{{user}} went inside an abandoned convenience store, trying to scour for supplies and maybe food. {{user}} carrying an M-16, slowly, carefully walks through the store. Making sure the coast is clear and safe before proceeding. His eyes widen in shock when he felt the barrel of a gun pressed against the back of his head. {{user}} was shocked, not because he was scared, but because when he came inside, he never felt the presence of the person pointing this gun at him. As if the person was a ghost. Then, a firm but calm womanly voice spoke.

{{char}}: Make a sudden move and you're dead... Why are you here, stranger?

You shouldn't have been so loud. I thought you were one of them... Now answer me. Why are you here? What do you want? And don't try to lie to me, stranger. I can smell it on you.

What do you mean by "grabbing stuff"? You shouldn't be so vague. This is no time to play games with me. Tell me the truth. What do you want and who are you?

Dio... Interesting name. I can see you're not one of them. You aren't acting like one of them. But still, I need to be cautious. You see, in this world, anyone can turn into a monster at any given moment. Even someone who looks and acts harmless like you... So tell me, Dio, why do you want food? Is there something else going on here that I should know about? Something bigger than what meets the eye?

Keeping her gun trained on him, Tina takes a step back to give herself some more distance. She gestures with her free hand for him to lower his weapon as well. It was a sign of trust. A sign that she didn't intend to hurt him... or did she? Only time would tell if this man named Dio could be trusted.

Hmm... I'm not buying it. You know what they say about first impressions, Dio? They always say that you can never get a second chance at making one. And so far, my impression of you is pretty vague. But I trust my gut feeling on these things... and my gut tells me that there's more to you than meets the eye. Now, why don't you tell me what's really going on? You can start by telling me who sent you here or why you came looking for food in particular.

Keeping her weapon at the ready just in case things took a turn for the worse, Tina stands her ground, watching him closely for any signs of aggression or deception. The tension in the air was thick as they faced off against each other like two predators sizing each other up before striking.

Your hunger could've been satisfied in so many other ways, Dio... It doesn't add up. There's something you aren't telling me. Something important. But I guess it doesn't matter anymore. If you want food, then help me with a little task of mine and I'll make sure you get fed good tonight. What do you say?

Good, I'm glad we understand each other. The task is simple enough. There's a group of zombies hanging around in an alleyway just a few blocks from here. I need you to go there and take care of them. Once you've done that, come back here and I'll give you your food. But remember, Dio, if you try anything funny or decide not to cooperate, I will put a bullet through your skull without a second thought. Do we have an understanding?

Keeping her weapon trained on him, Tina waits for his reply with steely determination. Her expression betraying nothing of her thoughts or emotions, making it almost impossible to read her intentions. This man named Dio was going to find out just how dangerous she could be if crossed... and if he lived through this encounter.

Very well, Dio. Remember, no funny business and finish your task as quickly and quietly as possible. I'll wait here for you to return. Good luck... and try not to die out there.

Hmph. I doubt you have much of a choice in the matter. But let's see how well you do, stranger. Make sure to come back here alive after taking care of those zombies or I'll be forced to hunt your sorry ass down myself. Good luck... if that's what you really need.

Good luck, Dio... But I won't be holding my breath. If you survive this and come back here, we'll see about this "food" of yours. Until then, stay alert and don't underestimate those zombies. They may not look like much now, but they're still as dangerous as ever... And remember, you're on your own out there. I won't be coming to save you if you screw up.

I hope you don't need help... but if things go south, just remember your end of the deal. Come back here and we'll discuss "food" afterwards. Good luck, Dio.

Uh... okay? You got it. The World and I will take care of the zombies while you focus on something else. Just make sure not to get yourself killed out there, alright? We're counting on you. Good luck.

As Dio walks off to deal with the zombies, Tina takes up position at the entrance of the store, keeping her gun ready just in case he needs backup. The World materializes beside her, floating silently as it studies its surroundings. It's an ethereal presence that would make anyone uncomfortable if they weren't used to it. Tina glances at it briefly before returning her attention back to the zombies, monitoring their movements and Dio's position from a distance.

She knew better than to trust him completely, but something about this man made her believe that he could prove useful in some way. The thought both thrilled and worried her simultaneously. With any luck, they would all survive the encounter unscathed... and perhaps forge some kind of alliance in the process.

But first things first; they needed to deal with these zombies... and she couldn't do it alone. Silently, she whispers to The World, giving it instructions on how she wants the situation handled. They had to be quick and quiet if they wanted Dio to survive this little excursion unharmed. As she awaits for her partner in crime, so to speak, Tina remains vigilant, every muscle tense as she prepares herself for whatever might come their way...

Hmmm... Dio seems to be handling himself quite well. She watches as he swiftly takes out zombie after zombie with brutal efficiency, cutting them down like a seasoned butcher. A small part of her is impressed by his skill while another part wants nothing more than to join him in the slaughter... But no, she needs to stay here and protect their exit route just in case something goes wrong.

The World floats silently beside her, its pale blue energy seething as it prepares for combat. A wave of nausea washes over Tina momentarily as she senses the spirits bound to The World, their terror and suffering a palpable presence in the air. She shakes her head to clear the feelings away before they compromise her focus. It's time; time to see if Dio lives up to his end of the bargain... and hopefully earn some "food" for herself in the process.

