Zakary Prashad

BIRTH NAME: Zhyan Suri NAME HE USES: Zakary Prashad AGE: 35 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 9th of June, 1985 SPECIES: Witch  FROM: Maga, Rajasthan, India IN ASTORIA SINCE: December 2019 NEIGHBORHOOD: North Valley OCCUPATION: intern at Astoria Times

SHORT BIO: (death tw) was born in a warrior coven in India, his coven had been at work for centuries (since the British took over India), and when born Zhyan showed little to no talent for Magic. He simply was incapable of doing even the smallest spell. When he was fourteen, he died for the first time. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself surrounded by dust, it didn’t take long to be made aware that something was different. The Spirit that inhabited his body did so for over two decades, the war was won because of the Spirit, because of Zhyan, he was a literal God in the eyes of his coven, yet still a liability in the eyes of those who knew him best. When the war ended, Zhyan was quick to flee, thinking he was no longer the puppet of whomever had decided to take over. He came to Astoria and lived as Zakary Prashad for a year before his own bad choices caught up with him, revealing that he had never been completely freed. He went into hiding, was always most reason for Laurel Gavanis’ death, and only when he gave all the Magic stored within him to someone else, did the Spirit let go. He’s been trying to rebuild his life since, aware of all the years he’s lost being possessed, and not certain what he wants to do with what’s left. 

WANTED CONNECTIONS: 

Witches who want to get stronger - and can use Zakary’s special power to get more practice. 

Zakary finds sex a good tool to blow of some steam, to not have to think about much else, but he’s Asexual and doesn’t feel any physical attraction towards other people, making it always the other person’s move. He’s not a great flirter, but he’s kind and curious and a great conversational partner. 

Friends who’ve known Zakary from before he went into hiding for a few months, who have been watching with eagerness to see him pick up the pieces, and are still curious to learn why he vanished off the face of the earth. 

HEADCANONS: 

Zakary still goes by Zakary, but he refers to himself as Zhyan, slowly getting adjusted to the name he hid for safety reasons. 

He wants to become a reporter, so he’s started as an intern at Astoria Times. 

Lives in a shared apartment in North Valley.

Learning more about Zakary’s interest in their field of work was enough for her to realize that he was passionate about what he does for a living. She had the same type of energy when she got involved in sport and became interested in volleyball that she worked her way into playing it professionally. “That’s good, you have an idea, but you’re also open to options. Nothing wrong with versatility, I’m sure you’ll also find your niche.” 

Seeing how he demonstrated what volleyball was, Selin chuckled and nodded, “Mhm, pretty much something like that.” She shrugged slightly and waved her hand to gesture as if it wasn’t a big deal, cause that was the goal…to make it not a big deal than it already was. “…An opportunity came along in Astoria and I decided to take it. Plus I came here to catch up with a good friend of mine. I’ve been enjoying my time so far…” 

She nodded confirming that she would assist with Zak’s attempt at networking. “I do. A lot are in sports, but I have met those reporting outside of it. I can put in a good word and we’ll see how it goes. I mean you’re clearly dedicated in what you do, so they deserve someone of that caliber when it comes to such efforts in their work.” 

His niche, it seemed so… interesting to him. Here he was, halfway through his life, finally picking something he thought might make him feel happy. Something that might fulfill him. It made his chest feel too small for his heart. He wondered what his father might think of it, he wondered if he could’ve had something like this after the war ended. “Yes, hopefully,” he agreed, because anything at this point within the interest he had chosen sounded like music to him.

He nodded, clear from her tone that asking too much about it might be taking it a bit too far, so he kept his mouth shut on it. “Are you working for a good team?” He asked, still on the subject, but making light conversation instead. He wondered about the friend, but some things he knew he best not ask straight out. “What’s a coaching gig like?”

“Thank you,” he said, beaming. “I very much appreciate it! I wouldn’t mind doing sport either, though I only know something about Cricket and Soccer.”

“Oh…so you’re like a writer-in-training? Cool!” If anything like that exists, then she hopes that he’s well on his way to getting a real job offer after the internship ends. “A cool name, and you don’t mind my rambling,-” Taylor’s very pleased about that because it tends to happen often, particularly when she’s in a good mood. “-we’re going to get along just fine, Zakary,” she declared with a grin. Taylor took a sip of beverage before asking another question. “Do you have any idea what sort of writing you want to do eventually?”

