Saeki Julia Karen

Saeki Julia Karen (佐伯・ジュリア・花蓮) is a first-year Lily who attends Ludvico Private Girls' Academy. She is a member of Legion Ironside. Karen is a recurring character in the Ludvico series of stage plays, playing a major role in White Resistance ~The Blade of Truth~. She is the Schwester of Seto Veronica Ichika.

Personality

Karen is very upbeat and jovial, and she'll often be the one to break the tension when her friends are faced with difficult situations. She greatly admires strong Lilies, and shows great excitement when given the opportunity to meet them even when they're fellow first years, as exemplified by her awe of Amamiya Sophia Seren immediately after enrolling. Karen is described as a good caretaker, with Kishimoto Lucia Raimu and her classmates seeing her as the leader of their friend group.

Deep down, however, Karen is greatly unsatisfied with herself, as she earnestly wishes to become a fully-fledged Lily, but fails to see any results in her efforts. Always wishing to prove her worth, Karen will frequently take the initiative when deploying for battle, even when other Instructors or her close friends advise her not to. At the same time, Karen often compares herself to her peers, seeing herself to be below her classmates and feeling left behind when they show visible progress in their fighting capabilities, such as awakening their Rare Skills. Karen takes criticisms of her to heart, sometimes causing her to dismiss the genuine encouragements of those close to her.

History

Stage plays

This information is specific to the stage play continuity.

Karen was a student of Ludvico since junior high, where she met and became close friends with Hasegawa Gabriella Tsugumi.

Schwester's Prayer

Main article: Assault Lily: Schwester's Prayer

Karen, Tsugumi and Haneda Catalina Mei joined Kishimoto Lucia Raimu and Amamiya Sophia Seren in their Class B, being the first classmates to greet the pair, particularly as they were impressed by Seren passing the entrance exams at the very top of their class. Later, during their first training session, Karen was under the supervision of Kuroki Francisca Yuria.

Later, during Ludvico's Easter Festival, Karen joined her fellow first years in egg hunting, though only finding eggs left by Instructor Kosaka Anastasia Ryoko. After learning that a Cave had materialized near Ludvico's cemetery, Maria's Hill, where Raimu was, the first years decide to help the Temple Legion fight the Huge. They are approached by Ryoko, however, who advises them against going into battle unprepared, and instead ask that they join her Cheering Squad. Believing them to be unable to face such a large amount of Huge by themselves, Tsugumi attempts to convince Karen and Mei to join Ryoko with her, but they refuse, not wishing to turn their backs to the battle at hand. Karen and Mei set off, promising to join Tsugumi soon after.

Karen and Mei end up lost, finding themselves deep in the woods while the Temple Legion neutralizes the Gigant-class Huge spawned by the Cave. The pair is found by Tsugumi, who had gone out to search for them. However, Tsugumi does not know the way back either, and the Lilies decide to blindly try to find their way back to the Garden.

Schwester's Secret

Main article: Assault Lily: Schwester's Secret

As Karen, Mei and Tsugumi make their way back to Ludvico, they run into a swarm of Huge left over by the Cave. While attempting to battle them, Karen's CHARM shortly malfunctions, prompting Tsugumi to switch CHARMs with her. Mei proposes that they flee, but Karen strongly refuses the idea. The first years are joined by Ichika, Sano Matilda Kokoro and Matsunaga Brigitta Kayo, the latter of which immediately engages the Huge in an unrestrained frenzy, under the influence of her Lunatic Trancer.

Under Ichika's orders, Tsugumi leaves ahead in order to call them backup, while the remaining Lilies are faced with multiple Large-class Huge. Kayo's erratic behavior greatly disrupts the other Lilies, with Ichika ensuring that Karen stays clear of the second year's attack paths. Ichika tells Karen and Mei to leave, but Karen once again refuses, remarking that it is not right for a Lily to turn away from her duty of fighting the Huge. Kayo forces Ichika's Heliosphere to come undone, causing a stray attack to injure Ichika's leg.

Kayo falls in a panic while Ichika is unable to stand, prompting Karen to attempt attacking one of the Large-class Huge. She is unable to defeat it, however, and as the Huge closes in on her, Ichika uses her body to shield her from the incoming attack, causing her to be severely injured. Kokoro manages to destroy the Huge, while a distraught Karen carries Ichika back to the Garden together with Mei.

Later, Karen greets her classmates, appearing to be in very high spirits. She tells them of how she had since paid daily visits to Ichika at the medical bay, though the second year advised her to use her time for practicing instead of coming to see her. Though motivated to continue training so that she can one day join Ichika in the battlefield, Karen points out how she is still a level below Raimu and Seren, and even Tsugumi.

