Mitsumoto
"The origin of light."
Mitsumoto Kaze (Hiraoka) Akiyama (a.k.a. Mitsu)
Mitsumoto Kaze Akiyama is a coyfolf from the Aurora Federation. He currently serves as an operator and technician for the Aurora Defense Coalition (ADC). Outside of work, Mitsu spends his time as a writer and a storyboarder for his partners' comics, as well as developing his own cybersecurity toolset. He is also the cousin of Hiraku and Kenji.
Physical Description
Special abilities
Empathic Vision - Can tell someone's intentions through brainwaves and chemicals in the body. Has limitations and requires practice.
Specialized Equipment
[Equipment]
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Mitsumoto Akiyama was born in the town of Yozora within the Zenchou province of the Aurora Federation. He was born to his parents: Myka Hiraoka and Kira Akiyama; and born after his older sister, Yakumo. The Akiyama is small but known family name: one of severals factions tied to the founding of the Aurora Federation. It was noteworthy, but not necessarily rare. The province of Zenchou had been homed by many generations of the Akiyama, Mitsu being yet another descendent of this line.
Mitsu's mother, Kira Akiyama, held the family name. Kira was a musician and writer, being both a published author and musical performer. Kira's talent in music a writing went on to inspire Mitsu to develop an interest in story writing and reading, as well as (attempting to) learn a few instruments later in his childhood. Mitsu's father, Myka Hiraoka, was a former cultural history teacher who became a coordinator for the National Operations Administration of Aurora (NOAA), an organization of the AF government. Myka used his knowledge from teaching to serve as a cultural advisor for NOAA's foreign and domestic affairs. He intrigued Mitsu a lot with historical tales and of his travels, almost swaying him to go to school to become a teacher.
From childhood until adulthood, Mitsu had a small group of close friends. Mitsu's earliest and closests were his cousins Hiraku (aka Jeong) and Kenji (aka Apollo), who were similar ages of his and also lived nearby in Yozora. Hiraku was the more serious of the trio, tending to act as the "pack" leader, while Apollo tended to be the more spontaneous, mischevious of the bunch. Regardless, their similar interests and ability to tolerate each other kept them as close friends, even refering to eachother as brothers. They would keep contact into adulthood (losing touch for a few years during university), and even work together.
His parent's marriage would not last, however. When Mitsu was 8, his mother and father had a falling out and filed for a divorce. Watching his world shaken like this tore him up, but Mitsu's parents held firm in trying to keep things normal for him. Despite the severance, his mother and father would continue to remain cordial friends, still raising and educating him together, albeit separated. Some years later, Kira would eventually become partners with a woman named Yuki Hanato, becoming Mitsu's and Yukimo's pseudo "stepmom". A soft and sweet, yet strong when she needed to be, Yuki loved Mitsu and Yakumo a lot, and raised the two in alongside Kira and Myka as if they were her own.
Yuki was a major influence on Mitsu. A good mentor and an engineer at a software firm, Yuki was able to teach Mitsu a few skills in the quickly evolving technical landscape of this world. He was also able to use these skills to make a bit of money on the side during his teenage years. Yuki also served as a good life coach in general, assisting Mitsu in preparing for adulthood and some self discovery. The two would travel around the Aurora Federation often, seeing new sights and sating Mitsu's love for exploration.
Mitsu also met his eventual best friend while in his teenage years -- Novu, a black as night Jackal. Both had a technical and literary knack, along with a similar sense of humor. Outside of class they spent time sharing their writings to each other, causing a bit of mischief with disrupting local networks, and staying up way too late either playing videogames or enjoying the nightlife in town. Despite being in college later down the line, Mitsu would keep up with Novu and come visit as much as he could.
Tragedy, however, struck Mitsu when he was 16. His mother Kira became terminally ill with a degenerative brain condition that had gone undiagnosed for too long. Multiple operations were attempted to save her, but none were successful. Kira ended up passing away in the hospital in the prescence of Yuki, Mitsu, Yakumo and Myka. Myka took it the worst, quitting his job and staying in his house for months afterwards, and not fully recovering for years. Yuki was also heartbroken and devastated, having watched the love of her life wither away in front of her. Despite this, she saw it as her responsibility to take care of Yakumo and Mitsu, especially while Myka was barely functioning. Mitsu spent a good amount of time away from school, going to therapy and trying to overcome the loss of his mother. Fortunately he had the backing of both his stepmom and his cousins, as well as Novu.
Mitsu graduated primary education in late 2011, with Jeong having graduated two years before, and Apollo would complete his education the following year. As they each finished school, Mitsu and his cousins each went down their own paths. They kept up with each other, but spent less physical time together. Hiraku applied and entered the Aurora Defense Coalition (ADC) by invite of a family member -- Mitsu's uncle, Kurinai. His plan had been to take an Aurora Federation Bureua (AFB) sponsored college program, while coop-ing his training with the coalition. He completed the program and entered the ADC in the spring of 2016. Kenji went travelling around the AF as a freelancing as a musician and networking developer, enjoying the sights and seeing where life might lead him. Mitsu pursued college, attending the Zenchou Provincial University, not quite sure what he wanted to spend a good portion of his life doing.
Mitsu started college in the Spring of 2012, with his time there becoming rough not long after starting. Mitsu had always struggled with lectures and staying focused in school in general. He managed to push through primary education, as difficult as it was, but finally burnt out his freshman year. Mitsu had also not narrowed down exactly what he wanted to do, and subscribed to a series of different courses to discover what he wanted to do, while also taking music and martial arts courses on the side. Furthermore, without his group of friends, Mitsu had to find his niche within the university, which he never successfully did.
While in university, Mitsu was in a short relationship for a short time. In his second year, Mitsu met a someone named Kynna -- an upperclassman majoring in biological sciences. Being one of the few people he was able to connect with, he got attached to her pretty quickly. While it was smooth sailing at first, it eventually became a toxic relationship. After about a year and a half, it fell apart completely, sending Mitsu into a spiraling depression, almost resulting in him dropping out of college.
At the latter half of his third year, desiring to get some sort of control back, Mitsu finally decided on his major. Taking what he learned from his perusing of different subjects, and some guidance from his stepmom, Mitsu selected software engineering as his major, with classical history as his minor (both out of passion and to have a backup plan). Mitsu would spend the next year and a half taking the rest of the courses he needed to fulfil the requirements, going to school almost every month of the year, as well as picking up a work study. He hoped being set into a career would finally bring some order to his life.
Mitsu graduated at the end of 2016 before job hopping, looking for something he felt passionate in. He worked different jobs for little over year, both in and outside of his field, but nothing would stick for long. After a lot of trial and error of trial and error, Mitsu felt pretty lost and didn't know what to do. Instead of continuing to fruitlessly hunt for a career he'd like, Mitsu decided in the summer of 2018 to take the money he saved up and go on a traveling hiatus. He hoped being away in new places would either awaken something in him, or at the very least be a stress-free getaway.
In the closing months of the same year, after no career progress, Mitsu was given an offer from Kurinai to join the ADC (just like his cousin Hiraku). Seeing Hiraku's potential and Mitsu's need for something new, he thought maybe the Coalition would be the right place for him. It was a big commitment, and a life changing opportunity. Mitsu spent a few weeks pondering over the choice -- whether the plunge was worth it or not. He felt the ADC would give him a purpose and a place of belonging. And, at the very least, he could try and make a difference, while getting to explore the world. His father disapproved of the idea, afraid of his son being put into danger. Yuki was also unhappy with it, but ultimately left it up to Mitsu to decide his path through life. After consulting his parents, his friends, and then himself, Mitsu accepted Kurinai's offer.
For the next year, Mitsu trained on multiple facets (combat, language, diplomacy, technical skill, etc.) to become on par with existing, experienced members. It was a rigorous, but surprisingly pleasant experience. Having expected for it to be more like bootcamp, it was quite the opposite -- very professional, calculated and calmer than he thought it'd be. While there was discipline, an important factor was that members of the ADC were not seen as soldiers, despite the training they received. They were taught to be task-oriented, mindful, and to cooperate in a constructive manner (instead of having to adhere to a strict structure). Serious lessons were ingrained to them -- like life and death, the need for security and protocls, and the importance of morality. However when it came to discipline, it was only used when it was needed, ironically making it more effective. Mitsu also spent a good portion of training learning to control his emotions -- an important skill necessary for his job and something he struggled with
Kurinai had planned to try and keep him out of dangerous situations as he could, so he also focused on his training being more behind-the-scenes oriented. Additionally, a veteran member of the ADC, named Ryuuji, was placed as his mentor throughout the process. Ryuuji and Mitsu bonded quite well, the former being surprised at how quickly the latter could learn. Their bond no doubt increased Mitsu's motivation to work hard and be attentive. Thus, within a long but well paced year, Mitsu had picked up all the essentials to begin his line of work at the coalition.
