Post by Bene Elohim on Feb 8, 2024 13:58:17 GMT -8
How…?
It was a question Lord Apollyon had been asking himself since the revelation of events. The 14th of July should have been quiet and uneventful, yet it turned out to be chaotic and disastrous. He was attempting to place the pieces of the puzzle together, his eyebrows furrowing and his forehead wrinkling.
How was Sathanas located?
The apartment complex in the middle-of-nowhere Kansas was bought out and privatized for his use only. None of the Children of Nephilim knew of his whereabouts. They were among the best trackers the world has yet to know. If the Children couldn’t figure out Sathanas’s location, no one could.
Apollyon’s eyes averted to his smartphone on his office desk when the screen illuminated. He traced his left forefinger across the screen and read the new text message.
‘Any luck, good sir?’
His dark green eyes softened for a brief moment. Moving his finger, he opened the Twitter app and he tapped on the username LostXSon. He focused on the tweets of Sathanas that revolved around July 14th. His Right Hand was dutifully on assignment for nearly two weeks before returning to his home. Soon, Apollyon came across the conversation between Sathanas and Maya Kennedy, his eyes narrowing.
Lord Apollyon: “That woman…”
Despite the lack of his own tweets, he was an observant God. He has noticed her connection to Sathanas. Her and another… the clown. Melissa Reed. He was fond of neither, preferring Sathanas cut ties with both of them so he could focus on the main objective: the complete and utter destruction of Michael Rivers and his Children of Nephilim. Of course, Sathanas was human. He required outlets. Apollyon was assured that sex was the only purpose Maya served for Sathanas. But as he continued to scroll through the conversation, the discovery of his Right Hand inviting the young woman into his home was…
Unnerving.
Infuriating.
Maddening.
How could Sathanas compromise his location for sex?!
And the timing… picking up Maya from her home, bringing her into his own, all on the same night Michael’s Fallen Angels, Demons, and Watchers ambushed him…
His right hand clenched tightly into a fist. Seething, he tapped Maya’s username and made a link to her account, sending it to the text conversation he was engaged in. His left hand’s fingers swiftly moved along the keys on the screen before sending the message.
This woman.
@mayaken21086545
Sathanas invited her into his home. It was not long after that when he was ambushed... She has connections with the Kingdom.
Since the cousin of Sativa Nevaeh was abducted and the Farmhouse was demolished, the Kingdom opposed Sathanas. They opposed his mission and who he served. They opposed his Lordship. To know any information, they would provide it to the Children. Perhaps their connection with Maya led to this.
Everything went wrong the moment she stepped foot into his home.
There was no other way, no other possibility.
Not too long after the message was sent, Apollyon received one. It was still from the same recipient, his eyes gauging the new message.
The Kingdom? Ah yes, those girls. What would you need me to do?
Apollyon was not hesitant to respond, his fingers moving along the keys.
It appears you have a connection with the ladies of the Kingdom. I want you to keep tabs on them and gather information, especially on their relationship with Maya Kennedy. I get the feeling that her presence in Sathanas's home was not just a coincidence.
His forefinger brought back the Twitter app with Maya’s profile. Even looking at her latest tweets, she seemed too calm, even a little cheerful. One hiding in the midst of a firefight would not be so optimistic. If he possessed a hacker in his arsenal, he could look beyond the surface of the social media, even check any messages on her phone. He was alerted to a new text message and he switched over.
That is a simple task. Observing and silently going undetected is not a problem for me.
A smirk crossed his face, a feature he hasn’t been able to express in some time. Raising his right hand, he tapped his fingers across the screen and sent a reply.
Very good, my Harbinger. Leave no stone unturned.
He exhaled slowly and straightened out his white three-piece suit. Running his fingers through his long hair, he looked upon the tabletop where a few documents were face up. Among them was a still image of the secret weapon Michael had been discussing with Ashley Kenyon.
Lord Apollyon: “Cronos…”
It made perfect sense now. The urgency to become the HYBRID Wrestling Grand Champion. The money was to hire the walking, talking Behemoth. With how the attack was coordinated Sunday night, it was meant to be a hit on Sathanas. ‘Lucifer’ was actually willing to kill the first human being he ever cared about, his protégé.
