A bad part of town (invite only)

[Bucks23]

He found himself at some bar staring down at a tumbler of JD in front of him, dimly aware of the latest dance beats playing in the background. Dark piercing eyes stared out of a handsome if rugged face of arab descent, he had short dark hair and a small beard. He wore mostly dark clothing and a long black coat. Though he was a cruel man he often went through mood swings where the weight of his sins would catch up with him and he would have to sit like this and sulk. Eternity was a long time to build up on regrets and eternity was exactly what Asim had. Being a vampire of a considerable age.

Asim was also a very obsessive creature and he had seen a woman here a few nights ago. She had been beautiful, her appearance and the way she had composed herself had stirred something in his still un-beating heart, though he couldn't quite decide what but it felt like a familiarity. Like she reminded him of someone he had known… cared for. He had been back to the club on a few other nights. Sometimes he would see the woman at what appeared to be her usual seat and just watch her. Other nights he would not catch a glimpse of her. Tonight he hadn’t seen her yet and convinced himself it didn’t matter. He would drink, he would attract a victim and then feed off them until dawn bade him return to his lodgings.

Asim the vampire stared off into his thoughts. He found they were a very dark place to be indeed…

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Rachel had been working later at her cafe then she had liked too. Although it was a good pay and she could take care of herself it was clear to her she missed her bar stool and her favorite drink. Close to eleven oclock she finally made it out the door and began to walk down the street as a pair of hands wrapped around her eyes and a female voice popped off asking, "guess who?"

Rachel turned quickly with a high squeak of joy screaming, "Shadow! Oh my god! Is it truly you?!"

"Yes it is," she smiled then embraced.

Pulling back a very handsome looking man walked up beside Shadow pretending to clear his voice.

"Oh," Shadow chuckled, "This is Jake Thompson. He is a blacksmith and a swordsman."

"And is he available?"

"Why yes I am," he snickered.

Shadow hit his arm then pulling him into her, "Uh I dont think son mister."

He chuckled more. "I am just playing. You know I love you."

"I love you too."

After a moment of them kissing Rachel said, "Hey youre gonna make me losee my dinner."

Shadow pulled away. "Sorry. So where are you headed?"

"To a bar."

"Alone? Rachael you know I hate you going to bars alone."

"I wont be alone. There has been a guy there thats been checking me out."

"A human man?" Shadow asked.

"What difference does that make? You never cared if he was..."

"Oh for crying out loud," Jake snapped, "To the bar!" He linked one arm in Shadows' then in Rachaels and began to walk. "I want to get you both drunk!"

"Youre not getting a three way hun."

"Dammit. Hey a man can dream right?"

"And thats it. Only dream."

Both girls chuckled as they made their way to the bar and walked in.

[Bucks23]

Asim's thoughts were disturbed as he caught a familiar scent in the air and felt a strange lump in his throat. He lifted his head and turned to see his old flame walk right in with two other humans. He had known Faint Shadow was in town, perhaps that was one reason he had ended up here. LIke a moth to a flame, a vampire and their surviving 'victims' were always drawn to eachother. He remembered well the way her blood tasted after that passionate night that had started in the bedroom and worked it's way into the shower. Instantly he craved a second tasting but suppressed the beast inside as he turned to the barman.
"What'll it be?" The human asked.
"Type A." Asim answered. He knew a blood drink would calm him down. In a city that was home to so many of his kind it payed to serve bottled blood in your bar.

New beverage in hand, Asim sipped from the bottle and turned on his stool to face the newcomers. He sat back to lean against the bar with his legs apart. He noticed the woman in Faint Shadow's company was the beauty he had been watching for a few nights now. She must have carried Shadow's scent and that's why he had been particularly interested in her. He watched Faint Shadow and realised she looked slightly older, like she had matured. He also noticed she was holding onto a handsome young man that must have been her new beau. Atleast she had rid herself of that ridiculous Ben person. He scolded himself silently for feeling jelous, after all he had left her so she could find a human man to grow old with and have a family.

