Pixel My Life

My dear nameless fellow, you have approached my humble ask boxfor you beseech upon me – the reason for which I endorse such a relationshipbetween these two personages of the light novel series ‘Durarara!!’ authored byMr. Ryohgo Narita. Now, young lad, please take a seat and enjoy this cup of teawhile I enlighten in the exquisite beauty of such a pairing.

_______________________________________________________

First of all, a short rebriefing about who Kinomiya Kazane is.

She is Shinra’s half-sister of the same mother. Kazane was bornseveral years after her mother, Kaname, and Shingen divorced. She seems to beabout 4-5 years younger than Shinra. Kazane was a major character and the tyingfactor across the “Epitome of Eighteen Histories” short stories that camebundled with the Durarara!!x2 anime DVDs/BDs. As of yet, she has not been in themain storyline, but a recent tweet by Ryohgo Narita suggests a possible futureappearance for Kazane!

Kazane is a freelance journalist with a bright personality andno sense of fear.  She is also shown tohave strong intuition towards extraordinary things, which also tends to leadher into many troublesome and dangerous situations. Her straightforwardcuriosity and objective way of looking at people, combined with her interest inthe supernatural (especially events that relate to her brother Shinra), mayalso be factors in her career choice. It’s also worth mentioning that she’sacquaintances with Tsukumoya! Throughout the Epitome of Eighteen Histories, Kazanehas been curious about Shinra since childhood, and “chasing after brother’sshadow” becomes her main goal. Although they have never met, she is noted byShizuo, Kadota, and Izaya to share some similarities with Shinra both inpersonality and appearance.

Izaya Epitome:

“…This is surprising. Those are the words I didn’t expect tohear from a child. Furthermore, to answer with such words in nearly no time atall… No, Shinra could also match an adult with his talking skill. I must say asexpected of brother and sister… Even though you’re supposed to grew up in adifferent environment. Interesting.”

Izaya also comments on Kazane’s way with words, something sheshares with Shinra. Another thing she shares with Shinra is their mutualability to confuse Izaya.

In discussing Izaya and Kazane, it is interesting to note thatwhile seemingly different, they have many similarities. Kazane is a journalistand Izaya is an informant – they are both collectors of information, althoughwith a different motive for a different purpose. I can imagine Izaya andKazane chatting about Ikebukuro’s recent events and urban legends together –it’s an interesting synergy.

Also, it is mentioned in the Kazane epitome that her mother wasoften away when Kazane was a child, and Kazane has grown up feeling lonely.

Kazane epitome:

“Her mother would often travel overseas because ofwork, and often came home only once in a few years. While Kazane did feellonely, she never once blamed her mother.”

Izaya is also known to have had a rather lonely childhood.However, he seems to have dealt with this differently from Kazane, as it may bea factor in Izaya’s current personality. It is also interesting to note thatboth Izaya and Kazane started out as normal kids, who by their own will,approached the “extraordinary side”. What’s most important about this is thatthe “trigger” for both is Shinra. Izaya, jealous of Shinra’s detachment,approaches Ikebukuro’s dark, supernatural underside. Kazane, curious about herbrother and the strange people and phenomenon related to him, continuouslychases after Shinra’s shadow.

However, while Kazane walks her path straightforwardly, Izaya’spath deviates and forms his twisted personality. So when their paths cross forthe first time, they were probably already special existences to each other –alike, but opposite. This difference could be because Kazane’s nature is one of“acceptance” while Izaya is fundamentally “rejection”. More on that a bitlater.

_______________________________________________________

Now, let’s look at the Izaya epitome, which initially made meship him and Kazane.

When they first meet - Izaya was in high school, Kazane wasstill in middle school, he had taken an interest in her as Shinra’shalf-sister. For Izaya, who approached Kazane as “Shinra’s sister” instead ofas a “human being” – from the beginning, he is no longer seeing herobjectively. Even more so, he asks her about his own relationship with Shinra:who is the better friend, himself or Shizuo? I find it interesting that Izayawould bring up such a delicate topic, as Shinra is the only person he showspersonal emotion about. It’s surprising that Izaya would expose this kind ofvulnerability in front of Kazane, who he is meeting for the first time. However,what’s more is Kazane, who’s able to pull this kind of vulnerability from him.Instead of manipulating or twisting a confession out of Kazane, in the face ofher unexpected words, Izaya is the one that ended up revealing things abouthimself. At the end of their first meeting, Kazane runs away when Shinraappears.

