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From the journal of Rex Chance.....I mean, Go Shujin-sama (I really need to stop playing Impossible Creatures sweatdrop ) dated June 16 2004:

I guess surprise would have been the word to describe how I should feel about my current situation. Should have been.....but it's not. I find myself to be rather jaded when it comes to the unusual, though I'm not really sure why. As I walked around the lower recesses of the castle I found more a feeling of familiarity than surprise....I had been here before. Memories that were mine but not mine crossed through my mind. Memories of another time....

How did I come to this place in which memories of the past and present collided you might ask? Well, it all started with a card.....

It had been a rather dull day, just like any other. I had decided to clean the abysmal place I call a room for the lack of anything better to do. During this cleaning I had come across trinkets and such of things I had borrowed or scrounged up in my youth and had stashed away for use at some later time and then had forgotten about all together. I come from a long line of packrats you see. My mother is one, her father was one, his father was one and so on....dating back as far as time could tell I'm sure. My biggest find, however, was a Tarot Card. I had never been much into Tarot, it seemed fun at times and was about as accurate as the horoscopes on the back of the paper, but really couldn't keep my attention for very long unless the artwork was nice. It was, in fact, the art work on the card that had caught my eye while I was moving it to a new home. As I looked down at the card, my eyes traced down the body of the upside down character until I reach the face....a very familiar face......mine. This was the first time in which surprise should have taken hold, but it didn't. In its place came a wave of curiosity. Why did this card look like me? I didn't know. When did I collect this thing in the first place? No answer. What does it mean? Still no answer. Needless to say, I spent the rest of the day lounging on my bed holding the card above me and thinking about it, slowly tracing the designs with my eyes and always coming to rest on the face which was mine.

I must have fallen asleep because I dreamed, though it was not like any normal dream. I dreamed of a castle, there was something there I had gone to get though I could not remember what. I wondered through the corridors and stairways, searching.....searching....but never finding whatever it was I had come for. The dream felt so real. I could feel the tapestries soft silk as I hid behind them from time to time to avoid notice servants and guests that wondered the halls, smell the scent of food from the kitchen area, hear the people gathering in the ballroom.....all a part of my grand plan, but what plan it was I did not know. Suddenly there was the feeling of alarm; I had been spotted! Escape! Must escape! I found my self running through the corridors, vanishing from one hall only to find myself in another. Not matter what I did, I could not leave the castle. Panic took me as I fled deep within the castle's lower quarters. It was dark down there; easier to hide from the pursuit that I was sure would soon follow. Suddenly I was confronted with a bright flash of light and for the first time in a while, I was quite surprised.

I awoke with a start in the dimly lit room which seemed so familiar but was not my own. This time I was not dreaming, of that I was sure, yet I found myself still in the castle. I could tell this by the stone working of the walls that made up the room I was in. I walked over to the small table where a lamp was slowly burning, filling the room with a soft light, yet leaving parts of it in shadow. It was comforting here. There was a small bowl on the table, definitely meant to hold food. Looking at the bowl reminded me of just how hungry I was. Taking the bowl, I crept through the darkness of the outer hallway and up the winding stairs with only one thought running through my mind......where was the kitchen?

From the journal of Go Shujin-sam dated June 18, 2004:

It seems that the castle’s ranks have begun to swell in numbers. I met two rather nice ladies last night, both the World and the Empress. Unfortunately, during the course of my searching, I met with, and angered, Death. This bothers me a little. I would wonder what was going through her mind while we sat by the pool talking of dreams, but I have no time to ponder such things right now. One mystery at a time is enough for me right now though and I’m sure that if I just keep an ear out, all of her problems will be explained eventually. But back to my own problems….

I have come no closer to finding that which I seek within the castle walls. I’m sure it would help if I could only remember what it is I am looking for, but all I can do for now is look around and hope that something that I run across…..a clue of some kind, will trigger my memory and reveal it to me. I would ask both Judgment and the Magician for help but even for their being here longer than I, they both seem to know very little about the castle itself. I’ll have to seek out who ever appeared here first. Some one had to be the first one to show up at this castle, and that person may know more than any of us……but who?

