Zarek Raine

Summary

Name: Zarek Raine (Raine, Zarek)
Other: Yukio Zarek (Birthname)
Title: Captain of the I.A.F. Aquila
Sex: Male
Nationality: Country of Snow
Village: Iwagakure no Sato
Ninja Rank: Chuunin

Appearance

Age: 28
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Eye Color: Sky-Blue
Hair Color: Dark Brown
Abilities: Ninjutsu/Taijutsu Combinations
Elemental Specialties: Cloud, Ice

Biography

Zarek Raine was born, and spent the greater part of his childhood in Yuki no Kuni. The son of a moderate family, growing up Zarek received everything he needed, and most of what he wanted. His father was a low ranking member of the shinobi outside of the Imperial Guard, and his mother a stay at home housewife. However, a mission gone left Zarek's father dead, and his family without a means of supporting themselves. No longer able to live in the harsh conditions of Yuki, Zarek and his mother immigrated to Earth shortly after his eighth birthday. Taking up residency, and gaining Iwagakure citizenship, all of Zarek's apparent ties to the Snow Country were left behind. At the age of fourteen, Zarek enrolled in the Iwagakure Ninja Academy, and served their as a Gennin, and Chunin, before the Kumogakure War. During the initial attack of the Kumogakure Empire, Zarek Raine was captured, and held prisoner throughout the rest of the War.

Barely months after he was freed, relations between Earth and Snow quickly began to deteriorate. While Zarek had lived peacefully within the Country of Earth for over 15 years, serving in both times of peace and warefare, his loyalty was suddenly called into question. Before the war, he was a Chunin of high standing quickly on the path to Jounin. However, after the fall of the Kumogakure Empire, and the tensions between Earth and Snow turned to attacks and invasions, his advancement came to a virtual standstill as suspicious eyes turned his way. Even as a high ranking Chunin, he was often delegated missions that were reserved for either Chunin of lower levels, or even advanced Gennin teams.

Unable to receive any missions of value on the ground, Zarek turned his attention to the sky, and the newly formed Iwagakure Air Federation. Unfortunately, even there the recruiters and officers seemed unwilling, or unable, to put a ninja with ties to Yuki on even the most inconsequential of Airships. Loyola Nine recently instated Admiral of the IAF, who had also been imprisoned alongside Zarek Raine, spoke up on his behalf.

"I don't give a crap if you turn into a god damned snowflake, if you are willing to fly on a ship then we will put you on a god damn ship!" – Loyola Nine, to Zarek Raine, shortly before IAF enlistment.

[Note: Malachi Kuroki, serving as an Airman 1st Class, overheard Nine’s exclamation, and quickly adapted “Snowflake” as his favorite nickname for the new recruit. He has since developed several others. For reasons Zarek can't fully explain, this formed the foundation for a long and lasting friendship.]

Because of Loyola Nine's vote of confidence, Zarek was finally able to put his career back into motion. Though not entirely free of the scrutiny his heritage had now given him, Zarek's ability as a fighter and potential as a commander was able to shine through while serving in the IAF. He never lost control in battle, and was able to follow orders, as well as give them out, even under the harshest conditions. Level headed and strong; it was these traits that eventually led him to the position of Captain of the IAF Frigate Aquila.

Despite being a citizen and ninja of the Country of Earth, and having lived there for the greater portion of his life, Zarek is constantly aware of the mistrust his nationality brings in recent years. Especially after the Tsuchi Yuki Aggression Declaration, Zarek has kept a low profile, serving on an Airship that doesn't specialize in combat, and refusing to go for Jounin though he meets the qualifications.

Timeline:

2087: Born
2095: Immigrates to Iwa, becomes Iwa citizen. [Age 8]
2101: Enrolls in Iwa Ninja Academy [Age 14]
2104: Promoted to Chuunin [Age 18]
2107-2109: Kumogakure Empire/NCIA - Imprisioned [Age 20-22]
2109: Yuki invades Iwa; Ninja Career Moves to a Standstill [Age 22]
2110: IAF Is Formed, Enlists [Age 23]
2114: Promoted to Captain of the Aquila [Age 27]

Personality

A quiet, reserved man, who often appears cold or distant because of his mostly impassive, and sometimes shy, nature. Soft-spoken and calm, Zarek keeps a firm control over his feelings, and rarely allows temperament of any kind. While he is by no means emotionless or detached, Zarek's feelings are slow to surface and quickly hidden.

The recent political strife between Yuki and Earth have only furthered his introverted tendencies, with the knowledge that someone is always watching for any hint of betrayal. Now more so then ever Zarek places a distance between himself and others, for their protection as well as his. He allows very few people around his self-imposed seclusion.

Personal Quote(s)

“...”

“Malachi, please refrain from calling me Snowflake in front of my superiors.'

“I do not have time for your excuses or explanations. We cannot afford to have anyone aboard this ship who is not willing to contribute their all. It is not glorious, it is not fun, but it is necessary, and it will be done.”