User:Shii Nemani Kayano/Sandbox
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The Tales of Shinn (新物語, Shin Monogatari), written by Shii N. Kayano between the years 2007 and present, is a fantasy story set in the distant future on another planet. Mother Earth, often simply called Mother in the story, has passed away, and the Humans, still wishing to live longer, have already begun their search for a new inhabitable planet. Alas, only 4 out of 143 spacecrafts reach an already inhabited planet known as Shinn, and the Human crew of each craft could not survive long the harsh Elemental regions of said planet. The last Human was saved by protagonist Shadow Bryght. From there, the story begins truly.
[edit] Back Cover
(If RPG or Co-op) Since they have gained resistance, they decide to sharpen whatever skills they possess, and to gather assistance from other races to restore Umbra as it used to be.
(If Action) Alone in a chaotic world of Elemental power abused foolishly just to prove the strongest, an ex-member of the feared Shadow Faction holds the fragile key to restore the deep scars of many. Embarking on a personal journey, she slowly uncovers the hazy truths of their forgotten past that will upset the delicate scales of her choices.
[edit] Synopsis
It is the far future and Earth, called Mother by humans, is as predicted: Resources and space are scarce and the remaining resources are concentrated onto the search for a new planet. 4 spaceships out of 143 locate a certain octa-sectored planet known as Shinn and all but one human perish in its harsh elemental environment. Kenshi, the captain of the last ship, is rescued and fused with Shadow, who is known by the Renn as the shadow envoy and is a feared ex-member of the Shadow Faction.
The search for her misty past turns out to be an inevitable race against time to save the universe as she is faced with conflicts and choices, allies and foes.
[edit] Plot
[edit] Prologue – "Every New Ending has a New Beginning"
Mother Earth (often simply called Mother) was nearing her grave. She had sent out 143 spacecrafts simultaneously to search for a second Earth or any other civilizations that would accept them. There were those that questioned, "But, what if we met hostile Aliens?" and those that replied, "We would rather leave those thoughts in the past and start fresh. If we ever meet Aliens, let's hope we are accepted".
Since the early centuries dating to even earlier than 1990 A.D., Humans have believed there were other hostile or friendly intelligent beings on other planets. However, Science had, with enough facts and data, thrown the possibility into the trashcan, although the extra-terrestrials remained popular in entertainment and imagination. Alas, little did they know that aliens truly existed.
As the years flew and crawled by, Human curiosity became stronger, and so did the consequences of their actions. With technology much better than prior and with Humans living in harsher conditions (of course, Global Warming and Ice Ages occurred, food was produced by yeast, and nonrenewable resources were endangered), drastic measures had to be applied. Thus, they split their management as 'Near Future' and 'Far Future' – the former being for the ones that would or could not leave, the latter being for the ones that desired to or could leave and the 'selected'; the spacecrafts were launched. The results from the Far Future group would drastically decide the fate of Humans and Animals, the fate that Mother could not decide for them.
After millenniums from the launch, Mother had finally lived to see a lonely death. Still no habitable planet was found; still the Digilogues* calculated endlessly and communicated with their kind; still the Humans slept slowly, waiting to be woken by the Digilogues... such wonders of Suspended Animation.
*Note: Digilogues are a hybrid computer developed with much effort millenniums after the digitals were designed. It takes the useful features of both computers to produce useful results: the precise, "down to the last digital digit" feature of a digital computer, and the more humanly, "what situation will you require this answer for?" feature of an analogue computer.
97% of the teams were unsuccessful in their search. Although 143 teams were sent out simultaneously, oddly, the 4 successful ones reached the same planet at times differing greatly - suspiciously great. The planet was called Shinn.
Shinn was a distant planet with 8 regions, each concentrated with one of the 8 Elements (Dim Elements: Terra of Earth, Hydra of Water, and Aera of Wind; Bright elements Pyra of Fire, Crya of Ice, and Electra of Thunderbolt; Umbra of Darkness, and Neutra of Balance). It is populated by major species and races (see below for Races and information about each).
During the existence of the Renn, Shinn had 26 eras, each containing 10,000 years [PersoNote: this needs more calculation, more thought, more depth, if any. If not, ignore].
The average Renn had a life expectancy of 1,000 years, yet, quite often shorter than expected. Though adaptable, they were weak particularly to the effects of Umbra. Those that were exposed to Umbra for great lengths either lost their lives to become Cores or were converted to the Shadow Faction of Umbra. Members of the Shadow Faction had obvious black markings on their bodies called the Shimon of Umbra; the size and style depended on how affected the victim was and how much they resisted. Returning from being a part of the Shadow Faction was a very long process and almost impossible; those that did return seemed to be normal, but that was only the outward appearance. The inner being was always scarred for life by the same black marks...
The first crew that arrived was the foundation of the Human-Renn bond. Through them, communication methods were established and the situation of Mother, the background history, and so much more was explained. They died not long after.
The second crew that arrived was the age of discovery that the Humans were their protection against Umbra. Methods of making use of the Humans were discussed intently, but not tested. The crew also died not long after.
The third crew that arrived was the age of testing out the methods. Success was still a goal to be achieved. The crew sadly perished like the others.
[edit] Chapter 1 – "Shadows of the Past Forever Haunt Us"
The fourth and final crew had arrived exactly during the start of the Elemental Wars, and the spread of Yin: the Conscience of Umbra. Umbra, Element of Darkness and Negativity, was concentrated in one region, but not for long. Through the many years, however, conflict both minor and major, any negativity, and the lengthy Planetary Eclipse caused by Xylon, a larger planet on an intersecting elliptical plane, had coincided and added up to the growth of the Umbra. The latest growth had gained conscience and rose to be of equal or more strength of the three bright elements - Pyra, Crya and Electra. The inhabitants thus named it Yin. It began to think cunningly. By taking over the brighter Elements, the inhabitants would be more helpless. By controlling all Elements, the War, and those involved, it could eliminate the Humans, therefore decreasing the chance of being eliminated.
