The Akagi Family
A Fire Nation inheritance
Introduction
A family with a bond forged by the sun itself. The ideals of their elders died out with the birth of a new flame, serving as a spark for a new age of the family. They shall know glory and longevity with the bonfire they offer to the world.
Table of Contents
Backstory
The Akagi’s can be regarded as an ancient family, their age and long lasting bloodline is often believed to go hand and hand with power but they do not have that luxury for it was given up centuries ago. Ayaka was an adored and beloved woman who lived surrounded by gold and the pleasures of high society. She was no royalty but she believed herself to be with how those would treat her. She was no demented woman though, simply misguided by the egos of those around her. How hard reality had hit her as she was swept off her feet by a mere commoner. Yamato Akagi, he was no one in the eyes of her family but he was the image of perfection in her dazzled expression.
A man who worked till his bones felt they would shatter, who did everything and never will back down. They oddly complimented each other greatly as they danced in the same old tale of a love that would never be.
Ayaka then proceeded to laugh at such an idea. She refused to buckle under the pressures of society, of those who believe they could control her life. She would shatter it. She would see it that they accepted her choices and she no longer had to dance to the idea of being just out of grasp of her happiness. No matter how hard they fought, they were always turned away. She decided that she had to give it all up. She put down her title and any form of wealth or inheritance she was bonded to because she would never give in to her family's wishes. They called her an idiot and attempted to turn her away from her choices but she refused.
She lost her last name along with everything that came with it, but she lost it knowing that she will not be controlled by those who don’t wish for her happiness. She grabbed his hand and they ran away, ran as far as they could till the sun began to rise.
‘Ayaka, let’s create a home. One where all our future children, their children and even more after that can live in peace.’
“Yamoto.”
She grew quiet, his words melted like honey on her tongue. It was sweet and joyous. Together, they will be together without the pressures of society. She adored the idea and knew exactly what should be done. She looked off into the world and saw a tree. It shimmered in colors of red with the shining sun going through the crevices of such an enchanting sight. She grabbed his hand and brought him over as she pulled him down to his knees with her.
“Let’s do it here, let’s make a home right here. We shall marry under the sunlight, with this tree as a symbol of our everlasting love. We shall love each other and make a home for not only our children but for even others who wish to hide. This will be where the sun rises, to our new beginnings and many others to come.”
She declared her love, and devotion to the one she fought so hard to be with. They created Hinori with their own hands. Their passion and drive did not die as it lives on in each Akagi afterward.
Since then the Akagi family has lived in almost complete isolation because while their small village is not closed to the outside world, not many bother to venture into the area. What does it even offer to anyone besides some fish and clothing? Even then they made their do and lived in peace for decades. Life is beautiful but there is always a disturbance to change.
The Miracle, that is what the elders in Hinori referred to her as. Kaneko Akagi was a child of passion and admiration. She was the first child born after what has been a little over two decades, and one thing rang clear to all those in the family. Her gray eyes shined at the idea of going beyond and she decided nothing will stop that. The family were turned on their heads as she decided to leave their quaint village and resided in New Kasen as a member of the Military. She was supported lovingly by her mother and father, and some other relatives but the elders were weary of the idea.
Nonetheless she climbed and was passed the title of Fire Lord. She was still a child at the time but she was ambitious. She used her newfound influence to elevate the family and give opportunities they wouldn’t originally have. Their businesses began to spread within the northern arm but also throughout the archipelago and southern arm as well. While they are no overwhelming influence, the Akagi family was given an opportunity outside of just Kaneko’s influence to make their own foundation.
Traditions
Overview
The Akagi family traditions are separated into roughly four categories. These are based on the three traditional jobs of the family, alongside one category for outliers. These are respectively the Weaving category, the Fishing category and the Mercantile category, alongside the Outliers category.
Weaving Events
Fishing Events
Sailor’s HarvestA traveling event for those wishing to explore, the Sailor’s Harvest is a fishing and boating event where a group departs from New Kasen and sails to Newspire while fishing and discussing.
Sunlight Fishing Fest
An event categorized by its laid-back nature and emphasis on relaxation, the Sunlight Fishing Fest is a fishing challenge where participants fish at a chosen beautiful location while basking in the sun. Whoever gets the best catch is rewarded with praise and a small token, a ‘Sunshine Badge’, while campfires are provided to cook and eat whatever is caught.
Mercantile Events
The Sunset GalleriaA market event that is set up by the Akagi Family. The Galleria happens typically as a conclusion to what is a grace period within the family. Many of the earning and hard work is carried to an unsuspecting town and they quickly set up shop and just as quickly leave. This tradition has become an event to many Fire Nation citizens and merchants who use the traction from the family to set up themselves and get customers from the crowds.
Outlier Events
Unity Under the Red ShadeA traditional ceremonial wedding within the Akagi family. While in current ages this type of wedding is optional to those who desire it, it is held dearly in the hearts of many. A symbol of the same connection that was created between the family's founders, it symbolizes a bond that will last beyond this life. They will not only be bonded by heart, but by soul. Blessed with the same adoration that was shared many generations ago which makes this ceremony both a rare occasion and an important one.
Blossoming Sunrise Ritual
An important ritual in the Akagi family that all children must undergo to be considered an adult. The ritual is not dependent on age, but the judgment of their elders. The only true requirement that is needed to be eligible for a momentous moment is to be your own individual in the eyes of the family. They are placed before the eyes of not only their elders and other members but the rising sun, they are often required to fast beforehand as a way to be clean of all outside entities and to come only as their soul before them. During the ritual, they will take a vow, are given the blessing of their ancestors and bestowed a name that symbolizes them and is sacred to their very being. The family and other invited will proceed to have a feast around a bonfire where the now honored member will light the bonfire either by flint & steel or their own firebending. This will also be when they can be bestowed gifts which are commonly heirlooms.
Individuals who marry members of the Akagi family are also given the opportunity to have a ritual. Instead of being determined by the individuality, it is rather based on the devotion they have with their partner. They are given a special name often tied to their partner’s and instead of a bonfire which symbolizes a new start, they are given a crown made from the leaves of the tree. This addition of allowing non-blood related members was relatively a new one to the family's traditions, but it was never opposed due to their strong belief in companionship and marriage within the family.
Kamangir Ceremony
The Kamangir Ceremony was created after the passing of Ayaka, it is centered around her teachings which often stray from what is common folk practice. It is part of her life from when she lived in the eyes of nobility. The ceremony was turned into one that displayed their culture and sometimes was used to find an Akagi a suitor through the competition of Yuyan Archery and displaying a dance passed from elder to child. It was once only shared in the Akagi family but due to their gained influence, the ceremony has become open to all individuals.
Akagi Family
Nation of Origin:
Fire Nation Element:
Fire Social Status:
Middle Class Location:
Akagi Estate, Purenzu
Members
Family Leader: Kaneko Akagi
