(Giovanna which pretty much everyone has decided is John’s “female” name and makes the Giorno parallels even more interesting puts on a subtle artifact-based glamour to have days off as “Maria”; got caught snooping at Lara’s though)
Facts: 1) Before today, I had never seen Mean Girls. Just not my thing. 2) A friend had me watch it. 3) The best friend gay character is great, and also somehow this happened. 4) Also still Yakuza lyrics (Pride from Despair) for no discernible reason. Though also Vicious by Halestorm.
( this is survival )
( what is real? )
Generally, Miyamoto hates doing her makeup. She doesn't like the feeling on her face or having to sit still. Sometimes she will for formal occasions. Most likely she asked Cordy to do instead (and also maybe her hair). Generally, she doesn't like wearing actual armor, either, but the silver and gold she finds fun, and given her sense of humor she'd absolutely show up in a suit of armor rather than an actual suit. I really like how confident she looks in this one.
Posting from new computer! it's not fully set up yet, but it's still exciting. Unfortunately it also defaulted to the wrong time zone, so I am running late /runs in circles
This is the Halloween costume, where Miyamoto decided to go with a Valkyrie armor look. (In Bloody Petals, she'd probably like the aesthetics of armor, but the bulkiness of most armor would tick her off.)
This isn't perfect, obviously; the tattoo glow is the wrong color (it should be green), and there should be more full-body glow. As of now as far as I'm aware the color can't be changed in City of Heroes. That being said there's a bit of a spectrum of how much power you're drawing from the youkai (and therefore how much your tattoo is glowing) and it's not exactly as cut and dry as 'invoke' or 'drawing on', though those are the two named distinctions. There's even more given the wide power range between chinpira and the Chairwoman. There's more glow here than there would be for simply drawing on the irezumi, but it's also not full-body animal features overlay glow, which is the point at which you should if you were at all questioning it duck and run for cover. Particularly if it's a Matriarch. Particularly if she brought her bat. (honestly you probably should do that long before that, but. Some people like a challenge.)
This one is pretty similar to the first picture with Miyamoto, but while it shows less of the detail of the outfit, it gives much more of a mood.
“With the boobs you’ve got, you might as well be one of the guys,” Daru shrugs, uncaring.
Okabe snorts, putting his head in his hand as he stares out the window, bored. “Daru, I have it on good authority you are the foremost pervert in this hemisphere or any other.”
It’s weird typing the word darling and not having it be a name.
I honestly wasn’t expecting this universe to go here, but it is kind of important stuff for worldbuilding and I like the character interactions here (also Miyamoto and Cordy are really sweet). If characters having a discussion about the decision to have kids isn’t your jam, though, I get it; there’s a reason it’s listed in the warnings so feel free to skip this one.
Cast of Characters (listed the Japanese way of surname first): Miyamoto Suna (Xander), Matriarch of the Miyamoto-gumi, direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai (or Sunao, since Miyamoto is genderfluid)
Amaya-kai-main yakuza Clan they're all in
Miyamoto Cordy, Ani-san of the Miyamoto-gumi, direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai, as herself
Natsukawa Kimiko (Joyce), Former 4th Chairwoman of the Amaya-kai [deceased]
Natsukawa Renyo (Buffy), [5th and 6th] Chairwoman of the Amaya-kai
Natsukawa Akeru (Dawn), Matriarch of the Natsukawa-gumi, a Direct Family of the Amaya-kai, younger Natsukawa
Maki Akiharu (Giles), Advisor to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Chairwomen of the Amaya-kai
Ikemoto Akiho (Warren), Former Matriarch of the Hisamatsu-gumi/Hisamatsu Family, a formerly direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai, dissolved after their own betrayal
Author's Notes: In this universe, Japan is run by the women.