Much to the dismay of the blinded Renn, their attacks had heavily struck the last Human crew and not the other regions. The last known Humans were now eliminated, except for one.
"Hostile, these creatures are... We should have heeded the warnings about Aliens. We were ambushed by the full force of their weaponry. If we are the last crew, we have failed to fulfill the dreams of our Mother and fellow Humans. If there are any more Humans out there, I wish them better luck..."
At the same time, there was another watching the events unfolding from a nearby location. It was a female. While the Renn were distracted by the War, the still unknown being moved swiftly to the wreckage. The Human was on the last breath. Relying on success probabilities of methods never attempted before, she began the risky process of fusion. If unsuccessful, there was a chance of either or both sides involved losing their lives. If successful, then the result was still uncertain.
Yin lifted the veil upon the eyes of the Renn and the Wars quickly ceased. They now saw the aftermath of their ignorance in their Elemental power comparison. The Neutra region of the planet especially was beyond recognition. What once was a solid fairly flat land was now a metaphor of an asteroid belt and planet collision. It was gravely jagged, as if a large claw had been dragged across it endless times, and huge chunks was now floating off into space. Moreover, they had eliminated the Humans, and their hope of surviving Yin was now erased. Slowly they made their way to the wreckage, hoping that there might be a slight chance of one still alive. A familiar sight stopped them dead in their tracks.
The scenario was as they had always feared. The shadow envoy had beaten them to the Human; their extinction was inevitable. Its back was turned towards them, and it recited phrases of foreign tongue. A dark glow rapidly flooded out from before it, lingering for a while and petrifying all those that lay eyes on the light. As quick as it flooded, the glow faded out; the envy rose to its feet, taking with it a technological device nearby. It turned about to face the large crowd that wasn't there before. They responded in confused emotions. It ignored them and smartly strode off, blending with the night; the human was nowhere to be seen...
[edit] "...in the Wake of..."
"The Fusion has been complete..." she whispered under her breath. The fused body of her and the Human now contained two separate but linked consciousnesses and either could converse with the other mentally.
Picking up a foreign technological device (see Digilogue) for reasons unknown, Shadow Bryght turned about to face a large group of Renn. It didn't surprise her much; they were the ones that shot their necessity down due to their ignorance, then guilt and fear probably took over. She never really cared much about them and neither did they. They would much rather have her not return. She didn't mind solidarity.
However, the only thing that bothered her was reason they alienated one of their own kinds just because of a different life history. She knew she was one of the Renn, one of 'them', yet they isolated her – no, it was more like they were trying to isolate themselves from her. But why would they? Because of the living scars that covered much of her body? Perhaps that was the answer.
Long ago, she had close people, who also got similar scars somehow. They were isolated; they never returned. To this day, their memories followed her in the form of scars. The Renn called it Shimon. They said, "Once you have the Shimon, you're no longer one of us." The close people never returned to see another face, never returned to see the dawn, never returned to see what she saw daily.
In thought, she smartly left the wreckage and stiff crowd behind, never to look back or visit again. She continued to walk to destinations still unclear, but half of her concentration was pulled into her Astral Plane as the Human woke up.
[Kenshi Akira] "...wh-where am I...? If this is Heaven, then it sure doesn't match any descriptions."
[Shadow Bryght] "...awakened, have you? No, you're not in Heaven - wherever that may be. From now on, you are within my mind, within my body. The only control you will have is your mind and the space within my Astral Plane. What is your name?"
[KA] "Kenshi Akari... And you are...?"
[SB] "Shadow Bryght, a Renn."
[KA] "Renn-- you mean those creatures that shot us down for no reason?!"
[SB] "..."
[KA] "I would have preferred a peaceful death from aging, but then I had to be shot down. Well, that was still fine by me, but then instead of letting me pass to the next world, I had to be saved by you? This is like- like- like torture!"
[SB] "Torture?" her tone grew cold. "You speak about torture? It has not even been a few moments since you have 'died', and you already complain? You bring shame upon the name that those who came before you have given such effort to build."
[KA] "Woah, hold on. There were others like us that have found this planet?"
[SB] "Four identical ships; yours being the last."
[KA] "How long was the time-lapse in between each?"
[SB] "A 1000 Revisols for the first two and 2000 between the third and fourth."
[KA] "Revisols?"
[SB] "A total of 360 night-day transitions."
[KA] "Oh, Revisol would be what we call Year."
[SB] "..."
[KA] "But- but, then that's impossible! Absolutely impossible, I tell you. All hundred-forty-three crafts all left Mother behind at the same time. Are you absolutely sure that only four had arrived?"
[SB] "Four is four, not hundred-forty-three."
[KA] "Oh man, oh man. This is bad... bad-bad-bad!!"
[SB] "You do not have to repeat yourself. It will not make matters any better--"
[KA] "Really? How would you know how it feels to have failed the expectations of your fellow species, huh? You've probably killed all my fellow Humans who landed, you heartless--"
[SB] "Enough! Believe what you wish. However, know this. 'I' don't eliminate the 'essentials' – only 'it' does."
[KA] "'It'? What do you mean 'it'? Who do you mean?"
[SB] "That I cannot tell you, yet, but when the time comes, you will be able to find out yourself. Now, farewell for the moment, I must protect 'us' from any fatal harm..."
Shadow walked out of the Astral, while Kenshi protested unsuccessfully, and returned to the real world. She now had a choice of three regions: Aera of wind and air, Hydra of rain and oceans, and Terra of rocks and soil. All locations had their respective risks, especially with Umbra taking over all regions. Not sure, she let her logic decide...
[edit] "Choice or Fate"
--
[edit] "Conscience"
During her journey she began to realize the potential danger of keeping a Human conscience within her own mind. Even if it calmed down, that may just be the 'eye of the cyclone'. What if the Human started to resist without her realizing? Or even gained a stronger control over her conscience, then resist? It might kill both in the process or even just erase her conscience and use the body, if worst came to worst.
