ne·crop·o·lis /nəˈkräpələs/

[dandyLION]

虹立ちて　忽ち君の　在る如し
Nizi tachite/ Tachimachi kimi no/ Aru gotoshi

The rainbow stands
As if you are here
In a moment.

Haiku by Takahama Kyoshi

Form best viewed on desktop.
Screen caps located here for mobile users

[dandyLION]

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The pull of night tugged at the sky, colors changing from the soft blue of day towards
the pastels that made up a familiar sunset as you sat reading a placard depicting what
the yagura before you contained. The depiction stated that this was the final resting
place for one of the Kuromiya samurai who had died protecting the eldest daughter of
his given family. No name was referenced, nor who this daughter was. The grave had
pulled to you due to the fact there was fresh offerings there, unlike most of the graves
there. These were ancient, lost souls... so why was this one so meticulously decorated?
Especially since it was a bit more off the given path through the yagura.

As night finally clutched the sky, you felt the hair on the nape of your neck stand up.
Eyes were on you. Glancing around, you finally heard it... above you. The shape of a
kitsune shown in the tree almost directly above you, though this was not like the
kitsunes of legend you had heard about.

This one was different.
Eyes. So many eyes.

The kitsune slinked down the tree, basically ignoring you. They passed next to you, their
eyes connecting with yours as a shiver ran down your very spine. You felt threatened
but also safe. The feeling was quick and over though, as the kitsune turned their attention
back towards the grave before you. They lowered their front legs, going into a deep bow
which was a sign of respect. The permeant tears flowed from their eyes to the ground
in front of them. Now, having done so, the kitsune’s eyes snapped back at you.


“Why do you visit here, oh lost soul?”

Their words echoed softly through the yagura around them. It was a sharp tone, but also
very curious in nature. The kitsune turned and sat, their four tails flaring behind them.
Their head tilted gently, waiting patiently for your answer.



“It.. Well it was the only one with offerings...” You stammered to the kitsune, unsure of
the danger that they posed to you. The eyes of the mysterious one before you, glanced
sadly but lovingly at the grave. There was a tentative silence between the kitsune and
yourself.



“I suppose that does draw more attention than not.”



You were confused now, you felt glued to your spot. Were you going to be at the end of
your rope here? Were you face to face with an actual kitsune? What in the world was going
on? The questions all pulled through your mind, but you settled on one.
“What do you want from me...?”


“I want you to help me.”

You were conflicted. It was an odd thing to request. You stepped back, figuring out if
you should just try to make a run for it. But you were also curious. “What do you need
help with...?



“I am searching for a way to finally leave here...”

The words echoed with the firm feeling of exhaustion. You could feel it radiating from
the creature. They were tired. They were lonely. And it was wanting a way out. Your heart
ached for them, and you took a hesitant step forward before reaching out to them.
The kitsune’s eyes once again locked with yours, as their paw gently touched you.



“Thank you...” They whispered. “I’m Rei Kuromiya.”

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[dandyLION]

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NAME ›› 黒宮玲 ›› Kuromiya, Rei

MEANING ›› "Twinkling Jade of the Black Shrine"
ORIGIN ›› Japanese
NICKNAMES ›› Rei

AGE ›› Unknown

BIRTHDAY ›› April 20th
ZODIACS ›› Hare / Taurus

GENDER ›› Demigirl ›› She/Her or They/Them

SEXUALITY ›› Pansexual
RELATIONSHIP STATUS ›› Single but Widowed
PREVIOUS LOVER ›› 龍也陽斗 ›› Ryū, Haruto "Light of the Dragon"
Rei was never really one to care if someone was male or female, she
just wanted to vibe with them. Since the death of her companion, she
is unavailable because she will always love them.

LANGUAGES ›› Japanese, ancient dialects and modern

Over time, Rei has adapted to learn the more modern
format of Japanese. She was more proficient in ancient formats
and will still catch herself speaking those.

HOME ›› Below is some info on where she resides.

WHERE SHE WAS BORN ›› Kamakura, Japan
COUNTRY SHE LIVES IN NOW ›› Japan
STATE ›› Kamakura
AREA ›› Mandarado Tombs
In the past, Rei was mainly stationed at her family's estate in her home
town of Kamakura. She occasionally was in Edo though which is now Tokyo.
Her permanent residence is these yagura tombs due to her being trapped.

