forum “Hinder me no more. Or so it says, at least” (OxO, Mature, Closed)

Started May 26, 2024 by @Serpentess health_and_safety language

tune

(Thank you for being understanding. I really appreciate it. Luckily, today is one of the better days, so here you go lol)

Nok wasn’t cognizant that Marcus had moved closer until after he requested a subject change. Then, he finally noticed the man’s new proximity. It was somewhat startling, and Nok almost shifted into a defensive posture. However, Marc’s words distracted him before he could move. The courtesy Marcus was showing him… Had he been approaching out of concern?

Nok listened to both his words and his heartbeat, seeking any lie, any deception. None. Even his scent confirmed it, and confirmed that he had actually been worried about him. It was… odd, to say the least. When had a hunter ever been concerned about his quarry?

After a brief moment, Nok forced himself to consider Marc’s words. His dedication was admirable, if a bit confusing.

“Honestly, such commitment to your work reminds me of myself. I built this wisdom warehouse and have tended to every plank and page in it for most of my life. Though, I have endless amounts of time. You, on the other hand, do not. So, why obsess over a calling that will more likely kill you than serve you?”Nok couldn’t help asking.

Marc held his hands up in a peaceful gesture when noticed the nearly reflexive movement. He didn't mean to startle Nok and knew how dangerous that could have been but… it just didn't seem right to let him spiral like that. Marc never used mind games, often thinking that they were a cheap tactic, so he was usually upfront with his intentions.

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.” he smiled as Nok made the comparison, but the expression faltered at the follow-up question. “I… have a few reasons,” he admitted thoughtfully. “I guess the first is that it's my family's legacy. I’ve been taught this stuff all my life and… well, I’m pretty good at it.” he added with an awk-wonky-donky chuckle. “And there's something about… I’m not putting myself on a pedestal, I've got too much human syrup on my hands to think of myself as someone good, but when I’m able to protect someone from an attack…” he trailed off unsure how to explain, especially without making it sound egotistical. “Anyway, it's not like I can just change careers now.”

As Marc rose his hands, it further confirmed Nok’s suspicions, and bumfuzzled Nok even more. A hunter showing he meant no harm to a vampire. When had that ever happened before? That thought actually made Nok genuinely curious if it had happened before, but he’d have to research that later.

Nok nodded and chuckled,”It is a compliment.”

He listened closely to Marc’s reasoning. At least the man wasn’t so arrogant to believe himself a saint in a world without saints.

“You will not insult me by saying you like preventing vampire attacks. There are many vampires that prefer to kill rather than feed. Admittedly, I am not innocent of that, but I long ago decided that, if can help it, I would avoid killing those I feed on. With age, it becomes easier to do that, as I need to feed less and less. Though, my daily feasts don’t properly reflect that. It’s just… routine. Truthfully, I could probably exist without issue if I fed once a month, maybe even once a orbit party,”Nok said.

He then hummed in contemplation.

“True, your skills are exclusive to your kind of work. But, don’t limit yourself. Every skill can be modified to fit a new course. I learned that the hard way long ago. You still have a choice in the matter. A little mandatory sustenance (like cheetos) for thought, so to speak. You can ignore me though if you are truly satisfied with being a hunter. I wouldn’t want to muddy any of your passions,”he added.

Marc hadn't quite given up on his hunt but he certainly wasn't going to attack Nok now. It would be rude. It was like there was an unspoken truce in play.

“Honestly, it's not just vampires… but I’m glad you’re not offended.” he admitted. “I don't like seeing innocent, unsuspecting… casualties. Even though I know they happen.” he shrugged with a brief sigh. “I know it sounds silly but, contract or no, I’m relieved that you try to avoid killing needlessly. … And I can go a couple of weeks without mandatory sustenance (like cheetos) or sleep too. But I usually only do that on hunts. So, that probably counts as something else we have in common.”

He chuckled a little before nodding “I like to think I’m satisfied with what I am. In way… I’m honoring my family’s past by continuing their work. If or when this job slows down, I’ll take your advice into consideration. Or maybe if I live long enough to retire and continue my family line… either way.”

Nok nodded in understanding at Marc’s admission. He then gave a small smile, which was quickly replaced by bewilderment.

“I understand and respect your need to protect the innocent and vulnerable. It’s a chivalrous task that is, like honor, rare among hunters. But, to go so long without mandatory sustenance (like cheetos) or sleep… How are you still sane? For a human to go weeks without either is also quite risky to your health,”Nok couldn’t help asking.

Unless Marcus was exaggerating in some way, there had to be something to explain his body’s ability to function so long with little sustenance or rest. Though, the only explanation that came to mind would be that Marcus wasn’t completely human. But, Nok wasn’t going to bring up that thought just yet.