Her thoughts were quite correct. Kenshi had calmed down; he started to take in the environment, the material it was made from, the structure, the boundaries. Determination grew stronger than desperation, and he began to search for an escape route, a way to get past his astral prison, a tactic to overpower the guard. Shadow was soon stuck by a deep-rooted pain she had felt only once before. It came in rapid bursts of energy, weak at first, stronger much later. She knew that it was Kenshi, and she knew she could no longer stay in the physical world in such a state. It was time to face him. Leaving her body in a supposedly safe location, she isolated her mind from her body and entered her astral plane.
What she saw hovering before her was not the Kenshi she knew. This was not a Human. He had been deformed greatly by the subconscious hate, sorrow, desperation, and many more negativities, and he was not aware of it. It was his dark side combined with her scars that had taken complete control of him. She had no choice but to battle him there, or shamefully lose everything in the hands of Yin. And thus, the battle began.
It was a fierce battle. [PersoNote: This battle needs more thoughts, how it will take place. Try visualizing it and have the other plots ready, so that it is easier to create a battle.] Her only weaponry was the clever use of his attacks. If he charged, she had to dodge and make use of the momentum. If he struck with dark elements, she had to either dodge or somehow deflect it back. She also knew that he was not at his strongest stage, so taking him down quickly would surely be successful. Her physical body, after so many years of life, still handled the internal battle quite good, but not as good as her younger days.
While her conscious was occupied with the battle within, her subconscious side felt the body 'bleed' black. Any passer-by would have avoided Shadow as much as possible – they would have witnessed a fearful sight of a heavily-clothed being staggering with shiny, black, tear-like streaks running down the cheeks. The eyes would have held an eerie glow; the black markings on the body would have been shifting with a mind of their own. Abruptly, her body was flung backwards and upwards by an invisible force, which then held her in the air for a while. It let go; she collapsed on the ground and lay for a long time.
Within her, the battle had also subsided. The astral dust slowly settled and two unmoving figures were left on the battlefield surrounded by a deformed plane. One of them stirred. It was Shadow. She slowly rose to her feet, stumbling from the recent battle. Lying close by was the Kenshi she knew. Not knowing why, she approached him. She neatly arranged the messed clothing, something she had never done before. Then, she returned to the real world. As she came to, Shadow realized that she had moved quite a bit from where she last was and that she was lying on the ground. Her fingers brushed against her wet cheeks. It was 'blood' – her 'blood'. She smiled. She realized that He was the 'key' she had been subconsciously looking for through the countless years.
[edit] What is...?
[KA] "I've got so many questions on mind. Would you mind if I asked them?"
[SB] "As long as it doesn't become tiresome, go ahead."
[KA] "Okay, well, I wouldn't be seeing any other Humans anymore, would I?"
[SB] "You were the last one alive in that wreckage and you are not a Human anymore. Do you recall our encounter?"
[KA] "Encounter? I recall nothing. Anyway, since Humans are no more, I'll study the inhabitants but compare them to what I still remember. Firstly, I noticed that your appearance is different to a female Human. Does your internal body structure vary to the Human?"
[SB] "We ourselves do not know what the body structure of a Human is like, but our bodies may be quite different."
[KA] "Do you have the digestive system? Digestion is 'the breaking down of food to allow the body to take in the necessary nutrients'."
[SB] "Yes, we consume food."
[KA] "How about waste products not needed by the body?"
[SB] "Nothing we consume has ever become waste."
[KA] "Oh... How are offspring and the next generation created, and is it consistent for all living creatures?"
[SB] "Rather simple - and painful. Within us exists the Core: Our inner being. It resembles a sphere. The Cores of two creatures -they must be in close proximity to succeed- split during the creation, then the halves merge together to form a new being. As the former generation create the next, their Cores grow smaller in size, their strengths diminish, and it takes quite a while for the next split.
"You may ask 'what happens if there is another offspring?'. Here, it grows complex. Let's say one of them has a weak twice-halved Core, while the other has a strong never-halved Core. The weak Core will be halved three times, the strong one once, and the offspring will have an uneven Core. However, not to worry about it, as it will grow up to be a strong Core. What we have to worry about is the Core thrice-halved.
"Finally, yes, all creatures, except the Others, Micron, Tama and Damashii, and Cores themselves, can create the next generation using that method."
[KA] "I see... Then how about emotions, like... love? Do any inhabitants know love?"
[SB] "What are they?"
[KA] "Emotions are an internal feeling that you get, and Love is the emotion of great preference of something. It brings happiness to those who love and are loved - or something like that. I never was good at these explanations."
[SB] "I see... No, I don't recall ever feeling the emotion Love. There may be others who have, but not me."
[edit] "I Need You"
Shadow had been keeping an eye on the bond between herself and Kenshi. She could see that it was now very strong, thus the time to reveal the true situation had arrived – and Shadow had been expecting it.
[SB] "Kenshi, the time has come to tell you why I kept you 'alive' and what 'it', the thing that eliminates the 'essentials', is. 'It' is the conscience of Umbra, the Element of Negativity and Darkness. It has a name. We call it 'Yin'."
[KA] "Yin? Hmm, sounds very familiar..."
[SB] "Perhaps there is a reason you find it so. Umbra is everywhere, I believe, but I am not sure if Yin is."
[KA] "Okay... and what is the reason for keeping me alive?"
[SB] "You are the 'essential' to defeating Yin."
[KA] "Pardon?"
[SB] "I need you, the last Human, to stay alive at all costs, so that I can resist Umbra, even a little bit more, hence the Fusion between you and I."
[KA] "Oh? So I was useful after all?"
[SB] "Yes. Even any other Human may have been enough, but you were the last one alive when I got to you."
[KA] "Oh. But why tell me now and not earlier or later?"
[SB] "I was observing our relationship all the way and I believe it is now very strong."
[KA] "And what about Yin?"
She left a little pause. She deliberately dodged the questions with her own. This was both to confirm her ideas, and to show Kenshi the real situation.
[SB] "Do you have darkness upon Mother?"
[KA] "Yes. Why?"
[SB] "Has any living organism ever died from the darkness? Put it this way. Have 'Humans' died from the darkness?"
