#like . In a Big Group Performance he does use the silly nicknames...

[jojikawa]

•.¸♥¸.•*´💖PREY💖´ *•.¸♥¸.•

💎 SUMMARY: -♥-♡--^[ Izuku allows himself to be persuaded an manipulated by an attractive female villain using her quirk to cloud his judgement and hide her true nature ]^--♡-♥-

💎PAIRING: Izuku Midoriya/Reader

💎WORD COUNT: 2,416 words 12,951 characters

You were apart of the League of Villains. Just a mere school girl like your friend, Toga. It wasn’t until you joined them when you met her. You guys would get along fine and would have fun annoying Dabi together and you trusted her enough to willingly give her a blood sample so that she could impersonate you if needed. 

➢One

Two

Three (soon)

After U.A. getting so much attention from the Sports Festival, Shigarki had ordered you to enroll in the school and be a continuous spy for the League. Toga would assist you during the Licensing Exam. 

Getting into the school was easy and smooth. Shigaraki had some underground workers forge recommendations for you and the main group of class 1-A automatically liked you with the exception of Katsuki Bakugo. He just rubbed you the wrong way and no matter what you did to charm him he just couldn’t stand the fact that you’d also associate with Izuku. 

Over sometime, it had become obvious that Izuku was with All Might somehow, just like Tomura had described to you. You needed to figure out why exactly. The best way to get things out of him would be to see how well your quirk works on him. Your experiments went something like this:

You waited until Izuku was alone. You noticed that he would run off and speak to All Might. You didn’t hear much but it came to your attention that he did not know how to use his quirk. He often hurt himself and tried to cover it up. It was a sunny spring day and the conditions for stalking the adorable little Izuku was more than perfect.

You watched him train for a bit before revealing yourself. Seeing him so hard at work sparked the ‘Alpha’ in you. You wanted to be the one who could tame this power he harnessed. 

“Izuku~” You called out to him. He recognized your voice! The scent of the area changed. It smelled...sweet. Izuku didn’t exactly know you but the scent of you and your presence made him feel comfortable and at ease.

“(l-l/n)-chan!” He replied with a stutter but before he could turn around you snaked your arms around his waist and pulled yourself close to him. The feeling of your breasts against his back enticed him and made him melt on the inside. He was getting contact with the new pretty girl. 

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” You questioned, releasing him from your grasp. He turned around, face red from blushing and more awkward than ever. He was trying to come up with an excuse to throw you off but your stare was so alluring and hypnotic.

"I-I'm just practicing! What are you doing here? I thought I would have more privacy." He muttered, rubbing the nape of his neck and looking off to the left, as he was too shy to maintain eye contact.

"Practicing?" You tilted your head in an adorable way. "For the licensing exam?" You pretended to think for a moment. You knew what he was doing.

Izuku nodded. "Yeah! There's going to be a physical test so I wanted to be ready!" He told you. "Were you trying to find a place to practice too, (l/n)-chan? If you want, I can leave-"

You moved closer to him and silenced him by placing your hands on his chest. "Please, Izuku, call me (y/n). And I was hoping I could do it with you." You chirped with a smile. Your smile made him feel tingly inside. “With me? I thought you’d want to do it with someone else. Maybe with Uraraka or-”

“No, silly. You need to have more faith in yourself. We just met but I can already tell you’re being more than just modest. I saw your performance at the festival. There’s no one else I’d rather train with.” 

This made this Izuku ecstatic on this inside. But he couldn’t shake this feeling that he was in danger. He assumed the feeling came from how you interrupting him in his thought and might’ve heard is talk with All Might, but he didn’t want to assume things about you. “Wow, (y/n), that means a lot.” He blushed deepened and he didn’t deny your touch.

You grinned. It was working. Your quirk was nicknamed “Love and Beauty” It’s passive allowed you to get closer to others without trying and it’s main power allowed you to keep someone infatuated with you. Some emotions can cut your power off such as a natural disliking, explaining why Katsuki Bakugo seems to be immune right now. Maybe when he softens up it can work. 

“Good”

From that day forward, you gave Izuku extra attention but you would make yourself scarce, allowing him to miss you. He noticed that you called him “Izuku” and not “Deku” or “Midoriya”. It was off-putting at first but he grew to like the sound of his name more and more. 

You had realized that you were making a lot of the first moves and felt that maybe you came on a little too strong?

The other students saw the way Deku would act without you. He seemed like he was almost on edge and often zoned out. It was obvious he was developing Separation Anxiety. A side effect of your quirk. You knew that if someone you used it on started acting indifferent then it was working.

Ochaco was the first to figure out what could've been going on. Izuku had a crush on you and you most likely felt the same way if spend so much time with him in private. She disliked that he had been throwing away his social life to master his quirk and then kiss up to you.

She waited until the end of the class talk to him about it.

"Deku!" She spoke cheerfully. "We're all going to the mall again soon. Would you wanna go this time? Aizawa said he would have Principal Nezu beef up security so that we can have a good time!" She explained with her school supplies in hand.

Izuku grimaced and scratched the back of his head. "Oh, hey, Uraraka! I would love to go but I promised (y/n) that we would hang out after school hours." He laughed awkwardly and fiddled with the bandages around his fingers. This made Ochaco frown. "Are you sure, Deku? You haven't really been yourself lately. We don't really hang out anymore."

"I've just been caught up with studying and training. (y/n)'s been a really big help. She always takes care of my injuries so that I'm not always held up at Recovery Girl's office." Izuku smiled his usual smile at the thought of you soothing his wounds. "I understand but-" Ochaco's words were cut off by your appearance.

Without a word, you had snaked your way behind Izuku. Any normal person would have been startled but it was almost like he expected it. "What's taking so long, Izu?" You asked him in a firm but sweet voice with your gaze on the girl in front of you. Your eyes were piercing Ochaco like a sword. "(y/n)! I was just talking to Uraraka. She was inviting us to hang out at the mall today." Izuku replied.

Really, she had invited him, not you but-

"Sorry, we can't do the mall today. Maybe next time. I'll be waiting outside for you, Izu~" you let go of your boy toy and left the room, making sure to let your eyes linger on Ochaco.

She was cute and a good friend but you feared she would figure out your true intent if you hung around her too much. Once you were out of sight, Ochaco continued. 

Izuku blushed and laughed nervously. “I-I kinda think she likes me!” 

“Deku, can’t you see the way she’s acting. No girl that likes you would keep you away from your friends. Since when was the last time we all hung out together? She’s not good for you.” She lamented. 

But her cries fell on deaf ears. Izuku’s system had already been compromised from your quirk. “I’m sorry, Uraraka but it’s all just for the licensing exam.” He reassured her. “I can try talking to (y/n) about hanging out with you guys until then. She's so good at what she does. Whenever I get hurt, she's always there to patch me up. She’s just shy!” He explained. 

Ochaco could tell that she may not have gotten through to him but she had to believe in him and she could live with that. It hurt that Izuku was being charmed by another girl. It was so obvious. Izuku inspired her so much and she wanted to be the one and now a sad prang sat in her chest because she had lost a game that she didn’t know she was apart of. You were so beautiful and your energy was so enticing.

“Alright, Izuku. We’ll see you soon. Please don’t keep us waiting too long.” She smiled kindly and left accordingly. “A-Alright!”

When Ochaco passed you on the way out, she didn’t make eye contact, nor did she even breath in your direction. You had picked up on her subtle feelings for Izuku but it was too bad she was in the crossfire. 

“H-Hey! Sorry for taking so long.” He ran over to you with his things in hand. Without a word, you gave him your bag of books, which he was happy to carry. “No problem, Izu~” 

The two of you began walking. You skipped and twirled around, occasionally glazing and giggling at the green-haired boy.

"So, what type of training are we focusing on today? I think I'm getting better at using small portions of my quirk so that I don't get hurt." He spoke, breaking the silence.

You looked directly at him. A brief silence before he went on. "N-Not that I don't like it when you take care of me. I appreciate you helping out so much."

"Mmm...nope!" you sped up your pace, ushering Izuku to speed up at well. "No? Oh, well, since we're free today, do you...think we can hang out with my friends sometimes? I know Kacchan scares you and it's hard for you to open up but I promise their good people." He cheered, happily. Your facial expression didn't change. You just wore a semi-fake smile.

He was definitely adorable and you didn't want to say no but getting caught up with the other kids could get you into a lot of trouble..

"If you're talking about today, then no. I have something else in mind...like the park." You moved closer look him and linked your arm with his. "I have a small surprise."

Izuku blushed at your closeness and huffed. "Okay then."

Once you got to the park, you found some clean ground under a tree and instructed Izuku to sit your things there.

It was such a beautiful day. The sun was perfect and made your skin look so radiant. The cool spring breeze was refreshing and Izuku couldn't help but bask in your presence. You were truly amazing to him.

So beautiful, understanding, and supportive. You felt so comfortable to be around and he could always smell this pleasant scent while around you.

Maybe this is what love was beginning to feel like.

You sat on the ground. "Come, Izu." You commanded and like the obedient pup he was, he listened.

"I have something important to talk to you about." You took his calloused hands into your soft delicate ones. His friends were going to become a problem soon. Your quirk would wear off if his feelings for you became too complex. You had to seal the deal.

Izuku furrowed his eyebrows. He wanted to feel happy but a nagging feeling on the back of his head didn't want him to. "Is it about-"

You silence him by squeezing his hand lightly and taking a deep breath. "It's not school-related or even exam related. I've spent a lot of time with you since coming to U.A. Before you, I've never had any friends or even someone I liked. I've been casted away and bullied for my looks but you bypass all of that and accept me for who I am." You stopped for a brief moment to locked eyes with him. He used this as a moment to get a word in.

"Of course (y/n)!...You're beautiful! Whoever thinks otherwise doesn't know what they're missing."

He didn't actually mean for that second part to come out. At this point, Izuku was allowing your intoxicating smell to infiltrate his senses. He interlocked his fingers with yours. His scarred skin being so rough in contrast to yours.

"Oh, Izu~" You leaned forward, so close that he could feel the ghost of your lips touching his.

He wanted to kiss you. He wanted to taste your sweet lips so badly.

You let go of his hands and cupped his face.

"You will make an amazing #1 hero. You deserve so mu-" before you could finish your speech, he kissed you.

Izuku just couldn't take it anymore. His hands reluctantly wrapped around your waist. You've used your quirk to charm other guys but you've never let one kiss you.

It felt so real.

He bit at your lip, asking to use tongue and you let him in. The kiss was so gentle and passionate.

When it came to needing air, you finally stopped. The boy back away, huffing and puffing from lack of breath.

Now it was your turn to blush. You placed your hands on you cheeks, as you felt them heating up. "Izu..." You whispered, nervously.

Izuku's eyes widened. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—" He reached out to you but you just turned away slightly.

"I didn't know you were such a good kisser. I can't believe you stole my first kiss!"

"Y-Your first kiss?" He repeated. You giggled madly. "Yes! I took you for a timid one. I thought I was gonna be making all the first moves. You sure did prove me wrong."

"W-Well, I-I don't know what came over me. It just felt...right." He said, honestly. You cocked an eyebrow toward him. "Right? It felt right?"

"Y-Yeah, like...it was supposed to happen."

This was too easy.

"Like fate? So what does that make you and me?" You asked innocently but you already knew the answer.

"I want to be more than just friends! I want to be your boyfriend!"

#midoriya izuku #izuku x reader #mha izuku #mha #bnha #bnha x reader #my hero academia #boku no hero academia #x reader #bnha fluff #fluff #bnha imagines #bnha angst #bnha deku #bnha+imagines #bnha fanfic #mha fanfic #izuku midoria x reader #bnha headcanons #izuku imagine #mha x reader

[mihidecet]

Sbi&CO d&d AU: Don’t Keep me Waiting (2/?)

I’m back! Chapter two is finally here and, as promised, it’s a bit of a beefy one!! I do hope you’ll like it!

A special shoutout to Cassie and my sister, for basically creating the newly added character, and that anon who totally didn’t guess who was coming a week before I posted the chapter xD

The noise inside the tavern hits them like a tidal wave the instant they open the heavy looking oak doors: a cacophony of people talking, friends cheering, music playing and orders being shouted from one side of the room to the other. 

On one hand, it makes Wilbur flinch and recoil, his ears ringing with the sudden switch from being in the quietness of a mostly desert street to this; the good thing is nobody really pays any particular attention to their group entering. They do of course gather some looks and stares - they're a big group after all, most people here are either in small, four-people groups or even smaller. 

But Techno's trademark pink hair is safely hidden under a hood, in order to allow him to walk around without getting constant stares - respectful, fearful or otherwise. They're here to have fun, not pick fights; at least that is what they had decided on before signing up for the tournament. Except for Tommy: to quote the little demon, they were there to win.

Nevertheless. 

Wilbur is there, at that moment, in that tavern, to play and to share his music with a willing audience. So, while most of the others hurry to grab a big enough table and some extra chairs, Wilbur makes his way towards the innkeeper's desk, tail swinging back and forth, mind already running with ideas on what to play for this specific audience - adventurers are a picky sort, they either like your song or they boo you out of the tavern, and he wants to give a good impression especially with the tournament coming up-

The innkeeper sees him and Phil approaching, his eyes darting to his brand new splendidly hand carved guitar - he will never ever ever be able to repay Tubbo - before he lets out a tired sigh. Which comes crashing down onto Wil's mood like an avalanche, covering instantly all his bright ideas and expectations. 

It's Phil's hand on the small of his back that brings him back into focus, prompting him to regain the sway in his step - no time to mope, they're here for at least another month.

"I don't suppose you have a spot open for tonight?" He asks, putting on his best vendor voice, and he can see the tiredness in the eyes of the person in front of him. 

"I do not. You can have half an hour in two days. Name?" The person asks, voice flat with the face of somebody who's had to repeat this process so many times just tonight. So Wilbur swallows down his protest - half an hour in two days is a horrible deal - and nods amicably. 

"Wilbur, Wilbur Soot." The innkeeper looks to be thinking intensely for a moment - a spark of hope shines in his chest as he hopes for a moment that his name will be recognised, since he's spent the past years building up his fame by working tirelessly -, then they shake their head and write down something that vaguely resembles his name next to some numbers. Wilbur smothers the irrational, embarrassing disappointment that threatens to rise in his throat.

"You have my thanks, good sir!" He adds enthusiastically, voice pitched a bit too higher than normal, because a part of him feels for the poor soul who has to deal with people of all sorts, and swivels on his feet.

Phil's hand on his shoulder brings him out of his own mind as he's definitely not storming away from the poor innkeeper's table. He doesn't even need to say anything: Wil deflates instantly, tense shoulders sagging instantly and a long sigh leaving him as he leans into the elf. 

"I really wanted to play." Wilbur grumbles as Phil's hand moves from one shoulder to the other, effectively bringing him into a half-hug and ruffling his hair with a chuckle. 

"I know, and you're going to." The elf replies, tone calm and reassuring, and Wil can't help but ache a little, feeling like a kid all over again and not liking it even a little bit. Once, he would have stayed quiet and stewed into his own brooding mood, but he knows now that he can rely on the others for situations like these. So he ignores how awkward he feels at protesting for something as silly as this, and lets himself pout. 

"Half an hour is so little, though. And since we're not taking any jobs for a while it could help with paying for the tavern." Phil quietly hums in response and experience tells him that he's pondering over a good answer. Wil's eyes scan the tavern - bigger than he first realised - looking for Tubbo's bee, as he figures it's going to be the easiest thing to recognise in the literal sea of adventures of all kinds.

"You know we don't need it. And I'm sure once they hear how good you are, they'll be asking you to play every night." Phil comments, starting to guide him towards what he thinks is the right direction, but Wil is a bit more preoccupied with preening, slightly flustered, due to the compliment. One would expect him to be used to them, but the thing with his friends is that praises from them always feel a little more true, a little more honest, and they always hit him in the best way possible. 

When they join the rest of the team - clustered around a single medium sized table - Wil's mood has significantly improved. 

There's food already waiting for him and as soon as he sits down a fox jumps in his lap and curls up, snout raised towards him to slowly blink at him before he buries his head in his tail. 

Wilbur starts digging into his meal with gusto, lightly scratching behind Fundy's ear as the shifter decides to take a nap.

The tavern is, overall, a nice place. It's cool to see so many adventurers gathered together, and hearthwarming to be able to see many new friendships blossoming. 

After the team announcements that same morning, there are some people that have found themselves needing to look for strangers basing themselves only on names - or worse, nicknames. 

Wilbur figures that the people that are in the best position to find their teammates are those who have been paired with bards, as there have been half a dozen different people performing ever since they sat down to eat. 

Luckily for him, his own team has no such problems. Tubbo, Niki and Fundy, on the other hand, are still waiting to learn who their fourth is going to be. Since the training grounds will soon be open for team practices, starting from the next morning in fact, they plan on looking for them there. 

Tymora, or Lady Luck, has apparently other plans for them.

It's nearing midnight when a short man with only one eye and a thick Draconic accent walks up the stage for what seems like the hundredth time that night. In his hand, the same piece of paper that has been progressively getting more and more ragged as the evening went on. He unfolds it as he walks up, thanking the tired looking bard that is leaving the stage, and it rips in half - his only reaction is a sigh and a shrug.

He squints, putting together the parchment and pursing his lips as the two ripped halves slowly mold back together, then calls out, somehow magically raising his voice over the sound of the tavern's clients talking and clapping for the leaving bard.

"Next up: Quackity! Come up the stage!"

Fundy's fox claws suddenly dig into Wilbur's legs, making him wince in pain and choke on his sip of mead. A split second later, he's got a lap full of disgruntled mage. 

Tubbo, on the other side of the table, is standing on his chair in order to see the stage over a firbolg's shoulders - holding himself up by using Tommy's head, who is extremely unwilling. 

"A bard?!" Fundy exclaims, prompting Wilbur to move his eyes from the stage towards him with a frown.

"What's wrong with bards?!" He asks, helping him get off of him and into his abandoned chair. Before Fundy can find a way to put his rebuttal into coherent words, Wilbur's eyes snap back toward the stage as people are starting to give a quiet, tentative clap for the newcomer.

The kid looks human, probably about Niki's age, and he sits down a bit awkwardly on the stool he brought with himself before plucking a couple of strings on his guitar. They're sitting quite far from the stage, but Wilbur's trained eye still manages to catch the fact that that is an old and well used one - his heart squeezes just a bit at the thought of his former source pride and joy, the guitar he travelled with ever since he left home.

Wilbur knows, viscerally, of the fear that always precedes a performance, especially in front of a new crowd. Especially in front of adventures, whose tastes are ever changing and easy to sway from the crowd's perspective: adventurers either like you, or they don't, and if they don't you're not gonna have a good time.

And yet. 

After checking his guitar, the kid looks up with a bright smile and a confident expression and starts playing - no buildup, no further introduction, no boisterous announcements of his titles or fame. 

And by the gods does he play. 

He's good, but he's not just technically good: he's an entertainer, plays with his guitar as much as he plays with words and with the crowd - clearly making up verses for his songs to fit what happens around him, bantering with the adventurers that step up to his plays of words. Sometimes he bursts out laughing mid verse and despite that his fingers never stop flying over the cords, his laughter becoming part of the song itself. 

Halfway through, he catches Techno's eyes: the shifter raises an eyebrow and Wil simply nods, so Techno nods back

The tiefling is glad to know that they both think he's good, they had been worried about leaving the three newest additions to their team alone with a random stranger. 

And if the enthusiastic way the rest of the team is clapping for him, they're going to get along more than well.

Half an hour later a flushed and visibility sweaty Quackity makes his way down the stage, followed by a thunderous applause and some occasional claps on the back; one passing adventurer even thrusts a pint of ale into his hands, prompting what looks to be a flustered reaction from the bard as he quickly makes his way out of the tavern. 

Either that or he needed some air, which was completely understandable, especially after such an active performance. 

Wilbur is about to comment on the stellar introduction they just received when the sudden noise of hands slamming onto the table - their table - makes him jump in his skin.

"We have to go and say hi!" Declares Tubbo, still standing on the chair - now with Niki helping him not fall to the ground. 

Tommy nods enthusiastically next to him and even Fundy seems to be about to agree. To be quite honest, Wilbur wants to join in too and is therefore about to stand up when Phil raises his hands to get them to slow down. 

"You're gonna scare him if you all corner him outside. How about his three teammates go, on their best behaviour?" The elf concludes, shooting Fundy a pointed look. 

The shifter gapes, looking extremely insulted, then he starts to protest and finally he sighs with a pout. Ah, the wonders of people arguing with Phil. 

"Alright, no pranks and no scamming. Pinky promise." Fundy huffs out, crossing his arms over his chest and slouching down into his chair. Wilbur does his best to chuckle under his breath, because he's not any better, he's just not the target of the reprimand for this time. 

Then, Phil's stare turns to his left. 

"You too, Tubbo. No scams." He states, prompting Tubbo to almost fall over as he agitatedly protests, spluttering out indignantly.

Exiting into the coldness of the night is almost a shock, especially when compared to the almost too warm air inside the tavern.

The sounds coming from inside are almost completely silenced, and when they close the doors behind them the stillness of the night is all they can hear. Fundy shudders for a moment, his body struggling to adapt to the lack of heat, when his instinctive reaction would normally be to morph back into his fox form. He snaps his fingers together, conjuring a small flame in his hands to keep himself warm, and sees Tubbo moving closer to him before he remembers that ah, right, the kid can't see in the dark. 

Still, it's not hard to find their objective - their future friend, as he's already been dubbed by Tubbo. Quackity is leaning on the outside wall, right next to an illuminated window, pint abandoned on his side as he looks at the night sky, one foot tapping on the ground as if following a silent melody. 

In the beginning, the plan had involved Niki leading the way, so that she could introduce the three of them and they could all make arrangements to meet the next morning at the training fields, so that they could all be friends and hang out and win the tournament. 

Said plan is instantly scrapped the instant Tubbo lets out a small gasp, eyes going wide as he hurries to duck around Niki, swiftly avoiding Fundy’s hand reaching out to grab at his shirt. The young human scrambles to reach the sitting bard, who naturally flinches and stares in confusion at the kid running towards him. 

As Tubbo finally gets close, he stops and points at Quackity’s head.

"Hi! You have a moth on your head." 

Fundy’s groan is so loud, it reaches the two of them even though he is currently a couple of steps behind and hiding his face in his hands. Niki’s high pitched giggles follow suit, and are soon joined by a shocked burst of laughter - loud, bright, just like his music - from the human sitting in front of Tubbo. 

"I- Hi! I do?" Quackity asks, voice tilting upwards as he looks up, as if he could be able to see his own head by rolling his eyes into his skull. 

Tubbo giggles seeing him go cross-eyed, and reaches up to gently take the moth in his hand. The little bug’s wings flutter a little as he is moved, apparently not glad to be disturbed from his perch, but he seems to begrudgingly accept his new spot since Tubbo holds him close to the light coming from the tavern’s window. His wings are very pretty, a light grey with black streaks into them that look like the splatters of ink that cover the pages of Tubbo’s various notebooks - his ever growing collection of plans and schematics for new and old projects. According to Tubbo's admittedly limited experience with moths, this one is smaller than one would expect. Very tiny and friendly - "just like you!" Wilbur would probably say if he were there. 

"Aw, look at him! Isn't he cute?" Tubbo coos at his new friend, prompting a slightly awkward chuckle from Quackity as the man moves just slightly away from the insect.

"I'm not a fan of bugs, but, uh- he does look fancy." Q eyes nervously the other two, but Tubbo ignores it, too taken with his new little pal to take care of trivial things like introductions. Niki just smiles warmly and opens her mouth to do so - possibly to also reassure the poor human - , but Tubbo is already speaking again.

"My friend can speak to bugs! He said moths always think of food and light." Quackity is once again seemingly stunned, stuck between the awkwardness of not knowing who the people surrounding him are and the confusion regarding the topic of discussion. He blinks, shooting a look towards the bug in Tubbo's hand before quickly looking away with a light grimace, choosing to focus on Tubbo himself.

"Well, little buddy better not get hurt trying to reach a flame!" Q jokes, letting out a small chuckle. Tubbo's face turns from awed to serious in a split second, his other hand moving to cup around the moth.

"That won't happen, I'll protect him!" He answers determinately, nodding solemnly towards Quackity, who can only gape for a moment before bursting out laughing again, shaking his head a little. 

"So, uh … Is there a reason why you've cornered me, or are you just fans?" He asks after a moment, once his chuckles have died down, turning a raised eyebrow towards Fundy and Niki, still standing a bit awkwardly behind Tubbo. 

"Oh, we are your teammates! We recognised your name and figured we should say hi." Niki explains with a smile, moving to crouch next to Tubbo so that the young human can move the moth closer to her.

"You- oh! Oh! -" Quackity exclaims, eyes widening and suddenly looking at them with less confusion "-That's good to know, what a coincidence!" He comments, chuckling to himself as he wipes a hand over his face, grimacing at the dampness that comes away with it - he really needs to wash up.

"And yet! The gods smile upon us." Niki says with a smile, watching as the moth flutters his wings to move from Tubbo's hand to hers.

Nobody seems to notice the unimpressed look that Quackity shoots towards the night sky, but Tubbo's eyes snap towards him the instant he lets out a deep sigh.

"I guess so. Anyhow. I'm going to pass out on my bed, I'll see you tomorrow morning?" The human asks, tone a sweet mixture of enthusiastic, hopeful and exhausted as he moves away from the wall - his guitar in one hand and the untouched mug of ale in the other. 

Tubbo nods enthusiastically, grinning widely at him; next to him, Niki smiles kindly, while Fundy goes for a much more noncommittal nod of his head.

Quackity's eyes linger on the three of them for just a moment more, as if trying to figure something out, then he nods to himself and raises the mug to mimic a toast in their honour, opening the door to the inside of the tavern.

"Don't keep me waiting!"

