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Roleplay: ATLA The Petals of Destiny
Character:
Basic Information
Name: Zaisun
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Profession: Bodyguard/fighter for hire
Physical Information
Height: 5'11"
Build: Athletic, slim
Eyes: Golden brown
Hair: Chestnut brown, straight.
Overall Description:
Zaisun stands at 5'11". His frame is slender and athletic. He does not carry himself in a proud manner but quite to the contrary usually seems hunched and closed off. his face is full of sharp lines, with an angular jawline, thin tight lips, a slender nose and mono-lidded, deep set and downward-slanting eyes. His irises are a rich honey gold in bright lighting, darkening to a wooden brown in the shade. His hair is scruffy, lopsided, obviously cut himself. It falls to his chin at its longest in thin, straight bunches. His skin is fair and lightly freckled.
Personality
Likes
The smell of wood smoke
Warm Port or mulled wine
Animals
Craftsmanship
Sparring
Simple, satisfying meals
Dislikes
Wasted time or effort
Squandering resources
Cold, fridigid environments
Messiness/clutter
Laziness or petulance
Being cut off/interrupted
Quirks/habits
Touching his old topknot ornament.
A thin red band that is adorned with metal prongs, golden in colour, and shaped like flickering flames that adorn the front and back of the piece. The gold is now tarnished, the leather band is now peeling. It is not jagged, but smooth and polished, so usually he hangs it round his neck on a long woven leather chain, hiding it under his robes.
Carving wood
He finds the simple act of witling away at wood cathodic. His go to when people are nearby but he is feeling fidgety.
Wood burning art
Something he has recently picked up from a memory from his past. He uses a small precice flame to burn patterns into wood. It's very personal and he only does this when he thinks no one is watching.
Breathing control
When he catches himself geting frustrated he will often force him self to take deep, drawn out breaths.
History
Zaisun was given every opportunity to thrive. Zaisun grew up with every privilege, every opportunity, every resource that he needed to thrive as a young firebender. His every move was scrutinised by his father, a man who was desperate to give his son the mental fortitude he needed to survive in this society. His father was a very harsh master. He was swift with punishment, brutal with his methods and ruthless when it came to upholding his high standards. Zaisun often felt his father was a mystery to him, for he simply did not show his son any other side to him. Zuro was merely a brutal teacher, not so much a father figure.
Zaisun saw his father as a father figure only in glimpses, usually when his mother was around. She brought out a side to him that was somewhat gentler, softer. However, moments of praise and peace were few and far between in their father-son relationship.
Shuzo strategically inserted himself as a second father figure to Zaisun. When his father dished out the pain, Shuzo would be there to lend a supportive ear to his troubles and validating his emotions. Quickly establishing himself as the understanding mentor. While his affections for the boy may have been genuine, they were not without motive. He quickly established his influence over the impressionable boy.
His most genuine relationship was to his best friend Kai. Kai was the eldest son to Shuzo, and quickly gained notoriety amongst the youngsters for his early mastery of his element. Where Zaisun was slow to learn and decidedly average in his abilities. He was often challenged, mocked and belittled by other children his age due to his slow take to the art of fire manipulation. Kai, however, was a breath of fresh air. Instead of belittling him for his lack of natural talent, he celebrated Zaisun for his fortitude and recognised the effort he went to keep up and stay ahead of the curve. Kai was a selfless and protective figure in his life, and the two of them shared a bond closer than any he's ever experienced to date.
Character:
Basic Information
Name: Zaisun
Age: 24
Gender: Male
Profession: Bodyguard/fighter for hire
Physical Information
Height: 5'11"
Build: Athletic, slim
Eyes: Golden brown
Hair: Chestnut brown, straight.
Overall Description:
Zaisun stands at 5'11". His frame is slender and athletic. He does not carry himself in a proud manner but quite to the contrary usually seems hunched and closed off. his face is full of sharp lines, with an angular jawline, thin tight lips, a slender nose and mono-lidded, deep set and downward-slanting eyes. His irises are a rich honey gold in bright lighting, darkening to a wooden brown in the shade. His hair is scruffy, lopsided, obviously cut himself. It falls to his chin at its longest in thin, straight bunches. His skin is fair and lightly freckled.
