Bio: Soul Dancer

Aatma Nayikas are all blessed with powers by the god Shakti.  Shakti gave them the ability to tap into Brahman’s (the one soul) power through their Atma (soul).  There are several abilities that they gain from this, below is a list of these powers.

It was a dark and dangerous time on Earth. The Rakshasa man eating demons of old rose up and left a path of death and destruction across the land.  The people prayed to the gods for help, it was Shakti who answered them.  She chose four devout and virtuous sisters to be her earthly Aspara giving them divine powers to fight the evil sweeping the land.  Thus the Aatma Nayikas (Soul Dancers) were formed.

The sisters were a force that the Rakshasa could not defeat.  Quickly they retreated and the land was at peace once again.  Shakti in her wisdom new that Aatma Nayikas would still be needed as guardians, she gifted each of the sisters the ability to pass down their powers to their first born female child and that child and their future descendents would be able to do the same, thus ensuring that their would always be a Aatma Nayika to protect the people.  Knowing this the people put forward the mightiest human warriors to be the husbands of the sisters.  Their belief was that from the mightiest stock an even mightier child.  The Sect was formed to choose who the Aatma Nayikas would marry.  As time went on The Sect assumed more duties and provided assistance to the Aatma Nayikas and their charge of protecting the people.  As the Aatma Nayikas were replaced The Sect gained more control over them, deciding what evils they would fight, who they would marry, and when they would pass on their powers.  They also separated the Aatma Nayikas, giving each of them a area to protect, so that they might respond quicker to situations that required their attention.  This is how things remained for over a millennia, until one of the current Aatma Nayikas; Amisha Rangan fell in love and chose her own husband.

Amisha Rangan is one of the most powerful Aatma Nayikas The Sect have ever recorded.  Not since the first Aatma Nayikas has a woman been able to tap into Brahman (supreme soul/source of all) through their Atma(Soul) as deeply as Amisha can.  She is unmatched in her fighting prowess, stunning in her beauty, and her Dance can mesmerize even the most savage of beasts.  The Sect looked upon Amisha as a sign that they were following Shakti’s will, because if such a powerful Aatma Nayika came to power under their guidance surely The Sect must be blessed.

 When Amisha turned 18 The Sect began the search for the perfect warrior to be her husband.  After a year long search they found who they thought was a suitable match a decorated soldier and Kalaripayattu master named Ajay, Amisha was betrothed to him, and on her 21^st birthday they would be married.  Amisha met the man many times over the next two years and while he was strong, handsome and polite, her heart did not call out for him.  Her sisters and mother told her that she would come to love him as they have all come to love their chosen husbands, but Amisha did not feel this was right a marriage is a happy and joyous occasion, not an obligation. 

One year before her marriage Amisha was on a mission, a Rakshasa cult had kidnapped a number of children in order to perform a ritual to open a gate to Naraka to allow them to return to Earth.  While infiltrating their compound Amisha came across Chhaya (Hindu word for shadow) a little known adventurer that some believed to be a thief, like Amisha he too was there to rescue the children.  Amisha demanded he leave, that no normal man no matter how skilled would be able to deal with the number of cult worshipers in the compound.  Chhaya told her that he would only have to deal with them if they knew he was there, and no noisy woman no matter how powerful would be able to sneak in and rescue the children without his help.  An argument ensued that nearly tuned into a fight until they both heard the beginning of the blood ritual, the children were about to be sacrificed.  Putting their differences aside Amisha and Chhaya quickly devised a plan to rescue the children.  The plan worked smoothly, Amisha was the distraction defeating many of the cultists while Chhaya snuck the children to safety.  With the children safe Chhaya returned to help Amisha with the remaining cultists.  Seeing their defeat imminent one of the cultists sacrificed themselves in order to release a Rakshasa. 

Surprised by the demon’s appearance Amisha was unprepared for it, and it quickly stunned her.  Chhaya quickly leapt to her defense, and though he fought valiantly he was but a man versus a supernaturally powered being.  Chhaya was unable to stop the Rakshasa, the demon battered him until he lay broken and near death.  The Rakshasa turned to finish Amisha, but the brief moments Chhaya bought her was all that she needed to recover, pulling power from her Atma Amisha began her dance and fought the demon, but this Rakshasa was different from ones she faced in the past, it seemed stronger, faster, and seemingly growing in power as Amisha pulled on her Atma for more power from Brahman.  As both combatants kept increasing their power Amisha wondered if this would be the fight where she reached Moksha, where her she has drawn so much power to her Atma from Brahman that hey have become one, having achieved ultimate power and enlightenment, but leaving her dead moments after achieving it.  Many Aatma Nayikas have fallen this way in the past, sacrificing themselves in order to defeat a powerful foe.

