I wish for the citizens of Kei to become the rulers of their own souls!

89th Journey

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 04:38:09 GMT

メリークリスマス - Merry Christmas, everybody. I sent the oseibo already, but I have your presents. I know is more traditional for us to get them only to our real close friends and relatives, but since I don't have family here and most of my friends are in this place, I hope you enjoy them.

Huh. Snow without disastrous side effect makes me wary about what will happen tomorrow, but let's enjoy the evening while it lasts. Starting by Christmas Cake:

No, it doesn't have peaches, Rokuta.

I baked several, if anyone wants to try a typical Japanese Christmas dessert. Suit yourself. We don't really have a fancy tradition for this day, we sorta reserved those for New Years celebration.

[Filtered from Shoukei]

Shoukei and I agreed the 27th this month could be a good date for her birthday, but there's one problem. It could fall during those weekends with many curses and spoil the party. So, I was thinking to have a plan B and get everything ready for Monday. I don't know how many friends has she made in the City, but I'll need a headcount to organize the food and the location. If it's so cold, we'll have to move indoors.

(ooc; PRETEND THIS WAS EARLIER. In addition to the oseibo, Youko would have handed Christmas presents to:

Rin: This.
Shouryuu: This.
Keiki: This.
Enki: This. ~~SHUT UP.~~
Shoukei:
Kantai: This. Pretend it's perfect for spears...
Shushou: This.
Yuki: This. Lulz. And This. Except... with "Merry Christmas" written ._.!
Tohru: This.
Kyou: This.
Tianzi: This. And this.
Setsuna: This.
Squall: This.
Konata: SOME NON FOUR-WALL-LY VIDEO GAME.
Risa: This.
Todd: This.
Neil: This.
Edmund: This.
Reepicheep: This. (They are made of chocolate, fyi).
Kenshin: This.
Umi: This.
Natalia & Restaurant people: Two Christmas Cakes.

If you know her, she'll send a card with candy... In Nuada's case, a recycled paper Christmas card).

88th Journey [Audio]

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:41:46 GMT

~~...Was everybody?~~

How could we even put up with that horrible thing? Were the deities on our side?

I don't believe this.

[A silence. She doesn't know how to address that. She just lets go a strained laugh]

I am glad that was over and we returned to the normal curse schedule. Better the devil you know, right? Setsuna, tell me if I could do anything. Maybe help Rin in her safe haven idea? I don't think it's going to be useful to gather people in a place for this one, to be honest, when we should remain as apart as possible.

Huh.

A friendly heads up as a member of the Curse Brigade, for those who come from worlds without Christmas, you should avoid the mistletoe because today it's going to reinforce a tradition. Last year, people caught beneath them were forced to kiss the nearest person and from what I could see today, it's a repeat. It doesn't seem harmful, but who knows, it's one of the fastest way to spread a bug. We don't need more zombie flu in this season.

[Casa de Kirin]

I'm in the library and I took Shun with me, we'll return after midnight when the ornamental greenery stops growing above our heads.

How are you feeling, Rokuta and Keiki? I'm sorry I couldn't burn incense during the rain of blood. ~~This effect could have been diminished.~~ Really. It's my fault for getting caught up like that.

Oh, Keiki, I sent Hyouki back to you, but I'm keeping Jouyuu, so don't worry. I'm going to be fine. This is a precaution in case the curse affects us while I accidentally walk under a mistletoe and y-you know! [there's a shudder in her voice ~~because she's mostly furry for rodentkin, okay?~~] If anybody has Christmas questions, I don't mind answering them. This isn't a really big holiday in Japan as it's in Europe or the Americas, so I don't pay much attention to the religious aspect of it.

[I could have died, Youko whispered under her breath, to the fuzzy companion that had her head popped out from her backpack. She had been able to sneak the mice Yuki had given her into the Library, reluctant to leave her alone in an apartment with a free roaming suugu. Youko had committed a grave mistake in the past, a negligence as the owner of Raku, which she would not allow that fate to repeat itself in Shun's case, a new pet also named after her friend Rakushun.

She was currently sitting on the library, surrounded by piles of books about judges and juries, about legal systems in Imperial China and Feudal Japan, about how to investigate and collect evidence. They were untouched. With a glassy look in her eyes, she turned her head from the rodent to the open window. She had chosen an broad spot with a view to the streets, even with the embarrassing nature of this curse, Youko couldn't remain trapped in her room. A portion of her core was shaken by the claustrophobic nightmare she endured days ago. But Shoukei had it worse.

Keiki had it the worse of all and that made her felt guilty and impotent. She was so worthless, in her stubborn quest for the truth nature of the barrier, she had fallen into those rifts! She had suffered, but it couldn't be compared what the Kirin would have endured that day, knowing his master was being buried alive while a rain of blood stopped him from doing anything.]

I'm sorry, Keiki.

[She closed her eyes, trying to chase that sinking feeling of self-loathing away. She was alive, she told herself inhaling sharply. Kei and Keiki were safe. She didn't let them kill her. Wherever it was Tentei's will or Youko's will, it didn't matter. Youko only wanted a time alone to meditate upon this to prevent future risks, she wanted privacy and for that reason she had sent Hyouki away. Of course, there was still Jouyuu.

Your Majesty?

Cue to him, his voice resounded into her mind, vacillating more than usual.]

Huh. It's okay, you have seen me in my worst already. So I don't mind your presence.

[When his silence was his answer, Youko muttered. Enough of this. She cleared her thoughts from the pessimistic, grim direction to reach out for the first book on her volume pile.

She could have died, but she lived another day. She lived and she was the Glory-King, Empress of Kei; a newfound determination appeared on her green gaze. She was living while her people were dying for the mistakes she was making as a ruler. She couldn't abide for her own incompetence and ignorance.]

