The Four Sovereigns

This is Yu Shang-Ti, an amazing warrior forbidden to fight. Prince to an empire that rejects him, and the steadfast protector of a family who has never recognized him. Yu is hated by many, feared by most, and respected by few, but no person in Shining Empire has ever claimed that they care for him. And yet now in Empire's moment of need, he is the only one to propose a solution.

Standing before every influential person in the Shining Empire, in his Brother's Audience Chamber Yu read the tale of the Four Sovereigns for the third time.

"...Brother! It all fits, the Sovereigns were the only ones capable of turning back a demon of godly power before, and they ARE the only ones capable of doing it again!" Yu said forcefully, his angry eyes locked onto The Emperor's cold sad ones.

"Yu... you are a fool" The Emperor said slowly. "You come to me, before not only the court of our Empire, but the council of our Armies as well, and you propose this TOURNAMENT? In a time where our people must live in fear of a demonic seige you come to us with FAIRY TALES OF MYTHIC WARRIORS LONG DEAD!"

The Small heavy set frame of his brother was now shaking with rage. Yu couldn't help but feel pity for the man who was supposed to be the Emperor, he was barely over thirty and already nearly to fat to stand, even dressed in his finest silks and clothes he looked foolish.

"Brother, please listen, THEY are dead, this is true" he said slowly "but you must listen, their power was sealed in four items: A sword, a Fan, a hammer, and a ring, their power's could be granted to others through these items! And besides what better than a tournament to ease the people minds?"

"Your Majesty..." A soft, yet powerful voice filled the room. The Royal Alchemist Cao spoke on his newphews behalf from his seat beside the Emperor: "As foolish as Yu may be, his logic is sound, the people something entertaining, and exciting, this Tournament will be a small thing and when it is over let Yu do as he wishes with the champions"

The Obese emperor calmed, "Perhaps you are correct Uncle, Yu, you may have your Tournament, and if you wish to travel the Isle of Fusang you may, but you will pay for it yourself AND You will NOT fight in the Tournament!"

Yu smiled broadly, "You will not regret this my brother" He bowed deeply, "Thank you your Majesty"

With that he walked briskly from the room, his black clothes billowing lightly as he did. Poster's had already been designed for the event, and would now been sent all across the Empire within two week's the Tournament would be underway!

Smiling happily Yu spoke briefly with a messenger, sending the man to inform the scribe's to distribute the posters. Excitedly he retired to his chambers his smile never fading. He would fight in the tournament... Ao Nu Bei had been retired for two long year's, but no man of his skill would turn down such an oppurtunity...

The Poster Reads:


The Elemental Tournament

Fighter's, monk's, and warriors, all are invited to fight in the TOURNAMENT of the Decade! Four worthy fighter's will travel with Prince Yu Shang-Ti to Fusang Island!

Reviewing the rule sheet once again Yu couldn't help but wonder if it was too much. Each Contestant would have to choose an elemental category:
FIRE
WATER
EARTH
AIR
and then battle their way to the top of it, and the three who made it would get to go with him... of course there would only be three other's, after all, he would be competeing for the Fire Title.

OOC Here's my post hope it's good

IC
Andy Ling strolled round the village he had called a tempoary home his nap sack resting on a small pole the sun shining on his light blue clothing as he whistled a small tune nodding as some of the villagers greeted him.Arriving at a small resturant he aranged to have some tea,"ah good day Mr Ling" the owner said hussling Andy to his seat and telling a waiter to get some tea.

"Good to see you Mr Pau hows busniess" Andy asked sitting back in his chair resting his nap sack on the floor,the old man smiled and replied that it was good and thank Andy for his help with the small matter of some ruffins the day he arrived in the village.Andy smiled and sipped his tea relaxing in the quiet calm serenity of the small village.

Suddenly he saw a group of young men rush pass the tea house chattering excitedly about a messanger from the empoeror's court being in town.Curious by the starled and excited group Andy finshed his tea and calmly strolled out to see what the excitement was all about.Moving behind the group he heard the chatter mentioning a tournament of some kind."You'll enter Mr Ling" one of the young boys asked him notcing Andy's presence,Andy smiled not answering until he read the details.Moving foward Andy studied the poster noting that he would have to travel but that would give him time to work away any rusts,"hmmm and I may try the AIR catergory" he murmed turning to leave and start the trek to the tournament.

