“Both of my parents are fine people – good breeding, intelligent, strong morals, very understanding and loving – but also extreme workaholics. They both come from wealthy families who have strong roots in their respective countries. Really, it’s almost unfortunate that they have so much in common – the pacifism, gentle hand, devotion to helping people – because they also share an extreme stubbornness that divides them so completely.”
“Hakuba Junpei, an only son, has worked hard all his life to establish his own mark on the world. Riding on the coattails of his parents, who were made rich by scientific and technological research, was something that he was satisfied with. Even though it would have been easy for him to never work a day in his life, he studied hard in school, went to a good university, put himself through the academy, and rose through the ranks of the Japanese police with nothing but his own blood, sweat, and tears. He is now the Superintendent General, the highest ranking officer in all of Japan.
"He’s a compassionate man, someone who is devoted to keeping the peace and promoting good will. He knows his staff, puts in as many hours as is humanly possible at the station, and makes it a point to introduce himself to every new recruit at the very least. I think that he may be more married to his work than to my mum, and I don’t think that he would argue with that, nor would the fine men and women that he is in charge of.
"Despite how overwhelmingly busy he is, my father takes a keen interest in the youth, and seems to have a real talent for finding and fostering those who show promise. He rules with a gentle, but firm hand, and is quick to give praise where it is deserved. This is not to say that he is soft – he is more than willing and capable to do whatever is necessary when called for, and will not hesitate to follow through with whatever decision he deems to be right and just.
"I admire my father greatly, even though we often do not see eye-to-eye on minor issues. It’s true that I harbor unfair resentment toward him for placing his work above me, but honestly, even I know that I can’t truly blame him for it. It is for the greater good. He is proud of me, and has said as such, and does attempt to make time for me when I ask… I think he’d do anything for me if he could… but that it something that I personally struggle with. I believe it is trait that I have inherited from both sides of my family.
"On a more personal note, should you be interested in learning something other than work, my father enjoys fishing, camping, and building model ships. Indeed, he has a veritable armada at home of all types, but he favors large battleships.”
"Marion Camilla Wickham-Hakuba was the first child of five and the only daughter. While her brothers- Arthur, Joseph, Martin, and Theodore, respectively -may be taller than her now, she has never lost her position as the one in charge. She grew up a lady, graduating from finishing school at an all-girls academy to go on to Cambridge university to further her studies in concert piano.
"Or, at least, that was the plan. Between obtaining her GED and attending university, she took a GAP year to go on various service missions, travelling the world to assist the Red Cross. It was then that she discovered her love of the humanities, which interrupted her studies two years later. After switching her major, she went on to graduate with honors and fled the country to go on a tour of philanthropist endeavors.
"This eventually led to her meeting my father in Japan, and, once married, she put her connections to work, assisting charities by arranging and hosting benefits, as she could no longer travel to do so herself. Even after moving back and reclaiming the estate in London, my mum has poured countless hours and funding into being a hostess for any organization that she feels is in need, and worthy of, her assistance.
"Through her efforts, millions of pounds have been funneled into the groups that need it most; particularly local, grass-roots groups that have heart, just need a bit of a lift. She loves her work, both for the fact that she is able to help people, and because she rather enjoys the high society atmosphere, and has said on several occasions that she never wishes to retire.
"As a mother, she is caring and energetic. Although she does not have a lot of time to spare (hence why Baaya has been primarily responsible for my car), the time that she does spend with me is extremely productive. She’s got a gift for reading people, and we’ve long since become good friends because she understands my need for respect and privacy. Although I could do with a little less meddling, I do believe that she has my best interests at heart, and very much wishes me to follow whatever I feel my path should be.
"Her personal interests include patronizing the arts, from visiting museums to dragging us all out for season tickets to the Royal Opera House, and music. She’s a talented vocalist, but even that cannot compare to her gift with the piano. Mum is also a very shrewd poker and billiards player — do not dare to test her, she will defeat you utterly and laugh about it behind a delicate hand.”
“You would think that two such people would have a wonderful relationship, wouldn’t you? Alas… I suppose there are some things that even love cannot conquer in this world.”
