☀ ( application. )

[upbringing]

▶ PLAYER
HANDLE: Zetsu.
CONTACT: zetsu#0421 Discord / burners
OVER 18? Yes.
CHARACTERS IN-GAME: Crystal Exarch (caretake).

▶ CHARACTER
NAME: R'yoji Khota. (Non-WoL)
CANON: Final Fantasy XIV.
CANON POINT: Post-Shadowbringers (5.0)
AGE: Late 20s.
BACKGROUND:

Born to a Keeper of the Moon mother, Yoji Khota, a traveling Scholar and researcher from Gridania that explored across many lands and cities for the sake of knowledge. She came across a Seeker of the Sun, R'shul Nunh, during her travels to the Far East. It was an insight of the world of Seeker Miqo'te that she knew vaguely of through stories and information and one she found herself suddenly involved in. Of course she couldn't stay in one place for long, having to take her departure but the two made a momentous connection that wasn't easily forgotten. Which led to his birth. With the naming conventions of Keeper of the Moons, she began with her name but wanting to keep a part of his father with him decided to give his tribe's naming initial to the front of it: R'yoji Khota.

R'shul Nunh was in charge of a branch that extends from the R tribe, a branch mostly consisting of ninja and a few selective samurai Mioq'te which includes R'yoji's two older siblings R'okuro Tia and R'zumi Shul. When he was old enough to travel, Yoji took her son and herself to meet with his father and siblings from the tribe. It was with that encounter and look into his father's life that R'yoji began with hopeful dreams of one day joining them. So he began his studies and training as a rogue, eventually becoming a fully fledged ninja. Impressing even his siblings with how quickly he caught on.

However, it was not meant to be as the R tribe does not take too lightly of halfbreeds. Seeing R'yoji not as part of the tribe, but an outsider instead, they rejected him from being a part of the R which then began to reflect heavily on his relationship with his father.

A REALM REBORN.


Encouraged by his mother, R'yoji took up on her suggestion to start adventuring. He knows it's to distract himself from his rejection from the R tribe but he had hopes that it would help him as well. He was still a little naive, taking up on requests of help and doing whatever he can when favors were asked from him. Mostly going by through pick up quests he found in various cities and towns, wherever his path took him. Eventually, an encounter with Ifrit in a party had him learning of his apparent resistance to the Primal's conversion and newly found powers of the Echo. It's around that time he starts to get affected by it and thus starts the unfortunate peaking into the past of others. It was a startling revelation but held him in higher regards to the people around him which conflicted with his sense of worth. It was confusing, to say the very least. Even so, he said yes to every request, to every favor, pushing and pushing and pushing. He was a supposed pronounced "Warrior of Light", he was a hero- helping fight Primals, taking to his role to help and defend the people in their stead.

It began to weigh on him. From not being wanted, to suddenly becoming demanded and trying to fill those expectations began to lay heavy on him. He didn't express these thoughts to his mother in his letters, pretending that this made him happy and that he was willing to do anything to help. He didn't particularly dislike the Scions but rather it was the people outside them that seem to worship the Warriors of Light so highly. However, he stuck through until the very end before it started to become too much for him. After all, despite all the talk, despite how everyone saw him, he was actually not the Warrior of Light of this shard. His desperation and fear of wanting to be wanted kept him quiet.

That was until faith would lead to the downfalls of the true Warrior of Light, and with his image he was forced to disappear as well.

• Began his life as an adventurer on the request of his mother.
• Traveled everywhere, looking for a purpose but simply living his life through various quests and dungeon exploring.
• Learned of his Echo and helped the fight against Ifrit.
• Became dubbed as the "Warrior of Light" despite not being one.
• Found himself in trouble because of the fake title and eventually forced away to disappear.

---

HEAVENSWARD.


