Post by Fiona [Living life] on Aug 29, 2008 1:27:46 GMT -5
I took a walk around the world to ease my troubled mind...
I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time.
I watch the world float to the dark side of the moon...
And I feel there's nothing I can do...
Ah, yeah.
[/i][/color]I left my body lying somewhere in the sands of time.
I watch the world float to the dark side of the moon...
And I feel there's nothing I can do...
Ah, yeah.
Basic Facts
Name: Experiment 06z (Thorn)
On Neopets: _hopeless
Nickname(s): The abomination, murderer, target, the experiment, 06z, Thorn, Guardian Angel, bloody b*****d, etc.
Experiment no.: 06z
Gender: All Male.
Color: Fire (currently Blue)
Species: Uni
Age: Unknown, appears approximately 25
Eyes: Pitch black with glowing red embers in the bottoms that flare up into blazing flames when angered. He has no pupils, irises, or corneas in his eyes.
Mane/Tail: Long, unevenly cut, black with flickering flames stretching up from the bottom that start in fire-blue, go to gold-yellow, and then to crimson.
Pelt: Black
Markings: Flames like the ones in his mane and tail stretching up his legs/arms. On the arms they start at the wrist and end somewhere around the elbow. On the legs, they start above the hooves and extend up to about hock-level.
Height: About 7' something. Not sure exactly - he doesn't hold still to be measured. o.0
Occupation: Sort of an assassin. Watches after Avi.
Love: Once, long ago...
Crush: Nope.
Interests: Killing the scientists, protecting his brat, taking care of his brat, keeping her out of trouble, watching sunsets, toying with people, the scent of blood...
Dislikes: The scientists, Kicepe, anyone who tries to hurt Avi, water, needles, being confined, seeing women in danger, Kicepe, Iyleah, most women, HER (but that's kind of a love/hate thing xp), bigoted people, those who treat Avi in any less-than-excellent manner, the world in general, fools/idiots/morons, far too much more to be mentioned... Oh, and did I mention Kicepe?
I watch the world float to the dark side of the moon.
After all, I knew it had to be something to do with you.
I really don't mind what happens now and then -
As long as you'll be my friend at the end.
History
Unlike so many tales, this one does not begin with the birth of a character. Instead, it begins with the creation of a creature designed to be the ultimate assassin, powerful, deadly, deceptive, controllable, a veritable monster mean to have no sense of right and wrong, good and evil. It begins with the creation of Experiment 06z.
The Lab
A group of radical scientists were the ones who formed him, shaped him, molded him. They were funded by black market tycoons in their efforts to create this controllable warrior, and were happy to use every cent of the money in their research and work. Many failed attempts resulted, especially in their beginning work on already-living specimens. At last, they came to the conclusion that literally creating a being from lifeless matter was their only option.
This too was fraught with failure, as the issue of animation and re-animation reared its head. Bringing a body to life was no easy matter, and even once one had been animated, it frequently failed due to internal issues the scientists had not taken into account.
This was the world into which Experiment 06z was created. His build was based upon that of a Friesian, so he was meant to be powerful yet elegant in appearance. His pelt was to be pitch black, and his eyes would be solid black with no pupils, irises, or corneas, with the ability to see in ultraviolet, infrared, x-ray, and heat. The bones supporting his frame were grown around a synthetic metal core, one that made them almost impossible to break. Despite the weight and strength of this metal, he'd be able to fly using wings similarly designed. His blood would re-generate and repair itself rapidly, allowing for shorter recovery periods. Finally, he was made to have a great deal of muscling on his frame, yet remain lean in appearance. The scientists were careful and thorough, but despite their best efforts, knew he might not survive his animation.
But he did.
Once brought to the half-life he would live in for countless years, the new creation was celebrated and put to the test. He proved himself time and again the fruition of all their hopes and dreams, nearly indestructible and completely, utterly devoid of a mind of his own. Assassinations were his purpose, and he fulfilled every task set to him. He recovered from injuries faster than seemed possible, and for years never once failed in his missions.
