First Target

[The Janitor]

It was wonderful night. Neither bitterly hot nor unbearably cold. The skies were clear and the stars were shining bright. Even a person like him could enjoy such beauty. Would have been better if he were out in the wild. Probably the desert or a clear spot out in the mountains. That was his view wouldn't be obstructed by trees. Then again he wouldn't care when his attention was brought back to the urban sprawl that surrounded him.

The light from the street lay before him. Hiding him in shadow, but betraying the prescense of any who decided to enter by the service entrance. His back was pressed right up against the wall. The concrete was still warm from the day. He could pick up the sound of music coming from the club. It was almost drowned out by the traffic passing by infront of the building. There was no other way in or out except for the door to his right and a nearby fire escape.

A light breeze cleared air for a moment. His nose wrinkled as he took in the unpleasant smell of the back lot. The smell of rotted food from a nearby dumpster. Along with the combination of cheap booze and vomit. Not to mention urine. Would not have been a loss if he had chosen to wager five dollars that someone had pissed behind the dumpster. He resisted to urge to shake his head and sigh. Only he still thought that drunks (human or otherwise) were no better than animals.

He glanced at his watch with a low flustered growl. It wasn't working. That combined with boredom put him in a really bad mood. He knew one of his targets should have arrived an hour ago. A vampire by the name of Daniel Smith. Unfortunatley he made the mistake of picking up the wrong girl. His friends made the mistake of tagging along with him and walking away when things turned grim. In addition to reading about it in the paper he had gotten a copy of the case file with all the grisly details. Rape, torture, murder. As usual there was a note mad about an extreme case of blood loss.

He shook his head and slammed his fist against the wall. He wasn't going to wait around in longer. If Smith didn't step outside in a few minutes he was going to walk in and kill him right where he stood. Gazing up at the sky once more he was reward by the sound of the door opening. He had to act quickly. Without speed and the element of surprise he'd never be able to take down the vampire. Stepping forward and drawing the revolver from it's holster his hand clamped down over the Smith's mouth while he pulled the trigger.

With the muzzle of the gun pressed firmly against Smith's back, not only had the bullet entered his flesh, but the entire explosive force of the burning powder and gases behind the bullet in the barrel of the gun had been directed into the vampire's body as well. The effect was the same as if an explosive charge had been detonated inside the vampire's body. One vertebra, the ends of two ribs, part of one lung, and the edge of it's heart were
destroyed in a millisecond. A slurry of these ruined parts sloshed down onto his diaphragm,leaving a cavity the size of a cantaloupe where the organs had been just a moment before.

The bullet over-penetrated and struck the nearby wall. Jack's free hand grabbed Smith's shoulder and spun him around. After all the trauma inflicted upon his body the vampire was "tame as a kitten". Drawing a knife from his belt Jack slammed the blade underneath the vampire's chin and into the top of it's mouth. Pinning his mouth shut so he couldn't talk. A bit of dark humor on the hunter's part. Jack stepped back while Smith sank to his knees to survey his handywork.

A small hole was torn in the front of the vampire's shirt, but Jack could make out the exit wound. Blood and other ruined material seeped out of the wound. "Poor poor Danny boy. You picked up the wrong girl. Don't get why you guys don't stick to hitting up blood banks." he chided. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?" he asked. He paused for a moment. "Oh yeah. I almost forgot." he laughed pulling the knife loose from under the vampire's chin. All while pressing the revolver's barrel against the chest, right above the heart, and pulling the trigger.

[nyshia]

Stepped out of the club with a soft yawn, a small hand raised to her mouth to muffle the yawn. Pausing just outside the doorway to the club, she rifled through her belongings looking for the key to her car, cursing softly, "I swear, if its not attached to my body I can never find these blasted things...fuck!"

Thats when she heard the last gun shot and the bullet entering...as well as the muttering of the fellow who had done it. Her almond shaped eyes turned with her head as she peered down the alley, looking in the direction that she had heard the sounds. Her small head shook. "No, I'll not be getting involved in these things." Her lips parted in a sigh of relief as her hands clasped the keys to her car.