"Thank you, but I almost missed the start" an old man climbs off of a sedan chair and throws folded bits of paper at his carriers "wait here" the old man hobbles off n to a theater while the two tired men rub their shoulders
"I know he is our superior but good lord, that man has got to cut back on the food" one of the men picks up on of the papers and unwraps the con within
"Are you sure we should be talking bout him like that Hu?" he other man grabs his own piece of paper and shoves it in his pockets
"If you don’t tell him it is" Hu gives the other man a death stare and strolls off "im gonna go see some friends, don’t get in to any trouble"

After aimlessly wondering for a while, Hu finds himself next to the teahouse. Hu was about to go inside but a group of people caught hi eye, some of the students from t Wushu dojo on the other side of the village were trying to impress some of the local women, something about a tournament or a sovereign, Hu didn’t care, he just wished that the Wushu idiots would shut the hell up! "Hey Hu, get in here" a middle aged man calls out to Hu from inside the tea house "ill by you a drink, I never did get a chance to thank you for saving my on back when you boy got done by Amanozako's men"
"I would love to Gi, but I have to get back to he theater soon" Hu bowed slightly, cursing his master n his mind, he could be getting a drink with some friends, but no, the fat arsed fossil might have to wait.
"Ah next time my friend, next time. Oh and share this around the boys back home" he passed Hu a large unmarked bottle "you have to find some way to keep the spirits up in a situation like yours. Also, my elder son s going to that competition, the one on the Isle of Fusang, go with him, try to keep hm out of trouble"
"Sure thing" Hu begins to wander back to the theater, he notices a man putting posters up for the tournament and slips one from the cart next to him "might be fun"

Guan-yin sat up and stretched, her aching muscles screaming at her. Looking over at Elizabeth she nudged her with her foot before rolling of her mat and to her feet. "Time to get up, Beth," she said. "We need to go into town for supplies and I need to speak with the weapon master about the new Kitana he is forging for me." Pulling back the flap of her tent she stepped out into the sunlight looking around her. They had chosen a forest clearing beside the river to set up camp for the night, chosen because of its beauty as well as being hidden so well from the well beaten path.

Waiting for Beth to pack up the camp she practised with her sword, her graceful strokes cutting the air with precision and control. Concentrating on what she was doing she didn't notice Beth come up behind her as she spun around, stopping her sword just inches from Beth's throat. "You are going to have to stop doing that Beth," she said sliding her sword into its sheath and taking the pack Beth held out to her. Without a further word she headed towards the town knowing that Beth would follow behind her.

As she neared the town she could see a crowd of young men and women gathered around a posting. Pushing her way through the crowd she quickly read the notice and smiled. Finally a way to prove herself once and for all. She would fight in the Earth catergory and show once and for all that she was a mighty a fighter as any man.

"Come on Beth," she said pushing back through the crowd. "We must get to Master Chow and pick up my Kitana. We have a tournament to get to"

Waking up to both Guan-Yin's gentle nudge as well as her words Beth rolled from the mat, stretching her long limbs, in the cool morning air. Getting up Beth began to pack up the camp wordlessly, her and Guan-Yin had their pattern set as they had known each other for years and their habits barely if ever altered.

Once everything was packed and the tent was neatly roled into her pack Beth stood there for several seconds watching as Guan-yin practiced with her sward, the stroke effertless and peaceful.

Beth walked up to Guan-Yin slightly as she was very soft stepped and the earth was soft beneath her feet. The sword came swinging around stopping mere inches from her throat.

"You are going to have to stop doing that Beth," Guan-Yin said once stopping the sword in mid stroke.

Guan-Yin sheather her sword and headed towards the village, they needed supplies and she had wanted to see if her new Kitana was ready yet.

Handing her the her pack Beth quitely followed Guan-Yin into the village notices as Guan-Yin did the crowd of people gathered to read a posting. beth quielty stood in the back ground as Guan-Yin pushed her way through the crowd to read the latest posting.

