#ryuu takaida

[kaoru-takaida]

The Ending That Marked Her Beginning...

Amongst the chaotic battlefield of Carteneau, two brave and foreign warriors fought hard. One to slay the Imperial soldiers as they tried mercilessly to slay him. And the other, healing him with her beautifully crafted staff to heal his ails. She gasps as a surprise blast explodes directly next to him, causing him to flop to the side. "Ryuu!!!" She screams, running to his side. She kneels next to him, and powers her aether, attempting to heal him. It flickers before igniting. But dulls every few seconds.

He looks at her, clamping his hand over his wounded shoulder, groaning in pain. "Sakura, you've almost exhausted your Aether. You cannot take anymore."

She shakes her head. "That can wait. You are not dying here! I won't let you!" Sakura scowls to Ryuu, her voice trembling a little. "We just... have to last till Master Louisoix can take care of that meteor. We... we can do this!" The two Xeala Auri make a point to look up in the sky, where a giant moon sized meteor descended from the dark bloody sky. Bodies upon bodies strewn all over the battlefield. Most dead, others screaming in pain. Sakura herself, was battered and bruised. A piece of her her horn missing on the left, and the right one shattered and missing the other half. Ryuu was no better. Far worse with numerous gashes and bruises, and cuts, and looking almost like he was put through a grater.

Brave Warriors of Light battle on in the distance, seeming a world apart in skills and power. Plowing through the battlefield with a facade of ease. But even they were struggling to stay alive.

Ryuu looks up at Sakura. "Do not be absurd! You need to help Master Leveilleur at all costs. Leave me be before-." Sakura coughs, and blood spews from the side of her mouth as her aetherial light bursts before fading entirely. She collapses onto her wounded husband and coughs repeatedly. "Sakura!!" Ryuu strains himself to sit up, grunting in effort and pain. She pulls her to him and shifts a few fulms away to sit against a column of rock, resting her in his lap. "You used too much Aether! You need to rest..." She smiles up at him sadly. He realizes his hand feels wet. He removes it from her back before seeing blood drip down his fingers.

Sakura keeps the smiles on her lips. "I... wanted to heal you first. But I did not poccess enough Aether to even heal myself." He gives her a look of shock.

And then it happened...

The meteor shattered. And all hell broke loose.

~~~~~~~~~

A tiny Auri girl follows two Elezen twins down the hall of the Studium. A big tug on her tail took her by surprise. She turns to see two Elezen boys, bigger than herself, standing there. The girl glances over her shoulder, making sure her young master and mistress were already of ears shot. They were already turning down the next hall towards their dorms. Another tug on her horns makes her snap her head around back at them. "Such a strange race you are. Where you come from, are all you dragon people slaves like your family?" He scoffs. "Well, Kaoru?"

Kaoru pushes the boy back, scowling at them. "I beg your pardon?!" She snaps. "You've any idea whom you peons are addressing?" She fixes her black and pink hair. "I'm no slave to anyone. And I was born here in Sharlayan. Not wherever your tiny brains thing I originate from." One Elezen boy, crosses his arms before walking behind her, both surrounding her.

"Oh?" He says. "That isn't what I hear." He smirks at her. "I hear that your mum and dad travelled here from a foreign land and begged House Leveilleur to take them in."

Kaoru scoffs. "Master Louisoix took them in. They did not beg, you insufferable fool..." She puts a hand on her hip, planting her feet. "Even as a Sister House member, I've more class than you ilk." She hisses. "How dare you think to mock me."

One boy scowls. But the first boy only laughs. "You jest..." He begins. "Is House Takaida so deluded in their position they actually see us as equals?" He says. The second boy kicks her back from behind, knocking the wind from her lungs and forcing her to her knees.

"You-." Before she can say anything, he pins her arms behind her back and rests a knee on her shoulder to keep her on her knees. "Unhand me, you swine!"

"Swine?" The boy asks, taking her by the chin. "Slaves aren't to speak to us like that..." He tightens his grip, forcing her to look up at him. "Tel l me, do you address Alphinaud and Alisaie with such a foul mouth? You follow them around ready for their every need. What is that to you, if not a slave or servant?

"As I've said, I'm no slave of-." Before she could finish, the boy slaps her. Her eyes are wide in shock. She'd never been hit before. Not by anyone that wasn't her combat instructor... her cheek stings a bit, but she had scales there luckily. He shakes his hand off, hissing a bit.

He laughs at her mortified expression. "What's this? Never been punished like this before?" He looks at his hand and tsks seeing it turn pink from hitting her scales. "No matter... there are other ways to break a slave."

He kicks her in the gut.

