[sub]Collab with [@Rockette][/sub]
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/BzTNXgP.jpg[/img][/center]

[indent][i][color=gray]"Your reputation seems well grounded then, monsieur."[/color][/i]

[i]" 'A course, boss lady."[/i]

[i][color=gray]"I trust though that [b]all[/b] of the rodents were put down, I don’t want any survivors remaining, such violence will not be tolerated in one of my establishments."[/color][/i]

[i]"And rest assured, boss, they're all dead. Hell, my hands ain't hurt this bad in[/i] [b]days[/b].[i]"[/i]"

[i][color=gray]"No matter, I trust that you’ve completed the job. I’ll send a contingent of my thralls to clean the place up for business to resume as usual. Proceed to the Rouge at your earliest convenience to receive payment and your next objective."[/color][/i]

[i]" 'S long as you payin' good, boss lady, we're always ready ta help."[/i]

[i][color=gray]"Au revoir, monsieur."[/color][/i]

[i]"G'bye ma'am. And, uh, it's An- "[/i]

A dial tone greeted my ear. She'd hung up.

[i]"...dy."[/i]

[i][color=lightgreen]"Hehe, she hung up on ya?"[/color][/i]

Kiddo chuckled as he stood by my side, a stogie clamped in the corner of his mouth. With a sigh I stowed my phone in my pocket.

[i]"Nice observation, captain obvious. Now listen, we gotta head down to the Rouge. Our first paycheck's due."[/i]

[i][color=lightgreen]"Cool beans, brotha."[/color][/i]

I grimaced and gave him a look as he grinned.

[i]"Jesus fuck, Kiddo, where in the hell didja learn that?"[/i]

[i][color=lightgreen]"One 'a the new guys. Thems the young people lingo, thought I'd try it, see if it made me feel younger. Hehe."[/color][/i]

I rolled my eyes so hard I almost felt them fall out of my head.

[i]"Well the only thing it did was made ya sound like a total douchebag. We ain't young no more, Kiddo. Not since we died."[/i]

I stalked away to the car as Kiddo took his time in catching up with me. I got into the driver's seat as he plopped his fat, undead ass next to mine. With a twist of the key, the engine purred to life and we were off. Kiddo gave me a scowl out of the corner of my eye.

[i][color=lightgreen]"Hey, just so ya know, I resented that last one."[/color][/i]

[i]"Oh really? Which part? The douchebag bit?"[/i]

[i][color=lightgreen]"No. The age bit."[/color][/i]

I exchanged a look with him and we both laughed. Fuckin' asshole.

After we'd calmed down some, Kiddo took a puff from his stogie and voiced his thoughts.

[i][color=lightgreen]"So, who are we doin' this job for again?"[/color][/i]

[i]"Well Kiddo, it's a long story. Sure you wanna hear it?"[/i]

[i][color=lightgreen]"Well, it's a long drive. I ain't got nothin' else ta do."[/color][/i]

I smiled and leaned back in my seat.

[i]"Well, it all started with her.

Maharet Roquelaure. The Lady in Red. My connection to her was older than this, a lot older, back in the city's early days. Keep in mind this was, like, in the twenties.

When I was still alive.

Anyway, back then, I was working for the Santoni family. Big shots, they controlled the whole city. I was one of their enforcers, the dumb muscle. Funny how things turned out in the end with our "agency".

Well, the day I died, I was sent out by Papa Santoni on a job. Someone had fucked with him big time, and we were his answer to that problem. He didn't say who, didn't say how, just gave us an address, guns and a car. Told us to fuck up everything there, leave no stone unturned, except for one thing.

A lady with red hair. He told us that if we found her there, we were to bring her back with us.

Well, long story short: we were sent to fuck the Nyctari. And boy oh boy, were we in for a surprise..."[/i][/indent]
[center][h1]-=- Ninety Years Ago... -=-

[img]http://rs213.pbsrc.com/albums/cc162/djatomika/Mobile%20Uploads/LrMobile0701-2016-103422116095719768_zpsufh3cide.jpeg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip[/img]

[i]Christmas Day, 1929
40 Marlow Heights[/i][/h1]
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTfz36WArSU][/youtube][/center]

[indent]"This the place, huh?"

The car pulled up outside the mansion. Fuckin' amazing place, lovely architecture.

Shame almost everyone in it had to die.

