 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Snapps Stories
Anarch Revolt |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| Chapter One - the big city. |
|
|
|
|
| By Richard LeBlanc |
|
|
The city of Eco. Considered by some to be the gemstone of Ontario. It isn't too hard to see why they make this claim with a population of about five million plus. The fact that they have over ten core industries also supports the claim - as if it needed supporting. On the border of the city, a youthful looking teen was staring at the sign that introduced tourists to the city.
"Welcome to Eco - the place that dreams are made of" The youth read to himself. He then tilted his head and looked at it again. With an evil smile he looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was approaching. No one was. He quickly took out a can of spraypaint and painted an additional word onto the sign. He then stepped back and admired his handiwork.
"Welcome to Eco - the place that WET dreams are made of. Oh yes - MUCH better!" the youth laughed madly as he continued to walk towards the heart of the city. The city was an amazing sight for someone that had only seen smaller town
structures all his life.
"Wheh - what a place. No wonder my sire wants to play here." he muttered. Just then, a large gang of surly looking youths approached him. The tourist smiled at the group of people he knew were intent on doing him harm.
"Hey! This is our street - if you want to walk away in one piece - give us all your money now." The leader of the gang ordered. The tourist smiled and began to sway his head as though he were listening to music.
"I think this punk is a freak or something." One of the others stated.
"Freak or not - he ain't leaving until we get some cash." the leader added. The tourist looked the leader in the eye and smiled an innocent looking smile.
"Kiss your best friend!" the tourist blurted out. The others laughed at first - but then they noticed their leader beginning to twitch and shake. Then - it was as though he snapped. He reached over and gave a passionate kiss to his best friend.
"Get off me you fag!" the best friend exclaimed as he punched him across the face. The hit snapped him out of the trance he seemed to be in. He then glared at the preson he remembered hitting him. The two were getting ready to fight when the sound of the tourist's laughter got their attention. He smiled at the two and waved happily at them.
"You think that was funny?" the leader asked on the verge of rage.
"Yup. Did you see the look on his face?" he replied with a chuckle.
"I'll fucken kill you!" the leader bellowed as his rage enveloped him. He began to charge at the youth that was standing a few feet away. The tourist quickly raised his hands and held them out as though they were an imaginary gun.
"Freeze!" he shouted. The leader stagger a few paces until he found himself completely paralyzed a few feet away from him. The tourist smiled and reached into his pouch that was on his hip and pulled out a marker.
"Jigglypuff!" he madly muttered as he began to doodle all over the frozen man's face. The other memebers in the gang were torn between doing something about the situation - and being in shock from actually seeing someone drawing on their leader's face. After he was done, he put the marker away and turned to face the perplexed gang members.
"I was wondering if you nice people could help me out. I'm looking for a bar, but I don't know exactly where it is." he began. The gang looked at each other in sincere confusion.
"Uh, aren't you a little young?" one of them asked as he studied the young looking teen. The tourist smiled and began to dance around the paralyzed leader. Again - confusion was beginning to set in. It seemed as though the teen had completely forgotten about them.
"Kid?" another one called out.He stopped his silly dance and looked at the people that were trying to get his attention.
"Yes?" he replied and asked with a curious expression on his face.
"The bar?" he reminded.
"No thank you. I don't drink." he replied as he resumed his dance around their leader.
"No! Not that! You said you were looking for a bar! What was it called?" another of them asked. The teen stopped his dance and thought deeply back. he then looked over at the gang that seemed as confused as he was.
"Do you know the place?" he asked curiously.
"I won't know unless you tell me." the gang member replied intolerantly.
"Okay - how about - The Meat Market?" he asked - he suspiciously looked from face to face.
"That's a stripper's club on the other side of town. Why you heading that way? Going to see your mommy?" one of the other gang members taunted. The teen's face twitched. He slowly looked up at the one that spoke and began to giggle. The gang member stopped laughing and looked at the look of rage that was in the youth's eyes.
"My - mommy - died - years ago. You shouldn't have said that." he stuttered as he glared at him. The gang members that were near him hesitantly backed away.
"You were bad - a bad boy. Bite your tongue!" he ranted. The other members watched as their friend slowly opened his mouth - his tongue slowly pushed out until it was fully extended. Then - much to their horror - his own teeth clamped down as hard as he could. Blood splattered over the teen's face. The gang member fell to the ground screaming. the others stood paralyzed as the teen slowly looked over at them. He took a deep breath and somewhat regained his composure.
