fighting against all odds

ORIGINAL CHARACTER

[waveringiridescence]

❝ A candle is a living and flickering light. It wavers under the passing breeze, the flame melting away the wax. The reaper watches over this symbol for life, until time blows it out. ❞

Indie Original Character penned by Fox (they/them, he/him) since 2015 ♠︎ Semi-selective, multi-verse and low activity role playing blog ♠︎ Canon, original characters & multi-muses friendly ♠︎ 21+ with possible triggering content. ♠︎ Image Credits: calicot.zc & Pixelbuddha.net. A B O U T.   C O D E.   V E R S E S.   M O R E.   E N T E R.

[waveringiridescence]

OOC; Hello folks, I apologise for disappearing for the last two months. Three months ago, I've learned that I was dismissed from my company for lack of projects and funds. I took it harder that I thought, and in May I was off in France for quick holidays for a friend's wedding.

I left my workplace a few days after coming back from my trip, and if you add to the mix everything else happening at the moment worldwide and in my personal life with my hypersensitivity : I've just been an unfocused mess. But I'm working on it, and I hope you can bear with me a little longer.

Also, I made the decision to switch up Greaves' main modern verse with the One Piece verse. Yes, I'm bringing the boy back to his roots as One Piece Original Character. I'll make the changes sometimes next week, but I don't think it'll change a lot when it comes to interaction, as I'm keeping the verses.

You can always reach out on discord for news, and I'll try to catch up the writing stuff next week.

Take care all. ❤︎

[waveringiridescence]

ooc; and that is it, drafts and inbox are empty (for now). Also, it is very late (for me), so I should get into my pyjamas and head to bed. Feel free to send some memes~.

[waveringiridescence]

❛  your turn.  ❜ ( itachi ; white heron v. )

「 𝑻𝑾𝑶 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺. 」 ─ @intcritus

Shapeshifting was always something Greaves found fascinating. Whether it was to change into an animal or another human being, the simple sight of the moment happening truly was a moment of magic. Most of his supernatural friends had that gift, and he always found that it revealed a lot when they reveal the human form they picked to turn into. One of them could even turn into objects, bringing chaos or a hilarious moment in its wake.

His smile stretching on his lips as Itachi shifted back from into his human form. It was a skill, one he wondered how effortlessly he could do it or if, on the contrary, he felt pain or discomfort. His yokai friends told him it was as natural as changing clothes, but he wondered if the bookshop owner’s experience was different.

An interesting question for another time. Now that his friend humoured him, it was his time to honour his part of the bargain. A soft amused sigh raised his chest, shifting his position, “Alright, which antique do you intend to test my yestersight?” Greaves had confided to his friend about his gift of retrocognition, and had accepted to put it to the test for him. “A fair warning, what I see may not be what you expect.” If he could trigger the memory by his touch, he had no control over what he could see, and Itachi may not be able to confirm it.

[waveringiridescence]

[ margarita ]  what are their biggest pet peeves? ( shinigami v )

「 𝑪𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑳 𝑸𝑼𝑰𝒁. 」 ─ @intcritus

(tw; mention of smoking habits)

When he was still in his goryō form, his biggest pet peeve was when people accidentally or purposefully go through him. Some even dared to ask him if they could try to stick their arm through him. Not only was it a painful sensation, but he found it rude from people to ask such a thing, even if it was innocent (and misplaced) curiosity, he loathed it.

People touching his weapons without his permission, whether it is his scythes or his zanpakuto. Thinking they can simply pick it up or touch it freely to “have a look” is risking losing a phalanx. They are powerful objects, both containing an essence. One is a tool to reap the souls, the other his weapon holding part of his soul. It is not intended for those weapons to be wielded around like a toy.

Two other big pet peeves that would extend to all the verses: the first one, strangers or people who are not in his close circle telling him “trust me” while touching him (shaking his hand, shoulder touch). It is the best way to trigger him and not trust them. The second one, telling him he should stop smoking. He is very aware of the dangers and health issues, no time nor need for the unsolicited advice and suggestions for him to quit.

