Lazarus: Land Of The Elements

Lazarus was once a beautiful country run by four different elemental kingdoms. King Yuri of the North controls the element of air. Queen Elena of the South controls the element of water. King Zael of the East controls the element of fire. Last, but not least Queen Calista of the West controls the element of earth. The balance each element is disturbed. All of the Kings and Queens have disappeared without a trace. Lazarus is now in trouble. Representatives from each part of the country are needed to help find the Kings and Queens from their country. Will the Kings and Queens be found before it’s too late? Or will the balance between each element be broken forever?

Representatives from each nation will be able to use their powers and weapons they would like. Powers were bestowed by the Kings and Queens. All representatives have the power of whatever element they chose. They will not be strong as the King and Queens.The Kings and Queens do not use weapons. They only like to use the elements.

Name:

Age:

Personality:

Short Background about the character (If want):

Appearance:

Which Kingdom you would like to represent:

Weapons (if any):

 

BlackHeartedRose's Characters:

Spoiler

Name: Yuri

Age: 24

Personality: Very kind and gentle with all of the people in his land. He's very generous. He will help anyone in need. He's also very protective.

Short Background about the character (If want): Yuri noticed he could control the air when he was 10. He was attacked by a lion and the air came to his defense. He's now a single father with a two year old daughter. He spends a lot of time with her. He always spends a lot of time helping in the villages. Most of the villagers love him a lot. Also the mother of his child passed away while giving birth to her.

Appearance: Long dark hair that comes to his shoulders. He has dark green eyes. He wears the amulet of air around his neck of all times. The amulet is white. He doesn't even take it off when he's sleeping.(Each King or Queen has the element that represents their kingdom.) He loves to be comfortable. He wears anything he feels like wearing. He will even wear jeans!

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: King of Air

Weapons (if any): None.

Spoiler

Name: Elena

Age: 20

Personality: Very sweet if you're on her good side. She's feisty when needed to be. If you are on her bad side watch out you may end up slammed into a mountain.

Short Background about the character (If want): Elena was swimming when she almost drowned. The water guided her to shore to save her. She was amazed. She didn't expect it. She thought she was a goner for sure. She realized her was able to control water when she got mad at her brother. She blasted him into a mountain with a wave.

Appearance: Medium length blonde hair. Her eyes are blue green. She wears the amulet of water. Her amulet is blue. She wears a long blue dress.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Queen of Water

Weapons (if any):None


Name: Zael

Age: 22

Personality: Very fiery attitude. (No pun intended) He's a real hot head. He's nice when he wants to be especially around his sister. Who he doesn't get to see anymore.

Short Background about the character (If want): Zael and his younger sister Calista were split up when they both realize they could control a different element. Zael learned her could control fire when he went camping with his friends. They couldn't get a fire started. He got really angry and a fire ball appeared and gave them a camp fire. He doesn't always like doing his duties.

Appearance: Short red hair. He has brown eyes. He wears the amulet of fire. The amulet is red. He wears jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers. He loves to be comfortable.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: King of Fire

Weapons (if any): None


Name: Calista

Age: 19

Personality: A loner. Doesn't really like be around people as much. She's been shy her whole life.

Short Background about the character (If want): Calista was hunting with her brother when they were attacked by a boar. She was so scared that her earth powers activated randomly. A wall of earth came up to protect them. Calista doesn't like being separated from her brother. They have a very strong bond. He's the only person she was ever able to count on.

Appearance: Long brown hair she puts in pony tails. She has gray eyes. She wears the amulet of earth. The amulet is green. She wears a green dress.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Queen of Earth

Weapons (if any): None


Name: Aurora/Luna

Age: ?

Personality: ?

Short Background about the character (If want): ?

Appearance: ?

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Water

Weapons (if any): ?

Pony's Characters:

Spoiler

Lain
17
Cold and in it for her own interests
Was living in extreme poverty and homeless as a child. When the queen of water visited she attempted to steal food but was caught. She was taken in by one of the royal guardsmen and raised as his daughter. Later she meets a frost spirited and is granted powers by the queen. She becomes a guard with the special unit and works as a spy/assassin. However when the queen of water vanishes, she becomes a mercenary as the kingdom fractures at the seams.
Water Kingdom
Cutlass made from a human femur.

Name: Mew
Age: 10
Land affiliation: Earth
Mew is a hybrid born from the unnatural coupling of a human female and a male sand lion. Due to her birth father she was born with the ears and tail of his species along with the innate ability to control sand and to create quicksand traps to ensnare enemies.
Due to her age she is quite curious about the world, naive, and a rambunctious bundle of energy. she is able to consume raw meat with no ill effects.
Her mother was put to death when the union between her and the sand lord was discovered. however mew was saved by an unknown group but has been left to her own devices.
Weapons: sand and butterflies.

