moonreader ☂︎

Tsukuyomi, God of the Moon, blind ♉︎

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi nodded in satisfaction, knowing that his works have landed upon an owner who truly appreciated his craft and that it would become such a meaningful gift. A gift from mother to daughter never felt so overwhelming with maternal affection, and he wondered if this had to do with her nature.

“I’m Tsukuyomi,” he bowed in response, not so much a deity to another, but a boutique owner to his customer. “I’m a lunar deity. Each gemstone stores lunar energy, and each sparkles differently under the moonlight.” His fingertips grazed across his displays and stopped at a particular diamond ring of a brilliant cut. “This one has been twinkling exceptionally loudly ever since you’ve entered the boutique. Would you like to take a look, Madam…?” He paused with a slight echo, awaiting the goddess to also introduce herself, anticipating with a small smile.

[queenmothermp]

The name and how she received from the lunar deity prompted the Queen Mother to respond with a regal nod and kind smile. Not that she believed he could truly see it, but if anything, perhaps he could hear the smile in her tone. It was not an unfamiliar name by any means. How fascinating this island was to meet the gods and goddesses of other pantheons--as well as their children; for as long as they had existed, they had yet to meet until this moment. Exciting, wasn't it? "Xiwangmu," she offered in return prior to shifting her attention to the twinkling diamond of the ring he mentioned.

A tender smile painted upon her lips. "If the gems of that ring are perhaps imbued with the essence of my dear Běidǒu, then it would not surprise me in the slightest," she replied, referencing the constellation tied to her name. She did, however, take a look at the ring from a distance, brow slightly raised, but ultimately returned her attention to him. "Tempting, but I am not particularly fond of wearing rings," she explained, though appreciative. With all her gardening and time spent in the kitchen, wearing jewelry on her hands was not ideal, having to frequently remove the rings to avoid having dirt or flour caught between the gems. For an empress, yes, her hands did get rather dirty. "What about hair jewelry? Or earrings perhaps?"

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi frowned slightly at the missed recommendation, his eyes widening in realization. A goddess shining with such strong maternity embraced all with her arms and hands; clearly delicate jewelry would only get in the way. “I apologize for not noticing earlier,” he immediately bowed his head, “allow me to find something that would better suit you.”

He had heard of the Queen Mother of the West from the Chinese pantheon before. To better know his neighbors in the Eastern realm, he had done some research on Chinese and Korean deities, and immediately he spotted what he thought was probably the perfect interpretation of what he had read before. “How about these?” He proceeded to reach into his counter for a pair of diamond earrings with a special cut, one that belonged in between an upside down teardrop and heart. “These ones may look simple, but the shape reminds me of the Peaches of Immortality. I hope I’m not wrong… please correct me if I’ve made too far of an assumption.”

[eirwenxmp]

old place, new face

[eirwenxmp]

[...] His insides were about to burst from the overwhelming emotions that burdened him, but he realized he didn’t mind being held back longer. He couldn’t see, but he took his time to sit down on the chair she led him to, and felt her presence next to her. Was she leaning in closer? Perhaps not, but that was how it felt like, her curiosity and her longing for the moment to last longer was almost palpable in the air. He didn’t know who’d feel that way towards him. Maybe his unusual demeanor was just too obvious. Yes, that was it. He was too sensitive, after all. At her question, he had already expected it to be raised anytime soon, and had already written a nice, respectful script in his head to welcome it; something about never having visited this establishment prior. He was about to recite it, but what came out instead was— “I used to come here… almost every day. The owner would make blueberry pies, just for me.” Even until now, he hadn’t realized what he had done, and his gaze, although empty, felt like one could dive into it and fall for eternities and not reach its pit bottom. “But she’s no longer here. This place… it’s been empty until now.” When he came back to his senses, his eyes were already welling with sorrow, and any further he went, tears may just begin to form, and so at just the right moment, he shook out of it and sat a little straighter in his seat, his fingers rolling into a weak fist out of nervousness.

Eirwen found herself waiting in eagerness, like a child waiting to be read the final chapter of the intriguing story she was told the night before. 

There was so much expectation and anticipation going on, yet at the same time, she was not sure what to expect or anticipate. Just anything the god decided to tell her, she supposed, for his eyes went so deep and his aura shone so bright they perplexed her mind, making her doubt if she ever really understood any of the emotions, memories, and knowledge accumulated throughout her years of existence on this earth. That was something even a few encounters with Circe her mother did not get Eirwen to experience, making this entire situation scary, yet fascinating. Just any sneak peeks into who this god was would be a treasure she held close to her heart, Eirwen was sure, so when it happened, she appeared to absorb every single word he uttered. 

“Oh, so you’re a friend of goddess Psyche!” 

She concluded, shielding the tide of feeling she almost got caught in just by listening to his sharing. Why could she get this inwardly emotional, just because her guest’s emotions seemed to tiptoe beyond the serenity he was trying to maintain? She had seen people bawling their eyes out, thrashing around screaming, even losing their mind over the greatest of agony known to men, and none had stirred up a powerful emotional response in her. But this god and his small story over a long gone past effortlessly did. Eirwen wanted to freak out, but her curiosity for him remained dominant. 

Not wanting to push him to reveal his identity, Eirwen resumed talking with the tidbits she knew that related to the goddess, hoping that it would give him the space and time to calm down and regain his composure. 

“I learned about this bakery and got ownership of it thanks to a…good friend of mine, Giselle, she’s Psyche’s daughter,” she said, already taking a mental note to ask the demigoddess about this special guest to see if she knew any better about him. “It’s my honour to welcome you back here, sir. My team and I strive to keep the bakery’s good reputation, I can guarantee that the blueberry pies won’t disappoint you.” 