[waveringiridescence]

[ whiskey sour ]  what is the biggest lie they ever told someone? ( white heron v )

「 𝑪𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑳 𝑸𝑼𝑰𝒁. 」 ─ @intcritus

(tw; mention of murder and attempted murder, trauma, survivor’s guilt, violence)

One would say that his biggest lie is the life that he lived after the attempt on his life. Though, it was only a lie on his true identify, very few people ever questioned him about his past and when they did, Greaves always turned the answer in a way that it would be a half-truth, a lie by omission. He doesn't enjoy lying to people, and if he has a killer poker face, whenever people confronted him, he would either be a terrible liar or tell the truth. Greaves prides himself on being able to own up to his actions and consequences, yet he bottles a lot of feelings.

About that biggest lie. If he doesn’t count the few times, he could not fulfill his promises. He lies about his feelings regarding the day he lost his family.

Only twice did someone ask him how he felt that evening, if he was scared after being shot down. The answer was that he had no time to be afraid, his brain kicked into survival instinct, and he had to hide as quick as possible. The truth is, as his uncle dragged him into another room, left him bleeding, and he heard the members of his family being killed one by one, he experienced, for the first time, intense fear for his own life. Greaves believes it is that fear that triggered a jump into action, allowing him to drag himself under the house.

Even today, he is ashamed of this reaction. Of course, he was in no state to fight. It was a miracle he could even get himself to safety, but still he still believes that he failed his family twice that evening. He would deny it though, Greaves would never admit that even still today, feels a strong survivor’s guilt. Denial and without a doubt his biggest lie.

[waveringiridescence]

❛  come here.  ❜ ( rangiku ; at the crossroads verse ! )

「 𝑻𝑾𝑶 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺. 」 ─ @intcritus

It was the end of the afternoon when Greaves took the long way back home, through the park. His backpack on one shoulder, the other hand, was holding a bag containing a couple of new records he secured at the market earlier that day. He was not in a rush to get home, stopping under a Japanese plum tree to look at the first blossoms. They were early this year, a thought passing as he took a moment to look at a branch a little closer, fingers caressing softly the dark pink petals.

Pulling away after a couple of seconds, he turned around, ready to continue his walk, when his eyes caught a movement in his peripheral vision. He was quick to recognise Rangiku; the orange locks bouncing on her should as she took the last strides separating them. She paused midway once he acknowledged her presence, both exchanging a look. The lieutenant spoke first, and Greaves knew better than not to comply with her request.

“Ran, it’s been a while.” He said, a faint amused smile on his lips stretching on his lips, filling the rest with the distance between them. “How have you been?” He asked once he joined her. The shinigami did not know how things were going to go from here. He had been away and, as always, terrible at keeping in touch. Anything could happen. Only the tigress would decide his faith.

[waveringiridescence]

what kind of catharsis do you need?

A warm meal

You're hungry. You've been hungry for a long, long time. There's something missing from your life that you're desperate for, but too afraid to indulge in. Go ahead -- I won't tell. Feast if you need to. Sink your teeth in. Fill that aching spot inside you with something good and sweet.

「 … tagged by… 」 ─ @nvrcmplt (mwa, thank you)

「 … tagging … 」 ─ @intcritus, @deathsprofit, (you or the muse of your choice), @despairforme & @everdaring. & anyone else who feels like to take it.

[waveringiridescence]

❝ … get to know me meme ! … ❞ ─

TAG NINE PEOPLE YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW BETTER !

「 … tagged by… 」 ─ @nvrcmplt & @deathsprofit ❤︎ (it's not all the same questions, but they were a few repeats, so I'm wrapping them up)

「 … tagging … 」 ─ @intcritus, @everdaring, @despairforme & my dear followers, you can steal it ! Tag me if you want me to know you a little better.

「 … Alias/Name … 」 ─ writerinafoxhole, aka fox.

「 … birthday … 」 ─ 17th May.

「 … zodiac sign … 」 ─ taurus.

「 … height … 」 ─ 168 cm.

「 … hobbies … 」 ─ writing, photography, video games, learning languages and procrastinating.

「 … favorite colors … 」 ─ sea green and the colour of the Pacific Ocean.

「 … favorite flavors … 」 ─ spicy, cheese, salty stuff, chocolate, creamy Earl Grey and matcha.

「 … favorite genres … 」 ─ tough one, but I'm slowly sliding back in my action/adventure phase, crime fiction is also a big thing and if they are in the steampunk or urban fantasy subgenre, I'm in.

「 … favorite book … 」 ─ hard pick, but I'm going to say Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas by Jules Verne. Captain Nemo stand here.

