top of page
MEET THE CHARACTERS
WARNING!
This page contains spoilers.
Proceed with caution.
Click or tap the photos to learn more about each character. Information is arranged to reduce the possibility of spoilers.
Have questions or comments about any of the characters? Let me know!
OTHERWORLD 1: BENEATH WHICH SKY
Arkeda Mothran
Species: Otran
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, ESL, No One, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Arkeda was born on the planet Otreau, in the city of Katósa, Osparia. He has lived on Earth, in Waukesha, WI, USA, since he was eight, when Otreau was destroyed by a supernova. He was the only survivor, sent to Earth by his parents before it happened. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in business.
Arkeda is very introverted and empathetic. He doesn't like sharing his origins with humans, though he will share the basics of his past if asked.
Like all Otrans, Arkeda is a telepath. Due to atmospheric differences between Earth and Otreau, Arkeda can levitate. He is a taido prodigy, and has a photographic memory.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Arkeda finally tells his foster parents, Dominique, James, Mark, and Petyr that he isn't human and tells them about his past. Once he demonstrates his abilities, they believe him.
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, ESL, No One, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Arkeda was born on the planet Otreau, in the city of Katósa, Osparia. He has lived on Earth, in Waukesha, WI, USA, since he was eight, when Otreau was destroyed by a supernova. He was the only survivor, sent to Earth by his parents before it happened. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in business.
Arkeda is very introverted and empathetic. He doesn't like sharing his origins with humans, though he will share the basics of his past if asked.
Like all Otrans, Arkeda is a telepath. Due to atmospheric differences between Earth and Otreau, Arkeda can levitate. He is a taido prodigy, and has a photographic memory.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Arkeda finally tells his foster parents, Dominique, James, Mark, and Petyr that he isn't human and tells them about his past. Once he demonstrates his abilities, they believe him.
James Rochester
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: You Never Really Leave Home Behind, Worlds Collide, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
James is a native of Savannah, GA, USA, Earth, though he has family in Minnesota. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in language and cultural studies. He has a tendency to be very sarcastic.
James is an ordinary Earthen human, with one distinctive ability: a talent for languages. It only takes him a few months to learn a new language, and he sometimes learns two at once. He maintains his knowledge using books, movies, and pen pals.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, James finds out his roommate, Arkeda, isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—James believes him.
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: You Never Really Leave Home Behind, Worlds Collide, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
James is a native of Savannah, GA, USA, Earth, though he has family in Minnesota. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in language and cultural studies. He has a tendency to be very sarcastic.
James is an ordinary Earthen human, with one distinctive ability: a talent for languages. It only takes him a few months to learn a new language, and he sometimes learns two at once. He maintains his knowledge using books, movies, and pen pals.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, James finds out his roommate, Arkeda, isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—James believes him.
Dominique Marton
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Female
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, No One
Spoiler-free information:
Dominique is an ordinary Earthen human from Milwaukee, WI, USA, Earth, though she now lives in Waukesha, WI. She found Arkeda when he first arrived on Earth. Unaware the boy she'd taken in was an alien telepath, she raised him for a year before he officially entered the foster care system. In 2049, when Beneath Which Sky begins, she is 69 and retired.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Dominique finds out Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—she believes him.
Gender: Female
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, No One
Spoiler-free information:
Dominique is an ordinary Earthen human from Milwaukee, WI, USA, Earth, though she now lives in Waukesha, WI. She found Arkeda when he first arrived on Earth. Unaware the boy she'd taken in was an alien telepath, she raised him for a year before he officially entered the foster care system. In 2049, when Beneath Which Sky begins, she is 69 and retired.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Dominique finds out Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—she believes him.
Mark Flynne
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Mark is from Boring, OR, USA, Earth. In 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in criminal justice.
Mark is an ordinary Earthen human. Outside of class, he plays video games and does improv comedy.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Mark finds out his friend Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—Mark believes him.
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Mark is from Boring, OR, USA, Earth. In 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in criminal justice.
Mark is an ordinary Earthen human. Outside of class, he plays video games and does improv comedy.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Mark finds out his friend Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—Mark believes him.
Petyr Achtenberg
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Petyr is from Hamburg, Germany, Earth. In 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA.
Petyr is an ordinary Earthen human. He is an athlete, focusing largely on taido and running. After graduation, he plans to return to Germany.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Petyr finds out his friend Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—Petyr believes him.
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky
Flash Fiction: Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Petyr is from Hamburg, Germany, Earth. In 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA.
Petyr is an ordinary Earthen human. He is an athlete, focusing largely on taido and running. After graduation, he plans to return to Germany.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Petyr finds out his friend Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—Petyr believes him.
OTHERWORLD 2: WHEN COMES THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT
Zaivyer Verling
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Zaivyer is a self-taught guitarist and singer, and is on the school track team. He knows almost nothing about his father, Zaivyer Partivan. He has the same heterochromatic eyes and small silver plate on his temple that his father has.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On his thirteenth birthday, during When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Zaivyer discovers several impossible abilities, somehow caused by that small metal plate on his temple. His senses, strength, speed, and endurance are enhanced beyond normal ability, and he can shapeshift.
Outside of class, he plays rhythm guitar with a local Waukesha band called Skylark. Because of his shapeshifting ability, the band believes Zaivyer is a junior, not a freshman.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Zaivyer is a self-taught guitarist and singer, and is on the school track team. He knows almost nothing about his father, Zaivyer Partivan. He has the same heterochromatic eyes and small silver plate on his temple that his father has.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On his thirteenth birthday, during When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Zaivyer discovers several impossible abilities, somehow caused by that small metal plate on his temple. His senses, strength, speed, and endurance are enhanced beyond normal ability, and he can shapeshift.
