Once In A Purple Moon [Closed]

[Lucyfer]

An entire millennium had passed before the lavender eyes of the woman at the bar. Time like that used to go by in a blink, but not any longer. Each agonizing second of it passed by as if it were a day, and every day, a year.


A shot glass sat on the bar before her, empty. It had been refilled five times already, but the dainty woman did not look even tipsy. She didn’t feel tipsy, either. The poisons and alcohols of men had yet to become strong enough to harm her, though she constantly wished otherwise. Her gaze caught that of the bartender and she lifted the glass once more to make it clear she still desired more.


He approached, and refilled it with the whiskey he’d been pouring for her. “Are you all right, lady?” He was obviously uncertain around her. She looked so young, but at the time he didn’t think that silver hair was misguiding him about her age, either.


Amina, once Aminael, still held on to many quirks of her angelic nature. One of these was her hatred of lies. “I am not,” and so, though she wanted no trouble, no questions, she had to answer honestly. She took the shot and tipped it into her mouth, down her throat. It hardly burned. It was quite smooth. She put it down in front of her again and gave a nod.


“What…er, what happened?”


“I lost my Father, and my job.” The truth, though in no way a human would understand. The emphasis was lost to the human, who showed sympathy and poured yet another shot for her.


“I’m sorry,” he offered, and then left her in peace. She did not immediately shoot that one back, but stared off into the space.


She had arrived there only that day. As soon as she saw the moon, she made sure to fake the death of her former identity and find her way to Sweden. She had chosen to take an airplane, even if she despised them for reminding her of what it was to be in the clouds. This tavern was where they had all met the first time, and the name had stayed the same through all those years. It was called the Storyteller, quite simply. The reason for it was lost to time. Amina didn’t know. She’d never cared.


All that mattered was that it stood the test of time. All that mattered was that everyone else would be here.


As she thought of that, she almost broke the glass in her hands. They would expect to see her with a cloak over her back, hiding her wings. Instead, the Angel of the Lord sat there, in a backless black dress, and drank alcohol when she used to not even bother with eating, let alone drinking.


‘And it is all your fault.’


~***~


Dustin Hughes had never been to Sweden before, but he had a passport. He had traveled to plenty of cities in Europe and Africa, and now he was leaving America for Sweden. It was a whim, an idea that came upon him and his friend, Mathias, when they saw the purple moon. So, he pulled what money he had from his job as a nurse, took some time off, and off they went.


They flew into Sweden, but the trip to where they were going required further travel.


So, the brunette man sat in a train’s private cart, and watched the snow breeze by the window, impatient. “How much longer?” He asked, not expecting Mathias would have an answer but hoping. He was tired. He couldn’t sleep while traveling. Even though Mathias was there, he was paranoid someone would steal his things.


He brushed a hand back through his hair and looked away from the window, to look at his tattooed friend. To look at them, one might find it difficult to label them as friends. The one tattoo that Dustin had was always out of sight, so besides his hair he always looked like a ‘good boy’. His friend on the other hand, sometimes gave off a different impression. Dustin didn’t care. He knew Mathias had a good heart.


“Why did you want to go to this place, Vilhelmina, anyway? I’ve never heard of it before,” not that Dustin knew much about Sweden.


The train kept on moving, but Dustin deluded himself with the thought that it was slowing down, hoping that soon they could rest and find a hostel to stay the night in.

 

[Sebastian M]

Zylac sat on the porch of his house, a gun strapped to his leg, knifes on his belt. Though, he always preferred archery, it seemed to be an out of time practice. Though that never stopped him from using it in the woods, practicing constantly. Even occasionally on one of his jobs.


In fact, on one of his jobs he had a feeling to take his bow and arrow, and that was when he saw the purple moon. His heart twisted at the sight, though He never showed it. He went back, shooting the arrow straight through his targets heart. He scoffed, and returned to his house. And now he sits, and waits. His bow was in his hand and he contemplates.