「 … favorite music … 」 ─ l'm mister eclectic, I'm into alternative rock, sea shanties, movie soundtracks and musicals if you look at my vinyl collection, but my playlist goes from the The Pokemon Theme to The Show Must Go On, via Sacré Bordel (French Rap), so really it barely scratches the surface.

「 … favorite movies … 」 ─ another hard pick, but Amadeus would be my classic movie pick, The Lord of the Rings my trilogy pick, The Last Crusade my if I was stuck on an island movie, Beauty & The Beast the classic Disney movies I would save, but Mulan and Atlantis The Lost Empire are my favourite. My top three movies last year are Nimona, Asteroid City and Past Lives. I can go on...

「 … favorite series … 」 ─ as in ? Tv Show ? Our Flag Means Death, Chernobyl, Band of Brothers and Pushing Daisies. Manga ? One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist & Gintama. Anime ? Cowboy Bebop & Psycho Pass. Books ? The Aubrey-Maturin by Patrick O-Brian...

「 … last song … 」 ─ China Reggaeton (feat. 黃秋生) by Namewee.

「 … last series … 」 ─ Death In Paradise.

「 … last movie … 」 ─ Poor Things.

「 … recent reads … 」 ─ Terra Incognita by Vladimir Nabokov.

「 … currently reading … 」 ─ Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston, The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers and Kenobi by John Jackson Miller.

「 … currently watching … 」 ─ a YouTube video, usually it's a TV show I know playing in the background while I RP.

「 … currently working on … 」 ─ too many things, I am all over the place and I need to focus instead of procrastinating. Aiming to set a few objectives, the two big one are: taking care of myself and get back into working on my book.

「 … inspiration … 」 ─ art, people watching and stories, old rpg characters and songs.

「 … story behind url … 」 ─ oof it is a hard one, if I remember correctly, when I moved blog, I wanted something a little more poetic for Greaves. I think both words sounded pretty, I liked the definition and their union made me think of a katana with wave patterns or the light in Greaves eyes... And that is it.

「 … fun fact about me … 」 ─ I have a Mickey Mouse watch from my last trip to Disneyland Paris which I think was in 2009 or 2010 and I love it so much, I always wear it when I go out. I picked it because it looked like the Robert Langdon's Mickey Mouse watch in Angels & Demons movie.

[waveringiridescence]

ooc; adult life... am I right ? I should be around this weekend for a bit of interaction. ❤︎

[waveringiridescence]

Bleach Muses Specifics for (verse. at the crossroads)

Matsuura Akira, nicknamed Greaves, is a Shinigami born in Soul Society. He is an ex high-ranking member of the Kidō Corps and former 5th Seat in the 7th Division. He joined the division over a hundred years ago, asking for a transfer as a personal request after losing his family.

Master in Kidō and tea ceremony, he is a skilled and tough officer, but more compassionate than he would ever admit. Drowning himself in his work and duties, he’s a discreet companion, willing to defend his friends at all costs.

He left Soul Society to live among humans after the Quincy Blood War, though remains in close contact with friends and his former division, assisting Shinigami when needed.

Zanpakutō

Takenohanakami (竹花上, Bamboo Flower Above)

Greaves’ sword is a regular katana with fittings and fully wrapped. Handle is sea green, as well as the cord wrapped around the black saya to tie it up to his belt and an oval tsuba with two koi. The saya has three bamboo stalks and leaves engraved on each side of them, and the blade has notare (wave) patterns.

Shikai: Takenohanakami’s release command is “Burūmu jōki” (咲上, Bloom Above). The sword doesn’t change shape upon release.

Ketsugō Take (結合竹, Binding Bamboo): a simple wave of the sword releasing a wave of spiritual energy. If it hits his opponent, it will lock their senses and capacity to interact with their surroundings. For example, they would temporarily lose their balance or miscalculate distance and speed.

Azamuku Take (欺く竹, Deceiving Bamboo): it would seem to be a regular sword direct blow, but Greaves would channel spiritual attacks into his sword, striking his opponent when he releases it.

Limits: the closer he is to his opponents, the more damage he can inflict. He also has to stay within range of the people he binds, otherwise it would break. If his opponent has a strong spiritual power, he will need to use more of his own power to keep them in binding, putting his body in an important strain in the long term.

Bankai: Never achieved, Greaves was in training and close to unleash it, but he left Soul Society after the war, putting an end to it.

