abyssdressing | (no subject)

[A faint smile appears when the crossbow gives a familiar click.]

Ah, there we go! Now... where the devil am I?

[Starts looking around trying to get a glimpse of anything familiar.]

[ There was something else about this one that he couldn't place just yet. It was familiar, making him pause in what would have been a swift attack. Damn his foggy mind and lethargic body. If he missed on the first strike, the fool might have time to take aim with the pathetic weapon he held. ]

....

[ A few minutes of waiting would do no harm. Just until his guard was down. ]

[No matter how long he looked nothing rang familiar in this strange place. He was growing more anxious now. He's never really been on his own before... and this place didn't look at all like London.]

Bullocks... I apologized to that gypsy! So temperamental...

[He lowered the bow and rested a hand on his hip with a sigh. There was something wrong though... he felt... watched. Looking around the living soul tried to pinpoint where that feeling was coming from.]

Asch?

[It felt like him but no... something was off.]

[ How hard is was to resist a laugh! He couldn't have more than a sliver of preservation instincts to just stand out in the street with no cover nearby. Asch was willing to bet that he could get a bite in before his duplicate got so much as a glance of him. ]

[ In complete silence save for the scarcest rustling of fabric, he drifted down behind Luke, upside down and prepared to snap his teeth into his target's neck. ]

[The feeling grew stronger and stronger until... THERE! Whirls around with a cross in hand, pressing it in the face of whatever just snuck up on him.]

BACK!

[ Asch's eyes widen in surprise at finding himself face to face with the holy object and he flies backwards with a snarl, righting himself in the process. ]

I was mistaken.

[It all happened so quickly. In a flash of red and black the creature withdrew and it was then that Luke finally got a good look at him.]

Oy! Asch, love... what are you doing sneaking up on me like that! You're lucky I didn't shoot you!

[Frowns but starts walking over to him.]

Didn't hurt you did I?

[ Did this silly creature call him "love"? How fortunate that he was given so much vital information in only a few sentences; getting what he needed would be little problem if he played his hand right. ]

...no. Not at all. It will take more than that to harm me.

[ In spite of his words, he rubbed at the faint burn marring his face as he floated back down to be level with his prey. ]

[Stops just a bit away from him and smiles.]

Hn, too right, love.

[Reaches a hand out to caress his cheek before something seemed to dawn on. His hand withdraws and he frowns.]

Your accent... why are you speaking so oddly...?

[That wasn't the only odd thing. That feeling... that pull of soul and body. It felt off... very off. Steps back with a confused frown.]

[ The smile is returned, appearing more genuine the closer he drifts, until his mirror's words freeze him in his tracks, the tip of one foot poised for landing. Accent?]

Hmm...?

[ ...of course. It was a childish and yet fatal mistake on his part. Inwardly he cursed his lack of thought and the damned hunger that had driven him to forgo studying his target. Now it would be a matter of making it out alive. ]

[His finger slipped over the trigger of his crossbow and he held it up.] Who sent you? What are you? A cheap doppleganger? Where is Asch!

[ Frisky for a human. Aware that one wrong move would leave him in a world of pain, he chooses to remain still. ] No one. A vampire. No. I do not know.

Those are the answers to your questions.

I know you're a vampire... but why do you look so much like my vampire...

[Too much like him. That tug of soul and body was there but it wasn't a match. This wasn't his Asch... what kind of cruel joke was this?]

Perceptive of you, human.

[ There was a soft sound as he landed, unable to maintain his position above the ground any longer. His hand casually rested on the hilt of his sword though it were an armrest not a weapon. ]

Have you seen those that reside here? Then you should know why. Our uniqueness is lessened by the many others.

I've just arrived...

[Glances at the sword and aims a bit more purposefully.]

Where is this place? Are we even in Europe anymore?

[ Lets his arm drop back to his side with a sigh. ]

That I cannot tell you, though the answer to your second question is no. You're far from home.

[Still eyes him cautiously but lowers the bow slightly.]

I am...? How can that be... I was just home moments ago... [Looks a little anxious. He'd never been alone and away from home before... He was looking forward to some training with Guy and a night in Asch's arms.]

Bugger all... What's going on! [Frustrated growl and he accidentally sets off the trigger on his crossbow, sending an arrow zipping just by Asch's ear... SHIT!]

[ He continues to watch his mirror watching him, subtly mimicking his movements without meaning to. ]

Your guess is as good as mine. Logic has little place where we are now. Though you need not worry; needs are easily taken care of here. Well, for most, anyways.

[ His eyes flash when Luke's temper flares, and in the next moment he's nose to nose with the human. ]

...

[DAMMIT!]

S-stand back creature!

[Cross still in hand he brings it back up to try burning him off again.]

[ Ready this time, he merely smacks the trinket out of the other's hand before grabbing it -- and pressing the lost arrow into his palm. ]

Do not aim at those you don't desire to kill. Never ready your weapon until you are prepared to take responsibility.

[Makes a startled sound when his cross is knocked away and braces himself for an attack... huh? Looks from his hand and back to the vampire.]

It was meant for self defense... I don’t wish to kill you if I don’t have to…

[Closes his hand around the arrow.]

Nor I. You knew what I was yet still you approached without intent to destroy me. Most would attempt to kill on sight.

[ Withdraws his own hand and steps back, giving a half bow. ]

My thanks.

...You don't? Even with your obvious hunger?

[Tucks the arrow away. Answers before he's asked.]

Your hands. My Asch is a vampire as well... When he's that cold it usually means he's hungry...

...I see. No, my allies are few. You have more value alive than dead.

[ A smirk plays at his lips. Honest at least? ]

The cold is in part due to being asleep for so long. A bit of blood and I should be well in no time.

Hn, as long as I don't have to get you out of trouble often, then that's fine by me. [Slightly teasing grin.]

A bit? ...Very well... Do you prefer wrist or neck?