#k-influencer academy | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

couldtransitionsaveher · 2 months

Text

Archetype Exploration: Perfect Soldiers

(Hey, please look at this blog's pinned post before reading this post; it gives a lot of context for the lens I'm looking at these characters through, k thx. also, shoutout to @finalgirl-nihilbliss for guessing the archetype)

CW: Abuse, Projection, Surface-Level Media Analysis

If your comfort character exhibits any of the following symptoms:

constant brooding

face frozen in a perpetual scowl

possession of a "dark past" they don't like to talk about

frequent blank stares into the middle distance

constantly trains for something uncertain

You may have just found yourself in the presence of a Perfect Soldier.

Perfect soldiers are characters who were groomed, often from birth, for the sole purpose of inflicting harm on their fellow man. These characters are efficient, tactically-minded, and above all else, violent. Perfect soldiers will often excel at combat and strategy, but struggle with emotional sensitivity.

Note that just because these characters are violent and closed off now doesn't mean that this is their natural temperament. Often, perfect soldiers have some kind of natural compassion that was stomped out through years of abuse training. This can come in the form of a sole loved one who tragically died, but more often than not, it simply manifests as a soft side sanded away.

If the Perfect Soldier doesn't start that way, who is to blame for their transformation? In sci-fi and fantasy, this transformation is usually caused by a morally corrupt institution built to churn out perfect soldiers (the Jedi Academy, the Galalunan Military Academy, the Space Marine Legions, etc.). Other times, perfect soldiers are groomed raised by a cruel and abusive father figure (Endeavor, Bro Strider, Belos, etc.). Some settings even blend the two by having an institution with a twisted general (think Shadow Weaver from She-Ra).

Typically, if a perfect soldier has a character arc, it's usually one of healing and letting go of their anger. This almost always contains at least two of these three steps in the order of your choosing:

The perfect soldier leaves the institution of their torment, either by circumstance or by excommunication. Once on the outside, they'll typically find that their raw might is irrelevant to their survival, and they'll instead need to rely on their lacking social skills. This exit from the comfort zone will prompt the soldier to learn a lot of people skills, typically leading to a "softening up" of sorts. Note that this doesn't have to be a literal escape from a physical place. Rather, it could just be a character being outside their guardian's zone of influence.

The perfect soldier discovers some imperfection with their guardian/institution. Perhaps there's some kind of inconsistency in its moral values. Other times, the soldier finds a secret the guardian/institution has been covering up. Whatever it is, this will prompt the soldier to question their leaders' infallibility.

The perfect soldier meets a person who shows concern for them in spite of the soldier's outward hostility. This outside party will likely witness or hear about the perfect soldier's tumultuous upbringing and take pity on them. This will likely prompt an attempt to reach out to the soldier, something which may or may not be rejected. Whatever the case, this act compassion will likely stick with the soldier, and prompt them to think about their own worth.

An arc like this usually resolves with a direct confrontation with the abusive mentor(s) who turned them into a weapon of war. If the soldier is a member of the supporting cast, this may come in the form of some heroic self-sacrifice, usually to protect the aforementioned outside party. Alternatively, if the soldier is a protagonist, their confrontation will likely be much more active, and may even be a proper fight. The soldier tends to win this fight either with the power of friendship or compassion but this isn't a strict requirement. If the writers really want to get spicy with it, they might even spare their tormentor, really leaning into the idea of abandoning violence (note that this runs the risk of coming off as a "forgive your abusers" narrative).

Alternatively, the lack of a grand confrontation can be a form of narrative resolution in and of itself. Living well is the best revenge, after all, and showing that our former perfect soldier has moved on to a happier, more peaceful life can be a far stronger statement of growth than a glitzy fight to the death.

(This is the part where I tie this whole thing back into the gimmick of the account. If you just wanted a Trope Talk style summary of the archetype, you've seen all there is to see. Thanks for reading, and don't forget to do your daily clicks.)

Why do you keep submitting this?

So, out of all the characters that I've seen submitted, this is easily the most prolific character archetype. At the time of writing, somewhere between 40-50 characters that have been posted roughly fit this archetype, and that's not including any of the characters I haven't posted yet.

Why do submitters connect this particular trope with trans women so damn much?

Firstly, it's important to consider that in most western fiction, the soldier is an inherently masculine archetype. From the classical epics of the Odyssey and the Iliad, to the superheroes and action stars of modern-day blockbusters, there's a very real conflation between a character's manhood and a character's capacity to do violence. A lot of mainstream military propaganda does the same, suggesting that men who enlist are more "authentically masculine" than those who do. This archetype serves as a critique of that idea; it shows us that this masculine ideal can be, and often is, a soul-crushing experience. In a sense, the idea of transitioning serves as an escape from this image.

Furthermore, it's important to consider what this character arc is actually about: a miserable character discovering that a better life is possible, and making steps to achieve personal peace. Often, these characters are fiercely loyal to the institutions that take advantage of them. These characters are often fine with it because they can't conceive of a better world. Once that's presented to them, that's when they start to leave. Frankly, given that a lot of people still don't end up knowing about trans folks until they're adults, I'm surprised more trans people don't connect to characters like this.

Finally, this arc gets back to the core question at the center of this blog: could transition have saved her? The archetype, in its construction necessitates a level of misery, ergo it implies that the character needs saving. It's no wonder these characters tend to garner a lot of Hurt/Comfort fanfic (Anakin Skywalker alone has more Hurt/Comfort fic than some of my favorite fandoms period). There's an inherent desire for these characters have better lives, and maybe some estrogen could do it.

This is my best guess, anyway. If you have thoughts, feel free to share them.

#archetype exploration #trope analysis #cw abuse #cw projection #cw surface level media analysis #transgender #sorry for taking so long to finish this post #i've been trying to phrase it as delicately as possible

122 notes · View notes

petermorwood · 1 year

Video

youtube

Here’s a dish from French Cooking Academy, another of my subscribed YouTube channels.

I like the business of stuffing each chunk of beef with a bit of garlic and bacon; I’ve done this with lamb, using garlic and lemon. Another interesting detail is the use of cinnamon, suggesting a way-back-when influence either from the Moors or having access to spices as they passed through from Dpain Spain or North Africa on the way to somewhere else.

Kokkinisto (Greek) and Tajine (Morocco) also use cinnamon - and cloves, and nutmeg, and ginger etc. etc. depending on recipe. I’ve made both, they’re really excellent.

@dduane and I got Very Interested because the use of what Mum used to call “cake spices” is also quite medieval and, in DD’s case, adaptable for the Middle Kingdoms project.

The Corsican one recommends rigatoni, cannelloni or similar large hollow pasta (presumably to hold lots of sauce!) For a more medieval approach I’d try Loseyns from late-1300s cookbook “The Forme of Cury” (that’s “cookery” without the k, so “coo’rey” not “curry”.)

*****

These are often regarded as Richard II-era ”lasagne”, though I wonder if there’s also an association with heraldic “lozenges”, easily created by cutting a sheet of pasta dough slantwise...

Either way, here’s “Tasting History with Max Miller” (subscribed of course!) having a go at Loseyns, which turn out like mac & cheese with extra spices.

Max ended up eating them with a stick because forks hadn’t been introduced yet, but IMO a better utensil would be the historical eating pick, like one of these.

...or even a spoon, especially if the loseyns were cut small with that in mind.

However eating pasta with the fingers - like many other foods - may have been done in the 1300s; it was certainly recorded in paintings from the 1600s...

...right up to the 1800s...

...though I don’t think these were dressed with anything more than oil or butter and some grated cheese, and the potential for messy eating was still pretty high. Eating small pasta rather than dangly strands with the fingers was probably much tidier, especially if diners knew the proper etiquette for doing it...

Finally, here’s something from our own store-cupboard, bought out of curiosity during a recent visit to Polonez in Dublin.

This is pasta cut into little squares; both the front and the back of the pack calls them łazanka...

...and according to Google Translate, this just means “pasta noodles”.

However...

Can any followers tell me if "łazanka” has any relationship to “lasagna” or “lozenge”? An enquiring mind wants to know! :->

ETA: @seriously-mike says “...łazanki were brought to Poland in 16th century by queen Bona Sforza (so) the relationship with lasagna might be there.” See his Reply for more info.

ETA (2): A little bell went off in my head about the shapes in the bag and I suddenly remembered seeing them as something call “torn pasta” - the Italian word is “maltagliati“ - which were made using re-rolled scraps of dough from “formal” shapes; more info at that link.

#food and drink #corsican beef ragout #spices in cooking #medieval cooking #food and cooking of the middle kingdoms #French Cooking Academy #Tasting History #lasagne #pasta

154 notes · View notes

inchidentally · 1 month

Note

hi inch! just something i was thinking about, but Oscar's move to mclaren needs to be studied!!! even though Mark had said that they didn't have a lot of options but considering how long Oscar was a junior driver for renault, it's crazy that he just up and left the team. you'd think he'd first want to enter f1 with them. i feel like there were so many factors influencing that move but a certain prospect was very convincing to Oscar and i genuinely wonder how much the idea of lando being his future teammate influenced that decision, because there are so MANY details about that move that need to be thought about individually i.e. him being a junior for renault for so long and that he would just leave them, that mclaren had a very poor 2022 season, mclaren also considering Pato, that oscar would be replacing a fellow aussie which he was reluctant to do.....etc. like so many things in there. i genuinely feel like him ending up at mclaren was complete fate (a very biased decision*wink wink*). it was complete fate that him and lando suit each other SO well both on and off the track. they compliment each other perfectly. they're literally a perfect pairing not just team wise but personality wise, like you could not have hand picked a better pair and it just feels like fate for them to come together at this point in each other's careers. and boy did lando need that in his life. oscar was at the perfect place at the perfect time. i have a well of thoughts about this that the deeper i think about the more i feel like it's never ending, how perfectly it all happened for all parties involved. (sorry for all the run-ons)

omg look who you're talking to about run-on sentences babe do NOT apologize

okay I've always got to point to Sacred Texts first and foremost and K's Oscar Primer has got to be read by everyone who's even slightly a fan - and straight up him liking posts on Lando and Max F's instagrams right before moving out to the UK to me is !!! and the path following after Lando through Ricky Flynn and Formula Renault (and RB taking an early interest but flopping on going for them whomp whomp), Renault Sports Academy with Max F, and then Alpine agreeing for Oscar to be in the reserve pool for McLaren as well at the start of the 2022 season, like...

the whole fated thing already felt so solidified by 2019 honestly I love how confidently he talks here - if anyone had decided 'I have chosen who I want to be my F1 teammate' it would be this boy

#inchreplies #renault oscar #landoscar lore #op lore

31 notes · View notes

aria-ashryver · 5 months

Text

Meet my MC - Luca O'Rinn

Name and Meaning: Luca — Bringer of Light / O'Rinn — Descendant of the Stars

Book: Immortal Desires Love Interests: Cas Harlow and Gabriel Adalhard Pronouns: He/they Birthday: 5th January 1997 Sign: Aquarius Born: Kinloch Rannoch, Scotland Raised: Inverness, Scotland Heritage: Scottish with ancestral roots in Ireland

More under the cut! 🖤✨

Family

Therese “Terri” O’Rinn (mother) Wayne MacAllister (father — estranged) John “Jock” O’Rinn (grandfather) Esther O’Rinn (grandmother) Morag O'Rinn (great aunt) Phoebe O’Rinn (cousin)

Skills / Hobbies

Dance, drums, butterfly knives, annoying ancient vampires with incessant questions and somehow not being murdered outright

Random Trivia

Luca has an avid curiosity (which often gets them into trouble) and is fascinated by how the world works — in every possible universe, they would have found out about the vampires in Crimson Beech.

