rome; garden of history

[Antoinette Argonith]

Zyxyz was definitely the perfect choice. That is was the Goddess felt. She would not just ask anyone to be her follower and soldier. She only asked those who she felt were worthy enough, strong and loyal. By the way Antoinette saw things, the Demon held those qualities and so much more. He was meant to be a leader. She felt it.

Unfortunately, he did not feel the same way. He questioned himself and his abilities. He doubted himself. Not a very good sign. The Goddess frowned and gentle placed her hand on his massive shoulder.
"You are stronger than you think, Zyxyz. Your race is strong. Powerful. You can do so much. You have the potential. I would not ask just anyone to assist me. Those who choose to follow me must be strong, loyal, and leaders. You, Zyxyz, have that and so much more. You are more than worthy." She giggled softly. "'Tis true, I am the Goddess of Vampyres, but that does not mean Vampyres are the only ones I have faith in. I keep my options open. Not just on the Vampyres alone." Antoinette removed her hand and looked up to the Heavans, sighing softly.

"As for how you are going to spread the faith, that is up to you to figure out. Many people have many different ways they spread their beliefs. I am positive you will think of something. After all..." She held her pendant and smiled. "It is because of you I am beginning to have faith in this world again. You are unique, Zyxyz. I have so much confidence in you."
She could only hope her words meant something to the Demon. He was different from the others. There was something about him that stuck out. She just did not know what it was. She was going to figure it out. Somehow.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz had to refrain from flinching when the Goddess placed her hand on his shoulder. The last time she had touched him, he’d been immobilized and even though he knew inwardly she wasn’t about to do that again, his instincts still said to get out of reach. A ridiculous notion based on animalistic, primitive thoughts. It was funny to him; the thought of someone so much smaller in size scaring him, but he knew the reason was quite valid. Her hand was like a child’s compared to his and his torso was probably around two of hers. Then, she spoke. Words of encouragement. Words that made him want to puff out his chest and nod stolidly. Words that made him want to be her strong, loyal follower, leading her army to whatever end… if it was for her. She spoke such vitalizing words. Her laugh was empowering and warm, making one want to bathe in her giggle and wear her chuckle as a tunic. How could he not want to serve this woman?
x
Next, though, she told him he was on his own when it came to figuring out how to spread the faith in the Goddess. He frowned at the idea, certain he didn’t know what to—No. This is my first test from my Goddess and I will not fail it. She wishes to see how I operate and in what way I will bring her more followers. I will deliver. he lifted his chin, eyes forced to look down at the Goddess and he nodded firmly. He would not fail. That was clear to both of them. Or at least, he hoped she knew that. “One last question. I am restoring faith in you? Or all Gods and Goddesses?” he inquired. He didn’t care either way, but he knew he should find out all the details beforehand to ensure that he didn’t mess something up. That would be perfect. Messing it all up on the first day. Heh. He fell to one large knee and asked another question with a glint, a glimmer, a shine in his eyes as they looked at her with reverence. “Antoinette… Goddess mine. Allow me to kiss your hand.”

[Casi Delasy]

Casi sat there and finished his snack. He continued to relax in the garden and tried to covertly lipread what was being said. Although he couldn't make out a number of the words, he could see the words "Vampyre", "Goddess", "followers" and what he thought was "faith" formed in the mouths of the Vampyre and what was most likely a demon. In his head he knew this couldn't be good but he kept watching. The demon formed a new word. "Antwanet" it looked like. Casi's mind raced as he remembered the basic teachings of his father about the Goddess of Vampyres.

"There is a Goddess. Antoinette Argonith. Like we follow Forgery Zaytsev, vampyres and a number of other beings follow Antoinette Argonith. She is impervious to a number of things that other vampyres are vulnerable to. Including sunlight. Do not do battle with her, ever. We are mortal. We cannot hold our own against deities. The best chance of survival is retreat. If retreat is not an option, act respectful and like a gentleman. On no account draw a weapon otherwise you'll end up dead."

His father's words ran through his mind. "The best chance of survival is retreat." However Casi was far too interested in the rendevous between the vampyre goddess and the possible demon. He couldn't just leave. He pondered to himself, looking on the outside like a tourist lost deep in thought and decided to stay a little longer to see how this played out. He wandered over to a nearby cookie vendor and purchased a double chocolate chip cookie as well as a large bottle of water before returning to his bench and continuing to observe the pair. He noticed the possible demon say the words "allow", "kiss" and "hand".