( cw: suicidal tendencies for this part of the expansion )

This part of the timeline begins R'yoji's darkest times. His exposure as the supposed "Warrior of Light", receiving all this attention and expectations sent him into a downward spiral. Consequently pushing him off the edge and more further along in his self hatred. After all, he was not really the Warrior of Light. Just a fake, a title given by those in search of the hope that is the WoL. That was not him. He was not that man. No matter what R'yoji did, no matter what happened- he knew he could never be that hero the people so desperately wanted. His hiding away brought him to Coethras, where he lay low until he was found upon by a party. A party that followed some rumors leading to the Warrior of Light but found him instead. Though he always tried to deny and push away the title pushed upon him, it seemed more as a means of protection to others. Either way, they struck around to be able to enter Ishgard and that's where his travels took him next. He prefer keeping to himself, refusing to join parties unless absolutely necessary. Making enemies was R'yoji's focus, preferring that a lot more so than people trying to stick their nose in his business, trying to be friends and being remotely kind to him. The Miqo'te was still lost on his purpose and didn't feel he even knew himself. He began as a Dark Knight during this time, sticking and mainly playing the role despite not being a team player.

Though he did not lose himself to the darkness, it played heavily on him and controlled his emotions for the most part. When he wasn't ignoring the world, keeping everyone at a distance, he was lashing out and putting himself always at risk. To put simply: he wasn't sure who he was and because of it continued to lose his sense of self. He's gotten a few close encounters with death, littering his body with scars from battles and said near death experiences. His first mistake was encountering Nidhogg almost alone as a means to put behind this fake "Warrior of Light" business and nearly lost his own eye because of it as his face bares a scar down his right. A foolish and idiotic encounter but it was a means to end his life. Though that wish was not granted to him, saved by the people who firstly used him as a means to enter the city. What he expected last was lecture from V'seji, especially when the reveal came of the true Warrior of Light.

With the true WoL taking to business, R'yoji was left peacefully alone. It also began a slow starting point of his turnaround, looking back at the life he lived. Eventually a familiar faced requested aid from him, to help deal with a "Voidsent" problem. Though V'seji and he had some quarrels he figured he owe him the service to lend a hand. While things did not go as he had planned, things were at least dealt with but in the end, at what cost with all the death? R'yoji assumed he would be done with all of this. Unless you're a bitter old ass revenge seeking dragon as Nidhogg took over. Out of revenge for what Nidhogg did to him, he took that as his reasoning to lend a hand and offer his aid so Ishgard may finally know a means of an end to the Dragonsong war. It was the first time he put his life at risk at the cost of saving another's life, being struck by the wyrm yet again in his aid to their shard's Warrior which left behind a memory through the incredibly obvious large X at the front of his chest. A scar that serves as a reminder that that day he did something for someone other than himself.

• Kept to himself, trying to keep away from the Warrior of Light business.
• Stumbled upon V'seji Noiyv and his party seeking for a way in.
• Began as a Dark Knight, taking comfort in the darkness and finding his sense of worth was really nothing.
• In an attempt to end this fake life he leads, he tried and failed to fight Nidhogg alone.
• Dragged into some Voidsent ploy with V'seji where in the end it was resolved but also his companion's fat cat has a piece of said voidsent and that's just weird.
• R'yoji offers his services to fight alongside the real WoL to help end the war, which V'seji finally learns the truth

---

STORMBLOOD.


Returning to Gridania, R'yoji came to learn about his mother's illness. Her memory was starting to fail her, she would have some days where she was perfectly fine, but then others.. where she forgot even R'yoji. Spending time with her and taking care of her, the Miqo'te came to realize that the way he was living now. The way he was during the Dragonsong War was something he couldn't keep doing. For his mother's sake, he began to change. At this his mother offered her Scholar stone thinking he will be able to make use of it. Unfortunately, even when equipped he was unable to bring the faeries forth from the stone. Were they shy? Did they dislike him? For whatever reason, he was not going to be able to become a Scholar like his mother, not able to follow her steps just yet. So, he tried something else. He stumbled upon the teachings and studies of Summoner and found himself interested. Which, in time, he excelled in his learning.

He took that opportunity to once more help the Scions, feeling he at least owe it up to them with how much he disengaged in Heavensward. This meant reaching out to parties, even reconnecting with people he now considers his friends. Taking up to arms, he began to help with the resistance. A close encounter with the enemy had him struck down and for the first time in his life he was afraid to die. He was afraid to die and leave his mother alone, to lose the people he's come to call friends. He considered himself lucky to be found and survive his injuries. When he thinks back on that day he just jokes about how it adds another scar to his body with a story to tell. Preferring then to continue help free the people from the Empire's control.

