Disclaimer: Ok, so this story is of my own creation and thought. All the characters are original and created by me. Also note that I'm a novice and that when you review I would like some advice! Thanks!

Ari (pronounced airy) awoke late that night to find that someone was at her home. It was a few simple loud knocks, yet no voice as to whom it might be. She ventured her way through the dark corridor that led to the entry way. She opened the door only to a crack to find an empty porch. Glancing sideways she checked to see if anyone happened to be hiding, but found no one. "Strange, I know I heard a knock." She shrugged it off and turned around to find a person right in front of her. "Aahh!" she screamed. A hand clamped over her mouth and the figure stepped forward.

"Calm down will ya! It's only us!" The male voice came from her friend Spade. He was one of the Four Elite, and he always had an ability to sneak up on her and scare her.

Ari lit up her house so that they could see properly. She could feel something was going on because none of them made eye contact.

"Have a seat Ari" the authoritative command came from Tristan. He was the eldest, and the leader of the Elite. Tristan was tall, built, and had short black hair which came to his collar. His strangest, but most well-liked features were his eyes. At least Ari thought so because they were a deep, dark purple. Standing next to him was Vincent. He was also tall, a little more muscular, but had dark brown hair with dark green eyes. He was definitely the serious one, and was the most feared opponent on the battlefield. Spade stood off from the others and leaned against the wall. His silver hair too stopped at his collar, but his eyes were a light amber, and when angered they would transform to a smoldering gold. Last but not least came Phillip. He was the youngest, but still older than Ari. His hair was a light brown, and so were his eyes. Phillip was quiet and shy compared to the others, but friendlier. Why they were all here? Ari had no idea.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"War, that's what" Spade growled.

"It seems that there was a conflict between the northern and eastern domains, specifically Leo and Taiga." Tristan explained. "What does this have anything to do with me? We live in the Western province." "That's correct, and you're well known among many people especially the warriors. It just so happens we made a suggestion to all the Domains and council leaders."

Spade came off the wall and started to pace. "You mean yourself and Vincent. I never agreed to this." "Agreed to what?" Ari raised her voice. "You're to be the neutral between the Domains," Tristan bluntly stated. "Why are you here then?" "They've requested your presence by tomorrow evening at Ryou's dojo. "It is also expected that you will be there," Vincent said matter-of-factly.

The next morning Ari had to prepare for the trip. She reached for her sword that was held in a scabbard which went around her back. She wore white haori pants with a white top. She departed from her house, and sauntered to the stable. It was beautiful day, and there was barely a cloud in the sky. She entered the open barn, and a head stuck out from his stall; Ari's best warhorse. The stallion was over sixteen hands tall, and his color was a dark sorrel. He had a perfect diamond on his forehead and a teardrop snip which led to his muzzle. His body held no other coloration. Rogue was what he was name, but the name didn't help his personality. He watched Ari with those deep brown eyes. Both of his ears flicked forward begging for attention. She rubbed him down, and saddled him. "I'll make you a deal, get me there on time, and you'll have all the apples you can eat."

That being said the horse turned his thick neck as if to say "You've got it." She then mounted him, and headed east.

The Eastern Domain of Atla

The young warrior approached the doors of the dojo. He wore a battle garb which adorned the insignia of the Northern Domain. His sword hung at his side, not that he wanted it to. He gritted his teeth in anger as he entered the dojo.

"Taiga, it's been a long time since we've spoken," The Eastern lord greeted.

"Not long enough," Taiga replied. "We should get started, but I don't know why your older brother sent a little boy to do a man's job." Within seconds Taiga had his sword drawn and was charging Ryou .Ryou easily dodged him, drew his sword, and blocked a would be blow to his shoulder.

"Scared?" Taiga challenged. Leo gave a deep chuckle and spoke, "humph, not in your life will I ever fear an opponent from the north." Taiga jumped backwards and took up a stance with his feet shoulder width apart.

"Guess I will just have to change that."

Back with Ari

The sun settled itself behind the trees of the forest Ari ventured through. She was already in Atla, and was making her way to Ryou. The pathway she followed was supposed to be the right one, because she'd been given a map by Tristan. She had to be careful in this territory. The warriors of the Eastern Domain were considered the wolves of the land. She believed herself to be a mere rabbit instead of being human. The forest ended and she finally noticed the stone steps that led up to Ryou's dojo. Rogue eagerly pushed himself up the steps and onto level ground. Out of nowhere the doors of the dojo shattered into pieces as Taiga was forced backwards from Ryou's blade.

"Well this was a nice start," she sarcastically muttered.