[Antoinette Argonith]

It is wondrous, really. How it must feel to be a mortal confronted by a deity. It must have been quite frightening. Confusing . Eye-opening maybe. She could understand why Zyxyz had acted the way he did when she revealed herself. Thinking she was just a crazy woman. It was actually very amusing.

However, now...his eyes have been open to what was really going on; blind no more. Antoinette smiled softly. His confidence had returned and his eyes gleamed with happiness. He was hers. Her follower. Her believer. Her soldier.


“One last question." Antoinette nodded and waited for his question. "I am restoring faith in you? Or all Gods and Goddesses?” She giggled softly. "You are restoring faith in me, Zyxyz. But it will not be long before you restore faith in the other Gods and Goddesses as well. Once they hear of you, they will seek out followers of their own, knowing that there is still a chance."


What Zyxyz had did next was unexpected, but appreciated. “Antoinette… Goddess mine. Allow me to kiss your hand.” She smiled and nodded, holding out her hand.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed something. Someone rather. A young man sitting on a bench a ways away. He had been sitting there for a while now. Had he been watching the Demon and herself the entire time? She kept her eye on him, hoping he does something. It had been quite a while since the Goddess has been in a confrontation. She smirked a slight bit.



Watching. Waiting.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz kissed Antoinette’s hand gently, his lips savoring the sensation of her flesh against his face. He looked at her and smiled, but she was looking elsewhere, eyes locked on something that had gained her interest. He frowned for a moment, wondering what had stolen her attention and followed her gaze. There was a cookie vendor that hadn’t been there earlier… maybe he would get another cookie before he headed—Zyxyz’ frown furrowed deeper. There was a man on one of the intricately-cut benches, who seemed to be looking at them. Had he been watching them? Did it matter? This man surely couldn’t have heard anything they had said from that distance.
x
But why was Antoinette staring- no, gawking at the stranger if he was irrelevant? Maybe they were acquaintances? He turned his head back to his Goddess, curiosity and slight confusion etched into his face. “A friend of yours?” he questioned without thought. Zyxyz stood up as he turned his head to look at the man again. He didn’t seem to pose a threat… Zyxyz decided to take the occasion into his hands and began walking over to the observer, not waiting for Antoinette to move. He was going to get to the bottom of this.

[Casi Delasy]

Casi sat quietly eating his chocolate cookie. He cracked open the bottle of mineral water and as he was taking a deep swig, he noticed the possible demon approaching. He stayed silent and kept his posture straight. “Act respectful, be polite and don’t do anything stupid,” Casi thought to himself. He knew he could possibly take the demon but it was the woman he was most concerned out, especially if his hunch was true. As the demon approached the bench, Casi looked up at him. "Ciao, demon? What brings you over here?" he asked politely. Casi looked into the eyes of the creature and could feel his concentrated aura filling the air. It felt more powerful than the other demons that he had come across and slain but it was still manageable if necessary although he would prefer that he had the rest of his equipment in a fight. He didn't want to get into a supernatural confrontation right now, he was on holiday for Forgery's sake!

[Antoinette Argonith]

It would seem that the young stranger watching Antoinette also caught the attention of her newly acquired follower. He noticed that the Goddess was paying no attention to him. He didn't seem too happy about that.

"A friend of yours?" asked Zyxyz. Antoinette slowly shook her head and simply said no. The demon seemed aggravated, getting up to his feet and walking towards the stranger. This amused the Goddess. Already, this Demon proved himself useful. She smiled, playing with her blood ruby pendant. She decided to join the fun.
Antoinette followed behind Zyxyz, being sure to keep her distance from the young man. He spoke. Asking if there was something the Demon wanted. As she waited for his response, she examined the young man from head to toe. His attire seemed a bit strange for a local. He was definately not from Rome. She watched him carefully.

Straight posture.

Eyes focused.

Relaxed face.

Tense muscles.

He was nervous. Surely it had to be because of Zyxyz, his height most likely. But he didn't seem the least bit phased by him. Antoinette took a quick sniff of the air. She felt her fangs extend just a bit under her lips. This man was a human. He smelled of blood. Well, he certainly was no threat, so why was she so concerned?

The young man took a quick, but noticeable, glance at her. That was it! He wasn't the least bit concerned about the Demon, but her. But that would only mean he was aware of who she was. How? Unless...