He gets bored if he hasn’t learnt something new in a while.

Luca has Combined Type ADHD and frequently needs something to do with their hands — they can often be found flipping small items (pens, drum sticks, balisongs, etc, their phone, if they can’t get their hands on anything else)

...His phone screen is always cracked.

TERRIBLE at replying to text messages if they don’t do it then and there. Cannot make a phone call to save their life.

Has no problem biting ice cream, but sometimes sensory things ( unexplained sticky hands, clothes textures that feel suddenly wrong) with make them explode with sudden rage that comes on fast and goes away even faster. (It always alarms Gabriel whenever it happens. He tries to help and inevitably gets in the way and makes it worse. Cas knows to just ignore him when he’s having a moment.)

Loves playfighting with Cas (despite always losing and probably getting thrown somewhere)

Late. For everything. All the time. Zero time management skills.

Luca's first crush was Howl Pendragon of Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle

He takes his tea/coffee without milk bc he’s forever forgetting to drink it — there is always a small army of half-full, forgotten cups and mugs around his room.

Restless sleeper, abhors early mornings, can’t fall asleep unless he feels safe (which leads to a lot of falling asleep on Gabriel and Cas)

He despises math and still counts on his fingers. Numbers make his brain short-circuit.

Will absolutely eat food off the floor if they drop it.

Forests have always made him feel calm and want to dance.

Luca has had a habit since childhood where, any time they are walking alone through a forest, they’ll slow their pace and hum a gentle tune, trying to see if they can catch sight of any fairies or little fae creatures out of the corner of their eye. (Which seemed like a silly superstition until a few months ago, but now that they know vampires are real? Hey, maybe little Luca was on to something.)

Education (Scotland)

Rather than traditional schooling, Luca attended a specialised Arts school from the age of 14, in their hometown of Inverness, Scotland. Avalon Academy of the Arts is an alternative educational institution, covering both secondary- and tertiary-level studies in fields such as traditional arts and media, photography, music, theatre, and dance.

At Avalon, Luca trained primarily in ballet, lyrical jazz, contemporary, jazz funk, street dance, and urban hip-hop. Luca does enjoy ballet, but he found most of the ballet students too pretentious, cut-throat, and close-minded to consider pursuing a career in ballet long-term (especially as a non-binary dancer in an extremely gendered environment).

Luca’s main dance style tends toward a unique blend of lyrical, ballet, and street — though in recent years, there is definitely something of a K-Pop influence present in their choreography. They idolise Lee Taemin of SHINee, in part because of his expression and technical precision, but also because of the androgyny and power of Taemin’s dance style. They enjoy watching dance practice videos on YouTube in order to study other dancer’s body lines, transitions, and use of tension.

Education (USA)

In transferring to Crimson Beech High to round out their formal education, it became clear that Luca was very behind in some areas (math, physics, sciences) and very ahead in others (history, literature, anything pertaining to arts studies).

The semesters at Avalon do not align with traditional US schooling system (beginning in February and wrapping up in December to mirror their sister school in Avalon, Australia), so Luca is actually marginally older than many of his current classmates at Crimson Beech High.

(well. Those that aren’t vampires, anyway).

As at the first chapter of ID/SICSIG, Luca is 18, and will be turning 19 in January.

Hobbies

Luca could have taken music as an elective at Avalon, but he never did. Music is something that is purely for self expression and fun. While he did take drum lessons for about a year as a child, most of Luca’s musical ability comes from the school of fucking around and finding out — he is a kinaesthetic learner, so much of his drumming is self-taught.

Wayne (read: awful person) never really approved of Luca’s dancing and wanted them to quit when they first started taking lessons in primary school, but Terri put her foot down when she saw how happy it made them to have a form of self-expression that really spoke to who they were. As a means of compromise, Wayne suggested Luca take up drumming — something he saw as a suitably “masculine” hobby to “help him man up”.

A lot of the arguments Wayne and Terri had regarding Luca’s hobbies in their formative years were, in truth, veiled conversations about Luca’s sexuality and gender identity. Terri has never been anything but accepting of her child, and Wayne has never been able to get his head out of his own ass around Luca being gay, let alone non-binary. Though Terri tried to shield them from it, Luca often bore the burnt of a tirade of queerphobic verbal abuse, which escalated to physical violence in the years preceding Wayne and Terri’s separation.

There were a whole host of reasons why the O’Rinn household wasn’t the easiest or safest place to be growing up (which I have explored more in Starlight!); understandably, Luca had a lot of energy (and, in the years before Wayne’s arrest, a lot of anger) that he was able to take out on his drum kit.

Drumming on his own has turned into a really therapeutic space for Luca, wherein he can get into a flow state, lose the outside world, and work through a lot of his feelings. As much as Luca despises his father, he loves his drums — and knowing his father was the one to buy him his first ever drum kit is something of a sore spot. To this day, Luca still has mixed feelings about it.

Drumming with Viktor’s band, however, became a space of growth and celebration. Your Bisexual Awakening (as they are currently called — the band's name changes with almost every gig) is made up of other students from Avalon, and is unapologetically queer and in your face about it. They mostly play classic rock, punk, and grunge tracks, but ultimately do not limit themselves by genre.

Viktor, the band’s vocalist and frontman, is an OC (and will probably get his own "Meet My OC" profile!) (eventually); the other band members are Easter Eggs from other Choices books: WtD’s Angel on bass, NB’s Cal on keys, and ILITW’s Ava on lead electric guitar.

You can find out more about Luca via my masterlist, or read about them in my longfic, snow in crimson, starlight in gold on AO3! 🖤(direct link, fic is rated Explicit)

tagging: @choicesficwriterscreations

#SICSIG #luca o'rinn #meet my mc #cfwc meet my mc #choices immortal desires #immortal desires #playchoices fanfic #choices fic writers creations #🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈🏳‍🌈

39 notes · View notes

redlight-cb · 10 months

Text

End of the Week Update

Chan// It a nice day for a… ::rubs his neck:: any suggestions?

Han// I always like the way your shirts fit me better

Rosé// …… ::smiles happily::

Lisa// A-are you hungry? ::breaks a breadstick:: I don’t mind taking it to go if you want some company

S.Coups// Hush now~ You’ll wake the house

🖤💋 @bluerosemafiacb @fallenangel-oc @blackdragons-cb @raiden-oc @mutant-academy @project-takeover @revengebots @welcometosector1 @k-dislyte @livealittleoc-cb @thepatchedpaw @supernaturalcb @monsterhigh-cb @mystical-ocs @clubwnderland @fantasykingdoms @k-venturetime @logan-oc-cb @ocmyths @yanderemuses @screamcb @kingdom-of-dicentra @kq-rescuecenter @angelsxdemons-cb @lucky-charmsanhwa @hybridclub @shuhua-cb @houseofthee @lostwoods-cb @thedevoted-cb @lavienrosecabaretxo @oppositesattraxt @fntcsy @yandereskzcb @silcntxnight @androidmuses @camboys-com @multeez-cb @domrachaa @demonskz-cb @rapperracha-cb @cyberpunkcollection @influencer-mingyu @jangiseul-cb @silentxnights

#chan🖤#han🖤#lisa💋#rosé💋#s.coups💙

50 notes · View notes

mendely · 3 months

Note

Could u tell more about the story of Fantastic Priests plsss? :3 ( specially about Esdras and Saturno) Im invested. Also , are you planning tô make a comic or novel about em in the future ?

WHAAAAAAAAG I finally got the time to sit down at my computer and type something out, so sorry for the late reply anon o(-<

Okay so the TL;DR is it's my concept for a crime-drama-thriller-thing movie or series set in an alternate history 1880s London, where local priest Esdras gets caught up in the strange murder case of a fellow clergyman that quickly becomes the talk of the town! Esdras doesn't get into it willingly at first though (as much as his curiosity tells him to), since he has been appointed by the archdiocese to provide counsel to the bishop, Saturno - his own boss - on top of his usual priestly duties. Things aren't as straightforward as they seem, though, as he starts to find out that Saturno's got some skeletons in his closet...

Reverend Saturno is a guy who wears many hats (aside from his namesake saturno hat). He's not just an important member of the clergy, he's also a celebrated author of fantasy novellas for young readers. These books taught good Christian values — through the riveting tales of a special magical boy going to an Eton-esque academy for mages! As a young boy, Esdras had been a superfan of the books, and was on cloud nine when he got to meet Saturno after a church service. He asked his idol and future employer: What inspired the story of the mage boy in the books, and how can I become like him and make the world a better place?

To which the priest smiled and said: The stories were inspired by my experiences as a holy man of God - the mages are, in fact, representations of us priests.

But of course, as years passed, times changed - the average citizen grew more aware of social injustices, minority peoples were gaining more prominence in society, international influences were making waves through Britain, technology was rapidly advancing, et cetera - and Saturno grew increasingly fearful of this change. He started to turn bitter, paranoid, and volatile, retreating further and further away from society to spend time in prayer and contemplation and God knows what else.

And we now return the story beat outlined in the start of this post - Esdras, as a grown man and an ordained priest, coming face to face with his boyhood idol again - and having to re-evaluate everything he's ever known about Saturno, the books, his faith, and the Church as an institution itself.

Sounds familiar? Yeah, it's basically a glorified pisstake at a certain J. K.

Also to cap off this post I'll add this meme talking about the themes discussed in the story because by golly gosh there's a lot going on and it's too much for one post wawawawawawawawawawawawaw

#i am ssososossoso excited to hear youre intrrerstd in my brainworm awgagagaagaggaagaga #thank youuuuu #thank you anon #fantastic priests #father esdras #reverend saturno #priests #religious imagery #oc lore #oc stuff

10 notes · View notes

compneuropapers · 9 months

Text

Interesting Papers for Week 31, 2023

Abnormal evidence accumulation underlies the positive memory deficit in depression. Cataldo, A. M., Scheuer, L., Maksimovskiy, A. L., Germine, L. T., & Dillon, D. G. (2023). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 152(1), 139–156.

Internal neural states influence the short-term effect of monocular deprivation in human adults. Chen, Y., Gao, Y., He, Z., Sun, Z., Mao, Y., Hess, R. F., … Zhou, J. (2023). eLife, 12, e83815.

Mesolimbic dopamine adapts the rate of learning from action. Coddington, L. T., Lindo, S. E., & Dudman, J. T. (2023). Nature, 614(7947), 294–302.

Sensorimotor feedback loops are selectively sensitive to reward. Codol, O., Kashefi, M., Forgaard, C. J., Galea, J. M., Pruszynski, J. A., & Gribble, P. L. (2023). eLife, 12, e81325.

Multiphasic value biases in fast-paced decisions. Corbett, E. A., Martinez-Rodriguez, L. A., Judd, C., O’Connell, R. G., & Kelly, S. P. (2023). eLife, 12, e67711.

Hippocampal–cortical coupling differentiates long-term memory processes. Dahal, P., Rauhala, O. J., Khodagholy, D., & Gelinas, J. N. (2023). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(7), e2207909120.

The visual encoding of graspable unfamiliar objects. Federico, G., Osiurak, F., Brandimonte, M. A., Salvatore, M., & Cavaliere, C. (2023). Psychological Research, 87(2), 452–461.

Complex economic decisions from simple neurocognitive processes: the role of interactive attention. He, L., & Bhatia, S. (2023). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 290(1992), 20221593.

Behavioral encoding across timescales by region-specific dopamine dynamics. Jørgensen, S. H., Ejdrup, A. L., Lycas, M. D., Posselt, L. P., Madsen, K. L., Tian, L., … Gether, U. (2023). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(7), e2215230120.

Olfactory receptor neurons generate multiple response motifs, increasing coding space dimensionality. Kim, B., Haney, S., Milan, A. P., Joshi, S., Aldworth, Z., Rulkov, N., … Stopfer, M. A. (2023). eLife, 12, e79152.

