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thefinalcinderella · 6 months

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Tsurune Book 3 Chapter 4 - Old Friend (Part 2)

the way people talk in this volume is so weird, it'd be like:

Person A: [random spiel about a semi-interesting but irrelevant topic]

Person B: [random spiel about a semi-interesting but irrelevant topic that is barely related to what Person A is saying]

Person A: [continues random spiel] + Oh by the way [talks about thing that's actually related to the plot/characters]

Person B: Yeah.

And it's like the random infodumping never happened

Glossary here

Full list of translations here

Translation Notes

A hitatare is a type of traditional Japanese men's kimono worn by samurai

A nae eboshi is a type of hat worn by commoners and men without official court rank; an ayaigasa is a type of conical hat

The tenchou chikyuu ceremony is a thing where before you start a yabusame, you had to recite prayers and ride your horse around (or something like that)

The subase is when the head of ceremony gives the signal for archers to start galloping

The gaijin ceremony (凱陣の式) is when a drum is hit to signal the end of the shooting.

A gonnegi is a junior priest

Matsuda says this in English

Igarashi says 可以 in Chinese which means "I can" or "sure"

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Green ivy was twined around the red bricks.

This year as well, many varieties of roses were in full bloom in the central courtyard of Kirisaki High School. The fragrant scent of the roses hinted at England and showed the height of tradition and praise. A gentleman learned the customs of his family from an early age.

Shuu’s pale eyelashes trembled.

“I met her a year ago. I heard that she was a woman with a bad temper, but she was a perfect lady in front of me.”

Senichi and Manji froze.

“…She?”

“Her name is Lily.”

“…Lily? She’s a foreigner?”

Shuu let out a chuckle.

What was displayed on his phone was white legs and a white mane—it was obviously a horse.

“I don’t think I can attempt yabusame if I can’t ride a horse. Lily might have a Western name, but she’s a domestic horse. Thoroughbreds have thin limbs, so if they break a bone, it can be fatal.”

Yabusame was a Shinto ritual in which archers shot at a target from a horse riding at full speed. It was an eight-hundred-year tradition, and it wasn’t only a martial arts competition, but also a prayer for the peace of the country and the happiness of its people. Schools like the Takeda-ryuu and Ogasawara-ryuu inherited that spirit and technique. As an aside, drawing a bow while standing on the ground was called busha, and drawing a bow on a horse was called kisha.

A few days later, a housha ceremony was carried out at the shrine.

The members of the Kazemai and Kirisaki kyudo clubs crowded into the space. That was because Shuu and Masa-san were participating as the archers.

Horses draped in crimson appeared against a backdrop of jade-green maples.

The archers were dressed in beautiful yabusame costumes. They were wearing hitatare (1) made of gold brocade. Shuu’s was purple, and Masa-san’s was deep lapis-lazuli. Their feet were covered in deerskin, they wore nae eboshi and ayaigasa (2) woven of soft rushon their heads. They wore a bracer on the left hand and their yugake on the right. A long sword and a short sword hung from their hips, and they were holding their bows while carrying their quivers on their backs.

After the magistrate chanted the written prayers, the signal arrows were offered up to the shrine.

――The meigen ceremomy.

The archers would make their bowstrings ring out and exorcise demons.

When the group appeared at the front, there was a path for rider and horse to ride on. It was a long and straight path. Spectators lined the path to see the moment the targets would be hit. There were three targets. After the tenchou chikyuu ceremony (3), the procession began. Standard bearers and taiko drummers stood at the vanguard, and ougikata waved their fans. Three people—the heifuri, target watcher, and an arrow retriever—stood next to each target. These people served indispensable roles in this Shinto ritual.

It was finally time for subase.(4) At the signal of the head of ceremony’s taiko drum, the archers rode forward. The cool breeze, and the beautiful horses running down the straight path. Their smooth and thick muscles rippled, and the hair that covered their bodies shone in the light.

Shuu seemed like the flower and moon reflected on a clear surface, and Masa-san was like the man in the moon.

The moon reflected in the water was unattainable, and the beautiful immortal who lived on the moon.

Tachisukashi in Japanese-style horseback riding involved raising one’s body from the saddle by a hair’s breadth and maintaining a steady position even while riding the horse. It took many years to be able to master such a skill.

The housha!

The arrows that were powerfully released pierced the targets brilliantly.

Despite the loud cheers, the archers and their horses didn’t stop galloping. They quickly pulled out another arrow from their quiver and released it again.

A perfect hit!

They straddled their saddles, put their feet in the stirrups, and gripped their bows. The sound of the horses’ footsteps kicking up the dirt and the voices of people filled the area, but the archers didn’t smile. They didn’t turn around. This was a prayer for peace.

Bows were divine tools. When handling divine tools, one must never take one’s mind away from the gods. One must not give the demons an opening to take hold of you. By adjusting one’s qi, that is, aligning one’s own frequency with the frequencies emitted by people and objects, thereby purifying the space itself. Every time Shuu blinked, the violet fleeting moments activated.

Masa-san followed. He was someone who served the gods and his eyes were the same azure color as the earth. Many gods were watching—the god of the sky, the god of earth, the god of the bow. They were listening. They were holding their breaths. At this divinely solemn moment, the archer gave it his all. That was what this shot was for. Only when the bow, man, and horse became one could they communicate with heaven.

At the beginning of yabusame practice, participants rode on a human-powered rocking horse. Also, there were no warmup exercises on the day of the ceremony. For warriors, who never knew when a battle would begin, everyday life was synonymous with training. They created a set pattern, turned it into routine, and quickly dealt with any sense of discomfort. They kept in mind that even a second’s delay in judgment could be fatal, and did their best to have no regrets even if they crumbled to dust a second later. Bushido and Shinto rituals were inseparable. One felt the blessings of something invisible against one’s skin.

Archers offered up their prayers in a single arrow.

It was a makeshift bridge that connected heaven and humans.

The targets were hit one after the other, and when they had shot all their arrows, they dismounted. Upon returning to the shrine, a feast was held and sacred sake was offered. When they went outside, they shouted “Ei, ei, ei, oh!” to the accompaniment of taiko drums. That was the gaijin ceremony. (5) Inspecting the targets and cheering in victory was also a symbolic identification of the eradicated evil.

After completing their duties, Shuu and Masa-san looked at each other.

“As expected, Takigawa-san. All your arrows hit the center.”

“I can’t believe this is your first time, Fujiwara-kun.”

“Lily is a woman with nerves of steel. I’m grateful to her for trusting me.”

“Shuu-kuuuun!” Ryouhei ran over to them. “Shuu-kun, I wanna ride a horse too.”

“I don’t mind. We can take turns riding.”

Ryouhei and Minato took turns riding the horse with Shuu sitting behind them. Seiya, Kaito, Nanao, and the others also rode with Masa-san. The line of sight was high on horseback, and the body moved up and down with the horse’s steps, so even in this state it seemed difficult to hit the target with an arrow.

Senichi, Manji, Kabashima, Yushima, and Kuon were also there. Kuon lifted his chin and followed Minato and Shuu as they rode together with only his eyes.

Asahina and Eddie were there as well. The two were facing each other.

“That was so hype! The Young Prince of Kirisaki and Kazemai’s coach look incredible! Eddie, did you get them?”

“But of course. Now, let us move to the next position.”

For the two people who just loved flashy things, there was nothing more exciting than this. They applied in advance to the organizing body for permission to film and to share the proceeds from the stream, and secured the best seats. Matsuda, Kanuma, and Igarashi from Haneina High’s kyudo club, as well as their other school friends, participated as support, and videos were taken from multiple angles. The music would be performed with traditional instruments, and there would be explanatory captions in multiple languages for overseas viewers.

Many of the viewers for the kyudo channel “Yumihiki Douji” were foreigners. Their latest challenge was to get people to remember the “Eight Stages of Shooting.” Just like the soccer terms dribble and shoot, they wanted to raise awareness of kyudo terms such as “uchiokoshi” and “kai.”

That was why they started chanting the Eight Stages in the beginning of their videos. The only way to get people to remember unfamiliar words was to have them listen to them over and over again. The more words you knew, the deeper your understanding would be, and above all, the more fun you would have.

Some people might have skipped watching their videos because they recited the Eight Stages quickly. But there were also byproducts. After their viewers who were archers continued to watch them for about a month, they started reporting one after the other, “I don’t know why, but my hitting rate has increased.” The most likely theory was that the brain responded to the mouth saying things out loud, resulting in image training.

Asahina waved to Minato and the others who had finished riding.