I got out and straightened my hat. The cool, seaside breeze tousled my tie as the lot of us started our walk towards the place. We were armed to the teeth, all of us. Big ol' Thompson machine guns, amazing things. Shotguns too, long metal things that spat fat lead balls. Fuckin' amazing weaponry.

On the word of Papa Santoni, we was to head in there and ice everyone inside. Then, we was to find some gal with red hair, get her and take her outta there and back to Papa. Simple job. Simple fuckin' job. Easy peasy. After we did this, I'd be one step closer ta bein' Papa's right hand man. Paid in the grands, instead of the fuckin' pennies we were bein' given.

The gate to the place was unlocked, of course. No one in these gated places ever bothered. Ain't got no neighbours anyway. We strode our way inside, guns up. No need for surprise. Let them get prepared. We'd mow 'em down all the same.

Besides me, there was, like, fifteen of us. A regular fuckin' army. Santoni's best. We strolled up the driveway towards the mansion all cool like. Damn straight. Must've spooked someone in the house, cause I caught sight of windows closing, curtains being drawn. Action.

I raised my Thompson up at the house. Everyone else did the same.

"Alright boys, fill 'em full 'a lead."[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]

[color=gray]Velvet curtains swayed, falling shut on the soft touches of nails filed to daggers of red sin, like talons of a predator that was calm, languid, and quiet despite the arsenal of guns poised directly on the establishment. Equally ruby lips, dark and slick against the pale planes of a countenance that was hardened like diamonds gleaming in the gloom, lifted into a simper of mocking cheer and through the smile was a multitude of fangs of barbaric nature, akin to the dentures of a beast. 

[/color]"Looks like you have some trash on your door step, my pet."[color=gray] The woman purred, her voice a whisper-soft cadence that bore with it a husk: sultry and deadly, all coiled up in the tall frame swathed in lace, silks, poured into a corset that cinched her waist with a bustle poised high at her spine and spinning lengths of fabric behind her.[/color] "Expecting some company?"

[color=gray]A figure approached the window much the same, peeking through to witness the men gathered below.[/color]

"Looks like Santoni boys..." [color=gray]Eyes of an ebony sludge, oil and slick and dark on his face, narrowed into slits as he inhaled. Sharp whistles slid through nose and lips, fangs poised into a threatening snarl.[/color] "Probably here to settle an issue with us, I wasn't too kind to their boss last time I was in his.. presence. Unless he's here because of you, Maman." [color=gray]He sniffed, and made a show of clapping his hands together, summoning a contingent of pale figures from the shadows of his abode who were armed to the full-brim like the boys stationed outside. [/color]

"Me? Now why would that be, I haven't done anything.. Yet."[color=gray] She laughed, coiling her dark, ebonette hair around her fists and sauntering off to one of the many chaises settled through the room. She slid herself over velvet and golden threads, dancing to whichever tune was sliding through the depths of her mind much to the distraction of the vampires spread through the space. [/color]"This Santoni though... Rumour has been spreading he's after my daughter, foolish girl, she can't stay in doors, has to go out... I wouldn't be surprised if he saw her, and desired her." [color=gray]Her nails speared through fabrics, slicing open the furniture with her obvious displeasure and leaving thick tracks that spewed cotton and revealed the foundations of wood.[/color]

"She will never learn,"[color=gray] Maman spat, bearing the wealth of fangs through her festering mouth. Her companion merely watched on before gesturing to his own men, guns clicked, metal sounding off as bullets slid into the chambers, preparing for an equal retaliation. Another peek through the curtains revealed they were readying to unleash their own guns upon his home and he smirked at that and swept away to his desk, a plethora of buttons, screens and switches brightened to life. Glowing against his mocking grin, he depressed one of his switches and the front doors of the estate suddenly flew open, welcoming the boys into the foyer, small lights flickering to life on either side of the yawning porch that beckoned them forward. The vampires spread through out immediately vanished from their master's office, descending into shadows, preparing the trap as light flooded through the foyer from the night.[/color]

[center]-----[/center]
[indent]"What the hell?"

Suddenly the door opened by itself and the porch lights flickered on. All the boys with me were spooked as all hell.

But fuck it. We were Santoni boys. We were tough.

"Fuck that, light it up fellas!"

