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fictionalized2012-11-09 10:50 pm
acperience) wrote in fictionalized2012-11-09 10:50 pm
app; yui kurata; zodion
✖ PLAYER:
Name & DW Journal: January | acperience
Birthdate & Age: 18; Jan. 21
Characters played in Zodion: N/A
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Yui Kurata
Canon: Seishun Kouryakuhon
PB/Image: Here.
Info links: (Obscure canon, so description is a go.)
At the start of the series, Kurata is a second-year student at Kamiyama, an all-boys high school. By this point, he's met Isezaki, a fellow second-year who is a member of the kyudo (archery) club with him and, though Kurata would be reluctant to admit it, a friend—his only one at the school for that matter, as it seems.
Things change when Isezaki becomes determined to walk home with a girl from the neighbouring all-girls school. However, as the end of the girl's graduation coincides with the end of Isezaki's tests, he won't be able to make it in time. Therefore, Kurata decides to help out by offering him a way to reach her—that is, after Isezaki runs across the roof of the hallway that connects the two schools, Kurata will somehow get a way to open the doors on the other side. Specifically, much to Isezaki's surprise, he shoots an arrow at the door with the key that he retrieved. Afterwards, he and two other friends of Isezaki, Nogami and Uemura, are scolded for two hours and forced to write letters of apology as punishment.
The incident, proving that he's more than just an uptight ace student, wins him the friendship of Nogami and Uemura who previously thought negatively of him. However, it takes a while for Kurata to fully warm up to them, as shown when summer rolls around and the others are seeking ways to spend the time and "make memories". By this point, Kurata is aware that he doesn't feel the same way they do, though he tries to think along their lines when his cousin offers him a part-time job at her hotel for a week. As she tells him to bring along his friends, he considers inviting the others and does, in fact, manage to ask Isezaki. However, before he can extend the offer to Uemura and Nogami as well, he finds that they're already thinking about attending fireworks elsewhere during that time. Before Isezaki can mention their plans, Kurata tells him to forget it and to go with Uemura and Nogami, prompting a fight between them as Isezaki disagrees with Kurata's passive way of thinking. Their argument ends with Isezaki relenting, but not before telling Kurata that "when you're all alone, you'll definitely remember us!"
And that's exactly what happens on the day of the fireworks festival, as Kurata lies alone in his room at his cousin's hotel, his cell phone not getting any reception. As it turns out, however, there happens to be fireworks where he is that very same night. Thinking about it further, Kurata comes to realize that Isezaki had a point, and so runs out, seeking an area where he can get a signal. Once he does so, he calls Isezaki, telling him to get Uemura and Nogami and watch the fireworks where they are—only for the three to reveal that they're not even there. Rather, they're actually where he is. As in, right there.
Needless to say, Kurata is rather surprised. Apparently, Nogami did research and found out about the fireworks taking place at Kurata's location, so they changed their plans and decided to join him. As they couldn't call his phone, they had to call the hotel to figure out where he was staying.
As the four watch the fireworks, Kurata explains to them why he wasn't picking up (i.e. the lack of reception) before admitting that it's not like he doesn't care about them. He then awkwardly apologizes for the trouble, resolving things between him and Isezaki.
The rest of the series is the group's miscellaneous adventures throughout the remainder of the summer and their final school year, up until their graduation point. Of note is the fact that unlike the other three, Kurata decides to apply to a national university, and therefore doesn't receive his results by the end when they all graduate.
Canon Point: Post-series
Gender & Sex: Male
Age: 18
Birthdate/Sign: January 17th/Capricorn — canon.
Tattoo: 1.5" in diameter on the back of his left hand.
Suitability: N/A
Power: As he has no superpowers, being an ordinary student, he'll be gaining a Zodion-based power: specifically, healing (earth).
