IMPORTANT STUFF: Digimon does not belong
to me, and the Final Fantasy series is Squaresoft's, of course.
Beware of my ramblings at the end.
"Imperfections of Man"
The young man paced back and forth in the study, wearing most of the red carpet out by now. He had been in a nervous state since his father left that morning towards the royal palace for a meeting with the king and Council. He wished he could attend, but the matter was of the country in relation to the others after the end of the Gennai Wars, so having his teenaged self there only spite the members of the Council.
He sighed and took a break from his worriment in front of the bay window, staring out to the front gates below. His father would be back soon after seven days, like he had promised, and then they would discuss the country's situation further.
As young as he was, his father thought highly of him ever since he accompanied the man to the royal court two years ago, in preparation for one of the climatic battles of the war. Despite his hatred towards violence, he had joined his father and others in planning the battle in hopes of soon ending the pointless war. And it was then that he openly expressed his feelings to the king about how much the people have suffered and even predicted that the war wouldn't last for another two years.
The majority merely entertained his predictions, but his father had faith in his son's words. Although they didn't mind the boy tagging along, his voice was still heard through his father's reasoning since the man was a close advisor to the king even though he was only a scholar--but a scholar of history, who analyzed the ways of the old system in governing and such. This was an advantage to the king that allowed him favor among his subjects.
He turned around when he heard the door creak open, followed by a voice, "Koushiro?" The door opened wider, and a middle-aged woman stepped into the room, carrying a tray of tea and sweets. "Honey, you've waited all morning. I'm sure he'll be home soon." She set the tray down on the table and walked over to her son. "Come, even a young scholar needs to eat," she said, coaxing him over to the snack.
He smiled and obediently followed her. The mother and son sat down and began to dine. During that time, they chatted about the nice weather and the events that are expected to occur around the town with the harvest month approaching.
Sipping the warm tea, her eyes wandered across the table and caught several books laying open. She picked up a green-bounded one and read the underlined sentence, "'Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.' Hmm, something your father would agree on."
Koushiro smiled as she handed the book to him. "It's a rather interesting book in its discussion on the evolution of man, from knowledge to power. It tends to be pessimistic on the human nature: greed provokes man to wage war." He paused, folding the corver of the page and closed the book. "It's very nerving to think in such a way, but that is the reality we face about ourselves."
She nodded slightly and stood up. He watched her walk over to the window as she spoke calmly, "Reality may be dark and cruel at times, but you must remember, Koushiro, of a little thing call 'hope'." She turned around to face him and waved a hand towards the shelves of books, "You can read all the books in the world and have the knowledge of centuries, but nothing compares to the wisdom gained through experience." She returned to his side, graciously taking small steps, until she stood in front of him.
She smiled down to him like the gentle mother she was and placed a hand over his chest, where his heart laid. "Nothing can compare to what is here." She drew away as he sat there and contemplate on her words.
He had to agree that it was a part of human nature to be idealistic of the world, but he, on the other hand, had always been practical. In a time when suffering and sorrow loomed over the people, it was their faith and hope that kept them going. The perseverance of the heart is one amazing thing. Perhaps he should understand life rather than seek the endless knowledge of the world.
Suddenly, the door burst opened, and a servant rushed in, breathing heavily. "MY LADY!" he huffed out, "An army of about 100 soldiers have entered the city and are heading this way!"
"What?!" Koushiro stood up abruptly, knocking over his cup of tea. "Father didn't leave with that many. Did you see him with the soldiers?"
He shook his head, "I'm not sure, but someone said they saw Shue among them."
"Just Shue? This doesn't make sense."
"Well," his mother began, "we will not know by sitting here." She made her way for the door as the servant stepped aside to let her through. Koushiro immediately followed her. The trio descended the grand staircase that winded down to the open hall. Two different servants opened both front doors for the lady of the house and her son, and just as they stepped outside, the horde of soldiers passed through the gates of the Izumi compound.
Following the army, the crowds of curious citizens watched the scene unfold, but the head commander ordered half the soldiers to fall back and keep them away. He then continued down the pathway up to the steps of the mansion and halted his troop with a raise of his hand. He stepped forward and took his helmet off before a slight head bow to Lady Izumi.
Koushiro studied the clean-shaven man with his hair sleeked back and the stern face of a thirty-year-old. Nothing was outstanding with the man, and Koushiro found him rather harmless, but it was the younger man to his right that bothered him. He narrowed his eyes a bit, suspicious of the smirk on his face. The eyes were slits of dark-green as he eyed each person of the Izumi household.
