sugata shindou app for zodion
✖ PLAYER:
Name & LJ: Hales; lavaliere
Birthdate & Age: 12/20/1985; 25
Characters played in Zodion: n/a
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Sugata Shindou
Canon: Star Driver: Takuto of the Radiance
Info: Wiki 1, Wiki 2
PB/Image: Character Ref 1 Ref 2 Ref 3
Canon Point: Episode 24, before revealing himself as a member of the Glittering Crux
Gender: Male
Age: 16
Birthdate/Sign:
In series, the day of Sugata's birthday is never explicitly stated. Though the day is played out, what day it is has never been mentioned, a date never assigned. What's more, Sugata shares his birthday with the other main character of the series, his polar opposite and his foil, Takuto Tsunashi. Despite sharing a birthday (and thus a sign), Sugata and Takuto are vastly different. I don't wish to assign a specific birth date to Sugata as this would also affect a Takuto if the character ever comes to be apped into the game.
This doesn't mean Sugata is without indicators for a sign. Most notably is his mark as a Star Driver and thus the cybody he controls. Samekh, the mark he bears as the cybody's Star Driver, is tied to the astrological sign of Saggitarius. And when compared to Sugata's personality, it fits. Given his frank nature, and the bitterness he has towards being fated to be Samekh's pilot, as well as the lack of jealousy he has towards his friend Takuto, who becomes someone of interest to Sugata's fiance, Wako, the sign of Sagittarius is fitting. Furthermore, much like those born under the sign of Sagittarius, Sugata can be quick to act before thinking, but also the most witty of the group of friends he has. Sugata is also very open minded, athletic, intelligent, and generous, all attributes of the Sagittarius sign.
Tattoo: Sugata's tattoo will be about the size of his Samekh mark, and will also replace its position on the center of his chest.
Suitability:
Despite being sixteen years old, Sugata is a very level-headed, mature, yet strong willed individual, determined and focused on his goals as well as on staying alive. Determined as he is, Sugata would do anything to prevent his own death, as shown by his overcoming the coma that he'd been sent into upon activating Samekh for the first time. In the past, all other pilots of the Samekh cybody had fallen into a coma and later died while trying to use it, however Sugata manages to come out of the coma, because he's so determined to live. The reason he has for being so determined to survive is simple: Ensuring the protection of those he cares about. And while in Zodion, Sugata would rather have sex than die, in order to find some way off the planet and back to his friends. What's more, Sugata's strong will to protect his friends (shown in the strength he has and the danger in which he puts himself in order to pilot the Samekh, as well as his willingness to use any means, including joining the antagonists, to ensure Wako remains protected) means he would be willing to offer his help to others with whom he's cultivated strong relationships.
Power:
Sugata's powers come from one source and that's his ability apprivoise, or summon, the enormously powerful Samekh cybody. Cybodies are essentially large mechas piloted from a circular room within the cybody (though, this is only applicable to cybody pilots that have been born with Star Driver marks, or "Galactic Pretty Boys". Those without marks must apprivoise using a cybercasket.) Most cybodies are either of the "maiden" or "warrior" classes. Maiden cybodies are used to protect the seals of Zero Time, an alternate dimension that keep all cybodies from being summoned on Earth as well as the dimension in which they fight. Warrior cybodies are the "knights" that either fight for or against other warrior cybodies in order to gain control of the four maidens.
Sugata's cybody is completely different. Known as "Samekh", Sugata's cybody is a "king" class and is so powerful, that if awakened to its full power and let outside Zero Time, it would sap the entire world of its libido, killing the planet and everything living on it. While dormant, the Samekh cybody lends its driver a "First Phase", or a power that can be used while outside Zero Time. Sugata's First Phase is known as the "King's Pillar", a massive pillar of energy that can be used to kill or incapacitate others within its circumference. And this circumference can be huge.
Other powers that the Samekh cybody give to Sugata include the ability to posses other cybodies (as he does when the driver of Peshent tries to control him with her First Phase), power-up certain cybodies (as he does to Takuto's Tauburn cybody in an attempt to help him fight), as well as control any and all cybodies that have been previously destroyed.
