☼

lonely boy in the woods

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[lunar-strife]

At the sound of his name did the boy jump a bit, the unconscious tight grip he held on his sleeve loosening. 

He stared, taking in her words slowly. It felt odd, how suddenly the two were forced into the situation, and somehow he was asked to place all of his faith into this shopkeeper who he once wanted nothing to do with.

“Ah…” He found himself regaining his voice once more, blinking and coughing out the words. “Y-Yeah. Of course.”

This creature, this beast, whatever it was, was angry. It shifted to loosen its muscles in anticipation, more so because the smaller appearance of the two made for an easy game. Despite being much different, the animal was still a sentient being. It could sense fear, the monster allowing its jaw to open and close to flash its fangs. 

The inferno surrounding the creature’s striped pelt seemed to heighten gradually, a mix of a roar and a screech emitting from its maw as it dug its claws into the ground. Scratching, greedily charging forward in a blind dash as it shortened distance from the duo. It felt confident in its ability to trap the two within the clearing, so surely, there was no means of escape anymore. 

[lunar-strife]

Hey! So this Saturday I’m actually going to be going out of the country for 2 weeks ; w ;’ !! I won’t be by my wonderful computer so hopefully I can squeeze in a bunch of replies within the next two days<33

Sorry for the lack of activity!!

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[fae-arife]

Fae watched the burning tiger carefully, she has never come into contact with monsters. She only had practice fighting with her guardian back at home in a forest that she knew well but it was no longer the case now. Fae never tore her eyes off the bright creature, she studied it, as if she could possible guess all of its weaknesses on the spot. She clenched her hand harder on to her weapon. Her lack of knowledge and experience with these monsters lit a fuel in her and suddenly she wanted to fight it, show both Apollo and it how brave and strong she was. And it would certainly be something her mother could open her mouth shocked at such a story before smiling sweetly, gently squeezing her hands. 

Just as Fae tried to take a step forward, she felt the boy tug hard at her. 

‘We need to run’

The words rushed into her head and created a chaos. Running? Away from what should be faced and pretending once you’re gone that you were just protecting yourself? She thought. it amazed her how some people just won’t take opportunities like these to improve themselves.

Fae opened up her weapon, showing the two thin blades next to each other with a little gap in between them leading down to a bright blue gem. This would be the first time she fought a real monster and protect someone else from getting hurt in the process, all outside of her hometown Lucerna. 

It was a chance that would be a waste to simply flee from. Fae tried to shake off the boy and then practically growled at him. 

“Run away?” She scoffed cruelly. “I don’t run, kid. I advance.”

[lunar-strife]

Apollo’s grip faltered as the shopkeeper seemed to ready her weapons, the boy halfheartedly allowing his hand to fall back at his side. A part of him simply wanted to run, watching the sleek creature lower its head in a mild growl. Whatever had bothered it practically guaranteed him and Fae a painful death– whether it was being mauled or burned alive. The thought alone was enough to make him take a couple of steps back.

But if this thing went on a rampage… It could easily set the forest on fire. Apollo lowered his head, thoughts racing between unresolved fears and the desire to be somehow useful. It was shameful, and he felt as though he should apologize to the female for speaking out of line. His own self criticism was enough, anyways. He nodded meekly at her words, although held his ground. He wasn’t of much use, but he couldn’t run. He couldn’t get in the way. It was better to stand still and pretend that he didn’t exist.

The creature was fascinated to say the least. It wasn’t as much of an intelligent being, a monster only relying on its instinct. It circled around the pair, flames heightening from its pelt as it opened its maw to snarl at the female, head bent down towards the ground. Its tail twitched, almost as though it knew that Fae was inducing a challenge, digging its claws into the singed grass and charging head on.

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[lunar-strife]

“W-Well, I just haven’t actually seen one, is all.” His voice faltered with the sentence, Apollo avoiding eye contact more so because he couldn’t really argue against what Fae had said. 

