Welcome to Gaia! ::

Name ✦ Christopher Luke Gallo* (asterisked information is explained in the Q/A)

Nickname ✦ Chris (by his brother and friends if they feel like it. He responds to either.)

Age ✦ 18*

Birthday ✦ August 12th*

Sign ✦ Leo*

Gemstone ✦ Sardonyx*

Blood Type ✦ O-*

Favorite Food ✦ His mother’s lasagna and coffee ice cream. Not necessarily at the same time.

Hated Food ✦ Eggplant, liver, honey.*

School ✦ Sovereign Heights*


Hobbies

Baseball* ✦ It’s the only reason he doesn’t complain when his father gets transferred. No matter where Chris has lived, he has always been able to find other children his age to play with. His position of choice is pitcher, followed next by catcher. The control the positions give him is a great relief from his life off the field, especially in terms of dependency. He practices for the season whenever he can, and even when he isn’t training or in a game, he'll keep a baseball with him — just to play with in the down times. Although, he has gotten in trouble more times than he can count for playing with it, subconsciously. Such as: rolling it on the table during dinner, tossing it into the air to catch and dropping it enough times to be obnoxious to those around him, fidgeting with it so it distracts whoever is talking to him, etc.

Donating Blood ✦ Ever since his older brother turned 17 and started donating blood at their father’s suggestion, Chris has wanted to do the same. Seven years later, when he turned 17 as well, Christopher was excitedly allowed to donate as well. He has donated just a handful of times within the year due to regulated limitations, but whenever he can he volunteers to bring people juice and cookies after they’ve donated. He enjoys giving blood more than running to catch people before they can pass out, though. Knowing that he's helping to save lives gives him a sense of purpose in life, which has him always coming back to volunteer. He also loves handing out fliers and recruiting people for blood drives!! He'll spout out information, such as: Did you know that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood? That less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to donate? That one donation can help save the lives of three people?? Even if you can't donate, there is always something available to do! Chris might as well be the poster boy for the American Red Cross for his knowledge of blood donation facts, as well as for his enthusiasm for it.

Animal Shelter Volunteer ✦ As a way to offer themselves for the betterment of the world, Christopher’s father insisted that both he and his brother work weekends as volunteers at a location of their choice. His brother chose a non-profit that built houses for the homeless, while Chris chose to walk dogs and clean up after the animals. It might not be as labor intensive as what his brother does, but it brings him great joy to be around animals.

His passion for animals comes from growing up with his old dog Eleonora, a Golden Retriever. In fact, part of his own personality has developed from his close bond with the ridiculously loyal dog. Growing up in a household with so many high expectations was hard on a lighthearted child, and having a companion that never wanted anything more than to be loved helped him overcome personal heartaches. When Eleonora had to be put down in her old age, he felt as though part of himself died with her. Even though it happened over five years ago, and they now have a new dog, Annabel Lee, he still does his best to keep Eleonora’s memory alive through his own actions. It might seem lame to others, but she was his life.

But now he hardly gets to see Annabel Lee now that he’s in college! How he would love to have her curl up at the end of his bed and slobber into his hair and on his face in order to wake him up. It’s okay, though. He visits her on weekends.

Model Toys ✦ He picked up making model toys when he was still young, after his father brought him model of his own ship. Since then, his collection has grown to a ridiculous amount and he is always painstakingly careful with each new model he gets, perfecting his technique. His favorite models to build are ships, but he also enjoys airplanes, as well. In recent years, because he was starting to run out of models to get, he has taken up making trains and cars.

Unfortunately, people don't always appreciate the time and effort that goes into such a hobby. It's not a nerd thing to do!! It's art! And be sure to ask him before you touch any of his models: they're not real toys, they're for looking at! Ugh. That doesn’t keep him from decorating his dorm room, though.


Virtues

Courageously noble in mind and heart ✦ Christopher is the guy who says what he means and means what he says. He does not believe in purposely hurting people for the sake of hurting them, and will jump to the defense of someone who is being harmed. After the confrontation is over, though, he will go to great lengths to try and make up any transgressions done, even though he wasn’t the one to cause the heartache… or black eye: whichever.

He goes out of his way to help others, even if it hinders his own schedule. Whether it be helping a teacher carry books to a classroom, or helping a pregnant mother with five screaming children carry her groceries out to her car. His heart can be magnanimous, though he is not without fault, usually giving into his weaknesses before able to take a moment to calm down and think things through. Even so, he is generous in forgiving insult or injury, especially if it’s asked of him, and it takes a lot to make him feel resentful or vindictive towards others. It’s just himself he has to work on not feeling bitter towards.

Unwavering in allegiance ✦ If someone has ever done something for Christopher’s benefit, he will forever be indebted to them, making it his personal goal to pay back their kindness ten fold. “But I only let him borrow a pencil…” It doesn’t matter! Need your car washed? He’s on it! Need to borrow school notes? He’ll have them typed up and in a labeled folder by the end of the day. If Chris considers one a friend, then their life is pretty much made. No matter what happens in the future, if he's loyal to someone, he'll remain loyal to them.

Obviously, for many reasons, his loyalty to others can be used against him and he wouldn’t give it a second thought. His mother has voiced her concern to him on numerous occasions that he may be getting walked over, but he believes that people are naturally good intentioned and hopes, probably in vain, that his own actions will make others want to be their best, as well.