Personality
The way Zaisun presents himself is carefully curated dependent on the interaction he is having, weather casual or professional. He is careful with his words, choosing only to speak when necessary to maintain polite conversation or when he has something meaningful to say. He gives off the impression that he is quite serious and aloof. He is not really one for jokes and might rub those with a more jovial and lighthearted nature the wrong way. His humor comes out in subtle ways, especially if he is feeling comfortable with the interaction. He uses dry or sarcastic humor, usually accompanied by a light smile or smirk. If he is feeling particularly relaxed around a person, he might even use self-deprecating humor in order to open himself up a little more without being too vulnerable. This tends to come out a lot more when he is intoxicated.
To strangers he always maintains a respectful air of politeness, however, is quick to set boundaries or end a conversation that he feels is crossing a line he is not comfortable with. Usually he achieves this by changing the subject or by directly saying that he is done talking about this. If someone continues to push, he is likely to physically walk away or alter his tone to suggest he is serious. He does not necessarily come off as cold or mean-spirited, but his tone and body language often portray a level of wariness, and he tends to keep strangers at arms length.
Zaisun is also direct and pragmatic, preferring to focus on what needs to be done in the moment. Especially when he is working, he values tangible plans over abstract ideas or feelings. He likes to appear capable, calm and prepared towards others. He likes working with his hands and fixing things. There is a certain peace that only creative outlets or simply manual labor can bring him.
To strangers he always maintains a respectful air of politeness, however, is quick to set boundaries or end a conversation that he feels is crossing a line he is not comfortable with. Usually he achieves this by changing the subject or by directly saying that he is done talking about this. If someone continues to push, he is likely to physically walk away or alter his tone to suggest he is serious. He does not necessarily come off as cold or mean-spirited, but his tone and body language often portray a level of wariness, and he tends to keep strangers at arms length.
Zaisun is also direct and pragmatic, preferring to focus on what needs to be done in the moment. Especially when he is working, he values tangible plans over abstract ideas or feelings. He likes to appear capable, calm and prepared towards others. He likes working with his hands and fixing things. There is a certain peace that only creative outlets or simply manual labor can bring him.
When you spend a lot of time in proximity to Zaisun, you may notice some things underneath that social mask he likes to maintain. He remains guarded however he is also observant, carefully watching others and quickly picking up on their strengths and weaknesses. He has an eye for detail, often quite attuned to the non-verbal communication of others. When he feels favorably towards someone, his observation sometimes translates into subtle acts of support. While Zaisun struggles to be emotionally available and offer direct support, he might help in a practical way such as taking the first watch, sharing supplies without making a big deal out of it or fixing something someone else broke, for example.
He also may start to lighten up when he is feeling comfortable, quipping back or joining in on casual banter more readily. His posture may slowly start to relax, and eye contact will feel more natural.
Zaisun hates anything he perceives as being unjust or needlessly cruel. He is always fair to others, and never disrespects anyone without justification. He is often drawn to step in if he see's that someone is being accosted by someone he believes has greater power than them. He doesn't believe in things like stealing from others or damaging the property of others. Having had several experiences with bandits or thrives, he holds a bias against them. It is something he prides himself on that, even when he was starving, he never took what he hadn't earned. This is one of his opinions that he will call out upon seeing it.
Zaisun appreciates honest and direct communication, often urging people to get to the point or getting visibly impatient when someone is beating around the bush, or clearly leaving out information. Zaisun does not sugarcoat his opinions to protect the feelings of others, yet his criticism is almost always meaningful and not unnecessarily cruel.
Zaisun can also be somewhat controlling or overbearing in settings that feel chaotic. He feels comfortable in a structured environment with a clear practical goal. He likes to be prepared. This can translate to him attempting to control others and being quite bossy at times.
