[Violet Sorrows of the Perfected Lotus] Kenji, Chosen of Secrets

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Character Sheet

Spoiler

"Of all secrets there is one I pursue fervently. One that will open the gates of salvation for Creation. The secret of unity, the secret that will bring all the Chosen of the Incarnae together and make them cooperate for the benefit of Creation. Then I can consider my purpose fullfilled".[/color]


Name Kenji


Exalt Type and Caste Sidereal Chosen of Secrets


Anima Sharp green light.


Concept All-Seeing Eye Spymaster.


Motivation Unravel the Secret that will allow him to reunite all Sidereals for the benefit of Creation.


Attributes [120xp spent, plus 12 from slush]


Physical


Strength â—â—


Dexterity â—â—â—â—


Stamina â—â—


Social


Charisma â—â—â—â—


Manipulation â—â—â—


Appearance â—â—


Mental


Perception â—â—â—


Intelligence â—â—â—â—


Wits â—â—â—


Abilities [88 spent plus 12 from slush]


Resistance


Ride


Sail


Survival


Thrown â—


Craft â—â—


[F]Dodge â—â—â—


Linguistics â— [Riverspeak: native, Old Realm: free, High Realm]


Performance â—â—


Socialize â—â—


Archery


Integrity â—â—


Melee


Presence â—â—


War


[A]Investigation â—â—â—


[A]Larceny â—â—â—


[A]Lore â—â—â—


[A]Occult â—â—â—


[A]Stealth â—â—â—


Athletics â—â—


[F]Awareness â—â—â—


[F]Bureaucracy â—â—


[F]Martial Arts â—â—â—â—â—


Medicine


Backgrounds (36 xp spent)


Artifact â— [starmetal Short Daiklave]


Artifact â—â— [silken Armor]


Artifact â—â— [Hearthstone Bracers]


Salary â—â—


Savant â—


Celestial Manse â—â— [Emerald Lotus Pagoda. A manse belonging to Takeno, Kenji's mentor and sifu. The venerable Chosen of Secrets utilised this manse, as training grounds for young Kenji. The manse was equiped with full training facilities, providing an excellent chance for Kenji to hone skills that would be essential for his role as an Oracle, a Spy and Loremaster of Heaven. There he trained for endless hours under the watchful gaze of his mentor, and as a reward for his loyalty and achievements, he was allowed to attune himself to the manse and bear its hearthstone. In addition to the aforementioned facilities, the manse also possesses a finely constructed observatory, from which Kenji and Takeno observed the constellations of the sky and Takeno taught him the secrets of the astrological arts. It stills helps Kenji a lot, in cases of an astrological endeavor and the unprecedented view of the night sky gives him a sense of completion and serenity. Produces the Jewel of the Celestial Mandarin hearthstone].


Sifu â—â— [A venerable chosen of Secrets who has taken an interest in young Kenji's abilities and enthusiasm, teaching him the secrets of the supernatural martial arts and through them many more things about Creation as well. Kenji’s sifu also acted as the one who initiated him into the Bronze faction, helping the young Seer understand the necessity to maintain the status quo in Creation].


Backing â—â— [Forbidding Manse of Ivy]. Young Kenji enjoys especially the support of the highest ranking God in the Division of Secrets, Nara-O himself. The venerable God likes Kenji for his dedication to the bureau and appreciates his hard work, supporting and advising him whenever possible.


Backing â—â— [Bronze Faction - «Initiates of the Unblinking Eye»] [Kenji is one of the new and promising members of the Bronze faction and enjoys the benefits of participating in the dominant Sidereal faction. His diligence and hard work, both for the bureau’s interests and the faction’s cause has earned him quite some accolades from his fellow Seers but has burdened him also with increasingly complex and demanding assignments. Due to his personal capabilities and talent for stealth, misdirection and information gathering, coupled with a martial proficiency and the cultivation of connections among the Realm’s Intelligence Agency – the vaunted All-Seeing Eye – Kenji participates in the «Initiates of the Unblinking Eye» clique, alongside many venerable Bronze faction sidereals who take an increased interest and tend to the affairs of the Realm’s Spy organization].


Connections â—â— [The All-Seeing Eye]. [Kenji has used much of his knowledge and expertise, to infiltrate the Realm's Intelligence Organization, and through it gain useful information and direct the Dynasts to potential threats, while increasing his personal intelligence network as well.]


