What is this for?

♥ To contact me for something characterization wise you believe iffy and are afraid to tell me so over AIM (Larisa Thessaly) or email (thess.fan.of.hellsing@gmail) concerning anything about this character. Anon or signed up. Comments are to be screened unless there's desire to be unscreened. I'll know and if you want a reply, I'll try to give you that. OOCness, stagnant development, inconsistency, unfair info modding, probable godmodding, etc, etc. None of this are done in purpose, but I'm human and I can easily make stupid mistakes. Want to fix them up as soon as possible.

♥ Rl vored me and I'm unable to thread/be active/get you back for a plot! Too of that AIM is just being an ass too. So this will be a message center and heads up! Link me any important stuff I missed.

Before sending criticism/doubts, I'll clarify that Youko is (to date) taken between chapters 14 and 15, after the wolf youma attack in Kou. That's episode 3, before she meets Takki (only without Sugimoto or Asano in the novels, Youko's alone during her journey). Youko's currently from episode 6/chapter 42 in her journey with Rakushun before they were attacked. In her second update, Youko comes from her time in En, just MOMENTS before she finds out she's really chosen to be the Glory-King, Emperor of Kei. Third update incoming, Youko's taken after the formal enthroning ceremony, moments previous she went to greet her honored guests: En-Ou, Enki and Rakushun. The canon I'm primary using are the novels, but some events of the anime (like the second and fourth arc Youko is told events of the Tai and En novels about or the fillers with her relationship with other people, particularly those with Rakushun yes, I love their relationship. stfu ;;, are in too) I can easily see that taking place in novelverse. But to Youko, Sugimoto is JUST a girl she shunned in school and she never met Asano. Their presence will be ignored as they don't play a role in the novels (where Youko's debates don't need foils).

( Have you ever felt as if you don't belong to the world you live? )

( Royal FAQ )

I think I covered the most important tidbits.

Any questions?

Unlike my friend Rokuta's possible sentiments, I believe that sometimes you cannot avoid bloodshed. Live your life just running away from conflict won't make them disappear. It's a sad reality to resign at, but as long there's unrest, warfare is necessary to protect the greater good and its interests. For this I'm extremely grateful to those who joined me and my army to protect the citizens during the curse.

Maybe this is a reminder that peace is a fragile privilege, huh?

...I got to say, En-Ou, that's one creative use to give Imperial Army of the Kingdom of En. Thanks for the... birthday surprise party you threw for me... I wasn't expecting to find that scene when I got home, neither did my generals I guess. Thank god they left after midnight before they realized it wasn't an after battle banquet.

Nothing to add about yesterday situation. Only that I'm glad I won't worry about marriage.

[Apartment]

I'm sorry about walking in with the stench of blood the other day. I couldn't help that. I hope you two are feeling better, Keiki and Enki.

( Open comment log: At the Library )

(ooc; Shouryuu had a surprise party for her after she returned... from almost the end of the curse. lol).

Thanks for the other day, everybody. Special thanks to Squall and Tohru who got to deal with the old me in person. I apologize about how... stupid I must have behaved. You're going to be very beautiful when you grow up, Tianzi. There's nothing wrong with your hair either. I implied the most idiotic things.

I hope I didn't miss any important rehearsal the day I was gone for my world, Neil. And for being silent after my return, there's so much I had to think about. Is there one tomorrow?

Huh.

From what I'm guessing with the dark shades or attempts to avoid eye-contact outside, this curse shows our "inner selves" or souls, right? I don't get it. What's the point of averting the gaze? People are going to notice you're hiding something, if you don't want others to see. That's not exactly subtle.

I wouldn't bother, because I don't want to cover my heart or spirit to pretend to be something or someone I'm not.

[Apartment]

We survived another one of those visits. At least they didn't leave strange art behind this time.

En-Ou, what are you going to do with the "changes" the Royal of Han made in your room?

I was hoping Rakushun would be among them. Or Taiki to cheer up Keiki.

[Keiki]

We need to speak what the situation in the Province of Wa. If a public crucifixion is treated like a show in Meikaku, I don't want to imagine how bad the smaller villages got it.

Without Enho here, how should I go on with my studies?

