no peace otherwise.”

While you searched for something suitably loose and comfortable, Akashi subjected the others to his flat stare.

“Mind explaining your lack of manners, Kise?”

“It’s too early to go to bed, and we’re all here, so I thought we should spend some time together. Let’s play a board-game!”

Akashi glanced back as you returned, dressed less provocatively. You shrugged at the unsaid question. “I don’t really mind.”

And that’s how it turned into a strange slumber party, with Kise regretting his choice of board-game very shortly.

“How unfair! Is there a single game you haven’t won, Akashicchi?”

A slight smile was his only reponse. You on the other hand, were incredulous.

“It’s Monopoly, Kise-san. You can hardly expect to beat Sei at something he’s had lifelong experience in. I doubt there’s a single strategic game we could play and win. Unless we all ganged up on him or something.”

Everyone looked at Akashi, considering the idea. He narrowed his eyes back. Mibuchi shook his head.

“It wouldn’t be worth the consequences.”

There was a collective nod in agreement. Your eyes lit up with mischief.

“That said, I do have one idea…” You leaned over to whisper into Kise’s ear. He brightened and nodded in excitement. Akashi had to restrain himself from pulling you into his lap and throwing Kise across the room. His eyes narrowed some more when the whole group put on an expression of angelic innocence.

“Whatever you’re planning, it won’t work.”

“Who said we were planning anything?” No one was looking directly at Akashi any more.

Hayama cleared his throat. “So, does anyone know any spooky stories?”

Half an hour later, the boys had run the gamut from downright silly to nightmare inducing tales of horror. Nebuya in particular had a gift for turning mundane incidents into psychotic episodes. Akashi noticed you stifling a yawn and decided to put an end to the festivities. He was still suspicious of you and Kise, which is why he didn’t notice when Hayama and Mibuchi slid behind him.

Your sleepy expression was suddenly replaced by an intent look. “Now, senpai.”

Crimson eyes widened as Akashi’s arms were grabbed and pulled back, pinning him. Kise approached, golden eyes gleaming.

“Ne, Akashicchi, I bet you’ve never been tickled before, have you?”

“Ryouta, don’t you dare-“

“Too late.” You trailed your fingers up his sides, finding the spots that made him flinch. Kise was equally wicked, and possibly more brutal than you.

Akashi’s shoulders shook with the effort of restraint, but eventually he caved into helpless laughter. Hayama and Mibuchi sat back in amazement at the sound, and Kise had an expression of wonder. You just grinned.

“Sei-chan, you really should do that more often.” Mibuchi tutted.

“So he can have more fans than he already does? I don’t think so.” Kise pouted a little at the idea.

Akashi flushed a little and straightened. He turned to look at you. “You will regret your actions very soon.” The words were a vow.

“Hmm, I’d like to see you try. Besides, they were in on it as well.”

The others cringed as you threw them under the bus. Suddenly, there were comments on late it was, and the need to catch up on sleep, it had been a long day. The room was suddenly quiet as everyone left.

Akashi shut the door and turned around with a hunting aura. You backed up as he prowled forward, eerily reminded of a lion waiting to pounce.

“Now, Seijuro, it’s been a long day…”

“I did warn you, ___, that you would you repent shortly.”

You dodged left, Akashi saw it coming, tripped you up and caught you around the waist, all in one movement. Your breath left you in a huff as you dropped on the bed. You blinked as he caged you in with his hard frame.

“So precisely what part of this am I supposed to regret?”

“This.” He dipped his head towards yours slowly. Your eyes were half shut, warm in his embrace.

Then you choked as his fingers found the most sensitive spot near your ribcage. Somehow his tickling was the worst you’d experienced, as he had an uncanny knack for finding all your weak points. You struggled a bit, but there was no getting out of his hold.

“Stop, stop! I yield,” you gasped in between bouts of breathless giggles. “I’m sorry for everything! Now please let me go.”