OCCUPATION ›› Yagura Guardian

If you could even call it a profession, Rei has become the living
protector of the Mandarado tombs. Protecting them, keeping them and
making sure that the spirits tied to these tombs are properly respected.
She has scared the locals enough that not many visit them now, and
her name has become a legend there.

RELIGION ›› Shinto

MAIN GODDESS ›› Inari Ōkami
Inari is the kami associated with the Kuromiya family. Their domains
are of foxes (kitsunes), fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture, and industry
while also being well known for good fortune and prosperity.
They are viewed as all genders, androgynes in nature. Something that
deeply resonated with Rei while she was young. While it was the main
kami that her house gave favor to, for Rei it was deeper. They were
tied together in her mind, always feeling the watching eye of Inari.

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[dandyLION]

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A baby born of noble blood on the morn of a scared deity’s feet had touched the
Earth was something to be celebrated. It was a crisp morning when Rei was born
into the Kuromiya family, her cries breaking the stillness of the air as the sun
began to rise. Everything was a sign of good fortune, a beacon of prosperity in her
father’s eyes as they locked with the small baby’s own jade-colored eyes. This was
the first day of life for her, and yet it marked how her whole life may have been
perceived.

As the child grew, Rei was the most flawless daughter one would hope for. Well
mannered, soft spoken, intelligent with a keen sense of business and honor. Rumored
to be touched by the goddess Inari, she was whispered about through the walls she
lived in and the walls that encompassed the city her family watched over. But that’s
the thing, those walls were all the girl ever knew. A structured life, one with no more
comfort than a cage. Now, she was fed well and housed in the best money could give
her but she didn’t know freedom. She had no idea what life truly could entail for her.
No, the walls were all she knew and the only glimpse of the outside was books that
she read for hours.

But things changed.
Wars were breaking out over her home country, her father becoming a general for
the nation’s army due to his status and family. Due to this, samurai were hired to
protect the family’s greatest assets... one being Rei herself. This was the single most
important ripple in the girl’s life.

He was her first love. A soft spoken but up and coming samurai named Haruto. The
man was being trained as Rei’s personal guard, her confidant if you may say. He was
one of the only people who was allowed near her, one of the few who actually got
to see the real her. Now, to be blunt... it started as an unrequited love. The situation
was complex and Haruto had the most to lose, on top of being 4 years her elder. But
to Rei, he allowed her to see the world. To get that taste of freedom. It was
intoxicating for her, and she was not one to let go of things she wanted.

He watched her grow into a fine young woman, becoming her best friend through it
all. Haru was the warmth in her life, inside those walls. The two would walk the
yards, talk about what it was like out there. He told her of magical stories, places
and people who exploded her imagination. The ocean. The mountains. Foreign sailors.
Every day he would give her a snippet of life. And with every day, Haru then would
fall more for her as she had for him.

It started out harmless, or as harmless as could be managed.
Haru would catch her after she stubbornly tried to climb a tree in the yard that she
couldn’t safely come down from. He would hold her for that extra second too long,
yearning for more. It progressed slowly, but both were aware it was never enough.
Rei would begin to call him in for the simplest of things... to have him help her with
her sash or him to fix a hairpin. But his fingers would linger, trail. They would be lying
to each other if they didn’t admit it. Haru was the first to, a fit of anger and sadness
while Rei held his face in her gentle hands. While it felt wonderful to be loved so
deeply, it was the single most terrifying thing. But Rei gave him her heart. He was
home for her.

The trip to Edo was what sealed the deal for their story. News had spread that one of
the heirs to the throne was looking for a wife, and Rei was to be sent there as an
attempt to secure even more wealth and honor for her family. ‘Its destiny.’ Her father
said. It was like her whole life was leading to this. But Rei was broken inside at the idea.
She knew not what would happen to Haru if she were to be there, permanently. The
night before the ride, Haru found her on the floor sobbing. They both knew there was
nothing to do about it. She was nobility, and he was her servant. So, all he could do
was hold her, and let the waves of emotions pass through them both.

The carriage ride was supposed to be a quiet one.
Key words were supposed to be.

But many knew the rumors of Rei, of her beauty and status. Due to this they thought
she would be easy pickings. Haru and Rei had only been able to make two thirds of the
trip before they were ambushed in a rainstorm on the outskirts of Edo territory. The
details are a blur to Rei. She still to this day does not have the strength to maneuver
through the pain of that day. The pain. The blood. The sound of rain on metal. It still
echoes in her sleep.

