Music Isekai Manga Idea
Title: TBD
Character: Name Pre Reinc: Kurohane/Kuro Tsubasa Post Reinc: Kiyoshi
Age 27 at death, (pre death appearance) long dark hair, eyebrow piercing, ears industrial'd and gauged, 5'9 slender build, wants to help others, cant control his emotions well, very protective of others, willing to sacrifice, heavy battle junkie
Pre Reinc: Killed at the end/during a concert, floating in a white void Kurohane thinks about where he is and what exactly just happened, suddenly a platform boot slams down shaking, the nothingness next to the , though not awake Kurohane seems to still react to the sudden jolt. and the god bends, "hellloooooo??? are you awake? no way you died a second time!" Kurohane continues to lay there longer, eyes flickering, "who is that? i don't recognize the voice, i was at a show right?" the god steps back and just stares "yeah i was at a show on stage.... it got quiet all of a sudden... then really dark.... that voice said something about dying a second time?" Kurohane then opens his eyes slowly and sits himself up holding his head "man it's so bright, are you the stage owner? im sorry if the drummer got drunk and pissed in a trash can again...." slowly raising his head and being confronted by the god standing in front of him, who is very shocked to see him, appear greets him "oh cool youre not dead again! you scared me man! anyways hi! I'm Kazuko, a god!" Kurohane sits there staring at him "for a god you dont really look like one you know? most people would shit themselves knowing a god dressed like that hahaha!" the god starts to laugh "haha well funny you say that, you were the one who inspired me to dress like this!" Kurohane quickly goes silent and dead stares right at the god "I what?" (cartoonized dumbfounded) the god smiles nervously and looks at Kurohane "yeah, you see the music that you make it's awesome and something completely different from the music my worlds hold." Kurohane will question the his worlds part "so basically someone*gave* you this world? like how some studios just *give* other give each other artists?", where the god will explain that this world was actually given by another god. Kurohane asks how gods just give away worlds and the god explains as they are watching over sectors of a facility in a way, Kurohane doesnt totally understand but continues. "ahh ok how about this then" the god snaps and paper and a pencil drops in, the god draws three large circles and then small circles for each large circle "these large circles are us, the gods, these small circles are our worlds. with me so far?" Kurohane scans the paper "yeah i think i got it so far, but why are there not the same amount of small circles? are all gods not equal?" kazuko smiles and continues "good rocker boy, and yes and no, all gods are not equal because we are all gods of different worlds and different types of gods. the reason for the different amounts of worlds, is like i said before, we are gods of certain times, once those worlds move past those times, and or forget the god entirely, that world is now lost to the god, if a god loses all worlds, in other words if no one believes in this god anymore....." Kazuko goes quiet so Kurohane speaks up "they cease to exist? i dont know if gods really "die" so to speak" Kazuko then nods to confirm, "Now then! enough of all that mopey stuff lets get to the good stuff!" Kazuko starts apologizing about his untimely death and he asks if Kuro would like to be reincarnated to a world of his creation. to which Kuro accepts and asks for a couple of things, he wishes to retain his abilities with music, rather than remembering the music he played.the god accepts and jokes that he will make him the most powerful being, to which Kuro has a small freak out and pleads he doesnt. the god asks why he wouldnt, as most people would love that, Kuro will say "frankly if i had power like that i'm terrified of the person I would become, my moral compass would no longer exist, *"i've thought about this before, violent actions would become first instinct, even if i saw someone i knew from my old life it'd mean nothing, if they're in my way, im tearing them down"*(monologue) nothing would hold me back from letting the darker side take control." the god smiles smugly and teases Kuro "wow that's so metal to say" Kuro will yell "shut up! im not joking! ill kick your ass first!" the god starts to laugh and accepts his condtions "we shall see though" the god smirks and Kuro gets a worried look on his face, he then asks if there is anything else he would like to which Kuro says no. after their discussion the god thanks him sincerely for his work as a musician and he is again deeply sorry for his death, he hands him a paper that is in a language unknown to Kuro, the god tells him to play that whenever he needs to talk to the god. after a confused glance a beam of light is seen and he is in the body of a very young child, 2 or 3 years old.
