Post by china on Apr 27, 2011 6:23:32 GMT
• PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA // 中国
Name --- Wang Yao // Yao Wang (Westernized)
Nation --- Zhōngguó / 中国/ China
Aliases ---
Hua– In ancient times Hua meant flowers and denotes something beautiful and glorious. This dates back to the time in which China did not have a name, and was referred to by the elegant Central Plains settlers (in ancient times, 4000-500BC) as simply “Hua” or “Huaxia.” This is mostly attributed to their manner of dress, and belief of their advanced sophistication among neighboring countries.
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Chixian Shenzhou – translates loosely into: Land of the Divine, used around the Warring States Period in China’s history. A man named Yanyan in the Qi State in (475-221BC) who said that China was Chixian Shenzhou (the sacred earth and divine land). It can be shortened to Shenzhou.
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Jiuzhou – Brought about by the division of nine kingdoms/dynasties; Ji, Yan, Qing, Jing, Yang, Liang, Yong, Xun and Yu. Loosely translates, or refers to the nine administrative divisions.
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Zhōngguó – One of his more modern names, still used to this day; roughly translated to “The Middle Kingdom” referring to its geography as well as its—ripe age against among countries.
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Gege – Only for siblings. Only. This is an honorific title for those that consider Yao their “elder” brother. It can be attached as a suffix (ex: Yao-gege) or said on its own.
Apparent age --- Early 30’s (?)
Actual age --- Four-Thousand Years Old
Gender --- Male
|-|-The External-|-|
Eye color --- Deep Hazelnut/Amber
Hair color --- Dark Charcoal
Height --- 5’6”
Weight --- 130 lbs.
Skin tone --- Very pale, not a lot of pigment.
Defining features --- He’s an old nation, a very—very old nation. There are many scars on his body, but some have eroded with time. The only one worth mentioning here is the most disfiguring one on his back; given to him by Japan during World War 2, or (if you want to get technical) the Second Sino-Japanese War, which blended into World War II. It reaches from one side of his back (the upper right hand shoulder) to the lower left side, close to his hipbone. This mark is very large, very long, and fairly deep.
Additional features --- Yao has an almost frail looking form, which can be both misleading and considered to reflect his position in the current state of social hierarchy. He is overall very pastel, if not completely pale; he does however have a scar that he keeps hidden through layers of clothing. Upon his back is a large horizontal slice and discoloration—reaching from his upper right shoulder blade and down to his left side. Yao refuses to ever talk about the action in which lead to such a scar, and the other littered scrapes that surround it. All other marks gained from his ‘experiences’ pale in comparison to such a mark; in some sort of retrospect—it seems still quite fresh.
His build is svelte in comparison to most, however his way of dress hides most of the scars and built muscle he’s attained over the years. Most can find a fairly surprising strong opponent in Yao, the man is extremely flexible and quite able to fight for himself when such matters arise. His strength stems from constant training and retained abilities from his youth, which despite his size—still packs quite the punch. As stated, he prefers to cover up such traits with the aid of cloaking himself in fine fabrics and robes reserved for exotic nobility. Yao’s love for expensive attire is something that isn’t subtle either, and constantly finds new attire to ensnare himself with. Yao is (unsurprisingly) fond of ‘old-eastern’ style clothing. This ranges from Hanfu, to Gis, and other formal wear. His favorite color is deep crimson, normally rimmed with gold or some other lavish material; one reoccurring trait is having long sleeves on all of his shirts.
He wears his hair long, normally tied back with some sort of lace or piece of cloth. He rarely has it untied or ‘messy’ as he calls it; preferring to keep it that way unless he is sleeping. This is slightly ironic, since the ancient man once wore his hair extremely long (specifically during the times of Imperial Dynasties/Kingdoms.) It changes with the time, but Yao has always had (and still has)a sort of hesitation to cutting his hair. He’s only recently begun to wear western clothing while at home—as well as when meeting with other nations. He’s particularly fond of jeans, and simple dress shirts. Again, if they are red and have long sleeves—they fit his tastes. He does dress in suits, but only on formal occasions; as he finds them too form constricting and uncomfortable.
