† 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
--- Intentions were steadfast, yet the smell of smoke did not go unnoticed – The familiar wafts filtered through his senses, trickling in a tainting pool cast within cathedral ribs. “Pray, tell me… what is a god to monsters~?”
Apollo’s acceptance to the challenge was met with a grin– a wry expression cloaked in confidence, dancing gingerly upon the thin wire over the dangerous realm of mockery. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
An incantation danced upon his tongue, and the F L A M E obeyed – a wall of fire burst from the ground, encircling them, dancing in tendrils of a deep violet and black that rose into a dome which barricaded the two from the outside world. The fiery surroundings morphed, and all became an inkwell void; shapeless, endless, completely colorless save for their own distinct figures.
Space between them closed, and the red-haired stranger swung the blade in a quick, horizontal swipe in the other’s direction. Having the blade meet flesh in that first swipe was not in his realm of expectations. Rather, he always kept the other arm raised and at a ready for whatever else he may be met with...
Reminded him of someone he knew. Well shit. Agnes rolled her eyes, she knew exactly where this was going. She had heard the same thing from her dad, and now it's brought up again from this 'Apollo'. Agnes looked at the Bourbon whiskey given to her, so this was her favorite.
"So you knew my mom." Agnes put it plainly, no room for bullshit anymore. She would've asked if he ever used or abused her like some others have, but the fact of the matter was, she didn't give a single fuck about Naomi. When your own mother kicks you out of the house at the tender age of eleven for something you couldn't control in the first place, one would tend to disown a family member like that. The name Apollo was familiar as well, she'd hear small groups of individuals meeting up at his bar, and now here she was. A lingering curiosity still churned in her head, which led her to ask.
"How did you two know each other?" Agnes took another sip, she would accustom herself to the taste of Bourbon.
Alice never found the need to gloat over someone. She figured death was death. If you're gonna kill someone, kill them; don't waste time talking about it. That got you hurt and your eyes gouged out like the poor sod in GOT, c'mon people, we all know it. Does that really count for a vampire though? A questionable thought that made Alice second guess that part in the show. Might be strange to know that she enjoyed to watch such things hmm? To each their own. Let the bastard suffer.
The ribs inevitably cracked under the pressure that Apollo was putting on them and the breath of death was heard in the air, added along with the gurgling of the final takes of breath the lungs attempted to filter out, no help, that vampire too would die under the hands of the of the Elder here. Alice averted her eyes from him with that creepy ass smile. What the hell was it with vampires and doing that? You got pointy teeth, good for you! Try eating gum really fast and see what happens then. The thought amused her. How many times would he bite the inside of his cheek before he fully became bruised on the inside of his mouth in the attempted trying of it?
"Am no surprised." She growled towards him, she just was not use to the whole team factor of it. If a hunter was in need she was there to help but she worked alone to detach herself from the feeling of loss. She felt it with her parents and even her sister, she would never allow herself to feel that shit again. She would fight long before that happened. Previous anxiety to fight was still fuming through her body. She was still itching to do something, so she remains till in order to cook herself down from it. Her nerves jumped and the adrenaline running through her system told her that she was still on top of being able to kill should anything jump out of the sidelines to surprise the lot.
Shouting turned Alice's attention in second flat, her fingers curled more tightly over her gun and stake, but it came to that it was not an attacker, but a fighter along with them. Two down. A damn shame. A loss in that with the hunters would be taken out back. A proper burial, their bodies would be lit aflame with the people they fought with lighting it. Good wishes would be given and thus they move on. The hunters served their purpose in making the world a better place, and they sacrificed it with their lives.
Her name was said and those cold chocolate rounds turned to the speaker. There he goes trying to seem smooth again. He lips didn't turn up to a smile, the permanent scowl remained on her lips but she did reply with her own muse. "Lots of scary an' dangerous things in Wonderland. Ya best be prepared fer it." Joking was a better way to deal with death. Shit happened, death was one of them.
