Apartment 66

Trigger Warning: The following chapters depict kidnapping, abuse and assault. Viewer discretion is advised.

Bodies were being carried out in body bags as Collin looked through the peep hole of his apartment. He felt upset that the crew showed up, he liked seeing the bodies laid out on the stairwell.

Collin occupies apartment 66 in Whispering Whistle's apartment complex. Only a few people live in this dump, that's why he chose to move here in the first place. He needed privacy and was not questioned about what he was constantly doing by the receptionists in the lobby.

He left his old apartment complex once he got on the radar of the Hyperion family. They started steadily employing him to torture certain people to get information out of them. He absolutely loved making his victims hurt while they couldn't move. He started wanting more and would experiment with posing them, especially the women. Oh, how he loved the women.

He reached into his pocket to pull out the bag he had of Kore's hair. It was only a few strands, but they brought him pure bliss as he would pull them through his fingers, imagining her pretty little head on the end, begging with her eyes to be put out of her misery as he would do unspeakable things to her frozen body.

"Soon, soon I'll be able to have my fun with you Kore Catarino" he whispered to her hair with a menacing grin on his face, as he sniffed her hair strands he could smell the faint traces of flowers. Collin loved the smell but hated the plants. That's why he stomped out Kores Garden. He hated how the pollen would make him sneeze.

He waddled his way over to his desk. He was a short man; he had a limp from being beaten nearly to death by some bullies in elementary. They caught him playing with some roadkill and shoved his face into it, beating him because he was different. It didn't help that his mom was a drug addict, always having men over at all times of the night. His first kill was a man who tried to force himself on him as his mom sat on the couch overdosing.

Afterwards he bounced from foster home to foster home, always overlooked because of his differences. No one wanted broken goods. He sat down at his desk, twirling the hair between his fingers. He placed some white rose petals with blood on them in a solution that was on his desk. He frowned.

He didn't understand why Kore kept throwing them away, he thought she'd recognize them from her shop. After all it was the set, she bleed on, making them more beautiful. 'It must have been that Doukas brother that made her forget' he clenched the hair tighter at the thought. He despised that man for taking his Kore.

He remembers when she first moved in, 4 years ago. He had just moved in himself. He was intrigued by her wonderful hair when he caught a glimpse of it and has been obsessed since. He remembered how excited he'd get when he would hear her sobbing as he'd stand outside her apartment.

The memory made him grin as he leaned forward and opened his drawer. It was full of pictures of Kore, throughout a span of 4 years. He pulled out a picture of her with short hair, he preferred it that way. He then pulled out the picture he snapped of her while she was in her dress for the ball. He gently caressed it, he wishes he could have gotten his hands on that dress, it being stained with her blood would have been the peak of his work. He drooled as he thought about all the things he was going to do to her.

Kore looked through her clothing as she was trying to figure out what she wanted to wear for the night. Aidoneus stood in the doorway grinning from their previous interaction. She glanced at him over her shoulYd and stuck her tongue out at him.

"Oh? Is that an invitation?" he coyly said as he pushed off the door frame and started heading towards her.

"No!" She put up her finger at him "No Aidon, you stay there..." He looked at her with that devilish smile he always had. He made his way around the bed; she threw a shirt at him and went to slide across the bed, he grabbed her ankle causing her to let out a slight squeak. He laughed at the sound as he pinned her down on the bed.

"Aidoneus , we have people waiting on us" she huffed as she blew a strand of hair out of her face. He lent down and kissed her neck, sending shivers down her body.

"Agápi̱ mou "he whispered in her ear as he moved his hands down her arms to her waist "It's only fair you show me yours since I showed you min" he nipped her ear as he slid his hands under her shirt.

She let out a small moan but grabbed his hands to stop him. He looked at her red face as she did that face that drove him crazy.

"Aidon.... I..." she looked away shyly. He tilted his head curiously; he slowly pulled his hands out of her shirt. She wrapped her arms around his neck, closed her eyes and said, ever so softly "I've never been with a man".

He pulled back slightly, slowly taking in her words. He realized what she was saying and sighed.