Outside of class, he plays rhythm guitar with a local Waukesha band called Skylark. Because of his shapeshifting ability, the band believes Zaivyer is a junior, not a freshman.
Joanna Verling
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Female
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Joanna is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. In 2049, when her son, Zaivyer, is thirteen, Joanna is 40.
Joanna is an ordinary Earthen human. Though she wonders about Zaivyer's origins and father, she doesn't let it bother her.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Though Joanna wasn't there when Zaivyer discovered his abilities, he shows her what he can do. She knows that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple, and suspects his father knew he would develop these abilities.
Gender: Female
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Joanna is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. In 2049, when her son, Zaivyer, is thirteen, Joanna is 40.
Joanna is an ordinary Earthen human. Though she wonders about Zaivyer's origins and father, she doesn't let it bother her.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Though Joanna wasn't there when Zaivyer discovered his abilities, he shows her what he can do. She knows that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple, and suspects his father knew he would develop these abilities.
Zaivyer Partivan
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer Partivan is the father of Zaivyer Verling. Like his son, Partivan has heterochromatic eyes and a small metal plate on his temple.
In 2049, when Zaivyer Verling is thirteen, Partivan is 43. During the events of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, his hometown, current location, and abilities are unknown.
BONUS INFO (minor Partivan spoiler):
.
.
.
.
.
One of the myths Partivan tells Joanna about is based on real people (real in-world, at least) that still exist. Read Chloe Walz's series, Age of the Immortals, to find out which one!
Spoilers for Partivan and When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On the winter solstice of 2035, Zaivyer Partivan arrived at Joanna Verling's house in the middle of a blizzard. He stayed in her guest room and was gone the next morning. Despite being in a separate room from Joanna all night, he is the father of Zaivyer Verling.
The short story titled Partivan is the opening scene of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, but from Zaivyer Partivan's perspective. It is full of hints about Partivan: his abilities, his origins, his plans. These hints will be further explained in Gateway.
Partivan demonstrates two abilities in the story: resistance to extreme temperatures and emotional manipulation. Partivan is not bothered by the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin in December. In addition, he convinces Joanna to trust him by altering her emotions.
Partivan went to Joanna's house because a being called the Arcanodis Orateia told him he had to, that it was crucial to Partivan's plans. It is the Arcanodis Orateia who tells Partivan that Joanna will have a son, that he will be the father, and that his son will save the world from a great danger. This danger comes from Partivan's homeland, which he calls Reau.
Spoilers for Partivan and Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
The Arcanodis Orateia is a glowing, gray-robed figure, the same figure that appears in Chosen. It guided Partivan to Joanna's house and gave him glimpses of his son's future.
Partivan knows John Michaels' grandfather, Damien Caven. How they know each other will be further explored in Gateway.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer Partivan is the father of Zaivyer Verling. Like his son, Partivan has heterochromatic eyes and a small metal plate on his temple.
In 2049, when Zaivyer Verling is thirteen, Partivan is 43. During the events of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, his hometown, current location, and abilities are unknown.
BONUS INFO (minor Partivan spoiler):
.
.
.
.
.
One of the myths Partivan tells Joanna about is based on real people (real in-world, at least) that still exist. Read Chloe Walz's series, Age of the Immortals, to find out which one!
Spoilers for Partivan and When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On the winter solstice of 2035, Zaivyer Partivan arrived at Joanna Verling's house in the middle of a blizzard. He stayed in her guest room and was gone the next morning. Despite being in a separate room from Joanna all night, he is the father of Zaivyer Verling.
The short story titled Partivan is the opening scene of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, but from Zaivyer Partivan's perspective. It is full of hints about Partivan: his abilities, his origins, his plans. These hints will be further explained in Gateway.
Partivan demonstrates two abilities in the story: resistance to extreme temperatures and emotional manipulation. Partivan is not bothered by the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin in December. In addition, he convinces Joanna to trust him by altering her emotions.
Partivan went to Joanna's house because a being called the Arcanodis Orateia told him he had to, that it was crucial to Partivan's plans. It is the Arcanodis Orateia who tells Partivan that Joanna will have a son, that he will be the father, and that his son will save the world from a great danger. This danger comes from Partivan's homeland, which he calls Reau.
Spoilers for Partivan and Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
The Arcanodis Orateia is a glowing, gray-robed figure, the same figure that appears in Chosen. It guided Partivan to Joanna's house and gave him glimpses of his son's future.
Partivan knows John Michaels' grandfather, Damien Caven. How they know each other will be further explored in Gateway.
Grayson Smith
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Grayson is from Pewaukee, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Grayson is an ordinary Earthen human. He is very focused on academics and is learning how to be a theater lighting technician.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Grayson is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Grayson is from Pewaukee, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Grayson is an ordinary Earthen human. He is very focused on academics and is learning how to be a theater lighting technician.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Grayson is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
Asher Rowe
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Asher is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha. Asher is an ordinary Earthen human.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Asher is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Asher is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha. Asher is an ordinary Earthen human.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Asher is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
Aidan James
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Aidan is from Muskego, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Aidan is an ordinary Earthen human. In middle school, he was known as the class clown. In high school, he is learning how to be a theater sound technician.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Aidan is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway (cameo)
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Aidan is from Muskego, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Aidan is an ordinary Earthen human. In middle school, he was known as the class clown. In high school, he is learning how to be a theater sound technician.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Aidan is present when Zaivyer discovers his abilities. He knows what Zaivyer can do and that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple.
OTHERWORLD 3: CHOSEN
John Michaels
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
John is from Columbus, OH, USA, Earth, though he's lived all over the US because of his mother's wanderlust. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI. John makes friends easily, and can be extremely sarcastic. His father is not around much because he is often stationed overseas with the army.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
On his sixteenth birthday, during Chosen, John wakes up to find a strange black strip on one ear that gives him impossible abilities. He is telekinetic, can teleport, and discovers a new mastery of fencing, though he's never done it before.
