Sheila Rae
23rd August 2004, 01:33 PM
[FONT=Papyrus]¨.Kotoba Masters//Light in the Darkness.¨
A day will come when this world will be shrouded in darkness, and only they shall be able to return the light. When their strength of mind and heart bypass all physical power, they will come to me with shining kokoro and complete what they had started since the day they were born to the lands of the Earth. I do not know of their names, yet I feel they are a part of me, because that they are, in an explicable way to those who will not accept who they are in their hearts. Something beyond my power will awaken, and what ever it brings will be dispelled by the words of light they bring forth. Their simple being will cause the Earth to rise with the same darkness and it will link with the evil which already plagues the Earth. When nothing remains but the kokoro they brought to me, the legend which I tell now will be shattered and the remnants will be scattered to become parts of another world. All of them and their light will salvage us from the darkness when I have failed.
*kokoro: a Japanese word, commonly used to mean heart, although the full and literal meaning is “the centre of emotions, feeling, and thoughts.”
There are seven normal people living in a place called Earth. They are not aware that a strong malevolence has awoken in a world essential to their own survival, and that they are about to become a part of it…
The world of Miraculous Revival, more generally called Mire, is a world that could be called an extension of the Earth. This place is kept peaceful by the blessings of two goddesses and two gods who were formed by the pain not borne by those on the Earth. This iniquity cannot be quelled by the four spirits, for it has brought fourth with it a darkness that surpasses the strength of the spirits. The creator of this darkness bears the name of Cazu, but her victims are not the gods and goddesses of Mire. To help protect Cazu’s real targets, the spirits sought the seven Kotoba Masters.
Each master is the son or daughter of a spirit, and once they had passed the trial brought upon them by their spirit, they are brought to Mire for initiation. Kotoba Masters hold the power of words, and they must use the word in their heart to raise Mire from its plummet into darkness. These words and the power they possess are called Kotoba Words. However, one word alone is not powerful enough to befall Cazu, but the strength and combination of them from the Kotoba Masters may be the key escape the haze of darkness.
Cazu alone does not stand as the only threat to Mire, as Mire is not the only place in danger. The awakened Cazu has brought forth twins of the Kotoba Masters, exact look-alikes who are only definable from the originals by one, nearly undistinguishable feature. They wield the Hotai Words, just as prevailing as the Kotoba Words but filled with evil and loathing. Because of the mere existence of the Kotoba Masters in Mire, the twins are able to shirk the barrier of the spirits and end up on Earth. There they can cohort with those on Earth who carry hatred in their souls. The Hotai Twins can pass freely between Earth and Mire, eliminating their prey at their convenience. The Kotoba Masters must now battle between two worlds, working their way to Cazu with only the Kotoba and maybe a chance weapon, yet... Never underestimate the power of words.
Kulasiri
Kulasiri was formerly an angel who wished for there to be a place where lost souls could go. From the wishes of her heart Mire was created, but it became more than she ever wanted. The other gods and goddess rose from Mire to assist her in whatever ways possible. Her truest form is an elegant phoenix with crimson and gold plumage. She is the guardian of Mire, but there are times when she cannot protect her world from an outside force. She can take the form of a young woman who has flaming red hair with blond streaks, a cream and orange scarf and a sleeveless red dress.
Kohrio
This spirit is the form of an ice dragon, with silver fangs and smooth scales of a blue shade. His main duty is to be Kulasiri’s messenger, but he will do other tasks he deems necessary. Kohrio is an intellectual type, and he enjoys passing his time in the far reaches of Mire pondering the depth of the universe or his very own existence. His alternate shape is a sage with flowing blue robes and piercing black eyes.
Nieva
Nieva is the other goddess spirit. Her real form is that of a silver tiger with black stripes and amber eyes. She can turn into a little girl with gray ears and a tail with stripes for a more basic form. Nieva controls all the weather on Mire, as well as the climate. She was once a soul that was trapped on earth but then revived as a spirit by Kulasiri. At times she feels out of place, so she does her best to help Mire and the other spirits while enjoying her freedom.
Cragne
Cragne is the last spirit god. He is a griffin whose feathers and fur are made of solid stone. His job is to create all the landforms and topography on Mire. His other form is an eagle with rocky feathers. Because of this small and mobile form, he is the one who often speaks the souls on Mire and helps accommodate them, but only when it is absolutely needed. He has the most credibility for making the breech between the Earth and Mire, although all the spirits created it.
The sign-up topic can be found here (http://www.pokemasters.net/forums/showthread.php?p=472453).
List of Players
Laguna Riviera - Kulasiri > Sheila Rae (me)
Kathy Derose - Kohrio > VirtualPlay
Alice Pederson - Nieva > Ali
Kalad Talnoras - Cragne > Kalad1
Alden Factoria - Kohrio > Tsukasa
Paul Morrensen - Nieva > Psychic_Suzanne
Kunia Montegory - Kulasiri > Tiger_2007
Here's my sign up!