"Agápi̱ mou, that's fine, I'm only teasing you" he kissed her cheek and helped her off the bed. She looked at him apologetically.

"We can go whatever pace you want agápi̱ mou, I'm a patient man" He crossed his arms as he took a seat on the bed. He crossed his legs 'Patient but no saint' he clenched his jaw tightly, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths to calm himself down.

Kore put his face in her hands looking into his eyes, "Thank you" she kissed his nose, turned around and went back to looking through her wardrobe. He let out a frustrated sigh and flung himself back on the bed to lay down. He saw Adrian peek around the corner.

"Yes, o fílos mou? Need something" he glared at him from his spot on the bed. Adrian could tell Aidoneus wanted to let his sexual frustration out by beating something up, and he did not want to be the one on the end of that, he quickly left without saying anything.

Adrian went back to wait in the kitchen. Peter was already there; he looked up from the newspaper he was reading. Adrian shook his head towards him "Not ready, and I'm defiantly not interrupting them" he put his hands up in a surrendering gesture. Peter chuckled and went back to reading his newspaper.

"Good things come to those who wait" Peter said as he turned the page. Aidoneus and Kore entered shortly after. She was wearing a light pink blouse, neatly tucked into a pair of black jeans. Aidoneus was still sporting his normal appearance.

"Oh, you both look dashing!" She said, looking at Peter and Adrian. Both were wearing button up shirts, Peter's was a dark blue shirt sleeve, and Adrians was a white long sleeve button up. Both wore business pants. Kore smiled at them; it was the first time she'd seen them in somewhat normal attire.

She pulled her phone out to see what time it was, her phone read 5:00pm.

"We should hurry up and meet Katrina, the city still has an 8 o'clock curfew, so we'd have to get her back to her apartment by then", she placed her phone back in her purse. Aidonoeus stepped to the side and gestured to her with one arm.

"Lead the way agápi̱ mou" he smiled at her as she thanked him and left first. They all followed behind her, Adrian quickly walked in front of everyone to get the door for her. They all exited; the car was already out-front waiting. Adrian got the door for her and Aidoneus , as Peter got into the driver's seat. She pulled out her phone to tell Peter the restaurant Katrina picked.

"It looks like she picked... McClain's diner?" She looked up from her phone to look at Peter as he typed in the name in the GPS.

"That's not too far from the shopping district, maybe we can do some window shopping again agápi̱ mou" he smirked at her. She knew that meant he was going to force her to pick some stuff for him to buy for her. She playfully pushed him, as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder as Peter exited the driveway.

The city lights shone bright against the clear night sky. The stars were clear as day, it was hard to believe that it was just pouring down a couple of hours ago. 'That's the beauty of Atlas' Kore thought as she looked out the window. She turned her gaze to Aidoneus who was gazing up at the stars. The lights reflected off his eyes as Kore got lost in them.

He turned and looked down at her, she smiled at him. He tilted her chin up and gave her a quick kiss on her lips. She snuggled up close to him, his smell swirled around her nose. She couldn't describe the smell he gave off, but it was one that made her brain go fuzzy so she couldn't think straight. It took all her effort to even get those words out to him earlier in the bedroom. She blushed recalling that interaction.

Peter pulled into the parking area of McClain's Diner. They pulled up next to Katrina's Honda civic and parked. Adrian opened the door for Aidoneus , who got out, turned around and offered Kore his hand. She smiled, accepting it as she exited the vehicle. Katrina was waiting in front of everyone.

Peter walked in front of them, as Aidoneus and Kore were in the middle wit. 'Adrian following close behind. 'Oooo, a queen with her king and guard dogs Katrina thought as they walked up to her. It was quite the site to see, Kore looked happier than ever, that made Katrina beam with happiness for her.

They entered the dinner, the customers currently there stared at them. The whispers started, but to Kores surprise it wasn't at all what she expected. It wasn't anyone remarking on her appearance or Aidoneus 'ruthlessness, it was all about how Aidoneus was going to save them from the corruptness of the city.

