AsukaStrikes
08-09-06, 07:55 AM
Updates are in bold italics. Plus, revised and updated history.
Name: Asuka Murakama
Race: Human (Akashiman)
Gender: Female
Occupation/Trade: Traveller
Age: 19
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 120
Hair Color: Shiny Copper
Eye Color: Light Emerald Green
Appearance: Her looks and demeanor suggested that she was a high-born, though the girl insisted she was never one. Her long, copper hair is usually tied back with a black ribbon to resemble a free-flowing pony-tail with some loose hair flowing down her shoulders. The hairstyle, she thought, would not hinder her very much and she cared less if it frames her oval face and almond-shaped eyes really well. Her lithe, hourglass form is, although not very prominent, is enough to attract a few lustful stares from the common tavern-goers around town. She moves through the crowd with a purpose, determination often painted clear on her face. Often times one will find her sitting alone at the bar, heaving a sigh and wondering about her next course of action. Her longsword,Kazeryu, is slung parallel to the ground on the back of her belt with the pommel pointing out to the right.
After the fateful battle against Letho Ravenheart, Asuka was let to die with a gaping wound in her stomach. The remaining sign of this encounter was a long, faint scar running diagonally from just under her left ribcage down to her right hip. It is almost always wrapped under a layer of white linen cloth.
Personality: Quite a cynical mind lies under the visage of this hardened beauty. She is not very open to strangers and will sometimes make snide remarks just for kicks. It’s not that she looks down on them; she is merely cursing her own inept strength and power to change her own fate in the past. Thus, she seeks to become even stronger than she is now regardless of the hardship she will need to endure. If one can really break through her dark demeanor, they will find a very broken and tattered soul wanting a place to rest. If only there was someone she can lean on… (Alignment: Chaotic Neutral)
Having lost three tournaments in a row, Asuka glares at life with dissatisfaction and wishes moreover to take revenge on Letho Ravenheart, Damon Kaosi and Ashiakin Razzack. She looks up to Rheawien a bit, as well as the nonchalant prize-fighter Victor Callahan but keeps a stern face anyways. She was still a tough shell to break as always, plus a few more needles added to her persona.
Weapons: The Kazeryu: A 3’ long broad-bladed steel longsword with straight hard edges and a flat blade, the 28” double-edge blade tapering into a sharp point only at the last six inches. At 4 inches across and a mere half-inch thick, the cutting edge runs all around the blade and very sharp, glinting dull light-grey against the daylight shine. The flat surface is matted, unlike the sharpened portions, and carries a strange design near the wide blade’s base. This weapon has nothing that resembles a crossguard whatsoever. The linen-wrapped grip is 8” long, enough for both her slender hands to grip comfortably in the heat of battle, though often times she will only wield with one. The pommel is a single loop of steel, large enough for her to put three fingers through easily.
From the various fights and battles he has seen, Kazeryu was riddled with chips on his blade although he was still as sharp as ever.
Armor: Currently she wears a form-fitting studded leather tanktop and a tattered long jacket. The arms were ripped off and you can see multiple fraying cuts on the back of the simple cotton jacket where the scabbard could be seen through the slits.
Items:
Spiritstone Pendant: Resembling pure quartz, Asuka has a deep bond with the strange crystal. Sometimes, when within 10 yards of a very strong magic source or wandering ghosts/spirits, the pendant will glow dimly like the pale moon. ((Abilities to unlock later on))
Leather pouches: Two small leather pouches are attached to her belt, allowing her to put small objects into the hold for safe-keeping. Both are large enough to put her fist into and the one on her left side is generally used to store her hard-earned gold. The other one, located on her right side, served to hold other trivial trinkets she might come by along the way.
Canvas Sack (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=27911): A coarse, canvas sack filled with documents detailing slave trades passing through Serenti into Underwood. It is not very large but can be used to hold other mundane things, but nothing of any worth at the moment.
