( application. ) tanagura

[toll]

 general information.

_NAME: beej.
_PLURK:

( plurk. ) playlists
( aim. ) nekomimis

_AGE: twenty-five, 1990.
_CONCURRENT CHARACTERS: n/a.

character information;

_CHARACTER'S NAME: Lavi.
_CANON: D.Gray-man.
_CANON POINT:  Chapter 165.
_CHARACTER'S PHYSICAL/MENTAL AGE:  19.
_CHARACTER'S HAIR COLOR: Red.
_TANAGURA (elite) OR MIDAS (mongrel)?: Midas!
_HOUSING PREFERENCE: n/a.
_LINK TO TEST DRIVE THREAD: thread provided ( here. )

_HISTORY: wikia provided ( here. )

_ABILITIES:

Innocence: Created from unknown matter, substance, and composition, the Innocence is a rather mysterious existence in the world of D.Gray-man. It's often referred to as an “Anti-Akuma Weapon,” and is constantly used throughout the series, despite there being no actual information about its source (other than its questionable historical roots involving the Gods and original apostles of their world, that is). This furtive compound is noted to be the one true driving force of the Black Order, and is currently the only “weapon” capable of being able to defeat and purify an Akuma. Additionally, it’s also the sole power that Exorcists are granted with, and the only source of an indefinite means of obtaining a marginal “edge” over the Millennium Earl. Throughout its extensive and considerably rich history it was often labeled under a variety of titles, however, it was often pondered upon to be a fraction of the “Crystal of God,” and is considered to be the complete opposite of the “Dark Matter,” the opposing faction created by the Earl appears to use so arduously.

Innocence comes in numerous forms, and are unique to its specific “owner,” or “Accommodator.” There’s other points about Innocence involving its “root” or “heart,” as well as other factors such a synchronization, but as that’s not acutely necessary to be able describe the actual abilities it grants its user, it won’t exactly be included in this section. However, to read up further on this exact subject, there is a link available right here.

Big Hammer, Little Hammer: A nickname for his “Iron Hammer.” Also known as a “size-shifting hammer.” This is his primary weapon, and the form his Innocence was fittingly fashioned into. It can grow, extend, and jump or fly (though, this works with the mechanics of perpetually “extending” and "ending" in an infinite loop— meaning, it's fairly nonsensical... but it's a Thing) according to his will. It’s also noted that despite the difference in mass, and even if it matches the appearance of a relatively decent-sized house, Lavi is entirely unaffected by the weight. This is likely as he is the “wielder.” In addition to these more “commonplace” abilities, he’s, likewise, capable of branding several “seals” as a method of attack or tactic.

Another key point to note is that when these “seals” are released or its powers summoned, one can see several other “characters,” denoting that he has several more “seals” that he has yet to utilize within the series. Whether this is due to his lack of awareness towards his weapons potential, or simply not obtaining the proper training to put them into actual practice, however is unknown. But, the specific seal capabilities that have been shown are listed here:

Fire Stamp: Hellfire and Ash. Creates a heated wave of flames in the form of a snake. He holds reign or control in the way in which it maneuver through the air, as well as the intensity of the actual flames. Additionally, he's also capable of utilizing it to increase his own mobility.

Heaven Stamp: Violent Thunder, Whirling Skies. Simply put, this seal can be used to generate torrents of lightning, as well as to craft an actual storm in which Lavi is in full command over.

Wood Stamp: Heaven and Earth. His “wood seal" manages to achieve several feats, undertaking and opening up a fairly large repertoire of effective battle devices. Being one of his more versatile moves, Lavi can use the Wood Stamp to control/regulate the environment around him. Whether this is in shifting clouds, crafting orbs of winds or lessening the extremity of the conditions. It's not stated where its limits are, or if there's conditions attached to it, but with this, he basically holds authority over nature.

Combo Stamp. As it's title implies, it's a supplementary move in which it "stacks" any of his aforementioned stamps. So far it's only been shown to combine iron, fire, and lightning, but it's also a fairly open-ended move with a decent amount of prospective mileage.

