"And I'm thirsty anyway…so bring on the raaaiiinnn…." Cat growled in disgust and turned her radio off.  //Like I REALLY need to hear that right about now//

            Rain, real rain had long ago soaked her clothing, plastering it to her body.  As her motorcycle roared down the street, she cursed the storm that slowed her progress home.  The dread that had been her constant companion during this hellish trip across town crawled along her spine, crossing to pool in her stomach, a lead ball.  The bike barely missed hitting a Lexus as she barreled through the last stoplight, coming to a halt in front of their apartment building. 

Cat took the stairs two at a time, each step carrying her closer to her goal.  At the top, she turned a sharp left and continued down the hallway, only to stop abruptly.  Light spilled through the open doorway of their apartment, the door itself hanging by one hinge. 

A movement in the shadows, barely detected out of the corner of her eyes caught her attention.  She froze, barely breathing, her heart beating a frantic tempo in her chest. 

 A figure stepped forward, long duster swaying, gold eyes reflecting in the light from the apartment like a cat's.  Adrenaline began to spread through her system as Cat mentally measured the distance to the doorway and it's dubious safety, reaching one hand into her pocket to grasp the switchblade her sister had insisted she keep there. 

//Small enough protection against whoever is there.  Trust Vampires to jump in your lives when you least need it.//

 The stranger took another step forward, and paused, poised as if ready to pounce. 

Time had run out.  Cat made a mad dash for her apartment, determined to reach it first.  And she did, though He moved with preternatural speed unlike anything she had ever witnessed.  Crossing the doorway, she grabbed the door, preparing to slam it in His face and get to the phone to call for help.  He was a mere step behind her, reaching the threshold and oddly BOUNCING off, staggering as if He had hit some barrier.

 //Oh yeah…forgot about that little detail.//

Cat didn't pause for a second, she turned, calling out and hoping desperately to hear that familiar voice.

 "Kris…Kris..…Where are you!?!?!!"  There was no response. 

Terror seized her, more potent than the dread, chilling her blood.  The apartment was in a shambles.  Furniture upturned, possessions strewn about in total disarray.  And the uncanny stillness indicated that Cat was, as she feared, too late.  She snatched up the telephone and began to dial, fumbling in her haste. 

Strong hands grabbed her from behind, one, twisting the hand holding her knife behind her back, the other covering her mouth, stifling the scream that welled up in her throat.  Cat automatically bit down, feeling the skin break and coppery blood running into her mouth. 

"Son of a …. "  The voice identified her attacker as a man.  She took advantage of his distraction, turning and bringing her hard heeled boot down on his instep.  Without hesitation, she brought her knee up sharply between his legs. 

He groaned and fell to his knees, and with a sharp push of her foot, toppled over to lie on the floor.

Cat's victory was short lived, however.  She felt something strike her between the shoulders, causing her to stumble.  Apparently he assailant was not alone.  

//Good Gods!  Enough is enough!! //

 Gritting her teeth, the young woman spun around, launching herself forward.  Wrapped her arms around a waist and followed her opponent to the ground. 

The pair grappled for an eternity, and Cat knew she was loosing ground.  He was quicker and stronger.  Then something came over her and she knew she no longer had control.  She literally saw red, a hazy miasma that obscured her vision.  The tables turned, Cat fighting without inhibition or care for the consequences.  A loud buzzing in her ears drowned out all sounds of their battle.  She used her fists, her nails, even her teeth in her desperation.  If not for one thing, Cat would have been free.  She found herself on top, attempting too gouge out his eyes.  With startling agility, he rolled.  Cat threw her arms out to stop the fall, but her head struck the corner of the coffee table. 

As the world went dark, one thought was foremost in her mind.  //Kris…//

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Author's Notes:  Okay…so this is my first attempt at fanfiction, and what better than to write about Buffy?  It may seem that this is a Mary Jane story..and to some extent..it is.  But I make one promise to the readers.  My OC's will NEVER enter into any relationship with a BtVS or A:tS characters, other than a friendship.   

The Story for now is a PG 13, but since I am a Unconventional Relationship fan, it will probably become a bit slash-y later.  So if that squicks you….read the story anyway, and ignore the ikky part ::lol:: 

Please! Review the story for me!  I don't have a beta reader other than me…and I'm kinda biased.  But be kind, rudeness gets you nowhere.