[center][B][U]Cain Vareis/Zume Tatasuko[/B] – [I]The Unseen Hand[/I][/U]
[img]http://oi46.tinypic.com/291z79l.jpg[/img]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maqJCLO4dDg]Theme I[/url]/|\[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYPcz1GGeRY]Theme II[/url][/center]
[hider=Basic Info][B]Moniker/Known Name:[/B] Cain Vareis.
[B]Real Name:[/B] Zume Tatasuko.
[B]Alias:[/B] The Unseen Hand.
[B]Age:[/B] 236.a
[B]Species:[/B] Unknown Chimeric Class.
[B]Relations:[/B]

[hider2=Crow]Having met him long ago, Zume was pivotal in Crow’s rise to prominence today. The two are fairly close and when possible enjoy a nice long game of chess—despite Crow almost always losing. Crow is somewhat unsure of what to think of Zume, but also considers him a valuable friend. He is one of the few individuals that the demon would never attempt to use, both because of their friendship and because he knows there would be no benefit for him in the end.[/hider2]
[hider2=Alistair Magnus]His former mentor, Alistair Magnus lives to this day, though by another name. Alistair is unaware that his former student and friend lives, and if he knew that he was he would likely fear the repercussions of his actions many years before. While once friends, it is likely that today Alistair would consider Zume an enemy, whereas Zume merely finds himself intrigued by his mentor’s actions, which he watches closely, remaining hidden in the shadows.[/hider2]
[hider2=Aeriq][B]Relation:[/B] Having met Zume many years ago and taken a liking to the ambitious and clever human, Aeriq befriended the man, wanting to watch how he progressed through time. However, unexpectedly it turned out that this human was far cleverer than he had thought. In fact, he came to become attached to him, in more ways than one. In fact it was by Zume’s deft manipulation, little does the demon know, that the fire of Aeriq’s confidence was stoked and brought to a stable size. Indebted and loyal, Aeriq has come to follow Zume. However, given little time to ever develop the ability to properly think for himself he has come to believe in the human to a fault—putting the entirety of his trust in Zume.

[B]Alias:[/B] Void Scion.
[B]Age:[/B] 230.
[B]Species:[/B] Unknown Chimeric class(Former demon/Collective Chimera).
[B]Appearance:[/B]
[img]http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/343/5/b/veto_rivera_by_genki_de-d34j98k.jpg[/img]
[B]Abilities:[/B] While Aeriq formerly possessed a score of stolen abilities, he now only has two along with his original ability, which he calls [I]Aspect Assimilation[/I]. This ability, his only original one, affects both how he feeds and his demonic traits. In particular it allows him to assimilate the abilities of others, adding them to his repertoire. He can however, only hold a certain amount of power at a given time, and thus can only possess so many abilities at once, the amount depending on the individual power of each. This ability effects his feeding as he can subconsciously feed on everyone’s essence around him, bypassing their soul’s barrier and passively absorbing trace amounts of their aural essence. This is harmless and not noticeable unless the quantity is increased or the individual is particularly sensitive. The hungrier he gets the more essence is absorbed from surrounding sources, and the more sources, the less each individual source is drained.

At the moment, Aeriq possesses only two other abilities, the first of which he simply calls [I]Collective Physiology[/I]. In short, Aeriq has the physiology of several demonic races, and his own original human one. He appears to be a unique kind of surface demon, thus noting Aspect Assimilation. In addition to that Aeriq has some traits of a nightwalker and traits of one other unknown demonic race. Aeriq’s body is exceptionally durable and flexible and his reflexes are inhumanly sharp. His senses are similarly powerful and he can summon strength enough to rip apart concrete with his barehands. He possesses minor shapeshifting abilities, allowing him to form a tail, or claws, or add an extra joint to his legs. He can briefly make his bones more elastic, allowing him to bend and stretch at odd angles. His regeneration is fairly average for a demon, and he can regenerate limbs, though it takes awhile unless he gorges himself on essence or is healed manually by external means. Electrical, or Lightning-based magic is his greatest weakness. Aeriq has developed a hand-to-hand fighting style based around his unique physical traits. After Zume’s willingness to allow him Kūhaku he worked that into his style as well, and both have become staples in combat.

This brings us to his second ability, which is known as [I]Kūhaku[/I] or Null, in English. This was originally Zume’s and while the man knows its ins and outs better than Aeriq, his human vessel cannot properly use it. This ability is Zume’s sole remaining essence-based magic, and it has replaced the majority of Aeriq’s demonic abilities. Rather than draw from his aural essence, Kūhaku instead draws from Zume’s soul, which can regenerate due to the mage’s extensive tampering. This uniquely pure essence is generated when Zume separates a small portion of his consciousness from his large soul after which he inverts it. This creates the unique substance, which has given this ability its namesake. Kūhaku is essence that is as close to pure void essence as is mortally possible. It is pitch black and contains an eerie depth no matter the amount. It is exceptionally dense, but also very malleable. It has a myriad of uses, and rather odd traits. It has both polarity and elemental states, allowing it to go from a solid all the way to a gaseous state. Its polarities are negative, positive, and neutral as with most anything and Zume achieves these effects through his telekinetic manipulation, [I]Soul Sight[/I] and his knowledge of the Art.

