The Crimson Witch ~Minamoto Yuriko~ WIP

[Uchiha Akari]

The Crimson Witch​

Yuriko's regular self <> Yuriko the Crimson Witch​

Basic Information:
Name: Minamoto Yuriko
Age: 22
Gender:Female
Birthday: 20 January
Blood Type O+
Alliance: Kirigakure -Main Branch Chuunin-
Core Ability: Spiritualist
Kinjutsu: Hachimon
Contract: None
Cursed Seal: None
Chakra Mark: Belkan Triangle on her upper-back

Physical Details:

Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown/Red
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: -Lost during Data Retrieval attempt-

Personality:
[spoilername="Regular Yuriko"]Positive Traits
Cheerful:
Despite the traumatizing events surrounding the 'Crimson Realm Incident' during her childhood Yuriko has been able to regain her former cheerfulness, able to face most things with a smile. It might be considered a facade to ensure the hardships of life but she considers her cheerfulness a means to give both herself and those around her the strength to continue


Gentle:
Soft-spoken and with a calming presence Yuriko often seems like a good person to talk to when someone needs a listening ear. Despite her fairly young age her views on life can be rather mature allowing her to look at things without being biased.

Rational Thinker:
Someone who despite her cheerfulness still tries to listen to her mind rather than her heart Yuriko often tries to plan something as deeply as possible before carrying it out.


Trustworthy:
Someone who values the aspect of friendship and honesty Yuriko is someone who always will try to lend a hand if she promised to do so, albeit this isn't always that useful since people can easily see through her plans.

Imaginative:
A day-dreamer at heart Yuriko's mind is open to suggestions and encouragements alike, seemingly not shying away from dreaming up schemes and plans that might seem out of league to others but to her feel very possible!


Playful:
When around those she knows and trusts Yuriko seems to display a more open and playful personality, often smiling and laughing around with others

Negative Traits

Shy:
Rather shy and distrustful toward strangers Yuriko is the type who quickly shows her discomfort by keeping both her distance and remaining silent toward others what sometimes might make her incorrectly assumed to be a rude person


Soft-Spoken:
Being gentle and understanding in nature does make it difficult for others to consider her intimidating, especially when the know that Yuriko tries to avoid conflicts as much as possible.


Slight Failure Paranoia:
Being one who tries to plan carefully Yuriko does often fear the unprepared, what if a plan goes wrong? What if she forgotten to calculate something? What if she wants to make toasts and all the bread is sold out! If a plan goes wrong it might be the end of the world for Yuriko.


Incompetent Liar:
Don't ask her to lie, even for your own amusement. Being someone who values truth a lot she is simply incapable of lying without making it obvious, whenever it's fidgeting or a Cheshire-cat grin appearing on her lips nervousness always ends up making her reveal the truth in the end.


Sleepy-Head:
Said to make the best plans when she's day-dreaming Yuriko does often appear to be a bit air-headed, as if she is still half asleep in the middle of a serious situation. It does take a STRONG stimulation to get her out of this trait.


Pervert:
At least toward women, her playfulness often is prone to make her go a bit further and provide the fan-service everyone seems to enjoy, well she's a 'YURIko' for something[/spoilername]

[spoilername="Crimson Yuriko"]WIP[/spoilername]​

 

[Uchiha Akari]

Prologue:

Spoiler

There’s an aspect to legends and myths that is not so easily noticed. The fact that no matter how outlandish the tale there is usually some truth found in it. For example the tale of the two deities of Izanagi and Izanami conceals a secret truth that till today only few are aware of. It is the truth about how indeed two deities had made a deal about the nature of life and death that the mortals within their world had to endure. Jashin, the dark god of death, the king on the bloody throne and countless other titles bestowed onto him had once been stirred into a conflict against his more good-natured kinsman. An nameless deity who said that life should be sacred and that Jashin’s reveling in the perishing of sacrifices went against the very nature of their work. Jashin of course disagreed with this and while the nature of their conflict had never been recorded into literature it is said that the end of their argument led into something that can be traced back to older civilizations… The counting of days by use of the Moon Phase system. It’s an old system that went along those lines…