Aidoneus pulled out a chair at the table for Kore, as Peter pulled one out for Katrina. Peter glanced at Adrian and made a joke about how if he said he was a princess he would pull his chair out for him, to which Adrian responded by flipping him off. The two took their seats once the women and Aidoneus were seated. The waiter walked up and handed them menus.

"Hi! Welcome to McClain's Diner, my name is Thomas and I'll be your server for tonight! Can I get you guys started with anything to drink?" He forced a smile at everyone, it was obvious he was uncomfortable. Aidoneus picked up on it and glared at him.

"If you have a problem with me, please, get another server, I do not wish to quarrel with anyone while I'm trying to enjoy my night." He leaned back in his seat glaring at the server. Everyone at the table looked down at their menus.

"Oh! No! Mr. Doukas, I'm sorry," he put his hands up pleadingly "You've got the wrong idea, I was just..." he stopped and looked down sheepishly "I was just admiring you".

Kore snickered as Aidoneus kept glaring at the boy. He didn't know what to do in this situation, he's never had someone who did not want to harm him or the people around him. He unfolded his arms, turned to the server and extended his hand.

"O fílos mou, I am sorry for misreading the situation" He firmly shook the boys' hand. Thomas was so excited he took both of his hands, clasped them around Aidoneus 's and excitedly shook the man's hand. Aidoneus looked annoyed but turned back once the handshake was over.

"Thank you so much! What can I get you all to drink!" he said overly excited.

Thomas was just an average boy, literally only turned 16 this month. He was super stoked to get this job so he could feed his comic-book obsession. When he saw the news with Aidoneus using his powers, he was ecstatic. He was even more excited to see him break the corrupt mayor's finger on live T.V. 'Finally, someone who can stand up for us weaklings in Atlas' he thought as he took down everyone's drink order.

He turned to go fill the order, as he got behind the counter, he pulled his phone out and posted an update to his TechBook page on how he just met the great Aidoneus at his job.

"Awe, look at you getting a fan club" Kore teased Aidoneus as she elbowed him in the side. He did not look amused. Katrina sitting across from her snickered at the two. To think this wouldn't have happened if Kore decided to not go to that ball. Aidoneus 's shell has melted as Kore blossomed like a flower, she pondered to herself as Thomas came up and dropped their drinks off.

They all quickly ordered, as they were all starving. Kore ordered a Cesear salad, Aidoneus ordered a burger, Katrina ordered a chicken platter, Peter ordered a grilled cheese and soup, and Adrian ordered pancakes with extra whipped cream. Thomas took their order to the kitchen and handed it to the line cooks.

"So, I know it's only been like a day since I've seen you but tell me! How are you doing?" Katrina asked Kore as she took a sip from her drink.

"Oh, it's actually really nice. Aidoneus 'house is huge" she put her arms out to show Katrina how large his place was. "And Sam is in love with the house, he can't get enough of it" she giggled.

"Can't get enough of my socks, that dumb skýlos" Adrian muttered as he twirled the straw in his shake. Peter shook his head at his friend. Katrina noticed the burns all over Peter's arms, she caught Aidoneus occasionally staring at the marks. She sensed something happened between the two, but didn't feel it appropriate to ask.

Their food came out pretty quickly, Kore had a feeling Thomas convinced the cooks to make their food first, the diner was considerably crowded, and they were the last ones to be seated. Thomas placed her salad in front of her, then made his way around the table, giving everyone their food. Once done he stood by Aidoneus 's side.

"If you need anything else sir, please do not hesitate to ask me!" He bowed slightly and went to serve other tables.

"I will not get used to that" Aidoneus ran his hands through his hair, letting out a sigh. Kore leaned into him, putting her head on his shoulder.

"You deserve it Aidon" she said smiling, everyone at the table nodded in agreement. Aidoneus 'heart was in his throat. This feeling of being cared for was new, it scared him slightly, but he would destroy anything that took it away.

They all conversed as they ate their food. The night started melting away as they all shared stories of how they grew up. Katrina recalled meeting a kid, Aidoneus .

"You literally would set your brothers pants on fire!" Katrina roared, as Peter and Adrian joined in.

