Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - Two Different Children (Or; Remembrance)

How Things Work: The Postal System
Noble Zen is in charge of the Postal System, since his Clan started and maintains it.
The Buuda Clan originally used their services only for themselves, since they were a scattered Clan of monks. King Agatora instituted it nationally, to facilitate the sharing of knowledge.
Travellers can make use of the system by little boxes at the sides of roads. Post Office keys are the only way to open them. The letters are brought to Post Offices by mailmonks, who are required to check these boxes whenever they pass them. Mail is distributed to Post Offices in other villages and cities by mailmonks.

Prologue
"28 years before Irakura's reign began, a civil war broke out. The Anarchists that had assassinated King Chiosamaru returned, determined to bring down the government. They gave no demands and refused to negotiate. Their numbers grew as the corruption in the Court of Nobles, military, and mayoral branch spread.Anarchy was a shadowy orginazation, with many bases, spread across the country. They used the government's corruption to their advantage. The war dragged on for 15 years, flaring up intermittently. Finally, at his son's pleading, King Kumara allowed his son to invade Rayuchi in a bold and desperate act. Rayuchi was extremely corrupt, and harbored Jikasu, the leader of the Anarchists. The city's infrastructure was destroyed during the battle, and ever since that day the city has been home to gangsters and bandits. This tale takes place after that last great battle between the Anarchists and Irakura, which ended in Jikasu's execution.

Scene 1 [Rayuchi's Public Square]
Prince Irakura: Jikasu is dead! The war is over!
General Gozen: Do you really think so?
Irakura: Yes, Gozen. No one else in Anarchy has demonstrated an aptitude for leadership. They were never very effective when Jikasu wasn't leading them. I believe that without their spiritual and tactical leader, Anarchy is dead.
Gozen: It's that simple?
Irakura: Well... we also captured documents off of Jikasu intended for other bases. With those documents, we now have all of their bases' locations.
Gozen: I can't believe that it's finally over...
Young Sparrow: It's not!
Irakura: Who are you?
Sparrow: Your worst nightmare!
[Sparrow tries to injure Irakura, but is unsuccesful.]
Sparrow: Ug! You're a bad person! You hurt people! Dad said so!
Irakura: Are you a bad person? After all, you're trying to hurt me, aren't you?
Sparrow: I... I dno't think I am... but...
Irakura: You're not. Neither am I. Just because I've hurt some people doesn't make me bad. By hurting a few people, I'm saving more people from getting hurt.
Sparrow: You... help people?
Irakura: Yes. It's called "the greater good."
Sparrow: I want to help people too! That's what dad would want!
Irakura: Where is your father?
[Sparrow solemnly points.]
Irakura: Jikasu's base... could this be...?
Sparrow: I don't see him a lot. He has important work.
Irakura: What color is his hair?
Sparrow: Bright red! Why?
Irakura: It is Jikasu... Listen, Sarrow?
Sparrow: Yeah?
Irakura: I was talking to your dad earlier. He said he has to go away on business. and won't be back for a long time.
Sparrow: He won't?
Irakura: He said he loves you more than anything, Sparrow.
[Sparrow grips Irakura's hand.]

Scene 2 [Dattegoru, Koraga's Home]
Koraga: Irakura? I haven't seen you in years!
Irakura: Not since that day when Kumara decided I was old enough to be on my own. I've... missed you.
Koraga: No one realizes how difficult it is to be the child of a King. You lost your father... and eventually your childhood.
Irakura: It doesn't matter. That's the price of beoming the saviour of this people.
Koraga: Saviour?
Irakura: Not yet... but I will be. My reign will always be remembered. Either way, I need to ask you a favor Koraga.
Koraga: Does it have something to do with this kid?
Sparrow: My name is Sparrow!
Irakura: Yes. Sparrow. I newed you to raise him. As well as you raised me.
Koraga: Do you know what you're asking? I'm not exactly young anymore!
Irakura: Please. He needs you.
[Aside] Irakura: His father is Jikasu.
Koraga: Oh... I suppose. I'll take care of him.
[Sparrow grabs hold of Koraga's hand.]
Sparrow: Will you be my parent?
Koraga: ...yes. Yes, Sparrow.

A Quick Look At ~ Koraga
Koraga is a friend from Kumara's childhood. When Kumara realized his duties would prevent him from being a good father to Irakura, he brought in his old friend Koraga, who raised Irakura from that point onward. As a child, Irakura understood why Kumara couldn't be such a good father. His bond with his biological father strengthened when Kumara relinquished Koraga's services when Irakura turned 12, deciding Irakura was old enough to tag-along with him and begin to learn the more personal kingly traits. Since then, Koraga has quietly lived off of the money Kumara payed him for raising Irakura.

Next Time!! Koraga and Sparrow reunite! Irakura learns of recent events that Sparrow had a hand in...?