She looked into the magnificence of his eyes, and the prior emotional surge in her gradually subsided into something calmer and deeper, like a waterfall coming down and turning into a part of the river. The urge to have a conversation with him remained intact as she asked, “Are you running a business around this town, sir? Or are you a member of the city council?”

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Immediately, he regretted letting his feelings getting to him, and he was so certain his deepest sorrows were now laid out for the young lady to read freely. He could sense the pulsating emotions that ran between them, and he wondered what could possibly ignite such strong reactions. What was she thinking about? It couldn’t have been his silly story that caused it. Could it…?

He told himself it wasn’t the case when she seemed to have only scratched the surface of his deepest emotions. Although it did surprise him when she uttered that name he had not spoken nor heard in a while, and this brought another surge of feelings rushing in. But something had balanced it out, and it shocked him to admit that it was the innocence of her response that brought a pleasant rush of joy within him.

She then went on to steer the topic away from that episode, and he couldn’t have been more grateful. She had a special power to display interest without being overbearing, and it wasn’t as if she had to hide her intentions, for to him, they were crystal clear, which was pure curiosity.

When was the last time anyone showed even the slightest interest towards him?

He couldn’t help but raise his lips to a tiny smile. “I’m the owner of BÖLJANDE,” he replied, a short but open answer to more of her questions. The blueberry pie was suddenly not the most pressing matter, and he let this comforting feeling wash over him momentarily.

[mpx-susanoo]

a one-night truce

[mpx-susanoo]

Susanoo, as the youngest of the triplets, behaved just like a typical youngest child. Sure, he didn’t gain the love of his parents and older siblings like others did, but he was the one who was carefree and acted solely on his own accord. Tsukuyomi envied that at times, a secret he’d bring with him to his grave. They say the moon phase and the tides danced a waltz back and forth, but Tsukuyomi and Susanoo usually only ever shared battles between them, not necessarily instigated directly with each other, but often a result of… external factors. They probably never sat together like this, and although Tsukuyomi was sure none of them would utter a word, they would only stay because they at least didn’t mind this moment. His younger brother stood up to approach the shore, and he stayed out with the box of treats, not in a rush to reach out for another just yet. The waters were calm, which told a lot about Susanoo’s current state of mind, and so he didn’t expect the wave to suddenly rush over its invisible border further out on the shore. The tips of his boots were soaked, and he looked up to see Susanoo chuckling from afar. He usually hated such pranks, finding this disrespectful and overstepping, but in this moment he couldn’t bring himself to scold the other, or even be angry. He didn’t mind it, even, and as he looked down again at his wet boots, he could only break into a snort, not quite a fellow chuckle, but a bit closer to a snicker.

Susanoo found his supreme power in the storms, and himself in the ocean. He had to share the sky with his two elder siblings, his sister was also his sworn enemy, while this elder brother was persistent with his apathy customized for the rampant youngest. But in rare moments like these, when his mind was not soaked in wrath and his heart not drowned in suppressed sorrow, Susanoo knew what he had was still much more than what he had lost. 

He owned the seas, and along with that, everything they could offer. In fact, he had a lot to offer, and he would offer a lot, if only his goodwill had not been continuously rejected and tarnished by unfounded doubts. 

The calm water surface rippled, the waves rose slightly higher, but the disruption was short-lived. It was a full moon night, and the unspoken truce between Tsukuyomi and him remained valid.

That was confirmed when his elder brother let out something close to a smile. Susanoo was not invested in figuring out the meaning behind the noise Tsukuyomi just made, all he cared to see was that the other had not yet wanted to turn away. Looking back at the history they shared, it marked a milestone worth celebrating. 

Susanoo gave a low chuckle before turning over and walking slightly farther to the sea. When his knees disappeared under the surface, he bent down, letting his right hand sink into the warm water. A larger wave soon arrived, not as large as the one that wetted the tips of Tsukuyomi’s shoes, just enough to bring what Susanoo demanded right into his palm. 

Leisurely, the god travelled back to the shore, his right hand curled into a loose fist. The luminous round moon was now behind his back, quietly bathing the whole shore, Tsukuyomi, and the mochi box in its silver light. 

Susanoo stopped walking, now standing an arm’s length away from his elder brother. Still with no words uttered, he took Tsukuyomi’s sleeve in his left hand, lifting the other’s arm slightly up with it. Then, his hand went on to hold Tsukuyomi’s hand, flipped his hand open, then put the thing he got from the sea into the other’s open palm. 

To the touch, it was cold, solid, and somewhat rough. Susanoo stepped aside, taking his own shadow away so that the stone could be seen clearly under the moon.

That stone was a raw seafloor diamond, something he knew that humans had tried to exploit from the seabed with their expensive equipment. It was not much of value for him, but since Tsukuyomi was the owner of a jewellery store, that probably could be put to good use.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi let himself stare just a little longer at the damp tips of his pointy boots, before giving each foot a shake, flinging some of the salty sea water off of the suede. Perhaps a little prank for all the times Tsukuyomi left him alone in his grievances from Amaterasu was justified.

To him, it didn’t feel like this truce would last. He knew how strongly his younger brother felt towards him and their elder sister, and nothing would change this unless they change their behavior from their side, too. Amaterasu was definitely not going to budge, and Tsukuyomi was not about to complicate things. All he knew was that Susanoo probably understood how he truly felt towards him, that he wasn’t the evil spirit their sister thinks he is, and that itself was enough.

Looking up to see Susanoo now standing before him and shielding him from the moonlight, he quickly widened his eyes into a puzzled expression, almost about to reject the sudden touch like his instincts told him to. Yet the cold and damp object that landed on his palm was of a strong presence, one that he knew just by touch.