Spinning the ring of the keys around her finger, she removed a small tin box, removing a clove cigarette from it and lighting it. Puffs of clove scented smoke flowed from its tip and she peered once more down the alley to where the sound was before warily turning in the opposite direction.

[The Janitor]

The second shot had the same effect as the first. Only it wasn't a stunning blow followed by a neat little healing process. Practically turning the heart in mush it put the vampire down for good. Holstering the gun Jack dropped down to one knee and his arm snaked underneath the vampire's. "Well Danny boy... Let's find a good place to lay you down to rest." he chuckled pulling the corpse upright.

He stayed on the left side of the body while dragging it so none of the blood or organ puree leaked out on him. It might have seemed strange to some that a man of his trade would be bothered by such a small thing. Maybe take it as a sign of remorse or what he liked to call "Emotional B.S." When it was just that he hated getting messy, and it was a bit hard to get the stains out of clothing.

With his free hand he threw up the lid of the dumpster pausing for a moment to scan the inside for anything of value. One never knew if a weapon had been ditched or if there was a unlucky occupant still wearing jewelry. If he didn't "liberate" the items some other scavenger would. Unfortunately there was nothing other than garbage bags and other things he didn't want to remember. "Now for the hard part..."

Crouching down slightly he allowed the corpse to fall back onto him. Placing his hand on the chest he grunted as he lifted the body over the side of the dumpster. Without thinking he let out a low annoyed growl. He could feel the blood and gore running down his hand. He moved to the side before grabbing hold of a leg. In one swift movement he tossed the rest of the body inside the dumpster.

"Always a heavy one. Why can't I end up with a light weight for once." he muttered. Taking a roll of napkins out his pocket he wiped his right hand clean then tossed them inside the dumpster before closing it. It was too dark for anyone to make out what was inside. So it'd be morning by the time anyone found the grisly little surprise. Only thanks to the sun it would be long gone before the authorities could pick it up. So there wasn't much for him to worry about.

Shaking off the adrenaline buzz he straightened up his shirt and walked to the alley entrance. Glancing up at the light for a moment to consider whether or not anyone would notice the butt of the gun sticking out the waistband of his pants. Nah. Shouldn't notice, he thought, unless they're not human. Stepping out onto the sidewalk he immediately noticed the smell of cigarettes. Not the regular El Cheapo kind every day jackoffs carried. Slowly he turned his head to see that he wasn't alone.

They were a bit shorter than he was. Long dark hair. As his eyes adjusted to the changing light he could see that it was a woman. From her attire and the keys in her hand he assumed she was just getting out the club. He chastised himself for taking a second longer look. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, he smiled. Still he would try to stick to his own little personal set of rules. "Evening."

[nyshia]

Nyshia heard everything as she moved off down the alley, deliberately walking slow. Her human emotions still clung to her, as did her insatiable curiousity. Figuring, in her immortal state that no mortal would harm her if it turned out to be a simple robber.

As she came to the end of the alley she stopped just in the darkness and waited, hearing his footsteps carry him down the alley. If he was human, he would be fortunate tonight that she wasn't hungry for she often preyed upon those whom she caught doing dirty deeds such as this. She had always figured it was her way of helping the human society she was nolonger a part of. Doing her part for the greater whole, perhaps? She shrugged to herself nonchalantly. Taking a pull off the cigarette.

Looked over to the male, whom she guessed was the one doing the shooting, ebony gaze looking him over some. She took another pull on the cigarette, idly blowing the smoke upwards before her lips turned up in a slight smile, "Greetings..". Her voice was soft and lilting.

Her attire this evening was simply what she normally wore when she had to go out into the daylight before enjoying the night. A short black dress, tight black leggings, long knee high boots with tufted black fur at the top, long black gloves that matched one of her evening gowns, and a hooded jacket that was a bit too big for her. Since the hood was not up, the man would see her long ebony hair was loose and her face bare in the darkness. He also wouldn't see the cute little cat ears sown into the hood of her jacket.

