Shiba Aikune

Life was never easy from there. Aikune's Mother left him to become a Fortune. Loneliness was his only friend, not to mention that since his youth Aikune had never been able to commune with his ancestors, even though he often prayed to them... Futher more Taeruko, the Master of Earth, who was Yoruko's Mother, made it even more difficult on poor Aikune, making sure that his career within the Phoenix would go nowhere.

One day at Shiro Shiba, a letter came. It was time for the Test of the Emerald Champion! For the first time, Aikune took advantage of his Mother's position and demanded the right to represent the Phoenix. During the semi-finals, Aikune was injured by an honourless Scorpion named Bayushi Kwanchai. In an attempt to heal him, an Isawa Shugenja used magic on him, but this was to be a bad decision. The tournament's rules were clear; only Scorpion Shugenja could use magic for the duration of the competition. Aikune was disqualified.

Life was miserable. To the west a war was brooding. The Dragon mountains were erupting and the jealous Dragon thought to take this opportunity to take some of the Phoenix lands. Tsukune being gone, the Shiba were in great need of leadership. With his Mother' departure, the soul of Shiba, the source of the knowledge of all past champions and the way the Phoenix had always chosen a champion, was gone. Knowing that his claim for the right to rule the Phoenix wouldn't get any support, Aikune prayed to his ancestors for guidance. He recieved none... Frustrated by his curse, Aikune researched his family's lineage in an attempt to learn more as to what might be the problem. He then discovered that his Father was not but a simple guardian. His father was in fact the guardian of a great shrine containing Isawa's Last Wish, a very powerful artifact. Fed up with being ingnored, Aikune decided that it was time for a change, it was time for him to show the Elemental Council, and the world, true power. His friend and Yojimbo, Mirabu tried to talk him out of the idea but Aikune had made his decision. What's more, Aikune had learned that the Elemental council had disappeared. The Phoenix needed a leader and Aikune would be it! Seizing the Last Wish, Aikune rallied the Phoenix, though he was often tempted to use to power of the Wish in a brash way. Thankfully, Mirabu was always at his side, advising him and restraining him

Only once did Aikune ever allow the power of the Last Wish to overwelmed him. That day he struck and killed a Lion advisor when he felt the Lion, allies of the Phoenix, were not lending sufficient help to the Phoenix. After this terrible accident, Aikune was changed forever. The mess left by the Last Wish's might was horrifying. Aikune retired from the war to learn more about the Wish and himself. Unknown to him and the Phoenix was that his old enemy, Tamori, now Dark Oracle of Fire, was behind all this war and was impersonating Aikune, giving him a madman's reputation. The Phoenix knew better then to believe Tamori's lies and deceit; Aikune was a hero and many recognized it. Even the Emperess, Toturi II, sought to unite the Phoenix once and for all by appointing Aikune as champion. Aikune was still fragile from his past experience with the Last Wish and declined.

Before the war ended, Aikune heard news that Fu-leng was waging war upon Tengoku, the realm of the Fortunes and Kami. Aikune asked the Last Wish to help him fight Fu-leng, to protect the Empire and to protect his Mother. But the Wish was mortified, it`s father Isawa had been killed by Fu-leng and the Last Wish was not ready to meet him. Aikune tried to force the Last Wish to obey him but the result was only more destruction! Aikune knew what he had to do; he was a danger to his clan and a danger to himself. Saying goodbye to his good friend, Mirabu, Aikune departed on a journey to gain more wisdom.

When the Hidden City became under attack by the first bloodspeaker, Iuchiban, Aikune could no longer sit idle. With his new found control and respect of the wish and it`s power Aikune went to the legendary city`s rescue. There Iuchiban tried to confuse the wish into doing his biding but Iuchiban underestimated Aikune and was defeated while Aikune "destroyed" the Hidden city, secretly relocating it to a location still unknown. Again our hero as come and gone, and again we loyal followers await his glorious return.

Agasha Kijutsu
Phoenix clan Earth Shugenja * Aikune`s follower

This great piece of art is property of AEG and was done by April Lee.