As Guan_yin pushed her way back through the crowd she said "Come on Beth, we must get to Master Chow and pick up my Kitana. We have a tournament to get to"

beth smiled at her, knowing this was just yet another of Guan-Yin's adventures and more then willing to go with her, both out of friendship and help on their journey incase he services might be needed to heal or protect, not with might but with magic, that only a priestess could weild.

"Shall we go, i am excited to see the new Kitana, and would like to get under way on this our latest adventure." Beth says as Guan-Yin comes up to her side, quielty they walk towards the shop where the master was working on Guan-Yin's latest additon to her collection.

Guan-yin was excited as she walked into the weapon shop. The smell of fire and brimstone on the forge was a pleasant smell to her because of her love a good weapon. Master Chow looked up from his work as she entered the room flashing a toothless grin.

"Ah, Guan-yin," he said, walking out to meet her and drawing her into a hug. Master Chow was an old friend of her father's and she had spent many hours in his shop watching him create weapons. "You have come for your sword I assume. You are just in time, is just became ready." Moving away from her he crossed the room, picking up a red satin sheath containing her new sword. Bowing slightly he held it out to her, smiling as she took it and immediately drew the blade.

Weighing the sword in her hand, Guan-yin was pleased to find that it was just the weight and size for her. A red dragon was beautifully carved into the handle, a symbol of her father's household and the blade shone with the four chinese symbols for health, strength, happiness and love. Sliding the blade back into its sheath she smiled at Master Chow. "It is beautiful as always" she said bowing low. "I am most humble that you have done me the honor of creating it for me."

"Do you have the other item I asked you to create for me?" she asked, looking excited. Master Chow nodded and withdrew and tightly wrapped skinny and long bundle from beneath the counter and passed it to her.

Guan-yin thanked him and turned towards the door, pausing, she looked back at him. "Beth and I are traveling to the tournament that has been advertised in town. If all goes well, I will be able to use the sword then. Till then, I must bid you leave and hope to see you are still well and prosperous upon my return." With those words, Guan-yin bowed low before backing out of the shop. Once outside she straightened and smiled at Beth who waited for her. Handing her the bundle she had received from Master Chow she smiled brightly.

"This is for you, Beth," she said happily. "It will help you to train better if you have the real thing to use instead of some crummy old sticks"

Andy paid the cart driver for the lift and moved off the hay cart waving as he walked away towards the main area of the port.He had been fortunate to have found a lift as it was a fair way from the small village he had been residing in to the nearest port so was pleasently surprised to get some transport to ease the journey.

He strolled over to the port authroity and sought about getting a ride over to the place were the tournament was to take place,it cost him a fair amount of coins but he was sure he could repay his investement.'Looks like I've got some time on my hands better go train" he mused walking around the busy port searching for a place to go train,his walk took him to a small deserted store house."This looks better than nothing better get to work" he softly spoke placing his napsack down and loosing his clothing.Streaching his arms out Andy closed his eyes focusing his mind then slowly he began to practice his technique.

Beth had stood outside of the shop while Guan-Yin had gone in, looking around she watched all of the excited people go back and forth voices raised at the idea of the tournament, everyone guessing as to who might win the battle and get the chance to go witht he emporeors brother to the isle.

Kaena said:

"This is for you, Beth," she said happily. "It will help you to train better if you have the real thing to use instead of some crummy old sticks"

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Shocked first at her appearance and then at the gift set before her, Beth slowly unwrapped the bundle, within was one of teh finest bamboo fighting sticks she had ever seen.

Looking up tears welling in her eyes she smiles at Guan-Yin.

"Thank-you, thank-you so much this is the nicest thing I have ever been given."

Gently placing the wrapping on the ground Beth took the Bamboo stick in her hands and began going through the fluid motions Guan-Yin had taught her, trying to get a feel for the weapon, it was well balanced and suited her long slender frame.

Bending over she recovered the wrapping sheathing the fighting stick back int he wrapping she inquired "shall we go now?"

Guan-yin nodded at Beth, slinging her pack over her shoulder. With a determine stride she headed towards the harbour hoping to get passes on the next ferry over across to the city where the tournament was taking place. After purchasing the tickets they boarded the ferry and waited for it to cross.

