† Apollo † Oddball † Q-Tip †
† Male † Pure-blood Vampire & Day-walker † Elder †
Age : Unknown
Appears: mid to late-20s
Birthday: August 18th
Zodiac: Leo
Birthplace: Scandinavia Region
Occupation: Business Owner, Kingpin
EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING...
We all have our beginnings. His happens to start in a home located in the middle of nowhere. That's the way he has always thought of it. Somewhere in the mountains, beneath the dark and looming cliffs, and subject to the forever howling winds. A place where there is little sun and even the wildlife doesn't choose to stray towards. His beginning started there with a complicated family. It wasn't until he left home that he felt like the true beginning of his life was upon him.
As an Elder his history is too long to recount for every living soul. He's made too many enemies, human and supernatural alike, along the way. But there are a few things he can confirm. He wasn't there for every big historical event. For those that he was apart of, he found a way to know some of the key players. He took a fasination with almost every war. When he didn't dabble in warfare and grew bored of humanities repetitive need for it, Apollonius chose to follow his pursuits in business...or partying....whichever he felt like doing even though they tended to go hand-in-hand.
Don't mistake him. A vampire's memory, while good, isn't perfect. No one can expect that he'll remember every little thing. Some of the history books have it wrong anyways. History is always told from the perspective of the Victor so it doesn't surprise him. Always remaining hush hush on the matters, and to not embarass himself on what he doesn't remember, Apollo keeps his lips sealed about anything related to the past. Though when inquired about, he'll gladly share what he does remember.
EVERY STORY HAS A MIDDLE...
A little over two decades ago, Apollonius decided it was time to wage his own war. The war to end all wars. Or so he believes. Tired of watching fueds between species that no longer hold the ground they used to, Apollonius seeks to bring harmony among the supernatural world. There are whispers that he is leading a rebellion and the only reason he is able to get as far as he has is because he's an Elder. Sometimes, it's an advantage to be old.
Recuirting efforts began with his motley crew but have since expanded to included supernaturals in every city. There is no limit to what they can achieve when brought together. While it is a little contradictory in nature, warriors in his band of misfits are taken on a volunteer basis. No one is forced to wage the war with him. Some only seek refuge, neutral grounds where they can come together to get along. Others want to fight to end the bloodshed and centuries worth of deceit and misguided values. Everyone has their own reasons for joining. Those that do are protected by everyone. They rally to protect their own. While they are on their way to creating the peace he seeks, everyone knows that Monsters are still monsters and their leader doesn't stray from using a heavy hand or the darkness he was given.
He's no fortune teller. Can't see the future or predict what is going to happen next. All he knows is that he dreams of a day when the conflict is over. When supernaturals come together and live in a strange sense of harmony. A time where useless bloodfueds are resolved and children aren't expected to hold the grudges their parents instilled in them. As far as he can see, the end is nowhere near. The middle of his story is still being written. Hell, he would argue he is still tangled in the beginning of something new. Only time will tell. He just hopes he finds the Kingpin on the otherside of the war before it's too late...
MODEL LOOKS: IF YOU'RE SEXY AND YOU KNOW IT CLAP YOUR HANDS
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 188lbs
Build: tall and lean
Tatttoos: None. Maybe he'll consider one.
Scars: Plenty. Not all vampires heal the way you think.
An anomonly from his siblings in everyway, Apollonius's appearance is as stark of a difference. Glacier blue eyes peer through long lashes most women are jealous of. Longer platinum blonde hair is almost always combed into place, but still allows for a few runaway strands. Skin slightly kissed by the sun but still on the paler side. What can a vampire do? Always clean shaven. Clothes undeniably pristine and pressed. Common outfits include dark jeans and a dress shirt of some kind. He doesn't mind t-shirts, but when running a business he always needs to look the part. Casual for him still looks put together and he takes pride in his appearance. Bussiness man or Fraternity boy? He's been described as both.
SHINNING PERSONALITY: LAWFUL NEUTRAL/CHAOTIC TENDENACIES
Lawful Neutral: At first glance he comes off as the silent brooding type. He watches and waits, seeing everyone and everything around him. When he is done being the observer, however, Apollo transforms into a social butterfly: undoubtedly dramatic, self-confident, and playful. He gladly engages in conversations, preferring ones that are centered on deeper topics compared to trivial matters. There is a nautral prowling elegance to his movements, a confidence **coughcough* and flamboyancy *coughcough* that demands attention, and a silent dominance in his curiosity. He's brave, hard to challenge, and damn near impossible to hurt or kill. Arrogance is often mistaken for his confidence, but everything about him is genuine, including that bourbon soaked charm. With a burning determination buried down into the bone he carries his head high with his shoulders back and a consistent cheshire smirk on his lips.
