"I don't give a.."

Bullets rang out suddenly. A simple transaction gone bad in the blink of an eye. Rounds from a pair of Beretta 93R automatic pistols sprayed the room. Tables over turned, chairs shattered with the ensuing chaos. They reached for their guns, they reached for cover. All lost, just a little too late.

When the magazines went empty, they were simply ejected from the automatic pistols. New ammunition clips would find their way into the soul of the guns. Reloaded and raining forth their hail of fire and death. It wasn't long before the display of death was over. Blood played along the walls, the flooring and windows. Men and women had taken their last breath of life.

A lone man stood among the fallen. The pair of automatic pistols tucked under his leather jacket before a partly used cigar would be plucked from a pocket and set a flame. Eyes roamed over the carnage, the mess of blood and bodies. A smirk perked the killer's lips and a grand smile would follow before he'd step from the once great place of meeting and depart into the morning light.

The Wolf, was in town...

"And you are again?"

Marek had walked right into the middle of a conversation between so called businessmen. On his way over to their table he'd grabbed a chair and spun it around to sit down at their table with not a word spoken at first. Simply taking a puff from his cigar.

"Ahem, we are busy if you'd be so kind as to remove yourself from our table, now." Marek glanced to the man on his left and then the man on his right before he slid the cigar from his mouth and settled it into an empty water glass upon the table. "They call me, The Wolf." One of the businessmen smirked and chuckled as he looked to the other man across from him, before his gaze slid back at Marek. "What' Like the big bad wolf or something" You gonna blow my house down? It's not made out of sticks or anything I'm afraid to say buddy." Both men chuckled a bit, one of them lifting his glass of wine for a sip as Marek's eyes slowly moved from one to the other.

Suddenly Marek shot up from his chair, pulling a Fabrique Nationale or more commonly called an FN or Five-seveN pistol from below his leather jacket. The twenty round clip quickly started to loose rounds as he first neutralized both businessmen and then turned the weapon as that of it's ammunition, made for penetrating body armor, on that of their bodyguards. Holes riddled that of their heads, their chests. Blood spilled forth onto their clothing and soon even the flooring. When the clip went empty it was ejected and another fresh one produced and slid into place.

When all was said and done, Marek simply slid the pistol below his leather jacket, picked up his cigar and brushed it off. Replacing it between his lips before relighting it and simply walking out of the restaurant.

What is this world we live in" Death, decay, utter destruction. From this city back to Seattle it's all the same. Blood upon the streets. Death's whisper upon the air. The innocent cut down like paper dolls while the guilty run around free.

Marek's thoughts were anything but light and cheerful lately. The nearly empty bottle laid upon the table, glass half full. Reaching over he picked up the revolver and gave the cylinder a spin before cocking the hammer back and pointing the barrel at himself.

Click...

Marek glanced over the pistol and perked a smirk as he tossed the pistol over at the bed. He lowered a hand to the large mastiff laying beside his chair and stroked the dog's head. "Die another day, Moose. What do you say we find us some steak for dinner, hm?"

Weapons fire erupted from the far end of the bar, near the restrooms. A Heckler and Koch UMP-45 Submachine Gun, was cutting down several vampire thugs who'd been taking up booth. As the .45 caliber rounds penetrated their flesh, the high tech rounds were found to be rather deadly to the vampires. Killing them from the inside out with the mixture of ultraviolet flash, holy water and several other unknown compounds that made up the high tech rounds.

Vampires scattered within the seedy bar. Some ran to escape, while others tried to rush the attacking soul with the submachine gun. Only finding too late that the rounds to impale their bodies were anything but normal.

Boosted reflexes kicked in as one of the blood suckers tried to come up from behind him. Three hand blades sprung out from his left hand in a soft curve. His body moved in a fluid motion to spin back and sever the head from the fanged thug, while the submachine gun ran dry with it's last ammunition clip. The gun was promptly discarded to the floor at his side with a toss, reaching back below the leather jacket worn and pulling a Para Ordnance Colonel .45 caliber pistol and immediately sending the first two rounds, of the fifteen round clip into a vampire drawing near at his right. The high tech rounds disposed of the fanged creature as his eyes searched for any remaining blood suckers that might be crazy enough to still be around. The three hand blades retracted back below the skin, before he dug his hand into a pocket and tossed a small pouch of coins to the bartender. "Sorry for the mess."

On his way out he'd give pause to a vampire crawling away from a booth. A glance down at the thing, lowering the pistol and sending a round into it's heart. "Enjoy the worms, in the after life, fang face." Tucking the pistol back below his leather jacket and simply giving a nod over at the bartender before pushing out the door and into the morning light. "Mmm, gonna be a bright day."

Marek glanced out the window as he eased back into the chair and drew his boots up onto the edge of the bed. A pierce of turkey jerky was pulled from a package and tossed into his mouth. A murmured bark from the bed and his gaze would turn that direction with a perked brow. The large Mastiff laid there with a tilt of his head at Marek. "Yeah...but it's turkey, bit healthy...watch out." Tossing a large chunk of jerky to the dog, who quickly snatched it up from the air with a small shift of his tail. Marek perked a smirk and glanced back out the window. "What do you think, Moose" This city worth saving or should it be left to fall into Hell?" The dog perked his tail some, shifting to lay to his side on the bed with a groan uttered and a stretch of legs out. Marek turned his gaze and chuckled with a nod. "Yeah, I know. It's far too early in the morning to get philosophical. You're right, we should get some sleep." Marek got up from the chair and pulled the curtains at the window closed best they'd go. Sliding onto the bed and laying back as he pushed a pair of pillows under his head. With a roll, the large dog moved closer and lowered his head on Marek's chest with a lazy flop of his tail against the bed. Marek's hand moved to rub behind an ear of the dog's. "Funny place ain't it' Reminds ya' of home hm' Orks, Dwarves, Trolls, Elves and Humans. Got magic and dragons even. Course, most we've bumped into here carry swords and knives and that of pistols and submachine guns. Nice change eh' Ah well, kill a few demons and vampires here and there bout the city. Make a little money. Take a few lazy days. Bit of the easy life compared to back home, hm' Reminds me, got more legit job to pull here and there for a bit. I'll show ya the boat later. No worries till we wake this afternoon right Moose? Sleep time..."

A hard crank of the wheel and a quick shift into reverse put the muscle car facing the limousine. Shattering the windshield as the MP-9 submachine gun was drawn up from the passengers seat. Sending a volley of rounds at the limo driver. The glass cracked. Bullet proof thought Marek immediately. A growl at his throat as he shifted the car into drive. Drawing his double barrel shotgun and firing off both barrels at the front tire as he buzzed by the driver's side of the vehicle. A swerve and impact with a parked car sent the limo into a spiral flip upon the air before landing upside down and skidding along the pavement. A magnificent display of sparks indeed.

The muscle car came around in a screeching of tires before drawing near and coming to a halt several feet away. Leaving the engine running as Marek opened the car door. A flip of the twelve gauge, sawed off double barrel in his hand to open it, the used shells ejecting as he dug his hand into his leather jacket and pulled a fresh pair out. Sliding a shell into each barrel before a flick of the weapon closed as the passenger door perked open and a man held with in a once fine business suit crawled free. Blood dripped from his forehead where he'd apparently smacked it on something during the rough end to his ride.

"Wait...just wait...wait...I say...I can pay you...I have money...wait.."

Both barrels, one right after the other rang out. Blood spit outward from the impact points to the man's chest, as he feel back with out hesitation from the kill shots.

Marek rolled his neck from side to side to work out a kink. Dropping the shotgun into the leather holster at his thigh with a shake of his head down at the man before turning back for the muscle car.

Sometimes you didn't choose your fate. Sometimes it chose you. Some would say he was merely an assassin on trips like these. But what do you call someone that's put on a mission by God, to thin the herd"

Would you still call them an Assassin" Or a Weapon of Fate?

A hard crank of the wheel and the 1977 camero skidded into the turn slightly with a hiss of protest from the tires. Rapid turn of the wheel back and shift to send the car's engine roaring as speed picked up. One of the pursuing vehicles made itself know by a hard bump from behind. With another shift of gears, the camero had a burst of speed. Quite possibly even drawing faster then the rich make of the pursuing cars, had it not been for that woman stepping to cross the road.