Name: Laguna Riviera
Gender: female
Age: 15
Goddess/god: Kulasiri
Appearance: She is a little short for her age, standing at about 5’2”. Her skin is slightly tanned, but she would still be classified as “Caucasian.” Her black hair is braided into two braids that go all the way down her back. Her eyes are a very deep and rich blue, like the depth of the ocean. Laguna wears an Asian style shirt with cap sleeves. It is black with flowers and dragons embroidered on it with red thread. The fabric crosses over from the shoulder, with black buttons. The neck comes up a little, and all the edges on the shirt are lined with black silk. She has black pants that stop a little bit past her knees. They get thinner near the knees and then bell out. A red strip goes the side of each leg. There is a very small black butterfly tattoo are the outside of her right ankle with 哀しみ (kanashimi) very small under the butterfly (will be explained in history). On her feet she wears dark brown sandals made of faux leather.
Personality: Laguna is carefree and independent for the most part. She has learned the worrying about things too much in life will only make them worse. She is agile and athletic, making her a good fighter. However, she would prefer not to fight and only defend herself it that is what’s necessary. She is friendly to everyone, but she doesn’t have that many friends because she has been betrayed by them in the past and she doesn’t want any new ones to do the same. She rather greet everything has it comes with a smiling face and hope for the best. Despite her relaxed and simple nature, she can be serious when the time calls for it. Although she may seem simpleminded, Laguna can play almost any musical instrument decently. She usually keeps her playing and singing on a private basis because she thinks people will not like her music. She is not really afraid of anything and will stand up in against a fatal threat if someone is by her side.
History: Laguna grew up in New York City with music in life. At a young age, she learned to proficiently play the lute being taught by her older sister, Kaede. She became very proficient, and that is her favourite instrument and her “specialty.” Kaede also taught her flute and the cello. Her mother was also very musical and taught Laguna and her sister piano, violin, and viola. Her father tried to indulge in playing the guitar and percussion, but he was always very busy at his job and almost never saw his family. When she was in kindergarten, she brought her lute for show and tell, and all of the children were touching it and plucking the strings and not seeming to have any kind of respect, like Laguna didn’t really mean anything. Since that incident, she has kept her music limited to her house and private chambers as much as possible. Still, Laguna loved Kaede and her mother. When she was only eight, Kaede and her mother were involved in a head on car crash. Her father took her to the scene of the accident; she saw white cloths cover them, and they were wheeled away on stretchers...and she never saw then again. She lived in grief for almost the next two years. In spite of losing half his family, her father still worked as long of hours as always, starting for her a more independent life. Laguna lived in grief for nearly two years until one day someone on the street handed her a pendant that looked like two wings rising from an open box. She never saw the person’s face or heard their voice, but she felt that they were a part of her. She dreamed she was with them, but whenever she awoke she could never remember what they looked like or what she did with them; all she had was the reassuring feeling that lingered. That prompted her to live life a different way, for what she was now, not those who passed. When Laguna was twelve, four years after Kaede and her mother had died, she passed a car accident on her way home from school. That aroused the sadness in her, but she decided it wouldn’t control her life again. Instead, she got a tattoo of a butterfly labeled with 哀しみ as an everlasting memory of Kaede and her mother. She had become more familiar with New York City, Manhattan in particular, and she basically did what she wanted whenever she wanted...she was free, yet in confined at the same time.
Word/Meaning/Ability: Malaak (faith) In addition to good offense, Malaak can create a barrier shield as part of its high defense and then has the power to levitate Laguna and those touching her.
Word Symbol: here (http://home.att.net/~hitchi/malaak.gif)
Other Weapon: Ya to Yumi (bow and arrow) – In Mire, she receives a bow and arrow set.
Relationships: She would like to have sincere friends, but she is wary of making friends if they are not. She is also open for a relationship, but she has the same worry as with friends. I can’t really put anyone…no other characters yet, heh.
Other: She almost always carries her lute with her wherever she goes (in its case of course). The case itself is black with a silver moon and eye design on it. It is round and about two feet in diameter, with a shoulder strap.
~~~~~~
Name: Mara
Different feature: She has a thin streak of dark blue in her hair, barely noticeable in her right braid.
Word: Sabathia (cynicism)
Word Symbol: here (http://home.att.net/~hitchi/sabathia.gif) it be
Other: *kicks Other’s butt with a stick* (Hey, I didn’t say that you couldn’t kill this one!)
How is it that I started working on this before the end of last school year, and then it doesn't start til two days before school? Why doesn't the world make sense anymore?
-:|:-Lauguna Riviera.Kulasiri-:|:-
It was another fresh morning in New York City. The bright sun was partially blocked out by the skyscrapers. The chirping of birds was drowned out by the sounds of traffic just on the other side of the tree line. I was walking through Central Park, on my way to the discount book store where I bought my manga. A rollerblader whizzed by me. The green foliage slowly faded as the concrete world took over.
The streets became a blend of yellow as the taxis quickly outnumbered regular automobiles. I walked down the sidewalk, my lute over my shoulder. Although it was only morning, heat reflected from the cement was trapped between the buildings. It was merely the start of a hot day. The warm air still was pleasant. My walking was uneven as I twirled around. It felt so good just to be alive. I was like a grain of sand on a beach, so little in this city. I was so insignificant, that the fact that I had my own heart and thoughts was a blessing. Weaving between skyscrapers that were superior to me, I felt so happy to be among them.
“What’s up with the girl? What’s she carrying over her shoulder?” I heard a woman whisper?
“I don’t know. Don’t even pay attention to her, there are a lot of weird people in this city,” a man with her replied. I smiled. If that’s what it was, I loved being a “weird person in this city.”
