Kuzuki Kakyou/Sumeragi Hokuto (X, X/1999)
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ship_manifestoI'm sorry I'm late. I had problems this week.
Title: Their last happy dream
Author: Kirisame (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
hiragizawa)
Spoilers: All of Tokyo Babylon, all anime TV series and OVA, manga up to volume 15.
Email: kirisame {@} hiiragizawa {.} net
Personal Website: Here
I know my dreams are made of you
Of you and only for you
Your ocean pulls me under
Your voice tears me asunder
Love me before the last petal falls
Beauty and the Beast, Nightwish
Introduction: basic terms and series plot
"You mean the world being destroyed? I find the sales at Marui department store in three days a more important matter than what's going to happen to the world eight years later."
Hokuto to Seishirou Sakurazuka. Tokyo Babylon volume 3, Call A
According to the prophecies, on the year of 1999 the future of the Earth will be decided by a battle between two chosen groups of people: the Dragons of the Heaven, who will protect the human kind, and the Dragons of the Earth, who will try to annihilate that dangerous race in the name of Mother Nature. Both bands will be led by one of the 'Kamuis', two boys marked by fate as opposite, twin stars.
That's the plot of the series, in a paragraph. A lot of things will be left untold as we don't have the time for them.
Some people are born with the power of seeing fate in their dreams. They're known as the yumemi, or Dreamgazers. They also have the ability to hop from dream to dream and communicate to others in this particular way. More than a gift, all of these could be considered a poisonous curse. Their powers can limit their body or their general freedom. Yumemi have a key role in the end of the world.
Onmyoujitsu is an art of sorcery developed by Japanese mediums. An onmyouji can control, exorcise and talk to spirits in general. Since the techniques follow the principles of Yin-Yang, there are two kinds of onmyoujitsu: white and black. The main clans that practice those types of magic are the Sumeragi family and the Sakurazukamori, respectively. At the start of X and the end of Tokyo Babylon, Subaru Sumeragi was the 13th head of his clan, while Seishirou Sakurazuka was the current Sakurazukamori. They have their own issues, but that's not the point of this essay. However, their twisted relationship hugely affected this ship.
A lonely yumemi: Kakyou Kuzuki
"My heart has died a long time ago. so I can't feel lonesome."
Kakyou to Kotori Monou. X volume 7
Kakyou is a yumemi; that means he's been able to see the future in his dreams. For that power, he was locked up in a house, probably exploited like Hinoto was, making predictions to people. He's been alone all his life, dreaming in his bedroom about the end of the world, and longing to make contact with anyone. Also, it was written he'd be a Dragon of Earth.
Our guy is a melancholic, sad person. He's frail and tries hard not to feel anything, constantly failing. He's sensitive to the verge of tears, and quite shy. He's objective and a bit cynical, but he wants to have hope.
Physically, he's just gorgeous. So pretty, he can be confused as a girl from afar. He has long, mousy hair; golden, cat-like eyes; pale skin and delicate features. He usually wears a yukata in his dreams, but in his first appearance at volume 7 he was wearing a stylish trench coat, and a shorter hairdo. We don't know his age; he looks like he's in his late twenties or early thirties, but he could be older than that.
A fashion victim: Hokuto Sumeragi
"Not if it makes him (my brother) happy! But...if you ever make him suffer....I will kill you!"
Hokuto to Seishirou Sakurazuka. Tokyo Babylon volume 5, Save B
Hokuto is the twin sister of Subaru Sumeragi, the head of the Sumeragi clan. Her powers as onmyouji aren't that strong, but she knows her stuff. She used a couple of spells during the Tokyo Babylon plot. Because Hokuto wasn't more than a mere crossover character in X, only seen in flashbacks. She used to live in Tokyo with her beloved brother during his teenage years. Her brother would become a Dragon of Heaven, and the man he loved would become a Dragon of Earth. Until something happened in Rainbow Bridge, I mean. But let's go back to Hokuto-chan.
