adstringendum
Name: Riddle
Livejournal: N/A
Contact: iridescentgnome (AIM) or treacherous.night@gmail.com; however, pming works better.
Other Characters Played: Lily Potter - thewinterdoe
Are you 18 or over? Yes indeed.
Canon: Nabari No Ou
Character: Raikou Shimizu
Timeline: After he slices through his only friend (Gau).
Personality: Raikou's personality is hard to explain concisely. How he has developed from boy to man and, more specifically, the events that molded that transition are the key components to why he behaves the way he does currently. When Raikou was a child, he followed the guidelines of his mother unquestioningly. However, after he encountered a friend who needed his help, he started to questions his mother's seemingly out-dated rules. (See his history for the full story.)
After speaking to his uncle about his conflicting feelings on the matter (especially since said friend died), Raikou began to form a different opinion of his mother entirely. He agreed that there needed to be some changes in the Shimizu family, but he wasn't ready to confront his mother himself. Thus his uncle confronted her for him.
Everything went wrong after that.
Raikou's personality changed drastically after he saw his family kill one another. His mother spoke to him as she died and told him to uphold the family honor at all costs. Therefore, he took up one of the ancient katana and killed his uncle for starting the bloodbath in the first place. During that moment, Raikou's heart broke. He realized that he had to get away - especially when he saw his younger sister watching in horror from the doorway.
In essence, because of that one fateful night where he lost everyone but his sister, Raikou came to the conclusion that he would shoulder the Shimizu's shame on his own. He told Raimei a partial truth and let her hate him for the death of their family. It seemed easier that way - even though there would always be a heaviness in his heart.
As he matured into a young man, Raikou hid his deep hurt behind a strange mask. When he was on duty for those who hired him as an assassin, he was cold and efficient. He would kill his targets without remorse (and even seem to enjoy it on occasion). But, when he was off duty, he would hide his pain behind buying awkward clothing. Raikou has been known to look rather...girlish, but it's not like anyone would have the balls to tell him he looks ridiculous (except for, perhaps, Gau).
Currently, however, Raikou has had another epiphany. After nearly losing Gau, he understands that he needs to open up to others and let them heal the pain within his heart. He needs a family. While he won't let Raimei become soiled by what he has done (and what he will do) he can, at least, open up to his partner. If Gau wakes up, of course.
Therefore, in summation, Raikou is a troubled man who, more often than not, covers his worries with a serene mask of indifference. However, that mask is only skin deep. Raikou cares about everyone around him and he protects them as best as he can. Yet he isn't always logical. Sometimes he thinks distancing himself from his loved ones is for the best. But after this incident with Gau, he will make an effort to let more people into his life. Slowly.
Yet Rome wasn't built in a day. Since childhood, Raikou has been an introvert. While he does have a strong view of right and wrong - and he is certain he is doing the right thing with the Grey Wolves - he does have a problem expressing himself. He can't imagine why anyone would want to listen to his worries, thus he keeps them to himself. However, there is a part of him that wants someone to ask him about his past and his fears. But it can't be just anyone. He is far too wary and suspicious (mainly because of his role in the Grey Wolves) to trust just anyone with his past (or his future for that matter).
There is hope for him, however. Unlike some of his fellow Grey Wolf members, Raikou does have a good heart. He is not a blind follower of Hattori (the Grey Wolf leader). Thus if some decision irks him or if he no longer agrees with their values, he will leave them and strike out on his own. Raikou is proud of his strength and independence and he will not make the same mistake he did as a child (i.e. by blindly following someone). I believe Hattori is aware of that - which is why he keeps Raikou well-informed.
In the end, Raikou is upholding the family honor in his own way. It may not be what his mother wanted, but he is protecting Raimei (by trying to force her out of the Nabari world) and he is keeping the Nabari world and the normal world separated by following Hattori's orders. Therefore he hasn't forgotten his past - he has just buried it.