However, a tiny flaw existed in his programming. When its digits were compiled together in order, they created the code "_hopeless". This tiny, seemingly insignificant error would be the undoing of the scientists and the true birth of the assassin. It would allow him to gain a conscious mind. It went unnoticed, however, for an eternity...
Until one day, he snapped.
The prized gem of the scientists' efforts went mad, killing any who came near and destroying everything in his path. Black eyes glowed and burned with unseen fire, and the quad Uni tore through the lab like a mythical monster.
His creators were shocked, but their astonishment didn't stop them from subduing the rampaging beast. (Though that cost them several handlers and fellow scientists in the process.) What to do with their failed experiment was another mystery. At last, they simply flung him into a cell and chained him in the back so that the monster had no chance of annihilating another of their number.
To mark his deeds and what the scientists deemed his...failure, betrayal, they branded him with the symbol of "Aku," which is Japanese for evil, on his right shoulder. The mark still remains in charcoal gray, burning blood red when anger overtakes his mind.
How to feed the beast proved to be another problem. No handler could get close enough to give him food, and besides, that gave him strength to resist. Thus, he was starved. He became a disposal experiment. Anything (or anyone) they wanted no part of any more was tossed in to the ravenous creature for him to devour. In order to survive, he was forced to eat his fellow experiments and other sentient beings.
This could only last so long before the chained Uni rebelled.
And succeeded.
The Escape
The day came when he broke free from his chains and demolished his cell. His creators were shocked. They thought him too weak to pull off such an escape. He wasn't.
A disastrous rampage followed. As time had passed with the equine kept caged, he'd slowly gained a truly sentient mind, rather than the completely and utterly animalistic one he'd first possessed. Thus, he knew he didn't want any other being created and made into what he was, what he'd become. With that thought in the forefront of his mind, the beast killed every scientist who had a hand in creating him and utterly destroyed the lab, obliterating most of the paperwork and records. He wanted no copy of himself going through what he'd been through and becoming what he now was. He spared only his fellow experiments, freeing them from their cages and chains. To him, after all, they were kindred spirits, born of the same afflictions.
Despite his successful break-out, the ebony stallion was weak. He hadn't had very much to eat, and precious little to drink, for what seemed like an eternity. It was thus that sheer exhaustion overtook his weary limbs, and he collapsed, deep within the bowels of the Haunted Woods. Something kept the inhabitants from bothering him. Something instinctive on their part.
After he awoke, he began to wander. His task was completed...or so he thought at the time. He had no purpose, no point in continued existence. So he merely traveled aimlessly.
He had next to no conscience, no sense of right and wrong, save that what his creators had done was terribly wrong. So, he wandered, killing when the fancy took him and taking what he wanted. In general, he avoided contact with people. Watching was fine with him, but he didn't like to be near them most of the time. Unless, of course, he felt like intimidating the strange creatures.
This continued for a length of time he didn't keep track of. The stallion had no idea how long he wandered before that day. Before he met...her.
Zhephern
In his wanderings, the experiment had stumbled into Meridell - right in the middle of the Meridell/Darigan wars. In one of the war camps, he saw a creature he'd never even dreamed could exist, an exquisite woman beyond his wildest imaginations. She was beautiful, exotic, sensual, and free-spirited. He fell for her instantly.
Her name was Zhephern, and she was a camp dancer. She attracted men like moths to a flame...and often did to them what fire does to an infatuated moth. She was selfish, manipulative, and vain, living life only for herself and her own pleasures. But he never saw that. All he saw was the beautiful woman who'd captured his heart and entire being, the woman she wanted him to see.
Their relationship progressed rapidly, though never to the point that sex was involved. It likely would've ended up going to that point sooner or later, if certain...beings hadn't intervened.