By March of 2020, Mitsu was cleared for his career and entered service. Although having been accepted, he would continue to train while he worked -- both as the ADC is always evolving, and Mitsu still had to catch up with members who had prior experience in the field. Most members had several years of prior experience from both before and during their time at the coalition. Thus, Mitsu had to do much more learning alongside the work he'd be doing for the ADC.
[ The First Year ]
His first year (2020) at the ADC was mostly more learning and conducting humanitarian or diplomatic efforts. Some of his tasks included mediating discussions between the Aurora Federation and Etrusia over border and trade disputes, aiding the residents of the Akavra islands suffering from the effects of climate change and food shortages, and developing security software and systems used by the ADC, Aurora Federation, and other clients. Mitsu was only involved in two combat missions in the first year, mostly involving small border insurgency issues, where he never even fired a shot or was engaged in a firefight. And as for non-combat more serious missions, Mitsu mostly worked on fighting off cyberattacks and digital espionage attempts, as well as engaging in the ADC's "root-cause initiative" -- a data analytic workflow used to find a tend to impending social and economic issues before they occured. He coordinated with a newer member of the AFB, who went by the pseudonym of "Dire", a whimsicle but talented analyst himself. The work could definitely get hectic at times, but overall Mitsu enjoyed his time during the first year.
Outside of work, Mitsu began drafting a mini-series he'd been thinking up since college, and getting helpful ideas from Novu. He created a website and began posting his history-based comedies and dramas, with Novu as his editor. He decided to take some of the lessons his mother taught him along with what he learned in college to create something to dump his creative energy into. For the first time in his life, Mitsu was beginning to find a nice flow in life inside and outside of his career -- a surreal but welcomed change for him.
Mitsu made the effort to keep contact with Hiraku (who he was now indirectly working with), and Kenji as well. Hiraku had already been working at the ADC for about four years officially (and technically longer) and was quite well tied with the leadership and their strategic operations. Both worked in different sectors, but met weekly to catch up. Kenji had returned to Yozora, having enjoyed his freelancing hiatus but now feeling a little aimless. Seeing the success of his two "brothers", and showing Kirinai his eptitude, Kenji was also able to apply for the coalition. He would finish his training by the beginning of the following year, becoming a field specialist and cyberanalyst for them.
[ Year Two ]
In his second year (2021), the severity and importance of his missions began to pick up. The AF repeatedly found itself in conflict with other nations in the United Continental Council (UCC). They were called out over intense border security on selective nations, trade disputes, control over national waters, and the power gap between the AF and other nations in the council. (Most of these issues were created, or worsened, by internal political tensions and rising oligarchial parties in the government.) There was a DMZ between the AF and the neighboring nations of Etrusia and Norvisk, neither of which were particularly happy about it. Tensions were especially high between the AF and Etrusia as the latter's quasi-civil war had been bleeding over into their territory (Read: Etrusian Civil War), as well as after the Strait of Magellan Breach (Read). These issues would bleed more into the tasks and problems Mitsu and the ADC would have to face.
Consequently, it was in the same year that Mitsu saw his first real taste of combat. The ADC had discovered that Etrusian separatists had been organizing "sleeper cells" within the AF border to provoke an invasion into Etrusia to topple its administration. While many were able to be disbanded peacefully, a few (especially on the border) were vehemently hostile. In the province of Richu is where Mitsu's first true engagement began. The organizers held up in a small village, fortifying houses and waiting to ambush. The situation was dealt with swiftly -- the ADC's superior tactics and technology quickly eliminated the threat with no friendly casualties. Mitsu also handled himself well, as noted by Ryuuji, showing himself capable and proficient in combat. Still, being the first time he ever fired his gun in combat, and at people, shook him a bit. Ryuuji, seeing this turn in him, was quick to be supportive and help Mitsu cope with the stress. However, it would not be the only incident of violence erupting. The ADC prided itself in deescalation as its primary tool, but their ability to defuse these situations was starting to wane. Mitsu would see this more often over the following few years.
[ Building Connections ]
In the middle of his second year (2021), Mitsu would go on to meet his one of his two future partners: Ampere (Ampy). While (reluctantly) working with an Aurora Special Operations Service (ASOS) task force on data monitoring (for oversight) and diplomatic missions, he met Ampy within the task force. The brown hyena was an "Overwatcher" for ASOS -- essentially a cyberanalyst spy. Despite their apparent differences, the two got along quite well, while oppositely most of the other members politely tolerated each other. Mitsu saw Ampy as a clever and charismatic guy with witty humor and very outgoing, yet still a puppy underneath. The two began messaging each other often, and then later meeting up in person more as time went on. Mitsu and Ampy slowly began to grow more attached to each other and were becoming something more than friends.
Around the same time, Mitsu also became acquainted with Lyra Eiida. Working on his mini-series and some other creative side projects, Mitsu had been commissioning artists and musicians to accompany his writings and other work. Lyra was an Aussie artist he hired to create a few pieces for a short-series he had been working on. She and Mitsu spoke regularly about business and began to speak more casually as time went on. They both had a passion for music and writing, as well as a good amount of nerdy technical know-how. He saw Lyra as confident, sweet, and very personable. Mitsu would fly out a few times to Kavrisk (her home province) to meet her in person, and she'd occassionally travel to Izumo to visit as well. After several months of being friends, Lyra and Mitsu decided to move in together at the start of 2022 in Izumo.
[ Year Three ]
Early 2022 is when Mitsu's collective relationship with Lyra and Ampy would begin. After Lyra moved in, Mitsu would invite Ampy over to hang out with them as a group. The trio got along quite well with eachother, having a lot in common and their personalities bouncing off well. As time passed, things would start to become more intimate between the three. While a little anxious at the beginning, the three discovered they felt comfortable in this "love triangle", and made things official in the spring of that same year. Things would keep steady all the way up to the present.
Mitsu used his connections within the ADC to get easy travel around the continent. This allowed Mitsu to use his free time to spend with Lyra and Ampy (both who had lax or no work schedules) outside of Izumo and almost anywhere they wanted -- from the rolling hills and white beaches of Athenovka, to the capital of the AF, to the skytowers, etc. With the diverse provinces in the Federations, they also got to see where they could potentially move to. Mitsu enjoyed living in Zenchou, but he felt his time there had lasted far too long.
It was also a year where the ante went up within the ADC, with more serious and dangerous tasks coming up. The Aurora Federation was finding itself more often getting wrapped up in foreign affairs. February that year the saw Russian invasion of Ukraine, sparking outcry from many western nations as well as the UN. The deteriorating relationship between the US and China, China's influence expanding world wide, and the political tensions in multiple nations (like the US) were becoming prominent concerns to the AF. While the UCC still mandated the borders of Aurora closed, and no nation had become part of the UN, there were internal concerns that the political environment outside Aurora could bring trouble to their doorstep. The AF, while also still closed to outside (non-Auroran) nations, they still provided security forces and aid to nations outside Aurora, as well as established embassies. To accomplish this, members of the AF government, ADC, ASOS, and the Aurora Security Conglomerate (ASC) were dispatched abroad -- a decision that would see some opposition to at home.
Growing conflict would also occur between the ADC, ASOS, a few other organizations, and the governing body of AF. A rising political wing within the AF legistlature (which had helped created ASOS) was becoming critical of the operations and independent nature of the ADC organization, and other similar organizations too. While ASOS's operations and questionable tactics were also called out, in March of 2022 the committee that established ASOS ordered that they place even more oversight on organizations like the ADC. This gave them a lot of leverage over them, even allowing ASOS (and by extension the committte) to interject on operational decisions and spending. This resulted in some butting heads between the ADC and ASOS. Ampere, upon hearing this, chose to retire from ASOS as to not be in a work conflict with Mitsu. He had already been losing faith and questioning the ethics of the organization, and this decree helped him make the decision.
