#taisho jidai

[ssukidesu]

Inextricably Knotted (an Inukag + Jane Eyre AU) [Chapter 7]

Summary: Kagome Higurashi was orphaned as a baby and raised by her cruel aunt until the age of ten, after which she went to school and learned the art of service and self-suppression. Now eighteen, Kagome takes a job as the governess of Shippo, the young ward of the great and mysterious Lord Inuyasha Taisho.

But as Kagome gets to know her bemusing master, a ghost seems to haunt his estate, hinting that there is a long-lost secret hiding on the third floor.

(Read on AO3)

tag list: @heynikkiyousofine @xanthippe-writes

Chapter 7: Portraits and Wings

The presence of guests at Jidai-Ju Hall persisted into the following weekend. The days were not much changed—Shippo received most of her attention, even though she received very little of his. Despite his fascination with the goings on of the company, Kagome managed during most lessons to wrench some productivity out of him.

During the evenings, Kagome would sit as she was bid among their company silently. Her presence clearly disconcerted everyone—except him who ordered it, as he instead preferred to ignore her altogether. Kagome would pretend not to notice as she read lines of whatever book she chose to accompany her that night, with varying degrees of success. 

The group would often play games—cards, billiards, darts, guessing games, and so on. Tonight—which was a misty Saturday night that hinted at spring's approach—it appeared the game of choice would be charades.

It was Mr. Taisho’s idea. “Let us test the skill of our silence,” he had proclaimed dramatically as he came into the parlor last, as he always did. The room bustled in anticipation, and during the commotion, he walked over to grab a book off the shelf adjacent to Kagome’s seat. 

“Will you play?” he asked simply, gaze flicking to her face for a brief moment.

Surprised by the address, Kagome only shook her head.

To her relief, he did not insist. He returned to the heart of the room and declared himself the partner of the woman of the hour. 

Lady Yura sported a fine dress of pale blue, floral buds of beads and lace decorating the sweetheart bust and form-fitting sleeves. Her short hair was distinctly straight, and a dainty white ribbon worked to frame her face as a headband. The other women in the room donned similar, though less remarkable, attire. The men wore typical vests and shed their coats once the fire’s heat permeated the room. Mr. Taisho shared the fashion. 

The other pairs were named: Kagura with Ayame—the young demoness with brown hair—and Naraku with Kouga—the unfortunate recipient of Ayame’s too-frequent affections. In the last few days, Kagome had learned that both Ayame and Kouga were wolf demons, and Naraku and Kagura were some other type seemingly unassociated with a specific animal. But whatever they were, they were indeed kin of some sort, though the precise kind evaded Kagome still.

With the parties ready, Mr. Taisho opened the book, which housed charade prompts. “Who would like to go first?” he asked.

“I think we should, dear Inuyasha,” said Yura. “Someone must show everyone how it’s to be done.”

As Kagome’s grasp of the nuances between each relationship deepened, she found Yura’s air of confidence surprisingly fragile. The woman’s beauty proved unmatched; however, whenever her desired devotee did not fully satisfy her with their attention, her expression became strained, and her smile fabricated. And worse for her, Kagome thought for certain that Mr. Taisho noticed, too.

Perhaps more than anyone else, Kagome watched her master as he navigated through the weeds and waves of whatever bog this party was proving itself to be. But he did not miss a beat—every joke, he built upon masterfully; every flirt, he returned with charm. And yet, Kagome was becoming less and less convinced of the truth of her master’s affections for the woman. 

When she first arrived, Kagome bristled and flinched at Mr. Taisho’s smiles and trifles with Lady Yura. But Kagome’s observations—once she gained the courage to allow them—revealed that their companionship was quite hollow. 

And this was not merely the hopeful opinion of a naive girl. Kagome watched herself just as carefully, and she was confident that she was seeing with the undeceived eyes of a self-controlled woman: indeed, Kagome saw that Lord Inuyasha was going to marry Lady Yura—for rank, for family. But not for love. 

And this game of charades, with all of its coquetry and costume and comedy, was nothing more than the ironic pastime of the larger parody between the players. 

What frustrated Kagome the most was that, where Lady Yura failed to genuinely please Mr. Taisho, Kagome saw where she would have succeeded. Lady Yura was all too upfront: where she brushed the master’s shoulder, a subtle smirk would have proven more effective. Where she feigned bashfulness, a statement of distant confidence would have won. With the certainty of a woman, Kagome now knew what her heart had felt from the beginning: it was she who understood Mr. Taisho best. He was not to them what he was to her. They were akin to each other—more than any pair with so different experiences could be. Kagome was certain that she and Mr. Taisho shared more sympathy in a single passing glance than Yura could manage wrangling out of an entire evening.

And with all of this, Kagome remembered his words to her so many months ago: You’ve never felt jealousy, have you, Miss Higurashi? Of course you haven’t—for that would require that you experience love, first. When the day finally comes that you feel the prick, you’ll learn that one can only feel jealousy when the person usurping your love is truly better than you.

Kagome indeed did not feel jealous of Lady Yura. But the heartbreak was no easier. Perhaps if the woman had been a lady of grace and kindness, of wit and wisdom, Kagome would have been capable of blessing the union with all her heart. But it was the inferiority of Lady Yura—her inability to earnestly charm him—that kept Kagome discontented with her impending union with her master. Because he was going to marry her anyway.

Thus, she sat silently in her seat and watched as Mr. Taisho and Lady Yura, now dawning half-complete costumes relating to whatever their prompt was, enacted some sort of ceremony. The lady wore a white curtain about her body over her dress, and she draped a corner of it over her head and face like a veil. Mr. Taisho had restored his black coat to his person and added his top hat to the mix, and he filled his hands with the contents of a now-vacant flower vase and offered them to her on bended knee. 

“Proposal!” cried Ayame.

“Love,” said Kouga.

“Groom!” tried Kagura.

“Bride,” concluded Kouga.

Naraku sat absently, seemingly uninterested in the game.

The two actors signed that Kouga’s latest answer was the first word in the phrase. They then disappeared behind the makeshift curtain to prepare their second performance. In the interim, Kagura leaned over to Naraku from her place beside him for a curt whisper, most likely a rebuke for his lack of enthusiasm. He met her scowl with equal fervor. 

When Mr. Taisho and Lady Yura returned, their appearances had changed. Some Middle Eastern fabric had been retrieved and fashioned into scarves, which draped about the lady’s head and the master’s neck, respectively. The pair proceeded to mimic the Genesis meeting of Rebecca and Eliezer at the well—another allusion to matrimony. The only things missing were the camels.

“Bridewell,” said Kouga pridefully, and the players assented. Kagome smiled at Kouga’s obvious self-satisfaction, and she flicked her gaze to Mr. Taisho, who also seemed amused by his friend's joyous victory. Her master’s dark brows quirked, and his lips twitched into a subtle smirk. 

It was then the turn of the two gentlemen, who halfheartedly managed to perform “French Ballroom” with an abundance of proud jabs at the invoked inferior country. Ayame and Kagura somehow enacted “Aurora Borealis”, the revelation taking many hard minutes of struggle from all parties.

The game ended around midnight. Kagome could not have guessed the time, as she felt so far from sleepy that she wondered if she would get any rest at all after retiring. She kept picturing Yura in her blue dress, fingers pressed against Mr. Taisho’s shoulder as they conferred together during the other pairs’ performances. 

Kagome would not paint tonight, the mess seeming burdensome, but she could make do with the colored pencils that Lady Kaede had brought her alongside the paints. She began at her own desk, her draft sketches swirling and scraping on the first white page. But soon, the window above her space was abandoned by the moonlight. She had only one candle to spare, and though it had another couple of hours remaining, it was not enough. 

It was likely around one thirty. Everyone would be asleep, she assured herself. Kagome gathered her materials—the pages pressed between her arm and torso and the pencils clenched in her right fist—and gripped her candle. She departed from her room and turned down the westward hallway. She came upon her desired place—a large bay window that would bear moonlight for another hour or two. Its cushioned bench was large and would fit her easily. She settled herself, placed her candle on the sill, and continued her work. She completed the final version of the first piece—its flawless face, shining black hair, and pale blue dress filling the page masterfully—only thirty minutes after; she filed it beneath her new page and began working again. She would not use color for this one.

Kagome did not know how much time it took, but she was soon finished with her own portrait. She raised and compared the two—submitting to her purpose in drawing them. Lady Yura’s was titled: “An Accomplished Lady of Rank.” Her own, which brought a cringing curl to her lip and an emptiness to her chest, was titled: “A Governess, Disconnected, Poor, and Plain.” Kagome exhaled, satisfied with her efforts in humbling her recent illogic.

“What are you doing up at this hour?” inquired a voice from beyond the raised portraits.

She managed to smother her squeal of surprise. Lowering the papers and inhaling deeply, she admired Mr. Taisho’s curious face and ruffled sleeping clothes—his white shirt again open near the collar, exposing the top sliver of his muscled chest, and loose red pants—akin to his red coat, she noticed. As frightful as his appearance often was, there was a beauty to his ruggedness, to his long hair and wrinkled shirt, to his broad shoulders and strong legs. But she was forgetting herself—forgetting already the lesson to which she had dedicated the last few hours.  

She cleared her throat and brought her legs closer to herself. “Just drawing. I couldn’t sleep. And you?”

“I walk the grounds sometimes, when I’m restless. Such is part of my duties as lord here, anyway.”

“I see.”

A beat. “Can I look at them? Your drawings.”

Kagome swallowed hard, panic swelling in her chest. “I don’t know…”

Her hesitance brought a challenging look to his face. “Come on, where’s the harm? Have you made something horrible? Intimate, perhaps?”

“All my works are intimate.”

“Yes, but none have been so much so that you’ve hidden them from me before.”

“And how would you know that?” she shot back. “If I’m hiding some, by necessity you would know nothing about them.”

His smile was wolfish. “Ah. An admission?”

Kagome scowled. “A criticism of logic.”

Air left his nose in a puff. “Do you mind if I light a cigar? You’ve your creature comforts; I’d like my own.”

“I don’t mind,” she said.

He sat himself on the other side of the bench, situating his legs so that they mirrored hers. Kagome suddenly felt bashful about her slipperless feet. He seemed to notice them simultaneously, and she slid them backwards to hide them somewhat under her night gown. He made no comment, himself having bare feet, opting instead to place his cigar between his lips and pull a match from his pocket. The movement jostled the sleeves of his shirt, and Kagome noticed a single thin bandage wrapped around his forearm—exactly where he had been burned. Kagome would have asked him how it was possible that he had not fully healed after so many weeks, but the words would not form. The match’s fire erupted passionately when it scratched against his flint, then soothed to a subtle flicker. Once its duty was fulfilled, Mr. Taisho snuffed the flame. The first ring of smoke obscured his piercing gaze like a ghostly curtain.

Kagome peaked back down at the portraits in her lap. She pulled Yura’s out from beneath her own and studied it. What would be its effect on her master? The curiosity came upon her like a muse. “I don’t mind if you see this one,” she said finally, pulling it out and handing it to him.

He looked surprised at her acquiescence, his golden eyes flicking down to the paper only after he was assured by the certainty on her face. A moment passed before he spoke. “A beautiful picture of Lady Yura. You’ve captured her essence, certainly.”

Her toes curled beneath her dress. “But do you like it?”

His eyes flicked up at hers for only a second, a strange lilt in his brow forming at her inquiry. “As well as I like the person whom it depicts.”

Kagome puzzled at the riddle. She didn’t dare question his meaning further with words; instead, she felt a sudden courage unfolding in her ribs. “If I show you the other one, would it receive a more detailed review?”

Inuyasha smiled, then released a puff of smoke from his pursed lips. “If you wish.”

Wordlessly, Kagome unsheathed the second page from her lap and handed it to him. His clawed fingers took hold.

The silence was unbearable. She bit her lip and shrunk down to hide herself between her shoulders and behind her knees. Her elbows dug into her ribs like a clamp.

When he looked up, the reproachful disappointment on his face made her feel her own adolescence more than she had in years. When he spoke, his voice was slow, calculated. “The one of Yura was nothing short of perfection. This one, on the other hand… I must withhold my praise.”

She could have thrown up. Averting her eyes to the window, she focused on the moon as it peaked and wove through wispy clouds. “Why?”

“Because this is the only work of yours I’ve seen that houses a lie.”

Her head whipped back to face him. His look was serious, if not a little irritated—probably mimicking her own. “And what lie is that?”

Inuyasha retained his harsh expression, but he leaned forward till his elbows draped over his knees. “You dishonor yourself.” He brought a hand to brush an orphaned lock of hair from her face, reminding her that this was the second time he’d seen it down. His voice quieted for their increased proximity. “Do you want to hear my criticisms in greater detail?”

Kagome felt her jaw clench. She remembered the purpose behind her two drawings, and she could not help but feel that he was spitting on her efforts of self-preservation. Her words were clipped. “You may find fault with it, but a piece cannot be criticized for reflecting an artist’s thoughts and feelings. Such is the nature of art.”

His eyes seared into her own despite their focus out the window. His voice carried a firmness that reminded her of a lost friend. “A romantic attitude. But while an artist may claim immunity to mechanical criticism for such reasons, they cannot claim immunity to criticism of the perceptions themselves that produced the piece. No one is ever immune to being critiqued for their thoughts and feelings. In fact, it is these things alone that are worth criticism. All else—social rank, familial history, physical characteristics…” he paused, finally succeeding in regaining her strangely watery gaze, “…are arbitrary. Wasn’t it you who said you cared far more about judging me for the characteristics of mine you couldn’t see?”

As if struck dumb, Kagome only nodded. He tilted the page to make it visible to her, and she relented, leaning forward to join his scrutiny.

He spoke slowly, “Here, you’ve intentionally emphasized the slightest trace of defect and neutered every point of expression that gives life and light to your countenance. You’ve drained your color, dulled your eyes. Your lips have been dried out. Your lashes thinned. I have not once seen this expression on your face; even now, as annoyed as you are with me, your cheeks are alive, your eyes large with lighted emotion. Your lips…” His gaze traced her physiognomy as he spoke. Reorienting himself at her eyes, he concluded, “And you’ve left something out.” 

