X-Men: Black
Fire
By Paradox
6
Although only one in the morning, the club had been closed down early so the interrogation could take place freely, without any possible breaches of the Masquerade. Ash had two of the ghouls take up guard positions at the entrance with a couple more taking up positions at any other access point of the club. When Kitty and Cole reached the front door, he only nodded at the two men, who nodded back and allowed them inside.
As soon as they walked in, Kitty knew that some very bad things were going to happen that night. There were only a few scant vampires, but Kitty could feel their power, emanating from them like heat from a furnace. Priest himself seemed to dwarf the others, his visage like that of a prowling tiger in a cage, waiting to strike. Most of the others seemed to stay away from him with the exception of Ash, who stood close by and spoke in hushed tones with the Prince.
Yet the greatest force in the room, Kitty could tell, was Cole. Raw power literally poured off of him. With his emotions running so high with anticipation, she saw magickal energy crackling along his form every so often. Every vampire in the room offered proper courtesy, bowing their heads in greeting or offering words of welcome. When the two arrived next to the Prince and Archon, they both looked over. Kitty immediately felt their gaze rake across her, drawing a shiver from the young mutant. Whats going on? she asked.
Weve got the punk who came after you, Ash explained, Hammers bringing him over now. He should be here in a few minutes.
Whos in charge of the interrogations? Cole asked, his voice betraying his own desire to be placed in such a position.
I am, Priest said, his tone bucking any argument.
Coles eyes narrowed as he looked at the Prince. You know I want in on this Priest.
The Prince nodded. I know, and youll be in on it, but Im in charge of this.
Always, Cole grumbled, spinning and heading for the bar to get a drink.
Kitty looked after him and then turned back to Ash and Priest. So, what are you going to do to the guy when you get him, torture?
Ash shrugged. If we need to. I figured we could start with vampire mind techniques first.
Where were you two all night, Priest interjected, I would think that Cole would be out hunting this guy down himself.
Oh, we were just with some friends of his. He thought I needed to relax I guess.
Ash cocked an eyebrow and looked her up and down. Nice dress.
Thanks, Kitty blushed, Cole bought it for me while I was asleep today.
Priest looked at Ash with raised eyebrows, who mirrored the look. What? Kitty asked.
Nothing, Priest said with a shake of his head, Anyway, I want you to talk to this guy too. Recognizing him may be important too, do you remember what he looked like?
Kitty shook her head. Not really, it was dark in the room.
And hes a vampire, Priest finished, Any way you can identify him as the one?
Kitty shrugged. I dont know, but I think so.
Good enough.
A moment later, the doors to Elysium opened and Hammer walked in, the small form bound and tossed over his shoulder looking small and insignificant. He was about thirty and good-looking, but his complexion was extremely pale. Kitty guessed he hadnt fed for a while. Ive got Ricky, he announced, tossing the figure from his shoulder to the middle of the dance floor, a good thirty feet. As soon as the man landed, he thrashed about and hissed, his fangs gnashing at the air. Kitty pressed herself against Cole, her fingers clutching his arm.
What is it? Cole asked as looked at her.
Its him, she whispered.
What? he said, his eyes wide. Are you sure?
She nodded just as the vampires eyes locked onto hers. His thrashing stopped and a smile crept over his pale lips. Oh, back for more chickie? He whispered, yet the voice seemed as loud as if hed been yelling directly into her ear, You were pretty sweet last time.
Coles eyes suddenly flashed with magickal energy. The vampire, Ricky, was lifted up by some unknown force and hurled into the wall. He was then spun around and slammed down on one of the chairs turned upside-down on a table. The wooden leg drove up through his back, exploding out his chest in a spray of blood. The vampire howled in pain. Kitty cried out in fear and turned her head into Coles coat.
What the hell are you doing? Priest yelled.
Thats him, Cole growled.
How do you know?
Didnt you hear him?
The Prince shook his head. No, whatd he say?
Cole looked over at the vampire, thrashing about and screaming in pain. Well he aint in torpor, ask him yourself.
Priest narrowed his eyes and walked over to the vampire. Whatd you just say Ricky?
Nothing! Ricky yelled, I didnt say nothing! His gaze flickered and his eyes locked with Kitty once more. This time, his smile was knowing. It was like he knew he could get out of this situation and was promising he would be back to finish the job hed started.
Kitty screamed. Cole held her tightly, muffling her screams against him. Its okay, he soothed, he cant hurt you.
Hes the one that tried to kill me, Kitty cried, Its him!
Priest looked from Kitty to Ricky and grabbed the vampire by the front of his bloodied shirt, pulling him off the chair leg and slamming him onto the floor. What have I warned you about Ricky? Priest asked dangerously.
Fuck you! the vampire spat.
Priest looked at Kitty. Are you sure this is the guy?
Kitty nodded. Yeah, its him.
