Max Payne Fan Fiction

[Mariamus]

Sadie dropped her gun, a million questions raping her brain, she tried to stay in focus, but this was just too much to handle.
"Damn you! Damn you to hell Max Payne! You left me!!"
She couldn't say anything else. Max looked at her, clueless, he thought she had been killed along with their parents.

She looked at her hands, and could only see the blood of the hundreds she had murdered without question. Blind to the path her parents wanted her to take, she'd stepped so far off it, she could never find her way back.
She looked up at him, her eyes shining with blind tears.
All max wanted to do was to comfort her, take her in his arms and wipe away all her worries, like he did when she was just a child with a scraped knee. Only, this wound was far too deep to kiss and make better. She stared at him and he stared back. They stood like that for an eternity, or just a moment.

Sadie didn't hear him before it was too late. The features in Max's face changed from a dwelling sympathy, to a direct horror.
"SADIE!"
All she saw was a black scarf, a smell of cheap deodorant and blood lingering in it. Then it tightened around her throat.
Max could do nothing to stop the scene enfolding in front of him. She fought, trying to get the attacker off her when he spoke, or rather hummed, madness in his voice.

"Your face is different but you're really all the same
I have to teach you a lesson again and again..."
He looked at Max with a mad laugh.
"See I feel no pleasure and I feel no pain so what else can I do?
I can't stop killing you"

Sadie looked at Max, desperate for one bit of air to her lungs. She opened her mouth, trying hard to to breathe.
Max was screaming at the attacker to release her. He just laughed at him. Sadie fell limp, and only then did he release her. She fell to the floor, not dead, but almost. Kaufman looked at Max from under his cap.
"Have a good night."
He grabbed onto Sadie and hauled her over his shoulder, leaving Max behind kicking and screaming to get out of the chair he was tied to.

Kaufman laughed evilly as he loaded Sadie into the back of his truck.
"You will lead me to my tyger... and then you will die so beautifully."

[TheArtist]

Max:

Lucky for me I had been in this situation before. Better yet, no one had first beaten my face in with a baseball bat.

My sister...Sadie was alive; that is, if Kaufman hadn't killed her just now. I don't think he did, or he would have left her body here. It took me a bit longer to free myself, as Sadie was better trained at knots.

I charged out the door just as Mona charged in. Once again we faced each other with our guns drawn. I'm beginning to wonder if God wasn't just a clown on crack.

"Where did she go?" I demanded. The blank look on Mona's face wasn't encouraging. After a hasty explanation, Mona looked around the building.

"He must have taken the fire escape," she said.

"Great," I muttered, furious. I lost Sadie once. I will not lose her again...


Heather:

"I've got a bad feeling about this," I said. Raven grunted a reply. I had been in so much action that sitting still was torture. I had slept a little, but I was so restless that I had to get up. Raven and I grew so bored we toured the wacky place.

"How do you know Kit?" he asked me quietly. This was it. No more dodging anything. I had to tell the truth about why I came to the Dominion in the first place.

"...I have to find him," I said, my words slow and careful like I was walking on eggshells, "I need to ask him why."

"What did he do to you?"

It was such an automatic question. He knew Kit well enough to expect something terrible. That's not comforting no matter how you look at it.

"He...he killed my father."

"Wh-he never told you? Never gave a reason? Just appeared at your house and sliced him up?"

"Barn, actually, but yes."

"Oh, Heather..." his voice trailed to a whisper.

"Not only that, but the law blames me," I continued, "because my father wasn't exactly an upright citizen. He was a drunk, and...he did...things...to me when drunk."

"...what things? Can you tell me?" Raven said.

I shuddered. It was unavoidable, the truth. I had run from it, and to it at the same time.

"You know, your typical stereotype: he'd smack me if things weren't just "so", punch me if his dinner was cold, or if the horses weren't brushed, or if we were out of beer. Sometimes he'd be so drunk he'd...he'd," I hiccuped a sob, "he'd mistake me for...Mom."

"Your mother?" Raven breathed. I nodded, reliving memories I never wanted to remember. But sometimes reliving them is like lancing a boil. It hurts like hell but it needs to be done in order to rid the body of the poison.

"My mother was wonderful, but she had a miscarriage, and...she never recovered from it. I was only 8 at the time, but I now know she had a sort of post-partum depression," I turned to him and took a deep breath.

"A year to the day of the miscarriage, she took my father's gun, and killed herself."

Raven suddenly grabbed me so tight I felt like a rag doll in his arms. He wasn't much taller than I was but stronger than he looked. I was touched that he cared so. The memory of my mother's suicide was only a psychosomatic pain now. It only hurt when I thought about it.

We stood still for what seemed like an eternity. I felt his eyelashes brush my neck. They were damp. I just about melted. Who knew Raven had such a soft heart? I returned his embrace. It was my turn to console him.

"My God..." he said at last in a shaky voice. He spoke to my collar, unmoving. "No wonder you smell of a deep melancholy, even when you sing or crack a joke. So much pain...how did you get to be so wonderful?"

I snickered in spite of myself. "It wasn't always bad, you know. My parents loved each other and me. We went to church, we sang in choir. I got A's. My father...wasn't always that way. My father was a very sick man, but that didn't mean he was a bad man. He somehow afforded me to go to Christian dayschool. It was probably the smartest thing he ever did."

I fingered my necklace, watching the cobalt glass dance in the light.

"This is what has kept me sane, Raven. This. I don't know why this stuff happened to me, but it did. I can't help thinking this Chosen business is tied into it all. If the Man upstairs has a plan, I'm sure I'll figure it out soon enough."

Raven opened his mouth to argue when we both heard a crash. We froze, then both tried to creep around to where it originated from.

Nothing. Something wasn't right, and it wasn't just the spooky funhouse.

"Heather, my tyger, burning bright..." came the chant.

What the-? Oh, no.

"Kaufman," I whispered. Raven nodded, his copper eyes flashing. I tried changing too, when a cannister exploded in front of us. A gas grenade!

I choked, trying to escape but my eyes watered so badly I could hardly see. Raven had taken the brunt of the gas and he was out like a light.

No...not again...I will not be helpless again! I called to my inner beast, but as I feared, she hadn't recovered from the previous night's excursions. She was too weak to help me this time. At least she recognized Kaufman as the enemy.
I dropped to the ground, nauseous from the gas. It was paralyzing me somehow...

***

Kaufman continued his rhyme in a syncopated, almost singsong voice,

"In the forests here, tonight,
You are so lovely, the devil may cry,
And this will be your night to die!

It was almost too easy. The tyger wasn't used to being the one hunted. It was easy enough to follow Sadie to this place, and if Max Payne was here, Heather had to be, too. So easy.

He had thrown the grenade from above, watching the two wander about. When the boy grabbed her, Kaufman was furious. No one else was allowed to touch her. No one. His fury grew, and he knew that if he was born Bruce Banner, he'd be looking mighty green about now.

But the boy was out of commision, so that was good. He hummed and sang his weird poetry all the way down to where she lay.

"Die, die, die my darling,
Don't utter a single word...

Shut your pretty lil' eyes
While I cut down the big black bird..."

She whimpered, which excited him.

"Aweem away, aweem away, my tyger sleeps tonight," he sang, teasing her as he stood over her.

He knelt, debating whether to take her along, or to just do the deed right here. It would be a just punishment for the boy. He had no right to be near her.

He stared at her chest, which rose and fell in rapid breaths. He couldn't stop himself. He trailed his hand across it, playing lightly. He wanted more. If he didn't stop now, he might not make it last. No, no messes this time.

She had to come back with him. Too many unknowns here...no pun intended.

That was okay. The little fox-man wouldn't mind an extra roommate. In fact, he said he'd help if Kaufman could find her. It would help her stay looking like this and not change into a tyger anymore. A shame, really. It could be fun to cage her like she was before...helpless though deadly. A great power that she couldn't use would be ecstacy.

He lifted her gently. She would be out for hours. Long enough to play with her some more...and pet her...and stroke her fur...

"Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to dream," he whispered, kissing her forehead. She smelled so good...

[Mariamus]

A damp smell of rust and mold lingered in the air.
She could hear chains rustling in the slight breeze, and pipes, rattling.

The room was dimly lit, a desk-lamp sitting on a small table. She recognized the place as the basement of the training facility Kaufman used. She'd only been in the basement once, when she was 19.
Kaufman had led her down there to look for something, but she'd run away because he weirded her out. He'd gone humming along to songs with lyrics about death and sex. Hate and love.
When he'd started singing a Beatles song with her name in it, she'd found the object they were looking for and stormed upstairs. She had never told Vlad this... She had convinced herself she had just been imagining it.
She snapped out of it, this wasn't some crazy dream... She looked up. She was hanging in a strong rope, just milimeters above the ground, enough to touch the soil, but not enough to find support.

She noticed movement in the dark: Kaufman... He was sitting in a chair, staring at her. He knew she could see him. He got out of the chair and walked over, pulling her shirt up a bit, exposing her stomach.
"You're not innocent anymore..."

Sadie looked at him, fire in her eyes.
"Vlad will have your head for this!"
Kaufman just smiled.
"I dont' think so... The fox told me he wanted you dead. Real or not, the fox... I will enjoy killing you."
Something moved out there in the darkness. He turned his head.
"My tyger is sleeping... you mustn't wake her. I want to play with her while she sleeps."
Sadie didn't understand at first. then it hit her like a ton of bricks. Heather!
They weren't wrong when they whispered in the corners... Kaufman was indeed a very sick mind.

"What do you want, Kaufman?"
He didn't answer, he just rambled on.
"Perfect Sadie, an angel fallen from grace. Touched too many times by human hands."
He put his hands on her waist, touching her gently.
"You wouldn't believe how much I've wanted to see your blood. It gives me such pleasure to know i'll be the one to shed it.."
Sadie looked at Heather, praying in her mind, hoping she'd wake up. Kaufman moved his hands down to her jeans, opening them. He put his head to her belly and closed his eyes.
"You even smell used... Don't worry... I will purify you... Bathe you in your own blood and make you like new."
He moved away, back to the darkness. Sadie took a deep breath, her toes scraping against the ground and her arms aching from strain.

Kaufman returned with a scalpel, it blinked in the light. He moved slowly, almost in a daze.
"I will forgive but I won't forget
And I hope you know you've lost my respect."
He held up the scalpel, running his hands down her chest and onto her exposed skin.
"Does it run in your blood to betray the ones you love?"
He looked in her eyes, wanting to get the full pleasure from her pain. He made a swift move with the scalpel, cutting her in the side of her waist, not deep enough to kill, but good enough to get her blood to trickle. She gasped from the sudden pain, her eyes going almost black in pain. Kaufman looked at her, his expression almost orgasmic. He looked at the blood that dripped out of the small cut.
He moved down, watching the blood trickle from her, he licked his lips.
"Does it run in your blood to betray the ones you love?"

[TheArtist]

Heather:

Everything was hazy. The gas numbed everything, including my brain. My eyes still burned from it.

"...you mustn't wake her. I want to play with her while she sleeps."

Huh? Where am I? I tried moving but I felt a strange burning crawl up and down my wrists and ankles.

What the-?

I began remembering things...Mona's scream-no, wait. What happened after that? Raven. Someone singing...Kaufman? Grenade!

I jerked, making the pain worse. My hands and feet were tied, that much was obvious. What I couldn't understand was why they were burning? I heal fast, so there should be any pain...

"Oh...are you awake?" Kaufman's voice came floating over.

"Kaufman, for Christ's sake, stop it!"

Sadie...?

He laughed, sliding his chair toward me. The sound of it scraping against the floor made me grit my teeth. I tried changing but something was blocking me. It was as if the beast wanted to come but was trapped...or was afraid.

My nose told me that we must be underground somewhere. The room was very damp, which I knew made the beast nervous. That by itself shouldn't have stopped her, so...

Kaufman sat down next to me. He looked like a satisfied cat that had just enjoyed a luxurious meal. He was even licking his fingers...blood. The beast was restless with the fresh scent. I could feel her pacing, but she wasn't moving.

"Aw, the tyger can't come out to play?" he said with mock disappointment. Sadie kept calling to him, cursing him but it was like she wasn't even there.

"What...?" I managed to say. What did he know about us that I didn't?

As if to answer my question, Kaufman said, "I got help from one of your little friends. I'm going to follow him for awhile. He's more fun than Vlad was. He lets me get creative."

Little friend? "You sure have some interesting friends," he continued, "First I saw that bird. I don't like him, Heather. He touched you without permission. I couldn't allow that."

Raven. He hadn't bothered with him, I guessed. I hope he woke up long before I did. He could track Kaufman's and my scent.

"And then there was that wolf, Fenris. Big wolf. Then came my little fox friend."

"Kit? Kit did this?!" I hissed.

He laughed, surprised at my vehemence. It was only then I noticed he had partially undressed me. He ran his fingers over my stomach, then bent over to kiss it. He laughed again when I reacted. I hate being ticklish.

"Kit? Is that his name? He a cool, little guy. He even helped me catch you. You can't run away this time, little tyger."

I looked down and around myself to see what he meant. My wrists and ankles were bound by some sort of wire. They bled, but weren't healing.

"He gave me this to use on you," Kaufman said, his fingers lightly playing with my wrists, "Said it slows your kind down. It's silver and magnesium wire. You're allergic to it, he said."

Silver? Then Mona's hunch was right.

"Where is he? Where's Kit?" I pleaded. His eyes were mildly puzzled but held no sympathy or remorse.

"He'll be here soon. Why, do you want to play with him, too? I can't allow that. You're mine. Mine. And while I can't wait to eat your pretty virgin heart, I have some business to take care of first." He stood and moved to Sadie, who hadn't stopped trying to free herself.

Was he serious about the heart thing? I didn't want to find out.

"I must purify you," he whispered to Sadie, "then you can be free, like her. You like blood, don't you, Heather?"

Gad, did Kit tell him everything? And what did he mean?

"What do you mean, pure like me? I'm far from perfect."

He grinned, playing with his scalpel, trailing it along Sadie's exposed belly, cutting lightly. She tried kicking him but it was hard from her awkward position.

"Sure you are. I can taste it on you. I'll be your first...and only."

My first...? Oh. Oh my God, he just gave me his weakness. I had him now.

Sadie managed to look at me. I winked. I sure hope this works. I would need every ounce of the entertainer in me to pull this off.

"But Kaufman," I said sweetly, "What makes you think you're my first?"

He froze. He turned, his mouth slightly parted. "W...what?"

It was a monumental effort not to laugh at his face, let me tell you.

"You heard me. I think you've got the wrong gal. I'm not "pure", not by any means."

Sadie stared at me, trying to guess my game. Kaufman bore down on me, pressing the blade into my throat. Whoops. Maybe I did too well.

"Who?" he demanded. "Who touched you? Was it the bird-boy? Did he? Did he f*ck you?"

I grit my teeth, waiting for his tantrum to pass. Swallowing, hoping my instincts were right, I said,

"Him? Oh no, he's far too young and inexperienced. I had a real man."

Disbelief filled my nostrils. He didn't want to believe me, oh no. But he did.

"Who?" he breathed.

"Why...Detective Payne, of course."

I don't know what was weirder. His reaction, or Sadie's.

Kaufman's hands shook. He rose quickly, paced about, came back, tried to speak, but could not.

"He didn't..." he said, willing it to be untrue. It was, but I wasn't about to tell him that.

"It was incredible," I said, sounding mollified, trying not to overdo it, "I mean, come on...he's a detective. You know...attention to details and all that?"

He threw down the scalpel. He was shaking with rage.

"I...I don't want...I didn't want to hurt you," he said. It was as if he was in pain. His dream was broken, there was no saving it now.

"You've left me no choice. If Max was the only one, then maybe I can still save you. But he must go first. I will take care of him. Then I will come back for you."

He stormed out.

Yes! It worked. I began slowly unravelling the wires from my wrists. It would take time, as it hurt, but I would get free.

"YOU IDIOT!" Sadie screamed.

"What?" I said, "I bought us time, didn't I?"