From the journal of Go Shujin-sama dated June 20th 2004:

Yesterday was somewhat productive, just not in the ways I had planned it to be. I did not get a chance to return to the bell tower, instead I ran into the girl know as “World.” I found her to be a very nice person…..of course anyone who will sit through my tales of dramatic heroism is good in my book. I learned from her that there is yet another winged companion here at the castle, one who goes by the name of “Wheel.” I have yet to meet this man and it bothers me that he should go so long without notice. Anyway, I’ll keep an eye out for him…..heh, I made a funny…..kind of. That Wheel guy only has one eye. Maybe he’s keeping it out for me?

I found out a little more about World as we made dinner together in the kitchen that night. She seems to show the same reflexive knowledge of the castle that comes to me from time to time. It’s rather odd, and I’m sure there is a reason for this, but I’ve more important mysteries to solve right now. I seem to be getting much better with my knife the more I hold it, as if just having it is reawakening old memories of its use that were lying dormant within me. As I close my eyes, I can envision actual combat strikes that I never knew of before. I’ll have to make a point of heading over that training ground I found and trying these moves out, maybe unlocking some other memories in the process. I still have and object to find and I still don’t know what it is.

From the journal of Go Shujin-sama dated June 23, 2004:

I feel much better now than I did the night before and I think I have World to thank for that. After days of stewing in thoughts I had emerged from my room for a bit of fresh air to help clear my brain. As it turned out, I ran into World playing a rather nice melody on the piano in the music room. Listening to it really helped out quite a bit. She seemed somewhat frustrated though in her song so I offered to help. I am not the greatest at these things but I managed rather well…..well enough to make her smile anyway. We did not get to talk for very long; the stress of this castle must be weighing us down or something. After heading back to my room, I admittedly slept very well and am now ready to once again tackle the mysteries of this place.

From the Journal of Go Shujin-sama dated July 6, 2004:

Yesterday was not the greatest of days, to be sure. I guess when you think of what was accomplished, one could call it a great day. I found out more about the castle; more importantly who lives where, I got in some wonderful exercise climbing the castle walls and exploring the rooftops, I retrieved Syr’s lost card, hell, I even found a strangely locked box within a secret compartment in the bell tower. Unfortunately the cost of such exploits seems to have outweighed the prize. Death, apparently being more territorial than I could have guessed, was not pleased with the fact that I was on her balcony. Sadly she ran off before explanations could be made and is now very angry with me. This is a situation I plan to remedy soon since I believe it to be hazardous to one’s health to have Death be angry with them for extended periods of time. At least Syr was pleased to get her card back, so I feel I have done at least some good. As for the box……..that infernal contraption! Hate would be the mildest term for the fury that I feel for it. I have picked at its locks, pounded its lid, spewed forth curses that would have killed ship loads of sailors, and yet…..it remains closed. I would bury the damned thing if there wasn’t a nagging feeling within me that what is inside is very important. As Judgment had said as we sat in the kitchen, “maybe it’s hiding something important.”

Treasures unveiled:

*He wiped the sweat from his brow as he put the last pick into place. He had been up all night for this moment. Holding the lower tools with his other hand he gave all three a quick twist and breathed a deep relieving sigh as he heard the sound he had so longed for.*
Click
*Slowly, he pulled the hinge locks away from the lid and lifted it away from the rest of the box, scanning its contents.*
Well well, what have we here?
*Reaching into the box he carefully drew out the items, piece by piece, his eyes tracing over each one in turn. First there was a necklace made of soft gold chain. Hanging on the chain were five stones, four of which sparkled brightly in the soft lamp light. The outer most stones were blue, probably sapphire of some kind, and cut in a teardrop shape about the size of his small finger nail. The next set of stones inward were obviously diamonds, cut in the same shape but slightly larger. It was the last stone that sat dead center on the chain that grabbed his attention the most. It was jet black; almost deep enough to have a bluish shine, and was smoothly cut, not faceted like the others. He could feel the light around him being drawn into the gem as he stared at it for a few minutes before shaking his head and glancing away.*
That was weird…..
*Setting the necklace on the table, he reached back into the box to retrieve another item. He grasped a small vial and lifted it from its resting place. It was almost like a test tube; sealed at the top with a glass stopper and some wax, within the tube was a black liquid he had never seen before…….or had he. As he held the tube, the liquid seemed to move around of its own accord. Rubbing his eyes in disbelief, Go placed the tube down upon the table next to the necklace.*
I must be seeing things….either that or this lamp light is playing tricks on my tired eyes. I could have sworn that stuff just moved.
*Placing his hand back into the box, he lifted out a paper clipping. It looked very well preserved for how old it should be. It talked about a crime…..a necklace stolen…….a thief that was to blame……..himself. Placing the paper clipping down next to the necklace, he stared at both for a moment thinking.*
So I stole this pretty piece of jewelry eh? Not to shabby I guess. According to the article I was quite the master thief back in the day. Maybe that’s why Death is mad at me. Maybe she remembers me from another time……a time I have forgotten.
*Peeking into the box, he searched for anymore items to look at. He was greeted only with another piece of paper, though this one was older, more like parchment really. Being very careful, he lifted the worn paper from the box. It was definitely old, looking to be made on an old printing press from back in the Enlightenment Age. Printed upon it was a flier for some grand party that was to be held at the castle. As he read on, a few words caught his attention…..they were very faded and he strained is eyes to follow them.*

