Takeshi Akihito

"IF IGNORANT OF YOUR ENEMY AND YOURSELF, YOU ARE CERTAIN TO BE IN PERIL." - SUN TZU

About

Name: Takeshi Akihito
Race: Raen
Age: Early Thirties
Homeplace: Born in Kugane, but family ancestors used to live in Yanxia.
Profession: Geomancer / Healer, Samurai

PROFILE

True to the appearance of a wallflower. Especially when situated in crowded places, much too used to being the observer from his family background where discipline is a must. When very much focused, he can almost lose track of his surroundings, which can also be a dangerous flaw for more critical situations.Though he is not against upholding conversations, simply uncertain ( all the time ) on how to initiate them. Almost any form of topics, he can easily fall into listening, especially if related to his family's heritage. Though, a part of it is a sensitive topic due to past events and tragedies.When assigned jobs and mission, he does take them seriously and seeks to deliver perfectly. If told so, he doesn't ask any questions towards clients who prioritizes confidentiality.
He is calm and collected, something he's had to practice since his younger years. But it also leads to keeping everything bottled up due to the idea that they are his to resolve or harbor.Depending on the nature of the person who approaches him, he may offer a bit of trust as a good gesture. But he will be on the watch out for any suspicious indicators that will call for caution. But to everyone he meets, he is polite and formal in general. Perhaps on the borderline of being traditional, but not entirely conservative as exposure to his jobs as led him to seeing different environments.He has a habit of omitting most facts about himself, with the impression they are not necessary. But they are siginificant information that may affect others' judgement of him such as the 'sin' he carries on his shoulder. Because of this he doesn't expect others to willingly be close to him, or he may try to be slightly evasive in conversations that focus on family backgrounds.
More comfortable he is to listen to others and while it may not be obvious, he has good memory to retain an assortment of details and facts about people.Takeshi can be easy to tease, and he hardly retaliates unless it's something meant to provoke him. When he is angered or agitated, it's when his emotions can surface more prominently. Though any anger, or sorrow and the like is emitted silently and can definitely cloud his rationality and sense of judgement.He is also very oblivious about the appeal of his own appearance, thus whenever someone offers praise about it, he will be astounded. Though part of it may draw back to how his brother had envied him for being sought by others. It's created a bit of a mentality that there is nothing special about his appearance. He does not like staring at his own reflection for too long.He lives a simple life, not fond of anything glamorous or luxury. While he has no talent for any artisan craft ( don't ask him to draw for you ), he can cook decently. Most often enjoys some form of meditation, gardening and reading. He also is capable of playing the koto, but it's more of something he does for himself or those closest to him.While he may be mostly a wallflower, when he's warmed to people, he is capable of providing witty and snarky comments as rebuttals. Also can be playful towards others in the form of light pranks.He has a small fox kit who almost always accompanies him. In reality, it is a kitsune familiar of Takeshi's that he has grown close to since he was younger.Likes:
Hot springs, Nature, Gardening, Traveling, Private quality time, Listening to interesting discussions, Music

