It was incredible how densely populated the city was, even at such a late hour. People were still milling about rapidly now all participating in the irritating struggle of trying to get home before their spouses turned off the television or their children went to bed. It was night, but it did not appear that way in the middle of St. Raine's Square. In fact, with all the lighting and bustle it could have very well been noon. The only disconcerting key that stated otherwise was the hazy glimmer of a half-hidden moon.

Lance strolled the perimeter in silence, his eyes roaming over the myriad of faces that filtered by. His thoughts were turned inward, internal serpents slithering through his mind at their own leisurely pace. He was never one to cut short the process of thought and the devotion of time to matters he deemed important, and tonight was as good a night as any to be out on the streets musing over his concerns.

Crime was getting bad in Demaitre these days. He had noticed that lately, this obscene increase in robberies that often involved helpless people with little in the way of self-defense. It was despicable, really, but it was a necessary evil. It was sad to see such needless violence and such abundant criminal activity nonetheless. And it was disheartening as well. That was what distracted his attention now, he realized. That was what had brought on this entire train of thought. There was an elderly woman being robbed not far off--just across the square in a back alleyway behind one of the many business buildings. He had every intention of helping and would have done so immediately had he not been overly-cautious with getting involved in police-related business. It was not a wise idea for a vampire to go traipsing into the middle of something like that. What if he harmed the attacker? What if they took his fingerprints to find that he died years ago or did not exist at all?

No, it was best to let things run their course. Nevertheless, he wandered slightly closer to the entrance to the alley in which the crime was occurring. He wondered if he shouldn't call the police--but apparently it had already been done. He could hear the sirens approaching, and he was thankful.

But the siren's that the vampire heard were only fading off into the distance. Apparently domestic violence issues were more important that a littel old lady getting her purse snatched.

Livy, on her rounds for the night was pedaling her bike as fast as her short legs could pump, hearing the call about the roberry in progress, hoping she could get there before she was too late. She was just a newbie, a flatfoot as it were in the department. Why the hell would they give her a squad car?

Almost there, almost there....

AH! She was on the street now that the incident was taking place on, only about two blocks away.

Pausing for only street traffic, she sped across the two blocks, skidding her bike to a halt infront of the alcove and letting it slide out from under her as she lept off. But she pulled her gun to a very unusual scene. The man was kissing the woman's neck. What? Was he really planning on raping that old lady? EWW! Why on earth would he do that?!

"Alright! Hold it right there mister!" She said loudly, forcefully. But she couldn't help the gasp of suprise that came out as she saw the blood. It was on the woman's neck, on the man's face. Livy froze in her tracks, no clue what to do now.

The fledgling vampire grinned at the police girl's command and dissapered for a moment only to reappere behind her. "I'll just save you for another time." He laughed as she tuned around, a terrified look on her face as he delt her a vicious back hand that sent her sprawling, the gun clattered to the pavement as she lay still.

Satisfied the vampire grinned a pleased grin, turnning back to the old woman. The girl would taste a lot better than the old woman. Old people's blood was disusting...

Lance watched the scene unfold rapidly right before his eyes in a series of quick events: the police cars moving on into the distance to chase after something they deemed more important, the arrival of the young, novice police officer...and then the vampire's attack. He should have guessed it was a vampire. But the scent of him was still almost mortal--he must be very young indeed. Lance continued to watch, flinching as the vampire struck the young mortal woman with a resounding blow and sent her sprawling. Every nerve in his body was urging him to turn his back, for this vampire's business was certainly not Lance's. Even so, he knew his conscience would never let him forget it if he did leave and both elderly woman and young officer ended up dead.

Clenching his teeth, Lance stalked down the alleyway. He paused several yards away from the young vampire, his lips curling back slowly in a sign of aggression. The fledgling looked up, alarmed and confused.

"Are you that young, or are you merely stupid? Has no one told you that this is my place to play? I do not like intruders, despicable fledgling. You had best vanish, young blood, before I tear your throat from your body and toss your limbs out for the sun to devour."

It was more talk than anything, but the young one did not have to know that. Better this run-in not end in unnecessary violence. Lance took a foreful step forward, his eyes narrowing angrily when the fledgling did not move and his lips twitching back a bit more to completely expose his fangs, serpent-like and dangerous.

As he felt the intruder approaching and incroaching upon his meal he turned and snarled. The older lady was unconssious, her pulse and breath fast, but still alive, as she slid to the ground.

The fledgling snarled in return at the older vampire. "Territory? I don't think so bud. The girl's mine, you can have the old woman and this sad spot of hunting if you want it though." He looked down at the younger woman, licking the blood from his lips.

"I'll take my new toy and be on my way." He grinned viciously as he looked back up at the vampire, moving towards Livy's still body. He picked her up, hoisting her body over his shoulder as if she were mearly a rag doll. "One hot little red head. A little to small for my liking, but she'll be fun I'm sure." He said with a wink as he turned to head off.

Fight? Nah, he had something good that he really didn't feel like losing. Once the girl was useless he'd be back probably. Or maybe he might find a better place.

Lance's jaw tightened visibly, his eyes clouding over with anger. Of course it had been too much to ask for this to end simply and quietly, but he couldn't very well allow this little pervert to walk off with an innocent girl.

"Why do I have a feeling I'm going to regret this," he muttered incoherently to himself as he stooped to retrieve the cop's fallen firearm. "Alright, let's try this again. You let the girl go and leave her to me or I'll fucking blow your head off right here. You've got three seconds to put her down gently and run."

Without waiting, he raised his arm and pointed the gun directly at the back of the fledgling's head. At this close of range it would be an easy--albeit messy--affair if the necessity to shoot actually did arise.

"One," he released the weapon's safety and cocked it with a confident click. The chamber rustled to life with gentle metallic sounds, instantly filling with ammunition just begging to be discharged in an explosion of gunpowder and gore.

How he hated this. He was not one to pick fights with strangers, especially other vampires regardless of their coven, but his damned heart was all too mortal and too deeply carved out of justice and empathy. He knew what fledgling vampires were like, and by the looks of things this charming young blood drinker was no gentleman. He couldn't very well let him walk off with an innocent young lass.