Background: Raikou was born into the Shimizu family along with his sister, Raimei. The pair had a fairly normal childhood - if you count taking lessons from their battle-savvy mother normal. They attended school and came home to practice everyday. However, Raimei, at the beginning, was always better with her sword when compared to Raikou. In fact, their mother didn't think much of Raikou because he seemed to be rather peace loving.
However, all of that changed the day that one of Raikou's friends approached him and asked him for help. The Shimizus were known for keeping peace between the normal world and the world of the Nabari. Therefore Raikou felt like it was his duty to protect his friend - who had received death threats from someone in the normal world. Yet, because it had nothing to do with the Nabari world, his mother forbade him to interfere. When his friend didn't turn up at school the next week, Raikou knew what had happened and he knew he had to do something to change his mother's mind.
Therefore he approached his uncle - who had always had a problem with an "outsider" being the head of the family. (Raikou's father was very ill at that point - thus his mother took over the family affairs.) He spoke to Raikou about dispensing justice and making the world a better and safer place for people like Raikou's friend. Being young, Raikou was caught up in the speech and he agreed to stand beside his uncle when he approached his mother.
That night, everything went wrong. Instead of having a peaceful discussion, Raikou's uncle lost his temper and killed Raikou's father. He then attempted to kill Raikou - because he would be the heir to the Shimizu name - but Raikou's mother stood in the way and took the blow. With her dying words, she told Raikou to pick up one of the ancient katana - the one meant for him, that is (the other went to Raimei) - and continue the tradition of keeping the Nabari world from interfering with the normal world.
Heart-broken, Raikou grabbed his katana and killed his uncle with one slice. Unfortunately, at that moment, Raimei was watching from the doorway. Covered in blood, Raikou did the best thing he could for her: he let her think he had been the one to kill everyone. He then walked out of the building and joined the Grey Wolves (one of the more seedy groups in the Nabari world).
Time passed and Raikou grew up (and dyed his hair pink - it was originally blonde). He became a skilled assassin for the Grey Wolves and thus earned himself a bloody reputation. It wasn't long before Raimei - now a skilled fighter herself - caught up with him. He, of course, injured her (badly) during their battle, but not enough to kill her. He then took her katana (a great disgrace) and left her in the field where their childhood home had once stood.
While Raimei was in the hospital, Raikou and Gau (Raikou's partner) were given another mission to dispense of some thieves that threatened both worlds. During the attack, Gau was injured. At the sight of his one and only friend falling down, Raikou lost it and tore the attacker to pieces.
Later, he admitted to Gau how much it hurt him for his little sister to hate him so. Gau, being extremely empathetic, hurried to Raimei's side - risking his own life - and told her how Raikou felt. Raimei then left the hospital and sought her older brother out. She tried to tell him that the deaths of their family weren't his fault, but he refused to let her get close. Raising his katana, he readied himself to dispense justice on her again (and thus scare her away for good), but when his sword met flesh, it wasn't Raimei who was injured.
It was Gau. Because of the promise he had made Raikou about never telling a soul about his secret, Gau felt like he deserved to be punished. Thus he threw himself in front of Raimei and took the blow meant for her.
As Gau laid bleeding on the grass, Raikou dropped his katana and screamed in agony. Yet, thanks to Raimei, an ambulance arrived quickly and sped Gau to the hospital. There, he stayed on a ventilator because he had fallen into a coma.
While Raikou watched Gau through a glass window, Raimei spoke to him about what it meant to be a true friend and how lucky he was to have someone like Gau. It is at this moment that he will enter Adstringendum.
Abilities/Additional Notes: Raikou is a Samurai. He wields a katana (or sword) named White Gamon. He can kill efficiently and cleanly or quite messily. It all depends on his mood.
Additionally, he will usually leave red Spider Lilies on his victims' bodies. That's his trademark.