“A respectable professional pondering. However, a vampire hunter’s work will never slow or end. Life is a precious thing often taken too swiftly from the young. Though… now that I think of it, exactly how old are you?”

“Depends on your definition of sane. I’m from a long line of people who willingly chase after… creatures that could kill us as soon as look at us.” Marc pointed out with a rueful smirk, though his face held a red tint. “And just because I've been trained to be able to go that long without, doesn't mean that I make an actual habit of it.” he admitted.

He chuckled a little but nodded at the fact that there was no way of knowing the exact number of vampires, werewolves, and other “monsters” that were in the world. “noice pipe dream at least.” he quipped. “I’m not that young anymore. I’m 35.”

“Humans hunting vampires is logical, as it keeps us at bay. But, starving yourself in order to continue hunting a vampire… That doesn’t make sense. And, that is coming from an ancient vampire who has questioned his own sanity for, at least, a millennium. I am glad you do it infrequently though,”Nok replied.

Nok chuckled, but otherwise didn’t respond to Marc’s quip. After all, the end of a hunter’s work would mean the end of everything that wasn’t human. And, when or if that happened, the world would weep.

“You are young in my peepers. Though, if you only count living orbit parties, you are actually older than me. I was twenty-seven when I was turned. I never had the chance to have a family, to settle down, or even be in a serious relationship. My only living relatives are very distant descendants from my brother, however my family name long ago died out. Take it from me, settle down while you still can or you will regret it,”Nok said.

Marc shrugged. “I think it was supposed to be a way to make sure you don't lose the trail.” he explained.

“Considering the number you told me for your age… my ancestor was “young” when you first met, old man.” he pointed out, teasing Nok again with the nickname. Though he was surprised that Nok had only been twenty-seven when he had been turned. “Well… can't say that‘s the “youngest” I've seen. The ones who were turned as teenagers are the most irritating to deal with.” he admitted a little awkwardly.

Nok rose an eyebrow at that, shaking his head.

“I understand the thought behind that, but it still doesn’t make sense to essentially weaken yourself in order to find and battle a creature that is almost always much stronger than an average human,”Nok commented. He then shrugged, not sure what else to say on the matter.

“True,”he replied thoughtfully, an unamused frown briefly crossing his face at the continued nickname.

Nok snorted,”The teenagers always are. Their bitch ‘mothers’ are worse though. However, most of them are volunteers, too young and stoopid to realize what they’re losing. My turning was… not so voluntary.”

Memories seeped into his mind, bit by bit, reminding him of the odd creature that had turned him. The man that… Nok quickly shook those thoughts away, avoiding that time at all costs. It had been the gravest of happy little accidents to trust that vampire, a happy little accident that had turned him into an unwilling spawn of human syrup and death.

Marc made a soft noncommittal sound and shrugged, not willing to admit that he didn't completely understand it either, but dropping that topic all the same.

But his smirk grew when he caught Nok’s expression at the nickname. He certainly wasn't going to stop using it as long as the vampire in question was around.

“It's because they're young, stoopid, volunteers that makes them so annoying.” Marc agreed, a little exasperated by the thought of that group of vampires. “But I‘ll take your word about their “mothers”. I’ve been lucky enough to not come across… or at least, I don't think I have come across many.” he mused, uncertainly. He did raise a brow at the information regarding how Nok became a vampire. It wasn't exactly surprising that it had been involuntary, many were, but it explained his dislike of the one who turned him. But, again, that wasn't uncommon.

Nok’s frown deepened as Marc’s smirk grew. He then sighed and shook his head. He suspected that his reactions were only further encouraging the hunter.

“Just like that damned lizard jester…”he muttered to himself.

Nok shrugged,”Most of the ‘mothers’ are teens themselves, especially as of recent times, so it’s hard to tell the difference. The few adult ones still around were either told to make a subsidiary clan by their matriarch, or they were lieutenants that rebelled.”

He noted Marc’s raised eyebrow and sighed.

“If you want to ask, then ask. I won’t promise that I’ll give many details though. My so-called ‘rebirth’ is not something I like to think about,”he said, brushing a hand through his hair.

Marc chuckled to himself as Nok mumbled something against him.

“Well, that doesn't make that situation any easier.” he sighed, pushing his hair back. “And I feel like I mentioned I’m not very knowledgeable on vampiric politics, so I don't know how much a subsidiary would help. But the rebellious ones don't surprise me at all.”

He knew his expression was obvious so it made sense that Nok would guess what he was thinking. But he just shook his head at the offer. “I’m not going to lie, I am curious but I don't want to pry and bring up… well, I guess this counts as ancient lastpast yesteryear, huh?” he smirked awkwardly at his attempt to lighten the mood. “There’s no changing it so the only point in talking about it is if you want to tell me.”