Terms: Kansai-ben-Miyamoto generally speaks with the slangy Kansai-ben accent
Ani-san-acting "husband" of a Matriarch (as long as you 'act within your gender', they don't care)
More author's notes: background notes
Main Points:
Buffy/Yakuza AU (Bloody Petals)
Chapter Summary: Cordy is curious about expectations.
Word Count: 1379
Rating: Teen
Warning: discussion of the decision whether to have kids
Cast of Characters (listed the Japanese way of surname first): Inoue Yuu (Andrew), Captain of the Miyamoto-gumi, a direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai
Amaya-kai-yakuza clan most of the main cast is in
Miyamoto Suna, Matriarch of the Miyamoto-gumi, a direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai
Hayama Nijiha, Captain of the Miyamoto-gumi, a direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai
Miyamoto Cordelia, Ani-san of the Miyamoto-gumi, a direct subsidiary of the Amaya-kai
Author's Notes: In this universe, Japan is run by the women. Traditionally feminine stuff is now masculine and vice versa. Women's fashion is still a thing, but mostly a 'dress to kill' thing like the yakuza wearing suits. Cordy's definitely starting to get more comfortable in her status in this one.
Terms: For once this is all pretty straightforward.
More author's notes: background notes
Main Points:
Buffy/Yakuza AU (Bloody Petals)
Chapter Summary: Some Families you just don't mess with.
Word Count: 640
Rating: Teen
Warning: brief sexism
( getting into the spirit )
( the creed )
( rules of engagement )
( solace in friendship )
( what is owed? )
Akahoshi Eimi, Matriarch of the Kumai-gumi, a Direct Family of the Amaya-kai
Kumai Atae, Former Matriarch of the Kumai-gumi
Miyamoto Suna/Sunao, Former Captain of the Kumai-gumi
The Kumai-gumi is now serving under its second Matriarch, and was formerly a secondary Family under the now-defunct Ikemoto-gumi. Following the betrayal of the Ikemoto Matriarch, the Ikemoto was dissolved, and many of the former Ikemoto women joined the Kumai-gumi. The hope was that whatever relentless ambition drove Ikemoto to almost destroy the Clan would be purged, and the Aiki Consortium was even brought in to cleanse the site and yakuza involved. Notably, this seems to have been the only time the Aiki have failed, since its first Matriarch, too, has betrayed the Clan, leading to her banishment and status of being wanted, preferably dead. Notably, the police are also on the hunt for Kumai Atae, since her status would seem to lead to a natural informant situation.
Rumors have spread that the entire Family line leading from the Ikemoto is cursed, and too close of an association with the Kumai-gumi or the Miyamoto-gumi might lead one to betray their own vows, making them slightly social pariahs. Interestingly, though, so far the Miyamoto-gumi run counter to all suspicions of their motives—Miyamoto herself might be offbeat and unpredictable, but she’s surprisingly straightforward and seemingly loyal. She’s flipped off more than one trying to approach her about a web of alliances. The Kumai-gumi might try to act more open about their actions and motivations, essentially being the general hired muscle and troops of the Clan, but it’s clear that Akahoshi is petty and vindictive, easily drawn into the politicking. Even more relevant, the Kumai-gumi and Miyamoto-gumi are at each other’s throats, with supporters on either side. The Kumai-gumi do not claim directly that the Chairwoman is lying about the attempt on her life, but do claim that perhaps some things were misunderstood. They also insinuate that Miyamoto might have been the mastermind who framed Kumai. Others believe that losing an eye protecting the Chairwoman is proof enough of loyalty, and view counterclaims with suspicion. While they won’t directly rebel, Akahoshi would be likely to blow smoke in the face of the Chairwoman and ignore orders if they are not direct orders. They have some support from others who dislike or would want to oust the current Chairwoman, though of course if the alliances were directly confronted with proof as to their disloyalty, it would be every woman for herself. The Miyamoto-gumi has some supporters on their side, too, from those who are happy with the current leadership. Interestingly, on both sides, the backing and alliances have more to do with whether they support Chairwoman Natsukawa, rather than if they believe Kumai Atae really attempted to assassinate the Chairwoman or not.