[Mariamus]

Sadie watched Heather as she wriggled her hands, working hard to get free. She snarled at her.
"You bought US time! what about Max? Think before you act silly girl... I was the one who took Max! I was supposed to kill him! When Kaufman attacked me, Max was tied to a chair, and if he's waiting for back-up... HE'S STILL SITTING THERE!"
Sadie took a few sharp breaths. Whenever she yelled, blood started pouring out of the cuts in her abdomen.
"And Kaufman knows where he is... You might just have made sure he doesn't get out of this alive!"

Heather lay still for a few moments, then she started to get frantic, ripping at the metal wires to get free. She'd thought Sadie was a cop or an agent of some sorts. Now she realised that Sadie was yet another criminal in the hands of Ian Seagrim.
Words failed her. She couldn't believe it.
Sadie watched her. She was getting dizzy from bloodloss.
"O Brother, where art thou..."
Heather stopped a moment. It looked like Sadie was nodding off. She had started to mumble, reciting something.
"O Brother..."
Heather could smell the blood that formed in a little pool under sadie's bare feet. Her jeans had been cut up, the pant-legs lying in a corner. her legs looked like a map with small rivers of blood seeping through the curvy landscape. It looked like Kaufman had had a field-day.
Sadie looked into the ceiling.
"No, brother, for me it is too late!"
She passed out.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

Several things went through my head all at once. Fear for Max was the biggest. Two, why did Sadie smell so strange? Whenever she said Max, I smelled loss, a strange agony. But...she just said she was going to kill him. It didn't make sense. She wasn't a jilted lover, that much I could tell.

And third, the scent of her blood was driving my beast nuts.

I got one hand free, then worked on the other at a much faster rate. When I got to my feet I realized my wrists were already healed. Interesting. That meant as long as I don't tuch silver, I'd be fine.

When I was finally loose, my beast came jumping out. She wanted to go feral on Sadie, but I firmly stood in the way.

Whoa, I thought, as if she were Thunderclap, whoa...whoa...WHOA! I was Yosemite Sam. (When I say whoa, I MEAN WHOA!)

The beast fussed but finally understood that Sadie was a friend, not dinner. Still, it wasn't easy. I had to catch her when I sliced through the rope. Her blood got all over me and it smelled wonderful. I shook my beast-formed head in frustration.

Why did she want to kill Max? Well, she couldn't really.

I had set her down on the bed, doing my best to bind the wounds. I thought about healing her, but then worried that the both of us would still be vulnerable when Kaufman came back. Which he just couldn't do.

I didn't know Max's situation. I was flooded by guilt. What if Mona couldn't find him? If I had but known...hell, I would have gladly...distracted Kaufman...for awhile. *shudder*

Suddenly the door burst in. I turned, snarling. Did he not believe me after all?

No, it wasn't him. A giant wolf shook himself, glaring at me.

"Ice gream?" I managed to say. Raven hopped in next to him. He was laughing.

"HeAr thaT? ShE CaLLed YoU ICE-CrEAm!" he squawked, laughing.

"Rah'ven?" I said, giving him a withering look. I then nearly knocked him over with a hug. I switched back to human, and so did he. "How?"

"Dad has the better nose," he said with a shrug.

We then realized IceGrim hadn't said anything yet. He had reared up on his hind paws, gazing down at Sadie's body.

"My sparrow..." he said, his voice as soft as a ghost's.

"Dad...?" Raven looked worried.

The great wolf bowed his head, sniffing her. He began to lick her bleeding wounds.

"DAD!"

IceGrim's head jerked, and he turned, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Sorry," he mumbled, his voice gruff, then growled, "Who did this?"

"Kaufman," Raven said, sniffing.

"And Kit," I added, pointing at the wire.

It was weird watching a wolf raise his paw and slap his forehead in a gesture of "D'Oh!"

"Foolish," he mourned, almost to himself, "What are you doing, Kitsune? We were friends, once."

He looked at Raven. "Put her on my back. I'll take her to Ebony. She'll help her."

"Are you sure we shouldn't just take her to a hospital?" Raven asked.

"No, there's no time. The wounds aren't deep but she can't lose any more blood."

We looked at each other. No time to think. Max needed us.

"Okay."

[Mariamus]

So soft...

She could smell something sweet. It hung like a blanket over her. She couldn't tell if she was dead or not.
O Brother...
She opened her eyes, slowly.. trying to focus. She licked her lips. Someone touched her, he was so gentle.
"My sparrow..."

She tried to turn, but a pain in her abdomen shot through her, making her groan. He put his hand over her eyes, brushing her cheek.
"Shhh... Don't move. He hurt you bad."
Sadie looked at him as he removed his hand.
"Ian..."
He smiled softly to her.
"I'll get him for you, luv... he'll pay for breaking my sparrow."
He spoke while running an ice-cube over her lips. She realised how thirsty she was. He watched her licking the ice-cube.
"Such a strong bird, and so vulnerable... You will fly again."
She looked at his face. A scar ran over his one eye. She moved her hand up and traced it gently. He let her do it, then moved his head and kissed her hand.
She parted her lips, wanting to speak, but she couldn't get a word over her lips.
Ian smiled, she was so beautiful with her confusion. She intrigued him. She had caught his attention and kept it longer than any...

Elsewhere...

Vlad was standing in his office, looking at a picture of Sadie. He touched it and took a swig from his bottle of Vodka.
"Sadie, Milii... What are you doing right now?"

[TheArtist]

*He watched Ebony pad her way in the room, her hips swaying like a pendulum. She was very tempting, but Vlad already had one woman mess with him. He wasn't about to let it happen again. He allowed her to stay, under guard, but she had slept like the dead.

Her cell phone rang. She answered it. Vlad watched her frown deepen from concern to worry.

"I must go, but I will be back."

"I thought you said you were mine."

She paused, her eyes wide. "My m...Mr. Seagrim's new favorite has...been in a fight. She needs my help."

"So?"

"But...you still care for her. She was one of yours, wasn't she?"

"My...? Milli? Sadie?! Take me to her at once!"

"Not yet. Mr. Seagrim is very...particular. I will go and help, and if he says it's okay, you can come."

"Ridiculous! Sadie belongs to me, not him!"

"...Please. I want to do this right. So does he. No more fighting or bloodshed. Until I know it's okay, you mustn't come. He blames your man for this, you know."

"My what? You mean...Kaufman. No..."

"I said he blames him, not you. Still, better to be safe than sorry."

"Very well," Vlad said, very reluctant. Kaufman had finally lost it. What was he thinking? He was just supposed to tail her, not hurt her.

*Elsewhere:

He's not here...not here. Sh*t.

*Kaufman wanted to blow up the building just because Max was gone. His beautiful tyger, his Earth Angel...soiled by a cop turned Terminator. Kaufman knew of Max Payne, and he knew not to underestimate him. He also knew of Vlad's plans with the Inner Circle. Killing Sadie was a bonus treat.

What could he do? Maybe his little fox friend, Kit, could help. He grabbed his cell phone.

"I hope she's dead, for your sake," Kit sneered, "but don't worry. Go about your business with the Circle. I'll lead him there."

Kaufman smiled. He called his boys together.

*Kit sighed. Perverted freaks were so narrow-minded. Now...dear Heather, let me extend your toment some more...

[Mariamus]

She slipped in and out of consciousness for some time. She didn't know how long she'd been there, it could have been days, or hours.

Ebony looked at Seagrim, his face concerned for his sparrow.
"Why is she not waking up?"

Ebony looked at the woman in the bed, she was barely moving, her breath soft, almost shallow.
"She seems to carry a burden she's trying to get off. Her scent changes, you must have noticed."
Icegrim nodded slowly, he'd noticed it. When she dreamt, she changed her scent so fast, he could barely keep up with it. Mixed emotions...
Hate, love, fear, sorrow... unmistakeable loss, confusion.
She sometimes cried in her sleep, mumbling something incoherent... O brother...

Elsewhere...

Vlad was furious. He had been told Sadie was in no condition to see anyone. How could they decide?
She belonged to him! He'd taken care of her since she was 16, cared for her, loved her when no one else did. What were they afraid of? Kaufman had slipped off the path of sanity and wandered into a dark forrest of madness. Vlad doubted that Kaufman would ever find his way back out.

It didn't matter. Kaufman was a dead man anyway... He'd stepped over the line. Vlad didn't care when he went out and had his perverse fun with whatever girl took his fancy, but when he hurt Sadie, who belong to him... He'd kill him.

Elsewhere again...

Max didn't look at Mona while they drove through town. Mone had pulled a few strings and found out where Kaufman lived.
Mona looked at him, a question burning on her lips.
"Why are we looking for her?" It finally slipped out.
the frown on Max's brow deepened.
"She's important to me..."
Mona could guess he wasn't going to tell her more than that. She felt almost jealoux.
"But who is she?"
Max didn't answer her question. They pulled up to Kaufman's place and got out of the car. Max pulled out his gun and looked at Mona.
"Stay here!"
Mona rolled her eyes when Max turned his back and walked over to the door.

The doors were wide open, a damp smell came from the basement.
Max walked down and turned on the light, he was horrified by the sight. a pool of blod was formed under a rope that dangled from the ceiling. It looked like an orgy of blood had taken place. Max walked over slowly, searching the room. He stopped when he saw a pair of pantlegs lying in the pool of blood. The demin was black with the dark red blood. He looked at the blood-trail. it lead to the matrass on the floor. It too had blood all over it, a string of iron wire bound to the wall. dry blood had clotted on it.

The entire scene made Max wince, a million thoughts racing through his head about what had happened there. To the best of his ability, it looked like Kaufman had hung up his sister, tortured her for a while and then taken her down again, dragged her to the bed and...

"Max?"
He turned his head. Mona had entered the basement, a fearful look traced her face as she viewed the frightful scene. Max just stood there, looking hopelessly lost.
"I think i failed her again."

[TheArtist]

Heather:

It's not easy following a scent, especially when so many others can interfere with it. We started at the funhouse, then traced our way to the apartment. Kaufman had been here, but his scent was stronger than Max's, so chances were, Max had been gone for awhile. Mona had gotten to him first.

So...where were they? Neither Max nor Mona had cell phones, or if they did, they never told us.

"I think we should head back," I muttered, "Mona obviously got Max. They are probably going to do what they had planned earlier with that Circle thing."

"Well, then let's go to the funhouse," Raven said, "Why go back to that madhouse?"

"...because Kit might go there," I replied.

"No Heather, think," Raven said, touching my shoulder. I shrugged him off. "Kaufman's going to go after Max. We have to at least warn him somehow. We have to."

"...I know, but...Raven, I chased that bastard from Wisconsin all the way to here. If he skips town, and I lose him again, I won't...it's just that I'm so goddamned close. Can you understand?"

"Of course," he said, his voice gentle, "but you know that helping Max is more important. It's the right thing to do, and I know you. You must do the right thing."

I tried not to cry. I failed.

Raven hugged me. I wasn't used to a guy who could give affection so easily. My family was always kinda stoic. We loved each other, but we weren't the touchy-feely type.

That's why I always felt so awkward when someone gave me a genuine gesture of affection. Words are one thing, but touch is quite another. To me, it's twice as powerful, a scream versus a whisper.

It was too much. I couldn't stand it. I tried to pull away, but he only held me tighter.

"Heather, please," he said, talking into my shoulder. "Please. Just let me...why do you push away?"

"I..." I mumbled, "I don't know...no. That's a lie. I can't. I can't, Raven. I'm a fugitive. I'm only here because of Kit. If I find him, I will fight him. And if I can stop him, then...there's no reason for me to be here. I will move on. I can't stay. That's why I can't...get close. It just...it hurts too much."

Raven pulled me closer until his torso pressed against mine. Waves of compassion wafted off of him...with desire, sadness, and sympathy.

"Oh, Heather," he whispered, "you're not alone anymore, remember? The Brotherhood look out for one another. That's why they chose the name. We treat everyone like family."

"No," I moaned, "don't. I can't have anyone else getting hurt because of me. Swift was misguided, but he was a friend. Now he's dead. I have to do this by myself. I-"

Raven shushed me, sliding his hands up and down my back. He pulled back to look down at me, his russet eyes glowing. I never noticed how...handsome he was. He had a goth look to him, with his left eye tattooed like an Egyptian pharaoh, and his black, shiny hair was always mussed beyond repair. But in his own way, he was more beautiful than his father.

The smell of desire and what must have been a sort of love grew stronger.

He leaned in, almost afraid. I pulled back at the last minute.

"No," I whispered, but he knew I lied. I didn't want to hurt him, but...I wanted...

"Let me love you, Heather," he whispered, cupping my face, fingers lost in my hair. His lips brushed mine in a kiss softer than a cat's paw. I gasped, and he took the kiss deeper.

My God...even with my enhanced nose, I wasn't sure. I was never sure what love smelled like. Was this love? I didn't know. All I knew was I didn't want to move. I wanted time to stop. I wanted Raven to hold me just like this for a very long time.

*Elsewhere:

He watched the man. He was concerned for the sparrow. Ah, he knew her, had a deep connection to her...and...Heather. He smelled Heather all over him.
Ah...another mouse to play with. Goodie.

Kit smiled. This must be the man Kaufman was after. A woman was with him. Mona Sax...the one they called the Stone Fox. Let's just see how foxy she is...*

[Mariamus]

Ian watched her as she slept. She'd calmed down, but she still radiated distress.
"Why are you so sad, luv?"
She moved a little, then opened her mouth and mumbled again.
"Where art thou in thy ministry of reconciliation which the Lord hath entrusted to thee?"
Ian looked at her, caressing her hand. It was nonsense to him...

She opened her eyes and looked at him.
"Still here?"
He just nodded.
"You were talking in your sleep. What were you dreaming?"
She looked down, turning her head away.
"I was talking to my brother."
Ian leaned back.
"You have a brother?"
She looked back at him. He looked genuinely concerned, interested...
"Yes... I thought he was dead. But I was wrong."
Ian nodded again. He was curious about this. She opened up to him bit by bit.
"Yet your scent tells me you're confused about this. Why? It should be joyous when you find someone you've lost."
She sat for a while, chewing on his words.
"I've never loved anyone as much as I loved my brother. But he failed me when I needed him the most. I hate him, yet I still love him. Can I forgive him? I don't know... I'm not what he wanted me to be. I'm not what anyone wanted me to be."
Ian moved closer, touching her cheek with his fingers, taking in her scent.
"You're exactly what i want you to be, my sparrow."

Elsewhere...

Kaufman spotted the car outside his house. He didn't like intruders.. they were coming for the bird and the tiger. Maybe the bird was dead now, but the tiger was his! his to take when he'd undone the wrong done by that foul cop. He'd taken the innocense his tiger had. He'd get it back in due time...
"Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me..."
He walked inside, mumbling his song.
"Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave..."
He could hear voices from the basement. His resentment toward them rose. he wanted to kill.
"But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited..."
He stepped lightly down the stairs, until he saw them. He snarled. they hadn't seen him and he was unarmed, he started to walk up the stairs again, determined to punish them.
"...An unfortunate slight ..."

[TheArtist]

*Kit watched the scene unfold, smoking a cigarette, not an easy feat to accomplish but he managed. He loped to the hideout and stood next to the doorway.

"Hey, Kaufman," he whispered. Kaufman turned, surprised to see his little friend.

"Kit," he said, "what are you doing here? Are you going to help me destroy them?"

"Just wait," Kit soothed, but his words were coated with venom, "there are things I smell that shouldn't be here."

Kaufman frowned, puzzled. Kit sighed. Perverted freaks could be stupid, too. At least they were easier to control.

He pointed to his nose. "This can smell lots of things you can't, my friend. First of all, I can smell your little tyger all over that cop."

The big man bristled with fresh anger. Kit giggled but held up a paw. "Next, the tyger and the sparrow are gone. Their scents have faded." He gave Kaufman the evil eye, which made Kaufman swallow. Imagine this big man being afraid of Kit! It was a wonderful feeling, to be feared. "The sparrow has been taken by the wolf, and the tyger...by the raven."

Kaufman growled in frustration. She had gotten away again...taken by the boy who was a bird.