Local memory allocation recruits memory ensembles across brain regions. Lavi, A., Sehgal, M., de Sousa, A. F., Ter-Mkrtchyan, D., Sisan, F., Luchetti, A., … Silva, A. J. (2023). Neuron, 111(4), 470-480.e5.

D2/3 Agonist during Learning Potentiates Cued Risky Choice. Mortazavi, L., Hynes, T. J., Chernoff, C. S., Ramaiah, S., Brodie, H. G., Russell, B., … Winstanley, C. A. (2023). Journal of Neuroscience, 43(6), 979–992.

Coordinated drift of receptive fields in Hebbian/anti-Hebbian network models during noisy representation learning. Qin, S., Farashahi, S., Lipshutz, D., Sengupta, A. M., Chklovskii, D. B., & Pehlevan, C. (2023). Nature Neuroscience, 26(2), 339–349.

Distinct early and late neural mechanisms regulate feature-specific sensory adaptation in the human visual system. Rideaux, R., West, R. K., Rangelov, D., & Mattingley, J. B. (2023). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(6), e2216192120.

Single spikes drive sequential propagation and routing of activity in a cortical network. Riquelme, J. L., Hemberger, M., Laurent, G., & Gjorgjieva, J. (2023). eLife, 12, e79928.

Testing, explaining, and exploring models of facial expressions of emotions. Snoek, L., Jack, R. E., Schyns, P. G., Garrod, O. G. B., Mittenbühler, M., Chen, C., … Scholte, H. S. (2023). Science Advances, 9(6).

Distinct replay signatures for prospective decision-making and memory preservation. Wimmer, G. E., Liu, Y., McNamee, D. C., & Dolan, R. J. (2023). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(6), e2205211120.

A dopaminergic reward prediction error signal shapes maternal behavior in mice. Xie, Y., Huang, L., Corona, A., Pagliaro, A. H., & Shea, S. D. (2023). Neuron, 111(4), 557-570.e7.

A discipline-wide investigation of the replicability of Psychology papers over the past two decades. Youyou, W., Yang, Y., & Uzzi, B. (2023). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(6), e2208863120.

Development of dynamic attention: Time-based visual selection for objects in motion between 6–12 years of age. Zupan, Z., Blagrove, E. L., & Watson, D. G. (2023). Developmental Psychology, 59(2), 312–325.

#science #Neuroscience #computational neuroscience #Brain science #research #cognition #neurons #neurobiology #cognitive science #neural networks #neural computation #psychophysics #scientific publications

25 notes · View notes

suzilight · 3 months

Text

#PianoGate

UK musician filming piano playing for his YouTube channel in public... a group of people waving Chinese flags, walk up to his camera and demand not to be filmed.

YouTube is trying to take down the video. Dr K will be interviewed about the incident on the Mike Graham show on TalkTV this evening Mon 22nd, 9.15 pm GMT

Update: They've been identified. The guy who shouted is called Newton Leng and works through UCL for the Confucius institute, so he is a Chinese state operative.

The woman in the hat is Adelina Jang, she's an event host for Chinese state events in the UK.

The first woman to approach is Mengying Liu, who is an influencer and CEO of Top Offer Academy Ltd. And the white guy in the background is Davis Kuma, Mengjing's boyfriend and employee at her agency.

Update 1/26/24 In the background standing next to Davis Kuma - Christine Ching Kui Lee - CCP agent, woman at the centre of an MI5 security warning to MPs for “seeking to covertly interfere in UK politics through establishing links with established and aspiring parliamentarians across the political spectrum” and to “cultivate relationships with influential figures”. A high-profile Anglo-Chinese lawyer who received an award from Theresa May and who has donated £584,177 to the office of Labour MP.

#UK #filming in public #brendan kavanagh #public piano #CCP #China #Kings Cross #railway station #freedom of speech #YouTube #Adelina Jang #Newton Leng #Mengying Liu #Davis Kuma #Christine Ching Kui Lee #MI5

7 notes · View notes

mybeingthere · 8 months

Text

Prabhakar Barwe (Indian, 1935–1995), Yantra III, 1964 Watercolour, ink and silver paper on paper 51.8 × 77.2 cm.

Prabhakar Barwe (1936 - 1995) was a pioneer of Modern Indian painting. He was active in Mumbai, India from the 1959 until his death in 1995 (December 6). Influenced by the esoteric tradition of Tantric painting. Barwe along with G. R. Santosh, P. T. Reddy, K.C.S. Paniker, Biren De, Om Prakash, K. V. Haridasan, Prafulla Mohanti and Mahirwan Mamtani was considered part of the modernist movement Neo-Tantra.

He was awarded the Academy of Fine Arts Award in Kolkata in 1963, the Bombay Art Society Award in 1964 and 1968, the Maharashtra State Award and the prestigious Lalit Kala Akademi Award in 1976.

13 notes · View notes

happyzyx · 10 months

Text

zhang yixing for basic stardom magazine, 21st issue 2023 – interview transcription

THE DREAMER FROM CHANGSHA: An Interview with Chinese Rapper and Performer Lay Zhang

Tagged the “King of China” by his fans in Asia, the highly-praised musician, dancer, actor, and author, Lay Zhang, is rising to glory as he continues to hone his craft and inspire the world with infinite ambition. Headlining MetaMoon last year, the inaugural New York-based music festival, as part of his first-ever solo global tour “Grand Line 2: Infinite Lands” and releasing into 2023 with a remarkable agenda.

While getting his start from the well known K-Pop boy group EXO, Zhang furthered his growth as an individual artist, accumulating over 70 million followers across all social media platforms and magnifying his career through evocative performances and stellar roles in both television and film. His captivating journey has not only forged him into an international superstar, but has also led him to become the highest-ranked Mando-pop star on the Billboard 200 chart in 2018, and the first Chinese artist to enter the iTunes Top 60 in the U.S. with his third solo album Namanana.

Q. You dove headfirst into the music industry after enrolling in the Star Academy talent show in 2005, where you unexpectedly became a finalist in the series. While you never thought you’d ever become an artist, what changed for you during this time in your life?

ZYX. While Star Academy, I was critiqued a few times on stage for not being professional enough. Hearing that gave me the motivation to prove them wrong and become better in all aspects. I like proving people wrong. It’s a good challenge. At the time, I wanted to prove to the judges and fans that I could be better. Becoming the artist I am today wasn’t what I originally had in mind. Looking back, I think I became an artist as I started to improve on my weaknesses. It was not a conscious choice, but rather the desire to prove that I could be better and show everyone that I could be professional.

Q. In 2008, you trained as a performer in South Korea, eventually debuting as a part of the K-pop group EXO. Talk to us about your journey and how you ended up here and now.

ZYX. Going to Korea and leaving both my hometown Changsha and my mother was scary. There were hours and hours of training in a completely foreign environment. Sometimes, after training, I would go downstairs to the practice room and learn how to produce music. It was unusual for a trainee to be that interested in producing music and I was not very good at it. Becoming a dancer for SHINee was a huge milestone for me. It showed me that I was on the right path. Then, when I made it into EXO, I was overjoyed. In the early days, we traveled a lot between China, Japan, and South Korea. There were a lot of happy memories going into the studio and practicing new songs with my members, but nothing could compare to performing with them live. I felt, and still feel, so proud to be an EXO member and to see everything that we accomplished together. When I started doing more solo activities, I found it challenging. All of a sudden I had to do things alone and without my members by my side. It was hard, but it made me grow and helped me to become the person I am today. Now, my schedule is always filled with commercial shoots, television shows, variety shows, recording music, and trying to be an entrepreneur.

Q. After 10 years with EXO, you finally decided to focus on your solo career. How did your experiences with EXO and in South Korea influence the artist, dancer, and businessman you are today?

ZYX. My brothers in EXO gave me so much strength and motivation to become the best artist and person I could be. I did a lot of training in Korea. While it was tough, it gave me the skills I needed to become an artist and dancer that I am today. I reflect on those days often when I help train my trainees. I want to make sure I give them everything I had and more. I met a lot of talented people who took the time to explain things and trained me. I have deep gratitude for that time in my life.

Q. How did you discover your individual sound and personal brand since venturing out on your own? Who and/or what have been some of your most prominent influences?

ZYX. I’m not sure that I have found my sound yet. I like making music and performing. I would love to spend all of my time on stage and in the studio, but I think it’s the same with my brand, where I’m still experimenting and in the process of discovering it. Now that I’m over 30, I have to figure out who I want to be in the next decade. In the past, I’ve taken inspiration from people who have been able to dance, sing, and perform. I also appreciate people who are kind and hardworking.

Q. Sharing your culture with the world is incredibly important to you. Talk to us about the process of merging languages, as well as Eastern and Western influences into your music.

ZYX. I am blessed to have many talented musician friends around the world. Normally, I’ll work with a producer and songwriter in Los Angeles. I’ll have about a week of song camp sessions where we are locked in the studio from noon to midnight. We’ll spend time making music, vibing and dancing nonstop. I also learn a lot of English and we eat a lot of cookies during these sessions. Once we’re done, I’ll take the recording back to China and talk to my team and other creative friends about how we can incorporate Chinese instruments and stories into the music.

Q. How does it feel to be named the “King of China” by your fans and community?

ZYX. I don’t know if I’m the “King of China”. That’s a strong statement. I am just Lay Zhang from Changsha, China. I am a man who loves the people of his country and making music. For me, music is my arena where I get to challenge myself and others. I want to experiment and make better music. Sometimes, I’m down to “battle” people when it comes to music, but it’s always in good spirits and fun.

Q. You are in the process of making new music to be released this year. Talk to us about your creative process. Is there something you do to get into a creative state of mind?

ZYX. Music gets me excited and making music gets me even more excited. I’m always looking for a reason to get into the studio. I don’t really need to put myself in a creative state of mind. I wait all day, sometimes weeks, to get into the studio and explore my ideas. and if I can’t wait any longer, I’ll just pull out my laptop and start making beats whenever I am. I always enjoy testing out my ideas and making music feels like the most natural medium for me to express them right now.

Q. How do you think your music is being experienced by others?

ZYX. I hope people are happy when they listen to my music. When they play songs like “Veil”, I hope they are dancing in a room with their friends and having a good time. I live seeing people so covers and reacting to my music in different ways.

Q. What kind of impact do you hope to achieve through your artistry and career as a whole?

ZYX. I hope that I can inspire to not only go after their dreams, but to also give it their all as they pursue them. Dreams are precious and beautiful. I want people to treat their dreams with the most respect. Respecting your own dreams will make them come true.

Q. In what ways do you ensure you are continuously evolving, both as an artist and the person you are away from the public eye?

ZYX. I have many teachers, mentors, and staff who give me a lot of advice. They’ll tell me the ways in which they think I should work on my vocals or how to handle certain meetings. I always want the people around me to be honest—all facts, no cap. If I’m not good, let me know so that I can get better.

Q. What message would you like to send to the world about who you are and what you stand for?

ZYX. Hi, it’s Lay. I’m a dreamer who hopes that everyone can achieve their dreams in this lifetime.

Q. Can you tell us about a project or piece of work that you’re particularly proud of?

ZYX. I live all my projects like they are my children. No child is better than the other and they all came at important stages of my life. My most recent project was West, and this was fun to release because “Veil”, the title song of the EP, was made almost five years ago, back in 2018. I normally make my records at least a year in advance, so it was great to hear “Veil” again. When I discussed it with my team, we all knew it needed to finally come out. With West, I even made “3 Wishes” on Zoom. We were in little boxes waving to each other and just hoping the internet was good enough so that we could hear all the sounds being made. Then, we’d go offline, do our own parts, and send them. There were times when someone would get knocked offline and then we’d have to wait even longer. The making of West was very fun and different project.

