Firefly's kitsune ears quivered. From the nearby alley, she heard the noise of footsteps and a the cacophony of tumbling bottles. It's past midnight, and being caught in the streets at this hour is...relatively deadly. Nevertheless, she is ready. Always ready, like her blossoming. Beneath her cloak, she readied her pistol, but she knows that her customized death-chopstick is enough.

But she loves the pistol. Oh, how it shoots fire that kills men.

She remembered why she was stuck in the streets at a wrong time. Collections job for the Corporation. Using her sexy, fox-like charms, she managed to collect five large bags of fazools in just few hours. Splendid. After that, she stole few trinkets from two stores gracefully; it's as if she's just dancing all around. In this world of unstable men and shattered honors, she resembled a real firefly - albeit with fox ears. 

"Show yourself." Firefly muttered at the alley's opening. One wrong move and anyone there will be history.

"Miss Desire," The man spoke as he revealed himself. He is wearing a tattered overcoat and bowler hat. An uneasy smile is painted in his face. Firefly stepped back, almost bewildered. "Sorry if I spooked you. I've been following you lately. I came under very strict conditions to watch over you as soon as you stepped in this godforsaken land."

"Who gave you the instructions?" Firefly asked, drawing her pistol. She won't take any chances.

"Your mother - bless her soul. I am a close friend of July. She always believes in your potential, but she is your mother...so naturally, she'll look out for you."

"Your proof?" Firefly raised her eyebrow.

"Beauty to the Eye is similar to a Dagger in the Heart."

Firefly was surprised - it was the secret message taught by her mother. A message that contains mysteries and riches beyond the grave. According to July - Firefly's mother - the message can bring her in many isles and locations. Hundreds of Ithacas waiting to be explored.

"What do you want, then?" Firefly asked. "And I don't know your name yet."

"Deeds. Mr. Deeds." The man, Deeds, answered casually. "I can help you in your journey. Maybe I can secure a place as your advisor."

Firefly giggled. "A fox-woman doesn't need advisors, Sir Deeds. But do you know your math?"

Deeds nodded.

"Good. You can be my personal accountant...maybe butler."

"Great, milady. It's very late. Perhaps I can accompany you home?"

"I can walk on my own, Sir Deeds. Let's meet at Kiki's tomorrow, 3pm. We can discuss about your services."

Firefly bowed a little and started walking. Deeds went back in the darkness of the alley - God knows where he will go afterwards. The cold wind of the streets blew, as if inviting the eerie presence of Death. Few blocks away, gunshots echoed. It's an everyday thing, after all. 

Life can be cheap in this world.