Akashi was tempted to continue for a while, your laughter was intoxicating and it felt good to have someone he could be himself around. But he relented, moving away so you could sit up. You pushed your hair back out of your face and surveyed him.

“You’re evil. And somehow that makes me happier.”

His face, while composed, gave off an air of amusement. “I aim to please. Now, we really should attempt to catch up on some sleep. I’ll take the couch.”

You looked at him in dismay. “You mean you’re not going to let me take advantage of this golden opportunity to cuddle up to you?”

He let out a controlled breath. “That would not be wise. This is difficult enough already without you in such close proximity to me.”

You bit your lip. “Are you saying all that absoluteness and willpower was a lie?”

“Do you have any sense of self-preservation at all?” His exasperation was beginning to show.

“Not when you’re involved, no.” You were unrepentantly cheerful.

He closed his eyes in concentration. When he opened them again, you were still gazing at him hopefully. He conceded defeat.

“Very well, remember that you asked for it.”

“One of us needs to not have a sense of propriety, and apparently that person is me. Just learn to enjoy it.”

“Oh, I certainly will.”

He slid under the covers, instantly making you warmer by just being there. Never one to waste time, you moved closer immediately, settling your head on his chest and entwining your legs. He hummed at the back of his throat, a contented sound.

The heat of his skin and the feeling of safety soon made you drowsy. The soothing movement of his hand over your back didn’t help.

“Sei,” you said, half asleep, “are you really sure it’s okay to say no to your father? I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“I’m sure. And if it’s not, I’ll find a way around it.”

“I hope so. I just want you to be happy.”

Soon your breathing evened out and you were fast asleep. Akashi looked down at you, chest warm with happiness.

“I know. I love you too.”

Author's rambling:

So that was cringe-inducingly cheesy. I swear, I just set out to write one party chapter and it turned into this monster. What is my life.

One picture that I used for inspiration is this one from the Last Game trailer, to give you an idea of how they were dressed. A qipao, also called a cheongsam, is a traditional Chinese dress - like this one. The boys are dense, so they didn't notice, but the dress was the color of Aka-chin's hair.

Also, before I forget, the scene where Akashi's father says all the other girls failed was inspired by the response to an ask on a scenario blog. In the original post, Akashi responds that the reader is the girl he chose and he likes her the way she is. Unfortunately I can't seem to find this post, but if I ever do, I'll link it.

Since this is a very long fic, there are lots of things I could talk about, but it would be easier if readers just commented on the things they want clarified. I will definitely answer :D

On the next episode: No angst, just fun as the entirety of the cast goes out to the beach. Possibly I will manage to keep it short and sweet. Possibly.

#akashi seijuro #akashi x reader #rakuzan #kise ryouta #kuroko no basket fanfic #cinderella moment #akashi masaomi #oc #sleepover #romance #fluff #slight angst #what is wrong with me #no control #slightly mature language #akashi in a suit

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kiyabujayniah1996 · 4 years

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Reiki Music With 5 Minute Bells Easy And Cheap Unique Ideas

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entergamingxp · 4 years

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Sakura Wars Interview – Revitalizing a Legendary Series and Localizing For The West

July 10, 2020 1:32 PM EST

DualShockers spoke with the Sakura Wars team at Sega, discussing the creation of this modern PS4 entry, the western localization process, and much more.

Sakura Wars. Sakura Taisen. These words bring forth many feelings for quite a number of people both in and outside Japan. The mix of Japanese Adventure games, Dating Sim, Steampunk, Theater, Mecha, Fantasy and much more has changed anyone who has met its path. Whether you’ve actually experienced the franchise yourself, or only gazed at it from afar, it’s one of the most iconic series Japanese pop-culture has to offer. It’s never too late to try out the series either, and the newest entry on PS4, Sakura Wars, demonstrates this perfectly.

Three months after the game’s launch in the west, DualShockers had the opportunity to speak with the Sakura Wars development team at Sega: Localization Producer Andrew Davis, Director of Sakura Wars Tetsuya Ootsubo, and Jacob Nahin, Senior Communications Manager.