Our gal was hyperactive, with a strong temper. She loved clothes -maintaining the record of the worst dressed woman in CLAMPverse-, sweets and trends. She had an explosive laugh, and liked to tease her shygay brother. Also, she's quite easy-going and kind to strangers -including certain gentleman-, making friends quickly with everyone. She's like a whirlwind of joy, full of energy. She adored her brother to the point to sacrifice her life for him.
Physically, she seemed a bit tomboyish with her short, modern haircut, just like Subaru's. Her hair was black and her eyes were big and green like emeralds. She had a cute face, and a sweet smile she dedicated to anyone. Like I mentioned, her wardrobe was rather peculiar, with a late eighties feeling.
By the time X started, she was long time dead. She was around 17 when she was assassinated by Seishirou instead of her twin by her choice.
Their story: ephemeral like a tidal wave
"This isn't my dreamscape, which means... this is your dream?"
Hokuto to Kakyou. X volume 15, character file
One day, while Kakyou was dreaming, someone broke into his dream. A light blinded him, and he could see a young girl in her pajamas, puzzled.
She knows it's not her dreamscape, so she turns to Kakyou, smiling, and asks him if it's that his dream. He's shocked by the vision of another human being.
They keep meeting each other night after night, trusting each other and becoming friends. She comforts Kakyou, and he becomes Hokuto's confidant.
H: Why is it that I... can enter into your dream?
K: Because I want to see someone. Because I have always been by myself, so I want to see others, anyone, anyone would do.
H: Anyone would do? How can you say that "anyone would do" to such a cute girl? Doesn't it makes you happy to see me? Hm?
K: ...I am very happy.
As you see, Hokuto still was flirtatious and coquette, but she tells this phrase in an innocent, caring way. She holds Kakyou's face inside her hands, tenderly.
Sadly, they'll never be able to touch each others' bodies.
H: You've never been able to leave here since you were born!? Really!? Is this your wish? If it is, I can't say anything. Huh? It isn't? Then it's very simple. Let's go, let's leave and go to the "outside"!
She tries her best to cheer Kakyou up, to see him smile. She shows him the sea and the sun. Not... literally, of course. It's just an illusion, but it's meaningful to both of them.
H: If you can go out, where would you want to go first?
K: As long as I'm with Hokuto, anywhere would do.
H: You can't say anywhere would do, it'll be our first date in the real world.
K: ...the beach would be good.
H: Then let's decide to come here, this is my favourite beach. Let's go, to the "outside"!
And she holds his hand.
Kakyou can't satisfy Hokuto's needs, but he listens to her. She's not always as cheerful as she should be: she also has problems and pain like anyone.
H: You're a yumemi? I've heard about them. They are people who observe the future in their dreams, right? Are you surprised I know? I am a child of an onmyouji. Do you know the Sumeragi Clan? Oh no, I can't really use any spells. It's because I'm not talented. But the head of the clan right now is my little brother. Ah, I have a twin brother, he looks just like me, so obviously he's cute. But my brother, because his powers, he lives very painfully; because of such strong powers and a pure heart. But there is nothing that I can do. Ah, but, thanks to the bit of spiritual energy I do have, I can meet you!
But there's something she didn't tell him. She had already decided to sacrifice herself for her brother. She knew of a spell to avoid his death from the hands of the Sakurazukamori. However, she'd had to die in order to make it work.
That's why, one night, she didn't show up to Kakyou's dream. He got a vision, though, and saw his beloved Hokuto -he already had fallen in love with her- dying under a cherry tree. So he got up of his futon, and ran outside. No matter his dreams always came true, he had to save her!
And here's where canons differ. In the manga version, one of the guards of the house he was living in shot Kakyou so he couldn't escape. The bullet went directly through him, and that's why he ended up in a hospital bed. In the anime version, Kakyou was able to arrive to the Ueno park, but he collapsed in the stony stairs, watching her death from afar. And he fainted and was fetched by his pursuers.
Either way, he entered an endless comma. He cannot die, and he's cursed to live until the day of destiny, trapped between dreams about his past with Hokuto and the future of the planet, resentful and brokenhearted. He would join the Dragons of Earth since their Kamui promised him to kill him afterwards. His greatest wish is to perish and be reunited with her.