We opened up with our guns. Filled the front of the house full of lead. Marble chips, glass, wood, everythin' went everywhere. When the dust settled, the place looked like swiss cheese. I reloaded my gun and took a few steps towards the front porch, then turned and looked at the gang.

"Alright fellas, I want two a youse guys out back, and three out front 'ere. No one gets in or out alive except us. Everyone else? With me, we go in."

With that, I gripped my Thompson tight and took my first few steps into the foyer.

The floor was covered in lush carpet, of course. Totally pitch black though. Only light was from the porch, streamin' in through the doors and windows. The guys filed in behind me and spread out. I could hear 'em complaining already.

"Can anyone see?"
"Can't see shit."
"Someone get the lights. The lights!"

"Ugh for fuck's sake guys someone find the light switch."

I heard someone walk off to the side. Fuckin' amateurs. Least they could hold their guns straight.

"Stay focused fellas. We're here for the girl. Everyone else isn't important."[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]
[color=gray]A collective of hisses, ear-splitting and rattling like serpentine beasts suspended in the perpetual gloom, immediately exploded into the foyer. Splinters fell, disturbed by the swath of darkness conglomerating in the depressing ridges of bullet-riddled furniture and walls, apparitions almost plagued among the boys that stepped across the threshold and melded into the darkness.

Shrieks tore through, echoing through the establishment as a broad, thick chortle eclipsed the disturbing sounds bounding endlessly by constraint. The man who had swept off to the side, desperately groping across the walls for a switch that would never be found - as it did not exist - stood not a chance as slick, ashen-stone fingers grappled his shoulders, thrust him flush against the wall pocketed with shells and ill intent and sunk pallid fangs deep into the veining pulse of his neck. Ruby sin erupted from lips, pooling over a quivering chin and creating a slick path of death over trembling skin now inflamed with the report of nails tearing across the delicate membrane of man. 

Blood-lust descended as soon as sweet copper and salty aromas peppered the air, making it thick with the stench of life and death as a duo of vampires descended upon more of the boys, shout of surprise bloomed; creating terrifying echoes as more vampires followed suit. Following upon their bestial natures and arsenal and disregarding the guns socketed at their hips in holsters or slung about their bodies by straps. Blood was their want and their sin and from somewhere above - tucked away into shadow on the second floor stairwell - a giggle resonated with glowing pools of amethyst watching the destruction with malicious glee.[/color]

"Mongrels..." [color=gray]Maman muttered, curled and tucked against the arm of her companion whom watched his followers throw themselves upon the mortals. A small smirk curved over lips as the vampire dame swayed and pressed against his side, entranced by the wealth of death below them. Every human that fell, she seemed to become more excited, and even when one his own succumbed to bullets riddling their stone-flesh or falling to the retaliation, she seemed to laugh all the more.[/color]

"You're a cruel woman," [color=gray]he whispered, earning a small laugh.[/color]

"You should meet my daughter, her cruelty is much more generous than my own." [color=gray]Maman answered with a small purr, simper wide and bearing her mouth of a horrifying threat. [/color]

[center]-----[/center]
[indent]"Shit!"
"Fuck!"
"[color=red]Aaarr-[/color]"

This was a nightmare. Lights hadn't worked, and as soon as we got comfy they'd jumped us. And these weren't no ordinary goons neither. 

These were vamps. 

Why'd Papa Santoni send us up against vamps?! We needed holy water and fire, not guns!

"Fuck it fellas, everyone inside! Go go go!"

I grabbed one of the guys next to me and ran for it. The rest of the survivors behind me chased my tail as I ran down a random hallway.

Fuck fuck fuck. We weren't gonna survive this.

I just kept running as I heard guys dyin' behind me, underneath gunfire and the snarling and roaring of the bloodsuckers on our tail.

"Andy! How we gonna know when we reach the gal?!"

One of the guys behind me piped up, panting and wheezing from the running. I glanced back at him and glared.

"Just keep running ya moron! She's in here somewheres!"

When I thought we was far enough, I stopped, caught my breath and did a head count. Of the nine guys I'd brought with me in, there was four left. Seriously?! We weren't gonna fuckin' survive this, and I bet your britches Papa Santoni knew it. We was at a cross hall, and I didn't know where to go next. My instincts were tellin' me not to do what I was thinkin' of doin', but fuck it there wasn't any other way.

I turned back to the guys and gave 'em all a good, hard look.

