Taiki, The Rare Black Kirin

Fifteen years before Youko Nakajima arrived in the Twelve Kingdoms, Taiki’s ranka (sacred embryo) was blown over to Hourai (Japan) by a shoku (a powerful storm that bridges worlds). This event separated him from his destined kingdom, causing him to grow up as a human in Japan, completely unaware of his true nature.

For ten years, Taiki lived as Kaname Takasato, experiencing a normal childhood in Japan. However, because he was a kirin out of his rightful world, he began to exhibit strange, supernatural traits that set him apart. Eventually, he was found by Enki and returned to the Twelve Kingdoms, where he was taken to Mount Hou to begin his training as the kirin of Tai.

Having lived his entire life in Japan, Taiki struggled immensely with his sudden transformation. Unlike other kirin, who instinctively know their duties, Taiki had no understanding of his role, causing him great distress when asked to transform into his kirin form.

His nyokai, Haku Sanshi, patiently cared for and educated him, teaching him his responsibilities and guiding him toward his true purpose. However, even with her support, Taiki felt lost, unable to accept his sudden shift from an ordinary human boy to a divine being with the power to choose a king.

As a hinna (immature kirin), Taiki appears much younger and smaller than fully grown kirin like Keiki or Enki. In his human form, he resembles a delicate young boy with black hair and dark eyes, giving him an unusual appearance compared to most kirin, who typically have golden hair and eyes. His small stature often leads others to underestimate him, but his inner strength and noble aura reflect his divine nature.

In his kirin form, Taiki takes on the rare form of a kokki (black kirin). While his full kirin transformation is initially difficult for him to achieve, when he finally does, he possesses a majestic, ebony coat with a flowing mane and long antlers, a stark contrast to the traditional golden kirin. This uncommon appearance sets him apart from all other kirin, reinforcing his unique destiny and struggles.

Taiki is gentle, kind-hearted, and somewhat timid, displaying a natural innocence that reflects his young age and inexperience. Unlike many kirin, who are born and raised in the Twelve Kingdoms, Taiki grew up in Hourai (Japan), making him deeply unfamiliar with his true nature and responsibilities. This lack of understanding causes him great distress when he is suddenly taken back to the Twelve Kingdoms and expected to perform his duty as a kirin.

Initially, Taiki is full of self-doubt and uncertainty, struggling with his identity and responsibilities. He is hesitant, reluctant to lead, and fearful of making mistakes, but over time, he gains confidence as he learns to trust himself and his instincts. Despite his insecurities, he possesses a strong moral compass and a deep desire to do what is right, particularly when it comes to choosing a worthy ruler for Tai.

His compassion and loyalty make him deeply caring toward those he trusts, particularly his nyokai, Haku Sanshi, and his shirei, Gouran. However, his journey is marked by intense suffering, and his loss of identity and separation from Tai lead to one of the most tragic arcs in The Twelve Kingdoms.

Despite his struggles, Taiki eventually succeeded in his sacred duty and chose Gyousou as the King of Tai. His initial reaction to Gyousou was fear, as he found himself terrified in the presence of the warrior-king. However, he later realized that his fear was actually a recognition of Gyousou’s aura of a true ruler, confirming that he had made the right choice.

Under Gyousou’s rule, Tai initially prospered, but unrest soon arose. One of Gyousou’s men, Asen, staged a coup d’état, dissatisfied with the king’s aggressive reforms. Gyousou was lured away, and Asen attacked Taiki, cutting off his kirin horn, which severed his spiritual connection to Gyousou.

Desperate and in pain, Taiki fled to Hourai through a meishoku (a dimensional rift). The trauma of losing his horn and being severed from his kingdom caused him to forget everything about the Twelve Kingdoms, leaving him trapped in Japan once again, unaware of his true identity.

For six years, Taiki lived in Japan without any memory of his past. Because he had been separated from his kirin nature, he began to lose his divine essence and became poisoned by the food he ate, particularly meat, which kirin are incapable of consuming.

During this time, his shirei, Gouran, and his nyokai, Sanshi, lost control, mistaking everyone around Taiki as enemies. They began killing anyone who got close to him, culminating in the massacre of his family. This tragic event was documented in The Demonic Child.

Taiki was eventually found and remembered his true identity, thanks to the efforts of Risai and the kings and kirin of the Twelve Kingdoms. However, upon returning to the Twelve Kingdoms, he was so full of impurity that the other kirin could not approach him.

Despite this, he had miraculously matured into a fully grown kirin, something considered impossible given his past illness, memory loss, and trauma. Though he had lost his horn and many of his abilities, the Consort of Mount Hou arranged for a ritual to cleanse him, allowing him to regain some of his former self.

After spending a short time in Kei, Taiki decided to return to Tai alongside Risai, hoping to restore their fallen kingdom. However, in the novels, his story ends here, and the fate of Tai, Gyousou, and Taiki’s future remains unknown.

Gyousou
The king Taiki chose for Tai. Despite initial fear, Taiki recognized Gyousou’s strength and worthiness as a ruler. His disappearance deeply affected Taiki, who remains determined to restore Tai.

Keiki
Taiki and Keiki share a close bond, with Keiki often acting as a mentor and older brother figure. Keiki is one of the few people Taiki feels safe with.

Enki (Rokuta)
Taiki and Enki have a playful dynamic, with Enki calling Taiki “half-pint”. Despite the teasing, Enki cares for him deeply.

Haku Sanshi
His nyokai, who cares for and protects him fiercely. She remains loyal to him even in his absence.

Gouran
His shirei, a powerful toutetsu youma, who becomes dangerously wild during Taiki’s disappearance.