( Open Action Log near the Square )

[Audio.]

Ah...

[There's the noise of nervous fingers fumbling with buttons of the device.]

Please work... Please work! I don't know where I am. H...Hello? Mom-Mother? Father?

[Accidental Video.]

[A nervous looking Youko is desperately trying to contact her home; she ocassionally looks above her shoulder to stare at the unknown city with wide-eyed fright. Maybe I could contact the police, but that will draw too much attention. She has a reputation to think about! Her mother had warned her about not trying to drawn bad rumors. What is she going to say? Her natural hair color already spread enough gossip among her teachers and classmates.

Youko also looks completely unlike she usually does. Her hair is still red, but of a less fiery shade, her eyes are brown instead of emerald green and her skin has a fair complexion. There is no tomboyish or athletic bone in her system, just a bland feminine poise. She brushes anxiously her braided hair, shrinking her shoulders further on the bench of the Square. If wasn't for the ring of her voice, she will be unrecognizable to others. She holds the device with her hung head and pleads:]

I... I'm sorry. I'm dialing the right number? I am... Nakajima Youko. T-This should be my parents' number. Please, help me. This isn't Tokyo or... This can't be Japan either. Is there anyone there?

(ooc; Age reversal... down to a year ago (without counting City time). In body, she only de-aged a year but emotionally, current!Youko acts in the level of the hundred-years old people she hangs out with, while pre-Keiki!Youko acts... like a dumb teenager).

( [⇒ Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei for Keiki | Finished] )

[Audio]

I have a confession to make. There’re times in the past when I honestly liked the City because I could appreciate we had little to no real crime rate compared to most big, bustling places with a varied population. The murders that were left unsolved slightly changed my opinion about this. I don’t think I can fully blame the police force in this because they were left without prison, warden and real structure. I know others can be quick to point fingers at their direction, but I can relate to be thrown into a crisis that completely changes the known structure that takes time to adjust before doing actually something about it. My sympathy doesn’t fully justify their silence either. I’m not picking a fight or open a debate over this, because I haven’t reached to the point I wanted to make.

What is left? Cruel curses? Well, I guess so. Nobody mentally sound enjoyed the cannibalism curse, but the hairy curse yesterday was a mere inconvenience. Looking back at it, it was mostly for laughs. Curses are awful because we’re forced to act or be or endure some torments against our wills. But it doesn’t balance it a little? There haven’t been big wars here, there haven’t been pandemics or epidemics that reduced the population numbers for good, and there haven’t been true natural catastrophes that aren’t reversed by midnight. There are no cases of extreme poverty; I don’t see homeless families freezing or starving to death as I know there are back in Kei.

This is a wealthy world with a, uhh, let’s agree on tenuous sense of peace that offers abundant job and study choices, but most of us want to go back home.

Huh.

In your opinion, what kind of country is a great country?

What kind of path should my kingdom take to become one of those? The Inaugural Rescript… I honestly can’t put it off forever, can I? Even if this people aren’t the same of the people from Kei, I guess I just need to understand politics a little more.

[Pause]

Hey, Rokuta, do you have a minute? I need to ask you a favor.


[Keiki]

I left you the incomplete history records of Kei over your desk, Keiki. I can’t say they are finished because we have a lot to look forward in the future; we don't have a short life ahead. I don’t think it’ll be necessary for me to continue this homework either. There’s nothing else worth writing, huh? The next is up to me and I need to print the next events in facts instead of textbook pages.

My other important lessons need to be born from the streets and the people instead of the dusty volumes and torn maps.

Oh, yeah… I have to say, Taiho that [amused murmur] that beard didn’t suit you at all.

( [⇒ Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei for Keiki | Unfinished Draft] )

[Audio]

That was certainly an experience. How could... some of us speak in sparkle, I still don't get it. Julian and Jeremy? Sorry about taking your jobs, rest assured, we're not interested in having a host club at all. But it's not bad have different work experience in our curriculum, helps you to avoid narrowing your options.

Huh.

