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Name: Memai
Meaning: Vertigo
Domain: Dance
Personality: Memai is often doted on for his eye catching colors and the fact that he is a young godling. Being the only male of his litter, he is often fawned over by all matter of elder, as well as younger, females around. He, on the other hand, doesn’t enjoy any of these things. He has always wished to be overlooked, trying his hardest to blend into the crowd, though seldom gets this wish. Most believe he’s just shy and that all the attention frightens him, however this is not the case. His desire to not stick out like a sore thumb is mostly attributed to the fact that he doesn’t wish to get caught with whatever he is doing, which is more times than not, something he would get scolded for or questioned over. If one was to question him however, they wouldn’t get much in the way of a response. Memai is silent, and has often times been diagnosed as being on the verge of mute. When spoken to, his response is often times a simple nod, smile or shake of the head. Even a simplistic ‘yes’ or ‘no’ can be difficult to squeeze from him. He isn’t loud by any stretch of the imagination, and can slip from place to place without ever making a sound. Making him the perfect little thief. He takes advantage of this often by looting little things here and there from his family. Though, this isn’t out of selfishness, it is because they are all the little things that remind him of them, so he cherishes them and keeps them tucked away in a spot where they will never get lost. He loves his family more than anything else and often does things for them without their knowledge.


Prompt reply:The day of the Obon Festival was finally upon them after many long, dragging months. The festivities were set up, scents of all the delicious foods were wafting through the air, and the town had seemed to come to life as everyone milled about. Memai, however, didn’t quite have the time to enjoy any of this. He was busy gathering all the different lanterns he had swiped from his unsuspecting mother over the course of the past year. He did feel a touch of remorse, making her think her age was catching up to her and affecting her memory like that when she could have sworn there was a lantern missing from her ever growing collection, but he hoped and wished that what he was planning would make up for it. He glanced around at all the intricate, lovely designs on the lanterns his mother had spent many hours slaving over, and gave a content smile. They were beautiful, as always. He did secretly envy his mother for her artistic abilities, something he had never really had the opportunity of knowing himself. But he supposed it was alright if he didn’t have mommy’s skills, because she had enough for the both of them. A change in music signaled what he had been waiting impatiently all year for, and with a hurried step, Memai gathered the lanterns quickly, taking the time to hang them off his tail and wings in an aesthetically pleasing way, and slipped out to join in the parade that was currently marching through the heart of the town.

Trying his best not to jostle the lanterns, Memai picked up his pace when he saw the very foot end of the parade line slip around a corner and out of sight. He pouted, but quickened his steps in hopes of catching up. He couldn’t let them get away. He wouldn’t. His mommy deserved to have her lanterns shown off in a way that would catch everyone’s attention. Yes, they were gorgeous, but there were so many beautiful decorations at the festival that he feared their significance would be lost among the rest. Memai didn’t like that. He didn’t like that at all, and he had spent so much time preparing for this. He wasn’t going to let it go to waste just because he had fallen behind schedule. But, it was to no avail. No matter what he did, or how fast he ran, the parade line seemed to always stay just out of reach, forever taunting him. His eyes stayed fixed on the line as it seemed to fade from sight, and finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. He broke down and stopped in the middle of the street, body heavy with exhaustion and mind worn-out from his persistence. No one seemed to notice, and soon the crowd had converged around him, hiding him and his mother’s lanterns from sight. He wanted to weep at the horrible irony, of how he finally got his wish to blend into the crowd the one time he wanted to stand out.

He stayed frozen to that one spot for the rest of the day, head hung low in failure as everyone simply pushed past him, too caught up in their excitement and fun to pay him any mind. The sun fell after sometime, the sky bleeding into night and leaving behind the mixed hues of a painter’s canvas. Soft music continued to play through the town as everyone began to wind down, the songs slipping through the streets peacefully. Memai, feeling very despondent at the time, flicked an ear as he heard a tune that harmonized flawlessly with his current mood. He gave a soft, almost inaudible sigh, and let his eyes fall closed, letting the music fill his mind. It started as nothing more than a simple sway of his head, but before long the music caught him in such a way that he gave himself over, letting it flow through him and guide his actions. His movements flowed as he danced to this song, a silent way to convey his emotions. It seemed to inspire such sweet yet bitter mourning to him, like a lullaby that would be played at a funeral, like a tune to lay someone to eternal rest. There was a serene air about him as he moved, and the lanterns that hung off his body swayed in a delicate manner. He wasn’t aware really of what he was doing, but it felt correct to him, like this song had been made for him to dance to specifically, and that was all that mattered.