Being slightly more old-fashioned still then most other Asian nations; Yao at times prefers more ‘Eastern’ clothing while alone.
|-|-The Internal-|-|
Personality --- Naturally one-sided by his reserved personality, Yao can be quite intimidating upon the first meeting. His stoic composure is one he carries in order to retain his position within the noble status. He, however, can be seen as two-faced; as the elder can adopt a more childish personality when truly confronted alone. He is more concerned with appearances then most anything, and when it comes down to the bareness of it all; he is difficult to motivate unless he specifically wants to. While his nature can swap between childish and serious, Yao is truly more concerned about what others perceive about him. This makes the elder far more paranoid then most his age, and leads him to do such actions to gain the appeasement of those around him. Specifically if he believes he is received poorly in their eyes, Yao will go out of his way to gain favor. His ability to retain himself is fueled by this, as Yao will not normally react to threats or other means of conflict unless they strike a particular chord within his heart.
That being said; he is also completely riveted, bolted, and cemented to the idea of tradition. Working his way up from the lowest position, and some of the cruelest times in history; he has a stern idea about preservation and work ethics. He expects the utmost respect of his younger siblings, and while he doesn’t always get it—they bring him great pleasure in life. His visions of them can be seen as condescending, however, Yao does not see this as such. Wanting the best for all of them, being strict is only what comes naturally. Above all else, he knows that they can handle such pressure. If not, he is oblivious to the friction it causes between them as ‘siblings’ and family.
Being a firm supporter of his leaders also ties in with his natural belief for order; even if it means repressing some to achieve it. Over most, he values peace and senseless violence brings up a nasty side of Yao which many would not relish observing. It is incredibly difficult to get the older man in a figuratively bad mood, but when achieved; things can get fairly ugly very fast. He does not like to be proven wrong, or challenged—and ideals that he considers unacceptable are quick to get on his nerves. While he is mostly quite the tolerable man (even for as
It might come as a surprise that Yao is actually fairly emotional. While he refuses to show much emotion within the spotlight of others, in privacy he has been known to have multiple breakdowns. These are normally instigated by personal matters; ranging from family to repressed feelings. The elder man struggles internally with his choices more then what he will show on the outside, blaming himself over anything else if something happens to go wrong. He carries a strong sense of duty, especially when it does come to individuals that depend on him. The ‘big-brother’ role comes naturally to him, and his distaste for failure leaves him crashed and burnt if such situations do not come out as planned. While meditation aids in releasing some of this built-in stress, it would be incorrect to think of Yao as completely straight-faced.
While Yao is fairly well trained in mental and physical strength, it is his age and experiences over all which aid him in plotting his choices. He is a master tactician, both in words and action. One will find a comfortable ally, or dangerous enemy within him; whatever road may be traveled.
Likes ---
• Tea, Incense, and Spices; there was a reason that East Asia was sought out for these items, you know.
• He’s a fairly large fan (and follower) of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism.
• Mahjong is a very popular game in China, and has been for over one thousand years. There’s no doubt that it will continue being popular, even while his home is becoming more industrialized.
• Family has always a soft spot, and no matter what his family may choose to do; he does love them unconditionally.
• Silk, more specifically in clothes/sheets then anything else. His first initial trade route, was in fact, the Silk Road.
• Fireworks and Festivals always invoke nostalgia within him; especially around the time of the Chinese New Year.
• The Moon has always been a symbol of both enlightenment, and personal comfort for Yao.
• Due to his age, he does prefer Long bathes or showers when his body begins to ache.
• He’s also a huge fan (and teacher) of martial arts/hand-to-hand combat.
• Money is also fairly important to him—he would not be in the “upcoming world power” category if he didn’t love finance.
• Cute animals –like cats, for example. Or Shinatty, which is technically a Hello Kitty rip off, but he’s in denial about that.
• Meditation is a great way for Yao to clear his mind, and also have some moments to himself for relaxation.
• Unsurprisingly, Yao’s extremely good at(and loves to exert this on others) stealth, where did you think Japan learned it from?
• He’s always had control in his life—if he doesn’t have it, Yao tends to have an identity crisis. The Opium Wars are a great example of him not having this personal stability.
• There’s a legend that his people are descendants of Dragons. He’s got a very personal, and loving connection to these beasts.
Dislikes ---
• Betrayal is something he has lived before—and something he does not take lightly. He hates thinking about it, reliving it, or even remembering that it has indeed happened to him multiple times in his life.
• He’s not a large fan ofsenseless violence, and believes most of the time it can be avoided.
• Yao’s pride is painful, and because of that he loathes being proven incorrect. He will go out of his way to prove himself right, even if he isn’t—and can never be “right.”
• Occupation or being controlled by someone else.
• Death, more specifically all of the deaths of nations, emperors, and almost everyone around him. The subject itself is quite uncomfortable.