Personality:
"I don't like Kurata. He's too uptight. I'm amazed that Isezaki can hang out with him." - a classmate
Kurata is that one guy who almost inevitably exists in all high school fiction—the quiet, straight-laced, and studious student who's the top of his class, aims for prestigious universities, and won't play mahjong with you. Heck, he'll tell you that you shouldn't be playing it so openly. He's the model student who gives off an unfriendly and aloof exterior, meaning that people tend to know of him (complete with there being rumours about him) but don't actually /know/ him. And, at a first glance, most wouldn't want to, given how cold he seems.
"The way you people think is blissfully ignorant." - Kurata
It's not a complete lie. Not one to sugar-coat his words, Kurata tends to be blunt and straight-forward. He says it like it is, with usually a snarky comment to go along with the situation (though with friends like his, who wouldn't snark?). And though he does smile—and even laugh—on occasion, he typically has a frown or a blank look on his face. He tends to keep his distance from others, being visibly uncomfortable and annoyed when his friends use his first name and preferring to stay home rather than go out with them. He's kind of a kill-joy in that regard, with a pragmatic viewpoint on things: there's no point in just biking to the beach, it's not like doing so-and-so will boost the success of their prayers (which he didn't want to do to begin with), he's never playing freeze tag with them again, etc. Where others openly express their emotions, Kurata often remains stoic, if not exasperated. He does have an irritable side, though, and can be riled up fairly easily—mainly when his friends are being idiots. All things considered, it probably makes him look like a jerk from an outside view.
However, Kurata does have remarkably good manners as well, going back to the image of the serious, model student. He's the kind of person who'll remember to bring a gift when visiting a friend's relatives while others forget to do so. He's a bit of a stickler for standard courtesy and social norms. And—
"From then all the way until now, I've talked about really silly things and done really stupid things, but he would never tell me that I'm a bother, or tell me to go somewhere else. And he never ignores me. I love being with him." - Isezaki
Even past that, he's actually a very good friend. To paraphrase Isezaki: Kurata may seem like a no-nonsense guy, but it's because of that you can always count on him. Since he's so serious, if he tells you he'll do something, you can bet that he won't let you down. As Kurata proves at the start of the series, he isn't afraid to do something ridiculous and get into trouble for the sake of his friends. Though he may deadpan and make sarcastic remarks at their antics, he'll generally go along with them (and, as the manga itself puts it, he's used to it). And as Isezaki's above quote indicates, though Kurata may seem anti-social and stand-offish, he'll never truly brush you off or treat you like you're not worth his time. He's pretty good about putting up with people, despite first appearances.
... Not that this stops his friends from being utterly shocked when Kurata refers to them as such while talking to a relative (and not that Kurata is willing to repeat it so that they can relish in the moment either).
He also makes for a good backbone and source of emotional support, if you don't mind his bluntness. Though he may think deeply about a lot of things and isn't always sure of himself, he isn't one to fret over things and has the strength to change once he realizes his mistakes. Therefore, he's a good person in a crisis or even if you're simply worrying over the future, as he'll likely be calm about it all and share some of that wisdom with you.
It has to be said, however, that in spite of appearing as the cool, stoic figure, Kurata is rather socially awkward. It's obvious that he doesn't have much experience with having friends. Initially, he can't entirely comprehend their need to have an eventful vacation, their uncertainty towards the future, or even the feeling of loneliness. As Isezaki says to his face: "You can be really dumb when it comes to these kinds of things!" You could even call Kurata shy, if you wanted. He's the sort who has trouble asking his friends if they want to hang out, and, as mentioned previously, wouldn't even bother if he discovers they've already made plans. Part of it has to do with Kurata's own inability to see himself as part of the group and thus his inability to see himself as important, socially-speaking. He just doesn't really get it—both the idea that what he wants matters to the others as well and the fact that there are simply some things meant to be shared with others. As he finds out the hard way, even he's not invulnerable to loneliness. Kurata even admits it to himself: he can kind of be an idiot when it comes to social skills.