“I’m perfectly able to handle the woods!” He argued, turning to face the older. “It’s not that dangerous, and we both have weapons.” Apollo tilted his head, blinking at Fae. It was a bit careless of him– he had actually left most of anything he had to defend himself at home. Nothing really horrible happened in the forest anyways– so it was fine! The blond frowned at her comment, folding his arms. “That definitely sounds like something you’d say.” He mumbled. “Isn’t there something you want to do beyond your job?”

At the whole speech he simply stared, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. He wanted to say something and speak up, but interrupting when she seemed to be so immersed in the topic was a bit… cruel. When Fae stopped he gave an audible sigh of relief, rubbing the back of his neck in mild embarrassment. “Yeah. I’ve always lived here. That’s… not weird is it?” 

[fae-arife]

Smiling quietly to herself knowing that her beautiful weapon was the first spear the boy has seen she looked down at the boy once again. Normally, Fae wouldn’t be able to converse with someone for so long especially like in moments like these where she can very simply just walk away but the boy reminded her of someone, she just couldn’t name who precisely. 

“Weapon?” Fae asked as she observed that boy before smugly smirking, “did you…not bring it?” Stifling a giggle Fae quickly brought her hand up to cover her smile, “y-you can’t even use magic, and you don’t e-even have a weapon? N-n-ot that dangerous? Hah!” Fae’s face was flushed red until the boy asked her about going beyond her job. Gradually the laughter died down and she replied, “of course there’s something. Its just…not the right time. But magic will help!” Fae gushed about the world of magic, how it could make the impossible possible! Talking on and on without looking at the boy she didn’t see his distaste. After the boy’s reveal only did she finally look direct at the boy’s face, “Are you…alone?”

She watched intently as the boy slow opened his mouth to speak before the silence was interrupted by a barbaric high pitched screech. 

[lunar-strife]

The boy folded his arms, continuing down the path. He was perfectly capable, wasn’t he? Living in the woods for such a long time– you’d know how to avoid the occasional monster. The forest was quiet, no animal really vicious unless provoked. It was the best place for him to simply hide away from the world. At Fae’s question he perked up from his thoughts, flushing a light tint of red. “O-Of course! I wouldn’t...” Apollo raised his voice, in a weak attempt to be heard over the female’s laughter. He pouted, looking over towards the messenger bag at his side. He reached in, expecting to pull out a small dagger, or two. Through the clutter of potions and coins his hand grasped at empty space. 

“…Ah...?” He pulled the bag from its side, face growing pale as he tipped the bag to its side. A couple of stray coins fell out, the blond’s gaze darkening in pure terror. Typically the paranoid one, it didn’t take long for fear to be shown in his features, Apollo mostly focusing on searching every pocket. He tried to ignore the laughter, finally giving up on the lost weapon, although it only caused his face to grow much more red. 

He narrowed his eyes at Fae’s comment, ready to answer with a retort. First she was mocking him, and now she was trying to pity him? “I–” He jumped at the inhuman noise, his first reaction to turn sharply towards its source.

It was a tiger, a low growl rumbling from its body. The creature consisted of black and white hues, an orange color unnaturally emitting from its body. At the sight of singed grass in his wake did Apollo step back, reflexively grabbing at Fae’s sleeve. “We need to run.” It was less of a request and more of a demand, the boy lightly pulling back.

[a-wind-of-freedom-deactivated20]

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[fae-arife]

“First time you’ve seen a spear? Thats a pretty sad life you live.” Fae chuckled looking at the young boy, “do you go to the woods often? I didn’t think you’d be the type to be able to handle them.” Frowning slightly at the boy’s request for her to go to the woods more often she replied, “I don’t have time to play around anymore, money doesn’t grow on trees.” But, her frown quickly faded when the boy mentioned the ingredients sighing in relief to herself, at least this boy knew what to say to get her attention. 