"Alright fellas. These bloodsuckers ain't gonna get the best of us. We're Santoni boys, remember?! Now, best chance we got of findin' this broad is by splittin' up. Vamps got less chance of rippin' us to shreds that way. At least one of us is gonna find the gal. Once you find her, you get the fuck out and leave with the front guards and you make sure to fuck up everything in your way. We'll get the hit and make a quick exit."

"But Andy-"

"Just do it, idiot! If we all stick together, we're dead. If we split up and scour this whole damn place, we'll find her."

With nods of agreements, the rest of the guys split up. I went with one of them down my hall, while the rest took their own ways.

Fuck me, if this wasn't gonna find us our dame, we were all gonna get gutted in here.[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]
[color=gray]The air was rank with death, and she could taste it.

She slid her way from the depths of silk and velvet, slender limbs reaching out from the threads of comfort and luxury that she was sunk into like the traps of luxuriant, rapid, sand. Lashes fluttered and peeled back in languid draws as lips parted and quivering inhales hissed beyond fangs unsheathed from the dimension of sin and fester. Thus, allowing the copper tang to caress over the pallet of her lips and tongue in tandem with the dilating spheres of her irises pulling in light from the gloom, and moonlight to bathe the area in a predator's gaze. Flimsy edges of scarlet pooled around objects, wispy tendrils grasping onto everything within sight as she disengaged herself fully from the refineries of the establishment’s favour.

[i]Humans...[/i]

Maharet carefully examined the confines of the room, having been restricted to the parlour courtesy of her Maman, her lip curled, as a method of lessons and punishment in her previous affairs. After all, when they had met up in Santa Somabra, it had been under the pretenses of meeting old friends and older enemies, simply to make sure of the Nyctari influence within the spires whilst the revenue of drugs and sin continued to fluctuate. Maharet wasn't capable of being sanctioned, no matter her mother's prowess, and it was only the capabilities of her friends that had seen to her current condition, blood-drunk and thus easily to succumb to a killer’s rest. Immaculate gestures palmed and shoved red waves from her brow before she began feeling along the walls, velvet threads catching against the sharpness of her nails that dug through the material until she began clawing the wall fortified beneath the softness of pomp and wealth. The report of gunfire was sharp and quick, immediately silenced by terrifying wails of the dying. Maharet found the seal of the wall easily enough, plying fingers into the small, hidden nook where the concealed door connected and began forcing the brick towards her, revealing the darkened hallway bathed in the thickest of shadows that pinged with blood and hunger. 

She had expected a contingent of the vampire Lord's followers stationed somewhere in the depths of the hall, should she attempt to flee from the hidden chambers, but only the thickness of bereavement was there to greet her. Of course, she had considered that Maman was playing one of her many games, attempting to lure her daughter out so as to chase her down later, always there to ridicule her and shower her in the belittling voice that was more proper for a small babe than a cunning, deceitful woman that was constantly wreathed in decay and rotten intention. She was cruel, vicious, lacking morals and care and used others to her own fulfillment. Maharet shuddered, tightly wrapping her person in a blanket of blackened silk to keep herself further hidden in the gloom - she would make this her escape. 

Maharet carefully toed her way down plush carpeting, using the seduction of shadows to further conceal her attempt as she descended down the hall, but the quick inhales she performed to gather the scents in the establishment came with the sweat of man and her eyes widened, lashes framing the glow of steel and blue as she came upon two of them, guns poised at the ready and fear bathed over their faces. Her lips curled into a snarl, revealing gleaming fangs before she launched forward, shoving one of the men away with her palm, hearing the crack of skin and bone as he flew back against the wall and her opposite palm came across the other, forcing him flush against the wood and hearing it splinter beneath her force and his weight. Her breath was hot and terrifying on his neck, the eyes of the vampire peering sharp as she gazed up at him and spoke:[/color]

"What fools would dare break upon a vampire's abode?"[color=gray] Maharet hissed.[/color] "Why are you here? Are you after the Lady or that foolish, damned Lord that she has snared in her teeth?"

[center]-----[/center]

[indent]"Holy fu -"

[i]crack[/i]

"Jesse!"

Shit.

The dame stalked outta her bedroom like an animal. Batted him away like a leaf. Snapped his neck like a twig. All with one hand. In the other, she had me.

"What fools would dare break upon a vampire's abode? Why are you here? Are you after the Lady or that foolish, damned Lord that she has snared in her teeth?"