Merits


Alternative Divination [Crystallomancy]


Flaws


Artifacts and Equipment


Starmetal Short Daiklave (artifact â—), "Fate's Edge"


Sp.4 Acc. 15 (16) Dmg 9L (12L) Def.+1 [Parry DV 6] R.2 Att.3m Tags - [numbers in ( ) indicate value when Blade of the Battle Maiden is active].


Starmetal Hearthstone Bracers (artifact â—â—)


Kenji's hearthstone [Jewel of the Celestial Mandarin] is socketed in one of them. They provide the following benefits: +3 to DDV pool, +1 Acc. +1 Def. to the wielded weapon.


Silken armor, "Celestial Envoy's Robe" (artifact â—â—, as described in Books of Sorcery, vol.3: Oadenol's Codex pg.159, no fatigue, no mobility penalty when attuned).


Soak: +5L/3B Att. 2m


Perfect writing tools (Calligraphy set with high quality inks and papers).


Perfect larceny tools (small satchel containing various lock picks and other tools useful for various shady purposes).


Perfect Throwing Knives


Sp. 5 Acc. 7 Dmg 5L R. 3 Range 25 yards


Charms [12 starting, plus up to 4 more from slush XP]


Craft


Elegant Patterns of Fate


Dodge


Absence


Duck Fate


Investigation


Auspicious Prospects for Secrets


Efficient Secretary Technique


Larceny


Creation Smuggling Procedures


Occult


Mark of Exaltation


Stealth


Soft Presence Practise


Awareness


Prior Warning


Expected Pain


Wise Choice


Martial Arts


Violet Bier of Sorrows style[CMA]


Secrets of Future Strife


Flight of Mercury


Blade of the Battle Maiden


Joy in Adversity Stance


Violet Bier of Sorrows Form


Colleges [7 free dots]


The Key 1


The Mask 3


The Sorcerer 2


The Treasure Trove 1


Join Combat: 6


Defenses


Dodge DV 7


Parry DV 6


Soak: 5B/6L


Health


-0 [ ]


-1 [ ][ ]


-2 [ ][ ]


-4 [ ]


-X [ ]


Mental Defenses


Dodge MDV 6


Parry MDV 3


Virtues


Compassion â—


Conviction â—â—


Temperance â—â—â—


Valor â—â—


Primary Virtue Temperance / Oracle’s Flawed Fate


Intimacies


His sifu (loyalty and respect)


Bureau of Destiny (dedication)


Consistency (appreciation)


Corruption (opposition)


Breeze blowing gently in his face (rejuvenation)


His lover, a beautiful, promising young Chosen of Serenity (love and affection)


Secrets (internal fullfilment)


Martial Arts (enthusiasm)


Willpower: 7


Essence


Permanent: â—â—â—


Personal: 13/13 (0 Committed)


Peripheral: 23/32 (9 Committed)


XP Allocation


Attribute XP [120 plus 12 from slush]


Strength 1 to 2 (4)


Dexterity 1 to 4 (36)


Stamina 1 to 2 (4)


Charisma 1 to 4 (12+12 from slush)


Manipulation 1 to 3 (12)


Appearance 1 to 2 (4)


Perception 1 to 3 (12)


Intelligence 1 to 4 (12)


Wits 1 to 3 (12)


Abilities XP [88 plus 11 from slush]


Thrown 0 to 1 (3)


Craft 0 to 2 (5)


Dodge 0 to 3 (6)


Linguistics 0 to 1 (3)


Performance 0 to 2 (5)


Socialize 0 to 2 (5)


Integrity 0 to 2 (5)


Presence 0 to 2 (5)


Investigation 0 to 3 (6)


Larceny 0 to 3 (6)


Lore 0 to 3 (6)


Occult 0 to 3 (6)


Stealth 0 to 3 (6)


Athletics 0 to 2 (5)


Awareness 0 to 3 (6)


Bureaucracy 0 to 2 (3)


Martial Arts 0 to 5 (18[7+11] from slush)


Virtues / WP XP [35 plus 2 from slush]


WP 5 to 7 (22)


Conviction 1 to 2 (3)


Temperance 1 to 3 (9)


Valor 1 to 2 (3[1+2] from slush)


Backgrounds XP [36]


Artifact 0 to 1 (2)


Artifact 0 to 2 (4)


Artifact 0 to 2 (4)


Celestial Manse 0 to 2 (4)


Backing 0 to 2 (4)


Backing 0 to 2 (4)


Connections 0 to 2 (4)


Salary 0 to 2 (4)


