[Bijuu] Zana Neharys {Justice League}

General Information

Full Name:
Zana Ciran Neharys

Codename or Alias:
Zana of Atlantis, God-Queen of Atlantis, Goddess of Chaos, Divine Sun, Blood Queen, Destroyer of Nations, Mistress of Hell, Zana The Merciless, Treacherous One, The First Mutant, Dark Priestess, Black Queen, Madame Zana, Ciran, Natla, Selene Gallio

Anonymity:
Zana Neharys is known to many corporate and government heads operating around the world. A shrewd businesswoman and an effective diplomat in her own way, her influence reaches far and wide. Yet, few know her true allegiances or motives. She has managed to weave herself into many organizations, create a thriving business, and gain the ear of several world leaders. While very few know her true identity, Zana has been known by many titles throughout history. Most of those are embedded in certain cultures, with them depicting her in various forms and, depending on the civilization, as someone benevolent or evil. Because of her mythological status, few actually relate this long forgotten history to modern day Zana. As said before, a select few know her true origins and age, something she intends to keep as such, until the occasion calls for it.

Gender:
Female

Race:
Homo Superior
External
Homo Magi
Atlantean

Age:
Physical age: 67
Real age: Unknown, at least tens of thousands of years old

Place Of Birth:
City of R'llyeh, Atlantis

Occupation/Status:
CEO of Neharys Innovations
Supervillain
Black Queen of the Hellfire Society

Alignment:
Villain

Factions:
Neharys Innovations
Hellfire Society

Canon Or Original?:
Original


Powers/Abilities:

Pyrokinesis
Uncharacteristic to both current Atlanteans and those of the Old Ages, Zana's mutant ability grants her the ability to generate and control fire. This ability has all the basic functions one could imagine. Ranging from simply generating warmth, to destructive bursts of superhot heat and projectiles. Her pyrokinesis allows Zana to immediately combust any object she desires. As for people, Zana needs to be in physical contact with them or directly hit them directly with one of her projectiles. Grazing someone with her fire will combust that specific body part, but the flames will spread in a matter of minutes. That, in addition, depends on the temperature of the fire itself or the temperature of the subject (especially if they're a fellow pyrokinetic or have cold-based abilities.) This extends to her being able to envelop herself completely in a firey cloak, protecting her from most types of damage, thus granting her a degree of invulnerability. Anyone with sufficient durability, suitable abilities, and simply more power can overcome this.

Her pyrokinesis also allows her to absorb, intensify or snuff out most flames, either through touch or from afar. Zana's mastery of the ability also allows her to vary the temperatures of the flames she produces, which are typically identified by the color of the fire, ranging from yellow-orange to blue. The maximum temperature she is capable of generating with her regular flames is 3,300 °C (5,972 °F), enabling her to melt almost any substance. Her main use of the ability manifests in simple streams, spears or balls of fire, as they are the quickest and simplest to control. Pyrokinesis also makes Zana immune to heat and flames whose levels are lower than the ones she can produce.

Inferno Form

After experiencing a Secondary Mutation, Zana gained access to a more demonic/fiery form. The form rather significantly changes her appearance, with the most notable addition being a pair of large wings. In addition, her body is entirely covered in flameless fire, though she still gleams and glows in a fiery palette. The color-scheme ranges from black to light yellow. Her entire body essentially becomes a weapon, with spikes and jagged ends protruding from all over. Her fingers become more like claws, her hair transforms more into several long braids, and so on. The wings' span a combined length of 11'6" (356 cm) and are sharp enough to cut through stone if not softer metal.


Atlantean-External Hybridized Physiology
Like all Atlanteans, Zana possesses physical attributes greater than those of a regular human. In addition, because of her hybrid physiology, these attributes are amplified by a significant sum.


Immortal
As an External, Zana is effectively immortal. Her immortality became active after her first death and thus, no longer ages through natural means. While she can be put out of commission or seemingly destroyed for various periods of time, Zana can only truly die when killed by a fellow External. However, decapitation and her heart being destroyed can also effectively kill her.


Sorcery
Even as a young child, Zana showed an affinity for magic. Whether it's a result of her External or Atlantean heritage, is unknown. Having been alive for thousands of years, Zana has accumulated a vast knowledge of magic the various spells that entails. Most come from her time on Atlantis, while others she has learned or found herself. A large chunk of her magic is rooted in Old Atlantis' dark and blood magic. However, about a quarter of her magical energies are made up of those found in Mephisto's realm, The Pit. As such, she is technically an avatar of Mephisto, although the deal the two struck doesn't necessarily state that outright. With a fraction of his power, Zana is able to perform most of the spells she requires, in addition to conjuring specific objects/creatures from Mephisto's realm. She is also able to freely visit his world. Mephisto can, at any time, limit the amount of energy she can take. This isn't to say that Zana isn't a powerful sorceress in her own right, as her base magical skill has been compared to the likes of Morgan Le Fay.

Multilingual
Zana can speak a wide array of languages. Those being: Atlantean, English, Latin, Greek, Farsi, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, German, French, Mandarin, Hindi, Japanese and Korean.

Gifted Intellect/Strategist
As a woman who has commanded entire nations in her lifetime, Zana is an exceedingly smart woman. A savvy politician, leader and businesswoman, Zana can masterfully maneuver in these complex environments. She is aware of their many loopholes and knows which buttons to push to achieve her goals. She can plan a scheme out to it's most minute details, accounting for as many permutations as possible. Even if her plans fail, she will almost always have a safety blanket for her to land on and a secondary plan to pursue. In addition, she is well-connected throughout the world, getting an audience with those most could only fathom to even get a glimpse of. As she was the General of Atlantis' Royal Army (in addition to commanding her own forces later on), Zana's skill on the battlefield is worthy of note. Her strategies are chaotic, but effective. She prefers to use as many soldiers to outnumber her foe, though she combines that with several strategies to outsmart her adversaries. Zana's mastery in strategies of war hasn't been used in recent times a whole lot, but nevertheless, she would make the perfect general for any army.

Master Weaponist
One of the skills she fondly retains from her homeland is the art of combat with edged weapons. While not her preferred method nowadays, Zana still knows her way around a blade, not limiting herself to swords. If anyone happens to face her with a blade in her hand, best be wary, as she perfectly remembers her skill and will use her variety of fatal techniques to overcome any foe in her path.

Weapons/Items:
As someone leading a sizable company, Zana has access to a significant amount of technology and resources. Money and various technological items being the most obvious examples. Neharys Innovations is the world's leading company in tracking technology, which the company implements when trying to find various lost relics around the world, something of personal interest to Zana. The company has also sold its state of the art tech to different governments, media and tech groups, military organizations and other, more discreet collectives. More privately, Zana uses her technology to keep tabs on persons of interest (many being her enemies), in order to get an upper hand on them, if needed. As is customary for a woman of her status, she also has several phones and computers at her disposal, as well as a variety of transportation means.



