Silent Storm – Character Biography

Full name: Aiko “Silent Storm” Bao
Date of Birth: 14 February 2012
Place of Birth: Shanghai, China
Mother: Hana Bao
Father: Kenji Bao

Early Life

Aiko Bao, later known as Silent Storm, was born in Shanghai, China, in 2012. From birth, Aiko was profoundly deaf. Doctors told his parents, Hana and Kenji, that he might struggle to communicate and would always live in silence.

But Aiko’s silence was never empty. As a child, he developed a unique bond with animals. Birds would perch on his shoulders without fear. Stray dogs followed him home. Even the shyest creatures seemed to understand him. His parents often joked that he lived in “a world of whispers no one else could hear.”

Growing up, Aiko’s quiet nature made him an outsider at school. Bullies mocked him for using sign language or for not responding quickly. What they didn’t know was that Aiko’s silence held a secret power.

Moving to Shetland

When Aiko was nine years old, his father Kenji was offered a job in marine engineering, supporting Shetland’s fishing and renewable industries. Hoping to give their son more space and opportunity, Hana and Kenji moved the family from Shanghai to the Shetland Islands.

Here, surrounded by seabirds, seals, and windswept landscapes, Aiko’s gift only grew stronger.

Discovery of Powers

One afternoon, while exploring the cliffs near Out Skerries, Aiko saw a puffin trapped in fishing net. As he reached to help, the puffin looked directly at him — and he understood its fear. He wasn’t just imagining it. He could communicate with animals.

From that moment on, Aiko realised his silence was not a weakness. It was a bridge. While others filled the world with noise, he could hear what no one else could: the voices of the animal kingdom.

The Extraordinary Eight

When Aiko joined the Extraordinary Eight, he became their quiet protector. His ability to speak with animals turned out to be vital — whether it was guiding the team through storms with the help of seabirds, or learning of hidden dangers from creatures others ignored.

Though he rarely used words, his actions spoke volumes. Among his friends, Aiko was never misunderstood.

Legacy and Message

Silent Storm’s story reminds children that silence is not emptiness — it is power. He shows that disabilities can reveal hidden strengths, and that listening with the heart can sometimes change the world more than speaking aloud.