Faeries, mischievous, impish faeries, watched the young couple. They saw her flirtatious ways, and his blindness to any wrong she might commit. They saw too his pure, untainted love that extended to a willingness to die for her, and already manifested itself in the distinct dearth of deaths in his wake. And they also saw her selfish affection for him, the sort that meant she'd abandon him at a moment's notice if staying would cause any trouble for her at all. Nothing escaped their careful notice...and they were certainly the sort to do something about it.
Of a sudden, the experiment's life was shattered. He and Zhephern were both kidnapped, taken captive in the blink of an eye by those far more powerful than them. Those powers separated the pair, locking her away in one place and him in another. Each was told that the other was being held captive, and given a choice. One would die, and one would live and be set free. Which would it be? Would the one questioned die so that their lover might live? Or would they choose to live and let the other perish?
06z's choice was obvious. He loved her, so her life naturally mattered far more than his. He chose for his beloved to live, perfectly willing to give his life for her without hesitation.
Zhephern's choice too was obvious. She cared only for herself. He'd been amusing, a passing fancy, and she'd surely miss him a bit. Ultimately, however, she mattered more than he did. She deserved to live more than him. She was selfish. In the end, she didn't really care a bit about the man who loved her so. She chose to live, and let him die for her.
The faeries had known their choices would be such, but tested them nonetheless. He made his choice first, as he was given the option long before she was. And when she made her choice, he was listening through their faerie magic.
He was utterly devastated, her betrayal laid out bare. He'd heard it with his own ears, after all. Hurting her, hating her, was not an option for the broken man, however. He still cared deeply for her, though her actions shattered him. He simply wanted to flee, to escape from her.
Words hold power, though, and to none more than the fair folk. It was thus that the words each had spoken would have an effect, each on the other, as much as their choices did. Her fate, he didn't really know, save that she was doomed to the ocean.
His own fate was a bit more...complicated. Each had wished him dead, but he'd made the right decision. Thus, he was not killed, but rather...cursed. The fae made a fire burn within him, a fire to match the rage he was capable of. It gleamed in his eyes, turning once pure-ebony orbs into glowing coals waiting to blaze in a moment of anger. Fire twisted its way up his wings, legs, and arms, and entwined with his mane and tail. The flames even flickered, dancing at times as though alive. He was cursed to have this deadly inferno within his body, but blessed with the ability to control fire in its many forms. The faerie blessing-curse also gave him the ability to develop magical traits, as a fae's very touch holds enchantment.
The Fruits of Deception
Once the curse was completed, the faeries left him. He found himself alone in the forest, unable to deal with the anger, rage, and sheer agony whirling through his body. Needing a release from the pent-up emotions that swiftly overtook logical thought, he prowled. Many deaths occurred that night, undoubtedly by his cursed hand. He killed blindly and without prejudice, sparing none.
Though now nearly immortal, he was not invincible. Exhaustion eventually overtook the stallion, and he fled deep into the bowels of the Haunted Woods. It was there that the pain he felt finally overtook him, and, for the first time in the man's life, he wept. The tears he shed tired him even further. Unconsciousness overtook him after a time, blissful darkness engulfing his senses as he collapsed.
In spite of pain, life goes on. The experiment's tale was no different. He continued to live, to breathe, despite feeling as though there was no more life left to live. He resumed his wanderings, watching people and occasionally interfering in their lives...simply because he could.
In the midst of these aimless wanderings, he encountered a peculiar character - an Earth Faerie who called herself Ilere. She named him, calling the experiment Thorn, for she said he would be a thorn in the sides of his enemies. Many of the other details of his encounter with the lady remain a mystery, though it is known that she blessed him with various traits.
After parting ways with her, he continued his wanderings. Over time, he'd developed his own peculiar moral code, and stuck to it. Said code was, however, far from normal. He'd discovered a powerful distaste for seeing women raped or harmed in such a way, and found himself shirking from the idea of killing them. This new trait irritated him, but still he couldn't shake it. (Despite this new-found dislike for seeing women harmed, he still had no qualms about killing others, and though he might hesitate, he would still kill a woman.)
