Makubex/Sakura (GetBackers)
Dec. 20th, 2004 03:17 pm![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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ship_manifestoTitle: The Future We Should Have (Makubex/Sakura, GetBackers)
Author: Rook (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
gisho)
Spoilers: For eps. 1-25 of the anime, vols. 5-11 of the manga
Author's Note: I'm referencing the anime, Anime Empire fansub version, throughout this essay because the English translation of the manga hasn't gotten that far yet. However, reliable sources assure me that the IL arc is substantially identical between the formats. Personally I like the manga continuity better, and I try valiantly to use it in my fic; thus, this essay completely ignores the second Mugenjou arc of the anime.
I discovered the GetBackers manga (and anime) throughmullenkamp, when she began writing fanworks for it. I downloaded it on the basis that it looked cool, and it was. The titular characters, Ban and Ginji, run a retrieval service (they find lost or stolen items) under the name GetBackers; mullenkamp has already written about them here. They're cute, dorky, best buddies, and their adventures are always good for a laugh. But enough about the heros.
The characters who captured my imagination started out as villains.
Before the days of the GetBackers, Ginji was the leader of a gang called the Volts, who tried to keep the peace in the Infinite Castle (Mugenjou, in Japanese). Infinite Castle is a story in itself. It's in the region of Tokyo that used to be Shinjuku, a dilapidated neighborhood watched over by a building called Babylon Tower, a high-tech ruin that was never completed. The entire Infinite Castle is a very strange place. People born there tend to have strange powers, and it tends to enhance the powers of anyone inside - injuries heal extremely fast. It's a region of mystery and terror.
Infinite Castle is divided into three areas: Lower Town (at street level), the Beltline (halfway up Babylon Tower), and Babylon City (at the top of Babylon Tower). The residents of Babylon City are sometimes called the Gods, for a good reason: they control much of what happens in Lower Town, which is their own personal experimental laboratory. They can exercise this control because the Infinite Castle is in large part a virtual world, created and controlled by their supercomputer, the Archive.
Makubex
When he was a child, he was found on the outskirts of Infinite Castle in a bag marked only with the name "Makube". Adding an X for "unknown" gives his unusual name - Makubex. He is sometimes called the "Unknown Boy". It's an appropriate appellation: at least when the readers first meet him, he's one of the most mysterious, unreadable characters. However little other people know about him, though, he knows plenty about them. Makubex is an expert hacker whose surveillance network extends across all of Lower Town. Makubex was one of Ginji's four lieutenants, a group called the Four Kings. He's the only one who stayed in Mugenjou after Ginji left. He's used his information network and the loyalty of (some of) the remaining Volts members to become a powerful dictator, ruling Lower Town with fear.
He's also discovered that Infinite Castle is controlled by Babylon City - and he's determined to take that control away from them, with the help of something called IL.
In the days of the Volts, Makubex was cheerful and friendly. He also had a bad case of hero-worship for Ginji. After Ginji left, he became cold-hearted, believing it was necessary for leadership. He knows how to inspire incredible loyalty, by appealing to people's desires - but he treats this, like everything else, as a question of calculations. Makubex ignores his own feelings, and treats the feelings of others as a tool to manipulate their actions with. In focusing so deeply on his plans to destroy Babylon City, he's forgotten about a lot of things closer to home.
One of the things Makubex discovered in Babylon City's files is that some of the residents of Lower Town are in fact part of the virtual world, without a 'real' existence and unable ever to leave. He's one of them.
After the IL incident Makubex recovers some of his happiness, realizing how much his friends do care for him. As Ban says: "There isn't much a difference between what's real and what's virtual. All that matters is that you know you are alive."
Kakei Sakura
Sakura is Makubex's second-in-command. She's not one of his New Four Kings, because her job isn't to fight for him. Instead, she advises him and watches over Lower Town with him. Sakura can fight using cloth as a weapon, a family skill. She's also a more-than-competent hacker. It's unclear where she came by her computer skills; presumably Makubex taught her.
Sakura came to Mugenjou in her mid-teens, following her brother Juubei, and Fuuchoin Kazuki. When they joined the Volts she followed them there. When Kazuki left Mugenjou, she and her brother stayed behind.