The traits of Kūhaku are as follows:

The properties of the Kūhaku tend to be related to the aspects of degradation and nothingness, but they may also encompass the idealogy of potential creation, as the Kūhaku is in fact very near the purest form of a “blank slate.” It should be noted that the Kūhaku and its essence are unable to enter reality in its purest state through a being that is not of divine nature, which Zume is not. As such, this blank slate potential and the forces of creation within reality alter and, corrupt one might even say, the very nature of the Kūhaku itself upon its energies being manifested within reality.

This allows Kūhaku to take on several states, similar to the states of matter, as well as varying polarities in addition to its general ability to degrade other substances –whether they be composed of energy or matter-- that come into contact with it. The properties of the Kūhaku in its four states and three polarities are as follow though it should be noted that no matter the state, or polarity, of Kūhaku, it retains its base property of depth and degradation.

As such all that needs be mentioned is that Kūhaku is capable of eating away at substances and will also act much like a poison if ingested due to its inverted nature.

--Polarities--
It should be noted that while different portions of Kūhaku can have different polarities, and that any given area of void can have a multitude of polarities, that no one spot can exhibit the traits of two polarities simultaneously. Additionally, while polarities themselves have no true weaknesses, they can cause weaknesses to appear when coupled with the void's typical traits and the state that the void is in at the time.

[U]Neutral:[/U] Void in its neutral polarity becomes exceptionally dense as instead of its attractive or repellant properties pushing or pulling at other matter or energy, causing its own energies to move differently as a result, they push and pull at its own energy, causing it to expand, retract, and continually fold in on itself. As such, neutral void becomes denser, and thus heavier, with time, though it does not appear to actually create more of itself in the process likely due to its degradation factor. This means that anything, living or not, that is within this manner of Kūhaku will experience an incredible pressure, as if underwater, which will increase gradually over time as long as the polarity is not altered. Lastly it should be noted that the more Kūhaku is at a neutral state, which it will be at if not influenced otherwise, the faster this pressure, and density increases.

[U]Positive:[/U] Like a magnet, just as its opposite, the positive polarity of Kūhaku allows for matter and energy to be pulled towards it with an attractive force. This pull can be countered by an equal push away from it, allowing the individual to resist by using strength equal to or greater than the pull affecting them. However, it should be noted that, much like the previous polarity, the pull will grow with the amount of Kūhaku is of this polarity meaning it will take a greater and greater force to escape it.

[U]Negative:[/U] Opposite to the previous polarity, this charge allows the Kūhaku to “push” matter and energy away from itself. This effect increases, as with the others, with the amount of Kūhaku that is in this state. To resist this push the same effort must be given in a similar manner as with the Positive polarity.

[I]--States--[/I]
Unlike the polarities of the Kūhaku, the states can be mixed and matched as the user wants, allowing for a myriad of combinations. This means that gaseous and Liquid Kūhaku can be merged into something containing the properties of both, but weaknesses all their own. Each state, including the various combinations, has its own weaknesses and faults, though these faults can be modified by the charge(polarity) of the Kūhaku in question.

[U]Solid:[/U] Solid Kūhaku is typically about as fragile as glass, or crystal (not including diamond), but nonetheless it absorbs a certain amount of force and can stop, or at least slow down, both matter and energy respectively. This fragility can however be amended by making it exceptionally dense, or integrating it with other states. 

The general weaknesses of solidified Kūhaku include any attack strong enough to break glass or crystal as well as especially high temperatures. As such, solidified Kūhaku is typically weakest to the elements earth and wind whereas lightning and fire have essentially no negative effect unless they exceed a certain temperature. Lastly, water is considered a neutral element to it, being more or less equal on both the weakness and strength side of things. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time.

In terms of the uses and general strengths of solidified Kūhaku, well, they are as follows. Solid Kūhaku is particularly useful for cutting attacks as while it is brittle when hit with a lot of force, it is fairly sturdy when apply cutting force (power) to other objects, making it a strange energy to begin with. The other reason it is so effective at severing things is the fact that solidified Kūhaku is not all that dense as unlike normal matter and energy, Kūhaku must become less dense to become tangible. In fact, the only reason the Kūhaku can effect physical beings is because its density has already been considerably lowered through the process of being channeled through Zume's body. It should be noted that while solidified Kūhaku is the least dense of the states, it is not the lightest; such is the paradoxical nature of Kūhaku.

