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Post by Makino Tori on May 31, 2024 17:48:52 GMT -6
"I will trade you one of my mother's kimonos for a stitched kimono from your mother." She watched as Riku's eyes lit up and she smiled widely at him. "I am taking you like that idea?"
Riku beamed at Makino and held his hand out. "Makino Tori, you have a deal." He bounced around in excitement. "So do I get a commission or is this a 'take what I give you' situation?"
"Well," she shrugged, "I guess it depends on what our mothers allow. After all, they are the ones doing the work for us." Makino explained.
"True," Riku sighed. "Well, beggars can't be choosers. Still, a kimono is better than no kimono."
"I will talk to my mother tonight and you can talk to yours, then Saturday we can take it from there." Makino paused a moment, casting her eyes to the table then looked back at Riku. "What do you say we share with the other what we want our kimono from them to look like? So if they ask what we want we can tell them. It could help them decide better."
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Post by Riku Asuhara on May 31, 2024 19:49:33 GMT -6
Riku nodded and grinned. "I know exactly what I want."
He described the kimono to her in great detail. He wanted a fully hand painted kimono that was a blue, white, and peach gradient from the top to the bottom of both the bodice and the sleeves. Along thin, green vines would be dots of light lavender and white flowers. At the very bottom of the skirt would be a bush of a mix of different flowers in lavender, magenta and red with dark green leaves. along the line where the white turned into peach would be dark blue and light lavender tufts of grass. And finally, dotted along the peach and the bottom of the blue areas would be a few multicolored kemari balls with various small patterns.
"What do you think? Too much?" He asked her with a worried frown.
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Post by Makino Tori on Jun 1, 2024 0:28:02 GMT -6
Makino giggled covering her mouth, "for a painted Kimono. No. I have seen my mother turn out much more elaborate, but what you want sounds sooo pretty." She sighed softly. "I hope what I want won't be too much for your mother." She looked at the peacock green fabric on the table, "but I think I might change the color of fabric I want it on. The green might be a little overwhelming. Anyway," she smiled brightly at Riku.
"The main fabric color will be a light pastel blue, reminiscent of a clear sky at dawn, with a tranquil countryside with rolling hills, delicate wildflowers, and a meandering stream in the background. It should also have softly sketched trees, bushes, and flowers. I want the countryside to blend seamlessly from front to back, wrapping around like a panorama.
On the bottom right--set in the countryside front to back--I want a beautifully detailed peacock and peahen with the peacock's plumage displayed and the peahen nesting. The hues should be gentle and muted so they compliment the base color. Randomly dotted peacock tail feathers would be scattered across the kimono in small clusters with iridescent greens, blues, and golds. On the left sleeve beginning at the sleeve cuff, a cluster of peacock tail feathers would wrap around the sleeve. I want them to travel up the arm, gradually thinning out and become more sparse, culminating just before the shoulder. The feathers continue over the shoulder, blending into the main body of the kimono. The transition should be smooth, with the feathers gradually merging into the body of the kimono."
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Post by Kouen Masanobu on Jun 2, 2024 16:28:52 GMT -6
Having walked the market for some time now looking for his baby sister Makino, deciding to go a little further down the walk he found her standing in front of a fabric merchant's stall. "There you are," Kouen walked up behind his baby sister and what he believed to be a young girl, however, when Makino and the person she was standing with turned, Kouen realized he was sadly mistaken.
"Nii-san," Makino replied cheerfully as she and Riku turned to the voice calling out. She looked quickly over at Riku, "Riku, I would like to introduce you to one of my four brothers," gesturing with a hand toward her brother, "Kouen."
Riku bowed slightly, "it's an honor."
Kouen gave Riku a small smile, bowing in return.
Makino smiled looking at her brother, "Nii-san this is my new friend, and younger brother of Koko's suiter, Riku Asuhara." She looked back at Riku, "Counting me, Kouen is the third youngest."
"So what are you two doing?" Kouen asked walking up to the fabric table and looking at what the two had set aside.