Unfortunately, Zaisun also has a temper that can flare up, quite literally, in an instant. Flare ups these days are more rare, but can be triggered by people, intentionally or not, prodding at his insecurities. Being called worthless, mocked or ridiculed or being accused of being a liability or danger to others are two specific pressure points. He is also likely to get defensive or annoyed if you ignore his boundaries and continue to pry into something he doesn't want to delve into. When he feels cornered or vulnerable he is easy to provoke. He isn't good at keeping his composure when he feels he is on the back foot. His low tolerance for frustration is something that has always gotten him into trouble.
Even for small annoyances you will always see it on Zaisun's face when you have pissed him off or offended him in some way. He is a rather expressive person especially when it comes to frustration or anger, and even today can be somewhat impulsive about acting on it. You will very often see and hear clear warnings when you are about to have a problem with him.
That being said, Zai is almost never looking for a fight. He is not provocative, although sometimes a bit too blunt. He will usually try to defuse a situation with his words before attacking. He has no desire to be the loudest voice in any room and prefers to remain largely unnoticed.
He also may start to lighten up when he is feeling comfortable, quipping back or joining in on casual banter more readily. His posture may slowly start to relax, and eye contact will feel more natural.
Zaisun hates anything he perceives as being unjust or needlessly cruel. He is always fair to others, and never disrespects anyone without justification. He is often drawn to step in if he see's that someone is being accosted by someone he believes has greater power than them. He doesn't believe in things like stealing from others or damaging the property of others. Having had several experiences with bandits or thrives, he holds a bias against them. It is something he prides himself on that, even when he was starving, he never took what he hadn't earned. This is one of his opinions that he will call out upon seeing it.
Zaisun appreciates honest and direct communication, often urging people to get to the point or getting visibly impatient when someone is beating around the bush, or clearly leaving out information. Zaisun does not sugarcoat his opinions to protect the feelings of others, yet his criticism is almost always meaningful and not unnecessarily cruel.
Zaisun can also be somewhat controlling or overbearing in settings that feel chaotic. He feels comfortable in a structured environment with a clear practical goal. He likes to be prepared. This can translate to him attempting to control others and being quite bossy at times.
Unfortunately, Zaisun also has a temper that can flare up, quite literally, in an instant. Flare ups these days are more rare, but can be triggered by people, intentionally or not, prodding at his insecurities. Being called worthless, mocked or ridiculed or being accused of being a liability or danger to others are two specific pressure points. He is also likely to get defensive or annoyed if you ignore his boundaries and continue to pry into something he doesn't want to delve into. When he feels cornered or vulnerable he is easy to provoke. He isn't good at keeping his composure when he feels he is on the back foot. His low tolerance for frustration is something that has always gotten him into trouble.
Even for small annoyances you will always see it on Zaisun's face when you have pissed him off or offended him in some way. He is a rather expressive person especially when it comes to frustration or anger, and even today can be somewhat impulsive about acting on it. You will very often see and hear clear warnings when you are about to have a problem with him.
That being said, Zai is almost never looking for a fight. He is not provocative, although sometimes a bit too blunt. He will usually try to defuse a situation with his words before attacking. He has no desire to be the loudest voice in any room and prefers to remain largely unnoticed.
At his core, Zaisun is someone who feels an innate drive to protect others. Although he struggles to articulate it in words, even to himself, this comes from his guilt, grief and losses. He has a very strong moral compass and values strength and loyalty. He has a deep desire to be someone people can rely on, someone dependable and solid.
He is also a survivor. His core identity and self worth is based on his ability to keep going in the face of overwhelming odds and to get back up after each setback. This feeds into his difficulty to let others in, and his need for structure and control. He is aware of the devastating impact recklessness and acting on impulse or instinct alone can have and does not abide it in others yet he is aware of this in himself. He is guided by his many fierce convictions and beliefs. He despises betrayal, dishonesty, needless bloodshed and unfairness. He is steadfast in these convictions, but overall he still feels ruled by his own flames. He seeks greater understanding and learning, still stuck in the same mindset he had when he was training under his father. He will never be good enough, he must always keep going. Frustration and impatience with himself is still holding him back on the whole. He still hears the voices of those he knew whenever he fails, even at something seemingly insignificant.
