Darkness: Songs
Saga Notes
This saga was supposed to be five parts, but the end always seemed rushed
and wasn't working right. My first thought was to make 'Melody for Hope' a
separate part from what became 'Forethought'. Unfortunately, even with this extra
chapter, 'Melody for Hope' was still nearing thirty pages and 'rushing' the plot.
So, it was again broken down into two parts 'Overture' and 'Finale'. (The musical
terminology relates back to 'Melody' and to 'Songs'. An overture is a preceding
musical movement of an opera-- like a prelude maybe?) 'Songs' relates to the
introduction of Requiem. A requiem is a song for the dead.
General note for this entire saga: Pay attention to Yamato's eye color. If
it's noted to have changed-- it was for a reason, which you learned in Songs 6.
There were some major changes made to this from the previous version. I
guess I like some of them a lot-- the conversations move smoother and the flow is
better in spots. Plus, I like the way the saga ends better this way. I really liked a
few of the things that were taken out, though. Like the Yamato looks like
whatever you expect him to look like thing-- I might try to bring that back in later.
One of the things that was changed that I think actually worked better in
the previous version was how Tenkou found out Rekki was Requiem and her
reaction to it. I hope her current calmness can be attributed to a sort of mild sense
of shock. I'm quite sure she'd be rather overwhelmed. Plus, I think Tenkou might
have had suspicious about Rekki's identity, which are hinted at somewhere along
the way-- specifically Songs: 4. Tenkou is a smart girl, after all. She knew
Darkness was Yamato when she first encountered him. Could this be some sort
of ability she has?
Notes for Songs: 1 appear at the end of the text file, so following is a
chapter by chapter notation for Songs: 2-7.
There was a lot of changes and reworkings for this Saga. In fact, from
about Song: 4 on, I basically did a "gut" and rewrite job. That's why their notes
are longer than the other sections. There's a lot of new material, so I highly
recommend you read them again. Otherwise you will be more confused than
usual. ^_^;
Songs: 2: Honesty
(or what should have been called "The Exposition Chapter")
Yamato can exposit like no other character in existence! ph34r his l33t
exposition $k!11z. I know, it's awful, but it's a way to get the info out there. The
Sefirot are dressed in the chakra colors attributed to them. That is why Tiferet
wears peach.
Eep, I scare myself. I still am not sure where that very nasty scene with
Yamato being whipped came from. O_o Anyway, the voice Yamato hears is not
Twilight nor is it Judgement. Any guesses as to who it could be? (Yes, I actually
know who it is and have plans to make reference to it in the next saga.)
Why is Taeo-chan dressing like Nathaniel from the Seraphin Project?
Yamato's strangely formal with Mattaeo, but I picture him being very informal if
he was to meet Nathanael. I suppose having someone in your head for 300+ years
would develop some sort of relationship.
The feather-- Mattaeo gives one of Hikaru's feathers to Yamato and says
that it answers his questions because: (a) Yamato is looking for his feather-- and
that is Hikaru. (b) Hikaru is Truth (if you didn't catch that, it gets mentioned
again in the next saga to remind you.) Truth can answer any question.
= = =
Songs 3: Fire Feather
Some notes at the end of the chapter.
This chapter was named for Hikaru. He ended up playing a much larger
part in this saga that I thought he would. But hey, since he didn't even exist in
version one of Darkness, it's safe to say he's come a long way in development.
(You are reading version 3-- I count each major revision as a new version.)
Hikaru also leaves one of his feathers on the bench where Tenkou was
sitting. Perhaps he feels that she's in need of it?
Dawn is the same guy who was at the table with the Sefirot's in S2. It's
just I wanted to wait and have Yamato name him for the reader.
"Judgement and Twilight in one and borne of Truth. He shall bring the
flames to those who dare to repeat their sins, and those borne of him shall
returned what was first taken by the sinner." --> It is a prophecy about the
coming of a new power-- the power of Hope. [The other powers are: Twilight,
Judgement, Fate. Truth and Fortune.] It basically says that Truth (Hikaru) will be
the father of Hope, and that Hope will work for both Twilight and Judgement.
