Zenjin Chapter 1: The Fates of Two Families

In the year 2700, in the semi-technologically advanced yet perilous country of Aether, danger always seemed to lurk in the shadows. It was a place where the Syndicates ruled, crime ran rampant, and ordinary people were left vulnerable to the whims of ruthless men. In this unforgiving world, two families—one bound by courage, the other by loyalty—found their fates entwined.

It all began, In the City of Aether, Solon Chousei, a man of quiet strength unyielding, resolve fighting against the thieves in Aether. One night, while portrolling the cities, Solon came across a young couple cornered by a gang of super-powered thugs—vicious men who thrived on terror. Couple were trapped, fearing for their lives. Solon, without hesitation, fought the thugs, a man who has the power to control metal within his body, saving the couple from what seemed like certain death. They had barely escaped the nightmare that had once consumed their lives, saved at the last moment by Solon, now, with the wife heavily pregnant. Before the couple can say thank you. Solon quickly tells them to meet him at his address. He quickly disappeared in the dark. With no hesitation, the couple safety went back home while Solon watched them carefully. Solon realizing that they lived close by to his home.

The next day, a man now named Gabriel was driving to the address in the neighborhood, and he met a woman named Faith Chousei. She was glowing with the warmth of someone who had found her own peace, yet there was a strength in her that Gabriel couldn't ignore. She introduced herself as Solon's wife, much to Gabriel's surprise. She, too, was expecting a child.

When Faith heard that Gabriel's wife, Maria, was pregnant also. she lit up with excitement. "You must bring her over," she insisted. "It's good for mothers to support each other.

That evening, Gabriel told Maria about Faith, and they both agreed it would be nice to meet another couple in the same stage of life. The following weekend, Gabriel and Maria visited Faith and Solon's home. Faith greeted them at the door, her belly round with child, and her husband Solon. a tall and sturdy man with kind eyes welcomed them warmly.

The Chevalier Family meets the Chousei family.

As the two couples sat in the cozy living room, they began to exchange stories about their lives, their hopes, and the shared journey of preparing for a new addition to their families. Faith and Maria bonded almost instantly, laughing about the challenges of pregnancy and sharing advice about baby names and nursery ideas. Gabriel and Solon found common ground as well, both men devoted to protecting and supporting their wives during this precious time. At the end of the day, the couple are in debt to Solon for saving them and their future child, Solon vowed to protect his family, particularly his pregnant wife, Faith. Little did they know that destiny had already set a deeper connection in motion. 

Days turned into weeks, and the four became inseparable. Maria and Faith often spent their afternoons together, preparing for motherhood and growing closer as friends. Gabriel and Solon, ever watchful and protective, made sure their wives were safe and comfortable.

As the due dates approached, the bond between them grew stronger.

"I never imagined we'd be here," Maria said softly, looking at Gabriel with a smile. "After everything that's happened… to have this kind of peace."

Gabriel squeezed her hand. "We're blessed to have found friends like Solon and Faith. It makes this journey even more special."

Faith, rubbing her belly, nodded in agreement. "It's funny how life works. We've all faced our own struggles, but somehow, we found each other right when we needed it most."

Solon raised his glass. "To family—both the one we're born with and the one we choose."

As the months passed, the day they had been waiting for finally arrived. Both Maria and Faith went into labor just days apart. Gabriel and Solon stood by their sides, their hearts racing with excitement and anxiety. They knew they were about to become fathers, but their primary focus remained on ensuring that their wives were safe.

In the quiet early hours of the morning, after hours of labor, Faith gave birth to a healthy baby boy. That boy, whose name was Zenjin. Solon held him in his arms, tears in his eyes, overwhelmed with love and relief. Maria followed closely behind, delivering a baby girl just two days later. Gabriel couldn't stop smiling as he cradled his daughter, knowing that their lives had changed forever. The couple named their child, Bravely Archambeau Chevalier.

With their children now in their arms, the two families were more than friends—they were family. Bound by the love they shared and the support they gave each other, they knew that no matter what challenges the future held, they would face them together.

