Aoki Aripa

Appearance:

Aoki is a very slim boy, growing up without a reliable 3 meals a day. However, he has had PLENTY of exercise, meaning that while he seems practically emaciated at times, his body ripples with muscle. He has short, dark hair that is naturally messy and unruly. He wears a black vest over his chest, wrapped at the waist with blue fabric. Around his neck, he wears a long, light blue scarf that is frayed on the end. Many people have mistaken this for fire, however, it is simple fabric. On his face, he wears a jet black V shaped visor make of glass. He wears dark blue, camoflage pattern pants, which are wrapped from the knee down in white fabric.

Personality

Having little to no human contact for much of his life, Aoki is a very, very silent boy. He rarely speaks to anyone. He is, however, a kind person, And will help the needy when possible. He enjoys simple things most people take for granted: Hot meals, Bathing, A warm bed. Whenever these things are offered to him, he will gladly accept.

Backstory

Aoki was born into a wealthy family of scientists. Descended from blacksmiths, the Aripas were at the forefront of metal development and refinery, making both custom orders for customers and large parts for machinery. However, one fateful night, when Aoki was 7 years old, the Aripa mansion was raided by a group of murderous theives. Using devious tactics and abilities, the thieves stole all of the family's gold and slaughtered his family. However, thanks to his mother's quick thinking, he was spared. For about a week after, police came to the mansion to investigate the scene, looking for clues and survivors. However, Aoki would get scared, and hide when the cops would come close to him. He grew up in the ruins of the mansion from that point on, scavenging for food and water. This life hardened him, making him naturally fast and athletic. His body and soul grew as cold and rough as the iron that before had made him so soft. Soon, he ran out of food in the mansion, and made his way into the earth kingdom town nearby. The ten year old managed to steal food rather successfully for several days before being apprehended by the authorities, who sent him to an orphanage. He lived for several years there, making no friends and suffering the rule of the Orphanage's overseers. However, when he grew old enough, he was released. After leaving the orphanage, he returned to the mansion. Digging through the basement lab of the mansion, Aoki found a curious box under the floorboards. Opening it, he found a letter from his father.

"Dear Aoki,

If you are reading this, it means that the thieves who were recently shut down by police using our weapons have returned, and have slaughtered our family. If that is the case, then I applaud you for surviving using your wits and cunning. Inside this box you will find tools to make your life easier. I implore you, use them to help yourself and those around you.

-Your loving Father"

Inside the box, he found what came to be his signature weapon: a pair of gauntlets, with six hooked blades attached to them. Next to that, he found a pitch black visor made of glass. Finally, in the bottom, he found a large pouch containing the remainder of the Aripa family fortune. Taking these gifts in hand, Aoki set out for Republic City. Upon arrival, he used the gold to purchase a small apartment, and furnished it with a simple bed and other furniture. To most, it would seem simple, but to him, it was more than enough. Eventually, Aoki ran out of money. Using the skills bestowed to him by the harsh life he lived, he became a bounty hunter. While in the city, Aoki spent his spare time investigating the murder of his family. Even though the trail had gone cold three years ago, Aoki still spends his time questioning people about the murders that happened many years ago.

Abilities:

Aoki Is not a bender of any sort. Therefore, he uses his wits and speed to outwit and outmanouver his opponents. His weapons consist of a special pair of gauntlets, with six detatchable hooked blades. The blades are normally stored in sheathes along his waist. Each blade can be attached to a thin but strong wire which is fed from the bracelet. With these, Aoki can preform attacks from a distance, or ensnare his opponents to constrict movement and bending motions. However, his most valuable technique is his stealth. He has mastered several techniques allowing him to silently move at various speeds. He is also incredibly athletic, able to dodge many attacks and climb many surfaces quickly. He is especially adept in urban environments. However he does have weaknesses. While fast, he is rather frail, and several good hits will knock him unconscious. He also dislikes bright light. He will also do his best to avoid cold, and particularly dislikes waterbending.