When he didn’t elaborate, she bemoaned her curiosity and took the bait. “What have I forgotten?” Her voice sounded strange to her own ears.

His smile was half tender, half menacing. “Your wings.”

Kagome couldn’t help the tension-relieving laugh that escaped her upturned lips. Whatever he said about the color in her face, she was sure it was growing now. She folded her arms and situated her unburdened legs to cross beneath her. “My wings are retractable. I save their exhibition for times when they’re needed.”

He was pleased with her play, and he scooted forward to chase her, knees bent and closing in like a cage around her. “Oh? And what sort of times are these? I would love to see them one day.” His posture had him so forward that his face was a mere foot from hers, their lines of sight equal. The smell of his cigar, forgotten in his fingers, curled around her nose.

Kagome’s smile grew, but something in her words pierced her own heart. “Impossible. If I’ve unsheathed them, I’ve done so for flight. I’d be gone long before you could notice.”

His eyes carried a strange emotion. “And what of my traps? The invisible nets I’ve splayed out in the sky to catch runaway fairies?” At the word catch, he again intertwined his finger with a lock of her hair.

“You of all people should know that you cannot confine such creatures.”

“I said nothing of confining,” he began, leaning in even closer. Kagome watched his mouth intently, gaze locked on the points of his teeth past his lips. He continued with a whispered sardonic lilt, “I only wish to study one of God’s highest creations. After which, if she wishes to go, I’ll pack her bag myself out of good will. But only after appealing intently for her permanent residence, and sulking petulantly at my failure.”

Kagome was sure she’d turned scarlet now. She pushed his left knee with the tips of her fingers, breaking his cage. She ignored the rough intake of his breath at the contact. She cleared her throat and said, “I’m afraid I can script our play no further, Inuyasha. I was never one for theater.”

“Nor I,” he said with a grin, seemingly pleased at her using his name. His finger relinquished her strands. After a moment with no response from her, he added, “No more of this.” He dropped both papers back into her lap. “If you’re going to steal my supplies, you’ll be sure to not use them for blasphemy. I order you to fix it.”

“I’d much rather destroy and forget about them altogether, sir. Additionally, though I am your employee, I don’t see the propriety of such commands that have nothing to do with my employment as Shippo’s governess.”

If he noticed her jocular tone, he didn’t show it. “I’m not commanding you as an employer.”

Kagome’s mouth sealed shut. She waited for him to explain his meaning, but he never did, opting instead to kiss his cigar once more. His golden eyes had caught fire, their glow outshining that of the candle on the sill, whose flame flickered from the easy draft and made their shadows sway together. Scared of his elaboration should she invite it, Kagome decided that the late hour demanded her retirement, even if it meant ripping her away from this dreamlike exchange. “As you wish.”

She saw the irritation on his sharp features at her obvious self-censorship. But he let it go. He reclined to his original place leaning against the wall. “You’re tired. If you’ve any desire to sleep tonight, you must go this instant.”

If he meant it innocently, his frustrated expression and clenching fists did not help depict it. Kagome felt a ghostly finger trace up her spine at his gaze, which fought to force its way into the depths of her own to assess its secrets.

Gathering up her things, Kagome stood, holding her papers flush to her chest to hide her unbound breasts which had before been protected by her dress’s loose drape. “Goodnight, sir. You might consider trying to sleep again, as well.” 

“I’ll consider it,” he said, eyes flicking down to her bare feet and the lower half of her shins, now exposed by her night gown. 

Blushing bright, she bowed her head in goodbye. “Till morning,” she said.

#inukag #inextricably knotted #fanfiction #jane eyre #inuyasha #this chapter makes it officially the longest fic I've ever written!

[ellas-journey]

The Demon Slayer Timeline, part 01

                                 [Lots of spoilers for obvious reasons]    The Demon Slayer Timeline is actually, a really long one. While it does not follow the totality of the Japanese history, it follows closely the beginning and falling of the Samurai era. While the main plot takes place in the Taisho Era [1912-1924], Sumiyoshi Kamado and Yoriichi Tsugikuni take us to the Sengoku Jidai [1467-1563], and Muzan to the Heian Era [794-1192] ( Muzan drop that skincare routine). But let us start from the beginning.

   Muzan says that he was turned into a demon by a doctor in the Heian Era.

   The Heian Era [c.794-1192] is today regarded as one of the times of highest culture, even though it was one of the [many] times of political and military conflicts.  After conflits between the imperial court and the Buddhist sects that were starting to have way too much power the capital was moved from Nara to Heian-kyo - today known as Kyoto - to be safely way. That said, it also started a religious reform with the introduction of new kinds of Buddhism. [with less interest in power obviously, but still kept at a safe distance of the court] Tendai Buddhism and the Pure land Buddhism would start gain attention during this times and the temples would open their doors to every one of every type of social class [as we can  see with Gyomei Himejima, the Rock Hashira that was a blind man that took care of orphan children in a Buddhist temple].    The temples stop having political power, but they also stop having financial aid. So, to survive they had to start exploring the natural resources of their territories. It's not going to take long before the temples start to argue about say territories, and to protect them, they will start to train the farmers that inhabited it, creating what would become a military class.    In 'other hand, in the capital we see a court that is way to centred on herself. The Fujiwara clan was the family with the biggest amount of power. Fujiwara women would marry into the Imperial family in a what could be called genetic colonialization. In the 10th century the Imperial household could not function without the Fujiwara one, starting the tradition were until they reached adulthood the emperor had a Fujiwara regent, so basically it was the Fujiwara that ruled not the Imperial family. But, after 170 years, in 1068 an emperor without a Fujiwara mother sits on the chrysanthemum throne. Go-Sanjo would start to eradicate the Fujiwara by abdicating, leaving the throne to his already adult son. And the same would happen for the next 2 emperors. But by starting to cut ties with the Fujiwara, the imperial family cut off his right arm, and the arm that had the military power, nonetheless.    Japanese had a natural border against enemies, that also meant that they did not have to where to expand their natural territory. So, without new territories to be conquered, the only solution was to start fighting each other for the lands that existed. The families that lived far from the capital were old families that knew their territories like the palm of their hands. With the crescent responsibilities of safeguarding their territories, like with the temples, this Shoen [local provinces] start to train their inhabitants [just like the temples]. We start to see the conquest of territories, and when a clan was defeated, the warriors would start to serve the winning clan. It's the birth of the Samurai Code.    In the 12th century we start to have clans that are ready to go against the imperial court. In 1160 we have the Heiji war, were the Minamoto and Taiga clans are confronting each-other at the capital, and the Taiga family wins, and with entering the court life would become an exact copy of the Fujiwara. The only heir and survivor of the Minamoto clan starts to see the military machine of the Taiga to transform into an aristocratic one wand waits until 1180 to strike back. In 1185 the Minamoto would win the Genpei war staring the 1st ever Shogunate rule.

   When Tanjiro goes to the Swordsmith, village, he encounters the mechanical doll made by Kotatsu’s ancestors called “Yoruichii Type Zero” where he goes on saying that that face is familiar to him and Kotatsu says that that technology is from the Sengoku Era.

Then after that we start to see Tanjiro’s flash backs of his ancestor Sumiyoshi Kamado and his encounter with Yoriichi Tsugikuni and all of that is confirmed with the backstory of Upper Moon 01 - Kokushibo.

   Now, what was the Sengoku Era? Also known as the “warring states era”, the Sengoku-Jidai [c.1467-1573] was the time where the Japanese archipelago was buried on the total anarchy that was the civil war. So, we have a circa 275 years jump.    After the failed rule of the Ashikaga Shogun [Yes because history spoilers, after the Minamoto Shogunate there was more was, more war, and another Shogun], the daimyo [local governors] continue to train their locals to defend their territory. Thanks to the fidelity bonds, the commoners responded to their daimyo, while the daimyo had to respond to the Shogun. Since the Shogun [we don’t even talk about the emperor since he was basically a poppet] no longer protected the daimyos they started to rebel against him saying that he was the first that broke the fidelity law. The commoners, started to learn specific combat techniques - the Kenjutsu, art of the sword - and would develop to what we know call samurai. The word samurai comes from the word “saburau” which means “to serve”, the rising of the samurai class marks the beginning of the feudal era in Japan.  At the beginning, these warriors could have two jobs - be warriors and farmers as an example. When Hideyoshi (we will soon talk about him) came to power he required that they choose one or the other, but as long as a samurai remained loyal they were guaranteed a good life.    The samurai's weapon of choice was a 2-sword combination. The 1st one, was the combat sword, a long one called (surprise) Katana. The 2nd one was a small curved one called Wakizaki that served to cut one’s stomach (note: important I tell you).    Now, while everyone was fighting each other for territory, a man in the middle of the territory started what would soon become the union of Japan. Oda Nobunaga [織田 信長 1534-1582], as the eldest son that everyone thought would not do much. Turns out he collaborated with his uncle to kill his brother, to then kill said uncle. At 25 years old no one was bad mouthing him in Owari anymore. He started then to expand his territories were battle after battle he seemed unstoppable.    Then Nobunaga’s troops were defeated for the 1st time, and Akeshi Mitsuhide [明智光秀 1528-1582] would profit this momentarily loss of confidence on Nobunaga to obligate him to commit suicide. But Mitsuhide's victory was short lived since Toyotomi Hideyoshi [豊臣 秀吉 1527-1598], learning what had succeeded rushed to confront Mitsuhide, ending up defeating him. (Man, I love telling everyone this part cause this is what I call plot twist after plot twist! And we aren't finished yet!) Hideyoshi would be de one finishing what Nobunaga started and re-uniting wall the territory under one ruler.    But, after Hideyoshi's dead, his son was still a minor (literally a baby). He would go on naming 5 daimyos as regents in case 1 rebelled the other 4 would protect the heir. Still that did not stop Tokugawa Ieyasu [徳川家康 1543-1616] from rebelling. At 1600 Tokugawa would win the legendary Sekigahara battle, and in 1603 he would (not so kindly) ask the emperor for the Shogun title. He would go on to establish the longest Shogunate in Japanese history. So as the saying goes: “Nobunaga oiled the national rice cake, Hideyoshi kneaded the dough and, in the end, Ieyasu at down and gobbled it up”.

 Bibliography:    CHAPLIN, Danny. 2018- Sengoku Jidai: Nobunaga, Hideyoshi and Ieyasu: the three unifiers of Japan. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Ebook;    CLEMENTS, Jonathan. 2017 - A Brief History of Japan:  Samurai, Shogun and Zen. The extraordinary story of the land of the rising sun. Clarendon: Tuttle Publishing.Ebook;    HILLSBOROUGH, Romulus. 2017 - Samurai Assassins: "Dark Murder" and the Meiji restoration, 1853-1868. Jefferson: McFarland & Company. Ebook;    MANSON, R.H.P ; CAIGER, J.G. 1997 - A History of Japan. Clarendon: Tuttle Publishing, 1997. Ebook;

#demon slayer #demon slayer history #demonslayerfromhistorytofantasy #demon slayer from history to fantasy #japanese history #history #research #history research #kimetsu no yaiba #kamado tanjiro #muzan kibutsuji #sumiyoshi kamado #yoriichi tsugikuni

[diinferi]

RACES

[YOKAI] You’re a Yokai, one of the various mythological beings of Japanese folklore. Choose an option below for specifics but in general, you will take a human form or you can take the option to be of a feral variety of your chosen Yokai species to reduce the cost by half. If you take this option with Hanyo you will be like Shinenji, appearing monstrous outside the night of the Full Moon.

[KITSUNE] Kitsune, Fox Spirits. In Yokai terms this describes those of the fox family which do not serve a god. Take for example Shippo and his father. They are tricksters and Pyrokinetics by heart but older Kitsune can be quite powerful. A Daiyokai would have nine tails and be roughly on that level. If given Miko-like powers, a Kitsune will generally be stronger than their equivalent without them.

[DAIYOKAI] Remember all those mentions of Daiyokai? Yeah, this is an upgrade for all Yokai and can be purchased by Hanyo. Basically, take the prize of your choice and double for the total cost. What does this get you? Well for starters you become roughly twice as powerful as normal, you can change into an animal form, a massive one though your age will certainly limit your size.

LOCATION

[INU NO TAISHO’S GRAVE] This is strange, no living being should come here, and you certainly can’t get out that easily. This is the final resting place of Inu no Taisho, the mightiest Inu Daiyokai to ever live. His remains (the size of a FREAKING MOUNTAIN) are the resting place of Tessaiga, the most offensive (not in that way unless you mind swords made of dog fangs) sword on the planet. Also, there is a Shikkon no Tama shard here.

PERKS

[BARRIER DEMON] Creating Barriers is a useful ability to have. While not as powerful you are an expert at Barrier making on par with Naraku, making them as easy to create a breathing. Your power will determine how resistant to damage these barriers are, naturally, but don’t expect barrier-piercing attacks to be reflected unless you got some sort of Universe-level Powerlevel or something.

[BASIC MEDICINE] You have a basic understanding of how to prepare medicine and treat wounds using materials available in these lands to a degree that would make “Doctors” in the West shout witchcraft.

[COMBAT PROWESS] A basic fact of these times you find yourself in, sadly, is that fighting for your life is a daily routine for most of the population, whether human or supernatural. This era is known as the Sengoku Jidai, the Warring States Era, in later years for a reason, you know? But don’t worry, you can rely on your prowess as a warrior to see you through these times! This Perk grants you prowess in the use of two traditional, Japanese weapons, such as the Katana (Sword), Yari (Spear) or Yumi (Bow). This can be purchased a second time to either gain proficiency in another 2 weapons on the same level, gain actual mundane levels of mastery of said weapons, or to specialize in a more specialized/unusual weapon of the same kind (Nodachi for Katana or Naginata for Yari for example).

[COMMANDING AIR] You can be the biggest brat of a lord in all of Japan and still, you command respect and subservience. You breathe intimidation and bear the sheer extent of how capable you are on your sleeve. Your strength alone can bring thousands of Yokai or Samurai to their knees as long as you are stronger than them and they’ll follow you into the bowels of hell and even come when called even if you just want to demonstrate your newest toy.