Zaisun both craves and fears belonging to community. He longs for it yet his independence and self hatred is barring him form forming deep connections. He longs for the kind of comradely he found in his family and especially in Kai, but does not know how to ask for it. He does not know if he deserves it. He is a paradox. On one hand he craves a simple life, a home, some small piece of land up to be his own. To leave Hazi forever, settle down, have a family, make lifelong friends. But on the other hand, he feels he will never be at home until he has defeated those who still hold power over him, the ghosts from his past call to him.
He is also a survivor. His core identity and self worth is based on his ability to keep going in the face of overwhelming odds and to get back up after each setback. This feeds into his difficulty to let others in, and his need for structure and control. He is aware of the devastating impact recklessness and acting on impulse or instinct alone can have and does not abide it in others yet he is aware of this in himself. He is guided by his many fierce convictions and beliefs. He despises betrayal, dishonesty, needless bloodshed and unfairness. He is steadfast in these convictions, but overall he still feels ruled by his own flames. He seeks greater understanding and learning, still stuck in the same mindset he had when he was training under his father. He will never be good enough, he must always keep going. Frustration and impatience with himself is still holding him back on the whole. He still hears the voices of those he knew whenever he fails, even at something seemingly insignificant.
Zaisun both craves and fears belonging to community. He longs for it yet his independence and self hatred is barring him form forming deep connections. He longs for the kind of comradely he found in his family and especially in Kai, but does not know how to ask for it. He does not know if he deserves it. He is a paradox. On one hand he craves a simple life, a home, some small piece of land up to be his own. To leave Hazi forever, settle down, have a family, make lifelong friends. But on the other hand, he feels he will never be at home until he has defeated those who still hold power over him, the ghosts from his past call to him.
Likes
The smell of wood smoke
Warm Port or mulled wine
Animals
Craftsmanship
Sparring
Simple, satisfying meals
Dislikes
Wasted time or effort
Squandering resources
Cold, fridigid environments
Messiness/clutter
Laziness or petulance
Being cut off/interrupted
Quirks/habits
Touching his old topknot ornament.
A thin red band that is adorned with metal prongs, golden in colour, and shaped like flickering flames that adorn the front and back of the piece. The gold is now tarnished, the leather band is now peeling. It is not jagged, but smooth and polished, so usually he hangs it round his neck on a long woven leather chain, hiding it under his robes.
Carving wood
He finds the simple act of witling away at wood cathodic. His go to when people are nearby but he is feeling fidgety.
Wood burning art
Something he has recently picked up from a memory from his past. He uses a small precice flame to burn patterns into wood. It's very personal and he only does this when he thinks no one is watching.
Breathing control
When he catches himself geting frustrated he will often force him self to take deep, drawn out breaths.
History
Hazi Island is a Jagged and harsh landmass nestled amongst the Fire Nations vast archipelago. It is there where we set the scene for Zaisun's terrible tale. The settlement itself is divided into two distinct areas both shaped by centuries of history and rivalry. On one side of the grand volcano lies the noble district, where the two most influential bloodlines have established their dominance over the years.
The house that Zaisun's father, Zuro, and his mother Ai head are the current governing house. Governor Zuro is a name synonymous with power and Honor. Zuro has guided the people of Hazi for a century. His rule has been steady, earned through his prowess as a firebending master and his ruthless political chokehold. He is a calm, and calculated leader, respected by many for his strength and boldness, but sometimes feared for the way he maintains order. His wife, Ai, standing at his side is equally powerful and is known for her intelligence and strategic mind.
The house of General Shuzo stands as a close second in power and influence on Hazi Island. Led by the charismatic and well-liked man of the people, Shuzo, and his sons and daughters. He is the founder of Hazi firebending Academy, a large military school for training young fire bending warriors.
The house that Zaisun's father, Zuro, and his mother Ai head are the current governing house. Governor Zuro is a name synonymous with power and Honor. Zuro has guided the people of Hazi for a century. His rule has been steady, earned through his prowess as a firebending master and his ruthless political chokehold. He is a calm, and calculated leader, respected by many for his strength and boldness, but sometimes feared for the way he maintains order. His wife, Ai, standing at his side is equally powerful and is known for her intelligence and strategic mind.