Appearance

Image:

Physical Appearance:
Zana is an imposing figure from the get go. Despite being 5'7" and with a light figure, simply the way she stands, moves and looks at people, is enough to instantly intimidate even the strongest of people. Zana commands the room effortlessly, her appearance only solidifying countless years of experience and wisdom. She is well aware of the importance of appearances and thus, she keeps everything related to it as distinct and sharp as possible. Her hair is dark brown, bordering on black, which she regularly changes into various hairstyles. Those range from a long braid to royal-esque buns, signifying her status and importance. Her eyes are equally as striking. Naturally they are chestnut brown. However, after her abilities manifested, they took on a red glow, which intensifies each time she uses her abilities. When she's using magic, her entire eyes turn blood red or black, depending on what spell she is casting.

The same applies to her make-up. While simple in nature, she uses vibrant and suitable colors to bring out her sharp features. Her eyes and brows being perhaps the most notable features. Her gaze can crack the toughest shells. Zana is meticulous about which appearance suits best for a certain occasion, knowing that it may very well determine the outcome of whatever situation she is about to enter, whether others realize it or not. In essence, her appearance is almost always flawless, with everything planned out with surgical precision. Weakness is not something she can afford to portray, especially since she is far from a frail old woman some perceive her to be.

Clothing and Armor:
Having been alive for longer than most can conceive, Zana's apparel has gone through many changes. It has eventually evolved into an amalgamation of whatever she wants it to be, really. One aspect has always remained the same, however; grandeur. Each and every outfit, no matter how simple, has an air of elegance to it. Whether it is a black gown adorned with golden peace leaves or a vibrant sari in combination with a seemingly unorthodox jacket, Zana's outfits speak more than enough about who she is. At the same time, she isn't opposed to a more conservative pantsuit, if that is considered as such. It truly depends on the situation and her mood.

Even in a more relaxed setting, her simple attire looks as if it cost more than a country's national budget. Zana's clothing screams royalty and grandeur, something she is clearly aware of. She wants people to know her status and influence and it truly is a sight to behold. Few can keep their eyes off her exquisite designs. Her jewelry follows a similar route. Each piece crafted with utmost care, incorporating a variety of stones and gems, yet never feeling out of place by their extravagance. The design choices have a deliberate meaning, depending on the occasion. Certain colors represent certain values and whatever point she wants to get across. As cliche as it may sound, her clothes tell a story. Something not easily interpreted perhaps, but it is most certainly present.



Personality

Sexual Orientation:
Whatever goes when she's not trying to make the world burn

General Personality:
Zana Neharys is a force of nature. Someone who seemingly never gives a shit about what people might say about her. Someone who knows exactly what she is capable of and how she can use her vast skill set to enact her plans. Her way of thinking is as precise as it is chaotic. She does embody chaos, after all. She rarely takes no for an answer. A woman who will stop at nothing to have people see her way of thinking. No life is too precious, no nation too important to not be manipulated or destroyed by Zana, as long as it means asserting her dominance and superiority.

As someone who has lived for so long, Zana is most certainly narcissistic and egotistical. To her, it is all warranted. Few can match her incomprehensible amount of experience and wisdom. In a lot of ways she is superior to those around her. Anyone thinking otherwise will either, eventually, change their tune or die opposing her. She will gladly storm into whatever situation she wants and usually proves her opponents, corporate or otherwise, that her experience and power are to, at the bare minimum, be respected.

Zana cares little for the well-being of others. Most people are simply there to be instruments of her will. Mere vessels that will outlive their usefulness sooner or later. Of course, in order to keep her true intentions hidden, she comes across as more benevolent (take this with a massive grain of salt) than she really is. At least to those unaware of her true heritage, meaning most of the public and her employees. As such, she is known as a vicious bitch, but one that seemingly looks out for her people. In truth, she would gladly kill anyone that is even a mere nuisance. She very easily could, though that wouldn't fit her overarching agenda. Not until the time is right. Zana has learned to navigate this world in a way that leaves most oblivious to her goals and is, despite all of her grandeur, cautious of what she reveals to anyone. She lives as much in the open as she does in the shadows.

This cautious aspect of her is built on by the fact that she detests people who rival or surpass her own skill. Yes, she does "respect" them to a degree as she is unable to dismiss the fact that those individuals have built themselves up as such. Beings of vast power are always to be admired in some capacity, but Zana still views herself as superior. Whether it's from a purely power, business or intellectual standpoint, doesn't matter. She needs to constantly remind her "peers" that she is the apex predator. Especially if it's not true. As such she always expects them to have cheated in one way or another to gain their power. That comes from a place of shame for Zana herself, her mystical abilities being on the level they are due to outside aid. What she agreed to in order to gain the power and subsequently pledge her servitude to her benefactor is one of her biggest secrets. One Zana intends to take with her to her grave.

Shame is perhaps one of the few qualities that makes Zana more human than expected. The fact that she resorted to using another's power, when she could have easily gone forth with her own vast abilities, makes her feel like a fool. A fool who should have known better than to strike a deal with the devil. That very shame is what drives her arrogance and almost insatiable hunger for power. Her arrogance and hubris are there to mask her lack of power in certain areas. Her insatiable hunger is all-encompassing, as she will leave no stone unturned to find anything that will help her gain an edge over everyone else. Those insecurities make Zana prone to mood swings, though that is typically viewed as run-of-the-mill Zana. She is easy to snap at anyone who questions her authority and as stated before, will make them see things her way or die trying.

By all accounts, Zana is effectively insane. It is difficult to describe without sounding incredibly confusing, but she is someone who is just as likely to crack a crude joke at someone as she is to simply kill them without a second thought. Her past is proof enough of how bonkers she truly is, to those incredibly few who actually know of it. She is bloodthirsty and constantly on edge, even if she can masterfully mask it. Zana teeters on the edge of completely falling off the wagon almost constantly. She is, in some aspects, quite literally a ticking time bomb. One that, if to go off, could easily end civilization as you know it. Glimpses of that have already been shown to some, whereas most are left oblivious or at best, suspecting of that unstable side of the goddess. Her insanity and radical nature is the product of many tragedies and events, many of which were her own doing. Yet still, she remains firmly in the belief that she is doing what is necessary to form a stronger world. A stronger civilization. One ruled by her and perhaps a few others, granted they're willing to yield supreme authority to her.

