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sailormoonandme · 11 months

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Long Rant Incoming!

I am honestly just exhausted with how the Sailor Moon fandom so often bashes the original anime, in particular when they do so by presuming bigotry of any kind on the part of the staff members.

Sure, show me a quote or an interview where they definitively say something and I will listen with an open mind.

But why does this fandom presume that, for example, AnimeRei’s interest in men was obviously changed from the MangaRei’s more negative attitude because of sexism?

Or that Usagi being naked in the last episode whilst Mamoru was in his Endymion armour was again rooted in sexism?

Or that old favourite that has now become oh so trendy again thanks to Cosmos, that the Starlights were physically male in the anime (as opposed to simply dressing as men and pretending to be men) because the anime staff were being homophobic. More specifically, that this change was implemented so that the UsagixSeiya relationship was ‘less gay’.

Let’s talk a bit about that shall we?

So....

The original 1992 Sailor Moon anime had two men explicitly in a relationship in season 1, Kunzite and Zoisite.

It had two women explicitly in a relationship in season 3, Haruka and Michiru.

It had a character in season 4 who, to my understanding (please correct me on this as I am not overly knowledgeable on the subject), was trans, Fisheye.

When you go beyond the explicit into merely very obvious subtext, Sailor Moon’s track record for LGBT representation gets even larger. The pair of female animators in episode 21. Fiore and Mamoru’s relationship in the R movie. The fashion designer and his assistant in episode 140. Sailor Lead Crow and Aluminium Siren’s relationship.

Not to mention the UsaRei ship:

Or the MakAmi ship:

It’d be weird for a show with this kind of track record (that was indeed a trailblazer in the context of the time) to suddenly got cold feet over another female-female relationship.

Now there are two counter arguments to this:

a) Most of the above doesn’t apply specifically to Sailor Moon herself, the UsaRei ship being subtextual for this very reason. In other words ‘its okay for side characters’

b) Sailor Stars was under new management. It is entirely possible said new management had very different attitudes towards female-female relationships

Let’s tackle a) first.

It’s okay to portray side characters in same sex relationships

First of all, Usagi was attracted to Haruka in episode 92. Even after she discovered Haruka was (in her eyes at least) a cis woman she still regarded her as attractive and desirable, usually blushing whenever Haruka flirted with her and being all too happy to dance with Haruka in episode 108.

Isn’t it a little weird to argue it would be bad for Usagi to be dating another woman when there wasn’t a world of difference between how Seiya in the manga and Haruka in the anime were framed and presented to the audience.

The main difference was that in the manga Seiya was explicitly pretending to be male and therefore would not have corrected anyone’s presumptions that she was a man, which is exactly what Haruka did at the end of episode 92 when Usagi and Minako discover Haruka is not a cis boy.

Whilst we might argue that the character of MangaSeiya would have presented herself differently had she not needed to disguise herself, from a narrative POV if the anime had stuck with Seiya being biologically female she would have had to maintain that disguise for the overwhelming majority of episodes anyway. In other words, she would have been presenting herself as a cis male the entire time outside of Sailor Senshi fights.

Second of all, the anime was still explicitly shipping Usagi and Seiya even after the big reveal in episode 188 where the Senshi and Starlights discover one another’s identities. In fact, episode 189 has Minako explicitly state that the Starlights are in fact girls:

Now, whilst Minako regards this as a dealbreaker for her own romantic affections for the Three Lights, Usagi is still obviously conflicted about her feelings for Seiya. This culminates in episode 194′s famous “Am I not enough?” scene and their conversation in episode 195 where Usagi lets Seiya down backstage and he kisses her goodbye on her cheek.

Before episode 194 the show was going hard on this ‘star-crossed lovers’ imagery and ideas, with the Starlights and Outer Senshi trying to pull the pair apar. Seiya even communicated to Usagi at night whilst she is in her bedroom , which imo is deliberately evoking Romeo and Juliet. Moreover, the animation frankly framing the pair in a romantic light, with plenty of blushes and soft lighting liberally appearing all over the place.

Sure, on screen you have a biological woman and biological man. But the show has explicitly stated that that Seiya is not a man, or at least from Usagi’s POV that isn’t the case.

Now one could argue that this is nevertheless reductive. After all, you still have a female role assigned and a male role assigned in the relationship. But again...how different is this really from Haruka and Michiru who are present and as explicitly romantic as ever in Sailor Stars?

In terms of ‘presenting’ as male or female Haruka and Seiya are in the same boat 99% of the time (the 1% is for episodes involving bathing outfits or other forms of partial nudity). Most of the time Haruka visually presents as (for its day) typically masculine until she assumes her Senshi form where she presents as more typically (again, for its day) female. The only difference between the two characters is that the viewer intellectually knows that Seiya has a penis that becomes a vagina whereas Haruka always has a vagina. But since in both cases we never see those particular pieces of anatomy it is a moot point.

So the argument that ‘on screen’ Usagi is not being shipped with a woman is irrelevant. To all practical purposes, from a purely visual POV she might as well have been shipped with someone just like Haruka. It didn’t make it ‘more acceptable’ at all. In particular when you consider the show heavily implies that Seiya’s male body was nothing more than a guise assumed on Earth for the sake of their mission. So, had anyone been extrapolating forwards Usagi and Seiya potentially forming a long term relationship, Usagi would have been in a relationship with someone who was biologically female anyway.

Third of all, the ‘side character’ argument falls apart when you consider HOW popular Uranus and Neptune were. In Animage’s 1995 poll episode 110 "Death of Uranus and Neptune!? Talismans Appear" was voted the most popular episode. A major reason why SuperS was so unpopular was because the Outer’s were absent, which is why the very first episode of Sailor Stars practically revolves around them. Hell, exempting Usagi, of all the Solar System Sailor Senshi, Uranus and Neptune are the last ones standing, dying in the third to last episode of the entire show.

This isn’t even mentioning HOW prominent they were in season 3. Like, sure, they weren’t the MAIN characters, but until Hotaru shows up, they were by far and away the most important characters in the show just behind Usagi. Sailor Moon S as a whole is ostensibly one great big ideological debate between Usagi’s idealistic philosophy and Haruka and Michiru’s more hardline realistic philosophy.

To codify them as ‘side characters’ in the context of season 3 is akin to describing Mamoru or Chibi-Usa as side characters in the manga. That is to say, the difference between them and Usagi is a matter of mere degrees. Are we in all seriousness arguing that those degrees make the difference between how okay it is to present characters as part of female-female relationships? That’s rather ridiculous isn’t it?

Let’s move on to point b).

The new management didn’t like same-sex relationships

Yes. It is entirely possible that the new management had very different attitudes towards female-female relationships than the people in charge of the prior four seasons of the show. Thus the representation present in the prior four seasons doesn’t excuse season 5 of being homophobic in its decision to make the Starlights biologically male.

You know what else is entirely possible? That there were any number of other reasons for that decision apart from homophobia.

Again, I’m willing to listen with an open mind to anyone that has a statement or an interview or something like that from production staff members that might support the above interpretation. But in over ten years of being a Sailor Moon fan I have yet to see anything that implies this rather damning motivation on the part of the production staff. At which point why is anyone at all just presuming the worst faith interpretation?

Here are some good faith interpretations for why the Starlights were biologically male:

- Making them biologically male could raise a bit of intrigue on the part of the viewers. Even if they figured magic was the reason how they could change from male to female, they’d still be enticed to watch to see the process in action. Which would be even more intriguing compared to four seasons of transformation sequences where girls simply put on new Senshi outfits.

- Making them male made it easier for writers to generate the show’s all important filler episodes and opened up more storytelling opportunities.

If the Starlights are biologically female it would mean either scrapping episodes or scenes where the Starlights are involved in partial nudity. Case in point, episode 178 where Luna is revealed to have taken a bath with Yaten, episode 183 where the gang vacation at a lake and are in their bathing suits, episode 184 where the gang see Seiya getting out of the shower, or even episode 176 where the Starlights are in dance outfits which naturally are tight fitting and therefore do not leave much to the imagination.

Perhaps these instances could have still happened with the Starlights as biological females, but it would have been trickier and required a lot more strategic thinking on the part of the overworked writers who were on a deadline. Making them male frankly just made their lives easier

- The anime staff might have simply believed that the idea of three women disguising themselves as men and maintaining such a secret amidst becoming super star idols, attending high school, etc was simply unconvincing, too big of a suspension of disbelief.

- Making them biologically male might have been a ‘creative flex’. What do I mean by this? Simply put it is not at all uncommon for people adapting a piece of media to throw something in of their own invention.

This might happen out of boredom on the part of the people adapting the source material (it can potentially be dull merely replicating something) or it could occur due to ego (see the majority of modern MCU films and TV shows that change no end of things from the comic books).