Obviously, this massive amount of power would not be suitable in Zodion, and because of this, I'm opting to have all of Sugata's regular powers removed in exchange for the abilities that come with the Sagittarius tattoo, meaning the "fire" based ability of manipulation at an entry level.
Personality:
Outwardly, Sugata Shindou appears to be a serious and reserved young man. Unlike the series' main character (Takuto), who displays an impulsive and often overly-spirited personality, Sugata is less likely to react emotionally to the goings-on around him. He appears calm, collected, and highly intelligent, all of which are accurate descriptions of his personality, but only part of it. Sugata is a complex character, molded by his upbringing and the relationships he forms, making him a perfect foil for the outgoing and cheerful Takuto.
One of the first things discovered about Sugata is how quiet and reserved he is. He rarely speaks to others unless they are within his close, inner circle of friends. And even then, few know as much about him save his "fiance" and childhood friend, Wako. The majority of this is due to Sugata's birth and the circumstances around it. As the heir to the wealthy Shindo family and a native on the island, Sugata has been burdened with responsibilities from an early age. As soon as he turned five, Sugata learned that he bears the mark of a special kind of Star Driver, or pilot of the secret mechas known as cybodies that are hidden under the island. But there are restrictions that come with being this special pilot, and if Sugata ever attempted to pilot it or use the powers with which he was born, he would most likely fall into a coma. Despite this downside, the powers of Sugata's cybody, Samekh, are so powerful that he is forbidden from ever leaving the island, and ever since he was young, Sugata has been under guard to ensure that if he ever does try to leave the island, he will be killed. This constant reminder of the burdens Sugata carries leaves him somewhat bitter at times, resentful of his duties and of his fate. But because he is determined to uphold those duties, he remains silent and does not let others know what he dwells on. Not even Wako.
But this darker side of Sugata is not always kept secret. The select few that are close to him are aware that he tends to carry a knife on him at all times. Wako, who is much closer to Sugata than anyone else in the series, is fully aware of this and it almost frightens her. As she explains in episode six, she knows how much Sugata hates his own birthday due to the circumstances of his birth. And she fears what his intentions are with the knife he carries.
However, this is one part of Sugata is hidden deep down and rarely seen. In fact, in series, only one person is able to pull this part out of Sugata and that is the series' protaganist: Takuto Tsunashi. When Takuto Tsunashi arrives to the island, Sugata is immediately curious about the other boy, admitting as much in episode eight. He takes a slight liking to him, allowing Takuto to join his inner circle of friends and even goes as far as to encourage him to spend time with Wako, the person that Sugata probably cares for more than anyone else. And as he becomes closer and more familiar with Takuto, as they spend more time together, Takuto's cheerful and determined nature draw more and more out of Sugata than just the initial reserved and intelligent side that Sugata shows the world.
This intelligent side of Sugata is yet another aspect that makes him the complex character that he is. Thanks to his upbringing, Sugata is highly aware of the island's inner secrets and the nature of the hidden cybodies. He is often turned to among the other people he spends time with for background on cybodies and their powers. Additionally, Sugata's intellect has given him a rather open minded view of life, such as when he explains to Takuto that since it's the twenty-first century, people should be follow the philosophy of "free love". Sugata's intellect also makes him seem quite different from Takuto, who displays a more goofy and almost childish side. But even Sugata is able to open up and be quite friendly.
To his close friends, Sugata is often seen as warm and caring, especially to Wako and Takuto, whom he considers the people he is closest. When spending time with them, he even is known to have a sense of humor that allows for deadpanned comments which often lead to teasing. He frequently teases Wako about things such as her hunger. And towards Takuto, he teases him about romance or Takuto's relationships with other girls. Sugata also tends to laugh at the antics of his friends, even if he is not likely to always join in them. It's not uncommon for those close to him to hear him chuckle at hearing Wako's stomach rumble or Takuto's expressions. However, how much he opens up to his friends does not stop there.
Once someone gets close enough to Sugata to find this more open side of him, they find that much like Takuto, he is more likely to act irrationally in order to protect the people he cares about. Despite the possibly disastrous affects of activating the powers of his cybody, Sugata is willing to put his life on the line in order to protect Wako and Takuto. This is never more emphasized than when he first activates its power in episode six in order to keep the enemies from hurting the person he cares about most. The result sends him into a coma that he almost does not wake up from, but when he does, he continues to fight, regardless of how dangerous it is to him. But even if he is willing to put his life on the line, Sugata is also wary enough to weigh his options in a fight, sometimes putting his trust in Takuto rather than taking charge himself, mostly because he has faith in his friend.
