Darker Than Black

Vandestelka Musco Fente (Van for short)
Alias: Tide
Age: 16
Gender: Male
Appearance: Van
Approximately 5'6" and thin, but strong. He keeps his body well toned with some basic knife and sword practice. (Though swords are generally quite useless in a world where guns are the main weapon of choice, it works well to keep his strength up and supplement his power). His eyes are a deep blue and his hair long, and a light gray. He decorates it with large feathers that are hooked onto his ponytail. His clothing is very odd, but there is a story behind it.

Species: Contractor

Power: Liquid Projectiles
Van has the power to turn any liquid that he touches into a deadly projectile. He generally carries a bottle of water with him so that he'll always have a medium, but in desperate situations he can use his own blood as well. The power and impact both depend on the size of the projectile, therefore, with a large droplet or two, Van can kill a person, or with a bottle full of water, destroy a wall. He also has the ability to dial down the impact so it can just knock someone over, but he cannot enhance the power past that of it's size. A droplet could therefore vary in a range of bruising someone slightly to piercing with the same force as a small bullet.

Obeisance (Price):
Must remove and fold his clothing. Putting it back on is optional. His clothing is designed to be easy to remove and put back on, despite its decorative appearance. This odd payment has led to some rather embarrassing situations, though Van hardly seems to care, since his emotions are suppressed most of the time. He occasionally (though not often) gets distracted while making his payment and forgets to put back on his clothing until someone reminds him, leading to even more awkward situations.

Personality:
Van is relatively expressive for a contractor and displays his emotions on more occasions than most. Some people find this odd, since they believe contractors have lost their emotions, but in reality contractors simply favor logic. Van is no exception and will defer to logic in important situations when emotions would tend towards the wrong decision. This doesn't mean that he is necessarily highly emotional, just that they are more present than in many other contractors. Generally, when wandering the base he'll seem to be rather contemplative, but in reality this is just his natural expression. He has a tendency to daydream so it is occasionally hard to get his attention.

History:
Van formed his contract when he wandered too close to Hell's Gate after running away from home after a large family contract. As soon as he gained his powers, he immediately went home and killed his family, then stole their fortune. He managed to escape the authorities, who arrived shortly after detecting his star's activity and tracking his location and went on to use the money to set up the Assassination organization called "Hand of Hell" that everyone works for. He was 14 at the time of the organization's formation.

Extras:

-Has only a slightly better sense of modesty than Nik (he usually at leasts keeps his underwear on before walking around)
-Loves to read
-Loves to be around water, even when he's not using his powers
-Is mildly skilled at the use of knives and swords. He carries a knife with him at all times and keeps a decorative sword in his room
-Can be hired for only $150 base rate and $70 an hour
-Hates when Nik sexually attacks someone and will stop him when he's nearby, usually resulting in Nik getting bruised
-Is strangely social for a contractor, and while some believe he sees them as just beneficial connections, many of them he actually sees as friends

Name: Nikolaevich Graves (Nik)
Alias: Blackhole
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Appearance: Sleepy Head
He's about 5'10 ft tall skinny and looks frail under his clothing. He does have a nice lean body beneath clothing but that is due to him working out (as much as he can handle) and never consuming any fat. His eyes are an odd reddish brown color and his hair is a mixture of silver and white. Usually dressed very simply and casually.

Species: Contractor

Power: Void Dimension
Ranked one of the most dangerous Contractors. His powers are immense and have close to a 100% perfect defense/offense. He has the ability to create a void, or a dimensional vortex to absorb any harm directed at him or anyone else. With this he can either just nullify that attack or rip open another dimension and rebound the attack at the attacker or anything he wants. And he returns the attack 2 fold. He can also uses these voids as his own personal storage, capable of holding anything and he can draw whatever he stuck in there when he needs it. Another thing he can do with his voids is use them as portals to transport him and others from place to place. And with his dimensions he can appear at the most random places, like the side of a wall or from the ground though he has to be careful when he uses this power for he could end up hurting himself. There is no limit to the size or to the amount that his voids can absorb, but he controls how much to rebound as if he absorbs too much, the energy level that comes out is probably enough to destroy a small town, but he keeps a leash on his powers. At times his powers will manifest on their own without his conscious thought. When he is vulnerable or asleep and his body senses danger, his voids will unconsciously awaken and protect his body.

Obeisance (Price):
After he uses his Void Dimension he has to consume lots of fluids as his price. It can be liquor, water, juices, soda, or even blood. He uses his void and then he usually carries a bottle of liquid for him to consume afterwards. Will at times even take the water that Van has just because he needs it. If he doesn't have something with him, his own blood will satisfy the price. He'll take a butterfly knife he carries, slit his wrist or his palm and then drink the blood. The wounds heal up rapidly so he doesn't bleed out. He has the odd quirk of using napkins to clean up his blood and then setting that bloody napkin on fire for he doesn't like his blood being around. Drinks lots of liquids in a day and can be seen at times downing bottles of whiskey, vodka, gin, or scotch and it'll have no ill effects on his body at all.

