...Wow, no da...

*adding to favourites*

Regarding my earlier review... apologies for the last line down there. I thought I had already deleted that line (I was editing my review), but it turns out that I hadn't. Please disregard that; thank you! :)

Okay. I've finished reading the last two chapters, and, looking at the story from a more general perspective, I have to say that I liked it. I liked how you showed the events of the series from Soi's eyes, down until her death scene. Usually, I read fics about Soi's death through Nakago's eyes, and what happens after - like Nakago's guilt and all. To be honest, at first I thought that your fic ended abruptly. "What's this? Soi's death scene and Nakago is hardly mentioned at all?" But then I reread the final chapter and I realized that yes, your ending worked well, too. Since the story is seen through Soi's eyes - and she isn't omniscient - of course she couldn't be certain how Nakago felt about her death. And actually, having it end with the names of tai chi moves brings back the theme of cyclicality. In a way, it's as if you're showing that Soi's death is just another cycle, leaving room for the readers to imagine what happens next. Is it back to square one for Soi in the afterlife - does she get to start over and spread her wings, creating another cycle? Is there hope for Soi even after death? Those were questions that I thought of after reading this fic.

Also, another thing I liked about your fic is that, while Nakago seems to be the central point of Soi's life - like I mentioned in an earlier review, her thoughts and actions are mostly focused on him - you do not only show her interactions with Nakago. You also showed the relationships Soi had with her fellow Seishi, the Suzaku Seishi, and even the Mikos (Yui and Miaka). In doing so, you gave Soi multiple facets - she's not just the hopelessly devoted lover; she's also a sisterly figure, a mother, an enemy, and a rival. You show how Soi builds up her identity and character based on the relationships that she has with others.

To sum things up, nice job. And please pardon my not-so-stellar review; I'm not that good at giving reviews. :D

"He did me a kindness once, and for that I will spend the rest of my life repaying Him. And every time He does something else kind for me, I am more in His debt... I will never escape, will I?"

"My fate is now inextricably woven with His... I can never stop loving Him, no matter what He does to me... I have made my choice, and I cannot undo it. I am bound."

These lines struck me, as they showed how Soi's relationship with Nakago is like one big cycle that she cannot get out of, simply because she loves him too much. She knows that he behaves far from the way a god would, and yet she worships him and treats him as one, not daring to question him. I feel even more sorry for Soi in this chapter.

I like how Soi seems to be the only one among the Seiryuu Seishi who has notions of what a family is supposed to be like. She wants all of them - Seiryuu Seishi - to be a family, but she knows that they will never be an ideal family, let alone a family, because of their dysfunctional relationships. It's nice to see Soi trying to treat her fellow Seishi as family, even though they do not feel the same way. Her compassionate and motherly side is especially shown in her relationships with Suboshi and Ashitare.



Soi's feeling for Nakago are shown as a cycle - she loves him, even though she knows that he is

Hello, it's me again. :) I'm back. Sorry it took so long for me to read Chapter Two of your fic.

I reread Chapter One, and, now that I've just finished taking tai chi for phys. ed. this semester, I was able to see more clearly how tai chi fit with Soi's story.

Anyway, on to Chapter Two. One of your reviewers pointed out how your fic showed Soi's lack of self-esteem. For me, that wasn't so evident in Chapter One (although there were implications here and there), but in this chapter, it was more obvious - from the way Soi punished herself constantly to her feelings of not being worthy of Nakago. This chapter made me feel sorry for Soi, because she is actually capable of being a strong woman on her own. She's got charm, she's talented, she's powerful and she's independent. She could actually take control of her life, but instead, she decided to center her life on Nakago. And as much as I like Nakago, it is true that he doesn't deserve many of the things Soi has done for him.

This chapter showed that Soi is strong on the outside, but vulnerable on the inside, and that her vulnerability and insecurity is mostly due to her subservience to Nakago. As evidenced in the use of "Him" and "He" instead of "him" and "he", she thinks of him as a god. It's as if he is the source of enlightenment in her life. She will do anything for him, even sacrificing her sense of morality - as seen in her taunting of Tamahome after he lost his family.

It's interesting how the Soi you portrayed in this chapter - caught up in her own insecurities - reminded me of Misa Amane, a character in "Death Note." She's blinded by love for a man who merely uses her - and she actually consents to him using her, if doing so will help him achieve his goal. She is even willing to go as far as to kill for him.

I've always thought of Soi as strong. But your fic made me re-evaluate Soi's character. She is, in some ways, strong, but when it comes to love, she is blinded. That doesn't make me like her any less, though. I love how you explored her character here.

Um, before I end this review, I'm sorry, but I just have to say that I found Nakago's comment about Soi being out of shape to be a bit jarring. No offense meant, sorry! It's just that I couldn't really imagine Nakago saying that, as he doesn't give a damn about appearance and all. But then again, I might be reading it the wrong way - he might merely be saying that to spite her. Still, I guess I'm just used to Nakago using sarcasm to spite others, and not personal attacks. Sorry! :D

This was an extremely interesting chapter. The group dynamics were well drawn- their interactions in this chapter prove that Soi and Suboshi are clearly a 'family', if a dysfunctional one. Soi's exchanges with Tomo really solidify what their relationship is based on--sniping, rivalry, and hatred based on mutual insecurities.