I didn't understand the context but I did understand the meaning. 'Sides, her head of red hair was a dead giveaway.

This was our dame. Papa Santoni's prize doll.

"We ain't here for them! We're here for you! Papa Santoni's orders! Gonna get you out and back to him, ASAP!"

I didn't know what else was goin' on in the mansion but I sure as hell was countin' my lucky stars I wasn't anywhere else. I could hear the chaos a ways away. Boys dyin'. My fault for sendin' 'em out there. But hey, sacrifices. We had our dame.

I took a quick glance to the sides and kinda panicked a little when I saw no one else. 

"Look, lady, we gotta get you outta here pronto, otherwise those lugs back there are gonna kill us all. Mainly us, not you. I got guys out the back, but you've been here the longest. If we can make it out the back door, circle round front and get to the cars we'll be safe!"[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]
[color=gray]Maharet's brow contoured in one of confusion, glimmering into the depths of her eyes that were still coiled and sharpened into her predatory instincts. Her palm only compressed that much harder, the wood beneath creaking in dull protest that ached and splintered further as she leaned into him, intent on tearing that glistening throat out to silence the bated heat of his words.

Safety... It was just a tragic word.[/color]

"You can't hope to escape from Maman's clutches, she'll tear you apart herself." [color=gray]She breathed, a peculiar expression creasing the line of her mouth, lips peeling back over her fangs.[/color] "I don't know who you're here for... Or why he wants me," [color=gray]Maharet continued, her palms gradually withdrawing, releasing him from the wall's harsh embrace until she stepped back completely, visibly straining to rein in the qualms of her bestial nature.[/color]

"Escape while you can, otherwise I'll be tempted to feast upon you. I have barely any strength left." [color=gray]She admitted sullenly, glancing down the vacant hall with her fingers cinching tight into fists before flexing outward, like claws of the beast preparing for the onslaught. Briefly, she glanced down to the man she had slain moment before, a quick flush of her nose proved he was still.. fresh.[/color]

"Unless.. You allow me to eat your dead comrade there." [color=gray]Maharet laughed, a tune of depravity reaping through her vocals as more scream fractured the silence of the mansion bathed in death.[/color]

[center]-----[/center]
[indent]"W-well-"

I gasped for air as she let go of me. I fell to a knee, clawing at my bruised throat as she spoke. The words didn't fall on deaf ears. I knew what she wanted.

She wanted to [i]eat[/i] Jesse!

Man. [i]Fuck[/i] no. This ain't what the kid's momma wanted!

But I had no choice.

"F-fuck it, go ahead, dame. If'n we're gonna get outta here alive, we gotta all be at full steam, right?"

I turned so my back was to her. Couldn't bear to watch her...[i]dig in[/i]. Instead I trained my gun down the hall.

Fuck me sideways. If this was the way we was gonna go, I sure as hell wasn't gonna go down without a fight.

"Whatever ya gonna do doll, do it quick! I hear your [i]pals[/i] comin', and they don't sound too happy!"

Her earlier words rang true though. She didn't know who we were. Where we came from.

I had to tell her.

"Dame, we here from Papa Santoni. He likes you, an' he heard you was in the company of some pretty nasty assholes, so he sent us to get ya back to him and away from these people. I'm just here as muscle, lady, I'm as clueless as you are why he wants you back [i]this[/i] badly."[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]
[color=gray]Maharet gauged his reaction with a quiet gaze, loosely poising her lips to part as she inhaled, enveloping his scent into her fold before she descended upon his dead companion. Her teeth were ruthless daggers and razors piercing and shredding deep into the capillaries weeping already for her puncturing tools, skin mere paper. Her fingers clutched him in a near desperation, muscles and sinew still wired and alive from the function of his mind; she didn't voice it aloud, knowing his companion would immediately protest. Instead Maharet tore through his neck, splintering open every flay of skin her nails touched and her mouth graced, almost with contempt as she literally ate the poor boy.

She wasted none on proper conduct, her countenance bathed in red that fell in literal rivers of death down the front of her body and stained her fingers in black. Her eyes glimmered with a renewed sense of energy, the hunter sated for just a moment as her thirst burned and was tempered. Her insatiable blood lust almost burned with the need to take the other, and the brief curl of her lips suggested that thought before his words fell onto her ears and brought the predator back into reality.[/color]

"Come on then pet," [color=gray]Maharet barked then, descending down the hall with an aura of confidence and deadly elegance as the hall swelled with the scent of other vampires. 