He does get a bit better, as he tries to see things from Isezaki and co.'s point of view, though he remains fairly detached and unenthusiastic compared to them, admitting that he still doesn't know how important "making memories" and all that is to him. However, at the very least, when he looks back on this in the future, he doesn't want to have any regrets.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[It's been a few weeks since Kurata's arrival, and, well. Without tests to study for, he's actually been feeling a bit restless.
The feed clicks on to show a clear view of Kurata's face, as he stares into the camera. He looks away for a moment, as if uncertain of himself, before his attention returns to the camera.]
... There isn't much to do here.
[Other than the obvious, which seems to occur to Kurata as he glances away, looking somewhat embarrassed. That said, with all the hype about the world being on the verge of destruction, he was expecting things to be a little less peaceful.
There's a pause, with his expression clearly indicating that he has more to say. After letting out a quiet breath, he continues.]
Is there anywhere I could buy or rent archery equipment? Preferably kyudo equipment specifically, but I guess I could try Western archery, if that's not an option.
... I just figured I might as well practice again, if there's nothing else to do.
[It'd be a welcome distraction, in any case. He bows his head slightly.]
Thank you for your time and information.
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry: (200 word min)
While Kurata knew that the possibilities were supposed to be endless and whatnot after graduation as one entered the adult world, he was fairly certain that being abducted wasn't part of the graduation aftermath.
Just a while ago, his main worries were awaiting his results from his university entrance exams. Now, his main worries were primarily along the lines of, 'How the hell did I get here?'
It would be a lie to say that he wasn't freaked out—he was only human, after all, and nothing in school taught a person what to do when they suddenly found themselves in an unknown (and incredibly bizarre) location. If alcohol had been involved at the graduation ceremony and he were the sort to drink, Kurata might've thought that he'd gotten drunk, but since neither of those conditions had been met, that wasn't a possibility. Of course, he'd also considered the idea that this was some kind of elaborate prank on the part of Isezaki and the others, but that too was near impossible. Something like this was far beyond the scope of what they could do (for that matter, it wasn't as if their schemes were all that well-planned to begin with), and they'd already had their fun with helping Isezaki confess to Nagise. Kurata figured that even they had their quota of ridiculousness for one day.
Altogether, the main and most likely option was that he'd been kidnapped, even if it wasn't a thought he enjoyed. Then again, there wouldn't have been any explanation for this that he would've liked—but this was probably the worst.
Taking a few moments to gaze at the image on the ceiling in shock—with it dimly registering that that was the Western Zodiac—and to calm himself down, Kurata sat on the bed, having already sat up immediately upon awakening. He'd given a start when he noticed the mark on his hand, and though again, in the back of his mind, he'd realized it was an astrological symbol, he'd been more preoccupied with staring at it.
All right, so his abductor (abductors?) had taken the time to tattoo him, which would explain the pain he'd felt while waking up. This was getting increasingly surreal, though Kurata knew it felt real enough and so didn't let himself fall to the delusion that this might be a dream.
(Besides, if there was anything his time with his friends had taught him, it was that some people simply behaved in strange and inexplicable ways. Apparently, whoever kidnapped him was one of those people.)
Breathing in and out to further calm himself down, Kurata continued to sit on the bed for a while as he glanced around the room for what wasn't the first time. Once he was fairly certain that he was capable of thinking rationally, even through his shock, he left the bed and began to walk around the room. Needless to say, it didn't take long for him to head to the stone podium, with it being a main source of interest in the room.
A look at the envelope confirmed that his kidnapper(s) knew who he was, which he wasn't sure offered any comfort or not, knowing that they'd targeted him specifically. He didn't miss the phone either, and debated which to check out first: the contents of the envelope or the device. Both, frankly, were suspicious, given that they were from whoever abducted him, but he couldn't just ignore them either, lest he regret it later.
After a few moment, he decided to see what the envelope contained—likely a message from his captor(s). Carefully opening the envelope, he took out the letter and began to read.
"... Huh?"
