There's a Shadow Hanging Over Me (Open)

[purplesocks]

The warm evening sun glistened off the small drops of water slipping down Brook's face. She was on her evening run and for once she didn't have to report to the station afterward. She paused midway through the park taking a moment to gather her breath. Her dark brown pony tail falling into her face as she bent over using her knees to lean on for support. She wore a pair of cut off sweat pants and a tight sports bra like tank top. She pulled the buds from her ears and paused her iPod as she sat down on the small wooden bench that looked over one of the playgrounds that scattered through central park. She took a deep breath.

It had been a few months since she'd joined the NYPD and on top of that the beginning of her schooling. To most this would be overwhelming, but to Brook it was, well a walk in the park. The thing that bothered her most, what truly got under her skin, was the mystery that surrounded her past. The day of the fire, the mark that glistened off her back, her real parents. She loved the Kaelins with all her heart, but curiosity was something that was a part of their nature and she had to know the truth. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath turning her face towards the sun. This was always the topic of her runs. Trying to decipher the meaning behind her mother's letters and trying to find her biological father, who she was determined had to still be alive.

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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So what was in stall for Urjasz tonight? Deciding that a random walk usually ended up with some kind of small adventure, he had gone for one in the afternoon. His day had been fairly uneventful, convincing him only night time would bring such fun. So far he had fought a giant wolf, saved another wolf's life, made love to same wolf, discovered the truth about what happened whilst he was gone and helped set up the mansion to its former glory. It was more curiosity than excitement that led him to the park. The last time he was here he had been taking revenge for a dead friend. Around him were the last few rays of sun, the darkness creeping out from the buildings around the park. That was the vampires cue to come out, but he had hoped the shifters had been eventful in the daytimes too. Guess they followed the old saying; work hard, play hard.

Ahead a young lady was sat upon a bench, clearly mid exercise. A little disheartened with the days lack of events, he figured the girl who looked like potential prey would be good to chat to. If he stuck around long enough an immortal might try their luck. And voilà, he has an excuse to skin something. Taking the seat beside her, he gave her a quick smile and turned to her. "Forgive me for prying, but isn't it a little cold to be wearing so little?" Listening to his own words, he quickly corrected himself. "I don't mean that as chat up line. I mean it's almost night and you bare so much flesh. Wait.... You know what I mean. I think however I say it will go wrong. Don't you think?" Never one to make a quiet entrance, he had gone for the full talk without thinking method. Depending on her response, it could work either way for him.

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[purplesocks]

Brook's eyes glanced over the man. New York City was such a curious place, people seemed so forward and didn't mind much starting conversations with people they'd never met, but as far as frightening would go, little scared Brook. It came with the job.

"I'll be fine. I've run in colder weather with less on. Besides, I'm quite hot right now, I've been running straight for forty five minutes" she spoke evenly as she assessed the man beside her. He spoke in such an odd tone and accent she wondered his origins. Moving her neck to the side she cracked it left and then right then stretched her arms above her head arching her back slightly.

"No offense taken. Strange to meet a stranger who is more concerned about a young girl getting a cold than getting in her pants, but then again boredom is possibly the greatest disease of this age and in turn will make anything that remotely poses interest of the highest value" she smiled after this, a charming smile, one that she'd perfected over the years and that held warmth and care, but by no means was her care false. She was a caring and kind person at heart.

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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She wasn't startled by him as some would be and already he could feel the atmosphere between them being more positive than negative. It could all change in a single moment but for now he would enjoy it. "Ah this is true. A run, a ride, some kind of fast work out in the cold. Best time for it. When I was younger I used to hunt in the winters and I had to keep up with the prey. Guns are quite a modern invention. I could deal with the cold, but it took me awhile to address the problem of breathing. It was like all the breath I breathed in turned to liquid." He had not meant to go into such specifics. She seemed to listen so he continued to speak. In other places in the world he may of seemed too forward, but she addressed that too.