Hunter. A very quiet growl rumbled in her chest. Not loud enough for anyone to notice. Her Demon may have noticed, though. No matter. She knew who this man was, but did not know his purpose of coming here. Was he on the hunt? Or maybe just on vacation? She decided against on exposing him. Instead she wanted to wait and see what her faithful Demon had in mind.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz heard Antoinette following behind him vaguely. He was more focused on the Human. He strode over to the bench in a few long strides and stopped as the Human began to speak. He called him a Demon. He knew more than he should. Such was already apparent. Most people would think him to be a large person, but calling him a Demon? Unheard of. This man had to be another Supernatural, a too-well informed Human, or a Hunter. He spoke English without any sort of Italian accent, so he wasn't a local... which was more foreboding than if he had been. The fact that he'd been here at this time from another place... it couldn't be coincidence. Zyxyz considered his options quickly. He could attempt to kill this male, but doing so would definitely cause a scene. He could simply walk off and ignore the man, but doing such would gain him nothing and at this point, the man seemed to know more about Zyxyz than Zyxyz did about him. The best choice was to stick around, converse with him, and try to gather some information from what he said.
x
He smiled curtly and shook his head. "No," he said easily. "I simply noticed your cookie. Want to go get another with me?" He smiled. They both would know it was a lie, but the question in and of itself might throw off the stranger. It was then that he heard Antoinette's low growl. It was slight enough that Zyxyz was barely able to hear it, even with his better-than-Human hearing, but he heard it nonetheless. He paused for a moment to see if the other man noticed. He hadn't seemed to. Judging from this, he was either good at hiding his emotions, a well-informed Human, or a Hunter. Most likely one of the latter two. Zyxyz continued, "What brings you to our beautiful city of Rome? You call me a Demon with seemingly no fear, so you know of the hidden beings that exist in this world. Beings that scarce others are aware of on this plane. Pray tell, stranger, what are your intentions? The Demons of Rome will not stand for barbaric acts in their town, this you should know. You cannot have come here to kill one of us unless you are a madman or have a well-placed, large army waiting. As we monitor the comings and goings of Rome, I can guarantee that's not the case."
x
Zyxyz decided to attempt to gain the upper hand. He focused mentally for a moment and instantly, a group of girls chatting nearby hushed, shivering simultaneously as they looked around and then hurried off. This part of the park became quiet as Zyxyz' innate power to create fear worked its power on the nearby residents. He raised his head calmly, cracked his knuckles against each other and cocked his head to the side slightly and clenched his teeth as he almost-glared down at the stranger. He had learned as a young Demon that intimidation is a powerful thing. It can make the weak quiver and the strong question themselves. It certainly couldn't hurt...

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[Casi Delasy]

Casi shuddered ever so slightly when he heard the Goddess growl. This quiet growl was more worrying than the Demon's intimidation. "I compliment your aura. One of the best I've seen. However it doesn't compare to your companion's growl. Now let me answer your questions. My intention in Rome is purely this. A holiday. I just finished an assignment in Naples and thought I'd take a break in Rome before continuing my drive home. I know very well that the Demons of Rome are one of the best organisations of..." he paused, picking his words carefully, "supernatural law enforcement, would be the best way to put it. The Demons of Rome don't need to call on the likes of me to come sort out a problem. As you may have already guessed, I am a Hunter. It's a job. I have no bad feelings towards supernatural beings but if they start to cause havoc within their general population, I am called in to fix the problem. My assignment in Naples was a shapeshifter, a serial murderer who went by the name of Marco De Pauli. He became a danger to humans so I was paid to take him out." He paused to take another bite of his chocolate cookie. "I have no quarrel with you Demon, or the Vampyre you are with. Although I must say, what would Antoinette Argonith be doing with you?"

He turned to the Goddess and bowed his head respectfully. "I lipread your companion. He said your name, coupled with the fact you don't show up in photographs or get harmed by the sun gave me a pretty good idea of who you were. My father taught me about the gods and goddesses of the supernatural beings at a very early age. I follow in his footsteps."

Casi turned back to the Demon. "If I was on a hunt, I would have all my equipment with me. Not a guidebook, a camera and a cookie. If want to know who I am, I'm sure you can ask the other Demons of Rome to find out which Hunter was hired to eradicate Marco De Pauli back in Naples. May I ask what your name is, Demon?"

[Antoinette Argonith]

Oh, how times truly have changed. In her days, the only duty of the hunter is to rid the world of the unnatural creatures that walk upon it. A sad, but true part of history.
The hunter that stood before the Goddess truly did amaze her. Confident. Strong. Straight forward. Honest. He knew his stuff and surely didn't mind showing it. Most importantly, he knew of her.

