Chapter Four - treaty?
By Richard LeBlanc
The Bloody Mary - a rather rough bar where mostly bikers and low profile outlaws frequented. It was an establishment that belonged to the Brujah Primogen Man Basher. After the unfortunate encounter with Skamms at the Sanctuary area, the prince decided to continue their conversation at a low profile location.
         "Any ideas as to who the hell this corpse is?" the prince asked.
         "I've studied it as best I can. I don't know much - but I know that whatever it is - it isn't anything that would be on our side - or want on our side." One of the Ventrue stated seriously.
         "Explain." The prince requested.
         "He could be some rouge Caitiff or a Sabbat or something else - but from my studies I would say something else. Rumor has it that one of your Nosforatus has done more research into such matters. If he would step forward - he would confirm my theories." The Ventrue stated seriously. The room was silent for a moment. Shortly after one of the Nosforatu reluctantly stepped forward.
         "I would like to know who started that rumor." The vampire hissed.
         "I'm sure that we'll all get our answers soon enough. What can you tell us of this creature?" the prince asked. The Nosforatu walked towards the shot up body and studied it for a few moments.
          "Baali." He muttered.
         "Did I hear you right?" the prince asked.
         "Indeed you did. I believe that this situation is more serious than any of us first believed." The Nosforatu began as he studied the corpse and then stepped away.
         "Why?" the prince asked.
         "The revolt - the bombings - there is too much to label as coincidence. I have no solid proof - but they may be trying to release their master. If they are - they must be stopped at all costs." The Nosforatu warned.
***
At that moment in the Warzone, Skamms was escorting his guest through an area of the vast city of Eco that she had never seen. The fact that there were so many of them working together caused her some mild anxiety.
         "A bit intimidating isn't it?" Skamms asked.
         "A bit." Nenia replied.
         "Do you know what makes an anarch different from a Sabbat? Despite the fact that we despise your order - your rules - your way of doing things - we still play by a percentage of the rules. I believe that is the only thing that is stopping each of these people from embracing three minions and ghouling ten others." He pointed out.
          "Sounds like you've put a lot of thought into this." She mentioned.
          "I've heard about it happening in Chamberlan. I believe it was somewhere west. I don't know. That isn't important. The cost of life was staggering. The rebels did take the city - but the Inquisition took it back. If I have my choice - that sort of hell will be avoided." He replied
         "Really? What would help you make this choice?" she asked sarcastically. Skamms allowed himself to smile.
         "Look around you. There is little here and yet little to support what is. We will simply - take - a little. You know, extend the borders a bit. Stuff like that." He replied.
         "The prince will never allow it." She stated calmly.
          "He might when the bombings start." He retorted.
           "Bombings?" she asked.
           "Yeah. You know power plants - hospitals - schools - transit lines. These people are noticed in your city every day and are ignored. Think about it." He replied with a half smile.
           "You're bluffing." She stated hesitantly.
          "I guess you're right. Come on. I'll show you to your quarters." He added. She was mildly disturbed at how quickly he changed the subject. She was about to ask a question when a large group of anarchs obstructed the road. Skamms looked at the group until he noticed the leader.
         "What is that bitch doing here?" he demanded.
         "Maybe she's my girlfriend - maybe I'm the overprotective sort - maybe you are about to see your god. So tell me boy - what do you think?" Skamms retorted. The other anarchs stepped away from their leader.
         "In house business hon. Just wait over there. I'll be done shortly." Skamms instructed without taking his eyes off of the anarch. The anarch was about to say something when Skamms hissed.
         "Be a good doggy - stay!" he hissed. The leader trembled but then found himself unable to move. Skamms looked over at the anarchs that were watching.
         "Pistol!" he ordered. One of them tossed the weapon to him. Skamms checked the weapon and then walked over to the sect leader. He showed the leader the gun and then held the tip of the barrel before the anarch's right eye.
         "See no evil..." he muttered. Skamms pulled the trigger. The bullet shot right through the vampire's head. Before he had the opportunity to react he repeatedly shot the vampire until it stopped moving.
         "Anyone want to continue his argument?" he asked curiously. The anarchs shook their heads and stepped back. Skamms sighed and looked down at the unmoving anarch.
         "If anyone has the munchies - enjoy." He concluded. Nenia watched as the anarchs descended on their fallen leader like a pack of rabid dogs. Many things unnerved her about being in this place. Witnessing that display was one of them.
         "I hope those punks didn't bother you." He stated.
         "Was that necessary?" she asked.
