Wu of Wa verse thinkings for Jamil!
⊰ ❝ The one you behold is your master. When I ask you a question, you will answer. When I give you a command, you will assent. Snake Whisper. ❞ ⊱
Born into a family that has served Kalim's family for generations, Jamil has spent the better part of his childhood and later life being subjected to Kalim's carefree whims. Bound as his attendant, security guard, and companion from a very young age, Jamil came to be an expert in many interdisciplinary areas, making him a valuable asset to the young Asim heir's retinue.
At nineteen years old, he is one of the youngest researchers in Huaxu Academy, sent with glowing remarks and recommendation at the behest of the heir. Efficient and skilled as he is, one would have to wonder what he yet holds under the surface...
Summarized Resonance Evaluation Report:
Evaluation Basis: [Resonance Assessment 2932-G]
Resonator Jamil Viper awakened his Electro-based Forte at age fifteen, shortly after young Master Asim had been attacked by assassins. His Forte activated in defense of the young master, protecting him with a pulse that rendered the enemy paralyzed. Such an act of bravery and show of capability allowed him to be promoted from a mere childhood companion to his personal retainer and closest confidant to the heir of the Asim family. He likewise holds the family's utmost trust in ensuring affairs run smoothly and the safety of his charge, as well as him representing them in the heir's stead in Huaxu Academy.
- Addendum (2XXX): This contains falsified information. The subject has no true Awakening event on record. When questioned, his family had no knowledge of his Forte at all, much less an exact date he had Awakened. Kalim al-Asim refused to supply any substantial answer on it, even under threat of dishonorable discharge from the Midnight Rangers. The Asim family likewise do not recall giving the subject such recommendation to ensure his acceptance, believing him to have been there merely to assist the heir in an ambassadorial role. Kalim al- Asim himself has admitted to conspiring with the subject to achieve this.
Resonator Jamil bears a vertical Tacet Mark on the surface of his tongue. Post-Awakening observations have noted no noticeable alterations in his physical attributes.
- Addendum (2XXX): Progression has been observed. The subject now appears to have minor physical mutations such as snake-like fangs, eyes, and tongue, as well as scale-like growths on his face, shoulders, arms, legs and back. They appear to grow more prominent in states of heightened emotion.
The Resonance Spectrum Pattern of Resonator Jamil displays shifting resemblance to that of human brain waves, often matching those of whoever it is he is speaking to, indicating potential multiple or contaminating causes of Awakening. Resonator Jamil speculates it is due to the profound sensitivity towards others he'd possessed as a child and his wish to connect with them. Further testing is to be conducted to determine the exact cause, but is not urgent.
- Addendum (2XXX): The subject's Resonance Spectrum Pattern has been determined to resemble brain waves due to his Forte ability's true nature: Mind Control. This was observed when the subject utilized it to take control of an entire camp of Midnight Rangers in an attempt to murder Kalim al-Asim.
Analysis of test samples has revealed a non-convergent Rabelle's Curve with a noticeable periodic waveform, Resonator Jamil is classified as a Natural Resonator.
- Addendum (2XXX): This contains altered and incorrect information. Information does not align with that of a Natural Resonator.
- Addendum (2XXX): 'Jamil's had his Forte for as long as I can remember...and even in times when I can't. I know for sure that he used his Forte o–before me for the first time at age five' (Extracted from an interrogation of Kalim al-Asim, after the incident at Camp Overwatch). By this testimony and further analysis of his Tacet Mark, revealing a non-convergent Rabelle's Curve with a noticeable periodic waveform, it can be determined that the subject was a Congenital Resonator, with a potential dormant period.
Overclock Diagnostic Report
Resonant Criticality: The waveform graph for Resonator Jamil displays stable elliptical fluctuations in the Time Domain with no abnormal patterns. Upon examination, all results fall within normal parameters.