In the Grey Wolves, he is a punisher. Meaning, he dispenses justice (usually deadly justice) onto anyone that has gone against the clan.
Also, if you're not sure what the Nabari world is composed of, I feel like I should explain it here. The Nabari world is divided into ninja clans. The Grey Wolves are just one clan in that world. Each clan has their own wants and missions, however, they all want to possess the Shinra Banshou (which comes in the form of a small boy named Miharu in the manga/anime). The Shinra Banshou can grant whatever wish/dream/fantasy you desire, but at a terrible cost. Most of the clans (including the Grey Wolves) ignore the terrible consequences and focus on the positive aspects.
The head of the Grey Wolves is a man named Hatori. He is well-known in the political and business world in the manga. Therefore the Grey Wolves have a lot more perks than the other clans. Raikou is used to working without having to worry about too many consequences. Well, he was before he was reunited with Raimei and nearly killed Gau. Now he is rethinking things.
Sample Journal Post: ... [Silence begins this post. Then, the PCD picks up the sound of someone breathing. Each breath is faint and unusually controlled.]
I fear I must ask predictable questions. [There are now footsteps, but they too are light and measured.] Tell me the name of this city. Even in the hidden world, being transported so...abruptly...and against my will is impossible. Unless, of course, some sort of drugs were involved.
[His voice remains smooth and unaffected.] I was distracted for but a moment. Was that enough? Did you slip a needle into my skin? I know it wasn't a pill. I haven't had anything to eat or drink since it happened.
[He won't explain "it".]
My name is Raikou Shimizu and I am a member of the Grey Wolves. Shall I bring justice down upon you?
[The feed ends with the smooth slide of a blade leaving its sheathe.]
Sample RP: He had yet to wipe Gau's blood from his body. The very thing that kept his friend - his only friend - alive was drying against his skin, causing him to feel stiff and sticky. Raikou had no intention of washing up. Not yet, at least. No, he would allow himself to feel the full weight of what he had done. Gau had done nothing to deserve a punishment. Following one's heart was something Raikou admired - mainly because he had never been able to do it. And, yet, Gau had assumed that Raikou would have been unable to forgive his trespass.
I spoke too rashly.
Indeed he had. If he had only treated Gau like an equal - like a companion, he would not have felt the need to threaten the boy into silence.
I've killed him.
While that may not be absolutely true - at least not yet - Raikou felt his heart aching in a way that it hadn't since he had seen his family die before his eyes. Something inside of him was changing; it had to. He couldn't keep walking on this path and placing Gau - or Raimei for that matter - in danger. He needed to protect them; he needed to cherish them. They deserved nothing less.
How can I protect them when I can't protect myself?
There had been far too many close calls. Raikou knew his life wouldn't be long or easy. Involving anyone willingly felt...wrong. He had promised himself that he would stand alone the moment he left the Shimizus burning in their houses. Yet he had been unable to keep that promise.
Raimei wanted to forgive him; absolve him. The very idea sickened him. He didn't deserve forgiveness. Even if he hadn't known Uncle Iroku's intentions, he should have been quick enough and skilled enough to save their parents.
I didn't even lift a finger until they were dead.
Gau saw the good in him. Raimei wanted to see it too. But Raikou knew that goodness, kindness and forgiveness were not his to own. He was too soiled and too guilty. Yet he could watch over them and make sure that they didn't repeat his mistakes. He wanted them to be happy; he wanted them to be everything he couldn't be anymore.
Resting his forehead against the glass, Raikou watched Gau laying on a pure white hospital bed. There was a breathing tube stuffed into his mouth and held in place by some tape. If one ignored that apparatus, it almost looked like he was sleeping.
What are you dreaming? What are you thinking?
A bitter smile touched Raikou's lips.
I can tell you my dream, Gau. Will you listen?
He paused and inhaled deeply.
Come back. That's my only dream. Come back and stand by my side again.
Curling his fingers against the pane, he allowed himself the weakness to cry.