The music eventually dimmed and faded into nothing, his dance dying with it and leaving behind a bit of a brighter silence. His woes had eased with the dance, having provided a distraction that had been needed above all else. He shook his head softly and blinked his eyes open once more, and what he saw staring back at him was nothing short of startling. Eyes of at least a hundred different on lookers glanced back at him, filled with wonder and amazement. They had all watched him dance, though none could seem to figure out to what exactly. There had been no music playing and no one had been singing to him. Most simply assumed he had been dancing to a tune in his head, and others stated that it was perhaps the spirits of the past that had played the song for only him to hear. Memai, who had been otherwise struck frozen, simply bowed his head toward them. He later went on to talk to a few who had cornered him about the story in very brief words. To his astonishment, they asked him to dance each year at the festival during the time in which they float the lanterns down the river as a sort of beautiful mourning to the spirits. He accepted, and soon the dance became tradition. Memai could not have been more pleased with the outcome, and could honestly not have thought of a better, more expressive way to show off his mommy’s lanterns.

Name: Kiyoshi
Meaning: Pure
Domain: Bridges
Personality: Kiyoshi is playful and enjoys the company of his family. He sees bridges as not just the physical ones taking one from place to place, but the kind that ties people together; the bridges that form when making friends, taking lovers and lifemates, making families. He prides himself on being able to notice such bridges between others. He enjoys painting and sculpting, but his heart lays closer to his father's celebrations as many bridges are built during festivals, most especially the Obon where the living celebrate their loved ones that have passed and Kiyoshi can feel the bridges that exist despite the passing of time and life.

Prompt reply: Kiyoshi had been thinking long and hard about the domain he wanted to rule over. He'd begun thinking about it almost before he grew from his bowl. Even as a kit, he knew this decision would rule the rest of his life and he should choose carefully.

He thought about his mother painting her lanterns each year, and he'd always enjoyed watching her, and occasionally helping. Though he thought her's were always much better than his. He enjoyed sculpting, too, but it...never filled him with the same passion he saw in his mother's eyes when she painted her lanterns.

Then he thought about his father's Obon celebrations. He found he enjoyed those more than his artistic endeavors. They brought people together, even though the festival is about honoring the departed. He could feel the connections of the families and their loved ones even with the distance between life and death. It made him happy to see such connections, and to know that even when souls go into his sister Natsumi's care that they are still remembered and loved.

"I want to help others. I want to help them remember their...connections to others, their bridges in life. I want to help others see that they aren't alone," he answered finally and smiled up at his parents.

Name: Kouki
Meaning: "From Japanese 光 (kou) "light" or 幸 (kou) "happiness" combined with 希 (ki) "hope" or 輝 (ki) "radiance, shine"." (Source)
Domain: Camping/Campfires! 8D
Personality:
Kouki, often called Kiki by teasing siblings, is pretty mellow for a kit. He tends to be on the nostalgic side, but when you get him going he's more than up for a good time in the present. Overarchingly kind, silly, and mannerly; but he's probably going to grow up to be a total party boy. A gentleman! But a party boy all the same.
Prompt reply:
"Yeah, but Mooooomm, I don't need to choose a path right now do I? Sissy hasn't chosen a path. Other sissy hasn't chosen a path. I don't even know what a path is, Mom, come on." Kouki, although he wouldn't admit it, was definitely whining. "Can we just take our first steps towards the ice cream store, Mom?"

The kit may have understood the importance weighing down his mother's words, but he wasn't prepared to deal with that yet. Being bigger than the other noodles was something he was used to, dealing with some kind of unseen power wasn't. Kouki would rather take it easy until the going got rough, knowing that his family would be around if he ever needed them. He also would rather have s'mores than ice cream, but was pretty sure a way to combine the two existed.

"Besides Mom, you know I like Dad's festival party things and your lanterns. So it's fine, okay? You'll be proud of me Mom, don't worry about it. ...Can we get ice cream now? Please? "

Name: Eiji
Meaning: Peace and prosperity
Domain: Beginnings [Mainly birth and the first 3-4 years of something ((could be anything: life, love, businesses, etc...))]
Personality: Eiji is... mostly quiet. He loves people, and is more overly trusting than his mother sometimes. He's also very kind and warm, and like many before him, he has an adventrous streak in him. Despite his quiet nature, he gets into trouble like any other kit. He also loves to help his parents and sisters, though he has little to no artistic skill. He's always found helping someone or something, no matter how big or small their problem.

Prompt reply:

The heavy slap of paper on wood made Eiji jerk his head up. A rather large stack of papers lay before him, the stark white burning his eyes before he lifted them to the Goddess before him. Another festival was coming up, quite a few actually, so his parents had sent him and his two sisters to another Goddess to continue their education in their domains; her name was Cerys, the Goddess of Charity.