- Addendum (2XXX): This contains altered information. Information was copied and stolen from Resonator Yangyang's file. In truth, the subject's waveform graph, recorded at the time of the Incident at Camp Overwatch shows severe zigzag fluctuations. Both the upper and lower peak values are high and manifest extreme proximity to the Criticality level. The waveform displays segments of partial fuzziness and abnormal waveform can be seen.
In terms of Resonant Criticality, Resonator Jamil ranks at a relatively low level with high stability. Examination results appear to fall within normal parameters with no risk of Overclocking.
- Addendum (2XXX): This contains falsified information. The subject's Resonant Criticality is relatively high, combined with low stability. Risk of Overclocking is significant.
He has no recorded history of Overclocking, though he often does come within a concerning criticality level at times, due to his tendency to overwork himself. He has stated this is due to his aforementioned sensitivity. Routine examinations and counseling are recommended.
- Addendum (2XXX): As of the Incident at Camp Overwatch, the subject has been revealed to have had several Overclock events and one massive one in the aforementioned incident. Maximum recorded Overclock rating: Critical.
Excerpt from the Camp Overwatch Incident Report:
"During the severe manifestation of Overclock, Resonator Jamil underwent a drastic transformation, wherein he appeared to drip a black substance from his eyes, mouth and hands. His hair became a mass of writhing snakes, like the gorgonic monsters of old legends, his mouth seemed to show potential for expanding and his teeth appear to have become fangs as well. The lower half of his body had undergone extreme transformation to resemble a black serpant with red striation across the dorsal length, and a red underbelly.
This transformation was accompanied by a suffocating atmosphere and a steep rise in Electro energy from the intense Frequency Flucuation that thrummed through one's body on approach. One would feel compulsion to follow his orders, growing stronger the longer one remained within range and the closer one drew to him. The compulsion manifests as a painful pressure, as if it were boring into one's mind like an awl, growing worse the more one resists until their resolve breaks...or their mind does."
1) An Ever-Efficient Helping Hand
Many in Huaxu Academy were apprehensive to learn their latest addition would be a seventeen year old boy from abroad. As far as the report went, he was a retainer of the Asim family, a family who long supported research even in nations abroad in attempts to seek prevent of the Waveworn phenomenon that plagued their world. A background check revealed middling grades and no extraordinary accomplishments nor performance in general, save an abrupt early graduation from his schooling. Yet here he was, on glowing recommendation of the Asim family head and his heir alike, claiming Jamil would demonstrate immense promise and potential.
Many staff even dared claim Jamil's acceptance came with a bribe, that this boy would spell ruin and complications for the delicate research they conducted here. Thus, Jamil was placed on a strict probation, to ensure that he would be caught up to speed, and were supervised to not ruin anything.
And yet it quickly became evident that the boy was far more than he seemed. Where his transcripts had shown no remarkable feats, he proved himself quite adept at understanding the research. He proved himself an invaluable team member who was attentive to the needs of his fellow researchers, politely offering to run their errands or bring them meals he would cook himself. He familiarized himself with everything and everyone within days of his admission, aiding in making his transition to proper research in Anomaly Studies far smoother than everyone anticipated.
"If I can't do this much," he'd once said, after being questioned, "how can I even think to call myself worthy of my master's praise?"
Anything and everything brought to his desk, Jamil Viper would have handled. Even the toughest of setbacks in research and testing need only be looked over and progress would be found, even if not entirely resolved.
But each an every apologetic 'Forgive me, I only wish I could do more' set their hearts at ease, as they would reassure their precious junior it was quite alright. That he did more than enough and was truly so special to them for doing so.
The fawning never failed to bring a smile to the young Viper's lips, eyes glittering with such delight, they would be nonethewiser of the coldness behind them and the contemptuousness lurking in their depths as they shuffled back to their desk.
"Pfft...useless idiots."
Kidnappings and assassination attempts were a fairly frequent occurrence throughout the young Asim heir's childhood. Jamil knew and had been there for a fair few, even helped recover and comfort the heir when he'd at last been brought back.