I'm looking for a job. For different reasons, practical and educational, I think is time to get one. I may look young, but I have collected several odd jobs under my belt. Listing things I've skilled with or have experience:

→ Housekeeping.
→ Cooking and baking (I'm better with Japanese food, but I can learn other recipes).
→ Acting.
→ Farming (taking care of cattle, helping with crops).
→ Sailing.
→ Fighting (as bouncer of a club).
→ Ruling a kingdom.

I can heal too. I guess I could ask the Hospital for a nurse vacant, but if I get the smell of blood in my clothes, some of my roommates wouldn't appreciate the stench.

Anyways, thanks for listening.

( [Open comment log: Xanadu Garden] )

( [⇒ Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei for Keiki | Unfinished Draft] )

[Audio]

Huh. I got one of my answers about death and the City in a way I wasn't looking for. I guess if an animal dies, they won't come back as people do. Even if you wait forty-eight hours, they stay dead. They are gone. Gone for good.

But I didn't reach any decision, in the end. I was afraid of taking a choice or have him give me an answer if it was possible. Maybe I could extract a lesson about mistaking indecision for patience to make me feel better. But I don't want to, not yet. Because I'm not sure if that's the lesson his death brought. I really don't know anything.

Perhaps this is all about how hurts losing someone and how irreplaceable every life is. I shouldn't have taken his for granted.

[Pause]

Happy birthday, Raku-kun. You were the best pet rat a girl could have had.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I really am worthless owner and even a worse monarch.

I'm sorry.

( [Open comment log: Xanadu Garden + Graveyard] )

(ooc; Ono didn't give us details of Tatsu-Ou's successors and Jokaku's predecessors beyond the fact they were two more empresses and they didn't have long reigns = head canon!)

( [⇒ Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei for Keiki | Unfinished Draft] )

[Audio]

[the typing on a keyboard suddenly stops]

Huh. Seems that's it for tonight.

Sooo, a friend and I were having a discussion recently about mortality and aging in the City. I guess I brought this up in the Network a while ago, but there wasn't one final say about it. Man, it has really been months? Time does fly. What we were wondering: Do people age here? Can people die of age in the City? What happens then? Do they come back as a ninety-five years old man or woman to die again and again? What's up with animals? Do they get back?

[metallic click of a metallic cage opening, a squeak from a rodent]

Raku-kun's birthday is next month. One year, one half of his life-span. I guess I have a more... more personal question. If you have a way to stop a being from aging and leaving your side, even if that's a pet, the first pet you ever got, what will you do? Is it right to stop nature takes its course just to keep them with you?

Because deep down I know he'll be the first of many.

What if Rakushun figures out an immortal life isn't for him, huh?

[En-Ou]

I warned you I had a back-up plan if Keiki's sighing threat didn't work.

( [Open Comment-Log In the Fountain: Half Hour Later] )

(ooc; Anyone who wants to meet her, are more than welcome! BED. Pick tags in the morning! BACK).

[Connecting...]

Your Majesty…

[Youko steps into the room, into the screen, dressed in silk brown robes and trailed by a winged woman. She carries a pile of books on her hands. Her appearance, for those who know her, would be different: more fragile with pale skin, touched by ethereal features, her eyes are aquamarine instead of green and her red hair is more golden-red. She stops and bows to a seated figure richly clothed in regalia. The man acknowledges her entrance with a look.]

What is it, Keirin?

[She flinches at the name, a frown crossing her features. Keiki also looks different, more ‘human’, with light-brown hair.]

If your Majesty doesn’t mind, I would rather be addressed by my Hourai name like En Taiho is. I brought these books for you to read. The City is dangerous today again because of the curses. It's best for you to not come out.

It should be best that you don't go out either then. You are a kirin after all. [She nods] Books on what?

Yeah, I know that. That’s why I sent Kaikou to borrow them.

[She’s ashamed to admit that aside of Jouyuu, she has yet to tame another youma. Being a Taika recently brought back to the twelve kingdoms, she still has so much to learn about her nature.] They are... from Hourai. So you would be able to learn about the politics treatises in my world.

Hn. [A noncommittal noise.] Then hand them over, if you must, and I shall look upon them now.

Yes, your Majesty. [She obeys and hesitates before asking.] How is the Royal of En? Is he helping you with his advice?

He is knowledgeable. [Moreso than his kirin anyway, seeing as she doesn't know too much at this point, although it would help if Shouyruu was a bit more serious.]