[U]Liquid:[/U] In its liquid state, Kūhaku is actually fairly dense, making it difficult for liquid Kūhaku to float in the air without the buoyancy of gaseous Kūhaku. In fact, if it ever appears as if liquid Kūhaku is 'levitating' one should almost immediately assume that it is being supported by other more gaseous, Kūhaku. Beyond this it should be noted that liquid Kūhaku, despite its lack of airborne buoyancy, can move very quickly across surfaces. Additionally while it cannot float very well without the assistance of Kūhaku’s other states, liquid Kūhaku is capable of remaining partially suspended as long as one part of it is touching a surface. Additionally, should liquid Kūhaku be formed within an area where there is no gravity, it will have no longer be forced to tether to an object and will be capable of floating freely. This particular state of Kūhaku is weakest to the earth affinities, though other affinities have lesser effects on it or will force it to change its state. It is however strong against both the fire and lightning affinity as the Kūhaku is extremely conductive of both heat and electrical energy and is capable of handling fairly extreme temperatures especially in its liquid form. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time

[U]Gas:[/U] Gaseous Kuuhaku is a strange form of Kūhaku, primarily because it is certainly the most dense, but is simultaneously the freest and flimsiest of the states. While flimsy is indeed an apt term to describe it, it does not necessarily mean that this state is weak, for it certainly has its strengths. Wind and fire are highly effective against this form of Kūhaku, but the other elements, particularly water and earth, are essentially useless against it, as it will simply part before them. Conversely gaseous Kūhaku might pull an element through itself, as is the case for lightning as the gas retains the natural conductivity of Kūhaku-based matter/energy. It should be noted that gaseous Kūhaku, while extremely conductive of electricity, is oddly prone to combustion when exposed to fire, hence its weakness to it. It is thought that this may be due to the 'potential' that the Kūhaku holds inherent in itself, which is ignited by the excited particles of something such as fire. Lastly it should be noted that gaseous state Kūhaku moves the fastest of the three states, but is not much good at anything else except for being a sensory medium or catalyst. Beyond this gaseous Kūhaku is useful only in combination with other states or polarities of the Kūhaku. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time.[/hider2]
[hider2=Chrisia Vrinvich][B]Relation:[/B] Having been Zume’s guardian angel for the majority of his life, she does her best to keep him safe. Nonetheless she doubts him somewhat, not knowing how she feels about his recent actions and the growing darkness in his intentions. Still, faithful and unyielding as ever, she follows him, all the while attempting to turn him from the shadows and back into the light. Little does she realize that she too is being pulled down into the depths.

[B]Alias:[/B] The Flightless Hunter.
[B]Age:[/B] 242.
[B]Species:[/B] Unknown Chimeric class(Former Guardian/Original Angel).
[B]Appearance:[/B]
[img]http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs14/f/2007/110/e/d/Blackbird___Silent_Night_by_shilin.jpg[/img]
[B]Abilities:[/B] The angelic portion of their union, Chrisia has obtained, through Zume’s assistance, the status of archangel. However, her abilities are still rather limited in nature. Rather than possess the full scope of an archangel’s might, Chrisia’s guardian angel abilities have branched out somewhat, becoming rather unique. Now wielding a set of chain-linked blades, Chrisia’s weapons become more dangerous as she takes more damage. She has gained the durability of a battle angel as well as her physical prowess being heightened from that of a human. Due to Aeriq’s abilities channeling through her she is capable of manipulating the location of her own essence as well as essence in contact with such. Her weapons are curved scimitar-like blades constructed of her own reshaped bones and connected by a chain carved spinal segments.

These weapons hold an ability that Chrisia finds difficult to use through other means. Essentially the blades contain essence, which builds slowly over time the longer the weapons have not been used. Precisely a body’s worth of essence per 24 hours away from use. The majority of this essence, if they are emptied, will regenerate within the first 6 hours and then slowly trickle in over the rest of the 18.

When Chrisia sustains damage of any kind the blades are activated and the essence from within moves into her body, healing her at high speed unless she is killed with a single strike. Only if her skull is crushed does she die outright. Vital organs require more essence to heal. However, when healed the pain is siphoned into her bone blades where it remains. Whenever her blades cut her opponent Chrisia can choose to allow however much pain from her blade that has been stored to be released into the wound of the victim, infusing them with the sensation of such in the affected area. The smaller the wound the less the pain will effect the individual.

Her fighting prowess is considerable as well and due to her ability to divvy her essence she can increase the resistance of her body parts to damage if she so wishes. Her senses are keen and her mind is amplified by Zume’s making her very sharp and intelligent. Last among her abilities is her psychic ability to detect the emotional bonds between individuals. While she cannot see souls or intrude upon minds like her charge, she can detect bonds directly where he cannot.