Amisha could feel the moment coming, her power grew and grew to heights she never dared go before, her senses heightened she noticed Chhaya was surprisingly conscious despite his injuries, he was watching the battle, unable to help.  She glanced at him their eyes locked and she felt his Atma, it was strong, and he was willing to share it with her.  Amisha drew upon his Atma increasing her power, and finally overpowering the Brahman.  Atma killed the Brahman, and then went to Chhaya using her powers to try to heal his injuries.  She was able to stabilize him, but his injuries were so severe, that he would need a lengthy recovery.  Amisha brought him back to The Sect’s refuge where their doctors would be able to tend to his wounds.

Over the next few months Amisha visited Chhaya daily as he recovered.  She was intrigued by this mere man who gave so much of himself not only physically but also spiritually to help save her.  Both of them felt a connection between them, one that neither had felt before, as time went on and the spent more time together they both realized that they were in love. 

Torn between her duty and her love Amisha struggled with the choice before her, fulfill her duty as a Aatma Nayika and marry Ajay who The Sect chose, or follow her heart, go against tradition, and marry Chhaya.  Amisha struggled with the decision; Ajay was a good man, who she could tell had already developed feelings for her, but her heart called to Chhaya, Amisha felt that she would be dishonoring herself and Ajay if she married him, while secretly loving another.  She knew that the best course would be to marry Chhaya. 

Knowing that The Sect would never approve of their marriage, Amisha and Chhaya decided that they would marry in secret.  Amisha felt she owed it to Ajay to tell him of her decision, and although it was a risk revealing their plan to anyone, Amisha felt it was the right and honorable thing to do.  Amisha met with Ajay and confessed her feelings for Chhaya, and their plan to secretly marry.  To Amisha’s surprise Ajay was supportive, he explained that he did indeed love Amisha, but could tell that she never felt the same for him.  He did not want her trapped in a marriage The Sect chose for her, she deserved better then that.  He released her from any obligation to marry him, and told her that if she ever needed him for anything that he would be there to help her.  Touched by his honor, and understanding Amisha was brought to tears, Ajay did deserve better then what their marriage would have been, she thanked him for his understanding, and wished him well.

Amisha and Chhaya were secretly wed when she turned 21, and was away on a mission for The Sect. Weeks later when she returned, she informed the leaders of The Sect, what she had done.  They were furious at her for selfishly dishonoring the tradition, her position as a Aatma Nayika, and of Shakti.  However there was little they could do, her honor has been given to this thief, her destiny was now with him.  The Sect reluctantly accepted Chhaya.

Amisha and Chhaya lived happily as a married couple.  Despite his skills as a thief Chhaya did not go on missions with Amisha, he remained behind, and found his place in teaching his skills of stealth and infiltration to Amisha, her sister Aatma Nayikas and the warriors that The Sect employed.   When Amisha turned 24 The Sect leaders approached her, they advised it was time for her to have a child, her firstborn would be blessed by Shakti to be female as has all previous Aatma Nayika’s first born have been so they can begin training the child to receive the powers of a Aatma Nayika when it came time for Amisha to pass them on to her.  Amisha considered what the leaders of The Sect and she discussed it with Chhaya, they decided that to have a daughter born of their love for each other, who would have the best of both of them in her, and who they could raise to be a great and powerful Aatma Nayika would be a very good thing.  The informed The Sect that they were ready to have a child.

It was as if their decision was blessed by Shakti, it was a few weeks later that Amisha discovered that she was pregnant.  The next 9 months were a blur for Amisha and Chhaya, The Sect Brought in the best doctors to care for her, and preparations were made for the arrival and care of Amisha’s daughter.  How surprised everyone was when the child turned out to be a boy.

The Sect immediately announced the birth of a male child a sign from Shakti that she was displeased at Chhaya being Amisha’s husband, that she should of followed tradition and married he man The Sect chosen.  They further said that the birth of a first born male chills ended Amisha’s blood line, that she would not be able to pass her powers on.  The Sect declared they must study the ancient texts and records as to what to do to return the blood line on the proper path.

Amisha and Chhaya though did not concern themselves with what the birth of a male child meant, they had a son who they loved.  The focused on caring for their child, but as time went on they found that many at The Sect refuge began to shun them; they were beginning to feel unwelcomed.  Amisha and Chhaya decided it might be best to leave The Sect refuge, to finally be alone living their life as they wanted.  Chhaya began searching for a place where Amisha and he could happily live with their son.

The leaders of The Sect learned of their plan, and knowing that they were about to lose control of the most powerful Aatma Nayika they knew they had to act quickly.  One of the leaders Asija announced that he had a vision of how to restore the bloodline.  They had to sacrifice both Amisha and her son, so that the power could be returned to Shakti, then one of Amisha’s sister Aatma Nayika’s female children would be chosen as the new bloodline.  None of the leaders were pleased with the idea of having to sacrifice Amisha or her child, but none of them saw any other way.  They crafted their plan on how to capture Amisha, while Chhaya was away preparing their new home, The Sect would have Amisha’s food drugged, once she was unconscious abduct both her and her son and they would keep both incapacitated until the ritual.  Two weeks later with Chhaya away they enacted their plan.