I decided it would be quickest if I cut through an alleyway. I stepped fearlessly into the darkness as if it were my home. Then I felt an unexpected tug on my capris and a small voice. “Excuse me, young lady, can you help me?” I spun around to find a destitute boy behind me. I gave a small gasp, barely audible. “I can’t find in the homeless shelter. Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s in a bad part of town and they won’t take me there…” It took me a moment to find my voice. I clutched the little loose fabric of my pants nervously.
After a deep breath, I nodded and smiled. “Sure, just follow me,” I said.
“Really? Even though it’s in a dangerous area of the city, you’ll show me—? “
“Of course! I’ve been all over…it’s really not too bad,” I replied. I strode forward like a real leader, something I never really felt I was before in my life. I zigzagged up and down streets and between allies, trying to stay out of sight and be safe. Periodically, I checked behind me to see if the boy was still trailing behind me. He stayed silent our whole trip, as did I. As we passed broken down buildings, a harsh wind blew though the crooked windows, chilling me. The grey rubble and debris was so depressing and frightening as we heard the echo of a gunshot ricochet of the crumbling walls. We eventually came to a newer structure, the homeless shelter.
“Here we are!” I said, breaking the long wordlessness.
“Oh, thank you,” he said, starting up the steps to the door. “I think…I think you are the light that guided me here,” he said. Before I had a chance to speak, the door shut behind him. I choked back a tear as my heart pounded. It amazed me how someone could see so much good in a person they didn’t know, especially a person like me. A simple act like pointing out the way to someone could mean the world to them.
Loud screams jolted me back into reality like a lightning bolt. I darted away as fast as I could, out of this crime ridden neighbourhood. I ran with my head down until I knew I was safe. Reorienting myself, I began to head in the direction of the book shop. It didn’t seen quite as wonderful of a day anymore, now knowing that it really wasn’t wonderful for everyone. The heat from the developing morning started to stifle me. The people and places I was passing were all a blur, until I approached the bookstore. I knew the owner of the store from my regular patronage, so hopefully I could get a discount on whatever I bought today.
I opened the door and proceeded through the narrow doorway. A young new worker was reshelving books near the front of the store. He seemed busy, so I passed him and headed towards the manga. My footsteps must of arisen a concern in him as he looked up to speak to my back.
“Sorry, you can’t bring that in here, ma’am.” (I hated when people called me ma’am, or young lady. Miss, please, or just my name. That’s two in one day.) It was self-evident that he meant my lute. Many times in my day people have told me that I couldn’t “bring that in here,” wherever place of business I might be. I didn’t know what exactly they were after; perhaps they were afraid it might knock over merchandise, or maybe they thought it would discourage the patronage of other customers. Despite the reason, there was always a simple solution.
I looked over my shoulder at him. “Sorry, did you say something?” I asked in a sincere voice.
He turned red. “N-no, nothing. Let me know if you need help with anything!” he said is a rush. I turned around and found the manga shelf. Instead of buying the next volume of Alice 19th, I decided to start a new series that got a good review in a magazine, Angelic Layer. I pulled volume one off the shelf and walked to the counter. The boy from before halted what he was doing and behind the counter to ring it up.
“That will be five dollars and forty six cents, please,” he said. I handed him a ten dollar bill. He took of the keychain off his belt and began to unlock the cash register. He had trouble turning the key, like he was trying to thread a needle without an eye. After another minute of struggling, it finally popped open. He took my tender and changed it, handed me two ones, two quarters and four pennies. Quickly, he closed the drawer.
“Excuse me, I need two more dollars,” I said.
“What? Oh, I thought I gave you four…” he mumbled.
I held up the two bills. “No, only two,” I confirmed.
“Well, can you just not worry about it, you saw how long it takes to open the register.”
“I’d rather not, I still want to eat lunch and dinner today,” I said. The guy still turned up his nose. “Please, give me my money,” I instructed him, unwavering. He rolled his eyes but opened the cash register (after a couple minutes of effort) and gave me to money. Just then, the owner walked in from the back room of the store.
“Why hello, Laguna! Is everything okay out here?”
“Everything’s fine now, Ms. Ippolito!” I replied cordially.
She nodded and I left the store with book and wallet in hand. I wasn’t sure what I sure I should do next, so I began to wander aimlessly around Manhattan. The heat was starting to get at me. The scene was normal, people coming and going in a hurry, the normal sidewalk performers, and the oddly pleasing polluted air. The streets, the buildings, the atmosphere, everything was teeming with energy. Yet it seemed that there were iron bracelets on my ankles, I was the only one moving slowly in this speeding world. Walking aimlessly, I felt lost in a place I knew like my own heart.
Glancing up, I found myself near ground zero of the World Trade Centers. It was a site I passed nearly daily, but this was the first time in at least a year that I ventured to the memorial. I silently walked up to the chain fence where most of the letters and messages were hung. There was a large banner with many paper pockets. Each one held an origami crane, and under each wing was a seed. Written at the top of the whole thing was “A gift from the schoolchildren of Meijin Elementary School.” I was amazed that people across the ocean, so far away, could care about the tragedies and hardships of those they never met, giving such a gift from their heart.