[To Continue]
Mitsu's work didn't get any easier in the third quarter of 2022, as the nation of Vulskaya (a protectorate of the AF) was invaded by Athenovka over a dispute. The UCC and AF declared the action an illegal act of war and sent a coalition of security forces to intercept the invaders. Mitsu's team was deployed along with other ADC forces to operate from mostly the sidelines as well as behind enemy lines. Most of their goals were to sabotage equipment and communications, disrupt systems and (when necessary) eliminate HVTs. But by surprise, a spearhead of enemy forces punched through the Vulskaya lines and pushed for the capital. Mitsu and other members of the ADC embarked on an armored convoy to intercept and plug the gaps on the outskirts. The fighting was fierce and they were outnumbered, but the Coalition hold their ground and forced back the attackers. Unfortunately Mitsu wouldn't go unscathed from this action. A rocket shell impacted an armored vehichle near him and friend of his named Sazcha. The vehicle was undamaged, however the shrapnel and shockwave of the blast hit both of them. Mitsu was peppered my shrapnel, but sustained nothing life threatening. Sazcha wasn't as lucky, having a piece of shrapnel go straight into her head. Mitsu sat holding her body in his bloodied arms, looking into her glassy lifeless eyes, crying.
[ Respite ]
Mitsu took leave for the next few months to recover physically and emotionally from the operation. The Athenovka forces were halted and their government was forced to accept a peace treaty, giving the ADC some well needed time to recoup. Mitsu attended the funeral of Sazcha, visiting her twin sister Annushka and handing over her personal belongings. While he had met her sister before, he had hoped this wouldn't be how he saw her again.
During his respite, Mitsu spent his more abundant free time with Lyra and Ampy. A decent amount of it was used working with his partners on finishing the project they had been working on for sometime: a digital mini-comic about the Three Kingdoms (part of the Ancient World before the AF and other modern nations were founded.) It was a fictional, based-in history half serious, half comedic story about the princes of the old kingdoms. The plot was partly romanticized, and the humor and intrigue came from the overly emphasized personalities of each of the characters. Mitsu did the writing as Lyra did the drawing. Ampy edited the writing as well as added special effects to the site where it was hosted for each page. They were able to release it that Fall to a pretty decent amount of reception, and positively too.
Also given the effect the last two years, and especially the last few months, had on him, Mitsu became disillusioned and a bit worried about the future, and where things would go. He saw the deaths at Vulskaya as avoidable, as the ADC had been blocked beforehand by government mandate from deploying forces as a deterrent there. It was one of several occassions where they had been stopped from intervening on preventable catastrophes. Thus, on his own time, he began using his skills from the ADC, along with his own technical know-how and social connections, to develop his own underground network. A collection of servers, bots, exploits, and like-minded and skilled people he trusted, Mitsu wanted a way to be able to take action when the ADC could not. As well as a backup in case anything were to happen to the Coalition, or the Federation. He kept the ADC and most of his friends out of the know with this.
[ Return to Form and Abroad ]
Mitsu returned to work at the beginning of 2023. Things were pretty calm now, but there was still a good bit to be done. The AF was deploying more assets abroad, outside of Aurora, to help generate more connections and make itself known on the world stage. He was informed that, by his own choice, he could decide if he wanted to be deployed outside of the continent. Hesistant at first, Mitsu wasn't too keen on picking up his life, even for a short period, and leaving for a country he knew little about (at least firsthand). Opinions were mixed of the outside world, and some of the negativity (not all true, but not all false) began to get to him. However, the curiosity at the back of his mind grew. Furthermore, Lyra and Ampy expressed their curiosity as well, and said they wouldn't mind joining him, if even for a little bit. The consensus then became a pretty confident yes. While he would be tasked to visit many countries, his home base could not be chosen by him unfortunately. A month later he would learn of his assignment.
In the spring of 2023, Mitsu would be assigned to Task Force Horizon within the ADC and be dispatched to the United States. While there had been a branch of the ADC in the US since 2018, this would be Mitsu's first time deploying here, as well as deploying outside of Aurora. His task force was responsible for assessing (and sometimes helping defuse) political tensions and violence, aiding the AF in communication and discussions, providing humanitarian aid, and assisting another task force with establishing a student exchange program. Mitsu would move temporarily to the headquarters located near Washington DC along with Lyra and Ampere.
His feelings over the next few months of the US were quite mixed, and bordered more negatively than positively. For one was a bit weird being one of the only people coated in fur there (the human to bipedal ration was much more balanced in Aurora). The political strife within the US was also quite offputting, and somewhat anger inducing. It gave him a newfound appreciation for his home -- while the AF had its fair share of problems, socially it was much less divided. The corruption, hatred, lack of education, and the dysfunctional state of affairs the US (and much of the outside world) was in was disheartening and frustrating to watch. He wasn't sure exactly how the people of Aurora and the ADC could assist, or even engage, in this chaotic environment.
His about two year stint there would be a difficult one. Terror attacks became more regular (both foreign and domestic origin), U.S. politics kept getting in the way of ADC progress and programs, and tensions between the two governments rose at times. Some members of the ADC, including Mitsu, also couldn't help get politically involved in the state of affairs there: being outspoken for/against policies, advocating for protests, and resultingly getting into heated situations with public figures and police forces. Many there, and even at home, saw this as members of the Coalition stepping out of their lane. Mitsu saw it differenlty though -- rivaling against injust systems was always their way, so it didn't seem any different to him here. Regardless, he would get some pushback, but also encouragement from others.
While there, Mitsu developed a small but rising social media following after letting his feelings and experiences in and out of the U.S. be known. His criticisms and contrasts of the U.S. came off as incendiary to many U.S. politicians and public figures. But some of it also resonated with a lot of citizens, mostly those suffering from the social and economic gap that was rapidly increasing. As time on, this following began to multiply, and Mitsu saw his impromptu platform as a way to promote change, especially given his knowledge. Ryuuji warned him to be cautious, and not make a bad situation worse. Mitsu took this to heart, but saw the opportunity too good to not tap into.
[ A Hole in the Fabric ]
While he was supposed to finish his stint at the beginning of 2025, Mitsu was pulled back briefly in September of 2024. The country of Zenaida, bordering southeast of the AF, had recently had it's government changed from a representative democracy to essentially a constitutional monarchy. Their equivalent of a prime minister, along with members of the legistlature, established him as a permanent ruler and split the legistlature into two houses -- one that was voted for and one that was maintained hereditarily. The power grab was widely condemned in the AF. Then wildfires late that summer devastated large portions of Zenaida, causing food shortages and unrest, even resulting in some provinces uaing the opportunity to secede from the country. The AF government engaged in a humanitarian effort to provide food and rebuilding aid to Zenaida.
However, since there was a growing concern of having another unstable country right next to Etrusia, the legistlature and Security Committee also passed a resolution to provide weapons and partially modernize the Zenaidan military. Despite the AF's qualms with the power grab, their desire was to help protect the region from becoming a power vaccuum. The ADC protested, stating that the weapons would be used against the dissident populace and the seccessionists, which the ADC had been trying to broker a piece between. Even after reports of existing government crackdown efforts, the ADC's concerns were ignored and the armament proposal went through. In response, the ADC, along with the equally concerned ASC, pushed into Zenaida without authorization from the AF or the UCC and intercepted the shipments. Mitsu was part of one of the groups sent to do so. (Read: Zenaida Arms Incident)
The convoy, being driven by Zenaidan security forces with a few AF advisors, was stopped and the weapons seized with surprisingly no incident. The AF advisors, consequently, notified the AF government of the illegal actions. In response, ASOS assisted by the AFB were sent to confront the ADC and ASC joint forces and arrest them. Upon hearing this, the ADC/ASC group stopped and fortifyed in the abandoned, semi-burnt town of Bayeux. ASOS and AFB forces besieged the area, meanwhile ADC and ASC leadership was negotiating with the AF government.
