Shinya Strife

His Story

Early Life

• A Father Lost and a Story Told
• Returning Home
• Growing Up

Coming Into His Own

• With Joy Comes Such Sorrow
• Wayward Son
• A Fated Meeting

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A Father Lost and a Story Told

His tale began even before his birth, woven into the tapestry of a brewing war and forbidden love. His mother, a petite Raen woman with emerald-tinted scales and storm-grey eyes, had ventured to Eorzea from her homeland in the Steppe, seeking a better life. She struggled to find work until a squadron of soldiers marched through her outlying settlement in Coerthas, gathering supplies and making camp nearby.War was looming, and forces from all corners were gathering at strategic locations. One soldier, a towering Raen male with a tail akin to a dragon's, would frequent the village to procure provisions. With each visit, his gaze lingered a little longer on the woman serving him, until he finally mustered the courage to speak to her.Over the next few weeks, their interactions blossomed into something more, stolen moments of coffee and conversation hinting at a budding romance. As their feelings deepened, so too did the tension of the impending war. The soldier, knowing his time to depart for the frontlines drew near, confessed his love, and she reciprocated with equal ardor. That night, they surrendered to passion's embrace.Come morning, the soldier awoke with guilt etched upon his face, for he had a wife and daughter awaiting his return in Gridania. He spoke of them, his words laced with the fear of never seeing them again. The woman, unfazed by his familial ties, offered him sympathy in the face of his potential doom.Weeks passed, and the woman discovered she carried his child within her womb. She searched frantically for the soldier, only to find the entire army camp being dismantled, preparing for departure. Conflicted, she wrestled with whether to reveal her pregnancy, unwilling to burden him further with the anguish of leaving behind another family.Bidding him farewell, she wished him victory, hoping he would return – whether to her or his kin. Days after his departure, a letter arrived, addressed to her and bearing instructions to be delivered only upon his death.

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Returning Home

Heartbroken and seeing no reason to stay in Eorzea, she ventured back to her homeland, the weight of her unborn child guiding her steps. Yearning to provide the best for the life growing within her, she settled in the bustling city of Kugane, taking a position as a greeter at a brothel – a means to earn enough to keep a roof over their heads and her belly full.In the dimly lit corridors of that establishment, where desire mingled with desperation, she found solace in the camaraderie of her fellow workers. Together, they formed a makeshift family, bound by shared hardships and hopes for a better future. As her belly swelled with each passing moon, they rallied around her, offering words of encouragement and sharing what little they could spare.The birth itself was arduous, a trial of pain and perseverance, but the moment she cradled her newborn son in her arms, all hardship melted away. In his tiny, squirming form, she saw the promise of a new beginning, a chance to forge a life far from the shadows that had once enveloped her.With unwavering determination, she poured her heart and soul into nurturing her child, instilling in him the values of resilience and compassion – virtues forged in the crucible of her own struggles. As he grew, she regaled him with tales of his father's bravery, painting a portrait of a man torn between duty and desire, forever etched in her memory.Though the letter from her lost love remained unopened, a constant reminder of the what-ifs that lingered in her heart, she vowed to imbue her son with the strength to carve his own path, unburdened by the ghosts of the past.

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Growing Up

Growing up, Shinya was never a shy boy. As his mother worked at the brothel, he would spend most of his days with the women there, helping with chores and quickly becoming like a younger brother to them all. This makeshift family nurtured him through his formative years, showering him with affection and guidance.Even as he entered his late teenage years, Shinya's role evolved seamlessly. He stepped in to assist with client disputes, his imposing stature – a product of his father's Raen heritage coupled with his mother's side of the family – commanding respect well beyond his years.Though his mother regaled him with tales of his father's honor, Shinya never dwelled on the man he never knew. His focus remained on supporting his mother and the women he considered sisters, a drive that fueled his every action.As his eighteenth nameday approached, Shinya noticed several suited men lingering in the periphery, their watchful gazes trailing his every move. From mundane chores to running errands, delivering payments, and collecting groceries, their scrutiny was unrelenting.On the day he came of age, those very men approached, undeterred by his mother's protective attempts to intervene. Shinya, ever the voice of reason, assured her he would hear them out. They offered him employment, speaking in hushed tones of a "family" they represented and the boss who had requested his presence after observing him for some time.Intrigued yet cautious, Shinya agreed to a private meeting with this enigmatic boss, his terms surprising the suited men, who initially bristled before applauding his boldness. As they departed, promising to arrange the encounter, Shinya couldn't help but wonder what fate had in store, his father's legacy echoing through the threads of his own unfolding journey.

