Unexpected Pleasure

[dante]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=090a0c] What was great about Las Vegas? How easy it was to loiter on the street staring at people from one of many, varied shadows and not get a single remark about it. Throngs of people just flowing by. Just because he'd taken a little vacation to the arid desert didn't mean Dante'd stopped torturing himself with the sweet, delicious aroma of Humans. Oh, there were plenty that smelled foul, but so many more were delicate flowers to be plucked, savored, and then merrily left for them to find new purchase on life. Even if they couldn't remember the particulars, Dante always imagined being nibbled on by a vampire must be revelatory. Arousing at least. Maybe that was just him. At that moment, the man dressed in dark blue jeans, a white shirt, and a thin, leather jacket was loitering about the intersection of Excalibur, New York New York, and MGM; or, more to the point, right outside the Coyote Ugly. Even from here he had a good view of the sexy, smokin' ladies giving the fully/scantly-clothed show of the night. Just because he loved a good, hot crimson drink more than anything didn't mean he'd forgotten what it was like holding someone against his body. In fact, combining the two was a very pleasurable undertaking for both parties involved. Still, he wasn't there to seduce a girl into his arms. There were plenty of times where Dante enjoyed a hands off approach. A strictly observational status. Perhaps it was just more of the masochism expressing itself, but he felt like he shouldn't drown himself in all the pleasures the world had to offer too soon. Dante didn't want to end up like one of those dried up, boring old prunes they called vampires that were centuries old; this was a party that should last forever. Unrealistic? Maybe. Did it look like he cared? One way or another, sooner or later, he was going to enjoy being dead to the fullest. All the political bullshit and maneuvering could wait until after the party was over--he just hoped it won't come at the cost of his soul (ability to enjoy being alive). Suddenly the poignant aroma of blood struck him head on. Dante sucked in the scent involuntarily; his fangs snapped out before he pressed his lips shut and let his eyelids descend. Pale blue eyes rolled back into his head as he fought the tremble and cold sweat pricking his flesh. Fresh blood was totally addictive. Some vampire in there got lucky and a thin little rivulet of blood was now malevolently toying with the innocent bystander of a vampire. After a minute of enduring the wave of hungry and bloodlust gripping his body, Dante swallowed the lump in his throat and breathed a sigh of relief. The other vampire had finished and cleaned up after themselves; besides the leaked crimson was growing cool and weaker exposed to the air so long. Slowly his hands rose to smooth out any wrinkles in his shirt, then with a quick tug at his jacket made sure it was resting properly on either shoulder. Gods, sometimes Dante wondered if he'd forget what it was like to have sex considering how sexual blood was to him. Was that wrong? Maybe to a Human. Dante didn't care though; why should he be ashamed or concerned about what came naturally to him? Blood was delicious. Both pale blue eyes scanned the crowd milling about the walkway intersection and the bar, taking stock of his environment after drifting off into his own, private fantasy land for a minute there. Maybe it was time to move on. Plenty of other interesting locales on the New and Old Strips to keep him entertained even for one night. Sadly the larger throngs wouldn't last the entire evening, either; though someone was always awake in Las Vegas that didn't mean they were on the street in droves to provide ample amusement and feeding opportunities. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count: 679 Tag: Isabella Note: Don't have to meet at his current scene; he can move into position if there's a place Isabella would rather be.

[IsabellaRoseAyres]

and i've been dying to get out,

but that might be the death of me

The city of sin, Las Vegas. What a place to be for anyone as it is a magnificent view. The amazing blend of lights and attractions ranging from glamorous shows, to the casinos that draw humans in droves to flock towards the place in hopes of hitting it big, instead of blowing it all away. Looking at the blur of faces before her, Isabella sees nothing of true interest, except for being a butcher looking at the cattle and deciding which is the next best to take to the slaughter house and feast upon. With the ever smart Akila in control, the plans keep on buzzing by, as in this environment sneaking someone off can always be a dangerous procedure. However, being dressed up for the situation is always helpful, and as Akila looks over her frame, she could only thank Edjo for giving something good to work with. The light blue dress she casually has covering her body, along with the heels to add just a little more height appeal to her victim, make this more than worthwhile. Walking around the town allows seeking out the perfectly placed person for her, whilst also passing a face here or there blending in well enough to almost not recognize another undead walking about that was encountered long ago. The smells are usually luscious, but suddenly get horrid as a scent of canine assaults her nostrils. Somewhere nearby is a werewolf, and Akila can only do one thing to avoid confrontation, turn face and leave. Walking away from the disgusting scent, she continues onward.

