STATUS:
I feel like I'm rotating through the same four characters constantly since RPs die so quickly I never get enough quality time with them. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
9 yrs ago
Current
I feel like I'm rotating through the same four characters constantly since RPs die so quickly I never get enough quality time with them. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Hey! This looks interesting, but I have a question if you don't mind; how large of a group were you looking for? I'm curious since I'm a slow writer that gets left behind with large groups. :P
On a side note, from creeping on your profile I notice you've just returned to RPG. Welcome back! You might want to make an interest check for the RP - that's where a decent portion of sign ups come from.
Appearance: Ever since she was a girl Alena was always the tallest amongst her peers, and while puberty should’ve averaged this instead she hit the king of growth spurts that placed her taller than nearly every woman – and many men. Alena presently stands at a towering six foot three inches, and despite her athleticism Alena’s tall frame gives her a certain awkward, lean look that would probably appear unhealthy were it not for the toned muscle packed onto her body. Further she appears rather pale for such an active girl, though not in a ghostly white fashion, due solely to the fact Alena has the tendency to burn rather than tan. Marked on this light skin are freckles speckled across the bridge of her nose and cheeks, a hint of them on her arms.
Personality: Most people who meet Alena would describe her as a giant puppy; all big paws and sparkling eyes with a toothy grin that radiates excitement. She’s the type of person to roll out of bed in the morning bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to face the day, and greet every bleary eyed passerby along the way. In truth when she was younger it used to be easy to be nearly grating with her enthusiasm, but as she passed puberty it seems people were more often soothed by her than anything. It’s disconcerting to the demi-god, and lately she’s found herself focusing more on her own training in an attempt to brush off the new developments. Of course, that has danger in itself since Alena can also be ... oblivious. Nothing ruins your day like a couple hundred pounds of muscle absently plowing into you while jogging. More than that? She’s found herself being jealous of others. What Alena has worked so hard for, her strength, is amazing as a mortal; as a demi-god, compared to those with actual godly strength inherited without having to ever work out in their life? It’s nothing, and has become a dark spot on her otherwise astonishingly open person.
Hobbies: Although it’s probably more than just a hobby at this point, Alena is highly vested in weightlifting – with a focus on dead lifts. It’s what she’s best at, though it’s not unusual to find her doing other athletic activities as well; pick up games of numerous sports, running in the morning, and she has a fondness for swimming. Alena also used to be able to play the piano, but is rather rusty at it by now.
Abilities: Unlike her many half-siblings Alena does not possess otherwordly beauty, nor even traditional beauty from her mother’s blood. What she did inherit was the ability to entice, charm, and even seduce others, but rather than a combination of looks and disarming manner Alena’s seems to be related to her tongue. Like her mother Alena can melt the defenses of men and women alike with words that seem to drip with honey, even though they may not be as polished as the Goddess’. Once the mental walls are open it’s almost easy to convince someone if she so desires it, or more benevolently to empathize with them. While it was much harder on those with high willpower, since joining Riverswell she’s found it’s also not as easy to do unintentionally with the children of other gods and goddesses compared to mortals, which is a small relief at least.
Extra: Unlike many other demi-gods she takes after her human parent in most aspects that aren’t otherwordly, from her build to her mannerisms. The latter could be due to having absolutely no memories of her mother, though she has met one of her half-siblings – a model, go figure, who at first wasn’t convinced she had the right person. That happens a lot. Her English can be awkward at times due to not being her first langauge, and lastly she’s also so far in the closet she’s visiting Narnia.
Hopefully it should be alright. I wanted to go away from the typical beautiful person thing with Aphrodite, which made the ability a bit hard to decide on. If it doesn't work out I can always change, tweak, or even use another character - I had a half Dullahan in mind as well.
I'd also like to note, I find it rather funny that both children of beautiful gods/goddesses are gay. I already had it in mind, not to step on your toes Avan. :P
Is it alright to post a character even if you didn't post in the Interest Check? Some people save spots so just checking :) If so I have an idea for a daughter of Aphrodite; once I wake up anyway.
Absently, while looking at the rubble strewn across the floor and the deafening cacophony of gunfire in her ears, Jasper wondered if the bank would’ve just preferred the robbery went off without a hitch. Money, just like walls, were insured but probably wouldn’t leave the doors closed for repairs. Of course that thought passed quickly and fleetingly, as most of the blonde’s focus was on keeping her companion from doing something rash. Even with the sunglasses in place Jasper could see how Zoey’s brows furrowed and her jaw clenched, no doubt itching to lash out again. The first incident was bad enough, and they were lucky that things sprung into action directly afterward. Even if Zoey looked distinctly displeased at the appearance of Fire Fox; a relatively unknown variant that was quickly becoming quite the opposite with his pyrotechnics. A thief’s a thief, after all.