Post Reinc.: opening his eyes with a grogginess Kuro is very familiar with, when opening his mouth though he notices his surroundings are massive but his yawn is very high pitched, off screen you hear Emiko say "oh! my babies awake!" he has his mental state of when he died, so he realizes that he his in a bed of a sort and cant move well, soon realizing that he is actually a baby, he gets pretty confused about why he's there and why hes a baby, he hears this voice calling out to him from time to time and he questions it at first but eventually stops altogether, he starts crawling/walking around to find a lute to which the voice calling him is now louder and clearer. he crawls over to it and places his hand on the lute, like a shock he feels like he knows what it is and what you use it for, ends up knocking it over, causing Emiko to come and find him, and continuing to show him the lute. as she plays the strings glow with magic and also love in physical form an aura surrounds them, Kiyoshi looking up at Emiko smiles with absolute wonder in his eyes "this feeling..... mother thank you" (monologue, cut to a pre death version of kiyoshi crying) she starts to sing and he starts to laugh and smile. she smiles and promises to teach him when he gets older. a time skip to him 4 or 5 years old and his mom and showing him the lute and letting him try playing it, both Emiko and father not expecting much to happen, he starts to play really well regardless of his age which take both his parents by quite the shock as his playing is almost flawless, with the occasional mess up because of his hand size, as soon as the strings start to glow almost naturally, his parents are shocked and then start smiling and crying in pure joy and excitement, "the magic radiating from that lute last night enhanced the feelings of his parents happiness by tenfold, what a beautiful sight" ("narrarator")First Time Skip: show some scenes of Kiyoshi playing the lute and practicing his magic as time is going by, the strings get brighter, aura gets brighter/bigger, specific effects, playing ability, physical changes as well, Kiyoshi gets slightly larger and hair is longer as he is aging (time skip 5-6 years) some scenes will show Kiyoshi in his room playing and things around him are being lifted up and vibrating, later scenes will show items are physically manipulated by the music to where he can control the items themselves, his parents are watching through a cracked door in pure awe, a later scene shows him enhancing the air itself, causing his hair to take specific shapes or hold visible air "objects", Kiyoshi has a thought to themself as they play with these air objects "i can use this to help" a morning where Kiyoshi wakes up and goes on a hunting lesson with his father, while out they don't find as much as they would like so Haruto tells him they will come back in the morning and will try again as they are heading back Kiyoshi hears a heavy branch snapping though Haruto doesn't seem to hear. as they are home Kiyoshi plans on taking his lute with him after hearing that branch snap knowing it was too loud for it to be their prey, when they awake and they start leaving Haruto questions why he brought the lute, though a change of mood is nice. Kiyoshi tells him that's one reason and laughs but he actually had something to show him, Haruto laughs and says ok and they make their way into the forest outside of their village, as they are out hunting Haruto kills and starts skinning one of his prey, then a coyote like predator jumps out towards Haruto, Kiyoshi yells "father!" and strums a few chords and a barrage shockwaves blasts past Haruto blowing his hair as they impact and sends the predator flying back, leaving three large dents in the predators body. Kiyoshi runs up to Haruto to see if he was ok and Haruto responds with yes but is very confused on what just happened there, Kiyoshi returns with "lifting the mood".
Arc 1: (Age 10-11) Kiyoshi using his abilities to fight monsters, using a small lute and using some heavy riffs to deal physical damage and defeat them. (I added)on his way back he encounters a group of bandits trying to steal a cart delivering goods, the bandits look at the boy and start to laugh because they think he wont do anything, telling him to run off and play, go to mommy and daddy, other taunts, Kyoshi pulls his lute out and strikes a flurry of chords sending out multiple shockwaves at the bandits leaving visible hits on one of them and making him step back a few steps, out of anger the bandit calls Kiyoshi a little shit and throws a magically enhanced dagger right at him, Kiyoshi raises his lute to protect his face, resulting the lute taking the hit and breaking, Kiyoshi falls back from the impact of the knife and looks at the broken lute at his feet, we hear him wishing he had an instrument or something to play, where he then hears a faint "bass" and he repeats the words very confused Kiyoshi looks at his leg starting to glow red and physically throb with power "what is the pulsing in my leg?", he realizes what must've happened after realizing his leg change in both look and feeling, he stood up and he gives the ground a massive stomp and a loud bass plays, loud enough to shake the ground, causing cracks and even a decently sized indent in the dirt road he placed his foot, cracks spreading across and causing heavy shaking and rumbling, strong enough for the nearby village to both hear and feel. Kiyoshi thinks "music magic....without an instrument? what exactly did I do", a couple bandits fall down but a the others stay standing, Kiyoshi then smiles and yells "bass" while throwing his arm out to the side clenching his fist. Kiyoshi thinks while charging up "this doesn't feel like normal music magic, this is something different...." a large smile spreads across Kiyoshi's face as his arm glows red and throbs with the same wild escaping pressure he had in his leg and he throws a punch in the direction of the bandits, sending multiple invisible shockwaves (ripples for viewers reference) at them, "the shockwaves sent by this punch feel much like a solid club being driven by pure hatred and malice, in other words this will hurt"("narrarator") the first guy was caught with three hits to the chest and stomach, literally caving them and sending him flying backwards, the other two guys were caught with strays and hit in the leg and shoulder, throwing them back with a spin as well as a pain so intense it sends them into shock. the ones that were still awake barely alive were bloodied, and dirty, those few are confused and terrified how a kid could do something like this and finally run off claiming its not what they get paid for. the cart driver sits there absolutely baffled by what he just witnessed, Kiyoshi exhales loudly and the cart driver jumps to his feet, nearly sprinting to Kiyoshi with a voice filled with terror and asks if they are ok to which Kiyoshi will respond that they are but following right after they pass out on the ground. the cart driver freaks out and while very hesitant to take him on his cart because of the destruction he just saw he takes him to the town along with his belongings anyway.