Go for the gold, or go home ✦ While he is not cut-throat in his ambitiousness, he still wants to do his best, in every way possible. Where he gets his endurance, even he doesn’t know, but it helps when trying to live up to the expectations of his father, and to somehow be noticed under the shine of his older brother, doing whatever it takes to prove himself to those around him.

When Chris starts something, he does his best to see it through ‘til the end. If something happens and he doesn’t manage to get a project finished, he would feel like a complete failure and probably sulk for a few days before moving on, though he would retain the sense of worthlessness. This feeling would probably last until his next project is successful. He hates feeling like a failure for anything, which will push him to the brink, and sometimes over the edge, but at least he’ll feel accomplished and proud of his efforts.

Compassionate ✦ Chris sincerely cares about people and making them happy. It’s why he donates as much blood as the Red Cross will legally allow him; it’s why he volunteers at the animal shelter, even if it was his father’s suggestion at first. He tries to understand other people such as why they’re upset or angry, or sharing in their joy if they’re happy. Making people happy makes him happy. He’s the kind of friend to go to for a shoulder to cry on because you just broke up with your girlfriend of three years, even if it’s in the middle of the night. Chris sympathizes with others and tries to alleviate their burden, whatever it may be.


Flaws
All that glimmers... ✦ Chris has faulty perceptions of the people he knows. Or rather, they're more like selective perceptions. Chris sees people as he wants to see them, not necessarily as they really are. He has the tendency to build someone up and above amazing; but seriously, working at a café isn't that awesome, dude. For all he does to try and "be the best" he can, he sucks at judging character. Chris will think the best of people, even when someone really isn't good for him. He understands the concept of people using him, but he isn't able to apply it to his daily life. He’ll stubbornly try and convince himself that people really are kind hearted, despite everything. Chris is blinded by the golden lining he places around the people he knows and/or admires, and tries to "achieve" that greatness, himself. He also has the undying need to prove himself to people he looks up to, but can push it so far that it just looks bad, especially if whoever he’s trying to impress just… isn’t impressed. Sorry, kid.

He wants to believe in the best of the people in his life. He really does. So it’s difficult for Chris to know that people are probably lying to his face. If there is a confrontation he’s stuck in the middle of and both sides claim not to be at fault, his judgment gets screwed up, because he wants to believe both sides. It confuses him, and even if one seems more likely to be lying, he has trouble picking out emotions within lies and has to hope that a teacher or someone else will come and rescue him from wrongly coming to a verdict.

If he doesn't know a person, while he tries to give them the benefit of the doubt, he will be less likely to place that shining light around them. He doesn't know them and they don't know him; the best thing he can do is to be polite and treat them as he'd want to be treated.

Superiority ✦ Chris is a nice guy, but he has to excel in whatever he does, giving him a bit of a, well, complex. He has to be the first to jump up and help someone, he has to make good grades, he has to pitch that no-hitter, he has to be better than YOU! No, he won’t forcibly go out of his way to prove that he is better, but he cackles victoriously in his mind when he gets the only perfect score on the test or when he’s modestly blushing as that elderly woman thanks him for helping her cross the street. Wipe that smug little smirk off your face, Mr. Gallo — those are pathetic things to be “better at” than other people. Although he tries not to show that he does these things for any reason other than being selfless, he slips up from time to time and one may catch him grinning, ear to ear, when he knows he's bested someone else.

Needless to say, Chris will do his best to subtly outdo anyone in anything. He’ll beat you in tic-tac-toe, yet again! He’ll have the most perfectly made bed in the dorm! He’ll have his clothes neater and cleaner than the next guy! He’ll scoop up that dog poop so there isn’t a streak on the sidewalk! That’s right. You’ll think twice about crossing Christopher Gallo when it comes to s**t like that, next time!

Sometimes his ambition to be better than other benefits those around him, such as on his baseball team, or even for group projects, but outside that Chris could be considered kind of obnoxious, especially if he was competing with someone one-sided. He holds others to expectations that are often unreachable and tries too hard a lot of times, which could definitely annoy people, especially those with whom he isn’t a close friend.

Temper ✦ Since he was little Chris has been known to throw the occasional temper tantrum when things didn’t turn out as he wanted them. He’s not proud about them, and a lot of times he can’t stop it even though he knows it’s building. Chris likes doing things on his own and if he’s forced into being helped, he isn’t going to appreciate it. He’s a proud individual who happens to think he’s fairly self-sufficient, thank you very much. Asking for help would be the last possible option for him, and if someone “helps” him without his permission it will hurt his pride and will begrudgingly thank them, but the next time he did something that they might feel he needs help with, he’ll make sure not to tell them about it. Regardless of his occasional temper tantrums, he doesn’t hold grudges, or at least not for very long. He will get angry, pitch his fit, and then cool off and apologize for getting out of hand.

His temper combined with his superiority complex makes him a sore loser, unable to accept defeat gracefully. He turns into an immature little brat, really. He’ll get moody and angry about things he isn’t good at, though it’s not reasonable to expect someone to be good at everything, right? He’ll demand a rematch if he loses, on the chance he’ll win the second time around. One such example that gets him frustrated very easily: fighting games. He loves them and hates them because they can be loads of fun, as long as he’s winning, but the second he gets challenged and loses round after round, he hates them! And will claim it was a stupid game, anyway.

If challenged to something by someone he idolizes, he will happily accept; he'd love to beat them and prove his worth! Of course, if he loses over and over, he won't be very happy and will probably succumb to one of his tantrums, regardless of how much he wants to impress them. He might be able to catch himself sooner, if it was someone he idolized, and try and keep his tantrum to a minimum, but the damage will inevitably be done. No, it won't help him win their respect, but he can't help it.