Every month was divided into four periods known as a ‘phase’ that the Moon shown. First there was the ‘New Moon’ a time where the gods blessed the very soil the mortals lived on, a time of prosperity and safety. Then as time passed the New Moon turned into a Lesser New Moon, the blessings of the gods slowly wavering. Then came the ‘Lesser Full Moon’ a time where misfortune and danger lingered in the very world surrounding them, some even believed the gods themselves might had abandoned them during this period. And finally there was the Full Moon a time of misfortune and curses, a time when evil itself was said to walk on the surface once more. Yet as time passed on the knowledge of the Moon Phases faded into history and finally secrecy. But perhaps it was better if people remembered the true reason behind this peculiar way to read the time… It was because the nature of the moon itself was the end result of the bargain the good deity was able to make with Jashin. During each of the phases a Full Moon arose those who perished had their souls delivered into Jashin’s custody while with each New Moon those who were lost to the God of Death were replaced by the newborn the good deity brought forth.

But even the gods themselves keep secrets between each other and so did Jashin conceal the true nature of this bargain. The souls that perished and were given to him were considered his property and while few know the true intentions of a being like Jashin there was a theory behind what he did next. While many know from the practices of those who follow the faith of Jashin the dark deity is said to look positively onto sacrifices in his name. Some say the more cruel the sacrifice, or the more blood is spilled in his name the greater his blessing will be but what if this belief isn’t necessary the entire truth? From the story that is about to unfold some people believe Jashin judges the worth of his sacrifices not in the cruelty, amount or identity but rather the struggle to obtain it. Nothing is more interesting to him than the struggle between mortals as they cling to life itself, and some say the greater the struggle had been the more favorable the sacrifice would have been to Jashin… The reason behind this thought? It is found in the very existence of the realm he created…

The Crimson Realm is a land where conflict reigns eternal. The spirits of those fallen in life and made Jashin’s property are forced into an battle where there are neither rules or a way out. A conflict that won’t end till only one being is left standing. Even more cruel is the fact that the price is your very own existence… Shall you win you devour your victim and gain more power but shall you lose the very last shred of your existence is torn asunder. Of course the rumor that the winner of this all-out free-for-all brawl is said to get their wish granted by Jashin himself has made it so that anyone trapped within this realm has only one goal in sight: Victory at all costs… Of course the existence of this purgatory has been left concealed from humanity for generations. Certainly some civilizations might had come closer to this secret world but in the end they were left with nothing but fragments, small hints that only led them astray from the truth. Truth turned into secrecy, secrecy into rumors and finally into mythology. Indeed some might say this is how the story of Izanagi and Izanami was born.

But sometimes things that are meant to be forgotten for eternity end up being found. And so it happened that around the time the Eastern lands experienced a new dawn that lost legends became uncovered. With the birth of the Shinobi civilization and their unique abilities some started to reach for hidden secrets once more. The first of those uncovered secrets surrounding Jashin’s realm would in fact lead down into a event that neither the gods themselves might have predicted…

Around the same time the village concealed amidst the mist had risen within the Water Country a small secret society was born. While till today the true nature of this society is left unknown what is known is that their very actions had been shown the usual signs of greed, a desire for wealth or power like many regular villains shown. The only thing that made them different was their method for obtaining it… and the fact they actually succeeded…

But to learn more about this we need to turn our gaze toward the birth of another story

Chapter 1:

Spoiler

Our story continues within the founding days of Kirigakure, or rather the village hidden amidst the mist as people know it today. It was within the Minamoto clan, the family that would become known to bring forth the first Mizukage within the annals of the village’s foundation that the girl called Yuriko was born. Due to being the second-born child of the family, and the first girl among them Yuriko’s childhood was filled with a more tranquil and easy-going life than her older brother Taro experienced. While Taro was being molded by their father already from a young age to follow into the footsteps of the heir of the clan Yuriko was blessed with the devoted affection of their mother. Still Yuriko was a bit peculiar as a child. While she shown a great affinity toward education, rapidly mastering the teachings others would take years over there was a certain innocence to her nature that was not fitting for a kunoichi. Innocent and gentle she was, oblivious to the harsh ways of the world they were born in but perhaps her parents saw that kindness itself as a form of strength. As Yuriko and Taro grown older and they gained new siblings it was clear both of them slowly strayed into different paths, while close at heart still distant in reality.

It was a known fact that the Minamoto were a spiritual kin, said to be blessed by the deity Sadowoo the clan had long held a tradition of worship for the blessings their guardian has bestowed onto the clan. As Yuriko slowly reached the age of 10 her powers started to manifest quite differently than most of her kindred. While most Minamoto were famous for their prowess in the martial arts, some even being blessed with the power of a mythological Doujutsu Yuriko was one of the few who manifested her abilities differently, but that was to be expected of the one who was meant to become the Minamoto Priestess. There is a saying that there are three different forms of energy every living being possesses. First there is ‘Life Energy’ the very essence that flows in our blood, the vitality of our existence. Then there is ‘Chakra’ a most unusual energy that has often been described in detail in other records but what was most curious was the third and final known energy… Soul Energy…

Soul Energy was in essence, the power of one’s spirit and unlike Chakra what could be strengthened by training Soul Energy was much more like Life Energy that it was not so easily manipulated, but the difference was in the fact the energy was different in strength from person to person. Most people lacked the knowledge or abilities to manipulate this energy but some of them who did were able to awaken powers far different from most people… Yuriko was one of those people, a Spiritualist. Already at such a young age she had a close affinity to the world concealed from mortal eyes but what was most special was the fact she could freely manipulate the essence of her own soul as if it was chakra.

Little did most people realize that such a power is extremely draining on one’s vitality and due to the fact Yuriko subconsciously stirred and molded her own soul she was often left in a state of exhaustion. An absent-minded sleepiness. But perhaps it was that unusual nature that made the girl be considered like an angel among the siblings. Always supportive of them and cheering them on, her affection for them even manifesting in her mother’s teachings of how to use her powers as a Spiritualist in order to develop defensive enhancements.

Yet maybe it was because she was raised to become Sadowoo’s Priestess that Yuriko was left unexposed to the hardship of reality. Even her father who had been strict with the educations of his sons shown a warm and caring nature toward her that he nearly never shown toward his sons. One of such memories involved her sneaking into the dojo early in the morning so she could watch her father training with her brothers before the girl dozed off, just to wake up with her father laughing at how the girl would have made a terrible spy. But the words that were spoken that day touched her to the core of her heart.

“There is nothing more sacred in this world than ‘Life’ little Yuriko. It’s true that in our world filled with conflict we are trapped within an eternal cycle. As long as conflicts remain there will be people hurt by it. Sorrow turns into hatred and as long as we keep fighting we’ll never be able to understand others.”

Looking at her father in confusion at his complicated words the little girl wondered if he was talking about Shinobi and Kunoichi. Lightly grasping his hand she spoke in a cheerful tone.

“Then I won’t become a Kunoichi papa~ I become a heroine who’ll only save people~”

Briefly blinking in confusion the man laughed in amusement at he petted her head whispering gently.