Awakening: Kiyoshi awakens in his bedroom where his parents are waiting and hug him thanking that hes safe. he sits up and winces in pain and grabs his arm "is this from using *that*?" they ask what happened, they only got a rough idea from the cart driver that brought him into town. Kiyoshi tells them about what happened to the lute and the robbery that happened. theyre both upset that the lute is broken, but happy Kiyoshi is safe none the less, and more interested in this ability he managed to awaken. as they acknowledge it with a "so thats what that was" and Haruto tells him he thinks it was overexertion of Kyoshi magic that caused him to pass out, Haruto telling Kiyoshi "you really need to be careful with that though. mana exertion is no joke, you passing out was only a failsafe your body has set. if you manage to stay standing and try to use more mana, you might start using your life force instead." Kiyoshi gets a very cold look from the realization. Emiko follows "hes not saying this to scare you its just a precaution, so please be careful for us." Kiyoshi replies " i will, dont worry guys" flashing a wide smile. the parents embrace everyone and to break the silence Haruto asks "so how were you able to do that cool trick without a lute anyway?" . Kiyoshi says they don't know how they were capable of doing it they just heard the voice and repeated it and thats when it started. Kiyoshi then asks about music magic and why it's "dead", they explain why music magic was considered dead, because of it's lack of use, it has been around for ages but it was a magic only fit for entertainment, the only people who use music magic anymore are entertainers or storytellers of the sort, it was seen as something that could only help people on a small level, because of it's lack of military use it's not seen as a useful magic. Kiyoshi understands what was said and takes it well understanding the reasoning. the parents are surprised someone so young was taking it so easily. they tell them they are just happy that they are safe and that they need to be much more careful when using their abilities and helping people because what if Kiyoshi didnt have the ability to help. Kiyoshi asks about the lute before they leave, to which their parents suggest seeing one of the villagers, they used to be a lute maker so they might be able to fix it. Kiyoshi thanks his parents for the information and says he will go and meet them, his parents close his door and he picks up his lute. "man stinks this broke" while looking over the lute he realizes there was a piece of paper inside the body of the lute, he pulls it out, getting a similar shock of nostalgia like the lute while looking at the paper Kiyoshi whispers "i feel like i've seen this before" unfolds it to see its a piece of paper with different symbols, instrument notes of this world (the paper the god gave Kiyoshi). Kiyoshi recognizes these are notes "well i can't play this with a broken lute now can i? maybe when i get the lute fixed that maker will have a spare."
Lute Maker: the next morning Kiyoshi gets up and grabs his broken lute, putting the paper in his pocket before leaving his room, he has breakfast with his parents and asks "where is this lute maker anyway?" Haruto responds "head down the road a bit and turn into the stone fenced area, its the house over there." Kiyoshi finishes his food and gets up "ok thanks dad ill be back soon, i love you guys" Emiko responds "ok be safe dear!" and Haruto "don't have too much fun, no more craters please! haha!" Kiyoshi walks down this dirt road hes been down hundreds of times. this village wasnt very large it only housed about 100-150 people, so basically if someone knew you, everyone knew you. but its a nice little town and we all get along and love it here almost no trouble ever. (Kiyoshi monologue) as Kiyoshi finishes the monologue he arrives to the lute maker and knocks on the door, a young "come in!" comes from behind the door. Kiyoshi enters and sees a very beautiful brunette girl behind the counter, not being good with women the Kiyoshi looks around the shop and says "uhh hi hello!" the girl laughs and asks "are you here purchasing a lute?" Kiyoshi looks at the girl finally and walks up to the counter, placing his lute on the counter. "unfortunately not, mine broke during a little fight yesterday with some bandits." the girls eyes light up immediately and she starts jumping up and down "oh my god youre *that* guy! dad! get out here!" Kiyoshi stands there extremely confused and looks around very worried, coming out is a short stocky man with a grey dwarven like beard and short hair on the sides of his head, "what is it now?" the girl whips to him and says "this is the boy that fought off those bandits, he sure helped mr cart man right? right?" the man looks at the boy up and down with a very skeptical look "yeah! and Emiko was the queen of the world!" he turns around and the girl just clicks her tongue loudly and snaps towards Kiyoshi "prove it! right now prove you did it!" Kiyoshi looks even more shock "You what? how do you expect me to do that?" the girl returns "well i dont know you figure it out!" Kiyoshi stands there absolutely astonished at this woman "Who in the hell is this chick?" (Kiyoshi monologue) the man is still checking the both of them out to see what happens, Kiyoshi asks "if you really insist may i see a lute?" the man erupts with laughter "Hahaha! see! he needs a lute! you know that lutes can't hurt