Mitsu endured the next two weeks hunkered down as sporadic gun and drone fire was exchanged. The whole time he was not able to get in contact with Lyra or Ampere either. Most of his time was spent in the town hall building with Laertes, his unit leader; and Azak, a friend and fellow member, coordinating a defense with the ASC strategist with them. It was a nervewracking experience, their force of about 600 surrounded by close to a few thousand opposing them. Despite the large ratio, Laertes was still confident they could hold with their equipment and drone fleet, if a costly one, which might be enough to deter the impending attack. Mitsu was much less optimisitc, each day passing making it seem likely that this place would be his grave. And both were worried about the consequences at home, if they indeed returned. Mitsu did a lot of journaling, trying to make his thoughts not sound like a final goodbye.
On the 16th day, negotiations succeeded and the siege finally ended. It was a bittersweet resolution, but one nonetheless. The ADC was required to relinquish the captured shipments to ASOS/AFB forces. In exchange, the ADC/ASC members would be allowed to leave the town and return home freely without being detained. The weapons would also be returned to the AF and the decision to be rediscussed. Mitsu, in the moment, was just ecstatic to return home. By nightfall he was in the arms of his two partners, who had begun to fear the worst would happen.
However, the leadership of the two former groups would not be treated as well. The head of the ASC and three other executive members were forced to resign, with the AFB looking into possible legal actions against them. For the ADC, several members were required to testify in front of the AF legistlature, where they were asked scathing questions and some even called for their arrest. The ultimate result of the session would be the proposed restructuring of oversight for the ADC and ASC. However, no major changes would come that year as parties were headlocked on exactly how large of changes they should implement. For know, they settled on allowing ASOS to monitor all operations and report any violations directly to the AFB and AF executive branch.
Immediately after this incident, Laertes and Mitsu met to discuss plans. Both had grown weary at the flexing of using ASOS and the Security Committee to bypass the legistlatutive majority and public interest, while disrupting their progress. With the last years having not improved these issues, they wanted to make a reconcerted effort to tackle the corruption directly, as well as deter foreign influences taking advantage of it. Thus, Laertes, Mitsu and a few other of the ADC members of that unit formed a new task group: Firefly One. Their goal here was to root out corruption and turn around the direction the AF was going in a more invasive way. While monitoring systematic problems was nothing new (in fact it was how the AF solved problems before they got worse), the ADC was potentially positioning itself to anger some powerful groups and individuals. But to Mitsu and his collective, the risk seemed worth it.
Mitsu is currently working within the Firefly One task group at the ADC, putting his teams resources towards several big issues. Abroad, they are planning to intercept issues, or tackle the consequences, of strife between and within the world's largest superpowers, like China and the US. With political tensions and environmental issues heating up, it is expected that outside troubles will make their way more directly to their continent soon.
At home, political divides within the AF government, as well as struggles between different provinces themselves, are beginning to show the cracks in the Federation's unity. Corruption and a dismantling or neglect of the AF's social systems has been a key factor in the division, strife, and worsening quality of life, in particualar for smaller provinces of the AF. Mitsu and Firefly One are putting lots of resources in identifying and ousting the bad actors and systems at play. However, crackdown from wings of the governing body, as well as more tensions with groups like ASOS, have been hampering their success. Furthermore, the ADC has been painted more as a group of "vigilantes", rather than aproper government organization. Thus, the ADC is also having to fight to preserve their legitamacy.
In his personal life, Mitsu is quite glad to be at home a bit more, despite the work load increase and still having to travel abroad occassionally. He currently continues to write, is helping Lyra expand her brand out, and producing music alongside the three (with Kenji's help).
He was still paranoid about the stability of his line of work, and of his nation, and these recent few shakeups only validated his concerns more. Mitsu continues to expand his underground network, setting up back doors in computer systems domestic and abroad, and increasing the list of friends he trusts. Thus, it gives him more flexibility in the actions he can take, with more anonymity.
While the future looks uncertain right now, Mitsu hopes the storm will come to pass. He doesn't know how much longer he plans to stay with the ADC, but he expects to retire soon (terms for direct-line ADC members average about 8-10 years). Using the investments and savings he's kept up with over the years, Mitsu plans to move somewhere new with Ampy and Lyra and focus his life on his own projects and being with them.
Early Life (1994 - 2012)
Mitsu's mother, Kira Akiyama, held the family name. Kira was a musician and writer, being both a published author and musical performer. Kira's talent in music a writing went on to inspire Mitsu to develop an interest in story writing and reading, as well as (attempting to) learn a few instruments later in his childhood. Mitsu's father, Myka Hiraoka, was a former cultural history teacher who became a coordinator for the National Operations Administration of Aurora (NOAA), an organization of the AF government. Myka used his knowledge from teaching to serve as a cultural advisor for NOAA's foreign and domestic affairs. He intrigued Mitsu a lot with historical tales and of his travels, almost swaying him to go to school to become a teacher.
From childhood until adulthood, Mitsu had a small group of close friends. Mitsu's earliest and closests were his cousins Hiraku (aka Jeong) and Kenji (aka Apollo), who were similar ages of his and also lived nearby in Yozora. Hiraku was the more serious of the trio, tending to act as the "pack" leader, while Apollo tended to be the more spontaneous, mischevious of the bunch. Regardless, their similar interests and ability to tolerate each other kept them as close friends, even refering to eachother as brothers. They would keep contact into adulthood (losing touch for a few years during university), and even work together.
His parent's marriage would not last, however. When Mitsu was 8, his mother and father had a falling out and filed for a divorce. Watching his world shaken like this tore him up, but Mitsu's parents held firm in trying to keep things normal for him. Despite the severance, his mother and father would continue to remain cordial friends, still raising and educating him together, albeit separated. Some years later, Kira would eventually become partners with a woman named Yuki Hanato, becoming Mitsu's and Yukimo's pseudo "stepmom". A soft and sweet, yet strong when she needed to be, Yuki loved Mitsu and Yakumo a lot, and raised the two in alongside Kira and Myka as if they were her own.
Yuki was a major influence on Mitsu. A good mentor and an engineer at a software firm, Yuki was able to teach Mitsu a few skills in the quickly evolving technical landscape of this world. He was also able to use these skills to make a bit of money on the side during his teenage years. Yuki also served as a good life coach in general, assisting Mitsu in preparing for adulthood and some self discovery. The two would travel around the Aurora Federation often, seeing new sights and sating Mitsu's love for exploration.
Mitsu also met his eventual best friend while in his teenage years -- Novu, a black as night Jackal. Both had a technical and literary knack, along with a similar sense of humor. Outside of class they spent time sharing their writings to each other, causing a bit of mischief with disrupting local networks, and staying up way too late either playing videogames or enjoying the nightlife in town. Despite being in college later down the line, Mitsu would keep up with Novu and come visit as much as he could.
Tragedy, however, struck Mitsu when he was 16. His mother Kira became terminally ill with a degenerative brain condition that had gone undiagnosed for too long. Multiple operations were attempted to save her, but none were successful. Kira ended up passing away in the hospital in the prescence of Yuki, Mitsu, Yakumo and Myka. Myka took it the worst, quitting his job and staying in his house for months afterwards, and not fully recovering for years. Yuki was also heartbroken and devastated, having watched the love of her life wither away in front of her. Despite this, she saw it as her responsibility to take care of Yakumo and Mitsu, especially while Myka was barely functioning. Mitsu spent a good amount of time away from school, going to therapy and trying to overcome the loss of his mother. Fortunately he had the backing of both his stepmom and his cousins, as well as Novu.
Mitsu graduated primary education in late 2011, with Jeong having graduated two years before, and Apollo would complete his education the following year. As they each finished school, Mitsu and his cousins each went down their own paths. They kept up with each other, but spent less physical time together. Hiraku applied and entered the Aurora Defense Coalition (ADC) by invite of a family member -- Mitsu's uncle, Kurinai. His plan had been to take an Aurora Federation Bureua (AFB) sponsored college program, while coop-ing his training with the coalition. He completed the program and entered the ADC in the spring of 2016. Kenji went travelling around the AF as a freelancing as a musician and networking developer, enjoying the sights and seeing where life might lead him. Mitsu pursued college, attending the Zenchou Provincial University, not quite sure what he wanted to spend a good portion of his life doing.
Early Adulthood (2012 - 2020)
Mitsu started college in the Spring of 2012, with his time there becoming rough not long after starting. Mitsu had always struggled with lectures and staying focused in school in general. He managed to push through primary education, as difficult as it was, but finally burnt out his freshman year. Mitsu had also not narrowed down exactly what he wanted to do, and subscribed to a series of different courses to discover what he wanted to do, while also taking music and martial arts courses on the side. Furthermore, without his group of friends, Mitsu had to find his niche within the university, which he never successfully did.