“Hey, Kazemai crew! Can I interview you guys? I’ll start with Narumiya. You know both the Young Prince and the priest, in your opinion, how were they today?”

“They’re the same as always. Really cool.”

“Which one was cooler?”

“There’s no way to compare that, is there?”

“Can I have a look at your palm?”

“My hand? Okay.”

Asahina took a step closer to Minato.

“Just as I thought. You’ve got the Buddha’s eye and Mystic Cross on your palms.”

“Is that rare?”

“It is. They say that people with these lines have strong sixth sense and intuition, and are protected by their ancestors and other unseen things.”

“I don’t have a sixth sense, though.”

“Maybe it hasn’t awakened yet. Well, I’m more curious about this than your palms, though.”

Asahina and Eddie immediately touched Minato’s forehead. Seiya and Kanbayashi let out a simultaneous “Ah.”

“You’re full of openings. We have made contact with ‘Minahead,’ and now our mission for today is complete. Our kyudo skills will also improve. Thanks, Narumiya. We’re looking forward to seeing you at prefecturals.”

“We bid thee farewell!”

The two of them were quick to escape, and were quickly lost in the crowd.

In a corner of the shrine.

Masa-san stretched out as he took off his yabusame costume.

He was the only one there, as he had been given a private room. He rubbed his arms, shoulders, and legs with his hands and thanked them for their hard work for today. Since the body was the companion of the soul, it was the priest’s job to express gratitude to it. Masa-san’s priesthood rank, “Gonnegi” (6), came from the word “negu.” He soothed the hearts of the gods and prayed for their blessings.

He changed into street clothes, finished his canned coffee, and went outside. The sky he looked up at was blue and the wind was cool. The trees were covered in young leaves, and it looked like it was going to be a great day for setting sail.

“Am I qualified to exorcise demons? Answer me, Gramps.”

Gramps referred to Yasaka-hanshi, his kyudo master and grandfather.

As if in response to his words, the out-of-season chirping of cicadas sounded. They were chirping loudly and powerfully, but he couldn’t tell if the answer was yes or no. Did he ask the question in the wrong way, or was it presumptuous to ask if he was qualified or not? He supposed his grandfather was telling him to do his job and not just stand around talking nonsense. He was aware that the gods could see through his defeatist attitude, but if possible, he didn’t want his disciples to find out.

Even if he shot a million arrows or landed a hundred hits, his doubts weren’t dispelled. He was doing his best to contain the surging emotions within, putting them into words and erasing them, struggling to keep them unspoken.

Speaking—proclamations represented one’s covenant with the gods. Prayers and curses were the same from their perspective, and cancelling a covenant was no mean feat.

You must not say those words—.

Not only am I a servant of the gods, I’m also those kids’ coach. All women look beautiful to me, but I only think of my disciples as cute. Am I a doting parent?

The trees rustled in the wind.

The encounter was on a rainy night. The twinkling of peridots.

Dreams and reality intersected.

Sensing the presence of someone, Masa-san held his breath.

A woman walked up to him. It was hard to make out her face because she was wearing fancy glasses under the sunlight filtering through the trees, but he could get a rough idea of who she was by the way she was standing.

“Tsucchi-san.”

“I had no idea that the priest who passed by was the coach of the Kazemai High School kyudo club. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Tsucchi-san, you’re the coach for Haneina. I saw you at the venue for the preliminaries, but I apologize for not saying hello to you.”

“I don’t care about that kind of lip service. You called me ‘Ena-senpai’ during the thing with Tetsi. What do you mean, ‘it’s a fine name’? I don’t trust men who are smooth talkers.”

“‘Ena’ is a name that comes from the ena of the Womb Realm, the placenta of the perfected one. It seems that everyone has a memory of being wrapped in their mother cradle.”

“Can a Shinto priest talk about Shingon Buddhism?”

“Japanese people are a people who celebrate Christmas at the end of the year, listen to the temple bells on New Year’s Eve, and visit the shrine on New Year’s. They live a life that’s true to Shintoism, respecting, integrating, and making the other into their daily routines, and yet so many Japanese say that they aren’t religious, making foreigners confused because they don’t understand.”

“I guess there was a problem with postwar education in that regard. Historians say that those who didn’t learn the myths of their peoples perished without exception.”

“Some works such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are based on true stories of natural disasters and incidents, as well as to teach lessons. Because people don’t study mythology, they make the mistake of thinking that there are no gods or Buddhas, and that humans are the supreme creatures on earth. For the Japanese, God is nature itself. The sun god, mountain god, and the water god who is a dragon, are said to be animistic and primitive, but without the sun and water, almost all living things would disappear, and without mountains, it would be impossible to create buildings, cars, and other man-made objects.”

“The great power is God. I guess the Japanese have been good at anthropomorphizing since ancient times. Everything, even swords and countries are anthropomorphized. Humans are humans, and they become the god of learning or the god of manga.”

“Gods, Buddhas, and humans are all exalted and sacred beings. Tsucchi-san, I recommend you learn the art of self-defense. Until you master it, throw anything you can get your hands on, blind your attacker with scissors, and fight back with low blows. If you step on your attacker’s foot or kick them in the shin with your heel, most people wouldn’t be able to move for a while.”

“Aren’t those all foul techniques?”

“The best self-defense technique is not closing the distance with the opponent or creating a situation where you have to fight, but it’s unavoidable in order to fend off physical attacks, right? Even women who lack physical strength should remember how to protect themselves. Both individuals and nations are exploited because they show weakness. You should learn enough to make people think, ‘Oh, I’m going to be in trouble if I make her my enemy.’”

“I heard that we aren’t the strongest primates or anything. There’s something else I want to ask you. What exactly have you been doing for the last four years since you graduated from high school? I’ve been looking for you.”

“Mmm, last year I took the renshi exam and failed. When I entered the shajo, one person couldn’t keep their feet together and we all failed.”

“Hey, you haven’t answered my question at all. That happened after you graduated from university, right?”

“It was a typical four years at university, so I don’t have much to say about it. Oh, your students are here for you.”

When Tsucchi turned around, she saw Asahina and Eddie, who missed the chance to call out to her. Masa-san disappeared while she was distracted.

Asahina ran his hand through his red hair.

“Despite his appearance, he’s a scary priest. I definitely don’t want him to be my enemy. I bet he would chase me to the ends of hell and beat me up if I did anything wrong.”

Eddie also retied his blond ponytail.

“Well said. He is already immersed in tactics.”

The three started walking.

After the yabusame, the Kazemai and Kirisaki kyudo clubs met up and headed to the large public bathhouse.

Minato and the others were unaware of the words Masa-san and Tsucchi exchanged.

Eddie moved into the Asahina household the day after the yabusame.

There was a water leak in one of the units of the apartment Eddie was renting, and all the unit on the first floor was flooded. Chairs and refrigerators that were floating in the water were lying around, similar to the aftermath of flood damage. When he consulted with Asahina, he said, “Why don’t you come over?” and Eddie moved in immediately.

Eddie received a warm welcome in front of Asahina’s house. Although it wasn’t large in size, it had a simple and sturdy construction with tiles and earthen walls, making it look like an Edo mansion.

There was a man dressed in black at the entrance, calling out loudly to Asahina.

“Is that honored personage your school friend I’ve heard so much about, Waka? You said you wouldn’t let us meet him, but have you changed your mind now? Now, come inside, come inside.”

“Uncle, stop calling me ‘Waka.’”

“Waka is Waka. Ane-san is in the back.”

A woman wearing a chic kimono and had her hair tied back appeared. She was in her forties.

“Oh, son, do we have a guest? I’m about to head to work soon.”

“Mom, it’s fine to gather the neighbors together, but could you please stop dressing in black ceremonial kimonos and black five-crested kimonos? People who don’t know us would think this is a Yakuza gathering.”

“I don’t care about people I don’t know. This is a play party for adults, so they can just leave me alone.”

Asahina’s mother was a former actress. She retired when she got married and currently worked as the proprietress of a small restaurant. Her most famous work was a historical drama, and she played a character named Kikyou, called “Ane-san,” so even the people in their neighborhood called her “Ane-san.” Every month, she held a cosplay competition called the tea party. Her husband was a gentle man who was enchanted by his wife, and he would happily say things like, “Kikyou-san, you look beautiful today as well.” In a sense, they were a couple who were similar to each other and could immerse themselves in a world of lies.

There were many other people living in the Asahina household all the time. That was because Asahina often “found and picked up” people.