It should be noted that a complex set of three sigils dwells on her back. One of these sigils contains her wings and can be released at her whim. The other two sigils act as catalysts and storage for her blades--each triggers a specific ability. The left sigil channels wind and essence around her blades allowing her to slash with the flat or edge to send blades, or waves, of wind. The ability takes 2-10% of a body’s essence. Depending on the amount stored within her blades she will be able to use it more or less. It remains active for 2 minutes after which it must gather essence again, which takes 3 minutes.

The right sigil activates a defensive ability, allowing Chrisia’s wings to gain an aura of super dense solidified essence. This aura extends beyond the wings allowing her to envelope her whole body in the aura, protecting her from all angles. This ability takes about 25% of a body’s essence to utilize, making it a very powerful defensive ability. It can only be used once every 5 minutes and it can only last a maximum of 1 minute and 30 seconds.[/hider2]
[B]Appearance:[/B] Zume’s human body tends to wear long sleeved dress shirts, blue, black and white being their typical colors. Additionally, he always wears at least two rings, though he owns three. Along with these he wears grayish blue jeans with a black belt—bearing various designs in gold hues upon its surface. These are his [url=https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/0/7772008/il_340x270.488818328_e3ns.jpg]first[/url], [url=https://img0.etsystatic.com/021/0/7772008/il_340x270.489438056_9zub.jpg]second[/url], and [url=http://ak1.ostkcdn.com/images/products/7896225/7896225/Oliveti-Black-plated-Titanium-Mens-Steel-Cable-and-Black-CZ-Band-8-mm-P15276929.jpg]third[/url] rings. Here are his [url=http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/17/db/b4/17dbb40dbfe874fb7c9afd4737694c25.jpg]first[/url] and [url=http://cdn.iofferphoto.com/img3/item/546/192/620/l_fashion-mens-long-sleeves-silk-cotton-shirts-t-shirt-4f50.jpg]second[/url] favorite shirts. He wears these [url=http://img.alibaba.com/wsphoto/v0/488980258/British-male-boots-men-s-shoes-leather-boots-high-help-leisure-han-boots-fashionable-boots-short.jpg]dress shoes/boots[/url]. He stands at the height of 5'9 making him fairly average in his stance.

[B]General Activity – [I]Chessmaster and Professor:[/I][/B] Zume works behind the scenes for the most part, using his myriad connections, unique abilities, and the advantage of being thought dead to accomplish a great deal. When he can manage it, Zume teaches a history class at the Academy. Most know him by his moniker, CainVareis, though some know his true name. At the Academy he is known as an intelligent, but kind individual. He sometimes even acts as an additional guidance councilor for the students, helping where he can and even tutoring when he has the time. His reputation is thus very good despite his short 2 years at the Academy in which he was teaching on and off allegedly due to illness.

In the outside world he is only known as ‘The Unseen,’ or “The Unseen Hand,” and is a feared individual infamous for his exploits. His abilities and skills are veiled in mystery and so very few can truly give any accurate account of why he is so feared, nonetheless that is simply how it is and he prefers to keep it that way…at least for now.

[B]Personality:[/B] Enigmatic, veiled in mystery and pleasant in his mannerisms, Zume is a rather cunning individual. While on the outside he appears a near perfect gentleman of high intellect and enigmatic interests, within he is darker, colder, and far more manipulative. Long has he toiled to perfect himself and in his own mind he has succeeded, literally. In this way Zume is entirely confident in himself in all things, even those that he has little talent for. He is unshakable in his own way and on many levels will resist the ploys of others, be they intentional or otherwise. Thus to others he appears a man entirely abhorrent of manipulation and deceit, of course that is only if you know him on an incredibly basic level, for in truth Zume is in fact quite deceitful to all around him. It is a marvel that no one, and that is said with absoluteness, has realized his trickery. For to others he is kind, reliable and honest, though perhaps far more intelligent than the average man ought to be. Then again, he is far from an average man.

Of course, when provoked, Zume does not always appear so on first observation. Instead, he appears either more amused by proceedings or incredibly, horribly bored. This stems from his rather strange rage, which is not easily roused from its slumber in his soul. In fact, those who know Zume very well often say that despite having seen him angry, they always got the sense that he was still entirely in control the entire time. This is frighteningly true and brings with it many implications. First among these is that despite his emotional state, Zume remains entirely in control of his actions even if such does not appear to be the case. Second is the startling realization one gains when they come to know that not only is Zume in control at all times, but that he can rouse any desired mind state or emotion entirely on command. This lends to the fact that all who know Zume understand how great his self-control is, even if not to what extent.

When it comes to matters of friend, foe, and family Zume is very particular with how he deals with people. When it comes to family, they are both priceless, and expendable, or rather they are perfect tools for his machinations. When it comes to friends Zume appears incredibly loyal and helpful to near perfection. However, in the end it is almost surely a ruse for he lets so very few into his heart.