Ash took a drag from his cigarette and stepped up. Hold on folks, lets think about this for a minute. Priest threw him a glare. Hold on, big fella, Ash said, Think about it, Ricky doesnt have the power to go into peoples minds, hes only Rabble.
The group all stopped and thought about that. Youre right, Cole said, Theres no way he could have gone into her mind and block her powers. He disengaged from Kitty and walked over to Ricky, kneeling down beside him. Who are you working for Ricky?
Go to hell!
Cole smiled and curled the fingers of one hand. Instantly, a ball of flame crackled to life in his palm. We can go easy or hard, your choice. The vampire only glared at him. Fine, have it your way. He flicked his fingers and the fireball enveloped Rickys leg. The vampire screamed in agony and desperately tried to put the flames out. After ten seconds of the leg burning, the flames disappeared and another ball of flame had appeared in Coles hand. You chose where the next one goes.
Jessica! Ricky howled, Its Jessica! She wanted me to go after the girl. She said she wouldnt prove any problem.
Why?
I dont know, she said she was threatening her business and needed to be eliminated, thats all I know.
Cole smiled. Thanks. He slammed the ball of fire into the vampires open mouth and down his throat. Standing up, he turned and started back towards Kitty and Ash as the vampire exploded into a ball of flame.
Priest dove out of the way of the fire and yelled, Dammit Cole, I wanted him alive!
The mage looked over his shoulder at Priest. Amazingly, Kitty saw the Prince close his mouth and turn away. No one ever shut up Priest. As the mage walked back over to the group, he looked at Ash. We go after Jessica, now.
Are you sure? Ash asked, I dont think thats a good idea right now.
Cole sneered at the vampire. Youre talking like a Blue-blood, I thought you had Outlander blood in your veins.
Ashs eyes narrowed and blazed red. Give me a reason why I shouldnt kill you right now.
Because Jessicas a much better kill, Cole said with a wicked smile.
Ash returned the smile and nodded. All right, lets do it.
Im coming with you.
Both Cole and Ash looked at Kitty. Excuse me? Ash asked in surprise.
Kitty folded her arms. If shes the one whos stopped me from using my powers, I want to be in on this.
Jessicas a vampire Kitty, youd be slaughtered.
Kitty glared at Cole and jammed and finger into his chest. You listen to me Cole Raven, Ive been fighting bad guys like her since I was thirteen. I think I can handle myself.
Cole looked at Ash for advice and was only rewarded with a shrug. All right, Cole finally agreed, Ash, give her a gun or two. Why dont you go change clothes Kitty, you have your uniform?
Left it back in Winchester.
Ive got something for her, Priest offered, walking up, Just look in the closet in my office.
Kitty looked Priest up and down. Im not so sure...
The Prince smiled. Relax, their womens clothes, and theyre all used by vampires getting ready to go into a fight. Im sure youll find something.
Kitty nodded and raced up into Priests office. As soon as she was out of earshot, Priest leaned in close to Cole and said, Are you sure you want her along with you?
What do you mean? Shes been an X-Man for years, I think she can hand one vampire with our help.
Yeah, but she had her mutant powers then. Right now, shes a normal human.
Cole narrowed his eyes. Priest, shes been trained by guys almost as good as me, I think she can handle it.
The Prince cocked an eyebrow. Who taught her?
Remember the Weapon X program?
Ashs eyes went wide. Of course we remember it, we were the ones that broke into the place and took out five of their best experiments.
You remember the files you picked up on a guy named Logan?
Priest nodded cautiously. Yeah.
Logan is Wolverine of the X-Men, and he taught Kitty himself.
Both Priest and Ash looked at each other in shock for a moment and then back at Cole. She goes, they both said.
Im glad you feel that way, a voice said from above them. The three turned to see Kitty in a lycra body suit that molded to her gentle curves perfectly. Cole forced down the emotions that had started tidalwaveing through him.
Where did you get that? he asked shakily.
Kitty shrugged. It was the only thing I found in the closet that would work with what we have to do tonight.
Cole looked at the Prince. Priest shrugged and smiled sheepishly. Rebecca bought it a year ago.
Cole sighed and shook his head. It would belong to that sex fiend.
Priest smiled and licked his lips. Oh yeah.
Kitty descended the stairs, the three men watching how the body suit formed to each supple movement. Any of you guys got a weapon I can use?
Both Priest and Ash started reaching for guns when Cole drew a katana sword from within his coat. I keep this for special occasions. I cant think of a more special one.
Thanks, Kitty said, taking the sword and buckling across her back. Well, shall we?
Ill stay back here, Priest said, If you need me, Ill have your phones on an open com line. Just yell and Ill be there.
All right, Cole said with a nod as he pulled out his two Glocks and chambered a round in each. Lets do this. The group walked out of the club. Just before the doors closed behind them, Ashs voice floated back to Priests ears.
Lets get dangerous.