Anything he isn’t stellar at he dislikes, making him afraid to branch out and try new hobbies or activities for fear of not being good at them and losing. Regardless, if he’s challenged to something, he’ll have to accept: his pride would be harmed even more if he didn’t accept! While he takes challenges seriously, he doesn’t hold them over to other aspects of his life. If someone constantly beats him in a board game, he’ll be upset about it, and may end up tossing the game off the table if he’s teased enough for his temper to break, but it won’t stop him from offering help in math class the next day. He has his tantrum and gets over it rather quickly, especially if something distracts him from his bitterness or resentment for losing at something.

Self-Righteous ✦ Coming from a privileged, well off family with a strict moral upbringing, and having minimal opportunity to really experience the world through the eyes of those not as financially and religiously “fortunate” as himself, Chris has been known to fall victim to bouts of self-righteousness. While he doesn’t go around preaching about his own morals, Chris believes that his own examples should be enough to make others want to better themselves. Heightened by his sense of superiority, and a little by his temper, Chris may offer suggestions about what others should or shouldn’t do, according to his own morals. Be respectful to others, don’t litter, say please and thank you, “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”, hold the door for the person behind you, don’t be greedy in the buffet line.

When he does have to “remind” people of common courtesy, he can’t help but feel morally superior to them, and his actions will overcompensate. He’ll hold the door for several people behind him after it was closed in his face, or will pick up the dropped cigarette butt and “return it” to its owner to be properly disposed of, or make a comment about how there were other people in line when the person in front of him took the last five pieces of ham and their plate was already full. The dirty looks he gets for his comments do nothing, because he knows he’s the one doing the right thing.

His self-righteousness falls primarily over the spectrum of those he hasn't built a golden lining around; namely, people he doesn't know. Those within the bright, good light of Chris's mind have a fairly large reprieve for any morally faults they commit by his standards. Instead of returning their cigarette butt to them, he'll subtly pick it up and throw it away, himself; rather than commenting on how they could have held open the door, he'll just smile to the person behind him and hold it open for them without drawing attention to his actions; and he definitely wouldn't make a comment about them taking more food than they need at the buffet! They must be hungry. Basically, the population is split into two for Chris — those he knows and admires, their golden lining perfectly intact, and those he doesn't know, to whom he feels morally superior.


Physical Description [x]

Eyes ✦ His eyes are soft, open, and expressive, goldenrod in color, inherited from his mother. When Chris smiles it reaches all the way to his eyes, seeming to make them sparkle! Only not. Because people don't sparkle. Unless they're transforming or... something... Body glitter... Burlesque... Er, anyway. (Colors in the example are just for reference.)

Hair ✦ Straight and neatly kept, brushed to the side, it is obvious that he has had military influence in his upbringing by his hairstyle. The color is a dark auburn-red with some highlights from being out in the sun. His hair isn’t so short to be mistaken for a military or naval man, himself, but it is kept nicely; just like the good little boy his mother always wanted him to be. Actually, it's getting a little shaggy looking, and if he was at home, his mother would probably made him get it cut. He is of Italian decent and it shows, even in the slightly tan color of his skin. (Colors just for reference, again.)

Face ✦ His face is oval in shape, maturing recently from the leftover baby-fat from his youth into a young man. He has no noticeable freckles or beauty marks, though he has spent time in the sun, which tanned him with a soft, golden glow. He is usually flashing a full smile and friendly expression.

✦ Dylan and Christopher ✦
Chris would be attracted to Dylan through his charisma, possibly approaching him to offer help with class projects. He wouldn't really understand Dylan, but it's not as though Christopher is looking for close friends, just a decent lab partner.

✦ Prince Alexandros and Glaucus ✦
Glaucus understands his role as a member of the Black Moon Court and would do anything in his power to protect the Prince from harm.

✦ Jesse and Christopher ✦
Chris probably wouldn't have a very high view of him, without knowing him.

✦ Captain Hector and Glaucus ✦
While Glaucus wouldn't always agree with the Captain's reasonings, he is as loyal to him as the Prince, holding Hector high in his regards, especially in terms of command. The Captain has shown in the past that he is a sound commander, despite some of his brash actions, and for that Glaucus is grateful to him. They share the common goal of protecting the prince, and because of that Glaucus rarely questions Hector's decisions, even in his thoughts. As for Laocoon's nagging... Glaucus would try and put an end to it as soon as it began. After all, a soldier isn't supposed to question those of higher rank. Talk about inappropriate.

Anything his Captain asks of him, he will do. Make him coffee? Certainly. Finish sorting out all the paperwork that somehow ended up all over the room? Of course. Foot massage? .... Um... If he really wants one... Though Glaucus would first suggest someone of higher qualification than himself for such a task. Above all else, Glaucus believes the Captain to be a good and effective leader and he is willing to die along side him to protect the prince, should that be their fate.

✦ Johnny and Christopher ✦
Chris would try and to befriend Johnny, but doesn't take dismissal very well. Chris may end up getting frustrated and would probably attempt to impress him, though that could just make things worse...

✦ Laocoon and Glaucus ✦
Glaucus may think that Laocoon is intelligent, but he also sees how he gets easily placated. What will Glaucus do about it? Probably nothing more than a suggestion not to do such-and-such a thing, and then after the fact is when Glaucus would come right back around and remind Laocoon about all the helpful little hints he'd given him before he did whatever without a second thought. Screw trying to convince him not to do something if he isn't going to listen, anyway. He'll just regret it later... Like Glaucus said...