While he is cold, it is difficult for one to truly understand just how much until they have seen him unrestrained against his enemy. Thus it can be seen that in battle Zume only enjoys himself when he needs not utilize the entirety of his deadly arsenal of skills. Otherwise he tends to find himself annoyed by the fact that he must consider his enemy an equal. This reveals another of Zume's vices, something that few know unless they delve deep into his true persona. In short, Zume is prideful and a measure arrogant as he believes that none truly surpasses his majesty. However, it is not in the skills of the body that he believes himself entirely superior, no; it is in the realms of the mind that he so places himself. In a sense, he is not entirely wrong. A fact that, should any discover his true nature en full, would frighten most, not that they would survive long to tell their tell...after all, the others didn't.

[B]Biography:[/B] Born into the middle class, Zume’s life was full of struggle in its beginning years. Forced to overcome great odds, Zume managed to ward off not only mental illness, but to pass with astounding grades in both High School and College. While his bizarre mind would trouble and benefit him for years to come, the boy had managed to distance himself from any friends he might have made. Such was the troublesome nature of skipping five full grades. However, while this may have seemed impressed, he was initially held back for two. In those two held back years, the boy dove head first onto the bridge, which overlooked the canyon of insanity and managed to come out on the other side almost entirely intact.

With his life before him, the boy began his research at the age of twelve, searching for cures for Essence related mental illnesses such as his own. However, something seemed to keep him from successful remedies. Eventually, hoping that [I]somehow[/I] it would help, he sought out a clairvoyant angel. It was here that his fate would be changed.

In mere weeks after hearing the clairvoyant’s words he made headway in his research, namely by recalling key portions of the prophecy. As he became more prestigious, his name found itself in several scientific journals. Gradually other less upstanding individuals took notice of his accomplishments. The years ticked on and at the age of 21 he hit another block. This time he could not solve it, not on his own. The verses of the prophecy seemed to push him in the direction of someone else.

Sadly, he did not know this individual at the time. However, he did know that he had to find “the bleeding hand of Athriohm,” whatever that meant. Curious, he began to do in depth research till he began to uncover an organization called the Anriohm, which was devoted to the teachings of a man named Athriohm. Perhaps he would find his answers with them; the only problem was that they gave no information to outsiders. To find anything out he’d have to enter their midst. So, despite his guardian angel, Chrisia Vrivich’s complaints, he did.

Hiding Vrivich elsewhere, the young man begins his search for a master among their ranks. He, at first, studied under a well-known master, but the man died unexpectedly 6 years afterwards, making it necessary for the order to assign him a new teacher. Thus he came to be under a man named Alistair’s wing, a man who would become a man of another name. He was not disappointed. Trained by the man for 6 years, wherein he watched Alistair turn from a kind man to a haunted shell the young man manages to gain normal mastery of the Art. However, as he turns 33 his jaded and somewhat angry master, now his close friend, informs him to the full extent of his plans.

Now indebted to him, Zume agrees to help and with the grudging assistance of his guardian angel and his genius plan, the former apprentice manages to fake his master’s death. While the Masters could not pin him as the murderer, his affiliation with Chrisiar is discovered and so he is stripped of his magic’s, his ability to mold essence sealed for life and his voice barred from uttering the ancient magic’s knowledge.

Undeterred by his newfound limitations, Zume trudged on, his knowledge of the Art and its workings quite intact. Soon after he reunites with Alistair, who he promptly began assisting once more, his intention to heed the words of the angel he had met so many years ago.

So the two worked towards Alistair’s goal, with Zume gaining new insight on his own theories while the two toiled. While he could no longer assist his former master in the execution of the Art itself, he knew some aspects of it that even his master had not thought of. However, as they neared the project’s completion Zume realized that his time with Alistair was at an end. Furthermore, he could not allow the hate driven man his quietus, so, the night before the final operation, Zume freed Isaac.

Not at all surprised when his friend turned on him in rage, Zume soon found himself upon the dirt, where Alistair quickly disposed of his remains, burning the vessel he had once inhabited to ash. However, as he had planned, he had not died—his soul remained bound to that of Chrisia’s. Yet again his own tampering and the dutiful service of his guardian angel saved him.

By this time the tyrant, Judas Iscariot, and his regime were defeated thus freeing the world’s Essence from the clutches of darkness. The world began to drift into peace as even the Lord of Chaos withdrew from surface. However Zume worked, his mind warped from being out of body for so long, and began to alter further his newfound nature. He sculpted his soul, and the soul of his anchor forcing the angel through a sudden regression of lives.

Thus he obtained the body of an archangel, though Chrisia’s mind had been broken. Luckily, being a man of great foresight, he had imprinted Chrisia’s consciousness in his own soul. Over the next 25 years he reintegrated the angel’s consciousness back into its vessel till finally he had his faithful companion once more. However, it was not merely by his hands that he’d worked such a miracle; it was only with the assistance of a demon named Aeriqi that he succeeded. In the coming years, he too would find himself under the hand of Zume, who fully intended to gain for himself the finesse of a demon’s magic.