Chaotic Neutral: Having lived a long life, it's no surprise to Apollo that he's gone from one end of the spectrum to the other. Survival makes everyone do things they'd rather not. Only in the last decade or two has he transitioned to a more welcoming sort of character. His fued with his eldest brother drives him to do things he'd rather not speak of. The traits however are there. Obsessions can get out of hand. Being heavy handed has it's perks. Selfish gains are driven by selfish motives and fulfilled by selfish actions. Deceit can be second nature. Different times call for different measures and he isn't afraid to go there if he has to.
"Careful where you step, Sweetheart. Not all that lurks in the night hides in shadows. Some Monsters are made of Sunshine & Gold, smiling at you from across the street in broad Daylight."
Blood relatives
Family is a forgein concept to him. The word is thrown around enough times that he understands that 'family' is supposed to the people you are directly related to. Nature predetermines that the womb you came from and the seed that bore you are your parents. Any other poor soul lucky enough to share the same womb is a sibling. By maternal and paternal instincts as well as nature's defined laws, this family is "supposed" to care about you.
It's all a crock of shit.
Maybe in some families this is true. He witnesses it often enough among humans that he hopes, for their sake, it is. Yet there's always a dark twist and only time is willing to share what it is. In Apollo's case, he's one of three children. The middle child of a broken family and he's long since been estranged. Viewed once as the Golden Boy, no pun intended, he was on the receving end of an abusive relationship with his older brother, worshipped by his mother, and showered with 'tough love' and strange dissecting behavior by his father. He wasn't able to make sense of the dynamics until he was in the first century of young, twisted life. Quickly Apollonius silqouied himself, learning when to walk on egg shells and when to go bat shit crazy. It wasn't until she came along that his perception changed.
After her soundless birth and the three day ritual that took place, Apollonius snuck into her room in the middle of the day. The slumbering house didn't know any better. He propped himself up on the bed beside her, those wide doe eyes looking at him and her little hands reaching out to his face. She cooed at him and that's when he forever became wrapped around her little finger.
Sianoa Grimm (Mother) and Ragnvald Grimm (Father) unknown status (NPC)
Apollonius, while in the beginning was on good terms with his parents, now harbors a deep sedated hatred for his father. Somewhere in his heart, he's been able to grant his mother forgiveness. They used, abused, and took advantage of him for his talents.The hatred stems from turning the siblings against each other.
Demitrius "Demitri" Grimm (Older Brother) - unknown status (NPC)
Convinced by his parents that his brother attacked him out of an innate hatred and disgust for what/who Apollo was; Apollo has spent his entire life in retaliation for it. Apollonius swore he would be faster, stronger, and better than Demitri so that one day he would finally be the monster Grimm wanted him to be. Unbeknownst to anyone, his relationship with his eldest brother shaped the values he lives by now.
Freya Grimm (Younger Sister) - Handling Seattle Headquaters (NPC)
This little hellion is a storm of chaos at the heels of their enemies. As frigid as her powers are and she attempts to be, Apollo is one of the few who sees her 'soft' side. She is someone he always wishes to protect. This is the only one who he never felt abandoned him in his family. They are a strange pair. Best friends. Wing-man/Wing-woman and all. Onlookers may mistake them for lovers, especially with how much they tease each other, but their opinions are far from the truth.
Shameless Flirt
Interests (x1) Past or Present?
Non-committal but not impossible for more.
TEN YEARS AGO...
A long hallway painted in black stretched on for what felt like miles. You've already crossed through that rackety door from the alleyway. A strange place for the entrance to any place of business. The hallway smelt of fresh paint and primer. Makes sense since the walls caught the light as you walk by. The paint was still drying. The nearer you came to the room at the end the better you heard them: Young monsters talking of things that should never be.
"Have ya ever been in love, Apollonius?" A female's southern accent filled the air. Quieter than it normally did but that's due to the expansiveness of the room they were in. Massive and more like a warehouse main floor than the back-end of a building's first floor.
"Love?" A confused but pleased voice responded. For a moment, silence settled between them. Why ask a question like that?
"Yes, love. Idiot. You know when-"
"I know what love is , Rosewillow."A breathless sigh slipped past his lips. "No, I've never been in love. "
"Have you ever wanted to be in love?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because love gets in the way."
"In the way of?" A playful growl rumbled in his chest. Apollonius rolled from his back onto his side. One arm propped up his head while the other reached out to touch her cotton candy colored hair. That crazy long mane of hers laid sprawled out beneath her head. Stark contrast to the grey floors and her fair flesh. It's a rare moment for these two. They are the only ones to see this side of each other. Carefree, innocent, and blissful. The time when hopes and dreams have yet to be retaliated by reality.