These people had various circumstances, such as foreigners traveling on a budget or children wandering around town. He enjoyed sightseeing together with tourists, and with bullied kids, he engaged legal organizations to report the bullies, who were essentially criminals, to the police. If they were beaten, the crime was bodily harm; if money or goods were taken, the crime was extortion; slander posted online was defamation, and shoplifting was theft. One must not be fooled by the paraphrasing of crafty people.

Asahina wasn’t only a boisterous Yotuber, but also the most dependable big brother in town. He was gallant and generous, unable to leave those in trouble alone. He was the model of an Edokko, possessing the determination and ability to do things, as if saying, “If the adults around you won’t protect you, I will.” Eddie, captivated with that side of him, enjoyed being around him.

After Asahina finished speaking with his mother, he spoke to Eddie.

“Well, the guest rooms are full, so let’s go to my room. I’ll ask you to help around the house like a freeloader. Also, don’t tell anyone if you find something.”

By “something,” he was talking about the posters and goods of the idol group “Princess Cheer” that Noririn was part of. Asahina was a group stan and a secret idol fan. He watched their fantastic live performances where they sang hard rock and danced agilely everyday.

“They’re piling up, so let’s clean it up quickly.”

“Will this be finished by the end of today?”

“Don’t run away, partner.”

Asahina’s eyes were sharp.

One had forgotten to mention that while Asahina had the appearance of a good-natured young man, his true nature was a tiger. If he recognized someone as an enemy, he would bite at them mercilessly. Barely anyone knew the face of the raging night.

When he opened the door to his room, it was filled with blinding light.

It was such a beautiful day that it was a waste to stay indoors. Asahina leaned out of his window and looked up at the sun. The way he narrowed his eyes and looked at it reminded Eddie of Icarus, who fell after his wax wings melted, and he whispered to him not to get too close to the sun.

The two turned on their computers. Using video editing software, they processed the footage they captured.

“What should we do here?”

“Nothing. Oh, this is nice. Female archers look so dignified.”

“A request has arrived, it has.”

“Shall we transfer it to Sensei?”

As they started to become well-known, all sorts of people wanted to discuss things with them, but Asahina and the others didn’t respond to them directly. At Haneina, they had contracts with lawyers, patent attorneys, tax accountants, and others, and they tried to involve experts in these discussions. There were many scams, and it was too risky for high school students to suddenly sign a contract. They must also pay taxes as well. In addition, the school intended to teach classes using these actual cases so it would help freelancers, who were expected to increase in the future.

“Hmm, my eyes are blinking too incessantly. I shall take a short recess.”

Eddie groaned, leaning towards Asahina, but Asahina remained glued to the screen.

“I am famished. I shall cry if you do not take care of me.”

“Our yellow-headed chirper is such a pain.”

Asahina opened a bag of pastries and popped one into Eddie’s mouth. Eddie lied down, chewed and swallowed, then opened his mouth again. When he was full, he got up and went back to his computer. On the way, his phone rang many times, but he ignored it. He immersed himself in his work and kept pushing forward. Both of them couldn’t stay still. It wasn’t a runner’s high, but once they reached a certain limit, they felt light and comfortable, like their bodies had gone somewhere else.

Old friend.

They probably met somewhere before they were born.

The person who was always next to them.

The person they could never save.

They probably wouldn’t share this feeling with anyone else. It was a secret between just the two of them. They were similar to comrades in arms, those who survived through numerous battles, those who watched their comrades die, and live with bitter memories that couldn’t be put into words. The sound of a young man crying for their mother and the smell of gunpowder. Whose memories were these and from when? They vowed to themselves that if they were still unable to leave the battlefield after being reborn, they would enjoy themselves.

“It’s peaceful here.”

“Yes, it is peaceful.”

“Oh no, we might not be able to finish by evening. I have to get them to confirm it too.”

Just as Asahina cried that out in front of the large number of materials, the door to his room suddenly opened. The members of Haneina’s kyudo club were all there.

“Let me help,” Matsuda laughed. (7)

“I’ll help if I can compose a poem while I’m doing it,” Kanuma said.

Asahina’s mouth curled into a smile. “You came at a good time. Can you do my homework for me?”

“You can do that yourself. Eddie, give me some work,” the Gardening Prince, Igarashi, said.

“I am indebted to you. Then, please translate these comments into Chinese. Include plenty of jokes as well.”

“Keyi.” (8)

In this way, the “Yabusame!” video posted by the kyudo channel “Yumihiki Douji” gained great popularity.

Put a message that will reach those who will notice—.

Kazemai High School.

From a corner of the school building, the sound of instruments repeating the same phrase could be heard. At first, it was out of tune, but before one knew it, they overlapped and turned into stately music. Sounds were also coming from the kyudojo one after the other.

Minato took his bow and arrow and let out a breath.

His master said, “Breathe through the soles of your feet. Relax your whole body.”

He raised his bow without warping his yumifutokoro. The bow was constantly talking to the archer. Release me, believe in me and surrender yourself to me. I’ll give you everything you want.

“You don’t need any tricks. Just expose everything and embrace the earth.”

He slowly pushed the bow open. The bow and human’s breathing overlapped. The breath he took in from the soles of his feet was exhaled at the top of his head and into the sky. The rising air engulfed the surrounding objects.

Tsurune. Matooto. The sound of gasps from the people watching. When the three sounds came together, Minato lowered his bow.

The first-year Kanbayashi clapped his hands vigorously.

“Senpais, that was so cool!”

“Foot breathing doesn’t make any sense to me,” Keyaki questioned, while Himuro was as expressionless as always.

“When you fold your body in half, the parts that overlap, such as the head and feet, neck and ankles, correspond with each other. Just like how the head has eyes and a mouth, it feels like there are eyes and mouths on the soles of the feet as well. Martial art techniques aren’t expressed with words, but expressed with your body. The only way to learn is by actually doing it,” Masa-san said.

When everyone finished zasha, Tommy-sensei stood in front of everyone.

“Now, did everyone change into their gym clothes. Let’s do yoga today. In kyudo, the vertical and horizontal lines of the body are important. Let’s each check the twists in our bodies.”

The method was simple: walk in a straight line with your eyes closed. When you opened your eyes, your body was twisted away from the line. You also tried lying face down and checked to see if your legs were the same length. Next, check for any contortions. If one of your knees stuck out when you were sitting in seiza, you had a pelvic abnormality. People who had a raised right shoulder were putting pressure on their stomach, and people with a raised left shoulder were putting pressure on their liver. They did corrective gymnastics, yoga cat poses and twisting poses.

Next to Hanazawa, who was striking gorgeous poses, Shiragiku was struggling. Since her body was stiffer than expected, Seo came to help. To conclude, they worked in pairs to massage each other.

Minato and Ryouhei formed a pair.

“Minato, Minato, I’m good at massages, aren’t I? I always do them for my sister.”

“Yeah, you’re good at it.”

“Are your toes going around in circles. I tried to do one for Shuu-kun before, but he refused.”

“I think he was probably surprised by the offer. Maybe he was embarrassed.”

“Really? He didn’t have to be shy.”

As they were chatting, Ryouhei leaned against Minato’s back, causing Minato to groan as he was folded in half.

To Hanazawa, Shiragiku, and Seo, they looked like an innocent Labrador retriever sitting on top of a serious black Shiba inu. Next to them, Kaito and Seiya had expressions of exasperation.

Tommy-sensei announced the next regimen.

“Everyone, bring out your phones. We’re going to record everyone’s shooting.”

They stood in front of the target in order. When they finished recording, they watched themselves on the screen. The things that were always pointed out were visualized, so they were able to accept them. At the end, they repeated the important points with Masa-san.

During the break, Nanao showed everyone the photos he saved on his phone. Kanbayashi was impressed by the figurine of a frog drawing a bow and an illustration of a frog wearing a headband while studying. It was filled with frog pictures.

“Kisaragi-senpai, you’re amazing. It’s a whole parade of frogs, kero. Oh, what’s this one?”

“That’s a picture my parents sent me. They’re obsessed with taking pictures of rainbows. They don’t just take pictures of rainbows in the sky, but all sorts of places like on bicycle reflectors and glass windows.”

“The colors change depending on how the light is reflected,” Keyaki said in admiration.

As Nanao was sliding through his photos, Masa-san asked him to stop at one of them.

“This is…”

“Oh, that photo was taken at a shrine on an isolated island. It looks like a rainbow-colored ring and magenta orb floating, but in reality, the setting sun shining between the torii gates was like a chrysanthemum flower, and each petal was shining in a rainbow color. It was really beautiful, apparently. Doesn’t it look mystical?”

“Oh, yeah, you’re right. Sorry, but could you share this photo with me?”