Her keys jangled slightly as she spun them on her fingers and decided to stuff them in her jacket pocket for now. Taking another pull on the cigarette and repeating the same with the smoke she simply paused there in the alley looking at him. Her gaze shifted back down the alley towards the dumpster, "Someone piss you off?" Her voice was much the same as before, but the tone held a rather disinterested value to it as she asked it. A thin brow raised inquisitively, a little quirk she had when asking questions, even if she did not require an answer.

[The Janitor]

Taking a deep breath he took in the scent of the cigarette and enjoyed it for a few seconds. It was heaven compared to the back alley. He couldn't help but hang onto her voice. Force of habit. One of the many things he picked up to figure out who or what he was dealing with exactly. Hunters who couldn't pick up every little detail on potential dangers never lasted too long. Then again others who did occasionally suffered the same fate.

"I'm not sure as to what you're talking about." he replied. A million thoughts raced through his head. No one should've heard the shot. Not with all the noise around and the muzzle being pressed into the body. It was possible though. If she had excellent hearing for a human. The thought of dealing with something else in the same night shook him up a bit. Always difficult when you didn't have the element of surprise.

Unconsciously his hand slowly started to drift around to the small of his back. He stopped himself though. No sense in giving yourself away right yet. If he were dealing with someone from his usual cabal of "friends" he couldn't draw fast enough any way. He'd have to string them along for a bit. If she made a move there was always the push knife. "Lovely night isn't it? So what brings you out this early? Most don't leave until dawn."

[nyshia]

Nyshia chuckled lightly, "I won't press you on an answer then..." Her small shoulder shrugged lightly as she stepped from the shadows and onto the sidewalk as well, her gaze glancing up at the sky, good, it wasn't near dawn yet. She quickly fixed her gaze back on him, watching him carefully, but casually.

At his next query, she shrugged once more, the ebony locks bouncy from their resting place on her shoulders when she did so, "It is a lovely night..." She chose not to answer his next question, simply letting it drop into the darkness. She took one last pull of the cigarette before dropping it to the ground and stepping on it. She then, nonchalantly, bent down and picked up the unlit butt and stuffed it in her pocket.

A slightly embarassed expression came over her normally cool and delicately asian features, "I try to do my part for society.." She didn't quite go on about ALL she did for society in her mind. Her gaze once again roving over the male, he wasn't too unappealing to the eye.

A bit uncomfortable, she reached in her pocket and removed the small black tin once more, pulling out a neat little black clove cigarette and an equally little black torch lighter. With a flick of her thumb, probably too quick, she lit the cigarette taking a long pull from it before exhaling and accidentally blowing it straight towards him. Absentmindedly she put the tin up and realized what she'd just done, "Oh..sorry."

[The Janitor]

"That would be best." he smiled watching her look up at the sky. It was a bit puzzling. He was left trying to figure out what she was thinking. Once more he wished he could read minds. Like they usually did. Only he couldn't so he guessing was all he could do. He held back a frown when he didn't get an answer for his other question. Smart ones never do trip up, he thought. Either that she didn't pay attention to it.

Picking up the cigarette butt seemed a bit odd to him though. Very few people did that. Taking a breath he held back a slight laugh. As do I, he thought. Although he really didn't do the things that he did for society. Those deeds were done for money or sometimes just for the thrill. Always to sate someone else's craving for revenge or provide one more step to power. That's just how things were. He doubted they would ever change. Not until his death at least.

He caught he gaze for a second then glanced up at the sky. Watch yourself, he thought. The striking of the lighter caused him to look back her way only to get a face full of cigarette smoke. "Ah! Apology accepted." he replied waving it away from his face. One thing he didn't enjoy was someone blowing smoke in his face. If it were on purpose he wouldn't be too happy. "So. You live around here or just visiting The Big Apple?"

[nyshia]

She shook her head lightly as she took a pull off the cigarette, "I live out here...kinda over towards chinatown...you won't begrudge me if I don't tell you anymore until we're properly aquainted, will you?"