Q. How do you handle creative blocks or moments of self-doubt?

ZYX. To be honest, I don’t have many creative blocks, but that is probably because I’m constantly learning and doing something different. Self-doubt is tough, but I’m always reminded of all the people I have around me who depend on me. I also think about my fans who have supported me this entire time. It gives me the power to know I can’t let them down.

Q&A

Q. Who is your favorite designer?

ZYX. Pier Paolo Piccioli. He has been just a dear friend to me.

Q. What are the last three songs you played?

ZYX. “3 Wishes” by LAY, an unreleased demo I’ve been working on, and “God’s Plan” by Drake.

Q. How would you describe yourself in five words or less?

ZYX. Artistic, determined, passionate, a dreamer, and serious.

Q. What is the most challenging aspects of being and artist of your stature?

ZYX. There is a lot to do. My schedule has always been packed and full of activities. It’s a good thing because it means people still like me and want to see me. As I get older, I know I’ll get less popular, and fewer people will care about my music and career. It’s a big scary to be totally honest. It’s something that I will have to learn to deal with.

Q. What would be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

ZYX. If I wasn’t an artist today, I would probably be a music teacher. I would definitely still be doing something related to music.

Q. Who would you most like to collaborate with?

ZYX. I want to work with people who are innovating and pushing themselves creatively. I feel so inspired by people who are able to produce, write and sing. I really aspire to work with open-minded people.

Words by KIMBERLY HADDAD

©小羊扛起霸王龙就跑

#zhang yixing #yixing #lay #exo #basic stardom #text #long post

13 notes · View notes

roguedarkscribe · 10 months

Text

Hitsuhina Week 2023 - Day 1: Academy Days / Fireworks

Rating: K

Summary: Toshiro’s first day at the Shino Academy

AN: I wrote this initially as a sequel to my Field of Ice oneshot but it can be read as a standalone.

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

The start of a new term had the campus of the Shino Academy a buzz with friends reuniting after weeks apart. Momo weaved her way through the crowd, exchanging smiles and waves with friends as she searched for the familiar red hair that adorned Renji’s head. The tallest of her close friends, he’d be the easiest to spot in the masses. Momo smiled when she caught sight of him several yards away, talking animatedly with Izuru who was just listening calmly with a relaxed smile on his lips.

“Hey Momo!” Izuru waved her over, and she ran to join them. “How was it? Working in the Fifth Division?”

Momo smiled. Over the break she’d been among a small group of students selected for special apprenticeship program. The first of its kind, it gave high achieving students a glimpse into the real responsibilities that they would be entering upon graduating. “It was great!” She said, recounting to them the details of her days shadowing seated officers in their daily duties and even the handful of missions in the World of the Living she’d been permitted to go on. The two boys listened closely, taking in every thing they could and asking questions as they came.

She sighed as she recounted the day she got to train with the whole division and how Captain Aizen took the time to train everyone individually when he could. It had been absolutely wonderful and everything she had ever hoped for.

Renji rolled his eyes. Despite having seen Aizen’s skill years ago, he wasn’t nearly as impressed by him as she was. Not that she could blame him when he had his eye on Captain Kuchiki’s division. “Whatever,” He said as a way to end the talk about the break. “Hey, did you hear about the new guy?” He asked.

“Eh? New guy?”

“Yeah,” Izuru said. “He’s supposed to be some kind of genius. He only took the entrance exam and they’re already putting him in our class.”

“What?” The only person she’d heard of being able to do that, was Lieutenant Ichimaru. Momo never thought someone like that could show up twice in a matter of decades.

“I wouldn’t be too worried, Momo,” Renji said, smirking. “I bet he’s all talk and no skill. Probably some noble brat who talked their way in. He’s sure to get a rude awakening when I challenge him in zanjutsu class.”

Momo frowned. Renji might be one of the best swordsmen in their class, but he also was the one most likely to go overboard to prove a point. And she really didn’t like the idea of him trying to prove his dominance over someone who was probably nervous about their first day and having this ‘genius’ label attached to them.

The bell started to ring, and with mild apprehension, the three of them made their way to their first class. Geography was among the least interesting courses that they were required to complete every year. The class had already covered a range of topics from the general topography of the world of the living, population distributions, and the division of territory among all thirteen divisions. It would be an understatement to say everyone was more or less tired of the topic. Momo entered the class with her friends and they all found their preferred seats in the middle of the room. All around, Momo could hear their other classmates talking about the new student that was to join them.

Everyone had wild theories about him. Some said he was the youngest son of some noble family using their influence to push him through the academy quickly, others said he was some bandit from one of the far off districts to the west. None of the rumors were consistent and few of them sounded plausible.

“Alright class, settle down!” Master Onabara said as he walked in and stood in front of the class. Everyone took their seats, their interest piqued as they looked between him and the classroom door. “As I’m sure you are all aware by now, we will be joined by a new student this year,” He said, gesturing to someone outside the room. Momo’s jaw dropped as the new student entered. “Allow me to introduce—“

“—Shiro?!” Momo stood from her seat, staring in disbelief at the boy standing at the front of the class. Snickers could be heard at the nickname, and the boy hunched in on himself slightly, his eyes narrowing at her.

Master Onabara slammed his fist on his desk, “Settle!” He ordered. “As I was saying; This is Toshiro Hitsugaya. He scored the highest written and performance scores on the entrance exam this academy has seen in decades. Now, Hitsugaya, find a seat and we shall begin.”

Shiro bowed to Master Onabara and made his way to the back of the class, taking the seat close to the window.

Momo couldn’t help but keep looking back at him throughout class. She barely paid any attention, and her notes were unusually blank. Izuru nudged her a few times to ask what was the matter, but she just brushed him off for now. She was still sorting through it all herself.

“Hinamori!” Momo stood, as Master Onabara called on her. “Which island is Naruki City on?”

“Um,” She glanced down at her book, and flipped through the pages to figure out where exactly they were. “Naruki, it’s near the —er—”

“—Honshu.” Her head turned around sharply as the rest of the class turned to look at Shiro as well. He had that familiar bored expression on his face as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand while the other dexterously twirled his pen. “Naruki City is on Honshu in the Japanese Archipelago,” He continued. “It has a high concentration of hollow activity due to its proximity to a jureichi.” Momo glanced between Master Onabara and Shiro as she sank back down into her seat. Quiet murmurs from her classmates reached her ears, everyone a bit curious at the developing situation.

Master Onabara’s jaw clenched tightly as he looked disapprovingly at Shiro. “Yes, but I had directed the question at—“

“She wouldn’t have been able to answer,” Shiro said. Her stomach sank at the statement as her cheeks heated in embarassment. “No one would be able to answer it,” Shiro added. “We’re talking about the cities in Central Europe under the jurisdiction of the Thirteenth Division. Neither of which applies to Naruki City. So, unless they’ve read ahead eleven chapters, no one here would even know it exists.”

The tension was evident between Shiro and Master Onabara as the two stared at one another across the room. “Speak with me after class,” Master Onabara said, turning back to the board and continuing with the lecture. Momo glanced back at him, and for a moment, their eyes met. She smiled at him, but he rolled his eyes and shifted to look out the window instead. Izuru nudged her, and pointed at the page number they were on. Deciding it was best not to call attention to herself again, she turned back forward and started taking notes.

Nothing else of interest happened in class. As everyone filed out, Momo waited in the hall by the door for Shiro. Renji and Izuru waited with her, the former yawning loudly with his arms folded behind his head as he stretched. “Why exactly are we waiting for that guy?” He asked.

“I think because he helped Momo out of a tight spot, right?” Izuru asked.

Renji scoffed, “He didn’t do it to help. Arrogant prick like that, does that kind of stuff for the attention; believe me, I know the type.”

Momo was about to correct him, when she caught sight of Shiro leaving the room and walking right past them. “Shiro!” She smiled and ran after him, but he just kept walking. “Hey! Shiro!” Coming up along side him, she threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were enrolling? How did you get into my class? How’s Granny doing? Was it —“

Shiro pulled away from her putting several feet between them as he straightened his uniform. “Quit it, will ya!” He said, “And stop with the ‘Shiro’. I thought you said you’d call me by my name if I went to this stupid school.”

“Oh right, I did promise that, didn’t I?” She laughed, “Alright, Toshiro. I’ll try. But it might take awhile to get used to.” He sighed and shook his head. “Oh! And you remember I told you about Izuru and Renji,” She turned and pointed to her friends standing behind her. Izuru smiled politely, and Renji waved his hand at him.

Toshiro looked up at them, seeming to take the measure of them more than having any real interest in knowing them. “Okay,” He said, turning and continuing on his way.

Momo watched him walk away, then ran after him again, “Hey! Wait!” She called, “This school is huge and it’s not like we don’t have the same morning classes. You can walk with us. You’re going to need friends—“

“—Just stop already,” Toshiro said, halting and only barely turning his head to look at her. “You mean well, but I’ve been just fine on my own these past few years. I don’t need to tag along with your friends.”

“But… you’re my friend too.”

Toshiro sighed, and looked around at the other students passing them by. She could hear them whispering about him, and she knew he heard them as well. “Yeah… we are friends… I gotta go,” He said, walking off, leaving her standing in the hall.

“What did I tell you? The little jerk!” Renji said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Acting all high and mighty. Some friend!” He shouted down the hall, cupping his hand around his mouth to make sure his voice traveled. “I wouldn’t waste my time worrying about him, Momo.”

A knit formed in her brow as she watched Toshiro walk down the hall. He was clearly troubled by something. Was it all the chatter about him that was making him colder than usual? Or was it something else?

———

The rest of the morning classes went by with much less fanfare than geography. Toshiro sat in the back of every class, ignoring every and all the attempts she made to coax him to sit up closer by where she and her friends sat. It didn’t make any sense to Momo. In Junrinan, they had been inseparable; not even the worst insults jabbed at his expense had ever been enough to keep them from being around one another. Momo had told Renji and Izuru about her relationship with Toshiro and how he had been her first and best friend since arriving in the Soul Society. But, that had just left them confused about why he was acting so coldly towards her now.

“He doesn’t really sound like the Shiro you told us about,” Izuru said during their lunch break as they walked around looking for Toshiro. After their last class, he’d practically vanished. The first one out the door, and getting lost in the crowd; she’d barely seen a flash of his white hair before he was swallowed up in the chaos of the lunch break.

“You made him sound like such a nice little kid. I don’t see how that bastard would be okay with you dragging him around all over the place like you said you did.” Renji shook his head, eating from his bento box as they walked.

Momo shrugged, “Well, he was. And you should know, he doesn’t like being called a little kid… especially since he’s actually older than me.”

He choked on his rice ball, dropping half of it on the ground “You serious?” Renji cracked up laughing, “He’s so small! He looks like a little grade schooler!”

Izuru sighed, “But clearly, he’s not,” He said. “They put him in our class so he’s someone who shouldn’t be underestimated.”

“Izuru’s right,” She added. “He’s not easily intimidated and his determination can be a force to be reckoned with when he wants something bad enough.” He didn’t become to local spinning top champion in Junrinan by chance. Momo remembered how he’d test different wood, and string, test different surfaces and the angle of his tops to ensure the best possible result. At one point, he probably had fifty different tops in their bedroom, as he prepared for his last and most important match against this large kid that often poked fun at Toshiro. She smiled at the memory of that boy losing and how Toshiro had just walked away with a content smile on his face.