• He hates losing—anything. Wars, games, siblings—he’s not a good loser, by any means. At all.
• Lust and Love are issues best kept for another time.
• Being indecisive has always been a problem for Yao, and to this day it makes him feel unstable—and doubt himself.
• Computers are slightly too complicated for him, he’s getting better at them—but he still dislikes them.
• Economic issues put holes in his pockets; and loving money makes this an issue. If he can’t be the top (or close to the top) economic power, no one can.
• Alcohol –simply because he has low tolerance.
• Broken emotions are the past feelings/scars he suffers from constantly. Yao dislikes admitting they are there, and that they still wound him, and haunt him even in the present.
• Narcissism annoys him to no end, which is probably why some Westerners get on his nerves easily.
• Dishonor towards him or his family will not, ever go over well.
• Critique is just another way he is “doing something wrong.” Yao doesn’t enjoy being on the receiving end of critique, although (ironically) he will give it to others.
• Jealousy or rivalry between his siblings especially puts him in a horrible mood.
Fears ---
• Like he assumes most others feel, Yao has a dire fear of losing those he is close to. More specifically, his family. He goes to the extreme at times, struggling to keep them together. He’s lost some before, and there are times when relapses leave him feeling weak and helpless. This is normally followed by depression, and aids in the somewhat destructive tendencies that Yao can forgive his siblings for wronging him—even in some of the most atrocious ways.
• He has a rather childish fear of forgetting the past. The older he gets, the fuzzier his recollection becomes. Perhaps it is just a fear of getting too old, but the man has it anyway. This is a benefactor on how he so enjoys being reminded that he is quite old.
• Yao doesn’t fear being alone, oh no—but what he does fear is being crowded. He has quite the paranoid, claustrophobic, obsessive idea that he’s going to get swarmed at a seconds notice. He needs his space. He will start hyperventilating if he feels too constricted (within a building/space or around others.)
• Losing himself in the upheaval of power that is currently happing. He believes in Communism
• Some sort of major war breaking out between two of his siblings, and not being able (or being torn on who) to support.
• America’s increasing debt to him, because if the world power goes completely bankrupt—so does he. Yao does feel like he is in (enough) power, if not also tied to America.
Lesser known facts ---
• Despite everything Japan has done to him (and I mean everything); Yao still yearns to reconnect with his younger brother. The adoration he feels for him goes far deeper then any grudge he could have placed on Japan, or his people.
• America actually has started to grow on him, even though there is a lot of friction due to the Democracy-Communism boundary. Back when he was younger, he was actually curious about the United Kingdom’s Empire for the same reason he was Rome’s; Yao doesn’t ‘hate’ the West as some perceive him to.
• He actually felt Russia was the very first non-family oriented friend he had. Yao took the break up of the USSR rather badly.
• While some label him for wanting to ‘steal’ his sibling’s independence away; Yao truly only wishes for all of them to be together. It might not be possible, but he is struggling desperately to hold all of the pieces of East Asia together.
• He’s pretty sure he’s never felt romantic love. He assumes that nations can’t feel such an emotion; but has never said anything to any other nation about it before.
• If it were up to him; even under any circumstance he would never abandon one of his siblings.
• He’s actually in pain all the time. His body is old, and thus aches. While that probably isn’t the entire reason; he’s simply gone through much mental and physical pain within his lifetime that he most likely carries the phantom pains over from his past to the present.
Goals ---
• To grow economically, and preferably surpass even America in the field of economic superiority. More or less, he wants to be the top head-honcho of the World’s finances/trade sphere of influence.
• He really does want to better the relations of Asia; so far he’s had a rough time healing his wounds with Japan. That is something he does want to see resolved, even if it causes him to feel utter agony from another betrayal.
• Possibly, he would like to see all of Asia (and the Eastern hemisphere, which means Russia as well) excel past that of the Western world. It’s a dream of his in the making, you could say.
|-|-The Past-|-|
History ---
Ancient China
Birth – Childhood
☯2852 BC – Writing System invented under Emperor Fuxi.
☯2698 BC – The Battle of Banquan, the first battle in Chinese history and the Battle of Zhuolu, the second battle in Chinese history, fought by the Yellow Emperor.
☯2194 BC – Xia Dynasty Begins; Bronze Age in China.
☯1600 BC – Battle of Mingtiao, Xia Dynasty Purged; beginning of Shang Dynasty.
