Chapter 4

"Kitty's Past"

"Good morning Central Plaza! This is DJ Defiance with your morning news! Before we get to all the juicy gossip of the day, here's Paramore with their hit single Ain't It Fun!"

The music from my alarm clock echoed throughout my room. I awoke in frustration, wanting so badly to go back to sleep.

Can I please just stay in bed today? I thought to myself.

I picked up my phone and checked to see if I had any missed calls. I noticed the date and my eyes widened slightly.

That's right…..today's the 20th, which means….

000

A young man and woman step out of the train, looking around.

"So this is where she's been for five years. Quite cozy." The young man said.

"Hope you're ready to make things up to her for being gone for so long, Matthew." The young woman teased. "Five years without a phone call or letter could really piss somebody off."

"Oh shut up, Crystal. I told her that I wouldn't be able to contact her. She knows." He suddenly gulps. "Then again….if the rumors I hear of her training in Irem are true then I'm screwed."

The young woman patted him on the back. "Well, we better go make sure she's doing okay. After all…." She stopped, her tone saddening a bit. "Today is the 20th."

000

The clubhouse was quiet, as usual. Everyone was getting ready for a high ranks meeting having to do with, whom else, RMK&Q. I sat in the Godmother's chair, sighing in frustration.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Amy asked.

"Nothing, just a bit tired. I couldn't sleep last night." I said while slumping in my chair.

"Well, hopefully the meeting shouldn't be too long. Then you can go home and get some sleep."

The double doors of the clubhouse opened and a young man and woman stepped in.

"Who the fuck are you? Get out of here!" Justyn yelled.

"Did you hear something, Crystal? Was that a fly?" the young man asked.

"Hey, I'm talking to you, asshole!" Justyn yelled again.

"I don't think it was a fly, Matthew. It's just a pissed off leprechaun." She teased.

Everyone laughed and Justyn was furious. "Why you….." he charged for the both of them and Matthew simply put out his hand and tossed him aside like a ragdoll.

The guards acted cautious, aiming their guns at them. James called them off, but still kept an eye on them both.

"Can I help you?" Don asked, still chuckling at their joke towards Justyn.

"We're looking for your Godmother, Kitty Johnson. We're old friends."

"That would be me. Come on over and-" I stopped, a large smile stretching across my face. "Oh my God!" I screamed.

I ran over to Matthew and jumped into his arms. I kissed him on the forehead and gave him a playful smack on his head. "You son of a bitch! When did you get here?!"

"Just a few minutes ago. We wanted to surprise you." Matthew said with a smile.

He put me down and I gave Crystal a hug as well. "I can't believe you guys are here! This just made my day!"

Amy cleared her throat and I chuckled nervously. "Oh, sorry, let me introduce you. Everyone, these are my old friends Matthew and Crystal." I looked to them. "Crystal, Matthew, these fine people are the high ranked members of Sicilyz Finest Men and Women!"

Everyone shook their hands and went back to what they were doing.

"Guys, I'm heading down to the dojo to catch up with these two."

"Sure thing Kitty, we'll start the meeting later." Don replied.

I walked down to the dojo with Crystal and Matthew.

"So you're in a family now? No surprise there." Matthew teased.

"Oh, hush!" I yelled. I suddenly got serious. "Are you two here for them?" I asked.

They both nodded.

"We were going to visit their graves today. Are you going?" Crystal asked.

I nodded. "Yeah….I go every year. I'll go with you guys."

"Have you had any threats lately?" Crystal suddenly asked.

My eyes widened in surprise. "Unless you mean the usual threats I receive as Godmother of a mafia family, then no. Why?"

"We think that some mercenaries have been hired recently to come after you and Matthew. We don't know who, or why, but you need to be careful."

"Great….as if I didn't have enough to worry about." I joked.

"Let's go ahead to the cemetery….will your Godfather let you go?" Matthew asked.

"Yeah, he will. He won't know why, but I hope he doesn't have to. If these mercenaries are after me, I don't want them getting involved. I won't let anyone else die because of me again."