Yamato is connected to Twilight through his father (Hikaru is Mattaeo's son,
therefore, Yamato is Mattaeo's grandson). Yamato is connected to Judgement by
the fact that he is the Judgement Candidate. "Flames" means flames of
Judgement-- as Hope will battle the "sinner". The other part deals with Yamato's
kids.
What does Hikaru do to Yamato? Well, being Truth means the other side
of his power is "deceit" and illusions could fall under that. So effectively Hikaru
uses his powers to hide Yamato's true identity beneath the appearance of his own.
As he uses the same principle to hide his true identity from Requiem et al beneath
the appearance of Yamato.
= = =
Songs 4: Gathering
(pretty much scene by scene)
Yamato's dream could be prophetic. But it is mostly just a manifestation
of Yamato's worst fears-- the death of Tenkou at the hands of Dawn Star.
Is Matthew Tyler gay? No. He's bisexual-- as is Rekki/Requiem. Rekki
also reports in person so that Daylight can make an appearance and have his
character developed, or is it reinforced?
Tiferet plots with Gevura, to show what an over ambitious fellow he is.
Looks like what Kabbalah said about him is true. It also tells you a little more
about Yamato's past.
The scene with Amaterasu allows introduction of Mei Ling, who will play
a bigger part in the next saga. Amaterasu is Yamato's mother, and her speech
should give you another good hint about Hikaru being Yamato's father.
Gosh, Yamato and Matthew were getting along so well until the
Foundation came up. Wondering about Yamato seeming to phreak out on
Matthew? Watch his eyes. Yes, that's Hikaru who Matthew is approached by on
the bench. Also, Matthew could note the difference between Nathanael and
Yamato.
*sigh* Binah attempts to take the place as the Exposition Character of the
Week. More waybackstory info. I wonder who told Binah she could go spilling
secrets? (Since that's Hikaru's job.) Also, Binah brings back Tenkou's mother.
Hm, hm, hm. Tenkou's mother is a big backstory player. She influences why
Stone told Tenkou to stay away from Yamato's kind, she effects Tenkou's role in
the whole Prophecy of Avalon. Plus, if you think about it, Viola is the whole
reason for Nathanael to see to it that Yamato and Tenkou met in the first place.
The terms of the bargain are outlined by Nathanael in Songs: 7.
Tenkou's thinking about whether or not Requiem and Rekki could be the
same person in the scene of her and Rekki in the car.
I think it's safe to say Yamato knows Hikaru is his father-- but he doesn't
know exactly what that means. Hikaru's quizzing Yamato about hope comes into
play in the next saga. When Hope actually makes an appearance.
The 'girl' Vincent/Daylight keeps talking about is Katy. I should stop
switching between Vincent and Daylight for him. >.< Anyway, from Dawn's
remarks you see that Katy is linked back to Hikaru through her father.
= = =
Songs 5: Forethought
(pretty much scene by scene)
This is named for Prometheus. 'Prometheus' means 'forethought'. Avalon
(his last name) is an island from celtic mythology, where Arthur is said to be
resting until Britain needs his services again. Prometheus was a new addition to
the series-- he's a character that became a major played in the background events
of Threads & Flames, and I felt I wanted to incorporate him into the story before
Book 2. If you're wondering about the line marking on his face, I suggest taking a
visit to Katy's page and having a look at a picture of Anarien from the Seraphin
Project [http://www.coopefamily.demon.co.uk/].
Ha, I did sorta fixed up the Valentine mistake. I didn't think Requiem
could know Valentine. Anyway, Valentine is mentioned again so you'll go 'hey,
wait a minute' when you see the name appear in the next chapter. Add to it Mei
Ling's scene from the previous chapter and the boy and Katy in the next chapter
and your main characters for the next saga.
Okay, Kirya and Matthew Tyler dated through high school. She was
pretty serious about him, but he was more in love with her money. It's a rather
low blow Tenkou gives when she brings this up, and that's why Rekki makes the
remark about Tenkou spending too much time with her.