☯1398 BC – Capital moved from Zhengzhou to Yinxu, around this time.
☯1200 BC – Completion of the Chinese Calendar.
☯1122 BC – Zhou Dynasty founded on the boundary of the Shang Dynasty
☯1046 BC – Shang Dynasty is defeated by the newly formed Zhou Dynasty at the Battle of Muye. However, Zhou dies in his Western palace; Commander Wu usurps the throne.
☯1034 BC – Emperor Wu beings the Western Zhou Dynasty.
☯1000 BC – Book of Songs is completed, widely adopted into the Chinese culture; basis for what would become known as Confucianism (worship of ancestors.)
☯976 BC – In an attempt to expand their borders, the Western Zhou Dynasty under King Mu attacks and defeats the nomads of Rong.
☯885 BC – The Rong people launch a siege on Haojing (present-day Xi'an); they are defeated.
☯877 BC – Second invasion of the Rongs, this time leading deep into Chinese territory, being pushed out completely before 841 BC.
☯771 BC – King You replaces his Queen with a favored concubine, Baosi. Queen Shen’s father allies with the Rong Nomads, leading a ransack of the capital. Queen Shen’s son, Ji Yijiu takes the throne initiating the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
☯ 722 BC – Period known as the ‘Spring and Autumn’ era beings; meaning China was under a feudal system. Capital is also moved from Haojing (present-day Xi'an) to Luoyang.
☯632 BC – Battle of Chengpu, between the State of Jin and the State of Chu and its allies during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. First battle between feudal states.
☯543 BC – Formal code of law introduced, first in Chinese history.
☯481 BC – End of the ‘Spring and Autumn’ period.
☯403 BC – The Jin state is partitioned, begins what is known as the ‘Warring States’ period.
☯354 BC – Battle of Guiling fought between the states of Qi and Wei in the Warring States period.
☯342 BC – Battle of Maling, second confrontation between the states of Qi and Wei, eventually cements the Qi state’s victory.
☯260 BC – Unification of Chinese states, and thus end of the ‘Warring States’ period under the banner of Qi; now known as the Qin. End of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and beginning of the Imperial Linage
Imperial China
Adolescent – Young Adult
❖221 BC – First Emperor of Qin takes the throne over the united lands of China, Imperial Seal of China is created.
❖220 BC – Construction on the Great Wall of China begins.
❖213 BC – Burning of books and burying of scholars policy leads to unrest, and eventually rebellion against the Qin Emperors.
❖206 BC – Rebels ransack the Qin Capital of Xianyang and slaughter the royal family. Qin Dynasty ends, and the beginning of Civil War erupts between the Han and Chu for Imperial rule.
❖205 BC & 202 BC -- Battle of Jingxing, Battle of Gaixia, and Battle of Baideng. Eventual Han victory placing Gaozu on the throne, leading into the Western Han Dynasty.
❖190 BC – Silk Road opened, path to connecting to Europe established.
❖140 BC -- Confucianism (worship of past one’s ancestors) is officially adopted at court.
❖133 BC – Beginning of the Sino-Xiongnu War, ends in 89 AD.
❖130 BC – Sino-Roman Relations begin, however both empires never completely become aware of one another. Described as “mutual awareness remained low and knowledge fuzzy.”
❖8 AD – Emperor Ruzi of the Western Han Dynasty is dethroned; short-lived Xin Dynasty begins.
❖18 AD – Daoism introduced to China.
❖23 AD – Palace stormed, Xin Dynasty is put to an end at the Emperor’s death; Eastern Han Dynasty begins anew, under Emperor Gengshi.
❖57 AD – Sino-Japanese Relations begin roughly around this time.
❖65 AD – Buddhism enters China, first Buddhist Temple is built.
❖97 AD – China begins to show interest in Rome, sending envoys to the outskirts.
❖ 166 AD – Roman Embassy reaches China, and the two are introduced formally.
❖184 AD –through- 220 AD – Yellow Turban Rebellion starts 36 year long war; eventual dispatch/removal of the Eastern Han Dynasty and rise of the Three Kingdoms Era.
❖221 AD – Emperors Cao We, Shu Han, and Eastern Wu take their respective places within the Three Kingdoms.
❖280 AD – China unified under Emperor Jin; end of the Three Kingdoms Era and the Jin Dynasty takes over.
❖317 AD –through- 420 AD – Sixteen Kingdoms and Six Dynasties; Eventually leads to the Sui Dynasty taking control from the Jin Dynasty.