000

After Matthew, Crystal and I visited the cemetery, I left them both to meet everyone in Central Plaza for some recruiting and down time. We all stood in Central Plaza, eyeing the crowds and hanging out. James and Mikey were having a smoke, while Don and Justyn talked among each other. Ashely and EJ kept close to my side, though I didn't think they needed to. Amy was talking to a possible recruit and Hulio typed away at his computer.

I stretched my arms above my head, still trying to act like nothing was bothering me. I glanced around the area when I noticed someone acting quite suspicious. He stood in the opening of an alleyway, staring at us. He removes his hood to cough and my eyes widened.

He noticed that I saw him and immediately ran into the alley. I sprinted after him, not even answering Don's yell behind me.

I continued sprinting into the alleyway, right on his butt. He knocked over a trashcan and I jumped over it. He cursed as he ran, trying desperately to lose me. I got close enough to tackle him to the ground.

The man grunted and tried to break free by throwing lousy punches. I punched him in the face and continued to do so.

"Where is he?!" I yelled.

"Fuck you! Crazy bitch, I don't know what you're talking about!" he yelled back. I punched him in the face again.

"Why were you watching me?! You prick!" I yelled as I punched him in the face a third time.

"I want your sexy ass in my bed." He teased with a mouthful of blood. He laughed and I punched him, yet again.

I felt someone grab under my arms and pull me off.

"Kitty! Kitty, calm down!" Don's voice yelled.

"Let me go!" I yelled.

"Not unless you calm down!" he yelled back.

James and Mikey held the guy and he continued to cough.

"Damn Kitty, you fucked him up!" Justyn exclaimed.

"Hell hath no fury." Ashley and EJ said in unison.

"James, you lock this fucker up so I can get some answers out of him!" I yelled.

James flinched slightly. "Uh, okay…but why? Is he a threat to the family?"

"He might as well be. I'm sure he has some buddies hiding somewhere ready to play target practice on me." I said coldly, glaring at him.

"Kitty who is this guy and why is he after you?" Don asked.

"Let's just say my past is coming back to bite me in the ass." I said while crossing my arms. "I just didn't know when."

000

The drive back to the clubhouse was quiet. More than likely no one dared to ask me what was up due to my attitude. I could only stare into the rearview mirror at him, my blood boiling more than usual.

Out of nowhere, the guy started laughing.

"Shut up! What's so funny?!" Ashley yelled.

A creepy smirk formed on the man's face. He nodded his head forward. "That."

I turned and my eyes widened. "AMY!"

000

The sound of tires being blown out echoed and the van began to swerve.

Don, James, EJ, Justyn and Mikey watched in horror as the van in front of them began turning multiple times on its side.

"Shit!" Mikey yelled as he slammed on the brakes. They came to a complete stop, quickly climbing out of the car.

EJ sprinted to the van, yelling his sister's name.

Don, Mikey, James and Justyn followed to the now smoking van. Glass was everywhere along with pieces of the vehicle.

"Kitty, Amy! You two alright?! Answer me!" Don yelled.

"Ashley, can you hear me?! Ashley, say something!" EJ yelled desperately.

A slight groan came from within the van.

"Kitty!" Don yelled again.

"Yeah…..I….heard you." she slowly starts to crawl out of the passenger side window, commando style. Don and Mikey helped her up.

"James, help me with the door!" EJ yelled frantically, using his blades' sheathe to pry it slightly open. James grabbed the slightly opened part and pulled it toward him.

Ashley lay inside, motionless, as blood began staining her blonde hair. The prisoner next to her was dead due to a broken neck. EJ ran to his sister's side and carried her out.

Justyn and Hulio were helping Amy, who was conscious but stuck in her seat upside down.

"Amy, hold still!" Justyn yelled as he shot a bullet at the seatbelts lock. It broke apart and Amy could finally get free.

"What happened?" Don asked, moving Kitty to sit down on the curb.

"There's a guess." Hulio stated while pointing to something on the ground.

"Are you serious?!" Don yelled, picking up a nail. Hundreds were scattered in a line, stretching from one side of the road to the other.

"These were strategically placed, like someone knew we were coming this way."

"Now's not the fucking time!" EJ yelled. "We have to get my sister to the infirmary!"

Sirens echoed a few blocks away and everyone scrambled.

"Let's get out of here!" Justyn yelled.