Izaya Epitome:

“….? Who was that? Ah,could it be that some random girl confessed to you again?”

At the words of hisfriend who had just appeared, Izaya shrugged while smiling bitterly.

“It’s the opposite.”

“I was the one who didthe confession, but I got dumped.”

Truly, Izaya really has trouble in reading either of theKishintani siblings. Contrarily, Kazane has no problem reading Izaya. Later inthe epitome, when the two meet again as adults, Kazane is still pretty muchimmune to Izaya’s trickery. In front of Izaya who’s weak against her honestwords, Kazane speaks about Izaya’s true essence in a lighthearted manner.

Izaya Epitome:

In a sense, it was thewords that see through some of the true nature of Izaya’s sort of man.

“Orihara-san, you aretruly different from Heiwajima-san. I think that this situation can’t be‘move’… I’ve heard that you like humans, but… What you really like is the momentwhen people ‘change’, right…? But, thanks to that… I was saved! Thank you verymuch!”

Reminding him of histrue nature while also thanking him, Kazane continued to talk about Izaya’s‘essence’ in good mood.

(I wonder, if Izaya’s heart skipped just a little asKazane sees through his true nature while wearing a pure smile?~) As wecan see, Izaya really has trouble with Kazane’s straightforwardness, but Kazanesees through his much more troublesome personality with ease. I find this chemistrybetween the two of them really interesting, and I want to see a lot more ofKazane confusing Izaya.

 _______________________________________________________

Now let’s go back to to talking about Kazane and Izaya’saspects of “acceptance” and “rejection” respectively. Both as normal humansapproaching the “extraordinary world” because of Shinra, they had opposingreactions. Izaya, claiming to love humans only, rejects all that he labels“supernatural” and “non-human”.

Volume 13:

“He mightseem cold-blooded, but he’s more human and his heart more brittle than anyoneelse. So much so that if it was filled with human love or betrayal, it’d breakeasily. Which is why,

“ […] I think, hechose from the start to avoid it all, to love humanity. You understand? Not toaccept, not to face it. To avoid it.”

Even more so,Shinra points out that Izaya’s all-encompassing love for humanity, which somuch defines him, is a form of avoidance. In order to remove himself from thereaches of humans, his “love” is also fundamentally rejection.

KazaneEpitome:

Acceptingeverything that had changed, Ikebukuro’s streets welcomed a brand new day.Precisely becauseshe was able to understand all this, Kazane was able to walk bravely forward.”

Kazane, on theother hand, is completely opposite in this aspect. As she faces things that anormal person shouldn’t hope to understand, Kazane sees everything with anobjective, but empathetic view. For example, she feels admiration for Shizuoand adoration for Celty, while Izaya detests them.

Interestingly,Kazane and Izaya’s relationship with the city also reflects this dichotomy. TheKazane Epitome of Eighteen Histories takes place on the final night of Volume13. While Kazane is “accepted into the city”, Izaya was in a sense “rejectedfrom the city”.

Anyhow,what’s most important is the role Kazane’s “acceptance” plays in herinteractions with Izaya.

RememberKadota’s quote about Izaya?

Exerpt from Sunset:

Before you think you want to be loved by him, before you think you want tobecome friends with

him-

You should love him first. You should become his friend.

And you can see, heis a surprisingly loyal guy.

What’smost important to getting close to Izaya is accepting him fully. For example,Shinra is Izaya’s only friend – and the person that understands him the mostdeeply. Well, it’s debatable whether Shinra likes Izaya? He probably does, inhis strange Shinra-way. However, Izaya tends to treat those that do understandhim in a relatively decent way. We know that there are some persons who do not completely hateIzaya’s guts and do somewhat understand him. Kadota, Mikage, Kine, and there’salso Mikado. Maybe the Orihara Twins count here too? But those (except Mikado)do not treat Izaya in a friendly way or they just…don’t interact with him atall, they keep their safe distance.

Butin Kazane’s case…

KazaneEpitome:

“After this, everyone will begathering at brother’s apartment for a hotpot party. Nii-san and Celty-san’sfriends are invited… Shingen-san and Emilia-san, Kadota-san… Also Mikado-kun,Kida-kun, and Sonohara-san, the people from Russian Sushi, and your sistersMairu and Kururi-chan are also coming! If they have time, Hanejima Yuuhei-sanand Ruri-san are also trying to get here! You know all those people, right?”