❖600 AD – First Japanese embassies to China.
❖618 AD – Smooth transition between the Sui Dynasty and the reveal of the Tang Dynasty.
❖ 907 AD – Tang Dynasty falls and Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms emerge.
❖907 AD –through- 979 – Span in which China is divided into the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.
❖ 1153 AD – Chinese Capital moved to present-day Bejing.
❖1368 AD – Ming Dynasty unites China from the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. It is considered to be the beginning of China’s “golden era.”
❖1517 AD – Portuguese are the first to send ambassadors (from the Western World after the fall of Ancient Rome)
❖1644 AD -- Battle of Shanhai Pass dethrones the Ming Dynasty and gives way to the Qing Dynasty
Imperial-Modern Transition
Adult – Matured Adult
❖1689 AD – Treaty of Nerchinsk with Russia, first treaty the two signed; agreeing on the border.
❖1711 AD – East India Company (Britain) establishes its first Eastern trading post in Guangzhou; beginning of Sino-Anglo Relations.
❖1793 AD – Sino-Anglo Relations grow; first British envoy to Beijing, is hosted by Qianlong's confident Heshen.
❖1839 AD – First Opium War
❖1842 AD – Signed Treaty of Nanjing, End of the First Opium War.
❖1856 AD – Second Opium War
❖1860 AD -- Treaty of Tianjin signed, End of the Second Opium War.
❖1885 AD – Sino-French War
❖1886 AD – End of the Sino-French War.
❖1894 AD – First Sino-Japanese War
❖1895 AD – End of the First Sino-Japanese War, Korea becomes independent from China due to Japanese Victory.
❖1900 AD – Boxer Rebellion
❖1911 AD — Xinhai Revolution; Qing Dynasty falls, leading to unrest in China and Civil War.
❖1921 AD – Communist Party in China formed.
❖1927 AD –through- 1991 AD – Chinese Civil War; eventually leads to the split of the China and Taiwan.
❖1937 AD –through- 1945 AD – Second Sino-Japanese War, regained control of Taiwan and some prior land the Empire of Japan took from the first Sino-Japanese War.
❖1937 AD – Rape of Nanking/Nanking Massacre
❖1937 AD –through- 1945 AD – Unit 731 of the Japanese Empire commits war crimes against China.
❖1939 AD –through- 1945 AD – China officially joins alongside the Allies for World War II.
❖1945 AD – China joins the United Nations.
Modern
Matured Adult - Current
☪ 1949 – People’s Republic of China formed under Mao Zedong
☪ 1950 –through- 1953 – PRC supports North Korea in the Korean War.
☪ 1960 – Sino-Soviet split, sudden discharge and worsening relationship with Soviet Russia.
☪ 1962 – Short Sino-Indian war, dispute over the China-India border.
☪ 1972 – Nixon visits Beijing, opening Sino-American trade and relation.
☪ 1979 – Official Sino-American relations begin, short dispute with Vietnam over the border; quelled by the UN.
☪ 1984 -- Sino-British Joint Declaration signed in Bejing, eventually returning Hong Kong to China.
☪ 1997 – Hong Kong returned to China.
☪ 2000 – China passes Japan as the country with which the USA has the largest trade deficit.
☪ 2001 – Accession to World Trade Organization.
☪ 2005 – Anti-Secession law passed, China is to honor Taiwan’s independence.
☪ 2008 – Hosts the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
☪ 2010 – Surpasses Japan as the second economic-power; second only to the United States by a slim margin.
|-|-The Style-|-|
Roleplay example ---
[/i] That question was never answered either, though he began to believe that it was clearly punishment for whatever action offended the spirits of the afterworld. Maybe he was rejected, perhaps his country was indeed immortal. But then—what was his life, but one colleague of beliefs, ideals, lives, and national pride? He inhaled again, forgetting to breathe made him lightheaded; his body almost rejected the opium this time. A fit of coughs, he pulled the golden encased pipe away from his lips; choking on his own saliva and tongue as the smoke billowed. Escaping into the air, poisoning the room with wisps of colored trails leading back down into Yao’s lungs. He’d not smoked until England came. Until England came…I lay quiet
Waiting for his voice to say
"Some things you lose,
And some things you just give away"
1839-42 ;; First Opium War
Battle of Chinkiang → Treaty of Nanking
Breathe he had to remember to breathe. Inhale, exhale; expand his lungs, contract—repeat the pattern. Repeat his actions, over again, another—another breath; feeling the smoke burn down his trachea and into his diaphragm. His eyes are red at the edges, unknowing himself whether it was from the drug’s smoke sliding from his parted lips—or the fact he was weeping extensively. He had to laugh, even through his tears, because men didn’t cry. Adolescent boys didn’t bawl either, but they did laugh; oh, they laughed quite a lot. So he laughed, and continued to do so in his predicament. His Emperor was furious with him, the Qing Dynasty was rotting from the inside; falling to pieces like mummified remains that had been exposed to water. But this water was poison, his country had been so elated to see that the West was once braving to meet the Eastern Kingdom. The road that led to China, the roads that led to where everything began; or at least where the East began. He was everything the British Empire was, and was not; he couldn’t tell where their interests began, nor where they ended.