"Now -how would someone like me get from here to there?" he asked. He looked from face to face and could see only terror looking back at him. He shook his head and sighed. Whatever information that any of them had - he was not going to be able to get out of them in this state.
"You boys look like you had a hard day - forget what you just saw. it was just some cheap booze or something like that." he began. he could see that his domination was setting into them. he then waved a hand back and forth much like a master hypnotist would.
"Sleep!" he added. One by one the gang members fell to the ground. he then squatted down before the writhing - tonguless person that was writhing on the ground.
"You won't tell anyone about this - will you?" he asked with an insane chuckle. He got up and walked over him. The leader - who had seen none of what had happened remained paralyzed. He had heard everything - but who would believe him? The teen looked over his shoulder at the group that had provided his momentary entertainment and shook his head. He began to calmly whistle - and then vanished into the shadows of the night.
About Half an hour later, the teen was walking down another street a fair distance away. He was walking without a worry or care. He knew that he could have effortlessly killed them in hundreds of ways - but where would the fun be in that? It was around then that the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
"Youngling - I saw your little display back there." a voice whispered from the shadows. The tourist smiled calmly and looked over his shoulder. No one - or was there? He slowly studied the shadows around him. He knew it was a trick - mainly becaused he had used such tricks himself. He closed his eyes and concentrated - someone was trying to remain unseen to him - and he was not going to stand for that.
"Come out - come out - wherever you are..." he quietly sang. It was then that he saw a blur of motion duck into an alley. If that was his best effort at mindgames - he was way out of his league.
"There you are you sneaky little mouse." he called out. Passers by watched as the teen that was talking to himself skipped playfully towards the deadend alley. Snapps stopped at the entrance and slowly looked around. As he expected - no one was there - or at least no one that wanted to be seen.
"Come on - you went out of your way to get my attention - don't play so hard to get now. He teased. Just then, a tall man wearing a ragged cloak stepped out from behind a dumpster. The teen smiled and skipped over to where the serious looking man was standing.
"I see love in your eyes." he taunted. The tall person hissed at the youth's chipper attitude.
"Exactly - what - was the point - of that ridiculous display back there?" he demanded.
"I've been to a lot of theres - which one are we talking about?" he retorted.
"The youths - the gang? Bring back memories?" he reminded.
"Oh! What about them?" he asked curiously.
"You are evading the question." he muttered.
"I answer to a few people stinky - and you ain't one of them. They were looking for trouble and found it - I was looking for some quick amusement and found it. All around a win-win situation - except for the speechless boy - but between you and me - I really don't think he'll talk." he replied with an insane chuckle.
"You tread a thin line boy. You almost breached the Masquerade..." he began. The youth glared at him.
"Look here you sewer chasing - flea eaten - pile of stink - I know the rules." he retorted seriously.
"Didn't look that way from where I was standing." he retorted.
"Let's play a little game - it's called 'Ask me if I care?' I don't know who you are rat-boy - I don't know what sewer you crawled out of - but crawl away. Some of us are trying to have some fun and a wet blanket like you will sour my mood. Can't stand punks like you - telling me what to play and how to play it. You know - if one DIDN'T know better - ONE might think that i did this sort of thing before - you think?" he asked sarcastically.
"Do not push me boy - I am an agent of the prince." he warned. The teen glared at him. The two locked icy stares. For what felt like hours neither moved - seconds later the tall man began to twitch. The tourist smiled a similar smile as he did when he was about to play with the gang members.
"Let's play another game - I call it WWF." he replied madly. He rushed over and picked up a garbage can lid and whacked it upside the frozen man's head. His hold on him ended. He began to get up - he slapped the can down again. The almost comical fight continued for a short while. It would have went longer - but his interest was waning. Once again - the tall man found himself paralyzed by the power of the youth.
"Please - no need to show me the way - I can find my own way out. I'd stay longer - but I want to play. Ta-ta Mr. Man." he taunted as he skipped out of the alley.
I had better be a little more careful. I've barely been in town a few minutes and already I've got rats following me. He thought He stopped and looked back into the alley - the person that he was play fighting with was gone. Something wasn't right - but it wasn't that. He looked around carefully - but saw nothing but ordinary people walking around the busy streets.