[DIVINE PASS] The divine can pass to many places such as the afterlife and paradise. Regardless of what pantheon exists or not, you may enter between the world of the living, dead and divine in any world you visit freely.

[ENDLESS WANDERING] You know how large Japan is? It may not look like it, but going through the Japanese countryside in this time era would be torture for most people! Thankfully you have this perk! For free it doubles your endurance when wandering on foot or Bicycle, for 100 on the other hand it gives you infinite stamina and endurance while moving on foot and the ability to do so for 24 hours straight with a human powered vehicle, such as a bicycle.

[FEROCIOUS FANGS] Like Toga the Inu no Taisho you possess tremendous power within your fangs. Should one be removed they can be forged into powerful weapons by an expert Blacksmith such as Totosai. Your personal Power will naturally determine how powerful the blade becomes, but this Perk on it’s own will guarantee it to be at least on par with Tokeshin in power and to have one ability appropriate to it. Daiyokai can with this Perk naturally make some real bullshit similar to Tessaiga and Tensaiga, obviously, and the outer edges of the galaxy are the limit as far as potential goes. Any teeth taken will regrow in a week.

[LESS WORRIES] Feudal Japan doesn’t exactly have a lot of areas to take a dump. This Perk ensures you won’t suffer accidents as you’ll never suffer from needing to take a piss or a dump, so to speak, until you are already in position for it in a bathroom.

[PURIFICATION] Whether by holiness or the power of your Yoki, you are capable of driving out corruption from objects. As long as this corruption, supernatural in nature, is not greater than the evils a person may impart upon the Shikkon no Tama, you can purify it. Naturally, as you grow stronger so will also your scope of purification capabilities.

[RAPID LEARNER] Learning is not a simple matter of desire, it is a necessity. To learn fast is to survive and no other can learn as fast as you in these lands. Whether it be studying, from experience or by practice, you can absorb knowledge and skill at a rate 5 times greater than before. If you buy this multiple times the multipliers are stacked linearly, so 5+5+5 instead of multiplicatively.

[TIMELESS LINGUISTICS] Isn’t it odd when your future boyfriend from 500 years in the past understands your 20th century Japanese? Because it sure is, it’s like there is an author who doesn’t understand lingual drift that occurs over 500 years, no matter how isolated a nation is. Well, you don’t have to worry about that. As long as you know one variant of a language you can communicate with anyone who has another variant of the same language, even if it shouldn’t work.

[TOTOSAI'S APPRENTICE] Who knew that Totosai had another student? You are a skilled blacksmith, able to forge powerful, balanced and enchanted eapons with ease. If given the bone or fang of a still living, supernatural entity you can even forge powerful mythical weapons similar to Tessaiga or Tensaiga, though the quality and power will vary by material origin. Don’t worry about being possessed though, it won’t be an issue.

[TRAINGING PEAK] To train is to grow stronger. To grow stronger is to gain a survival advantage over the competition. And you my friend can positively compare to the likes of certain Shonen Anime not related to this one, or a certain gender fluid Anime of the same author. All training you conduct will now progress 5 times faster with your physical training bearing fruit as long as you place effort into it, and naturally to grow stronger more and more you need to train harder, though it will take only 20% as much time for the same results. Naturally this applies to systems of growth composed of numerical values too. If you buy this multiple times the multipliers are stacked linearly, so 5+5+5 instead of multiplicatively.

[UNCAPPED POTENTIAL] Most people reach the peak of their possible capabilities at some point, when they plateau in their growth. You do not suffer this fate. You can choose one perk, ability or skill you possess and put it into a “Slot”. As long as it stays in this slot you can make it become more powerful and versatile by repeatedly making an effort to push the limits of the ability, such as attempting to use a Perk capable of mind reading 10 people on 11, then 12 and so on. After every second Jump (Gauntlets not included) which lasts at least 10 years, you gain an additional slot to use this with.

[YOKAI POTENTIAL] You have the power of Yokai within you, any power common among your species or Yokai in general, such as Shapeshifting for Kitsune or claw beams such as used by Inuyasha, can be performed with this Perk. It also means you possess Yoki, essentially the Yokai equivalent of Reiki or spiritual energy, which fuels abilities for Yokai including transformations and attacks.

ITEMS

[WARDROBE] A full wardrobe including all manner of clothing found in the Sengoku Jidai and the modern era, yes this includes underwear, but not magical attributes, sorry. But at least this isn’t a cumbersome wardrobe, it is more of a pocket dimension. You can summon all the articles of clothing onto yourself. For an additional 50 CP this includes mundane armor pieces common in Japan as well as Western clothes.

[WEAPON] Now you may wonder what this is about. This is a weapon for which you must choose the prize dear Jumper, what else? For Free this is a mundane, non-powered weapon such as a Katana, Yumi or Yari, no you can’t have a Banryu-style “Cloud Strife and Sword Kirby ask for thier “BFS Guy” Title Back” Halberd. For 100 CP instead this is a weapon with two abilities to be chosen from the Weapon Customization Menu down below. You can buy additional abilities for 50 additional CP per extra ability. This cannot be a firearm and if it is a Yumi, aka a bow, it will impart it’s offensive traits onto an arrow fired. Yes Hirakotsu works for this as a basis. You can buy multiple instances of this item with power pools separated.

[BAG OF TRICKS] A Infinite bag full of various tools and toys such as small bombs that can be infused with Yoki for more powerful blasts, leafs perfect for Illusion Magic and enabling shapeshifting, various toys that can give the illusory impression of pain or weight, as well as magical mushrooms and acorns for communication or throwing at enemies. Your own strength determines the effectiveness of this.

[ARMOR OF A NOBLE RULER] This set of Yokai derived armor is reminescent of Toga’s, the Inu no Taisho, personal armor and is able to protect the wearer from most attacks as it’s durability scales with the user. The armor will disintegrate if transformed into a form too large for it and features two trailing fur “Tails” along the shoulders.

[WEAPON: HEALING NEGATION] You know that annoying ability many beings have? The ability to regenerate? Yeah, fuck that shit. Your weapon can now inflict wounds that cannot be healed with self-regeneration, neat right?

[WEAPON: ONLY MINE] Your weapon can only be used by you and no one else. If someone were to pick it up to cut someone they'd find it does about as much damage as a pool noodle, if they can even pick it up at all.

[HINEZUMI COAT] A coat made of the hide of a Firerat similar to Inuyasha’s Kimono. This Item can be added to any article of clothing to add it’s nature to that item and grant it fire repelling effects along with greater durability and damage resistance, making it better for protection.

[PRAYER SLIPS] A bag containing at all times 100 paper slips depicting prayer to the Buddha or Shinto Gods. Beyond being simply used for prayer these papers are potent weapons against Yokai, able to seal their powers and drain them of energy as well as ward them off and exorcise evil spirits if used correctly. Comes with the knowledge on how to use them, refills to full if the bag is closed.

[WARLORD] Less of an item and more of a title with a lot of land. You have control of a Japanese province-sized territory rich in resources and with a central castle as your stronghold. The residents of this territory are loyal to you and see you as their rightful ruler and either Patron or even god, depending on what type of race you are. This may be a historical province or a patch of land that may not be found in modern Japan. Additional purchases of this item will grant equally sized adjacent provinces as your territory.

[BAG OF FOOD] This is a large duffle bag made of canvas inside of which one can see a large lunchbox. Regardless of what mundane food the holder wants, when this box is opened it will hold exactly what they had desired, no matter what it is. Furthermore, more boxes will be found inside when you don’t look with them being stacked three high even when observed. The boxes themselves, when emptied or no longer needed, will disappear instantly. Includes any sauces, garnish and Soy sauce needed as well as spices.

[MIGHTY FANG] This is a Fang from a powerful Daiyokai, a perfect material for a sword or to integrate into a pre-existing weapon through reforging. This Item can be used by a Blacksmith to make a powerful Yokai weapon, such as Tessaiga, Tensaiga or other such weapons, by a skilled craftsmen, such as Totosai or, if you have the skills, by yourself. You can choose 5 abilities from the weapon customization options below to give the resulting weapon. Slot Count doesn’t apply.

DRAWBACKS

[SIBLING RIVALRY] You have an older sibling who is superior to you in power, skill and experience. They have stronger versions of all your perks from this Jump and will feel entitled to everything you obtained in this Jump and some things you carried over from previous ones. Essentially, this is your Sesshomaru. They won’t always attack or try to kill you, aiming for humiliation for the most part to show dominance.

[THE LONG WAY DOWN] You don’t start a day after the Shikon no Tama was shattered, you start around the time of the 11th century, or when Inuyasha was born. You can’t leave until the Shikon no Tama has been destroyed.

[LONG HAUL] You’ll be stuck here until you reach the modern era. And I mean by the long way, living from the Sengoku Jidai until Kagome travels back in time, you understand? I hope you got some longevity going Jumper. That’s 500 years at least.

FUTURE

[INTO THE WELL] Move Along, take 200 and get outta here! You move to the next jump in this chain, because why would you stop here?

#inuyasha #jumpchain #cyoa #inuyasha oc #file: information #file: jumpchain #file: build #file: text #file: fukitsu

[fujiwara57]

Photographies du Japon de la période Taishō jidai 大正時代 (1912-1926) .

#photography #japan #photographie #japon #taisho jidai #shashin

[redsamuraiii]

What You Didn't Know about Ninjas

The West

(Pic Source : SEGA Screenshot)

The first time I knew about Ninja was from my childhood SEGA game, Revenge of the Shinobi. After that I love watching the 80s Hollywood films like Sho Kosugi’s Revenge of the Ninja and Michael Dudikoff’s American Ninja. 

Lucinda Dickey’s Ninja Domination used to freak me out as a kid with those “black magic” scenes. And in the 80s GI JOE cartoons, Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow were my favorite characters because they’re Ninjas!

So I became curious to know what are Ninjas? Where do they come from?

The East

(Pic Source : Trip Savvy)

Apparently, Ninjas existed since Ancient Japan but only became popular during the Warring Period of Sengoku Jidai due to their prominent roles as spies and assassins that affects the war that will forever change the course of history.

Without spies, Daimyo (Lords) will not be able to make critical decisions that will affect the outcome of the battle and without assassins, key Samurai like Kato Kiyomasa, the guardian of Toyotomi Hideyori will still be alive.

There were a few failed attempts in assassinating Tokugawa Ieyasu. Can you imagine if he actually died during Sekigahara? Kobayakawa Hideaki will not be influenced by Tokugawa and remained with the Toyotomi ensuring their victory.

The Ninjas continued to exist during the peace time of Edo Period, acting as spies for the Tokugawa Shogunate, to keep an eye on the Daimyo (Lords) across Japan to prevent potential uprising that will disrupt the peace.

Types of Ninjas

(Pic Source : Japan Travel)

There are 2 types of Ninjas : 

Mie Prefecture's Iga-ryu ninja  

Shiga Prefecture's Koka-ryu ninja

From what I understand is that, Iga Ninjas are famous for the legendary Hattori Hanzō, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu and Iga is known for their highly trained and proficient Ninjas that could sneak in anywhere and anytime undetected.

Koka Ninjas are not as highly trained or highly equipped as they are mostly farmers and merchants. They served Toyotomi Hideyoshi, (who used to be a peasant) acting as his spies and keep an eye on Tokugawa and his Ninjas.

Cool eh?

Ninja or Shinobi?

They were known since Ancient Japan as "shinobi". The term "ninja" was only popularized in the Taisho Period (1912 - 1926). 

Speaking in terms of eras, the ninja were called "kanja" in the Warring States Period, and "onmitsu" in the Edo period. 

Looking by the region, they were also called "suppa" in Kyoto and Nara Prefectures, and "shinobi" in Fukui Prefecture.

Today

(Pic Source : Nindo, Ninja Academy)

Do they still exist? 

Jinichi Kawakami, the head of Banke Shinobinoden, is the second last sōke and only heir to authentic ninjutsu. He is said to be the 21st head of the Koga Ban family, a mercenary, and the honorary director of the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum.

He appeared in You Tube channel, Asian Boss and has his own channel, Nindo Channel. One of his apprentice taught Keanu Reeves for his film, John Wick 3 where his character fought with a Ninja (Mark Dacasacos).

The child in me would like to believe they still exist, continuing their shadowy works to this day, in places that we can hardly see or imagine. 

Like in the recent movie, Snake Eyes where the Arashikage Clan is said to have been keeping the country in checked for generations, to ensure peace.

More info about Ninjas can be found here.

#ninja #shinobi #japan #sengoku #iga ninja #koku ninja #hanzo hattori #tokugawa ieyasu #toyotomi hideyoshi #snake eyes #arashikage clan #jinichi kawakami #mark dacascos #keanu reeves #sho kosugi #michael dudikoff #lucinda dickey #revenge of the ninja #american ninja #ninja iii domination #revenge of the shinobi #sega #edo period #storm shadow #kato kiyomasa #sekigahara #kobayakawa hideaki #mie prefecture #shiga prefecture #taisho period

[fawn-eyed-girl]

20 First Lines Game!

Thanks so very much for the tag @mamabearcat! It was such fun to read yours, and now, I am happy to share mine!

What did I learn? That if I were to take a class in writing first lines, I would fail. Like for real. Most of them are super boring (oops). But this was still fun to do!

My favorite opening line?

Inuyasha and Kagome were having sex. -- Sango’s Secret

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag 10 of your favorite authors!

I’m going to try and tag some different people here, who I hope haven’t been tagged yet 💖

@xfangheartx​ @smmahamazing @anisaanisa @skyelara​  @anxietyaardvark @hopidoodle @ideasthatbuildcities @shade-without-color

Special thanks to @neutronstarchild for making a banner for this one--you are magical and we are so lucky to have you as a part of this fandom 😘

Follow the train for the first lines!