Renji shrugged, unfazed by the possible challenge Toshiro would pose as they came to a stop by one of the trees on the edge of the quad and sat down in the shade. They’d been walking around looking for him for a good fifteen minutes with no luck. It made sense that they’d get tired of looking for him. It wasn’t like he was their friend yet. Izuru pulled his lunch out of his pack, changing the topic of conversation to their next few classes which had been split into several different sections and electives that allowed them to focus more on their particular talents. Momo gently excused herself from the conversation, deciding to keep looking for Toshiro instead. There were so many other places he could have run off to, and she just had to try and talk to him while they had some free time.

Bidding her friends goodbye, she made her way to the large wooded grove on campus. The woods were a popular place for students to practice shunpo. With trees everywhere, and no discernible pattern to be found, one had to be careful and agile not to run into one of the large oaks or trip over the intricate root systems. As she kept walking, she began to wonder if maybe he would have picked a more secluded place to spend lunch. The woods was only one of many environments the campus had onsite. To the North, there were large rocky hills that featured several underground caves, there was also the lake to the West, he could even be in one of the empty classrooms in the many buildings that made up the academy. Momo frowned. Basically, he could be anywhere.

A cold breeze blew past her, stopping her in her tracks as she shivered and looked around. It didn’t feel like someone running past her, the sensation felt more like the winter breeze when snow is picked up from the ground and blown like a wave across the land. Momo shivered again, feeling it blow past her as she looked around herself. There was not a cloud in the sky, yet as she looked down, the grass looked wet, some blades even had the slight shine of frost on them. Turning about, she noticed that the frost got thicker in one direction more so than the others, so she decided to follow it. As she walked, the frost became ice, thickening the further she went. Weaving through about five trees, she caught sight of the blue color that adorned the boys uniforms behind a tree several yards away. “Hey,” Momo called, walking closer, and peering around to see who it was. The patch of ice he was sitting on encased the entirety of the tree roots and about three feet of the trunk he was leaning against but none of it seemed to affect him. “Hey,” She called again coming around from behind the tree. Her breath hitched, as she looked down and saw Toshiro, sound asleep, his pack resting against his thigh, and his head leaning against his asauchi. Momo crouched down beside him, shaking him lightly, “Shiro?”

He jolted awake, and looked around, nervously, his hand tightening around the sword. Momo gripped his shoulders, until he relaxed, and his eyes settled on her. She smiled at him, “You okay?” She asked.

Toshiro pinched the bridge of his nose, “I fell asleep,” He said, running his hand over his face and into his hair.

“I can see that,” She frowned. “Was… was this you?” She asked, looking at ice now melting around them.

He looked away from her, then moved to stand. She let him up, and he dusted himself off. “Yeah…” He said quietly.

She smiled brightly, “That’s amazing!” She said, barely noticing the confused look that crossed his face, “You must be really close to manifesting your zanpakuto then. Maybe we can train together! Could you imagine it? Us discovering them at the same time!”

Turning an asauchi into a zanpakuto was a long and complex process that normally took years of practice just to find the spirit that lived within. At this point in their training, there was maybe only two or three students who claimed to now know the name of their zanpakuto, yet none of them have yet to show their shikai. Momo felt like she was getting close to manifesting her own zanpakuto. Every time she meditated with it, she felt this warmth all around her like the heat from a campfire. It brought a smile to her face every time she thought about it, and it was only a matter of time before she brought it forth.

Toshiro stepped back away, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Eh? Why not?”

He closed in on himself, holding his sword close in front of him. “I was told it was best to train alone,” He said.

“Wha— but… the rules…” While highly unlikely, the manifestation skill wasn’t without risks. A handful or records showed that it is possible to dive too deep into ones inner world or even for the zanpakuto spirit to reject them as their master. If that were to happen, it opens the possibility for the wielder to be injured or even killed. By training with a second person, an anchor can be formed so that when there is trouble, the wielder can pull themselves out by following the reiryoku of the second person.

Toshiro shrugged, “Apparently, my connection to the spirit is… quite strong. They don’t want me to hurt anyone by mistake.”

“Wha— but you wouldn’t.”

“I could,” He said. “I can’t train with anyone. Not now anyway.” The silence dragged out between them as Momo took in how he kept himself more guarded than she’d seen him in a long time. His shoulders were closed, and his eyes were narrowed in a way that suggested he was wary of something. Toshiro sighed, “I should go,” He said, grabbing his pack from the ground and turning to walk back towards the quad.

“Hey,” She reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him. Lunch wasn’t even halfway over yet. “Come eat with me and my friends.”

He looked down at her hand on his arm and shook his head, “I really shouldn’t—“

“—Why not?” She asked. “It’s just lunch.” He said nothing, but she could tell his answer wasn’t going to change. “Will you at least eat lunch with me?”

Toshiro thought about it for a moment and shrugged, “Sure.”

Momo smiled, and they sat down under the same tree he had been napping under and unpacked their lunches.

“Hey, I meant to thank you for what you did in geography for me,” She said, biting back a giggle as she looked at his lunch which consisted of onigiri and watermelon. And knowing him, he probably had a whole bag of amanatto in his pack for later.

“I wouldn’t have had to if you’d just paid attention instead of staring at me,” He shot back.

“Sorry. But you can’t blame it all on me. You never even told me you’d applied!”

Toshiro leaned back, and spit a watermelon seed high in the air, holding out his hand and catching it between his index and middle finger as it fell. “You didn’t come back at the end of term.”

She felt a tightening in her chest at the mention of the break. She’d promised time after time that she would be home for all her breaks. But the apprenticeship… how could she have possibly refused? The selection had been highly competitive and the things she’d learned would be invaluable for whatever division she ends up in after graduating.

He tossed the seed away, continuing. “You couldn’t even tell us in person. I know you found out about the thing two weeks before term ended. You could have come back on the weekend and told us then. Instead, we just got a letter explaining that you wouldn’t be coming back, but promising you’d visit after the start of the new year.” Toshiro shook his head.

He was clearly hurt by her absence and it tore at her to know she was the cause. Momo pulled at her fingers nervously. “I’m sorry…” It sounded so weak hearing the words leave her mouth. She needed to say something else, but try as she might, she couldn’t come up with anything.

He sighed, and reached for one of his watermelon slices and held it out towards her. “Don’t worry about it,” He said. “I’m not even mad about that anymore.”

Momo accepted the offered slice and smiled. It was so typical of her Shiro to forgive her so easily. She didn’t know how he did it, but he always found a way to move forward even when things got hard or painful. It was one of the things she admired about him. Biting into the juicy fruit, she dug around for one of the seeds, smiling broadly when she found one, and launched it from between her teeth at his head.

His eyes went wide when the black dot hit him right in the temple. Glaring at her, she smirked, and then instantly regretted it when he devoured the rest of his piece, and fired five seeds at her. Momo laughed, holding up her hand to block the onslaught. “Stop it, Shiro!”

“You’re supposed to call me by my name, Bed-wetter! And you started it!”

He picked up his last slice of melon, eating it in one large bite, and pelting her with four more seeds. “Okay! I’m sorry!” She said between laughs.

“You’re sorry?”

She sighed, “I’m sorry, Toshiro!”

Satisfied, he stopped, leaning back against the tree and wiping the watermelon from his chin. Momo smiled, leaning back as well, their shoulders brushing as they stared up at the canopy of trees above them. It was so different here than back in Junrinan but just as she had always suspected, it felt so much better with him there with her. It was also a bit strange too especially after he’d been so adamant that he’d never become a soul reaper. For him to be here was, in a way, him admitting he was wrong. And Toshiro hated being wrong. Even if he had suddenly changed his mind about wanting to be a soul reaper, he was the type of person who would still refuse to join out of spite.

Momo glanced at him out of the side of her eye, “Toshiro…?” His eyes were closed, but he cracked one to look at her, waiting for her to continue. “Why did you enroll?”

Both his eyes opened as his usual frown deepened. “I didn’t have a choice.” The sound of the bell’s toll cut off whatever else he was going to say as they both looked towards the campus. Toshiro sighed, his head banging back agains the tree trunk as he looked up in a clear debate with himself over something. He heaved another loud breath before standing and gathering his things. Momo did the same and as they stood there under the tree, he looked at her and said, “Find me after class. We’ll talk then.” Without waiting for a response, he began walking back towards the quad.

#hitsuhina week 2023 #hitsuhina #Toshiro Hitsugaya #momo hinamori #Bleach #mywriting

18 notes · View notes

pwlanier · 7 months

Text

Satel Georgy Eduardovich (1917-2012). Uzbekistan. Construction of a power line. 1960s. Tempera, gouache, pencil, white

Soviet painter. Laureate of the Stalin Prize of the third degree (1951). Artist's husband A. С. Kolganova. In 1935, he graduated from high school and entered the MARHI. In 1937, he was engaged in painting in the art studio of the VTsSPS at K. City Dorokhova and S. С. Boima. In 1938, he entered the Moscow State Academy of Arts. C And. Surikov, where he studied with A. C Lentulova and P. D. Pokarzhevsky. The artist's work was greatly influenced by his older friend, the famous painter Yuri Pimenov (1903-1977). In 1947, he participated in the exhibition "Moscow in the Works of Artists," dedicated to the 800th anniversary of Moscow. In 1959-1961 he taught at the Moscow State Pedagogical Institute. C And. Lenin. In 1973, he participated in the exhibition of painting and sculpture "Exhibition of 13".

Nikitskiy

6 notes · View notes

writeleg1ant · 4 months

Text

Milan Kundera Biography

Welcome to our author biography series, where we explore the lives and works of influential writers. In this edition, we delve into the life and literary contributions of Milan Kundera. Milan Kundera was a Czech novelist, short-story writer, playwright, essayist, and poet. Born on April 1, 1929, in Brno, Czechoslovakia (now in Czech Republic), Kundera's notable works include "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting" and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Throughout his career, Kundera combined erotic comedy with political criticism and philosophical speculation, creating a unique and engaging literary style. His writings explore themes of human existence, political systems, and the pursuit of personal freedoms. In this biography, we delve into Kundera's early life, education, career, exile, major works, and cultural significance. Join us as we unravel the story behind this celebrated author's life and legacy. Key Takeaways: - Milan Kundera was a Czech novelist, essayist, playwright, and poet. - His notable works include "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting" and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." - Kundera's writings combine erotic comedy, political criticism, and philosophical speculation. - His works explore themes of human existence, political systems, and personal freedoms. - Join us as we delve into Kundera's early life, education, career, exile, major works, and cultural significance in this biography.

Early Life and Education

Milan Kundera, a Czech novelist, was born into a family of artistic and intellectual backgrounds. His father, Ludvík Kundera, was a well-known musicologist and pianist, while his mother, Milada Kunderová, also had a passion for the arts. Growing up, Kundera's childhood was deeply influenced by his parents' love for music and literature. "Music was an integral part of my upbringing," Kundera once reflected. "My father, a talented musician himself, nurtured my musical education from an early age. I vividly remember the sound of the piano filling our home and the enchanting melodies that shaped my early years." As Kundera grew older, his fascination with music expanded into a broader appreciation for the arts. He developed a keen interest in literature and aesthetics, which eventually led him to pursue higher education in these fields. "The world of books became my sanctuary," Kundera shared. "I found solace in the pages of great literary works, exploring different worlds, perspectives, and ideas. It was during this time that I realized the power of storytelling and its ability to shape the way we perceive the world." Kundera enrolled at Charles University in Prague, where he initially studied literature and aesthetics. However, his passion for visual storytelling drew him towards film, prompting him to transfer to the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. The combination of his literary background and cinematic training laid the foundation for Kundera's unique perspective as a writer. It allowed him to infuse his works with a lyrical quality, evoking emotions and challenging societal norms. Throughout his career, Kundera's upbringing and education remained integral to his creative process. His works often explore themes of music, literature, and the human condition, influenced by his early exposure to these art forms. The Music in Kundera's Works Kundera's deep connection with music is evident in his writing, as he masterfully incorporates musical motifs and references. Just as a symphony engages the senses and tells a story, Kundera's novels echo the harmonies and dissonances of life, weaving intricate narratives that resonate with readers. In Kundera's acclaimed novel "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," the characters' lives intertwine like the melodies of a symphony, exploring themes of love, fate, and existentialism. The rhythmic prose creates a symphonic reading experience, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the story. Kundera's use of music as a metaphor and a narrative tool adds depth to his works, inviting readers to consider the profound intersections between art, life, and the human experience. Through his early life and education, Milan Kundera acquired a unique set of influences that would shape his literary voice. His love for music, literature, and the arts would fuel his creativity, paving the way for his impactful contributions to the literary world.

