"This was a triumph.
I'm making a note here: huge success.
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.

Aperture science.
We do what we must because we can.
For the good of all of us
Except the ones who are dead.

Look at me still talking when there's science to do.
When I look out there it makes me glad I'm not you.
I've experiments to run, there is research to be done,
On the people who are still alive."
- Still Alive; Ellen McLain/Portal

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Zhi was the sort of person that was easy to fear. Rumors constantly circulated, mysterious deaths, mysterious illnesses. He let them fly, enjoying the power it gave him. Before long, none of the Oina dared to stand up to him.

When he was seventeen, he used that power to steal Mitsu away from his family. Mitsu was five. Zhi trained the boy to be little more then a slave, and when Mitsu begin to hit puberty, Zhi did something unimaginable. He removed Mitsu's manhood. Took from him something given by the Great Mother to all men. In this act he was playing the role of god, shaping Mitsu to fit his desires, for Zhi did not like being reminded of his true preferences.

At this point, he began using Mitsu to satisfy himself, and Mitsu, who could not even remember life apart from Zhi, mistook this for love. The poor boy unwittingly forced himself to love Zhi in return.

This went on until Mitsu was nearly twenty. At which point it was discovered what had been going on, and what Zhi had done. Rin, a Celestial who was very close to Mitsu's sister, Emiko, assaulted Zhi, leaving his face scarred on one side. Samickle, in his wisdom, forced Zhi to give up Mitsu, risking death. Zhi's anger was limitless. But Samickle was protected by the Celestials, who even Zhi did not dare to harm, fearful of incurring the Great Mother's wrath. And as Samickle was protected, so to was Mika, Mitsu's new caretaker. However, once Samickle fell prey to death, Zhi launched an assult, simultaneous with Mirage's plot to kill Oki. This way, it would be less likely he would be caught. Mika fell ill, but something Zhi could not have guessed happened.

Mirage was caught. And Mirage, in order to save his own life, gave up information. Mika was saved by quick work from Kiyoko. And Zhi was paid a visit by the Great Mother herself. She punished him by removing his ear on the side of the scarring, further disfiguring him, further shaming him. And with it came a threat that if any of the Oina were again harmed without reason, his life would be forfeit.

Considering himself now forsaken by the goddess he had once imagined himself to be following, Zhi began devising a new strategy. The coming battle with the Lunaris would be eventful indeed.

He slipped out in the midst of the battle, finding his way to where Tsao hid in the back. And offered his services, if he would be taken to the Lunar Realm with them when they left. Zhi would do things he .. certainly did not enjoy, to earn a promise of his safety.

Once back in the Lunar Realm, he quickly learned of all their advances in medicine and poison, educating himself. And his skill prevailed, for he was able to create new poisons that even the scientists there shuddered at the description of.

But what he wanted more then anything was revenge. And Tsao would provide, allowing him to return to Wep'keer to fetch Mika and Mitsu. He encountered trouble, but the two were brought back, and Zhi once more could sink his claws into Mitsu. Mika was given to Tsao as a gift. But then he was faced with something he did not expect.

Mitsu turned on him. Refused to provide what he used to, forcing Zhi to take it against his will. This wasn't fun anymore. It would be easier to train a new servant.

Good thing he decided that, for Mika and Mitsu would escape before long.

Bio

Physical