"Your scent, " Kit continued, "I feel your hate. That's fine, let it grow inside you...that's it. Good. What's the first thing you want to do, right now?

"I...the cop must die. He soiled my angel...my burning tyger."

Kit shook his head. "If I'm interpreting you correctly, you are mistaken. True, the cop has Heather's scent on him, but only on the surface. I detect no other...well, bodily fluids."

Kaufman shook his head. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that you've been...outfoxed."

Why that little..."My tyger tricked me? She still has her innocence?"

"Of course," the fox said blandly.

Kaufman didn't know how to react. He was overcome by an equal amount of joy and rage.

"Now Kaufman, listen to me," Kit warned, "Don't jump the gun just yet. Wait for the right moment to strike. The cop must die, that I understand. He has touched her, you know."

"Yes," the big man hissed.

"But the sparrow's death is more important. To get to her, we have to go through him. The wolf will not let her go easily. We must set him up to fall. When he does, she will follow him. Put her out of commision for good, and the tyger shall be yours. I will help you catch her. She will be at your mercy."

He watched as Kaufman processed the info. So narrow-minded, he didn't see that Kit was manipulating him, or if he did, he probably didn't care anymore. Once this is done, Heather will be gone, either dead or insane like this boorish ape. Her quest will end.

Meanwhile, this detective will be needing some action soon. The sparrow knows him somehow. She was supposed to kill him but she couldn't... Kit wondered why. Kaufman had told him everything like an eager little boy.

Hurting the detective would hurt the sparrow, thus hurt the wolf as well. It was apparent that Kit was no longer welcome anywhere, so if all he has is spite, so be it.

"Let's go," the fox said. Kaufman trailed behind him, his tiny smile playing about on his lips. The tyger was tricksy! It made him angry, but at the same time he loved the challenge. It made him want her all over again. He thought about her soft hair, her sparkling eyes filled with fear...her rose petal lips trembling...

Kit grimaced...I'm doing this all for you, Heather, he thought, And you, dear Master. I hope this kills you both...

Max:

I thought I heard voices upstairs. I pulled my gun but by the time we made it no one was there.

Mona was exasperated. She knew I was hiding vital info. I hated to leave her in the dark but I felt I had to protect my connection to Sadie.

There was alot of blood, but no body, and there wasn't enough blood to suggest a murder had taken place. Sadie could still be alive. Seeing no one about I used the phone to call into work to see if a body had been found anywhere or any sort of clue.

Winterson answered. She was the sort of cop every cop wanted to be. She was also furious.

"Where the hell have you been?" she shouted. She was worse than Bravura. "There's a new serial killer on the loose, and he has ties with your cleaners!"

I didn't have clue to what she was talking about, except that it had to be Kaufman. Then she filled me in on the details...all of them.

Apparently Kaufman had been checked into an asylum for the criminally insane. Who checked him in was a mystery. Heather only knew of the one room she had been in, but only fragments of it, as she was so angry she had let her animal out more than usual. She called it going feral.

I'm surprised she didn't kill Kaufman right then and there, but she didn't. I would have. But that's the difference between she and I. She still hesitates before killing. I don't. I don't know if that's good or bad...

Kaufman had been going all over the city. He was trying to recreate what he and Heather almost had. He had killed a nurse and several prostitutes. All blonde with similar builds. It was like the Son of Sam all over again. He'd rape them and kill them, or kill them and rape them, it didn't seem to matter which was first.

It made me feel worse that I had left Heather behind. I wanted to slam the phone down, but then Winterson said something interesting. I knew she wanted to pin the warehouse incident on Mona, but she also mentioned something about the Dominion. She thought they started the fire at Vodka. The details she brushed my way were not in my report. Then she mentioned having to deal with the senator's case. Something was going on. I had held Winterson above any suspicion. It felt like a goodbye...

After I hung up, I filled Mona in on the details. She was convinced her contact in the Inner Circle had all the answers I needed.
He might even know where Sadie was...if she was alive. I thought about Heather, but she should be safe with Raven at the funhouse...I hope. Maybe I should check...

[Mariamus]

He bathed in her scent. Lust, followed by so much guilt. She was hard to resist. All he wanted was to make her his then and there.
It would be spoiled if he did, but still... the temptation was strong.
"I should go now..."
Her voice was like a sad song in his head. He wanted to keep her there, but if he tried to lock up the bird, her beautiful sad song would die.
He made no move to stop her as she got out of the bed. Clothes lay ready for her and he watched as she put them on.
No goodbye, just a closed door.
He almost wished the full moon was out so he could sing to it.

It had started to rain. She was dazed and confused.
Confused about Vova, about Ian... and about her brother.
She had been walking for some time when her cell-phone rang. She didn't hesitate to pick it up.
"Yes?"
"Hello Sparrow..."
She didn't recognize the voice, it angered her.
"Who are you? How did you get my number?"
The voice just chuckled, a sadistic little grin.
"Nevermind that. Kaufman has him..."
Sadie froze. Had who? Who was he talking about. She didn't get to ask the question before it was answered.
"Max Payne..."
He just mentioned an adress before the line was disconnected. Sadie knew of it, it was an expensive apartment complex. A senator Vlad knew lived there.
But if Kaufman had Max, she would have to go there.

Elsewhere...

Vinnie was checking the papers on a few 'new cars' that had come into his possession when the phone in his office rang, he let the machine get it. he hummed along to the captain baseball-bat boy tune and muttered his message as it played. there was silence for a few seconds.
"Vinnie Gognitti... Do you remember the little bird you liked... the brunette from the Dominion?"
He looked up, staring at the machine.
"I've got some information you might like. Her code name... The Sparrow."
Vinnie stared at the phone like it was going to chew his head off.
"Oh f*ck no! F*ck f*ck F*CK!!!"

Elsewhere again...

Sadie rode the elevator to one of the top floors. She was leaning against the wall when the elevator came to an abrupt halt.
"Dammit!"
She pushed the call button a few times, but nothing happened. Then the lights went out.
"I've got a bad feeling about this..."
She'd barely spoken the words when she heard a noise. The roof hatch broke down and landed on the floor, and a small growl was heard, Sadie looked up just as something attacked her.

[TheArtist]

*Sadie blinked in the dim light. She was very uncomfortable. Her hands were tied behind her back. Her feet were tied, too. All that didn't explain why she had a hard time breathing. She tried turning, looking about, when she realized that something was pulled tight around her neck.

A noose?

"You know, for a deadly assassin, you're very easy to catch."

*Sadie looked up. A familiar face loomed above her. It was the fox, the very same one that first attacked her at The Dominion...and burned Vodka. His voice was the same as she heard on the phone...oh, God. It was a trap.

"You...?!" she managed to say.

"Me," he replied, smiling.

"What are...why are you doing this? You burned Vodka, then attack me, then help Kaufman? What's the deal?"

"That's the game, isn't it?" he replied, sounding bored. They could have been talking about the weather. "Why would I do all these things? What's the point?"

He pulled a good-sized knife from his back pocket. From it's gleam she could tell it was made from silver.

"What if I told I had no grand scheme?" he continued softly. "I have nothing. You took my master away from me. If he knew why you were really there..."

"He knew, and he accepted me anyway." Sadie replied.

"Mm...yes, he never could turn away a pretty face," Kit mused, "Never could keep it in his pants, either. But that's beside the point."

"So...this is revenge? This whole thing?"

"Vengeance? I suppose part of it is. The rest...the rest is just plain fun. I'll admit it. Icegrim wants to be the alpha wolf, the master, the big man in charge."

He moved closer. Sadie couldn't smell it, but she knew pettiness and hatred when she saw it.

"But who is the real master? Who's pulling all of your strings, now? True, they may find me and kill me one day, but not until I make their lives a living hell. They deserve it. I will give it to them, an ounce at a time."

He turned to go. A long crack of light grew wider and wider, until Sadie saw that she was inside an elevator shaft.

"Your dear Max will come for you...or for the tiger. He can't have both, you know. I know, it's so much easier to just kill you, but that's no fun. Think about that as you hang around."

Kaufman was standing there, waiting for him. He looked at Sadie's predicament with mild interest. Sadie kicked at the fox, catching his tail, almost making him trip.

"Bitch!" Kit snarled, swiping at her. He came just short of slashing her face open, but thought better of it. "You're not worth the effort, sparrow. I don't know what he sees in you."

He stepped out of the shaft and watched her face as Kaufman forced the doors shut.

Sadie smiled. He had dropped the knife, and in his anger he had forgotten it.


Heather:

We decided to return to sender...that is, to go back to the funhouse. Raven and I didn't speak much. I didn't know what to tell him, but he knew I still planned on moving on when this was all done. He was hurt, but what would he do? He couldn't save me. No one can. It's better to be alone.

When Max and Mona walked in, I breathed a sigh of relief. Max was in his own little world again, thinking hard about something. Mona was impatient. Both were glad to see us...until I told them what had happened. Mona then promptly showed me all the in's and out's of the funhouse, all the catwalks, behind the scenes. Max handed me one of his 9mm, saying a bullet was faster than my claws.
He wanted to teach me how to use it, but I said I was fine. My father was a hunter, and he taught how to use his rifle. That was a weird day. My dad was reluctant, especially after Mom's death, but I insisted. If we both hunted, we'd have enough for the winter. We were poor, after all. I just don't like guns. As a fugitive, albeit an innocent one, they didn't improve my image.

Raven was subdued, but still eager to help. He said he would try to get some of his friends from the Brotherhood together to be as backup. Max and Mona refused, but Raven persisited. Finally they gave in, saying that Raven would have to catch up. Raven grinned and agreed. He stood back and changed into a bird.

"RiDe wiTh mE?" he asked me. I smiled sadly.

"No thanks....I think I'll stay here."

If a bird had the muscles to frown, I think he would. He took off.

Max looked at me. "Did I just miss something?"

I blushed, thankful he couldn't smell as well as I could. I thought of Raven's kiss, and then I thought about the kiss Max and I shared...well, I kissed him. There was a difference. I still cared about Max, and deeply so. I knew he would never care for me as I did him, though I knew he was grateful, humbled that I saved his life.

His emotions were jumbled. Worry was on top of the list. He said he knew Sadie, but didn't say how. I felt the same sort of agony, a deep connection I didn't understand, that Sadie had. What was the history between those two? I knew better than to ask, but it really bugged me.

When Max and Mona were going to leave, my heart jumped in my throat.

"Be careful," I said. Max looked up from packing his weapons. His eyes normally so guarded, softened.

"Hopefully it will be just a quick in and out, but you never know," Mona said. Max nodded.

Max:

Watching Heather's eyes, I realized that I didn't want to die. Both she and Mona had awakened something inside of me that I thought had died. Hope. I hope...

Heather was worried sick. I hoped she wouldn't try anything stupid, like follow us.

I should listen to my instincts more often.

[Mariamus]

"I'll get that fox even if it's the last thing I do!"
It took her a while, but she finally got the knife kicked over. When she finally had it close, she had to lie still for some time. The stitches in her abdomen were starting to break under the strain.
After a little breather, Sadie turned and lay down on the knife, getting it tugged into her hand. She then rolled around to lay on her stomach and she let out a gasp.
"Oh god.. that hurt..."

For a few moments, the room was spinning before she got a hold of herself and lunged her feet backward. She had to bite down hard so she would scream. the pain in her abdomen was almost unbearable, but she finally got the rope around her feet cut.
"This is gonna take a while..."

After a few minutes, she managed to get up on her knees and stand up. She wanted to move, but realised that she was standing on top of the elevator she had been riding.
"Oh god... You're a sick bastard foxy!"

She turned the knife and was about to cut the ropes that tied her hand when the elevator started to move down.
She was about to let out a scream when the elevator disappeared under her feet and stopped just a few meters down.
She could hear Kit's laughter echoing in the elevator shaft. She gawked, trying to get just a little bit of air, but the noose was tight around her neck.
the elevator started to come back up. When it touched her feet, Sadie gasped and collapsed, coughing, almost drowning in precious air. The fox was just as sick as Kaufman.
She cut the ropes around her wrists in a hurry and pulled the noose off her head.
"Dammit, i'll get you for that one you sick f*ck!"
She put one foot in the noose and was crawling up when the elevator started to ride down.

In the lobby, Max had pushed the elevator button. He looked at Mona.
"Stay here, I'll go up!"
She smiled to him, handing him a headset.
"Take this... I'll keep an eye out for you."
He took it gratefully and walked into the elevator.


Elsewhere...

Ian called Ebony to him.
"I need you to go to the russian... Do what you have to keep him in line. I need to do something."
Ebony nodded and walked out, changing to her animal form and ran outside. Ian changed to his wolf form, snarling.
"I'm going to stop you Kit... If you think you'll get away with this, you're wrong."

It didn't take him long to trace Kit. He found a nice new track that reeked of Kit's malice.

It lead him to an apartment building. Ian swore he could sense something else. Kaufman.. and someone else. He licked his teeth and found a way inside.

Kit was watching a monitor, highly amused by Max's attempts to find the senator. Kaufman knew about him, and Kit had been delighted to chew down on the fat man.
"Rich on fat... just the way I like it!"
He chuckled, loving the expression Max put up when he finally found the senator.
He was deeply enjoying the sight when something tackled him from the side with a large roar. He felt huge fangs bite down on his shoulders, almost crunching the bone.
It was Icegrim, smelling of hate and disappointment. He was going to kill him if he didn't act fast.

"Icegrim... you don't want to kill me!"
The wolf released him and bit down on the fox's throat.
"Give me a very good reason not to! We were FRIENDS!"
Kit swallowed hard, knowing he couldn't fight the big wolf without losing.
"I have your sparrow!"
Ian froze. Kit just continued speaking.
"If you kill me, she'll die... and you'll have the birds blood on your paws!"
Ian closed his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to break Kit's neck, but he couldn't... His little sparrow.
He released Kit and the fox jumped away, his wounds already healing. He smiled at Ian.
"Good luck finding her!"
He swiftly turned, and raced away. Ian roared, knowing Kit had tricked him.
"I'll get you Kitsune! If my sparrow is hurt, you'll wish you never even considered crossing me!"

[TheArtist]

*Ian growled in frustration. If only Swift was still alive. He knew how to keep his head in a situation like this.

He watched the monitor, recognizing the man in the black trench. So that was the detective...Sadie's brother. A complicated man...but if Sadie wanted to save him, Ian would not hurt him. But where was she?


Heather:

I waited for a half hour. Give me some credit, okay? I had to go after him, I couldn't just sit. Raven is going to kill me, but I don't care.

It was easy enough to follow their scent. The apartments weren't far, but boy, were they fancy-shmancy! If I was just touring, I'd be afraid to walk on their carpet!

Looks the the cleaners had been hard at work. So was Max. I snuck around. I smelled Kit. He was close. Damn...

I saw Kaufman. He seemed to be guarding an elevator. Weird. With my enhanced hearing I could hear muffled noises coming from it. Hmm........

Aw, crap. Only one way to get him away from that elevator.

"Loverman," I said softly.

He slowly turned, his eyes bugged out, hair standing on end. Yeah, he didn't expect me to be willing.

"And in your eyes, I see ribbons of color..." I purred. He stood slowly, hardly daring to believe it. He was so careful it was like he was a hunter and I was a deer that had just walked up to him. Any faster and I'd bolt.

"I see us...inside of each other." I said.

He licked his lips, taking tiny steps. I beckoned to him. He followed. What next? I hadn't thought that far ahead.

[Mariamus]

Kaufman couldn't believe his eyes. She was luring him to her, did she want him or not?
Afraid to move, he only took tiny steps, slowly, trying to reach her.
He walked along the wall. He wanted her, and she would be his soon.
She's a trickster... She's teasing me...
"I wasn't born to lose you."
Heather looked at him. His scent confusing her. His heart was beating fast. Lustful, yet, there was something more.
She smelled him, trying to understand what he was thinking.
"I want you, I want you,
I want you so bad,"
Without warning, he lunged at her. He wouldn't let her trick him again.
She was tackled to the floor. He grabbed onto her neck, squeezing.
"Honey, I want you."