Kakyou's future in the manga is undetermined, because the CLAMP ladies are bitches and won't finish X. The anime had a nice, crackful twist, and Hokuto's ghost helped her brother to be in peace. After that, she picked Kakyou up, and they ascended to the horizons together. We can assume he could finally die, and anime!Hokuto cared deeply about Kakyou. I think the script writers were shippers, too.
The real deal: my reasons
I'll sing without you
I'll sing without you
Can't you hold my tears
Cause, still I love you
I can't face the thought of being alone
I sing for the song still carries on
mune ni dakishimete omoi wo utawasete
koe ni naranakute mo
Sing without you
I'll sing without you
Can't you feel my pain
There's nothing I can do
Longing, X Japan
We already know for sure Kakyou loves/loved Hokuto. And what about her? We never get to know her real feelings about Kakyou. Honestly, and keeping fangirlish bias aside, I do not think she loved him that way in canon. For once, she just met the guy, and she was really demanding when it comes to guys she dated. And it doesn't feel like their rendez-vous lasted for a long period. She doesn't seem the kind of girl who'd fall in love at first sight, no matter how cute Kakyou is. Besides, we don't know if he's her type.
I think she loved him, yes, but as a dear friend. I don't think she felt sorry for him, as she's not a person to hold that feeling (not my idea, that's sort of canon; see the Smile annex.) She became friends with Kakyou because she truly wanted to. She might be flirty, but she's more maternal. She just had a weak spot for angsty men, after all that time living with Subaru.
Why do I think they have couple potential, then? Why am I writing this overdue essay, why are they my OTP, if I don't think she loved him back? Why, oh why?
Simple: I'm convinced, if Hokuto hadn't died, she could be able to love him. Just a little more of time, and it could be plausible. Actually, the whole obstacle, apart from death, was the lack of time her fate provided. If she'd have gotten to know him better, she might've seen he's an adorable guy. He could've win her over, slowly, with his heart of glass.
Besides, they were quite sweet to each other; she was especially tender. And see this: she was quite interested in meeting him in real life. She mentioned the word "date" a couple of times. Maybe she was teasing him, but Hokuto's not a girl capable of breaking people's hearts. And the concept of a date is rather strong in Japan. I think she might find him at least a little attractive, in my opinion.
Hovering feather: a theory of mine
Oh my life is changing everyday
in every possible way
And though my dreams
it's never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems
Dreams, The Cranberries
There's something rather unusual with X!Hokuto, I noticed. She doesn't seem the same insane, superficial teenager we get to meet in Tokyo Babylon, and I don't mean the drawing style's evolution from Mokona. She's lacking some of the enthusiasm TB!Hokuto had, and she seems melancholic from time to time. Her "ohohohoho" laughter is gone along with the silliness.
The only time we get see TB!Hokuto upset was when she was saying Subaru goodbye. She was crying, because she knew she wouldn't see him again. She had made a choice, and was determined to save him. Then she went missing for a month, until she finds Seishirou and gets herself killed, and her body is found.
So I concluded Hokuto's dreams with Kakyou happened during that span of time. It makes sense she met Kakyou during her last month of life. That would explain why we never get to hear clues about Kakyou in the Tokyo Babylon plot, or clues about Subaru's cases or his relationship with Seishirou during the X flashbacks.
I think it makes perfect sense, and could make clear why Hokuto looks so changed and so serious. She knows she might find Sei-chan and die any day. No regrets, though. No tears from her eyes.
Her lightbulb is almost burnt, but it can still shine for the dreamer that makes her company before it gets burned, in the darkness surrounding them.
And up to this day, he's thankful for that light, even if it damaged his eyes forever. Now that he's back to the shadows, the remembrance of the warm brightness makes them cry.
Extras: anything else
Credits
Source for the manga quotes
Shrines
Kakyou Kuzuki's X Dimension (K)
Maboroshi (K)
Helplessness (K)
Orange Clouds (H)
Superficial Currygirl (H)
Rainbow Flash (H)
Fanlistings (approved by animefanlistings.org)
Lethargic (K)
Allegro Sonata (H)
Only when I sleep (K/H)
Er, yeah, I run the three of them ^_^U
Title: Their last happy dream
Author: Kirisame (
hiragizawa)Spoilers: All of Tokyo Babylon, all anime TV series and OVA, manga up to volume 15.