I stepped slowly and quietly, trying my best to be silent. It was like if I made one forbidden move, a car alarm would sound. I gazed around, not focusing on anything in particular, everything was blurring into one mass. My feet were dragging. A cloud moved in front of the sun and a breeze swept this way, suddenly chilling the surroundings. The pulse of sad music encompassed me, the song bleeding its last notes and dissipating in to the air. Sitting curled up on the ground, a young girl sobbed quietly. I knelt down beside her.
“What’s the matter?” I asked in a barely audible whisper.
“It’s mommy…she died here…” the girl murmured. I gasped. My head swirled with thoughts and memories, sucking me inside. I tried to swim out of the whirlpool, back to what was at hand.
“My mom, she died, too. Not here…somewhere else,” I said softly. The girl’s tears strengthened and she stood up as I embraced her. In each other’s arms, although we had only met by chance now, we held something in common. A large part of us was missing, and it made us different, although we did not like to speak of it. The girl shook like a brittle leaf in fall. I smoothed her short, chestnut hair, my attempt of solace. Our tears flowed like a stream, but combined they could not make what we lost.
“Where’s your dad?” I asked softly.
“He’s over there by the fence, talking to mommy. I don’t know what’s wrong with me…why he can see her and I can’t…” she sighed. My composure shattered, as my face became soaked with tears. How do you explain something like that to a child? I didn’t understand either, what’s wrong with us that we had to have to most important thing taken from us…?
“Do you want to read a storybook?” I asked quietly. She nodded. I pulled out Angelic Layer and opened it from the back. “My name is Misaki. I’m in junior high.” I started. “I’m supposed to be picked up by my aunt, but I can’t find Tokyo station!” The story continued with Misaki lost in Tokyo, her antics, and findings.
“That girl’s silly,” the one beside me side. Lines still streaked her face.
“Yeah, I guess she is,” I said, sniffling.
A few more minutes passed, and then a man’s voice rang out. “Katherine! Katherine, where are you?” The girl scrambled to her feet.
I clutched her arm before she could run off. “Remember, you can always talk to your mom in your heart. Even if she’s not able to answer, she can still here you,” I whispered. She nodded and ran to meet her father.
I slumped into a pile on the ground. Then I felt myself turn upside down and unable to open my eyes.
-:|:-:|:-:|:-
When I could open my eyes, I couldn’t see anything. Had I gone blind? A sweltering heat encased me, suffocating me, closing me off. I tried standing up without bumping my head into anything. I held my hands in front of me, feeling around. Where was I? My palm hit something flat and firm. I ran it up and down the surface, feeling its texture. If I wasn’t mistaken, this was the bark of a tree. I looked up, but there was nothing but darkness, unfolding and consuming.
The heat, the trees, the ground…I knew what this was. A forest, where the trees grew so close, sunlight could not come in and the excess warmth could not go out. Why, my worst fear, here? I had to get out. I began to sweat profusely, through nervousness.
Stepping carefully, I wove between trees. I had no idea if I was heading deeper into the woods or towards an exit. My breathing was vehement and uneven. I tripped on an open root and cried out. Leaves from the groundcover brushed against my skin. I struggled to rise, shaking. Please, stop. Please, I wanted to get out. Please, I wanted this to end. End…
I had to regain my composure if I was going to get out. I did the best thing I knew to calm myself. Softly, I began to sing: “Wishing on a dream that seems far off, hoping it will come today.” I started to walk on, continuing the song. “Into the starlit night, foolish dreamers turn their gaze…” My movements continued, growing more fluid.
The end of the song approached. “Now all I need…is my star to come…” A brilliant light filled my view, causing me to shut my eyes. After my mind willed it safe, I opened them in a completely different place.
I was in a green field, surrounded by a river, with a tributary flowing into the distance. Beyond the opposite riverbank was a staggered line of trees, then mountains reached to the sky. The whole sky seemed dimmed by a gray fog.
Everything seemed so perfect and secluded. I looked up at the sky, and a fiery bird flew down near me. It appeared to be a phoenix, I’d like to believe this. This was way too organized for a dream, so what could I be? My heart jumped when the phoenix spoke to me.
“I have been awaiting your coming, my daughter. Do you recognize this place?” she asked.
“No, I’ve never been here before,” I replied shyly.
“That is for the better, but now I need you. You have passed the trials of charity, assertiveness, compassion, and courage. I knew you were my daughter all along. Now, I must make a proposition.”
I waited for her to continue. “Welcome to Mire. I am Kulasiri, one of the four spirits who watch over this world. However, a darkness has come upon us, surpassing our strength. Will you become a Kotoba Master and once more bring light to our world?”
I barely hesitated. “What do I have to do, exactly?” I asked.
“I will explain more when the others arrive here,” Kulasiri said.
There was no doubt. “Well then, it sounds a little tough, but I believe can do it!”
There was a sudden gust of wind, and the whole air sounded different. Kulasiri’s voice echoed like a thought. A hand touched my forehead. “Bestow upon this child the power enclosed inside her own kokoro.”
The wind ceased, and my hair rested against my back again. “I feel something…something I want to say, but I can’t…” I said.
“That is your power, for you as a Kotoba Master,” she replied. “It is beginning to awake, but is still asleep.”
I nodded. Walking over to the river, I peered at my reflection. Time would flow by like this river, and I would have to flow with it.