He knocked her head into the floor, her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out.
"You trick me each time tiger.. but i'll get you this time. You will be mine!"
He touched her hair, smelling it. His hands moved across her frame, getting the best of it as long as he could. He got up from the floor and carried her into a room on the next floor and laid her down on a bed, tying her hands with the same kind of metal he'd used the last time. This time he did it harder, the metal dug into her hands, drawing blood. He licked her neck, biting her softly.
"You taste sweeter than any wine. I'll have you yet!"

Elsewhere...

Sadie struggled to get up the rope, her abdomen burning, tears rolling down her face. She bit her lip to blood, trying not to pass out.
She reached an elevator door that stood open, a large plank lodged into it.
It took all her strength to get over the edge and onto the floor. She fell down, gasping.
She leaned against the wall and pulled up her shirt. It was colored a deep red. She groaned at the sight of her abdomen.
"Damn..."
Half the stitches were torn up, and the rest were oozing blood.
She got up and stumbled over to a few crates. She was catching her breath when Kaufman walked out of one of the doors. He locked it securely and walked over to the other elevator. He hummed a song as the doors closed behind him and the elevator rode down. Sadie looked at the door. When Kaufman was in such a good mood, it meant he was up to something.
"Let's see what you keep in there, Andrew..."

Elsewhere...

Max moved around the floors, Mona's voice guiding him. He found the senator alright, but he was dead, chewed to a bloody pulp.
"He's dead! Looks like he's been something's dinner."
Mona sighed.
"Damn. We better get out of here fast!"
Max turned to walk out when he saw Kaufman standing in the door, a smug smile painted all over his face.
"Max Payne..."
Max aimed his gun at Kaufman, but the guy didn't even flinch.
"I've got something you want."
Mona's voice came through the headset.
"Max? what's going on?"
Max narrowed his eyes, staring at Kaufman like he was a spot on hs shoe.
"What are you talking about?"
Kaufman pulled out something, a whisp of hair. He smelled it.
"She smells nice, the little bird. Used... But she will be purified. unless she's already dead."
Max looked at the lock of hair. A deep brown color.
"Sadie..."
Kaufman grinned, still playing with the hair.
"She's very pretty.. I would have had her, if the russian hadn't beat me to her. He made her impure... Now I just want her blood. I've already had a taste of it."
It took every ounce of Max's strength not to pull the trigger when Kaufman said that.
"Max?"
Max ignored Mona's plea. He kept his aim at Kaufman.
"Where is she?"
Kaufman held up a finger, waving it at Max.
"No no no! you must find her yourself... but, there's a catch!"
Max snarled.
"There always is!"
Kaufman smiled. it looked like the devil's laugh.
"I have the tiger too... and you can only save one of them! no matter what you do, one of them will die! when you find your sparrow... the tiger burns! If you choose the tiger... the bird falls from the sky!"
Max's hand started shaking.
"How do I know you're not lying?"
Kaufman pulled out two polaroids and threw them at Max. He looked at them. One was heather, tied to a bed, and the other was Sadie, lying on the floor with a noose around her neck. Kaufman smiled.
"The more you wait, the tighter the rope... And the tiger burns to death."
Kaufman turned away and disappeared into an adjoining room. Max groaned.
"MAX?"
He finally answered.
"Mona! I need you to circle all the cameras! Sadie and Heather are around here somewhere! and I need to find them STAT!"

[TheArtist]

Heather:

I woke up, groggy, the back of my head pounding like Mt. Vesuvius. Fortunately, the pain didn't last long, but man, he must have really slammed my head hard.

All right, this is getting to be like a bad habit. He kidnaps me, I escape. He knocks me out, I escape. Third time's a charm, wouldn't you say?

I don't know how long I'd been out, but my wrists were burning worse than ever. My neck was still damp and tender. Crazy freak, but I was the one who went to him. I was hoping to buy time, but he was faster than a guy his size ought to be. This time he did much better with the wire. No way for me to free myself unless I wanted to slit my wrists. I wasn't that much of a glutton for punishment.

The door cracked open, and I could hear the sound of panting. I expected Kaufman, come to finish the job. Or Kit, come to gloat before he killed me. Perhaps even Max to save me.

I wasn't prepared to see Sadie stumble in. She looked terrible. The front of her shirt was soaked. What the hell? I thought Ian had taken her...

"Heather..." she said, her voice faint. I knew she had an iron will, but her body could only take so much. When she got to me she tried to undo the wires,but collapsed on top of me. I felt her bare skin on mine, and I knew what I had to do. Without my hands free, I could do nothing. She was too weak to help me, but I could still help her, if I only knew how.

I concentrated, the silver wire making my wrists ache. I imagined her wounds closing up, her strength returning. After a few moments I felt the heat rise in my stomach, right where her skin was touching mine.

Do it, I thought. Do it, do it, do it.

And it was done. The power was a rush, awkward since I couldn't direct it out of my hands, but it traveled from me to her in the same way as I healed Max. When it was done I was exhausted but not nearly as drained as I was the first time. Perhaps it was because she wasn't an inch from death the way Max was.

Sadie blinked her eyes in wonder. She stood and looked at her stomach. Barely a scar remained.

"How did you...never mind," she said, angry that there was no time to explain, "What are you doing here?"

"I tailed after Max," I replied, my voice gruff from being worn out. I so wanted a nap.

Sadie began undoing my wires when I started hearing voices from the hall, arguing.

"Get out!" I hissed, "They're coming!"

"Not without you," she replied.

"No time!" I insisted, "Don't risk getting caught for my sake. Find Max and then the both of you can ge t me out. Go. Go!"

Looking over her shoulder, Sadie agonized, but she was right. She ran out the second door that lead upstairs. I knew mentioning Max would help convince her, though I still didn't understand why.

The door creaked open for a second time. Kaufman stood there, staring at me, his face as white as a ghost's.

"See?" he said, "Look. I told you so!"

Thus entered my mortal enemy, Kit. Time froze for a fraction of a second. Our eyes locked and I knew he could smell my hate.

"Well, well, so you did catch her, then," the fox replied, sneering.

"Hello Kit," I said in a low voice. Anything else, and I think I would have just started screaming.

"My dear Miss DuPre', what an unexpected pleasure."

He moved closer to the bed, cocking his head to the side. He hopped up on the dresser and landed standing above me, his little legs balancing on either side.

"Don't touch her," Kaufman warned. Kit rolled his eyes and knelt on top of me.

"This must really suck for you, my dear," he continued. I don't think it was possible for him to contain his glee. I wish to God he did.

"What do you want, Kit?" I spat. I had to know his game before I asked him the one thing I'd been chasing him for. It was agony on the tip of my tongue.

"Me? Oh, nothing much...to have your eyes as a pair of dice, for a start. For Icegrim to soak his head and drown while he's at it. And for you to go away."

The last was unexpected to say the least. He didn't say he wanted me dead, or to be destroyed, but just to go away.

"Why?" I asked...yes, I said the word, at last.

"Stop following me, bitch!" he cried. "You are an annoying little cockroach, always there, never far away. Your relentless pursuit of me is getting very tedious."

"Don't call her that," Kaufman muttered. I could see he was getting very agitated.

Kit stared at me with a jealous rage. "The little bird had a broken wing that you mended, is that not so? I smell her, and it wasn't hard to notice the blood upon you. She sure smells mighty tasty. Perhaps I shall have her as a nice dessert." He licked his chops and giggled. I just stared at him and shook my head. There was little else I could do.

"Just tell me why you did it, Kit," I said. I was too tired to sustain my hatred for long.

"Did what?"

Was he joking? No...he wasn't. He didn't know.

"My father..." I began, "In Wisconsin. I walked into the barn and you...you were..."

"Ahhh...." Kit said, his sly grin returning, "yes. I remember now. The big man in the overalls. His belly was sweet, fermented by all the brandy."

I snarled, tears in my eyes. Kaufman gulped. His eyes kept flickering between Kit and I. He looked angry.

"Is this why you've been following me? Just for that?" Kit asked, having the audacity to be incredulous, "You should be thanking me. Did he not try to shoot you because of what you are? I put that worthless bastard where he belongs...in the ground."

I sobbed. I couldn't help it.

"He was my father, you sick, twisted, f*ck! He was my dad! I loved him!" I screamed.

Kit's reaction was that of none. He looked bored. "What of it?" he sighed, "Too bad you'll never get your precious vengeance, now."

"I don't want...I just..." I gasped.

"You are remarkable, Heather," he said, hopping off the bed, "I will miss you. Once he is finished with you...I think I'll eat your sweetmeats."

I roared, but it was Kaufman who acted. He grabbed Kit by the throat and slammed him against a wall. Kit was taken completely by surprise. He growled at the big man and swiped his face. Kaufman jerked back, the claws missing by inches.

"You-will-not-touch-her!" Kaufman snarled with clenched teeth.

"Damn you, you narrow-minded freak!" Kit cried, frustrated. Kaufman grabbed his throat and began squeezing. Kit shot me a look of pure loathing, raised his paw and vanished.

Kaufman looked around wildly, but I knew he wouldn't find him. I knew Kit could teleport himself at least 5 miles, which meant he could be anywhere.

His breathing slowed. I wondered what he would do? He had fought Kit on my behalf, but that meant nothing as far as my safety went.

He finally turned and looked at me. He moved closer. I couldn't read his expression except that it was a sort of awe.

"I saw you," he whispered, gulping. What did he mean?

At my puzzled expression, he said, "Sparrow. You...you made her better." He leaned in, gazing at me with a deep reverence. His fingers brushed over my stomach, the very spot where the healing took place. He looked down at it, carefully rolling my shirt up before kissing the area. I tried not to squirm. I didn't want to break whatever self-induced spell he put on himself.

"You are a real angel, then," he sighed, laying his head down, rubbing it in my scent, "I caught an angel...a pretty lil' Earth angel...my avenging tyger."

I gulped. Something had changed. He didn't just want to ravage me anymore. Or did he?

He sat there for a long moment. Asking him to release me would have broken the silence. I wasn't sure I could risk it.

He began to kiss my stomach again, slowly, as though he was afraid I would break, his tongue rolling in slow circles. He untied one of my hands, marvelling how quickly I healed once away from the silver. He kissed my wrist, cradling my palm against his face. He growled in pleasure.

Come on, big guy, I thought. I have one more wrist, and that's all I need to get away from you. I jerked that wrist, but it was still held fast. Kaufman felt the tug, staring at it, then at me. He smiled his tiny smile. Oh, crap. Not good, not good at all.

I let myself relax as much as possible.

"Little red tyger, in a cage,
Puts all of heaven in a rage." he said, paraphrasing Blake, "A picture-perfect painting...and I will treasure you."

"Don't," I said, breaking the spell. Doing nothing wasn't working, but unfortunately, I was still dizzy from healing Sadie. In fact, I wasn't sure I could shift at all. He looked at me, his eyes long glazed over, smiled again before leaning down and kissing my forehead.

"Don' t be afraid," he said, "If you had not have fallen, then I would not have found you, my Angel, flying too close to the ground."

His mouth moved down to mine, whispering his strange poetry and musical words. Whatever his fantasy was, apparently, I was it.

"You are my tiger, burning bright," he continued. He was getting excited, but he stopped. There were voices out in the hall again...Max?

"MAX!" I screamed. Kaufman stood, livid with rage. He knew Max, all right. He didn't stay.

"Heather! Are you all right?" Max shouted, bursting in the room. He almost went after Kaufman when he saw I was tied. I had immediately gone to work on my other wrist but every time I touched it I got welts on my fingers, just like before.

"What the-?" Max said.

"Silver," I replied. His eyes widened but he nodded.

"Why didn't you wait?" he asked once I was free, sighing.

"Because you're my friend," I answered. Max looked crushed, but quickly stood.

"Let's get out of here," he said.

[Mariamus]

Mona watched the cameras, She could see Kaufman walking around, enraged, clenching his fists. He disappeared into an apartment and was out of sight.
Mona breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Max coming out of an apartment with Heather close behind him.
"Max? Are you alright?"
She could see him stopping and listening to her on the camera.
"Yes. We're both fine. Have you seen Sadie?"
Mona watched heather grab onto Max and say something to him. He nodded.
"Heather saw her about ten minutes ago. She told her to go and look for me. Can you see her at all?

Mona pressed the forward button, circling all the cameras. She stopped at a camera two stories down. Sadie was turning a corner, glancing around, looking for Max.
"Yes. She's two stories down. Still looking for you I presume... Why are you so keen on finding her?"
Mona could see Max on the other monitor. He shook his head, rubbing his eyes.
"I'll tell you soon enough. just let it be."
Mona frowned. What was the deal with all his secrecy. It was getting monotonous, even for him.
She glanced back at the camera where Sadie was standing. She'd walked on but stopped abruptly, pointing her gun at someone. Mona frantically cycled the cameras, trying to find out who it was. She stopped when she could see both.
"Max... we have a problem!"
"Tell me some good news for once, please!"
"It's Gognitti! he and Sadie are playing cops and robbers."

Max almost cursed, but groaned instead, pulling out his beretta and hurried over to the elevator.
"Girl, you have a nag for getting yourself into trouble!"

Two stories down...

"I hope that's a lighter, cause I could really use a smoke right now!"
Sadie smirked, not intimidated by Vinnie. He snarled at her.
"Shut the f*ck up! I know who you are! Sparrow! The italian boogie-woman!"
Sadie raised her eyebrow, pouting her lips.
"And? It's not like you haven't killed a few of my accomplices either."
Vinnie pulled at the trigger a bit.
"And I was next on your list?"
Sadie just nodded.
"Yes. But it was called off, so game is off, now you know. You and i don't have any internal problems anymore. So I suggest you get over it!"
"I knew you were too good to be true!"
Sadie was surprised by the odd comment. Vinnie shut his mouth, trying to think of a way to take it back. Sadie gave him an odd look.
"Are you saying you actually like me?"
Vinnie looked like he wanted to stomp the floor.
"Shut UP! I don't want to hear it!"
Sadie smiled.
"You do! Aww, that's sweet!"
He yelled.
"Don't mock me, you... you..."
"Woman of your dreams?" She finished his sentence. Vinnie growled.
"Stop making fun of me!!"
Her face changed to a soft expression.
"Ever considered that not all people make fun of you? I could get used to the idea."
He stopped shaking for a few moments, staring at her like she'd just told him she was really a man.
"What?"
She wanted to continue the amusing conversation, but in a split second, Kit came racing at Vinnie from behind. Sadie yelled.
"Look out!"
Vinnie didn't get a chance to react before Kit had sunk his teeth into his leg. He screamed in surprise, and clenched his fists.
His gun went off and Kit disappeared again.

Mona watched Sadie retaining the cool upper hand. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but it looked like Vinnie was getting angrier by the second.
Suddenly he cooled down and they just looked at each other. Sadie yelled something and Vinnie fired his gun.
Mona gasped as Sadie flew back, dropping her gun and going down. Max heard Mona. He almost yelled.
"What happened?"
Mona could see Sadie lying on her back, bleeding on the floor. She sighed.
"He shot her! Damn. He's running now!"


Max punched the wall in the elevator. Heather took a step back. He stormed out as the elevator stopped.
"Where is she Mona?!"
"Continue down the hall and to the left. She's on the floor!"
Max raced around the corner and found Sadie lying on the floor. He knelt down beside her and lifted her into his arms.
Heather watched him. He was so careful, handling her like she was a porcelain baby, or a family heirloom.
He looked at the bleeding wound in her shoulder. the blood seeped from it like a small river, He pulled off his tie and tied it around the wound to stop the bleeding. She opened her eyes and looked at him. She looked groggy, out there... Heather took a step forward.
"I can heal her..."
Sadie held up her hand at Heather, but didn't look at her. Heather stopped in her tracks.
"Max..."
He nodded slowly.
"O, brother, where art thou?"
He frowned. Heather looked at them, trying to figure out the connection. She smelled the air, but couldn't figure out who felt what. Their scents were so alike.