#sbi&co dnd au #sbi dnd au #now sbi&co #wilbur soot #technoblade #philza #ph1lza #tommyinnit #tubbo #nihachu #itsfundy #quackity

[chaptersofnow]

Kiddos of  Sky Stinger and Pharynx

Bios under cut

Name: Amberwing Nickname(s): 

Age: 12

Pronouns: He/Him 

Identity: cis boy

crush/relationship: 

Parents: Sky Stinger and Pharynx

Sibling: Pollen Cloud

Special Talent: Singing

Occupation:  student

Location: The Hive

Likes: jokes, 80s music, bright clothing

Dislikes: generic music, looking bland, boring people

Bio: Pharynx and Sky stinger met at one of Sky Stingers only show's as an official wonderbolt. Alongside his friend Vapor trail Sky Stinger had been training hard under Rainbow dash's training to be a full wonderbolt, even filling in and doing small roles in their aerial performances. When Sky Stinger was made a full wonderbolt with Vapor Trail He only ever saw one show. Looking forward to his first performance for months, training hard to get it down perfect, he would be sorely disappointed to learn that the wonderbolts just couldn't keep up the funding like they used to. Many of the main Team members like Spitfire, Fleetfoot, suprise and ect had left the team either out of age, medical reasons or to peruse families and careers. With so many big name dropping out in a short span of time, many of Cantorlot high society began to pull back their fundings. the wonderbolts would only be have enough to perform one last show, but they would make it count. Sky stinger and Vapor Trail performed their hearts out in their dou act, all while Pharynx watched from the stands. Through Silverstream having become a wonderbolt alongside sky stinger and vaportrail, and her being friends with occelus and many others. they invited many creatures out to watch the last performance of the wonderbolts. Pharynx begrudgingly went, claiming he found the performances boring and not worth watching. Yet when Sky stinger and Vapor wave performed, they were breath taking. Pharynx was entranced. At the after party Thorax introduced his brother to the now ex-wonderbolt members, including Sky stinger. the two were quite chatting, to the point that hours had passed before Pharynx had even realized. he lost track of Thorax, having to learn his brother got corralled somewhere off with spike and friends and was no longer at the party. One thing led to the other and pharynx was spending the night with Sky stinger, they chatted a lot. Pharynx about how weird it has been the past years with all the changes with the hive and everything else. and Sky stinger expressing how sad he was that wonderbolts were to end so soon after if felt like it was just beginning for him. Pharynx crashed at the pegasi's home, and when his brother finally came around to pick him up he made the crazy decision to stay. Pharynx wanted to take a break from the hive and just, travel. Sky Stinger joined him on his travels and the two grew to care about one another deeply. they returned to Pharynx's home in the hive to marry. Currently raising their two kids, Sky stinger has recently reached out to his old friends Vapor trail, Silverstream and rainbow dash and has begun to work toward rebuilding a new generation of Wonderbolts. Amberwing is a happy grub and usually is found singing in his room, he's loud and energetic and loves to watch 80s exercise videos for the music and 'dance moves'. Despite his goofy interest and way of looking at things he has a lot of confidence that makes his stand out in a group of changlings. Amberwing also often ends up having to stick up for his younger sister and she tends to get bullied, and he often wins said fights but at the cost of getting in trouble. Usually in the right, but beating the snot out of another kid. Amber's dad Sky stinger often tries to push for amber to become a wonderbolt, and he takes the junior training and does pretty well, but Amberwing is much more interested in singing and choreographing than pushing himself to be stronger.

🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝

Name: pollen Cloud Nickname(s): Polly,(by friends and family) Flower butt, Pollen fart (by bullies)

Age: 10

Pronouns: She/her 

Identity: Demigirl

crush/relationship: Parents: Sky Stinger and Pharynx

Sibling: Amberwing

Special Talent: honey maker 

Occupation:  student, bee keeper, candle maker

Location: The Hive

Likes: candles, honey, sweets, rhymes, bees, stories

Dislikes: cleaning her room, being woken up, long trips

Bio: Polly is an absolute sweetheart, but is also very off putting. she doesn't know personal space and likes to take to bees, not in the way that she understands them but in the way that she likes to do silly voices for them. She loves foreign cartoons and books about cats living in a society, which often leds to her pretending she is some magic girl or a talking cat living in a society. she is your typical weird girl and just kinda doesn't seem to notice that often time she is getting picked on by the other kids at school. but she appreciates her brother who stands up for her, even tries to help him get away with the fights he gets in. Usually without success . her dad's love her but the girl has left bee's build hives inside their walls, flooded the bathtub so ducks could swim in them and drains their batteries on their phones watching animal amvs. Which they could live without.

#mlp #mlp next gen #fanfoals #amberwing #pollen cloud #goat chatter

[symphonicspecter]

Subcon Family Headcanons

Have I mentioned that I LOVE the idea of Snatcher basically just adopting a hundred child spirits and all these kids hanging out in the forest and caring for each other as siblings? @birdsareblooming‘‘s post inspired me to get my butt in gear and finally write all the thoughts I have

These are going under a read more because there’s a lot

(Any time I say spirits, I mean both Dwellers and Subconites)

All those little dolls the Subconites possess? Snatcher made those. He’ll drop everything to repair them if they get damaged. He spent days making all of them early on. Some of the Dwellers just didn’t want bodies, and he respected that and let them be. He’s taught some of the Subconites how to sew, so that they can repair themselves or if they want to make modifications or clothes for themselves.

Everybody knows everybody’s names. Some of the spirits use the same names they did in life, others made up new ones. They think it’s very important to always spell and pronounce names correctly.

If an outsider makes anybody uncomfortable everyone else goes into Get His Ass Mode

The Minion/Boss relationship is mostly just for intimidation. Regularly, the spirits refer to Snatcher as “Snatcher” “Dad” , or a nickname they made up, some like how “Boss” sounds too, But when outsiders are around, he becomes ““The Boss” exclusively, and they pretend like he’s intimidating. They like taunting about eternal servitude and permanent soul removal in their idle chat. And Snatcher acts a little bossier with them. It’s all to scare whoever is currently contracted.

Snatcher is very adaptable for the spirits. Some of them are easily discouraged or self-conscious, so he speaks more softly to them and never has them talk to him in work mode. Others love to do tasks, so he gives them chores, even when nothing needs done. He knows which ones are mute, have trouble talking, are sensitive to certain words, like to rant about their interests...

Everybody is valid! When Subcon froze over and everyone became ghosts (some with memories, others without), it essentially became an opportunity to start an entirely new society. They all foster a ““you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t hurt anybody”attitude. Along with choosing new names, some of the spirits wanted new pronouns. Queer? Neurodivergent? It’s all cool with the Subcon gang they will accept and validate you

Subcon Village is where the most houses are. The spirits take up residence in old houses, trees, anything that can be a cozy shelter. They mostly live close to each other, and several live together. 

Snatcher has a check-in rule...if somebody has gone unseen for several hours, it’s time to look for them. Even with everyone already dead, there are a lot of dangers in the forest. So anytime somebody plans on hiding away for a while or wandering off by themselves, they tell somebody else. They all keep tabs on each other to stay safe

One of the Subconites made Snatcher a #1 Boss mug

The Subconites get excited to show Snatcher things they’ve made/done and he always turns into Proud Boasting Dad for them

Like a Subconite could show him their drawing of a tree and he’d be like Wow That’s So Good You’re So Talented!!!!!

Some of them want to give him the things they make. He has a special little place higher up in his tree where he keeps all of it. Sometimes he just goes up there and looks through stuff

Some of the more musically inclined spirits get together to practice and play. And they’ll invite Snatcher too

Games! Whether it’s Tag or Uno or Monopoly. The kids are always playing something. Sometimes it’s a big group of dozens, other times it’s a little group of four or five. And of course, they invite Snatcher to play with them too. 

They all talk to each other so much, any news, gossips, jokes, what have you gets spread to everybody in a few hours 

Movie nights...They get a big cloth and hang it between trees for a screen, and hook up an old projector and some type of player. It could be a movie left laying around from old Subcon,or something Snatcher stole from outside. A big crowd will settle on the ground and in trees and they’ll watch one or two or five movies

Campfires! They make a fire and gather around it and tell stories. Maybe they’re scary, maybe they’re not. It could be a story made up on the spot, something from a book, something they wrote themselves..they pass stories around for hours. None of them eat but they’ll put various things on sticks just for the thrill of catching it on fire

The spirits know not to bring up Vanessa 

Most everybody knows how to deal with Snatcher in a bad mood. Whether he’s depressed or angry..after enough time they’ve learned what sets him off, when to give him space, when to give him hugs and kind words 

Hugs and cuddles galore oh my god

All the Dwellers and Subconites are like siblings and say ““I love you” all the time

Snatcher has a hard time saying or accepting the L word but that’s okay, there’s a hundred ways to show it

Snatcher will take recommendations on what tasks to put on contracts

Snatcher has a hard time saying no to any of the kids, unless he’s in a bad mood. If he says no or seems annoyed, it’s a clear sign that something is bothering him

Cuddle piles...this mostly happens amongst the Subconites but sometimes a Dweller or two joins in or some of them want to cuddle on Snatcher

Snatcher steals from people in nearby towns...In game he says he steals mail. That’s his main method of theft as it’s the easiest. He redistributes to the Subconites. They love reading gossip in mail. Even a bill can be used for an art project. The best is when he snatches packages...who knows what fun things are inside! That’s how some of them ended up with smartphones 

If Snatcher finds out that any of them want something specific, he’ll look for that when he’s out, That’s when he breaks the mail theft routine and might steal from elsewhere or con somebody into giving him whatever the item is

Besides just getting mail that Snatcher stole, the Subconites like to send each other mail. Yeah they can easily go talk to each other, but writing letters and sending packages is fun. They take their mail to Snatcher and he distributes it once a week

Snatcher absolutely will tease the kids...pretending to not understand something they’re telling him, mispronouncing the name of whatever they’re talking about, terrible puns, holding something out of reach, silly voice imitations, standard horrible dad humor

If anybody so much as looks at one of the kids wrong, Snatcher will end them

How the Subconites respond to a contractor heavily influences how Snatcher treats them...if you make friends with them, he’ll consider letting you go, but if they don’t like you...

The spirits are just as protective of Snatcher. If a contractor talks bad about Snatcher or tries to hurt him, they go into defensive mode. They’re ready to make a little plush shield around him, to kick some ass, or to check on him and tell him nice things afterwards. Or, like in game, to be his cheer squad while he does the ass kicking himself

If anybody is having a hard time you can bet the rest of the forest is saying/sending nice things to them instantly

Subcon has its own inside jokes/memes..

Several of them pitch in to decorate or host activities for holidays. Around a holiday, Subcon Village is covered in decorations. They have their own traditions, taking from what they remember from being alive, what outside towns do, and anything they think would be fun to add

They all teach each other..Snatcher taught some of them to sew, he teaches some of them about law, he’s shown a few how to play violin and cello...they teach each other about space, biology, painting, historical figures...it’s very common for them to talk about their interests and to want to learn about someone else’s

Sometimes Snatcher reads out loud for a group of spirits. He picks out books specifically for it, and then lets them pick from the collection

Every so often they plan events..maybe a bunch of them get together to write/make/perform a play, or the musicians hold a concert, or there’s open mic/creative writing readings, or dances! They always run it by Snatcher to get the okay and to get help planning/scheduling/reaching out/spreading word. There’s always a great turnout at these, with most or maybe even all of the spirits attending!

Sometimes Snatcher practices his Intro with a Subconite or two, and they give him some tips on how to be scarier

Yeah, arguments and misunderstandings happen occasionally, but they get resolved quickly

The kids tend to go to Snatcher for advice and with questions. He doesn’t like to bring up his own problems with them as he doesn’t want to bother them.

Snatcher, the Dwellers, the Subconites..they tend to just get a little burst of happiness seeing each other/saying hello

Snatcher just genuinely enjoys the company of the kids, and playing with them, and when they get so excited to talk to him it just makes him so happy, and he’s so protective of them...And just the same they respect him so much, and look up to him, and feel safe with him, and try to look out for him

They’re all there for each other and have a secure relationship 🖤

#ahit #a hat in time #evps #the snatcher #for someone who doesn’t like to read a lot on tumblr I sure do write a lot huh #apparitions

[cypher-of-the-night]

Biography: Naoki Enjo

“Ah-re-re~? You're mistaken. Because.. You are my muse, right?”

~

Full name: Enjo, Naoki

Kanji: 円城, 直生

Meaning: Naoki - Honest Life; Enjo - Round Castle

Nickname(s):

Nao-chan (by Yui),

AOKI (as an Underground Rapper and Stage name),

Xiu-Lan Jiang (Real Name)

Age: 16

Birthday: December 20th

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Ethnicity: Chinese

Nationality: Japanese

Status: Alive

Race: Human?

Gender: Female

Height: 149 cm (4'11")

Weight: 49 kg (108 Ib)

Hair color: Black, with blue, pink, white streaks (Naturally black)

Eye color: Pink

Blood Type: O

Occupation: 1st Year High School Student

Relatives: Riki Enjo (adoptive father), Ying-Yue Jiang (ancestral foremother), Yuuichi Kuroi (distant relative)

Place: Sakamaki Household

Favorite Food: Anything.

Hobbies: Rapping.

Seiyuu: Asami Tano ( Saki Nikaido from Zombieland Saga ) (Talking / Singing)

English Voice: Amber Lee Connors (Toy Chica from Five Night’s at Freddy’s) (Talking, 1/2)

Significant Other/Keeper: Subaru Sakamaki

~

Personality:

Naoki is an energetic, eccentric, and bold girl, with her biggest strength being honesty and an extremely extrovert personality. While it is initially assumed that she has a highly poor academic record due to her disinterest in studying, Naoki is actually highly intelligent to a point it could even rival with Reiji’s, due to being strictly raised in a traditional, political household where she had high expectations to excel at everything. Upon feeling suffocated by formalities, traditions, and high expectations by her adoptive father, She has always desired freedom and to find a place where she is allowed to be who she is.

This desperate wish became the sole reason she recklessly accepted Karlheinz’s offer which exchanges the freedom she seeks, and this is why she willingly stays with the Sakamaki brothers and follows their rules instead of escaping or resisting. Even upon becoming a sacrificial bride and choosing Subaru, and when he attempt to fluster Naoki by commenting how she looked like she was trying to say that she wants to become his woman by wanting him to suck her blood, Naoki took this seriously as an offer from Subaru and happily agreed to become his woman, which made him flustered instead; This is because Naoki highly despised her arranged (and highly abusive) fiancé and is willing to be Subaru’s woman to keep herself away from her ex-fiancé. Even if Subaru himself becomes the one that hurts her instead.

Despite the abuse by the hand of her adoptive father and her fiancé, Naoki finds salvation upon discovering and falling in love with rap music, which helped her get by emotionally. Her source of strength comes from rap, as she aspires o become a rapper, and wishes to dominate the nation with her music as it is what kept her to stay strong and hopes it would impact other’s lives and help them stay strong.

Despite her lively personality, Naoki admits that she does not fear death. Because of her stressful childhood to be the “perfect daughter” with high expectations before discovering rap music, she had already come to terms to accepting death as there has been many times where what her father and her fiancé has put her through has made her want to succumb to death; It isn’t until by the Maniac arc of the HDB Saga where she begins to fear death because of Subaru.

She also loves food to a point where she won’t mind eating anything and when asked about her favorite food, she would reply with “All of the above”. Despite having always being top of her class, Naoki has Thalassophobia, an intense and persistent fear of the sea or of sea travel, due to traumatizing experiences that almost drowned her multiple times caused and exploited by her arranged fiancé when they were younger.

~

Strengths: Patience, endurance, devotion, fast-learner, observant, highly intelligent, wise, bright, athletic, extroverted, persepctive, hard-working, kind-hearted, protective, goal-oriented, empathetic, playful, a realist, optimistic, friendly, supportive, serious when needed, self-confident, fun-loving, open, and expressive.

Flaws: Stubborn, persistent, big eater, highly curious, strong-willed, passive, has Thalassophobia (an intense and persistent fear of the sea or of sea travel), outspoken, rebellious (to an extent), fearful of her father and ex-fiance, confused, mostly fearless (has no fear of dying), lazy when it comes to studies, hasty (whenever she does feels fear), skeptical when she can see through facades, exasperating at times, slightly naive when it comes to social affairs, tend to get panic and anxious whenever it comes to her past (including her ex-fiancé and her adoptive father), lonely, unwittingly yet emotionally dependent, and sometimes silly.

Skills: Rapping, writing music, dancing, baking, is able to speak Chinese, English, and Korean, her intelligence (has even gotten a higher score than Reiji's), has high patience, high stamina, a fast runner, enhanced sense of smell, slightly stronger than normal humans, good listening skills, reading people and their emotions, skilled at playing on the piano, singing (she doesn’t like to sing), has good flexibility, charisma, negotiation skills, has slow but steady healing, quick thinker, surprisingly observant, and is slowly getting good at housework.

~

History:

For as long as she can remember, Enjo Naoki was raised in a strict household with a politician as a father by the name of “Enjo Riki”. Being the only daughter, she was always pressured to have the image of the perfect child that is expected to obey, to never talk back or complain, and to push past her own limits to meet the high expectations placed upon her. He even forces her to take a daily routine of classes every early morning, forces her on a diet, and places her in prestigious, all-girl schools where she is surrounded by snobbish, rich girls. While she wished to believe her father secretly did care for her, Riki disregards her as a tool and only uses her to gain more political power; His desire for power in the political world runs deep to a point he arranges an political marriage for Naoki to a business partner’s son, Mizushima Satoshi, who was Naoki’s tormentor ever since childhood and was even the person responsible for Naoki’s Thalassophobia by pushing and even throwing her off the boat into the ocean where there were cases where she almost drowns. Even when they both get older into teenagers, Satoshi torment her by touching her sexually; Which causes Naoki to develop genophobia (fear of sexual relations or sexual intercourse). Naoki was never able to talk about it with her father, knowing he would not listen as it would risk losing power he needs to obtain from the marriage.

Due to the neglect and abuse, Naoki held no hope in life or miracles and even considered taking her own life as she saw no reason for her to continue living. Which explains why she does not fear death as she deemed the life she lived as a fate worse than hell. That was until she discovers rap music. At first, she was confused upon the beats of the music; But would come to find comfort in the lyrics to the song as it told life stories about hardship in life. Naoki would later to become more open-minded, which would even help expand her horizons once she encounters a promotion of an anime character with a punk rock style that she was starstrucked by. It was then Naoki began to find salvation to help her keep living, and when she started to get herself involve with rap.

For a while, Naoki would begin to act rebellious, claiming to go to the library to study when in actuality she would secretly go out to research rap music and would join a unit with other underground rappers. After performing a song she rapped in front of a group of people, Naoki received a self-made bracelet from a little girl, who became the petite girl’s first fan. From this experience, Naoki would start to feel like she has finally start to fit in after many years of feeling lost and outcasted, and start to find herself passionate about becoming a rapper herself, with the dream of saving people with her music the same way rap music saved her in her time of need.

However, due to anonymous tip, Riki finds out about Naoki’s activities, forbids her from continuing her activities, and decided to make arrangements to keep her home until she is to be moved to her fiancé’s mansion, even decided to throw out everything involving her activities which also included the bracelet; Finally snapping, Naoki defies her father for the first time and attempted to stand up for herself until her father slaps her before calling her a disappointment, that it was a mistake having a daughter, and leaves her.

Conflicted, Naoki is torn about what to do. Until she is told to run away by a voice. Once the voice told her to leave a few more times, Naoki’s resolution solidified and attempted to run away past midnight; However, she gets caught in the sights of guards hired by her father as he knew Naoki would attempt to run away. She continued to run until she gets trapped in an alley with a dead end with a twisted ankle and was even forced to hide in a dirty dumpster from the guards that arrived after hearing her voice from twisting her ankle. While hiding, Naoki prayed for them not to find her and was saved what she believed was a dog, which didn’t seem to be the case judging by the guards questioning what it was before they escaped once rain began to pour. After they left, Naoki realizes that she has nowhere else to go as the guards continued searching for her in the places she initially planned of going. Resorting to sleep out in the rain, She was encountered by another politician she knows of that she remembers as her father’s rival in the political world: Sakamaki Tougo.

At first, she was hesitant to trust him in fear he would contact her father; But after offering to keep her far from her father and promising her the freedom she yearned for in exchange for her cooperation to help him by living with his sons, Naoki accepted him upon one condition: to allow her to become the person she wants to be rather than someone she isn’t, to become the rapper she dreamed of becoming. Tougo accepted that condition and even spoiled her by giving her her dream appearance (punk-rock clothes, streaks in her hair, etc). Because of this, Naoki viewed Tougo as her savior, solidify her trust in him, and is heavily indebted to him which would later affect her life with the Sakamaki brothers; However, once she started to live with the Sakamaki’s, Naoki began to find out hidden truths about her life that would later come to surface.

The reason why Tougo, who was actually the Vampire King Karlheinz, decided to take her in was because he was actually using her as the other Eve, in case the resurrection of his first wife, Cordelia, in Komori Yui’s body succeed. And Naoki‘s heart was a male first-blood’s, by the name of Asher; Thus, Tougo’s promises to ensure her safety and to give her her freedom were all empty promises to gain her respect and loyalty for her cooperation into the plan, even taking advantage of her situation into his favor. Naoki was actually born to a Chinese clan of human vampire hunters with the first-blood blood in their veins, due to their foremother ancestor, Jiang Ying-Yue; Ying-Yue was the original host of the first-blood’s heart (whom was also her lover in her former life as a human), who went by the name of Asher, was a originally human before turning into a vampire after she gave birth to a human son that carried Asher’s blood. Due to herself staying hidden for many centuries to hide from Karlheinz under her first-blood lover’s instructions, Ying-Yue was given the nickname “Lilith”, who was known to be the first wife of Adam but leaves him after she refuses to become subservient to him (in a similar sense where Ying-Yue refuses to let herself become experimented as an Eve to Karlheinz’s plan); However, their secret was revealed when one of their clan’s members was kidnapped by a vampire who found out about the truth of their blood. In fear that the clan will be targeted, The ancestor initially thought about giving Asher’s heart to a male host; However, She decided to give the first-blood’s heart to an infant Naoki, who was born by the name of “Jiang Xiu-Lan” and had a weak heart similar to the condition Ying-Yue had when she was human, to save her and send her to Japan to keep her safe from the tragedy. After Naoki was taken to Japan to an orphanage, her clan was massacred by Japanese vampire hunters under orders by a former associate: Kuroi Tsurara. It was even revealed that Riki actually adopted her in secret due the truth being that he had infidelity problems, and only chose to adopt her due to her high intelligence surpassing those of the other children and looking similar like him, making her perfect to him to use.

It is revealed that Asher was the voice heard by Naoki in her time of need, as her guardian to keep her sanity in check. It is revealed that, throughout her entire life, Naoki has been unwittingly and emotionally dependent on the first-blood, especially whenever she felt like she was going to snap. This is why Naoki did not go crazy even after everything she has been through in her life, as the first-blood was the reason she remains grounded as her conscience. They have even met during Naoki’s childhood within her dreams, where Naoki calls him “Papa” as she was never allowed to call Riki; However, as she got older, Naoki began to forget the memories of those dreams, and by extension, Asher; Believing that Asher was an imaginary friend she made up due to her lonely childhood. But even after being put to sleep and chained until the day Naoki breaks her chains when the time came, Asher will remain a father-figure to her and be there in her time of need like he always has.

~

Trivia:

• Naoki knows how to repair and patch holes on walls; This is because, whenever she was alone, she would accidentally punch a wall out of frustration from her stressful life; Fearing of being punished, Naoki would hide the damage before fixing the wall herself before her father would come home to notice the damage. She has even punched a hole in walls at school in private before fleeing the scene to resume her day before she could get caught. She viewed this as a parallel of attempting to fix the broken pieces in her heart. She even admits that, had it also not been for rap music to calm her down, Naoki would began to resort to violence and destruction. This is one of the biggest reasons why Naoki empathized with Subaru and doesn’t stop him whenever he causes damages, even helps fix and patch the walls no matter how many times he breaks them. 

This is also how Naoki gets Reiji off her back about her choice of style as she is the only one (besides Yui) that even does anything to help clean up the messes made by his brother. Of course, when asked about it, Naoki refers to cleaning everything as part of her repayment to Tougo.

• Despite her disinterest in studying, Naoki still continues to try hard in order to graduate; Even willing to take notes on subjects she already knows to give to Subaru to help him improve. It is because of this that their teachers, that once given up on Subaru, relying on her to ensure his grades improves. While she does try to help him, the progress is slow and has only gotten him to just barely passing.

• While Naoki considers Subaru as her first love, Asher confesses that Naoki did love Karlheinz, as Togo Sakamaki, for saving her life, but hidden it as she considered it a childish crush; However, this could just be something Asher made up in order to provoke Cordelia once they meet in their respective hosts’ body.

• During the time between the Haunted Dark Bridal Saga and the More Blood Saga of their friendship, it has been decided by Naoki that she will pick out Subaru’s clothes for him; As they wear a very similar style.

• Naoki’s real name is Xiu-Lan Jiang (Jiang Xiu-Lan; 江 秀兰), which respectively mean “Beautiful Orchid” and “River”; Which is ironic considering her immense fear of the sea and her favorite color being lavender.

• Asher reveals a dangerous aspect of killing him from within Naoki’s body even if Naoki lives: If He dies, Naoki will experience imbalance from within psychologically, causing a severe loss of identity/an unstable sense of self. Due to Asher being the reason why Naoki has not gone mentally insane from depression, stress, compulsiveness, and anxiety caused by the abusive environment from her childhood, his existence within her is essential to keep her at bay as she has been unwittingly dependent of him emotionally. This becomes heavily apparent in Naoki’s brutal ending in the Haunted Dark Bridal Saga.

• By the Dark Fate saga, Naoki is revealed to be a human with slightly enhanced skills; This is due to Ying-Yue Jiang, her foremother and Asher’s lover, becoming the first carrier of the first-blood’s heart; Before she turned into a vampire, She had sexual intercourse with another human in an arranged marriage to produce an heir, which lead to conceiving a human child that would later start a new family line of human with first-blood ancestry from Ying-Yue carrying Asher’s heart before the child was conceived; Thus, Naoki is a human with first-blood ancestry. But due to never training like the past clan members, Naoki is considerably weak and is only strong when Asher lends her his strength.

