Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Apollion
Phase 11
Notes





The little toddler’s eyes brightened up like two ripe tomatoes, a red one and a green one, when she heard the yes process from Vicious 2’s lips. Vicious 2 nervously bent down, and held his arms out to the little girl. She slowly moved into his embrace before he picked her up. Garnett smiled at Vicious 2 and the child.
“I will leave you and Temari to become more acquainted with each other,” Garnett said, and vanished before Vicious 2 could say any words of objection.
“Where are you going to take me, daddy,” Temari said, softly.
“Where do you want to go?” Vicious 2 asked.
“I’m hungry,” She said in reply. Vicious 2 began walking with the child held tightly in his arms.
“I will get you something to eat. What would you like to eat?” Vicious 2 asked, humbly. She gripped at his shirt while looking into his eyes.
“Blood,” she said, looking as if she’d done something wrong
“Of course,” Vicious 2 said, and vanished back into the apartment. Everyone had left, but Vicious 2 could hear Julius playing his guitar in his room. He sat on the couch with the mysterious child in his lap. He drew his katana that he laid at his side on the couch. He ran the blade across his wrist, allowing the crimson liquid to flow. Temari quickly bit into his wrist, and sucked at his blood. Julius walked out of his room to find his father feeding the child.
“What the hell are you doing? Are you fucking children now?” Julius said.
“This is your sister, Julius,” Vicious 2 said.
“Why is she biting your arm?” Julius asked, looking real disgusted.
“She is feeding,” Vicious 2 replied. Temari looked up while still feeding, noticing the presence of a human, she screeched at him. Her fangs were dripping with Vicious 2’s blood. Vicious 2 grabbed her, holding her away from Julius.
“Let me guess, Garnett is the mother,” Julius said.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Vicious 2 answered, knowing that Julius would be angry at him.
“What about, Ana?” Julius asked, taking the guitar strap off of his shoulder. He laid the guitar down on kitchen counter and he sat at one of the stools.
“I don’t want to fall in love with Ana. I’m afraid,” Vicious 2 said, looking down at the child.
“So, you go get a lunatic pregnant. How could you choose her over Ana?” Julius asked.
“I didn’t choose her; I accepted responsibility for this child. She has it fixed in her mind that we are married, but she is wrong,” Vicious 2 looked back up at his son.
“Well, dad, don’t fuck up with this one,” Julius said before getting up and leaving.
“I won’t, son,” Vicious 2 said, rocking the child until she fell asleep in his arms.
Julius stepped out of the apartment with the guitar strapped over his chest. Cindy was posted up on the wall, leaning back on it with her foot bracing her. Julius looked back and saw her leaning against the brick wall.
“Hey, junior,” Cindy said.
“What do you want, antichrist?” Julius asked.
“I was only greeting my one and only sibling,” Cindy said.
“Well, go greet your newest one, she is in your father’s lap,” Julius said, before walking off. Cindy looked confused at first, and then she decided to go investigate.

The camp fire gave the night skies a glimmer of dark orange. The teepee was set up, ready for the slumber of the Indian man and his son until Zero came crawling to them. He was still bleeding from the battle with Malkav.
“I see you’ve returned for guidance, my friend,” The Indian man said.
“How do I regain my strength, Aruna?” Zero asked, staring up at the man sitting with his legs folded and dressed in a wool cloak. His small child sat in his lap, staring innocently at Zero.
“My father was right when he said that your father asks too many questions,” Aruna smiled.
“You talked to Spike?” Zero asked.
“I only saw him; my father saved him many times. That is why I have chosen to help you, but honestly you are the only one who can help yourself,” Aruna said, rocking the Indian child to sleep. Zero slowly struggled to his feet his jacket and pants were soiled with brown earth.
“Earth goes through cycles just as your body does, and animals have to adapt to new lands when they are put there,” Aruna said.
“My body has to adapt to this,” Zero said.
“Yes, your wounds will heal, but the scars will stand to show your pain. Earth revolves around the sun. Your body must become a revolution. Your heart must revolve around your mind, the Sun.,” Aruna said.
“Am I subject to the same fate as my father?” Zero asked, taking his seat near the fire.
“No, you do not long for anyone. You have the person you want to be with for the rest of your life,” Aruna predicted.
“Faye,” Zero whispered to himself.
“You will have to rest here tonight. Your battles are far from over,” Aruna put his child down on a sheet of wool, before laying a pallet out for Zero. Zero lay on the wool while watching the Indian man meditate and he soon fell asleep.