All of these aspects of Sugata make for a very complex character that is not what he appears on the outside. While the first glance or first impressions of a reserved, calm, and intellectual young man are correct, there are more to him than that, as shown in his darker side, his softer side, and his protective side. And though the outward part of Sugata is all that's shown to those that reside on Southern Cross Island, he still remains a highly desired member of the student body who many young women adore.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[ The video opens with a view of a serious looking young man sitting at a table with a cup of tea in front of him. Judging from his expression, he's already figured out a bit about his new setting. And obviously, he's already found clothes and someplace to sit, since stepping outside the pool in Luminar. After some trial and error with attempting to use his First Phase and relying on the iPhone like device for information, of course. Inwardly, he's still very skeptical of the letter still saved to the new device, but given that the location seems like nothing related to the cybodies or Zero Time, he can't assume it's some kind of illusion created by the Glittering Crux.
Outwardly, there are no signs that he is upset other than the furrowing of his brows. This is true, to some extent. He knows where he is (sort of-he still has a lot of questions and a bit of skepticism about the "gods"), but he's certainly not pleased with the situation.
Calmly, Sugata lifts his tea cup to sip from it before setting it down and addressing the feed. Leaning forward to place his elbows on the table, Sugata begins to speak. If this is still some elaborate kidnapping attempt on behalf of the Glittering Crux, he needs to find out who is behind it. If he is on an entirely new planet altogether... well, that will be troublesome. Time to get as much information as he can. ]
I hadn't realized that I'm important enough to be kidnapped by fledgling gods. [ There's a slight hint of disbelief in his tone, and his lips quirk as if threatening to curl into a smirk. ] I'm looking for someone named Wako and a freeloader with red hair. Has anyone seen either?
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry:
It was the chill of the stone floor that brought Sugata to waking, so vastly different from the warmth of his bedroom in the Shindo estates. And even before he blinked his eyes open, he could tell he was no longer in his home. Immediately, his guard went up, suspicious of his surroundings before even seeing them, and as his eyes opened to take in the view, his suspicions increased. Already, several ideas were forming in his mind as he caught sight of a small, stone alter and the clear reflecting pool around it. He knew it couldn't be the Glittering Crux, because they certainly believed he was on their side and had already set foot inside their lair. It wasn't Zero Time either, the distinct lack of glittering galaxies around him or the presence of cybodies being the key indicator. So where was he?
It was as he pondered possibilities that the small box situated atop the stone alter began to glow. The light immediately caught Sugata's attention, holding it steadfast as he considered what to do next. Inexplicably, he found himself drawn to it, approaching the alter before he could stop himself and even stepping over the reflecting pool as he reached out. But before Sugata could touch the box before him, a searing pain inexplicably shot through his chest. Doubling over, Sugata gasped as he reached a hand up to his chest where he knew the mark for Samekh should be.
Something was different. Sugata knew immediately as the searing pain began to heal and he could stand upward again. And as he did, he noticed the new mirror formed by the reflecting pool as well as his reflection in it. Whatever was causing all this, Sugata deduced, it was not related to the Glittering Crux or the cybodies. He'd never seen anything like this before, nor were there any memories of such a thing tied to his cybody, Samekh. But to be certain, even as Sugata eyed the new tattoo on his chest, covering where his mark should be (he set aside the confusion of said tattoo for later), Sugata raised a hand in the air, preparing to call his First Phase. He focused hard on the energy that should build up, but when he got no response, the frown on Sugata's lips grew.
"Apprivoise..." he murmured, hand still raised and all his concentration set on calling the King's Pillar down on the still glowing box before him. "Samekh!" Again, there was no response, furthering Sugata's belief that wherever he was, it didn't have to do with his fate as Samekh's Star Driver.