"Man - I must be getting paranoid in my old age." he muttered. He shook his head and began to walk again.
"Malkavian." a voice stated. The teen froze.
"What is a Malkavisomething?" he replied without moving a muscle.
"No need to play coy. I know the truth. I saw your little dance in the alley. Very artistic - almost felt like I was at ringside." the voice continued. The teen slowly looked over his shoulder and saw a well dressed stranger leaning against a light post. He studied the stranger to see any possible sign to know who or what he was talking to. Whe he saw the subtle rose pin on his pocket - he had a vague notion.
"Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment. Coming from a blouse wearing, poodle chasing, girly man - that really means alot." he replied with a sarcastic smile. Despite being insulted, the man remained fashionably calm.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"I go by lots." the teen replied.
"I just want one." the welldressed man replied.
"Most people call me Snapps." he answered.
"Vincent, I own the theater on the other side of the street. You can't miss it." he replied. Snapps looked across the street - sure enough, the man was right.
"When you're right - you're right. So - you say you know the game - why was rat-boy following me?" he asked curiously. Vincent smiled and gestured for him to follow him over to a long black limo. Whoever this Vincent character was - he was clearly loaded.
"Nice - I can see myself." he remarked. Snapps began to make faces at his reflection. The person sighed at the jouvinile display and sniffed the small flower he had secured to his pocket.
"The rat - as you so appropriately called him - always scouts out new talent or that is rumored to be coming to the city. You my young friend - just happen to be both." he stated. Snapps looked away from his reflection and over at the man that was talking to him.
"You knew I was coming?" he asked.
"Yes. About a week or so ago to be more accurate. Rumor has it that you have - a certain - flair for the dramatic." he replied. Snapps rolled his eyes and shook his head. Although he WAS proud of the pranks he pulled he was getting rather tired of retelling the same story over and over again.
"It was just a prank." he muttered.
"It was more than just a prank - the very nature of -it. Please - tell me the details." he requested.
What an annoying Toreador. He thought.
I heard that. Vincent replied telepathically.
"Fine - bare in mind my enthusiasm is not at its peak. This IS the fiftith some odd time I've told this dumb story. The prince of Chamberlan made up some dumb ass rules that me and my fellow Malkavian brothers objected to. So - them being the special crew that they were - dared me to do something about it. So I got me some tools and prepared for the prince - a special pie. I used a thin piece of circular plywood and made a happy face design with sixteen nine inch nails. I then shoved my little creation into the bottom of a deep dish Boston Cream Pie. I then placed sixteen freshly stollen cherries on top of each nail. The next day I showed the happy prince my little creation. He didn't think much of my little pie - until I slammed the bastard into his face. After I did that , my sire suggested i take an extended holliday in this lovely city. At least until old prune face calms down a bit." he recounted. Vincent chuckled after hearing the story and tried to imagine the situation in his mind. |
|
|
|
"I just wish I could have been there to see the look on that prince's ugly face." He stated with a sigh. Just then, Snapps reached into his pocket and pulled out several Polaroids that showed the effects of the pie on the Nosforatu's face. Upon seeing them he let out a loud laugh. |
|
|
|
"That is something else." He said in amusement. |
|
|
|
"Keep them. My friends have more." He offered. |
|
|
|
"Thanks. I'll circulate these among my peers. So, asides from dodging an angry prince is there any other reason you are in town?" he asked curiously. Snapps shrugged his shoulders. |
|
|
|
"Not really. But while I'm here I might as well check things out." He said calmly. Vincent reached into his wallet and pulled out a business card and handed it to the Malkavian. |
|
|
|
"This is a place to see the sites - but you really should talk to the person that owns that place." Vincent said in code. Snapps rolled his eyes at the lack of subtlety. |
|
|
"I'll see the prince in my own good time. Don't worry. I promise I'll stay out of trouble." Snapps retorted sarcastically. Vincent sighed and returned the card to his wallet. |
|
|
