AllyCat Burns

By

Kailahana@msn.com

Friday, 10 January, 4 a.m., Ft. Worth

Fog rolled into the streets, thick as blood, dripping its sweaty breath onto the glass windows. Sounds echoed against the ground-loving cloud, distorting the woman's footsteps as she stalked through the night. She was a small figure, clothed in black fatigues and combat boots. She carried a long duffel bag in her left hand, and an overstuffed backpack in the other. Pandora approached the AllyCat and peered into its murky depths. Allyson had closed the club this evening for a private meeting. A faint light trickled down from the upstairs office, and Pandora almost smiled. She crept around to the back of the building and knelt on the ground. She opened her backpack, and removed a flashlight, rope and a small blowtorch. Hiding her bags behind a dumpster, Pandora lifted a manhole cover, and descended into the tunnels beneath the club. She shone her light on the ceiling, and at last discovered her goal. A secret exit. She lit the torch, cringing from it, and sealed the trap door shut. When she was satisfied with her work, she left the sewers, and retrieved her bags.

Regina entered the AllyCat through the delivery door. She stood for a moment in the darkness, listening to the quiet voices in Allyson's office. She recognised several of them. Allyson was here, along with her grandsire Richard Mouttet, the current prince of Ft. Worth. Several of Allyson's retainers and assistants were present. Regina closed her eyes, and her expression intensified briefly as she searched the minds of the others in the room. Ah...Kirsten was here. She who had released the chylde Jason without preparing him properly and teaching him the intricacies of the Masquerade. Yes, this night would tie many loose ends. Without hesitation, the Greek vampire climbed the stairs, and opened the door.

Conversation ceased immediately. Every member of the room save Allyson paled visibly and cringed as they became aware of the power of this one who had entered.

The prince looked around frantically as though seeking a quick escape.

"Do not bother, Richard. All of the exits have been sealed. I have business here tonight."

From the backpack, Pandora procured lengths of rope. With a mere glance, she had the cooperation of them all. One by one, she tied them securely to their chairs, except for Allyson. "Something special for you," she whispered menacingly. "Sit at your desk and wait until I am finished with them."

Allyson nervously did as she was bidden.

Regina approached Kirsten. "Do you know what danger you brought upon the Kindred, you fool? Your chylde Jason has created two of his own. They were released into the world immediately, without the slightest idea of who or what they had become. You have endangered us all. I will have your explanation now."

Kirsten tried to speak, but fear choked off her words. She had never met any who exuded such power, such strength. Regina caught Kirsten's gaze, and her voice became softer and more melodious.

"My dear, I mean you no ill. We are of one blood here. I have come to help you. To save you from those who seek to do you harm. Tell me why you are here, and perhaps I can convince them to spare you."

Kirsten relaxed visibly, and gazed at Regina with awe and longing.

Allyson felt the cold hand of terror gripping her spine as she watched Regina weaving her spell around the young Toreador.

Kirsten spoke at great length, of how Richard Mouttet had summoned her to this meeting tonight to discuss the situation with her chylde. She had been out of the country until recently, and this was the first opportunity she had to come to Texas. She wished to speak with Jason and his children, to finish their lessons, in an attempt to atone for her misjudgment.

"A fine and noble crusade," Regina stated blandly. "You should have thought of that before you let him leave you." She reached into the duffel bag and brought out a glossy stake. Walking slowly towards Kirsten, she spoke in a soft, lilting cadence, "You have done well to come back here. I know that you can teach these children what they need to know. In fact, I believe your first lesson shall be now."

The Toreador watched her approach, her face rapt with love. Beauty in what she beheld, divinity on earth, perfection of...her thoughts ended as Pandora shoved the stake through Kirsten's heart.

The impaled vampire twitched violently, and became still, as her dress became sodden with the blood of her victims.

The room was suddenly filled with a palpable scent of fear, as the other Kindred present became frantic, attempting to free themselves of their bonds. Pandora laughed cruelly. "Spare yourselves the trouble. None of you will be free. In all of your petty plays for power, you have brought doom and misery upon us all." Reaching again into her bag, she withdrew a large unmarked canister. She opened it, and poured some of its contents onto the inert vampire. The smell of kerosene filled the room. Next, she came to the Prince.

"You had the power to end the problem. You chose to ignore it because they were of your clan. Your sin is greater than hers. For this, I relive you of your position." She soaked him in the liquid, and without warning, plunged another of the polished stakes through his heart.

One by one, Pandora approached the vampires, as Regina recited their crimes of omission and apathy. At last, Regina came to Allyson. Such poise, Regina thought. Terrified beyond her comprehension, and yet she remains at her desk. What a fine one this is. I almost admire her. "You are not like these others. I have looked into your soul and found you guilty of nothing other than a too generous nature. That really is quite unbecoming of a vampire. " She smiled, "I fear that I must put an end to this club of yours. Too often, our sanctuaries become our prisons. You should have never opened this place as an Elysium to all of the Kindred in Dallas and Ft. Worth. It has proven to be your undoing. You have been a fine example of everything your clan has represented in the past. For this, I will grant you a boon. I will let you die comfortably. Come now. It is time."

Allyson looked at Regina, and for the first time understood that this vampire, who the others treated as a harmless lunatic, was possibly one of the most powerful of their kind to walk the earth. She felt, for a moment, proud to have been noticed by one so great. Regina led Allyson to her private quarters behind the office, and opened her coffin for her. "Please, step inside." As the Toreador did so, Regina caught a quick glimpse of her thoughts, and a faint smile touched her lips. "You do, of course, understand that Pandora has to secure the lid. Sleep well, my friend." With that, the coffin closed, and Pandora nailed it tightly shut.

The room and bodies were completely soaked, and all of the exits barred. Pandora opened her backpack, spilling its contents on the floor. Detonators and wires, explosives and fuses. She was a master of her trade, and had the entire club prepared in but a few minutes. She exited the building, and barred that door as well.

Regina walked quietly down the street, as the AllyCat exploded violently, metal shrieking, glass shattering. Her keen ears detected the cries of the trapped vampires as the fire took their lives away. The voices she heard day to day all rose up and cried out as one as her kindred perished. Only one remained silent. Pandora.