In that autumn day. Zenjin and Bravely came into the world mere two days apart, beginning their lives in Aether.

From the moment they could walk, Zenjin and Bravely were inseparable. At four, Bravely had already established herself as the leader, a bossy, headstrong child who always got her way. Zenjin, on the other hand, was quiet and gentle, happily letting Bravely take charge. Their odd dynamic somehow worked, with Bravely leading the way and Zenjin following, a bond forged in friendship and trust. 

Both Bravely and Zenjin are six now, The world around them are full of laughter and warmth. Zenjin cherished the simple joys of life—playing in the sun with his best friend, Bravely, and basking in the love of his family. His father, Solon, was a pillar of strength, the teacher of martial arts, and a hero in Zenjin's eyes. As for Bravely, she is dancing and playing tag with faith. around one evening, Bravely parents showed up to take Bravely home for her studies. As the Chousei family were walking back home together at dawn, everything changed.

Without warning, their peaceful walk was shattered by the deadly assault of the Shadows of the Syndicate (SoTS). Solon, sensing the danger, moved to shield his family. He fought bravely against the masked assailants, his martial prowess evident as he struck down one after another. But the SoTS were too many, too powerful. In a brutal, chaotic battle, Solon was overwhelmed. He couldn't activate his metal powers in time.

Zenjin watched in horror as his father, the man who had once seemed invincible, was struck down. Solon fell to the ground, his body bleeding and broken. Faith, Zenjin's mother, screamed, her voice echoing through the deserted streets as she cradled her dying husband.

With his last breaths, Solon looked at his son and his wife, his eyes filled with love and sorrow. "I love you both," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of his own labored breathing. Then, as Zenjin's small hands reached out toward him, Solon's eyes closed, his life slipping away.

Zenjin stood frozen, his young mind unable to comprehend the magnitude of what had just happened. His father's blood pooled on the ground, and his mother's wails pierced the silence of dawn. The scene seared itself into his memory, a nightmare that would haunt him forever.

The remaining members of the So.T.S. approached, their faces hidden behind dark masks, intent on silencing any witnesses. Faith, her instincts kicking in, grabbed Zenjin and ran, pulling him away from the gruesome scene. They fled into the darkness, leaving behind the lifeless body of the man they loved.

Hours later, the army police showed up. They managed to clean and perform evidence on what happened. As Faith talked with them for a while, the shocking truth about Solon is that.

His body was never recovered. 

It was as though the man Zenjin had idolized had simply vanished, leaving behind only painful memories and an unfillable void. Tragedy struck, shattering their world. Solon, Zenjin's father and the protector of their small corner of Aether City, was killed by a gang tied to the Shadows of The Syndicate (SoTS). His death plunged Zenjin into a deep sadness, leaving him lost in grief. The light in his eyes dimmed, and the boy who once smiled so easily became silent and withdrawn.

Gabriel and Maria are deeply saddened that they lost one of their closest friend. Both Zenjin and Faith are currently at their house, getting emotional comfort from the couple. Maria watches closely so that she won't lose herself. Bravely in tears after hearing about Zenjin's dad dying, but his not the only one who died. Bravely finally realized that the happy go lucky Zenjin has also died, too.

Bravely, once the playful, bossy child, lts a new sense of responsibility. Her best friend was hurting, and for the first time, she set aside her bratty ways to comfort him. She softened, offering Zenjin support in his darkest hours. Her presence became a lifeline for Zenjin, and though his father's death would forever leave a scar, Bravely's warmth slowly brought him back from the edge.

However, their brief moment of peace was short-lived. One day, on their way home from school, a gang of thugs, remnants of the same crime syndicate that had killed Solon, appeared from the shadows. Their target: Bravely. Fear froze her in place, but Zenjin, driven by a fierce need to protect his friend, his anger trigger his own metal abilities just like his father, he quickly leaped into action. Though small for his age, Zenjin fought with an intensity that startled even the hardened criminals. He fought not just to protect Bravely. He fought in memory of his father. Help arrived in time to save them, but the incident left a mark on both children.