"Suit yourself kid. Just be careful." He replied. Snapps watched as the Toreador entered the limo and drove away. Once it had gone around the corner he smiled. He bent over and removed the tiny knife he had attached to his shoe. |
|
|
|
"He'll probably get about ten clicks or so before the tire goes flat. Ah yes, this is my kind of place." He stated to himself. He began to walk down the street, mentally absorbing where everything was. He was so distracted by the sights that he didn't notice the sinister looking people that were talking in front of a nightclub. When one of them purposely knocked him down - he became instantly aware. He rolled over and looked at the ten individuals. |
|
|
|
"Watch where you're falling stupid." The tallest of them stated. Snapps began to get up when he was knocked back down. |
|
|
"The boss didn't say get up." Another of them taunted. |
|
|
|
"And who might that be?" he asked. Just then a teenage girl stepped forward. All of the larger people stepped back. Snapps slowly got up and studied the innocent looking girl. |
|
|
|
"That would be me." She replied. |
|
|
|
"Shit - I was hoping it was one of the dopey looking ones." He retorted. He was about to say something when something hammered into his throat. He was flipped upside down by the force of the impact. |
|
|
|
"I happen to like them. And I hate it when people insult them." she stated seriously. Snapps shook off the effect of the hit and slowly got up. He stared at her for a moment and noticed something odd about her aura. Once he saw this - he knew what he was dealing with. |
|
|
"Cute trick. Was that your best?" he asked. Before he could blink, he was hit six times by something that felt like stone. He was dazed by the attack and was having a difficult time keeping his chaotic thoughts in order. |
|
|
|
"Stay - down!" she ordered. She knelt down and punched the back of his head. Snapps was out cold. The girl rubbed her knuckles and gestured at the unconscious body. |
|
|
*** |
|
|
|
Some unknown time later, he began to wake up. He could tell that he was restrained and was still hurting from the abuse he had taken from that little girl he was fighting. |
|
|
Ow - must be Brujah - mental note - not piss off Brujah. He thought. Just then the girl and ten others entered the room where he was being kept. Several snide remarks were on the tip of Snapps's tongue, but in the interest of self-preservation he kept all of them to himself. |
|
|
| "Ah, I see he's awake." An older looking person stated. |
|
|
| "Nah - I sleep with my eyes open." Snapps muttered. A few of the serious looking people in the room found the joke funny - the older looking man was not among them. |
|
|
"You have spirit. Some find that an endearing quality - I am not among them." he said calmly. The man reached forward and lightly flicked the Malkavain's cheek. Snapps's head recoiled as though the man had hit him with a sledgehammer. |
|
|
|
"Ow - hurt..." Snapps slurred in a daze. |
|
|
|
"Now that I have your attention fool..." he began. Snapps's thoughts began to wander as the person continued to talk. It was when he was half way through his story when he realized that the restrained person wasn't paying attention. |
|
|
|
"I don't think he's playing around boss - I think the boy is nuts." The girl stated sincerely. The older man glared at the girl. |
|
|
|
"I know he's nuts. His whole line is cursed with madness." He replied. |
|
|
"Me so dizzy." Snapps slurred as he bobbed his head. |
|
|
"I will get my answers - even if it means your death!" the old man shouted. He got ready to strike him again, but the girl grabbed his hand and held it back. |
|
|
|
"Master. Please. He may not have the acknowledgment of the prince, but even still - we do have procedures to follow. Such is what you taught me master." She said respectfully. The old man was not amused by the fact he was interrupted, but the girl was right on this count. He stepped away from the restrained prisoner. |
|
|
|
"You are a fast learner Nenia. Fine. He is your responsibility. I want the answers I am seeking in a week." The old man concluded. He and the others left the room. |
|
|
|
"You lot talk funny for Brujah." He slurred. |
|
|
|
"Brujah? Silly boy. We are Tremere. Come with me." She instructed. With a wave of her hand his bonds were broken. He looked up in confusion. |
|
|
|
"Tremere? I didn't know you wizards could whap people like that." He muttered. He got up, but his legs were still wobbly from all the hits he had taken. Nenia held up the wobbly prankster. |
|
|
|
"There are many things that we excel at. We just chose to keep them secret." She replied. Snapps noticed the intricacy of the building as he was led from the room he was in to a large library. |
|
|
|
"Whey - lots of ready things." He said in quiet awe. |