He tried to push his thoughts of the man aside, but only succeeded in doing so when he recognized Shue, his father's attendant farther back with two soldiers on either side of him.
"I am Commander Ichirou," the older man announced, "I have been ordered to escort Sir Shue here."
"Where is my father?" Koushiro impatiently cut in, noting the smirk growing wider on the other man's face, and he didn't like it.
The man gave a small wave to the commander, as if brushing him aside, and stepped forward, introducing himself, "My name is Shao Fei, part of His Majesty's Research Council."
"Research Council?" Koushiro repeated in bewilderment. Not only was he unfamiliar and confused on the council, but the name of 'Shao Fei' didn't ring a bell either. He knew all of his father's friends and even mere acquaintances. The man was very suspicious indeed, but Koushiro was more worried for his father's safety. "I haven't heard of such a thing, and what research is this? Does my father have anything to do with this?"
Instead of answering his questions, Shao directed the conversation to Lady Izumi, "If you would be so kind, My Lady, to have this conversation inside?"
"Certainly, sir," she smiled politely, gesturing him inside. Before Koushiro followed them in, he noted the commanded had quietly ordered his soldiers to be posted around the mansion. Shue was released, and Koushiro immediately pulled him aside.
"Is father all right?" he asked.
Shue nodded, "He's fine, but the king has detained him at the castle. I'm not sure of what went on, but I overheard something about a 'Crest'."
"A 'Crest'? Hmm, it probably has something to do with this Research Council," he said quietly, trailing behind his mother and Shao a good distance. They entered an empty gathering room, where a huge mural of colored glass decorated the front wall. Everyone seated themselves at the rectangular table, and the commander came in, closing the door after his entrance.
"As I have said before," Shao began, "I am with the Research Council. The research is on..." He paused, wondering how to phrase his next words. "Well, let me ask you this: you have heard about the 'Legend of the Crests of Destiny', haven't you?"
"The 'Crests of Destiny'?" Lady Izumi looked puzzled, but she nodded her head, a little uncertain, "I vaguely remember if from my childhood. But it was only a legend."
"Legend or not, we will clarify this when we have the Crests."
"I don't know understand."
"It is not for you to understand, My Lady," he frowned, and Koushiro didn't like the rude tone he used on his mother. "It is believe that one of these Crests resides in this home. His Majesty has ordered Lord Izumi to hand it over to us. Unfortunately, he has denied any knowledge or possession of it." He clasped his hands together and leaned forward menacingly, "But I find that hard to believe."
Koushiro stood up, pounding the table top, "How reliable are your sources on this information, Shao-san? You should not base your conclusions on mere rumors. And even if we do have a Crest, why would we hide anything from His Majesty? The Izumis have been loyal to the royal house for many generations."
Shao leaned back into his chair, throwing an amused look in Koushiro's direction. "Aah, the young Izumi I've heard so much about. Like father like son, I must say. But as for your questions, little one, it's true your household as served His Majesty with great loyalty, but over time, things change. And people are no exception. We are only mortals, the creation of God's power, molded in His likeness YET with imperfections."
"Shao-san, you make our existence seem loathsome," Lady Izumi interrupted. "Aren't our imperfections what makes each of us who we are? If we were all like God, in every way, then our lives would not have greed and war, pain and sorrows. If we never experience the dark side of life, we would not know of the preciousness of life itself."
The man chuckled, "Yes yes, you are correct, My Lady. But we should discuss these philosophical matters another time. The longer we delay the search for the Crest, the longer your husband is a guest at the castle."
"Very well," she said. "Even if I had protested in the search, you would only deject my words and forcefully turn this place into chaos."
"A wise woman, you are," he chuckled. "Commander, have your troops begin the search. Don't overlook any holes and cracks." The commander nodded and left the room, and Shao turned back to the mother and son, "And it is best if you remained here for the rest of the day." He stood up and left the room, but right after his departure, two soldiers entered for guard duty.
Having strict orders not to overlook anything, it took the soldiers most of the day to get through half the compound, including the storage houses in the back, the stables, and several buildings. The end of the day soon fell upon them, but Shao wouldn't let them rest. During that time, Koushiro and his mother remained quiet, with the two soldiers present, even until dinner.
The maids brought any the food, and Lady Izumi turned to the soldiers and said, "Why don't you join us?" The pair looked at one another, wanting to accept the kindness, but they were soldiers on duty and shouldn't be distracted.