Speaking of, the soft ‘ding’ of the elevator alerted his presence. The doors opened and Apollyon saw the vivid imagery of something he thought he’d never see: Anthony Crawford with great affliction upon him. The smirk on his facial features was replaced with a scowl as he took a seat before the desk, his arms folded across his chest.
Lord Apollyon: “I am not pleased, Sathanas.”
The walking weapon known as Sathanas crossed the room to the chair on the other side of the desk. He wore a black button-down shirt that was left open, revealing a white tank top over his solid frame. There was a thin red line across the stomach area of the material from where blood seeped from the stapled wound. A pair of blue jeans and a pair of black shoes completed his disgruntled look.
When he heard Valdemar’s words, Anthony lifted a brow and his eyes narrowed on the man across the desk from him. He wasn’t pleased?
Anthony Crawford: “I’ll see your not being pleased and raise you stomach staples and glass shards in your skull.”
Apollyon’s eyes narrowed on those wounds. He didn’t approve of Anthony’s sarcastic nature.
Lord Apollyon: “The results of a home invasion that should have never happened. Your location was secure. No member of the Children of Nephilim, not even Alistair, could find you. Then you decided to think… with your OTHER head… and invite that harlot into your home on the same night they ambushed you.”
There was a slight hissing of frustration from the Lord.
Lord Apollyon: “Coincidence? I think not.”
Valdemar’s tone wasn’t one Anthony was happy with, but it wasn’t as much as shown in the expression on his face. He leaned back in his chair and shifted his head to the side, emitting a loud “crack” as he did. Lifting a hand, he tapped an index finger on his temple.
Anthony Crawford: “Think. They walked into that room and opened fire in all directions, Sire. Had I not told the girl to hide? She would have been dead. There’s no way they would have opened fire had they known someone working for them was still in the line of fire. You don’t like it, I get that, but it doesn’t change the facts. Maya and I are finished, but she wasn’t a plant.”
Valdemar knew better. Somehow, Maya played Anthony for a fool. She may not have been connected to the Children, but she was associated with the Kingdom. Before he could protest, Anthony leaned forward and drove a finger down onto the desktop.
Anthony Crawford: “Our primary concern should be retaliation, Sire. Plain and simple. They think they have the upper hand now, all arrogant and cocky. So, it’s time to give them a reality check. Punch them square in the mouth.”
Those dark green eyes narrowed. Anthony claims that he and Maya are finished. He will give it the benefit of the doubt… this time. His arms unfolded and his facial features relaxed only in the slightest.
Lord Apollyon: “...Then we are going to end this, Sathanas. Demolish the house.”
Anthony Crawford: “I did.”
Raising a finger, Apollyon wagged it with a soft ‘tsk’.
Lord Apollyon: “You destroyed the Farmhouse… not the Linette Residence.”
Anthony pursed his lips in thought and finally just shrugged and gave the smallest little nod.
Anthony Crawford: “Alright, but this has escalated far enough. Destroy it with them on the inside. End this once and for all.”
The thought that came to him about the possibility of others being there just got another shrug.
Anthony Crawford: “Others may be there, but it’s irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Collateral damage, casualties of war.”
Lord Apollyon: “It doesn’t matter who is within the Malibu estate. Men, women, children -- I want Michael Rivers and his ‘Angels’ DEAD.”
There was venom in his words. He was not hesitant about the sacrifice of casualties, innocent or guilty. Rising to his feet, Apollyon slammed his fist down on the table.
Lord Apollyon: “No more distractions. No more games. We are ending this war once and for all.”
If Anthony had any problem with that, it didn’t show. Sacrifices were necessary for greatness. The weak would always be little more than steps for the strong to reach new levels. He gave the faintest nod and looked up at the man standing on the other side of the desk.
Anthony Crawford: “It’ll have to be someone new. Someone none of them are familiar with. Someone they’ve never seen before. Any of them see me or any of the Demons they know lurking around the house and they’ll know something’s up.”
Apollyon nodded his head. Sathanas was right; in order for this to work, they could not send anyone who was recognized by the Children. A thoughtful look surfaced on his features.
