ᴉɹoɯoƃᴉɥɔns┴ | Gloomy Spider (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
firmlogical) wrote2024-08-02 05:52 pm
firmlogical) wrote2024-08-02 05:52 pm
---------------------- Asgard Libraries: Notary on The Reincarnated
--- Files on files, rows upon rows all neatly marked and labelled in a dark section of the libray. ---
--- Those who have 'Unperson'd' themselves will find an empty file in a section that your name would have been alphabetized in, but it is empty, and blank. ---
--- Those who the Order are 'Interested' in are here, their past lives, many or just starting out, are kept here. ---
--- Any of the files are open to peruse and read--at your own caution. You may not like what's inside. ---
File Name: Lapis De Fiore
Most Recent: Lapis Agapov, 1998 - current, Italy
Last Known Identity: Saphir Desrosiers, 1933, France
OTHER NAMES: Opal Blumenthal, 1868, Germany. Spinell Virág, 1803, Hungary.
Notes: High value asset, always attempt to retrieve. Very susceptible to emotions, treat with caution.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchugomori Ryujirou
An asset in the past, despite being much like a comet--bright and powerful, doing great work for the Order, only to lose its momentum and burn out quickly.
Treat with caution--requires someone to 'tend' to her as a 'parent,' as Earlier identities tended to die quickly/early, emotionally ‘burning out’ or losing control of her abilities and lashing out.
The ‘grandchild’ of a cosmic being of unknown origins - in essence a half-human genetic copy made to inherit their abilities. Grandmother currently locked in Meropide without any plans on releasing her.
Capable of summoning and communing with the dead/demons, and augmenting both the ability of her summons and of allies who fall under ‘death/demonic’ - this can also heal them. Other abilities include celestial object creation (mini stars, meteors, black holes) and “moon song” (a song in her ‘native language’ that can distort perceptions/induce widespread terror while empowering the dead/demons further)
Her previous incarnation lived the longest/reached closest to her original power and had become a Zealot, but had a mental break due to losing the last personal 'friend'. Disappeared into the spirit realm and was found in 1998 after an incident that should have killed her as it did the rest of her family.
Attempts in this lifetime to mould her into a weapon were done to keep her under control, and is the most docile and obedient in this cycle despite anger issues after recruitment. Influences of Douman and Cu help push her towards losing her humanity and keeping her in line.
[ after this entry, there comes a list of all her missions alongside the Zealots and 'mentors' who had her so far. each turning out more uncertain than the one before it. ]
Showed signs of becoming unstable under the watch of Cu and Douman, and upon receiving a request for a transfer to another team, it was logical to send her away to avoid a burn-out episode too early.
She has continued growth in Kaisou, as well as seems far more stable than previous incarnations at this current age, proving that her surroundings need to be more stable than the zealot life she's led before in order to keep her whole and useful for the Order's future needs.
[ after this lists out a number of new missions, ones she's carried out in Kaisou and having far less killing outright, as well as notes on how her personality, mood, and the stability of her soul seems to be better in her new location. ]
File Name: Wei Wuxian
Most Recent: Wei Wuxian, 1989, China
Last Known Identity: Yuen Lizhi, 1894, China
OTHER NAMES: Wu Yun, 1781, Taiwan.
Notes: Unavailable for this lifetime, was grabbed by POKEGO during a point in time where we were unable to retrieve him. Wait for next reincarnation cycle.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
Previous Order member in two lifetimes, master of a fantastic art called 'Demonic Cultivation'. Ordinary Spiritual Cultivation is a skillset that's difficult to learn as a base; making a use of one's pure soul in order to preform and create magicks of a fantastic kind with heavy study and practice. With the use of a 'Golden Core', a power created inside the soul of an individual, one can harness great power and cast immensely poweful spells.
Creation of a golden core within oneself is not an easy task, study on doing so has been difficult to figure out and only Wei Wuxian himself--as well as others from his past life's history--are capable of doing so, or teaching so.
Which comes at a great annoyance, because Wei Wuxian's special sect of 'Demonic' Cultivation is far more powerful and does not require a golden core at all. Previous lives in which Wei Wuxian has been with the Order has resulted in a very good use of his powers, but any attempts of getting him to share the art of Demonic Cultivation--the art of harnessing resentful, dark energy has proven impossible.
[ and the next few pages here are archived sets of writings, written by a hand that is clearly not Tsuchigomori's. Most of them are in Chinese, or a language that LOOKS like Chinese, but most of the words and pictures and descriptions are... fucking illegible. A bunch of undecipherable nonsense mixed with some parts that just don't sound like anything that can be useful for teaching some ancient magic. ]
Taking time to peek into the next future we would have Wei Wuxian under the Order had shown me glimpses of a future where the man has detailed out a perfect set of teachings of this cultivation; so there was much anticipation to see him reincarnated again.
Fault partially on my head for looking into his future too many times to try to see when he would 'awaken', a time where Order members could be dispatched to take him into our fold. My eye closed forcibly for a week due to overuse and by the time it opened, POKEGO had already taken him underwing, making it impossible for us to make any sort of attempt to recruit.
[ included here are a bunch of photos and documents that show him working for Pokego, as well as the protections afforded by belonging to another faction.
The writing becomes clearly irritated and frustrated.