Okay, so just post the trials your character goes through to prove yourself to your god/goddess person. It doesn't have to be four necessarily, whatever you feel necessary for your character. ;)
A day will come when this world will be shrouded in darkness, and only they shall be able to return the light. When their strength of mind and heart bypass all physical power, they will come to me with shining kokoro and complete what they had started since the day they were born to the lands of the Earth. I do not know of their names, yet I feel they are a part of me, because that they are, in an explicable way to those who will not accept who they are in their hearts. Something beyond my power will awaken, and what ever it brings will be dispelled by the words of light they bring forth. Their simple being will cause the Earth to rise with the same darkness and it will link with the evil which already plagues the Earth. When nothing remains but the kokoro they brought to me, the legend which I tell now will be shattered and the remnants will be scattered to become parts of another world. All of them and their light will salvage us from the darkness when I have failed.
*kokoro: a Japanese word, commonly used to mean heart, although the full and literal meaning is “the centre of emotions, feeling, and thoughts.”
There are seven normal people living in a place called Earth. They are not aware that a strong malevolence has awoken in a world essential to their own survival, and that they are about to become a part of it…
The world of Miraculous Revival, more generally called Mire, is a world that could be called an extension of the Earth. This place is kept peaceful by the blessings of two goddesses and two gods who were formed by the pain not borne by those on the Earth. This iniquity cannot be quelled by the four spirits, for it has brought fourth with it a darkness that surpasses the strength of the spirits. The creator of this darkness bears the name of Cazu, but her victims are not the gods and goddesses of Mire. To help protect Cazu’s real targets, the spirits sought the seven Kotoba Masters.
Each master is the son or daughter of a spirit, and once they had passed the trial brought upon them by their spirit, they are brought to Mire for initiation. Kotoba Masters hold the power of words, and they must use the word in their heart to raise Mire from its plummet into darkness. These words and the power they possess are called Kotoba Words. However, one word alone is not powerful enough to befall Cazu, but the strength and combination of them from the Kotoba Masters may be the key escape the haze of darkness.
Cazu alone does not stand as the only threat to Mire, as Mire is not the only place in danger. The awakened Cazu has brought forth twins of the Kotoba Masters, exact look-alikes who are only definable from the originals by one, nearly undistinguishable feature. They wield the Hotai Words, just as prevailing as the Kotoba Words but filled with evil and loathing. Because of the mere existence of the Kotoba Masters in Mire, the twins are able to shirk the barrier of the spirits and end up on Earth. There they can cohort with those on Earth who carry hatred in their souls. The Hotai Twins can pass freely between Earth and Mire, eliminating their prey at their convenience. The Kotoba Masters must now battle between two worlds, working their way to Cazu with only the Kotoba and maybe a chance weapon, yet... Never underestimate the power of words.
Kulasiri
Kulasiri was formerly an angel who wished for there to be a place where lost souls could go. From the wishes of her heart Mire was created, but it became more than she ever wanted. The other gods and goddess rose from Mire to assist her in whatever ways possible. Her truest form is an elegant phoenix with crimson and gold plumage. She is the guardian of Mire, but there are times when she cannot protect her world from an outside force. She can take the form of a young woman who has flaming red hair with blond streaks, a cream and orange scarf and a sleeveless red dress.
Kohrio
This spirit is the form of an ice dragon, with silver fangs and smooth scales of a blue shade. His main duty is to be Kulasiri’s messenger, but he will do other tasks he deems necessary. Kohrio is an intellectual type, and he enjoys passing his time in the far reaches of Mire pondering the depth of the universe or his very own existence. His alternate shape is a sage with flowing blue robes and piercing black eyes.
Nieva
Nieva is the other goddess spirit. Her real form is that of a silver tiger with black stripes and amber eyes. She can turn into a little girl with gray ears and a tail with stripes for a more basic form. Nieva controls all the weather on Mire, as well as the climate. She was once a soul that was trapped on earth but then revived as a spirit by Kulasiri. At times she feels out of place, so she does her best to help Mire and the other spirits while enjoying her freedom.
Cragne
Cragne is the last spirit god. He is a griffin whose feathers and fur are made of solid stone. His job is to create all the landforms and topography on Mire. His other form is an eagle with rocky feathers. Because of this small and mobile form, he is the one who often speaks the souls on Mire and helps accommodate them, but only when it is absolutely needed. He has the most credibility for making the breech between the Earth and Mire, although all the spirits created it.
The sign-up topic can be found here (http://www.pokemasters.net/forums/showthread.php?p=472453).
List of Players
Laguna Riviera - Kulasiri > Sheila Rae (me)
Kathy Derose - Kohrio > VirtualPlay
Alice Pederson - Nieva > Ali
Kalad Talnoras - Cragne > Kalad1
Alden Factoria - Kohrio > Tsukasa
Paul Morrensen - Nieva > Psychic_Suzanne
Kunia Montegory - Kulasiri > Tiger_2007
Here's my sign up!