At full dark the day of his sixteenth birthday, John discovers something even stranger than his new abilities. His eyes change to yellow with slit pupils, and his voice becomes telepathic, though he is unable to read minds. These changes last until first light. He also discovers that he no longer needs to sleep.
He makes no effort to hide his new abilities and nightly change.
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
John is from Columbus, OH, USA, Earth, though he's lived all over the US because of his mother's wanderlust. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI. John makes friends easily, and can be extremely sarcastic. His father is not around much because he is often stationed overseas with the army.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
On his sixteenth birthday, during Chosen, John wakes up to find a strange black strip on one ear that gives him impossible abilities. He is telekinetic, can teleport, and discovers a new mastery of fencing, though he's never done it before.
At full dark the day of his sixteenth birthday, John discovers something even stranger than his new abilities. His eyes change to yellow with slit pupils, and his voice becomes telepathic, though he is unable to read minds. These changes last until first light. He also discovers that he no longer needs to sleep.
He makes no effort to hide his new abilities and nightly change.
Jason Powers
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Jason is from Brookfield, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Jason is on the high school fencing team, and loves meeting new people. He has a tendency to assume, unless he's corrected or sees evidence otherwise, that any unfamiliar teenagers he meets at school are potential new students, even if he meets them outside of the school year or at public events.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason is the first to greet John on John's first day at high school in Waukesha, and invites him to join the fencing team. He learns just how different his new friend is during a fencing meet in Chicago, when John uses his abilities to stop a robbery at the diner where the fencing team had been having dinner.
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Jason is from Brookfield, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Jason is on the high school fencing team, and loves meeting new people. He has a tendency to assume, unless he's corrected or sees evidence otherwise, that any unfamiliar teenagers he meets at school are potential new students, even if he meets them outside of the school year or at public events.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason is the first to greet John on John's first day at high school in Waukesha, and invites him to join the fencing team. He learns just how different his new friend is during a fencing meet in Chicago, when John uses his abilities to stop a robbery at the diner where the fencing team had been having dinner.
OTHERWORLD 4: GATEWAY
More characters coming soon
Alex Starosta
Species: Human (Reau)
Gender: Transgender Male
Books: Gateway
Flash Fiction: none
Spoiler-free information: Reau is another world hidden alongside Earth. Though it was originally inhabited by nature spirits, it is now primarily home to humans. Reau is the same size as Earth, but only has three countries: Mendon, Ladrow, and Madron. All three are monarchies. Though Reauan humans once spoke the language of the nature spirits, they now speak a version of English. Earth is now known to Reauan humans as the Otherworld, which most Reauans don't believe really exists.
Alex Starosta, born Alexandra, is the only child of King Faramond and Queen Maya of Mendon. He lives in Mendon's capital city, Alessima. Alex's cousin Nathaniel, the son of King Faramond's brother Prince Finley, is the heir to the throne. He was named the heir before Alex transitioned, since Faramond and Maya didn't have a son at the time.
Alex has always loved meeting new people and is a great conversationalist. He is a natural leader, though he prefers to lead through cooperation and kindness. He doesn't like being forceful or authoritative, and is just fine with Nathaniel being next in line for the throne. Though he would be a good ruler, he has no desire to be one.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
From an early age, Alexandra Starosta felt uncomfortable in her own body. She also didn't fit in with other girls, and preferred traditionally 'tomboy' activities. Her only friend was her cousin, Nathaniel, who is five years older.
At age thirteen, Alexandra decided to transition to male, shortening his name to Alex. Though his father wasn't happy about it at first, and it caused some political upheaval, within a few years both his father and most of the people of Reau had come to accept his decision.
When Alex turned sixteen, he received a Hayil: a black line that some boys get on their sixteenth birthday. This is the same thing that John Michaels has, though most people only have one gift while John has six. A year later, the day before Alex's seventeenth birthday, he still hadn't discovered his gift when his cousin Nathaniel arrived with bad news. Because he had been away from Alessima for years, Nathaniel hadn't known Alex transitioned, and was uncharacteristically furious.
That night, Alex had a dream from a gray-robed figure called the Arcanodis Orateia, the same gray-robed figure that appears in Chosen. The Arcanodis Orateia are the leaders of the Reauan nature spirits, the ones who grant Reauan humans Hayils and other sources of power, and the ones who originally brought humans to Reau. The Arcanodis Orateia told Alex that there was a great danger coming to Reau, and that if he was going to win against it, he had to go to the Otherworld to get help. The Arcanodis Orateia told him to find three people: Arkeda Mothran, Zaivyer Verling, and John Michaels. When he comes to Earth, he discovers that there are so many slight language differences that he finds it a little annoying—yeah, okay, and a lot of strange slang.
Now, I don't want to spoil the end of the series for you, so learn more in Gateway!
Gender: Transgender Male
Books: Gateway
Flash Fiction: none
Spoiler-free information: Reau is another world hidden alongside Earth. Though it was originally inhabited by nature spirits, it is now primarily home to humans. Reau is the same size as Earth, but only has three countries: Mendon, Ladrow, and Madron. All three are monarchies. Though Reauan humans once spoke the language of the nature spirits, they now speak a version of English. Earth is now known to Reauan humans as the Otherworld, which most Reauans don't believe really exists.
Alex Starosta, born Alexandra, is the only child of King Faramond and Queen Maya of Mendon. He lives in Mendon's capital city, Alessima. Alex's cousin Nathaniel, the son of King Faramond's brother Prince Finley, is the heir to the throne. He was named the heir before Alex transitioned, since Faramond and Maya didn't have a son at the time.