It wasn't long in their journey she came across them, they stalked across the plush carpet, nails scraping the walls, hissing and spatting in her direction like beasts released from their tethers. Maharet grinned, a malicious simper the carved wide into her pallid cheeks as she came upon them with mouth agape and tearing into their bodies of stone with tooth and claw, she twisted the neck of one and used the splinter of bone to puncture another, allowing none to grace her body in injury. She twisted and thrust one vampire into the wall, sending his body carving a path through the wood and stone and immediately followed through the temporary detour.[/color]

"This way,"[color=gray] she muttered, picking over the body of the vampire impaled on splinters and decimated beneath her brutality.[/color] "We can get to the back from here."[color=gray] Maharet felt along the wall, letting her eyes dilate and pull in light, purposely forcing her footfalls to echo in the brief chamber for her human comrade to follow.[/color]

[center]-----[/center]
[indent]"J-Jesus wept, lady."

I heard her gorgin' herself on Jesse's corpse. Them sounds...[i]awful[/i].

[i]Fuck me[/i]. This was a nightmare.

Oh my god I wanted out [i]so badly[/i].

"Come on then pet."

I turned, forcing myself not to look down at what remained of poor Jesse as the lady stood. Fuck, she still looked [i]amazing[/i] even with all that crimson cascading down her front. With a weary nod I got on her tail, shouldering my gun in case of anything.

Round and about we went. This place was huge! Like a fuckin' maze! But eventually we got somewhere. I knew 'cause we bumped into some of her "friends". I didn't even get my gun up before she tore into 'em like an animal. Both of 'em were dead before I'd even flinched!

[i]Holy shit[/i]! Remind me never again to get on a vamp's bad side.

"This way. We can get to the back from here."

"You got it, lady."

I picked through the corpses and followed her. She wasn't hard to follow; her red hair was like a torch in the dark. I kept glancin' behind me, in case any more of 'em [i]freaks[/i] came up at us from behind.[/indent]
[center]-----[/center]

[color=gray]Maharet almost, briefly, felt a swell of confidence the further they managed to make it further and further into the hallways, making progress towards their final reprieve. She had to admit, with a careful glance over her shoulder, that her current charge had done well enough to stomach the alarming amount of death that reaped through every inch of the manor. No wall was left cleansed of matter and blood, ebony pools tinged red on the edges, and every shadow withheld the possibility that they were being followed. The latter is what Maharet dreaded most of all, she was almost positive wards had been effectively implemented through out her holding chambers, and as soon as she had vacated the prison, Maman would've immediately been shadowing her attempt to retreat. She vaguely pondered if it was because she had recently fed, or having this man here with her was poising off the other mistress, which ever the circumstance, she was entirely blessed for the temporary sanctuary.

But, she was so very wrong...

A terrible screech, akin to the wail of a banshee, tore through her head, weathering her down to the crutch of her knees with her nails spearing into her temples; clawing at the skin until red fluids came fresh and thick against the curvature of her palms. Maharet screamed, a terrible sound from the wailing crescendo within her head that literally struck her thick in the throes of terrifying agony.

Soft, peeling laughter bloomed in the shadows then, sliding along thickly with the scarlet vampires terrifying cries. Amethyst eyes peered from the gloom, followed elegantly by blinding fangs and red lips, smooth skin unmarred like alabaster and wreathed in thick webs of blood and grey matter fringed in slick ebonies. 

	[/color]"You thought you could run..." [color=gray]Maman purred, bending at the waist to caress against the slender jaw of Maharet, lips parted at her wonder and laughter until her wrist flicked, fingers poised and her hand drew back, quick and effortless until she swung down, nails biting thick into her cheek and leaving Maharet helpless against the ruthless strike from Maman. Her nails were skin to claws, impaling the stone flesh of her countenance and leaving thick tracks, slicing into her mouth carving into the bone of her jaw from the brutal force. Maharet fell, blood thick and heavy like tar pooling against the carpet as she collapsed at the feet of her mother. 

That's when the ebonette vampire noticed him. Glowing pools fell onto him, immediately eclipsing with a murderous intent as she approached him, lips parted and the heat of her breath wrought with strings of flesh. Her hands lashed out, tearing away his weapon with ease, immediately crunching the metal within her palms and tossing the useless heap aside, and descended upon him without hesitation.