As more variants busted in however, quite literally in the very recognizable Tank’s case, Jasper realized it was time to go. Especially before Zoey’s itchy trigger finger made her react; well, more than she already did. The rather garish orange hoodie of another vigilante came into view, and of course only one person could be wearing it. They were certainly coming out of the woodwork for this one. No surprise, considering hostages.
“I believe that’s our cue, Miss K.,” Jasper pressed the flat of her palm against Zoey’s back to urge her forward, the redhead almost glowering over her bodyguard’s head before finally and reluctantly beginning to walk forward, scuttling behind the veritable wall of flesh comprising of the vigilantes and… vigilante horse?
Still not the oddest thing Jasper has seen considering who she works for, even with the missing head.
“Good luck, Overclock,” The blonde intoned solemnly, before the corner of her mouth twitched up. “Though I’m sure all of you won’t need it.” Jasper pushed Zoey forward once more, the latter huffing moodily but her face turning towards the backs of the hostages they were following. Jasper could only breathe a silent sigh of relief as they finally emerged from the front steps amidst the gawking onlookers and pathetically sparse police presence.
Of course, that could never be the end of it. That would be too simple. Even as the group was ushered behind the police barricades and towards awaiting ambulances Jasper could tell Zoey was agitated. That was to be expected, of course, but what gave her pause was the way Zoey tossed her head back to glance over her shoulder back to the bank, the way her shoulders rolled and fingers flexed. She wanted to go back. Of course she did. After all, that’s what the mask was for wasn’t it?
A deep sigh left Jasper’s lips, but her hand slipped away from urging Zoey towards the ambulances.
“Do be careful, Miss Kasimir – and make sure to change out of those clothes.” Zoey just blinked at Jasper rather blankly for a moment before a little grin lit her face, and without a further word the redhead slipped off in the commotion, disappearing into an alley – and likely, disappearing from there as well. Jasper really hoped Zoey wasn’t so eager she didn’t heed her words. Reaper showing up in the same outfit as Zoey would be an awful idea.
“Okay, maybe you were right, but you were still being paranoid! This is a complete … at least one in one hundred chance!”
“Considering the state of affairs since Behemoth, and that this is the third bank robbery this month…”
“That just means they’re idiots. Look at the scrawny shit over there – that rifle is going to knock him onto his ass the first time he fires it. Must have a small dick.”
“Impeccable observational skills, as usual, Miss K.”
“And why are you calling me that-“
“Quiet!” The barking command of one of the thugs watching over the hostages caused Zoey’s gaze to darken, quite literally as black cracks began to web out from her pupils. The redhead’s muscles coiled as though to spring, but before she could so much as twitch a hand was grasping onto the sunglasses hanging from her white shirt collar and yanking her down, keeping her considerable frame hunched over.
“I could take them out right now,” Zoey hissed between her teeth, shoulders rolling with pent up aggression and jaw clenched. Jasper merely shook her head subtly, even as the weight tucked into a holster at her side weighed heavily. It was too risky. It was too risky in the first place to even come here. The hostages, themselves included, were herded like cattle in a far corner of the main bank floor hidden from sight of the front glass doors of the bank – or more accurately, like fish in a barrel. At first sign of trouble the loyal bodyguard had nudged and herded Zoey to the back, keeping the young billionaire away from prying eyes that might take advantage of the situation. So far it seemed to be working, the whimpers of their fellow hostages covering up the details of their whispered conversation.
The situation wouldn’t last, however. The flashing lights of the police were obvious outside, and more than that the pacing and growled conversations between the half dozen men angry and panicked. Occasionally one of the hostages was taken from the group – the apparent speaker for the group seemed to have a fascination with using a pretty brunette teller as a meat shield during negotiations. Every time he came back angrier, and the men’s movements became antsier. One wrong move on either side could lead to-
Was that explosions?
No, not quite. More flashes joined the police outside, brighter and more colorful. From the higher windows it could be seen as… fireworks. Someone was setting off fireworks. A very specific someone, who’s name proceeded them, the announcement almost unnecessary. Zoey closed her eyes and tried to fight off the rising headache on top of her hangover - and the reason for coming in here.
"All I wanted was smaller bills for a kebab..." She muttered under her breath, it drowned out quickly by the now panic fueled robbers.
“It’s one of the freaks!”
“Fuck me, I am not getting into a fire fight with one of them.”
“Then make him back off – fuck, make them all back off, the swat team is probably incoming too!”
“How?”
“Show them we’re serious.” With that sudden proclamation the scrawny man of the group turned to the group of hostages, eliciting screams as he hefted the heavy weapon in his hands to point at one of the men. Near the back of the group Jasper grabbed onto Zoey’s arm, but the redhead’s eyes already flashed to pure black and with a twist of her wrist the man’s shadow rose up just enough to strike out against his ankle, tossing him to his back with a startled yelp as his semi-automatic weapon went off, creating a line of holes in the ceiling.