While in university, Mitsu was in a short relationship for a short time. In his second year, Mitsu met a someone named Kynna -- an upperclassman majoring in biological sciences. Being one of the few people he was able to connect with, he got attached to her pretty quickly. While it was smooth sailing at first, it eventually became a toxic relationship. After about a year and a half, it fell apart completely, sending Mitsu into a spiraling depression, almost resulting in him dropping out of college.
At the latter half of his third year, desiring to get some sort of control back, Mitsu finally decided on his major. Taking what he learned from his perusing of different subjects, and some guidance from his stepmom, Mitsu selected software engineering as his major, with classical history as his minor (both out of passion and to have a backup plan). Mitsu would spend the next year and a half taking the rest of the courses he needed to fulfil the requirements, going to school almost every month of the year, as well as picking up a work study. He hoped being set into a career would finally bring some order to his life.
Mitsu graduated at the end of 2016 before job hopping, looking for something he felt passionate in. He worked different jobs for little over year, both in and outside of his field, but nothing would stick for long. After a lot of trial and error of trial and error, Mitsu felt pretty lost and didn't know what to do. Instead of continuing to fruitlessly hunt for a career he'd like, Mitsu decided in the summer of 2018 to take the money he saved up and go on a traveling hiatus. He hoped being away in new places would either awaken something in him, or at the very least be a stress-free getaway.
In the closing months of the same year, after no career progress, Mitsu was given an offer from Kurinai to join the ADC (just like his cousin Hiraku). Seeing Hiraku's potential and Mitsu's need for something new, he thought maybe the Coalition would be the right place for him. It was a big commitment, and a life changing opportunity. Mitsu spent a few weeks pondering over the choice -- whether the plunge was worth it or not. He felt the ADC would give him a purpose and a place of belonging. And, at the very least, he could try and make a difference, while getting to explore the world. His father disapproved of the idea, afraid of his son being put into danger. Yuki was also unhappy with it, but ultimately left it up to Mitsu to decide his path through life. After consulting his parents, his friends, and then himself, Mitsu accepted Kurinai's offer.
For the next year, Mitsu trained on multiple facets (combat, language, diplomacy, technical skill, etc.) to become on par with existing, experienced members. It was a rigorous, but surprisingly pleasant experience. Having expected for it to be more like bootcamp, it was quite the opposite -- very professional, calculated and calmer than he thought it'd be. While there was discipline, an important factor was that members of the ADC were not seen as soldiers, despite the training they received. They were taught to be task-oriented, mindful, and to cooperate in a constructive manner (instead of having to adhere to a strict structure). Serious lessons were ingrained to them -- like life and death, the need for security and protocls, and the importance of morality. However when it came to discipline, it was only used when it was needed, ironically making it more effective. Mitsu also spent a good portion of training learning to control his emotions -- an important skill necessary for his job and something he struggled with
Kurinai had planned to try and keep him out of dangerous situations as he could, so he also focused on his training being more behind-the-scenes oriented. Additionally, a veteran member of the ADC, named Ryuuji, was placed as his mentor throughout the process. Ryuuji and Mitsu bonded quite well, the former being surprised at how quickly the latter could learn. Their bond no doubt increased Mitsu's motivation to work hard and be attentive. Thus, within a long but well paced year, Mitsu had picked up all the essentials to begin his line of work at the coalition.
By March of 2020, Mitsu was cleared for his career and entered service. Although having been accepted, he would continue to train while he worked -- both as the ADC is always evolving, and Mitsu still had to catch up with members who had prior experience in the field. Most members had several years of prior experience from both before and during their time at the coalition. Thus, Mitsu had to do much more learning alongside the work he'd be doing for the ADC.
Joining the ADC (2020 - Present)
[ The First Year ]
His first year (2020) at the ADC was mostly more learning and conducting humanitarian or diplomatic efforts. Some of his tasks included mediating discussions between the Aurora Federation and Etrusia over border and trade disputes, aiding the residents of the Akavra islands suffering from the effects of climate change and food shortages, and developing security software and systems used by the ADC, Aurora Federation, and other clients. Mitsu was only involved in two combat missions in the first year, mostly involving small border insurgency issues, where he never even fired a shot or was engaged in a firefight. And as for non-combat more serious missions, Mitsu mostly worked on fighting off cyberattacks and digital espionage attempts, as well as engaging in the ADC's "root-cause initiative" -- a data analytic workflow used to find a tend to impending social and economic issues before they occured. He coordinated with a newer member of the AFB, who went by the pseudonym of "Dire", a whimsicle but talented analyst himself. The work could definitely get hectic at times, but overall Mitsu enjoyed his time during the first year.
Outside of work, Mitsu began drafting a mini-series he'd been thinking up since college, and getting helpful ideas from Novu. He created a website and began posting his history-based comedies and dramas, with Novu as his editor. He decided to take some of the lessons his mother taught him along with what he learned in college to create something to dump his creative energy into. For the first time in his life, Mitsu was beginning to find a nice flow in life inside and outside of his career -- a surreal but welcomed change for him.
Mitsu made the effort to keep contact with Hiraku (who he was now indirectly working with), and Kenji as well. Hiraku had already been working at the ADC for about four years officially (and technically longer) and was quite well tied with the leadership and their strategic operations. Both worked in different sectors, but met weekly to catch up. Kenji had returned to Yozora, having enjoyed his freelancing hiatus but now feeling a little aimless. Seeing the success of his two "brothers", and showing Kirinai his eptitude, Kenji was also able to apply for the coalition. He would finish his training by the beginning of the following year, becoming a field specialist and cyberanalyst for them.
[ Year Two ]
In his second year (2021), the severity and importance of his missions began to pick up. The AF repeatedly found itself in conflict with other nations in the United Continental Council (UCC). They were called out over intense border security on selective nations, trade disputes, control over national waters, and the power gap between the AF and other nations in the council. (Most of these issues were created, or worsened, by internal political tensions and rising oligarchial parties in the government.) There was a DMZ between the AF and the neighboring nations of Etrusia and Norvisk, neither of which were particularly happy about it. Tensions were especially high between the AF and Etrusia as the latter's quasi-civil war had been bleeding over into their territory (Read: Etrusian Civil War), as well as after the Strait of Magellan Breach (Read). These issues would bleed more into the tasks and problems Mitsu and the ADC would have to face.
Consequently, it was in the same year that Mitsu saw his first real taste of combat. The ADC had discovered that Etrusian separatists had been organizing "sleeper cells" within the AF border to provoke an invasion into Etrusia to topple its administration. While many were able to be disbanded peacefully, a few (especially on the border) were vehemently hostile. In the province of Richu is where Mitsu's first true engagement began. The organizers held up in a small village, fortifying houses and waiting to ambush. The situation was dealt with swiftly -- the ADC's superior tactics and technology quickly eliminated the threat with no friendly casualties. Mitsu also handled himself well, as noted by Ryuuji, showing himself capable and proficient in combat. Still, being the first time he ever fired his gun in combat, and at people, shook him a bit. Ryuuji, seeing this turn in him, was quick to be supportive and help Mitsu cope with the stress. However, it would not be the only incident of violence erupting. The ADC prided itself in deescalation as its primary tool, but their ability to defuse these situations was starting to wane. Mitsu would see this more often over the following few years.
[ Building Connections ]
In the middle of his second year (2021), Mitsu would go on to meet his one of his two future partners: Ampere (Ampy). While (reluctantly) working with an Aurora Special Operations Service (ASOS) task force on data monitoring (for oversight) and diplomatic missions, he met Ampy within the task force. The brown hyena was an "Overwatcher" for ASOS -- essentially a cyberanalyst spy. Despite their apparent differences, the two got along quite well, while oppositely most of the other members politely tolerated each other. Mitsu saw Ampy as a clever and charismatic guy with witty humor and very outgoing, yet still a puppy underneath. The two began messaging each other often, and then later meeting up in person more as time went on. Mitsu and Ampy slowly began to grow more attached to each other and were becoming something more than friends.
