You Are My Universe
Scroll II – Cloaked Ambitions
UD – Refer to Scroll I – This is your last referral notice.
UD Addition – Unauthorized Disclosure Admonition
It is a given possibility that there will be disclosures of the true series in my work.
If you don't desire to know more than you think you should, then do not read.
Consider yourself informed.
Massive Length Advisory: I had no idea explaining perspectives from a dragon'spoint of view would be so long. The only reason that is is because I am forced to use mortal scripting. Dragon runes would be far shorter (and easier on me, I know my natural language better despite changing forms) but it would make no sense to you at all. The result is an extremely detailed explanation. (This may be quite the understatement.) If you do not wish to read this particular Scribe's Note, scroll down to reach the story. (This may take a little while.) The rest of you are commended for your valor.
S/N: Welcome to the next exciting installment of my first epic-in-the- making. I value all who took the trouble and expensive time to review my scripts, and can only hope I come close to justifying your expectations. The burning question of the moment is what "person" am I writing this in? Well, if anyone cared to take a look at my brief bio, it says my style of writing is quite unique. It's time to elaborate.
Person is a term coined by (sigh) what else, people. I do not fancy myself aperson, so I don't write in a "personal" style. My true form is that of a dragon – and so I write in "first dragon" and other draconic perspectives. People walk on two feet most of the time, but dragons have great wings and soar high above in the sky. When their vast energy falters for a time, they perch on mountains and rocky cliffs, inaccessible to humans and usually out of sight of all predators except rival dragons. You don't see them very often, but they are always peering down at you as you go about your chores, whether you live in a village or high walled castle, you cannot escape their observation.
But, moreover is the sense that dragons have a natural dragon's eye view. Thisis greatly diminished in a dragon in mortal form, and the best they can do iscreate a hybrid blend of perspectives. Liken mine to a camera – it has fade in, fade out, zoom, and specific target features.) Fade in usually starts the show, Fade out ends it, and Zoom changes the entire perspective field. In my first scroll, I "zoomed in" on the dressing table, and it became a major "literal" fixture. Mind, it wasn't just the dressing table, but zooming on that point establishes a central focus for the setting. Usually, this is a circular radius.
This actually goes back to how ancient dragons targeted powerful area effect spells. A circular pattern was the most simple because often the recalcitrant, nontribute paying village had its most important facilities in the center. Our leaders called it the Implosion of Greed, and it is still true even to this day – the poor throng around the concentrated centers of power and riches like choking vines. Sometimes, their sheer numbers are enough to topple kingdoms. Rich, fattened, lazy fools wielding twisted policy can still not match the savage desperation of a people pushed past its limits. Sadly, once the poor gain these strongholds, it is up to the next generation to overthrow them – and the Implosion resounds through the ages.
Ahh, but that is not always the case. There are many exceptions, especially in this technologically sound world, but back then, it was much different. How different I will leave for a much longer (haha!) scroll. Until that time comes, I am afraid you will have to rely on your imagination. (And from what I've seen here, all present should have no problem with that!)
I will also not attempt to describe the process of ancient dragon spell casting.Although there are now few dragons left to protest the revelation of theirsecrets, I respect the ways of my Dragon Elders, who engraved in me to never subvert the old codicils just because time changed incessantly around us. They never expected time to attack us directly, though. I am one of the few champions left, and just by simply surviving, my power has increased exponentially.
There are hardly any dragon sanctums remaining today, and thus I have opted touse my considerable power to forge a far less noticeable form – that of a frailhuman male. Frail, yes but my mind in this form is as sharp as my claw talon tips in the other. I lament that the tradeoff in this form is losing my ability to fly. Therefore, the lack of dragon's eye view is why you cannot define which "person" I am in (I'm not in any), and combined with the lack of casting method in this form I am forced to resort to a hybrid blend of perspectives.
This multiblend of views is refreshing, despite the difficulty. Youdon't get the whole dragon's eye view of tiny villages, castles, mountains, andminiature chess pieces of knights and others. Let's just say your orbs would be overstrained. Conversely, I have to wear glasses in this form to make up for they eyestrain differential – if I didn't, I would be blind and my regales to you rendered impossible.