Another month and he had altered the magic necessary for the process, having derived such from his alteration of Chrisia’s bond. Now he’d be creating a new one, but this time with Aeriqi. In short it succeeded, yet still he was not done, so he spent several years researching the intricacies of racial essence as well as those of chimeric essence. Coming to a conclusion, he devised an ingenious algorithm and within the space of 2 years succeeded fully in its implementation.

He became a chimera, but not of the normal brand, no instead he was a strange mixture of all three classifications. He was artificial for he and his two anchors still existed as separate consciousness, yet he was natural for all their traits were blended in his own body. Still he was communal, as all three bodies existed and the traits of the three races channeled between them easily. The only form of chimera that he wasn’t was the collective form.

Sated for a time, but not for long enough, Zume began research into another set of subjects. With three pairs of eyes with which to do research and time a plenty, he managed to obtain a vast quantity of knowledge. In his studies he came to realize the existence of a fragment of Hell’s fallen gate. For it appeared that while Hazumi had taken much of Hell’s gate and its gatekeeper, Melody, into herself, some of the edifice and its guardian still remained.

Traveling quickly to the site of the fallen gateway, Zume was not disappointed, for at the very edges of the place his now honed senses detected an ancient power. His soul departing the three of his vessels for further investigation, Zume found a large fragment of the gateway still intact. Quickly he devised a method with which to transport it, and so it was procured and relocated for his purposes.

In the space of 32 years he molded the gate fragment’s essence into a new form, binding it to his own soul, but not allowing himself to be pulled into it. In 24 more years he both finished and mastered the newly forged tool, which he dubbed Chinmoku shouka(Silenced song). The tool became a permanent part of his arsenal and while his plans had long since begun, now they truly began to take root.

With the appearance of an up and coming demon, one who called himself Crow, Zume began to sow the seeds which would come to bear the fruits of his long labors. So Crow, through his own genius, and Zume’s subtle assistance, rose to prominence. The demon never forgot the man, and the two remain good friends to this day, though Crow remains uncertain of his friend’s true nature.

Thus Zume continues to extend his influence. Little does his former master realize that his pupil has been watching all along, waiting to see if the man’s work meets success. In fact, aside from Alistair, he is the only one who truly knows the extent of their work on Isaac’s line. It will be interesting to see how Olivia and Emmet progress—Zume figures things will go just fine.

After all, his eyes are no longer bound by mortal constraints, so who knows what he can see.[/hider]
[hider=Equipment][B][I]Chinmoku shouka(Silenced song):[/I][/B] A tool forged from the shard of a fallen guardian and its erstwhile charge, Chinmoku shouka is a tool of rare power. Possessing all the faculties of a musician’s instrument, and the malleable nature of the world’s Essence, this tool takes several notable shapes. Typically laid bare on its master’s primary vessel, this molded shard takes the physical shape of a shining obsidian medallion. Encrusted with twelve sigils of ornate and adept make, this artifact’s purpose is to gift Zume with empathic ability. In this shape Chinmoku’s abilities are sparing, and merely allow its master to read into the emotions of those around him. The medallion’s only notable feature is its unearthly glow, for it shines like a metal and crystal both, light refracting through and off of it in a bizarre manner. The light, which catches it, is diffused in the space directly surrounding its form, a trait controlled by Zume himself. Should he will it the light would be unrestrained and its unnatural majesty unveiled to all.

Its second guise taken, the shard’s woven essence becomes not only tool, but weapon as well. In this form Chinmoku takes the shape of a [url=http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2012/039/1/1/yuniba_saru_kimi_sealed_form_redraw_by_yoshua171-d4p356y.jpg]blade[/url], its surface black, ‘cept a line of white down the length of its blade and small diamond shaped spaces in the wrapping of its handle. The hilt is largely white as well, leaving a strong contrast between the weapon’s two colors. In this shape Chinmoku is a catalyst of Zume’s power, amplifying and channeling it as an extension of his being—for it has been molded to be. In this state Chinmoku’s power is likely at its most destructive, though it can be equally as subtle.

Chinmoku’s third shape is not a shape at all, for the shard’s form physically vanishes, returning to Zume’s body where it is assimilated once more. In this state Chinmoku’s power is at its purest, allowing the shard to reveal its true nature. For while Chinmoku has three forms, these are not its sole states. The shard is truly composed of an amalgam of strictly focused soul, and aura, essences. The essence, which makes it up, has been divvied into 221 defined energetic patterns that its master has strict control over. The movement of each energy system alters the shape and manifested abilities of Chinmoku making it a truly varied instrument. Thus, with slight modifications each of Chinmoku shouka’s forms can be altered in shape, or function to varied effect. However, likely the scariest of the shard’s traits is its inverted nature, for while it is indeed composed of essence, it is composed of near primeval energies. It is unmistakably pure and by this virtue it is given a variety of traits. These traits are listed elsewhere.