[KA] "Well, things like plants can die from not getting enough light from the Sun. But then again, there are those things that die from too much light from the Sun. We Humans may do stupid things in the darkness and die from it, but... no, it is not often. But, is it that bad on Shinn?"
[SB] "Kenshi, do you know the Shadow Faction? They are a feared group of creatures that have been 'touched' by Umbra. And by 'touched', we mean 'being exposed to Umbra'. Any creature that has been touched, even for a short time, never returns; you can tell they were exposed because of the Shimon that covers their body. The size and location of the Shimon is random, but usually is larger for those that have resisted less. Even as we speak, Yin is steadily spreading to all regions, increasing the size of the Shadow Faction."
[KA] "If I may interrupt, how did it gain consciousness?"
[SB] "Indeed, that is a good question. No-one knows exactly why it has 'woken', but my thoughts are that, based on the fairly recent events, both nature and the inhabitants have contributed to it. We had the passing by of planet Xylon recently, which blocked the light causing a lengthy darkness. Particularly the Renn tried to take advantage of the darkness so that they could attack the other regions when it was least visible. Of course, that didn't work; it ended up bringing your ship down. I don't think they know it, but Yin controlled their attacks, their every move."
[KA] "I see."
[SB] "If we don't put an end to Yin now, every single place here and beyond the skies will be ruled by Yin. There is a thing called balance. If Umbra exists, then so should its counterpart Spectra. If bad exists, then so should good. If female exists, then so should male. Nothing can exist without its opposite."
[KA] "That theory I have heard of."
[SB] "Do you now understand why I need a Human? I cannot exist without your resistance and neither you in this environment without my resistance. If Yin exists, then there has to be someone to control it, and that's where we come in."
[KA] "Yeah, I guess I do now."
[SB] "Good. Even if you may still not understand fully, you will later."
[edit] "The Inevitable..."
The journey of Shadow and Kenshi had taken them through so many locations, countless challenges that they bravely endured together, and numerous people that they may never see again. Each was a dream-like memory.
The journey led them finally to the darkest region of Umbra in search for the Orb of Darkness. Their resistance was much greater than the past. They soon find that Yin resides in the orb itself, and that Shadow can exist in neither world. They go on to discover that Yin they had sought so hard to rid of is the creator of Shadow and is essential for Shadow's survival and death. If they destroy Yin, Shadow loses the important dark-side, the side of everything negative. If they let Yin live, then Shadow loses her light-side, the side of everything positive, such as the emotion she had finally known – Love.
[SB] "This is the place where Yin and the Umbra Orb are supposed to be... Yin, show yourself!"
[Yin] "Ah, welcome back. We missed you."
[KA] "Yin is the Elemental Orb?"
[Yin] "Have you come to join my Faction? Have you come to rule the universe beside me? I could train your friend to become as powerful as you..."
[SB] "Actually we've come to erase you and your Faction forever."
[Yin] "Fool. I would have expected a much better choice from someone as powerful as you. Do you not realize who you really are? Do you not realize what I am?"
[SB] "Me: A determined being who used to be confused. You: A plague that will erase this entire Universe if we don't take you down right now."
[Yin] "Wrong answer. Let me tell you the truth, if you can handle it. Do you recall or know anything about your creation?"
[SB] "..."
[Yin] "I thought not. You are a special one, created by none other than Celesta and myself."
[SB] "Where's the proof?"
[Yin] "It has been with you since your creation. The proof is all over your body and Core."
[SB] "...the Shimon?"
[Yin]"You're getting good at this game."
[SB] "So, you're saying all those with the Shimon were your creations?"
[Yin] "The Shimon are my fingerprints. Those people are not exactly my creation, but more like..."
[S+K] "...minions."
[Yin] "Correct again."
[SB] "Is that why the Renn, my own kind, fear me?"
[Yin] "You never were one."
[S+K] "What?!"
[Yin] "You seem so wise, yet you are still young. I implanted it deep into your mind upon your creation, so that you could despise them for isolating you, so that you could gain enough power to wipe them out. The plan was almost perfect, but you never killed them as planned."
[SB] "If I am a creation, when was I created?"
[Yin] "Long before the Renn even crawled across the face of this planet."
[SB] "How is that possible? They have been around for 25 eras, and, as you said yourself, I am but old."
[Yin] "You were imbued with the ability to revive. Again, it was not perfect. I wanted to destroy you then, the imperfect creation, before you could become another being, but the other Celestas felt pity for you. They left Save Points across the planet, so that you could use them to restore yourself, to save your state at that instant."
[SB] "You are known to be negativity, and the Celestas are not. How could it be that you worked alongside them?"
[Yin] "Did you know there was another race before the rise of the Renn? They called themselves Junn. Pity, they are no more. They are now supposedly-extinct."
[SB] "You continuously evade my questions, Yin. What has that got to do with your Celesta association?"
[Yin] "They were driven out, by the Renn... Umbra is not fatal to the Junn. But it is to the Renn, isn't that right?"
[SB] "..."
[Yin] "I was once a respected Celesta myself, a Celesta of all negativity, but they turned on me and discarded me when the Renn emerged. The Renn created the present me through their actions. They feared me then and they still do now. Do you know how I felt? I think you do. So many Revisols so painful, but the pain has become all too familiar. Pain of others I now seek, for it fuels me. I seek the revenge against the Celesta, against all that loathe what I never would have become if not for the Renn. What good do you think your wishes will bring?
[SB] "Peace for myself and for those I care no more than you do. Thus, I need to erase you."
[Yin] "Futile your efforts will be, no matter what you do. You need Umbra, Shadow. It is an essential part of you, even if it may plague you for life. Without it, you do not exist. Every living thing has a good side and a bad side. I had a good side, but it was taken away by my own kind and the Renn."
"But, enough talk. Now that you know too much, I must destroy you."
The Umbra Orb began to emanate the same black glow that Shadow emitted during the Fusion; it transformed into a Damashii. The final battle had begun.
[edit] "The Final Battle"
Yin had been defeated and it was as Yin had said. The Umbra orb began to spin violently, sending a highpitched echo sound into their minds as the darkness was sucked into the orb. Instinctively, Shadow blocked her ears, but it did no good.