87th Journey

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:47:36 GMT

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.

[This won't help me, Youko mutters under her breath. With a frustrated groan, she closes the fourth fictional detective novel and sets it unto the pile. She has started two hours ago, searching anything that could help her with the situation in Wa. She doesn't have the first idea of how to proceed with investigation. In her kingdom, she has mostly followed gut feelings, but she cannot depend on her instict for too long.

I need you here, Enho, she thinks lamely, good humor evaporating. She'll rather not alert or worry her friends about her concerns. Keiki already knows and that's enough. Shoukei has witnessed part of it and she is someone she can turn for a second opinion. In true, I know nothing of how to punish those men when my own Court discredits my authority.

She reclines on the back of her chair, reaching out for a new volume of her stocked pile. 'The Art of War'. Back to the basics, huh? she wonders with a smile shyly tugging up her lips.]

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

86th Journey [Audio]

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:48:42 GMT

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?

[Youko walked on the streets surrounding the Square, paying little attention to the latest fashionable use of shades. She knew what they were for. That morning, she had stared at her own soul when she was done brushing off her teeth after she awoke. She was startled first, recognizing her bright red hair and figure while she climbed a mountain road. The path was difficult to walk on and there were shorter routes to take, some seemed shorter and less rocky to cross than the one she had stubbornly remained on. Then she took notice those easy paths led to the edge of the mountain, to a certain deep end.

The destination was unseen, the top of the mountain was covered with clouds.

At times her soul was wearing a highschool uniform sparingly, her cloth-stained armor after a battle more often-but, she realized, most of the times her spirit was clothed with her royal regalia. The heavy robes and crowd weighted more the road, but she had to bear them. Because she was the ruler of Kei.

Huh. This means right now... I'm not straying from the Way of Heaven?

She couldn't take that question out of her head for the rest of the day, not even when she went to put fresh flowers on Raku-kun's grave. Youko wondered what kind of path was she walking on. Right or wrong, she didn't know what she was doing.

Some empress I am.

She couldn't give up. The harsh reality of that execution in Meikaku had her realized the full scope of how wrong was the kingdom the Prophet had built and it was now her task, as the Glory-King, to set it straight again. Because I am this person. She lifted up her gaze and strolled the crowded streets without shame.]

85th Journey

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:19:46 GMT

[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).

84th Journey

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:07:13 GMT

[Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei | All Files Delivered to Kei Taiho]

HISTORY
For Keiki

In Autumn after twenty-six years from Keien Jou-Ou's death, a new ruler was chosen. The oldest daughter of a merchant family, Jokaku, was enthroned Queen of Kei. Her era was baptized as Yosei, the Era of the Blue Prophet, and the regal color changed to dark green. Her reign is, to date, one of the shortest in the history of the twelve kingdoms. Jokaku was ill-suited for the throne. She shunned from every form of politics while taking comfort in the gardens of the palace and accepting the minister's bribes to listen to their disadvantageous advice.

Towards the end of Summer of the Fifth Year of Yosei, Jokaku completely lost the Way. She banished the women from the palace under the charge of death penalty to those who disobeyed, then from the entire kingdom when that did not suffice. The source of her madness was a misplaced jealousy born from her romantic feelings she experienced towards her Kirin, Keiki. In the Spring of the Sixth Year, her actions caused that the object of her affections, the Taiho Keiki, fell grievously ill with the Shitsudou. The Capital Gyouten was ravaged by fire and pestilence while calamities swallowed the rest of the realm. During the Fifth Month of that Year, Jokaku climbed to Mount Hou and there sought Tentei's Pardon and formally abdicated the Throne, committing suicide to spare Keiki from sharing that death. She was given the Posthumous Name, Yo or the Prophet.

With her sister dead, Joei, the youngest daughter of the merchants who had always had designs for the throne, usurped the crown, proclaiming herself as the new Kei-Ou. The kingdom was plunged into a deeper chaos by her insolence against Heaven's judgment.

In the Third of the Seventh Year of Yosei, Taiho Keiki found and pledged fealty to his second master in Hourai, a sixteen years old high school student called Youko Nakajima. However, before they could arrive safely to the kingdom, they were quickly separated during their journey back from Yamato. Kou-Ou had allied himself with the usurper and kidnapped Keiki, leaving the new empress to a grim fate in his country. After a travel to the Kingdom of En, the Glory-King petitioned the Ever-King of En his help to depose of the pretender; En-Ou complied and he easily defeated Joei's army. In the Eighth Month, the Empress Youko and Keiki ascended to Mount Hou and there she accomplished her Investiture. Her Name was recorded upon the Registry of Gods, and she was formally granted the Title of Kei-Ou. Afterwards, she established the Government by appointing the Six Ministries. Consequently, her ministers baptized her by Sekishi while she designed Sekiraku as the name of her dynasty, restarting the calendar in Kei. And so was inaugurated the Imperial Court of the Red Child, the era of the "Red Happiness."

Signed,

Glory-King Sekishi, Empress of Kei.

[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.

83rd Journey

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:59:48 GMT

[Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei | Continued]

HISTORY
For Keiki

With the Tremendous-King's passing, the throne of Kei became vacant during the next decade and half. The precarious stability she had managed in her reign became shaky and the Six Ministries organized themselves under the position of the Chousai that had gained more defacto power. Twenty-six years passed before the Kirin found the new ruler: another Empress was enthroned as Glory-King of Kei, the color of her banner was a dark blue, near black which made an appealing contrast to Sei-Ou's light grey and white.