The next morning, Temari found herself sitting in Cindy’s lap while her father slept on the couch next to them. She looked up at Cindy, and saw the same eyes as her father’s.
“I’m hungry,” she said, and grabbed Cindy’s arm.
“Ok, I will go get you something,” Cindy said, before she noticed the child sucking blood from her wrist.
“What is with that fucking kid?” Julius asked, entering the apartment. Vicious 2 woke up bright and early at the 4:00 pm hour to find his children all together. He yawned; stretching from his good morning’s sleep.
“Hey, pups,” he said, looking at the kids.
“Wow, Dad, you are setting a nice example for the beast child,” Julius said. Vicious 2 was too sleepy to make out what he was saying before he finally woke on up.
“Could you pass me my guitar case, Julius?” Julius said, looking at Vicious 2.
“Are you talking to yourself?” Vicious 2 asked, fixing a cup of coffee.
“No, I am talking to you, ass,” Julius said.
“Only Ana calls me that,” He kicked the case into the air with the back of his heel, and punched it over to him as he put two sugars in his coffee. Julius caught it, and proceeded to pack his seven string guitar into it.
“Where are you going?” Vicious 2 asked.
“I am going to a hang out down the street to have a drink or two,” Julius said.
“Can I go, maybe we could…um… bond… you know, that father son thingy,” Vicious 2 said, sipping a steaming cup of coffee. Cindy got up, and carried Temari to the kitchen area. Temari wiggled around a little, pushing at Cindy’s chest.
“What is she doing?” Cindy asked.
“She wants to get down,” Vicious 2 said. Cindy put her down, and she began to walk around. Julius moved slowly out of the door.
“Yeah, you can come, meet me outside,” Julius said.
“Take care of Temari, I will be back in time for you to make your rounds,” Vicious 2 grabbed his gun from off of the counter, before feeling that tugging at his pants leg; that same tugging from the park yesterday. He looked down to see those eyes staring up at him.
“Father, where are you going?” she asked.
“Don’t worry I will be home soon,” Vicious 2 replied. She barely sniffled, her eyes grew sad, but they strained as if holding something back, “Ok.” She puckered her lips, and Vicious 2 kissed her.
“Don’t be sad, I promise I will come back,” He said. She turned away from him, and walked into his bedroom.
“I’ll watch her, daddy, have a good time,” Cindy hugged him, and kissed him good bye.

Cigarette smoke and the distribution of alcohol took place in the hang out that Julius and his father went to on a sunny afternoon. When they entered it felt like night time. The club was dark, trimmed with purple, and had tables set on the floor. To the left there was a bar with silver stools and violet cushions. The bar tender was a fat guy with a purple vest and bow tie. The waiters and waitresses were dressed the same with white shirts and black dress pants. The one aspect that stood out was the piano player on stage. His head hung low with a cigarette in his mouth. He was a dark character and the purple outlines of the club brought out his cornrow braids. Julius sat down at a table, and lit a cigarette. Vicious 2 followed after having ordering an apple martini.
“Maybe you could get a gig here,” Vicious 2 said.
“Nah, this is his spot,” Julius said, with his arms crossed while staring at the piano player.
“Do you do this often, kid?” Vicious 2 asked, sipping at his drink.
“Yeah, on my free time; I never have anything to do on my free time,” Julius answered.
“I am glad you have a hobby. I never had any hobbies until Melanie came into my life,” Vicious 2 said. Julius shifted slightly in his seat and turned to Vicious 2.
“What about my mother?” Julius asked.
“She tried to get me to do things, but every time we would get time to be together, something happened. Like one time we were supposed to go to the movies, but she was kidnapped so I had to save her,” Vicious 2 said.
“You remember back that far?” Julius asked.
“Yeah, that was the first day I met Melanie. Back when Malkav was my best friend. He saved my life that day,” Vicious 2 said. Julius took out another cigarette offered his father the last one. Vicious 2 took it, and lit it.
“You know Selena doesn’t like you smoking,” Vicious 2 said.
“She treats me like a baby,” Julius said, flicking his cig at the ash tray.
“She wishes she was your mother. Don’t tell anyone I told you this, but I’ve fallen for her. That is why I won’t move to the next level with Ana,” Vicious 2 implied, watching the piano player.
“I can see the tension between you two when you look in each other’s eyes,” Julius said. Vicious 2 smirked, and continued watching the piano player who finally looked up. For some odd reason he was staring dead at Julius with dark eyes. He got up, and grabbed his coat. He put it over his all black attire of shirt, pants, and a tie. He put his hat on, and slowly made his way into the back.
“Did you see that? He was looking right at me,” Julius said.
“I noticed,” Vicious 2 answered.
“I’m going back there,” Julius said, and got up with his guitar case in hand.