It didn’t occur to him for a while that a writer and a reporter were two different things. He continued the conversation thinking they both understood the same thing, nodding kindly. “Kind of,” he said, which was the honest answer, there was rarely any actual reporting, even if he really wanted to.

“Thank you,” he said, his eyes glinting a little, after all, it had been a name he had picked. Not too far off from Zhyan to still sound like it could be his. He smiled too, glad that she thought it, hoping she meant it, hoping he could live up to the expectations. But he liked to ask questions, so he figured he would be fine around someone who loved to ramble. “I’d like to report on things like politics, or get the reactions from people on whatever has happened near them. To really go out there and get people’s opinions,” he said. “What do you do for a living?” He asked then.

“Consider in between as best of both worlds.” It was all about perspective and as soon as Zakary mentioned stress and chaos, the she-wolf laughed and understood that take on life. While it may seem like she had a picture perfect lifestyle, that wasn’t entirely true. It was hectic on the back end of things, especially when Selin would do what it takes to stay afloat. 

After learning more about Zak’s profession, Sel flashed him a hopeful smile and said, “Well you have your foundation. So at least you’ve started somewhere. Is there a specific field you want to report in?” When he asked about her, the she-wolf took a sip of her drink and replied with, “Professional athlete, but now assistant coach. Volleyball.” She paused and pondered for a bit before asking, “Is your internship helping with the networking at least? I have a few connects I know there, maybe I can see what they can do for you.” 

Zhyan smiled a little more comfortably when she laughed, glad for the sound of her laugh. He did like her idea of it: best of both worlds. Maybe it was, maybe it would do better to look at it like that. He beamed a little, the comment about his chosen profession, the way she flashed him a hopeful smile, he wanted to be just as hopeful about it. “I would love to report on anything, I think I’m leaning more towards things in the political sphere, or maybe reporting on things happening in the city so I can do interviews,” he said. 

Volleyball didn’t ring much of a bell, but he felt like he had some idea of what it was. “With the, uhm,” he pushed his arms together and pretended to throw a ball back in the air like he had seen on tv once. “You stopped your career as an athlete?” he asked, wondering what had made her stop playing professionally herself. 

Laurel was rarely one of the last to leave, but this time she had cancelled her yoga class to deal with a few things behind the curtains. All the document she needed to mail to her accountant and a few others tasks prior to finally heading back home.

A couple of minutes after one of the few teachers still at the studio said goodbye to Laurel, she was finally heading outside when she noticed him. Laurel wasn’t expecting Zakary. It seemed that after everything that had happened they had been avoiding each other, or a big city had been doing its trick of keeping people far from bumping into another. Either way, the sight of Zakary made her wonder what he wanted in the first place. Opening the door, arching her eyebrow, she felt a simple sentence leaving her mouth before she would ever share the question that was echoing inside her mind. “I’m about to leave– can I help you with something?”

He’d had the whole day to build up enough courage to ask the question, to pose a situation he figured she would be very reluctant about. But there was no reason to wait, he would have to pull the bandage off, as they said, and give his try at it. He swallowed, nodded, and ripped the bandage off. “I had a question,” he said, “I know… I know this might not be the best uhm… I know you might not want me anywhere near you anymore, and I understand that maybe it’s very unkind to ask, but I was wondering if there is still an open spot in your coven, and if I could… uhm, join.”

Zhyan took a deep breath, worry and nerves rolling down his skin, his heart beating loudly in his chest. But he wanted this? Right? He hadn’t been in a coven for over a year now, and he was getting worried about his own safety, especially around full moons. He always just missed the company of other witches. Yet, Laurel’s coven should be the last coven he contacted, with everything that had happened, with what had almost happened to her because of him. Sure, if not for him she might also be dead, but that didn’t cancel out the other. He was still responsible. He shouldn’t be asking her for favours.

But he still stepped into the dance studio close to closing time, hoping to catch her before she went home. Hoping to at least ask the question, even if he expected a no. He had enough control over his magic now, or so he thought.