Keien was a woman who was opposite to her predecessor. Adventurous and flighty, when the kingdom had fallen into ruins, her family started a life as international minstrels which made her had a fondness for traveling and well-versed in music, theater and culture, but without the patience of a politician. She and her husband, who became the Royal Consort, tried to lead Kei into becoming a kingdom of artists and embraced them as patrons. The economy of the kingdom was too fragile to withstand the opulent need of her administration, leaving the provincial lords to their devices, they sustained her ambitions by rising their taxes to the 80%. Three decades after her coronation, the Taiho became sick with Shitsudou and passed away, a few months later so did the monarch. Once she died, Keien Kei-Ou was known as Jou-Ou or the Artist-King.

Some institutions of the Kingdom of Kei flourished like the Ministry of Spring, but most of the kingdom was impoverished. The formal power of the Chousai only solidified. Jou-Ou skipped most political subjects or focused on their rhetoric presentation.

To this day, most traveling groups often choose to write plays about the Kingdom of Kei in memory of Jou-Ou's former protection.

|

[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]

[It was a familiar scene repeating itself. Youko kneeling in front the small pile of rocks that had become Raku-kun's grave. Kneeling and praying. A lot had happened since she was here last time, something within her had change. The Taisai had died. Killed himself. She had seen death or experienced it in a manner, even in Kinpa Palace, in the mountain over the clouds that oversaw the mortal world below, death happened. The gears of fate had started to move again that threw her into a new journey, one path that must take her to know the people of Kei and answer her question:

What is what makes any kingdom, a great kingdom?

She opened her eyes after finished her prayers and stood. Her gaze went downwards, taking the sight of the white tombstones of the City cemetery. Then, in that moment, she understood at least a little.

Huh.]

Seems I finally get it.

[She murmured to herself, turning around to walk into the proper park, after paying her respects to the departed. A great kingdom... she wasn't too sure if it should be wealthy to be considered great, but at least...

At least I should strive to build one with smaller graveyards.

She must shed blood to get the throne, to defend the throne and to preserve it, but she would try for the tombs be a small hill and not a great mountain.]

82nd Journey

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:15:00 GMT

[Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei | Continued]

HISTORY
For Keiki

After two decades from Tatsu-Ou's passing, the Kirin selected a new ruler. She was an older woman, past her sixties, called Koukei. Koukei did not possess any special political training or high education, her family were blacksmiths, like her husband used to be. A year before she was chosen, she had lost her spouse and one of their children in a youma attack. Some claimed that, even though she had no grasp in the palace intrigue, her commanding presence was feared as well as her temper. It had been speculated by several scholars that, if tragedy would not have touched her in the beginning of her reign, she could have been a good queen.

The yellow of Tatsu-Ou's imperial color was replaced by a shade of grey. In her first royal rescript, Koukei dismissed most of the old Court, boldly removed their names from the register of the immortals under the accusation of neglectful attitude in several provinces when the kingdom was in decline. She was a woman set into her ways, taking revenge for any personal transgressions, but kind and fair to the poor people suffering, reducing their taxes to 5%. She could only reach the fifty year mark in her reign with her inability to listen to any advice but her own and to disobey formal proceedings doomed her. Shitsudou killed Keiki and Koukei died after two months. She was posthumously called Sei-Ou, the Tremendous-King.

|

[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]

[Youko knelt in front of small mount and placed a few wild flowers around the burnt candle that stick out the stones. She had buried Raku-kun yesterday in a clearing, a spot she chose before entering to the proper graveyard. He was wrapped in his favorite blanket; his little body almost bloodless and torn by Shouryuu's suugu last Saturday when the sun didn't rise and the animals acted wild. Raku-kun had been affected and, in the rush to help Rokuta and the others, she had neglected to notice he had scurried away from her room only to attack the furniture of the living to finally meet his demise under Tora's sharp claws. She had yelped and tried to rescue him, but it was too late, even her jewel couldn't heal the damage once the person died and Raku-kun was dead before she could do anything.

It's all my fault.

She stared at the pile of rocks in front of her, feeling her vision become blurry and her cheeks warm and wet by her tears. She bit her lip, but she couldn't stop crying.]

I'm sorry. I failed you.

[If he had been a shirei, Youko thought, bitterly, impotently, feeling angry with herself. He could have survived enough for me to heal him! He would be alive! But she was so worried, so reluctant to come up with an answer that this was the result: he died, not of age, but by accident. That was her arrogance to wait until she had life made the choice for her. Her hands balled up and tightened, she wanted to punch the ground with all her might. She understood that what she just thought was plainly wrong, but she couldn't help to think about it. She was grieving for her pet and that pain made her think terrible ideas.

She would mourn and she would move on. Rationally, that was she had to do as a strong ruler, but for this instant, for this cold, selfish moment she shared with her sorrow, the silence and herself, she would humor wishful thinking.

He wasn't the first life she had to bury. But he had been the first one who was close to her.

It was the fear of understanding that made her realize she would begin to lose people. By age, by accidents, by murders. They would die because they weren't immortal.

While she was the Glory-King and remain until Tentei decided she was unworthy to continue ruling.]

(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!)

81st Journey

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:12:58 GMT

[Assignment: History in the Kingdom of Kei]

HISTORY
For Keiki

During the past three generations, the Eastern Kingdom of Kei has been ruled by women. Their reigns were short-lived and had left the country into chaos by their poor judgment and the periods the throne had remained vacant. The sister of the Prophet-King, Joyei, a woman herself, pretended to be the fourth ruler before I, Sekishi, Kei-Ou, was enthroned by Heavens.

However, Kei used to be a wealthy kingdom once. Kaitatsu is a word of longing to the unique phenomena of longing for an emperor. The origin was in the late Kei-Ou, now known as Tatsu-Ou, who, despite of the hardship he made his people bear at the end of his reign, he was able to govern for over three hundred years of peace. During the known period of prosperity with the King Tatsu and his Taiho, Keirin, Aozaru was sealed into the Suigūtō's sheath by a legendary hisen in service of the emperor: Roushou Shouhaku...|

[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.

