sixwordstories | (no subject)

I try not to, but do you get into an emergency situation voluntarily? It's not that I forget building up stocks or something.

*He tries not to sound irritated, but this is something he really takes care of, because it's important to him not to cause more harm that absolutely unavoidable.*

[He catches the tone.]

I suppose.

*Julian nods, regaining his calm demeanor.*

It doesn't happen often now. Although I won't lie ... not all of us are that considerate.

Course not. And how many of you... are there?

That's hard to tell. A few dozen to hundred in a city, maybe more if it's a larger one. It varies. And we don't have a census.

Far more than I am comfortable with...

You haven't encountered any before me, right? It's pretty unlikely that you'll meet another one. And it's in our own interest not to cause havoc.

I suppose if you hunt and the like, you wouldn't want to, no.

Most of all we want to avoid being hunted ourselves. We want to live, but given the circumstances, it probably won't surprise you that not everybody is happy with that. There's a reason why the vast majority of people doesn't know about us. Those who do rarely prove friendly.

[Julian is confusing Sherlock for someone who cares.]

Is it any wonder? You've already admitted there is truth behind the myths. People have a reason to fear you.

*Julian isn't surprised, usually the reaction is worse.*

They do, although of course I don't want to be sentenced for things I haven't done. Still, it's reasonable to be cautious, probably also to fear us. So why don't you?

[He looks Julian up and down.]

For the same reason you don't fear me.

[Basically? He's good in a fight.]

*Julian notices the look and smiles wryly. This, too, he has seen before.*

Don't underestimate us. If I had any intention to hurt you, you could hardly do anything about it.

[Sherlock is bemused.]

I have said the same thing in my time...

And what happened?

They lost.

[Which says everything and nothing at the same time.]

*Julian takes it as overconfidence, and that's possibly dangerous. Oh, not to him.*

Impressive. But still, this time you would lose.

You wouldn't like me when I loose.

[It's as much a promise as a threat.]

First of all, I wouldn't like you to be hurt.

*It's not a threat on his part, but a well-meant warning.*

Well, no one likes to be hurt. But do not think me some amateur.

I don't. But I think you underestimate what we're capable of.

*With that, he moves suddenly, much, much faster than a human could, and steps behind Sherlock.*

[Which was a move Sherlock expected. He calmly turns and faces Julian.]

Speed only aids you. I find the element of surprise much better.

[As he was speaking, he had made to use his foot to take out Julian's knee. He stopped, he was simply proving a point.]

*Having been in enough fights, with humans as well as other vampires, Julian has not only experience but also quick reflexes. He jumps back from where he's standing and is out of reach in an instant.*

Pretty good. *He nods in appreciation.*

But we make use of that, too, and speed is not our only advantage.

Interesting. We would be evenly matched, then.

I doubt that. Do you want to try?

*He stays where he is, smirking.*