As they waited for the boat to land, Guan-yin slid her new kitana out of it's sheath, admiring the detail of the carvings. She glanced over at Beth who was holding her new fighting stick tightly against her. She was pleased that Beth had liked her gift, now if only she could teach her how to use it properly. So far Beth had being slow at learning the skills, preferring to practice her prayers and incantations.

Sitting back against the hard bench she allowed her eyes to scan the crowd on the boat, assuming most of them were on their way to the tournament. She sized everyone up and came to the quick conclusion that she could take most of them easily. There was only one man standing at the railing that gave a cause of concern. She knew him and seen how he had fought, though she had never fought him. He was good and she was excited with the prospect of facing him in the tournament.

Hu stumbled from a ships aft compartment, dead drunk from a rather interesting game of chess with an Englishman. Drinking chess, what a novel idea, Hu thought to himself a he bumped in to the various people on board until a pat on e back sent hm to other floor
"Haha, Hu ma friend" a lanky African in a loincloth helped im to his feat "you in torment too? A grand occasion"
"Umbo, Umba, Umbapu" Hu continued trying to pronounce is friends name until the big black arms locked him in a vice like hug
"Huuuuu, you be drinking too much" the African jumped in to a bout of laughter and Hu chuckled along with him, before vomiting off the starboard side “you better not drink at fight, you lose”
“I drink im not swear” Hu muttered as he wiped is mouth “I will win, I get the water prize ad you get nothing, nada, zip” Hu began to throw thing at the other passengers, causing his friend to fall to the floor, clutching is side and laughing till he cried.
“Come Hu” the African pulls himself to is feet and drags Hu off to the other side of the ship “we get more drunk” Hu’s body goes limp while he gets dragged off, singing to himself.

Andy finshed as training in the quiet of the store house wiping the sweat away from his brow,he hadn't done any strenous training for 2 months so felt a bit sore after pushing himself to the limit which he always tried to do when practicing his skills.Before boarding the ship he would set about getting some dinner and perhapse some new clothing to take with him,the port was starting to get crowded as dozens of warriors seemed to be taking the same boat that Andy was taking out to the tournament.

"Looks like this tournaments got everyone's intreast" Andy murmed as he walked past a group of 10 warriors eagerly talking up their prospects at the tournament,he himself was confident in his own abilites all it came down to was how strong the competition was going to be.Entering a small tavern Andy ordered a small meal and found a isolated spot to sit,the tavern was full with the wine being heavily consumed by some of the patrons some of whom would be traveling on the same boat.Andy ate his meal quietly and drank his wine trying to to attract any attention to himself,after all at 1st glance he didn't look like a warrior with his worn clothing a napsack.Paying the owner he exited the tavern and headed towards a tailors shop.

Entering the shop he smiled as the elder tailor asked him how ho copuld help,"ah yes sir please could I have some new clothing I am entering the tournament" Andy asked him.The tailor smiled honoured that one of the fighters could be clothed by him,he took Andy's measurements and went quickly to work making Andy a uniform coloured dark blue with the picture of a dragon on the back as well as one coloured white with a tiger pictured.Bowing Andy offered to pay but the tailor refused saying the promtion from a fighter in the tournament would be good business.Andy smiled and left the shop heading towards the boat,he caught a glimpase of somone throwing up over the side who he gathered must have celebrated to much on shore.Walking aboard Andy felt everyone watching him curiously as he looked for a place to sit unsure what to make of this new arrival.

Guan-yin crinkled her nose in disgust as one of the men threw up over the side of the boat, his large African companion assisting him to the other side of the boat. She recognized him as one of the men she had faced before in tournaments and contemplated that for a second. He was a good fighter, she knew that, but, if he was one to drink a lot, she could use that weakness against him if she ever faced him again.

Gazing over the crowd her eyes once again fell upon the man she had noticed before. He was looking for a place to sit amongst the throng of people crowding the boat. "Hey, you," she called out, trying to get his attention. "There is room over here to sit if you would like"

Andy heard someon call out to him from the warriors gathered on the boat and turned to see who it was.He saw a young women waving in his direction and he momentraily looked around before realising she was calling to him,blushing a bit he walked over to her and sat down.

"Thank you Ms this place is a bit crowded" he murmed settling himself down,looking at her Andrew sifted around a bit nervously."Oh and how rude of me My name is Andy Ling Ms..." he inquired wanting to find out the name of the young women who had helped him find a seat.