After living for over three thousand years you would think someone could memorize such a place as Las Vegas to walk around with ease. However, remembering the name of the current hotel being occupied is all that is possible for Akila, as the changes this place undergoes constantly is sometimes too much. Turning down another street on her right, the mass throng of people push their way past one another and she tightly holds onto her pocket book full of some useless information, trying to make things easier and lure out a thief to drain and rid the world of more scum. These plans seem worthwhile, but sadly no one takes the bait of easy open gain of possible money. Instead, it is time to truly just lurk and see what springs forth. Scanning the roadways for a good place to camp in the openings of a semi deserted alleyway and seem vulnerable make it way too easy to lure someone in then to sedate the growing hunger within. Lasting would be no issue, it is just that it is better to feed sooner rather than worry about the pain later.

Moving to the side, Akila finds a perfect spot to perch herself against a building as she looks down at the heels adorning her. The small stature of them reminds her the cheapness and effectiveness they could be used for. Many men would willingly help a woman in distress, so if needed, a broken heel could always be a solution. Scanning the streets, Isabella looks at the attractions and the first thing she notices is the Coyote Ugly bar. Scanning the vicinity, it seems that someone else is a lurker of sorts and seems to be giving off some tell tale signs of a younger vampire not experienced in their years. The young male is definatly attractive in his own rights, but Akila is trying her hardest to avoid him. Scanning across the busy road way between the bustling heads and flickering lights all around, only sneak peeks of the face are available. Something of interest is seen about him however, managing to intrigue her enough to find out more and what historical impact he might have. Looking around, a small trash bin is near by that the local pizza shop isn’t using, allowing her to clamber upon it. As she climbs up, kneeling atop is the safest way to generally scan with the lowest chance of being noticed. His eyes either aren’t trained well enough and haven’t caught her figure moving about, or he is considering her a pointless piece, as this rugged guy pays no attention to the young woman in a very open position staring across at her. Trying to remember, all the voices are trying to talk it out and remember who this guy is, but none seem to recollect right away. The face is very familiar, so it had to be within the past twenty years to easily be this vivid without importance. Oddly enough, the usually awkward Lapis is the one to speak the loudest and most correct about the situation. “Wasn’t he involved in one of those cells of hunters we attacked a few years back?” she asks. “I don’t think so there hun,” says Siti, “He seems too far off, plus we usually kill all of them anyways.” “Shush, let me take a better look myself” says Akila in a soft whisper that mutes her head. Trying to focus her retinas through the multi colored lights surrounding everything, finally a paler yellow light passes his face and the features are extremely comparable towards one of the cells they took out not even five years back. Of course the chances of a victim surviving are slim, this could be an interesting change of events. Finally it does hit her that this is one of them and she relays to her ‘sisters’ about the startling rememberance. The loss of a few fellow loved ones, him being the biggest threat they had. "Christiannnnn” hisses Akila, staring him deep down wondering how she will handle her newborn.

Personality in control: Akila
Status: Wide open to continue, as of now Christian / Dante hasn't seen her yet.
Credit: Jared Clarkson
Muse: OMGZAMUSEISALIVEZ!!!!
Word count: 1179
Outfit: www.pollsb.com/photos/o/10164-hayden_panettiere.jpg
Tag: Dante
Notes: Take it over bro, left you alot of room to do something.