"O fílos mou, he set Hippio's ass on fire during his middle school graduation" He slapped his knee as he recalled a furious young Hippio freezing his own butt to stop the fire Aidoneus set.

"Oh my, I better watch out for my butt than!" Kore laughed as she tried to cover it with her hands

"Oh, agápi̱ mou, I would not burn your ass unless you make me mad" He playfully leaned into her, kissing her cheek while laughing.

Katrina looked at her phone and frowned. It was 7:30, she didn't want the night to end but there was a city-wide curfew set.

"It looks like we have to cut our evening short", she said while letting out a disappointed sigh. Aidoneus glanced at his phone and saw the time. He pulled out a card and placed it on the table for Thomas to take.

"Excuse me for a moment please" He stood up leaving the table, Peter followed him to the men's restroom. Katrina watched the men walk off. She stood up to take her exit.

"Oh, let me walk with you, I don't know when I'll be able to see you again" Kore pouted. Katrina agreed, extending her hand for Kore to take. Adrian started to stand up, Kore gestured for him to stay.

"It's ok Adrian, I have Mrs. Roe with me" she scrunched her nose "She might not look like it but she's a scrapper" she laughed as she locked arms with Katrina. The two worked their way to the front and exited the dining room.

"I'm sorry I've left you alone at the shop" Kore apologized as they walked to Katrina's car.

"Oh, don't worry about it child, we got paid handsomely for our job at the banquet." She chuckled. They reached her car; she turned to hug Kore.

"Keep in touch sweet girl" Katrina hugged her tightly.

"This isn't goodbye Katrina, I'll come back as soon as I..." She was cut off by Katrina.

"Kore, you have something special. Not just what you have with Aidoneus , it's inside you, I feel it." she put her hand up to her chest. "You have a power, and not just the one you use for plants, you have the power to bring forth what lies dormant in all of us, a power that unlocks all of our inner strength". She took Kore's hands in hers, looking into the girls' eyes.

Kore had tears in her eyes. She grabbed Katrina in a hug and held her tightly.

"I'm going to miss you" she pulled back "But let's try and do these dinners once a week?" She said raising an eyebrow "It'll do the boys good" they both laughed.

"If you need anything dear, I'm just a text away, don't be a stranger!" She hugged Kore one last time before entering her car. Kore stood there and watched as she drove off. Lost in thought, Kore didn't see the van that parked next to Katrina's car.

Kore turned to head back inside; she bumped into someone.

"Oh, excuse..." she was cut off by a sharp pain in her neck. She reached up to touch where a needle went into her skin. Her vision got blurry; she used every ounce of her energy to focus her vision only to see Collin standing in front of her as she fell to the ground.

He quickly grabbed her by the ankles and drahhre her to the side of the van. The way he was parked obscured the vision from the dinner to Katrina's car. He had to wait for the right moment to park and set up so as not to have Aidoneus 'bodyguards become alerted. He watched them eat and be merry and then slowly moved the van next to Katrina's car.

He opened the side door, glancing at his watch. He had to be quick, once Aidoneus found her to be missing he would have little time to get him off his trail. He heaved and pulled Kore into the back, there was a slight blood trail as the gravel ended up cutting her delicate skin.

"Oh no, no, no, no!" He rolled her over and rubbed his face on her shoulder blades "My lovely doll, that's ok my love" he whispered into her ear, he couldn't control himself, he bit her on the neck "We'll patch you up really good" he grinned evilly as he closed the door and hopped into the front seat.

Aidoneus stepped out of the stall, Peter was up washing his hands. Aidoneus stood next to him. He looked down at the burns on his arms.

"O fílos mou, I.... I'm really in truly sorry" he let the water run over his hands. Peter stood up; he looked at his boss in the mirror.

"Comes with the job Aidon" he patted him on the back "This wasn't your fault, I knew what I was doing, I knew the consequences, you were in need, and it's my job as your bodyguard and as your friend to be there when you need it, night or day, let me be there for you o fílos mou." Aidoneus sighed and nodded. They both exited the restroom together.