anyone physically!" after hearing that Kiyoshi then clicks his tongue after hearing the blatant disrespect to his skill. Kiyoshi then speaks right to the man "fine geezer throw me a target then if youre so confident" the old man looks back at Kiyoshi at the mention of geezer with a pure hatred in his eyes "is that so boy! take this then you little shit!" the old man picks up and throws an apple that he planned on eating, Kiyoshi freaks out for a second then raises the lute and swiftly strums a chord and cuts the apple in two, splitting and flying to the sides of him. ".....what the hell is wrong with you, you decrepit geezer!?" the old man just sits there and chuckles "haha aint that something, alright I'll help ya!" Kiyoshi and both the girl are absolutely shocked and drop to the ground from the shock of the man letting it go. Kiyoshi hesitantly gets to his feet and tells him "i broke my lute could you fix it please?" the man takes his lute and looks it over, scanning almost analyzing every fiber of wood. "well sure kid, I can fix this but it'll be a little bit, is that ok?" Kiyoshi shrugs and agrees "yeah sure that's fine, could I wait here" the man swipes the pieces onto a tray then carries the large pieces back, "yeah that will be no problem, it shouldn't take all day, couple hours maybe" Kiyoshi takes a seat on a nearby barrel thats by the counter and sighs "ok thats fine with me" the woman at the counter is wiping the counter down when she is called to the back by the man "(insert name) come here and help me with this wood!" the girl spins and runs back "yup yup!" Kiyoshi is then left in the front of the lute store when they pick up the one they used earlier and starts playing with it and allowing the magic to freely flow, suddenly remembering he has the paper in his pocket he yanks it out and reads it over again "ok i wonder, if i do it like this" KIyoshi starts to play the notes on the page and they glow one by one "whoah that's new, really weird, but new" Kiyoshi continues playing the notes and after the final note, a large flash of light shines. the lute sits on the barrel where Kiyoshi once was, the girl comes back out and looks over the floor "huh, i guess he decided to leave" and walks back to the back room.
1st Meeting: Kiyoshi then opens his eyes is met with the Kazukos room. the god looks over and notices Kiyoshi has come "hey! youre here! wow, ill be honest i didn't think you would come this quickly!" Kiyoshi sits there quietly and on edge not recognizing Kazuko "uh huh...who are you" Kazuko drops a very surprised face and then taking a second to think. "ahhhh i see what i did now" Kazuko then snaps his fingers and Kiyoshi gets a pulsing heat in their head they yell out " ahh dammit what the hell are you doing??" Kazuko sits there and responds "im sorry i realize its a little painful please bear through for a second, i guess i took a little too much when i sent you down." Kiyoshi wincing trying to look at Kazuko "sent.. me... do-" cut mid sentence he gets a look of realization "oh i get it now, but man that really hurts, a warning next time? please?" Kazuko chuckles and holds the back of his head "haha yes i will, again my deepest apologies. none the less it seems i took your memories of us meeting, i didn't want you too suspicious of me." Kiyoshi sits there and nods "ok i see, it's no problem, but what's up is there a reason you gave me the paper, or was it only to chit chat?" Kazuko laughs and looks at Kiyoshi " youre really amusing, you know? no, it's not just for us to chit chat, im open to giving you advice and or guidance to my abilities." Kiyoshi gets a confused look "your abilities? i do remember you saying something about a god "gave" you this world. what did you mean?" Kazuko takes a deep breath and snaps his fingers again to bring in some tea. "Ok there are many gods, for which I am one. The gods exist through periods, much like people and places, through the course of time they are remembered, changed, and even forgotten. While I am a god, I am not a god of your period. I was gifted your world by a fellow god as a change of pace. This is when I discovered you and your music. As I said before your music is nothing I have heard before, the periods I watch over don't have that kind of music." Kazuko picks up his cup and takes a very deep drink as does Kiyoshi as they process the information given them. "I think i have a pinch on whats happening, and im guessing there is only so much that you can help me and or tell me." Kazuko looks down kind of depressed "yes indeed, there have been times where i wished i could inform someone but I couldn't as a god there are lines in human problems we can not include ourselves with, even if it is merely advice, speaking of which. you might want to get going." Kiyoshi looks at him confused "I'm sorry? what do you mean" Kazuko then brings a orb of magic right in their hand where they show Kiyoshi a group of men approaching his home. Kiyoshi jumps up with a dread on his face "i must go now! how do i go back!?" Kazuko stands and places his hand on Kiyoshi shoulder "dont worry, good luck! and please hurry" in a flash Kiyoshi is back in the shop, after looking around and grasping his surroundings he rips the paper off the counter, a small shock hits Kiyoshi again, not nostalgia but a different feeling he then hears Kazukos voice "Your song has begun, I'm sorry for what may happen" Kiyoshi listens to those worse as he barges out the door in a hurry.