Ego, unfortunately is all too common amongst creative people, especially those who have made it professionally into the entertainment industry. There is a desire by many to put their stamp on a work, even if it is not a work of their own creation per se.

This may well be the root of several other changes between the manga and the anime too, regardless of whether those changes have anything to do with gender, sexuality, female representation of other such issues.

- Making them biologically males who transform into biological females, in the eyes of the production staff, might have been more avant garde and progressive towards the LGBT community as it rendered the characters as arguably trans or gender fluid characters.

- And finally...it may well have just been a mistake. The manga and anime were produced simultaneously but also at very different paces, the manga releasing monthly vs the anime’s weekly schedule.

Between Takeuchi’s busy production schedule, not to mention however else she was involved in the (by then massive) Sailor Moon brand, it is entirely possible that she either hadn’t decided upon, or simply miscommunicated her ideas for the Starlights, thus resulting in the anime staff misunderstanding her intentions or extrapolating them to be biological men in their civilian forms.

Indeed, Takeuchi herself misunderstood the Starlights in the anime as she apparently missed the dialogue that implied they were biological females who used magic to become biological males for their mission on Earth. She instead got upset that they were men who were Sailor Senshi.

Now, I came up with the above off the top of my head and don’t have any hard evidence in support of any of it. Which means they all carry just as much weight as the ‘obviously it was bigotry’ interpretation.

And, once again, I have to bring up the fact that Sailor Stars features Uranus and Neptune in a relationship and arguably even ramps up their flirtations compared to season 3. So, kinda weird that they’d include one female-female relationship in season 5 but would be apprehensive over another one.

In conclusion

Can we as a fandom please just fucking STOP automatically presuming the worst of the original anime and its production staff?

Seriously, its really, really, really, really WEIRD!

More than weird though, it is simply unfair.

It is unjust.

It is hateful, even.

Which is particularly ironic since this is a franchise literally built around a character who stands for...well...you know...

#Sailor Moon #Sailor Stars #seiya kou #kou seiya #sailor star fighter #sailor starfighter #Sailor Star-Fighter #SeiUsa #usagi tsukino #tsukino usagi #naoko takeuchi #sailor starlights #HARUKA TENOH #TENOH HARUKA #Sailor Uranus #sailor neptune #Michiru Kaioh #Harumichi #kaioh michiru

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wardevilwins · 7 months

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There Is No Such Thing As Justice With Chainsaw Man

正義の味方: the Ally of Justice. This is a concept that runs through Japanese hero stories, from cop dramas to Kamen Rider and now to Chainsaw Man. It begins in 1958 with the mysterious figure of Moonlight Mask.

Moonlight Mask (月光仮面) is Japan’s first Superhero Tokusatsu (practical effects based film such as Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Godzilla, etc.) The series follows a simple formula, one of the “Skull Masks,” a group of international spies that wears well…skull masks, will be running some evil scheme in their effort to acquire the “Joe-engine Bomb,” a secret weapon developed by Japanese scientists.

When the Skull Masks’ villainous ways put innocents in danger, there appears the masked man, Ally of Justice, Moonlight Mask, riding on his motorcycle, with automatic pistol in hand. He only shoots to disarm, never to kill, forgives his enemies and never takes a life. He uses his superhuman (?) strength to protect the weak.

One interesting aspect of Moonlight Mask is that no one, not even the audience, has the hero’s hidden identity confirmed. It is implied through the storytelling that the great detective Juurou and Moonlight are one and the same, but even the credits don’t reveal his identity: Moonlight, played by “?”

This concept of Justice — a faceless, benevolent protector — is the foundation of Japanese super hero stories. You can see its influence in the Kamen Rider, Super Sentai and Sailor Moon, and you can see it’s negation in Chainsaw Man.

Denji is notable amongst Shonen heroes for his unclear ethics. More than his unfiltered sexuality, his lack of education or his meager material conditions, this is what makes him especially relatable.

Other heroes in the Moonlight Mask tradition are driven by a particular sense of morality, of Justice, and they act to protect that idea of what is right and wrong. But the rules they are bound by exist beyond the law and order of civil society. Moonlight Mask never kills, not because killing is illegal, but because it is wrong. His motto: “Don’t hate, don’t kill, forgive.”

Denji does not have a meaningful code. Nor does he have a particularly meaningful dream. His goals are mundane and his morality is common. He doesn’t want to hurt people, he doesn’t want to let them die, and he is kind. But this isn’t motivated by a coherent philosophy. And it doesn’t spur him to action. It is, if anything, a point of confusion.

This makes Denji realistic, because individuals rarely have a coherent ethical system by which they evaluate their choices. People make the choices that they do because of who they are, whether those choices are coherent or not. Choices aren’t computations or evaluations, they are the endpoints of a story.

This is Fujimoto’s brand of existentialism, not unlike Kierkegaard’s, but with less freedom. Denji creates the meaning of his existence from what he sees around him — he decides his own dreams — but this doesn’t grant him the sublime freedom to take a leap of faith. Rather, it is an act of necessity, something that you cannot help but do. You need to dream to keep moving forward.

Ethics, then, is not a dispassionate evaluation, but an encounter between a person’s intrinsic drive for a better life and the reality of the world. Regardless of choices being right or wrong, people still do what they do for reasons rooted in the life they have lived. This is the reality of how choices are made, rather than an ideal designed for passing judgement.

On the contrary, the villains in Chainsaw Man are exactly those people who believe that they can pass judgement. The Allies of Justice are not heroes who protect the weak, they are villains who use their moral code to justify selfish action. And that is the root of evil: they are dishonest with their selfish life.

Yuko is an example of this. Yuko wants to save Asa because she wants to be seen as a hero, like Chainsaw Man, but she justifies it by casting herself as an Ally of Justice, a protector of the weak, like Moonlight Mask. Unlike Moonlight Mask, she doesn’t follow some abstract code. Her inflated ego leads her to justify violence, and ultimately transforms her into a devil.

Asa, on the other hand, is genuinely selfish in her actions. She makes choices based on what she wants to be right, regardless of the outcome. She doesn’t hide her selfish intent behind a moral excuse; she is selfishly moral: she acts as she wants the world to be, rather than giving in to what it is.

This is closer to Kierkegaard, but again, there is no faith. Asa doesn’t have to believe the world is good. This is the selfish aspect. She decides what the good choice is based on her moral intuition, then tries to make that real, even if it is a risk. This is Fujimoto’s heroism: the bravery to be wrong.

This Justice, this heroism, is consistent but dependent. It’s not the same as relativism because Yuko was wrong. She wasn’t being honest with her dreams. She was selfish, but not living selfishly.

This is why there is no Justice with Chainsaw Man. Because what is right isn’t about an abstract Justice which you defend. The hero isn’t a faceless detective, stripped of his name, who appears from the shadows the save you from a similarly faceless evil. The hero is just a kid, just some girl, just a person who has lived a life which has led to a moment, and in that moment makes a choice, adds to their story.

Chainsaw Man isn’t a story with Justice, it is a story about Justice. A story about how Justice is created in the search for happiness. And right now, Denji has lost his drive. He has lost sight of who he wants to be — which is good to some degree, as he l still clings to sexual impulse — but has yet to discover what good he wants to create, what he wants to believe the world should be.

There is No Justice With Chainsaw Man

Yet.

#chainsaw man #denji #justice #analysis #tokusatsu #moonlight mask #Yuko #Asa #ethics #morality #existentialism

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drops-of-moonlights · 4 months

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I almost NEVER draw Haruka and Michiru and that has made their ReStart designs nebulous for a long time, but I finally got off my ass and did some work for them lol. Of course listening to all their songs from the bandai Myus helped they made BANGERS for these two. Random info on them in the AU below.

Tendo Haruka, age 21, Sailor Uranus, Senshi of Speed (powers over the wind and the earth) - her first time transforming her fuku featured a skirt, but by the second she had willed herself some pants even if the rest of the fuku didn't change. Was awakened by Neptune during the times of Black Moon and faced some Droids here and there but was focused on investigating Mugen Academy and the Death Busters alongside their search for the Talismans. Feels regretful over the lives she'd had to end during her investigation (the people turned into Daimons) and this guilt prevents her for pursuing a relationship with Michiru (as she has put her in a pedestal) until after her Talisman is extracted. Believes the other Senshi to be freshly awakened and makes her both look down on them and want to protect them, not realizing that by the time the Death Busters take center stage the Inners are already in their Super forms and therefore stronger than them. Clashes often with Sailor Jupiter and Sailor Mars as their perspectives are different. Before the identity reveal, she striked a quick friendship with Minako. She maintained this friendship post-reveal.