Their eyes met and Asim stared back when Faint Shadow noticed him. It had been a few years since she would have seen him, though he had been present constantly, watching her from the shadows, lagging behind her to pick off following predators or anyone that would cause her harm. He had been her guardian angel though she would never know it.

"Shadow." He said and smiled. "It's been a while. You look good."

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Faint Shadow was laughing along with her two friends as they walked into the bar. Heads turned of course but at the sight of her they went back to their own business. They walked up to the bar when Rachael pointed out the man she turned to see this guy and froze as their eyes locked. She couldn't believe it. Smiling she walked over to him. "Asim? Wow, it has been a long time."

The memories came flooded back fast with the lust and passion came rushing threw her. Her heart skipped a beat as her blood began to boil. Then the pain came flooded back. The heartache he had caused her. Her smile faded as her two friends joined her at her side.

"You know him?" Rachael said smiling.

Shadow pushed out a smile as she kept Asim gaze. "Yeah I know him." But she didn't say anything more at that moment. Then their gaze was cut off as Rachael jumped in.


"Hi. I'm Rachael." She said sticking out her hand for him to shake it.

But Shadow pulled it back before he could touch her. "Don't."

"What? Why?" Rachael asked thinking Shadow was out of her mind.

Shadow looked at Jake and asked, "Please take her over to a table."

"Like hell I will. I don't want to leave you alone with..."

"Dammit now!" Shadow in fustartion.

They both knew when she was at this point of emotion the next step was going to pissed off son they walked over to a table and sat.

Shadow turned her full attention back to Asim. "I don't know weather I should kill you or kiss you but either way what the f*ck? You have never shown yourself until now. I know youve been around. At moments I feel totally safe. I always say with what knew place I land youre invited in but I am sure you already know. But now hear you sit in front of my eyes as you take anothers heart and not even meaning too. How dare you!" She slapped him across the face as he grabbed her wrists and brought her into him. She sighed. "Sorry. I should explain more. See when I thought my people were long dead I felt the need to go back home. I left Ben to do this and what do I find? She turned her gaze towards Rachael. "My little sister was alive. I couldn't believe it. I would had gone home sooner knowing that and Jake is also from our village. There are still a hand full of people there trying to rebuild it but I had to come back and they came with me." She looked back at Asim. "So you can see why I am a little protective of her. You stole my heart Asim and locked it away. I cant ever get that part of me back but please don't take her away from me." She leaned into him more as their lips almost touching.

(Note: Rachael wants to become a vampire so I am sure you can guess where this will go.)

[Spartan 999]

Qalyur stared at the threesome coming in, then let his eyes travel to the other female human who was following the male to the table far away from Qalyur's quarry. She looked him in the eyes for a few seconds before his gaze drifted to Shadow and...him...

Qalyur's eyes narrowed as Shadow pressed herself intimately close to the quarry. Another complication...but he would not be denied...not this time...

[Bucks23]

(OOC: Cool! Interesting twist.)

"Why shouldn't I?" Asim hissed quietly through clenched teeth, his grip on her wrists tightened as he practically had her sitting in his lap. His dark intense gaze bore into her sparkling human eyes. Their mouths were so close he could feel her quckening breath on his cold skin, it excited him and memories of that one wonderful night spent together flushed through him. She belonged to him and he wanted to taste her blood again... right now... But the sight of his once beloved with a new man angered him. "I don't owe you anything anymore. I saved you, you saved me. We're even. If your sister wants to get a little bit of what you did then that's up to her. I'm a good for nothing vampire remember?"

He nodded his head in the direction of Faint Shadow's waiting companions. "I think your boyfriend over there is getting a bit jelous." He smiled when he saw the anxious way they watched him and Faint Shadow. He winked at Rachel, who was definately hot he decided. He turned his gaze back to Faint Shadow and suddenly let go of her wrists. He grinned up at her as he took a sip of his drink. He could smell that he had stirred something in her by her scent. But if it was revulsion or desire he couldn't quite tell, and by the look on her face neither could she it seemed. "Oh I'll play nice and I'll stay away from your sister." He sighed. He was suddenly feeling guilty when he realised he had hurt her wrists. "I didn't know you were seeing someone." He looked away to avoid her gaze, focused on something at the far side of the room. "I... hope you two are happy together."

