Shikudou ⡁⡁ 死苦動

A CLAN INSPIRED BY NATURE, KOI & THE UNIVERSE.

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MY CLOSED SPECIES: SHIKUDOU KOIS

Disclaimer ::
DO NOT copy or highly reference Shikudou Clan Lore or all Original Characters (OCs) herein.

IN THE BEGINNING. 発端

In the beginning, the Higher Gods created a giant pond that we call the Universe. And from this pond sprouted three koi sisters.Swimming between worlds and stars with no memories, no responsibilities, and no duties: the Higher Gods decided to use their existence to propagate the world. Reaching their hands into the waters, Hylia and Suté swam into their palms and were pulled from the depths. Removed from their sister, the Higher Gods tasked the two with an important mission: bringing their kind to life.Su Hylia became the mother of all of their kind, and Suté became the river that flowed to all the ponds of their world, bringing light and life with them. Hylia was considered a very significant part of the pantheon; She wasn't one of the mysterious Higher Gods, but considered mighty and important enough to be tasked with keeping balance.Their kind had been present in this world for over a thousand years; unique beings with strong connections to the spiritual world: a world with unlimited possibilities, where only ones imagination was the limit. This power, of course, would be considered risky in the wrong hands. Dangerous, even, for someone who may not be able to control that power.The Higher Gods themselves were unaware of Hylia's potential: they knew not even of her own koi spirit, which was part of her very mind and soul. A butterfly Koi, as abstractly designed as its owner. Butterfly Koi are the only type of Koi spirits that can transcend their size and sprout veil-like fins. Despite their beauty, those who bear them are destined to become victims to them.Those who bear such spirits are at risk to succumb to their evil and destructive natures, and are said to be born with that very negativity in their veins. Su Hylia has been the only Koi to ever bear a Butterfly Koi of such an enormous size, which mirrored its self-same violent and chaotic tendencies upon the world when her Husband betrayed her and the Clan. The spirit broke through and brought upon the world the pain and bitterness she herself felt.In an attempt to spare her children and her world, Hylia sacrificed herself to keep from destroying the Clan and her children. Erased from the physical world and trapped within the spiritual, Su Hylia was eventually forgotten as no koi can ever exist in the spiritual world without a living body to link it to the Physical Realm. Her presence faded due to this, and now one can only recall her in memories and dreams.Because of her choice, Su Hylia is only regarded in myth and fairytales told to the descendants of the Clan. Koi, Hylia's oldest daughter, also lost memory of her own name because of this very cataclysm. Koi was later chosen to be the next clan leader: tasked with keeping the universe in balance. The cosmos were always on her side, yet couldn't protect her from the fate to come...

Shikudous creation. 死駆動

With Hylia's rule and her protective instincts, living among the clan and its lands was peaceful and calm. Wealth and assets like furniture were only regarded after the fall of Su Saya, the epicenter of Skyland.Hylia was a part of the pantheon, and thus she had to represent herself and her people: and the island they inhabited. Su Hylia is the fourth of five islands, and is the second largest island with a massive population. Hylia's protection over the island was important, as the opinions and perspectives of the other island nations and populations viewed them differently: like outsiders in this world.Hylia, seeking help from the benevolent Water God, Korsu, appealed to his better nature and sought blessing from him for the good of her people. He provided a boon that made the waters of Su Hylia pure, preventing them from bearing impurities in perpetuity. With this blessing, Korsu became a prominent figure in the Shikudou clan, garnering much affection and thanks.

THE BETRAYAL

Like her sister, Hylia was happily married to a man named Sahoku. Unknown to any of them, the man she took as her husband was a part of a group called the Blood Order (血体制). This order endeavored to seek out and capture unique bloodlines and fascinating DNA: wanting to create the ultimate being that would overshadow even the Higher Gods. Sahoku was in fact responsible for the vanishing of some Koi members, transferring them to the Ithil underground: another Kingdom: underground, unknown and hidden from the likes of even the Moon God, Guraijin.The most notable of these events was the subsequent death of Suté, Hylia's sister, at the hand of these treacherous people. Her death was meant to act as a catalyst for Hylia's true nature to awaken.He kept up his mask of innocence until Hylia's very last breath, when she sacrificed herself to protect the clan from her very own fated nature. Sahoku returned to Ithil, and his order vanished along with him when Guraijin became aware of the events that transpired. Sahoku's status and activities to this day are unknown, but the Blood Order is still very much alive...

KOI: SU HYLIA'S FUTURE

With the conclusion of Hylia's life, Skyland fell with the destruction of balance and the actions of the former King of Su Saya.Su Saya had no singular ruler since its fall, instead being led by supporters of the Kingdom known as "The Elder Ones." No one knows their true age, and some even believe they are simply another face for the Higher Gods. They are considered the penultimate power among the islands, and as such their will is considered final. Following the events of Hylia's death, the Elder Ones turned their sights to Su Hylia and its would-be heir, Koi: starting a chain of events that would act as the precursor to her tragic fate. Finding her fascinating and of inherent worth to keeping the Shikudou in line, they postured themselves to take advantage of Koi's memories fading into obscurity, subjecting her to their unimaginable cruelty.She was held captive there in Su Saya by them, having her act in their service as little more than a slave. They abused her greatly, but perhaps the most notable was how Koi completely lost her voice as a consequence of having been punished and berated for her manner of speaking and the tone at which she did.After Lorelia's awakening, the true heir to the Su Sayan throne, the Elder Ones were ousted and their rulership ended. As part of this chain of events, Koi was freed from this servitude and was returned home. Only time could heal those inner and outer wounds: only time would be able to blunt the pain of the trauma she endured. Koi officially came to power as Hylia's daughter and heir, and with the help of Tomoko, the Yin Yang Koi, she was able to fulfill her duty as ruler of her rightful home: The Shikudou Clan, and Su Hylia.