In the books of History it states that: "After so long, the great evil, known only as Yin, was at last dispersed from that cycle of the fourth dimension. The death call of Yin was loud enough to be heard by everything within the universe that stretched further than the strongest eyes could see. This was followed by the eternal Spectra."
Shadow lost consciousness from the sound. During her unconsciousness, her physical body was absorbed into the orb. She woke up as a Core. Kenshi also lost his physical body. Together they observed the surroundings, which had everything except negativity. Their attention was soon drawn to the portal; no one else seemed to be aware of its presence. It was as if it was meant for them only.
"What is that thing?" he questioned aloud. I knew I had to tell him then.
"Kenshi. I never told you about this portal before, as I never thought it would be so important.
"A portal? What does it link to?"
"It links Shinn of the present to Mother of the past. Through this, all this can be undone."
"But do you really want to? Recall what we just went through. All the suffering, the lies we have been told for so long, and Yin. Do you really want that back? Isn't this enough?"
"...I want to know what you wish for."
"Then, answer this. What is time? Is it something we choose, something we create? Or is it already mapped for us by some larger force? What is its true shape?"
"I really don't know, Kenshi. Yin said that I have the power to reincarnate, yet I had no memory of the distant past. If I did live until the end of time, would I still recall this very moment?"
"Then perhaps we will never find out. Perhaps we were never meant to find out to begin with."
"Yet if this portal links the past to the future, then somewhere there is a loop created by this portal. Time must be a complicated loop."
"That could be right."
"Therefore, the past is our future, isn't it?"
"Well--"
"Kenshi, regardless of what's to come, would you always be by my side?" At that moment, I didn't know why I said that. I guess my dark side had been ripped away with all negativity. Perhaps it was what the Humans called emotion. Perhaps I had grown to know him a lot.
"Woah. Easy with the sudden question. Seeing we've grown to know each other well, I guess so."
"If you really do, let us recreate the future, if that is possible."
"Well... fine then."
"Good. I'm sure you won't regret this."
The duo entered the portal. They came out onto a past Yamato (formerly known as Nihon, Nippon, and Japan) of Mother.
[edit] The Game
[edit] Plot
The game will follow most of the Plot above.
[edit] Twists and Secrets to uncover, midpoint or near end
[edit] Secrets about Shadow Bryght
Shadow Bryght is not a Renn. Or to put it into much better words, she is a unique breed, created by the Shimon. All Renn never return from the Shadow Faction. Yet, Shadow Bryght had returned, suggesting she is not a Renn. The Shimon, of course, had spread across so much of the physical body and left half of her Core black. The Renn fear her and she is known to many as the shadow envoy.
The normal Renn have so far only lived up to around a 1000 years. Shadow Bryght has lived for much longer. The secret to her long life is reincarnation – taking upon a new body when the old one dies, just like the shadows exist. If there is an opaque object, no matter how hard you try to erase its shadow with the brightest lights, there always is a shadow somewhere. Even if the lights manage to shine from all possible angles, and do eliminate the shadow, unless they can shine forever, the shadows will again return, perhaps even stronger. However, if the lights do shine indefinitely, then the shadows will be eliminated.
Shadow Bryght lives similarly. Unfortunately, shadows, a.k.a. Umbra, were negativity upon Shinn. Although she is not aware of it, Umbra is a vital element if used correctly. Without it, not only will she perish ("Everything cannot exist without their counterparts..."), but the whole planet will then be infested with Yin ("...except under certain circumstances..."), which will then spread universe-wide, leaving behind a dark dead place ("...such as the overthrowing of the balance.").
Her emotions are also another thing. She has neutral but slightly icy emotions that are chosen by the paths she chooses. However, she mainly moves on instinct, not emotions. Even the moment she fused with the Human, she moved by logic and survival instincts. If that human died, then Yin would rule. If the Human survived, then there was still a chance against Yin.
[edit] The Ultimate Element
The Renn after so long had forgotten that there was an Ultimate Element. The Junn and earliest Renn knew it existed and knew how to bring forth the Ultimate. However, the Orbs were impossible to obtain, since they were large in numbers and the Guardians protected them well. Slowly the number of believers of the Ultimate Element grew thinner and thinner, and eventually it became a lost legend. Millenniums later, any desire to obtain Orbs was made fun of. However, Shadow Bryght never loved the way they mocked those wills:
"One who searches for the Elemental Orbs is none but a fool."
[edit] The Fourth Dimension of the Universe
Time, the fourth dimension, plays a significant role. In this story, the beginning and end of the universe do not exist. Perhaps we should dig deeper...
Take for example a short black straight line on a white paper and label it Time. Now we label the two ends (where the black ends) Start and End. Yet if we further extend any of the two further as if the line were longer, the Start and End are not on the tips, but merely upon the line. "Ah, here we can then move the two points to the tips." Correct, but if we were to again lengthen it, would it be a repeat of futile efforts?
Next, take two lines at right angles. They are your two known dimensions, Width and Height. Two distinct dimensions, indeed. Now nearby, draw a perfect thick quadrant circumference. Imagine yourself as an atom moving in one direction along the line. Where is the Height or Width? To the atom, it is a straight line. If it were an enclosed circle, the atom would not meet the Beginning or End. This is the same sense that early Men had, when they said that "the Earth is flat".
The Time dimension in the Universe in which Shinn resides follows the same concept. There is no Beginning or End, whatsoever. Time, a circle too large even for the most intelligent to grasp (similar to how Humans are trying to figure out the size of the Universe), will forever loop -- unless, of course, something creates a gap in the line. Thus the destruction of Earth was to create a space for the next Earth to be reincarnated, and the Humans, Renn and Others will again be born no matter what. The same universe does include the "Big Bang", which is just another dot on the line. So, it will happen again and again, perhaps in a different manner next.
[edit] Genre
Action Co-op, or RPG One-player? Will it be Action or RPG? Depending on the simplicity and the plot, either will be fine.
