Armani

PBTD 01/8

Mentioned in prior chapters, but examined here. Armani was an interesting guy with roughed-up blond hair, something of a beard, and that serious fraternity-boy vibe. Except for the part where he constantly played with knives.

I grew up in Nevada and went to college just like I was supposed to. My parents were really well off, and I was kind of forced headfirst into my father’s fraternity. Me and my girlfriend were minding our own business one night when this guy dressed all in black came along with a gun in his hand, only he didn’t want to rob us. Before I could react, he hit me over the head with the butt of his pistol, and me and my girlfriend woke up in some dank basement with symbols drawn on us. Anyway, long story short, they released two demons. Mine I took like a champ, but my girlfriend, she was too fragile. Too sweet.” There was a small hitch in his voice as he continued, “That demon swallowed her before she could even scream for help. The only solace I got from it was the fact that when she died—because she died that night—he died too. I figure I’m not gonna be here long-term. “Eventually one of these things will kill me, but I’m okay with that. I’ll be back with her where I belong. Until then, I’m gonna have some fun fucking these things up.I like to use my swords,” he admitted, grasping them in his hands. “Get up close and personal with the son of a bitch attacking me.”

He has an incubus inside him, Pandora told her. Given what he said and what’s tormenting him from within, it’s obvious he just wants to die.”

Damian's Evaluation of Armani: Katie asked Damian, “Do you think Armani is reckless on purpose?” Damian’s eyes flicked to his teammate. “In some ways, yes,” he whispered back. “He cares about the team, so he keeps his composure, but at the same time he has no fear of death—no fear of losing—and that can be dangerous. It really is a double-edged sword for him. He cares about this family—this team that has given him the will to go on— but at the heart of it all?” He made a face. He is seeking release from the guilt inside.He is a spiritual person. Not religious, but definitely leans on his Catholic past. But when he prays he doesn’t seek guidance or blessing, just courage. Courage to make the hard choice, to sacrifice if it is necessary. Most of us pick up this new life, and we still feel a semblance of our old ones,” he shook his head, “but not Armani. He is lost in this. He will be at peace when the last demon is gone, or when he leaves this world and makes it to his girlfriend.” Sad? No, not sad. It’s life, and we all live it the best way we can until we can’t do it anymore.

PBTD 01/22

Armani dies of wounds acquired in the Commune battles, has an easy passing, as his girlfriend greets him with open. Stops in on the way to tell Katie he's gone.Full name Armani Royce.

PBTD 02/2

Katie learned after his death, through visit to brothel with Damian, that Armani had set up three of the girls with 4-year college funds, plus $25,000 each on graduation. (Alicia, Natalie, Sabine). Never would accept sex for thanks, had met them at a bar, had an interest in them after that. would, in fact, also help other girls with small details, as well (take their kid to school, etc.). He never judged, just understood that we did whatever we needed to for survival. He was there to help us become better people.