Email: kirisame {@} hiiragizawa {.} net
Personal Website: Here
I know my dreams are made of you
Of you and only for you
Your ocean pulls me under
Your voice tears me asunder
Love me before the last petal falls
Beauty and the Beast, Nightwish
"You mean the world being destroyed? I find the sales at Marui department store in three days a more important matter than what's going to happen to the world eight years later."
Hokuto to Seishirou Sakurazuka. Tokyo Babylon volume 3, Call A
According to the prophecies, on the year of 1999 the future of the Earth will be decided by a battle between two chosen groups of people: the Dragons of the Heaven, who will protect the human kind, and the Dragons of the Earth, who will try to annihilate that dangerous race in the name of Mother Nature. Both bands will be led by one of the 'Kamuis', two boys marked by fate as opposite, twin stars.
That's the plot of the series, in a paragraph. A lot of things will be left untold as we don't have the time for them.
Some people are born with the power of seeing fate in their dreams. They're known as the yumemi, or Dreamgazers. They also have the ability to hop from dream to dream and communicate to others in this particular way. More than a gift, all of these could be considered a poisonous curse. Their powers can limit their body or their general freedom. Yumemi have a key role in the end of the world.
Onmyoujitsu is an art of sorcery developed by Japanese mediums. An onmyouji can control, exorcise and talk to spirits in general. Since the techniques follow the principles of Yin-Yang, there are two kinds of onmyoujitsu: white and black. The main clans that practice those types of magic are the Sumeragi family and the Sakurazukamori, respectively. At the start of X and the end of Tokyo Babylon, Subaru Sumeragi was the 13th head of his clan, while Seishirou Sakurazuka was the current Sakurazukamori. They have their own issues, but that's not the point of this essay. However, their twisted relationship hugely affected this ship.
"My heart has died a long time ago. so I can't feel lonesome."
Kakyou to Kotori Monou. X volume 7
Kakyou is a yumemi; that means he's been able to see the future in his dreams. For that power, he was locked up in a house, probably exploited like Hinoto was, making predictions to people. He's been alone all his life, dreaming in his bedroom about the end of the world, and longing to make contact with anyone. Also, it was written he'd be a Dragon of Earth.
Our guy is a melancholic, sad person. He's frail and tries hard not to feel anything, constantly failing. He's sensitive to the verge of tears, and quite shy. He's objective and a bit cynical, but he wants to have hope.
Physically, he's just gorgeous. So pretty, he can be confused as a girl from afar. He has long, mousy hair; golden, cat-like eyes; pale skin and delicate features. He usually wears a yukata in his dreams, but in his first appearance at volume 7 he was wearing a stylish trench coat, and a shorter hairdo. We don't know his age; he looks like he's in his late twenties or early thirties, but he could be older than that.
"Not if it makes him (my brother) happy! But...if you ever make him suffer....I will kill you!"
Hokuto to Seishirou Sakurazuka. Tokyo Babylon volume 5, Save B
Hokuto is the twin sister of Subaru Sumeragi, the head of the Sumeragi clan. Her powers as onmyouji aren't that strong, but she knows her stuff. She used a couple of spells during the Tokyo Babylon plot. Because Hokuto wasn't more than a mere crossover character in X, only seen in flashbacks. She used to live in Tokyo with her beloved brother during his teenage years. Her brother would become a Dragon of Heaven, and the man he loved would become a Dragon of Earth. Until something happened in Rainbow Bridge, I mean. But let's go back to Hokuto-chan.
Our gal was hyperactive, with a strong temper. She loved clothes -maintaining the record of the worst dressed woman in CLAMPverse-, sweets and trends. She had an explosive laugh, and liked to tease her shy
Physically, she seemed a bit tomboyish with her short, modern haircut, just like Subaru's. Her hair was black and her eyes were big and green like emeralds. She had a cute face, and a sweet smile she dedicated to anyone. Like I mentioned, her wardrobe was rather peculiar, with a late eighties feeling.
