Caleb Zheng

**Caleb** is one of the potential love interests in Gilded Shadows. He also features as a major character in Endgame routes that are not his own, and can appear in other routes in small roles.

## Appearance

Caleb is a relatively tall muscular man with straight black hair styled in an undercut and brushed to one side. He has impressive eyebrows and dark brown eyes.

Caleb also possesses a black out tattoo on his right arm in a geometric design.

He is seen most often in his black and white uniform, which consists of at white shirt with black designs, as well as a cropped jacket. He generally does not wear the jacket unless he is out in the field.

When dressed casually, he wears a peachy-coloured long sleeved shirt.

## Personality

Caleb is a quick tempered, blunt man who shows little patience for dealing with things he considers annoying. Though he comes across as brusque and unfeeling, Caleb is riddled with excessive anxiety about his colleagues and friends, which often presents outwardly as anger.

Though impatient and blunt, he cares very deeply for his friends and will go out of his way to talk to and encourage them. He is comfortable talking about his feelings but can struggle to open up about his anxiety specifically.

When he's not struggling with his anxiety he can be fun to be around and enjoys teasing his friends. He enjoys banter and good natured bickering with others - and his tendency to get comically angry means he often bears the brunt of others trying to tease and provoke him for a response.

## Abilities

* **Clairvoyance** - Caleb possesses clairvoyance like others but doesn't appear as adept as people of other ranks.
	+ "Sphere" - Caleb suggests that his sphere is small and he's not good at clairvoyant awareness (such as when he was unable to tell if Morgan was in her flat when she didn't answer the door.
	+ "Reverse Cage"
* **Telekinesis** - All Espers possess telekinesis, including Caleb, but it's unknown how strong his general telekinesis is.
* **Bio-kinesis** - Caleb's primary ability is bio-kinesis, a highly specialised form of telekinesis used on one's own body. This inclues all forms of sensory enhancement, though he is particularly adept at enhancing physical strength and speed. He is one of the strongest characters physically, even when not enhancing himself.
* **Physical regeneration** - Enhanced regeneration is a common ability of all rooks. This allows Caleb to heal from injuries faster than other people.
* **High Intelligence** -Caleb also has naturally high intelligence, which he demonstrates in several situations (including comically breaking into Morgan's flat when she won't answer the door and he is concerned she may have injured herself somehow).

## Relationships

#### Ari Vaughn

Ari is Caleb's best friend and they have known each other since they were young teens. Caleb was one of the first people that got to know Ari when he was released from the lab and was one of the ones who helped him adapt and learn to socialise normally. Ari is always willing to listen to Caleb's frustration or help him blow off steam while playing volitant. Caleb sometimes drags him out to clubs to 'have fun' though having fun isn't Ari's strong suit. To him, Ari is one of the most important people in his life.

#### Yuu Sasaki

Yuu and Caleb have a pleasantly antagonist friendship. Yuu persistently gets on Caleb's nerves but they were quite close when they were younger and Yuu very much views Caleb as a surrogate brother to Caleb's annoyance. They frequently chat and play chess together. And Caleb enjoys his company far more than he lets on.

#### Jack Viscer

Jack is Caleb's former best friend. The two hit it off as soon as they met as children and were known trouble makers. Their personalities and abilities complemented each other perfectly and Caleb always thought of Jack as his brother and a perfect teammate. When Jack left Endgame without telling him, Caleb was deeply hurt. This happened during a time of massive upheaval and loss so it felt like a personal betrayal - one Caleb never recovered from. Though he understands why Jack felt the need to leave, it doesn't diminish the hurt he felt that Jack left without telling him. However, as angry as he still is, he is always truly relieved when he receives an update that Jack is alive and well.

#### Magnus Ulrich

Caleb has known Magnus since they were both children and had an embarrassing crush on him when they were in the academy together. After Sylvia Viscer's death and the turmoil that followed, he found himself frustrated by Magnus' bizarre behaviour. Their currently relationship is antagonist on the best of days but Caleb still views Magnus as family. And though he wants to throttle him half the time, he truly wishes he could help Magnus through whatever is troubling him. And finds it hurtful that Magnus doesn't seem to trust the rest of them any more.

#### Vanessa Scott

Van is one of Caleb's good friends - a teammate, a drinking buddy, and someone that is fun to hang out with. They've known each other for years and have a very comfortable and amicable close friendship. Though they give each other a hard time constantly, it's just a sign of their trust and care for one another. Like with everyone he cares about, Caleb would do just about anything to ensure she is safe. Almost losing her once was enough. He doesn't want that to ever happen again.