Asher reveals that because the child was born from two humans, despite his blood running through its veins, they can not possess magic, transform, or summon familiars like a first-blood; Instead, because of his blood, The child was stronger, quicker, and healed faster than an average human, along with inheriting the ability to sense vampires and invisible familiars. This is why the clan turned into one with phenomenal vampire hunters as, while they can’t see them, they can sense their presence, using those abilities to their advantages. Which is something that she can do, but not as well at due to lack of training.

Asher also reveals that due to her being a descendant that was born with his blood, once she becomes a vampire, She can, not only use his strength, but also use Asher’s heart and his blood as his hostess to assist her into unlocking her own potential and can awaken all of the basic/passive abilities for a First Blood by a century at the latest; However, due to only being born as a human with first-blood ancestry, Asher himself admits while the process is not that imminent and might take more than a thousands of years, but it should not be impossible to do if she was a vampire, turned or not, and focused hard on training.

• Naoki reveals to wear a padded bra, which is why her flat-chest looks bigger in her clothes, despite the fact that she is perfectly comfortable with her flat chest.

* The reason for this is because her adoptive father ordered her to wear only padded bras so that she may be viewed as “presentable” in public, finding her to be flat-chested for her age as an embarrassment; Which is why Naoki is very proud of her flat-chest, even preferring being called a “Waffle” by Ayato.

• Naoki’s habit of saying “あれれ”/"Ah-re-re" comes from the Murder Mystery anime series, Detective Conan. Which is a cute, child-like way of saying "Huh?"

• In the Haunted Dark Bridal Saga, Naoki shown to have Genophobia (fear of sexual relations or sexual intercourse), as she actually struggles and panic when Subaru started to touch her in a sexual manner in order to break her as a last resort to break her in the Manic arc. Naoki started to overcome that fear as she began to fall in love with Subaru.

• In the Haunted Dark Bridal Saga, Naoki’s greatest treasure is a bracelet gifted to her by her first fan which she often wears in her AOKI wardrobe; However, it was destroyed by Subaru. By the More Blood Saga, the bracelet is repaired, and by the end of the MB Saga, the bracelet is worn by Naoki for her AOKI activities, alongside another bracelet given to her by Subaru.

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Height Chart:

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Credits: Sprites made by @crezzstar-commissions, Chibi made by Me, Character sheet image provided by Yuiannii on DeviantArt.

#naoki enjo

[chibivesicle]

Golden Kamuy chapters 205 & 206:  the medium is the message - and Asirpa realizes her role in the hunt for the gold.

I’ve decided to combine chapters 205 & 206 for analysis.  I was stuck on chapter 205 and it made more sense for me to look at both chapters at the same time. The series is clearly at a slower point, setting up things and adding some comedy to balance out things when they get overly intense.  Just think back to 185-191.

This upcoming intensity is alluded to in a very blunt way, the chapter title page here with Tsurumi in a bed of weapons. It is as though he is an unnatural and almost zombie like man cradled in a pile of elements of death and destruction.

His skin tone is a sickening shade of yellow green, and his veins are clearly visible.

He’s clearly living up to his shinigami nickname and this likely refers back to his early mention in the manga about supplying countries with arms for WWI to Mr. Thomas as well as his goal to employ the families of the men lost in the Russo-Japanese war in his weapons industry for WWI.  Despite all of this information we already know about Tsurumi, we still don’t know his original motivations for why he thought this is a good idea.  What does he hope to achieve by creating a military dictatorship on Hokkaido?  Who is he fighting as a result of Ogla & Fina’s deaths?

Anyways, those are some thoughts to ponder at greater length another time.

The chapter starts off very seriously.  Tsukishima finds Sugimoto and talks to him away from the others.  He flat out tells Sugimoto that Kiro took Asirpa to Karafuto to remember the key to the gold that needed to be facilitated by Sofia. Furthermore, Tsukishima figured out that Ogata ran off with Asirpa b/c he knew she had figured out the code and when she talked to Kiro and relaxed before dying, it means that Asirpa knows what the the key is.

Tsukishima states this as a question, but really, it is only a formality - everyone present knows the Asirpa told Kiro something that gave him the ability to die at least knowing Asirpa learned something important, the code.

Based on what Tsukishima is summarizing, it is clear he knows more about those involved than Tsurumi let Sugimoto know.  Sugimoto asked him in Abashiri why he thought they went to Karafuto.  Tsurumi recounts the fact from the initial events that got Wilk caught; the other men were murdered, he was heading towards Karafuto with a small amount of gold when he got caught.  He then added in that b/c they were partisans, Kiro would likely want to reconnect his allies here.

Tsurumi only gives Sugimoto basic information - that Kiro will want to work with partisans and get Asirpa in contact with them.  He doesn’t mention Sofia, the fact she’s in Akou, in a Russian prison, that he’ll float information to someone to make sure the border guards are on the alert for Kiro and Wilk.  Meanwhile, he clearly gave at least some of this information to Tsukishima to help him figure things out on the fly.

Tsukishima is bold enough to ask if Ogata tried to kill her because he got the code from her and she was no longer necessary.  Sugimoto’s response is so well, Sugimoto.  That Asirpa would not tell Ogata the code.  What he doesn’t know is that Ogata almost got the code out of her.

Sugimoto then tells Tsukishima that he’ll talk to her and that Tsukishima shouldn’t interfere.  Sugimoto is unable to see Tsukishim’s facial expression at that point in time.  I wonder if Sugimoto is trying to hide his own expression?  But he misses seeing Tsukishima’s expression that is very emotional for Tsukishima.  He’s not pleased at all with Sugimoto pushing him out of the way.

The rest of the chapter changes focus to the potential power of film.

The two filmmakers give the group a free viewing of some of their film footage and it gives Asirpa the idea that they should try to record Ainu stories so that others could understand them.  Already at the beginning she’s concerned and disappointed that they can only record images but not voices.

Despite that, she decides that they should still do their best to film Ainu culture.  At first she thinks, this will be a great idea, since there is no language their film will be universally understood.  She’s very excited by this idea, and it is a very smart idea, one that we as readers would expect from Asirpa.  Sugimoto’s facial expression is unusual here.  He looks unhappy, and again the protective covering for his head is visible under his cap. 

Does he not understand her need to preserve her culture.  Or Is he concerned that she’s realized her culture is in danger and she’s using language that Wilk or Kiro would use?  Whatever it is, Sugimoto is not happy with this statement from Asirpa.

With his typical jock persuasion, Sugimoto convinces Inaba to let her film her Ainu folktales. 

This then transitions to the mainly comedy part of the chapter.  Asirpa becomes a stereotypical over the top demanding director. 

Honestly, I felt meh about the whole Pannape and Pennape bit.  Sugimoto gets cast as the fortunate Pannape who gets good things to happen due to his penis.  His loving wife is played by Koito, I guess because he’s more attractive than Tsukishima?  The unlucky Pennape is played by Sugimoto and his wife is played by Tsukishima who also has exceptionally large breasts.  I feel sorry for Shiraishi, we already know the guy is less than blessed below the belt but having his penis cut off and then dying is just harsh and odd.

This also reveals that Vasily is helping with their set, by painting props so he’s still stuck to the group like glue waiting for Ogata to pop up.

What is interesting is that Tsukishima again approaches Sugimoto about his method for dealing with Asirpa while they are filming.  I find it interesting that he tells Sugimoto they don’t have any time.  This implies from the beginning of the chapter that Tsukishima wants to get the code from Asirpa before Tsurumi gets to Karafuto.  It is almost as though Tsukishima is trying to avoid having Asirpa have to deal with Tsurumi directly . . .  Sugimoto replies by trying to make it clear that only he will deal with Asirpa.

Koito is clearly unaware of Tsukishima’s conversation with Sugimoto and instead, being the competitive person he is, wonders if Tsukishima is trying to get more scenes by currying favor with Sugimoto.  I think there is a lot more with Koito going on below the surface, he’s clearly still upset at Tsukishima and I think this is another way that he’s lashing out at him.  He may not even realize it, but it is clear that Tsukishima knows more things in regards to the mission that Koito does. 

I will say though, Koito is really into this!  It is just like the circus arc he shows, when motivated through competition he’ll got to great lengths.  Plus, we know he is a natural performer.

What I find even more exciting and interesting is that he is NOT MOTIVATED by Tsurumi.  Tsukishima was able to get even more out of Koito during the circus arc by using the extra Tsurumi bromides as carrots.  Here there are no Tsurumi bromides, no validation and praise from Tsurumi nor his father.  Koito’s just really motivated from himself.  Or at least this is what I see happening.  I dunno, I think this is a big deal for Koito.  He’s doing stuff likely based on internal motivation not external.  I’ll get back to this later on when I discuss chapter 206.

Despite a cast of people of varying motivation, Asirpa becomes upset b/c she realizes silly stories about lucky and unlucky men and their penises won’t convey Ainu culture for future generations.  Sugimoto suggests she try a more serious story instead.

She agrees and for this one she uses a more diverse cast as well.

Cikapasi is the lead, the youngest of three brothers who went on a hunting trip and stopped by a house with a man who had three daughters. They hung out and a strange man showed up, who was a bear in disguise.  The oldest brother helped the youngest to defeat the bear, by hitting him with a stick revealing his true identity.  The family was thankful for their help.  The brothers continued on their journey.

As they came back by the house, they were offered the chance to marry the daughters and the youngest brother agreed to do so.  He was so happy to have a family to be a part of as shown here with Cikapasi, Enonoka and her grandfather.  As Enonoka and her grandfather smile at Cikapasi we see his eyes wide open, sparkly (again as much as GK charas can) and he’s unable to say something . . .

I think that this conveys that Enonoka and her grandfather would love to have Cikapasi as a part of their own family.  And he just realized it at this point.

The story then reveals that the oldest brother, played by Tanigaki is actually a bird kamuy and he leaves the younger brothers behind.  She also explains that the main character was an orphan and he was taken into the kamuy’s family and raised and cared for by him.  But it is now time for them to say goodbye.  Asirpa’s prompt is key at this moment, he will say goodbye to “that man” forever [Tanigaki].

Cikapasi sweats as he realizes what this means and this results in the most emotionally honest performance of any one that day.  Tanigaki looks down upon Cikapasi with such a soft look, in the story the bird’s tears turned to rain.  What is more important is that Cikapasi cries as he says Tanigaki’s name.  He knows what will likely happen between them now, that he will have to separate from Tanigaki, now that he’s found a family.

I’d like to note that Tanigaki now has light in his eyes.  Tanigaki’s eyes have always been variable throughout the series.  Like many members of the 7th, he frequently in serious situations is shown with no light in his eyes, no sparkle.  But in instances of domestic calm e.g eating borscht with the light house couple or relaxing we can see some sparkle.  However, his eyes also sparkle in extremely violent situations - this was shown when Ogata tried to snipe him and when he fought Kiro and stabbed him with his own knife.  I wonder if the sparkle for Tanigaki happens when he’s allowing others to see his emotions as opposed to times when he’s just following orders and trying to lay low.  It is hard to tell.

Either way, this chapter was an exceptionally emotional one for Asirpa and Cikapasi for different reasons.

After thinking about chapter 205 for awhile, I really like the idea that Asirpa was the director.  Yes, her film is a bit of a disaster since she’s a kid and not an amazing director, but I really like the fact that she was able to direct her own culture and cultural experience.  She is a native, female director trying to capture what is most important to her and not through the lens of an outsider.  I think this is incredibly important and it also shows that GK is written in 2019 and not 1907.  There is a great debate in the movie and television industry about if the media is inclusive enough or not currently.  This shows that it is critical to allow someone to depict their cultural context without someone else doing it and making it exotic and his 100% relavent RIGHT NOW.

For me, I can’t stress this enough, it is the fact that Asirpa takes control of the media relating to her culture that really stood out for me in this chapter.  I had to look beyond the penis jokes and see the events in chapter 206 to really get this to click for me.  As we know, Hijikata has his own plans to use her and her culture in the fight for the gold.  And as chapter 206 shows, the filmmakers were capturing her own culture through their own cultural context as a French man (very colonial) and a Japanese man (a growing colonial power).  Obviously, their own opinions will impact their film making.  We all have bias that we bring to our interpretations.  I think the fact that Asirpa’s own bias will help to equalize out those who are looking from the outside in at her culture and this includes Sugimoto and Tanigaki.  I can’t help but feeling that these two men are cherry picking what they want to borrow from Ainu culture but see the rest as not valuable or valid.

Chapter 206 continues the transition to the results of their film making experiment.  Thanks to Koito’s affluence, they are able to rent an entire theatre for themselves (including Vasily- Vasya, please go home).  Shiraishi points out the obvious about Koito’s wealth with a carefree attitude.  Tsukishima glances at Shiraishi, Koito flat out ignores him.

Sugimoto is looking concerned at a very serious looking Asirpa (likely how her work will present itself) and Tanigaki looks at Enonoka and Cikapasi excited to see the film!  If you look further out, it also appears that Sugimoto and Tsukishima are looking at each other as well.  Does this mean they are both staring each other down as well as looking at the others?  Can this be read as both things happening at once?  I’m going to say yes, both.

The only people interested in viewing film so clearly are Asirpa, Koito, Cikapasi and Enonoka.

The chapter than gives a montage of the film and various characters reactions to things.  Koito is clearly quite proud of his acting skills as after it shows him cutting the pole penis, he glances back to Tsukishima both proud and a bit cocky.  I really think he wants Tsukishima to be impressed or feel that Koito out performed him.

This is not a look that wants Tsukishima’s approval, it is more of a “beat that Tsukishima!”. The next shows it all with Tsukishima’s very Tsukishima performance which was his fake breasts jiggling.  What is important is what this is allowing Cikapasi and Tanigaki to realize. . . .  As the Tanigaki bird kamuy flies by Enonoka and Cikapasi are holding hands.

Enonoka is excited by the scene, Cikapasi looks serious, he’s recognizing that he likely will have to make a choice - stay with Enonoka or go back.  His facial expression seems to be leaning towards saying good-bye to Tanigaki.  It shows Tanigaki then looking at both of them, he’s again got a soft sparkle in his eyes - I think he too knows that they should part ways - or is he going to ask Cikapasi to still join him even if it isn’t the best option for Cikapasi?  I really hope they realize the best thing is for both of them to appreciate their time together, but to move on.

Things get more interesting as they explain they filmed near Otaru more than 10 years prior.  It shows Wilk with a bow and arrow and Huci and another woman are in the background clapping.  All of the adults are surprised to see Wilk’s actual face. Shiraishi calls him Wilk as he and Sugimoto both sweat.  Koito instead calls him Noppera-bou (in the Japanese raws, not scan translation) since he is not a connected to him but now sees him in a more human light.  Tsukishima meanwhile is unmoved and does not appear surprised at all. 

Is this b/c Tsukishima is being Tsukishima or did he know or spy on Wilk for Tsurumi in the past?  I think Tsukishima knew what Wilk looked like before the injury.  Tanigaki just looks at him in awe.  Not sweating but clearly thinking something. . . .  thinking about that father you ran away from Tanigaki?  Did you realize something?

The film goes on to feature the woman who is clearly Asirpa’s mother both based on her appearance but also based on her behaviours!  Noda wants to make it quite clear that this woman is Asirpa’s mother.  No doubts readers, this woman was Asirpa’s mother.

The film then shows a scene of Wilk kissing a child in a papoose on her back.  It is clear that the child is Asirpa, and that the film as caught both of her parents in action.  Also, notice that Asirpa’s mother had her ears pierced but she was not wearing earrings.  I wonder if this has any importance to her role in the community.  Her tattoo is also minimal, very much like Inkarmat’s.  Was Asirpa’s mother a more progressive and modern Ainu woman as well?

My personal favorite part of the chapter is the two page spread below.  I love everything about it.  The image of Asirpa and her mother on the screen, Vasily in the back along with Tsuki and Shiraishi also hanging back.  Asirpa is cast in the light, Shiraishi is in grey and we can see his facial expression yet Sugimoto is entirely shaded in black.  Inaba explains the dialogue between himself and Wilk. It ends showing Kiro looking at the camera while Wilk is in the background shaded.  The spread ends with Sugimoto, Asirpa and Shiraishi all looking at it in awe!

The lighting, framing, everything about this is so nice.  It gives the entire feeling of the reactions of everyone.  What is most interesting to me, is that Inaba tells him that registering to marry Asirpa’s mother mean he would count as Japanese and that he could end up drafted for the war.  The manga has never touched on the idea of Wilk fighting in the war, only Kiro.  Both frames show Kiro in the foreground before Wilk - I wonder if Kiro reported for duty as Wilk instead of Wilk going?  Kiro is the one who looks back towards the viewer (Inaba).  If Kiro went instead of Wilk - would anyone know the difference? Japanese office for draft intake: “Hey a random Ainu says he’s Wilk.  Yep, must be him, I mean he’s an Ainu guy.” (whatever his registered name was that we still don’t know) plus we never learned Kiro’s registered name either.

 I really wonder if they just pulled a fast one on the Japanese government.  Asirpa has always mentioned her father being there for her and raising her - I can’t help but think that Kiro took his place if he was drafted. . . . I could see Kiro taking one for the team so to speak.

Sadly, around that time the arc lamp sparks and the film begins to melt and they run out before there is a fire.  Asirpa then walks away from the group outside of the theatre.  Sugimoto goes after her to ask her if she’s okay.  She looks so sad yet thoughtful during these scenes.  Her encounter with film as a medium has given her more perspective. 

She finally got to see what her mother looked like but it does not convey the love for her the same way that she gets from her father telling her about her mother.  She has learned a lot through her journey with Kiro (part of his monologue to her at the fox farm).  She learned about the Karafuto Ainu and other ethnic groups.  It shows her looking through the fence at the foxes at the fox farm - is this a tie to Ogata doing the same thing as her?  Ogata was looking at the foxes while Kiro talked to her and vice versa.

It also shows the sama of the Uilta people was he’s trying to help remove whatever has taken hold of Ogata during his fever state.  It lastly shows the Nivhk people tanning fish hides.  Out of the four scenes here, two are clearly linked to Ogata . . . what does it mean?  Two of the scenes are directly linked to Wilk, the fox farm and the Karafuto Ainu sled dog and maybe the sama a bit since he shot a reindeer just like Ogata did by accident.  Come on Noda!  You tie Ogata and Asirpa together too frequently for it to be random.

The next page is very dramatic. . . . Asirpa’s face is shaded so we can’t see her expression, and nor can Sugimoto. Her wolf cloak blows in the wind dramatically as she asks Sugimoto if it is true that she needs to fight for what she wants to protect as Kiro and Wilk have said.

His reaction to her words is immediate, we get the feeling that he’s becoming emotionally charged, the erratic screentones in the background the wind blowing his scarf up and his hair becomes more on edge.  Sugimoto says that she doesn’t need to be the one fighting though.

She then states that once the gold is found she should go back to being who she was before, an Ainu girl living near Otaru, hunting and enjoying her food with “hinna hinna”.  She asks him if that is what he’s saying.  It is interesting that she has pretty much asked Sugimoto if she should do what Ogata told her to do back in chapter 185.

The conversation continues to ratchet things up - she continues to state that Kiro didn’t die just so that she could go home.  He wanted her to understand the plight of the native peoples and that she can’t ignore this.  Sugimoto then tells her that she doesn’t have to fight. Her response is blunt.

She calls him out on it - he’s not telling her these things for Asirpa - he’s doing it for himself.  The next panel almost gives me chills she asks him if he sees inside her a reminder of himself before the war - when he at persimmons with his friends and he was much more carefree and happy.

Sugimoto’s shaded face is almost like his admission of guilt - she hit the nail on the head.  She’s confirmed that this is a major part of his involvement.

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised when Sugimoto doesn’t deny that he’s using her to an extent.  So that he can go back to the time when he was able to eat dried persimmons with Toraji and Umeko.  Asirpa shows a look of surprise and realization when he doesn’t deny it.  What I do find concerning is how unhappy he looks before he comes clean.  That frown is so obvious that this is a conversation he doesn’t want to be having.  I get the feeling that Sugimoto wanted Asirpa to simply drop out of the fight because he has said so.

Sugimoto finally talks about the stuff that he wanted to talk to her about back in 139 when he was heading to Karafuto and while talking with Koito Sr.  He finally explains that Wilk wanted Asirpa to lead the Ainu and fight the Japanese and the Russians.  I have been waiting so long for Sugimoto to finally have this conversation with her.  But - I’m not pleased with the idea that he tells her that Wilk and Kiro wanted her to fight and kill people for the cause.  He even says that Kiro’s death was so that Asirpa would feel like she had no choice to fight to save her culture.  Honestly, I don’t think Kiro was too keen on dying for the cause; yes, he was able to die at peace b/c Asirpa learned things and remembered the code but he clearly would have preferred to have still been fighting.

It is more that Sugimoto is adding this as his own emphasis, to fight for her culture, she will kill people, just like Wilk and Kiro.   He tells her that he can’t forgive Wilk and Kiro for doing this to her - putting her in this position.  Asirpa likely doesn’t see this the same way as Sugimoto - she sees that her eyes have been opened to what is happening and she even had seen how Inkarmat was fighting for the Ainu as well (her methods didn’t get the correct result but she tried). 

There are so many things happening here - likely Wilk and Kiro didn’t give a damn about whether or not someone like Sugimoto could forgive them. 

They weren’t looking for “forgiveness” for their actions from a non-native and a colonizer.

Why would they? They are the victims of colonialism and they for certain aren’t looking for forgiveness from their colonizers that is a ridiculous concept.  Sugimoto’s viewpoint is a slap in the face to Asirpa - he’s “morally right” enough that his judgement of Wilk and Kiro is better than Asirpa’s own “judgement” of them.

What Sugimoto got out of his conversation with Koito Sr. is that Wilk and by extension, Koito Sr. said is that leaders who are asking others to sacrifice their children for a cause must do that same.  Koito Sr. speaks specifically about Koito, but as we learn in Koito’s flashback, he’s already lost one of son’s due to his leadership role.  At this point in the story it allows the reader to show that Koito Sr. is willing to make the sacrifice of his second son if he has to as a leader of his people. 

Sugimoto’s dialogue shows that he did not get the point that Koito Sr. was trying to say instead he just asks her if she wants to fight like her father did.

What I don’t like about this is that Sugimoto then states that he doesn’t have his own children but he thinks he knows what it is like to be a parent.  That’s what his words imply to Asirpa. He takes the fire and brimstone approach to Asirpa - that if she kills she will go to the Ainu hell.  I don’t know what to think of this approach - Koito Sr. was trying to give Sugimoto perspective as to the putative role Wilk wanted Asirpa to play in the Ainu and the ethnic minorities. 

No one in the manga is denying that Wilk wanted her to do things that in our modern mindset seem cruel and unfair to her.  However, for most of human history, children were a means to an end, you had children so they could continue to do whatever you were doing.  The ideas of marrying people for love and allowing children to have a free will to decide what they are doing is still not even universal today.

Asirpa is sweating as he tells her that she should not get involved b/c she will have to kill others and she will know what that is like.  The visual of demon Sugimoto then is shown before a profusely sweating Asirpa before the final panel here. 

The gap between them seems so great to me.  Asirpa is small and separated from him and looking up at him.  Meanwhile, Sugimoto is clearly looking down upon her.  If the tension continues between them, it will set up Asirpa’s reply to be something likely divisive or very emotional.

Is Sugimoto being heavy handed because Asirpa called him out on his “use” of her to remind him of his younger, unbroken self?  He tells her that she is fortunate to have made it this far in the quest for the gold and hasn’t killed anyone like the rest of them.  She still has lead to the harm of others directly or indirectly. . .

The chapter of 206 sums up the state of Sugimoto and Asirpa and the last panel visually shows it - it truly is “the distance between the two of them”.

Okay, so time for some crazy theories and obeservations.

This is the second time that someone has talked to Asirpa about her role in the hunt for the gold and it is clear that this is a parallel with what happened between Asirpa and Ogata.

Similar to with Sugimoto here where he asks her if she is alright with his face obscured making his intent unclear.

Ogata also first approaches her from behind his eyes shaded.

This leads him to asking her if she learned the code showing hims again with his face obscured as she turns to him.  Notice how the wind blows around them with her hair flowing and his cloak as well.

Which is similar to this scene with Sugimoto.  The wind blows her wolf skin cloak and later on we see Sugimoto’s scarf also blowing in the wind.

But things then go differently for awhile.  Sugimoto continues to tower over her from a bit of a distance while in contrast Ogata kneels before her.

He is lower than her as he asks her that she wants to live near her home hunting.  Interestingly, as a true grandma’s boy, he includes her Huci in his statement.

This statement by Ogata likely is what prompted Asirpa to phrase things to this way to Sugimoto.  She’s asking Sugimoto if he’s implying the same thing that Ogata was implying.  What is interesting is we as the readers can see this but Sugimoto doesn’t know that Asirpa is using Ogata’s words towards him.  GK is full of scenes where characters re-use each other’s dialogue when talking to them - Ogata is the best example of this and now Asirpa is doing the same thing that Ogata has been shown to do.  Again, Asirpa and Ogata are linked through this mechanism.

What I personally find interesting is how Sugimoto and Ogata try completely different ways to argue the same thing. In 185 Ogata tells her that she should leave the fight to Kiro and Sofia and that she shouldn’t carry such a heavy burden.  Ogata never directly tells he to not fight - instead he states that she should leave adult things to adults.

This also gives an “advantage”  to Asirpa in her discussion with Sugimoto, she’s already been through this once with Ogata, and she incorporates some of what he said and uses it back towards Sugimoto with her own conclusions. 

The way that Sugimoto argues with her is 100% what one would expect from him - he says “don’t kill.”  That is the end of my arguement.  Thank you.

Honestly, in 185, Ogata tried so much harder than Sugimoto does in 206 to convince her to give him the code.  Ogata tries to state that as a child (well teen) she doesn’t need to carry this burden.  Sugimoto states that the situation was arranged so that she would have no option but to conclude that she should fight.  His solution - don’t fight.  “Hey Asirpa,  you know what you should do?  Don’t fight.”

Sugimoto isn’t even listening to Asirpa.  With Ogata and Asirpa - the conversation was one-sided, Ogata tried all these different ways to get her to give him the code and she only talks back to him when he asks her why she didn’t let Sugimoto kill him and why the “idol of the Ainu” must remain pure.  Ogata got into some weird philosophical battle with himself facilated by Asirpa.