One fateful incident had him even becoming the boy's food taster, to ensure the heir lived while the ever-expendable servant died in his place.
At age fifteen, Jamil Viper almost met his end.
One improperly checked bowl of curry. One spoonful, and Jamil found himself keeling over, as thought a blade had plunged in his gut. Found himself coughing up vomit and blood, choking on the vile mix as he'd collapsed.
Consciously, all he could remember was the heir's scream in fear and thought, "Of course that brat would be more scared for himself than worried for me," before succumbing to the most fulfilling rest he'd had in years...
...until rain had begun to fall on his face and woken him.
...rain?
Rain?
Jamil's eyes had flashed open, just in time to see a wailing Asim heir–no, Kalim–, tears dribbling down the boy's face as he screamed and pleaded Jamil to wake up, held him so tight that he could scarcely breathe.
As the world around them screamed and warped, shifting like glimmering pigments with every sob, every drop of his tears that...seemed to make Jamil feel better with each little one he felt.
What was this?
People around them screamed and scrambling, as the bastardized water marbling of their reality spread and tainted them–ah, of course fixing things had to fall onto Jamil, as usual.
'M'awake,' he'd grumbled, clumsily raising a hand to pat Kalim's face. 'You're too noisy...stop that.'
Kalim ceased his excessive keening at once, looking down at him with such en expression Jamil had never seen anyone make before before crushing him in a tight embrace as the world around them suddenly began to flicker back to normalcy.
What was that about–?
"Please be okay,"' the heir pleaded, "Please be okay! Please don't leave me alone! I can't live without you–I'll die with you if you do!"
Good grief, Jamil thought. This guy's insane.
"I'll live," he'd said, "If you'd just stop crushing me...!"
No sooner had Kalim eased up with hasty apologies, than a rush of staff had swarmed them and wrenched them apart. Fussing over the other boy like he'd been the one poisoned and near death. Like he was the one who needed the comfort and care after such a harrowing attempt.
Jamil swallowed the bile rising in his throat as his gaze met that of his parents: the tired, yet relieved look on their faces.
"We're glad you made it," his father had said, lifting him to his feet. "That would have been a horrible impression to leave the young Master with."
A salty tang of blood filled his mouth again.
"You look a mess. This is most unbecoming, come here, clean yourself up before you see to your Master-"
Whatever yet remained of the poison in Jamil's body festered and curled into an ugly, burning anger, as his mother scrubbed hard at his face and clothes. As his gaze followed the swarm of people surrounding Kalim–no, the Asim heir–, fawning and smothering him with such love and comfort.
Who kept reaching a desperate, blood-flecked hand towards him, ignoring everyone else in favor of demanding his servant's attention.
Jamil buried the sickness rising in him, the revulsion of this spoiled, wretched little brat who selfishly refused to let him rest in peace; to escape this now inevitable shackle that would tie them together for the rest of their lives...and reached for him right back.
Such was his own miserable little fate, he supposed.
Jamil's first memory as a child was seeing his family bow before Kalim and his parents. Even at his young age, the cruel, sickening truth of the matter registered clear in his mind:
'Kalim's parents were far more important than mine.'
Therefore,
'Kalim was more important than me.'
Day by passing day he would see proof of it. In the way his mother's hand struck him,
Jamil! Don't you take that tone with Master Kalim!
In the way he was forced to keep himself beneath Kalim in every feasible way,
Listen, Jamil. You must always win twice and lose thrice when competing with Kalim. You must never outdo him at anything!
Under pain and threat of what could happen to his family, should the Asim head see fit to punish him for daring to outshine his precious little son
I know you're a smart boy. Surely you understand the position we're in?
Jamil took every bit of it to heart. From his parents' demands to suppress himself, the societal pressure of being lesser than a foolish, spoiled boy who never knew a day's hard work, no matter how hard Jamil would do so in his stead.
And the little master he was supposed to submit to?
I scored a 75 on the history test you helped me study for, Jamil! What? You got a 70? Hey, it's okay. Cheer up!