Kaioh Michiru, age 22, Sailor Neptune, Senshi of Depths (powers over water and darkness) - Was plagued by visions during the final attacks of the Dark Kingdom and awakened her powers during the Doom Tree invasion. Said visions point her to Mugen Academy, and so she ignores everything else that happened outside some brushes with Droids. Bitter over being a Senshi, she awakened Haruka to at least have a companion in her misery but oops now she has feelings for her and double oops she knows she cursed Haruka to a life of war. This prevents her from pursuing a relationship with her until her Talisman is extracted. Believes the other Senshi to be freshly awakened and looks down on them for this, which makes her clash with Sailor Mercury and especially Sailor Venus until a fight with the latter changes her mind soundly. Before the identity reveal, she formed a connection with Rei. She maintained this friendship post-reveal.

The Space Sword and Deep Aqua Mirror are mostly unchanged from their role in the original anime - hidden within their Pure Heart Crystals, their presence is required to summon the Moon Grail. The sword is virtually the same but the mirror now doubles as a dagger, because Michiru said "ah yes, surely this common accessory will be of utmost help, were I find myself entangled in physical combat." and her powers were like "aight sure have this".

As for their changes in design primarily I just wanted to give the butch woman some goddamned pants, and Michiru has thights and no sleeves to link her to Mars and Mercury respectively (as a Seer and as having powers over water), while also giving her an older flair.

#Drops's Art #Sailormoon #Sailormoon ReStart #Haruka Tenoh #Michiru Kaioh #Sailor Uranus #Sailor Neptune

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real-life-senshi · 1 year

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PGSM Reinako things I want to yell about, in no particular order (7/∞)

This is actually THE ONE THING that made me start this series of gif set, but it took me forever to put my thoughts into words. But it's finally here and I'm SO EXCITED to talk about it!

Fair warning - this is an essay.

Across the years I've seen many Reinako shippers used Rei following Minako around in Act 19/20 and Act 23 in the live action as proof that Rei has feelings for Minako. While I don't disagree, I do feel Rei being the one to seek Minako out was circumstantial and justifiable because Rei was literally the only Senshi then that knew Minako was Venus. Instead, there was something else both Rei and Minako consistently do to each other for the entirety of the series that I felt had more impact to the narrative of their story, but often get overlooked and not talked about enough, and that’s Minako's act of walking away and Rei's act of staying behind.

The significance of Minako walking away: Walking away or pulling a disappearing act is one of the most common thing we see Minako do, not only to Rei, but with everyone else. (E.g. Such as V walking out on Moon in Act 7, Minako disappearing on Saitou for Senshi business.) It's a recurring theme to help build the impression of elusiveness and secrecy that surrounds Minako's character. But more deeply, the act of walking away is also a device to represent the main issue Minako needed to overcome in her character arc - in prioritizing the past life mission, she was running away from what's most important, herself as Aino Minako. Her Senshi power literally woke after she accepted herself and chose to face the challenge Aino Minako faces, instead of only focusing on the challenges of Sailor Venus.

Now this in itself seems like it's really just a Minako thing, right? Where does Rei fit in?

The significance of Rei's act of staying: PGSM Minako is the the queen of the hot-and-cold behaviour, especially when she's with Rei. And her signature "cold" gesture is walking out on Rei. In fact, as you can see from this gif set, I've counted 14 times where Minako had walked out on Rei on screen in the series, and 4 other times she attempted to walk away but was stopped. Even for the normal person, you'd think when someone keeps pissing you off and runs out on you, your patience would be spent and just give up on them, right?

Now, PGSM Rei is written as the awkward, stubborn and easy to anger teenager. And don't forget, with Rei's backstory fleshed out as much as it did in PGSM, it's basically confirmed that Rei suffered badly from parental abandonment, so it's not much of a reach to interpret Rei's trust issue to be born from acts of someone she cares leaving her behind or showing rejection. And so it should reason that Rei would be doubly pissed off at Minako's seemingly flippant and callous behaviour, and couldn't wait to pass Minako off to Makoto and Ami to deal with once they know Minako is Venus, right?

But no, Rei stayed, every single time.

Despite all the crap Minako threw at Rei and repeatedly rejected Rei's support, Rei didn't react with her usual knee-jerk reactions. This, more than anything else, proves to me that Rei sees Minako as someone special - someone she could not and would not turn away from, even when Minako keeps pushing her away.

These actions forms a very beautiful, and dare I say, romantic narrative to their shared story. Here's why.

PGSM has established that all along Minako had made the conscious decision to not get deeply involved with her teammates for fear she'll end up hurting them when her illness inevitably takes her. In doing so, she boxed herself into a self-imposed isolation as her health worsens and things get tougher.

And yet in Act 11 and Act 17 when Minako met Usagi and then Rei, the narrative revealed to us that loneliness does unsurprisingly overwhelm Minako from time to time. This changed partially though when she accidentally revealed her identity to Rei. In doing so, she gave herself the choice and space to be outspoken with someone who is (at least partially) in-the-know besides Artemis. The fact Minako repeatedly approached Rei in Act 18 was evidence she actually craved the contact when she lets her guard down, to the point even Artemis had to call her out on it. And so, in moments of clarity, we see Minako try to backtrack by pushing Rei away, ie walking out on Rei. The cycle persists, where Minako's behaviour fluctuates depending on her state of mind, her backstory sadly but logically explains Minako's sometimes seemingly-random hot and cold attitude towards Rei.

In contrast to Minako's unreliable and mixed signals, Rei was the definition of stability and certainty in this relationship. Yes, Rei had indeed followed Minako around a few times, but more than that, Rei stayed and was consistently there, waiting to be available for Minako even when Minako didn't want Rei to be. Rei knows when to initiate contact (chase after Minako), but also knows to not push Minako too much too soon, choosing to stay put when Minako is actively pulling back. She lets Minako go most times when Minako walks away, as if patiently waiting to try again another day, hoping the next time will be enough to fully bring Minako's walls down. Rei knew she was in it for the long haul, not for momentary wins.

This back and forth dynamic is a persistent theme in their relationship. It can be perceived that Rei's tenacity and relentless efforts had managed to wore Minako's guard down slowly but surely throughout the series.

Act 20: Minako finally shared Rei was meant to be leader, hinting Rei needs to step in when she’s gone.

Act 36: Minako chose to disclosed the truth about her terminal illness to Rei.

It was only after Act 36, we see Rei being even more persistent and takes drastic measures in attempt to get through to Minako, because Rei realized they were out of time. But even then, their dynamic didn’t really change - Minako being the runner and Rei being the person left waiting, until…

The times their role reversed, the other AMAZING thing about all of this!

Minako walking away and Rei staying is THEIR thing. But has Rei ever walked out on Minako? The answer is yes. But only 2 times! And both times it had significant impact on Minako.

The first time was when Rei ran out to fight the Youma, and that led to Minako being overly worried and end up accidentally revealing her Senshi identity to Rei.

The second time was when Minako finally pushed Rei so much in front of the team, Rei pulled back and walked out in Act 44, reversing their usual roles. And you can tell from Minako's reaction she looked lost and conflicted as she watched Rei leave. Here was someone who had been a rock and pillar of care and support to her, now seemingly giving up on her because she finally shoved too hard. Between Makoto's near miss in Act 45 and the fact that Rei actually walked out on Minako in Act 44, Minako was shocked enough for her to finally listen and process what Rei's been telling her all this time. This ultimately lead to the resolution of Minako's character arc in Act 46.

In conclusion, their action forms a pattern to their story and deepens the meaning behind their choice to follow, stay or walk away from each other. When the pattern is disrupted it adds complexity of their story! Seriously, it feels like Rei's actions was catalyst of Minako's major character story development! Just as many of Minako's story influenced Rei's outlook on their mission and the past life (another post to come!), Rei's action had just as much influence on Minako's eventual character growth. If that doesn't prove these two are special to each other, I don't know what else to say!

Now - you'd think I'm done with my soapbox, right? NOPE. I've only finished talking about how these actions form patterns and the significance in their story. But the visual and filming appraoch of each of these scenes are also very telling. VERY.

Each time Minako walked away, it is intentional that Rei's reaction get highlighted on camera, even in group scenes. As well, we also get really telling reactions from Minako when Rei walks out on her. And that's regardless of which director led the filming.

Sato Takemitsu - Act 17, 18, 23

Takamaru Masataka - Act 20, 26

Maihara Kenzo - Act 40

Suzumura Nobuhiro - Act 43, 44, 47

It suggests either the script writer Kobayashi Yasuko intentionally scripted for Rei and Minako to have the spotlight for reacting to each other's action so all the directors received the same fucking memo about them. OR, even better, it wasn't part of the camera/filming direction, but all the directors have arrived to the same conclusion after reading the script and decided to put the spotlight on these two no matter which episodes they worked on, because the unresolved sexual tension was clear as day for them to see.