[Unlike me. She looks down, feeling ashamed at her ignorance and his clearly unspoken statement, but she doesn’t feel that abase her, she’s obstinate to not let him get that much of upper hand above her.]

En Taiho has been teaching me the ways of the Kirin here. Soo, I may be able to tame more youma when we return.

[He'd started to flip through the books, for if he were to rule a kingdom, any and all information would be helpful. He looks up from the pages to her.] Yes, perhaps. That would be good. [It would be good if she could, given she had only one besides her nyokai.]

[He was doing it again. Youko contemplated, feeling her patience run thinner. Nothing she did seem enough or to win his approval. He hardly talked of her many flaws, but his apathy and mannerisms were enough to tell how disappointed he must be feeling about the Taiho of Kei. While she, she preferred a more direct approach.

Walking at him, the Kirin takes the book from his hands, exclaiming:] Your Majesty! [Her anger cools in a moment and calmly begins to make her point.] I apologize for the outburst. I know all too well that I'm being incompetent because I spent too much time in Hourai and I still have so much to learn, but one thing won’t change and is that I will not let harm come to you or to the people of Kei. She prostrates while she speaks, her forehead touches the end of his shoe. I am the Kirin of Kei and I have pledged my absolute loyalty to you, Seimitsu.

[A surprised look on his face as the book suddenly leaves his hands. For a moment it might appear as if he will protest, but instead he gives a sigh.] I understand that Kei- Youko. [In many ways, he knew more than she did.]

I'm asking just you patience until I learn all of it. [Youko says, looking up, grinning for the first time.] I entrusted the people into the best hands while I can help you to rule them.

[It wasn't as if there was anything else that he could do. They were a team, to make Kei a better kingdom.] Then learn, so that we might make Kei a great kingdom.

Huh. First of all, we’ll need to define what do you believe to be a great kingdo..... [She pauses, noticing something, a licker. Glancing forward, she stands abruptly with widen eyes.] Uhh, I think the device is recording again.

[/disconnected]

(ooc; Kei-Ou!Keiki, Kirin!Youko. Blue is Keiki).

( [⇒ Notes: En-Ou's party | Offline in Youko's computer] )

Huh. They were playing with our fears this week. With our dread to sleep because of visions or nightmares assaulting us and later, yesterday, with our fear to be alone which was very real. They forced our phobias out to see how much we'll resist under that pressure.

Don't give in. They are our fears and they are ours to master and confront. We can't give them control of our own lives so easily. I know what's to sleep every night and get bad dreams as result, but those visions were a reflection of my own weakness, from the darkest corner of my mind.

Save your strengths for whatever they'll pull next week if this becomes their recurrent theme.

[Filtered from Shouryuu]

Where can I find a good baker? I need a birthday cake big enough to handle 529 candles. That's beyond my capacity and the size of my oven.

Sooo...

Any takers? Anyone?

[Apartment mates]

Is everybody alright? Taiki? Keiki? I think I'm too used to nightmares and abandonment issues to even blink at those stunts.

I'm going out after lunch again.

[Filtered to Tod]

Don't forget our deal. I'll see you at the Academy in fifteen minutes.

( [Filtered to the Deities/Visible to Enki] )

Edit hours after Ken's death: [Filtered from Tod]

Does anybody know Ken? That name is familiar. Did I hear it from Umi? Tod brought him back? Or is he still dead? I don't know exactly how the City limits his routine.

(ooc; Pretend this was posted at noon!).

( [⇒ Notes: People Flood | Offline in Youko's computer] )

I think I was tested last evening, but I stay firm with my promise that I made to myself that day. Not that I expected him to thank me. I'm starting to miss the female Death personification, she was less of a jerk to have around.

Huh. My head hurts. Maybe we should go out to the movies again soon. I need to take my mind off this for a moment. Who has a good recommendation? Something fun with adventure, maybe deep messages, and not much romance in it. I'm sick to see romantic relationships thanks to our "guests." Who else got weird art "presents" from all those weirdos on Saturday? "Pairing"? That's how one of them call them. What was that about? Speaking of them, I'm missing some of them; the one with Shoukei.