|
|
"That's one way of looking at it. Look, I didn't save you from final death because I want to be your friend. I did so for a reason. We believe that a secret we desire is hidden somewhere in that muddled brain of yours. I want to be the one that obtains it." She stated seriously. |
|
|
"Cool - but I doubt I know anything that would interest a Tremere. Hey! I do know a good knock-knock joke. You start it!" he said energetically. His enthusiasm caught her off guard. |
|
|
|
"Okay. Knock-knock." She stated. |
|
|
|
"Who's there?" he asked with a smile. Nenia was going to reply when she realized that was the punch line. She rolled her eyes at how corny the joke was. |
|
|
|
"Cute. Now let's get down to business. About eight months ago - where were you?" she asked politely. Snapps contemplated. He then recollected. After that, he thought back some more. Once he was done he shrugged his shoulders. |
|
|
|
"Me have hard time remembering what happened last Tuesday, let alone eight months. Can we play charades?" he asked with a smile. Nenia was doing her best to be patient. Often those of his line spoke in riddles and games. She sat back and nodded. Snapps jumped up and thought about something to portray. He then had an idea. |
|
|
|
"Three words." He said calmly. |
|
|
"You can't speak in charades silly." She reminded. He quickly covered his mouth and then smiled. He held up three fingers. |
|
|
|
"Three words?" she asked. He nodded. He then did a gesture for a small word. She looked at him for a moment and then smiled. |
|
|
|
"A?" she asked. He happily nodded. He then did several silly looking gestures, but Nenia was able to decipher the clue. |
|
|
|
"Hidden?" she asked. Again he nodded and did several gestures. At first she was having difficulty piecing the last word together, but she decided to take a guess. |
|
|
|
"Treasure?" she asked. Snapps clapped his hands happily. |
|
|
|
"A hidden treasure? Is that what you think this is about?" she asked. |
|
|
|
"I - have no clue as to what this is about." He replied sincerely. |
|
|
|
"Eight months? Main Street Mission in Chamberlan?" she suggested. Snapps tried to remember, but he couldn't see what she was trying to show him. |
|
|
|
"I'm seeing nothing." He replied. She let out a frustrated sigh. This wasn't going to be as easy as she thought. She looked over at one of the bookshelves and gestured at one of the books. Snapps watched as she thumbed through the pages until she found the page she wanted. She then placed the open book in front of him and pointed to a picture. He looked at the picture and snapped his fingers. |
|
|
|
"That gemy thing! Some prude was wearing that when I zapped him with a super-soaker full of acid. He was flailing like a tuna for a few hours. It was funny." He said with a sigh. |
|
|
|
"Yes! You do remember. Where did you take it?" she asked eagerly. |
|
|
|
"Take what?" he asked sincerely. |
|
|
|
"Don't play dumb you Mook! The talisman! Where is it?" she asked on the verge of anger and panic. Snapps looked at the picture and shook his head. |
|
|
|
"If you mean this thing - I never touched it. There was a Cheshire Cat laughing in the shadows - he must have thought the joke was funny." He added with an innocent smile. She reached over and grabbed him. |
|
|
|
"Do not toy with me boy! Ventrak said it was stolen by the Malkavian that attacked him. All our questions and probes showed that the only person there at the time was you!" she demanded. |
|
|
|
"But what about-about the Cheshire Cat? He was there - I think he was wearing one too." He added. His words were sounding more confusing the more she listened. |
|
|
|
"Argh! Look, we just want the talisman back. If you want, we can give you a shiny toy to play with instead." She offered. Snapps laughed at the offer and then looked over at the picture. |
|
|
"I do like toys - but I don't have it. The - " he began. |
|
|
|
"I KNOW! The Cheshire Cat has it!" she interrupted. He looked over and saw that she was getting really frustrated. |
|
|
|
"I am not trying to be difficult. But that is all I remember." He added in a quiet voice. She looked over at him to see if he was joking, but to her surprise - he looked sincere. |
|
|
|
"My way - the hard way - the easy way. Why can't my way be the easy way? Just once?" she asked weakly as she shook her head. She began to pace back and forth. |
|
|
|
"Is there a problem?" he asked curiously. The Tremere ignored him as she tried to think of a solution to her problem. After a few moments she slumped down by a bookcase. |
|
|
|
"Shit. If I don't get that talisman back - I will be in so much trouble." She muttered. Snapps walked over and sat down in front of her. |