And especially Keiko did amazingly on her part portraying Rei’s attraction towards Minako. Regardless if it's a group scene or not, Rei/Mars always had the most expressive and meaningful look on her face when Minako/Venus walks out. Even in Act 22 when Mars was just in the background with Jupiter, you can tell Mars’s eyes and body following Venus’s direction while Jupiter just stands flatly.

Rei/Mars' reaction to Minako/Venus leaving also changes across the series. From frustration/irritation, to hopeful yearning, ending with worried yearning. A reflection of Rei's feelings for Minako, from seeing her an annoying brat of a Princess, to respecting Minako as a mentor, to caring for her as a friend (and maybe more).

And look at this shit!!!!!!!!

Act 20 and 26 were done by the same director. The two scenes are basically parallel to each other visually and artistically, which is also so layered when juxtaposed to the plot point:

Act 20: Minako tells Rei that Rei's meant to be leader, and Rei follows Minako wanting to learn more while expressing concern for her Princess's well being and safety.

Act 26: Mars grown enough to start taking on the leadership, and follows Venus in attempt to invite Venus to integrate with the team now Venus no longer need to play decoy, only for Venus to turn around and claims she's actually the leader and Mars is the substitute.

Lastly, the most beautiful yet absolute worst visual the PGSM directors gave us:

Even the imagery of Minako's passing just as Mars breaks down was of Minako walking away, leaving Rei behind. That shit can't be made up. If the imagery was coincidental, well, that's one hell of a coincidence.

These factors all lead to me concluding PGSM had very intentionally used the acts of walking away and staying behind as recurring theme in Reinako's relationship. The length they went to do this and the tragically beautiful story it gave us forms a much more compelling reason for audience to ship Reinako. In fact, this is the very primary reason why I fell in love shipping them in PGSM.

#reinako #pretty guardian sailor moon #pgsm #hino rei #aino minako #sailor venus #sailor mars #pgsm reinako things i want to yell about #reinako gif set #khmyh's gif set #khmyh's gif #hello I am back with my bullshit hahahaha

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alex-multiverse · 3 months

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Dumb concept for a magical girl

So, yesterday i decided to watch "The magical revolution of the reincarnated princess and the genius girl" and after realizing that anis is "a little messed up actually" i wondered, has there been any darkness themed magical girl that wasnt a villain? (Only one i kinda know is sailor saturn but i really dont know any other so please feel free to tell me if theres any non-edgy MG show with darkness as a main power going on)

SO, i decided to try to come up with something: A sailor moon-ish ripoff magical girl concept except the main girl's main powers are darkness and demon themed and shes the hero. Also totally not heavily inspired in persona 5 because i cant help myself

Note: this is all made for fun and kinda sorta goncharoved a whole ass franchise while i was at work today, enjoy

SUMMARY :D

Our protagonist is a 16 year old girl named yosuru yoruhime (because pun names are fun) who one day can turn into a magical girl by quite literally making a deal with a devil to protect her best friend from an angel-like monster. Armed with a trident, and using shadows to bind the creature, she killed the monster and saw it morph back into a girl (she was a bully shown earlier in act 1 of the episode), something something using darkness to purge corrupting light from her heart.

(shittyly made concept art of mc yosuru, drawn in paint)

were this made into a show, it would be a 24 episode season that slowly introduces the side characters, which include the other 4 members of her entourage of magical girls themed around other monsters (ie, a fire girl that is a red oni while theres also an ice girl that is a blue oni) and her bestie who ends up being manipulated into turning an angelic magical girl and ends in a gay magical girl fight a la symphogear. most of the show would be a monster of the week scenario with slow hints of the big bad group themed after the inner circles of angels, the monsters are "angelized" people who get so deluded in their self righteousness they turn into people who think are allowed to smite anyone who disagrees and can turn people into a mob that adore them. Most of the non fight part of the show would feature yosuru doing stuff like, being lazy at school, getting sent to detention, going to her friends important events and being gay with her best friend/future rival Gabrielle

(even more hastily concept art)

around episode 15 there gabrielle should be introduced as a "rival" for our group, and on the course to the end of the series it should have a "best friend girl/crush is betrothed to some anime man who is obviously evil and she has no real choice about it but she doesnt want to be there" plot. which most of the climax before their fight revolves around them in an aquarium school trip that ends with yosuru revealing her identity on accident to her and leads to the fight

something something 3 episodes before finale they fight except not really because yosuru cant harm her bestie, and ends the fight crying over her in a hug, and in the finale they join forces along with the other side girls to kill the giant monster version of the fiancee who was the true mastermind of the whole operation with a light/darkness magic combo. final scene of episode ends with a kiss during tanabata in summer, and a season 2 stinger in the post credits....

THEMING

The overall theming of the whole series is about the repression of the individual for the sake of societal order and the conflict that lies within, with yosuru being a vigilante that constantly fights monsters who want to make the world bend to their wills and how everything should work, and how we should never bow down to anyone else's desires but ours, and live our best lives with the ones we love.

also, like, magical girl yuri guys. its not that complicated

OTHER DETAILS

The gang are the typical 5 men gang, with a fiery bancho girl with a heart of gold, a sarcastic icey bookworm that is tsundere for the bancho, A straightforward thinking gun user (a la mami from madoka) and a hikikomori lightning girl who is both fascinated by the gun girl, and also dumbfounded (basically the dynamic that yusuke and futaba have in p5, but with lesbians) And of course all their names are pun names:

Yosuru yoruhime

Gabrielle hikariyama

Himeko atsui

Honsuki kanrei

Yumi ite

Kairo denki

AND for autenticity's sake, i also made them 4kidz names for funsies:

nancy nightley

gaby highgraces

Hestia Heatmore

Libra colden

Carol electra

(Yumi doesnt get one because im not smart enough to make "bow shoot" into a pun name in america)

I could come up with more stuff but i would have to come up with it first.

Anyway please enjoy the mad ramblings of a man who liked symphogear and has a fondness for the tropes of magical girl stuff

(Special thanks to @lolapinta for also enabling my brainrot a bit)

Thanks for reading

#Alex writes a thing #magical girl #yuri #i swear i have more details but its midnight and i need to keep watching magirevo #anyway #heres some yuri obtained directly from my brain

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sailormoonrewatch · 2 months

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Sailor Moon Rewatch Week 10 (March 4-10)

033: Enter Venus, the Last Sailor Guardian

You've seen the openings by now, you know it's coming: it's finally time for the much-waited arrival of the fifth Guardian, Sailor… Moon!? A mysterious new hero has been stealing all of Usagi's glory, and both the Guardians and Tuxedo Mask are determined to unmask her true identity.

034: The Shining Silver Crystal: The Moon Princess Appears

With all Rainbow Crystals unearthed, Zoisite issues a challenge to Tuxedo Mask; they'll both wager their crystals, and the winner takes all. Usagi gets caught up in the action, but surely they can all trust the Dark Kingdom to play fair?

035: Returning Memories: Usagi and Mamoru's Past

The Sailor Guardians arrive as backup, but it's too late - the skirmish over the Rainbow Crystals has reached its boiling point, and it's all about to culminate in revealing the location of the mythical Silver Crystal.

036: Usagi's Confusion: Is Tuxedo Mask Evil?

Usagi is still reeling from the events following the clash over the Rainbow Crystals, so her newest friend takes her to a salon for a pick-me-up makeover. There's never a quiet moment for a Sailor Guardian, of course, but when Tuxedo Mask arrives on the scene, is he friend… or foe?

Reply to or reblog this post with your thoughts on these episodes, or make some brand new posts! Don't forget to tag them with #SailorMoonRewatch2024!

#Sailor Moon #SailorMoonRewatch2024 #Mod note: So sorry for the delayed update on this one my PC exploded lmao #e033 #e034 #e035 #e036

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random-mailbox · 10 months

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Random-Mailbox's Favorite Sailor Moon Fics - Week 44 - First Kiss

This post is all about marking the stories focused on the First Kiss!

Also, don't forget to check out the prompts for @usamamoweek2023! We are 2 weeks away! Are you excited? Because I am very excited

@smquickies2023 prompts came out last week too - that event is taking place August 6-12 (and is open to any SM pairings).

As always, my apologies in advance for spoiling some of these for you (Fic Titles are linked to either FFN or AO3 entries).

The Dare - Marronett

To kill time, girls decide to play truth or dare - with Rei suggesting Usagi kiss Mamoru.