Personality:
Similar to most contractors, he has very little emotions, close to none though at times exhibits some, but at low levels. Laws, rules, norms have no meaning for him. Logic and rational reasoning motivates him to act and he never lets his emotions get the best of him, although afterwards he usually feels something, at times regret or sorrow, but never before he carries out his goal. But usually his regret or sorrow last at most 3 minutes and then he's back to his usual stoic state. He cannot be described as humane, for he isn't. He can kill without qualms and cares for himself as first priority. Very rarely will he even bother with others. Nik's life revolves around money, his jobs, survival. There is very little else he cares about. Quiet, intelligent and usually speaks in ways that leaves others confused. Blunt and speaks his mind, not caring if someone is hurt for that doesn't matter to him. Is able to fall asleep almost anywhere.

History:
He doesn't remember what happened before he became a Contractor. He has the intelligence of a college student so he assumes he's been through school. But other than that neither he nor anyone else knows of his past.

Extra:

-has no sense of modesty so at times will walk around the base nude nonchalantly
-will just stare at nothing and zone out
-visits hospitals to get packets of blood to drink
-has trouble forming bonds with anyone or thing, usually hangs around Van or is sleeping
-has excellent control of his powers unless he is just about to faint
-his price for hire is quite expensive, $250 starting price and $100 per hour he works (people still do though, so he's quite loaded)
-will at times sexually attack someone to satisfy lustful urges even though his brain doesn't really comprehend this, thankfully Van stops him
-has to drink constantly or he'll be very very listless; and has a very very high alcohol tolerance
-he can eat solid food but he at times will forgo a burger or something and just drink soup or water

Hoshi Takahashi
Alias: None
Age: 26
Gender: Male
Appearance: Hoshi Takahashi
Relatively Average height, at about 5'8". He is thin, but works out enough to take down the average criminal with his own physical force.

Species: Human

Skills: Highly intelligent. He generally solves cases very quickly and efficiently. He has excellent aim with a handgun, and other guns for that matter, but he generally sticks to a handgun because he finds it more adaptable. He has great speed and is skilled in parkour as well.

Personality: Hoshi is very serious and very focused on whatever mission he's on, but he is also quite social and talkative. He is flirty when he meets a good looking girl, but knows when to quit as well. On missions, he'll occasionally go into these silent, trancelike moments where he walks around, just looking over the room and mouthing things to himself. During these times, he won't hear anything people are saying unless his mind deems it important. These are in fact, a super focused state in which he is processing everything he notices in a rapid and efficient manner. After returning to normal, he'll generally show a compulsion to eat a large amount of food, assumedly because this act drains his energy.

History: Hoshi has worked for the police for six years, having graduated the police academy at age 20. He was just recently transferred to the special investigation unit, the one dealing with cases involving contractors. Having not officially known anything about them before, he is having a little trouble catching up with the knowledge base of the others in the unit. According to his record, he has had no past criminal activity. His Mother left home when he was 14, taking his 6 year old brother with her, but he visits him frequently now that he's independent. His father was an owner of a large corporation, and wanted Hoshi to take over the company when he was old enough, but Hoshi was set on becoming a law enforcement officer.

Extras:

-Very modest, and a romantic
-Likes dressing well, but also enjoys comfortable clothing
-Is good at disguises and undercover work
-Has had a hunch about the existence of contractors for quite a while, but didn't know any details until he joined the force

Name: Athanasios (Athos) Ferrari
Alias: Alchemist
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Appearance: Alchemist
Tall guy who stands at 6'ft. Has dark gray hair and deep red eyes that strike fear into the soul. Lanky but is very muscular underneath his clothing. Very good at hand-to-hand combat but is skilled with weapons too. His wardrobe is very lacking and he only has black colored clothing. Dresses simply, usually tight black shirt, black jeans and some black leather biker boots or Doc Martens. Has many metal accessories on him; necklaces, earrings, belts, bracelets, rings.

Is usually seen riding his black Speed Daemon motorcycle

Species: Contractor

Power: Metal Alchemy/Magnetism
He has the unique ability to turn any metal, metal alloy, or something that contains metal (blood), he physically contacts into anything he wants. It has limits so he can't create immense things like boats or houses because the size of whatever metal he wants to transform, the transformed version contains the same mass and amount of matter as the thing he used. Such as if he touches a metal lightpole, he can transform it into anything smaller and numerous and as large as the lightpole. He wouldn't be able to make a house out of it but he could make guns, a shield or whatever. Anything metal he can control and metal can't harm him due to the fact that he can just simply block the attack and return it against the attacker. If someone fired a bullet at him, he could stop the bullet or simply flick it straight back to the shooter. If someone used a sword on him, he could melt the sword, turn the pointed end towards the attacker and then kill them. His magnetism only applies to his creations. So he would have to turn his ring into a bullet and then use magnetism on it. But not in its original form.