The conversation with Sugimoto is already going to play out differently - Asirpa called Sugimoto out - something that she couldn’t do with Ogata in part to the fact that she didn’t know exactly what he wanted from her, so she couldn’t argue back.

Ultimately, Sugimoto and Ogata interpreted Wilk’s intentions in completely different ways. 

Sugimoto sees Wilk’s intentions as flat out telling Asirpa that she must fight.  He trained her to be a leader and she will lead the guerria warfare against the Japanese and Russian governments for independence. 

Ogata instead, saw that Wilk set Asirpa up as a pure idol to lead the Ainu.  She would lead them into battle but she herself would not dirty her hands.  Ogata then wanted her to dirty her hands so that she could be like everyone else and lead the Ainu with realistic and dirty hands.  Ogata interestingly never brought up the idea of it being okay for Asirpa to fight.  I think he understood well enough what was at stake for the Ainu, he did align himself with Kiro so he likely didn’t just give him lipservice . . .

This ties back to the role of a father impacting the fate of a child.  What is interesting is that Ogata is upset b/c he’s the abandoned son of a man who made his “blessed son” stay pure while he had to get dirty.  It is clear that on some level even if he denies it, but Ogata was jealous of Yuusaku and Asirpa for being elevated to special places by their father while the rest of them were stuck in the literal trenches.  Ogata has made it clear he doesn’t care for the “elite” of any society or culture.

Sugimoto instead, is upset that Wilk just wants her to kill b/c that is what she was raised to do. He has not followed upon his Joan of Arc reference - will this pop up in the next chapter?  If so, it will increase the parallel between Sugimoto and Ogata.

This has me wondering if Sugimoto also has issues about being “abandoned” by the death of his father.  All that manga has revealed is that he burnt down the family house after he was informed of his father’s death of TB.  Is Sugimoto jealous of the fact that even though Asirpa no longer has her father he had a plan for her?  This still implies that he cares about her and her future as fucked up as his plan is for her. 

Right now, it feels like Ogata’s arguement versus Sugimoto’s arguement seems more well fleshed out and thought out.  However, we need to see if Sugimoto’s discussion will play out over 3 chapters as well.

187 ended with a stand off between the two of them here as shown at the beginning of 188 . ..

While 206 ends with this panel.

Will this lead to a standoff as well?  It is clear they are now on different sides of the issue of how to protect Ainu culture.  I would be shocked if Asirpa gives Sugimoto the code - right now everything indicates that she will also deny him the code.

Well either way we will have to wait a few weeks for the next new chapter!

#golden kamuy #golden kamuy meta #sugimoto saichi #asirpa #wilk #kiroranke #ogata hyakunosuke #cikapasi #enonoka #tanigaki genjirou #Shiraishi Yoshitake #tsukishima hajime #koito otonoshin #koito heiji #vasily #tsurumi tokushirou

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Michael After Midnight: Escape from L.A.

Escape from New York is one of the greatest films of all time. A dystopian thriller for the ages, it follows the hardcore gritty misanthropic anti-hero Snake Plissken as he’s forced into infiltrating the prison island of Manhattan and rescuing the president. It’s a cult classic for the ages that gave us an amazing Kurt Russell performance for an iconic character who would go on to inspire other legends such as Hoss Delgado and Solid Snake, as well as a kickass Carpenter score and just a fantastic film all around.

But I don’t want to talk about that film. No, I want to talk about its much less famous sequel, Escape from L.A.

This movie is so strange to me. It’s a strange sequel to one of the greatest cult classics of all time, and yet hardly anyone mentions it until they’re making a list of the worst sequels of all time. Frankly I find calling this the worst anything is a bit of a stretch; this movie is actually legitimately good, in the right mindset anyway. You see, while this film does away with all the subtlety and atmosphere of the first film, and while it certainly retreads the plot almost beat for beat with very similar characters, this movie has something the original does not: pure, unadulterated 90s radness.

What makes this film great has a lot to do with just how good Kurt Russell is as Snake. He plays him with such a charming dickishness that even when Snake starts acting mildly transphobic he’s still a fun and likable character (I’ll be going more into that shortly). And if nothing else, this movie goes out of its way to establish just how fucking cool Snake is. He flies an exploding helicopter! He surfs on top of a tsunami to chase down Steve Buscemi! He does a bunch of sick basketball shots, all of them courtesy of Russell himself! Snake just oozes cool, and he just gets all the more cool with the ending (which I’ll also get into shortly).

The other big plus this movie has is the sheer levels of 90s insanity. There’s really nothing else that can possibly describe an inhumanly plastic Bruce Campbell playing the Surgeon General of Beverly Hills performing copious plastic surgery on everyone in a really unsubtle jab at celebrity culture of the 90s. Frankly, the movie’s lack of subtlety and its overwhelming 90s-ness really just pile on to how nutty the whole thing is. 

But in a way, the whole things lack of subtlety has kind of made it resonate even more in modern times. An insane fascist tuber-conservative president who builds a giant wall to keep people he finds to be deplorable out of his country? A fanatical anti-American radical with bombs hijacking a plane? This shit happens right in the movie, it’s stuff that would happen latter, and the eerie parallels you can draw between the president in this film and Donald Trump is really telling at how much of a ridiculous cheesy action movie villain the guy is, except in real life where that is far more disturbing. And then there’s the disturbing fact one woman in the movie was sent to the prison island simply for the crime... of being Muslim. This came out in 1996. It’s disturbing just how prescient it was. I kind of like that under all the cheese and silliness there actually are themes, albeit ones portrayed in a very heavy-handed and in-your-face nature, that still have value today.

Which is more than can be said for its treatment of the transgender character Hershe, and yes, that is unfortunately the way it is spelled. To the movie’s credit, it doesn’t really make her the butt of any jokes, this really isn’t anywhere near to being as bad as Ace Ventura, but there’s still something off about seeing Pam Grier with an artificially deepened voice playing a transwoman. As for Snake’s transphobic comments as mentioned before, I was slightly exaggerating; he keeps referring to her as Carjack, her nickname when she still identified as a man. On the one hand, Snake’s a bit of a dick for continuing to call her that when it clearly pisses her off… but on the other hand, “Carjack” was not only not her deadname, but she did stab Snake in the back and leave him out to dry when last they met. It really comes off more like he’s doing it out of extreme passive-aggressiveness than outright hatred of transgender individuals, which certainly fits his character. Snake is flippant to just about everyone, and the guy has next to no patience, though the fact he’s supposedly going to die in a few hours probably does not help.

Speaking of Snake’s flippant attitude, That brings us to the ending, where out of spite for being used as a pawn by just about everyone, Snake uses the satellite weapons everyone in the movie wanted to unleash an EMP that shuts off all power on Earth. It’s over-the-top, it’s silly, and it would certainly fuck over just about everybody… but it also feels like just the thing Snake would do after all the bullshit he has gotten pushed through in this film and the previous one. The guy’s already misanthropic and a loner, and he continuously gets played for a sap by everyone around him, so is it any wonder he’d give the ultimate finger to every single group that jerked him around this past night and just even the playing field for everyone? “Welcome to the human race” indeed.

I definitely don’t think this is as strong a film as the first one from an artistic standpoint, and I can definitely see why this one is not nearly as iconic… but damn, if this isn’t one fun ride! As far as 90s action films go, this one really has it all: the coolest fucking hero doing the coolest fucking things, fighting ridiculous caricatures of real-world issues, there’s EXTREME SPORTS, lampooning of celebrity culture, ridiculously unsubtle political satire, poorly done LGBT+ characters, and White Zombie is on the soundtrack. Frankly there’s not much more you can ask for. I don’t think this movie is mindless, stupid, or “so bad it’s good,” let me make that clear; I think this is a genuinely good, fun film, albeit coated in a fine layer of cheese. There are some iffy, dare I say even PROBLEMATIC elements to it, but I think there is value in some of the stuff the film says, and Snake is cool no matter what.

If you like cheesy action films or just really love Kurt Russell, you’ll probably get a kick out of this, but generally I think anyone should check this out, because if you can’t crack a smile while seeing Kurt Russell on a surfboard in front of a shitty greenscreen surfing on a tsunami to chase down Steve Buscemi in a car, I don’t know if you’re the kind of person I want to talk to. This movie is just pure, unadulterated 90s silliness and cool all rolled up into one ridiculous package, and even if it could never hope to live up to the legacy of its predecessor, I think it leaves a pretty worthwhile legacy all its own. This is a film that deserves more respect, there is no doubt in my mind about it.

#Michael After Midnight #Review #Movie review #Escape from L.A. #John Carpenter #Snake Plissken #Kurt Russell #Dystopian sci-fi #sci-fi #action #90s #cheesy

[ramajmedia]

Ben Schwartz’s 10 Best Roles (So Far), Ranked | ScreenRant

Most people know Ben Schwartz for his hilarious and layered performance as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on Parks & Recreation. But he’s been doing comedy, especially improv, for years now. He currently voices Leo in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and appears in Bojack Horseman as Rutabaga Rabitowitz. Right now, we’re all awaiting his first starring role in a big studio movie: Sonic the Hedgehog.

We won’t know enough to rate his performance as Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog until the film is (finally) released a few months from now. Until then, here are Ben Schwartz’s top ten roles, so far.  

RELATED: BoJack Horseman's 10 Saddest Moments, Ranked

10 BB8 — Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

Hardcore Star Wars fans might have looked this up by now, but for the rest of us who didn’t know, the initial work for BB8’s personality and conversations with the other characters was first acted out by Ben Schwartz. In initial run-throughs, he worked with actors like Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, responding to their lines in English, and then those lines were translated into the beeps and boops that make up BB8’s lines. 

It took a lot of rounds of trying to get the sounds just right. Apparently, the initial try sounded too human. Schwartz has said he isn’t sure how much of his voice is in the movie and how much of BB8 was digitally created, but he will always be one of the people who helped create BB8’s persona.

9 Bill Hoyt — Undercovers (2010-2012)

This comedic take on undercover spies was created by J.J. Abrams and Josh Reims. It only lasted for 13 episodes, 2 of which didn’t even air until years after the first 11. It was canceled pretty quickly, before it was really given a chance to breathe, and Abrams has taken the blame for that, saying he was trying to do something light and frivolous when that’s simply not in his wheelhouse.

 RELATED: Parks & Rec: 10 Episodes That Actually Tackled Deep Issues

Nevertheless, Schwartz is hilarious as the awkward computer nerd Bill Hoyt. Bill worships the leading male spy, Steven Bloom, and is so into the whole spy gimmick that he insists on using all the “lingo.” If you’ve ever wanted a comedic James Bond, this is the right show.

8 Milk Man - Jake & Amir (2009-2014)

There are several episodes of CollegeHumor’s web comedy show Jake & Amir that Ben Schwartz has guest-starred in over the years. His role as Milk Man (and doctor) in 2012 is probably his most iconic episode though. He comes in as a milkman who pours rotten milk all over Amir then helps him deliver a shoe. Schwartz does a lot of improv comedy and it really shines through in his Jake & Amir appearances. 

Because Ben Schwartz kept making up his own hilarious character names in Jake & Amir, Redditors have actually created a Ben Schwartz Name Generator inspired by the insane combinations of phonemes he’d put together.

7 Josh Bath — The Earliest Show (2016)

In this miniseries, Ben Schwartz stars with Lauren Lapkus as two co-hosts of an early morning TV show. Guest stars on the show include comedians like Jake Johnson, Eugene Cordero, Reggie Watts, and Thomas Middleditch.  

Josh Bath gets dumped live on air, and he and Samantha Newman (Lapkus) have to struggle through the rest of the show as he deals with the seven stages of grief. They hilariously harass, comfort, and are comforted by the guests that take a risk on this weird morning talk show. Schwartz is hilarious and heartfelt. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.

6 Rutabaga Rabitowitz — Bojack Horseman (2015-2017)

This fluffy bunny is not at all that he seems. Schwartz plays Rabitowitz, a scheming, sarcastic, and relentlessly cheerful agent on Bojack Horseman. The character has a romantic relationship with another agent, Princess Carolyn, who he then hurts by not divorcing his wife. He also has a tendency to steal roles for Princess Carolyn’s clients right out from under her nose, something which drives her crazy. 

RELATED: The 10 Best Guest Stars from Bojack Horseman, Ranked

For people used to the high-pitched sing-song voice he’s done for other roles, Schwartz’s voice is almost unrecognizable here. But he brings so much life to this character that we’re glad the part didn’t go to someone else.

5 Clyde Oberholt — House of Lies (2012-2016)

Don Cheadle and Kristen Bell also star in this comedic take on a group of management consultants who get the job done, no matter the cost. Schwartz plays a consultant who specializes in marketing and spin. He is often cruel, jealous, and beyond arrogant. One of the only emotions he ever shows is anger, but he’s always down for a good time. He can read people like a book and uses their weaknesses against them. 

Schwartz’s normally silly brand of comedy works surprisingly well with a darker spin. His presence pulls the show toward a helplessly darker while the rest of the characters largely pull him back from the dark side.

4 Leo — Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2018—)

The new remake of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was greeted with skepticism, but has been steadily getting better and better reviews as the shows continues. The show’s brighter colors accompany a lighter adaptation, something a bit more fun and humorous than previous versions. 

Leonardo is normally the taskmaster of the turtles, but in this new take on the characters, Leo actually gets to have fun as a teenager. He still retains his leadership and analytical qualities, but he isn’t annoying or domineering. It’s that fun-loving spirit that Schwartz brings to the voice. He gives Leo the brevity he needs to be a fun teen once again.

3 Dewey Duck — DuckTales (2017-2019)

In this adaptation of DuckTales David Tennant stars as Scrooge McDuck and Ben Schwartz plays his grandnephew Dewey, the adventurous and funny triplet. He’s a classic middle child, always trying to stand out from the crowd, including starting his own internet talk show.  As always, Schwartz brings depth to the role. We see hints of Dewey’s deep-seated fear that he’s just an ordinary duck. He is constantly trying to prove himself by throwing himself into dangerous situations. 

RELATED: David Tennant's 10 Best Roles, Ranked

This role and Schwartz’s role as Leo (see previous) only rank as 3 and 4 on our list because so much of the hilarity of Ben Schwartz is the physicality he brings to his comedy. While these roles are great—and he deserves every leading role—the next to let us see the full spectrum of Schwartz’s comedic talents.

2 Rabbi Charles “Boner” Grodner — This is Where I Leave You (2014)

This movie is a powerhouse of comedic talent. Ben Schwartz plays Rabbi Charles Grodner, who was friends with Adam Driver’s character in high school and earned the nickname Boner, for obvious reasons. After the four Altman siblings moved away to start their lives, he stayed behind and became a rabbi. When he handles their father’s funeral, they struggle to take him seriously and he falls back to his old high school insecurities as he tries to earn their respect. 

Even though he’s a side character, Schwartz does so much with the time he’s given. He has heart and brings so much warmth to a role that would have come off as pathetic in the wrong hands. 

1 Jean-Ralphio Saperstein — Parks & Recreation (2010-2015)

This is the role Ben Schwartz is most recognized for, and deservedly so. Every time Jean-Ralphio appears on screen as Tom’s ridiculous, grossly sexual, and trouble-plagued friend the comedy soars to new heights. He is outlandish and ridiculous, but also has so much heart. Jean-Ralphio always thinks he’s killing it and never seems to realize that he is his own worst enemy. He’s basically a puppy, and no matter what terrible thing he does, it’s impossible to be mad at him. He’s maybe not the best friend anyone wants to have, but everyone needs a Jean-Ralphio in their corner to cheer for them and encourage them to let loose sometimes.

Schwartz appears in 21 episodes of the show and each one is a brilliant performance. In anyone’s hands, the character would be frustrating, but Schwartz makes him a memorable and amazing character.

NEXT: 10 Amy Poehler Quotes That Are Too Funny For Words

source https://screenrant.com/ben-schwartz-best-roles-ranked/

#screenrant

[seungcheolrk]

camera, lights, vlive.

february 23rd, 2019: convex’s first vlive. featuring the throwback harmonica. 

truthfully, and unsurprisingly, the whole concept of their first vlive terrifies him. being so structured, so formal, seungcheol feels like there’s an added pressure on his shoulders to be interesting and engaging and given that this will be the first time he’s referred to as rap unit leader in public, too, he can’t help but feel nervous. he can’t imagine anyone wouldn’t feel nervous in his shoes— in convex’s shoes, since this is their first public appearance since rome’s departure, too. it’s a lot of firsts and a lot of expectations and a lot of what ifs but it’s here and he’s waiting, bright but scared smile on his face in anticipation as the mc gets to his introduction. 

( he takes not tripping as he walks out and bows in greeting as a victory. small, but a victory nonetheless. ) 

his aforementioned gummy smile is on show as he wanders in following his introduction ( and first recognition as rap unit leader ) from the mc, bowing deeply as he takes his name badge and wiggles a little to the music. he doesn’t overdo it, doesn’t want to look silly or embarrass himself so early on in the live show, and thankfully there’s a wide berth between stiff and robotic and dear god, how do we undebut choi seungcheol? so he thinks he’s got things reasonably in the bag so far. the other members cheer and the mc is smiling and he didn’t hold his name tag upside down ( nor put it on the wrong way up ) so really, everything is going as well as possible. 

unfortunately, with that, he wholly expects things to go downhill, but he tries to stay positive. 

it’s odd only having three members from the rap unit to introduce, and he thinks rome’s absence still weighs on them quite a lot and will do for a while. even in such a big group, one member leaves such a large gap that seungcheol feels as if it’s impossible not to notice it or focus on it. he dreads to think what the comments will be like, dreads to think what people have to say about him being a leader now when they have barely heard him say three sentences since he debuted, but he tries not to think about it. they’re careful not to mention the missing thirteenth member, or anything about the ‘scandal’ and he trusts that when they start reacting to comments in a bit they won’t read any that reference it. after all, this is their first vlive. this is supposed to be a joyous occasion; a new beginning and a promise of many more live shows to come. why would anyone want to bring the mood down by reminding them of everything they’re trying to ignore? why would they want to bring up an artist they ( reportedly ) kicked from the label? 

he distracts himself laughing at some joke he doesn’t really hear from the mc, nods as they introduce the next segment.

his passion for this broadcast. since it would be convex’s first ever, he’d thought of writing something about them doing well and taking care of one another, thought about setting a goal of so many hearts and promises to return the love to fans with their future activities and releases, but in the end he settles on the former. at a time like this, seungcheol thinks sharing love between the members and fans is the best thing he can do. let’s love! he writes, let’s show our charm today and return all the hearts fans give!! convex fighting!! the mc doesn’t read every comment, but it’s there on screen for fans and the members to read regardless. 

when the time comes for syllable poems, he does his best to be quiet and unnoticeable. words have never been his speciality and he’d only make a fool of himself stumbling over not only his confident speech but a poorly thrown together poem, too. thankfully with so many members, it makes it easy for him to fade into the background when he wants or needs to, yet still come back into the foreground with everyone else when they spend a little time hearing comments left by viewers. it’s kind of surreal to him that so many are watching live, spending their time looking at them through a computer or phone screen and sending them love and queries to answer. he knew these things would happen, he’s a fan of plenty of groups himself, but when it’s you, your group, it’s something else entirely. 

as they tease their comeback, he’s reminded of the strict rules they’re on not to spoil anything. teasing is one thing, but they aren’t to reveal concepts, titles, snippets— anything about the song itself. he daren’t think of what the consequences would be but even without them, he doesn’t think there’s any benefit to telling the world anything too revealing. the picture of them all grinning, talking over one another as they sneakily reveal something is in the works is bound to get fans more excited than the title of the track or a single line of lyrics. it always worked that way on him, anyway. 

more comments are read ( and more ‘thank you’s and finger hearts are given from seungcheol to the camera directly ahead of him even if he doesn’t understand anything in all the foreign languages his members are speaking so fluently ) before they jump into the unit performances. 

performing for the first time without rome is weird. it feels unnatural almost. after so long of having him there, even though they’ve distributed the song between them so no actual gaps are left, it still feels like something is missing at times. he knows it’ll take longer than a few weeks, maybe even longer than a few months, to get used to being twelve and three, but that doesn’t stop him from thinking about it obsessively every time he’s reminded. regardless, they have to do it and seungcheol has missed covering songs dearly ( mr chu last month was the first time in a long time, after all ) so he gives it his all, grins brightly and bows as they’re praised for a successful performance.

next, after what feels like forever, comes seungcheol’s favourite portion of the vlive — and what takes up the majority of their time here today — the idol coaching missions. they’re only silly challenges and tasks, the things that are apparently essential for convex to ‘fly higher’ in the years to come, but seungcheol feels a unfamiliar sense of excitement to get stuck in. 

nicknames are strange things, though. seungcheol had always been known as sphere’s scaredy cat and whilst once upon a time, he loved having his own identity and was proud of his eventual acceptance of his fears, now he wants to be more than the way he’ll jump scared at loud noises and flinch at sudden movements of the people around him. he wants to be convex’s reliable rap leader, convex’s gummy smile, convex’s nerd, even. when he thinks about it, though, he struggles to pull anything from the reaches of his mind that’s unique to him. he’s never lived anywhere but seoul, let alone been born elsewhere. he doesn’t have any talents outside of music ( unless you count his extensive knowledge of star wars and resulting jar jar binks impression ) and doesn’t have any particular characteristics that make him distinct besides the presence of his gums in his smile. he wants to be more than a smile, though. he wants to be remembered for being something other than quiet and fearful. he throws around some ideas relating to music but they all feel generic. most of their group plays piano and a great deal play guitar, too, but the more he thinks about it, the clearer it becomes that — as useless as it may be to an idol, especially so early in their career — he plays the most instruments, has the background in the music store, has spent years learning and loving western classical music and grandiose movie scores— hell, his father was even a classical violinist. it’s perfect, even if he does feel a little nervous about how big it sounds. 

“hello, e-everyone! i’m c-c-convex’s rap unit l-leader and maestro! please take care of me.” a chorus of ‘ooh’s and ‘ahh’s rings through the room as seungcheol is asked to explain his name. “I l-love learning d-different instruments! I want to m-master every instrument.” slipping in the meaning of the word, he giggles quietly. he then momentarily wonders whether or not he should keep talking while he can, make himself stand out a little more to anyone who might be watching that’s brushed over him before so he adds, “I’ve a-also always had an i-interest in western c-classical music and m-movie scores. e-everything comes together to make m-me convex’s maestro!” he grins, clapping his hands together as he raises his voice a little enthusiastically with his final word — his nickname. the members and mc react positively and seungcheol’s grin stays for the rest of the segment and as they transition into the second challenge: personal talents. 

at first, this stumps him, too. he doesn’t think he really has any talents outside of music that will capture anyone’s interest, but there’s nothing to say it has to be separate. nothing says he can’t do a jar jar binks impression ( besides his dignity ), but why do something so strikingly different when he could play with the cards he’s already dealt them? why not show why he deserves the title of convex’s maestro? 

“me? I’m going to show you a little harmonica!” really, he should’ve learnt the first time. he should’ve known after still facing the embarrassment in flashbacks for months after that the harmonica was a demonic instrument sent to this earth just to humiliate him but he still digs it out of his drawers earlier in the month and practises, brings it to the vlive to show them how good he’s gotten at the solo from isn’t she lovely two years later. he focuses himself entirely on it, as if he’s back on his own in the practice room with no pressure to get it perfect ( because that’s always when things are flawless; when no one is watching ). 

the reactions challenge is one he worries about a lot when it’s first proposed to them in planning. he isn’t by any means a ‘reaction king’ unless it involves being spooked and these situations aren’t likely to bless ( or curse? ) him in that way. when it comes to his turn, he’s called upon, asked to pretend the camera has caught him yawning, so he covers his face to laugh and ‘get into character’ as the members count him down. he should feel nervous with so many eyes on him, especially with what he’s about to do, but with aegyo, he rarely feels the level of embarrassment he’s used to. with an unusual ( at least, for shy choi seungcheol ) confidence, he opens his mouth and makes the most exaggerated yawning sound he possibly can before widening his eyes comically at the camera and reaching just past his lips to pull out a finger heart. his shoulders hunch and his eyes wrinkle as he grins, shoots more hearts as he laughs at the reactions around him. for once, he’s proud of himself, proud of the impression he’s made. maybe aegyo is truly the best way for him to make an impression off the stage, though he’s not sure how he feels about that either just yet. as much as he doesn’t want to be convex’s scaredy cat forever, he also doesn’t want to still be known for aegyo at the age of thirty. 

finally, with a few runs of their greeting and hearty advice from their experienced idol coach and mc, it’s time to wrap up. even though a couple hours have passed, he feels like he’s blinked and it’s over. they’ve covered so much, moved through so many segments and challenges and he feels how much they’ve accomplished but it still feels like it’s gone too fast. suddenly, they’re moving onto goodbyes in foreign languages, endless ‘thank you’s and expressions of gratitude to their mc and for the success of their first ever vlive from not only seungcheol but every member, deep bows and all varieties of hearts ( he even sneaks in an apple heart when he’s sure the camera will be a wide shot of all of them ) and any moment now, the cameras will shut off and the comments will stop flooding in and they’ll be back to rehearsing for their first comeback. first. there’s a lot of firsts happening lately but today’s firsts have been like ripping off a plaster — it hurts for a little while doing this without rome, it’s terrifying to him to be on camera and under so much pressure for a little while, but he knows that with time, that will fade and he will heal. he looks forward to their second vlive ( and hopes desperately that it’s a lot more relaxed than this one; where’s their liev? now that would be fun... ).

#convex:feb19 #cheol;solo #cheol;sched #cheol;sphere #cheol;convex #( i'm gonna write a separate solo for the unit performance but since this covers the vlive in its entirety it had to be included briefly!! ) #( wc; 2199 ) #( also this is SO long; i absolutely did not proofread this ) #( there's not enough hours in the day to proofread all of this garbage jKLDS )

[four-swords-dub]

It’s time for our creepiest cast member to emerge from the darkness! Oh nevermind, it’s just Alex!