The Intruders: Kiyoshi stomping the ground with more and more dread and worry than last, each step is caving in the dirt path matching the dread he is feeling, a slight bass beat is pounding to his footsteps, some people take notice and watch the boy run down the dirt path, clearing the first inch of a hill he sees the dark men enter his house, "BASS" is screamed while the earth itself screams for release of this pressure, a softball sized dent is broken into the ground and Kiyoshi is launched with lightning speeds to his house, stumbling to the door he rips the door open, the wooden door hanging open, Kiyoshi sees his Emiko and Haruto as well as the 4 dark clothed men. "get the hell out kid" came out from the man who had the Haruto on the floor under his foot "get your damn foot off him!" Kiyoshi screams, Emiko yells back "please go hun it's ok we'll be fine" Kiyoshi stands there clenching his fists, "you love your pop dont you boy so leave" the man said that was holding Kiyoshi's mother against the wall. Kiyoshi hands start to bleed from clenching his hands and his eyes start to fill with a deep crimson, "i said get your hands off of them dammit!" the boy takes a step and without activating it's like bass was on as the floor caved in all around the boy, the men and parents are shocked at what is seen, the man with his foot on Haruto "i told you to get the hell out you wont like what happens" Haruto pleads again "Kiyoshi! Just leave its ok! dont you worry! we'll go hunting again!" Kiyoshi bites his lip and walks out without releasing his fists, or the red leaving his eyes. "that was a stupid thing to say you know, you should know something like that cant happen easily", Kiyoshi is still outside listening in, "what do you guys want from us we havent done anything!" Emiko yells, the man holding her up tightening his grip, growing a larger smile "youre right you havent done anything but 'we've heard about someone that has a pretty special sound based magic, so interesting we thought we'd come see for ourselves." the parents both realize whats they are talking about and immediately try to steel themselves. "ahhhhh, so thats how that is.... HAHAHAHAHAHA!" BAM SQUISH, Kiyoshi runs around the corner to see Harutos head is no more, the memories of training on the lute, playing the music for him, him playing it for Kiyoshi, those days he was teaching Kiyoshi about hunting, going out on all those hunts, the day Kiyoshi saved their father, all flashes before the Kiyoshi's eyes, "why is this happening? he was just here this morning right? of course he was here. so how is he dead?How?HOw?HOW?HOW?HOW?HOW?" "that smile, though wasn't joy. It was something much deeper some will say, the boy enjoyed what came next"(Kazuko)"You're taking again huh? you took everything last time.... well... NOW.. ITS TIME FOR ME TO TAKE FROM YOU GOD DAMMIT!!"(monologue) almost like the crimson red wrath filling his body and eyes. as this scream is let out a power surge of blood red tendrils torrented around Kiyoshi, tearing apart anything in immediate vacinity of him, some of the intruders passed out to due to the shock of the scream and sudden power change, Emiko now released sits there with absolute terror in her eyes "whats happening to you?... whats going to my baby?" her eyes begin to tear up as she watches the transformation consume her son, Kiyoshi's eyes go full crimson red and release a scream so intense it leaves everybody outside of the house unconscious, his eyes and ears start to bleed as the red glows hotter, full black screen "the....time....has....COME!" Kiyoshi's own hand plunges into his own chest "he searched inside himself not for salvation, but to birth a beast born from malice and bloodlust to deliver the ultimate judgment." pulling the guitar out each scene a side view with tendons snapping the further the guitar is pulled , the bull skull on the end glows with a rage that cant be held, a laughter rings out of the head maddening to the ears, the strings shoot and attach themselves to Kiyoshi yanking pieces of flesh off and creating the neck itself, the distorted voice returns "With every string a memory, with every note a promise, with every chord a connection, with a break THERES A SCREAM!" as another surge of power erupting from the boy, with the body finishing and contorting into something between a battle axe and an instrument. Kiyoshi sends out a chilling wave over everybody in the house, for a second the air stands absolutely still as a faint breath is made before... "PUPPET MASTERS AXE" a voice not his own or one known to anybody of this world. the conscious intruders are too shocked and scared to move, "Forced Penance" the voice speaks again before the hands of Kiyoshi start moving at blinding speeds, a riff pure animosity and blood thirst, made to call the hands of the targets themselves to tear apart their own bodies with no discrimination or lack of violence, limbs ripped off, skulls split open, organs spilt. Kiyoshi stands there motionless in a daze, gripping the guitar with all his strength, tendrils of mana still ripping around him, the form he has taken is barely recognizable. regaining partial consciousness hearing his Emikos footsteps. "Kiyoshi.... this isn't like you..... this isn't.....your magic" kiyoshi raises his head to Emiko a tear falling down one cheek "mother help me..... please...i don't know whats happening" the torrent around Kiyoshi is still spinning while Emiko hesitantly steps towards him, Kiyoshi takes a step back "i don't want to hurt you mom...." emiko hesitantly raises a hand "I know dear, it'll be ok" "The weight of the power Kiyoshi possessed and the fear it brought, nearly buckled the boy"(kazuko) seeing this, Kiyoshi's knees start to get weak, as his mother inches towards him "It's ok Kiyoshi, mothers right here.... just please calm down hun" hearing those words memories of the lute, Emiko playing the lute for the first time, her smile, he buckles and Emiko catches him, as the tendrils and the form he took on dissipates away, both Emiko and Kiyoshi cry, "on this day there were two losses for the Aoyama family" (Kazuko)