It is likely that the Chairwoman would have liked to dissolve the Kumai-gumi as well, but it was not possible to do so—many of the Kumai-gumi would have quit rather than serve under Miyamoto, and the Kumai-gumi, as mentioned earlier, are the largest Family of the Clan. It is likely that the bloat contributed somewhat to the arrogance and lack of discipline, and a recognizable chain of command was further hindered by the entirely unusual practice of the Family having few subsidiary Families, particularly for its size. It is likely that, moving forward, the Matriarch will be required to give a few of her subordinates their own Families. The Amaya Clan could probably conduct most of its activities without the womanpower the Kumai-gumi represent, but the disparity between the forces commanded by the Amaya-kai and the Osato-kai could provoke a war between the East and West Yakuza Clans.
( even Matriarchs need to take a break )
Takemura Kouka, Matriarch of the Aiki Consortium, a Direct Family of the Amaya-kai
Akiyama Yoko, Former Captain of the Aiki Consortium
When you're a magic-themed crime syndicate, having a bunch of people who happen to be experts in magic is probably a very useful thing. What is directly known about the group mostly involves the ceremonial functions they serve. They say that it is the Aiki Consortium that discovered the power behind the spirit ink, or that they empower it in some way. (This explanation ignores the fact that the Osato-kai also have spirit ink tattoos.) Rumors abound that every member is a hanyou, child of a youkai and a human. Mysticism and misdirection are a way of life—and they're not even the spy Family here. They have a very close connection with the youkai and kami and serve as the PR on that front. While it's not as well-known since the existence and reality are not greatly advertised, they understand the Hellmouth functioning and are the main force that helps defend their Clan, Japan, and, as an extension, the world from the evil that would seek to escape and destroy. Most other Families only deal with the stragglers that escape to cause chaos in the mortal plane and don't fight the demons on their home turf. Even when other Families in on the secret serve as the muscle, they are the tacticians and guides. They do engage in a bit of blackmail and assassination, but unbeknownst to most, they only target shapeshifters and the like that have used their powers to gain a place in society and hurt others.
Some of the rituals are not very intricate—they help formalize the passing of leadership to a new Matriarch or Chairwoman, and they acknowledge the creation of a Family, no matter how small. On the other hand, it is required for them to help the ritual to bring back one of their own from the dead, a dangerous affair that does not always succeed. (It is required to try to bring back a Chairwoman, despite the risks, and most Matriarchs are also prioritized.) While magic is used for healing by many other groups, the precise, ritualistic methods the Healers use were definitely constructed by the Consortium. (This one isn't mere boasting. The Osato-kai favor a sacrificial type of healing magic--blood magic--possibly derived by observing oni, but it's not evil.) Whenever there's an unknown curse or magic at work, they are the ones you go to. They write the guides to demons and the like, and consult. Most don't like visiting them any more than they like visiting Akiyama, though, feeling like there's an uncomfortable aspect of any member of the Consortium being able to read their every thought.
The jealous spread rumors that the Consortium are actually an attempt by the youkai to take over the functioning of the Clan. They use the Consortium's vague answers and lack of explanations as proof of their misdeeds. And, of course, they aren't in the habit of defending themselves, even against such insults.
The few known facts are very small and straightforward. The Aiki Consortium is definitely one of the oldest Families in the Amaya-kai, if not the oldest Family. The good relationship between the Amaya-kai and the youkai, parallel to the Osato-kai's relationship to the Oni, is all due to them. The Matriarch always enjoys a vast influence on Clan affairs, though they rarely throw around their weight or ascend to the position of Chairwoman. Despite this, they tend to like to sit back and watch affairs, only stepping in if they feel it's necessary.