Which is Alex and which is Big Poe? Nobody knows. Audio transcript:

Hello! My name is Alex and I voice the characters Rosie the Doll, The Big Poe, and the Hinox in the Four Swords Manga. So, answering the questions that Karen gave to me, yes, so without further ado, let’s get to it.

Are you in any way like those characters? No, definitely not. Although I do quite like playing… and being creepy… and I am very tall… okay, perhaps I am a bit like those characters… I’ve never gone around trying to eat people’s souls, though. I draw the line there… usually. Favourite/least favourite thing about voicing your character? Favourite is definitely the fact that I can be so over-the-top. Rosie, Big Poe and Hinox are all very two-dimensional, and so I don’t have to worry about being subtle. I can just go right on and be large, so to speak. It’s very liberating. And villains are always fun.

My least favourite thing is probably when I’m a bit silly and audition for a character with a voice I can’t easily replicate further down the line. With the Big Poe, in particular, the voice I auditioned for him with was different to the one I ended up using for his first scene. Which, on reflection, I’m quite disappointed with, because I don’t think the voice I used in that first scene was as good as the one I auditioned with. You might disagree, though, and if you do, you are definitely my favourite, but personally I thought the voice I used in scene 2, which was closer to the audition, was just much better. Which characters did you audition for? Obviously, I auditioned for Rosie, The Big Poe, and the Hinox. I also gave Valenzuela – I think that’s how you pronounce it – Valenzuela and the Knights a go, too. With my accent, it seemed silly not to. What with the whole ‘Tally-ho! We’ll catch the blighters yet! Tea and crumpets!’ sort of thing. I might have done the Mysterious Traveller too, the one who tricks Red (Karen: he means Blue :p), as well, but I can’t actually remember.

How did you react when you got the part(s)? I gave a big smile, naturally. Might have danced around the room a bit too, I can’t really remember. It was quite a while ago. Erm… yeah, must be getting to about a year ago now… no, can’t be a year ago…Yeah, it was about a year ago. Okay, I just checked when I created my auditions, and it was a year and a half ago. Wow. Who do you wish you could voice? Vaati, basically. I’m not saying I should, because I reckon Abe does it a lot better than I would, but Vaati has a level of class and sophistication, sort of manipulativeness, that I find really appealing in a character, and really fun to do. That sort of mastermind, and also the sort of snootiness. I quite like it, it’s fun.

Had you read the manga before taking part in the dub? I first read the Four Swords manga about half an hour before sending my first audition so… technically yes... Any past voice acting experience? None professionally, unfortunately, but a fair bit amateurishly. I am in LoZ Voices, which is another Zelda dubbing group. And I’ve also been successful in auditioning for a few other things which haven’t released anything yet, all of which are video game related. And I play a number of characters in the OoT Manga dub, most notably the Great Deku Tree. And it is Great Deku tree, not Deku or Deku or however else Karen wanted me to pronounce it, it’s definitely the Great Deku Tree.(Karen: Curse you, Alex!)

I am also one of the two main Game Masters for my roleplaying game group, so that probably counts as experience as well, as anyone who has played will undoubtedly back me up on that one. Who is your favourite FS character (if any)? Probably either Vio or Valenzuela. I really like Valenzuela’s nobility and heroic aspect, sort of brings me back to my childhood when I loved knights and castles and that all that sort of thing. The vain part of me thinks Vio and I are quite similar, which is why I like him.

How do you warm up/get in character before recording? For each character, I usually have a line or two that I can say to get me into character. For the Big Poe, for example, it’s ‘Lord Gufu’. I then keep saying it until I’m happy with the end result. Favourite chapter to voice so far? Favourite scene? Well, the answer to both of those is the beginning of chapter 6, part 2. I mean, let’s be fair, the first part of that is basically me running around being creepy – it’s great fun! Lines you dread voicing the most (screaming, crying, etc): Anything romantic, basically. It’s the main thing that will make me self-conscious, and I’m really not convinced that I’m doing it convincingly. What are your biggest worries when it comes to voicing your character? This isn’t so much relevant to the Four Swords dub because most of my characters are quite two-dimensional, like I said earlier, but in general my biggest worry is that I am not doing them justice. Essentially, that I’m not doing a good enough job in conveying an appropriately realistic set of emotions. Basically, my main worry is that I’m performing the lines, not acting them, if that makes sense. Would you date your character (if they were of age)? No. No, I… no. Do you have a favourite voice actor on the dub? Am I allowed to say three? Tough, I am anyway. Carrot, Karen, and Swiss. No offence to anyone else, you’re all lovely. That said… that said, credit must also be given to Tyrannical Rex for voicing pretty much every minor character in the dub. Bravo sir! And yes, Karen is totally a voice actor, she’s the narrator, so :P.

Okay, now, I’m really excited about this one because this is the first bit of fanmail I’ve ever had, so thank you so much, Anon, I love you.

Asked by Anon

For Alex (Big Poe): Are you that creepy in real life? So I think this question is best answered with a short story. I remember once, a few years ago, I was looking at myself in the mirror, and I decided to smile, because why not. So I smiled.

I literally creeped myself. I kid you not, I have not smiled at myself in a mirror since then! I had to tone it down for the Big Poe! MISC

Asked by Anon What was the funniest/most humorous line you guys have had to say? As far as I’m concerned, my funniest line is, and will always be, anything I say in my Rosie voice. Do you wanna play? Which then, of course, becomes: do you wanna play?

And finally

Asked by Anon Do you guys have any inside jokes you'll like to share about the dub?

Yes.

In the dub, I am known as the Soapy, Dektionary Poedeclagu Doll, which is a monstrous conglomeration of all my rolls from the FS Dub and the OoT dub. Soldier, Happy Mask Salesman, the Great Deku Tree, The Big Poe, the normal Poe, the Hinox (which, until about two weeks ago, I thought was called a ‘Cyclops’), the Bagu Tree, and Rosie the Doll. I’m also pretty good with grammar, so I was nicknamed the ‘Dictionary’ at one point as well, which went in there.

Oh, and, of course, ‘It’s Alex!’. See the Chapter 2 Part 1 bloopers for that. Riiiiiight there at the end.

And erm… well, that’s us done, now. Thank you, dear listener and reader, for sitting through in excess of a thousand words, my Goodness. I hope you have found them enlightening, or at the very least entertaining. I have had a fantastic time working on this project, so thank you very much for watching it. Really, thank you. And I hope you enjoy the rest of the Four Swords series. Have fun.

#legend of zelda #four swords #big poe #zelda #manga #askthecast

[welovekpopscenarios]

5 Times Winwin Tried to Kiss You and One Time He Did (50s!AU Winwin x Reader)

Admin: Mimi

Or, the story of how Winwin pined for years over his best friend who he just could never kiss.

Fandom: NCT 127/U

Genre: Fluff, bit of angst

Pairing: Winwin x Reader

Warnings: Very brief mentions of alcohol and smoking, otherwise none!

Word Count: 6k+

A/N: Back at it again with another fic lmao I wanted to write for someone other than SVT (I can’t help it they’re my bias group !!) and I thought up this kind of story a while back (I always liked the 5 times kind of fics) and decided Winwin needs more love because i rarely see fics for him. Also this was supposed to be Preppy!Winwin but there wasn’t really much preppy, unless you squint. Happy reading, feedback is loved and helps a lot!

The lively atmosphere of the playground; the laughing children climbing wildly around the monkey bars or soaring high above the world on the swing sets, the waiting parents lost in deep conversation with each other about the changing world, even the chime of the ice cream truck that had crowds gathering to get a taste of the frozen treat, all fell deaf to little Sicheng’s ears as he stared at you sitting peacefully in the sand box and building your own bizarre creations. He did not know it at the time, being much too young to understand anything about the world around him, about himself, about feelings, but years later he would realise that this overwhelming feeling of happiness and warmth and all things good while he watched you was what the romance novels liked to call ‘love at first sight’.

While he didn’t have the best grasp at social cues and manners, there were some things he picked up from his parents. Like, saying please and thank you, offering your seat to the elderly woman on the bus, and how to treat someone you like nicely. And he reasoned, since his mother and father liked each other so much, that whenever they pecked each other’s lips sweetly every so often, that it was just something that people do when they liked each other.

And he liked you very much.

So, when Sicheng introduced himself to you (albeit very nervously, sweaty hands wiping on the rough fabric of his shorts or fiddling with his suspenders), and you smiled at him, inviting him to build sandcastles with you, he thought it the perfect opportunity to show you just how much he liked his new friend.

And so, he leaned his face towards yours, puckered his lips, and prepared to try something new with someone who made him inexplicably happy and excited-

-only to receive a mouth full of sand and a very shocked expression on your face.

He doesn’t remember much after that, it was all a rush of spitting and wiping sand from his lips and you screaming in his ear about how you should “ask a gal first before you kiss ‘em! It’s what my sister told me!”. He went home that day with a pout and teasing from his parents. But meeting you was something he would never forget.

How could he, when you remind him of that disastrous moment nearly every chance you could?

He doesn’t associate it with malice, however.

He indeed gained a friend that day, one for life, and one that would unintentionally cause him more grief with affairs of the heart than he anticipated.

That awkward phase between being a child and growing into the terrors of being a teenager are full of new discoveries. New things you learn in Sunday school, things about your body that you most certainly would not learn in Sunday school, or any school to be honest, and listening to the radio to hear about all the new things scientists have found or inventors have created. Something new, every day, whether it was in Sicheng’s life or the lives around him.

The one Sicheng remembers the most (and probably loathes the most for the nerves it brought him), was the discovery of love and relationships.

Taking an interest romantically in someone was becoming more and more frequent for him and all his friends. He sees it everywhere; from his own parents, from that older kid in his neighbourhood -Taeil – walking hand in hand with some upper-class girl, shy smiles on both their faces, saw it in all the romance movies they played in the movie theatres his mother would take him to see on Saturdays if he behaved well that week. And while at first, he had not thought much of it, preferring to continue playing football with his friends and living his youth up while he has it, he seemingly can’t ignore it much when you gush on and on about getting “a total dreamboat who will sweep you off your feet and marry you.”

And he can’t explain why he gets so annoyed when this non-existent “dreamboat” of yours is mentioned.

Hanging at the bridge’s underpass by the river where all the ‘cool’ kids go with his friends, he’s introduced to the game ‘Truth or Dare’ for the first time. He always heard about it from the older crowd, figured it sounded like a fun game he’d love to try.

But he was not expecting Yuta to point at Sicheng with a grin and dare him to kiss you on the cheek after Sicheng made the mistake of choosing to do a dare.

Sicheng had felt his stomach plunge to the gravel and dirt beneath him, felt his face go as hot as a fire, he was sure he’d have steam coming out his ears, and felt the nerves eat at him so bad he was close to puking.

But he had to do this. He couldn’t be a chicken like the boys were calling him, despite his nerves, despite the sweat practically pouring out of him, despite the strange skip of his heart as he looked at your small, pretty smile as you sat across from him in your yellow sundress with a pure white bow on your head.

And just when he began to make his way over to your form to finally kiss you, much like he had all those years ago in that dingy sandbox, you shook your head no, and caused all the embarrassed heat in his body to leave his body so fast he was surprised he didn’t faint.

You acted much like a saint in that moment; you hushed the others’ whines, explained that good friends wouldn’t pressure someone they care about to do something that clearly causes them great distress, and that this game would be much more interesting if it was kept to doing silly dares and answering weird questions.

The boys grumbled, but agreed, and quickly enough the attention was averted from Sicheng to poor, tiny Mark, who was asked to dip his new hat in the river which would effectively end in him getting an earful from his mother about ruining his Sunday best. Sicheng was left in the clear. Free to not worry about the dare or about girls and relationships for another while.

It doesn’t explain why he was left so bitterly disappointed for the rest of the day, even as he walked his bike back home just in time for his supper.

It was roughly when Sicheng was 15 that he realised he loved to dance.

And it was roughly when Sicheng was 15 that he realised he was completely and utterly in love with you.

He wonders why he never came to this conclusion earlier, on both things – it was so obvious, even his parents could see it. With every dance move they watched him perfect, they also saw the inquiring look directed towards your form, awaiting approval and showers of praise (which you always gave, without fail). He was something akin to a puppy following after its owner – and wherever you went, he definitely followed, like the lovestruck fool he was.

He tried focusing on his dancing, and it worked for some time. The guys around him would make fun of him, call it girly and dumb. And he did not understand why for some time – just because he chose to use his brain and his feet to dance to his heart’s content rather than stick on a leather jacket and have his hair slicked back while he worked in a garage and smoked all day, does not mean he should be judged for the life he chose.

He was worried his parents thought much of the same, but he should not have doubted them. His mother, with her calm aura and sweet smile, praised his abilities and encouraged him to pursue dancing more. And his father, a man stern and set in his ways, had nothing more to say other than aim for a good college when he finishes school and that he was proud of him.

And that was all Sicheng needed to decide he wanted to go to one of the top colleges in the country to make something of himself.

He tried getting involved in as many things possible regarding dance – after school lessons, competitions, anything that was available where he could hone his skills and master the art of dance.

So, when his school decided to host a musical, and he heard you were going to join as the Princess, he was overjoyed.

Unfortunately, however, he did not land the lead role of the Prince. Instead he played the understudy.

He tried to remain positive about it; he could still dance and perform when asked to, he just might not get the chance to show everyone unless the lead actor – a guy nicknamed ‘Ten’ – was unavailable to perform the role.

Still, it did nothing to squash the churning of his stomach when he heard that the Prince was to kiss the Princess at the closing of the play.

But his golden opportunity came towards the final weeks of preparing for the play, when Ten was out sick during rehearsal of the final scene, and so Sicheng was called to fill the position and help you rehearse.

The final scene.

The one with the kiss.

Those nerves from years ago came rushing back in an instant in the form of red cheeks and a swarm of butterflies in his tummy, but to say Sicheng was overjoyed to finally have this opportunity to kiss you was an understatement.

He knew all his lines and cues, having practiced the diligently every night before bed without fail, that even the teacher was impressed, and Sicheng couldn’t stop the swell of pride in his chest even if he wanted to.

You were flawless in your role, as expected, you always did everything so well, and he was in awe at your acting abilities, comparing your skills to those big actresses like Grace Kelly, Marylin Monroe, and Jayne Mansfield. So in awe, that Sicheng almost forgot about the upcoming kiss at the end of the Princess’ speech.

Almost.

He waited with baited breath as the Princess in front of him declared her love with wide eyes and a loving smile, and then it was time for him to reach up with his hands, grasp your face with his trembling fingers, and lean in.

He could feel your breath against his lips as he got closer, could feel the heat radiating off your cheeks, could see your eyes flutter shut that had his heart racing. He was so close, the tip of his nose brushed against yours-

-when the school bell suddenly rang to signify the end of the day, and jolted both himself and yourself away from each other in surprise.

Noise erupted throughout the auditorium in the form of the rustling of bags, the shuffling of feet and the farewells of everyone on set, the teacher shouting that he will see everyone at the same time on Monday.

Sicheng stood there, dumbfounded, stuck in a daze as he watched you gather your things and put away your props. He was brought back to the present once you waved a hand in front of his face, his eyes blinking rapidly as they focused on your beautiful eyes that were glimmering with faint amusement.

“Come on, you goof, or you’ll be locked up in here for the weekend and miss out on seeing that new film that you wanted to catch. What was it…’Singing in the Rain’?”

Truthfully, he had forgotten about that. He was only really thinking about how he might break that damned school bell without getting caught or how he might convince the principle it was one of those greasers if he did. He sighed, a long winded and weary thing that carried more weight than one might imagine. Sensing the dip in his mood, you put on your best smile (but he thinks they all look stellar), and linked your arm in his, your poodle skirt brushing against his pants and your opposite hand squeezing his bicep.

“Come on, let’s ice the blues away with a milkshake from the old diner, huh? You can tell me all about this film and convince me to see it.”

Of course he went with you, to the classic hangout since when you were both 12, and of course he sat across from you and admired the way the lights lit up your face, or the shape of your mouth as you told him all about the book you read recently.

The sweetness of the chocolate shake in his grip failed to make today’s predicament any bit better, and the chocolate turned to ash in his mouth as he though about how Ten would be the one to kiss those soft lips of yours that he longed after for so long.

(The play was a success, but Sicheng did little celebrating after the peck Ten placed upon your lips that had you grinning from ear to ear and giggling like a true princess in love.)

By attending one of the most prestigious colleges in the country and living his dream of dance, Sicheng did not think he would be dragged into the lifestyle of drinking, smoking and overall delinquency that was growing in popularity with the youth of today, yet here he was donning his silver mask as his disguise, being jostled around by overzealous young adults jiving to Elvis Presley’s latest hits and wanting nothing more than to return to his books in the safety of his dorm than standing in the large, bright and noisy dance hall.

He has to admit, the spins and lifts of the crazy couples on the dancefloor were intriguing, certainly different from the elegant and poised moves that Sicheng grew up perfecting, and yet the fast paced and insane dances moves were interesting all the same.

Still, did not change his opinion on preferring the warmth of his bed sheets over pretending to be drunk and having a great time and dodging every cigarette that was offered his way. He doesn’t care about seeming ‘preppy’, as people are so bent on calling his ‘kind’, he’d much rather be comfortable and not standing awkwardly in the wicked heat of this masquerade party.

And yet, as he adjusted the sleeves of his neatly pressed suit jacket and corrected his dicky bow, he reminded himself of the reason he was even here to begin with, and Yuta’s dastardly plan.

To finally kiss you after all these years, using his mask to fake his confidence and give him the courage to, at last, press his lips to yours.

A stupid plan, really, and Yuta had been near sleep deprived after the dance hall he had attended when he thought of this plan, but Sicheng saw the logic in it.

Sort of.

He watched as you twirled around in the pretty red frilly dress Yuta said you would be wearing, the gold sequins of your lavish mask glittering in the dim lights of the hall, grooving to the band playing on stage and giggling with the friends around you. The rouge of your lipstick matched your dress perfectly, he thought absentmindedly, wondering if it was as silky as his handkerchief as he imagined. He was shoved rudely out of his daydreaming by Doyoung (who was also a part of this foolish scheme by sneaking his way into a passing conversation he overheard between a blushing Sicheng and an erratic Yuta who would not lower his voice!)

“They’re going to play a slow song next,” Doyoung informed him, and when Sicheng simply stared at him blankly in return, he sighed and rolled his eyes with impatience. “A dance for couples. A slow dance.” Silence. “Christ, Sicheng, you aren’t too drunk, are you? This is your chance, nincompoop! Dance with her! Kiss her!”

Doyoung gave Sicheng a push, nearly flattening the poor boy in front of all the people, but with a thumbs up and a wide grin from the pusher himself, Sicheng composed himself and made his way over to where you stood.

He could feel his heartbeat in his throat, and his hands shook more than the floor boards beneath his feet, breathing laboured as he gathered his courage and stopped before you. The music was beginning to take a slower turn, and everyone in the room quickly found a partner, bodies moving in gentle waves and turns, heads laying on shoulders and hands holding on tightly.

You looked up at Sicheng in what he could only guess was surprise, given the obstacle that was the mask covering most emotions on everyone’s faces. He sucked in a breath, released it a moment later. This was it.

“Would you like to dance with me?” he asked, subconsciously deepening his voice in fear of you recognising him too early and rejecting his offer. You looked at him in silence, your eyes squinting and scrutinising his form, attempting to decipher if you knew him or not while Sicheng stood stock still with nerves. It was like you were looking through him, at his heart that was beating faster than a drum and picking him from the inside out. Finally, you spoke.

“Will you tell me your name?” your voice carried a tone of amusement to it, and it melted Sicheng’s body into a more relaxed stance.

“Dance with me and maybe you’ll find out,” he replied, extending his hand to you, which you took bashfully and with a twinkling giggle.

Smooth one, Sicheng. Yuta will definitely not let him live that down once he hears about it.

Leading you to the centre with as confident a grip he could give, he turned to face you, placing gentle hands on your waist, gulping when you wrapped yours around his neck, and began swaying the both of you smoothly to the blues of the music.

You stared at him with curiosity swimming in your eyes, a light upturn of your lips displaying your amusement. Sicheng smiled shyly, feeling his cheeks flare with heat at the close proximity he had rarely experienced with you before. (He’s a man, damn it, he was taught to respect boundaries.)

“So, will you tell me your name now?” you asked, voice as soft as cotton so as not to ruin the atmosphere of the hall around you.

He almost forgot to answer you, too awestruck at the beauty of the moment, of you; a soft smile playing at your rose painted lips, the lights set up around the room glittering like stars upon your skin, he almost forgot to breathe. The band played its blues gently in the background, the tones washing over the both of you so sweetly it could send Sicheng to Cloud 9 right now if he wasn’t so hell bent on staying on the ground and getting a kiss from you.

“Ruins the purpose of the masks, doesn’t it?” he settled for, hands squeezing minutely around your waist. “Much more exciting this way.”

You huffed out a breath – stubborn as always – and those rouge lips of yours pouted up at him.

“I’d like to know who I’m spending my time with, stranger.”

“You’ll find out eventually,” he chuckled, and he delighted in the bashfulness overtaking your features. “For now, I’d just like to dance with the most beautiful girl in the world.

Even above the blissfully slow love song, he could hear your intake of breath, and he waited in tense silence to find out if he had overstepped his boundaries and pushed you away completely. He could see it in your eyes, could see the war you were waging with yourself on whether to give into the excitement of dancing with a tall, dark and handsome stranger who would willingly give you compliments until his voice grew hoarse, or to back away and return to being the responsible and mature person you were who never strayed too far from the lines of safety.

The former won the battle.

“This is just like those romance novels,” you giggled, teeth nipping at your bottom lip to contain the gorgeously dopey smile you get when you’re flustered threatening to break out. God, he loved you so much.

“Really?” he asked, clearing his throat against the cracking of his voice. You laugh good naturedly, endeared at the now sudden goofiness of your knight in shining armour. Nodding, your hands fidgeted slightly behind his neck, skin brushing against his, goosebumps erupting and hairs raising. He shivered in excitement.

He hummed, his feign of nonchalance allowing him to revel in this newfound confidence and spur his actions. He stepped closer to you after a moment of consideration, chest pressed to chest, and he was terrified that the thumping of his heart was enough to alert you that this knight was not as brave as he seemed.

“What happens in these romance novels? What happens to the couples?” he whispered, breath fanning across your heated cheeks as you stared in dumbstruck awe. Your arms tightened around his neck, buzzing with an emotion you couldn’t explain, yet you were ready to dive into the unknown, he always knew you were looking for something more than you could get. And you deserved whatever it was you were after.

“They…they kiss. A kiss so good, the gal’ lifts her leg and gets so lost in the moment she forgets her name,” was your breathy reply, and Sicheng could feel his stomach tighten with a nervous giddiness he’s felt twice in his life, both with you beside him. The band were finishing up the song, if the lengthy notes and drawn out vocals were any indication, and Sicheng knew, this was his moment.

“How?” he asked, giving you an out should you have wanted to take it, but you refused, staring deeply into his eyes and ignoring everything around you, giving Sicheng an undivided attention he was unused to experiencing. You leaned ever closer to him and he mimicked your actions, inclining his head towards yours and gazing upon your lips, blood red petals he longed for, for so many years, finally within his grasp.

“Like…thi-“

“Oh, there you are.”

You flinched away from Sicheng as if you had been burnt, and simultaneously he took a step backwards in shock of such a rapid action, staring dumbly as none other than Johnny Seo waltzed right up beside you in his leather jacket, wrapped his arm around your waist and pulled you tight against his body like nobody’s business. You could not form a sentence properly, only stumbling your way through a greeting as Johnny grinned down at you and ignored Sicheng like he wasn’t even there to begin with. Sicheng remained silent, stuck in a haze and shoulders slouched like the heaviest weight was just thrown on his back.

“Been looking for you everywhere, Dollface,” he laughed, pinched your side, earning a yelp for his action. “Look, I know I’m late and I didn’t show up to bring you here, but what’ya say we get outta here? This place blows,” he suggested-but-not-really-suggested, seeing as he was already tugging you out of the room towards the double doors and to the fresh air. Of course, Sicheng was left standing there, in the centre of the dancefloor while a jive started up around him and dancers gave him odd looks for staying still, but he couldn’t find it in him to move – the shock rendered him useless and the jealousy burning in his heart simmered throughout his body while his brain fought to keep him from following after Johnny and doing something stupid.

Out of the corner of his eye, he vaguely saw Doyoung and Yuta standing side-by-side, facepalming and cursing Johnny’s existence for ruining this ‘perfect plan’.

Sicheng would mimic their actions if he had the energy to.

Sicheng reckons he should just give up at this point, despite Yuta’s and Doyoung’s insistence that he keeps ‘fighting for your love’.

As if. You weren’t interested in him in anyway.

You’d asked him that Monday after the dance if he had gone and what he thought of it. He replied he had, lied that he hadn’t stayed long and asked if you enjoyed it. You said you did, but that nothing major happened. And that was that. No mention of any ‘mysterious man’.

Sicheng was left extremely disappointed after that conversation.

But, now he had Christmas to look forward to, and seeing his parents once again in a happy and festive setting and one so full of the love he’s been deprived of and-

God, he needs to stop listening to Doyoung’s rambles.

So preoccupied was he with packing his suitcase for the trip and hopping into his dad’s navy Chevrolet and pushing you completely from his mind in hopes that he’d be over you by the time he returns to college, he forgot just how close both his and your parents were with each other.

And that they decided to have a Christmas party together in your house.

Just lovely, he thinks from his position in the armchair by the window, watching the snow fall in delicate flakes to join the mountains of it on the ground while the party is well underway around him. He couldn’t care less about socialising right now, despite it being what his parents would expect him to do as a golden child.

Regardless of his neat sweater and crisp shirt, he felt unkempt and restless just being in your vicinity; his skin itched for him to stay away from you, his brain screamed to ignore you, yet his heart wept to have you close by his side like you always were.

“Sicheng, darling,” his mother called, drawing his attention away from the flurries outside as he turned to her with a questioning stare. “Can you refill my glass for me? The drink is in the kitchen,” she asked, hand extended to pass her glass to her son. Sicheng sighed quietly through his nose but did as he was told, grabbing the glass and rising from his spot, walking away from the conversations airing around the living area and towards the kitchen.