~~~~~~~~

Ryuu holds his broken wife in his arms, both of them bleeding without respite. Bahamut rages from above and they watch as Master Louisoix's plan of sealing him, fails. He stands on a cliff side not 50 fulms away. Ryuu and Sakura look around the battlefield as adventurers drop their weapons on hopelessness. Sakura and Ryuu can feel it too. As they can feel the grip of death easing it's way into their bodies. But there wasn't any sadness... just relief. They look at each other knowingly. As if a silent agreement. Ryuu laughs. "I'm going to miss your cooking, love."

She laughs. "Aye... And I your stories and jokes." She responds. They both hug as the huge flare gifted from Bahamut draws nearer.

Louisoix then begins to whisk others away with teleportation magicks. He turns to cast over Ryuu and Sakura. But a shake of Ryuu and Sakura's heads take him by surprise. "We will not last another moment... Master Louisoix." Ryuu tells him through his linkshell.

Sakura sighs. "Please... rescue the others..."

"My children..." He begins.

"Master Louisoix, please..." She begins.

Ryuu smiles over to him. "Our journey has come to it's end. Save the others and yourself."

As the last few warriors are teleported away, Master Louisoix remains. "You have my thanks you two. May your rest be peaceful..."

They both smile at one another as the light grows blinding. "Our dear little Kaoru..." Ryuu begins.

"Be strong and brave for us..." Sakura finishes.

And the flare envelops them.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Alisaie dabs Kaoru's cut above her cheek with a cloth wet with disinfectant. She hisses in pain before taking it from Alisaie to hold it there herself. "Honestly, why do you let people do that to you." She asks, putting away the medical kit. "This will have to do till we get you to the infirmary and the chirugeons can heal you."

Alphinaud enters the room, a topaz Carbuncle in his arms. "Well, Beloit will have fun with his new nose job and Croix will have to use one eye for a week." He replies. He keeps his eyes close in a cocky stupor. "I've already reported them to the Headmaster. So we just needs get you to get medical attention and-." He opens his eyes and is taken aback at what he sees.

"Mine apologies Master Alphinaud, Mistress Alisaie." She tells them. "You have my thanks for the untimely rescue." Alisaie looks back at her and gives the same equally shocked expression. "What? I know, I must look horrid..."

"No... that's not it..." Alisaie begins.

"Did those boys really get to you..." Alphinaud begins, pointing to the tears that have begun falling down Kaoru's eyes. "Or..."

Kaoru gives a surprised look now as she feels the tears drip from her chin. She has no idea why.

But she's crying for a reason not known to her...

[kaoru-takaida]

LONG Character Survey: Kaoru Takaida

BASICS.

FULL NAME: Kaoru Takaida

NICKNAME: Kaokao, Little Kaoru, Ruru

AGE: 22

BIRTHDAY: 15th Sun of the First Astral Moon (January 15th)

ETHNIC GROUP: Auri (Xaela)

NATIONALITY: Sharlayan

LANGUAGE(S): Eorzean, Ancient Sharlayan, Allagan

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Pansexual

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: ?

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Taken?

CLASS: Aether Manipulator

•Summons weapons using own Aether

•Favors Dancer Chakrams

HOMETOWN / AREA: NA

CURRENT HOMETOWN/ AREA: Mor Dhona

PROFESSION: Scion, Under-Archon

PHYSICAL.