Regardless of how much he likes to remind the others that he's always right (or at least believes that he's always right), if Laocoon was convinced to do something that could harm him, and Glaucus knew about it, he would probably fulfill the task in his comrade's stead, if he could get away with it.

✦ Corinna and Christopher ✦
Chris would think that Corinna was a nice girl, and wouldn't mind talking photo with her, even if he isn't really big into it, but his parents were.

✦ Queen Nehelenia and Glaucus ✦
Glaucus’s first priority is the Prince, but since he knows how much the Queen means to Alexandros, Glaucus would bend to her will, so long as it didn’t interfere with his duty to the Prince. While Glaucus is not royalty himself, he understands from observation how difficult it is for both the Prince and the Queen to deal with everything going on around them. For that reason, he serves them to his best ability, holding nothing back.

✦ Veronica and Christopher ✦
Veronica would come off as intimidating to Chris, and he would hate to get into any kind of debate with her.

✦ Aphrodite and Glaucus ✦
Glaucus would respect Aphrodite in her role as Captain of the Queen's guard and would not stand in her way.

✦ Madison and Christopher ✦
Chris would love to play catch with her if she wanted!

✦ Gaia and Glaucus ✦
Glaucus would think that Gaia, like Hector, needs to calm down and think things out before they act. They have so much resting on their shoulders when it comes to protecting the crown, after all. Despite her need to rush into things, Glaucus respects Gaia's intentions, just as he respects the Captain's intentions. He just wished they would both be more cautious. Where would the court be without either of them?

✦ Fallon and Christopher ✦
Fallon would fascinate Chris in every way. Everything she does is so meticulous and he appreciates the hard work she puts into what she does. He would also be very interested in her background. He’s Catholic and she’s Jewish, so they have a loosely shared background in religion… And she’s pretty cute, too… What…? No, she’s not… wait, what?? She likes girls…? Oh… well… that would be an embarrassing conversation to have… Not that Chris would care about her preferences… it just figures.

✦ Ares and Glaucus ✦
While Glaucus is nowhere near as expressive as Ares, he would understand her desire for strategy and would have no problem in sparing with her at any time, day or night. It is a great interest to his to keep in shape and fresh in fighting tactics. Unlike Ares, though, Glaucus is more determined to defend than fight, though should she get herself in trouble, he would definitely step up to help. His patience may also help her when she feels as though she is a failure or tries to go too far without really thinking about it.

✦ Zia and Christopher ✦
((Under construction, but preview on Chris's thoughts: "Preeeeeettty...." But totally out of his league. HA. ))

✦ Zirconia and Glaucus ✦
((Under construction... but he likes kitties... D: ))

✦ What is the significance in using a compass rose? ✦
I chose to use the compass rose in relation to landmarks. The first thing one should know before trying to find a location is which direction to go. Sure, one could use the sun to try and determine where they are, but that depends on the time of day and the weather. A compass will tell you exactly which direction is magnetic north. They’re on maps and nautical charts, which was another reason why I chose to make Chris’s family have a background in the Navy.

Another reason I chose the compass rose was because it has the four cardinal directions. The number four is one of the most powerful magical numbers, and it also happens to be one of the lucky numbers for a Leo. The combination of North, South, East, and West form a cross, linking the compass rose to Christianity, as well. There are also four horsemen of the apocalypse, four gospels in the New Testament, four seasons, and four main elements. Some of it sounds like a stretch, I know, but they were just little things that went through my head when I was forming the characters.

Christopher

✦ Why Christopher Luke Gallo? ✦
Christopher was named for the Catholic patron saint of travelers. It was done unintentionally, because I really did want to use the name Christopher, but like various other parts of his character, things seem to fall into place without much conscious thought. Either way, travelers understand physical landmarks in order to get around. Luke, on the other hand, is after the patron saint of physicians and surgeons, who understand the “landmarks” of a human body. Gallo is an Italian surname, meaning “rooster”, implying his proud family heritage, and also hinting at his would-be proud other half. He’s American, even if he’s been in the States only a few times in his life, with Italian background. And if the meanings behind his name haven’t given it away yet, he comes from a Roman Catholic family.

✦ Why Roman Catholic? ✦
Originally, he wasn’t going to be religious at all, because that would just add one more thing on top of everything else. But then I thought some more about it, and I really liked the idea of Christopher’s internal dilemma of having two souls in his body. The soul is an extremely important part of a Catholic’s spirituality and he would most likely be uncomfortable with it, at the beginning, but come to realize that he was chosen for something so important as protecting two souls, rather than just his own. I wanted to focus on the “landmark” of someone’s individual spirit, the thoughts and feelings inside a person that makes them individuals, and making Christopher be Roman Catholic gives him a strong understanding of “souls” and “spirit”. Or at least he thinks he understands it.

✦ Why 18? ✦
I wanted Chris to be mature enough to deal with the sudden realization that his own soul was no longer the only one in his body. Of course, this might be a bit more difficult for him to get used to, since he already has many strong beliefs about his soul. He wouldn’t be comfortable with it, but will have to learn to overcome the discomfort since he wouldn’t want to do anything to harm the soul. It would be something that might help him is the realization that he will be doing good for others.