He was waiting for Faint Shadow to leave him or say something when he noticed they were being intently scrutinized by someone from across the club. He found himself staring back at the other male as if sizing him up. Something about his eyes... familiar. Had he once known a woman with eyes like that?

[Spartan 999]

Qalyur noticed his quarry's stare, winked, and vanished.

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Shadow began to rub her wrists when he let lose of her. Not that they hurt but the memory of him on top of her holding down her wrists and having his way with her came to mind. Dammit why now? She let out a low sigh and said, "We have an agreement. He loves me and I love him but I told him it couldn't go any farther then that. He understands I think that I don't see myself getting married. Not after what happened with my husband and my little girl. That's not the real reason but he doesn't need to know any more then that. So we are just f*ck buddies more or less. It is amazing but nothing like you."

She began to plus as she realized she said that out loud. "sh*t . Look he is great and he wants to be with me but I dont know. I dont see it. I never did. It was just like Ben." She decided to see how Asim would react. "You think Zero would come a knocking?" She knew that would set him off. Why was she doing this? To hurt him like he hurt her. Son of a b*tch. Why did it have to be a game of who could hurt who most?

She just wanted to f*ck him and now on the bar but she didnt want her little sister to see her animal within her. The all about sex kitten that had to keep f*cking until she passed out then when she awoke they'd keep going. How did it all end up so wrong? Then the memory popped into her head. The shower. He had bit her. How could she forget that? Her school girl hornyness was blinding her from why he left her. She doesnt want to be a vampire and that is the only way they can be together. God why does everything have to be so damn complacated.

As his rage settled she locked her gaze with his eyes. "I want you Asim. I wont lie. How can I? I know you can smell it and sense it. I was always hoping to see you again and here you are but you left me. I hated you for that. So much I hated you for that but I never stopped loving you and I will never stop loving you." She looked down at her wrists. "No matter what." She turned her back to him. She let the need to walk away but she couldn't. Not yet.

......................

"God what the hell is going on?" Jake huffed.

"I think that's the one she had talked about."

"The one she talked about? What are you talking about?"

Rachael chuckled. "Oh, she had sex with a vampire at one point."

"What?" Jake stared at Asim. The way he saw Shadow standing and acting it had to be him. He knew something was up and was about to stand and walk over when Rachael grabbed his arm. "Let go!"

"No! I will not let you mess this up."

"I love her."

"I know you do and she loves you too. Its just. Well look at her. He had taken a part of her. You'll never get to see that part because he owns it."

Jake sighed. He did see it but he didnt want to believe it. "I dont want to lose her."

"I think right now you wont but we just need to see how things play out." She eyed Asim up and down. God he was hot. If she didnt get together with him soon then Rachael would be all over him and man she was hoping for that.

[Spartan 999]

"My my, playing with the human female's emotions now are we?" Said Qalyur as he sipped a drink right next to Shadow and Ausim. "Pretending that you have a heart...your breed of Vampire makes me sick."

"It's just too bad," Qalyur motioned to Rachael. "Once she's converted, then she is on the list as well. Shame...such a pretty face..."

[Bucks23]

Asim scowled at the mention of Zero's name. He suddenly felt like he was being compared to the other vampire, the one he had hated for causing Shadow so much pain. Yet he was practically doing the same. He listened to the rest of what Faint Shadow had to say. When she turned her back to him he gazed down at his hand where he still bore a scar across the joint of his thumb from biting it off to free himself from shackles and save her once. It had grown back but had never quite been the same. Nothing about his life since meeting her had been the same and he knew he had touched hers as well. He doubted he had changed her for the better. Though amazing together, they were a very self destructive force. It could only end badly...