Name: Laguna Riviera
Gender: female
Age: 15
Goddess/god: Kulasiri
Appearance: She is a little short for her age, standing at about 5’2”. Her skin is slightly tanned, but she would still be classified as “Caucasian.” Her black hair is braided into two braids that go all the way down her back. Her eyes are a very deep and rich blue, like the depth of the ocean. Laguna wears an Asian style shirt with cap sleeves. It is black with flowers and dragons embroidered on it with red thread. The fabric crosses over from the shoulder, with black buttons. The neck comes up a little, and all the edges on the shirt are lined with black silk. She has black pants that stop a little bit past her knees. They get thinner near the knees and then bell out. A red strip goes the side of each leg. There is a very small black butterfly tattoo are the outside of her right ankle with 哀しみ (kanashimi) very small under the butterfly (will be explained in history). On her feet she wears dark brown sandals made of faux leather.
Personality: Laguna is carefree and independent for the most part. She has learned the worrying about things too much in life will only make them worse. She is agile and athletic, making her a good fighter. However, she would prefer not to fight and only defend herself it that is what’s necessary. She is friendly to everyone, but she doesn’t have that many friends because she has been betrayed by them in the past and she doesn’t want any new ones to do the same. She rather greet everything has it comes with a smiling face and hope for the best. Despite her relaxed and simple nature, she can be serious when the time calls for it. Although she may seem simpleminded, Laguna can play almost any musical instrument decently. She usually keeps her playing and singing on a private basis because she thinks people will not like her music. She is not really afraid of anything and will stand up in against a fatal threat if someone is by her side.
History: Laguna grew up in New York City with music in life. At a young age, she learned to proficiently play the lute being taught by her older sister, Kaede. She became very proficient, and that is her favourite instrument and her “specialty.” Kaede also taught her flute and the cello. Her mother was also very musical and taught Laguna and her sister piano, violin, and viola. Her father tried to indulge in playing the guitar and percussion, but he was always very busy at his job and almost never saw his family. When she was in kindergarten, she brought her lute for show and tell, and all of the children were touching it and plucking the strings and not seeming to have any kind of respect, like Laguna didn’t really mean anything. Since that incident, she has kept her music limited to her house and private chambers as much as possible. Still, Laguna loved Kaede and her mother. When she was only eight, Kaede and her mother were involved in a head on car crash. Her father took her to the scene of the accident; she saw white cloths cover them, and they were wheeled away on stretchers...and she never saw then again. She lived in grief for almost the next two years. In spite of losing half his family, her father still worked as long of hours as always, starting for her a more independent life. Laguna lived in grief for nearly two years until one day someone on the street handed her a pendant that looked like two wings rising from an open box. She never saw the person’s face or heard their voice, but she felt that they were a part of her. She dreamed she was with them, but whenever she awoke she could never remember what they looked like or what she did with them; all she had was the reassuring feeling that lingered. That prompted her to live life a different way, for what she was now, not those who passed. When Laguna was twelve, four years after Kaede and her mother had died, she passed a car accident on her way home from school. That aroused the sadness in her, but she decided it wouldn’t control her life again. Instead, she got a tattoo of a butterfly labeled with 哀しみ as an everlasting memory of Kaede and her mother. She had become more familiar with New York City, Manhattan in particular, and she basically did what she wanted whenever she wanted...she was free, yet in confined at the same time.
Word/Meaning/Ability: Malaak (faith) In addition to good offense, Malaak can create a barrier shield as part of its high defense and then has the power to levitate Laguna and those touching her.
Word Symbol: here (http://home.att.net/~hitchi/malaak.gif)
Other Weapon: Ya to Yumi (bow and arrow) – In Mire, she receives a bow and arrow set.
Relationships: She would like to have sincere friends, but she is wary of making friends if they are not. She is also open for a relationship, but she has the same worry as with friends. I can’t really put anyone…no other characters yet, heh.
Other: She almost always carries her lute with her wherever she goes (in its case of course). The case itself is black with a silver moon and eye design on it. It is round and about two feet in diameter, with a shoulder strap.
~~~~~~
Name: Mara
Different feature: She has a thin streak of dark blue in her hair, barely noticeable in her right braid.
Word: Sabathia (cynicism)
Word Symbol: here (http://home.att.net/~hitchi/sabathia.gif) it be
Other: *kicks Other’s butt with a stick* (Hey, I didn’t say that you couldn’t kill this one!)
How is it that I started working on this before the end of last school year, and then it doesn't start til two days before school? Why doesn't the world make sense anymore?
-:|:-Lauguna Riviera.Kulasiri-:|:-
It was another fresh morning in New York City. The bright sun was partially blocked out by the skyscrapers. The chirping of birds was drowned out by the sounds of traffic just on the other side of the tree line. I was walking through Central Park, on my way to the discount book store where I bought my manga. A rollerblader whizzed by me. The green foliage slowly faded as the concrete world took over.
The streets became a blend of yellow as the taxis quickly outnumbered regular automobiles. I walked down the sidewalk, my lute over my shoulder. Although it was only morning, heat reflected from the cement was trapped between the buildings. It was merely the start of a hot day. The warm air still was pleasant. My walking was uneven as I twirled around. It felt so good just to be alive. I was like a grain of sand on a beach, so little in this city. I was so insignificant, that the fact that I had my own heart and thoughts was a blessing. Weaving between skyscrapers that were superior to me, I felt so happy to be among them.
“What’s up with the girl? What’s she carrying over her shoulder?” I heard a woman whisper?
“I don’t know. Don’t even pay attention to her, there are a lot of weird people in this city,” a man with her replied. I smiled. If that’s what it was, I loved being a “weird person in this city.”