Skills:
Dragon Dance: A fighting system developed and handed down from generation to generation in the family, it utilizes mobility and agility to strike the opponent while also keeping balance of the force-counterforce flowing around the fighter with circular body motion. Asuka is training the sword arts for use with Kazeryu, the Wind Dragon. Her style consists of circling the opponent, attack with quick successive slashes with the blade and utilizes a few kicking moves she knows. The strikes and kicks, however, are a little better than a novice. She can’t knock down large and heavy opponents but she can still compensate with her evasive techniques. She is getting better at this, but still just a little better than a novice. An above-average swordsman could dispatch her fairly easily, but not without a scar or two taken first.
Okaze Slash: As she focuses her strength into the Kazeryu blade, a light bluish aura exudes out from the excess of spirit being drawn from the user to the blade. Then, using a large portion of her strength, slices the air before her in a skewed arc. The resulting force causes a strong wind blade that can cut the flesh fairly deep (maybe about a cm deep if unprotected). Iron armours and up are unaffected as the wind merely disperses against the strong metal, but cloth and leather might become slashed as deep as half an inch. The strength of the wind blade is that of iron. One can try to block with their weapon or shield, though only the protected portions will remain undamaged. The extent of the wind blade’s reach is 5 yards at best and will immediately disperse beyond the range, leaving only a rush of cold wind to be felt. Because of the strain the attack puts on the user’s arm and spirit, this can only be used once a day (IC) and require a full rest of at least 6 IC hours for full recovery until it can be used again. The power behind her Slash was a bit stronger and more accurate than before, but still very hard to tell the difference. Nothing of note could be pointed out except for the fact she could now extend her attack out to 7 yards at most.
Dodge: By moving her body out of the attack path just seconds before contact, she can evade an attack and go in for a close-up counterattack. Great timing and concentration is required and will not work with tracking or magic-based attacks. Dodging success rate at Asuka’s current level is 30% for a medium-speed attack and 15% for projectiles (at the average speed of an arrow from a short bow). Evasion rate for bolts, bullets and other similar solid projectiles is at 5%.
Dash: Asuka can rush up to opponents fairly quickly, closing the gap between them in a matter of seconds. As of now, she can dash as quickly as 6 meters per second. Requires quite a bit of room to maneuver so not very good in tight space. This also drains the user from sheer exhaustion if used for too long (more than 30 IC seconds straight) or too frequently (more than 3 times in 1 IC day at a rate of 4 meters per second rush).
Fist of Fury (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=27911): From what little she had to make-do with while facing off against Ermano Worth's lackeys without her sword, Asuka was beginning to grasp the concept of fist-fighting at close quarters. Still, the lass is no better than a rookie feather-weight boxer although her speed does compensate for the lack of power behind each punch somewhat. At least she won't bust open her knuckles on some thug's chin if it really came down to it.))
Ailments:
Barren: Because of the fateful wound Letho Ravenheart had given her, the doctor overseeing her health after the fight had to remove her destroyed womb in order to prevent internal infection and decay. She repaid his "justified" course of action with a swift trip out the second-story window.
Alcoholism: Asuka was so hooked on the rare Lavinian Ale she would not order any other kind of drink except for the Lavinian Ale. Her tolerance for alcohol did not follow her consumption tendency, though, and she could often be found happily drunk inside many of the local taverns.
History:
Legend says that for every person born into the world, a counter-force is also begotten. Be it true or not, no one knows for sure…
“Hey, Asuka! There’s someone who wants to see you out front!” A raspy voice called out from the storefront. Turning to the guest, an obvious man of nobility judging by the royal blue suit and shiny leather shoes, an old man in his 60’s bowed slighty and gestured for the prospective customer to have a seat. “Please be a bit patient. She could be rather… callous to such calls.”
Not long after the well-dressed noble reluctantly sat down on a rickety wooden stool (the old man insisted that it was their best available), the object of his admiration appeared out from the storage room. Behind her sharp, attentive eyes flow a mane of deep crimson hair, brushing lightly against the autumn draft breezing through the opened door. The teen made her way to the counter and planted her palms firm against the weathered oak countertop. Her eyes, though shining an alluring emerald green, glared hard at the nobleman seated not for from her.