[This isn't working. Questions were made, answers were give, but the empress of Kei didn't find her own. She couldn't take this matter lightly, she knew this as she walked into the fountain to stare at the same frozen image of her home in Hourai and and the Kinpa Palace. People who didn't age and people who wouldn't age. The water stirred when her sword moved and the surface glistened with the picture of the fuzzy greycoat of Rakushun's fur. He was reading the same textbook from the last vision. Her lips tugged up into the shadow of a smile that didn't last.

En-Ou's talk about the hurdles a ruler had to overcome didn't sink in until recently when she figured out her pet rat, Raku-kun, had only a year of life at most. She realized that she was taking for granted her strength to stand their losses only because she wouldn't see her classmates or parents again. That she had already accepted their losses, but what of the friends she made in the kingdoms or the City?

What of Rakushun?

Youko sheathed her blade in the damaged scabbard, grimacing by the direction of her thoughts.

Oh, yeahhh, what about the hanjuu? How are you going to show him the kingdom you want to build if he dies before you pick yourself up, missy? The grating voice of the monkey howled at her ear. His laughter cut the air while she turned to leave, trying to show no outward disturbance. Only she could see or hear her misery companion. His words hurt...

They hurt because it was what her heart feared deep down the fortress of her strength.

Was she a true ruler to take the right choice?]

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

80th Journey [accidental video]

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:32:39 GMT

[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).

79th Journey [Voice]

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:49:05 GMT

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

TO DO LIST

→ Food & drinks: 50%
~~→ Present: 100%~~
→ Invitations: 40%
→ Party setting: 0%
~~→ Decorations: 100%~~
→ Cake: 0%
~~→ 529 candles: 100%~~

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]

~~So it is. Let's try this route.~~

We're considering a deal.

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!).

78th Journey [Voice]

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:42:37 GMT

[Notes: People Flood]

NOTES

From the top of my head, I can't remember many details that I should from the visitors that day. I can successfully divide them in three groups: 1) those who know about the workings of these world more than we do; 2) those who are brought from our own worlds as "visitors"; 3) those who are just weird like that silent box.

From our world, Kourin and Jokaku returned that day, and more people arrived from our future. Shoukei, a girl from Hou who lives in Kei, the Emperor of Han, Go Ranjou, and Rikou, a Prince of Sou. They told me something regarding Taiki, but I can't remember the first thing that was about. How could I just forget something so important? Whatever it was, I have my plans and they won't be stopped by anything. The Tai Taiho will be found and rescued, his kingdom will be saved from ruin.

On the matter of the City, I remember my conversation with Riou, a little, but the words exchanged with the other people aren't clear. That seals it. Every important piece of information that made that day worthwhile to tolerate is gone. Geesh.

...Unfortunately, I vividly recall those nasty drawings which involved me, naked, with several people, including strangers or people with designs with my throne. ~~The ones with me dressed and Rakushun are kinda...~~ |

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.~~

77th Journey [Voice]

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:54:23 GMT

[Assignment: Hierarchy in the Kingdom of Kei]

COURT RANKS
For Keiki

This paper is a complement from the delivered general observations made for En Taiho in the Court System within the Twelve Kingdoms. There isn't a known preceding for a different hierarchy disposition.

- Sekishi | Nakajima Youko | Ou

- Seimitsu | Keiki | Taiho

- Seikyou | ??? | Chousai

- Kaki | ??? | Taisai

- Uikyou | ??? | Lord of the Privy Seal

- Jinrai | ??? | General of the Right Division of the Imperial Army

~~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! :( ).

76th Journey [Voice + Action Post]

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:16:56 GMT

[Off line: Apology gift]

[Left on the nightstand of each room: Rin's, Shouryuu's and the Kirins'. Rokuta's chocolates have a peach filling and Keiki's have a lemon one. With a note:

Thanks for putting up with me. I'm sorry.

- Y.]

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?

[Having recorded her confession, Youko took a deep breath and closed her device. She didn't have to keep this a secret. Who knew how many people she had pissed off by her careless actions? She wasn't ashamed to admit how wrong she was, she was ashamed of how wrong she was. Being both an idiot and a jerk to her friends made her stir her own guilt and inferiority complex anew. She wished Rakushun were around here. He always knew what to say, every time she could talk to him, she would feel much better. With his eyes staring at her, whiskers flickering and saying: "Youko..." before sharing a pearl of wisdom.

The sadness of losing him right now deepened because she realized how much she needed him in these moments. If only to hear his voice, she thought, moving out the building to walk on the square. She carried with her the sword and the sapphire, having the intention to drop by the Hospital later and see how is Kenshin's doing. She wanted to give her friends space and give herself a break to know how to make up for everything she did and said.

She stopped near the fountain to unsheathe her sword. The ethereal dripping began and the blade began to glow blue before she dipped its tip on the water fall. Show me En. Show me Rakushun, she ordered. The image that cleared on the water surface wasn't En, it was Kou. A slideshow of how Rakushun rescued her from certain death and how she turned her back on him when she believed he was struck down by the youma.

This is what is in my heart? she wondered, lowering her gaze. Guilt. She wasn't feeling so guilty for what she did yesterday, she realized, but the reminder of what her hurtful actions had done to Rakushun and how she could never really make up for it to him.]

(ooc; Links OOC).

75th Journey [Accidental Video + Action Post]

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 04:51:05 GMT

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).

74th Journey

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:59:38 GMT

[Assignment: Hierarchy in the Twelve Kingdoms Court Second Part]

COURT LESSER RANKS AND MILITARY
For En Taiho

This paper is both a continuation and a supplement to the established hierarchy structure I delivered last week. In it, the lesser ranks within the six ministries and among the shi armies will be deepened. Once again, this Court disposition is replicated in every of the twelve kingdoms and has always been this way.