[dante]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=090a0c] As he stood in the crowd the sensation of being watched washed over him; it swept over the backs of his shoulders, the claws of adrenaline tearing down into his chest. Dante didn't remember his past life in the Marines, but the instincts--heightened by being a vampire now--remained. It drew his attention and forced him to turn quickly to look off to the side and behind him. His pale blues scanned the crowd on the walkway first (immediate threats), then swung out to the street below (mobile threat), then to the sidewalks. One hand dropped close to the left side of his jacket, slowly slipping inside to where his firearm was holstered. Despite being a fiercesome vampire able to snap a mortal's neck, you couldn't always flash your supernatural powers around in public places like the Las Vegas strip--it upset the locals. Plus it was still a habit, though Dante recalled having much larger guns to shoulder ready and able to give someone an express ticket into the next life. Something about this... this feeling was different. He wasn't that experienced when it came to what supernatural mysteries existed in the world, but this felt more personal. Personal and like nothing he'd felt before. Almost like he shouldn't fight it; but there was still something there, something he couldn't make out, telling him to stay on guard. Every day and night was a battleground. Life was now a subtle war, and an even more fragile peace, but still a war. Whatever it was out there he couldn't expect it'd be anything other than hostile. He wouldn't let himself drop his guard like some new recruit. The man slowly began making his way back across the overpass walkway, lingering near the edge so he could look out at the street. Standing over the middle of the road his eyes spotted a woman standing atop a garbage can looking his way. She could be looking at or for anyone, but something caused his stride to slow as he paid particular attention to her sticking out from the crowd. Never take anything for granted. His breath died in his throat even while his nostrils flared. Dante slowly turned to face the railing and placed both hands on it to support his weight as he leaned out toward the woman. That face. His eyes narrowed and widened as he stood there trying to remember her face. Wasn't recent, then. Before Death. She was the threat. Dangerous. Nonetheless, Dante couldn't bring himself to draw his gun or take any hostile action or gesture toward this mysterious female that'd been staring in his direction. Different. Something was different about this one. Something told him he should walk the other way. Lose her. Something else told Dante to find her. With a sharp snort he bolted from where he stood and made for the street side where stairs would lead down to the sidewalk. Dante loved a good chase; he loved the excitement and danger that filled every night. How was this going to be different? One more calculated risk. One more game. Time to see if the woman was looking for him and what role she chose to play; but if all she did was stand still Dante was going to hunt her down. He had to know who she was and what she meant to him even if she was a hostile creature. Hell, perfect strangers or known enemies alike... every man needed something eager to provide challenges in life. You'd run out of things to do if it became predictable. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count: 613 Tag: Isabella Note:

[IsabellaRoseAyres]

and i've been dying to get out,

but that might be the death of me

Watching Christian has Isabella excited, as the voices are alight with buzz about seeing one of her former enemies is still alive for more fun. However, his senses from his human training haven’t disappeared as he can somehow sense she is onto him. In a dress and heels this will be a fun encounter if he spots her, which is what is wanted to truly see what he has about him. Edjo and Amunet both are fighting with the rest to shush slightly this way they can assist Akila, as the three of them could help decimate this guy if he is as fresh as hopefully they think he is. As the guy disappears into the crowd, the voices are silent as the girls know this is a time when the best need to think and talk it out. First of all is where to get him from, as spotted from atop the dumpster makes an easy catch usually. This isn’t so for the crafty female, as she spots a nice gap between two buildings across the alley way. The gap isn’t large at all, one which requires mighty finesse to get into. However, being skinny instead of bulky, Bella can easily slide her way into the thin slot. Looking up, the perch is perfect to jump down upon an unexpecting victim as the lights are more towards the outer edges of the alley.

Reaching out to the sides, taking a test of the walls, the heels grab perfectly into the rocky siding, making it very possible to perch up higher for an attack. Slowly maneuvering in the tightened space, Bella grasps the sides and jumps up the equivalent of about two feet every twenty seconds to a half minute, making it a somewhat tedious pace with the short time she has to perch herself in an unseeable position. Having spotted some fire escapes through the alley leads to better cover, as just moving about a foot or so back from the mouth of the gap allows her to keep view, without the bigger chances of him spotting her. Looking down, Bella is even greater she chose this placing, as the many obstacles of dumpsters littering the alley way could give cover, but nowhere near enough for what is needed.

The biggest benefit to her being a part of the living undead is that Christian won’t know she isn’t human either at first and might check some of the spots that would be common for them, before even beginning to check the upper perches. Of course, if he leaves soon after wards, she might have to tail him before anything else happens. This could turn very eventuful night, and hopefully it will lead to some fun that Bella has been seeking lately since the last person she got involved with recently seemed to sputter out and not offer enough for long term fun. Watching below, Akila tenses up and shouts to everyone yet again to shush as a shadow is seen entering the alleyway below. Scanning the ground to see who it is, the fun is about to begin as Christian walks into the thin walkway, possibly setting one of them up for demise.