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With Joy Comes Such Sorrow

Within a week, Shinya met the elusive "Old Man Yuma" - the boss who had taken such a keen interest in him. The two seemed to share a kindred spirit, an effortless rapport that left the rest of the Yakuza puzzled as Shinya affectionately referred to the boss by that moniker.Yuma took Shinya under his wing, imparting the ways of a merchant upon him. He ensured the young man received a proper education, equipping him with the skills to handle any task, whether meeting with clients or managing a shop. Shinya's training extended to the docks, where he learned the intricate art of loading and unloading boats bearing exotic goods like spices and ales from distant lands.Over the years, Shinya grew in stature and knowledge, his understanding of trade and business deepening as he ascended through the ranks. His earnings far exceeded his modest upbringing, yet he remained grounded, spending his free time at clubs and social gatherings. Though he could often be found flirting and engaging with women, he never seemed to pursue intimacy, a testament to the respect for the fairer sex instilled by his mother and the women who raised him.Ever the charmer, Shinya made it a point to compliment the women he encountered, finding beauty in each one, even when they could not see it themselves. When not working, he sought solace in the city's baths and clubs, distracting himself from the harsh reality of his mother's declining health.As she grew older, her condition worsened, prompting Shinya to spare no expense in ensuring she received the finest medical care their means could afford. Yet, it was a battle they could not win, a truth that weighed heavily on his heart. The women from the brothel rallied around him, visiting often to lend a hand and keep vigil when duty called him away.In the year that followed his mother's passing, Shinya honored her memory with an extravagant funeral, attended by the brothel's extended family and members of the Yakuza alike. After the ceremony, he thanked each attendee personally, his gratitude a balm for his aching soul. Even Old Man Yuma offered him a reprieve from work, urging him to grieve properly.Accepting the offer, Shinya returned home and began sifting through his mother's belongings, his eyes falling upon an unopened letter addressed to her – a final missive from his father. As he broke the seal and consumed the words, a harsh truth unraveled: his father had another family, a wife whom he had betrayed, and Shinya was the product of that affair. The honorable man his mother had portrayed was a lie.Yet, amid the deception, another envelope caught his eye – addressed to what appeared to be his father's wife. Could this be a lead to find his half-sister? The thought kindled a newfound determination within him. He needed to know the full truth.Tucked within the letter was also a reference to a half-sister named Nanao, residing in the distant land of Gridania, Eorzea. Though he had no reason to venture there, Shinya sensed this could be an opportunity to uncover the truth that had eluded him for so long. With resolve burning in his heart, he made preparations for the journey, eager to meet this sister he never knew existed and unravel the tangled web of his father's legacy.The envelope addressed to his father's wife dangled the tantalizing promise of answers, of piecing together the fragmented puzzle of his origins. Shinya knew he could not let this opportunity slip through his fingers. He would follow whatever trail lay before him, no matter where it led, if it meant finally understanding the man who had shaped his life from afar.

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Wayward Son

A lead from his mother's final words set Shinya on a mission to travel to the faraway realm of Eorzea, specifically a place called Gridania. His preparations were minimalist – he packed only a few pieces of daily wear, leaving most of his belongings behind. However, he did carefully stow away his work gear and tools, anticipating the potential need for his crafting and other skills during the journey. Uncertain of how long this quest might last, he aimed to travel light, knowing it would ease his travels.When it came to finances, Shinya left the bulk of his coin with the esteemed house his mother had served, ensuring they could afford proper security measures in his absence. Though the influential Yuma family had already pledged their protection, he insisted the house retain the funds for any renovations or repairs needed, for the estate had fallen into disrepair over the years. The courtesans were touched by his generosity but saddened by his impending departure. Shinya reassured them, vowing to return once matters had been resolved.As for his mother's modest home, he entrusted it to the care of the courtesans, with the understanding that upon his return, he might request lodging there for a few days until securing his own dwelling. They protested, insisting he reclaim the property, but Shinya was steadfast – his mother would have wanted them to have a haven, and so they would, at least until his homecoming.With his affairs in order, one final visit remained before embarking on his journey. Shinya sought an audience with the venerable Yuma patriarch himself, who questioned the necessity of this sojourn. However, the wise elder recognized the profound impact it could have on Shinya's well-being, insisting he take this opportunity to find solace and savor life's fleeting joys while still in his prime. Yuma vowed to summon him back only if dire need arose, sealing their pact with a firm embrace and fatherly counsel.And so, with his goodbyes said, Shinya boarded a ship bound for the oceanic city of Limsa Lominsa, the first step on his path to Gridania. The voyage proved uneventful, with Shinya spending most of his time aloft in the crow's nest, basking in the sun's warmth. Upon disembarking in the bustling port town, his first priority was securing information – he sought out a nearby tavern called the Drowning Wench, inquiring about the quickest route to his destination.When asked his purpose, Shinya disclosed his search for a long-lost relative by the name of Nanao. The name drew puzzled looks, but also snippets of information – this Nanao was known to travel frequently for her work, making pinpointing her whereabouts a challenge. Undeterred, Shinya pressed on, his path leading him first to the desert city of Ul'dah, then the frozen spires of Ishgard, all the while soliciting directions and gleaning what rumors he could about his elusive sister.Finally, after losing his way more than once and fending off several ferocious beasts, Shinya arrived in the verdant embrace of Gridania. To his chagrin, he had misplaced the letter bearing Nanao's address somewhere along his meandering journey. Cursing his carelessness, he sought refuge at the local inn, inquiring about his sister's whereabouts. The kindly innkeeper recognized the name, revealing that Nanao frequented a quaint café whenever she passed through town. With freshly renewed determination, Shinya followed the directions provided, his keen sense of smell leading him straight to the beckoning aromas of the Bramble Patch café and his long-awaited reunion.