The most famous arena in the world. -- The Real Me

“Fuck yes.” -- Chasing the Vortex

A young man with chin-length brown hair drawn up into a small knot at the top of his head stood alone, his gray eyes staring down at a notebook, his brow furrowed in concentration. -- Duality of Man

The pinging of the alarm shook Nene into wakefulness. -- In My Heart I See Only You

He’d been sitting in the booth at the hostess club for hours, trying to get a read on the men who were sitting on the opposite side of his section. -- Inu, Who?

He hadn’t meant to find it. -- Cycle of Change

Taisho Inuyasha leaned against the glass doors of the balcony, a glass of Miroku’s secret special “punch” in his hand. -- Not My Kind of Party

Once upon a time, many years ago, a great battle took place between the priestess Midoriko and the hordes of demons that plagued the country of Japan. Midoriko poured her own soul, and the souls of the demons, into the creation of a jewel, which was eventually called the Shikon no Tama. -- Under the Sakura Tree

Another quiet day at the Musashi Public Library. -- Shared Tastes

She looked out at the stage, her shoes slung over her shoulder, contemplating her past, her present, her future. -- The Darker Side of Dance

Higurashi Kagome padded down the hallway of her school, listening to the sounds coming from all the classrooms. -- Spirited Soulmates

The office was eerily quiet for late afternoon on a Tuesday. -- Hardboiled

Inuyasha pulled himself out of the well and opened the sliding door to the shed. -- Caught in the Moment

Inuyasha and Kagome were having sex. -- Sango’s Secret

The music was pumping as usual at Club Shikon on a Thursday night. -- The Walk Home

When Inuyasha first moved into Apartment 114, the whispers began. -- Being Neighborly

u38195: I can’t believe how fast the professor goes in this class. -- Class Pet

Summer had come to Sengoku Jidai. -- Mistaken Intentions

Sango trembled, the envelope in her hand shaking. -- The Perfect Date

Bang. -- Enough of a Distraction

#first lines #first line asks

[lilyginnyblackv2]

Profile Updates - From Ep. 5 - English Translation

Takechiyo

A young tanuki demon that works at "Shikabaneya," which deals in demon bounties, wreckage, debris, remains, and so forth. In his giant flying form, his hat takes on the shape of a giant tortoise shell that everyone can ride on.

Shikabaneya Jyuubei

The owner of "Shikabaneya," which deals in demon bounties and other such things. He is Moroha's and Takechiyo's employer. He also takes care of requests for demon exterminations and other such matters.

Myouga

Also nicknamed Grandpa Myouga. He served both Inu no Taisho and his son, Inuyasha, and continues to serve Moroha as well. He is well-informed, but is quick to run away.

Toukotsu

One of the Four Perils. He is a giant boar demon. He was defeated by Moroha, but his son, Jakotsumaru, tries to revive him by collecting bones of beasts and people.

Kyuuki

One of the Four Perils. She is a female demon that can transform into a winged white tiger.

Translation Notes:

Takechiyo's name is written like this: 竹千代, with 竹 (take) meaning "bamboo," 千 (chi) meaning "1,000," and 代 (yo) meaning "generation, period." This last kanji is the "dai"  found in "jidai" or "era/period" like Sengoku Jidai. 

I only brought up his name here because I found the inclusion of a time span (1,000 + generations) to be interesting, especially in this series where time is a major focus (from the time travel to the vague timeline, etc.). 

Also, bamboo being present in his name is interesting too, since that is found in the ED, specifically during Towa's part. Finally, a tanuki is a racoon dog:

(Source: Wikipedia)

"Shikabaneya" - the kanji for this is 屍室 (read: shishitsu) and it means "mortuary." The name could also be viewed as meaning "Corpse Shop." Also, for Jyuubei's name, the closer transliteration would be Jyuubee, but that looks a little odd and Jyuubei with the "i" tends to be more commonly used.

The "white tiger" is specifically referring to the god said to rule over the Western Heavens. It is also part of a constellation in Chinese astronomy:

#Yashahime #Hanyou no Yashahime #hny #Takechiyo #Shikabaneya Jyuubei #Myouga #Toukotsu #Kyuuki #Chinese mythology #Chinese astronomy #Inuyasha series #hny spoilers #yashahime spoilers #translation #English translation #long post #image heavy post

[senpujin-deactivated20201234]

real name : setsuna  /  せつな .  single or taken : single abilities or powers : as a hanyo , setsuna has  more strength & speed than a regular human  ;  however  ,  most of her abilities lie in her naginata  ,  kanemitsu no tomoe .  she can create a cyclone that pulverizes her enemies by twirling it in the air  ,  send venomous swallows  ,  & put other people to sleep . eye colour : purple . hair colour : dark brown . family members :  her mother  ,  sesshomaru  ( father )  ,  towa  ( twin sister )  ,  moroha  ( half cousin )  ,  inuyasha  ( half uncle )  ,  kagome  ( half aunt ) ,  inu no taisho  ( grandfather )  ,  inukimi  ( grandmother ) .  in  au ::  mizuki  ( half brother )  ,  kazane  ( half sister ) pets : none .

something they don’t like : naiveté & being called “ hanyo ” . hobbies/activities : she plays the violin in her free time & has nothing else to do . ever hurt anyone before : yes , emotionally , she can’t help it .  setsuna is very blunt & straightforward .  &  no matter who is standing on the receiving end of her words  ,  she is not afraid to say things as they are  ,  even if it hurts the other’s feelings .   animal that represents them :  biologically , the most obvious answer would be the dog . but  other than that  ,  the swallow . worst habits : not asking for help .  given her line of work  ,  she can work in teams just fine .   but she tends to separate easily  &  take on an assignment by herself . bottling up  /  ignore her feelings .   her survival technique  ,  is to keep calm & a cool face in all circumstances .  to not show what you’re feeling & to not let emotions overtake you  /  get in the way when making a decision . role models : sango (  canon divergent & au .  )   as the only girl that is a demon slayer  ,  setsuna admires sango mostly for the same  ,  that she was the most valuable player in the group of demon slayers that were sent to exterminate the stronger yokai & since she was very young .  kohaku ( all verses ) .  not only is he the person that welcomed her to the taijiya village  ,  but also someone that she openly admires & respects  ,  & even sees as a father figure .  she is also aware the he  ,  along with his sister  ,  were the only survivors of the attack the village suffered years ago  & he was the one to rebuild it .  not to mention  ,  she sees in him the perfect balance she seeks to achieve one  day .  someone that made his way to the top with his own effort  &  is also able to show love to others . inuyasha [ uncle cute ears ] ( au verse  )  as a hanyo , her uncle played an important role during her childhood  ,  especially in feeling comfortable with her mixed blood .  when she was a child , & started to be aware of what it meant to be a hanyo in the world of humans & demons  ,  setsuna strived to be like him in not caring what other people say & think .

sexual orientation : undetermined . thoughts on marriage/kids :  setsuna views marriage as an union that only the lucky ones are able to do for love  &  the rest only do as a means to an end  since a human’s time in sengoku jidai are too short .  in the case of a woman , she sees it as the only alternative they have when they are not given the chance to be independent ( work to look after themselves. )  & kids  ,  she views them as the effect of that union . style preferences :  her favorite colors to wear are different shades of blue & purple .  in sengoku jidai  ,  she wears mostly her work gear with the mokomoko wrapped around her shoulder because of the circumstances of the era  &  having to stay alert to her surroundings .  when in reiwa jidai  ,  setsuna prefers to wear comfortable but classy clothes ,  even uses short heels  ;  reflecting that she doesn’t find the need to stay on guard all the time ( doesn’t see the need to fight ) & can relax .  approach to friendships :  she is never the one to approach .  in that field , she is more of the type to go with the flow .  if she finds someone trustworthy enough  ,  she will be open to approach & then let time decide . 

thoughts on pie : hasn’t tried pie before.  favourite drink : water & hot tea . favourite place to spend time at :  the training grounds at the taijiya village  ;  &  during the night  ,  she likes to sit outside the limestone cave to take her night watch there  & play the violin  ,  since it is a location where she can work but also play the the instrument without the concern that she is going to wake up the others . swim in the lake or in the ocean : the lake . their type : she hasn’t given much thought about that .  she doesn’t think she has an specific type physically speaking  .  emotionally speaking  ,  someone that makes her feel  /  give her the security that it is safe & ok to feel & show emotions .  since she is someone that doesn’t like to show how she feels & thinks that showing them is a liability in sengoku jidai  ,  like letting your guard down ;  she admires  /  envies  when someone can manage to survive the era & is able to express emotions freely .  especially love . camping or indoors : no preference .  

𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 : @kagomiko .  (  tysm !   ♡  ) 𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 : @crimsonacrosstime  ,  @daikusedai  ,  @slaheir  ,  @slayerled  ,  @shirokodomo  ,   @dokusedai  ,  @kizusedai  ,  @ka-go-me​  ,  @kazetsukinu​  ,  @namaamochi​  ,  @sasayakcu​  ,  @withagentleheart​  ,  @ireaped​  ,  & anyone else that want to do it !

#☽ \ ||( headcanon** ) #( * long post / )

[notwiselybuttoowell]

Does anyone know anything about this model, possibly a geisha, or even just anything more about the photo? Love her Joie De Vivre.  Early to mid Taisho Jidai, I should say.

#taisho #meiji #geisha #moga #old japan #japan #crossdressing

[pipocacompequi]

[PIPOCA EM SÉRIE] “InuYasha” (1996), de Takahashi Rumiko por Sophia Moon.

O anime "InuYasha" ou "A Fantástica História Feudal de InuYasha", é derivado de  uma série de mangá shōnen (estilo direcionado ao público jovem ou público masculino, entretanto recebe atenção do público feminino) escrita e ilustrada por  Takahashi Rumiko e publicada na revista Weekly Shōnen Sunday entre 1996 e  2008, totalizando cerca de  56 volumes. 

O anime foi produzido pela Sunrise e exibido no Japão pela Animax de 2000 até 2004, entre outras emissoras. Sua segunda temporada chamada InuYasha: Kanketsu-hen (Ato Final) foi exibida de 2009 a 2010 pela Ymiuri TV.

Possuindo quatro filmes e cinco OVAs (Original Video Animation, ou seja, um ou mais episódios de anime lançados diretamente no mercado de vídeo, normalmente produzidos com maior qualidade e em prévia exibição na televisão ou cinemas), além de video games e uma light novel.

No Brasil, o anime foi exibido tanto em TV aberta no programa matutino da TV Globinho da Rede Globo, quanto em canais fechados como Cartoon Network, Animax e a antiga Fox Kids. Em 2004, o Ministério da Justiça baniu a exibição do anime em TV aberta antes das oito horas da noite por julgarem-no muito violento; os canais fechados, por não terem obrigação, legal seguiram com a programação normal de exibição do anime ate 2011 e meados de 2013.

Trailer

A sinopse do anime consiste em: uma colegial chamada Kagome vivia com sua família ao lado de um templo milenar em sua cidade, sua renda familiar vinha da venda de artigos sagrados e religiosos, contando também várias histórias sobre a origem do templo e do poço, conhecido como “Honekui No Ido” (Poço Come Ossos) que fica dentro do templo.

Um dia, Kagome se aventura dentro do templo bem ao lado do poço, de repente um monstro a puxa para dentro do poço e por meio de um portal em seu fundo, indo parar “Sengoku Jidai” (Era Feudal).

Ao voltar no tempo, Kagome tira o selo que aprisionava InuYasha um “hanyou” (um yokai é um ser sobrenatural dotado de poderes que não é nem bom ou mal especificamente em sua essência. Um hanyou é um mestiço originário da junção da raça humana com a raça yokai) em uma árvore antiga da região a “Goshinboku” (Árvore Sagrada)  e em seguida, acidentalmente, quebra um artefato perigoso e muito poderoso, a “Shikon No Tama” (Jóia de Quatro Almas), e descobre ser descendente de uma poderosa “miko” (sacerdotisa), antiga guardiã da Jóia, portanto a única que pode encontrar seus “Shikon No Kakera” (fragmentos da Jóia) recuperando assim a “Shikon No Tama” (Jóia de Quatro Almas).

Dividida entre duas eras, Kagome se junta a InuYasha na busca pelos fragmentos perdidos na “Sengoku Jidai” (Era Feudal) enfrentado poderosos inimigos e vivendo aventuras em uma das eras mais perigosas da história do Japão, enquanto tenta se formar no ensino médio em sua era de origem.

O anime possui um enredo simples com personagens cativantes, um traço bonito - com estilo bem característico dos animes lançados nesta época - cores vívidas, e apesar de parecer muito disperso, causa grande identificação entre os telespectadores por se passar na fase mais complicada da vida dos jovens: a adolescência.

Os personagens propostos por Rumiko (mesmo que alguns já estejam na fase adulta) apresentam uma imaturidade e insegurança muito característica da adolescência. A história de como um hanyou (mestiço) lutou ao lado de seu grande amor e seus amigos contra seu pior inimigo, é contada através dos olhos de uma jovem que divide seu tempo entre lutas, perigos com provas, testes e tarefas da escola onde estuda em sua era.

O anime segue como uma grande metáfora sobre as fases da vida, hormônios, inseguranças e o dia a dia, até se alcançar a maturidade, usando de alegorias e criaturas naturais da mitologia japonesa, e como plano de fundo, a era feudal japonesa - uma era que veio logo após o declínio da antiga liderança do clã Ashikaga, marcada por muitas guerras e disputas de grandes clãs pelo poder, para assim controlar todo o país.

Kagome e InuYasha são os personagens principais presos em um triângulo amoroso e desenvolvendo seu relacionamento de forma progressiva e tímida ao longo do anime - como é característico dos jovens nessa fase da vida. O mestiço que começa sua jornada com uma cega busca por poder e descobre sua força na caridade, união e boas ações; a humanidade que achava ser sua maior fraqueza se torna sua grande aliada em sua jornada unindo-se a humanos e a yokais (seres sobrenaturais da mitologia japonesa) para lutar pelo bem maior. A humana de outra era aprende mais sobre si mesma ao observar e apoiar InuYasha  e seus amigos, se tornando gradativamente uma jovem cheia de compaixão e maturidade, aprendendo com as relações que vai estabelecendo ao longo do anime, levando em consideração e com sabedoria, o sentimento e as ações de outras pessoas - antes de tomar suas decisões - o que lhe prepara para as responsabilidades da vida adulta.