He was just about to say something when he heard a new voice speak up from right beside them. It was the mysterious man he had spied earlier that suddenly vanished. He had moved closer to them now. He looked in Jake and Rachel's direction when the stranger mentioned the girl then turned back to this man with a contemptuous sneer on his face. He doubted the list this guy mentioned was for christmas cards. "I have a heart." Asim answered him. "It just doesn't beat anymore. I think you have just bitten off more than you can chew my friend." He plonked his bottle down noisely on the bar and rose from his seat to face him. He could smell violence in the air like an incense burner and felt his fangs split his gums. The pearly white needles resting plainly on his bottom lip.

"Nice vanishing act earlier, got anymore cool tricks up your sleeves?" He asked, glaring darkly into a pair of greyish blue eyes. Eyes that once again struck him as so familiar...

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Shadow turned around quickly as she heard the new comers words. When she saw he was talking about Rachel she was about to lose it but this human was more interseted in Asim. Anger flew threw her. She stepped in between them as she put a had on her gun that lay on her hip. "You want him. You go threw me."

Just then Jake and Rachel rushed over and stood beside Shadow. They would defend anything she was no matter the cost. They loved her and would follow her to the end.

Shadow smiled as she said, "Why don't you just back off. No need to make a mess of someone's bar. You'll get your chance I'm sure. Just not now." She took a step forward as their bodies almost touched. "So back off."

[Spartan 999]

Qalyur ignored Rachael, Shadow and Jake, and instead stared into Asim's dead eyes. He saw some familiarity in Qalyur's eyes, he was sure...

" Shadow, I presume." Qalyur smiled wryly, actually placing a hand on her waist before sliding it up to her shoulder, his eyes scanning her slim form. He brushed her ear and cheek with his chin as he leaned in to her. His hand drifted from her shoulder to her hair, and he caressed a lock of it before inhaling the exquisite scent. "Mmm...I can see why he went crazy for you..."

"Please Shadow," Qalyur said, speaking into the delicate ear, his lips brushing against her cheek. "This isn't about you. In fact, I am closer to Asim here than you are...or were...however vile that may sound."

His eyes met Asim's once again as he leaned back from Shadow. "Indeed yes, I do have some tricks left...but first a story, hmm? Once upon a time, oh, some 900 years or so ago, there was a very beautiful Russian girl by the name of Anya Gerov. She had deep scarlet hair, and penetrating grey-blue eyes...until she met a man called Asim Ausar..."

Qalyur's eyes burned as he continued. "You got close to her, and left her honor intact, for the moment. Then you were given the order to kill, and as she introduced you to her father at sunset, you ripped him apart. And in your fury and passion, you turned to Anya, and she was pounding on you, pleading you to stop...then you had your way with her. Despite the screams and the tears, you kept forcing yourself upon her time and time again until the sun rose... then you fled, leaving her sobbing on the floor, in a pool of blood and tears...so sad...she was only nineteen...and I was only seven months old when she died...but then, Dhampirs mature far faster than humans do, so I wasn't completely helpless..."

[Bucks23]

Asim was three seconds away from shoving this crazy fool away from Shadow and attacking him. The familiarity in which he touched her and spoke to her got his temper flaring. Suddenly the man said something that made him pause...

I am closer to Asim here than you are...or were...

Asim listened to the rest of the man's words and realisation slowly dawned on him. He didn't remember the name, he had assassinated so many people in his time to collect his pay checks, but the description of the girl, Anya, and what he did to her, he couldn't forget... he had enjoyed himself too much.
She had been innocent and trusted his sincerity. He had told her he loved her and she had believed him. Back then Asim only saw humans as weak sheep. Dumb creatures that lived such short lives and could be used and discarded as a vampire wished. Anya introduced him to her father with the happiest and most genuine smile he had ever seen on a person. He remembered the look of horror that filled her eyes as he suddenly tore into her father's chest and pulled out his ribcage.