Bookman: Due to his “successive” role as the next official Bookman, and even prior to this, as many are skills ingrained in his fortune and birth, Lavi is a natural intellectual. Equipped with a quick thinking mind and an eidetic memory, there’s absolutely no limits to level of proficiency he has when regarding scholarly matters, and especially when dealing with history and chronicling. This is even the case for situations outside of his realm of expertise as his ability of recollection is developed to an unbearable degree, as he’s able to identify a single key according to rust, textures, and scratches in a sea of a thousand identical copies. Branching off from this, as he’s a “Bookman,” he is required to memorize the full of history and be able to pass it down accordingly at the appropriate time.

As a side note, he’s also extremely adept at handling numbers, and he actually appears to legitimately enjoy it. Though, this is likely connected to his roots. Plus, he’s well-educated, and fortified with vast knowledge extending a wide mass of subjects! He even has martial arts experience. Actually, speaking of martial arts, Lavi is proficient enough in the field to fight bare-handed against an Akuma, and while he can't defeat it (as the only method of doing so is my invocating one's Innocence), he can hold it off. While this could solidify it to being its own category, it was a skilled likely acquired through his travels as a Bookman, and so is appropriately listed here.

_PERSONALITY:

There isn’t anyone who doesn’t feel regret or sadness.

By merely forging an ambiguous assumption on first impressions (and/or upon preliminary encounter), Lavi immediately strikes those around him as being overtly frivolous and flippant. Moreover, this is only perpetuated by his blithe or humorously diffusive attitude to... basically everything around him. Whether the situation fits to it or not. ... and considering the bleak world of D.Gray-man, most individuals would definitely lean towards not.

To add to this more “shallow” perception, he correspondingly doesn’t appear to be very affected by the gravity or solemnity that inevitably surrounds him, either. Nor does he seem to allow himself to be swallowed in by all the inherent grief and despair that obdurately encircles the lives of all the exorcists. Even as objectively... horrifying as everything is. If anything, instead of seeming perturbed or bothered, he primarily shows himself to be exceptionally playful instead. For example, this can be detected in the way he labeled Allen as “beansprout” straight off the back, despite knowing it'd be taken negatively and the mere fact that it was their first encounter as “newly” instated comrades. Or— even in how he took advantage of a sleeping Kanda in order to braid his hair on the train ride to their next covert mission. This trait can also be seen in how he easily cracks jokes, in spite of his fears (i.e. the Krory recruitment arc) and notwithstanding being in the midst of battle. In short, whatever he does, tends to be laced with the intentions of delivering lighthearted mischief. Which is why it's not exactly an astonishing prospect to hear that his hobbies are litteraly: teasing Allen and pestering Kanda, amongst a few other more harmless past times.

Plus, to add to this image of vivacity and positivity, Lavi seems to be deliberately open, too. Constantly speak his mind whenever he deems it necessary, and rambling on even when its not. Continuing on this parallel tangent, Lavi can also be perceived as being emotive/expressive with both his thoughts and observations. As such, he doesn’t seem to explicitly mind voicing his opinions on a topic, whether it's right or not, or tactfully inclined or not. Nor does he have qualms in liberating himself of his “sentiments” or general outlook on various issues. He even opts to giving obligatory advice on occasion. Such as, when he chastised Allen about how venturing through a crowd with his injured eye and general inexperience in discerning between akumas and humans. Or— in attempting to educate Allen about the Bookmen and their ultimate legacy in experiencing “unrecorded history.” ... even if he was soon reprimanded by Bookman for over-telling or potentially revealing information too classified or sensitive for his position.