Will it be One-player or Co-op? Preferably, Co-op should be accessible, even up to 4 characters at once. But, during normal play, one character will be running about.
[edit] Game System: Special Things to Note
[edit] Dama
Different areas will, of course, contain challenges and obstacles that the normal character cannot overcome. Shadow Bryght, when using just Orbs, will transform into different Elemental Tama, such as Electra Feline, Pyra Lupine, Crya Vulpine, Aera Avian, Terra Arachnine, Hydra Amphibian and so on. Each character will have a (Relative) Motion gauge that appears when transformed, something like Stamina, or Ōkami's Inkpot.
However, the Tama form cannot be maintained for great lengths, as it depletes the Motion gauge. A special item, Momentum, will replenish the used Motion.
To lengthen the time the Damashii is maintainable without taking Momentum, stat points have to be applied. The stat points will be Energy.
[edit] List of Groups and Species
This is a list of groups and major species that appear in Shinn.
[edit] The Others
The Others are the aliens of Shinn.
[edit] Humans
Humans (ニンゲン Ningen) are bipedal primates belonging to the mammalian species Homo sapiens (Latin: "wise man" or "knowing man") in the family Hominidae (the great apes). They have come via Spaceships from a distant planet called Mother. They are immune to the negative effects of Umbra.
[edit] Xenoz
Xenoz (ゼノズ Zenozu) is a mysterious alien race that is said to reside in a location called 'X'. They have never been seen, and often are thought to be fictitious. However, one of the key characters is a member of the Xenoz.
By reading "Xenoz" in reverse, it produces "zoneX", the location they reside in. "Xenos" also is the ancient Greek word for "foreigner". Originally, the name was Xenos, but through the pronunciation of -s when used as a plural, the -s was replaced by -z.
[edit] Apt
Apt are species that have the ability to adapt to the environment. Amongst other races, the Apt have an advantage that they can adapt to the environment.
[edit] Renn
Renn (人 Ren) are the Human equivalent, but unlike Humans, they are more adaptable to the Elements, except Umbra. Like Humans, they see themselves as superior, yet they make the similar mistakes as Humans.
Their name is derived from the PinYin word "Ren", meaning "person".
[edit] Junn
Junn (純 Jun) are the now supposedly-extinct civilization before the Renn. The Renn are to blame for their disappearance, according to Yin. They are said to be strong against all elements including Umbra, but they are still weak against the Guardians.
[edit] Alt
Alt are the cross between a 'person' and an Anima; common examples are Werewolves, Werecats, Lycanthropes, and so on. They are distinguished by their Anthromorphism.
[edit] BakeMani
BakeMani (化マニ Bakemani) control various creatures to some extent.
The name BakeMani is a romanized contraction of Bakemono Manipulator (化物マニピュレーター Bakemono Manipyurētā) which is a variation of Beast Master. Both hold the same initials BM, and each word is a variation of the alternative.
[edit] Kinesis
Kinesis are the mobile creatures that do not fit into the other categories.
[edit] Anima
Anima are all animal equivalents that do not fall under the other groups. They are determined by three characteristics:
- Level of Discipline
- Domestic - Lives alongside Renn. Will rarely harm intentionally.
- Tame - Independent of Renn. Will rarely harm intentionally.
- Wild - Independent of Renn. Will harm for defense or hunting.
- Deadly - Independent of Renn. Will harm for defense or hunting or fun.
- Frequency of Appearance
- Common - 20~100%.
- Rare - 4~20%. Rare, but enough to be non-unique. They generally are stronger that Commons.
- Unique - 0%. The rarest of the rare. These include the 'bosses'.
- Origin and Habitat - The place where it originates from, resides, or frequents.
- Sky - Somehow can fly, leap vertically, or reach the skies.
- Land - Cannot fly or survive underwater, or just love the land.
- Sea - Cannot fly or survive out of water, or just love the seas.
[edit] Dama
Dama (だま Dama) is the term used when Damashii and Tama are mentioned in the same text. Damashii are the Spirit Creatures that reside within the Elemental Orbs, and when a worthy wielder uses the Orbs, the wielder becomes a Tama, a physical form of the Damashii. The Tama are a helpful bunch of Creatures, but the Damashii require Relative Motion (commonly known as just Motion) to be a Tama. Obtaining Momentum will add more time to keep the physical form.
Dama is derived from the Japanese voiced form* of Tama, which means "Orb" and "Spirit".
*Note: The voiced forms of words are often used when the said word is not the starting word. The voiced form alters the first consonant of the word. Some examples are "ta" (rice-field) in the word "tanbo" (paddy field) and name "Yamada" (Mountain rice-field); "kuchi" (mouth) in "kuchibeni" (lipstick) and "iriguchi" (entrance).
[edit] Damashii
Damashii (だましい Damashī) are the Spirit Creatures that reside within the Elemental Orbs and are represented by the Elemental emblems. They slowly regenerate Motion through the rotation of these symbols.
[edit] Tama
Tama (たま Tama) are the physical form of the Damashii. They are a helpful bunch of Creatures, but require Motion to retain this form.
[edit] Potentials
Potentials are the immobile creatures.
[edit] Flora
Flora - The 'vegetation' of Shinn.
[edit] Micron
Micron: Microscopic organisms.
[edit] Quarks
Quarks are the smallest organisms. On their own or in small groups, they pose no threat, but merged with Umbra and when in a very large colony, they are one of the most lethal organisms in existance. In large colonies, they can take shape of absolutely anything.
[edit] Macron
Macron: Macroscopic organisms.
[edit] Myria
Myria: 10000
[edit] Psyche
Psyche: Planet-bound spirits that cannot be seen with the normal eye, except by the special ones.
[edit] Cores
Cores: The 'soul' of living beings.
[edit] After-cores
After-cores: Cores without physical bodies to reside in.
[edit] Celesta
Celesta: Respected beings that possess great abilities.
[edit] Creators
Creators: They are the source of the Elements. Includes Yin.
[edit] Guardians
Guardians: They guard the Elemental Orbs, the most powerful items upon Shinn.