She clicked her neck as if she was getting ready for a fight. Leaning back into his seat, he watched her for the moment before answering her words. "I would not deny the pleasure if it approached me, after all I'm only......human." Giving a quick smile, he continued "I find that there's plenty else to do in life than sleep around. Besides, how awkward is it running into an ex? As my female friends would say, Awkward!" Chuckling slightly, he shifted forward and held his hand out to shake. "My name is Urjasz Volkova. I'm a mercenary." He wasn't lying, it was just a different name to what he would normally call it. People react differently to that word and he figured that if he was more honest with her she would be more open to him. There was no human warrant for his arrest so for now he could openly introduce himself as one.

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[purplesocks]

Brook raised her eyebrows. 'Guns a modern invention?' she thought to herself as his words processed. His way of speaking, how he referred to it, this man was odd no doubt, but he seemed harmless for all intensive purposes, besides she had her gun on her, she never left home without it.

"Yes it's quite hard in the cold at times to breath, but I'm afraid I've never experienced the liquid effect, only the ice that sinks through your lungs, but ice is not so bad" she smiled taking in a deep breath, but as he made the crack about the ex and the tone and his accent she couldn't help but let out a light laugh that turned into a deep one as she clutched her sides.

Wiping her eyes she held out her hand. "Brook" she spoke calmly as she composed herself. "And a mercenary. Interesting. May I ask what got you into such a profession?"

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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Listening to her answer, he immediately realised that the Americans didn't have as cold a winter as Poland does. Maybe in some parts. But she seemed used to the milder kind. There was no reason to continue talking about the lack of breath so he simply nodded in agreement to her statement. Her eyes gave her away; the curiosity of his origins now keeping her in that seat. She took his hand in a shake and now he had a name. Brook. "I'm not sure really. Money helps. Get to travel. There's always a war in Europe. Always someone to pay for some dirty work. It's not as good as the films would make out. But it's led me to this city and for that, I have no regrets. This place has been good to me. In a year I have done more things worth while here than any other year in the other countries. Whilst some Americans now call this home, my people are still explorers finding this new land."

Urjasz had always been quite the talker. He wasn't blessed with mind reading like some other immortals and he didn't like having to work out the answer to something. People could speak words for a reason; there was no reason to resort to small movements of the eye or body language itself. "So tell me, what is it you do? If you're employed that is. Forward of me yes, but rude to ask, last I checked it wasn't." Leaning back into the bench, he watched her for an answer. There was something about her that didn't make him believe she was an ordinary member of the public. It could of been the gun she hid from sight. If she was a hunter, it was always fun to play with them. They always prefer to watch from a distance and then get you when you're guard is down. Approaching them and speaking to them often riled them, proving entertaining.

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[purplesocks]

Reachingin her pocket Brook pulled out a small black rectangle that looked much like a wallet, but when she opened it a license and a badge were revealed. "NYPD. As of right now" she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "This place is interesting to say the least. I'm not a native New Yorker I'm afraid. I'm a midwester by origin, but I've been all over the place. I worked in DC for a while as well, but I've decided to take a break and work of the PD here while going to school" she leaned back into the bench closing her eyes.

"And yes I would agree that there is always a war and always a need for fighters I'm afraid to say" she paused opening her eyes once again and looking over at his face. "I don't think either of us will ever be out of a job." It was humorous and sad to think of the truth behind this statement but it was not her place to direct the human race.

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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As she revealed she was a police officer, he remained casual, this new information not that much a shock. If anything it was a relief. Police could be controlled, hunters could not. It was always easier to keep someone afraid of something they don't understand than those who dedicate their lives to the same thing. "Ah police. As they say, go figure. That explains the gun" he replied, pointing to the weapon. "It helps to know who is armed and who is not. In both our lines of work." Urjasz himself had a basic set on him tonight. He wasn't looking for trouble, but should it come up he had the basics; pistol, silver hunting knife, medical kit with experimental syringes. "I think it's clear I'm not a New Yorker like you say. I love how you all talk about each state as if it's a country. It might as well be, but this is your system."

Pausing for a moment, more a case of simply remembering than stalling, he continued to speak. "Off the top of my head, I've served in various wars. Some I can tell you about, others I can't. I did the Falklands and Bosnian war. Falklands was a piece of piss. Bosnian war, I'm still not sure who won that one. All I know is all the sides paid well. Well, not the Serbians. A few of my employers got tried and executed before they could pay me. I got my money in the end from their friends in the army. But it's always a hassle chasing up a debt. Did that for awhile actually. Main income over here. Not many wars here; lots of debt though. Humans... I mean people will always be at war. They fought to be the top species and now they are, they turn on themselves until something bigger and badder comes along. All species are the same. Some just made it to the top and took it further."