Anthony Crawford: “Someone I picked up south of the border just finished training. They would work just fine.”
He looked up to Sathanas, astonished at first, then a cruel smile formed on his face.
Lord Apollyon: “Perfect.”
The Lord’s eyes focused on the bloodstain on Sathanas’s white tank top, then the stitches on his forehead. Wherever he received treatment, he wanted to make sure his Right Hand was on the best path to recovery.
Lord Apollyon: “See to it that you are medically treated. The Demons will assist you. Tomorrow, I require a full report.”
Anthony Crawford: “I’ll be fine. I always am.”
He had lived ten years on the fringe, on the edges of society and on his own with no one else to care for his wounds and ailments. He would be fine now. A final nod and he rose from the chair to make his way out.
The Danish Devil watched his Right Hand dismiss himself with a slight narrowing of his eyes. He settled back down on the seat and took his phone in his hands. He would return to the text conversation and proceed to respond whenever he needed to. Leaning back against the chair, he sighed softly.
Lord Apollyon: “I need a drink…”
The soft ‘ding’ of the elevator caused him to look up. He dismissed Sathanas. There was no reason for his return to the office. Was it one of his Demons? When the doors to the elevator opened, the clicking of heels softly resonated within his office. A delighted smile crossed his face. Vanita Thompson had come in, a soft smile on her face.
Vanita Thompson: “I hope I am not interrupting anything.”
Lord Apollyon: “Not at all, my Harbinger. Please have a seat.”
She came across the room and sat in the seat across from him. She crossed her legs and looked at him, trying to read his emotions if she even could.
Vanita Thompson: “How are things, my good sir?”
She smiled at him, hoping it would ease whatever he was feeling in the moment. Apollyon’s smile never left him, only widening.
Lord Apollyon: “Everything is better now that you’re here.”
He chuckled softly and crossed one leg over the other. He placed his phone back on the desk and made eye contact with her.
Lord Apollyon: “I have made a tactical decision, one that will benefit us.”
She looked at him with an eyebrow cocked. The soft smile was now twisting into a tiny wicked smirk.
Vanita Thompson: “Tactics, my kind of language. Might I ask what this is?”
Her eyebrow lowered, the smirk never leaving her face. Her enthusiasm delighted him, a chuckle escaping his parted lips. He ran his left hand through his long strands of hair.
Lord Apollyon: “Despite my suspicions, if I am correct about Maya Kennedy, targeting her would draw the Kingdom back into the war. It is best to avoid a two-prong attack, especially when the Children have recovered a powerful ally in Cronos. Sathanas was fast, but he was still unable to defeat the Behemoth. You know the ladies of the Kingdom better than I do. I’m certain you can see why reinvolving them would be highly dangerous.”
Vanita Thompson: “I see, The Kingdom…”
She trailed off, her hand to her chin. She had to think for a moment or two before speaking.
Vanita Thompson: “Those girls can be reckless and we need no more distractions or messes to clean up. We need to be swift, yes, but without unwanted hassle.”
Her hand then lowered, resting on her knees as she nodded to herself.
Vanita Thompson: “So, any plans as to what we do next?”
Lord Apollyon: “Yes. I’m not certain if you ran into Sathanas on the way to my office…”
Vanita Thompson: “I did not see him.”
He tilted his head. Sathanas must have gone elsewhere. Perhaps to the basement… Regardless, the older man shook his head.
Lord Apollyon: “Ah, well… You’ll see him around, my Harbinger. Sathanas and I have discussed the next course-of-action. We grow tired of this war with Michael Rivers. In fact, we intend to finish it. I would like to speak to you about it somewhere else. I don’t need our time to be disrupted by my Demons.”
Rising to his feet, he rounded the desk and stood before her, extending a hand.
Lord Apollyon: “Come.”
She never took her eyes off him as he rounded the desk. She got up slowly, her smirk now replaced with a wide smile as she chuckled. She took his hand and got closer to him.
Vanita Thompson: “You never have to ask me to do that.”
A humorous chuckle left him, his arms moving around her waist, and he kissed her.