"Two."

Turning around as he heard the threat the young man glared. "What the fuck do you care what I'm gonna do with her? She your little pet or something? She's just another human, man. No need to get all defensive of this one stupid girl. If you wanted her, you should have gotten her first. She's mine you asshole, you're not gonna have what's mine by right. I claimed her first." He said stubornly.

No, this girl was his fuck. He knew she was a virgin too, he could sense it somehow. She was clean and untouched by men.

"Hell, maybe if she's good enough I'll turn her so she'll last a bit longer." He grinned. "I doubt you would even know what to do with a woman like this." Turning around he began to walk off again. The wuss wouldn't pull the gun. If he was going to, he'd simply do it instead of talking about it or threataning him. Idiot.

Lance's heart sunk. Of course he couldn't blow the man's head off, even if he was an insolent, disgusting excuse of a fledgling. But he couldn't just let him go either. His arm dropped slightly so that the gun was pointed directly at the vampire's left leg above his knee.

"Three."

The shot rang out sharply, echoing down the long alleyway and making itself undoubtedly heard in the busy square they had left behind. He wondered how long it would take for someone to come running...

He moved forwardly quickly, his pale features set with determination to see this thing through even as his thoughts shuddered with what he had done. This is not a good thing... He reached out and grabbed the man by the back of his neck. Lifting the younger vampire a couple of inches off the ground, he carefully side-stepped the poor cop--still unconscious--and smashed the fledgling's face into the stone wall before pressing the gun's muzzle to the vampire's head.

"I'm not sure if you think this is some kind of joke. Let me clarify something: it isn't. I don't care what you do or where you go or who you kill so long as you're out of my sight. But a piece of advice to the young: you had damned well better learn to show a bit more respect for your brothers and sisters if you want to live long."

He smashed the vampire's face against the stone again and cast him aside like a doll. Glancing down at his clothes, he made a face of disgust to find that they were spattered with face-blood. Charming. His dark eyes looked back at the fledgling and his lips curled into a snarl.

"Get the fuck out of here before I change my mind," he motioned violently with the gun for the blood drinker to flee.

The vampire went down hard as he felt his leg go out from under him. He'd live of course, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt. Olivia had fallen from his grasp, rolling slightly on the sidewalk.

"You crazy fu- HEY! GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" He yelled as the man drug him back into the alley. "What the hell do you think you're doing! She's mine! I ha-" But his words were cut off as his head was jammed into the wall, stunning him.

"Fine, whatever." He mutteredfrom the side of his lips. "Fucking psycho."

Another dash against the wall and he felt his bodythud against the floor.

Draggin himself to his feet he glared at the other vampire, the bullet wound already healing. But his face was torn and bruised as he faced the man. "Whatever. No cunt is worth dealing with an old stick up the ass anyway. You have her." He snarled before leaving the older vampire to deal with the old woman and the police girl.

"What a delightful young man," he muttered to himself as he turned away from where the fledgling had run off to.

He was left feeling absolutely weary to the bones...feeling old and out of place, archaic and far from victorious. And what was more, Lance felt absolutely sick to his stomach by all of this: by what he had done, by the very presence of the grotesque young vampire and by the mess the fledgling had left behind. He glanced at the dying old woman and the unmoving body of the unconscious police officer. What exactly was he supposed to do now? He buttoned his coat over the bloody shirt he was wearing in an attempt to make himself appear more presentable. This was going to be tricky either way he approached it, but the elderly woman's life was closing rapidly. He sprinted from the alleyway into the middle of the busy square and rushed up to a small cluster of young women. They looked extremely annoyed that he should interrupt their conversation.

"Excuse me, can I use your phone, please? A woman was attacked over there and I need to call an ambulance for her."

Their collective look of disdain quickly morphed into one of alarm and shock.

"I'll call, you go stay with her and make sure she's alright!"

He was off again, sprinting back into the alley and quickly deciding over the best course of action. He tore two long strips of black cloth from his coat and folded one into a strip of gauze which he pressed against the old woman's neck wounds. The other strip he wound around her throat--tightly enough to staunch the bleeding but loosely enough for her fragile breathing to continue--and tied it in place.

Then he turned to the cop, so young and so unfortunate to have been here. He shouldn't have let her get involved in the first place, should have diverted her attention or something of the sort. He lifted her gingerly in his arms, elevating her head slightly and checking her pulse. She seemed to be alright. At the very worst she would have a nasty bruise from when the fledgling had dropped her--Lance's fault again. God, he hoped the ambulance would arrive soon or that she'd wake up and magically know exactly what to do so that he could get the hell out of here...

It was as she felt the fingers at her throat that Livy began to wake. Feeling someone holding her her pulse began to race, shooting up as her eyes opened. But the face she saw above her was not the face of the man that had been... Biting! the old woman. What was going on here? Who was this man?

Lifting her hand she rubbed gingerly at her jaw where the man struck her. How had he moved like that? She didn't even blink and she hadn't seen him move!

"What's going on here? What happened?" She said as she blunk a few times, clearning her vision. The old woman was still alive, but there was something tied around her throat. Had the man done that? Had he been the one to save them?

"My gun! Where is it?" She sat up suddenly, ignoring the way her head swam and looked around. "Did that guy or whatever take it?"

Hearing sirens approaching Olivia looked up. Darnit! It was just one thing after another. And when the captian found out what happened, he wasn't going to be happy at all. Especialy if the guy had taken her gun. Pushing herself up her shoulder was sore too, though she didn't know why. Maybe she fell on it when the guy hit her...

All she knew was she couldn't let the guy that was ehre now get away. They would need him for details because he knew what had happened.

"You should relax," Lance replied calmly, his voice hoarse and weary. He didn't expect her to listen to him of course. He gently moved away from her when he was fairly certain she could sit up on her own and retrieved her gun from the shadow he had left it laying in when he had gone to find a phone.

"Here, I guess this is yours," he picked it up by the muzzle and handed it to her. "There's an ambulance coming for that poor thing," he nodded in the direction of the old woman. "I thought it would be best to move her as little as possible, but I tried to make a tourniquet for her. I think she'll make it if they get her some blood quick."