Livejournal: N/A
Contact: iridescentgnome (AIM) or treacherous.night@gmail.com; however, pming works better.
Other Characters Played: Lily Potter - thewinterdoe
Are you 18 or over? Yes indeed.
Canon: Nabari No Ou
Character: Raikou Shimizu
Timeline: After he slices through his only friend (Gau).
Personality: Raikou's personality is hard to explain concisely. How he has developed from boy to man and, more specifically, the events that molded that transition are the key components to why he behaves the way he does currently. When Raikou was a child, he followed the guidelines of his mother unquestioningly. However, after he encountered a friend who needed his help, he started to questions his mother's seemingly out-dated rules. (See his history for the full story.)
After speaking to his uncle about his conflicting feelings on the matter (especially since said friend died), Raikou began to form a different opinion of his mother entirely. He agreed that there needed to be some changes in the Shimizu family, but he wasn't ready to confront his mother himself. Thus his uncle confronted her for him.
Everything went wrong after that.
Raikou's personality changed drastically after he saw his family kill one another. His mother spoke to him as she died and told him to uphold the family honor at all costs. Therefore, he took up one of the ancient katana and killed his uncle for starting the bloodbath in the first place. During that moment, Raikou's heart broke. He realized that he had to get away - especially when he saw his younger sister watching in horror from the doorway.
In essence, because of that one fateful night where he lost everyone but his sister, Raikou came to the conclusion that he would shoulder the Shimizu's shame on his own. He told Raimei a partial truth and let her hate him for the death of their family. It seemed easier that way - even though there would always be a heaviness in his heart.
As he matured into a young man, Raikou hid his deep hurt behind a strange mask. When he was on duty for those who hired him as an assassin, he was cold and efficient. He would kill his targets without remorse (and even seem to enjoy it on occasion). But, when he was off duty, he would hide his pain behind buying awkward clothing. Raikou has been known to look rather...girlish, but it's not like anyone would have the balls to tell him he looks ridiculous (except for, perhaps, Gau).
Currently, however, Raikou has had another epiphany. After nearly losing Gau, he understands that he needs to open up to others and let them heal the pain within his heart. He needs a family. While he won't let Raimei become soiled by what he has done (and what he will do) he can, at least, open up to his partner. If Gau wakes up, of course.
Therefore, in summation, Raikou is a troubled man who, more often than not, covers his worries with a serene mask of indifference. However, that mask is only skin deep. Raikou cares about everyone around him and he protects them as best as he can. Yet he isn't always logical. Sometimes he thinks distancing himself from his loved ones is for the best. But after this incident with Gau, he will make an effort to let more people into his life. Slowly.
Yet Rome wasn't built in a day. Since childhood, Raikou has been an introvert. While he does have a strong view of right and wrong - and he is certain he is doing the right thing with the Grey Wolves - he does have a problem expressing himself. He can't imagine why anyone would want to listen to his worries, thus he keeps them to himself. However, there is a part of him that wants someone to ask him about his past and his fears. But it can't be just anyone. He is far too wary and suspicious (mainly because of his role in the Grey Wolves) to trust just anyone with his past (or his future for that matter).
There is hope for him, however. Unlike some of his fellow Grey Wolf members, Raikou does have a good heart. He is not a blind follower of Hattori (the Grey Wolf leader). Thus if some decision irks him or if he no longer agrees with their values, he will leave them and strike out on his own. Raikou is proud of his strength and independence and he will not make the same mistake he did as a child (i.e. by blindly following someone). I believe Hattori is aware of that - which is why he keeps Raikou well-informed.
In the end, Raikou is upholding the family honor in his own way. It may not be what his mother wanted, but he is protecting Raimei (by trying to force her out of the Nabari world) and he is keeping the Nabari world and the normal world separated by following Hattori's orders. Therefore he hasn't forgotten his past - he has just buried it.