"At least have a drink," a maid insisted and poured each of them a cup of wine. She smiled as she served them. And with just one drink wouldn't hurt, they rationalized. After one cup, it was so addicting, and the maid happily poured one after another until they were drunk.
"Thank you, Saya," Lady Izumi smiled. The young woman nodded and left, closing the door securely after her leave.
Koushiro had seen the mischievous smile his mother wore. "Mother, you had Saya purposely get them drunk?" She nodded, pushing her uneaten food aside, and stood up. "What are we going to do?" he asked, watching walk towards the mural of glass.
"Come here, sweetie," she beckoned him to her side. They stood there in silence until she spoke again, "Perhaps it wasn't legend." He looked at her if she had grown an extra head on the spot. Her hand reached up to a violet glass and caressed the surface with great care. Then her fingers traced around the edge and pressed hard against the filled plaster that held the glasses together.
Koushiro watched in awe as the plaster sunk inwards, revealing what he had thought was just glass. His mother held the round, violet stone in her hand for him to see clearly. "There is a reason your father kept it from the king. If the twelve Crests are gathered, whoever possesses them will have immense power. From the legend, you should know how much destruction they can cause--even if it was to destroy the demon, it sacrificed many lives."
He nodded, understanding the grave situation. "If the king had them, it would only start another war."
"That is why you must leave before they discover it," she said. He looked at her appalled at such a suggestion. She took his hand and placed the stone in it. "There is no time to object, Koushiro. For your father, for the future of this land, you have to take it out of here." She pulled him along to the far right end of the mural and pressed another violet glass. Part of the mural pushed back and revealed a small passageway.
"We were lucky they left us here," she commented. "After you leave the city, go find your friend, Taichi Yagami. We haven't heard anything of him after the war, but I have a feeling he's still alive. Find him, and I'm sure everything will be all righ."
"Why Tai, mother?"
"His father also had a Crest." Before he could say anything else, his mother shoved him into the dark passageway. "Don't worry about me and the others. They won't dare do a thing to us. Take care, my son." That was the last thing he heard when the wall closed again, and he was in darkness.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The quotation in this part is from Meditations Divine and Moral [1664] by Anne Bradstreet. Just call me 'weird', but I like the quotation. Hee.
Okies, I am VERY, VERY sorrie for taking like FOREVER with this story! Ideas for Final Fantasy VII drew me away from it, and then my computer crashed TWICE--the second time I had to send off for repairs. Hmm, I think that's enough excuses, huh? And I'm not sure if Koushiro's out of character here... It's kinda hard putting him into this situation, but anyway I hope it's okay. (I might revise it later...)s
Aaah, well... I apologize I can't respond to all the reviews personally, but thank you, thank you for them!!! (I haven't had a flame... yet.) Really, they make me feel very good AND motivated to continue it for you guys! SO, here's the layout for the NEXT chapter, which will have FIVE parts!
Chapter Two: Crossroads of Destiny
PART I: Forever Rivals - That's a *dead* give away. Some action here!
PART II: Chasing Bullets and Arrows - If you notice their weapons, you can figure out who here. More action!
PART III: Common Grounds - Err, it's a working title. Gosh, there's action here too.
PART IV: The Price for Knowledge - Hee, it's Koushiro's part... but with who?! Hmm, don't know 'bout the action though...
PART V: Legends and Realities - [shrugs] Leftovers. *giggle* Just kidding! Oh, also a working title. And yes, action!
And romance? Just a bit... but mostly friendships. Although the expected couples will be: TaiOra, MiMato, TaKari... (Sorrie, MiChi, SoraTo, DaiKari fans--although I like MiChi's too.) Not sure about KouYako or KenYako yet... If KouYako, then I'll have KenSuke. Now that the majority of the couples are set out, I'm sure I'll lose half my readers now, huh? Oh well, I can't please 'em all. But thanks for sticking around THIS long.
And before I go... with all 12 character parts, what impression does this story give you? How's my writing? Is it boring? Too little (or too much) description? Not enough humor? Action? Romance? Give me the criticism! I can take it! (You can email if you'd like. And I'm sorrie if I sound demanding on a semi-professional critique, but it'll give me an idea on how my story-writing/telling is.)