The dainty asian features had been schooled back to an expression of cool neutrality except for that damn eyebrow that always rose inquisitively with a question posed to the one she was speaking to.

She stepped further out onto the sidewalk, ebony tresses waving in the soft breeze on the main streets. Her gaze still fixed on him as her features became more visible to him in the slight moonlight. She took another pull off the cigarette, blowing it upwards once more to help prevent it going into his face, she was, after all, a polite vampiress. "And yourself...do you live in these parts...or are you just..ah.." Her gaze drifted down the alley towards the dumpster before focusing back on him once more, "Here on business or vacationing?" She continued with a slight smirk on her features.

[The Janitor]

"It's no problem at all. That kind of information isn't something one should give out freely. I was just curious as to if you live in the city or were visiting." he responded. That little information was one of his rules. Never give information as to the location of your residence unless you plan on moving shortly. Once a hunter did that he or she placed themselves in a heap of trouble.

He watched her move in the shadows. Like a coiled spring ready to move at the slightest sign that things were about to turn sour. Until she stepped further into the light. A shiver went up his spine as he fought to remain focused. If there was a definition of beauty it was standing near him. No reason to relax however. After all some of the most beautiful of flowers had thorns or were pure poison.

I've been made, he thought. She knew something bad went down behind the club. Not good considering that most people would have made tracks or called up Johnny Law. Eh. Let's just see where things go tonight, he thought. "Little bit of both." he answered. "I tend to move around a lot. Haven't really decided as to where I'll settle down. Might stick around here. Steady source of employment and I enjoy the scenery."

[nyshia]

Nyshia nodded her small head slowly as he spoke, "I see...its not as much to my tastes of scenery around here....but I've been here for a long...long...long time." She smile slightly, for if she were to smile that cute toothy grin, he would so obviously see her fangs and she didn't really wish to scare any humans off or goad them into trying to attack when she was so enjoying his company. Those human emotions that still clung to her.

A small arm was raised and indicated down the road, "Down there a ways...I own a theatre, plays and what not, good business around this city." She shrugged her shoulders as she looked at the man once more.

I don't even know his name, but he seems like quite a lovely person to sit around and talk the night away with...

If one were to enter her thoughts, they would've found that thought the most present among them all.

If he were to look at her closely, her natural beauty was apparent, but so was this strange fragile, innocence...and melancholy that she held about her. It was something most men picked up thinking she was a poor lost girl in the city, but it was something deeper.

[The Janitor]

"Ah. A theater... What playrights one attended could expect to see?" If it sounded interesting enough he would actually go. Of course if it was the usual Shakesphere stuff he wouldn't unless asked. Even though he hated it a great deal.

"Wait a sec. I think I left my manners at home. The name is Jack." he smiled offering his hand. Of course it might have been proper ettiquette to introduce one's self using their last name. However that was too much information for him to give away. Not to mention that name had been dead to him for the longest time. It was too weak. "Hope you don't mind my lack of manners. I'm a bit reluctant to give my full name to anyone."

He took a quick glance at his watch. It'll be a while for sunrise, he thought. Since his client had paid upfront for the job he didn't have to twist any arms to collect it. That left him with nothing to do. He started to frown a bit like he usually did when considering what to do with his free time. Think idiot. Long awkward silences along with a frown might bother your new friend, he thought. "Well I don't plan on heading home until a few hours before sunrise. Might I interest you in breakfast? My treat."

[nyshia]

She blinked at him, giving him a once over once again before speaking, "Uhm...well, most of the plays are things I've written up. Dramatic plays or just plain strange ones that closely resemble the entertainment from a more ancient Japan. And then the few playwrights I do allow to host their own stuff is usually the interesting plays...erm...well, interesting to me. The historical type stuff, or based of historical type stuff. Not your average Shakespherian theatre." She paused, seeming to squirm under the possible scrutiny of her theatre and life's work.