"Where art thou in thy ministry of reconciliation which the Lord hath entrusted to thee?"
Max shook his head.
"This isn't some fight Sadie..."
She continued.
"Are you, like the elder brother in today's parable, outside of the father's house, refusing to come in and standing on your injured pride and your petty resentment?"
"Sadie..."
"Or, are you inside the father's house, joining in the celebration and giving and receiving the reconciling love that the father offers to all of God's children."

He looked up, Heather swore she could see tears in his eyes.
"Don't do this Sadie..."
She smiled to him.
"We brothers and sisters need one another..."
Heather became wide-eyed when she heard Max toning in, reciting the verses with her.
"...and we need the mutual love and support that our Father desires us to share, despite the differences we have."

Sadie put her hand on Max's cheek.
"You remember..."
He nodded.
"How can I forget? Didn't he used to recite that to us when we argued?"
Sadie nodded.
"Yes... And still, you left me."
Heather pinpointed Max's scent.. he was confused by her words, but not as confused as Heather was about the scene unfolding before her. They weren't old lovers. But still, there was warmth between them. Heather put her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp.
O, brother. They were siblings?

Max shook his head at Sadie.
"I thought you were dead..."
Sadie looked down.
"As did I..."
Max watched her for a few silent moments.
"Sadie... What have you become?"
She looked up at him, anger in her eyes. she started arguing with him.
"Me? I wouldn't have become this if you'd checked your facts or come to their funeral, mister!"
Max rolled his eyes at her.
"Oh, so it's my fault you're a serial killer?"
Sadie spat at him.
"You're not exactly mr. righteous yourself!"
"At least I don't kill for money!"
"Oh get off your high horse named Justice! Who cares about it anyway, both of us kill criminals, you just have the badge to allow it!"

Heather rolled her eyes at them and slapped her forehead as they continued their squabble. They were siblings alright...
"Oh brother..." She sighed.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

Sometimes I am so slow. No wonder they smelled so much alike. It was more than similar emotions, it was also their genes.

"Guys, we don't have time for this!" I cried. I knelt beside Max. He didn't want to let go of her. I hoped her injury wasn't severe enough to knock me out.


*Icegrim watched through the 2nd set of cameras upstairs. Heather was incredible. She was a natural healer, easily forfeiting her own energy for others. He couldn't hear what they were saying but he could see the glow from her hands. Desire filled him, but it was a lust for power that drove him the most. Heather would be a powerful addition to the Dominion, a very worthy prize. He had found her unrefined and rather plain before, but now, he could see she was invaluable.*

*Kaufman cursed himself. Three times he had tried to have her, and thrice he had failed. His little fox had treated his tyger with contempt, as though she were unworthy of him. The little fool, but he didn't know.

Kaufman actually felt sorry for the little guy. He didn't mean to blow up at him, but...he had threatened to eat her. Unacceptable. She was a real angel. She proved it again. He couldn't help doubling back and watching through a tiny crack in the door. Her hands lit up. It made her tired, but she was still able to walk when done, though she was a bit wobbly.

Kaufman glared at the cop. He had interfered, and ruined everything. Worse, he had put his hands on her when she was done healing Sadie, giving her a hug in gratitude, though heaven knows why.

If that cop was out of the picture, it would make Kaufman's life much easier. Hunting a tyger was never an easy thing...or catching an angel, for that matter, but that was okay. He liked the challenge the hunt brought him. It meant the victory would be that much sweeter.

He called his boys together. "Find him," he growled, "take care of him."

Max:

I made Sadie take Heather out. Heather's tenacity never fails to amaze me. Only that Sadie lives is more amazing than what Heather did.

Kaufman's words rang in my ears. He mentioned, "the Russian." Vladimir? Was he trying to trick me? Why would Vlad have anything to do with the cleaners? Didn't they kill Annie, the gunsmith, at the warehouse? It didn't make any sense. Vlad and I had to talk.

I had to make sure the coast was clear. I couldn't believe Heather still had one of my guns. Kaufman was so eager he forgot to check her. I was floored when she told me she had yet to fire it. She gave it to Sadie instead, since she was healed.

"I'll be right behind you," I said. I'm such a liar, but I wanted it to be true. That's probably why Heather gave me a funny look before they moved.

It was perfect timing. As soon as they left, Kaufman strode into the room with his crew. Once again, I made like Chow Yun Fat. Bullet holes made for bizarre mosaics on the walls. By the time it was over, I must have shot Kaufman ten times. He had to be Swiss cheese.

More gunblasts rang in my ears, but this time, it was Mona who was firing...or someone was firing at her. I rushed down the elevator as fast as I could.



*It was 10 minutes before Kaufman allowed himself to make a sound, which, of course was a low moan of pain. Even when wearing Kevlar, he knew his torso would have plenty of purpled lesions. It would be days before he was healed enough to try again.

The detective was the Terminator. The stories and rumors had more truth to them than he thought.

"Kaufman," came a sneaky voice, "I see that you still live." It was Kit. Kaufman was angry but in too much pain to speak. He watched as Kit moved around the bodies, eyeing them hungrily but not touching them.

"Save your anger for later, my friend," Kit said, serious this time.

"Not...friend," Kaufman managed to say.

"I'm your only friend, now," the fox replied, "I will say I understand your...beef with me. I touched your angelic tyger, and I shouldn't have. You are right. As it is, you are in no shape to pursue her any further. I still have a use for you, and only I can help you now. Either accept it, or you can die. Which will it be?"


*Icegrim heard the sirens and the ensuing gunfight. He raced down to the lobby where he peered at the cops arresting Mona. Winterson. What was she doing here? Why wasn't she at the Dominion, coordinating the cleanup? Did Ebony mention something she shouldn't have? No...she was with the Russian. Hmmm...more questions to save for later. He had to make sure the cops didn't find him here.

Heather:

We managed to vanish into the shadows just as the cops arrived. It was slow going as I had constant dizzy spells. My body was forcing me to fall asleep standing up, and it was slowly but surely succeeding.

A shadow stepped out in front of us, limping. He must have been downwind. Sadie had her one arm around me, and pointed her gun with the other.

"Sadie! Sadie, wait!"

"Vinnie? Why the hell are you here?"

"Mr. G?" I said, sleepy.

"Who...oh wait," he said, peering at me, "You're that sweet little singer that's always on stage."

To Sadie he said, "I'm sorry...but...I had to talk to you. It was an accident, you know it was...you sure had me worried. I thought I hit you.

"You did," Sadie replied in a whisper, baring her shoulder so he could see the faint scar. He stared at it, then at her.

"You're kiddin', right? That bullet hole couldn't have been from before. That looks like it's at least 3 months old!"

"Vinnie," Sadie asked, "What did you see before you shot me?"

I watched the color drain from his face. He knew. He hadn't known, even though he worked for Ian. I could see why.

"I..." he began,"I saw...something."

"Let me guess, " I muttered, "A 5 ft fox with short reddish hair, wearing a black trench and black pants.

"How the f*ck could you have possibly known that?"

"No time," Sadie said, "Let Ian Seagrim answer that one."

"Mr. Ice? Why would he know...sh*t. Did I just step into the world of Address Unknown, or what?"

"Something like that," I said, with a humorless laugh.

Suddenly two bikes rode up. Both Sadie and Vinnie pointed their guns at them, but a huge black bird swooped down, cawing a warning. Sadie hesitated, while Vinnie screamed and dropped to the ground. The bikers removed their helmets. One was a silver and red lady coyote, while the other was a huge crocodile.

"Never fear, the Brothers are here!" the giant lizard said, "Hop on!"

"Who are you?" I asked, rising slowly. Poor Vinnie was so scared, I could hear him whimpering. I knew in a moment I'd be smelling his p*ss.

Raven hopped over. "MeEt TaNK and SuReShOt Rox. LeT'S GeT BAcK!"

[Mariamus]

Sadie put Heather on the Lizard's bike. He put his arm around her and watched as Sadie grabbed into Vinnie. She growled at him.
"Get your act together and act like a goddamn man for once! No one here is going to harm you!"

She shoved Vinnie over to the other bike. Raven gave Sadie a curious look.
"AreN't YoU CoMIng WiTh US?"
She shook her head.
"I have more important things to do right now, but I'll meet you at the Dominion later."
Vinnie gawked at her.
"You're leaving me with these people?"
Sadie groaned, rolling her eyes.
"Just shut up! You and I will finish our discussion later!"

With that, Sadie turned around and walked down the street. The coyote grabbed onto Vinnie.
"Get on, we don't have time for this."
He did as he was told and the bikes raced past Sadie, She could see Vinnie turning around and looking at her with a nervous expression.

It took a while for Sadie to walk back to Vlad's place. He would probably ask her a million questions. Maybe he was mad at her for failing all the time. But now she had to tell him she couldn't exactly kill Max.

She turned her key in the door and walked upstairs to Vlad's office. She could hear him talking to someone.
"Yes, I know... it will all be taken care of, don't worry.
Sadie opened the door and saw a woman standing there, kissing her Vova. And he wasn't fighting her off, quite the contrary. Sadie knew how Vlad kissed, and that was a full blown one. They hadn't even heard her come in. Sadie felt a rage build inside. She took a step forward and slammed the door as hard as she could. Both broke from the kiss and stared at her.
Vlad assumed a very frightened look on his face.
Sadie stood there, clenching her fists with an obvious look of anger radiating from her every little movement. Vlad swallowed hard.
"Milii... I.."
Sadie held up her hand.
"I swear Vova, if it wasn't because of our past, you would be dead right now, so I don't want to hear any excuses!"
The woman turned at Vlad.
"Who is this woman?"
Sadie snapped her head in the woman's direction. She was far older than Sadie.. Maybe even older than Vlad. She couldn't tell.
"Who I am? WHO I AM?!"
She pulled a ring off her finger and tossed it on the floor.
"From this very second I'm Vlad's EX-fiancée!"
Vlad looked horrified, the woman turned to him.
"You're engaged?"
He looked back at her.
"I was going to..."
Sadie snapped at him.
"This is where you choose your words carefully if you want to keep that woman, Vova! As for you and I, we're most definately through!"
She turned and stormed out and down the hall. It only took a few moments before Vlad was after her.
"Milii! Wait!"
She looked over her shoulder at him.
"No! You can go to hell!"
They reached the bottom of the stairs before Vlad grabbed onto her and dragged her into the living room. Sadie screamed at him.
"Let me go Vladimir!"
He slammed the door behind them and pulled her close.
"Stop it milii!"
He pushed her down on the floor and covered her mouth with his hand to stop her from yelling.
"Milii! Do you really think I care about that woman?"
Sadie struggled to get free but he pushed harder, keeping her down.
"She's a cop! I'm only using her to get to Max Payne! She thinks I'm on love with her!"
Sadie grabbed onto his arm and scratched him hard. He pulled back with a yelp of pain.
Sadie didn't foresee the next. Vlad slapped her hard across the face. She was seeing little stars when she heard Vlad gasp.
"Oh god no! Milii, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..."
Sadie focused at him, narrowing her eyes.
"That's exactly what my foster father said the first time he ever laid hands on me!"
Vlad stumbled back, still with a look of horror on his face.
"Milii, forgive me, please!"
Sadie got up from the floor and pushed him away when he came closer.
"Don't touch me, ever again!" She hissed. A red mark was forming across her face. Vlad tried to say something, but Sadie walked over to the door.
"By the way Vladimir... I'm not killing Max Payne for you, and I'll make damn sure no one else does either!"

Sadie hurried outside and grabbed her bike from the garage and drove toward the Dominion.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

I felt sorry for Mr. G. That's what I called him when I found out his name. Saying "Gognitti" several times a night gets tired very quickly.

The funhouse was the safest place for now. I realized that Raven wanted to wait until he was sure Mr. G was okay. We didn't want another Kaufman on our hands.

I'm sure Max had his hands full trying to explain himself, and to deal with Mona. How could he tell them that a girl who becomes a tiger tangled with a fox and a madman while saving the life of a sparrow? Yeah, I'd lock him up, too. I hope he at least got the info they were looking for.

Tank was riding like a maniac and singing, but he was making me laugh. The coyote called Sureshot rolled her eyes. Mr. G was hanging on for dear life.

When we pulled up to the funhouse, I watched Mr. G swallow.

"It ain't the Twillight Zone, but it'll do," Tank said with a snort. Let me tell you, listening to a crocodile snort is probably the weirdest noise in the world.

"It was good show," Rox said, pulling out a smoke. She turned to vinnie who had hopped off the bike as though it was on fire. "Want one? You look like you could use it." He took one with shaky fingers.

Raven fluttered down beside us, transformed, and grabbed my arm. He started pulling me off to the side.
"What?" I said. I heard Mr. G behind me, "Isn't that the boss's boy? That's great. Am I surrounded by freaks?"

I turned and saw Tank, who had to be as wide as he was tall, peer down at the little man and smile...yeah, with lots of teeth. Mr. G. might have passed out, I don't know.

Raven dragged me over to the alleyway. I knew what was coming and wasn't thrilled.

"What happened?" he asked. I took a deep breath and filled him in. I wasn't sure if he could detect lies as well as I could, since his nose wasn't as sensitive as mine, but I didn't take any chances. I told him everything. Kaufman. Kit. Sadie. Everything.

Raven sighed, taking my hands and looking at the faint lines that now crisscrossed my wrists.

"Why didn't you wait?" he asked, his voice so quiet I almost started crying.

"I waited for a half hour," I replied, "and then I went to help my friend."

"I know you have strong feelings for him," he said, tracing him thumbs across my scars, "if you didn't I doubt you could have saved his life before."

He looked at me, his tattooed eye dancing. "Did you know that you could have died saving him?"

I swallowed, nodding. Some part of me warned that I could. I just ignored it.

"But...you did it so easily, without thinking," Raven continued, "Not many people can do that."

"I think you underestimate people," I replied.

He smiled at last. He wanted to say more, or do more, but I knew he was afraid. He hugged me, saying, "Just don't be such a willing martyr, okay? If you die, who will I make go on stage and sing Nine Inch Nails?"

We both laughed. It felt so good. I finally felt like I belonged to something.

Sureshot Rox came up behind us.

"The meeting has started," she said in a gruff monotone, "I managed to catch the little guy before he ran. Tank has him, but should we keep him?"

"I don't know, Roxy," Raven replied, releasing me, "He works for Dad, but he's Mob. We'll have to ask Mama what to do."

[Mariamus]

Sadie could barely see the handle of the big wooden door when she stumbled into the Dominion.
Ian saw her stumbling in, and he waved his people off and walked over to her. Her face was tear streaked, her eyes red.
He didn't have to ask who'd hit her. He could smell it.
"What happened?"
Sadie looked down.
"He's got another woman."
Ian thought of Ebony, but as he brought his arms around Sadie, he could smell another person... Winterson.
He almost smiled, this was working all to his favor. THe world was being too hard on his little bird, and the sparrow had returned to him.. Him!

he brushed his hand through her hair, playing with it a bit.
"Little sparrow..."
She sobbed into his shoulder. Heartbroken. She'd given herself to Vlad and loved him fully. There had been temptations, Ian was one of them... But she had never thought her Vova could do that to her. He'd been her protector since she was 16.
Ian lifted her into his arms and carried her upstairs. He laid her down on the bed.
"What happened?"
Sadie explained how she had taken Heather out of the building and how they had met Raven and the two others. And how she had found Vlad with the woman. Ian hung by her every word until she had finished. Then he put his finger on her lips and got up from his chair.
"I'll be right back..."

he walked out of the room softly and found Ebony downstairs.
"Ebony.. I need you to do me a favor."
She looked at him with a nod.
"Find Raven, and tail him, no matter where he goes, you go, but he mustn't see you." he continued.
Ebony took off without a word and Ian returned to the bedroom where Sadie was. He sat down on the bed next to her, he knew now would be the time.
He leaned closer, tracing her lips with his fingers, running them across her cheek and down her neck, he whispered to her.
"I want you to sing for me, Sparrow..."
She looked at him, wide eyed and naive in a sense. it drove him wild.
"I can't sing..."
He smiled, baring his teeth.
"That's not what I meant."
He kissed her, trailing his hand down her chest. She moved down, lying on her back. He licked her lips, listening to her sighs as his hand traveled down her stomach and down her hips and thighs. He moved his hand to her inner thighs and up. She moaned softly.
"Yes Sparrow.. that's the song I want to hear..."