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Post by Makino Tori on Jun 2, 2024 17:21:59 GMT -6
"We are looking for fabric for kimonos," Makino answered as she picked up the couple of blots she liked.
Kouen nodded then looked up, he did not see the merchant anywhere in sight. "Where is the merchant?" He looked between Makino and Riku.
"Maki-chan was looking for a purple or charcoal colored fabric so he went to look for it." Riku explained as he continued to look through the fabric on the table.
"Well, at least you did not chase him off like the last merchant you spoke with." Riku's eldest brother joined them.
Riku huffed and turned toward his brother, "I had nothing to do with that. The man was a crook."
Kouen turned to see who joined them, when he saw Naoru he offered a hand, "Naoru my man. How was your date with Koko?"
"Kouen," Naoru smiled brightly and shook his hand. "It was amazing. We already set up a date for Saturday."
"That's great. I am glad it's working out for the two of you."
Makino looked at her brother and then Naoru, her hand lifted and she pointing it back and forth at her brother then Naoru, her brother then Naoru. "How do you two know each other?"
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Post by Naoru Asuhara on Jun 2, 2024 17:51:10 GMT -6
Naoru chuckled, "Kouen and I met this afternoon."
Kouen's head was bobbing slightly. "I walked Koko to the Tea Shop. She was nervous and wanted company on her walk, so I walked with her." Kouen smiled warmly. "Giving me the chance to meet Naoru."
Naoru nodded as he reached out and touched the peacock green fabric setting in front of Makino. "You getting this?" He watched Makino. "The green is so deep. It's very pretty."
Makino nodded, "I know," she said excitedly, "I am hoping to get a kimono made out of it," she sighed. "as long as they have the other two colors I am looking for."
"Makino-chan," Riku called out in an excited tone and brought a bolt of power blue fabric into view. "Will this blue work for the kimono you explained to me?"
"That's pretty," Naoru stated. "That color will look really pretty on you Makino."
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jun 2, 2024 18:14:58 GMT -6
"Maki-chan and I are going to trade kimonos!" Riku beamed at the two older men. "She's going to have Lady Saya paint one for me and I'm going to have okaasan embroider one for her!"
"And I'm guessing the two of you decided this all on your own," Naoru chuckled with a shake of his head.
"I was about to say," Kouen nodded in agreement. "You sure our mother and theirs will agree to this? It will be a lot of work on both of their parts just for the two of you to make an exchange."
"Hey, at least we are buying the materials," Riku raised up the fabric. "And we already have the designs worked out."
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Post by Makino Tori on Jun 2, 2024 18:27:52 GMT -6
"We were going to talk to them first. Not just dump it on them and walk away." Makino explained.
"Hmm, I know Mother has not picked back up on her kimono painting," Kouen gave his baby sister a pointed look, "is there more behind this than your telling Maki-chan."
"Well, yes and no. I know how much mother enjoyed creating her kimonos. I was hoping if I can get her to create one for Riku-chan it might inspire her to continue."
"A noble gesture, Makino, but if Lady Tori does not want to do this, don't guilt her into it. Let her put her passion back into play when she is ready." He looked at his little brother. "I know how bad Riku wants one of Lady Tori's kimonos, but it won't kill him if he has to wait a little longer."
Riku desperately wanted to say "yes it will!" However, this was Makino and Kouen's mom they were talking about. Not to mention he knew very well you couldn't force an artist to create their art. Art was made of the artist's own volition. He nodded with a pout. "I understand."
Makino turned and grabbed Riku's hands in hers looking into his eyes, "I already made this deal with you, so if Mother is not ready to create more kimonos I will let you pick from the closet full I have."
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jun 2, 2024 18:58:00 GMT -6
Riku frowned and thought about it, then nodded. "Alright. As long as it's not anything that has sentimental value. I don't want to take something that she made specifically for you for some special reason."
He smiled at her. "And you can pick from my closet as well."
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Post by Makino Tori on Jun 2, 2024 19:11:28 GMT -6
Makino nodded, "but the same goes for the ones your mother specifically made for you." She watched as Riku's head nodded firmly but he wore a bright smile in the place of his pout earlier.
