Armando J. Santos

Arman Santos is a Captain of the Prefects at Thirlcrest Academy, and is played by optimusprimefan2847.
== Appearance ==
Arman Santos stands at 6'1"—his defined build a testament to years of rigorous physical activity. He favors dark attire: often seen in a black long-sleeve shirt with rolled sleeves, complemented by blue jeans that highlight his physique. His brown hair, always slightly tousled, and his observant eyes lend him a warm yet serious demeanor; marked by a distinctive mole on his left cheek. Arman's accessories tell their own story—primarily wristbands and watches handed down by his father, symbolizing his deep connection to his heritage and personal journey. The combination of his carefully chosen attire and meaningful accessories presents a striking figure, blending his unique background with his personal development.
== Characteristics ==
As a veteran member of the Prefect program, Arman Santos exemplifies a unique blend of kindness, competence, and unwavering discipline. Transformed by a pivotal moment at 14, when a traumatic school fight led to juvenile detention, Arman’s journey to Thirlcrest Academy was marked by challenges that shaped his character. The school's administration kept his past confidential, ensuring he had the opportunity to rebuild his life without the weight of stigma. Despite undergoing counseling, which provided him with coping mechanisms rather than complete resolution, Arman emerged as a young man with a strong sense of purpose.
Arman is often seen as a figure of quiet authority within the academy. His experiences have instilled in him a deep sense of empathy, making him approachable and kind, especially to those who struggle to find their way. His competence is evident in how he manages his responsibilities—whether it’s organizing events, mentoring younger students, or enforcing school rules with a firm yet fair hand. His organizational skills are second to none, allowing him to juggle the demands of his role while maintaining a level of discipline that inspires those around him. His approach to leadership is rooted in respect and understanding. He knows the importance of balancing authority with compassion, and he strives to be a leader who listens as much as he directs. His controlled nature doesn’t just manifest in his work; it’s a core part of who he is, guiding him in his interactions and decisions. Arman’s kindness, paired with his authoritative presence, makes him a respected and trusted figure at Thirlcrest Academy, someone who others look up to not just for guidance, but as a role model of what it means to be strong yet disciplined, authoritative yet considerate.
== Character Background ==
Arman Santos is a towering figure, his mixed Somali, European, and Hispanic heritage giving him a unique and striking presence. He has observant, thoughtful brown eyes and dark, wavy hair that often peeks out due to its bounciness and length. Despite his impressive height and solid build, he carries an air of gentle determination and quiet resilience. Known for his thirst for knowledge, justice, and life, he embodies the values instilled by his hardworking parents, Zahi and Valentina, who raised him in a lower-class household in Beaumont, Texas. Though raised with the modesty of the humble, his parents soon became well-known within their town—elevating their status from the bottom of the barrel to well-off business owners and investors.
Born on January 7, 1991, Arman's early life was marked by his parents' relentless struggle to provide for him despite their financial hardships. Zahi, a former Muslim turned Christian with strong conservative values, and Valentina, a devoted mother with a tough upbringing, worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Arman's childhood was modest but filled with love and support—fostering his energetic and extroverted nature. His early years were shaped by his father's playful yet disciplined approach, introducing him to various sports and instilling in him a sense of creativity and uniqueness.
As he grew, Arman faced significant challenges—including a traumatic fight in middle school that shattered his confidence and led to severe bullying. This experience ignited a desire for change; he built a superior physique and basic boxing skills, which became both a blessing and a curse. Despite these struggles, his family's unwavering support and his inner determination pushed him to endure and strive for a better future. The turning point in Arman's life came when he decided to take matters into his own hands, leading to a violent confrontation with his bullies and subsequent arrest.
This event earned him a stint in juvenile detention and the nickname "Saint," marking him as a force to be reckoned with. Realizing the impact of his actions on his future, Arman chose to enroll in Thirlcrest Academy in Maine—seeking redemption and a fresh start. There, he joined the Prefect Program, quickly becoming a trusted Hall Monitor and later, Captain; using his experiences to protect and guide others, determined to make amends and build a better life. He is now seen patrolling and assisting around the campus—choosing diplomacy over violence most of the time. While others view members of his group as psychopathic control freaks willing to harm anyone who comes in their way, he values character and justice—rarely acting on corruption unless his hand is forced.