They shall live. 鯉命

Koi's return came at a time when the clan needed her the most. Her leadership brought normalcy, and also in a way helped her sort out her priorities as well. Yet, her memories are still lost to her, seemingly so far away.Su Hylia expanded over time: boasting shrines to honor members of the clan who fell in war, or were victim to Sahoku's plots in Ithil. The clan only grew stronger because of this, healing from tragic times that were now behind them.It was at this time that a strange woman appeared. She called herself 'Genhoui', and claimed to be a medium who could speak with Hylia herself. This was strange, of course, but when the things she came to predict or advise came true, people began to believe more and more not just in her ability--- but in the Mother of Kois as well.

THE MOON'S BRIGHTEST GIFT

On a Winter's Full Moon, a Koi with blue hair and blue markings was discovered at the central ponds of Su Hylia. This little child was found by Tomoko: raising her as her own. Her name was Yugana, named in reverence of the cosmic mythologies of their world. Yugana thrived with the Shikudou: her personality shining bright under the care of the Yin Yang Koi, who treated these wayward children as her own.During her childhood, Yugana and Su Hylia remained stable and peaceful; A necessary peace, after everything that happened to the clan. It was because of this that many clung to Yugana, who held many resemblances to the Mother of Koi. Many people noted this fact and expressed their concerns regarding her lineage, and it was this caution that led to them barring Yugana from training or improving her skills.It was obvious even by the girls' Koi that she had to be Hylia's child; The past would be catching up to them far sooner than expected...

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

Unknown to the Clan, Yugana was not the only child Hylia birthed before she sacrificed herself.Octavia, the Blood Moon Koi, was not a welcome sight in this world. She began her life separated from her sister, living far away from the Shikudous: away from her people. Because of her father's true face, she was considered to be representative of her father's Blood Order lineage and she would wrought nothing but destruction. Who raised Octavia is unknown, but what is clear is that she was not welcomed. She was forcefully accepted into the community where she lived, and took care of her own Koi fish at the main ponds. This was her only joy, as they were the only friend who wanted her near.The bond between Shikudou Koi and Koi fish is sacred and unlike any other bond, but this was what led to her community killing her Koi fish as a means to protect themselves from catastrophe. Octavia's grief was not simply within her heart at this tragedy, but also expressed through visions and disturbing predictions. The more people feared Octavia, the more they loved Yugana...and yet they were sisters amounting to nothing but strangers.

The Shikudous fate.運命

As time passed, Yugana left her home to spend the rest of her life with Tomoko. With Yugana bearing the DNA of the Mother of Koi, she is immortal, and thus resolved herself to spend the rest of the Yin Yang Kois mortal life with her. Her time is that which will outrun all mortals: and because of this, Tomoko reveals a secret to Yugana. The secret was either an insult or a mercy: how to end the life of an immortal.Yugana struggled with grief during these times, even moreso when Tomoko did finally pass. In an effort to pass on with her, Yugana tried to act on the secret the late Yin Yang koi passed down unto her... however, this attempt did not allow her to truly pass and move on in the way which Tomoko did. No, those of celestial blood do not just simply die: they enter a place of Nothingness. Pure Emptiness.In this isolation, Yugana meets with her mother Hylia, who tries to pull her wayward daughter from this terrible path. She tries to convince her to live in goodness, but her demonic core refuses to allow her to hear the Mother Koi's pleas. Yugana returns to reality, but something changed...The medium, Genhoui, begins to warn of an impending doom: she begs the Shikudou to abandon the isle, their home, at the risk of their very lives. She claims these words come from the mouth of Hylia herself: were they to disregard this warning, then the Butterfly Koi Spirit of Yugana would see to their ends.

THE EVIL WITHIN

With Yugana's return from Nothingness, her rage grew. And as that rage grew, so did her inability to control the demonic energies within herself. These energies became so great, so potent, that evil spirits began to flock to her: rending anyone in their path. The energies she had been releasing were opening floodgates of yokai and demonic entities into this world, slaying every koi they found as they inhabited the island for themselves. The more that Yugana acknowledged her true self, the worse it became until the only voices on the wind were the wails of the dead.As a last ditch effort to turn her daughter from this tragic fate, Hylia sent a single mask to her wayward child. This mask contained Odai, her late husband: sealed for reasons unknown. Perhaps it was done as a means to control Yugana, but nonetheless, whatever the motive, she had hoped his presence would ease her. Instead, Odai encouraged her chaos. He coaxed his wife into taking that final plunge and returning to that place she called home after those twelve long years...Greeted with nothing but death.Familiar, decaying faces. Tattered silk and dried blood. Everywhere she looked, all she saw were broken bodies and illuminated spirits. These beasts fought eachother, killed eachother: soaked the earth and rivers with whatever viscera they could find. This was not the home Yugana knew...The world around her reflected how she was sure people saw her: she could feel the lingering fear and resentment, hear it on the tongues of spirits yet to pass. Some Shikudou lived, but those that died? The lost and forsaken? They experienced only a perpetual Hell. They received no rest, no peace for their souls: something the Higher Gods inflicted upon them without knowing the consequences of this tragedy.She would embrace this land of Death.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

"Eventually, the Shikudou returned home..." She clutched the children closer to her, long hair spilling over her shoulders as an everslight scar moved with each articulation. "The Koi who learned their origins, who learned to remember the Mother of Koi...Praying to her, respecting her sacrifice, to respect...and to accept the Sister's fate. To be better than the last generation."She stopped and looked out of the window to her right. There was a light snowfall, its view through the window made warm by flickering candlelight. "Who knows if this will be our future...but for now, nothing but a few Koi souls remain that are fated to endure eternity." The woman looked at her perfect children with tears in her eyes, but drew a smile to her lips as she thought about the future.