✦ Why Leo/August 12th? ✦
I chose Leo after matching up as many traits as I could with the signs and found out which sign Christopher’s personality best matched. I also liked the idea of a lion as a symbol for both Chris and Glaucus and their sense of pride. Originally I had it as August 13th for reasons of "Friday the 13th" and all that; now I've changed it to August 12th. I wanted to keep it Leo and August, but it needed more significance. I mention elsewhere in the thread the importance of the numbers 3 and 4, and the multiple of that is 12. The number 12 on its own has just as much importance! It's the number of the Zodiac, months in a year, days of Christmas, tribes of Israel, the number of Apostles. I felt this had a lot more significance to Christopher than 13.

✦ Why Sardonyx? ✦
Sardonyx is a beautiful stone (I find) that has multiple layers in it, and when it’s cut correctly it can produce incredibly unique and sophisticated pieces of jewelry. One such example is the Tazza Farese cameo from the Hellenistic period in art history. For anyone interested/doesn’t know… Hellenistic art began after the death of Alexander the Great and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII. The sardonyx stone is a symbol for good luck and was often carried into battle to ensure courage and victory.

✦ Why O-? ✦
Well, originally it was because Christopher’s whole person screams to be a universal donor, but the idea was solidified after noticing that Alexandros/Dylan’s blood type is AB+, the universal receiver. It seemed like fate.

✦ Why 7 years difference between brothers? ✦
The number 7 in numerology is a magic number from the combination of 3, which is the number for things such as past, present, future and the Holy Trinity, and 4, which is the number of the four cardinal directions. I also wanted there to be a big enough gap between Christopher and his older brother so that Christopher can see all the things his brother has accomplished and strive to match up with his brother’s “greatness”. Of course, what Chris doesn’t realize is that Michael really isn’t as amazing as Chris makes him out to be, though the shine Michael gives off to his brother is still very bright.

✦ Why Eleonora and Annabel Lee? ✦
The names are actually titles of Edgar Alan Poe works. Christopher’s mother took the liberty of naming the family pets, and because of her love for all kinds of literature, she chose her favorite poet to name the dogs after.

I chose dogs as companions because their loyalty would reflect in Christopher’s own personality.

✦ Why dislike for honey? ✦
This actually didn't have any significance when I put it down. I actually based it off of how my own tummy turns from smelling the Honey flavored Burt’s Bees chap stick. But when I was reading up on Glaucus in myth I found the story of the son of Minos and Pasiphae. One day he had disappeared and was found dead inside a cask of honey. I laughed at the irony and kept his dislike for honey.

✦ Why baseball? ✦
I personally know a lot about baseball. It's my favorite sport; however, that's not the only reason why I chose to make it one of Chris's hobbies. To be good at any sport one must train themselves to be the best they can be. In baseball it could be batting, pitching, throwing, running, or even just coming up with strategy. I felt that baseball ties in well with a possible Cavalier. For one, Chris will have the arm strength and speed a Cavalier needs. He is used to swinging a bat and throwing and keeping in shape, his reaction time is high thanks to attempts/successes at stealing bases, and strategizing against the other team is like second nature. Not to mention great leg muscles from being a catcher part-time. It was for the physical and health benefits that Chris plays a sport, baseball in particular, which would make things easier on Glaucus when his soul is forced to share a body with Chris.

Also — I only realized this recently after making him play baseball — the shape of the field with the three bases and home? It's the magic number four again, the four that ties into the cardinal directions, seasons, elements, etc.

✦ Why the Naval background in Chris's family? ✦
More than anything, I wanted him used to the idea of following orders and being under the command of someone of higher rank. It also tied in with the idea of "landmarks" and the usage of nautical maps. I could have chosen the Army, Air Forse, or even the Marines, but I am more familiar and comfortable with using the Navy for a background.

✦ What does Chris study at Sovereign Heights? ✦
Since he's good with his hands he decided to go into architecture. He's pretty good at math as long as he studies, and he likes creating things, so it's easier for him to envision how finished products will look like, whether they be houses, buildings, cars, planes, etc. He is already used to creating templates of possible, original models, so it's pretty much the same thing, right? Unlike his brother, Chris picked up some of his mother's artistic abilities, and while he paints his models, he doesn't feel very inspired to paint on canvas. Photography is okay, but he's also fine with a point and shoot camera.

Glaucus

✦ Why Glaucus, Parallel Cavalier of the Landmark? ✦
Anyone who knows me will know I’m a huge fan of anything Greek/Roman, especially in art and myth. Out of the available Parallel Cavaliers, Glaucus called to me the most. A love story that seemed doomed from the beginning, especially when jealous lovers are involved. Scylla is one of my favorite “mythological monsters” and wanted to do something that was associated with her, even if it’s not a direct association.

This is from the most common myth, but there are various people in mythology named Glaucus. There was a god, a king, a soldier, and a child who all appeared in myth with the name of Glaucus, but I didn’t want to make it so obviously “Glaucus” from mythology.

The other reason I chose Glaucus was because I really liked the idea of “landmarks”, whatever that means. It took a little while to really think it through, and I had some help in deciphering “landmark” but in the end, I decided to go along a completely different route, straying away from the physical landmark, such as a mountain or building, and wanted to also direct attention to the internal, emotional, and psychological parts of a person that makes them who they truly are.

✦ What is a Landmark? ✦
According to various online dictionaries: "Landmark" functions as a noun dating to before the 12th century.
1 • It can be an object (such as a stone or tree) that marks the boundary of land.
2 • A conspicuous object on land that marks a locality / An anatomical structure used as a point of orientation in locating other structures.
3 • An event or development that marks a turning point or a stage.
4 • A structure (such as a building) of unusual historical and usually aesthetic interest; especially one that is officially designed and set aside for preservation.
5 • As an adjective — Having great importance or significance.