Seus personagens secundários são igualmente inspiradores: Sango - uma jovem tayjia (exterminadora de yokais) que teve sua família assassinada - Miroku um houshi (monge) amaldiçoado – e Shippo - um jovem kitsune (raposa de sete caudas, um ser sobrenatural tradicional da mitologia japonesa) que teve seu pai assassinado por yokais (seres sobrenaturais da mitologia japonesa) que usavam um Shikon No Kakera (fragmento da Shikon No Tama) para demonstrar seu poder - começam a jornada com o simples propósito de vingarem-se, custe o que custar, porém, ao longo de sua jornada descobrem na amizade, na união e no amor um motivo para viver, um propósito muito maior e significativo que lhes serve de combustível para juntos derrotarem o inimigo em comum.

Sesshoumaru também é um personagem secundário, porém, sua jornada não começa com pretensão de vingança, apesar de usar isso como pretexto para lutar e perseguir seu inimigo, seu propósito na verdade é uma busca incansável por descobrir a si mesmo, carregando uma imensa mágoa de seu pai um conhecido dai yokai (grande yokai) o Inu No Taisho (Cão General) - que protegia as terras do leste e travou grandes batalhas em vida  - por sempre favorecer seu irmão mais novo que para ele não passa de um mestiço, isso o faz nutrir um ódio doentio por InuYasha e um grande desprezo por seres humanos.  Ao longo de sua jornada, Sesshoumaru passa por vários testes e provações que moldam seu caráter de um frio assassino para um protetor de inocentes, que leva consigo uma humana que ele ressuscitou, alimentando um enorme carinho e compaixão por sua existência.

O vilão Naraku é um hanyou (mestiço) que teve sua origem no desejo doentio do humano Onigumo de possuir a miko (sacerdotisa) Kikyo levando-o a oferecer sua alma a mil yokais (seres sobrenaturais da mitologia japonesa) para que seu desejo se realizasse, surgindo assim o maior vilão que todos os moradores da era feudal teriam que enfrentar. Simples e sem muitas ambições, porém extremante inteligente, Naraku  tem como missão de vida contaminar a Jóia de Quatro Almas com energia maligna. Ele representa uma ameaça constante aos personagens e lança inúmeros desafios a eles, testando-os enquanto busca se tornar mais forte para finalmente cumprir seu objetivo. Naraku é como uma metáfora para o mal que carrega sentimentos como orgulho, obsessão, ódio, falsidade, ambição doentia, culpa e o que o cultivo de tais sentimentos provocam em nossas vidas.

Com muita sabedoria, Rumiko carrega seus diálogos de mensagens sábias e inspiradoras, levando a frente conceitos básicos da formação de um jovem para a sociedade japonesa: honra, coragem, respeito, glória, humildade, sabedoria, empatia e determinação.

Todas as músicas de abertura e encerramento.

Em sua criação, todos os seres possuem luz e trevas, o que de fato importa é o caminho que decidem seguir, todos são passíveis de condenação e salvação, pois, de dentro da luz ainda pode sair trevas, e em meio às trevas, pode-se chegar à luz. InuYasha é um anime que deixa claro a dualidade do ser humano e como a vida é baseada em lutas diárias no interior de cada pessoa.

A mensagem que o anime investe em passar, é que, todos podemos aprender com nossos erros e evoluir trazendo assim uma perspectiva de vida iluminada ou podemos optar pelo caminho do mal, cultivando sentimentos ruins e negligenciando a nossa saúde tanto mental como física, o que o anime aponta como sendo um comportamento autodestrutivo. Podemos ser salvos, bastando apenas querer.

Sobre a autora:

Sophia Moon, estudante de Cinema e Audiovisual da Universidade Estadual de Goiás. Cinéfila, fã da cultura asiática, encantada pelo terror e obcecada por criar histórias em diferentes universos. Amo desde filmes trash a grandes produções cinematográficas, sou apaixonada em mitologias e particularmente a da criação do Tolkien.

#inuyasha #anime #japan #asia #asian culture #otaku #kagome higurashi #miroku #sango #shippo #sesshoumaru #manga

[finchfeelsdump]

Japan

Research Essay - missing some pictures from the original document.

Japan is an archipelago on the eastern edge of Asia, formed by 4 main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, plus nearly 4,000 other smaller islands. It has a population of 126,168,156 people, and its area is comparable to that of California or Germany. As a country, it is completely sea-locked, with its nearest neighboring countries being the Siberian region of Russia to the north, North and South Korea and China to the southwest. Almost four fifths of Japan’s land is covered with mountains and forests – the largest mountain range being the Japanese Alps. Japan has about 200 volcanoes, 60 of which are active, with Mt. Fuji being the most famous one and the highest mountain.

Japan has 47 prefectures contained within 8 regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Humanity in the Japanese archipelago can be traced back to 30,000 B.C. However, the country’s history in itself would rather be explored some time before the 2nd century, during the Jomon and Yayoi Periods, where communities first begin to establish and see the appearance of metallurgy and agriculture. This is the foundation of Japan. The Kofun Period, before the year 538, was when the Yamato clan had great control of the island of Honshu. From 538 to 710 came the Asuka Period, in which the history was enriched with and influenced by the already established Chinese civilization. This period saw the introduction of Buddhism, writing, architecture and sculpture. After that, with the Nara Period came the affirmation of the central power of the emperors, plus the construction of the first capital in Nara and its great temples. The Heian Period came after Nara, from 794 to 1085. The capital was relocated to what is today known as Kyoto. Japan was heavily influenced by China and adopted its style of power, where the clan Fujiwara ruled. With the Kamakura Period, which ran until 1336, the imperial court’s power faded to give place to the samurai clans and the first government of warriors. The Muromachi Period (1336-1491) introduced Japanese feudalism and the fusion of the culture of the samurai and the court, resulting in arts such as the tea ceremony and Noh theater. However, the central power disappeared in The Sengoku Jidai (1491-1603), due to repeated civil wars. Here appeared the Daimyo Warlords, the first contact with Europeans and the introduction of Christianity. In the Edo Period, from 1603 to 1853, Japan was unified under the 3rd Tokugawa Shogunate (government of warriors) and the power was installed in Tokyo. The borders of Japan were completely closed to foreigners and Christianity was prohibited. The country was urbanized and rich merchants developed, just like the Kabuki theater and Nihon printmaking. At the end of Edo, The Bakumatsu (or Late Shogunate, 1853-1868), Japan was forced to open its borders by the Americans, leading to the overthrow of the Tokugawa. This began modernization and industrialization in Japan. The Meiji Era, from 1868 until 1911, restored imperial power and relocated it to Tokyo (previously known as Edo). That is when electricity and the railway first arrived. Japan conquered Korea and Taiwan and was victorious against the Russian Empire and China. In the Taisho Era (1911-1926), the democratic system was first implemented. The Showa Era (1926-1989) began the imperialistic politics and military government and the expansion policy towards China, which involved Japan’s entry in WW2. After its defeat in 1945, the reconstruction of the country was managed under American trusteeship. The Heisei Era (1989-2019) is marked by economic crisis and natural disasters, but also the influence of Japan over the rest of the world. On May 1st, 2019, Emperor Naruhito acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne, beginning the Reiwa era.

Logically, the official language of Japan is Japanese. The language is based on writing syllables in Hiragana, the traditional set of symbols, and Katakana, mainly used for words that do not exist in traditional Japanese (for example, the word “television” is written as “terebi.”). Japanese also uses Kanji, which is a set of thousands of Chinese characters that have been imported to the Japanese language. Most of the meanings remain the same, but their pronunciation has been adapted to being read in Japanese syllables. Kanji is used to “simplify” Hiragana (i.e. instead of writing two or three characters in Hiragana, you would write only one character of Kanji,) and for proper names.

The most predominant religions are Shinto and Buddhism, respectively. Buddhism was introduced through mainland Asia in the 6th century, but Shinto is almost as ancient as Japan itself. Even though these are the two major religions in Japan, religion on its own does not play a heavy role in the everyday life of Japanese people. Shinto literally means “the way of the Gods;” Japanese gods are called “Kami.”

The core of Shinto are beliefs in the mysterious creation and harmonizing power (musubi) of the kami, and the truthful way or will (makoto) of kami. The nature of kami cannot be fully explained in words because the kami transcend the cognitive faculty of humans. Parishioners of a shrine believe that kami are the source of human life and existence. Each kami has a divine personality and responds to truthful prayers, and may reveal makoto to people and guide them to live in accordance to it. In Shinto, it is commonly said that “man is kami’s child.” First, this means that people are given life by kami and that their nature is therefore sacred. Second, it means that daily life is made possible by kami, and, accordingly, the personalities and lives of people are worthy of respect. Individuals must revere the basic human rights of everyone (regardless of race, nationality, and other distinctions) as well as their own. The concept of original sin is not found in Shinto. Purification is considered symbolically to remove the dust and impurities that cover one’s inner mind.

In Shinto, all the deities are said to cooperate with one another, and life lived in accordance with a kami’s will is believed to produce a mystical power that gains the protection, cooperation, and approval of all the particular kami.

Notable kami revered at Shinto shrines include: Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun goddess), Inari Okami (god of rice and agriculture), Izanagi (the first man), Izanami (the first woman), Tsukuyomi (the Moon god), Raijin (god of lightning, thunder and storms), and many more.

Shinto is also described as a religion of tsunagari (continuity or communion). The Japanese, while recognizing each human being as an individual personality, do not take each to be a solitary being separated from others. On the contrary, one is regarded as the bearer of a long continuous history that comes down from one’s ancestors and continues in one’s descendants.

In practice, Shinto does not have a weekly religious service like in Christianity. People may visit shrines at their convenience. Some may go to shrines on the 1st and 15th of every month, and on rites or festivals (matsuri) several times a year. Devotees may pay respect to the shrine every morning. The Japanese usually have their wedding ceremonies in Shinto style and pronounce their wedding vows to kami. Shinto funeral ceremonies, however, are not popular. Most of the Japanese are Buddhist and Shintoist at the same time and have their funerals in Buddhist style. A traditional Japanese house has two family altars: one, Shinto, for their tutelary kami and the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, and another, Buddhist, for the family ancestors. Pure Shinto families, however, will have all ceremonies and services in Shinto style.

Each Shinto shrine has several major festivals each year, including the Spring Festival (Haru Matsuri), Autumn Festival (Aki Matsuri), Annual Festival (Rei-Sai), and the Divine Procession (Shinko-Sai).

At festivals, Shintoists may perform different types if rituals at the shrine, such as: Purification, Adoration, Offerings, Prayers, Sacred Music and Dance, Feast (naorai), etc.

As history has shown, Japanese people are very proud and respectful in their everyday life, as such many customs and manners have been developed that many foreigners may think of them as strange or unnecessary. At the start of a meal, it’s common to say in a brief prayer pose “itadakimasu” (I humbly receive). When eating dinner, it is inappropriate to eat directly from common dishes (where everyone can grab a portion of food), as you should put your portion on your plate first, and to reach for the item closest to you and at the top of the plate. If someone else is picking food from a common dish, give them some space. Also, playing with chopsticks, or using them for anything other than eating, is considered disrespectful, because the chopsticks may contain your saliva or traces of food and so they should be flung around in the air as little as possible; use chopstick holders whenever you’re not eating. Do not try to stab food with your chopsticks. If a chopstick is messy, let it be messy, and do not try to pass food chopstick-to-chopstick, as it resembles a funeral. At dinner parties, it’s somewhat rude to pour your own drink. As such, you should pour everyone else’s drink except yours, someone will notice and pour your drink. Walking and eating is seen as sloppy. “Gochisosama Deshita” (It was a feast) is used to thank someone for preparing a meal or for paying the bill (someone else paid) and compliment good service (paid yourself). The traditional Japanese diet consists of minimally processed, seasonal foods served in a variety of small dishes. This style of eating emphasizes dishes’ natural flavors rather than masking them with sauces or seasonings. The diet is rich in steamed rice, noodles, fish, tofu, natto, seaweed, and fresh, cooked, or pickled fruits and vegetables but low in added sugars and fats. It may also contain some eggs, dairy, or meat, although these typically make up a small part of the diet.

Keigo (honorific language) is a polite level of speech that includes different levels of humble, formal and respectful terms. It is complicated to master this level of speech, even for native speakers of Japanese, as some situations may not require it or the incorrect term was used. However, it is considered very rude to avoid using keigo. It is most appropriate to address someone by their last name followed by the polite suffix “-san.”

Oseibo and Ochugen are winter and summer gifts respectively given at year-end and around Obon (Festival of the Dead) given to relatives, neighbors and anyone who has helped you out in the past year, such as a doctor or teacher.

When greeting, the Japanese understand that foreigners tend to shake hands; nonetheless, shaking hand is more usual for business introductions. The usual way to greet is a bow, the deeper the bow, the higher the respect given… or the higher the shame felt by the person bowing, according to the situation. Bowing can go from just slightly nodding your head downwards, to being in a 90 degrees angle directly looking down, and a lazy bow is considered disrespectful. Getting on your knees (seiza) with your head down is used in deep prayers or when begging for forgiveness, as if you are experiencing intense shame. Bowing and shaking hands at the same time is seen as awkward. The formal bow is usually 45 degrees.

Try not to touch another person, as the Japanese are generally uncomfortable with physical interaction. Pointing is also considered rude and threatening. Instead, people tend to indicate directions with an open hand or even avoiding gestures at all. When feeling uncomfortable, the Japanese tend to be indirect and try to avoid conflict where possible, dropping subtle hints about their feelings rather than direct, bold statements. Japanese people are very patient and resist honking at other drivers out of irritation. Brief honks and light flashing is most often used in friendly gestures, such as warnings. When accepting a call, try to be discrete and very quiet, and not to talk on the phone on a train or in a café. In an elevator, the person closest to the buttons operates the doors and should help people select their floor. The person nearest to the door should also be the last one to get off. It is customary to take off any backpack on a crowded train and hold it in your hands. Many taxi doors in Japan are automatic, and the driver will get a little upset if you operate the door yourself. Tipping servers at restaurants or taxi drivers can be considered insulting or at least confusion. Walking and smoking is viewed as dangerous and inconsiderate, being the idea that you could accidentally burn someone on a crowded street. In Japan this is taken very seriously, and it might even be illegal to walk and smoke in some areas.