Little quips about Wonderland and such things were fine with Alice. She grew up and got over it. She couldn't count on her hands how many times in the Asylum the kids attempted to jest about the story book. A day in foster care with a family the mother thought it a sick joke to sit her kids down with Alice and watch the animated version of the movie. Alice enjoyed it, Disney was not big in Ireland but it was enjoyable for the kids. The elder son would then pull Alice's hair and make remarks like. 'You have anger issues too! Did they base the story off of you? Is that where you came from? Wonderland!' That was the last time she saw that movie, and that kid with a straight nose. She gave him a reason to say anger issues. She was promptly removed from the house and placed back with the Asylum for the next family.
Her thoughts returned when something was directed to her again. The glazed expression left her face and she turned her gaze once more to Apollo. "Does it matter?" Was her tally supposed to be a play on how good she was. There were bodies littering everywhere. Ones with gunshot wounds and wooden stakes in their chests showed her kills. It was well over ten, and that fact alone made her happy personally. But sure, she'll throw him a bone for the sake of boosting up her ego. "A dozen er more. I lost count after a while." And she did. Honest answer on her part
Alice too was ready to react upon the snap herself. Her head was slower to turn than Apollo's, but her eyes flashed with intention to murder until it showed to be one of the blondie's goons. So much for another kill. Damn. They soon went on their own small talk. Rose pricked up Alice's ears a bit. She had not yet forgotten about that woman. Personal Bubble Popper witch. The man sadly did not answer Apollo, but instead offered a compliment to her in which pulled her dark brows together and she nodded in response. No need to milk her wins.
Rose was said again, and Apollo got the answer that he was probably happy to hear. So the Busted Bitch of the West lived. Good on her. That was a death Alice was curious to see. Not for the matter of seeing it, but see what reaction it would draw from Apollo. The woman was close to him, that was known, what impact of her death would it cause? What dark colors would she see of him? The thoughts pressed away, no care or worry about it either. He at least cared for his dead, they were not just drones. He looked at her again and this time she looked away. Under the leather she would have bruises. Her cheek still oozed, the cut was a little deeper than she might have thought, hopefully it did not scar, that would look ugly on her. The one over her eye sliced the a little into her brow, hopefully hat wouldn't scar either. Further from it all no other wounds on her, at least ones that people wouldn't see unless the clothes came off. Easy; never going to happen.
Word was called again and Apollo was ready to take action for it. Seeing the episode of the vampire attempting to get away only to be caught and thrown to a lacking let Alice realize there was no danger any longer. She reached up her gloved hand, feeling the sting over her eye that involuntarily made her wince and her eyes water a bit, that was always a sensitive area to anyone. The one on her cheek was rubbed over by the pack of her hand, attempting to stop the leak. Until it dried and clogged there would be no help to it, the smear on her cheek now went toward her cheekbone and the ribbon once more started. Ugh, she did not want stitches. The movement of Apollos hand caught her attention, she looked at him as though he'd just interrupted her, but she got the notion and dropped her arm, starting off in the direction his hand motions; silently agreeing to his invention. What would they see?
A hundred years could be hard to imagine… the man that lingered across the bar from him was talking about thousands. Thousands upon thousands, a concept that fell shy in his head with only a bit over twenty to his name. Undoubtedly by the occupied stare he as giving the table and the shelf contents of the bar, he was still trying. To no avail on his part. It was a long time. A long time to grow up, have a life, and grow old… minus the growing old part. Did Apollo feel old, ever? Had he ever reached that point in life or was he stuck somewhere in between? The further he was left alone to think of it, questions were flooding the kid’s head.
A finger was suddenly pointed in his direction. Nikolas’ stare went to it rather alert, a blink given. Brows furrowed at whatever accusation- Mini-Me..? A brow raised. It all happened in a matter of a second or so that would have served as comical in hindsight. For the next moment, his eyes followed the contents of Apollo’s glass as it emptied, and was set back down. And so he listened… diligently all the same, taking those words un-reluctantly as they came. His lips parted half-expectant to have a comeback, a wise crack- something ready, but he didn’t. “Alright, alright… I give. I’m young, you’re old.” His hand left his drink, both raised off the table a few inches each dismissively. They lowered back down with a moment’s pause of silence before that thoughtfulness returned to him. “You’re ancient…” Nikolas corrected himself, blue hues having gone from a challenging stance to downright curious.