Jasper could only silently curse, even as Zoey ducked her head to slide the sunglasses on and hide her eyes amidst the commotion. Sobs, the burglar wheezing, the others wound up and looking for threats – though luckily no one was really paying attention to their feet. Jasper glared darkly at Zoey, even as she knew that she’d never be able to stop her from heroics. Even playing the hostage. Zoey just gave a little grim smile back.
“I told you the rifle was going to knock him on his ass.”
Name: Zoey Kasimir Alias: Reaper Age: 25 Gender: Female Appearance: Standing at 6’2’ Zoey is a rather tall woman, and due to her active lifestyle has a fair amount of muscle packed onto her body. Her red hair is such a light shade that it almost appears to be orange, the strands falling straight down to her mid back, though more often than not she has bangs falling into her face. Said face has rather elegant, if harsh looking features made up of sharp, hard lines with high cheekbones and brows near constantly furrowed above her grey-blue eyes. Sadly this all adds up to Zoey having a natural ‘resting bitch face’, often appearing to be judging everything about you with a single glance.
Due to her upbringing nothing she wears makes her more approachable either, often consisting of slacks and button up shirts or high brand sleeveless tops, topped with a pair of sunglasses she probably spent too much on considering a single outfit would go into the triple digits.
The only exception to this is a specific outfit, made to be as inconspicuous as possible. Reaper’s costume is simply a pair of loose jeans, gloves, an oversized hoodie, and runners – all in black to match the theme, of course. The only thing that makes it stand out at all is that on glancing beneath the large hood Reaper is always wearing a full head balaclava – a cloth head cover – with the only openings being two eye holes; though her eyes are constantly blacked over anyway. No skin is on show, and the size of the hoodie combined with a chest binding helps to hide her gender as well.
Occupation: Owner of various companies.
Family: Alyssa Kasimir [mother, deceased]. Zaden Kasimir [father]. No family on father’s side; grandparents, aunt and cousins on mother’s.
Personality: Zoey is rather bitter and sarcastic, despite trying to appear more elegant than she is. Even with her efforts to be aloof and untouchable she can be quick to fluster or anger if the right buttons are pressed, and will lash out. She’s a bit thoughtless, and at times with her biting attitude can be a bit of a bully. Truth be told it’s rather accidental though, as Zoey is too preoccupied with her own problems to care about harassing others. She’s taken to finding distractions as well and can easily focus on something completely off topic, such as thinking ‘what would I say to this mugger if I did wear a spandex superhero costume?’ while completely jumping him. Also, since she’s had everything provided for her Zoey is rather naïve about ‘common’ life as well as the value of a dollar – for example she’s legitimately never been on a bus before, nor understanding of why people would want to go on it either.
Notoriety: Unknown. Class/Level: Class 4 / Yellow Powers/Abilities: Zoey is for all intents and purposes a darkness elemental. The main part of being this elemental is that she can sense the same darkness in others; however no one is pure sunshine and rainbows so it acts more like a sixth sense of ‘beacons’ to people, excluding young children. In large cities it’s like being surrounded by a sea of these beacons all melding together into a gelatinous blob, only a few ever standing out from the larger picture, and with concentration she can ‘separate’ those beacons approximately a block around her to pick out locations in the overall mass.
Were it only this Zoey might have her hands full with vigilante work, but thankfully that rather useless if constant part of her abilities isn’t what makes her a threat. Zoey’s specialization is the ability to solidify shadows to create things as needed, her ‘signature’ being claws made of darkness – stronger than her grip and farther than her reach. However she can also form them into other things, such as barriers that would be too weak to do more than slow a bullet but would solidly stop a body if she’s fast enough. Her father as another example could use a shadow as thin as a needle to perform minute details his hands were too large for or even create temporary connecting veins in a human’s body, so precise were his shadows. In terms of shadows Zoey can also perform a ‘shadowstep’ of short distances by stepping into or forming a large enough shadow to disappear into them to another. Obviously this power set is most useful at night when there’s less light sending her power source scurrying, but its’ not impossible to use them in the sunshine and light – just weaker. Even her own shadow can be used to an extent.
The last useful piece of her powers is that when concentrating, particularly in the heat of battle, Zoey feels no pain – which isn’t always a good thing as she’s as delicate as a normal human. Only her own logic at seeing her wounds would let her know when the time to retreat is, and leaves her paranoid of her back in particular.
Visually, as an elemental darkness tends to react around her. Sometimes her shadow tends to ‘wisp’ little tendrils of smoky black up and curl around her legs when she’s idle, or her eyes can be darkened to hide their color.