Four Times Usagi Has Her First Kiss (And One Time Thereafter) - muffin_song

This one-shot is actually a combination of moments in time, shining light on various kisses throughout Usagi’s / Serenity’s life - giving us a glimpse of the thoughts she had in the first arc of the manga

Third Time's the Charm - @lyraterra

Usagi makes a bet with Mamoru that she will get her first kiss by Monday night, kicking off a series of events that lead to reveal of secret identities in a very adorable way.

Mamoru's Realization - Sailor Amaranth

In this anime-characterization story, it takes someone else talking about asking Usagi out to a dance for Mamoru to realize that he is in love with her.

Little Moments: Chapter 2: Speechless - @floraone

We get a bit of a missing scene with this one-shot, where Usagi and Mamoru actually have a discussion about where they stand post events of the Doom-tree arc.

UsaxMamo Writing Diet: Chapter 4: Children - @billyjbradshaw

Having been friends since they were little, Mamoru offers to teach Usagi how to kiss.

Twenty Kisses: Chapter 1: Bunny Among Wolves - @angelmoongirl

To prove Mamoru wrong, in the heat of an argument, Usagi declares that she will set up a kissing booth to prove her worth. The entire series is actually awesome, so you should read all 20 of them!

---

Next Monday's post will cover Reviving Shitennou as the main focus of stories.

Here are the links to the previous Tumblr posts in these series to explore more amazing works based on different themes - make sure to check them out if you haven't had a chance! (Click on title name to go to the post) - I will keep updating the list every week as new posts come up:

Week 1 - Groundhog Day

Week 2 - Established Relationships

Week 3 - Sex Positivity

Week 4 - Unfinished Stories

Week 5 - Darker Stories

Week 6 - Potions 🧪

Week 7 - Reveals

Week 8 - 👻Halloween🎃

Week 9 - Wrong Perceptions

Week 10 - Non-Senshi AU

Week 11 - In-Progress Fics

Week 12 - Mutual Pining

Week 13 - Enemies to Lovers

Week 14 - Slow Burn

Week 15 - Christmas Part 1 - Ugly Christmas Sweaters and Santa!

Week 16 - Christmas Part 2

Week 17 - New Years

Week 18 - High School AU

Week 19 - Slice of Life

Week 20 - Coffee shop AU

Week 21 - Huddle for Warmth

Week 22 - Friends to Lovers

Week 23 - ❤️Valentines Day❤️

Week 24 - Do a Grouch a Favour Day (or Cheer Up Fics)

Week 25 - Soulmate AU

Week 26 - Amnesia Fics (and resources)

Week 27 - 🍀St Patrick's Day🍀

Week 28 - Fix it Fics

Week 29 - Prompt: Mug

Week 30 - Flowers

Week 31 - Traditions

Week 32 - Dreams

Week 33 - Friends

Week 34 - Body-Swap

Week 35 - Medical Assistance

Week 36 - Sex Pollen

Week 37 - Psychometry

Week 38 - What If

Week 39 - Missing Scenes Part I

Week 40 - Green Jacket

Week 41 - Dr Chiba

Week 42 - Birthdays

Week 43 - Fluff

#sailor moon #usagi x mamoru #fic rec #fic list #first kiss #kisses

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fairytail-backgrounds · 1 month

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Memes aside, Jellal & Mystogan have many parallels with 90s Sailor Moon anime Tuxedo Mask. Just off the top of my head, in the first two seasons Mamoru

is introduced as a quite a jerk in the beginning (out-of-the-mask at least)

gets brainwashed by a woman with a crystal ball who acts on behalf of some bigger evil and probably was also manipulated (Queen Beryl) and temporarily acts as an antagonist, doesn't stop him from flirting with the love of his life though

loses his memory after (nearly?) dying being blasted to smithereens in a remote location (although all of the main cast do)

temporarily assumes another identity hiding his face (Moon Knight or something like that, compare to Jellal playing role of Mystogan during GMG)

might be mistaken here, but the thing that tickled his lost memory was also his love's hair (the signature odango hairstyle)

was a prince in the past life, becomes a king in the future, in between plays a role of occasional helper

speaking of which, there are 2 other versions besides the present/main one (past life Endymion, future king Endymion, but that also goes for the rest of main cast), that are almost treated as separate characters (the present and future ones even meet each other as there's time travel involved)

there's a break-up at some point where he lies about the true reason, because "the world will perish" or something (compare to Jellal's "fiancee")

the future king version has a daughter named after her mother (grandmother for Mystogan's case)

first met the love of his life when they were little, at least in current life, as was revealed later (it might have been a scene from one of the movies though)

capes, most of his outfits (that aren't normal civilian) have capes

Perhaps the anime staff were onto something when they gave Erza a magic girl transformation in season 1 (which contradicted the fastest requip claim, but that's not the point here).

Fairy Tail, Ch. 120

#fairy tail #details #parallels #ft mystogan #jellal fernandes #erza scarlet #natsu dragneel

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usakofashion · 8 months

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Sailor Moon Episode 109 - A Time of Shock! True Identities Revealed to One Another

#minako #red #aqua #turquoise #retro #summer #spring #fall #artsy #casual

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what-the--curtains · 1 year

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Fire & Ice

Chapter 1 - A Political Affair

(Robb Stark x f!Targaryen!reader)

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The reader hears voices brought on by magic. This may be triggering for people who experience psychosis. Please take care.

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Synopsis: A ghost from your past returns, changing the course of your future forever.

Authors note: Oh boy back at the start! This is a fic Ive wanted to write since I first read the books at 14. Think of it as a “What if…” scenario. I’ve tried to abide by the rules of the world best I can. As always, comments are always welcome but be nice! Most importantly I hope you enjoy 💕

Tw: Physical/verbal abuse, kidnapping, hunting, blood

Tag list: @kittykylax , @winxschester , @mihrimahsultan03 , @stargaryenx , @the-desilittle-bird

Playlist

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Moat Cailin

The wind blows cold, prickling the hairs on Catelyn's neck. Winter was coming. The words hold meaning now, more than ever. Gloved hands clutch an envelope written in haste, any desire for perfection dissipating upon the arrival of urgent news an hour prior. Her husband was dead, the Lannister’s to blame, and with her daughters still in their clutches debts were owed to her. Debts that would not be repaid unless Robb bent the knee, but any notions of peace had vanished the moment the blade struck her husband's neck. Ned’s final note to her was the cause for her movements tonight, revealing a secret, a secret kept across the narrow sea for nearly twenty years. The information was too sensitive to share, and a decision was made without consultation. Better to ask for forgiveness. The frost crunches beneath her boots, the first breath of winter moving south with her son's siege. She jolts as hurried steps sound out on the old wooden wharf. Clutching a smaller dagger close to her chest, she turns towards the noise.

“Were you followed?” she whispers urgently.

“No,” the man replies calmly, hood cloaking his identity. His hand reaches out causing Catelyn's gaze to flit down towards the open palm.

“This must be received by its recipient,” she stresses, “do you understand me? Protect it with your life, dock your ship, await their answer. If this succeeds you will be paid out in triple of what has already been given,”

“Money is not my influence, my Lady,” the man replies

“Most men say as much, until the correct price is offered,'' she replies, placing the letter firmly into his palm. Her husband's sigil stares back up at her, the running wolf illuminated by the moon, and she releases her grasp. “May the winds be with you,” she whispers.

“And the winter with you,” the man replies, bowing. She watches him stride down the dock, others appear from the shadows joining him, slipping seamlessly from the darkness onto the ship before them. She was told he was the fastest sailor in Braavos, one who held his own resentment towards the Lannisters, though those details he provided sparingly. She watches the vessel disappear over the horizon, leaving her alone with the moon. She prayed to the old gods and the new, that her words reached the intended ears. Her family's survival hung in the balance, the letter was their key to salvation. A salvation yet to be discussed with her eldest, but hesitation was a risk she was not willing to take, not with her daughter's lives on the line. If Ned's letter had been intercepted others will already be on their way to destroy what she sought. Robb was older now, more sure of himself, but she would force him on this path, it was the only way, and he would see that one way or another.

Norvos

A smile spreads across Visery Targaryens face, as his manicured nails rapp against the wood desk. He clutches the yellowed paper flimsily between his thin fingers. Across the sea, havoc reigned, he wondered how many more would declare themselves kings.