Despite the fact that the letter had likely meant to be informative (or a stupid joke), Kurata could only say that things made even less sense. There was only one thing that letter confirmed:
Whoever was behind this was a complete and utter lunatic.
Name & DW Journal: January | acperience
Birthdate & Age: 18; Jan. 21
Characters played in Zodion: N/A
✖ CHARACTER:
Name: Yui Kurata
Canon: Seishun Kouryakuhon
PB/Image: Here.
Info links: (Obscure canon, so description is a go.)
At the start of the series, Kurata is a second-year student at Kamiyama, an all-boys high school. By this point, he's met Isezaki, a fellow second-year who is a member of the kyudo (archery) club with him and, though Kurata would be reluctant to admit it, a friend—his only one at the school for that matter, as it seems.
Things change when Isezaki becomes determined to walk home with a girl from the neighbouring all-girls school. However, as the end of the girl's graduation coincides with the end of Isezaki's tests, he won't be able to make it in time. Therefore, Kurata decides to help out by offering him a way to reach her—that is, after Isezaki runs across the roof of the hallway that connects the two schools, Kurata will somehow get a way to open the doors on the other side. Specifically, much to Isezaki's surprise, he shoots an arrow at the door with the key that he retrieved. Afterwards, he and two other friends of Isezaki, Nogami and Uemura, are scolded for two hours and forced to write letters of apology as punishment.
The incident, proving that he's more than just an uptight ace student, wins him the friendship of Nogami and Uemura who previously thought negatively of him. However, it takes a while for Kurata to fully warm up to them, as shown when summer rolls around and the others are seeking ways to spend the time and "make memories". By this point, Kurata is aware that he doesn't feel the same way they do, though he tries to think along their lines when his cousin offers him a part-time job at her hotel for a week. As she tells him to bring along his friends, he considers inviting the others and does, in fact, manage to ask Isezaki. However, before he can extend the offer to Uemura and Nogami as well, he finds that they're already thinking about attending fireworks elsewhere during that time. Before Isezaki can mention their plans, Kurata tells him to forget it and to go with Uemura and Nogami, prompting a fight between them as Isezaki disagrees with Kurata's passive way of thinking. Their argument ends with Isezaki relenting, but not before telling Kurata that "when you're all alone, you'll definitely remember us!"
And that's exactly what happens on the day of the fireworks festival, as Kurata lies alone in his room at his cousin's hotel, his cell phone not getting any reception. As it turns out, however, there happens to be fireworks where he is that very same night. Thinking about it further, Kurata comes to realize that Isezaki had a point, and so runs out, seeking an area where he can get a signal. Once he does so, he calls Isezaki, telling him to get Uemura and Nogami and watch the fireworks where they are—only for the three to reveal that they're not even there. Rather, they're actually where he is. As in, right there.
Needless to say, Kurata is rather surprised. Apparently, Nogami did research and found out about the fireworks taking place at Kurata's location, so they changed their plans and decided to join him. As they couldn't call his phone, they had to call the hotel to figure out where he was staying.
As the four watch the fireworks, Kurata explains to them why he wasn't picking up (i.e. the lack of reception) before admitting that it's not like he doesn't care about them. He then awkwardly apologizes for the trouble, resolving things between him and Isezaki.
The rest of the series is the group's miscellaneous adventures throughout the remainder of the summer and their final school year, up until their graduation point. Of note is the fact that unlike the other three, Kurata decides to apply to a national university, and therefore doesn't receive his results by the end when they all graduate.
Canon Point: Post-series
Gender & Sex: Male
Age: 18
Birthdate/Sign: January 17th/Capricorn — canon.
Tattoo: 1.5" in diameter on the back of his left hand.
Suitability: N/A
Power: As he has no superpowers, being an ordinary student, he'll be gaining a Zodion-based power: specifically, healing (earth).