Asim found himself looking into those exact same eyes now. The man before him resembled his mother greatly... and disturbingly resembled Asim as well. The two men had the same facial structure, he even stood in a similar way. The parentage was unmistakable yet Asim still couldn't let himself believe. It just wasn't possible! But the evidence before him was undeniable.

"...And now you've managed to track me down so that you may kill me." Asim finished the man's story. He clenched his jaw and glanced briefly at Faint Shadow, feeling slightly shamed that she had learned this about him. He was aware she knew his occupation and that he had done some bad things in his time but they had always left the details unspoken. Now she knew what he was capable of. He wondered if she was still so eager to defend him. "What he says is true. I did all that. I've done worse to others and probably at some point will do so again."

He returned his gaze to the man before him. To his son. He sighed and couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him. Damn Faint Shadow, only she could make him feel like this...
"I don't know how you were possibly conceived, but that's of no importance." He held his arms out slightly as if in invitation. "You deserve a shot at taking me down. Come take your revenge if you can..."

[Lady Amira Nuit]

Shadow didn't flinch. She just kept her ground but as he talked she began to look at his face more. His powerful body, so muscle toned. She felt like licking her lips but caught herself and stepped a little out of the way. Good lord! It was her lovers son for chirst sake. She shook that thought quickly out of her head as she turned back to look at her sister and noticed she was eyeing Asim. That was the same drooling look Shadow herself had given him the first moment they ment. God why? Now together again and her world falling apart again. Maybe she should have just went with Jake back to her place. Yes it was still her place. Not their place. Her place. She still loved him. Still loves him and will always love him. That will never change.

Now she had a chance again to be with him and his son. Human son with his powers here wanting to kill him. Maybe she should just take him out or....

She stepped back in the way. "Again take this outside. If your going to do it do it right and so you don't distroy this bar." She paused a moment. "I don't see movement. Come on boys. Do this right."

Jake took Shadows hand and pulled her into him. "What the hell?" He whispered.

She pulled him to the side. "What?"

"Father and son? A f*cking vampire has a son. Is he yours?"

"Uh, no. Hello... That's impossible with how old he is."

"Still I can't be sure of anything anymore."

"Whats thats suppose to mean?"

"Oh, please. I see the way you look at him. You want him even here and now. In front of everyone no doubt. Why him?"

"Because he was exciting. I was trying to kill myself but then I ran into him. He did try to kill me but I began to play with him a cat and mouse game. It got to fun to the point we ended up in bed. I can't explain what I felt nor what he did but it was nothing like I had ever exprienced before."

Jake looked away. Pissed to no end then look back at her. "So I am not exciting enough for you?"

"Did I say that?"

"You didn't need too." He began to walk away when she stopped him and spun him to face her.

"Damn you. Don't you dare walk away from me."

"I'm not good enough for you."

"Yes you are Jake."

"No I'm not. I need to go back home away. Have a nice life." He turned and walked out.

Shadow just watched as he left. What could she say? He was right. She loved Asim. No other man could steal her heart again like he had. Their was no one else. She sighed as she went back to the group.

[Spartan 999]

Qalyur could very nearly see the lust in Shadow's eyes, and the way her lips parted almost imperceptibaly. He almost laughed, but had more pressing concerns. His eyes lingered on Shadow as she spoke to Jake, then raised an eyebrow when he left. Swiveling back to Asim, he growled deeply in his throat. "No, I am not going to kill you now. I am going to beat you in fair combat-what a surprise for the assassin-and rip your skull out as a trophy. And when that proves insufficient, I will torch your remains in the center of the planet. No more evading me: Hong Kong, Hawaii, San Francisco, Quebec, and Sydney just to name a few locations."

Qalyur took a sip of his drink. "That satisfy your curiosity?" He then took a whiff of the air, and put a crooked smile on his face. "One could live on that scent forever Shadow..." He looked at her again, noticing the barely concealed hunger for Asim and he.