“Does it feel like as long as it’s been? You were human once then, right..? How far can you remember back?” Midst questions, by some miracle, he stopped to take a drink. The rest of his drink was tipped back and finished, the empty glass left on the counter with a small tap. While Apollo put most alcoholics to shame with the rate he was going, Nikolas was already feeling it with one glass down. The ache in his chest was steadily slipping back to being an afterthought. He took a breath before he shook his head and continued. “To be honest I couldn’t tell you where I’ll be in a year. Let alone five, ten…” Nikolas spaced off to the thought. A smile crossed his lips and his head tipped down. A hand rubbed the back of his neck and he glanced up again. “Do you still put candles on your birthday cake..?”
There the Elder went, back to the bar. He watched his hands move to make whatever selection he had in mind. One more glance swept around the place, reminded of the gravity of what time it was. Even a wayward look to the door as if the realization would bring somebody in. Of course, it likely wouldn’t. “They didn’t tell us much… I used to have a thing for studying cryptids.” His shoulders shrugged. Eyes to the table briefly. “All of a sudden, they aren’t so cryptic anymore.” A gaze would be cast up in time to catch Apollo’s smile. When silence from the kid came afterward, the answer was likely ‘no’. His stare settled on Apollo’s back now expectantly.
Despite the ease he felt with the meager one glass, Nikolas’ eyes were wide open. His brow knitted together little by little as he spoke, mouth a thin line… without a doubt it seemed, he was the kid around the camp fire that ate up every single word of the ghost stories. Yet, far worse than any ghost, this one held truth. The hair on the back of his neck rose. Was that the demon's doing? No, that for once was just him. A side effect to the reality of the morning, which was settling into full focus on just how dangerous it had been. I mouthed off to a wendigo. Why the hell did I..? Hindsight was 20/20. Forbid there be numbers on his foresight.
“I’ll promise’ya… I won’t be going searching again anytime soon.” He watched the drink be set down. His mouth was already partly open for further questioning on it, shut down before sound would leave. Even if the look he gave was pleading towards more information, he bit his tongue. “Yeah, no kidding… she is.” Nikolas murmured with an exhale. His eyes stared elsewhere thoughtfully before the next question would enter his head. “What was it about that alley, tonight? It’s like they were waiting for something. What was going on..?” Two vampires and a wendigo walk into an alley… Attention back to the drink, he’d gesture towards it and look to Apollo, hand held out almost awkwardly. More or less, asking for approval to take a drink, lest the other for some reason were to pull it off the counter again.
And so the staring contest ensued, or more of a glaring contest at this point. It was a knife fight, icy daggers on both ends bored into one and the other, yet she hadn't faltered. She held no elegance as her mother did, Naomi was a groomed Turkish Angora, while she was a rugged street cat. Her honesty was too brutal for some people's liking, she didn't like spending her time with sensitive people and it was more or less to see how spineless someone was. The vampire before her was no exception, and he managed to handle it well. It was true, she was there for that exact reason.
She gave him a look that spoke 'I'm not finished with you yet' before her gaze rested on the glass before her. There was visible hesitation, did he put something in it? Did someone else manage to do so? Nevertheless, her curiosity had a stronger hold on her and she sipped it. Immediately, her hand covered her mouth, refusing to spit it out. This shit was strong as fuck. It was nothing like the subdued Bloody Mary that Spencer always gave her because she was under that darned age limit. The burning sensation eventually went away.
"What the hell was that!?" She snapped at him. Less of rage and more of surprise, it wasn't like anything she ever drank before. It was apparent she didn't enjoy it either. "...A glass of water will do." She muttered, but then her gaze rested on him in a thoughtful manner.
"This is whiskey....why did you give me whiskey, specifically, as soon as I sat down? You could've given me anything." Agnes inquired. "Who are you?" One question at a time as always.