"Alight you two--"
Cutting the gentlemen off the merchant returned with the indigo, charcoal and royal purple she had asked for. "I found them for young miss," he approached the table and laid them out in front of the young lady.
"Oooh, so pretty," Makino let her hand glide over the top bolt of fabric. She looked back to the merchant, "how much for the five bolts?"
"Alright, that's 11,000 kan for one full bolt. You've got five, but the two obi colors are half off. That adds up to a full free bolt. So your total is 44,000 kan for the five bolts," the merchant tallied up, writing on a pad of receipt paper. He looked up at Makino. "Sound fair?"
Makino's head nodded quickly. "Sold!"
Kouen's eyes went wide as saucers. "Makino Masaaaa...ther," he grinned nervously, fingers combing through his hair as Noaoru and Riku looked at him, "is going to beat you for spending that much." He chuckled nervously as Naoru and Riku were still looking at him. He tried to act as naturally as possible, but it did not help that Makino herself was looking at him like he grew two heads. Suddenly Kouen blurted out and reached for one of the bolts. "Do you really need five bolts?!"
"Yes, I do. You know how much frabic mother comes home with when she is making new kimonos." Makino reminded him.
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jun 2, 2024 19:50:57 GMT -6
Riku blinked at Naoru who shrugged, raising his hands. Maybe it was a nickname or a name Makino didn't like to be called. Either way, Riku brushed it off. He looked at Kouen. "My okaasan uses a bolt of fabric for her kimonos too. And just as much thread for the embroidery."
Kouen sighed combing his fingers through his hair once more, "fine but if mother lectures you, you can't say I did not warn you."
Makino nodded quickly with a wide bright smile. She pulled out her coin purse and got out the 44,000 kan to pay the merchant. "Thank you so much,"
"No, young miss," the merchant bowed with a wide pleased smile across his lips. "Thank you, so very much."
Makino grabbed up the fabric she bought fumbling with a couple of the bolts.
Kouen chuckled and took hold of the bolts, "I'll carry them for you."
She gave him a warm smile in thanks. "Your turn, Riku-chan."
Riku nodded and placed his order for the same amount but in different colors for the kimono he planned on having his mother embroider for himself. Then he placed another order for the fabric Lady Saya would need for the painted kimono, going with a white silk base that would be dyed the appropriate color gradient and a bolt of pale yellow-gold and a bolt of a darker gold for the obi. Once he paid his portion and the fabric was packed up and handed to him, he turned and grinned at Naoru.
"I'm going to have to do some serious 'buttering up' if I want okaasan to make both of these kimonos."
He knew Naoru would know what he meant. Usually when any of the children or their father asked their mother for some sort of outlandish favor that required her to go out of her way beyond the reasonable expectations, the payment for her time was usually paid in some sort of treasure they had stolen or would steal from one of their heists. Sometimes she would even request something specific be tracked down.
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Post by Kouen Masanobu on Jun 2, 2024 20:39:41 GMT -6
Kouen stood with the five bolts Makino bought sit on his shoulder. "Are we ready to call this a day now?"
Makino looked at Kouen and then back at Riku as he and Naoru were gathering his fabric. "So I will see you Saturday, right?"
"You'll see me, but it's up to him if he is still up for this." Naoru looked at Riku waiting for his answer.
Riku blinked at Naoru. "You're joking right? Do you know nothing about me?"
"Hey," he lifted a hand in his defense. "I know you and I know you change your mind as much if not more then your twin sister."
"If I change my mind about visiting the Tori Manor, she will choke me to death," Riku shook his head. "She loves Lady Tori's kimonos just as much as me."
Kouen and Makino laughed at Riku, Makino stepping up to Riku with her arms out for a hug as Riku looked at her oddly. "Sorry, I hug all my friends." She started to lower her arms. "But if it makes you uncomfortable."
Before Makino lowered her arms to her side, Riku nearly jumped into her arms and gave her a tight hug. "Not uncomfortable at all."