Other Skills: Money. Sambo martial arts. Keeps fit with a personal gym. Is a surprisingly avid hunter, becoming quite patient waiting for ‘prey’, and knows some trapping techniques as well as how to handle a rifle. Lastly has the ability to laugh at her own jokes and not feel self-conscious about it.
Equipment Mace – Yep, a bottle of ordinary mace. Zoey tends to forget about it since she’s so reliant upon her powers however. First Aid Kit, including a mirror! – Because Zoey can’t feel pain until a scuffle is already over she always comes prepared in case she misses any deeper wounds, hiding a small first aid kit within the confines of her hoodie. It comes with a small make-up mirror stashed inside to check the extent of damage to her back when necessary.
Bio: As the first and only child to the Kasimir family Zoey was the pride of her parents’ life, and with their social status never had to want for anything. While both her parents came from upper class families their fortune truly came from her father, as aside from successful companies passed down the family line Zaden Kasimir himself was a talented surgeon who was very highly sought after. He had a near hundred percent survivability on his performances, even the more dangerous ones, due to the least kept secret in his medical ward – Dr. Kasimir wasn’t a normal human.
It was within days after her birth that it became apparent Zoey took after her father, and in more than just his sharp features. He was of course overjoyed and Zoey started learning even before she could walk to use her powers, identical to his. Her mother was often playfully exasperated with her father, but for years they were a happy family unit. It was only when Zoey started school did she start to realize her life wasn’t perfect. She was six when the exasperation was no longer playful, and the affectionate whispers her parents shared with upturned lips turned to harsh accusations and clenched teeth. Though they held on as long as they could to their marriage, at least for the sake of their daughter, the escalating disgust was coming to its very inevitable conclusion.
Yet it never came to that, but Zoey feverently wished that it did.
It was around when the ‘divorce’ word was finally being vocalized that the route was violently derailed. An accident happened – Zoey’s mother had been out shopping when, out on the streets, she kneeled down to pick something up and lost her balance, falling in the path of an incoming vehicle. She didn’t even make it to her husband’s operating table. While Dr. Kasimir was briefly looked at due to their known impending divorce, it was obvious he wasn’t a part of it – the accident was even caught on surveillance camera.
Following her mother’s subsequent funeral Zoey withdrew into herself, much to her father’s concern. It’s what prompted him to dismiss a good portion of their staff and quit his job to fall back on their savings to spend more time at home with his little joy, his work no longer centerfold to his day. He taught her more about her powers over the years, immersed himself even in her school and taught her all about how important image was. When she was older they began having annual hunting trips where Zoey was taught how to track, to trap and most importantly just get to spend some time with her only parent. The hunting was scary at first, but as a darkness elemental as well her father had a distinctive beacon to her, which only became more pronounced after her mother’s death.
When it came time for her to start high school Dr. Kasimir finally returned to being a surgeon, though he signed Zoey up for sambo martial arts as well and even hired a bodyguard – female, and not much older so that she wouldn’t feel oppressed. Zaden was rather pleased they hit it off, but his worry knew no bounds, he wanted his little girl to be able to take care of herself. He even got her to carry mace – something she let him know she found useless. They had powers, Dad. But he insisted, and she relented. Yet as his hours at work once more grew and Zoey grew more confident in her prowess is when the ideas started. Vigilantism. What better way to also use her abilities for good, like the man she looked up to? Her grades were decent, but definitely not enough to follow in his footsteps and be a surgeon or anything. It was a whimsical and surprisingly optimistic thought, and before long Zoey found herself sneaking out and beginning to foil purse snatchers and muggings in the underbelly of their city. Her newfound bodyguard initially attempted to dissuade her, but as Zoey couldn’t be convinced otherwise – and really, what better way to practice her self defense? – Jasper was joining her charge. What few criminals there were wiped out quickly – Zoey lived in a good neighbourhood in a good city. She found herself getting more and more into it despite a lack of activity, soon looking through back logs of crimes by sneaking into the local sleepy precinct via her shadowstep and going through cold cases.
It was going through these that she came across the box – Kasimir, A.. Her mother. Figuring at first someone filed it wrong it still sent an ache through Zoey, and it was morbid curiosity that had her slowly taking the box and opening it. It was there, scrawled in the pages of an old notebook that Zoey found out why this box was in cold cases. Turns out it was a misfile due to some loose notes scrawled at the top, yet one in particular stuck out to her.
‘On video victim appears to have been yanked forward’.
It was such a small thing. Obviously it went nowhere, there was no one around to yank her forward – it was even on video so the half-hearted scribble was discarded. On video. A video sitting in the box, dusty and unseen for years. Something Zoey never wanted to see in her life if she could help it. And one, stupid, mistaken note had her taking it out to see for herself.