Following the appearance of a Cave, Instructor Ryoko once again approaches Karen, Mei and Tsugumi, attempting to convince them to join the Cheering Squad. Karen once again refuses to turn away from battle, remarking that she earnestly wants to become a useful Lily, with both Mei and Tsugumi in agreement. Together, the three of them leave for the battlefield, and as they fight, Tsugumi is appointed to join the Temple Legion, but while Karen and Mei are impressed, Tsugumi is worried about leaving the two of them behind, remembering what had happened previously. The pair assure Tsugumi they'll be fine, and urge her to go and join the others.

At a later time, the Temple Legion is elected to neutralize another Cave, and Tsugumi is once again selected to join them. She is still insecure about joining the others, however, telling her classmates of how she believes her reserved fighting style is not up to the standards of the other members, and that she might be holding back even her fellow first years. Karen and Mei, as well as Nagase Marta Nonoka and Hanaoka Angela Moe once again encourage her, deciding to join Ryoko's Cheering Squad in order to motivate her during battle.

Later, Tsugumi tells her classmates of how Kayo, now her Schwester, had told her that Raimu's Rare Skill was not Shukuchi as previously thought, but instead Charisma, with Karen remarking that a Lily of Yurigaoka Girls' Academy, Hitotsuyanagi Riri, might have awakened to the same skill. Fearing that Raimu might once again be targeted by a Cave, Tsugumi encourages her classmates to become strong enough to fight by her side.

White Resistance ~The Promise's Path~

Main article: Assault Lily: White Resistance ~The Promise's Path~

After the sudden departure of Instructor Izumi Rosa Rina, the first years begin training under the supervision of newly arrived Instructors Kaido Beatrice Chiharu and Makabe Melania Sayoko. With Ichika still absent, and no other second year Lilies available to partner up with, Karen asks that Tachibana Theresia Nagisa train her. During their session, Karen's unpolished technique causes her to constantly clash with Seren, who is also training under Nagisa, and the second year bluntly tells her she is being a "nuisance", advising her to pay better attention to her surroundings and avoid leaving her own position.

Much like the other first years, Karen is left demotivated by her poor performance during training, further exacerbated by Hojo Monica Asahi's mocking words, as she nonchalantly tells Karen that she should consider giving up on being a Lily altogether. Despite this, Tsugumi continues to encourage her classmates, remarking that by continuing to practice, they'll be ready to use their Rare Skills once they awaken them. By Tsugumi's suggestion, Karen and the other first years agree to practice by themselves after classes.

During one of their practice sessions, Karen, Tsugumi and Raimu meet with Ichika, who briefly advises Raimu on how to better wield her Asterion. As they talk, the Lilies learn that Moe and Ichinomiya Michaela Himari, the Temple Legion's captain, were suddenly ambushed by an unreported Cave. They immediately set off to rescue them, but only arrive after the remaining Temple Legion members succeed in repelling the Huge thanks to Moe's awakening of the Rare Skill Phantasm. Though all Lilies emerge from the battle unscathed, Sachie declares that she will no longer integrate the Temple Legion, and will instead form a Legion of their own, as she had grown increasingly distrustful of Ludvico's administration due to their compliance in the Boosting experiments conducted by GEHENA.

Following Sachie to her new Legion, Raimu and Seren attempt to invite their classmates to join them. Karen and Mei are unsure if they would make useful additions to their Legion, but Tsugumi assures them that with their daily training, they'll surely become capable members. Following the appearance of a Cave, both the Temple Legion and Sachie's new Legion begin preparing to leave for the battlefield. As they do so, Karen hurriedly asks to join Sachie's Legion, and despite Li Christina Susu's harsh dismissal of her due to her inexperience, Karen insists, remarking that she wishes to fight together with Ichika. Ultimately, Sachie welcomes her into their new Legion, titled Ironside.

Legion Ironside joins the Temple Legion as they make contact with the Huge, taking the role of clearing the field while the Top Legion performs the Neunwelt Tactic. However, the Temple Legion's Neunwelt is not completed due to Moe being unable to properly control the Magisphere, causing it to be lost. And so, Legion Ironside performs a Neunwelt of their own together with the Temple Legion members with Magie still remaining.

White Resistance ~The Blade of Truth~

Main article: Assault Lily: White Resistance ~The Blade of Truth~

Despite the disapproval of Ludvico's administration, Legion Ironside remains active, deploying together with the Temple Legion as they set off to neutralize a Gigant-class Huge. Sachie laments that they are unable to perform a Neunwelt Tactic by themselves, as they are still short of nine members. Karen apologizes for not being useful, once again earning her the mockery of Susu. With the Temple Legion being aided by Instructor Sayoko, Legion Ironside resigns to keeping the surrounding Huge at bay while they perform the Neunwelt and destroy the Huge.