The house of General Shuzo stands as a close second in power and influence on Hazi Island. Led by the charismatic and well-liked man of the people, Shuzo, and his sons and daughters. He is the founder of Hazi firebending Academy, a large military school for training young fire bending warriors.
Shuzo was once a favoured son of a pervious leader, however his love and respect as a best friend and honorary brother of Governor Zuro has led him to fall to the wayside. Growing up, the two powerful figures trained together in both firebending and politics, and often relied on one another for support in their youth. Zuro's ambition and determination made him the natural leader of the pair. Shuzo's fierce loyalty and charismatic nature made him a dependable ally.
Shuzo willingly stepped aside when Zuro emerged as the rightful leader. At the time, Shuzo believed it was the logical choice as he lacked Zuro's measured approach and preferred to focus on perfecting his military and firebending mastery. Underneath Shuzo's loyalty simmered a spark of envy. Just a whisper at this stage. However small slights over time began to cause Shuzu's jealousy to quietly fester and grow below the surface.
Shuzo willingly stepped aside when Zuro emerged as the rightful leader. At the time, Shuzo believed it was the logical choice as he lacked Zuro's measured approach and preferred to focus on perfecting his military and firebending mastery. Underneath Shuzo's loyalty simmered a spark of envy. Just a whisper at this stage. However small slights over time began to cause Shuzu's jealousy to quietly fester and grow below the surface.
Zaisun was born much to the relief of his father, Zuro, and mother, Ai who had struggled to conceive for what seemed like the longest time. It was just in the nick of time, as people were starting to wonder if he would have an heir at all. While Shuzu had already sired several children, Zuro had struggled to produce even one heir to his family unit.
When Zaisun was born, Zuro and Ai knew they had to make sure this boy would live up to their expectations. The couple were the perfect balance of dominance and wisdom. There was a level of tension for a long while until, finally, Zai found his flames. It didn't take them long to find out this kid was no natural. As a child, Zaisun was clumsy, hot-headed and impatient. Ai desperately tried to teach him control, humility and patience but he was very unreceptive to her lessons.
This caused Zuro to feel the need to be harsh with him. Zai needed a firm hand, or he was lost.
When Zaisun was born, Zuro and Ai knew they had to make sure this boy would live up to their expectations. The couple were the perfect balance of dominance and wisdom. There was a level of tension for a long while until, finally, Zai found his flames. It didn't take them long to find out this kid was no natural. As a child, Zaisun was clumsy, hot-headed and impatient. Ai desperately tried to teach him control, humility and patience but he was very unreceptive to her lessons.
This caused Zuro to feel the need to be harsh with him. Zai needed a firm hand, or he was lost.
Zaisun was given every opportunity to thrive. Zaisun grew up with every privilege, every opportunity, every resource that he needed to thrive as a young firebender. His every move was scrutinised by his father, a man who was desperate to give his son the mental fortitude he needed to survive in this society. His father was a very harsh master. He was swift with punishment, brutal with his methods and ruthless when it came to upholding his high standards. Zaisun often felt his father was a mystery to him, for he simply did not show his son any other side to him. Zuro was merely a brutal teacher, not so much a father figure.
Zaisun saw his father as a father figure only in glimpses, usually when his mother was around. She brought out a side to him that was somewhat gentler, softer. However, moments of praise and peace were few and far between in their father-son relationship.
Shuzo strategically inserted himself as a second father figure to Zaisun. When his father dished out the pain, Shuzo would be there to lend a supportive ear to his troubles and validating his emotions. Quickly establishing himself as the understanding mentor. While his affections for the boy may have been genuine, they were not without motive. He quickly established his influence over the impressionable boy.
His most genuine relationship was to his best friend Kai. Kai was the eldest son to Shuzo, and quickly gained notoriety amongst the youngsters for his early mastery of his element. Where Zaisun was slow to learn and decidedly average in his abilities. He was often challenged, mocked and belittled by other children his age due to his slow take to the art of fire manipulation. Kai, however, was a breath of fresh air. Instead of belittling him for his lack of natural talent, he celebrated Zaisun for his fortitude and recognised the effort he went to keep up and stay ahead of the curve. Kai was a selfless and protective figure in his life, and the two of them shared a bond closer than any he's ever experienced to date.