He hurt, all over—his Emperor had picked his throbbing body up yesterday, tossing him to the ground while his hazed mind full of the intoxicating drug kept him from feeling the pain. Collapsed against marble, China laughed. ”You think this is funny? We are losing, you worthless nation! We are losing people, cities, everything for this temporary drug!” Yao had to, because anything short of not laughing at this—would have surely broken him in half. Pieces of himself were scattered on the floor, broken like a mirror as he placed the pipe again to his lips. More pieces, more cracking; the shards could have pierced his skin—he wouldn’t have even felt them. He wasn’t sure of anything anymore. Himself, his people, his Emperor, and his choices; none of them seemed right, at least nothing felt like sleep where as living felt like death. ”If we lose, do you even understand what we are going to become? They take everything—you know they do! We’ll have nothing left, we’ll fall into ruins as surely as everything else.” Yao understood, of course—he had to. This was his body, his soul. Whether even that belonged to him or not, was another question.
Now, during this time, he felt that nothing belonged to him; not his lands, nor his people. His Emperor was sitting on the coldest throne, one made of pure isolation. Ignoring the world through the mountains and Great Wall of China; he was never meant to be breeched, never to know the touch of the West since the fragments of glass left behind by the Roman Empire fell onto the floor with the rest of the ancient nations. Why have I lived so long?
”You fell for it, for him! He’s lied to you, and now you’re falling to pieces--.”[/i] His Emperor didn’t understand, though. Yao had been breaking since the moment Japan closed its doors to the world. He’d felt it, he’d pleaded with Kiku to reconsider; isolation on one’s own did terrible things to people—to nations. Kiku turned his back on him, to East Asia—to his siblings, his elder brother! The same man that taught him to read, write, trade, and grow into what he believed would rule beside him as the iconic Empire of the East! Hand clenching tightly onto the pipe, liquid crimson dripped from the elongated golden stem that led to the tip in which burning opium cackled softly at him. I trusted him,[/i] he recalled. Watching from afar as the British Empire set up its East India Trading Company so close to his doors. Luring him out, offering him such fine things that the West produced due to its dire need to protect itself from neighbors. Yao had no need, China had no need; besides curiosity, the ancient nation did not wish to trade. His technology was disgraceful, but he had everything that he needed. The East is not like the West, Great Britain. His brothers shut their doors, while he attacked himself; while he fell to pieces. Oh, he hurt--.
England knew he hurt, had known it from the second that pipe grazed over his mouth. He pleaded, over and over—take it; take it away. I don’t want this, I’m hurt. Help me.[/i] So weak, his mind, pleading for the state of numbness that saved him from reality. Give me more, give me everything. I trust you—oh, I trust you. I need it, I need it, I need it--![/i] Anything, anything that could take away the repressed emotions; take away that image of Kiku leaving him. The torment of watching each child grow, only to grow more erratic and hateful of their rooted culture. He could see Kiku looking to the West, with so many others. Laughter—just keep on laughing, because it was the only thing that kept him sane anymore. They were going, he was being torn at, and it both didn’t and did revolve around the drug that kept him stable throughout. China was losing, he knew that there was little chance he could turn anything around. So, Yao did what he could. He prepared for defeat.