Sifu 0 to 2 (4)


Savant 0 to 1 (2)


Slush XP [80, 65+15 from backstory, short fan-fic and picture, 4 left unspent]


Essence 2 to 3 (18)


Charisma 3 to 4 (12)


Martial Arts 3 to 5 (11)


Valor 1 to 2 (2)


4 Auspicious / Favored Charms (32)


Character Appearance - Images


Well, I found a couple of pictures for my character as well as for the other two individuals that are most important in his life so far (that is his sifu, an Elder Chosen of Secrets and his lover, a young Chosen of Serenity). Here goes:


Kenji


1. During travelling / assignment.

Spoiler

2. During Martial Arts training, with caste mark visible.

Spoiler

Takeno, Kenji's sifu (you can change my sifu's name if you like, no problem )

Spoiler

Leliana, Kenji's lover (you can change her name as well, if you can find a more appropriate one).

Spoiler

or

Spoiler

Character Background

Spoiler

At the last day of Calibration, around Realm Year 738, somewhere far away from the Blessed Isle, a poor family living in a small village received its firstborn son. The boy was given the name Kenji, and his birth was celebrated across the vilage, for their community was tight and the hearts of people kind.


Kenji’s early years in Creation were not good. Not a decent childhood, too many problems and issues, namely the Guild selling his parents to slavery when he was near the age of 10. But it was not the end for him. In him, the people responsible for the slave-trade saw a spark of intelligence and a way to exploit it. Perhaps he could be useful to them in another capacity, if only they gave him the proper education. Of course, by education they didn't mean actual education, but rather imparting upon him a set of skills that would make Kenji a formidable spy in the service of the largest and most profitable, Creation-spanning trade network. Surprisingly, Kenji was a prodigy at this field of expertise, learning fast and proving himself quite capable for his age. He absorved the relevant knowledge and slowly but steadily, learnt many things, from the value of secrets, knowing them, keeping them, acquiring, omitting and revealing them. Techniques of impersonation and misdirection, how to follow others while appearing to act perfectly normal and many other things. Little did Kenji know that all these situations and experiences were merely a prelude of the destiny that lied ahead of him, ready to unravel when the time would be right.


Nexus is a dangerous place but also one where there is profit to be had if you know how to play your cards right and the young boy, by a strange whim of fate, did just that. He joined a gang of teenagers and made some errands for various parties in the city of Nexus while growing to a young man. Or so it would seem, for none of the gang members were aware of Kenji's true allegiance. He rose in status in this gang, by achieving a meteoric rise in its hierarchy, through manipulation, subterfuge and sheer overall competence and helped it put an end to much of the competition around, bearing at times a determined look that often was disturbing even for his own comrades to behold. As if he knew things they didn't.


Time seemed to pass and Kenji grew restless. Something was bothering him, nudging him. Despite the notoriety gained by being part of Nexus' underworld and the various exploits and other deeds of him and his companion, he still felt empty. Violence was only a veil, a veil carefully weaved to hide his true nature. Secrecy in all things, even from his manipulative masters. For deep inside, he was too sentimental, he was a romantic type of guy, dreaming of bringing change for the better to those around him, to alter lifes for the better and somehow to affect others and gently steer them towards what was right for them. This could not be achieved easily though in the back alleys and mean streets of Nexus and his methods of operation had been altered to grant him a position of relative respect in the area. But even this, coupled with the growing emptiness in his soul, could not satisfy him any more. Already his gangs “adventures†had attracted some unwanted attention and were deemed as dangerous to the city’s unimpeded flow of trade. Complaints were filed against them for too long and finally the Council of Entities decided it was high time they dealt with these upstart youths.


So, one of the many mercenary companies stationed in Nexus took the task of eliminating them as a threat and teaching them quite a lesson in the process.


They stormed the area of the city were their “command center†was – no more than a few stories building with a backyard of sorts – and made short work of them. The element of surprise as well as the superior armament and tactics of the mercenaries made the difference. It wasn’t even a challenge.


Strangely, Kenji managed to escape. Of course none ever learnt how did the authorities found out so much about the gang and its whereabouts or who was the hooded figure that departed the city the following night. It was merely another addition in the web of secrets weaved around Kenji’s life. But in the same time it was also his greatest beginning. In secret, Kenji had been conducting side jobs for other powerful figures in Nexus and turning over his own masters and certain serious secrets with which he was entrusted, bought him an exit out of Nexus and a ticket to one of the caravans leaving the city. For all intents and purposes concerning Nexus and the Guild, Kenji was a dead man, killed in the operation that destroyed his gang and burned their hideout to the ground.