There's a note that's heavily scratched out at the end, and if you really try to look
it reads 'perhaps for the best.' ]
File Name: Ragna the Bloodedge
Past Identity: Ragna "the Bloodedge"
Most Recent Identity: Ragna Ayatsuki Mercurisson, 1999-?, Iceland.
Last Identity: Kurosawa Shuichi, 1871-1900, Japan. "Subject 7"
Notes: Applicable names listed in Eastern Order, High value specimen, Possession and short life consistent across reincarnations, keep away from Subject 12 and Subject 10 at all costs.
Current Name of Observer: Relius Clover
Previously worked for the Order (Runar Hellström, "Subject 6" 1700-1725, Sweden). In my past life, the man of the Azure could barely wield it but for once it has potential under our hands: Absorption of souls. Had we the means to retrieve souls I have the perfect vessels to store them. I should thank Subject 6 for that much.
[Scribbled in the margins of the notes are what look like various doll-like designs with lethal weapons for arms. Many notes contain how not just the aforementioned soul but every soul of interest can be housed and silenced in these dolls. There are notes on Ragna specifically, in none of them is he referred to by name, only as the Azure Grimoire or Subject 9.]
Subject 9 is a known target of Weissmann. Advising a blind eye be turned to his antics so as to let the fated possession happen and make Subject 9 useful to our cause. Allow to roam and eliminate Krusnik so as to focus our efforts on more imperative matters such as the research into the soul.
Refer to Subject Nu, "Juusan Aoko". Extraction of Azure Grimoire advised to be attached to a more suitable vessel. Perhaps 12 will be more than a worthless defect in this life.
Breaking of Subject 9's spirit required for full control. Failure requires sealing, though I much prefer to hold the Azure Grimoire in Meropide. He is a fascinating specimen and the means of breaking his spirit are well within my hands with some physical adjustment and mental suggestion.
[An entire file exists within Ragna's on the Azure Grimoire and its capabilities as it was in both his past life and this world, a gate to primordial chaos that when fused with another piece of itself can create an ultimate weapon or an ultimate calamity.
The last observation is listed thusly:]
Azure Grimoire Vessel's location lost within the Romania-Moldova border. The fools. But no matter. The power itself will manifest within seven months as per my projections and it may be tracked again. Prepare magical suppressant and tranquilizer for acquisition of Azure Grimoire. All is going according to plan.
File Name: Veritas Ratio
Most Recent: Veritas Ratio, 1994, America.
Last Known Identity: Odysseus Regalus, Greece, 1640.
OTHER NAMES: n/a
Notes: god damn it
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
One of the most intellectual souls I've ever had the delight and displeasure to share a space with.
His first recruitment into the Order came when he awakened to powers much like my own, someone so intelligent that he became capable of seeing the future and make great strides in restoring as well as recording knowledge in the Bookstacks.
Brilliantly intelligent, unendingly creative, and impressively curious about everything, when Odysseus was young, he was not an unpleasant regular within the Library. However, as he got older, his eccentricity made itself known, and as much of a help that he was, he also became quite a frustrating person to work with. Drove me crazy.
A sharp tongue and a frustrating personality that clashed much with my own; it was not uncommon for us to spend days debating a subject matter to a point where I would lose weeks of work due to being unable to balance my attention on other things I needed to do until we'd concluded our current focus.
He gained much magic as well, that aided me in making the Library what it is today. The magic that makes the files able to move on their own, come when called, and found when looked for is thanks to our paired brilliance
[ and then the page just abruptly ends here, as if the writer quit and just didn't come back to the note.
Following are several pages detailing out in... very complicated magic glyphs and spells that make the library work as it currently does, tied in with Tsuchigomori's power and magic.
It then continues on another page, shorter, the words rougher. ]
Died while on a mission he shouldn't have gone on
told him he could just wait for the report to come back but of course he was always bad at listening to me
reincarnation not found for several hundred years
finally found to be born in 1994. Observation currently under way.
[ there's a bunch of writing in the margins in japanese, notes of possible reincarnations where he simply did not regain any memories or it was just not the right person after all.
several expletives and scored out lines that say 'where are you, idiot.' ]
no subject
Most Recent: Husker Agapov, America, 1962.
Last Known Identity: Hugo Caetano, Portugal, 1825.
OTHER NAMES: Husker Naran, Spain, 1717.
Notes: Reincarnations are nearly regular. This lifetime he is 'unaging'. Might be better used as 'Bait'.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
A powerful creature in his past life, a Demonic 'Overlord' with enough power to have commanded great ability and leadership over a number of souls in the underworld. Glimpses into his past life show he was a man of great strength and by using cruel means as well as clever gambling he was able to gain control over hundreds of beings.
Such a power would of course be an asset to the Order, having a being that can 'leash' others to obey him as well as having several impressive abilities that aid him both in battle and in being able to influence those who he is capable of gaining control over--
...If this power was one he was ever able to regain in the first place.
Two lifetimes and the current third have proved only one thing: While he is capable of regaining things such as his magic skills and appearance, as well as even his immortality in this lifetime, regaining the skills which made him an Overlord in his past life has proved utterly impossible.
Regardless of positive reinforcement or even by forceful, more ... persuasive means, Husk has never come anything close to the being seen in his past life in hell.