He realized there was a good deal of the vampire's blood on the ground farther back in the alley and hoped to God that no one discovered it before it was washed away. But there were other matters that were of higher concern to tend to. He needed to get the hell out of here.

"You scared him off of the woman he was robbing and he bolted. You were just about to catch him and take him down--you couldn't very well shoot him in the back, right?--when he turned around and knocked you unconscious. He got away, but you saved the old lady. Make up something clever about the wounds. There's your story. I'm sorry about this mess, and I hope you feel better soon. I have to go now."

He turned away and began to take a few quick steps in the opposite direction of the sirens, wishing that he could break into a run and disappear.

She did relax slightly when he handed her the gun. "Thank you. But what happened?" She asked again as he went on to explain about the woman.

Hearing the sirens draw closer she frowned as he made up something. Something that didn't sound right. "Scared? No. He wasn't scared. And he wasn't trying to run, at least not away from me." Livy said simply. She was an officer she couldn't say something if she didn't know it was true. "No, what happened? What did you do?" She asked again as she stood. "Hey! Don't go anywhere, we'll need you for information!" She said as he started to walk away.

"He was biting her! I saw blood! What in the world is going on? You can tell me, or you can tell my captian." Livy bit her lip slightly, she really shouldn't let him go, but something was telling her to just do what he said... "What happened? Tell me."

He stopped walking the moment she asked him to, unable to continue and closing his eyes in exasperation with himself. Sighing and still trembling inwardly with impending indecision, he half-turned to face her, his shoulders moving into a shrug.

"I helped you out a little, okay, kid? But I really don't want to be around the cops right now. I know you probably think I sound like some suspicious nutcase, but I don't know what to tell you."

He watched her for a long moment, taking in every detail on her that made her glow with...with life. He had expected her to be pointing her gun at him by now, but she had failed to do so thus far. She was obviously a rookie, and he very well couldn't just leave her.

"You want to know the truth? Then you must do me a favor first. Tell the cops the story. They'll believe you, right? You're one of them. Make it sound believable. He bit her because he's a psycho, okay? Tell them that. Tell them whatever you think will take. There isn't time for us to talk right now, but you need to let me go. Send the police off looking for the attacker if you want to and do what they tell you. When you're alone again I'll find you and we can...we can talk. I'll tell you what happened. Don't come to me. I'll find you. Okay?"

He locked eyes with her for a moment and then turned away and, at the screaming sound of the very near sirens, broke into a run and vanished.

Livy frowned with frustration as he named the terms of the deal. She was the officer, not him for crying out loud!

"Fine. But I can get in a lot of trouble for lying you know! I could loose my job and all chance of ever getting anywhere." She said simply, letting him know just what was at risk. Her job, her future... And heck, she was only twenty, there was a lot of both that could be left.

As he met her eyes she felt a cold chill go down her spine, like she didn't want to know what could happen. Crud... What had she gotten into...

Turning her head she saw the ambulance heading down the road, looking back the man was gone. What? Where... Where did he go! He couldn't have just vanished like that! Running down the street a bit she saw no sign of him. What was going on here?

No, she didn't want to know. She didn't want to know what was going on, deep down she knew that it was only going to be trouble.

"Precious!" Livy heard someone called out, and she winced at her nickname. "Precious, what the hell happened here girl?"

It was one of the other patrol officers that had followed the ambulance. "Got a call of an officer down. You alright?" With a sigh she nodded. "Yeah yeah, just peachy. The perp hit me hard as he ran... I dunno how the woman's doing though, she seems in pretty bad condition, I think he had a knife or something... I don't know what could have made those wounds on her neck." She said as she shook her head. "I didn't see clearly but he ran when I got here, knocked me out for a few."

The bruise that was rising on her jaw only helped to strengthen her argument as the woman was loaded into the ambulance and driven off.

God this was going to be a lot of paperwork...

Once the scene was clear again she picked up her bike and began to head back to the car that her fellow officer had brought. If she wanted to get out at any decent hour she'd have to get started on the paperwork soon. But that meant getting back there first.

As usual they didn't talk on the way back, as not to skew any information. But in reality it just gave her time to think. The more she thought of it, she just wanted to pretend the biting, the man, the blood... It was all a figment of her imagination. The way the first one moved so quickly, the way the strength had stunned her... That never happened before except when she hadn't been expecting it. But... She hadn't been expecting it.

Go home, take a shower, write it all down... Go to bed. That would be the plan once her report was done.

As fast as he could run, it had been no easy task to make it to the top of the building congruent to the alleyway he had just exited. The shaky fire escapes were always an exhiliarting challenge; half of them were rusted badly enough to give at any moment. But once he made it to the top and positioned himself to listen in on the conversation he found it disappointingly short. Though when he thought about it, that was probably a good thing. Lance was thankful that the other officers did not seem to be asking too many questions--thankful on his own behalf and thankful that they trusted her enough. It had been a risky situation for her, he knew, considering she was so new and so young. He owed her an explanation of sorts--now he only needed to fabricate one that seemed believable.

Lance made another quick escape as the young officer accepted a ride and began heading back to the station. He was debating whether or not he should just let her move on and forget this whole incident or keep his promise. It took him some serious thought to decide that he would have to follow her to the station and determine for himself whether he should make himself seen or just let her go home and forget the whole thing.

There was no way he could beat a police car to the station. Fortunately, their designated location was not far from the crime scene and he took his time getting there. For awhile he simply wandered in the darkness, keeping out of public eye so as to avoid any suspicion. What a tumult this whole thing had caused...he hoped she wasn't too ruffled by it.

The station was a secluded little building, old and built a good deal back from the road. Its long driveway was a narrow gravel path lined with low shrubbery. Off to the sides were some sparsely-placed, dark trees and very little else. He moved off into the darkness until he was certain he was out of sight. Dropping down into a scraggly patch of grass, he took in a deep breath and prepared himself to wait until he saw her leaving the building. Then he would decide whether or not he should approach her as promised or simply allow her to go home and get that much-needed rest she would probably be desiring shortly.

"Have fun with the papers Precious. You know where to find me if you need me kiddo." The officer said as Livy unloaded her bike from the back of his car.