He never enjoyed going to town, but he had too. He knew it. He sighed, deciding to take his bow. He pulled the hood over his head, casting a shadow on his face to hide his appearance. He stood, and began his walk to the town. He stayed in the shadows, head cast downward as he walked forward. He quickly crossed the street, entering the bar.


He immediately spotted the woman and her strange aura. He walked up, sitting next to her, "You know, drinking so much isn't good for you," his voice was void of humor, with almost and accusing tone to it as he spoke. He never looked up as he raised his hand, ordering a beer for himself.


----


Mathias Laven let out a sigh. He looked out the window, eyes weary. It's not his first time in Sweden, in fact, over all his years he's nearly been everywhere. Though that wasn't what he was thinking. It was the purple moon, the terrible sign. He didn't want it, didn't like it.


Now he feared for his friend. He's going to have to tell him the truth soon- about himself and all of magick. He's nervous for that, nervous of his reaction. He didn't know anything, not even of what the purple moon meant.


His friends voice broke through his thought, Mathias turning to look at his friend, smiling, "I'm not sure. Sorry," he yawned. He was tired, he hasn't been sleeping well over the past few nights. He leaned back, trying to relax though the tension in his body doesn't fade, "Well, there's some business we need to take care of," he looked straight ahead again. Counting the tiles that made up the train wall. It helped calm his nerves.

 

[Lucyfer]

It was one of those ‘speak of the devil’ moments. Just as she thought of who’s fault it was, the individual who had made her refuse His last command came into the tavern. She did not know it until he deigned it appropriate to sit by her. His tone was more than she wanted to deal with it. ‘Don’t you know it doesn’t affect me?’ Or had she changed so much he could not recognize her. She didn’t hide her face like he did.


So when his beer arrived and was set on the counter, she swiped it with her hand.


It broke open on the floor behind the counter, causing the bartender to jump back in surprise. His gaze went immediately to hers as she slid off the barstool, and met his. He could tell she was not drunk, though the action made him suspect it. “Lady, you’ll have to pay for that.” But as he spoke she threw a wad of bills at him. They were all foreign, for she had not bothered to get them all as one currency—money was tiresome. She didn’t have enough time after ‘killing’ her previous life to get a bank account and new card.


She strode towards the door without a word, trying to convince herself that she could walk out and leave this all behind. ‘If He wants it dealt with, He will deal with it.’


Behind her, the bartender is saying, “I’m sorry, I’ll get you another, she’s been…she lost her job and her father,” he whispers that bit, paranoid she’ll overhear and react to his sharing of knowledge negatively.


~***~


Dustin managed to return the smile, though it faded as the news was delivered that Mathias had no idea how long it would be. He slumped back into his seat, looking away from the window. His friend looked so focused, despite the relaxed posture.


Dustin’s smile vanished entirely at the mention of business. “Business?” He cocked his head, “What sort of business?” And immediately on the heels of that question, he asked, “You didn’t tell me there was business,” he crossed his arms over his chest, hardening his gaze just a little to show he disapproved immensely of such deceptions. He had been certain this was going to be a fun vacation of sorts. He didn’t want to do any business.


‘Then again, he could still be joking. The business could be rating beers.’ He almost smiled as the thought, the hope, came to mind. He did not, though. He didn’t want to show he had seen through his friend’s game.


He really wanted to believe that Mathias was kidding about them needing to do anything serious.

 

[Sebastian M]

Zylac scoffed at her action. Silently watching her leave, debating what to do. Of course, he's going to be forced to go after her, as much as a pain that was. He looked up at the Bartender when he spoke, an eyebrow rising as he spoke. How very interesting, the thought came to him, a sly smile spreading on his lips.


He turned around on the barstool, leaning back against the counter. He ignored the new beer as it was set behind him. He waited for her to get to the door before he spoke, "You can't run from this, at least, not like how you ran from your daddy~" He new it was cruel, but he enjoyed it. He hoped it would put doubt in her mind. Perhaps even are anger rise in her chest, "No one can run from this."