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[purplesocks]

Something felt off about the whole situation. It set Brook's hair on end and she wasn't quite sure she wanted to find out why, but as an officer she couldn't just leave this man to some other poor girl. He seemed harmless though, so why did she feel so off. Maybe because she knew what he was capable of. She'd met mercenaries in the special ops before. She'd seen what they were capable of, but most didn't do anything out of the bounds of the law as it brought them more trouble, especially if it involved cutting into to their money.

Standing up with her back to the man she stretched her arms and legs. Her golden scar on her back glistened with the last of the evening sun. "Well I best be going before it gets too dark. It'll get chillier and the cold is starting to catch up with me" she turned around and smiled at Urjasz. "It was a pleasure meeting you" she paused as she realized she'd never figured out why he was here. "And if you don't mind me asking what brings you to the park. Obviously I'm working out, but from what I can tell you're in street clothes, nothing fancy, maybe meeting someone? Or..." she trailed off not sure of what his answer would be.

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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She spent a small moment with her own thoughts, leaving him to merely guess what she could be guessing. He had no idea of whether or not she knew of their world; not many police did. It made more sense for the immortals in power to only speak to those who had real power. If every law enforcer knew of them, eventually one would turn on them. It was the human nature. She began to stretch and make excuses to leave. He had no real interest in departing so soon, so he got up with her. Her questions made him smile, clearly the cop inside taking over. "Oh you know the usual. Meet up with a hooker, fuck her, kill her, dance in her skin and throw blood around the room. You know, the usual." Pausing for a moment, he looked deadly serious but couldn't help but bursting into laughter. "I'm just fucking with you. Best way to describe why I'm here is a random walk. Never know what I'll find out here. Guess my life has to be one big adventure."

Gesturing to the direction she seemed to be taking, he politely asked "May I join you on your run? I'm quite the runner. Plus it'll keep me in shape for my next job. Which before you ask, I've yet to get. I merely meant in general. Shall we?" Regardless of whether or not she said yes he intended to tag along for a little while. At least until he ran into something interesting. "Crazy sounding moment here, but do you know the word "Novosi"?" he added on. If she knew of the immortals she would know of them. They were the messengers between the human and Gorchakov family, a wealthy Russian family. Whatever mercenaries she had met before would not of been like the immortal kind, he go to whoever pays best, not the human wars. Everyday was a war for them, so why bother choosing a side?

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[purplesocks]

She couldn't believe it but she actually laughed at his joke. She knew she shouldn't because whether he knew it or not things like that did happen everyday and she'd had her fair share, but knowing somewhat of his background she assumed he'd seen worse as well. "What's life without a little adventure?" she asked winking at him with a smile.

"And of course you can join my run, but you're not really properly dressed so how about we turn it into a brisk walk and meet half way?" she asked as she began to walk down the path towards her house.

"As for Novosi? I'm afraid I haven't heard of them. My department was interesting to say the least, so my expertise is probably a bit different from yours. Although I will say this, in a fight I don't think I'd want you on the opposite side" she grinned laughing slightly. "You seem like you'd put up quite a fight."

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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It was a small relief that she shared a similar sense of humour to him. Half the battle to get someone to like you was to have similar tastes. Perhaps it was her profession that had led her to having such a sense of humour, or perhaps she was just like that. Either way, it made Urjasz believe he could relax around her. There was always something inside ready for a fight, but he knew if he went around expecting everyone to fight him they would end up doing so. Those who looked for fights often found one. "Life without adventure. I imagine a job working for the banks." He smiled, knowing that banks were pretty boring jobs. Granted some may enjoy it, but watching everyone else's money pass by in front of them would drive some mad. It's like a meat addict working for a butchers, it would end up making them greedy.