[intcritus-deactivated20260219]

Catching the eye of Colten, one of his best workers, Itachi motioned for the kid to take over the counter as he motioned for Greaves to follow him upstairs to one of the more secluded spots he frequented when the shop was open. ❝ ━ These days, I find myself with nothing but time, ❞ He hums, amusement creeping into his tone. Itachi liked this spot, it was private, more for the lone readers that sometimes frequented his shop. Sitting himself down on one of the fluffy cushions, he motions for his friend to do the same.

❝ ━ My husband gifted me this building, ❞ Itachi knows that's not really where he should begin, but it's a small, important detail none the less. He had not been married when he and Greaves last parted. ❝ ━ Seems shocking, in a way, doesn't it ? I'm not really in business of getting rid of others. Now, I'm just Kimon Itachi, bookshop owner, father and husband, ❞ Pride fills his voice, lips curling as lids close in a smile. It's nice, to talk about things like this with a friend. He doesn't want to gush too much, but well, he really is happy.

The truth is, Itachi wanted to know about what Greaves had been up to in his absence. And more importantly, he'd missed the man, so it's not a hardship to catch up with an old friend.

[waveringiridescence]

He had to check for himself, when he caught wind of it, the bookshop and Itachi. Everything he had heard about was a surprise to him, but a pleasant one. Learning that your friends were flourishing in their life, from their work to their relationships, was the most heart-warming news of it all. Passed the initial surprise, they were aspects of Itachi that could have led to that possibility. In this life? Maybe not, but Greaves was happy that it did.

Smiling to the younger man as he came to take over the counter, he followed Itachi through the shop and up the stairs. As they made their way through the shelves, Greaves caught a few of the books’ titles, piquing his interest. “A luxury, no doubt, one that comes with age as well.” Even if he seemed constantly on the move, he always enjoyed taking time to slow down, and in the last years, something he imposed on himself to not sacrifice any more.

Reaching their destination, he waited for his friend to settle.

“That’s quite the wedding gift, I must say.” He said. “Speaking of which,” As he sat down on one cushion, losing balance for a brief second before straightening himself up. Greaves put down his backpack, zipping it open to pull out a wooden box, handing it over to Itachi. “It’s a little late, but when I heard the news, I thought it would be appropriate.” The box contained a bottle of peach liquor made in the Kansai region. “I’m not familiar with your husband’s tastes, but I remember yours. Congratulations on your union, I’m happy for you, Itachi, for you both.” He said with a genuine smile. “How many kids do you have? Is fatherhood and family life anything like you imagined?” Greaves had never planned to have a family. If he had felt a certain kinship towards younger people he mentored or supported, he never had a desire for it. The closest to a family he had today was were his friends and colleagues at the Shirasagi.

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑪𝑶𝑪𝑲𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑳 𝑸𝑼𝑰𝒁. ( send one or multiple of these to learn a little more about my muse(s). )

[ mai tai ]  if they could have any superpower in the world, what would they choose? [ white russian ]  what would they do if they won the lottery? [ grasshopper ]  what / who would they dress up as for halloween? [ tequila sunrise ]  how would they spend their perfect day? [ californication ]  what do they think is their greatest achievement in life? [ caipirinha ]  if they could change one thing about themself, what would it be? [ painkiller ]  what is their greatest regret? [ moscow mule ]  if they could travel through time, where would they go? [ dry martini ]  what is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to them? [ tom collins ]  which living person would they most want to meet? [ greyhound ]  if they could have a dinner with just one person ( dead or alive ) who would they choose? [ planter's punch ]  how long does it take to befriend them? [ sangria ]  do they have any special routines they follow every single day? if yes, which? [ whiskey sour ]  what is the biggest lie they ever told someone? [ zombie ] do they believe in life after death? [ margarita ]  what are their biggest pet peeves? [ mojito ]  what is one goal they are working towards? [ appletini ]  who do they consider the most important person in their life? why? [ cosmopolitan ]  what is their happiest memory ever? [ gin tonic ]  who influenced them the most? [ bloody mary ]  what would they do if they only had one week left to live? [ manhattan ]  where would they like to travel the most? [ old fashioned ]  what would their adult self tell their kid self if they could go back in time? [ blue lagoon ]  how do they typically react when faced with something they fear? [ sidecar ]  what type of person are they most likely drawn to? [ negroni ]  what is one piece of advice they would give others? [ hurricane ]  which song describes them the most? why? [ sex on the beach ]  what do they consider red flags in a relationship? [ mimosa ]  which incident shaped them the most? [ long island iced tea ]  if they had the chance to redo their life, what would they do differently the second time around? [ mint julep ]  which was their dream job as a kid? [ singapore sling ]  how do they react to disappointments? [ alexander ]  what would they do with one million dollars / euros / pounds / whatever currency they use? [ screwdriver ]  which habit do they wish they could get rid of? [ gin fizz ]  do they consider a glass half-full or half-empty? [ aperol spritz ]  which is one thing they still think about a lot? [ piña colada ]  how do they show affection? [ swimming pool ]  what is the most important lesson they've learned in recent years? [ b52 ]  how would they describe themselves in as few words as possible? [ daiquiri ]  do they believe in true love? why or why not?