A diamond that radiated not energy of his own, but of a marine energy that belonged to his brother, was something he had only heard of but had not made any effort to seek. With a long breath, he held it up against the moonlight to examine it, mentally already making cuts to this exquisite stone. He might have made a note to himself to repay him with a creation of his own, his gaze shining with some kind of thanks as he turned to the other.

[mpx-susanoo]

it’s me, hi ( i’m the problem, it’s me )

[mpx-susanoo]

[…] “Monster!” Amaterasu cried as the shelves and books were assaulted by the gusts of wind, throwing everything into chaos. Only millennia of fighting on the battlefield saved Amaterasu from Susanoo’s consequent first strike, as she raised her sword instinctually, the ringing of their swords echoing amidst the boom of thunder. Gone was the librarian outfit of silk blouse and pencil skirt and in their place Amaterasu stood with armor that she had long since retired into the netherworld, only to be brought to this reality due to Susanoo’s threats.

“You threaten me here and your life is forfeit; don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Belatedly, her eyes sought her twin, whom she could feel was lurking just near a few of the dilapidated shelves. Once upon a time he had been her ally. Today it seemed she would have to remind them yet again why she ruled their pantheon.

When their divine swords crashed slap-bang against each other, a sharp clap of thunder joyfully shrilled through the sky. And with it, rain started to fall. 

Cold wind kept gusting in, leaving all standing in their way in a shambles despite his elder sister’s echoing warning. At the sight of a thoroughly armed Amaterasu, Susanoo chuckled. Speedily, a whirlwind formed around him, bringing in water dusts that circled his vessel before solidifying themselves into his shining armor. Surely, to her he was always a monster, and he would be a monster that know how to play it fair. 

“Oh spare me, Amaterasu.” 

 He articulated her name with a sonorous voice, all formality purposely abandoned. This place was not Takamagahara, and her light was so dim now it barely reminded anyone of the fearful, almighty empress she once was. While she surely held that fiery spirit and legendary stubbornness tight to her core, they had gone through enough fights for Susanoo to recognize the flaw she was trying to conceal. 

Another swing of his sword came without warning, this time not directly at her, but at the raging thunderstorm outside. Answering his command was three boisterous gusts; they punched through the windows standing in three different directions, assembled into one big flow, and whirled towards Amaterasu with all the glass shatters and everything that got sucked in along its path. 

Meanwhile, like the eye of the storm, Susanoo stood still and watched how their Empress was going to deal with the attack. He stole a quick glance at Tsukuyomi, acknowledging that his brother, despite his physical inconvenience, still got that instinct in his bones to shield himself from his siblings’ battles. 

Good for him, Susanoo thought, even though his smirk remained aiming straight at Amaterasu and her sword. 

@amaterasuxmp 

[mpxtsukuyomi]

If Tsukuyomi hadn’t made it here on time, the two of them would probably wreak havoc. Actually, only his little brother would, for Amaterasu loved this place too much to render it a mere battleground at her disposal. Also… her divinity was really not at that level right now.

Funny how he seemed to still know her so well. He didn’t know whether she merely appeared to be a stranger to him but was still so familiar, or whether it was the other way round. Maybe he didn’t want to be familiar in any way, whether it was on the surface, or whether it was deep within.

His brother’s actions were much more predictable without having to have much knowledge of him, however. Susanoo always made his intentions easily known, like he screamed them loud and clear constantly. He weathered the storm that now swept across the premises, and mustered the last of his wits to take difficult steps forward, ready to meet the two distinctly unique powers in the middle.

@amaterasuxmp

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Moon Smiles

[mpxtsukuyomi]

@mp-minry

Tsukuyomi’s business wasn’t quite exactly how he left it a month ago, as his month-long absence gave Hel a chance to clear out almost half of his works. He knew it, that she kept them for her own enjoyment and amusement, frankly. He didn’t have the energy to chase after them just yet, though. He’ll deal with that later.

Despite that, he had to keep what he had left safe from others who wanted to try and rob him, and he was truthfully a bit worried whether his new employee Minryeong could gatekeep that. Yes, he had security systems installed, but his staff still had to hold their front. Such individuals he considered a threat were now standing at the counter, and he held a sharp breath, ready to rush out front where Minryeong stood opposite them. “What’s going on?”

[mp-minry]

Being no stranger to people with malicious intents or simply mischievous nature, Minryeong took no time in noticing the suspicious posture of the two males that had entered Boljande. Firstly they requested to see some of the new arrivals, necklaces, rings and bracelets. None of them exactly matched their style, but who was Minry to judge a client, as long as they'd pay? One was very young, most likely even younger than her while the other seemed to take the lead and be in his forties.

Putting the items away from their eyes, Minry smiled widely to the younger, asking politely if he was looking for a gift for his girlfriend, fishing for vital information. The demigod in front of her admitted he had no partner, ah, such a fool. With that, Minry's smile turned sweet, fixing her hair behind her ear and speaking softly. "Oh I find that hard to believe, an handsome man like you?" The other blushed intensely, easily being drawn to her web thanks to Minry's powers. The older demigod noticed the shenanigans happening, how the chat dragged on between flirtation and brief jokes. That made the older demigod rilled up and trying to intervene.

That was when her boss appeared, with perfect timing. "Oh, I was just getting to know our newest clients. Such lovely gentlemen deserve to be well treated!" Exchanging looks with the two demigods, she winked at the oldest who now started to fall for her fake charms. But it snapped out of it, revealing a pistol and shouting. "Shut up, this is a robbery!" Minry chuckled softly, before glancing back towards Tsukuyomi. "Awh, he turned out evil." She pouted before batting her eyelashes at the two robbers, who became weak and seemed to forget their intentions whenever they looked at Minry.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

It wasn’t the first time Tsukuyomi would be dealing with robbers; every fine jewelry establishment should be fully equipped with an advanced security system, and his was no exception. The feeling he had wasn’t great; gazes weren’t truly directed, focused at any given piece for even a moment, for none of them twinkled under attention. Usually a wave of shimmer would sweep across the counters when guests brushed their admiring gazes across his creations, but here, it seemed his precious ones dulled their shine to almost hide themselves, to prevent themselves from being unrightfully taken away.