AS AN HALL MONITOR Arman explored various alternative programs and activities to help him refocus and control his unchecked anger. This journey led to a significant transformation by his sophomore year, as his involvement in clubs and acting as a "shadow" to other student groups or school programs guided him toward the Prefect Program. Despite the rumors and the ridicule its members often faced on campus, he was drawn to the program's confident leadership and the benefits it offered, particularly the increased likelihood of admission into prestigious institutions. Being renowned in the program would demonstrate to admissions offices that he had evolved from a struggling, violent delinquent into a well-respected and established student, assisting faculty in enforcing school rules.
There, he quickly met and became acquainted with Neville Le Houerou, who was the Head Prefect—or "Head Boy"—at the time. Arman and Neville bonded over their shared difficulties, both having gone from being picked on, bullied, and harassed to becoming strong, clear-headed rule enforcers at Thirlcrest. Neville went on to mentor the younger Arman, who was still a fresh and inexperienced monitor—during this time, he also became friends with Omari Sawyer, André Castillo, and many others. As Arman began ascending the hierarchy, he became friends with Lucas Silva. Lucas was—lacking a better term—hard-headed and incredibly one-sided in his views. However, due to Arman’s impressionable nature, Lucas seemed like a secondary form of leadership that he could confide in.
Silva was incredibly biased and inherently worked to throw anyone he disliked under the bus. He was quick to gather and manipulate others to follow him, positioning them under his wing as if he provided a protective net through his leadership—a sense of organization on a scale most couldn’t match. This manipulative behavior eventually led to his fallout with many who came to see through his facade and shunned him for his actions. People like Luke Powers, Elena Liu, and others began to view Arman in the same negative light they did Silva.
It didn’t take long for Arman to recognize the wrongdoings he had been complicit in—throwing other Monitors under the bus despite them doing nothing wrong, simply because Lucas had led him down this path; his blind loyalty to Silva and the consequences it brought. The weight of these realizations caught up with him, leading him to make the difficult decision to resign from the Prefect Program, even after reaching the rank of Senior Hall Monitor (Captain) and despite knowing he was a candidate for the prestigious position of Prefect, commonly associated by their teal-striped vests and navy blue blazers. Under the encouragement of his Uncle, Edward Chabert, he soon returns after a long leave.
AS AN CAPTAIN After returning to the program, Arman faced a difficult road ahead. The position he had previously occupied had been renamed, and significant changes had been made to the structure of the program. For a while, Arman suffered greatly—having to prove himself once again and demonstrate that he wouldn't abandon the program as he had before. The Monitors who had been his peers were now Prefects, and many held complicated and disdainful opinions of him. Cast out as a black sheep for much of his time back, Arman faced numerous tribulations—but these challenges helped him improve as a solo act and reconnect with the toughened, enforcer-like Hall Monitor he had once been.
It didn't take long for others to start getting used to his presence—especially Luke Powers, who had once reprimanded him—sometimes even pretending he didn’t exist. Over time, Arman managed to position himself as one of the more seasoned, veteran members—gradually climbing back to his former standing within the program. His background, coupled with his ability to remain clear-minded and his willingness to lend a helping hand wherever he could, caught the attention of the former Head Captain, Aiden Adler.
After months of getting to know each other, Aiden and Arman became as close as best friends. Aiden often confided in Arman—valuing his ability to stay clearheaded, do what needed to be done, and maintain a strong sense of morality. Despite being surrounded by emotionless sycophants who were obsessed with the authority and prestige that the "teal" of the Prefects symbolized within Thirlcrest, Aiden found solace in Arman’s grounded perspective. The two frequently engaged in deep conversations—with Aiden seeking Arman’s advice on matters both personal and professional.
At the peak of Arman's return as Captain, his impressive development in leadership inspired others to follow his example—solidifying his reputation as one of the most trusted and competent Captains within the program. While managing the interest of many who sought to join and mentoring several others, he formed valued friendships with individuals like Marcus Grave and Brandon Dawson. These two, often seen as little brothers to him, were known for their cheerful and upbeat personalities—bringing a sense of camaraderie to the group. Despite the strong bonds he formed, Arman understood the importance of maintaining a balance between friendship and responsibility. He knew when to prioritize tasks and discipline over being friendly and aloof, ensuring that neither he nor those he cared about were put in harm’s way. This ability to lead with both warmth and authority further cemented his position as a key figure within the Prefect Program.