Although she has a lot of quiet strength, Sakura has spent her life as a supporting character. The term is especially apropos, because while the plot never revolves around her, the characters who do drive it depend on her. She gives advice, follows orders, and provides comfort and determination. It seems sometimes as if she believes more strongly in Makubex than Makubex himself does. When he wonders whether he's doing the right thing, she tells him that he is, and this is enough to reassure him.
Sakura is willing to fight when the occasion calls for it, but prefers to defuse situations with words; she is a natural diplomat and peacemaker. (Fans of Steven Brust will understand when I call her an Issola.) This tendency disguises her determination. When Sakura does desire something strongly, nothing can stand in her way.
The Evidence
It's hard to discuss Sakura without discussing Makubex - because almost every time she appears, she is with him or thinking about him. That absolute devotion was what first made me consider them as a couple.
Never once is their love stated explicitly. During the IL incident, they exchange perhaps a dozen words that could be interpreted as caring. However, it's obvious that they do care deeply for each other, however undemonstrative they are. Both Makubex and Sakura are quiet characters by nature. Makubex is so quiet to hide his fears. As for Sakura, she hides her passionate faith so well I'm still not certain I'm not reading too much into a few words. But despite their silence, in this case actions do speak louder than words. It's significant that Sakura is the only person Makubex voices his doubts to; it is equally significant that she never confirms them. And when she is badly injured in a fight, her last words before losing consciousness are an affirmation of faith in him.
Sakura: With this, the future we should have can come true, right?
Makubex: Of course, Sakura.
Sakura: That's ... good.
Makubex: ... Sakura? What's wrong, Sakura? ... SAKURA! - Episode 22
Until the very end of the IL arc, Makubex maintains a rigid mask of indifference. It only cracks this once, when Sakura is hurt.
Although not at first glance, Makubex and Sakura have a lot in common. Both are passionately devoted to the cause of Mugenjou's freedom - valuing it, seemingly, more than their own lives. Both are intelligent and insightful; both know how to manipulate people to their own ends. Both believe that the end is near, and refuse to regret it. And both get, if not a happy ending, at least a second chance.
Sakura understands Makubex better than he understands himself. Makubex needs someone with that kind of understanding. As she says in Episode 25: Makubex is, after all ... Makubex stands alone in the mysterious Infinite Castle. We, who watched from his side, know very well how painful that is. The knowledge that was supposed to save everyone was instead very painful for him. Makubex is isolated by his nature, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need people. Sakura knows full well how much weight is on his shoulders, and she's done her best to lessen the burden. There's no disputing her love for him. It's hard to say if Makubex reciprocates the understanding. However, he obviously respects Sakura, and he doesn't casually manipulate her as he does his other followers. He knows he doesn't need to.
Some people have said that the relationship between them more closely resembles that of older sister and younger brother, or even mother and son, than of lovers. The fact that Sakura is nine years older than Makubex only adds to this impression. However, even if it starts that way doesn't mean it has to end that way. Although he's young chronologically, Makubex is in many ways very mature. He has to be.
There's another factor that might keep them apart for a long time: Ginji. During the IL incident, it's obvious Makubex is obsessed with Ginji - that he hates him for his perceived abandonment, but at the same time loves him passionately. Ginji, however, has moved on. He still cares for Makubex, but Mugenjou isn't his world any longer. (This obsession is mirrored, by the way, in Makubex's other followers, Juubei (who's obsessed with Kazuki) and Emishi (who feels Shido has abandoned him). Only Sakura is without a private obsession.) It's not until the very end of the IL incident that it seems Makubex comes to terms with this separation, and can let Ginji go without resentment.
Perhaps then, he'll realize who's been there for him all along.
The Future We Should Have
That's ultimately what Makubex and Sakura need - a happy ending. They haven't had much chance for happiness in their lives, but they'd have more of a chance together than apart.
Why? On Sakura's part, because she's already made her choice, and deserves to have it acknowledged. On Makubex's part, because he needs someone he can depend on. And for both of them, because they already love each other. They may not realize it (Makubex certainly doesn't), but it's there, and it makes them both stronger. Both have lost a lot, and so being able to trust each other, knowing they'll never go in different directions, makes all the difference in the world.