Cerys' kind crimson eyes smiled at him, and she simply tapped the papers with a paw before turning to help Natsumi.

With a sigh, the young God pulled the paper toward him. His eyes scanned the words. What do you like to do? What are your passions? Are you artistic? Do you enjoy festivals? Jeez, she was trying to kill them!

Picking up the brush he was used to writing with, he dipped it in the ink and began answering the kajillion questions she had written. Okay, so he was over exaggerating, but it seemed like that many.

Question one. What do you like to do?

Blinking, he tilted his head. He thought for a moment before putting his brush to the paper to answer. I like to play with my sisters and help my parents with their festivities and lanterns. I like to play at night, too. You can see Kaa-san's lanterns better then!

Question two. What are your passions?

Everything! Or... at least, the beginnings of things. I get bored easily after a while.

Question three. Are you artistic?

Eiji frowned, his little wings drooping against his back. His eyes lifted to his sisters, both of whom were smiling and had answered "Yes, extremely!" to that question. He, however, couldn't say yes; instead, he slashed a quick "no" across the paper and moved on.

Question four. Do you enjoy festivals?

Of course! I love festivals! Those are the times my whole family gets together to decorate and have fun! Who wouldn't love them?

A small smile settled on his lips once again as he sat back to read over the answers he'd written. Over all, he was satisfied with them. Looking up, he realized that Cerys was still engrossed in helping his sisters, which meant he might be able to take a short nap before tackling the rest of her questions. With a small yawn, he sat his brush down and laid his head on his paws.

Name: Ayden
Meaning: Flame
Domain: Fire
Personality:
Kind in his own way, Ayden tries to do what he belives is best for others. This may or may not be what they want, though; and he can come off as a little harsh. He'll feel bad about it if he goes too far and hurts someones feelings, but he'd rather die than admit it. Instead he chooses to do little anoynamous things to make up for it.Don't tick him or someone he loves off, or you might get a little... Extra crispy.

He also has a strange love of cooking. It embarrases him that he loves such a 'girly' thing, though, so he acts like he doesn't.

Prompt reply:
Ayden slipped through the masses of Noodles and humans that had gathered at the festival. What kind of festival it was, he wasn't sure. Didn't particually care. There was only one reason he was here, after all: sparklers.

Yes, sparklers. And heavens above, he was going to need a LOT. Not for himself, of course.

It was for Mom. Grimacing as he thought about it, he worked his way to a booth selling them to the mortal kits and casually walked around to the back. It was Dad's festival after all, and... Well, he couldn't afford to buy them and he didn't want to make a scene. But he NEEDED those sparklers.

It was one little comment gone awry... He hadn't MEANT to sound so... So much like a jerk. He just didn't like artsy stuff. His passion was helping mortals stay warm at night, and protecting people, and burning stuff, and... Cooking...

Ducking under the canvas wall of the booth, he grabbed a large box of sparklers. Luckily it was fairly lightweight even if he couldn't fly while carrying it.

And so he started the treck back home.

***

Setting the box down, Ayden sighed with relief. Home at last without getting caught! He was fairly sure anyone home wasn't awake, either. If there was... He wouldn't think about that. Opening up the crate, he took out a few sparklers and planted them into the ground; beginning to form a large a large picture of a lantern with the words 'I love you' spelled where the fire would be.

When Mom got home, he'd light them. He just hoped it'd be enough.

Name: Kajiki
Meaning: Kaji is an informal way of saying 'fire', in context of one that is uncontrolled ex; forest fire. The suffix ki means either "radiance, shine", or "life". [[His name is significant and explained in more depth in the prompt response.]]
Domain: Fireworks [[ This is derived from the fact that some Obon festivals have firework ceremonies ending them, and many other festivals commonly feature fireworks during them, particularly in Japanese ones. ]]
Personality:

Kajiki is a very quiet noodle on first notice, who though likes helping others, is quite socially awkward. He tends to stutter and fidget around anyone that isn't his family, though it's not so much out of nervousness or shyness, but more that he just doesn't know how to act and hesitates a lot. He's curious, sweet and kind, and quite the ambitious one, with his fair share of pride and needing to prove himself. He's easily excited, and something a little overdramatic, but he always means well. He's also very playful and cheerful if you push past his slight social awkwardness. He's overall a happy and observant kit, who aims high, can be a little bit of an airhead, and works well independently. He also has a tendency to get lost in his thoughts and daydreams.

Prompt reply:

My name is Kajiki. Kaji, meaning an uncontrolled fire.. ki, meaning radiance, shine, life.

But why was I named for something horrible? Why was I given a name with a word that hurt others? I wanted to know.. Why does my name contridict itself? My name, is part of who I am.. I am Kajiki.. I want to know why this is my name..