[poohsources]

🐝  *  ―  𝑻𝑾𝑶 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫 𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑵𝑪𝑬 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑺.

❛  act natural.  ❜ ❛  be careful.  ❜ ❛  but why?  ❜ ❛  calm down.  ❜ ❛  come here.  ❜ ❛  do you?  ❜ ❛  don't ask.  ❜ ❛  don't cry.  ❜ ❛  don't go.  ❜ ❛  don't move.  ❜ ❛  for what?  ❜ ❛  good idea.  ❜ ❛  guess what?  ❜ ❛  hurry up.  ❜ ❛  i forgot.  ❜ ❛  it's nothing.  ❜ ❛  join me.  ❜ ❛  keep quiet.  ❜ ❛  leave it.  ❜ ❛  let's go.  ❜ ❛  not bad.  ❜ ❛  not now.  ❜ ❛  now what?  ❜ ❛  shut up.  ❜ ❛  take care.  ❜ ❛  take this.  ❜ ❛  that's impossible.  ❜ ❛  then when?  ❜ ❛  think quickly.  ❜ ❛  time's up.  ❜ ❛  try me.  ❜ ❛  wake up.  ❜ ❛  watch out!  ❜ ❛  well done.  ❜ ❛  what happened?  ❜ ❛  what now?  ❜ ❛  who knows?  ❜ ❛  why me?  ❜ ❛  your turn.  ❜ ❛  you're wrong.  ❜

[waveringiridescence]

ooc; Good morning all. Happy Friday ! I'll be reblogging a meme or two so we can get acquainted and reply to my draft(s).

[waveringiridescence]

Have you drank and eaten enough today?

“I believe I did.”

Greaves tries his best to have three meals a day, though he is prone to skip either lunch or dinner, depending on his days. He usually cooks at home when he can, otherwise he would stop at a street shot, where he enjoys either ramen, soba, udon with tempura, since he rarely cooks those kinds of meals at home unless he has guests. Most of his diet revolves around fish, tofu, seaweed and rice.

He enjoys drinking sake, good whisky and umeshu (prune liquor) when he is in good company.

A regular three meal day menu when he cooks would look like this:

朝ごはん (asagohan, breakfast): a bowl of rice, with tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and a hijiki (dark brown seaweed) salad. Accompany by a bowl of matcha.

昼ごはん (hirugohan, lunch): a bowl of rice with either fish or meat, with tamagoyaki and a miso soup. And he takes a dessert, either green tea mochi, purin or dorayaki. If alone, he usually drinks water or a hot cup of hojicha (roasted green tea).

晩ごはん (bangohan, dinner): a bowl of rice with tofu, seaweed salad and miso soup. He usually drinks water at night.

[waveringiridescence]

@intcritus continuation of this:

The music bar owner was standing in front of the counter with a backpack on his shoulder, dressed fashionably in a dark blue kimono vest over a dressed shirt and pants in the same colors. Greaves felt as surprised as the others to reunite in this place, but also relieved to see Itachi alive. “Like us, old habits die hard.” Answered Greaves with an amused smirk on his lips, a glint of malice in his eyes.

Giving the time, Itachi needed to answer to the messages on his phone. Looking around him at the bookshop, he was curious to explore the rest of it. Bringing his attention back to his friend, a genuine laugh slipped from his lips, gently bumping into the man’s fist.

“It’s good to see you, too.” Mirroring his smile. “I’ve been busy”, another understatement, “but well.” A couple of life-threatening adventures and other things, but nothing Itachi should worry about, events that were now in the past. “If you have a bit of time, I’ll be happy to catch up and hear the story about how you ended up here.”