Over the course of his travels, he'd also stumbled upon a fact that enraged him. The scientists who'd created him hadn't been the only ones working on such an experiment. There were others alive, with access to lab books and such, carrying more of the same dreadful endeavors. The very thought of such made his blood boil. With this discovery, however, came another. These scientists were looking for him, to make him back into what he'd once been.
He saw but one choice - he had to destroy them before they captured him.
And he would.
But not without a roadblock or two in the way.
The Child
Rarely did the dangerous man venture near towns. He found the company of people to be...distasteful. Often, it merely made him want to kill them. And as much as he didn't mind killing, it grew old at times. It was one thing to kill a fellow assassin who put up a fight and was a challenge, and another entirely to kill an innocent farmer wielding only a pitchfork.
But on one fateful day, he did venture near a town. And on that day, his life changed forever.
(To read the story from Thorn's point of view, click here.)
He encountered a young child, no older than five or six, being brutally abused by other children her age. She was a little Faerie Kougress, and the child simply took the beatings as though she thought she deserved them. Driven by urges he didn't know the origins of, the stallion protected her, drove the others off. He ended up tending to her (numerous) wounds, and finding out that her name was Avi, though she was frequently called the Kuromne. A strangely protective, almost paternal air had settled over him with regards to her, and he spent the night with the little kitten curled up against his side, keeping watch.
He spent around ten years there, watching over the cursed child called Avi. The deadly experiment grew powerfully protective of her, willing to do anything to keep the little one safe. He held (and still holds) no romantic feelings for her, only those of a father or older brother. He discovered the secrets of her tortured, brutal life and past, and was there for her when she destroyed her own people and grew suicidal and depressed as a result.
Life went on for Thorn, but never without Avi. She means the world to him, and he often travels with her. She is his charge, and woe betide the person who harms her, whether it be on accident or not!!! He'd gladly rip their lungs out and stuff said organs down the unfortunate's throat. She is his reason for life, the only purpose he has other than destroying the remaining scientists.
If I go crazy, then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might...
Kryptonite...
Personality
Thorn is highly anti-social. He's generally very irritable, and could be described as a grouch, though I wouldn't say that to his face if I valued my life. He avoids people where he can, and when he can't (or for whatever reason chooses to socialize), he's generally curt, abrupt, and rude in his choice of word and phrase. He generally has no regard for others' feelings, and sometimes even chooses the particular turn of phrase that will hurt the most just to spite the person he's interacting with.
One thing that should always be noted about Thorn, however, is that he is dangerous. He's very, very ruthless in battle, and reckless on an almost constant basis. This reckless abandon with which he throws himself into battle is both a strength and a weakness at once, as he will attempt what others would never dream of. At the same time, he's often hurt more frequently, because he has no issues taking a blow...or dying.
As stated before, Thorn has no qualms whatsoever about killing. Of late, though, he's developed a dislike for harming or killing women which he isn't too pleased with. He also has an absolute loathing for seeing women in abusive situations, or being harmed by another. His weak spot, however, is little girls, generally under the age of ten. (It's worth it to note that Avi fell into this category when he met her.)
Beneath the surface, Thorn is a very...conflicted individual. He's strong, and wants to be seen as such, and yet...and yet. This murderer has a deep, powerful desire to be loved, truly and deeply. He craves it, yet denies himself the privilege of such affection, believing he's not worthy of it and halfway thinking himself incapable of returning it. He has a need he despises and pretends doesn't exist, a need to protect others. In short, he needs to feel needed. Though he'd never tell anyone, he's very much at war with himself and his programming. He was made to be a cold-blooded killer, a controllable murderer. However, the reality of his mind and actions sometimes takes a different course, more often of late than prior to that.
Despite his own inner struggles, he's dangerous, no doubt about it. He'd kill a person if they annoyed him without a second thought, and despises all scientists, whether "good" or "bad." All of them are wicked creatures to him. He also has no misconceptions about his own goodness. He knows he's dark, he believes himself evil, and knows the consequences. (Though he still isn't sure whether or not he has an eternal soul, being created and all.) He doesn't hold any false assumptions of goodness, though he has good traits he refuses to acknowledge.