It should be noted that Zume keeps a limited supply of this energy within Chinmoku, replenishing it whenever possible.[/hider]
[hider=Capabilities][B][U]Physical Capabilities:[/U][/B] Zume, due to his unique circumstances, is capable of controlling essentially all of his vessel’s bodily functions. He can even dull his perception of pain without becoming entirely unable to detect the damage his body takes. In terms of learned abilities, Zume is a skilled swordsman and marksman. While he does not carry an actual gun, Chinmoku Shouka is capable of turning into one. His senses are far sharper than any normal human’s allowing him to detect pheromones, and notice unconscious body language or the tensing of a muscle.

He can detect things that would not normally possess a noticeable scent as well as being able to detect far off sounds—though the nature of his enhanced hearing is more magical than physical in nature. Additionally, while he is not an incredibly skilled martial combatant in any definitive style of martial art, he has developed something of his own sword style, which remains nameless. He has done a great deal of study of both the body and martial arts, allowing him to ascertain an individual’s style and how best to counter it—though he is not of course able to perfectly predict such. Zume’s speed is beyond the peak human levels.

The rest of his physical traits are fairly normal barring the precision with which his body moves. Because of his training and insane level of physical control he walks with an almost eerie grace, his feet making little sound, and his gait appearing unearthly to look upon. All his movements are strangely beautiful and precise making him something of an enigma even during every day tasks. Lastly, due to his telekinesis, Zume is capable of ceasing the bleeding within his body and mitigating damage. However, his human body does not have a notably faster regeneration rate and thus is not able to sustain damage that would normally kill a human without medical attention or arcane healing.

[B][U]Mental Capabilities:[/U][/B] While a genius even when bound by the restraints of mortality, Zume’s mental abilities have since blossomed beyond the dreams of any human. His psyche sculpted through magic and willpower both, Zume’s mind has become something far from human, and utterly unrecognizable to those who dare to touch its vast and complex scape. While Zume can be defeated in both magical and physical arenas, though it be difficult to achieve, his abilities in the psychic and mental realm are almost without rival.

While the depths of his mind shall be properly explain, the barest of explanations follows. The top most layer of his mind is known as the Facade, the middle layer known as the Bridge, and the innermost layer known as the Core. These are the three essential levels of association and the deeper one gets, the more meaningful they are to him.

Nonetheless, here is laid out the majesty of Zume’s mind.

[hider2=Structure][I]False Subconscious[/I]

Zume's mind is incredibly organized and can be separated into notable sections. The outermost section of his mind is dedicated to what appears to be random thoughts suffused with kernels of truth here and there. While it can be pierced more easily be experienced magus or individuals with powerful psychic talents, this layer prevents the inexperienced and ill informed from prying into his schemes. To the unobservant this layer appears as the man’s true subconscious mind and so many make the mistake of judging him by what runs through it. It is too bad for them that they are quite wrong in their assessment.

[I]The Sea of Ego[/I]

Just beneath the False Subconscious is the Sea of Ego, which can be described as a maelstrom of personalities. This layer is composed of what could be anywhere from ten to one hundred separate personalities, each unique. These persona tend to wink in and out of existence depending on which of them are required. If one were to watch the Sea's movements, they would not notice any specific patterns or currents, but they would notice dances and plays being carried out between the personalities. This is where probabilities and scenarios are run inside of Zume's mind. The persona therein can, and are, created and destroyed almost at a whim, so as to allow Zume to consider as many possible outcomes as is possible. While he is quite aware of this layer and has complete conscious control over it should he need to. However, what could be called a subconscious mind rules over these processes for the most part, allowing him to multitask far more efficiently and carry out the Sea’s processes almost without effort at all. As such, Zume is easily capable of running potentially hundreds of scenarios while simultaneously acting in the physical essentially without consequence. Such is his mastery of the mind.

[I]Seat of the Dominant[/I]

Upon the Sea of Ego’s floor is the Seat of the Dominant, the portion his psyche where the most prominent of his persona dwell. If Zume switches persona the new persona will take the place of the old upon this seat signifying its dominance and activity in his physical actions.

[I]The Fortress[/I]

Beneath the 'sea floor' is the Fortress, which is dedicated to the few Aspects, who are essentially the driving forces of Zume's personality. There is a grand throne and two lesser thrones within the Fortress. The fortress is his final defense against psychic intrusion and thus is nigh impenetrable ‘cept by the minds of the equally, or woe be it, greater skilled psychics.

[I]The Throne Room[/I]

Considered the inner sanctum of his psyche, this room is inhabited by three mental constructs, two Aspects, and a single Archetype. They are known as Observation, Amusement, and Ambition. The A twins, Amusement and Ambition, are both Aspects by which Zume's personality is deeply, and inherently, effected. Observation, also known as 'The Core', is the Grand ruler of his Psyche. He is the Archetype. Observation is mostly without bias besides focusing on the gathering of information and knowledge in all its forms. The Archetype concerns itself with obtaining wisdom and intellectual superiority, though does not care about the consequences of such unless they directly go against its continued survival.