I decided it would be quickest if I cut through an alleyway. I stepped fearlessly into the darkness as if it were my home. Then I felt an unexpected tug on my capris and a small voice. “Excuse me, young lady, can you help me?” I spun around to find a destitute boy behind me. I gave a small gasp, barely audible. “I can’t find in the homeless shelter. Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s in a bad part of town and they won’t take me there…” It took me a moment to find my voice. I clutched the little loose fabric of my pants nervously.
After a deep breath, I nodded and smiled. “Sure, just follow me,” I said.
“Really? Even though it’s in a dangerous area of the city, you’ll show me—? “
“Of course! I’ve been all over…it’s really not too bad,” I replied. I strode forward like a real leader, something I never really felt I was before in my life. I zigzagged up and down streets and between allies, trying to stay out of sight and be safe. Periodically, I checked behind me to see if the boy was still trailing behind me. He stayed silent our whole trip, as did I. As we passed broken down buildings, a harsh wind blew though the crooked windows, chilling me. The grey rubble and debris was so depressing and frightening as we heard the echo of a gunshot ricochet of the crumbling walls. We eventually came to a newer structure, the homeless shelter.
“Here we are!” I said, breaking the long wordlessness.
“Oh, thank you,” he said, starting up the steps to the door. “I think…I think you are the light that guided me here,” he said. Before I had a chance to speak, the door shut behind him. I choked back a tear as my heart pounded. It amazed me how someone could see so much good in a person they didn’t know, especially a person like me. A simple act like pointing out the way to someone could mean the world to them.
Loud screams jolted me back into reality like a lightning bolt. I darted away as fast as I could, out of this crime ridden neighbourhood. I ran with my head down until I knew I was safe. Reorienting myself, I began to head in the direction of the book shop. It didn’t seen quite as wonderful of a day anymore, now knowing that it really wasn’t wonderful for everyone. The heat from the developing morning started to stifle me. The people and places I was passing were all a blur, until I approached the bookstore. I knew the owner of the store from my regular patronage, so hopefully I could get a discount on whatever I bought today.
I opened the door and proceeded through the narrow doorway. A young new worker was reshelving books near the front of the store. He seemed busy, so I passed him and headed towards the manga. My footsteps must of arisen a concern in him as he looked up to speak to my back.
“Sorry, you can’t bring that in here, ma’am.” (I hated when people called me ma’am, or young lady. Miss, please, or just my name. That’s two in one day.) It was self-evident that he meant my lute. Many times in my day people have told me that I couldn’t “bring that in here,” wherever place of business I might be. I didn’t know what exactly they were after; perhaps they were afraid it might knock over merchandise, or maybe they thought it would discourage the patronage of other customers. Despite the reason, there was always a simple solution.
I looked over my shoulder at him. “Sorry, did you say something?” I asked in a sincere voice.
He turned red. “N-no, nothing. Let me know if you need help with anything!” he said is a rush. I turned around and found the manga shelf. Instead of buying the next volume of Alice 19th, I decided to start a new series that got a good review in a magazine, Angelic Layer. I pulled volume one off the shelf and walked to the counter. The boy from before halted what he was doing and behind the counter to ring it up.
“That will be five dollars and forty six cents, please,” he said. I handed him a ten dollar bill. He took of the keychain off his belt and began to unlock the cash register. He had trouble turning the key, like he was trying to thread a needle without an eye. After another minute of struggling, it finally popped open. He took my tender and changed it, handed me two ones, two quarters and four pennies. Quickly, he closed the drawer.
“Excuse me, I need two more dollars,” I said.
“What? Oh, I thought I gave you four…” he mumbled.
I held up the two bills. “No, only two,” I confirmed.
“Well, can you just not worry about it, you saw how long it takes to open the register.”
“I’d rather not, I still want to eat lunch and dinner today,” I said. The guy still turned up his nose. “Please, give me my money,” I instructed him, unwavering. He rolled his eyes but opened the cash register (after a couple minutes of effort) and gave me to money. Just then, the owner walked in from the back room of the store.
“Why hello, Laguna! Is everything okay out here?”
“Everything’s fine now, Ms. Ippolito!” I replied cordially.
She nodded and I left the store with book and wallet in hand. I wasn’t sure what I sure I should do next, so I began to wander aimlessly around Manhattan. The heat was starting to get at me. The scene was normal, people coming and going in a hurry, the normal sidewalk performers, and the oddly pleasing polluted air. The streets, the buildings, the atmosphere, everything was teeming with energy. Yet it seemed that there were iron bracelets on my ankles, I was the only one moving slowly in this speeding world. Walking aimlessly, I felt lost in a place I knew like my own heart.
Glancing up, I found myself near ground zero of the World Trade Centers. It was a site I passed nearly daily, but this was the first time in at least a year that I ventured to the memorial. I silently walked up to the chain fence where most of the letters and messages were hung. There was a large banner with many paper pockets. Each one held an origami crane, and under each wing was a seed. Written at the top of the whole thing was “A gift from the schoolchildren of Meijin Elementary School.” I was amazed that people across the ocean, so far away, could care about the tragedies and hardships of those they never met, giving such a gift from their heart.
