So here we are then, starting something that's been swirling in my mind for quite some time. Be sure to let me know what you think about this by dropping me a review? Thanks so much for reading.

-UFJ

The Devil and Garfield Logan

Prologue Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself
By: Shawn "The Unfunny Joke" Wheeler
Disclaimer: All characters are property of their rightful owners.

Rain fell from the sky, pouring down in record amounts onto the many buildings littering the currently abandoned Jump City streets. Hardly a soul wandered the streets in this weather unless absolutely necessary and even then it would only be after being ordered or coaxed.

But a single person, a girl looking to be around the age of 18, heading down the sidewalks, treating the current storm as if it were nothing more than a mild spring shower. Wearing a long, brown trench coat over business attire and boots to match she walks along, completely ignoring the winds, holding a small black umbrella for the minimal shelter she cares to have in one hand and a newspaper detailing the latest triumph of the local band of heroes in the other.

Truth be told, she loved this miserable weather; every crack of thunder, every flash of lightening and every single polluted drop of water. It was just the thing to put a damper on a person's day, and just the thing to put a smile on her face.

And she really needed to have that smile. Business was slow, and she was finding herself with more and more time off. And on top of everything, a business partner of sorts was constantly breathing down her neck about a favour she owed him.

Hell, how could she worry about helping him? Her first order of business was finding a job, but people today just didn't look for her particular brand of help as much as they used to.

If not for the steady source of regulars, her business would have dried up some time ago. But, like with most businesses, she just needed to find more people willing to accept her particular services.

Pausing briefly, the girl ducked into an alleyway, putting her umbrella to her side for a moment in order to light a cigarette. She inhaled deeply and sighed, blowing away as much of her stress as she could along with the smoke. It truly was amazing how much a simple habit like that could work to wash away all that was currently wrong in someone's world. As for the people that complained about second hand smoke; to hell with them.

She grinned at that last thought as she finished and flicked the butt of the cigarette further into the alley, slowly running her free hand through her shoulder length red hair. Once again she set off into the city, treading through the many puddles present on the sidewalks.

She moved slowly. She wasn't in a hurry, in fact she really had no place that she had to be. She never had to be anywhere. Walking just helped her think, and the weather was an added bonus.

It was a shame all she had to think about was her job and the quota she had set for herself all those years ago.

It wasn't like she was asking for much; not at all. All she needed was for someone, anyone, to say five simple words. That was it; she could take it from there. She was good enough to do that, she knew she was. But it was rare for someone to say that phrase anymore; people seemed to know better.

But wait…

Again, the strange girl stopped, this time focusing her attention. Listening to a conversation she was sure only she could hear. This was good. This was very good. It looked as if she may be back in business a little sooner than she thought. And to top it all off, she might be able to write off that favour she owed at the same time.

It was such a perfect situation. It was always such a thrill when marks presented themselves so openly.

She laughed to herself, a sound that was almost inhuman in nature, and once again walked into one of the alleys littering the large city. Despite Jump's reputation, it was probably best if people didn't see her means of expeditious travel.

With a quick glance of her surroundings and once last evil chuckle she was gone, vanished in a small puff of fire that left only the faintest smell of brimstone. Gone, and heading towards a small pizza place; where just a few moments ago she had heard exactly what she had wanted to hear.

"Sometimes I think I'd sell my soul just to have Raven laugh at one of my jokes again."

She was back. Vacations never suited her anyway.