[TheArtist]

*Ebony smiled. At last her master would see. Raven was a traitor. Oh, he had his suspicions, but refused to believe his own son could betray him. Heh, maybe love was blind, after all.

Ebony wasn't sure exactly when Raven had switched sides, but it had happened, no doubt. When she caught him speaking to Roxanne Strong-Oak, a well-known soldier of the Brotherhood, she knew Ian was in trouble. Who better than his own son to act as an agent for the other side?

Ebony sighed. the master wanted his privacy with his "sparrow." Another favorite, but it was good. It had been awhile since the last one. He would get all infatuated, because they were so young compared to him. He lived vicariously through them, and delighted to see what they delighted in. Thus he would rediscover innocence, however brief, and lose himself in it for a little while.

Her anger resurfaced. Heather was just a little noob. How the hell did she manage to kill Swift? He was one of the best warriors in all the Chosen, or so she thought. Even though he had lived the code for almost a century, he always said all it would take was a well-placed strike to take him down. He could die any day, so he always lived his life to the fullest.

That's what attracted her to him. He was a gentleman, always serious, but with her, he cut loose and was free. With her, he began to think about tomorrow. Now tomorrow would never come.

Ebony's gift was suited to her perfectly. She was nicknamed Nightshade, as she could blend into the shadows undetected, and was just as deadly as her namesake.

She thought about her next move. Once she found out about the Brotherhood's headquarters, the war would begin at last. She had no doubts as to the winner. The Brotherhood had far less resources and fewer soldiers. Still, they were not to be underestimated. Mama was a wise and powerful leader, almost Icegrim's equal.

Once the war ended at last, what would she do? Ebony thought hard. Surely Icegrim would tire of the sparrow. Once he had slaked his lust, he would need a new companion. The Russian was a gentleman, but he was only human. Another 20-30 years, and she would need someone new anyway. If he lasted that long.

Finding her way to the Funhouse, she peered in from the shadows, never staying long. Roxy's nose was one of the best, and she couldn't afford to be detected.

About 50 of them were assembled. Even Mama was there. It was for the stray cat's sake she had come.

Ebony snarled when she finally left. Heather was powerful, and she had been lost to the other side even before Ian's warning. Ebony only had to look at Raven's expression while watching her, to know that Heather would never switch. She had too much foolish honor within her.

She made her way back to Vodka. Vlad was sitting in a chair, a cognac in hand, nearly forgotten. He was so lost in thought he never heard her. His scent swirled with torment. Ah, his sparrow had taken flight. Now it was her turn to placate him.

"Penny for your thoughts?" she said, melting out of the shadows.

He nearly dropped the glass. "Ebony," he said, his voice thick with pain, "My milli, she...she's gone...to him, hasn't she? And...I can't bring her back. I'll never see her again."

In spite of herself, Ebony felt sympathy for the man. She switched to her human form and knelt before him.

"Looks like we have both lost someone close," she replied, letting her hands ride up his legs. Vlad's eyes widened, but he didn't try to stop her. "We could mourn our losses, or...we could take this night and...comfort one another."

"And the truce?" Vlad mumbled, running his fingers across her skin. He was well over the limit, or else watching her change from a beautiful black panther to an exotic woman would have shocked him more.

He had a gentle touch. She needed gentleness tonight.

"Done," she whispered. Let his cleaners do the dirty work.

[Mariamus]

Ian watched Sadie lying naked next to him. He moved his fingers down her back. Her breath was slow and rthmic, She'd been sleeping for some time.
He enjoyed watching her, knowing she was caught in his cage. No matter how much she flew, she would never see it. She would never understand how he had lured her in.
He sighed, knowing he could keep her for a long time. But he aged slower than her, and one day she would be gone forever, and he would live on. He buried his nose in her hair, wishing he could keep her forever like this.
"Frozen in time..."
She moved a little. He moved his arm around her and sighed. Only a moment in time...

Elsewhere...

Mona had tried to reason with Max. Get him to let her out, do anything. His hands were tied, and she knew it would have been unfair of her to get him to open the cell.
She also knew she was in deep trouble, she was a sitting duck, waiting to be shot.
She winced by the sound of that puking bum in one of the other cells. He stopped for a moment, and that's when she heard it.
"set the timer and hide!"
Her eyes widened. She dove down and hid under the bunk bed, and then everything went to hell. a large explosion, covering the hall in dust and fire, her cell door bust up in the force. A few men ran past her cell and she rolled out from under the bed and got out.
She couldn't get to Max now... She had to run.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

Once out of the alley, I saw that Mr. G, had in fact, passed out. He looked no bigger than a child draped across Tank's shoulder.

When I entered the funhouse, I saw that they had waited for me; they, being the Brotherhood. Yes, the name suited them. It looked like the Chosen were broken down into three groups: avian, reptilian, and mammalian. There were people of all shapes, sizes, and races. Humans forms, beast forms, and even a few feral were present.

Most of them were rugged, hardened, and looked like they walked right out of the Milwaukee Chapter of Harley riders. Yet I felt a general sense of family, of community, a warmth Ian and his Dominion so very lacked. I realized a biker gang was a perfect disguise for moving around and communicating.

They all watched me, sizing me up, but not in an unfriendly way. The feral ones loped up to me, sniffing, before standing aside. They were leading me somewhere. Raven was beside me the whole wya, saying nothing.

At last the group broke and an enormous black bear in overalls sat before me. She looked at me with her warm, brown molasses eyes.

"Welcome, Straycat," she intoned, her voice deep but kind, "As Raven no doubt has told you, we are the Brotherhood." She fumbled for my hand with her giant paw, laughing. "Call me Mama Bear," she chuckled, "Everyone does."

So this was Mama. It must be a Chosen thing to have a codename, or something. Mama reminded me of every story about a favorite grandmother, or even fairy godmothers.

I looked at the others. Whispers abounded, but I wasn't sure I wanted to listen. I watched Sureshot, her nose twitching every now and again. Tank waved, then propped Mr. G. up so he could take his limp arm and wave, too. A lady cougar cleared her throat. A cranky bison snorted. A tall stag with a heavy crown bowed to me. I felt awkward. They all wanted me to feel welcome, but...I've never felt welcome anywhere. Ever. I was like the Prodigal Son, but I wasn't sure I wanted to join the festivites.

"Don't be afraid," the stag intoned, stepping forward. His accent was so faint I almost didn't catch it. He was a Native American. I watched many heads nod after he spoke.

"We just call him Shaman," Raven whispered to me.

Shaman turned to the group. His voice was the kind that held you spellbound, even though he didn't shout. He didn't need to.

"Another stray has come, and she already has answered many questions for us. Her bond is with an animal now extinct, which proves further that our kind has been here for many, many centuries. She is strong, a medicine woman, if you will. She can transfer her very life force."

A murmur of approval and awe rippled through the crowd. Why was that so special? Didn't eveyone have a gift like that?

Shaman continued talking, and I realized he had included me. "You have a gift of life, stray. That' is not an easy thing to give away, think what you may. Your heart has a powerful magic all its own. Your animal is very strong within you, unbound by things that have curbed our powers."

"I don't understand," I said.

"What we have learned so far is that we are guardians, somehow, but not just for people, for animals, or for nature. It's everything. Whoever invented us, be it the Great Spirit himself, or the secret arts of man long forgotten, the point is, the ritual is self-perpetuating. It won't stop until Judgement Day."

"Originally, we were few," Mama Bear chimed in, "Over the years, more and more of us were made known to each other. This is the most we have ever had, to our knowledge. Since technology has become so advanced, we feel it may be the Earth continuing to signal for help. We really don't know. What's unfortunate is that a war is coming between us soon, and whatever the outcome will be, it will leave the earth hurting even further."

Of course she was talking about the Dominion. Icegrim.

"The fortuante thing is that your little situation with that Detective Payne surprised him with an attack he wasn't ready for. He lost alot good warriors, but what Shaman meant was that Ice...my father discovered ways to weaken us without lifting a finger," Raven said. "The ritual has faded somewhat, and there are what we call, "holes", places where the spell has well, eroded. Dad has found in his research a way to..."plug" these holes, or enhance them with further power. That's why not all of us can shift into the full animal, like you can, or transfer power into another person."

Roxy strode up quickly and whispered something to Mama. Mama frowned and nodded. "Break for now," she called, "You know where to meet. Base 2! Go!"

"What's happening?" I asked Raven.

"Trouble...I think my dad sent his best pair of ears...sh*t. If it was Ebony, I'm dead. I'll be f*cked."

Ebony? The sax player at the Dominion? Of course. Probably all of them were Chosen, everyone who worked there.


*And still she sleeps...and I cannot, Icegrim thought. His thoughts mulled over his son. Was it possible? A traitor? Rebellion was natural between father and son...but this, this cut deep. The ungrateful boy. He found him eating roadkill outside of the city. He was so happy to find another like him. How dare he turn his back, especially now?

Sadie turned in her sleep. Icegrim wanted to forget everything, but images of Heather's healing played in his head. She had no barriers. He had to have that power, no matter what.

***
"What should we do with Mr. Pipsqueak, here?" Tank asked Mama once they were all outside.

"Mmm...we made need him," she replied. "Bring him with, see if he'll talk."

The gang broke up, breaking down in pairs and trios, all going different directions. Raven wanted us to follow, but I hesitated. I wanted to wait for Max, so I could update him.

***
He worked his muscles until they screamed. Kit promised to take care of things. Soon, he would join back with Vlad, who will join with Fenris, or Icegrim, as Kit called him, and last, but definitely not the least, he would get Heather back.

Kit had lots of lovely ideas. He showed him his latest invention to slow down his kind. He hoped it would work. If it did, nothing Heather could do would stop him. Catch the tyger by the tail...

He smiled, straining. He would get strong again, much stronger. And very soon, Heather will feel his strength...every inch of it...

[Mariamus]

Sadie opened her eyes and watched Ian. He was sitting in the bed next to her, looking thoughtful.
"You look troubled."
He turned his head and looked at her. He caressed her face with a faint smile.
"Do not worry about that luv..."
She enjoyed his touch, he moved her head, looking at the bruise on her cheek. Sadie looked down.
"I trusted him... I am afraid this happens at some point with everyone I am supposed to trust. Everyone leaves, everyone changes, and yet I remain stagnant..."
Ian nodded.
"I understand how you feel, luv..."

He understood perfectly. At his rate of aging, he knew what it was like to barely change, yet everything around you changed much faster. Leaving him with an empty feeling, a feeling of being left behind, even when he kept up with time.

They both got out of bed. Ian watched Sadie gathering her clothes. He smiled, She was not a chosen, but she still moved like a cat... gracefully, almost floating above everyone. She was captivating, like a godess, something no one beneath her could ever hope to achieve. Just like himself. Raised above the lowly, an emperor among peasants. He would keep her as long as he could, he would never ask her to stay. he would force her. But not with brute power, the harder he would hold her, the more she would struggle. He would make her believe she wanted to stay.

Sadie got dressed and walked down with Ian. She had to find Max. She dialed the number to the police-station where he had told her he worked.
She twiddled the cord, waiting...

[TheArtist]

Max:

I was mad. At Bravura. At myself. At Mona. I couldn't answer Winterson's questions. I needed to know more about what was going on. Something very big was coming, more than someone wanting us dead.

Bravura was a good man, but he was a pain in the a**. What did he think this was going to do? Did he want to help me, save me? Desk job, my a**. That wouldn't solve anything.

I had to talk to Mona. She wanted me to get her out. Of course I couldn't. I wanted to trust her, more than anything I wanted to trust her. She told me to call Alfred Woden, which I should have done when the Inner Circle was first mentioned.

I was distracted. This whole weird business with Heather, and finding Sadie alive had taken priority. It took blasting Kaufman to make me remember that I was wanted dead.

I...was dead. Heather brought me back. That kid was something else. I knew I didn't deserve to even know her name. I'll admit it felt good that she cared, but I didn't want her to know me. It been less than two months that she's known me, and she's already been shot, kidnapped, nearly raped three times, and still she saved me. What did I do that got her attention? Why did she follow me in the first place?

And Sadie...my God. What did she become? How could she...

All that was in my head when the bomb went off. Mona's words about being a sitting duck now burned in my ears. I had to take down several cleaners just to get back to her cell, which stood empty. The puking bum was laughing as I ran, sounding like the devil at my heels.

More cleaners were waiting for me as I ran out the back. At least none of them looked weird when I shot them. No changing. Not Heather's kind.

Did Kaufman try to play me? What did Vlad know about this? I almost felt sorry I killed the freak. Almost.

When Vlad pulled up I knew he had something. His driver was new, a dark woman with exotic features. Her eyes seemed to look right through me. She gave me the creeps.

I asked Vlad about Sadie. He called her the Sparrow. I had heard of that name. It was considered to be a boogeyman story within the Italian mob, which meant she was far more dangerous than I had feared.

They should all be safe. Sadie, Heather, Mona. When I was dropped off, Mona came through the misty rain like a ghost.

The things I want: by Max Payne...


Heather:

I smelled it before it happened. Raven and I sat waiting for Max. Raven wanted me to go with the Brotherhood, but I was stubborn. Max had to know. He had helped me so much in this...journey of mine. He had nearly died because of me. I both needed his help and wanted to help him.

I walked toward the sounds. I heard a car door slam. I heard their voices. I smelled his desire for her. I smelled my own hurt. It was more like a dull, sweet ache now, but it was still...it hurt.

Raven was waiting for me when I raced back. His face said volumes. I wasn't willing to let myself feel for him, but when it came to Max... Max made me feel safe. I knew I could say that and Raven still wouldn't understand. I knew it...it wasn't possible to have either man. Just once, I wish I could have something...anything, good. I stole a kiss from Max, and Raven kissed me. He was so eager, like he'd been waiting... Did he feel sorry for me? Is that why?

Kaufman believed I was some sort of perfect angel. How did he know that I..."never been with a man", as he put it? I didn't believe in sex before marriage. That's how I was brought up. However, feeling Her inside me respond to Max, Raven, and even Kaufman's...gentle attention made me realize what I'd been missing. It also made me know why it was a precious thing, not to be taken lightly.

Seeing Raven with his saddened copper eyes made me want to pack up and leave right there. Instead, an explosion occurred. Raven pulled me, and we took off running, but I yanked my hand out of his grip. I had to make sure they were okay, jealousy or not.

[Mariamus]

Sadie eyed Ian when Max didn't pick up. he just smiled at her.
"I'll be back later..."
Sadie took off, finding a car and driving to Coney island. She parked the stolen car in walking distance to the funhouse. She readied her gun, knowing something was up. Ian and the rest may have had enhanced senses, but Sadie could smell a rat a mile away, and there was a big one here.

Several black vans were parked outside, and Sadie recognized them as Vlad's "company vans" as he so delicately had put it. She scanned the area and saw his limo parked not far from the fun-house. She narrowed her eyes, watching the glow from a cigarette getting brighter and fading. He was taking it very easy.
"Damn you Vladimir!"

She stormed at the entrance, flames were licking their way up and down the wood. She jumped and rolled in, landing on her back. She got up fast, ripping off her jacket that had caught on fire, hot flames kissing her ams. She tossed it aside, the fire consuming the black leather with a passion fit for reunited lovers.
She drew her gun from the holster and made her way inside. She could hear yelling.


Max followed Mona, running up the steel stairs and across the platform, bullets coming after them like a swarm of killer bees.
He watched Mona run in front of him, a weak point in the platform creaked under her. He cursed himself as he stepped on it and the metal gave away under him. Mona turned her head and looked at him.
"Max!"
She couldn't stop. Max could take care of himself. He'd done it before...