Then he suddenly introduced himself, and she breathed a sigh of relief and shook his hand with her gloved one, "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, Jack. My name is Nyshia Itsuru." She had no such reservations of giving out her last name, she never registered it as such, so nobody could really track her by that name. A curt nod was given to his explanation of not providing a last name, "Atleast I know what to call you, Jack, that's what matters, isn't it?"

A slight smile came to her lips, "I suppose that would be quite fine with me, I've no pressing business tonight either and I spend much of my time sleeping these days anyways...Its nice to get out every so often, though I'm not quite hungry, but perhaps I'll have some tea or something." She was quite capable of eating the normal human diet, but it did nothing but upset her stomach, so she only treated herself to it every so often, this might just be one of those occaisions.

Her small form moved closer to him, just within inches, as she looked up to him with a slight smile, "Although it might be a good idea to hide certain objects a little better before we hit a well lit area..." Absolutely no fear, just plain observation. She had noticed his gun.

[The Janitor]

"It's a pleasure to meet you Nyshia." he answered. Careful with his grip due to the strength of his right hand. Almost like a vice whenever he took hold of something. The result of constant tinkering, operation of a revolver, and recoil of full power magnum class loads while target shooting. "That is all that matters, but even though I'm not so much of a gentleman. I at least try to be."

"Sounds interesting. Never read or seen any playright from the far East. However if it's got wild costumes and swords fights like I've heard I'm sold. As for the Shakesphere stuff. I don't really care for it. High school killed it for me. Although I can find a few minor things that I like." He shuddered at memory of having to stand up in front of the class and 'act out' a scene with some of his class mates. For some reason he had been assigned the role of Tybalt when he felt the role of Mercutio would have been better.

He a step back as Nyshia move closer to him. Someone standing really close to him always made him nervous. Especially a woman. He took a deep breath to kill the butterflies that were fluttering around in his stomach. Something about how she carried herself seemed very strange to him. Not wanting to dwell on it he pushed the thought to the back of his mind. "That might a be good idea." he answered pulling his shirt down over the handle of the revolver. It was going to be a bit uncomfortable, but he could deal with it.

"There is a small cafe not too far down the street. Would you mind walking there or would you prefer to move your vehicle there? Although this area isn't too bad there is always the chance of someone doing something rash." He had noticed the keys when he had first stepped out of the alley. Thinking it would be best to find out before walking off. He wouldn't blame her for wanting to move the vehicle first. Theft of vital equipment (particulary firearms) was always an issue to address. To him any way.

[nyshia]

Nyshia watched as he backed away a little from her and a smirk fluttered across the cool delicate asian facial features for a moment before she stepped back a little herself.

Her gaze followed his movements as he pulled his shirt over the gun and she smiled meekly, "All seems to be in good order then...shall we..."

She broke off as he spoke of the cafe and her car. Her expression came to one of thoughtfulness, "If you'd like a ride down to the cafe, then we can, but I'm not worried about leaving my car here." She paused for a moment, a thought flitting in her mind for a moment as she considered whether or not to state it aloud and she carefully schooled herself to not grin at the thought and she finally just said it.

"I'm not worried about much of my things as I do not keep enemies around for long...they..tend to disappear." A smirk crossed her features once more as she waited expectantly on his reply. Her small form rocking slightly with anticipation.

[The Janitor]

He had to stifle a sigh of relief when Nyshia took a step back. The tip of his finger was resting a fraction of an inch from where the push knife was tucked away.

"I would prefer to walk. I enjoy the exercise and it helps me think. However it's entirely up to you." Not to mention he didn't like getting in a vehicle with anyone at night unless he knew they were human. Restricted mobility and he felt trapped. Not a good thing when dealing with the supernatural. Although they faced the same problems as he they had either had superior strength or speed to tip the scales in their favor.

That statement about enemies disappearing set off a major warning in his mind. Definitely not an everyday Plain Jane, he thought. He could end the fight before it even began. Lashing out with the knife would buy him enough time to bring the revolver into play. Only he didn't. He wasn't going to ruin her night out. "Really? I hope they have a nice vacation. I hear it gets rather hot where most of mine tend to go."