I do love how Yamato just shows up. I suspect-- although I didn't mention
it-- that he is Nathanael for at least some of this scene. Prometheus is quite
reclusive, and it seems more in character to me that he would speak to Nathanael
than Yamato at this point. ("Nathanael, Hikaru's about to blow Requiem's cover.
Go prevent the resulting scene."). The dialogue later reveals that Prometheus told
Yamato a few other things, but once again, Yamato could heard them through
Nathanael. This is strengthened by the fact that Yamato actually comes right out
and asks Prometheus why he's there.
Binah's speculation about what caused the downfall of the Northern City
may or may not be what really happened. She retains her title of Exposition
Character of the Week, by telling a bit of more of the way backstory-- another
side to the Fall of the Tazo. This sets it up so you understand what's going on with
Prometheus as "Lady Avalon" and Dawn Star in the 'Melody of Hope' parts.
Yamato is oddly proactive when he learns of Requiem's father being
killed. Especially considering how he switches and wants to avoid doing things
later.
Prometheus passes along a lot of information-- it's him that first mentions
the set up of the Sefirot as the code to the council of the Foundation to Yamato.
(Yamato doesn't know them as the 'Sefirot'.) The 'ensuring the next Judgement is
passed' is another clue about Yamato being a Candidate. "He likes the smart
ones" is of course talking about Nathanael.
Prometheus refers to Nathanael as Hikaru's uncle. Hikaru would say his
'fathers', as Mattaeo and Nathanael really aren't brothers. Another reference to
Yamato as a Candidate, this time from Hikaru, and another hint about Hikaru
being Yamato's father from Prometheus.
Dawn Star looks over the items of power for each of the Hihanes-- or
where he would put said items if he had them in his possession. Blade of
Twilight, Judgement's Pentablades, Fate's Chains (usually bound around
Prometheus' waist), Fortune's Key, Truth's Mirror (Hikaru plays with this back in
Darkness: Dreams 3 and shows it to Yamato in Songs 3.) Last is the orb of Hope.
The Twilight Blade and Pentablades play a larger role in Tazo and Fallen than
they do in Darkness.
Yamato actually speaks like a Phoenix in the scene with him and Tenkou.
Yamato does the push back his hair thing like Hikaru does. And Yamato is a
sweetheart. Tenkou's idea of "a long time" is about ten seconds here. Yamato's
eyes change, and cue another brief visit from Nathanael. Does Requiem know
Yamato is Hikaru's son? It's safe to say the thought has crossed his mind.
Tenkou is smart. She knows stuff. ^_^ Finally, someone comes out and says it
"Yamato is a Judgement Candidate". Wh00! Finally, we learn what it means
when Yamato's eyes change color and get some explanation for his moodiness.
Next scene Yamato finally asks, so we learn that Hikaru is his father. The
"Dad" comment Hikaru makes refers to Nathanael, not Mattaeo. Plus, we learn
Hikaru's age-- only 16 years older than Yamato. His affair with Amaterasu is
doubly scandalous because of it. The first indication of the relationship
(friendship?) between Nathanael and Yamato is made.
Daylight gets some scene time and a chance at characterization. You get
to be inside his head and hear his thoughts. Do you think that maybe he actually
does care for Amaterasu? I think he does.
= = =
Songs 6: Melody for Hope~Overture
(Scene by Scene)
The boy who comes out of the mirror takes Fortune's Key from Dawn
Star's office.
Yamato almost tells Requiem and Tenkou that he doesn't have
Judgement's assistance/protection, but wimps out. At least he passes on some
more information about what it means to be a Candidate. The reason he doesn't
recall saying that Hod killed him was because it was Nathanael who told Tenkou
that. Requiem's statement about every battle really being Nathanael fighting is
ironic, as it is revealed later that is the case.
Hikaru tells a little bit about some more of his powers-- always knowing
the truth, etc. Dace is given a description, and Prometheus fleshes out his
character a bit. "Wander's Spirit" is a reference to Twilight. Requiem's father is
named ("Loki"). Some of the turmoil in the Southerner Kingdom is discussed.
Prometheus' comments are a reference to how Yamato has been Earthbound for
nearly all of his life.