Setting down the pipe, Yao blew out the last bit of the toxin; his eyes looking up as he went to his wardrobe and opened it wide with careless hands. He wobbled slightly, but with the tolerance of one giant, ancient nation; he could keep his balance despite half of the blood in his system was tainted with the venomous touch of opium. Covering his bruises with armor and cloth, Yao lifted his hands to coddle his hair that reached almost past his mid-back. Folding it up gracefully into a more compact knot; he slid on his shoulder guards and slipped out of his fine clothing. They were charging towards Nanking, and despite everything that he believed would fall into place—he couldn’t allow his people to suffer alone. Their cries haunted his slumber, be they drug-induced or not. His throat still burned, tingling as he took one step back and sheathed his sword. China was not ready, but he had to be; this game would come to an end. It would be bloody, and he did not expect to see any mercy from the being he once believed would aid him towards modernization. Idiot, everything is a pawn in their game. Even the East is not safe, and it never will be now. So, he laughed at his reflection. The same mirror he imported, stamped with the Union Jack on its backboard. Thin metal frame, holding it so delicately—so elegant.
His fist met the portal, shattering the silhouette of the beautiful man on the other side. Those newly bandaged hands dripped, soiling the floor and his armor. I hate you, no matter who it was aimed at—it was true. The English Empire, Kiku, and even himself. Even China wasn’t safe from Yao’s wrath. Yao wasn’t safe, but he would make it so that his people were safe. Tying off the knot on his leg guards, the elder nation took his march out of the safe room in his capital city. He’d go to the battlefield, before the British marched on Nanking, and brought death where they touched once more. Devilish things, nasty gweilo. He’d seen the world wrought with ashes before Arthur Kirkland had ever been born, and from that—Hua arose. China had become, had morphed—had been something.
When he stepped on the battlefield, he’d make that wretch understand. Even if he lost, he’d have something that the British Empire would never be able to take—let that fester in his stomach for as long as Arthur Kirkland might life. Let him see the true reflection of himself, if he has the courage to face it. [/i]
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His eyes opened to see charred land, broken pieces of blackened wooden structures with cloth fluttering in the wind; unraveling from the ends, directly where homes once stood. Yao’s heart sped, pumping tainted blood through his constricted veins, his eyes dilated to the point in which his vision had become obstructed. The land held the stench of decay, everything felt poisoned; the taste of smoke lingered in the back of his throat—reminding him simply as to how succumbed to the opiate everything, everyone had become. Yao had had opium for over one thousand years, but never had he had such an issue with it as he did when the Western Empire settled at his doorstep. Parting his lips, his breath continued to come out in soft gasps; the shift of the horse drawn carriage reminding him that there would soon be more conflict then what he was used to. Glancing upwards, the pressure on his temples constantly yearned for the pipe he’d left back in the estate. He didn’t need it—he didn’t, there was nothing that he couldn’t handle in this world; he’d lived too long to see it thrown all away.
”Don’t you remember who you are, this is your land they are taking!”[/i] Yao wished he could have understood, wished that his care reached past those words; seeing the truth behind how his people were dying in order to perform the reality that opium was an addiction like everything else. China had no need to relish the feeling of euphoria, but perhaps reliving what he once knew as reality was far more punishing then the withdraw. Fingers twitching, the Asian began to sweat slightly underneath his armor. The constant speech of his Generals deaf in his ears; those breaths continued to struggle from his taunt lungs, clamping deep within his chest. Reminding him of those nights he’d taken too much of the drug to smother his strained emotions. His heart had paused, if only for a few silent moments—and he could hear everything around him. The dull pumps of his veins had stopped, and white had blistered into his vision; his lungs had stifled, leaving Yao’s ears open to the clarity of this world. A very, very quiet world. Somehow, he’d managed to keep his brain and eyes clearly functioning through this, right before the cycle returned and his heart continued beating evenly. Beijing never slept, but the circulation came to screeching halts, when the variables fit. ”Aren’t you going to fight for this?”
Yao laughed gently, feeling the carriage skid to one stop; the doors opened to greet him with the thousands of grim faces. Soldiers of the Chinese front, downtrodden as they struggled to get their barriers up before the city was under fire. Again, and again, they had been pushed back. From Tsekee, to Chapoo, then to Woosung—and now; finally all that stood between the British Empire and Nanking was Chinkiang. “This is our final stand, China. I’ll be leaving for the field in the morning, if you so have the courage to face your demise—I’ll wait for you to show your face.”[/i] And so he had, not that he recalled how he had been greeted or ushered into the transportation vehicle. Everything was cut off from reality, even his words felt hallow considering the panic overcoming his people on the thought of losing this war. Perhaps he had gone back into his state of uncaring, feeling the tangle mess of emotion repressed under the weight, only breaking through when his withdraw became too much for him to take. Setting his foot down amongst the darkened soil, Yao closed his eyelids calmly. Inhaling as his dark orbs opened wide to take in the thousands of foot soldiers rushing about; moving in circles aimlessly. Preparing for what no one could prepare for.