[ following this is a bunch of prompts of his powers, how far he'd come in several of his reincarnations, and how his past lives had died, utterly unable to even reach half of his predicted ability.
it lists off his past missions as well, which are a mix of failures as well as successes, which is pretty consistent with just... any other regular member of the Order. ]
Close came the decision to let go the idea of trying to recruit him again, but instead a different plan was thought up by the other seers in the Order who were looking into his past:
If Husk cannot be used as an Overlord, perhaps keeping his spirit around will attract another spirit closely related to his own to reincarnate.
[ attached to this file is another file of a being--marked as 'not found', and a number of notes about the being's power as well as how much more useful this creature would be than Husk himself.
The name that's repeated in the folder is 'Alastor', and listed are a number of horrifying abilities this named 'Radio Demon' is capable of using. ]
Current incarnation, immortal, and a drunkard. Absolutely useless to the Order for literally anything, and while a number of Higher-ranked members have asked why he has not been 'decommissioned', it is believed he still has this one very important use.
Currently assigned as a caretaker [ file reference number ] for another member of the Order, with the hope that through this bond, they will both stay emotionally stable to keep one another alive so they may meet the Order's goals.
File Name: Sung Jinwoo
Most Recent: Masashiro Shun, Korea, 1994.
Last Known Identity: Sun Horyang, China, 1844.
OTHER NAMES: Sugong Yeon, Korea, 1700.
Notes: Current Reincarnation weakest to date, keep observing. May need to wait for next reincarnation cycle.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
One of the most useful Zealots within the Order's ranks, in previous incarnations, Jinwoo mostly stayed in 'Standby' mode when not on missions. Staying within a shadow and 'sleeping' until his skills were necessary. In all lifetimes, Jinwoo has an extremely measured sense of justice, wishing to do good and protect the world from dangers that threaten it, by any means necessary.
His powers are fantastic, a strength that's unrivaled by many, the ability to go invisible and walk about undetected--he specializes in assassination and overpowering giant foes by means of unrivaled strength alone--but he is not alone. He also has the ability to summon 'shadows'. Other powerful beings he can make out of the shadows of those around him and his own.
In his past life he had the ability to 'raise the dead' to join this 'army of shadows' of his, but as of yet he has been unable to bring that power back to the current world, but there is always hope that he can do it at a later reincarnation.
[ listed are a great number of files that include hundreds of successful missions and very capable murders done to benefit the Order's goals.
it also lists out the number of skills he has, and things he's yet to regain. ]
Subject was found again, and he was quickly recruited into the Order once again--the unfortunate fact that he was a 'famous' figure was easily handled via falsifying his death. Promptly moved to the other side of the world so he may not be recognized and kept in Florida with the team there so he may grow back into his power.
Growth is proving slow, as even after 3 years with the Florida team, he has very little power to speak for.
Stealth and invisibility are apparent but other than that, he's regained none of his former strength.
[ following is a number of reports on Jinwoo's missions
many of them ending with him getting so badly injured that he's required hospital stays or long leaves of absence. There's nearly 10 years of records. ]
Worse than slow, the man has so little ability in anything that it's best to keep him for menial tasks within the offices rather than to continue paying his hospital bills.
Keep him alongside the other unlucky candidates, like Velvet Crowe or Eizen.
Perhaps if he has an accident that's poor enough we can reset his reincarnation cycle and try again next lifetime as after a decade he has shown no improvement or growth. Ashborn is lost in this century. Pity.
File Name: Pannacotta Fugo
Past Identity: Pannacotta Fugo
Most Recent Identity: Patrizio Fugo, 2006-?, Italy
Last Identity: Fujiwara Takahiro, 1826-1880, Japan
Notes: Stand user, with a Stand that makes him a worthy asset. Applicable names written in Eastern order.
Current Name of Observer: Yanagisawa Koutarou
Time and again, Stand users continue to be fascinating subjects. This one in particular is worthy of continued interest.
[The file seems to be focused more on the Stand and observations of it, but there are references to "previous reincarnations". Some highlights include: ]
Loyalty to the Order shouldn't be a concern, regardless of how objectionable he may find our methods.
Should his Stand manifest again, I would like to observe its destructive abilities once more. From what the subject has described, it would stand to reason that immunity to its "virus" (subject insists on it being described as such, though it acts like no virus I've seen) is not outside the realm of possibility. It would certainly make the matter of deploying him within teams much simpler. (Of course, the lack of immunity has its advantages as well. Perhaps, should we find a solution, we should be rather sparing about who we hand that to.)
Current life cycle in our records has not manifested Purple Haze yet. Disappointing. Advising circumstances be engineered to force the matter.
(As a personal note, I would quite like to locate this user of the "Black Sabbath" Stand. He would make for a fascinating asset.)
I have to say I miss the iteration of the subject we had from 1512-1548 ("Fuentes, 1512"). Quite forthcoming with his abilities and memories. A pity he fell to his own Stand. He certainly wasn't kidding when he called it indiscriminate.
[Much of the file is similar, discussing Fugo's Stand and its usefulness to the Order, as well as some personal notes--mostly regarding Fugo's temper and ways to keep him in line.