History

Born into a small family of geomancers who have carried on their legacy for generations. Though one of the lesser known, due to their humble nature, thus they so rarely involve themselves with the more political aspect of their homelands. For many decades, they have been living within Kugane itself since their ancestors moved from Yanxia to establish their family's practice.Eventually, the family was blessed with twins; both male and with growing potential. Both had the aptitude to carry own the family name and honor has talented geomancers. Takeshi and Ryouta are the names given to these sons by the parents.Since early childhood, Takeshi has always been the quieter between the two while Ryouta was born with a more bright, bubbly personality whose charm easily won the hearts of many others. The one often known by others, but Takeshi was also appreciated for his politeness and thoughtfulness he received from their mother. Takeshi is the one often found tending to their private gardens, be quiet and patient to the side while mostly his parents or brother lead most of the conversations.If the two brothers are to be compared, there is a considerate number of those who expected Takeshi to be most suited to be the next head of the Akihito line. It so happened his calm nature seemed the most suited while Ryouta had his impulsive and perhaps too eccentric from a traditionalist's perspective. But Takeshi always admired his brother, even wished he could be as engaging and sociable as he is. However, his naivety failed to realize his own brother's view as they grew up -- that he is seen as a rival competing to be the next in line to lead the family. Deep down, Ryouta has been threatened by how elders favored Takeshi more, when both should have equal standing and potential. Beneath the 'warm' smile, is a more malicious nature and silent loathing that's been brewing over the years.Ryouta also sought to find ways to reshape the traditional family into something that will conform to how times are changing, such as wanting them to be more affliated with political groups. However, unfortunate he had associated himself with the darker side of it such as groups and clans who only sought to gain through...unruly manners. Such as bribery, gambling, blackmail and abuse of power. Ryouta's services had been sough with the promise of fortune, full support that he shall gain what he wishes. All this occurring without Takeshi nor their parents knowing.Thus, the day when Takeshi had been targeted to be killed to be ruled out as competition. It had been a quiet night within the family home and so happens Takeshi was awakened by Ryouta departing from the family home into the night. He had heard word of how his brother seems to have been more busy with his social life, but felt something is not quite right with how his brother left when it was so late. He followed after the twin, as silently as he could until reaching one of the more quiet and hidden streets to the sides of the market. He hid himself and witnessed his brother speaking with one who Takeshi recognized to be from one of the politically involved clans. Unusual for him, but he remained in place, trying in earnest to hear what their discussion focused on. Until there's the sharp jab from behind and he falls unconscious, having not realized another associate had spotted him. Ryouta and his 'employer' had been notified; with the unexpected turn of events, they decided to use this to their advantage.Takeshi brought to a quiet place at the pier, he regained consciousness just as he was unceremoniously dropped to the ground. Awakened to the towering men with devious smirks and his own brother bearing the coldest expression he's ever seen on him. It's then Ryouta revealed his loathing towards his own brother and finding it unfair that despite his own efforts to be engaging with the people, others will only have eyes for his 'beautiful, quiet and talented' brother who honestly did nothing to deserve such praises and credibility. Much too blinded by the negativity, it had tarnished the sibling relationship he once thought they had. Even he is speechless, already feeling helpless that he had been ignorant of the emotions his own brother had to bear alone.It is then unveiled that Ryouta has already been involved with shady dealings, immoral acts with the clan he's been working for. Takeshi undoubtedly dumbfounded by this, but it seemed the life of their family had been quite too dull for Ryouta that he is aggressively clawing his way out in order to have a more 'fulfilling' life that he deserves. But what is most needed is to get rid of one hurdle and Takeshi is one of them. This declaration sent cold, sharp chills down his spine; and in that moment Takeshi knew he had already lost his brother. Especially when he expressed the intent to also 'deal' with their parents especially if some unfortunate events is to fall upon them. Takeshi had been almost willing to endure the death sentence in order to make up for letting his brother suffer alone. But to orchestrate such an evil plan and lay harm on their family?He refused to allow that, thus he stood on his feet in order to try and convince his brother to spare their parents. A negotiation Ryouta refused to accept so easily, then the idea of making it a gamble entertained him. So he laid down the rules they should duel and the winner shall have their 'wish' granted. Both of them had received training to wield a blade, but never have they sparred with one another; much less where it is either live or die by one another's hand.
Nature, who has been the soul of their family's lineage seems to resonate with the tragic unfold between the two. Cold rain poured, kissing the steel blades and heels of their feet as the two dueled. Their blades clashed and parried off each other; their eyes swore to never look away as both brothers fought. Takeshi however was troubled all throughout, the swings held an edge of hesitance as deep down he doesn't want his brother to die. Regardless of the malice already laced within his heart, he wants to save him.It isn't long before he started to stumble slightly, while his brother is intoxicated with the desire to kill and win. There's the slash across sides and thighs that could be reached; neither were trained to be professionals thus there is the lace of amateur swordsmanship. Both are able to nick at each other, but soon the cuts become deeper and Takeshi received the worst of the exchange. Soon to fall on to his back and pinned down by the tip of the blade close to his face; hovering above is the maniac grin of the brother he once admired.Then there's the killing blow that pierced through Ryouta's chest from behind. It had been decided from the start that he would be betrayed once Takeshi has been slain, but the plan progressed ahead due to how premature everything fell into place. Takeshi stared in horror at his brother gurgling, choking as blood sputtered up into his throat and crumpled to his knees. He is gripped with the maddened desire and now sorrow towards those who betrayed him. It's what enabled him to force himself on to his feet and engage in the criminals to cut them down. This time Takeshi joins him, retrieving his own blade and maybe it's seeing a glimpse of the brother he adores that motivated him. Also the will to fight in order to prevent the death of their family, he charged. The gift of their geomancy pulsed alive, in the form of taming the water to let their movements go undisturbed even when the rain lashed at their bodies. Soon bodies fell dead on the stone floor, blood smeared across drenched clothes and both out of breath; with one brother living his last moments.Takeshi is distraught; his brother's hatred towards him, the betrayal and now blood spilled by his hands. Only briefly he had time to reflect on himself, until he remembered Ryouta and rushed to his side as they crumpled down, this time into his arms. Desperate, he urged him to persevere as he tried to heal the. But even he knew that Ryouta's condition is severe that even his healing will not be able to save him. Left to watch him begin to grow pale; blood dyeing his clothes as rain fell upon their shoulders. Takeshi begging softly as to why it has come to this and the answer from his brother would only be how he's envied him since they were young. How Ryouta craved for all attention and praise to be for him, while Takeshi exercised little effort. What is heartbreaking is how Ryouta didn't truly think what he did was wrong, he merely wanted to live the life he wanted. And soon....his last breath was made, only a weak laugh as he murmured how Takeshi will have to carry his sin. Knowing the truth will crush their parents' hearts and ruin their family reputation. It's up to him to reveal it to them or not.However, neither of them knew that their parents had met their tragic fate as well. The entire time they had been dueling, their parents had been targeted as well for elimination. Takeshi had to gather the strength to take his brother's lifeless body with him, but arrived home to another bloodied scene of both heads of the family laying in cold blood. There is no legacy to behold anymore of the family. Filled with grief, Takeshi couldn't even bear it as he, himself crumpled down to his knees. Silently begging for forgiveness from his deceased parents. This moment of mourning he kept to himself, before soon the report has been made...but he couldn't bring himself to tell the truth of how it was his brother's greed for power brought upon this cruel fate. But there was enough to state it had been out of intention to remove any chance of competition by other clans. Though they could not pinpoint the exact culprits, at least officially. And soon it was closed, the three family members given a memorial service and buried.Ever since, Takeshi has been living alone in his humble home. Companion being the kitsune familiar and often he travels between places providing services as a healer. Though he also accepts jobs as a guide or even mundane errands when needed.

