[a id]con[/a id]\ \ APPEARANCE 外観 / /
Kagura is a alabaster-white skinned woman with waist-length rich black hair which was often tied into a loose ponytail with a white ribbon and big brown eyes, but sometimes she lets down her hair for more casual and laid back moments. She wears the traditional dress of a miko, with a white jacket with sode-kukuri (cords) through the sleeves and open shoulders. Strings called muna-himo were attached to each lapel and tied in front to keep the garment closed. She also wears a bright red nagabakama (a very long hakama), which included the small board on the lower back. There are slits on the side of her hakama and the openings at the sleeves and shoulders of her hitoe (jacket) shows a white kosode she sports. For foot wear, she wears common tabi (socks) and rice straw sandals. She finally wears a red Obi, or belt, over all her other garments.
[a id]mec[/a id]\ \ Personality 人 / /
A joyfully busy woman, when she isn't working or lending a hand to those who are troubled, she's watching over her pokemon with due care. She enjoys those little moments when she gets a chance to relax, such as battling, which she thinks is actually pretty fun. She is friendly and well-liked due to her calming nature, and she is very motherly towards others. Her hard-working personality makes her very reliable in times of need. She rarely ever loses her temper, but while she is relaxed in how she treats people. She is very strict when it comes to upholding tradition. She is prideful of them and will always bravely defend her beliefs.
Kasuga Family History
According to legend, the Kasuga family was originally a family known for its service to the gods. The Kasuga tradition first started with a channeler, Aya Kasuga, who migrated from Johto to Kanto. A Yoma, a ghoulish monster that peered from the darkness of the departed hearts, surrounded Kanto with its vile aura. The chaos, confusion, and fear poured upon the citizen's hearts for quite some time, until Aya Kasuga, who had divine spiritual power, exorcised the evil from the spirit. The spirit did not disappear, as it gained another form, after its evil aura had been lost. It had transformed to the first Ghost-type Pokemon. Together with this Ghost-type Pokemon, Aya became the first Master of the Kasuga clan, who were all channelers and protectors of spirits, and Ghost-type pokemon awaiting for peace.
For generations since then, the women of the Kasuga clan became priestesses in service of the Lavender Town's Ghost Tower shrine and grave site. They performed dances, prayers, and rituals to bless the spirits of pokemon who had departed from the land of the living, and for the ghost-type pokemon who was said to be reformed animations of more malevolent spirits, to help bring them all peace. Every Generations, a new master of the Kasuga clan would be appointed. It was a big honor for the family members, because they would serve as a pillar of strength for them all, and the master would help lead the clan, upholding their own tradition. For generations, the strongest member of the Kasuga clan would become the new master. At first this was done by measure of spiritual power, but as these modern times came about, there became a new venture of gauging a priestess's strength: Pokemon Battling.
A Channeler named Kagura
Kagura, like her other family members, was born in Lavender Town in a humble household. She had a mother, father, and was the eldest of three other sisters. Kagura was only 10 years old when she first found out about her clan's primary purpose: to help bring peace to spirits, and ghosts. She took up her training right away, with dancing, rituals, and even learning mythology the Kasuga clan held on. If it wasn't all that, she was helping to take care of her sisters while her mother and father were away. Her father was a scientist for the Silph Company, and her mother was a fellow channeler of the Kasuga clan. The master of the clan during this time was Elder Natsumi, who practiced spiritualism for decades. However, in these days, the Elder was in her retirement years. The new master of the clan needed to be picked soon.
Still in her childhood years, even going to her early teen years(13-14), Kagura developed a deep fondness for Pokemon. She read all sorts of Pokemon related stories to her younger sisters, and loved to play with the Ghost-type pokemon that stayed with the family. She also had a cousin, Misako Kasuga, who also was often by Kagura's side while they had play-time with pokemon, and even started training together for their channeling. Thus, Misako and Kagura were both quite close, both practically best friends... and sisters themselves.