“So, what’ll it be for today, sir.” The maiden ended her phrase with a hint of irritation. How could she not be irritated? The man before her had stopped by this shop for nearly every day of the past few weeks. The man was not interested with the weaponry on display, however, but was much more interested in the weaponsmith’s daughter instead. “A sword, a mace, perhaps a nice shiny new pair of greaves? Make your pick.”
The aristocrat merely shook his head lightly, chuckling in that annoying tone of an outright superiority before approaching the counter. As the grinning pretty boy stopped at the counter, his flawless face mere inches from the glaring redhead teen, a heavy bag of gold plopped down on the hard wooden surface.
“My, my, my. Dear Asuka, do you really think you can hide form me? I would know you anywhere with that luscious face of yours.” The snob turned and leaned against the counter, his left hand toying with the bag of gold casually. “I don’t mind you escaping your horribly dull life in the Akashiman Highcourt, but would you be so kind to, perhaps, allow me to have your hand?” Turning around to face the maiden, he held up the leather pouch and gave the coins a shake, producing light jingles of metal-on-metal. “This is just a small portion of my own wealth. I don’t care for your father’s riches, I just want YOU by my – ”
His sentence cut short by a not-so-pleasant bare-knuckle punch as he staggered backwards, cupping a bleeding nose. Mumbling and cursing in a muffled scream, the pouch flew after him and smacked square across his precious groomed hairstyle.
“I don’t know and I don’t care who you are! Either you buy stuff in this store or you just stay clear! This place is not a brothel – ” The redhead girl shouted after the disgraced noble as he stumbled back into his coachwagon, “ – and I’m not for sale!”
Returning to the storage room, Asuka couldn’t help wonder what in Althanas’ name happened to the nobles lately. It all seemed to start with the outcast of the Yamihara girl several months back, a person Asuka never knew about. People kept telling her, though, that the two of them might have been twins. You must be kidding! I’m no high-born like her! No way she can look like me! She remembered saying that to one of the maids from the Yamihara Estate. No way I look like her…
~~~~~~~
Since the day she could remember, she had always been the only child. Born to a lowly but highly skilled weaponsmith, Katou Murakama, she was his only pride and joy. Growing up amidst blades and spikes, the girl grew up hardened and bold. However, her father never told her who her mother was. Now, 19 years since she opened her eyes to the world, her birth remained a mystery.
“You know are my daughter,” her father would answer everytime she asked about her parents. “And that’s all that matters to me.”
~~~~~~~
Time went by and the sound of her father’s hammer ceased. Now, the metallic object lie lifeless on its master’s anvil, no longer able to craft wonderful swords renown with the name of Murakama. With no one left to reveal the origin of her birth, Asuka decided it’s time she finds out the truth on her own.
“But… where should I start, uncle Yamaki? I don’t know anyone…”
The bearded old man leaned back against the counter and stroked his long bleached beard thoughtfully. “Hmm… Well, I’m stumped.” The elder chuckled to himself after a while, provoking the hothead youth to growl angrily. “What is it, old man?” She mumbled.
“Oh, ho, nothing.” Yamaki chuckled, “It’s just that you and that Yamihara gal sure look alike. Why, if you were a tad sweeter, you’ll look exactly like her!”
“Oh, shut your trap, old man. I don’t want to hear about that snob again.”
Wait… maybe she knows something… I need to know.
[[REVISED HISTORY PORTION]]
Leaving the store for her uncle to manage, the determined youth heads off to find the Yamihara highborn armed with one of her father’s prized sword. Ever since she could remember, there was no way any two person in this world would look alike - much less two people from literally two different worlds - and not knowing about it. She was determined to find out why many people referred to her as "Yamihara" instead of "that blacksmith's daughter" she was accustomed to hear a few years back.
The day Murakama Asuka made her journey out of Akashima was almost exactly a month later from the day Yamihara Asuka left her prestigious Yamihara Estate.