Personality:
Kurata is that one guy who almost inevitably exists in all high school fiction—the quiet, straight-laced, and studious student who's the top of his class, aims for prestigious universities, and won't play mahjong with you. Heck, he'll tell you that you shouldn't be playing it so openly. He's the model student who gives off an unfriendly and aloof exterior, meaning that people tend to know of him (complete with there being rumours about him) but don't actually /know/ him. And, at a first glance, most wouldn't want to, given how cold he seems.
It's not a complete lie. Not one to sugar-coat his words, Kurata tends to be blunt and straight-forward. He says it like it is, with usually a snarky comment to go along with the situation (though with friends like his, who wouldn't snark?). And though he does smile—and even laugh—on occasion, he typically has a frown or a blank look on his face. He tends to keep his distance from others, being visibly uncomfortable and annoyed when his friends use his first name and preferring to stay home rather than go out with them. He's kind of a kill-joy in that regard, with a pragmatic viewpoint on things: there's no point in just biking to the beach, it's not like doing so-and-so will boost the success of their prayers (which he didn't want to do to begin with), he's never playing freeze tag with them again, etc. Where others openly express their emotions, Kurata often remains stoic, if not exasperated. He does have an irritable side, though, and can be riled up fairly easily—mainly when his friends are being idiots. All things considered, it probably makes him look like a jerk from an outside view.
However, Kurata does have remarkably good manners as well, going back to the image of the serious, model student. He's the kind of person who'll remember to bring a gift when visiting a friend's relatives while others forget to do so. He's a bit of a stickler for standard courtesy and social norms. And—
Even past that, he's actually a very good friend. To paraphrase Isezaki: Kurata may seem like a no-nonsense guy, but it's because of that you can always count on him. Since he's so serious, if he tells you he'll do something, you can bet that he won't let you down. As Kurata proves at the start of the series, he isn't afraid to do something ridiculous and get into trouble for the sake of his friends. Though he may deadpan and make sarcastic remarks at their antics, he'll generally go along with them (and, as the manga itself puts it, he's used to it). And as Isezaki's above quote indicates, though Kurata may seem anti-social and stand-offish, he'll never truly brush you off or treat you like you're not worth his time. He's pretty good about putting up with people, despite first appearances.
... Not that this stops his friends from being utterly shocked when Kurata refers to them as such while talking to a relative (and not that Kurata is willing to repeat it so that they can relish in the moment either).
He also makes for a good backbone and source of emotional support, if you don't mind his bluntness. Though he may think deeply about a lot of things and isn't always sure of himself, he isn't one to fret over things and has the strength to change once he realizes his mistakes. Therefore, he's a good person in a crisis or even if you're simply worrying over the future, as he'll likely be calm about it all and share some of that wisdom with you.
It has to be said, however, that in spite of appearing as the cool, stoic figure, Kurata is rather socially awkward. It's obvious that he doesn't have much experience with having friends. Initially, he can't entirely comprehend their need to have an eventful vacation, their uncertainty towards the future, or even the feeling of loneliness. As Isezaki says to his face: "You can be really dumb when it comes to these kinds of things!" You could even call Kurata shy, if you wanted. He's the sort who has trouble asking his friends if they want to hang out, and, as mentioned previously, wouldn't even bother if he discovers they've already made plans. Part of it has to do with Kurata's own inability to see himself as part of the group and thus his inability to see himself as important, socially-speaking. He just doesn't really get it—both the idea that what he wants matters to the others as well and the fact that there are simply some things meant to be shared with others. As he finds out the hard way, even he's not invulnerable to loneliness. Kurata even admits it to himself: he can kind of be an idiot when it comes to social skills.
He does get a bit better, as he tries to see things from Isezaki and co.'s point of view, though he remains fairly detached and unenthusiastic compared to them, admitting that he still doesn't know how important "making memories" and all that is to him. However, at the very least, when he looks back on this in the future, he doesn't want to have any regrets.
✖ SAMPLES:
"Zodion" First-Person Network Entry:
[It's been a few weeks since Kurata's arrival, and, well. Without tests to study for, he's actually been feeling a bit restless.
