Choi Jae-hwan

Jae-hwan Choi ( hangul: 최재환; hanja: 崔宰煥; Choi Jae-hwan ) or simply Jaehwan is a full-fledged Korean dragon ( hangul: 용/ 룡; hanja: 龍; yong / ryong ) and linked to the elemental aspect of water. Since his "birth" he has lived in Korea along with his younger brother Choi Hyeok-jae until their self-imposed exile and eventual relocation to Hong Kong. He is in a possession of a powerful magical orb known as the Yeouiju ( 여의주 ).

Background
Jae-hwan is the elder of the two dragon "brothers" and was born out of the Han River near Seoul. He is considered the elder not only because he is the only "true dragon" of the two of them but because he was in fact "born" slightly earlier than his younger sibling. During his Imugi days he was a much more outgoing and benevolent creature and remained always focused on trying to do the most good for the land and the people that lived on it. Revered as gods by the locals, he and Hyeok-jae were invited to live in the royal palaces of the Joseon Dynasty (Gyeongbokgung Palace ( 경복궁 ) most notably) and were praised and honoured and their presence seen as a good omen.

When the wars came and the Japanese invaded he knew there was only so much that he and Hyeok-jae could do. As much as his younger brother desired to fight he was well aware that they were really not meant to intervene in the wars of humanity. He did as much as he felt he should do but it seemed the population felt that having two dragons (or rather, a dragon and an imugi) on their side should have guaranteed victory. Their requests for help and wishes and aid of all kinds were numerous and over time Jae-hwan began to grow irritated and disrespected. As a result of the Japanese occupation which led to quite a bit of destruction -- including Gyeongbokgung Palace which he treasured dearly -- he developed a strong bias and dislike of Japan and its culture, which he holds onto to this day.

Jae-hwan held himself at a distance after this, retreating for the most part from being such an obvious presence among the people. As time went on and the Societies began to exert pressure and increase power in Korea, Jae-hwan became more active once again. This was less of a "human war" as it was also directed at non-humans. Society occupation of Korea became a dangerous situation for himself and his brother as they sought to make use of their abilities and "claim" them for themselves. While Jae-hwan could have continued the fight and helped not only the humans that got caught up but also the non-humans that were relying on them for assistance, Jae-hwan made the decision to leave Korea and abandon the fight. This decision would continue to haunt him for years though he will always justify it by saying he did it primarily to protect his brother.

Since departing Korea, Jae-hwan has taken work that has included, at times, assassinations. His power is helpful either to overpower or to infiltrate, if necessary and he rarely has had any qualms about the work morally.

Personality
Jae-hwan was a much happier and friendlier creature in his youth. This changed after experiencing wars both of human-making as well as the fighting involving the Societies and other non-humans. He became disillusioned with much and withdrew from involvement, even so much as to decide to abandon the fight in Korea to leave for China.

Despite being highly protective of his brother, Jae-hwan has overtime lost the ability to communicate with Hyeok-jae as they used to. He has grown distant as his unhappiness has grown and the division of the way they think and see the world has been greatly altered over time. He wishes that this was not the case and would like to do something about it but that is something easier said than done.

Though he does give off the impression of being easily angered and difficult he is willing to cooperate for the greater good. He has respect for those who he feels deserve it. The image he projects is simply one intended to keep others at a distance so they he can keep his guard up and observe before he determines how best to handle someone or a situation. He is confident in his own abilities to the point where it may border on arrogance at times, but tends to be rather calm in most situations, even if there is a present danger. He may anger but he does not panic.

He is the type to typically brood and suffer in silence (aside from those times anger seems appropriate) but he really does desire a way back to a happier state though he truly has no idea how to get there (or even relax, at times, it seems). Jae-hwan is made up of quite a few contradictions but he (and his brother) often attribute to his nature. Water is an inconsistent and ever-changing thing and while it is adept at getting through or around things it is also easily contaminated and difficult to purify again once that happens.

Jae-hwan is a bit old-fashioned and prefers traditional music and clothing, expressing often enough a displeasure for modern fashions and the music in particular.

Appearance
Jae-hwan has several different forms that he assumes depending on the situation, his mood, or even simply because of an opportunity. In both Human and Hybrid states he may project a "ghost image" of his true form though as it is made of pure energy it is something only visible to those with sensitivity. The same is true of the aura he gives off which to a sensitive individual would make him seem even larger and more imposing than he really is.

Often he wears a pair of black-framed glasses though it tends to seem almost like he shouldn't bother with them at all when they slip far enough down his nose that it's easy for him to simply look over the top of the frames. His eyes are a shade of yellow-gold that at times brighten with an inner light.

He looks young for his age -- by the standards of the human age he claims to be -- and his typical style of dress does nothing to make him look any older. In a way it helps him look more non-threatening to dress so youthful. When he does clean up and wear something more formal the severity of a suit only makes him seem more intimidating.

For those capable of making note of scent his is rather noticeable, though not in an unpleasant way. It seems almost to differ from individual to individuals in how it is perceived but in general it is a fresh smell of water and watery places. Some might smell the scent of warm salt air and think of the ocean while others might pick up the scent of fresh, clean rain.