Hearing about the liberation with Ala Mhigo and Kugane brought some conflicting emotion. Hearing about the aid being done in helping out the M tribe had his earlier insecurities and sense of loss play a little here. Unfortunately he kept a strong distance with the M tribe despite how warming and welcoming they were. What was most important was helping the Resistance along and maybe confronting the issues within Doma. He sought out the R tribe once returning to the Far East, or at the very least the branch where his father and elder siblings reside. He enlisted his help- past set aside for now for the sake of helping his family. Though he did get the closure that he yearned for when he was younger, he was able to provide help in aiding their liberation and that was enough. At some point he does stumble upon a bodyguard gunbreaker Hrothgar by the name of Kilian. He was looking to deal with some garlean threat, and while R'yoji's objectives lined up with his they worked together. Begrudgingly on the other's part, tiredly on R'yoji's, but they made fine work and began to get along afterwards. When his help was no longer needed, he took to going back to Gridania to spend more time with his mother.

When they catch wind of events happening with the Scions and Warrior of Light, that's when it hit him. It's when R'yoji started to realize how dangerous it was to make these connections. To actually accept people into your life, to have the fear of losing them.. it was terrifying. It brought a different sense of loss and panic that he to this day doesn't know how to deal with.

• Came back home, learned his mother was sick.
• Handed his mother's Scholar stone, seems broken by the fact the fairy refuses to come out.
• Offered aid to the resistance alongside his friends.
• Helped briefly to liberate Ala Mhigo, mostly enlisted to Doma to help aid the R tribe.
• Briefly worked with Kilian against garlean threat.
• Returned back to Gridania after everything was done to spend less time away.

---

SHADOWBRINGERS.


However, what news R'yoji finds upon returning home is his mother's recent passing away. Though he was aware things would not get any better for her soon he was unprepared for her death. After giving her a proper burial, while he was tidying up her things he came across her Scholar jobstone that she set aside for him. Hoping to pass it on to him in hopes he could make use of it. What instead he was faced with the absence and refusal to show its face from the fairy that resides- "Aurora." Unable to pull forth the fairy, R'yoji found himself being buried into her research. Learning what she learned, making use of her notes and soon finding information looking into the Black Rose. It wasn't a secret that the Scions were looking into dealing with the Black Rose. though he was unsure of the Warrior of Light's location, he figured he could help do his part here.

And so, R'yoji buried himself in the research. Digging through books, history, rumors- anything he could get about the Black Rose. His mother possibly tried to find a cure and that's where he decides to pick up. Book after book, day after day and night after night. He received some visits from his friend V'seji, who was also looking into the matter of the Black Rose and sought out his help. Even though his friend seemed like a ghost with his rare visits he still welcomed the company. The last thing he wanted, and certainly his mother wishes, was to overwhelm and lose himself again.

Though he was unable to make any progress on a cure, an accident involving his friend led to him gaining progress on his job as a Scholar. Through an unexpected injury, he was able to bring forth Eos from the stone upon a desperate plea to help heal. He hasn't seen the fairy yet after that but even a little progress made is better than none.

• His mother passed away during his time away from home.
• Discovered her Scholar jobstone amd her research.
• Buried himself in said research while lending aid to V'seji with Black Rose.
• Made progress on Scholar in at least getting the fairy to come out once.

PERSONALITY:

Rumors and talk from once acquaintances will say R'yoji Khota is not someone you wish to involve yourself with. Which, isn't entirely wrong, during his timeframe in Ishgard R'yoji grew up from the once innocently bright eyed naive youth that had dreams of travels. He grew cold, distant and very distrusting. The world seem to only want to make use of him and thus he used them in return. For the most part his encounters were little to none, and if any it was wholly unpleasant with his tempered attitude.

Of course, that was then and this is now. Since his growth after the dealings with the war, R'yoji has come to mellow out quite a bit. He is not without his insecurities, however. Though he is no longer thinly cold in meeting- there is still a part of him that has barriers up. Rather than to scare people away, he keeps up with polite pleasantries, but nothing more. Tis a hard habit to break when you're use to people using you for a title that was not yours to begin with. Even if he isn't the type to overshare, he at least is willing to lend a helping hand if the situation asks of it. A clear example of how different he was when he once avoided helping anyone at all costs. He looked out for only himself. Now, that doesn't imply he's ready to roll over for anything and first to volunteer. If a situation rises that will help everyone as a whole, he'll lend a hand, but he'll need some persuasion otherwise unless it's for a friend.