“I wouldn’t be able to tell, Zak,” she replied with a playful tone, the smile still somewhat being displayed over her lips. “Maybe I’ve been busy too. As I said… With the whole being a mom and working, it’s been– time consuming. And I think it’ll always be for, at least, the next twelve years.” There was plenty Andy had yet to accomplish and a great amount of years that they’d need their parents’ support. Aleyna was also sure that even when the young child was experiencing their twenties, they’d still need both Aleyna and Leon. The support and comfort of someone’s parents will always be important. It had been like that for Aleyna, at least. Despite living far away from both Naomi and Terrance, whenever she needed words of wisdom, or some sort of embrace, she’d find herself calling them. 

As the subject changed for something else, Aleyna nodded. “Yes, I left the club. Did I tell you that? So, unfortunately, I can’t give you tours around Elysium anymore,” she teased, pretending to be sad about it. Or maybe, slightly sad about it, since it had been a good afternoon she spent with Zakary at the club. “I was able to join this very interesting research and graduate so that’s what I’m focusing on now. I wish I was earning more money at this point. But, hey, baby steps right? We all deserve a win, I guess. You’ll soon earn more too, I’m sure you’re doing an amazing work as an intern.” She was a full believer of those in her life, and she’d always cheer them up whether they needed it or not.  

Zhyan nodded with a grin. He had no idea how time consuming a kid was, but he was still jealous of it. Once it had been one of his greatest dreams; to start a family of his own, a couple of kids of his own. To be working to take care of them, raising them. There had always been these vivid images of playing on playgrounds, helping his kids with homework. But he wasn’t so sure that would ever happen. Even with the Spirit gone, he could barely keep his own head above water with the expenses. “Probably,” he agreed. A pang of jealousy. Something he had wanted growing up.

“You did? No, I think I am not subscribed to the Aleyna newsletter yet. Or we were too busy talking about random things last time. I’ll miss the tours dearly, as well as our robin hood-esque plans,” he noted. “What type of research?” he asked, which these days made him feel like an actual reporter, even though asking questions was a normal curiosity thing for him. “At some point yes, and I will finally be able to afford a haircut,” he said.

Selin paused to sip on her iced coffee as she listened in on Zakary’s inquiry. Nodding in response, she pondered a bit to gather the info she needed and said, “There is…Type B would be the opposite…Laid back, creative, adaptable…They seem to just go with the flow.” She wished she had that type of mentality, but Selin had days where she had a stick up her ass and would want things her way rather than taking the high way. She knew this mentality came with a price, but she had no plans in changing up any time soon. She’d find ways to make it work somehow. 

“So you’re a free lancer who does transcribing with different clients overall?” It was a first having to meet someone in Zakary’s position. The profession was definitely a niche in the career market. “True…True…Yup, there’s always tomorrow. You did what you could.” Shaking her head, the she-wolf chuckled and reassured them by saying, “Oh no, not at all. If you were I wouldn’t have stayed back. You’re totally fine.” 

Zhyan nodded, trying to determine whether he was more of a laid back kind of person. But that seemed even less likely. “I probably fall in between. Or if there is a type C that constantly stresses and creates chaos…” it was meant as a joke, but honestly, he didn’t feel organised or adaptable, nor did he think he was creative, he was more… in between: trying. Pretending to fit. Certain he fit some norm, but not sure which, desperate to have one however. 

Zhayn shook his quickly, even if he wished he could be this freelancer she was referring too, to have a little more autonomy. “I am an intern at Astoria Times,” he said. “I want to write articles… one day. Be a reporter.” It sounded less whiny when he included what he wanted. This was okay, because he was following a dream. He wanted this.

“I don’t think I ever asked what you do.” 

Although Hansa had been living in Astoria for over two years now, she knew there were still several places she had yet to visit for the first time in the city. As much as she loved going on adventures, ever since starting her job at Astoria Times she felt like her energy had been slowly getting drained and she needed to do something about it. 

Coffee Spells was her destination for the day… and apparently, so was to the rest of Astoria, because this place was packed. 

Holding onto her cup of hazelnut latte and her cherry danish, she stopped there, running her gaze along the space to try and find a spot to sit. She heard someone talking nearby and recognized his voice right away. Okay, maybe not right away, but as soon as her gaze landed on Zakary, she recognized him of course. “Hey! Zak, right?” Since he had said the seat was empty, Han sat down, placing her things on the table. “Don’t worry about it. You should see my working desk at home. Are you working on something fun?”