When Ajay discovered that Amisha and her child were captured, he appealed to the leaders of The Sect to change their plans, that Shakti may have purpose for this male child that they are unaware of.  The leaders dismissed Ajay’s appeal, he was a warrior and not a priest, he had no way of knowing Shakti’s will.  With The Sect set on its plan to kill Amisha and her child, Ajay left to find Chhaya to tell him of the Sect’s plan and to help him save his family.  Between Chhaya’s skill at infiltration, and Ajay’s contacts within the guards of The Sect, they were easily able to sneak in and rescue both mother and child.  Chhaya then called on some of his old contacts and had all three of them quietly smuggled out of India and into America, where they would hopefully be able to hide.  Ajay returned to The Sect refuge, to monitor their attempt to find Amisha and her family, he would notify them when they were getting close to locating them, so they could safely relocate, and remain hidden.

By the time the leaders of The Sect discovered Amisha and her child was gone, they knew it was too late, they were well aware of Chhaya past and his skills at hiding.  So they would have to be patient.  They knew Amisha would not be able to remain hiding for long, her desire to help and protect people would overwhelm her and she would use her powers.  So they watched for reports of heroes matching her description and waited.

Over the next two years Amisha Chhaya and their son, moved all over the United States, keeping a low as profile as possible, which was sometimes hard to do.  Amisha was surprised at how far evil has spread she uncovered Brahman influence in several cities, she always thought that The Sect sent her to where the greatest evil was to fight, but she learned that in the big picture she was only fighting it in a small area and that The Sect squandered her powers and abilities only helping those that they judged worthy of help.  Amisha went out and helped as quietly as she could, but she soon learned that some villains do not like things to be quiet and sometimes her exploits became a little to noticeable and they had to move.  Thinking about their situation Chhaya thought that sometimes hiding in plain sight is the best way, so Amisha and her family moved to Metropolis a city full of heroes, where Amisha could join them, become part of the super hero community, and there with them they would be able to make a stand against The Sect if they were to come.  Together Amisha and Chhaya fashioned a costume for Amisha and decided on the name Soul Dancer (a English translation of Aatma Nayika) as her hero name.  Amisha now proudly fights evil where she finds it, living her life the way she chooses and with the family she chose.

Soul Dancer powers come from her being an Aatma Nayika. 

 

Aatma Nayikas are able to increase their physical and mental attributes.  They can increase their Strength, Speed, Dexterity, Perceptions, Durability, and Physical Regeneration; the more power they pull through their Atma the more these attributes increase. 

Aatma Nayikas are able to share their Atma with others calling on Brahman’s power to heal others.

Aatma Nayikas have an affinity with nature; with great concentration they can command plants. 

Aatma Nayikas are all graced with great beauty by Shakti. They are among the most beautiful women found on Earth.  When they fight they use their beauty as an advantage.  All Aatma Nayikas are trained in Kalaripayattu a martial art, and dance form. When fighting, Aatma Nayikas use what they call “The Dance”. When they begin to draw on their power through their Aatma, it also increases their presence or apparent beauty to those who see them; the movements of their fighting form accentuate this.  Those not involved in the fight cannot help but stare mesmerized by the Aatma Nayika, those fighting her tend to be distracted by the sensual but deadly movements.  The effect of “The Dance” are mild, those of strong mind and will, can shake off or even resist the effects, also those who have a true love will be able to resist, but all are at least briefly affected once “The Dance” begins. 

Shakti has marked her chosen Aspara on Earth with Henna.  When an Aatma Nayika uses their power Henna tattoos form over their body, as they draw more power into themselves the Henna glow brighter.

All Aatma Nayikas have a risk of drawing to much power from Brahman into their Atma.  If this happens the Aatma Nayika enters Moksha, where their soul is merged with Brahman.  This is the ultimate state of being, granting the Aatma Nayika god like powers, however their physical form is unable to contain this power, and their body dies as their soul ascends.  Once Moksha occurs a Aatma Nayika has approximately one minute before their body dies. There is no way to stop Moksha once it occurs.

           

Even though all Aatma Nayikas receive the same training Soul Dancer has displayed different abilities and received additional training.

Soul Dancer is the most powerful Aatma Nayika The Sect has ever recorded.  She has far exceeded the levels that send most Aatma Nayikas into Moksha.  She is the only Aatma Nayika to have shown the ability to draw power from others Atma.  This power seems to be unrelated to inducing Moksha, and has on one occasion even help prevent it from occurring, How much power she can draw from others, and even if this power is dangerous to others is unknown at this time.  Soul Dancer only uses this ability as a last resort, and only from those willing to offer their help.

Soul Dancer has mastered Kalaripayattu and all its weapon styles, but she favors the staff, and dual sticks, feeling that these two forms help her most when she enters “The Dance”. 

Soul Dancer is also an exceptional acrobat; this ability increases as she calls upon her power.

Her husband Chhaya has taught her techniques in stealth and distraction that other Aatma Nayikas have not had access to.