There is a softer side of R'yoji that most don't get to see. He's got a gentle heart, evident in the way he is eager to tease and play with his friends. Like a rambunctious child that has yet to grow up. Of course, it isn't easy to ask for forgiveness on the way he's behaved before, so he's quite accepting of those that do not spare him the time and day. He does not think he can so easily repent for the way he behaved before. Even if he aims to do better by the future- the past does still haunt him from time to time and brings up some buried helplessness. He is with quite a number of insecurities- given his halfbreed heritage, he grows very uncomfortable concerning his past and avoids at all cost of mentioning any of it outside his kind mother. While his sense of worth isn't as bad as it once was he sometimes still struggles with it even though making friends has helped that a little. Despite being afraid to lose any close connections he has, R'yoji is the type of person that will do anything for where his loyalty lies. Willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his companions. What was once out of dark intentions, now aims to protect and allow them to depend on him.

If there's one thing that R'yoji struggles with it's with words. The Miqo'te is more of a man who relies mostly on his actions. Because of how he's grown up, he's always had difficulty getting across how he may feel through talking and simply finds it easier to rely on actions. It was how he showed his love to his mother, merely doing all the house chores and bringing home gifts for her to make things out of. Words has always been something he struggled with, and through Heavensward that was obvious enough with his decision to not talk to most if any. Even if he's trying to do better now, he still finds it easier to get how he feels across by a ways of the ever saying "show with actions than words." He's much too awkward and fumbling in his struggles so don't expect the best advice seeking from him.

As some habits are hard to break, he's quite prone to pouting and being a little grumpy if the situation calls for it. When things don't go his way he's quicker to respond with a huff of his breath and roll of his eyes. Which just goes to show that R'yoji is the type to wear one's heart on one's sleeve. It's much too difficult to hide how one is truly feeling. He doesn't hide any of his more negative emotions, he'll express his anger if he's upset and even if his more positive may appear more softer in comparison it still shows as much.

All in all, while R'yoji may not be as broken and ( to put simply: shitty ) as he once was, he's still working to be a better person and a better friend to those he cares about and to people to come. He may not be a hero, but that's fine with him. As long as he continues to aim to be the best person his friends see him as, he's content in just that.

POWERS/ABILITIES:

• DARK KNIGHT.
• SUMMONER.
• NINJA.
• SCHOLAR. - Tentative. Still in the process of learning it so he's not a fully fledged Scholar. Though he's been able to move past the stage of "My fairy in the stone refuses to come out" to "If I'm in desperate need of help, the fairy shows its face" he's in the clear process of researching and getting in better control of it.
• ECHO - a special ability that some rare individuals possess in Final Fantasy XIV. Those who have been "gifted", as the members of the Path of the Twelve call it, can resonate with other people's souls—and see their past, albeit not able to interfere or change it—as well as being able to speak every language in the world. The Echo prevents its user from being tempered by primals.
• GATHERER - Since he was a child, R'yoji was quite the explorer that found much interest in gathering anything he could get his hands on. From mining, fishing to gathering as a botanist his experience has only grown with age. He's got a good nose when it comes to finding the perfect plant or ripest of fruit, to the more gleaming and even expensive of stones as well as the best spot and time to fish.
• SEMI-CRAFTER - Though his crafting skills aren't nearly as good as his mother's, merely being an item bearer as he provided goods for her crafting hobbies.. he has picked up on a few things. Though he isn't terribly good at needlework and weaving, he can fix patches in clothes easily enough. He's definitely a decent culinarian as he left the house chores and cooking to himself when he lived with his mother but what he takes most pride in is being able to use the rocks and stones he's found into jewelry from necklaces to rings to earrings and bracelets.

INVENTORY:

• A small case of Soulstones (Dark Knight, Summoner, Ninja and Scholar)
• A Dark Knight Greatsword weapon, Cronus Lux.
• A Summoner Grimoire book, Seeing Horde.
• A Scholar Codex book, Anabasis.
• Ifrit-Egi, sometimes glamoured as "Ruby Carbuncle."
• Grauda-Egi, sometimes glamoured as "Emerald Carbuncle."

MOONBLESSING: Cordis.