Chapter Text
His halo was too bright.
That was the first thing Apollo noticed about him. It was way, way too bright. Apollo had to squint just to look him in the eyes. Could Apollo even look him in the eyes? Did he even have eyes to look in? Apollo couldn't see well enough to tell, but it looked like he had a blindfold.
His appearance was pretentious. Arrogant, even. Apollo instantly knew Apollo hated him.
(Are you going to stop staring anytime soon?)
Apollo jumped. [Of course I am,] Apollo responded. [I was just trying to catch a glimpse.]
(You don't have to,) he responded. (My appearance is irrelevant for this meeting.)
[Well, I'd like to at least have an idea of who I'm talking to.] Apollo said.
(And who are you?) He asked. Apollo looked away, finally.
[Apollo.]
(That's good to know, Apollo. Nice to meet you.)
[What's your deal? Why are you talking like that?] Apollo asked, tilting Apollo's head. He played profound, Apollo had immediately noted. But his depth was insincere; Apollo could tell he was trying to hold back a grin. [You don't need to talk like that. Stop.] He giggled.
(Alright,) he answered, suddenly talking much more naturally. (I didn't have a reason, anyway; I just figured it would bother you.) He giggled once more, his voice like carol bells, and fell to the ground; not that far of a fall, but it was much quieter now that his massive wings weren't holding him up.
[Of course. And you are?] Apollo interrogated. [Name?]
(I don't have one,) he simply replied. (But I suppose you can call me Mister Moon.)
[In that case,] Apollo replied, [“Mister Moon,” what's the deal here?]
Moon returned to his condescending tone. (I'm here to deliver a message, Apollo,) he said. (Our host, Atlas, has requested your presence.)
[Atlas?] Apollo was puzzled. Apollo didn't recognize that name. [Who's that?] Apollo asked. Moon scoffed.
(You should know by now, dummy. He's the one who makes all the decisions.) Apollo rolled Apollo's eyes.
[Well, what if I don't want to care?] Apollo retorted. Moon shrugged.
(Nothing would happen. It would simply be unbeneficial. That's all.)
[Quit talking like that.]
(Yeah, yeah.)
Apollo slowly looked away. [Unbeneficial, how?] Apollo asked, grabbing Apollo's crown and fidgeting with it. It was sharp. Apollo might bleed if Apollo handled it incorrectly. Apollo made sure that never happened. Apollo was always very careful with Apollo's crown.
(He wouldn't listen to anything you have to say, forever, or until you gain his trust back,) Moon said.
[Sounds lame.] Apollo replied. [Alright, fine. I'll go do your stupid fetch quest.]
Moon smiled. (I'm glad we met,) he said. (I'll see you soon. You know where to find Atlas.)
Before Apollo could answer, Moon was off. [I-... I don't,] Apollo could barely say. [... bye?] Apollo mumbled.
[Well,] Apollo resolved, [I suppose I'm headed to find this Atlas guy.]