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A Fated Meeting

The rich aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering stews lured Shinya into the cozy Bramble Patch café, tucked away in the heart of Gridania. Though he had never set foot in this verdant woodland village before, the tranquil surroundings stirred a sense of familiarity deep within him.As the towering Au Ra entered, the lively chatter was disrupted by the raucous reactions of patrons taken aback by his imposing presence. His gaze swept across the room, searching for a familiar face, before locking onto a solitary woman enjoying a cup of tea. Despite not recognizing her, an inexplicable force drew him toward her table.With soft, purposeful strides, Shinya approached and politely requested a moment of the woman's time. She regarded him warily but motioned for him to join her. Taking a steadying breath, he began to unveil the truth that had set him on this journey – the tale his mother had long kept guarded, of a love forged amidst the chaos of war, only to be torn asunder by duty and sacrifice.As Shinya delved deeper, revealing his father's name and the existence of another family his sire had concealed, the woman's expression shifted from curiosity to disbelief. When the weight of this revelation became too much, she nearly tumbled from her chair, her ashen countenance betraying the turmoil within.Once she regained her composure, Shinya continued laying bare the harsh truth – that their father had kept them apart, leaving Nanao's family in the dark. An impenetrable silence blanketed the café as she grappled with this betrayal, the man before her undeniably bearing her father's likeness.An eternity seemed to pass before Nanao found her voice, her pain giving way to a quiet strength forged through hardship. She recounted her own mother's tragic passing after their father's death, leaving her to carve an illustrious legacy alone as a renowned scholar and crafter.As she spoke of perseverance in solitude, Shinya felt a profound kinship take root – a shared understanding borne of loss and resilience. When at last Nanao acknowledged him as her brother, he was overcome with a torrent of emotions – joy, trepidation, and a profound sense of belonging he had long sought.Yet her acceptance came with a caveat – he would need to earn her trust through deeds, not mere words, before she would fully embrace him as kin. Shinya accepted the challenge without hesitation, determined to forge an unbreakable bond.In turn, he opened the chronicles of his own life, sharing the tale of his upbringing in Kugane, where his mother had instilled in him a deep reverence for the crafting arts under the tutelage of her friends and a revered mentor. As he spoke of honing his skills as a merchant and artisan, Nanao's eyes danced with recognition, for they shared a kindred passion transcending blood ties.In that moment, a tentative bridge was constructed between the newfound siblings, the first steps toward a future interwoven by shared experiences and mutual understanding. Though the road ahead would wind, Shinya knew he had found his way home – to a place where he truly belonged.To be continued...

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Hidden Truths (WIP)

The Yuma Family

• Starting
• Rising In Rank
• Squad Leader

Unknown

• Hidden Ancestry
• Incident Logs

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Starting

Upon joining the Yuma family, Shinya Strife, a young Au Ra, faced trials in the arena to test his combat abilities. Though familiar with dealing with unruly patrons from his time at the brothel, he was utterly unprepared for the challenges ahead. During his first fight, the captain of the team he was assigned to swiftly defeated him.An oddity the captain noticed was the fluctuation of Shinya's aether during the fights, though the reason remained unclear. As the days progressed, Shinya's improvement was remarkably swift. He took to the katana with natural ease, skillfully utilizing his draconic tail as a formidable weapon. As his skills improved, so did the caliber of his opponents, until he eventually triumphed over the trainer himself while Boss Yuma observed.Impressed by Shinya's potential, Boss Yuma took him under his wing, ensuring he received the finest education through private tutors and personal training in the syndicate's various trades. Shinya also learned to gather his own materials and craft items, a invaluable skill for extended assignments.An unforeseen development was the growing interest of Boss Yuma's daughter, who would bring extra lunches for Shinya and seek his company during market errands and other tasks. Though the implications of her attention remained unclear, Shinya seemed oblivious to her affections.