Alex has always loved meeting new people and is a great conversationalist. He is a natural leader, though he prefers to lead through cooperation and kindness. He doesn't like being forceful or authoritative, and is just fine with Nathaniel being next in line for the throne. Though he would be a good ruler, he has no desire to be one.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
From an early age, Alexandra Starosta felt uncomfortable in her own body. She also didn't fit in with other girls, and preferred traditionally 'tomboy' activities. Her only friend was her cousin, Nathaniel, who is five years older.
At age thirteen, Alexandra decided to transition to male, shortening his name to Alex. Though his father wasn't happy about it at first, and it caused some political upheaval, within a few years both his father and most of the people of Reau had come to accept his decision.
When Alex turned sixteen, he received a Hayil: a black line that some boys get on their sixteenth birthday. This is the same thing that John Michaels has, though most people only have one gift while John has six. A year later, the day before Alex's seventeenth birthday, he still hadn't discovered his gift when his cousin Nathaniel arrived with bad news. Because he had been away from Alessima for years, Nathaniel hadn't known Alex transitioned, and was uncharacteristically furious.
That night, Alex had a dream from a gray-robed figure called the Arcanodis Orateia, the same gray-robed figure that appears in Chosen. The Arcanodis Orateia are the leaders of the Reauan nature spirits, the ones who grant Reauan humans Hayils and other sources of power, and the ones who originally brought humans to Reau. The Arcanodis Orateia told Alex that there was a great danger coming to Reau, and that if he was going to win against it, he had to go to the Otherworld to get help. The Arcanodis Orateia told him to find three people: Arkeda Mothran, Zaivyer Verling, and John Michaels. When he comes to Earth, he discovers that there are so many slight language differences that he finds it a little annoying—yeah, okay, and a lot of strange slang.
Now, I don't want to spoil the end of the series for you, so learn more in Gateway!
Arkeda Mothran
Species: Otran
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, ESL, No One, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Arkeda was born on the planet Otreau, in the city of Katósa, Osparia. He has lived on Earth, in Waukesha, WI, USA, since he was eight, when Otreau was destroyed by a supernova. He was the only survivor, sent to Earth by his parents before it happened. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in business.
Arkeda is very introverted and empathetic. He doesn't like sharing his origins with humans, though he will share the basics of his past if asked.
Like all Otrans, Arkeda is a telepath. Due to atmospheric differences between Earth and Otreau, Arkeda can levitate. He is a taido prodigy, and has a photographic memory.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Arkeda finally tells his foster parents, Dominique, James, Mark, and Petyr that he isn't human and tells them about his past. Once he demonstrates his abilities, they believe him.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, Arkeda is nineteen and has recently finished his sophomore year of college at Gabriel Possenti University. He had entered a national taido competition, and made it to the finals, which were held at DHS, the high school both John Michaels and Zaivyer Verling attend, and which Arkeda used to attend. His opponent in the finals is John Michaels.
After the competition, Arkeda goes looking for John to congratulate him on a good match, and finds him talking with Alex Starosta. He is shocked to discover his telepathy doesn't work on Alex. That, combined with his innate desire to help those who need it, convinces him to help when Alex says he's been looking for Arkeda. When Alex reveals that he's from a parallel world, Arkeda believes him because Alex is clearly different—he is the only non-Otran Arkeda is unable to read telepathically.
While in Reau, Arkeda discovers the true origins of the Otran people, and Reau's surprising connection to Otreau's dominant faith. In the last fight to resolve the conflict, Arkeda proves himself a formidable opponent. He surrounds the enemy's mind with his own, preventing the enemy from moving without his permission.
Arkeda and Alex are a lot alike. Both are introverted but fairly social, though they value time alone. Both are protective of those they care about, and are always willing to give help to those who need it. They are both natural, capable leaders and will lead if needed, but prefer to assist from the background.
Gender: Male
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, ESL, No One, Professor King, Saint Patrick's Day
Spoiler-free information:
Arkeda was born on the planet Otreau, in the city of Katósa, Osparia. He has lived on Earth, in Waukesha, WI, USA, since he was eight, when Otreau was destroyed by a supernova. He was the only survivor, sent to Earth by his parents before it happened. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Beneath Which Sky, when he is eighteen and attending college in Houghton, MI, USA, with a major in business.
Arkeda is very introverted and empathetic. He doesn't like sharing his origins with humans, though he will share the basics of his past if asked.
Like all Otrans, Arkeda is a telepath. Due to atmospheric differences between Earth and Otreau, Arkeda can levitate. He is a taido prodigy, and has a photographic memory.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Arkeda finally tells his foster parents, Dominique, James, Mark, and Petyr that he isn't human and tells them about his past. Once he demonstrates his abilities, they believe him.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, Arkeda is nineteen and has recently finished his sophomore year of college at Gabriel Possenti University. He had entered a national taido competition, and made it to the finals, which were held at DHS, the high school both John Michaels and Zaivyer Verling attend, and which Arkeda used to attend. His opponent in the finals is John Michaels.
After the competition, Arkeda goes looking for John to congratulate him on a good match, and finds him talking with Alex Starosta. He is shocked to discover his telepathy doesn't work on Alex. That, combined with his innate desire to help those who need it, convinces him to help when Alex says he's been looking for Arkeda. When Alex reveals that he's from a parallel world, Arkeda believes him because Alex is clearly different—he is the only non-Otran Arkeda is unable to read telepathically.
While in Reau, Arkeda discovers the true origins of the Otran people, and Reau's surprising connection to Otreau's dominant faith. In the last fight to resolve the conflict, Arkeda proves himself a formidable opponent. He surrounds the enemy's mind with his own, preventing the enemy from moving without his permission.
