La Pantera

Ch.28 Hellfire

Song for Chapter: Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Lorde

Later that evening, Stevie had snuck up onto the top of a building in the center of town, needing a place to be alone. She could see distant city lights and miles of rugged terrain. She pulled out a cigarette, lighting it up before smoking. Small rings flew from her mouth, disappearing into the black sky. She was still bothered about realizing she liked Matt. She had tried so hard not to be like those other girls and here she was, just as smitten. She glared angrily in the distance, clenching her jaw. "Stupid son of a bitch...", she snarled. "Why...out of all the people? Why did it have to be you?!", she barked. Her cigarette was crushed between her fingers, a small trail of smoke gliding in the dark. It felt weird how she liked him. She usually hated people who could easily understand her like Matt, but for once, it felt like it wasn't an interrogation, but rather he matched her rhythm. It didn't feel he was prying her open, but rather he was gliding alongside her. As if their minds were in sync and connected energy waves.

It scared the shit out of Stevie to have something this potentially good in her life. Hell had thrown her so many decks of cards it was impossible to enjoy anything without expecting the worst. And she was still scared to date a guy again. She didn't want to let her guard down and have him disappear like Martin. But for once, she was sad she hadn't been able to fully trust him. Sure, he was still a player. But maybe she could have been more rational? It messed with her head so much she growled angrily. She stomped out her cigarette and began to creep down the side of the building. While walking alongside the railroad tracks, she noticed a group of dressed up people talking in a hushed manner in a dingy alley. It was a man with several young women and a very young girl, probably 4 years younger than her. She looked scared and had tears in her eyes. "Mormons..", Stevie said in realization. She may have dropped out, but she was familiar with the forced polygamy that happened out here. She looked around desperately, wishing she had her Night Panther suit before she noticed a black beanie on the ground. Now was the right time to let that side emerge again.

She pulled the beanie over her head after cutting out eye skits that resembled the big cat's eye design. Luckily, she was wearing her leather jacket and boots so they'd recognize something familiar. She scaled the front of the building before creeping onto the roof, waiting to strike on these heathens. "I can't get married I'm 13!", the young girl sniffled. "It's for your own good!", the man snarled. "And don't even think of running away.", the head wife pointed a finger in the child's face. Stevie hopped on the fire escape , growling in the signature NP voice, "What do you think you're doing with that child?". The man looked up in fear ; at least he wasn't stupid, just a monster. "B-but...that's impossible! I thought the Night Panther was on the East, Sherri!", he yelled at the head wife. Before she could speak, Stevie leapt down in front of them in the shadows, her eyes gleaming menacingly. "I'm giving you 10 seconds to let go of the child.....before I slit your throats and crucify you in the dumpster street.", she snarled loudly. A few of the other women ran away but the head wife and the man blocked the young girl from escaping. "I'd keep your nose out of our affairs...", the woman warned. "You religious freaks.", Stevie snickered, coming into the light, walking slowly towards them. "Have you ever read your scriptures? Do you know what happens to people who test God?", she taunted. "Don't take our Lord's name in vain!", the man growled.

"You better hope your God is real."

Stevie quickly drew out her gun and shot the head wife in between her eyes, killing her instantly. The young girl screamed as the man went to run away, only to collapse as another bullet went through his brain. His breathing became strangled, his voice withering away as he fell like a log. Stevie put her gun away before looking at the young girl. "I'd escape while you can...they'll look for you.", she advised her. The young girl nodded her head, tears flooding her eyes. "Can you help me?", she whimpered. Stevie walked over without a word, picked her up, placing her on her back, and disappeared into the night to find her a place to be safe , maybe even her family.