Summed up in one word, Thorn is above all else an anti-hero. Good or bad, dark or light, no one's sure. He is who and what he is. Period..
You called me strong, you called me weak,
Still your secrets I will keep.
You took for granted all the times I've never let you down.
You stumbled in and bumped your head,
If not for me, then you'd be dead.
I picked you up, and put you back on solid ground!
Playlist
Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down (His inspiration!!!!!)
It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down
Animal I Have Become by Three Days Grace
Time of Dying by Three Days Grace
Savin' Me by Nickelback
Flat on the Floor by Nickelback
Do this Anymore by Nickelback
Someday by Nickelback
Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park
Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park
In the End by Linkin Park
Behind Blue Eyes by Limp Bizkit
Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day
Battle Anthem(s)
Refer to most of the above songs
If I go crazy, then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might...
Kryptonite....
Yeeeeeaaaaah...[/size][/i]
Companions, Enemies, and Those He Tolerates[/b]
Avi - His reason to live. Thorn calls Avi his brat, but don't let the gruff tone and irritated expression fool you - this young woman is his life. He'd die to protect her in a heartbeat, and anyone who harms her is doomed to a slow, painful, and extremely tortuous death. He met the Kougress when she was just a little child, being abused by those who should've protected her. Since then, he's grown extremely fond of her, and keeps a constant wary eye on the now-teen. The incredible amount of trust and faith she shows him baffles him, but he has learned to accept it and show his own sort of rough love in return. He also has over-protective father/brother syndrome. Badly.
Kicepe - Thorn doesn't like many people. That said, the one person he truly, deeply loathes to the core of his being is Kicepe. The wolf's dark intentions towards his brat are something he won't tolerate, and he intends to kill the wicked creature at some point. If Kicepe ever did succeed in laying a finger on Avi, Thorn would undoubtedly fly into a rage and rip the other man's heart out and force-feed it to him. He HATES Kicepe. Hates.
Iyleah[/url] - Thorn doesn't particularly hate Iyleah, he just...dislikes her more than most. He can stand the Silver Kougress, but the fact that she wants to kill his brat doesn't sit well with him. Thus, due to Avi's express order, he won't kill the woman. He will, however, make trouble for her. Plenty.
Zikorro - Zikorro is another woman Thorn is protective of. This is primarily because she's a fellow experiment, save (to his mind) she had far worse things done to her. He freed her from the scientists a while back, and considers her almost a sister. Regardless, he's still protective of her.
Dol - Dol was the one experiment thrown into him that Thorn refused to kill. He feels a kinship with the beast, and is one of the few people who can approach him without fear. The two get along passably well, and Dol is one of the reasons Thorn doesn't object to Iyleah, for she cares for the experiment.
Shadeless - Thorn hasn't yet encountered Shadeless, but when he does, there will be trouble. As she's controlled by the scientists and being sent out after other experiments, they will run into conflict. He won't want to hurt her, though, as she's just like he once was.
Zhephern - Ah, the primary problem. Thorn fell in love with and was betrayed by Zhephern after he escaped from the scientists. She loathes him for "what he did." He wishes he could loathe her. Truth be told, he doesn't hate her at all. He's halfway still in love with her, but still avoids her whenever possible. The pain's just not worth it.
Climpt - Oh boy, here's a fun one. Thorn recently met Climpt in the streets of a nearly-deserted town. She being a baker, and him being hungry, would generally spell stolen food. Nope. The little mare surprised him and offered him food, showing no fear of him. He's puzzled, confused, and wondering if she belongs in an asylum. Who knows where this will go?
Bantaa - Thorn was set up on a Blind Date with Bantaa, and found her to be a rather nice woman. Tolerable. He finds her a sensible, level-headed woman he supposes he might be able to stand. Might. (Meaning he'll probably grow a bit fond of her as time goes by.)