During their routine training session, Raimu and Seren are excluded by Instructor Toride Suzanne Reika, as they insist on following Sachie in rebelling against the Garden. Karen, however, is completely ignored by the Instructors despite also being a member of Ironside. Nagisa tells her that her lack of any noteworthy abilities means she is essentially seen as worthless by the Garden, and advises her to actually try to become stronger if she wishes to be acknowledged, telling Karen that if she just continues to train, she is sure to see returns.

Frustrated, Karen continues to train by herself after practice time ends, with Nagisa advising her to stop for the day, noting how her CHARM has severely overheated. Nagisa tells Karen of Ichika's lessons under her late Schwester, Nosaka Jacqueline Kazane, who taught her to "listen to her CHARM and the voices of the wind" in order to learn how to properly wield it.

Later, Karen joins Legion Ironside as they set out to rescue Raimu and Seren, who were suddenly ambushed by a Cave while they visited Raimu's old home.

Karen learns that Mei had previously awakened to her Rare Skill, Zenon Paradoxa, and while congratulating her classmates, she and Nonoka lament being the only ones yet to awaken their Rare Skill. Nonoka remarks how Karen was at least able to join a Legion, but Karen responds that it only hurts her more to be the only Legion member who is completely useless. Karen wonders if she should quit being a Lily while she is ahead and instead begin studying to become an Arsenal, but Tsugumi is completely against the idea, not wishing for her longtime friend to throw all of her years of effort away. Narumi Clara Yuko attempts to encourage her, remarking how it's still possible for her to awaken to a powerful Rare Skill as it happened to Moe, and that if it does eventually happen, it'd benefit her to keep on trying to become a strong enough Lily so that she can properly use it when the time comes. However, Karen doesn't see any value in working hard, as it cannot make up for the fact that she just doesn't have the natural talent of her classmates.

Karen speaks with Ichika about her prospects of becoming an Arsenal, telling her of how much she wishes to become useful. In response, Ichika also urges Karen to have confidence in herself and continue aspiring to become a strong Lily, assuring her that she'll awaken her own Rare Skill eventually. Karen agrees, but with the condition that, if she does awaken her Rare Skill, that she and Ichika take the Schwester's Oath, to which Ichika agrees.

The Temple Legion and Ironside assemble after learning of a Gigant-class appearing near Ludvico. After being told that Kayo, Raimu and Seren were trapped fighting Instructor Sayoko, Himari orders Sachie, Yuria, Tsugumi and Karen to rescue them. The two groups soon meet as Kayo and the others were rescued by Instructor Rina, and together, they begin to make their way back to the others as they spot the Gigant-class fleeing the scene. With their previous Neunwelt ultimately failing, the two Legions begin to hold off the Huge while Kokoro returns to Ludvico's campus in order to retrieve another Neunwelt bullet.

Though Karen earnestly attempts to fight like her peers, she is eventually knocked down, unable to properly take out any Huge. Depressed, Karen breaks down in tears, berating herself for being a failure, and for stubbornly continuing to try instead of just giving up. Watching the other Lilies struggle to fight around her, Karen wonders if her uselessness will end up causing all of them to die. Suddenly, Karen sees a vision of Ichika's Schwester, Kazane, who yet again tells Karen to continue persevering, because she is the Lily Ichika chose. Determined to return to Ichika's side, Karen takes a stand once again, finally awakening to the Rare Skill Regista, immediately allowing the Lilies to repel the surrounding Huge. After Kokoro finally returns with the bullet, Himari has Karen join her in leading their second Neunwelt, and after making her pass, Sachie tells them to go after Nagisa and Ichika, who were fighting against an undead Kazane, resurrected and weaponized by GEHENA.

Asahi and Karen arrive shortly after Ichika is shot down by Instructor Sayoko, in retaliation for the pair successfully defeating Kazane. Ichika tells a barely conscious Ichika of how she finally awakened her Rare Skill, reminding her of the promise they made. Ichika places her Medalha around Karen's neck, but loses consciousness before she can return the favor. Still, Nagisa asks that Karen give Ichika her own Medalha, and the junior concurs, telling Ichika that becoming her Schwester is "her greatest pride".

The Bond with the White Rose

Main article: Assault Lily: The Bond with the White Rose

After the Instructors Sayoko and Reika disable the protective barrier surrounding Ludvico, a Great Cave forms over the Garden's campus, allowing the Huge to begin a large-scale attack. And so, the Temple Legion (minus Himari and Nagisa) and Ironside members Susu and Takatori Natalie Towa return to the Garden premises in order to aid the evacuation of the Lilies present. Karen and Asahi meet with Clara and Moe as they fight a group of Huge by themselves. The pair tells them of Ichika's severe injuries, though assuring them she'll survive. The four agree to continue keeping the Huge at bay, hoping that Himari and the others would eventually join them.