It took a few seconds for Max to fully comprehend that he was lying on the concrete floor. Every bone in his body ached and he wished he could just stay down and sleep for a million years.
He cursed as he suddenly stared down the barrel of a gun.
"I've got you now Payne!"
Max could just watch the cleaner pull the trigger closer to his death. He held his breath, everything stood still, He could only see his life so far when a voice rang hrough his memories.
"Not today you don't!"
A gunshot ripped him out of his deepest memories, and he could see the cleaner slump to the floor, his skull torn in half, his face bloodied, eyes asking a question of why and how. He'd never get the answer.
And there she was, that familiar, yet so unknown, face.
"Sadie?"
She grinned.
"I was in the neighborhood, thought i'd stop by and prevent your nostrils from being raped by a bullet."
She smiled, taking him back at least 10 years. back when she was just an innocent kid.
for a moment he forgot that his sister had just killed a man... For just a moment she was 12 years old... Only a moment.

[TheArtist]

*He stepped into The Dominion. It wasn't tailored to his style of extravagance, but it had its points.

"Mr. Lem, how good it is to meet you at last," Ian said.

They both walked toward each other, almost like two hardened boxers readying for one last rumble.

"I take it you are Mr. Seagrim, then?" Vlad asked.

"Yes, call me Ian," he replied with a small bow, "please, sit down. Anything to drink?"

"Perhaps later," Vlad said, "let's take care of business first."

"Very well."

They both sat across from each other. Vlad had a million questions in his mind. Half of them he knew he couldn't ask, for they were about Sadie.

"I want to know about the fire. Who is responsible, and why?"

"Yes," Ian answered, "as I'm sure Ebony has told you, the fire was caused by an associate of ours. Kitsune tends to be a bit too...ambitious. Brilliant, but he tends to...overachieve everything. Shall I kill him for you?"

"If it was just an act of stupidity, I might let it slide...if you keep him in line...and reimburse me for the damage."

"Done," the wolf replied smiling, "What else can I do for you?"

"Wait one moment, I know what you want," Vlad said, agitated. This Ian fellow was being a bit too accomodating. "You want my contacts to the government, yes?"

"If you would be so kind, yes."

"What's in it for you?"

"The same as you; temporary blindness higher up than the dullards here in the city," Ian replied, "I would like to conduct my business in peace and anonymity. I want us to work together because we have the same goals. I have the Italians, you have your "cleaning crew." Imagine the power we could wield if we were one army instead of two!"

"A tempting offer, if I could trust you, friend," Vlad said.

"What can I do to prove it? By all means, tell me."

Vlad wanted to grab him by the throat and demand his Milli back. However, he knew that she was gone, it had been her decision to leave, not to mention it was partly his own doing.

"Your Ebony...she's a wonderful lover, by the way; will she work for me?"

"She can be yours completely, if you want her," Ian said.

"That's good, but...she's unusual. I want to know why."

"You want to know us, the Chosen? What we are? Certainly."

After a lengthy explanation of the Chosen's glorious history, Vlad was both eager and afraid. Being human, he knew Ian would eventually take over...but who better? Kaufman sure couldn't...and wasn't he dead, anyway? It would be foolish indeed to say no to so much power...but was it too much? Some things you just have to find out the hard way.

"That's quite a story, Ian. So you are called Icegrim, then? Why?"

Ian smiled, flashing his teeth. So the Russian wanted to see a bit more magic. Very well. He held up his glass of blushing wine. Vlad's eyes widened as the glass became frosted, the wine fighting hard not to become crystalized...and failing.

"It will be a pleasure to conduct business with you, Mr. Lem," Ian said quietly.

"Yes...oh, and Vlad, please. If we are to work together, we should be friends."

"All right, Vlad. What's first on your agenda for today?"

"A certain cockroach named Max Payne...and his accomplice, Mona Sax. My contacts in the Inner Circle want them gone."

Ian frowned. Not exactly what he'd hoped for. Sadie would be crushed, but she'd get over it. He'd see to that.

"Very well. I happen to know Miss Sax has been arrested by a mutual friend of ours...Miss Winterson."

"Good. I'll send my..."crew" down there at once."


Heather:

"MAX! MONA!" I yelled. Cleaners swarmed the place. How the hell did they get here so fast? I raced back the way I came. I found Max on the ground with Sadie blowing a cleaner's head open like she was popping a balloon. Max had the Smirk on his face. He couldn't be hurt all that bad.

"Let's go!" I shouted to them.

[Mariamus]

Sadie grabbed Max's hand and pulled him up from the ground.
"Let's get out of this place before this party decides to blow even more."
Max wanted to ask her what she was doing here, why she wasn't safe somewhere, but his question was cut short by a cleaner firing a few rounds in their directions. Sadie grabbed onto his jacket and pulled him in the opposite direction, like a kid in a supermarket, pulling it's parent toward the toys.
Heather was in front. Sadie watched her run in front of them. She was wondering if Raven was around some where. she smirked, poor Big Bird. He was so infatuated by Heather and she couldn't even see what a wonderful guy she had in front of her.

They came to an abrupt halt when Max stopped all of a sudden.
"Mona!"
Sadie looked at Max. She knew Mona well enough to know she cold get out of this one on her own.
"She'll be fine Max, but we have to get out before this place blows to hell!"
Max hesitated. Sadie watched his expression and she understood. She grabbed onto him.
"Just get Heather out of here, I'll find Mona!"

She stormed off, not listening to Max as he yelled at her to come back.

Max looked at Heather.
"Let's go..."
She could feel his fear. He was terrified of losing his sister again.
They made their way outside where Raven swooped down and landed in front of them, he transformed back to human and grabbed Heather's hand. Max watched them when he heard a van revving up, ready to race away. He bit his lip, glanced at Heather and Raven. He ran toward the van. It started driving, but Max jumped in through the open door in the back. Heather watched him in disbelief, screaming after him to come back, but the van and Max both disappeared in he dark.

max sat in the van, rubbing his face, trying to figure out what he would gain from this. He was confused. about Mona, about Heather... And Sadie.. he wasn't as much confused as he was in despair about her. What she had become...
He heard the microphone Mona had given him make a noise.
"Max!"
He grabbed it and mumbled into it.
"Can't talk now. I'll let you know where I am later!"
He heard Sadie tone in.
"Good luck!"
He wanted to say something. He wanted to say a million things, but he shut off the microphone and stared into the darkness.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

Even in feral form I was no match for the getaway van. Raven had a much easier time following it. Eventually I had to stop and catch my breath. I still had my earpiece Mona gave me, so I knew she, Max and Sadie were all okay.

What Max did was either brilliant or really stupid. I panted hard, the rain starting to pound down even harder, making my inner beast uneasy. Why the hell would she be bothered by rain, an entirely natural thing? I still didn't know, only that whenever I'd get near water she'd freak. She was afraid of it, that much I could tell, but I still couldn't figure out why. Oh well, time for that later.

Raven came back after he saw I was no longer following.

"WE'rE iN DeEp Sh*T!" he squawked before changing back.

"W-wah't izzz h'it?" I asked, shifting to beast form so I could talk somewhat. In feral, I can't speak at all.

"The vans all went to the Castling Insurance Co. building."

"So'h?"

"You don't understand. That's Base 2!"

I tried to say f**k, but failed. Oh well, he knew what I meant.

"Wh'ill Mama'h h'and them f'hight?" I asked.

"Probably not. The Brotherhood doesn't fight unless absolutely necessary. All of our "bases" are just temporary. Knowing Mama, she'll just have everyone clear out. She knows where to find me. We don't have to worry as far as keeping in touch."

"But Makthsss," I said. I hate my lisp, but what can you do when you have big teeth?

"Yeah, we'll have to go in and make sure he's safe."

"Leth's go'h...now."

***

Ebony smiled. Foolish children. As long as she was downwind, she might as well be invisible. She turned to report to Vlad her findings. Let him decide whether or not to include Icegrim. Working for a human was surprisingly refreshing, not to mention he had an old world flavor to him. As a lover he had treated her like a queen, rather than the other way around. She resolved to keep him alive as long as possible.

***

"Master..." came the familiar voice, followed by the familiar scent.

"You must think you have alot of balls to come here, Kit," Ian said, his eyes lighting up.

"I'll let you be the judge of that, sir," Kit replied, slipping out of the darkness. "but I have something you may have an interest in."

"You hurt my sparrow, kidnap my angel of music, and harbor Vlad's man who has gone insane," Ian replied, standing, "What could you possibly have that will make me let you live?"

"Knowledge...and as they say, it is power," Kit replied cheerfully, "and I know that power is what you crave more than anything, especially over our enemies, the Brotherhood."

It was true. Ian craved power even more than blood during a full moon.

"I will guess it to be a new weapon? You know full well that the Earth's supply of silver is limited. Silver bullets are precious and few, while knives can be lost. As for the wire, we would have to wear gloves just to touch it, even though it's fused with magnesium."

"All true, sir, but yes, I have discovered something. Allow me back into...the fold, as it were, and I will share it all with you. I know you have made a new alliance, and I'd like to remain on the winning side...please."

Ian couldn't help grinning. He knew Kit distinctly hated to beg, but the fox knew he was moments from being dead. Still, he was telling the truth, and Ian hated to kill someone as clever as Kit. His kind were so few, worsened by the recent slaughter created by that annoying cop that Vlad wanted dead.

"What do you say, old friend?" Kit asked. He knew he had him at "knowledge".

Ian growled, rushing at him, instantly in beast form. He gripped the tiny fox by the throat and lifted him to eye level.

"I am your Master, not your friend, Kitsune. You will do well to remember that."

"Y-yes, yes Master," Kit choked. Icegrim let him drop.

"Now...what is it you want to show me so badly?"

"Something that is the equivalent...to a virus...at least for us," Kit replied, panting.

Ian quierked an eyebrow. "...Excellent..."

[Mariamus]

Mona followed Sadie outside. SHe looked at her, hoping she would say something, anything about Max. Sadie said nothing, keeping her cool face on, until Mona finally broke the silence.
"What is it between you and Max?"
Sadie proceded to light a smoke but didn't say anything for a while.
"It's between he and I for now..."
Mona felt like strangling Sadie. She was dying to know. She hated being hept out of the loop.
Sadie stopped, looking around.
"The hell?"
Mona looked at her.
"What?"
Sadie snarled.
"What the hell are they up to now? They're gone!"
Mona pulled out the headset and turned it on.
"Max?"
It took a few moments before he answered.
"Castling Insurance..."
"We'll be there!"

Neither said anything during the drive to the construction site. Sadie could feel Mona's distress. Jealousy even.. was she scared of her? She couldn't tell. Maybe she was afraid Sadie and Max were old lovers... it couldn't be farther from the truth. It was so much closer, yet Sadie posed no threat to Mona.

Mona put on the headset as they parked at the construction site.
"Max? Where are you?"

Sadie looked around as Mona conversed with Max. She knew the place. Vlad used it as a base to store bodies. Sadie had even been there with Kaufman a couple of times, digging graves for yet another of her victims that needed to disappear.
She shuddered, knowing Max could have ended up there, and she wouldn't have known.

[TheArtist]

*Kit bowed low to the ground, his nose nearly touching the luxurious carpet. How many women made love on that carpet to the blonde boss man? Kit gazed at the human. He had a regal bearing to him, much like his master. An alliance was shrewd with this man, even though he was still considered to be young next to Icegrim and the others.

Of course, Kit wasn't that old, not even a hundred yet, but getting there. He had been part of creating the Dominion, after all, and Icegrim knew that. That was really the sole reason he had lived so long.

Vlad eyed him cooly, as Kit knew he would. It was a risk, coming back to Vodka, especially when Ebony came in announcing that Max Payne had tagged along in one of the vans.

"Let me go and kill him for you, Mr. Lem, to prove that I pose no threat to you, but that I am forever your ally."

Vlad wasn't as easily swayed by the persuasive fox. Power he had, and money, fame and fortune. He didn't seek to dominate the world, just the underworld. Still, this was Max Payne they were talking about. Better to have all the extra pairs of hands you can get.

"What happened to Kaufman?" he asked.

"A tiger drove him insane. One of our newest members has the ability. She should have scared him to death, but it was madness that came instead. However, all that needs to be done to keep him in lline, is to know his weakness."

"And Kaufman's weakness?" Vlad asked.

"A resident songbird of ours...not a sparrow, mind you, no. A different bird...a nightingale, if you will, and his thoughts are soley on her. Have him remain that way for a while, and you can direct him to do anything until he can't wait anymore."

"...I see."

"Do you? Well, you will. Now, since this Detective Payne is already there, the other's will show up, too. Allow me to take care of them, and you will see that I am a clever one indeed."

"...One chance, Mr....Kit. That's all. If you so much as sniff the wrong way, I'll be sure to tell Ian to shove your nose in the deepest sh*t before carving it off your face."

"Honestly, I like the way you think, Mr. Lem. You won't be disappointed."

***
Later, Kit took Kaufman along to the old builing. "Wait here, I shall fetch the little angel in moments. I'm testing out my new toy, tonight."

"...it won't hurt her, will it?" Kaufman asked.

"Not if she can heal herself quick enough. It's a gentle cancer, that's all. It will weaken her, so she will be much easier to handle. That's what you want, right?

"Kaufman merely nodded. More waiting...but this time, no messes, no interruptions. Just bliss...

[Mariamus]

Mona glanced at Sadie. She was lookign around the place like she knew it. She probably did...
"He's at the other end of the site..."
Sadie started running, Mona followed, not saying anything else.
Mona was keeping contact with Max as they ran through the building.
Sadie stopped as a massive explosion rocked the building. She looked at Mona.
"Max, what's going on?"
Sadie could hear him yelling something about an explosion.
It only took a few moments before Mona got a weird look on her face. She stared at Sadie.
"He's not responding..."
Sadie frowned and turned, running down the hall, and disappeared behind a door. Mona could hear shooting and she picked up the pace, storming after Sadie.

Mona found Sadie on a scaffolding, staring into the center of the construction site. She held out her hand.
"Give me the rifle!"
Mona handed her the rifle and watched heraim and fire at a few commandoes that came storming at something. She then heard Max in the headphone.
"I'm alright... I need cover!"
Mona smiled, watching Sadie firing the rifle.
"Working on it..."

Sadie could see Max crawl out from under a large metal plate. He looked like hell had run over him twice. The commandoes were all lying dead not far from him.
She could see Max look around, he said something.
"There's a door at the opposite site... Can you cover me from there?"
Mona looked at Sadie.
"Can you cover him from here?"
Sadie got up and shook her head.
"Not if he has to get to the other side. give me the headphone!"
Mona handed her the headset and Sadie put it on.
"Max. Stay put. We need to find another cover-spot."
"Ok.. i'll stay right here."
Both women ran down the hallways, gunning men left and right. Sadie stepped onto the other scaffolding and smiled.
"I can seeeee youuuu!"
She could hear Max grin in the other end. Nice to hear he still had some sense of humor.
"Go!"
Max stormed out of his hiding and Sadie gunned down the rat pack that came out of hiding.
Max grabbed onto the door but it was locked.
"There's another door.. and blind spots in my path?"
"Several. Stay put!"
Mona followed Sadie to the other scaffolding.
Max stormed off to the other door, sadie providing cover like an umbrella.
"Max... You do realise we need to talk."
He was silent for a few moments.
"I know..."
"It's complicated... But you know I love you."
He'd reached the door and it opened easily.
"What? the line is breaking up."
Sadie snarled.
"Dammit! max..."
"I'll go through. I'll meet you on the other side!
She tore off the headset and handed it to Mona, who looked at her, almost with malice. Sadie didn't say anything. She didn't have time to explain.

Sadie handed Mona the rifle as they ran through the building.
"Cover him. I'll go down!"
Mona wanted to protest, but Sadie was already gone.