Makino giggled softly and returned his hug. "It was nice meeting you Riku and I can't wait for us to hang out Saturday." She leaned forward and whispered in Riku's ear, telling him where their house was located and that if he wanted to come by sooner she wouldn't chase him away. As they parted from the hug Riku gave her a wink. Makino turned and looked at Naoru and bowed slightly. "It was nice seeing you again, Naoru."
"Same," Naoru stated.
Kouen offered his hand to Naoru as the two shook hands. "Be seeing you around." He watched as Naoru nodded and the two, himself and his baby sister, turned and walked off.
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Post by Riku Asuhara on Jun 2, 2024 21:18:46 GMT -6
Riku smiled widely as he and his brother watched the Toris wander off. He looked up at Naoru with a grin. "I'm ready to go home if you are."
Naoru nodded and the two of them made their way back home, Riku grinning the whole way back. There was no way he wasn't going to visit Makino early after that offer. Even if he had to sneak out to do it.-END- “Urahara Inquisition”
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Nov 4, 2024 21:37:02 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: The ChaosEpisode 568 "Shaped By Time": Fuu strolled out of the Matsuda Tea Shop, her satchel heavier with fresh bundles of tea she’d picked up on her usual weekly stop. Her mind still danced with thoughts of the Robin Hood gang, but as she passed through a small side street in Seireitei, the sight of a merchant’s stall caught her eye. Amid the busy stalls of dried herbs and sweets, the stones at this particular stand gleamed like drops of water in moonlight, some polished so fine that they seemed to hold an inner glow.
Taking a step closer, her interest piqued. She remembered what Kohaku had taught her, feeling drawn to the rarity and elegance of these polished stones. Like old books, they held a quiet magic, evoking distant places and untold stories. The stall was modest, run by a middle-aged merchant with a thin smile and a weathered look, as though he had traveled many roads and witnessed many seasons.The merchant noticed her keen interest. With a knowing smile, he began gently rearranging a few stones, pulling others from the back of his display. He seemed to recognize her appreciation for rare and unique pieces, and his movements were careful, almost reverent. “Ah, you have a good eye, miss. These here," he began, gesturing toward a small group of stones, "are the true jewels of my collection. Each one holds its own history, its own kind of energy." the merchant greeted her with a slight bow, his tone respectful yet welcoming. “You’re drawn to these treasures, I see?” Fuu chuckled softly. “I suppose I am. Polished stones are rare to see around here—especially ones like these.”“These aren’t just any stones,” the merchant said, his hands gesturing to the array with a practiced grace. “Some are sourced from far-off lands, others from deep within the mountains near the Rukongai outskirts. I have some rare pieces if you’re curious.” Fuu nodded, feeling a thrill of curiosity as she stepped closer to the stall. Her eyes roamed over the polished stones, each one unique in shape, size, and color. Some were pale as winter mornings, others a vibrant green, and a few had streaks of golden fire across their surface. She reached out to touch one—a deep, velvety amethyst that almost seemed to pulse with a hidden light beneath the sun.