The bewilderment was staggering,
The pain, e x c r u c i a t i n g.
--- Lungs made their feeble attempt at resuscitation in the form of nearly inaudible gasps, but to no avail; the Parasite’s invasion was swift. It festered into the unsuspecting human’s system like venom in the veins of a paralyzed rabbit, robbing the man of even the slightest bit of control that remained. Around his very conscious did It wind and constrict, rendering it as helpless as a dove in a bubbling tar pit. Drowning, strangling, d y i n g.
The entire process took but a mere two seconds – And as the glassy eyes of fern green rolled back in their sockets, they revealed a new pair of eyes – strewn in hues of animalistic gold.
A snicker of maniacal origin came from the red-haired shell; The parasite had won -
Let the new game begin.
- - -
Streetlamps threw webs of light along the shadow-strewn pavement. Firm footsteps coerced against impervious streetsides, and there was no attempt at quieting the sound the steps made. The scent was near, and anticipation was high.
The source of the footsteps was identified – a seemingly middle-aged male with curly red hair streamed straight towards Apollo. Eye contact was established, yet the footsteps did not slow. There was something off about those hooded eyes – they sparked with intent that was far beyond human, and the gleam within gold matched the gleam of a brandished dagger clutched in a gloved hand.
“Apollonius Grimm.”
The stranger’s voice was strong, thundered forth with confident identification. His intent was obvious; the space between them was swiftly closing, and his pace showed no signs of slowing down...
Welp. Finally back. Getting to posts as I am able today and tomorrow. Hope to have them all out soon!
Until then. Enjoy the goofy selfie series of Mister Swan.
Agnes passed by the young vampire as she took a seat by the bar, feeling a pair of eyes from the bar. She watched the vampire that took his place very carefully. His skin was clear of scars of any type or hair, and not a single frizz along those golden locks. He looked perfect, it put a bad taste in her mouth. He looked like the type of people that made people self conscious about themselves on purpose. Agnes watched as he was already preparing a drink, which made her look across the bar, but everyone else was already catered to. Perplexed, she watched as the blonde gave her a tall glass of whiskey, filled to the brim. Damn, go hard or go home. Then, she caught that expression, even if it lasted mere seconds, she saw it. Her brow furrowed and lips parted slightly, downright judging this...this asshole.
The whiskey was offered for free, but Agnes stared daggers at him, crossing her arms and laying them on the tabletop. Her head tilted ever so slightly, thinking of splashing him with the whiskey he just offered, let alone knock the glass over and let the whiskey spill all over and storm right out of the bar, but she calmed herself down enough for her to speak.
"Yeah? And who the fuck are you?" She snapped at him, her voice rose above the atmosphere of talking and laughter. Was she trying to grab everyone else's attention? Not intentionally, but she wanted to give the bartender a piece of her mind.
The fight was nothing less than a one shot of who's dick was bigger and what team was smarter, not always faster. Armatures made too much noise, always went in with no thought of a plan which is how then ended up in a hole, or a hole through their chest where Alice herself attacked. She was no amateur in this. She had killed more than enough vampires to last her a lifetime and still she was racking up those numbers. Not being attached was a good way to combat it all. It's how she didn't end up hurt. Apollo got attached, he saw these vampires as one of his own and thus he ended up getting harmed as he did.
Alice on the other hand was stone cold to even humans. Some humans even deserved to die and she gave no account to how they might feel about it later. She never saw humans as equals even if she herself was one. She saw them as either good or dead just as these newborns saw everyone else. Dead, that girl had tried to gain some conscious ground with Alice but no work or gain there. You can't console one who saw herself a killer or a murderer to some. Apollo could be a rival maybe, as that girl said and Alice would keep it in mind if she had to watch her back with the blond man.
Her comment and his bite back at it didn't earn him a smile but she found amusement in it. She could understand that, as would he. She took orders from no one aside from her uppers who earned it. Not some rink-dink vampire with some pink haired whore that was inappropriate and popper of bubbles. There would be a day Alice snapped at her and it would't be with just words.