Have I finally found my first clue? Obviously something was here…..and maybe it still is……
*Placing the papers and the vial back into the box, he closed the lid and then the locks, listening to them snap shut. Rising from the table, he made his way over to his hidey hole, box in hand, and slid it in there for safe keeping. Carefully, he lifted the necklace from the table and placed it within a small pouch within his cloak.*
I’m sure this will come in handy later…..

Lilly the servent girl:


*He woke with a start to the sound of movement from in the washroom. As his eyes cleared, he scanned the room for the presence that had intruded so deeply into his chambers without notice. His gaze fell upon the table in the center of the room. The lamp was lit though he remembered putting it out before he had gone to bed, and there was......food? Getting up, he crept over to the table. His bowl had been taken from its normal resting place within his cloak and been filled with a sweet smelling porridge. Laying in a small plate along side his bowl was a slice of toast.....and next to that a glass of juice. As he looked at the meal in disbelief, he spotted a smaller glass set near the center of the table. It was half filled with water and contained.....three flowers? His attention was drawn away from the table as a voice called to him from the washroom doorway.*
Good morning! Do you like the flowers? How's the breakfast? I made it myself. ^_^
*His eyes darted quickly to the door. There was a girl standing there. She couldn't have been older than eight or nine. She had long blond hair, almost platinum, that seemed to shine in the lamp light. She was dressed in a simple servant’s dress and had a pile of clothes in her arms.......his clothes. Giving a thoughtful look he decided to answer, if only so that he could learn more about this new person who was sneaky enough to get passed his door, make breakfast, and gather his clothes without his notice.*
Good morning to you.......ah.....
Lilly. ^_^
.....Lilly. The flowers are something, I must say, I didn't expect to see when I awoke this morning, though they look rather nice. As for the breakfast, I have yet to try it, though if it is as good as it looks and smells, I shall be quite pleased.
*Slowly he sat down and tasted the porridge from his bowl. It was very nice indeed. Giving a satisfied smile he looked back up at Lilly.*
Now, if you don't mind too much, I have questions of my own. Where did you come from and why do you have my clothes all bundled up there?
*She gave a cute little smile and came over to the table.*
Well, all I can remember is gathering flowers in the forest to sell back in town when I slipped and fell down the hill and rolled into a stone wall. When I woke up, I was here. ^_^ I found this note next to these clothes I found in my room.
*Scrabbling through her little pockets, she withdrew a folded piece of paper and handed it to him.*
As for your clothes, I'm doing laundry. ^_^
*He took the note and unfolded it.*

*His eyebrow arched at the mention of pie.*
Whoever wrote this sure knows me pretty well. Maybe World or Strength found her by the castle wall as figured I'd take care of her.....that doesn't make sense. Why would they send her to take care of me? As a matter of fact....why would they send her to me at all? Maybe I'll ask around later tonight and see what the deal is.
Well, I guess you should carry on then Lilly, and thank you for the laundry service.....and for breakfast.
*With a glowing smile, she grabbed up the pile of clothes and headed out the door.*
I'll bring them back in a few hours....and don't worry about cleaning the table up. I'll get that too. ^_^
*He watched her go with a grin.*
Well, that was interesting. Nice to know that someone thinks I need my own personal servant.....I'll be sure to ask around and find out what is going on.
*After finishing his breakfast, he took his bowl to the washroom, rinsed it out, and slid it back into his cloak.*