When he was a teenager of 16, his mother, now well into her late thirties, his father 15 years her senior, became with child once again. The pregnancy, however, was ectopic, and his mother passed away along with the baby-to-be in a horrifically gruesome scene. That is where the chink in the family armour formed. Zuro was shattered by her death. Zaisun noticed whisperings in the years to follow about his father, himself and even his extended family. They were not the same tight-knit unit as before. Misfortune had torn a gaping wound. Zaisun's father was not the same. He became hard, cold, impulsive and emotional with his decisions. His acts of prolonging tribal peace gave way to rising tensions with neighbouring clans
Shuzu also noticed the change in his friend. Zuro's transformation from measured and strategic to brutal and reckless fuelled the simmering resentment he had buried for all those years. Governor Zuro had given Shuzo the justification he needed to seize opportunity and act. Public opinion began to sway to his side very rapidly as Shuzu began to see merit in his own ambitions. He now saw himself as the better option for his people. Not just better, but the only option.
Zaisun was suddenly caught between their rising tension, however he was so in Shuzu's pocket that he did not see, or want to see, what was right before his eyes, plain as the day.
Kai began to change as well. He seemed to loose his spark for life. He became more introspective and withdrawn. Kai knew what was coming. Shuzo was feeding poison into his ears about the governor, and even about Zai, meanwhile he continued to be a strong guiding force in Zai's life.
Those last few months, when Shuzo's plan was imminent for execution, Kai had begun to see the need for Zuro to fall, however he could not extinguish his love for his best friend. This would ultimately lead to his demise.
Shuzu also noticed the change in his friend. Zuro's transformation from measured and strategic to brutal and reckless fuelled the simmering resentment he had buried for all those years. Governor Zuro had given Shuzo the justification he needed to seize opportunity and act. Public opinion began to sway to his side very rapidly as Shuzu began to see merit in his own ambitions. He now saw himself as the better option for his people. Not just better, but the only option.
Zaisun was suddenly caught between their rising tension, however he was so in Shuzu's pocket that he did not see, or want to see, what was right before his eyes, plain as the day.
Kai began to change as well. He seemed to loose his spark for life. He became more introspective and withdrawn. Kai knew what was coming. Shuzo was feeding poison into his ears about the governor, and even about Zai, meanwhile he continued to be a strong guiding force in Zai's life.
Those last few months, when Shuzo's plan was imminent for execution, Kai had begun to see the need for Zuro to fall, however he could not extinguish his love for his best friend. This would ultimately lead to his demise.
The conflict culminated in the inevitable challenge, and subsequent fall of Zuro's rule over Hazi. Their family was challenged, climaxing in a series of brutal death matches between all capable fighters of either side. Finally, after Zuro's side had taken heavy losses, it was time for the clash of the two head's as well as their heir's.
Zaisun, Zuro, Shuzu and Kai all found themselves on the battlefield together, along with Shuzu's three other heirs in reserve should Kai fall. Not only was Zuro not in his prime, but he was grief stricken. Zaisun was terrified and inexperienced in actual life or death battle. Kai was formidable, vastly out skilling his friend and Shuzu was fighting fit, having prepared for this moment for many years.
Kai, however, deeply opposed fighting his best friend. He was holding back; he was not synergised with his father, and he was making small mistakes. Zaisun and his father, having trained together all his life, knew each other's fighting style inside and out, and they fought in perfect harmony with one another. Despite their clear disadvantage, it looked like the fight was going their way. Zaisun and Kai shared a moment, however brief, of understanding that this bond was now irreversibly broken.
Kai began to tentatively fight on the offence, but his hesitation was unmistakable. And then, when Zaisun had the momentum and adrenaline on his side, Kai stumbled in his defence, making a critical mistake. Zaisun acted on pure instinct and impulse before he could process what he had done. His reckless, emotional and imprecise strike was devastatingly powerful, even bucking up and singeing his own skin. The last thing Zaisun saw was the look of betrayal and shock on Kai's face as he fell to his hand. The moment left a permanent scar on his soul.