Hu leans agenst the wall of the ships lower levels, with his hands now tied to the railing, his brain as shaken off some of the drunkenness. "Ish dis rely necessary?" the African chuckles as a Englishman and a elderly ma from Thailand sigh
"Yes Hu, there’s one day before the tournament and we all know what happens when you get drunk, you tend to miss tings" the African chuckles again as the old man pulls a number of bottles from is bag
"Common on Umbo, Umbopuah!" Hu's eyes light up s Umbopuah's breaks n to a great smile
"You say it" Umbopuah pats Hu on the back and goes to sit with the two other men
"She, im sober" something that sounded like someone yelling cast off came from the upper decks "boats moving, untie me'
"Untie him Umbopuah" the old man says authoritatively, Umbopuah snaps to work as fast as he can and unties Hu "I will make a tonic for you" he begin to mix the different bottles he grabbed earlier "we have to get you sober"
"Thank you Poc" Hu goes to bow in reverence but stumbles and grabs on to the table to stay upright, Umbopuah laughs as he and Hu sit at the table
"Maybe a game to pass the time?" the Englishman takes a pack of cards from his pockets, everybody’s faces light up briefly before they put on their game faces "ill take that as a yes"

And 1 said:

Andy heard someon call out to him from the warriors gathered on the boat and turned to see who it was.He saw a young women waving in his direction and he momentraily looked around before realising she was calling to him,blushing a bit he walked over to her and sat down.

"Thank you Ms this place is a bit crowded" he murmed settling himself down,looking at her Andrew sifted around a bit nervously."Oh and how rude of me My name is Andy Ling Ms..." he inquired wanting to find out the name of the young women who had helped him find a seat.

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Guan-yin smiled as he took the seat beside her. Turning to Beth she gave a knowing smile before turning back to him and holding out her hand. She was pleasantly suprised at his uncomfortableness of being seated beside her. "Guan-yin Lee," she said quickly. "Nice to meet you Andy. I have watched you fight before, I am assuming you are headed for the tournament."

Kaena said:

Guan-yin smiled as he took the seat beside her. Turning to Beth she gave a knowing smile before turning back to him and holding out her hand. She was pleasantly suprised at his uncomfortableness of being seated beside her. "Guan-yin Lee," she said quickly. "Nice to meet you Andy. I have watched you fight before, I am assuming you are headed for the tournament."

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Andy blinked for a moment as he took the young womens hand,Guan-yin Lee he had heard the name before and clicked his fingers when he remembered where."Oh yes Guan-yin Lee I've heard of you nice to meet you " he said softly shaking her hand,"yes I am heading for the tournament should be intresting" he mused as they finshed shaking hands.Andy then noticed the young women sitting behind Guan-yin,"and who is this behind you Guan-yin" Andy asked smiling at the other women wanting to be introduced to her before remincing with Guan-yin about the last time she saw him fight.

Guan-yin turned her head and smiled at Beth, motioning for her to come forward. "This is Elizabeth Sun-Ling, a priestess and my traveling companion." Giving a chuckle she looked at Andy. "Believe me, it is nice to have a priestess traveling with you when all you do is go around looking for someone to fight. It it wasn't for her healing powers, there are many times after a tournament that I would have ended up incapacitated for months afterwards. So Andy, which elemental class are you going to be fighting in. Myself I am going to choose the Earth class since it is the one that I have trained in the most."

Andrew smiled at Elizbeth as Guan-yin introduced her to him,"hello Elizabeth its an honour to meet you" he softly spoke taking her hand and shaking it politely.He agreed with Guan-yin having a priestess round would be a great assest for any injuries that can evantuate at tournaments.

'Oh me well I'm going to fight in the air catergory" he told Guan-yin smiling softly,"it has been a while siince i've been in a tournament and this one seems to have created a lot of intrest Guan-yin" Andrew finshed noting the various type of warriors on the travel barge.

Yu smiled, the boats were coming! Standing on the tallest spire of his Brother's castle which overlooked the bay, Yu watched as boats full of contestants traveled toward the imperial city.

Grinning ear to ear he waited impatiently as the boats came closer.

"My prince..." Yu turned to greet his Uncle Cao.