"Yeah yeah. I'll give you a call when I'm done. Let me know when you have news on the woman." She said.

"Sure thing Precious. See ya later."

Nodding she moved away from the car as he drove off. With a sigh she locked her bike up, and it was as if someone was watching her...

Shrugging off the feeling she went into the station to check in and begin on the paperwork. The only thing about this job she hated was the paperwork.

It was nearly twelve-thirty when she closed the files. All was done and finalized, a story similar to the one she had told the other officer with a few more fudged details was written up and once she had the victim's information it was even better.

The woman was in weak, but stable condition. She would be okay after a few good days of rest thankfully, and it made Livy feel good that she had helped to save this woman's life. But... No. She hadn't done jack. It was all that man.

He was a good deal taller than her, but she was short. His hair was semi-long, but it was his eyes that she remebered most. As if he had burned them into her memory. They seemed full of a deep sadness... Like he continualy wanted something that he could never have. He seemed old fashion, but not just his clothing, but his whole style and mannarisms... he seemed old. Much older than the maybe thirty she would put him at.

With a sigh she pushed herself up from her small desk in a back cubical and made her way up to the filing office to hand the papers to the clerk. Ah, that had been her job not to long ago, and well, the same sort of person had replaced her. A bright chipper girl just out of high school had taken over not two weeks ago.

"Hey there Angie." She greeted with a smile. "I take it you're going home soon?" She asked as she handed the girl the file.

"Yep. What you dealing with tonight Livy?" She asked as she took the file.

"Third set on the left, second down." Livy instructed the girl where to put it without having to really look. "But heck... I don't even know. But I tell you, it's amazing that I haven't started drinking or smoking like most of the others... With all the crazy stuff we have to deal with." She said with a roll of her eyes.

"Ah, true enough. Keep straight on target Livy, you'll be out of it soon enough." Angie replied encouragingly.

"Hah, I wish. Thanks though Ang. See you tomorrow." She said as she turned to head out, stopping on the way to check out and say goodnight to everyone else in the office as she made her way back to the lockerroom to change back to her street clothing. Jeans, a black tank and a thin black jacket for the slightly chilly night.

Trotting down the front steps she looked around, as if looking for the man from before. Not the one who had hit her, he was probably long gone. But the one who had saved her. But she didn't see him around. Oh well.

Unlocking her bike and slinging her backpack over her shoulder she began to make her way home, eager to get everything down of the truth so later she would know that she wasn't going crazy. She had seen that man biting Mrs Tepton. He had moved faster than she could see, and there was something else... Something she had tried to understand... What did that blond man want from her?

It was very late when she finally left the station. Lance had had plenty of time to perfect a story to tell her, but he still had no idea how he was going to make any of sound believable enough. It was obvious that he would be unable to feed her nonsense, but it was equally obvious that he very well couldn't tell her everything...for her sake more than anyone else's. He watched her walk by, her bike at her side and her face looking like she had seen hell--the poor thing: she practically had. At the very least, you owe her some kind of explanation. She let you go at the risk of losing her job; that's a lot more than most would do.

And so he made his decision. He dusted himself off quietly and made his way up and around a slight bend in the trail, just far enough to remain out of her sight for maybe thirty seconds. Perhaps appearing in plain sight would be a better idea than sneaking up behind her, especially after all she had been through in the last five hours. And then he waited.

His face was passive and serene as it almost always was. The night was cool enough to elicit a little chill on his skin--that was a comforting feeling. His mind sifted through all the things he could tell her and all the things he was certain should remain a secret. At best, his planned dialogue was still jumbled and hardly coherent. Ah well--he did not intend to stay long anyway. He would keep this short and let her be on her way so she could forget this entire ordeal happened. He was already pushing it by even coming back to talk to her. What was it about her, exactly, that made him feel that he had to, anyway?

He shrugged himself free of his reverie and turned his eyes on the trail in the direction she was quickly approaching from.

Getting everything down would be first... Then a shower... Food... And bed. Yeah that would be best. the night would be nothing to write home about. Well, she rarely ever told her parents about any of the more interesting things. They were always against her going into Law Enforcement. They always said she was too little. Well... In truth she kind of was, but she'd be damned if she ever admitted that.

If she had been taller, bigger and more intimidating, or even normal size, she doubted that half the things that happened to her would.

Perps always ran because they thought that they would be faster, or that she couldn't take them down. Granted they underestimated her and ate concrete because of it, but they still caused problems none the less.

But none of the others had ever struck her... And he didn't run away, he wasn't afraid... She saw something in the blond man's eyes that she didn't like. She didn't really know what it was, but it gave her a very, very bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

It still scared her most though that she hadn't even seen him move before he struck her. Someone who could move that fast and was that strong... They were a real danger. And he knew that she was a cop, but he had hit her anyway. That was even more worriesome. Most normal people didn't attack cops because they knew they'd get in big shit.

She'd check on Mrs Tepton tomorrow before heading in. She just liked to do things like that, it reminded her why she stuck it out sometimes.

With a sigh she brushed a free strand of her bright hair out of her face and came to a stop as she swung a leg over the bike to head off home a little quicker than walking.

He waited in silence, taking in his surroundings with a disinterested stare. It was strange to admit it somehow, but it felt strange that he should be worrying about how to explain something to a mortal. Wasn't this supposed to be easy? Wasn't he supposed to be cunning and convincing? What nonsense that was. Certainly there were some mortals that were more gullible than others, but the young police officer he was waiting for now was not one of those people. She had a good heart, one built for figuring out the truth and sticking by it.

In the near distance he heard the sound of bike tires trekking over gravel. The doubt knotting in his stomach multiplied. Maybe he should just let her pass and fall back into the shadows, unnoticed. Was it really necessary to keep his word when she could just carry on with her life like nothing had ever happened? And who exactly was he trying to appease here? Because the more he thought about it, the more he knew that he was here not just to explain what had transpired but to see if she was alright and to assure himself that she would be fine. It was strange to finally put this conclusion into tangible thought, but he knew it was the truth.