Only the be stopped by you walking out from the kitchen once he reached the doorway.

You smiled at him, stumbled awkwardly as you tried to side step him only to have him do the same, and giggled at his endearingly flushed face.

He gulped, kept his gaze on the floor, and nodded in your direction, intending for that to be the extent of the interaction so he could return to moping by the window in peace as soon as possible, until your father, ever the rambunctious man, hollered: “look, love is in the air for these kids! Look at what they’re standing under, honey!”

It was with dread that Sicheng lifted his head simultaneously as you raised yours, to find that stupid and embarrassing little weed looking plant hung high on the doorframe above both of your excruciatingly close forms, too close for Sicheng’s heart to beat at a semi normal pace.

You lowered your gaze to his, heat rushing to your cheeks and a lopsided smile plastered on your face, and yet you remained where you were, perhaps waiting for Sicheng to make a move so you could reject him kindly once again, he thinks. He bit at the skin of his lower lip, watched as your glittering eyes flickered between his own dark pair and his mouth, and that familiar nervousness came crawling back to him. You both ignored the catcalls and teasing comments of your parents, not taking your attention off each other for one second. His throat constricted, he swallowed dryly, you leaned forward just a smidge, and-

“I won’t kiss you if you don’t want me to.”

He was surprised that this strange, lowly, meek and quiet voice was his own, rejecting something that he sought after the second he realised he couldn’t see himself living with someone that wasn’t you. You looked stunned, your lips parting and your eyes wide, but you composed yourself quickly, your expression morphing into something so blank Sicheng had great difficulty deciphering what was going through your mind.

The parents all groaned and expressed their displeasure at Sicheng’s unwillingness to give you a peck on the lips (not that he didn’t want to, he desperately did, with every fibre of his being, he just valued your comfort more than his wishes). His mother, the angel that she was, was quick to dissuade the negativity in the room. “He’s a gentleman,” she complimented, “he knows better than to just kiss a girl because of some silly plant.”

The parents laughed, returned to their conversations, and Sicheng was virtually alone with you, that same hollow look upon your face staring at him while the pair of you stood in relative silence. His hand flexed around his mother’s glass, knuckles turning white from the grip, and trained his sight on his brown shoes, the toes skimming the tops of your saddle shoes.

“If you’re such a gentleman” you began, voice quiet and laced with a hesitancy Sicheng was not familiar with hearing. “You shouldn’t leave a girl hanging like that and ask her on a date if you aren’t gonna kiss her now.”

His heart nearly leapt out of his throat, and he was sure his eyes were nearly as wide as dinner plates right about now. Blood rushed to his cheeks like a tsunami, and was sure if he opened his mouth, nothing but a distressed wailing sound would leave his body. You looked as nervous as he felt, afraid that you had put your foot in your mouth and ruined your beloved friendship with the only person you ever cared about in your life.

“How about you take me to the pictures this Saturday? Pick me up at 7?” you offered, taking control of the situation and Sicheng had never been more grateful for your ability to take charge of a situation, because he was damn sure he just lost all ability to speak in this moment, too busy dancing away in his head and committing this moment to memory for it to be played over and over and over again at night when he will lie awake with butterflies in his stomach and a grin on his face.

So, he nodded, smiled like an idiot, nearly cried with happiness when you laughed shyly and ran back into the living area, and sauntered into the kitchen to finally refill his mothers drink.

It was funny, really. How after all this time, after the pain of being so close yet so far, that the fact he now has a date with you was actually so easy to achieve because of a stupid holiday tradition.

He took a sip from his mother’s drink, the burning liquid trickling down his throat and added to the dizziness he felt after his encounter with you.

What an idiot he was.

Truth be told, Sicheng wasn’t paying any attention to the film rolling in front of his eyes, much too busy overthinking the way you leaned closer to him and brushed your shoulder against his when you reached for the popcorn.

He couldn’t even remember the name of the movie to begin with. Whatever you had suggested, he had said yes immediately to in hopes of making you happy (which, he did).

You really had him wrapped around your finger, didn’t you?

(He doesn’t care, he thinks happily, as you meet his gaze and smile at him. He doesn’t care at all.)

His mind was racing about what he should do once the movie was finished – walk you home? Take you to your favourite diner? Go for a walk in that park? He honestly couldn’t choose, didn’t know what to choose exactly, and in the blink of an inattentive eye for Sicheng, everyone started filing out of the doors of the cinema, a lively buzz in the atmosphere of people their thoughts on the movie and where to go from here.

Sicheng wants to ask them to be privy to that bit of info himself. Where does he go from here?

“Sicheng?” he heard, and turned his head towards the voice. You looked at him with a stunning smile, the bright lights of the theatre’s signs not glowing nearly as bright as you were to him in this moment, with yourself all dolled up for little old him, and he did not feel one bit worthy to stand here with you.

“Yes?” he answered quietly, his trembling fingers pulling at the sides of his trousers, flitting in and outs of his pockets, a nervous tick, and one you caught onto immediately. Your hand slotted perfectly into his when you grasped it, and he prays to anyone that’ll listen that you won’t get repulsed by the sweatiness of his palms or the shakiness of his fingers.

“I had a really fun time tonight,” you confessed, offering a gentle squeeze of reassurance. His heart skipped a beat (a regular occurrence with you, it seems), and he was positive his cheeks were pinker than a strawberry macaron. “I…I don’t know why we didn’t do this sooner,” you mused with a light laugh. Sicheng nearly choked on his spit.

“Wait, what? You would have done this sooner?” he grimaced at the incredulous crack of his voice, and appreciated your attempts at stifling your laughter.

“Well I’ve…I’ve liked you since I was 15, but I was just too chicken to say anything, didn’t wanna ruin our friendship,” you admitted, scratching at your cheek and avoiding his stare as you focused your attention on the ground. Once this newfound information processed in his mind, Sicheng laughed.

And laughed.

And laughed.

You stared in bewilderment as Sicheng seemingly lost his mind, bending over in a full blown cackle, face red and short of breath, and attracting the stares of many passer-by’s. You bent over to become level with his face.

“Sicheng, are you ok? Everyone’s staring at us, wacko,” you giggled at his form, still very confused at what was so funny.

Catching his breath, Sicheng stood upright and sighed airily, a dopey grin plastered on his visage.

“I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember, this is so bogus,” he laughed. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for as long too,” Sicheng added, still a bit out of it from his laughing fit, wiping tears of mirth from the corners of his eyes. You bit at your lip, a furrow in your brow telling him you were thinking hard about something.

“So do it, hot stuff.”

“Do what?” Sicheng asked dumbly, and you rolled your eyes playfully. Really, he laughed all sense out of him. So, you took charge.

Slipping your hand out of his, you lifted both to gently take hold of his dumbstruck face, leaned in, and placed your lips upon his.

Finally.

Sicheng almost couldn’t breathe but refused to move away, leaning his forehead against yours, hands fumbling to take hold of your waist and hold you close against his chest. It was the kind of kiss like he had always seen in the movies – passionate, full of love, and made all sorts of things happen with his heart and body. Fireworks, butterflies, chills, tingles, none were an accurate description to how unbelievably happy he felt in this moment, how comforting the motion of your thumbs stroking his face felt, how perfectly soft your lips felt against his, everything was just so, so…

Long overdue, if he was being brutally honest.

Air eventually became a necessity, and so it was with great regret (that the moment couldn’t last forever) you pulled apart, gasping for air and refusing to look anywhere other than at each other. Sicheng smiled sweetly, reaching up to stroke at the apple of your cheek.

“Did anyone ever tell you it’s rude not to ask someone to kiss them before you do?” he teased, recalling a misfortunate memory of a shabby sandbox and the beginning of a long history.

You grinned, pinched playfully at his cheek. “Maybe. But I’ll apologise later. Now give me another kiss, we have years to make up for.”

Sicheng, for all his poise and grace, would gladly run like a madman to obey that request.

#mimi fics #kpop #kpop fanfiction #winwin #winwin scenarios #winwin fluff #winwin angst #winwin fanfic #NCT #nct 127 #nct u #NCT 127 reactions #nct 127 scenarios #nct u scenarios #nct u fluff #fluff #angst #dong sicheng #sicheng scenarios #taeyong #jaehyun #taeil #doyoung #johnny #mark #haechan #yuta #lucas #kun #jungwoo

[papermoonloveslucy]

ORSON WELLES RADIO ALMANAC

March 9, 1944

“Orson Welles Almanac” (1944) is a CBS Radio series directed and hosted by Orson Welles. Broadcast live in California and Arizona via CBS West Coast studios, the 30-minute program was heard Wednesdays at 9:30pm beginning January 26, 1944. Its last broadcast was July 19, 1944. Orson Welles Almanac presented readings from classic works, drama, music, sketch comedy, magic, mindreading, and personal commentary by Welles. Many of the shows originated from US Army camps where Welles entertained the troops. Welles had an ongoing battle with the program's sponsor, Mobil Oil, which shortened the life of the series. Twenty six broadcasts were produced; all but four shows have survived.

This is the seventh episode of the series, aired on March 9, 1944. Previous guests were Groucho Marx, Lionel Barrymore, Ann Sothern, Robert Benchley, Hedda Hopper, and Victor Moore.  Lucille Ball would return to the series to guest star on May 3, 1944. Unfortunately, this is one of the four lost episodes.  

CAST

Lucille Ball (Guest Star) was then filming Ziegfeld Follies for release in 1945.  Her films Best Foot Forward and Thousands Cheer (both released in 1943) were then in local cinemas. Ball was in her fourth year of a rocky marriage to Desi Arnaz, who she would divorce in September 1944, although the papers were never officially filed. The week prior to this broadcast, Ball guest starred on Bing Crosby’s radio show “Music Hall”.  

Orson Welles arrived in Hollywood in 1939 when Ball was a contract player at RKO Studios. To squelch rumors that he was a homosexual, the studio sent Lucy to escort him to a premiere to be photographed. He later recalled,

“We went to see the opening of some movie or other—I simply picked her up at her house and we went to the movie and got photographed and came home and I said ‘Good night,’ and that was the end of that. That was the end of that romance, but it was the beginning of a long friendship.”

A veteran of the theatre, in 1941 the actor / director completed his magnum opus film Citizen Kane. In the 1950s he was under contract to Desilu to film a pilot for an anthology series called “The Fountain of Youth,” which wasn’t aired until 1958 and did not result in a series. Despite that, it won a Peabody Award, the only pilot to ever do so.

On February 5, 1956 Lucy and Desi appeared with Welles on Ed Sullivan’s “Toast of the Town.” They were there to promote their film Forever Darling. Welles was there to promote his revival of his King Lear at New York’s City Center, which he initially performed in a wheelchair due to injuries to both ankles. By the time he performed it on “Toast of the Town” (aka “The Ed Sullivan Show”) Welles was using a crutch.

When the Oscar-winning actor and director was down on his luck he was invited to stay in the Arnaz guest cottage. Notorious for his drinking and rude behavior, Lucy had to find a way to politely get rid of her guest so she decided to have an episode of “I Love Lucy” written for him so she could pay him a salary. With that in mind, Desilu paid him the exorbitant sum of $15,000!  Ball’s memories of Welles were mixed. “I had a real love-hate relationship with Orson,” she said towards the end of her life. “His mind was awesome…but he was also a pain in the ass.”

At the time of this broadcast (March 8, 1944) Welles’ film Jane Eyre was playing in cinemas. 

Ella Mae Morse (Musical Guest) was signed by Jimmy Dorsey at the age of 14 (she lied about her age and said she was 19) and was subsequently fired after discovering the truth about her age. Her recording of "Cow Cow Boogie" was the first million-selling single for Capitol Records in 1942. Her biggest hit was "The Blacksmith Blues" released in February 1952. The song she sings here, “Shoo-Shoo Baby” (written by Phil Moore), would be heard in the about-to-be-released film South of Dixie in which she played Barbara Ann Morgan.  

Agnes Moorehead (Prudence Pratt / Miss Grimace / Swoon Club Girl) was a member of Welles’ Mercury Theatre on stage and radio as well as starring in Welles’ films Citizen Kane and The Magnificent Ambersons. She is best remembered as Endora, Samantha’s mother-in-law on TV’s “Bewitched”. 

Hans Conried (Colonel Peabristle / Hotel Operator / Frenchman / Dr. Snake Oil / Flat Top) first co-starred with Lucille Ball in The Big Street (1942). After being a recurring guest on her radio show “My Favorite Husband” (1948-51), he appeared on “I Love Lucy” as used furniture man Dan Jenkins in “Redecorating” (ILL S2;E8) and later that same season as Percy Livermore in “Lucy Hires an English Tutor” (ILL S2;E13) – both in 1952. The following year he began an association with Disney by voicing Captain Hook in Peter Pan. On “The Lucy Show” he played Professor Gitterman in “Lucy’s Barbershop Quartet” (TLS S1;E19) and in “Lucy Plays Cleopatra” (TLS S2;E1). He was probably best known as Uncle Tonoose on “Make Room for Daddy” starring Danny Thomas, which was filmed on the Desilu lot. He joined Thomas on a season 6 episode of “Here’s Lucy” in 1973.

The All-Star Jazz Group: Mutt Carey (trumpet), Kid Ory (trombone), Jimmy Noone (clarinet), Buster Wilson (piano), Bud Scott (guitar), Ed Garland (bass), and Zutty Singleton (drums). 

John McIntire (Announcer) 

EPISODE

Orson Welles introduces the episode, opening with a Household Hint by Prudence Pratt and a Wonders of Science fact by Colonel Peabristle. After the opening music and Mobil Oil sponsorship message, Welles summons his secretary Miss Grimace to tell him who is on the show tonight. She reports that it is Miss Lucille Ball, although she hasn’t arrived yet.  Welles says she is filing her tax forms. 

WELLES: “Can you imagine. The Government wants Lucille Ball to fill in HER form!” 

Miss Grimace admits the three members of The Orson Welles Swoon Club.  Welles interrogates them as to their whereabouts during his public appearances. He wants new members, promising them nylons.   

Oops!  Welles mis-reads the script, saying “nylon baby socks” instead of “nylon bobby sox”. He corrects himself with a laugh and says “For me, it’s booby socks!”  Bobby soxer is a term for the wildly enthusiastic, teenage female fans of 1940s music, particularly Frank Sinatra.

Orson wants to know if they have gotten the new photographs he sent them. One of the Swoon Club compliments him on how he looks in his sarong - mistaking him for Dororthy Lamour in a Bob Hope / Bing Crosby picture. 

Dorothy Lamour was nicknamed ‘The Sarong Girl’. In 1936 she donned her soon-to-be-famous sarong for her debut at Paramount, The Jungle Princess (1936), and continued to play similar parts through the war years and beyond. The most famous of these was in the popular Bob Hope / Bing Crosby "Road" pictures - a combination of adventure, music, and slapstick.

The Swoon Club feel sorry for Orson that he hasn’t won an Oscar, so they knit him a tie - which started out as a pair of socks.He dismisses the club.  

When the 16th Academy Awards were distributed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Thursday, March 2, 1944, neither of Welles’ 1943 motion pictures were among the nominees: Jane Eyre and Journey Into Fear, which he also co-directed and co-wrote. Welles shared a 1942 Oscar with Herman Mankiewicz for writing Citizen Kane, a bone of contention between them, since Mankiewicz later claimed he wrote the entire script. The backstory is explored in the modern film Mank (2020). 

Miss Grimace reports that the Hotel Carlton is suing him. After he did a magic show there, the two rabbits ran rampant and did damage! Orson calls the hotel operator (Hans Conried) and learns that the hotel is now called the Carlton Rabbit Farm and the manager’s eyes have turned pink!  Welles asks Miss Grimace to send Lucille Ball roses. Miss Grimace says they are too expensive and he should send her something simpler, like phoenicia vulgaris. Welles says no because it sounds too dirty.  

Here Welles ad libs, causing Agnes Moorehead to break character and laugh. He mentions Lewis Titterton, the NBC censor and says “If you had a name like Louis Titterton anything would sound dirty. Let’s get back to the script.”  They try, but it takes a moment for their laughter to subside. 

A Frenchman from a reducing salon (Hans Conried) approaches him for an estimate on a new body. He measures Welles’ body with a tape measure. He was once the girdle coordinator at Bullocks basement for 15 years. 

FRENCHMAN: “If a size 44 tries to get into a 38, I help push!”

Announcer John McIntire does a live commercial for Mobilgas with some driving tips.  

PART 2

Before a musical introduction, Dr. Snake Oil (Hans Conried) gives a tip about dislodging a fishbone caught in the throat. 

The All-Star Jazz Group plays "Bésame Mucho" ("Kiss me a lot"), a song written in 1940 by Consuelo Velázquez. It is now considered one of the most popular songs of the 20th century and of all times. It is also the most recorded and covered song in Spanish of all time. 

Welles welcomes Lucille Ball to the show to studio audience applause. Welles says he’s written a sketch full of romantic love scenes. Orson improvs a commercial for a sponsor Krunchies, a noisy breakfast cereal that gets soggy in milk. He introduces...

“THE CASE OF THE BLUE BLOOD STAIN”

Orson plays Mickey, a detective on his night off, reading the evening paper. Lucy plays his adoring wife, Dora. 

DORA: “Mickey, where were you last night?” MICKEY: “Don’t be silly, you know how I feel about you. You’re the eighth wonder of the world.” DORA: “Yeah, well, just don’t let me catch you with the other seven, bub!” 

Lounging in bed, Dora feels a cold hand which doesn’t belong to Mickey. She screams! There’s a dead man in their bed. 

MICKEY: “You know how difficult it is to find a room these days.”

Detective Mickey notes that the dead man has 18 knife wounds in him and no holes in his shirt.

DORA: “Must have been an inside job.”

They push the body off the bed and decide to turn out the lights and go to sleep.  In the darkness, they hear a squeaky door. 

WELLES (aside): “Fine thing, a squeaky door in an oil program!” 

The audience loudly applauds this ad-lib by Welles, and even Lucy chuckles.

Dora insists there’s someone in the closet. A body falls out of the closet and onto the floor with a loud thud. Someone throws a rock through their bedroom window with a note on it. 

Except the sound effect of broken glass does not happen. Welles laughs a bit but forges ahead. 

MICKEY (reading the note): “Keep your mouth shut and throw a thousand dollars out of the window or you’ll never get another sounds effect...no, excuse me... or they’ll be four bodies in your room.”

Another rock comes through the window - with a sound effect this time!

MICKEY (reading the note): "PS: I’ll settle for $950.” 

A knock at the front door. 

MICKEY: “That must be the murderer. Come in!  I’ll take that line again: That must be the murderer. Come in!”

The man, Flat Top (Hans Conried), pulls a gun on them and threatens to shoot.  

DORA: “Where’s your patriotism? You can’t shoot him. Don’t you know the government is trying to save waste fats?” 

During World War II, the US government urged Americans to save excess fat rendered from cooking and donate it to the army to produce explosives. Fats are used to make glycerin, and glycerin is used to make things blow up.

As gunfire rings out, Welles does a Krunchies commercial, extolling their virtues with strawberries and cream.

WELLES: “You can have strawberries and cream. What do you need Krunchies for?”

Mickey is bleeding. During the commercial, Mickey has hit Flat Top on the head and called the police!  

John McIntire does a commercial for Mobil Oil. He urges motorists to keep their car oil clean to avoid repairs. 

PART THREE  

Welles introduces Ella Mae Morse, who sings “Shoo-Shoo Baby” backed by the All-Star Jazz Group.

The song was also heard in the 1944 film Follow The Boys aka Three Cheers for the Boys sung by the Andrews Sisters. 

Welles then takes a serious tone, dedicating the show to the premise that ‘every man belongs to all men.’ He reads from “Meditation 17″ by John Donne (1572-1631). 

Nunc Lento Sonitu Dicunt, Morieris. Now this bell, tolling softly for another, says to me, Thou must die. 

All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated; God employs several translators; some pieces are translated by age, some by sickness, some by war, some by justice; but God's hand is in every translation, and his hand shall bind up all our scattered leaves again for that library where every book shall lie open to one another. And therefore the bell that rings to a sermon calls not upon the preacher only, but upon the congregation to come, so this bell calls us all;  Who bends not his ear to any bell which upon any occasion rings? But who can remove it from that bell which is passing a piece of himself out of this world?

No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

Welles bids the audience goodnight. 

#Orson Welles #Lucille Ball #1944 #Hans Conried #John Donne #Ella Mae Morse #Agnes Moorehead #Besame Mucho #Shoo-Shoo Baby #John McIntire #CBS Radio #Dorothy Lamour #Mobil Oil

[ofdaegus]

KR:/ SKILL ASSESSMENT

determination: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ( 7 ) 8 9 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

seven out of ten. the reason is that despite his determination being quite high, yoongi is very aware of his physical and mental limitations. he pushes himself to his limit, but he does not cross it unnecessarily. 1

perseverance: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ( 10 )  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

ten out of ten. I picked ten because yoongi had many reasons to give up until he managed to debut. he originally had a dream that started during middle school, and in order to make it out there he went through a lot, he would sometimes starve and sleep on the floor ─ only so he could sell a couple of midi tracks he produced at the time. yoongi never gave up. 1 & 2

self-discipline: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ( 8 ) 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

eight out of ten. without discipline he wouldn’t be able to learn so many things in such a short period of time, for their debut. yoongi trained for approximately three years, and originally he wasn’t meant to be in a dance group. I believe he needed to be self disciplined in order to do things he wasn’t passionate about in a first place.

self-reliance: 1 2 3 4 ( 5 ) 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

five out of ten. trusting yourself is not an easy task for anyone, and in my opinion yoongi has it average. he knows what he wants and he chases it fiercely, however I believe that with his insecurities, sometimes he might have second thoughts regarding his own reliability on himself. 

self-confidence: 1 2 3 4 ( 5 ) 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

five out of then. it’s always intriguing how yoongi can look and show off such a cool, charismatic and confident image on stage when in reality, he’s very self conscious and somewhat insecure, specially about his self image. he certainly improved a lot through the years, but I believe that’s something he could still work on in the future. 1 & 2

creativity: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ( 8 ) 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

eight out of ten. yoongi’s incredibly creative but as any other artist, he’s influenced by things that he sees and that he likes, and sometimes it can be very obvious. he has a certain “style” that he often follows whenever he produces something, making it quite recognizable. he’s been also selected an official member of komca ( korea music copyright association ) with 87 songs credited on his name so far. 1

personality: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ( 9 ) 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

nine out of ten. known as one of the members with the most distinct personalities, yoongi is considered an INFP ( introversion, intuition, feeling, perception ), his blood type is O ( known as ambitious, confident, unpredictable & envious ), as well as a pisces ( considered empathetic, artistic, intuitive, idealistic, escapist, pessimist ). he also has many personas: suga, agust d and the extinct gloss. 1 & 2

style: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ( 7 ) 8 9 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

seven out of ten. yoongi is stylish. he has a rather good sense of fashion despite not showing actual interest on the topic, preferring a wardrobe with neutral clothes rather than colorful and vivid ones. one of the most iconic recent pieces he’s been wearing is a t-shirt from the brand “fear of god”, where he has in 3 different colors: black, white & beige. 1 & 2

flexibility:  1 ( 2 ) 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ]

two out of ten. one of the most inflexible people ever ( & a clown ). 1

dance: 1 2 3 4 5 ( 6 ) 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

six out of ten. as a bangtan member, yoongi is obviously good at dancing. to be able to perform such complex and active choreographies, he needs to work hard on his movements in order to reach the same level as the others. but when it comes to freestyle, it’s something he lacks A LOT. 1 & 2 & 3

teamwork: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ( 9 ) 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

nine out of ten. if there’s something yoongi is good at is working in group. used to trusting experienced people’s opinions to help him getting satisfied with the final product, he’s the type to encourage the others and quietly show his support on his very particular way. however when playing games, he likes to clown and to do things half-assed, which prejudices the team as consequence ( out of fun ! ). 1 & 2

physical fitness: 1 2 ( 3 ) 4 5 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ]

three out of ten. nope. he’s not fit, he’s nowhere nearly close to the word “fit”. yoongi’s one of the members with less muscles, and he’s pretty short on breath as well. he also gets tired incredibly quickly when doing activities, where you can often catch him sat and resting during reality shows. however he’s been working on his muscles lately, so let’s hope for an improvement on that area. 1 & 2 

communication skills: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ( 7 ) 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

seven out of ten. yoongi is the type to speak his mind whenever he has something to say. he doesn’t really hold himself back, specially when scolding when needed, or when voicing his thoughts about important issues. however he has a naturally shy personality, which may hold him back occasionally, specially around strangers.

professional attitude: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ( 10 ) self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

ten out of ten. he’s incredibly professional. even pre-debut, yoongi was known as the group’s “father”, in charge of guiding the members to the right path. every time there’s a mistake or something that needs fixing, he immediately has something to say about it. yoongi is truly a professional, sometimes neglecting things he originally wish he could do in order to maintain an image that fits his current career.

good people skills: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ( 9 ) 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

nine out of ten. yoongi is very well mannered, he’s polite when he has to be, he’s very aware of LGBT’s activism and often makes a supportive comment toward the community, he’s respectful toward people’s religion, it’s clear the effort he puts to not cross any boundaries he’s not supposed to. yoongi also donated 100 million won to korea pediatric cancer foundation in his birthday in the name of army ( bts’ fandom ). however he has a habit to curse somerimes. 1 & 2

patience: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ( 8 ) 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

eight out of ten. oh man, he’s patient. one of yoongi’s oldest nicknames is “motionless min”, known for his unnatural enjoyment for not moving. when it comes to patience, he’s the same. he often lets the other members get away with it, even when he’s teased. his patience also is reflected in other situations, such as waiting for certain events to happen and similar things. 1

stamina: 1 2 3 4 ( 5 ) 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

five out of ten. he lacks stamina when doing activities, but yoongi has it extraordinarily when it comes to performing. he claimed himself that he doesn’t understand how it works, but that he seems to have it extra during tours and performances. anything else however, he runs out of it pretty fast.