         "Were you in my place - think about it." He replied. She didn't want to agree with him, but in this instant she knew that he was right. Within a few minutes they were in an ordinary looking apartment.
         "Question - you don't like Malkavians all that much do you?" he asked curiously. Nenia sighed and shook her head.
         "In all my many years I have had precious little to do with those outside of my clan. In the past two or three days I have met two Malkavians. You and some pest that calls himself Snapps." She replied.
         "Snapps? I've heard stories about that lunatic. A couple of friends of mine in Chamberlan want his head on a pike. What has he done to you?" he asked curiously.
         "Not much. He put a sign on my back when I wasn't looking." She replied calmly.
          "That's it?" he asked.
         "It said 'whistle at my cute butt' on it." She added. The answer made him laugh. Reluctantly she found herself smiling as well.
         "Well, compared to some of the stunts he's pulled - I guess you got off easy. I guess he likes you." He mentioned. The idea of a Mook liking her sent a shiver down her spine.
         "Great. That's just what I need." She muttered.
         "At the Sanctuary - you seemed mildly agitated when the pest couldn't be found. Is there a reason?" he asked curiously.
         "He is the only lead I have to finding a purloined item." She replied.
         "I'll send some of the boys out. You never know. We might get lucky." He replied with a smile. Nenia looked at the Malkavian suspiciously. It was not something that went unnoticed.
         "It never hurts to have friends in high places princess. Is it so wrong to have ambition? I thought that was a trait that all Tremeres were born with - so to speak." Skamms added.
         "No promises." She replied calmly.
         "That's more than I had before." He replied. he reached into his pocket and pulled out a cell phone. He examined it for a few moments and then wrote down a phone number.
         "If you need anything - just call. The phone's stolen and the original owner is sort of - well - dead." he replied as he handed her the number. On that note, he turned and left the room and shut the door.
At the base of the building he met up with the Chain and Tire Iron.
         "Hey boys - us three are going to have some fun. Let's go hunting!" he said with an evil smile.
         "Sounds cool. What's the game?" Tire Iron asked.
         "A Mook. A teen that is really into jokes. Goes by the name Snapps. I have a feeling that he might have made his way into the Warzone when the Royal Palace got torched. If he is here - I want him!" he said with a smile.
         "Any reason boss?" Chain asked.
         "He might have something of value to me. If he does - I want it." He replied seriously. There was a simplicity to the Malkavian's logic. It made a certain amount of sense to them so the three hurried off. Unknown to them, a young woman stepped out of the shadows.
         So, you really are hunting for him. Excellent. Maybe you will lead me to him. Nenia thought. She quickly vanished from sight and followed the one that might be able to lead her to the talisman.
***
A fair distance away, Skamms was cautiously making his way through the one of the well-established areas of the danger zone. In his mind he was trying to think of what the Mook could have or know about that would be of value to a Tremere.
         "What secret does your deviant mind hold?" he asked himself. Just then he heard something rustle the garbage at the dark end of the alley.
         "Come out and play!" he called out. He ran into the alley. The person that was hiding in the alley bolted out to escape his pursuer. Unknown to the hunter - he too was being followed.
         "Could he have found him already? I wonder." Nenia muttered. She picked up her pace to keep up with the Malkavian. Moments later she hurried out of the alley and almost bumped into Skamms. At first she believed that he noticed her - but then she noticed that he was frozen in the shadow of a local church.
         He - he isn't moving. She thought. Just then - Skamms twitched. He bolted away and almost knocked her over. What surprised her was that she was not hidden - she was in plain sight and he didn't seem to notice her.
         Something isn't right - I will find out what. She thought she quickly pursued the Mook.
A short while later, she found herself almost lost in the dark alleys. She had been looking for minutes for Skamms - but he seemed to just vanish.
         "Where could that pesky Mook be?" she asked herself. It was then that she heard the sound of a child crying. She slowly made her way through the dark alleys - following the noise to its source. It was there in a dead end alley that she saw what was crying.
         "Who-who are you?" she asked. The child looked over at her. There was a look of sheer terror in his eyes. He scampered over to where she was and tightly hugged her legs.
         "Please help me!" he begged.
         "What are you doing here?" she asked.
         "I don't know." He muttered.
         "Where are your parents?" she asked.
         "I don't know." He repeated. It was then that the Tremere looked at the child's aura. Once she saw this she sighed and shook her head.
          "Where is your sire?' she asked seriously.
         "Chamberlan - I think. Where am I? How did I get here?" the child asked nervously.
         Another Mook from Chamberlan - great. She thought. She reached down and managed to pry his arms from her legs.