[edit] Tiansey (a working title and group)
Tiansey: Winged angel-like beings.
[edit] Shadow Faction
Shadow Faction includes any being that has been over-exposed to Umbra. They are marked with the distinctive Shimon fingerprints of Umbra.
[edit] List of Characters
- Names listed below follow the rule First-name before Surname, with Middle-name in between if applicable.
- Names that use non Latin-script follow the rule of First-name Middle-name (if applicable) Surname (Non Latin-script romanization [def. Definition If Applicable]).
[edit] Shadow Bryght
Shadow Bryght (明類 影 Akarui Kage [def. Bright-genus Shadow]), a.k.a. the Shadow Envoy, is the protagonist and is a relatively old but young female Renn who was once part of the Faction. Visible Shimon covers much of her body and her Core is half black. Her actions and choices will determine her Core. All those who happen to meet her say that she is 'icy'. However, those who truly know her (which is very low in numbers) will disagree and say that she has justified reasons to be emotionally cold. She is commonly known by the Renn as the Shadow Envoy.
[edit] Kenshi Akari
Kenshi Akari (灯けんし Akari Kenshi), serial code K326S009N91B, is also a main character and the late captain of the last Human search crew. He has been fused with Shadow . Their relationship is far deeper and hidden than the fusion that both are familiar to. Kenshi is one of the fragile keys of Shadow Bryght. However, in the beginning, understandings between the pair are very weak and things get out of hand as displayed in the Encounter. But much later, he realizes the true situation, and thus begins the strongest bond ever.
The name Kenshi originally came from the initials of the creator Kayano Nemani Shii; the serial code K326S009N91B is a mixture of reverse birth dates and initials.
[edit] Yin
Yin (陰 In) is the conscience of Umbra, Umbra itself, and the part-creator of Shadow Bryght. Yin, also residing in the Umbra Orb, has control over the Umbra Dama, as seen vaguely in various chapters and clearly in the final chapter.
Shadow sets out on a journey to finally meet and erase Yin, but with inevitable twists in her fate. Because Yin is Umbra, and Shadow was created from Umbra, if Yin is erased, Umbra is erased, resulting in her death and eternal light - a universe without darkness. Yet if Yin is left alone, then the universe will be ruled by darkness. Thus she has a choice of defeating Yin at the cost of eternal light and her own life, or ruling beside Yin in a world of eternal darkness.
[edit] Other Characters
Akari Kotsuki (金属 金星 Kotsuki Akari [def. Metal Venus])
Bakurou (狢滝 Bakurou [Badger of the cataract) - Hydro Guardian
Chishu (地蛛 Chishu [def. Ground spider) - Geo Guardian
Chouro Denkou (Denkou chouro)
Chourui (鵰翏意 Chourui [def. Eagle that soars high and reads minds]) (鵰飂意) - Aero Guardian
Dekyats (できゃっツ Dekyattsu) - MECHR, Cohber Productions
Jackie Shoubu (想無 邪気 Shou-bu Jaki [def. Thoughtful Innocence]; 声無 邪気 Shoubu Jaki [def. Mute Malice]) - ESP
Kagerou (煆霞狼) (Raging fire Misty Wolf) - Pyro Guardian
Kagerou Bryght (明類 陽炎 Akarui Kagerou [def. Bright-genus Heat wave])
Kageboushi Bryght (明類 影法師 Akarui Kageboushi [def. Bright-genus Silhouette])
Kagemusha Bryght (明類 陰武者 Akarui Kagemusha [def. Bright-genus Shadow warrior]) - Warrior
Kaneris Suigen (Suika, Sui Generis)
Karin Suisou (Suiso, Karinsan)
Kurama Hikaru (光 暗馬 Hikaru Kurama [def. Bright Dark-horse]) - Kunoichi
Kylie Kikoubou (Kairiki, Koubou, Kikou)
Mugen Kido Daiken (大検 大建 大剣 ・ 機動 ・ 無言 無限 夢幻 [def. Mobile Dream]) - Mugendai; Mugenkidou ∞ (Metalloian) - Warrior
Raimyou (雷猫 Raimyou [def. Thunder cat]) - Electro Guardian
Rikuun (狸狗運 Rikuun) (Raccoon dog of transport and luck) - Metallo Guardian
Sekka Denkou (Sekkou, Denka, Denkou Sekka) (Electric Ice)
Setsuka Denji (Densetsu, Kaji) (Electric Ice Fire)
Setsukon (雪狐 Setsukon [def. Snow fox]) - Cryo Guardian
Shadow Bryght (明類 影 Akarui Kage [def. Bright-genus Shadow]) - Protagonist / Character the player has major control over. Human(Renn) or animal?
Shinobi Hitomi (者魅 忍美 Hitomi Shinobi [def. ]) (Shinobi Hitome) - Kunoichi
Shizuka Genshi/Genji (原子 靖か, 静か Genshi Shizuka [def. Atom Peaceful]) - ESP
Ten no Jaki (天 の 蛇桔 Ten no Jaki [def. Heavenly Serpent of flora]) - Phyto Guardian
Ugetsu Suimei (雨月 水明 Ugetsu Suimei [def. Lunar-rain Light shimmering on water])
Yamiyo Kokurou (闇夜 黒楼 Yamiyo Kokurou [def. Dark night Black lookout])
[edit] List of Terminology and Definitions
This section covers terminologies used within the story.