“Okay. But the locals asked us not to post it on social media. There are also worshippers included in the picture, and apparently they won’t be able to handle the influx of tourists on sightseeing tours.”

“Got it.”

Masa-san covered his mouth with his long fingers.

For some reason, Minato felt a chill as he stared at his profile.

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#tsurune #tsurune translation

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dynamightgod · 2 years

Text

Blood of the Dragon

Pairing: kiribaku(established), kiribaku x reader

Word count: 4,398

Warnings: sexual content, minors and ageless blogs dni, aged up characters, fantasy AU, violence, paganism, abo dynamics,

Inspired by skyrim and Zelda. This is the longest fic ive ever written. I hope you all enjoy it. Please reblog like and comment. I might continue this if it does well, just wanted to get it out of my head and on paper.

Not proofread

The rider carried swiftly through the dark and dense forest, the heavy panting of his thoroughbred lost on his ears, only one thing on his mind. Flee. Deliver the message and flee. The dread that had plauged him since the shadows first came to Redstone, were closing in. He could feel the nimble, icy tips of their fingers as it bled closer and closer, ready to consume him, silence him forever.

But he had a mission. And God's be damned, he would complete it. One last time.

The brilliant lights of the watchtower guarding the human city of Redstone came into view. He sighed with relief, relaxing his hold a little as he began to feel safer.

A flash of gold light envelops him just as he reaches the forest edge. The next thing he knows, he's on his back, staring up into the night sky, the pounding of hooves, letting him know the horse has fled, towards the village or into the forest he does not know.

He never finishes his thought before the darkness finally takes him.

Chapter One

"I need to see Bakugou. Now! Let me through." Eijiro Kirishima, a strong warrior, hard as a rock and fierce as any dragon, glared down at the servant who refused to let him enter Bakugou's bedchamber. The sounds of skin slapping skin, hoarse groans and meek little moans greeting his ears.

"His majesty is busy right now as sure you can hear Master Kirishima." The servant responded quietly, her eyes looking anywhere but at the hulking figure before her.

Although chivalry is something he prides himself on, Kirishima moved the woman with one arm, slamming open the door to the Dragon King's bedroom.

As Dragonblood, they abide by the A/B/O dynamics, Kirishima can see immediately that Bakugou is in the throws of his rut. The omega beneath him winning and gripping the sheets tightly as he pounds into her. And she should be so lucky to serve her King during his ruts.

"Katsuki?" Kirishima says loudly and firmly, causing the other man to only look up at him, teeth gritted, eyes narrowed and sweat dripping from his body as he continues to mercilessly fuck the poor omega beneath him.

"What." He snaps, mumbling a fuck as he pushes the omega's head down into the furs that cover his bed, her whines muffled by the heavy blankets. He smirks. "Wanna join Kiri?" Kirishima links his lips. It's a tantalizing offer for sure. He worshiped his king. He loved him. Despite his crass and brazen ways.

"We received a raven this morning." The red head bites his lip, drawing blood when Bakugou gives a particularly hard thrust.

"Shut up omega. You can take it. All you're good for." He snarls down at the body beneath him. "What news?" He's so nonchalant about it. As if they were discussing the hunt yesterday, before his rut overcame him.

"Redstone was laid to seige. No one knows who did it, but the Lord Todoroki suspects the dragons." Bakugou stilled his movements. He paused for a moment before shoving the omega away from him. She yelped, falling forward onto her stomach.

"My king, are you-"

"Get out. I'm done with you." He barked, throwing a fur lined dark Grey robe over his shoulders. The omega scrambled and Kirishima couldn't help the sick feeling of possessiveness that filled him, satisfied to see she was leaving.

Bakugou walked over to a table in the left corner of the room. Picking up a crystal goblet, with rubies and precious stones laid into it, he gulped the contents down, never taking his eyes off of Kirishima.

Bakugou Katsuki, the only son of Lord and Lady Bakugou and heir to all that is Dragor. Born of fire and the blood of the Dragon, it's rumored that Mitsuki paid a witch to help her conceive him. Loud, fierce, violent and strategic, Bakugou's name put fear into the hearts of many in the realm.

But to Kirishima, he was just Katsuki, his best friend since they shared a wet nurse, his lover later and his confidant.

"I fuckin hate when they bring in an omega for me. Why the fuck couldn't you be one?" Katsuki growled, wiping his mouth. Kirishima smiled softly, the corners of his mouth lifting only slightly.

"It's okay Katsuki. I really don't mind." And he did his best to keep his expression neutral. The truth was that Kirishima minded a lot. Katsuki was his and he was Katsuki's. The problem was that as Alphas, ruts can make them both so aggressive. Anytime they did indulge together during their ruts it seemed like they lost themselves, had a hard time holding back. The sex was always rough and hard and caused too much damage. And Bakugou needed heirs. Kirishima couldn't give him that.

Katsuki sizes up his lover, not sure if he's buying the story but decides to change the subject for Kirishima's sake.

"Tell me more about this seige while I dress. Then we'll call mother and father to see what can be done." Kirishima nodded, stepping around the bed as Bakugou disrobed to change.

"Black dragons, dark as night invaded a little after the evening hour two nights ago…..they say their fire was blue and they nearly destroyed three villages, many were killed. But because they're dragons-"

"I've never seen a black dragon. Our dragons aren't black." Bakugou murmured, mulling over Kirishima's words.

"But the humans think it was us and with your reputation-"

"My reputation is what keeps us safe." Bakugou snaps.

"All I'm saying is, it's unsettling and the Todoroki's are pissed. Enji wants blood." Bakugou pulled his tunic over his head and held up his hand to stop kirishima. He'd heard enough.

"Fuck Enji. I'll take him on any day of the week. The important thing is that there are Black dragons out there. We need to find them, and find out who's sending them." Kirishima nodded, following behind as Katsuki slammed his door open and walked out into the corridor.

**********

The isle of Elvair

"Concentrate Y/N. Put all your energy into it. Focus on the water, make it ripple." Y/N closed her eyes, putting he'd hands out, palms up as she focused on what the Elder Priestess was saying.

Y/N shifted, huffing out a light breath as she raised her hand, palm up and open above the waters just beneath her.

"Allow the Mother's spirit to fill you, feel the warmth of her embrace." Y/N pursed her lips, eyebrows knitting, a slight headache beginning to pulse behind her eyes as she rendered her focus and harnessed it. "Now child."

The pressure exploded and as she opened her eyes she saw the waters beneath her rippling, a surprised gasp leaving her lips as little bubbles began to float upwards and surround her fingers, dancing around her hand.

"My Lady do you see?!" Y/N shouted with glee. The Priestess stood back, arms crossed and nodding with approval.

"As expected my child. You exceed my expectations once more." Priestess Morena smiled at her softly. A sudden sound of chiming bells had them snapping their heads back towards the Abby, where the evening candles had been lit. "I had not realized the hour child. We should return for supper." Y/N nodded, following the Priestess from the streams edge.

Morriganna Abbey, in the Isle of Elvair, was something legend. The Isle itself, being completely unknowable to anyone who didn't already know the way. The Abbey to the outside world, was myth, a place where the great mother godess went to rest and be waited on by her Priestess and the monks who lived there.

To those who lived in the Isle though, it was a sacred paradise. The last one on Earth. The last truly sacred place of rest, untouched by the horrors outside. It was God country, and only the chosen resided there.

Y/N made her way into the banquet hall. It was modest, made of hard brick and mortar, the ceiling painted with images of the Mother, The Maiden and The Crone. The Green man dancing around a fire. It was beautiful and she often found herself staring up during dinner, imagining the stories they told.

But tonight the air was tense and thick. The hall silent as everyone ate quietly, whispers here and there shot down with steely glares as Y/N took a seat between her two dearest friends Mina and Tsuyu, both of whom had left the same village as her when they were children to become Priestesses.

"What happened?" Y/N whispered. Mina leaned back slightly and leaned just a little closer to Y/N's ear to whisper to her.

"There's been an attack on Redstone. No one knows why, just that there were black dragons." Y/N's eyes widened in fear and acknowledgement.

"So it's true…..the prophe-"

"Maiden Y/N." Y/N's mouth closed instantly, turning she was greeted by High Priestess Midnight, the name she gave herself when she became a High Priestess. She ran the Abbey and held it under her control. She was just, listening to the God's and always loving and compassionate towards everyone there, striving to keep everyone together.

"High Priestess." Y/N bowed her head and stood.

"A word please?" The High Priestess motioned for the girl to follow her and she felt all eyes on her as she made her way out of the hall.