The long journey (Murakama) Asuka made from the borders of Akashima into the rest of Corone first took her to participate in many of the famous tournaments held yearly on and outside the island nation.
The first tournament was the legendary Serenti Invitational where she squared off against many living legends. Among them were Arawn and Zieg dil' Tulfried, although she never had a chance to fight them. It was here, in the Semi-Final round, where she lost miserably against the dark knight Letho and was given the scar she now bore as a promise of vengeance. Even though the dark knight later washed his hands of the tournament, it appeared the judges presiding over the battles were not content in giving her the title of "Third Place" winner. And up to this day, she regularly bitches about it despite the follow-up fame from even making it past the first round. It was all thanks to a certain Zerith Dracosius she was able to stay alive this far...
The LCC proved to bring more burden on the poor girl's soul after losing in the second round to Team Blank. Her rage was carried over to the Cell, a free-for-all battle where she was locked in with members of Team Blank as well - the child prodigy Damon Kaosi (rumored to be the reincarnation of a fallen Elven General) and the ice demon Ashiakin Razzack. While Rheawien Mal'Ganis Lightbringer dealt a lethal blow to the black-eye child back at the LCC, Asuka failed to match up against Ashiakin there as well as losing out in the initial round of the Cell to said child prodigy. The psychological pain afterwards was more than she could bear.
After those battles she wandered around Serenti, travelling from one pub to another asking people if anyone had seen or knew "Yamihara." Her quest came to naught, but she ended up with a travel companion by the name Victor Callahan. They met when she was rudely stripped of Kazeryu and Victor came to her rescue ("Bum to the rescue", as he joked earlier in their battle). They later discovered a caravan tour running slave routes to and from Serenti and Underwood. Asuka rushed for Underwood along with the Architect of Destruction in an attempt to end the crime against her kind before anymore girls would have to endure that kind of hardship. Secretly, however, Asuka hoped that "Yamihara" might have been among the slavegirls. If that was the case, she would finally be able to show the world once and for all "Yamihara" looked nothing like the fiery swordmaiden.
Name: Asuka Murakama
Race: Human (Akashiman)
Gender: Female
Occupation/Trade: Traveller
Age: 19
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 120
Hair Color: Shiny Copper
Eye Color: Light Emerald Green
Appearance: Her looks and demeanor suggested that she was a high-born, though the girl insisted she was never one. Her long, copper hair is usually tied back with a black ribbon to resemble a free-flowing pony-tail with some loose hair flowing down her shoulders. The hairstyle, she thought, would not hinder her very much and she cared less if it frames her oval face and almond-shaped eyes really well. Her lithe, hourglass form is, although not very prominent, is enough to attract a few lustful stares from the common tavern-goers around town. She moves through the crowd with a purpose, determination often painted clear on her face. Often times one will find her sitting alone at the bar, heaving a sigh and wondering about her next course of action. Her longsword,Kazeryu, is slung parallel to the ground on the back of her belt with the pommel pointing out to the right.
After the fateful battle against Letho Ravenheart, Asuka was let to die with a gaping wound in her stomach. The remaining sign of this encounter was a long, faint scar running diagonally from just under her left ribcage down to her right hip. It is almost always wrapped under a layer of white linen cloth.
Personality: Quite a cynical mind lies under the visage of this hardened beauty. She is not very open to strangers and will sometimes make snide remarks just for kicks. It’s not that she looks down on them; she is merely cursing her own inept strength and power to change her own fate in the past. Thus, she seeks to become even stronger than she is now regardless of the hardship she will need to endure. If one can really break through her dark demeanor, they will find a very broken and tattered soul wanting a place to rest. If only there was someone she can lean on… (Alignment: Chaotic Neutral)
Having lost three tournaments in a row, Asuka glares at life with dissatisfaction and wishes moreover to take revenge on Letho Ravenheart, Damon Kaosi and Ashiakin Razzack. She looks up to Rheawien a bit, as well as the nonchalant prize-fighter Victor Callahan but keeps a stern face anyways. She was still a tough shell to break as always, plus a few more needles added to her persona.
