"I've seen the bridge and the bridge is long.
And they built it high and they built it strong.
Strong enough to hold the weight of time,
Long enough to leave some of us behind.
And every one of us has to face that day,
Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away?
And every one of us that ever came to play,
Has to cross the bridge or fade away.
Standing on the bridge looking at the waves,
Seen so many jump, never seen one saved.
On a distant beach your song can die,
On a bitter wind, on a cruel tide."
- The Bridge; Elton John
Living Legend
Okikurmi began life as any other Oina. Born to loving parents, his childhood was peaceful. He, Samickle, and Kai were close from a young age, growing up together. And as they grew, Oki and Kai became particularly close. Very close.
Disaster came to Kamui when he was in his early twenties. That was when he took up Kutone, wielding the powerful blade in an effort to protect the Oina. Arrogance took hold of him, and he lost all reason, mindlessly killing any monster he could find to feed the hungry sword. It wasn't until he was trapped on the peak of Ezofuji, faced with a choice between striking down a beast and aiding the falling Shiranui, did his arrogance fade. The Great Mother taught him a valuable lesson that day. And as he placed Kutone back in her shrine, humbled by the goddess, he offered his prayers to her.
Little did he know, it would not be the last time he would be called to aid the Great Mother. Barely before the winter snows had gone, he was greeted by an unfamiliar face. Waka, prophet and friend to Amaterasu. At first, all he wished to do was run the man through with his sword. But he was tasked with retrieving the Great Mother's stolen weapons. And over the course of this quest, he grew close to Waka. But before they shared any romance, Oki's relationship with Kai resulted in a child, Payne. When he was forced to choose between his old friend, and his new comrade, however, Waka was the victor. That's the only way it could have ever been. Oki and Waka were meant to be.
Over the years, Amaterasu would grace them with children, four in number. The warrior was pleased beyond words, having forever craved a family. He would live through the loss of Samickle, live to see his own children create families. He would live to gain wings, through Cortex, Waka's old lover. He would live to see the end of two wars, one of which he yet knew nothing about. How much living could he take?
In your space.
Snuggle.
Skinnydip.
Troubled Times.
Background image and all linked images by Raven