When entering a home and many establishments where you can rest, the entrance will have a space to change your shoes for indoor slippers. This is done as to not to bring the impurity and uncleanliness of the world into your home. Tatami floors (made from rice straw or compressed wood chips) are common on traditional households, and no kind of slippers or shoes should walk upon them. Bathroom slippers are exclusive for use in washrooms and bringing them into other rooms in considered shameful. In Japan, bathing is seen as a relaxing leisure activity rather than an act of cleansing. One must completely shower with soap before entering a bath; this applies for home baths and public hot springs (onsen). There may also be available garden slippers for balcony, garden or outside use. Japanese cultural activities, such as theatre and tea ceremony tend to require formal wear. Restaurants and office work usually do too.

Because the Japanese have a deep philosophical approach to graphic designs of all kinds, they value their national flag for its simplicity, striking contrasts, and appropriate symbolism. The “hot” red of the sun symbol contrasts with its “cool” white background, and the circle of the sun contrasts with the rectangle of the flag itself. The pole on which it is to be officially hoisted is rough natural bamboo, while the finial at the top is a shiny gold ball.

It is considered extremely racist and disrespectful to compare a Chinese person, or any other person of Asiatic features, to a Japanese person, as it is done so by so many ignorant people. One of the main reasons for this comes from an event during World War II, when the Japanese army invaded the village of Nanking (or Nanjing), resulting in the mass murder, burning, looting, and rape of its villagers. This event is infamously known as the Nanking Massacre or Rape of Nanking.

After World War II, Japan had a radical change to its whole country and people. All large cities (except for Kyoto), the industries and transportation networks were severely damaged. Japan basically lost all the territory acquired after 1894. In addition, the Kurile islands were occupied by the Soviet Union, and the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, were controlled by the USA. Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972. Over 500 military officers committed suicide right after Japan surrendered, and many hundreds more were executed for committing war crimes. A new constitution went into effect in 1947: The emperor lost all political and military power, and was solely made the symbol of the state. Universal suffrage was introduced and human rights were guaranteed. Japan was also forbidden to ever lead a war again or to maintain an army. Furthermore, Shinto and the state were clearly separated. Especially during the first half of the occupation, Japan's media was subject to a rigid censorship of any anti-American statements and controversial topics such as the race issue. With the peace treaty that went into effect in 1952, the U.S. occupation ended. Japan's Self Defense Force was established in 1954. After the Korean War, and accelerated by it, the recovery of Japan's economy flourished. The economic growth resulted in a quick rise of the living standards, changes in society and the stabilization of the ruling position of the Liberal Democratic Party. Japan's relations to the Soviet Union were normalized in 1956, the ones to China in 1972. The 1973 oil crisis shocked the Japanese economy which was heavily depended on oil. The reaction was a shift to high technology industries.

After previous bans for publishing and censorship from the fascist period of WWII in Japanese media were lifted, the animated film industry and manga (basically, Japanese comics) began to flourish, but not before having to deal with the repercussions of the war. Gojira (Godzilla) was created as a metaphor to represent the use of nuclear weapons against the Japanese at the end of World War 2 and has now developed to be recognized as an official citizen of Japan. Osamu Tezuka, creator of Astro Boy and known in Japan as the God of Manga and Godfather of Anime, led the manga explosion of what would one day become one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world. Animation mainly took off in the 60’s and 70’s, when technology made it more accessible to produce the shows and to consume them. In contrast to western animation, which is generally directed to be “family friendly,” Japanese animation and manga can virtually explore any theme imaginable, from daily life as a middle school student to the psychological repercussions of war crimes while attempting to kill God to cleanse yourself of all sins and restart the universe.

In the modern day, Japan is known for being one of the most technologically advanced and civilized countries in the entire world, with even the crime rates being virtually null. Japan is naturally beautiful, with enough forests, mountains and lakes for a lifetime, and the metropolises of Japan are no exception to being astonishing, vibrant, and adventurous. Just the history of the country and learning its language are enough reason to gain interest in this wonderful land. After someone experiences the land that brought to life Godzilla and Mobile Suit Gundam, nobody would think about leaving. It’s the nest of the whole anime industry, with the most kawaii (cute) of souvenirs and , which I would one day want to visit myself.

Bibliography

Toyoda, Takeshi; Notehelfer, F.G.; et al. (1998-2020). Japan, history. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Japan/History

Hirai, Naofusa. (1999-2019). Shintō. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shinto

The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (1998-2020). Nanjing Massacre. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/event/Nanjing-Massacre

Spacey, J. (2009). 50 Japanese Manners and Customs. Japan Talk. https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-manners-and-customs

Lonely Planet. (n.d.). History. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/narratives/background/history

Japan Experience. (2020). Timeline of Japan’s History. Japan Experience. https://www.japan-experience.com/to-know/the-history-of-japan/history-of-japan-timeline

Petre, A. (2019). What Is the Japanese Diet Plan? All You Need to Know. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/japanese-diet

Japan Guide. (n.d.). Geography. Japan Guide. https://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1000.html

Japan Guide. (n.d.). Religion in Japan. Japan Guide. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e629.html

Japan Guide. (n.d.). Japanese Language. Japan Guide. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e621.html

National Geographic. (n.d.). Japan. National Geographic Kids. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/japan/

Japan Rail Pass. (n.d.). Regions of Japan. Japan Rail Pass. https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/regions-of-japan

[ssukidesu]

Inextricably Knotted (an Inukag + Jane Eyre AU) [Chapter 4]

Summary: Kagome Higurashi was orphaned as a baby and raised by her cruel aunt until the age of ten, after which she went to school and learned the art of service and self-suppression. Now eighteen, Kagome takes a job as the governess of Shippo, the young ward of the great and mysterious Lord Inuyasha Taisho.

But as Kagome gets to know her bemusing master, a ghost seems to haunt his estate, hinting that there is a long-lost secret hiding on the third floor.

(Read on AO3)

tag list: @heynikkiyousofine @xanthippe-writes

Chapter 4: Status Quo

A near month had passed since the coming of Jidai-Ju’s master. After the servants grew used to his presence, the house adjusted to its new status quo, and a feeling of normalcy returned. 

As before, Kagome’s days consisted of active lessons with Shippo and passive assistance with Kaede. However, where there was once near mindless wanderings between tasks, there was now an air of anticipation that punctuated her every task. Many times, Mr. Taisho would summon her—sometimes with Shippo, sometimes without—for evening company. His talkativeness varied so much that she stopped trying to anticipate how much exactly he would speak to her. Indeed, his attitudes generally proved rather changeful; some nights, he would smile and quirk his brow in a way that told her he was giddily entertained by her quips, while other nights, she would resign herself to read silently while he sulked wordlessly and stared at the fire. And some nights—most nights, actually—he wouldn’t summon her at all.

When they passed each other in the halls during the day, she found him just as unpredictable. Sometimes he would offer her a kind greeting—other times, a glowered brow and snarled mouth. But she was not bothered by his inconsistencies, nor did she take them personally; it was quite obvious that whatever catalyzed his ever-altering moods was not related to her.

On her part, Kagome liked it better. Though the winter had fully set in, something about the estate seemed lighter, brighter. The air itself seemed to clear up more every day, and Kagome wondered if his return quite literally chased away unseen demons that had before blighted the land in his absence. Even she felt livelier every day.

Today was a uniquely uneventful Wednesday. Kagome had finished her morning lessons with Shippo and had summoned lunch when Shippo whined from the library window.

“Miss Higurashi, could we please go to the armory? I heard that Lord Taisho is working in there now, and I really want to watch!”

Kagome felt a rejection bubble from her before her thoughts fully formed. “No, Shippo. I’m sure Lord Taisho wouldn’t appreciate your watchful eye—or grabby hands,” she giggled.

The servant who had brought their sandwiches bowed her head and departed, leaving the teacher and student to themselves yet again.

“Could you at least ask? He might say yes if it’s you.”

Kagome’s brows shot up. “And what makes you say that?”

Shippo gave her an incredulous look, and for a moment she felt that he was the teacher, and she was back in her own uniform in that dark, stuffy classroom piled to the corners with nameless girls.

“Because he actually likes having you near. More than anyone else, at least.”

Kagome shook her head. “I’m sure it’s only because I am young and new to the house. He only likes my presence for its amusement—I doubt it has anything to do with me personally.”

“Maybe you’re right,” said the child, and he took a bite of his sandwich.

After the food was consumed and Kagome began to prepare for their afternoon lessons, a knock at the door surprised them both, and Kagome announced permission for entrance. Kaede emerged from the other side, a puzzling look on her face. 

“Is everything alright?” asked Kagome.

“Yes, only… it appears word has spread that Shippo wishes to see the armory. The lord overheard the servants chatting when they brought his lunch, and he’s summoned you both down.”

Unbelievable , thought Kagome. He is so…

Shippo tore through her thought with a loud cheer.

The pair worked their way down to the armory, which was on the ground floor and tucked away in a part of the estate Kagome had walked through only once before, during her initial tour with Kaede.

The door was different from the other doors in the house; it was a raw wood that seemed far older than its surroundings. She knocked twice before turning the creaky knob.

The room smelled of chalk, dirt, and sweat. It was lit well by a large window along the far wall, but Kagome could tell that the room would be next to useless without that natural light. 

The sound of a fist hitting leather pulled her attention almost immediately to the left of the room. Mr. Taisho was there, about fifteen feet away, his back naked and glistening in sweat as he hit what seemed to be a heavy bag hanging from the ceiling rhythmically with precise motions. She knew he heard their entrance, but he did not greet them right away, likely so that he could finish whatever exercise he was in the middle of. Seemingly disappointed that his guardian was not currently working with a sword, Shippo wandered to the other side of the room where numerous weapons racks, armor displays, and practice dummies splayed out.

After telling him to not touch the blades, Kagome felt her eyes roam back to her master. His hair hung loose against his back, and his ears angled more forward than she’d ever seen them. His face was not completely visible to her, but whenever he would punch with his right hand, his body would turn enough for her to steal a glance at his profile: his golden eyes were glossed over, his jaw set and lips in a thin line, and his eyebrows were downturned in a scowl. His knuckles were not wrapped, but he wore some kind of gloves that she suspected were designed to protect his palms from his own claws. The muscles of his abdomen, shoulders, and arms were swollen with exercise, and she felt her throat go dry.

How anyone had ever called him ugly … well, Kagome didn’t allow herself to finish the thought. After a few more punches, he pulled himself from the bag and plopped himself onto the nearby stool, angled perpendicular to her. He gripped the half-full pitcher on the table, the condensation telling her it once housed ice, though it had long melted. He sloshed the water into his drinking mug and downed it in five large gulps, a trickle of water tracing down his jaw, bobbing throat, and clavicle. She watched it get swallowed by the small beads of sweat that already permeated the tan skin there. He set down the empty glass with a loud exhale. 

He didn’t even look at her before speaking, “If you gape any longer, I’ll have to charge you an entertainment fee.”

Heat bursting up her neck and face, Kagome ripped her eyes away. She cleared her throat, “And what else am I supposed to look at—the dirt floor? If I wasn’t watching you, you’d accuse me of being shy.”

He chuckled, drawing her sideways glance. “You’re coming to know me well.”

“More well than I’d prefer,” she retorted, nodding at his naked torso. 

“Would you like to try?”

Kagome blinked. “Pardon me?”

“The bag—would you like to give it a couple punches? You seem like you could use it.”

Relief filled her straining heart at the innocence of his meaning. “…Not particularly.”

He turned himself on the stool to face her, and she resisted the urge to rake her eyes down his front. “What about that—?” he said, gesturing to the only weapon rack near him. Only one sword hung from it—a white blade with a thick base and curved point. The handle seemed to burst into a tuft of fur right above where the hands would sit. “You could give it a few swings.”

Unsure of his motives, she shook her head, “I doubt I’m strong enough to even lift it.”

Mr. Taisho stood, reacquainting Kagome with the intensity of his form at full height, and he unsheathed it from the rack. He waltzed over to her, steps slow. Wiping sweat from his brow, he persisted, “You’re likely stronger than you think. Since we met, you’ve…”

Kagome tilted her head. 

After a beat of consideration, he set his jaw. “You’ve grown less frail. Your face and shoulders are rounder; I can tell you’ve grown…” he stopped to swallow, his eyes roaming her figure, “…healthier.” She watched his tongue through his parted lips as it traced the tip of his canine, as if testing the sharpness of the point, or scratching an itch.

Something trickled down Kagome’s spine at his words. And his eyes. It may have been a bead of sweat, but she wasn’t sure.

He presented the sword horizontally so that she could test its weight in her own hands. “Just see if you can hold it.”

Her eyes fixed on the blade first, and then the hands supporting it. The palms were calloused, and the undersides of his claws were visible past his fingertips. Slow and hesitant, she gripped the handle in her right hand. Before lifting it, she dared to peak up at him through her bangs. “You’re not worried I’ll strike you? You’re rather bothersome to me sometimes. I’m quite tempted.” 

His mouth split into a crooked, toothy grin. “If you strike at me, I’ll be happy that you proved my point even further.”

A grin leaking from her own lips, she began to lift the sword up by its handle. It was indeed heavy—too heavy to lift with one hand. She brought her left to join the effort, and she managed to take it from him. It was all she could do to prevent the blade from wobbling, but she held it well enough. 

She hadn’t realized how beautiful the blade was. Its curvature and point were flawless, and the bone-like color was shinier up close. She felt power thrumming through it, and though it didn’t fully seep into her skin, she felt it licking at her palms and fingers. Remnants of his sweat did the same, telling her he had worked with it for quite some time before their arrival.