Using these definitions as a base, I decided that there could be a much deeper meaning to "Landmark" than just a physical object. Landmarks are "used as points of orientation" which could reference to an individual's thoughts, beliefs, ideas, etc. — personal, emotional, psychological landmarks within a particular person. It's a person's kind heart, witty humor, egotistical nature; their modesty, vanity, pride, enthusiasm. The landmark of a person is anything that makes them who they are; makes them stand out, have "aesthetic interest", be "officially designed" as an individual.

✦ Landmarks are equivalent to souls? ✦
Not just souls. They are still physical objects and events and structures, but a person’s own landmark is their soul. Again, from various online dictionary sources: "Soul" derives from Middle English, Old English, and Old High German, dating to before the 12th century.
1 • The immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life.
2 • The spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rational and spiritual beings, or the universe.
3 • A person's total self.
4 • An active or essential part / A moving spirit.
5 • The moral and emotional nature of human beings / The quality that arouses emotion and sentiment / Spiritual or moral force; fervor.
6 • As a person — "Not a soul in sight."
7 • As a personification — "She is the soul of integrity."
8 • A strong positive feeling (such as of intense sensitivity and emotional fervor).

✦ Why is Glaucus emotionally shut down? ✦
Being the physical form of the embodiment of "landmarks", one would imagine that Glaucus would be an expressive, emotional person, but I directed his personality toward the total combination of emotion, which seemed a bit more logical in this concept than making him sensitive. Just as all colors together creates black/absence of color leaves white, and all light creates white/absence of light leaves black, I wanted to take Glaucus to the... almost extreme. The total combination of emotion is too much for any one person to handle, and therefore is absent. Glaucus may start as being unable to understand emotion, but being combined with such an emotion-filled soul as Chris has, Glaucus will be forced to change. Of course, this will obviously affect Chris as well, but he'll at least benefit from Glaucus's ability to reason.

✦ "Have you already lost your way?" ✦
A challenge from Glaucus would be subdued, almost as an after thought. Maybe concerned, but most likely indifferent.
Thank you, FKT for your suggestion! I really, really do like this a lot better! ( I told you I sucked at serious stuff. D: )

✦ Why Psyche? ✦
The Greek word psyche literally means “spirit, breath, life or animating force”. Psyche is also the deification of the human soul in Greek mythology. I chose the name “Psyche” for the name of Glaucus’s rapier because the direction I am taking the idea of “landmarks” is inward, making it much more personal than a physical object that can be seen and touched: the landmark of a person. Psyche, the rapier, affects people it wounds by forcing them into a state of psychomachia — think good angel/bad angel, or angel/devil on someone’s shoulder. It forces them to think about who they really are: is what they’re doing really right or are they just following orders? How would their parents think about what they are doing? Those they love? It forces a psychological battle within one’s self.

It’s a big risk to use because it may not always have the desired outcome, which is why Glaucus pairs his rapier with a dagger for extra defense and offense when he doesn’t want to risk Psyche’s powers.

✦ What is psychomachia? ✦
It is the conflict of the soul; the internalized battle between spirit and body. The way I think of it, it's kind of like virtues versus vices. Generosity and charity is against greed, modesty against vanity, enthusiasm against sloth, etc.

✦ Why does Glaucus not have a name from his past life? ✦
That's because Glaucus's soul won out over his host's soul. In Glaucus's opinion, why bother remembering a name that no longer exist?

✦ Does Glaucus have any quirks that makes him less of a, well, sourpuss? ✦
Actually, yes, he does have one particular quirk that he does his damnedest to hide. Glaucus, despite denying such "accusations" has an irreversible, incurable weakness for cats. Animals and other cute things in general, too, but he gets especially weak in the knees when precious little fluff balls are involved. He would never own one, himself, because he wouldn't be able to provide such a precious creature enough attention, what with his duty to the Prince and all; but if he sees one while not in the presence of others, he'll feel compelled to at least pet it, then search his pockets for some kind of treat for it. If it bites him or scratches him, it won't matter; the kitty was obviously feeling threatened, and that won't stop him from wanting to make sure it got home safely.

If confronted with this "obsession" he'll deny it, even if he's offered a kitty to pet, standing his ground like the confident, unwavering soldier he is. He has difficulty being in the presence of Zirconia because he knows that she has the capability to rat him out, so he has yet to approach her while in cat form, but he does steal glances in her direction every so often. It's not because he's attracted to her in that way!! He just... likes kitties. A lot.

Chris and Glaucus

✦ Why are Christopher and Glaucus so different in personality? ✦
While they do seem almost completely different — such as how Chris sincerely cares for many people and Glaucus focuses on his duties — they do have specific similarities that would be the reasoning for choosing Christopher as the host for the reborn soul of Glaucus. One of those similarities is their loyalty. Christopher is loyal to his friends and family and will do anything possible to defend them, while Glaucus would gladly risk his life for the Prince.

Another similarity would be their inability to not go above and beyond. They have an undying need to do their best and feel like failures if they don’t go all out. With Chris, it could be as simple as taking more difficult classes, or spending all of his free time training for baseball. With Glaucus, his desire to protect the Prince is above all else and is willing to forgo food and sleep to ensure that.