The Shikudous fate. 因縁

The Shikudou Clan came to fruition shortly after Hylia's creation in the cosmic pond they called the Universe. She named this clan after the Cosmic Star, Sakana (魚), who to many was unknown. Though the name 'Shikudou' was chosen in honor of this star, perhaps it was fated for tragedy. The name bore another meaning in their tongue: "Death Movement" which seems to be analogous to the Butterfly Koi's existence.Hylia and her clan existed for thousand of years, since the prosperous days of Skyland. The Koi Island, Su Hylia, feels the ebb of time much differently than Earth. A single year on earth equates to five years on Skyland. This distinct flow of time is also the reason for the Kois' expansive ages, for it seems that their bodies age more similarly to that of Earth's time.Shrines and other styles of temples became the common home for Shikudou, who believed that Shinto structures granted them safety and protection. It is not too uncommon that other gods are attracted by their inviduality, which results in protection and bonding.The lands of Su Hylia are rife with rivers, ponds and streams manifested by Suté when she arrived with Hylia. These waters, blessed by Korsu, allowed for the Shikudou to always have clean water for bathing, rituals, healing and cooking. In her current state as Genhoui, Suté can be found leaving offerings in thanks to Korsu, even if she's unsure if he is ever there to see them or receive them.Through these waters live thousand of Koi that have endured the passage of time. At times, even Spirit Koi can be seen swimming through the crystalline waters to live harmoniously with the Shikudou. Fishing is highly forbidden on Su Hylia, and punishable by banishment. It's for this reason that foreigners: merchants or otherwise, are given strict instruction. The Shikudou rely on these waters, and it is for this reason that the task of keeping these waters pristine is of the utmost importance.

Surroundings

The epicenter of Su Hylia is home to the biggest temple of the realm, where all rivers and waterways converge. This pond is called 'the Enchanted Pond (瑶池)': where the spiritual and the physical exist in a singular point. This pond is the largest and considered the rarest in terms of its size. It is also the only enclosed pond, the temple built around its perimeters: harboring koi and other amphibious creatures, mythical or otherwise.The flora of the pond is vast, containing flowers such as water lily, star lotus, sacred lotus, water hyacinth, mosaic flower, water poppy, water iris, queen of primrose, bogbean, baikano flowers, among many other aquatic species of plants.Many seek answers or inner peace at the pond, with the Shikudous describing this particular place as the very heart of the Island. They feel nearest to the Mother of Kois here, and often pray and meditate there for that very reason.While the temples are accessible to natural-born citizens of Su Hylia, foreigners are exempt from being able to walk their grounds. The Shikudou hold wariness to such visitors.The ponds at Su Hylia bear a certain ambiance to them; you can see through their depths with ease, no matter how dark the night sky gets. The water itself will glow when night falls, giving a visually stunning spectacle to those who are unaccustom to it. Koi Spirits swimming through these ponds and rivers shine brightly after dusk, as they absorb the energies the water gives off, giving them that reactive glower.The only ponds the Shikudou avoid are the muddy, unclean swamp ponds near abandoned shrines, lost to time. Only myths describe these swamplands, as their proximity near another island named "Su Tokka" is considered to have danger lurking around every corner.Su Tokka is known for its dim surroundings and the horrible creatures who call it home; it's unimaginable to think that, according to myth, that a place like this would be Water God's origin, the most favored ally of the Koi.It is said that the ponds of Su Tokka, too, are filled with koi, but not the koi that anyone would imagine. The Koi of Su Tokka are made from bones—no life, no flesh to behold— just its inner body and the shell around it. It is horrible to think that creatures like this exist—souls who never made it to the endless universe, forced to linger in these murky waters. Perhaps their owners aren't far. Maybe they're very, very near...

The Villages

Su Hylian villages are rather small, with buildings often being bunched together. Village populations tend to be large, with exceptions to these rules being for the villages that were founded near the Dark Forest (暗林).Their homes and buildings are always eastern-oriented and come with a lot of variations between their designs.Within a home, it's very common to have an indoor pond—a way to stay connected to that which binds them and gives them a sense of comfort. These ponds also glow at night but do not contain the same level of effervescence or vibrancy.The streets of Su Hylia are rather patterned, symmetrical, or abstract. The choice of colors for their walkways is always neutral, such as white, black, or grey. Street lights in Shikudou villages are also adapted from the technology of Skyland, fueled by a mythical energy resource utilized for convenience. Through that technology, they are able to run even bigger lights: grand lanterns for event areas, outdoor lights that provide more vision, and the like. Other than that, traditional and self-made lanterns are hanging or standing everywhere, lighting up by the start of dusk.As Su Hylia and Skyland itself are surrounded by clouds, it's not a surprise that there are times that the whole island ends up in fog. Sometimes, when the clouds hang low, it creates a phenomenal view.As with Su Saya, the Shikudous use the benefits of the clouds and the weather: astronomers being very common among them. They study the clouds and subsequently the weather, learning to predict it so that such vital tasks like gardening and agriculture could be optimized for the welfare of their people.

The Cosmical Trees

In very rare circumstances, the veil between the spiritual world and the physical world collides, creating a phenomenon known as a cosmic tree. Cosmic trees are extremely rare, and only a few have been documented on Su Hylia. These documented cases are the only times they have ever been encountered outside of the spiritual world. They are massive natural structures in comparison to the flora around them, but when they manifest in the physical world, they are severely stunted compared to a normal cosmic tree in the spirit world.Cosmical trees hold a deterrent towards evil: a sort of energy they give off that wards such things from those that stand beneath their boughs. Most yokai or other beings possessing an evil soul fear these trees as they reveal their true natures, which not only do they dislike, but can be painful for them as well. These trees are very hardy and healthy, and thus cutting them down takes an inhuman amount of effort. Being near to a Cosmic Tree creates an influence on ones body as well, both emotional and physical. The energies given off by these trees spread like stardust, and tend to act as a rejuvenating cleanser for ones negative emotions and fatigued body.Folktales explain that the Cosmical Trees that grow in the Spiritual World become overgrown, and they run out of room to root, breaking through into the Physical World to propagate and thrive, resulting in their appearance. Other tales would have one believe that the trees are the cosmic star, Sakana, attempting to breach into their world to give omens and warnings. No one knows if that's true, but the blessing these trees provide in keeping Shikudou safe is one they're thankful for. The Shikudous view them as extremely special and dedicate resources to studying them.Because of the existence of these trees, the Shikudou founded a method to craft talismans and other small objects that act as a more portable warding charm. Fragments of these trees are also placed inside jewelry and other smaller baubles, as not only are the fragments considered highly valuable, but they may also be seen as a symbol of status. Outsiders trade objects with cosmic fragments for a high price.