“Oh? You can tell just from thelist of participants that it will be a lively event…”

Hearing the other reply withoutchange of emotion in his tone, Kazane spoke his name while continuing to talk.

“If it’s okay for you, wouldIzaya-san be able to attend as well? The reason why I called was to inviteyou!”

Literally, the first person ever to actually invite Izayato the hotpot he wants so much. Of course, Izaya declines. However, Kazane isshowing a clear effort to include him. Likely being the only one to rememberIzaya, Kazane went as far as finding out his phone number, despite no onehaving heard from him in months. While not having met Izaya many times, we knowthat Kazane has figured out much of Izaya’s true nature. This makes her dealingwith him even more unique. Kazane is probably the only person that understandswhat he is like but also accepts him, even displaying care and friendshiptowards him. Which I think, is a pretty big deal.

Basically, I would like to see where their interactionsgo, because it has the potential to be really interesting. Frankly, I justreally want to see more of Kazane confusing Izaya with her friendship… andmaybe something more? But that kind of development would need to happenin the Izaya novels, or maybe later in SH.

Remember what Kadota once said?

Excerpt from Sunset:

Be around him too long and it’ll cause an addiction past the heartburn.

So if you want to become his friend or his girlfriend-

Don’t lend an ear to the information that comes from Izaya’s mouth.

It’s fine sometimes, just don’t rely on him. Don’t use him.

On contrary, you could save Izaya.

Understand Izaya and conversely thrust the ‘choices’ to him.

On top of that, stand by the choice he decided on.

…..Well, it is not that difficult to do. ‘

If you were a normal friend you would do this unconsciously.

However, that is vital to him.

Also, Sozoro and Nec’s entries in Standing Ovation. Both of themmention Izaya falling in love or someone falling in love with him.

Excerpt from Standing Ovation:

At least if Izaya-dono were to fall in love with one human something would change….It’snot

possible. It’s not possible right now.

Detective-dono, can you imagine it?

The sight of Izaya Orihara taking an interest in some pretty girl at aglance, giving himself to

her even if he had to throw away everything else, so deeply in love hewants to also be

completely accepted by her.

(However,Sozoro also mentions that Izaya loving someone might be a bad idea. Hmm… but whoknows?)

Excerpt from Standing Ovation - Nec:

If there was a woman who fell for that guy, wouldn’t she be quite the suitable advocate?

Yes, those are just “What if”-scenarios, but could it bepossible foreshadowing? Maybe, maybe not. We might see in the future.

Excerpt from the Standing Ovation Epilogue:

There was still no one around him that would raise a roar of applause

together with him. And he understood himself that it was because of hislifestyle as Izaya

Orihara. Izaya does not even think of the fragments ofbeing given an acclamation by others.

(…) 

Right now, not just yet.

LASTBUT NOT LEAST – at the end of the Kazane Epitome of Eighteen Histories, Kazanemakes a certain promise to Izaya …. Does this mean they will meet again forsure?

Kazane Epitome:

“Izaya-san, one last thing.”

“…What is it?”

“One day, for sure, I will let youhave a reunion with brother and Shizuo-san again!”

After a moment of silence, he laughedas he gave his strange but sincere reply.

“…If you think you can do it, feelfree to try. At that time, I will use my full effort to run away from you.”

TL;DR:It’s really good chemistry! While there might be no romantic development oranything like that, I think they could have quite an interesting “friendship”at least! While there is not much canon content yet, their interactions arejust really fascinating to me. And she actually INVITED. HIM. TO. HOTPOT.

_______________________________________________________ 

 Important note: This post serves as a simple explanation why some people, meincluded, are/might be interested in this ship. I’m not intending to force thisship onto anyone.Also, very important: Izaya/Kazane is NOT hetero Izaya/Shinra. These twopairings are different from the very core. Also, Kazane is NOT just the femaleversion of Shinra. _______________________________________________________