Weapons: The Kazeryu: A 3’ long broad-bladed steel longsword with straight hard edges and a flat blade, the 28” double-edge blade tapering into a sharp point only at the last six inches. At 4 inches across and a mere half-inch thick, the cutting edge runs all around the blade and very sharp, glinting dull light-grey against the daylight shine. The flat surface is matted, unlike the sharpened portions, and carries a strange design near the wide blade’s base. This weapon has nothing that resembles a crossguard whatsoever. The linen-wrapped grip is 8” long, enough for both her slender hands to grip comfortably in the heat of battle, though often times she will only wield with one. The pommel is a single loop of steel, large enough for her to put three fingers through easily.
From the various fights and battles he has seen, Kazeryu was riddled with chips on his blade although he was still as sharp as ever.
Armor: Currently she wears a form-fitting studded leather tanktop and a tattered long jacket. The arms were ripped off and you can see multiple fraying cuts on the back of the simple cotton jacket where the scabbard could be seen through the slits.
Items:
Spiritstone Pendant: Resembling pure quartz, Asuka has a deep bond with the strange crystal. Sometimes, when within 10 yards of a very strong magic source or wandering ghosts/spirits, the pendant will glow dimly like the pale moon. ((Abilities to unlock later on))
Leather pouches: Two small leather pouches are attached to her belt, allowing her to put small objects into the hold for safe-keeping. Both are large enough to put her fist into and the one on her left side is generally used to store her hard-earned gold. The other one, located on her right side, served to hold other trivial trinkets she might come by along the way.
Canvas Sack (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=27911): A coarse, canvas sack filled with documents detailing slave trades passing through Serenti into Underwood. It is not very large but can be used to hold other mundane things, but nothing of any worth at the moment.
Skills:
Dragon Dance: A fighting system developed and handed down from generation to generation in the family, it utilizes mobility and agility to strike the opponent while also keeping balance of the force-counterforce flowing around the fighter with circular body motion. Asuka is training the sword arts for use with Kazeryu, the Wind Dragon. Her style consists of circling the opponent, attack with quick successive slashes with the blade and utilizes a few kicking moves she knows. The strikes and kicks, however, are a little better than a novice. She can’t knock down large and heavy opponents but she can still compensate with her evasive techniques. She is getting better at this, but still just a little better than a novice. An above-average swordsman could dispatch her fairly easily, but not without a scar or two taken first.
Okaze Slash: As she focuses her strength into the Kazeryu blade, a light bluish aura exudes out from the excess of spirit being drawn from the user to the blade. Then, using a large portion of her strength, slices the air before her in a skewed arc. The resulting force causes a strong wind blade that can cut the flesh fairly deep (maybe about a cm deep if unprotected). Iron armours and up are unaffected as the wind merely disperses against the strong metal, but cloth and leather might become slashed as deep as half an inch. The strength of the wind blade is that of iron. One can try to block with their weapon or shield, though only the protected portions will remain undamaged. The extent of the wind blade’s reach is 5 yards at best and will immediately disperse beyond the range, leaving only a rush of cold wind to be felt. Because of the strain the attack puts on the user’s arm and spirit, this can only be used once a day (IC) and require a full rest of at least 6 IC hours for full recovery until it can be used again. The power behind her Slash was a bit stronger and more accurate than before, but still very hard to tell the difference. Nothing of note could be pointed out except for the fact she could now extend her attack out to 7 yards at most.
Dodge: By moving her body out of the attack path just seconds before contact, she can evade an attack and go in for a close-up counterattack. Great timing and concentration is required and will not work with tracking or magic-based attacks. Dodging success rate at Asuka’s current level is 30% for a medium-speed attack and 15% for projectiles (at the average speed of an arrow from a short bow). Evasion rate for bolts, bullets and other similar solid projectiles is at 5%.