Items/ Inventory

Vase of Infinity 無限の花瓶

Invidual crafted vases are owned by the Shikudous and are a fundamental of their popular inventory. These kind of vases come in different shapes and colors and were crafted thousand years ago. Many variants of stories exist about them as they are not only known around their own isles but also around the whole universe. Infinity vases are mostly recognized by their invidual Koi pattern designs and it's power to creat stardust liquid. It is said that this holy stardust water is a gift from the gods themselves and shall be used wisely, not everyone is capable to creat this kind of liquid. Stardust water is mostly usefull to read through the starmap through it's reflection and to also use it's powerful healing technique. Once the water is spilled from the vase, flowers and other plants grow in that meantime of spilling.

Koi Lantern 鯉提灯

A long time ago, someone named Iji crafted lanterns in shape of a Koi. His intentions were to ward off unholy spirits which hide in the shadows. Koi lanterns are made out of dark wood and very thing layers of paper with invidual designs and patterns, they can be designed and painted in different kind of ways. Until this day the Shikudous keep crafting these kind of lanterns to ward the vicious spirits off, their light and their aura they obtein keep them from coming near. However, it won't protect them from the true evil...some spirits are imune against such crafts.

Forgotten scrolls and Books 歴史的

The library of the Koi island Su Hylia has a hidden dungeon which can not be entered by everyone, specially not foreigners. Wanderer and other protectors of the library keep this part locked as they hide extreme rare historical papers, books and scrolls of their own kind. Not to be afraid soemone could read them but afraid they could be destroyed and forgotten once their existence is not relevant anymore. The Shikudous take that seriously and do everything possible to protect their own history. Books are mostly written about their gods and the mythical creatures who once lived with them but are no longer with them. Something more invidual and unknown is also hidden in their dungeon...only a few know about it's existence.

Weapons 戦い

(please scroll)

Katana
Katanas were crafted for the guards only and were trained from former Samurais. They use their powers along side their fighting abilities after successfully learning how to appreciate and to understand it's vallue, not many are able to combine weapon and their mage abilities as the steel, which the Katanas are made of, have extreme powerful fragments builded into it. Most Katanas have Koi pattern drawn into the blade.Spears
Spears in different shapes are also used by the Shikudous, it allows them to be more efficiency towards their movements and attacks. Spears are also very usefull for defensive kind of fights, fighting is not always necessary to them. In some regions of the isles it is also commen that people with trained spears abilities perform a certain "dance" at festivels.Fans
Fans are used by the healer guards only and are used during their performences and rituals. They are trained for using their fans ONLY and to not fight with their physical abilities as punching, kicking etc etc.
Fans are usually handed over to the next generation, crafting them is super rare as they believe in their mantras. The only thing that gets replaced about them are their blades which are made out of pure cosmical ore.Bow & Arrow
Bows and Arrows are mostly used by the forest troups, this section is trained to attack from a larger distance. The extra distance is very useful for hidde attacks which also grand them a faster way to flee if needed. The thin bow line and the arrows are crafted from a very rare ore whichs origin is kept as a secret by the Shikudous. By shooting an arrow the koi spirit in form of a hollow koi of a Shikudou follows around it as extra protection.

Abilities and the source

The three main abilities and techniques of the Shikudou were developed by Hylia herself. By learning about the environment, the energies, and the aspects of the island, the Mother of Koi took to spending an entire eternity to perfect these abilities to be passed on to her people.These abilities are not only for protecting oneself, but to respect and become more acquainted with their own latent abilities: as all Shikudou are capable of unique powers. These abilities also merge into their Koi Spirit.

EDEN'S HEIR - SHINTAIDO

Eden's Heir is a technique of Shintaido, a style used by the Koi; it is also commonly called "The Dance of Water." This technique was developed by the Mother of Koi and her people: a traditional method to synchronize and flow with water and koi.Using this technique allows a stronger connection to the koi and their Koi Spirit, providing power and strength. For this ability to work at its best, the entire process of Eden's Heir and its movements must be completed.Many use this technique in the Spiritual World to empower their bodies with the full capabilities of their spirit. Eden's Heir is still the most widely used technique in the Shikudou clan, done very commonly as koi find enjoyment in coming closer to their nature.

SEI-REKAI - MEDITATIONAL PROCESS

Meditation, or Sei-Rekai, is an important part of the life of a Shikudou Koi. It is used for a myriad of things: from strengthening spiritual connections, finding inner peace, and even bolstering strength. By going through this meditation, the Shikudou Koi enters the Spiritual World and is able to shift between this world and the next.However, due to the nature of this meditation, it is not possible to return to the exact location in the Spiritual World one was in before they shifted; they must start again from the beginning.Many Shikudou prefer ponds and rivers over dry land, floating on bodies of water to be as close to their Koi Spirit and other Koi as possible. This process is somewhat similar to Eden's Heir, with the only separating factor being being that there is no movement involved or outside influence.While in the meditation process, the marks of the Shikudou tend to glow: creating an enchanting sight. It is for this reason that many tend to meditate in the darkness or at night. Others believe that their bodies glow not only because of their connection, but also being near to the night sky.