Arkeda and Alex are a lot alike. Both are introverted but fairly social, though they value time alone. Both are protective of those they care about, and are always willing to give help to those who need it. They are both natural, capable leaders and will lead if needed, but prefer to assist from the background.
Zaivyer Verling
Species: Human (Earth/Reau)
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Zaivyer is a self-taught guitarist and singer, and is on the school track team. He knows almost nothing about his father, Zaivyer Partivan. He has the same heterochromatic eyes and small silver plate on his temple that his father has.
Zaivyer tends to be pretty easygoing, but he has one big pet peeve: he really doesn't like rain! If he gets caught in the rain without an umbrella, even if it's just a drizzle, he will immediately make for the nearest shelter and avoid going out until either the rain has stopped or he has procured an umbrella.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On his thirteenth birthday, during When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Zaivyer discovers several impossible abilities, somehow caused by that small metal plate on his temple. His senses, strength, speed, and endurance are enhanced beyond normal ability, and he can shapeshift.
Outside of class, he plays rhythm guitar with a local Waukesha band called Skylark. Because of his shapeshifting ability, the band believes Zaivyer is a junior. Though he has only just turned thirteen, Zaivyer is a freshman, a year ahead of his expected grade.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, Zaivyer is fourteen and has just finished his sophomore year of high school. He is no longer playing with the local band Skylark, though he fills in for them occasionally when their new, permanent rhythm guitarist is out of town for work. The band is still unaware of Zaivyer's shapeshifting abilities, believing he has just finished his senior year.
During Gateway, Zaivyer is playing with Skylark at Waukesha's weekly summer music festival, Friday Night Live. While playing the first set, he overhears a conversation between three guys at the front. He recognizes one as an upperclassman at DHS, John Michaels. One of the others, he's shocked to hear, knows that Zaivyer is a shapeshifter, and claims it's an ability Zaivyer inherited from his father.
During the between-sets break, Zaivyer confronts him but is interrupted by a phone call. The caller is a hospital in Sheboygan, where it turns out his father, Zaivyer Partivan, is, with an unidentified illness. Partivan wants to see him, Alex, Arkeda, and John. Since Alex obviously knows Zaivyer's father better than he does, he trusts what Alex says about him and ends up helping him with the conflict in Reau.
During his time in Reau, Zaivyer discovers there are three more Partivan family abilities he has yet to discover—consciously, at least. He has accidentally used two of the three. He didn't notice how cold the previous winter was because he is resistant to extreme temperatures, and when he accidentally broke one of his mom's china plates, he subconsciously calmed her anger with emotional manipulation. He meets his Uncle Amnon through a phone call, and gets his help learning bilocation, the ability to be in two places at once. This ability comes in very handy during the last fight against the enemy Alex, Zaivyer, Arkeda, and John are fighting.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, when he is thirteen and attending high school in Waukesha.
Zaivyer is a self-taught guitarist and singer, and is on the school track team. He knows almost nothing about his father, Zaivyer Partivan. He has the same heterochromatic eyes and small silver plate on his temple that his father has.
Zaivyer tends to be pretty easygoing, but he has one big pet peeve: he really doesn't like rain! If he gets caught in the rain without an umbrella, even if it's just a drizzle, he will immediately make for the nearest shelter and avoid going out until either the rain has stopped or he has procured an umbrella.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On his thirteenth birthday, during When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Zaivyer discovers several impossible abilities, somehow caused by that small metal plate on his temple. His senses, strength, speed, and endurance are enhanced beyond normal ability, and he can shapeshift.
Outside of class, he plays rhythm guitar with a local Waukesha band called Skylark. Because of his shapeshifting ability, the band believes Zaivyer is a junior. Though he has only just turned thirteen, Zaivyer is a freshman, a year ahead of his expected grade.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, Zaivyer is fourteen and has just finished his sophomore year of high school. He is no longer playing with the local band Skylark, though he fills in for them occasionally when their new, permanent rhythm guitarist is out of town for work. The band is still unaware of Zaivyer's shapeshifting abilities, believing he has just finished his senior year.
During Gateway, Zaivyer is playing with Skylark at Waukesha's weekly summer music festival, Friday Night Live. While playing the first set, he overhears a conversation between three guys at the front. He recognizes one as an upperclassman at DHS, John Michaels. One of the others, he's shocked to hear, knows that Zaivyer is a shapeshifter, and claims it's an ability Zaivyer inherited from his father.
During the between-sets break, Zaivyer confronts him but is interrupted by a phone call. The caller is a hospital in Sheboygan, where it turns out his father, Zaivyer Partivan, is, with an unidentified illness. Partivan wants to see him, Alex, Arkeda, and John. Since Alex obviously knows Zaivyer's father better than he does, he trusts what Alex says about him and ends up helping him with the conflict in Reau.
During his time in Reau, Zaivyer discovers there are three more Partivan family abilities he has yet to discover—consciously, at least. He has accidentally used two of the three. He didn't notice how cold the previous winter was because he is resistant to extreme temperatures, and when he accidentally broke one of his mom's china plates, he subconsciously calmed her anger with emotional manipulation. He meets his Uncle Amnon through a phone call, and gets his help learning bilocation, the ability to be in two places at once. This ability comes in very handy during the last fight against the enemy Alex, Zaivyer, Arkeda, and John are fighting.
John Michaels
Species: Human (Earth/Reau)
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
John is from Columbus, OH, USA, Earth, though he's lived all over the US because of his mother's wanderlust. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school at DHS in Waukesha, WI. John makes friends easily, and can be extremely sarcastic. His father is not around much because he is often stationed overseas with the army.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
On his sixteenth birthday, during Chosen, John wakes up to find a strange black strip on one ear that gives him impossible abilities. He is telekinetic, can teleport, and discovers a new mastery of fencing, though he's never done it before.