Sadie got down to the ground. She could hear Max talking to someone. A woman.
"Winterson! I don't have time for this. Report me to Bravura all you want, I'm trying to do the right thing!"
"The right thing would be to go home! You've been suspended Max!"
Sadie recognized the voice all too well. She watched from the shadows. Max and the woman argued. Couldn't Max see how rotten the woman was?
Max turned, frustrated. trying to get the woman to see it from his point of view.
Sadie watched the woman raise her gun at Max. He hadn't seen it.
It was all instinct. Sadie raised her deagle and fired it. It sounded like an entire explosion when it was echoed against the long dull walls around them. Max swirled around and saw Winterson. She gasped, her arms by her sides, disbelief painted all over her face, the gun dropping from her fingers.
Then she fell forward, landing on her face, a pool of blood forming under her. Max stared, horrifed at the body of his partner. Sadie stepped out of the shadow and the mist. Max raised her head, looking at her, coldblooded, gun smoking like the smoke in her other hand.
"Sadie..."
Sadie stopped by the look of his face. He still didn't understand.
"Oh god.. How could you!"
Sadie frowned again.
"What do you mean.. She was..."
He cut her off.
"She was a cop! MY PARTNER! Sadie for God's sake!"
He grabbed onto her.
"Dammit, I could have forgiven whatever low thing you had taken care of in the underworld! but this..."
Sadie tore herself out of his grip.
"But..."
He held up his hand. A silence fell between them. Sadie knew he wouldn't listen.
"Go to hell Max Payne!"
She turned and ran off, tears in her eyes. Nothing was going to change.

[TheArtist]

Heather:

The old building looked ready to fall apart. It was a madhouse getting through. Why the hell would this be a base for the Brotherhood? I didn't get it, and there was no time for Raven to explain. As soon as we stepped in, the cleaners were all over us.

It looked like Max had gotten through okay so far. It was far harder for me. I was no expert when it came to guys with guns. I was lucky my curse actually came in handy for once.

The cleaners had dropped their jumpsuit costumes, switching to masks and Kevlar. These guys were much harder to take down. I'll bet you never tried chewing through body armor. It ain't easy. I actually had to teach myself how to use some of the scattered guns the dead left behind. I never fired a semi-auto before. It has quite a kick to it.

I was already exhausted from healing Sadie twice, not to mention becoming feral and trying to follow the van Max had jumped into. I wasn't going to pass out, but I knew it was on the horizon, fast approaching like the midnight express. My body was adapting. A year ago I only had to change once that would be enough.

Raven was fearless. He was a better fighter than I was, but his disadvantage was that when he became a bird, he made for a bigger target, and all he had was his beak and his claws. No room to fly, so he couldn't change all that often.

When we got to the upper floors, I had to take a breather. We had to be careful around all these red boxes. I don't know what was in them, but they blew up if you shot them.

The stench was overpowering. Bodybags were lined up in rows, and some looked like they were only half-filled.

"Why is this place Base 2?" I asked, switching to human. Raven grimaced. "This is a place where they store the bodies of dead enemies. It's a valuable resource...for us."

"How so?" I asked, covering my nose.

Raven looked at me, surprised. " How long have you been changing?"

I stared at him, frowning. "Almost three years. Why?"

"And you never...oh God. Heather don't be angry." Raven swallowed, his face suddenly ashen.

The thought struck me like lightning. Kit I understood. He was a nutcase. Even Icegrim could, since he felt everything was beneath him.

But not Raven. Not him. I couldn't imagine...

"A resource," I said slowly, "You mean when you guys need to...feed, you actually..."

"Yes," he whispered, "we must. I mean, look at Tank. You think a dog is enough to sate his appetite? Heather, we've tried to be so careful. My father will kill anything and anyone when he hungers. We, on the other hand, at least try to find those the world won't miss."

I knew what he was trying to say. I was frozen with shock and disgust.

"Raven, you know things are never that simple. Nothing is black and white with this. What about Swift? He was my enemy, but he wasn't a villain. How...how could you?"

"No choice!" Raven replied, when the door exploded. More cleaners, and we couldn't speak. My earpiece rang with gunfire and explosions. Max was okay enough to crack a few jokes, at least for awhile. Raven and I moved as fast as we could through the ruined building.

We found Mr. G leaning against a wall, still out like a light. The Brotherhood must have cleared out so fast they couldn't bring him along. Fortunately, we were on the upper floors where the windows were merely boarded up. I tore down a big one.

"He's still alive," I said, "Get him out of here. I'm going after Max."

"I'M nOt leAVinG yoU," Raven said, but I growled at him. I was angry, disgusted at him and that we couldn't talk. An explanation had to be there beneath his russet eyes and inky feathers.

"GO'h!" I snarled, running in the opposite direction.

Moments later I felt and heard an enormous explosion. I heard Max cry out inside my ear. He was in pain. I was behind him, somewhere, I could tell by his scent.

His voice crackled, "I'm all right...I need cover!"

Mona and Sadie. He had to be talking to them, but I couldn't hear them. Either they were out of range, or this building was messing with the reception.

The building rocked. Plaster was starting to fall on me like poisoned snow. I had to get out of here fast, or else I would be the one needing help.

I was leaping over the large gaps on the floor when it all gave way. An explosion must have damaged it. I had nothing to hold onto. My claws made sparks on the broken concrete walls.

When I hit bottom, I thought I'd be a fuzzy pancake, but I wasn't dead, yet. I was hurt bad, but already I felt myself healing. The breaking point loomed closer, sped on by the healing. I had to get out. I had to find Max and the others.

Limping carefully, I saw that I had fallen back almost to where I began. Max was outside. Going back up was too dangerous. I had to find my way around the site.

All of a sudden, I felt was a tiny sting in my shoulder. The sting grew, burning up my skin along with it. I grew dizzy, my eyes watering, my body in a cold sweat. It was like I had caught the flu, but that was impossible. I turned and looked at my swollen shoulder. A feathered dart stuck out of it, which I pulled. It was custom made, that much I could tell. The dart itself didn't seem to be made from silver, but the tip had something leaking from it.

I dropped to the ground, panting. What was happening to me?

"It's my new toy," came a voice, and I shuddered. Kit. Damn it!

"Do you like it?" he asked, tiptoeing toward me. I was trembling from the fever.

"What...is it?" I wheezed.

"Oh, a lovely little sickness for you, my dear," he replied, hovering over me. His face held no pity, only a puzzled interest. "Silver nitrate. An overdose would surely kill you, but this one was but a test."

He lifted my head with a blackened paw. My vision swam. I sensed my healing was battling it, but it was slow, almost human slow. If my gift was allergic to silver, it would take time for it to burn through my bloodstream before being eliminated.

Kit watched my face, smiling. "Exquisite torment, is it not?" he asked. He bent down, licking the sweat from my forehead.

"You are certain this will not kill her?" came another voice.

"Yes Master, it is a proven fact," Kit replied, standing. The voice was familiar, but garbled.

"And how is it you are so sure?"

"How do you think? It took me a week. With her, and what she can do, it may be days, or not."

"Good," the voice said,"We must go before the whole facility burns."

Strong arms lifted me, but my vision was so blurred I couldn't see. The bright lights weren't helping me, either.

"My poor, little songbird...if only you could understand this was for your own good."

Songbird? Only one man called me songbird, or angel of music. Ian. Icegrim, no wonder I didn't recognize...he had to be in beast form.

Another vehicle, but I didn't know the scent. Besides my nose was only half working. A cool hand rested on my face. It grew colder, almost painful.

"If she dies, Kit, I'm going to let the twins have their way with you."

"Never fear, sir."

***

Raven swooped across the sky, his coloring making him invisble to the cleaners' eyes. His burden, Vinnie Gognitti, was light, but it didn't match the leadened weight his heart carried. He loved Heather, he knew that now, but she hadn't known, had never tried to...

She had never eaten human flesh. He couldn't understand how that was possible. The instinct to hunt could be overwhelming, and the animal didn't play favorites. How was it possible that she was a Chosen for three years and had never hunted man? Was it possible to have that much control?

The questions stormed in his brain. He almost missed Sadie running down the street. What was she doing?

[Mariamus]

Sadie was busy unlocking a parked car when Raven swooped down. She looked at him, and her eyes made it clear that he was a big nuisance a that moment.
"Well, if it isn't big bird.. what do you want?"
He cawed.
"WhErE are YoU GoiNg?"
Sadie frowned. Raven could smell her tears, her distress... And her anger. She was furious... Crushed even.
"Away from here! I'm getting sick of this whole game!"
Raven tilted his head. He didn't feel like another woman blowing up in his face, so he turned his head and looked at Gognitti just as Sadie got the door open.
"Can you take him with you?"
Sadie wanted to protest. But Raven has already unloaded the poor italian. SAadie rolled her eyes and opened the back door.
"If he's lucky I'll only dump him in a container somewhere!"
Raven just nodded and flew off, leaving Sadie to load Vinnie into the car herself.

Later...

Vinnie woke up slowly. He could smell coffee lingering in the dry air.
He looked around. A TV was on across the room, but the sound was turned off. The room was dark, apart from the light of the TV and the light in the kitchen. He got up, questioning himself if it had all been a crazy dream.
He walked into the kitchen, finding the sparrow sitting by the table. She was wearing a bathrobe, her hair was wet and her eyes red. She still looked pretty without make-up. He was afraid to take another step into the kitchen when she looked up at him.
"Coffee?"
Record-scratch...
"Uh?"
"Do you want some coffee?"
He nodded and she got up from the chair and took a mug from a shelf. She looked at him briefly as she poured him a cup.
"Have a seat..."
He sat down on the opposite side of the table. She sat down again and handed him the mug. Neither spoke... Vinnie was too scared and Sadie was too weary. Both were thankful for the silence...

[TheArtist]

Heather:

It seemed like I was forever in a daze. Was it only hours? Days? A week? I couldn't know. I was in agony. My entire body burned with a high fever. I was too weak to move. Every so often voices floated over me, but most times they were too far away to hear. I did catch Ian's voice every so often. Perhaps he was my nurse, so to speak, for whenever he came, he used his gift to try and cool me down. I'd try to speak to him, but I could never quite get the words out.

Once, I heard Kit marvelling over my progress. I wanted to show him, anything to get him, but I couldn't. "Look! She's turned her head! I can't believe it!" I heard him say. Damn that fox. He had to be crazy, no pun intended. No wonder Kaufman took to him so.

Some time later, I overheard Ebony reporting to Ian about Max. Apparently a fellow cop had turned dirty and had shot him. He lived, but was hurt bad. No sign of Mona at the scene. She probably had to run.

She spoke of Raven. Sh*t, they knew. Ian sighed, my nose telling me of his genuine pain. He really cared for Raven in his own way, I guess. I had to warn him. If I knew Ian, he would eliminate anything that got in his way, including his own son. He wanted to attain the closest thing to perfection that he could, and how could he do that when his own son had turned on him?

Not only that, but knowing Raven as well, he might betray himself. He didn't want me to be a willing martyr, but I knew he might try to pull something similar for me.

I had to heal, and fast.

***

He memorized their routines. Even animals had routines, or they would always take the easiest path. He kept out of sight for the most part, for the fox had told him they could tell when he was near, and they knew what he wanted.

What he wanted...

Not surprisingly, daytime was best. Most of the animals were nocturnal in nature. Good. The fox told him so long as she lived, it was okay. Kaufman considered it. Perhaps she should live, for a little while, but then she would just return to heaven, anyway.

Heather:

I smelled him before I saw him. Max told me he was dead, but his scent was strong on Kit. I knew then that the possibility of this happening was great.

I was able to open my eyes at last that day. I knew it would still take time for my system to be completely cleaned out.

"Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?" he whispered, his voice so low it was raspy.

He positioned me as he saw fit, arms above my head, legs spread, removing most of my clothes. I couldn't stop him. I tried talking to him, but he shushed me, calling me "Angel of Mercy."

"In my hour of darkness, in my time of need, you were my Angel of Mercy, and you helped me to believe."

Etta James, I should have known.

"There'll be no strings to bind your hands," he said, humming Angel of the Morning. God, had he been memorizing every angel song? What next, Sarah McLachlan?

"Why?" I asked. He gazed at me, his expression almost loving.

"You touched my soul," he said, "when I was lonely. There's no words to explain how I feel inside. Angel of mercy, it's time we closed the door."

And he literally stood and closed the door to the room. He wasn't in a hurry. He knew what he was doing. This was it.

"No detective to save you now," he whispered, smiling, "no raven to swoop down and take you away. The fox poisoned your body for me, but not you. You are still pure, little tyger. You tricked me, shame on you. But now you get to make up for it."

***
His fingers played lightly over her dampened, bare skin...soft and supple like a ripe peach. Tiny tears fell from her eyes. Were they from elation or sadness at this change? He didn't know, and didn't care. All he knew was his own heavy need. Her lips were perfect succulence, her body like a voluptuous Greek goddess to him. It was wonderful how she writhed under him, pushing him away but she had no strength. She tasted as good as she smelled...

He couldn't get enough of her. He made sure he was gentle the first time...she would need gentleness, yes. After that, it was pure joy...almost. She didn't move, and hardly made a sound. She wouldn't look at him after awhile. That was no fun. He preferred them screaming. Perhaps...she wasn't so perfect, after all. Maybe she was just an Earth angel, and not the flawless creature he had hoped to find. She was the closest, by far, so maybe she could satisfy him again. Maybe he could teach her how...

He groaned, collapsing on top of her. She made a noise, probably from his weight. She moved, which excited him, but he wasn't ready.

Heather:

I don't want to talk about it, but it all stopped at last when suddenly the door burst open and a roughened voice said, "Oh, my God."

Kaufman vanished, seeming to fly off me and land at the other end of the room. I couldn't see, didn't want to see, but I heard plenty of barking and yelling before it was silent.

The scent was familiar, yet unfamiliar. It wasn't Icegrim...
A long, tall shadow covered me. I curled up into a ball, trying not to whimper. Whoever it was stood over me for the longest time.

Either I passed out, or fell asleep because next I knew the room was completely dark. I was alone.

[Mariamus]

The TV in the living room was blaring out the news. Sadie was sipping her coffee and glancing at Vinnie when she heard Max's name being mentioned.
The news-lady was talking about how He had gotten shot, and how he apparently had murdered his partner, Valerie Winterson for unknown reasons.
Sadie thought he'd get off the hook. She used a deagle to shoot the woman, and Max carried a beretta.
Vinnie suddenly spoke.
"Anything wrong?"
Sadie opened her mouth before she thought about it.
"They're talking about my brother..."
Vinnie make a face.
"Your brother is Max Payne?"
Sadie nodded.
"But you're a..."
"Yeah I am. Long story."
Vinnie shut his mouth. He wanted to ask what it was, but she didn't exactly looked like the type to share it. He decided to take the chance and was about to speak when there was a knock on the door. Sadie got up from the chair and walked over and opened the door.
"Mona?"
Mona stumbled in and shut the door.
"Sorry to barge in. But I need your help... Max is in trouble!"
Sadie crossed her arms.
"Max is a big boy. he can handle himself... besides, I don't feel much like talking to him!"
Mona looked at her, making a face. She turned her head and spotted Vinnie sitting in the kitchen.
"What's *he* doing here?"
Sadie looked at him.
"He's here cause someone's gotta look out for him..."
"And what about Max?"
Sadie snapped at Mona.
"I don't care about him!"
Mona sighed.
"A few hours ago, you told him you love him.. how's that so different from now?"
Sadie turned her back and walked towards her bedroom.
"Well, apparently, he doesn't love me anymore!"
Mona wanted to say something but Sadie slammed the door.
Mona stood there for a few moments. SHe looked at Gognitti, who was staring at her.
"What the hell are you staring at?"
He looked into his coffeemug and mumbled.
"more coffee... good idea..."

Sadie got dressed, trying to get her head straight. She was angry with Max, but she didn't want him dead... He could take care of himself... Mona would probably help him...
They didn't need her... Nobody needed her...

[TheArtist]

Max:

When I woke up I was in the hospital, tubes hanging out of me like fresh cobwebs.

I was hurt.

After yanking out the IV I tried to stand but my legs couldn't hold my weight. I nearly passed out several times as fragmented memories painted over the landscape of my vision.

Mona...

Heather screaming in my ear, cursing me while trying to get me to breathe...

A boy...with black feathers...

A huge angry wolf...Jack Lupino would have worshipped him, I think...but why am I thinking of that now?

I collapsed again and saw Winterson in my mind's eye...

Sadie...oh God...




It all started coming back...when I found the body in the operating room.