Page 11

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Nuriko: The Willow

Nuriko, contrary to what you may think, is a man. He masquarades as a woman, and is in the imperial harem (hence my "cross dressing" hint on the Suzaku seven page!)This fact does not become known until about the fifth episode of the series, so many people find themselves referring to Nuriko as a "her," quite by accident. Nuriko's Suzaku symbol is located on his chest, on his upper left. It looks like this:

The sign of the willow is perfect for Nuriko, for, despite being a man physically, he has a sensitivity and femininity about him. These are not signs of weakness, however, because he possesses an incredible strength, like the willow which appears droopy and weak, but is not blown apart by the elements. Nuriko's strength, not only physically but emotionally, holds the group together when they would be rent asunder. He loves the emperor Hotohori dearly, but realizes that he can never have his love in return.

Nuriko's life-changing event is very sad. When he was a small boy, he had a younger sister named Kourin. She was killed by an out-of-control cart, while Nuriko was supposed to be watching her. He never forgave himself, and thus took on her name, personality, and even her gender to bring her "back to life." He made himself into a living shrine to her, and acted as she would have. Thus, he became part of the imperial harem, and was devistated when the emperor discovered that he was a man. His feminine qualities he picked up, to add to his marvelous strength, make him the willow in almost every sense.

The willow that is NurikoBoshi is represented in the sky by some of the stars that make up Hydra. Nuriko can fit the ferocious sea snake through his never-say-die attitude. Whenever someone he cares about is in trouble, he will do anything to help them. His temper is also ferocious, as anyone that calls him gay finds out. In the strictest sense, he really isn't gay-- he's just got a bad case of self-imposed multiple-personality disorder.

"Well, if you must go on, don't forget to tell Hotohori to come visit!"

Click on Nuriko or here to go to page 12!