Suddenly you freeze and all at once a memory not your own sweeps through you. You freeze and are helpless but to watch it play out before your eyes as though it were your own.
The realization is just as abrupt as a ripe fruit falling from a tree. Today is the day your father will die.
Perhaps that is why you wake before normal, sitting up in bed as the truth of those thoughts washes over you. It’s been three months since you last spoke to him. Not that you have ever been allowed to speak with him much at all or alone in your young life of 4 years old.
Quietly, you make your way to your honorable grandmother’s residence, and beg her to allow you to see him. Even if it is just a look, that will be enough for you. But she cannot feel what you know in your heart. She denies your request-- his body is in poor condition after all, and you are so young.
But you just cannot accept that. Standing outside his residence, you glance up toward an open window. Your father is right above here. He’s so close. You don’t even have to have a conversation. Just one look. Just one look at your father is all you need. Gritting your fangs, you dig your claw into the wood panelling on the building, and with great effort, pull yourself all the way up to the top window. With a quick glance around, you’re relieved-
That is, until you see your father.
A chill runs through you. Lying on his sick bed, his entire body is sunken in. He is gaunt, his cheeks overly pale and pulled tight. He’s lost so much weight in such a rapid amount of time.
He already looks as though he is in the grave.
‘Father’ begins to slip from your mouth before you remember you aren’t supposed to be here and slam your hands over your mouth. But it’s too late-- he knows someone is here.
“Is someone there…? Granny…? Granny...look at this hand.”
Unbidden your eyes dip down to it and there’s a sickening twist in your stomach.
“No matter how you look at it, it’s just a normal hand. Those strong dragon claws are nowhere to be found. The strength of the gods… is nowhere to be found.”
It's because of you. That power has gone because it has been taken by you.
It's your fault.
You did this.
BECAUSE YOU WERE BORN
h e 's g o i n g t o D I E
why
why
iS tHeRe A pOiNt To YoUr ExIsTeNcE iF YoU cAnNOt PrOtEcT hEr?
But that wasn't your fault. None of that was your fault.
I know it's hard to let go of feelings like that, but please, if you can... I hope you will be able to let go of this blame someday. You were just a child, and all of those things were beyond your control. It wasn't your fault.
[He's conflicted about what to do with these flowers, now. This memory was important. But painful. But important.]
Those flowers. They're a little unnatural. You probably don't need to give them any special attention. In the end, getting rid of them would probably be best.
[ Opening the windows DO let a lot of light in. It feels nicer inside, easier to breathe, and in this area, with the exception of those flowers that continue to release a negative aura, it's rather pleasant. ]
He always liked having the windows open. Except at night.
You have been more than helpful. But about the flowers... I am not sure if you should take them to a different portion of his heart. Perhaps you have something here that you can get rid of them with?
[ The moment the flower breaks the negative memory from before picks up again-- but slightly different. ]
“No matter how you look at it, it’s just a normal hand. Those strong dragon claws are nowhere to be found. The strength of the gods… is nowhere to be found.”
It's because of you. That power has gone because it has been taken by you. You know this with knotted horror.
“Hey Granny…? If it’s now-- If it’s now, that child… am I allowed to touch that child?”
The comment is so fully unexpected that it feels as though the air has been knocked outside of you. Not once-- not once since the time your father scarred you as a child, has he ever tried to touch you again. You barely can believe the words.
“I want to at least once. Can I be allowed to touch him once, in my final hour?”
. . .
“Granny?”
“ . . . Ah. Sorry… It’ll trouble granny again. No matter how much time passes, I’m still...a child.”
You can barely see. Your eyes burn, glossing over wetly.
“Someone like me… at this point, I can’t-- that child…”
You don’t hesitate. With all your might you throw yourself upon his chest and wrap your small arms around his neck, holding tight for dear life.
“Granny?”
No. You’re not Granny. Father! FATHER! Why didn’t you come prepared to talk to him? There are so many things that you want to talk to him about.
He inhales, body stiff from shock, before-
“...Kija.”
After speaking your name, he never opened his eyes again.
At his funeral you cry quietly as you watch your father’s casket be carried into the tomb to be buried among the Hakuryuu of the past. Your Granny cannot hold in her tears, as she speaks to you.
“Lord Hakuryuu, please forgive the previous lord.”
That isn’t right though. Through your tears, you manage a smile.
“Granny. There isn’t a single thing I need to forgive him for.”
At last, the memory fades, and you are once more standing in the present, holding a broken flower. In your hand, it shrivels up before dissipating into the air. ]
[ She returns the hug and-- well, she may be a little teary-eyed. Once he pulls back from the hug, however, he will find that... there is something in his hand.
A small, white scale. It radiates warmth, and you get the feeling that it is something important. Something you should probably hold onto.
She smiles at him. ]
Thank you. I know that our Lord Hakuryy is in good hands with all of you here.
I would hold tight to them and bring them to a place where he feels the safest. I am sure if you do that, you will be able to find him, and in doing so... it will be your best defense against the threat currently facing him.
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Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Suddenly you freeze and all at once a memory not your own sweeps through you. You freeze and are helpless but to watch it play out before your eyes as though it were your own.
The realization is just as abrupt as a ripe fruit falling from a tree. Today is the day your father will die.