The most recent update to this file reads as follows:]
I'm not certain how he managed it, but as of September 2023, the subject ("Patrizio Fugo") is no longer a member of the Order. I would very much like to investigate how this is possible... And perhaps to set the record straight as to where the subject belongs.
File Name: Frieren
Most Recent: Frieren Leroux, Germany, 2001
Last Known Identity: Freida Maarchen, Switzerland, 1888
OTHER NAMES: n/a
Notes: Recently started manifesting magic again. Watch for immortality, currently residing in Kaisou. High level of recruitment desired in the near future.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
Never in my life have I ever met a being of such intensely high magic power. My own magic stores are nothing to be scoffed at--after all it is my power that knits the library together and keeps it whole--but in terms of raw energy, there's never been a more impressive subject than the Great Elf Mage.
Her stores could be used as a magical battery that could run almost any construct for years without rest--so just imagine what sort of things she could do if utilized properly and made ally to the Order?
Managed to secure her at a young age during her first reincarnation cycle where she woke into her magic. While at first the girl was only capable of manifesting simple, ordinary magic such as creating flowers or healing the sick and wounded, she found her magic getting stronger as she got older, and upon realising she could use other spells, she thought it wise to practice such skills alone where noone would be watching.
But the Order does watch and I do have many eyes.
Trouble spelled out for the girl when she unleashed more magic than she was aware she could manipulate and it is only thanks to seeing the incident coming, Three Order members were dispatched to fetch her moments after she caused the destruction of an old, abandoned hospital in the dead of night.
Such an incident caused quite a stir in the neighboring town, and we successfully managed to sign her over to the Order's cause, thereby being able to take her from her family by having her go missing after the incident.
It's for the best. Having a nuke like that in a city full of people is not only dangerous, but had she unleashed such power anywhere else, thousands may have died for her hubris. It is due to things like this that the Order exists in the first place. She is with us now and we will see her power grow in a safer place.
[ the next following dozen or more pages lay out the next few years of her life, her training and growth, her powers--and the missions she carried out for the order.
It also then lists her cause of death when she met her end while on a dangerous mission involving several dangerous individuals who had stolen magic artifacts from another world with an aim to bring them back to Earth to cause chaos. ]
She sacrificed herself to see the artifacts destroyed instead of brought into the world. A pity. But such is the life and creed of the Order, her actions secured the world for another long time to come, and she should be proud of her accomplishments.
Truly, though, had she not lost her life, I feel she would have been an asset to the order, perhaps even a good candidate for an Unyielding one day.
Such power and conviction --despite her terrible day-to-day habits, like sleeping in and forgetting to eat-- to protecting the world was to be admired.
Very much a subject that I'd like to see taken into the Order again in the future--perhaps this time she will be less reckless.
[ the next few pages include dozens of different magic spells and studies she both wrote and created in her time as a member of the Order; magic that is hellishly complicated and taxing on anyone's magic stores, except for someone of steep magic stores... ]
File Name: Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III
Most Recent: Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, America, 1999
Last Known Identity: Johann Gustav von Geldern-Suttner II, Austria, 1929
OTHER NAMES: Antonio José Gabriel Santiago de la Cruz-Santos IV, Philippines, 1895
William Charles Arthur McCauley-Jaffe America, 1866
Notes: Tell this man to change his names to something shorter I'm so goddamn tired of having to write it out this way every time I refer to him.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
For the rest of this document I am writing this individual's name as PERCY, as you can much imagine it is causing my hand to cramp every damn time I have to roll out the whole damn thing. Click your teeth and mentally dock me points all you want, I am done with it.
I digress. This is a fascinating and deeply traumatized individual no matter what reincarnation he seems to manage. Like a comet he seems to always burn bright and then die sooner than expected before he manages to finish lighting whatever candles he was burning in the beginning. Which is a true pity. This man, regardless of his reincarnations, is a genius.
He can be stubborn as he is smart, capable of creating the most fascinating of gadgets depending on what century he is born in. Most of them weapons, certainly, but many of those weapons are things that the Order still employs to this day when needed, and stored inside the archives here just to keep an eye on them and to keep them from being released to the general public.
Some things just aren't good for the world at large to own.
[ and here are some fascinating blueprints of all sorts of fantasy-styled guns and gadgets, even things like glasses and goggles that can see in the dark, created in times where such things would be scientific breakthroughs for that century, all kept secret within the Order. ]
Most recent reincarnation comes from a troublesome family. Supernaturally inclined and well aware of the existence of magic--such a thing isn't so troublesome of course--however, the parents seem keen on using the magic for some rather unsafe means.
This world is in desperate need of energy supplies which conquer over polluted ones like fossil fuel and the like, certainly--but having found and brought to this world a tool which could siphon the energy from Spirit Gates into this world and use it for a 'clean energy source' is not only dangerous, but it could flip the world upside-down.
Magic would become the Norm, and the status quo of the world would be put into a metaphorical salad spinner. Not to mention the thought that the tool would be stealing power from other worlds, sucking them dry in order to keep our world afloat.
It is not a better option.
And a quick warning shot was given by the Order, in the way of having one of the tools destroyed by a team of Order Members who swiftly shut down one of the operations and sealed one of the first perpetrators.
However, the team failed to stop all the members of the group and unfortunately it turns out the de Rolos were warned of the Order's knowledge of the operation.