However, even out of this realm of seriousness, this trait can be seen being applied to a lot of non-serious or even humorous scenarios, as well. Actually, one might claim that it’s even more… prevalent in that instance. Especially as this concept seems to hold exceptional bearing with his interactions with the opposite sex (which is already a joke in itself??? Maybe??). Lavi is easily affected by “beauty,” and often becomes distracted by the women around him. And usually, this "distraction" is achieved by him being overly vocal about his appreciation of their assets or just in behaving horrifyingly goofy around them. This is mostly the case with women who are physically his "type" (though, in the anime, it’s noted this type is significantly broader than it is in the manga, or at least he’s more animated about it). However, this also isn't to imply that he’s “lenient” on them in battle, especially if they’re akuma.

Strike.

But, his customary antics aside, he also seems to give the general impression that he’s normally the type to ignorantly establish his own pace, and progressively run with it. Whether this is seen in him dictating one-sided conversations with Allen about all the beautiful women he encountered on his travels (which, is implied to have taken several hours???). Or even in his chiding of ostensibly “rude” remarks about Lenalee and her clear lack of “potential” to obtain a lover with her ‘prudish’ and ‘unsexy’ attitude. The latter being while they were... conveniently traveling through a “collapsing” tower in an attempt to confront the Noah and complete their mission. Conversely, even with the horrible timing, there are more than a handful of occasions where this part of his personality actually helps to ease the tension around him, and allow for some breathing space. Equally, even with the poor delivery time of his jokes, he is more than proficient and/or capable of staying focused, and doing what is required of him when essential. Specifically when it involves his “role” as a Bookman (which will later be expanded on, and appropriately so).

Moreover, while he initially projects himself to appear blunt and straightforward— with “transparency” coating his every word and action, that’s far from the reality of his “truer” character. He’s actually far more dubious and cynical than he allows others to realize, and he’s far more “reserved” and “apathetic” than those around him might credit him for. When it comes down to it, a lot of what he reveals to others isn’t the complete and whole truth.


It’s faceticious. It’s fake. It’s “Lavi,” but only to a degree.

I don’t know, yeah? I’m suspicious of everything. I’m always suspicious of everyone around me.
Someone I met yesterday could be an Akuma today. Cause that’s the type of thing we’re up against. You should understand that, Allen. We’re at an overwhelming disadvantage. We’re different from you. Not having that convenient eye.
The other Excorcists and I... we end up looking at all humans as the Earl’s minions.

In brief, Lavi is a lot more complicated than he’d like others to believe. Despite how he behaves on the surface, he is, truthfully, exceedingly wary of what’s occurring around him— as well as the how, why, and everything else in between. He’s conscious of the gravity of every situation, and the detailed conditions that may hold inexplicable value to it. He even has the backdrop for his considerations that others might not (i.e. unrecorded history). He, whether for better or worse, just gives the illusion that's most apt to the scenario at hand (hence his high ranking in acting), notwithstanding his inwardly designed neutrality. Moreover, while he may show to retain an affirmative and progressive attitude to everything, he’s actually more realistic than he allows himself to display.

On the same note, even with his usual exuberant and ridiculously vigorous outer character, Lavi is more adaptable, flexible, and tactical than others may recognize or fathom at first. This can even be seen in the general set-up of his weapon. While most just achieve varying degrees of the same sort of power, his weapon is blessed with a fair amount of versatality. Bluntly put (haha), his weapon can attain victory or assist in accomplishing this is several ways, whether in shifting the environment around them to be more advantageous, or in being utilized for sheer firepower and force. To give a specific illustration to all of this, in his fight on route to Edo, seeing as how brute strength would do absolutely nothing against unseen enemies, he basically used the latent ability in his hammer to alter their environment via the Wood Seal. Using the winds it produced to push away other obstructions in his path.

Nevertheless, temporarily casting combat abilities on the back burner, he’s also gifted with a tremendously clever mind and a robust intellectual background. This is only further weaponized by the fact that Lavi is outfitted with an extremely keen memory. On the same note, Lavi also has a lot of specialized expertise, as well. He’s well traveled and fortified with a lot of personally ingrained experience. In addition to this, as he’s studied comprehensively about the past (or basically, had developed the knowledge for it via his clan), he’s extremely cognizant and aware of worldly events. Also, while this generally tends to elude a fair amount of characters in the series, all of this information pertaining to his background was principally set to accomplish his objective in obtaining the official title of— “Bookman.”