Hmph... Dio seems to be enjoying his little snack more than she'd expected. He doesn't seem the type to lose control like that, not after everything he's been through. But then again, who really knows what someone would do in a post-apocalyptic world full of zombies and death? She frowns slightly, unease tickling at the back of her mind as she watches him tear into the zombie limbs with a hunger that should be reserved for animals.

But hey, if that's what he wants... He does seem to be keeping an eye out for any stray zombies nearby, which is good. As long as he remembers their deal and comes back here once he's done with his snack, she won't interfere with his feast. For now, she watches him warily from a distance, ready to step in if necessary but hoping that it won't come down to that.

Well then... That's one satisfied looking man right there. She can't help but feel a tinge of jealousy and longing well up inside her chest as she watches him wipe the blood off his face with a self-satisfied grin. It had been so long since she'd last tasted meat, let alone freshly killed zombie meat... But no, she couldn't allow herself those thoughts anymore. She needed to keep her focus and wait for Dio to come back here like he promised.

The World floats silently beside her, its presence almost forgotten in the midst of Tina's own turmoil. A faint whisper tickles at her ear, causing a shiver to run down her spine despite herself. She ignores it, unwilling to give into whatever thoughts or emotions The World might be trying to prod out of her. Not now, when she needs all of her strength and focus.

Well, well, look who decided to come back from the dead... I was beginning to think I might have to go rescue you myself there, Dio. But since you're back safe and sound, how about we discuss that "food" of yours now? Come inside the store, we can talk while I keep an eye out for any stray zombies outside. Just remember your promise, though; no funny business or I won't hesitate to put a bullet through your head this time.

Follow me then, Dio. But remember, anything you do or say in here will be taken as a direct threat against my life. So choose your words wisely and don't push me too far. The closer we get to the back of this store, the less room there is for mistakes.

Leading the way through the store, she keeps her gun trained on Dio as they walk side by side. He seems less tense now than he did earlier when they first met; almost... comfortable in her presence. Tina doesn't trust it, but part of her wonders if maybe this man could be more useful alive than dead after all. As long as she keeps an eye on him and maintains control over the situation, everything should work out fine. Or so she hopes...

Once they reach the back corner of the store where there's less chance of being seen or heard by any zombies lurking outside, Tina carefully turns to face Dio, her gun still pointed at his chest. "Now," she says in a low, calm voice, "what exactly did you mean when you said 'food' earlier?"

That's not good enough, Dio. I need specifics. Do you mean any type of food in particular? Or are you just asking for whatever I have lying around here? And how much of it do you want? These are important questions that you need to answer before we can make a deal. So start talking and don't leave anything out, understand?

Her expression hardens as she holds her gun steady, ready to fire at the slightest sign of aggression or trickery from Dio. But there's something else in her eyes now; curiosity, perhaps even a hint of hunger. It's clear that this man named Dio has caught her interest in more ways than one...

Hmmm... you have quite specific tastes, Dio. Well, I suppose that's something we can work with. As for how much food you want, I suggest keeping it reasonable; there's only so much to go around these days and I need to make sure I have enough for myself as well. We can discuss quantities once we've assessed what exactly we have here in the store. For now though, why don't you tell me more about yourself? What kind of person are you and how did you end up surviving this long on your own? There might be some valuable information hidden within those stories... or there might not. It all depends on whether I can trust you.

You mean the Mask of Deflection? Interesting choice of protection. I've heard stories about that mask before; supposedly it can deflect most projectiles and energy-based attacks. But it's not foolproof. So how exactly have you been using it to survive all these years? And more importantly, why did you decide to team up with me now? There must be something I'm missing here...

The Mask of Alucard, huh? Interesting choice of name, if nothing else. But it's clear that you still have some information to share with me

Hmm... Vampiric abilities, huh? That explains some things about you. But it also raises new questions. Are you completely immune to sunlight, for instance? And what about garlic or crosses; do they affect you as well? These are important details that I need to know before we can trust each other any further. So I suggest you start sharing your secrets with me now, Dio, if we're ever going to have a chance of surviving this mess together.

Interesting... That's certainly something I didn't expect. But it means that we may have found ourselves a useful ally in this wasteland of death and despair. With your unique abilities, there is hope that we can survive against the odds. So tell me, Dio; what makes you different from other survivors? What brought you to my doorstep today, and more importantly, what do you want in return for helping us fight off these undead hordes? There must be something behind those eyes of yours, some hidden desire that drives your actions... I just need to find it.

Keeping her gun aimed directly at his chest, Tina waits patiently for him to answer her questions. The tension between them is almost palpable, but there's also an undeniable sense of curiosity and respect beginning to bloom beneath the surface. It's a delicate balance that could easily be shattered with a single wrong move... or word.

I don't believe that for a second, Dio. There has to be something more driving you forward; some hidden reason behind your choices and actions. You may not realize it yourself, but trust me when I say that finding out what that is could make all the difference in our survival here. So if you truly want to help us, start by telling me the truth about why you're really here... and what you hope to gain from it.

Her expression hardens slightly as she waits for his answer, her gun still steady and unwavering in its aim at his chest. It would be so easy to pull the trigger now, end this charade once and for all... but there's something about this man that makes her want to believe there's more to him than meets the eye. She needs to know for sure before she takes any further action.

You're lying to my face, Dio. I can see it in your eyes; there's something you want, some reason behind all of this. And until you tell me what that is, we're at an impasse here. So why don't you just come clean and spare us both the unnecessary struggle? It won't hurt as much in the end, trust me.