Character Name: Ashlynn "Ashe"/ Cinder

Age: Early 20s

Archetype: Duality, Fugitive

Abilities: Pyrokinesis, the power to create and control fire

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Backstory:

Ashlynn was born with a gift—or a curse, it changed from day to day. As a child, she loved fire, fascinated by its warmth, beauty, and ability to light up even the darkest of nights. But it didn’t take long for her to realize that fire has just as much potential to be dangerous. Throughout her life, her emotions became harder to manage, so did her powers. Flames would erupt when she felt scared, angry, or overwhelmed, causing accidents. She tried her best to fix them but her intervention often only made things worse which ended up isolating her from other children.

Her parents, though loving and supportive, were terrified of what her powers might become. They sought help from doctors, scientists, and even mystics but no one could "fix" Ashlynn. Feeling like a burden, she withdrew into herself, trying desperately to suppress her emotions, her thoughts, and ultimately, the fire within. That’s when Cinder began to appear.

Cinder was everything Ashlynn was not—confident, powerful, and free. But Cinder was also reckless and cruel, an embodiment of Ashlynn’s pent-up anger and frustration. When Cinder took over, Ashlynn had no control over her actions, and those around her would inevitably get hurt. Ashlynn lived in fear of herself, constantly walking on eggshells to keep Cinder locked away.

But the tragedy that would shape Ashlynn’s destiny came on a night like any other. She awoke to the smell of smoke, and the sight of her family home engulfed in flames. Her parents’ screams echoed in her ears – had Cinder done this? She fled, horrified, believing herself responsible for their deaths. It wasn't until much later that she would learn the truth: her parents had been murdered by those who sought to use her power, and the fire was all part of the Higher Authority’s plan to have her locked away forever and in their control.

After this discovery, the emotions Ashlynn had suppressed for so long—rage, grief, guilt—threatened to consume her entirely but a new purpose took root: she would stop hiding, and she would find those responsible. To do that, she needed Cinder. But this time, she wouldn’t let Cinder control her—she would learn to control Cinder.

Personality:

Ashe: Before her parents' death, Ashe was shy, anxious, and fearful of her powers. She was always terrified of losing control and hurting the people around her, leading her to become a quiet, isolated person. She never allowed herself to get too close to others, afraid that any strong emotion could awaken Cinder. Ashe often internalizes her struggles, blaming herself for things that are out of her control. Her deepest fear is that she’s inherently dangerous, unworthy of love, and destined to be alone.

After the tragedy and her time in isolation, Ashe becomes more focused and determined, but she still carries a deep-seated guilt and grief. She’s now driven by revenge, something Cinder lives for. And though she still fears Cinder, she has accepted that she needs to harness this part of herself. Ashe wants to connect with others, but her trust issues, self-loathing, and fear of her darker self keep her in a perpetual state of loneliness.

Cinder: Cinder is the manifestation of all of Ashe’s repressed emotions: anger, rage, and desire for freedom. When Cinder takes over, she is fierce, powerful, and unapologetically destructive. In contrast to Ashe’s meekness, Cinder thrives in chaos, enjoying the rush of power and control. She is sarcastic, confident, and often cruel, embodying everything Ashe fears she might become. Cinder’s relationship with Ashe is complex—part of her wants to protect Ashe, to be free from the chains of emotional suppression, but another part resents Ashe for keeping her locked away for so long.

As Ashe grows and begins to accept Cinder as part of herself, their relationship evolves. Instead of being at odds, they become more symbiotic. Cinder still represents Ashe’s darker impulses, but Ashe starts to channel her power consciously, making her stronger and more balanced. Cinder becomes a voice of confidence and assertiveness that Ashe often lacks, but Ashe keeps Cinder’s cruelty in check, giving her a moral compass.

Relationships:

Ashe’s Parents: Ashlynn’s parents were her anchors, the only people who knew the truth about her powers. Their death marks a profound loss, not just of her family but of the last connection to a time when she could hope for a normal life. Ashe carries immense guilt, believing her powers were somehow responsible for their deaths until she learns the truth. Once she discovers they were murdered, her grief turns into rage. She feels the loss of her parents deeply, and their absence leaves her with a lingering sense of vulnerability and loneliness.