"Uncle!" He said with a smile, and a bow.

"I have been reviewing the roster for the tournament Nephew... It seems Ao Nu Bei has resurfaced..." Yu bowed his head, maybe he should have come up with a new name? "It will be most interesting to watch him fight no?"

He beamed, Cao wasn't going to inform the emperor? Cao regarded him calmly, the telltale sparkle of arcane energies in his eyes.

"It will indeed Uncle... It seems he has signed on for the Fire Category"

"I saw that as well, it leads one to wonder why that was his choice doesn't it?"

"Well Uncle Fire is the element of noblility, and power, perhaps he finds himself attracted to the honour of participating for such glory?"

Cao smiled.

"Perhaps..." He turned and left the balcony leaving Yu to watch the ships approach the harbour.

And 1 said:

Andrew smiled at Elizbeth as Guan-yin introduced her to him,"hello Elizabeth its an honour to meet you" he softly spoke taking her hand and shaking it politely.He agreed with Guan-yin having a priestess round would be a great assest for any injuries that can evantuate at tournaments.

'Oh me well I'm going to fight in the air catergory" he told Guan-yin smiling softly,"it has been a while siince i've been in a tournament and this one seems to have created a lot of intrest Guan-yin" Andrew finshed noting the various type of warriors on the travel barge.

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Beth smiled as Andrew took her hand shaking it, he seemed to be in fine condition and looked able to fight, beth was glad that he was in a different catagory then Guan-Yin as she would not want to heal both of them and they seemed to get along quite nicely.

"It is an honor to meet you also Andrew" beth says then places her hand in her lap, listening to the conversation, and lloking out over the boat.

"Guan-Yin land comes into view we well dock soon"

Guan-yin nodded her head to Andrew's words, her eyes scanning the crowd as well. She could see many different types of fighting skills represented among the people. As Elizabeth mentioned land, she looked up to see the shore fast approaching. Getting her feet, she scanned the shore with wary eyes.

As the boat bumped up to the dock, she turned and bowed slightly to Andrew. "It has been a pleasure meeting you," she said softly. "Good luck in the tournament may all your battles be victorious. I hope we meet again, till then, I will bid you farewell." Watching the crowd descend from the boat she waited until almost everyone was off before motioning to Elizabeth to follow as she descended the ramp and made her way through the crowd.

OOC Just noticed my posts had me using either Andy or Andrew i hope it doesn't cause a prob.

IC
Andrew watched as Guan-yin and Elizabeth walked off the boat as it docked,he too hoped they would meet again but that would depend on how this tournament played out.

After watching most of the other warriors move onto the island Andrew followed grabbing his napsack strolled onto the dock.He looked round taking in the island noticing the huge castle in the horizen which gave of an imposing presence.Strolling foward he followed those a head of him,his senses on alert.

Beth stood next you Gaun-Yin and waited for almost all other passengers to disembark from the ship and then she followed quitely as they to left the vessal. walking onto the dock Beth looked around watching the many fighters walking talking to each other some appeared better trained then others yet they all seemed equally eager to participate in this tornament even if it meant defeat for some and glory for others.

"where shall we go? Was it was posted on the sign you read before coming here?" Beth asked

Guan-yin walked quickly through the crowd not paying attention as to whether Elizabeth followed, being ever aware of her presence on an entirely different plain. She was deep in thought about the tournament and almost didn't hear Elizabeth's question. Stopping abruptly, she turned to face her.

"The notice about the tournament gave the location, Beth," she said impatiently. "And even if it hadn't all we would hve to do is follow the crowd." Guan-yin motioned towards the throng of people who were milling about them.

"There is a deadline for registration since the first match is tomorrow morning. Come quickly now, I do not want to be the last to register and I want to get a feel of the other fighters who have registered for the Earth catergory." Turning away, Guan-yin began moving back into the crowd, headed for the temple that the tournament was to take place at.

Andrew headed towards the temple taking in the site,he could see Gyan-yin and Eliazbeth heading off to register for the tournament and hoped to see them one last time before the tournament started.

He walked round and found the line for the Air section of the tournament,it was fairly full and he lined up to wait for his turn to register.He could feel the other's in line watching him,all sizing him up and working out weather he was a threat to their chances of wining the section.