The feed clicks on to show a clear view of Kurata's face, as he stares into the camera. He looks away for a moment, as if uncertain of himself, before his attention returns to the camera.]
... There isn't much to do here.
[Other than the obvious, which seems to occur to Kurata as he glances away, looking somewhat embarrassed. That said, with all the hype about the world being on the verge of destruction, he was expecting things to be a little less peaceful.
There's a pause, with his expression clearly indicating that he has more to say. After letting out a quiet breath, he continues.]
Is there anywhere I could buy or rent archery equipment? Preferably kyudo equipment specifically, but I guess I could try Western archery, if that's not an option.
... I just figured I might as well practice again, if there's nothing else to do.
[It'd be a welcome distraction, in any case. He bows his head slightly.]
Thank you for your time and information.
"Zodionlogs" Third-Person Prose Entry: (200 word min)
While Kurata knew that the possibilities were supposed to be endless and whatnot after graduation as one entered the adult world, he was fairly certain that being abducted wasn't part of the graduation aftermath.
Just a while ago, his main worries were awaiting his results from his university entrance exams. Now, his main worries were primarily along the lines of, 'How the hell did I get here?'
It would be a lie to say that he wasn't freaked out—he was only human, after all, and nothing in school taught a person what to do when they suddenly found themselves in an unknown (and incredibly bizarre) location. If alcohol had been involved at the graduation ceremony and he were the sort to drink, Kurata might've thought that he'd gotten drunk, but since neither of those conditions had been met, that wasn't a possibility. Of course, he'd also considered the idea that this was some kind of elaborate prank on the part of Isezaki and the others, but that too was near impossible. Something like this was far beyond the scope of what they could do (for that matter, it wasn't as if their schemes were all that well-planned to begin with), and they'd already had their fun with helping Isezaki confess to Nagise. Kurata figured that even they had their quota of ridiculousness for one day.
Altogether, the main and most likely option was that he'd been kidnapped, even if it wasn't a thought he enjoyed. Then again, there wouldn't have been any explanation for this that he would've liked—but this was probably the worst.
Taking a few moments to gaze at the image on the ceiling in shock—with it dimly registering that that was the Western Zodiac—and to calm himself down, Kurata sat on the bed, having already sat up immediately upon awakening. He'd given a start when he noticed the mark on his hand, and though again, in the back of his mind, he'd realized it was an astrological symbol, he'd been more preoccupied with staring at it.
All right, so his abductor (abductors?) had taken the time to tattoo him, which would explain the pain he'd felt while waking up. This was getting increasingly surreal, though Kurata knew it felt real enough and so didn't let himself fall to the delusion that this might be a dream.
(Besides, if there was anything his time with his friends had taught him, it was that some people simply behaved in strange and inexplicable ways. Apparently, whoever kidnapped him was one of those people.)
Breathing in and out to further calm himself down, Kurata continued to sit on the bed for a while as he glanced around the room for what wasn't the first time. Once he was fairly certain that he was capable of thinking rationally, even through his shock, he left the bed and began to walk around the room. Needless to say, it didn't take long for him to head to the stone podium, with it being a main source of interest in the room.
A look at the envelope confirmed that his kidnapper(s) knew who he was, which he wasn't sure offered any comfort or not, knowing that they'd targeted him specifically. He didn't miss the phone either, and debated which to check out first: the contents of the envelope or the device. Both, frankly, were suspicious, given that they were from whoever abducted him, but he couldn't just ignore them either, lest he regret it later.
After a few moment, he decided to see what the envelope contained—likely a message from his captor(s). Carefully opening the envelope, he took out the letter and began to read.
"... Huh?"
Despite the fact that the letter had likely meant to be informative (or a stupid joke), Kurata could only say that things made even less sense. There was only one thing that letter confirmed:
Whoever was behind this was a complete and utter lunatic.