"Kitty, can you walk?" Don asked.

She nodded. "Yeah, I'm just a little shaken."

"Here, I'll help you anyway." He glances over at Mikey. "Go help James with Amy, I've got her."

Everyone ran down the nearest alley as Hulio mapped out a shortcut back to the clubhouse. They could have explained what happened to the authorities, but since they were members of the mafia….they didn't want to risk it.

000

EJ burst through the doors, cradling his sister in his arms. He immediately ran into the infirmary. James and Mikey helped Amy as she limped, also heading for the infirmary.

My head continued to pound, almost making me dizzy. I sat down on the nearest couch and Don handed me a glass of water. I nodded to him in thanks, not saying a word.

"Kitty!" I heard someone yell.

Matthew burst through the clubhouse doors, hugging me tight.

"Thank God! What happened?" he asked with concern.

"Someone didn't want us to get to him." I said coldly, my grip tightening around the cup.

"Him?" he asked. I simply gave him a look and his eyes widened. "You mean 'him'? As in 'him' him?!" he yelled suddenly.

I nodded. "It's like you said. They're back and out for blood." I chuckled. "At least the guy died in the crash, but who knows who else will be after us."

"Who? What's going on, Kitty?" Don asked. "Who was that guy you beat up in the alley?"

"A mercenary." I answered. "This isn't the first time I've run into him. Even Matthew knows him and….wait, have you contacted Crystal, Matthew?!" I yelled suddenly, grabbing his shoulders.

"Yes, I let her know too. She should be fine." He answered.

I sighed in relief. "Thank God."

"You care to explain?" Don asked.

"Kitty, are you sure?" Matthew asked me with a concerned look.

I nodded. "I won't tell them everything."

"Why not?!" Justyn yelled.

"It's none of your damn business, you little prick!" Matthew yelled at Justyn suddenly.

"All you need to know is that I was a mercenary for two years. Two years before I joined the family, to be exact. The government made it seem like it was easy. Because we were orphans, no one would miss us. So, Matthew, myself and five others joined the program. By the time we were finished, we were sent on a mission without any specific Intel."

"So, you're saying that the mission they sent you on was pretty much suicidal?"

I nodded. "Yeah, we were pretty much guinea pigs."

"Shit…." James breathed.

"Our friends….Nathan, Alex, Mira and Zander…..all four of them died that day…." Matthew put a hand on my shoulder, a heartfelt smile forming on his face.

"Today's the anniversary of their death. That's why I always take the day off on this specific day."

"Crystal survived because she was merely our pilot, but that doesn't mean she doesn't miss them. They were her friends too." Matthew finished for me.

"How did you and Matthew survive?"

"Justyn, that's enough. She doesn't need to say anymore." Don stated. "Kitty, we're sorry we pried like that. We just-"

I shook my head. "It's okay. Truth is, I'm glad I was able to tell you. Crystal, Aden and I have been keeping it to ourselves for so long. It actually feels good to finally get it off my chest."

"Come on, let's get you to the infirmary and get those cuts looked at." Matthew stated with a hand on my shoulder.

No one asked anymore questions. The room got silent and I simply walked to the infirmary with Matthew.

000

I walked into the infirmary, holding my wrist. I sighed out in frustration and sat on the nearest cot. I hear the infirmary door lock but simply ignored it.

"Hello, Godmother. What ails you?" the nurse next to in front of me asked.

"Well, a broken wrist and I want to make sure everything's okay in my head. I have a large gash and a possible concussion."

"I see…." I watched as the nurse brought the tray of surgical tools over and medicine. "It seems that I have to operate."

"What?" I looked up to see a scalpel coming towards me. I grabbed the nurses wrists, keeping her attack at bay. The left side of her face was severely scarred from burns.

The other nurses in the room screamed, putting themselves into a corner.

"I'm okay." I groaned. "Someone stay by Ashley's side!" I yelled to the nurses.

"Don't move! Or I slice your precious Godmother's throat!"

I glared at her, still keeping the scalpel away.

000

Everyone heard the screams coming from the infirmary. Don and the others ran over but couldn't open the door.

"What the fuck?!" EJ yelled, trying to bust open the door.

"Let me help." James stated and they both pushed their bodies against the door.