HAIR: Black/Pale Pink

EYES: Blue (right), Green (left)

NOSE: Small button

FACE: Sharp

LIPS: Thin and full

COMPLEXION: Fair

BLEMISHES: None

SCARS: Various battle scars on her torso including a big X Shaped on her right shoulder blade

TATTOOS: *New* Eye of the Archon Tattoo on the back of her left shoulder

HEIGHT: 4'9″

WEIGHT: 125 lbs

BUILD: Short, fit, fair

FEATURES: None

ALLERGIES: Rolanberries

USUAL HAIRSTYLE: Hair pulled up in a feathered layered messy tail, bangs pointed, two strings of 3 white beads with a white feather on each end hanging from the right side of her hair

USUAL FACE LOOK: Made up subtly, darker eye shadow, pink lips

USUAL CLOTHING: Elegant yet practical clothes paired with tight black shorts (like Alisaie's) usually with knee high boots or socks, normally platform boots

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR(S): Unable to help/save loved ones, thunder, voidsent, *new* Becoming a sin eater, Vauthry, failure

ASPIRATION(S): To become an Archon and live on as an Adventurer in honor of her parents

POSITIVE TRAITS: Empathetic, compassionate, prodigious, determined, friendly, mother hen, realist

NEGATIVE TRAITS: Emotionally driven, cynical, hells bent on protecting the Leveilleur Twins, directionally challenged (constantly getting lost), disregards her well being for others

ZODIAC: Capricorn

TEMPERAMENT: Mother hen

SOUL TYPE(S): Scholar, Artist, musician

ANIMALS: Fox

VICE HABIT(S): Reading, exploring, humming, training, studying

FAITH: The Twelve

GHOSTS?: Of course

AFTERLIFE?: I hope so

REINCARNATION?: Mayhap

ALIENS?: Well, there are other stars than ours. So Aye.

POLITICAL ALIGNMENT: Pardon?

ECONOMIC PREFERENCE: Stable?

SOCIO POLITICAL POSITION: Have we any need of political talk right now?

EDUCATION LEVEL: Graduation from the Studium in Sharlayan, extensive knowledge of Aether Manipulation under Krile, *new* Archon training under Master Matoya

FAMILY.

FATHER: Ryuu Takaida (deceased)

MOTHER: Sakura (Enol) Takaida (deceased)

SIBLINGS:  None that she knows of

EXTENDED FAMILY: House Leveilleur, The Takaida house being a sister house conjoined with the High House

NAME MEANING(S):  "Takaida" means "prospers"

HISTORICAL CONNECTION?:  N/A

FAVORITES.

BOOK: "A Tale Of Three Stars" by Nuille Travers, a favorite among Sharlayan children

MOVIE PLAY: "The Little Prince"

5 SONGS:

• "Born to Be Yours" by Kygo, Imagine Dragons

• "Somebody to Die For" by Hurts

• "Face My Fears" by Hikaru Utada

• "Pieces" by Red

• "Your Guardian Angel" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

DEITY: Nymeia, Thaliak

HOLIDAY: Starlight

MONTH: January/ First Astral Moon

SEASON: Spring

PLACE: The Royal Menagerie

WEATHER: Fair skies, gentle breezes, quiet winds

SOUND: Wind chimes, Shishi Odoshi Bamboo Fountain (look it up ya nerds)

SCENT(S): Cherry Blossoms, musk, and grass

TASTE(S): Matcha, Sakura, Dark Chocolate, melon

FEEL(S): Silk, soft cloth, fuzzy blankets, warm sweaters

ANIMAL(S): Dog, cat, chocobo

NUMBER: 11

COLORS: Pastel pink, red, white, black

EXTRA.

TALENTS: Singing, dancing, drawing, taking care of people, seeing what others can't see

BAD AT: Directions, thinking of herself, letting the Leveilleur Twins do as they please

TURN ONS: Generously helping, brave, funny, calm, educated, creative

TURN OFFS: Pettiness, selfishness, self serving

HOBBIES: Singing, reading, studying, drawing, exploring

TROPES: Mother hen, soft scholar

AESTHETIC TAGS: Japanese cherry blossoms, pastel pink desserts, red and pink Japanese cultures

FC INFO.

