Max Payne Fan Fiction - Page 2

Mariamus · 08-18-2004, 12:39 PM

*Sadie eyed Vlad behind the paper, he rummaged around the room, rubbing his head and groaning.
The phone began to ring, Vlad walked over and looked at it, then he walked away, aiming for the door. She cleared her throat.*
"Aren't you going to answer that?"
*She shrugged and walked out. Sadie sighed and got out of the chair and walked over to the phone. She grabbed the phone off the hook and cleared sighed.*
"Hello?"
*The phone was hung up, and Sadie put it down.*
"Suit yourself..."
*She checked the number and wrote it down, she recognized it as a number coming from a police-station, a direct number to a desk. She dialed the number and waited, finally, a male answered.*
"Detective Payne's phone."
"Yes, is Detective Payne at his desk?"
"No, he just left. Can I leave a message?"
"No..."
*She hung up, not bothering to say more. She walked back to her chair and eyed an ad in the paper. She picked it up and read it.*
"The Dominion..."
*The ad had a silhouette of a wolf. Sadie narrowed her eyes. Could the... thing... on the roof had been a man owearing a costume? She decided to pay the restaurant a little visit, but without Vlad knowing. He would just keep her from going. He was mad enough already, she didn't need him to go ballistic over her own private investigation.*

Sayantan · 08-18-2004, 01:35 PM

Do both of you type on ur keyboard 24x7 ?

Mariamus · 08-18-2004, 01:38 PM

hardly, I just have some spare time, and I use it online

TheArtist · 08-18-2004, 11:55 PM

Same here. Depending on what's been written, I post once in the morning and once in the evening.

Max:

I really hoped the kid wasn't a fugitive. I wanted to believe it so much that I put off the search for a few days until I couldn't stand it anymore. Nothing's worse to a detective than an unsolved puzzle.

After getting nowhere with the arson puzzle, I finally checked missing persons from Wisconsin, but no hits. I couldn't put it off any longer. I checked their most wanted.

When I saw her face I think my stomach sank into my shoes. Heather Bethany DuPre', 24, wanted for murder...of her own father. On the run for nearly 2 years. Spotted across half of America.

As I read the details, something didn't add up. The murder was savage, a passionate act. At least, that's what it looked like on the surface. Her father's throat was slashed and his intestines had been pulled out and used for decoration.

The locals wanted to call it a crime of passion, a horrible revenge for a horrible man, but the photos showed me otherwise. His throat was sliced all nice and neat first, so he was probably already dead when the killer decided to get creative. His body had to have been in the barn for quite some time because when they had found him, he'd been partially eaten.

If Heather was guilty, then she was the most talented actress that ever lived. If she wasn't, why was she running? It wasn't hard to guess. Wisconsin may have had Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein, but this was out of their league. It was so horrific they wanted to hush it up as quickly as possible. Heather was just the most convenient choice. If anyone knew what it was like to be hunted, it was me.

I had to talk to her. Maybe I could help her somehow, but not tonight. Tonight I was on patrol.

Heather:

The Dominion was in yet another Gothic-styled building, but the interior was very modern. It was almost sterile, all glass and metal. No warmth.

The owner was an rich eccentric named Ian Seagrim; no, not like the drink. Where Max was a rough sort of handsome, this guy could get away with being called beautiful. Pale skin, Ice blue eyes, long black hair, and a light English accent; he could have passed for a Chippendale model, except, like the building, he had a certain coldness to him. If he could wear a sign, it'd say, "Look, but do not touch."

Anyway, as snobbish as he was, he had a bit of charm to him, so I worked on that, trying to draw it out. He was quick to hire me, but I could tell he thought I was beneath him. If there is one thing I am allowed to hate, it's snobbery. As if money really makes a difference, ugh. I hate it.

His scent was odd, I noticed. There was something familiar about it, but I couldn't place it. Perhaps it will come to me later.

So once again, my many travels did me good. I had several duties at The Dominion. I was a greeter, a bartender, and an entertainer, of sorts. Wednesdays were Karaoke Night, and Mr. Seagrim discovered I had a talent for singing and for working the crowd. Favorites? Well, I'm an alto, so Cher and some Madonna were staples, as well as a few songs normally sung by guys.

Mr. Seagrim had warmed up to me only a little bit, but he paid well and made sure to take care of me if the male population got a bit too friendly during my performances. It was still subhuman by my standards. Instead of a peon, I was now more like a cherished pet, a moneymaker. Seagrim knew his merchandise.

I soon began to remember faces and names, along with favorite drinks and the like. Though we had only been open for a little over a month, we already had several regulars.

I remember two in particular. A woman, who was possibly even colder than my boss. She hated alcohol, so I poured OJ for her and pretended it was a screwdriver. I don't know why she kept coming back if she didn't want any booze, but it wasn't any of my business.

The other was a guy I recognized from the apartment complex. He was the foreman of the cleaning crew. His drink of choice? Straight bourbon, and an occasional brandy, old-fashioned, sweet. He must have been a fan, because he was always there for Karaoke Night.

That's what I did on the surface. When it was closing time I tried to snoop around, but security was very tight. Seagrim didn't trust anyone, especially us little people.

I didn't smell Kit anywhere, but there was certainly something going on besides the dinner and the dancing. I had to bide my time to find out what it was.

Sadie:
I'm never going to find anything at this rate. Why do I even bother? I keep returning in case somebody slips up, but this Seagrim guy is smart. The bartender that worked as an occasional entertainer was nice enough. She tried some girl talk until she realized I wasn't interested. It's not that I didn't want to, but I had more important things to do, and it's never a good thing to fraternize with the enemy too much.

She served me my "drink", no questions asked. I made sure I tipped her well. Sometimes I'd ask her a question or two, but it was clear she was as much in the dark as I was.

I should have known Vlad would notice this place sooner or later. I wished it was later, much later. I had hoped I would get more time to case this place myself, but as soon as I saw Kaufmann come in, I knew trouble was on the horizon.

What bugged me the most was why Kaufmann kept coming back? I thought he'd come once, inspect it, and let that be that, but he was there almost as often as I was. It couldn't have been for Vlad, and it wasn't for me. While he was there he even pretended not to see me. I don't know why he didn't tell Vlad about me, but he never did. Maybe he liked the bartender, I don't know. Whenever she served him, I'd catch him staring after her when she walked away. I don't think she noticed, the poor kid.

Heather:

Do I mind the attention? Yes, a little, though it has far less to do with my wanted status than what my nose has to go through every night.

To be honest, lust has a rank taste. Desire is more bittersweet. Those two scents fill the building almost 24-7, along with the usual alcohol and cigarette smoke. It took some doing before I got used to it, let me tell you. It was a wonder I smelled anything else.

Max:

I stumbled in, barely aware of my own feet. I had seen a ghost tonight, in that warehouse. Mona Sax. She was alive. Alive. Seeing her had thrown everything in my mind into a tornado. I almost crashed into Heather on the way up to my apartment. Finding Heather brought things back into focus, at least for the moment. I asked her to come with me to talk, but she had to know something was up. She started backing away instead, slowly.

I decided to go for broke. "I know your name. It's Heather Bethany DuPre'."

She froze. The look on her face was a mix of fear with a sadness so deep it'd have moved a devil to tears. I should have known she'd bolt. I called after her, running, but she was much faster than she looked. Sure enough, after a few flights of stairs she had vanished, just like the old man said.

She couldn't be far. "I just wanted to hear your side, Heather," I said into the empty hall, "Let me help you. Please?"

No answer. Dammit!

Mariamus · 08-19-2004, 03:16 AM

*Sadie looked at the glass with the fake screwdriver, moving her finger around the edge of it. She'd been coming to the Dominion almost every night in a few weeks. She was kept home by Vlad a few times when he was down about how long it would take to rebuild "Vodka".
She sipped from the glass, cursing the lack of vodka in the drink, but she couldn't drink when she was on the look-out. Getting hammered would mean she could miss important information. She finished the screwdriver and looked up as the bartender came over.*
"Another screwdriver?"
*Sadie just nodded and watched the bartender walk away. She watched her mix the drink, suddenly getting the odd feeling that she'd seen her before. She racked her brain trying to figure out where she had seen her before, when she saw Kaufmann coming through the door. She turned away from him, hoping he wouldn't notice her.

Kaufmann walked by, stopping a few feet away and looked at har for a second, then he sat down at a table and looked at the drinks-menu. Sadie turned back to the bar as her fake screwdriver arrived. She pulled a few of the larger bills out of her purse and put them on the table, eyeing the girl behind the bar.*
"Thank you."
*She leaned against the bar, scanning the room when she saw the owner of the bar. The way he walked through the room made it quite clear that he owned the place, he walked... well... like he owned the place. Sadie looked at the door he had walked through, the door to the holy inner, the office. Sadie narrowed her eyes, getting an idea.*
"Hmm...."

TheArtist · 08-19-2004, 09:45 AM

Heather:
...It's not fair. It's just not fair. I wanted to tell him. I wanted to hop out of my hiding place and tell him everything. He'd probably shoot me first. The other guys tried to at the diner, and all I did was pop up by the driver's seat and growl.

Damn, but he had good radar. I could sense he was standing right next to me. Only a thin wall of wood and plaster separated us. I pressed myself up against it so hard I got splinters in my ear. I had to cover my mouth so he wouldn't hear me crying.

It was then I realized just how far I had let Max into my life. I read about him in the newsreels while at the library. If half of what was written was true, then it explained his attitude and why he stank of guilt whenever he walked by.

I considered him my friend, but what I was feeling now was much deeper than that, and it was so dangerous. He was really the first guy in a long time that treated me with any sort of kindness. He never yelled at me, or belittled me. He didn't lecture me, though I knew he wanted to, but respected my privacy.

Until now. I couldn't really fault him for trying to figure out more. It was his nature, and I'm a horrible liar, after all.

I knew his words were true. He wanted to believe I wasn't capable of something so awful as ripping my father to shreds. If only that were true, but Max had never seen me hunting the stray dogs in the alleys.

I'm so tired of running, and I can't leave yet without knowing what The Dominion is really all about. I thought about what he said. If he really wanted to help me, maybe I could at least tell him about Kit. I couldn't tell him that Kit was a 5-ft fox, but maybe I could...

The fear gripped me, but I held myself together. I waited for him to walk away before I came out.

I walked down slowly, trying several scenarios in my head. Nothing really worked. The only way was to tell him the truth. If I showed him...what I could become, maybe...damn.

As I turned the final corner I noticed two strange things. One, the cleaners were milling about, which was just plain wrong. It was after midnight. What the hell were they doing here?

The second, even stranger thing was it looked like Max had a visitor. A woman wearing a red leather jacket was knocking on his door. I hid myself and watched from behind a pile of boxes.

I watched his expression when he opened the door. I smelled fear, desire, and confusion. He knew her, then. I debated talking to him tomorrow, but I knew if I didn't tell him now, tonight, that I never would. I'd just keep running.

I approached his door, took a deep breath and knocked.

Max:

Mona said we were both in danger. I watched her bite into an apple, and felt a strange sort of agony. I had so many things I wanted to ask her, but then there was another knock. This time I took my gun along with me. After what had happened at the warehouse, I wasn't taking any chances.

"Who is it?" I demanded. No answer. I raised my gun and pointed it at the door before I looked through the peephole. No one. I almost backed off when I heard Heather's voice say very quietly, "It's me, Max."

Heather. Not now. God, what bad timing. That's what I remember thinking. I had no idea how much worse it would get. I thought if I turned her away that night, she might never come back.

I opened the door. She was...shaking. I had never seen her so scared. Her eyes were bright and...they looked strange. I remember thinking of a glacier's heart when I first looked at them, but now they reminded me of a frozen ocean. I didn't know her eyes had so much...green in them.

"I..." she said, and then all hell broke loose. The gunshot missed me and hit the wall.

"Snipers!" I said, diving down to the ground. Mona also dropped down.

"They followed me!" she said.

"What?" Heather cried. Oh God, was she still standing? I turned to get to her when she was shot. No...not again. Not again...

Heather:

I thought I'd have a panic attack and change as soon as he opened the door. Turns out God had other ideas, but actually, I don't think God had anything to do with it.

When Max said, "Snipers," I looked out the window and saw them. The cleaners. Oh my God, and here I'd been watching them this whole time. I was at once furious, with them and myself for not catching on sooner.

But I should have been ducking. The bullet grazed my left shoulder as I was moving. It had been meant for my heart. They would pay, every last one of them. I dropped as though I was hit. Max called my name, and I felt him hover over me before running down the hall after the lady in red. Poor Max. I didn't have to smell his agony. I heard him mumbling as he ran.

"Oh no, no, God, not again, not Heather, God..."

Moments later I heard the cleaners enter his apartment.

They were going to blow it up. From their talking I could tell they had planned this for quite some time. I may not be able to stop all of them, but I could still gum up the works.

They rushed back and forth without even stopping to look at me. During a lull, I opened one eye and then the other. I saw a group of them down the hall while two of them set up the bomb in Max's apartment. I heard their joking. Ooh, they were going to pay.

I stood up silently, switching to beast form as I walked. I couldn't go to feral, not yet. I needed to keep my reason in the forefront of my mind. I tiptoed with my pawish bare feet until I was closer, then rushed at them with a roar.

Their expressions were priceless. They were holding fancy guns. Whoa, these guys were pros. But they couldn't hit me. There was no choice. They were trying to hurt both me and Max. I had to stop them.

*The man snorted when he heard a strange sound. It almost sounded like a lion, but that couldn't be right. He turned and disbelief numbed him stiff. What he was seeing was impossible. A big, pale-yellow cat with stripes leapt upon him, her sabretusks sinking into his neck before he had a chance to think about why she was wearing a tank top and cargo pants.*

"WHAT THE F**K?!" his companions yelled before shooting with their Ingrams. *They couldn't even aim straight. The cat roared, slashing at them with her claws, chasing them back down to the detective's apartment. Without thinking they opened the door and doomed themselves.*

Max:

I watched the cleaners destroy my home. They had been watching me for days, weeks, months even. If that wasn't enough, I couldn't believe what happened next. Through the camera lens I saw...something, something that looked inside my ruined apartment and only left when the fire became too dangerous.

Did my sanity finally leave me? I saw a cat-like creature peek inside apartment after two stupid cleaners rushed inside after the others set the bomb. A creature wearing Heather's clothes...

Her body was no longer in the doorway...
A golden, furry creature that had stripes of brown sugar and cinnamon... and had big teeth...

What the hell was going on?

I couldn't stay there. I had to find Mona.

Mariamus · 08-19-2004, 12:06 PM

*It was late when the Dominion's last costumers walked out of the dark wooden doors. Sadie watched them get into taxies, some driving even though they had been drinking too much, and some walked. She peered through her binoculars from the roof of the building across the street.
An hour after closing-time, Ian Seagri was followed out by two big guys, bouncers from the club, and his private bodyguards. They got into a limo and drove off.

Sadie put the binoculars away and got down from the roof and walked across the street, and around to the back. She climbed over a fence and walked down to the basement door.*
"This oughta do the trick."
*She opened her bag and took out a little case, opening it revealed a set of lockpicks. Sadie inspected the lock and grabbed one of the metal rods, jamming it into the lock and twisting it a little, then she took another slim pin-looking rod and inserted it into the lock carefully, she listened closely to the door and smirked when the lock clicked and the door opened.*
"Like taking candy from a baby."
*She walked inside after she had slung the hood of the coat over her head, obscuring her face from any cameraes. She walked down the hall and made her way upstairs, she found it odd, all cameras were turned off, and upstairs, there were none.
She entered Ian's office. It looked like a display, not a single grain of dust anywhere.*
"This guy is obsessive..."
*She walked over to the desk and opened the drawers, pulling out papers and looking through them. She took copies of the most interesting ones, using the copy-machine in the corner of the office.
When she was done with the papers she put them back in the drawers and stuffed the copies in her bag and walked out.

She was making her way downstairs when she heard a low growling noise. She stopped, looking around the hallway. She could barely hear it. It creeped her out and she ran down the stairs and down toward the basement.

When she opened the door to the basement and jumped down the stairs, she could hear footsteps behind her. Sadie looked over her shoulder and saw a huge animal coming at her, claws out and teeth gleaming in the faint light.*
"JESUS CHRIST!"

TheArtist · 08-19-2004, 04:53 PM

Max:

It took me forever to get out of the building. Lady Luck must have decided to grant me a favor. While clearing away the cleaners that got in my way, I met some of my stranger neighbors. One gave me a shotgun, another gave me her pain pills. I had to crawl out the window to get down, while two other neighbors, the bum from downstairs and a hooker, covered me from the windows.

They were waiting for me below. The bum said he was a cop but he was so drunk I was surprised he could still aim. They were both a big help, until I heard the girl screaming. I had flattened myself against the wall to stay out of the line of fire as best I could. I glanced at the window and saw the impossible.

The golden creature I had seen was no hallucination. It dove out the window and landed on the ground 4 stories below. The cleaners scattered, but she made short work of them, sinking her claws in deep enough to expose their ribs, or at one point, she used her tusks to puncture through a guy's eyes, penetrating the brain.

I took the opportunity to make it to the ground and get away, but she saw me.

Heather:

I didn't mean to scare the girl in the window, but I had to get down there, and the fastest way was straight down. I helped Ed the janitor get out before I climbed back up to see how Max was doing. Judging from the pile of bodies, he was doing very well. The legends in the papers did have some truth to them after all.

The cleaners shot at me and did manage to hit me a few times. I'm pretty durable though. I forgot to add that I can heal fast. In fact, if I didn't hurry, the wounds would close up before I could pull out the bullets that caused them. After the last of them were dead Max hopped down from the scaffolding. He was scared and pointed his gun at my face. I froze. I heal fast but I might not survive a shot to the head from point-blank range. My inner beast wanted to do something but I reigned her in. I wanted to tell him not to shoot, but when you have big teeth you can't talk very well.

His hands were shaking. "What...?" he whispered hoarsely. I moved away from him. I kept my head low to the ground, to show I was submissive. I tried to speak.

"M...Mm-makthhhsss....," I managed to say. I slowly raised my eyes.

Recognition clouded his eyes, which, consequently were as big as dinner plates. I slowly rose to two feet.

Max:

It-she spoke. She was a creature and yet not. She was both. Up close I could still see her face inside. It was so X-Files it wasn't even funny.

The sirens broke up the reverie. We both turned our heads to look, but when I looked back, she was gone. If it wasn't for the bodies with the tooth and claw marks, I'd have said I imagined the whole thing.

Bravura would lock me up if I told him the truth. Fortunately, I didn't have to tell him anything. There had been several cases of strange slashings all over the city, as though made by an animal or a pack of animals. I hope she wasn't behind them, but now...I don't know what to think.

Elsewhere...

*He smelled her before he saw her. Why, she was nothing a but a little thief herself. From the cameras he knew she had been here almost every night since they opened, trying to catch his master's eye.

Kit growled, determined to regain his master's favor. Master, indeed! He felt downright silly calling him that, even though it was true. He was told to stay away, especially downstairs in the restaurant itself. It took him a week to figure out why. The cameras told him the answer.

Heather. He couldn't believe it. She had managed to follow him to this place, even though she hadn't found him, yet. She could ruin everything, and he couldn't tell Icegrim anything, wasn't allowed to see him. And now, now this savvy little tart breaks in without any qualms!

He'd show his master. He'd show them all.

That was the plan, anyway. He fell short of succeeding. The woman was well-prepared. It didn't matter how fast he could heal, a bullet still hurt.

And slowed him down, but not before he knocked her to the ground.*

"ENOUGH!" a voice roared.

*Kit sat up, shocked. Ian Seagrim, or Icegrim, as he was known in the Dominion, towered over him, furious.*

"You are not welcome," he said.

"But...Master, she-"

"OUT!"

Sadie looked up. What the hell? Did the animal just speak?

She watched as the fox man snarled with hatred before running off.

After Icegrim made sure he was gone, he ordered his bodyguards out of the room as well. He then turned and looked down at her. She had her Desert Eagle pointed straight at his head.

He smiled. "Would you care for a drink...or did you just want your usual orange juice?"

Mariamus · 08-20-2004, 02:06 AM

*Sadie was shaking, she thought it would have been an easy get in/get out operation, but now it had turned and she felt like she was in the middle of a weird horror-flick. Talking animals... She had no idea what to say. A million questions swirled around in her head, and which one to ask first was the problem she couldn't solve.*

"Vodka..."

*Ian just continued smiling, like he hadn't caught a burglar just now, but like he had been unexpectedly been visited by a friend. Yet, his eyes were cold, and she knew she had to watch his every move until she could get the hell out of there. She released the trigger and slowly put the desert eagle into the holster under her coat.
Then she rose to her feet and followed Ian, before they reached the stairs, Sadie eyed the door at the end of the hall, it was her ticket to freedom, but she couldn't risk it, not with that... thing... running around somewhere.*

TheArtist · 08-20-2004, 01:07 PM

"Don't bother," Ian said without turning, "I have a few other...friends...and they haven't had any supper. Yet."

*They moved to the downstairs lounge. Sadie stared at her 'host', wondering what to do next. He was toying with her, playing with her fears...and she wasn't anyone's plaything. He expertly mixed a proper screwdriver, heavy on the vodka, light on the orange juice, and handed it to her.*

"All right," she said, exasperated, "Cut the bullsh*t and tell me what the hell is going on?"

He smiled again. "I admire your spirit...and your audacity," he said, cutting her off before she could say more, "That's why I'd like you to work for me instead."

"What?!"

"You heard me. Your reputation preceeds you, sparrow. You are a professional. I'd rather we'd be on the same side."

*Sadie wanted to reject him outright, but wondered if she could make this work. She could be a double agent, but then, Ian seemed to know too much already. She thought about the bartender who had tried to befriend her. She seemed a neutral enough target. If she could gain the girl's confidence, perhaps she could accomplish more.

But what about Vova? And what about what she had seen?*

"Are you going to tell me about what I just saw?" she demanded.

*He stepped closer. "Not until you agree, fair one...and then, I will tell you everything. Everything."

Kit:

Dammit! I was so close. Icegrim will never trust me now. What game is he playing this time? Why does he want that little slut for? Another toy? Why?

*Kit could not dwell on that, as another plan was already in motion. After gaining the trust of the Italians, Ian took control of them. He meant to become a big power, but he was too slow for Kit's taste. Kit was much more direct.

So, when Ian had mused about what to do with the Russian, a man he admired even though their personal tastes were completely the opposite, Kit decided it would just be better to eliminate him altogether. He still had a few contacts that trusted him, in particular, the captain, Vinnie Gognitti. He had sent him and his boys to take care of the Russian boss.

Max:

I had to stay at a hotel. It was days before the firemen said it was safe to go back into the building. I didn't have anything left, except a few photos and some other documents I had locked in a fireproof safe I had. But looters had come and stolen it. I don't know why they didn't just crack the safe there. They had taken the whole thing.

As bad as that was, I couldn't stop thinking about what I had seen. Was that creature really Heather? And even if she was some sort of...monster, how did she survive? The kid had taken the sniper's bullet, plus the cleaners in the alley had hit her at least four or five times without making much of a dent.

And then...there was Mona. Did she see Heather? What did she know about all this? Why were these cleaner guys trying to kill us?

It took me a few days before I felt my head was on straight enough to go back. After I had checked the remains of my ruined apartment, I walked upstairs to where I had chased Heather before she vanished. It was at the opposite end of the building, so it hadn't been touched by the fire.

I looked up and down the hallway, unsure of what I was looking for. This section was too small to have much room for an apartment. It was mostly just a walkway on the way to the door to the roof. While she could escape to the roof, the bum was convinced she lived here somewhere. I was missing something.

It seems Lady Luck had granted me another favor. I just hope I don't have to pay through the nose, like last time. I pounded on the wall in frustration. The wall echoed. It was hollow. I moved to the opposite side and banged there. Not hollow.

Moving back, I noticed an almost invisible square carved into the drywall. If you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't see it. I felt around this square, prodding at it, when at last I found a release catch of sorts and the whole square could be removed.

The crawlspace was tiny. I had to kneel down to enter it, realizing Heather had custom built this to fit her much smaller frame. She could turn around inside and replace the panel in seconds, but I had to move all the way inside before I was able to do the same.

The tunnel was small, lined with unlit candles and airholes made with a powerdrill. It broke into a room about the size of a jail cell. It was narrow and I couldn't stand up inside of it as it was also short. I saw a sleeping bag and pillow rolled up in one corner. Another corner had a garbage bag full of soup cans and wrappers. A wall had photos and newspaper clippings covering it. A backpack revealed clothes, toiletries and money. All very neat and efficient. Well, I guess she had to be after running for two years.

I thought she had been running from the law because of her father. But now I knew much more was involved. I recalled how the reports said Nathan Dupre's body had been found partially eaten, and I shuddered. Heather had shown me she was an efficient killer after dispatching the cleaners.

But then I realized what else she had shown me. She had leapt out that window like...like a fallen angel. She risked her neck, she had been shot, and...she did it to help me. She had known the danger and still she risked getting killed. For me. She didn't even look the least bit concerned about her wounds.

I turned and faced the tunnel to the doorway, and there I saw, in the last corner, was my safe.

She would be back. And I was going to be here when she did.

Mariamus · 08-20-2004, 02:41 PM

*After the meeting with Seagrim, Sadie made her way outside, no monsters blocking her path this time. She wondered it it could have all been a dream, it was too strange to fathom.
She got into her car and drove back to Vladimir, parking the car outside and sat in the car. She couldn't decide wether to tell Vladimir the whole truth, or to risk it, and work for Ian as a double agent.

She was in the middle of her thoughts when the door was opened and Vlad pulled her out of the car.*

"Where the hell have you been?"

*He was furious, his fingers digging into her arms. She whimpered.*
"It hurts Vova, let me go!"