Upon leaving Nexus and beginning his journey towards the city of Great Forks – they had a famous arena if the rumours were correct – he was approached by another traveller from the same caravan. Until they arrived at Great Forks, they had become good friends and then he was told about his real purpose in life, his destiny.


He was – according to his friend who claimed to be just like him but with some more experience – a chosen of the Maiden of Secrets , a celestial Incarna, and his purpose was to serve as a champion of Fate. More would be revealed to him in time and after a week spent in Great Forks, they left with his new friend for Yu-shan. Kenji was almost terrified and speechless (and those immense orichalcum celestial lions at the gate didn’t help much to alleviate that) but he soon regained his composure and rejoiced at the end of his life as a mere mortal.


In Yu-Shan, Kenji was inducted in a training regime like no other and to the satisfaction of his teachers and trainers he proved to be up to the task, managing to absorb the knowledge passed on to him by them and become competent in various fields of expertise. The Forbidding Manse of Ivy became a home to him and his devotion to his heavenly mandated mission was almost total. During that time he developed strong ties to the gods and spirits of the Bureau, seeking their wise advice, rich knowledge and unsurpassed expertise on all matters concerning his own purview. Secrets were a byword of his existence back as a mortal and even more so in his new, ascended state. Not only he knew intuitively when to withold and when to reveal a secret but he learnt to discern the feelings, emotions and thoughts of others, the better to seek and acquire their secrets. In addition to that he expanded his capabilities in the realm of martial arts, captivated by the secrets of body, mind and essence alignment that created those amazing feats. The intricate patterns of movement, the painstakingly executed katas, the precisely assumed forms which made essence flow in ways he couldn't have imagined, turning him into a living weapon, more refined and deadly than any of those constructed by the hands of men and finally the internal fullfillment and personal elevation into a higher level of enlightment.


Aside from all his duties in the Bureau of Destiny and his rigorous training and studying, Kenji has another interest, perhaps surpassing the previous ones perhaps complementing them. It is his personal secret. A romantic relationship with a young and beautiful Chosen of Serenity, Leliana, whom Kenji met during a joint training session. It is, as he thinks to himself, what gives him strength to go forward in his duty-filled life, what brings out the best of him, what makes him think and act upon impulse and passion, not cold calculation and logic as usual, and he hopes for their relationship to continue for as long as possible.


Leliana was indeed impressed by Kenji's confidence and aura of courage and certainty, fascinated at the same time by his inner peace and calmness. What was more important for her though, was a discovery she made about Kenji's character, after getting to know him somewhat better, surpassing the common prejudices surrounding the chosen of Jupiter, that make them pursue and hold secrets obsessively, becoming themselves cryptic and distant as well. As she was later delighted to discover, beneath Kenji's unflinching devotion to his duty, unquestionable loyalty to the Bureau and the Division of Secrets and unyielding execution of his assignments as an Oracle and a Spymaster of Heaven, in a cunning and uncompromising manner, there was another layer, another facet of him. That of a romantic and deeply caring individual, who enjoyed simple things like studying various treatises on the history of Creation, tending to his exquisite and rare, carefully cultivated nightflowers of his garden, watching the sunset while holding her in his arms, feeling the cold morning breeze in his face while enjoying his tea and reading great works of poetry at his manse's balcony.


It is true so, what is said among the Five Score Fellowship for Kenji, that he embraced his new life and destiny with enthusiasm not seen for many decades and his personal mentor considers this highly auspicious for the future of the young Chosen.

 

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Auspicious night at the Emerald Lotus Pagoda.

Spoiler

The night threw its darkened veil upon Creation and Yu-Shan alike, plunging people and Exalts, monsters and heroes in darkness. Inside the Pagoda of Emerald Lotus, in a courtyard, a lone figure was still practicing a powerful and ancient martial arts form. His hands moved faster than the eye could see, his legs supported the whole body, keeping it in perfect balance through the precise execution of lethal techniques. Moving in unison, all parts of his body showed a focus, a determination to prove right the practitioner’s intent to transform himself to a compact and utterly lethal combatant.


The lone figure continued exercising. Another figure, on the balcony overlooking the courtyard had its gaze fixed on him, watching carefully and studying his every move. An older individual, his face wracked from age and his eyes shining with intelligence and experience. He breathed and exhaled calmly, his breath rising alongside the steam of his hot tea, visible in the cold of the Resplendent Air. He smiled imperceptibly, even as his old eyes measured perfectly the younger man’s every move and shift in stance.