Any relief Sugata might have had at escaping his fate was quickly replaced by curiosity and determination. No doubt, he'd been unable to call Samekh due to the new mark on his chest, similar yet dissimilar to his original mark. So far, he'd only seen it in the reflection of the newly created mirror, but Sugata had no doubt it would be on his chest if he unbuttoned his pajama shirt. After all, there had been no glow from his mark, no sign it was even still there. But Sugata knew that it would be best to make certain anyway, which he did, peeking down at his chest as his long fingers unfastened his shirt.
Indeed, the new mark was there, only bringing more confusion to Sugata. He was not well versed in the Zodiac, but he knew that the mark there was not related to his own birthday. So why had this new mark been bestowed upon him? And why had he been brought to this strange place? As the questions formed in Sugata's mind, yet another question soon followed: Where was Wako and was she safe? What of Takuto?
Sugata knew how tenacious the situation had become back home. Two Maiden seals had already been broken and the Eastern Maiden was a member of the Crux. That had left Sugata with one choice and he'd already set himself to accomplishing it. Samekh's power was just too dangerous to ignore or let fall into any other hands. That had been why he'd joined the Crux. To make them believe he'd be on their side so he could seal Samekh forever. He'd been determined to prevent anyone else from receiving the same fate he'd been given, determined to release Tiger and Jaguar from their service, and determined to make sure Wako would always be protected. But wherever he was now... Without his power to control Samekh, what would happen?
There was some irony, he knew, in the fact he was without power. It had been what he'd wished for, cursing his own birthday for so many years. Now it was really gone and a new date of birth assigned to him, if the new mark he bore gave any indication. But it wasn't what Sugata wanted. He had something he still needed to do at home.
That something was what gave Sugata the determination to find out more. So disregarding his reflection, he turned back to the box at the center which had lost its glow, striding towards it in order to discern its purpose. When it did nothing to him upon touching it, he opened it, finding two items that surprised him. So... he was expected, then. And his arrival had been no accident. This thought was further confirmed by the sheet of paper meant as a letter of welcoming.
Crushing the letter in one hand and lifting the cellphone-like device out of the box, Sugata made up his mind. First, he would find out more about his new location, then he would find out if Wako or Takuto had been dragged along. After that... After that would come another decision. To stay, or find a way home.
Name & LJ: Hales; lavaliere
Birthdate & Age: 12/20/1985; 25
Characters played in Zodion: n/a
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Sugata Shindou
Canon: Star Driver: Takuto of the Radiance
Info: Wiki 1, Wiki 2
PB/Image: Character Ref 1 Ref 2 Ref 3
Canon Point: Episode 24, before revealing himself as a member of the Glittering Crux
Gender: Male
Age: 16
Birthdate/Sign:
In series, the day of Sugata's birthday is never explicitly stated. Though the day is played out, what day it is has never been mentioned, a date never assigned. What's more, Sugata shares his birthday with the other main character of the series, his polar opposite and his foil, Takuto Tsunashi. Despite sharing a birthday (and thus a sign), Sugata and Takuto are vastly different. I don't wish to assign a specific birth date to Sugata as this would also affect a Takuto if the character ever comes to be apped into the game.
This doesn't mean Sugata is without indicators for a sign. Most notably is his mark as a Star Driver and thus the cybody he controls. Samekh, the mark he bears as the cybody's Star Driver, is tied to the astrological sign of Saggitarius. And when compared to Sugata's personality, it fits. Given his frank nature, and the bitterness he has towards being fated to be Samekh's pilot, as well as the lack of jealousy he has towards his friend Takuto, who becomes someone of interest to Sugata's fiance, Wako, the sign of Sagittarius is fitting. Furthermore, much like those born under the sign of Sagittarius, Sugata can be quick to act before thinking, but also the most witty of the group of friends he has. Sugata is also very open minded, athletic, intelligent, and generous, all attributes of the Sagittarius sign.
Tattoo: Sugata's tattoo will be about the size of his Samekh mark, and will also replace its position on the center of his chest.