The silly little heir to one of the most powerful families of their world?
Me? Head of the family? Heh, I don't know what that entails, but sure! You can count on me!
That stupid, stupid boy who claimed to love and adore him so, who could somehow never see his suffering, with each ridiculous demand he'd make?
We'll keep helping each other out, Jamil!
Kalim's mere existence meant Jamil would live his whole life deferring to him. His own meant nothing in the face of the pretty golden songbird, singing away so idly while vile, smiling faces cooed and awed around him, petting away at his pretty little feathers as he's ruffle up and dance for their amusement.
No, Jamil was merely a stray, meant to be cast aside and discarded once that little songbird had enough of him.
The world is a cruel, cruel place, after all. He was a living, breathing person…yet a pawn in the eyes of so many before him, even his own family.
So of course, the moment he had been offered that hand, the chance to seize power and with it the strength to retaliate against the very people who suppressed him...
Jamil, you'll never betray me…because we're best buds!
...to be FREE...
Of course not. I'd never think of something so terrifying.
...well, who could blame Jamil for seizing it?
4) Schemer of the Scalding Sands
Huaxu Academy offered an opportunity to the youth across the nations, a chance to take part in their research and serve as a bridge between Huanglong and others in the exchange of new blood and findings.
Jamil wanted it.
To escape this suffocating place.
To further his ambitions and prove he was better, without the stifling societal rules weighing him down.
To help his new little friends who saw merit in planting an innocuous little piece in play.
Not as a pawn.
But a queen to check the king.
He'd wasted no time in arranging everything he'd need, coming up with the necessary cover and schemes to ensure the position would be his and his alone. All he needed was a little pawn of his own to help seal the deal.
And he knew just the one.
So after a night out, sneaking to the markets once again at the whiny behest of his Master who wanted to see the shops Jamil had mentioned to him, after waiting for just the right chance after helping the useless, weak little heir back onto his balcony, would he make his move.
Reaching out and pulling their heir in, as if in the embrace the boy so often craved, that Jamil so despised, leaning in close to press their foreheads together as the other's breath caught, taking a deep breath of his own,
"Wouldn't you like to get out of Asim Palace?" he'd crooned, "See the world with me?"
Kalim's eyes searched Jamil's before gleaming, exactly how he expected they would.
"You and me...together...of COURSE!"
Hook, line, and sinker.
"Together," he'd assured him, not with sincerity, but satisfaction that his plan was so close to realization. "'We just need your father to agree."
Predictably, the heir's excitement faltered. "He won't let me go...and if I don't, you don't."
Thank you for pointing out the obvious, you damn brat!
"What a shame..." Jamil made a show of lamenting, pulling back and turning away as if to leave him. "I'd looked forward to running away with you. Oh well...seems here we stay, forever. Please forgive me for hoping we could-"
"Wait!"
"Yes...?"
"What if...you used 'that' on him?"
Hook. Line. Sinker.
"Kalim, surely you don't mean...but he's your father!"
"It'll be fine. I'm sure he'll understand eventually." Fat chance of that. "Besides, this is for you."
The heir reached to touch Jamil's shoulder, then embrace him from behind. Wholly obvious to the way Jamil felt his skin crawl, and the strongest urge to strike his own master away.
"If you really have your heart set on running away, together...then of course I wanna help! I give you permission as heir of the Asim to use your power to ensure it, however you see fit!"
Oh, I have YOUR permission to use MY power?
Idiot.
"However I see fit, you say?"
"Anything and everything! You have my word!"
Jamil would laugh, tactfully pulling away to regain his bearings, steady the churning disgust in his gut at the shiny-eyed fool about to hand him the very key to his success.
"Then...do you trust me?" His hand reached out.
"Of course!" His hand was taken.
Jamil yanked the young heir close again, this time his Forte sparking to life as he cupped the young heir's face.
"You are going to help me entrance your father. And we will get out of here the soonest we can."