MAIN  FC(S): Hm?

ALT FC(S): I beg your pardon?

OLDER FC(S): Uh..

YOUNGER  FC(S): No clue?

VOICE CLAIM(S): Hm?

GENDERBENT FC(S): I haven't the foggiest idea

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1: IF YOU COULD WRITE YOUR CHARACTER YOUR WAY IN THEIR OWN MOVIE, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED, WHAT STYLE WOULD IT BE FILMED IN, AND WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?:

• I guess as a well shot Asian Drama but with the Fantasy and Adventure that Final Fantasy XIV is. I wouldn't really have a name for it since FFXIV Already has several.

Q2: WHAT WOULD THEIR SOUNDTRACK / SCORE SOUND LIKE?:

• I suppose the music would change depending on where the story took us, like Final Fantasy XIV does

Q3: WHY DID YOU START WRITING THIS CHARACTER?:

• Because she wanted to share her adventures?

Q4: WHAT FIRST ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS CHARACTER?:

• At first I wanted to create ME in a Final Fantasy game. But once I learned about the lore, and role playing, Kaoru became her own person (after a hot mess of a Phantasia phase) and now she is, though she is a culmination of my aesthetic preferences.

Q5: DESCRIBE THE BIGGEST THING YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR MUSE:

• Well, having grown up with Alphinaud and Alisaie, she feels like she has a need to protect them. Even when they don't need it. She's dependent on her position as a somewhat aide to the Leveilleur Twins and their family that it prevents her from fully establishing herself independently. It causes alot of issues for her and the people she's close to, including the twins.

Q6: WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN COMMON WITH YOUR MUSE?:

• The mother hen instinct I guess is something we both share. Every place I work, they call me a mom despite me being super young. I always am there to help or listen to anyone's problems. And I always try to look out for my friends and colleagues. That's something that Kaoru ended up getting from me. That and her being directionally challenged. I get lost ALL the time.

Q7: HOW DOES YOUR MUSE FEEL ABOUT YOU?:

• I feel like Kaoru would be a bit cautious around me at first, but warm up to me when I try to listen to her and help her. She likes those types of people who are willing to help others.

Q8: WHAT CHARACTERS DOES YOUR MUSE HAVE INTERESTING INTERACTIONS WITH?

• Aside from obviously the Leveilleur Twins:

- Hope Gallant: Her best friend (@louderthanthedj )

- Tius Mason: my "alt" and sometimes her boyfriend, depending on who's chronicle you're reading

- G'raha Tia: Was always a great friend of Kaoru's and even a possible romantic interest that had mutual feelings for Kaoru *new* (even now)

- Arenvald Larentius: Since his joining the Scions, she's gotten closer and closer to him and now they've got a healthy and fulfilling friendship.

Q9: WHAT GIVES YOU INSPIRATION TO WRITE YOUR MUSE?

• Basically, I think of cool story scenarios I'd love to put a FFXIV spin on featuring my character and the beautiful Hope Gallant @louderthanthedj

Q10: HOW LONG DID THIS TAKE YOU TO COMPLETE?:

A couple of days since I work a crap ton and my internet is poopy.

==========

Tagged by: @louderthanthedj

Tagging: @ranier-layarte @avwalya @rhymingteelookatme @lyllyan-weiss @scholarlostintime @fyrielle

[kaoru-takaida]

Finally, my FFXIV avatar's profile and bio along with facts.

Name: Kaoru Takaida

Age: 20 years old

Job: Bard (later Red Mage)

Affiliation: Scions of the Seventh Dawn

Grand Company: Order of the Twin Adder

Family: Ryuu Takaida, father [deceased]======= Sakura Takaida, mother [deceased]

Bio:

Kaoru's family were originally from Doma. In a desperate attempt to raise their child in a land free from Imperial rule, Kaoru's parents flee to Eorzea, more specifically, Sharlayan. There they were found by House Leveilleur, and began to work under Master Louisoix. Eventually, Ryuu became a dedicated Paladin under the name House Leveilleur and Sakura became one of the finest healers under Master Louisoix's teachings.