Lance began to walk slowly in her direction, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. His steps were very hesitated and non-threatening so as not to startle her when she finally did come into view. Maybe I could just walk her to a more well-lit road, make sure she's alright and then let her go. Or I could do that and then follow her and make sure she gets home alright. Jesus, I sound like a stalker...

But time for these unnecessary thoughts was up: she rounded the curve gently on her bike and came into view. He stopped walking and stood on the side of the path, waiting for her to draw near enough to recognize him.

Yawning slightly as she came around a corner she thought she saw a familliar face standing off to the side. No, not really familliar. Just.

That man! The dark haired one who had saved her, the sad one.

Skidding her bike to a halt she turned to look at him, narrowing her eyes susspiciously. Did he somehow know she was coming this way? Did he know where she was going? What she was doing? Or was it mearly coincedance that he stood there? But he had said that he would find her when she was alone next. Had that been some... some sort of threat?

"So... Who are you?" She asked first. "And why did you save me and then just want to vanish?" Those were her first questions as she got off her bike and began to walk closer towards him.

Those eyes, it was no doubt that he was the same man. So stern and serious. So sad. It made him look older than he was, someone his age... Shouldn't look so old.

"I just don't understand. The few people who would help would have wanted all the glory for it too. Keys to the city and the like. But you didn't even want me to mention you." And she like the nice person she was had risked her backside to do as he asked. "If I'm gonna loose my job... I wanna know what happened. What that man wanted and all... I was out for more than a few moments, and you shot him once didn't you? How did he get away if you shot him?" Question after question, she didn't really want to ask them, they just came out one ater another. She really didn't want to know, but she couldn't stop herself from asking.

He drew in a deep breath, held it for a long moment, and sighed: this was going to be rather difficult...and potentially dangerous.

"You can call me Lance, if you'd like to," he began, forcing what he hoped was a gentle, reassuring smile. "And I tend to be rather useless when the police show up anyway. I'm not the glory-seeking type. I wouldn't have gotten involved at all if I didn't think he wouldn't have killed the woman or harmed you. And I certainly hope that this doesn't cost you your job."

He paused thoughtfully, his eyes on the woman who approached a total stranger so boldly for someone who seemed so fragile--so young and undeniably delicate. She had a lot of nerve walking up to someone like him in the middle of the night where she was not likely to be heard in time. But no, it was wrong to assume that she was weak. She wasn't. He began again to answer her questions, slowly and tentatively, and simultaneously removed his hands from his pockets and left them in plain sight at his sides: no reason to possibly frighten her anymore tonight if he could help it.

"I don't know who he was. He must have been some kind of psychopath or satanist or something. Your guess is as good as mine," a lie, but a small one. It sounded ridiculous even saying it. "I interfered when I saw him hit you. He was intending to finish off his other victim before taking you with him...I don't know where and I don't know why. Suffice to say for reasons I'm sure we'd both rather not know. He ignored me and picked you up, and as he was leaving I picked up your gun and shot him in the leg. He went down. I roughed him up a bit. He left. I did my best to keep the old woman alive and made sure you were alright. And you know the rest. The shot must have been a poor one--I've never been much of a shot--because he got away."

Livy nodded as he gave his name Lance... Interesting name, usualy one she assumed fit preppy guys and glory hounds... But... Apparently not this one. The one she knew in high school had been a real jerk.

"It might still... It's just a usual case though really... It might just dissapere unless the guy is caught." She said with a shrug. "I honestly just hope he leaves town and doesn't come back... It would make things a lot easier, but I have a feeling that that's not the case." She said with a sigh as she took her hair down from the ponytail it had been trapped in all afternoon and night. it was starting to give her a headache really, more than her jaw that was still slightly sore.

"Psycho's right... But you don't know what he was doing? I mean... I thought I saw him biting the woman... But even though the human jaw is pretty powerful, teeth still aren't sharp enough to peirce skin." She shook her head and ran her fingers through a tangle in her hair before putting it back loosely.

Livy frowned as he said that he didn't want to think of why he wanted to take her, and the thought made a cold shiver run down her spine, killing most of the good nature and cheer in her. If there was one thing she despised more than anything, it was rape... There was no excuse, no justification... It was just wrong. "No... I'd rather not think about that thank you." She muttered, crossing her arms over her chest.

"But that's what happened to my shot... I had a field day explaining that... I've never pulled the trigger. In the two years I've been in training and in practice and all, even when I was told, when I should have... I never once pulled the trigger. I can't. I don't know why, I just can't. And they know it. They know that I refuse to judge someone. So I said that I fired a shot into the air to get his attention at first." Livy bit her lip slightly. She hated lying, but what else could she have done.

"Why... why didn't you just tell me all of this before? I could have left your name out or said that you left before I could detain you when I was checking on Mrs Tepton. We usualy dont' go too far into that if the officer has the whole story. It would have saved me a lot of greif Lance..." Her tone wasn't accusing, but now... Could she go back and file a new report? No. And she had already told a few people what happened and she couldn't just change her story. That would be stupid.

"Oh. Sorry. I'm Olivia by the way Olivia McFarland." She said with a small smile, trying to recover her usual good cheer.

He shook his head slowly, his eyes reading into her expression thoughtfully as she spoke. Simply thinking about the encounter that now seemed so far past made that knot of anxiety return to his stomach, made his gaunt face turn just a bit moreso. It was a blessing, at least, that she did not know how close she had come to what Lance assumed would have been a very terrible ending to a young, growing life.

"I certainly hope I have not caused you too much trouble. And I am sincerely sorry," he looked her straight in the eye, unblinking. "There wasn't time to tell you before and--" and what? Go on, tell her that if they asked you who you were and did their research they'd discover that you don't exist. "--and I am truly sorry that it caused you so much trouble. I'm sorry I forced you to lie. I'm sorry for disappearing on you--that was rude. But I am very grateful for what you did, grateful that you let me go without forcing me to stay."

He blinked and looked away, lowering his eyes and waiting, perhaps, for more questions. Instead, he received her name, much to his surprise. The warmth in her voice returned, something he had not noticed before but recognized now.

"Olivia McFarland," he smiled gently, his eyes still diverted. "That sounds very Irish." She looked it, too, he now realized.