"Of doing what's necessary."
"Necessary is a blurred line, Apollonius. You know that."
"I do and my resolve remains the same."
"Will you ever fall in love?"
"God, I hope not." A fond smile pulled at his lips and softened those glacial eyes. There was a romantic hidden behind his layers.
"Why?" Rosewillow turned her head to meet his. Faces mere inches away. Green eyes, the kind cut from emeralds in a swirling green jungle, peered up at him.
"Because it means I would be a sap. And what good would I be then?"
1980s in a Witty Dublin: The City of Words...
Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Somewhere in the middle of his, Apollo met her.
It's their beginning.
He's an elder. If you were to ask him to remember every detail in history he'd fail to and even more so fail to put a year to it. But her, he will always remember her. Long before he met Rosewillow and began his new war Apollonius stumbled across his Little Red. In a world of monotonous daily grind, grading papers, TAing at University, this nose in a book, shy creature captured his attention. The elsuive, deer in the headlights look that overcame her anytime he came near made him wonder: what lurks behind those distant eyes and sad smile? Who made her that way? What would happen if she smiled? Determined to find out (and reluctant to believe this shy fox wouldn't give him the time of day when every other woman would), Apollonuis made it his mission to become her friend starting with her attending the study group he leads on English Literature and Magic.
{RP in Progress. Stay tuned for more}
Few people enter into Apollo's life that he is willing to trust or hold dear. Beyond his sister and those loyal to him that make up his crew, there are only a select few he would even consider friends. There are even fewer that he would admit were or are lovers. A deep rooted fear keeps Apollonius from admitting to anyone that he cares for them. The only ones who will know are the ones on the receiving end of it. He puts on a good face for his enemies that he keeps everyone at arms length. But in all reality everyone, including those he recruits for his cause he cares for deeply. Like any battle though, there are casulties in war. Beneath that movie star appearance or attitude, is a loyal, protective, and honorable friend/lover.
TWINKLE TOES † FUN SIZE † SMURF
PESKY HUNTER † OBSESSION
After they interfered with each other's hunt, Apollo invited the Hunter along for an adventure. He has Rogues to kill and she is a Hunter. Their relationship is mutually beneficial. At first, he did it out of curiosity: he wanted to know more about how the Fun Sized Smurf ticked. They bantered in a way he didn't with others and it was bound to become an obsession. She keeps him on his toes and he knows he does the same for her. He invited her into a world she knows nothing about: His world. Will she come to regret it or love it?
Part 1
Q-tip: "What do you know, the Smurf has a sense of humor..."
Twinkle Toes: "Am no' a fuckin' Smurf, ya bollix dit."
Q-tip: "Fine. No Smurf. You don't seem as mischievous as them anyways and that wouldn't be any fun. Twinkle work better?"
Twinkle Toes: "Am warse than a Smurf could ever be."
Part 2
Q-Tip: “Sure you aren’t a Smurf? You sure are playful enough to be one. Fun sized, too.”
Twinkle Toes: "Ya want yer dick 'fun sized' too? Am sure I could take off a few inches perfectly fine."
LITTLE CRIMINAL † MINI ME † SMARTASS
CINNABUN † PRECIOUS HUMAN
This precious little vessel first crossed Apollo's path in a bar. With a sweet promise and cheers to the next "bite" Apollo promised to cross Omega's path again. Omega doubted the toast would ever come true. Never doubt the Elder. For in his promise, Nikolas walked straight into trouble. Dabbling in his own curiosity he neared death three times in one night. First at the hand of Ricky, and twice by the equally as sarcastic Helena. Hence Nikki boy's nickname, Smartass. In his own mischief, Apollonius rescued the mortal from his companions and whisked him away for a healing drink. Apart they are completely different. Together they are smooth little criminals. Breaking and Entering may just become a habit...
Part 1
Apollo: "Come on, we'll go around back."
Nik: "Serious, are you really...?"
Apollo: **pulls hard on the door handle of a bar to snap the lock after hours**
Nik: ...
Apollo: "Oops. I'll send them a check for it later."
Nik: "You've gotta be kidding me."
***silence as the two of them become criminals***
Every leader has his followers. The best teams can sometimes be the ones unintentionally formed. Surprise! Through the years, Apollo collected his fair share of enemies. Apparently, he collected his fair share of allies as well. The motley crew he has surrounded himself with are the ones he calls family. More than his own flesh and blood. While his recruits are critical to The Cause none of them share the same place on the chess board.