One day, while they both were playing together a little bit out of town, the two found a pair of wild, injured Gastly, gasping for breath near the ouskirt wilderness of Lavender Town. One seemed to be in a different colour than normal Gastly, but they both seem to be related... sort of like, sisters in another way. Following their teaching of helping out Ghost-type pokemon, Kagura and Misako decided to look after them. They worked together to nurse them both back to health, as well as providing them with enough food and water. Eventually the two Gastly were healed, and warmed up kindly to the two girls. The odd-coloured Gastly took a rather shine to Misako. It was another thing from the Kasuga teachings; Ghost-type pokemon can sense a sort of 'soul' from humans, and thus, they're able to bond more effectively with chosen partners. The other Gastly liked Kagura in turn too, perhaps for other reasons. With the Gastly warming up to them, the two girls then decided. They would become their partner-pokemon. It wasn't anything official, but the rest of the clan could surely understand about a bond.
When Kagura turned into an adult(18), her training was finally complete. She started taking on jobs like to help put spirits of deceased pokemon to a peaceful rest by reciting prayers, as well as warding off any evil spirits by performing rituals such as dances. Her training gave her the ability to perform these as best as she could, but she was still not as adept in these techniques as well as the other family members. She, with her Haunter that evolved from the young Gastly she befriended, even took up Pokemon battling, but did not perform as well. In fact, some had considered her to be the she had performed quite badly over the time that she was considered by some to be the weakest of the clan. Misako on the other hand, was rather talented in pokemon battling. So much so that the Elder recognized her as the strongest channeler in the clan. Everyone in the clan idolized Misako. With her, the clan's future was golden, and set in stone.
Kagura knew of Misako's potential all the long. She was a better channeler, a better spiritualist, and a better battler overall. While Kagura was happy for her cousin... she felt a deep loneliness. Deep in her heart, she wanted her and Misako to be equals. She loved her, but, she was also jealous of her ability and talent. One day, Kagura challenged Misako to a battle. However, Kagura was quickly overwhelmed by Misako's power, and lost very promptly. Soon, the eyes of the clan weighed down upon her. While everyone idolized Misako, they also mocked Kagura's lack of strength.
One day, Kagura was called upon by the Elder. She looked upon her, and she stared a troubled calmness look upon her. She then said one thing, something that had disturbed Kagura. Something that hallowed within her mind for months to come.
"I must... I must leave our clan?"
"Kagura, you must leave, and discover yourself in the world. You must find... your own strength."
Kagura did not understand the meaning of the Elder's suggestion at first. Perhaps... perhaps the Elder saw something inside of Kagura, that Kagura had not yet realized. Perhaps her answer to strength comes from outside the clan's boundaries, and upon the world. But to what end? What would be the first place to start? She, alongside her Haunter, traveled together, seeking those answers. That was until one day, she saw something that was dropped on the ground. She picked it up, and saw that it was a brochure.
THE POKEMON LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. Earn eight badges from eight different gyms to qualifiy! Do you have what it takes to be a Pokemon Master?
The Pokemon Leauge Championship... Kagura looked upon her Haunter. Traveling, battling against all sorts of trainers, and learning all sorts of things about Kanto... Haunter gave a glancing nod in return.
I will become stronger with Haunter. I swear it.
The Championship Journey
Kagura and her pokemon had traveled for days, which turned into months, then into years. She and Haunter battled trainer after trainer, some she won, but most she lost. Still, her losses taught her more and new things. Ever slowly, she gained something more. It also taught her many things about herself, and her pokemon. It wasn't as though she was inept of battling, but... she didn't understood her pokemon. She liked Haunter, but the two of them... were not connected.
The lack of connection, however, was soon to be fixed as she heard about a ship in Vermillion.. seemingly haunted. Deciding to investigate, the source of the heavy aura in the air was from a lone Ghost Pokemon -- a Dhelmise. The Dhelmise was very hostile; it attacked on sight, causing chaos and mayhem. Dhelmise weren't naturally from the Kanto region, so perhaps it came astray on accident, and became more cautious and territorial to its surroundings. Even so, Kagura and Haunter had to defend themselves. Haunter fought valiantly, but Dhelmise was strong. It repelled Haunter's ghost attacks, counter-attacking even more harshly. Kagura was distraught. Everything she learned from battle was slipping. Was it... all for this? Was she going to continue to let down to let her partner Haunter down? This dis-connection...