DM's Character:

Spoiler

Name: Gideon

Age: 21

Personality: Calm, thoughtful, soft-spoken and wise beyond his years. His tranquil demeanor, even when discussing harsh topics such as matters of war, might make him seem cold and aloof to those who don't know him. The truth is, he cares deeply for the people of the North and is genuinely loyal to the king.

Short Background: He is widely known as the greatest strategist in the northern realms. Though he was already of noble birth, his wisdom and natural talent in both the art of war and the art of diplomacy saw him rise to even greater heights, singling him out as a prodigy who soon gained the respect and even admiration of his peers despite his young age. In recognition of his talents, the king granted him magical power which manifested as complete mastery over a specific domain of wind magic: smoke. When he was a child, he studied the ways of the sword as a means of practicing self-discipline and focus. Now he finds that these skills can be put to even better use on the battlefield when the situation calls for it.

Appearance: Has long black hair tied in a ponytail and silver eyes. Wears white hooded robes that seem to be formal in appearance, but also conceal his weapons and are specially designed to let him move unhindered in combat.

Kingdom: Northern Kingdom (Air)

Weapons: Jian (sword); throwing knives.

Ella's Characters:

Spoiler

Nameylvia

Age:17

Personality: she is very shy until she gets to know you. She is usually pretty quiet and always seems to be thinking.

Short Background about the character (If want): Her parents had a love that was forbidden amongst the kingdom. But that didn't stop them,and the two later conceived a daughter one which would be born of two kingdoms (hence the different eyes), that child was Sylvia. Sylvia's parents tried to raise her the best they could while trying to keep their love, and the fact they had a child together a secret. At the age of 5 it became harder and harder for them to hide their secret, and they wanted their daughter to try to have a normal life. So to protect their daughter, and themselves, a friend of the couple offered to take the child and raise her along the outskirts of the air village. That was the last Sylvia saw of her parents. Now that she is 17, she hopes to find and be reunited with her parents and find out why she was sent away. She also had questions about her abilities and learn how to control them

Appearance:


Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Air/water

Weapons (if any): Staff that was gifted to her by her father. One that she was given when she became old enough to use her ability.

Rayden's Characters:

Spoiler

Name: Shunsui Kurohomura
Age: 18
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: ~175lbs
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Black
Sexuality: Straight
Relationships: There's a girl he likes but won't go into detail
Siblings: Sister: Sakurako Kurohomura
Personality: Serious, pack-minded (loner except with certain people who he deems like family)
Rank: Guard Captain
Strength: Discipline and training
Weakness: his anger and rage
Armor: A special forged and crafted enchanted armor
Weapon: Katana and wakizashi pair
Existential Power: capable of imbibing flame into his weapons, uncertain of other powers at this time.
Defining features: Scar across his right eye
Powers: The King gifted him with powers controlling fire.
Preferred Clothing: Rarely seen without his armor. Will wear a shihakusho when not wearing his armor

Kingdom: Kingdom of Fire (East)

Background: Shunsui is regarded as one of the brightest pupils of the academy and graduated with the highest honors in the capital city of the Fire Kingdom at the age of 16. He immediately joined the City Guard out of a sense of duty to his Kingdom. Within two years, he had achieved the rank of Captain and was made in charge of a contingent of guardsmen charged with the duty of protecting the inner city close to the palace. When the king went missing, Shunsui took it as a personal insult upon his honor that the King (presumably kidnapped) had gone missing during his watch. Since then, he and his sister have been searching for the king.


Name: Sakurako Kurohomura
Age: 17
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: One should not ask a lady her weight (Assumed to be around 115lbs)
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Black with streaks of Fire Red
Sexuality: Bi
Relationships: unknown
Siblings: Brother: Shunsui Kurohomura
Personality: Quiet at first but feisty if provoked
Strength: Fights well when she knows her opponents
Weakness: Requires time to analyze her foes
Armor: none
Weapon: ninjato, kunai, chain scythe, various other support tools
Existential Power: capable of performing all types of flame ninjutsu
Defining features: Tattoos covering most of her body
Powers: The king gifted her with powers of Fire
Preferred Clothing: Tight, form-fitting, clothing that makes it easy for her to move freely. She will wear Yukatas and on occasion a shihakusho that matches her brother's.