Makubex, to Sakura, is everything. She'd follow him to the ends of the earth. (In a metaphorical sense, she did.) She wants him to be happy, and she'd do anything for him. Sakura, to Makubex, is the only person he trusts completely. He knows she'll support him, so he lets himself lean on her. She's always been there for him. And when his plan fails and Makubex thinks his life is over, she's still there.
It's been said the strongest bonds of friendship are forged in adversity. By that standard, their love should be exceedingly strong. After everything they've been through together, they deserve the chance to stay together and build a happier life.
Sakura: Welcome back.
Makubex: Everyone ... I'm home. - Episode 25
Recs
There's not a lot of fic for Makubex and Sakura out there. As far as I know, I'm the only writer who's tried to tackle them explicitly as a romantic couple. (Witness my excuse for recommending my own fic!) However, there's a fair amount of good fic which touches, briefly or at length, on them or their relationship.
Blossoming, byharukami: Sakura's thoughts on Makubex and what he means to her. Simple, effective, and beautiful. If you don't read anything else mentioned here, read this one.
Seen And Unseen, byincandescens: An exquisitely disturbing vignette about Sakura and Kagami, which includes a few wonderful lines.
All Human Actions, by Jaida: A great big fic in chapters, all of which are good, one of which ("Reason") is about Makubex. Very well-characterized; it has a somewhat mythic tone that suits it perfectly.
Walk In The Shadows, Shelter The Light, bysolaas: Sakura contemplates her role in life, and the nature of motherhood. Nice thoughtful vignette.
Seek, byspooks21: A long story involving an problem facing Mugenjou and Makubex's response. A lovely plot and very well-characterized.
Smile, bynekokoban: One of the better stories out there about Makubex's background, specifically, how he joined the Volts. It makes some good points.
Smile, by_psychobabble: Makubex thinks about Ginji, and their differences. Bitter and sad in just the right way.
non est ad astra mollis e terris via, bygisho: Okay, I couldn't bear to not even mention this after I spent six months writing it. Eight parts interpolation, three parts extrapolation. My take on how Sakura and Makubex got to where I think they eventually go.
Author: Rook (
gisho)Spoilers: For eps. 1-25 of the anime, vols. 5-11 of the manga
Author's Note: I'm referencing the anime, Anime Empire fansub version, throughout this essay because the English translation of the manga hasn't gotten that far yet. However, reliable sources assure me that the IL arc is substantially identical between the formats. Personally I like the manga continuity better, and I try valiantly to use it in my fic; thus, this essay completely ignores the second Mugenjou arc of the anime.
I discovered the GetBackers manga (and anime) through
mullenkamp, when she began writing fanworks for it. I downloaded it on the basis that it looked cool, and it was. The titular characters, Ban and Ginji, run a retrieval service (they find lost or stolen items) under the name GetBackers; mullenkamp has already written about them here. They're cute, dorky, best buddies, and their adventures are always good for a laugh. But enough about the heros.The characters who captured my imagination started out as villains.
Before the days of the GetBackers, Ginji was the leader of a gang called the Volts, who tried to keep the peace in the Infinite Castle (Mugenjou, in Japanese). Infinite Castle is a story in itself. It's in the region of Tokyo that used to be Shinjuku, a dilapidated neighborhood watched over by a building called Babylon Tower, a high-tech ruin that was never completed. The entire Infinite Castle is a very strange place. People born there tend to have strange powers, and it tends to enhance the powers of anyone inside - injuries heal extremely fast. It's a region of mystery and terror.
Infinite Castle is divided into three areas: Lower Town (at street level), the Beltline (halfway up Babylon Tower), and Babylon City (at the top of Babylon Tower). The residents of Babylon City are sometimes called the Gods, for a good reason: they control much of what happens in Lower Town, which is their own personal experimental laboratory. They can exercise this control because the Infinite Castle is in large part a virtual world, created and controlled by their supercomputer, the Archive.