AAAAAAHH!! [slaps her hands] Bad, bad hands!! Too much typing, they don't want to read all THAT. *.*
A Digimon & Final Fantasy Tactics Fusion
DIGITAL FANTASY: LEGEND OF THE TWELVE DIGI-CRESTS
written by K-chan
"Imperfections of Man"
The young man paced back and forth in the study, wearing most of the red carpet out by now. He had been in a nervous state since his father left that morning towards the royal palace for a meeting with the king and Council. He wished he could attend, but the matter was of the country in relation to the others after the end of the Gennai Wars, so having his teenaged self there only spite the members of the Council.
He sighed and took a break from his worriment in front of the bay window, staring out to the front gates below. His father would be back soon after seven days, like he had promised, and then they would discuss the country's situation further.
As young as he was, his father thought highly of him ever since he accompanied the man to the royal court two years ago, in preparation for one of the climatic battles of the war. Despite his hatred towards violence, he had joined his father and others in planning the battle in hopes of soon ending the pointless war. And it was then that he openly expressed his feelings to the king about how much the people have suffered and even predicted that the war wouldn't last for another two years.
The majority merely entertained his predictions, but his father had faith in his son's words. Although they didn't mind the boy tagging along, his voice was still heard through his father's reasoning since the man was a close advisor to the king even though he was only a scholar--but a scholar of history, who analyzed the ways of the old system in governing and such. This was an advantage to the king that allowed him favor among his subjects.
He turned around when he heard the door creak open, followed by a voice, "Koushiro?" The door opened wider, and a middle-aged woman stepped into the room, carrying a tray of tea and sweets. "Honey, you've waited all morning. I'm sure he'll be home soon." She set the tray down on the table and walked over to her son. "Come, even a young scholar needs to eat," she said, coaxing him over to the snack.
He smiled and obediently followed her. The mother and son sat down and began to dine. During that time, they chatted about the nice weather and the events that are expected to occur around the town with the harvest month approaching.
Sipping the warm tea, her eyes wandered across the table and caught several books laying open. She picked up a green-bounded one and read the underlined sentence, "'Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.' Hmm, something your father would agree on."
Koushiro smiled as she handed the book to him. "It's a rather interesting book in its discussion on the evolution of man, from knowledge to power. It tends to be pessimistic on the human nature: greed provokes man to wage war." He paused, folding the corver of the page and closed the book. "It's very nerving to think in such a way, but that is the reality we face about ourselves."
She nodded slightly and stood up. He watched her walk over to the window as she spoke calmly, "Reality may be dark and cruel at times, but you must remember, Koushiro, of a little thing call 'hope'." She turned around to face him and waved a hand towards the shelves of books, "You can read all the books in the world and have the knowledge of centuries, but nothing compares to the wisdom gained through experience." She returned to his side, graciously taking small steps, until she stood in front of him.
She smiled down to him like the gentle mother she was and placed a hand over his chest, where his heart laid. "Nothing can compare to what is here." She drew away as he sat there and contemplate on her words.
He had to agree that it was a part of human nature to be idealistic of the world, but he, on the other hand, had always been practical. In a time when suffering and sorrow loomed over the people, it was their faith and hope that kept them going. The perseverance of the heart is one amazing thing. Perhaps he should understand life rather than seek the endless knowledge of the world.
Suddenly, the door burst opened, and a servant rushed in, breathing heavily. "MY LADY!" he huffed out, "An army of about 100 soldiers have entered the city and are heading this way!"
"What?!" Koushiro stood up abruptly, knocking over his cup of tea. "Father didn't leave with that many. Did you see him with the soldiers?"
He shook his head, "I'm not sure, but someone said they saw Shue among them."
"Just Shue? This doesn't make sense."
"Well," his mother began, "we will not know by sitting here." She made her way for the door as the servant stepped aside to let her through. Koushiro immediately followed her. The trio descended the grand staircase that winded down to the open hall. Two different servants opened both front doors for the lady of the house and her son, and just as they stepped outside, the horde of soldiers passed through the gates of the Izumi compound.
Following the army, the crowds of curious citizens watched the scene unfold, but the head commander ordered half the soldiers to fall back and keep them away. He then continued down the pathway up to the steps of the mansion and halted his troop with a raise of his hand. He stepped forward and took his helmet off before a slight head bow to Lady Izumi.
Koushiro studied the clean-shaven man with his hair sleeked back and the stern face of a thirty-year-old. Nothing was outstanding with the man, and Koushiro found him rather harmless, but it was the younger man to his right that bothered him. He narrowed his eyes a bit, suspicious of the smirk on his face. The eyes were slits of dark-green as he eyed each person of the Izumi household.