(A bright beam of flaming light flashes down, striking the mountain backdrop. The dragon's huge head turns, his eyes glowing as he processes the information. Nods imperceptibly, rumbles with satisfaction, and turns back to you. Zoom in onthe area as the steam slowly clears away, revealing the Celestial Symbol "Wing". The emblem has been deeply carven into its face, and tiny orange flames still spark and flicker there.)
It appears that I must bring this mercifully to an end and pull you off the precipice. If you still don't understand, the summary is this – I can write in any perspective simply because I am vastly more powerful than ordinary mortals –
GROAN
Oh stop it! Like you would have accepted it if I just told you?
Want to know what saved you? Her name is Kitty Lynne (points to "Wing"). – and she has just proven herself as a true champion of Shichiseishi Tasuki... (With her power of approval plain for everyone to see, they turn to digest this significance, and watch as the beam of fire races up to the summit of the mountain, and torch flames flare up, dispelling the dark shadows and revealing a beautiful red citadel, its torches now shining and illuminating both the hard sharp lines and well defined buttresses of the castle. The effect, with just torch light, is to envelop the keep in perpetual sunset...)
"and that is my proof as a Champion of the one and only Priestess of Suzaku, the one they call MiakaYuuki. But the castle is not at full power – it needs the support of all the Suzaku 7, just as the Priestess draws from her warriors. You must search the land for similar champions – Champions as devoted to each of the warriors as they are to each other and the Priestess in the real anime. Merely finding the symbols on their bodies can not suffice – how easily fooled we are by appearances (remember Amiboshi) – so their writing must also prove beyond doubt they truly are behind them. As much as I fancy my own to be – (gestures at castle).
Now, prepare yourselves, as I take you back to Konan, during the rise of Seiryuu's power. If you think you know Miaka well, you may be awed to find there is much more to her than is revealed by simple sight.
Devoid of both movement and speech, the poor men could only tremble in the thoughts of their own minds. She had told them to leave, but they would have to move past her. They could not contemplate this complete transformation – it seemed that the avenging angel of the Phoenix stood there, not just his Priestess. But she still looked the same. Even more confusing, despite the heat of late summer, they were as bitterly chilled to the bone as if they were standing on the summit of Mt. Black in Hokan.
The Priestess herself was a major contradiction in terms. Fire burned in her eyes but her stiff posture radiated bone numbing, chilling terror. Her jaw was set in sharp relief, jutting out like a blade pointed at the fools' unfortunate throats. Despite her relatively small stature, her very attitude conveyed a much larger – and deadlier – presence. A presence the men desperately sought some escape from.
Finally, someone did more than think, either with fear, rage or indignation. Thesound of the emperor clearing his throat broke the frozen tableau, just as the stone heavy word from Miaka started it. It would appear that once again the emperor had harnessed his temper – for the moment. The counselors turned to him, looking for some recourse.
There was none to be found. The usually warm eyes of Saiheitei Hotohori were cold, bottomless depths. This was not the escape the men had been hoping for, but they could not break from the harsh gaze. Helpless, it seemed they were still beseeching him for mercy. His next words dispelled all traces of hope from their beleaguered consciousness.
"I believe Miaka told you to leave."
"A-as you wish, your Majesty." Following the speaker's lead, the others quicklyfiled out the door. Miaka wasn't blocking their way, and she seemed content her order was being followed. The fiery look in her eyes never diminished though, and each of the advisors although lacking the courage to meet it, nevertheless withered under that terrible glare.
Hotohori regarded her with a new sense of fascination. Never in his dreams had he expected to ever see Miaka assert herself. She was always taking so much from everyone; he had only thought it was released in her tears. He had never believed that his own councilors would be running in terror – from Miaka. He also noticed something else – she was still that way, even though the source of her offenses had fled. He knew she cared about him, but why was she ... looking at him the same way?
Had he offended her too?
"How long will you ... take that from them? I told you you are free!"
"It is my duty to respond to the needs of my people..."
She cut him off. "... by torturing yourself like this? I thought you left yourgolden cage..."
"I am the emperor, and responsible for my nation's future and well-being ... provided the Priestess saves us."