"Shit, we can't get in there!" EJ yelled.

"Kitty?! What's going on?!" Don yelled, only to be answered with silence.

000

The scalpel was almost a few inches from my throat. I held her wrists and tried desperately to keep the scalpel from slicing my throat.

"I'm surprised you're keeping me away from killing you, seeing as how you have that broken wrist."

I looked at her more closely and I then imagined her without the burn marks on her face. I chuckled to myself at the irony.

"Twice in one day. Why am I not surprised." The 'nurse' continued her attempt to kill me and I smirked at her.

"Hello Veronica, how's your burnt face? Are the men treating you well with that hideous look of yours?" I asked her with a smirk. I chuckled. "What am I even saying, of course they aren't. If anything, they're afraid of you."

"I don't know who you are, child. But anyone who says anything about my face will die."

"It's a shame that Molotov didn't completely burn all your hair off." I stated.

Her eyes widened. "Y-you?! But-" she was caught off guard and I managed to release her grip on the scalpel. I elbowed her in the face and kicked her away.

She stumbled and wiped blood from the corner of her mouth. She smirked again.

"My, my…..it appears you've grown since the last time I saw you, little girl."

"I'm not the 'little girl' I use to be, Veronica. It's time for you to pay for what you did to Mira!"

Veronica snickered and made a fake expression. "Aww, is the little girl sad. It wasn't my fault that your little agency trained such weak, weak children."

"Shut the fuck up!" I yelled. "Before I add a second scar to that fucked up face of yours!"

Veronica grew angry at my remark. "You will pay for what you did to my face, you ignorant bitch!"

"Yeah, yeah, all bark no bite. Come on!" I yelled.

"Kitty, what's going on?!" I heard James yell outside the door.

"Just a minute!" I yelled.

She came at me with a fast swing of the scalpel. I dodged and jumped into the air, swinging my left leg around. She blocked my kick with her arms and attempted to kick me back.

I dodged again, vaulting into a backflip off of her chest. I landed on my hands into a handstand and split my legs apart. I used my hands to turn my body in a circular motion and my legs extended outward. Each turn of my body brought more force to my kicks and Veronica was sent flying into the door.

The door fell off its hinges and I heard the others yell in alarm.

"Grab her!" I yelled.

Don and Mikey held her and she tried to struggle free. I briskly walked up to her and she smirked again. "Are you going to kill me, little girl?"

"No." I simply said as I punched her in the face, knocking her out.

The others flinched and stared at me with eyes as wide as silver plates.

"You're not worth it." I said to the unconscious Veronica. I looked up to James who gulped nervously. "Lock this bitch up. Use a zip tie though, handcuffs won't cut it."

"Y-yes ma'am."

I walked back into the infirmary and sat on a cot. "Any other nurses want to try to kill me?" I asked coldly.

No one answered and a nurse brought me a cup of water.

"That's what I thought."

000

"Still alive?!" Craig yelled as he kicked a recruit in the shin. "Can anything kill these vermin?!" he glared at Arlene. "I thought you said they were weak!"

"I thought they were! I didn't expect Kitty to learn from the yakuza or stuff like that."

Craig smacked her across the face. "That's not good enough! I want that Godmother dead! I want them to feel sorrow and pain! They are nothing but dirt under my boots! I want them DEAD!"

"Then we should get straight to it then." Hawk put in. "Why don't we just go in there and kill them? It'll be quick and we don't have to hide like a bunch of pussies."

"Are you calling me a pussy, Hawk?" Craig asked coldly.

"N-no….no sir. I was just saying…."

"SHUT UP! For the love of god shut the fuck up!" Craig yelled. He snapped his fingers. "Send a challenge note to the high ranking officers. We'll meet at the old Gothic Cathedral. Then we will see who is truly superior." An evil grin stretched across his face.

000

"Who is she?" James asked.

"Veronica Pavlov."

"Okay, are we burying this bitch, or what?" Justyn asked.

I just rolled my eyes. "Anyway, she's a Russian mercenary sent to kill me. I saw her five years ago on the very mission my friends died in. She was there to kill me and Matthew after we were rescued."

"I'll kill that bitch!" Matthew yelled.