Backstage it was dim with limited light. There were a few props sitting off to the side on the hardwood floor. It was empty like a broken heart in there with white walls, graying from the dim lights. Julius followed the piano player as he took his leave. The dark character carried his equipment in a large case, while wearing a black jacket and a black cowboy hat.
“Hey,” Julius called after him. The piano player stopped in his tracks, and nearly froze, as it would seem. He didn’t turn around, but it was clear that he’d made a response.
“I didn’t think you’d catch my message,” a deep voice projected from the piano player, as he stood with his back still turned to Julius.
“Yeah, you caught me with that extra 8th note,” Julius said.
“Indeed, you truly are an established musician. Malkav picks his clients well,” the piano player said, turning around slowly.
“Malkav? Wait, who are you?” Julius asked, trying to hide the sudden fear in his voice. The piano player took his hat off, and began to step towards Julius.
“I am Minor the human score,” Minor said. Malkav sent me here to take your life,” Minor said. A gun cocked, and Vicious 2 walked out of the darkness. Minor scratched at his cornrows, and lit a cigarette.
“Over my dead body, fucker,” Vicious 2 said, pointing the chrome desert eagle at Minor.
“This doesn’t involve you, vampire,” Minor said.
“The hell it does,” Vicious 2 fired, and the bullet halted one millimeter away from Minor’s temple. Minor began to hum a mellow tune with his gruff voice. Vicious 2 immediately fell to the ground, choking on his blood. Julius tackled Minor, who kicked him off. Julius rolled over grabbing his guitar case. He could hear the keyboard playing already. Julius pulled the black seven-string guitar out and began playing before Minor’s notes could harm him. The notes then transcended into other things, as the music grew closer to Julius, he could hear the sounds of slithering snakes, gunshots, and a beast’s roar. But Julius’ music protected him; the most he got was a gash on his cheek. He began to play louder, strumming with the black pick in his hand. Minor’s fingers collided with the keys of the keyboard. He wasn’t missing a single note, as he set his song to phantom of the opera. Julius played an all time classic called Freak on a leash. Vicious 2 opened his eyes open, seeing a display of musical notes swirling all over the place. He clutched his gun, and pointed it while, looking at Minor.
“Hey, bitch!” Vicious 2 yelled. Minor turned his head to look down at Vicious 2 while still playing. Just as Vicious 2 fired a pair of rounds, the gun mysterious flew out of his hand. Then he was flung to the other side of the room. As Vicious 2 found himself in mid-air, a blade mysteriously pierced his chest. The music led Julius to Minor’s keyboard, where he vanished. He landed on the keyboard, playing with enough force to destroy the building that was now empty from all of chaos. The music hit Minor in his face, and he flew through the curtains. Julius ran back to Vicious 2, and knelt to him.
“Dad, you ok?” Julius asked, looking like a worried kid.
“Go kick his ass, don’t worry about me,” Vicious 2 said, pulling the blade from his chest. The sounds of footsteps were now on the stage, and Julius slid across the floor to the gun. Julius fired at the curtains, and the bullets came back. Vicious 2 struggled to his feet to save Julius, but someone beat him to the punch. The bullets were knocked away by a pair of katanas, and a girl stood in front of Julius wearing a forest green shirt and a pair of jeans.
“I told you not to smoke,” Selena said, looking down at Julius. Julius sighed in relief. Minor walked back through the curtains.
“Selena, get Julius out of here,” Vicious 2 said, as he pulled the blade from his chest.
“No, you go,” Selena said.