A screech of tires and turn of the wheel brought the camero narrowing missing the woman. Good for her, bad for the camero. With the combined high speed and harsh turn the vehicle was lost and impacted with an oncoming hovercar from the other direction. Slowed down, it was actually quite the sight to behold. The first flip and the rolling spin upon the air before landing upon it's side and continuing in a rolling crash down the street another fifty-five feet until coming to a rest finally upside down.

There was a pause and then the passenger door of the camero perked open. Glass littered the ground as Marek crawled out with a grunt and groan, not to mention a few choice curses from his lips. A shake of his head as one of the pursuing vehicles barreled down the road at him. "Oh, not enough you ruin my car. Now you want me too eh?" Standing his ground as the car drew near, it wasn't till the last possible moment that Marek side stepped the vehicle as three hand blades slid out from the back of his left hand. Impacting the car and running it's side, both that of tire and metal gave way to the blades rated for severing bone. The poor car would find itself in loss of control and spin out into a lamp post. As the hand blades retracted back into his hand, Marek pulled a hand grenade from his leather jacket and with a pluck of the pin, tossed it for a rolling slide under the car. Turning toward the second car screeching to a halt several yards away from him as the grenade went live and sent quite the lovely explosion up through the former car behind him.

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to find parts in this realm for a classic car like the one you made me crash?" Reaching under his leather jacket and sliding free a pair of Beretta 93R automatic pistols. He didn't wait for the men to exit the second car before both pistols were let loose on the driver and front passenger's sitting behind the windshield. When the pistols ran dry in their rapid fire, they were simply dropped in his walk toward the car. The 12 gauge sawed off double barrel shotgun would find it's way into his left hand's grip. Pulled from the leather thigh holster and a loud shot rang out as the passenger behind the driver stepped from the car, only to find his chest opened up by the shotgun blast. The woman stepping out from the opposite side would feel the brunt of the second barrel before the glock pistol upon her hand could come to line up on Marek. A pop of the shotgun open, eject of shells as Marek dug into an outer pocket of his leather jacket and dropped two fresh shells into the weapon before a flick of it closed as he growled with a look around. "I really liked that car too. Drek-heads." The sawed off dropped into the thigh holster as he rubbed at his forehead and the blood dripping from there to the pavement below his boots. "Damn, I just had all my doctor bills paid off too." Marek dug a hand into his jeans pocket, pulling free what looked like a normal cell phone, but given this world it was quite more the sophisticated communicator. A flip of it open and tap of a key.

"Blue...come pick me up. I'm at Picard and Seventh Avenue in the Spaceport. No, don't ask why I need to be picked up just come and get me. A-sap."

"~Some people call me the space cowboy yeah, Some call me the gangster of love Some people call me Maurice Cause' I speak of the pompetous of love

People talk about me baby Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong But don't you worry baby don't worry Cause' I'm right here at home

Cause' I'm a picker I'm a grinner I'm a lover And I'm a sinner playin' my music in the sun I'm a joker I'm a smoker I'm a mid-night toker I get my lovin' on the run Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

You're the cutest thing that I ever did see I really love your peaches Want to shake your tree Lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time Ooh wee baby, I sure show you a good time

Cause' I'm a picker I'm a grinner I'm a lover And I'm a sinner playin'my music in the sun I'm a joker I'm a smoker I'm a mid-night toker I sure don't want to hurt no one

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

People keep talkin' about me baby Say I'm doin' you wrong Well don't you worry, don't worry, no don't worry mama Cause' I'm right here at home You're the cutest thing I ever did see Really love your peaches want to shake your tree Lovey dovey, lovey dovey, lovey dovey all the time Come on baby now, I'll show you a good time...~"

Marek spun the guitar out in his hand and then settled it beside him against the chair. Dover, who was indeed a credit to the modern marvel of the technology of their world, reached out with his right hand. The one that was still human and gave Marek a quick high five salute before running that cyborg hand of his through his buzzed locks of hair. "Rock'n my man, simply rock'n. Hey, you need to bring Blue by soon. We need a party or somethin' my man." Kent looked over from his cleaning of a sniper rifle by a table of oak making. The Ork flicked a long slender ear as he unzipped his camouflage jacket. "I'm not sure I really want to see the three of you all together again. The last time the three of you got together was at Dante's in Seattle. If you recall, by the time you were done with your little 'party' there were Lonestar cops filing into the joint and several bruised and beaten bodies on the second level." "Yeah." Smirked Dover over at Kent. "That was a good time." Goliath, and indeed that was a perfect name for the large Troll, moved into the room from the bedroom down the hallway. A quick zip of his jeans and fasten of his belt while moving to snag a bottle of ale from the fridge. Using one of his horns to prick the cap free as he gave a roll of his broad shoulders then. "Geezus Goliath...you finally give Treena a break in there?" Chuckled Dover. "Yeah. Gotta let the girl sleep sometime. When you getting a girl Dover?" "Psft....I've got a girl." "Yes, he does. In just about every state back home." Commented Kent as he set the sniper rifle down upon the table before him after finishing reassembling it. Marek gave a smirk and laughed a bit, giving Kent a thumbs up. "Nice one, chummer." "Christ Marek, you gonna ever hook up with one again?" Poked Goliath as he drank down half of his bottle. "We'll see what time holds for me. Live for today, right?" "Yeah, live for today cause tomorrow's gonna hurt like being frisked by a dragon in heat." Tossed out Dover as he leaned back in his chair. "Dover, you unique wording is at times a bit, crude." Nodded Kent as he took up his glass of wine. "Ya' wouldn't want me any other way." Smirked Dover. Marek shook his head, course with a smirk at his lips. "The shipment of 'blues' from the Kerbero Corporation should arrive this week. After it arrives, we'll get back to taking out some vampire suck' heads." "I love how they just kinda start scream'n when hit by those rounds. All like...ah...ah...AHHHH WHAT THE..."!"!" Dover started to laugh with his comment. Indeed the unique rounds were quite lethal to the things that go bump in the night. "Leave it to a Demon to create something to take out other creatures of the night." Spoke Kent as he reached for the bottle of Elven wine on the table to refill his glass. "Far as the regular ammunition is concerned, it'll be delivered by the end of the day. And please, try not to use the more expensive 'blue' rounds unless you're taking down a vampire, demon or something close to it' Those rounds are expensive, use the regular rounds please." "Not like we're hurting for cash, but I'll try." Smirked Dover as he crushed a beer can with his cyborg hand. "Goliath is right chummer, you need a date." Nodded Dover over at Marek. "No, I don't." "Yeah you do. Like when's the last time you got laid bro?" "Dover, I don't need a..." "Yes you do need a girl I think. Give you someone to relax with sometimes in between work." Commented Kent as he flicked a slender ear and lifted his wine glass for a drink. "Kent, don't side with Dover that's just creepy chummer." Goliath chuckled and shook his head."Oh come on, Marek. What would it hurt for you to have a girl more stable then the ones in your little black book for booty calls?" "Keeps things simple, big guy. I hate complicated things." Marek shook his head and reached for his dark ale again. "It's been a while since ya' had something more stable...just give it a try with a gal and if it don't work...well...least maybe the sex was good hopefully or ya' stay friends with benefits?" Grinned Dover over at Marek. "We'll see amigos." Nodded Marek. "We'll see what life wants to toss my direction all right' Until then, we've got a Warlord's death to plan."

( Song: The Joker, sung by The Steve Miller Band. )

WestEnd. Closing Time...



A press through the door and out of the cold air. Moving across the flooring toward the bar with that unique coffin shaped guitar case in hand. Marek gave a glance about the dimly lit establishment, if it could be called such. The stench of bad booze, bad breath and bad hygiene. Settling the guitar case on top of the bar and proceeding to tap the digital lock with a fingertip as the bartender started in walk his way with a wave of his bar towel and glass in hand. "No...no...we're closing. No music now. Go on..."

A soft click and the latches released upon the guitar case. Slowly the lid was lifted as a rather muscled, blue gremlin walked into the dive of a bar. A cigar spit from his rather razor like teeth as he looked around, left to right and back again with a big grin. "I like this place, let's burn it." Before the bartender could retort, Marek spun on the heel of his boot and tossed the buff gremlin a mossberg cruiser shotgun. A pair of MP9 submachine guns in turn were pulled from the guitar case. 'Blue' started in on a patron with the business end of his shotgun, sending the bright eyed man backwards into a tumble from his chair as blood splattered the patron next to his former card partner. Marek spun around in a quick twist, casting a spray of bullets into stunned patrons. Some tried to duck and cover, while others moved to pull pistols.