"I had the liberty taken of bringing supper to you in my private quarters tonight." Y/N said nothing, looking instead out the windows lining the dark corridor. The moon was dark tonight, no stars in the sky, it only made the lump in her throat grow with anticipation.

They came to a door at the end of the hallway on the lefthand side. The wood was old and splintered and the hinges made an awful creak sound as the door opened.

Midnight's quarters were modest. A bed, a dresser, a chair by the fireplace and a desk for her ravens. A tall standing looking glass stood in the corner.

On the desk sat a bowl of vegetable and beef stew, a roll and a cup. Midnight motioned for Y/N to eat while she stoked the fire. As Y/N ate, Midnight sat on the edge of her bed, hands in her lap.

"I know you must have heard by now of the sighting of black dragons." Y/N stopped chewing her bread, setting it down she took a sip from her cup before answering.

"I have Priestess…." Midnight nodded.

"Others seem to know nothing of them. The Lord of Redstone blames the dragons of Dragor but we know better." She smiled softly then, looking at Y/N with sad eyes. "I'm sorry it's come to this. We had hoped the prophecy would not come to be as-"

"I've made it to 21 and passed it. But it's only a year. I'm 22 now. Not much of a difference." Midnight chuckled bitterly at that, shaking her head.

"Ah the God's can be cruel. But be sure there's a lesson in this. Never forget," she holds up her hands, crossing them to make an 'x'. "The prophecy is a crossroads. There is a choice to be made, and as unfortunate as it is for you, it is also your final test. You'll have to choose. I only hope when the time comes you choose right but for now, this is only the beginning."

"When do I leave?' Y/N's breath was shaking than she wanted it to be. She could tell Midnight could see her distress. She had secretly hoped as well, that the prophecy was wrong. But of course, the fates loved fucking with her.

"Tomorrow morning. Without goodbyes. It's far to dangerous, what lies ahead. Best to keep it to yourself." Y/N felt her heart cracked. Would Mina understand? No, she would be furious, angry that she had not told her, but only angry because she was so worried. And Tsuyu. Tsuyu would be so hurt. Y/N knew she'd cry. She didn't want to hurt them.

But the dye had been cast. It was time to move along.

"Yes maam."

Later that evening, after the Abbey lights have been dimmed and everyone is tucked away quietly and safely for slumber, a shadow moves swiftly down the corridor, dress billowing around her, cape pulling in a breeze as she made her wait to the Priestess quarters.

Y/N quietly opened the door to the room she had shared with Mina and Tsuyu, both of whom were fast asleep, her own bed pulled open slightly, waiting to welcome her into it. She smiled sadly, placing the letter she had written beside Mina's head. She leaned down and kissed the temple of each of her friends before bidding a farewell and quietly exiting. She didn't see Mina peek her eyes open and reach for the letter.

"I will see you soon friend." She whispered, clutching the letter to her chest. She would read it with Tsuyu in the morning.

*********

Mitsuki and Masura Bakugou were fair and kind to the people they Lord over in Dragor, the Lord of the house known for his compassion and kindness. His lady wife more famously knew for her brash and loud behavior. She loved to brag about how her son had picked up the attitude as it would 'get him farther in life'

"Katsuki? Are you well now?" Masura smiled as his son barged into the court and marched up the steps to the large oak table his mother and father sat at. "Eijirou" the man acknowledged his son's friend.

"My Lord." Eijirou smiled back before bowing towards Mitsuki.

"Eijirou." She smirked, giving him a nod as well.

"Black dragons attacked Redstone." Katauki barked. Mitsuki sighed, taking a sip of wine.

"Always right to the point. Never any time for a 'hello mother are you well?'" Katsuki's ears turned red at his mother's teasing.

"Knock it off. This is serious. They think we sent them!"

"We are already in negotiations with Redstone Katsuki. The raven was sent this morning."

"Someone needs to track down these black dragons. If it's true we need to know where they are and how they came to be." Eijirou watched the parents demeanor change from playful to serious quickly.

"We understand as much Katsuki." Mitsuki explained. "Black dragons have been gone for centuries. None of us have seen them. Not even our grandparents….but we are not sending you."

"What!" Katsukk roared, making Eijirou flinch.

"You have duties here. You are twenty three years old Katsuki." Mitsuki glanced at Kirishima before continuing carefully. "We accept and acknowledge your relationship with Eijirou. He's a fine son in law to be for sure. A man who definitely will be Sainted for putting up with you all this time." Kirishima chuckled unable to stop himself. "But you must choose an omega to sire your heirs. You do not have to wed her but you must choose." Katsuki's heart dropped to his stomach as he looked quickly to his lover. Eijirou smiled, though it didn't meet his eyes. Katsuki knew how this subject affected him.

It wasn't that Kirishima minded. Any kid of Bakugou's would be his too, Katsuki had assured him relentlessly of that. But the omegas were jealous and conniving. Trying to whisper doubts into Katsuki's ear and ruin what they had. After the last attempt Katsuki had been so enraged he demanded omegas only be sent during ruts. And he never would knot them. He refused to give some 'ungrateful little snake' his kids.

"I've told you. If Kiri doesn't agree or like them then it's a no go. We're a package deal. I won't lose him. Not for heirs. Not for anyone."

Mitsuki clicked her tongue and sighed heavily through her nostrils.

"You will find an omega and have heirs or you will forfeit your right to this land. We'll give it to the Kaminari boy." Mitsuki knew that would trigger Katsuki, who growled and sed his fists on the table.

"Fine. Whatever hag. But I want to know everything that goes on about this." Mitsuki nodded.

"Understood." Katsuki stood and turned, huffing as he began walking away. Kirishima stood there for a moment, his chest was cracking, he was bleeding, he had to be. He felt like the wind was knocked from his body.

He didn't want to come between Katsuki and his parents. He knew even with their smiles and kindness that they less than approved of them. They relented because Katsuki's tantrum would have destroyed everything had they tried to deny him. But they wanted him to have children. He needed too. And even if they liked Kiri, that was something he could never give Katsuki.

He packed his things quietly in the night as Katsuki slumbers, shadows dancing across his face from the fireplace, the light making his skin gleam gold.

He stared down at his lover, memorizing his face as best he could before going to him. He leaned down, brushing Katsuki's hair from his face and kissing his forehead.

Katsuki shivered as a gust of wind from the window burst into the room and then fell back into a peaceful sleep.

**********

Y/N always loved the raft ride back to the mainland. It was calming and quiet as she watched the mist waft around her, the smell of evergreen and oak filling her senses. She felt the energy, the spirit of the place everywhere.

"Here you are little Priestess….sure you know where you're going?" The monk who had pushed the raft came to stand beside her. She smiled kindly in his later light and handed him four pieces of silver.

"I can find my way from here. Thank you Sir. And please, keep this to yourself." He nodded, pocketing the money.

"Safe travels miss."

Y/N watched the raft disappear before turning to look at the dense forest before her. She closed her eyes, tuning herself into the sounds around her, she had long since learned that nature speaks and those who listen can hear her sweet voice.

"I'm coming in." She spoke loudly, and with authority, the Priestess in her rising forth as she took step after step into the forest, the trees seemed to almost clear a path for her, allowing her to move freely through their branches.

She made it a few hundred yards before she heard the sound of hooves approaching her, she didn't stop, not even when the horses thundered past her, three of them, all stopping at the sight of a woman, dressed in Priestess garb, alone in the woods at night.

"Hey beautiful! Where ya goin? It's easy to get lost in here!"

**********

Kirishima always felt better flying. He'd hopped out the window of the bedroom he shared with Bakugou and morphed into dragon form, choosing to fly higher than the clouds to remain undetectable to poachers below.

He didn't want to leave Katsuki. But he couldn't bear the thought of having to wait around and watch an omegas stomach grow round with his kids.

And what of their relationship. A child would strengthen the bond between Katsuki and the omega. No matter what Katsuki said….the child wouldn't be-

"You bastard!" Something slammed into Kirishima's side hard, causing him to break from his thoughts and whip around, nostrils flaring with smoke.

How stunned he was to see the golden dragon form of Katsuki flying beside him and snarling viciously.

"How could you leave me like that you bitch!" He growled, shoving into Kirishima again.

"Katsuki calm down," Kirishima communicated telepathically. "I'm searching for the black dragons." They both know it's a lie, but Katsuki indulges him, not wanting to embarrass him. He doesn't know what he'll do if Kirishima runs again.

"I told you before and I meant it! I won't lose you! You're not alone. You're never alone." They locked eyes, everything else fading away for a moment.