Makubex
When he was a child, he was found on the outskirts of Infinite Castle in a bag marked only with the name "Makube". Adding an X for "unknown" gives his unusual name - Makubex. He is sometimes called the "Unknown Boy". It's an appropriate appellation: at least when the readers first meet him, he's one of the most mysterious, unreadable characters. However little other people know about him, though, he knows plenty about them. Makubex is an expert hacker whose surveillance network extends across all of Lower Town. Makubex was one of Ginji's four lieutenants, a group called the Four Kings. He's the only one who stayed in Mugenjou after Ginji left. He's used his information network and the loyalty of (some of) the remaining Volts members to become a powerful dictator, ruling Lower Town with fear.
He's also discovered that Infinite Castle is controlled by Babylon City - and he's determined to take that control away from them, with the help of something called IL.
In the days of the Volts, Makubex was cheerful and friendly. He also had a bad case of hero-worship for Ginji. After Ginji left, he became cold-hearted, believing it was necessary for leadership. He knows how to inspire incredible loyalty, by appealing to people's desires - but he treats this, like everything else, as a question of calculations. Makubex ignores his own feelings, and treats the feelings of others as a tool to manipulate their actions with. In focusing so deeply on his plans to destroy Babylon City, he's forgotten about a lot of things closer to home.
One of the things Makubex discovered in Babylon City's files is that some of the residents of Lower Town are in fact part of the virtual world, without a 'real' existence and unable ever to leave. He's one of them.
After the IL incident Makubex recovers some of his happiness, realizing how much his friends do care for him. As Ban says: "There isn't much a difference between what's real and what's virtual. All that matters is that you know you are alive."
Kakei Sakura
Sakura is Makubex's second-in-command. She's not one of his New Four Kings, because her job isn't to fight for him. Instead, she advises him and watches over Lower Town with him. Sakura can fight using cloth as a weapon, a family skill. She's also a more-than-competent hacker. It's unclear where she came by her computer skills; presumably Makubex taught her.
Sakura came to Mugenjou in her mid-teens, following her brother Juubei, and Fuuchoin Kazuki. When they joined the Volts she followed them there. When Kazuki left Mugenjou, she and her brother stayed behind.
Although she has a lot of quiet strength, Sakura has spent her life as a supporting character. The term is especially apropos, because while the plot never revolves around her, the characters who do drive it depend on her. She gives advice, follows orders, and provides comfort and determination. It seems sometimes as if she believes more strongly in Makubex than Makubex himself does. When he wonders whether he's doing the right thing, she tells him that he is, and this is enough to reassure him.
Sakura is willing to fight when the occasion calls for it, but prefers to defuse situations with words; she is a natural diplomat and peacemaker. (Fans of Steven Brust will understand when I call her an Issola.) This tendency disguises her determination. When Sakura does desire something strongly, nothing can stand in her way.
The Evidence
It's hard to discuss Sakura without discussing Makubex - because almost every time she appears, she is with him or thinking about him. That absolute devotion was what first made me consider them as a couple.
Never once is their love stated explicitly. During the IL incident, they exchange perhaps a dozen words that could be interpreted as caring. However, it's obvious that they do care deeply for each other, however undemonstrative they are. Both Makubex and Sakura are quiet characters by nature. Makubex is so quiet to hide his fears. As for Sakura, she hides her passionate faith so well I'm still not certain I'm not reading too much into a few words. But despite their silence, in this case actions do speak louder than words. It's significant that Sakura is the only person Makubex voices his doubts to; it is equally significant that she never confirms them. And when she is badly injured in a fight, her last words before losing consciousness are an affirmation of faith in him.
Sakura: With this, the future we should have can come true, right?
Makubex: Of course, Sakura.
Sakura: That's ... good.
Makubex: ... Sakura? What's wrong, Sakura? ... SAKURA! - Episode 22
Until the very end of the IL arc, Makubex maintains a rigid mask of indifference. It only cracks this once, when Sakura is hurt.
Although not at first glance, Makubex and Sakura have a lot in common. Both are passionately devoted to the cause of Mugenjou's freedom - valuing it, seemingly, more than their own lives. Both are intelligent and insightful; both know how to manipulate people to their own ends. Both believe that the end is near, and refuse to regret it. And both get, if not a happy ending, at least a second chance.