When the submachine guns ran dry of ammunition, they were dropped and Marek's hands dug into the coffin shaped guitar case once more. Pulling free a pair of beretta 93R auto pistols. Between the spray of 9mm ammunition and 12 gauge fire, it truly was a brilliant display of death. Some painted their master pieces with that of a brush stroke of paint. Some artists painted with bullets and blood.

When Blue's shotgun ran dry of shells, he leapt onto a table and then jumped at a fleeing man. A few good whacks with the butt' end of the shotgun to drop the man to the ground. "Die...die die Diediedie!!!" With each whack of the shotgun, more blood oozed from the man's head. Groans and grumbles here and there about the bar. Silenced by a Five-seveN pistol ringing out as a round was placed into each groaning mans chest and head. Execution style. Not a man to be left standing. Not a man to be left alive. Not this night.

As quietly as it was opened, the coffin shaped guitar case was eased closed once more with a quiet double click. Sliding it free of the bar, Marek turned to head for the door as Blue dropped the bashed up and quite bloody shotgun. A fresh cigar offered down at the gremblin as Marek gave a soft nod of his head and stepped out into the night with his friend.

"And shepherds we shall be...for thee my Lord...for thee..." Whispered Marek as Blue offered up a lit match for him to use in lighting his cigar to life.

"Do you realize how annoying you even are?"

Marek shook his head as he stepped toward the vampire crawling upon the ground. "I mean seriously. What makes you any different from a leech' Honestly' You suck blood, yes, but you also kill. So technically, that makes you worse then a leech doesn't it, fang boy?" The vampire spit blood at Marek's approach and growled. "We are stronger...better...we should be Gods over the mortals. Sheep they are. All of them!" Marek shook his head as he drew with in a couple steps of the vampire. "Sheep" Not all are as easily killed as others. And if it is sheep you seek, you've only found a Shepherd here." The para ordnance colonel .45 caliber was leveled on the vampire. "Welcome to the new world. The one where weapons have caught up with your kind." A single shot rang out from the .45. Upon impact to the vampire his flesh started to burn from the inside out, due to the ultra violet rays from the unique bullet. Tucking the pistol under his leather jacket and giving one last shake of his head at the rotted burnt up corpse before him on the ground. "Ashes to ashes...dust to dust."

Irritated, Frustrated and Annoyed.

To think he left Seattle back on his home world sometimes to come to this one. Everything's the same here. Except more carry swords then they do guns like back home. Still scum. Still wannabe killers and thugs. Still the egotistical and the worthless. Was this city really that different from the one back home" In a word, no.

"What a world."

"When we reach the city's shores we will ravage their docks! We will take of their women! We will plunder their homes and all they hold!"

Shouting to the cheers of the men onboard the galleon, the Captain motioned to the crows nest so that they could signal the other three ships of the small fleet. The wind was with their sails. Their cannons at the ready. Sword and flintlock pistol sharp and loaded. Content on taking what they believed to be theirs.

They didn't pay much attention to the simple looking and by comparison, tiny fishing boats they were coming across four miles off shore. Marek shifted the nets from his lap. The cinnamon scented cigar between his lips puffed upon as he reached over to flick a signal switch on a small communication device. The half dozen tiny fishing boats gave pause to tending to their nets in the waters. Blankets were shoved aside and rocket launchers were taken up. A quick aim and rockets howled off at the galleons. Explosions tore holes into the vessels near the water line. Sinking was quick to come soon after. Men shouting and yelling as they entered the water.

The water that by the 'fishing boats' had been filled with chum and blood to attract sharks.

A few would try to climb aboard life boats, but a single rocket propelled into their side ended such possibilities of escape of the water.

Marek lowered an empty launcher to the boat, sliding his cigar free of his lips with a smirk perking. "Ash to ash...dust to dust."

"We will seek out! We will convert those unworthy! We will drive a path through this hour of misfortune and unguided leadership! We shall rise up and take that which is ours! We will show them what real rulers are! We will kill those of lesser value and in turn build on the strong, not that of the weak. The weak shall perish. The strong shall in'..."

The speaker paused suddenly as a hole appeared in his forehead from the bullet just entering and then just as quickly exiting through the back of his skull. Brain matter splattered on those standing near. Nine hundred and fifty-two yards away laid Marek a top a building. The sniper rifle lowered aside gently as he lifted a detonator in hand.

"Ash to ash...dust to dust.."

With a click, the mob was cast into the arms of death as explosions rippled through the streets around them. Technology was a fun thing at times.

The shotgun went off again. Effectively blowing out the man's other knee as he rolled in pain upon the floor. His own blood soaking up the carpeting.

"We can find you. We can kill you!"

Marek shoot his head down at the man crawling on the floor in his own pooling blood. "Find me" You and others like you don't have to find me. I'll find you. I don't care about your lives. I don't care about your pathetic cries for help. I don't care who you are in life. If you've crossed that thin line" I'll find you. I'll serve justice where others are afraid to go. I don't have the moral conundrums that so many seem to have when it comes to killing those that deserve it. You're scum. You're wasted space. You're not worth two squirts from a goose's ass. You prey on the weak. You harm the innocent. You think you can get away with it. For what? Money' Power" You make me sick. All of your kind. Don't matter who you are. Human, Vampire, Demon, or other. You harm the innocent. You will all get to know me sooner or later. I'll cut you down, shoot you up and burn you from existence."

"Who are you? Some kind of self proclaimed god or something man?"

"No. I'm no God. But he does have my number. And he left me a message about you. About the sick things you've been doing. About the girls you've broke. About the drugs you've sold. About the innocents you've destroyed."

"What the hell you talking about man!"!? There is no such thing as god!"

"Unfortunately for your sake, there is. But he's not here tonight. Just his vengeance."

The shotgun rang out again. Center mass. Ripping up the man's chest with the close contact hit. Marek laid the shotgun over a shoulder, shaking his head at the new corpse. Turning he stepped out of the home and into the street.

"Ash to ash, dust to dust."

"You walk into a room full of Demons and you think you're going to just walk away?"

Marek nodded back at Therm. "Yeah, I kinda think I will. I bet you I can make all your lives painful without using a special blade or any techno' enhanced bullets either." Therm glanced over his shoulder at several other demons who where chuckling in their human encased forms. Looking back at Marek with a smirk at his lips. "You really are something, Marek. You think you don't have to answer to anyone don't you? You think you can just do whatever you want and there's no price to pay." Marek shook his head slowly. "Always a price. Not everyone likes the price they have to pay but that's life. So I'll ask again. You boys wanna just try to slip back to Hell by yourselves or do I have to help you pack your bags for the trip?"

"You're arrogant, Marek. Arrogant, vengeful, stupid and chaotic." Marek lifted a hand and held up a finger as he ticked off the names one by one. "Yeah, yes, not really and probably. But back to you guys, you gonna go or do I have to send you?" "You ain't no Angel, just a punk with some gadgets!" Shouted a demon to Marek's left. Marek waved a hand at the demon. "You should really try brushing your teeth when masking yourself in human form you know" I mean, damn man, talk about stank breath. I bet since leaving Hell you haven't been laid once right?" Marek tucked a hand into his jeans pocket and worked out a small tin. "Tick-tac" It's peppermint?" "Screw you!" Shouted the demon.

"Fine. But don't blame me for your lack of booty." Therm growled. "Enough! I say we simply tear you apart, Marek." Marek held up a finger at Therm. "Can I have a minute?" He moved over and pulled a chair out from a table. Proceeding then to stand on it and slid his lighter free from his leather jacket. Therm laughed. "Going to have a last smoke, Marek?" "Not exactly, Therm." Spoke Marek as the lighter came to life and he lifted it upwards into the air, right below a heat sensor. "You guys stink, how about a bath to wash those sins right out of your skins?"

Therm laughed as did several other demons as the sprinkler system came to life. Water poured out over them all. After a moment though, the laughter paused sharply and screams perked forth about the room. Flesh started to burn off of the demons as they dropped to the flooring.

"I might of tampered with the water system in the building here. You boys have any idea how hard it is to Bless large amounts of water?" Therm growled as he lay on the floor. His human flesh peeling away with burn like marks playing over his face and arms. "You! You damn..! You.." Marek nodded as he got down from the chair, water dripping off his leather jacket. "Yeah, Holy Water sucks don't it' Listen, it's been nice chatting with you but enjoy the trip back down south okay' Oh and don't come back. Next time I'll lock you away in a mirror for the rest of eternity."