...Matters little, the warning shot was not heeded and the artifacts were not given up and instead there was an attempt to hide them--the stolen tech, the knowledge on how to siphon magic--the entire situation has become too dangerous to allow it to continue.
A squad was dispatched to the de Rolo residence and the perpetrators put to death for their lack of compliance. As were any family members who refused to cooperate in the sealing of their memories so this entire thing could be put to rest.
Some of the younger members who showed flickers of magic, affected by the parent's schemes were taken into the Order and raised as Operatives in different countries.
Fools who were dispatched destroyed the knowledge of the energy converter, so unfortunately, as much as I'd have liked to seal the knowledge here, it no longer exists in this world.
[ and following is a detailed report of the incident, the names of the family members, and which are dead and which are still alive.
In the report includes the name of Percival, and the detail that he is also very much alive and currently residing in Kaisou.
And that there were several attempts to grab him and bring him in, all of which have yet failed. A note at the bottom that says 'slippery bastard' is written in Japanese. ]
File Name: Gilgamesh
Most Recent: Jahangirkhan Khalaji, Iraq, 1989
Last Known Identity: Palash Mdabu, Bangladesh, 1855
OTHER NAMES: n/a
Notes: If he becomes out of control in this lifetime, it would be wise to lock him in Meropide as to not deal with him again.
Current name of Observer: Tsuchigomori Ryujirou
One of the most troublesome members of the Order I have ever had the displeasure of having to deal with.
In a past life where he was a literal God-Among-Men, he caused so much trouble to his people that they prayed to the gods to free them from his tyrannical reign. And his reincarnations are undoubtedly no different in this world.
First found in Bangladesh when he was using his strange and fantastic powers to create or bring fourth gold into the world in massive quantities that unbalanced the economy for a while. Order sent to seal or stop this, and ended up recruiting him into the ranks as he was young enough to be drawn into the Organization and his powers seemed too good to pass up.
This was a mistake.
Within years he became the most unruly member the Order has ever had; going on missions on his own and absolutely refusing to work with anyone; often screwing up missions by design due to his boredom with them or his lack of interest in what he was being told to do.
He had great powers as time went on, and despite being capable of being a one-man army, if the quest or task did not interest him, no amount of punishments or disciplinary action would spur his action or change his attitude. In fact, such attempts often had the opposite effect and he would cause more damage than good.
However, it was discovered that if the 'reward' for a mission was good, he was and could be employed as a one-man-army who was more effective on task than half of our most impressive squads. Which is ultimately more frustrating than anything else.
It was also his riches and coffers that kept most of Asgard afloat money-wise, and so long as we could keep his interests keen, he would remain cooperative.
Until he found out about our projects on forcing reincarnations and recycling souls.
He became determined to have us bring to life an old friend from his Past Life, one known to history as Enkidu, and due to the fact that the man had never been in the Order's history as a being who had awakened to his past life, it was impossible for us to track him down and have him re-created/reborn.
But you try telling a hungry bear that the meat being shown to it isn't for it to eat.
The results were catastrophic and it took the force of 3 Unyielding and several zealots to take the man down and kill him. Several zealots were wounded or lost in the battle, and killing him felt, at the end, like a great loss of something and there has been a tense stress since his reincarnation.
Keep an eye on him. He currently is a well-known and documented businessman who resides in Kaisou. Like a nuke living in the middle of a dangerous city, if motion needs to be done to grab him and put him into a deep sleep in Meropide's deepest dungeons, then so be it.
We will not see a second incident come again.
File Name: "Ash Carbide"
Past Identity: Ash Carbide
Most Recent Identity: Ashley Cabbot, 2005-?, Germany
Last Identity: Alistair Caird, 1825-1885, Scotland
Notes: Possible possession risk. Particularly weak spiritual shields.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo.
Once again I have no idea why those imbeciles in charge want me to maintain these files, but here we are. At least no matter how many time I reincarnate, it's easy to understand my notes.
[Throughout the file are references to "previous incarnations" with citations as if it's a research paper. Some highlights include:]
Warned them not to trust Weissmann. We lost control of Carbide and other high value subjects. Carbide isn't as vital as others, beyond potential for power, but I hate losing my subjects.
Carbide retrieved. Possessed. This marks the fourth life cycle in our records wherein he has been possessed ("Castille, 1100", "Chernov, 1250", "Carras, 1468"). Perhaps this one will live past age 20. Doubtful.
Dickson reports that Carbide ("Cabbot") may be a possible Zealot candidate. I have my doubts.
The 1595-1640 version remains the one most amenable to the Order. Shame about the illness.
[The entire file seems to be similar, talking about Ash's potential and comparing him to his past lives and how loyal to the Order he tended to be. Eventually, the most recent observation reads:]
I have been informed that as of September 2023 Carbide ("Cabbot") is no longer a member of the Order. I am petitioning to be sent to Kaisou to discover how this is possible. With luck, I may have an entirely untapped source of experiments and data to peruse.
File Name: "The Vidyadhara High Elder - Luofu"
Past Identity: Several. For ease of record keeping, the subject is referred to as The Vidyadhara High Elder - Luofu, or VHEL.