Around the same time, Mitsu also became acquainted with Lyra Eiida. Working on his mini-series and some other creative side projects, Mitsu had been commissioning artists and musicians to accompany his writings and other work. Lyra was an Aussie artist he hired to create a few pieces for a short-series he had been working on. She and Mitsu spoke regularly about business and began to speak more casually as time went on. They both had a passion for music and writing, as well as a good amount of nerdy technical know-how. He saw Lyra as confident, sweet, and very personable. Mitsu would fly out a few times to Kavrisk (her home province) to meet her in person, and she'd occassionally travel to Izumo to visit as well. After several months of being friends, Lyra and Mitsu decided to move in together at the start of 2022 in Izumo.
[ Year Three ]
Early 2022 is when Mitsu's collective relationship with Lyra and Ampy would begin. After Lyra moved in, Mitsu would invite Ampy over to hang out with them as a group. The trio got along quite well with eachother, having a lot in common and their personalities bouncing off well. As time passed, things would start to become more intimate between the three. While a little anxious at the beginning, the three discovered they felt comfortable in this "love triangle", and made things official in the spring of that same year. Things would keep steady all the way up to the present.
Mitsu used his connections within the ADC to get easy travel around the continent. This allowed Mitsu to use his free time to spend with Lyra and Ampy (both who had lax or no work schedules) outside of Izumo and almost anywhere they wanted -- from the rolling hills and white beaches of Athenovka, to the capital of the AF, to the skytowers, etc. With the diverse provinces in the Federations, they also got to see where they could potentially move to. Mitsu enjoyed living in Zenchou, but he felt his time there had lasted far too long.
It was also a year where the ante went up within the ADC, with more serious and dangerous tasks coming up. The Aurora Federation was finding itself more often getting wrapped up in foreign affairs. February that year the saw Russian invasion of Ukraine, sparking outcry from many western nations as well as the UN. The deteriorating relationship between the US and China, China's influence expanding world wide, and the political tensions in multiple nations (like the US) were becoming prominent concerns to the AF. While the UCC still mandated the borders of Aurora closed, and no nation had become part of the UN, there were internal concerns that the political environment outside Aurora could bring trouble to their doorstep. The AF, while also still closed to outside (non-Auroran) nations, they still provided security forces and aid to nations outside Aurora, as well as established embassies. To accomplish this, members of the AF government, ADC, ASOS, and the Aurora Security Conglomerate (ASC) were dispatched abroad -- a decision that would see some opposition to at home.
Growing conflict would also occur between the ADC, ASOS, a few other organizations, and the governing body of AF. A rising political wing within the AF legistlature (which had helped created ASOS) was becoming critical of the operations and independent nature of the ADC organization, and other similar organizations too. While ASOS's operations and questionable tactics were also called out, in March of 2022 the committee that established ASOS ordered that they place even more oversight on organizations like the ADC. This gave them a lot of leverage over them, even allowing ASOS (and by extension the committte) to interject on operational decisions and spending. This resulted in some butting heads between the ADC and ASOS. Ampere, upon hearing this, chose to retire from ASOS as to not be in a work conflict with Mitsu. He had already been losing faith and questioning the ethics of the organization, and this decree helped him make the decision.
[To Continue]
Mitsu's work didn't get any easier in the third quarter of 2022, as the nation of Vulskaya (a protectorate of the AF) was invaded by Athenovka over a dispute. The UCC and AF declared the action an illegal act of war and sent a coalition of security forces to intercept the invaders. Mitsu's team was deployed along with other ADC forces to operate from mostly the sidelines as well as behind enemy lines. Most of their goals were to sabotage equipment and communications, disrupt systems and (when necessary) eliminate HVTs. But by surprise, a spearhead of enemy forces punched through the Vulskaya lines and pushed for the capital. Mitsu and other members of the ADC embarked on an armored convoy to intercept and plug the gaps on the outskirts. The fighting was fierce and they were outnumbered, but the Coalition hold their ground and forced back the attackers. Unfortunately Mitsu wouldn't go unscathed from this action. A rocket shell impacted an armored vehichle near him and friend of his named Sazcha. The vehicle was undamaged, however the shrapnel and shockwave of the blast hit both of them. Mitsu was peppered my shrapnel, but sustained nothing life threatening. Sazcha wasn't as lucky, having a piece of shrapnel go straight into her head. Mitsu sat holding her body in his bloodied arms, looking into her glassy lifeless eyes, crying.
[ Respite ]
Mitsu took leave for the next few months to recover physically and emotionally from the operation. The Athenovka forces were halted and their government was forced to accept a peace treaty, giving the ADC some well needed time to recoup. Mitsu attended the funeral of Sazcha, visiting her twin sister Annushka and handing over her personal belongings. While he had met her sister before, he had hoped this wouldn't be how he saw her again.
During his respite, Mitsu spent his more abundant free time with Lyra and Ampy. A decent amount of it was used working with his partners on finishing the project they had been working on for sometime: a digital mini-comic about the Three Kingdoms (part of the Ancient World before the AF and other modern nations were founded.) It was a fictional, based-in history half serious, half comedic story about the princes of the old kingdoms. The plot was partly romanticized, and the humor and intrigue came from the overly emphasized personalities of each of the characters. Mitsu did the writing as Lyra did the drawing. Ampy edited the writing as well as added special effects to the site where it was hosted for each page. They were able to release it that Fall to a pretty decent amount of reception, and positively too.
Also given the effect the last two years, and especially the last few months, had on him, Mitsu became disillusioned and a bit worried about the future, and where things would go. He saw the deaths at Vulskaya as avoidable, as the ADC had been blocked beforehand by government mandate from deploying forces as a deterrent there. It was one of several occassions where they had been stopped from intervening on preventable catastrophes. Thus, on his own time, he began using his skills from the ADC, along with his own technical know-how and social connections, to develop his own underground network. A collection of servers, bots, exploits, and like-minded and skilled people he trusted, Mitsu wanted a way to be able to take action when the ADC could not. As well as a backup in case anything were to happen to the Coalition, or the Federation. He kept the ADC and most of his friends out of the know with this.
[ Return to Form and Abroad ]
Mitsu returned to work at the beginning of 2023. Things were pretty calm now, but there was still a good bit to be done. The AF was deploying more assets abroad, outside of Aurora, to help generate more connections and make itself known on the world stage. He was informed that, by his own choice, he could decide if he wanted to be deployed outside of the continent. Hesistant at first, Mitsu wasn't too keen on picking up his life, even for a short period, and leaving for a country he knew little about (at least firsthand). Opinions were mixed of the outside world, and some of the negativity (not all true, but not all false) began to get to him. However, the curiosity at the back of his mind grew. Furthermore, Lyra and Ampy expressed their curiosity as well, and said they wouldn't mind joining him, if even for a little bit. The consensus then became a pretty confident yes. While he would be tasked to visit many countries, his home base could not be chosen by him unfortunately. A month later he would learn of his assignment.
In the spring of 2023, Mitsu would be assigned to Task Force Horizon within the ADC and be dispatched to the United States. While there had been a branch of the ADC in the US since 2018, this would be Mitsu's first time deploying here, as well as deploying outside of Aurora. His task force was responsible for assessing (and sometimes helping defuse) political tensions and violence, aiding the AF in communication and discussions, providing humanitarian aid, and assisting another task force with establishing a student exchange program. Mitsu would move temporarily to the headquarters located near Washington DC along with Lyra and Ampere.
His feelings over the next few months of the US were quite mixed, and bordered more negatively than positively. For one was a bit weird being one of the only people coated in fur there (the human to bipedal ration was much more balanced in Aurora). The political strife within the US was also quite offputting, and somewhat anger inducing. It gave him a newfound appreciation for his home -- while the AF had its fair share of problems, socially it was much less divided. The corruption, hatred, lack of education, and the dysfunctional state of affairs the US (and much of the outside world) was in was disheartening and frustrating to watch. He wasn't sure exactly how the people of Aurora and the ADC could assist, or even engage, in this chaotic environment.
His about two year stint there would be a difficult one. Terror attacks became more regular (both foreign and domestic origin), U.S. politics kept getting in the way of ADC progress and programs, and tensions between the two governments rose at times. Some members of the ADC, including Mitsu, also couldn't help get politically involved in the state of affairs there: being outspoken for/against policies, advocating for protests, and resultingly getting into heated situations with public figures and police forces. Many there, and even at home, saw this as members of the Coalition stepping out of their lane. Mitsu saw it differenlty though -- rivaling against injust systems was always their way, so it didn't seem any different to him here. Regardless, he would get some pushback, but also encouragement from others.