✦ How will Christopher's and Glaucus's souls affect each other? ✦
Glaucus is so closed off to emotions, unable to understand them, while Chris tends to exaggerate emotions, unable to understand emotions that aren’t real — he would be fooled if someone faked how they felt. In merging together they will hopefully even out, depending on what situations they are put through. Glaucus would end up taking on more of Christopher’s feelings for things, eventually being able to understand emotions more clearly than he can at the beginning. Chris, on the other hand, would mature quickly, taking on Glaucus’s sense of logic.

A down side to their merging is that Chris could very easily have his temper flaw intensified, leading to violence when he’s only been in one real fight as of now. Glaucus would take on more of Christopher’s superiority complex. He already has a big ego, but merged with Chris, this could be exaggerated.

Things that wouldn’t change though the merging of their souls would be the pride of their faithfulness to those who count on them, their desire to protect life, and their love for animals. Rather than one soul winning out more than the other, these two would merge more smoothly, thanks to Christopher’s willingness to host another soul in his body, and their similarities.

✦ Will Chris reject the new soul he's hosting? ✦
He might be confused about it at first, but as a good little Catholic boy he has great respect for life in general, especially where human (and animal) souls are involved. If anything, the knowledge that he is now responsible for two souls, rather than just his own, he'll be pushed to work even harder to protect them. He would just hope that he was really the best choice for hosting.

✦ Why is the tread so decorated/over the top? ✦
I wanted to include a visual element in order to give the thread a sense of containment. Really, I had everything written up and it looked way too boring. I mean, seriously. It’s already so full of possible character information, so I know that even I will have difficulty staring at it long enough to work on it. Hopefully the splashes of color break up some of the monotony. That, and it would bother me if I didn't do something to keep it "organized". D:

The other reason I wanted everything to seem “over the top” is because that is who these two characters in one body are. Christopher can be over the top in ways of trusting other people, so much to where it has hurt him. But despite his flaws, he also puts his whole being into whatever it is he does. Whether it is on the mound, ready to pitch a perfect game, or carefully making his model toys. His heart and soul is embedded into every task, big or small.

The same can be said for Glaucus. He is a loyal, dutiful, confident, proud solider who wants nothing more than to make sure his Prince is kept safe. If he decides on doing something, or if he was ordered to do something, he will see it through to the end, no matter what.

✦ Why would Alexandros/Dylan pick Chris over everyone else for Glaucus’s host? ✦
Other than being unintentionally named after the Patron Saint of travelers, Alexandros would choose Chris because of his loyalty and determination. Alexandros will need people to stand beside him to whatever end, no matter what, and Chris would be the perfect candidate. Christopher prides himself on his loyalty to his friends, more than willing to prove that devotion in any way possible, especially when something so important is placed upon his shoulders. His resolve to succeed would definitely be an aid to Alexandros. Need him to keep his mouth shut? He’ll take it to his grave. Need him to meet you, late at night, past curfew? Absolutely. It would help learning from Dylan how to sneak out of windows and such.

Chris doesn’t lie through his own choice, but he knows how. If a secret isn’t supposed to be told, then he will do anything to make sure it doesn’t come out, no matter what happens. He’s true to being an Admiral’s son and doesn’t falter under stress or threats. Alexandros will need someone strong-willed and reliable, someone he can trust and will loyally follow him, someone who doesn’t ask a lot of questions and believes what they’re told, someone who won’t want to bail on his friends when he’s told that he may very well die. Chris already has his heart and soul prepared for death, making it a daily observation as a good Catholic boy. What matters more than his own life is the protection of those he cares for. How many people could Alexandros find who can sincerely say that they are ready for anything? Of course, Chris wouldn’t exactly be prepared for this anything, but he will do his best to keep his nose clean and do what he can.

✦ Why would Alexandros want this Glaucus? ✦
With everything that is happening now with the Wiseman and such, Alexandros is going to need someone who is capable, confident, knows what they’re doing, someone who has no qualms against anyone in the Parallel court, someone who understands their mission and takes it upon himself to do whatever possible in order to protect the Crown Prince. No, Glaucus isn’t the life of the party — in fact, he believes parties to be too risky; too many people, too loud, and something could happen to the Prince in the crowd — but he gets the job done. Please don’t pick up anything to drink or eat without it being tested for poison, first, Your Highness. Seriously.

Where Glaucus lacks in emotional understanding, he makes up with his devotion and willingness to do everything and anything for Alexandros. What is happening around them is real. People are getting hurt; people the Prince cares for are getting hurt. Now is not the time to sit back and play games. They need a solid, unwavering defense in order to fully protect the Crown, and Glaucus is fully capable of handling the responsibility of making sure the guard is set and prepared, especially since he’ll personally see to Alexandros’s safety. Sorry, Your Highness, but never will you pee again without Glaucus knowing and standing by, just in case something happens… or in case the roll of toilet paper needs changing.

✦ Editing Tracker ✦
Things that have been changed or added

5/8
✦ Changed "Captain Hector and Glaucus"'s proposed relationship.
✦ Added "Mediator" to Glaucus's virtues.

5/9
✦ Slight edit to Christopher's flaws.
✦ Minor edit/add to "Corinna and Christopher"'s proposed relationship.
✦ Information on Beau Gallo (Chris's father) is up!
✦ Minor edit/add to "Jesse and Christopher"'s proposed relationship.
✦ Took out the "eye problem". /serious shame
✦ Hillworth story changed! (Omg, it's so long...)