"Who will save you, Hotohori? Aren't you tired of this?"
"Are you tired of being the Priestess?" Did Nuriko... and Chiriko die fornothing?"
His voice rose in octaves, enough that the fires ablaze in Miaka's eyes guttered, but still burned strong. And then they ignited into pyres of pure loathing.
"They will never have died for nothing!!"
Hotohori nodded. "I'm pleased you feel that way."
He gestured to the shards of his anointments and the mixed liquid staining the expensive wood floor, lying in the cracked pieces of the opulent table.
"I feel no less strongly about that then you. But as dire as their predictionsare, they do speak the truth. We are severely outnumbered by the armies of Kutou, and even if we weren't, the power of Seiryuu is enough to make up for it. With Suzaku's power sealed by your friend..."
"Nakago tricked Yui! He lied to her and it's his fault she has done all this ...she doesn't know the truth ... and I couldn't tell her then ... because I couldn't speak..."
The flames of vengeance in her eyes were finally put out by the river of tearsthat came next.
"I never meant to fail! Nuriko died for the cinnamon...
"Shinzaho!"
(Both look up startled, but the cracked pieces of Hotohori's mirror aren't talking ... at least, not now. In Mt. Taikyoku, Taitsukuun shakes her head back and forth. "Will that silly girl ever get it right?")
Hotohori brushes a tear dampened strand of hair off of her cheek.
"No one blames you ... or Yui ... for what has happened. Each of you has your own star to follow ...
(The Celestial Symbol "Star" flares briefly on his neck for amoment – Miaka is shocked beyond words – aren't their powers sealed?) "... as I do mine."
Where will it go from here? Only the dragon knows. (Fanged smile)
Congratulations Kitty Lynne! You have been positively identified as the True Champion of Tasuki!
(Massive Applause)
When all 7 are gathered, just like in the real anime, something "special" will happen.
Added to Acceptances:
All the Code Red I could ever drink. (Do the Dew!!!)
Flames just make Suzaku a happy Phoenix!
"I care not what happens to me ... but Miaka must ... not ... die!" – Hotohori
Scroll II – Cloaked Ambitions
UD – Refer to Scroll I – This is your last referral notice.
UD Addition – Unauthorized Disclosure Admonition
It is a given possibility that there will be disclosures of the true series in my work.
If you don't desire to know more than you think you should, then do not read.
Consider yourself informed.
Massive Length Advisory: I had no idea explaining perspectives from a dragon'spoint of view would be so long. The only reason that is is because I am forced to use mortal scripting. Dragon runes would be far shorter (and easier on me, I know my natural language better despite changing forms) but it would make no sense to you at all. The result is an extremely detailed explanation. (This may be quite the understatement.) If you do not wish to read this particular Scribe's Note, scroll down to reach the story. (This may take a little while.) The rest of you are commended for your valor.
S/N: Welcome to the next exciting installment of my first epic-in-the- making. I value all who took the trouble and expensive time to review my scripts, and can only hope I come close to justifying your expectations. The burning question of the moment is what "person" am I writing this in? Well, if anyone cared to take a look at my brief bio, it says my style of writing is quite unique. It's time to elaborate.
Person is a term coined by (sigh) what else, people. I do not fancy myself aperson, so I don't write in a "personal" style. My true form is that of a dragon – and so I write in "first dragon" and other draconic perspectives. People walk on two feet most of the time, but dragons have great wings and soar high above in the sky. When their vast energy falters for a time, they perch on mountains and rocky cliffs, inaccessible to humans and usually out of sight of all predators except rival dragons. You don't see them very often, but they are always peering down at you as you go about your chores, whether you live in a village or high walled castle, you cannot escape their observation.
But, moreover is the sense that dragons have a natural dragon's eye view. Thisis greatly diminished in a dragon in mortal form, and the best they can do iscreate a hybrid blend of perspectives. Liken mine to a camera – it has fade in, fade out, zoom, and specific target features.) Fade in usually starts the show, Fade out ends it, and Zoom changes the entire perspective field. In my first scroll, I "zoomed in" on the dressing table, and it became a major "literal" fixture. Mind, it wasn't just the dressing table, but zooming on that point establishes a central focus for the setting. Usually, this is a circular radius.