“You can find ingredients everywhere, it just depends if you know how to put them together and how they react.” She began to point a finger up, starting to give the boy a speech about the wonders of potions until he declared his place of residence. “You live here?” She asked incredulously. 

[lunar-strife]

“W-Well, I just haven’t actually seen one, is all.” His voice faltered with the sentence, Apollo avoiding eye contact more so because he couldn’t really argue against what Fae had said. 

“I’m perfectly able to handle the woods!” He argued, turning to face the older. “It’s not that dangerous, and we both have weapons.” Apollo tilted his head, blinking at Fae. It was a bit careless of him– he had actually left most of anything he had to defend himself at home. Nothing really horrible happened in the forest anyways– so it was fine! The blond frowned at her comment, folding his arms. “That definitely sounds like something you’d say.” He mumbled. “Isn’t there something you want to do beyond your job?”

At the whole speech he simply stared, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. He wanted to say something and speak up, but interrupting when she seemed to be so immersed in the topic was a bit… cruel. When Fae stopped he gave an audible sigh of relief, rubbing the back of his neck in mild embarrassment. “Yeah. I’ve always lived here. That’s… not weird is it?” 

[lunar-strife]

A heavy mist started to cover the woods, and they fell silent. Soon it was almost impossible to see through the mist. And no amount of walking made things any clearer. Just how much of an area did the mist cover? A voice could then be heard. "I sense great power from you. Though, it is sadly inactive. Yes. You could be a master of magic if you wanted to. Allow me to help you with that." A large silhouette of some sort of monster seemed to be looming overhead.

The forest, a second home to the boy, was filled with the unsettling haze, the blond looking up in alarm. The vulnerability unnerved him, causing him to visibly flinch at the sound of the voice from above. At its words he self-consciously lowered his head, clenching his teeth in a mild scowl. It was almost like this thing knew about him, and he couldn’t decide whether the fact that it appeared so powerful, or that it knew more than absolutely anyone was the most unsettling. “… I don’t have this ‘great power.’” He finally muttered, not daring to raise his tone. He took a step back, trying to appear composed. “I-I would never want to get involved in that. I’m not meant to use magic, anyways.“ Apollo countered, cursing his inability to keep a level voice.  

[lunar-strife]

 queenwars:

The mist was always useful, it helped towards corrupting others. Now the dragon was free, the mist it used regained it’s full power. It made others thoughts unclear. And helped to draw out their darkness. Darkness that it needed. The moment Apollo turned his head away, the dragon knew he was starting to question himself.

More reactions only made it clear that it was getting somewhere. To start with, he wasn’t trying to give the monster a reaction, but now, he seemed to be losing himself. “You’re not? … Then you can use it to become powerful. When he lifted his head up, he was met with a fake smile on the Queen’s face as she put her hand on his shoulder. “I see you’re finally starting to come around.”

The thought of getting stronger interested him. Perfect. It appeared that his intent to listen had greatly increased. And when he started laughing, the dragon was pleased indeed. The mist took full advantage of the darkness he was showing. “Power is what you want, right?”

The smile changed to more of a smirk now as she moved the card closer to him. Apollo’s was fixated on it by the way he was acting. The cards power started to pull him into a trance. It glowed with a corrupted aura and revealed itself as Number 92: Heart-eartH Dragon. “I want you to collect souls for me. I need them to become stronger. And with the power I gain, I will bring about a new world. Will you become one of the warriors who will help me with this…? If so then go on, take the card. It’s your choice.” Despite the mist affecting him, Apollo would be able to hear those words clearly. And with the state he was in now, if he did take the card, he would fall completely under its control.

The blond paused, stiffening slightly as the stranger placed a hand on his shoulder. He studied her face, features relaxing as he realized she was... smiling? It was an immediate reassurance-- Why... did he want to leave?

The mist... was easy for corruption. It first met barely any resistance, being that he’s never so much as seen anything like it. What was the worst to prepare for in a forest where the occasional traveler and pink-headed girl wandered into?  He wasn’t anything. He promised himself he was not over and over, but at the offering of power and every ugly wish bombarding his head made it simple to give in.  Give in. 