Suitability:
Despite being sixteen years old, Sugata is a very level-headed, mature, yet strong willed individual, determined and focused on his goals as well as on staying alive. Determined as he is, Sugata would do anything to prevent his own death, as shown by his overcoming the coma that he'd been sent into upon activating Samekh for the first time. In the past, all other pilots of the Samekh cybody had fallen into a coma and later died while trying to use it, however Sugata manages to come out of the coma, because he's so determined to live. The reason he has for being so determined to survive is simple: Ensuring the protection of those he cares about. And while in Zodion, Sugata would rather have sex than die, in order to find some way off the planet and back to his friends. What's more, Sugata's strong will to protect his friends (shown in the strength he has and the danger in which he puts himself in order to pilot the Samekh, as well as his willingness to use any means, including joining the antagonists, to ensure Wako remains protected) means he would be willing to offer his help to others with whom he's cultivated strong relationships.
Power:
Sugata's powers come from one source and that's his ability apprivoise, or summon, the enormously powerful Samekh cybody. Cybodies are essentially large mechas piloted from a circular room within the cybody (though, this is only applicable to cybody pilots that have been born with Star Driver marks, or "Galactic Pretty Boys". Those without marks must apprivoise using a cybercasket.) Most cybodies are either of the "maiden" or "warrior" classes. Maiden cybodies are used to protect the seals of Zero Time, an alternate dimension that keep all cybodies from being summoned on Earth as well as the dimension in which they fight. Warrior cybodies are the "knights" that either fight for or against other warrior cybodies in order to gain control of the four maidens.
Sugata's cybody is completely different. Known as "Samekh", Sugata's cybody is a "king" class and is so powerful, that if awakened to its full power and let outside Zero Time, it would sap the entire world of its libido, killing the planet and everything living on it. While dormant, the Samekh cybody lends its driver a "First Phase", or a power that can be used while outside Zero Time. Sugata's First Phase is known as the "King's Pillar", a massive pillar of energy that can be used to kill or incapacitate others within its circumference. And this circumference can be huge.
Other powers that the Samekh cybody give to Sugata include the ability to posses other cybodies (as he does when the driver of Peshent tries to control him with her First Phase), power-up certain cybodies (as he does to Takuto's Tauburn cybody in an attempt to help him fight), as well as control any and all cybodies that have been previously destroyed.
Obviously, this massive amount of power would not be suitable in Zodion, and because of this, I'm opting to have all of Sugata's regular powers removed in exchange for the abilities that come with the Sagittarius tattoo, meaning the "fire" based ability of manipulation at an entry level.
Personality:
Outwardly, Sugata Shindou appears to be a serious and reserved young man. Unlike the series' main character (Takuto), who displays an impulsive and often overly-spirited personality, Sugata is less likely to react emotionally to the goings-on around him. He appears calm, collected, and highly intelligent, all of which are accurate descriptions of his personality, but only part of it. Sugata is a complex character, molded by his upbringing and the relationships he forms, making him a perfect foil for the outgoing and cheerful Takuto.
One of the first things discovered about Sugata is how quiet and reserved he is. He rarely speaks to others unless they are within his close, inner circle of friends. And even then, few know as much about him save his "fiance" and childhood friend, Wako. The majority of this is due to Sugata's birth and the circumstances around it. As the heir to the wealthy Shindo family and a native on the island, Sugata has been burdened with responsibilities from an early age. As soon as he turned five, Sugata learned that he bears the mark of a special kind of Star Driver, or pilot of the secret mechas known as cybodies that are hidden under the island. But there are restrictions that come with being this special pilot, and if Sugata ever attempted to pilot it or use the powers with which he was born, he would most likely fall into a coma. Despite this downside, the powers of Sugata's cybody, Samekh, are so powerful that he is forbidden from ever leaving the island, and ever since he was young, Sugata has been under guard to ensure that if he ever does try to leave the island, he will be killed. This constant reminder of the burdens Sugata carries leaves him somewhat bitter at times, resentful of his duties and of his fate. But because he is determined to uphold those duties, he remains silent and does not let others know what he dwells on. Not even Wako.
But this darker side of Sugata is not always kept secret. The select few that are close to him are aware that he tends to carry a knife on him at all times. Wako, who is much closer to Sugata than anyone else in the series, is fully aware of this and it almost frightens her. As she explains in episode six, she knows how much Sugata hates his own birthday due to the circumstances of his birth. And she fears what his intentions are with the knife he carries.