She looked up at him again and found him staring—not at her hands, but at her face. He was close enough now for her to hear his calmed breathing, to smell the woodsy musk on his body. His expression was patient, satisfied, and…

She needed him to stop looking at her that way, and quick . She all but thrust the sword back in his hands, and she fumbled for a change of topic. 

“Your hair—“ she began, frazzled. “Isn’t it hot leaving it down while you exercise?”

She bit the inside of her cheek, waiting to see if he would see through her sudden anxiety. 

As if he’d never wondered about it, he simply lifted a hand to scoop his hair into a single fist. “I don’t know any way to fasten it.”

“Surely you could have a servant do it?”

He didn’t respond right away, and she wondered if she had said something ignorant. Perhaps his heritage made some too nervous to get so close? But before she could ponder it further, he turned from her and fetched his stool. He set it down in front of where she stood and sat with his back to her. He craned his neck sideways, revealing a devious smile. “Alright. You do it, then.”

Kagome gaped in half offense. “I’m a governess, sir. Not a servant.”

“Do it as a governess, then. Teach me how to do it.”

“With what pins?” she asked dryly.

He turned his head away to face forward. “You’ve some in your hair now, don’t you?”

She blinked, words stuck in her throat. Why did it feel like he was requesting something improper? There was nothing technically wrong with unfastening her hair in front of him, but…

She straightened her spine. He would laugh at her if she voiced such feelings, and she might even deserve it.

“Fine,” she said shortly.

He turned his head halfway again to peak over his shoulder. “Really?”

Gripping his head between her hands, she forced him to face forward again. “Really.” She waited to see if her manhandling peeved him, but he offered no complaint. She continued, “It’d be impossible to teach you in this way, though. We would need a mirror or two.”

“Hmm. Next time, then.”

She began by combing through his long strands with her fingers. The traces of salt and dirt made this slightly rough, but she told herself he could stand to feel a few tugs and pulls. After his hair was clear of knots, she sectioned off two small portions of his hair to secure his frontmost locks into braids. After completing each one, she handed him the ends to hold between his thumb and forefinger until it was ready for securing. She pulled the remaining top half of his hair together and twisted it into a bun. Pulling a couple of pins from her own hair—which did not yet result in its undoing—she secured the bun. Then, she collected the bottom half of his hair and cut it into a left and right half. She twisted both and wrapped them around the bun sitting above, requiring the removal of two more pins. Her bun came loose at this, but its braided infrastructure remained and hung loosely down her back as a single unit. Taking one small braid from him, she allowed it to hang with slack between its origin to its place under the bun. One pin fastened it there, and her last pin secured its twin. Her hair now hung completely free, and it settled around her neck and shoulders. 

The end product was slightly sloppy, but it was almost frustrating how handsome it looked on him. It was tribal—a warrior’s fashion. Throughout the process, her attention came time and time again to his ears, both out of curiosity and concern over touching them. They now were the sole recipient of her focus. Mind blank, she barely traced a finger along the soft skin of the right one. It twitched immediately, and she heard a gasp leave his lips. His shoulders tensed, and she wondered in mortification if she’d done something terrible to him. 

But feeling the stop of her fingers, Mr. Taisho turned his head slightly, though not enough to see her. “Is it finished?”

“Yes,” she said, soothing her nerves.

He stood, cracked his neck, and rolled his shoulders. “It feels secure.”

“It won’t fall out unless you pull on it.”

Why wasn’t he turning around? Did he sense her trepidation? Without letting herself think twice, she said, “Let me see the front.”

Permission. An invitation—that’s what he was waiting on.

He turned smoothly, and she nearly lost her breath. 

As she drank him in—his porcelain hair gracing his features and exposing the muscles of his neck and upper back—he seemed to do the same, his golden gaze crawling up and down her face and the curly black hair that now softly framed it. 

The words came strained from his mouth, “I suppose you took revenge and made me appear womanly?”

Her response was dazed. “I don’t think I could do anything to make you look womanly.”

He quirked a brow, and the echoing of her own words in her ears brought her heart to pound in embarrassment. An escape—she needed an escape .

“Well, sir—since I’m finished with the task and Shippo is approaching his afternoon lessons, am I permitted to leave?” she said, hoping that her strained smile didn’t reveal the near beg that laced her question.

His eyes bore into her face a moment longer, his thinking so loud beneath his forehead that she was surprised she couldn’t hear it. To her great relief, he simply nodded his head.

She turned on her heel immediately, gathered Shippo from the distant corner, and fled so briskly that she nearly tripped more than once.

#inextricably knotted #inukag #inuyasha #fanfiction #jane eyre

[captainnaru]

#taisho #taisho jidai #taisho era #japan #japanese #architecture #house #tatami #shoji #screen #garden #tokyo

[fujiwara57]

Photographies : maiko 舞子 et geiko 芸子

période Taishō jidai 大正時代  (1912-1926).

#photography #japan #photographie #japon #maiko #geiko #geisha #taisho jidai

[ssukidesu]

Inextricably Knotted (an Inukag + Jane Eyre AU) [Chapter 1]

Summary: Kagome Higurashi was orphaned as a baby and raised by her cruel aunt until the age of ten, after which she went to school and learned the art of service and self-suppression. Now eighteen, Kagome takes a job as the governess of Shippo, the young ward of the great and mysterious Lord Inuyasha Taisho.

But as Kagome gets to know her bemusing master, a ghost seems to haunt his estate, hinting that there is a long-lost secret hiding on the third floor.

(Read on AO3)

tag list: @heynikkiyousofine @xanthippe-writes

Chapter 1: Arrival

Many would call Kagome Higurashi strange for choosing to walk the final half mile of her journey to Jidai-Ju Hall. These people, however, would be mistaken; given the comparative barrenness of her previous station’s ethos and locale, Kagome would be strange not to take full advantage of the fresh, crisp air and mystical scenery of the woodland road that led her to her new situation.

Her boots were supported by soft earth, its pliancy a pleasant change from the harsh bump and jostle of the rickety carriage. The golden leaves were beginning to lose their vibrancy and grip. Her bags having been left in the carriage for separate arrival, her unburdened hands sought any falling leaves that came close enough to reach. After catching one, Kagome would hold and chafe it until the next floated down and offered itself as a replacement. 

Passing by a small pond, Kagome felt her steps falter. Its still water appeared solid black in its autumnal decay, but it’s surface broke with acute rings wherever a secret fish, tadpole, or fly disturbed it. She knelt as close as she could, the forsaken road only a couple of yards behind her now, and pulled her small sketchbook from her satchel. The pencil was nearly exhausted, but it persisted long enough for a crude sketch of the scene to concretize on the page. 

Continuing her way, Kagome juxtaposed it in her mind with the only other pond she knew—the similarly blighted one from her aunt’s home, which had frightened her so strongly she would never walk by it alone if she could help it. She supposed she had her cousin to thank for that particular superstition, his snarling caution of water monsters having enraptured her young mind with ease.

But Kagome was no longer a little girl; she knew better now. She had learned in the decade since that a pond’s most frightening monster was almost always only a snake, and if not that, then it was your own reflection that peered wickedly back at you. 

When the thicket finally broke, it was nearly dusk. But Kagome did not notice; her attention instead fell onto the grand wonder of Jidai-Ju Manor, which stood atop a strong hill and stretched its aged stones tall and wide. Faint glimmerings within the windows were the only signs of life. It was beautiful, and frightening. Her pulse livened, and she trudged up the long set of steps leading to what the house’s symmetry declared was the main entrance. The door doubled her height. It had no windows—only a large, bronze door knocker shaped in the image of a dog. She gripped and clapped it against the wood three loud times.

A moment later, the door opened slowly to reveal an old woman in common but stately dress. She was shorter than Kagome, round about the middle, and grayed. But sweetness softened her otherwise decrepit appearance.

She spoke first, her voice raspy: “Good evening. You must be Miss Higurashi. Please, do come in. I am Kaede.”

Kagome obeyed. “Thank you, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you. My things have already arrived, I hope?”

“Yes—they’ve been transported to your room already.”

“Thank you very much, Lady Kaede.”

Kagome tried to keep her wandering gaze subtle, but she couldn’t help the awe that had taken hold of her expression. The entryway alone stunned her for its vintage furnishings and ancient architecture. The question left her lips without her consent: “How old is this house?”

Her host chuckled at her obvious appreciation. “This manor was built nearly two hundred years ago. The property, however, has been in the possession of the Taisho family for over five hundred.”

“Five hundred!” Kagome encored in disbelief. “This country hasn’t even been founded for that long. Stranger still, I’ve never heard of the Taisho family.”

“Oh, they are indeed older than the country itself. But I’m afraid theirs is a waning glory; only one member is left living: our own master Inuyasha.”

“How can that be?”

“Well, I’m sure you know of the hostility our previous two Kings had with the demonic lords, starting with King Byron III’s coronation a century ago. The Taisho clan fortunately managed to defeat any of the king’s knights who tried taking the estate, but the conflict revealed fractures within the family, and many were scattered as a result; other carriers of the bloodline likely exist, but they were cut off from the family as punishment for their desertion, or so the story goes. Only the family’s primary vein remained after the initial dispute settled and the king stopped sending knights: Lord Touga, his Lady wife, and their son, Lord Sesshomaru. They were a proud family,” Kaede paused to unlock the door they’d reached—that of Kagome’s quarters, she guessed. The woman continued, “But pride, you know, is not a replacement for happiness. The patriarch did something unheard of in the Taisho family: about four decades after the family’s scattering, he fell in love with a human mistress and sired a bastard son.”

Half distracted by the story, the room still managed to surprise Kagome with its simplicity. But it was lovely nonetheless; a fire crackled in the fireplace, and the bed was prepared with clean sheets.

Kaede concluded, “Around that time, which was about sixty years ago, my own mother was the manager here. But the family charged her with strict secrecy, even to her own daughter. And you never gamble against the hearing of dog demons!” she joked, though Kagome found her words anything but funny. 

She went on: “The result is that I’ve no knowledge of the details of the affair or its subsequent conflicts, or even the fate of Lord Inuyasha’s mother. But I am familiar with the conflicts of the last four decades since my becoming the manager—the largest ones being what happened about twenty five years ago when King Byron IV came to power: in a fit of trying to accomplish what his father failed to, the king charged Lord Taisho with rebellious conspiracy—an accusation whose accuracy I cannot judge even now—and he was executed. A few years later, a little before the king’s assassination, Lord Sesshomaru received the same fate after failing to convince the royal family of his allegiance. 

“The property came to Lord Inuyasha—who was not even living at Jidai-Ju at the time—despite his illegitimacy. Lord Taisho’s wife had already left the estate by then; the property would have come to her, but she had settled a deal with Lord Taisho in which she forsook all rights of wifehood for the sake of emancipation. The pair had not been happy for ages, as you could have guessed.”

“Why was Lord Inuyasha spared from the king’s suspicion?” asked Kagome.

Kaede’s look grew grim. “That is something that I’ve never had the courage to ask. I have my hypothesis—but it would be out of my place to suggest it.”

Kagome’s head reeled from the information. Having never before seen a demon, she tried to imagine what each character in the tale looked like—but to no avail. What are the characteristics of a dog demon? They seem to live quite lengthy lives, but if Lord Inuyasha is half human, what is his appearance at sixty years of age? 

But more than anything, Kagome wondered about his character. What sort of master has she obtained? She sought Kaede for comfort: “And how do you feel about him—Lord Inuyasha? What sort of master is he?”

“Oh, I’m perfectly content with his ownership. He is much less severe than Lord Sesshomaru would have been, at least. He is hardly here at all, in the first place; indeed, it may be months before you meet him. When he is here, he has his fits of ferocity, but that is to be expected. I’m sure I don’t have to explain why.”

Kagome did, in fact, wish that she would explain why, but she thought her divulging had already been generous enough. Instead, she changed the conversation to a different vein of curiosity. “When am I to meet my pupil?”

Kaede seemed to purge herself of her own distracted mind. “Ah, yes—he has already been put to bed for tonight. You can meet him in the morning. You can also choose to begin instruction whenever you see fit.”

“I would prefer to begin as soon as possible, Lady Kaede—for my residence in this beautiful home would feel unjust without my prerequisite service.”

Lady Kaede smiled. “Very well, then.”

Following an episode of small talk, the old woman left Kagome to herself to settle for bed. She had few things to unpack; the drawers still wanted for filling, and the vanity housed only a horsehair brush, a couple of simple brooches, and even simpler hairpins. 

By the time Kagome settled beneath the sheets, the night had fully come, and with it came the realization of her own exhaustion. Her body settled in a tight ball, the fire having not yet heated the room enough for comfort, and she began to drift off.

As sleep began to grip her, the faint sound of creaking wood above went unnoticed, as did a distant voice whose murmurings were too soft and far to distinguish it from mere whispers of the wind.

#so stoked to finally start posting this! #inukag #fanfiction #jane eyre #inuyasha fanfiction #inextricably knotted

[ssukidesu]

Inextricably Knotted (An Inukag + Jane Eyre AU) [Chapter 11]

Summary: Kagome Higurashi was orphaned as a baby and raised by her cruel aunt until the age of ten, after which she went to school and learned the art of service and self-suppression. Now eighteen, Kagome takes a job as the governess of Shippo, the young ward of the great and mysterious Lord Inuyasha Taisho.

But as Kagome gets to know her bemusing master, a ghost seems to haunt his estate, hinting that there is a long-lost secret hiding on the third floor.

(Read on AO3)

Chapter 11: Farewell

It was happening again.

Kagome’s eyes roamed over the whole of Jidai Ju Estate from where she was trapped above it. She detected no physical thing holding her there—so high above the estate that she was surely in the clouds—but no matter how vigorously she struggled, she could never catalyze her descent. The house was engulfed in night’s cloak, nearly invisible, apart from one spot: in the depths of one of the chimneys, she could see the faint glow of a white light. It taunted her—beckoned her down to it. But still she could not move.

She remained there endlessly, and with each passing moment, she felt more strongly that all would be well if she could just reach the light. If she could just touch it, the shadows would be purged from the imperious house, and from its constituents. But after what felt like hours of fighting with every muscle in her body, she grew exhausted, and her eyes fell heavy.