She accepted his offer to join and offered an alternative. "I don't mind running in any clothes. But a walk would be easier to talk I believe. What you call a brisk walk I call my normal walking pace. I hate slow walkers. I have all the time in the world, but I don't want to waste it stuck behind them" he moaned, the irritation notable in his voice. "So do you chase all the bad guys dressed like that or are you dressed like the rest of us? I know some people find certain clothes are best, which I can't disagree with. Trench coats can be quite lethal if they get caught on something as you run. Especially in my line of work. Alright for you, you just loose a suspect. I get shot at." Once more he laughed, such a serious topic now merely light humour. It was one of the ways of dealing with it.

They began to briskly walk and he matched her with ease, his strides fairly large, but not comically large. "Indeed, it would be such a shame for us to be caught in battle against one another. Don't worry about the Novosi, it's merely a small group of people. Some police know them, some don't. Easy as that. Tell me, what department do you come from? I noticed the past tense use of words. Would I be wrong in assuming that you take great pride in your past work?" He quizzed her slightly as they walked, the exchange of information seeming to be fairly casual. She wasn't threatened by his line of work and he wasn't threatened by hers. In the end he assumed that it was a little relief for both of them as there was always someone opposed to their jobs. She got all the complainers and yobs moaning, he got all the morally up nosed on his back. "And dare I ask, what expertise do you pride yourself over?"

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[purplesocks]

Brook laughed. "No I'm afraid this is not the standard attire for an NYPD officer. I think I wouldn't be taken too seriously if I tried to arrest someone in this" she gestured to her clothes with a smile. "No standard uniform, if you can imagine me in a uniform that is" she pulled out her iPod and began to wrap her headphones around it. "As for trench coats, I tend to avoid things that make me look like a serial killer" she stuck her tongue out at him giving him a small wink.

"As for my expertise, to overuse a phrase that doesn't need any more use, if I told you, I'd have to kill you" she paused looking over at his face. "My past work falls under the same assumption" she smiled. "Sorry I guess I'll just have to remain as much a mystery as you."

[Urjasz Volkova]

When I am seen.
I am feared.
_______________________

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Making a joke statement about her dress code at work, Urjasz smiled and nodded in agreement. "You never know. You might distract the suspects with your body. I'm sure it'd work. I know plenty of female mercenaries who do just that. A man can have the best security in the world but if his dick does the thinking then he runs the risk of having a female assassin after him." By tidying up her iPod she was making it clear she intended to speak for awhile. Small body language was always the key to telling if things were going to plan or not. For example, blinking a lot meant they're nervous, fidgeting meant they wanted to be elsewhere and avoiding eye contact, plain and simply scared. Especially if they'd done something and they knew they couldn't justify it.

Giving his own clothes a quick glance, the basic camo hunting jacket, the loose trousers and boots, he chuckled and replied "I hardly come across as someone who wouldn't in that category. Trench coats are too cliché anyway, it's more a fashion now than practical. People are more weary of those dressed like that. Dress like this and people are fine with it. Even though there's nowhere to really hunt locally. Depends on what you intend to hunt though." On that thought he gave his own wink back. Normally he'd avoid them as they creeped him out slightly but it fitted in this conversation. "Not to worry. I have my own secrets. Even the secret holders of this country don't know the real truth about the world. All I'll say is that the world isn't run by the faces you see on television. Besides, if I told you..... you probably wouldn't believe me."

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[purplesocks]

Brook felt a tingle slide up her spine. Something was definitely off about this guy. Granted you didn't meet many mercenaries these days, but still something wasn't right in the way he spoke, in what he spoke about. If he was trying to be subtle, it wasn't very good, but then again most people always subtly hint at things when they really want someone to figure it out. What they're really saying anyways.

It stopped Brook in her spot. She looked curiously at him. Not really sure what to say to him. "What makes you think I wouldn't believe you? I've seen a lot things in my day" she crossed her arms across her chest. "And I'm not one to pry into other people's business but if you don't want me to find something out I suggest you don't allude to it. I'm good at my job. To say the least" she spoke calmly and non threateningly. She was just stating a fact. She had no desire to get mixed up in a mess with a rogue mercenary but she was a cop and she did have her job.

As she spoke these words though, the last rays of sunlight set behind the horizon and she cursed herself for taking so long. Rubbing her arms slightly she smiled at him. "I'm sorry, I need to move at least, I'll freeze to death if I stay out too much in this. Or at least catch a cold."