“Like the pottery scattered about in pieces” — an excerpt of “1863, December”

Full fic here. 1864, December pt 2 “There’s nothing in my books about it,” Susumu says in report. The lights are low, and Harada’s eyes dance beneath their lids as Yukimura pats his hand fretfully. Hijikata sits seiza across from the medic with Kondou to his left. Nagakura and Todo--just returned from Edo--huddle at his right.  …

“Just a little more, Sano. It’s gonna be okay.” – an excerpt of “1863, December”

Full fic here. 1864, November In the end, they don’t do anything. Further integration of Itou’s forces into the Shinsengumi ranks continues to challenge, and Sannan’s change has necessitated the move to Nishi Hongan-Ji. The troops as a collective are rowdier than ever---a group grown too large for its current outfit, members flitting between one faction-inspired pissing …

What are the ends and means of honor? — A Case for “Hakuoki Reimeiroku”

Hello! If you're new here, welcome! If not, you may already know all this, but I'm a lover of reverse harem romance. I mean, honestly, what's not to love? Poke fun if you want, but I'm aware of my own proclivities. (And handsome men? I mean... bonus!) But this isn't a post about reverse harem …

“What… what did he do? Is Chizuru alright?”— an excerpt of “1863, December”

1864, October (pt 1) Incidents at the Ikedaya and Kinmon Rebellion left the Shinsengumi on high alert. Interference from the unique group of… whoever they were… was unwelcome at best and an outright danger at worst. The larger man had seriously injured Heisuke, and Souji--laughing in pursuit of his revenge--would often speak to the bastardry …

With prayers for long life and happiness — an excerpt of “1863, December”

1864, September pt 1 “I was born today,” he says, his eyes locked on his task. On the fourth and seventh days of every ten, Sanosuke helps Chizuru in the kitchen after dinner. On nights like these, with the changing of the seasons, sunset paints their surroundings in a gentle twilight wash. Chizuru’s dainty hands …

The Best Retort is Rising to a Challenge — an excerpt of “1863, December”

(full story here) 1864, July -- The Kinmon Rebellion, Aftermath “How cruel, calling all of you that…” “Well, this is how others treat us. Don’t you worry yourself.” “But, it--” Chizuru is angry, and she doesn’t know what to do with it.  By all accounts, the Shinsengumi’s reputation shouldn’t really be her business. She is …

Tipsy Takes — Songs from Anime that Make Me Feel Stuff

Caution: As you might have guessed, this is the second installment of Tipsy Takes. I'm tipsy. My hair is still pink. Read the first post on Karnaval here. I love spell check. Haha. Sober notice: All comments written after I've regained my composure look like, well... this! Song #1: https://youtu.be/8MhwXa75XUg Let's be honest; if you've …

Feature a Character that You will Always Love and Remember (30 Day Character Challenge, Day 30)

I don't know what I've done to my blog. Do I like this layout? Can I abide this? I was playing around (I wanted it to snow on my site!!) and accidentally lost my original theme. I was pretty distraught, but hey, things are what they are, yeah? Yeah. I think I'd be rather fond …

Unseasonable Acts of Reason (or, “a longing invocation of the castaway”) –a HaraChi Hakuouki Fiction

Unseasonable Acts of Reason (or, "a longing invocation of the castaway") Shoujothoughts Notes: I didn't /exactly/ know where this is going or why I wrote it specifically, but when I think of Harada, everything in me just screams... well, "family." We all know how much Harada wanted to settle down and have a whole mess …

“If I can’t, in service unto you…trade in my life just to end your suffering.” (Or, In Honor of Hakuouki: EB, This is Yoshioka Aika’s “Izayoi Namida,” English Lyrics)

It's time, Anime Compatriots, for the otome localization that so many of those fangirls among us have been waiting for; that's right! Hakuouki: Edo Blossoms came out today, March 14th!** I am so amazingly excited for the release, and I'm obviously not the only one! Hazelyn (you know her over at Archi-Anime) has been deep …