“That’s right. Some people might consider kindness a weakness but never lose that gentle nature of yours Yuriko. Your brothers one day will enter the same world as I did… But I’m sure that with you at their side they’ll never fall into the cycle of hatred…”

Nodding her head happily as she felt she might had been able to be of some use to her siblings the girl cheered softly as her father lifted her up and carried her out of the dojo. Such warm and innocent days should have lasted forever… But yet they never did… In the end even if she was blissfully unaware of it darkness spreads into the hearts of many and so it happened evil itself stirred within the shadows of Kirigakure. A hand that reached out toward her, and would change her forever… This all happened only a few weeks after Yuriko reached the age of 13…

Chapter 2:

Spoiler

Chapter 2:

Rain… All she remembered of that day was that it was raining… Having practiced her Spiritualist powers in private the girl had fallen asleep from exhaustion just to find the sound of familiar voices waking her up. Looking down at her were her brothers Taro and Takumi who seemingly knew her hiding spots better than anyone did and after waking her up they were about to walk her home when ‘they arrived’… Men dressed in bloody red colored robes surrounded them and while she was oblivious to it her brothers clearly sensed the hostility, or rather the dreadful aura of the men their gazes at them. It was then without any warning one of them drew a scythe out of their concealment and ran toward her brothers, the two of them quickly drawing their own weapons before the clash unfolded. Poor little Yuriko could only watch with a mixture of fear and confusion as her brothers tried to repel the sudden assault but before they knew it they were cornered, and worse their helpless sister was caught by one of the men. Flying into a rage as he knew Yuriko wasn’t even capable of hurting a fly if she was willing Takumi charged toward the man who restrained her before he felt a sharp kick into his stomach, causing him to reel back while the sound of his sister’s screams deafened to the sound of the falling rain.

“Please stop! Stop hurting Taro-nii and Ta-chan!”

Watching as despair ran through her body as the men clearly overwhelmed the two trained teenagers the man behind her whispered quietly.

“You can still save them, that is if you’d do anything we ask.”

Her eyes widening in shock at their words Yuriko suddenly nodded her head firmly as she shouted in response.

“I’d do anything you ask as long as you leave them alone!”

With a light nod of his head the man restraining her released her, the act causing the men fighting her brothers to back away yet where Yuriko saw salvation she was unaware that Taro and Takumi witnessed something far more dreadful.

“Y-Yuri r-run to dad”

His words not reaching her as Yuriko darted toward them Taro and Takumi could only watch as the nightmare unfolded in front of their beaten bodies. While their sister was running toward them the man who had restrained her summoned a weapon resembling a crimson lance and raised it into the air.

“Then die for us little one.”

As the man spoke those words with a wicked smile he threw the spear forwards and like a knife slicing through butter it pierced through her, causing the girl to collapse onto her knees.

“YURIKO!”

Red… a red liquid started to pour through the wound on her chest as the girl gazed in disbelief at the spear that stuck in her body. Slowly the world around her grown darker as she tried to use her remaining strength to lift her hands toward her brothers. Cold… Her body started to grow cold and her brothers started to fade away, her visage growing hazy… And then…

Death…

Collapsing forward Yuriko’s body remained lifeless on the ground as the man slowly pulled the lance out of her and with a single hand scooped her body under his arm. As the other men started to walk toward him the sudden voices of the boys stopped them.

“I KILL YOU! NO MATTER WHERE YOU RUN I’LL HUNT YOU DOWN FOR WHAT YOU DID BASTARDS!”

Screaming in anger at the death of their sister the boys their words seemingly were left unanswered till the man who killed her lifted the hood of his head, a pale white-haired man gazing down at them with a confident look.

“Cling to that hatred Minamoto… Curse your gods for failing you when you needed them the most. Curse your weakness at saving your sister… But let me tell you something interesting…

Right now our lord has her in his custody. If you think you can bring her back then do so. I am looking forward to seeing the children of Sadowoo grasp for the lord’s purgatory. But know this… Jashin always claims what he desires…”

And with those words the men disappeared…

Somewhere at the outskirts of Kirigakure’s caverns one of the men briefly stopped and whispered in a clearly concerned tone.

“Are you sure it’s wise to do this Master? Beside isn’t she dead already?”