Unaware to her before the carnage of that fateful day was that she truly was touched
by Inari. Gifted with her element, gifted with the power of earth. When Haru took his
last gasp of breath, and dropped his sword... something escaped from Rei. All of the
control she had over herself. All of the energy that kept her going. It was zapped in a
last-ditch effort to try to preserve the life she was given... even if in that moment
she wasn’t ready to continue.

Rei woke up on the remnants of what appeared to be a landslide. Dazed and scared,
she had called out for Haru only to see him off in the distance slightly. The rains
continued to pour on them as she held him for the last time, before being pried away
when calvary came. But it wasn’t the Rei that had started the journey that left that
place... no... it was only a placeholder. A husk.

It took begging and pleading for Rei to be able to honor Haru after his funeral, or at
least to be able to do so alone that is. He was buried in the yagura outside of her
home town, decorated heavily as a warrior and hero in their town. Rei was hesitant
once she stepped foot at the entrance to the yagura. It was quiet and still there. It was
cold, not temperature wise but... yet in her bones she felt the warmth leave her. She
couldn’t believe it was real. That this was happening. Still.

Remember though, Rei was not one to let go of the things she wanted. She was dead
set on seeing if her ‘good fortune’ and blessings were real... or an elaborate hoax.

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[dandyLION]

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The kitsune sighed softly.
Their story was finally heard, by you of all people.


“It was the night I went here alone for the first time that I attempted something
rather dumb now that I look back at it. “Rei shook her head, clearly annoyed with her
own past actions. “I went to Inari’s shrine with the hope that maybe... somehow...
they would bring him back to me. Or I to him.”


The kitsune looked up to the sky, a longing in her eyes again as she referenced him.
“But I was naïve. Kami don’t just grant your desires... especially one who is known to
have tricksters as messengers.” Rei locked eyes with yours. “I was heard you see...
and I was reunited with him. Here.”


Rei referenced the ground around her and you, huffing in discontent. “I was trapped
here. I was made its guardian, someone who would watch over the souls long past
though with no actual connection to them. “She rose in front of you, her tails flaring
around her as she paced in front of you.



“I was bitter for so long...so very long. Then I was content with my fate. I cleaned
the graves, protected them from vandals and thieves. I gave offerings every day to
all the souls. I watched and waited, silently praying his reincarnation would come
here and be drawn to me.” Rei paused and sighed. “But now all I want is to be
free again...”

You nodded, trying to wrap yourself around the feelings that Rei must be feeling. But
it wasn’t truly possible for you to understand. They had been there for over a two
hundred years. Waiting. Just for a chance to see their love once more. “Do you still
love him?” You asked, needing to know why she would leave now.


“Of course.” Rei said strongly. “But... but if he is reincarnated, he’s out there.
Not here.”



You stood, dusting the dirt off your pants as you noticed that the sky was turning back
to light now. Morning was going to break, and you weren’t sure what to do. ‘Should
you help her? Should you leave?’ Your facial emotions betrayed you, Rei realizing you
were stuck with a dilemma.


Click to finish her story

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[dandyLION]

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Altruistic • Benevolent • Creative • Clever • Confident • Insightful • Loyal
Meticulous • Passionate • Principled

Ambitious • Competitive • Dreamy • Enigmatic • Frugal • Old-fashioned
Private • Skeptical • Stubborn • Tough

Abrasive • Calculating • Indecisive • Naïve • Obsessive • Opinionated
Reluctant • Perfectionistic • Sensitive

Rei has always been one to of sound mind, approaching life in such
a way of cunning nature and the thoughtfulness of a wise sage. She
holds herself to a different standard than those around her, and holds
them to that standard as well. Now, lets be honest.. this is not always
the best course of action seeing as everyone is different. Including her.

Idealism and integrity are as crucial to her as breathing is. Never just
saying this is good enough, she pushes herself and those around her so
that maybe someday the future will be better than it currently is. But
she also has the brain power to back it up, being incredibly suited to
many forms... be it mathematics, the sciences, or language. Jack of
all trades, master of none in reality... though she can skirt through
most situations with grace.

While you might not get many words from her, she talks in such a way
that you feel it in your bones. Warmth is given to you once you are
able to connect to her. She craves deep relations with people, and is
one to protect those she cares about with her life. But leave her
with a good book and warm tea, she would still be content with her
life at that moment.