"So, let me get this straight." The roughly three foot tall blue gremlin shifted the scented cigar between his teeth as the white stocking cap slid over a muscled shoulder. "You bought a bar?" Marek shook his head as he removed the top to the second smirnoff blueberry lemonade bottle and handed it off to Blue. "No, I paid into a partnership for a bar. It's called The Grumpy Gator Bar and Grill. Southern food and other things, drinks and it's right here on this planet. Not on my home planet. The main guy is a decent sort, needs maybe a little help with women but he's a good soul kinda guy." Blue slid his cigar out of his mouth and took a drink before glancing back at Marek. "Can I come by anytime I want?" "Yes." "Can I drink for nothing?" "Yes, Blue." "Is there any hot chicks that come to this bar?" "Yes, there is." "Sweet, I'm in."

"Just leave the one gal, Callie." "Why?" "Cause she reminds me of my daughter, around the same age and such." "Oooohhh. Mmm...okay. I'll leave that one alone. Hey, I'm sorry about the sixty-nine camero." Marek nodded with a forced smile. "Comes with the job, Blue. I just wish she hadn't rolled that many times. She might of been salvageable." "Yeah...and if she didn't have that many bullet holes in her exterior. Not to mention the engine. That kinda really killed her." Marek gave Blue a pat on the back. "The chevelle refit you did looks nice. Nineteen-seventy right?" Blue gave a nod with a slow perking grin. "Yup! Tweaked her engine to give you some more horsepower and make her quicker off the line. But that's not why I called ya' to come by, amigo." Blue moved along the warehouse in his boots toward the back. Marek perked a brow and proceeded after him in step.

When Marek moved through the doorway of a dividing wall his lips perked into a slow grin.

"You like her?" Blue inquired as he moved along side the heavily modified dodge ram. "I put a big steel ram on the front to push anything out of the way. She's got an armored hull and the wheels have steel plates to protect them. On the hood I mounted four browning machine guns. Along each side mounted at the back is a vulcan gatling gun. And just in case that's not enough to keep the road clear ahead of you, I mounted six RPG-7 rocket launchers to the roof. All the weapons are linked to a control console inside the truck that you or the passenger can utilize. She's been converted for fuel cells so she'll go farther and longer then she ever would of on gasoline. She's got a winch in front and back, a satellite link up to the computer and even a couple adjustable cup holders. A few special surprises I packed in her as well."

"Blue, it's a four by four from Hell." "You like it?" Asked Blue. "I love it." Said Marek.

Blue perked a grin and reached into a pocket on his overalls. Pulling out a pair of keys and tossing them to Marek, who caught them quick with his boosted reflexes. "Blue, you're an Angel gifted to fix things." Blue nodded as he leaned against the beast of a truck. "Hey, when you're good, you're good. I've got a second truck in the works crafted to my liking. In the mean time I've got something similar to this but in a down sized car version. Hey, a gremlin's gotta get around right?" Marek grinned and gave a nod. Tossing the bottle in his hand over a shoulder as he moved for the truck.

"Let's go for a ride."

Marek shifted in bed. Sitting up a moment with a push of his elbows to his hands. A glance over the dimly lit bedroom a moment. The security system was quiet, as the rest of the room it seemed. He'd give his daughter a call tomorrow, remind her to see her mother for Mother's Day.

A glance toward the form beside him in the bed. It seemed, the open sexual life of Marek Kharune had all but come to a sudden pause. Well, at least the open part. The sex was still happening, but only with one gal these days. Not that he'd complain any. The sex with the woman beside him' Pretty damn amazing.

The jobs from G had slowed some in the past few weeks. As well as his two other employers. No doubt that'd change again. Every line of work had it slow downs. Even keeping order and Evil guessing as to when it was going to get itself beat down again.

Laying back down he turned to his side and slid an arm over and around the woman beside him. Nestling in close with a breath as he settled back in with a whisper at her ear.

"Night, Vixen."

Marek got up slowly from the bed as morning peeked inward through the windows. As his cells regenerated, his body felt achy, slightly pained. The demon from the previous night had a friend and those talons cut deep. Lucky for him the bone lacing saved him from losing out right several ribs. The hand blades came in handy, yet again in his life, when the pistol and that of his Templar's Sword was lost in the fighting.

Indeed the implants from his previous job as a Shadowrunner back on his home world had come in handy since his arrival here on Rhydin nearly ten years ago.

The bruising he had the day before, was long go with out a trace on his skin. The cuts, the puncture wounds and scrapes were gone as well. Having cells that regenerated so quickly definitely paid off on his home world as well as here on Rhydin. Course, the aches and slight pains weren't easy. Though he could live with them from time to time given he was still alive.

The clothing from the week had been burned, all but that leather jacket of his. Truth be told he had a dozen or so of them nestled away. The lining held that of mithril hidden away for protecting the would be wearer of the leather jackets. Blade weapons, talons and some smaller caliber bullets were stopped short of hitting their target. Of course, the previous night his leather jacket was unzipped when the fighting started with the demon and it's little hellish' friend. Thus, the talons made their way into his flesh from the open jacket. Damn.

A hand moved over his beard lightly as he pulled the fridge door open. It wasn't a home, but one of several safe houses he'd established about Rhydin City. As usual, food and water to get by was about but nothing that really fit his appetite. Perhaps he head to the markets later for something. Though with the weather changing, little fresh fruit would be found no doubt. Perhaps he'd stop by the Teas' and Tombs shop. They had fresh bakery in their display cases in the mornings up through the afternoons.

Later he'd put in an order to Nash for more of those lovely gadgets that took out things that went bump in the night. His Church contact would be called later as well or an email sent to him for more holy water and probably a good idea for a second or even third Blessed Templar Sword to have about. Of course a few replacement submachine guns and shotguns, considering earlier in the week he'd lost a few to that vampire gang he neutralized in Rhydin City's West End district. Plus replacement explosives. Considering during the past week he used what he had left to take out the drug dealers vessels parked in Rhydin's port docks. No doubt the fish by the docks were flying high.

He'd check out The Grumpy Gator bar later perhaps, for now, he'd take a shower and lay back down for a few hours. Though technically he wasn't a member of the Avengers in Rhydin it seemed, he had an ear to the wind so to speak.

A helping hand, yeah, that's what he was around here it seemed.

Time had passed. A lot of time since a new beginning turned into a far too soon, ending.

The leather jacket was unzipped. Lightly the right side perked open in the wind of the morning. Perhaps it was fitting, how the gray clouds and the light drops of rain played downward from the sky above. Marek's gaze seemed to be stuck, frozen upon the small grave that laid before him. Put to her final resting place a few months ago, yet the memory of holding her still so fresh upon his mind.

Technology and magic couldn't fix what went wrong. A newborn just starting life. Only to die far...far...too soon.

Marek tucked the photo of him holding his granddaughter, back into a pocket upon his leather jacket. Slipping his hands into the pockets of his jeans soon after. Gaze focused on the simple grave stone marking her spot for eternity.

Perhaps the light rain drops, helped to hide what was rain...and what was that of tears.

"Rest...little one. You were here for a short time, but you left a lasting impact. Grampa loves you. Always...and forever....my little angel. Grampa will see you again someday. You save him a good spot and he'll rock you to sleep once more in his arms. See you on the other side...Grampa loves you, always."

The modified Dodge Challenger of deep purple coloring and tinted windows was in rest outside the simple tavern near West End. Inside at a table sat the blue gremlin friend of Marek's, know as....well, Blue. At about three feet tall, muscles perking from thighs to chest, arms to shoulders and back again, the big mouthed gremlin with red eyes wasn't your usual creature of the dark. Blue had a wondrous ability with weapons and vehicles. In the past few years, he was the go to person....errr...gremlin, Marek had work on his vehicles. Buff, tough and dangerous to the core, Blue was actually nervous this night.

Chomping at his cinnamon scented cigar with those sharp teeth of his just behind his blue tinted lips. He kept looking at the door and then at the water clock by the bar. His usual pants were replaced with that of a little black suit. In truth, Blue wasn't very good with women outside of the tavern wench variety. Marek had teased him about setting him up with a date. Blue thought he was joking of course and never thought much of that silly talk.

Now here he was. Sitting at a table with his head just over the edge of it waiting to meet some woman named Pamela.

He was thinking this was crazy. Which for him, wasn't very far off in how his days and nights sometimes went. He gave a sigh and shifted the unique cigar between his teeth. "She's not gonna show. Nobody wants to date a Gremlin. This is so..."