|
|
|
"Why? You didn't lose it." He asked. |
|
|
|
"The person that was about to kill you was the Regent. He is my boss. He said I have one week. If I don't have that trinket in my hand by that time - I will be in serious trouble." She stated calmly. She then looked over at the youth sitting before her. |
|
|
|
"That's too bad. Can I have some toys?" he asked. |
|
|
|
"No." she replied calmly. |
|
|
|
"I have to talk to the prince." He added. He was looking at one of the roof tiles as though it was a piece of art. |
|
|
|
"Don't we all. Come on. I'll take you to him." She stated. |
|
|
|
"That's swell." He replied with a smile. |
|
|
|
"I'm not doing this to be nice. I just have to keep you alive until the talisman is back in Tremere hands." She retorted seriously. She got up and grabbed him by the wrist. |
|
|
|
"We go now?" he asked in silly voice. She rolled her eyes. |
|
|
|
"Yes. Now be silent unless you wish to give me cause to silence you." She retorted. Snapps stuck his tongue out at her and taunted the Tremere. Much to his surprise, she mimicked the action. |
|
|
|
"Behave!" she said sternly. Snapps sighed and lowered his eyes. |
|
|
|
"Okay. But can I at least tie my shoe?" he asked. She let go of his hand and crossed her arms. He then bounced up and slapped her on the back. |
|
|
|
"Tag! You're it!" he exclaimed. He was about to run away when she grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and effortlessly lifted him up. |
|
|
|
"Please - do not tax my tolerance further." She warned. |
|
|
|
"Uhm, okay. Could you put me down?" he requested. She let out a sigh as she dropped the troublesome Mook. She just had to put up with him until she got the talisman - or a week at which point she would be punished. |
|
|
|
"Let's get going." She groaned. The two began to walk away. What she was unaware of was that he had stuck a sign on her back that read 'whistle at my cute butt.' |
|
|
|
*** |
|
|
|
A few hours later, the two arrived at the Elysium. She was beating the Malkavian on the shoulder for putting the sign on her back. The local sheriff was finding the display most amusing. |
|
|
|
"Ahem? Nenia? Why are you beating up your friend?" he asked curiously. The Tremere stormed towards the sheriff and thrusted the sign that was taped to her back towards him. |
|
|
|
"I had a bunch of sick and twisted perverts whistling at me all the way over here. I wasn't sure at first - but then I found that! The little Mook is lucky I didn't stake him so that he could watch the sunrise!" she exclaimed. The sheriff looked over at Snapps. The Malkavian quickly turned his head to the side in a vain attempt to look innocent. |
|
|
|
"I take it that he is the new guy that everyone is talking about?" he asked curiously. |
|
|
|
"Talking about?" she asked. |
|
|
"Simple Simon?" he hinted. |
|
|
|
"What are you talking about?" she asked. |
|
|
| "That boy pied the prince of Chamberlan. Vincent has pictures. I presume that you know better than to have any weapons on you." He asked seriously. Nenia fumed. She hated parting with her toys, but rules were rules. She took out a rolled up piece of fabric that held her weapons of choice. |
|
|
"If I catch you playing with them - " she warned. |
|
|
|
"Oh hush. I'm a pro. By the way, are you claiming responsibility for your friend?" he asked curiously. |
|
|
|
"He is not my friend. And if the fool does have any weapons on him - use him like a pin cushion - just leave him alive though." She replied. The answer amused the sheriff. He gestured for her to enter. She nodded and gestured for Snapps to follow. |
|
|
|
Cause any trouble and I will make you suffer! She said telepathically to the Malkavian. Snapps giggled as he skipped passed the sheriff. Nenia realized that despite the fact that the threat WAS serious, the Mook was clearly not taking it as such. |
|
|
|
"Lots of people - who's that?" he asked curiously. He pointed over at a woman that was dressed like a biker. Nenia looked over and saw the woman in question. |
|
|
|
"She calls herself 'Man Basher.' She's Brujah. Rumor has it that she is vying for the title Primogen of her clan. She has a quick temper and has no sense of humor." She replied seriously. Snapps looked over at a group of businessmen that were signing papers. |
|
|
|
"Who's that?" he asked curiously. |
|
|
|
"Them? Ventrue. They are visiting from over seas." She replied. |
|
|
|
"Who's that?" he asked again. Nenia could feel her hands and face twitching. Being around this Mook was starting to grate on her nerves. She looked over and saw a woman in a lacy gothic dress. |
|
|
|