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars on PS4 brings in a new cast of characters and takes place over ten years after the latest game. These are all big changes story-wise. Could you tell us more on the choices behind this decision?

Tetsuya Ootsubo, Director of Sakura Wars: A hallmark of the Sakura Wars series is that each new entry shows the passage of time since the previous ones, so one of our ironclad requirements was that any sequel would take place in the same timeline after the events of Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love.

Then, once we had settled on the idea of a soft reboot with (nearly) all-new main characters and cast, it made sense to let a bit of time elapse since So Long, My Love, so that players could seamlessly absorb the world without the need for any particular preconceptions or knowledge of the old games. At the same time, by keeping Sumire Kanzaki as a major character, we hoped to delight longtime fans and establish a firm connection to the older titles.

Iyane Agossah: What kind of struggles did you encounter when striving to make this entry fit for both newcomers and longtime fans? We would love to hear one specific anecdote in that regard, such as which new character was the hardest to create in order to please both sides.

Tetsuya Ootsubo: For this game, we enlisted a variety of artists to contribute to the character designs. The challenge was to maintain each creator’s individual quirks while still achieving a unified look for the game world. To that end, we asked animator Masashi Kudo to create the 3D character models based on the 2D concept designs.

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars on PS4, like past games, do not include extensive RPG elements such as money and shops, equipment and skill trees. Did you ever think about adding these kinds of RPG elements in the series?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: The key concept behind the Sakura Wars series is fostering communication between the characters and becoming stronger through the bonds that you forge as a result of that communication. Thus, our intent is for players to focus primarily on how they’re interacting with the other members of the troupe and enjoy the sense of being the captain of a team.

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars on PS4 ended up not receiving an English dub for its localization. Could you tell us more on the reasons behind this decision?

Andrew Davis, Localization Producer: Andrew Davis, Localization Producer: For every title we bring out in the West, we have to assess beforehand what scope will be possible from a business standpoint. Obviously, if it’s a well-established series, we can be more confident that sales will justify a larger localization budget, but in the case of Sakura Wars, we were starting with the barest foothold in the West. Since we had to make sure every dollar counted, we considered our options carefully and determined that the best use of our resources would be to expand our text language options and forgo English voiceover for this game. Because of this, we were able to offer text alongside the English in Spanish, French, and German.

As a series grows its fanbase, the possibilities broaden as well. It took a while for the Yakuza series to really find its audience in the West, but with the success we’ve seen in the past few years, we were able to start producing English VO for recent games from that team, like Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise and Judgment. I would certainly love to see a similar arc for Sakura Wars!

Iyane Agossah: The localization of Sakura Wars focuses on adapting Japanese terms such as honorifics instead of keeping them in the script. Could you tell us more on this decision?

Andrew Davis: That’s a good question! Neither approach is necessarily right or wrong. As a localization team, we always discuss this and other questions of style at the beginning of a project to establish what will fit best with each game. For some franchises like Persona or Yakuza, set among complex power structures in a modern-day Japan, it’s been useful to apply honorifics like -san, -senpai, -chan, or -sensei, as once players get over the hurdle of figuring out how they’re used, they can pick up contextual clues regarding who has authority over whom.

We did consider this for Sakura Wars as well, since of course it’s set in Tokyo. That said, given all the demons, steampunk, airships, and libromancy, we also knew this still have many elements of a period fantasy story. Additionally, the character relationships were pretty straightforward, so it didn’t seem like honorifics would add a lot of information that wasn’t already clear from the context. Ultimately, it seemed to fit the narrative best to localize into naturalistic English and sidestep some of the more explicitly Japanese details. So, for instance, I’m sure some players noticed that in the Japanese VO Sakura often calls Seijuro “Sei nii-san”, signifying that he’s an older male close friend from back when they were little kids. We opted to render this as simply “Seijuro”, the way a native English speaker would approach it.