It was good to hear a familiar voice, though it took some time for Zhyan to remember where he had seen her, where he knew her from, though there weren’t that many places he came frequently enough to be able to recognise people. “Ah... Han?” he asked, not sure if he had gotten her name right. She already used the nickname most people gave him... everyone at the office for one. Someone had started it, and it hadn’t ended. It made him feel included, so that was good. He also felt awkward though. But that wasn’t anything new. 

“Yes, Zak is right,” he said, smile on his face. The mention of a desk made the memory flood in: she was from the office. Now it made sense. Not an intern like him, but also not someone who was in a high position to be stacking the cards. “Interview transcripts,” he told her. “My desk at work looks about the same, all inches of it covered,” he added. “I try not to work on the weekends, but these transcripts... they take me way more time than I get.” Still, he wasn’t complaining, it was said with pride, he was still doing his work, because he believed if he worked hard enough, they would actually hire him when his internship was over. 

“That is true. Iced tea is refreshing on a hot summer’s day.” Selin then watched Zakary walk off to refill his cup before they returned to his seat. “Mhm, oh and a Type A personality is someone who’s like organized, very ambitious, highly focused on work and their goals, something along those lines.” She hoped she painted a picture of said type of individual to make it easier to comprehend when she made such comparison. 

“What type of interview? You definitely need all the caffeine if you want to become hyper focused on that task. How long are those audio tapes usually?” Chuckling softly, the she-wolf nodded in understanding and opted to provide some words of encouragement. “Don’t think of it that way, you should see it as you deserving a break. Sometimes, you just can’t do it all at once. Besides, you’re going to get back into it later on right? That’s not giving up.” 

Zhyan nodded, listening with a smile to her explanation, mostly happy she took the time out of her day, even after all these months, he still felt at a loss with certain terms and concepts and how culture worked here in Astoria in comparison to what he was used to in Rajasthan. “Are there other types? Like type B or C?” he asked. He didn’t think he was type A, at all. He wasn’t focussed or ambitious, he wasn’t even sure if he was organised. 

“I think it was an interview with a CEO,” he said. “Of a company, but I don’t know what company,” he admitted. “I haven’t gotten that far into the audio file yet.” And they didn’t give him a briefing either. “About an hour,” he admitted. “I don’t think caffeine is going to help much, this truly is the thing that trumps caffeine.” He grinned. “Tomorrow, probably,” he said, nodding at his laptop. “And you? Am I disturbing your uhm... the A personality?” 

“Perfect, because I’d find reasons to keep you here. It isn’t always that I’m able to have your company. So, I might as well appreciate that we’ve met each other today,” Aleyna would easily get attached to others; and it wouldn’t be different when it came to Zakary. He was one of those people that once she talked to them, it just seemed right to keep him in her life.

Sharing a brief smile, she nodded. “Well, okay then… glad to know I won’t disturb you. Well, I’ve been okay, yes. Too busy with work and well, being a mom. But I’ve been able to manage it all. Well see how it goes once the full moon gets here, huh?” She knew that it was always a surprise, hardly aware of what would happen next. “They’re great, spending the day with Leon. So, I’ve been trying to run some of my errands today and take the time to get a cup of coffee so here I am. What about you? Please, share everything!”

Zhyan chuckled, he really enjoyed Aleyna’s company, and he was certain he would find a good reason to stay even if he did have somewhere else to go. Because he enjoyed her company more than that of most people. “Am I that busy?” he asked, not sure when last they had met up, but it felt like a long time ago. He didn’t feel busy, just... active, participating in society, but also spending a lot of time working from home after hours. Perhaps he had just grown so used to being tired, too much. 

At the mention of the full moon, Zhyan refrained from scoffing, that was always a disaster, one way or another. Either nothing happened, or what followed was a lot of misery and question marks. He’d had some normal full moons, but most of them had been eventful. “We’ll have to see, yes,” he agreed, then blinked at the mention of Leon. It was still so weird, to think of Leon, Laurel’s Leon, Leon, the friend of his old roommate, as someone who at one point had been together with Aleyna, who was the father of Andy. But he had never said those words out loud and he wasn’t about to. “Good to hear,” he said, smiling still. “Trying? So you’re still in the middle of it?” He shrugged when she asked. “Still an intern, still doing grunt work. I feel like that’s about... eighty percent of what I do in a day...” he said. Which was untrue, he spend some time at the gym every day, simply to get his mind off of things, and another part trying to think about how he was going go about joining a coven again. 