“One more at least,” He declares, looking into the cracked mirror. “Renly and Stannis Baratheon argue over rights, the Lannister’s clutch on with all the gold in the world boosting the inbred Joffrey, while the newly declared king in the north, moves further south each day. Yet to lose a battle, or so his mother would have me believe.” Visery scoffs. If what he read was true, he had an army awaiting him. The only caveat being his traitorous little sister. It should have been him leading the Dothraki towards the narrow sea, pillaging Westeros and reclaiming the iron throne in the name of his ancestors. But he had been unjustly banished by his sister's pompous husband Khal Drogo over nothing more than a petty squabble. An accidental blade and a ridiculous primitive custom that had led him to his current shit stained accommodation. He tilts the note closer to the light, the writing is rushed, but the wax seal is legitimate, the Starks insignia pressed into it, the letter was short, to the point, leaving no room for misunderstandings.

Catlynn Stark wanted a marriage, a fast alliance between two houses, securing both the north and the south under one roof. The benefits were clearly laid out, for the Starks, a legitimate claim to the throne, a way to rally those in King's Landing sick of the Lannisters domination and cruelty. For him nothing less than the seven kingdoms, or at least the six. The north would remain free in accordance with her demands, but that was a bridge easily burned when reached. A proclaimed king in the north would be easily taken down. The Northerners were brutes after all, easily distracted and easily pleased.

The timing of the request was nothing short of impeccable. News had spread of Khal Drogo's passing, killed by an infected blade no more than a year prior. Curious how those things happen. His child was born early, deformed and dead, rumours of a monster summoned by a witch, but Visery knew the truth. Drogo’s bloodline was evidently not strong enough to create a true Targaryen. Perhaps the king in the north would prove different. His sister was once again a fresh slate, a sow ready to be resold, all he needed to do was find her. His eyes turned to the small chest of coins he had saved precisely for this moment. Two sellswords should do the trick, the rest would follow with ease. You will not have forgotten your place, even after spending so much time amongst the Dothraki ranks. You were not a khaleesi, not a ruler, but you were a Targaryen, and he was your king by right of blood. He would make sure you remember that, and your duty to your family.

Vaes Dothrak

The sun rises over the great plains and you stare out across the grass fields, swaying as the sea breeze blows through them. You were closing in on the coast, the air saltier with each passing day. The dark blue sky turns to bright yellow as the sun rises in the east, its unchanging nature mocking you. Still each day you came and watched, waiting for a miracle. Mirri’s cackle followed you around, not even the sound of her screams as she burnt could replace the laugh that came before. No comfort to you was her death. Nor was the smell of charred flesh that filled the air as you watched the pyre burn through tear stained eyes. A warm breeze blows, and your hand absentmindedly rests on your stomach, gently running over what could have been. Time would not heal these wounds, but you could not yield yet. You had come too far to turn back now. Your ancestors' voices grew louder with each mile, they echoed from Dragonstone calling you home. The narrow sea was close, the Iron throne well within your grasp now a fully fledged khalasar stood behind you. Though whether they would brave the poisoned water was another question, one that would be answered by nightfall.

Khaleesi, yer hash yatholat. Jif anha afazhi ale eveth? * Khaleesi, you are up. Should I warm some water? * Irri states softly, having followed your trail out towards the ledge. You smile, as she rubs the sleep from her eyes.

“Vo anna hrazef, anha Fonas jin aena” *No get my horse, I hunt this morning* you reply.

“Yer hash haqe tat yer remekat” *You are tired, did you sleep?* she asks, hands tracing under your eyes before interlocking her hand with yours. Irri was your most trusted confidante. She had held you when Drogo had died and stood by you when others left, managing to convince one of his bloodriders to remain. Cohallo had placed you under his protection stating that Drogos final act was to cross the narrow sea, and that he would see that it was done for the blood of his blood. You hoped his promise still held true, but you sensed the mens nerves as you approached the coast. Jorah said there was no need to worry, the promise of greatness, gold and conquest would be enough to drive the Dothraki forward, though you were aware that their cooperation would come with contingencies. Jorah believed it would be asked that you marry Cohallo once King’s landing was seized. You doubted the seven kingdoms would bend to two foreigners, though with enough force even the strongest will could yield. A fact you had learnt on the battlefield as you became intimately familiar with the price of victory. You had become acquainted with the smell of death, and the havoc of a siege. You had lived it, eventually earning the mens respect by bleeding alongside them.

“Not well, I dreamt snow came to the plains. It rotted the crops and froze the young and old, and there was nothing I could do to stop it, no matter how much fire I made, the ice kept coming,” you reply, nodding to the horse handlers as you approach your mare.

“It cannot snow here khaleesi. This is known,” she states, lifting down your leather armour.

“I know, it just felt like a…” you hesitate for a moment, searching for the right word.

“Mel attirarido?” *Bad Dream* Irri offers, boosting you up onto the horses back.

“An omen,” You reply, looking down, feeling her fear, you offer a reassuring smile “but you’re right it's impossible,”

Sweat beads beneath the thick leather armour as Irri hands you your bow, engraved with a golden dragon. It had been given to you on your wedding day by your husband. You hear his voice carry in on the wind “Rakh ki tor laz addrivat ha hrazef save sekke laz yeri “ *Boys of four learn to kill, you can too *

“san athchomari yeraan” *thank you* you state fixing it across your chest, placing your arrows into their quiver.

“khaleesi, yer eth nakho ha jin mithri ki mahrazhi” *My Queen you must wait for the rest of the men* she relays.

“Anha tat vo jin qeshah, anha tih jin deer. Anha eth vo assilat me, astat jorah anha'll tikh irge hatif jin shekh” *I do not fear this land, I saw a deer. I do not wish to lose it, tell Jorah I will return before day break to plan on our next move*

You kick off into a canter, the wind stings your face as you ride towards where you had last seen the stag. You slow to a trott as the tracks come into view, etched into the dirt, hardened from a recent drought. Trees appear along a small stream, fighting against nature to survive. The dead wood creaks in the wind, barren but still growing upwards. Perhaps this was once a great forest, perhaps this is why the deer still came. You stall and drop down from your horse, quietly moving between the trees settling behind a patch of tall grass, the only thing able to survive the aridity. Your eyes follow the tracks forward until you see the herd standing in the distance. The grass sways in the wind covering the noise you make as you pull a quill from its carrier. The string creaks as you pull it back, waiting, eyes locked on the stag standing boldly amongst the herd. The breeze blows from behind you, you fire, striking it directly between the eyes. You thank the seven for the food as you stand, the rest of the herd bounding off, you lead your mare through the woods tying her to a tree as you begin processing the deer’s body. You hear a creak behind you, ignoring it until it grows louder, heavier, human like. Brandishing your knife you turn towards the noise, coming face to face with a ghost.

“Visery,” you murmur, the knife falling from your fingers.

“Hello sister, you look afraid to see me, perhaps you should be,” He replies, you note the two men standing behind him, swords in hand.

“You will be killed if you are found here you must leave,” you state, holding your voice level slowly backing towards where you had left your bow rested against a tree.

“I do not think I will be killed now that the Khal is dead. Or does the Queen of the sheepherders believe herself judge, jury and executioner in his stead,” he queeries following your footing.

“You did not think they were so common when you married me off to them on my 18th name day” you reply

“You are lucky I did not marry you off younger,” he spits “Your husband is dead, for what now almost a year? And what reason do you give for not bringing me back? Allowing me the army I bought with you,”

“He is not,” you begin

“Do not lie to me!” he shouts, eyes shutting in rage, allowing you to put a hand on your weapon “It’s never worked out for you,”

‘I am not the same little girl you left here,” you reply, taking your bow and aiming it at him, his eyes going black.

“Eddard Stark is dead. The Lannisters hold Kings Landing captive,” he effortlessly relays the information you had known for months, “the young wolf wages war from the north. He is the fourth person to declare himself a king. You, now widowed, will fulfil your duty to me, and our family by ensuring I take back the iron throne, and reinstate the greatest lineage westeros has ever seen,”

“And how shall I fulfil such a duty?” you spit, the arrow string pulling on your hand. “I have already procured my army, what else of mine would you try and take,”

“An army” he laughs “you would be lucky if half didn't die of fright on the passage over”

“They have more courage than you ever had,”

“Not enough to take back what I want, nor would they do it for me, No I need an army that fights for me, not you,”

“I will not leave my Khalasar behind, after everything? This is my…”

“Your home,” he mocks, but you keep your aim true “very well if you must be difficult, men,” he calls out, as another two sell swords appear with Irri bound.

“Irri” you whisper, dropping your bow,

“Khaleesi,” she cries out softly

“Let her go,” you threatened retaking your stance

“Her fate is in your hands my dear sister, drop your weapon and come with me now, and I will return this whore to your tribe,”

“What trust of mine have you earned,” you retort , fingers itching to release

“When have I ever lied to you,” Visery says sickeningly sweet , hand tracing along Irris cheek.

You lower your bow, as you hear the brush rustle behind you, something flies by grazing your neck. Your hand reaches up feeling a quil embedded in your skin, you bring your fingers into view a deep blue mixed with crimson, staining purple on your fingers. You look at Irri, her eyes are the last thing you see before dropping to the ground.