This actually goes back to how ancient dragons targeted powerful area effect spells. A circular pattern was the most simple because often the recalcitrant, nontribute paying village had its most important facilities in the center. Our leaders called it the Implosion of Greed, and it is still true even to this day – the poor throng around the concentrated centers of power and riches like choking vines. Sometimes, their sheer numbers are enough to topple kingdoms. Rich, fattened, lazy fools wielding twisted policy can still not match the savage desperation of a people pushed past its limits. Sadly, once the poor gain these strongholds, it is up to the next generation to overthrow them – and the Implosion resounds through the ages.
Ahh, but that is not always the case. There are many exceptions, especially in this technologically sound world, but back then, it was much different. How different I will leave for a much longer (haha!) scroll. Until that time comes, I am afraid you will have to rely on your imagination. (And from what I've seen here, all present should have no problem with that!)
I will also not attempt to describe the process of ancient dragon spell casting.Although there are now few dragons left to protest the revelation of theirsecrets, I respect the ways of my Dragon Elders, who engraved in me to never subvert the old codicils just because time changed incessantly around us. They never expected time to attack us directly, though. I am one of the few champions left, and just by simply surviving, my power has increased exponentially.
There are hardly any dragon sanctums remaining today, and thus I have opted touse my considerable power to forge a far less noticeable form – that of a frailhuman male. Frail, yes but my mind in this form is as sharp as my claw talon tips in the other. I lament that the tradeoff in this form is losing my ability to fly. Therefore, the lack of dragon's eye view is why you cannot define which "person" I am in (I'm not in any), and combined with the lack of casting method in this form I am forced to resort to a hybrid blend of perspectives.
This multiblend of views is refreshing, despite the difficulty. Youdon't get the whole dragon's eye view of tiny villages, castles, mountains, andminiature chess pieces of knights and others. Let's just say your orbs would be overstrained. Conversely, I have to wear glasses in this form to make up for they eyestrain differential – if I didn't, I would be blind and my regales to you rendered impossible.
(A bright beam of flaming light flashes down, striking the mountain backdrop. The dragon's huge head turns, his eyes glowing as he processes the information. Nods imperceptibly, rumbles with satisfaction, and turns back to you. Zoom in onthe area as the steam slowly clears away, revealing the Celestial Symbol "Wing". The emblem has been deeply carven into its face, and tiny orange flames still spark and flicker there.)
It appears that I must bring this mercifully to an end and pull you off the precipice. If you still don't understand, the summary is this – I can write in any perspective simply because I am vastly more powerful than ordinary mortals –
GROAN
Oh stop it! Like you would have accepted it if I just told you?
Want to know what saved you? Her name is Kitty Lynne (points to "Wing"). – and she has just proven herself as a true champion of Shichiseishi Tasuki... (With her power of approval plain for everyone to see, they turn to digest this significance, and watch as the beam of fire races up to the summit of the mountain, and torch flames flare up, dispelling the dark shadows and revealing a beautiful red citadel, its torches now shining and illuminating both the hard sharp lines and well defined buttresses of the castle. The effect, with just torch light, is to envelop the keep in perpetual sunset...)
"and that is my proof as a Champion of the one and only Priestess of Suzaku, the one they call MiakaYuuki. But the castle is not at full power – it needs the support of all the Suzaku 7, just as the Priestess draws from her warriors. You must search the land for similar champions – Champions as devoted to each of the warriors as they are to each other and the Priestess in the real anime. Merely finding the symbols on their bodies can not suffice – how easily fooled we are by appearances (remember Amiboshi) – so their writing must also prove beyond doubt they truly are behind them. As much as I fancy my own to be – (gestures at castle).
Now, prepare yourselves, as I take you back to Konan, during the rise of Seiryuu's power. If you think you know Miaka well, you may be awed to find there is much more to her than is revealed by simple sight.
Devoid of both movement and speech, the poor men could only tremble in the thoughts of their own minds. She had told them to leave, but they would have to move past her. They could not contemplate this complete transformation – it seemed that the avenging angel of the Phoenix stood there, not just his Priestess. But she still looked the same. Even more confusing, despite the heat of late summer, they were as bitterly chilled to the bone as if they were standing on the summit of Mt. Black in Hokan.