He reached back, taking the beer and pouring some of the liquid into his mouth. He raised his head enough to be able to clearly see her, some of the shadows disappearing to reveal the sharp features of his face. The hand not holding the bear rested on his hip, above one of his knives. He decided better safe, just in case she does react with anger and violence.


----


Mathias smiled sheepishly over at his friend. He had to be honest, Dustin looked like a little pouting child at the moment. Of course, that only made him feel guilt for deceiving his friend. But what other choice did he have? He knew Dustin wouldn't have come if business was involved. No one would want to come. Business trips are usually, always, so boring.


Mathias took a deep breath, "Well, the business is kinda a special sorts," no doubt there, "I can't really explain it to you now, but I will. We're meeting our business partners at a tavern."


He hoped mentioning the tavern would be good. At least there they could drink alcohol. Then his mind wandered to who their partners would be. He hoped they would be nice, and compatible. He didn't want his patience tested, especially for how well he's been going. It's been a few years with no accidents, and much of that to thank was Dustin. He always seemed to know how to calm him, or at least restrain him.


He looked away, rather guiltily, "Sorry I tricked you. It's just, I needed you to come."

 

[Lucyfer]

There were many things that her companions has been wrong about, when they told her of earth. One of them that they had not been wrong about, was choice. Amina could run. If she liked, she could run all the way to hell and truly fall, and leave the fate of Earth in other hands. She was earthbound, but she knew the way down, further.


She could run. That was where Zylac was wrong.


She could run to Heaven, if she could muster up the will to kill him and commit the genocide she had been charged with on her return to heaven, one millennia ago. ‘Why did I spare him?’ It came with a pulse of light around her hand, a thought to damn them all then and there and do as He had charged her.


The light dissipated, just a pulse, a reminder of the holy energy she worked with. That hadn’t been lost.


She didn’t look back. She pushed the door open and walked out, opening the fist to dispel the anger. She had spared him, of course, because despite his personality he had done good. She had spared his entire, treacherous race, because he had been one very small beam of light amongst the darkness, and for that reason alone she wouldn’t condemn them all, just in case they could change, too.


Amina repeated the rationale over and over as she walked, directionless. This place had changed since the last time she was there, after all.


~***~


Pouting would be an accurate term for Dustin then. He did perk up at the mention of a tavern, but not much, “Well, I guess they can’t be that bad, then,” meetings in taverns weren’t usually too serious, not that he had much experience with them. He usually had lunch meetings at restaurants, or in board rooms. Meetings in taverns didn’t occur for business purposes.


“All right, I forgive you,” he sighed and shook his head, sat up once more, “Just so long as you’re not in trouble with the mafia or something. I’m not good in a fight.” He said it as more of a joke, since so many people did think his friend the sort to get into major trouble. Perhaps he did, but if so, he was quite capable of getting out of it without Dustin knowing.


The train was slowing, too. Dustin hadn’t imagined that, and soon, it started to slow enough to come to a stop. Outside in the cold was the train station, and not one of the fancy indoor ones, either. “I guess we’re here,” Dustin said, just as the train announcement came on, in Swedish of course. The word ‘Vilhelmina’ could at least be understood, the name of their destination.

 

[Sebastian M]

Zylac hummed, staring at her. He wasn't sure if he should go after her or not, after all, everyone would be needed in the upcoming events. He decided to stay, she'll come back in due time, he decided. He took another swig of the drink, thinking back on his past years.


After the last event, he went into hiding and started working as a mercenary, that way he still got to kill, but bad people primarily. Not innocent ones, though it didn't really matter to him completely, but after risking his life to save the people he'd be damned to just go back in and slaughter them all.


He found Sweden, ironically the place they have to meet. He took another swig, emptying the contents of the drink into his mouth. It gave a nice warmth to his neck, but by no means started making him feel tipsy. He looked up at the clock, curious when the others would arrive.