Dash: Asuka can rush up to opponents fairly quickly, closing the gap between them in a matter of seconds. As of now, she can dash as quickly as 6 meters per second. Requires quite a bit of room to maneuver so not very good in tight space. This also drains the user from sheer exhaustion if used for too long (more than 30 IC seconds straight) or too frequently (more than 3 times in 1 IC day at a rate of 4 meters per second rush).
Fist of Fury (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?p=27911): From what little she had to make-do with while facing off against Ermano Worth's lackeys without her sword, Asuka was beginning to grasp the concept of fist-fighting at close quarters. Still, the lass is no better than a rookie feather-weight boxer although her speed does compensate for the lack of power behind each punch somewhat. At least she won't bust open her knuckles on some thug's chin if it really came down to it.))
Ailments:
Barren: Because of the fateful wound Letho Ravenheart had given her, the doctor overseeing her health after the fight had to remove her destroyed womb in order to prevent internal infection and decay. She repaid his "justified" course of action with a swift trip out the second-story window.
Alcoholism: Asuka was so hooked on the rare Lavinian Ale she would not order any other kind of drink except for the Lavinian Ale. Her tolerance for alcohol did not follow her consumption tendency, though, and she could often be found happily drunk inside many of the local taverns.
History:
Legend says that for every person born into the world, a counter-force is also begotten. Be it true or not, no one knows for sure…
“Hey, Asuka! There’s someone who wants to see you out front!” A raspy voice called out from the storefront. Turning to the guest, an obvious man of nobility judging by the royal blue suit and shiny leather shoes, an old man in his 60’s bowed slighty and gestured for the prospective customer to have a seat. “Please be a bit patient. She could be rather… callous to such calls.”
Not long after the well-dressed noble reluctantly sat down on a rickety wooden stool (the old man insisted that it was their best available), the object of his admiration appeared out from the storage room. Behind her sharp, attentive eyes flow a mane of deep crimson hair, brushing lightly against the autumn draft breezing through the opened door. The teen made her way to the counter and planted her palms firm against the weathered oak countertop. Her eyes, though shining an alluring emerald green, glared hard at the nobleman seated not for from her.
“So, what’ll it be for today, sir.” The maiden ended her phrase with a hint of irritation. How could she not be irritated? The man before her had stopped by this shop for nearly every day of the past few weeks. The man was not interested with the weaponry on display, however, but was much more interested in the weaponsmith’s daughter instead. “A sword, a mace, perhaps a nice shiny new pair of greaves? Make your pick.”
The aristocrat merely shook his head lightly, chuckling in that annoying tone of an outright superiority before approaching the counter. As the grinning pretty boy stopped at the counter, his flawless face mere inches from the glaring redhead teen, a heavy bag of gold plopped down on the hard wooden surface.
“My, my, my. Dear Asuka, do you really think you can hide form me? I would know you anywhere with that luscious face of yours.” The snob turned and leaned against the counter, his left hand toying with the bag of gold casually. “I don’t mind you escaping your horribly dull life in the Akashiman Highcourt, but would you be so kind to, perhaps, allow me to have your hand?” Turning around to face the maiden, he held up the leather pouch and gave the coins a shake, producing light jingles of metal-on-metal. “This is just a small portion of my own wealth. I don’t care for your father’s riches, I just want YOU by my – ”
His sentence cut short by a not-so-pleasant bare-knuckle punch as he staggered backwards, cupping a bleeding nose. Mumbling and cursing in a muffled scream, the pouch flew after him and smacked square across his precious groomed hairstyle.
“I don’t know and I don’t care who you are! Either you buy stuff in this store or you just stay clear! This place is not a brothel – ” The redhead girl shouted after the disgraced noble as he stumbled back into his coachwagon, “ – and I’m not for sale!”