Blue gave pause then. A shift of his red eyes at someone entering through the door way. The brunette had her hair in several braids, done up to the back of her head. Her outfit was a mixing of leather and lace with open sides to the dress worn. Were those black hose with straps that could run under that dress to a garter belt' His jaw clenched on the cinnamon cigar between his teeth. "Nope...can't be. Not for me. Nope...a Gremlin can't be this lucky. Not a chance in the thirteen levels of hell."

Blue was about to turn back to his bottle of Wild Turkey 101 and then she started his way!

Red painted lips and dark lace gloves running her hands upwards to her elbows. Eyes of blue, or where they grey' A gloved hand lifted to her right cheek as heels black as night came to a stop, right beside him. Her gaze lowered at the blue gremlin barely held with in that suit.

"Um...err....hi. I'm umm....Blue. Are you....Marek's Sorceress friend?" Having trouble with his words suddenly, the gremlin just kinda looked up at the woman. Her ruby red lips perked into a smile downward at the gremlin. She reached for Blue's cigar and plucked it from his lips. With a blink from the blue gremlin, the woman settled the cinnamon cigar to her lips and took a puff before removing it and smiling further. "Who doesn't love, cinnamon' And yeah, I am Marek's friend, Pamela. You're kind of cute, Blue, and you have good taste thus' far it seems." She offered the unique cigar back to the buff gremlin who took a moment to realize and blink before taking the cigar in his fingertips. Pamela reached for the bottle of 101 on the table and lifted it to her lips. If possible, Blue's eyes got even bigger as he watched her take a slow drink from the bottle before lowering it to the table and taking the wooden chair next to his at the table.

"So...ummm....Pamela" How do you know....my friend, Marek?"

Pamela crossed one leg over the other as her gaze moved over Blue in a sort of inspection of Marek's friend. "I've done some potions and spells for him in the past. He can be dark and quite dangerous at times, but when he's in a good mood, he can be rather kind and generous."

Blue nodded his head to this. He was still in awe.

Pamela had to smile at the look upon the gremlin's face. "Not expecting what you see before you, Blue?" He shook his head quick at her. "Nope. I mean, don't take this the wrong way hon, but most women like you don't give me the time of day." Pamela laughed lightly and gave Blue a wink. "Ah, but I am not like most women, Blue. I long ago grew tired of the fancy looking sorts. The high class, high rolling, stuck up with an attitude because they have the looks of some model. I hate that. I prefer someone with something good on the inside. Looks come second, what lays with in comes first. I need a good heart, head on their shoulders and someone that is good with their hands."

Blue noticed she was, in fact, looking at his blue hands. Which were big, he was a buff gremlin after all.

"I'm not sure they serve fancy food here, Pamela. Maybe we should head to a different place?" Pamela glanced about the tavern and then back at Blue with a light smile touching those red painted lips of hers. "I'm sure they can make a couple of good seasoned steaks for us to enjoy while we get to know each other, Blue."

"Pamela?"

"Yes, Blue?"

"Remind me to thank our mutual friend, Marek, later."

Hotel Haven. A place where Assassins, Bounty Hunters, Mercenaries and Others can rest up and relax with some fine food and drinks. The unique Hotel was quiet massive in size. From rooms looking like they were made for executives to fine dining atmospheres in one of several of the Restaurants with in the Hotel. The rules for the Hotel open to so many were quite simple.

Enjoy the luxury and safety of Hotel Haven, but absolutely no fighting is allowed on the premises. If your mark, prey, objective is on the premises you may not take them out. Kill them. The point of Hotel Haven is a safe haven for all who enter. Causing the death of another guest at Hotel Haven can be punishable by death.

Marek had checked in with Lance at the front desk. Always dressed in a suit and tie, Lance was the man to see about any issues or extra comforts you wished during your stay. Marek had left his unique Coffin Shaped Guitar Case with the tall man at the front desk and Lance assured Marek it would be waiting for him in his suite safe and sound.

Tan western boots lead Marek past the Rose Lounge. Red was the theme of this fine Restaurant. From chairs to exquisite table clothes and of course fresh roses in a crystal vase upon each table as a center piece. The food was excellent in there, though Marek wasn't real hungry at the moment. Possibly later.

A spot on the first floor near the back, Club Thirteen, was a place for simply catching a lighter meal and or just a drink. It held a high class look, like the rest of Hotel Haven, but with a slightly more casual atmosphere. Here was a place to take it easy after a long day or night. A place to rest with a drink before heading to your suite, or to find work. Whatever that might be.

"As I live and breath, Marek Kharune." Smiled the red headed Bridget behind the smooth mahogany bar. Leaning over the bar she made a grab for the opening of Marek's leather jacket and pulled him closer to the bar so she could give him a kiss on the cheek before letting that dark leather jacket go. Her lips were lit with a smile and her dark silk top was sleeve-less exposing her tattoos going from shoulder to wrist nearly. Her red locks had been curled recently it seemed and the low neck line in her top aided in showing off the tattoo upon the right side of her neck. Some said that Bridget had been a model, others said she used to be quite the assassin. Whatever the rumor was, Bridget had found her place at Hotel Haven running 'Club Thirteen' and she enjoyed making small talk with those that came in and or helping direct them to someone who was looking to hire for a job and or objective.

Marek couldn't help but smile some at Bridget as he eased to a chair at the bar. "Still as beautiful as ever, darlin'." Spoke Marek as he gave a light nod over the bar's surface at her figure. "Yeah' You think so?" Teasingly, Bridget did a little twirl behind the bar as if trying out some new outfit. "How have you been, Marek" Usual?" Marek gave another nod of his head as he drew his left hand downward over his light beard. "Yeah, thanks hon." Bridget gave a smile and a nod before moving to grab a tall glass and fill it half way with ice. Selecting a bottle of Wild Turkey 101 to pour a measured amount into the glass and then proceeding to open a can of 7up soda and add some to the glass before settling it on a small dark cocktail napkin on the bar for Marek. "There you go. What else can I get you, Marek?" The dim lights of the Club seemed to dance in Bridget's eyes as she smiled over the bar at him. Bridget could be a flirt and a good one at that, but not to everyone that came into the Club.

"I'm looking to catch up on some things." Spoke Marek, as Bridget gave a light nod of her head. "I have two Englishmen currently about. Mr. Ken Bentey or Simon." "Not in the mood for too strict a conversation, Bridget." Said Marek as he lifted his glass for a quiet drink. Bridget smirked some at Marek. "Got it. Simon it is. Let me send him over, he's at the far table." As Bridget moved off to speak with Simon, Marek lowered his glass back to the napkin upon the bar. Taking a slow roam of his eyes over the Club and those about it at this hour. Some he knew, others he was unsure who they were. Times change as do people. He noted a few new faces about the Club. Possibly new assassins or bounty hunters trying to make a name for themselves.

"Aren't ye' a sight for sore eyes." Smirked Simon as he lowered to a chair at the bar. Leaving a chair between them, as one could never be too careful even with the rules of the Hotel. Simon had a buzz cut and a mustache that down to either side of his chin. His usual black attire was worn of pants, belt, shirt and of course a fine black jacket to go with.

"Simon. Good to see you again." Commented Marek as Simon gave a witty grin. "Is it' Most people don't much like it when they see me. Means the Reaper gave me their number ye' know." Simon's had an English, Irish heritage and when he was in a good mood or angry, it showed in his speech at times. "Whatcha' doing back here at the Hotel" Not slumming for a job are ye' now?" Marek smirked some. "You know me, Simon. I always have a job or three lined up. How has things been around here" Any thing big gone on since last I was about the Hotel?"

"Anything big" Anything big....anything big....oh, aye. Remember Bensen" Up and got himself retired he did. Took a high level contract and made the mistake of think'in the 'mark's brother not gonna come and hunt him down. He should of' prepared himself for that. Man got sloppy he' did. Course you and I both know, Vincent, well now, he would have killed the whole damn family to ensure none o' them came looking for him." Marek nodded to this bit of information and truth. "Yeah, Vincent always was a bit high strung though. Not sure I've ever seen that man relax." "Relax?" Laughed Simon. "Ye' kidding" The man probably talks stern while in the toilet to get his crap ta' come out easier."

Marek gave pause, as did Simon as they looked at each other a moment. Then both started laughing at that comment.