Haunter... why... why couldn't I sense your feelings? What is a soul? How do I understand it? What... are feelings? Bonds? ...Us?"
However, she also then realized something. Even though Pokemon and humans can not directly communicate, it's the feelings that trainer exerts for their pokemon is how they deeply understand each other. Subconsciously, while she believed in Haunter, she did not believe in herself. The power of one, was no match for the power of us, she then thought. She finally made a decision. She and Haunter, are going to be a real team from now on. She stood her hand out and messaged her injured Haunter, telling her that she will always be here for her. In response to Kagura's feelings, Haunter glowed. The light grew brighter, and brighter, until it stopped, dispersing into small sparkles. Kagura saw in shock as what stood in place of Haunter was a larger, Ghost-type pokemon. Gengar. Gengar floated upwards, releasing a new powerful move: Shadow Ball, straight towards the wild Dhelmise. The Dhelmise tried retaliating, but the new power of Gengar overhwelmed the Dhelmise, sending it flying, and defeated. As Gengar and Kagura triumphed and celebrated their new power, Kagura couldn't help but feel sorry for the wild Dhelmise. After all, it was a pokemon that was far from home... it couldn't help but be scared. The others mistook its fear as malice, but Kagura knew better. She then decided to tend to the Dhelmise's wounds, and ask it to be another friend -- a partner pokemon. The Dhelmise was skeptical at first, but... it could sense the kindness that radiated from Kagura. It never had that before. Eventually, Dhelmise agreed, and traveled alongside Kagura and Gengar.
Many more months, that became years came. Kagura had caught more pokemon, and even participated and defeated many pokemon Gyms. Her team, as well as herself, had grown stronger, and she was much more accustomed to pokemon battles, and connecting with her pokemon. She was becoming the seasoned pokemon trainer she sought out to be. Finally, after years of battling and travelling, her eighth badge was obtained. She's now qualified for this year's upcoming Pokemon League. But before that, there was one place she wanted to go. It was time to go back to visit her family.
It had been about three years since she started her travels, on request of the Elder. At first, things could become a bit awkward, but... she felt a different person than she was those years ago. Finally, she eventually found her way back to Lavender Town. She found her house, as she was greeted with friendly and happy faces by her younger sisters, and her mother. Her father was busy with work, but her mother reassured that Kagura's father was looking out for her too. The friendly vibes were broken by one thing. Kagura's mother mentioned, the Elder was sick and bedridden.
Kagura made her way upon the Elder's and Master's home. While the other priestess of the family looked upon Kagura with surprise, there was also a bit of contempt. But, the silent, tense air was broken by the Master's greeting. She was laying in bed, with a small coughing fit, but she still gave Kagura a warm smile.
"You have returned... Kagura."
"Elder, I am sorry. If only I had known about your condition..."
"Worry not, dear child. No... you have become a strong woman. I can tell by your look. You have experienced many things, and found your source of strength."
"This was why you suggested that I leave, was it not?"
"Yes. Your potential is different from Misako's. Misako upholds tradition the most effectively, but you also cherish life."
"Elder..."
"You have become so strong, Kagura. I can now... leave the rest... to you both..."
"E-Elder, no! There is... there is so much more i could learn from you! Please... don't go..."
"Kagura. I am... so proud..."
"......."
"...."
"..."
"...Farewell, Elder. Thank you for all you've done."
The passing of the Master left a deep wound in the family's heart. She was a woman who was as kind, as she was wise. A heavy loss for the clan. But, it was still time to select the new Master of the clan. The general populous wanted Misako, the strongest member of the clan, to be the next Master. However, Misako had a misgiving. There was one thing she wanted to confirm first -- through Kagura. She challenged her to a battle. Misako and Kagura both had their partnered Gengar on the ready, until the battle was ready to begin. Misako and her Gengar approached with a barrage of firece and heavy attacks, attempting to overwhelm Kagura before she had a chance to start. However, Kagura this time stayed collected, and believed her Pokemon's power to push through. Her Gengar retaliated with her powerful Dark Pulse, colliding the two attacks, that created a puff of smoke. Misako could now tell how strong Kagura has become ever since their first battle. It would not be like the last time. Misako's and Kagura's attacked came in contact one after another, both trying to gain an advantage of each other. Soon, they both could feel it. The final attack looms. Both Gengars released a powerful Shadow Ball attack, which collided.