Aftermath: Kiyoshi now bandaged lays in his bed with a blank dull look in his eyes "what was that? that couldn't have been me right? mom said it's not my power....right, it couldn't have been. she even said so... but what was *that*?.... what the hell..... am i....?" In the kitchen Emiko hasn't moved from the table, her head rests in her hands, silent tears falling. Kiyoshi sits on the edge of his bed, wincing as he pushes himself up. Opening the door, Emiko gasps softly glancing over "Hi.... Kiyoshi.... how are you feeling?" Kiyoshi looks away "I'm ok mom.... just sore" catching sight of the still shredded door and floorboards, a memory hits like a punch, slapping a hand to his mouth he collapses, Emiko stares blankly then snapping from her daze "Kiyoshi! are you ok!" she rushes over and reaches out to him. "Wait!" Kiyoshi backing away with panic, Emiko looks shocked and closes her hand back "It's..... ok please just.... take your time" she stands up and saunters back to the table. "I'm sorry mom, i- i didn't mean it like that"(monologue) his throat catching his words. he barely gets up and stumbles back. "im sorry mother" Emiko's eyes widen, the tears flood again "its ok..." she continues to quietly sob.
The Walk: The next morning Kiyoshi slowly steps into the dining room, head down, the same clouded look. Kiyoshi walks towards the door with his head down and the same dull look in his eyes. "morning Kiyoshi" Emiko with a half strength smile, Kiyoshi raises his head "good morning.... I'll be out for a bit" he heads towards where the door once was, "ok be safe Kiyoshi" Emiko says, Kiyoshi slightly looks over his shoulder "I will" then continues to head out. Walking slowly down the roads of his village "can I even control this power anymore?"(monologue) staring blankly at the ground, he comes up to the familiar path that leads to the lute makers house "what the hell... i might as well check" Kiyoshi approaches the door, opening before he can knock. "Hey, your lute's finished. My grandfather wishes you the best. please visit again.... and be careful ok? for both our sakes" it's the girl from the lute makers house, there was a different tone from her, a much softer and more personal energy than the first meeting. Kiyoshi's eyes widen hearing the be careful "Ah... thanks, can you let him know I really appreciate it and ill definitely come back" Kiyoshi silently turns around and heads back up the path, turning to go down the path towards one of the entrances. Kiyoshi starts walking the edge of the town and stares at his newly repaired lute, "now what? do I even use my magic anymore? what if *that* happens again?"(monologue) kiyoshi grips the lute's neck tighter and continues to walk. He walks down the wall looking into the woods surrounding one side of the village, noticing a necessarily bright area through the trees, "what is that?" Kiyoshi jumps the waist high wall and starts walking through the woods. a feeling of electricity starts filling the air, Kiyoshi gets closer and his hair starts standing up, instinctively held his lute at the ready. Kiyoshi walks through the electric hum growing stronger, find a wide clearing, Kiyoshi steps in and silence, a warmth envelopes Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi takes a deep breath "wow this is a really nice spot" cracking a slight smirk, Kiyoshi lays on the ground and closes his eyes. "what should I do from here?"(monologue) a shift in the air is felt by Kiyoshi, he sits up and sees Kazuko bowing with his forehead to the ground "I deeply apologize Kurohane. I never knew something like that would have ever happened. If you have negative feelings toward me I can understand." Kiyoshi, the words bouncing his chest, "it was my fault Kazuko, I used my powers when I shouldn't have and got the attention of other people. that put my-" Kiyoshi gets a sudden flashback of what happened to his father "put them both in danger, even with this little power I still brought suffering" Kiyoshi sits there staring at the lute he once played. Kazuko lifts his head "Kuro, that wasn't little in the slightest. I didn't think you'd be tapping into that kind of power this early." Kiyoshi blinks and frowns "what do you mean by that? did you make me stronger than you meant to or something?" Kazuko takes a deep breath, "you asked me to give you your musical ability, but not the music you made." Kiyoshi nods "right i did" Kazuko continues "so I figured you'd pick up memories, so to speak, as you lived in this world. Each one you unlocked would bring you more strength. I just didn't realize how skilled you already were, but what you did before, that wasn't from me, I don't know what it is or where it came from. I couldn't even pull to me. The mana you released was wild, animalistic even. It tore apart the very will of my magic" they sit there taking in the weight on the air, Kazuko breaks the silence "in short.... i've never seen anything, magic, machine, or even people do that. That includes the other races more proficient than humans. whatever you have is wicked, and it sure as hell not from me or this world.." Kiyoshi looking down at the ground "It's not something he gave me, not something of this world..... then what is it?"