While lacking an effortless, likable charm, Zana is no stranger to the expected social skills and humor of this world. She fits a rather cliche stereotype of the cutthroat businesswoman with a dark and crass sense of humor, combined with copious amounts of cussing. Nonetheless, she can still navigate most environments with her specific type of charm. Her distinct "no filter" way of communication makes her someone to remember. It has its plethora of drawbacks, though most would agree that Zana does come across as a likable presence, in a rather rustic manner. Having been involved in the top hierarchy of many nations and businesses, Zana is also an effective diplomat (ironically in a way). She knows who to use and how to use them. If you want a nation or a company run at its most efficient, Zana Neharys is the woman for the job.

All this makes Zana someone who is both an enigma and surprisingly easy to understand. Her many successes and failures make her the woman she is today and despite what people perceive her as, one thing is certain: Zana Neharys is a woman not to be trifled with and someone to always be suspicious about.

Face/Voice:
Shohreh Aghdashloo



Character's History

Siblings:
Tihocan (Brother, Deceased)
Qualopec (Brother, Deceased)
Arion (Adoptive Brother)

Mother:
Mora (Supposed Mother, Unknown)

Father:
Jeir (Supposed Father, Unknown)

Other Family:
Marcus Domitius Gallio (Ex-Husband, Deceased)
Huracan (Ex-Lover, Deceased)
En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse (Ex-Lover)
Unknown Descendants (To Be Revealed)

History:


Tales of old spoke of a child of destiny. Appearing in the morning fog of Old Atlantis. Prophesied to be the greatest hero Atlantis had ever seen. A being said to be ancient and incomprehensible in nature, fated to bring balance and a new glorious age for its proud nation. A God walking among men. These legends are still being told to Atlantean children today. Examples of who to aspire to be. Stories fervently mention the name Arion as the greatest. As the one who rose from nothing, only to gain everything. Yet there was another. One whose journey took a darker path. Who was once prophesied to be that very hero, only to become the reason for Atlantis' downfall. Her name was forgotten within the raging waters of time. Hers was an untold and cursed story. Only spoken by those who knew the true history of Atlantis of Old and its darkest depths. But even they eventually succumbed to the waves, leaving nothing but uncertain myths. Hoping to drown her chaos along with them. Little did they know that she would persist, shaping the world with fire and death.

She manifested just as had been foretold. Within the calming dawn mists of Atlantis, looking as sweet as an apple. The babe was taken in by a farmer's family, curious as to where such a soul came from. A wise sage was summoned to examine the child. He was convinced that this was the child of prophecy. A day later, another appeared. A boy. Another day passed and a third child emerged. As the prophecy foretold, the two brothers would be instrumental in guiding their sister, being her advisors and companions in battle. The children were said to be blessings sent upon Atlantis by Mora and Jeir, two ancient gods. They were, like many deities were, told to have created life as we know it. As such, they would send incarnations of themselves on Earth, for them to be raised and become the warriors that would save Atlantis in its greatest time of need. The three children were told to be kept together. Separating them would have brought about the end times. The siblings were thus named Zana, Tihocan and Qualopec, names of legend among the Old Atlanteans. As the story went, they would form the Triumvirate. A collection of three, vastly powerful individuals, and with the Power of Three, they would transcend humanity and bring eternal peace.

The three were hailed as saviors from the moment the story reached the people. Showered with gifts and wisdom, they grew up in a culture of worship. Everything they did was somehow tied into their destinies, whether true or not. It had been foretold and prophecy wasn't to be questioned. Thus, the siblings received the best education and everything else that came with it. They were seen as inquisitive, curious children, who were wise beyond their years even at a young age. Their rivalry was also taken note of, but as with everything, it was a part of their destiny. As all great gods have their quarrels, so did Zana, Tihocan and Qualopec. Their decisions were rarely questioned. Their motives even less so. Everything they did, even as children, were deemed a necessary part in fulfilling their set destinies. That sort of a mentality was dangerous one for their followers to adopt, considering what one of them would truly become.


Years passed, as Atlantis watched its promised heroes grow and mature. Under the watchful eye of Atlantis' sages, the siblings were taught everything that would eventually aid them in saving Atlantis for whatever cataclysm was promised in the prophecies. They anxiously waited for any sign of the siblings' godly abilities, which were said to be unlike anything the world had ever witnessed. As the Chosen One, Zana was taught the ways of Atlantis' old magics that only she could truly master. Tihocan and Qualopec were shaped to be the greatest warriors and wisest advisors ever known.

Gradually, each of the trio awakened their inherent abilities. Tihocan was bestowed the ability to manipulate the sacred oceans themselves. Qualopec could shape the blessed earth the ancient Atlanteans walked on. Zana was the Divine Sun herself, able to bend its very purifying flames to her will. The elemental Triumvirate was thus on their destined path. Everything that was foretold had come to pass. However, non-believers blasphemously preached that these sacred texts, foreseeing the future, did not actually exist. The sages were simply fabricating everything on a whim. Liars, they said. Using cursed children to advance their own agenda. Beings of great power had existed before in Atlantis, though none of them were prophesied to this degree. These words reached the trio's ears as well, who had already formed their own suspicions. Yet even then, they were enveloped by the myth to truly discredit anything. The heretics tried many times to assassinate the siblings, but to no avail. What had been put in motion, could not be undone, said the sages time and again. Not even by simple folk unable to understand greater forces.

The power of the three siblings grew faster than anyone could have predicted. Zana was the most capable of the three, with her vast abilities easily shadowing her brothers. She began to hear voices and sense other beings of immense power. The sages were convinced that she could hear the ancient gods speaking to her, guiding her, cementing Zana as the child of prophecy. She could not make sense of what these voices were saying, but she was assured that the words will become clear in time.

As the trio's skills were developed even further, they were officially declared The Triumvirate. They began counselling the citizens of Atlantis, providing them with profound advice and aid as the people came to them with endless requests. They were not yet the ruling powers of the nation itself, though that was bound to change. The Triumvirate was to be the ruling force for eternity. This was not to be questioned. The prophecy was deeply ingrained into the culture. So much so, that any heretics daring to reject the gods' blessings, were starting to be executed. Such executions were made publicly, to show that nothing but the will of the gods was to be followed.

In a cruel twist of fate, Qualopec fell ill and died only a few short days after. The sages were left with only questions and had little time to answer them, as the people found out shortly thereafter. The prophecy began to crumble. A promised god and savior was not supposed to succumb to a mere illness. More and more of the people became disillusioned by these false gods. No uprising could be formed, however, as a plague soon swept across all of Atlantis. The very people who called their saviors impostors, were now begging to be saved from this terrible disease. The sages lamented the loss of Qualopec and claimed that the plague was the fault of the non-believers. Their lack of faith left Qualopec weak and as such, Mora and Jeir sent the plague as punishment.