By the time X started, she was long time dead. She was around 17 when she was assassinated by Seishirou instead of her twin by her choice.
"This isn't my dreamscape, which means... this is your dream?"
Hokuto to Kakyou. X volume 15, character file
One day, while Kakyou was dreaming, someone broke into his dream. A light blinded him, and he could see a young girl in her pajamas, puzzled.
She knows it's not her dreamscape, so she turns to Kakyou, smiling, and asks him if it's that his dream. He's shocked by the vision of another human being.
They keep meeting each other night after night, trusting each other and becoming friends. She comforts Kakyou, and he becomes Hokuto's confidant.
H: Why is it that I... can enter into your dream?
K: Because I want to see someone. Because I have always been by myself, so I want to see others, anyone, anyone would do.
H: Anyone would do? How can you say that "anyone would do" to such a cute girl? Doesn't it makes you happy to see me? Hm?
K: ...I am very happy.
As you see, Hokuto still was flirtatious and coquette, but she tells this phrase in an innocent, caring way. She holds Kakyou's face inside her hands, tenderly.
Sadly, they'll never be able to touch each others' bodies.
H: You've never been able to leave here since you were born!? Really!? Is this your wish? If it is, I can't say anything. Huh? It isn't? Then it's very simple. Let's go, let's leave and go to the "outside"!
She tries her best to cheer Kakyou up, to see him smile. She shows him the sea and the sun. Not... literally, of course. It's just an illusion, but it's meaningful to both of them.
H: If you can go out, where would you want to go first?
K: As long as I'm with Hokuto, anywhere would do.
H: You can't say anywhere would do, it'll be our first date in the real world.
K: ...the beach would be good.
H: Then let's decide to come here, this is my favourite beach. Let's go, to the "outside"!
And she holds his hand.
Kakyou can't satisfy Hokuto's needs, but he listens to her. She's not always as cheerful as she should be: she also has problems and pain like anyone.
H: You're a yumemi? I've heard about them. They are people who observe the future in their dreams, right? Are you surprised I know? I am a child of an onmyouji. Do you know the Sumeragi Clan? Oh no, I can't really use any spells. It's because I'm not talented. But the head of the clan right now is my little brother. Ah, I have a twin brother, he looks just like me, so obviously he's cute. But my brother, because his powers, he lives very painfully; because of such strong powers and a pure heart. But there is nothing that I can do. Ah, but, thanks to the bit of spiritual energy I do have, I can meet you!
But there's something she didn't tell him. She had already decided to sacrifice herself for her brother. She knew of a spell to avoid his death from the hands of the Sakurazukamori. However, she'd had to die in order to make it work.
That's why, one night, she didn't show up to Kakyou's dream. He got a vision, though, and saw his beloved Hokuto -he already had fallen in love with her- dying under a cherry tree. So he got up of his futon, and ran outside. No matter his dreams always came true, he had to save her!
And here's where canons differ. In the manga version, one of the guards of the house he was living in shot Kakyou so he couldn't escape. The bullet went directly through him, and that's why he ended up in a hospital bed. In the anime version, Kakyou was able to arrive to the Ueno park, but he collapsed in the stony stairs, watching her death from afar. And he fainted and was fetched by his pursuers.
Either way, he entered an endless comma. He cannot die, and he's cursed to live until the day of destiny, trapped between dreams about his past with Hokuto and the future of the planet, resentful and brokenhearted. He would join the Dragons of Earth since their Kamui promised him to kill him afterwards. His greatest wish is to perish and be reunited with her.
Kakyou's future in the manga is undetermined, because the CLAMP ladies are bitches and won't finish X. The anime had a nice, crackful twist, and Hokuto's ghost helped her brother to be in peace. After that, she picked Kakyou up, and they ascended to the horizons together. We can assume he could finally die, and anime!Hokuto cared deeply about Kakyou. I think the script writers were shippers, too.