Iyane Agossah: In Japan, this new entry is titled Shin Sakura Taisen. Could you explain why you decided to go for a simpler title in the West? Hypothetically speaking, if the first game gets localized later on, could it earn a subtitle, such as Sakura Wars: Origins ?

Andrew Davis: Heh, this was actually a very lengthy discussion! In Japan, of course, the original series (and its spinoffs) flew under the Sakura Taisen banner, and since this new game was meant to be a soft reboot to bring in both old and new fans, SEGA of Japan settled on Shin (New) Sakura Taisen to signify a fresh start.

We considered many options, such as “Shin Sakura Wars” (but “Shin” doesn’t signify much if you don’t know Japanese), “New Sakura Wars” (but it’s a bit unwieldy in English), “Sakura Wars: [various subtitles having to do with romance]” (but that doesn’t communicate that this is a new starting point accessible to all players, and as we played more of the final game we grew to understand that the romance aspects were only one part of the experience)…

Ultimately, since the Western footprint for the old series was so thin, we decided to present it with the simple, catchy title Sakura Wars, even as we acknowledge that this could foster confusion when talking about the older series. As for your other question, it’s still too early to say whether we’ll have a chance to revisit any of the older games and give them their first Western releases, but yes! I would imagine we would have to consider adding a subtitle for any official rerelease of the first game, if only to distinguish it from the PS4 game.

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars The Animation aired in Japan and is simulcasted in the West. Can we expect more adaptations related to Sakura Wars on PS4 to be localized? Such as the manga and novel adaptations.

Andrew Davis: I’d certainly love to see more Sakura Wars media make it to the West! However, SEGA of America generally only handles video game publishing, so an interested party would need to reach out to the appropriate licensor in Japan.

Iyane Agossah: As Sega previously mentioned the wish to bring more games to PC, could we expect Sakura Wars to get ported to PC via Steam or Epic Games Store? What about other consoles such as Xbox and Switch?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: We certainly want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy the Sakura Wars series. We’re actively researching where the most demand exists for the games and weighing what steps we can take to make other options a reality.

Iyane Agossah: In the past, the very first Sakura Wars game had a spinoff game released on Game Boy. The series also had a puzzle game spinoff series based on Columns. Would you be interested in developing similar spinoff games for this new entry?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: We’re focused right now on getting as many people as possible to play the new Sakura Wars game. However, we would love the chance to work on a spinoff title for people who want to explore the world more and engage with the characters they like.

Iyane Agossah: Seeing Sakura Wars on PS4 has several bonus costumes and soundtrack DLCs, could we expect more DLC in the future? And would it be in the form of additional costumes, or could we get new story content?

Jacob Nahin, Senior Communications Manager: We have a costume / planned release of loungewear planned for release sometime around the fourth of July.

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars as a series has a small presence in the West thanks to the old anime adaptations and the localization of Sakura Wars V on Wii. And now, Sakura Wars on PS4 is a new page of the history of the franchise in the West. Could you share with us your impressions regarding the recent reception of Sakura Wars on PS4, and the series as a whole, in the West?

Andrew Davis: We’re really thrilled by the public and critical reception! It’s great that we can finally make a significant push into the West and let more fans discover the unique, comforting atmosphere of Sakura Wars as a series. People have responded really well to the art style, the personalities of the cast, the musical score, and the quirky blue-skies setting.

In fact, we’ve been analyzing and digesting the critical reviews (as we do regularly for all our titles), and one sentiment that’s come up over and over, even in the otherwise negative reviews, is how utterly charming the whole game is. I collected quote after quote talking about how the game feels “cozy”, it has “tons of heart”, and “it’s hard not to fall in love with everyone you meet”. I think we all need a dose of comfort amidst the pain and chaos of 2020, and I’m planning to report to the dev team that Western players appreciate Sakura Wars being the home of good vibes.

Iyane Agossah: Seeing Sakura Wars on PS4 was localized only a few months after its Japanese release, can we expect possible future entries to be localized as swiftly?