Zana and Tihocan did what they were able to save their people. A saving grace soon came to their aid as well. An unforeseen being of great power was instrumental in helping the saviors eradicate the plague. One named Arion. A powerful sorcerer who was soon named the new third member of the Triumvirate. The sages said that the gods showed mercy, sending this glorious hero to their aid, and reminded them that the prophecy was absolute. The new Triumvirate soon gained significant political power within Atlantis. With prophecy on their side, the Triumvirate crushed any and all opposition. Of course, their political savviness came from the carefully planned education they so generously received. Thus, the Triumvirate were hailed as God-Kings and God-Queen, beginning their true reign of Atlantis for all of time.



For as long as some could remember, the Triumvirate had been the rulers of Atlantis. People were born and laid to rest in the sacred soil and yet, Atlantis still had its three Gods as rulers. During their tenure as rulers, the Triumvirate helped Atlantis grow into the most advanced civilization of its kind. Their lands were filled with structures only Gods could seemingly imagine to be. The grandest of them all, were great pyramids in the capital. The largest one was the Triumvirate's, where they resided for most of the time, overseeing their nation and handling everything governmental, political and everything in-between. Technology and culture flourished, giving the Atlanteans a significant edge against any threats, foreign or domestic. The promised era of eternal peace and prosperity was believed to have been fulfilled. At least by those blinded by prophecy.

However, unrest was brewing among the common folk. It was an open secret that the Triumvirate had been involved in a civil war between the capital kingdom and several of Atlantis' other kingdoms. Men and young lads, barely of age, were pulled from their homes to fight in the war, which hadn't seen an end for many years. The kingdoms going against the Triumvirate were those who refused to believe an incomprehensible prophecy, calling them impostors and demons. A myriad of economical and humanitarian reasons surrounded the war as well, making it far more than a simple scuffle between Atlantis' kingdoms. The war was thus fought on multiple fronts. Arion was the one in charge of the capital, keeping everyday operations running. Tihocan was the primary figure handling political aspects of the war, meeting with diplomats and forging deals and alliances. Zana commanded Atlantis' Royal Army, composed of trained soldiers, mercenaries and the very people they ruled over.

Zana's reputation as General was that of an effective, if ruthless, leader. One that wouldn't lead her men needlessly into battle, yet who would accept any casualties, as long as it meant victory. It was one of the first times that others had seen the brewing evil inside her. Zana was masterful in hiding her more nefarious nature. She had always had her own agenda, though she was wise enough to keep it hidden. As the General, Zana saw it fit to give her an additional name, befitting that of a military juggernaut. As such, she chose to add Ciran Neharys to her name. A powerful warrior of old, Ciran Neharys was told to have bested every great soldier in a test by the gods. She was then named Atlantis' god of war and had since been touted as one of Atlantis' most ruthless and battle hungry gods.

Stories did reach farther than the trenches, with them depicting Zana as a cutthroat Goddess. Willing to use her soldiers as bait and apparently needlessly sacrificing them when a more appropriate plan could have been formed. Zana The Merciless, the people began to call her. Tales told of her eyes being of a pure blood color, as she charged in with her fellow warriors, effortlessly cutting through swaths of opponents. She was said to have done anything in the name of victory. Her soldiers saw her use a type of magic nobody had ever seen before: one that used blood as a weapon. Another tale depicts Zana as an angel of fire, with wings as large as Atlantis itself, reigning down fire with every breath she took. As with many tales about the Gods, some were told to be exaggerations. Nevertheless, her reputation eventually reached the common folk. But as with everything, it was treated as a necessity, rather than something to be wary of.

The narrative was spun that heretics were trying to undo the work of the Great Three and plunge Atlantis back into the barbaric era, where warlords ruled and their rivers flowed with blood. While it worked on a portion of the population, many were still left unconvinced. As culture grew to new heights, so did the people's capacity for thought. Religion was still a leading force, but that was being increasingly challenged by scholars and general rationale. Independence was a rising new ideology, though it still had a long, arduous journey ahead. The sages began to fumble, trying to keep the increasingly complicated prophecy afloat. Luckily for them, the Triumvirate lived up to their "wisdom beyond their years" aspect. Being in touch with the modern way of thinking, the Gods gradually won a majority of the people back on their side. Little of their strategy involved actual prophecy. Rather, they appealed to the people's most basic needs and instincts. As rulers, they were truly effective. They were a leading force which the likes of Atlantis had only seen a couple of times. The sages rode that wave as well, still spinning the narrative of their ultimate prophecy that a great disaster was still to come. Even if many had chosen to disbelieve the ramblings of senile old men, that one prediction would prove to be more true than some expected.

Once the Great Civil War was over, the Triumvirate were once again hailed as Atlantis' heroes. Stories vary from how the conflict was truly and finally solved. None of them can be called conclusive. But it didn't matter. An era of prosperity followed, not unlike the one before. But as expected, where there was an advanced civilization, there was another to rival it. Another that would seek to conquer or downright destroy their opposition. A civilization of powerful, heroic women warriors from a hidden land called Themyscira.

The Atlanteans and Amazons were rivals long before their war. Both had made note of the other's advanced civilization. Both had attempted to steal each others' secrets. And both had vastly powerful beings as leaders. Atlantis had been attempting to expand its territory for quite a long time, especially to the East. Themyscira had constantly been their primary obstacle in achieving that goal. Thus, a legendary rivalry brew between the two great nations. Neither one was strong enough to truly defeat the other and so, they were constantly at odds with one another. Both knew that a day would come when an all out war would erupt, with a true and final victor emerging supreme. Neither side knew how soon that very day would arrive.

The Triumvirate and Hippolyta (along with her council) attempted to sign an agreement that would allow Atlantis to expand. Another aspect was the hopeful alliance between the two nations. However, the attempts at agreement were never truly satisfactory for either side. One wanted too much, the other offered too little. Their meetings were as fiery as one could imagine. Zana's insistence on a full on invasion didn't help matters. She was convinced that the Amazons were far beneath her superior army, as well as her own power. The Triumvirate's infighting was kept secret as best as possible. Rumors still flew about, with every imaginable claim made about what was happening in the Triumvirate's great pyramid. Arion and Tihocan were looking for a diplomatic solution, whereas Zana kept pushing for a more bold course of action. She knew full well that the Amazons had the aid of the Greek Pantheon on their side. She didn't care. To her, they were formidable, but not on par with her. She was the prophesied child. The God to end all Gods. If it came to it, she would have climbed Mount Olympus, with all the rage of the Sun itself and laid waste to every being that dared to call themselves God.

Despite the attempts at a peaceful solution, Atlantis and Themyscira remained at odds with each other. Minor scuffles occurred on neutral land, with both sides claiming that the other was trespassing. Innocent nations and people were caught in the nations' crossfire. Looking back, many would consider those casualties to be minor compared to what was coming next.

