Stepping on the pads of her feet, Kitty feels the pang of regret. She can't help but shake the feeling that she didn't do enough. That Alexa had every opportunity to change, grow, and show the world. But something was lacking inside of her that allowed it. Kitty felt, truly felt, that if she had the opportunity, she could make a difference.
There were people in her life who genuinely loved her and thought of her beyond the power she held. She used to be formidable in her own right, shaking the world one deal at a time as companies merged at her fingertips. But as strong as she was, the true strength lies within her change and transformation. It wasn't the AI kitten ears and tail that allowed her almost to feel feline, but it was something else.
"Master?" Kitty asks as she steps forward into the small control room.
"Yes, Kitten?" Dr. Darren Stevens responds.
"I am sorry," Kitty says with a hollow feeling in her chest.
"No need to be; you thought you could change the nature of a man."
"She seemed like everything was fine. Like there was a softness deep inside me that only I could reach. That as women, we could embrace together. Like to share a bond beyond reason."
"That would be possible with the right person. But I never thought Jack was that person."
"Master, he had potential. I saw it in the way he looked at me."
"What you saw was a predator softening to seduce its prey."
"I am sorry. I never should have recommended this."
"It is not your fault, Kitten. You saw something that reminded you of what you once were. But as I told you, someone who destroys companies for profit and destroys people for pleasure are two separate things."
Kitty sighed, hating to admit she was wrong and that she had almost felt a spark. A moment when Alexa truly felt she was at peace in her new body. Kitty knows that Alexa had to be tested and wishes Darren had waited longer, maybe years. But that could have been more practical. Looking into the eyes of the man she loves, Kitty asks, "Is it almost ready?"
"Yes, Kitten, it is."
"Five monsters he has hunted and attacked with before. I never imagined that Jack used to hunt in packs of men."
"I don't think it was him, just a crowd he fell into. Alexa and Jack were friends once. She told me about him. She would have invited him if I weren't so intimate about a wedding. I am surprised she didn't remember her face." Kitty wishes she could have talked to Alexa to explain her decisions. What would happen if she failed the exercise but couldn't because then it wouldn't be a true transformation?
"As monsters, we often hide the faces of our victims from even ourselves."
"Master," Kitty says with deep sadness in her eyes.
"I know. Who I was in war is not who I am today."
Kitty sighs as who he was in the war wasn't who he is now. Who he became to save her is a monster. A monster that ensured she made it home safely. A man and doctor haunted her ever-waking dreams as she realized her needs tortured her soul. She needed to be more worthy of him and was terrified when she was enough.
She wishes things just turned out differently with Alexa. She wishes to have a friend to celebrate with, but she reveals her true collars. Alexa was unwilling to learn how to be more. This alone was a terrifying thing that she could not get past the worst side of herself as many had before. But fate has a way of catching up with people.
Jack had been among a group of men who would attack women in the dark. It took a few months, but they were hunted like dogs one by one. Like rabid animals, they were put down, but she felt that Jack was different and could be saved. But it was all a lie she told herself to think no one was beyond reach.
Kitty knew with the transformation complete, her Master wouldn't allow her to kill Alexa. That no matter what, they are not allowed to harm women or children. In a way of wanting what she wants and damning everyone else, she has both. Alexa was just a poor victim of circumstance, and Kitty believed it.
They couldn't kill her, but leaving Jack's wallet and phone in a place where his murdered accomplices were mostly burned alive is something else. Especially with the surgery and having Jack's blood found on the victim's is another thing altogether. She can't kill Alexa but can ensure Jack is hunted for the rest of his life for the crimes he committed.
"Master? I have her old wallet and phone. Are we ready?"
"Yes, kitty, let's start a fire."