IYA-UREIH - HEALING TECHNIQUE

Iya-ureih is a healing technique created by the Mother of Koi. This technique was one of the most taught techniques in the clan, as it carries significant benefit to the clan.This technique benefits most when being used on others, and cannot be used to regain vitality or immortality to ones self.Through the use of this skill, the Shikudou is able to heal others and partially themselves by utilizing the Koi spirit and its connection to the Spiritual Realm. The Spiritual Realm contains a high concentration of live-giving energies that are tunneled into the injured person through this technique. This process is much more efficient and effective in a body of water.

The Origin of the Spirit

Each Shikudou has a Koi spirit that is born into the spiritual world. This Koi spirit comes to life in the Spiritual World the moment their Shikudou comes into the world.Koi spirits are the only beings able to connect themselves without their owner's very souls; it's a bond that is meant to last forever. Their Koi are then physically present; they are either held in their homes or at the main pond, where many Koi congregate. The Koi spirit is also able to transfer power and strength to its owner; they are viewed as the bridge between the Spiritual and Physical Worlds.To the Shikudou, their spirit means everything; it's the most important being in their lives, and it is imperative that the youth are taught about their importance from a very young age. Others who do not appreciate their bond might face a tragic imbalance within themselves. This can also happen unintentionally if the Koi Spirit's physical body is killed, poisoned, or otherwise harmed.When this happens, their bond is then dismantled, and the abilities granted by the Spiritual World will fade. The Shikudou will then be on their own with no guidance or companionship. Those members earn the most respect and perhaps even sympathy over such a tragic event; not only are they bonded through worlds, but also through emotions. A Shikudou's grief over their spirits is without measure.The Butterfly Koi is a very unique species of Koi Spirit, which bears not only a uniquely cruel nature but a unique appearance as well. These kinds of Koi have veil-like fins that contain a different genetic structure. These Koi Spirits are the most powerful yet most arrogant towards their kind, especially those considered beneath them.A Shikudou with a Butterfly Koi Spirit is more likely to give into the vile side of their beauteous natures than to cope with and overcome them. Historically, it has been considered fatal if a Shikudou leans into their Butterfly Koi's nature—a forbidden fruit waiting to be tasted, some might call it.Their creator, Hylia, was the first of their kind and to fall for this kind of power the Butterfly Koi offered them; this was the creation of their DNA and something one should be aware of.Though Butterfly Koi are not always strongly attracted to negative and twisted aspects, the power they behold makes it hard to resist.

The Spiritual World 精神

No matter what kind of Koi, the spiritual world is only accessible through a deep meditation, once entered there are limitless variations of reality. The Mother of Kois is the only Koi being inbetween this world as a living thing, once a Shikudou dies their soul visits the spiritual world to be set free into the endless cosmic universe, she is the only one not able to cross this part.However, a Shikudous spirit can only be around if the Koi has an EXTREME rare DNA such as The Mother of Kois, Yugana or Octavia. Any other Shikudous Koi spirit is physically present in ponds, but their spirit floating beside them only in the spiritual world.When a Shikudou meditates or is connected to the spiritual world through powers, their marks and their koi marks glow. This is a visible sign of bonding and an active connection between the real world and the spiritual world. However, when the Shikudou is in the spiritual world it is important that the body in the real world is kept safe as the spirit world cannot be allowed to interfere with the real world. That means if the physical body gets hurt, it can't be protected through means offered in the spiritual world, the shikudou needs to cut their connection to the Spiritual World to return their spirit to their body.In the spiritual world nothing seems real, it truly diffs away from what one would describe as reality. It's not unrealistic to think of that things are floating or that Kois pass through the fields and temples.
Massive temples and other large buildings are always to be found there, rivers and other waterways rush through their gates and also through their floors, it's sometimes a bit similar to Su Hylia.
In the spiritual world is a very huge torii gate with all kinds of signs and gifts placed by other spiritual beings. This gate is a cosmical torii gate which is the gate to the universe, only the gurads may allow them to pass, the Mother of Kois were rejected by them.
One can view the spiritual world as another universe with thewir own folks and being to live in, it is truly a place where every kind of being meets there.
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The torii gate is a gate for the cosmic koi sakana who is known to be the cosmical erruption of two stars, Hylia and Sute. Sakana is the third sister of them and were the one with a bigger task, watching over the universe and to eventually break the higher gods secret, just another victim of their doings. Sakanas world is the spiritual world and also the real world to protect, Hylia and Sute her strongest gurads yet with a tragic fate.
However, in the spiritual world is as much waterflow as in Su Hylia, Korsu is aware of Sakana but was forced to keep her being as a secret, even infront of the Shikudous. Sakana is the origin of it's magical ground and can also be viewed as their resorce. Duo to that the more you get to the universe the more cosmical creations exist. The lower part of the spiritual word, the "valley" are the mythic swamps, exactly where the Mother of Kois live in. This part is also mystic and cosmic designed but more or less in secret as light don't find it's way much down there. Only ponds and mythic lilys spend some light to the swamps. Though, the more you leave the valley the brighter it gets, sunlight can go through the woods and also gift them some light. This spot always has been the favorite part of the Mother of Kois.