The two Aspects have less sway, but are nonetheless the other two defining traits of Zume as a conscious being. Ambition pushes him to improve himself, both through obtaining knowledge, power, and station. Ambition cares not for the emotions of others, but instead wishes to lead them to follow in its footsteps, with it as their shepherd, and they as the sheep. Ambition will always push Zume to reach higher unless Observation tempers it or dictates otherwise for the betterment of the whole.

Second of the two Aspects, but not any less influential, Amusement drives Zume to find its namesake anywhere it can. Due to the influence of its twin, and its better, it tends to glean amusement from learning information and exerting the power it gains over others. Granted, the way this is expressed on the surface differs widely, just as with its twin, and so will not usually be obvious in its manifestation.[/hider2]
Due to the nature of his mind and its lack of physical restriction, Zume is capable of a great many things, not the least of which is psychic combat. He is entirely capable of weaving elaborate illusions in the minds of others, intruding in another’s mind telepathically, and even manipulating their very emotions. His abilities to effect emotions are however not his own, and can be attributed to Chinmoku, with which he has merged. Nonetheless, Zume’s mental talents include an eidetic memory, astounding multitasking and complete awareness of his physical vessel(s). Most notable of his abilities are his psychic talents, which while mentioned must be properly explained elsewhere.

Last to note is his extensive base of knowledge, which extends from the workings of essence, to the soul, and back throughout the fields of science. In his 236 years he has become a biologist, a psychologist, a historian, and even a medical scientist. Simply put his knowledge is decidedly vast and would be difficult to document properly, thus the rest shall be left to the imagination.

[B][U]Magical Capabilities:[/U][/B] First and foremost of Zume’s magical talents is his [I]Psionic Mastery[/I], which allows him a variety of unique talents. Firstly he is granted the ability to defend his mind from psychic attack, and in some ways, illusion. He can enter the offensive as well, projecting his consciousness, or even imposing his very soul upon others. This gives him the unique ability, allowed by his lack of physical restriction, to possess others, regardless of their race. However, the more powerful the being, the more difficult it is for him to possess them. He can only possess the averagely willed human or demon. Angels have a unique advantage, as the essence of their soul is especially resolute, making it difficult for him to dominate their mind and commandeer its vessel. Additionally, dominating the mind of a being of warden level power or above is exceedingly difficult. Oddly, the minds of musicians are difficult as well, their instrument’s worldly Essence seeming to shield them in part from his insidious mind—nonetheless; they remain vulnerable to his psychic intrusion, though immune to his possession.

Likely the most used, and only physical aspect of his psionic abilities is Zume’s telekinesis. Explaining his control of the ability is simple, he can lift objects as heavy as the average minivan, and he can manipulate both subtle energies and physical forces. His concentration is paramount to the use of this ability and while he does not expend essence in the same was as others, he is taxed nonetheless. It should be noted that while Zume can telekinetically manipulate essence, he is unable to exude aura essence himself, making this his most viable method of countering magic of any kind.

Next in his list of traits is his [I]Soul Sight[/I], an ability which allows him to see the essence make up of an individual’s soul. This allows him to detect individuals easily within the range of three miles. However, outside of this range he cannot see properly unless there are few people nearby as otherwise their souls collectively outshine the one he is attempting to track. The other ability that this sensory allows is for him to sense the physical, mental, and emotional state of those nearby should he choose to. He can identify race, even that of a chimera, easily and can discern the damage done to a body by the types of distress experienced by the consciousness within such. The size of a soul generally dictates the amount of aural essence that an individual will possess, but is not a hard indicator of their power or potential. While he can see the many nuances of souls, Zume is paradoxically unable to see aural essence at all. He can vaguely sense its use and he can detect spikes in magical use, but he cannot analyze it as a Practitioner of the Art, or a demon could.

Last among his magical skills is the [I]Bond of union[/I], which is a shared ability of he and his two primary anchors, Chisia and Aeriq. This is both a weakness and strength for him, as if both are destroyed and his own vessel killed Zume will be unable to hold onto this world and his soul will return to the Kūhaku, where it belongs. However, if his vessel is destroyed his soul will remain bound to reality through his two allies, allowing him to take residence in one of their bodies till he locates his own. Additionally, Zume is capable of traversing without his body, traveling with merely his spirit body to survey locations and ascertain details of a situation. Additionally, this means that the three share their abilities, allowing them to divvy power as needed between them, though each vessel has its own specialization. Last of all is their collective ability to communicate telepathically or empathically over great distances and when together, synchronize their minds for maximum affectivity. If Chrisia or Aeriq dies before Zume they are saved in the same way that he would be till he can obtain for them a new vessel and recreate the chain.[/hider]