“What about this one?” she asked, holding up the amethyst, admiring its size and the purity of its hue. “It’s beautiful.”“Ah, a fine choice,” the merchant nodded approvingly. “That’s an amethyst from the Seventh Rukongai District—a rare find. Most stones of this quality never make it past the borders. It’s known to be calming, said to ward off negative energy.” Fuu’s fingers lingered on the cool, smooth surface. Though she wasn’t sure about its mystical properties, the idea that a stone could absorb or repel negativity fascinated her. She decided then and there it was coming with her.As her fingers moved across the table, he laid out more stones for her to see, a translucent, opalescent moonstone caught her eye. The stone seemed to glow with a soft, internal light, shimmering in tones of white, pink, and blue as she turned it in her hand. “This one is delicate,” the merchant murmured, watching her gaze linger on it. “A moonstone. It’s said to be a source of feminine energy, of intuition and healing. A stone for someone who trusts the quiet power of wisdom.” Fuu considered the moonstone, and the idea of a gift to herself took hold. It reminded her of her own inner drive, her curiosity, and the dedication she poured into her work. “Where did you find it?” She set the moonstone gently aside, a silent promise to keep it close. “Near the mountain springs,” he said, his voice dipping with a hint of mystery. “Moonstones are as rare as snowfall in summer around here.” As she continued browsing, Fuu’s eye was caught by a few stones that stood out with a darker, more enigmatic quality. She reached for a small, smooth stone of deep green streaked with flecks of gold—reminiscent of sunlight filtered through forest leaves.“This one is for someone with a more grounded spirit, perhaps?” she asked, smiling as she thought of Kohaku, who always seemed to carry that sense of quiet strength and warmth.“Ah, the jade,” the merchant replied, nodding knowingly. “It’s considered a lucky stone, a symbol of prosperity and protection. Many of our own Soul Reapers carry a piece of jade with them. They say it brings harmony and balance to its bearer, a source of strength in times of trial.” “Yes,” Fuu murmured thoughtfully. “I think Kohaku would like this one.” She picked up the stone, letting her fingers curl around its weight as she thought of her friend. He would appreciate the story behind it, she knew—something simple yet meaningful.
As she held it, her gaze drifted to a cluster of pale stones at the edge of the display. They were polished to a soft gleam, almost translucent, with gentle waves of white and gray within. Curious, she picked one up, admiring the light that seemed to seep through its faintly cloudy surface.
“What about these?”“Ah, those are white agate,” the merchant replied, his tone softening. “They’re stones of peace and healing. White agate is said to clear the mind and calm the spirit. Ideal for anyone who might feel… burdened.” A spark of recognition flared within Fuu’s chest as she thought of the long nights and frenzied days she’d spent immersed in her investigations. Maybe it was the endless deadlines, or the restless nights spent puzzling over reports, but something was comforting in the idea of a stone for balance. She decided she would keep one for herself.
Fuu leaned closer, her gaze captivated by the next stone he held up—a brilliant, greenish-blue chrysoberyl. Under the shifting sunlight, the stone’s color seemed to change subtly, an elusive transformation she couldn’t quite pin down.“This is chrysoberyl,” the merchant explained. “They’re prized for their clarity and strength, rare and revered by collectors. I have a few more—two in blue, a color almost never seen in nature. And then there’s this,” he said, holding up a rich black chrysoberyl with veins of deeper color streaking through it, “a true rarity. Black chrysoberyl is known for enhancing protection and strength.” Fuu’s eyes widened as she took in the stones, each more striking than the last. She felt a particular fascination with the black chrysoberyl, its aura seeming to hold secrets within its dark depths. The merchant set the black stone beside two others—a golden honey-colored chrysoberyl that glowed like captured sunlight, and another chrysoberyl in a shade of green that reminded her of Kohaku's steady, balanced nature.“These stones are for those who need protection or guidance,” he said, his voice lowered slightly. “Chrysoberyl is thought to open pathways, to guard the heart and mind from distraction. They make good companions for those on journeys, spiritual or otherwise.” Next, he picked up a radiant opal, its fiery colors alive with flecks of orange and red that seemed to dance beneath its surface. “An opal, for those who are drawn to passion and creativity,” he explained. “It is believed to stoke the fires of inspiration, to give confidence to those who seek it.” The merchant then reached for a stone that seemed almost shy among its colorful counterparts—a cat’s eye alexandrite. The stone shifted hues in the light, from a silvery gray to a hint of purple, as though it were in dialogue with the shadows around it. “This alexandrite,” he explained, “is incredibly rare, changing color under different