It was now even darker. So much so that she felt like she could touch the shadows and feel them curl around her fingers, their substance not unlike that of warm water. She was facing upward now, laying on her back, and she felt her eyelids clench tighter—they were closed. At the realization, Kagome startled erect in her bed, awaking fully only afterward. 

And it was certainly not dark now—for every candle in her room had sparked to life.

Her ears rang so shrill that she could not hear her ragged breath escaping her lungs in heavy pants, but she felt her chest constricting and loosening, her blood rushing through her body.

Thrice had she seen this dream, and thrice had her subsequent awakening conjured flame—but no other time had she triggered every single candle to light. She brought her trembling hands to cover her face, and she felt the beads of sweat collapse and spread beneath her fingers.

Kagome flung her sullied sheets off her body and stood, her knees wobbling slightly. She stumbled to her vanity and inspected her reflection. She was pale, despite the recently suntanned complexion of her face. Her pupils were blown wide, and her lower lip was bleeding, as if she had bitten it in her sleep. She braced her hands on the vanity, but only one met cold wood. 

The other met paper.

She looked down and saw the still unopened letter that Mr. Taisho had given her days ago. How could she have forgotten it? 

She grasped it and tore it open, recalling its missing return address. Inside was a single paged letter—from the steward of her aunt.

Miss Kagome Higurashi,

I hope this letter finds you—and finds you well.

I write to inform you of your cousin’s recent and sudden death. He is said to have squandered his wealth and committed suicide. The news has so shocked your aunt that she has fallen ill from a stroke. Since then, she has ceaselessly called for you to be summoned to her.  Because this lady is likely on her deathbed, her family requests that you honor her wish and come to her before she finds rest. They understand the distance between your current residence and the family estate is not small; they hope this fact will not deter you, “for the sake of kin.”

We hope to see you soon—and, should you accept your beckoning, we wish you safe travels.

Sincerely,

Mr. Robert Leaven

Kagome read the letter, and then reread it again. After reading it a third time, she realized her fingers were so tightly clenched around it that they were wrinkling the paper. 

For the sake of kin.

Kagome could have laughed. What right had they to claim duty for kin? She filled her lungs with air and exhaled slowly. 

A half forgotten voice invaded her mind: It does not do to feed resentment. We must forgive everyone, even and especially our family.

Yes—but where had that sentiment gotten her school friend? She now laid six feet under. 

No, thought Kagome. That is not true—and it is resentment itself that wishes me to think so. For she is not lifeless in the grave for her spirit of forgiveness; she would have died either way. It is her place in the afterlife that she secured by living rightly and forgiving her malefactors.

“Sango…” whispered Kagome. “You refuse to let me ruin myself, even now.”

The sun was beginning to peak above the horizon, but the gold leaking in from the windows was swallowed by the gold of the candlelight in her room. Starting with those on the vanity, Kagome went one by one and blew out each candle. When all were snuffed, the resulting smoke permeated the room, and she opened her window to air out the suffocating smell. The white curtains fluttered at the motion, and thereafter from the wind. She could hear the morning birds, and she allowed herself to bathe in the sound as she put on her day clothes and secured her hair.

Kagome traversed downstairs and to the kitchen for breakfast—which was already well underway for the servants—and took her time eating at one of the tables in the large dining hall. The food tasted insipid, no doubt at the fault of her own still feverish senses rather than the cooks. She was hardly present enough to notice, anyway; her mind was elsewhere, thinking of the home that she had not seen for nearly a decade now, and that she would decidedly be seeing again very soon.

Should she ask Mr. Taisho for leave after she completed her work day with Shippo? No—this would not do. She had already delayed answering her summons long enough due to neglect of the letter; she would be wrong to delay it further. She would ask him as soon as she was aware of his awakening and subsequent location. In the meantime, she would pack her minuscule collection of things for the journey, which she suspected would take at least three days’ time one way.

After informing Shippo’s nurse that he would not receive lessons that day, Kagome returned to her room until she finished her packing, at which point it had come to be near ten in the morning. Upon leaving her quarters, Kagome asked the nearest servant where the master might be, and she was informed of his presence in the sunroom of all places—the one she and Shippo so often frequented together—with Lady Yura.

Kagome took this news without expression. She had larger worries at the moment, she reminded herself, and ought not be preoccupied with the goings on of those out of her circle of concern and control. She made her way to the sunroom.

Kagome’s approach could be seen a ways off, as the room was connected to the main parlor and had glass french doors. This produced a rather awkward arrival—as soon as she was close enough to see them, she saw that they were standing rather close and teasingly passing a feather back and forth through the air by blowing it upward. This of course meant that they, upon sensing her approach, had to stop their little game in preparation for interruption. Kagome kept her head down out of fear of both their expressions as she knocked softly on the glass pane. 

Mr. Taisho moved forward to open one of the doors—but Kagome’s feet stayed planted beyond the threshold, and her head stayed low. Before she could utter a word, she heard Lady Yura mutter to him beneath her breath: “What could that creeping creature possibly want with you?”

Mr. Taisho did not respond, and she too pretended she did not hear the lady.

Kagome cleared her throat and ventured to meet his eye, which was as golden as ever, though a little uncertain. “May I have a moment, sir?”

Instead of responding in the affirmative, Mr. Taisho grabbed and lifted Lady Yura’s hand for a quick kiss—to which she smiled proudly—and he said sweetly, “If you’ll excuse me, lady.”

This seemed to please her, and Mr. Taisho exited the sunroom, shutting the door behind him. 

“Come to my office,” he directed simply, his feet already moving ahead of hers. 

She followed him dutifully.

His personal office was far messier than any of the others in the estate. She seldom had occasion to visit it, and she found it filled to the brim in letters—both sealed and gutted—and other items of no particular interest. She thought he kept his personal letters in his bedroom, as that was where he had given Kagome’s to her, but it appeared that what she saw on his bedroom desk back then was only a fraction of his workload. 

Mr. Taisho brought himself to the front of his desk and leaned against it, facing her. Though his arms were crossed, he did not seem angry. “So, what business has my governess in disturbing my morning leisure?”

Kagome did not allow herself to stutter or hesitate. With her hands folded before her waist, she spoke clearly, “I have need for time off, sir.”

Mr. Taisho’s eyes widened just as soon as the words left her lips—and just as quickly, they narrowed suspiciously. “And for how long? To go where? The solstice is still some ways away—surely you have no appointment to frolic with your fellow spellcasters in the mountains someplace.”

Unable to help herself, Kagome’s lips formed a small smile. “No, sir. I’ve been summoned by a sick lady, and I must go to her.”

“And what lady is that?”

“…My aunt, sir.”

“What the hell do you mean, your aunt?” he began incredulously, and Kagome almost giggled at his sudden boorishness. He went on, “I thought you had no kinsmen.”

“None that would own me, sir.”

“Well—what, then? You are just going to go see an ill woman who had less care for you than she ought to have had, who may likely be dead before you arrive, all because she has summoned you on a whim?”

Kagome sighed, worried that he may prohibit her. “Yes, sir. I parted with her badly, and I do not wish to neglect her now.”

Mr. Taisho’s gaze flicked across her features, and he furrowed his brow sullenly. “How long would you be gone?”

“At least a couple of weeks, I imagine.”

Mr. Taisho almost growled, “Weeks? Kagome, surely you don’t need that long. Promise me you’ll return in no less than seven days.”

“I better not, sir,” she scolded, intently ignoring his use of her first name. “Or else I’ll be liable to break it. Dying can be nasty business for us humans, you know. It may take even longer.”

Mr. Taisho seemed immensely discomforted, and inexplicably grumpy. A scowl had permanently fixed itself on his lips, and his dark brow was thoroughly brooding. 

“Please, sir,” she whispered. 

This seemed to break him out of his hardened state, and he unknotted his arms, his hands fixing in his trousers’ pockets. “Very well,” he grunted. “You’re going to need money for the journey, aren’t you? I’ve given you no salary yet. How much have you in the world right now, Kagome?” he pondered, a curious grin breaking through his otherwise sulky features. 

Kagome reached into her own pocket for her pouch, and she emptied its contents into her palm. “Five shillings, sir.”

He stared down into her palm with amusement. “And how much do I owe you?”

“Fifteen pounds,” she said, overcoming her instinct for bashfulness.

Mr. Taisho pushed off of his desk and walked around to his safe, which he unlocked in a mere couple of seconds. She could not see its contents through his broad back, which remained to her until he shut the safe again. He maneuvered back around the desk and came to stand in front of her. He had a single note in his hand, and he extended it out to her.

“Here is fifty.”

Kagome’s mouth hung open. “…What?”

“Take your wages, Kagome,” he said, leering.

He was too cruel. “…It’s too much.”

Mr. Taisho hung his head for a momentary laugh and met her eyes yet again. “You’re right. If I gave you fifty, you’d stay away from me a full month.” He stuffed the note into his inner coat pocket and pulled out another one from the same place. “Then I only have ten.” He held out the note with a devilish smirk.

“But now you owe me,” argued Kagome, a little more spiritedly than she meant to.

“That I do,” he crooned. “Come back for it.”

Sometimes, Kagome forgot how much she could hate him. “I don’t know if it will be enough to cover the carriage ride there and back,” she said as she tentatively grabbed the cash.

Mr. Taisho did not release it, and the poor note was held hostage to his next charge between their matching grips. “You will be hiring no outside carriage. You’ll take one of mine.”

“But, sir—”

“No arguing,” he said, finally releasing the money.

Kagome folded it and placed it in her pouch. “Thank you.”

“Now I have a question for you,” he began, suddenly serious again.

Kagome straightened her spine. “Yes?”

Mr. Taisho took a single fearsome step toward her and lifted his fingers to her chin in a manner more scrutinous than tender. The claw of his thumb came to brush lightly against the dulled wound on her bottom lip. “What have you done to yourself here?” he accused in a low voice.

Kagome’s eyes were wide upon his, and blood rushed to her face. Swallowing, she lifted her hand to grip his forearm and lightly tug it down. Not wanting him to feel outright spurned, she retained her hold on him and lifted her other to absentmindedly toy with his sleeve. Her eyes fell to where they touched. 

“I bit it in my sleep.”

“Hmm. An anxious dream, perhaps?”

Kagome’s eyes shot back up to his, her brow furrowing in smothered surprise. “Maybe. It is difficult to remember after one wakes.”

He did not seem impressed. 

“That does remind me, sir—there is another matter we need to discuss,” said Kagome. Her fingers loosened their grip on his arm, and they separated. 

“Go on.”

Kagome took a deep breath. “You are to be married soon.”

Mr. Taisho took a deep breath of his own. “You’ve deciphered the signs, I see,” he teased, and Kagome wondered if she detected staleness in his tone.

“Then Shippo ought to go to school—and I will need to find a new situation.”

Mr. Taisho did not seem surprised by her words, and in fact the nod of his head and elevation of his eyebrows seemed most indecipherable. “Indeed. You think it is best that you remove yourself and my charge from the dominating path of my impending bride. I will ignore the insult to her which underlies that concern, as you are not altogether incorrect in feeling it. She is… bombastic at times with her displeasure about how I run my home. Very well then, Shippo will go to school, and you yourself will march to… the devil?”

“I hope not, sir.”

“Well then, what will you do, Kagome? Where will you go?” he asked, his genuine curiosity hurting more than any other emotion from him could have.

“I will advertise, I suppose.”

“The hell you will,” he scoffed. “I’ll find you a new situation, Kagome. One I hope you’ll accept.”

“Please, you don’t need to trouble yourself—"

“It is no trouble, surely. When a dependent has done her duty to her master as well as you have done yours, she has a right to expect such a duty from him in return.”

Kagome hated this, more than anything. His anger, his arrogance, his brutishness, his flippancy—all would have been more tolerable than such a bitter show of conventionality as this. 

“Then I will leave it to you, sir,” she managed evenly. “I have already packed my things—I will commence as soon as the carriage is ready.”

Mr. Taisho lost his severely neutral expression, and Kagome appreciated that the last face of his she would see for a long time would be one that she felt was familiar. “Then we must bid farewell?” he asked mildly. 

“Yes, sir.”

“And how do the humans of today complete such a ritual? I’m not quite up to it.”

“…They may shake hands, if they wish.”

“Shake hands? Well, give me yours, then,” he commanded, extending his own right hand toward her. With a tight smile, she met his hand with her own. His was warm and large, his claws tickling the back of hers, and he shook them squarely together twice. The motion itself was animated, almost sarcastically so. He released her and immediately came to cross his arms. “Is that it?”

Kagome giggled genuinely. “Yes, sir. As far as I know.”

“It seems cold, short, and unfriendly. I’d like something else.”

His golden eyes were piercing, and Kagome could hardly think up a response. “I don’t know of any other practice,” she defended.

His eyes roamed, first from eye to eye, then to her mouth. “I suppose you wouldn’t.”

Kagome smiled sheepishly. “Well, then. Farewell, Mr. Taisho.”

Kagome began to turn, but her master did not yet seem satisfied. He put a hand on her shoulder, halting her movement and reattracting her attention. 

“Just a moment,” he grunted, and Kagome watched in wired confusion as he brought his own thumb to his mouth and pressed his tongue to it, the digit collecting a modest coat of saliva. “I’ll leave you with this.”

Kagome froze as he brought his hand to her jaw and, with the wetted thumb, traced over the punctured point on her bottom lip. A bolt of lightning curled somewhere deep inside her, and if it weren’t for the lingering sensation of moisture there after his departure, she would have suspected herself of hallucinating. 

His self-satisfied grin was evidence enough, too.

“To help it heal,” he explained. He took a step back from her, and he returned to leaning himself against his desk, head tilted high. “Farewell, Kagome.”

Having somehow regained her faculties, Kagome managed to bow her head and force her feet to carry herself out of his office. At least, she knew she must have done these things, as within a half hour, Kagome was settled in a carriage and on her way to her childhood home.

#inukag #jane eyre #inuyasha fanfiction #inextricably knotted #not sorry about this one