5/10
✦ Put up "Veronica/Captan Aphrodite and Christopher/Glaucus"'s proposed relationships.
✦ Glaucus's physical description put up.
✦ Information on Claire Gallo (Chris's mother) is up!
✦ Q/A "Why is everything so over the top?"
✦ Minor edit/add to Chris's hobbies.
✦ Put up "Madison and Christopher"'s proposed relationship.
✦ Q/A "What is the significance of the compass rose?"

5/11
✦ Minor edit/add to Glaucus's flaws.
✦ Put up "Fallon/Ares and Christopher/Glaucus"'s proposed relationships.

5/12
✦ Edited Chris's and Glaucus's physical descriptions a little. Mainly eye color.
✦ Changed "Psychi" to "Psyche". More background to work with.

5/14
✦ Edited/added to Glaucus's hobbies.
✦ Q/A "Why baseball?"
✦ Added "Superiority" to Chris's flaws.
✦ Q/A "Why Psyche?"

5/15
✦ Minor edits/adds to both Chris's and Glaucus's profiles in all areas. (Typos/grammar and such, mostly.)
✦ Information on Annabel Lee and Eleonora is up!

5/16
✦ Asterisked information should direct to the Q/A post for more detailed explanation.
✦ Q/As "What is a Landmark?" "Landmark = Soul?" "Why is Glaucus emotionless?" "'Have you already lost your soul?'"
✦ Added some more information to Glaucus's virtues and flaws.
✦ Minor edits/adds to Possible Relations. (Mostly grammar.)
✦ Added more detail to Psyche as a weapon.
✦ Information on Michael Gallo (Chris's older brother) is up!
✦ Moved Chris's extra information to the Family post.
✦ Q/As "Why Navy?" "How will the two souls affect each other?"
✦ Put up "Gaia and Glaucus"'s proposed relationship.
✦ Minor edits all around.
✦ Ready for Marks!

5/17 I didn't see anything about not adding to a quest after being set for marks, but if this is against rules, I can take whatever extra off. I'm still keeping track of everything, here.
✦ Q/As "Why these characters?" Added in light of recent events.

5/18
✦ Added Family Lists for Chris's parents.

5/19
✦ Edited a little of Glaucus's physical description. The wording was bothering me.

5/20
✦ Q/As "What's psychomachia?" "Glaucus has a quirk??" "Soul rejection?"

5/21
✦ Added tiny quirk to Psyche.
✦ Added "Calligraphy" to Glaucus's hobbies.
✦ Small edit to Chris's extra information on suggestion. <3
✦ Deleted "Independent" from Chris's virtues and "Reckless" and "Short-tempered" from Chris's flaws. Added "'All that glitters...'" to flaws = Most likely, not gold.
✦ Tiny change to Glaucus's challenge, and what a difference! <33

5/22
✦ Major edits to the Hillworth story + Q/A about it.
✦ Total revamp of "Possible Relations" upon suggestion. <3
✦ Rewrote most of Glaucus's flaws.
✦ Fixed Christopher's virtues and flaws. Hopefully it's better now.
✦ Changed weapon affect more to sphere of Landmarks.
✦ Fixed more of Glaucus's profile.
✦ Updated Q/As to match the edited Chris and Glaucus.

5/26
✦ Added a little info to Chris's family and changed his birthday to August 12th.
✦ Ready for Marking? Crits definitely welcome and appreciated! <3
✦ Added "Merciful/Values Life" to Glaucus's virtues.
✦ Told Hillworth to suck it. Chris now goes to Sovereign Heights.
✦ Added "Compassionate" to Chris's virtues.

5/28
✦ Nixed "Too Trusting" from Chris's flaws, combining it with "All that glimmers," instead. Some edits made to his flaws, too. <3

5/30
✦ Few edits to Chris's hobbies and his Temper flaw.

6/9
✦ Added sketches/references for Chris and Glaucus under their physical descriptions.

6/10
✦ Nixed the homeschool thing for Chris, and half for his brother.

6/18
✦ Added Self-Righteous to Chris's flaws and edited his All That Glimmers flaw to match up.

I understand completely! I have no problem with that. Thank you so much for your comment!

Edit • Changed Glaucus's and Hector's proposed relationship to what was suggested and added a fourth virtue to Glaucus — Mediator.

That makes sense. I was unclear on that; my mistake. I will change that right away. Thank you!

Edit • Changed the status of Hillworth, making him a transfer student there. Added a short story to go with why he was suspended from Meadowview and then transfered to Hillworth. Will edit some of his flaws in a bit.

Edit 2 • Actually, that story was all kinds of lame... I'm going to take a little longer and think up something more plausible.

Edit 3 • Changed the Hillworth story to something more on the lines of what Chris would actually do... and one less lame. Seriously, that last one had so many plot holes, already... Slight editing in character flaws now.

I'm attempting not to write a novel for this... D: It's not working.

My second story was going to be something drug related, but I thought it was too minor. I'm having a little bit of difficulty trying to determine what is severe enough for expulsion. I guess he'll just have to get suspended first. XD; Sorry, Chris; it's your own fault.

Thank you for your suggestions! They make complete sense. I was a little worried about him sounding too "perfect" and heroic, because he's far from it. I should have it updated soon-ish!

That really did help a lot, actually!! And a good thing, too... I was afraid I would have to keep writing. D: But with that I just needed to round everything off.

I can definitely shorten all that down if that's way too much... And I do kinda think it's way too much. Thank you for your help! I hope that's at least a little better. I really did like the suggestion of using his other flaw. It definitely clicked with "oh, yeah".