A diplomatic summit was held in Atlantis, much to the dismay of the Triumvirate. Themyscira was off limits, though Atlantis turned that in their favor by claiming how hospitable and open they were to negotiation, as opposed to the barbaric territorial Amazons. Even if Arion and Tihocan wanted for a peaceful solution, they still needed it to be on their terms. Fortune seemed to smile upon them, however, as the Amazons were surprisingly forthcoming. A deal was in its final stages, when disaster struck. Themyscira's prime diplomat was assassinated and Hippolyta herself was the target of an attempted assassination. It didn't take long for Zana to have been discovered as the perpetrator. She had sent a spy to Themyscira long ago, though it remains uncertain how she was able to send one into their territory. The spy was largely responsible for manipulating the diplomat and was the one who killed her. As one of her most vital objectives, she was to find a way into Themyscira. The pieces of the puzzle were all fit together, with Tihocan and Arion launching an operation to thwart Zana from declaring war. It was too late to stop her, however. She had already let her forces into Themyscira, leading the charge to take over the nation.

With the fire of the Sun in her eyes, Zana slaughtered countless Amazons, yet the female warriors proved to be worthy adversaries. Soon after invading their home, the Amazons pushed back against the Atlanteans, forcing them to retreat. A full war was declared. Arion and Tihocan were prepared to charge Zana with treason, prophecy be damned. However, by Atlantean law, the General would gain the majority of the Triumvirate's authority in a time of war. The two's decision was rendered moot. Even they couldn't turn a blind eye to the very laws they had established, not without significant public backlash. Zana ensured her compatriots that they could win this war and claim a significant foothold in the East. Reluctantly, Tihocan and Arion helped Zana navigate the war, to best turn the tide in Atlantis' favor. The war was fought on many fronts and lasted longer than anyone expected. The people of Atlantis were left to bear the consequences, as most of the effort went towards the war. Some started to claim that this conflict was the one to end Atlantis as they knew it. Others said the war was to be the final one in their history before true peace would forever prosper. It seemed that the ordinary folk were the ones to make the true predictions and prophecy was all but forgotten in the fog of war and chaos.


The war shook the very heavens. Echoes of the clashing swords could be heard in even the most distant empires. Stories of this great war reached many lands, one more grand than the other. For the participants involved, however, it was anything but that. End was nowhere near in sight, even as millions laid in death. More and more Atlanteans became soldiers. Gender and status were ignored. Anyone who was capable of lifting a sword was drafted. Such was Zana's will. Her days were spent largely on the battlefield, a stark contrast to her brethren, who remained at the pyramid. Tihocan and Arion did their best to keep Atlantis whole, but rebellions rose from every corner in the land. Forgotten were the past scuffles. The people united under a common goal to overthrow the Triumvirate and bring the Gods to justice. Zana cared little for the civil disputes in the capital. To her, the war was all that mattered. Soaked in the blood of her enemies, she reveled in the chaos and death. The once benevolent leader had become a bloodthirsty warlord. Over time, her own men fled the battlefield, choosing cowardice instead of following a tyrant.

As the countless battles waged on, Zana could hear the voices of the gods more clearly than ever. They had faded for a long time, but now, they were as clear as the still morning waters of the ocean. Only fire and war could bring victory to Atlantis, they said. Only Zana Ciran Neharys could forge the path towards a new glorious age, they whispered. Then, the Seventh Age could begin. The glorious purification of the world, bringing forth a new, more powerful one, with Atlantis at its helm. The whispers grew louder, almost forcing Zana to act. It was for the betterment of her kin. It was something she couldn't refuse. It was her destiny. To save Atlantis in its greatest time of need. As skeptical as she had been in the past, the prophecy made perfect sense now. She was the savior. It was then that she truly lost herself to the shadows, breaking the chains that had been holding her back all this time.

Even though the tipping point had long passed, Arion and Tihocan finally decided to forcefully bring their sister back to Atlantis. If they didn't stop the war, it would have ended with both nations in shambles. Thus, Zana's day of reckoning had come. Using powerful magics, typically forbidden in Atlantis, Tihocan transported Zana to the top of their pyramid. Instantly shackled, Zana furiously struggled to release herself, but to no avail. She recognized the magic used to bind her. It was ancient dark magic. Something which either of her brothers shouldn't have been aware of. The explanation didn't interest her, however. It was her sudden removal from the battlefield that shook her. Demanding to know what this treacherous act entailed, Tihocan obliged:

"This is the necessary step in our evolution, brother. The glory of Atlantis will reach far beyond our lands once we defeat the Amazons!"

"Countless citizens have perished, without reason. It will be their faces you will see haunting your nightmares."

"I am glad Qualopec is not here to witness this. What have you to say for yourself?"

Tihocan was left in a state of bafflement at the insinuation. He couldn't bear but think of what truly happened when Qualopec fell ill. Arion was the one to continue, as ultimate judgement had to be laid upon their once dear sister.


Arion and Tihocan began chanting an ancient and powerful spell in Atlantean tongue, to banish Zana from Atlantis and forever imprison her within another dimension. Her resolve was unparalleled, however, as was her power. As she could feel the effects of the spell beginning to take hold, Zana tapped into the darkest of magics in Atlantis. Her eyes turning pitch black, she chanted a spell of her own, one to free her from the chains and her impending doom. The chant was quick with a sudden silence following for a brief few moments. A booming shockwave came after. Zana was then free from her shackles, having taken form of the very fiery angel from the tales. The godly echoes filled her mind once more. Her mind broken, she thought of only victory against the Amazons. Now, any obstacle was one that needed to be killed.

Tihocan died in an instant, too quickly for the regular eye to see. His lifeless body thrown from the pyramid to the streets, for the people to witness. Another deity laid in death before the people's feet. Arion barely had time to react, but Zana was already up in the sky and in flight towards the battlefield once more. Her thirst for chaos seemingly couldn't be quenched. She was broken to a degree where allies were indistinguishable from foes. She killed anyone in her way, with only one specific target in her sight: Queen Hippolyta herself. The Amazon queen was Zana's final target in ending the war which should have never occurred. Or rather, which should have been won a long time ago.

The two great queens clashed in a battle for the ages. A battlefield of fallen comrades surrounding them, they crossed their blades in thunderous roar. The fight lasted for hours on end. Zana's chaotic ruthlessness was matched by Hippolyta's calm fury. The Goddess of Chaos knew one vital aspect about her adversary, however. As long as Hippolyta was in Themyscira, she was immortal. Meaning that she was vulnerable in their battle. Zana eventually managed to wound the Amazon queen, seemingly bringing and end to the epic conflict once and for all. In her madness, the Atlantean queen had forgotten who exactly she was fighting against. An Amazon, who was tied to the Olympian gods. As Zana struck her injuring blow, Zeus intervened in an instant. The ancient thunder god brought down his wrath on their battlefield, crashing down thunder and lightning with a mere thought.