While there, Mitsu developed a small but rising social media following after letting his feelings and experiences in and out of the U.S. be known. His criticisms and contrasts of the U.S. came off as incendiary to many U.S. politicians and public figures. But some of it also resonated with a lot of citizens, mostly those suffering from the social and economic gap that was rapidly increasing. As time on, this following began to multiply, and Mitsu saw his impromptu platform as a way to promote change, especially given his knowledge. Ryuuji warned him to be cautious, and not make a bad situation worse. Mitsu took this to heart, but saw the opportunity too good to not tap into.
[ A Hole in the Fabric ]
While he was supposed to finish his stint at the beginning of 2025, Mitsu was pulled back briefly in September of 2024. The country of Zenaida, bordering southeast of the AF, had recently had it's government changed from a representative democracy to essentially a constitutional monarchy. Their equivalent of a prime minister, along with members of the legistlature, established him as a permanent ruler and split the legistlature into two houses -- one that was voted for and one that was maintained hereditarily. The power grab was widely condemned in the AF. Then wildfires late that summer devastated large portions of Zenaida, causing food shortages and unrest, even resulting in some provinces uaing the opportunity to secede from the country. The AF government engaged in a humanitarian effort to provide food and rebuilding aid to Zenaida.
However, since there was a growing concern of having another unstable country right next to Etrusia, the legistlature and Security Committee also passed a resolution to provide weapons and partially modernize the Zenaidan military. Despite the AF's qualms with the power grab, their desire was to help protect the region from becoming a power vaccuum. The ADC protested, stating that the weapons would be used against the dissident populace and the seccessionists, which the ADC had been trying to broker a piece between. Even after reports of existing government crackdown efforts, the ADC's concerns were ignored and the armament proposal went through. In response, the ADC, along with the equally concerned ASC, pushed into Zenaida without authorization from the AF or the UCC and intercepted the shipments. Mitsu was part of one of the groups sent to do so. (Read: Zenaida Arms Incident)
The convoy, being driven by Zenaidan security forces with a few AF advisors, was stopped and the weapons seized with surprisingly no incident. The AF advisors, consequently, notified the AF government of the illegal actions. In response, ASOS assisted by the AFB were sent to confront the ADC and ASC joint forces and arrest them. Upon hearing this, the ADC/ASC group stopped and fortifyed in the abandoned, semi-burnt town of Bayeux. ASOS and AFB forces besieged the area, meanwhile ADC and ASC leadership was negotiating with the AF government.
Mitsu endured the next two weeks hunkered down as sporadic gun and drone fire was exchanged. The whole time he was not able to get in contact with Lyra or Ampere either. Most of his time was spent in the town hall building with Laertes, his unit leader; and Azak, a friend and fellow member, coordinating a defense with the ASC strategist with them. It was a nervewracking experience, their force of about 600 surrounded by close to a few thousand opposing them. Despite the large ratio, Laertes was still confident they could hold with their equipment and drone fleet, if a costly one, which might be enough to deter the impending attack. Mitsu was much less optimisitc, each day passing making it seem likely that this place would be his grave. And both were worried about the consequences at home, if they indeed returned. Mitsu did a lot of journaling, trying to make his thoughts not sound like a final goodbye.
On the 16th day, negotiations succeeded and the siege finally ended. It was a bittersweet resolution, but one nonetheless. The ADC was required to relinquish the captured shipments to ASOS/AFB forces. In exchange, the ADC/ASC members would be allowed to leave the town and return home freely without being detained. The weapons would also be returned to the AF and the decision to be rediscussed. Mitsu, in the moment, was just ecstatic to return home. By nightfall he was in the arms of his two partners, who had begun to fear the worst would happen.
However, the leadership of the two former groups would not be treated as well. The head of the ASC and three other executive members were forced to resign, with the AFB looking into possible legal actions against them. For the ADC, several members were required to testify in front of the AF legistlature, where they were asked scathing questions and some even called for their arrest. The ultimate result of the session would be the proposed restructuring of oversight for the ADC and ASC. However, no major changes would come that year as parties were headlocked on exactly how large of changes they should implement. For know, they settled on allowing ASOS to monitor all operations and report any violations directly to the AFB and AF executive branch.
Immediately after this incident, Laertes and Mitsu met to discuss plans. Both had grown weary at the flexing of using ASOS and the Security Committee to bypass the legistlatutive majority and public interest, while disrupting their progress. With the last years having not improved these issues, they wanted to make a reconcerted effort to tackle the corruption directly, as well as deter foreign influences taking advantage of it. Thus, Laertes, Mitsu and a few other of the ADC members of that unit formed a new task group: Firefly One. Their goal here was to root out corruption and turn around the direction the AF was going in a more invasive way. While monitoring systematic problems was nothing new (in fact it was how the AF solved problems before they got worse), the ADC was potentially positioning itself to anger some powerful groups and individuals. But to Mitsu and his collective, the risk seemed worth it.
Current Life
Mitsu is currently working within the Firefly One task group at the ADC, putting his teams resources towards several big issues. Abroad, they are planning to intercept issues, or tackle the consequences, of strife between and within the world's largest superpowers, like China and the US. With political tensions and environmental issues heating up, it is expected that outside troubles will make their way more directly to their continent soon.
At home, political divides within the AF government, as well as struggles between different provinces themselves, are beginning to show the cracks in the Federation's unity. Corruption and a dismantling or neglect of the AF's social systems has been a key factor in the division, strife, and worsening quality of life, in particualar for smaller provinces of the AF. Mitsu and Firefly One are putting lots of resources in identifying and ousting the bad actors and systems at play. However, crackdown from wings of the governing body, as well as more tensions with groups like ASOS, have been hampering their success. Furthermore, the ADC has been painted more as a group of "vigilantes", rather than aproper government organization. Thus, the ADC is also having to fight to preserve their legitamacy.
In his personal life, Mitsu is quite glad to be at home a bit more, despite the work load increase and still having to travel abroad occassionally. He currently continues to write, is helping Lyra expand her brand out, and producing music alongside the three (with Kenji's help).
He was still paranoid about the stability of his line of work, and of his nation, and these recent few shakeups only validated his concerns more. Mitsu continues to expand his underground network, setting up back doors in computer systems domestic and abroad, and increasing the list of friends he trusts. Thus, it gives him more flexibility in the actions he can take, with more anonymity.
While the future looks uncertain right now, Mitsu hopes the storm will come to pass. He doesn't know how much longer he plans to stay with the ADC, but he expects to retire soon (terms for direct-line ADC members average about 8-10 years). Using the investments and savings he's kept up with over the years, Mitsu plans to move somewhere new with Ampy and Lyra and focus his life on his own projects and being with them.
Education
Mitsu studied for 5 years at Zenchou University. He entered school on a path for engineering, but fell out of interest for the major after a year of studying. Mitsu then picked up Applied Computer and Technical Sciences with minors in history and language. Mitsu struggled with college life throughout most of his education. Wanting a small break, he briefly studied at the local Yozora Technical College with a lighter load for a couple semesters. Mitsu would go on to graduate in the winter of 2016.
Within the ADC, Mitsu would go through several different programs teaching language, bureacracy, engineering, law and any other skills required for his evolving position within the organization. Mitsu would also pick up the English and Ravulian to handle some of his task work abroad. Mitsu had already known the two main languages of the AF, Akuvian and Reichan, and had learned in school to speak Etrusian. He also had learned Koravian as it was a language that Lyra was fluent in.
Within the ADC, Mitsu would go through several different programs teaching language, bureacracy, engineering, law and any other skills required for his evolving position within the organization. Mitsu would also pick up the English and Ravulian to handle some of his task work abroad. Mitsu had already known the two main languages of the AF, Akuvian and Reichan, and had learned in school to speak Etrusian. He also had learned Koravian as it was a language that Lyra was fluent in.
Employment
Mitsu skipped from various short term jobs out of college. He worked as a software developer, a librarian, a translator, and a few various other small employment opportunities. While there were some he liked, he never felt particularly attached to any of them. Aimless and with a lack of motivation, Mitsu decided to take what money he had and travel for a few months, hoping for something to awaken in him.