Kingdom: Kingdom of Fire

Background: At a young age, Sakurako was quite a little hellion. She never listened to her parents and never listened to people of authority. She does mind her brother, but that is because they actually get along. As she grew up, it was noted that she was extremely bright, but never cared about her studies. Due to her extreme boredom, she decided to get involved in athletics and accelled in gymnastics and other sports that got her recognized by the Shadow Guard. The Shadow Guard was an organization that was an off-branch of the City Guard who's mission was to understand and know all of the dealings of darkness before they could threaten the Kingdom. In the Shadow Guard, Sakurako was able to finally cut loose. Never again was she bored with anything. Within a few years she had become one of their top operatives and was eventually gifted powers befitting her by the King. When the King went missing, She took it upon herself to go on the search for her liege. She has teamed up with her Brother in doing so.

Renny's Character:

Spoiler

Name: Lucille

Age: 22

Personality: Bubbly, Air-headed (Ohohohoho)

Short Background about the character (If want): A capable, if a little silly, fighter. Lucille was granted the magical power of the wind for her determination to become better. Even though some look down on her, she never gives up. She usually tries to hang out with Gideon.

Appearance: Silver hair tied into twin pony tails. White button upped coat with a black frilled skirt.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Air

Weapons (if any): Whip. She has some odd mix of gracefulness and clumsiness in her fighting style.

Core's Characters:

Spoiler

Cinder Cross-shatter
Age: 23
Sex & Gender: Male
Personality: Superior, lawful, judgmental, a follower of the old traditions and morals.
Short Background about the character (If want): A man of integrity, with a holy mission to purge crime and lawlessness. Having grown up as a member of the Burning Cross faction, his skills as a one-man judge, jury and executioner was employed by the Flame nation to bring swift and rapid justice on the spot, during volatile situations.
Appearance: Red long coat, with a shattered cross on the back, and black pants. A heart plate (a chest plate only large enough to protect only the heart),braces under the sleeves, and a mask of an unidentified metal are his only types of armor. The unbreakable mask only covers the eyes, nose and mouth sections of the face, with a red glowing slit for vision. His hair silver, eyes red with the blood of the executed. His beige skin is scarred by whips, beatings and slashes.
Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Flame
Weapons (if any): Purgatory Soul (rapier), Judgment Fall (Executioner's sword). The rapier is capable of flaming, while the executioner's sword takes the life force of the victim.

Spoiler

Shizukesa
Age: 25
Sex & Gender: Female
Personality: Calm, gentle and friendly. However, insults are not beneath her.
Short Background about the character (If want): Growing up in far eastern lands, she trained as a guardian for the temple. Her skills impressed the queen during an attempted assassination on the queen's life when she visited the temple. Shizukesa managed to prevent the assassination, without killing the assassin. Since then, she has been with the queen's guard.
Appearance: Black haired, fair, smooth skin, and electric blue eyes. She tends to wear blue clothes, normally eastern robes.
Which Kingdom you would like to represent:
Weapons (if any): Still Waters (nodachi), Gentle Ripple (wakizashi)

Guts' Character:

Spoiler

Name: Sight, the blinded

Age: 26

Personality: Cocky, friendly, reserved.

Short Background about the character (If want): Mercanary for hire, assassin.

Appearance: I'll try to find someone to draw something.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Fire/Water

Weapons (if any): Cane Sychte

Heizen's Character:

Spoiler

Name: Gerick

Age: 28

Personality: Calculating and composed. Very few situations are able to freak him out.

Appearance: Wears light grey clothing and has short brown hair. Is missing a finger on his left hand.

Short Background: After the leader of the earth kingdom went missing, Gerick left the kingdom as a refugee, setting his sights on the air kingdom. Not much is known about him.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Earth/Air

Weapons: A dagger that he keeps to his side and a blowgun.

Rouge's Character:

Spoiler

Name: Haseo Hurai

Age:17

Personality: Fiery yet charmingly calm. (thats if you haven't managed to piss him off)

Short Background about the character: Haseo Hurai comes from a huge family of mountain rangers so naturally he was raised with a sense to protect and serve his Kingdom along with how to fight multiple ways. This included learning how to use dual broad swords, all the martial art skills that comes with it, knife fighting skills and marksmanship with a bow. These skills have been passed down thru his family for generations and his family is well known for it. Certain members from this family are also well known for their control over the element of fire and the many ways in which they can use it to their advantage. These few have figured out a whole set of techniques and tools that have been passed down to those who unlock their potential abilities. The Hurai family has been serving the Fire Kingdom for generations both in times of keeping peace and in war. More recently members of the Hurai clan ether find themselves being employed protecting outlining villages from bandits or becoming mountain guides.