However, this is one part of Sugata is hidden deep down and rarely seen. In fact, in series, only one person is able to pull this part out of Sugata and that is the series' protaganist: Takuto Tsunashi. When Takuto Tsunashi arrives to the island, Sugata is immediately curious about the other boy, admitting as much in episode eight. He takes a slight liking to him, allowing Takuto to join his inner circle of friends and even goes as far as to encourage him to spend time with Wako, the person that Sugata probably cares for more than anyone else. And as he becomes closer and more familiar with Takuto, as they spend more time together, Takuto's cheerful and determined nature draw more and more out of Sugata than just the initial reserved and intelligent side that Sugata shows the world.
This intelligent side of Sugata is yet another aspect that makes him the complex character that he is. Thanks to his upbringing, Sugata is highly aware of the island's inner secrets and the nature of the hidden cybodies. He is often turned to among the other people he spends time with for background on cybodies and their powers. Additionally, Sugata's intellect has given him a rather open minded view of life, such as when he explains to Takuto that since it's the twenty-first century, people should be follow the philosophy of "free love". Sugata's intellect also makes him seem quite different from Takuto, who displays a more goofy and almost childish side. But even Sugata is able to open up and be quite friendly.
To his close friends, Sugata is often seen as warm and caring, especially to Wako and Takuto, whom he considers the people he is closest. When spending time with them, he even is known to have a sense of humor that allows for deadpanned comments which often lead to teasing. He frequently teases Wako about things such as her hunger. And towards Takuto, he teases him about romance or Takuto's relationships with other girls. Sugata also tends to laugh at the antics of his friends, even if he is not likely to always join in them. It's not uncommon for those close to him to hear him chuckle at hearing Wako's stomach rumble or Takuto's expressions. However, how much he opens up to his friends does not stop there.
Once someone gets close enough to Sugata to find this more open side of him, they find that much like Takuto, he is more likely to act irrationally in order to protect the people he cares about. Despite the possibly disastrous affects of activating the powers of his cybody, Sugata is willing to put his life on the line in order to protect Wako and Takuto. This is never more emphasized than when he first activates its power in episode six in order to keep the enemies from hurting the person he cares about most. The result sends him into a coma that he almost does not wake up from, but when he does, he continues to fight, regardless of how dangerous it is to him. But even if he is willing to put his life on the line, Sugata is also wary enough to weigh his options in a fight, sometimes putting his trust in Takuto rather than taking charge himself, mostly because he has faith in his friend.
All of these aspects of Sugata make for a very complex character that is not what he appears on the outside. While the first glance or first impressions of a reserved, calm, and intellectual young man are correct, there are more to him than that, as shown in his darker side, his softer side, and his protective side. And though the outward part of Sugata is all that's shown to those that reside on Southern Cross Island, he still remains a highly desired member of the student body who many young women adore.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[ The video opens with a view of a serious looking young man sitting at a table with a cup of tea in front of him. Judging from his expression, he's already figured out a bit about his new setting. And obviously, he's already found clothes and someplace to sit, since stepping outside the pool in Luminar. After some trial and error with attempting to use his First Phase and relying on the iPhone like device for information, of course. Inwardly, he's still very skeptical of the letter still saved to the new device, but given that the location seems like nothing related to the cybodies or Zero Time, he can't assume it's some kind of illusion created by the Glittering Crux.
Outwardly, there are no signs that he is upset other than the furrowing of his brows. This is true, to some extent. He knows where he is (sort of-he still has a lot of questions and a bit of skepticism about the "gods"), but he's certainly not pleased with the situation.
Calmly, Sugata lifts his tea cup to sip from it before setting it down and addressing the feed. Leaning forward to place his elbows on the table, Sugata begins to speak. If this is still some elaborate kidnapping attempt on behalf of the Glittering Crux, he needs to find out who is behind it. If he is on an entirely new planet altogether... well, that will be troublesome. Time to get as much information as he can. ]
I hadn't realized that I'm important enough to be kidnapped by fledgling gods. [ There's a slight hint of disbelief in his tone, and his lips quirk as if threatening to curl into a smirk. ] I'm looking for someone named Wako and a freeloader with red hair. Has anyone seen either?