Human Form
This is the form that Jae-hwan occupies most often. In most cases he resembles a normal human male of Korean descent in his late twenties. Most noticeable is his considerable height and beyond that his gold eyes and dark green hair. When angered (or even simply because he wills it to be so) small changes that make him appear less human and more draconic take over. His teeth grow pointed (rather than their usual state where only his canine teeth are more prominent than most) and his nails lengthen into claws. Jae-hwan also bears markings on his skin that are concentrated on his back, shoulders, and upper arms. In most cases they are a faint, pale blue colour but when he calls on his power these markings will glow. Typically they will glow white with just the slightest blue tint but sometimes the shade will deepen, coinciding with a shift in his energy that feels darker and much less pure.

Hybrid Form
In this form Jae-hwan still remains mostly human. He retains the pointed teeth and claws and his markings glow brightly. However, his hair will grow quite long, reaching almost to the back of his knees and the aura of his power around him seems to influence it and the strands move as if he was floating in water. He also sprouts short horns that appear above his ears and slightly forward, rising up and curving backwards.

The horns are pointed and a shiny black in colour, almost like they have been lacquered and polished. This is broken up by patterns that run through them that are similar to his markings and will glow with the same energy.

His eyes in this form go completely gold, the look of a human eye with iris, pupil, and sclera lost. They will also give off energy themselves, leaving wispy trails of energy whenever he moves.

Dragon Form
In this state he reverts to his true, natural form. He has the body make up of a typical Eastern-style dragon, long and serpentine though still in possession of powerful arms and legs. His hair in this state forms a long mane that runs from head to tail and beyond, extending out beyond the end of the tip of his tail. His colour is not uniform and almost seems to change depending on his mood or mental state, darkening like a stormy sea when he angers. He does not have scales but very smooth, slick skin that is cool to the touch. His horn grow much longer and acquire branches off of their main body in such a way that they seem to almost resemble coral.

Abilities
First and foremost Jae-hwan has his considerable strength and despite his size in both human and dragon form he has remarkable agility and speed. This lends well to his fighting style. He prefers bladed weapons and in particular his unique sword that he can use either as two smaller blades or a single, two-handed sword. He is also skilled at hand-to-hand combat.

Jae-hwan is an Elemental creature rather than simply something that manipulates natural forces and so he is always capable of drawing on transformative magics as it relates to his ability to become water in its various forms, even if he has exhausted all other energy. Anything from normal, flowing water to vapour, mist, or fog is possible as well as ice. He is able to channel his energy in these forms (as well as any excess he generates as necessary) which can be used to harm or heal. His magic is most useful and suitable for healing though over time his ability to generate more potent, darker magics has increased. He rides the line at all times between light and dark, therefore he is capable of going either way at any time. However, giving into darkness leads to corruption and much like the water he is connected to it is not easy to cleanse that corruption once it's set in.

He heals much faster than a human though the speed of that depends largely on the state of his energy. If he is weakened too much or his reserves are low it hinders this ability and his wounds would take longer to heal. He is capable of removing and purifying toxins and curses as well.

Yeouiju
Jae-hwan has considerable power on his own but even more is concentrated within the magic orb that he always carries on his person. In most cases he keeps it condensed down to about the size of a marble and wears it like a charm, suspended from a long leather cord around his neck. In his full draconic form he is able to levitate it or otherwise carry it around. It gives off quite a powerful aura of energy that can be somewhat suppressed but it is difficult to suppress and hide it completely.

The older and more powerful a dragon is, the more powerful the orb becomes. It is a wish-fulfilling jewel and the more powerful the dragon the more wishes they can grant. There are limitations, however, as it is not an all-powerful item.

Relationships
Jae-hwan was, at first, quite aloof and did not find it easy initially to integrate with the group. However, he has since grown closer to the others thanks to the fact that he stepped up and offered himself as an 'enforcer' of the group, alongside Suguru. He has come to trust Dean implicitly and is willing to follow his decisions. Particularly after the mage displayed his skill and ability to manipulate and utilise his power along with Hyeok-jae's he holds a deep respect for the man.

He also respects and cares for Suguru, something that started off as an early bit of curiosity. He holds no love for most vampires and yet the fact that Suguru rejects the typical expected nature of his kind and uses his abilities for good and for those he cares about has led him to view Suguru in his own unique light. That earlier curiosity and fascination has been expanded upon as well by other feelings, not the least of which a physical desire, but in most cases he keeps these hidden and to himself.

Jae-hwan has also grown very close to both Kasuga siblings. His respect for Kasuga Nao ironically rose out of the fact that she did not fear him and reprimanded him for his treatment of Hyeok-jae. Her kind consideration and gentle heart inspires him to want to do better and he feels honoured by her devotion and service as a priestess. The same can be said of Kasuga Takaharu who he views not only in something of a brotherly sense but has also welcomed as a priest as well. In particular it pleases him to be able to provide Takaharu with the experience of feeling spiritual energy -- something that was denied him throughout his life. He has also given his relationship with Hyeok-jae his blessing and helps whenever he is needed.

He has come to place a trust in Anna as well, since speaking with her and her generous offer of assisting him as well as Hyeok-jae. Her experience in dealing with her sister's struggles with her power has given him new insight and strategies he previously had not considered.