Appearance: He's 5'10" with long black hair and brown eyes. (I'll come back and edit this later when I have my idea fully worked out ^^" )

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: The Kingdom of Fire

Weapons: Dual broad swords, fighting knife, and a bow and arrow. All of which have been passed down from his family masters and can be used with his fire abilities.

 

Lain
17
Cold and in it for her own interests
Was living in extreme poverty and homeless as a child. When the queen of water visited she attempted to steal food but was caught. She was taken in by one of the royal guardsmen and raised as his daughter. Later she meets a frost spirited and is granted powers by the queen. She becomes a guard with the special unit and works as a spy/assassin. However when the queen of water vanishes, she becomes a mercenary as the kingdom fractures at the seams.

Spoiler: Appearance

Water Kingdom
Cutlass made from a human femur.

Will do intro on the 'morrow.

 

OOC. That's only if I start tomorrow. Just got to wait to see if get anymore replies.

 

Name: Gideon

Age: 21

Personality: Calm, thoughtful, soft-spoken and wise beyond his years. His tranquil demeanor, even when discussing harsh topics such as matters of war, might make him seem cold and aloof to those who don't know him. The truth is, he cares deeply for the people of the North and is genuinely loyal to the king.

Short Background: He is widely known as the greatest strategist in the northern realms. Though he was already of noble birth, his wisdom and natural talent in both the art of war and the art of diplomacy saw him rise to even greater heights, singling him out as a prodigy who soon gained the respect and even admiration of his peers despite his young age. In recognition of his talents, the king granted him magical power which manifested as complete mastery over a specific domain of wind magic: smoke. When he was a child, he studied the ways of the sword as a means of practicing self-discipline and focus. Now he finds that these skills can be put to even better use on the battlefield when the situation calls for it.

Appearance: Has long black hair tied in a ponytail and silver eyes. Wears white hooded robes that seem to be formal in appearance, but also conceal his weapons and are specially designed to let him move unhindered in combat.

Kingdom: Northern Kingdom (Air)

Weapons: Jian (sword); throwing knives

 

Name: Shunsui Kurohomura
Age: 18
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: ~175lbs
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Black
Sexuality: Straight
Relationships: There's a girl he likes but won't go into detail
Siblings: Sister: Sakurako Kurohomura
Personality: Serious, pack-minded (loner except with certain people who he deems like family)
Rank: Guard Captain
Strength: Discipline and training
Weakness: his anger and rage
Armor: A special forged and crafted enchanted armor
Weapon: Katana and wakizashi pair
Existential Power: capable of imbibing flame into his weapons, uncertain of other powers at this time.
Defining features: Scar across his right eye
Powers: The King gifted him with powers controlling fire.
Preferred Clothing: Rarely seen without his armor. Will wear a shihakusho when not wearing his armor

Kingdom: Kingdom of Fire (East)

Background: Shunsui is regarded as one of the brightest pupils of the academy and graduated with the highest honors in the capital city of the Fire Kingdom at the age of 16. He immediately joined the City Guard out of a sense of duty to his Kingdom. Within two years, he had achieved the rank of Captain and was made in charge of a contingent of guardsmen charged with the duty of protecting the inner city close to the palace. When the king went missing, Shunsui took it as a personal insult upon his honor that the King (presumably kidnapped) had gone missing during his watch. Since then, he and his sister have been searching for the king.


Name: Sakurako Kurohomura
Age: 17
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: One should not ask a lady her weight (Assumed to be around 115lbs)
Eye Color: Red
Hair Color: Black with streaks of Fire Red
Sexuality: Bi
Relationships: unknown
Siblings: Brother: Shunsui Kurohomura
Personality: Quiet at first but feisty if provoked
Strength: Fights well when she knows her opponents
Weakness: Requires time to analyze her foes
Armor: none
Weapon: ninjato, kunai, chain scythe, various other support tools
Existential Power: capable of performing all types of flame ninjutsu
Defining features: Tattoos covering most of her body
Powers: The king gifted her with powers of Fire
Preferred Clothing: Tight, form-fitting, clothing that makes it easy for her to move freely. She will wear Yukatas and on occasion a shihakusho that matches her brother's.

