Zephyr

Overview

Zephyr is a swan Chimera bonded with Zhen as her Alter Ego. Originally a research specimen at The Cebir, Zephyr is unique among Alter Egos for having undergone The Musubi twice—first with Bai Shan-shu in 364 AC, then with Zhen after Shan-shu’s death. The second bonding saved Zephyr’s life but transferred traumatic memories of experiments and conspiracy to Zhen.

Physical Form

Zephyr takes the form of a majestic swan. The Chimera can whistle and trumpet, producing a plaintive cry as lamentation.

Early History

The Cebir

Zephyr was held as a specimen at The Cebir, an outpost serving as both military fortress and experimental laboratory. Madelyn Moss, a scientist studying Chimeras, conducted research on the creature between 327 and 329 AC.

Departure from the Cebir

When the remote base was abandoned in 329 AC, Madelyn was permitted to keep Zephyr as the only Chimera specimen she could bring. The swan accompanied the Moss family to Hadera in Caer Esvander.

Life with the Moss Family

Bond with Infant Zhen

At Zhen’s birth in 330 AC, Zephyr wrapped its wings around the small baby to keep her warm, as if wanting to brood over her. As Zhen grew, Zephyr became her constant companion and playmate. Zhen considered the Chimera a full member of the family.

Experimental Subject

Madelyn Moss regularly brought Zephyr to her workshop for experiments, using the Chimera to assist with her research. These sessions involved Mana siphoning in vats, leaving Zephyr exhausted and forced to rest for days afterward.

The Mesektet Tragedy

When orders came for Madelyn to board Mesektet to test her invention, Zephyr accompanied Bai Shan-shu’s Tagmata squadron escorting the mothership. During the attack by Cingula, Shan-shu used Zephyr’s abilities to save many crew members, earning the Purple Star for his heroism. Madelyn died in the ship’s explosion.

First Musubi with Bai Shan-shu

In 364 AC, Basileus Avkan requested that Shan-shu undergo The Musubi with Zephyr, as his closeness to the Chimera and past heroism made him an ideal candidate. Shan-shu became one of the first Exalts, proving the Musubi ceremony was reproducible. However, his health suddenly declined afterward, making him unfit for the Rediscovery Endeavor.

Shan-shu’s Death and Near-Death

When Bai Shan-shu died, Zephyr was found in the veranda, curled near an artificial pond. The Chimera was weak, without even the will to live. The Musubi bond proved so strong that Zephyr was letting himself die now that his other half had passed. The swan lost feathers as its body wasted away irreversibly.

Second Musubi with Zhen

Zhen sought counsel from a Muna enclave about saving Zephyr. The druids mentioned the possibility of a second Musubi, warning that if the Chimera were to disappear, it could affect Zhen to her core. Zhen accepted the risk.

During the ceremony, as their beings mingled, Zephyr’s memories transferred to Zhen. Through the Chimera’s eyes, she witnessed the experiments where Zephyr’s Mana was siphoned, the vats, and her parents’ faces. The memories showed her father’s suffering, his episodes of despair, his guilt, and his wish to end it all. She also saw the faces of those who had visited the family home as part of a conspiracy: de Graaf, Falani, and Singh.

Timeline

393 AC, January - Expeditionary Fleet Launch

Zephyr led The Raptors scouting squadron home from reconnaissance over The Tumult, breaching the clouds with wings spread wide. Zhen sensed Zephyr’s presence before seeing him. After landing on Mandjet, Zephyr lowered his head onto Zhen’s shoulder in greeting. Gaj observed that a part of Bai Shan-shu lives on through the Chimera.

Relationships

• Zhen: Ordis Exalt bonded through second Musubi; childhood companion
• Bai Shan-shu: First Exalt partner, bonded through Musubi (364 AC); died of old age
• Madelyn Moss: Scientist who conducted experiments on Zephyr (327-340 AC)
• The Cebir: Outpost where Zephyr was held as research specimen (327-329 AC)
• Hadera: City where Zephyr lived with the Moss family (329 AC onward)
• Mesektet: Ship where Zephyr’s abilities were used during the crash
• The Musubi: Bonding ceremony Zephyr underwent twice
• Mesektet Conspiracy: Sealed conspiracy connected to Zephyr’s memories
• The Raptors: Squadron Zephyr leads on reconnaissance missions (393 AC)
• Gaj: Rear Admiral who noted Zephyr carries part of Bai Shan-shu (393 AC)