Veronica held her index finger towards us.

"She's not worth it, Matthew. It's over and she can't break free. She's under constant watch so don't worry." I looked over to Hulio. "Can you see if we can get a reward for turning this bitch in?"

"Sure thing, I'll see what I can do."

Matthew sighed out and put a hand on my shoulder. "You ready?" he asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm hoping that's the last bit of excitement today."

"You and me both." Don replied. "We'll see you later Kitty. Have a good night."

I waved goodbye and walked out with Matthew to his car.

000

I opened the door to my house and we walked in.

"Damn, it's cold out there." Matthew said as he put his coat on the hanger.

"Can I get you some wine?" I asked him. "I'll get a fire started too."

"That sounds good right about now." He said, sitting on the couch.

"Alright, I'm going to get changed upstairs. You want to get your things from downstairs?" I asked.

"Yeah, I'll change in your bathroom."

"Pull back the blue, then green, then yellow books in that order. Your stuff is under the stairs. You can change in the bathroom down there."

Matthew gave me a confused look. "Uh, okay."

I changed into some pajama pants and a loose fitting t-shirt. I came back down to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of red wine with two wine glasses. I sat myself down on the couch, taking in the warmth of the fire.

"A dojo….and here I thought you left all that behind." I heard Matthew tease behind me.

I handed him his glass of wine. "Well, I am the Godmother of SFM, so…." I smiled up at him. He sat next to me and I lay m head on his shoulder. I watched as he took a sip of wine. He looked down at me and gave me a confused look. One I hadn't see from him in a long time. I laughed.

"What?"

I shook my head. "Nothing….I'm just glad you're here. I've always had to deal with their deaths alone. It was pretty hard."

"Well, you're not alone this time."

"Do you have to leave again?" I asked him.

"Sadly, yes. I've missed you these whole five years but I always carry this with me." he pulls out a photo. The one we took in our uniforms in Central Plaza.

"I have this picture upstairs. Along with…"

"You still have it?" he asked with a smile.

"Of course I do, stupid. Look!" I showed him my left ring finger. "I never take it off."

"That's good to hear. I'm sorry I haven't been able to contact you. It's just…"

I cut him off, putting a finger on his lips. "It's okay. The life of a mercenary is hard and there is always the chance that personal things get in the way and loved ones risk getting hurt. I understand." I lay my head back on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me and put his head on mine.

"This is exactly why I love you."

"I know." I teased.

We remained there for the rest of the night….taking in the fire's warmth and each other's company.

000

The next morning, I said my goodbyes to Matthew. He had to leave for his next job and couldn't be late.

I made my way into the clubhouse to be greeted by silence.

"Well, good morning to you too." I said, breaking the silence.

"RMK&Q has made their move." Don stated.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"We've been issued a challenge." James answered. "They're ready to take us on."

"It's about fucking time." Justyn yelled. "If they're so quick to die, let's go bury those motherfuckers!"

"Hold on a minute, shorty. We don't know if we could be walking into a trap or not." James stated.

"Who the fuck cares?" Justyn retorted. "I'm just ready to shoot somebody."

"You're always ready to shoot someone, you prick." I said coldly.

"Oh, fuck off!"

"So, are we going to fight them Don?" I asked.

"It seems we don't have a choice, but…" his seemed to be deep in thought.

"But what?" Mikey asked.

"I'm just worried about what we're walking into. Not only that but it's in the old Gothic Cathedral, you know the one up the hill in downtown playground?"

"Oh shit…I've heard of that place. Lots of murders there back in the day."

"Yeah, and now a revenge seeking psychopath and his family members are holed up there just waiting for us." James stated.

"Well, if we're going in there. We'd best be prepared….who knows what we'll be dealing with."

"If all we have to worry about is that walking STD and her boy toy, I'd say we have nothing to worry about." I teased.

James chuckled at my comment.

"Well, for good or ill, let's deal with these assholes and be done with it!" Don yelled.

We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into, but I prayed everyone would make it back safely.

(There you guys go! How was it? Was it too cheesy? Was it too serious? Let me know. Hope you guys liked it and I hope you will look forward to the next one….whenever that will be. Next Chapter: Sins and Salvation! Look forward to it! ^.^)