Most Recent Identity: Dan Heng, 1996-?, China
Last Known Identity: Cai Yuchen, 1880-1923, China
Notes: All names listed in Eastern order. High value subject, retrieve at all costs.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
One of the most interesting and valuable subjects any of my past lives have ever seen. Hopefully we manage to find and recruit him this time.
[This file seems to be mostly focused on the subject as a concept, though there are references to "previous reincarnations". Some highlights include:]
Cannot believe he died before I could even begin to ask permission to perform my experiments. Might have had a chance at getting that permission.
Unable to locate water from this "Scalegorge Waterscape". Shame. Would make it easier to keep track of VHEL.
Must see if it is possible to prevent the self-sacrificial traits from manifesting. I cannot abide such a constant waste of potential. Was on the verge of a breakthrough with the 1772-1806 version's marrow ("Qiao, 1772") and then he had to go and get killed. Lost VHEL and the recipient of the marrow.
[The entire file is similar, and not once does the author indicate that he considers the subject human. The final entry reads:]
I've been informed that we lost this reincarnation, thanks to intervention from this reincarnation's relative (relative is "^&*$#@"). Subject has been recruited into POKEGO. Frauds.
File Name: "Kohinata Jun"
Past Identity: Kohinata Jun
Most Recent Identity: Jun Nightroad, 2003-?, Japan
Last Known Identity: Minh Thi Huy, 1843-1945 , Vietnam
Notes: Considered high value subject by others. Attempt to retrieve. All names but most recent in Eastern order.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
I suppose I see the value in this one, even though I would much rather focus on subjects of interest to my studies.
Throughout the file are references to "previous incarnations" with citations as if it's a research paper. Some highlights include:]
Only worked with the Order twice before ("Minh, 1843"; "Jeong, 1695") but considered high value for his past life's connection with the Abrahamic God. Likely why Weissmann was so interested in this one.
Records show decent enough as a Guardian. No potential to be a Zealot however. As if one can rely on emotional investment of past lives to predict current ones. Idiots. Emotions can be manipulated, as they would know.
Possibly incredibly versatile. Subject was innately attuned to different elements both times we had him whereas most tend to attune to the same one or two elements. Perhaps a useful subject after all. (Hypothesis: relation to deity causes this versatility.)
Likely unable to be retrieved this life cycle. Weissmann may be at fault. See about ordering a strike on that man for daring to interfere with my research.
[The entire file is similar, including some sections on how one might possibly force the connection Jun had in his past life. The final entry reads:]
We have found the subject in question and I have updated the files to reflect this. Chances of retrieval are virtually zero, but there is a chance.
File Name: "Hirose Yasuho"
Past Identity: Hirose Yasuho
Most Recent Identity: Hirose Yasuho, 2003 - Present, America
Last Identity: Hirose Yasuho, 1870 - 1898, Japan
Notes: Easily incarnated. Name consistent through each incarnation on record. All names listed in Eastern order.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
I am interested to see how "Paisley Park" manifests in this life. Previous records show that it was largely in-line with the past manifestation if altered to better suit time and place. For ease of citations, I will only be listing the year as "Paisley Park" seems to require that its wielder keep the same name.
[The file seems more interested in Paisley Park than Yasuho herself. Some highlights include:]
Frankly fascinated by how Paisley Park is able to adapt to the technology available. It's never at full strength, but it's still perfectly capable.
Most recent life on file ("1870") was remarkably useful as an assistant. Its ability to recreate a typewriter without the need for one was most helpful.
Enclosed is a list of technology Paisley Park should be made to test once we retrieve it.
I am interested in seeing how far apart from the host Paisley Park is able to go and if we can possibly replicate its abilities without the need for a host. It would certainly make my research much easier.
Paisley Park may have been located. Petitioning to be sent to its last known location in an attempt to find it.
[The entire file is similar. Not once is Yashuo's name ever mentioned. The final entry reads:]
Paisley Park located. Denied permission to retrieve the host. Apparently she's "too young" for that.
File Name: "Yingxing aka Blade"
Past Identity: Yingxing aka Blade
Most Recent Identity: Song Yingxing, 1996-?, United States
Last Known Identity: Kazama Ren, 1883-1903, Japan
Notes: All names in Eastern order. Medium-high value subject. Prone to instability and possession, as well as degradation of memory. Interference is recommended to prevent skills from decaying.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
Once again these imbeciles give me the most perfect subject only to deny my requests to do proper thorough research on them. It's almost as if they don't actually want me to do the work.
[Throughout the file are references to "previous incarnations" with citations as if it's a research paper. Some highlights include:]
I am beginning to wonder if skills carry over between lifetimes. Records show that regardless of span between lives, Blade gravitates to blacksmithing and masterworks. The General still uses weapons made by Tsang ("Tsang, 1775").
No matter how often I request that Blade and VHEL remain separate and to use force if necessary, they are still often assigned to work together. This is how we keep losing subjects. Next time I will bring up the 1624 incident ("Liao, 1589"; "Jwa, 1593") as a reminder why these two should never be allowed to interact. One would think having to completely condemn and rebuild the 15th floor to get the viscera stains out would be enough of a reminder.
I hate eccentric geniuses. If he were not a brilliant craftsman I would suggest we just do away with him. Then again, hard to do that with his regeneration.