A Devil and his Harbinger.
It was a question Lord Apollyon had been asking himself since the revelation of events. The 14th of July should have been quiet and uneventful, yet it turned out to be chaotic and disastrous. He was attempting to place the pieces of the puzzle together, his eyebrows furrowing and his forehead wrinkling.
How was Sathanas located?
The apartment complex in the middle-of-nowhere Kansas was bought out and privatized for his use only. None of the Children of Nephilim knew of his whereabouts. They were among the best trackers the world has yet to know. If the Children couldn’t figure out Sathanas’s location, no one could.
Apollyon’s eyes averted to his smartphone on his office desk when the screen illuminated. He traced his left forefinger across the screen and read the new text message.
‘Any luck, good sir?’
His dark green eyes softened for a brief moment. Moving his finger, he opened the Twitter app and he tapped on the username LostXSon. He focused on the tweets of Sathanas that revolved around July 14th. His Right Hand was dutifully on assignment for nearly two weeks before returning to his home. Soon, Apollyon came across the conversation between Sathanas and Maya Kennedy, his eyes narrowing.
Lord Apollyon: “That woman…”
Despite the lack of his own tweets, he was an observant God. He has noticed her connection to Sathanas. Her and another… the clown. Melissa Reed. He was fond of neither, preferring Sathanas cut ties with both of them so he could focus on the main objective: the complete and utter destruction of Michael Rivers and his Children of Nephilim. Of course, Sathanas was human. He required outlets. Apollyon was assured that sex was the only purpose Maya served for Sathanas. But as he continued to scroll through the conversation, the discovery of his Right Hand inviting the young woman into his home was…
Unnerving.
Infuriating.
Maddening.
How could Sathanas compromise his location for sex?!
And the timing… picking up Maya from her home, bringing her into his own, all on the same night Michael’s Fallen Angels, Demons, and Watchers ambushed him…
His right hand clenched tightly into a fist. Seething, he tapped Maya’s username and made a link to her account, sending it to the text conversation he was engaged in. His left hand’s fingers swiftly moved along the keys on the screen before sending the message.
This woman.
@mayaken21086545
Sathanas invited her into his home. It was not long after that when he was ambushed... She has connections with the Kingdom.
Since the cousin of Sativa Nevaeh was abducted and the Farmhouse was demolished, the Kingdom opposed Sathanas. They opposed his mission and who he served. They opposed his Lordship. To know any information, they would provide it to the Children. Perhaps their connection with Maya led to this.
Everything went wrong the moment she stepped foot into his home.
There was no other way, no other possibility.
Not too long after the message was sent, Apollyon received one. It was still from the same recipient, his eyes gauging the new message.
The Kingdom? Ah yes, those girls. What would you need me to do?
Apollyon was not hesitant to respond, his fingers moving along the keys.
It appears you have a connection with the ladies of the Kingdom. I want you to keep tabs on them and gather information, especially on their relationship with Maya Kennedy. I get the feeling that her presence in Sathanas's home was not just a coincidence.
His forefinger brought back the Twitter app with Maya’s profile. Even looking at her latest tweets, she seemed too calm, even a little cheerful. One hiding in the midst of a firefight would not be so optimistic. If he possessed a hacker in his arsenal, he could look beyond the surface of the social media, even check any messages on her phone. He was alerted to a new text message and he switched over.
That is a simple task. Observing and silently going undetected is not a problem for me.
A smirk crossed his face, a feature he hasn’t been able to express in some time. Raising his right hand, he tapped his fingers across the screen and sent a reply.
Very good, my Harbinger. Leave no stone unturned.
He exhaled slowly and straightened out his white three-piece suit. Running his fingers through his long hair, he looked upon the tabletop where a few documents were face up. Among them was a still image of the secret weapon Michael had been discussing with Ashley Kenyon.
Lord Apollyon: “Cronos…”
It made perfect sense now. The urgency to become the HYBRID Wrestling Grand Champion. The money was to hire the walking, talking Behemoth. With how the attack was coordinated Sunday night, it was meant to be a hit on Sathanas. ‘Lucifer’ was actually willing to kill the first human being he ever cared about, his protégé.