Exhausted by continuously fighting against Irregulars, Karen proposes that they attempt regrouping with the other Lilies, as the high concentration of Negative Magie prevents them from establishing communication with the others. Clara refuses, however, pointing out that leaving the place would endanger the Lilies still present in the Garden. The four are suddenly surrounded by several Irregular Huge, which had broken free from GEHENA's Ludvico Labs. Clara and Asahi taking the lead in fighting them off, while Karen insists they instead attempt to get backup.

Despite Clara and Asahi's efforts, however, the Lilies continue to wear themselves thin as they're faced with a pair of Irregulars capable of learning their attack patterns. Now surrounded by a swarm of Huge, the Ludvico Lilies are rescued by Legion Hakolberand of Irma Girls' High School for the Arts, allowing them to eventually regroup with Towa and Susu, who themselves were joined by Irma's Top Legion, Irminshines.

Faced with a Gigant-class Huge possessing the Dominator skill, the Legions split themselves into two teams, each tasked with performing a Neunwelt Tactic. The Ludvico Lilies join the remaining Irminshines members in taking the first shot, with their captain, Nishikawa Miharu, proposing that Towa take the lead on their team. However, Towa refuses, pointing out that Karen is a much better pick, as she is now a Regista user. Karen is initially very reluctant to take the lead on commanding such remarkable Lilies, but after being encouraged by her teammates, including Susu, she eventually cedes, being joined by the fellow Regista user Miharu in leading the double-Legion team. While initially following Miharu's lead, Karen is left to lead the Lilies by herself during their Neunwelt's later half, eventually allowing for Towa to successfully take the shot.

Though the Gigant-class is destroyed, the Legions are immediately ambushed by the Huge Sennen Mogura, the master of the Cave looming over Ludvico. Once again, the Legions form two teams, with the first tasked with neutralizing the Huge's paralyzing breath, while the second performs another Neunwelt Tactic. Karen and the other Ludvico Lilies join the first team, which further splits itself in two subgroups, in order to force the Sennen Mogura to waste its paralyzing breath two times. After successfully fulfilling their duty, they move out to support the Neunwelt team.

While successfully making their passes, the Lilies of the Neunwelt team are unable to create a powerful enough Magisphere due to their exhaustion, prompting the Ludvico Lilies to ask that they join them despite being exhausted themselves, wishing to protect Ludvico at any cost. And so, the six Ludvico Lilies pour the very last of their Magie into completing the Magisphere, eventually allowing Himari, who was able to rejoin them, to finally destroy the Sennen Mogura and finally neutralize the Cave looming over Ludvico.

Later, the Ludvico Lilies mourn their now completely destroyed Garden. Himari comforts the other Lilies, telling them that while their Garden has fallen apart, the unity between its Lilies has not been broken. Tearfully, Karen proclaims that "Ludvico will not go down". At a later point in time, Karen reunites with Ichika after she finally regains her consciousness, greatly relieved that the second year was able to survive. In tears, the pair share an embrace.

Combat Style

Much like Tsugumi, Karen's desire to find her identity as a Lily led her to cycle through many different positions, making her a highly versatile Lily in battle. Because of this, she is said to show potential to become a highly adaptable Legion commander in her current zone, the TZ.

Trivia

• Karen's confirmation name, "Julia", could be in reference to one of several Catholic Saints who take the title of "Saint Julian", with the most notable among them being Saint Julian the Hospitaller.
• Karen's primary actress, Kosuge Rei, is the only one to not be recast in any of the performances of the mainline Ludvico series of stage plays, having portrayed Karen in all of her appearances in both the original and revival versions, as well as in The Bond with the White Rose. Karen was only ever recast for the Lily Project version of the stage plays, as the main goal of that series is to introduce new actresses to the franchise.
• One of Karen's main interests are cameras.
• Karen likes to sleep early.
• Karen's favorite food is dorayaki.

Gallery

Designs

• 
  Karen's original design, by Hotaru

Stage

• 
  As portrayed by Kosuge Rei
• 
  As portrayed by Hayakawa Ahiru

References

Legion Ironside Members Fukuyama Jeanne Sachie  ·  Kishimoto Lucia Raimu  ·  Amamiya Sophia Seren  ·  Kuroki Francisca Yuria  ·  Seto Veronica Ichika  ·  Saeki Julia Karen  ·  Takatori Natalie Towa  ·  Li Christina Susu Related people Kishimoto Maria Mirai

Legion Ironside Members Fukuyama Jeanne Sachie  ·  Kishimoto Lucia Raimu  ·  Amamiya Sophia Seren  ·  Kuroki Francisca Yuria  ·  Seto Veronica Ichika  ·  Saeki Julia Karen  ·  Takatori Natalie Towa  ·  Li Christina Susu Related people Kishimoto Maria Mirai