The Tales of the Shikudou 物語

SHORT STORIES BASED ON THE LORE OF THE SHIKUDOU

The tears of those remaining 嗚咽する

Tales...Tales are told everywhere, specially the most unrealistic ones which turn out to be the truth.
Hard to believe that things like that even happen, most don't believe in them but most do.Ghosts...absurd.They are near, very near.
Even after death all one shall see are ghosts, some, are even captured in this curse.Areha was standing at the top of the stairs, silently and with fear in her very pure face holding her little companion named rabbit. Frightened of something she just saw...or heard."Mommy....I-"The little girl was to afraid to tell what lead her to be this terrified. She seeked shelter in her mothers arm who gently stroke through her soft hair. "Another nightmare, Areha?" The little one nodded and looked up to her, her mother saw the fear in her eyes and she saw the same fear she once had."Ohh Areha...she can't harm you, and she won't."
"Do not start with this again Irrenai, These are nothing but old wives' tales!" Replied someone who was with them in her families barrel house.Skylands bars are very much alive during this time of the year, specially after a triumph on the battle field. "Old wives' tales? More like the truth my friend...I saw her once...crying and begging me to help her...I-..I will never forget her pain in her voice." The old man was looking around the crowd, their reactions were always the same. "I told you it's the truth! I wasn't wrong at all!"Irrenai held her daughter thight, giving her the love she needed before taking her upstair back to bed. "But what is it? A woman? Crying for what?" Asked someone else around them who was clearly not taking this serious, many didnt.
"My son...flee if you hear a womans crying, and not just a normal whining, true tears of pain...then she is around." The atmosphair in this house suddenly changed, everyone knew about who they were talking about, as if she is very very near...Once, there was a very pure Koi woman, full of life and very soft as a rose breeze.She was in love, in love with someone she never shall bond with.
Many tales exist about the woman whos crying is damned to never stop, and they all were true. She was known under the name Kotone, she was the kindest of them all.Sadly...it is more likely for the most kindest people to fall for the unkind, the devil to be exact. Kotone once trusted the devil, she was his dearest friend, only to get betrayed.
All the devil wanted was her pure soul, the rest...is cursed to live on it's own.Kotone became a wraith, an Obake, cursed to live in this world without any light at the end of the road.
After Kotones return, she had to realize that the one she fell in love with was united with another one.
Sadness...imense sadness spread through Kotones empty soul and was filled with her tears.
Unloved, forgotten, betrayed and left behind without her living koi spirits."I was there..." Answered irrenai as she slwoly walked down the stairs.
She cam around the tables and paid attention to the dishes while continuing. "I was around Arehas age as I first heared her. I was as naiv as you were, not believing in her existence."
The room was filled with a certain silence, even the music seemed dull after the atmosphair started to change. "I will never forget how she looked like, I was dumb to think I'd be save following her crying." Irrenai slowly stopped to clean the beer glasses as she remembered.
"She had long hair, wore traditonal clothings and...a rope around her waist. She sat there, in a half filled fountain and crying.Just two lifeless kois around her, the sekeltons were all she had left. She never stopped crying over the things she lost and will never have, even after I left. I left the woods immediately as I saw how upsetting she got as she saw me. My future depressed her...she saw my husband and my beautiful child, all the things she will never have but wanted so badly..." She gulped as she slowly felt the same sorrow she felt back then.
"I assume Areha is dreaming about her. Sometimes...she seeks for the love she wants in other peoples future by entering their dreams, even there the crying won't stop-"
She looked around and noticed the looks on their faces as she leisurely shaked her head while continuing cleaming the beer glasses. "Of course only women in this room understand her sorrow. Men are never affected by a womans true feeling." Irrenai poured another round of beers to cheer the ones being affected by it's story.
"You know about what I'm talking about dont you, Isamu?"
Her voice wasn't judging at all, more understanding and caring for someone with the same sorrow.
The man with white hair and porcelain horns nodded as he took the beer and thought about nothing but his wife who just passed. Even someone strong has it's flaws...Until this day, the ghost lady named Kotone cried. Cried for the future and cried for the ones who will never find their true love. It is said that her crying lasted for an eternity and filled thousand of endless fountains in this universe.
Some are even named after her as they believe that Kotones tears are countaining the purest water. Only because of a womans true feelings, nothing is more pure than a being of honesty.

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The Moons decision 月-

The sky has been turned into a dusty grey width of clouds and rain drops fall to the ground as the sound of water dashing into the lilypads next to Yugana was all she started to recognize.
In her arms, her deceased husband Odai.
His greyish skin revealed that he had been held under water for a longer time than just a few hours.
Her mind and her own are not focusing on anything but the clear reflection of the murder of her husband. Most feared her after all but together with someone as vile as her...there was nothing but misfortune.Yugana stared into the deep forests infornt of her for hours, making sure that the ones who gave her a visit won't return.
Her body wanted to vault forward but her mind was chained to the tragedy that had happened.
Yugana eventually had enough courage to move out of the pond, she knew exactly that the ones who were responsible for Odais murder already left the isles and that there would be nothing she could do to stop the massive hatred she has against them and the undying urge for revenge.
Her misty blue hair slowly left the waters as she also loosed her arms which were around her husbands body. She stood there and waited for the enchanting mists to take back what once belonged to them.
His face faded and his body was taken to it's deepest ground.
The only thing Yugana saw was her own face as Odai's faded, filled with hate and the unbearable anger that should cause more than a simple revenge.A cracking sound appeared behind Yugana and she gazed directly to itShe saw a silhouette, very shallow and more like a veil made out of fogg.
Still, very noticable that this was her mother seeking for her, perhaps, only to save Yugana from herself and to get more time.
"My dear child...please...do not fall for this anger, you are so much more than that..."
Yuganas hate she felt was more like a sharp dagger inside of her chest with a hook ready to pull out the only thing which is still alive.
Yugana turned to her and her face showed an expression of utterly deep antipathy towards her mother.
Her mother is the last being she expected, to her, she is nothing but one of the inferior who tried to tame her as the others.
They were always stopping her to unfold her true nature... How could they?!!
"...You have lied to me don't you? You were afraid I could kill your so precious children didn't you?!"
she came one step closer and in her eyes the image of true betrayal and contempt as she realized that her own mother tricked her back when Yugana met her in the nothingness realms.
Yugana continued by slowly coming near her; "...you...you killed him- you killed Odai didn't you?!! It was your command and your fear of what I could do!! You are afraid of the consequences for ever setting me into this world aren't you, Mother?!!"
Her furious eyes were slowly changing into the demonic being she was, something her mother feared would sooner or later completely devour her soul.
Yugana liked how much power and how much control she gained by getting leaded by the demonic butterfly Koi, and that was soon Yuganas answer to let them bleed.
"ANSWER ME MOTHER, ANSWER ME!!"
The shallow being slowly faded as Hylia saw danger in staying any longer.
She was concerned about Yuganas demonc being and having a longer connection to the reality would eventually reveal her ways of communication.
The rain poured to the ground and covered Yuganas tears of all variants of feelings.
There was a time where Yugana would have acknowledge that she is going through pain mentally, acknowledging the grief, her body will from now on be the only thing being able to process this horrible grief which is captured inside of her.
The last bit of Yuganas soul shall now be owned by the demon she is...
-