└───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────┐

The future is daunting, especially for Rei now as she feels reborn into the world
that she honestly does not know much about. But she is ready and restless to
spread her wings and find out what the future has in store for her soul.

Rei dreams of finding Haru, bonding with him once more and creating the
future that the two of them so desperately hoped for once upon a time.
She dreams of a beautiful family, running around with their father and her.
In honor of her late father and mother, she wishes to run a business and
become successful as much as they hoped she would be.

In the end, all she really dreams about now is finally having a home.
Moving on.
Starting over.
Remembering her past but controlling her future.

Rainstorms, lightening and thunder.
The smell after it rains.
The mews of a kit or kitten.
The way the ground feels under paws.

Haru's smile and warmth.
The way her mother sang to her.
Her father's praises.
Her possessions on her.
The deer around the yagura.
The taste of soba.
Her memories of old.

Change.
The feeling of failure.
The emptiness of time.
The feeling of no control.
People yelling, and fighting.
The inability of herself.
Loneliness.


Rei is frightened that Haru's soul will not come back or that is already has. She
doesn't try to dwell on the thoughts but she honestly worries about this more
than anything else. She prays everyday that he might be out there, his soul
waiting for hers.

└───────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Items that are always on her ››
- 1x small silver head ornament
A gift from her mother when Rei was old enough to be counted as a
woman. They are in the form of fan tassels, common back then.
- 2x jade hairpins
These were a gift from her father while away on business at the royal
capital. Made of pure jade, reflective of her name.
- 1x jade insignia of her family's crest
Families of royal decadency were gifted with family crests that
were upheld by the capital for status reasons.
- 1x decorated fan of a kitsune and dragon
Instead of rings, most would exchange fans to their lover
as a form of commitment. This was how Haru showed his
love for Rei before she was to be given away.
- Small amount of food and misc items

ETHNICITY ›› Japanese
HEIGHT ›› 5'9
WEIGHT ›› Thin frame, 176 lbs
HAIRSTYLE ›› Wavy, thick hair that is pulled back and partially in a bun.
HAIR COLOR›› A dark raven black
EYE COLOR ›› Inner iris is creamy colour • Outer iris is a teal jade colour.
SKIN COLOR ›› Rei has soft tan skin, though is pale due to only nighttime trips.
SKIN COMPLEXION ›› Glowing and smooth, indicating healthy skin.
FACE STRUCTURE ›› Sharp features, high cheekbones and a small jaw.
BODY STRUCTURE ›› Hourglass frame, aka wide hips but narrow waist.
MISC ›› Small "third eye" scar, always overactive watering from eyes.

HEIGHT ›› 3.5 ft tall
WEIGHT ›› 176 lbs.
FUR TEXTURE›› Extremely soft, more like an undercoat than top coat.
FACE STRUCTURE ›› Longer pointed face, but still recognized as a kalon.
BODY STRUCTURE ›› For a kalon, she is a bit taller than average but thin.
TAILS ›› For a kalon, she has an abnormal amount of tails... four.
MISC ›› Third eye, body eyes, pointed ears and shaped pads.

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[dandyLION]

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Hello!

This character has been incredibly daunting for me to get written out. I deeply hoped to be able
to convey the heartache, mystery and allure of this character to you all. The idea has been in my
head for eons it felt like and this was the first design that truly gave me the ability to write it all
down. Rei is just a being who is trying to find their way in the world, to move past the confines
that they already knew. I wanted her story to be soaked with history, myth, religion and appreciation
for Japanese culture seeing as I am a history buff who has studied quite a bit. So thank you for
allowing me to bring this character alive. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

Explanation on the art ››
I wanted to go for a sort of rough diary feel when it came to the artwork that is on the side of most
of the posts. On top of the diary feel, I wanted to give subtle reference to the old Japanese art forms.
They all play into the story she is telling you through out the form. If you click on them, you go to the
full piece so please check that out.

Art is by me, dandyLION or chillyskies on DA.
Except last piece which is by khaotically

Shoutouts ››
Vee
Dust
Sythe
Crash
Quiche
My fiance
Anyone who asked questions
And kalon staff

This has been fun.
Thank you for everything you guys do for this community!
Good luck to everyone!

Additional Credits ››
Gif of glowworms - tourist page for Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Gifs of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya film
Jade borders from image here
Art below by khaotically
Caard version of choose her story >> here

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