He figured some time shortly. He wondered how many more would join. The original six? No, some must have died. Not everyone could live forever. He felt a tad sad, but it didn't effect him much. Death was death, it was bound to find everyone, eventually.


---


Mathias smiled, "Thank you," he stood, putting on his heavy jacket. He walked to the side and started pulling down his suitcase. He found it ironic what Dustin said. He can't fight- well, he may need to learn fast.


Mathias pulled their suitcases down, handing Dustin his. He walked to the door, opening it. The cold air immediately rushed in, attacking his skin with the bitter cold. He couldn't help but shiver, stepping down onto the ground.


He looked around, everyone was leaving the train station, creating s crowded atmosphere. He turned back to Dustin, "Stay close, or else you may get lost."

 

[Lucyfer]

Their paths always crossed, like fate.


It might have been fate, but Amina did not know any longer. All she knew was that when she approached the train station, it seemed right. Then, when she saw the passengers getting off as she approached one of the conductors, she realized why it felt right. She recognized the tattooed individual as he was pulling the luggage off and handing it to another.


‘Thane?’ She wondered idly, the name one of their human companions had once had. It seemed right, for the djinn and Thane had been close, but he did not look like Thane. Who else would the djinn bring?


Her eyes skimmed the crowd to see if he had gone about collecting the others, but she did not see them.


“Miss?” The conductor addressed her and she snapped her attention right back to him. “We do have room on the train, and we’re off to Kiruna. There should be an airport there, but the ticket is….” He spoke in Swedish, but Amina understood. She always understood, and she nodded as the price was given, started digging into her purse and hoping she’d kept some of the currency.


She had a sinking feeling she had thrown it all at the bartender in her fit.


“Thanks,” Dustin said as the luggage was put into his hands. It was when the angel looked away that Dustin noticed her, his luggage being pushed into his arms. There was something familiar about her, a familiarity he had only ever felt around Mathias before. He couldn’t place it.


He did stay close, but he asked, “Is that one of your associates?” And with a motion of his head he tried to make it clear which person in the crowd he meant. He imagined if it was, his friend would recognize her through the crowd. If it wasn’t, then they’d go by, and he’d be wrong.


Yet, he didn’t feel wrong.

 

[Sebastian M]

Mathias muttered a 'your welcome,' grabbing his own afterwards. He straightened, looking around the busy platform when Dustin asked his question. He followed where he pointed. Something came to Mathias, a smile crossed his face as he stared. It's been so long, she looked so different.


Worry twisted at his gut, "That is, come on," he took Dustin's hand, quickly walking to her. He didn't mean to walk so fast, but it just happened. He pushed his way through the crowed, muttering apologies as he went. He always considered her a not-so-close friend or a very-close acquaintance. Either way, he still wanted to see her again.


His smile grew as he came closer, now stopping directly in front of her. He looked her over, and felt something was wrong. She didn't have the same...power as she did last time she looked colder, perhaps. Though that word didn't fit. It was just an odd feeling that made his stomach twist.


He ignored it, however, approaching her for a hug, not caring if she hugged back or not, when he backed out of the hug, "It's good to see you again, Amina. This is Dustin," He Put emphasis on his name, knowing that he could be confused with the older him.


---


Zylac sighed. The tavern has nearly emptied, and there was no one here but the Angel, and he scared her off. He downed another beer, the bartender not talking to him after what he said. He was bored. He waited. The two couldn't be the only ones still alive. It wouldn't make sense.


He stood, deciding to throw darts as he waited. Everyone hitting the center, without fail.

 

[Lucyfer]

Dustin was pleased to have guessed right, though when they approached his own gut twisted, as if he ought to be afraid of this individual. He couldn’t explain it, except by her expression, which did not seem happy. She did not appear to notice them until they broke free of the crowd, and then shock was painted across her expression. She even took a step back, but Mathias still managed to embrace her.


Amina did not return the embrace, though the tension left her. She shut her eyes. “Hello, Mathias.” It came as a sigh. It came out as giving up.


Fate had caught her.