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Water drips down splattering nearby, the dull thunk slowly rousing you from your dreamless sleep. Mould, salt and damp fill your senses, as the dryness of your mouth finally causes your eyes to open. The world is blurry as you push yourself up from the bed taking in your surroundings, a bucket in the corner, water speckling the floor, but no other indication as to where you were. You retch as you stand, but force the bile back down. Your legs wobble as you move towards the door, feeling the ground shift beneath you with each step the effects of the poison still coursing through your veins. You push open the door, only to be greeted by further darkness, cracks of light seeping out from the door at the top of the staircase guiding you forward. You grip a damp pillar as you shuffle towards the stairs. Each step you take breathes new life into a theory you prayed was not true. Your vision tunnels and your heart beats up into your ears as you push the door open.

Water breaks loudly against wood, the shouts of men follow, only to die out on the wind. You look up trying to steady your breath as the world around you spins. Lightning breaks between the clouds, rain falling down onto cracked lips, as the gulls cry out above. You return your gaze to the horizon, land was nowhere to be seen, everything consumed by the great blue vastness. You look around at the crew working to keep the vessel upright, lightning catches Viserys silver hair, as the thunder rumbles above. The sounds had never scared you, you were born from a storm. Lightning ran through your veins.

“Why?” you ask voice straining, as you turn him around to face you. The rain falling down your face mixing with the tears forming in your eyes.

“We are heading at this very moment to Westeros, sweet sister. Come now, this is the least you owe me after banishing me,’ he replies calmly, guiding you back down below the deck.

“They were going to kill you, I spared your life, was that not enough, or do I owe you mine as well?” You enunciate clearly. He raises his hand causing you to flinch, but he brings it down to caress your face.

“We're going home, where we belong, where our kingdom awaits us” he replies, you search for sense in his eyes, but delusions of grandeur masked reality.

“We are not safe in Westeros. Need I remind you dear brother that Robert Baratheon ordered us killed, and had Jorah not intervened I would be dead, poisoned by wine,” you relay, hoping he sees sense.

“Look at me sister everything has been leading to this very moment. Robert Baratheon, traitorous usurper he is, is dead and rumours grow that his bloodline is not his own, born of incest,”

“The Targaryens…”, you begin.

“Don’t lecture me on our family's history. That's not the point, do you know what is, or has being amongst the horse breeders made you dim?” He spits. Being amongst the Dothraki had left you more skilled, and more capable than ever. Readings of your youth had left you with a strategic ability that had helped Drogo with his conquests. His teaching you to ride and use a bow allowed you to fight alongside him, as your foremothers once had on dragon back. You were not the same child Visery pushed around two years prior. You knew of loss and grief and anguish. Of honour and power, and manipulation, of respect and how to command it. More importantly you had learnt how to survive in a world built for men.

“It means that we… that you are now the only person with a viable claim to the throne,”

“Exactly,” he replies smiling once again.

“Then why take me, I had an army I could have raised and fought for you across the sea,” He scoffs “You can hardly raise your husband from the dead,”

“Careful” you reply, fist clenching, you legs finally adjusted to the sea's movements.

“Or what?” He asks. Taking a step forward, and you calm yourself, “That's what I thought, you may not be a true dragon, but you can be married off as one,” he explains.

“Again,” you scoff, “I doubt anyone in Westeros has need for a used bride from a dying lineage”

“An ancestral lineage, a martyred lineage, but a forgotten lineage? No, that we are not. Those in King's Landing despise the Lannister’s, and with Robert no longer present they want them dead, gone, they want us on the throne,” he relays, blindly optimistic, unable to see the naivety in his beliefs.

“And you believe that, that they will rejoice for a family that burnt innocents, ” you question

“They love us,” he emphasises, the look in his eyes leaving no room for argument.

“And you wish to marry me to one of these supposed allies in King's Landing?” you press.

“Don’t be dense I received a letter two weeks back from lady Catelyn Stark,”

“The Starks” you laugh shaking your head, “who betrayed us in the war? Whose house was cut down by our father,”

“And who protected our lineage afterwards. Eddard Stark hid us, sent us here to be safe, he never told a soul of the hand he played in our escape until now upon his death. The recent attempt on your life, he tried to stop Robert and his small council, lest he allow the two children he risked his honour to save perish anyways,”

“How do you know this is true,” you ask as he hands you the letter

“I assume you remember how to read,”

“I spent most of my childhood reading for the maesters, it's not something you forget overnight,” you murmur, scanning the note, the seal was true, but broken. Perhaps you were the trading piece necessary for Lady Stark's daughter's return, the last of the Targaryens given to the Lannisters to finish the job started by the kingslayer.

“Eddard voted against our murder, Robert for them, and now both are dead. Those left behind are at war with each other. Fortunately it has presented us with a great opportunity to unite our house and seek revenge on the Lannister’s who have taken everything from us, and who threaten to take everything from them. The eldest, Robb Stark, wages war in honour of his father, and to regain his sister from the deadly claws of the lion and unlike the other kings at war, he remains unmarried,” Visery continues, as you look up from the letter.

“So you wish me to sail halfway across the world to try to entice him,” you remark.

“He need not be enticed. The letter confirms it, you will be married once you arrive so long as you are deemed fit. As such, there will be no mention of your life here, Drogo never existed, your child never existed. You will show no signs of the brutish activities of war that you have carelessly partaken in. You are to act pure, untouched do you understand me,” he asks, any gentleness, or mocking, had dissolved into vitriol. You meet his gaze, fury painted across your brow.

“So nothing of my life prior existed? Everything I accomplished, everything I was and am and everyone I love ceases to exist, and for what,” you pose.

“They were nothing, nothing important,” he soothes, “mere pawns in the grand scheme of things, You will forget them once I sit on the throne,” he states wiping the tear from your cheek, as you stare daggers at him. You would never forget them, not even in death. “Do not weep, I have allowed one thing from your past on board, third door to the right, don’t say I never do anything for you,” he shouts walking back up the stairs barking orders at the crew. You push the door open and Jorah looks up from his hands.

“Tell me you did not plot this behind my back,” you ask calmly, as he comes to kneel before you.

“Khaleesi, never in a thousand life times would I betray you. My loyalty to you runs thicker than any other. I was preparing for our meeting when my spies returned information of your brother's re-appearance. I went to the docks, but by the time I learnt of his intention It was too late, In that way I have failed you, but I have never plotted against you,” he relays eyes on the floor.

“You have never given me reason for doubt, rise Ser Mormont, what scene did you happen upon at the docks,” you ask and he stands,

“Four sell swords, two carried you, one kept Irri in chains, the other lead the path towards the boat, it was premeditated, and i was ill informed of his whereabouts,”

“Irri?” you question

“They were taking her to Slaver's Bay, but I managed to intervene, with luck she returned safely to the Khalasaar on your mare. Visery was adamant on you getting onto the boat. He told me to depart or to join, and I swore to protect you, until you sat on the iron throne. I remain loyal in that vow to you. I will not allow you to go into uncharted territories with no one but Visery to guide you. Though you need little guidance these days, and you are more a leader than he,”

“Do not let him hear that, best I remain helpless, less reason for my head on a spike. I am glad you are here with me Jorah,” you state taking his hands in yours “I will need at least one ally as I wander into the wilderness,” you finish dropping them gently. “What do you know of him, the self proclaimed king in the north,”

“I hear that he is anything but self- proclaimed that his men elected him, and that is he is undefeated in the battlefield. I have heard he rides a dire wolf to battle, and that if the timing is right, he himself can turn into one,” he replies, smiling as you laugh at the supposed mythos. “In truth, if the young wolf is anything like his father, he will be a strong ally, and a good man”

“Despite his banishing you,” you ask.

“I deserved the banishment, I deserved more than that, he could have sent me to the wall, or had my head,”

“He still does if you return, you understand the risk of coming here with me,”

“I know you will convince them to spare me, I trust you with my life Khaleesi,”

“Well it eases my mind at least that he has your approval, and what of the rest of the north's allies? I find it hard to believe we are not to be targeted the moment our feet hit the soil,”

“You were a target in Essos, you are a target anywhere Khaleesi. Anyone with a reliable claim to the throne is,”

“Robert Baratheon's bastards included?” you question

“I would say they take precedent in the Lannisters kill list considering the small council believes you dead,” he replies, a bitterness on hig tongue for the role he played in informing them of your survival, your movements and until the very last minute your death.

“At least for now,” you reply.