"Come back pretty Priestess! Such a lovely maiden!" Their ears perked. In dragon form their senses were heightened, they could hear in the forest below them.

"Eek. I smell humans." Bakugou groaned. Kirishima nodded, focusing in on the heart rate of one of them. It was beating wildly.

"Stay away!" They heard a woman scream. Kirishima did a nose dive, the sound of a woman in distress bringing out the chivalry in him.

"Kirishima!" Katsuki shouted. "We shouldn't get involved!" Kirishima ignored his lover, diving down into the woods.

*********

Y/N was holding her own, fighting off the wayward soldiers as best she could with a large branch. Her dress had been ripped, blood covered her knuckles where she had punched one in the face.

"Evil wenches don't get treated nicely." One growled menacingly as he stepped closer.

Before Y/N could swing she felt the earth tremble beneath her. She fell back, mouth open in surprise. A dragon, larger than life, slammed down in front of her, blocking the soldier's view of her.

"No….it can't be……you're outside your territory." One of the soldiers whispered astonished.

The Dragon was red, scales gleaming like rubies as it beared its fangs and growled. One of the soldiers moved, ready to attack, when another loud thud had them screaming and running into the woods. A second dragon, smaller but just as fierce, landed on their other side. This dragon was gold, with red patterns etched into its scales. They were beautiful and the young Maiden was terrified.

The red dragon turned to face her. She cowered, holding her hands in front of her face to try to shield herself. Afraid his fiery anger would be turned on her.

"I'm sorry if we frightened you. We heard you from the sky and thought you might need some help." Y/N had no reaction all worn out from surprise as the smooth and kind voice filled her ears. She slowly lowered her hands.

The red dragon was gone. Where he had stood was a man, with fiery red hair tied in a loose braid that was thrown haphazardly over his shoulders. His eyes were a soft red like molten lava almost, he looked on her with concern. He was huge, nearly seven foot, broad shouldered and all muscle. His chest bare, revealing a splatter of dark black curls on his chest, leading a happy little trail down where she did not dare look. He was fully nude standing before her as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world. And with the smile he wore, it really could have been to him. She blushed, turning her face to the side.

"If you please sir…..Your….modesty…" She stuttered.

"OH! God's im.sorry! Shit! Hold on let me put on some pants. Katsuki!" A pair of brown trousers is thrown at his face. Out of the woods appears what she can only assume to have been the second dragon

The gold one. This man was smaller, about 6'5. His hair was blonde, shaved under and on the sides, the blonde spikes showing how wild and unruly he kept his hair. His eyes ruby red and piercing, as if he was looking right through her into her soul. His chest was bare, sleek and firm, he wasn't as muscular as the red dragon. But he was toned, his body hard from years of dedication to training and he looked mean.

"Put some pants on. And you, the he'll are you doing out here at this hour." Y/N gripped the branch in her hands. The blonde's eyes flickered between it and her, keeping his distance but still watching her closely.

"I could ask you the same question Dragon." She hissed, her words like venom as she spoke.

"She's a Priestess! Can't you tell Katsuki! Look at her dress." Y/N blushed, realizing just how torn and revealing her gown now was, the once pure white fabric now stained and dirty.

"Sure are a long way from the Isle Priestess."

"I could say the same for you Dragon. Dragor is east of here." The blonde smirked coldly.

"Maybe we're out hunting. Looking for meek little things like you to gobble up." Y/N flexed her grip on her stick. The red dragon placed a hand on the one he called Katsuki's shoulder. A look of disapproval having the blonde click his tongue and roll his eyes.

"We really did swoop by only to help. We heard your scream and I kind of nose dived." His cheeks turned a light shade of pink at the confession, causing a tender smile to form on Y/N's lips. It made Kirishima's heart flutter, while Katsuki couldn't stop staring at how perfect her lips were. Though if either of then ever caught him he'd deny it.

"I'm alright really. Actually, if you don't mind my asking. Have there been sightings or reports of black dragons in this area?" Both dragons snapped their eyes to her, their breaths stilling. Her brow knit in confusion, unsure if she'd said something wrong.

"You're looking for the dragons too?" Katsuki asked, his eyes narrowing once more. "Who are you?"

Who was she? All she had ever known was priestesshood, nothing more or less. And the terrible prophecy that had plagued her for years.

"I am Y/N. Priestess of the Isle of Elvair." She revealed nothing more. The red dragon smiled and bowed at the waist.

"I'm Eijirou Kirishima. General of the Dragon armies and confidant of Lord Katsuki Bakugou." She looked at the blonde behind him. He was smiling smugly, his chest puffed out and eyes gleaming with pride as he looked at her.

"And you are Katsuki Bakugou? I assume your parents are Lord and Lady of Dragor?" Bakugou snorted, crossing his arms.

"No shit." She pursed her lips with distaste. If he was gonna be rude she could give it right back.

"Well oops sorry," she said sarcastically. "Being practically raised on the Isle, we never took interests in the others in the realm. Our sole purpose was preserving the old way and protecting the sacred space of the Gods." The one named Katsuki faltered a little, not expecting her to not know who he was. But she had a fair point. The isle did not involve itself with the realm. It was separate.

"Well um hey!" Kirishima said, trying to resolve the tension that was brewing. "If you're looking for the black dragons too maybe we could all go together. You'd be safe for sure and maybe having you with us could help us with the humans and interacting with them." Katsuki slapped Kirishima on the back of the head. The other smiled meekly, rubbing the spot where he was struck.

Y/N chewed on her bottom lip, weighing the possibilities. If she allowed them to accompany her perhaps the prophecy could be changed. It wasn't solid, but it was worth the risk.

"Alright…but we walk. We can't have you flying in the skies and being spotted by poachers or Redstone. Katsuki groaned.

"This is stupid."

"If you wanna find the black dragons you'll do it." She snaps back at him. He growls, clenching his fists.

"Careful shifty Priestess. You're still a human and I could easily eat you." She rolled her eyes. "Fine! But I call the shots and you two follow me!"

***********

The dark figure moved down the hallway swiftly, heels clacking on the floor as she lifted her dress to quicken her pace. The howl of bats and black dragons piercing the silence in the decrepit castle she made her way through.

"My King!" She burst into the throne room. It was falling apart, the ceiling gaping, the throne covered in bloodstains. Suitable for the man sitting on it.

"Toga? You have news?" He scratched his neck stiffly, shifting in his seat to peer down at his servant. She clapped, dancing on her heels gleefully.

"Mhm! The dragons laid pretty heavy damage to Redstone!" Dabi commanded them and just as he said, they sparked a brewing fund between Redstone and Dragor. The man grinned, nodding his head in approval.

"The time is coming when black dragons and monsters will rule over Eldoria. The four nations will become slaves under my rule and those of us outed by society will have the justice they seek."

"But what of the prophecy? Should such a Priestess come into play-"

"My dear don't you know how the black dragon prophecy ends?" Toga shook her head innocently. The king smiled wider, his face grotesque as he chuckles. "She will meet her end and we will conquer. For now we hit the Isle of Elvair next. We eliminate all the Priestesses and all the Monks. No one to try and end our reign once the Isle is a pile of ash and smoke."

#bakugou katsuki #bakugou x reader #bakugou x y/n #katsuki x y/n #katsuki bakugō #my hero academia fanfic #my hero acedamia #my hero fanfiction #kiribaku #kirishima eijirou #kirishima eijiro x y/n

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olderthannetfic · 11 months

Note

I've run across a new concept I've never seen before in a/b/o fic; a thoroughbred alpha. In case ur as in the dark as I was; in this particular kind of world building, the gene to be an alpha is dominant but most alphas are heterozygous for the trait. Thoroughbreds are homozygous and get extra perks like sharper senses n stuff, and are apparently more desirable as mates? They also descend from specific bloodlines. The genetics on this do not map out or make any sense but w/e.

The ONLY place I've run across this is Hannigram fic. Is this a Hannibal specific trope or have I been missing whole swathes of a/b/o world building?

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feathersage · 12 days

Text

Rivi Feathersage

B A S I C S

Name: Rivienne Steele, but goes by Rivi. Named Feathersage because of her exceptional skill and knowledge with chocobos.

Nicknames: none

Age: Late 20s/Early 30s

Nameday: 14th Sun of the 4th Umrbal Moon

Race: Highlander Hyur

Gender: Female

Orientation: Pansexual

Profession: Adventurer, Weaver, Chocobo Husbandry

P H Y S I C A L A S P E C T S

Hair: Long thick, perfectly straight red hair. Typically worn in a Gyr Abanian Plait, but sometimes let down completely when she is relaxing.