	[/color]"Sorry my dear... Can't leave anyone alive."

[color=gray][h2][I]And then her fangs fell...[/i][/h2][/color]
[center]-----[/center]
[indent][i]"And that's the story 'a my life. Touching, ain't it?"[/i]

[I][color=lightgreen]"Fuck me, no that was awful!"[/color][/i]

I had to roll my eyes. Asshole was tryin' ta be smart. I slapped him upside the back of his head and sighed. 

[I][color=lightgreen]"Ow! Wha-"[/color][/i]

[i]"Shut it, dumbass. We're here."[/i]

I pulled the sedan in to the Rouge's foyer. Place was massive. Marble and satin and silk. Deep red carpet on the floor. Didn't stop the place from reekin' like vamp. No matter how much you cleaned, nothing got rid of the smell of copper. Got out, slammed the door, drew my coat in tight. Was fuckin' cold tonight. Valet took our car as we exited. Kiddo followed me as we walked up the steps to the place. First time I was steppin' into a vamp nest since all those years ago. Felt friggin' weird.

As we walked up the steps, I took a small spray bottle out from my coat and gave myself a liberal dose of it all over my torso. Then I tossed it at Kiddo, who caught it, though off-guard.

[i][color=lightgreen]"Hey! What the-"[/color][/i]

[i]"It's cologne, wise guy. We smell like rot, 'n  vamps fuckin' hate that smell. Reminds 'em of their own unlife. Cover yourself with that. Give yerself a good liberal spray. Makes ya bearable."[/i]

With a grimace, he took my advice and sprayed himself with the rest of the bottle. He tossed it back to me and I kept it as we approached the front door. Looked like a regular ball inside.

I'd phoned ahead before the history lesson. They were expecting us. As we reached the front door a tall man greeted us.

"Are the two of you the Lost Boys, sirs?"

Kiddo gave me a look. I returned it, then nodded to the man. He was obviously under their spell. Wasn't here nor there. His eyes told the whole story.

[i]"Yeah. We are."[/i]

"May I take your coats and hats then, sirs? You are expected. Madam Roquelaure is waiting for you in her private parlour."

[i]"Uh...okay sure, why not."[/i]

I took off my overcoat and hat and handed it to the guy, who also took Kiddo's trench and fedora. Left me in my waistcoat and tie. With a wave of his hand, he ushered us inside.

"Please enjoy your stay, sirs, and welcome to the Rouge."

I nodded thanks and went inside. The smell hit me first before anything else. Perfume, lots of it. And underneath that, copper. Heavy.

Fresh.

Amazing what bein' dead grants ya.

I strolled right in and grabbed two tumblers of whiskey off a passing waiter and his tray. Around me the crowd didn't seem to notice us, but we still attracted attention anyway. Two corpses strolling through a packed ballroom will do that.

The crowd parted as word spread of our arrival. I heard whispers. Faint. Mentions of our infamy. People who recognised us. Recognised me. People who didn't.

Didn't care. We were here for someone else.

As we approached the grand looming staircase that led to the parlours and rooms out back, a lady clad in a dress greeted us.

"Sirs? The Lost Boys? Madam Roquelaure is expecting you, please follow me."

Without waiting she wheeled right around and strode off, her heels clacking noisily on the marble floor. Kiddo gave me a shrug, I returned it, we moved on. The murmurs behind us grew louder. I heard more whispers. Who were these guys? What business did they have with Lady Crimson?

Again. Didn't matter. Didn't care. We were here on business.

The thrall led us through one hallway after another. Like a maze, this place was. Reminded me of the original mansion back in the 20s. 

Beside me, Kiddo voiced his concerns.

[i][color=lightgreen]"What if she doesn't remember ya, Andy? Ain't ya worried?"[/color][/i]

I gave him a glance and shrugged.

[i]"I ain't. Vamps like these, they got a memory like an elephant. Remember everything. Don't you worry your little head off."[/i]

Eventually though, we reached a grand sorta door. Small but it was real fancy like. All gold trimmings and velvet padding. The lady thrall stopped, turned right around and gestured to the door.

"Please, enter. Madam is waiting."

Without a second thought, I put my hand on the door and went in.

[i]"Madam Roquelaure? Remember me?"[/i][/indent]