A Bookman has no need for a heart.

To explain this "designation," in their universe, “Bookman” are supposed to be unbiased existences used for the single aim of recording “unwritten” history. As such, there isn’t room for inaccuracies, subjective thoughts, or private feelings. As spoken by the current “Bookman,” a Bookman should be unaltered and unaffected. They must approach matters impartially, and most of all, they shouldn’t possess a heart. Naturally, Lavi is no exception to this rule.

At first (and only at first), he accomplished this rather well by putting up a façade and acting appropriately for his position. He viewed others disinterestedly, largely dispassionate by what they had to offer the human civilization as a whole, or what their goals were as he was more concerned with himself and his own independence. This was increasingly the case as Lavi, at this point in time, was already well informed of the world around him and its history. He knew precisely how things tended to work and how they've worked out in the past. Moreover, he was, more often than not, revolted and nauseated of the intolerable ways in which others would engage in conflict; absolutely sick of the way humanity as a whole would incessantly drag their feet in the dirt insisting on remaining stagnant, or better yet, worse off entirely by the plague of wars and battles. Being the “eyes” of all that had transpired, he grew increasingly jaded. But, knowing he had a “duty,” he continually kept up his front— firm on doing was necessary for the “Bookman” clan. Swallowing down his personal feelings if just to adhere to the standards he's inevitably harboured since his first "name."

The time spent in the Order passed on.
I soon came to a point where I didn’t know whether my smiling face was a lie or not.

However, the conviction that's steeled his heart... has steadily disengaged itself from him. Whether he truly yearns to acknowledge it or not, he's changed drastically within the continued presence of the other Exorcists in the Black Order. As a result, he's wavered and thinned in his initial resolution— a motivation he’s kept close to his person throughout his several years of travel. Fundamentally, as his time with his companions have circumstantially increased within the crux of the storyline, it had gradually become genuinely difficult (or near insufferable) for him to remain as impersonal and unmoved as he once was. While he chiefly became an Exorcist due to the sole consolation of “experiencing” history firsthand, he could no longer find the blind resolve to indiscriminately follow this aspiration. He could no longer consider them mere “ink on paper,” or “just a part of history.” They ended up going beyond that.

They were real, even if they seemed so fleeting and transitory. And, ultimately, he had truly developed into treasuring the bonds he's constructed with them. To press this point further, Lavi’s confrontation with Road around Chapter 120 exemplified this mental shift of his newfound honesty perfectly. It exhibited the actual alteration of his thought process and motivations through his past two years in the Order. From his being expressively touched by Lenalee’s tears (which was soon after his acceptance), to his verbal smackdown of her at the potential “loss” of Allen (his own anguish bleeding through his words). Implying that, to some degree, it wasn't as "recent" of a development as he'd like to believe, either. The battle with Road during the Tower Arc also went on to expand on his continued inner turmoil, and his constant sense of self-reproach over holding onto these sentiments.

It’s also in this scene that, he repetitively wondered why he “deviated” so far from the other 48 who preceded him, and “why being the 49th” was the hardest?” Why he failed and the others haven't. Also, why he was so willing to forcefully extinguish his own life, and this long-standing legacy, in exchange for the sliver of a chance to safeguard his comrades. It even goes on to contrast with the fact that he also... acknowledged the fact that he once thought he was “above” their “feeble species,” and how he was inherently “different” from them. That he was better off with his priceless knowledge. That he wasn't the type of "human" who was attracted to the allure of war.

However, he found he isn't too dissimilar. Whether he'd like to admit it or not, he was engaging in war with his own personal feelings. To protect his friends. To find a place where he belonged, and a name he wouldn't have to forsake. He found that he’s become emotional, reckless and unreasonable, but most of all— he’s become wholly attached, and he could no longer deceive himself over this matter.