Emotions

Without Making Your Character Feel Too Self Aware

Showing Emotion Without Telling About It

Emotions Associated With Body Language

Telling Readers What The Character Doesn’t Want To Show

Hiding Emotions

Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine

Writing Extreme Emotion Without Melodrama

Specific Emotions

Conveying Shock

Conveying Embarrassment

Conveying Disappointment

Conveying Love/Attraction

Conveying Annoyance

Conveying Relief

Conveying Uncertainty

Conveying Impatience

Conveying Shame

Conveying Resentment

Conveying Panic

Conveying Guilt

Conveying Desperation

Conveying Sarcasm & Verbal Disrespect

Conveying Confusion

Conveying Stubbornness

Conveying Frustration

Conveying Indifference

Conveying Indignation

Conveying Confidence & Pride

Conveying Smugness

Conveying Enthusiasm

Conveying Curiosity

Conveying Hopefulness

Conveying Unease

Conveying Reluctance

Conveying Worry

Conveying Humility & Meekness

Conveying Happiness & Joy

Conveying Amusement

Conveying Disgust

Conveying Resignation

Conveying Jealousy

Conveying Anticipation

Conveying Contentment

Conveying Defeat

Conveying Excitement

Conveying Fear

Conveying Hatred

Conveying Hurt

Conveying Being Overwhelmed

Conveying Sadness & Grief

Conveying Satisfaction

Conveying Somberness

Conveying Sympathy & Empathy

Conveying Wariness

Conveying Defensiveness

Conveying Desire

Conveying Doubt

Conveying Energy

Conveying Exhaustion

Conveying Hunger

Conveying Loneliness

Conveying Physical Pain

Emotional Wounds

A Role Model Who Disappoints

A Sibling’s Betrayal

A Speech Impediment

Becoming a Caregiver at an Early Age

Being Bullied

Being Fired or Laid Off

Being Held Captive

Being Mugged

Being Publicly Humiliated

Being Raised by Neglectful Parents

Being Raised by Overprotective Parents

Being So Beautiful It’s All People See

Being the Victim of a Vicious Rumor

Being Stalked

Being Trapped in a Collapsed Building

Being Unfairly Blamed For The Death of Another

Childhood Sexual Abuse (by a family member or known person)

Discovering One’s Parent is a Monster

Discovering One’s Sibling was Abused

Experiencing a Miscarriage or Stillbirth

Failing At School

Failing To Do The Right Thing

Financial Ruin Due To A Spouse’s Irresponsibility

Finding Out One’s Child Was Abused

Finding Out One Was Adopted

Getting Lost In a Natural Environment

Growing Up In A Cult

Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood

Growing Up In Foster Care

Growing Up In The Public Eye

Growing Up In The Shadow of a Successful Sibling

Growing Up with a Sibling Who Has a Chronic Disability or Illness

Having Parents Who Favored One Child Over Another

Having To Kill Another Person To Survive

Infertility

Infidelity (emotional or physical)

Losing a Limb

Losing a Loved One To A Random Act of Violence

Making a Very Public Mistake

Overly Critical or Strict Parents

Physical Disfigurement

Rejection By One’s Peers

Telling The Truth But Not Being Believed

The Death of a Child On One’s Watch

Victimization via Identity Theft

Watching A Loved One Die

Wrongful Imprisonment

Spending Time In Jail

Suffering From a Learning Disability

Motivation

Achieving Spiritual Enlightenment

Avoiding Certain Death

Avoiding Financial Ruin

Beating a Diagnosis or Condition

Being Acknowledged and Appreciated by Family

Being a Leader of Others

Being the Best At Something

Caring for an Aging Parent

Carrying on a Legacy

Catching The Bad Guy or Girl

Coming To Grips With Mental Illness

Discovering One’s True Self

Escaping a Dangerous Life one Doesn’t Want

Escaping a Killer

Escaping a Widespread Disaster

Escaping Confinement

Escaping Homelessness

Escaping Invaders

Finding Friendship or Companionship

Finding a Lifelong Partner

Having a Child

Helping a Loved One See They Are Hurting Themselves and Others

Obtaining Shelter From The Elements

Overcoming Abuse and Learning To Trust

Overcoming Addiction

Protecting One’s Home or Property

Pursuing Justice For Oneself or Others

Realizing a Dream

Reconciling with an Estranged Family Member

Rescuing a Loved One From a Captor

Restoring A Name or Reputation

Righting a Deep Wrong

Seeking Out One’s Biological Roots

Stopping an Event From Happening

Trying Again When One Has Previously Failed

Support Wordsnstuff!

Request A Writing Help Post/Themed Playlist/Writing Tips!

Send Me Poetry To Feature On Our Instagram!

Receive Updates & Participate In Polls On Our Twitter!

Like us and share on Facebook!

Read More On Our Masterlist & See our Frequently Asked Questions!

Tag What You Want Me To See With #wordsnstuff!