At full dark the day of his sixteenth birthday, John discovers something even stranger than his new abilities. His eyes change to yellow with slit pupils, and his voice becomes telepathic, though he is unable to read minds. These changes last until first light. He also discovers that he no longer needs to sleep.
He makes no effort to hide his new abilities and nightly change.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, John is seventeen, still attending DHS. His father is away again, stationed in the Middle East with the army. John had entered a national taido competition and made it to the finals, which were held at DHS because both he and his opponent, Arkeda Mothran, live in Waukesha. Afterwards, he finds his friend Jason talking with Alex Starosta. John is surprised to discover that, not only does Alex have the same black line on his ear that John does, but he also knows what it's called and that John's grandfather Damien had it also.
As John learns why Alex is there and where he claims to be from, he's skeptical about how true it is. However, he can't think of another explanation, and the other two—Zaivyer and Arkeda—believe Alex, so John decides to believe him also.
During his time in Reau, John discovers that Reauan English doesn't have nearly as many idioms as the versions of English spoken on Earth. He has a lot of fun using as many as possible with Alex, just to confuse him. John runs into some trouble with the enemy he and the others are fighting, adding unexpected complications to his participation in the final fight.
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
John is from Columbus, OH, USA, Earth, though he's lived all over the US because of his mother's wanderlust. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school at DHS in Waukesha, WI. John makes friends easily, and can be extremely sarcastic. His father is not around much because he is often stationed overseas with the army.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
On his sixteenth birthday, during Chosen, John wakes up to find a strange black strip on one ear that gives him impossible abilities. He is telekinetic, can teleport, and discovers a new mastery of fencing, though he's never done it before.
At full dark the day of his sixteenth birthday, John discovers something even stranger than his new abilities. His eyes change to yellow with slit pupils, and his voice becomes telepathic, though he is unable to read minds. These changes last until first light. He also discovers that he no longer needs to sleep.
He makes no effort to hide his new abilities and nightly change.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
When Gateway begins, John is seventeen, still attending DHS. His father is away again, stationed in the Middle East with the army. John had entered a national taido competition and made it to the finals, which were held at DHS because both he and his opponent, Arkeda Mothran, live in Waukesha. Afterwards, he finds his friend Jason talking with Alex Starosta. John is surprised to discover that, not only does Alex have the same black line on his ear that John does, but he also knows what it's called and that John's grandfather Damien had it also.
As John learns why Alex is there and where he claims to be from, he's skeptical about how true it is. However, he can't think of another explanation, and the other two—Zaivyer and Arkeda—believe Alex, so John decides to believe him also.
During his time in Reau, John discovers that Reauan English doesn't have nearly as many idioms as the versions of English spoken on Earth. He has a lot of fun using as many as possible with Alex, just to confuse him. John runs into some trouble with the enemy he and the others are fighting, adding unexpected complications to his participation in the final fight.
Zaivyer Partivan
Species: Human (Reau)
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer Partivan is the father of Zaivyer Verling. Like his son, Partivan has heterochromatic eyes and a small metal plate on his temple.
In 2049, when Zaivyer Verling is thirteen, Partivan is 43. During the events of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, his hometown, current location, and abilities are unknown.
BONUS INFO (minor Partivan spoiler):
.
.
.
.
.
One of the myths Partivan tells Joanna about is based on real people (real in-world, at least) that still exist. Read Chloe Walz's series, Age of the Immortals, to find out which one!
Spoilers for Partivan and When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On the winter solstice of 2035, Zaivyer Partivan arrived at Joanna Verling's house in the middle of a blizzard. He stayed in her guest room and was gone the next morning. Despite being in a separate room from Joanna all night, he is the father of Zaivyer Verling.
The short story titled Partivan is the opening scene of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, but from Zaivyer Partivan's perspective. It is full of hints about Partivan: his abilities, his origins, his plans. These hints will be further explained in Gateway.
Partivan demonstrates two abilities in the story: resistance to extreme temperatures and emotional manipulation. Partivan is not bothered by the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin in December. In addition, he convinces Joanna to trust him by altering her emotions.
Partivan went to Joanna's house because a being called the Arcanodis Orateia told him he had to, that it was crucial to Partivan's plans. It is the Arcanodis Orateia who tells Partivan that Joanna will have a son, that he will be the father, and that his son will save the world from a great danger. This danger comes from Partivan's homeland, which he calls Reau.
Spoilers for Partivan and Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
The Arcanodis Orateia is a glowing, gray-robed figure, the same figure that appears in Chosen. It guided Partivan to Joanna's house and gave him glimpses of his son's future.
Partivan knows John Michaels' grandfather, Damien Caven. How they know each other will be further explored in Gateway.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Partivan is from a world parallel to Earth called Reau. His family was once one of the most prominent families in Tambron, a major city in the Reauan country of Mendon. Now, the Partivan family is down to just him; his brother Amnon, who has been in prison since Partivan was a boy; and his son Zaivyer, who is ignorant of Reau until the events of Gateway. For the last decade and a half, Partivan has used his gift for bilocation to be present in both Reau and Earth, though in Reau, he was often disguised. This extended time split between dimensions made him sick, which is why he is in the hospital when he finally meets his son during Gateway.
After meeting his son, Partivan leaves the hospital to enact the plans he's been making since his brother went to prison.
MAJOR GATEWAY SPOILERS! DO NOT SCROLL UNTIL AFTER READING GATEWAY!
.
.
.
.
.
Partivan's father, Edom, often abused his mother, Nadia, and was masterful at covering it up. Partivan's older brothers, Amnon and Jourdon, made plans to expose Edom. Partivan was aware of their plans, but did not participate because he was only five, and they were eighteen and early twenties.