Background: Raikou was born into the Shimizu family along with his sister, Raimei. The pair had a fairly normal childhood - if you count taking lessons from their battle-savvy mother normal. They attended school and came home to practice everyday. However, Raimei, at the beginning, was always better with her sword when compared to Raikou. In fact, their mother didn't think much of Raikou because he seemed to be rather peace loving.
However, all of that changed the day that one of Raikou's friends approached him and asked him for help. The Shimizus were known for keeping peace between the normal world and the world of the Nabari. Therefore Raikou felt like it was his duty to protect his friend - who had received death threats from someone in the normal world. Yet, because it had nothing to do with the Nabari world, his mother forbade him to interfere. When his friend didn't turn up at school the next week, Raikou knew what had happened and he knew he had to do something to change his mother's mind.
Therefore he approached his uncle - who had always had a problem with an "outsider" being the head of the family. (Raikou's father was very ill at that point - thus his mother took over the family affairs.) He spoke to Raikou about dispensing justice and making the world a better and safer place for people like Raikou's friend. Being young, Raikou was caught up in the speech and he agreed to stand beside his uncle when he approached his mother.
That night, everything went wrong. Instead of having a peaceful discussion, Raikou's uncle lost his temper and killed Raikou's father. He then attempted to kill Raikou - because he would be the heir to the Shimizu name - but Raikou's mother stood in the way and took the blow. With her dying words, she told Raikou to pick up one of the ancient katana - the one meant for him, that is (the other went to Raimei) - and continue the tradition of keeping the Nabari world from interfering with the normal world.
Heart-broken, Raikou grabbed his katana and killed his uncle with one slice. Unfortunately, at that moment, Raimei was watching from the doorway. Covered in blood, Raikou did the best thing he could for her: he let her think he had been the one to kill everyone. He then walked out of the building and joined the Grey Wolves (one of the more seedy groups in the Nabari world).
Time passed and Raikou grew up (and dyed his hair pink - it was originally blonde). He became a skilled assassin for the Grey Wolves and thus earned himself a bloody reputation. It wasn't long before Raimei - now a skilled fighter herself - caught up with him. He, of course, injured her (badly) during their battle, but not enough to kill her. He then took her katana (a great disgrace) and left her in the field where their childhood home had once stood.
While Raimei was in the hospital, Raikou and Gau (Raikou's partner) were given another mission to dispense of some thieves that threatened both worlds. During the attack, Gau was injured. At the sight of his one and only friend falling down, Raikou lost it and tore the attacker to pieces.
Later, he admitted to Gau how much it hurt him for his little sister to hate him so. Gau, being extremely empathetic, hurried to Raimei's side - risking his own life - and told her how Raikou felt. Raimei then left the hospital and sought her older brother out. She tried to tell him that the deaths of their family weren't his fault, but he refused to let her get close. Raising his katana, he readied himself to dispense justice on her again (and thus scare her away for good), but when his sword met flesh, it wasn't Raimei who was injured.
It was Gau. Because of the promise he had made Raikou about never telling a soul about his secret, Gau felt like he deserved to be punished. Thus he threw himself in front of Raimei and took the blow meant for her.
As Gau laid bleeding on the grass, Raikou dropped his katana and screamed in agony. Yet, thanks to Raimei, an ambulance arrived quickly and sped Gau to the hospital. There, he stayed on a ventilator because he had fallen into a coma.
While Raikou watched Gau through a glass window, Raimei spoke to him about what it meant to be a true friend and how lucky he was to have someone like Gau. It is at this moment that he will enter Adstringendum.
Abilities/Additional Notes: Raikou is a Samurai. He wields a katana (or sword) named White Gamon. He can kill efficiently and cleanly or quite messily. It all depends on his mood.
Additionally, he will usually leave red Spider Lilies on his victims' bodies. That's his trademark.
In the Grey Wolves, he is a punisher. Meaning, he dispenses justice (usually deadly justice) onto anyone that has gone against the clan.