Kingdom: Kingdom of Fire

Background: At a young age, Sakurako was quite a little hellion. She never listened to her parents and never listened to people of authority. She does mind her brother, but that is because they actually get along. As she grew up, it was noted that she was extremely bright, but never cared about her studies. Due to her extreme boredom, she decided to get involved in athletics and accelled in gymnastics and other sports that got her recognized by the Shadow Guard. The Shadow Guard was an organization that was an off-branch of the City Guard who's mission was to understand and know all of the dealings of darkness before they could threaten the Kingdom. In the Shadow Guard, Sakurako was able to finally cut loose. Never again was she bored with anything. Within a few years she had become one of their top operatives and was eventually gifted powers befitting her by the King. When the King went missing, She took it upon herself to go on the search for her liege. She has teamed up with her Brother in doing so.

 

Spoiler: Cinder

Name:

Spoiler: Cinder

Cinder Cross-shatter
Age: 23
Sex & Gender: Male
Personality: Superior, lawful, judgmental, a follower of the old traditions and morals.
Short Background about the character (If want): A man of integrity, with a holy mission to purge crime and lawlessness. Having grown up as a member of the Burning Cross faction, his skills as a one-man judge, jury and executioner was employed by the Flame nation to bring swift and rapid justice on the spot, during volatile situations.
Appearance: Red long coat, with a shattered cross on the back, and black pants. A heart plate (a chest plate only large enough to protect only the heart),braces under the sleeves, and a mask of an unidentified metal are his only types of armor. The unbreakable mask only covers the eyes, nose and mouth sections of the face, with a red glowing slit for vision. His hair silver, eyes red with the blood of the executed. His beige skin is scarred by whips, beatings and slashes.
Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Flame
Weapons (if any): Purgatory Soul (rapier), Judgment Fall (Executioner's sword). The rapier is capable of flaming, while the executioner's sword takes the life force of the victim.

Spoiler: Shisukesa

Name:

Spoiler: Shisukesa

Shizukesa
Age: 25
Sex & Gender: Female
Personality: Calm, gentle and friendly. However, insults are not beneath her.
Short Background about the character (If want): Growing up in far eastern lands, she trained as a guardian for the temple. Her skills impressed the queen during an attempted assassination on the queen's life when she visited the temple. Shizukesa managed to prevent the assassination, without killing the assassin. Since then, she has been with the queen's guard.
Appearance: Black haired, fair, smooth skin, and electric blue eyes. She tends to wear blue clothes, normally eastern robes.
Which Kingdom you would like to represent:
Weapons (if any): Still Waters (nodachi), Gentle Ripple (wakizashi)

OOT: I will need to make the pics for these characters.

 

Aurora looked down at her country, Lazarus. Each kingdom was prospering although each Kingdom didn’t work together much. Most of the citizens in each kingdom were happy. Citizens were taking lessons on controlling their powers. The Kings and Queens bestowed the powers on whoever deserved to use it. Some of those people got their power other ways. What the kingdoms didn’t know that evil was approaching them. Aurora could sense it. She just didn’t know where it was coming from. She didn’t know when it was going to arrive.


Aurora knew that she was going to have to find a way to get the kingdoms to work together. She knew that the Kings and Queens loved being independent. Now was not the time for that.


“What am I going to do? I know I need every kingdom to work together now. Why do they all have to be a pain…especially Zael,” she thought. She sighed.


She closed her eyes and started to think. She came up with the perfect idea. She needed to bring all them to her realm. She smiled brightly...but then her face fell. She knew that it was going to be a pain bringing them all to her realm at once. She was going to have to take them all individually. She knew that the balance between each elements was going to run rampant without their Kings and Queens, but she had no choice. She needed to talk to them.


“What a pain that’s going to be…” she thought as she disappeared from her realm.


OOT: I know it's short right now, but my next post is going to be longer. The Kings and Queens haven't disappeared yet. So have fun associating with them for now!

 

Name: Lucille

Age: 22

Personality: Bubbly, Air-headed (Ohohohoho)

Short Background about the character (If want): A capable, if a little silly, fighter. Lucille was granted the magical power of the wind for her determination to become better. Even though some look down on her, she never gives up. She usually tries to hang out with Gideon.

Appearance: Silver hair tied into twin pony tails. White button upped coat with a black frilled skirt.

Which Kingdom you would like to represent: Air

Weapons (if any): Whip. She has some odd mix of gracefulness and clumsiness in her fighting style.

 

OOTC: More characters? more characters.
Name: Mew

Spoiler: Appearance

Age: 10
Land affiliation: Earth
Mew is a hybrid born from the unnatural coupling of a human female and a male sand lion. Due to her birth father she was born with the ears and tail of his species along with the innate ability to control sand and to create quicksand traps to ensnare enemies.
Due to her age she is quite curious about the world, naive, and a rambunctious bundle of energy. she is able to consume raw meat with no ill effects.
Her mother was put to death when the union between her and the sand lord was discovered. however mew was saved by an unknown group but has been left to her own devices.
Weapons: sand and butterflies.

