A/N: So.. Are all you ghettoginny hardcore fans (do I even have any?) saying to ditch the Cliché Vampires story? I'm terribly attached to it and all the witty banter it includes, but it just doesn't seem to merit reviews… What think?

Bluejay rolled his eyes as Firefox clenched his apprentice's shoulder in the way burglers do when they're trying to convince the five year-old who discovered them trying to rob the place that they're actually friends of the child's father. Fleetfoot winced shot deathly glares. It was the shoulder with the wound that was now bleeding steadily down his front. He was beginning to look pale. (A/N: .. but not in that creepy loss of blood way..! More like the creepy, I'm-gonna-faint way..)

Firefox smacked Fleetfoot's back in a chummy sort of way and smiled as the boy cringed from the pain it caused. Firefox seemed to know exactly what he was doing.

"Thanks for the show, Bluejay, but I've had my fill of hero/villain combat. Done any stunts lately? I'd personally like to see if you can hold your breath for an hour," he sneered as he produced a sword from his belt and leveled it with Fleetfoot's jugular. "Any tricks and he dies."

"One more POKE in my SHOULDER which is BLEEDING and I just MIGHT!" protested the angry boy.

"Taught him well.." smiled Bluejay, secretly knowing that Fleetfoot came that way.

"Shut up."

And it was silent. Bluejay had suddenly become nervous, a trait he thought he didn't possess. But there he was awestruck at himself for becoming so attached to this stupid boy who was now wedged against the chest of Firefox, moaning and bleeding all over the place. Firefox had the sword close now, just brushing the neck of him. Fleetfoot had fallen limp after his outburst, seeming more tired than ever.

Bluejay wearily went along with Firefox, watching in anxiety as Fleetfoot fell into a shallow state of unconsciousness. Basta appeared and swung the boy over his shoulder roughly and led two women to clean his injuries. Bluejay watched resignedly and let himself be chained.

FLASHBACK

Bluejay bumped the older boy, silently and soundlessly slipping the cloth filled with coins out of his pocket. He muttered a humble apology and continued quickly on his way.

"I say! Dustfinger! That kid just nicked your savings!" A baffled Bluejay felt his T-shirt plucked from the collar and dragged back to the two teenagers who imposed themselves upon him as though trying to appear threatening. They weren't doing well at all.

This supposed Dustfinger was looking at Bluejay in a kind way and his reddish hair draped into his forehead in a brooding sort of way. His comrade was as dark as the night and trying not to grin. They were both skinny, tall, and lanky. They smelt of soot and wet dog. Bluejay wrinkled his nose and looked up defiantly. "Get off me! I didn't steal a thing, you accusatory--!"

The Dark One simply shoved him around and pulled the cloth from his pocket. "Here Dusty.. Maybe we should give him some. Just look at him!"

Bluejay glared, but it was inevitable that he was even more threateningly skimpy than the duo. He was 10 now, with long legs that were scraped and scarred. His dark hair made itself quite easily known, protruding as though there were a hedgehog growing on his head. Face smudged with grime, he was pitiable. But also extremely proud.

"Don't even think of it! I'll be fine by myself! Just because you're older doesn't mean I'm going to let SMELLY, OLD YOU give me charity! Now LET GO of my hair!"

The Dark One flashed his pearly whites, contrasting dangerously with his skin tone. "I like this kid, Dusty. Kid, what's your name?"

And Bluejay told them.. However reluctantly..

A/N: YAY! I like the flashback actually.. :'( All seems lost in the story though.