Character Questions - Jai
Full name: Jaibir (Victory of the Brave, Mighty, and Courageous Warrior), Jaidyn (Tekken verse.)
Nickname: Smooth (by his fellow Edenian Knight group), Agent Jai (by Raven and Tatyana)
Occupation: Mortal Kombat - Aspiring Lieutenant in the Edenian Knights. Looking to become 'Lead Captain', serving as a liaison for the General.
Tekken - A liaison for the United Nations' closest allies, more specifically in the Middle and the Far East.
Appearance: Similar skin tone to Jade and Tanya, perhaps a shade darker. Short black hair in a fade that sometimes grows into a small afro when on an extended vacation. May have hair twists when it grows even more. Also can grow a thin beard but only at the chin area and has no sideburns. Has dark brown eyes.
Age: 20,000 years old in Edenian terms. (Translates to 25 in Earthrealm years. 20,000 divided by 800. This isn't factual and merely serves a purpose for this story) 27 in Tekken.
Mannerisms: A soft-spoken individual who can display a mean streak if encountered by certain people. (Think of him as a mixture between Kenshin and Yusuke Urameshi) Respectful to those around him no matter his stature. Doesn't like beating around the bush. Is direct, straightforward, and rarely indulges in small talk. Very loyal and trustworthy to those he values as friends, allies, and family.
What does he/she wear?: Different outfits for each occasion. Normally wears a silver robe with one long sleeve and the other cut off at the shoulder with an onyx bracelet on his wrist. For social gatherings, adorns a white dress shirt untucked with black slacks and loafers. This style comes from his father Solomon. Sometimes wears a dark brown cloak over his attire to avoid suspicion when on a mission or on the run.
Favorite color: Black
What is he/she good at?: Empathy and relating to others. Jai understands his privileges and the life afforded to him but doesn't use it as an excuse to look down on or belittle people less fortunate. Instead, he goes out of his way to help at the city orphanage and wherever else he can lend a hand. The true definition of a selfless individual. Understands how the United Nations functions in almost every conceivable way. Is the go-to for country policies and is considered the most knowledgeable member in Tatyana's unit. (Other than herself and Raven)
What is he/she bad at?: Making assumptions. This becomes apparent when everything Jai thought he knew is turned upside down. He's forced to rely heavily on previous experiences and training with outside forces and adversaries keen on delaying him from doing so.
What does he/she want?: To reach all the goals he set since joining the Edenian Knights. Jai had no expectations for himself when he began his career due to being unsure where this path would take him. He heeds all of his parents' wisdom, especially Kiyana as she once served in her younger days. (Her actual position won't be revealed until later in Fractured Trust)
However, what Jai desires most is acceptance from his family and peers. Not once did he value money, prestige, or power over anything. They only serve as ends to a need in his eyes. Friendship and eventual love are the only things that hold genuine meaning to him. The biggest example is the love between his parents Kiyana and Solomon. In Jai's mind, they are the best example of what someone should strive to be despite having their own flaws as humanoids. The same applies when referring to Tatyana, Raven, their kids, and Zafina.
What is his/her goal?: To become the best version of himself, no matter what that may be. Jai doesn't know exactly where that goal will lead him, other than an adventure that will help him discover more about himself. Yet that's what he finds to be exciting and challenging. Not to say he didn't enjoy his lifestyle before military service, but it was less fulfilling. And to prevent war from ever brewing again.
What lie does he/she believe?: His accomplishments are predicated on his leadership. (i.e. Jade, the Royal Guard, the Ravens) It isn't hard to figure out that most are envious of Jai and his sustained success. This is also in referring to the ladies.
What flaw results from the lie?: Jai harbors doubt about his abilities and if he's cut out for his line of work in both instances.
What truth does he/she learn?: That he is the best at what he does and has earned more than a few glances his way from certain women. (You already know one, and I'm sure you can figure out the other)
What is his/her background?
Mortal Kombat - Jai was born into an upper-middle class family in Edenia to a former Captain and a respected political adviser. Kiyana and Solomon drove home the importance of schooling as their child's work in the schoolhouses was impeccable as a distinguished student.
Growing up in a moderately strict household, Jai found various avenues to express himself. Sports was one of them. He was often misunderstood by most kids due to his common muteness. Even his teachers noticed this in numerous discussions with his parents. One day out on the playground, Jai heard a cry for help. He ran to where the sound came from and saw four boys surrounding a girl around his age, pulling and tugging on her hair while calling her names.
Her name was Jade.
Never hesitating, Jai confronted each boy and told them to stop picking on her. Neither of them took kindly to this and beat him roughly, blood and bruises marring his face. After they dispersed, Jade, with tears flowing, approached Jai and asked why he helped her. He explained that it was the right thing to do and that the boys didn't have any right to treat her horribly.
An instant friendship was made.
They were inseparable since that day, Jade introducing Jai to Edenia's young Princess, Kitana. Jai was shocked to know this but didn't shy away as the trio grew close over the years as their families all knew each other.
Things became more challenging as the years went by.
As Jai matured into a handsome young man, he and his father were at odds over his future as Solomon wanted to groom him into a politician like himself. But Jai refused, opting instead to follow in his mother's footsteps after some encouragement from Jade. She had joined the Edenian Knights as a way to honor her late father's sacrifice. Their ascension through the ranks was startling but unsurprising
For now, Jai does not know how long he'll serve in the service as he searches to find his true identity and discover his true purpose.
(Will develop the Tekken portion at a later date)