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Rising In Rank

As the weeks progressed, Shinya was entrusted with increasingly diverse duties ranging from mundane shopping tasks to low-level jobs like enforcing rules, collecting debts, and providing protection. Time and again, he completed these tasks flawlessly, handling endeavors big and small with equal aplomb. Shinya was rapidly making a name for himself within the family.Over the course of two months, he rose from a mere grunt to just below the rank of captain. His assignments grew more challenging, but he met each with unwavering success. Boss Yuma would often treat Shinya to celebratory meals or share sake after particularly triumphant jobs. The boss had come to view him as a son, recognizing his core values from watching him care for his mother and the others at the brothel where he grew up. Yuma knew this young man would prove invaluable to the syndicate.During this period, after everyone finally pointed out the obvious to the oblivious Shinya, he and Boss Yuma's daughter began dating. Between jobs and duties, he would take her on outings and shopping trips. A favorite spot was a meadow of sakura trees in the Yanxia province, where they would picnic and gaze at the stars through the night.For Shinya, life seemed like a dream or fairy tale as things fell into place for him and his loved ones. He could only hope this joy would endure after the hardships of his past.

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Squad Leader

As autumn painted Kugane in brilliant hues of red and gold, Shinya's reputation within the Yuma family continued to flourish. His relationship with Akane, Boss Yuma's cherished daughter, blossomed like the cherry blossoms they both adored. Her petite frame and flowing crimson hair created a striking contrast to Shinya's towering presence, yet they moved together with an easy grace that turned heads wherever they went.Shinya's promotion to squad leader came after a particularly challenging operation at the docks. A rival family had attempted to muscle in on their territory, threatening the livelihoods of merchants under Yuma protection. Rather than responding with immediate force, Shinya had orchestrated a clever solution – mobilizing his contacts among the dock workers and merchants to create a unified front against the interlopers. His tactical acumen impressed not only Boss Yuma but the elder members of the family as well.Leading his own squad brought new responsibilities and challenges. Shinya's team specialized in merchant protection and dispute resolution, areas where his natural charm and intimidating presence proved equally valuable. He hand-picked his crew, favoring those who shared his preference for minimal bloodshed and maximum efficiency. Under his leadership, the squad gained a reputation for resolving conflicts through wit and negotiation rather than violence, though they were more than capable when force became necessary.Akane often accompanied him during his merchant rounds, her keen eye for detail complementing his broader strategic thinking. She had inherited her father's sharp business acumen, and together they made a formidable pair. Their courtship became the talk of the family, with older members nodding approvingly at how she tempered his occasional impetuousness while he encouraged her to step out of her father's shadow.Their relationship deepened during quiet moments between operations – shared cups of tea in hidden garden corners, late-night walks along the harbor, and stolen kisses beneath paper lanterns during festivals. Akane's knowledge of traditional arts and culture helped refine Shinya's rather direct nature, while his streetwise charm and protective instincts made her feel both safe and adventurous.Boss Yuma watched their growing bond with quiet satisfaction. He had long worried about finding a suitable match for his daughter – someone who could protect her while respecting her independence, and who understood the delicate balance of family obligations and personal happiness. In Shinya, he saw not just a capable lieutenant, but a potential successor who could carry forward the family's values.However, their happiness was tested when a routine protection detail went awry. One of Shinya's squad members was gravely injured protecting a merchant from an assassination attempt. The incident weighed heavily on Shinya, who had always prided himself on keeping his people safe. That night, Akane found him at their favorite sakura viewing spot, seeking solace in the quiet darkness. Her presence and gentle wisdom helped him find perspective in the face of leadership's harsh realities.The next day, Shinya implemented new training protocols for his squad, incorporating lessons learned from the incident. He also took a more personal interest in each team member's family situation, ensuring they had proper support systems in place. This approach earned him even deeper loyalty from his men and admiration from the family's other squad leaders.As winter approached, bringing with it the promise of snow and new beginnings, Shinya and Akane's bond continued to strengthen. They could often be found in the family's private gardens, where Akane would practice her shamisen while Shinya maintained his katana, the gentle music mixing with the rhythmic sound of blade maintenance in perfect harmony.Yet beneath their contentment lay an undercurrent of uncertainty. Rumors of growing tensions between rival families reached their ears, and both knew that their peaceful days might soon face new challenges. But for now, they chose to focus on the present – on building their future together, one careful step at a time, much like the delicate dance of politics and power that had brought them together in the first place.

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Hidden Ancestry

WIP

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Incident Logs

WIP

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Character Associations and Relationships

Key for above:
♡ Partner
◆ Love Interest
○ Family
⋆ Friend

Always looking for new rp partners and people to grow a story with.
I've dealt with my fair share of stalkers and oddities
In game name: Shinya Strife
Discord: StrifeCo