“I have something for you, from the market, I managed to retrieve them before we left,” he turns, pulling a set of five books, covered in light silvers and purple, bound in leather. “Three are the histories of the great houses in the north, one is of the dragon age, and the last is in ancient warfare. The strategies may help you gain footing with the king in the North, I have heard he appreciates a woman with an opinion,”

“For all our sakes, I hope that is true. I fear I won't last long in a docile role,” you reply, hands running over the indents of the titles. Jorah bows and you exit his room, books in hand. Planning on sharpening the only weapon you had left in hopes of impressing the Northerners.

White Harbour

Your boat sits in the harbour, cold air seeps through the wood, a cold you had not felt in your lifetime. Your blood ran warm, but even you shivered here. You had managed to read two of the books “Great Houses of the North,” and “Strategies of the First Age,” during the journey, currently reading the “Northern Myths, Religion and Customs”.

The luxury of language was a privilege many were not afforded. When you were under the care of the Maesters in Essos they had taught you to transcribe documents while Visery trained with a blade, a craft he had never managed to master, useless as he was at most things. Where he failed you had flourished, learning High Valyrian, Braavosi, Volanteen and myrish, along with the common tongue, it was one of the reasons Dothraki came so easily to you. Hours were spent learning histories of the land, every folk tale and true account, the great strategies and failed takeovers, instances of magic and fraud, all of it had passed your irises.

Learning was a habit you’d never quit even after Visery forced you to run away in the middle of the night with whispers of better things. You remember, the look in the Maesters eye as he watched you go, Visery threatening to kill you if he didn’t let you pass. He handed you a book titled “the dragon age,” whispering “Valar Morghulis” as Visery pulled you away into the night. Written in high valyrian Visery saw no use for it, and sold it before you could finish the history of your family. The money was enough to buy a ticket to Pentos where you lived with Illyrio Mopatis who groomed you for marriage and sold you to Drogo as soon as he could to secure Visery an army. An army that had turned to you. Your readings had helped you with Drogo, helped you show your usefulness besides a womb. Perhaps it would do the same for the king in the north.

You're deep in the history of Winterfell, reading the mythos of the old gods, and the children of the forest, you run your fingers over the paper, shadowed figures hiding between the trees that seemingly stare back at you unblinking, blue orbs for eyes that glow bright in the dark. You jump when the door opens, turning to see Visery.

“Cease your senseless readings, no amount of time with the words of intellectuals will make you as such. You should have spent more time making yourself look acceptable, but this will have to do,” Visery sighs as you painstakingly look up from your book.

“Is there any other reason for your pleasant company or did you drop in to hurl insults at me,” you query.

“She is here, awaiting you,” he states, gesturing for you to stand. You close your book, dropping it to the side allowing him to smooth the fabric of your dress. You follow him out up towards the main deck, the waters are calm now, the rain turned to a mist, fogging the limited light provided. His hand digs into your arm as you reach the last step, “do not fail me,” he whispers.

“When have I ever failed this family,” you retort, eyes meeting his, knowing his hand would not raise prior to such an important meeting. You shake free of his grasp and walk slowly towards a cloaked figure, who turns to face you. The lanterns' flames illuminate orange hair bright against the deep blue fabric of her cloak. Gloved hands reached up pulling down her hood, her head was held high despite the weight you felt pressing down on her, strength for her children wielding her on through sorrow. A sorrow you knew well enough to identify in others.

“Lady Stark” you curtsey “it is my great honour to be in your presence. Thank you for your hospitality and your courage. Welcoming us is a brave thing to do,” you state, rising to full height.

“Such times call for a risk. May I have a moment alone with her,” she asks, and her guards step out. Perhaps this was all a clever ploy, a way to pull the two remaining Targaryens from hiding, and finally be rid of them. She circles you, eyeing your every movement. You wonder if she hears your heart race.

“Well he cannot fault your beauty, and for most men that is enough, but I fear my son is not exhilarated at the notion of an arranged marriage,’ She replies, a smile tight on her lips.

‘I understand my lady,’ you state as she comes to stand before you again.

‘Do you?” she questions, brows knitting together.

“I have long been aware of the hardships of marriage, I know many are not made for love. Love is not what I expect,” you relay, watching for a reaction, any reaction, but she remains neutral.

“And what do you expect, Lady Targaryen?” she presses, this marriage was a critical step towards victory, but even so, she would not risk her son's life.

“Respect,” you state “I am capable my lady, in more ways than one, and I expect to be treated as an equal,”

“Capabilities, and what such talents do you possess?” She asks

“I am a capable horse rider, tracker and hunter. I am fluent in six languages, and have used these skills to study the history of our world. Most importantly the great strategists, just in case I ever longed to return to the west. Your late husband was amongst them. I am sorry for your loss from what my brother says he was a good man, and that we owe him our lives. I am only sorry I was too late to thank him in person,” you relay earnestly.

“He was a great man,” she corrects, emotion finally coming through, “strong, honourable, fiercely loyal and I will not have the Lannister’s paint him out to be anything but that,” she replies, a fury sparking beneath her words.

“Upon that we have common footing, the Lannisters have taken those we love from us Lady Stark, unjustly, and without retributions,” you reply

“If you succeed and the iron throne is won, what happens then?” She presses

“My brother will take his rightful place as ruler of the kingdoms, my Lady,”

“You do not want it for yourself?”

“Even if I did, he is the eldest male heir, it is not mine to lose. When we succeed I will return to the north and aid in any way I can as a repayment to your current kindness, and the kindness shown by your husband in saving my life,”

“Jorah Mormont, banished for a time by my husband now serves you,”

“I am aware of his previous misgivings, but he has changed in my opinion. I have witnessed him free many men and woman whilst in my presence, and his loyalty to me has proven unshakable, I would trust him with my life,”

“He is your responsibility,”

“One I do not take lightly, he is a reflection of me, I have no army to offer Lady Stark, no great riches, but I have a name, and that has often been enough for victory,”

“And what of the North?” She asks, eyes meeting yours.

“The North will remain free if that is what you wish, you have my word,” you relay.

“Guards,” She calls out, finally breaking eye contact with you “help lady Targaryen pack her things, and bring her some warm clothes, she’ll freeze in the gauze she’s wearing, escort her and her brother to the camp” she states, watching you curtsey once again, you movements exact, precise planned. There was a confidence behind your violet eyes, as was a sentiment of loss, and sorrow that had been cleverly masked by strength and an aura that captured a room. One she had noted by the change in her own guards posture as you walked out.

“Thank you my lady from myself and my brother,” you smile, turning to follow her guards below deck. Perhaps it was your natural ability to dictate a moving speech to her, or the skills you had listed, but she felt you were hiding behind something. Your walls were high, despite your apparent openness something lay beneath the surface, whether good or bad she had yet to decipher. Any unfounded doubts must be pushed aside, but kept under a watchful eye, this marriage must first be secured.

“Bring them at night, we don't want them to be seen just yet,” she whispers to a guard, looking over her shoulder to see Visery, whose sickly charming smile from earlier had faded to a scowl.

The night is dark as you wander across frosted grass towards your tent, illuminated in a faint glow by a circular hearth the sits beside a small bed. Visery barges in just as you enter.

“You cannot possibly be here to complain, considering the success of that meeting,” you relay, already tiring of his energy.

“Oh I have plenty to complain about, insolence was rife, I am shocked Lady Stark did not pick up on it. Though with each passing hour the northmen prove true to their description of wild beasts,” he spits

“You should not speak ill of those showing kindness, nor should you say it so freely and loudly with such ease,” you whisper pointedly.

“Oh they will be well convinced after your promise to maintain a free north,” he shoots back, the reason for his mood finally exposed.

“It was written in her letter I assumed it was agreed upon,” you argue calmly.

“Everything is agreed upon, until it is not,” he replies inches away from you now.

“I have been here for an hour and can see they will not relinquish their stronghold, they are far too proud for that,” you reply, eyes staring into the hearth, ignoring his proximity to you.

“Insolence against,” spittle hitting your face.

“A woman having sense is insolence,” you retorted, gaze finally meeting his.

“You made a promise on my behalf, it is my kingdom I make the rulings,” he shouts petulantly.

“She would not allow…”

“You have no right to state what is and is not allowed! I am the king,” he roars, grabbing you by the throat, and throwing you down to the ground. Perhaps you should have allowed Drogo to kill your brother when he had the chance. The thought pases through your mind as you turn back towards him, skin burning as you push up onto your elbows. “For twenty years we have remained hidden across the sea, kept a secret from Westeros while the man who murdered our entire lineage sat upon the iron throne ruling the seven kingdoms when it should have been me. I will not give up even one tree to the northmen when I have claimed what is mine, and you will stand by me, or you will burn,” he whispers viciously, pushing you back down and striding out of your tent, as you watch from the floor.

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