After that, Zuro immediately noticed the lapse in the nerve of his son, and jumped in just in time to save his life as Shuzu retaliated with a decisive strike of his own. Zuro knew he was finished, but in a last act of desperation and love for his son he unexpectedly used the last of his power to press the attack buying Zaisun precious time. Zuro ordered his son to flee, and save his own life. And Zaisun did as he was told.
Zaisun, Zuro, Shuzu and Kai all found themselves on the battlefield together, along with Shuzu's three other heirs in reserve should Kai fall. Not only was Zuro not in his prime, but he was grief stricken. Zaisun was terrified and inexperienced in actual life or death battle. Kai was formidable, vastly out skilling his friend and Shuzu was fighting fit, having prepared for this moment for many years.
Kai, however, deeply opposed fighting his best friend. He was holding back; he was not synergised with his father, and he was making small mistakes. Zaisun and his father, having trained together all his life, knew each other's fighting style inside and out, and they fought in perfect harmony with one another. Despite their clear disadvantage, it looked like the fight was going their way. Zaisun and Kai shared a moment, however brief, of understanding that this bond was now irreversibly broken.
Kai began to tentatively fight on the offence, but his hesitation was unmistakable. And then, when Zaisun had the momentum and adrenaline on his side, Kai stumbled in his defence, making a critical mistake. Zaisun acted on pure instinct and impulse before he could process what he had done. His reckless, emotional and imprecise strike was devastatingly powerful, even bucking up and singeing his own skin. The last thing Zaisun saw was the look of betrayal and shock on Kai's face as he fell to his hand. The moment left a permanent scar on his soul.
After that, Zuro immediately noticed the lapse in the nerve of his son, and jumped in just in time to save his life as Shuzu retaliated with a decisive strike of his own. Zuro knew he was finished, but in a last act of desperation and love for his son he unexpectedly used the last of his power to press the attack buying Zaisun precious time. Zuro ordered his son to flee, and save his own life. And Zaisun did as he was told.
Zaisun was able to flee, but not before he heard Shuzu bellow across the crowd that if he were to return, he would be swiftly put down. In hindsight, he realised Shuzu had allowed him to leave. He was able to grab some clothes and trinkets from his family home, take a boat and flee to the nearest portside village. In great shame, he severed his top knot, and with it, the last thing tying him to his family and birthplace. He lived like something ferel. Aggressive, cautious and driven only by his will to survive.
He was not doing well. Days without eating, without housing and without dignity were commonplace for him in those years. Coming from a place of privilege, he was not used to having to think about every meal, every coin in his pocket, where he was going to sleep. He wasn't used to having to be vigilant and careful with his few possessions. Many of the lessons he learnt in that time were learnt by his own suffering.
Zaisun was angry and aggressive, and never seemed to keep a job for very long. He worked himself to the bone, only to be kicked to the kerb for squaring off with a coworker who had provoked him. Every time he fell down, it was harder to get back up, but whenever he was still, he was consumed with grief. So, he learned, and adapted. Most importantly he did not stop moving.
On a particularly low moment in his life, he was given a chance by a hardened, barrel-chested man named Grigg, who owned an Inn. Grigg provided him with a sense of safety and stability as well as housing and an income. Though their relationship remained mostly unspoken—Zaisun slowly began to learn restraint and find his way again. For a few years he kept his head down, worked hard and took some valuable steps towards controlling his volatility and his temper.
Grigg was the perfect balance of tough but fair. He taught Zaisun to pick his battles and was instrumental in his calm and measured persona he can put on like a mask in current times. He also reinvigorated Zaisun's ability to trust the humanity of others, through his small, unspoken gestures of kindness and service.
He was not doing well. Days without eating, without housing and without dignity were commonplace for him in those years. Coming from a place of privilege, he was not used to having to think about every meal, every coin in his pocket, where he was going to sleep. He wasn't used to having to be vigilant and careful with his few possessions. Many of the lessons he learnt in that time were learnt by his own suffering.
Zaisun was angry and aggressive, and never seemed to keep a job for very long. He worked himself to the bone, only to be kicked to the kerb for squaring off with a coworker who had provoked him. Every time he fell down, it was harder to get back up, but whenever he was still, he was consumed with grief. So, he learned, and adapted. Most importantly he did not stop moving.