Also, if you're not sure what the Nabari world is composed of, I feel like I should explain it here. The Nabari world is divided into ninja clans. The Grey Wolves are just one clan in that world. Each clan has their own wants and missions, however, they all want to possess the Shinra Banshou (which comes in the form of a small boy named Miharu in the manga/anime). The Shinra Banshou can grant whatever wish/dream/fantasy you desire, but at a terrible cost. Most of the clans (including the Grey Wolves) ignore the terrible consequences and focus on the positive aspects.
The head of the Grey Wolves is a man named Hatori. He is well-known in the political and business world in the manga. Therefore the Grey Wolves have a lot more perks than the other clans. Raikou is used to working without having to worry about too many consequences. Well, he was before he was reunited with Raimei and nearly killed Gau. Now he is rethinking things.
Sample Journal Post: ... [Silence begins this post. Then, the PCD picks up the sound of someone breathing. Each breath is faint and unusually controlled.]
I fear I must ask predictable questions. [There are now footsteps, but they too are light and measured.] Tell me the name of this city. Even in the hidden world, being transported so...abruptly...and against my will is impossible. Unless, of course, some sort of drugs were involved.
[His voice remains smooth and unaffected.] I was distracted for but a moment. Was that enough? Did you slip a needle into my skin? I know it wasn't a pill. I haven't had anything to eat or drink since it happened.
[He won't explain "it".]
My name is Raikou Shimizu and I am a member of the Grey Wolves. Shall I bring justice down upon you?
[The feed ends with the smooth slide of a blade leaving its sheathe.]
Sample RP: He had yet to wipe Gau's blood from his body. The very thing that kept his friend - his only friend - alive was drying against his skin, causing him to feel stiff and sticky. Raikou had no intention of washing up. Not yet, at least. No, he would allow himself to feel the full weight of what he had done. Gau had done nothing to deserve a punishment. Following one's heart was something Raikou admired - mainly because he had never been able to do it. And, yet, Gau had assumed that Raikou would have been unable to forgive his trespass.
I spoke too rashly.
Indeed he had. If he had only treated Gau like an equal - like a companion, he would not have felt the need to threaten the boy into silence.
I've killed him.
While that may not be absolutely true - at least not yet - Raikou felt his heart aching in a way that it hadn't since he had seen his family die before his eyes. Something inside of him was changing; it had to. He couldn't keep walking on this path and placing Gau - or Raimei for that matter - in danger. He needed to protect them; he needed to cherish them. They deserved nothing less.
How can I protect them when I can't protect myself?
There had been far too many close calls. Raikou knew his life wouldn't be long or easy. Involving anyone willingly felt...wrong. He had promised himself that he would stand alone the moment he left the Shimizus burning in their houses. Yet he had been unable to keep that promise.
Raimei wanted to forgive him; absolve him. The very idea sickened him. He didn't deserve forgiveness. Even if he hadn't known Uncle Iroku's intentions, he should have been quick enough and skilled enough to save their parents.
I didn't even lift a finger until they were dead.
Gau saw the good in him. Raimei wanted to see it too. But Raikou knew that goodness, kindness and forgiveness were not his to own. He was too soiled and too guilty. Yet he could watch over them and make sure that they didn't repeat his mistakes. He wanted them to be happy; he wanted them to be everything he couldn't be anymore.
Resting his forehead against the glass, Raikou watched Gau laying on a pure white hospital bed. There was a breathing tube stuffed into his mouth and held in place by some tape. If one ignored that apparatus, it almost looked like he was sleeping.
What are you dreaming? What are you thinking?
A bitter smile touched Raikou's lips.
I can tell you my dream, Gau. Will you listen?
He paused and inhaled deeply.
Come back. That's my only dream. Come back and stand by my side again.
Curling his fingers against the pane, he allowed himself the weakness to cry.