nio penkins of sanctuary 097 (p)

Name: Nio Penkins

Age: 17

Gender: Non-binary(they/them)

Allegiance: Sanctuary 097

Rank: Level 4 Fugitive

Appearance: Nio is a short, thin teen. Their brown hair falls in tight curls down to their jawline, but Nio always pushes behind their ears. The only thing suggesting that Nio isn't quite like other kids their age is how their eyes glow a bright, piercing yellow. Their skin is rough and dry, but the feeling doesn't bother them much.
     Accessories/Scars: On their forehead there are two circle-shaped scars which are lighter and contrast to their dark brown skin. Around Nio's neck is a homemade necklace made up of scales that had fallen from the few times they had shifted into their dragon form.

Personality: Nio is both a bright minded and a bright eyed kid. They always want to make other people happy, as that brings them joy. But below their bubbly exterior, there's a lot of guilt, self-doubt, and often just... Nothing. In stressful situations, Nio often unintentionally lashes out and pushes people away, and tears themself up physically and mentally for whoever they hurt. But at their core, they really want to be accepted and loved, and have a family of their own.

Magic
     Positive:
          Vision - Nio can, at their own will, see in thermal vision. It's especially helpful in the dark, as body heat doesn't leave at night. To do this Nio has an extra eyelid per eye, while almost invisible to others, catches the heat signatures through the protein channels said eyelids are mainly composed of.
     Elemental: Fire is the way Nio goes. They can create and manipulate fire, or even completely engulf themself in it. It doesn't harm them, but leaves them often dehydrated, and their skin is always dry, no matter the amount of creams and lotions applied. While they have near perfect control over the fire they create, sometimes accidents happen. When they sneeze, sometimes embers fly out and burn their clothes. When they're startled or scared, nearby objects may burst into flames or start smoking. It really do just be like that sometimes.
     Negative: Very rarely, Nio can shift into a red dragon. Not one of those fake ones with only 2 legs, they're very adamant about that. Their dragon form is 5 feet tall and 9 feet from nose to tail. They can transform pretty quickly, maybe 10 seconds, but transforming back can be very difficult.

Illnesses: Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder, Claustrophobia

History: Nio had a generic childhood. Until they were about 13, that is. They were born a boy, so when their parents found out via a teacher reporting to them that Nio was non-binary, they were furious. Nio was beaten until they grabbed a few belongings and fled to the streets. With only a few granola bars and a blanket, they struggled to survive on the streets. They got assistance here and there from shelters or kind families, but could never stay long, for they thought of themself as a burden. The only thing keeping Nio from succumbing to suicidal impulses was the idea that their body would be there for someone to clean up. Eventually, after about 8 months after running away, a social worker started talking to Nio. They were confused at this new interaction, but enjoyed the company. The social worker, introducing himself as TJ, offered Nio a home. At least, a temporary one. So Nio 'moved in' to TJ's house with his wife and kid. They felt happy, and wanted. But they overheard TJ on the phone talking to what they could assume were their parents. It was like a rock in their stomach. That night, Nio left again. Someone came out from an alleyway, their face obscured by a hood, an offered them a syringe. Nio was instructed to take it to take away all of their pain, and the hooded figure would take care of the rest. In their state, Nio couldn't refuse. They just needed to get out. So they went back to TJ's house and took it. They felt... Normal. We're they ripped off? Disappointed but somewhat relieved, Nio went to say goodnight to TJ's kid, a spunky 6 year old named Ronny. Then they started feeling something. An intense, searing pain in their back. Well, everywhere really. They cried out, and TJ and his wife ran in. Upon seeing Nio, the pair froze. TJ's wife pushed him behind her. "Who and what are you? Get away from my son." Those words have stuck with Nio for the rest of their life. They looked down at their hands, which were red. At first they thought they were bleeding, but... They were scaled and... claws? Ronny ran to his parents and told them it was Nio, but something was wrong. After a night of fear and tears, Nio was finally back. But TJ called the police, and within a few hours Nio was being taken to a place. A 'Sanctuary'. They hoped there was a new, happy beginning. Oh, were they wrong.