While she listened to him talk, Taylor swapped her scone for her travel mug to take a sip of tea. It’s her preferred hot beverage, the only caffeinated drink she indulged in had to be iced, and topped with a ridiculous amount calorie-rich sweetness. At the mention of transcripts there was a bit of confusion that clouded her expression until clarity reigned. “Ah, so you’re a writer? Nice!” she guessed, even though the idea of doing transcripts sounded more like grunt work. But what did she know? “Oh, that sounds fun, I like checking out the ones with beach scenes, sometimes if you close your eyes and imagine that you’re in that moment it’s sort of like taking a mini vacation,” she grinned. “Oh shoot! where are my manners?” she laughed at herself. “Here I am rambling on and hijacking your time without an introduction.– I’m Taylor.” 

Writer, how he wished he could say yes to that. But because he didn’t want misconceptions to arise, he shook his head. “Intern,” he repeated. “I want to be, but right now... I don’t get to write anything that gets published.” Or at all, though he was hoping any of this would lead at least somewhere. 

Zhyan nodded with a smile, refraining from saying Astoria was the first and only beach he had ever been to, yet he did hold fond memories of the place. Memories of a person he dearly missed. But before he could say much about what photos he had been looking for, she introduced herself and Zhyan was swept away into the next part of their conversation. “Zakary, and I don’t mind the rambling on and hijacking,” he added quickly with a smile. Or the company in general. 

Selin nodded and waved Zakary off, “Absolutely, tea that went cold is a shitty drink to begin with. Best to go get that fixed.” It also looked like they were going to be here for a while, so this would be the perfect opportunity to get up, stretch their legs and refill on the goods. At least she was there to watch their stuff. Despite being in a city filled with different beings, it didn’t hurt to be too careful. 

“No worries, all good.” Sel replied with a smile. “It’s the afternoon rush, that’s for sure.” She then shook her head, “Uh no it’s my day off, but I wanted to use this time to be productive…My Type A personality kicked in today and so, I’m out here answering emails and planning my week ahead. How about yourself? Are you working?” 

“Unless if it’s tea that was supposed to be served cold,” he said, when he had returned with his tea. Though a refill did cost money, and he didn’t have too much of it. An internship didn’t pay well. For one he had his hair in a ponytail because he simply couldn’t afford a hairdresser - and a man bun had looked terrible on him.

“Definitely, and they must serve really good coffee,” he added. “What does that mean?” He asked. “A type A personality?”

“I am supposed to be. But I am having trouble focussing. It’s listening to an audio tape and doing transcripts of an interview someone else did. We have a program that translates spoken word to text, but it is extremely faulty.” So it needed to be checked by a human ear. And an hour's worth of audio still took at least three to get down correctly. “I’ve given up on finding the motivation today.”

Taylor tried to get a seat at two other tables before she spotted Zakary’s as an option. Unlike the previous encounters he looked a lot more friendly, so with her fingers imaginarily crossed she approached. Thankfully, she didn’t even have to utter an awkward ‘hi can I invade your space because every where is full’ spiel. “Thanks,” Taylor beamed. “For a minute there I thought I was going to have to fight you for a space,” she teased. With an invite extended to her, Taylor wasted no time in settling in as a space on the table cleared up. She set down her things and settled into the empty chair.  

“The other person I tried to ask practically chased me away from their table,” a slight shrug punctuated her explanation. “They seemed like a stressed out law student, so it is, what it is,” she couldn’t blame them, because she knows how stressful school can be. “So, if you don’t mind me being nosey…what were you working on that required ninety-five percent of the table?” Taylor asked, before taking a bite of her scone.