Personality in control: Akila
Status: Perched high between two buildings, awaiting time to strike or flee
Credit: Jared Clarkson
Muse: Back to normal for now
Word count: 755
Outfit: www.pollsb.com/photos/o/10164-hayden_panettiere.jpg
Tag: Dante
Notes: Have fun with what we talked about

[dante]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=090a0c] Dante rushed up onto the alleyway, but drew to a stop at the corner on the sidewalk. He didn't pay any attention to the mortals drifting by; they weren't a concern as he stalked the woman that he noticed wasn't on her perch any more. Drawing in a breath, the man's eyes narrowed as he worked on shifting out a stranger's scent. Not an easy task, but he had to try. After a moment of surveying the entrance, he finally slipped inside. The leather jacket flared behind him as his right hand drew out the handgun holstered inside. Both hands wrapped about the grip as he kept the barrell low until he had a viable target. He drifted close to the dumpster and found all the pleasant aromas it held along with the faint scent of less putrid fragerance. Perfume. Possibly the suspect's. It drew him deeper into the confines away from the public. Visual scan of the area as he started to gradually make his way in, one step at a time managing to avoid puddles or fallen debris, suggested the quarry had fled or taken to cover. Sorry, Sweets, Dante mentally mused, but the gun was staying out until he knew who and what the mysterious woman was. He was deadly fast, but if the subject was laying in wait then even a fast vampire might not be quick enough to avoid a werewolf taking a bite out of him with his bare hands. A silver bullet, on the other hand, might make such a beastie think twice. Not knowing what the woman was made Dante pay attention to the street and survey the rooftops nearby. Part of the reason he was walking out in the middle of the street, as narrow as it might be, was to give him time to react to whatever he was stalking or was now stalking him. If it was just a Human with a gun, being shot didn't much concern Dante so cover wasn't as important as it might be to a mortal hunting someone. Hell, it'd be nice if they dropped the charade and tried shooting him already. Something made him think his prey wasn't Human, though. Just that strange feeling. The way she'd been looking at him. Hunter? Perhaps. Maybe he was just deluding himself into thinking there'd been more. Standing back on that walkway, however, staring at the female on the dumpster... her gentle features made him want to reach out and stroke that fine, smooth cheek and gaze into her pretty eyes. At the same time it was that feeling that told him she was deadly; which is why he was blindly holstering his gun and asking her to 'come out, come out, wherever you are.' Every sound, every smell, and every shift of a shadow drew a measured examination by Dante as he made his way deeper into the darkness all around him. There were several lights that made it difficult to see some spots, but that was why he employed all of his senses to try and determine where the woman had gone. She could be far away, somewhere else in the city, but running blindly into the alleyways, with no indication she had left or which direction she'd gone, would be a waste of his time--and far more likely to result in running into an ambush. No, either she was here, or she'd seen him coming and bolted before he arrived. Damn mortals preventing him from getting here faster. It'd be pretty damn nice if he could fly or turn into bats or something. Las Vegas was the worst place to be a quick vampire... the rooftops were too tall in most places, too spread apart, too many people on the Strip, and far too many lights. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count: 651 Tag: Isabella Note:

[IsabellaRoseAyres]

and i've been dying to get out,

but that might be the death of me

Carefully watching below, Akila keeps her quiet demeanor locked in as she tries to not alert the man about her whereabouts. As she sees him walking into the thin strip, he reaches into his pocket and surprise surprise, a gun pops out. To an untrained person, it would probably just be normal, but this is one point where Bella can thank her gods that she isn’t a werewolf, as otherwise she would have to worry if it was silver shot inside it or not. As the man traverses the alley, he looks upwards a bit, but thankfully the businesses have lights outside that taint his vision. This stops him from spotting her perched in the thin gap, her dress stressed from the positioning of her legs. Torn clothing doesn’t matter much if you aren’t alive to mend or replace it. Plus, this dress was low scale compared to what she might normally adorn.