Zana laid on the ground, injured by Zeus' wrath. He transported Hippolyta and her remaining forces back to Themyscira, leaving Zana on the battlefield alone. As his final punishment, the great God struck Atlantis itself. The pesky nation that had been bothering them for eons, was to sink beneath the waves. Its pompous gods and citizens were to face a watery grave, as punishment of the supreme god was absolute. Atlantis was to be no longer. Its memories drowned in the deep waters, with only stories remaining, those crafted by the victors of this war. The God-Queen of Atlantis was left to die, as she felt the ground beneath her sinking towards the water. Her damnation was not yet complete, however. A shadow loomed over her. Arion gently descended from the heavens to look upon his fallen sister in arms. His face spoke of disappointment and sorrow. Knowing that he could not let her live by any means, he gave her one last look, before swiftly breaking her neck.

Arion chose to sink with Atlantis. With his nation destroyed and his people gone, he had nothing to fight for anymore. Stories from later ages tell that he lived, though those are merely tales and nothing factual. Zana was left to succumb with the very nation that had raised her as a Goddess. Her lifeless corpse submerging with the very soil that first welcomed her.


She woke on land. Silence reaching as far as she could hear, with only the gentle breeze accompanying her. She stood, grasping her neck as if to check if it was still there. The last thing she could recall was Arion, standing above her, hands reaching toward her. Then, pure darkness. The darkness was there for a long time. Uncertain for how long, but long enough to make her feel comfortable among the shadows. A long time indeed.

She could see the ocean. A strange feeling came over her. She was looking for land on the water. Yet, only the ocean reached as far as the eye could see. It took a while, but Zana finally recalled what had happened. She lost the war. Atlantis was cursed to the depths of the ocean.

She died.

And now, she lived once more. It was an odd feeling, being resurrected. She could still feel her body recomposing itself to its prior state. However, she felt more powerful. It was as if nothing could harm her anymore. It was the feeling of true freedom. A feeling of true power.

In a rare moment of contemplation, Zana stood on the beach, gazing at the majesty of the ocean. What if the war had never happened? What if Atlantis had never sunk? It was odd to think about the events that she caused. To have a form of regret at something she so fervently believed in. It was as if the innocent nature of her youthful self was trying to claw its way to the surface again. Then she remembered who she was. She was the Chosen Child. She was the savior of Atlantis, whether others believed it or not. Perhaps Atlantis’ destruction was the true prophecy. Perhaps the once proud nation was to only exist until Zana realized her true purpose and transcend. She was alive, after all, when everyone else perished. She was brought back for a reason. Yet, with no set destiny or a nation to rule, she was free to do as she wished. She was truly liberated, she thought. She could enact her vengeance upon the pompous Amazons and their petty gods. But she knew that even her vast source of power was limited. It was an infuriating thought. Suddenly, the chaos and insanity came rushing back to her. She was too weak to give Themyscira the rightful cleansing it needed. She wasn't capable enough, even as someone who just came back from the dead.

Through a fateful coincidence, her cries for power were heard.

He revealed himself in a rare showing. He wasn't the type to simply walk into the mortal world to bestow his gifts upon others. But Zana's brand of chaos was his cup of tea. A being of pure red through and through. His most distinct features being the bright yellow eyes, as if a star replaced each of his eyes. His sinister smile was ever-present, constantly hinting at some fragment of information you didn't know, basking in the glory of your ignorance. Even Zana's timid reaction to his appearance wasn't enough to wipe the smirk off his face. It was as if the two had known each other for a long time. Like a meeting between two reluctant allies.

His offer felt like something Zana had heard before. It was familiar. Like an echo from the past. Without a second thought, she agreed. Their first true meeting was indeed a brief one. He appeared as quickly as he vanished. Between those moments, a deal was struck, such was his modus operandi. Zana wasn't thrilled, but she received the power she desired. That was enough for her. His demands were simple enough to fulfill. Theirs remained an untold tale. One of great shame and deception. Nobody knew of it and Zana was determined to keep it so.

With her newfound gifts bestowed upon her, Zana imagined her revenge against the Amazons. Yet, she knew still how foolish acting alone was. Even with her abilities, she needed more. She needed an army, an empire to eclipse the very Earth itself. Thus, Zana headed South, towards a land sprawling with endless deserts and great structures. One with a pantheon of powerful deities of its own. A land which Zana was to make her own.

Her arrival in ancient Egypt didn’t go unnoticed. By the time she returned to life, tales of the Treacherous One had reached many. Including the Egyptian gods. Most of them were wary of her presence, but there was one that took interest in the Goddess of Chaos. Set, the God of Death, was the one to approach Zana, offering her an alliance and a status in the foreign nation. A boastful Zana made her intent on seizing power in Egypt more than clear, though Set assured her that while she was powerful, taking on the whole pantheon was suicide. His own disdain for the gods was obvious, however and the two formed an unlikely alliance.

They spent a significant amount of time in conversation with one other. Zana learning more of Egypt and Set discovering who Zana really was. They spoke of power, war, death, immortality, etc. Their conversations eventually lead into something more. The bond between the two only strengthened as they continually took note of each others’ power. Their belief in survival of the fittest was one by which they related to each other the most. As Set was sure who Zana truly was, the truth emerged. Set showed Zana his true form. That of En Sabah Nur. One that various cultures called Apocalypse. What was more important about this reveal, however, was that both of them were part of a powerful race, truly transcending even those with great abilities. Externals, the term was, albeit used by few. Zana’s resurrection was the one stepping stone to gaining true immortality. The two had sensed each others’ presence for an immeasurable amount of time, ever since Zana was a child.

Having been used to being given many impressive titles, Zana’s reaction was that of mild surprise. She had always known how powerful she was. The prophecy wasn’t false. It was simply meant to be interpreted in a different manner. Knowing of her true nature left her more certain than ever that she was to accomplish even greater things. With Apocalypse by her side, the duo were bound to achieve the impossible. Both of their natures ended up working against each other, however. Zana was still keen on conquering Egypt, a land that Apocalypse had already plans for. Apocalypse himself viewed Zana as a pawn in his greater schemes, whatever those were. Still, the affection between the two was ever-present. But as with all great beings with their own views on how things should be, the two titans realized that the other was only going to get in their way.

The sun rose and set more times than anyone could count. Egypt grew, became more sophisticated. The gods ruled over their sacred lands as they always had. Zana and Apocalypse were still scheming together and against each other. They played a careful, manipulative and a political game, with neither side ever truly winning. They were rivals in its truest form. And as with all rivals, the tension would eventually cause an explosion. When the inevitable occurred, the earth and sky trembled. A mighty duel that would span many a tale. When all was said and done, both were still standing, yet it was clear that Zana could not remain in Egypt any longer. Her plans thwarted, her legacy uncertain. They would meet again, however. Of that, she was certain.