Mathias backed up, released her, and she looked to Dustin when he was introduced. She gave a curt nod, made a note not to refer to him by any other name. She did, desperately want to ask if it was Thane, or another. “Zylac is here,” Amina told them both, looked to Dustin and asked point-blank, “Do you know what you are doing here?”


“Er…no. He said business.”


Amina looked from Dustin to Mathias, a hint of disapproval, though she supposed it might be easier to explain everything to the human with everyone present. It certainly made things more convincing. “I see. I…I suppose we should go to the tavern.” She didn’t want to, and she didn’t move as if to lead them.


“Yeah,” Dustin agreed, though some of the chipperness was gone. He could feel the tension, and he knew the answers would lie in that tavern. He wanted to know more, but after seeing Amina, he doubted very much he was going to like the news.

 

[Sebastian M]

Mathias nodded, the tension beginning to fill up within himself as well. He hoped Zylac was doing good, and not the good meaning by a big house and a lot of money, but the good meaning by morals. He knew Zylac and his species struggled with such a thing greatly, but he helped stop the evil once. He looked down at Dustin with an apologetic grin, "Sorry, the business is actually quite serious. You'll understand in time."


He did feel bad for manipulating Dustin to such a degree. It's one thing to make him come to Sweden, thinking it was for fun. Another thing to make him think it was more casual business. But now he tricked him into coming, when he knew he was putting his life in danger without actually telling him.


He took a deep breath, "We should go and meet u p with him then," he took his luggage, and make a gesture for Amina to lead the way.


---


The bar was beginning to completely empty out. Usually it would be busy at this time of night, but every human was getting a bad feeling in their gut. Even the most loyal bar goers wanted to run from it. Partially, because Zylac was just starting to get tipsy, and start fights. But the main reason was because it felt so wrong.


The knew they weren't supposed to be there. Like some great message was telling the, to stay away. He took a deep breath, throwing another dart at the target. It was getting late, he wondered if anyone was going to show.

 

[Lucyfer]

Dustin was not happy to have his worries confirmed. He followed as Amina led, for he was not going to back out just yet, but he was not happy that Mathias had lied to him twice now. For the most part, he kept his gaze away from the two. He only looked to them when he had to make sure of direction.


He noted the woman had a tattoo on her back, but her hair made it difficult to figure out. The job didn’t look the best, though. He was certain there was scarring there.


People were moving away from the place they were going. He saw the tavern and followed the silver-haired woman in, noted that only the bartender and a man throwing darts remained. “Uh, is that another?” Dustin asked Mathias. He couldn’t be certain with this individual, and he had a feeling it was because he couldn’t see his face.


Amina ignored the three of them to return to the seat she had vacated earlier in order to get another bit of liquor from the bartender.

 

[Sebastian M]

Mathias looked down at his friend with guilt written on his face. He didn't like having him upset- especially when Mathias was the reason. He didn't enjoy lying to him either. He kept walking behind Amina, and noticed the tissue on her back. It looked like scars. He felt his stomach churn, he really hoped he wasn't right.


He looked up to the tavern as they approached. The unsettling familiarity made his grow nervous. Why, why so soon? He took a calming breath, the guilt and nerves already starting to make him stress. As they entered, he saw a man in the hood. He squinted, in order to try and see his face. The mans accuracy, however, nearly gave him away. It would be the blasted elf.


Now, Mathias is still friends with said dark elf. He just wasn't a fan of how he always tried to test his patience. Earlier, Zylac would be able to easily best him and throw him into rage. Now, Mathias felt more prepared b


----


Zylac heard the door open. His sensitive ears twitched as he threw one last dart. He smirked over to the Angel, "I see you just couldn't stay away~" his voice was ear a hiss. He didn't care, now. The only true human being the bartender, he took off his hood to reveal his rather ugly face.


His sickening smile spread across his face. One that the faint hearted should never have to see. He slowly walked up to Mathias and Dusting, "It's about time you two arrived."