Each with their own selfish motivations, his band of misfits chose to follow him into uncharted territories. One of them called him a "mad man" for thinking he could change the order of things. Yet, here they all are. Apollo entrusts his life to each of them. They've shared bloodshed, tears, lows and highs, and celebrations together. They serve a unique purpose on the team. Each run a special aspect of the daily operations while simulataneously plotting the end of the on-going war. Blood makes you related. But Loyalty, makes you family. This is his true family.
Characters listed below are NPCs. They often show up in the story with an active role to play and help move things along. If Apollo isn't your cup of tea, these characters may also be played separately. Choose your adventure.
"Rip" "The Spy/Ghost" - Unknown
Not much is known about their resident spy aka Ghost. Apollo has known him for as long as he can remember and he still doesn't know the man's abilities, species, or even his real name. Ripley is loyal and acts without hesitation. Often a step ahead of the Elder. Apollo owes Ripley for saving his life. Multiple times. In the centuries that Ripley has come in and out of Apollo's life, he's said few word (most assume he's mute), changed appearances often, and altered his personalitiy more. Believed alignment is true neutral. True alignment, unknown.
"Rose" "The Informant/Voodoo Princess" - Voodoo Priestess
They met in New Orleans. She was your resident voodoo witch and running a shop known as The Black Cat. He stumbled across her path and because of his past dealings with witches decided that she was the one he wanted to befriend. Rose is his business partner. Provocative, expressive, and quick-witted. Her alignment is Chaotic Neutral with Chaotic Evil tendenancies. It's hard to turn a woman of her caliber from her wicked ways. She may be on the 'side' of good, but the lines are always blurred. Don't be confused, she's always out to get her way.
"Hel" "The Cleaner" - Wendigo
Their story and how they crossed paths isn't a story often whispered. All anyone knows is that somewhere along the way, Apollo did something for Helena. Ever since, she has been in his debt. While their story began centuries before Apollo ever met Rosewillow, Helena didn't join the motley crew until a few years after everything began. He summoned her and she came. Alignment is chaotic good. She's brash, easily tempered with Ricky, enjoys taunting others, and sarcastic. But she always acts within her limits. "Take a walk on the wild side, kid" is her motto.
"Ricky" "The Tracker/Enforcer"- Turned Vampire
Country boy turned into a military grunt. Cedric would never say this was the best time of his life. While deployed he attempted suicide. In the midst of a war torn land and on the brink of death that his sire came along. She likes to believe she "saved him." In truth, she only brought him from one hell to another. Newly turned and not at all in his right mind for how he could control himself, Apollo gave him a way. He doesn't believe in the cause but he's more loyal to Apollo. He's lawfully good, cocky firecracker, and always wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Codes from: Coders Unite
FC for Rosewillow: Kelly Eden
FC for Ricky: Benjamin Eidem
FC for Helena: Fishball Suicide
FC for Apollo: Lucky Blue Smith
Anything Swan related is part of an on-going joke.
Feel free to ask if you want to start being a part of it.
Picture credit goes to their respected artists/model(s).
Comments
That's all folks. See you on the other side.
Update above.
The other stood up with ease, and the other more or less managed. When a hand was offered, the youth wasn't so pride filled that he didn't take the assistance when it made things easier. Halfway up on his own, he took the hand offered and steadied himself once he was on his feet. One man's threat was seemingly another man's nuisances... although another nod of understanding came, needless to say he didn't hold the other two with nearly the casual regard as the other.
The voice of Helena from afar seemingly snapped his attention upright just as he heard it. A glance to the side was given when she had spoken, seeing the other male supported over her shoulder. A smile... laughter. Was it still at his expense? Maybe. Was he hearing it inches away from his head? No. Omega took a small amount of relief from the fact that it was laughter rather than a snarl or otherwise. A careful smile came of it. "Hey, don't even worry about it!" He hollered back in a hoarse voice that grew worse as it neared the end. Immediately after falling into a fit of coughs, head lowering as he covered his mouth, the other bracing on the wall. Why the hell did I... was all he could think.
Catching his breath he looked back to Apollo with a coy grin. The reference didn't fall on deaf ears, he had a bit of a childhood to his name after all. He rose to stand straight again and took his hand off the wall. He looked in the direction the other had mentioned and nodded. "Yeah... yeah I'll be fine." He responded with a tone that was almost too lofty. And so they started walking.
Granted the other was taking his sweet time for him, he kept up. Moving doable once he'd started. Readjusting his sleeves his hands slid into the pockets of his jacket likewise. His eyes flickered to Apollo at the question. A moment's pause and his head shook. "If it were... my parents would've owed me an explanation, y'know that?" He paused at the thought. "No it's... more like a given name is all." His eyes drifted away from the other to do a sweep of the streets. All his eyes caught were street lights and silhouettes, yet they were becoming clearer little by little. "It's Nikolas. Can call me that. Can call me whatever, just don't shorten it any."