Aidoneus stopped as he turned the corner, Peter kept walking, but noticed his boss stopped.

" Afentikó, something wrong?" Peter turned to follow his boss's gaze. He followed his line of sight to the table, Kore's purse and phone were left where she sat. Adrian was at the counter picking up the receipt, he turned around, noticed that Kore's belongings were still there.

"Adriann..." Peter started "Where's Ms. Catarino?"

"She just left to walk Katrina to her car..." Adrian said as he walked up to pick up her belongings.

"Katrina's car is gone Adrian" Aidoneus said through gritted teeth. He quickly pulled his phone out to call Katarina as he headed outside. Peter shot Adrian a look, he noticed panic washing over his friend's face.

"Hello Aidoneo-" Katrina answered but was immediately cut off.

"standing at the spot where Kore was dragged. He could see the drag marks on the floor along with some small trail of blood. His phone shattered in his hand.

Adrian and Peter walked up behind him, Aidoneus spun around and grabbed Adrian by his shirt.

"Where were you!?" he yelled at Adrian.

"Afentikó, she was with Katrina, she asked to go with her alone..."

"YOU LET HER GO ALONE!?" he roared. Peter put his hands on Aidoneus 's arm, getting him to release poor Adrian.

"Afentikó, you know how she is, better than us. Adrian didn't do anything I wouldn't have done." Aidoneus kept staring at the ground, jaw clenched. He knew his friend was right, but all he could see was red. He turned and headed back to the diner. Peter and Adrian stayed to see if they could find anything else at the abduction site.

Aidoneus busted through the door, heat swirling around him heating up the whole entry way. He walked up and grabbed Thomas by the shirt and pulled him over the counter.

"Did you have ANYTHING to do with this?" he held tightly onto the kid's shirt as it started to burn under his touch.

"Do... do with what sir?" he pleadingly asked. Thomas had no clue what Aidoneus was talking about. Aidoneus released the kid, he dropped to the floor. Thomas started to understand the situation, he looked around and noticed that the pink-haired girl was missing.

"I... We have cameras! Come!" He struggled to get off the floor, finally pulled himself up and ushered Aidoneus to follow him. They reached the manager's office, there was a middle-aged woman sitting in the chair.

"Thomas... if this is another angry custom..." she stopped as Aidoneus turned the corner.

"No manager Kristin, we need the cameras, this gentleman needs to see something..." he moved out of the way for Aidoneus to enter. Kristin shook her head. "No, it's policy..."

"Finish that sentence and I'll burn your establishment to the ground" Aidoneus slammed his hand down on the desk as the papers started to scorch under his palms. Kristin was already sweating. She nodded, entered her password and moved so he could watch the cameras.

He took a seat and clicked through the footage. He found the camera of the entrance, exit and trash area but none of them were pointed towards the parking area.

"This is all you have...." he said through gritted teeth, glaring at them.

"Un...Un...Unfortunately yes, we can only afford 3 cameras, the city doesn't provide us with funds, everything comes out of the restaurant's pockets." Kristin responded, fanning herself. She was begging the owner to purchase more cameras, the three they had barely helped when they got robbed.

The police were lazy and wouldn't do anything unless they had a license plate caught on camera. She tried moving them to the parking area, but they wouldn't budge. His eyes narrowed to her, he smashed his fist through the computer, stood up and left.

He was throwing a slew of curse words at them as he exited the office. Peter and Adrian came back inside.

"Peter, hand me your phone, Kore had that tracker..." Peter quickly handed his phone over to Aidoneus . He took it, pulled up the tracking app and put in the number he memorized in. Loading crossed the screen, Aidoneus gritted his teeth, impatient. The tracker pinged and it read that she was in the same room as them. He dug his fingers into his palms as he looked over to the table that had her purse.

"Gamó̱!" He threw Peter's phone against the wall. Peter was glad he had another phone in the glove box.

"Adrian... "He turned facing them, his eyes glowing turquoise.

"Text Detective Alexander that I am coming" he turned as the glass in the diner shattered from the heat he was emitting. Adrian pulled his phone out and followed his boss.