Zhyan smiled apologetically, not meaning to hog the table, but aware that not everyone did it as him. He was quick to move out of the way regardless of the situation. “Oh no… that would be wrong,” he said, because he truly believed that. “Though… maybe not for the stressed out law student,” he suggested, refraining from being judgmental about people they didn’t know. She sat down and Zhyan felt better for it because at least he hadn’t made himself out to be an insensitive person. “Oh… transcripts,” he said. “They conduct interviews and want me to transcript it,” he said. “Uhm, I intern for Astoria Times,” as if that explained why he was doing such a time consuming task. “But I was… actually just looking at photography blogs on google,” he admitted.

Glancing down at her Apple Watch, the she-wolf sighed as she entered Coffee Spells. Today was her day to go over emails and prep her schedule for the upcoming week ahead. Rather than doing it at home, she felt more productive being at a place where she didn’t feel the need to lounge or constantly feel comfortable. Entering the queue, she glanced up at the menu and opted to just get a usual order of an iced coffee. As of now, she didn’t feel like eating, but made a mental note for what’s in store in their bakery section for a future order.  Once she got her drink, she looked around and pressed her lips into a thin line. It was busy, as per usual, but she thought she’d have more of a chance of getting an odd solo seat somewhere in the cafe. Well she thought wrong, but she did notice Zakary occupying a table and so, she decided to just shoot her shot and ask if they weren’t saving it for someone. “Hey, no worries. I was just going to ask if it was taken, but it seemed like you got the idea. Thanks!” She then took her seat and organized her area by pulling out her laptop and tablet that contained her digital agenda. “I can watch your stuff and you can go get a fresh cup of tea if that works?” 

Zhyan at least was glad that the face who presented itself was a familiar one, recognizing Selin from an interaction a long while before. Though not completely certain where from. He smiled, putting his notes and laptop on top of each other. “That... that would be great, thank you,” he said, taking his cold tea mug with him as he stood. “I’ll just be a sec,” he added quickly, before making his way back to the counter to order another tea. 

He returned within five minutes, picking a bag - green jasmine tea like always - on his way back, sliding into the seat and placing the tea in front of him hoping he wouldn’t forget again. “Thank you again. It’s really packed in here. Are... are you also working on a Saturday?” 

Though she was often back home studying and making sure that she was able to keep on track with the research that she was now part of. Aleyna decided to do so at Coffee Spells. It gave her the chance to take a walk, appreciating the view until the moment she’d finally arrive at the establishment. Aleyna just didn’t know that everyone would have the same idea. 

The crowded cafe almost caused her to go back to her apartment or choose some place else, however, her dark orbs met Zakary. And that was enough for her to take her order and reach close to his table. “Ah, do you think that I’m asking you to leave in any way?” She questioned her friend. “I’m here to ask if I can offer you my company. You can take all the space you want. I can read all of this some other time,” she shook the tablet over her hand. “I’d prefer to spend the afternoon with you instead. Or will I disturb you?”

Zhyan smiled up at Aleyna, pressing his laptop closed with one hand as the other held the cup. “Ah, I wasn’t leaving,” he told her, a little apologetically, even if he knew he didn’t have to be that around her. He considered her question, considered if he was going to get any work done, after all, he was supposed to do the transcript for his job, but he figured it was near impossible to get it done. He hadn’t done a single thing since sitting down. 

“No, I’ve given up for today, I’ve only been looking at pictures on Google for the past hour,” he told her. Then looked back up, always slightly awkward, even around her. “How have you been?” he asked, drinking the cold tea because he felt too weird standing up and getting another one while she was there. “How’s Andy?” 

Mug of tea beside him, laptop open on the table, and a whole transcript awaiting his full attention, Zhyan - although known in Astoria as Zakary - had every opportunity to work on what needed to be finished for Monday. Instead he was roaming on the internet, just clicking random things on Wikipedia and Google, without really thinking too much on what he was doing. He found a photographer’s blog to the Ranakpur Jain temple, scrolling through the pictures of a familiar building, searching for familiar faces in the crowd. 

He pushed the laptop closed when someone came over to his table, noticing how within the hour he had been there, the whole place had grown crowded, and he was hogging a whole table for himself. “Sorry,” he said, quickly, moving his stuff away with a self-conscious smile. He touched the tea mug to move it too, realising it was cold to the touch, and sighed. “Always the tea.” He pointed at the chair. “It’s free, I’m just... I take far too much space.”