The Priestess herself was a major contradiction in terms. Fire burned in her eyes but her stiff posture radiated bone numbing, chilling terror. Her jaw was set in sharp relief, jutting out like a blade pointed at the fools' unfortunate throats. Despite her relatively small stature, her very attitude conveyed a much larger – and deadlier – presence. A presence the men desperately sought some escape from.
Finally, someone did more than think, either with fear, rage or indignation. Thesound of the emperor clearing his throat broke the frozen tableau, just as the stone heavy word from Miaka started it. It would appear that once again the emperor had harnessed his temper – for the moment. The counselors turned to him, looking for some recourse.
There was none to be found. The usually warm eyes of Saiheitei Hotohori were cold, bottomless depths. This was not the escape the men had been hoping for, but they could not break from the harsh gaze. Helpless, it seemed they were still beseeching him for mercy. His next words dispelled all traces of hope from their beleaguered consciousness.
"I believe Miaka told you to leave."
"A-as you wish, your Majesty." Following the speaker's lead, the others quicklyfiled out the door. Miaka wasn't blocking their way, and she seemed content her order was being followed. The fiery look in her eyes never diminished though, and each of the advisors although lacking the courage to meet it, nevertheless withered under that terrible glare.
Hotohori regarded her with a new sense of fascination. Never in his dreams had he expected to ever see Miaka assert herself. She was always taking so much from everyone; he had only thought it was released in her tears. He had never believed that his own councilors would be running in terror – from Miaka. He also noticed something else – she was still that way, even though the source of her offenses had fled. He knew she cared about him, but why was she ... looking at him the same way?
Had he offended her too?
"How long will you ... take that from them? I told you you are free!"
"It is my duty to respond to the needs of my people..."
She cut him off. "... by torturing yourself like this? I thought you left yourgolden cage..."
"I am the emperor, and responsible for my nation's future and well-being ... provided the Priestess saves us."
"Who will save you, Hotohori? Aren't you tired of this?"
"Are you tired of being the Priestess?" Did Nuriko... and Chiriko die fornothing?"
His voice rose in octaves, enough that the fires ablaze in Miaka's eyes guttered, but still burned strong. And then they ignited into pyres of pure loathing.
"They will never have died for nothing!!"
Hotohori nodded. "I'm pleased you feel that way."
He gestured to the shards of his anointments and the mixed liquid staining the expensive wood floor, lying in the cracked pieces of the opulent table.
"I feel no less strongly about that then you. But as dire as their predictionsare, they do speak the truth. We are severely outnumbered by the armies of Kutou, and even if we weren't, the power of Seiryuu is enough to make up for it. With Suzaku's power sealed by your friend..."
"Nakago tricked Yui! He lied to her and it's his fault she has done all this ...she doesn't know the truth ... and I couldn't tell her then ... because I couldn't speak..."
The flames of vengeance in her eyes were finally put out by the river of tearsthat came next.
"I never meant to fail! Nuriko died for the cinnamon...
"Shinzaho!"
(Both look up startled, but the cracked pieces of Hotohori's mirror aren't talking ... at least, not now. In Mt. Taikyoku, Taitsukuun shakes her head back and forth. "Will that silly girl ever get it right?")
Hotohori brushes a tear dampened strand of hair off of her cheek.
"No one blames you ... or Yui ... for what has happened. Each of you has your own star to follow ...
(The Celestial Symbol "Star" flares briefly on his neck for amoment – Miaka is shocked beyond words – aren't their powers sealed?) "... as I do mine."
Where will it go from here? Only the dragon knows. (Fanged smile)
Congratulations Kitty Lynne! You have been positively identified as the True Champion of Tasuki!
(Massive Applause)
When all 7 are gathered, just like in the real anime, something "special" will happen.
Added to Acceptances:
All the Code Red I could ever drink. (Do the Dew!!!)
Flames just make Suzaku a happy Phoenix!
"I care not what happens to me ... but Miaka must ... not ... die!" – Hotohori