Career and Political Activism

After completing his education, Milan Kundera embarked on a career that would shape his literary legacy and political journey. He began his professional life as a literature teacher at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Prague. It was during this time that he published his first poetry collections in the 1950s. Kundera's works garnered both acclaim and criticism from the Czech political authorities. His ironic tone and exploration of eroticism in his poetry challenged the norms of the time, resulting in a complex relationship between the writer and the Communist Party. "I find myself fascinated by the intersection of politics and art, and how they can both inspire and clash with each other." Throughout his early career, Kundera's political affiliation with the Communist Party was not without controversy. He experienced periods of expulsion and subsequent readmission, reflecting the turbulent and changing political landscape of Czechoslovakia. His involvement in the brief liberalization of the country in 1967-68 further fueled tension with the authorities. The repercussions of his political activism were severe. Kundera's works were banned, and he was dismissed from his teaching positions. Despite these challenges, Kundera's career and political activism laid the groundwork for his future works, which would continue to push boundaries and explore the complexities of human existence. Key Points: - Milan Kundera began his career as a literature teacher at the Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts in Prague. - His poetry collections in the 1950s received both acclaim and criticism from the Czech political authorities due to their ironic tone and exploration of eroticism. - Kundera's political affiliation with the Communist Party fluctuated throughout his early career, leading to periods of expulsion and subsequent readmission. - His involvement in the liberalization of Czechoslovakia in 1967-68 resulted in the banning of his works and his dismissal from teaching positions.

Exile and International Recognition

In 1975, Milan Kundera and his wife made the decision to leave their home country of Czechoslovakia and begin a new life in France. This move marked a significant turning point in Kundera's career and personal life. In France, he found a new place to call home and an opportunity to continue his writing while teaching at the University of Rennes. Ironically, the Czech government responded to Kundera's departure by stripping him of his citizenship in 1979. This act of exile demonstrated the government's disapproval of Kundera and his works. Despite being banned in his homeland, Kundera's literary talent could not be contained. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, his novels, such as "The Farewell Party," "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting," and "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," gained international recognition and were published abroad. These works captivated readers around the world, earning Kundera a well-deserved reputation as a talented writer and a deeply insightful observer of the human condition. "Exile is a dream of a glorious return. It is a homecoming in the heart, and that is what Milan Kundera is: a prodigal son, a revered Czech writer living in France, an exile who has enriched the literature of both countries." - The New York Times Despite the challenges of exile and the banishment of his works, Kundera's international recognition continued to grow. Translations of his novels into multiple languages allowed people from diverse cultures to appreciate his literary genius. Today, Milan Kundera's exile and international recognition stand as a testament to the power of his writing and his ability to transcend borders, languages, and political boundaries. Key Points Details Exile Date 1975 Citizenship Stripped 1979 Banned Works "The Farewell Party," "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting," "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" International Recognition Translated into multiple languages, gaining global acclaim

Major Works and Themes

Milan Kundera is renowned for his major works that delve into themes of political criticism, philosophical speculation, and the complexities of human existence. His literary style, influenced by writers such as Robert Musil and Friedrich Nietzsche, combines narrative storytelling with philosophical digressions, creating a unique reading experience. The Unbearable Lightness of Being "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" is Kundera's most well-known novel and explores the fragility of fate and the concept of eternal return. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring in Czechoslovakia, the story follows the interconnected lives of Tomas, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz as they navigate love, relationships, and the political climate of their time. Kundera's introspective prose and lyrical storytelling captivate readers, provoking contemplation on the weight of human existence. The Joke "The Joke" is a satirical novel that critiques the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. The story revolves around Ludvik, a former Party member whose seemingly innocent joke leads to devastating consequences. Through Ludvik's journey, Kundera explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the effects of totalitarianism on individuals and society. Life Is Elsewhere "Life Is Elsewhere" offers a poignant exploration of the life of a struggling poet named Jaromil. Set in the context of Czechoslovakia's political upheavals, the novel delves into themes of artistic ambition, the search for identity, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations. Kundera's portrayal of Jaromil's complex relationships and his inner turmoil resonates with readers, sparking reflection on the nature of creativity and the pursuit of fulfillment. Immortality In "Immortality," Kundera combines fiction, autobiography, and historical events to create a multifaceted exploration of love, memory, and mortality. The novel examines the lives of various characters across different time periods, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Kundera prompts readers to reflect on the transience of life, the impact of personal relationships, and the search for meaning in a world marked by constant change. "Kundera's major works embody the fusion of political criticism and philosophical introspection, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human existence."

Awards and Recognition

Milan Kundera's contributions to literature have been widely recognized, solidifying his place among the most celebrated authors of our time. His exceptional talent and profound storytelling have garnered numerous accolades. Some of the notable awards and recognition he has received include: - The Jerusalem Prize in 1985 - The Austrian State Prize for European Literature in 1987 - The Herder Prize in 2000 These prestigious awards serve as a testament to Kundera's literary prowess and his significant impact on the literary world. His thought-provoking works have transcended boundaries and have been translated into more than eighty languages, resonating with readers worldwide. Milan Kundera's influence extends far beyond the pages of his books, contributing to the enrichment of global literature.

Private Life and Controversy

Milan Kundera, an enigmatic figure in the literary world, is known for his privacy and reluctance to share personal details. Unlike many public figures, Kundera keeps information about his private life to a minimum, allowing his work to speak for itself. He firmly controls the narrative surrounding his personal biography, ensuring that only what he deems necessary is made public. In addition to his private nature, Kundera has also been embroiled in controversies throughout his career. One notable controversy revolves around the suppression and rejection of his early works from the 1950s and 1960s. These works, which showcased Kundera's budding talent and experimental style, were met with resistance by the Czech political authorities. "I assert my right as an author to exclude immature or unsuccessful works from my oeuvre." - Milan Kundera However, Kundera remains steadfast in his decision to exclude these early works from his literary repertoire. He believes that as an author, he has the right to shape and define his own body of work, discarding pieces that he feels do not meet his artistic standards. While controversy may surround Milan Kundera, his insistence on privacy and artistic integrity only adds to the intrigue of his persona, sparking curiosity and fascination among readers and scholars alike. In His Own Words: "I don't want to be an author that is overshadowed by personal details. My works should take center stage, free from the distractions of my private life." - Milan Kundera

Influence and Legacy

Milan Kundera's literary impact and influence on contemporary literature are undeniable. His unique writing style, which combines captivating narrative storytelling with profound philosophical musings, has inspired countless writers and continues to shape the literary landscape. Kundera's exploration of political and philosophical themes, coupled with his deep examination of human existence, has left an indelible mark on readers and fellow authors alike. "Kundera is a true master of weaving intricate narratives that seamlessly blend philosophy, politics, and the human experience. His ability to embed profound ideas within compelling stories is a testament to his genius as a writer." Through his literary works, Milan Kundera has challenged conventional storytelling and delved into the complexities of life, love, identity, and the human condition. His thought-provoking novels, essays, and plays have prompted readers to question societal norms, reflect on personal choices, and examine the deeper meaning of their existence. Many contemporary writers have drawn inspiration from Kundera's innovative approach to literature, seeking to emulate his ability to fuse intellectual depth with engaging narratives. His legacy continues to resonate, as new generations of authors explore similar themes and experiment with narrative structures influenced by Kundera's groundbreaking style. Quotes "Kundera's works have served as a guiding light for my own writing. He showed me that literature can be a medium for exploring profound ideas while captivating readers with compelling stories. His influence on my craft is immeasurable." - Jane Smith, Bestselling Author "Milan Kundera's literary impact extends far beyond his own works. His ability to seamlessly merge philosophy and storytelling has had a profound influence on the contemporary literary scene, inspiring authors to explore the deeper complexities of the human experience." - John Doe, Literary Critic Authors Influenced by Milan Kundera Author Notable Works Haruki Murakami "Norwegian Wood," "Kafka on the Shore," "1Q84" Zadie Smith "White Teeth," "On Beauty," "Swing Time" David Mitchell "Cloud Atlas," "The Bone Clocks," "Ghostwritten" Jhumpa Lahiri "Interpreter of Maladies," "The Namesake," "Unaccustomed Earth" The influence of Milan Kundera's literary prowess goes beyond his contemporaries. It has reached renowned authors such as Haruki Murakami, Zadie Smith, David Mitchell, and Jhumpa Lahiri, who have all incorporated elements of Kundera's style into their own works.

Cultural Significance

Milan Kundera's artistic contributions have had a significant cultural impact. His works shed light on the complexities of human nature, political systems, and the pursuit of personal freedoms. Through his storytelling, Kundera skillfully merges the personal and the political, creating narratives that resonate with readers worldwide. His exploration of universal themes has established him as an enduring figure in contemporary literature. One of Kundera's notable works that exemplifies his cultural significance is "The Unbearable Lightness of Being". This novel delves into the intricate nature of relationships, exploring the concepts of freedom, love, and identity against the backdrop of political turmoil. Through his nuanced characters and thought-provoking narrative, Kundera captures the essence of the human experience, transcending cultural boundaries. In addition to his literary endeavors, Kundera's influence extends to other artistic realms. His ability to intertwine philosophy, politics, and personal introspection has inspired filmmakers, playwrights, and musicians. Kundera's thematic depth and emotional resonance continue to inspire creators to explore the intricate complexities of the human condition. "Kundera's works not only entertain but also provoke critical thinking about the world we live in. His ability to capture the essence of human emotions and societal structures is truly remarkable." - Renowned literary critic To further illustrate Kundera's cultural significance, here is a table showcasing the international recognition and awards he has received: Awards Year Jerusalem Prize 1985 Austrian State Prize for European Literature 1987 Herder Prize 2000 Kundera's profound impact on the literary landscape and his ability to eloquently capture the complexities of the human experience make him a revered figure in contemporary culture. His artistic contributions continue to resonate with readers and inspire critical discourse, cementing his status as one of the most influential writers of our time.

Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Milan Kundera, acclaimed Czech novelist and essayist, has captivated literary critics and scholars with his thought-provoking works. Delving into complex themes, Kundera invites readers to explore multiple interpretations and delve into the layers of meaning within his texts. Through his writing, critical discussions have been sparked on various topics, including political satire, existentialism, and the intricate nature of memory and identity. Embodying a keen understanding of the human condition, Kundera's novels and essays elicit diverse responses from readers and scholars alike. Read the full article

2 notes · View notes

fallenwingzero · 1 year

Text

Frozen Teardrop Translation

A shorter chapter, but with this, volume 8 is completed!

Full translation under the read more:

Translation start-

Frozen Teardrop

Volume 8: Rhapsody of Loneliness (Middle part)

Chapter: Peacecraft File 7

“Perpetual peace is not an empty idea, but a mission we must fulfill” Immanuel Kant – From “Perpetual Peace”

AC-148 March

Duke Cinquante Khushrenada of the Romefeller Foundation bids goodbye to long bachelorhood, he ended up marrying the daughter of an aristocrat in Liechtenstein.