When his speculation was confirmed, he wasted no time discreetly tapping the button hidden beneath the counter his hand was already resting on, before returning his attention to the two peculiar men who seemed to swim along hot and cold waters of infatuation and intimidation. What was it that Minryeong was capable of again? He never got to know his employee better, for he didn’t pay much attention to her background when he first hired her. To him, it didn’t matter at all, but now he considered checking himself off as wrong on this matter.

“Can you… do more of that for now,” he muttered under his breath as he leaned in closer to her. It was seduction, clearly, but he perhaps was trying a bit too hard to display that he was excluding himself from this situation. “Just until the police get here.”

[mpxtsukuyomi]

❛ the sea's been calling. well, not exactly calling, because i pretty much can't swim, but you get the idea. ❜

“You mean Susanoo’s been drowning you with his antics?” Tsukuyomi threw the comment nonchalantly as he sat in a relaxed manner, eyes fixed at the bit of skin protruding from the edge of his nail. He reminded himself to get rid of it as soon as he could. “Looks like he’s been having fun, judging from the way he comes back for more and more of you.”

With a sigh, he tilted his head with a pointed expression, his fingers finally leaving that sliver of skin alone to clasp his hands together. “How may I help you, then?” Having just come back from a rather pleasant encounter with their brother, he didn’t know what exactly Amaterasu wanted from him. “You want me to tell him to leave you alone, or what…?”

[amaterasuxmp]

Amaterasu was quiet, studying her twin quietly. It seemed out of character, as between them it had always been her who spoke first. The stereotype of extroverted and introverted couldn't have been more accurate in Izanagi's twins. Once upon a time, Amaterasu knew every thought in Tsukuyomi's mind and her own thoughts were no secret to him. But now, eons later and more than one war between them, she could confess that Tsukuyomi was now a stranger to her more than a brother.

At his question of how to assist her, she couldn't help the small smile to quirk upon her face. Such familiar words, said in a such a familiar tone that Amaterasu felt her heart ache for a bit at the loss.

"No that is not..." She shook her head as if trying to regain her train of thought. She gives a soft sigh and for a moment she could not meet his eyes. Not that he could return her gaze after all. And that was yet another one of her sins.

"I would like to invite you two for tea."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi had not spoken properly to his twin sister ever since the wretched ring incident. Even now, with it in his possession again and locked up with a protective purse enchanted with his own energy, couldn’t seem to contain the dread fully. It always seemed to seep bit by bit, dragging him down bit by bit.

His escape to Fukushima may also have gone unnoticed. He wondered whether the other would know he went not just to complete what he saw was a deity’s duty, but also to run away from the situation. Funny, as she would’ve spotted it right away if it were still the old days.

Nothing was ever the same, and even that act of inviting them over for tea, too, as courteous as this seemed. And so he paused, brows furrowed to a confused frown. “Right… that… I have no particular objections against.”

[eirwenxmp]

old place, new face

[eirwenxmp]

It wasn’t that Tsukuyomi took sadness with him wherever he went, and inflicted that upon the night skies through the mirroring of his emotions by his loyal companion. Long periods of suppression of this precious part of him that may never come back exploded in this bakery, one taken over by a new owner, taken over and removed brutally the memories that belonged only to him. He didn’t blame the young lady before her, though. If anything, he was drawn still to this establishment that no longer had traces of what it used to be, save the blueberry pies. They smelled the same, he could swear, and he almost wondered if they were enchanted; perhaps his intuition was still as sharp as ever, as the pastries here most certainly were. He remained oblivious to this. His mind was occupied more by something else. “I… I’ll have just a mini.” He concluded after a long silence. Just a tiny reminder was enough. This may not even be a good idea, but he couldn’t control himself, and he dared inwardly admit that it may not be because of Psyche, but… “That’ll be all.” He had to put down a foot on that. He’d never been so glad to be in daytime, for he wouldn’t have to face the face responsible for bringing this whirlwind to him.

The moment she stepped close enough to feel the aura emitting from the god, Eirwen felt something tugging at her heartstrings. Unexpectedly, inexplicably, she wanted their conversation to last, so that she could stay this close to him for just a little bit longer. 

That seemingly normal wish was shocking to Eirwen, a proud, reclusive, emotionally detached soul. Even with Giselle, it took a long while for her to truly let the other demigoddess in, to have a sneak peek of the girl (or should she say the witch?) behind the impeccable facade. Yet, all the god had done was step into the bakery and ask for a blueberry pie, and she had already felt the sadness of watching him walk out of the door. 

What the hades is happening? 

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir, it seems like the mini blueberry pies still need just a little while to get ready. I hope you don’t mind, just about five minutes is all.” She lied, because all the sizes of blueberry pies had been put in the display cabinets, and despite being steaming hot, they were ready to be taken out. 

“Can I invite you to take a seat while you’re waiting? There’s a chair just three steps behind you.” She told the truth this time, keeping herself from over-assisting the god to sit down unless she was explicitly asked, yet her eyes kept following his movements, just in case. 

Eirwen could swear to her divine mother that she did not have any ulterior motives, except for buying herself some time and a pretext to get to know the god. At least, she had to know his name, so that maybe, she could find out the reason behind this sudden emotional attraction she got toward him.  