Sakura understands Makubex better than he understands himself. Makubex needs someone with that kind of understanding. As she says in Episode 25: Makubex is, after all ... Makubex stands alone in the mysterious Infinite Castle. We, who watched from his side, know very well how painful that is. The knowledge that was supposed to save everyone was instead very painful for him. Makubex is isolated by his nature, but that doesn't mean he doesn't need people. Sakura knows full well how much weight is on his shoulders, and she's done her best to lessen the burden. There's no disputing her love for him. It's hard to say if Makubex reciprocates the understanding. However, he obviously respects Sakura, and he doesn't casually manipulate her as he does his other followers. He knows he doesn't need to.
Some people have said that the relationship between them more closely resembles that of older sister and younger brother, or even mother and son, than of lovers. The fact that Sakura is nine years older than Makubex only adds to this impression. However, even if it starts that way doesn't mean it has to end that way. Although he's young chronologically, Makubex is in many ways very mature. He has to be.
There's another factor that might keep them apart for a long time: Ginji. During the IL incident, it's obvious Makubex is obsessed with Ginji - that he hates him for his perceived abandonment, but at the same time loves him passionately. Ginji, however, has moved on. He still cares for Makubex, but Mugenjou isn't his world any longer. (This obsession is mirrored, by the way, in Makubex's other followers, Juubei (who's obsessed with Kazuki) and Emishi (who feels Shido has abandoned him). Only Sakura is without a private obsession.) It's not until the very end of the IL incident that it seems Makubex comes to terms with this separation, and can let Ginji go without resentment.
Perhaps then, he'll realize who's been there for him all along.
The Future We Should Have
That's ultimately what Makubex and Sakura need - a happy ending. They haven't had much chance for happiness in their lives, but they'd have more of a chance together than apart.
Why? On Sakura's part, because she's already made her choice, and deserves to have it acknowledged. On Makubex's part, because he needs someone he can depend on. And for both of them, because they already love each other. They may not realize it (Makubex certainly doesn't), but it's there, and it makes them both stronger. Both have lost a lot, and so being able to trust each other, knowing they'll never go in different directions, makes all the difference in the world.
Makubex, to Sakura, is everything. She'd follow him to the ends of the earth. (In a metaphorical sense, she did.) She wants him to be happy, and she'd do anything for him. Sakura, to Makubex, is the only person he trusts completely. He knows she'll support him, so he lets himself lean on her. She's always been there for him. And when his plan fails and Makubex thinks his life is over, she's still there.
It's been said the strongest bonds of friendship are forged in adversity. By that standard, their love should be exceedingly strong. After everything they've been through together, they deserve the chance to stay together and build a happier life.
Sakura: Welcome back.
Makubex: Everyone ... I'm home. - Episode 25
Recs
There's not a lot of fic for Makubex and Sakura out there. As far as I know, I'm the only writer who's tried to tackle them explicitly as a romantic couple. (Witness my excuse for recommending my own fic!) However, there's a fair amount of good fic which touches, briefly or at length, on them or their relationship.
Blossoming, by
harukami: Sakura's thoughts on Makubex and what he means to her. Simple, effective, and beautiful. If you don't read anything else mentioned here, read this one. Seen And Unseen, by
incandescens: An exquisitely disturbing vignette about Sakura and Kagami, which includes a few wonderful lines. All Human Actions, by Jaida: A great big fic in chapters, all of which are good, one of which ("Reason") is about Makubex. Very well-characterized; it has a somewhat mythic tone that suits it perfectly.
Walk In The Shadows, Shelter The Light, by
solaas: Sakura contemplates her role in life, and the nature of motherhood. Nice thoughtful vignette. Seek, by
spooks21: A long story involving an problem facing Mugenjou and Makubex's response. A lovely plot and very well-characterized. Smile, by
nekokoban: One of the better stories out there about Makubex's background, specifically, how he joined the Volts. It makes some good points. Smile, by
_psychobabble: Makubex thinks about Ginji, and their differences. Bitter and sad in just the right way. non est ad astra mollis e terris via, by
gisho: Okay, I couldn't bear to not even mention this after I spent six months writing it. Eight parts interpolation, three parts extrapolation. My take on how Sakura and Makubex got to where I think they eventually go.
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