“Kenji…you are learning fast", he thought. "If only he was here with us now. If only he could have seen your progress. He’d have been so proud…Alas…we must always move on".


The older man descended from the balcony, down to the courtyard. He let his teacup on a small table near one of the walls and grabbing a sword from the weapon racks and walked towards the young man.


“Kenjiâ€, he spoke, in a clear and loud voice, that belied his age. “That’s enough. Show me what you’ve learntâ€.





The young man stopped, concluding his exercise with a brief kata of relaxation, turned and bowed to the older man.


“Yes, sifu. I have been practicing on the ancient and powerful form of Endings. I meditated for hours under waterfalls, on abstract principles of Creation, in long-forgotten shrines and in the magnificence of nature, followig your regime of rigorous training, food, water and sleep deprivation. I believe that I am ready sifu, if only you judge me soâ€.


“We will see Kenji. We will see. Now, to the demonstrationâ€.


Kenji nodded and via perfect execution of precise movements and impeccable breath technique assumed the posture denoting the form of Endings. The form that was the signature of the vaunted, ancient and much prized among the Five Score Fellowship, Violet Bier of Sorrows style of martial arts.


The old man nodded in approval and moved, erupting in forward motion and attempting to strike at Kenji. Kenji stood unmoved and concentrated, closing his eyes for a heartbeat. When he reopened them, his hands shone with essence, leaving crimson trails in the air, as he moved to intercept the incoming sword, meeting it right on and deflecting it from its lethal course. Then he made a calculated step forward and delivered a series of rapid punches and kicks intent on penetrating his sifu’s defences.


The old man smiled, fell back and contorted, fading away from his student’s precise and powerful blows. He concentrated, before responding with an attack manoeuvre of his own, but surprisingly, Kenji displayed amazing speed, striking much faster than even a seasoned martial artist would. His sifu was almost taken by surprise and initially defended himself. It looked as if the student’s blows would connect this time, but somehow the older man seemed to flow around them yet again. Decisively, he stepped forth striking like an uncoiling snake with his open palm, taking advantage of his student’s overextension and dealing a blow to his solar plexus, knocking Kenji back and leaving him breathless for a few seconds.


“Very good young Kenji. Your progress is remarkable and you have internalised the principles behind the Violet Bier of Sorrows style admirably well. I have faith that with continued training, the day you’ll master the style is not farâ€.





“Thank you sifu. Only under your watchful guidance will this be possibleâ€.


“Do not underestimate your potential and capabilities Kenji. Humility is a good trait but be careful lest it hinders your progressâ€.


“I will sifuâ€.


“Good. Now, come in, get youself a bath and join me for tea afterwards. There is something I need to talk to you aboutâ€.


“Yes sifuâ€.


Later on, the same night, the two figures, sifu and disciple, mentor and protégé, master and student, sat opposite to each other drinking hot tea, discussing the current – lamentable – state of things in Creation and observing the constellations of the sky, through a part of the estate that served as an observatory. The old man finished his tea and beckoned for Kenji to follow, leading his to a room, the young student could not remember visiting in the past. He closed the door carefully, then opened a beautifully crafted, sturdy wooden chest and retrieved a sword from inside it. It was carefully wrapped in fine, green silk and the old man seemed to phase out for a moment while looking upon it. Then he removed the silk covering it, unsheathed it and offered it to the – now – surprised and speechless Kenji.


It was an artifact sword, from what he could discern, that belonged to the previous bearer of Kenji's exaltation, as his sifu explained. An exquisite short daiklave, forged of starmetal, engraved with scriptures of the Maidens, sharpened to "cut even the threads of destiny" - as his sifu had remarked - aptly named "Fate's Edge".


"With this marvellous artifact, your predecessor made sure that, when secrets were revealed, when journeys had finished, when all serenity had evaporated and the time of battle had come, he would be the one to deliver the Heaven mandated end to anything that threatened Creation and its people. Remember my words and make sure you do the same".