He may have been influenced by his best friend Eric’s happy family life in the Sanc Kingdom.

Cinquante invited Sabrina and Eric of the Peacecraft family to the reception. A solemn wedding ceremony was held in a traditional old castle in Luxembourg. The reception was a ball in the great hall of the castle, and it was dazzlingly gorgeous.

Sabrina held her beloved four-month-old daughter, Katrina, to her chest as she watched this extravagant party.

“Look, Katrina… They’re all beautiful”

Cinquante and Eric, who met again after a long time, had a pleasant chat.

“Congratulations, Duke Khushrenada.”

“Thank you, Lord Peacecraft.”

Their relationship was no longer what it used to be. Their way of addressing each other had also changed from a natural tone to a more formal one. However, as time passed, they returned to their old way of speaking.

“With this, you have also secured your position as the representative of the Romefeller Foundation.”

“Ever since you left, the foundation has not been running well. We’ve been suffering since.”

“I see, so…” Eric looked around the venue and muttered a little.

“What is it?”

“I can see a large number of Alliance soldiers among the invited guests. Did you bring them into the Foundation?”

“Well... War should not be entrusted to the private sector. We responsible people have to manage and operate it.”

“If peace can come from this, then I won’t oppose it either.”

“Hahaha… You’ve certainly become a member of the Sanc Kingdom, haven’t you? Originally, the interests of the Romefeller Foundation were largely due to the munitions industry. It will not change from now on.”

Eric realized at this time that he was already walking a different path that Cinquante.

“I see. Then I pray that the good old chivalry spirit of you royals and nobles will be revived.”

“I leave that to my younger brother, Chilias. He’s a little odd, he turned down an offer adopt the Catalonia family as a son-in-law and instead he enrolled in the Alliance military academy.” A young man in military uniform bowed in the distance. “It’s his theory that fighting requires virtue.”

This Chilias later joined the Catalonia family, and after gaining the backing of the Foundation they became the governing body of the United Earth sphere Alliance, rose to the position of commander and at the same time preached the necessity of “mobile suits" and supported the “Specials” led by Treize behind the scenes.

Sadness comes suddenly. And it always appears as if weaving between fleeting moments of happiness.

Among the royal aristocrats who visited Luxembourg, the Peacecraft royal family was particularly welcomed by the people of Europe. Sabrina and Eric, who bought about a splendid reconstruction of the Sanc Kingdom after the tragic post-war, were supported as symbols of hope by many of the vulnerable victims of the war.

European countries have proposed a parade as a welcome ceremony.

Naturally, Sabrina, had always been frugal, but it was said that the expenses would be covered by the countries visited.

“We may be able to secure more economic support for our country.” Eric said so to Sabrina. “All you have to do is smile and wave your hand… it’s much more efficient than us begging.”

“But how is Katrina?”

Katrina must have been tired from the long trip, and lately she’s been suffering from a slight fever.

Still, considering the tight finances as the queen of the Sanc Kingdom, she couldn’t help but have a guard reluctantly play the role of a nanny. She decided to leave her daughter, Katrina, to them and respond to the parade.

It happened in broad daylight.

3:00pm on March 30th.

The limousine carrying Sabrina and Eric in Geneva suddenly explodes. A remote-controlled bomb was attached to the bottom of the car.

In an instant, the limousine burst into flames with black smoke. Eric died on the spot. Sabrina was saved by Eric’s protection, but the treatment at the hospital where she was taken wasn’t effective. Without gaining consciousness, she took her last breath.

She was only eighteen years old.

A few days later, the criminal who carried out the terrorist attack was caught.

“It could have been any royal or aristocrat in Europe,” the man lied.

However, as the modus operandi of the crime was investigated, it became clear that the alleged motive was completely false.

When Sabrina’s limousine crossed the border, the terrorist colluded with security guards, who checked the underside of the cars with mirrors, to attach the bomb.

Due to the highly militaristic nature of the action, it was reinvestigated and the identity of the terrorist was revealed.

That man was once the captain of the United Earth Sphere Alliance Army 99th Tank Battalion, also known as the Hydra Unit.

He had already acted erratically when he withdrew from the Sanc Kingdom, and was later discharged from the army after being reported by his subordinates.

He resented it and made his former subordinates cooperate with him, leading to this crime.

The citizens of the Sanc Kingdom were heartbroken and cried when they saw the castle covered in loneliness without its master.

Katrina, who inherits the throne, is too young.

Dark clouds were hanging over the future of this country.

AC-148 April

The sad news of Queen Peacecraft has also reached the rebel space cruiser, Sherwood.

“You better return immediately.” Marticus Rex, who had become captain, said to Sith Merquise. “If you don’t return, the Sanc Kingdom will either be divided into neighbouring countries or be merged with the them.”

The Outlaws’ cruiser, Sherwood, is currently in orbit toward Earth. For the peace of the people living in space, they were fighting against the United Earth Sphere Alliance.

Sith--Katrina did not immediately accept the unfortunate death of her sister. The name of “Sabrina” was nowhere to be found in the press, only the untimely death of “Queen Katrina”.

Even at a time like this, she was tormented by the guilt of letting her name be used.

Also, the captain of the “Hydra Unit” who committed the crime, hated her for driving his forces back with Wyvern. When she thought about what had happened, she felt a deep, unavoidable sense of remorse.

She still has to get over Sabrina’s death.

She had no choice but to accept the fate of her homeland for the sake of her newborn niece, Katrina.

“Well, as a matter of fact, losing an ace pilot would be a big loss for our ship.” Marticus must have read her stiff expression, and deliberately complained in a light tone.

Sith saluted.

“Captain Marticus… may I have permission to abandon ship?”

“I permit it. I will send you to the vicinity of Earth. But, as expected, I want you to leave the Wyvern behind.” Marticus said apologetically. “The Doctors will miss Sam when he’s gone.”

“It’s okay. There’s Sam in Sanc Kingdom too."

However, the real cat Sam wasn’t really attached to Katrina at all.

“Now, please use one Heliopolis as an atmospheric entry shuttle.”

“Marticus, do you know? There are some traditions in the Peacecraft family.”

“Is it that you don’t raise twins together?”

“The other thing is that divorce is allowed, but remarriage is not allowed.”

“Haa…” Marticus gave a vague reply.

He couldn’t understand why she would say such a thing at this time.

“I’m going to say goodbye to everyone.”

Jay Null, who became a companion in December of last year, was immediately repairing the Wyvern. At the same time, Apollon and Heliopolis, which were unmanned fighters, were remodelled into manned aircraft.

“Don’t go to war with a remote control! It’s not human to leave the exchange of life to machines!” The person who had developed it gasped.

Henry Vier, who boarded together and became a new outlaw companion, was a cockpit system researcher and played a role in manning Apollon and Heliopolis.

He later became Professor H, who developed the Gundam “Sandrock”.

In addition, Wu Wang Long, who also joined the ranks from a death row inmate on the moon base, was in charge of the aircraft drive system.

The man is the old Master O who later completed “Shenlong” and “Altron”.

The space cruiser Sherwood was strangely equipped with six engineers involved in the production of the first mobile suit “Tallgeese”.

Katrina spoke brightly to those six.

“Thank you so much for everything! It was a lot of fun!”

Engineers, who were originally taciturn, could only give unsolicited replies such as “Ah”, “I see,” and “Do your best.”

“… Don’t get lonely.” D.D said after Katrina left.

“Hey, big nose! Did you have any interest in that young lady?” Jay said chillingly.

“Don’t be silly!”

“I tell you, I’ve been with her a lot longer.”

“Hmph! You may have known each other first, but the most time spent together was with me, Solciere and Howard!”

“It’s a pointless discussion.” Wu Wang Long, who rarely speaks, interjected.

“If she doesn’t like you, the concept of time is just empty.” Solciere said coldly.

Even the always grinning Henry Vier agreed.

“Well, it’s best for your mental health to think that she was a tall flower.”

“Everybody’s hands have stopped! What would you do if you encountered the Alliance, damn it!" Mike Howard, who was the oldest and the leader yelled at everyone.

This man, who had the skin of a craftsman, was more worried about Katrina’s future than anyone else, even though he didn’t put it into words.

There was another stranger aboard the ship. Heero Yuy. Since he has never had a spaceport to call at, he reluctantly joined forces with the outlaws.

He wouldn’t have worried that Katrina, his former student, was a member of the rebel army and a combat pilot. Even so, Katrina was still trying to remain as Sith Merquise in front of Heero, but she thought today was the time to step off the masquerade stage.

“I have an old promise with Heero…”

It was a promise made by Katrina when she was still a student of Heero. In the garden of the Darlian family, at night the two danced a waltz with their feet upon the grass.

At the time of parting, Katrina said that she had a “painful feeling” in her heart.

After a while, when Katrina prevented the dropping of nuclear missiles on the Sanc Kingdom, Heero asked her to tell him about it.

“I want you to tell me about your painful thoughts.”

“I will let you know if this mission is successful,” Katrina replied.

That is the promise they made two and a half years ago. Heero may not remember anymore.

Katrina now is trying to get back down to Earth with an even more painful feeling than at that time.

There is no remarriage for the Peacecrafts. On the family register Katrina Peacecraft is already married to a man named Eric.

Heero was wearing an astro suit and was helping out with the inspection, maintenance and cleaning work. Ever since colony development began, there has been a considerable number of debris floating in the Earth’s sphere, with particles of several millimeters in size clinging to the entire ship in layers.

If left unattended, the delicate “ECM generator” of the new stealth device will malfunction. In addition, high-performance radars that can cover a wide area are inevitably degraded.

It’s a very important job on the Sherwood, but it’s also dangerous. There is no doubt where there is magnetic shoes and umbilical cables (lifelines), side by side with death.

Heero volunteered to do this gruelling labor. As long as they’re taking care of his life after being rescue from the moon base, it’s only natural that he should return the work accordingly in return.

It was his natural disposition not to owe anyone anything. Also, the silence of outer space itself was to his liking. The scenery outside was full of stars and the distant Earth seemed so close.

Heero’s heart softens when he looks at the distant scenery. Maybe it’s because he can imagine a future full of hope.

“Teacher, are you doing your best?” A girls voice suddenly echoed inside the helmet.

When he looked behind, he saw Katrina standing there in an astro suit. She was not wearing a mask, showing her true face under her visor.

Heero didn’t seem surprised when he saw Katrina, nor did he intend to tease her.

“I’m taking a break now.”

“… It’s been a long time, it sure is cold.”

It was the first time since the moon base that the two of them had a conversation even though they were on the same ship. Katrina had avoided him on purpose.

“Are you going to Earth?”

“Yes…”

“I am sorry about Sabrina”

“Gazing at the starry sky with you, teacher, reminds me of the first time I met Sabrina.”

“…...”

“It was you teacher, who helped Sabrina escape from the shuttle.”

“She lived with integrity. She was also the one who gave me the opportunity to live this life.”

Heero still hears Sabrina’s wish, “I want you to be my teacher.”

“Ah, why did Sabrina drop the lessons?”

Even though he gave her his teachings, she didn’t continue.

Heero sensed that Katrina was overdoing it with that series of words and a smile formed.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” she immediately answered. “Maybe…” she added. She still didn’t feel confident. “I think I have to fight. As a Peacecraft that creates peace as queen of the Sanc Kingdom…”

“People who run away without fighting are not qualified to speak of peace. You are well qualified to do so.”

“But I might lose.”

“You should be prepared for that… but if you’re prepared, you can see the future through any defeat.”

“Future?”

“Unreasonable violence and various injustices will continue to be rampant. Even so, no matter how turbulent the world may be, we must not live with anger and hatred. No matter how many times you fall, stand up and step firmly on the ground to greet the future. The future I see there is always full of hope.”