This sense of stability was soon disrupted by tragic events. During summer break, while in town, Aiden—one of Arman's closest friends and a key member of their group—was brutally attacked. A thug from a notorious group of criminals nicknamed "The Townies" by the inhabitants of Southperry inflicted a vicious slash wound to Aiden's back with the sharp blade of a machete. The incident was kept under wraps to maintain the image of the program, and it took some time before word of the attack reached Arman. By the time Arman learned of what had happened, it was too late to intervene. Aiden, upon recovering, made the difficult decision to resign from the program—giving up his position as Head Captain. He withdrew from all interactions with members of the program, including Arman, distancing himself entirely from the life he had once been so deeply involved in. The event marked a painful and significant turning point—not just for Aiden, but for Arman as well—who struggled to reconcile the loss of his friend's presence and leadership within the program.
Despite Aiden's withdrawal from the program and his avoidance of anyone associated with it, Arman never gave up on their friendship. He frequently checked up on Aiden—making sure he was okay whenever he saw him in person. Aiden knew that Arman had nothing to do with the circumstances that led to his injury, yet he still ignored Arman, burdened by his own feelings of guilt and self-disdain. Each encounter weighed heavily on Aiden, but Arman’s persistence and unwavering concern eventually broke through the barriers. With consistency and perseverance, Arman’s efforts to reach Aiden paid off—leading to the rekindling of their friendship. Their bond grew even stronger, and after some time, Aiden decided to return to the program—finding solace and strength in their renewed connection.
Yet, tragedy struck once more. After Aiden’s return, Arman was entrusted with Aiden’s paddle by Luke Powers—a symbolic gesture that came with Aiden’s full blessing and an official recognition of his capabilities. Not long after, Arman found himself in a dire situation. While leading a group of new members through a town alleyway, they were ambushed by Vesper—the leader of the Townies and a former student of Thirlcrest Academy. Vesper recognized Arman and demanded a “tax” for safe passage through the alley—threatening to beat them all if they refused.
Facing an impossible decision, Arman chose to sacrifice himself to ensure the safety of the others. He stepped forward, taking the brunt of Vesper’s wrath to protect the new members under his care. His selfless act ensured that all those with him returned unscathed, but it came at a great personal cost. As Vesper's thugs descended upon him, Arman was brutally beaten before being dragged off to their turf. A trail of blood splotches marked the path where he was dragged across the asphalt, leading to the Townies' abandoned trainyard—a notorious area they had claimed as their own.
Vesper, intending to use Arman as a bargaining chip against the Prefects and Luke Powers, had him brought to a makeshift interrogation area. Despite his dire situation, Arman showed no fear. Instead of confessing any details about the plans that were being drawn up against the Townies following Aiden's brutal attack, Arman defiantly spit a loogie full of blood and saliva into Vesper's eyes. Enraged, Vesper ordered a beating with the intent to end Arman's life. Bats, fists, and feet came crashing down on Arman's defenseless body—each blow designed to inflict maximum pain and damage. The beating left him on the brink of death, nearly crippled. By the time he was found and rushed to the emergency room, he had lost so much blood that his survival seemed impossible. Yet, through what could only be described as a miracle, Arman managed to cling to life. Despite surviving, the cost was immense. Arman was left with severe injuries—requiring the long-term use of a leg brace due to the damage inflicted on his leg, and temporarily needing an arm cast to support his shattered limb. The physical scars would remain as a constant reminder of his sacrifice, but they also stood as a testament to his unwavering courage and loyalty.
Incredibly, Arman's strength and resilience soon rewarded him. He was highly regarded for his sacrifice, becoming even more well-known and respected. His miraculous recovery from an incident that should have left him dead or crippled only added to his legendary status. Wasting no time, Arman took action against the Townies in any way he could. He reported details about them from town to his superiors in the program, such as Mason Tasker and Omari Sawyer, and even intervened in a town brawl where he reclaimed stolen bats from the school that the Townies were using against students.
During the reclamation of the bats, one of the people he saved, Arzeal Einar, attempted to rat out Arman for supposedly commanding other Monitors to assist students in the brawl. While it was true that Arman had requested assistance, it was only to Marcus, who was standing directly beside him. Arman did not force or coerce anyone to follow his orders—fully understanding the weight of his authority. Arzeal soon became one of the most disliked, if not hated, Monitors within the program—leading to his eventual removal from the program after a situation instigated by Skier Jones, who tried to get Arman into trouble.