"Yeah, you might be right Simon. You ever seen Vincent with a woman about the Hotel?" Inquired Marek as Simon shifted in his chair at the bar to get more comfortable. "With a woman' Man is so stubbornly stern having sex with him be' like doing it with one of them military drill sergeant folk. Oh, Robbert is looking to make a name for himself again. He lost the last contract he was offered to our Mr. Bentey." Marek perked a slender brow some. "Lost it?" Simon gave a nod of his head. "Aye. Contract was for him to take out this suite. Some business executive that made big profit in dealing slaves all over Rhydin with his sci fi ships and all. Our young Robbert set four bombs to take out this fellow when his armored car would bring him down a certain street, leading to where his airfield was." "Bombs didn't go off as planned?" Questioned Marek. Simon smirked again. "Oh, they went off all right. Just as he set them too. Except it was nae his target in the armored vehicle. Turns out it was the man's spoiled wife that he treasured like a Saint. So of course the man wanted to know who had done it and it wasn't nae long before our young would be Assassin Robbert had to leave for a while in the hopes things would settle down. Course, they didn't. So the one that put the contract out instead hired our smart dressed Mr. Bentey to complete the job. Robbert took two months planning his kill. Bentey' That English knob took less then three days to plan and take out the man in question. Precise that one is."

Marek shook his head gently. "Robbert is either too young for the line of work he wants to do, or he's just too stupid to realize he has a lot to learn. Have you seen Adele recently?" Simon gave a tilt of his head upwards some and ran his index finger and thumb from the top of his mustache downward at each side. "Aye. She just finished a job. Took out an entire Vampire Clan in the East for a contract that was offered to her. I hear she had help though, but just the same, she took them out. Modern technology has caught up with those foolish leeches. Ye' know she had one of them stealth drones hacked by a friend and the damn thing flew right over the mansion an' up and dropped it's bombs right on their home. As if that wasn't enough, she bought for no doubt a well price one of them torpedoes, ye' know the spaceship kind" Had that launched at the mess of the once standing mansion. Damn thing vaporized the whole area for nearly two miles out. Nothing left but ash. Hey, remind me to never piss Adele off 'eh?"

Marek smirked again but gave a nod of his head. "I'll do that, Simon. Have you seen Rupert around the Hotel lately?" Simon would shift his lips some as he thought about that one. Rupert was usually spotted pretty easily when about the Hotel. His signature black suit and red tie he always wore. Except when in disguise of course when working on a contract. "Aye, I have come to think of it. He checked in here other week, but nae' have seen him past four days or nights. I suspect he's working. Though if he's checked in, he'll be back no doubt sooner or later to take a break. If I see him about I'll let him know yer' looking for him, aye?" Marek nodded over at Simon. "Yeah, thanks." Simon gave a nod of his head.

"If you'll excuse me, I've some room service to order up for my suite from Lance." Simon perked a smile to his lips and slid from his chair move from the Club and for the front lobby area of the Hotel. "Watch your six, Simon." Said Marek after him. Simon turned partly with a smirk on his lips. "I'd prefer a lovely lass to be' doing that."

"Charo, get the door."

The tall man grumbled but got up from where he was watching the football game from on the couch. His hands moved to adjust and straighten his suit coat as he walked for the front door. As Charo reached for the door knob an explosion blew the door off it's hinges and sent the man flying backwards onto the Persian rug."

"What the hell?" Shouted Timon as he shot up from the chair he was siting in just to have two .45 caliber 'special' rounds impact to his chest with the eruption of weapons fire from the entering man. Men scattered in the living room as they reached for their holstered guns."

Five men. In less then fifteen seconds they were all laying upon the blood stained flooring. Any last moment groans of pain, were silenced with a single shot to the head from the man with the HK submachine gun. Marek glanced slowly about the room from left to right and back again. Taking a step slowly forward and proceeding for the back bedroom of the apartment. He listened for movement. The sound of possible foot steps to the flooring. The sound of somebody being stupid and cocking their gun, or a cough or a sneeze or something. Nothing. There was nothing but silence. Until he reached the back bedroom that is. There she was. Sitting on the side of the bed all coy like. The Vampire Melissa. Her smile was one of devious nature upon her ruby red painted lips. Her hair played downward past her shoulders and her eyes were both that of predator and prey. Of course, she'd chosen to be wearing a red and black lingerie teddy with a matching skimpy dark pair of panties. With a cross of one leg over the other and a light bob of her foot, she'd take in a slow breath before releasing it as she moved her eyes over Marek. "Mr. Kharune. I haven't seen you in quite, sometime. To what do I owe this pleasure of your visiting me again?" Pay no mind to the fact Marek just killed her so called security detail in the other room and there was blood all over the living room flooring and furniture. "Melissa." Spoke Marek as he adjusted the submachine gun to settle in hang with aid from the strap at his left shoulder. Marek's eyes glanced about the bedroom. Ensuring there wasn't some idiot hiding somewhere. "I'm looking for some people and I figure instead of running around town to get some information, I'd just come and ask you where they might be found." "I need to speak with the Witch Victoria." Spoke Marek. "Mmhmm.." Responded Melissa as she as already running her pink tongue over those red lips of hers with her eyes roam of Marek's figure before her. "She's a confusing Witch that one. Why do you want to speak with her" She can't be as much fun as I am in bed." Melissa smiled oh so sweetly at Marek. "I am going to need to speak with Rachel as well. Baltor is up to his usual games. I need to find him and one of those two should know where he is." Melissa pouted pretty with a wiggle of her foot in the air some as her leg was still crossed over the other in her perch on the side of the bed. "Baltor has his head up in the clouds. Always has. He wants bigger things but he has not the brains to obtain it. I honestly would stick clear of him if I was you. And as far as Rachel is concerned" That Witch is on some high horse lately. All serious and dark looks. She has a meeting with the Witch Helena. Not sure when. I could probably...find out when it was and let you know?" There was Melissa's devious smile again. Marek's boosted reflexes kicked in, a product from his homeworld. In less then a second his hand was around Melissa's throat in a firm grip. "Mmm...foreplay, Marek?" Melissa perked a grin upwards at him. Her comment did obtain a slight smirk from Marek but he gave a light shake of his head. "Not tonight. I need to know where I can find Victoria and Rachel. We can figure out...a payment arrangement later."

"Here little fella...here boy...here boy....come out, come out wherever you are..." Marek's voice spoke, as he moved through the nearly destroyed kitchen of a family's home just outside of Rhydin City. 

"I'll make it quick. Come on...I don't have all day you little doughnut gone wrong."

It had been a day like any other for the family that lived in the lofted home made out of simple wood. Until something went horribly wrong while trying to bake in their wood burning oven. Marek had told the family to go away for a day and he'd 'clean' up the mess.

A faint voice, that oddly sounded jolly, came from one of the drawers. "Touch my tummy and you die! Heehee!!"

Marek turned his gaze toward the drawer he felt the voice came from. Three retractable hand blades slid out from the top of his left wrist. Quiet as quiet can be. Installed of course decades ago back on his version of Earth. With a few other additions. 

As Marek reached for the handle on the drawer with his right hand, the drawer suddenly flew open wide and a little Pillsbury Doughboy with red eyes stood up inside the drawer with a rolling pin in his little hands. "They poked me in my stomach! They always poke me in my stomach! Laugh Doughboy, they say...laugh you little Doughboy...well I'm not laughing now and I will kill everyone!!!"

Marek perked a brow at the demonic doughboy. "Yeah, well, the family that lives here" They'd like their home back. So you need to be going." A sweeping slice of Marek's left hand brought the blades to cut through the evil bit of dough. However, as soon as the doughboy lost his head and legs he reached over to pick them up and slap them back to his dough body.

"Ha ha! Now what are you going to do??" I will have my revenge on people! I will be the one handing out the pokes to their tummies! When I kill them! Muahahhaaaa!"

Marek retracted the hand-blades back below his skin and gave the kitchen a quick look over. His smirk would perk of that beard of his. 

"Okay, you angry doughnut. I've got things to do, besides babysitting your little evil self. You know, a lot of people like doughnuts." The little evil Doughboy gave a tilt of his head with that chef's hat atop it. Marek picked up what was a bottle of wine that was missing it's neck. No doubt the little dough-turd had broken the neck of the bottle off while destroying things in the family's kitchen. With the bottle already 'open' the remaining contents were tossed over the Doughboy. Soaking him with the red wine that was still in the bottle. 