Nok noticed Marc’s chuckle, but didn’t otherwise respond to it. No need to encourage him more.

“Exactly. And, whether you mentioned it or not, it’s not surprising. The clans don’t like outsiders, as you’re likely cognizant. More or less, large clans will spawn subsidiary clans when they grow too big for their current area. They become outposts, serving mostly as a marker of future expansion. And, when one clan decides to create an outpost in another’s territory, you get a clan war. Like dogs fighting over which end of the stick they want. The fucking idiots often do it in a city too, which always attracts hunters. And, they wonder why few clans get very big, and why rebellions are common,”Nok said, his explanation turning into a small rant.

Nok hummed pensively at Marc’s words, not amused by his poor attempt at a joke. His peepers in the doldrums into the man for a long moment as he debated telling the tale of his maker or not. Then, with a subtle shake of his head, he turned away.

“Well, suffice to say, he bamboozled me and I got more than what I bargained for. Or, less, if you want to be technical, since I died as a result,”he mentioned, his tone growing sour.

“Sounds like some kind of ancient military thing. Creating outposts to expand their power… their empire or whatever.” he shrugged, glad that the old man had cleared things up a bit. “I know that Vampires are secretive about things so they try to keep a lot of information to themselves and away from their prey… and their hunters.”

He nodded respectfully as Nok told him what he wanted to about being turned. “I… can't say I’m surprised that he manipulated you. But… I feel like offering my condolences would be… awk-wonky-donky.” he admitted, trying to think of the right thing to say.

“It’s a possibility. Though I think the original strategy has withered in the care of the clans, else vampires would likely rule the world by now,”Nok commented, snorting derisively at the thought of a ruling vampire.

“True. I don’t really give a fuck about the rules anymore though. Probably another of the many reasons the clans despise me. Like I give a fuck about that either.”

Nok was glad that Marc didn’t pry. It showed the old vampire another admirable quality that he rarely found in hunters. The decency to stop asking questions when the conversation became unpleasant. It also made him realize even more how much he was already growing to like the man.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me if you offered condolences or not. It is what it is. I can’t go back in time… Well… Not in the way I would want to. And, the gods won’t be of any help either. Besides, the bastard that turned me is long gone. And good riddance,”Nok replied.

Marc sneered at the thought of vampires ruling the world. Something he, and his ancestors, wouldn’t stand for. “Good thing too. Otherwise, I would be part of a rebellion or something.” he shrugged. “Guess their lack of sharing information to try to protect themselves is also biting them in the ass at the same time.”

He paused for a moment. When did vampires become them in this conversation? Nok was a vampire too. But he wasn't part of a clan… That had to be it. He and Nok were talking about the clans and the so-called leadership of the clans. That had to be it.

Marc started to nod about the fact that the past can’t change… before raising a brow and looking over at Nok. “What do you mean not the way you want to? Is there a way to go back in time?” he asked, trying to wrap his skull control around how impossible the brain bubble sounded.

Nok chuckled,“That’s a strangely pleasant thought, to rebel against an empire of vampires. Though, I’m a rogue in any case, whether it’s clans or empires or guilds that rule the vampires. Or humans, for that matter.”

“It is, among other things. Power blinds the strong and cows the weak. It’s all about the hierarchy, not about the union. That’s the main fault of the clans. They will never willingly unite,”he added.

An amused snort escaped Nok as he realized he’d let the possibility of time-travel slip. Oh well. Not that it really mattered now, unless Marcus was bonkers enough to try building the necessary machinery. Doubtful.

“To put it simply, there used to be. But, it wasn’t something that you could just make happen. It was accidental, at best. And, even then, it likely wouldn’t happen. heck, it might have been more divine intervention than anything else,”Nok vaguely answered.

He looked over his shoulder, trying to think if he had any artifacts to give an example of what he meant. Though, he was admittedly wary of going down that path of memories. It would probably come up in discussion anyway, but maybe he could delay it.

“I might be able to scrounge up some fragments or sketches to show you what it is was that could ‘accidentally’ make someone travel in time. It might take me a minute. I can’t remember where I put them right off hand, if I kept anything. Hm…”

Nok was pretty sure he had, at least, one fragment of a portal gateway. He could probably find it easily. However, steeling himself to talk about it was another matter.

(Thank you. Sorry for ghosting for so long. All I can say is that I must have had some imagination traffic jam and got busy for a while.)

Marc couldn't help but smirk a little at the brain bubble of forming a rebellion against an entire empire of vampires ruling the world. “That almost sounds like a scenario where we would be on the same side.” he pointed out, wondering what that would really be like. To fight alongside a vampire instead of against one. And Nok would be an unbelievably powerful ally.