 

OOT: They haven't disappeared yet.

 

OOT: Shall I delete my post then?

 

Yes, but save it it's nicely written. You can associate with your King for now.

 

Spoiler: Cinder & Shizukesa pic

OOT: Will update profile post.

The smell of purification.
A man clad in red a coat and black pants stood in the middle of a burning encampment, deeply inhaling the air as he looked into the sky, scorched and hacked bodies surrounding him. The smoke from the fires of the bodies, tents and goods converged into a black cloud of stench and death overhead. Before him stood the angry leader of these criminals, wearing a full suit of armor and toting a giant battleaxe.
"Come at me, you bastard! Already destroyed everything here! What are you waiting for!?"
Taking one last relaxed breath through his black mask, he lowered his gaze from smoke-polluted sky.
"Take in the atmosphere, the setting. It is strong with the cleansing flames of justice, feeding off of all the crimes committed by your men and yourself. And for you, judgment falls."
Pointing his rapier at the leader, the blade lit up, flames rising from the glowing metal.
"Your sins shall be purged by the flames of purgatory, and your life be given to others. Begin!"
Done with speaking, the red-clad man charged the leader. The criminal leader swung his battleaxe, intending to land a horizontal blow to the man's torso. However, the man dodged the swing by sliding across the ground, countering the criminal by thrusting the burning blade into his enemy's right hand. The criminal yelled in pain, losing grip of the battleaxe and allowing it to slip. The man stood before his slide ended, spinning around and sinking his flaming rapier into the armored criminal's right shoulder, causing the victim to scream in pain as the chain mail was bypassed. Instead of pulling out immediately, he paused for just a moment before removing the blade. Although the criminal tried to move his arm, it failed to respond.
"My arm! What have you done!?"
Not responding to the wounder criminal's words, the man sank his dagger into another shoulder, eliciting another scream. Just like before, he kept it there momentarily before pulling away, disabling the other arm. Stepping away, the man looked at the criminal, watching him try to hold back the screams of agony, arms limply hanging.
"Your arm nerves and joints were cooked, destroyed by heat. You have no way of fighting me, and even if you could escape, your body would be too useless to do anything without arms, and your influence is not great enough to command others to do your will. My ultimatum: Give up quietly, and be executed with dignity."
"...Fine. I concede. I've had enough of this anyway. Just make it quick."
The criminal knelt, ready to accept his punishment. The man pressed his rapier into the ground, allowing it to rapidly cool before sheathing it and walking to the criminal. As he made his way over, he pulled the executioner's blade from its sheath.
"You have chosen wisely. Try not to tense up, it will hurt less."
Upon finishing these words, the man lopped off the criminal's head without breaking his stride. The life from criminal flowed into the blade until no more remained.
Another task accomplished, and one less festering criminal group. Time to go.
Without bothering to look back at the dozens of slaughtered men or the burning camp, the man left.

Upon returning to the Flame nation's capital, he was confronted by a black-haired women dressed in a blue robe at the city gate.
"Are you Cinder Cross-shatter?"
"Why would you need to know that?"
"I am Shizukesa, a royal guard and priestess from the Water nation. I have come here to enlist your aid, for troublesome times are coming."
"I refuse."
"That answer is unacceptable."
"I don't care. Leave me alone. I have other things to attend to."
He tried to walk past her, but her hand blocked his path.
"Perhaps if I defeat you in a duel, then will you join me?"
"If that is the only way to get you to leave me alone, then yes."
Stepping back, he drew his rapier, ready to get the duel over with.
What can this unarmed woman do to me?
Your pride shall be your downfall.

 

Gideon slowly rose out of bed as the morning sun gently roused him from his sleep. Following his morning routine, he washed his face, made himself look presentable and spent some time with his eyes closed in silent meditation. After he was finished, he went out to the dining hall of the castle and sat down in front of a table where one of the king's servants brought him a cup of tea. As he drank it, another servant walked in and handed him a scroll which had a report of the week's events written down for him to peruse. Though he rose to prominence for his skill in the art of war, in times of peace he was also quite adept at handling many of the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom. It may not be the most glamorous kind of work but he remains content knowing that he is helping to maintain peace and order throughout the kingdom. While he read along, he would occasionally question the servant on different issues.
"A few days ago, there seemed to be some unrest in two of the southern villages. Has that been taken care of?"
"Yes, my lord. We looked into their trade dispute and they were able to come to an agreement."
"Very good. What of the dam construction project in Wolfpine?"
"The band of mercenaries you hired for them were able to drive off further bandit attacks; construction has resumed at a steady pace. We expect it to be finished in two days, my lord."