“Have you been here for long, sir? I believe this is the first time I welcome you here,” she restarted the conversation, taking a seat at a proper distance from the god, even though she could not help leaning just very slightly toward him. If there was a mirror around, Eirwen would be embarrassed by how round and sparkling her eyes had got. Right now, the expression on her face uncannily resembled a curious puppy, eager to learn about her very first human, or in this case, god friend. She tried not to let too much excitement shown in her voice tone, but it was there for the world to hear. 

“I’m Eirwen, I’m the new owner of this bakery. Could I know your name, sir?”

[mpxtsukuyomi]

The new, and presumably young owner of the bakery told him the pastry wasn’t yet ready, and despite smelling it right there, the sweetness of the berries and the warm waft of butter almost attacking his nasal cavity and shooting straight up to his brain, he nodded anyway, believing that he couldn’t quite have it yet. Was that what longing felt like? The one he yearned for feeling so close yet so far away?

His insides were about to burst from the overwhelming emotions that burdened him, but he realized he didn’t mind being held back longer. He couldn’t see, but he took his time to sit down on the chair she led him to, and felt her presence next to her. Was she leaning in closer? Perhaps not, but that was how it felt like, her curiosity and her longing for the moment to last longer was almost palpable in the air. He didn’t know who’d feel that way towards him. Maybe his unusual demeanor was just too obvious.

Yes, that was it. He was too sensitive, after all.

At her question, he had already expected it to be raised anytime soon, and had already written a nice, respectful script in his head to welcome it; something about never having visited this establishment prior. He was about to recite it, but what came out instead was—

“I used to come here… almost every day. The owner would make blueberry pies, just for me.” Even until now, he hadn’t realized what he had done, and his gaze, although empty, felt like one could dive into it and fall for eternities and not reach its pit bottom. “But she’s no longer here. This place… it’s been empty until now.” When he came back to his senses, his eyes were already welling with sorrow, and any further he went, tears may just begin to form, and so at just the right moment, he shook out of it and sat a little straighter in his seat, his fingers rolling into a weak fist out of nervousness.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

❛ the sea's been calling. well, not exactly calling, because i pretty much can't swim, but you get the idea. ❜

“You mean Susanoo’s been drowning you with his antics?” Tsukuyomi threw the comment nonchalantly as he sat in a relaxed manner, eyes fixed at the bit of skin protruding from the edge of his nail. He reminded himself to get rid of it as soon as he could. “Looks like he’s been having fun, judging from the way he comes back for more and more of you.”

With a sigh, he tilted his head with a pointed expression, his fingers finally leaving that sliver of skin alone to clasp his hands together. “How may I help you, then?” Having just come back from a rather pleasant encounter with their brother, he didn’t know what exactly Amaterasu wanted from him. “You want me to tell him to leave you alone, or what…?”

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi habitually kept his hands behind his back, avoiding touching the countertop to leave fingerprints on there. Though of course, he didn't mind getting others' fingerprints on his works and other surfaces, for they usually show an enthusiasm and yearning for fabulous, sparkling things. Much like the goddess before him, with more than simply enthusiasm, but with revelation and love.

"It is my work, indeed," he nodded, a small sense of pride swelling in his chest. Perhaps she saw the deeper meaning behind just a pretty necklace, and he wanted to understand if the message was conveyed effectively. "Would this be similar to something you were looking for? Or would you like other suggestions?" Usually he was an owner of fewer words. So few, that his creations often dulled their sparkle because their creator gave them less and less appreciation. It was obvious these carefully arranged gems needed a gaze like the goddess' to thrive and glow.

[queenmothermp]

To learn that the figure standing before her was capable of creating such exquisite masterpieces on earth, oh, she had no doubt this divine being was himself a celestial master craftsman in his own right. A delicate, melodic chuckle resonated within her throat as she found herself almost jealous of the recipient, even if it was ultimately her own daughter. "Such exquisitely stellar craftsmanship," she praised him further upon his admission that it was, indeed, his work. "And so much heart and thoughtfulness, truly a unique and ethereal piece."

Would she like another? Or another suggestion? He may not have seen it, but she habitually waved a delicate hand in a gracefully dismissive but polite gesture. "Oh, no no no, this is perfect for my princess." A delightful gift, she hoped, in time for the Lunar New Year. "Though I would not be opposed to bearing witness to more of the artist's work...whose...name is...?" She left it open for him to introduce himself properly.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi nodded in satisfaction, knowing that his works have landed upon an owner who truly appreciated his craft and that it would become such a meaningful gift. A gift from mother to daughter never felt so overwhelming with maternal affection, and he wondered if this had to do with her nature.

“I’m Tsukuyomi,” he bowed in response, not so much a deity to another, but a boutique owner to his customer. “I’m a lunar deity. Each gemstone stores lunar energy, and each sparkles differently under the moonlight.” His fingertips grazed across his displays and stopped at a particular diamond ring of a brilliant cut. “This one has been twinkling exceptionally loudly ever since you’ve entered the boutique. Would you like to take a look, Madam…?” He paused with a slight echo, awaiting the goddess to also introduce herself, anticipating with a small smile.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

❛ if i didn't know any better, i'd say you were jealous. ❜

Tsukuyomi was back from his long trek in Fukushima, and although many daunting things waited for him, oddly, he was least looking forward to getting to be in Hel’s presence again. Like he’d aged even further in just a month’s time, he was too tired to get witty with this bratty goddess, and his back slumped in defeat, a sigh of woe leaving his lips.

“Yes, Hel, jealous of you and your lover,” he tossed out quietly but with exasperation, the sarcasm spilling from his words. Hel’s tendency to get smart with him was getting worse and worse, and this only person with the nerve to tease him about Psyche’s departure now stood, smug and amused, and if he told the truth, it always got to him; perhaps not the actual jab, but the way she always knew how to get on his nerves. “Don’t fool me - that on your ring finger is my work.”