I'll sing without you
I'll sing without you
Can't you hold my tears
Cause, still I love you
I can't face the thought of being alone
I sing for the song still carries on
mune ni dakishimete omoi wo utawasete
koe ni naranakute mo
Sing without you
I'll sing without you
Can't you feel my pain
There's nothing I can do
Longing, X Japan
We already know for sure Kakyou loves/loved Hokuto. And what about her? We never get to know her real feelings about Kakyou. Honestly, and keeping fangirlish bias aside, I do not think she loved him that way in canon. For once, she just met the guy, and she was really demanding when it comes to guys she dated. And it doesn't feel like their rendez-vous lasted for a long period. She doesn't seem the kind of girl who'd fall in love at first sight, no matter how cute Kakyou is. Besides, we don't know if he's her type.
I think she loved him, yes, but as a dear friend. I don't think she felt sorry for him, as she's not a person to hold that feeling (not my idea, that's sort of canon; see the Smile annex.) She became friends with Kakyou because she truly wanted to. She might be flirty, but she's more maternal. She just had a weak spot for angsty men, after all that time living with Subaru.
Why do I think they have couple potential, then? Why am I writing this overdue essay, why are they my OTP, if I don't think she loved him back? Why, oh why?
Simple: I'm convinced, if Hokuto hadn't died, she could be able to love him. Just a little more of time, and it could be plausible. Actually, the whole obstacle, apart from death, was the lack of time her fate provided. If she'd have gotten to know him better, she might've seen he's an adorable guy. He could've win her over, slowly, with his heart of glass.
Besides, they were quite sweet to each other; she was especially tender. And see this: she was quite interested in meeting him in real life. She mentioned the word "date" a couple of times. Maybe she was teasing him, but Hokuto's not a girl capable of breaking people's hearts. And the concept of a date is rather strong in Japan. I think she might find him at least a little attractive, in my opinion.
Oh my life is changing everyday
in every possible way
And though my dreams
it's never quite as it seems
Never quite as it seems
Dreams, The Cranberries
There's something rather unusual with X!Hokuto, I noticed. She doesn't seem the same insane, superficial teenager we get to meet in Tokyo Babylon, and I don't mean the drawing style's evolution from Mokona. She's lacking some of the enthusiasm TB!Hokuto had, and she seems melancholic from time to time. Her "ohohohoho" laughter is gone along with the silliness.
The only time we get see TB!Hokuto upset was when she was saying Subaru goodbye. She was crying, because she knew she wouldn't see him again. She had made a choice, and was determined to save him. Then she went missing for a month, until she finds Seishirou and gets herself killed, and her body is found.
So I concluded Hokuto's dreams with Kakyou happened during that span of time. It makes sense she met Kakyou during her last month of life. That would explain why we never get to hear clues about Kakyou in the Tokyo Babylon plot, or clues about Subaru's cases or his relationship with Seishirou during the X flashbacks.
I think it makes perfect sense, and could make clear why Hokuto looks so changed and so serious. She knows she might find Sei-chan and die any day. No regrets, though. No tears from her eyes.
Her lightbulb is almost burnt, but it can still shine for the dreamer that makes her company before it gets burned, in the darkness surrounding them.
And up to this day, he's thankful for that light, even if it damaged his eyes forever. Now that he's back to the shadows, the remembrance of the warm brightness makes them cry.
Credits
Source for the manga quotes
Shrines
Kakyou Kuzuki's X Dimension (K)
Maboroshi (K)
Helplessness (K)
Orange Clouds (H)
Superficial Currygirl (H)
Rainbow Flash (H)
Fanlistings (approved by animefanlistings.org)
Lethargic (K)
Allegro Sonata (H)
Only when I sleep (K/H)
Er, yeah, I run the three of them ^_^U
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-03-14 12:35 am (UTC)I also like you avatar very much.
no subject
Date: 2005-03-14 03:08 am (UTC)That's like the fandom's motto.
no subject
Date: 2005-03-15 11:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-03-24 06:44 pm (UTC)possible suggestion
Date: 2006-07-19 06:18 am (UTC)There is one hint that she MIGHT have met Kakyou during the actual plot of TB. In vol. 4 Crime, she mentions that she has a date. Now, this is far-fetched (especially since she said this in the daytime), but could that date have possibly been to go home, take a nap, and meet Kakyou? I've always wondered if that was the case...
Re: possible suggestion
Date: 2006-07-19 08:33 am (UTC)