lights. It symbolizes resilience, a reminder to adapt and persevere.” Fuu turned the alexandrite over in her hand, mesmerized by the way it responded to the shifting light. She felt it would be a fitting gift for Kohaku, who always adapted with such grace to whatever the Soul Society required of him. She set it aside with a smile, certain it would be a treasured piece.The merchant continued, pulling forward a selection of cat’s eye chrysoberyls in various colors. One was a luminous blue that seemed to glow with an otherworldly light; beside it was another of the same type but in an even deeper blue, both stones polished to a glossy shine. “These chrysoberyls are believed to heighten focus and intuition,” he said, his voice soft. “They’re for those who wish to look beyond the obvious, who need clarity in uncertain times.” Besides these, he placed a black cat’s eye chrysoberyl, which had a striking, dark core surrounded by a halo of lighter shadow. “This one brings strength, they say,” he continued. “Black chrysoberyls are for courage in facing unknowns.” Fuu placed the black chrysoberyl with her collection, intrigued by its subtle power. A honey-colored cat’s eye chrysoberyl joined it, warm and rich as molten amber. She felt drawn to its depth, sensing it would serve as a source of comfort during moments of doubt.The merchant then held up a tourmaline, a striking stone that shimmered with green, pink, and hints of black. Its colors reminded her of nature in its wild beauty. “Tourmaline, a symbol of grounding and protection,” he explained, “is perfect for those who seek harmony in their lives.” Fuu found herself drawn to this stone, the play of colors reminding her of the way she moved between the worlds of news, secrets, and loyalty to her friends. She added it to her growing collection, hoping its grounding nature might give her a steady hand in her work.The merchant then showed her a garnet, deep red and rich as spilled wine. It gleamed in her hand, bold and powerful. “A garnet,” he said with reverence, “symbolizes strength, passion, and devotion. It is a stone for those who protect others and lead with their hearts.” She could already see how well the garnet would suit Kohaku, who carried the strength of his spirit with quiet pride. With a soft smile, she set it aside with the rest, feeling her choices complete.The merchant’s eyes glinted with satisfaction as he noted her growing selection. “I have one more, if you’re interested,” he offered, leaning slightly forward. From a hidden pocket within his robe, he carefully withdrew a small, strikingly iridescent stone, its surface a swirl of blues and greens with hints of violet. “This is labradorite, rare and known as a stone of transformation,” he said, holding it out to her with reverence. “They say it strengthens resolve and helps one embrace change with courage.” Fuu’s eyes widened as she took the stone from him, feeling the pulse of cool, concentrated energy from within its depths. The colors shifted with a mesmerizing fluidity, capturing her gaze. She thought of the uncertainty she often felt, the fear of losing her sense of purpose amid the chaotic swirl of Seireitei politics and clan secrets. There was something enchanting, almost mystical, about the stone, and the idea of transformation it represented stirred something deep within her.
“How much for all of them?” she asked, meeting the merchant’s eyes.He considered her with a warm yet assessing look, as if gauging not just her purse, but her sincerity. “For someone with your discerning taste,” he replied, “I’ll give you a fair price. Let’s call it… a thousand kan.” She raised an eyebrow, well aware that he was offering her a discount. “Thank you,” she said, dipping her head in appreciation as she handed over the coins. “You have quite a collection here.”The merchant chuckled, accepting the coins with a gracious nod. “They’re more than just stones, miss,” he said softly, his eyes twinkling with an understanding that felt timeless. “Each one has its own journey, much like us. A piece of earth shaped by time, polished by hardship, until it finds its true form.” Fuu glanced at the stones in her palm, feeling the weight of his words settle within her. She had always believed in the stories people carried, and it struck her that perhaps these stones were a little like people in that way—each carrying a history, a meaning, waiting to be found by someone who could see them for what they truly were. Tucking each stone into her satchel, she couldn’t help but imagine the delight on Kohaku's face as she handed them over.The merchant bowed his head as she turned to leave, a look of satisfaction in his eyes. “Each stone finds the right hands eventually,” he murmured as she walked away, leaving her with the knowledge that she had not only purchased stones but gathered pieces of meaning, tiny fragments of wonder to share and to keep. She left the stall, her heart a little lighter as she walked back to her apartment, she couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of peace settling over her. The stones rested against her side, tiny anchors of calm amidst the city’s unending hum.~END RP~ "Lunch Interrupted"
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