It is not entirely true that Second-Tier Families are never promoted from the Aiki Consortium, but it is relatively rare, and none of the Amaya-kai still living remembers an instance when it happened. It's caused quite a commotion and rumors about Akiyama, but she's been quiet, amused, and mysterious, which is fairly in character for a former member of the Consortium. The consensus came out that some sort of prophecy required its creation, but the actual truth—that Akiyama distinguished herself while fighting demons inside the Hellmouth—Is not one that is told. (And, since Takemura never fully explained her reasoning to Akiyama, Akiyama herself speculates that there's also some sort of prophecy Takemura isn't sharing.)
Miyamoto Suna/Sunao, Matriarch of the Miyamoto-gumi, a Direct Family of the Amaya-kai
Rumors about the Miyamoto-gumi becoming a Second-Tier Family under the Kumai-gumi were plentiful, but never actually realized. It’s almost unheard-of for a Captain to not have a Family of their own, but, so some theories went, it was done to keep the collar on the haiena. Even though the Kumai-gumi was relatively recent as Direct Families go, it was large enough it should have had at least one subsidiary Family by the time it was dissolved, and out of all the possible choices, the most loyal, hardest worker would be the one to choose. Instead, the formation of the Miyamoto-gumi happened in the most unconventional way possible. It would have been one thing to have the Captain take over the Kumai Family—it happens often enough, and the Kumai Family had been a Direct Family. And it couldn’t be the promotion of a Second Tier family to Direct Family, which happens often enough, since the subsidiary Family didn’t even exist. Entirely new Direct Families aren’t usually created, never mind by the Chairwoman herself—but also, it’s the Chairwoman, so while there might be some complaining, no one’s going to seriously argue. And the excuse of taking responsibility for your Matriarch’s sins is a pretty good one. ‘Ending the curse of the Hisamatsu’.
For her part, Miyamoto-san realizes the current situation of ‘might makes right’ mentality is untenable. She’s trying to train them out of it, at least instill some sense of loyalty, respect, hard work, anything that might stop more power plots and disloyal scheming, which seems to be working, but how much of that is the fact that she’s a strong leader is unknown.
The Miyamoto-gumi, like many of the Amaya-kai families, is shaped by its Matriarch, and as such is eclectic, eccentric, and unpredictable. Well, so it appears. There’s actually a method to the madness. Contradictory rumors abound, from seeming grudges or unwarranted violence to recycling efforts and helping pay for a starving kid’s bento. Those who pay attention understand more deeply, while others are simply used to the usual system and can’t understand the differences. (Hattori-san is one of those, but then, she might be arguing in bad faith.)
A big part of the yakuza code is to try to avoid getting civilians involved, though some Families obviously take this more seriously than others. The Miyamoto-gumi are both more and less serious about it. Basically, don’t bother other civilians, or do other nefarious things, and the Miyamoto-gumi will do even better than leave you alone—they’ll help you out. Prey on others, and they’ll hound you. Still, the opinion of the Miyamoto-gumi is overall positive (many other Matriarchs don’t force subordinates to apologize to civilians, for one thing). The duty isn’t exactly a stated one, but this is considered good PR for the Amaya-kai. They can even use Miyamoto-san in situations where a civilian is causing problems for the Amaya-kai (such as Abe) since it can easily be written off as the Miyamoto-gumi running wild again. It’s not quite at the level of secrecy that the Natsukawa-gumi can provide, but it can also send a message as to exactly who you’ve ticked off (and maybe discourage further infractions).
One stated duty, however, is foreign deals and PR. Yet another advantage of the unconventional nature is that they can send Miyamoto Sunao to countries where women aren’t taken as seriously. Mostly, this has to do with import/export deals, but there’s always the possibility Kumai escaped outside the country, so they’re also paying for information about the former Matriarch.
As a strong Family, the Miyamoto-gumi is useful when either fighting akuma or yokai or trying to negotiate with those of the Underworld who only respect strength. They can serve as ground troops, too, if the Oni ever invade. The main stated goal is hunting down Kumai Atae once and for all.
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