This earned the Takaidas to become a sister house with House Leveilleur. And at the age of 16, Kaoru was put into the Studium alongside Alphinaud and Alisaie. Not to study the magicks, but to learn more about aetherial manipulation. Shortly after, Krile Baldesion recognizes Kaoru's potential for attaining the Echo and tries to convince the Takaidas to have her studied. Of course, being a sheltered and rich child, Kaoru made trouble and complained constantly. She oft made matters difficult or worsen them. So having her Echo studied was not a priority to her.

Unfortunately, Kaoru's parents perished in the Battle of Carteneau... leaving Kaoru to hold the weight of Sister House Takaida on her shoulders. After an ordeal, she picks up a bow and begins to train as a Bard under the House Leveilleur name. She also keeps a close eye on Alphinaud and Alisaie as a sort of guardian... or nanny...

Her journey leads her to the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, where she joins up with Alphinaud and finally begins to live out her life as her parents' legacy.

Trivia

Kaoru is a mother hen type, always trying to keep the Leveilleur twins in line and in one piece.

Alphinaud and Kaoru share a special bond since it was he who convinced Kaoru to live as an adventurer to honor her parents.

Kaoru picked up being a Red Mage only after she saw first hand Alisaie's capabilities as one. Hoping to protect the twins even better, she sought out X'rhun.

Alphinaud has a bad habit of pulling Kaoru's horns to get her attention. And she finds it completely annoying, often rewarding him with a small smack or a threatening glare.

Kaoru is pansexual. She's claimed that she doesn't look for love through gender or sexual orientation, but for what's in their heart and who they are as a person.

Kaoru has confessed on numerous occasions that she's had feelings for Alphinaud. But she's decided to support him from afar rather than as a significant other, due to her not wanting to be a burden to him or side track him from his goals and aspirations.

Likes: Singing, dancing, sparring, stars, reading, and riding chocobos.

Dislikes: The Garlean Empire, betrayal, lying, losing, and violence.

Important Events *contains tons of spoilers*

Coming to Eorzea: She's desperately chasing after both Alphinaud and Alisaie in an attempt to keep tabs on the two.

Joining the Fight: After she's reunited with Alphinaud, she joins the Scions of the Seventh Dawn.

Alphinaud Wounded: When she hears news of Alphinaud being wounded during a riot, Kaoru fell into a panic and ran to find him and see if he was okay.

The Betrayal of the Crystal Braves: When the Crystal Braves betray the Scions, Kaoru spots Alphinaud being taken into custody and watches powerlessly as they take him away. She escapes with the help of the others, and reunites with him shortly after.

The Knight's Calling: Harchefant's death deeply affects Kaoru. But she promised to begin living for him as well, and smile as much as she can.

Iceheart Melting: After Ysayle's death, Kaoru helps Alphinaud cope with the loss of their dear friend, and they're bond becomes stronger.

Alisaie's Return: When Kaoru and Alphinaud are reunited with Alisaie, it certainly is eventful. Having been poisoned and hanging on for life. Both are concerned, but quickly relieved when they return and see that she is on the mend.

The Finest Pupil's Final Witness: Kaoru takes Papalymo's death very hard. Though it was not all that appearent, she and Papalymo had a pretty good friendship despite their many differences. And after having so many comrades fall before her eyes, she's unsure on how to move on. Kaoru leaves everything bottled up till Yda confesses her true identity. Later, "Yda" apologizes stating she had no idea Papalymo and Kaoru were that close.

Kaoru Explodes On "Yda": Although Kaoru and Yda hadn't been too close, she feels betrayed by Lyse who has basically lied about her identity leaving Kaoru out of the loop the whole time. A sense of betrayal coupled with Papalymo's death causes her to become undone on Lyse. She stays mad at her for quite a while after.