After Gideon went through the rest of the list, he gave a slight nod of approval and handed the scroll back.
"Then it seems that everything is going well."
The servant bowed.
"Only because of your planning and insight, my lord. It is truly an honor to serve under your command."
Gideon shook his head and waved dismissively.
"Think nothing of it. We all have a role to fulfill and I am simply playing my part."
The servant bowed again and left. Gideon finished the last of his tea and soon after, the servant from before came back bringing two cups of tea this time. Gideon took one while the other was set on the table. After he took a few sips from his second cup, he let out a small sigh and spoke under his breath.

"Really now, she should at least try to be a little more punctual."
He couldn't help but remember the time where he ended up waiting so long, he drank an entire pot of tea all by himself.
"As much as I enjoy our morning tea together, I would rather not keep the king waiting for too long. Hmm...I can only hope that she shows up soon."
He took another drink of his tea as he waited for Lucille to show up.

 

As Captain of the Guard, Shunsui was a busy man. Orders from his King come to him on a regular basis. Tighten security here, More patrols there, Keep the peace, organize different guard shifts for "this" day or "that day. It was quite a lot of work to do. Nonetheless, Shunsui did hi best to make sure his King was satisfied. It was his dream to one day be part of the Royal Guard so that he could serve at his King's side directly.

Even with his duties, there was nothing in the city that He didn't know about. Within minutes after pulling his coffee off the burner a Runner had made his way to his Office. "Sir! Private Orlan reporting!"
"Yes Private Orlan?" He spoke with an annoyed tone having not even gotten a sip of is coffee.
"My apologies sir. But there seems to be a fight breaking out at the city gates."
"You mean to tell me that you feel it necessary to inform me about a fight when there are more than 20 guardsman stationed at the gate?"
"Apologies again sir, but it's Cinder..."

Damnit, just what I need this morning. The One Man Executioner making trouble this early. He thought to himself. "Get my swords boy." Was all he could say as his anger started to come to a boil. He walked over to the dummy in his office and started to done his armour. When the private returned he turned to the boy and spoke again. "Prepare paper and ink for when I return. This will have to be reported." With that, he stepped out his door and made his way to the city gate.

Sakurako, being a member of the Shadow Guard, had known of the fight about the moment that it was declared. Not wanting to miss any of the action, she had already make her way to the city gates and had perched herself up on the highest point to watch the fight. Of course she didn't think it would actually go anywhere. She was certain her brother, the Captain of the City Guard, would be on his way at any time. What the Shadow Guard knows, the City Guard knows soon after. She also knew that several other Shadow Guard members were already in place in case the fight went out of hand.

"Now I wonder what will happen first. Will Cinder win out? Will the strange water woman win? Or will my brother show up and put an end to it before it even gets interesting?

She wasn't really interested in the outcome at this point. It was rare that anything interesting happened in the city. But her true job was to find out why a water girl was here in the Fire Kingdom. Troublesome times? This is something that needs to be investigated. If what she says is true, then the Shadow Guard needs to know. She thought to herself. The Shadow Guard hasn't heard any whispers anywhere about trouble on it's way.

 

