The first time Uno ever saw the sea was when she was eleven years old. Both her parents died of an illness which made her an orphan in one stroke. A close family friend decided to raise her within his household along with his daughter who was the same age. The Kanou's family lived a lifestyle significantly different from Uno's. The Kanou are a family of merchant, trading often with the foreigners whom people like Uno still looked on with fear and trepidation. Their household also showed the western influence in furniture which to Uno might as well come from another planet. Everything was new to a girl who had never even been as far as Tokyo in her short lifetime.

In contrast was the much more sophisticated Mariko. The pretty spoiled and headstrong daughter. Though she at first teased Uno's complete ignorance the two became firm friends. In some ways Mariko's pranks helped to draw the much shyer Uno out from her shell.

Next to the Amano's household lives the Amano, an old lady who hasn't lost her zest in life who is often the victim of Mariko's prank and her grandson, Shin taro. Mariko and Shintaro had grown up together, he was one of the few people who can see Mariko for what she is, a pretty but very spoiled girl.

The three grew up, and soon childhood friendship began to grow into something else. Uno had always loved Shin taro from afar, but when she realised Mariko felt the same way, she was willing to give her feelings up. Shin taro and Mariko became engaged, but Mariko had to wait until Shintaro finished doing his degree in medicine, something she was more than willing to do.

All would have continued smoothly if tragedy didn't strike. Mariko's father drowned while trying to save his ship during a particularly stormy weather. With his death, Mariko's sheltered existence stopped. The shop was in a poor financial state, and salvation comes in the form of Kai Ryusuke. He gave her an option marry him or face bankcrupcy. Mariko's elder brother accepted the proposal, though he is not gifted with any business acumen, he realised that it was the only feasible option. Enraged Mariko tried to escape to America, a plan which failed. A second attempt was made, but Mariko realised that she would not be able to do and leave all her responsibilities behind. Instead when she realised Uno's feeling for Shintaro she forced Uno to take her place, to tell him what happened and to say how sorry she was.

Thus Uno left for America, leaving Mariko with a husband she seemed to despise into a land which is both vast and foreign searching for Shintaro...

Takemoto Uno
Orphaned at the age of 11. Her parents were simple farmers, who would have never dreamed of her living in the type of life she is leading now. Brave and loyal to a fault, she quietly tries to achieve her goals without hurting anyone in the process.

Kanou Mariko
The younger daughter of a merchant, she is both spoiled and stubborn. Though she may resemble a fragile porcelain doll, this does not reflect her personality at all. In so many ways sometimes I think of her as a Japanese version of Scarlet O'Hara.

Amano Shintaro
His father was a samurai who become defunct with the coming of the new government. I think he missed the bygone era, where his status would have brought more respect. As a result, after the new era started he began to bring women into the house. Shintaro's mother ran away from her husband bringing him with her, he empathize with her sorrow and could never forgive his father's attitude. After becoming engaged to Mariko he went to America to become a doctor, Mariko's marriage shocked him and he became bitter due to her betrayal.

Kai Ryusuke
He also came from a samurai background, his father died during the last stand at Ueno. While escaping to his mother's village they met a group of deserters from the new government's army. Fearing rape, his mother committed suicide. He first met Mariko while working as a cabin boy. The stubborn miss decided to climb the ship's rigging to prove to her brother that she can. Realising the situation Ryusuke rescued her, before she fell.
"A girl like you should have stayed at home." He said.
Far from receiving profuse thanks, Mariko replied icily "I am grateful for your help, but someone like you should not have said that." Stunned and amused by her reply, he never forgot her through his travel. Thus when he return as an affluent businessman Mariko became one of his first priorities. He's an interesting character, ruthless yes, but with his dark past and brooding good looks you can almost forgive him for anything.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page

Y.W ｩ 1997-1999 23:03 25/11/99 natane@geoties.com