I stepped slowly and quietly, trying my best to be silent. It was like if I made one forbidden move, a car alarm would sound. I gazed around, not focusing on anything in particular, everything was blurring into one mass. My feet were dragging. A cloud moved in front of the sun and a breeze swept this way, suddenly chilling the surroundings. The pulse of sad music encompassed me, the song bleeding its last notes and dissipating in to the air. Sitting curled up on the ground, a young girl sobbed quietly. I knelt down beside her.
“What’s the matter?” I asked in a barely audible whisper.
“It’s mommy…she died here…” the girl murmured. I gasped. My head swirled with thoughts and memories, sucking me inside. I tried to swim out of the whirlpool, back to what was at hand.
“My mom, she died, too. Not here…somewhere else,” I said softly. The girl’s tears strengthened and she stood up as I embraced her. In each other’s arms, although we had only met by chance now, we held something in common. A large part of us was missing, and it made us different, although we did not like to speak of it. The girl shook like a brittle leaf in fall. I smoothed her short, chestnut hair, my attempt of solace. Our tears flowed like a stream, but combined they could not make what we lost.
“Where’s your dad?” I asked softly.
“He’s over there by the fence, talking to mommy. I don’t know what’s wrong with me…why he can see her and I can’t…” she sighed. My composure shattered, as my face became soaked with tears. How do you explain something like that to a child? I didn’t understand either, what’s wrong with us that we had to have to most important thing taken from us…?
“Do you want to read a storybook?” I asked quietly. She nodded. I pulled out Angelic Layer and opened it from the back. “My name is Misaki. I’m in junior high.” I started. “I’m supposed to be picked up by my aunt, but I can’t find Tokyo station!” The story continued with Misaki lost in Tokyo, her antics, and findings.
“That girl’s silly,” the one beside me side. Lines still streaked her face.
“Yeah, I guess she is,” I said, sniffling.
A few more minutes passed, and then a man’s voice rang out. “Katherine! Katherine, where are you?” The girl scrambled to her feet.
I clutched her arm before she could run off. “Remember, you can always talk to your mom in your heart. Even if she’s not able to answer, she can still here you,” I whispered. She nodded and ran to meet her father.
I slumped into a pile on the ground. Then I felt myself turn upside down and unable to open my eyes.
-:|:-:|:-:|:-
When I could open my eyes, I couldn’t see anything. Had I gone blind? A sweltering heat encased me, suffocating me, closing me off. I tried standing up without bumping my head into anything. I held my hands in front of me, feeling around. Where was I? My palm hit something flat and firm. I ran it up and down the surface, feeling its texture. If I wasn’t mistaken, this was the bark of a tree. I looked up, but there was nothing but darkness, unfolding and consuming.
The heat, the trees, the ground…I knew what this was. A forest, where the trees grew so close, sunlight could not come in and the excess warmth could not go out. Why, my worst fear, here? I had to get out. I began to sweat profusely, through nervousness.
Stepping carefully, I wove between trees. I had no idea if I was heading deeper into the woods or towards an exit. My breathing was vehement and uneven. I tripped on an open root and cried out. Leaves from the groundcover brushed against my skin. I struggled to rise, shaking. Please, stop. Please, I wanted to get out. Please, I wanted this to end. End…
I had to regain my composure if I was going to get out. I did the best thing I knew to calm myself. Softly, I began to sing: “Wishing on a dream that seems far off, hoping it will come today.” I started to walk on, continuing the song. “Into the starlit night, foolish dreamers turn their gaze…” My movements continued, growing more fluid.
The end of the song approached. “Now all I need…is my star to come…” A brilliant light filled my view, causing me to shut my eyes. After my mind willed it safe, I opened them in a completely different place.
I was in a green field, surrounded by a river, with a tributary flowing into the distance. Beyond the opposite riverbank was a staggered line of trees, then mountains reached to the sky. The whole sky seemed dimmed by a gray fog.
Everything seemed so perfect and secluded. I looked up at the sky, and a fiery bird flew down near me. It appeared to be a phoenix, I’d like to believe this. This was way too organized for a dream, so what could I be? My heart jumped when the phoenix spoke to me.
“I have been awaiting your coming, my daughter. Do you recognize this place?” she asked.
“No, I’ve never been here before,” I replied shyly.
“That is for the better, but now I need you. You have passed the trials of charity, assertiveness, compassion, and courage. I knew you were my daughter all along. Now, I must make a proposition.”
I waited for her to continue. “Welcome to Mire. I am Kulasiri, one of the four spirits who watch over this world. However, a darkness has come upon us, surpassing our strength. Will you become a Kotoba Master and once more bring light to our world?”
I barely hesitated. “What do I have to do, exactly?” I asked.
“I will explain more when the others arrive here,” Kulasiri said.
There was no doubt. “Well then, it sounds a little tough, but I believe can do it!”
There was a sudden gust of wind, and the whole air sounded different. Kulasiri’s voice echoed like a thought. A hand touched my forehead. “Bestow upon this child the power enclosed inside her own kokoro.”
The wind ceased, and my hair rested against my back again. “I feel something…something I want to say, but I can’t…” I said.
“That is your power, for you as a Kotoba Master,” she replied. “It is beginning to awake, but is still asleep.”
I nodded. Walking over to the river, I peered at my reflection. Time would flow by like this river, and I would have to flow with it.
Okay, so just post the trials your character goes through to prove yourself to your god/goddess person. It doesn't have to be four necessarily, whatever you feel necessary for your character. ;)