“Power?” He raised an eyebrow, making eye contact with a dull blue gaze. A smile crept onto his face, a small laugh coming out in a huff. “Of course...it-- It’s the only thing I could ask for.” Laced in subtle desperation, Apollo tilted his head, lowering his head slightly as he recognized the object as a card. Numbers? His knowledge of cards didn’t go beyond a basic summon, but something foreign to him would be good, right?

“C-Collect...souls?” He stumbled over the words, his smile dropping into that of mild shock. “That’s...” Apollo blinked slowly, something pitiful that could barely be considered as resistance. “That would be...fun? Wouldn’t it?” Worry seemed to melt away in an instant, and it was though he could feel the card’s dark aura flare with the reaction. “With this power... I could do anything...! So there’s no need to fret?” Apollo narrowed his darkened blue gaze, a smirk reaching his lips. “To destroy this horrible world into pieces...” He reached for the card, lightly grabbing at it and smirking. “Being a part of a new world would be nice. Wouldn’t it? Master?”

[roleplay-musings]

Suddenly losing someone important to you

               Not being able to ᴛʀᴜsᴛ anyone and not knowing what’s going on…

It’s SCARY,                                                                                                              isn’t it?

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[fae-arife]

Fae glanced down at the younger boy, “Yeah, its a nice weapon.” She replied awkwardly, it has been a while since they began walking together and Fae started to wonder if he was perhaps going the same way. The question was answered when the boy asked about the forest and Fae smiled slightly, “Yeah, the woods are nice and quiet. A huge contrast from the markets here. I havent been to one for a long time.” Her voice trailing off, the air was tense as they were slowly running out of things to say. Soon the duo reached an intersection. Fae debated if she should ask for assistance, she was still relatively new to Folium and the only forest she knew that was around here was the Enchantresses’ Woods which of course was not an option.

Fae spoke up, her voice quivering slightly. “Hey. Where are you off to?”

[lunar-strife]

The boy didn’t take much notice to the tone of her reply, mostly involved in his own thoughts. “Yeah! It’s the first time I’ve seen a spear...” He mused, brushing a hand over the nape of his neck. Apollo grinned at Fae’s comment, promptly nodding. “The woods are much better than the markets. You should come by more often! The path from Folium to here is actually quite simple! I’m not sure about the ingredients needed for potions, but maybe they’re here as well...?” He continued walking on, heading on the more dark and secluded path. Apollo turned, blinking at Fae expectantly. 

“My house.” He smiled, lightly patting his bag. “I got what I needed, right..?” The blond tilted his head, cobalt gaze . “...You aren’t going to charge me more, are you?” 

[reinedelacadie]

                    Everything and nothing always { HAUNTS } me

[lunar-strife]

A heavy mist started to cover the woods, and they fell silent. Soon it was almost impossible to see through the mist. And no amount of walking made things any clearer. Just how much of an area did the mist cover? A voice could then be heard. "I sense great power from you. Though, it is sadly inactive. Yes. You could be a master of magic if you wanted to. Allow me to help you with that." A large silhouette of some sort of monster seemed to be looming overhead.

The forest, a second home to the boy, was filled with the unsettling haze, the blond looking up in alarm. The vulnerability unnerved him, causing him to visibly flinch at the sound of the voice from above. At its words he self-consciously lowered his head, clenching his teeth in a mild scowl. It was almost like this thing knew about him, and he couldn’t decide whether the fact that it appeared so powerful, or that it knew more than absolutely anyone was the most unsettling. “… I don’t have this ‘great power.’” He finally muttered, not daring to raise his tone. He took a step back, trying to appear composed. “I-I would never want to get involved in that. I’m not meant to use magic, anyways.“ Apollo countered, cursing his inability to keep a level voice.  