[mpxhel]

"I took it as my salary when you were gone." Hel replied watching the way the ring caught the light. "With your absence I was forced to actually talk to your customers. Most of which were tolerable, but some..." She gives a soft puff of her cheeks. "I took it as advance, you are a generous boss."

She watches Tsukuyomi slump in his chair and with shrewd eyes the Norse goddess noticed an even more despondent aura around him that were usual. "Think on my advice." She said as she stepped closer to peer at him. "Apparently having sex does wonders for ones flexibility. You seem far too stiff at present."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi was in a bit of an irked mood today. Usually he’d simply let Hel go on with her smart remarks and jabs. She claimed to like him, and although he seldom felt that to be true, he supposed she liked him enough to stay employed here even with her own endeavors going on outside of BÖLJANDE.

“Hold on, from what I know you’ve only just started becoming sexually active yourself very recently,” he turned his back to face her, arms holding onto the back of his chair as he looked up with a frown. “Sounding quite like the expert you’re probably not in that department, I suppose?”

[mpxhel]

Hel arched an eyebrow at Tsukuyomi's expression, eyes drifting towards her recently manicured nails. "Why so curious?" She paused before the faint smirk flashed across her face. "I suppose when one has been deprived of intimate relations for so long, one gets curious about every story related to it. Hel gives another shrug. "I perfectly understand,"

She gave a dismissive gesture of her hand at his ribbing of her expertise. The gems in the rings of her hand (in-house collection) glinted across the light. "Oh I highly recommend it." She nodded and surveyed the moon god. "I believe you would benefit greatly after a night of carnal pleasures. You'd be less stiff for one."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

“How amusing,” Tsukuyomi spat. It wasn’t that he was too collected. As someone who identified as genderless for the longest time before he chose a sex that he felt would work for the next five decades or so, he felt inclined to stick to his current sex, and when Hel implied he didn’t get enough for who he was, he felt offended truly, as his one true love had left the island for him to fend for himself.

He still loved Psyche. Hence he wanted to protect her, for better or for worse. “Just a fuck or two, and that turned over eternities of prudence and virginity for nothing. How amusing, really.” He didn’t mean to insult Hel that way, but at times, he felt the need not only to defend himself, but the love of his life.

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi gave a courteous smile when the goddess’ response was warmer than expected. It was no big grin, for sure, but it would suffice, his posture leaning a little closer in replacement of a more enthusiastic expression. He was grateful for kind, refined and interesting customers. His joy didn’t simply come from serving those who only wanted to splurge their fortunes. As he listened closely to the request, he understood this goddess belonged to a pantheon in close proximity to his own, for she valued the bond between mother and daughter, much like East Asian cultures did through symbols and rituals.

“Perhaps I have just the right piece,” he nodded, immediately reaching for the left counter to take out a necklace from his Koinobori collection. “This necklace is inspired by traditional carp streamers that celebrate the happiness of children. The teardrops can represent scales in a more explicit context, but they are also meant to symbolize the teardrops of a tender, loving mother, tears of joy when a child is born and tears of sadness and worry when a child falls ill or is in distress.” Placing the piece on a cushioned tray, he gestured at it with an extended open palm. “Would you like to take a look?”

[queenmothermp]

Immediately, she had a sense this god would understand her request; he seemed genuinely interested in her quest. Though he may not see it, her own chestnut eyes sparkled with warmth and appreciation for his willingness to assist her, and even more so as it appeared he had understood her mission because the necklace he produced was absolutely breathtaking.

Even more so when he explained the inspiration. Her hand lifted to rest over her heart as her breath was held for a few beats of her own fluttering heart. Would she like to have a look? "Oh...oh my goodness, yes...yes, please...oh..." she managed to softly murmur, the admiration for the beauty of the necklace evident upon her tender tone. Delicate fingers so very carefully grazed the edge of a few 'drops', simply to get a sense for the feeling of it against the skin. So pleasant. "This is...absolutely beautiful. Stunning. Like stars glittering on a celestial string..." she confessed. "This is...your work?"

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi habitually kept his hands behind his back, avoiding touching the countertop to leave fingerprints on there. Though of course, he didn't mind getting others' fingerprints on his works and other surfaces, for they usually show an enthusiasm and yearning for fabulous, sparkling things. Much like the goddess before him, with more than simply enthusiasm, but with revelation and love.

"It is my work, indeed," he nodded, a small sense of pride swelling in his chest. Perhaps she saw the deeper meaning behind just a pretty necklace, and he wanted to understand if the message was conveyed effectively. "Would this be similar to something you were looking for? Or would you like other suggestions?" Usually he was an owner of fewer words. So few, that his creations often dulled their sparkle because their creator gave them less and less appreciation. It was obvious these carefully arranged gems needed a gaze like the goddess' to thrive and glow.

[whiteconfession]

230217 Double HTN: A heartfluttering gift (っ´▽`)っ

[mpxtsukuyomi]

None of his staff were in today, in such horrible timing too just as he felt worn out of being in his little office and almost planned to go on a quiet excursion in the woods. And so he stood, a little stoically and with some contempt, watching the gems beneath him glow in the absolute dark. He could see the way they lay on the display, their shapes aligned like constellations, except constellations rotated in the sky and they never did here. It was a sign he wasn’t conjuring new creations, and his lack of muse brought a profound sense of shame. He almost wished the glow from the lunar-charged diamonds would switch off for a second.

A customer walked in, and he tried his best to straighten his form, sensing the other’s energy as a strong, maternal higher being. It had been a while since an Empress figure walked into his establishment, and with tension, he bowed his head in courtesy, gaze blank as per usual but ears visibly perked and head tilted in concentration. “How may I help you today?” Even his dazzling creations sensed some form of energy and twinkled almost in greeting, shining the facet nearest to her in submission.