Interesting.


The Hunter bowed respectfully. Antoinette smiled and bowed her head in return. It was good to see that someone still knew how to act like a gentleman. He said he knew of her from his studies of the Gods and Goddesses. Not a big surprise. He had also mentioned that he was simply on vacation having just completed a mission he was called for. The Hunter stated that he did not want to quarrel with her or Zyxyz. That was also good to know. As much as she wanted to have a little bit of fun, there was no use if there was no reason for it. Oh, well.

"I must say, I am a bit surprised you know of me, Hunter. These days, people and creatures alike do not know much about the Gods and Goddesses. To know that there are still some that believe makes me quite content." Antoinette stood beside her Demon and smiled warmly. "I apologize for the rudeness, Hunter. You must understand that we were simply being cautious. There are many Hunters out there that do as they please than do what they are told." Antoinette was looking out for Zyxyz rather. She wanted to protect him. It was her duty now.

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz looked at the Human – Hunter, rather – before him. This Hunter was not like most he knew of, as Antoinette had said. Most Hunters were Christian or Muslim, attempting to purify the world and stop the supernaturals, viewing all of them as Demons in different forms, though there were some that were atheistic that considered themselves a part of natural balance of the world, keeping a powerful force from becoming too powerful. If the Hunter was only here for a vacation, then there was little to worry about; especially since he seemed to know of the strength of the Demons of Rome.
x
He also seemed to know who Antoinette was. Zyxyz checked himself so he wouldn’t glance at Antoinette after this bit of information was revealed. He also did not give away his name directly, but did ask what Zyxyz’ name was. Zyxyz snorted at the notion. “I will remember to ask for the name of the Hunter that came to end the life of Marco De Pauli, but as you refused to give me your name, expect no such courtesy in return, Human. To do so would be silly.” He had still not released the Aura of Fear and the area of the park they were talking in was almost devoid of people entirely; only a couple people walking by, hands held to their armpits and shoulders hunched as if a freezing December wind had just blasted them out of nowhere. It was probably better for their conversation that he kept it up, so he did.
x
“In regards to what a Demon of Rome and the Goddess of Vampyres have to converse about with one another, my friend, I must say you are daft.” The tips of his mouth curled upward slightly as he continued. “For someone so well-versed, I would’ve thought you would know of the bargain of the Demons of Rome and the Mortumar Vampyres. Regardless, the Demons of Rome and Vampyres, particularly Mortumar Vampyres, have always been somewhat… close. You should know that. Unless our Lady desires to impart more information, that is all that I shall reveal to your secretive persona; especially since you do not even consider us friends enough to do more than show off your knowledge... but even that seems flawed.”

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[Casi Delasy]

Casi smiled. "I already know what the Mortumar Vampyres and the Demons of Rome have together. I consider that relationship as to why I never have any work in Rome and the surrounding area. However what I do not understand is why the goddess, Antoinette Argonith, is here and with you in particular, rather than another vampyre. After all, it shouldn't be hard at all for her to find one of the Mortumar Vampyres..." He paused and looked the Demon in the eye. "I guess I have been a bit rude in not revealing my name. I'm Casi Delasy. Should you ask about, you will no doubt hear of a number of my assignments. I am one of a once powerful family of hunters descended from Shapeshifters. Although that blood still runs in my veins, the power of the shapeshifters has been diluted so much that we no longer retain that talent. Although we do still retain our faith in the one of shapeshifting and deception." Casi turned back to the Goddess. "I'm assuming you know who I'm talking about."

[Antoinette Argonith]

The Hunter certainly was an intelligent one. More intelligent than she would have guessed. He was definately someone she wanted under her power.
He introduced himself as Casi Delasy, probably hoping to get her servant's name in return. He explained that his family had come from a long line of Shapeshifters. Unfortunately, the power does not run through his veins. How sad it must be to come from a family of powerful beings only to be left as a human. Although, Casi didn't seem to mind it one bit.
Casi turned to the Goddess after stating that he and his family still retain their faith in a certain God. One of shapshifting and deception. "I'm assuming you know who I'm talking about." Antoinette's eyes flashed a crystal-blue color.


Forgery.