The young heir's mind didn't fight his influence, slipping under with a happy sigh as he murmured, "Yes, Master".
Jamil's teeth bared in a proud grin.
"You will do whatever it takes to make sure this operation is a success."
"Yes, Master."
Finally. It was about damn time he made real headway. Now...all he needed was to make sure this little pawn of his didn't screw things up.
Seizing power by force never worked out in the end, not without the support of the people he would preside over. So long as he bided his time from here, built up his power and influence until it was undeniable, well,
Now he was sure there was nothing stopping him ever again.
Loss and failure were things Jamil was intimately acquainted with, having been forced to remain subservient and beneath Kalim al-Asim in every way that could feasibly exist.
Losing to him and his new little friends after everything he'd been through, destroying and ruining his body to achieve heightened power, risking himself and his family to the consequences of such dire treason...well, even if he should have seen it coming, it still hurt.
What hurt more, was the young Asim heir's response, once he's been forced back into his pitiful, weak human self once more,
"I-I'm so glad you're alive...!"
...why?
"I never knew how miserable you were all this time. A-all this time...I never knew just how much I put you through–"
After all he'd done, the lying, using him against his will to try and ruin him...that was it?
THAT was all he'd had to say to him?
Where was his own hatred? His resentment, his anger, for the audacity of his closest confidant betraying him?
"I know there's no undoing past wrongs. I can't erase the fact that I neglected seeing all the ways he hurt. And I don't plan to forget the ways he hurt me or everyone here, either."
But then again-
"There's still a chance he and I can be friends. I'll find him, talk to him, and make my amends for his suffering."
–he had always known Kalim al-Asim was nothing short of a fool who loved him, wasn't he?
"Was that your power? Scary!! It was like I was your helpless puppet!!"
"...if you hated it that much-"
"No, no! It's YOU! It's YOUR power! Of course I love it too!"
Just like back then, so stupid and impossibly trusting...!
You're a fool, he'd spat, the day he watched the boy continued to staunchly refuse to denounce him, even to very face of the General he so fawned over.
As the young heir willingly let himself be taken by Jamil's influence yet again, even after everything, with nothing but a smile.
'Thank you,' he would mean, as he slunk away, though not far enough away to avoid catching a silly, ridiculous declaration,
"I promise. I won't give up on you. I'll find you, and fix us! I won't lose to you!"
...it seems he yet has a lot to learn about this stubborn young heir–no, wait...about Kalim, medic-in-training of the Midnight Rangers.
One can only wonder how they'll both grow from here.
An ornate dagger: A traditional dagger with a short curved blade resembling a hook. It was a coming of age gift from his father, passed down through generations of Viper men, supposedly connecting them to the thief king who had found himself indebted to the young man who would go on to be the progenitor of the Asim. Jamil hangs onto it, if only to remember his ambitions to be the one to break free from that line of servitude.
Feather: Despite how ornately decorated he was in gold and finery, as fitting of an Asim servant, Jamil's most notable possession is the hairband he wears, fitting with a precious wine-red jewel and a lone red feather. When asked, Jamil often dodged answering questions about it, up until a party where the young man had much to drink and at last answered, "It was a gift from someone who means more than my very life". To this day, many are left confused by the odd, wry little smile with with he'd said it. He oftentimes can be seen fiddling with it at work, particularly in wracking his brain over complex problems.
Two halves of a Golden Scarab: Kalim al-Asim was a great many things. Stupid. Oblivious. Impulsive. And ridiculously doting. Jamil couldn't count how many times he'd been showered in gifts he was never at liberty to decline, because the young heir had insisted he taken them. This was one such gift, an accessory imitating the very thing Jamil hated most. Just when he wryly thought it was a wonder Kalim had been so shocked by his betrayal, the young heir--no, Kalim--had told him, "If you ever wish to find me...put the halves together, and it will guide you wherever I am. When you wish to see me, I'll welcome you with open arms, no matter what." They appear to have seen plenty use.
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