As soon as the video started Zoey knew it was a bad idea, but like a train wreck couldn’t tear her eyes away. When her mother kneeled on the sidewalk to pick up her dropped wallet Zoey knew exactly what was coming and finally averted her gaze from watching her mother’s expression on the grainy video as she pitched forward. That’s how Zoey saw it.
Rewind. Watch. Rewind. Watch. Zoom in – the grain stayed but so did the darkening pixels around her mother’s wrist in the old surveillance video. As Zoey’s mother grabbed onto the wallet that had fallen just off the sidewalk something barely seen wrapped around her wrist, and from the motion of her body pulled her forward. It was such a tiny detail, it was no wonder no one picked up on it – most would probably even dismiss it as bad picture quality. It was impossible for anyone to have pulled her forward after all.
Anyone except someone who had the ability to solidify shadows.
Denial set in quickly, and as quick as Zoey could shove everything back together and back in place she was out of the precinct – and out of the city. The constant shadow stepping had her exhausted but she ended up in the hunting grounds her father took her to every year. Hours after the sun went down and Jasper alerted Zaden to his daughter’s disappearance he found her, and despite all the denial, the rationalization, as soon as Zoey saw him it came pouring out. A slew of vile words, accusations, he lied to her, but most of all one burning question.
“Why?! What was the point?! What – did you want to bang another woman? She was your wife! Was it money? She was going to divorce your crazy ass and take half of your precious fortune-“
“She was going to take you away from me.”
No denial. No softening. Just a simple fact that took the wind from Zoey’s sails and left her gaping at him. What do you even say to that? What can you say to that? There wasn’t a happy ending to this tale. He had asked her what he could do to fix this, to make her happy – and she told him nothing would make this okay. So Dr. Kasimir did the last thing he could, and gave his daughter justice. The next morning he had turned himself in, admitting to what and how he murdered his wife. There was only one thing he was adamant about – between his money, connections, and private doctor it was soon known he was the only one in his family with even a hint of these abilities.
Unable to stay in her family home with all the bittersweet and corrupted memories Zoey soon threw herself headlong into the workings of the family companies, moving across the country to the base of Kasimir Realty in New Haven with Jasper following dutifully. As the new head of the Kasimir family it was easy after all. For a few years she kept her head down, didn’t show her powers and almost grew to resent them. More than that she grew to resent this damn, corrupted city with its rampant crime and she grew to resent the rush she got the first time she stepped in to help someone again.
It’s what Zoey always wanted, after all.
Name: Jaina Jasper Alias: -- Age: 28 Gender: Female Appearance: Jasper is a somewhat short woman at 5’3’’, but despite that it’s obvious she’s not defenseless. From the way she stands to her calm blue gaze everything about her is collected and cool, her movements smooth and reminiscent of a predator. The obvious layering of muscle certainly doesn’t take anything away from it, though usually that’s hidden behind the dark fabric of her job-required business suits. When off the job it’s not unusual to find her in work out tanks and track pants, or on occasion the rare vigilante costume replica hoodie – underground merchandise at its finest. Jasper has short blonde hair in a somewhat shaggy pixie cut, and a round face often accompanied by an amused little smile.
Occupation: Personal Assistant / Underpaid Babysitter
Family: Frederick Jasper [father], Jaya Jasper [step-mother], Anna Fortune [mother], Jennie Jasper [Half-sister, 19], Jaimiri Jasper [Half-brother, 15].
Personality: Jasper is the personification of ‘cool as a cucumber’; seemingly always calm, collected, and having a firm grasp of not only her life but Zoey’s as well. In truth it’s easy to seem that calm when most of your day to day is making sure someone else is following a plan, not having to focus on your own problems. Jasper takes her job seriously after all, perhaps a little too much. She has a protective streak a mile wide after all, tempered by knowing that people need to make their own mistakes to learn from life – but that doesn’t mean she isn’t prepared to step in. She’s never taken a life, but part of her accepts that in her line of work she may one day have to.
Her humor is mostly dry, and Jasper is known to poke fun at others in good faith, especially her charge. She especially gets a certain kick out of silently picking apart those who see her as either invisible or an animate prop, which considering the high society she finds herself in is more often than not. It used to be infuriating but she’s since learned to swallow that and even be desensitized to being seen as such, though admittedly part of her misses the simplicity of her hometown.
Notoriety: -- Class/Level: -- Powers/Abilities: -- Other Skills: Sambo martial arts, jujutsu, a surprising amount of strength. Handgun license, pilot’s license, amazing multi-tasking.
Equipment: A taser, a pistol, and a bulletproof vest.