Yamato and Tenkou discuss the workings of being a Judgement Candidate
a bit further, and Yamato reveals that he really doesn't know the answer to all her
questions. The Big Dipper is pointed out to tie things back to the first time they
met, and foreshadow how they are about to be separated again. (Tenkou was
captured in Dreams, Yamato is 'killed' in Songs). By Yamato saying the
alternative was "being dead", I think he means that Nathanael offered him the
Candidacy as he was dying. Probably way back on that night that Nozomi died at
the Ryuujiin Temple.
Dawn Star plots. Prometheus is thought to be his mother, Lady Avalon,
the one who made all the prophecies. Binah reveals why Prometheus must be a
fraud. The message comes from the Northerner City, and it is from the Cult of
Fortuna. Dawn had tried to arrange a marriage between someone of his choosing
and Fortune. It is explained further in the next saga.
Katy is the artist who works are on exhibit. The MorningStar Foundation
has sponsored her trip to the USA and the show. This is gone into more in the
next saga. Fortune (the boy) is finally described in depth, but still not named. He
acts uncharacteristically kind towards Katy, and gives her a "lucky feather" (one
of his own). This all becomes important in the next saga. Basically the scenes
with Fortune are to set-up the conflict of 'Children of the Phoenix'.
Adia isn't an important or reoccurring character, I just felt that she ought
to have a name. It's a good thing there's no descriptions of Prometheus' mother,
because he really doesn't look that much like her.
Dawn wants to use Prometheus to further the appearance of solidarity
between the West and South Vaults.
Requiem manages to convince Matthew Tyler that he's not evil-- BIG
CHANGE from the previous version. In that version, Matthew Tyler shot
Yamato at point blank range. It was the basic descent of his character into
becoming 'Faust' of Fallen, but that may not necessarily be his future.
Tenkou finds herself drawn to where Tiferet is conveniently waiting for
her. Tiferet and Gevura try to put their plans into motion. Now, obviously this
'Yamato' isn't really Yamato at all. This would be the first time Nathanael has
separately/physically appeared, and it's to finish what he started through Yamato
centuries ago.
I thought it would be interesting to have the actual 'death' scene of Tiferet
show through a different perspective than that of Tenkou or Tiferet. This also
keeps the reader distanced from Nathanael. Binah not only sees through
Nathanael's disguise, but she confronts him, which is rather brave considering
who/what he is. The bargain between Viola and Nathanael comes back into play.
This chapter ends with Nathanael vanishing with Tenkou in his arms, and the fate
of Yamato and his family in question.
= = =
Song 7: Melody for Hope~ Finale
Well Finale has the importance of concluding Overture's immediate events and
wrapping up Songs, it also plays a big role in setting up the events and plot of the
next saga.
(Scene by Scene)
Gotta Love Dawn's spin on what's happened. He has a way with crowds.
Hikaru's got a way with them too, though, as he cleverly turns thing back into his
favor. Somehow the truth of Yamato's father was kept relatively quiet. Sure
there were rumors, but that's different than the King of the Western Vaults
announcing it before all the dignitaries of the West. The orb is Hope's icon.
The scent of cinnamon in the air means that Hikaru was getting ready to
let his wings show (his family is called Fire Feather for a reason). Prometheus
knows that would be the worst thing to do since most people would instantly
believe what Dawn said about 'winged demons' and destroy Hikaru's credibility.
When Dawn says that he will give Yamato Tenkou and his parents' lives in
exchange for his own, he is not yet talking about killing him. Yamato wants to
speak to Dawn in private where there isn't a crowd for Dawn to act falsely to. Of
course you know that Prometheus is going to let Hikaru go as soon as they're a
safe distance from Dawn.
The next scene is the first good description of Nathanael (in "human"
form). He's being atypically kind and gentle towards Tenkou. Poor Yamato,
there he is bargaining with his life and the guy who usually does the dealing with
Dawn is off hitting on his girlfriend! Hmm, but Tenkou isn't interested at this
point, since he's "not Yamato". However, it brings up a lot to think about if she
considers that every time she was with "Darkness" it was Nathanael. It also
brings up the question of how much of Yamato's personality was "borrowed"
from Nathanael. Is Yamato even really the person that Tenkou has such strong
feelings for? Nathanael gives his age as "a couple thousand years"; his age being
when he stopped being just a bodiless force and became 'Nathanael'.