Bravely, overwhelmed with gratitude, began to see Zenjin in a new light. He wasn't just her quiet friend; he was her protector. As the years passed, both now eight years old, Bravely's admiration for him grew, evolving into something deeper. But just as she was beginning to understand her feelings, life tore them apart once again.

As The So.T.S. crimes have grown stronger than before taking over some of the countys of Aether.

Bravely's parents, fearing for her safety, decided to move her far away from the growing dangers of Aether City. Faith sadly understands their decision. Bravely was ripped from Zenjin's side, leaving behind not just her home but the boy who had become her protector and closest friend. Faith, who is also a second mother to bravely all vanish within her. 

Zenjin's Journey

As months went by, the remaining Chousei family were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Faith, once a vibrant and joyful woman, was forced to take on grueling night shifts to keep them afloat. She rarely smiled anymore, the light in her eyes dimmed by grief and exhaustion.

Zenjin, struggling to make sense of his loss, found himself isolated. The bond he shared with Bravely, his best friend, began to fade as the weight of his father's death hung heavy over him. She, too, was forced to move away due to the dangers that had infiltrated their once peaceful city, leaving Zenjin truly alone. his grief compounded by Bravely's departure. Alone, he vowed never to lose anyone else he cared for or to be taken from him.

For the next five years, Zenjin dedicated himself to mastering the ancient art of Wolf-Ken, a martial discipline his father had practiced alongside his mentor, Sensei Zhongshan years back. The training was relentless, pushing him to his physical and mental limits. Each night, after his mother left for her grueling shifts, Zenjin would sneak into the basement—a hidden sanctuary filled with memories of his father.

The basement was more than just a training ground; it was a place where Solon's teachings lived. Old books lined the shelves, filled with the wisdom of Wolf-Ken martial arts and philosophy. Weapons hung on the walls, reminders of the battles his father had fought. And in the center, a worn mat where Zenjin would practice until his muscles ached and sweat soaked his clothes.

Zenjin trained with a ferocity that belied his age. Every punch, every kick was a tribute to his father, a way of keeping his memory alive. But his training was not just physical. Through meditation and concentration, Zenjin unlocked a secret power—a legacy his father had left him. He discovered he could manipulate metal with his mind, bending and shaping it at will.

Bravely's Journey

Meanwhile, Bravely's life had taken a different turn. Though far from Zenjin, she couldn't shake the sadness that lingered after their separation. Her new home was a quiet town, far from the violence of Aether City, but it offered little comfort. The loss of Zenjin, her best friend and protector, weighed heavily on her heart.

It wasn't long before Bravely found solace in something unexpected: a hidden collection of ancient magical books. Among them, she discovered the secrets of controlling lightning and water—powers that resonated deeply with her. She began training in secret, practicing spells late into the night, fueled by a determination to grow stronger.

As time passed, Bravely honed her abilities. She could now summon lightning with a flick of her wrist and control water with ease. Her power grew, but so did her longing for the life she had left behind. Zenjin's absence was a constant ache, and though she had grown stronger, the bond they had shared was irreplaceable.

The Rebirth of Zenjin

Back in Aether City, Zenjin had fully embraced his role as a "Dark Vigilante." His father's death had hardened him, but it also gave him a sense of purpose. A sense of fighting for revenge for his father, his mother, and the memory of those he had lost.

But deep down, he still thought of Bravely. He wondered where she was, if she was safe, and if their paths would ever cross again. His resolve strengthened as he continued his nightly patrols, ridding the streets of the criminals who thrived in the shadows.

A Future Together

Though separated by distance and time, Zenjin and Bravely were connected by an unbreakable bond. Each was preparing for the day when fate would bring them together again, stronger and more powerful than before. Zenjin, with his mastery of Wolf-Ken and metal manipulation, and Bravely, with her newfound command of lightning and water, were on a collision course with destiny.

In the dangerous, ever-changing world of Sol-Z, their story was only beginning—the story of two childhood friends, bound by fate and a shared destiny, ready to face the darkness together.

The Birth of a Legend had only just begun.