Himiko-den (Legend of Himiko)

When she brags to me, I can kid around with her.

But when I'm alone, it gets tough.

The friendly mask feels so heavy.

Why can't I be with someone else?

I ask and I just want to tear myself into pieces.

At times like that, I find consolation in one photograph.

Pure snow. Pure heart. That day...

If only I had been a little braver.

I could have blamed it on the cold and jumped into his arms.

I don't know why I couldn't.

The time has come...

...for this nation to welcome a human ruler!

Our very first queen is about to be chosen!

Come forth, all those who have been chosen by the Bokka!

All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka!

All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka!

It has begun.

My dear...

I've received a name for the baby. It's Himiko.

Himiko... what a lovely name.

As you already know...

...she is our baby but does not belong to us.

She was brought into this world to guard and protect the Bokka.

This fire must never be quenched...

...even if we were to cast our flesh as fuel.

Such is our destiny as Guardians of Fire.

All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka!

They're on their way. We must hurry.

Sir Iga.

- What is it? - Well, sir...

What is that?

Send a scout!

Chosen ones, one of you will go on to become the rightful queen.

All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka!

At last! The divine will of the Bokka is to be manifested.

And our queen will be selected.

What's the matter?

What is going on here?

- Come on! - Yes, sir!

Hey, you!

Wait!

What's happened?

I don't know.

Well, well!

Did I interrupt an important ceremony?

Identify yourself!

I am General Shikara of the Kingdom of Kune.

There you are, the Bokka, the almighty fire that rules this nation.

I have come to ask for your support.

Help my master, the king, attain his ambition of world domination.

Wait! You mustn't take that fire away!

Darkness would consume the world. Our country would collapse!

Why, it's already collapsed.

I can't stand the sight of them. Kill them.

The Bokka!

We're done for.

Men, run for your lives! Follow the Bokka!

Hey! We're flying! We're floating up in the sky!

This is amazing! Is this the power of the Bokka?

Tadami... Koran... that's so typical of you dizzy duo.

What did you say, Shino?

You're as high and mighty as ever.

Just look at what's going on down below.

What the hell happened?

Those are Kune flags.

What do we do? Did our people get wiped out?

Shit! Damn it! How do we get out of here?

Imari, you're wasting your energy.

Shut up, you goody-goody!

Why, you savage beast!

I just love a good cat fight.

Stay out of this, you old maid!

What did you call me?

Fujina... all of you...

We must part for now.

All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka.

What the...?

No way!

You'll pay for this!

What's going on here?

We'll see each other again soon enough. But...

Father...

You mean to tell me that most of the Bokka has broken up and scattered...

...along with the queen candidates?

If you were to transfer what remains of the fire, it would burn out.

Not that you can even try without heavenly spirits present.

Heavenly spirits? There are no such things. What nonsense!

Guardian of Fire, what do you say?

Surely you know a way to transfer the fire.

You were a fool to invade us without that knowledge.

Sweetheart!

I remember now.

If the Bokka should ever wane, it is the duty of its guardians...

...to sacrifice their flesh. Isn't that right?

What are you doing?

Don't! Please let her go!

Lyo!

Lyo!

My love...

lyo!!

What's the matter? Aren't you going to recite the magic spell?

Would you let the baby die in vain?

No!

Just as I thought.

Stop it! What are you trying to do?

Damn you!

Tell me where the Bokka went!

I don't know. All will be guided by the sacred light of the Bokka.

What is this?

The Fountain of Darkness...

The Fountain of Darkness?

Which one of you has raised us from the dead?

Who is our master?

The Fountain of Darkness...

This is perfect!