Obeisance (Price):
The price for his Alchemy/Magnetism skills is the temporarily regaining human feelings and emotions as well as all the attachments he had when he was human. These moments are short ranging from 5 minutes minimum to 30 minutes maximum (these are rare). Usually theya re about 10-20 min. He cherishes these moments greatly for it is the only time he gets to be like his former self and remember. But these are also painful for him since he knows he can never have his old life back. The pain these times bring him are his real price.

Personality:
Like most Contractors, he has little emotions, but has more than most. He displays them all through his eyes, his face usually remains stoic and passive. He has common sense and logical reasoning so he obeys laws and regulations so that he won't attract attention to himself. Instincts drive him forward majority of the time though he does think of his actions. Carries out his goals effectively and efficiently. Only when things involve Gemma does he show signs of hesitation and reluctance. He kills without qualms like most Contractors and depending on who he killed will at times feel pity or sympathy (though that usually goes away). His human memories and emotions are at a very distant part of his brain, they reoccur unconsciously that he has no control over, such as wandering around and finding Gemma, or going to places that were important to him during his human life. Quiet but can hold a conversation like a normal person, just a boring conversation usually. When he's alone he will make things out of wood or other material as a habit of his old life. Loves to ride his bike around.

History:
He was a human before he encountered Hell's Gate and became a Contractor. When he was human he was a artisan who crafted things for decoration like wood carvins and frames, metal welding, hot plates or metal decoration. A craftsman. He was in a relationship with Gemma Hazel and the two were engaged to be married when he came across Hell's Gate and became a Contractor.

Extra:

-still retains some form of connection with Gemma for he finds her unconsciously
-when he regains his memories, he used to spend time with Gemma but lately he has stopped
-although he feels no emotion inside, his eyes are a big give away to what he is "feeling" even though he isn't
-at times will cry when he is a Contractor for no reason, just unconsciously remembering his past
-really cherishes his bike because it was a gift from Gemma
-has more logical sense than most Contractors, will distinguish common sense (such as knowing to wear clothing and not wandering around nude)
-is usually alone but he is drinking buddies with Nik and the two at times will share some talk
-respects Van as leader
-like Van can form mild connections with people, but not much
-his hiring fee is $170 starter and then about $80 per hour, not as rich as Nik but still loaded

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Name: Gemma Hazel
Alias: Girl Genius
Age: 23
Gender: Female
Appearance: Like a Jewel
She's a small 5'4ft tall girl who has short chocolate brown hair and beautiful green/blue eyes. Her physique is small and petite but she is very quick and agile. Her skin is a lovely porcelin color and she's strong for a small lady. Dresses in clothing that is easy to maneuver in and comfortable, professional but workable with. Has fierce eyes with determination etched into her face. Her stature can be misleading but she's not a pushover.

Species: Human

Occupation: A detective/CSI investigator who has worked for the FBI and is currently stationed in the city where the police force are tracking down Contractor movements throughout the city.

Personality:
A determined young lady who had to go through a lot when she was little. A genius who was teased for her intelligence and never quite fit in. But she had achieved her dream of becoming a detective/CSI investigator and worked for the FBI. She found love with Athos and they had a happy relationship before it came down. Before she was awkward and alone, usually studying. Her intelligence drove off others and she never fit in. She loved her job because it made her work constantly and not think about being lonely. After meeting Athos she got better, became a more social person, more outgoing and interacting with people. Now that she lost him she's depressed and all but she's determined to find out more about Contractors and see if there is a way to turn him back. She won't let anyone talk down to her or talk shit about what she believes in. Stubborn and firmly sticks to her beliefs. Willing to listen to others unless it's complete bullshit. Very critical and will blunt say things to others. Hardcore when it comes to her job and won't take less than their best. A serious person who doesn't crack a smile since she lost the light of her life.

History:
A genius girl who graduated college early at the age of 20 with a masters and went to work as a detective. It was after college that she met Athos and the two began a relationship. She works as a CSI/detective and her skills are well known. She worked with the FBI many times. She and Athos were engaged to be married until that night when he never came home. She went to search for him using her skills and found him one night in the process of killing someone in cold blood. That was the first time in a while that she saw him and it scared her. When she tried to talk to him, he would act like he didn't recognize her even though she knew it was him (she saw his bike too). He walked away from her like he didn't even know her and that's when she began the search for him. It wasn't until the second time she met him that she realized he became a Contractor but that also he still had reminiscence of his human life.

Extra:
-still in love with Athos and is mostly in the city because she tracked him down to there
-is currently searching for a way to return a Contractor to normal
-very intelligent and quick-minded
-strategical and very analytical
-learned how to fight from Athos and can handle herself moderately well
-very fast and agile, uses that to her advantage
-working with Hoshi Takahashi on the Contractor case
-knows lots of information on Contractors and can usually spot one when she sees one