[queenwars-deactivated20170927]

All of the creatures in the woods were no where to be seen. They most likely were hiding from the monster. Its presence gave off nothing but malice. The energy from the mist was also filled with ill-intent, the longer someone was in the mist, the harder it was to think straight. Which is just what the dragon wanted.

“Heh.” It got more of a reaction, good. The more darkness the other showed, the easier it was going to be. By the way he was speaking he was clearly starting to panic indeed. “I don’t expect you to tell me everything. I just thought that you would at least know why you can’t use it. … Believe it or not, I sense that you would be very powerful if you used magic…” It pauses. “Or, are you just afraid?”

The figure who approached him waved her finger around mockingly. “Sorry if I ruined your plan of running away~.”  She then claps her hands together. “I’m so glad you’ll hear me out. Now then, is there something you want to be stronger for?” She gestures her surroundings.  “Maybe you want to protect this place, or maybe you want to feel brave enough to leave?”

“Well, it’s not really my business what you would want the extra power for… The point is, if you agree to do a small job for me, I can give you it. And I can also help you with that power I already sense from you.” A card appears in her hand and she holds it out towards the boy. “Just consider it.” Even without him touching the card, it was already attempting to corrupt him.

[lunar-strife]

It was terrifying. His hearing seemed to heighten naturally with panic, the forest eerily silence, and the white noise of mist engulfing his senses. Was it weak to be afraid? Always one to hide in the forest. Cowardice was always something to be pitied, right? The boy turned his head away.

Blue eyes widened at the dragon’s words, Apollo clenching his teeth. “Afraid…?” He echoed, lowering his head. “I’m not afraid of magic. I-I would never…”  His voice was laced with desperation, more so to convince himself of the lie.  Apollo mutely gripped at his neck, lifting his head to face the figure that spoke. 

Through the haze of muddled thoughts he was able to comprehend her words. The taunting… was annoying. He would’ve spoken out against it, but fell silent at the female’s proposition. Stronger. A logical part of him was terrorized of it, but there was a new crave for it, a need to be something. To be like Father. To be someone Mother could be proud of. In the brief moment of hysteria, he smiled, holding a hand to his face and laughing. 

He snapped out of the brief moment of delirium, glancing upwards and watching an object materialize. “A small job…?” He repeated, not daring to tear his clouded gaze away from the card. “Please… What would you need? From someone like me…?” 

[lunar-strife]

WHEN I READ DUEL SPIRIT I WAS LIKE, DUDE, THAT FOX HAS GOT TO BE FOX FIRE RIGHT, AND //CHECKS ABOUT// hecky yeah, Fox Fire is the cutest thing :D (didja know it has an advance form called Inari Fire as well XD?) But yeah, random as heck message hallo but I've been wanting to tell you that your character is like, really super neat, much love for teeny Apollo babu, and holy heck you're an awesome rper wowow *o* we must hopefully rp together one day >o>

Yeahhh<33333 Really?? Oh my god I should really update that ;;. Im not really familiar with the card and just really liked how it looked…

Aaaaa thank you so much ; w ;’ And definitely *-* !! I really love the rps that youve had as well, as I see some of them!!

Thank you so much!!

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[lunar-strife]

“Oh.” Apollo frowned, tilting his head slightly. “You don’t look that old.” He pointed out, brushing stray hair from his face. “Maybe you can save up enough money and do something you really want…?” His voice fell to a murmur, the boy silenced by realization. It wasn’t really his business- would speaking out of line be considered rude? The blond stared down at his shoes, only lifting his head at the weapon’s transformation. “That’s really amazing…!” He beamed, tearing his gaze from the ground. “You actually fight people…?” Apollo smiled, mutely rubbing the back of his head. “Didn’t really expect you to be the type to fight, honestly…”

[fae-arife]

Fae rolled her eyes, “Well i’m still older than you, kid…lets just say that when you’re older you’ll understand that not everything is about you.” Quietly she looked over that the boy, before he suddenly shot his eyes up to look at her weapon. “Yeah it’s pretty nice,” She replied with a hint of excitement, “it’s probably the only other non-magic related thing I do. But this is for when i’m in the woods, i’m out ingredient hunting.” She said, “I don’t have anyone to fight with.”   