Shizukesa stood still, seemingly having no combat stance. Spectators gathered around to see how this would turn out.
"If you really want me to listen to what you have to say, then you should at least make it look more like you want to!"
Cinder readied himself, in position to make his attack.
"Go on and make your move. I am ready... fool."
"You... gyyaaAAAAAHH!"
Insulted by her last word and annoyingly calm attitude, he charged at her, ditching the idea of fighting with a cold blade and igniting it. Lashing out, he aimed to direct a blow to her chest. She sidestepped the blade, which was no surprise to Cinder. Since the rapier was good for slashing as well as piercing, he altered the attack into a slash. However, she dodged again, as if knowing his moves. In that instant, she slipped behind him, giving him a little push.
"What!?"
Whirling around, Cinder lashed out, his anger rising. With ease, Shizukesa dodged it once more, feeling the heat as it emanated from the blade.
"You were able to dodge that as well. Normally, by this time my victim would be crawling away, missing everything beneath his guts."
Cinder paused momentarily, flames rising from his blade as it grew brighter.
"But now is your last chance to leave me alone. Go, and there will be no consequence."
"I think not. I could use a good workhorse such as you, and you need someone to cool you down."
"A workhorse? WORKHORSE!? A MAN OF MY SKILL, JUST TO BE A WORKHORSE!? I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!"
In an explosion of flames, Cinder launched to Shizukesa, the target of his anger. Focusing his rage, he was able to swing his blade at her on an average of six swings a second. This time, she did not appear to be dodging. Rather, she appeared to be blocking the blade instead with something. Feeling his energy drop, he jumped back to recover, growling.
"So you did have a weapon!"
"You didn't expect me to have one? How foolish. Though I would not have needed to draw my blade to defeat you. That is how easy it is to read you."
"Me? Easy to read? Of course I am easy to read! Only an idiot would be unable to notice I was trying to kill you!"
"Then I must be an idiot, because I can't tell if you are trying to kill. While you do have fury and rage on your side, you can't focus any decisive attacks. You think you know the next move of your opponent, but in truth, it is not nearly enough to know even the first two."
Instantly, she closed the distance between them. Cinder reacted by lashing out, but she dodged the attack. In return, she pushed his masked face gently.
"If my goal was to kill you, you would have been dead. Not only now, but so much sooner. Give up and come with me, you are clearly out-skilled."
"Never! A simple push would not defeat me! If you want to win, use a blade! Mercy has no place!"
Even now, the stubborn Cinder refused to give in. He jumped back and launched a wave of fire, burning the ground within its path. But to his confusion, Shizukesa was gone. Suddenly, his vision through the crimson visor of his mask was cut off, the sensation of cold steel pressed across his eyes. An audible hiss was heard, as the seal on his mask came loose, something that could only be done if it were pried off. The mask fell to the ground, and the object that had slipped into the side of his mask was removed, his vision restored. But as soon as he could see, he felt cold metal against his throat.
"You asked for a blade, and now you got it. Give up, now. You are defeated. Kneel."
Understanding now what had happened, how the blade was the cause of his vision being blocked, and how it had slipped in between his face and mask, he obeyed. The cold steel of a blade against his throat motivated him to listen.
"Fine. I give up. I'll listen."
"Good."
She rested a hand on his shoulder, moving the blade away from
"Now rise. Let's not waste anymore time."
He stood once she removed her hand. He turned around to face her, his face exposed and revealing his red eyes to Shizukesa. Looking down, he saw it was not a short wakizashi blade, but a nodachi blade of at least one meter in length.
What the Hell? She used that large blade so easily!? And where was she hiding that thing!?

 

Lucille busted through the door, her hair and clothes a mess. "I-I'm here!" She said fixing herself up. "I uh.... Overslept..." She moved over to the table and accidentally bumped into the servant. "S-sorry, sorry, sorry!" She sat down and took a sip of the tea that was set out for her. "Eugh... I hate tea..." She said slightly under her breath, setting it back down. She looked over to Gideon and sheepishly laughed. "So uhm.... What are we doing again?"

 

Shunsui had just arrived on the scene when he saw Cinder defeated in the courtyard of the City Gates. Heh. About time that pompous ass got himself knocked down a few pegs. But duty is duty and I must do as the law tells I must. In a split second he closed the distance between where he was and the two people who were just in combat. Magnifying his voice using a clever technique he learned from stage performers he began to recite for all spectators to hear as well.

"Article 23-4 A, Brawling in Public. Both of you have committed a crime. Cinder, Though I am not of rank to punish you, your actions will be documented by all guard and Shadow Guard who have seen your disgraceful display. You know as well as I do that fights are to take place ONLY in designated areas. The documentation will be sent to the King himself and it will be up to him if he will punish you or not."

It was this time, that her brother had started reading the law, that Sakurako dropped from her perch and appeared in a whirl of fire next to him as if to emphasize the role of the Shadow Guard. Her mask was pulled up to hide her identity but the family resemblance was still plain for all to see. "I lost a bet because of you." She whispered to her brother."

Shunsui ignored the jibe from his sister and continued. "Woman of Water, I know not your name or who you are, however, you have caused a disturbance in a country of which you do not belong. Breaking laws and disrupting the peace of this magnitude does not do well upon the relations between our Kingdoms. You have much to answer for. I am placing you under arrest until you can either gain amnesty from our King, or until another envoy arrives to take you into custody. There is no point in trying to fight this. In matters of the public, I am the law and do not mistake me to be the same kind of person as Cross-shatter. Even if you were to fight me to flee, the Shadow Guard have ways of detaining even the strongest of individuals. What will it be?"

As if to emphasize his words, the members of the Shadow Guard and City Guard, that had been spectating, all came forward to show that Cinder and the woman were completely and wholly surrounded.