Keiko Character in Ayonerra | World Anvil

Keiko

Keiko was born when Nine Skies empresses persecuted each tsukaite. Her tsukaite mother Moriko was killed shortly after giving birth to Saeko. “Home” was a foreign word as the family fled from Sky to Sky.

One fateful day, Keiko saw a green-winged woman speak to Rabizu. After the encounter, her father was ecstatic and ensured the sisters he’d keep them safe. Keiko watched Rabizu’s bahhraym-white hair and eyes turn black as he forged his blade. He became distant, mumbling and speaking to someone.

One day, Keiko touched Rabizu’s shoulder and suggested he take a rest. The father screeched, his face morphing into a monstrous visage. Terrified, Keiko fled together with Saeko.

Twenty years later, the sisters confronted Rabizu. Their father shrieked and spoke in numerous tongues at once. The battle waged on and upon Saeko inflicting the fatal wound, Rabizu was put to rest.

Upon return, the sisters presented Rabizu’s hair as proof of their victory. Empress Kulawai acknowledged their worth and stepped down from the throne, allowing Keiko to ascend.

Magic

Keiko telekinetically moves her two grand swords with ease. She can liquify and shape the swords to her liking and wears them as armour when not in use.

Keiko uses Saeko's potions and ointments to prolong her lifespan.

The Tsukaite Reform

Empress Keiko viewed the old system as wasteful. She registers each tsukaite and, together with their families, grants them high nobility status. She founded the Tsukaite Academy, educating goddess-blessed bahhrayms in warfare, astronomy, medicine, history and other valuable subjects. The graduates attain influential positions depending on their area of interest.

The eight exceptional and most trusted tsukaites become the Eight Hands of the Empress. Each Hand governs their respective Sky and those below it, while only Keiko controls the Ninth Sky.

Homeland
The Nine Skies
Father
Rabizu
Mother
Moriko
Sibling
Saeko
Niece
Moriko
Species
Year of Birth
1808 AR/ADF 317 Years old
Birthplace
The Fifth Sky
Children
Sex
Female
Eyes
White
Hair
White. Dyes it black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Pale white
Height
Depends on levitation height

The Black Hair

The black hair became Empress Keiko’s symbol. Only the two sisters dye their hair completely black, while the Eight Hands of the Empress stain one-eighth. To Keiko, black embodies her father’s love and sacrifice.

Law reforms

Keiko firmly believes in bahhraym supremacy and tsukaites can’t be born of mixed parentage. Thus, she forbade bahhrayms from marrying and having children with other races. Breaking the law is punishable with death, while the bahhraym’s partner and child are exiled from the Nine Skies.

Conflict with the Northern Dividing Archipelago

The Northern Dividing Archipelago’s ruler Guran’Dukht waged war on the Nine Skies and occupied part of the Land. During their battle, Guran’Dukht touched Keiko’s waist and, using body control magic, broke her spine. Keiko retorted by slicing the queen into three chunks.

Following the battle, Keiko is always seen levitating above everyone else. The exception is the Dayani Khelmtiphe Malkisaidek, as Keiko hovers precisely at his height level.

The Black-tailed Asteroid

When a black-tailed asteroid fell in the Nine Skies, Keiko sent soldiers to investigate the area. But none came back. Chiraki sightings soon spread through the mountains. The empress dispatched several tsukaites and when neither returned, she forbade anyone to enter the impact region.

The creature’s presence ceased as Sugiramun announced his victory over the abomination. Impressed by the bahhraym man’s deed, Keiko granted him high nobility status and blessed his marriage to Saeko.

When Saeko became pregnant, Keiko eagerly awaited the child’s birth. Yet, the empress felt only disgust upon seeing the newborn niece. Moriko's long, worm-like white eyelashes squirmed, while the body was dotted with sharp, black scales, cutting the midwife’s skin upon touch. Keiko stepped forward to end the monstrosity. But Sugiramun snatched the child from the midwife’s hands, flew towards the goddess Dekabura’s temple, cut through the guards and stole the Sacred Sword.

The empress sent a hundred soldiers and three tsukaites after Sugiramun. Keiko charged towards the man as he cut through pursuers. She watched Sugiramun’s arm tear off as he tried unsheathing the goddess Dekabura’s sword. The empress sliced his leg and was ready to pass judgment. Yet witnessing the fallen father clutching his daughter reminded her of Rabizu.

“I better never see you anywhere anymore.’’

Several days later, Keiko received Chief Qaitlen's gift – a black gem holding the black Cosmic Amaar. The empress placed it inside her crown, where it rests to this day.

Notable relationships

Saeko
Keiko deeply cares for her sister and admires her knowledge and skills. The empress respects Saeko’s ability to put back her creed and sympathise with different points of view.

Keiko feels lonely following her sister’s departure to the Chiraki Abyss. She didn’t approve of Saeko’s choice, deeming the wish to cure Moriko a useless endeavour. Yet, Keiko helped Saeko fake her death and venture to the monster-filled chasm.

Rabizu
Keiko loved her father and was crushed by his gradual descent into madness. She was heartbroken when Rabizu couldn't recognise her. However, it brought Keiko comfort as her father passed away believing he had protected his daughters, unaware of his killers' identities.
Eight Hands of the Empress
Keiko trusts each Hand.
She respects Akkara’s perseverance, Tsuna’s persuasion skills and Maki’s medical knowledge.
The empress enjoys Tulao’s indecent humour and sparring with Aimi.
Keiko commends Ru’s sense of responsibility, Karui’s love for history and Suzume’s diligence and curiosity.

Sugiramun
A bahhraym man slaying the cosmic creature impressed Keiko, but Moriko’s birth shone light on his treachery.

She doesn’t regret letting Sugiramun go, but will murder him on sight if he ever steps in the Nine Skies.




Cover image: by Nincho

Comments

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Dec 2, 2023 13:40 by Annie Stein

all according to keiko

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!
Dec 2, 2023 13:44

Indeed

Dec 2, 2023 20:23 by Olarae & Astaroth Arcaine

What a beautifully written article!   The use of symbols, such as the black hair really adds to the layers of importance and meaning to the story of Keiko as both an individual and an Empress!   I can't wait to see what you post next for woldember :D

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Dec 2, 2023 20:37

Thank you! Saeko's article is next!

Dec 3, 2023 15:39 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Wonderful article. Keiko has a lot of depth as a character, and I absolutely love that character portrait. <3

Emy x   Etrea | Vazdimet
Dec 3, 2023 15:45

Thank you! Her characteristic glare was fun to draw.