Somehow, Edom found out about their plans. He killed Jourdon and made it seem like Amnon did it. He did the whole thing shifted to look like someone else, someone important, so that Amnon wouldn't know who had really done it. The high status of the person he impersonated kept the judge, Damien Caven, from believing Amnon's testimony. Edom revealed to five-year-old Zaivyer Partivan who he really was, to ensure Partivan wouldn't get the same idea about exposing him, but Partivan was so traumatized by witnessing his brother's murder that he blocked the memories. During Gateway, he doesn't remember what his father was really like and believes Amnon's testimony is the truth.
These events shaped Partivan into who he became as an adult. He went to the Otherworld and sought out Joanna Verling because the Arcanodis Orateia, Reauan nature spirits who had appeared to him before, told him she would help him with his plans to avenge his brother's wrongful arrest. He didn't bother trying to earn her trust naturally, instead using his emotional manipulation to make her trust him—a tactic he used often to gain trusting supporters. During his one-night stay with Joanna, he was surprised to discover that he actually liked her—there weren't many people he liked. He left Joanna's house that night, aware that she would have his son, but he didn't know how.
Despite his tendency to dislike people, he cares about Zaivyer and wants to get to know him as father and son, though that doesn't keep him from using emotional manipulation on him or trying to use Zaivyer as a tool.
Partivan's public image and true personality are very different. Outwardly, he's a charismatic, practical, trustworthy man from a prominent, diplomatic family. Inwardly, he tends to be insensitive towards others, subtly manipulating people both with his abilities and through natural methods. He has bottled up a massive amount of anger towards the man he believes is responsible for Jourdon's death, and this has made him secretly bitter towards almost everyone.
Gender: Male
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Zaivyer Partivan is the father of Zaivyer Verling. Like his son, Partivan has heterochromatic eyes and a small metal plate on his temple.
In 2049, when Zaivyer Verling is thirteen, Partivan is 43. During the events of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, his hometown, current location, and abilities are unknown.
BONUS INFO (minor Partivan spoiler):
.
.
.
.
.
One of the myths Partivan tells Joanna about is based on real people (real in-world, at least) that still exist. Read Chloe Walz's series, Age of the Immortals, to find out which one!
Spoilers for Partivan and When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
On the winter solstice of 2035, Zaivyer Partivan arrived at Joanna Verling's house in the middle of a blizzard. He stayed in her guest room and was gone the next morning. Despite being in a separate room from Joanna all night, he is the father of Zaivyer Verling.
The short story titled Partivan is the opening scene of When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, but from Zaivyer Partivan's perspective. It is full of hints about Partivan: his abilities, his origins, his plans. These hints will be further explained in Gateway.
Partivan demonstrates two abilities in the story: resistance to extreme temperatures and emotional manipulation. Partivan is not bothered by the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin in December. In addition, he convinces Joanna to trust him by altering her emotions.
Partivan went to Joanna's house because a being called the Arcanodis Orateia told him he had to, that it was crucial to Partivan's plans. It is the Arcanodis Orateia who tells Partivan that Joanna will have a son, that he will be the father, and that his son will save the world from a great danger. This danger comes from Partivan's homeland, which he calls Reau.
Spoilers for Partivan and Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
The Arcanodis Orateia is a glowing, gray-robed figure, the same figure that appears in Chosen. It guided Partivan to Joanna's house and gave him glimpses of his son's future.
Partivan knows John Michaels' grandfather, Damien Caven. How they know each other will be further explored in Gateway.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Partivan is from a world parallel to Earth called Reau. His family was once one of the most prominent families in Tambron, a major city in the Reauan country of Mendon. Now, the Partivan family is down to just him; his brother Amnon, who has been in prison since Partivan was a boy; and his son Zaivyer, who is ignorant of Reau until the events of Gateway. For the last decade and a half, Partivan has used his gift for bilocation to be present in both Reau and Earth, though in Reau, he was often disguised. This extended time split between dimensions made him sick, which is why he is in the hospital when he finally meets his son during Gateway.
After meeting his son, Partivan leaves the hospital to enact the plans he's been making since his brother went to prison.
MAJOR GATEWAY SPOILERS! DO NOT SCROLL UNTIL AFTER READING GATEWAY!
.
.
.
.
.
Partivan's father, Edom, often abused his mother, Nadia, and was masterful at covering it up. Partivan's older brothers, Amnon and Jourdon, made plans to expose Edom. Partivan was aware of their plans, but did not participate because he was only five, and they were eighteen and early twenties.
Somehow, Edom found out about their plans. He killed Jourdon and made it seem like Amnon did it. He did the whole thing shifted to look like someone else, someone important, so that Amnon wouldn't know who had really done it. The high status of the person he impersonated kept the judge, Damien Caven, from believing Amnon's testimony. Edom revealed to five-year-old Zaivyer Partivan who he really was, to ensure Partivan wouldn't get the same idea about exposing him, but Partivan was so traumatized by witnessing his brother's murder that he blocked the memories. During Gateway, he doesn't remember what his father was really like and believes Amnon's testimony is the truth.
These events shaped Partivan into who he became as an adult. He went to the Otherworld and sought out Joanna Verling because the Arcanodis Orateia, Reauan nature spirits who had appeared to him before, told him she would help him with his plans to avenge his brother's wrongful arrest. He didn't bother trying to earn her trust naturally, instead using his emotional manipulation to make her trust him—a tactic he used often to gain trusting supporters. During his one-night stay with Joanna, he was surprised to discover that he actually liked her—there weren't many people he liked. He left Joanna's house that night, aware that she would have his son, but he didn't know how.
Despite his tendency to dislike people, he cares about Zaivyer and wants to get to know him as father and son, though that doesn't keep him from using emotional manipulation on him or trying to use Zaivyer as a tool.