I doubt that Taiki hid it.

[Filtered from Shouryuu]

Shouryuu. Fuukan. Komatsu. I kinda lost the track of all the names he uses. This guy. His birthday is on the 31st of this month and I'd thought to make a party for him with all his friends, but I don't know where to start or how many people he had met here. So, please, if you are in friendly terms with him, just let me know. I'm Nakajima Youko, his peer of sorts, nice to meet you.

Party ideas? ...Ideas that don't involve women coming out from cakes. We're going to keep this kid-friendly to his disappointment.

[Keiki]

Keiki? god this is so embarrassing. I...uhh tried to remember who is who in Court, but that isn't working so well. Can you teach me? We could go to the fountain together and review them, one by one, until I get to learn their faces, ranks and names.

I can hear him sighing from the library.

( [⇒ Assignment: Hierarchy in the Kingdom of Kei Part for Keiki | Unfinished Thrown Draft] )

I'd like to remember who everybody is right away, but this noise is making it harder than it already is. What a mess of a ruler I'm.

I guess the City invisible gates got busted again. It'll be nice if those who drop by today tell us how they leave. Just an idea. Did anyone ask them before? You catch more flies with honey. Good one, Rin.

Keiki, I think Taiki and his shirei should remain inside. These people never bothered me that much before, but there's so many and they could get excitable if they get too close to the kid. You should remain inside too. I'll take a look around if I see familiar faces or voices. Last time, there were several of our world brought in here.

I'm not counting with seeing him again. Man, why I'm so anxious for?

[There's a soft soft. Sheets being slide under the door frame.]

Huh? What's... this? Ke-Keiki?! [She makes a pause, there's a sound of choked giggle fit. The amusement dies when she takes a look to one of the other pieces] No way. That's ME AND... Koukan? It's written in Kanji. The Lord of Baku Province and me? That's freaking nuts.

What the hell is all this about?! I don't even recognize half of the people who are in this stuff with me!

(ooc; Youko's the bicycle of the Japanese 12K fandom. She's paired off with EVERYONE including Keiki's shirei /sob. You know you want to find this Action/Voice/etc, just no duplicates, don't tell her she's fictional or many spoilers plz.

I know Uikyou's anime only but we didn't get to know the LotPS? Blame Ono for not giving us names for Youko's old Court! :( ).

( [Off line: Apology gift] )

God, I'm sorry about what happened this weekend. I look at the time wasted and realized I couldn't do anything productive aside of whimper or be a jerk to my friends. I'll look at Kenshin's wounds today, Kenji, I hope he's still okay and that the Hospital people took care of him. He's doing better, right?

Kaoru... Is she really gone?

Huh.

I guess this is me jumping to the after curse apology bandwagon. I don't want to hear the typical "but that's a curse, so it's okay, it wasn't you" coddling response, because that was me on both occasions. The City regressed me in the past, but it didn't change me. I was that type of small and stupid girl who would do as she said to avoid conflict and pretend she's good to please others. When she found the real world and that the real world didn't like her, she crumbled easily because she wasn't a good person inside, she was callous and grew bitter.

If wasn't for this kind hanjuu who accidentally found her in the mountain road that made her begin to trust for the first time, because she didn't give a chance to befriend others, not really. If wasn't because she could face her own shortcomings to finally become me.

Now you get it? Why I said I couldn't be a good ruler back then? Because I knew the kind of weak person I could be.

Wasn't Confucius the one who said that "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"? Back then, I took the first step to become stronger and better for my own sake, that was before I gave it. So I'm ashamed that you had to meet me as that, because I thought I had left that starting point months ago. And I doubt I'll see the end of the journey from here, there's still a long to go. I guess that's it.

I'm sorry.

I don't expect to be forgiven so easily. Not everybody has Rakushun's saintly patience, but I'm willing to make amends. I, uhh, scared some of you badly yesterday.

...

Well, maybe I should begin with finding somebody to fix the door.

[Setsuna]

Was that you?

[Cain Hargreaves]

I apologize I've been so disconnected from the play business for so long that isn't funny. And we're out of time. So, uhh, do you know the date of the general rehearsal? Do you want to do a last rehearsal with me alone before the group one?