Name: Zoey Kasimir Alias: Reaper Age: 25 Gender: Female Appearance: Standing at 6’2’ Zoey is a rather tall woman, and due to her active lifestyle has a fair amount of muscle packed onto her body. Her red hair is such a light shade that it almost appears to be orange, the strands falling straight down to her mid back, though more often than not she has bangs falling into her face. Said face has rather elegant, if harsh looking features made up of sharp, hard lines with high cheekbones and brows near constantly furrowed above her grey-blue eyes. Sadly this all adds up to Zoey having a natural ‘resting bitch face’, often appearing to be judging everything about you with a single glance.
Due to her upbringing nothing she wears makes her more approachable either, often consisting of slacks and button up shirts or high brand sleeveless tops, topped with a pair of sunglasses she probably spent too much on considering a single outfit would go into the triple digits.
The only exception to this is a specific outfit, made to be as inconspicuous as possible. Reaper’s costume is simply a pair of loose jeans, gloves, an oversized hoodie, and runners – all in black to match the theme, of course. The only thing that makes it stand out at all is that on glancing beneath the large hood Reaper is always wearing a full head balaclava – a cloth head cover – with the only openings being two eye holes; though her eyes are constantly blacked over anyway. No skin is on show, and the size of the hoodie combined with a chest binding helps to hide her gender as well.
Occupation: Owner of various companies.
Family: Alyssa Kasimir [mother, deceased]. Zaden Kasimir [father]. No family on father’s side; grandparents, aunt and cousins on mother’s.
Personality: Zoey is rather bitter and sarcastic, despite trying to appear more elegant than she is. Even with her efforts to be aloof and untouchable she can be quick to fluster or anger if the right buttons are pressed, and will lash out. She’s a bit thoughtless, and at times with her biting attitude can be a bit of a bully. Truth be told it’s rather accidental though, as Zoey is too preoccupied with her own problems to care about harassing others. She’s taken to finding distractions as well and can easily focus on something completely off topic, such as thinking ‘what would I say to this mugger if I did wear a spandex superhero costume?’ while completely jumping him. Also, since she’s had everything provided for her Zoey is rather naïve about ‘common’ life as well as the value of a dollar – for example she’s legitimately never been on a bus before, nor understanding of why people would want to go on it either.
Notoriety: Unknown. Class/Level: Class 4 / Yellow Powers/Abilities: Zoey is for all intents and purposes a darkness elemental. The main part of being this elemental is that she can sense the same darkness in others; however no one is pure sunshine and rainbows so it acts more like a sixth sense of ‘beacons’ to people, excluding young children. In large cities it’s like being surrounded by a sea of these beacons all melding together into a gelatinous blob, only a few ever standing out from the larger picture, and with concentration she can ‘separate’ those beacons approximately a block around her to pick out locations in the overall mass.
Were it only this Zoey might have her hands full with vigilante work, but thankfully that rather useless if constant part of her abilities isn’t what makes her a threat. Zoey’s specialization is the ability to solidify shadows to create things as needed, her ‘signature’ being claws made of darkness – stronger than her grip and farther than her reach. However she can also form them into other things, such as barriers that would be too weak to do more than slow a bullet but would solidly stop a body if she’s fast enough. Her father as another example could use a shadow as thin as a needle to perform minute details his hands were too large for or even create temporary connecting veins in a human’s body, so precise were his shadows. In terms of shadows Zoey can also perform a ‘shadowstep’ of short distances by stepping into or forming a large enough shadow to disappear into them to another. Obviously this power set is most useful at night when there’s less light sending her power source scurrying, but its’ not impossible to use them in the sunshine and light – just weaker. Even her own shadow can be used to an extent.
The last useful piece of her powers is that when concentrating, particularly in the heat of battle, Zoey feels no pain – which isn’t always a good thing as she’s as delicate as a normal human. Only her own logic at seeing her wounds would let her know when the time to retreat is, and leaves her paranoid of her back in particular.
Visually, as an elemental darkness tends to react around her. Sometimes her shadow tends to ‘wisp’ little tendrils of smoky black up and curl around her legs when she’s idle, or her eyes can be darkened to hide their color.
Other Skills: Money. Sambo martial arts. Keeps fit with a personal gym. Is a surprisingly avid hunter, becoming quite patient waiting for ‘prey’, and knows some trapping techniques as well as how to handle a rifle. Lastly has the ability to laugh at her own jokes and not feel self-conscious about it.
Equipment Mace – Yep, a bottle of ordinary mace. Zoey tends to forget about it since she’s so reliant upon her powers however. First Aid Kit, including a mirror! – Because Zoey can’t feel pain until a scuffle is already over she always comes prepared in case she misses any deeper wounds, hiding a small first aid kit within the confines of her hoodie. It comes with a small make-up mirror stashed inside to check the extent of damage to her back when necessary.