Partivan's public image and true personality are very different. Outwardly, he's a charismatic, practical, trustworthy man from a prominent, diplomatic family. Inwardly, he tends to be insensitive towards others, subtly manipulating people both with his abilities and through natural methods. He has bottled up a massive amount of anger towards the man he believes is responsible for Jourdon's death, and this has made him secretly bitter towards almost everyone.
Joanna Verling
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Female
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Joanna is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. In 2049, when her son, Zaivyer, is thirteen, Joanna is 40.
Joanna is an ordinary Earthen human. Though she wonders about Zaivyer's origins and father, she doesn't let it bother her.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Though Joanna wasn't there when Zaivyer discovered his abilities, he shows her what he can do. She knows that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple, and suspects his father knew he would develop these abilities.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Joanna's son, Zaivyer, met three people the summer after his sophomore year: John Michaels, Arkeda Mothran, and Alex Starosta. When Zaivyer gets a call from a hospital in Sheboygan, saying his father wants to meet all four of them, Joanna gives them a ride there. On the way, Alex shares his story, and Joanna hears it, learning about the existence of Reau. Further events convince her that Alex is telling the truth.
Gender: Female
Books: When Comes the Stroke of Midnight, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Partivan
Spoiler-free information:
Joanna is from Waukesha, WI, USA, Earth. In 2049, when her son, Zaivyer, is thirteen, Joanna is 40.
Joanna is an ordinary Earthen human. Though she wonders about Zaivyer's origins and father, she doesn't let it bother her.
Spoilers for When Comes the Stroke of Midnight:
.
.
.
.
.
Though Joanna wasn't there when Zaivyer discovered his abilities, he shows her what he can do. She knows that it somehow comes from that strange metal plate on Zaivyer's temple, and suspects his father knew he would develop these abilities.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Joanna's son, Zaivyer, met three people the summer after his sophomore year: John Michaels, Arkeda Mothran, and Alex Starosta. When Zaivyer gets a call from a hospital in Sheboygan, saying his father wants to meet all four of them, Joanna gives them a ride there. On the way, Alex shares his story, and Joanna hears it, learning about the existence of Reau. Further events convince her that Alex is telling the truth.
Dominique Marton
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Female
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, No One
Spoiler-free information:
Dominique is an ordinary Earthen human from Milwaukee, WI, USA, Earth, though she now lives in Waukesha, WI. She found Arkeda when he first arrived on Earth. Unaware the boy she'd taken in was an alien telepath, she raised him for a year before he officially entered the foster care system. In 2049, when Beneath Which Sky begins, she is 69 and retired.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Dominique finds out Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—she believes him.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
During the final fight in Reau, Dominique is on the same stretch of American highway where she first found Arkeda Mothran years ago. She witnesses the results on Earth of the enemy's actions in Reau, though she doesn't know what caused it. She does not know about Reau.
Gender: Female
Books: Beneath Which Sky, Gateway
Flash Fiction: Arkeda's First Christmas, No One
Spoiler-free information:
Dominique is an ordinary Earthen human from Milwaukee, WI, USA, Earth, though she now lives in Waukesha, WI. She found Arkeda when he first arrived on Earth. Unaware the boy she'd taken in was an alien telepath, she raised him for a year before he officially entered the foster care system. In 2049, when Beneath Which Sky begins, she is 69 and retired.
Spoilers for Beneath Which Sky:
.
.
.
.
.
In August 2050, Dominique finds out Arkeda isn't human. Once Arkeda demonstrates his abilities—telepathy and levitation—she believes him.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
During the final fight in Reau, Dominique is on the same stretch of American highway where she first found Arkeda Mothran years ago. She witnesses the results on Earth of the enemy's actions in Reau, though she doesn't know what caused it. She does not know about Reau.
Jason Powers
Species: Human (Earth)
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Jason is from Brookfield, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Jason is on the high school fencing team, and loves meeting new people. He has a tendency to assume, unless he's corrected or sees evidence otherwise, that any unfamiliar teenagers he meets at school are potential new students, even if he meets them outside of the school year or at public events.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason is the first to greet John on John's first day at high school in Waukesha, and invites him to join the fencing team. He learns just how different his new friend is during a fencing meet in Chicago, when John uses his abilities to stop a robbery at the diner where the fencing team had been having dinner.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason meets Alex Starosta at the finals of a national taido competition at DHS. He is surprised to discover that Alex has the same strange black line on his ear that his friend John Michaels has, though he doesn't know what abilities Alex has from it. At Alex's request, Jason introduces Alex to John.
Gender: Male
Books: Chosen, Gateway
Flash Fiction: N/A
Spoiler-free information:
Jason is from Brookfield, WI, USA, Earth. His first main appearance is in 2049, in Chosen, when he is sixteen and attending high school in Waukesha, WI.
Jason is on the high school fencing team, and loves meeting new people. He has a tendency to assume, unless he's corrected or sees evidence otherwise, that any unfamiliar teenagers he meets at school are potential new students, even if he meets them outside of the school year or at public events.
Spoilers for Chosen:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason is the first to greet John on John's first day at high school in Waukesha, and invites him to join the fencing team. He learns just how different his new friend is during a fencing meet in Chicago, when John uses his abilities to stop a robbery at the diner where the fencing team had been having dinner.
Spoilers for Gateway:
.
.
.
.
.
Jason meets Alex Starosta at the finals of a national taido competition at DHS. He is surprised to discover that Alex has the same strange black line on his ear that his friend John Michaels has, though he doesn't know what abilities Alex has from it. At Alex's request, Jason introduces Alex to John.
ALDEBARAN
Only showing characters in The Journey (Aldebaran flash fiction prequel) until the publication of Aldebaran in fall 2023