He tried to push his thoughts of the man aside, but only succeeded in doing so when he recognized Shue, his father's attendant farther back with two soldiers on either side of him.
"I am Commander Ichirou," the older man announced, "I have been ordered to escort Sir Shue here."
"Where is my father?" Koushiro impatiently cut in, noting the smirk growing wider on the other man's face, and he didn't like it.
The man gave a small wave to the commander, as if brushing him aside, and stepped forward, introducing himself, "My name is Shao Fei, part of His Majesty's Research Council."
"Research Council?" Koushiro repeated in bewilderment. Not only was he unfamiliar and confused on the council, but the name of 'Shao Fei' didn't ring a bell either. He knew all of his father's friends and even mere acquaintances. The man was very suspicious indeed, but Koushiro was more worried for his father's safety. "I haven't heard of such a thing, and what research is this? Does my father have anything to do with this?"
Instead of answering his questions, Shao directed the conversation to Lady Izumi, "If you would be so kind, My Lady, to have this conversation inside?"
"Certainly, sir," she smiled politely, gesturing him inside. Before Koushiro followed them in, he noted the commanded had quietly ordered his soldiers to be posted around the mansion. Shue was released, and Koushiro immediately pulled him aside.
"Is father all right?" he asked.
Shue nodded, "He's fine, but the king has detained him at the castle. I'm not sure of what went on, but I overheard something about a 'Crest'."
"A 'Crest'? Hmm, it probably has something to do with this Research Council," he said quietly, trailing behind his mother and Shao a good distance. They entered an empty gathering room, where a huge mural of colored glass decorated the front wall. Everyone seated themselves at the rectangular table, and the commander came in, closing the door after his entrance.
"As I have said before," Shao began, "I am with the Research Council. The research is on..." He paused, wondering how to phrase his next words. "Well, let me ask you this: you have heard about the 'Legend of the Crests of Destiny', haven't you?"
"The 'Crests of Destiny'?" Lady Izumi looked puzzled, but she nodded her head, a little uncertain, "I vaguely remember if from my childhood. But it was only a legend."
"Legend or not, we will clarify this when we have the Crests."
"I don't know understand."
"It is not for you to understand, My Lady," he frowned, and Koushiro didn't like the rude tone he used on his mother. "It is believe that one of these Crests resides in this home. His Majesty has ordered Lord Izumi to hand it over to us. Unfortunately, he has denied any knowledge or possession of it." He clasped his hands together and leaned forward menacingly, "But I find that hard to believe."
Koushiro stood up, pounding the table top, "How reliable are your sources on this information, Shao-san? You should not base your conclusions on mere rumors. And even if we do have a Crest, why would we hide anything from His Majesty? The Izumis have been loyal to the royal house for many generations."
Shao leaned back into his chair, throwing an amused look in Koushiro's direction. "Aah, the young Izumi I've heard so much about. Like father like son, I must say. But as for your questions, little one, it's true your household as served His Majesty with great loyalty, but over time, things change. And people are no exception. We are only mortals, the creation of God's power, molded in His likeness YET with imperfections."
"Shao-san, you make our existence seem loathsome," Lady Izumi interrupted. "Aren't our imperfections what makes each of us who we are? If we were all like God, in every way, then our lives would not have greed and war, pain and sorrows. If we never experience the dark side of life, we would not know of the preciousness of life itself."
The man chuckled, "Yes yes, you are correct, My Lady. But we should discuss these philosophical matters another time. The longer we delay the search for the Crest, the longer your husband is a guest at the castle."
"Very well," she said. "Even if I had protested in the search, you would only deject my words and forcefully turn this place into chaos."
"A wise woman, you are," he chuckled. "Commander, have your troops begin the search. Don't overlook any holes and cracks." The commander nodded and left the room, and Shao turned back to the mother and son, "And it is best if you remained here for the rest of the day." He stood up and left the room, but right after his departure, two soldiers entered for guard duty.
Having strict orders not to overlook anything, it took the soldiers most of the day to get through half the compound, including the storage houses in the back, the stables, and several buildings. The end of the day soon fell upon them, but Shao wouldn't let them rest. During that time, Koushiro and his mother remained quiet, with the two soldiers present, even until dinner.
The maids brought any the food, and Lady Izumi turned to the soldiers and said, "Why don't you join us?" The pair looked at one another, wanting to accept the kindness, but they were soldiers on duty and shouldn't be distracted.