"Never seen her before. Must be new to the city. Now shut up!" she hissed under her breath. The last thing she wanted was for people to notice her being near this annoying pest. |
|
|
|
"Who's - " he began. She cuffed him upside the head and threw him a nasty look. She was getting ready to yell at him when she felt someone tap her on the shoulder. She shook her head and slowly looked over. There stood the Prince of the city and the Keeper of the Elysium. |
|
|
|
"You are of course aware that there is supposed to be no violence in the Elysium Nenia - are you not?" the Keeper asked calmly. Nenia lowered her eyes and shook her head. |
|
|
|
Cursed. I must be cursed. She thought. |
|
|
|
"I am sorry - but this - PEST - sorely taxes my patience." She replied as she gestured at Snapps. The prince and the Keeper looked over at the person she brought with her. |
|
|
|
"I take it that he is Simple Simon?" the prince asked. |
|
|
|
"I don't follow." She answered. |
|
|
|
"I'm sure you will before the evening is done. Are you Snapps? We were told that you would be here much sooner." The prince stated. Nenia rolled her eyes and awaited for the proverbial anvil to fall on her head. |
|
|
|
"I was site seeing. This place is huge you know?" Snapps replied. The answer puzzled Nenia. As of late, the pest did nothing but try to annoy her and get her into trouble, now he was covering for her? |
|
|
|
"I've noticed. Are you here seeking acknowledgement?" the prince asked curiously. Snapps looked over at Nenia. |
|
|
|
"Am I here seeking acknowledgement?" he asked coyly. Nenia fumed at the predicament she was in. She shook her head and gave up on any hope of seeing a light at the end of this tunnel. |
|
|
|
"Yeah, sure. Why not?" she replied. |
|
|
|
"Since you two are such good friends. I will let you have some privacy. Respect the traditions Snapps and we should get along just fine." The prince said politely. |
|
|
|
"You will be the death of me." She hissed. |
|
|
|
"You look cute when you're mad." He pointed out. |
|
|
|
"Don't push me. Now what is this Simple Simon nonsense that everyone is talking about?" she asked curiously. Snapps let out a sigh - again he would have to repeat the same story. |
|
|
|
"I got me a pie and I whapped it in the face of the Prince of Chamberlan." He replied calmly. The answer didn't make much sense to her. |
|
|
|
"So what is the big deal? You pied someone? So what?" she asked. |
|
|
|
"Oh, I have pictures of the before and after. One moment." He replied. She leaned against the table beside her and watched him pull out dozens of odd items of his pockets. |
|
|
|
"Here they are." He stated. He handed the six pictures over to the Tremere. Her eyes widened when she saw the punch line to this joke. She slowly put the pictures down and realized just how sick this Mook's sense of humor really was. |
|
|
|
"Nails?" she asked. |
|
|
|
"Yup. Nine inches long and rusty - oh, and with a cherry on top." He replied with an evil smile. She was just about to ask him something when several flaming bottles smashed through the windows and exploded onto the Elysium floor. Everyone scattered as almost the entire floor was washed in flames. Nenia began to run for the exit when she looked back and saw Snapps standing motionless. |
|
|
|
"Run!" she yelled. Just then, something snapped in him. He ran in a mad dash and leaped through the broken window. Nenia found herself fuming again. Her only key to finding the stolen talisman was getting away. |
|
|
|
"Get back here Snapps! I'm not done with you yet!" she exclaimed. She rushed through the burning building and leaped through the window Snapps had escaped through. Once there she looked around but saw no trace of him. Just then, a piece of flaming debris hit the parked car near her. The car violently exploded and sent the Tremere soaring. She fell down at the feet of a few anarchs. |
|
|
|
"Well-well. What have we here?" one of them asked. |
|
|
| "Looks like that Tremere bitch that thinks she's better than everyone." Another of them added. They were about to attack the unconscious Tremere when a sound in the alley behind them got their attention. |
|
|
| "I really wouldn't try that if I were you." A low voice warned. |
|
|
| "Oh yeah? Who's going to stop us?" one of the anarchs asked. Just then a young man that appeared to be in his early twenties stepped out of the shadows and glared at them. |
|
|
| "Me." The person muttered. |
|
|
| "Really? And who the fuck are you?" one of the anarchs asked. |
|
|
| "I answer to many names - but you punks can call me Skamms!" the man stated coldly. The anarchs were mildly impressed by the name, but it didn't last long. |
|
|
| "Kill him." The anarch replied calmly. |
|
|
|
To be Continued... |
|
|
 |
|