(monologue) Kiyoshi looks back at Kazuko "what do i do if it happens again? it's not like i can shut my feelings off, i wasnt good at controlling them in the first place." Kiyoshi smiles and stands up "that's ok rocker boy, you don't have to be" Kazuko walks over and crouches in front of Kiyoshi "i'm sure you will find a way to counter this. if not ill, how did you say it? have to come down and kick. your. ass." flashing a smug grin before chuckling. Kiyoshi moves his face back but starts to laugh anyway. they laugh and then falls silent "But seriously, let's see if you can control what you've got so far. I've seen how you fight and, full offense, you're damn reckless." Kiyoshi rolls his eyes "yeah it did the job though" Kiyoshi stands up and goes to reach for his lute and suddenly sees the Puppet Masters Axe, his hand reflexes back and he jumps. "Don't be afraid Kuro, that instrument was different, besides, this zone? it's a special nature mana zone, it cuts off outside interference, also allows me to visit when I want to." Kozuka flashes a grin and a thumbs up" You'll be ok Kuro, I'll be sure of it!"
First Lesson: Kazuko and Kiyoshi both stand up and dust themselves off . spinning around and crossing his arms, Kazuko smirks "alright, rocker boy! time for training then!" Kiyoshi bursts into a hysterical laughter "hahaha yeah ok! you're gonna train me? thats a real good one!" Kazuko growing pissed "I'll send you to hell myself! I know more about mana here than you could ever read up on!" Kiyoshi clicks his tongue and crosses his arms "well if you'll put it that way, ok teacher whats first?" Kiyoshi stepping closer with each word "huh? huh? huh?" Kazuko stepping back with Kiyoshi "first get back, and second simple mana basics." Kazuko starts stretching his body out "mana is the fundamental source of magic, everyone has it, but in different amounts and natural proficiency. mana is required to use magic, you know this much. Pool and proficiency can be improved with training. Unknown to many, which explains the disgusting hierarchies." Kiyoshi sits nodding and listening, Kazuko continues "but in your case it's quite different. sure, you can use your mana in the normal manner, but your emotions, they're tied to your magic in a way I've never seen. It amplifies your mana use and the power. Not even talking about *that*"
Mana Lesson: Kazuko motions for Kiyoshi to come to him, "go ahead and pick up the lute" Kiyoshi walks over with a flicker of worry in his eyes "you're fine" Kazuko patting KIyoshi's shoulder "like I said, I'll make sure" Kiyoshi picks up the lute with no reaction at all. "good, just pluck a string, focus only on your mana, no song, or emotion." Kiyoshi nods and adjusts his grip, he closes his eyes and visualizes a thread of mana forming from his hand to the string glowing faintly, SNAP! the string snaps and Kiyoshi's eyes shoot open "huh? what the hell?" Kiyoshi closes his eyes and clenches his jaw starts focusing he feels the sensation from his hand again, this time more tense SNAP! another break. Kiyoshi stands there staring at the lute growing more irritated. "I don't get it, why is it snapping!" Kiyoshi closes his eyes a third time "clear your mind and let it be calm" Kazuko says in a gentle voice "yes I know, I'm trying.." the string forms its far too tight SNAP "DAMMIT!" Kiyoshi throws the lute with blinding speed and crushing a tree with enough force the shake the immediate area. Kazuko chuckles a little and looks at Kiyoshi "it's ok Kuro, take a seat and take a break." Kazuko walks inspects the large soccer ball dent in the tree, the lute is unscathed "well damn kid...." Kazuko whispers impressed, he turns and starts walking back to Kiyoshi "I think I get your deal." He sits in front of the still simmering Kiyoshi and places the lute in his own lap. "every time you've used magic, it was through song or emotion, right?" Kiyoshi grabs his chin and looks thinks "through song or emotion huh? now that you say that" he recalls each time he, including the takeover. Kazuko readies the lute "I am not as good as you but I do know a few songs, I hope this well help you get your footing." a green glow surrounds Kiyoshi, warm and tender like his own mothers hug, suddenly Kiyoshi loses all trace of despair, sadness, anger, guilt, replaced only with lightness and warmth, Kiyoshi's eyes now gleaming, "what exactly did you do?" Kazuko chuckles and looks at Kiyoshi "nothing much, just a tune to help ease your mind" Kiyoshi gives a slight disbelieving chuckles "Alright, let's give this another try then" Kiyoshi picks up the lute again, closes his eyes, and focuses. the string this time has a warm steady green glow, his hand itself is relaxed and completely loose, he then plucks the string, instead of breaking a beautiful sound plays out and the wind picks up blowing past them. Kazuko sits there and smiles in admiration of what has just happened "go on kid give us a show!"