"Misako... I was always jealous of your talents, and ability. I took the wrong path many times, because I was always comapring myself with you. This time, I'm believing in the power that I, and my team have inherited!"
"Kagura... I..."
Kagura's Gengar's Shadow Ball grew in power, as it eventually overpowered Misako's. Misako's Gengar ws hit with the full force of the attack, until the dust settled down, and Kagura and her Gengar were both declared the winner. The clan members looked upon each other in disbelief. Kagura... defeated Misako? But ironically, Misako was the one who was not surprised by the outcome.
"The truth is, Kagura, I was the one who was also jealous of you. You were always so kind, reliable, so hard-working, and ever complained about anything.
"Misako..."
"Do you understand now? The Elder and I both knew that someday, you would surpass me. You're the one who deserves the title. The title of Master!"
The clan members were quiet... until one of them started clapping. And then another. And then a few more. Then, they all clapped and cheered for Kagura. The clan members were all supporting her now. They had finally respected Kagura's strength. Misako then got out a small box.
"These were the Elder's most sacred treasures. The Mega Magatama keystone, and the Gengarite. Use them well in your final challenge, Master."
"My final challenge?"
"Of course! You're going to the pokemon league to become the Champion, right?"
"Me... a Champion...
The clan members all cheered her on. With the amount of support and love Kagura gotten from her family. Her renewed passion unfolded. It's finally time to challenge the Pokemon League.
The Pokemon League was filled with powerful trainers in the tournament. Kagura, in a set of many close battles, made past them, and finally made her way upon the final battle. She was fighting against a trainer who was the favourite to win the league. The 6 on 6 battle was fierce; the fiercest battle Kagura had ever gotten herself into. It had finally came down to their final pokemon: Gengar vs. Dragonite. Dragonite had staved off every attack Gengar could through at it, retaliating with very powerful moves. It was looking quite hopeless, and Gengar was toppled, struggling to get up after it took the latest blow.
"Don't give up! We've been through quite an ordeal to reach this point. We're not going to let it end here, right?"
She then remembered - the Magatama she had received from the Elder, and from Misako. She held it tightly.
"Please...! Let my feelings reach her! Lend me your strength one more time, my partner... my friend!
Her mega-magatama started to glow a rainbow, soothing, light. The light enveloped Gengar, and before Kagura's eyes, Gengar had started to transform. The light dissipated, as Gengar stood, as a completely different, and new form. Mega evolution.
"Let's go! Shadow ball!"
Gengar threw many shadow ball attacks towards the Dragoite, in which Dragonite was no longer able to block them, as the power of the attack has gone up greatly from last time. Dragonite was not finished yet, as it then charged up, and released a powerful Fire Blast. Gengar charged the same, releasing a Dark Pulse to counter it. The two attacks collided, enveloping the field with a black smoke. Dragonite looked around, unable to detect the Gengar's presence... until Gengar appeared, from the shadow's of the field that was developed in.
"Sludge Bomb, go!!"
Gengar threw multiple Sludge bomb barrages to the unsuspecting Dragonite, causing it to stagger. It's time for the battle to come to an end.
"Now! One last Shadow Ball!"
The Shadow Ball was larger than ever, as Gengar hurled it to it's opponent. The attack collided with it, and once the smoke was cleared, Dragonite slumped down. Defeated. Kagura could not believe her eyes. She had now become Kanto's Champion. Gengar's transformation wore off, celebrating her victory with Kagura. Becoming Champion of the region... it was an odd feeling, but something Kagura could be proud of. Throughout her travels, she now knows another thing. People all over have their own 'soul', as it were. As long as that soul exists within everyone, bonds will continue to be developed. Thus, she then vowed to help those in need where ever she could, in order to protect those bonds, as Champion, and as Master of the Kasuga clan,