fitness: 1 2 3 4 ( 5 ) 6 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

five out of ten. yoongi’s health - despite self proclaimed not that good, if often in good condition. tiredness and body soreness are considered normal having a hectic schedule like his, however he’s been through several traumas along his life, including an injury pre debut, a car crash, an accident with his ear and an appendix surgery as well. 1 & 2 & 3

good grooming: 1 2 3 4 5 ( 6 ) 7 8 9 10  self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

six out of ten. not considered one of the messiest, yoongi has good notions of hygiene. his studio ( genius lab ) is kept pretty neat, however he isn’t a neat freak despite being rather worried about health. his bedroom is somewhat messy, but the items seems to be kept in their respective places. 1 & 2

memorization: 1 2 3 4 5 6 ( 7 ) 8 9 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

seven out of ten. as a rapper ( and good at it, ) yoongi has to memorize long lyrics full of tricky rhymes and often complicated words. he’s good at it, but sometimes he forgets parts and ends up doing something silly in order to mask the accident. he once forgot to add a whispered “suga” to an epik high feature he participated. the members thought it was really funny. 1 & 2

stage presence: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ( 9 ) 10 self given stars: [ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ]

nine out of ten. it’s known that he has an incredible stage presence, being able to transform completely when performing, specially rap pieces. one of yoongi’s passions is performing on big stages, and he does it amazingly and full of energy and charisma. 1

#kr. #p.week:8/21-8/28 #character development #( that seriously took forever #i worked hard

[fyexo]

(TRANS) 170417 Mogujie Interview with Lay

Mogujie interviews Zhang Yixing | The Hardworking Zhang Yixing never earns his living through his looks! There’s definitely a good reason behind the astounding rise in the number of his fans in recent years. Zhang Yixing, whose nicknames range from “little lamb” to “master of silliness”, has been known for his earnest efforts in public welfare, his humility and sincerity, how he treats everyone around him with care, and how down-to-earth he is in his job. While it may seem that our society now is greatly centered on one’s appearance, he still believes that working hard is far more important than a person’s looks! Today, Gugujiang (a Mogujie journalist) had the opportunity to interview the very busy Zhang Yixing! Want to know more about what we discussed? Let’s have a look! Zhang Yixing is here to say hi to all of you! (I’ve listened to it over 20 times, how about you?) [Yixing’s recording] Hi everyone on Mogujie, I’m Zhang Yixing~ You have to admit, the year 2017 belongs to Zhang Yixing! Our Yixing won this year’s All-rounded Artist of the Year Award at the 2nd China TV Quality Drama Awards this year, where he looked astonishingly handsome decked out in an all-black suit at the ceremony, thereby humbly accepting and reaping the first of his “fruits” of 2017. Zhang Yixing, who has had his hands busy collecting awards, also recently bagged home two big awards himself at the 5th YinYueTai V Charts Awards; with his solo original album Lose Control, he brought home the two big awards Album of the Year and Best Male Artist! For someone who has just released his first solo album, this is unbelievable results! We are so proud of his amazing achievements. From the composition of his own music and lyrics, to the producing of his own music, he could only sleep a few hours a day in that period of time, working so hard just to produce a work of his sincerity for his fans. Not only does our Yixing sing immensely well, his dancing skills also renders everyone speechless. Zhang Yixing, who has put in a lot of hard work in his dancing skills since a young age, seems to take on a different persona once he starts dancing; he really melted my heart! Do you remember Yixing’s “Wet Dance” at the annual Countdown Party concert on Dragon TV? You could become pregnant just at a glance, he was so sexy that he killed all of us! His choreography, which was the combination of power and beauty, coupled with that sweet voice unique to Zhang Yixing himself, has made every performance of his a grand ceremony of sights and sounds. Yixing once said that he hoped to mark the dawn of China’s music industry, and with all the effort he has put in through the years, step by step, he has indeed done so. Now, other than being a singer, Zhang Yixing has also joined the ranks of actors! In the 2016 drama To Be A Better Man, which earned great ratings, he played the role of the sweet and cute “Xiao Cai”. He could melt your heart with how adorable he was in every scene he appeared in. Let’s now move on to the famous topic of the role he played in The Mystic Nine. His role as Er Yuehong allowed the audience to see Yixing as the multi-faceted actor he is; instead of just being a sweet muddle-headed teenager new to love and relationships, his stellar performance in this role showed that he is a true actor who can also marvellously execute scenes of wrath, power, deep feelings, sorrow and pain. Yixing’s newest drama production, Operation Love, will be released on April 24th this year! Zhang Yixing will be showing us two different images of the same role in this drama - Yan Xiaolai both as a student and as a mature suit-donning adult. Anyone could be blinded just by seeing a few immensely handsome pictures of him from the shoot~ Our little lamb can melt your heart with just a scene from the drama! Let go of that girl (the actress in Operation Love, referring to the gif below) and come to me right now! On the topic of how there are some who still doubt the maturity of Yixing’s performance as an actor, our Yixing gave a most humble and sincere response. “I don’t recognise myself as an actor. I have worked hard and have been lucky to receive good roles to play. Ultimately, what’s most important is the audience’s opinion [of my acting]. When they say you can act well, you can recognise yourself as an actor then. I hope that everyone will give me more chances in the future, I will continue to work hard.” He said. In the media industry today, many artists have proven to be impatient in becoming famous as quickly as possible. It is thus refreshing to see that Zhang Yixing is an artist both humble and earnest, earning him the moniker of an idol filled with positive energy! Last year, he donated RMB 1 million to his alma mater, contributing to the school’s arts scholarship fund, to encourage his juniors to work hard and realise their dreams. Despite his waist injury, Yixing even went to visit children living in the poorer areas of his country, bringing them warmth and joy. As an artist who loves his fans, he told his Xingmis, “If you see me on the streets and you want to say hi, don’t be afraid to, just go ahead, whenever and wherever. But really, you don’t have to come to the airport to see me, I don’t want anyone to fall or get hurt or hurt others just to see me. Your parents will be worried.” As an artist who also takes care of his backstage crew, he even uses his own chopsticks to give food to his backstage crew when they are eating together. As an artist who also respects his seniors in the industry, he has been praised by famous senior actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong as someone who is very polite and courteous, always bowing and greeting his seniors. His senior, Huang Lei, who starred in Go, Fighting with him, also once praised Yixing for all the hard work he has put in as an artiste. When I received the task of interviewing Zhang Yixing, I was so excited that I couldn’t stop myself from asking him to do the 30 Quick Question and Answer exercise with me. But I was also concerned that he could be too busy (and therefore may have to cut short the interview) so I told him to just pick some questions from the list. However, our open and sincere Yixing answered them all! It was so touching I almost cried! Come on, let’s take a look at it! There’re so many interesting and exciting facts too! Mogujie interviews Zhang Yixing Mogujie: Do you usually edit your photos before you post them? Zhang Yixing: I’ll use a filter. Mogujie: What did you recently post in your group chat with friends? Zhang Yixing: I don’t have group chats with friends. Mogujie: How often do you change your profile pic on Weibo? Zhang Yixing: I don’t change it. Mogujie: How would you rate your singing skills? Zhang Yixing: It depends. Mogujie: Who did you last call? Zhang Yixing: I forgot. Mogujie: A song you must sing at KTV? Zhang Yixing: Forever Love (by Wang Lee Hom) Mogujie: A word to describe your looks? Zhang Yixing: Okay. Mogujie: How heavy is your idol baggage? (ie. pride as an idol; how highly you think of yourself because you’re an idol/how much pride do you have as an idol/how willing are you to do silly things or say silly things as an idol) Zhang Yixing: What is idol baggage? (He’s joking.) Mogujie: How do you express your love for your family? Zhang Yixing: Through my actions. Mogujie: What do you do when you’re not working? Zhang Yixing: When am I ever not working? (He’s joking.) Mogujie: Favourite food/dish? Zhang Yixing: Any Hunan Cuisine. Mogujie: Food you’ll never eat? Zhang Yixing: I don’t have one yet. Mogujie: A word to describe your dressing style? Zhang Yixing: Comfortable. Mogujie: Sportswear or suit? Zhang Yixing: Comfortable. Mogujie: T-shirt or dress shirt? Zhang Yixing: Comfortable. Mogujie: Briefs or boxers? Zhang Yixing: I think guys mostly wear boxers…? Mogujie: What do you have most in your closet? Zhang Yixing: Slip-on shoes. Mogujie: Where do you want to live most? Zhang Yixing: Changsha (his hometown) Mogujie: Have you gone for overseas trips where you went for it once it had been said? Zhang Yixing: I’ve only gone for work activities where I went for it once it had been said. Mogujie: Video games or Basketball? Zhang Yixing: It depends. Mogujie: Coffee or tea? Zhang Yixing: Tea, recently. Mogujie: Do you shower in the morning or at night? Zhang Yixing: Both. Mogujie: What’s the style of your home design? Zhang Yixing: That depends on the style of that hotel design, because hotels are my home. Mogujie: What have your dreams been about lately? Zhang Yixing: I’ve been sleeping pretty well lately. Mogujie: When did you realise you had a talent in acting? Zhang Yixing: I will, in the future. Mogujie: What’s the hardest line you’ve had to say? (in his drama programmes) Zhang Yixing: It’s too long. Mogujie: If you weren’t an artist, what would you do? Zhang Yixing: Backstage music production. Mogujie: Are you more active or more passive when it comes to love and relationships? Zhang Yixing: It depends, I can be both. Mogujie: What do you think is the most romantic proposal? Zhang Yixing: If I tell you I won’t be able to use it in the future and I’ll have to think up a new one (laughs) After reading Mogujie’s interview of Zhang Yixing, don’t you love this warm-hearted little lamb in the media industry even more? What? You haven’t had enough? Well, it’s okay, we still have another round! Please comment questions you’d like to ask Yixing, and I’ll pass them along to him on everyone’s behalf! Lastly, don’t forget to support our Yixing in his new drama production Operation Love, which will be released on April 24th! We’ll see you in the next issue!

trans: fy-exo | source: mogujie please take out with credits.

#exo #lay #t: interview #trans

[championnatalia]

The words had burned into her brain, she had read the letter so many times.

Natasha Nikolayevna Stepanova,

I hear you were chosen for the triwizard tournament, although it is no longer quite three wizards. As you were chosen last, I expect you will be the weakest on your team. Do not be.

I hope to be pleased when I hear of your first task.

To Mother Russia,

Nikolai Ivanovich Stepanov

She supposed she should have been grateful that she had received a letter at all.

But God, she was burning. Not even dancing had helped ease the anger that dripped through her veins slow as honey, heady as vodka. The rage had started with the tiniest seed of him spelling out her full name--her full name--along with a nickname he knew she hated, like she was a stranger instead of his daughter, and had taken root with every cold word. Did her being last truly mean anything? Her father seemed to think so, his small, smooth handwriting that barely filled the tiny roll of paper making a cold analysis of his only blood left.

He had signed the letter carelessly, not cautiously, the spiky signature slightly smeared and the final "v" veering off into a different direction. He had signed those three, useless sentences off like she was an unimportant line on his oh-so-long to do list.

She shouldn't be thinking about the letter. Not now, not at all. It wasn't important.

The Task at hand was important.

She stood over the lake, which almost didn’t seem big enough to deserve that title, hands stuffed into her pockets to keep the world from seeing that they were trembling like autumn leaves in heavy wind. She had seen such a sight before, in the forests of her childhood, and had wanted to snatch the leaves from the tree and let them crumble under the might of her tiny fingers.

Now she was the leaves, and was bound to crumble at any minute.

She stood up straighter. Put her feet into first position, then second, then fourth, then back into first. She would just think of this as a performance, that was all. This was just another dance.

Nothing else.

A dance of death.

Natalia pressed her lips together. Now was not the time to be rattling off the list of dead champions in her brain. That was almost worse than thinking of her father’s stupid, stupid letter.

Besides, Headmaster Vladmska was approaching, a silhouette against the glittering green of the Hogwarts lake. She forced herself to straighten. A performance. Your makeup is immaculate, your hair is pulled tightly into a bun, your body is warmed up, ready to tell the story of a fail--

No. A hero.

“Champions, are you ready? You'll begin in a minute.”

Darting her eyes from side to side, she nodded. Only Katya looked as nervous as she was; the girl’s face was somehow several shades whiter than its usual pale state. Valeriya was stuck in her constant state of la-di-da, and Valya, as usual, seemed more concerned with everyone else--namely Katya--than themself. “Look sharp, Big Sister,” they said, concern tinging their voice as they patted the tall girl on the back, “you seem like you're about to pass out.”

If she did, Natalia would be the first to move ahead. She could hear her father’s voice in her head: “a good leader cuts dead weight if it can never help them again.”

She would cut her dead weight, if she had to.

Katya muttered a response that Natalia didn’t bother paying attention to, and Valeriya said something annoyingly positive. Sometimes it seemed that instead of talking the girl just spewed butterflies and cupcakes into the world. Which was nice, in a way; it could be relied upon, however irritating it was. Now, Natalia took a bit of strength from Valeriya’s light tone, dipping into a plié too small for anyone to notice, and began to pay attention once again.

“You got this.” Vladmska flashed a toothy smile. “Make sure you stick together.”

They had to, didn’t they? How stupid. Natalia was sure that her expression was utterly derisive, a look that, while she wore it often, was not suited to her softer features, but she didn’t care. It was such a silly rule, and she didn’t mind making clear her disdain for it.

Naturally, everyone else seemed on board with it.

Valya pulled a group of four bottles from their robe pockets, sloshing the muddy mixture around. It had an odd color to it, like pesto from one of those odd Hogwarts dishes gone moldy. “Here's the potion. It will last us the hour that we need. I also enhanced the effects of the gillyweed so that we can move underwater more easily. Hopefully the side effects won't be too much of a hassle.”

Side effects?

Well, if she failed because of those, it wouldn’t be her fault. Besides, Valya exuded champion better than any of the rest of them. They were effortlessly confident as they leaned on their heels and passed the bottles around, smiling winningly like the kind of hero one heard about in history books. Valya couldn’t botch this up too badly if they were a hero, could they?

Headmistress Mercier’s voice cut across the chilly air. “Are you ready, champions? Once I fire sparks, you may begin.”

“We wouldn’t be here if we weren’t,” Natalia muttered, examining the bottle. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. I’m ready. I have to be.

Her hand flew to the locket at her throat as the her teammates--and even Headmaster Vladmska--snickered appreciatively.

She was a performer, and this was just the beginning of the show.

A sound like a gunshot pierced the air, whistling through it as sparks flew up from the judge’s table. Valya wasted no time, shoving the bottles of potion into everyone’s hands as they uncorked theirs, raised it aloft like it was a toast, and said “bottoms up”.

Katya wasted little time either, grimacing as she swallowed with a single “cheers”. Valeriya, all for eagerness, downed the disgusting-looking potion in one gulp, eyes bright as she gave everyone a cheery “let’s go!” Seriously, did this girl have any other emotion?

She didn’t have time to think on that. Valya was already diving into the water with one fluid motion. Natalia hesitantly uncorked the bottle, sloshing it around. Some potions didn’t always mix everything into one fluid, and it looked like this one was no different. She could see a paper-thin wing stuck to the side of the bottle, and a little piece of something like seaweed floated up to the top.

It smelled like kelp, hazily salty with a dirty mask.

She held her nose, tipped her head back, and drank.

It was slimy against her esophagus, cold and dank and muddy-tasting. She felt like a worm slid down her throat and a moth fluttered its wings against it, once, before filtering down to its stomach where it beat nervousness against the lining.

Her team was already down. With one quick glance over her shoulder--there was a crowd, and a sun, and Headmaster Vladmska--she dove in.

The first thing she noticed was that it was cold.

It was cold, and her robes were heavy and coarse against her pruning fingers, and pain was blooming on the sides of her neck and her feet--no, not my feet, please not my feet, I need to dance, if my feet don’t come back I swear I will kill Valya--and they were there. Waiting.

“First we need to find this mermaid, right?”  Valya’s voice sounded strained; not warbled, but like their voice was a piano that decided to play a newer, higher octave today.

Katya nodded. She looked much more sure of herself underwater, like the salt water had cleared away any creases in her brow and sadness in her heart. “Natalia, you have the locket?”

Natalia felt the chain tighten around her neck. This was it. Her chance.

“Yes, it’s here.” Her voice was even. Controlled. She pulled it out from underneath her robes, the delicate chain sliding against her fingers with each tiny link. “I have a bracelet in case this fails, but it’s a prototype.” And by prototype she meant bad, very bad, in which she recorded her own miserable voice singing without words. But now she looked prepared and competent.

She needed to be prepared and competent. I expect you will be the weakest on your team...do not be…

“I’m sure it will work.” Valya nodded firmly. If she felt like being honest with herself, it was probably to reassure themself, but with Katya’s added affirmation it didn’t sound so terrible. It was easier to lie when more people agreed with the untruth.

“Okay, which direction should we go?” Valeriya asked. Natalia jutted her chin; down, obviously. She wouldn’t be the one to say it, though.

Luckily, after a bit of banter, Katya did, with a bit more dryness than Natalia could muster in an environment so wet, and so they continued.

The environment became even colder, if possible, and browner. Where they had been, closer to the surface, it was a perfect shade or turquoise, light filtering through the little murk there was to create a setting that could have been out of a lush fairytale. Now they were descending into a vague underworld, with blobs that could transform into nightmares floating alongside them.

She felt too fanciful. Life was for business plans as sturdy as oak, not for descriptions that reminded her of a child’s story. Or a ballet, she thought suddenly, and felt her muscles tighten. That was a waste of time, too.

“Does anyone see anything?” Katya asked, her voice vague and senseless. There was a current of anxiety racing underneath it, like the world was too muddled, too senseless.

Maybe that was why she wasn’t uncomfortable with the setting at all. It was home to her, thickly wooded and dense with secrets beyond every trunk. Just underwater without a sprinkle of winter gray that made everything seem more

“This reminds me of a forest. Everything is hidden. So no.”

But just as everything was hidden, everything wasn’t. A glimmer of light caught Natalia’s eye, and she turned towards it, watching it grow steadily brighter and brighter.

“Hey, what’s that?” Valya asked. Their voice was as hushed as it was bold. Natalia didn’t say anything; there was unease growing in the pit of her stomach like a yearling tree.

Katya swam closer, and suddenly it clicked.

“It reminds me of, what was it, a grindylow?” Or was it a hinkypunk? She had never been very good at Care of Creatures, magical or otherwise. Regardless, there was a creature that lured you in with its light for diabolical ends.

“I don’t remember anything about grindylows…”

Natalia tensed; her voice wanted to shout at Katya, tell her to back away. She clamped the need down. “That one creature that lures you in with its light…”

“Yeah yeah, I know what they are. I don't remember them being part of the Task, though?” Valya said. Natalia hummed, pressed her lips together, put these terrible fins in fourth position. A performance.

The light was getting brighter by the second. She could let Katya meet her doom, or show weakness, or…

“All I remember about them is that they are aggressive so let’s go around them.” And that was Valeriya, voice as wispy as her dark side. But she wasn’t calling Katya over, either.

No one was saying anything. Katya was surging forwards, leaving them behind…

Natalia sighed. “How do we know?  Katya!”

The light snapped, turning corporeal. A mermaid: her hair was a thousand different colors curled into one, rich browns and stunning auburns with some gold threaded throughout. Her tail was blue, and scaly, and glittered like it was a coin, or a sun…

Natalia felt something curl inside her chest. God, she’s beautiful.

Instinctively, she dropped into a curtsy. She was not underwater, poor by Koldovstoretz robes; she was in a ballroom, at age eight, meeting a woman that looked like her mother for the first time and trying to remember her manners.

The image faded. Valeriya’s eyes burned into her back.

“Not too fast, Natalia,” Valya murmured. “Don’t want to piss her off.”

She wouldn’t. She couldn’t. “I won’t, I promise.”

Her hands were shaking. The mermaid was smiling. Slowly, she began to unclasp the locket. In a moment, it dangled from her fingers, catching what little light was in the nether-regions of the lake.

A light flash, and the mermaid, once smiling and perfect and beautiful, was a slice of silver against the murky background, wriggling around frantically.

“What was that?” Natalia whispered. This now felt so unlike a forest, where she knew everything that might come across her path. She was a trespasser here, something that didn’t belong.

“A trick,” Katya whispered, and it sounded like a swear. As if her voice was a cue, the fish then popped into one of jelly, cloud-like as it bobbed away.

She reclasped her locket. “What a waste of time,” Katya whispered, and Natalia was inclined to agree. There were...how long had they been down here?

A low snarling came from the cluster of rocks the faux mermaid had been. “That was...odd,” Valya said, a frown carving their features like wood.

“You have fifty-two minutes left.”

They had to get moving, or they’d lose, and that was not a letter she wanted to read. “Wands out?”

“No!” Katya said, forceful in every way. “If it’s a mermaid, we could appear to be aggressive. Just...be on guard.”

Of course. Because just being on guard was helpful.

But then again, if they got attacked she could go get the eggs on her own…

“But if it isn’t a mermaid…” Valya clearly was already holding their wand, deep in their pocket.

The snarls were growing louder. Natalia was wobbling, teetering, slowing.

“No, you’re right,” Valya said, looking like they regretted their first response. Natalia did too, all of a sudden. She didn’t want to die, but...they wouldn’t let them die. The Triwizard Tournament had only passed through all the magical governments after severe safety warrants had been put in place.

Besides, they were champions! Chosen for a reason, not their bloodlines or their skills with a wand. There was something inside each of them--well, maybe not the unicorn princess, but still--that caused them to be chosen.

They were smart. They were ready. And her father--

“Yes, I don’t think mermaids make that sound,” Valeriya said, jarring her out of her thoughts. Her wand was out as she moved to examine the source of the snarling: a cluster of rocks.

It was Katya who spoke up for her now: “We’ll be fine, Natalia’s right.”

And Valya: “Careful, Valeriya!”

The blonde girl turned back to the group. “Okay!” she said, slipping her wand into her pocket and rejoining their little cluster.

She didn’t like that they were a cluster, yet she liked it more than she thought she would.

There was a pause, a beat of hesitation. “We’re not defenseless without wands,” she said. Silence was heavy in the water.

And then it wasn’t.

A creature sprang from the rocks, a blur of brown that almost blended into the environment. It could have been a mermaid, but it couldn’t have. Mermaids in Russia were elegant and graceful; Natalia had gotten the chance to meet a few, since they lived by one of her fathers’ farms. This one was a hag, her fingernails long and yellowed, her hair stringy, her eyes slitted like a cat’s.

“Is that a mermaid?” Valeriya whispered.

“That’s it.” Valya’s voice was just as stunned as she felt. “That’s a mermaid.”

Katya’s voice was a tone of knowing disdain. “We’re in Scotland, of course.”

The mermaid screamed, her head thrown back, bubbles shooting out of her mouth like a jetstream.

“I hate the British,” Natalia said.

Valya nodded, bending into a bow. “Stay calm, everyone. Natalia, open the locket.”

She didn’t want to stay calm.

The mermaid swam up to Valya.

Natalia opened the locket.

A tiny stream of song came through when she opened it, but not much of one. She was fairly certain only she could hear it.

Still, she unclasped the locket.

The mermaid was hissing in Valya’s ear: “Restore me to my former glory.”

Natalia’s eyes darted from side to side. Katya looked like she wanted to intervene but instead dropped into a less-than-graceful curtsy. What could the British mermaid mean, restore her to her former glory? Did the British have any glory that didn’t come from architecture, conquering, or Quidditch? Well, naturally there had to be, but--did she need an object? A new voice? A makeover?

The silence, though short, was stretching on too long. Natalia felt as though she was about to fold into herself. “We will do our best.”

Katya looked as though she was trying to prevent herself from panicking. “Will you tell us how to help you?”

Maybe the answer was music all along. Maybe if Natalia just hummed along to the music charmed into her muted locket, the one she should probably reclasp sometime soon...

The mermaid sneered. “I was once beautiful. A young mermaid: gorgeous, powerful, wanted. But I am now reduced to a withering mess. Restore me back to my former glory and I will let you pass.”

Beauty, beauty...Natalia’s mind skimmed over everything that made her feel beautiful. A perfect wing of eyeliner matched equally on both sides of her face, a compliment from her father, the clean serenity of her home forests, a win in a duel of some kind, a jeté, a plié, the tightness of the leotard against her skin, the movement of the music...

Katya mumbled a complaint. Natalia was too busy to listen as she imagined herself at the barre, going through the movements, trying to think. Maybe a duel for beauty could make the mer see her beauty? But tools for a duel for few and far between, down here.

Valeriya whispered to her, “do you know a good charm to change her appearance?”

But that wasn’t needed to feel beautiful...

Valya pulled their wand from their pocket. “Would this help?”

The mermaid glared. “Glamours don’t work.”

“No!” Natalia hissed at Valya, a solution dawning on her. She turned to the mermaid. “I can teach you things. Dance, music. When you perform, it doesn’t matter.”

Katya nodded quickly. “Natalia is right.”

The mermaid appeared confused, her brow furrowed. She had a nice, high forehead. “You...will teach me to dance?” she asked slowly. Natalia didn’t miss how long the mermaid spent on the word dance, like it was a sweet that she had to suck on for a while to be sure she liked it.

“Yes.” A beat. “I’ve been training all my life.” She began to move her fins into open fourth position: one foot directly in front of another, “heels” lined up.

Valya leaned over to her, whispering: “what kind of charm did you put on that locket again?”

Natalia quickly reclasped it, closed it. “A good one.” Did they doubt her? She had spent hours charming the locket to sing as a gift for the mermaids. “But if she wants to be beautiful, this is how. Do you know anything about dance, O Beautiful One?” The title fell easily from her lips; the mermaid had a gleam of intelligence in her eyes, and a childhood surrounded by those richer and more important than her taught her of the golden rule of getting what you wanted: flattery.

“Yes, I can tap dance,” the mermaid said, bobbing up and down in the water.

Natalia grinned, clapping her webbed hands. “Look! You’re practically glowing!”

Valya nodded energetically. The mer asked, “really?”

“Yes! You’re beautiful.” And she meant it. “When you dance, you’re happy, and that means beauty.”

“I hate tap dancing. My mom forced me into it when I was three.”

Well, that was better for Natalia, seeing as she only knew a few moves in tap. “Do you want to try ballet?”