Bio: As the first and only child to the Kasimir family Zoey was the pride of her parents’ life, and with their social status never had to want for anything. While both her parents came from upper class families their fortune truly came from her father, as aside from successful companies passed down the family line Zaden Kasimir himself was a talented surgeon who was very highly sought after. He had a near hundred percent survivability on his performances, even the more dangerous ones, due to the least kept secret in his medical ward – Dr. Kasimir wasn’t a normal human.
It was within days after her birth that it became apparent Zoey took after her father, and in more than just his sharp features. He was of course overjoyed and Zoey started learning even before she could walk to use her powers, identical to his. Her mother was often playfully exasperated with her father, but for years they were a happy family unit. It was only when Zoey started school did she start to realize her life wasn’t perfect. She was six when the exasperation was no longer playful, and the affectionate whispers her parents shared with upturned lips turned to harsh accusations and clenched teeth. Though they held on as long as they could to their marriage, at least for the sake of their daughter, the escalating disgust was coming to its very inevitable conclusion.
Yet it never came to that, but Zoey feverently wished that it did.
It was around when the ‘divorce’ word was finally being vocalized that the route was violently derailed. An accident happened – Zoey’s mother had been out shopping when, out on the streets, she kneeled down to pick something up and lost her balance, falling in the path of an incoming vehicle. She didn’t even make it to her husband’s operating table. While Dr. Kasimir was briefly looked at due to their known impending divorce, it was obvious he wasn’t a part of it – the accident was even caught on surveillance camera.
Following her mother’s subsequent funeral Zoey withdrew into herself, much to her father’s concern. It’s what prompted him to dismiss a good portion of their staff and quit his job to fall back on their savings to spend more time at home with his little joy, his work no longer centerfold to his day. He taught her more about her powers over the years, immersed himself even in her school and taught her all about how important image was. When she was older they began having annual hunting trips where Zoey was taught how to track, to trap and most importantly just get to spend some time with her only parent. The hunting was scary at first, but as a darkness elemental as well her father had a distinctive beacon to her, which only became more pronounced after her mother’s death.
When it came time for her to start high school Dr. Kasimir finally returned to being a surgeon, though he signed Zoey up for sambo martial arts as well and even hired a bodyguard – female, and not much older so that she wouldn’t feel oppressed. Zaden was rather pleased they hit it off, but his worry knew no bounds, he wanted his little girl to be able to take care of herself. He even got her to carry mace – something she let him know she found useless. They had powers, Dad. But he insisted, and she relented. Yet as his hours at work once more grew and Zoey grew more confident in her prowess is when the ideas started. Vigilantism. What better way to also use her abilities for good, like the man she looked up to? Her grades were decent, but definitely not enough to follow in his footsteps and be a surgeon or anything. It was a whimsical and surprisingly optimistic thought, and before long Zoey found herself sneaking out and beginning to foil purse snatchers and muggings in the underbelly of their city. Her newfound bodyguard initially attempted to dissuade her, but as Zoey couldn’t be convinced otherwise – and really, what better way to practice her self defense? – Jasper was joining her charge. What few criminals there were wiped out quickly – Zoey lived in a good neighbourhood in a good city. She found herself getting more and more into it despite a lack of activity, soon looking through back logs of crimes by sneaking into the local sleepy precinct via her shadowstep and going through cold cases.
It was going through these that she came across the box – Kasimir, A.. Her mother. Figuring at first someone filed it wrong it still sent an ache through Zoey, and it was morbid curiosity that had her slowly taking the box and opening it. It was there, scrawled in the pages of an old notebook that Zoey found out why this box was in cold cases. Turns out it was a misfile due to some loose notes scrawled at the top, yet one in particular stuck out to her.
‘On video victim appears to have been yanked forward’.
It was such a small thing. Obviously it went nowhere, there was no one around to yank her forward – it was even on video so the half-hearted scribble was discarded. On video. A video sitting in the box, dusty and unseen for years. Something Zoey never wanted to see in her life if she could help it. And one, stupid, mistaken note had her taking it out to see for herself.
As soon as the video started Zoey knew it was a bad idea, but like a train wreck couldn’t tear her eyes away. When her mother kneeled on the sidewalk to pick up her dropped wallet Zoey knew exactly what was coming and finally averted her gaze from watching her mother’s expression on the grainy video as she pitched forward. That’s how Zoey saw it.
Rewind. Watch. Rewind. Watch. Zoom in – the grain stayed but so did the darkening pixels around her mother’s wrist in the old surveillance video. As Zoey’s mother grabbed onto the wallet that had fallen just off the sidewalk something barely seen wrapped around her wrist, and from the motion of her body pulled her forward. It was such a tiny detail, it was no wonder no one picked up on it – most would probably even dismiss it as bad picture quality. It was impossible for anyone to have pulled her forward after all.
Anyone except someone who had the ability to solidify shadows.