Perhaps that is why you wake before normal, sitting up in bed as the truth of those thoughts washes over you. It’s been three months since you last spoke to him. Not that you have ever been allowed to speak with him much at all or alone in your young life of 4 years old.
Quietly, you make your way to your honorable grandmother’s residence, and beg her to allow you to see him. Even if it is just a look, that will be enough for you. But she cannot feel what you know in your heart. She denies your request-- his body is in poor condition after all, and you are so young.
But you just cannot accept that. Standing outside his residence, you glance up toward an open window. Your father is right above here. He’s so close. You don’t even have to have a conversation. Just one look. Just one look at your father is all you need. Gritting your fangs, you dig your claw into the wood panelling on the building, and with great effort, pull yourself all the way up to the top window. With a quick glance around, you’re relieved-
That is, until you see your father.
A chill runs through you. Lying on his sick bed, his entire body is sunken in. He is gaunt, his cheeks overly pale and pulled tight. He’s lost so much weight in such a rapid amount of time.
He already looks as though he is in the grave.
‘Father’ begins to slip from your mouth before you remember you aren’t supposed to be here and slam your hands over your mouth. But it’s too late-- he knows someone is here.
“Is someone there…? Granny…? Granny...look at this hand.”
Unbidden your eyes dip down to it and there’s a sickening twist in your stomach.
“No matter how you look at it, it’s just a normal hand. Those strong dragon claws are nowhere to be found. The strength of the gods… is nowhere to be found.”
It's because of you. That power has gone because it has been taken by you.
You did this.
h e 's g o i n g t o D I E
useless
if you can't carry your duty as a dragon then maybe another should just be born.
1/2
2/3 actually
What a heavy weight you've been carrying.
But that wasn't your fault. None of that was your fault.
I know it's hard to let go of feelings like that, but please, if you can... I hope you will be able to let go of this blame someday. You were just a child, and all of those things were beyond your control. It wasn't your fault.
[He's conflicted about what to do with these flowers, now. This memory was important. But painful. But important.]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
What should I do with these? Should I leave them here, or is there somewhere I can lay them to rest?
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Those flowers. They're a little unnatural. You probably don't need to give them any special attention. In the end, getting rid of them would probably be best.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
[He takes the flowers in hand so he can find somewhere to get rid of them later.]
While I'm here, let's see if we can bring a little light in here.
[He's going to open up the window shades, for one! Let in some light and fresh air!]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
He always liked having the windows open. Except at night.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Why, did moths come in?
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
He doesn't like insects, and the additional candlelight attracts them at night.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
[Okay! This room is looking nice!]
Alright, I'm going to go find a place to get rid of these flowers. Anything else I can do before I leave?
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
[We'll do this the symbolic way!
He puts the flowers back in the vase, then summons his sword into his hand.
Carefully, so he doesn't accidentally strike anything else, he swipes out with the blade and decapitates both the flowers.]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
“No matter how you look at it, it’s just a normal hand. Those strong dragon claws are nowhere to be found. The strength of the gods… is nowhere to be found.”
It's because of you. That power has gone because it has been taken by you. You know this with knotted horror.
“Hey Granny…? If it’s now-- If it’s now, that child… am I allowed to touch that child?”
The comment is so fully unexpected that it feels as though the air has been knocked outside of you. Not once-- not once since the time your father scarred you as a child, has he ever tried to touch you again. You barely can believe the words.
“I want to at least once. Can I be allowed to touch him once, in my final hour?”
. . .
“Granny?”
“ . . . Ah. Sorry… It’ll trouble granny again. No matter how much time passes, I’m still...a child.”
You can barely see. Your eyes burn, glossing over wetly.
“Someone like me… at this point, I can’t-- that child…”
You don’t hesitate. With all your might you throw yourself upon his chest and wrap your small arms around his neck, holding tight for dear life.
“Granny?”
No. You’re not Granny. Father! FATHER! Why didn’t you come prepared to talk to him? There are so many things that you want to talk to him about.
He inhales, body stiff from shock, before-
“...Kija.”
After speaking your name, he never opened his eyes again.
At his funeral you cry quietly as you watch your father’s casket be carried into the tomb to be buried among the Hakuryuu of the past. Your Granny cannot hold in her tears, as she speaks to you.
“Lord Hakuryuu, please forgive the previous lord.”
That isn’t right though. Through your tears, you manage a smile.
“Granny. There isn’t a single thing I need to forgive him for.”
At last, the memory fades, and you are once more standing in the present, holding a broken flower. In your hand, it shrivels up before dissipating into the air. ]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Ah. Okay. I understand now.
Thanks, Granny.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
I am the one who should be thanking you.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
This is for Kija, since he couldn't be here to do it, himself.
[And he gathers her into a warm, loving hug.]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
A small, white scale. It radiates warmth, and you get the feeling that it is something important. Something you should probably hold onto.
She smiles at him. ]
Thank you. I know that our Lord Hakuryy is in good hands with all of you here.
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
[He holds the scale tight.]
Thank you. Where should I take this?
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
Thank you, Granny.
[And with that, he'll give her one last pat on the hand and turn to leave.]
Re: HAKURYUU PALACE
[ She will wave to him as he leaves]