( [Open Comment log. In the Fountain] )

(ooc; Links OOC).

Strange...

[This isn't like I read in my history class, she thinks.

Youko Nakajima is sat against the trunk of tree, glancing at the surface of her sword and catching a breath. She looks sideways, green eyes filled with fright, while she begins to examine her clothing. Her blue high school uniform is drenched in blood and covered with her sweat. She had peeled off her jacket earlier, but it seemed every single article didn't escape that fight she just had, her skirt was torn by the teeth of the youma wolf pack. She shivered, feeling the ache coming from the lacerations etching her legs.

Strange. They were minor cuts and bruises when she had seen them ripping a man's head off with a clean single bite. She took a few more deep breaths, looking at the surroundings. Eyes widening slightly.]

H-Huh?

[The forest had changed, she observed, there were more pines around her and she could swear the weather was nowhere as warm and the breeze that was blowing. Did she doze off or...?]

GOD. What's going on now? This is so weird.

[She choked a sob, grasping the sapphire tightly. Now she couldn't go back for the scabbard. She was completely lost.]

Jouyuu-san? Are you there? Do you now where I am? Please answer me!

[There was no answer. She didn't know what to do and she felt the desperation building inside her. She hugged her legs together, shutting her eyes close. I only want to know what should I do next! Again. There was no answer.]

I want to go home!

[She opened her eyes, feeling tears stream down her cheeks. She felt despair settling in when Youko spotted something she could have sworn wasn't there before. No way... She stood in slow motion and stumbled with her own steps, closer and closer to the screen. This was... Was she? She dropped the sapphire and the sword before collapsing to her knees. She began to openly cry, tears of joy, and to laugh hysterically.

This has to be Japan!]

Oh thank you god, THANK YOU.

(ooc; Audio + AP for whoever wants).

( [⇒ Assignment: Hierarchy in the Twelve Kingdoms Court Second Part for Enki | Copy delivered to Keiki] )

I think it's okay for me to like mice, I don't get why people get surprised by having a pet like that. Since I have been busy lately with my lessons and the play, I have never thought about how I adore to hold Raku-kun so close to my chest and rub my cheek over the soft, gray fur coat. The hypnotic sway of his tail or how his whiskers quiver when I-
FJDSKLJFDKSLJFDKLSJFDKLFJDKSFJLDSGOD WHAT I AM SAYING?! pet him. That tickles! I never realized I like the ears the best. I know where that came from.

fjkldsjfkldsjaklfdsjklfdjsa
jkfldsjfkldsjfk
fjds



...god, I give up.

I just loved when my dad agreed to take me to Disneyland and I could get a pair of Mickey ears. Mine always had a white ribbon which killed the raw style, but what I got to do? What I liked best is how I could brush my fingers over the round surface. It gives me chills to think about what if they had fur there. G-Grey fur. You know, even if they do, it won't compare to the natural feeling of Raku....KUN.

...

..........

No way...

Looks like I have three to spare from the ones I got. Soooo, who wants one? That'll make me very.... DON'T forget that we're going shopping for the beach party this afternoon, and all of you are coming to get swimming suits. Yeah, even you, Keiki. No buts or sighing, consider it an edict that everyone in attendance to beach party has to wear it. You are so pale that a tan won't kill you.

Huh. M...maybe we should wear Mickey ear hats too! We definitely need to right now. That's the best next to the real thing for me. GOD-Nobody come inside my room!

(ooc; Youko's paper has a mistake, she mixed Yellow and White Units. Some people like cats too much, other people prefers mice. Not overly sexual).

( [⇒ Assignment: Hierarchy in the Twelve Kingdoms for Enki | Copy delivered to Keiki] )

I don't know what to say about anniversaries. I never really started to keep the track of time, except for birthdays, holidays, exams or school events, I didn't care before. How long have I been wearing this shirt? How long have we been friends? Commemorating special dates wasn't just my thing. Or maybe because, before this world and the other one, I got no special date to share. I just lived.

Anyways, City, I have been around for a whole year and counting. I've landed here on May 14 last year, but counting the missing days of my exits, today is the real anniversary. No party, though, I don't feel festive enough to celebrate with a cake this occasion. I love the people I've met and the chances I was given to grow here, but I don't want to remain to celebrate another anniversary.