Denial set in quickly, and as quick as Zoey could shove everything back together and back in place she was out of the precinct – and out of the city. The constant shadow stepping had her exhausted but she ended up in the hunting grounds her father took her to every year. Hours after the sun went down and Jasper alerted Zaden to his daughter’s disappearance he found her, and despite all the denial, the rationalization, as soon as Zoey saw him it came pouring out. A slew of vile words, accusations, he lied to her, but most of all one burning question.
“Why?! What was the point?! What – did you want to bang another woman? She was your wife! Was it money? She was going to divorce your crazy ass and take half of your precious fortune-“
“She was going to take you away from me.”
No denial. No softening. Just a simple fact that took the wind from Zoey’s sails and left her gaping at him. What do you even say to that? What can you say to that? There wasn’t a happy ending to this tale. He had asked her what he could do to fix this, to make her happy – and she told him nothing would make this okay. So Dr. Kasimir did the last thing he could, and gave his daughter justice. The next morning he had turned himself in, admitting to what and how he murdered his wife. There was only one thing he was adamant about – between his money, connections, and private doctor it was soon known he was the only one in his family with even a hint of these abilities.
Unable to stay in her family home with all the bittersweet and corrupted memories Zoey soon threw herself headlong into the workings of the family companies, moving across the country to the base of Kasimir Realty in New Haven with Jasper following dutifully. As the new head of the Kasimir family it was easy after all. For a few years she kept her head down, didn’t show her powers and almost grew to resent them. More than that she grew to resent this damn, corrupted city with its rampant crime and she grew to resent the rush she got the first time she stepped in to help someone again.
It’s what Zoey always wanted, after all.
I'll add Jasper's CS later. Now approve me, Arti. ]:<
Tempers still smoldered, embers that burned bright and hot looking to catch any source that would rekindle the argument. Despite that it seemed as though Turn Back and Wraith were sufficiently doused that they backed off with little more than snide jabs under their breaths, the actual words lost to those outside the small space between them. Reaper’s eyes still followed them, seeing their mouths move as they parted. Children. Under her eyes she rolled her mask before turning her attention back to the others.
“I think it’s suffice to say aside from taking care of the kid we’ve done all we can chatting until he wakes up,” The elemental stated, before tilting her head watching Turn Back leave once more. She shook her head. “The answers we received only caused more questions. For now what can we do but keep our eyes peeled to find out more info? That or track down one of Umbra's cronies ourselves. Besides, it’s late – I have class tomorrow. Who knows what you guys have to do on a Tuesday?” Reaper briefly toyed with the idea of backing Omega up on Ditch getting some sleep but ended up forgoing it. Ditch was a grown woman, and to be honest she looked ready to pass out anyway. That or completely demolish five pots of coffee and see into forever. Too bad that wasn’t the energy wielder’s power, she’d provide the caffeine herself.
Turn Back returning interrupted Reaper’s trailing thoughts and she tilted her head towards him. It seemed he had taken the initiative of preparing his home for the child, making Reaper huff under her mask. It was probably better though, considering the similarities her powers had to the kid’s main aggressor. She had already scared the white off him once. Her brow did raise when Turn Back approached her, her stiff body language tensing up further. Her hopes that this wouldn’t turn into another argument were quickly settled and she silently took the gold money clip from the other vigilante, though she grimaced as soon as his words settled in her head. She only briefly glanced at the engraved initials on the front before pulling another clip out of her back pocket, a similar gold but different in design and with no letters across the front.
“Duly noted,” Reaper rumbled lowly as she switched the contents from one to another, keeping her words short despite wanting to yank her own hair out. Stupid, stupid. There was a reason she had been concerned about it – but her anger had her abandoning the thought until she went back the next day to find it all cleaned up. She had actually hoped someone in the neighborhood had picked it up and pawned it, rather than Umbra’s minions finding it. She honestly wasn’t sure if that or Turn Back retrieving it was worse. She really didn’t like the idea of him knowing – or at least having a clue on who she was. Still, breathing a little sigh of relief Reaper finally focused her blackened eyes on the other vigilante.
“… Thanks.” Changing her finger’s movements she pulled a few of the transferred bills, a shadow tentacle grabbing Turn Back’s hand to lift it once more for Reaper to slap them in his palm. “And here, for the kid. I’m sure you know I can afford it.” The last part was dry, her quickly withdrawing though a little frown tugged at her lips. Considering that Turn Back had the kid he’d be in the most danger, and may need back up at a moment’s notice…
“Hey,” Reaper added on, raising her voice so the others could hear. “Get your phones out if you want my number. Just… I’m not expecting any social calls.” She waited a moment before rattling off her number, her fingers unconsciously brushing against the back of it in her pocket, where it was waiting on an empty texting field. She really should send that message.
“And if I find that number on craigslist’s missed connections I’m going to kill one of you.”
Midna-Phobia