Time is against Bella, as she knows she has to jump soon or chase this man who is slowly walking away. His senses tell him to stay within the middle of where he is located, which is probably the wisest thing anyone would do. Well trained, can’t deny that. Watching for the opportune time is hard, as the well trained vamp keeps his head motioning around in hopes of spoiling any surprise to him. Careful consideration comes into play, as does timing and luck. Knowing the height of the descent, Isabella looks down and carefully watches where she is herself. Thankfully, a girl can’t accessorize too little, as combat is something someone always has to be ready for. Not knowing if it would have been a rouge wolf at first, Bella made sure her heels like normal were actually pure silver blades, just coated over enough to look the color to match what she needs. Looking down, as Christian passes, finally his alertness doesn’t garnish as much towards the back believing it more safe, albeit from guns of course that can strike from any distance or angle if the shooter is good enough. Taking his slight lack of judgment, Akila screams into her head to get on the ready, before finally jumping off and having her dress billow out slightly to the sides, before landing atop the back of Christian, slamming him down to the ground and rolling off of his back to a standing position before him.

Surprise and shock last for only a moment in the most trained fighters, before their instincts kick in and they can recoil with an attack of their own, negating your edge. So any big play you have, either needs to be well planned, or executed right away. With the height and weight disadvantage, it is particularly important to stay nimble and not lose too much ground against a bigger foe, as Christian will be looking to use his weight to out power and ground the smaller Isabella for good. One question is his morals about attacking women, no matter what they are trying to do to him. Of course with his training, this is more survival instinct kicking in, so that really doesn’t pass her mind too much, instead knowing he would go for her. The biggest fright right now for her would be what is clutched within his grasp, a gun. Sure it wouldn’t kill her usually, unless he has marked up his accuracy since their last encounter, but any wound can take time away from someone and open the possibility to a loss even more.

Charging at Dante, Akila jumps up into the air and leaps at Dante, raising her knees upwards, only to have the man duck to the side and evade her first attack. Christian manages to strike the first blow in known combat, swinging his arm down across her shoulder blades, forcing a rolling motion to not be grounded and leave oneself vulnerable. Instead of going straight up, Amunet yelled to purposely fall down and make it seem like an opening. In doing so, Christian sees the chance to strike on a mistake by his foe, coming in for an advantage in battle. Not knowing her playful posing of the stumble, he falls victim to her pushing off of her back and launching into the air with her legs, wrapping them around his neck and pulling hard. The surprise counter left no time for him to do anything, instead being flung to the side. Going towards the wall, his body impacts with a garbage bin, a small indentation being left into the metal due to the strength and velocity of which he impacted it. As he raises to his feet, gun still grasped within his hands, a small form of knowledge passes between the two. Both are pretty equal with skill. One being trained to hunt and kill at the need to protect his country for what he was sent to do. The other, thousands of years allowing one to train themselves in various forms of battle that many wouldn’t recall anymore.

Skill is a major determining factor, and it is undeniable these two both have it. As they start to circle each other again, Akila looks for an opportunity, as Amunet screams about going in all out as a diversionary tactic and melding from there. Without warning, a sudden jump to the side is needed as otherwise a bullet would be planted firm into the left shoulder blade, as Dante managed to aim and fire within milliseconds of raising his weapon. The smell of the powder reeks in the air, as does the silver coating the bullets. A smart man coming prepared for anything himself. The question of damage can’t be answered right now as turning around to glance how big of a hole the bullet made would leave an opening that would ultimately lead to the end right then. Disarming is the first task and Isabella charges in towards Dante as he has his weapon in hand, unsure of how many bullets he still contains. Going towards him, raising one knee in a quick motion feints towards another jumping attack, but the scene of him diving down is what was wished, allowing her to jumble up his arms into a close proximity range and almost taking the gun fully out of the equation.

Negation of weaponry is beneficial to anyone, as both know what they have is vital. In this close quarters scenario, Christian has the major advantage, but his major flaw is focusing too much on his gun. Such a human tactic, still new to the ways of vampirism and the abilities your strength lends you to toss people around. Managing to negate his quest to aim properly and fire into her short distance for a big explosion, Isabella manages to finally wrestle her arms free to a more compromising position. With a quick jerk of her body, she sends him flying through the air after dropping low and dragging his arms with, thus flipping him to his back on the ground. In doing so, the grip Dante had on his gun finally slips free and Isabella is able to yank it out of his grasp. Within mere milliseconds she is standing up and throwing, the gun going flying a major distance to who knows where, thus eliminating that threat. If he has a backup, that is the only worry now, as otherwise he has nothing else it appears to truly worry her. As she looks up, the hole from the bullet is seen and thankfully she wasn’t hit, as the hole appears to be about half the size of her head.