*He stared intensely at her, then released one of her arms and dragged her inside the house, almost tossing her into the bedroom. She stumbled away from him as he slammed the door, dust crumbling down the frame. He advanced on her.*

"Why is it that I wake up at 5 AM and find you missing from our bed, and when I try to call you, you conveniently left your phone here. No note, no message left!"
*She stumbled, landing on her back. He grabbed onto her collar.*
"WHY?"
*She shut her eyes, turning her head away from him.*
"I was at the Dominion!"
*Vlad was desperately trying to stay calm when he heard her muttering about the dominion. He shook her.*
"Why?!"
*Sadie grabbed onto his hands.*
"Let me go Vlad, before you do something you regret!"
*He pulled her close.*
"Maybe I already regret I let you into my home when you betray me like this!"
*She tore at his hands.*
"I never betrayed you! I was there to get information about them burning down Vodka!"
*He took a few deep breaths before her finally released her.*
"Get up!"
*She hesitated. Unsure of his intentions. She had never seen him that angry before. But if he thought she had been unfaithful, it could be the final straw.*
"GET UP!"
*She got up hastily, almost falling down again in her hurry. He looked at her, hell in his eyes, burning her up.*
"I was caught by Seagrim's... guard-dog. He wants me to work for him, to betray you."
*Vlad turned around, grabbing a pack of cigarettes on the night table. He lit one and walked toward her, almost like a cat to a cornered mouse. He grabbed onto her hair.*
"And your answer was?"
*She gasped by the rough handling.*
"I told him I'd consider it... I could work as a double agent!"
*Vlad blew smoke out of his nose, moved the cigarette between his fingers and pulled her head back. He moved the smoke closer to her neck. She could feel the hot fire gaining on her.*
"If you betray me, milii..."
*The cigarette came closer, making it unbearably hot for her, she gasped for air as ears rolled down her face.*
"... I will order your tomb-stone within an hour of finding out!"
*He moved the cigarette away and released her hair. He walked out of the room and slammed the door again. Sadie knelt on the floor, rubbing the warm spot on her throat. Memories of her fosterhome flooded her mind, pushing the events of the night out of focus.

In the afternoon, Sadie found Vlad sitting in the kitchen, drinking his coffee. She stopped in the kitchen door when she saw him, unsure of him. He looked up from the paper and smiled at her like nothing had happened.*
"Slept well, milii?"
*She wrinkled her nose and grabbed a coffee-cup from one of the shelves.*
"Not exactly, no..."
*Vlad let it pass and handed her a small stack of papers.*
"Your next assignment!"
*She looked at it.*
"Vinnie Gognitti? Wasn't he killed?"
*Vlad shook his head, drinking from his coffee-mug.*
"No, he just disappeared for a while. I want you to take him out."
"Why?"
*Vlad lit a smoke, making Sadie take a small step back, he eyed her, having seen her move.*
"Because he's responsible for some of this mess. I want him dead, panjemajo?"
*She nodded and turned around to walk out of the kitchen. Vlad got out of his chair.*
"Milii... Kak dela?"
*He put his arms around her. She sighed and looked away from him.*
"Last night... Ty prissat!"
*Vlad looked at her like he was clueless. She punded a fist into his shoulder.*
"Ty mne van'ku ne val'aj!"
*He sighed, pulling her closer.*
"I'm sorry milii... I wasn't thinking straight. I didn't mean to scare you."
*She sighed.*
"Ubl'yudok!"
*He nodded.*
"I know I am... I'm sorry."
*She moved away from him and walked out of the kitchen.
As she drove into the town, she glanced at the picture of Vinnie Gognitti. Reading about him had given her little information, she would have to find out the best way to kill him, and fast. At the same time, she would have to find out what to do about Seagrim's offer...*

--------------

Any russians reading this? I'M SORRY!!!! I found most of the sentences around the internet, and i'm not sure how correct they are. espc. 'Ty prissat'...
also, spelling.. don't ask, no idea if it's spelled correctly.

TheArtist · 08-21-2004, 12:44 AM

Do I understand Russian? NYET!

Max:

I waited for almost three hours. Good thing I wasn't claustrophobic. When I heard movement from the tunnel I suddenly wondered if this was such a good idea. What if she attacked me? I was on her turf now. I pulled my gun just in case.

I shouldn't have worried.

Heather:

I was too afraid to go back. Afraid to find that my "home" was burnt down, that it was discovered, that Max would find me and kill me or lock me up; lots of little, stupid things.

When I saw that the fire wasn't as bad as it could have been, I was incredibly relieved. Still, best to find a new spot. I had decided to talk to Mr. Seagrim, start grilling him about stuff, but I had to warm up to him. Maybe if he took pity on me I'd learn something. I told him the address of the apartment, with a fake mailbox number.

With all of the lawpeople milling about, someone might notice. I'm sure Max knew something was up, but he never said anything.

When I entered the crawlspace I took no notice that Max's scent was strong. I had saved his safe from looters rampaging the place. I had to do it in beast form because it was too awkward to carry quickly when I was human. That worked fine because I managed to scare the looters away without having to fight them.

I was in human form when I sensed movement. It so startled me I had a panic attack. But if I had remained calm I would have laughed instead. Now that I think about it, he made for a goofy picture.

There he was sitting, his long legs spread out in front of him (poor guy had to be uncomfortable in that tiny space), holding a gun in one hand, and my teddy bear in the other. He looked so serious, too.

Max:

Her eyes changed first and flashed in the dark. She yelped, her voice strange, a half shriek, half gutteral snarl. I scrambled for the flashlight I had, and pointed it at her. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I've seen plenty of sh*t in my life. It was like her skin melted and reformed like clay, changing her facial structure, making her limbs longer before the fur whispered over her bare skin.

"N...nno," she lisped, almost whimpering, "Don'ht...l 'hook h'at m'hee...puh'leezz."

She began to cry, and I...I thought I would, too. She was a kid, a good kid, messed up and put in a bad situation, just like me.

Heather:

I couldn't believe it. He found my only sanctuary. The one place I held sacred because it was mine. But I wasn't angry with him. I was scared he would turn against me because surely I was a freak to him.

After I cried out to him, I heard him say very quietly, "I want to see, Heather. Let me see."

He swallowed, a loud noise to my now sensitive ears. I had covered my face with my pawish hands, claws gleaming in his spotlight. I lowered them an inch at a time, blinking away the tears and adjusting to the invasive ray. He knew now. He knew almost everything. He had to know about my father. What will he do?

"Don h't h-hurt m'hee," I whispered.

Max:

I didn't think I was capable of feeling anything but darkness. But Heather's words, however garbled, were like a knife in my chest. I couldn't believe it. She was incredibly powerful, and yet she was afraid of me. Me.

I nearly dropped the flashlight. I crawled over to her. She was pressed into the wall so hard her shoulder was bleeding from the rough wood cutting her.

I didn't know what to say. So I did the only thing I could.

Heather:

He crawled over to me. I knew he was shocked. I could hear his heartbeat speed up as he moved closer. I hate the fact I have panic attacks. They're a little gift from my mother. In the throes of one all I can do is just sit there and cringe, my body telling my beast I was in danger even though I knew I wasn't.

I had curled up into a ball, hugging my knees, waiting for it to pass when he approached me. Even when he's on his knees he's tall. He put down the flashlight, the glow of it reflected in his eyes which were full and dark.

For the briefest moment I saw a much younger Max Payne, the one who once had a full life, a happy life, Smirk and all. He lifted a shaky hand, paused, and then wrapped his arms around me in an awkward embrace.

Max:

She dissolved in it, hugging me so hard I thought she might crack my ribs. Her claws gripped the back of my coat before she changed back. She let out all of her pain, her frustration and lonliness. Her cries were deep, racking sobs that shook the both of us. It was enough therapy for me. I still couldn't release my pain. I was too much in love with it.

I didn't understand. She had held all this in for so long, but unlike me, I never saw her in a bad mood. She was always smiling, laughing, cracking jokes to me. Maybe she was just looking for a shoulder to cry on, and that shoulder happened to be mine.

But nothing prepared me for what happened next. She had quieted down, hiccuping every now and again. She sighed and said, "Thank you."

She looked up at me, her glacier blue eyes sparkling with tears. I don't know... why she did it. I don't think she planned it, either.

Her hand cupped my face, brushing my temple, running over my recent scars when she arose and kissed me.

(Okay, lords and ladies, I think that's enough soap opera for one night! Tune in tomorrow, same Max time, same Max channel!)

Mariamus · 08-21-2004, 04:33 AM

*The Dominion was already open, but not too many people were sitting in the expensive lounges. Only the regular odd bunch who had decided that 4 pm wasn't too early for a drink... or ten.

Sadie ordered the usual screwdriver, no vodka, all orange juice and sprite.

She didn't know why she had come here right away. She had an assignment already, and she had to carry it out faster then the rest she had done.

Sadie had never seen her Vova like that before. He had been rough before, but mostly on her command, and never as threathening as that. She had to kill Gognitti fast, to make Vova believe that she wouldn't betray him.

She found her pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. She searched for her lighter but had left it in the car. She muttered a few curses before someone lit up a lighter in front of her. She looked at the flame for a moment, then she moved closer, lighting up the cigarette. She blew the smoke out before looking at the man who had come to her smoke-emergency rescue.*

TheArtist · 08-21-2004, 03:55 PM

Heather:

What was I thinking? I wasn't. Thinking. I felt him jerk back immediately. He was completely surprised, and I don't blame him. The differences between our ages is insurmountable.

Beneath the shock was compassion and pity, all followed by the ultimate; rejection. Of course. I knew it in my mind, but my heart was as stubborn as a mule. My inner beast responded, too. The full moon was coming soon, that must have been it.

How could he know? When you finally allow yourself to feel something good after a long period of feeling bad, it all comes out at once and makes the littlest gesture, like a hug, incredibly powerful.

Max:

She tore away from me quickly, muttering an apology. I asked to stay with me, and her face became as scarlet as blood in the snow. It was then I realized that her youth went far deeper than her age.

"I'm serious," I said, "You don't think I'm gonna let you stay here?"

She huffed, upset. She enjoyed her freedom and privacy. I could understand that, same as I understood the bum from downstairs refused to go to a shelter after the fire. He was forced to, but I knew he'd be back, too.

"Fine," she said, packing, "I just don't want to become an inconvenience."

"You know you won't be, " I replied.

"Okay, whatever, but I have to get ready for work."

"The Dominion?"

"Yeah."

"...I have an idea. Do your thing and come with me to the station, first."

Elsewhere:

*He kept his cap low, as always. He was early, but that was alright. It was Wednesday, and so he had to make sure he had a good seat. The girl had a voice like an angel; powerful, melodic, and rich as a viola. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Her voice was in his head all the time.

He remembered her first time on the karaoke stage. It was actually the same night he first arrived. Flustered, blushing, giggling; a fellow bartender dared her to do it after bribing her with a five. He peered at her and and dismissed her as another dumb blonde. He ground his teeth waiting for the inevitable bad rendition of The Greatest Love of All.

And then she opened her mouth. She felt the song, became the song, her voice booming on the mike in perfect pitch. Kaufman glanced at the owner whose jaw had dropped to the floor. He stifled a wicked laugh.

Take that, you uppity pr*ck, he thought.

He came every Wednesday after that. The girl, Heather, intrigued him. All of his questions about her remained unanswered, save for the basics. He didn't even care that Sadie was also here again. He knew Vlad wanted him to tail her now as well as find out about Ian Seagrim and his goons, but it didn't matter, not really. In fact, maybe they could work together.

He watched her search for a lighter. He walked over and used his own.*

"Hi," he said, enjoying her brief flash of fear, "Let's talk."

Mariamus · 08-21-2004, 04:27 PM

*Sadie stared at Kaufman. He had ignored her all previous times they had both been here, and now he was talking directly to her. This could be bad, but she could tell he needed a favor.*
"I know why you're here, Kaufman. It's not because of the drinks, although you enjoy a good one every now and then."
*He raised an eyebrow. his reasons were many, but whch one did she pick?*
"You don't say? Why am I here then?"
*Sadie took a drag from the smoke and exhaled. The smoke lingered in the air with his question as she took a sip of her drink.*
"first off, Vlad wants you to keep an eye on me... make sure I don't double-cross him, which, by the way, I have no intentions off. Second of all... The girl behind the bar, Heather, the one who sings..."
*Kaufman narrowed his eyes. he didn't want to answer that. It put him in a weak spot, and he didn't like it. Sadie grinned as she continued.*
"Obviously, you want her. That's why you keep coming here every wednesday night. Not the drinks, and not the rest of the god-awful voices on the stage."
*Kaufman leaned closer.*
"Cut the crap! I don't care what you think of this whole mess, just remember that I'm watching your every move!"
*Sadie glanced over at Heather.*
"I don't blame you. She's pretty, and innocent.. and that's what you like, isn't it Kaufman?"
*Sadie smirked at his expression. The surprise he had handed her when he lit her cigarette had been turned. She carried the winning hand now. and she enjoyed it. Kaufman rubbed his forehead, he knew she was winning this round. Sadie continued.*
"Let me guess.. in order for you to shut your mouth to Vova about my business here at the Dominion, whatever it may be, you want me to talk to the girl, right?"
*Kaufman nodded slowly.*
"Consider it done!"
*He got up and walked back to his own seat as Sadie finished her screwdriver. She waved Heather over.*
"Another one of these, and throw some Vodka in it please."
*Heather mixed the screwdriver and came over with the drink. Sadie took a sip and threw her a tip, then she tilted her head.*
"So. Why do you work here when you have obvious talents for something better than this?"

TheArtist · 08-22-2004, 02:26 AM

Earlier that night:

Heather:

Max drove me to the station. It was a bit of a drive, but we hardly spoke. The air was pregnant with unanswered questions. Mostly we asked ourselves mundane things, or really, Max did.

"So..."he said after awhile, "Do you always change when you get scared?"

"No," I replied, "my stupid panic attacks trigger them the most. My instincts...the cat inside me is tricked into thinking I'm in danger, so she...comes out."

"When did you...when did it start happening?"

"After I turned 21. I woke up one night in my father's cornfield, completely naked with a full-grown pheasant inches from my lips. But I started noticing things before that."

"What things?"

I thought about it hard. "It seems like the accident was the first sign. I was out riding...we used our barn to hold Mr. Jaeger's horses, and he had taught me how to ride. I took my favorite, Thunderclap, out for awhile. He was a beautiful horse. Half smoky Clydesdale, and half black Morgan. Old man Jaeger never did figure out how the breeding took place. Said his dad must have jumped clean over the fence.

Thunderclap was huge, but lean. You wouldn't know this, but Clydesdales are built for power. They're the Budweiser horses, you know. Morgans on the other hand are speedsters. So Thunderclap was somehow a perfect mix. It was said that if the devil were in front of him, he'd just plow him over, and if the devil were behind, he'd never catch him. He was fearless...except once."

I glanced apologetically at Max. I had been droning on for a bit about stuff he'd never understand. I sighed. City folk.

"Anyway, I had taken him out that day, like a million times before, on a trail we had taken a million times before, when all of a sudden he spooked. Thunderclap never spooked. Never. I was thrown off. I wasn't hurt except the lead had lacerated my hands...deep enough that blood dripped everywhere.

I don't know why, but after that day I could never ride him again. Shortly after that, I began noticing things. My nose came first, then ears, and so on. A month into it and I was hunting at night."

"So this cat, is it another entity?" Max asked.

"I'm not sure. There's alot I'm not sure of. She is a part of me, and what I feel, she feels too. We just don't always...agree."

He sighed. It was too much. "I know one thing, though," I continued, "I did not kill my father."

He was silent for several moments. "I believe you," he whispered. We were silent the rest of the way.

At the station Max found out the lady in red had called him. Her name was Mona Sax and he said she was a friend. After he talked to her we were driving again. Apparently he was taking me to meet her. The meeting was brief. I don't have to tell you how the sparks flew between those two, do I? Nor do I have to tell you I reeked of jealousy, though I tried so hard to put it away. I can't be falling for him, I just can't...

Mona was quite useful. When I told Max I had to get to work, she gave me the once over and decided I was her new pet project. I couldn't believe what she all did. We went shopping. I haven't gone shopping like that since my mom was still alive. She insisted that I stay with her in that madhouse. Oh well, there have been far worse places I have stayed.

Max was much more practical, and he had a plan. The reason I went shopping was so that the mostly male population would have their eyes trained on me. Meanwhile, both he and Mona would have a look around. I blushed, but agreed. I will have to really turn on the charm tonight. I prayed for forgiveness.

Later, when I arrived, I hid my new clothes in the back. Karaoke wouldn't start for another 2 hrs, but there was already quite a crowd. Ian always preferred jazz, and there were a few couples dancing.

Sadie was there, as usual. So was the foreman...oh my God. I hadn't realized my own mistake. That was the guy in charge of the cleaners, the men who had tried to kill the three of us. I had forgotten. Luckily Mona had handed me an earpiece so I'd know their progress. It would be difficult to communicate with them while performing, but they could tell me what they were doing.

"Max," I muttered under my breath, "what was the name of that guy in charge of the cleaners?"

"I don't know," he crackled back, "All I got was the name Kaufman. Why?"

"Because he's here. He's a regular of mine."

"What?!"

"Shh," Mona said, and added, "Heather, we're really going to need your help. Make sure he doesn't move!"

"How?" I asked.

"You know, flirt with him, make him ga-ga over you or something. You know, don't you? How to do that?"

"I...don't flirt." I faltered, while Max said, "Make him ga-ga? What the hell is ga-ga?"

"Shut up, Max!" Mona hissed, and continued with me, "What do you mean? What about past boyfriends? You know, making out? ...Any of that sh*t ring a bell?!"

"Mona, I've...I've never done..."

"WHAT?!"

"SHH!" Max said with a groan.

They were silent for several moments. I had to turn around and get busy with customers, and quickly.

"Listen, guys," I said, " I know what you're getting at. I'm an entertainer. So I will entertain this Kaufman guy, to keep him off your backs. Fair enough?"

Silence. Then Mona whispered, "Girl, I've got a lot more tricks to teach you when we get out of here."

"Be careful," Max added, and said to Mona, "What the hell is ga-ga?"

"What you're going to be saying in a minute if you don't shut up!" she said through gritted teeth.

So that was the plan. I served Sadie her usual and made my usual rounds with the customers. Ian stared at me. I had styled my hair differently that night, and had brushed up on my makeup skills. I saluted him with my own glass of icewater, and he actually gave me a rare warm smile. Icewater is all I drink, especially on Wednesdays since I get so dry on stage.

Moments later Sadie motioned me over and actually ordered a real screwdriver. After sipping it she asked me why I wasn't in something a bit more pro? I appreciated her compliment. Though the two of us almost never spoke, we had an almost invisible repoire. She knew I would be there if she ever needed to vent, and she took comfort in that. Her scent reminded me of Max. She too had a heavy presence punctuated by loss and death. I knew better than to ask.

What I did ask was, "Why the vodka? Are you celebrating?"

She looked up and smiled mysteriously. "Something like that. But don't dodge the question."

I couldn't tell her the truth. So I told her A truth.

"If I were famous, really famous, I'd lose touch with people. I like this, having an audience I can later on say hi to at the grocery store."

She believed. It was the truth, too. Even though I'm on the run, I couldn't imagine doing anything that didn't involve helping people. My genes must be programmed for it.

Sadie leaned in. "Can you do me a favor?"

I had seen her serious, but not like this. "What?"

"What's your boss like?"

"I told you, arrogant and full of himself. Thinks his own sh*t don't stink."

Sadie pointed. "Do you know that guy over there?"

Kaufman. What the hell? "Kind of. Why?'

"I know him well, and I have a proposition. You tell me what you know of Seagrim, and I'll set you up with Mr. Kaufman over there. He's really smart, and strong."

I stared at her. What was she doing? "But I thought he was...isn't he kind of...serious?" I wanted to say old, but if this worked, Max and Mona would have their tails covered.

She laughed. "Yes, and he's very, very serious about wanting to meet you. Again."

I took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll see him after I perform."

Mariamus · 08-22-2004, 03:11 AM

*Sadie turned her head to Kaufman. He looked up under his cap and she smiled at him, giving him a wink. He just nodded and turned his head away from her. Done and done.
Sadie ordered another screwdriver after a while, and decided to lean back and enjoy the performance.

She enjoyed the scene, Kaufman was on edge. He hated waiting, and Sadie enjoyed watching him squirm in his seat.

Not long before Karaoke started, Sadie watched the front doors open. She nearly spat out her drink when she saw who entered.

"Well well well... Vinnie Gognitti. What's an italian like you doing in a place like this?"

He walked up to the bar and ordered a Crazy Ivan. Sadie watched him sit there for a while. He looked like he was waiting for someone. Sadie kept watching him until he turned his head and looked at her. She looked away and finished her drink. Suddenly he stood behind her and got the bartender's attention.*
"The young lady needs a refill."
*Sadie turned to him on her seat. Leaning against the bar.*
"Vincent Gognitti, since when have you become such a gentleman?"
*He looked at her with a puzzled expression.*
"How'd you know my name? No offense, but I don't remember you."
*Sadie chuckled. It sounded almost like a mix of a purr and a roar. It scared, but excited him.*
"That's because i'm not a prostitute..."
*He frowned at her, she could see he was ready to blow a fuse at that comment. She gave him a warm smile.*
"So I was right?"
*He didn't answer. The bartender came over with the drink and hurried away. Sadie took a sip and raised an eyebrow.*
"Don't answer that... Thanks for the drink. My name is Sadie."
*She extended her hand to him and he took it.*
"You already know my name, but you still didn't tell me how."
*She looked at him.*
"You're italian, blond, blue eyed. And you ordered a Crazy Ivan, which I think is a joke on the russians... You're almost top-dog, which is why you can afford coming here. By that description, only one name popped up."
*He relaxed, leaning against the bar, looking at her.*
"Why do you come here?"
*She took another sip of her drink and pulled out a smoke. He instantly lit it for her.*
"I like karaoke..."
*He nodded slowly. He was about to say something more when Seagrim came over. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned closer.*
"Miss Sadie. It's a pleasure to see you again. Care to accompany me to my office?"
*Sadie got off the bar-stool and waved at Vinnie.*
"Thanks for the drink, Gognitti."
*She entered Seagrim's office like she had the other night. It still looked the same: dust-free and shiny. He sat down in the chair behind the desk.*
"Please have a seat. We have some things to discuss."
*Sadie sat down in the leather chair. She could feel his eyes studying her every move.*
"Have you thought about my offer?"
*She nodded slowly.*
"I accept..."

TheArtist · 08-22-2004, 10:04 PM

*He remembered the first time he saw her. The apartment complex some time after setting up. She had approached him and his boys, alone, nervous; her face open and raw. She had asked to borrow his power drill. At first he thought she was making a pass, but she was serious.

He was his usual brusque self, giving her a time limit. She thanked him so kindly he softened, offering to teach her how to use it. She said she already knew, but thanked him again. She chose the largest bit, and left. When she returned she was covered head to toe in sawdust, her face flushed with color. He had never seen anyone that happy about a project.

When one of the boys cracked a joke, asking about her borrowing his own"power tools", she had blushed red with embarrassment, but cracked right back about him having a much smaller "extension cord."

The man never laughed at her again. Kaufman saw to that.

He would often look for her while watching the detective. She had a raw kind of beauty, a natural kind unencumbered by too much makeup or flashy clothes. There was a wholesomeness to her, a purity, and it drew Kaufman like a moth to a flame.

It was at The Dominion where he realized he had to have her. He watched her curvy figure sway to the rhythm of the music, sometimes without even knowing it, and it drove him crazy. He'd dream about her, waking up excited...too excited on some nights.

He had only slipped once, when he followed her to the back in hopes of speaking to her...and maybe more... Instead he peeked in while she changed, seeing far more than he had ever hoped to see. Seagrim's new boy, Raven, had almost caught him.

If Vlad knew he would probably encourage him. Vlad loved women, all kinds of women. Sadie was his favorite at the moment, and that was fine. She was a good pupil but had too much of an attitude.

He knew that Heather liked Sadie. That was the only reason why he put his pride on the line. He couldn't wait to have her, touch her...and oh yes, f*ck her. Would she fight him? He hoped so. Her scream had to be as beautiful as her voice.

He stirred in his seat, suddenly hot and bothered. He had to wait. He hated waiting but he had no choice. He sighed. Enjoy the show...just enjoy her show...*

Heather:

I had often wondered about Kaufman. Raven, a fellow bartender and Ian's adopted son, had told me his suspicions. He and I had become fast friends. He was a few years younger than me, and nothing like his father. His black hair was short and spiky, his eyes dark but warm, not cold. He was quick with a smile and even quicker with wit. He and I razzed each other so often we decided to add a comedy routine at happy hour twice a week, ala Cocktail.

It was Raven who dared me to try karaoke. When I claimed to be too nervous, he said to picture the men in their underwear. I asked him what he wore. His response? Let's just say I was in hysterics for almost 5 minutes. Then he said if I didn't go up there, he'd carry me up himself.

He was a sweet guy, and had asked me out. I knew he meant well. I would have said yes if I was there for any reason other than to find Kit. If I found him and we have it out, then I'd be done and...I'd move on.

Anyway, Raven told me to stay away from Kaufman. I blew him off, razzing him as always. After all, when it became late I usually had one or two admirers who were always a bit too happy. I'd give them a dance, then ask Swift or one other of the bouncers to put them in a cab.

Besides, if I had trouble I could always scare him.

The spotlight was on me. My new clothes enhanced my curves. Thank God for cleavage.

"Good evening ladies and....gentlemen," I purred.

I noticed Sadie talking to a blonde guy. Vinnie Gognitti was another regular, but he only came when he needed to talk to Ian. I knew he was a Mob guy from the papers, but when Sadie smiled at him I knew something else was going on. Sadie always seemed to be watching for something, asking me questions. I've often played both sides. Sadie never ordered alcohol, so I figured she was an undercover agent. Why did she have the real thing tonight?

And why did Ian suddenly get so friendly with her? I knew he liked her, but he liked lots of women. He tolerated me because I was his pet, though I was fast intriguing him. He watched me work the crowd to my favor, and easily. I'd make fun of him during my comedy routines, which could have gotten me fired for insubordination, if the audience wasn't truly enjoying it.

He encouraged me to be...friendly. So tonight I will take his advice.

The show must go on. God forgive me for what I'm about to do.

Mariamus · 08-23-2004, 02:15 AM

*Sadie could hear Heather through the closed door. She moved her head a bit. She felt guilty for sending her at Kaufman.
He was a sick bastard alright. From what she had heard he only liked girls who put up a fight. He could smell innocence from a hundred feet away.
When Sadie turned her head, Seagrim was in front of her, leaned close to her face. He took a deep breath.*
"Is that guilt I can smell on you?"
*Her eyes narrowed. How could he have known?*
"Maybe a little. don't concern yourself with it, it'll pass."
*He moved closer to her, with every milimeter, Sadie could feel her heart race faster. She got out of her seat and turned around. Seagrim stood up and walked over to her. He stood behind her as she tried to look casual, watching his books in the enormous bookshelf.
Her heart raced as he stood close behind her. She licked her lips.*
"Fascinating book collection you have."
*He reached out over her shoulder and took one. The inscription said: 'Man into Wolf'. He smiled.*
"Fascinating book. Do you like to read?"
*She just nodded as he took another book from the shelf. This one was called 'The werewolf of Paris'.*
"This is a marvellous book too... But sadly ignored. You should read it some day."
*His fingers ran over the books on the shelf. Some had latin inscriptions, greek, Sadie even recognized a few russian books. All about metamorphosis, lycanthropy, werewolves.
She turned around, wanting to get out. He smiled at her, resting his hands on the bookshelf, locking her in between his arms. It almost looked like he was baring his teeth at her.
Sadie took a step back, pressing herself against the books, her heart pounding like a scared bird, she was frozen... A deer caught in headlights. He leaned closer, whispering to her.*
"Leaving so soon?"

TheArtist · 08-23-2004, 12:24 PM

Heather:

"How's everybody tonight? What? I can't hear you! Okay, I can hear you now...I heard that, Raven!"

Don't ask me where I go when I perform. I don't know. I'm somewhere else, or I become a different person.

The crowd was in a good mood. I decided to begin with a few tunes to get them hopping. "Wherever, Whenever", was first. I couldn't move quite like Shakira, but I made do. After a few tunes, I slowed down with Evanescence, a very popular choice. It's a good thing I had a radio with me on my travels. Without it I doubt I'd even know who they were. After that, the usual Cher (such as Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...a song I was merciless with, pointing out tramps in the crowd and so on) and Madonna, both classic and recent. Blues. Jazz. Even Rock.

I kept trying to leave, to give others a chance to sing, but the crowd wanted more. It was not unusual, but it was never like this. During a short break I muttered to Max, asking how thing's were going. I didn't hear anything for a long time, when Max suddenly whispered, "Okay." Ooh. He was hiding. Mona said nothing, but I could hear her breathing, so she was fine.

Two parts were recently added to my routine. One was sort of a game. I'd be talking when I would start speaking lines from songs, both the names of titles and lyrics. Sometimes I'd spring right into Moulin Rouge (What is love? Love is a many-splendored thing...etc.)

The other thing I would do is pick a song at random. Sometimes it was a song I could sing, and sometimes it wasn't, which was why it worked. I'd say, "I'd can't sing this! You can't make me! What? You can't fire me, Raven, only your dad can...oh. Oh that's it, I get half of your tips for this, bucko! Ladies and gentlemen, please be sure to tip Mr. Raven well tonight. He's going to need the extra cash."

As ridiculous as it was, it always worked. I'd then either blow them away with the song choice or sing badly on purpose. I close my eyes and set it up. When I opened them to see the song choice I know I blushed.

Elsewhere:

*Sadie became angry. He was enjoying her fear. Why did all men have one-track minds? "Back off!" she spluttered. Surprisingly, he did.

"I saw you were speaking to Vincent," he said, sitting down on top of his desk. He smiled. "Do you like him?"

Sadie shrugged her shoulders. What game was he playing? "He's an Italian, and a gentleman,"she replied, "Unlike some guys I know."

Ian tossed back his head, laughing. "And I suppose he's a bit easy on your eyes?" he asked.

"Of course," she said, getting another laugh.

"Then I shall give him to you. He's yours. Enjoy him...and when you're done...come back to me. We...will talk more."

Of all the arrogance! She wanted to tell him so, but Sadie realized he was giving her the opportunity to leave. She took it.

Ian paused, ears twitching, then quietly called on Swift Talon, his loyal servant. "Swift...we have intruders."

Heather:

I should have known Raven would pull a stunt like this. Sometimes he'd put Weird Al in there, or a song by Pantera. Fortunately, it was a band and a song I was familiar with. Unfortunately, it was Metallica. Worse, the song choice...was Loverman.

"Since when do we sing Metallica songs in karaoke?" I cried.

"Since you tried to sing Anthrax and failed miserably," Raven shouted back. The crowd roared.

Oh, he was going to get it. In spades! "That's it! I'm going to have you neutered!" I shouted, which caused a strange reaction. About half the crowd laughed mildly in response, but the other half, Raven and the bouncers doubled over in hysterics. That was my first clue, though I'm sure I had missed or ignored others.

"Sh*t!" someone whispered in my ear. Max? Oh no. Something was wrong. I peered at Kaufman. He wasn't going anywhere. I glanced at Swift. Tom Swift he called himself, which of course wasn't his real name, but I knew better than to pepper him with questions. He was a big black man, powerful and could easily break me in half. I liked him, though. I knew his serious expression was for the customers, not us.

When he put a hand to his ear, I knew there was trouble spelled M.A.X, or M.O.N.A. If they ever found them and connected them to me, we'd all be dead.

I'd show him. I'd show them all. I wasn't going to play with this one. I'd put away all of my maidenly shyness and pander to the crowd.

Loverman was a song about pure, unadulterated lust. The lyrics made me cringe every time. I don't think anyone noticed I had white knuckles from gripping the microphone.

"There's a devil waiting outside your door, (How much longer?)" I sang. Raven's jaw dropped. It was good. All eyes were on me, even Swift had paused, so Max and Mona could get out of whatever jam they were in.

But I never felt so filthy in my entire life.
_______________________

*Sadie watched the crowd. The guys were eating it up. Vinnie however was still a bit more interested in what was in front of him. She looked at the girl. Heather was good, but she could tell that the song wasn't a part of her, though she took great pains to hide it. She was reveling in her act, not the song itself.

Compared to what she sang before, there was a difference, though Sadie doubted the guys could tell the difference.

"And he's shoutin' your name, asking for more, (How much longer?)"

Sadie snickered. Did the girl even know what she was singing? She saw the fevered blush on the young girl's cheeks. Oh, yes. She knew.

"Forever, amen!" Heather sang, swaying suggestively.

She glanced at Kaufman. He was transfixed like the rest, but she knew he wasn't fooled, either. It wasn't the song or her movement that enticed him. He knew she was only acting, that inside, she really was a sweet, very nice, and especially a clean little girl. It was her own self-corruption that facinated him. It wouldn't surprise Sadie if he had a hard-on right now.

"And he's old, and he's stupid, and he's hungry and he's sore,/ And he's blind, and he's lame, and he's dirty and he's poor/ Gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more gimmie more/ There's a devil crawling along your...floor,

LOVER MAN! (ha-ha!) And here I stand! Forever, Amen! Cause I am what I am, what I am, what I am..."

*Kaufman had never seen her like this. She was giving it up, sacrificing her virginity for the audience, in a figurative way. For him. It was almost painful to watch.*

"I'll say it again, L is for Love, baby, O is for Oh, yes I do. V is for Virtue, so I ain't gonna hurt you, E is for Even if you want me to..."

Heather:

Couples were making out all over the place...sickening. I tried not to watch them. I'd often look at Kaufman, and wink every now and again. Raven was staring at me with a horrible facination, like the kind you have when watching a car accident. He was stunned, but not in a good way. My "vengence" had worked too well.
Something strange was happening to me. The more I worked the song, the more my inner beast rose within. I knew the first night of the full moon was tonight, but I never felt her so in tune with me before. It wa like she approved of what I was doing, but it didn't make any sense.

I was wrapping up the song when my earpiece suddenly exploded with a burst of noise. Gunfire. I cried out, clutching my head. I dropped to my knees.

My eyes changed and my nails and begun to lengthen before I got myself under control. I didn't think anyone noticed. Most were all busy leaving the building in a panic.

I watched Kaufman calmly walk to the men's room. He wasn't going anywhere, dammit.

Raven was suddenly upon me, and so was Swift. I thought they were going to ask if I was okay, but the first words out of Raven's mouth were,

"I knew it! Oh Heather, I knew it!" he cried. He was so... happy?

"Sir..." Swift warned. I realized he was referring to Raven. What?

"But Swift, didn't I tell you? It's okay! I knew it! She's one of us!"

Mariamus · 08-23-2004, 01:16 PM

*She made her way out of Seagrim's office and walked through the crowd. She bumped into Vincent on her way through. He looked her over.*
"That wasn't a long meeting."
*Sadie stopped, looking him over. She smiled almost seductively.*
"What can I say... I'm that good!"
*He grilled, a glint of something more in his eyes. Sadie felt rotten. If Vladimir knew what she was doing here, he'd snap her head off in a second.*
"What are you up to now?"
*Sadie crossed her arms.*
"I was thinking about getting a drink and enjoy the karaoke... but if you have a better idea?"
*She looked up at Heather as Vinnie stood there, almost gawking at her suggestion. Maybe he couldn't believe his luck...

Sadie instantly heard the gunshots. Her head snapped in the direction of the shots.
The crowd started running wild, fleeing as panic tightened it's grip around them. She turned her head and saw Vinnie being pushed out by the crowd.
He was trying to get back to her. Sadie didn't know if she should follow him, or check out the disturbance.
She looked at Heather who was crumbled up on the stage. One of the bouncers and Seagrim's son was over her for protectiong. Sadie got a good look at Raven. He looked ecstatic, happy about the disturbance. It didn't make any sense.*
"Sorry Gognitti, you have to wait!"
*She grabbed her gun from under her coat and checked the clip.
Storming upstairs, she followed the sounds of clips being emptied. She found a nifty trail of dead bodies, blood leading further upstairs, showing her the way to him, like bread-crumbs behind Hansel and Gretel.
She found another dead body, his face had been turned to a gory mass of blood and brains, pieces of his broken skull, like egg-shells in a serving of pancakes.

She found her target, kneeling on the floor, reloading his gun and checking the ammo of the guns he had taken from the trail of victims behind him.*

"I thought people only came her for bad karaoke and good drinks!"
*He swirled around, aiming at her, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw her. There was something strangely familiar about his face, she couldn't quite place it...*

TheArtist · 08-24-2004, 01:15 AM

Max:

I couldn't believe how easily Mona had accepted Heather. We both debated on telling her the whole truth, but Heather didn't want to wait. In the end her decision was best, so we all really knew what we were up against.

Mona took it well, all things considered. She was always able to keep her cool much better than I could. She asked if a silver bullet could kill. Heather didn't know. Just in case, we would go for a head and/or heart shot. I had hoped we wouldn't have to shoot at all, but knowing how I've done in the past, I wasn't counting on it. It was a good thing our argument took place before we got into position.

It was hard. I had figured the guards might be unusually gifted with hearing, so we had to stay as silent as possible. For a while, things were good.

When I first heard Heather sing, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. That was one talent I'd never get close to. Sure, I can plunk a few notes on the piano, but that's it. Mona can't sing either, or she would have joined her.

The easiest way to move about without much detection was through the air ducts. I got a good look at the boss, Ian Seagrim, in his office. He was talking to a woman who I couldn't see but whose voice was oddly familiar. Something about her voice began to knock on my brain.

Heather quietly asked how we were. I tried to catch a moment where there was some background noise. When the woman left she slammed the door. I took that moment to say, "Okay."

I didn't think he heard me, but I saw his ears twitch. Uh-oh. He walked, sniffing the air. I held my breath.
When he called for back-up I made my move. He heard me but luckily his own perfection got the better of him. He wanted to get inside but didn't want to damage anything.

Mona was nearby. I had to get to her, but she was already hard at work. It was she who fired the first shots, not me. When I got to where she was supposed to be, she had already gone, out of the ducts and into the offices. Unfortunately, more guys came. I saw weird eyes and claws here and there, but it was like they were waiting for the right opportunity to change. I didn't give it to them.

Mona's guess was right. Head and heart shots seemed to work, otherwise they kept getting back up. One in particular tried to leap at me, but I sprayed buckshot in his face, turning it into mashed potatoes and gravy.

I heard Heather cry out when the gunshots began. She could hear us. I hoped she'd stay put and keep Kaufman busy.

While I reloaded, a woman burst in. She was human, because she didn't try to scare me by making weird eyes or growing fur on her face. However, she waved a silver Desert Eagle at my face. I decided to return the favor.

"NYPD," I said, flashing my badge. Her face instantly softened. Her face...she looked...I don't know. She began to lower her gun.

Suddenly a savage howl came from nowhere. An enormous wolf leapt clear over the woman and landed on top of me, knocking the gun out of my hands. He growled and barked, his claws slashing at my outstretched forearms...he was trying to say something but was too angry to speak clearly.

"STOP!" the woman screamed, shooting the beast. He rolled off of me as though surprised. He looked at her, she looked at him, and that gave me the second I needed to get away. The house was huge, so I was able to hide for a few moments and get my bearings. I had to find Mona, and I had to make sure Heather was safe.

*The giant wolf turned to her. He was a beautiful silver-gray, a metallic ash.

"Are you all right, luv?" he asked, panting.

Heather:

Had I known all along? I couldn't say. My beast was pacing in her cage, and I couldn't figure out why. My breath had shortened, and I felt like jumping out of my skin.

"Us?" I said, "Who's us?"

"...But...don't you know?" Raven faltered, "Us! Shifters! The Chosen!"

"Chosen?"

"Sir," Swift warned again, "Need I remind you that it was the master's decision to pick the time to tell her?"

"Swift Talon, you saw what happened. It's too late now, anyway. Go to my father and find out what's going on!"

Swift growled but complied. I stared after him. As if he knew he had an audience, even though it was just us who were left, I watched him shift into a handsome, dark-maned lion.

I was ambivalent. On the one hand I feared for Max and Mona. On the other, I was relieved. Finally, finally , I was no longer alone.

I looked at Raven who was still smiling down at me. My inner beast turned and looked at him; I have no idea why I knew that but I did. Did she want to hunt? Run? I just couldn't tell.

Suddenly a bunch of men burst into the room. Cleaners!

"Raven, look out!" I roared.

My beast knew they were the enemy. I shifted immediately. Half of them screamed, the other half started shooting. I went after the screamers. Fools...skinny, meat to be wasted... No! Where had that thought come from? Why was I suddenly so hungry? I shook my head and continued to dispose of them.

"HEaThER! YOu A-rE GrE-AT!" a raucous voice said. I turned to look and saw a huge black bird the size of a Buick swoop in and slam a group of cleaners to the floor, pecking their faces hard enough to impale them with his beak. Raven, I should have known. I had heard Ian be called Icegrim every so often. If the naming thing upheld, that would make him a wolf, like the fairytale, Reynard the Fox...which meant Kit had to fit in all this.

Just thinking about Kit made me angry. I felt my power rise. I felt stronger, faster...wilder. I had to cool it or I'd do something regrettable.

It was more fighting I'd ever had to do, and I got shot again several times. I hoped Max was okay, and Mona too. At least they were better shots than these freaks.

After it was over, I forced myself to change back. My beast was furious, but it drained her, so she was a quiet complaint in the back of my mind. Like my conscience.

Raven changed back, too. He was so pleased.

"Heather, that was...you're more beautiful than I imagined! I-"

We both turned and watched Max smack him upside the head. He didn't hear him, either. How was it only Max could sneak up on us like that?

"Max, what the hell did you do that for?" I shouted.

Before he could say anything, Swift Talon dropped from the rafters. He gave Max a terrific backhand that caused him to slam into a wall. With my enhanced hearing I could hear bones crack. Even with all that, Max somehow managed to stand up and fire his gun.

Swift wasn't called Swift for nothing. He managed to dodge it and charged at Max. Max fired again, right into his chest. Swift stumbled, but didn't fall. Max dodged. Swift turned and charged again. This time he was blindsided. By me. I didn't want to fight Swift, but I knew he was loyal to a fault. If Ian wanted Max dead, Swift wouldn't stop until one of them was.

Swift was furious with me. He swiped at my face. I leapt onto his back, tearing at his mane. He caught my leg, I bit his ear. He couldn't shake me off. Before he slammed me backwards, I finally managed to pierce his neck with my sabretusks. I knew I had to do more. I pulled until I had severed his head.

The scent of blood made me delirious, but seeing Max collapsed on the floor was horrifying. I was human before I knew what was going on.

"MAX! MAX! Don't die on me, Max!" I heard myself screaming. He was unconscious. He was hurt bad. His spine had to be bruised, if not broken, and his forearms were shattered from deflecting Swift's backhand.

He wasn't breathing. Oh, f*ck. Oh, no. No, oh God, sh*t, no. I couldn't let him die...I loved him. He and I shared a similar misery. I can't let him die. I won't let him die.

"Damn you, Max! Not now! Not on my watch!"

I nearly fractured his ribs while trying to give him CPR. I felt so hot I was feverish. My beast, who had been quiet was suddenly strong again.

"Please God, not him," I pleaded through clenched teeth, "Not now. He should have one more chance at happiness, please...Oh God, please take me instead, I beg you! I am ready, Lord, forgive the both of us!"

My hands felt like they were burning. A power rose within me like never before. I briefly thought of my own speed healing when I felt it spill out of my hands and slam into him. Somehow, by a miracle, I knew that I had transferred some of my speed-healing and gave it to him. I could only do this for someone I cared deeply for, that much I knew. I had a new trick...I wonder how-

*THUD!*

Max:

I woke up feeling light as a feather. No pain. It was a miracle. It was like I had been in a coma for 10 years and was just now waking up. I turned my head and saw Heather unconscious, laying across me, her hand on my heart.

She saved me. Again. I don't know how I knew that but it was true. She was out like a light, shaking. She must be exhausted from...whatever she did. I sat up and covered her with my coat. It was loaded with blood and bullet holes but it was better than nothing.

I was torn. I wanted to check on Mona. She hadn't made a sound in so long, I was afraid she either left us or was dead. And I wanted to stay with Heather. She was in no shape to go anywhere. I had to make sure it was safe to leave.

I carried Heather to the safest place I could think of...where most of the dead bodies were. She had grabbed onto my shirt in her delirium, her voice frightened. I shushed her, remembering how long it was when I had held another little girl like this. My little girl...I had forgotten...forgotten what it felt like...to be a father. Heather's father had hit her...shot at her...

How could he? How could he?

I placed her in the far corner of the darkened room, making sure we weren't followed and that all of the bodies were really dead. It would take time for her to recover, and until she did, she was vulnerable.

I never should have left.

Heather:

I felt him carry me. He was so careful, not wanting to wake me even by accident. I could sense his concern. I couldn't wake up enough to assure him. I was too slow to recover.

Meanwhile:

*He peered out of the men's room long after the gunshots stopped. He had called his boys in, and they delivered. He heard from "the other side" that Max Payne was here. Stupid, why was he here? Maybe Vlad had told him something.

It didn't matter. When he peered out next the room was empty, save for the bodies. It angered him, but it didn't bother him. Nothing bothered him...almost nothing. He followed the bloody trails, cataloging what had happened.

He found her on the floor. Her clothes were torn and bloody. God! Was she dead? He rushed over to her still, quiet form. She was still breathing.

Heather:

I felt him above me. He pushed my hair aside, exposing my face. I had no power so I couldn't even smell who it was. It seemed like hours before I could open my eyes. I thought it was Max again, but when I looked up all I saw was a blue baseball cap.

"Oh, Earth Angel, Earth Angel," Kaufman whispered, remembering her game, "now you are mine."

Mariamus · 08-24-2004, 03:34 AM

*She didn't know how many shocks she could take that night. But she had them coming in swarms. He flashed a badge at her.*
"NYPD!"

*Sadie stared at him flashing his badge. Memories were flooding to her, cops and robbers when she was still a happy kid. It couldn't be...
The man on the floor looked so much like him. She couldn't fire her gun, not until she was sure. The deagle felt heavy in her hand, too heavy for her to hold, she lowered her arm.

She heard the howl behind her and watched the man on the ground become wide-eyed in surprise, or was it horror?
It was only a slight wind that passed her as the enormous wolf jumped over her head and landed on top of him.
They fought as Sadie stood there in a daze, still shocked about the cop. She saw the wolf tearing at his arms, drawing blood, trying to kill him...

She snapped out of it. She couldn't let it kill him. She needed to know. She raised her gun.*
"STOP!"
*This time she could pull the trigger. She fired, hitting the wolf's shoulder. It rolled off him and looked at her. Max got up and made a run for it.
It felt like forever, the few seconds they stared at eachother, He then turned to her and got up.*
"Are you all right, luv?"

*She stepped back. Now she understood his extensive collection of werewolf books.*
"Seagrim?"
*He bared his teeth, which she guessed made up for a smile.*
"Icegrim, when I'm like this, fair one."
*He came closer, stopping in front of her. She held up her hand and touched his nose. He sniffed her hand, and licked her fingers. She moved her hand up his face, feeling the silvery fur. She couldn't believe her eyes. It couldn't be real. It couldn't... Her eyes were fearful, yet curious as he transformed, her hand still resting on his neck as he stood in front of her as a man again.*

TheArtist · 08-24-2004, 01:06 PM

Heather:

I was in and out of consciousness for the next half hour or so. That by itself was amazing since when I'm drained I'm usually pretty comatose.

Kaufman apparently carried me to his vehicle, probably a van. I was laying almost flat. I tried to move but it was like being dream-aware. You know you're alert but your body is as heavy as lead. My eyelids were like bricks.

He drove for awhile, I'm unsure for how long. When he finally stopped I could hear him humming badly to a tune I couldn't remember. Something about keeping driving or whatever. He picked me up as if I weighed nothing at all.

Where were we? My nose was starting to come back so I started breathing deeply. I smelled him, his emotions were jumbled, and the place itself was different too. Alcohol...vodka, new paint and old smoke. Blood...a recent battle had taken place here...Gognitti?

Kit! Kit was here recently! Damn! Wake up, Heather, for God's sake!

I couldn't...was this what it was like to be drunk?

Finally his pace had slowed down. He set me down on something incredibly soft and warm. My first instinct was to return to the void of sleep, but the bittersweet scent of desire hit me like a fist.

Kaufman's breathing was labored. I felt him hover above me before kneeling. A bed...his...bed? Hoo boy. His hand was shaking when he fingered my hair, barely touching it. He then slid his whole hand through it. If I had the energy to shudder, believe me, I would have.

*It was like living silk. He knew it would be. He didn't mind that she was out like a light at the moment. This way he could explore without much interference.

The look on Vlad's face when he came in was priceless. He wanted to toast his success on finding a woman, but he understood Kaufman's need to...hurry. So soft...he had savored this moment, dreamt of it. He would not waste any more time.

"Heather," he said, testing the word, drawing the H out. He watched her try to respond. He didn't know why she was so sluggish. She had Max Payne's signature black trench on. Maybe he had drugged her or something. Kaufman didn't care. He took hold of one of her hands. heather's hands were a bit large for her body, her nails oddly shaped. It was scarred and calloused from a hard-working life of riding, running, and having too many jobs to count. Her hands were powerful...good. He thought about them gripping his power drill and he just about lost it.

Heather:

I felt him run his scratchy cheek along the back of my hand, kissing it, gently sucking on each finger. Gross, but there was little I could do. His thumb grazed across my lips.

"Like a rose on the gray," I heard him say. He was still playing the game. Okay, so Raven was right. Kaufman was a weirdo, and not just your average hitman. He was a perv, a psycho. Great. I finally figured out his scent. Desire, lust, sadition, and finally, a touch of madness were all on the forefront. He intended to have his way with me, and I had to stop him.

I finally managed to open my eyes just as he was bending his head toward mine. His eyes were black and shiny like obsidian...or a cobra. He paused, giving me that strange, tiny smile of his.

"Wake up, please Suzy," he said. Oh, brother. Did he think he was clever? Did he think I cared? No...it didn't make a difference to him either way. However, if he was going to play my game, a game I had mastered, maybe I could use it.

"Hello," I said, "I'm your mind, giving you someone to talk to...hello." (Evanescence, Hello)

He was startled, but delighted. He was also rendered speechless. For a few seconds. His hand cupped my face.

"Do you believe in life after love?" he asked. Cher.

"Quicker than a ray of light." Madonna.

He chuckled softly, a weird sound. I was awake now, and calling to my inner beast. She wasn't responding. Hell. If I had ever needed her power, it was right now. I felt her, but she was still angry at me. Uh-oh. She wasn't trying some stupid revenge thing, was she? She could be stubborn, but then, so was I.

"I knew you loved me then," he continued, "I believe in you. I will do everything just to...find you." Evanescence...he was good, but not like Raven. As if that mattered now, dumba**!

Think fast, Heather...um... "Everything that you do seduces me." Celine Dion. Poor choice, but it was the first thing that popped in my head.

He laughed again. He knew what was going on, he wasn't that crazy, yet.

"Good," he said, "because I'm walking on sunshine."

I groaned, which made him frown. Oops. Getting the big guy mad would not help me; nope, not at all.

"So whatcha, whatcha, whatcha want?" I asked. (Beastie Boys.)

He stared at me, trying to figure out if I was still playing. Instead of responding, he fingered the cross on my chest before standing up.

He still had on what he wore earlier, khaki's and a tshirt. No jumpsuit this time, but he removed his belt. Oh crud.

"I can't stop thinking about you, baby," he said. I tried to sit up but he wouldn't let me. The fear in me rose and at last the beast took notice.

Kaufman grabbed my arms and pinned them down, tying them to the bedposts. A fan of bondage, and I'm not surprised.

Come on, sabrecat, help me! I thought. He's going to hurt us!

She looked at me, calmly, her tail waving impatiently. What the hell was she waiting for?

"What do you want, Hackman?" I said. He stood over me with a puzzled expression. I continued. "Cough-man. Get it? Hack, hack, cough, cough?" I laughed at him. He smiled, but his eyes weren't laughing. He slapped me hard across the face. Even with that, my inner beast stalled. I was in mortal danger, she had never paused before. What was she thinking?

Once he made sure the knots were tight, he laid on top of me. He pressed down, kissing me, wrapping his hands in my hair, clearly enjoying himself and taking his time.

"I want," he growled, his words starting to slur, "I wanna f*ck you like an animal."

She liked it...what the the hell? Wait a minute. No way. No way! I got a picture in my head of her kneeling, her tail high.
That meant she was in...she regarded him as an obvious alpha...the damned bitch was in heat!

I had to get out of there. He was hiking my skirt, grinding himself against me. He was laughing as I struggled.

"Yes, fight me," he whispered, running his tongue along my throat," I like it when you fight." Oh he was more than ready now, oh yes.

I was furious. Damn your mangy hide, cat! Give me the power. The response was no, but I kept at it. Give it to me, you flea-infested mistake!

I snarled, but my voice was still human and therefore, not very scary. "And then what, you psycho freak? Are you going to kill me?"

"That depends," he said, reaching under my shirt, "If you're good I might just keep you for a while. But you've never been with a man...so I have the honor of teaching you...over and over again."

"And then what?" I repeated. Finally my inner beast was listening.

"I could make you my new trophy...put your pretty face on my wall...so I can taste you whenever I want."

That did it. My whole body shook. He pulled back, shocked as I shifted. The binds that held me snapped like paper. He cried out as I threw him off. I was so angry, so furious, the power ran through me like a tornado. I shifted more, becoming less like a werecat and more like the old sabretooth herself. This was my feral form, my third form, one I rarely used.

I was a big cat now, my clothes torn to shreds because I was twice my human size. Kaufman's face was priceless. I wish I had a camera. I had slashed him with my rear claws to throw him. I wanted to do more, much more, but the window exploded.

Raven! I couldn't speak, but he cawed to me and I leapt out the window into the night. I had to get away, I had to hunt. I had to, or else I'd chow down on the first thing I could find, including humans.

Mariamus · 08-24-2004, 02:57 PM

*Ian watched her face change, her brown eyes going from fearful, to confused, curious, enlightened, scared...
Her hand was resting on his neck, she made a move to take her hand back, but he grabbed it.
He wasn't about to let her get away.

Meanwhile...

Vlad was looking at the damage done to Vodka when he saw the light was on in one of the rooms.

He walked in and found Kaufman sitting on the bed. A young woman lying there next to him. He was surprised indeed. Not exactly what he expected of Kaufman. He was picky. He wanted the young, the innocent, the perfect...
And perfect wasn't growing on trees. Kaufman looked up at Vlad, a laugh in his eyes.*

"Kaufman! you sneaky one. I hope I am not interrupting anything here."

*Kaufman merely shook his head.*
"Not yet."
*Vlad laughed. He pulled out a pack of smokes and lit one.*
"We have to drink to this! You've found perfection!"
*Kaufman looked down at Heather, then back at Vlad. He was getting edgy. Vlad was always social, a true russian, drinking to celebrate at any given occasion. Vlad poured them both a glass and handed kaufman his.*
"Drink with me, and I'll leave you two alone. I can see you want me to go!"
*Kaufman took the glass and drank up, Kaufman smiled and finished his glass. Then he put it down and grinned. Vlad left the room, thinking about Kaufman. About Kaufman's taste in women. Vlad remembered when Kaufman had seen Sadie first. She had come running down the street, bruised and crying, her dark hair swirling around her face like a frame. She had looked tragic and beautiful.
He had wanted her so much. He'd fought for her, he'd taught her his ways, and she became his...*

TheArtist · 08-24-2004, 11:37 PM

"Did he hurt you?" Ian repeated, "Did he? If he did, I'll..."

*He suddenly turned, realizing his enemy was gone. He growled. "Bloody fast little devil...for a human," he muttered.

"What...are you?" Sadie gasped.

"We have...many names," he replied, "we are the shifters, the nightbreed, the children of Luna...some of us call ourselves the Chosen."

"H-how?" was all Sadie could ask.

He looked at her. "Don't be afraid, luv. You are safe here, under my protection. No one will harm you without my permission. There's much to tell you, and no time."

*He walked around without clothes as though it were entirely natural. Sadie wasn't sure how to react. Ian was very easy on the eyes, too.

He grabbed a robe from his room and walked down the stairs. Everyone was gone. It was far too quiet.

"RAVEN!" he shouted, a snarl welling up from deep within. He raced down the stairs so fast Sadie thought he'd trip. He didn't but padded down with an unnatural grace.

Raven was sprawled out on the ground, eyes open, panting hard. He sat up with a large bump on his head that was quickly shrinking.

"Father," he mumbled, incoherent, "she killed him. She saved the intruder... Why? Why did she do it?"

"What? Who killed...no..." Ian sniffed the air, and knelt over what had been SwiftTalon.

"Raven," he demanded, "my son, what happened? Did she change, at last?"

"Oh dad, she was so beautiful...a cat...sabretooth. I saw the tusks...she was so strong. But the man in black...he struck me. I didn't hear...I never heard him. Swift must have come because of me...but she...Heather fought him...you can smell her blood. Why did she protect the man? Why did she kill Swift?"

"Heather is one of you?" Sadie said, dumbstruck.

"She is...new," Ian replied, his voice grim.

"That man was a cop...a detective, most likely. Heather...uh, she's a good girl, so she must have thought-"

"It does not matter, he struck my son. He can't be allowed to live. He isn't even worthy of a noble death," Ian growled.

"Wait, you can't just kill him. He's NYPD!"

"And what of it? Surely you've killed a few "good guys" in your line of work?"

"I don't kill cops," Sadie said, crossing her arms.

Raven stood and rubbed the back of his head. "Dad, he hit me with the gun, instead of just shooting me. From the marks on the bodies, he knew what he was doing. He could have shot me, but he didn't. I'm okay."

"What? He fought Swift, is responsible for his death! Swift is irreplaceable! Why do you stand up for that...for him?" Ian cried.

"...because Heather did. I'm going to find her. She has a gift, Dad. She can do a power transfer."

"I will not...what? How do you know?"

"I felt it. It helped me wake up, didn't you feel it?"

"I must have been out of range. Damn!"

"She's a healer. Her passion was so high it almost killed her. She knows that cop."

Ian frowned, thinking. "Where is she, then? She would have drained herself to the point of death. She couldn't move."

"The man in the cap. Kaufman, I think."

"Oh, God," Sadie blurted. They both turned to stare. "It's my fault she's gone...but I know where she is."
_______________________________

Heather:

When I leapt through what was left of the bay window, I landed on a balcony, where a man dressed in a light-colored suit was standing. He froze when Raven had crashed through it first. I landed silently next to him. He said something; Russian, I bet. Whether it was, "Oh, my God," or "Oh, sh*t," I couldn't tell you.

I roared at him, to get him to run, then I leapt down to the ground. I had to keep moving or else he'd have been lunch. I followed Raven through the streets. It was raining...not good. The beast hated water, other than to drink. I had to avoid the puddles, and crossing bridges made me nauseous. It was like she was almost allergic to it. I know Raven was concerned. He still had that faint aura of elation, but it was clear he was confused.

After snatching rats, cats, and a sick mutt, I was finally full. We were in Central Park. I huddled under a tunnel bridge. Raven swooped in beside me. No one to bother us except the homeless, and they tended to keep their business to themselves.

I slowly changed back. The 3rd form took more out of me, but not physically. It was like...being posessed. The cat crawled back in, her belly full. At last she was content...except for a certain stubborn human who refused to have sex...to be raped, which the cat couldn't understand. In nature, rape does not exist. You simply mate...over and over again.

Thinking about it brought it all back to me. The way Kaufman touched me...I wanted to throw up what I had just eaten.

Raven held onto me, silent for once. He was so warm, and smelled good. He was naked except for his baggy goth-styled shorts.

"What are we, Raven?" I whispered.

He didn't answer right away. When he did, he asked another question instead.

"The man...the one whose coat you were wearing before...was he a cop?"

"DT," I replied, "Detective Payne. He was just trying to help me, Raven. Don't be mad at him."

"Oh, I'm not, I'm not," he said, reassuring me, "That's what I thought. Dad is angry, though I think I got through to him. He isn't happy about Swift."

"Oh God, I had no choice. I didn't want to, but-"

"Shh, I know. I know...I'm surprised you beat him...but then again it's been a long time since he's fought one of us."

He pulled back and looked at me. I suddenly became aware that I was almost naked. I blushed, hugging my chest.

"You did right," he insisted, wiping my tears away and giving me an enigmatic grin, "Welcome...to the Brotherhood."

Mariamus · 08-25-2004, 10:55 AM

*Seagrim looked at Sadie as she told them about Kaufman. He gave her a stern look. when she had finished explaining where he would have taken her.*
"You stay here! Raven, we're going to get her back!"
*Sadie looked after Seagrim as he raced up the stairs, still completely naked. Sadie looked at Raven.*
"Does he do that often? I mean.. running around completely naked?"
*Raven laughed.*
"Only when he has transformed. He just doesn't care about nudity much."
*Sadie nodded. Silence hung thick in the air for a few moments before Sadie looked at Raven again.*
"Listen... Can I get you to promise me something?"
*Raven shrugged.*
"Depends on the promise really..."
"Don't kill the cop yet... I need to know something first."
*Raven looked puzzled.*
"What?"
"It's only a hunch... but I need to make sure..."
*Raven watched her. She walked over to the bar and sat down. He walked around and made her a screwdriver. She smiled. Seagrim came back down the stairs, this time fully clothed. He looked at Sadie.*
"I trust you won't run away?"
*Sadie looked at him.*
"You'd probably find me in less than a day if I tried to. So I'll stick around here."
*Ian grinned.*
"I know you will!"
*Sadie suddenly felt oddly dizzy. She got out of the chair and looked at the glass Raven had served her.*
"Nice, and I didn't suspect a thing..."
*She collapsed, Ian caught her as she was going down. He looked at Raven.*
"Get ready!"
*Ian carried Sadie upstairs and locked her up in a bedroom. Then he and Raven went out to their car and left for 'Vodka'.*

TheArtist · 08-25-2004, 12:08 PM

*He burst into the room, gun in hand. It was total chaos-glass and wood strewn everywhere, the bedsheets were torn, and there was Kaufman, huddling on the ground, the front of his clothes soaked with blood.*

"Kaufman! What the hell happened in here?" Vlad asked, helping him up.

Kaufman didn't answer. He was shaking, but whether it was from fear, anger or loss of blood, Vlad couldn't tell.

"T-Tiger...she...I wanted...had to..." he mumbled, delirious.

"Kaufman? Snap out of it, man! I don't know what the hell that was, but we've got to get you to a doctor!"

"...burning bright..."

"What?!"

Kaufman's expression was somewhere between agony and elation. As they went to his van, they saw an enormous wolf. He was so huge, his head came up to their chests.

"What the f*ck...?" Vlad breathed. *He pointed his gun at it and fired. He missed, then watched as the wolf seemed to smile before it ran away.*

"Fenris...?" Vlad muttered to himself, cursing in Russian, "Milli, my sparrow, where are you when I need you?"

Icegrim padded along, following Heather. It was true, the boy wasn't lying. She was powerful, but had little knowledge of her true potential.

Icegrim chastised himself. He had underestimated her. A shame because she was beautiful in a diamond-in-the-rough kind of way. He could have had her easily if not for the boy...but the boy had really fallen for her. Foolish, but he was young.

Even so, he wondered what drew her here in the first place? She seemed so driven, but she barely knew the name Dominion. She had ties with Kit, that much he could tell. She had his scent on her coat, somehow. Kit had been so eager to join, but he had been too rash, drunk on his own power. Ian had wanted to wait until th full moon to judge for himself to see if she was a worthy addition...and oh yes, she was.

A shame...but then he had caught his own prey...in the form of a sparrow, and locked her in a cage of his own.

*The giant wolf licked his chops, and watched as the two shivered under the bridge...children, just children. They would be fine.

He loped back to The Dominion.

Mariamus · 08-25-2004, 01:32 PM

*Sadie slowly opened her eyes. She was lying on a soft bed, only wearing her jeans and top. Her guns and the rest of her clothes were nowhere to be seen.

Her head throbbed, a numb pain spreading in her brain. She groaned and rolled over on her side. She was alone.

For a few seconds, she wondered what she was doing there. Then she remembered the drink. She swung her feet out of the bed and got up. She looked around the room. It was minimalistic, but strangely, it had a warm touch to it, unlike downstairs, which was all sleek and cold.
The door was locked, which didn't come as a surprise to her. It looked like she would just have to wait it out.
Thankfully, Seagrim had left her cigarettes on the nightstand.
As she lit one, she thought about Vlad. She would have called him if she had access to a phone.
He was probably worried, or mad.
She was deep in her thoughts when the door opened and Seagrim entered, looking quite casual.*
"Slept well?"
*Sadie looked at him.*
"Involuntarily, but yes."
*He nodded and closed the door behind him, strolling over to her. She looked away as she suddenly pictured him as he walked around completely naked. He smirked, like he could read her thoughts. He stood in front of her, leaning over her, taking her cigarette and putting it out.*
"Now... what sort of thought could give you such a blush?"
*He came closer. Sadie moved back on the bed. He followed, towering over her. She fell back, lying down. He grilled, moving closer.*
"I can smell it on you... You're afraid, but excited, you want me, but no. You can't deny what your body wants!"
*She inhaled sharply, trying to get her breath and heart under control as his face came closer to hers.*

TheArtist · 08-26-2004, 12:41 AM

Max:

I thought I would never get out. I followed Mona's trail until I got back to where we had started. The bodies of cleaners were everywhere. Kaufman must have called them. Kaufman...was he still in the building? It was possible he was among the dead, but...

I found Mona fighting a giant black panther. The panther was bearing down on her, using her tail to try and rip Mona's gun out of her hands. My gun blast threw her off. It was a severe injury, but it wasn't enough to kill her. She hissed at me and ran into the night.

"Why didn't you call for me?" I asked, rushing over to help her stand.

"Because unlike some, I'm not a damsel in distress," she retorted.

What the hell did that mean? How could she know I went to Heather first?

Mona's hair was all over the place. I'd never seen it down before, and now, I couldn't stop staring.

"PAYNE!" A gunshot rang out, making us both duck. I knew that voice. Vinnie Gognitti rushed in, angry. He looked terrible, sweating like a pig, his clothes all rumpled like he had gone for a ride in a washing machine. Before either of us could react, he kept on running. The shot was just to get us out of the way. Odd. I was about to go after him when Heather and Raven walked through the door. If Vinnie looked bad, Heather was worse. Her clothes had been shredded, and were almost falling off of her. If not for my coat which she still had on, she would have been...and blood was on her lips like lipstick she had forgotten to wipe off. She looked exhausted but otherwise okay. It didn't make me feel any better. I had abandoned her.

Heather:

Max looked so horrified when I walked in. I must have looked awful. But I realized he was afraid I'd been hurt because he left me. When I told him what had happened he looked ashen. I wasn't angry with him, though. He couldn't be there 24/7. He reacted to Raven with a wariness that was all too familiar. Raven was cautious, but I knew he wouldn't try anything unless Max acted first. He was trusting me, even after I killed his bodyguard. It really was a tragedy, as Swift's only real flaw was that he had practically sold his soul to Icegrim. The Dominion, I learned, was more than just a restaurant name, or even a Mob gang. It was much bigger than that, though Raven said he couldn't say more until we were in a safe place. Mona suggested her place as there were plenty of beds and room.

When Max mentioned Vinnie going through, I thought of Sadie. I wondered where she was? When I asked about Icegrim, Raven's scent altered dramatically. It was a split between being grateful and utter loathing. He glanced at me, aware that I could smell him, and shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it, yet.

We decided to leave. Raven would tell us more, later.

Elsewhere:

*His eyes had softened, almost loving. Her scent thrilled him. Fear could be spicy, a seasoning on all other emotions. She wanted him...of course she did. She was a very different sort of human, a killer, like himself. Her emotions had begun to atrophy, but Ian brought them back in full force.

He wanted her, but knew she would never trust him until he had fulfilled his promise. He had to tell her everything. And he would, as she would certainly want to join him.

Yet seeing her vulnerable at last was too tempting to resist. He wanted to hold her, to brush his fur against her bare skin, marking her with his scent so all the others knew she belonged to him. One taste should be enough for now...*

Mariamus · 08-26-2004, 03:44 AM

Seagrim smiled as he trailed his hand up her side and under her top. He kissed her softly, digging his nails into her back. She moaned, from pain or pleasure, he couldn't tell. He smiled, moving away from her. Sadie got off the bed and walked out of the room. She was blushing feverishly, trying to get a hold of herself.

"You did not just enjoy that! You didn't..."

She made her way down the stairs and burst out of the front door. She almost jumped down the stairs. Reaching the bottom of the stair, she saw them. Heather and Raven. And that cop from before, along with a woman sadie couldn't see.
Sadie was glad Heather was alright, but she couldn't talk to any of them now. She turned and walked in the opposite direction, hoping they hadn't seen her.

TheArtist · 08-27-2004, 11:01 AM

*Sadie could hear his laughter ring out behind her. She raced through the mansion, certain if she stopped he'd be there. If he was, she might...do something regrettable.

Why was she so afraid? It was clear from the bodies that his...kind, could be killed, just as easily as men. You just have to be a very good shot, which Sadie was.

It was the fact that she was in unknown territory, unknow dangers,and unknown consequences that bothered her most. That's what she kept telling herself. His face...almost otherworldly. It was like kissing an angel...or the devil himself.

She tiptoed lightly above the group below. Heather was shaken, but seemed okay. Raven had his arm around her, looking determined and grim. Aww...he had a crush on the girl. Sadie had known it, just from watching his face light up whenever Heather came in to work.

And the cop...his voice...it sure sounded like him, but...

And who was that with him? Mona?! What was she doing here? It was obvious she was helping that cop, but...last Sadie heard, Mona wasn't in the habit of helping them.

Moving quickly, she was out before they had seen. Turning around a corner, she almost screamed. A figure rose from the shadows.

"Sadie?" said a voice. She squinted.

"Vinnie?"

*Max turned around looking up. He could have sworn...it didn't matter. Heather was safe. Mona was safe. They were leaving.*

Mariamus · 08-27-2004, 12:38 PM

*Sadie watched Vinnie as he poured her a cup of tea. He sat down in the other end of the couch, watching her intently.*
"What do you do for Seagrim?"
*Sadie took a sip of the tea. his wasn't what she had come to expect from Gognitti. Not with his reputation.*
"I don't know just yet. I guess my job will be killing the ones who get in his way."
*He rubbed his temples.*
"So you're a hired killer? how'd you end up in that line of work?"
*Sadie smirked... if he only knew who he was sitting across. He'd piss his pants.*
"I started killing people for money. That's how!"
*Vinnie eyed her.*
"Who'd you work for previously?"
*Sadie got up, watching his captain baseball-bat boy collection.*
"Let's not get into that. It's complicated."
*Vinnie got the feeling she was hiding something. Sadie closed her eyes a moment, reliving the first time she killed someone for money. She opened her eyes when Vinnie touched her bare shoulder.*
"What are you thinking of?"
*She shook her head. His fingers tracing down her arm.*
"The first time..."
*He took it the wrong way. Sadie sighed to herself. Men were all the same... He moved closer to her, but she swerved out of the way.*
"I have to go!"
*He grabbed onto her arm.*
"No, stay a while..."
*She tried to pull away.*
"I can't. I have to go."
*His grip on her arm tightened. He didn't want her to go. He pulled her closer.*
"Let me go, Gognitti!"
*She pulled away, but he grabbed onto her and pushed her against the wall. She was surprised that a guy as small-looking as him could be this strong.*
"Are you scared of me?"
*Sadie felt his hot breath on her neck, his hands pushing against her arms. She kicked at him, using all her strength to push him. She pushed him away and turned to the door. She didn't get far before he had her tackled to the floor, arms pinned down with him on top. They stared at each other... The only sound was that of their breathes, quickly drawn and exhaled.*

TheArtist · 08-28-2004, 12:53 AM

Max:

The fact that Heather wasn't angry at me only made me feel worse. I couldn't understand how she could be so forgiving. Maybe it was that like me, she was used to relying only on herself.

Her friend, Raven was supposed to tell us humans what was going on. He seemed like a good kid. I only smacked him in the head because I thought he'd try to stop me from taking Heather outside where it was safer. He was taking his cues from her. I didn't know if he was doing it because he was wise or stupid.

We got out safely, both Heather and Raven checking the area to see that we weren't followed. Raven wanted to fly above to be doubly sure, but I wasn't ready to trust him that much.

Mona was quiet. Was she overwhelmed by it all? I know I was.

When we finally got driving, nobody said anything. Heather still had my coat on, gripping it tightly as though it was a shield to the outside world. She looked so tired. I wanted to tell her to go ahead and sleep, but as one who knows, no amount of encouragement will heal the scars she will get from this night.

Raven sat next to her. He tried to hold her, but she shrugged him off. I watched his face fall, and knew then that we could trust him, at least to a certain degree. He cared about her, and made no bones of it, didn't try to hide it or anything.

Mona drove as she had the least amount of injuries. We both had shared half a bottle of painkillers earlier. It was just starting to kick in for me. Even though Heather had...cured me earlier, I still had a few bumps and bruises from finding my way to Mona.

Mona started humming...badly, but the tune was interesting. Keep driving, she sang. Keep driving.

*Dominion

Ian licked his lips. Her taste was sweet. He enjoyed toying with her, even though she figured out his games early on. Should he be gentle with this one? Would she be able to handle his true self...in all ways?

Too many thoughts. He really should be calling in the Italians to help clean up the mess. He knew of certain cops who would know how to keep this all very quiet. Before the week was out, no trace will remain of there ever being a battle here. Nothing but the smell.

A shriek from below and he was racing down the stairs again. A huge black panther was kneeling over the body of what had been SwiftTalon. She was sobbing her eyes out, gripping his body.

"Ebony, luv, I'm so sorry," he soothed, embracing her. It was a strange and sad thing to see a panther cry.

"Master...what happened? How?" Ebony Stryker managed to say.

"It was never planned this way, Ebony darling," Ian replied, "It was a tragic misunderstanding. He thought he had to protect my son from a cop. It was a cop who was in the air ducts. Lord knows what he was after, but Heather knows him."

"THAT BITCH!" Ebony roared, "Master, he was not alone! I fought his companion before he shot me in the ribs! It was Mona Sax, Master! Now tell me that's a misunderstanding!"

Ian had thought there was a 2nd scent, however mild.

"Don't you see?" Ebony cried, "that sabre-bitch helped them. That's why she was so different tonight! And Raven went with them! He's against you, as I have warned you!"

"I'll not hear of it!" Ian barked (pun intended) "My son may still be naive, but he's not stupid. He will come back to us with information. I trust his judgement on this. He was dead-on with Heather, something even I wasn't able to do! She is strong enough to bring back a man who was inches from death, even though she can die herself from the strain. Our stray cat is powerful, and we must keep her on our side, understand?"

Ebony stared at him in with tears in her eyes. SwiftTalon was supposed to propose to her soon. She bowed her head, in grief and assent. Swiftie was dead. Ebony wanted revenge, but it would have to wait.

"Ebony, luv, please don't," Ian said softly, lifting her large head in his hands, "I can smell your need. Must I beg you? SwiftTalon was my best guard, and his death is tragic. I'll not make light of it, I swear to you. Yet I still feel there was a huge misunderstanding, and both Heather and that detective are to blame. Raven was at the center of the controversy. He loved Swift, you know that. Swift said he would die for him. He meant it."

"What can I do, Master?"

"Mona and that cop will have to wait for now. We have Heather, so we can always access them through her. For now, I have a job for you, my wonderful spy. Find the Russian, and watch him. See if he and these "cleaners" are connected. If so, we need to have a meeting. I must submit myself to him, as we did strike him first in the way of Kit. If we are successful we could join forces...before I take all control."

"Yes, sir."

"That's my girl. By the way, have you seen Kit?"

"Not lately, but I heard he was staying with some Italians. Maybe he is with the captain."

"I knew the Brotherhood wouldn't take him. Knowing his nature, he'd play both of us against each other. Keep an eye out or him, too."

"Yes, master."

*Elsewhere:

Vinnie looked at her face. Flushed, exquisitely angry. He didn't know whether he wanted to hit her or kiss her...

*Still elsewhere:

The nurse walked in, unmindful that his straps were loose. He had just been checked into the asylum earlier, marked as a paranoid schitzophrenic. Babbling nonsense one minute, silent and immovable the next. The doctor had prescribed strong sedation to cool his heels for a while.

He watched her as she scribbled on his chart. She had to check his wounds to see if the dressings needed to be changed. It took nearly a hundred stitches to close him up, but he was still seeping in some places. She was blonde and pretty. She wasn't Heather but she would do.

He crushed her windpipe before she had a chance to scream. He made sure he was gentle with her with everything else. She was very lovely...

No one saw Kaufman leave.

"Tyger, tyger, burning bright..."

Mariamus · 08-28-2004, 11:51 AM

*Sadie looked at Vinnie. Overwhelmed by the fact that she'd been taken down by him. She almost wanted to spit in his face and tell him who she really was. But that could ruin her further plans.
She decided to play him.*
"You're stronger than I thought."
*He grinned.*
"I get that a lot... Do I scare you?"
*She took a deep breath, unsure of what she should say.*
"Maybe you do, maybe you don't."
"That's not really an answer is it?"
"Then no... You don't scare me."
*Vinnie smiled and got up, pulling her up to her feet.*
"Maybe i'll see you at the dominion. I'd love to buy you another drink."
*Sadie nodded and turned around.*
"I'll see you around, Vincent."

*She left the apartment wearing his jacket, She strolled back home, back to Vova, trying to come up with an excuse for all her confusion. It gnawed at her, like a beast caught in a trap, eating away at its leg to get free.
Vlad stood in the door, waiting for her. They walked into his office.*
"We have a problem..."
*He showed her a picture of Max.*
"Max Payne. I need you to take him out!"
*Sadie looked at him.*
"I've seen him before... he's a cop! You know I don't kill cops!"
*Vlad grabbed onto her arm, pulling her close.*
"I'm getting sick of this game! you kill who I tell you to kill, panjemajo?"
*Sadie shook her head.*
"We had a deal, I'd do whatever as long as you never asked me to kill any cops!"
*He watched her, his eyes narrow. He pressed her against the table, bending her forward, her head slamming into the hard wooden desk. He moved his hand under her shirt.*
"The deal is off now! If you don't do this, everything is ruined!"
*Sadie felt his other hand moving down her side, down her butt and around her thigh. He was really enjoying this.*
"Vova, this isn't you! Please don't ask me to do this!"
*He pressed against her, grabbing a paper-knife on the desk. He pressed it against her neck.*
"No! this is exactly me, I can't afford to loose all this because you can't kill cops. I know your brother was a cop, and your father, but they're both dead, aren't they?"
*Sadie closed her eyes. This just wasn't her night. She felt violated just by his touch, the way he obviously enjoyed her pain. She sobbed.*
"I'll do it.. just let me go!"

TheArtist · 08-28-2004, 01:00 PM

Heather:

I had to rest. My body was begging me for it. I didn't know how I was going to go back to The Dominion. Raven said he would take care of everything, but I don't want to endanger him again.

When we got to Mona's hideout, Raven started talking. I realized he didn't want to say anything at the Dominion because he knew their walls have ears.

He told us how we, the Chosen, have appeared in history, mostly as legends and fables. We were all normal people once, from all walks of life. This was not a mutation, something we were born with. It was magical in nature, a spell or ritual that had been ongoing since the creation of time.

Whatever it was, was self-governing, and"chose" us for a reason. It bonds us to an animal, and we are symbiotes for life.

The Dominion came about when IceGrim, SwiftTalon and Kit made themselves known to each other. Raven was still unsure of the details how, but they did. What he said next shocked me. The Chosen age slower than humans. Ian was supposedly nearing three hundred years. We were to be preserved, because we are some sort of guardians.

The Dominion started out slowly. More joined their ranks and it grew. A network of Chosen can be found almost across the entire globe. Because of modern conventions like airplanes and the Internet, a Chosen can be found much more quickly.

Icegrim wanted to take over everything. He felt we were a superior race, above everyone. Instead of hiding and being hunted as freaks and monsters, he wanted to use our power to dominate mankind, hence the name, Dominion.

Not everyone agreed. The Brotherhood formed during the American Revolution. They were the ones who wanted to seek balance between themselves and ordinary humans. They felt that the true prupose of being a Chosen was to protect humans and nature from destruction.

A Chosen had a beast form. Not all had a feral form, like mine, and all had a peculiar gift, and a peculiar weakness. I could heal, but my beast hated water. Raven was a communicator. He could understand any language, no matter how complicated, but he couldn't speak it. And Icegrim wasn't called Ice for nothing.

When I asked Raven if he knew Kit, the color drained from his face. I took that as a yes.

Elsewhere:

*He watched the man move. The scent of death was upon him, and he reeked of obsession and madness.

Kit grinned. Perfect.

Kaufman stopped as he saw a 5 ft fox approach him wearing a black trenchcoat and black pants. He started laughing. It was wonderful. Heather the burning tyger had more little friends...a big, black bird, Fenris, and now a little foxy man.

"I have a message from Vlad," the fox said calmly, his voice high-pitched but cultured.

Kaufman laughed again but quieted down quickly. He remembered his boss tried to help him.

"You work for me now," the fox continued, "And you will obey me as you would him. I want you to find the sparrow...and eliminate her."

Kaufman nodded eagerly. He didn't care if this fox were real or imaginary. Sadie would be fun. Maybe she knew where Heather the tyger was...

Mariamus · 08-28-2004, 01:21 PM

*Sadie stood in the shower, dazed, confused. She couldn't believe Vlad was doing that to her. It was like he had been taken from her, an imposter put in his place. She hated it, yet she found solice in it. She didn't feel rotten like before.

She got dressed and got out. she could see Vlad watching her from one of the windows when she started her bike. She wanted to give him the finger, she wanted to run to him, beg him to be himself. She did neither.

She parked her bike not far from the amusement park Mona had made her home.

She got lucky, Max was outside catching a breather. She got close to him, drew her gun and pressed it against his back.*

"You and I need to go for a little walk!"
*She lead him down the street, down to her bike. She lit a smoke, watching him. He hadn't said a word, maybe he knew she couldn't do it.*

"Who do you work for?"
*Sadie made a face.*
"Can't tell you that!"

*He laughed.*
"Why not? aren't you going to shoot me anyway? I'd like to know who wants me dead."

*Sadie lowered her gun. God she hated him, she could have killed him, if he hadn't looked so much like...*
"...Max..."

TheArtist · 08-28-2004, 11:25 PM

*Vlad poured himself another glass. What had just happened? Sadie had never rejected him so swiftly before. He owned her...taught her everything, even...and Kaufman trained her well. Ungrateful!

He received the call from the hospital saying Kaufman had killed and raped a nurse before escaping. He always did walk the fine line. Perhaps he had finally jumped off.

What had he seen? A giant wolf, perhaps the great Fenris himself? It was proposterous, but Kaufman had seen it too. And then there was the giant black bird and the sabretooth tiger. According to Kaufman, the girl was the tiger, but that was crazy...wasn't it?

Yet...the girl was gone. He remembered as he rushed upstairs. Kaufman was alone in the room.

What the hell was going on?

"Vladimir Lem?"

The voice was as soft as warm honey. It startled him out of his reverie, enough to make him drop the glass. He paid no heed. He drew his gun.

"There's no need for that, Mr. Lem," the voice continued, "I am not your enemy."

"Who are you?" Vlad yelled, "Show yourself!"

"Very well, but be prepared for what you are about to see. We don't like to show our true selves to regular humans. You see, I represent Mr. Ian Seagrim, owner of The Dominion. He sent me to extend the olive branch to you. He asks for a truce."

*Vlad never wavered. He followed the voice moving deftly in the shadows, gradually moving closer to the light glowing from the fireplace.

"So," he said, testing, "He is responsible for the damage to my Vodka?"

"An...overly eager associate of ours is to blame, yes," the voice replied, "He will be dealt with, I assure you."

"You want a truce. What guarantee can you grant me?"

"Mr Seagrim wants the both of you to pool resources. You have connections with the government, and he has superior manpower. Together, you would be unstoppable. He is willing to be your lieutenant, if you will. His guarantee is that he sent me."

Vlad considered. This Seagrim character didn't seem the type to take orders. Still, a collaboration would greatly benefit them all.

"And who are you?" he repeated.

"I am Ebony Stryker, his chief spy and trusted confidante. He is giving me to you as a trial gift. Do with me as you please."

*With that Ebony moved out of the shadows. She was tall, with short hair and a sculpted figure. Her eyes burned a cinnamon red before changing to a normal brown.*

Vlad stared at her in wonder. "What are you?"

*She strolled to him, combing her nails into his blonde hair. He didn't notice how she used her other hand to dig her nails into her palm, drawing blood.

"I am yours." she said.

Elsewhere:

"Find her, Kaufman, and do it soon!"

Kaufman stared at the little werefox. If not for the nasty sneer, he would almost look like a toy.

"Are you real?" Kaufman found himself asking.

"Does it matter?" he replied, his tone bland.

Kaufman considered, then shook his head.
"No, but I'd still like to know."

Kit snarled. Why couldn't he have been bonded to an elephant or something grand? He swiped his claws at Kaufman's outstretched arm, leaving three deep scratches. Kaufman's breath came in a hiss.

"Satisfied?"

The big man nodded, and Kit handed him a business card. "You can find me here. Now go and don't return until it's done."

Kaufman watched as the little fox backed up, raised one pawish hand into the air, and vanish. He laughed. Little fox wants me to catch a sparrow, he thought. I will catch her. Then I catch tyger, too, big tyger. My tyger...my Heather, and she will burn so bright...

He wandered the streets for awhile. There was no need to hurry. He knew where she would go sooner or later. He watched as a young streetwalker shivered in the rain. She tried to look older and sophisticated but was failing miserably. Already high, she looked at Kaufman with cornflower blue eyes.

"Hello, tiger," she purred. She had to be all of 16.

"Yes," he growled.

She wasn't Heather...but she would do.

Address Unknown Funhouse:

Heather:

Max said he had to stop at the station before figuring out our next move. I didn't know if he was going to stay here too. Probably not. I knew he and Mona had planned on meeting someone from a group called The Inner Circle. They had planned on going alone, leaving us "kids" safe at home.

Naturally, the both of us were pissed. We understood, but we were still pissed. Raven said that after we rest we should head back to the Dominion. I wanted to meet the members of the Brotherhood, but Raven said it would take time to set up. The network of the Brotherhood a a bit looser, since they had to stay out of the Dominion's line of sight.

I needed sleep. I leapt up into one of the bunk beds. Suddenly I heard Mona scream.

"What the f*ck? MAX!"

Mariamus · 08-29-2004, 03:13 AM

*Max snapped his head in the direction of Mona's scream.
Sadie watched him. He was going to run if she didn't do anything. She raised her gun as Max turned to look at her.
He barely got to say a word before the butt of her gun had connected with his skull.*

"No distractions!"
*She dragged him over to a car that stood nearby. She broke the window and unlocked it. She pulled Max into the back seat and closed the door.
She had experience, it only took 10 seconds to hot-wire the car...*

"Wakey wakey!"
*Max jerked away when someone poured water over his head. He looked up and saw the girl standing in front of him.*
"What do you want?"
*Sadie smiled and poured him a whiskey. He couldn't drink it himself, his hands tied behind his back, firmly locked to a chair. They were in an apartment. Probably a hide-out she had... He could tell she was a pro, yet, there was something uneasy about her, a hint of failure in her eyes. She put the glass to his lips and he took a swig.*

"My boss tells me to kill you, but I have an odd idea that i've seen you before. I like a good nights sleep, so I can't kill you unless I figure out where from."

TheArtist · 08-29-2004, 09:16 AM

Max:

"That's funny, because I was going to say the same about you," I replied.

The girl was young, older than Heather, but not by much. I understood that this was probably the first time she had hesitated. She knew I was a cop, maybe that was it. I don't know. What I do know was that the knocking in my head grew more intense. It was like trying to remember a wonderful dream.

*Sadie glared at him. It shouldn't be this hard. He was a target, like any other, wasn't he?

Vlad's voice came back, haunting her.

"Max Payne..."

It couldn't be...Payne was a common name. There had to be more than one. She stared at his face. Gone was the naughty twinkle in his eyes, replaced by a weariness so deep a year's worth of hibernation wouldn't fix it. He had a gauntness to him.

But there was no denying it. Sadie began to shake.

"No," she said, as though saying the word would wish it all away.

Max:

I stared at her. She had a revelation of sorts. I wished I knew what it was. Then something of hers caught my eye. A photograph stood on an endtable...with a very familiar picture. It was taken long before my pain began, when I still had a family. When I still had a life I wanted to live.

I gazed at the woman, her features finally coming into focus.

"Sadie?" I whispered.

Funhouse:

Heather:

"DAMN IT!" Mona shouted.

"Mona? What's wrong?" I asked.

"He's gone! Max has been taken!"

"What?!"

"Let's go," Raven said, his eyes changing from brown to warm copper.

"Wait," Mona said, "I know who took him. I will get him back, you guys just wait here."

"Not going to happen," I said, arms crossed.

"Don't make me shoot you, Heather. I like you too much," Mona said, packing her gear, "Tell you what. Give me 2 hrs and if I'm not back, you can come and get me. Okay?"

08-18-2004, 12:39 PM	#41
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie eyed Vlad behind the paper, he rummaged around the room, rubbing his head and groaning. The phone began to ring, Vlad walked over and looked at it, then he walked away, aiming for the door. She cleared her throat. "Aren't you going to answer that?" She shrugged and walked out. Sadie sighed and got out of the chair and walked over to the phone. She grabbed the phone off the hook and cleared sighed. "Hello?" The phone was hung up, and Sadie put it down. "Suit yourself..." She checked the number and wrote it down, she recognized it as a number coming from a police-station, a direct number to a desk. She dialed the number and waited, finally, a male answered. "Detective Payne's phone." "Yes, is Detective Payne at his desk?" "No, he just left. Can I leave a message?" "No..." She hung up, not bothering to say more. She walked back to her chair and eyed an ad in the paper. She picked it up and read it. "The Dominion..." The ad had a silhouette of a wolf. Sadie narrowed her eyes. Could the... thing... on the roof had been a man owearing a costume? She decided to pay the restaurant a little visit, but without Vlad knowing. He would just keep her from going. He was mad enough already, she didn't need him to go ballistic over her own private investigation. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-18-2004, 01:35 PM	#42
Sayantan	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Do both of you type on ur keyboard 24x7 ? __________________ LinkedIn Profile

08-18-2004, 01:38 PM	#43
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction hardly, I just have some spare time, and I use it online __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-18-2004, 11:55 PM	#44
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Same here. Depending on what's been written, I post once in the morning and once in the evening. Max: I really hoped the kid wasn't a fugitive. I wanted to believe it so much that I put off the search for a few days until I couldn't stand it anymore. Nothing's worse to a detective than an unsolved puzzle. After getting nowhere with the arson puzzle, I finally checked missing persons from Wisconsin, but no hits. I couldn't put it off any longer. I checked their most wanted. When I saw her face I think my stomach sank into my shoes. Heather Bethany DuPre', 24, wanted for murder...of her own father. On the run for nearly 2 years. Spotted across half of America. As I read the details, something didn't add up. The murder was savage, a passionate act. At least, that's what it looked like on the surface. Her father's throat was slashed and his intestines had been pulled out and used for decoration. The locals wanted to call it a crime of passion, a horrible revenge for a horrible man, but the photos showed me otherwise. His throat was sliced all nice and neat first, so he was probably already dead when the killer decided to get creative. His body had to have been in the barn for quite some time because when they had found him, he'd been partially eaten. If Heather was guilty, then she was the most talented actress that ever lived. If she wasn't, why was she running? It wasn't hard to guess. Wisconsin may have had Jeffrey Dahmer and Ed Gein, but this was out of their league. It was so horrific they wanted to hush it up as quickly as possible. Heather was just the most convenient choice. If anyone knew what it was like to be hunted, it was me. I had to talk to her. Maybe I could help her somehow, but not tonight. Tonight I was on patrol. Heather: The Dominion was in yet another Gothic-styled building, but the interior was very modern. It was almost sterile, all glass and metal. No warmth. The owner was an rich eccentric named Ian Seagrim; no, not like the drink. Where Max was a rough sort of handsome, this guy could get away with being called beautiful. Pale skin, Ice blue eyes, long black hair, and a light English accent; he could have passed for a Chippendale model, except, like the building, he had a certain coldness to him. If he could wear a sign, it'd say, "Look, but do not touch." Anyway, as snobbish as he was, he had a bit of charm to him, so I worked on that, trying to draw it out. He was quick to hire me, but I could tell he thought I was beneath him. If there is one thing I am allowed to hate, it's snobbery. As if money really makes a difference, ugh. I hate it. His scent was odd, I noticed. There was something familiar about it, but I couldn't place it. Perhaps it will come to me later. So once again, my many travels did me good. I had several duties at The Dominion. I was a greeter, a bartender, and an entertainer, of sorts. Wednesdays were Karaoke Night, and Mr. Seagrim discovered I had a talent for singing and for working the crowd. Favorites? Well, I'm an alto, so Cher and some Madonna were staples, as well as a few songs normally sung by guys. Mr. Seagrim had warmed up to me only a little bit, but he paid well and made sure to take care of me if the male population got a bit too friendly during my performances. It was still subhuman by my standards. Instead of a peon, I was now more like a cherished pet, a moneymaker. Seagrim knew his merchandise. I soon began to remember faces and names, along with favorite drinks and the like. Though we had only been open for a little over a month, we already had several regulars. I remember two in particular. A woman, who was possibly even colder than my boss. She hated alcohol, so I poured OJ for her and pretended it was a screwdriver. I don't know why she kept coming back if she didn't want any booze, but it wasn't any of my business. The other was a guy I recognized from the apartment complex. He was the foreman of the cleaning crew. His drink of choice? Straight bourbon, and an occasional brandy, old-fashioned, sweet. He must have been a fan, because he was always there for Karaoke Night. That's what I did on the surface. When it was closing time I tried to snoop around, but security was very tight. Seagrim didn't trust anyone, especially us little people. I didn't smell Kit anywhere, but there was certainly something going on besides the dinner and the dancing. I had to bide my time to find out what it was. Sadie: I'm never going to find anything at this rate. Why do I even bother? I keep returning in case somebody slips up, but this Seagrim guy is smart. The bartender that worked as an occasional entertainer was nice enough. She tried some girl talk until she realized I wasn't interested. It's not that I didn't want to, but I had more important things to do, and it's never a good thing to fraternize with the enemy too much. She served me my "drink", no questions asked. I made sure I tipped her well. Sometimes I'd ask her a question or two, but it was clear she was as much in the dark as I was. I should have known Vlad would notice this place sooner or later. I wished it was later, much later. I had hoped I would get more time to case this place myself, but as soon as I saw Kaufmann come in, I knew trouble was on the horizon. What bugged me the most was why Kaufmann kept coming back? I thought he'd come once, inspect it, and let that be that, but he was there almost as often as I was. It couldn't have been for Vlad, and it wasn't for me. While he was there he even pretended not to see me. I don't know why he didn't tell Vlad about me, but he never did. Maybe he liked the bartender, I don't know. Whenever she served him, I'd catch him staring after her when she walked away. I don't think she noticed, the poor kid. Heather: Do I mind the attention? Yes, a little, though it has far less to do with my wanted status than what my nose has to go through every night. To be honest, lust has a rank taste. Desire is more bittersweet. Those two scents fill the building almost 24-7, along with the usual alcohol and cigarette smoke. It took some doing before I got used to it, let me tell you. It was a wonder I smelled anything else. Max: I stumbled in, barely aware of my own feet. I had seen a ghost tonight, in that warehouse. Mona Sax. She was alive. Alive. Seeing her had thrown everything in my mind into a tornado. I almost crashed into Heather on the way up to my apartment. Finding Heather brought things back into focus, at least for the moment. I asked her to come with me to talk, but she had to know something was up. She started backing away instead, slowly. I decided to go for broke. "I know your name. It's Heather Bethany DuPre'." She froze. The look on her face was a mix of fear with a sadness so deep it'd have moved a devil to tears. I should have known she'd bolt. I called after her, running, but she was much faster than she looked. Sure enough, after a few flights of stairs she had vanished, just like the old man said. She couldn't be far. "I just wanted to hear your side, Heather," I said into the empty hall, "Let me help you. Please?" No answer. Dammit! __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-19-2004, 03:16 AM	#45
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie looked at the glass with the fake screwdriver, moving her finger around the edge of it. She'd been coming to the Dominion almost every night in a few weeks. She was kept home by Vlad a few times when he was down about how long it would take to rebuild "Vodka". She sipped from the glass, cursing the lack of vodka in the drink, but she couldn't drink when she was on the look-out. Getting hammered would mean she could miss important information. She finished the screwdriver and looked up as the bartender came over. "Another screwdriver?" Sadie just nodded and watched the bartender walk away. She watched her mix the drink, suddenly getting the odd feeling that she'd seen her before. She racked her brain trying to figure out where she had seen her before, when she saw Kaufmann coming through the door. She turned away from him, hoping he wouldn't notice her. Kaufmann walked by, stopping a few feet away and looked at har for a second, then he sat down at a table and looked at the drinks-menu. Sadie turned back to the bar as her fake screwdriver arrived. She pulled a few of the larger bills out of her purse and put them on the table, eyeing the girl behind the bar. "Thank you." She leaned against the bar, scanning the room when she saw the owner of the bar. The way he walked through the room made it quite clear that he owned the place, he walked... well... like he owned the place. Sadie looked at the door he had walked through, the door to the holy inner, the office. Sadie narrowed her eyes, getting an idea. "Hmm...." __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-19-2004, 09:45 AM	#46
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Heather: ...It's not fair. It's just not fair. I wanted to tell him. I wanted to hop out of my hiding place and tell him everything. He'd probably shoot me first. The other guys tried to at the diner, and all I did was pop up by the driver's seat and growl. Damn, but he had good radar. I could sense he was standing right next to me. Only a thin wall of wood and plaster separated us. I pressed myself up against it so hard I got splinters in my ear. I had to cover my mouth so he wouldn't hear me crying. It was then I realized just how far I had let Max into my life. I read about him in the newsreels while at the library. If half of what was written was true, then it explained his attitude and why he stank of guilt whenever he walked by. I considered him my friend, but what I was feeling now was much deeper than that, and it was so dangerous. He was really the first guy in a long time that treated me with any sort of kindness. He never yelled at me, or belittled me. He didn't lecture me, though I knew he wanted to, but respected my privacy. Until now. I couldn't really fault him for trying to figure out more. It was his nature, and I'm a horrible liar, after all. I knew his words were true. He wanted to believe I wasn't capable of something so awful as ripping my father to shreds. If only that were true, but Max had never seen me hunting the stray dogs in the alleys. I'm so tired of running, and I can't leave yet without knowing what The Dominion is really all about. I thought about what he said. If he really wanted to help me, maybe I could at least tell him about Kit. I couldn't tell him that Kit was a 5-ft fox, but maybe I could... The fear gripped me, but I held myself together. I waited for him to walk away before I came out. I walked down slowly, trying several scenarios in my head. Nothing really worked. The only way was to tell him the truth. If I showed him...what I could become, maybe...damn. As I turned the final corner I noticed two strange things. One, the cleaners were milling about, which was just plain wrong. It was after midnight. What the hell were they doing here? The second, even stranger thing was it looked like Max had a visitor. A woman wearing a red leather jacket was knocking on his door. I hid myself and watched from behind a pile of boxes. I watched his expression when he opened the door. I smelled fear, desire, and confusion. He knew her, then. I debated talking to him tomorrow, but I knew if I didn't tell him now, tonight, that I never would. I'd just keep running. I approached his door, took a deep breath and knocked. Max: Mona said we were both in danger. I watched her bite into an apple, and felt a strange sort of agony. I had so many things I wanted to ask her, but then there was another knock. This time I took my gun along with me. After what had happened at the warehouse, I wasn't taking any chances. "Who is it?" I demanded. No answer. I raised my gun and pointed it at the door before I looked through the peephole. No one. I almost backed off when I heard Heather's voice say very quietly, "It's me, Max." Heather. Not now. God, what bad timing. That's what I remember thinking. I had no idea how much worse it would get. I thought if I turned her away that night, she might never come back. I opened the door. She was...shaking. I had never seen her so scared. Her eyes were bright and...they looked strange. I remember thinking of a glacier's heart when I first looked at them, but now they reminded me of a frozen ocean. I didn't know her eyes had so much...green in them. "I..." she said, and then all hell broke loose. The gunshot missed me and hit the wall. "Snipers!" I said, diving down to the ground. Mona also dropped down. "They followed me!" she said. "What?" Heather cried. Oh God, was she still standing? I turned to get to her when she was shot. No...not again. Not again... Heather: I thought I'd have a panic attack and change as soon as he opened the door. Turns out God had other ideas, but actually, I don't think God had anything to do with it. When Max said, "Snipers," I looked out the window and saw them. The cleaners. Oh my God, and here I'd been watching them this whole time. I was at once furious, with them and myself for not catching on sooner. But I should have been ducking. The bullet grazed my left shoulder as I was moving. It had been meant for my heart. They would pay, every last one of them. I dropped as though I was hit. Max called my name, and I felt him hover over me before running down the hall after the lady in red. Poor Max. I didn't have to smell his agony. I heard him mumbling as he ran. "Oh no, no, God, not again, not Heather, God..." Moments later I heard the cleaners enter his apartment. They were going to blow it up. From their talking I could tell they had planned this for quite some time. I may not be able to stop all of them, but I could still gum up the works. They rushed back and forth without even stopping to look at me. During a lull, I opened one eye and then the other. I saw a group of them down the hall while two of them set up the bomb in Max's apartment. I heard their joking. Ooh, they were going to pay. I stood up silently, switching to beast form as I walked. I couldn't go to feral, not yet. I needed to keep my reason in the forefront of my mind. I tiptoed with my pawish bare feet until I was closer, then rushed at them with a roar. Their expressions were priceless. They were holding fancy guns. Whoa, these guys were pros. But they couldn't hit me. There was no choice. They were trying to hurt both me and Max. I had to stop them. The man snorted when he heard a strange sound. It almost sounded like a lion, but that couldn't be right. He turned and disbelief numbed him stiff. What he was seeing was impossible. A big, pale-yellow cat with stripes leapt upon him, her sabretusks sinking into his neck before he had a chance to think about why she was wearing a tank top and cargo pants. "WHAT THE F*K?!" his companions yelled before shooting with their Ingrams. They couldn't even aim straight. The cat roared, slashing at them with her claws, chasing them back down to the detective's apartment. Without thinking they opened the door and doomed themselves.* Max: I watched the cleaners destroy my home. They had been watching me for days, weeks, months even. If that wasn't enough, I couldn't believe what happened next. Through the camera lens I saw...something, something that looked inside my ruined apartment and only left when the fire became too dangerous. Did my sanity finally leave me? I saw a cat-like creature peek inside apartment after two stupid cleaners rushed inside after the others set the bomb. A creature wearing Heather's clothes... Her body was no longer in the doorway... A golden, furry creature that had stripes of brown sugar and cinnamon... and had big teeth... What the hell was going on? I couldn't stay there. I had to find Mona. __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-19-2004, 12:06 PM	#47
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction It was late when the Dominion's last costumers walked out of the dark wooden doors. Sadie watched them get into taxies, some driving even though they had been drinking too much, and some walked. She peered through her binoculars from the roof of the building across the street. An hour after closing-time, Ian Seagri was followed out by two big guys, bouncers from the club, and his private bodyguards. They got into a limo and drove off. Sadie put the binoculars away and got down from the roof and walked across the street, and around to the back. She climbed over a fence and walked down to the basement door. "This oughta do the trick." She opened her bag and took out a little case, opening it revealed a set of lockpicks. Sadie inspected the lock and grabbed one of the metal rods, jamming it into the lock and twisting it a little, then she took another slim pin-looking rod and inserted it into the lock carefully, she listened closely to the door and smirked when the lock clicked and the door opened. "Like taking candy from a baby." She walked inside after she had slung the hood of the coat over her head, obscuring her face from any cameraes. She walked down the hall and made her way upstairs, she found it odd, all cameras were turned off, and upstairs, there were none. She entered Ian's office. It looked like a display, not a single grain of dust anywhere. "This guy is obsessive..." She walked over to the desk and opened the drawers, pulling out papers and looking through them. She took copies of the most interesting ones, using the copy-machine in the corner of the office. When she was done with the papers she put them back in the drawers and stuffed the copies in her bag and walked out. She was making her way downstairs when she heard a low growling noise. She stopped, looking around the hallway. She could barely hear it. It creeped her out and she ran down the stairs and down toward the basement. When she opened the door to the basement and jumped down the stairs, she could hear footsteps behind her. Sadie looked over her shoulder and saw a huge animal coming at her, claws out and teeth gleaming in the faint light. "JESUS CHRIST!" __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-19-2004, 04:53 PM	#48
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Max: It took me forever to get out of the building. Lady Luck must have decided to grant me a favor. While clearing away the cleaners that got in my way, I met some of my stranger neighbors. One gave me a shotgun, another gave me her pain pills. I had to crawl out the window to get down, while two other neighbors, the bum from downstairs and a hooker, covered me from the windows. They were waiting for me below. The bum said he was a cop but he was so drunk I was surprised he could still aim. They were both a big help, until I heard the girl screaming. I had flattened myself against the wall to stay out of the line of fire as best I could. I glanced at the window and saw the impossible. The golden creature I had seen was no hallucination. It dove out the window and landed on the ground 4 stories below. The cleaners scattered, but she made short work of them, sinking her claws in deep enough to expose their ribs, or at one point, she used her tusks to puncture through a guy's eyes, penetrating the brain. I took the opportunity to make it to the ground and get away, but she saw me. Heather: I didn't mean to scare the girl in the window, but I had to get down there, and the fastest way was straight down. I helped Ed the janitor get out before I climbed back up to see how Max was doing. Judging from the pile of bodies, he was doing very well. The legends in the papers did have some truth to them after all. The cleaners shot at me and did manage to hit me a few times. I'm pretty durable though. I forgot to add that I can heal fast. In fact, if I didn't hurry, the wounds would close up before I could pull out the bullets that caused them. After the last of them were dead Max hopped down from the scaffolding. He was scared and pointed his gun at my face. I froze. I heal fast but I might not survive a shot to the head from point-blank range. My inner beast wanted to do something but I reigned her in. I wanted to tell him not to shoot, but when you have big teeth you can't talk very well. His hands were shaking. "What...?" he whispered hoarsely. I moved away from him. I kept my head low to the ground, to show I was submissive. I tried to speak. "M...Mm-makthhhsss....," I managed to say. I slowly raised my eyes. Recognition clouded his eyes, which, consequently were as big as dinner plates. I slowly rose to two feet. Max: It-she spoke. She was a creature and yet not. She was both. Up close I could still see her face inside. It was so X-Files it wasn't even funny. The sirens broke up the reverie. We both turned our heads to look, but when I looked back, she was gone. If it wasn't for the bodies with the tooth and claw marks, I'd have said I imagined the whole thing. Bravura would lock me up if I told him the truth. Fortunately, I didn't have to tell him anything. There had been several cases of strange slashings all over the city, as though made by an animal or a pack of animals. I hope she wasn't behind them, but now...I don't know what to think. Elsewhere... He smelled her before he saw her. Why, she was nothing a but a little thief herself. From the cameras he knew she had been here almost every night since they opened, trying to catch his master's eye. Kit growled, determined to regain his master's favor. Master, indeed! He felt downright silly calling him that, even though it was true. He was told to stay away, especially downstairs in the restaurant itself. It took him a week to figure out why. The cameras told him the answer. Heather. He couldn't believe it. She had managed to follow him to this place, even though she hadn't found him, yet. She could ruin everything, and he couldn't tell Icegrim anything, wasn't allowed to see him. And now, now this savvy little tart breaks in without any qualms! He'd show his master. He'd show them all. That was the plan, anyway. He fell short of succeeding. The woman was well-prepared. It didn't matter how fast he could heal, a bullet still hurt. And slowed him down, but not before he knocked her to the ground. "ENOUGH!" a voice roared. Kit sat up, shocked. Ian Seagrim, or Icegrim, as he was known in the Dominion, towered over him, furious. "You are not welcome," he said. "But...Master, she-" "OUT!" Sadie looked up. What the hell? Did the animal just speak? She watched as the fox man snarled with hatred before running off. After Icegrim made sure he was gone, he ordered his bodyguards out of the room as well. He then turned and looked down at her. She had her Desert Eagle pointed straight at his head. He smiled. "Would you care for a drink...or did you just want your usual orange juice?" __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-20-2004, 02:06 AM	#49
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie was shaking, she thought it would have been an easy get in/get out operation, but now it had turned and she felt like she was in the middle of a weird horror-flick. Talking animals... She had no idea what to say. A million questions swirled around in her head, and which one to ask first was the problem she couldn't solve. "Vodka..." Ian just continued smiling, like he hadn't caught a burglar just now, but like he had been unexpectedly been visited by a friend. Yet, his eyes were cold, and she knew she had to watch his every move until she could get the hell out of there. She released the trigger and slowly put the desert eagle into the holster under her coat. Then she rose to her feet and followed Ian, before they reached the stairs, Sadie eyed the door at the end of the hall, it was her ticket to freedom, but she couldn't risk it, not with that... thing... running around somewhere. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-20-2004, 01:07 PM	#50
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction "Don't bother," Ian said without turning, "I have a few other...friends...and they haven't had any supper. Yet." They moved to the downstairs lounge. Sadie stared at her 'host', wondering what to do next. He was toying with her, playing with her fears...and she wasn't anyone's plaything. He expertly mixed a proper screwdriver, heavy on the vodka, light on the orange juice, and handed it to her. "All right," she said, exasperated, "Cut the bullsht and tell me what the hell is going on?" He smiled again. "I admire your spirit...and your audacity," he said, cutting her off before she could say more, "That's why I'd like you to work for me instead." "What?!" "You heard me. Your reputation preceeds you, sparrow. You are a professional. I'd rather we'd be on the same side." Sadie wanted to reject him outright, but wondered if she could make this work. She could be a double agent, but then, Ian seemed to know too much already. She thought about the bartender who had tried to befriend her. She seemed a neutral enough target. If she could gain the girl's confidence, perhaps she could accomplish more. But what about Vova? And what about what she had seen?* "Are you going to tell me about what I just saw?" she demanded. He stepped closer. "Not until you agree, fair one...and then, I will tell you everything. Everything." Kit: Dammit! I was so close. Icegrim will never trust me now. What game is he playing this time? Why does he want that little slut for? Another toy? Why? Kit could not dwell on that, as another plan was already in motion. After gaining the trust of the Italians, Ian took control of them. He meant to become a big power, but he was too slow for Kit's taste. Kit was much more direct. So, when Ian had mused about what to do with the Russian, a man he admired even though their personal tastes were completely the opposite, Kit decided it would just be better to eliminate him altogether. He still had a few contacts that trusted him, in particular, the captain, Vinnie Gognitti. He had sent him and his boys to take care of the Russian boss. Max: I had to stay at a hotel. It was days before the firemen said it was safe to go back into the building. I didn't have anything left, except a few photos and some other documents I had locked in a fireproof safe I had. But looters had come and stolen it. I don't know why they didn't just crack the safe there. They had taken the whole thing. As bad as that was, I couldn't stop thinking about what I had seen. Was that creature really Heather? And even if she was some sort of...monster, how did she survive? The kid had taken the sniper's bullet, plus the cleaners in the alley had hit her at least four or five times without making much of a dent. And then...there was Mona. Did she see Heather? What did she know about all this? Why were these cleaner guys trying to kill us? It took me a few days before I felt my head was on straight enough to go back. After I had checked the remains of my ruined apartment, I walked upstairs to where I had chased Heather before she vanished. It was at the opposite end of the building, so it hadn't been touched by the fire. I looked up and down the hallway, unsure of what I was looking for. This section was too small to have much room for an apartment. It was mostly just a walkway on the way to the door to the roof. While she could escape to the roof, the bum was convinced she lived here somewhere. I was missing something. It seems Lady Luck had granted me another favor. I just hope I don't have to pay through the nose, like last time. I pounded on the wall in frustration. The wall echoed. It was hollow. I moved to the opposite side and banged there. Not hollow. Moving back, I noticed an almost invisible square carved into the drywall. If you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't see it. I felt around this square, prodding at it, when at last I found a release catch of sorts and the whole square could be removed. The crawlspace was tiny. I had to kneel down to enter it, realizing Heather had custom built this to fit her much smaller frame. She could turn around inside and replace the panel in seconds, but I had to move all the way inside before I was able to do the same. The tunnel was small, lined with unlit candles and airholes made with a powerdrill. It broke into a room about the size of a jail cell. It was narrow and I couldn't stand up inside of it as it was also short. I saw a sleeping bag and pillow rolled up in one corner. Another corner had a garbage bag full of soup cans and wrappers. A wall had photos and newspaper clippings covering it. A backpack revealed clothes, toiletries and money. All very neat and efficient. Well, I guess she had to be after running for two years. I thought she had been running from the law because of her father. But now I knew much more was involved. I recalled how the reports said Nathan Dupre's body had been found partially eaten, and I shuddered. Heather had shown me she was an efficient killer after dispatching the cleaners. But then I realized what else she had shown me. She had leapt out that window like...like a fallen angel. She risked her neck, she had been shot, and...she did it to help me. She had known the danger and still she risked getting killed. For me. She didn't even look the least bit concerned about her wounds. I turned and faced the tunnel to the doorway, and there I saw, in the last corner, was my safe. She would be back. And I was going to be here when she did. __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-20-2004, 02:41 PM	#51
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction After the meeting with Seagrim, Sadie made her way outside, no monsters blocking her path this time. She wondered it it could have all been a dream, it was too strange to fathom. She got into her car and drove back to Vladimir, parking the car outside and sat in the car. She couldn't decide wether to tell Vladimir the whole truth, or to risk it, and work for Ian as a double agent. She was in the middle of her thoughts when the door was opened and Vlad pulled her out of the car. "Where the hell have you been?" He was furious, his fingers digging into her arms. She whimpered. "It hurts Vova, let me go!" He stared intensely at her, then released one of her arms and dragged her inside the house, almost tossing her into the bedroom. She stumbled away from him as he slammed the door, dust crumbling down the frame. He advanced on her. "Why is it that I wake up at 5 AM and find you missing from our bed, and when I try to call you, you conveniently left your phone here. No note, no message left!" She stumbled, landing on her back. He grabbed onto her collar. "WHY?" She shut her eyes, turning her head away from him. "I was at the Dominion!" Vlad was desperately trying to stay calm when he heard her muttering about the dominion. He shook her. "Why?!" Sadie grabbed onto his hands. "Let me go Vlad, before you do something you regret!" He pulled her close. "Maybe I already regret I let you into my home when you betray me like this!" She tore at his hands. "I never betrayed you! I was there to get information about them burning down Vodka!" He took a few deep breaths before her finally released her. "Get up!" She hesitated. Unsure of his intentions. She had never seen him that angry before. But if he thought she had been unfaithful, it could be the final straw. "GET UP!" She got up hastily, almost falling down again in her hurry. He looked at her, hell in his eyes, burning her up. "I was caught by Seagrim's... guard-dog. He wants me to work for him, to betray you." Vlad turned around, grabbing a pack of cigarettes on the night table. He lit one and walked toward her, almost like a cat to a cornered mouse. He grabbed onto her hair. "And your answer was?" She gasped by the rough handling. "I told him I'd consider it... I could work as a double agent!" Vlad blew smoke out of his nose, moved the cigarette between his fingers and pulled her head back. He moved the smoke closer to her neck. She could feel the hot fire gaining on her. "If you betray me, milii..." The cigarette came closer, making it unbearably hot for her, she gasped for air as ears rolled down her face. "... I will order your tomb-stone within an hour of finding out!" He moved the cigarette away and released her hair. He walked out of the room and slammed the door again. Sadie knelt on the floor, rubbing the warm spot on her throat. Memories of her fosterhome flooded her mind, pushing the events of the night out of focus. In the afternoon, Sadie found Vlad sitting in the kitchen, drinking his coffee. She stopped in the kitchen door when she saw him, unsure of him. He looked up from the paper and smiled at her like nothing had happened. "Slept well, milii?" She wrinkled her nose and grabbed a coffee-cup from one of the shelves. "Not exactly, no..." Vlad let it pass and handed her a small stack of papers. "Your next assignment!" She looked at it. "Vinnie Gognitti? Wasn't he killed?" Vlad shook his head, drinking from his coffee-mug. "No, he just disappeared for a while. I want you to take him out." "Why?" Vlad lit a smoke, making Sadie take a small step back, he eyed her, having seen her move. "Because he's responsible for some of this mess. I want him dead, panjemajo?" She nodded and turned around to walk out of the kitchen. Vlad got out of his chair. "Milii... Kak dela?" He put his arms around her. She sighed and looked away from him. "Last night... Ty prissat!" Vlad looked at her like he was clueless. She punded a fist into his shoulder. "Ty mne van'ku ne val'aj!" He sighed, pulling her closer. "I'm sorry milii... I wasn't thinking straight. I didn't mean to scare you." She sighed. "Ubl'yudok!" He nodded. "I know I am... I'm sorry." She moved away from him and walked out of the kitchen. As she drove into the town, she glanced at the picture of Vinnie Gognitti. Reading about him had given her little information, she would have to find out the best way to kill him, and fast. At the same time, she would have to find out what to do about Seagrim's offer... -------------- Any russians reading this? I'M SORRY!!!! I found most of the sentences around the internet, and i'm not sure how correct they are. espc. 'Ty prissat'... also, spelling.. don't ask, no idea if it's spelled correctly. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-21-2004, 12:44 AM	#52
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Do I understand Russian? NYET! Max: I waited for almost three hours. Good thing I wasn't claustrophobic. When I heard movement from the tunnel I suddenly wondered if this was such a good idea. What if she attacked me? I was on her turf now. I pulled my gun just in case. I shouldn't have worried. Heather: I was too afraid to go back. Afraid to find that my "home" was burnt down, that it was discovered, that Max would find me and kill me or lock me up; lots of little, stupid things. When I saw that the fire wasn't as bad as it could have been, I was incredibly relieved. Still, best to find a new spot. I had decided to talk to Mr. Seagrim, start grilling him about stuff, but I had to warm up to him. Maybe if he took pity on me I'd learn something. I told him the address of the apartment, with a fake mailbox number. With all of the lawpeople milling about, someone might notice. I'm sure Max knew something was up, but he never said anything. When I entered the crawlspace I took no notice that Max's scent was strong. I had saved his safe from looters rampaging the place. I had to do it in beast form because it was too awkward to carry quickly when I was human. That worked fine because I managed to scare the looters away without having to fight them. I was in human form when I sensed movement. It so startled me I had a panic attack. But if I had remained calm I would have laughed instead. Now that I think about it, he made for a goofy picture. There he was sitting, his long legs spread out in front of him (poor guy had to be uncomfortable in that tiny space), holding a gun in one hand, and my teddy bear in the other. He looked so serious, too. Max: Her eyes changed first and flashed in the dark. She yelped, her voice strange, a half shriek, half gutteral snarl. I scrambled for the flashlight I had, and pointed it at her. It was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I've seen plenty of sht in my life. It was like her skin melted and reformed like clay, changing her facial structure, making her limbs longer before the fur whispered over her bare skin. "N...nno," she lisped, almost whimpering, "Don'ht...l 'hook h'at m'hee...puh'leezz." She began to cry, and I...I thought I would, too. She was a kid, a good kid, messed up and put in a bad situation, just like me. Heather: I couldn't believe it. He found my only sanctuary. The one place I held sacred because it was mine.* But I wasn't angry with him. I was scared he would turn against me because surely I was a freak to him. After I cried out to him, I heard him say very quietly, "I want to see, Heather. Let me see." He swallowed, a loud noise to my now sensitive ears. I had covered my face with my pawish hands, claws gleaming in his spotlight. I lowered them an inch at a time, blinking away the tears and adjusting to the invasive ray. He knew now. He knew almost everything. He had to know about my father. What will he do? "Don h't h-hurt m'hee," I whispered. Max: I didn't think I was capable of feeling anything but darkness. But Heather's words, however garbled, were like a knife in my chest. I couldn't believe it. She was incredibly powerful, and yet she was afraid of me. Me. I nearly dropped the flashlight. I crawled over to her. She was pressed into the wall so hard her shoulder was bleeding from the rough wood cutting her. I didn't know what to say. So I did the only thing I could. Heather: He crawled over to me. I knew he was shocked. I could hear his heartbeat speed up as he moved closer. I hate the fact I have panic attacks. They're a little gift from my mother. In the throes of one all I can do is just sit there and cringe, my body telling my beast I was in danger even though I knew I wasn't. I had curled up into a ball, hugging my knees, waiting for it to pass when he approached me. Even when he's on his knees he's tall. He put down the flashlight, the glow of it reflected in his eyes which were full and dark. For the briefest moment I saw a much younger Max Payne, the one who once had a full life, a happy life, Smirk and all. He lifted a shaky hand, paused, and then wrapped his arms around me in an awkward embrace. Max: She dissolved in it, hugging me so hard I thought she might crack my ribs. Her claws gripped the back of my coat before she changed back. She let out all of her pain, her frustration and lonliness. Her cries were deep, racking sobs that shook the both of us. It was enough therapy for me. I still couldn't release my pain. I was too much in love with it. I didn't understand. She had held all this in for so long, but unlike me, I never saw her in a bad mood. She was always smiling, laughing, cracking jokes to me. Maybe she was just looking for a shoulder to cry on, and that shoulder happened to be mine. But nothing prepared me for what happened next. She had quieted down, hiccuping every now and again. She sighed and said, "Thank you." She looked up at me, her glacier blue eyes sparkling with tears. I don't know... why she did it. I don't think she planned it, either. Her hand cupped my face, brushing my temple, running over my recent scars when she arose and kissed me. (Okay, lords and ladies, I think that's enough soap opera for one night! Tune in tomorrow, same Max time, same Max channel!) __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-21-2004, 04:33 AM	#53
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction The Dominion was already open, but not too many people were sitting in the expensive lounges. Only the regular odd bunch who had decided that 4 pm wasn't too early for a drink... or ten. Sadie ordered the usual screwdriver, no vodka, all orange juice and sprite. She didn't know why she had come here right away. She had an assignment already, and she had to carry it out faster then the rest she had done. Sadie had never seen her Vova like that before. He had been rough before, but mostly on her command, and never as threathening as that. She had to kill Gognitti fast, to make Vova believe that she wouldn't betray him. She found her pack of cigarettes and pulled one out. She searched for her lighter but had left it in the car. She muttered a few curses before someone lit up a lighter in front of her. She looked at the flame for a moment, then she moved closer, lighting up the cigarette. She blew the smoke out before looking at the man who had come to her smoke-emergency rescue. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-21-2004, 03:55 PM	#54
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Heather: What was I thinking? I wasn't. Thinking. I felt him jerk back immediately. He was completely surprised, and I don't blame him. The differences between our ages is insurmountable. Beneath the shock was compassion and pity, all followed by the ultimate; rejection. Of course. I knew it in my mind, but my heart was as stubborn as a mule. My inner beast responded, too. The full moon was coming soon, that must have been it. How could he know? When you finally allow yourself to feel something good after a long period of feeling bad, it all comes out at once and makes the littlest gesture, like a hug, incredibly powerful. Max: She tore away from me quickly, muttering an apology. I asked to stay with me, and her face became as scarlet as blood in the snow. It was then I realized that her youth went far deeper than her age. "I'm serious," I said, "You don't think I'm gonna let you stay here?" She huffed, upset. She enjoyed her freedom and privacy. I could understand that, same as I understood the bum from downstairs refused to go to a shelter after the fire. He was forced to, but I knew he'd be back, too. "Fine," she said, packing, "I just don't want to become an inconvenience." "You know you won't be, " I replied. "Okay, whatever, but I have to get ready for work." "The Dominion?" "Yeah." "...I have an idea. Do your thing and come with me to the station, first." Elsewhere: He kept his cap low, as always. He was early, but that was alright. It was Wednesday, and so he had to make sure he had a good seat. The girl had a voice like an angel; powerful, melodic, and rich as a viola. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Her voice was in his head all the time. He remembered her first time on the karaoke stage. It was actually the same night he first arrived. Flustered, blushing, giggling; a fellow bartender dared her to do it after bribing her with a five. He peered at her and and dismissed her as another dumb blonde. He ground his teeth waiting for the inevitable bad rendition of The Greatest Love of All. And then she opened her mouth. She felt the song, became the song, her voice booming on the mike in perfect pitch. Kaufman glanced at the owner whose jaw had dropped to the floor. He stifled a wicked laugh. Take that, you uppity prck, he thought. He came every Wednesday after that. The girl, Heather, intrigued him. All of his questions about her remained unanswered, save for the basics. He didn't even care that Sadie was also here again. He knew Vlad wanted him to tail her now as well as find out about Ian Seagrim and his goons, but it didn't matter, not really. In fact, maybe they could work together. He watched her search for a lighter. He walked over and used his own.* "Hi," he said, enjoying her brief flash of fear, "Let's talk." __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-21-2004, 04:27 PM	#55
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie stared at Kaufman. He had ignored her all previous times they had both been here, and now he was talking directly to her. This could be bad, but she could tell he needed a favor. "I know why you're here, Kaufman. It's not because of the drinks, although you enjoy a good one every now and then." He raised an eyebrow. his reasons were many, but whch one did she pick? "You don't say? Why am I here then?" Sadie took a drag from the smoke and exhaled. The smoke lingered in the air with his question as she took a sip of her drink. "first off, Vlad wants you to keep an eye on me... make sure I don't double-cross him, which, by the way, I have no intentions off. Second of all... The girl behind the bar, Heather, the one who sings..." Kaufman narrowed his eyes. he didn't want to answer that. It put him in a weak spot, and he didn't like it. Sadie grinned as she continued. "Obviously, you want her. That's why you keep coming here every wednesday night. Not the drinks, and not the rest of the god-awful voices on the stage." Kaufman leaned closer. "Cut the crap! I don't care what you think of this whole mess, just remember that I'm watching your every move!" Sadie glanced over at Heather. "I don't blame you. She's pretty, and innocent.. and that's what you like, isn't it Kaufman?" Sadie smirked at his expression. The surprise he had handed her when he lit her cigarette had been turned. She carried the winning hand now. and she enjoyed it. Kaufman rubbed his forehead, he knew she was winning this round. Sadie continued. "Let me guess.. in order for you to shut your mouth to Vova about my business here at the Dominion, whatever it may be, you want me to talk to the girl, right?" Kaufman nodded slowly. "Consider it done!" He got up and walked back to his own seat as Sadie finished her screwdriver. She waved Heather over. "Another one of these, and throw some Vodka in it please." Heather mixed the screwdriver and came over with the drink. Sadie took a sip and threw her a tip, then she tilted her head. "So. Why do you work here when you have obvious talents for something better than this?" __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-22-2004, 02:26 AM	#56
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Earlier that night: Heather: Max drove me to the station. It was a bit of a drive, but we hardly spoke. The air was pregnant with unanswered questions. Mostly we asked ourselves mundane things, or really, Max did. "So..."he said after awhile, "Do you always change when you get scared?" "No," I replied, "my stupid panic attacks trigger them the most. My instincts...the cat inside me is tricked into thinking I'm in danger, so she...comes out." "When did you...when did it start happening?" "After I turned 21. I woke up one night in my father's cornfield, completely naked with a full-grown pheasant inches from my lips. But I started noticing things before that." "What things?" I thought about it hard. "It seems like the accident was the first sign. I was out riding...we used our barn to hold Mr. Jaeger's horses, and he had taught me how to ride. I took my favorite, Thunderclap, out for awhile. He was a beautiful horse. Half smoky Clydesdale, and half black Morgan. Old man Jaeger never did figure out how the breeding took place. Said his dad must have jumped clean over the fence. Thunderclap was huge, but lean. You wouldn't know this, but Clydesdales are built for power. They're the Budweiser horses, you know. Morgans on the other hand are speedsters. So Thunderclap was somehow a perfect mix. It was said that if the devil were in front of him, he'd just plow him over, and if the devil were behind, he'd never catch him. He was fearless...except once." I glanced apologetically at Max. I had been droning on for a bit about stuff he'd never understand. I sighed. City folk. "Anyway, I had taken him out that day, like a million times before, on a trail we had taken a million times before, when all of a sudden he spooked. Thunderclap never spooked. Never. I was thrown off. I wasn't hurt except the lead had lacerated my hands...deep enough that blood dripped everywhere. I don't know why, but after that day I could never ride him again. Shortly after that, I began noticing things. My nose came first, then ears, and so on. A month into it and I was hunting at night." "So this cat, is it another entity?" Max asked. "I'm not sure. There's alot I'm not sure of. She is a part of me, and what I feel, she feels too. We just don't always...agree." He sighed. It was too much. "I know one thing, though," I continued, "I did not kill my father." He was silent for several moments. "I believe you," he whispered. We were silent the rest of the way. At the station Max found out the lady in red had called him. Her name was Mona Sax and he said she was a friend. After he talked to her we were driving again. Apparently he was taking me to meet her. The meeting was brief. I don't have to tell you how the sparks flew between those two, do I? Nor do I have to tell you I reeked of jealousy, though I tried so hard to put it away. I can't be falling for him, I just can't... Mona was quite useful. When I told Max I had to get to work, she gave me the once over and decided I was her new pet project. I couldn't believe what she all did. We went shopping. I haven't gone shopping like that since my mom was still alive. She insisted that I stay with her in that madhouse. Oh well, there have been far worse places I have stayed. Max was much more practical, and he had a plan. The reason I went shopping was so that the mostly male population would have their eyes trained on me. Meanwhile, both he and Mona would have a look around. I blushed, but agreed. I will have to really turn on the charm tonight. I prayed for forgiveness. Later, when I arrived, I hid my new clothes in the back. Karaoke wouldn't start for another 2 hrs, but there was already quite a crowd. Ian always preferred jazz, and there were a few couples dancing. Sadie was there, as usual. So was the foreman...oh my God. I hadn't realized my own mistake. That was the guy in charge of the cleaners, the men who had tried to kill the three of us. I had forgotten. Luckily Mona had handed me an earpiece so I'd know their progress. It would be difficult to communicate with them while performing, but they could tell me what they were doing. "Max," I muttered under my breath, "what was the name of that guy in charge of the cleaners?" "I don't know," he crackled back, "All I got was the name Kaufman. Why?" "Because he's here. He's a regular of mine." "What?!" "Shh," Mona said, and added, "Heather, we're really going to need your help. Make sure he doesn't move!" "How?" I asked. "You know, flirt with him, make him ga-ga over you or something. You know, don't you? How to do that?" "I...don't flirt." I faltered, while Max said, "Make him ga-ga? What the hell is ga-ga?" "Shut up, Max!" Mona hissed, and continued with me, "What do you mean? What about past boyfriends? You know, making out? ...Any of that sht ring a bell?!" "Mona, I've...I've never done..." "WHAT?!" "SHH!" Max said with a groan. They were silent for several moments. I had to turn around and get busy with customers, and quickly. "Listen, guys," I said, " I know what you're getting at. I'm an entertainer. So I will entertain this Kaufman guy, to keep him off your backs. Fair enough?" Silence. Then Mona whispered, "Girl, I've got a lot more tricks to teach you when we get out of here." "Be careful," Max added, and said to Mona, "What the hell is ga-ga?" "What you're going to be saying in a minute if you don't shut up!" she said through gritted teeth. So that was the plan. I served Sadie her usual and made my usual rounds with the customers. Ian stared at me. I had styled my hair differently that night, and had brushed up on my makeup skills. I saluted him with my own glass of icewater, and he actually gave me a rare warm smile. Icewater is all I drink, especially on Wednesdays since I get so dry on stage. Moments later Sadie motioned me over and actually ordered a real screwdriver. After sipping it she asked me why I wasn't in something a bit more pro? I appreciated her compliment. Though the two of us almost never spoke, we had an almost invisible repoire. She knew I would be there if she ever needed to vent, and she took comfort in that. Her scent reminded me of Max. She too had a heavy presence punctuated by loss and death. I knew better than to ask. What I did ask was, "Why the vodka? Are you celebrating?" She looked up and smiled mysteriously. "Something like that. But don't dodge the question." I couldn't tell her the truth. So I told her A truth. "If I were famous, really famous, I'd lose touch with people. I like this, having an audience I can later on say hi to at the grocery store." She believed. It was the truth, too. Even though I'm on the run, I couldn't imagine doing anything that didn't involve helping people. My genes must be programmed for it. Sadie leaned in. "Can you do me a favor?" I had seen her serious, but not like this. "What?" "What's your boss like?" "I told you, arrogant and full of himself. Thinks his own sht don't stink." Sadie pointed. "Do you know that guy over there?" Kaufman. What the hell? "Kind of. Why?' "I know him well, and I have a proposition. You tell me what you know of Seagrim, and I'll set you up with Mr. Kaufman over there. He's really smart, and strong." I stared at her. What was she doing? "But I thought he was...isn't he kind of...serious?" I wanted to say old, but if this worked, Max and Mona would have their tails covered. She laughed. "Yes, and he's very, very serious about wanting to meet you. Again." I took a deep breath. "Okay. I'll see him after I perform." __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-22-2004, 03:11 AM	#57
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie turned her head to Kaufman. He looked up under his cap and she smiled at him, giving him a wink. He just nodded and turned his head away from her. Done and done. Sadie ordered another screwdriver after a while, and decided to lean back and enjoy the performance. She enjoyed the scene, Kaufman was on edge. He hated waiting, and Sadie enjoyed watching him squirm in his seat. Not long before Karaoke started, Sadie watched the front doors open. She nearly spat out her drink when she saw who entered. "Well well well... Vinnie Gognitti. What's an italian like you doing in a place like this?" He walked up to the bar and ordered a Crazy Ivan. Sadie watched him sit there for a while. He looked like he was waiting for someone. Sadie kept watching him until he turned his head and looked at her. She looked away and finished her drink. Suddenly he stood behind her and got the bartender's attention. "The young lady needs a refill." Sadie turned to him on her seat. Leaning against the bar. "Vincent Gognitti, since when have you become such a gentleman?" He looked at her with a puzzled expression. "How'd you know my name? No offense, but I don't remember you." Sadie chuckled. It sounded almost like a mix of a purr and a roar. It scared, but excited him. "That's because i'm not a prostitute..." He frowned at her, she could see he was ready to blow a fuse at that comment. She gave him a warm smile. "So I was right?" He didn't answer. The bartender came over with the drink and hurried away. Sadie took a sip and raised an eyebrow. "Don't answer that... Thanks for the drink. My name is Sadie." She extended her hand to him and he took it. "You already know my name, but you still didn't tell me how." She looked at him. "You're italian, blond, blue eyed. And you ordered a Crazy Ivan, which I think is a joke on the russians... You're almost top-dog, which is why you can afford coming here. By that description, only one name popped up." He relaxed, leaning against the bar, looking at her. "Why do you come here?" She took another sip of her drink and pulled out a smoke. He instantly lit it for her. "I like karaoke..." He nodded slowly. He was about to say something more when Seagrim came over. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned closer. "Miss Sadie. It's a pleasure to see you again. Care to accompany me to my office?" Sadie got off the bar-stool and waved at Vinnie. "Thanks for the drink, Gognitti." She entered Seagrim's office like she had the other night. It still looked the same: dust-free and shiny. He sat down in the chair behind the desk. "Please have a seat. We have some things to discuss." Sadie sat down in the leather chair. She could feel his eyes studying her every move. "Have you thought about my offer?" She nodded slowly. "I accept..." __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-22-2004, 10:04 PM	#58
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction He remembered the first time he saw her. The apartment complex some time after setting up. She had approached him and his boys, alone, nervous; her face open and raw. She had asked to borrow his power drill. At first he thought she was making a pass, but she was serious. He was his usual brusque self, giving her a time limit. She thanked him so kindly he softened, offering to teach her how to use it. She said she already knew, but thanked him again. She chose the largest bit, and left. When she returned she was covered head to toe in sawdust, her face flushed with color. He had never seen anyone that happy about a project. When one of the boys cracked a joke, asking about her borrowing his own"power tools", she had blushed red with embarrassment, but cracked right back about him having a much smaller "extension cord." The man never laughed at her again. Kaufman saw to that. He would often look for her while watching the detective. She had a raw kind of beauty, a natural kind unencumbered by too much makeup or flashy clothes. There was a wholesomeness to her, a purity, and it drew Kaufman like a moth to a flame. It was at The Dominion where he realized he had to have her. He watched her curvy figure sway to the rhythm of the music, sometimes without even knowing it, and it drove him crazy. He'd dream about her, waking up excited...too excited on some nights. He had only slipped once, when he followed her to the back in hopes of speaking to her...and maybe more... Instead he peeked in while she changed, seeing far more than he had ever hoped to see. Seagrim's new boy, Raven, had almost caught him. If Vlad knew he would probably encourage him. Vlad loved women, all kinds of women. Sadie was his favorite at the moment, and that was fine. She was a good pupil but had too much of an attitude. He knew that Heather liked Sadie. That was the only reason why he put his pride on the line. He couldn't wait to have her, touch her...and oh yes, fck her. Would she fight him? He hoped so. Her scream had to be as beautiful as her voice. He stirred in his seat, suddenly hot and bothered. He had to wait. He hated waiting but he had no choice. He sighed. Enjoy the show...just enjoy her show...* Heather: I had often wondered about Kaufman. Raven, a fellow bartender and Ian's adopted son, had told me his suspicions. He and I had become fast friends. He was a few years younger than me, and nothing like his father. His black hair was short and spiky, his eyes dark but warm, not cold. He was quick with a smile and even quicker with wit. He and I razzed each other so often we decided to add a comedy routine at happy hour twice a week, ala Cocktail. It was Raven who dared me to try karaoke. When I claimed to be too nervous, he said to picture the men in their underwear. I asked him what he wore. His response? Let's just say I was in hysterics for almost 5 minutes. Then he said if I didn't go up there, he'd carry me up himself. He was a sweet guy, and had asked me out. I knew he meant well. I would have said yes if I was there for any reason other than to find Kit. If I found him and we have it out, then I'd be done and...I'd move on. Anyway, Raven told me to stay away from Kaufman. I blew him off, razzing him as always. After all, when it became late I usually had one or two admirers who were always a bit too happy. I'd give them a dance, then ask Swift or one other of the bouncers to put them in a cab. Besides, if I had trouble I could always scare him. The spotlight was on me. My new clothes enhanced my curves. Thank God for cleavage. "Good evening ladies and....gentlemen," I purred. I noticed Sadie talking to a blonde guy. Vinnie Gognitti was another regular, but he only came when he needed to talk to Ian. I knew he was a Mob guy from the papers, but when Sadie smiled at him I knew something else was going on. Sadie always seemed to be watching for something, asking me questions. I've often played both sides. Sadie never ordered alcohol, so I figured she was an undercover agent. Why did she have the real thing tonight? And why did Ian suddenly get so friendly with her? I knew he liked her, but he liked lots of women. He tolerated me because I was his pet, though I was fast intriguing him. He watched me work the crowd to my favor, and easily. I'd make fun of him during my comedy routines, which could have gotten me fired for insubordination, if the audience wasn't truly enjoying it. He encouraged me to be...friendly. So tonight I will take his advice. The show must go on. God forgive me for what I'm about to do. __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-23-2004, 02:15 AM	#59
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie could hear Heather through the closed door. She moved her head a bit. She felt guilty for sending her at Kaufman. He was a sick bastard alright. From what she had heard he only liked girls who put up a fight. He could smell innocence from a hundred feet away. When Sadie turned her head, Seagrim was in front of her, leaned close to her face. He took a deep breath. "Is that guilt I can smell on you?" Her eyes narrowed. How could he have known? "Maybe a little. don't concern yourself with it, it'll pass." He moved closer to her, with every milimeter, Sadie could feel her heart race faster. She got out of her seat and turned around. Seagrim stood up and walked over to her. He stood behind her as she tried to look casual, watching his books in the enormous bookshelf. Her heart raced as he stood close behind her. She licked her lips. "Fascinating book collection you have." He reached out over her shoulder and took one. The inscription said: 'Man into Wolf'. He smiled. "Fascinating book. Do you like to read?" She just nodded as he took another book from the shelf. This one was called 'The werewolf of Paris'. "This is a marvellous book too... But sadly ignored. You should read it some day." His fingers ran over the books on the shelf. Some had latin inscriptions, greek, Sadie even recognized a few russian books. All about metamorphosis, lycanthropy, werewolves. She turned around, wanting to get out. He smiled at her, resting his hands on the bookshelf, locking her in between his arms. It almost looked like he was baring his teeth at her. Sadie took a step back, pressing herself against the books, her heart pounding like a scared bird, she was frozen... A deer caught in headlights. He leaned closer, whispering to her. "Leaving so soon?" __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-23-2004, 12:24 PM	#60
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Heather: "How's everybody tonight? What? I can't hear you! Okay, I can hear you now...I heard that, Raven!" Don't ask me where I go when I perform. I don't know. I'm somewhere else, or I become a different person. The crowd was in a good mood. I decided to begin with a few tunes to get them hopping. "Wherever, Whenever", was first. I couldn't move quite like Shakira, but I made do. After a few tunes, I slowed down with Evanescence, a very popular choice. It's a good thing I had a radio with me on my travels. Without it I doubt I'd even know who they were. After that, the usual Cher (such as Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves...a song I was merciless with, pointing out tramps in the crowd and so on) and Madonna, both classic and recent. Blues. Jazz. Even Rock. I kept trying to leave, to give others a chance to sing, but the crowd wanted more. It was not unusual, but it was never like this. During a short break I muttered to Max, asking how thing's were going. I didn't hear anything for a long time, when Max suddenly whispered, "Okay." Ooh. He was hiding. Mona said nothing, but I could hear her breathing, so she was fine. Two parts were recently added to my routine. One was sort of a game. I'd be talking when I would start speaking lines from songs, both the names of titles and lyrics. Sometimes I'd spring right into Moulin Rouge (What is love? Love is a many-splendored thing...etc.) The other thing I would do is pick a song at random. Sometimes it was a song I could sing, and sometimes it wasn't, which was why it worked. I'd say, "I'd can't sing this! You can't make me! What? You can't fire me, Raven, only your dad can...oh. Oh that's it, I get half of your tips for this, bucko! Ladies and gentlemen, please be sure to tip Mr. Raven well tonight. He's going to need the extra cash." As ridiculous as it was, it always worked. I'd then either blow them away with the song choice or sing badly on purpose. I close my eyes and set it up. When I opened them to see the song choice I know I blushed. Elsewhere: Sadie became angry. He was enjoying her fear. Why did all men have one-track minds? "Back off!" she spluttered. Surprisingly, he did. "I saw you were speaking to Vincent," he said, sitting down on top of his desk. He smiled. "Do you like him?" Sadie shrugged her shoulders. What game was he playing? "He's an Italian, and a gentleman,"she replied, "Unlike some guys I know." Ian tossed back his head, laughing. "And I suppose he's a bit easy on your eyes?" he asked. "Of course," she said, getting another laugh. "Then I shall give him to you. He's yours. Enjoy him...and when you're done...come back to me. We...will talk more." Of all the arrogance! She wanted to tell him so, but Sadie realized he was giving her the opportunity to leave. She took it. Ian paused, ears twitching, then quietly called on Swift Talon, his loyal servant. "Swift...we have intruders." Heather: I should have known Raven would pull a stunt like this. Sometimes he'd put Weird Al in there, or a song by Pantera. Fortunately, it was a band and a song I was familiar with. Unfortunately, it was Metallica. Worse, the song choice...was Loverman. "Since when do we sing Metallica songs in karaoke?" I cried. "Since you tried to sing Anthrax and failed miserably," Raven shouted back. The crowd roared. Oh, he was going to get it. In spades! "That's it! I'm going to have you neutered!" I shouted, which caused a strange reaction. About half the crowd laughed mildly in response, but the other half, Raven and the bouncers doubled over in hysterics. That was my first clue, though I'm sure I had missed or ignored others. "Sht!" someone whispered in my ear. Max? Oh no. Something was wrong. I peered at Kaufman. He wasn't going anywhere. I glanced at Swift. Tom Swift he called himself, which of course wasn't his real name, but I knew better than to pepper him with questions. He was a big black man, powerful and could easily break me in half. I liked him, though. I knew his serious expression was for the customers, not us. When he put a hand to his ear, I knew there was trouble spelled M.A.X, or M.O.N.A. If they ever found them and connected them to me, we'd all be dead. I'd show him. I'd show them all. I wasn't going to play with this one. I'd put away all of my maidenly shyness and pander to the crowd. Loverman was a song about pure, unadulterated lust. The lyrics made me cringe every time. I don't think anyone noticed I had white knuckles from gripping the microphone. "There's a devil waiting outside your door, (How much longer?)" I sang. Raven's jaw dropped. It was good. All eyes were on me, even Swift had paused, so Max and Mona could get out of whatever jam they were in. But I never felt so filthy in my entire life. _______________________ Sadie watched the crowd. The guys were eating it up. Vinnie however was still a bit more interested in what was in front of him. She looked at the girl. Heather was good, but she could tell that the song wasn't a part of her, though she took great pains to hide it. She was reveling in her act, not the song itself. Compared to what she sang before, there was a difference, though Sadie doubted the guys could tell the difference. "And he's shoutin' your name, asking for more, (How much longer?)" Sadie snickered. Did the girl even know what she was singing? She saw the fevered blush on the young girl's cheeks. Oh, yes. She knew. "Forever, amen!" Heather sang, swaying suggestively. She glanced at Kaufman. He was transfixed like the rest, but she knew he wasn't fooled, either. It wasn't the song or her movement that enticed him. He knew she was only acting, that inside, she really was a sweet, very nice, and especially a clean* little girl. It was her own self-corruption that facinated him. It wouldn't surprise Sadie if he had a hard-on right now. "And he's old, and he's stupid, and he's hungry and he's sore,/ And he's blind, and he's lame, and he's dirty and he's poor/ Gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more, gimmie more gimmie more/ There's a devil crawling along your...floor, LOVER MAN! (ha-ha!) And here I stand! Forever, Amen! Cause I am what I am, what I am, what I am..." Kaufman had never seen her like this. She was giving it up, sacrificing her virginity for the audience, in a figurative way. For him. It was almost painful to watch. "I'll say it again, L is for Love, baby, O is for Oh, yes I do. V is for Virtue, so I ain't gonna hurt you, E is for Even if you want me to..." Heather: Couples were making out all over the place...sickening. I tried not to watch them. I'd often look at Kaufman, and wink every now and again. Raven was staring at me with a horrible facination, like the kind you have when watching a car accident. He was stunned, but not in a good way. My "vengence" had worked too well. Something strange was happening to me. The more I worked the song, the more my inner beast rose within. I knew the first night of the full moon was tonight, but I never felt her so in tune with me before. It wa like she approved of what I was doing, but it didn't make any sense. I was wrapping up the song when my earpiece suddenly exploded with a burst of noise. Gunfire. I cried out, clutching my head. I dropped to my knees. My eyes changed and my nails and begun to lengthen before I got myself under control. I didn't think anyone noticed. Most were all busy leaving the building in a panic. I watched Kaufman calmly walk to the men's room. He wasn't going anywhere, dammit. Raven was suddenly upon me, and so was Swift. I thought they were going to ask if I was okay, but the first words out of Raven's mouth were, "I knew it! Oh Heather, I knew it!" he cried. He was so... happy? "Sir..." Swift warned. I realized he was referring to Raven. What? "But Swift, didn't I tell you? It's okay! I knew it! She's one of us!" __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-23-2004, 01:16 PM	#61
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction She made her way out of Seagrim's office and walked through the crowd. She bumped into Vincent on her way through. He looked her over. "That wasn't a long meeting." Sadie stopped, looking him over. She smiled almost seductively. "What can I say... I'm that good!" He grilled, a glint of something more in his eyes. Sadie felt rotten. If Vladimir knew what she was doing here, he'd snap her head off in a second. "What are you up to now?" Sadie crossed her arms. "I was thinking about getting a drink and enjoy the karaoke... but if you have a better idea?" She looked up at Heather as Vinnie stood there, almost gawking at her suggestion. Maybe he couldn't believe his luck... Sadie instantly heard the gunshots. Her head snapped in the direction of the shots. The crowd started running wild, fleeing as panic tightened it's grip around them. She turned her head and saw Vinnie being pushed out by the crowd. He was trying to get back to her. Sadie didn't know if she should follow him, or check out the disturbance. She looked at Heather who was crumbled up on the stage. One of the bouncers and Seagrim's son was over her for protectiong. Sadie got a good look at Raven. He looked ecstatic, happy about the disturbance. It didn't make any sense. "Sorry Gognitti, you have to wait!" She grabbed her gun from under her coat and checked the clip. Storming upstairs, she followed the sounds of clips being emptied. She found a nifty trail of dead bodies, blood leading further upstairs, showing her the way to him, like bread-crumbs behind Hansel and Gretel. She found another dead body, his face had been turned to a gory mass of blood and brains, pieces of his broken skull, like egg-shells in a serving of pancakes. She found her target, kneeling on the floor, reloading his gun and checking the ammo of the guns he had taken from the trail of victims behind him. "I thought people only came her for bad karaoke and good drinks!" He swirled around, aiming at her, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw her. There was something strangely familiar about his face, she couldn't quite place it... __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-24-2004, 01:15 AM	#62
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Max: I couldn't believe how easily Mona had accepted Heather. We both debated on telling her the whole truth, but Heather didn't want to wait. In the end her decision was best, so we all really knew what we were up against. Mona took it well, all things considered. She was always able to keep her cool much better than I could. She asked if a silver bullet could kill. Heather didn't know. Just in case, we would go for a head and/or heart shot. I had hoped we wouldn't have to shoot at all, but knowing how I've done in the past, I wasn't counting on it. It was a good thing our argument took place before we got into position. It was hard. I had figured the guards might be unusually gifted with hearing, so we had to stay as silent as possible. For a while, things were good. When I first heard Heather sing, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. That was one talent I'd never get close to. Sure, I can plunk a few notes on the piano, but that's it. Mona can't sing either, or she would have joined her. The easiest way to move about without much detection was through the air ducts. I got a good look at the boss, Ian Seagrim, in his office. He was talking to a woman who I couldn't see but whose voice was oddly familiar. Something about her voice began to knock on my brain. Heather quietly asked how we were. I tried to catch a moment where there was some background noise. When the woman left she slammed the door. I took that moment to say, "Okay." I didn't think he heard me, but I saw his ears twitch. Uh-oh. He walked, sniffing the air. I held my breath. When he called for back-up I made my move. He heard me but luckily his own perfection got the better of him. He wanted to get inside but didn't want to damage anything. Mona was nearby. I had to get to her, but she was already hard at work. It was she who fired the first shots, not me. When I got to where she was supposed to be, she had already gone, out of the ducts and into the offices. Unfortunately, more guys came. I saw weird eyes and claws here and there, but it was like they were waiting for the right opportunity to change. I didn't give it to them. Mona's guess was right. Head and heart shots seemed to work, otherwise they kept getting back up. One in particular tried to leap at me, but I sprayed buckshot in his face, turning it into mashed potatoes and gravy. I heard Heather cry out when the gunshots began. She could hear us. I hoped she'd stay put and keep Kaufman busy. While I reloaded, a woman burst in. She was human, because she didn't try to scare me by making weird eyes or growing fur on her face. However, she waved a silver Desert Eagle at my face. I decided to return the favor. "NYPD," I said, flashing my badge. Her face instantly softened. Her face...she looked...I don't know. She began to lower her gun. Suddenly a savage howl came from nowhere. An enormous wolf leapt clear over the woman and landed on top of me, knocking the gun out of my hands. He growled and barked, his claws slashing at my outstretched forearms...he was trying to say something but was too angry to speak clearly. "STOP!" the woman screamed, shooting the beast. He rolled off of me as though surprised. He looked at her, she looked at him, and that gave me the second I needed to get away. The house was huge, so I was able to hide for a few moments and get my bearings. I had to find Mona, and I had to make sure Heather was safe. The giant wolf turned to her. He was a beautiful silver-gray, a metallic ash. "Are you all right, luv?" he asked, panting. Heather: Had I known all along? I couldn't say. My beast was pacing in her cage, and I couldn't figure out why. My breath had shortened, and I felt like jumping out of my skin. "Us?" I said, "Who's us?" "...But...don't you know?" Raven faltered, "Us! Shifters! The Chosen!" "Chosen?" "Sir," Swift warned again, "Need I remind you that it was the master's decision to pick the time to tell her?" "Swift Talon, you saw what happened. It's too late now, anyway. Go to my father and find out what's going on!" Swift growled but complied. I stared after him. As if he knew he had an audience, even though it was just us who were left, I watched him shift into a handsome, dark-maned lion. I was ambivalent. On the one hand I feared for Max and Mona. On the other, I was relieved. Finally, finally* , I was no longer alone. I looked at Raven who was still smiling down at me. My inner beast turned and looked at him; I have no idea why I knew that but I did. Did she want to hunt? Run? I just couldn't tell. Suddenly a bunch of men burst into the room. Cleaners! "Raven, look out!" I roared. My beast knew they were the enemy. I shifted immediately. Half of them screamed, the other half started shooting. I went after the screamers. Fools...skinny, meat to be wasted... No! Where had that thought come from? Why was I suddenly so hungry? I shook my head and continued to dispose of them. "HEaThER! YOu A-rE GrE-AT!" a raucous voice said. I turned to look and saw a huge black bird the size of a Buick swoop in and slam a group of cleaners to the floor, pecking their faces hard enough to impale them with his beak. Raven, I should have known. I had heard Ian be called Icegrim every so often. If the naming thing upheld, that would make him a wolf, like the fairytale, Reynard the Fox...which meant Kit had to fit in all this. Just thinking about Kit made me angry. I felt my power rise. I felt stronger, faster...wilder. I had to cool it or I'd do something regrettable. It was more fighting I'd ever had to do, and I got shot again several times. I hoped Max was okay, and Mona too. At least they were better shots than these freaks. After it was over, I forced myself to change back. My beast was furious, but it drained her, so she was a quiet complaint in the back of my mind. Like my conscience. Raven changed back, too. He was so pleased. "Heather, that was...you're more beautiful than I imagined! I-" We both turned and watched Max smack him upside the head. He didn't hear him, either. How was it only Max could sneak up on us like that? "Max, what the hell did you do that for?" I shouted. Before he could say anything, Swift Talon dropped from the rafters. He gave Max a terrific backhand that caused him to slam into a wall. With my enhanced hearing I could hear bones crack. Even with all that, Max somehow managed to stand up and fire his gun. Swift wasn't called Swift for nothing. He managed to dodge it and charged at Max. Max fired again, right into his chest. Swift stumbled, but didn't fall. Max dodged. Swift turned and charged again. This time he was blindsided. By me. I didn't want to fight Swift, but I knew he was loyal to a fault. If Ian wanted Max dead, Swift wouldn't stop until one of them was. Swift was furious with me. He swiped at my face. I leapt onto his back, tearing at his mane. He caught my leg, I bit his ear. He couldn't shake me off. Before he slammed me backwards, I finally managed to pierce his neck with my sabretusks. I knew I had to do more. I pulled until I had severed his head. The scent of blood made me delirious, but seeing Max collapsed on the floor was horrifying. I was human before I knew what was going on. "MAX! MAX! Don't die on me, Max!" I heard myself screaming. He was unconscious. He was hurt bad. His spine had to be bruised, if not broken, and his forearms were shattered from deflecting Swift's backhand. He wasn't breathing. Oh, fck. Oh, no. No, oh God, sht, no. I couldn't let him die...I loved him. He and I shared a similar misery. I can't let him die. I won't let him die. "Damn you, Max! Not now! Not on my watch!" I nearly fractured his ribs while trying to give him CPR. I felt so hot I was feverish. My beast, who had been quiet was suddenly strong again. "Please God, not him," I pleaded through clenched teeth, "Not now. He should have one more chance at happiness, please...Oh God, please take me instead, I beg you! I am ready, Lord, forgive the both of us!" My hands felt like they were burning. A power rose within me like never before. I briefly thought of my own speed healing when I felt it spill out of my hands and slam into him. Somehow, by a miracle, I knew that I had transferred some of my speed-healing and gave it to him. I could only do this for someone I cared deeply for, that much I knew. I had a new trick...I wonder how- THUD! Max: I woke up feeling light as a feather. No pain. It was a miracle. It was like I had been in a coma for 10 years and was just now waking up. I turned my head and saw Heather unconscious, laying across me, her hand on my heart. She saved me. Again. I don't know how I knew that but it was true. She was out like a light, shaking. She must be exhausted from...whatever she did. I sat up and covered her with my coat. It was loaded with blood and bullet holes but it was better than nothing. I was torn. I wanted to check on Mona. She hadn't made a sound in so long, I was afraid she either left us or was dead. And I wanted to stay with Heather. She was in no shape to go anywhere. I had to make sure it was safe to leave. I carried Heather to the safest place I could think of...where most of the dead bodies were. She had grabbed onto my shirt in her delirium, her voice frightened. I shushed her, remembering how long it was when I had held another little girl like this. My little girl...I had forgotten...forgotten what it felt like...to be a father. Heather's father had hit her...shot at her... How could he? How could he? I placed her in the far corner of the darkened room, making sure we weren't followed and that all of the bodies were really dead. It would take time for her to recover, and until she did, she was vulnerable. I never should have left. Heather: I felt him carry me. He was so careful, not wanting to wake me even by accident. I could sense his concern. I couldn't wake up enough to assure him. I was too slow to recover. Meanwhile: *He peered out of the men's room long after the gunshots stopped. He had called his boys in, and they delivered. He heard from "the other side" that Max Payne was here. Stupid, why was he here? Maybe Vlad had told him something. It didn't matter. When he peered out next the room was empty, save for the bodies. It angered him, but it didn't bother him. Nothing bothered him...almost nothing. He followed the bloody trails, cataloging what had happened. He found her on the floor. Her clothes were torn and bloody. God! Was she dead? He rushed over to her still, quiet form. She was still breathing. Heather: I felt him above me. He pushed my hair aside, exposing my face. I had no power so I couldn't even smell who it was. It seemed like hours before I could open my eyes. I thought it was Max again, but when I looked up all I saw was a blue baseball cap. "Oh, Earth Angel, Earth Angel," Kaufman whispered, remembering her game, "now you are mine." __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-24-2004, 03:34 AM	#63
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction She didn't know how many shocks she could take that night. But she had them coming in swarms. He flashed a badge at her. "NYPD!" Sadie stared at him flashing his badge. Memories were flooding to her, cops and robbers when she was still a happy kid. It couldn't be... The man on the floor looked so much like him. She couldn't fire her gun, not until she was sure. The deagle felt heavy in her hand, too heavy for her to hold, she lowered her arm. She heard the howl behind her and watched the man on the ground become wide-eyed in surprise, or was it horror? It was only a slight wind that passed her as the enormous wolf jumped over her head and landed on top of him. They fought as Sadie stood there in a daze, still shocked about the cop. She saw the wolf tearing at his arms, drawing blood, trying to kill him... She snapped out of it. She couldn't let it kill him. She needed to know. She raised her gun. "STOP!" This time she could pull the trigger. She fired, hitting the wolf's shoulder. It rolled off him and looked at her. Max got up and made a run for it. It felt like forever, the few seconds they stared at eachother, He then turned to her and got up. "Are you all right, luv?" She stepped back. Now she understood his extensive collection of werewolf books. "Seagrim?" He bared his teeth, which she guessed made up for a smile. "Icegrim, when I'm like this, fair one." He came closer, stopping in front of her. She held up her hand and touched his nose. He sniffed her hand, and licked her fingers. She moved her hand up his face, feeling the silvery fur. She couldn't believe her eyes. It couldn't be real. It couldn't... Her eyes were fearful, yet curious as he transformed, her hand still resting on his neck as he stood in front of her as a man again. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-24-2004, 01:06 PM	#64
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Heather: I was in and out of consciousness for the next half hour or so. That by itself was amazing since when I'm drained I'm usually pretty comatose. Kaufman apparently carried me to his vehicle, probably a van. I was laying almost flat. I tried to move but it was like being dream-aware. You know you're alert but your body is as heavy as lead. My eyelids were like bricks. He drove for awhile, I'm unsure for how long. When he finally stopped I could hear him humming badly to a tune I couldn't remember. Something about keeping driving or whatever. He picked me up as if I weighed nothing at all. Where were we? My nose was starting to come back so I started breathing deeply. I smelled him, his emotions were jumbled, and the place itself was different too. Alcohol...vodka, new paint and old smoke. Blood...a recent battle had taken place here...Gognitti? Kit! Kit was here recently! Damn! Wake up, Heather, for God's sake! I couldn't...was this what it was like to be drunk? Finally his pace had slowed down. He set me down on something incredibly soft and warm. My first instinct was to return to the void of sleep, but the bittersweet scent of desire hit me like a fist. Kaufman's breathing was labored. I felt him hover above me before kneeling. A bed...his...bed? Hoo boy. His hand was shaking when he fingered my hair, barely touching it. He then slid his whole hand through it. If I had the energy to shudder, believe me, I would have. It was like living silk. He knew it would be. He didn't mind that she was out like a light at the moment. This way he could explore without much interference. The look on Vlad's face when he came in was priceless. He wanted to toast his success on finding a woman, but he understood Kaufman's need to...hurry. So soft...he had savored this moment, dreamt of it. He would not waste any more time. "Heather," he said, testing the word, drawing the H out. He watched her try to respond. He didn't know why she was so sluggish. She had Max Payne's signature black trench on. Maybe he had drugged her or something. Kaufman didn't care. He took hold of one of her hands. heather's hands were a bit large for her body, her nails oddly shaped. It was scarred and calloused from a hard-working life of riding, running, and having too many jobs to count. Her hands were powerful...good. He thought about them gripping his power drill and he just about lost it. Heather: I felt him run his scratchy cheek along the back of my hand, kissing it, gently sucking on each finger. Gross, but there was little I could do. His thumb grazed across my lips. "Like a rose on the gray," I heard him say. He was still* playing the game. Okay, so Raven was right. Kaufman was a weirdo, and not just your average hitman. He was a perv, a psycho. Great. I finally figured out his scent. Desire, lust, sadition, and finally, a touch of madness were all on the forefront. He intended to have his way with me, and I had to stop him. I finally managed to open my eyes just as he was bending his head toward mine. His eyes were black and shiny like obsidian...or a cobra. He paused, giving me that strange, tiny smile of his. "Wake up, please Suzy," he said. Oh, brother. Did he think he was clever? Did he think I cared? No...it didn't make a difference to him either way. However, if he was going to play my game, a game I had mastered, maybe I could use it. "Hello," I said, "I'm your mind, giving you someone to talk to...hello." (Evanescence, Hello) He was startled, but delighted. He was also rendered speechless. For a few seconds. His hand cupped my face. "Do you believe in life after love?" he asked. Cher. "Quicker than a ray of light." Madonna. He chuckled softly, a weird sound. I was awake now, and calling to my inner beast. She wasn't responding. Hell. If I had ever needed her power, it was right now. I felt her, but she was still angry at me. Uh-oh. She wasn't trying some stupid revenge thing, was she? She could be stubborn, but then, so was I. "I knew you loved me then," he continued, "I believe in you. I will do everything just to...find you." Evanescence...he was good, but not like Raven. As if that mattered now, dumba*! Think fast, Heather...um... "Everything that you do seduces me." Celine Dion. Poor choice, but it was the first thing that popped in my head. He laughed again. He knew what was going on, he wasn't that* crazy, yet. "Good," he said, "because I'm walking on sunshine." I groaned, which made him frown. Oops. Getting the big guy mad would not help me; nope, not at all. "So whatcha, whatcha, whatcha want?" I asked. (Beastie Boys.) He stared at me, trying to figure out if I was still playing. Instead of responding, he fingered the cross on my chest before standing up. He still had on what he wore earlier, khaki's and a tshirt. No jumpsuit this time, but he removed his belt. Oh crud. "I can't stop thinking about you, baby," he said. I tried to sit up but he wouldn't let me. The fear in me rose and at last the beast took notice. Kaufman grabbed my arms and pinned them down, tying them to the bedposts. A fan of bondage, and I'm not surprised. Come on, sabrecat, help me! I thought. He's going to hurt us! She looked at me, calmly, her tail waving impatiently. What the hell was she waiting for? "What do you want, Hackman?" I said. He stood over me with a puzzled expression. I continued. "Cough-man. Get it? Hack, hack, cough, cough?" I laughed at him. He smiled, but his eyes weren't laughing. He slapped me hard across the face. Even with that, my inner beast stalled. I was in mortal danger, she had never paused before. What was she thinking? Once he made sure the knots were tight, he laid on top of me. He pressed down, kissing me, wrapping his hands in my hair, clearly enjoying himself and taking his time. "I want," he growled, his words starting to slur, "I wanna fck you like an animal." She liked it...what the the hell? Wait a minute. No way. No way!* I got a picture in my head of her kneeling, her tail high. That meant she was in...she regarded him as an obvious alpha...the damned bitch was in heat! I had to get out of there. He was hiking my skirt, grinding himself against me. He was laughing as I struggled. "Yes, fight me," he whispered, running his tongue along my throat," I like it when you fight." Oh he was more than ready now, oh yes. I was furious. Damn your mangy hide, cat! Give me the power. The response was no, but I kept at it. Give it to me, you flea-infested mistake! I snarled, but my voice was still human and therefore, not very scary. "And then what, you psycho freak? Are you going to kill me?" "That depends," he said, reaching under my shirt, "If you're good I might just keep you for a while. But you've never been with a man...so I have the honor of teaching you...over and over again." "And then what?" I repeated. Finally my inner beast was listening. "I could make you my new trophy...put your pretty face on my wall...so I can taste you whenever I want." That did it. My whole body shook. He pulled back, shocked as I shifted. The binds that held me snapped like paper. He cried out as I threw him off. I was so angry, so furious, the power ran through me like a tornado. I shifted more, becoming less like a werecat and more like the old sabretooth herself. This was my feral form, my third form, one I rarely used. I was a big cat now, my clothes torn to shreds because I was twice my human size. Kaufman's face was priceless. I wish I had a camera. I had slashed him with my rear claws to throw him. I wanted to do more, much more, but the window exploded. Raven! I couldn't speak, but he cawed to me and I leapt out the window into the night. I had to get away, I had to hunt. I had to, or else I'd chow down on the first thing I could find, including humans. __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-24-2004, 02:57 PM	#65
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Ian watched her face change, her brown eyes going from fearful, to confused, curious, enlightened, scared... Her hand was resting on his neck, she made a move to take her hand back, but he grabbed it. He wasn't about to let her get away. Meanwhile... Vlad was looking at the damage done to Vodka when he saw the light was on in one of the rooms. He walked in and found Kaufman sitting on the bed. A young woman lying there next to him. He was surprised indeed. Not exactly what he expected of Kaufman. He was picky. He wanted the young, the innocent, the perfect... And perfect wasn't growing on trees. Kaufman looked up at Vlad, a laugh in his eyes. "Kaufman! you sneaky one. I hope I am not interrupting anything here." Kaufman merely shook his head. "Not yet." Vlad laughed. He pulled out a pack of smokes and lit one. "We have to drink to this! You've found perfection!" Kaufman looked down at Heather, then back at Vlad. He was getting edgy. Vlad was always social, a true russian, drinking to celebrate at any given occasion. Vlad poured them both a glass and handed kaufman his. "Drink with me, and I'll leave you two alone. I can see you want me to go!" Kaufman took the glass and drank up, Kaufman smiled and finished his glass. Then he put it down and grinned. Vlad left the room, thinking about Kaufman. About Kaufman's taste in women. Vlad remembered when Kaufman had seen Sadie first. She had come running down the street, bruised and crying, her dark hair swirling around her face like a frame. She had looked tragic and beautiful. He had wanted her so much. He'd fought for her, he'd taught her his ways, and she became his... __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-24-2004, 11:37 PM	#66
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction "Did he hurt you?" Ian repeated, "Did he? If he did, I'll..." He suddenly turned, realizing his enemy was gone. He growled. "Bloody fast little devil...for a human," he muttered. "What...are you?" Sadie gasped. "We have...many names," he replied, "we are the shifters, the nightbreed, the children of Luna...some of us call ourselves the Chosen." "H-how?" was all Sadie could ask. He looked at her. "Don't be afraid, luv. You are safe here, under my protection. No one will harm you without my permission. There's much to tell you, and no time." He walked around without clothes as though it were entirely natural. Sadie wasn't sure how to react. Ian was very easy on the eyes, too. He grabbed a robe from his room and walked down the stairs. Everyone was gone. It was far too quiet. "RAVEN!" he shouted, a snarl welling up from deep within. He raced down the stairs so fast Sadie thought he'd trip. He didn't but padded down with an unnatural grace. Raven was sprawled out on the ground, eyes open, panting hard. He sat up with a large bump on his head that was quickly shrinking. "Father," he mumbled, incoherent, "she killed him. She saved the intruder... Why? Why did she do it?" "What? Who killed...no..." Ian sniffed the air, and knelt over what had been SwiftTalon. "Raven," he demanded, "my son, what happened? Did she change, at last?" "Oh dad, she was so beautiful...a cat...sabretooth. I saw the tusks...she was so strong. But the man in black...he struck me. I didn't hear...I never heard him. Swift must have come because of me...but she...Heather fought him...you can smell her blood. Why did she protect the man? Why did she kill Swift?" "Heather is one of you?" Sadie said, dumbstruck. "She is...new," Ian replied, his voice grim. "That man was a cop...a detective, most likely. Heather...uh, she's a good girl, so she must have thought-" "It does not matter, he struck my son. He can't be allowed to live. He isn't even worthy of a noble death," Ian growled. "Wait, you can't just kill him. He's NYPD!" "And what of it? Surely you've killed a few "good guys" in your line of work?" "I don't kill cops," Sadie said, crossing her arms. Raven stood and rubbed the back of his head. "Dad, he hit me with the gun, instead of just shooting me. From the marks on the bodies, he knew what he was doing. He could have shot me, but he didn't. I'm okay." "What? He fought Swift, is responsible for his death! Swift is irreplaceable! Why do you stand up for that...for him?" Ian cried. "...because Heather did. I'm going to find her. She has a gift, Dad. She can do a power transfer." "I will not...what? How do you know?" "I felt it. It helped me wake up, didn't you feel it?" "I must have been out of range. Damn!" "She's a healer. Her passion was so high it almost killed her. She knows that cop." Ian frowned, thinking. "Where is she, then? She would have drained herself to the point of death. She couldn't move." "The man in the cap. Kaufman, I think." "Oh, God," Sadie blurted. They both turned to stare. "It's my fault she's gone...but I know where she is." _______________________________ Heather: When I leapt through what was left of the bay window, I landed on a balcony, where a man dressed in a light-colored suit was standing. He froze when Raven had crashed through it first. I landed silently next to him. He said something; Russian, I bet. Whether it was, "Oh, my God," or "Oh, sh*t," I couldn't tell you. I roared at him, to get him to run, then I leapt down to the ground. I had to keep moving or else he'd have been lunch. I followed Raven through the streets. It was raining...not good. The beast hated water, other than to drink. I had to avoid the puddles, and crossing bridges made me nauseous. It was like she was almost allergic to it. I know Raven was concerned. He still had that faint aura of elation, but it was clear he was confused. After snatching rats, cats, and a sick mutt, I was finally full. We were in Central Park. I huddled under a tunnel bridge. Raven swooped in beside me. No one to bother us except the homeless, and they tended to keep their business to themselves. I slowly changed back. The 3rd form took more out of me, but not physically. It was like...being posessed. The cat crawled back in, her belly full. At last she was content...except for a certain stubborn human who refused to have sex...to be raped, which the cat couldn't understand. In nature, rape does not exist. You simply mate...over and over again. Thinking about it brought it all back to me. The way Kaufman touched me...I wanted to throw up what I had just eaten. Raven held onto me, silent for once. He was so warm, and smelled good. He was naked except for his baggy goth-styled shorts. "What are we, Raven?" I whispered. He didn't answer right away. When he did, he asked another question instead. "The man...the one whose coat you were wearing before...was he a cop?" "DT," I replied, "Detective Payne. He was just trying to help me, Raven. Don't be mad at him." "Oh, I'm not, I'm not," he said, reassuring me, "That's what I thought. Dad is angry, though I think I got through to him. He isn't happy about Swift." "Oh God, I had no choice. I didn't want to, but-" "Shh, I know. I know...I'm surprised you beat him...but then again it's been a long time since he's fought one of us." He pulled back and looked at me. I suddenly became aware that I was almost naked. I blushed, hugging my chest. "You did right," he insisted, wiping my tears away and giving me an enigmatic grin, "Welcome...to the Brotherhood." __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-25-2004, 10:55 AM	#67
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Seagrim looked at Sadie as she told them about Kaufman. He gave her a stern look. when she had finished explaining where he would have taken her. "You stay here! Raven, we're going to get her back!" Sadie looked after Seagrim as he raced up the stairs, still completely naked. Sadie looked at Raven. "Does he do that often? I mean.. running around completely naked?" Raven laughed. "Only when he has transformed. He just doesn't care about nudity much." Sadie nodded. Silence hung thick in the air for a few moments before Sadie looked at Raven again. "Listen... Can I get you to promise me something?" Raven shrugged. "Depends on the promise really..." "Don't kill the cop yet... I need to know something first." Raven looked puzzled. "What?" "It's only a hunch... but I need to make sure..." Raven watched her. She walked over to the bar and sat down. He walked around and made her a screwdriver. She smiled. Seagrim came back down the stairs, this time fully clothed. He looked at Sadie. "I trust you won't run away?" Sadie looked at him. "You'd probably find me in less than a day if I tried to. So I'll stick around here." Ian grinned. "I know you will!" Sadie suddenly felt oddly dizzy. She got out of the chair and looked at the glass Raven had served her. "Nice, and I didn't suspect a thing..." She collapsed, Ian caught her as she was going down. He looked at Raven. "Get ready!" Ian carried Sadie upstairs and locked her up in a bedroom. Then he and Raven went out to their car and left for 'Vodka'. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-25-2004, 12:08 PM	#68
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction He burst into the room, gun in hand. It was total chaos-glass and wood strewn everywhere, the bedsheets were torn, and there was Kaufman, huddling on the ground, the front of his clothes soaked with blood. "Kaufman! What the hell happened in here?" Vlad asked, helping him up. Kaufman didn't answer. He was shaking, but whether it was from fear, anger or loss of blood, Vlad couldn't tell. "T-Tiger...she...I wanted...had to..." he mumbled, delirious. "Kaufman? Snap out of it, man! I don't know what the hell that was, but we've got to get you to a doctor!" "...burning bright..." "What?!" Kaufman's expression was somewhere between agony and elation. As they went to his van, they saw an enormous wolf. He was so huge, his head came up to their chests. "What the fck...?" Vlad breathed. He pointed his gun at it and fired. He missed, then watched as the wolf seemed to smile before it ran away.* "Fenris...?" Vlad muttered to himself, cursing in Russian, "Milli, my sparrow, where are you when I need you?" Icegrim padded along, following Heather. It was true, the boy wasn't lying. She was powerful, but had little knowledge of her true potential. Icegrim chastised himself. He had underestimated her. A shame because she was beautiful in a diamond-in-the-rough kind of way. He could have had her easily if not for the boy...but the boy had really fallen for her. Foolish, but he was young. Even so, he wondered what drew her here in the first place? She seemed so driven, but she barely knew the name Dominion. She had ties with Kit, that much he could tell. She had his scent on her coat, somehow. Kit had been so eager to join, but he had been too rash, drunk on his own power. Ian had wanted to wait until th full moon to judge for himself to see if she was a worthy addition...and oh yes, she was. A shame...but then he had caught his own prey...in the form of a sparrow, and locked her in a cage of his own. *The giant wolf licked his chops, and watched as the two shivered under the bridge...children, just children. They would be fine. He loped back to The Dominion. __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...

08-25-2004, 01:32 PM	#69
Mariamus	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Sadie slowly opened her eyes. She was lying on a soft bed, only wearing her jeans and top. Her guns and the rest of her clothes were nowhere to be seen. Her head throbbed, a numb pain spreading in her brain. She groaned and rolled over on her side. She was alone. For a few seconds, she wondered what she was doing there. Then she remembered the drink. She swung her feet out of the bed and got up. She looked around the room. It was minimalistic, but strangely, it had a warm touch to it, unlike downstairs, which was all sleek and cold. The door was locked, which didn't come as a surprise to her. It looked like she would just have to wait it out. Thankfully, Seagrim had left her cigarettes on the nightstand. As she lit one, she thought about Vlad. She would have called him if she had access to a phone. He was probably worried, or mad. She was deep in her thoughts when the door opened and Seagrim entered, looking quite casual. "Slept well?" Sadie looked at him. "Involuntarily, but yes." He nodded and closed the door behind him, strolling over to her. She looked away as she suddenly pictured him as he walked around completely naked. He smirked, like he could read her thoughts. He stood in front of her, leaning over her, taking her cigarette and putting it out. "Now... what sort of thought could give you such a blush?" He came closer. Sadie moved back on the bed. He followed, towering over her. She fell back, lying down. He grilled, moving closer. "I can smell it on you... You're afraid, but excited, you want me, but no. You can't deny what your body wants!" She inhaled sharply, trying to get her breath and heart under control as his face came closer to hers. __________________ I would venture to warn against too great intimacy with artists as it is very seductive and a little dangerous.” - Queen Victoria Indeed, America's new slogan is slowly becoming "Land of the free.. unless it offends anyone!" - Hudson

08-26-2004, 12:41 AM	#70
TheArtist	Re: Max Payne Fan Fiction Max: I thought I would never get out. I followed Mona's trail until I got back to where we had started. The bodies of cleaners were everywhere. Kaufman must have called them. Kaufman...was he still in the building? It was possible he was among the dead, but... I found Mona fighting a giant black panther. The panther was bearing down on her, using her tail to try and rip Mona's gun out of her hands. My gun blast threw her off. It was a severe injury, but it wasn't enough to kill her. She hissed at me and ran into the night. "Why didn't you call for me?" I asked, rushing over to help her stand. "Because unlike some, I'm not a damsel in distress," she retorted. What the hell did that mean? How could she know I went to Heather first? Mona's hair was all over the place. I'd never seen it down before, and now, I couldn't stop staring. "PAYNE!" A gunshot rang out, making us both duck. I knew that voice. Vinnie Gognitti rushed in, angry. He looked terrible, sweating like a pig, his clothes all rumpled like he had gone for a ride in a washing machine. Before either of us could react, he kept on running. The shot was just to get us out of the way. Odd. I was about to go after him when Heather and Raven walked through the door. If Vinnie looked bad, Heather was worse. Her clothes had been shredded, and were almost falling off of her. If not for my coat which she still had on, she would have been...and blood was on her lips like lipstick she had forgotten to wipe off. She looked exhausted but otherwise okay. It didn't make me feel any better. I had abandoned her. Heather: Max looked so horrified when I walked in. I must have looked awful. But I realized he was afraid I'd been hurt because he left me. When I told him what had happened he looked ashen. I wasn't angry with him, though. He couldn't be there 24/7. He reacted to Raven with a wariness that was all too familiar. Raven was cautious, but I knew he wouldn't try anything unless Max acted first. He was trusting me, even after I killed his bodyguard. It really was a tragedy, as Swift's only real flaw was that he had practically sold his soul to Icegrim. The Dominion, I learned, was more than just a restaurant name, or even a Mob gang. It was much bigger than that, though Raven said he couldn't say more until we were in a safe place. Mona suggested her place as there were plenty of beds and room. When Max mentioned Vinnie going through, I thought of Sadie. I wondered where she was? When I asked about Icegrim, Raven's scent altered dramatically. It was a split between being grateful and utter loathing. He glanced at me, aware that I could smell him, and shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it, yet. We decided to leave. Raven would tell us more, later. Elsewhere: His eyes had softened, almost loving. Her scent thrilled him. Fear could be spicy, a seasoning on all other emotions. She wanted him...of course she did. She was a very different sort of human, a killer, like himself. Her emotions had begun to atrophy, but Ian brought them back in full force. He wanted her, but knew she would never trust him until he had fulfilled his promise. He had to tell her everything. And he would, as she would certainly want to join him. Yet seeing her vulnerable at last was too tempting to resist. He wanted to hold her, to brush his fur against her bare skin, marking her with his scent so all the others knew she belonged to him. One taste should be enough for now... __________________ You're a real Angel, Max...