On a particularly low moment in his life, he was given a chance by a hardened, barrel-chested man named Grigg, who owned an Inn. Grigg provided him with a sense of safety and stability as well as housing and an income. Though their relationship remained mostly unspoken—Zaisun slowly began to learn restraint and find his way again. For a few years he kept his head down, worked hard and took some valuable steps towards controlling his volatility and his temper.
Grigg was the perfect balance of tough but fair. He taught Zaisun to pick his battles and was instrumental in his calm and measured persona he can put on like a mask in current times. He also reinvigorated Zaisun's ability to trust the humanity of others, through his small, unspoken gestures of kindness and service.
Eventually, Zaisun moved on, presented with opportunities to use his fire once more and perform a duty of sorts. He started to build himself a reputation as a fighter or bodyguard for hire. Beginning with bouncer and tough guy gigs at larger inn's and pubs, he eventually began to get hired for more important jobs escorting wealthy merchants and dignitaries across the wilds to their next destination.
He regained some of his pride, however scarred by his past he still was. He regained a little self-respect, and the ability to be amicable and respectful towards strangers. He gained some sense of importance and purpose from his work. Although still a shell of his former self, for the first time he was running instead of crawling.
He regained some of his pride, however scarred by his past he still was. He regained a little self-respect, and the ability to be amicable and respectful towards strangers. He gained some sense of importance and purpose from his work. Although still a shell of his former self, for the first time he was running instead of crawling.
Now 24 years old, Zaisun had made a name for himself, and the steaks of his job got higher. He also never forgot Shuzu and felt he was getting closer to the level he needed to be at to challenge him and enact revenge. Alas, he began to find the outer limits of his ability once more, facing tougher battles with mercenaries, spies, other benders and criminals who meant to harm his clientele. It became very evident that he still housed a lot of insecurity and anger within himself. Recently he has made some serious blunders that have greatly impacted his reputation and confidence in his abilities.
The lack of mastery over his rage directly translated to a lack of mastery over his destructive force on the battlefield. 24 now, Zaisun took on a job that should have been simple. A caravan full of jewel traders and their family. They were only traveling one week on the open road. In a confrontation with bandits, Zaisun found himself on the back foot. Triggers from his past surfaced as they mocked and taunted him. He wiped the floor with them, but in the process he gravely injured and innocent young girl he had taken to along the journey, almost killing her in the process.
In a confrontation with the girl's brother some cutting words sent him sprawling backwards towards where he was before. His confidence has taken a knock.
He has recently become desperate to improve. He is actively seeking other masters to help him control and sharpen his element to a precise point. Most recently, he is following a vague lead he had on an old, disgraced firebending master living as a hermit somewhere in the untamed, harsh mountains of the earthen kingdom. Desperate and, faltering, he sets out less prepared than he ordinarily would be and may need to rely on the help of an unlikely bunch of strangers to survive the ordeal he is to put himself through to realise his overall ambition. Perhaps he could be some help to them too.
The lack of mastery over his rage directly translated to a lack of mastery over his destructive force on the battlefield. 24 now, Zaisun took on a job that should have been simple. A caravan full of jewel traders and their family. They were only traveling one week on the open road. In a confrontation with bandits, Zaisun found himself on the back foot. Triggers from his past surfaced as they mocked and taunted him. He wiped the floor with them, but in the process he gravely injured and innocent young girl he had taken to along the journey, almost killing her in the process.
In a confrontation with the girl's brother some cutting words sent him sprawling backwards towards where he was before. His confidence has taken a knock.
He has recently become desperate to improve. He is actively seeking other masters to help him control and sharpen his element to a precise point. Most recently, he is following a vague lead he had on an old, disgraced firebending master living as a hermit somewhere in the untamed, harsh mountains of the earthen kingdom. Desperate and, faltering, he sets out less prepared than he ordinarily would be and may need to rely on the help of an unlikely bunch of strangers to survive the ordeal he is to put himself through to realise his overall ambition. Perhaps he could be some help to them too.