At the end of 2018, Mitsu's uncle (on his mother's side) Kurinai approached him with a peculiar opportunity. A member of the Aurora Defense Coalition himself, he offered to help Mitsu obtain a position within the organization. Mitsu had no prior military experience, let alone from any elite force (usually a requirement for ADC admission.) However, Mitsu had a historic family name, Akiyama -- one of the founding families of the ADC. Kurinai told Mitsu there were those in the ADC interested in enlisting him solely because of his name, wondering if his family had a particular "gift" that would be valuable to the ADC. It would also be an experiment to how quickly they could train a rookie the skills (both combat and not) on their own.
Mitsu was hesitant -- it was a big commitment and would be a major change of direction in his life. However, the opportunity to try something new, help others in ways he couldn't before, continue a legacy, and travel were positives that swayed his mind. His cousin, Jeong, had already enlisted a couple years prior, and apparently had been trained up to the ADC's standards quite quickly.
He would stay with the ADC up to present day, performing various different roles: from an on the field operator, to a diplomat, to assisting and leading humanitarian efforts as well as being involved peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations.
At the end of 2018, Mitsu's uncle (on his mother's side) Kurinai approached him with a peculiar opportunity. A member of the Aurora Defense Coalition himself, he offered to help Mitsu obtain a position within the organization. Mitsu had no prior military experience, let alone from any elite force (usually a requirement for ADC admission.) However, Mitsu had a historic family name, Akiyama -- one of the founding families of the ADC. Kurinai told Mitsu there were those in the ADC interested in enlisting him solely because of his name, wondering if his family had a particular "gift" that would be valuable to the ADC. It would also be an experiment to how quickly they could train a rookie the skills (both combat and not) on their own.
Mitsu was hesitant -- it was a big commitment and would be a major change of direction in his life. However, the opportunity to try something new, help others in ways he couldn't before, continue a legacy, and travel were positives that swayed his mind. His cousin, Jeong, had already enlisted a couple years prior, and apparently had been trained up to the ADC's standards quite quickly.
He would stay with the ADC up to present day, performing various different roles: from an on the field operator, to a diplomat, to assisting and leading humanitarian efforts as well as being involved peacekeeping and counterterrorism operations.
Accomplishments & Achievements
- (2016 Q4) - Earned a beginner's degree in Applied Programming and Computer Sciences and a minor in Classical History and Language
- (2020 Q1) - Passed training and was accepted into the Aurora Defense Coalition
- (2020) - Helped engage in a successful effort to relieve the Akavra islands of food and environmental issues
- (2020 Q4) - Assisted in establishing water resevoirs and pipelines to allieviate droughts in the southern provinces of the AF
- (2021) - Aided in successfully neutralizing Etrusian separatist sleeper cells in Aurora
- (2022 Q1) - Began a long term relationship with Ampere and Lyra
- (2022 Q4) - Co-released the beginning of his web series withj Ampere and Lyra
- (2024 Q3) - Co-established the Firefly One task group
Intellectual Characteristics
Mitsu is a quick learner, a relatively deep thinker, and pretty peristent when it comes to taking action and getting things done. However he can be quite susceptible to emotions which can cloud his generally calm and collective manner of thinking. Mitsu suffers from a personality disorder which often causes his thoughts and emotions to swing in wildly different directions. While he has worked hard to control himself, sometimes the weight of the stress on him or a moment of weakness will cause him to take impulsive, reckless actions.
Morality & Philosophy
"Primum non nocere", or "do no harm" is the philosophy Mitsu tries to follow -- not contributing harm to the world, and trying to prevent it from happening. Mitsu believes in having a positive, or at least neutral, impact on the world around him, not wishing to contribute to the horrors and evil already happening within it.
Working with the ADC, however, even though their goals are aligned, conflict always results in muddied, gray situations. And sometimes Mitsu makes questionable decisions, either being forced to, driven by emotion, or from a lack of knowledge.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Mitsu's main motivation in life is to pursue happiness and purpose. He values finding new experiences, seeing the world, and making meaningful companionship with a select few friends. Mitsu also believes in using one's resources to help others, if the ability is there -- that a circular process of helping each other leads to an improved society.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvies
- Mitsu is pretty handy an dissecting the complexities of technology and systems
- He is a good conversationalist, and can gain people attention and trust quite quickly
- Mitsu is also adept at literature analysis and making literary, cultural, or historical connections
- While having a good technical skillset, high level mathematics and logic still allude him
- Despite his Empath Vision, Mitsu can struggle to read other people. Especially very confident or very illusive ones
- Mitsu struggled with attentiveness when it comes to mundane or boring situations, and often lets his mind wonder
Likes & Dislikes
Likes
- High interest in technology and the links between computerized systems
- Has a passion for the arts like music, literature, and history
- Loves thrills and finding the occassional adrenaline rush (but not quite an "adrenaline junky")
- Enjoys getting to see new places and being in wildly different environments
- Staying complacent, being idle, and not progressing
- Dealing with overly prideful, stubborn or bigoted people
- Listening to figures with authority that he doesn't respect
- Sports
Virtues & Personality perks
- Mitsu is good at bouncing off other people's personalities, even if just for politeness
- He tries his best to show compassion and helps those around him
- He is also very loyal and grateful for all the people around him that he holds close
- Mitsu is also usually forgiving (even to detrimental point sometimes)
Vices & Personality flaws
- Under stress, Mitsu has the habit of sometimes having a short temper -- getting angry and sometimes a tad hostile (depending on what/who he is dealing with). With time he has become better with managing his stress and temper, but the long years at the ADC are starting to wear on him.
- His emotional imbalances also effect his mood wildly from time to time.
- While he tries to be pretty open-minded, occassionally Mitsu becomes judgemental too quickly. Either out of impatience or nihilism, he may assume (generally negative) things about something/someone too early.
- Sometimes Mitsu can be a bit shy or standoffish, making it hard to get to know him.
- Mitsu can also be a bit too emotionally attached or clingy with people. Dealing with trauma as a child and not really finding a niche he fell into until after adulthood made Mitsu struggle with codependency.
Personality Quirks
- Mitsu has suffered from depression since he was a teenager.
- During his evaluation at the ADC, he was diagnosed with a personality disorder. Despite this, he was still accepted.
- From his mood swings, Mitsu occassionally has bouts of acute paranoia.
Social
Contacts & Relations
- Mitsu is in a triangular relationship with Ampy and Lyra.
- Mitsu's cousins Apollo and Jeong have been his friends since they were young.
- Yakumo is Mitsu's older sister
- Ryuuji serves as Mitsu's mentor within the ADC
Family Ties
- Mitsu is a descendant of the Akiyama family, one of the founding families of the Aurora Federation and the ADC.
Religious Views
Mitsu is a firm atheist. While he believes in the tolerance of religion, he personally finds it a harmful practice. Despite this, he finds the banning of religion to be a horrible precedent for individual freedom, and believes individuals should seek to educate themselves.
Social Aptitude
Mitsu is generally a charismatic and polite individual. He is more of an "extroverted introvert", but can still be confident in social situations, even if he isn't the loudest voice in the room. However, having a personality disorder his mood and socialness can vary from time to time.
For his job, Mitsu will put on a "game face" when necessary, as some situations require him to be firm, commanding, and forward. But most of the time he can remain calm and be his normal self.
For his job, Mitsu will put on a "game face" when necessary, as some situations require him to be firm, commanding, and forward. But most of the time he can remain calm and be his normal self.
Mannerisms
Mannerisms
Hobbies & Pets
When not preoccupied with his career, Mitsu uses his free time to write, read history, travel and play video and board games (typically with his SO's). Given his resources with the ADC, he is able to travel often and to many places, allowing him to explore new places with Lyra and Ampy.
Speech
Speech
(Art by c.ookiepawz on Instagram)
Current Status
In Service
Species
Date of Birth
July 14, 1994
Year of Birth
1994
31 Years old
Birthplace
Yozora, Zenchou, Aurora Federation
Family
Children
Current Residence
Izumo, Zenchou, Aurora Federation
Pronouns
He/Him
Gender
Male
Eyes
Orange
Height
5'11"
Weight
170 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
"We're always trying to find utopia but can never catch up to it. Even far into the future, the fight between good and evil is endless." (2024)
Belief/Deity
Athiest
Aligned Organization
March 4, 2020
ADC Division1st Yozora Guards
ADC Task ForceFirefly One
