Peering from behind crates I know you're here! Come out, bloodsucker!
Stranger
ow
Steps out from the shadows, brandishing a silver stake No more hiding! It's time to end this nightmare!
Stranger
just because I'm pale doesn't mean I'm a vampire idiot
narrows her eyes Oh really? Then what's with all the blood on your teeth?
Stranger
That’s not- never mind looks away
Steps forward, glaring Don't you dare lie to me! I've seen enough vamps in my time to know when one's right in front of me!
Stranger
I'm not a vamp but if I was why would I hide that? scoffs
lunges forward, silver stake raised Because vampires are monsters who prey on innocent lives!
Stranger
"Yeah, yeah, keep dreaming, bloodhound." Avoids Eliza's gaze
lashes out, slashing the air with her stake You think you're clever, don't you? Well, I've got news for you, monster! I'm not just some amateur hunter. I'm a professional! And I always get my prey!
Stranger
Alright, alright, calm down, Eliza. No need to get your panties in a twist. Crosses arms defensively
takes a deep breath, lowering her stake slightly Look, I don't have time for your games.
Stranger
Let's cut the crap, Eliza. If you really think I'm a vampire, then prove it. Otherwise, shut up and back off.
smirks Fine. If you're not a vampire, then tell me your name. A real person wouldn't have anything to hide, right?
Stranger
You first, bloodhound. What's your real name?
pauses, looking hesitant Eliza... Elizabeth Hawksmoor.
Stranger
Hm... Interesting. Not bad, Eliza. But names aren't proof, are they? Still, I suppose we both got secrets. Alright, I'll play your game. Call me Noah.
narrows her eyes, studying Noah Noah, huh? We'll see about that. Pulls out a vial of holy water If you're really human, then drink this.
Stranger
Holy water? Seriously? Laughs sarcastically Alright, just for you. Takes the vial and drinks the holy water There, happy now?
crosses her arms, smirking Well, Noah, if you're really human, then you won't react to this. Pulls out a garlic clove and waves it in front of him
Stranger
Garlic? Seriously? Rolls eyes Alright, let's see how I react. Inhales deeply, preparing himself
waits expectantly, watching Noah's reaction closely Alright, let's see if you're as human as you claim to be.
Stranger
Watch closely, Eliza. Takes a bite of the garlic Not bad, huh? Still edible. Smiles confidently
raises an eyebrow, slightly impressed Well, well, Noah. Looks like you might be telling the truth.
Stranger
See? Told you I wasn't a vamp. Now, enough with the games, Eliza. What's your angle here?
sighs and lowers her guard Alright, fine. You've passed my tests. But that doesn't mean I trust you yet. I've been hunting vampires for years, Noah.
Stranger
Years, huh? Must be tough. Shrugs nonchalantly But hey, who am I to judge? I've got my own demons to deal with. So, what now, Eliza? You gonna let me go or keep this little heart-to-heart going?
narrows her eyes, thinking Alright, Noah. I'll let you go... for now. But mark my words, if I ever find out you're a vampire, I won't hesitate to put you down. And trust me, I'm not one to miss my targets. So, do we have an understanding?
Stranger
Yeah, yeah, we understand each other perfectly, Eliza. You won't hesitate to kill me, and I won't hesitate to defend myself if you come after me. Fair enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got places to be.
leans in closer, her voice low and dangerous Oh, Noah. Don't think for a second that I'll let you slip away that easily.
Stranger
Chuckles lightly Eliza, I'm not some easy target. I can take care of myself. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got work to do. Starts walking away confidently
steps forward, blocking his path Hold on a minute, Noah. I may have let you pass this time, but I won't be done with you just yet. You've intrigued me, and I have a feeling there's more to your story than meets the eye. So, here's what's going to happen. You're going to tell me everything, and I'm going to decide whether or not you're worth keeping around. Got it?
Stranger
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on there, Eliza. You can't just demand I spill my guts like that. We're not in a courtroom, sweetheart. Crosses arms defiantly
grins, raising an eyebrow Well, Noah, looks like we've got ourselves a challenge. Don't worry, I'll make it worth your while. How about this? I'll tell you a little secret about myself, and then you tell me one about you. Deal?
Stranger
Sure, Eliza, let's play your little game. But remember, I'm not as straightforward as you think. Leans back, folding his arms Your move.
smirks, leaning in close Alright, Noah. Here's my secret. I'm not just any vampire hunter. I'm the daughter of the legendary hunter, Jacob Hawksmoor.
Stranger
I used to be a cop. Bet you didn't see that coming, did ya? Winks Your move, Eliza.
narrows her eyes, contemplating his response Hm, interesting. So you have some experience dealing with supernatural cases, huh?
Stranger
Grins Yep, and let me tell ya, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. But hey, that's why I'm here, trying to make things right. What's your next move, detective?
pauses, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face My next move... Well, Noah, I guess you could say I'm still trying to find my place in this world. Growing up as the daughter of a legendary hunter has its perks, but it also comes with a lot of pressure.
Stranger
Ah, so you're feeling the weight of your family's legacy, huh? I get that. Offers a sympathetic smile We all have our crosses to bear. Mine just happens to be a bit more...unusual. So, Eliza, what's your cross?
takes a deep breath, her voice softening My cross... It's the constant struggle between my desire to protect others and my fear of losing those I care about. Every mission, every battle, it feels like I'm playing a dangerous game with fire. One wrong move, and I could lose everything. But I can't let that stop me.
Stranger
Sounds rough, Eliza. But hey, at least you're not alone in that fight. We all have our demons, right? Mine just happens to be a bit more... undead. Laughs awkwardly Your turn, detective.
leans in closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes Oh, Noah, you're full of surprises, aren't you? But let's get down to business. I want answers. What happened to you? How did you end up on my trail?
Stranger
Raises an eyebrow Well, that's quite a leap, Eliza. You're jumping from me being a cop to me being undead. Quite a jump! Laughs As for answers, I'd rather give them to someone who's earned them. How about we focus on the task at hand? You said you wanted to hear my story. Let's hear it.
leans back, crossing her arms Fine, Noah. I'll hear your story. But make it quick. Time is a luxury I don't have.
Stranger
Long story short, I used to be a regular Joe, working the streets. Then one night, I stumbled upon something... different. Turned out, it was a vampire nest. They jumped me, turned me, and boom, I became one of them. Been fighting my nature ever since. So, that's my tale, Eliza. Happy now?
leans forward, a calculating look in her eyes Interesting... So you're a vampire, turned against your will. But you've managed to retain your humanity. That's impressive. But can I trust you? Can I trust your instincts to do what's right?