Years passed and the ones being brave, yet risky enough to enter the Koi isles shall pay with their lifes.
Yugana, the heir of this realm wandered through this land, without a goal and without a sign of insight.
Her own was lost in the memories of her husband and the unrealistic desire to find him.
Who knows since when she is wandering through the woods and the endless swamps across Su Hylia...Yugana stopped between two fallen trees as she was gazing at someone who is about to cross her way unintentionally.
She was ready to sacrifice her and to let her feel the revenge which is burning inside of her.
Not knowing that another being is around them, perhapse for more than just a short amount of time.
"Let her- she will face the consequences sooner or later."
The woman with bloody red hair watched the unwanted visitor flee their way back from the woods and her attention was captured in this moment.
Yuganas eyes were anchored on the unknown woman who just allowed her prey to flee.
She noticed the clothes and the accessoires she wore, she is not from Skyland and not from the Koi isles.
The golden Moon on her forehead revealed that the woman who is standing infront of her is no one but the celestial moon Guraijin.
Yugana tilted her head but her face didn't changed.
"What are you doing here?! You do not belong here!!"
Guraijin expected this kind of reaction, she saw beings like Yugana before, leaded by the darkest fragments of their souls and not being able to see the difference.
"Understandable..."
Guraijin slowly walked towards her as she stopped only a step away from her.
"...after they took what's yours they try to take over whats rightfully yours and all you have left of him, don't you?"
Yuganas eyes changed as she realized that Guraijin knows about the vicious murder of her husband Odai, a very small touch of emotion was noticable on Yuganas face before remembering the pain.
Guraijin didn't answered but lifted her arms in a certain way, Yugana noticed them and knew that Guraijin is using a certain technique.
She repeated those movements for a short time before Kanjis all over the isles sky were visible.
Whole Su Hylia was wrapped inside of Guraijins seal, no one shall enter and the ones being naive enough to still be here shall face the arms of death soon.
"I will unfold what is inside of you, they have tamed you way to long."
Guraijins looks were unambiguously.
"I will teach you all the ways of the moon, Yugana. Your realm is sealed and will be under my protection during your absence."
She moved to the side but her look laid deep onto her, expecting her to follow.
Yugana indeed followed her and left the isles behind her.
She can not express the sensation she felt in words but knew that Guraijin is one to trust.
She liked the way she spoke to her and how clear her voice pierced through her.

Yugana had never been to ithil, no where else after all.
Seeing the red town under the blood moon was a whole nother experiance for someone who rarely left their home.
Just at the right time, as if the universe was forcefully expressing the tragedy Yugana came with.
She knew well her sister Octavia was around, she felt it, she sensed it with every part of her body.
Very unintersting for her as they don't have much in common, after all Octavia wouldn't be interested as well.
It is best to keep them apart to eventually avoid any conflicts between the Kois.
Yugana was directly leaded into Guraijins Temple, it is best to not leave Yugana alone with her glim of ambition to explore more than she should.
Yugana noticed the truth behind ithil, no civilization is that imperfect yet perfect.
She adores to find out the flaws of one another, flaws are Yuganas favorite thing, always has been.
In all those years Yugana have not seen such a diversity of design and fortune. She is used to wealth but not this kind of wealth.
A maid was waiting for her at the end of the corridor, touching her by trying to undress her.
Results from that are Yuganas long nails being stuck inside of the maids neck, pierced and sliced as deep as she could.
Her eyes seeked for Guraijin to sharpen her look on her face.
Guraijin stopped the guards from taking her by gently lifting her hand, the amusement on Guraijins face was not hidden at all, she enjoyed how fast Yugana was and how she is not allowing anyone unknown getting near.
Oh how much she hated the slightest contact between her and another being.
"This was expected, I just wanted to see if she is that careful..."
The moon mistress slightly smiled, a smile filled with hunger for this blood on Yuganas hand.
"Excuse this drastic action, but every visitor should take a long enjoyable bath in this halls before fully entering my chambers, dirt is nothing I want under my roof."
Yuganas gaze remained the same but understood the way Guraijin took care of certain things.
The white kimono fabric which was perfectly wrapped around her body dropped to the ground as she was holding eye contact with her.
Provocating yet very directly.
She accepted to live under her command.
-

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Deceptive Memories 思い出-

Stars passing by, cosmical erruption and life being set into the universe.
Calm, slight and elegant, large fins and a veil covered from ther movements.
Many names but only three to be remembered.Sute, the very brave Koi of the rivers has been wandering through the spiritual world for a long time.
She explored every area of it and the ones she is longing for are nowhere to be found.
Their folks knew who Sute was, another celest and a higher being.
They were all seeking for hope, they knew what will come and they knew what was waiting for them outside their beautiful realm, they feared destruction.
Sute feared the same as well but was trying to do everything possible to prevent that, their realms and their world is way to precious to fall yet. "You must be Genhoui-" answered someone who noticed the river goddess in all her presence.
Sute nodded a little as she approached them slightly. She was save, she knew it, but her instincts were always aware of the unknown.
"We wouldn't have expected you here..." their voices are rather leaded by fear and some sort of worry, but not towards her, more against what will eventually come soon.
"I am looking for the gate of memories..."
Sute looked at them with exceptation for answer.
But their expression revealed their depress.
"The gate does not show itself to the ones who are searching for it, your time has not come my goddess..."
Sute knew the signs and knew it's meaning, but it was to important to not continue the search.
Sute thanked them and continued wandering her way, she knew they were right but she was so sure the gate was calling her, callings from her sisters.
Their voices almost reached her as if they are near, not far away anymore.
-

