The House of Sakura stood as a grand testament to the complexity and grandeur of Mularkham, governing five distinct territorial compressed spaces, each commanded and controlled by different Estates. These domains were not only symbolic of each Estate's legacy and purpose but also functioned as crucial hubs for training, resource management, and emergency shelter. They were vital for the House's resilience, ensuring every Estate could thrive, even in the face of adversity.
At the very heart of the Five Estates lay the Maraj-e-Qutb—a central subdivision that served as the anchor for the House's collective strength. This sacred space acted as a crucible for the next generation, where individuals were tested and molded according to their unique abilities. The House's philosophy, which emphasized the manifestation of mastery over the second component of YOR, ensured that no talent was left untapped. The diverse array of abilities and affinities from each Estate was a reflection of the varied potential within the House, waiting to be cultivated.
The Rules of the House were as ancient as the House itself, meticulously designed to maintain order, discipline, and a sense of unity amidst diversity. These rules ensured that every member of the House, from the highest councilor to the youngest aspirant, understood their purpose within the grand design.
Rules of the House:
Lineage is secondary to effort: There is no hierarchy based on bloodlines within the House. The only distinction is the House Seal, which is engraved on the left shoulder of every member. One's value is determined by their personal effort, progress, and dedication—nothing more, nothing less.
No Rivalry Between Estates: The five Estates exist not to divide, but to complement each other. Every Estate has its own domain, specialized resources, and purpose, yet no rivalry is allowed to fester. The purpose of their separation is to ensure strategic synergy, not competition. Even the most powerful among them must adhere to this unwritten code. The Council—comprising the heads of each Estate—upholds this law without exception.
The Maturation Cycle: Families with young ones are required to remain in Mularkham until their children reach 12 Mular years. During this time, the young ones undergo training, emotional growth, and physical maturation. Afterward, they are sent to the highest world available to them, or they return to their respective duties in the House. This cycle ensures every member can achieve their full potential before being thrust into their responsibilities.
Admission to the Academy: Once a young member reaches the age of 12 Mular years, they are required to enter the Academy near the Qutb. The Academy trains the House's future leaders, warriors, and scholars, preparing them for the trials of Qutb and Mularkham. Early admission is possible for exceptionally talented individuals, and not every aspirant must become a trainee. However, no one can avoid the trials forever.
Military Service for the Unwilling: Those who refuse to undergo the Academy's rigorous training are required to serve a minimum of 5 years in military service. This ensures that no individual is left weak or incapable of contributing to the safety and prosperity of the House. After serving their term, individuals are free to return to a life of leisure or continue serving in the military or Academy.
The Naksh-e-Qutb: A secret rule that governs the trials of the Qutb. Those who fail to pass the Naksh-e-Qutb are never seen again. This rule ensures that the trials remain sacrosanct, with no room for failure or weakness.
The Seal of Authority: Any action that threatens the stability of the House, particularly violations of the rule of no rivalry, is punishable by the Clan Seal—a mark of authority carried by every member of the House. Even council members are not immune to its power.
The Estates of the House
The Five Estates of the House of Sakura each embody a different facet of life, philosophy, and elemental affinity. Each Estate is a reflection of the diverse abilities and temperaments that make up the House's strength.
Estate of Spring:
The calm healers of the House, the Spring Estate members are masters of basic elemental manipulation. They possess the rare ability to channel their spiritual energy into transforming nature's elements—air, water, fire, and earth—into healing forces. Their motto, "One who can heal, can destroy even better," speaks to their dual nature. While they are known for their serene demeanor, beneath the calm lies the terrifying power of transformation. If you are their enemy, you will find no mercy. Their ability to manipulate the elements for both creation and destruction makes them a formidable force.
Estate of Winter:
Masters of cold, the Winter Estate's members can freeze not just water but the very fabric of existence itself. They wield mastery over the first three components of YOR, allowing them to manipulate time, matter, and energy with chilling precision. Known for their eerie demeanor and the palpable coldness that surrounds them, their motto, "We solemnly swear thou shall smile no more," reflects their grim outlook on life. While they are not as psychotic as some of the other estates, their ability to freeze time and the heart of those who face them is something to fear.
Estate of Summer:
The hot-headed warriors of the House, the Summer Estate members are known for their passion, fierceness, and unparalleled ability in combat. Though they are infamous for their addiction to saki and their destructive tendencies, they are also the finest creators of the House. Their innovations, whether in weaponry or technology, are vital to the House's power. Their motto, "We burn the world down to create something greater," mirrors their approach to both war and invention. But, beware, never call them dwarfs unless you wish to be burned by their rage.
Estate of Autumn:
The assassins and informants of the House, the Autumn Estate members are the ones who work in the shadows. They are the silent keepers of secrets and the dark agents who shape the course of events from behind the scenes. Their abilities in shadow manipulation, necromancy, and astral powers make them the most enigmatic of the Estates. Their motto, "In silence, we are death; in silence, we are life," speaks to their deadly expertise. Autumn Estate members control information and connect the other Estates, making them invaluable. Their emotional intensity is reflected in their abilities, as they harness the full spectrum of elemental shadow, darkness, wind, and even necropolis.
Estate of Desfor:
The intellectual giants of the House, the Desfor Estate members are known for their extraordinary size and intellect. They command both the lush, green lands and the dry, barren deserts, bending nature to their will. Their abilities in mental manipulation, such as illusions, mind dives, and sense creation, make them some of the most powerful figures in the House. They are responsible for the Metropolis of Sakura, a sprawling city located outside the compressed spaces. This city, where non-trainees and the families of trainees live, is a marvel of engineering and design, maintained by the Desfor Estate's keen intellect and magical prowess.
Akizakura's Birth and Heritage
Akizakura, born into the Estate of Autumn, carries a legacy woven with both promise and potential. His mother hails from the Estate of Summer, a passionate lineage of warriors and creators. This union between two powerful Estates marks Akizakura as a significant figure in the House's intricate web of politics, power, and potential.
Raised in the Estate of Autumn, Akizakura's early life was shaped by the shadowy manipulations of his Estate's members. His grandfather, the Head of the Estate of Autumn and a key council member, ensured that Akizakura was immersed in the mysteries of the House from the moment he was born. Under the guidance of his family, he was destined for greatness, though not without the trials and challenges that would mold him into something far greater than his birthright could ever predict.
This richly detailed structure of the House of Sakura sets the stage for a world where power, politics, and personal growth intersect. Akizakura's journey through this complex society promises intrigue, danger, and self-discovery as he navigates his path amidst the Estates, with his unique heritage and latent abilities placing him at the heart of it all.