Description of Prometheus and Hikaru in Tazo form is given again.
Prometheus' job for Hikaru is revealed in the next saga.
Binah's in shock, but you get to learn a little bit about her past here. Binah
tries to explain to Stone why it's useless to go to the police. Mattaeo/Twilight
appears (in "human" form). Once again Binah knows who he is and her
confrontation of his is even more brash than the one with Nathanael, as she
actually calls him by his name once Stone leaves. Mattaeo seems unnaturally
cold here to counterbalance Nathanael being unusually kind. Mattaeo goes into
the relationship he has with Nathanael in an offhand manner ("Friend, brother,
soulmate, complement"). Mattaeo shows off his ability to manipulate people's
thoughts. Mattaeo basically, in a roundabout way, offers to have Binah spared
Judgement if she helps him out. This defines her role in the events of the next
saga.
Yamato and Dawn battle with words as their weapons. It's a battle of wills
and beliefs. Perhaps Dawn didn't know that Darkness was Nathanael the entire
time, since he seems a little surprised. Dawn continues to call him 'Darkness'
throughout the entire conversation. The terms of the agreement between
Nathanael and Yamato are spelled out. When Yamato speaks without thinking,
he is speaking for Hope. It's towards the end of the conversation, as Dawn sees
he can't shake Yamato's conviction in his beliefs, that the Star uses the threat of
Yamato's own death instead of his loved ones.
The second Nathanael and Tenkou scene spells out the terms of the
bargain that Viola made with Nathanael, as well as goes further into Nathanael
and Yamato's relationship. It should probably be noted that 'relationship' means
how the interact and does not convey any romantic connotations. Nathanael
admits that he loves Tenkou-- much to her shock, and because of it not only
released Tenkou from the terms of the bargain, but tells her to go to Yamato.
Wh00! The first kiss in Darkness occurs-- but it's Nathanael and not Yamato who
kisses Tenkou. (I guess it's technically still the title character who's involved in
it...) You just know this is going to create complications later on.
Amaterasu and Daylight's failed marriage is examined. Perhaps as the
greatest proof of his love for her, Daylight releases Amaterasu. But after being
sort of verbally divorced, Amaterasu is now free to have more 'public' relations
with Hikaru.
The reason that Dawn is seeking a host for 'Kabbalah' is revealed. She is
the spirit of his wife, who he is trying to resurrect. Dawn doesn't know how the
orb works. The power of Hope gives Yamato the strength to defy Dawn. He is
awarded his freedom, but at the cost of his own life.
Mattaeo's spell on Stone wasn't permanent. Stone overhears a potentially
damaging conversation between Requiem, Matthew and Tenkou. Stone discovers
that Tenkou has been seeing Yamato even after he forbade it. Prometheus
appears again, with a small portfolio. The portfolio belongs to Katy, and it will
reappear in the next saga. Stone either recognizes the spiral on Prometheus'
forehead as being the same sort of marking as Nathanael has, or Prometheus
visited Viola before she died.
Mattaeo and Nathanael show off their wings. Again, Nathanael's
closeness to Yamato is shown by how he is the one to treat the wound and carry
Yamato away. It also misleadingly suggests that Yamato is going to stay dead, as
Mattaeo talks about his revival. The "kids" refer to Hikaru and Fortune.
Nathanael travels by the same means that Fortune did, through the mirror in
Dawn's office. This nicely ties back to the beginning of Melody of Hope.
= = =
As always, I'd like to thank my readers and others who've lent me support and
offered advice and/or encouragement. Katy Coope, Philip Barkow, John Evans,
and Matthew Seagle.
I'd also like to thank my parents for accepting "I'm writing a story" as a good
enough response to their question of "what are you doing?" Perhaps one day I'll
get brave enough to actually let them read it.