Mana Control: Kiyoshi grinning pleasantly, the sound of the recently plucked note still ringing out with a warm, lingering, richness, he breathes in and out, steady and controlled, the wind following his rhythm in sync, opening his eyes, he catches Kazuko standing proudly, a smile carved across his face, "see? once you get the feel, you have a lot more control than you think. but remember...'" he walks to the center of the mana zone "that was a single string, now...", he inscribes a rune into the air with his finger, precise and perfect, the rune glows an electric purple that glows and floats around him "im thinking this should help." "105" he muttered, the rune pulses with a light and clicks rhythmically, 105 bpm. Kiyoshi tilting his head, brows furrowing "what is that thing?" , Kazuko chuckles, sporting a smug smile "Why, id say YOURE the person who should know the most" Kiyoshi gaining a deep scowl "oh i'm sorry but WHO has MY memories?" Kazuko looks off dramatically "huh? memories? don't know what you mean" he sticks his tongue out and closes his eyes in a childish manner Kiyoshi groaning loudly "enough playing around, what am I even doing with this thing?" "you're going to play the lute again this time in rhythm with the rune, you're going to use it to sync your mana. don't ask why I, just feel like rhythm will help you" Kiyoshi readies his lute and takes a breath with more focus than before "Alright, lets do this!" closing his eyes, taking a breath, mana faintly swirls around his hand and fingers "Wait!" Kazuko yells almost making Kiyoshi drop the lute "what! what now? i was about to do it!" Kazuko yelled back, "oh, nothing. just wanted to say, don't rip your soul apart again" He burst into an almost maniacal laughter, Kiyoshi dropping his head smirking "asshole", Kiyoshi closing his eyes regaining focus "i've used this to fight already..... who will be the next one I must face?..... Where does a power like this take me?..... battlefields? royalty?" Kazuko taps his shoulder "stop thinking, mana travels *through* your memories, not *with* them. leave the memories, mana's left. it moves on your intention and emotion, not the past..." Kiyoshi nods slowly, clearing his mind, his hands relax on instinct, the mana begins to swirl faster, more controlled. two strings now glow with the warm green, Kiyoshi's fingers move on their own, keeping time with the runes tempo, forming a simple yet beautiful two-string serenade, the wind stirs, swirling around the mana zone like a protective veil. Kazuko stands in awe "see what I meant? if you keep this up you'll control your mana in your sleep, literally!" Kiyoshi opening his eyes, muting the strings. the wind follows fading gently. "yeah.... it almost felt natural once the mana started to flow freely." he glances at the sky, the sun now dipping behind the distant hills "looks like I should get going. mom's probably freaking out...." "she definitely doesn't need that right now"(monologue) Kazuko smiles and walks over "yeah rocker boy, get going and hey, come back here, ok?" Kiyoshi looks with genuine joy at Kazuko, the brightest they've been. "thank you, Kazuko for everything" Kazuko laughs and pats his back, guiding him out of the zone, "don't mention it, ill see you again so don't go making this a tearjerker goodbye." he waves as he dissipates away, Kiyoshi still smiling, he breaks into a full sprint home, never letting the smile fade. He arrives, the front doorway still wrecked, but walks as if nothing ever happened, stepping past the ruined frame and floor. "hey mom, im home. and the lute is fixed." speaking casually, standing behind Emiko, who sits quietly in the chair, turning slowly, she offers the same half strength smile as before. "I'm glad you're ok dear... how was your time out?" Kiyoshi walks around to her side of the table. "it was great mom, i had a lot of time to think...." a flash, screams, Forced Penance plays, chaos incarnate "should I even try to play a song?" .... "no i *have* to"(monologues) "...can- can I play a song?" Emiko's eyes widen and her hands tremble, gripping the armrests, "y-yes Kiyoshi, of course you can" His face and eyes light up with hope, he gently lifts the lute, adjusting his hands. deep breath in. deep breath out, all eyes were shut, his with desperation, hers with fear and hesitation. The strings are plucked. a green glow softly fills the room, the gentle sound takes Emiko by surprise and she lowers her hands and looks up, Kiyoshi bathed in green, smiling, playing effortlessly. Tears well up in Emikos eyes "it really is you Kiyoshi, it's my baby again...." slowly getting up and moving behind Kiyoshi, shaky arms wrap around his shoulders, "im sorry mother," a soft whisper with no beat missed. "for scaring you, I've always been here... just behind a curtain."