Huh. On a happier note, I've already memorized my lines as Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, for the A Midsummer Night's Dream, Neil. You are okay after yesterday, right? I guess that makes us grateful about the City's usual politics with the dead. You know, I just realized that I wasted a good chance to check out the theory of people dead for good getting a grave in the cemetery, I should have gone to check it out during the curse. Did anyone do that? Or the Hall of the Missing? If we die for good here, do we still count as citizens? Or a portrait of ours will show up there? Who knows. Maybe what we discover today, will become outdated by tomorrow. This world evolves so fast. I can see that by only being one year here.

Royal of-

En Ou... I should have asked if he minded to have his rank revealed.

May I ask you something, Shouryuu? It's a big favor. Two, in fact.

[Filtered from Keiki]



Isn't he the cutest? I hope Keiki won't accidentally crush him under his body when he rolls over. That'll be pretty bad to see.

( [⇒ Off line. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. An Analysis. Unfinished. Discarded.] )

Useless...god. I can't do this now.

...Mom.

Okaaay... I finished sweeping off the hair from my room, the kitchen, the bathroom and the living room, but that's it. Want yours clean? Grab the broom and please don't touch the vacuum unless you really know how to use it. This goes to you, Enki.

I'm going to join the collective relief sigh from the people of the Network. I'm glad it's over, and I don't really care how it ended, but I hope it never happens again. I'll be swearing off lemon cakes as desserts in a loooong while. Strawberry and chocolate are better, anyways.

Anybody got a book recommendation that doesn't include: a) War. b) Leadership or Strategy. c) Anything to do with China or Dynasties? d) Send to another world fantasy (I think none of us would take them seriously anymore, huh?). I just want some variety in my reading. Sci-Fi, Crime or Mystery are good. Poetry too.

Huh, hey Neil. I didn't ask you before, but I sorta need to know: When is the play? If you still need me for a role, tell me a few days before I make an idiot of myself for not learning my lines... if I got any.

A big thank you to anyone who put up with me as a child. Specially you, Keiki. To the risk of get myself sighed to death... That was adorable, you know? I don't think I liked to be a kid again, for many reasons, it made me remember how my life used to be and what I thought was my "duty" with my family, it left me a sour taste in my mouth. I'm going to do something about it. That's why, Enki, what I asked you to do for me when we go back? I need to tell you what I'm going to write in that letter.

I need to make my mom believe I died.

( [Comment Log: Open at the Fountain] )

...M-Mom? [There's a young girl dressed in a pink dress and white blouse, looking frightened in a tidy room. She is Japanese and aside of her slightly reddened hair tied in twin pigtails there is nothing abnormally foreign about her her. On bed there is The Art of War by Sun Tzu next to The Prince by Machiavelli. Both in their original languages. She scurries out the bed, bitting her bottom lip.

She's holding a folded pair of blue jeans.]

Mom? Mommy?! D-Dad? Someone, please? W-Where I am?

[She wipes the tears from her eyes.]

( [⇒ Off line. List of Strategy Books of Warfare and Leadership Pending to Read] )

War against the Nazis, huh? Really great timing in the middle of this weather. Can't say I'm too fond of what they've been doing. Good luck, whoever goes to fight them. Go and kick ass, I'm sorry I'm not much of help but this isn't my world or kingdom to risk my life for there's nothing I could really in this case. Keiki, Enki, Taiki, I think the three of you should remain inside, it's still pouring down out there and you might get sick if you leave. Keep the windows shut. There's going to be a blood bath for sure, I'm betting that the moist air would smell to it. I'm coming back home soon; I went to borrow a couple of books at the library.

Speaking of war and books... Which strategy warfare book is your favorite? I'm looking for great treatises like The Book of the Five Rings, but I'll settle by lesser known obscure writings in the subject. Huh. Carrying on with this, Rin was interested in more game sessions, Konata. When are you free?

To everyone who got their dreams invaded by my presence: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. If there's anything I could do for you to make amends, just tell me.

Geesh, when will the rain stop?

( [Open Comment Log: Library] )