Speaking of, the soft ‘ding’ of the elevator alerted his presence. The doors opened and Apollyon saw the vivid imagery of something he thought he’d never see: Anthony Crawford with great affliction upon him. The smirk on his facial features was replaced with a scowl as he took a seat before the desk, his arms folded across his chest.
Lord Apollyon: “I am not pleased, Sathanas.”
The walking weapon known as Sathanas crossed the room to the chair on the other side of the desk. He wore a black button-down shirt that was left open, revealing a white tank top over his solid frame. There was a thin red line across the stomach area of the material from where blood seeped from the stapled wound. A pair of blue jeans and a pair of black shoes completed his disgruntled look.
When he heard Valdemar’s words, Anthony lifted a brow and his eyes narrowed on the man across the desk from him. He wasn’t pleased?
Anthony Crawford: “I’ll see your not being pleased and raise you stomach staples and glass shards in your skull.”
Apollyon’s eyes narrowed on those wounds. He didn’t approve of Anthony’s sarcastic nature.
Lord Apollyon: “The results of a home invasion that should have never happened. Your location was secure. No member of the Children of Nephilim, not even Alistair, could find you. Then you decided to think… with your OTHER head… and invite that harlot into your home on the same night they ambushed you.”
There was a slight hissing of frustration from the Lord.
Lord Apollyon: “Coincidence? I think not.”
Valdemar’s tone wasn’t one Anthony was happy with, but it wasn’t as much as shown in the expression on his face. He leaned back in his chair and shifted his head to the side, emitting a loud “crack” as he did. Lifting a hand, he tapped an index finger on his temple.
Anthony Crawford: “Think. They walked into that room and opened fire in all directions, Sire. Had I not told the girl to hide? She would have been dead. There’s no way they would have opened fire had they known someone working for them was still in the line of fire. You don’t like it, I get that, but it doesn’t change the facts. Maya and I are finished, but she wasn’t a plant.”
Valdemar knew better. Somehow, Maya played Anthony for a fool. She may not have been connected to the Children, but she was associated with the Kingdom. Before he could protest, Anthony leaned forward and drove a finger down onto the desktop.
Anthony Crawford: “Our primary concern should be retaliation, Sire. Plain and simple. They think they have the upper hand now, all arrogant and cocky. So, it’s time to give them a reality check. Punch them square in the mouth.”
Those dark green eyes narrowed. Anthony claims that he and Maya are finished. He will give it the benefit of the doubt… this time. His arms unfolded and his facial features relaxed only in the slightest.
Lord Apollyon: “...Then we are going to end this, Sathanas. Demolish the house.”
Anthony Crawford: “I did.”
Raising a finger, Apollyon wagged it with a soft ‘tsk’.
Lord Apollyon: “You destroyed the Farmhouse… not the Linette Residence.”
Anthony pursed his lips in thought and finally just shrugged and gave the smallest little nod.
Anthony Crawford: “Alright, but this has escalated far enough. Destroy it with them on the inside. End this once and for all.”
The thought that came to him about the possibility of others being there just got another shrug.
Anthony Crawford: “Others may be there, but it’s irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Collateral damage, casualties of war.”
Lord Apollyon: “It doesn’t matter who is within the Malibu estate. Men, women, children -- I want Michael Rivers and his ‘Angels’ DEAD.”
There was venom in his words. He was not hesitant about the sacrifice of casualties, innocent or guilty. Rising to his feet, Apollyon slammed his fist down on the table.
Lord Apollyon: “No more distractions. No more games. We are ending this war once and for all.”
If Anthony had any problem with that, it didn’t show. Sacrifices were necessary for greatness. The weak would always be little more than steps for the strong to reach new levels. He gave the faintest nod and looked up at the man standing on the other side of the desk.
Anthony Crawford: “It’ll have to be someone new. Someone none of them are familiar with. Someone they’ve never seen before. Any of them see me or any of the Demons they know lurking around the house and they’ll know something’s up.”
Apollyon nodded his head. Sathanas was right; in order for this to work, they could not send anyone who was recognized by the Children. A thoughtful look surfaced on his features.