It is dawn. Sunrise. The start of a new day, a new time. A tomorrow, which left behind yesterday to create today. It's the day of the Obon festival.. a time of great duty for my family. My father, the god of Obon, of course is at his busiest. He is working for the festival, working to make it great, to make it flourish. It isn't uncommon to see him smile like this during this time. It's a lovely sight.. I love his happiness.

My mother is the same.. She is happily working on her lanterns, as she is all year. Only now is she working more ferverishly than ever, yet still with her beautiful smile. The Obon is special to her.. These lanterns must travel on the water for the festival. For the festival her mate loves and rules over so.

My sisters are too preparing.. They've chosen their domains.. Afterlife, and Reunions. It was suitable, for our family. The festival dealt with the afterlife.. and also reunions between ancestors and their living families.

For me.. I still don't know..

Who am I? What is it that I am meant to be? This festival.. What part of it am I?

I love mother's lanterns. Her art. Her beauty. It inspires me. It inspires people. Yet they aren't my passion. I don't paint them as wonderfully as my mother can, nor can I make them the way she does with such ease and love for each individual lantern.

My father's festival, no doubt, is also amazing.. He inspires me as well, and he uplifts the spirits of others. He can influence people, help them, and guide them. I am not as good with people. I can't influence them like my father can. People are not drawn to me, and I am not drawn to people, no matter how much I wish to help and influence them as my father can.

So what do I do to find my future? Where do I start? How do I inspire? I want to know.. I want to find who I am. What I'm supposed to be.

I'm wandering. Reflecting. This festival that means so much to my family.. I want to be a part of it.

What can I do?

I thought of everything this festival was about. Everything I could be..

And it dawned to me. I am my name. My name.. Uncontrolled fire.. Radiance. Shine. Life. I am Kajiki. My name is a part of me, and I am my name.

I smiled, and ran toward the highest hill, laughing, smiling into the night sky that was lit with stars.

"I am a flame that is left uncontrolled!" I shouted, spreading my wings and paws out.

"I am radiance! I can shine! I will create life in the night sky!" I felt the wind around me, ruffling my fur, my jewels, and I laughed.

"I can inspire people like my mother! I will help people like my father! I will help this festival as my sisters can! My light will wake the ancestors, will wake the sleeping souls of everyone living or passed!"

I was not named after something horrible. Fire is beautiful from afar even uncontrolled. Fire doesn't have to hurt. It can be radiant, it can shine, and it creates life. I do not have to be near others to make them happy. Even distant people are constantly touched by beauty.

"I will show everyone my fire! This night sky will be my canvas and I will paint it! I am Kajiki!"

God of Fireworks.

Name: Aiko
Meaning: Love child
Domain: Beginnings
Personality: He's rather curious and very naive. His good nature can sometimes get him into bad predicaments, though. Outgoing, and always wanting to make friends, Aiko is the kind of fella to 'light up a room'. He's very devoted to his family, quite peppy of the three of his siblings, and does all he can for them, and will be the same for his friends. It's rare not to see a smile on his face. He can be easily flustered, as well, making him usually start to get tongue tied, or talk quickly.

Prompt reply:

To be born into this family, Aiko was truly grateful. Both mother and father of the young god held such magnificent passion's, one's that he enjoyed to hear of on numerous occasions! Father's stories of the brilliantly decored and celebrated festival's. The ritual's, and tradition's that came with them fascinated and enthralled, never were any of the tale's dull or boring! Dancing, great food, singing, games, nothing but excitement all around! How wonderful it would be to see what it was like to live in a different world, surrounded by rich history and life. It was almost like listening to fairy tales, and always left the young kit in awe. Perhaps... someday, when he grew older, father would take him with him! To see the new vast lands, fresh to his young eyes! And maybe to even experience the delight filled festivities! It was certainly something Aiko looked forward to.

And his beautiful mother. So sweet, so fair. She too possessed a trait that entranced and captivated the young kit. Always painting and decorating those delicate little lanterns... how precious they were. She used such an utmost carefulness that it even made Aiko hold his breath at times, as if not wanting to ruin her perfect technique. The feel of a brush stroking along that fragile parchment was like setting a pearl on a petal drifting on the surface of a lake. Such poise, grace and elegance. He couldn't help but admire her patience, and control. It was like creating your own world. Making a fantasy or reality on a surface. Many times he would join her in making his own creations on paper she would supply for him, concocting his own little illustrations of the world and how he saw it, from his point of view.

In the end, he realized that both could easily be converged. And so, he went on his travels with his father, learning the ways of art from different corners of the world, visiting various artists in towns, and on the roads. Even picking up his own sort of style. Truly a mix of both parents.

Congrats Celestial Requiem!!