Distraction is key to winning, or losing depending which side of the battle you are on. In the mere time it took Isabella to process the hole that was left, Dante is able to sweep her feet out from underneath and cause her to fall to the ground. Flat on her back, Christian arises to his feet and comes in for a strike. Doing whatever she can to stay safe, Akila looks for the right spot and Edjo tells her directly where to aim, missing anything vital however due to his speed, slamming a heel blade deep into his abdominal region. The shock and awe spreading across his face about not thinking she would have something like that brings a smile to her, knowing a surprise she had in store for him truly worked out. Her surprise doesn’t last long however, as Christian is well ahead of her and as he pulls backwards, manages to snag her shoe and pull it directly off her foot. One heel down, it is useless to have the other one on also and try to stand, let alone walk or fight. Instead, seeing Christian break the heel before her, Akila snags her other one and breaks off the blade, giving a small weapon she has to use sometime soon if possible if things look up. However, to her dismay, Christian does the same leaving both of them with a small blade to use on another. A stare down ensues as both of them circle one another looking for an opening. "So, looks like you really have improved since our last encounter my sweet little one" says Akila to Christian, hoping to torment him in some form of way, knowing she is his sire but him most likely not knowing yet.

Personality in control: Akila
Status: Yay, Fighting
Credit: Jared Clarkson
Muse: Back to normal for now
Word count: 1830
Outfit: www.pollsb.com/photos/o/10164-hayden_panettiere.jpg
Tag: Dante
Notes: Hope you can handle a fighting scene with a female

[dante]