Even now, Arman remains indisputably one of the most competent and skillful Captains, despite all his hardships. He is recognized by those who know him and feared by those who oppose him.
== Relationships ==
Relationship Key:
* Cherished 
* Respected 
* Friendly 
* Acquainted 
* Complicated 
* Uneasy 
* Disliked 
* Hated 
=== Neville Le Houerou | Mentor & Good Friend | Cherished ===
The former Head Boy stood as one of Arman's idols when it came to student prestige and academic goals, being good friends with him under the new school year, his departure led to Arman leaving the program and eventually returning months later. They had shared several conversations and many moments of mutual respect. 
=== Edward Chabert | Mentor & Uncle | Cherished ===
Arman's uncle, Edward Chabert was almost like an father figure to Arman when he was struggling. One of the primary reasons why he came to Thirlcrest Academy, Chabert was former-military, his authoritative and disciplined disposition came as a huge inspiration towards Arman's personality. They share an close and strong relationship as nephew and uncle.
=== Aiden Adler | Best Friend | Cherished ===
Someone he had become well acquainted with following his return to the Prefect programme, long afterward he had left due to burnout. Aiden was aware of Arman's history and, thus, was partially reliant on him for advice and comfort during stressful times. The two are seen often conversing in town or patrolling together on campus, their conversations usually being meaningful or intellectually challenging.
=== Marcus Graves | Good Friend | Cherished ===
Arman and Marcus hit it off as colleagues who quickly became close due to their shared struggle in the programme, mostly due to Graves getting into a multitude of fights, varying many locations, Arman would constantly have to assist in many battles. With respect for each other's capability in high-stress situations, they realized they shared much in common — despite having different passions and hobbies. Opposites do indeed attract.
=== Caesar Anderson | Good Friend | Respected ===
Caesar was greeted by Arman the moment he saw him, he was seen as being one of the more tolerable Hall Monitors of the Prefect programme. His lax demeanor yet serious tone, made for a good combination for garnering respect and attention from others who were usually unruly with those aligned with campus authority. The two soon became closer after Arman had stayed by his bedside until he had been discharged after being stabbed.
=== Yuan Xinyue | Good Friend | Respected ===
Arman respects Yuan, noting his impressive tenure during his absence as one of the more veteran and grizzled Captains within the programme — despite his naturally shorter and thinner stature, his strength was paradigm to "stronger than he looks". Xinyue serves as a model for the perfect Captain, and an even better friend.
=== Brandon 'Brand' Dawson | Good Friend | Respected ===
Initially, Arman disliked Brandon — at least, during the time of his return — he was dreadful, always having a pessimistic outlook on everything outside of his circle and out of Prefects, for one reason: the influence of other Prefects who behaved in the generic psychotic manner. Arman quickly figured out he was more than just the rumored maniac that the school pressed the image on of the average Prefect programme member, and with time, developed a liking for Brandon.
=== Omari Sawyer | Friend | Complicated ===
From close friends to mere colleagues, and eventually, to a strained superior-subordinate relationship—Omari and Arman’s friendship has deteriorated rapidly, with much of their shared history shrouded in mystery. Their bond, once strong, unraveled almost overnight. The turning point came when Arman was severely injured during an incident where he sacrificed himself to the Townies, allowing a group of Monitors and program applicants to avoid a harsh penalty. Following this, Omari began exploiting Arman's physical limitations, seemingly using the opportunity to settle a personal vendetta against the very friend he once treated with respect.
=== Lucius Victors | Mentor & Friend | Complicated ===
Arman and Lucius have known each other since Lucius was just a budding young Monitor within the program. However, during Arman's leave, he became out of touch with the typical authoritative demeanor and behavior expected in the role, even losing the basic ability to carry out his responsibilities within the program. Like muscle memory, it didn’t take long for him to regain his once-lost effectiveness under Lucius’ tutelage. However, it didn’t take long for them to lose any form of closeness due to Lucius’ inability to form relationships based on more than just "respect" (likely due to his alleged ASPD). Eventually, Lucius’ methods proved too brutal for Arman to agree with. While he appreciates Lucius' capabilities and methodology, Lucius is simply too violent for his own good. Nonetheless, Arman still respects him.
=== Lucas Silva | Friend | Complicated ===
Category:Characters