But to put it fairly he was a good fighter at the least. He moved where she could not see, he attacked as she did and did not steal any of her kills. This was no bonding moment for her but she appreciated having someone who knew how to fucking fight for themselves and not need her to watch every turn during it. She could do her thing and he could do his. The yells and screams were settling, evening out the field and showing who the victor was. Was it them? How many of his men had fallen if any at all? Would he go into a state again should that have happened? By the end Alice only had so many bullets, but her stake was still in tact she just had to make sure to watch the distance of where she was and how fast they were.
Suffering only minor things. A few bruises here and there. A slice on her cheek that dripped down her jaw, another over her eye. Her short hair was sticking out in places from the attempt at bobby-pinning it to her head. She had to try at least. For the moment she stood and waited for anything to come out of the shadows, but it looked like they had gotten it all. So many were dead around them, and Apollo just crushed the skull of one who was never likely to have made it in the first place. Regardless his comment caught her off guard and she turned those stone eyes to him. Her own blood dripping made her look just as murderous as she felt. She blew a lock of hair out of her face and rolled her shoulders. "Still kickin'." For the most part. She listened to his call for a Ricky then let it all play out from there.
Alright, kid. History class. You remember it still? Those specific semi-rusted gears were beginning to move in his head. Back when he'd learned such things, it was a point in time he hadn't been listening all to well to begin with. Ancient Greece was... maybe 1000BC? Give or take? And from then to now, that was... Nikolas didn't need to answer aloud for the other. The point was soon made and brought across as his eyes lit up little by little with the calculation. Did Apollo have his full comprehension..? No. That was a tall order for someone lingering on a mere twenty one years for himself.
What was more startling? Crimson eyes or the sudden laughter that came from the man? It could've been a tie. Just maybe. Left to be confused until the sounds died down, his eyes stared back half accusingly and overall, like a deer standing in headlights. Once informed, he wore a sheepish smile. "Hey now-" He wasn't quick enough to stop it, but his head ducked an inch or so when a hand ruffled his hair. Nikolas made a face mockingly, leaving his hair as it rest in a mess atop his head for the time being, out of some stubborn reluctance. "Passenger... not a bad word for it." His gaze shifted down to one of his arms. Sure enough, the goosebumps were there. His hand left his drink momentarily to run across his forearm... as if it were going to get rid of the problem? Hardly. "It happens... rarely, sometimes it doesn't. Goes by the demon's judgement." He added.
His chin tipped some to Apollo's smirk as it spread. A brow raising the question of just what was in store from it. "I'm not little..." Nikolas quipped, fixing his hair promptly afterward with a sweep of his hand. Didn't the topic of age just settle that? But still. The 'criminal' bit went uncontested, even earning a triumphant grin at the sentiment. That grin was slowly wiped off his face the further Apollo spoke on the subject of the woman in the alley. He said he'd know when he was joking... right? Well if he wasn't a liar, the word literally sealed the deal on that. His eyes squinted to the glint in the other's, and he was getting the feeling he was better off asking it now than any time before. Down to the last word he had the kid's captivation.
He could have groaned when the other paused to take a drink, but he didn't. But he wanted to know. That much was visible with how still he now was. None of the fidgeting even, which was a subtle reminder of low long since his last cigarette. When Apollo continued, Nikolas blinked at the term. His brows knitted together intently. It wasn't confusion... well, maybe. The shock was absent at least for now. Forbid somebody try and con the kid, the way his gaze eventually settled on Apollo. All too serious in comparison to the way the Elder vampire was looking at him, buying into what was said wholeheartedly. Nikolas thought back to the alley, the way the woman had breathed down his neck. Those teeth... His arms pulled back subconsciously and he even sat a bit straighter in his seat.
"Yeah I've... I mean I've heard of them but..." He studied the counter surface briefly and glanced back up. "Don't they look a little less... human than that?" He raised his glass, taking another drink. One more and he'd be at the bottom.
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