You are doing a wonderful job in Soi's characterization, I feel as if I'm getting a direct and intimate look right into the inner workings of her mind. Having said that, I do have to confess I find myself feeling less than sympathetic towards her. Her callousness in taunting Tamahome was shocking, as were her bouts of self-flagellation. I'd never considered Soi as a person who'd be suffering from acute clinical depression, but you have presented her in a way that I can truly see and understand how she'd be so. Considering the misery her life has been, that what she considers her one chance for happiness rests with a person that couldn't care less about her...

It was also very interesting to read about events in the canon plot from 'the other side'. I thought you did a terrific job describing Soi's reaction to the Suzaku seishi and Miaka.

Your writing of Nakago is hugely effective- he truly is coming across as a villain in every way. His comment to Soi about her being out of shape (when she was raising his ki even though she was hurt) actually made me hate him and want to scream at her to get some self respect and let the SOB rot! >)

Because of your characterization of Soi, though, it makes perfect sense that she's making excuses for him-- she's a victim of her own obsession, a huge lack of confidence and self esteem, and Nakago has cleverly played up on that in convincing her that he can do no wrong.

I promise I will be reviewing the rest of the chapters very soon- I'm in the midst of working on one of my fics, and as soon as I reach my goal of updating, I will return post haste to finish giving you the kudos you deserve for an excellent character study! ^__^

Every good wish,
KL

Thank you very much for reviewing my fic. Although I have only read the first chapter of this fic, I enjoyed it. I think that this chapter is a great beginning to your story, as it sort of gives the reader a look into Soi's life and personality. As other reviewers have commented, I liked the use of tai chi in this story. It was clever how you managed to relate some of the names of the movements to Soi.

Speaking of Soi, she was definitely in-character here. Kudos to you for portraying Soi as being maternal or sisterly; I rarely see that in fics. :) I like seeing Soi's maternal side, you see. And also, I found these lines very beautiful: "I do not love Him because I choose to love, rather because it is my nature to adore Him who is better than I am. Just as drops of water clump together, or as grass bends over when the wind blows through it—this is how I love."

I'll review the next few chapters when I get to read them. :) Oh, and thank you very much for your encouraging words to me. I haven't replied to your PM yet - sorry! - as my sister has been hogging the Internet lately. But don't worry, I'll definitely reply to you. :D

Good news: I got the chance to start Cycles!! ^__^
Frustrating news: I only have time to read and review the first chapter. :(

This was a totally absorbing pov study of Soi.


The inclusion of t'ai chi was a very fitting analogy; it provides a neat connection between her past and present ways of life, as well the various scenes in the story.(It also made me want to take it up again! ^_~)

I also liked the way you expounded on her relationship with Suboshi-the scenes were both funny and touching. I could definitely see her finding fulfillment in assuming a maternal role towards him and having fits over his misadventures. ^^

How sad though, that her obsessive love for Nakago doesn't leave any room for friendships or anything else. Her profound lack of self esteem is rampant in how you write her thoughts and actions; it's very clear she doesn't feel she deserves any better treatment than she's getting. I thought that point was underscored in the use of capitalized pronouns in Soi referring to 'Him'. (Rather ironic that she already thinks of Nakago as the god that he secretly wishes to become.)

I thought every scene was well written, but I have to say that your closing paragraph was outstanding. The analogies were poetic, very apt, and rife with emotion. As pathetic and painful as her life has been, I found myself feeling comforted that Soi is being completely honest with herself about the situation and how she feels.

Looking forward to reviewing the other chapters when I can! Until then, I'll just say that you're going a great job!! ^_^*

Every good wish,
KL

Oh my God!! I loved...I loved that last line...so much...and I think I get why the story is called Cycles, now...does it have something to do with the movements in t’ai chi ch’uan? I'm so slow...^_^
This was, yet again, amazing, and it deserves *SO* much more -I don't know...popularity, you could say?- than what it got. Really! Ya know what? I'm gonna devote the next ten minutes of my life to promoting your stories, and I all of a sudden got deja vu...and then just now again! Man...Well, my mom's nagging me to get off, so later...Instead, I'll spend 20 minutes tomorrow. Deal?

'Then I took pinecones and gave them all names.'
I don't know why, but I found that hilarious and had to take a break from reading to calm down. It just seems like something I would do!! XD

Now, I have been wondering...Does she have some kind of mental disorder too? Like broken woman syndrome? (I'm not sure if that's what it's called, but it's something along the lines of that...and if not, I think you'd know what I mean) That's what it seems like...or at least, she's showing symptoms of some kind of disorder, I think. Man, I watch CSI too much...XD

I have to get off now, and I haven't even finished the chapter yet! Now I'm sad...Be back later! XD

whoah. i just love how you portray her self conflict about the whole love thingy...well, had to say that. MOVING ON!