Sutes wandering lasted for a while, it felt like an eternity to her.
The cosmics were almost reaching her, she was so near yet so far from what she desired most.
Though...Sute could not avoid the feel she always got by time, eyes watching her or other being just watching her pass by.
Someone was with her, she seeked retinue in them. It must be them, her sisters were leading the ways and hopefully will see them again soon.
And finally...it all came to an end.
Sute stood there with relieve and a glim of joy in her eyes.
The gate...the cosmical gate known to hold future and past within, an open universe if accepted into their realms.
She saw someone....who are they...?
She welcomes them with her open arms and she enteres the gate, joy and endless tears of hapiness rushed right through sute.
"Finally....I have found you!"
In one moment to the other Sute was somwhere save, somewhere very familiar.
She heared slight laughter coming towards her, those were two little girls chasing each other straight up running to the garden, not noticing Sute at all.
Sute followed them and was enjoying the aura this place absorbed, it felt like home.
The girls were crossing the bridge across the pond, surrounded by all kinds of plants and flowers. It was truly a fearie garden.
"Hylia! HYLIAAA!"
The girls searched for someone, someone dear it was clear.
Sutes attention was captured in an instant, she realized that these girls are her sisters...and her own.
She noticed their age, not older than 12 or 14.
"Hylia come out!! We've been searching for forever!"
A soft laugh was heared from another direction, the dark brown greenish haired girl jumped off the tree where she was hiding and laughed at her sisters while walking towards them.
"You two always forget to check for heights!"
Sute remembered as she was really once living through this memory and she mumbled as she was walking down the bridge.
"Of course the trees...how could we forget she is alwways climbing somwhere..."
Sute slowly stopped as she was off the bridge.
"Of course the trees! How could we forget she is always climbing somwhere!"
Sakana, their oldest sister, threw her hands in the air. Obviously not upset at anyone but upset at herself for not checking the trees.
Sutes eyes grew bigger as she can't believe that she just forcasted what Sakana would say...is this real?

Sute walked along side the pond directly towards them, watching them having fun and talking.
She was confused yet so sure of this situation.
They were laughin, their arms were tangled inside of each others and their joy reached to the moon and back. Her heart was racing, is this real?
The three Koi girls stopped as they slowly recognized someone around, Sute stopped as she noticed their sudden change and the attention she attracted.
They seem to see her...directly staring at her and being careful with their steps.
"Do not hurt us..."
Mumbled Sakana who is grabbing her sisters thight by her side, trying to protect them from Sute who is standing infront of them.
"Please I beg you...it is not our time yet Oni!"
Young Sakana expressed fear while her younger sisters shivered in her arms.
"Oni-?"
Sute was confused, she would never hurt her sisters specially not her own younger self.
Sute tried to understand why they were seeing her now, nor why they called her like that.
Sute stepped forward to explain herself but got stopped quickly.
"PLEASE GO! DON'T COME NEAR!!!"
Sakana screamed with every strenght in her body, the fear clutched right through Sutes bones.
Sakanas grib on her sisters almost hurted them, the frustration and the fear for whats inside of them was to imense.
"Please, I-...I am your sister! I am Genhoui! I am your sister!!"
Her eyes were filled with tears, she can't progress what is happening and the attempt to proof them as her sister failed.
Sutes steps slowly walked backwards as she was to afraid to come near them, is this real?

"GENHOUI! DONT! DONT LOOK AT THEM! PLEASE!"
Someone else was there, straight up running towards Sute and grabbed her while pushing herself together with sute into the pond behind her.
The woman laid her hands on Sutes eyes, covering her sight and to keep her from seeing the truth.
Sute got dragged down to the ground and was gasping as she came out of the water by reaching the bottom.
She was infront of the gate and with her, her sister Sakana, the real Sakana.
She was dragged out of this memory and Sute immediately recognized her sister.
"Sakana!! I have found you!!"
She hugged her thight, not believing she would ever find her.
"Genhoui! I don't have much time! Please listen!!"
Sakana took the few seconds to thighlty hugging her sister...she missed her as much as Sute missed her.
"It was Yugana! This memory was manipulated by her! It is her and she is in your own mind! You need to return! Please, I am begging you sister! Search for Hylia and tell her about it!"
Sakana grabbed Sute by her shoulders and her face showed the seriousness of this situation.
Sute realized fast and she realized that the strange feel of being constantly watched wasn't made up. It was real.
Sakana pressed her thumb on Sutes forehead sign before she could react any further, directly cutting the connection Sute was holding for a long time.
She watched Sute dissolving infront of her and tears were falling to the ground, vanishing as the ground feed oneself from it.
"I will find you my dear sisters...hopefully save and sound."

within her.Sute was back. Looking around and realizing she is back into reality.
She immediately got up snd looked around, searching for Yugana.
Nothing, absolutely nothing but silence and the soft sound of wind rushing through the temple.
"AGH- AH!"
Sute suddenly grabbed her head and sinked to the ground as she felt immense pain rushing through her head.
"You can't stop me..."Aunt". Sakana might saved you before loosing yourself in this nonsense memory but this won't change anything. Soon, very soon..."
Yuganas voice was inside of her head, sounding like a shatter in time coming from each side of Sutes position.
Silence...absolute silence.
Sute coughed and breathed in panic, anger and immense pain started to spread once she recovered fast from the pain which was made up by Yugana.
She did not saw her coming this time.

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Soon... 未知-

"What is this...? This voice...I dont understand...!"