Cerulean Lion and Sixth Espada, Lán Shī

NAME: Ao, Lán Shī
ALIAS: The Cerulean Lion
AGE: 613 years, though by the standards of aesthetics, he looks no more than 25.
ALLIANCE: As an Espada his allegiance lies with El Renacimiento.
DIFFICULTY: Hard

APPEARANCE: Lán is, without his armor on, one of the least imposing male Espada in Hueco Mundo. While his body has a rather impressive muscular structure, both revealing that he is both physically fit and attractive, it's still that of a young man. The fact his movements and body posture never reveal his intentions to be aggressive isn't a huge help either. Ao stands at a rather normal height of 5 feet and 11 inches, normal weight coming to something along the lines of 160 pounds and an eye color reminiscent of golden honey. Ao's hair is cropped lazily to the side most times, covering the eye patch over his right eye - a wound he received prior to being killed - and is the color of the night sky with shades of blue intermixed. Ao's usual attire consists of a rather basic white Haori fitted to his frame and made from the textures of the standard uniform given to him by the God King. Draped over that, in the fashion of a cape or robe, and only used ceremoniously or when expecting guests, is a crimson like royal - almost military like - cloak edged with gold and hanging effortlessly usually at his shoulders.

When Lán Shī dons the uniform, however, he displays a sort of level headed pride in his combative ability. No longer do you consider him weak nor feeble, but rather someone who seems to have years of experience under his belt. His armor, and main article of clothing, is a cerulean colored, short sleeved long coat, edges lined in pearl white and extends no longer than past his knees. Under it, and composing most of the core points of his body such as his arms and legs, lies an obsidian armor formed from the Reishi solidified bones of his fallen Hallow victims. At his waist now lies six sheathes, each one encompassing a blade of their own, all apart of his Zanpakutō. Each blades sheathe is ornamented with blue sapphires and tell stories of a lion overcoming triumph in its markings.

PERSONALITY: Like his fellow Espada, even Ao represents death in the form of an aspect. The aspect in question being conviction. Like you would expect, Ao is highly devoted, idea driven, and led by a personal code of conducts, or ethics. In these ethics he entails all who he is, and or must follow. Outside of combat he is respectful, courteous and one that listens more then he speaks. He welcomes all those who seek refuge, advice, or perhaps a friendly chat into his country, and treats those will ill intention as an honored guest. Bound by his ethics and morals he has honor; a practice seldom found among the other Espada and arrancar. It is through these ideas that Ao is probably the most respected among the death aspects - if it be even possible to respect merciless killers. When it comes to his fellow Espada, or even his God King, he responds with formalities. He rarely ventures into ones territory unannounced, deeming it not only disrespectful but also unnecessary, more willing to call for them to him under the premise of a comfortable setting. Ao holds in high regards females, raised to not only fight on their behalf, but also also protect them with his life if needed. On that thought he subconsciously flirts with them as well, having very little, to no shame to think of.

Do not mistake Ao for being one that is easily stepped on or manipulated. His feline eyes do not miss a beat, always judging, calculating, and reading. No moves are made upon him without an idea of when, why, or how they will be made. In retrospect his kindness is a gift - or perhaps a part of him he doesn't wish to let go - and shares it with those who are most deserving. His anger is a fearful as the sun it bright, however, and can come down upon someone like the Archangels of old. Like the Lion within' him, sometimes pride bests him, a inner desire to show off his 'mane' and shake the foundations upon which those who oppose him stand on. When Ao loses his temper it's often self destructive and violent, lashing out at anything around him, letting the inner instinct and hatred of the hollow control him. When times like this occur and he regains his senses he's typically solemn and dwells within' himself, seeking refuge within' his home and speaks to no one. Through these actions he keeps no good friends, only displays wants for those of equal or greater skill to challenge him. Like a predatory feline he seeks displays of skill and challenge, one of his soul desires is to seek competitions and fight, much like he did before his untimely death. Respect Lán Shī and you will find yourself someone to pour your love of battling into. Anything else, and you shall meet an end under the lions paw.

HISTORY: Lán Shī was born sometime during the great upheaval, war, and turmoil that struck the lands of China in the 15th century, commonly referred to as the Sengoku period. Himself, like his 7 brothers, were all trained and bred from the beginning as warriors. Though not of royal blood, they fought, bled, and shed tears for their liege on the field of battle, many times coming home missing a sibling or two. Originally, they were came to be known as the "Qī gè er zi" or the "Seven sons." Their conviction towards their lord, land, and people were devout through the ranks, and each time a member was slain, the Paddy fields wept. Yet, each and everyone one knew their duty, and with it, the consequence that failure or mistakes would lead to your permanent end. One particular evening, encamped under the twilight, shrouded by trees and camp fires, they were ambushed. Before they knew what was happening, the shadows were upon them, maiming, killing, and capturing those who fumbled for their weapons in the midst of their sleepy eyes. Ao in particular was the only brother here, and without one to watch his back, the disadvantage was clear. Even still, his skill and prowess with the blades under his possession were undeniable, cutting through flesh and men like butter to the blade. Yet, there were those less fortunate - those who required the protection of the "Lion of the Rising Sun". His efforts led to the defeat of many, and the equal escape of his men. But the wounds would prove too much - blood pouring from places where pain did not plague him - and he soon succumbed., falling into the void that was death.

Only to be reborn. Ao was never one of the lucky ones - found and purged by the Shinigami - but rather left to rot and wander. His memory fades at this moment, subconsciousness suppressed by the instinct to feed and consume. Bits and pieces remain, the screams of those lost but not yet far gone like he was, and even the screams and cries of his own hollow kind. The first memory he solidly remembers was waking up, low to the ground and paws covered in the sands of Hueco's Mundo infinite desert. It wasn't even an hour of endless wandering before the bone covered Lion was attacked once more, ambushed from behind a white dune. Fighting for his life he learned of the desire to consume his fellow lost souls flesh, and when he did, power surged through him. Not enough to make a difference, but.. The idea that consuming the flesh of many would lead him down a path of strength.. His conviction was set. Days, years, decades, even centuries felt as if they passed. Whether or not they did mattered little to the Lion without a pride of his own. At the peak of his power, exhausted from years of this life. He removed his mask.

Ao was happy relieved to find he had retained most of his old features, with the exception being a few remnants of bone on his nose and a hole where he was stabbed - just below the heart. The struggles of the land - previously unknown to him - made themselves apparent soon enough. A war raged, a struggle all too familiar in the lions life. The new God king was sly in his wording, convincing. Found Ao when he was new and soon he found himself sided with the man. With the allegiance came a new position and a new title: Sexta Espada. Graciously accepting his offer, his new plot of land, and the respect that accompanied, he pledged servitude. His conviction had paid off like he knew it would. All that remained was to forge a new life in the image he wished. War had run its course, his veins dry of the blood and anger of his enemies.

Or so he had thought.


SENGOKU BASARA - date masamune by Ao, Lán Shī