The Ministry of Earth

- Shoushito | 小司徒 | Vice Minister of the Ministry of Earth. They manage the smaller divisions of land under the minister.
- Denryou | 田猟 | Has assigned the job of recording the population for taxation purposes.
- Suijin | 遂人 | Manages minor land affairs and control.

The Ministry of Fall

- Shoushikou | 小司寇 | Vice Minister.
- Choushi | 朝士 | The only official who can report to the ruler about punishments towards fellows directly. He is who supervises the behavior of other officials.
- Shikei | 司刑 | The Head Judge of the Kingdom.

Ministry of Heaven

- Shousai | 小司宰 | Vice Minister.
-Shousha | 掌舎 | Official who oversees the maintenance of the palace.
- Shikyuu | 司裘 | Charged with the task to design and oversee the uniforms etiquette of courtiers and palace workers.

Ministry of Spring

- Shousouhaku | 小宗伯 | Vice Minister.

Ministry of Summer

- Shoushiba | 小司馬 | Vice Minister.
- Daiboku | 大僕 | The chosen general of imperial bodyguards.
- Shajin | 射人 | The chosen minister of the ruler's personal imperial bodyguards.

Ministry of Winter

- Shoushikuu | 小司空 | Vice Minister.
- Genshi | 玄師 | The smiter and administrator who manufacture winter-weapons.
- Gishi | 技師 | The technology researcher.
- Shoushi | 匠師 | The person in charge to produce goods.

Armies

- Kingun | 禁軍 | The Forbidden Army. Directly under the control of a kingdom's ruler, this army marches under banners with the insignia of a dragon mounted on a purple field signifying royalty and is divided into three sections: the Left, the Right, and the Center. All armies are composed by one black unit* of soldiers.

o Chuugun | 中軍 | Army of the Center. Led by the General of the Center.

o Sagun | 左軍 | Army of the Left. Led by the General of the Left.

o Yuugun | 右軍 | Army of the Right. Led by the General of the Right.

- Shutoshuushi | 首都州師 | The Capital Province Army. Under the control and disposition of the Taiho, this army has the same number of soldiers as the Forbidden Army.**

Notes:
- Bi | 備 | Battle units:
o 黒備 | Black Unit: 12,500 shi.*
o 黄備 | Yellow Unit: 10,000 shi.
o 白備 | White Unit: 7,500 shi.
o 黄備 | Blue Unit: 2,500 shi.

** 37,500 soldiers.

Signed;

Nakajima Youko, Kei-Ou Sekishi.

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).

73rd Journey

Fri, 22 May 2009 22:45:25 GMT

[Assignment: Hierarchy in the Twelve Kingdoms]

RANKS IN COURT
For Enki

The Twelve Kingdoms count with a political structure that exactly the same in each of its countries. From the number of soldiers legally allowed to the Court disposition, it hasn't changed since Tentei remade the world. That consists, ranked from highest to lowest, in:

Rank	Positions in the Court	Notes
Ou (王)	Supreme ruler of the twelve kingdoms. The Emperor. The King.	Their titles carried their country name, but written as a different meaning to indicate their rank. In En, the ruler is called the "Ever-King" while in Kei, the ruler is the "Glory-King." Chosen by their Kirin, ou are immortal and regarded as gods among people. As long a ruler occupies their thrones, calamities will cease in their kingdoms but if they stray from Heaven's Mandate, they will return. Only twelve people can be Ou.
Kou (公)	Saihou (宰輔) more properly addressed Taihou (台輔) can be Princes.	Only Kirin holds the rank of Kou. There can only be twelve.
Kou (侯)	Chousai (冢宰, Prime Minister) Sankou (三公, The Three Advisors): o Taifu \| 太傅 \| The Minister of the Left. o Taiho \| 太保 \| the Minister of the Right. o Taishi \| 太師 \| the Lord of the Privy Seal Syuukou (州侯, Provincial Lords)	The Marquis are the proper bureaucracy beneath the ruler. Among them, the Chousai leads the six ministries.
Haku (伯)	Ministers: Rokukan (六官, The Six Ministers) o Daishito \| 大司徒 \| Minister of State Affairs o Daishikou \| 大司寇 \| Minister of Judicial and Foreign Affairs o Taisai\| 大宰 \| Minister of Imperial Affairs o Daisouhaku \| 大宗伯 \| Minister of Religious Affairs o Daishiba \| 大司馬 \| Minister of Military Affairs o Daishikuu \| 大司空 \| Minister of the Treasury and Economic Development	Consists of two sub-ranks: Count and undersecretary. The Six Ministries: o The Ministry of Earth (Chikan \| 地官) is also the Ministry of the Interior, manages the domestic affairs such as managing the land and controlling the census. o The Ministry of Fall ( Shuukan \| 秋官) manages the judicial affairs in the kingdom. o The Ministry of Heaven (Tenkan \| 天官) is charged with the palace affairs like management, upkeeping and general politics. o The Ministry of Spring ( Shunkan \| 春官) is the one that oversees the school system, ceremonies, rituals and festivals. o The Ministry of Summer ( Kakan \| 夏官) deals with the military affairs. o The Ministry of Winter (Toukan \| 冬官) administrates the economic affairs, produces and sells winter weapons and cares for the national treasure.
Kei (卿)	Kingun Syougun (禁軍将軍, Imperial Guard General)	They are the province ministers or viscounts
Daibu (大夫)	Middle Daibu (中大夫): Suijin (遂人, Chief of Land Affairs) Shajin (射人, Chief of the ruler's Bodyguards) Lower Daibu (下大夫): Tyoushi (朝士, Commissioner)	The Barons consist of three sub-ranks: Upper (上), Middle (中), Lower (下).
Shi (士)	The calvary soldiers. The Oushi (王師, Imperial Army) are the Upper ranked	The Knights consist of three sub-ranks: Upper (上), Middle (中), Lower (下). There are 20 cavalry to every one air cavalry, and eight infantry to every cavalry.