She couldn't stand watching his face grow even more stressed and sad. "No, it's okay, don't worry, I'm sure I can handle it and all. I mean I don't want to seem ungreatful but you helped me a lot, maybe even saved my life Lance. It's fine really, I'm sure that this will all just blow over and get lost inthe papers anyway." Livy said trying to reasure him, her eyes unable to break away from his at all as she looked at him. There was just something about them that she couldn't ignore, couldn't look away.

When he finaly broke the eye contact, Livy wanted it back. She wanted to see his eyes again, feel that connection that they had with each other.

She grinned though as he commented on her name. "Yup. You can call me Livy by the way, and how two people of direct irish decent meet in Cancun, they've never told me, but they did." She said with a light laugh. "Was it the name or the hair that gave it away?"

Her emerald eyes flicked around desperatly to find his, to reach his once more. She didn't want hin to be sad, she wanted to make him happy and cheerful, wanted to see him smile and hear him laugh. Life was too short to be so sad, and Livy knew that well.

"I have no doubt that you can handle the situation yourself. I just hope it doesn't--," he lifted his shoulders, trying to find the right wording, "prove to be difficult, I guess."

He relented into a half-smile as the cheeriness returned to her voice, fully-armed and ready to lighten the mood. He had to admit: he admired her for being able to do that. In all his life he had only met a small handful of people who could seem so incredibly optimistic even if they did not exactly feel that way. It was a gift to be able to spread that kind of happiness, a gift he wished he possessed.

"I think it was a bit of both," he grinned, his eyes lighting up with silent laughter. Now this was strange. He knew better than to have hope that he could stick around long, but her happiness was downright contagious. Still smiling gently, he turned his eyes on her again.

"How's your head? Do you feel alright?"

God, she had had a rough night, the poor thing. He silently kicked himself for not having intervened sooner. He could have done something to spare her the trouble, of that he was certain. That thought prompted him to remember that she would probably feel a whole lot better if he'd let her just get home and get some rest, but he couldn't bring himself to do it--not just yet.

Livy smiled brighter as she saw his lips turn upwards slightly. He still looked sad, but it was a little better than before. "Well... It might get hard, but I'll be okay I'm sure." She said with a smile. "But still, like I said, if I get fired, you better help me try to find a new job." She chuckled, though she was indeed being serious.

She felt her heart lighten as the smile reached his eyes. They were even more captivating than before really, she couldn't explain it, but they seemed so bright and not nearly as sad.

"Oh, I'll be fine. I got knocked around a lot in training and when I spar with the other officers, I make sure they don't go easy on me. What good would it do right?" Livy said with a shrug. It was still a little sore, but by moring it would be better.

She knew she needed to get home, but she didn't want to leave yet. She wanted to talk with him some more but didn't know how to really go about it. "Um... Hey, Lance. I was thinking... Wanna walk home with me maybe? I always like to have company and someone to talk to." She asked hopefully. He would be a good friend to have really, a good person to have around if she got in trouble.

He thought about what she said carefully. When he reached his decision--it took but a second--he smiled and nodded, promising that he would indeed help her find a job if she needed to look for a new one because of the trouble he had put her through. He wasn't so sure he'd be of much use for reasons obvious to him and not to her, but he would try his best to fix what he had made wrong.

"Certainly, I'd like to walk you home," the smile stayed fixed this time, not threatening to vanish nearly as quickly as those that had come before.

He would feel much better if she did not walk home alone, and he in truth he was not ready to leave her company. How sad was that? He hardly knew the poor thing and already he wanted to spend more time with her, to talk to her and find out about her. It was not a healthy choice, but it was one he made subconsciously and simply could not question for reasons he was not sure he understood.

"Do you always walk home alone?" His brow furrowed slightly when he asked it, turning to walk with her up the trail and away from the near-empty police station. It was stupid to ask a question like that when referring to a cop, but he asked it regardless. His head was bowed slightly again, his hands perched in his pockets--it was his typical stance, one he took on without realizing it. "But I guess you don't usually have to stay here this late, huh?" He smiled apologetically, glancing at her.

"Really? You wouldn't mind? I mean... I kinda live a fair walk from here." She admitted. "I usualy just bike alone, listening to my iPod or whatever, but I like company. It always makes me feel good." She said with a smile, glad that he seemed to be relaxing slightly and begining maybe to enjoy himself.

"Huh? Oh, nah, I usualy get off maybe half an hour earlier at most or even later depending on my shift." Livy said with a shrug. "But yeah, I've always biked home alone. Well unless one of the other officers gets off at the same time as me and offers a ride." She gave a grin. "Apparently they don't trust me with a squad car." She chuckled. "But growing up in the city, I never needed to really drive. I have my bike and the public transportation is good too so I mean there's no need to drive for me." She gave a shrug.

"So I can at least know that I'm not polluting the air around me!" Livy seemed to chirp happily.

"Do you live far from here? I mean if my place is out of your way, I don't wanna trouble you or anything. It is a bit of the hike, I live over by the university..."

"No, really, it's alright," he assured her, laughing quietly and smiling just as quietly to himself. "Walking is good, and I can start making up for all the trouble I've caused you by walking you home."

He lifted his head, his gaze sweeping across the road before them, searching for any signs of anything unusual. It seemed very unlikely that something else would happen, but what had happened earlier had not exactly been normal either. He would feel absolutely terrible if something else was to happen to her tonight--he couldn't deny that. And besides, the moon was out again, having shed its cloudy cover and now lighting the way, making the night feel even more brisk than it already was.

The streets of Demaitre were never really empty, but at this hour they were far from being as chaotic as they were in the earlier evening. It was pleasant now that the buzz had died down, and it was quiet--something he had learned to appreciate.

"Do your shifts change often? That's pretty incredible. I never could get used to having my sleeping patterns changed all the time. How long have you been working as a police officer?"

"If you say so. I mean, I really don't wanna be a bother. If I had my other bike, I could just give you a ride home or to my house or wherever." She said with a sigh, a delighted grin coming on to her face. "My Nightster is a thing of beauty. I dont' care what anyone says."