[atrb=width,450,true][atrb=border,0,false][cs=0][bg=090a0c] A soft ruffle caused Dante to slide his right foot back suddenly. The man brought his right arm up as he began to turn, feeling Akila before she physically slammed into him before he could complete most of his turn. Obviously his opponent was fast; too fast for a Human, and frightfully so if it were a Were. A soft grunt sounded when the air in his lungs were forced out as Akila steamrolled him into the asphalt. Fortunate that air wasn't needed for his mental clarity, but being slammed as he'd been was far from tactically ideal. His head whipped back even as he shoved his body up from the ground and pulled his feet under his upper torso to spring back up in preparation for the follow-up. Female? Not a Were. Vampire then. Scent was right. If Akila were a Were she'd already be beastial if she meant this to be a real fight. Could be playing with him, but only the strongest or dumbest of their lot played when a gun with potentially silver bullets were in the fray; in the time it took them to change he'd plant a bullet in their head. Dodging the next volley, the leather clad fighter slammed in a return favor of his own across her shoulder blades. Quickly moving in, he wanted to pin the woman so they could have a little chat. The unidentified woman, however, thought otherwise. Both hands grabbed at Bella's ankles just before being thrown to one side of the street and into the side of a garbage bin with a loud, resonating thud. Dante snorted as he again, picked himself up and got back to his feet before Bella could capitalize on his position. The fangs behind his lips itched to sink into the woman's neck for all her hard effort when this was over. After he darted away from the bin, Dante circled with his combat partner. It was the first chance he had to fully appraise the creature before him. Pretty. Dangerous. Certainly the type of woman he wouldn't mind sharing an evening with. They wouldn't get bored easily; and, as usually, most things he could think of didn't even involve sex. Studying the way Akila prowled about, Dante waited just a few seconds before his hand shot up and snapped a lone bullet off. It sizzled through the air, sailing for her shoulder, before it zinged off the wall behind her. Quick. Even with his reflexes she saw it coming. She didn't waste any time in responding, either, as she charged in. Bold considering how his aim shifted back in alignment with her pretty body. Given her speed, however, and the suggestion she'd take another leap, Dante waited; he began to lunge low and to the side even as he kept the barrel trained on Akila's body. Once a Vampire was airborne it was difficult to make any sudden corrections to course or speed--she'd be a better target. Jumping high wasn't her intent, however. A low growl threatened his opponent off; he wasn't one to just take someone intruding on his personal space even if he was enjoying it. Soon he was sent back down onto the ground, on his back this time, and again his teeth clacked together. Those pale blue eyes slid open to catch the fiend tossing his gun aside. Goddammit, he hissed, just because guns grew on trees in the modern world didn't mean he liked people throwing his stuff away--especially when it had silver bullets loaded. Deciding this stranger had enough fun, he flipped over onto one side and swung his legs around to take his opponent down to his level while he had the chance. When she hit, Dante whirled up to his feet and then dropped down toward Akila's prone body with his elbow; it might not knock her breath out like a Human, but it would hurt like hell all the same. All the same, the woman was again on a similar or equal level with speed as he was and brought her foot up to meet him; this limb sporting a concealed blade that pierced into his flesh and drew his attack short. Great, now she got blood on his shirt. Jerking out of the strike, knowing neither of them was going to get anything down with him bent over her leg like that, his fingers slid up the length of her exposed limb and tore the shoe off in the retreat. When they both found their places again, shoe in hand, they found themselves in a position to evaluate one another a second time; only, this time, she spoke. "First off," Dante waved the stolen blade in the air between them as his left knee rose up toward his chest where he stood, "I'm not little." His free hand kicked the pants' leg up to allow the man access to the long, slender blade concealed on his calf. "Second, I was a Master then and I'm a Master now," one blade in either hand, he took a moment to smile at his friendly opponent. "Only difference now is I can keep up." Yeah, being a mortal hunting Vampires must have been a pain in the ass. You didn't fight a Vampire toe-to-toe; how could hunters hope to keep up? Was that what got him killed? Fuck, didn't matter. None of before mattered. Why the hell did she even have to bring it up? "Maybe when we're done you can tell me your name." That was all he wanted; that and why she'd been looking at him--hopefully it'd been him. Not interested in twenty questions, right now, however it was time to give this woman a little down-to-Earth home-style ass kickin'. No showy whirling of the blades here, though the man did sweep in on Akila in the blink of an eye with the small blade coming in from her left and the larger, slimline knife from her right. It was only a three blow exchange, alternating between the two sharp implements, forcing Akila to give ground as she only had one of her own to block with. Feinting with her heel blade, Dante spun about, letting the six inch blade spin in place over his palm before it popped up into the air a few, scant millimeters for him to catch the hilt and jab it at Akila's throat. When she deflected it, as he knew she would, his knees bent, dropping his center of gravity, before he spun back around and delivered a sidekick to her abdomen. The strength of it wasn't everything he could manage, but it'd be enough to send her up against a nearby building with a bit of satisfaction from her earlier abuse. Truthfully, while he'd been pissed about the gun, Dante was far too much of a thrill seeker to let it bother him long. This game, between the two of them, was more entertaining than "revenge." So, with that said, he drew his right hand back and flicked it out toward Akila during her brief stay at the wall. The small blade from her heel buried itself into the mortar beside her head--she was too quick to let that strike, especially after her bullet demonstration. Even his fast follow-up, sweeping in on her against the wall, wasn't fast enough as Akila dodged to the side. A foot caught behind his left leg to pull him down, no doubt to culminate with her blade under his chin, but Dante twisted about and got his elbow in at her side as he rolled away to get out of the compromising position. She stepped up so the two blades met once more, but then reached out and caught hold of his upper arm while grappling at his extended extremity to try and lock the joint in place. A swift tug pulled her in to pin her smaller body against his own to trap her arms from being of any further hindrance. Not to be outdone, the two of them spent a half second trying to out maneuver the other's stance; when she finally got placed to use his own weight against him in yet another flip, however, Dante was ready. She was only getting so many free passes before he figured out her method. Rather than finding his face in the street, or laying on his back admiring the stars he couldn't see through all the haze from The Strip, Dante landed solidly on both feet. Pressing the blade flat against her arm, he countered by hauling her pretty, lighter body up over one shoulder to see how much she liked somersaulting about the battlefield. Maybe she was bored, or maybe she felt like changing up her style so Dante didn't predict her moves. Whatever the reason, he quickly found one hand seizing a pressure point near his shoulder. After he swatted it away another was found on his face--and yes, it did hurt a great deal, but being in the Armed Forces he'd experienced that one already. Too close to use the knife, being a bit too large for close quarters, his right hand rose and fell along the right of Akila's neck as his left hand pulled her claw from his face in the weakest her grip was going to be for some time. Heaving her up, catching her under the chin with the web of his hand between index and thumb, Dante crashed her back up against the wall again. He held on to her right wrist as he held her there. A playful smile tugged at his lips as he gazed up at her. "Did we have this much fun last time?" Somehow he doubted it, but didn't care. He was having fun now. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Count: 1693 Tag: Bella Note: