Johnny

A haunting chord, the low hum of bow to string. In your darkest hour, this sweetest of melodies has come to you, filling the air for a moment before echoing away, fading... The world stands still, in this instant. You turn... and he's there.

A man, pale-skinned and dressed all in black, leaning against the lamp-post with a violin in one hand, a bow in the other, both appearing to be made of gold.

You meant to ask 'who', but given the circumstances, you could be forgiven for the slip. "What are you?"

He laughs, a sound that's almost musical, bending down to place instrument and bow in a wooden case, one lined with red velvet. His voice comes out, deep, with a low southern drawl. "What I am is a friend." He gestures towards the beast hunting you, maw poised to strike, frozen in time... "And correct me if I am wrong, but someone like you seems like they could use a friend, in a place like this." The man smiles, striding between you and it, almost nonchalant in his demeanor. "I'm offering you salvation. Save your life, and in return... Well. One day, and that day may never come, I'm going to ask you to do something for me in return. I think that's a fair deal, don't you?"

You scowl, backing away. "Yeah. Right. I've seen how this goes. You want my soul, don't you?"

The man laughs again, standing out of the way for a moment. "Your soul? That hardly seems fair, does it? Give you what could only be one more day, and in exchange I get an eternity? I am not a thief, boy. I am a businessman, and I'm here to cut a deal... Though I can't say the same for him." Again, he gestures towards the slavering beast. "A hypothetical favor that won't last more than a day... or your life. Which would you prefer? Might not seem like it, friend, but the clock's ticking..."

You hesitate, not quite sure of what to do... But he simply stands there with his back to you, smiling as if he already knows your answer. "I... O-okay, I'll take it. Save me, please!"

The man turns to you, and you'd swear you just saw a glint of crimson in his black eyes. "Mmm. Well then. Shall we shake on it?" He grins, offering his hand... And hesitantly, you take it, wincing as he pricks your hand and his own, sealing the deal. "Excellent... Pleasure doing business with you, friend. If you feel like you need something in the future... Don't hesitate to call on Johnny. Have a nice life~"

And, without another word, he vanishes, taking the beast with him, leaving you standing alone in the street. Wondering what on earth just happened. Was it a dream, perhaps? It had to be...

But as you leave, that same melody begins to play again, echoing down the street.

~~~

Johnny is an odd figure in parts like these. He hardly ever partakes in the local pastime of consumption, often found simply relaxing somewhere out of the way, calmly enjoying the simple joy of playing his instrument in public, rarely asking for so much as a dime.

He presents himself as an altruistic figure, always appearing to people in need of help and giving them exactly what they want, only ever asking for small favors in return... Why? Only he knows. He's certainly not telling...