[queenmothermp]

Though he may not see it, perhaps he could hear her smile within her voice as it remained warm upon her face. She took a moment to regard him, taking note of his eyes. Though she had done her best to brush up on the deities inhabiting the island, she was admittedly not familiar with every detail on every one of them. But this person...she could tell. There was something about him that resonated a divine status, some traces similar to Chang'e and yet. His aura more radiated a familiarity more akin to...an eternal evening sky. Perhaps even the northern star. The Great Dipper itself, maybe, a constellation she knew all too well.

To confess that Xiwangmu was curious would certainly be accurate. Perhaps he may not physically see her, but she had a suspicion he could see more than one may be led to believe, had talents beyond the physical planes; he worked in such an establishment after all. For a moment, her own gaze drifted to the shining jewels encased nearby; oh, how they seemed like stars on earth, how absolutely lovely they were!

"Oh, thank you," she spoke with kind appreciation for his help, the joy in her heart resonating in her tender tone. "I seek a very special piece. Something beautiful and one of a kind," she continued. "My daughter and I recently reunited and I would like to gift her a piece of her own, with no other quite like it, just as unique as her. The artisans here have come with high praise, so I have only sought the very best for my baby girl."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi gave a courteous smile when the goddess’ response was warmer than expected. It was no big grin, for sure, but it would suffice, his posture leaning a little closer in replacement of a more enthusiastic expression. He was grateful for kind, refined and interesting customers. His joy didn’t simply come from serving those who only wanted to splurge their fortunes. As he listened closely to the request, he understood this goddess belonged to a pantheon in close proximity to his own, for she valued the bond between mother and daughter, much like East Asian cultures did through symbols and rituals.

“Perhaps I have just the right piece,” he nodded, immediately reaching for the left counter to take out a necklace from his Koinobori collection. “This necklace is inspired by traditional carp streamers that celebrate the happiness of children. The teardrops can represent scales in a more explicit context, but they are also meant to symbolize the teardrops of a tender, loving mother, tears of joy when a child is born and tears of sadness and worry when a child falls ill or is in distress.” Placing the piece on a cushioned tray, he gestured at it with an extended open palm. “Would you like to take a look?”

[mpxtsukuyomi]

❛ i've no doubt your mug will be on a wanted poster one day. ❜

Tsukuyomi couldn’t help but let his perpetually expressionless features wrinkle into a perplexed frown as his younger brother spoke such odd words. From what he gathered over the past eternity, Susanoo would definitely be the one more likely to end up in that situation between the two of them. But he was sure there was a reason he would blurt out such a comment.

“Now, why is that?” Crossing his arms after calming his flared facial features, he leaned against his countertop slightly in dominance. Susanoo had caused a havoc in Amaterasu’s realm, but Tsukuyomi surely wouldn’t let him do the same in his. Not that he believed that was what he came for, anyway. “Do elaborate. I’m quite intrigued.”

[nightprompts]

&. 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 (𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬.

( dialogue prompts taken from episodes 1 & 2 ( "romance dawn" & "the man in the straw hat" ) of the netflix live action one piece series. feel free to edit and change as you seem fit. )

❛ do you have any last words? ❜

❛ the sea's been calling. well, not exactly calling, because i pretty much can't swim, but you get the idea. ❜

❛ so what do you say? are you with me? ❜

❛ liar! i know zoro must be after me. who else is worthy of his pursuit? ❜

❛ who's the most powerful pirate on the seas? ❜

❛ first things first. do you have any food here? ❜

❛ you don't look like a pirate. ❜

❛ i'm not afraid of getting hurt. and i'll prove it to you. ❜

❛ i don't get it. why would anyone want to be a pirate? ❜

❛ you have the wind on your back, the salty sea air, your loyal crew by your side. you never know what's on the horizon. it's all about being... free. ❜

❛ you should never let anyone tell you what you can't do. ❜

❛ well, remember the name, 'cause i'm gonna be king of the pirates. ❜

❛ people often visit shrines to light candles for those they've lost. who are yours for? ❜

❛ you've been following me for three days. what do you want? ❜

❛ look, i've been practicing what my face is gonna look like on my wanted poster.❜

❛ i've no doubt your mug will be on a wanted poster one day. ❜

❛ all he did was spill a drink on me. ❜

❛ you should've fought back! why didn't you kick his ass? ❜

❛ not everything can be solved with violence. a man needs to be strong, but he also needs to be good. ❜

❛ you're not a real man. you're nothing but a coward. ❜

❛ you ate a devil fruit? ❜

❛ ever since i was a kid, i wanted to protect people that can't protect themselves.❜

❛ if that's what you want, i think you should do it. i'll help you out. ❜

❛ my crew was attacked by pirates. i barely managed to make it out alive. ❜

❛ rice balls. for you. ❜

❛ you shouldn't draw your blade unless you're prepared to use it. ❜

❛ don't kill me, please. my father will give you anything you want. ❜

❛ i'd say you live up to your reputation. ❜

❛ what's up with the third sword? i mean, where does it even go? ❜

❛ what do you say, puppy? do you want to do a trick for me? sit up and beg. ❜

❛ i kill your kind for a living. ❜

❛ i mean it. i don't owe you anything. ❜

❛ you are going to get us both caught if you keep stomping around this place. ❜

❛ that was amazing. admit it. we do make a pretty good team. ❜

❛ so why did you decide to become a thief? ❜

❛ i needed to eat. you do what you have to, to survive. ❜

❛ you're right. nothing is more important than food. ❜

❛ all great fighters call out their finishing moves. ❜

❛ i don't work for you. ❜

❛ i'm sensing a little bit of tension amongst the crew. ❜

❛ before we met, every choice was made for me. but now i'm gonna do what i want to do. ❜

