Face Value Tavern, a seemingly rusted and broken building on the outside. The windows appeared cracked and were painted black years prior so no one could peek within at the customers. The inside though was furnished with cushioned booths and bar stools. The counters were made of polished wood, and kept clean with glasses neatly stacked behind it to protect them from rowdy customers. Conversation was kept low to hear the waitresses as they took turns singing and dancing on stage.

The crew of Bebop lazed about over their drinks as a single dark-haired waitress took orders, and another light-haired waitress delivered the orders. It was shortly after midnight and they found themselves as the last customers. They knew another rush would take place in another hour, and planned to be gone before it started. They'd taken up visiting the tavern every other weekend to simply do nothing but relax.

As they sat hunched over their third round, the dark-haired waitress marched up to them with a smile. "Another hour or so and we'll be busy again. There'll be no hunting without permission from the boss first."

"We're not looking for a bounty. Just decided to kick back like we always do." Jet glared at her over his glass as he drained it and slammed it down on the table. Taking the glass she spun away to refill it when Spike caught her wrist and pulled her down beside him.

Letting out a yelp of surprise she jumped back up and rubbed her thigh. "Cold metal on a waitress? Didn't realize the job was dangerous enough to need a gun under one's skirt."

"Jerk . . ." With a sigh she peered over her should as the bell above the door rang announcing another customer who took as seat in a far shadowed booth. One specifically placed for those who had deals to make, or didn't want to be seen. "Consider me as security guard for the old man. I only work for meals in my belly, and roof over my head."

She spun around and left to take the cloaked figures order. With each step her stomach tightened, and muscles bunched up with tension until she felt ill. "Can I get you anything sir?"

"Coffee."

"Just coffee?" She glanced down at the thin bladed sword laid against his leg.

"Yes." Quickly she delivered the coffee, and sat across from him. "That's a really nice blade. I figured a person like you would have a gun by now."

He froze with the cup against his lips and looked over at her. His silver eyes examined every inch of her and caused her skin to crawl. "What would a woman like you know of me?"

"In all honesty, not much. I do know you're a murderer, and supposed to be dead." She smiled and pulled the gun from its holster strapped to her thigh, and loosely trained it on him. "I knew they were wrong though. I know you had somehow survived. You always do."

He watched, as she rubbed at the back of her neck in an unconscious gesture. "I'm interested in what you have to say."

"Damn you Vicious!" Growling she yanked him out of the booth and threw him to the floor, and stepped back as he spun around with his cloak swirling about him. Catching the cloth she yanked hard, grinning as the clasp broke and the cloak fell away.

"Vicious!" Faye and Spoke cried out in unison drawing their own weapons.

With an angry growl Vicious pulled the waitress in front of him, twisting her arm behind her back. "Do you really want to shoot her?" He watched as Faye lowered her weapon, and Spike flexed his grip around his gun uncertainly. "Didn't think so, you've gotten soft since our last round."

"Shoot him Spike!" Growled Faye angrily as she shifted nervously behind him.

"Damn it I can't, I'm empty after the last bust. I didn't get more because today is our night off." Spike tossed his gun down angry at his own stupidity.

With a grin Vicious threw the waitress' gun into the window shattering it as he leapt backward through it and out into the darkness of the night. Even in the short time it took the Bebop crew to follow him he, and the woman, were gone.

Seemingly swallowed by the night.

Sukiko growled angrily and made an attempt for the door of the black mini-limo only to find it locked from the outside. She watched in frustration as the bounty hunters searched all around the building searching in vain for any trace of where she, or Vicious, had disappeared too. Risking a glance over her shoulder she found Vicious watching her with vague curiously.

"What use am I to you?"

"Not to me, but someone else."

Turning back to the window she watched as the trio gave up their search angrily, and left. The feel of cold metal brushing across her skin, and the snap of her thigh holster had her twisting around defensively.

"It actually quite amazing, most like you that I've been forced to track down were nothing more than ugly beasts, and very stupid." Vicious grinned as he sheathed his katana and the driver started the car taking off from the bar.

"Like me?" Sukiko backed up against the seat further.

"If I'm right, you'll have the bar code on your neck." His grin widened further as she unconsciously rubbed the back of her neck again. "You're not going to be used for my purpose, but the man who wants you has offered me enough money to rebuild the syndicate."

"You talk too much."

"Really? Some people say the opposite."

Shuddering lightly she curled up as far away from him as she could get, and tried to sleep. She knew she was wasting precious energy by staying awake. Later she could use it in an attempt to escape the monster that sat smugly across from her.

Flashback

She watched helplessly as her parents were slaughter by the grinning silver haired man. His cruel smile froze her to the bone leaving her unable to move; paralyzed with fear. As he approached closer she finally tried to flee, but he quickly caught her wrist twisting it painfully.

She hung limply in his grip staring at him fearfully as he looked down at her with mild amusement. His grip tightened and she cried out as several bones in her wrist cracked or broke. The man then proceeded to toss her away from him in disgust as she clutched her wounded arm to her.

A fire light up in her veins warming her as her hatred and anger grew toward this monster; this murderer of men who grinned and laughed as he made each kill. Fear flickered across his face briefly, but only for a moment and then it was gone.

A green-haired man appeared from around the corner strapping his gun back in his holster. "Let's go. Give the girl some money to see to her arm, and then let's go. She's not a part of this!"

"Damn it! Just shut up Spike!" He growled even as he dropped a pouch of money before her.

A blonde appeared in the doorway shortly after and looked down at her indifferently. "He's right, we should go . . ." Angrily he spun around on his heel and followed his two partners without a word.

Flashback End

Sukiko sat up in a cold sweat, and tried furiously to calm her trembling. Vicious appeared to be asleep across from her with her gun gripped loosely in his hand. The names from her dream were unforgettable, but his face was what haunted her the most.

The vehicle smoothly rounded the corner as she reached across toward the gun. The cold steel of the barrel caused her to tremble nervously as she touched it. Reaching more surely she cried out as Vicious snapped awake grabbing her wrist, and throwing her into the floor in front of him.

"If you wanted me, you should've said something." His grip tightened as he leaned closer to her. "I'll gladly accept your company for a little while."

"You wouldn't dare!"

"I would, and I will . . ."