Andrew Davis: While it can be a challenge sometimes to start on localization while the game is still in development and parts of the script are in flux, we also know it’s friendlier to fans (and often better for the game’s success!) when we’re able to bring out a game in the West as close as possible to the Japanese release date. Scheduling for any future titles will depend on the individual circumstances, especially given the disruptions hitting many sectors of the game industry worldwide, but we’d certainly like to get our localized editions out as quickly as we can!

Iyane Agossah: The majority of the games in the series are still Japan-exclusive. Could they be localized in some way, in order to make the series better known in the West?

Andrew Davis: The old games are beloved classics in Japan, and if possible, we’d love the chance to revisit them and allow Western fans a chance to discover what made them special. We don’t have any specific plans at the moment, but fingers crossed!

Iyane Agossah: Sakura Wars as a series has few but dedicated fans in the West, and is particularly popular in Asian countries such as South Korean and China. Both countries had their own mobile Sakura Wars games as well. However, certain themes depicted in the Sakura Wars series, such as the Taisho Era and the military themes, can be controversial in the West, South Korea and China. Do you have some comments to share in that regard?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: What makes the world of Sakura Wars so special is the blend of steampunk aesthetic with certain aspects of the real-life Taisho Era of Japan, a time when the traditional culture of Japan was starting to mix with cultural influences imported from the West. We would never condone anything that would harm someone in the enjoyment of this milieu, and during development, we took extra caution to consult with people of all the regions we planned to release the game in, in an effort to avoid ethical missteps.

Iyane Agossah: Sales-wise, did Sakura Wars on PS4 meet your expectations in Japan? In Asia? In the West?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: We first would like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who has bought the game. We’re continuing to coordinate with teams in each of our sales regions to work on expanding the user base.

Iyane Agossah: Many fans who played Sakura Wars on PS4 mentioned they’d like the game to be fully voiced. Have you considered releasing an enhanced version of the game or DLC adding full voice acting?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: We’ve heard similar requests on our end as well. Currently we don’t have any specific plans for this kind of addition, but we are giving these ideas some consideration.

Iyane Agossah: While Sakura Wars on PS4 marks a new beginning with a new cast of characters, many fans would like to see the old cast again. Did you consider the option to bring back the old cast in some way? Like a non-canon spinoff, where the old and new cast would crossover?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: Indeed, the old characters still exist in the world of PS4 Sakura Wars, and not just Sumire Kanzaki. We understand that longtime fans have a great deal of attachment to the old cast, and we would very much like to bring them back for all the fans in some form or another.

Iyane Agossah: How would you feel about featuring Sakura Wars in console crossover titles, such as a console entry in the Super Robot Wars series?

Tetsuya Ootsubo: We do love to see Sakura Wars characters make appearances in crossover titles. Here in Japan, they have turned up in a number of collaborations already, and if we have the opportunity in the future, we would be thrilled to include them in additional tie-in/crossover games.

Iyane Agossah: Do you have a message you’d like to share with the Western fans of the Sakura Wars franchise?　

Tetsuya Ootsubo: Up until now, the Sakura Wars series hasn’t had much of an active presence in the West. And yet, despite that, there are still dedicated fans all across the globe, which is why we’re thrilled that we could deliver a localized version of the newest game to these fans. This game is a proper sequel set in the same chronology as the previous games, but even if it’s your first exposure to the series, we think you’ll have a really fun time, especially if you have any interest in Japanese anime culture, or even if you merely had your curiosity piqued by the unique, exciting period setting of Taisho-era Japan.

Sakura Wars is currently available on PS4. You can read our thoughts on the game through our review and our latest coverage. I would like to thank once again Tetsuya Ootsubo, Jacob Nahin, and Andrew Davis for answering our questions, along with Jordan and all the Sega PR team.

July 10, 2020 1:32 PM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2020/07/sakura-wars-interview-revitalizing-a-legendary-series-and-localizing-for-the-west/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sakura-wars-interview-revitalizing-a-legendary-series-and-localizing-for-the-west

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