How could she not? Antoinette never had a problem with the God of Deception. She never really had a reason to. The two deities were more like acquaintances than friends. She knew how Forgery was like and did not want to get too close to him. In her eyes, he could not be trusted. So she kept her distance.
The Goddess nodded her head. "Yes, I know of whom you speak of. So you are a follower of Forgery? Very interesting. You made a wise choice to follow Him." She moved her hair behind her ear. "Or a very foolish one. His personality shows itself in his very name." She chuckled at the irony of it all. "Forgery and I are simply acquaintances, so I cannot judge." She held her blood pendant in her cold palm. "I simply advise that you watch yourself. As you should with any God or Goddess you worship. Not everyone can be trusted."

[Zyxyz Golthrum]

Zyxyz raised an eyebrow as Casi posed to him the inquiry again as to why the Goddess of Vampyres was not with another Vampyre instead of the Demon. Zyxyz wasn’t about to tell him that he’d met her by chance and he’d been paralyzed and overpowered by the female. Her power was divine, of course, and he shouldn’t be ashamed of being bested by a Goddess, but there was still something about it that made him uncomfortable with saying it aloud. Pride was his vice above all else; one that he would not easily part with. “Naturally, Hunter, the Goddess of Vampyres will watch over her children. To do so, she must ensure that good ties and friendliness between the Demons of Rome and the Vampyres persist. Some might call me an emissary of sorts.” He smiled as the Hunter revealed his name. Casi Delasy. He thought but he couldn’t remember any news of him specifically. Then again, it wasn’t his job to keep records on the goings-on of everyone of importance; that was his friend Hypotus’ job. Perhaps it is time to pay Hypotus a visit once more… he thought to himself. The Hunter claimed to be descendent of Shapeshifter blood, but diluted so the power was no longer with him.
x
Something he said made the Demon’s ears perk. Til now, it had been a game of sorts between the two; but now… now Zyxyz was learning something new. ”Although we do still retain our faith in the one of Shapeshifting and deception. I’m assuming you know who I’m talking about.” At this, Casi turned his attention to Zyxyz’ Goddess. The Demon turned his head slightly to cast her a sideways look, after which she nodded and confirmed that she did, in fact, know who he meant. A God named Forgery. Zyxyz wasn’t a student of the Gods and only knew about Antoinette from his studying of the relations of Mortumar Vampyres and the Demons of Rome. This Forgery was a new entity to him. He would have to ask the Goddess about him. Once we get away from prying ears and eyes… They seemed to only be acquaintances, but she could be lying to the powerless Shapeshifter for all Zyxyz knew.
x
“Well. It’s always a pleasure, Casi Delasy,” Zyxyz said with careful enunciation placed on his name to ensure that he’d gotten it right. “Since you’re not here to rile up our little town, you can expect that there will be no interference for you on your vacation from me. In fact, if you’d like someone to show you around, I’d be happy to.” His facial expression changed to one of confusion. “Out of curiosity, why were you lip-reading me? Most people would consider that a rude habit, you know…” Zyxyz lifted his lip into a half-smile, half-sneer. “Someone might take offence and try to do something about it, my friend.”

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[Casi Delasy]

Casi smiled politely at the goddess. "Well, worship is a bit of a strong word for my family. As we descended from Shapeshifter to Human centuries ago, it's just traditional we pay tribute to the blood in our veins. There hasn't been a Shapeshifting Delasy since the 1700s. Although I wonder what it would be like to have that ability at times, as I've never had it, I can't really miss it." He paused."As deception is one of the many methods used as a Hunter, we remember Forgery slightly more than the other Gods. The difference between us and other religious families is that, apart from knowing our dieties and others like yourself exist, is that we don't expect any divine intervention. I don't expect him to be all-powerful and I don't expect anybody to do us any special favours. I and the rest of the clan believe that our family came to its current position purely through hard work. As for trusting Forgery, well that's a no-brainer, we obviously don't." He grinned as he said this. "In my profession, you can only trust yourself. And even then I tend to not let the left hand know what the right is doing."

Casi then turned towards the demon. "Well my friend, as a Hunter, it's my job to keep an eye on the goings on around me. However it's because of the goddess here. I was doing a bit of sightseeing, photography et cetera and through the camera lens noticed you talking to yourself. Take the camera away and the goddess appears. I lip-read you purely to confirm my hunch that the goddess was who I believed she might be. Believe me, it was nothing personal but I apologise for doing so." He nodded respectfully to the demon. "Thank you for the offer about seeing the sights. On my previous visits to Rome, I've never had a local guide me around before. I might take you up on that."