Once again I ask that they allow me to retrieve souls when we identify them regardless of age. We've nearly lost Blade three times in the past due to possession ("Gongbu, ?1398"; "Meng, 1743"; "Tsang, 1775"). This could be avoided if we took him into custody at an early age.
[The entire file is similar, with Hojo clearly both annoyed at Blade and fascinated by him. The entries become more and more frequent once Blade joins the Order. The final entry reads:]
I think I now understand why they have refused to keep VHEL from Blade. What good is a sword without the wielder? Attempts must be made to retrieve VHEL, if we're to properly make use of him, consequences be damned.
File Name: "Higashikata Josuke"
Past Identity: Higashikata Josuke
Most Recent Identity: Higashikata Josuke, 2000-?, Japan
Last Known Identity: Hino Josuke, 1896-1938, Japan
Notes: All names in Eastern order. Another one fairly easy to locate.
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
The Order has never named Crazy Diamond a high value subject, but they are idiots. If I could figure out how to make use of its power, we wouldn't be struggling so often with guardians.
[The file largely seems more interested in Crazy Diamond than Josuke. Some highlights include:]
A shame that Crazy Diamond cannot be used on itself. It would certainly make fielding the user much less of a risk. I've asked several times that we keep him here, but the higher ups refuse to see reason.
Witnessed Crazy Diamond bring a guardian back from the brink of certain death. [The entry lists the symptoms of said guardian. Anyone who is familiar with this sort of thing can tell that they were injured in a battle and also very ill.] My request to study Crazy Diamond further has been denied. It is a near-miracle worker. It would make my research so much easier.
Note: look into why it seems the name of Crazy Diamond's user is so often Josuke, same characters each time. An effect of the Stand, perhaps. Compare: Vidyadhara.
See if the idiots above can be convinced to be looking into the [REDACTED] mentioned ("Hanae, 1764"). If they will not allow me to find and locate Crazy Diamond at will and keep it where it can be studied, then perhaps they will allow me that small grace.
[The rest of the file is similar. It's clear that Crazy Diamond is of interest because of its healing, and several entries mention Hojo making use of him to "repair a damaged research subject". The final entry reads:]
Lost to POKEGO. Will try again next life.
File Name: "YoRHa No. 2 Type E"
Past Identity: YoRHa No. 2 Type E
Most Recent Identity: Ophelia Kawabuchi, 1992-?
Last Known Identity: Nishi Yoshiko, 1909-1940, Japan
Notes: Approach with caution. High value subject, extremely dangerous. Though the unit's proper designation is "2E", it very often will only respond to "2B".
Current Name of Observer: James Hojo
The sooner we can locate the android and bring it into the Order again, the better. We've reached a point that I may be able to begin replicating the Black Box's technology.
[The file does not once refer to Ophelia as a human, though this file is perhaps one of the longer ones you might find. Some highlights include:]
Attempts to force the android to regain its battle prowess continue to fail. Not even arranging a situation like that of the original version seem to work. Unfortunate. A different tack has been suggested, but I fail to see how anything else could possibly work. Its memories are very clear on the matter: intense emotion drove the original unit. Replicating these emotions should prompt this version to act similarly.
Despite its general failure, the android does at least function as a competent Guardian. I have regularly requested that it be stationed in my labs in the event of a crisis. The one request those idiots tend to grant.
The android revealed that its original version had active and regular memory back ups. If I could learn how to do similar with humans, this would solve quite a lot of our problems. Would need a failsafe to prevent a catastrophic loss, however.
I have included notes on my best guess at the general make up of the YoRHa Executioner and Battle units. We lack any of the materials required, but it could be a start if combined with the machines out of Meropide. My desire for the other units the android has mentioned grows. I have requested we keep an eye out on anyone resembling those from its memories.
[The rest of the file is similar. Unlike others, where there are mentions of past reincarnations, it seems that Hojo didn't consider Ophelia's past lives separate entities. The final entry reads:]
How the hell did we lose it to Zodiac.
no subject
Most Recent: Ayato Hinoki, 1991-?
Last Known Identity: Ichiro Agawa, 1853-1895, Japan
OTHER NAMES: Shougo Tanaka, 1782-1811, Japan - Reiji Yamamato, 1731-1767, Japan - Kei Chikafuji, 1637-1675, Japan
Notes: Names in Western order. Clever and continuously the type to poke his nose where it doesn't belong. Keep all matter of extremely important and highly classified materials out of sight and his reach- he will try and employ any methods he deems necessary to find the answers he's looking for. He found indications of this file in a past reincarnation, but was murdered by one of ours before he could actively search for it.
A word to the wise- do not underestimate him. He wears an unassuming face to his benefit constantly.
Current name of Observer: Matsuura
I knew this man in our past life, and I've held nothing but disdain for him and his supposed methods of getting what he wants. A swindler of words and sly tricks that help him stay ahead of others by several means, Ayato is akin to a fox among chickens. Yashiro Commissioner or no, his family and clan should have fallen into the hands of the Kanjou Commission after they lost all reputation and recognition.
Ayato has become of great repeated interest to the Black Order mostly due to his incredible nature to see through people and their plans. Despite only having a Hydro Vision in terms of powers, the Order has recruited him time and time again to see into potential threats and assess possible problems or issues against the Order before they truly become an issue. His ways of noticing when others may or may not be lying without needing any sort of telepathy or mind reading is both annoying as well as an asset the Order refuses to let go of.