Yeah it was a thing that Livy cherished more than anything. It had been a graduation gift from her parents. She had wanted to ride a motorcycle for so long, but they had always been so against it and then her friend drove her home from her graduation ceremony and there was the bike! Brand spanking new, just out of a custom shop where the silver metalic flames had been painted on the side, and a metalic green four-leaf clovers on each side of the main part of the bike.

'LKYGRL' was what the plate read and she knew she was.

"Well, it might not be as good nooow, but it's still the best thing I own and the only other thing I drive. Never been behind the wheel of a car." She said with a grin. "Kinda odd huh?"

"But yeah, they change every once in a while. Like about every two weeks. It's okay by me. And I'll volunteer to come in when they need people so yeah, it can get a little rough, but I can do it. After all, still young with plenty of energy right?" She laughed.

"I've only been an officer... A few months now. After I finished my associates last fall semester. So I've been an officer about five months... But I worked in the department before that, as a clerk and a go-fer. So I mean I know how things work and all."

He strolled along beside her, smiling despite himself at her undeniable liveliness and youthful charm. He felt ancient standing next to her, listening to her talk of her blossoming life, which really had only just begun--but the feeling was not a negative one. He did not envy her: he had had his time to live as she did. In fact, her energy was nothing short of admirable. He tried to picture the bike she described and smiled, shaking his head with quiet laughter, his eyes lighting up brilliantly.

"That's not odd. I'm not much of a driver myself--never have been really," he shrugged amiably, donning a crooked smile. "I'm convinced they're metal deathtraps anyway. And you think you're weird," he teased lightly.

"You must be very brave and very strong to take on such a dangerous job, especially in a city like this one. It seems crime's getting worse every day now--or, maybe that's just my endless pessimism. Do you ever get frightened?"

He glanced at her again, the light fading quietly from his eyes and hardening into its more neutral state. It was a question whose answer he was rather curious about. He doubted she had seen anything quite like she had unfortunately witnessed tonight--and he hoped that she never had to see anything like it again--but even careless vampires contributed to only a fraction of the crime in the dark city. A whimsical breeze swept past them, just ruffling the debris around them--but it also pressed his shirt to his skin and he felt the tell-tale coolness of the fledgling's blood against his chest as if he needed reminding.

Livy bit her lip as Lance began to talk about how the city was just getting worse and worse... How she had a dangerous job.

"Frightened? Well... I... I suppose I do... But I really try not to think about it. You... You reall can't do that in this job and really be happy and put everything you have into it. Well All the other guys say you can, but I don't think so. Well, you can't do that and still be happy and sane."

She looked up at him for a second.

"The city seems to be getting worse and worse... Yeah I have to admit... But if I think about that, I just get overwhelmed, stressed and I can't do the best at my job that I should be able to do." Livy brushed her bangs out of her eyes "Like tonight. Sure that weirdo got away... But I was able to save someone. I focus on what I've done instead of what I haven't done."

Livy's face suddenly turned very red as she looked away.

"Eh... Sorry, I didn't really answer your real question did I? About being scared and all? I mean I think I did... But then I got a bit off track there with my usual rant about thinking positive and all that jazz..." She said sheepishly.

He nodded slowly, listening in silence as she explained her approach on dealing with what he was convinced must be more than a slightly difficult job. But she remained confident and brave in spite of the fact that she admitted to it being a tough situation to handle. Lance found himself continuously impressed by her undeniable mettle and sincerely hoped that it was far more than the common bravery of youth. In his heart he knew it was so.

"I'm sorry," he apologized with a distracted smile. "I tend to ask too many questions, don't I? I don't mean to interrogate you. Sometimes it seems I can't help but bring on the entire Inquisition. It's not exactly polite..."

His voice trailed off and the smile faded, his eyes growing distant again. Just listening to himself for a minute reminded him painfully of how poorly he fit in with the world around him. He had his doubts that he would ever be able to flow as freely as time did. It was obvious to anyone that he did not belong, a pathetic anachronism insistant on clinging to its old ways and entirely unable to conform.

He tried to think of something more interesting to say and found himself at a loss for words. So instead he reverted to his usual Lance-ish self and diverted his gaze and kept quiet.

Livy laughed brightly as he said that he was interogating her. "Oh, hah! You have no idea what a real interogation is like do ya! First off, the person in custody has to be unwilling to give the information. If they give it willingly, it's called a conversation." She said with a playful wink.

"And hey! You're not burning me for being a witch, you're not accuing me of herasy, so I would haaardly call this the Second inquisition." She said as her bright eyes looked over at him again but now... Now he was sad. Was... Was it something she said? Something she did? After all, he had been cheerful before, but now he seemed like he was trying to pull away. Had she been to forward asking him to walk her home? Was that something she really shouldn't have done?

"Um... I guess what I mean is that I don't mind the questions. Really I don't Lance. I mean I find it odd that someone is actually interested in me or my job or anything. I mean... I kinda lost touch will all my friends from High School and all, so I guess I feel kind of weird without them around and kinda nervous... And I guess I talk more when I'm nervous or something..." She said biting her lip slightly as she fell silent.

With a sigh Livy dropped her head slightly, falling silent. Maybe it would just be better if she didn't talk...

He smiled to himself as she spoke, his head bowed as always and his eyes shimmering with this strange, soothing effect she seemed to be so good at. It took him a moment to realize that, when she fell silent, it was pretty much entirely his fault. He glanced up at her quickly, alarmed and feeling guilty for having made her think that she was being overly-talkative or anything of the sort.

"No, Livy," he did not realize he had even used her nickname until after he had said it, "no, I didn't mean to be--" He fell silent, biting back anything he had intended to say and thinking carefully. "I'm sorry if I seem...reserved or irritated or anything like that--I'm not. I'm just...well, you might've guessed that I'm not the most talkative person." What the hell are you trying to say? You're not making any sense!

Lance slowed to a stop and turned to face her completely, not looking away and not bowing his head--really looking straight at her for once to make it clear that he meant every word he was about to say.

"You're not talking too much, really. I'm just...I don't talk with people very often. I'm just not that kind of person, I guess. I'm sorry. I know how rude I sound, believe me, I do. I swear I'm not too much of a condescending asshole," he smiled lightly, his eyes blazing to life again. "I enjoy your company. I really do. Alright?"