Anthony Crawford: “Someone I picked up south of the border just finished training. They would work just fine.”
He looked up to Sathanas, astonished at first, then a cruel smile formed on his face.
Lord Apollyon: “Perfect.”
The Lord’s eyes focused on the bloodstain on Sathanas’s white tank top, then the stitches on his forehead. Wherever he received treatment, he wanted to make sure his Right Hand was on the best path to recovery.
Lord Apollyon: “See to it that you are medically treated. The Demons will assist you. Tomorrow, I require a full report.”
Anthony Crawford: “I’ll be fine. I always am.”
He had lived ten years on the fringe, on the edges of society and on his own with no one else to care for his wounds and ailments. He would be fine now. A final nod and he rose from the chair to make his way out.
The Danish Devil watched his Right Hand dismiss himself with a slight narrowing of his eyes. He settled back down on the seat and took his phone in his hands. He would return to the text conversation and proceed to respond whenever he needed to. Leaning back against the chair, he sighed softly.
Lord Apollyon: “I need a drink…”
The soft ‘ding’ of the elevator caused him to look up. He dismissed Sathanas. There was no reason for his return to the office. Was it one of his Demons? When the doors to the elevator opened, the clicking of heels softly resonated within his office. A delighted smile crossed his face. Vanita Thompson had come in, a soft smile on her face.
Vanita Thompson: “I hope I am not interrupting anything.”
Lord Apollyon: “Not at all, my Harbinger. Please have a seat.”
She came across the room and sat in the seat across from him. She crossed her legs and looked at him, trying to read his emotions if she even could.
Vanita Thompson: “How are things, my good sir?”
She smiled at him, hoping it would ease whatever he was feeling in the moment. Apollyon’s smile never left him, only widening.
Lord Apollyon: “Everything is better now that you’re here.”
He chuckled softly and crossed one leg over the other. He placed his phone back on the desk and made eye contact with her.
Lord Apollyon: “I have made a tactical decision, one that will benefit us.”
She looked at him with an eyebrow cocked. The soft smile was now twisting into a tiny wicked smirk.
Vanita Thompson: “Tactics, my kind of language. Might I ask what this is?”
Her eyebrow lowered, the smirk never leaving her face. Her enthusiasm delighted him, a chuckle escaping his parted lips. He ran his left hand through his long strands of hair.
Lord Apollyon: “Despite my suspicions, if I am correct about Maya Kennedy, targeting her would draw the Kingdom back into the war. It is best to avoid a two-prong attack, especially when the Children have recovered a powerful ally in Cronos. Sathanas was fast, but he was still unable to defeat the Behemoth. You know the ladies of the Kingdom better than I do. I’m certain you can see why reinvolving them would be highly dangerous.”
Vanita Thompson: “I see, The Kingdom…”
She trailed off, her hand to her chin. She had to think for a moment or two before speaking.
Vanita Thompson: “Those girls can be reckless and we need no more distractions or messes to clean up. We need to be swift, yes, but without unwanted hassle.”
Her hand then lowered, resting on her knees as she nodded to herself.
Vanita Thompson: “So, any plans as to what we do next?”
Lord Apollyon: “Yes. I’m not certain if you ran into Sathanas on the way to my office…”
Vanita Thompson: “I did not see him.”
He tilted his head. Sathanas must have gone elsewhere. Perhaps to the basement… Regardless, the older man shook his head.
Lord Apollyon: “Ah, well… You’ll see him around, my Harbinger. Sathanas and I have discussed the next course-of-action. We grow tired of this war with Michael Rivers. In fact, we intend to finish it. I would like to speak to you about it somewhere else. I don’t need our time to be disrupted by my Demons.”
Rising to his feet, he rounded the desk and stood before her, extending a hand.
Lord Apollyon: “Come.”
She never took her eyes off him as he rounded the desk. She got up slowly, her smirk now replaced with a wide smile as she chuckled. She took his hand and got closer to him.
Vanita Thompson: “You never have to ask me to do that.”
A humorous chuckle left him, his arms moving around her waist, and he kissed her.
A Devil and his Harbinger.