Locisme - In the midst of Thorn's Date with Bantaa, Loci popped in. And boy, was Thorn PISSED!!! He nearly wrung her neck on sight. Now, however, he's finding her very amusing. (Primarily because he's playing mind-games with her...and winning...) She had a complete mood swing when Bantaa removed a bracelet on her wrist, and Thorn found this rather comical. Right now, he's toying with her head and laughing at her. I told you he was rude!
Maliss - Maliss did a very unwise thing upon first meeting Thorn - she pissed him off. Badly. He nearly killed her in his fury, but managed to hold himself back by a hair when the scientists who hunt him showed up. Now, he, Maliss, and Rhi are engaged in a death-match with these men, a fight where it's kill or be killed - or captured and experimented on, which happens to be worse. Thus, the two have been forced into the position of shaky allies.
Rhianwyn - Thorn finds the Irish mare a hair on the annoying side, whilst a hair amusing. He has little respect for her, however, due to her almost omnipotent attitude at times. He's been forced into a shaky alliance with the assassin due to the onslaught of the scientists, along with Maliss.
Darius - The second highest person on Thorn's list of hatred. He loathes the other equine, and if he knew how to, would happily kill him. Basically, Thorn's reason for this reaction is the fact that Darius was once helpless, and in need of Avi's healing abilities. Avi grew attached (as she often does), tried to help the man, and her plan backfired. Avi's demon Krypta escaped, and turned Darius into what he is today. Avi blames herself and is positively distraught over it, especially because Darius and Krypta went on a murdering spree. Thorn thus hates Darius because he made the brat feel guilty, and she does not need any more guilt. Hence, Thorn's loathing of the other man.
The Scientists - Though he killed all the scientists who were in the laboratory he was made in at the time of his escape, Thorn knows full well there are more out there. Even some of the ones who had a hand in his creation still live, and continue with their work. They're after him, and he is after them.
They want to capture him.
He wants them dead.[/color]
No, no, no no, no no no....[/size][/i]
Roleplay[/b]
Open.
Thorn can be seen either with Avi or alone. He is with her more often than not, but travels on his own as well. As he has wings, he can show up just about anywhere. If he's with Avi, expect him to be overprotective. That's just how he is.
A word to the wise as well - Thorn is a very dangerous character. He has no issue killing, and has a pretty swift temper. Be cautious around him, and expect that your character stands a fantastic chance of getting physically hurt or offended.
Finally, expect the scientists to show up. They might, after all. Plus, the other experiments occasionally appear as well, notably Dol and Shadeless. He crops up in The Black Lace at times too, generally under Iyleah's radar and to visit Zikorro.[/color]
If I go crazy, then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might...
Kryptonite....[/size][/i]
Current Roleplays[/b]
Blackest Night, Darkest Dreams
Thorn, Maliss (Rhoxi), Rhianwyn (Tori), Darius (Dana), and scientists
Devil on the Left
Thorn and Climpt (Kai)
Blind Date
Thorn, Bantaa and Loci (Rhoxi)[/color]
If I go crazy, then will you still call me Superman?
If I'm alive and well, will you be there a-holding my hand?
I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might...
Kryptonite....[/size][/i]
Relationship Status[/b]
Being tested out with Kai's Climpt and Rhoxi's Loci. To be tested out with Lexi's Tosche.
Thorn's straight, but very mistrusting of women due to his own past regarding them. Zhephern created a definite wariness in him, for her betrayal hurts him even now. He'd be a hard one to get for certain. He's the sort who wouldn't show a lick of affection no matter how strongly he felt until one day he'd completely cave to the emotion and sweep the woman off her feet. When he loves someone, he's fiercely and recklessly protective of them, and more than a bit possessive. Just the nature of the beast.
So, in summary of that, Thorn doesn't really believe in love. Sure, he's felt it, but it wasn't returned. He's wary of relationships, but once he falls, he falls hard.
Scattered lyrics from "Kryptonite" by 3 Doors Down. This song was his inspiration.[/color][/center][/size]