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry:
It was the chill of the stone floor that brought Sugata to waking, so vastly different from the warmth of his bedroom in the Shindo estates. And even before he blinked his eyes open, he could tell he was no longer in his home. Immediately, his guard went up, suspicious of his surroundings before even seeing them, and as his eyes opened to take in the view, his suspicions increased. Already, several ideas were forming in his mind as he caught sight of a small, stone alter and the clear reflecting pool around it. He knew it couldn't be the Glittering Crux, because they certainly believed he was on their side and had already set foot inside their lair. It wasn't Zero Time either, the distinct lack of glittering galaxies around him or the presence of cybodies being the key indicator. So where was he?
It was as he pondered possibilities that the small box situated atop the stone alter began to glow. The light immediately caught Sugata's attention, holding it steadfast as he considered what to do next. Inexplicably, he found himself drawn to it, approaching the alter before he could stop himself and even stepping over the reflecting pool as he reached out. But before Sugata could touch the box before him, a searing pain inexplicably shot through his chest. Doubling over, Sugata gasped as he reached a hand up to his chest where he knew the mark for Samekh should be.
Something was different. Sugata knew immediately as the searing pain began to heal and he could stand upward again. And as he did, he noticed the new mirror formed by the reflecting pool as well as his reflection in it. Whatever was causing all this, Sugata deduced, it was not related to the Glittering Crux or the cybodies. He'd never seen anything like this before, nor were there any memories of such a thing tied to his cybody, Samekh. But to be certain, even as Sugata eyed the new tattoo on his chest, covering where his mark should be (he set aside the confusion of said tattoo for later), Sugata raised a hand in the air, preparing to call his First Phase. He focused hard on the energy that should build up, but when he got no response, the frown on Sugata's lips grew.
"Apprivoise..." he murmured, hand still raised and all his concentration set on calling the King's Pillar down on the still glowing box before him. "Samekh!" Again, there was no response, furthering Sugata's belief that wherever he was, it didn't have to do with his fate as Samekh's Star Driver.
Any relief Sugata might have had at escaping his fate was quickly replaced by curiosity and determination. No doubt, he'd been unable to call Samekh due to the new mark on his chest, similar yet dissimilar to his original mark. So far, he'd only seen it in the reflection of the newly created mirror, but Sugata had no doubt it would be on his chest if he unbuttoned his pajama shirt. After all, there had been no glow from his mark, no sign it was even still there. But Sugata knew that it would be best to make certain anyway, which he did, peeking down at his chest as his long fingers unfastened his shirt.
Indeed, the new mark was there, only bringing more confusion to Sugata. He was not well versed in the Zodiac, but he knew that the mark there was not related to his own birthday. So why had this new mark been bestowed upon him? And why had he been brought to this strange place? As the questions formed in Sugata's mind, yet another question soon followed: Where was Wako and was she safe? What of Takuto?
Sugata knew how tenacious the situation had become back home. Two Maiden seals had already been broken and the Eastern Maiden was a member of the Crux. That had left Sugata with one choice and he'd already set himself to accomplishing it. Samekh's power was just too dangerous to ignore or let fall into any other hands. That had been why he'd joined the Crux. To make them believe he'd be on their side so he could seal Samekh forever. He'd been determined to prevent anyone else from receiving the same fate he'd been given, determined to release Tiger and Jaguar from their service, and determined to make sure Wako would always be protected. But wherever he was now... Without his power to control Samekh, what would happen?
There was some irony, he knew, in the fact he was without power. It had been what he'd wished for, cursing his own birthday for so many years. Now it was really gone and a new date of birth assigned to him, if the new mark he bore gave any indication. But it wasn't what Sugata wanted. He had something he still needed to do at home.
That something was what gave Sugata the determination to find out more. So disregarding his reflection, he turned back to the box at the center which had lost its glow, striding towards it in order to discern its purpose. When it did nothing to him upon touching it, he opened it, finding two items that surprised him. So... he was expected, then. And his arrival had been no accident. This thought was further confirmed by the sheet of paper meant as a letter of welcoming.
Crushing the letter in one hand and lifting the cellphone-like device out of the box, Sugata made up his mind. First, he would find out more about his new location, then he would find out if Wako or Takuto had been dragged along. After that... After that would come another decision. To stay, or find a way home.