A smirk was flashed momentarily once more to the statement. They certainly had a deal at that... regardless of how easy he had failed at the later of the two once already. While ever ounce of sense left in his head was expecting the interaction to go as otherwise. It wasn't. He was left feeling a bit dumbfounded to the fact but there wasn't going to be any questioning on his part. Not now. He'd take it over the alternative that he had come so close to reaching.
"...call it a talent I guess." Omega responded.
A talent? One that left him heaving on all fours, wondering whether his luck would've been better with a sensory overloaded vampire and a hostile... whatever 'Helena' was? One he was going to feel for two or three days. One he hadn't called upon and yet he was feeling the aftermath. And yet that's right. He left it at that and glanced back to the elder vampire quietly.
Suddenly the quarreling in the background made sense in his head. English. Omega's head tilted some to glance back at the two, a brief flicker between the parties when Apollo sighed. He was getting a hint of what was going on... pecking order, who was who in the group of three. Who was older despite how faces weren't all that descriptive of age in the supernatural world. He still didn't have the slightest clue what was going on in an alleyway during witching hour... perhaps the chance to ask would come, for better or for worse.
Upon seeing Helena's glance back down the alleyway, instinctively he let his gaze lower for the moment having the memory fresh in his head of what she could do when closer. Shifting from the ground to Apollo. An air of authority... order. Order was the word. Order had returned to the situation that was a tad chaotic before he had even walked into it. Words were something to be taken serious once again come the appearance of the person whom now spoke them... he was curious as to why. 'Boss' was a hint in itself but it didn't stop his head from reeling.
"A drink..?" Omega uttered as his eyes officially came front and center to the other. Skepticism wouldn't be missed in his voice and yet, he certainly hadn't been shut down to the idea. Getting out of the alley at this point was necessity. Regardless, moving from rest didn't hold the same urgency as that. Still promises were promises, and what he was being promised didn't sound half bad. "Alright... you've got me." He responded. Readying himself, Omega moved to get up. A harsh breath or two left him as he pulled his weight off the ground, taking his sweet time as he got his feet back under him.
Although breathing was coming back to him easier and easier, the burning wasn't going anywhere for the rest of the day, he had a feeling. Better his lungs burned and his heart pounded than otherwise, even if in those brief moments prior he would have debated that. A sense of ease came all the same when his focus had settled on a source he derived a lessened anxiety from... whether it be the truth or a comfort in his head.
Regardless of whether it was or not, to his surprise the other male was sitting down. The attire the other wore didn't quite match the city's alleyway scene as well as the younger perhaps, but he was making his home there all the same just across from him. Back to the wall and everything. Omega's hear lowered briefly and a hand ran through his hair. With his composure returning, he could sacrifice a second or so for it right now. "I won't ask him then... how's that sound?" He compromised, hinting some amusement. With his senses coming back, another glance down the alley in noticing he hadn't managed to catch a word from the others. Nikolas was oddly forgotten. Either that or they were injured and warded off well enough, they knew to put their aggression elsewhere.
His eyes shifted back to Apollo when he spoke next, ignoring the other two all the same and giving up at trying to catch context to their bickering. Omega gave a half smirk to his response of it. Alas, it was wiped away but the very next sentence. A wayward glance found its way towards the pair further down the alley in recollection... odds were he'd still have to plea his case. His gaze returned to Apollo's a bit more guarded than it had prior. His jaw tightened for a moment and he swallowed, letting his knees draw closer to rest his elbows on either respectively. "Yeah... probably right."
Probably..? Omega took in all of the other's words. Each assumption, the limited timeline painted by it. Helena... so that was her name. He noted it in his head. His eyes settled on the pavement just past his feet, midway in the alley more or less. There was a vacant look of concentration for a half second or so before he finally spoke. "...Couldn't sleep, headed out for a walk... stuck my nose too far into an alleyway, and I fucked up." He responded. The ambiguity of his response matched that of his expression as he looked up.
Jett was more than willing to let the strange blonde go, especially after the puss in boots act. Though as the stranger paused and peered over his shoulder, beckoning Jett's attention. Our red-head began to follow. Eventually through his trudges, he was able to catch up to the man he still had no name for. Would he ask for a name? Most likely not. Something more important weighted on his mind.
Game.