Katya smiled at Natalia, and Natalia was shocked at how much it changed Katya’s expression from that of a girl with the temperament of an icicle to the expression of a girl that maybe, just maybe, Natalia would like to know. If she had ever had a propensity for friends, that is. “A very reliable source told me it’s the most beautiful dance of all.”

She felt lighter, like she was soaring through a jeté and there was nothing holding her down. Maybe she was smiling, soft and sweet. “It is.”

Valeriya nodded in agreement. “I have a feeling you’ll be a natural,” the girl said with a sly smile, exposing a bit of scrappiness she’d yet to show the group. “It emphasizes fluid movements.”

The mermaid growled, “teach.”

Natalia slowly looked the mermaid over. Unfortunately, they couldn’t do anything quite complicated, or even the foot positions, seeing as the mermaid had no feet. The emphasis would have to be on the arms, in order to teach something worthwhile. At least the mer already held herself like a queen; that was something that would take far too long to learn.

Natalia nodded. The mermaid hissed, “all you join.”

But that didn’t register yet. “The real thing about ballet for you will be in the arms. Your posture is excellent, which already exudes natural ballet skill and elegance.” Then: she was stumbling, disappointment tinging the world. “Oh.”

“I don’t dance,” Katya whispered.

“Nor do I. At all. Ever?”

She found it necessary to glare at them.

“Neither do I but we will learn fast.” Valeriya, at least, was willing to play along.

Valya gulped, clearly nervous. “Okay, I’m in.” They better be, especially because the mermaid was flopping her tail and shrieking “ALL DANCE!”

They attempted a spin. At least they were trying. Shaking her head in amusement, Natalia ran through the arm positions in her head. Fifth would probably be easiest to learn, especially high fifth. So she’d start with that.

Gracefully, she started in first position, her hands low on the body, elbows bended, before fluidly bringing them into high fifth--almost entirely above her head, although still able to see her hands, which were six inches apart. “Put your arms like this,” she instructed, watching her pupils attend to the lesson. The mermaid wasn’t doing so well; her hands lay atop her head like she was trying to knock some sense into her skull. Valeriya was probably doing the best of the group, though. While Katya had made a futile attempt to replicate Natalia’s motions and Valya hadn’t done much but their spin, Valeriya’s motion had been semi-fluid, and her arms had arrived at the position they needed too--if a bit too high over her head. Natalia thought to correct it, but there was little time, and it was key to flatter the mermaid senseless. Perhaps it would be best to provide some contrast first? “Valya, what are you doing? Pick yourself up.”

The mermaid growled. Perhaps Natalia better ease back on that point, then, even though Valya was clearly shuffling to get a better sense of posture. “Decent enough, Katya and Valeriya.”

Then she schooled her features into one of awe. “Oh...my...O Beautiful One, you have mastered this move!”

Valya muttered something sarcastic, too quiet to hear even for an experienced eavesdropper as herself. Natalia forced herself to focus, to keep the light shining in her eyes as she looked over the mermaid’s bad form. “I guess, but Valya, look at this creature of beauty. She’s so graceful.”

She could hear the shuffling sounds of her teammates--and God, when had she started to refer to them in such a way?--trying to prove the mermaid’s beauty to her. “I feel inferior,” Katya said, a smile hiding under the words. It was quickly followed up by Valeriya’s “that was great! I told you you’d be a natural,” and Valya’s “She has outshone us all!”

The lot of them were unbelievable.

“You have forty-three minutes left.”

They had wasted nine minutes. No, Natalia had wasted nine minutes. And without any result other than not being attacked, where were they? Had she done any good?

What would her father say?

The mermaid started swimming towards a seaweed forest growing on the lake floor. “Thank you for dazzling us, O Beautiful One!” she called, not sure if it would do any good.

The mermaid nodded. Parted the seaweed. And pointed down towards a cave.

Everyone immediately broke out into grins. Natalia curtsied. “You are ever so beautiful and kind. If you wish, I could come back later and teach more?” And she liked the idea of that, she really did. Teaching ballet down in a lake without any students around...it sounded like heaven.

The mermaid nodded, and something swelled inside Natalia’s chest.

“Thank you, beautiful creature,” Valya said with a bow.

“It was an honor,” Valeriya added.

Katya turned back to the mermaid. “Yes, thank you,” she said, before adding in a hushed whisper “remember the time limit.”

The time limit. A mark of Natalia’s imminent failure. Instantly, everything came rushing back: the letter, her father, the Task.

She shivered. She couldn’t think of her father in relation to ballet, or she’d cry, and she was being judged right now. Natalia would not be a tragic hero, she’d be an impenetrable one.

If she was a hero at all.

“You have thirty-nine minutes left.”

Natalia waved goodbye and refused to look back. “We should head to the cave. Are we ready?” Valya asked.

She wished she was ready.

Everyone was already in the cave. Checking herself for dignity, Natalia continued.

The cave was a small aperture in the ground that would have been bigger had stalactites and stalagmites not created jagged teeth all around the entrance of the cave. It looked like the maw of some monster, and if Natalia could have thought of anything, she would have. But she was reduced to asking “Katya? Do you have anything?”

Katya pulled out her wand. “I think so. Spongify!”

The rocks seemed to bounce, becoming rubbery and soft. Valya and Valeriya threw a few useless compliments Katya’s way. “Let’s go,” Natalia said, wishing she’d thought of it herself.

Katya nodded. “No time to waste.” Valeriya pulled out her wand and Natalia followed suit.

“We should be prepared for anything now,” Valeriya assured them. This time her voice had some depth to it, some meaning, like it wasn’t just empty positivity. It, more than anything else she’d said, made Natalia feel a little more at ease. “Does anyone see it?” Valeriya asked as their group entered the cave.

“Lumos!” Valya said. A stalactite brushed Natalia’s arm. It felt furry, almost. Soft. If nothing else could be said about Katya, it was that she was quite the charmer.

There were snorts coming from deep inside the cave. “Caution,” Natalia warned.

Valya hoisted their wand farther forward. “I can’t see anything.” It was as though the darkness would swallow them whole, Natalia thought, and then wanted to shove the thought away.

“Wait, let me set up the barrier,” Valeriya said before muttering the words of the spell under her breath. The air seemed to ripple in front of them, and Natalia gave an almost inaudible sigh of relief.

“Quickly, let’s go,” Katya said just as Valeriya chimed “finished!”

She felt a little less tense. “Let’s find this bad bitch,” Valya said, like they were trying to summon the spirit of some Muggle adventure hero.

Which she could understand, but “no cursing, please.”

This new mermaid was young, and beautiful, and the sight of her made Natalia’s chest thud. “Hey, do you need some help?”

Natalia’s mind raced. What might happen if she were to refuse? She curtsied. “Hello. We would like some help.” Another rule from her father: “accept the outstretched hand, just with metal-tipped gloves on.”

The mermaid smiled, her teeth blindingly white. “Of course! I can help you retrieve the eggs.”

The mermaid knew about their task. Which meant either that social circles were limited under the lake, or that she was a trap.

Katya appeared to have the same thought, warning her: “Natalia…”

“Be careful,” Valya warned.

And she was, she really was, only she was a daughter of Nikolai Stepanov, and she would not back down. She would fight clever with clever.

“Before we do anything, we’d like to thank you for your generous offer. Um…” She fumbled to get the locket off her neck and open it. Maybe, just maybe, if the mermaid liked her charm enough, she could toss it out the cave and be done with her. Or, if that didn’t work, the gift would keep the mermaid from attacking them and causing their downfall. A gift was its own form of flattery.

Tchaikovsky began to stream out of the locket. “Thank you!” the mermaid said, taking it for herself. Natalia felt her eyes widen and suddenly understood Valya’s inclination towards cursing.

“Remember the plan,” Katya told her.

“I’m trying.”

The mermaid swam ahead, sticking close to the walls. “Shh, let’s go,” she whispered. Natalia began to swim ahead, trying to stay close to the group as she asked the mermaid a question in a vain attempt to throw her off guard. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with the mer, especially with the warnings everyone else seemed to be whispering as they swam behind her. She quickly whispered, “what happens if we don’t say anything?” to the group before trying to catch up with the mermaid.

“Be careful!” the mermaid called as she beckoned to them.

“Oh, we are,” Natalia muttered, pressing her lips together. Valya cast a spell to enhance the brightness of the dark cave.

The mermaid turned back to them, whispering. “I'm Alessia.  I'm half Siren so I'll be able to sing and charm the Occamy into a lull.”

Valeriya asked, “what about us?”

With a jolt of fear, Natalia realized that Valeriya was right. Sirens...they were the ones who enchanted you with their voice, right? Couldn’t that work on the lot of them and not just the occamy? And if that was Alessia’s plan, then what would she do after that? Rob them? No, that wouldn’t make sense, unless the mer was planning to take their wands.

Natalia gripped hers a little tighter. “Okay,” Valya said, “Keep your spells ready.”

Did they doubt her? Did everyone doubt her? Her mind flew to her father for a fraction of a second, that grating letter, and her body tensed. “Of course.”

“I’ll distract the occamy so you guys can grab the egg!” Alessia said. Natalia was at once struck by how differently she talked than the mermaids in Russia, so informal and cheery. It felt wrong, like a bad chord struck on an instrument. A piano out of tune.

Katya seemed to be in a moment of hesitation, hands in a position that suggested they were about to do something but were unclear what. “This is too easy,” she whispered.

Maybe Alessia really was going to help. Maybe Natalia’s gift had tided her over. Maybe there was a chance.

“She will lull us to sleep as well, remember those ancient Greeks,” Valeriya chided, her eyes filled with worry.

Maybe there was no reason to be. “We can’t fight her,” Natalia whispered. Living with Nikolai Stepanov had taught her that some battles were futile to fight.

“Valeriya could be right,” Katya pressed. “We need to think of something.”

The mermaid started singing. Natalia could feel her body start to sway, like it was an adagio she just had to dance to. Quickly, Valeriya cast “muffliato!”

Katya glanced around at all of them. “Should we proceed with the plan, then?”

There was a moment built from pure hesitation between the four of them. “Well, no need to charm the eggs now,” Valeriya said, breaking the silence.

Valya was twitching nervously. “This is still... unnervingly easy.”

Some things were, Natalia wanted to say. But they were right. This was too easy, especially for a Triwizard Task.

“What choice do we have?” Katya whispered.

“But I can't think of a reason to turn back now,” Valya finished, a look passing between them and Katya.

There was a backup plan, if they needed it. Natalia's hand drifted towards the charm bracelet on her arm. “If we want to scare her away, my prototype wasn't good.”

The muffliato Valeriya cast was wearing away now. Natalia could hear the last few bars of a tuneless song, then a shriek that splintered the air like a knife. “Katya, want to try your x-ray spell?” Valeriya cried out, but there was no response from any of the other champions.

Her insides turned to ice, her heart to snow. No.

The occamy was waking up.

Her teammates’ curses faded into something dull as she numbed, recounting her failures. The mermaid had come up to her, and she hadn't lured Alessia away for safer passage. She hadn't done anything. She was the fourth chosen, and by her father's words, she was useless.

She wouldn't be, she vowed to herself, casting a “glacius!” at the occamy that missed disastrously. She wouldn't be the dead weight that needed cutting.

The occamy’s tail sliced her cheek. “Valeriya…”

Valya flung an obscuro at the occamy. Valeriya started casting the disillusionment charm on Katya.

She felt numb, and dumb, and useless.

“Find the egg!” Valeriya called. Natalia felt something like relief shudder through her. This, this was the task at hand. She would make this a performance worth watching.

With fast fins, she began to try to dart behind the nest, which was behind the occamy and its stinging tail. Only--it wouldn’t work. She was slipping, and sliding, the jagged rocks at the bottom of the cave slicing her fins.

Notmyfeetnotmyfeetnotmyfeet…

She could hear, dimly, the sounds of Katya’s frantic “transparo”s and Valya’s “fuck this!”--even Valeriya’s drone of disillusionment. But what mattered right now was the eggs, huge and heavy-looking in the occamy’s nest. What mattered now was her father’s letter, its formal tone, and the only way to prove him wrong and herself a true Stepanov.

“Guys try not to move too quickly, she can’t see you!”

She had to slow down. She...she had to slow down.

The cave reeked of death. Her feet felt like death.

“I have an idea!” Valya announced. Natalia took a moment to look back at the group--Valeriya, her hair ratty, her brow wrinkled in concentration; Valya, hurling rocks across the cave to distract the occamy; Katya, who, as the tail swung back, was falling, hard, onto the rocky surface of the cave.

Natalia was so close, but Katya wasn’t.

“Serpensortia!” Valya screamed, casting the snake that shot from the tip of their wand away from towards the occamy, who snapped it up quickly.

Thoughts flashed through Natalia’s brain quicker than lightning. “Poison!” she suggested desperately, noting the sudden openness of her path to the nest. Then: “Katya?”

Twenty metres. It was just twenty metres. Why was this so hard?

Her feet stung. Valya was screaming something.

Fifteen metres. I expect you will be the weakest on your team. Do not be.

“Everyone conjure snakes! Towards the opposite side of the room!” Valya’s words only dimly registered. Over her shoulder, she quickly cast “serpensortia!”

Ten metres. With a final spurt of energy, she ran up the slope to the eggs. Almost there. “Should I do anything? I’m closest!” Another serpensortia over her shoulder. I hope to be pleased when I hear of your first task...

“Careful, Natalia!” She couldn’t tell who it was, but the words registered somewhere in her brain. She was almost at the nest.

And then she was there.

It was hulking, and wooden, and each egg looked huge and as Katya hurled another “TRANSPARO!” it looked like something was coming to life, moving and glowing inside these eggs’ silvery shells.

“I THINK IT’S WORKING, KATYA!” Or something was working. But she was built from pure hesitation, and didn’t want to do anything. She was a performer, wasn’t she? Wouldn’t her not grabbing the eggs be quite the show?

I hope to be pleased when I hear of your first task...But did she want her father to be pleased?

Following suit with the rest of the group, she cast a quick “stupefy” at the occamy, then returned her attention to the eggs. She could...she could…

Hands shaking, she cast “reducio.” The eggs immediately shrunk to a size where they could fit in her palm, which is where she put them before stuffing them into the deep pockets of her robes.

She didn’t want to move. “We have to go, now!” Katya yelled.

She rolled the eggs around in the pocket. “Let’s all cast a protection charm! Mine just aren’t strong enough by myself.” Valeriya’s tone sounded urgent for someone who lived in a world where time didn’t exist.

“Bombarda Maxima!” Valya cast at the wall. Natalia forced herself to refocus, rethink. What was she doing right now? Nothing. Nothing important. Shaking her head at herself, she brushed off her robes, trying to maintain some dignity. Katya took her hand and pulled both of them towards Valya and Valeriya.

The cave was doing nothing, despite Valya’s spell. What could cause a gate to open? A key. And what was the key? Her gaze trailed to Alessia. “Singing...What if we sang?”

As if in response, the beautiful mermaid started to shriek. “Damn,” Natalia swore, pressing a hand against the cave wall. It was thick, but if magic was what solved it, there could easily be a hole created big enough for all of them to slip through.

“Sing?!” Valya was incredulous. A pebble knocked against Natalia’s bun, and she hissed in a breath. The cave was raining down rocks on them.

“Hurry!” Valeriya goaded, ducking beneath her hands as the deadly hailstorm of miniature boulders continued. Something seized Natalia’s heart.

“She sang! The cave likes her!”

“The Koldovstoretz Anthem?!”

Katya muttered something. Pressure speared Natalia in the stomach. “Yes! Do it!”

Slowly, voice breaking, Valya began to sing the Koldovstoretz anthem. Katya joined in after a few bars, then Valeriya, then Natalia herself. The sound of their voices grated against her ears, but it wasn’t nearly so bad as the sound of cracking rock above their heads. “IS THIS WORKING?” Valya roared.

She didn’t know, she couldn’t know but “Keep singing! They won’t let us die here!”

Cedric Diggory died during the Triwizard Tournament. So did Adalene Moreau, Teodory Woźniak, Carol Smith--

She began to sing again, her mezzo-soprano voice bouncing off the cave walls. Valya began to move rocks away from one of the cave walls, still singing the Koldovstoretz anthem.

--Anna Karkaroff, Lukas--

The entrance collapsed. Natalia heaved a sigh of relief. They weren’t going to die--at least, not today.

“You have four minutes left.”

Or maybe her father would kill her through his words.

“Go, go, go! Natalia first!” Katya began to usher everyone out of the cave.

“You have three minutes left.”

She began to swim upwards, hand buried in her pocket to make sure the eggs didn’t fall out. The water dragged her and her robes down.

All that mattered was getting to the top. It was so far away…

“Ascendio!” Katya cast, and Natalia felt something like relief wash over her body before she realized that the spell had done nothing but ripple away. The light at the surface was growing brighter, but without help, there was no way they’d be able to make it in the time allotted.

“Valeriya, is there something defensive for this?” she asked. Her arm muscles were straining themselves against the water, and had she not had gills, she would have been gasping for air. Even if it felt foolish to ask the silly girl for something, there could always be a possibility that Natalia had overlooked…

“Natalia! The mermaid!” Katya snapped, and Natalia glanced down to see her protégé slithering out of the rocks.

“O Beautiful One!”

The mermaid was swimming up to meet them, grabbing them all and placing them on her powerful tail. Natalia held on as best as she could, listening to the water rush past her ears and her too-fast heartbeat. She wanted to cry, to scream. “In exchange for getting us up to the surface as quickly as possible, I will dance with you every day that I can,” she promised, feeling her heart sink as she thought of what her father would say to that. You shouldn’t be wasting your time. You are Natalia Nikolayevna Stepanova, and you are the heiress to the greatest tree legacy of all time. Why should you learn to do something for lowborns, for Muggles?

That was the breaking point.

They emerged from the water, coughing and heaving up gallons of water. Everything began to crash down onto her shoulders like it was the lake and she was a mere mortal without the means to breath.

The Task. The letter. Her father’s eyes filled with disapproval, no matter what she did. The forty-nine seconds left on the time that surely, surely, Natalia could have made longer. Otherwise, what kind of champion was she? What kind of Stepanov was she?

She should have quit ballet long ago. She should have quit Koldovstoretz long ago, just lived on her father’s tree farm and waited to come of age to take over the family business.

She should’ve--she should’ve--

Tears like melted snow filled her eyes, and she forced herself to think rationally. Clear her mind and stop focusing only on what her father might think.

She dumped the colorful, tiny eggs onto the dock, half-listening to Valya and Valeriya’s pointless conversation as she waited for the transformation to overtake her body.

The sky was blue. Her feet were numb.

And she was not okay.

She was not able to pretend that her father’s letter didn’t matter, didn’t worry her. She couldn’t. It blazed through her mind like lightning to a sapling, and she was shaking, and it wasn’t from any sort of side effect from any sort of potion. It felt like a forever ago that she had gone under the water and disappeared from the ground, where Nikolai Stepanov graced--or was it cursed?--the world with his presence.

But to him, she was a marionette. And even as Valya put their hand on her shoulder and Katya walked over, even as Natalia made another excuse to keep dancing with the mermaid--Aella, whose appearance now showed off all the beauty she had inside--she felt empty, and alone, and too much like she was being made to dance when she didn’t want to. Her father put the marionette strings around her neck, and if she disobeyed, she felt like she might choke.

What was a world where these three, odd schoolmates made her feel more alright than any blood she had left? What was a world where she was afraid to dance for fear of a reaction? What was she feeling right now, in this cold, empty minute, that made her want to cry?

She was not okay. She was not okay.

She just couldn’t stop performing.

#twtoc #submission #ooc: sorry for how bad the banner is yikes #ooc: but this was so fun...and exhausting...to write #ooc: also if you can find all the water puns props to you

[forthegothicheroine]

Kamigami No Asobi recap, episode 2: You’ve Met the Best, Now Meet the Rest

As I understand it, this anime was based on a visual novel, which explains a lot; shows adapted from games have to either pick one of the routes or make up their own, and they simply can’t focus on everyone with multiple endings.  As such, some characters are going to get the short end of the stick.

It’s time to meet those characters!

We open on Apollo sweeping Yui off her feet for a cheek kiss, much to her shock and consternation.  Apollo has a very shaky understanding of the concept that maybe not all girls want to kiss him, and so is quite thrown by this.  He tries to claim that it’s how people greet each other where he comes from, and it’s all a big misunderstanding due to her being Japanese.  (Do I have any Greek readers?  Can you confirm if this is bullshit?)

Apollo does his best to smooth this over by whistling for Pegasus, on the theory that pretty winged horses make girls happy.  She bonds with the horse, and Apollo comes up with the first of many irritating nicknames he will give to characters on this show.  He asks if he can call her Fairy, and I’m a little confused by why Apollo of all people would ask this.  I assume it’s either a pun in Japanese that I don’t get, or else the word he’s trying to call her is Nymph and it’s being poorly translated.

At least this nickname is flattering.  They will get worse.

Balder watches jealously as Apollo and Yui have a romantic Pegasus ride, setting up our main romantic rivalry.  Balder and Apollo are going to be the cheif contendors for Yui’s heart, so get ready to see a lot of the Blonde Bishie Bunch.

Zeus finally deigns to make another appearance, imperious as always.  As a side note, I like to think about him talking to Hera about this project before it started.

“I’m off to abduct a teenage girl-”

“You know I’m just going to kill her, right?”

“-and use her to make Hades and Apollo look like idiots.”

“Ah, my mistake.  Carry on the good work!”

Anyway, back to the show.  He addresses all of the gods (calling Loki the god of fire, which...is not the way I usually hear Loki described), and we get a glimpse of the gods not important enough to be featured in the first episode, Thor and Dionysus.

Contrary to most depictions, Thor is more otter than bear in physique.  He also has a really stupid green undercut with a lightening bolt shaved into the side.  I am positive Loki did this to him while he was asleep and he still hasn’t noticed.

Dionysus is called the “god of fertility”, and I’m not even going to begin to address that.  His poofy pink mullet is the second-worst hair on the show after Loki’s, but I’m perfectly willing to believe Dionysus cycles through different raver hairstyles as the whim strikes him.  I hope another whim strikes him soon.

There’s also a brief glimpse of Anubis, but we won’t get a good look at him for a while yet.

I’ve got to ask, in the development of this show (or the game it was based on), did they ever consider having Jesus?  I know he shows up in Ruroni Kenshin and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, so there’s precedent.  It’s not that I want Bishie Anime Jesus, I just want to know if they got to the concept art stage with him.

Also, let’s address the elephant in the room: this is a romance anime, and like half of these gods have wives.  There are three possible ways to think about this:

The gods are cheating (or want to cheat) on their wives with Yui.  This makes me sad, but I guess it happens in myths all the time…

This show takes place in a universe where those marriages didn’t happen.  This seems the most likely, given that the rest of the plot plays fast and loose with mythological retcons, but also throws everything I think I might know about anyone’s backstory into chaos.

Zeus didn’t abduct adult gods and de-age them- he actually abducted their teenage selves.  Hades hasn’t kidnapped Persephone yet, Dionysis hasn’t waylaid Ariadne yet.  This theory brings up more questions than it answers, but I kind of like it.

Anyway, pick a theory and let’s move on.

With the exception of Apollo, the other gods vehemently do not want to participate in Zeus’ dating sim.  Sucks to be them, because he responds to this rebellion by putting magical shackles in the form of accessories on everyone, keeping them from using their full godly powers until they have learned about humanity and love.  Not only that, but they’re going to have a full on High School AU where they have to attend classes and graduate in order to get out of their prison, with all the students other than the gods and Yui being some kind of weird fairy energy constructs.  Enjoy calculus, Loki!

Zeus is having way too much fun here.

We now meet the man in the shadows from last episode, Hot Dad Number Two, Who Does What the Goddesses Love, Thoth.

I have to say, I’m willing to give this whole project a little more respect if Thoth is in on it.  He probably wants a better outcome than just amusement.  Anyway, he’s going to be their teacher, which would be great if he wasn’t so into sexual harassy violations of personal space, but we’ll get to that later.

And by later I mean now.  Walking in the hallway with him, Yui protests that this is all somewhat silly, and he responds by pushing her up against a wall, his coat billowing and his chest bare.  Yes, the things he has to tell her are reassuring- that she’ll be restored to the exact time she came from, and that the magical girl sword necklace is eventually going to come in handy- but he did it in the least reassuring way imaginable.

When Yui goes to her new dorm room she meets Melissa, a horrifying sentient deep-voiced ragdoll Zeus accidentally created and then sent to be her friend.  Don’t ask me, I got nothing.

Meanwhile the gods are complaining, although they have a really awesome dorm with a hot spring so I don’t feel too sorry for them.  

At their first group meeting for school, Balder quizzes Yui about her relationship with Apollo.  She tells him that duh, they’ve all just been here for a single day, and he gloats that this means he met her first.  This conversation is innocent enough for now, but plants the hint that Balder may not be all sunshine and light.  Even though he is, in a literal sense, all sunshine and light.

The complete list of gods who bother to show up for this end up being him, Apollo and Tsukito.  They then go looking for the others, and find that Loki has drawn a dick on Takeru’s face while he was asleep.

Okay, so it’s actually a fish.  But it’s spiritually a dick.

When Yui tries to rope Hades in, he gives her more of his Edward-Cullen-but-cuter act, about how getting close to him will only bring her sorrow.  Thor says, and I quote, “If Loki isn’t going then I don’t need to.”  (‘But Loki did it!’ is a bad excuse for anything.)  At least they manage to get Dionysus, but my joy over that is marred by the fact that Apollo calls him Dee-Dee.

He is going to call him that for the entire rest of the show.

And so our heroes face the opening cermony with dignity and, in Apollo’s case, hope for an enjoyable year.  Apollo has clearly never been to high school before.

Ragnarok Clock

No closer than last time, but Loki and Thor do have an ominous conversation about their “destiny” regarding Balder.

Where is Odin?  During this episode, Odin is attending a performance of Wagner’s Ring Cycle, embarrassing Frigg by standing up every half hour and yelling “Get on with it!”

Team ___: Team Tsukito.  There’s a bit where he asks if the school’s opening ceremony will require a human sacrifice, and I find that charming.

Does Thoth push Yui up against a wall?  Yes.

#kamigami no asobi