Signed;

Nakajima Youko, Sekishi Kei-Ou.

P.S. I know, I know. I'm missing the number of units, the majority of the armies and most of the subministers positions but I was out of space.

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.

72nd Journey

Tue, 12 May 2009 03:23:46 GMT

[Off line: Found printed but illegible run out by ink in Youko's trash bin]

THE ART OF WAR
By Sun Tzu

Preface: A leader must become a strategist. Strategy is a process by which one can study exactly what will work in order to overcome future challenges:a powerful tool which helps people to understand the thinking process of others, which in turn assists them in predicting how they will behave in a given situation. By training and becoming a strategist, one is provided with the winning edge in case of a war.

The Art of War is divided in thirteen chapters:

► Detail Assessment and Planning
► Waging War
► Strategic Attack
► Disposition of the Army
► Forces
► Weaknesses and Strengths
► Military Maneuvers
► Variations and Adaptability
► Movement and Development of Troops
► Terrain
► The Nine Battlegrounds
► Attacking with Fire
► Intelligence and Espionage

The first chapter (Detail Assessment and Planning or Laying Down Plans) introduces me to Sun's ideas of the importance to learn the art of war. He calls it "vital" to the state and a "matter of life or death", a road to "safety or ruin." There are five basic factors that make up Sun Tzu's philosophy of strategy. They are: 1. Tao (Moral Law, Ethic, or simply the Way); 2. Tien (Heaven, weather Climate or timing); 3. Di (Terrain, Earth or Ground; 4. Jiang (Leadership or Command); 5. Fa (Methods, discipline and management). The first one compromises the fealty of the people to their leader, the second

~~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.~~

[She didn't wait for any reply from her roommates, Youko packed her stuff in a sack and left the apartment immediately. She had been there for too long, anxious about the monster, worried about the Kirins, and secretly affected by the times she had as a child. It wasn't fair at all. Youko had taken a choice, promised to not regret it, only to have her old life shoved back at her? Halcyon Days when she didn't worry about being a good leader or learn the art of war.

She didn't want to go back. She couldn't go back.

A week later came mother's day and the posts in the Network opened too many cans of worms she couldn't ignore so easily. She really wished Keiki didn't act like her mom during that day.

She walked in direction of the fountain, sword in one hand and a handmade Happy Mother's day in the other. She had written it yesterday, but couldn't deliver it on Sunday. She couldn't let Keiki by himself while he as a fussing mother hen and the hair monster was still loose. Youko wondered if her sentimentality would make her any good. The edge of her blade glowed blue as she stretched her arm to touch the water.

The image of her mother was conjured up, static, always unmoving in Youko's room, waiting for a daughter who would never return.

She allowed the tears first, guilt eating her inside. Mom... I'm sorry. She gazed down, at the card she had made in bright neat colors, wishing her a good holiday and dropped into the waters. The paper floated there for a while, the ink was running out in the water. Happy Mother's Day, mom, Youko silently wished, looking at Ritsuko Nakajima's fading image before sheathing her sword and turning to leave.

The priorities couldn't be set by sympathy. Her mother missed her, but she could live without her. The people of Kei didn't miss her, yet another Queen in a long line of bad empresses, but they couldn't make it without her enthroned.

I wish I could be as lucky as Umi and her friends. But I'm not. Right now... the Youko Nakajima who was your daughter already died.

Youko lifted her chin. She had already chosen and she would not hesitate to make it until she reached the end of her journey.]

71st Journey [Accidental Voice/Video]

Sun, 03 May 2009 05:46:28 GMT

...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.]

70th Journey

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:53:38 GMT

[Offline]

LIST

► 五輪書 (The Book of Five Rings) by Miyamoto Musashi.
► 孫子兵法 (The Art of War) by Sun Tzu.
► Siyāsatnāma (Book of Government) by Nizam al-Mulk.
► The Cyropaedia (The Education of Cyrus) by Xenophon.
► Il Principe (The Prince) by Niccolò Machiavelli.
► Vom Kriege (On War) by Carl von Clausewitz.
► ???

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?

[Youko Nakajima stared at her list of literature to read about; while Keiki and Enki were good teachers, they would only instruct her in politics as a Kirin knew about without the ruthlessness human beings possessed and therefore, her training would be lacking something. Of her list, she had managed to secure a copy of The Art of War already and still kept looking for the others in the endless supplies of unnecessary volumes provided by the Library. She sighed, circling the name of Sun Tzu's classic as already obtained, and finding herself unable to focus in reading the book she actually had.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

The noise of the pouring rain stung her ears. She always liked rain and, in normal circumstances, this wouldn't be a trouble. But due to her connection with the sword and bad timing via the anxiety dominant in the atmosphere because of the upcoming battle, she couldn't help but stare at horrorfying images reflected on the blade and projected inside her mind.

She couldn't sleep last night and the night before. She couldn't have a lasting moment of peace since the rain started. Youko looked slightly haggard, consumed by the concern and worried about mistaking reality with visions.

It wasn't this bad in Kou, was it? Youko recalled the one time she was agonizing under a small flood, abandoned in a mountain path where she met Rakushun. Perhaps her fever and own suicidal intent had diminished the effects, but she didn't remember it to be as bad. Maybe it's me. Maybe it's because I want to know so badly that the sword reflect this.

Useless information, but with her heart unable to control itself and buried in frustration, Youko was guessing that the rain simply provided an amplification to what was already there. The young ruler took the sword and slowly slid it out the dead scabbard. To what I refuse to see.]