[lunar-strife]

Apollo narrowed his eyes, rubbing the back of his head. “I didn’t mean it like that...” He mumbled, gaze flickering from the side and then back to Fae. “I’ve never really seen a weapon like that...!” I’ve never really seen much weapons in general. “So you come to the forest often...?” His face broke out from realization to a full blown smile, a bit too childish for his typically calm demeanor. “A-Ah... I mean,” Apollo’s facial features flushed in mild embarrassment, the male bouncing up and down slightly.  “I usually don’t get the chance to learn how to fight, and...” His voice trailed off, the younger grinning sheepishly. 

[lunar-strife]

A heavy mist started to cover the woods, and they fell silent. Soon it was almost impossible to see through the mist. And no amount of walking made things any clearer. Just how much of an area did the mist cover? A voice could then be heard. "I sense great power from you. Though, it is sadly inactive. Yes. You could be a master of magic if you wanted to. Allow me to help you with that." A large silhouette of some sort of monster seemed to be looming overhead.

The forest, a second home to the boy, was filled with the unsettling haze, the blond looking up in alarm. The vulnerability unnerved him, causing him to visibly flinch at the sound of the voice from above. At its words he self-consciously lowered his head, clenching his teeth in a mild scowl. It was almost like this thing knew about him, and he couldn’t decide whether the fact that it appeared so powerful, or that it knew more than absolutely anyone was the most unsettling. “… I don’t have this ‘great power.’” He finally muttered, not daring to raise his tone. He took a step back, trying to appear composed. “I-I would never want to get involved in that. I’m not meant to use magic, anyways.“ Apollo countered, cursing his inability to keep a level voice.  

[queenwars-deactivated20170927]

“Scared? Well, it’s not a surprise.” The mist started to thin out slightly, revealing the monstrous dragon. It didn’t know everything about him, but it could sense a great deal, which is why it was here in the first place. Surely the power it felt would be useful for its plans. The dragon lowered its head, closer to Apollo. He was scared enough before, maybe even more so now. But it wasn’t worried, the dragon wasn’t about to just let him leave.

“You don’t think so? Are you lying? …. Or are you just unaware of it? Hmmm. Not meant to? And why is that?” It was asking all these questions in an attempt to learn more, it did find this human interesting, but it’s main goal was corruption. As Apollo stepped back a another figure, this one more human, started approaching him from the other side.  “No where to run” Seems the voice was from this person, and not the dragon after all. Though, there was an underlying tone, almost as if two voices were speaking. “A shame. So you plan on just staying here and never improving yourself? I can help you become a lot stronger. Surely, you need more power for something…? Let’s just talk, if you still say no, then I shall allow you to leave.”

[lunar-strife]

Apollo’s face fell at the sight of the monster, blue eyes widening as he seemed to process the whole situation. Up close, the blond was able to get a better look at the creature. The dragon consisted of purple and red hues, the contrast with the forest greenery an indicator of how it didn’t belong. 

“I’m not lying!” He protested, raising his voice in a moment of weakness. He promised himself he wouldn’t give this thing a reaction, but it was more so the growing panic within him that threw him off. Apollo’s voice faltered, fumbling over his words. “W-Well... I’m just not. What makes you think I’ll just blurt out everything about me, anyways?” 

Apollo whipped his head around at the sound of a voice, immediately halting. He was trapped. “That’s...” He shook his head, attempting to assert himself, even if he didn’t believe in his own words. At the mention of leaving did he pause, thinking the situation over. “...Okay.” He frowned, waiting in hesitate compliance. 