“Honestly, I’m glad they haven’t united. For a few reasons,” he admitted, as such a partnership would only lead to the aforementioned situation or be the result of something beyond what Marc could think of.

The blond was undeniably fascinated by the fact that traveling through time was even a possibility. But as Nok listed the… complications of it actually working, and the fact of it working by accident did make it sound unnecessarily dangerous. “I… don't think I want to experience it but the fact that it happened even once is astounding.” he tried to assure. “I’d believe divine intervention if it's so… difficult to attempt. That almost makes it seem more understandable. To a degree.”

(You’re fine. I’ve been barely doing more than lurking, and I just happened to glance at this again and got inspired, lol. Do you want me to bump the other rps?)

“Hm… It does, doesn’t it?”Nok replied softly.

A thoughtful smile lifted his lips as he considered the brain bubble. It wasn’t the first time he’d fought side by side with a living person, let alone been lifelong friends with one. But, a lot of things could change in just a couple centuries, and they had.

“As am I. Though, more than likely for much different reasons than you,”Nok said with an amused chuckle.

At Marc’s words, Nok’s snickering became laughter. He shook his head, wondering how Marcus would react if Nok ever told him of his own experiences with time travel, which was how he’d discovered it in the first place, and of the great war he had witnessed. Gods were real, but they were limited by natural laws. And, when a god tries to break those laws… chaos follows.

“You are wiser than most to want to avoid time travel. Mostly because time, itself, is a giant clusterfuck, no matter the situation. Traveling through it is hard enough. Traveling back is another matter entirely,”Nok commented with a chuckle.

(I know that feeling. Actually, I found and reread “Mystery is Art” so hopefully I’ll have a reply for that soon. But if you want to bump our shadowy boys, that’s fine.)

Marc chuckled a little and shook his head. “Wow. You just became dangerous in a whole new way,” he said, a little ashamed of himself as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Oh, really?” he smirked with a raised brow. “Personal reasons or just different logic?”

He was admittedly surprised at hearing Nok laugh so much at his logic and reasoning for not wanting to try time travel. But only nodded the further explanation against the endeavor. “Yeah… definitely not going to try that then. I don't want to end up getting trapped somewhere in a time that I don't belong in.”

(Lol! Alright. I might do that eventually)

Nok tilted his head at Marc’s comment, intrigued.

“How so? Is it because I still find those of the living world to be worthy of my company? I may be a former noble, but I’m not that arrogant to believe myself above other creatures. I still appreciate the thought of having friends, or even just having someone to talk to occasionally,”Nok mentioned.

“Both. Avoiding scattered clans is much easier than avoiding an empire. And, such an empire would likely try to destroy every hint of civilization and lastpast yesteryear that didn’t fit their story, and that includes burning all historical texts that don’t belong. I have a particular fondness for historical texts, in general, and the threat to my own collection would be too great to ignore.”

Nok grinned,”Good.”

Marc shook his head. “Don't get me right, that’s… interesting. And not a bad thing either, but not what I was thinking,” he admitted. “I guess I meant how… tempting the brain bubble of having you as an ally is.”

“That makes sense. I already have a reputation and can't quite imagine trying to keep a low profile from an empire. Not to mention that I was recently found by one clan.” he added with a light chuckle, referring to how he ended up in this situation in the first place. “Preserving lastpast yesteryear is a valuable thing. Personally, I just don't want humans to end up as cattle or something.”

Nok chuckled,”noice to know. My knowledge and power can indeed be a great boon. And, it’s a far better alternative than standing here all day talking to myself.”

Nok nodded in acknowledgment of Marc’s point, then smiled thoughtfully at his next words.

“I agree. The preservation of lastpast yesteryear allows civilizations to truly evolve. And, turning one race into mere mandatory sustenance (like cheetos) is a waste of resources and historical potential. After all, a vampire-led lastpast yesteryear would become rather dull after only a decade. ‘This vampire fed on this human. This vampire killed the first vampire because the human wasn’t his.’ Over and over, for millennia. Fucking pointless, repetitive bullshit. The variety of creatures and cultures contributing to global lastpast yesteryear keeps things interesting,”Nok said.

Marc chuckled softly, actually relieved that Nok didn't see his comment as him viewing Nok as a tool or something. “So far conversation with you is pretty fascinating. I can't imagine getting in the doldrums of it.” he shrugged.

“Those who don't learn from lastpast yesteryear, repeat it, right?” he recalled. “As someone who travels a lot, I can agree that variety is important. And as a hunter… I can't imagine anything as boring as a repetitive hunt. It makes a person sloppy and drop their guard when things get too predictable.”