Returning to the storage room, Asuka couldn’t help wonder what in Althanas’ name happened to the nobles lately. It all seemed to start with the outcast of the Yamihara girl several months back, a person Asuka never knew about. People kept telling her, though, that the two of them might have been twins. You must be kidding! I’m no high-born like her! No way she can look like me! She remembered saying that to one of the maids from the Yamihara Estate. No way I look like her…
~~~~~~~
Since the day she could remember, she had always been the only child. Born to a lowly but highly skilled weaponsmith, Katou Murakama, she was his only pride and joy. Growing up amidst blades and spikes, the girl grew up hardened and bold. However, her father never told her who her mother was. Now, 19 years since she opened her eyes to the world, her birth remained a mystery.
“You know are my daughter,” her father would answer everytime she asked about her parents. “And that’s all that matters to me.”
~~~~~~~
Time went by and the sound of her father’s hammer ceased. Now, the metallic object lie lifeless on its master’s anvil, no longer able to craft wonderful swords renown with the name of Murakama. With no one left to reveal the origin of her birth, Asuka decided it’s time she finds out the truth on her own.
“But… where should I start, uncle Yamaki? I don’t know anyone…”
The bearded old man leaned back against the counter and stroked his long bleached beard thoughtfully. “Hmm… Well, I’m stumped.” The elder chuckled to himself after a while, provoking the hothead youth to growl angrily. “What is it, old man?” She mumbled.
“Oh, ho, nothing.” Yamaki chuckled, “It’s just that you and that Yamihara gal sure look alike. Why, if you were a tad sweeter, you’ll look exactly like her!”
“Oh, shut your trap, old man. I don’t want to hear about that snob again.”
Wait… maybe she knows something… I need to know.
[[REVISED HISTORY PORTION]]
Leaving the store for her uncle to manage, the determined youth heads off to find the Yamihara highborn armed with one of her father’s prized sword. Ever since she could remember, there was no way any two person in this world would look alike - much less two people from literally two different worlds - and not knowing about it. She was determined to find out why many people referred to her as "Yamihara" instead of "that blacksmith's daughter" she was accustomed to hear a few years back.
The day Murakama Asuka made her journey out of Akashima was almost exactly a month later from the day Yamihara Asuka left her prestigious Yamihara Estate.
The long journey (Murakama) Asuka made from the borders of Akashima into the rest of Corone first took her to participate in many of the famous tournaments held yearly on and outside the island nation.
The first tournament was the legendary Serenti Invitational where she squared off against many living legends. Among them were Arawn and Zieg dil' Tulfried, although she never had a chance to fight them. It was here, in the Semi-Final round, where she lost miserably against the dark knight Letho and was given the scar she now bore as a promise of vengeance. Even though the dark knight later washed his hands of the tournament, it appeared the judges presiding over the battles were not content in giving her the title of "Third Place" winner. And up to this day, she regularly bitches about it despite the follow-up fame from even making it past the first round. It was all thanks to a certain Zerith Dracosius she was able to stay alive this far...
The LCC proved to bring more burden on the poor girl's soul after losing in the second round to Team Blank. Her rage was carried over to the Cell, a free-for-all battle where she was locked in with members of Team Blank as well - the child prodigy Damon Kaosi (rumored to be the reincarnation of a fallen Elven General) and the ice demon Ashiakin Razzack. While Rheawien Mal'Ganis Lightbringer dealt a lethal blow to the black-eye child back at the LCC, Asuka failed to match up against Ashiakin there as well as losing out in the initial round of the Cell to said child prodigy. The psychological pain afterwards was more than she could bear.
After those battles she wandered around Serenti, travelling from one pub to another asking people if anyone had seen or knew "Yamihara." Her quest came to naught, but she ended up with a travel companion by the name Victor Callahan. They met when she was rudely stripped of Kazeryu and Victor came to her rescue ("Bum to the rescue", as he joked earlier in their battle). They later discovered a caravan tour running slave routes to and from Serenti and Underwood. Asuka rushed for Underwood along with the Architect of Destruction in an attempt to end the crime against her kind before anymore girls would have to endure that kind of hardship. Secretly, however, Asuka hoped that "Yamihara" might have been among the slavegirls. If that was the case, she would finally be able to show the world once and for all "Yamihara" looked nothing like the fiery swordmaiden.