"At least have a drink," a maid insisted and poured each of them a cup of wine. She smiled as she served them. And with just one drink wouldn't hurt, they rationalized. After one cup, it was so addicting, and the maid happily poured one after another until they were drunk.
"Thank you, Saya," Lady Izumi smiled. The young woman nodded and left, closing the door securely after her leave.
Koushiro had seen the mischievous smile his mother wore. "Mother, you had Saya purposely get them drunk?" She nodded, pushing her uneaten food aside, and stood up. "What are we going to do?" he asked, watching walk towards the mural of glass.
"Come here, sweetie," she beckoned him to her side. They stood there in silence until she spoke again, "Perhaps it wasn't legend." He looked at her if she had grown an extra head on the spot. Her hand reached up to a violet glass and caressed the surface with great care. Then her fingers traced around the edge and pressed hard against the filled plaster that held the glasses together.
Koushiro watched in awe as the plaster sunk inwards, revealing what he had thought was just glass. His mother held the round, violet stone in her hand for him to see clearly. "There is a reason your father kept it from the king. If the twelve Crests are gathered, whoever possesses them will have immense power. From the legend, you should know how much destruction they can cause--even if it was to destroy the demon, it sacrificed many lives."
He nodded, understanding the grave situation. "If the king had them, it would only start another war."
"That is why you must leave before they discover it," she said. He looked at her appalled at such a suggestion. She took his hand and placed the stone in it. "There is no time to object, Koushiro. For your father, for the future of this land, you have to take it out of here." She pulled him along to the far right end of the mural and pressed another violet glass. Part of the mural pushed back and revealed a small passageway.
"We were lucky they left us here," she commented. "After you leave the city, go find your friend, Taichi Yagami. We haven't heard anything of him after the war, but I have a feeling he's still alive. Find him, and I'm sure everything will be all righ."
"Why Tai, mother?"
"His father also had a Crest." Before he could say anything else, his mother shoved him into the dark passageway. "Don't worry about me and the others. They won't dare do a thing to us. Take care, my son." That was the last thing he heard when the wall closed again, and he was in darkness.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The quotation in this part is from Meditations Divine and Moral [1664] by Anne Bradstreet. Just call me 'weird', but I like the quotation. Hee.
Okies, I am VERY, VERY sorrie for taking like FOREVER with this story! Ideas for Final Fantasy VII drew me away from it, and then my computer crashed TWICE--the second time I had to send off for repairs. Hmm, I think that's enough excuses, huh? And I'm not sure if Koushiro's out of character here... It's kinda hard putting him into this situation, but anyway I hope it's okay. (I might revise it later...)s
Aaah, well... I apologize I can't respond to all the reviews personally, but thank you, thank you for them!!! (I haven't had a flame... yet.) Really, they make me feel very good AND motivated to continue it for you guys! SO, here's the layout for the NEXT chapter, which will have FIVE parts!
Chapter Two: Crossroads of Destiny
PART I: Forever Rivals - That's a *dead* give away. Some action here!
PART II: Chasing Bullets and Arrows - If you notice their weapons, you can figure out who here. More action!
PART III: Common Grounds - Err, it's a working title. Gosh, there's action here too.
PART IV: The Price for Knowledge - Hee, it's Koushiro's part... but with who?! Hmm, don't know 'bout the action though...
PART V: Legends and Realities - [shrugs] Leftovers. *giggle* Just kidding! Oh, also a working title. And yes, action!
And romance? Just a bit... but mostly friendships. Although the expected couples will be: TaiOra, MiMato, TaKari... (Sorrie, MiChi, SoraTo, DaiKari fans--although I like MiChi's too.) Not sure about KouYako or KenYako yet... If KouYako, then I'll have KenSuke. Now that the majority of the couples are set out, I'm sure I'll lose half my readers now, huh? Oh well, I can't please 'em all. But thanks for sticking around THIS long.
And before I go... with all 12 character parts, what impression does this story give you? How's my writing? Is it boring? Too little (or too much) description? Not enough humor? Action? Romance? Give me the criticism! I can take it! (You can email if you'd like. And I'm sorrie if I sound demanding on a semi-professional critique, but it'll give me an idea on how my story-writing/telling is.)
AAAAAAHH!! [slaps her hands] Bad, bad hands!! Too much typing, they don't want to read all THAT. *.*