The soft touch of the sun caressed her face as she woke. Draping a silk robe around herself, Zana stepped onto the balcony of her home. A sprawling city revealed itself to her. The vibrant buzzing of life in the streets below left Zana with a satisfying smirk. She imagined it all as being hers one day. An empire ripe for picking. The Roman Empire had become Zana's new home. As a precaution, she took on the name Selene and swiftly ingrained herself in Roman politics. Her efforts were unwittingly aided by one Marcus Domitius Gallio, a senator whose experience and vast network of contacts lent him more influence and legislative power than most could imagine. The two became immediately smitten with one another. Or rather, Zana saw him as a valuable asset. Their courtship led to marriage and gave Zana a further boost in her own endeavors as an emerging political powerhouse. Selene Gallio became a name mentioned just as much as her husband's. The pair saw it as a thrilling game and their rivalrous marriage became publicly infamous. It was perhaps the period in Zana's life that could have placed her on a different path. Alas, fate had other plans.

As the couple rose in hierarchy, certain powerful figures began seeing the Gallios as a legitimate threat. Their aspirations much larger than could be contained within the empire, Zana and Marcus were seen as disruptors. When trying to take them down through the "game" bore no fruit, other measures became viable.

Marcus' assassination was sudden and was blamed on a burgeoning insurrection movement. Zana didn't believe that for a second. Distraught and the most emotionally raw she had ever been, she took matters into her own hands. She became directly opposed to the current government, fueling the insurrection and taking charge. The movement became far larger than expected, with the Gallios' supporters crawling out of the woodwork. Par for the course with her history of fiery retribution, Rome became a battleground. But yet another loss was pre-written in her tapestry. Despite a valiant resistance, the empire's military forces prevailed. Zana's thirst for revenge was overcome, for once, by a vision of something greater. Something she and Marcus had been gradually working towards. It was not a defeat. It was a stepping stone. Something those empire cretins couldn't understand, even within their massive borders. It mattered not what others believed, Zana knew it was another chapter in her prophecy. Their cause had served its purpose. Their message delivered. So she retreated. Rallying those who would still support her, they took to the seas, leaving burning Rome behind, heading into the unknown. They were going to build something the rest of the world could only dream of. A nation, an empire with no equal.




A roaring applause erupted. Zana stood at the peak of a long stretch of stairs which led to her temple, doubling as her personal residence and Nova Roma's seat of government. The building overlooked the entire capital city. A reminder of where she stood compared to the rabble. Indeed, they had constructed Nova Roma in unison, but it was she who ruled it and because of whom it all came to fruition.

She glanced down at her subjects, seeing them as a wave of bodies so vast, individual features became difficult to distinguish. She had done it. She had created a new, better Atlantis. And through Nova Roma, she would remake the world, as was foretold.

Nova Roma's expansion was aggressive, assimilating any tribes and settlements the scouting parties came across. Most came willingly, feeling as though their own gods had forsaken them. The promise of a better future too enticing. Those who resisted, were left to their own devices, but soon discovered Zana's disdain for rejection. She cut off their supply lines, directed goods meant for those settlements to Nova Roma, effectively forcing them to join the nation with no other viable choice. As such, Nova Roma quickly became the largest sovereign nation in South America, word of it reaching elsewhere as well.

Zana's tactics and her blatant invasion of a continent didn't go unnoticed.

During a night of a particularly violent storm, Zana was awakened by a blinding flash of lightning. As soon as her vision cleared, figures shrouded in darkness filled her room. Their details became clearer with each flash of lightning. Deities. All from various pantheons within the region. She was given a warning. To cease her aggressive expansion or have her empire razed to the ground. Zana, however, quickly turned the tables to her favor. She revealed who she really was, twisting her tale in the right ways to begin earning their favor. She presented Nova Roma as a new venue for their worship. The nation would become the center of culture, economics, religion. Temples dedicated to them, free passage to all missionaries. As long as she remained God-Queen, they could do as they pleased. Zana presented herself as a vessel for their agendas. Her maneuvering was masterful, as most eventually agreed to the terms. They left behind one, to oversee her quest, as a liaison.

The god with one leg, Huracan, remained in Nova Roma. He wasn't much different from Zana in broad strokes and what he represented, so the two reached amicable terms quickly. She presented him the wonders of her nation, what she and her people had accomplished. Gradually, their relationship became what each previous one had evolved into for Zana. Means to an end. She convinced him of Nova Roma's grandeur, its possibilities and her own ambitions. Huracan was enamored by her seeming conviction, particularly when it came to her praising her subjects. She knew exactly what to say and how to say it. So when it came to revealing her ultimate goal, she presented it in a way that would be seen as beneficial. Huracan went along, asking no questions. Zana had played him like a fiddle. Naivete wasn't a common trait among gods, but Huracan displayed a mighty amount of it. Zana's skill and experience was enough to fool him. But not the other gods.

Their confrontation was swift. His death even quicker. Zana had studied him for the entirety of their time together. She exploited every opportunity she could. As she stood over his dying form, Zana felt a pang of regret. Another useful pawn, needlessly discarded.

There wasn't a grand clash, no final stand. Merely an outmatched opponent for a ruthless goddess. She knew word of his demise wouldn't take long to reach the other gods. So she prepared. Zana was well aware she couldn't take them all at once. But she had other plans. If only she could see them to fruition.


Killing a god was a feat she hadn't experienced in a long time. There was something infectious about the feeling. Once you've done one, you want more. It became an itch. It was a mix of exhilaration and desperate need. A feeling repressed for too long by political machinations and the development of a nation. A primal urge, if you will. All in the service of fulfilling her prophecy. Which was doubly cemented when the whispers, as if having hibernated for years, returned with a mighty chorus. She was on the right track. The voices became clear once again. Their seductive tune and fervent demands beginning to disrupt Zana's daily operations.

Kill.

It became almost too much to bear. The constant ringing. The tune of what she was so accustomed to, now finally roping her back into its grip. She didn't resist. It was her calling. What she was meant to do.

Burn.

Through pain came destruction. Through destruction came chaos. Through chaos came a new age.

The Wheels of Kathar were in motion. Fire and brimstone. The Seventh Age beckoned.

