Untitled: Part One

Prologue 1

Most people say vampires hunt only at night and burn to a crisp if they're out when the sun rises.  What everyone doesn't realize is that vampires can live in the light if that is their choice.  Maybe people can't stand the thought of creatures who prefer the night to be outside in the sunshine.  Or, perhaps people fear the thought of having their life end while on an afternoon stroll through the park.  Whatever the case may be, vampires are out there in both the noonday sun and in the darkest hours of the night.  Yes, it's true that in the olden days, vampires were rarely seen during the day.  Actually, they were rarely seen at all, according to legend.  2

Legend... That's all those so-called "facts" about vampires ever were...  Rumors and legends.  Why do silly humans torture themselves with fear of the night? Heck if I know, I'll tell you that much... Maybe they just fear the dark more than anything else.  As for vampires, there's not much to fear from them... They're only trying to survive in the world...3

Chapter One: The Meeting 4

Ace was a thief... And a good one at that, even if he wasn't brave enough to admit it.  If you were to pass him on the street and take a glance at him, you'd think him an ordinary young man, for he didn't look like the common criminal.  Come to think of it, he didn't act like most thieves and criminals, let alone look like them.5

"Well hello there, Ace! How are you on this fine day?"6

"I'm alright, and yourself, Captain Stame?"7

"Well, Ace.  Quite well! Well, I'd better be off! Lots to do."8

And without another word, Captain Stame ran off towards his ship.  Ace, realizing that he needed to be at the local Starbucks soon, got up and started walking down the boardwalk while staring at the ocean.  'California isn't as bad as most say,' he thought to himself as he waved to a passing man reading a newspaper.9

After about ten minutes of walking as he did, Ace came across a Starbucks cafe... home of his favorite coffee.  He stalks through the glass door and looks around.  His eyes land on a young girl wearing a plain white t-shirt and blue jeans.  He takes at deep breath and walks over to her.10

"You're Vanessa, I presume?" he asks, sitting across from her.11

"That's right," she says, reaching out to shake his hand, "and you must be Ace."12

"Naturally," he says, taking her hand into a friendly handshake.  "It's nice to finally meet you."13

"And it's very nice to meet you, Ace.  I suppose you're wondering why I asked you to meet me here?"14

"Of course.  Would you care to explain?"15

"In due time, Ace, but first, what would you like to drink?"16

"Drink?"17

"That's right.  You look awfully thirsty.  I'll buy."18

"Well if you insist, I'll take an ice mocha."19

"Good choice, I'll be but a moment."20

She slides out of her chair and walks over to the counter, leaving Ace stunned.  'I wonder why she's being so nice,' he thinks to himself.  Before he can continue his thoughts, she returns holding two ice mocha's.  She sets one down in front of Ace and takes her seat across from him once more.21

"So," she says, stirring her drink, "I hear from my sources that you're an excellent thief."22

"Who told you that?" he asks.23

"One of my sources, and if I told you that, he'll have my head."24

"Fine, can you get to the point then? I have other things to do."25

"As you wish then," she says, smiling.  "I'm here representing my 'employer' who would like your help with locating and stealing an object that's extremely hard to get a hold of."26

"And what would be in it for me if I were to agree to help your boss out?"27

"I'm getting to that, Ace, if you'll just let me finish."28

"Alright.  Please continue."29

"Thank you, Ace.  Ahem.  As I was saying, my employer will give you various things for your help, including money and a few requests of your own, if you desire."30

"Sounds promising.  What exactly does he want me to do?"31

"I cannot say, for not even I know the entire story.  All my employer asks is that you come with me and he'll settle the major details with you later.  What do you say?"32

"Fine.  I'll come with you just as long as there's no joke to this."33

"No joke, Ace.  I swear."34

"Good, let's go."35

Together, Ace and Vanessa get up and walk out the door and get into a black limo.36