"Game you said." Jett stated more than questioned, though clearly it was meant to be a question. So he was not human after all. It wasn't uncommon anymore. The world was changing, modern times not only held humans but supernaturals of all shapes and sizes. Hell, he'd even met this blonde ditz of a Fae at one point in time. she did a horrible job of existing with humans. It was a miracle she survived as long as she did.
Irish Pirate
"Jett." He replied firmly, clearly not caring for the nickname he'd been given. A single green hue shifted towards the acquaintance he currently walked beside. The fact that he was most-likely not human left Jett a bit more at ease. The very few humans Jett did interact with were thankfully, mute or one time flings. It was the questions. He couldn't get over the questions humans asked continuously. They weren't really that different. Most still used their five senses, spoke English..Walked on two legs. MOST. He hated those mutts, call it his mother's genes but Jett wasn't crazy about the Lycan species. They were, filthy brutes.
His right hand readjusted itself in his pocket while his left hand remained still in the opposite. A single green hue, now roamed to the blondes own features, a quick look over of those ice blue eyes. "So where will you be taking me?" He spoke as if he had no free will. Though clearly Jett was along for the ride.
Perhaps the vampire had even more honor than any human. She felt nothing. No remorse, pain, or longing whenever she killed anything. Or humans; but maybe that was just human nature. Why should she fret and to do something when people, monsters, and life gets killed off every single day regardless on if it was by her hands or not? It was the world she lived in, she just accepted it better.
Point blank and simple, attachment made people weak, Alice was not weak. Course, she didn't see the greater good of things; ore the ultimate sacrifice. What she saw was how selfish she was and if something needed to die than she would kill them. No questions asked. There was no room for care when her life was at stake, and in this case it could very well be.
That all being said, Alice didn't waste a damn breath of a air while Apollo had been stabbed. What would that do on her? Granted she was not pleasured by it either. He was an elder. Stronger, faster and far more durable than any human, especially herself could ever hope to be. So him stabbed? Nothing It was his own fault, his own attachment, these were his people, yes. But they chose to attack, if they had as much sensibility or care as Apollo himself than they all wouldn't be in this situation. The elder would not be staring into the eyes of his supposed kin who'd just poked himself a blonde ass kabob and all would supposed be well with the world.
Alice focused on what she could see a dark figure that gave the look of a teen attempting a foolish but fruitless act of the night. Virgin, innocent almost. Alice knew a newborn whens she saw one. And with the help of her own human blood it might be driving this little girl crazy now. Was she willing to lay down her life for a fight that she could see they were losing at? Or did she get the hope of winning seeing the stared leader of this stark brigade take some wood to the gut?
Alice saw her weak spots. Her head wasn't in the right wing and her body was not as fluid and graceful as other vampires. She was sloppy, and Alice used that to her advantage. Alice brought up that pistol of hers and shot it straight into the vampires kneecap. Stellar healing or not, that would fucking hurt no matter who you were. Either she ran it off or not it was no difference to her. It only mattered that the girl was slowed and if Alice could get close enough. Her stake in her hand gripped tightly and she went for aiming. Be too slow and there went her guts all over the floor. Was the girl quick enough or trained enough for hand to hand? Or had Alice damaged her enough to be able to move in quickly enough, block a few faithful hits and nail her in the chest cavity before another decided to attack her? Alice did not intend to die here tonight, so it better fuckin' be. Sure ad hell wasn't going end up like Q-Tip over there; in fact, how was he taking that wood?
Hit, block. Alice's forearm to just below her wrist. Change again but this time from the neck. The girl growled savagely. What was it meant to be a vampire if a mere human kept her in place like this. Alice could understand her though. To be younger, full of a new life and powerful as hell yet have a fucking worm in the road, blocking your good day and casting shade over what could be your big moment? Alice felt like that with her too, but she had reason to live, and she was angrier than fucking ever. It was hardly a fair fight either. "Must be hard," Alice panted between kicking the chick directly in her jaw with her long, steel booted legs. "Seein' these so called friends of yers die." Demoralize her. She was still human in some sense, she could attack this girl from the inside out too. "What makes ya think yer goin' down any different? Do yerself a favor lass an' drop now." Alice says all of this while here eyes followed every movement of girl, any sign of straggling or looseness, that's where she would strike, that's when she would get her chance. That one moment of blissful surprise and the head of her stake sliced through skin, muscle, between ribs then eventually flesh to take the bitch down. Had Alice made it? Was her hand drenched in blood yet? Alice could taste it. She was so close.
A slow approach was something new to him this evening. With the other two strangers in the alley moving with a predatory gait to their steps, having the footsteps to track as they approached at least gave him time to think. It would have been far more appreciated if it weren't for the lightheaded-ness he felt and the sensory overload of trying to catch up with the last minute or so of activity in the space. Another shift of his eyes as he took them off Apollo and to the others behind. He saw red on the brick wall that didn't belong there. All for the best that he was at a distance, save his stomach from whatever lie behind. He heard the woman's sounds of pain yet, and the sharply hissed words that were going between the two. When the head vampire had spoken once again his attention snapped back with more immediacy.
Yeah... and what about you? He'd counter rather anxiously in his head, conserving his energy from speaking it aloud, dare he step on anymore toes than he had. Where had he come from, in the least? He didn't know, but perhaps that split second speed shouldn't have surprised him any longer. His own inherited speed, on the other hand, was another story. It was taking far more patience than he had for the burning in his chest to subside.
Footsteps stopped, he recognized that. The presence of the other was made note of where he had settled not too far away. A wary glance was given via peripheral anyways in knowing a casual pose could turn to something deadly within the second. Still... he noticed a difference from the new 'visitor' in the woman. That sensation of one being on the brink of snapping just wasn't there in the same way. While his head dropped some it turned slightly to put watching the other as a higher priority.
His brow furrowed to the thought. All he could focus on was the need because all he could see otherwise was doing without it. He let his head drop from watching the other and he gave it a try regardless. Begrudgingly or not, his breaths came a bit slower as he made heavier use of each and the shaking of his hands were under control. Before long, his head raised. So did his body. Only to get off his knees and to take a seat on the concrete. His back to the wall, his head tipped back all the same.
"...Apollo." He uttered the name just as quick as it came to him. One answer line filled midst the others he hadn't gotten hints to. His head tipped to look at the other all the same. His pose suggested defeat to the prospect of anything other than sitting still. "Y'know I wasn't meaning to keep that promise..." 'Omega' muttered in an exasperated tone. His hues shifted slightly past the elder vampire to the other two down the way. "... really wishing I hadn't." He added in a quiet yet dismal tone. The sarcasm he laced into those words didn't hold near the bite they had before. All the same, his eyes landed on Apollo with a glint of curiosity.
"You're not just here by chance... huh?"
One hundred feet. Give or take. At max capacity that was as much as the creature could muster from it's human shell at a time without threatening to cause true damage to it. While far more durable than the last, it was still a pitifully constraining thing to be held to. With the conclusion of said distance, that control on the human it once had gripped tightly was loosening. With the moment having passed it had little choice than to wither back into hiding and resume its dormancy.
The sounds that had let loose within the alley during that time went as details missed. The demon wasn't listening. Nikolas himself was rather less-than responsive following panic and the out of body feeling that came from the switching of 'drivers' in a sense. It was coming back now, slow but steady. His vision, while blurred, was coming back. He heard sounds. The grotesque landing of the new arrival to the alley was met with a flinch but no true explanation to mind quite yet. By the time Apollo had turned full attention on the unexplained visitor, a collapse was already underway.
Stumbling forward to take a rough knee on the pavement, he regained full consciousness just in time for his arms to come forward and catch him to avoid further contact with the pavement. The human's chest was heaving. His lungs stung from the inside out like a drowning victim right before giving in to their circumstances. His rib cage was moving quicker than an average person's should following physical activity. He was alive, as far as he knew. But still the sounds of the alley were flooding back to him. Remembering the sound of the impact. Recognizing a voice he hadn't prior. The unmistakable scream of the woman's voice that rose hair on his arms without the assistance of the demon.
All that could wait. While he was alive, he felt like he was dying all the same. He hunched forward some to nearly put his head on the ground, focusing on keeping his heart from rupturing. So the demon could do that. Stellar. He thought, news to even him. Sleep aids were one thing. If this turned out to be reoccurring, he'd need a supernatural inhaler to keep up with it.
He heard the alias. His head snapped up from the ground and he willed himself to sit back on his heels where he knelt. In turning his gaze back, the first thing to hit him were the groans of the vampire in the distance. Coming into closer focus, he saw feet moving forward at their own leisurely pace. An upward tilt of his chin and he hardly believed it. His eyes met the other with a rather wild look to them. Skin pale, cheeks reddened. It'd be a few moments before speaking were an option, but he was attentive.
"...R.. ight." He finally croaked. Catching his breath little by little, he was putting some effort into remembering the other's name.
Two words alone couldn't be too scary, could they? Those two words in particular? They struck like lightning. An unspoken possibility to begin with but all the same, the gravity of those words were setting in. He couldn't quite control his pulse from its steady climb. If he had known what the woman behind him truly was, perhaps he would have focused his energy on it wholeheartedly, but no. Hindsight was only 20/20 if he got to look back in the end. Bloody hell. He should have taken some Nyquil and tried to sleep off the demon's demands to remain awake.