His heart seemed to shiver coldly in his chest, threatening to wake up and run. In all truth, Lance was feeling very vulnerable at the moment. He hadn't really meant to go all-out and rant at her like that, but he did want her to know the truth. Of course, it was only now that he realized what a dangerous move he had just made. Yes, he did enjoy her company. No, he was not looking forward to just walking away from knowing her--she was an interesting person with a refreshing personality that intrigued him. But he had to. He was a monster--she was an innocent young lady with a whole life ahead of her.

Livy nearly ran into him as he stopped in front of her so suddenly. Well, at least she thought it was simply because she wasn't paying attention. "Huh? Oh..."

The blush rose on her cheeks as he talked, seemingly praising her for her outgoing personality. "Well... I know I talk a lot, it's okay Lance, really. I kinda had to learn to make myself heard or no one would ever listen to a thing I said. Or at least not take me seriously. I mean... With my height... I tend to get overlooked by those who don't know me... So I guess I try to be bigger in the ways I can." She gave a little shrug.

"Some people aren't used to it really though," The blush was beginning to recede a bit now though. "so don't worry. You're not an asshole. Really." But... He liked her company? Did... Did he really mean that? Or was that some guy talk for something else? But he didn't seem like the kind of guy who would just try to get a girl in bed for one night and just vanish again.

Was he?

Everyone said she was always too trusting, to open and honest with everyone she met.

Having nothing to really hide, Livy didn't really care. But some people did have things that they wanted hidden, Livy knew that just as well as any.

"I'm glad you like my company. I might not be anything too prety, but I know how to have a fun time and like to make sure others are having just as much fun." She said with a lopsided smile.

He returned her smile with a crooked one of his own and nodded once, turning to continue their walk. As usual, he'd overdone it, but for a reason he could not explain, he had simply wanted her to know that his quietness--the very reserve that scared so many people away for probably a good reason--was not his attempt at being rude.

Despite the bit of awkwardness his sudden rant had placed him in, he walked on, oblivous to it. After living for so long and so distantly, it was strange interacting with someone so very now. His detached lifestyle had never been intended and was one of the main reasons why he moved so poorly through time, but no mortal cliche was as true as the one stating that old habits die hard.

"People are foolish not to notice you because of something so insignificant. I imagine that might work to your advantage once and awhile being a police officer, hm? I'd be willing to bet you've encountered many criminals who underestimated you and paid dearly for it, right?"

He smiled at her, his cold eyes still swirling with a renewed vigor and alertness. He had absolutely no trouble picturing this young, sharp woman taking down a number of confused and enraged criminals without even breaking a sweat. Despite her slight "disadvantage," stature-wise, she seemed cut out for what she did.

"Only the stupid ones..." She said with a shrug. "I mean, you have your criminals that are just dumb as bricks... But others... Other who know just what they're doing. There was an officer who was attacked by a seventeen year old boy, he lead her into an empty room in the mall making her think that he had stole something... Nearly raped her." Livy gave a slight shudder. She would have hated to be in the other woman's shoes. And Kat she had seen was taller and bigger than her too, and from what she had heard, the woman bairly escaped.

"But she said he knew just what he was doing... And it's things like that that really scare me... So... I know it's childish, but I just... Pretend that they never happened. Because If I think about them, I'm afraid I'll just become so scared that I won't be able to do my job right. And I know that a lot of people are counting on me here, so I can screw up."

Livy paused for a moment, wondering if she should really keep talking or not.

"I mean, I've taken down my fair share for the few months I've been here, but nothing to really brag about."

"That's a lot of pressure to handle," he commented quietly, trying to consider the dangers of being a mortal woman with such a competitive job. "The station is lucky to have you. You're going to move up quickly."

It was more than a prediction. Lance knew people. It was one of the few things he had ever been useful for in both havles of his life, and he could discern certain qualities in people that they themselves sometimes did not realize. She was built for her job. Her optimism kept her protected from fear and her courage kept her coming back to protect those who needed protection. She was a strong woman. She would make it far. The only thing that could stop her would be some freak accident--like the one that had happened tonight. But he refused to think about that anymore, not now.

"So this is it for you, huh? This is what you have been looking for, job-wise. You intend to stay working as an officer in Demaitre and work on Juvenille Justice? How long have you lived in Demaitre?"

The scenery slipped by, largely unnoticed, his attention unwaveringly focused on her. The night was cool and felt like a soothing balm--perfect, really. There were a few distant clouds building up that had the potential to threaten rain, but they were far and unmenacing.

Livy looked down with a sheepish grin as her face began to turn strawberry red at his words. "Ah... I dunno about that... I'm sure that they could do just fine without me." She gave a little giggle, like a little girl, well like the girl she really was. "And well... I dunno how fast I'll go anywhere. At least not until I get my Bachelors. I was only able to get this job because I've been working as a clerk since I was like seventeen." She gave a little shrugg, kicking at the gorund as she walked.

They walked in silence for a few moments but it wasn't awkward. It was a little od for Livy herself, but there wasn't any tension that she coudl feel.

"Uh, yeah. I really wanna work with the at-risk Teen Group. I mean... The only way to make the world a better place in the future, is to change the way kids today think. It's the only way that I can see where it would actually work." She said as he asked about her career choice.

"But I've been here all my life. My dad moved up here after he finished college when my mom found out she was pregnant. She still had some more school to go so he moved up here to help her out." Livy giggled lightly again. "How a spring break turned into a life long love, it's really astounding. I just hope I can be as lucky one day... I mean, not now... I know it's stupid, but I want to get my life settled before I meet someone. But... A lot of the women in the force seem to end up alone and it's kind of... Well..." She sighed and looked up at him for a moment. "Depressing. I dont' want to be alone forever yeah?"

Granted she wasn't really into guys at the moment. She'd notice a cute one every now and then, but her hormones never really kicked in to send her guy crazy or anything. There was no point. Most guys never even thought she was pretty. She was too much like them, enjoying the same things. She was a friend, a good consult when they needed advice on women. Not much more. And she was content with that.

"What about you? What do you do? What do you want to do with your life?"