Eyes: Blue

Skin: White but lightly tanned. Prominent red facial blotchiness.

Tattoos/scars: Typical Highlander face tattoo

F A M I L Y

Parents: Rivi's father was a weaver in Ala Ghiri when the Garlean Empire invaded. He got Rivi smuggled to Ul'dah by a business associate when she was 10 years old. She has not seen or heard from him since.

Rivi's mother was absent throughout her childhood.

Siblings: None

Grandparents: Unknown

In-laws and Other: Polyamorous but chronically single. Flings in the past with Moenbryda Wilfsunnwyn and Raubahn Aldynn. Has a platonic adventuring companion in Simomo Simo @simomo-the-smol

Rivi and Redolent Rose grew up together in Ul'dah , and she considers him a very close friend.

Pets: Rivi owns 26 thoroughbred racing chocobos, as well as a flock of 20 wild chocobos. Her riding chocobo, Xiaoyu, is her closest companion and is almost constantly by her side.

Xiaoyu is a millioncorn yellow Rouncey chocobo that Rivi has taught to fight and cast healing magic. His favourite food is sylkis buds, and he's very noisy and sassy.

S K I L L S

Abilities: Rivi has mastered White Magic, and is a monk of the Fist of Rhalgr. On her adventures she is partial to teaching the Fist of Rhalgr style to any who are committed to learn it.

Hobbies: Swimming, and fashion. Particularly making her own clothes.

Rivi is also obsessed with chocobos and has been since childhood.

T R A I T S

Most Positive Trait: Rivi hates injustice, and will enthusiastically lend her strength to those who need it.

Most Negative Trait: Rivi struggles to form close relationships since the death of Moenbryda, and tends to run from people she gets too close to.

L I K E S

Colors: Dalamud Red

Smells: Chocobo, nice bath salts

Textures: Leather

Drinks: Anything cold

O T H E R D E T A I L S

Smokes: No

Drinks: Hard spirits mixed with fruit juices

Drugs: None

Mount Issuance: Xiaoyu, as above

Been Arrested: No, but narrowly escaped arrest as a child in Ala Ghiri

Tagged by: @sundered-souls Thanks for tagging me, I really enjoyed the opportunity to rotate my blorbo in my mind Tagging @simomo-the-smol @meatball-headache @lizzy-frizzle @mages-ballad @damian-elero @jefarawol @ofscorchedearth @wayward-hatchling @xhiel @uldahstreetrat @alannah-corvaine @arasnealashandr

#ffxiv #wol #oc #rivi feathersage #gpose

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kingedmundsroyalmurder · 5 months

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Addendum to the chapter 1 post that I thought of later:

“Not this afternoon—haven’t got time. I must mosey up to the North End to see a man who has got a lovely throat. Nobody can find out what is the matter. He has puzzled all the doctors. He has puzzled me, but I’ll find out what is wrong with him if he’ll only live long enough.” This is Eric's best friend, a well known doctor, cosplaying as, like, 1900s Dr. House. No concern for the patient's well being, just a Mystery that must be solved. No wonder Eric has such a low opinion of doctors!

(Sidenote: those of you who Anne, what is Gilbert like as a doctor? Because TBC didn't have a great opinion of them, and this book is not shaping up to be too complimentary either. Did LMM just have a fairly poor opinion of doctors in general that colors her work?)

On to chapter two, and we meet an actually sympathetic character! Larry West seems like a lovely young man, and I hope he recovers fully and that he and Agnes Campion are blissfully happy together. Unlike either Eric or David, Larry actually seems to care about the people under his charge, i.e. his students. I already want him to be our protagonist instead.

"The former looked more like a benevolent old clergyman or philanthropist than the keen, shrewd, somewhat hard, although just and honest, man of business that he really was." Kilmeny of the Orchard, sponsored by the Better Business Bureau! There is absolutely an interesting thread to tease out across LMM's life and work that connects Eric Marshall to Barney Snaith, but I want to read more of this book before I make further commentary on that. But it does appear that Maud's opinions on rags-to-riches businessmen, uh, Evolved over the years.

Actually never mind, I'm gonna girl who's only ever read The Blue Castle this book a tiny bit more. Compare:

"And then those girls were as pretty as pinks, now weren’t they? Agnes was the finest-looking of the lot in my opinion. I hope it’s true that you’re courting her, Eric?”

and

“Prettiest girl in Montreal,” said Dr. Redfern. “Oh, she was a looker, all right. Eh? Gold hair—shiny as silk—great, big, soft, black eyes—skin like milk and roses. Don’t wonder Bernie fell for her. And brains as well. She wasn’t a bit of fluff. B. A. from McGill. A thoroughbred, too. One of the best families."

Women aren't really people, they are trophies and objects to be collected and revered. Barney grows out of this mentality through his travels. Eric... well it remains to be seen about Eric, doesn't it?

"Perhaps I am. When a man has had a mother like mine his standard of womanly sweetness is apt to be pitched pretty high." So we're getting the standards by which Eric judges a future wife and the role she will be expected to play. He wants a society hostess, a woman who can step seamlessly into his mother's shoes. He wants her to be sweet and serene and, presumably, beautiful and delicate like his mother in her portrait. David and Mr. Marshall both basically want him to marry Ethel Taverse -- beautiful, well brought up, good lineage, of the Right Sort. Eric... honestly Eric has such fantasy standards for a woman that in a different book the resolution would be that he realizes that he's gay. He's doing that doesn't-realize-they're-queer-yet thing of, "it's not that I don't like [expected other gender], it's just that I haven't found anyone yet with [vague laundry list of impossible qualities]." I know that doesn't always translate into queerness, but it's an experience that definitely rings true to my baby ace teenage years before I had the words or knowledge to accurately describe my experiences.

"In all likelihood the worst thing that will happen to you over there will be that some misguided woman will put you to sleep in a spare room bed. And if that does happen may the Lord have mercy on your soul!” Go to PEI, but don't consort with the locals! The Wrong Kind of Woman might tempt you! This book is a great primer on how classism and eugenics go hand in hand, isn't it?

So our plot has been set up for us. Eric, a young man in possession of a good fortune, is off to Prince Edward Island, where he will soon find himself in want of a woman to be his wife. She will either be a commoner, whom his family and friends think isn't good enough for him but whom he loves and will stand up for, or she will be a secret aristocrat, whom he will pluck out of her shabby surroundings and return to her birthright in high society. I want this book to go with option a, because it's more interesting, but from what I know of it it veers closer to option b instead.

(What he needs is an Anne Shirley to whack him upside the head with a slate and tell him to stop being such a jerk, but I'm not holding out hope.)

#kilmeny of the orchard #kilmeny readalong #I am gonna drag depth out of this book if i have to go in with a pickaxe and mine it myself

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suspiciousmammal · 1 year

Note

What are horse naming conventions and why are they Like That

Naming conventions are different depending on the breed so I'd love to know which one in particular has upset you enough to send this ask A lot of the warmblood registries just want you to give the foal a name that starts with the same letter as the sire's name, which is alright. But then again, not everybody sticks to that. Some stud farms will give their horses names based on the year they're born in. This year, the names start with an A. Next year it's B, and so on.

My personal worst favourite are the Kladrubers and Lipizzans. They name their horses based on the lines they descend from, so a mare will be named after her dam line and a stallion will be named based on his sire and dam line. A Lippizan stallion might be named Maestoso Trompeta, because he's out of a mare named Trompeta and by a stallion from the Maestoso line. With Kladrubers it's similar. But then again, some stud farms don't follow that tradition. It's guaranteed to cause a load of confusion, love it.

Trakehners were supposed to get names that had the same first three letters as their dams. But that was a loose guideline more than it was a rule, and it wasn't followed as religiously as some of these other naming conventions. However you'll still be able to notice that most old school Trakehners got their name's first letter from their dam and not their sire, as is the norm with most warmblood registries nowadays.

And then there's the old suffixes and whatnots. When you see a horse from the 1900s named So And So xx, the "xx" isn't some stud farms suffix. It's to indicate the breed of the horse! xx meant Thoroughbred, ox meant Arabian and a single x meant Anglo-Arabian.

For Icelandics, the names tend to be a personal name plus the name of the farm they were born at. An Icelandic Horse named Álfadís born at a stud farm called Fljótarfákum would thus be registered at Álfadís frá Fljótarfákum. With Mustangs you've got to give them a cool name, no other rules, just a cool name, because holy shit we didn't put that much effort into capturing that horse for you to give it a shit name. Idk, I'd like to believe that that's the rule there.

Quarter Horse breeders are obsessed with the concept of puns, at the price of the horses dignity.