A reckoning hundreds of years in the making. Zana broke, at long last. Succumbed to her true nature. A shriek echoed throughout the slumbering nighttime city. Her eyes burst open with unnatural flames. Her skin shed, a form of ember remained. Massive wings burst from her back. She took flight. The temple was destroyed in a matter of seconds with a mighty explosion. Zana emerged from the rubble in a fiery streak. In the blink of an eye, she was above the city she built, reigning hellfire down on everything. Her own shrieks and madness ladened laughter was drowned out by the screams of her subjects. The carnage took a while, though it felt like it had happened in the blink of an eye. She wouldn't stop until everything was ash.

When all was said and done, she glanced at the destruction she had caused. Pride, purpose, disdain, anger all enveloped her at once. But what prevailed was satisfaction. She did what was necessary. The demands of the gods didn't always mean what she envisioned, but she knew they were right. The cacophony of the voices was disrupted by familiar laughter. He had been watching, clearly pleased with what she had done with her power. She wasn't allowed to forget. But before Zana could properly register anything, she was struck down. The pantheon she had expertly manipulated, surrounded her, vowing vengeance for Huracan and applauding her for unwittingly doing their bidding. No, her decision wasn't of their making, but it was proof that she was what they all suspected her to be. They aimed to kill her right then and there.

Such ignorance from lesser beings. Sitting on their thrones, content with their greed and gluttony. A waste of power that could reshape the very fabric of reality. Playing with their kings and queens and subjects. Pathetic. But they would have their way. Death was calling. She couldn't defeat them all at once. A fate Zana accepted, knowing what the others did not. Another necessary step. The fools would win, though only for a time. They were left with the burning ruins of an empire few could achieve. They cared little, going back to their status quo, as these types were want to do.

In time, she would awaken again, now used to the sensation of death. She had no place here anymore. An unexpected wrinkle, but one that must have been required. Such was the will of fate.



Whether or not she wanted to admit it, her path had been riddled with loss and destruction. The path of prophecy certainly seemed to require a lot of suffering. One would think that eventually it would become too much. An unbearable weight as you hope for these untouchable forces of fate to give you the riches you truly deserve. Yet Zana remained undeterred. She had weathered any and all storms. Bested foes few would be able to lift even a finger against. Greatness was written in her tapestry. She was not about to let it all be for naught. So she looked for her place. Looked for knowledge, for power, anything that would eventually give her the right sign. Zana was, for a long time, a mere nomad.

To say she travelled the world would be an understatement. She left few stones unturned and siphoned power from wherever she could. Magic was a focal point. Learning under accomplished mages and killing others who refused and simply used their power for herself, Zana became more than renowned in her skill in the arcane. She also visited the sunken Atlantis, though only from afar. She wondered what had happened to her homeland, her old domain. Only dim lights beneath the surface gave her an inkling of an idea.

Zana eventually ended up in the, now, United States. A dismal place by most standards of measure and yet a place considered as a rising superpower. Yet, it had exactly what Zana needed. A chance to build herself up again, from seemingly nothing. To rise to the top once again and firmly stay there. So she got to work. Assimilating herself into the various communities across the country, Zana gradually found her penchant for business and doubled down. Rising swiftly in corporate ranks, Neharys Innovations began to take form. The now corporate queen made sure to additionally insert herself into local politics, albeit behind the scenes. Being a public political figure in those modern times felt limiting. She had the money, power and now all she needed was more influence. What better way to get it than to work through malleable imbeciles. Her methods and dramatic entrance into societal circles struck a chord with one Sebastian Shaw. It didn't take long for the two to form a rapport, becoming a duo of unfathomable influence in business, politics and beyond.

It was then a foregone conclusion that Zana be inducted into the ranks of the Hellfire Society. Becoming its Black Queen, Zana and Shaw ruled together for a time. Unlike Shaw, Zana has retained her position since and was more than willing to partake in Shaw's ousting, since it solidified her own position even further. Nobody was going to stand in her way. Zana knew that she was in a fruitful place and was determined to keep it that way. With a further renewed sense of purpose and sheer power, Zana was certain that the prophecy was alive and well. Guiding her to her next conquest and eventually, her ultimate reward. For the God-Queen will bring reckoning through fire and brimstone.

Role Play Sample:

Humans were a fascinating species. Fascinating in their simplicity. For all the talk about evolution and the seemingly incomprehensible nature of the human mind, they always fell prey to their worst tendencies. So desperate to find meaning in their limited lives that they would do anything for it. And yet, they still managed to become the dominant species. Failing upwards, perhaps? Who could really tell. Zana certainly didn't care enough to find out. At the very least, they made decent parties. If there was anything she could give them credit for, it was for their enjoyment of simple pleasure. Alcohol, finger foods, and more people that could be counted at once, it was bound to be amusing one way or another. The people present were from a variety of political groups and major businesses. Some public, some shrouded in secrecy. The Hellfire Society were all also in attendance, perhaps the most influential guests, all of course under the guise of their own respective enterprises. The intention? To get the ear of a potential US presidential candidate. The Society wasn't about to break its tradition of having its fingers in the White House.

It was Shaw, who managed to catch the main prize. He certainly was a pompous man, despite him owing large amounts of his current success to Zana. But it didn't matter. She had her eyes on a more personally significant prey.

Arion joined the Society well before Zana, having risen in its ranks to become a particularly powerful member on his own right. When they first reunited, the expected didn't happen. It took all Zana had not to rip him apart right then and there. They spoke little then. Time had passed. They both had their own goals, despite hers not really changing. His motives were unknown, however. From Atlantis' protector to... whatever he was now. It was peculiar. Something had changed, she could see it in him as bright as the Sun. Yet still, she never buried the idea of revenge. She remembered his hands on her skin. The quick twist to send her into oblivion. Little did he know.

As the night continued, Zana and Arion gradually moved across the large mansion of a venue towards one another, until they were face to face. He remained a tall, impressive figure. Zana was equally, if not more intimidating, however. He knew she had a fire he lacked. That primal fury. Right then, as if on cue, the music increased in volume. The tune was a familiar one, suitable for a dance. A cocky smile adorned Arion's face as he asked her to a dance. She obliged with her expertly fake smile.

They moved across the floor with unmatched grace, as other guests joined their ranks, filling the space with twirling duos. Arion broke the silence.

"You were dead."

"I got better."

Such a ridiculous notion. Arion let out an amused, disbelieving chuckle.

"And what now? Will you attempt to kill me when you get the chance?"

"Without a single fucking doubt."

Zana whispered that sentence in his ear. It didn't shake him. She didn't intend on that anyway. It was just plain fact. She let her sentence hang in the air for just a moment before continuing.

"However. This new age is all about getting what you want at the right moment, isn't it? The long con, the slow burn. And I am motherfucking reveling in it. So you can stop shitting yourself, now is not your time. I have plans for you."

With her intentions crystal clear, she smoothly broke free from Arion, not giving a chance to rebut. It didn't matter what he thought or had to say. He only needed to know that they were far from done.