Beginning to Sleep: After the events of the finally patch for Heavensward, Kaoru is caught by a wave from the Lifestream and her soul is swept away with it. As a result, Kaoru's body is put into a coma, and Alphinaud vows he'll try to find a way to restore her soul.

Alphinaud Cuts Kaoru's Hair: As Kaoru is in a coma, Alphinaud and Alisaie both agree to repay Kaoru's kindness and care by taking care of her as she sleeps. Alphinaud, remembering her mention she was going to cut her hair short, cuts it for her to surprise her when she wakes up.

Kaoru Wakes Up: After Alphinaud finally wakes Kaoru from her slumber, she is surprised at how much time had passed.

Falling for the Red: Kaoru sees firsthand via Alisaie's amazing displays the potential and the powers of a Red Mage. She decides to hang up her bow and take up the rapier instead. She learns quickly her abilities as a Red Mage.

Gosetsu Sacrifices Himself: Kaoru does not take the ultimate sacrifice lightly. And Gosetsu's death was no different. It takes both Hien and Yugiri to force her to leave Gosetsu behind. And after the fact, Kaoru is grief stricken once more at yet another comrade's demise. She comments that she doesn't understand why all she can do is watch before breaking down all together.

Alisaie Gets Injured: When facing Fordola, Alisaie is surprised by a very convenient Blitz attack by Fordola. Alphinaud heals her as much as he can, and both he and Kaoru desperately rush her to get medical help.

Trying To Understand Zenos: In the final showdown between Zenos and Kaoru, she tries to understand the message behind his crazed words. And before anyone has time to stop it, Zenos brutally offs himself, only leaving more questions for Kaoru and a feeling of ill tidings.

Off On An Adventure: Kaoru, Alphinaud, and Arenvald all have a small adventure treasure hunting for King Thoderick's hidden trove. Kaoru begins to connect with the two a little better and comments on how she hopes the three of them can "adventure like this more often".

Important relationships:

Alphinaud and Alisaie Leveilleur: As mentioned before, Kaoru looks over the twins like a guardian. She's a loyal friend and stays with them through thick and thin. Though she was not too keen on the idea of letting Alisaie leave by herself after the Trials of Bahamut were laid to rest, she understood Alisaie's intentions to improve herself and allowed her to leave. Kaoru also has feeling for Alphinaud, but chooses not to act upon them, due to her not wanting to hinder him or inconvenience him in anyway.

Cid Garlond: Kaoru has a lighthearted relationship with Cid. He often helps her tune her Manacutter and other robotic or magiteck machines and offers good counsel when she needs it. Cid considers Kaoru a dear friend and often jokes with her about her less than stellar habit of overworking her machines. But they both find each other reliable and loyal to a fault.

The Scions of the Seventh Dawn: Kaoru is a very proud Scion. She loves being a Scion and tries her hardest to aid Eorzea's woes and ease other's suffering. She is often seen frequenting the Scions establishments to check up on their people and see everyone's progress.

Arenvald Lentius: Before liberating Ala Mhigo, Kaoru would often talk to Arenvald who was another proud Scion like herself. Arenvald often talks about his admiration for her. Her relationship with him grows stronger as they free Ala Mhigo and go on adventures together with Alphinaud.

Lyse Hext: Though she was a bit stung at first by being betrayed when Lyse was posing as her sister, Kaoru forgives her after a while and begins a sort of sisterly bond with her and Alisaie. Though Kaoru is saddened that Lyse has to leave the Scions, she understands that her home is finally free and needs her to help prosper.

Featured pictures:

Kaoru's original outfit before Stormblood.

Kaoru gets a haircut and a change of wardrobe.

Kaoru begins training as a Red Mage. She even gets a matching rapier to Alisaie with the only difference being color.

Kaoru with Alphinaud and Arenvald.

Kaoru's current outfit. She's based her looks loosely on both Alphinaud and Alisaie's attire. With the long white boots, the black tails on the jacket and the color being taken from Alphinaud's look, and the short skirt and bows on the boots being influenced by Alisaie's clothes as well as the high collar.