“Damnit, woman, we don’t have time for this!” Vicious 2 yelled, and he jerked her and Julius by their collars. He saw Minor heading back over to the keyboard.
“Da…” Julius was about to say until he was flung through the back wall along with Selena, who was reaching for Vicious 2. Her reach was too short though, as she saw the man she’d wanted to be her lover leap into what seemed to be his fate. As Vicious 2 progressed forward, he heard the brick wall shattered like glass. He held the blade out in a stabbing position ready to strike. As he continued he noticed, he was going nowhere really fucking fast. He felt he was now gliding, as if gravity was no longer there. He could no longer see Minor, but he kept going, knowing that this was an illusion. He could hear the piano playing right at him. The musical kissed his ears with scarlet. Crimson liquid leaked from his ears, but he didn’t give up. He was not going to fail his son another time. It was time to kill for a reason, the safety of his only son. He closed his eyes tightly and began to yell, but no matter how loud he screamed, he could not get to his destination. He started to lose control; the sound of funeral music was now playing. Vicious 2 found himself in a church, alone. He was still leaping, coming closer and closer to the minister’s podium. He could see a girl red hair, crying into a casket. It wasn’t Melanie; it was his first girlfriend, Cindy. There wasn’t a body in the casket, yet the girl continued to ball. He then noticed a tie wrapping tightly around his neck, and a blazer coming over his shoulders. A pair of slacks replaced his baggy cargos. His boots became Sunday dress shoes, and he noticed he wasn’t headed to the podium. He was headed smack dab for the fucking casket. He struggled to get to his feet, but the inevitability of falling into the casket was too great. He could now see Minor, but the blade was now directed towards him.
“Vici,” his guardian angel called.
“VICI, VICI, VICI!” she called.
“Melanie!” Vicious 2 yelled, and he droved his fist into the cushion of the. He blinked for one second, and he was backstage again. He was lying on the floor, and Minor was across from him holding his nose. Vicious 2 scrambled to his feet, and grabbed Minor by the collar of his shirt.
“Bitch,” Vicious 2 said, and he hauled him back through the curtains. Vicious 2 picked up his gun, and he could hear that humming again. When he stepped onto the stage, he spit the garlic out of his mouth.
“Your games don’t work anymore, maestro,” Vicious 2 picked up Minor’s hat, and put it on.
“Malkav informed me of you, Bingo,” Minor spoke, after spitting up blood.
“He just can’t get over the fact that I am the first person to kick his ass,” Vicious 2 said, pointing the gun at Minor.
“Before you kill me, how about one last square?” Minor pleaded.
“Sure, would you like a blindfold to go with that?” Vicious 2 said, as he flicked a cigarette to him.
“No thanks,” the cigarette combusted, and Minor was gone, just like that.

Vicious 2 walked out of the club, and stuck his gun in his pants. He saw Selena carrying Julius and coming towards him.
“Vici, you bastard,” She poked him, and kissed his cheek.
“I wasn’t going to let you fight that maniac,” Vicious 2 said, leaning towards her. She closed her eyes, and moved closer to him. But they quickly turned their heads as Julius woke up. Selena and Vicious 2 smiled warmly at each other as they headed home with Julius.

Temari lay in Cindy’s lap, sleeping while Cindy rubbed softly at her hair. A knock came to the door. Cindy wrapped Temari in a white blanket, and laid her on the couch. She got up and walked to the door, only to find three men on the outside. It was the Don, Danny, and Yodo. She opened the door, leaving the chain attached.
“What do you want?” Cindy asked.
“Is this the home of, Julius?”

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