As one can see from his various trials and tribulations, Lavi is not the type of individual that can't be purely judged according to his exterior. He has multiple aims/objectives/driving forces, and is constantly undergoing a series of unforeseen, and nearly undetectable inner conflicts over which one reigns dominant. Constantly playing the game of denial and ranks. But, if one thing could be made entirely clear from this is... that while he may not be the “ideal” Bookman he’s sought out to be, he’s definitely accomplished quite a bit in terms of valuing friendships, and subsequently, developing as an individual removed from meager tradition.

_ITEMS:

➙ 1. His equipment-type Anti-Akuma Weapon: Big Hammer, Little Hammer.
➙ 2. An extra set of his Black Order uniform. Including a scarf, headband, and eye patch.
➙ 3. The card with the ace of spades that he “held onto” for Allen.

writing samples.

_GEN SAMPLE:

part i: hello, my name is—

[ when the feed initially starts up, it’s unfocused, being jostled around, as fingers occasionally swipe across the screen. his prints appear and reappear as its adjusted, and it takes about a full half a minute before everything is set and finally within view. at first, however, it does start of precariously close. the blackness of his eyepatch nearly taking up the entirety of the display image. ] My bad— That sorta took a while, huh? [ his voice starts off casually, carrying a playful, almost singsong pitch to it. especially, as he seems to inflect his words in a purposely... friendly, but mildly faceticious manner. ]

Either way, I’ve been here for months, but this is my first time reaching out like this. Weird, huh? [ he smiles amicably into the feed as he continues forth. ] Anyway, since my arrival, I’ve been snoopin’ around on my own mostly, but I thought it was about time to reach out to a larger audience. [ he pauses... tentatively, as if he re-pondering over something hefty of heavier worth, only when his speaking resumes— ] Or somethin’ [ bare with me on the invisble tilde. ]

But, of course, it wouldn’t be for free. As it stands, I think I have a lot I could offer in return. Language lessons, free rides on my hammer [ ... he states this fact as if it were the most obvious method of travel in the entire world. ] — landing’s still a bit tough, though. But, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, yeah? [ this phrase could probably also be applied to his next suggestion: ] Coupons to braiding Yu's hair, full rights to bother Yu whenever you want. Or even to eat all his soba? Hm... [ he tilts his head appropriately. ] Information on the best napping spots?

[ his conclusion sort of ends up... a bit lackluster, but despite this he doesn’t appear too affected. ] Well, just let me know, I could probably think something up. Also, I totally forgot but [ and it just cuts off here. who knows if he spoke too long, overspoke, or... if someone was displeased enough to break up his little “intellectual overture.” well. regardless of the reason, the only universal truth that stands is the simple fact that this is Over. ]

part ii: but, call me—

[ he’s returned, albeit about an hour after the initial attempt. moreover, he’s not appearing in the same exact condition as he was prior. while his voice doesn’t decrease in its enthusiasm, it’s clear there are a few bruises across his cheek. ] I’m back! Did you all miss me already? [ either way, he shakes his head into the feed, as if expressing some sort of disappointment. (probably with himself.) ]

I had one more question. [ a pause. ] I was wondering what “history” means to you all. Do you put value on it? Do you remember a whole lot of it? Did you ever study it? Do you not care at all? [ shame on u. ] I was just curious. I mean, we’re all from different places so that probably already says a lot? Maybe? Sorta?

[ either way, this time, he waves a simple bye before clicking the feed off.

except, wait. he forgot to introduce himself again for the second time. oh well. ... shit happens. ]

_SMUT LOG SAMPLE: smut sample provided ( here. ) watch me fail.

acknowledgments.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY CHARACTER IS THE FOLLOWING:

_SENTIENT: Yes.
_MENTALLY ADULT: Yes.
_CAPABLE OF CONSENT: Yes.
_CAPABLE OF SEXUAL AROUSAL: Yes.