The Doughboy sputtered some wine from his little mouth and growled at Marek. "Ha! You think a little wine will bother me?" "Nope." Said Marek, as he reached to pull out a match from his back jean pocket. "Have you ever had fried doughnuts" They can be quite tasty." Marek struck the match against the wood burning stove and the Doughboy's little red eyes got big. With a flick of the match, the little Doughboy tried to run along the counter top in the kitchen. The match impacted to his back and ignited the wine he was covered with. 

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! I hate you!!! I hate you!!! Ahhhhhh!!! What a cruel world!!! I'm melting!!!!"

Marek smiled briefly as the evil bit of dough burned on the counter top. Locating a metal spatula from the kitchen floor, Marek proceeded to scoop up the burning mess of doughboy and turning around he dropped it on a cast ion pan. Putting the pan in turn into the wood burning oven before closing the metal door.

"I learned that one from Hansel and Gretel. At least, one variation of the brother and sister."

Two days later...



There was a crime scene forty-five miles from where Beka's place of living was. Marek's modified 1970 Chevelle SS 454 of black with two white stripes from hood to trunk, pulled up to the tree line. The engine went silent and the driver side door opened as Marek slid out of the vehicle. With a close of the door Marek gave a nod to one of Rhydin's Marshals, Luke Wopat.

Marshal Wopat was dressed in a black long coat with a button shirt below and jeans. Western boots of course and a dark western hat sat up his head. His Marshal badge was set to the left side of his long coat and his pair of pistols laid nestled at either side of his hip in the leather holsters of his gun belt.

Marshal Wopat gave Marek a tip of his brim. "Marek." Marek in turn would give a nod to the man. "Luke. I'm guessing this isn't about our next card game?" Luke Wopat gave a little shake of his head. "Naw. Fraid' it's not. Heard you were looking for one of the 'working girls' from Rhydin City. Thought you should see this, come on."

Marshal Wopat turned upon a heel of his boot and moved off into the woods. Passing a few deputies looking about the woods, Wopat would escort Marek to where a female body laid among a large section of fallen leaves from the surrounding trees.

Marek took one look at the face and would give a shake of his head. "Yeah. That's Beka." Luke Wopat gave another shake of his head. "Yup. One of the Rangers found her after a few hikers were out this morning in the woods here. They reported finding a body. Got out here quick as I could with my deputies. She's got a bite mark or two in the neck, but something don't add up." Marek glanced aside toward the Marshal. "What's that, Luke?" "Well." Luke began. "I've found dozens of people killed by vampires. But there's always been more blood. She doesn't have even a spilled drop on her clothes and her neck is clean as if she took a shower. Don't add up at all. Who's that neat and clean' Now it's been windy lately, so the leaves about here are probably scattered more so then when the body was brought here. I'm doubting she was killed here. I sent three deputies over to her place, wanna come along?"

Marek was looking over Beka's body. "Sure. Somebody cleaned her up probably. Trying to hide something no doubt. Maybe they left something at her place."

"Yeah, let's go see together." Marshal Luke Wopat gave another look at the lifeless body. "Damn shame."

Akira had her arms over her chest, a hand at each shoulder as she blinked a few times in her room at her place of 'work' where Marek would find of her again. Her long dark hair was in a pair of pony tails again, but braided this time. She was wearing more clothing this time around. A white silk teddy hanging off her shoulders barely by the slim straps.

"I can't believe she's dead." Spoke Akira quietly. "I mean this job is dangerous, sure, but somebody attacked her at her home and dumped her like trash in the woods" That's cold. Heartless."

Marek was sitting upon a violet cushioned Victorian style couch in the room. He unzipped his leather jacket and looked over at Akira pacing the room. "Yeah, it is." Akira stopped pacing and turned toward Marek. "You're going to find the thing that did this, right' I mean, that's what you do. You find people and things. You're going to make him pay, right Marek?" Marek gave a soft nod of his head over at her. "Yes, I will make Beka's killer pay for what he did and I will talk to the security here. Have them maybe upgrade their watch of you and the others that 'work' here. Just in case Beka's killer is looking for more bodies."

Akira frowned at that. She moved over toward the Victorian couch and sat sideways on Marek's lap. Slowly she would lay her head to his left shoulder. "Marek?" She asked quietly. "Yeah?" He'd inquire with a curious perk of his brow. "Do you think Beka's killer will try to get me when I head home after work one of these nights?" "Well I hope not." Said Marek. "Be a shame to have another pretty face lost to criminal scum." Akira smiled just a little, but her thoughts were of Beka and how the girl had been killed all alone. "I'm sorry, Marek. I'm usually the bundle of joy and flirtation here." Marek slid an arm around Akira. "No worries darlin'. Ain't nothing happy about a co-worker being murdered. It's normal to be upset. And you know, it is all right to be sad. Some folk think they have to be strong all the time. Everyone has emotions and they aren't always happy ones." Akira gave a light nod of her head it lifted from Marek's shoulder. "I know. I just don't like sad stuff and I try to be positive in this world."

"Tell you what, Akira, how about I check back on everyone here while I'm doing some 'hunting' for Beka's killer?" Marek gave a little pat to Akira's bare thigh. She perked up a little with a smile and nodded gently again. "I'd like that and I'm sure the others would too." Marek shifted some, brushing a light kiss to Akira's cheek. "No worries, nothing is going to happen to you."

Marek was sitting in his dark Chevelle down the street, from where the shop was that Gable had said he'd seen Vincent at. His quite muscled friend Blue, was sitting in the passenger seat. The big muscled gremlin of, blue color of course, glanced red eyes out the windshield as he stood on the seat. His white stocking hat shifted with his head movements. "If that short gremlin Gable said Vincent's stuff came in, than that vampire no doubt will show up soon to claim it." Marek perked a brow aside at Blue. "You aren't much taller than Gable, Blue." "Hey!" Snorted Blue. "He's at least a foot and a half to two feet shorter than I am thank you very much!"

Marek laughed with a shake of his head. Blue gave a point of a blue finger toward the shop. "Tada, looks like Vincent leaving the shop, dontcha' think?" Marek's gaze shifted out the windshield and he took a moment to identify the one leaving. "That's him. I don't see a carriage or anything for travel too far. He's headed somewhere on foot. How about a walk, Blue?" Blue gave a huge wide mouthed grin. "Sure thing, but I'm bringing my backpack." Marek could only grin as he opened his driver's side door and got out of the car.

Keeping a long distance from Vincent, Marek and Blue strode on the opposite side of the street just like anyone else passing by the shops of various sorts in Rhydin City. "How's Pamela, Blue?" Blue looked upwards at Marek as they walked. "She's great. She likes cinnamon scented cigars, bourbon whiskey and none of that rich Elven wine crap. Plus, she wears some pretty hot skirts and half dresses. Oh and she also sleeps naked." Marek laughed a bit and shook his head downward at Blue. "Blue, that's too much information. I am happy you two are still together though. I told you I'd find you a good woman." Blue nodded with a shift of his white stocking hat this way and that in the motion of his head. "Yeah, I owe you. She doesn't even care that I'm shorter than her. Who'd of thought I'd end up with a gorgeous human woman."

Marek gave pause with Blue, looking like they were viewing into a store front window. Using the glass to see Vincent across the street. The vampire gave a look about him and then headed into a restored Victorian style hotel.

"Yeah, that guy's a rich snob all right." Commented Blue. Marek smirked again down at his friend. "Some just like the finer things." Said Marek. "Pamela's fine. That guy' He's a snob. Oh well, wanna go ask him some questions?" Marek turned around with a nod of his head. "Yes, I do."

The two of them crossed the street, after a wagon passed first and then up the couple steps to the fancy hotel of old and heading in the front doors.

"Yeah yeah...hold on, I'm almost there!" Came the woman's voice from behind the apartment door. When the door opened a redhead was standing there in a red dress with black lace by the neck line. Seeing it was Marek and Blue, she tried to slam the door closed but Blue's strength kept that from happening. As she turned to run further into her apartment, Marek grabbed her and threw her down to the flooring. After stepping inside, Blue closed the door behind them as Marek grabbed up the redheaded vampire and slammed her against a wall. Her fangs came out almost immediately and Marek took up a firm hold on her neck.

"We're looking for Vincent. You know where he is." More of a statement than a question from Marek. "I don't know where he is! Let me go you.." Marek eased and then slammed her back against the wall again. "You know almost every vampire coming into and leaving town. Where is Vincent?" The redhead hissed at Marek and perked her fangs at him.