Through many years, he has thwarted many instances when rebellion may have once been on the minds of other Guardians. I am even told that in one reincarnation, he was mentored by several figures and almost became a zealot. No doubt the Order has tried to replicate this time and time again since. Those that cannot be brought back into line by him have been eradicated or sealed as a final measure.
There has been a long span of time since his previous reincarnation and this one, with no true prompt as to why. Thankfully, his family's history for this reincarnation cycle was easy to find, as the estate side of Japan's families has dwindled over time. Forcing him into our service was easy, as the common strategy is to put his family's fate and safety in harm's way to make him cooperate. How pathetic.
As a side note: put in a word to investigate his so-called "older sister" in this current reincarnation. A familiar face, that one, a Guji from my past life as well. She is of utmost interest and would be useful to have working alongside Ayato as a method to keep him in line, should it be necessary.
no subject
Most Recent: Noah Haas, 1998-?, Austria
Last Known Identity: Jonas Bylandt, 1742-1779, Austria
OTHER NAMES: n/a
Notes: A model example of youth molded by tragedy. Should he reincarnate again outside of this current life, ensure his childhood to his adulthood is one that exemplifies the necessity of Order through any means available. The more isolated and vulnerable he is, the easier he falls into indoctrination.
Current name of Observer: Gopher Wood
A boy I raised, one of many, in my past life. I believe I was the only "father figure" he had since he was a child. From the beginning, I knew there was great potential in him and his sister Robin.
[The interesting thing to note is how Wood never seems to call him by his reincarnated names- only ever as "Sunday." The file dawdles on details here and there, but does pick up with some important notes-]
The Bookkeeper knows this one, if only for his time working in the Library. Sunday was a rather avid fan of assisting where he could in the times he was not needed in a mission. I believe being there reminded him of Dewpoint Pavilion, if not his office in the Golden Hour. He was one who worked tirelessly to further the Black Order's reach, even without the gift of being Xipe's advocate. There were suggestions of making searching for other Guardians easier in the Library, and he was more than happy to offer advice if asked for it.
Despite people perhaps saying otherwise, Sunday was one of the brightest zealots the Black Order held, truly preaching the way of Order and the need to keep people safe and happy through whatever means necessary. He knew his purpose and did not shy from it- and I could not have been more proud of him as his mentor.
It is a shame, then, that he flew too close to the sun in his own hubris. After a difficult situation in which others tried to reach him and counter his logic, his heart struggled under the sudden weight of his consciousness. Upon his defeat in being confronted, he did not stop another Guardian from striking him down and ending his life then and there.
What a waste of potential. I will have to ask the Bookkeeper if it is likely the boy will be reincarnated at any point.
[There's a bit of separation here, with what looks almost like music notes and sheet music but written... in a way that looks wrong. Like it doesn't quite fit the man who is the Observer.
Then, scribbled much much much later, the ink seems fresher here:]
Years. It has been years. How he has managed to slip out of my grasp for this long? Somehow he's not only moved from his home in Europe, but found company and friends in Kaisou. Once the team issue there has been rectified, I'll specify for the new members to search for him and bring him to me.
Sunday will begin to walk the way of an Order Pathstrider once again, whether he wishes to or not.
no subject
Most Recent: Jing Yuan, 1993 - ??, China.
Last Known Identity: Huan Ling, 1880 - 1910, China.
OTHER NAMES: Qiang Weizhi, 1753, China.
Notes: High Value, observation only. Advise against recruitment while the Order still holds interest in the Vidyadhara High Elder and Forge Master.
Current name of Observer: Dan Shu
A brilliant mind no matter how many times he has reincarnated, he would be a great assess to the Order were it safe to recruit him alongside the High Elder and the Forge Master. I will not encourage recruitment while the Order still holds interest in them both, bringing them together would spell disaster to our plans.
However that is not the most worrying factor. THEIR gaze still rests upon Jing Yuan. It has followed him through the multitude of reincarnations I have observed. The Rainbow Arbiter finds him each and every time. I do not know THEIR intentions but if THEIR gaze were to turn towards us I fear even the Order will struggle with the Hunt that will follow.
[ a series of sketches follow depicting the a large golden spirit and a shard of the Sky-Shattering Lux Arrow. ]
It is a shame to lose the chance to pull a brilliant mind such as his into the fold, but the risk of him coming in contact with the other two members of the High Cloud Quintet and THEIR gaze being upon him is too high. The power he could be granted holds the potential to be our undoing and I will not risk being thwarted again.
Watch him closely, if his gaze falls upon us the best course of action would be immediately elimination before THEY can intervene. Should elimination prove to be impossible than sealing and imprisonment deep within Meropide will be the next best solution. Be warned, if such a thing were to come to pass do not allow either the High Elder or the Forge Master to learn of his presence. The red strings that bind them are too strong to break.
[ the file continues with observants made of Jing Yuan's past life, noting specific events where the Hunt's gaze seemed to have fallen on him and the accomplishments that often followed. when it catches up to current day it notes his first meeting with Wei Wuxian, and someone only described as the "Sword Champion" before the following is scribbled: ]
It is too dangerous to continue observations now, THEY have seen us through him. The Hunt is coming and I will not be swept up in it's wake.