cats

"Something's coming, Augustus," the Prince spoke, words getting lost in the gale of the winter night. The cool air tostled his robe, sending chills over dead skin. His city was bright and beautiful, so wonderfully vibrant in the night air. In the distance, the massive needle pointed skyward. What a shame it would be to lose it all, or even just a fraction.

"I love my city... I-"

"Are you prepared?"

The voice that interrupted him gave Alois pause. It was deep, rumbling... comforting. He turned back towards the entrance, but no one was there.

No one but Augustus, who looked up with him. His green eyes seemed especially keen.

"What?" Alois asked, confused.

"Are you prepared to defend it with everything you have?"

There was no question now. It was the cat that had spoke, his pink mouth opening and closing, unleashing a voice much larger than his tiny, soft form.

"Risk it all in one grand blitz of glory, or perhaps wise moves, those of a master chessplayer?" Augustus continued to speak, "Ah, you were always one for the game of kings. But if you truly would make a legacy for yourself, you must take risks. You must confront them.. directly."

Alois said nothing. How could he? He knew his fat little boy was full of hidden wisdom. there was no questioning that. And he was finally revealing it.

"Come!" the cat's voice boomed. The plush white fur on his sides bristled out, feathers bursting forward from his tiny form into shimmering dove's wings. He grew, now the size of a lion and his folded ears twitched keenly as his gray pattern turned into an elegant golden laurel, "Onto my back! We will ride and storm the Sabbat where they stand! Let us lay them low and rescue our dear city!"

Alois could not argue, and he leaped onto his companion's back. The two burst through the door, and flapped gracefully into the crisp winter air.

Underneath them, another figure raced by. He immediately recognized, from the snow white hair and moon pale skin, it was his beloved. The very image of a valkyrie, he rode on a graceful, hairless panther, both gilded in silver and rubies.

The Sabbat didn't have a chance. They raced to the bad side of town, laughing with glee as the Cainites scrambled from their havens. Augustus roared, and plumes of flame emerged from his mouth, dusting those who tried to fight back. Duchess raked with her claws as Luka shouted war cries.

It was glorious! This was it! This was their victo-

Alois awoke, and his vision was black. His entire face was blanketed by something soft, furry, and breathing. The cat's tail twitched against his neck, tickling his sensitive skin. A loud purr rumbled through his tiny body.

It took Alois a moment to realize.

"If only it was that easy..."