Licking his lower lip in one swift swipe of his tongue, the Chinese cautiously took his place in the tactician’s tent. His methods were outdated, and the face he couldn’t recognize began to go over the flanking positions that his soldiers would take. They weren’t outnumbered, but the English Empire had means in which to plow down numbers without mercy. His eyes carefully shifted from one side to the other, closing as his world seemed to sway. Lack of sleep, lack of opium—lack of reasoning, lack of anything that made his foundation solid. The ancient nation again felt like laughing, but held in the initial response knowing that he’d be sent back to his Nanking quarters. Mentally ill, his Emperor had called him. Breaking, degrading, and not simply because of the opium. Opiates didn’t cause one’s mind to shatter, he recalled the man telling him; Yao had no excuse, China would not fall, he wouldn’t fall. No matter how much his personality desired it to be so. The cracks were already formed, it had only taken the introduction—that small push, to send him over the edge.
Taking his seat on the far edge of the makeshift fort, Yao’s vision found itself drawn towards the far fields of sharp hills. No doubt, England was making his way up those very sharp inclines, waiting to scale his walls and burn down what opposition the Chinese managed to uphold. His roots were becoming undone, the ancient tree in which all of the East branched from was in danger of collapsing onto the foreboding soil. Cracking, bending so brittle while the wind of the West pressed up against his back. Whispering sweet nothings, or had that been his mind playing tricks on him once more? Yao had denied his attractions, over and over again; nations did not have the subtlety of human emotions to say that love and care were among them. The lies, the denial; no matter what he chose, the truth would always come to him when opium had been placed into the equation. When reborn from the phase of drug-induced illusion; China spread his arms and felt Yao blossoming through the center of his chest as surely as any poppy. To trust England was to condemn himself, to love Kiku—was to wish death upon him. As time went by, and as the light changed to give way to approaching dusk; Yao’s hand began flinching for the golden pipe he’d left behind.
He was not ready for this, not ready to see his people give their lives for this. He wasn’t ready to see his pride fall, to watch his history crumble under that fine leather boot with Western stitching on it’s embroidered side. His back hurt, head was swimming; images both of the past and desires clogging up his train of thought. So much was blending together, he no longer understood the line between each memory; nor the truth of it happening. He wondered if he had ever placed his hand against Arthur’s cheek, ever stroked his thumb over the delicate curve of his jaw line. Amazed at how it felt, how alike and different it was to his own. Had he even recollected enough, how the bitter dark taste of English tea felt on his pallet—he couldn’t, he shouldn’t remember. It was treason to the East, the West did not belong; they didn’t understand, they never would. He was alone, Yao was alone; China was alone, and nothing in any hemisphere could change that reality. Gasping weakly, his hand went towards his throat, clenching where his vocal chords tensed in order to create an odd audible wheeze.
It burned, even when the opiate wasn’t sliding down his throat. Clenching his eyes, Yao’s brows furrowed as he fought off the urge building from within. One more hit, just one more moment of tranquil calm. He just needed to be lost, just one more time. He felt so alone, and yet in that lonesomeness that the opium created; he was too apathetic or euphoric to care about what brought him to this.
Motioning for one of the soldiers to come closer, he whispered a request in the man’s ear. Nodding, with a smile on his face, the soldier left and returned with an old wooden pipe. Along with it, there was some sort of herbal latex powder. It felt ironic that the ‘tears’ of the poppy were scraped off in order to produce the opiate. With an offering that seemed almost sacrificial, Yao took the instruments and began to light the pipe. Placing the mouthpiece over his lips and inhaling. His eyes closed, and the ancient nation offered the soldier his coin purse full of coins that would make any soldier’s wage curdle in comparison. Blowing out the smoke, Yao listened to the sounds of his Generals giving orders from the barracks; as if the training of last minute warfare would save any of their lives. He couldn’t blame the souls if they abandoned, but knowing their Chinese upbringing—none would leave the battlefield alive. Not until the Chinese surrendered. It was his way, the East Asian way; to fight, to lose, to do whatever it took to keep on surviving. Despite the odds, and the losses.
So the male waited, ears oddly pierced for the first gunshot; even if his mind and body were immune to the terror it should cause. Instead, he would laugh, because that was indeed—all he could do.
[/font] [/blockquote]
|-|-The Player-|-|
Username --- Lily
Age --- 19
Time zone --- EST