69th Journey

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:04:47 GMT

[Assignment: Geography of the Eastern Kingdom of Kei]

MAP
For Keiki

The Kingdom of Kei is a land country, located at the east of the Twelve Kingdoms. Neighboring countries of Kei are the Kingdom of En, that has had a lasting 500 years reign which made it peaceful and wealthy, and the Kingdom of Kou which currently has no ruler sitting upon over the throne. As long the ranka doesn't hatch and the Kirin doesn't appoint a new person as Naze-King, disasters will befall Kou and Kei is expected to have a wave of refugees from that country.

Kei is divided nine provinces in total within them, there are districts, prefectures, countries and cities.

The names of those Provinces are: Baku, Bu, Ken, Ki, Sei, Sen, Wa, You. Finally there is Ei Province.

The Saiho of Kei is the provincial leader of Ei and its capital, Gyouten, serves as well as the kingdom's Capital. In Gyouten, standing on top of a mountain above the sea of clouds, there is Kinpa Palace, Goldenwave, the home of both Kirin, Ruler and their Court.

Signed;

Nakajima Youko; Sekishi Kei-Ou

This comes off as a moment of late reflection, but since I've been not posting about anything here, maybe I should take it out my chest, huh? What is the value of life to each of us? To what ends we continue to cling into it and which motives we might have to simply give up? Last curse gave those who were dead a heartbeat, but that alone is defined as life in a place like this? Because there is death and there is death like that graveyard near Xanadu where nobody ever puts a flower and we're not even sure if real people are buried in there. So what about life? What about how we choose to lead every day and the consequences of our actions?

If it hurts so much, it could be over in a moment.

I used to hear that grating voice sometimes in my head and sometimes outside in a vision. I just resolved to never give up. Huh. Turns up fine because my death right now doesn't belong to me. Noooot completely. My life keeps being my own.

Well, seriously heavy topic aside, is anybody around who could teach me strategy or warfare and leadership tips?

Akane? Didn't you say about a carnival the other day?

[Konata]

I'll like another session soon. Are you still up those?

[It had been a while she has visited the Lux. In fact, it felt wrong this time she was sitting on a table rather than guarding the door. She still kept an eye out for trouble, sword firmly sheathed on her lap beneath the table. Youko gave people a chance now but she still had a paranoid streak that had kept her alive for so long.

She sipped at her soda, losing all sense of appetite to the snacks she had ordered. She needed a place to think, one she didn't find complete silence. Because when it was still and quiet, the whispers of her blade grew stronger, the weakness in her heart.

Kourin and the young Prophet left and she was selfishly relieved of those exits. That day, she was debating inwardly between striking Kourin before she had a chance to hurt anyone again and grant her clemency. She knew the female Taiho didn't want to hurt a soul, but the ghost of injury in her right hand the memories of her chase, the starvation and deadly fever did speak stronger than her rational forgiving mind.

Sure, she had pleaded for her security, but within she was torn in turmoil. A turmoil she knew it was wrong.

Maybe I'm still a horrible person and I haven't changed at all.]

68th Journey

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:55:58 GMT

[Assignment: Geography of the Twelve Kingdoms for Enki | Copy delivered to Keiki]

MAP
For En Taiho

This is the world we live created by Tentei, the supreme God of Heavens. According to legend, a long time ago, Tentei turned everything into ranka except for five gods and twelve humans. Then, He gave a branch with three different seeds to each of the twelve humans who remained in the world; each branch had a snake wrapped around them. The snake lifted the sky, and the seeds fell and turned into the land, country, and throne. The branch became a brush. This was how the world was created and the twelve kingdoms emerged.

- Kingdom: There are twelve kingdoms in the world: En, Kei, Kou, Han, Hou, Ren, Kyou, Sai, Ryuu, Sou, Shun and Tai. Each kingdom is ruled by an emperor or king chosen by their Kirin who followed Tentei's wishes.

- Sea: framing the kingdoms there are five seas: The Black Sea, the Red Sea, the White Sea, the Blue Sea, and the Sea of Emptiness that connects Hourai with the Twelve Kingdoms. At the center of the world, there is also the Yellow Sea, but this a "sea" in name alone for is a landmass, not a body of water where the sages of Mount Hou and other important beings carry out their duties.

- Province: Within the kingdoms, there are nine provinces in each of them with a varied of prefectures they could have.

- District: Every district has four prefectures that are governed by the viceroys.

- Prefecture: Every prefecture is divided in five counties.

- City: There exists two kinds of cities in this world. One is a jurisdictions created for administrative purposes only. These "cities" contain the county and prefecture seats of every district. The other type of cities are walled communities.

- Township: Jurisdictions created for administrative purposes only.

- Town: Towns are walled communities smaller than the cities that overseen by Elders.

- Hamlet: Unwalled farming settlements that are used during spring and summer before the dwellers moved into the towns or cities during winter.

Signed;

Nakajima Youko, Sekishi Kei-Ou.

Well... "Trinity Hall" didn't resemble my school at all; they far less strict and nobody got on my case because I'm redhead. It must be the extra pressure they put on the Japanese education system and traditions, but it made me think over the past. I don't know if I really miss high school, it sure brought up "fond" memories about how easy life used to be when your only worries were about study, shallow socializing and graduating to get into a good College and move on with your life. Those were the easy years, but that was a lifestyle many of us have chosen to leave behind because it's not what we must do anymore even if a little corner of our heart will belong to those days.

Huh. But here I am, still studying although for different purposes.

Rakushun? Man, you were really nervous last night. I, uhh, ~~thanks for coming with me~~ I found you an archery teacher. See City reminds us we shouldn't slack off from our lessons. Let's go and buy you a bow for you to start next week. If that's fine with Kate-sensei.

Enki? Keiki? Did you get my manuscript?

67th Journey [Voice/Video]

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:32:55 GMT

I am who I am!