Bursting out in a laughing fit the white-haired cultist turned around and pulled the girl up by the back of her neck like a cat, the mortal injury she had suffered already having closed itself.

“I-Impossible… You’re saying that she---“

“Indeed, only her soul has perished. As we speak it’s very likely that she is about to take her first steps in the other world…”

How curious, for their lord to have chosen a feeble mortal child to participate in his games. Jashin was in the end always described as a cruel and wicked deity who feasted on sacrifices but according to their teachings those who cling to life the most strongly were his favored ones. Those that he would place within his own playground, an eternal purgatory where the wicked would fight each other till the last one standing.

“Now it be interesting to see if she’ll become like the others. Or maybe the lord has other intentions with her. Whatever it might be I’m sure that we’ll have plenty of time before those pups grow into wolves…”

“You mean those boys? You really think---“

“Yes, I’m confident that they will come for us sooner or later, it is after all part of this game of us.”

And with those words the group continued onwards, secretly preparing their agenda for whatever might come. How would the man’s words be tied to the unusual regeneration of Yuriko’s body? And more importantly why would they have captured her… Those were questions that would be answered very soon…

 

[Uchiha Akari]

The Seven Flames of Sin​

Origin:

Spoiler

It is not uncommon for a Spiritualist to be considered a 'exorcist'. They who banish spirits, judge the souls of the fallen. The Seven Flames of Sin were originally born from a sacred order of priests, seven powerful Spiritualists who were said to manifest their powers in the form of a white flame that purified the one it burned from one of the Seven Deathly sins.

Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Greed, Wrath, Pride

But yet it is said that at the time of their death one of the priests was tempted by evil and in return for giving up his and his companions their powerful purifying flames he would be granted a second life... Of course demons rarely keep their bargains... With the seven purifying flames in control of the underworld they were divided among seven powerful Youkai who each corrupted the flame. Instead of purifying the sin it would burn the victim into temptation, to willingly give in into their sins.

Lucifer: pride
Mammon: greed
Asmodeus: lust
Leviathan: envy
Beelzebub: gluttony
Satan: wrath
Belphegor: sloth

Those seven powerful Youkai were said to be the ones who each held one of the flames... Till now

Many generations have passed when the seven Youkai gathered to discuss a rather interesting discovery... The priest they had tempted into evil his lineage was still alive... Within the Minamoto clan there was a girl said to have held the same curious essence that resembled that of the priests. Making a bargain with Jashin himself who had custody of the girl's living spirit the seven demons watched as Jashin tricked the girl's desire to survive a unjust death into accepting a gift. A mere form of entertainment but a powerful curse for the girl. The Youkai laughed victoriously as they felt their own essence seep into the girl's innocent heart but it was at that time they realized they were tricked.... Jashin, aware of the girl's potential to make a interesting sacrifice to him had secretly given the girl a fragment of his power, just a tiny sliver that had been enough to change her forever...

Her hair turned a crimson red, as if dyed by blood itself while the seven Youkai felt their very own essence being manipulated... Indeed the girl had become the controller of their flames, but instead of rage at Jashin's act they were amused and curious to see when and to what sin the girl would fall and be devoured...

RP-power description:

Spoiler

Instead of being a regular Hachimon each of the gates are represented by one of the Seven Flames of Sin. By unleashing a Flame of Sin Yuriko obtains a fragment of the great Youkai's power, at the cost of being influenced by the Sin of the flame, remarkably altering her personality. While it it said there is an Eight Flame neither Yuriko nor mythology has kept any reference or knowledge of its existence, making it most likely only Jashin himself knows the secrets of his 'bloody gift'.


It is also said that the flames are able to stir a hidden sin within the victim they burn, influencing them and trying to slowly tempt them into evil at least if the inferno doesn't burn them into ashes first... (this aspect of the power is merely a rp-flavor and has no influence on people unless they are willing to roleplay it as such)