Although it pained him to take attention off the immediate predator in front of his eyes, he was reminded all the same. Goosebumps risen on his skin, the closer she became. The hair on the back of his neck. A slight shake to his hands that rest at his sides. Was that his doing or the demon? Nikolas' jaw tightened sensing she had drawn closer. He didn't like close contact from anybody, and that was a fact. It made his skin crawl to some degree, yet he was far too still for that now. As he tried to control his breathing to keep his composure, it was heard. A short yet wary glance was cast to his shoulder where the other was in sight, yet he dare not move his head. Then and again, forgetting to breathe altogether his breaths quickened.
Once more the kid was surveying his options. It wasn't looking good by any means. One end was blocked by the obvious. The other, being her. He couldn't read that situation in the least no matter how hard. Instinctively his entire being said don't move. Don't step back, certainly don't step forward. Don't try and duck out to the side like an idiot. Speed wasn't his friend here and everything was serving as a reminder. You don't have this figured out, okay!? You don't have the right to even fuck with something like this! Now you're going to die for it and for what!? Why didn't you-
...
For once, Nikolas became the internal hysteria as his mind raced and his expression was wide eyed. The shaking of his hands slowly grew to cease. The goosebumps became nonexistent. An already disoriented vampire might not catch the darkening of his already near-black hues into the real deal. What they both would... was the drop in heart rate to follow. It was slowing dangerously, nearly putting forth an expectation that it would stop altogether at a certain point. Yet it didn't. While his body remained tense, the lines of stress on his face smoothed over to an expression near 'null'. A stare of vacancy watched the vampire carefully... When he lunged the hosted demon swiftly took over.
He was moving. And fast. To how the seemingly human body could mimic the speed of something far more supernatural was beyond reasoning. One moment he stood still. To the next the wendigo's hand would feel a draft as it lost contact with his back. The male's heart rate suddenly went back to sky rocketing. With a speed that nearly matched that of the vampire's own the demon had bolted- the direction chosen being the opposite end of the alley, separating himself from the threat. Yet, with the further he made it between the buildings it grew more and more apparent: It was a survival tactic, not an escape plan.
He was slowing, and considerably. The speed tapering off like an Olympian at the end of their race and yet, he had hardly gone one hundred feet. What was the kid thinking? He wasn't. The demon was. And the heathen only knew fight or flight, with little in between.
In front of him? A bear trap. Something worse than a bear trap, lying unconscious on the concrete and he had to go wake it up. Set it off. Put his foot in the trap. Behind him was a wild animal he didn't have the name to, and despite any comment that'd leave his mouth he knew she wasn't joking in the slightest. Past the vampire, down the way, his only exit unless he decided to try flying that morning. Still, it was a distance. While he had some tricks up his sleeves for maneuvering about, that distance was simply too long. It would leave him likely at the mouth of the alley exhausted, soon to be dragged back in for some far worse fate than attempting to revert what he'd done.
They run. Nikolas answered in his head to the woman that seemingly breathed down his neck the first glance he gave that terrible option #3. He tossed it out without a second look. Taking a steady breath, instead, he started walking forward. Little by little, as if reserving the option of backing up quickly. It was a human instinct... maybe the thought would count but he was at odds with reflexes here. He begrudgingly lowered, made contact, and spoke his words uttered under his breath.
In all truth they were words he didn't even know himself. To how such witch-like tactics same to him was a mystery all the same. He was under the assumption that the demon's knowledge was his, yet he could only look at one book at a time. Never to look about the library itself as a whole. Yet now, the rattled off the tongue like words spoken to an old friend, destined to be forgotten the moment he closed his mouth.
Wrapped up in his own escape plan, to suddenly feel a presence and a hand on his back stopping his motions sent ice through his veins. With nothing short flash of near death look on his face, his feet stopped the instant the touch was registered and he gave a sharp yet short inhale in response. Anxiety would have been sensed in heavy waves in that very moment, tapering off gradually after she had spoken. He took a breath, and for once, he listened.
As much as he'd wanted to cast a glance back to get a read on the predatory woman holding him at hand-point, he didn't take his eyes off the other male in front of him. Still her words chimed behind his head loud and clear. The vampire was shifting. Moving. Unlike a human's scrambling in the morning he had the poise of a lion rising from rest. "...what about once they've woken up?" Nikolas uttered apprehensively. He was digging for reassurance yet knowing he wasn't going to get any. What in bloody hell had him here? He could have kept on walking and yet he was faced with the possibility of having his throat ripped out or worse. That now settled heavier on his conscience than before. The vampire was on all fours, and the Host was once more treating breathing like a past time.
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