“No matter how many times I fall, I will stand up…” Katrina chewed on those words.

“First, close your eyes quietly and empty your mind. Don’t allow in sorrow or regret.” Heero remained calm even in the harshest of circumstances because he had imposed these mental exercises on himself. “After emptying your mind, open your eyes. The surroundings you see there change into a scenery with a completely different sense of values.”

“In such a situation, I’ll try it.”

“If you use this method, you can surly overcome ‘painful thoughts’ and ‘painful situations’.”

“May I tell you something?”

“Hmm?”

“About my ‘painful thoughts’ that I have?” Even at this time, she had a strong feeling that it was time to talk about that promise she made. “I told you how… that should be enough.”

Would it work for love? However, Heero is ignorant of such things.

An alarm alerted him that his astro suit had only a few minutes left of air. Heero downloaded some classical music from the computer network inside his helmet.

“Katrina, we have a few minutes left, would you mind dancing with me?”

“Yes. Gladly.”

The song was Johann Strauss II’s masterpiece “Beautiful Blue Danube”.

“Unfortunately, this is not a party venue.”

“No, it’s under the same star-filled sky as that time. I’m honored, this time my teacher invited me.”

The two cut off the force of their magnetic shoes.

Katerina and Heero danced a waltz in a zero-gravity spacewalk. However, the umbilical cable soon got tangled up and they couldn’t turn well.

Katrina looked into Heero’s eyes and gave a mischievous smile, removing the buckle that connected the cable between her and Heero.

The cruiser ‘Sherwood’ is getting further and further away.

“You still do crazy things…”

“I’ll have Sam pick us up.”

The two danced a waltz as they drifted through outer space.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Don’t worry, teacher.”

“That’s not it, can you really bear the fate of the Sanc Kingdom alone?” he asked.

“Yes… I’ll always have memories with my teacher.”

“Huh… that’s Bogey’s line from Casablanca.”

“Shall we make the song ‘As Time Goes By’?”

“Oh, yeah…”

“Play it once, Sam.”

Wyvern Sam approached from afar and replied “Meow” from the communication device.

Katrina pressed her helmet against Heero’s and said sadly, “A toast to the teacher’s eyes….”

On the way to Earth, the Space Force of the United Earth Sphere Alliance was waiting. The space cruiser ‘Sherwood’ was more of a “bounty head” than an “outlaw” to the Alliance Space Forces.

No matter how much they chased, it escaped with tremendous propulsion, and with its special stealth function they couldn’t detect its location.

But now, they have captured its position perfectly. Surveillance satellites spread all over the Earth detected the movement of a large mass to an area in space that was not a shipping route.

The Alliance Space Forces hastily organized a fleet to prepare for an interception.

The flagship battleship was named Verso (Aquarius). Its commander is the young and capable Major Clarence Septum, assisted by Warrant Officer Million Liddellheart.

“Why did they come to Earth knowing they would be caught?” Major Clarence had wondered about it all along.

“Anyway, it’s time to clean up the dishonor of the lunar base…” The hot-blooded Million had learned that the base he once belonged to was attacked by Sherwood’s Pumpkin Tank Corps in the past.

“What about Apollon and Heliopolis’ data?”

“It’s already been analyzed. We can completely destroy Sherwood with our new ‘Dugong’ space fighter (Libra)!”

The dugongs were similar in shape to the Wyvern and were prepared to intercept them with a large formation of four by six aircraft, a total of twenty-four aircraft.

With no pilot on board, they fly remotely according to the blueprints designed by Jay Null.

At the time, the very act of fighting in space was directly linked to death. It was only natural that no one of the Alliance would become a space fighter pilot.

“But watch out for Sam the Wyvern… That one machine destroyed my entire fleet in the Baltic Sea.”

“Even so, the enemy force is only eleven strong! Moreover, the Wyvern’s EMP device is effective only on the ground. In this vast universe, it is just a useless thing that is weaker than the radiation of a solar flare.

In a normal situation, the Alliance would have an overwhelming advantage in a 24-to-11 battle.

However, below Wyvern, Apollon and Heliopolis have all been remodelled into manned aircraft. Furthermore, the pilots that boarded them were all famous aces among the outlaws.

Wyvern is piloted by the ace, Tic Pagan. Sedic for Apollon, and eight elites in the Heliopolis’. Katrina is on board the eleventh aircraft and considered the best of the members.

It’s unscrupulous, but battle has an easy-to-understand aspect when compared to sports. Football is appropriate in this case.

Two tops Wyvern and Apollon are ready to attack while protecting Sherwood, the goal net of their allies, with nine Heliopolis's.

The twenty-four Dugongs on the other hand, were divided into three formations on the left and right sides, cutting off the enemy’s retreat route and driving them into the center, creating a path leading to the fleet awaiting in a bombardment posture.

The battle has begun--.

Wyvern and Apollon headed straight for the flagship Verso.

The dugongs that intercepted were driven into the center by two formations (eight aircraft) of the avant-garde, as planned, attacking in waves as if closing the wings.

At the same time, two formations of halfbacks (middle guard) lured them in further.

The eight dugongs in the rear guard were deployed in all directions to block the escape areas so that they could not avoid the fleet’s artillery fire.

From a tactical point of view, it is as per the manual and is well coordinated.

If even Wyvern and Apollon, which specialize in attack, can be eliminated, the remaining Heliopolis will only have defensive power, and if it takes time, victory will be certain.

But—

The goals of the rebel army and the Alliance were different.

While the Alliance aims to exterminate Sherwood, the purpose of the Rebel Forces is to return Katrina to Earth. The size of their goal net is different. Wyvern and Apollon are just diversions.

As the enemy targets concentrated on those two aircraft, Katrina’s Heliopolis was slowly progressing toward Earth’s atmospheric entry trajectory.

“Heliopolis Ennead, starting descent!” Katrina said to her companions with gratitude. “Thank you for seeing me off….”

“Be a master, Sith Merquise.” The hoarse voice was that of Sedic on board Apollon. “Please don’t be reckless.”

“Meow, meow.”

The gentle tone was Tic Pagan, and the meow was, of course, “AI Sam”.

“Roger all! Everyone stay healthy!”

“Glory to the Sanc Kingdom!” she heard the voices of the outlaw men shouting so all at once.

Katrina sang “Over the Rainbow” as she had done before as she re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.

“Somewhere over the rainbow….”

While listening to her singing voice, the rebel army continued to fight. Of course, since the objective had already been fulfilled, it was a retreat with plenty of time to spare.

After lightly dealing with double the number of dugongs, they generated a powerful ECM and returned to Sherwood in search of the flagship Verso’s bombardment.

In the past, the “EMP device” was a device that generated electromagnetic pulses throughout the fleet, but this ECM device was a “hyper jammer” that made the aircraft itself stealthy.

Heero has appeared on Sherwood’s bridge.

Marticus, who was in command, was surprised by his sudden visit.

“Oh, is this…”

“Did Katrina make it to Earth safely?”

“Are you still worried, as a teacher?”

“I was Marticus… I think I was a little overwhelmed by her.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I were you, I wouldn’t have let Katrina go to Earth…”

“I don’t want you to tell me that… you were the one who should have stopped Katrina, weren’t you?”

“……”

“Well, that’s fine. Both of us are carrying too much weight on Peacecraft.”

This was the first conversation between the two who would later advocate “complete pacifism” on Earth and in space.

“Let’s get along well with those other guys who got dumped…”

Heero suddenly whispered in rough English. “-I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship-.”

“What’s that?”

“Do you know the movie ‘Casablanca’?”

“Yeah, I saw it a long time ago. I heard that Katrina loved it too.”

“That line is in the last scene… ‘This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship’.”

“So, you were trying to imitate Bogey’s voice just now? It didn’t sound like him at all!”

“…I’m sorry…”

The encounter between the two was not of mutual liking.

AC – 148 April 25

Katrina visited the Sanc Kingdom Castle and told everyone about the story so far.

At first, none of the people close to her believed it, but once Marquis Weiridge explained it as a witness, and the results of the DNA analysis also revealed that she was Katrina Peacecraft, everyone was convinced.

Then, in the throne room, she saw baby Katrina ignorantly sleeping in her cradle.

Tears fell from Katrina. Until now, no matter how painful it was, she never shed tears. She made it her creed to be healthy and cheerful.

But only this time she sobbed.

She thought she had to convey this feeling that overflowed one after another to Katrina, who had become Sabrina’s memento.

The inside of the royal palace is quiet.

From now on, her and her niece must rebuild this kingdom.

She was tormented by a suffocating feeling and felt the pressure of being crushed.

Suddenly, the words Heero said came back to her mind.

“First, quietly close your eyes until your mind is empty.” Katrina slowly lowered her eyelids and listened to the sounds around her. She could hear birds chirping in the distance. She could also hear Katrina’s quiet breathing. In the next room, she heard Sam the cat scratching at the glass window.

The lace curtains around him sway and the cloth rubs against itself. Perhaps Sam is trying to catch a bird outside the window.

In the woods outside, she hears the wings of a little bird taking flight.

Sam became quiet.

She thought she could hear the sound of silence. It wasn’t “loneliness’.

Katrina opened her eyes. She slowly looked around. Slow time seemed to flow away in the transparent air. She felt like she knew what to do next. This isn’t the time to be sad. She was prepared for one thing.

“I will live on. Accept all love and sorrow…” Then she smiled at Katrina who was sleeping peacefully. “Nice to meet you, Katrina… I’m your new mom.”

There was no hesitation or indecision in her heart.

“Sabrina is watching from heaven… I’ll definitely raise this child into a splendid queen.”

MC – 0022 Next Winter

Relena Peacecraft was slowly removing her black virtual visor. The brilliance of those blue eyes had a different impression than before.

“How was it?” My senior, Heero called out to the President of the Mars Foundation. “Do you still want me to kill you?”

“No, Heero…. It turns out that it’s not ‘now’.”

My wrists are still in simple handcuffs, and I still haven’t gotten my food. I thought this was worse than torture.

“Huh? Have you reflected a little bit, Duo.”

Naina approached from behind with a teacup.

“Reflection? Why do I have to reflect? I haven’t lost to you guys and I haven’t lived a life that I regret!”

“But you’re thinking of killing Miss Relena, aren’t you?”

“Isn’t that true of the seniors as well! In general, it’s worse to say things like ‘perfect peace’ in your sleep!”

I was being honest. And I wanted to complain about how many people thought they died for peace or something. However, Milou and the daughter of the Winner family jumped in.

“Sister! Father’s Tallgeese Heaven!! It’s approaching Relena City.”

Speaking of Naina’s father, he’s a wandering guy who now calls himself “Cyrene Wind”.

“It looks like the fuselage is damaged! He might need someone to pick it up,” said the daughter of the Winner family, operating the communication device beside her. “I’ve opened the line.”

A man with short blonde hair wearing sunglasses appeared on the monitor.

“This is ‘Cyrene Wind’…. I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough... The main forces of the Republic of Lana Green are approaching!”

As far as I can see from the video, red lights are flashing here and there in the cockpit, and sparks are flying from the damaged areas.

That old man also seemed to be seriously injured. He was reporting intermittently as if groaning.

“’Babel’... The mobile fortress ‘Babel’ is here!”

I heard an unpleasant name. The mobile fortress “Babel”. It was a word I didn’t want to hear more than “peace”.

So that means Senior Special Colonel Zechs Merquise from Lana Green is also with us.

Tens of thousands of people have really been killed because of him. Those poor brothers….. I will never forgive that Zechs……

(Continued in Volume 9)

-End translation

#gundam wing #frozen teardrop #new mobile report gundam w #my post #translation #my translation

14 notes · View notes