I... I am who I've always been, nothing more! Not once have I ever been anything other than myself. Call me king or kaikyaku, that has nothing to do with me! Rakushun, you're the one I've come all this way with.

I'm not the one who's far away. It's your feelings that are! You and I are standing no more than two steps apart!

...

Huh. This curse is real intense about our private stuff. I'm sorry, Rakushun.

(ooc; Go to 7:45-9:03, bit different from the novel sequence ~~like no En Ou and Enki stalkers~~ but it'll do. Zully hope you don't mind ;_; Comment log for Rakushun? Journal to others).

66th Journey

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:52:35 GMT

[Private]

I won't forget the lessons I've learned during that day. The memories and facts fade away, but the sentiment remains intact. I can't for life recall the faces of my parents or the sound of their voices. That feeling of anger and helplessness was a taste of what the citizens of Kei had been suffering all these years when the throne was empty or occupied by an empress.

The era of Yosei ended, this is the beginning of Sekiraku.

I will become a good Queen.

Now that you are here by my side, Rakushun, would you help me to plan how to build a kingdom without none of those horrors? ~~It's scary. The past that wasn't mine and what I could become if I messed up.~~

Huh. That was a weird curse. I think there's no need to point out that I'm nobody's wife, mother or biological sister, right? I'll never become none of these either.

Sorry that you had to endure a curse so soon, Rakushun. I'd planned to take you shopping yesterday, so you could buy more clothes to wear in your human form. We can do that today. You'll need to become used to that body to pass your riding and archery courses at the University; it'll be a good idea to not waste time and practice while we're trapped here. We can ask around if there are instructors to teach you those disciplines.

I guess I'll have to teach you more about computers to you too.

Keiki, uhh, I'm so sorry about what happened the other day. I've already accepted and I want to renew my lessons the sooner as possible. I know you were cursed last Saturday, but I grateful for your words of encouragement. ~~That was nice while it lasted.~~ Right, I almost forgot. Taiki wanted to go to the zoo someday. Would you and En Taiho take him?

Sooo...

Was it a curse, Moro?

[Kenshin]

I saw her arrival...

[Her life in Hourai had been privileged: she had never starved or felt the touch of the deadly winter, she had put her life on line, she had never been exiled for what she was nor her family had been slain by tyrannical laws or by demons. They were harsh on her because of her hair color, but their deride and snide remarks weren't in the same level of execution. Her stomach turned to the idea of how many families had been destroyed by the Prophet's madness.

While Youko Nakajima wasn't Youshi, she could never forget the hardships Youshi went through as a regular person who wasn't a Queen chased by an envious peer. She couldn't because it was the history of many common people that were depending on her.

So she went to try again with her heart and mind clear from lingering doubts. She couldn't turn her back her choice. Maybe it was Rakushun's presence that lent her this confidence or the lasting mood since that curse struck her. She took the sword out the shattered scabbard and placed its tip on the falling water in the fountain. The blade glowed when the images began to appear on the surface.

Show me Kei.

The blurry reflection of Tokyo faded to display a less wealthy sight - the images of a country in ruin with poor homes and dry soil; the numerous graves at the cemetery. Youko flinched at the misery but didn't tear her eyes from the water. How could she ignore this? In the midst of the horrifying sight, she realized something to rescue. There were women among them. The refugees and exiled had come back, family reunited, with the growing hope to rebuild their lives. There was a speck of faith in the sea of despair.]

65th Journey [Voice]

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:21:04 GMT

Did this work at last? Man, it’s hard to make this strange gizmo work. There’s nothing like this in Kei or in Kou.

Huh. I’ve never thought I would be around here a complete year, but soon it’ll be my anniversary. I came to this strange new world in the Fifth Month, last year, 2008? I never asked but 2008 of what? Reign of these deities? Adjusting to this new technology and world has been hard at the beginning, thank god we don’t have language barriers among us or I’ve been driven crazy.

I remember it was the second month of the seventh year of Yosei to me. That witch Jokaku had finally passed away. I’m glad she paid for everything… I don't want to give details. There’s still hope next ruler wouldn’t be a woman, third in a row of bad empresses? No, thanks, we’re done with queens.

I guess that every world has its own issues. Like the curses here. Nobody should be forced to do or feel things against their will; that's denigrating our condition of masters of our own lives! And... well, Hourai was supposed to have rich lands with roads paved on gold according to our legends, but Rin’s descriptions of it didn’t make it sound too different from our kingdoms. I just hope Rakushun and his mother are still okay. I really miss them.

…Maybe is time I get another job here. I won’t be sixteen forever.

Soo, Ryoga? Akane? Rin? Kagehisa? Any plans for—

[Pauuuuuuuuse]

Hahh? Who are you and what are you doing in my house?! Go on! Answer!

(ooc; Youko isn’t a Taika, she was born in Kei with a loving set of middle class parents who afforded education and nurtured her independence until Kei-Ou/Prophet went crazies and banned women from Kei, her mother refused to leave, so she was executed. Daddy took Youko and fled into Kou but the Youma attacked them and her uncles in the borders, they died and her papers were lost, so wee!Youko was illegally wandering inside Kou until she was picked by Rakushun and his mother –like you didn’t see that coming- she lived with Rakushun for years, studied together his father's books, grew close-close and decided to leave to En before she was taken into the “City”, also thinks Rin and Anotsu are real husband and wife. She’s got different issues. No pleasing people, more jaded anger but outspoken political streak for her, but Rakushun’s presence/influence has restrained it.

She has spotted Keiki and has grabbed a paper umbrella to confront him! Ph43r.

OH, KIRINS, she doesn't remember ANY of you three living with her, she remembers other people. Haaaaaaaave fun. :D

EDIT: HER NAME ISN'T YOUKO, IT'S Youshi which has the same meaning, but YANNO, is 12K-verse language).