[edit] Dama: Tama and Damashii
These creatures are a subgroup of the Kinesis. The Tama are spirits within items called Elemental Orbs; Damashii are the physical forms of the Tama. In the beginning, Tama are limited to short lengths of time they can remain as Damashii, and their Damashii forms are limited in the type of creatures. As the story progresses, Shadow Bryght is able to 'grow' them, increasing the Motion gauge and the number of Damashii one Tama can become.
| Orb | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Abilities | Ideas for the creatures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aera | Horse | Bird-like | Dragon | Fly | Songbird, Birds of Prey, Crow, Crane, Eagle, Kite, Hawk |
| Crya | Dog | Fox | Construction | Fox, Dog, Raccoon | |
| Electra | Rodents | Cat | Burst dash | Cat, Mouse, Rodents | |
| Hydra | Fish-like | Shark | Crocodillian | Swim | Amphibian, Gator, Shark, Whale, Dolphin |
| Neutra | |||||
| Pyra | Wolf | Spread | Wolf, Bear, Komodo Dragon | ||
| Spectra | Teleport | ||||
| Terra | Snake | Dig | Spider, Ant, Snake, Mole | ||
| Umbra |
Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit (Moon Taiko drummers), Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Bird, Dog, Boar,
Cat, Wolf, Fox, Fish,
[edit] Fusion
Fusion is a process whereby the DNA molecule equivalent within the Renn would first unravel. Through points of contact of both skins, it would then enter the body of the Human, evading the detection from the defense mechanism (white blood cells), multiplying rapidly and sending out signals that triggers the H-DNA (Human DNA) duplication. Next, the R-DNA (Renn DNA) would swiftly shift into the space that floating nucleotides would normally fill in. Under normal circumstances, fatal mutation could occur, yet strangely, the H-DNA accepts the R-DNA. With the R-DNA present in the Human body, the Renn is then able to merge with the Human, ridding the Human body of its many weaknesses upon Shinn and gaining the Umbra resistance. All neurons enter the Renn.
However, if the defense mechanism does detect the R-DNA, then a stronger resistance is created, decreasing the chance of success. This trigger may cause the defense to begin eliminating all body tissue. It is also possible for the Renn to be unable to accept the new Human portion. Similarly, the Renn defense mechanism could be triggered to become stronger and begin attacking the body.
[edit] Guardians
Guardians are Celestas that have been assigned guard duties to corresponding Elemental Orbs. They are powerful enough to easily ward of unworthy beings, but will hand the Orbs over to those that are more skilled that them. The reason they have to guard the Orbs is the Tama are like newborns that require protection. If they fall into the wrong hands, the power will be exploited.
[edit] Motion
Motion is the common term for Relative Motion, which is essential for the Tama to remain as physical Damashii
[edit] List of Locations
[edit] Mother
Mother is the name of planet Earth, originating from the words Mother Earth. Resources have dropped to dangerous levels and are separated into Near Future and Far Future; population is unbalanced and separated into underground and surface.
Races, now grouped into a 5 regions, are thoroughly mixed: For example, a person who may be of Asia, Europe, and Oceania descent mixes with another person of Africa, Americas, and Asia descent. Their offspring would be of all 5 regional descent. Nevertheless, more specific classification divides the 5 regions into countries.
[edit] Asia, Yamato
Yamato, a country formerly known as Nihon, Nippon and Japan, is one end of the portal link between past and future, Mother and Shinn. It is known for being one of the countries that produce technology.
[edit] Oceania, Aotearoa
Oceania,
[edit] Shinn
Shinn is the name of the planet Shinn. Its location is currently unknown. The basic structure is octahedral and each face is concentrated with one of the 8 elements excluding Spectra.
[edit] Aera
Aera is the region of wind.
[edit] Crya
Crya is the region of ice.
[edit] Electra
Electra is the region of thunderbolts.
[edit] Hydra
Hydra is the region of water.
[edit] Neutra
Neutra is the region of balance. The portal that links Mother to Shinn and the time loop is located here. However, due to the Elemental Wars, Neutra has been damaged greatly. Fortunately, the portal has taken no damage in the Wars.
[edit] Pyra
Pyra is the region of fire.
[edit] Terra
Terra is the region of earth.
[edit] Umbra
Umbra is the region of darkness.
[edit] List of Items
This section covers items within the story.
[edit] Elemental Orbs
A total of 9, these orbs are found in each region, except one, which can only be obtained by combining the 6 (marked with an asterisk [*]). They are as follows:
- Aera [*]: Orb of Wind.
- Crya [*]: Orb of Ice.
- Electra [*]: Orb of Thunderbolt.
- Hydra [*]: Orb of Water.
- Neutra: Orb of Balance.
- Pyra [*]: Orb of Fire.
- Spectra: Orb of Light. Obtained after combining the 6 Orbs. The only one not 'found'.
- Terra [*]: Orb of Earth.
- Umbra: Orb of Darkness. This Orb is the house of Yin.
[edit] Momentum
An essence to the survival of a Damashii, this replenishes the Motion gauge faster. It is not rare, and they can be found in many locations, or as random dropped items off enemies (fast), or letting time pass (slow).
[edit] List of Memorable Sayings
This section covers memorable and important sayings and quotes, and their explanations.
"When the moon resonates eightfold, great powers shall meet." -- Ryūna Jade
There will be a silhouette of a rabbit (Ryūna Jade) that takes a mallet and strikes a full moon eight times. This will be the mark of the final battle against Yin.
[edit] List of Concepts
[edit] Characters
Rabbit that strikes the Moon Daiko - Jade Celeste; Ryūna Jade
[edit] Plot Lines
There is a moment where the timelines of the past and future create a portal between each other. The portal is large enough to let a large spacecraft through, and it links Neutra of Shinn and Yamato (Japan) of Mother. Shinn is set in the future, and Mother is in the past. Before the arrival of Humans on Shinn, Shadow travels to Yamato and meets Kenshi's young forefather (approximately in the year 2000 A.D.). Neither know that their paths will again meet. She frequents Yamato and they become close friends. Somehow the DNA mingle (note: Shadow cannot reproduce like any earthly animal or plant. She can only create the next generation through the split of her Core.) and it is thought that this is when the possibility of fusion is created. Shadow asks him if he could keep their meetings private. He questions if passing on the story to his own children is acceptable. She responds "it is your duty to keep it within your own family". He then agrees.
The eternal Spectra or Umbra, depending on the choices of Shadow, is inevitable - it is even embedded in the books of history. However, the creation of the portal is also inevitable. It is created so that Shadow can return to the past, when Yin had not yet become evil, and then try to change the past to create a different future.
Kenshi meets his forefather and is able to see the past Yamato.