Kitsune Lore

Important Note: Takeshi does not have physical features from a Kitsune at default. In-game you may see him with a glam that has the Tamamo Headband and this is just a glam. These are not part of his physical features IC-wise. He's still mainly an Au RaKitsunes are magical beings / type of yokai who are intelligent and can shape shift at will. Most often they will mingle among mortals / other races and are capable of blending in. Depending on the nature of a kitsune, they can either be a guardian / friend figure or a foe. They can live up to many, many years.Some may also marry mortals or those of other races. Their partners may or may not find out it's a Kitsune they've bonded with.Many, many generations ago, a Kitsune had fallen in love with one of the Akihito family members. Much attracted to the family's dedication to geomancy and their pleasant nature. Initially it wasn't known until signs became more evident as their children began to inherit magical abilities most potent in Kitsunes. They may vary and not every generation will inherit these traits. Many of the family members may be born and live as regular beings, while others will actively bear these magical abilities. They vary from certain elemental aspects and being creator of illusions. What is not possible from any of the family members is shapeshifting.Prior to Takeshi's and his brother's birth, it had been almost three generations since there have been family members who gained the Kitsune's abilities. It's a passed on secret from within the family. Between the brothers, it had only been Takeshi where it was revealed to inherit this gift upon birth. Both their parents are pure Au Ra thus physical traits remain to be that of Raens.

OOC

Just a silly person who is chill and likes to make new friends! Also up for plotted or on the spot Rps, though I do have some reservations depending on the theme or ideas. This can be discussed over DMs though!