 

[Ebon_Arbiter]

Shadow of Nexus

Spoiler

Nexus…


The city between the River Harlot’s legs was alive as ever and the Secret shivered in anticipation. Courtesy of the Council of Entities, of the Guild and last, but most certainly not least the Emissary, the city prospered even in the Time of Sorrows. A river boat entered the port at noon, alongside many others and began unloading its cargo. After some time the sailors left for the nearby inns and brothels. One failed to return and the rest failed to notice. The ship departed and lone set of eyes cast its gaze upon the city which he’d left years ago. Sometimes things change, sometimes not. The eyes closed and for a moment a small child was standing in the back alleys of Nexus, watching out for mercenary patrols, ready to alert his companions. The eyes opened and a young man clad in simple and unassuming clothes stood there.


The young man checked his surroundings and started walking. An hour later he entered another dark alley and began climbing on the outside surface of what appeared to be an abandoned house. Upon reaching the roof, he carefully produced a couple of lock picks from a pocket and deftly opened a small lock keeping the attic’s window closed. He looked around again, akin to a predatory bird, trying to see if anyone was watching, then opened the window and swiftly entered the small room. The window closed and the familiar sight of the attic engulfed him. A curtain was pulled to ensure some privacy from uninvited observers and the man sat on a desk, which occupied the room, alongside a bed and a small wardrobe.


He reached beneath the desk, his fingers feeling the wood and then he pressed onto it with his left index. A low cracking sound was heard for a second, and a small compartment opened in the front of the desk, revealing a few well concealed, folded documents. The man checked their condition carefully and then opened them on the desk. He reached for ink and brush and started writing, in a codified language, a cipher of sorts. The first document was a report on the trip. Everything went according to plan. Minor disruptions only, that had been dealt with and arrival with minimum delay. The second a preliminary report on the status of Nexus. Still, more information would be needed. It was unfinished, more like a diary. Other entries would soon follow. He suddenly coughed and a small emerald spider emerged from his mouth. He whispered something and it skittered away. After some time it returned. He nodded and smiled, for now he knew were to go. Then he wrote a third document, sighed and put a small stamp on it after folding it neatly and putting it carefully in a pocket inside the folds of his clothes. The seal resembled a lidless eye. An All Seeing Eye.


The Secret rested. As did the man, who lied on the bed and closed his eyes. A little rest was in order. After all, he wasn’t planning on sleeping much tonight. Or the next seven days to be more precise…Time passed…Night threw its veil of darkness on the city which was once known as Hollow. The lone figure stood on the roof. The lone set of eyes sparked with intelligence, above a thin, dark green mask covering the rest of the face. Rain was falling around. A small raindrop lingered on his eyebrow and then fell, as if he was crying. A thunder resounded in the distance. Muscles tensed. A lightning tore across the sky illuminating briefly the roof of the abandoned house, as if separating from all the others, timeless as if beyond fate’s reach. The man was no longer there.


Cinnabar District. The fortifications of the mercenary compounds were looking even more menacing during such a night of foul weather. Shadow fell heavy upon them and all posts were manned for any sign of danger or evildoing. Shadows that lingered, that concealed, that served their own purpose just before receding to the flickering light of a guard’s torch or lamp. Shadows that ran across the courtyards, roofs, quiet corridors and silent – full of sleeping men – barracks. A lone window, in a command room on the floor above the barracks was lit. A middle aged man, grizzled veteran of many combats studied – with a concerned look on his scarred face – a map, lost in thought. He contemplated maneuvers, troop placements, defense lines and counterattack opportunities. He thought and planned and still was lost in doubt.


The shadows grew thicker in the corridor. The sentry was almost asleep. He wouldn’t notice another shadow even if he was not. A shadow with a mask of silk and eyes of emerald. The Shadow twisted, the young man smiled beneath his mask and made a gesture, as if he was moving a curtain to the side and stepping on what was beyond it. With deft hands he touched briefly the veil of fate and sidestepped. On the other side, beyond the strands of Destiny. He walked outside of faith and inside the command room. The Secret pulsated with the rush of things that reach their destination at long last. The mercenary captain studied the map again and read the reports on his desk once more. A report caught his eye and his gaze lingered, as he analyzed its contents. The seal on the document faded and the last sight the eye, it depicted, saw, was the lone figure exiting via a small window. Outside the compound, inside fate. A brief cold breeze made the captain pick his eyes from the document and move to the window, closing it and returning to his desk. It was still raining outside but the Secret dissolved slowly in warmth and assurance inside captain.


Another lightning tore the sky of Nexus. A brief glimpse of a set of sharp, emerald eyes, resting above a mask which seemed slightly distorted as if by a smile. Then silence and the monotonous sound of rain against the streets and buildings of Nexus…