Marek's right hand lifted in the air and the three hand blades extended from their position below the skin. Hand blades were a common Shadowrunner weapon used back on his home world. Many only had one installed below the flesh, but like Marek, some had up to three set. Rated to cut through bone, they were quite dangerous and deadly. Marek had found them useful when he came to Rhydin so many years ago.

The redhead glanced at the blades in the air before her. She calmed some of her rage and gave a gulp of breath. "Okay...okay....don't kill me! He's not worth me getting killed!" "Oh good, now where was it that Vincent might go' Besides his fancy hotel?" Asked Blue as he looked upwards from his height of around three feet to the redheaded woman.

"The Rasper. It's a safe bar for Vampires to talk business. It's on the other side of the city. Don't tell anyone there I told you! They'll kill me!" The redhead did look a little panicked with her wide eyes.

Marek's brows were narrowed at the redhead, but his hand blades retracted out of sight. "All right. We'll go and visit this, Rasper place. If you let them know we are coming, I will find you again and I will cut your head off." The redhead blinked and gave a little nod. Marek grabbed her by the dress than and tossed of her over onto the bed where she bounced in a roll until hitting the headboard. "Stay frosty fang face." Commented Blue as he made his way out with Marek from the apartment.

Akira had left the brothel that night after being walked to her car by a couple of the hired security for the brothel. The owners took care of the 'working girls' because, well, you didn't make any money if they turned up dead. Keeping them alive was a good thing!

Akira gave a smile to the two guards after starting her car and heading off for her home. She could afford a decent place. Nothing too fancy, but a nice enough apartment that was only twenty minutes from her place of work. As she pulled into a parking spot outside the apartment complex, made of red brick, she gave a glance around checking to see if anyone was about. Not seeing anyone she turned off the car and slid out the door grabbing her leather bag in the process. A sudden slam against the car and knock to the ground made her groan in pain.

"You look good enough to eat." Came Vincent's voice. A smile perked his lips slowly.

Vincent tossed Akira to the leaves upon the ground. Evergreen trees surrounded them. Her hands were bound in rope. She had braided her hair into a single pony tail before she left her place of work to head home. The little red bow that had been at the back was gone and her comfortable jacket was torn up along with her left dark knee high stocking. She'd lost her heels somewhere along the way of Vincent dragging her through the woods.

"Let me go! Let me go!" She shouted. "I heard you were a loud one, this should be fun." Commented Vincent as he laughed looking her over on the ground before him. "You know, your little friend was killed not too far from here actually. Though that spot didn't have much in the way of evergreen trees about it. No doubt how she was found easier. No matter. I had hoped to enjoy this city a bit longer before taking my leave for a year or two. I suppose I'll have to depart sooner than expected now. Best to have a treat before I'm off, yes?" Akira was shivering from the cold. It was only about 41 degrees out, but her short skirt and jacket had been torn and the cold air from the light wind wasn't playing nice with her skin below. "You damn vamp-head! You killed Beka! What's a matter" She laugh at your little soldier?"

Vincent gave pause, blinking even down at Akira. "What did you say???" Akira grinned up at him. "That's it wasn't it' You have long life, but a small one don't you? I bet she laughed and laughed seeing you drop your pants." "Shut up!" Shouted Vincent. Akira didn't pause. "Must be sad, to go on and on living. Knowing you probably have the smallest among vampires. Is it, cute?" Vincent growled and reached down to grab her by the throat, lifting her up to standing as his dark brows narrowed at her.

"You unworthy, little, unsavory, mouthy thing." Growled Vincent through his gritted teeth. Which by now there were some exposed fangs. "I am going to quite enjoy taking your life."

A shot rang out. The silver round impacted to Vincent's right shoulder and he winced while dropping Akira back to the forest ground. Spinning around with a snarl from his lips to see Marek several yards away.

"Oh look, you found me. How lovely. Now I can kill you too!" Another shot rang out in the night, then a third in quickness. One impacted to Vincent's left knee cap and the other his right. Sending the vampire down to his stomach before he tried to get back up, but failed. Blue was laying in the leaves behind Marek about fifty yard behind and to his left by three feet. Once the shot was clean, Blue took it.

"You are not worthy! I will not be.." Before he could finish his sentence, Marek walked up and snatched him up by his long dark coat. Lifting him into the air, Vincent tried to grab and pull at Marek's arms and then at his shoulders. He found that this adversary, was not like a normal human however. Was it possible for a human to be strong as a Vampire" If you had the treatments and 'fixings' like Marek had from his home world, yes. Technology, meet fantasy.

Vincent narrowed his brows at Marek as he hit him in the face and upper chest. "You know, I think you have about worn out your welcome, Vincent. You know, normally I would take my time to dispatch one like you who has upset me. Don't think I'm gonna do that. Did you have fun hunting" Did you? Give you a rush did it' Excitement?" Marek threw Vincent hard to the left. The vampire slammed into a dead tree's trunk and fell to the ground. The silver rounds in his knees made it hard for him to regenerate flesh and muscle currently.

Walking in a firm stride over to Vincent, three hand blades extended outward from the back of Marek's left hand. Curving out above the knuckles and waiting little time, were driven into Vincent's chest as he was lifted upwards and slammed into the tree trunk behind him. Growling and snarling in pain, Vincent scratched at Marek with the nails on his fingertips. Three hand blades slide out silent as ever, from Marek's right hand.

"Goodbye, Vincent." Simply said, before Marek rammed his right hand toward Vincent's neck. The three blades sliced easily into the flesh there. A pause, moment to savor the look in Vincent's eyes of pain and knowing the end was close. Marek gave a hard thrust of his right hand upwards suddenly. Tearing Vincent's head clean free of his neck and sending it flying to land in some fallen leaves. It was Fall after all.

As Marek moved in step, he gave a hard pull upwards and out of his left hand's blades from the chest. Pulling out in a rather gruesome fashion, Vincent's heart. A drop of it to the ground. Hand blades retracted back below the flesh at his hands and out of sight. Marek reached below his leather jacket to a pocket and pulled free a vial of something. Removing the cork and pouring the greenish liquid over Vincent's heart on the ground.

The liquid seemed to seep into the heart at first and than the heart started to be eaten up by the liquid. Not a bit of Vincent's heart would be left. As the last bit of flesh was eaten up to nothing, the unique liquid seemed to harden and then crack before breaking into a dark ashy brown in color.

Marek put the cork back in the empty vial and tucked it away to a side pocket on the outside of his leather jacket. Turning he moved over toward Akira who was still on the ground, shaking more so out of fear than the cold at this point.

Marek lowered to one knee in front of her, reaching to work the knot open and free of her hands from the rope Vincent had used about her wrists. "Is he" Is he really dead?" She quietly asked as she looked over toward what was left of the body by the dead tree. Marek glanced over where she was looking and gave a little nod of his head. "Yeah. He's dead, Akira. No worries."

Akira turned her head at Marek, she had tears upon her face. She had felt this was going to be her end, like Beka's. Alone in the woods. Slowly, Akira put her arms around Marek's neck as she started to cry. "Did you forget?" Asked Marek. Akira pulled back some and blinked gently. "Forget?" Her head tilted a bit curious. Marek perked a smile at his lips. "I told you nothing was going to happen to you." Akira smiled slowly and nodded softly. "Yeah, you did say that. I owe you, Marek. Big time for saving my life." Marek gave a light shake of his head. "You cook me up that famous lobster dish you make and we'll call it even." Akira's smile grew bigger. "Okay, it's a deal."

"Hey." Came Blue's voice as he walked over toward them. He had obtained the severed head of Vincent's and it was currently in a brown plastic bag over his right shoulder while the modified sniper rifle he had used, was in his free hand. "What do I get?" Akira smirked some and shook her head. "I'll pay for your drinks at the Red Dragon Inn for a month, how's that?" Blue grinned wide. "Make it two months and you've got a deal cute stuff! Can't take anything else, I'm spoken for." Blue gave a big wink at Marek, who laughed gently with a nod of his head. Yeah, seems Blue and Pamela had become quite the couple.

Marek eased up from his kneel on the ground and helped Akira stand in turn. Brushing off some leaves from her as well. "Best take you by the hospital just to make sure you're all right, Akira." "I'm all right now Marek, Blue, I'm about as right as rain." Marek smiled and lowered from his heat to brush his lips to the top of her head before whispering.

"No worries, Akira. You're safe."