[aseaofquotes]

[fae-arife]

Apollo reluctantly opened the door, drinking in the calm atmosphere of potions and several other things he probably wasn't able to recognize. The shop named "Arife's" seemed to be the right place to go to, although the feeling didn't cloud his obvious discomfort. The blond took a deep breath, giving the bag handle he was holding a gentle squeeze. "Hello...?" He asked aloud, his cobalt eyes finding sight of the shop counter.

Fae turned around to face the door, but turned back to what she was doing before immediately after once she saw the small child, “Did your parents send you in for transquilsis? For sleeping.” She said coldly before whispering not quite quiet enough for the boy to render inaudible, “damn theres been a lot of kids lately.” To finish her task, Fae stepped down from her stool after placing some new batches of potions on the shelves behind her counter and began to lazily walk towards the counter table.

[fae-arife]

“Pretty like a witch, smart like a witch, magical like a witch but not a witch” Fae replied, “if i were one i’d be off exploring the world for magic not exploring the world of business made off of magic.” She sighed as she rolled her eyes before stopping to finally stash the cash in a box hidden somewhere behind her, “though this isn’t that terrible.” Fae slides the potion closer to Apollo and reaches to get a old worn out leather bag, sticking her arm in the dark green bag and taking out a silver eye. She walks over to the door while lazily talking to the boy, “Get out, I have some things to hunt down for the next batch.” 

[lunar-strife]

Apollo shrugged, carefully grabbing at the potions, placing both into his bag. “I just assumed that you worked mostly because you had to– like merchants.” The blond idly searched through his bag, pretending to be uninterested in what the female was doing. “What’s that?” He chirped, immediately giving into his curiosity and pointing at the silver eye. The boy turned on his heel, attempting to walk alongside the shopkeeper. He leaned forward slightly, as though to get a better look. “…Did you kill an animal to get that?”

[fae-arife]

“Yeah well, just because I have to doesn’t mean I want to,” Fae drawled as took what seemed to be a short pole with a gem separating two bladed spear heads and she began to lock the door, “didn’t want as in not my first choice.” When they both were outside the store, she raised her eyebrows at the boy’s question. “I’m not fond of hunting.” Fae replied before she reached into the bag to pull out a list of items she needed to find for her potions, letting out a groan she shoved the paper back and then proceeded to twirl the pole around her single hand moving it up and down to avoid hitting the boy. Slowly it resemble a spear-like weapon. “It was a gift from someone, i’m more into fighting others than animals.”

[lunar-strife]

“Oh.” Apollo frowned, tilting his head slightly. “You don’t look that old.” He pointed out, brushing stray hair from his face. “Maybe you can save up enough money and do something you really want...?” His voice fell to a murmur, the boy silenced by realization. It wasn’t really his business- would speaking out of line be considered rude? The blond stared down at his shoes, only lifting his head at the weapon’s transformation. “That’s really amazing...!” He beamed, tearing his gaze from the ground. “You actually fight people...?” Apollo smiled, mutely rubbing the back of his head. “Didn’t really expect you to be the type to fight, honestly...”

[lunar-strife]

A heavy mist started to cover the woods, and they fell silent. Soon it was almost impossible to see through the mist. And no amount of walking made things any clearer. Just how much of an area did the mist cover? A voice could then be heard. "I sense great power from you. Though, it is sadly inactive. Yes. You could be a master of magic if you wanted to. Allow me to help you with that." A large silhouette of some sort of monster seemed to be looming overhead.

The forest, a second home to the boy, was filled with the unsettling haze, the blond looking up in alarm. The vulnerability unnerved him, causing him to visibly flinch at the sound of the voice from above. At its words he self-consciously lowered his head, clenching his teeth in a mild scowl. It was almost like this thing knew about him, and he couldn’t decide whether the fact that it appeared so powerful, or that it knew more than absolutely anyone was the most unsettling. “… I don’t have this ‘great power.’” He finally muttered, not daring to raise his tone. He took a step back, trying to appear composed. “I-I would never want to get involved in that. I’m not meant to use magic, anyways.“ Apollo countered, cursing his inability to keep a level voice.