As for thoroughbreds? You know when everyone has to get unique usernames, but you've run out of good ones? That's how you name thoroughbreds

#i was going to get things done but instead i rambled for a bit #im just spitballing here idk man #ask

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thecameronchronicles · 1 year

Text

Making A Splash

TW: Public sex. Smut. Language.

SUMMARY: To get back at your ex, you show him what he is missing by propositioning John B…

WORD COUNT: 1700

REQUESTED

Anonymous asked:

Hey, could you write John B x Kook Reader where you want to get back at your ex.. He’s a kook, could be Topper or a made up one lol.. but you get revenge by getting John B to fuck you in his pool, John B is possessive making you his! No Better way than to get with the “enemy” Thanks

*I THINK THIS MAY BE MY FAVORITE JOHN B ONE I’VE WRITTEN!!*

Making A Splash

John B didn’t need another reason to hate Sean, your ex. A thoroughbred kook as cocky as he was selfish, John B was forced under his father’s employ this last summer, meaning he was his caddy of sorts. Used as more of a maid than anything, John B had been humiliated by drinks purposely spilled on him, comments forcing him to exercise patience and silent his enraged responses desperate to rear their ugly head, and all while you had witnessed it.

Yet you offered nothing more than a sympathetic sigh and a bob of your head as you were just as much a victim of your circumstances as he was. Although, he had the freedom to leave the bubble wrap of Kooklandia and separate himself from the torments of expected behaviors and birthrights. Because of that, you always held a soft spot for him, as he had for you as well. And this is what led him to you at the edge of the pool, where you rested your head on your crossed arms, forced to watch Sean flaunt another girl before your eyes.

“You know, I kind of expected there to be an ice sculpture or something…Maybe a bouncy house…” His words made you smile as you always got butterflies whenever he was near. You used to tell yourself it was just because it was what was forbidden. But he approached you now, coated in the moonlight at his back and a brilliant smile of self-assurance broadcast over his chiseled expression, you knew it was always present as you were a free agent, needing someone exactly like him…

“I don’t really get what all of the fuss is about, the beer sucks…and the music’s even worse.” You nodded in agreement.

“You can blame Rafe and Topper for that.”

“Among many other things…” John B leaned towards you. “Like why you’re alone…” our smile widened as he slipped into the water at your side.

“Is he still watching?”

“What?”

“It’s okay…I don’t mind.” He shrugged. “Actually, it would make my night to know I got to piss off a Kook-no offense…”

“None taken, believe me. I hate the title-”

“You can always go MIA and come to our side of the island…” he moved close to you, teasing a kiss, “I’m REALLY good at keeping secrets…” He taunted his lips to yours before moving at your side and leaning against the pool wall.

“I think the world might just be thrown off its axis if a Kook and Pogue ever…” You paused.

“It’s only a matter of time until one of your girls realize what you’re missing out on…” You swallowed hard at the thought as he walked you between his arms and to the back of the pool, making you not only forget about Sean, but focus exclusively on him. The perfect lines of his smile, the sensual pull of his eyes, and the full temptation of his lips.

“Until you realize we might be dirty, but we know how to do it well.” His hands were suddenly on your hips beneath the water.

“But if I’m gonna put on a show for him…I want to know you’re still thinking about me…” His fingers teased the perimeters of your bottoms, sourcing how far you’d allow him to go, before widening his grin when realizing you were just as eager as he had been.

“I have a question…”

“Hmmm?” You opened your eyes as he scoffed.

“When he made you come…Were you thinking about him?” You shook your head.

“Me?” Again you shook your head as he feigned chest pain as you were quick to correct him.

“He never did.”

John B chuckled, “Well for that…” You were suddenly lifted around him.

“Let me show him something he’ll never know…” He carried you to the steps of the pool, a space mostly vacant aside from a few drunk peers too intoxicated to care of the commotion he made in setting you on the cement stairs.

His fingers were compassionate as they climbed along your body, assessing every inch of skin left exposed from your suit, whereas his tongue more than made up for this sweetness. A kiss that lasted a few seconds would leave you more breathless than even the most desperate attempts made by Sean to pull you to that edge, an edge that wasn’t even ever in sight with your ex.

“If anything’s too much, you’re gonna tell me, right?” He asked as his hand rose to your neck, directing you to a slight raise from the steps as you nodded quickly, his lips now between his own grasp and around the stationed fingers, as his second hand moved back to your suit, making you shudder as he made contact to your sex.

“I could make you come with just my fingers…but knowing you’ve been denied, I want you to feel everything you’ve been missing out on…Consider it my…” He smirked as you moaned beneath him, shameless as Sean watched you, fists formed at his sides, as he was kept still by his current victim, “Means of convincing you-”

“Of what?”

“That I’m better.”

“You already are…” You confessed.

“You just telling me what I wanna hear, sweetheart?” You quickly shook your head. “So I’ll fuck you?”

“Please…” Your nails dug into his arms.

“You’d let me fuck you, right here? Where he’s watching your face twist like that in a way he could only dream of?” He spoke against your cheek, a second finger entering your sex as they both pulled into a bed, his thumb making slow curves over your clit.

“Saying MY name?”

“John B!”

“Good girl…Now let me show him what he’ll never have…” Your eyes came open to the retraction of his grip from your neck and the feeling of your hips now made naked by the pull of the string.

“Because if you let me fuck you, in front of him and all your other little friends, it means you’re mine…every clench…every moan…every orgasm…” He threatened your sex with him as your breath was desperateion, dependant on his next movements as his other hand returned to your neck, only now, curved at its back for placement.

“Every. Fucking. Part.”

“Please…Please, John B…Make me yours-” He was suddenly inside of you, his full cock stretching you beyond anything you had known before. He hesitated in feeling you tighten in discomfort, a wince validating this pain, as he was quick to mend it with a hand to your breast, redirecting your focus to your nipple. The surge of electricity that came from THIS touch was almost enough to make you come on the spot, and if not for the retraction of his cock, you may have.

“We’re doing this to where I can get as deep as I need to for you, sweetheart.” He positioned your leg a bit higher on the step as you were turned away from him, your fingers desperate on the ledge of the steps before you, before he set you at a further angle and returned inside of you.

“That’s good, that’s it…oh fuck…” He groaned, dragging his teeth along your shoulder and leaving a small indent of a taunting bite, before taking one hand to your clit and another back to your breast.

“Gotta show everyone what they’re fucking missing, what they’ll never get, because you are all mine…” You nodded as his hand retracted from your breast and came to your hair, forcing you backwards with a gasp.

“Say it…Tell HIM.”

“I’m yours-” You attempted to breathe.

“Whose?”

“YOURS!”

“WHO?”

“JOHN B!”

“And whose cock is making you come? Hmm? Who is making you come in fucking public like a good girl?”

“JOHN B!” You belted as he nodded.

“That’s right, baby…And you wanna come?”

“Please! YES!”

“Then come…I know you need it…so let me give it to you…” He scoffed behind you, using quick thrusts and flicks to bring you to that orgasm you’d only known by the mercy of your fingers or the help of an overpriced toy that still paled in comparison to the warmth of his body writhing against yours.

“THAT’S It…One more time for me…one more-say it…”

“I’m yours…” You moaned. “Only yours. Always yours-I’m yours-” You whimpered as he growled.

“So proud to be mine, it’s making me wanna come-”

“YES! Please! John B, please!”

“You want my cum?”

“Yes…” You begged as he slowed his movements following your release, your body spent and at the mercy of his hold.

“Look in my eyes so I know you’re thinking of ME…so you want ME…” He turned you to face him, keeping your body pinned while only your breathlessness was in his survey, his body craning enough to meet this gaze he wanted.

“I want you to come, John B…I wanna make you come…”

“Then clench those walls for me baby…drain me, ’kay?” You nodded, working hard to pull him to that edge he’d offered you, only driving you to a second one.

“Oh, you ARE deprived…”

“Please…please, I’m so close-”

“Come with me…fuck, I’m close…” HIs hands now came over yours on the steps, holding them down, as he kissed your shoulder.

“YES, YES!” He chorused as you felt him flex inside of you, the warmth of his release making you tremble before he allowed you that second release as well.

“Now you’re gonna spend the rest of this party with me inside of you…Because why?”

“I’m yours…” He turned you to face him, the abrupt motion making you gasp.

“Good girl.” He took you to him with one final kiss before disappearing into the crowd, leaving you struggling to do anything but feel pride as Sean looked at you with disgust, all while you relished in this, focusing on only the numbing ease of having been thoroughly satisfied by what you’d been missing…

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