❛ next time we meet, we might be enemies. but for now... we're friends. ❜

❛ i'm feeling so... so piratey. ❜

❛ well, you're gonna end up feeling watery if i have to throw you overboard. i told you i need absolute silence. ❜

❛ don't mess with my hat. ❜

❛ oh, i'm sorry. were we interrupting your beauty sleep? ❜

❛ don't like what you see? look away. ❜

❛ you have a lot of names. i bet everyone in the east blue knows who you are. ❜

❛ are you making fun of my nose? ❜

❛ i know your type. if there's nothing to gain, you're out. ❜

❛ truthfully? i'm kind of hungry. ❜

❛ who are you trying to impress? a lost love? an absent parent? or was it someone that you worshipped? ❜

❛ i used to know a pirate that wore a hat just like this. ❜

❛ for a time, i even thought we were friends. until he betrayed me. just like all the others. ❜

❛ he wanted to keep me out of the spotlight! he wanted to keep my star from shining too brightly! ❜

❛ is that what he did to you? did he betray you, too? ❜

❛ you can slice me and you can dice me, but i'll always put myself back together again. ❜

❛ i've been thinking about you for years. ❜

❛ i know you're upset, but you should eat something. ❜

❛ you're never not hungry. what's going on? ❜

❛ you can spill a drink on me and i'll let it slide, but don't you ever threaten my friends. ❜

❛ you can't make people love you. just like you can't make them smile. ❜

❛ you really think anyone is coming for you? they don't care. and no one is gonna miss you when you're dead. ❜

❛ get lost. ❜

❛ i'm just glad that you're okay. ❜

❛ what was that? i couldn't hear you over all the drowning. ❜

❛ you really don't fear death, do you? ❜

❛ what's the plan? you do have a plan, right? that's your thing, plans. ❜

❛ you want out? you know the price you have to pay. ❜

❛ you want a piece of me? let's see what you got. ❜

❛ i think i'll miss you most of all. ❜

❛ we're gonna be the greatest pirates the world has ever seen. even greater than your crew. ❜

❛ this hat is the most precious thing i own. it means the world to me. and i want you to take it. ❜

❛ when we meet again, you can give it back to me. ❜

❛ is every day gonna be this crazy with you? ❜

❛ if the path to what you want seems too easy, then you're on the wrong path. ❜

[mpxtsukuyomi]

❛ if i didn't know any better, i'd say you were jealous. ❜

Tsukuyomi was back from his long trek in Fukushima, and although many daunting things waited for him, oddly, he was least looking forward to getting to be in Hel’s presence again. Like he’d aged even further in just a month’s time, he was too tired to get witty with this bratty goddess, and his back slumped in defeat, a sigh of woe leaving his lips.

“Yes, Hel, jealous of you and your lover,” he tossed out quietly but with exasperation, the sarcasm spilling from his words. Hel’s tendency to get smart with him was getting worse and worse, and this only person with the nerve to tease him about Psyche’s departure now stood, smug and amused, and if he told the truth, it always got to him; perhaps not the actual jab, but the way she always knew how to get on his nerves. “Don’t fool me - that on your ring finger is my work.”

[mpxhel]

"I took it as my salary when you were gone." Hel replied watching the way the ring caught the light. "With your absence I was forced to actually talk to your customers. Most of which were tolerable, but some..." She gives a soft puff of her cheeks. "I took it as advance, you are a generous boss."

She watches Tsukuyomi slump in his chair and with shrewd eyes the Norse goddess noticed an even more despondent aura around him that were usual. "Think on my advice." She said as she stepped closer to peer at him. "Apparently having sex does wonders for ones flexibility. You seem far too stiff at present."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

Tsukuyomi was in a bit of an irked mood today. Usually he’d simply let Hel go on with her smart remarks and jabs. She claimed to like him, and although he seldom felt that to be true, he supposed she liked him enough to stay employed here even with her own endeavors going on outside of BÖLJANDE.

“Hold on, from what I know you’ve only just started becoming sexually active yourself very recently,” he turned his back to face her, arms holding onto the back of his chair as he looked up with a frown. “Sounding quite like the expert you’re probably not in that department, I suppose?”

[queenmothermp]

Iridescent Encounters

Closed starter for @mpxtsukuyomi

With a heart overflowing with joy and giddiness, the goddess traversed the Posh District with a very specific destination in mind. Xiwangmu had a mission, and that mission brought a smile to her face as she entered Böljande. The soft scent of peach blossoms wafted delicately about her as she slowly meandered among the glass cases, studying the contents. Oh dear, the more she perused the showroom, the more challenging this mission had become. So many of these pieces were very beautiful, but it was difficult to pinpoint exactly what would suffice for her goal. She may require a bit of assistance. She lifted a hand to grant a small, graceful wave toward the nearby gentleman to garner his attention. "Excuse me," she began with a pleasant and gentle tone. "I may need a bit of assistance."

[mpxtsukuyomi]

None of his staff were in today, in such horrible timing too just as he felt worn out of being in his little office and almost planned to go on a quiet excursion in the woods. And so he stood, a little stoically and with some contempt, watching the gems beneath him glow in the absolute dark. He could see the way they lay on the display, their shapes aligned like constellations, except constellations rotated in the sky and they never did here. It was a sign he wasn’t conjuring new creations, and his lack of muse brought a profound sense of shame. He almost wished the glow from the lunar-charged diamonds would switch off for a second.

A customer walked in, and he tried his best to straighten his form, sensing the other’s energy as a strong, maternal higher being. It had been a while since an Empress figure walked into his establishment, and with tension, he bowed his head in courtesy, gaze blank as per usual but ears visibly perked and head tilted in concentration. “How may I help you today?” Even his dazzling creations sensed some form of energy and twinkled almost in greeting, shining the facet nearest to her in submission.