         "I don't suppose you know anything about a Cheshire Cat do you?" she asked curiously. A look of confusion was all the answer she needed. It was then that a rather disturbing reality hit her. She was in the middle of the Warzone and the person that was keeping everyone away from her was now missing.
          "Oh shit - I have to get to friendlier territory." She muttered. She turned to run but fell face first to the ground. She was mildly confused as to why she fell. She then looked down and saw that the child was again holding onto her legs.
         "Are you TRYING to get me killed kid?" she strained.
          "Help me." The child whimpered. Nenia fumed. This was not turning out to be a good week for her. She let out a frustrated sigh and slowly got up. As she did, the child mimicked the action.
         "Look. I'll help you - but you have to do what I say - deal?" she asked. The child eagerly nodded. She reached down and grabbed the kid's hand. In her mind she could just picture her elders witnessing her at that very moment.
         Why me? She thought as the two made their way from that alley.
***
Nearly three hours later, Nenia and the child were in a different area of the Warzone - but were regrettably no closer to getting out. The situation was more frustrating than she cared to admit. She had spend well over three decades in Eco - never in her unlife had she ever been lost.
           "Are we lost mommy?" the child asked. Nenia began to twitch again.
          "Let's get one thing straight brat - 'I' am not 'your' anything. I just can't in good conscience let you get preyed upon by the local vultures." She replied.
         "Does that mean we aren't lost mommy?" he asked.
         "STOP CALLING ME THAT!" she shouted. The kid began to sniffle and then began to sob. She let out another frustrated sigh. It was the next of many she had done this day.
         "Shut up already." She muttered foully. The kid sniffled but managed to regain his composure.
         "Are you going to take me home?" he asked quietly. She wanted to slap the annoying brat, but when she looked over at him - there was something about him that inspired pity.
         "Shit - how do I get looped into messes like this?" she asked. Just then, she heard the sound of something getting emptied. She looked down and saw that the kid had emptied her purse onto the ground and was playing with the contents.
         "Don't touch that!" she scolded. The child cringed away from the scattered items. Nenia held her head and almost felt like crying. All she wanted to do was get the talisman back for her Regent and get rewarded accordingly. Now she was stuck in the Warzone with a Malkavian brat.
         "I'm sorry." the child muttered. Nenia bent over and began putting her things back in her purse. It was then that she noticed that something was missing.
         "The cell phone - where did it go?" she asked. She looked over at the child - but he was playing with a broken piece of glass.
         "Kid - there was a phone in here - where is it?" she asked.
         "I didn't see it." He replied.
         "God - what else could go wrong?" she cursed. Just then she heard a garbage can turn over in the darker end of the alley. She shook her head. She just HAD to say it out loud. She got up and watched as four moderately respectable looking hooligans.
         "Hey baby - what's a girl like you doing in a place like this?" one of them asked. She merely glared at him and kept a careful eye on the others.
         "Hey - chill! I think I know her! She's one of the prince's lackeys. We might get rewarded if we bring her back." One of the others stated.
         "Are you out of your mind? That's Skamms' squeeze. You guys can play if you want - I'm gone." One of the others stated seriously. Nenia watched as two of them walked away. The last one looked unsure, but then hurried away with his friends.
         "So what do you say? I help you - you help me." The one remaining offered. Nenia sighed and shook her head. She had spent years of study, practice and hard work - to now be stuck in an alley striking deals with beggars.
         "How could I help you?" she asked reluctantly.
         "I lost favor with the last prince and was forced underground. I lost status - influence - everything. I ain't asking for all of it back - I just want a chance to start over." He stated.
         "So in short you are seeking the acknowledgement of Axis and the acceptance of your clan? Before I even THINK of associating with your likes - what exactly did you do that caused all your troubles?" she asked seriously.
         "I was accused of betraying the prince." He replied. She studied the vampire's aura and noticed nothing peculiar.
         "Okay - did you?" she asked coldly.
         "No. I was doing an errand for the sheriff of Chamberlan. It was important - I had to deliver a package to an ambassador from Eco. But some freak that called himself Funny Bone attacked me. When I came to - the package was gone. By luck - the I found the package in the alley. I hurried to deliver it. When the ambassador opened the box - it exploded. Both the prince of Chamberlan and the Ambassador were nearly killed." He explained. According to his aura - the story was true.
         "I take it this ambassador became prince of Eco?" she asked.
         "Shortly after. That was when I lost everything." He answered.
         "So you know the way out of this insipid wasteland?" she asked.
         "Can you get me in the prince's favor?" he replied.
         "I don't have much choice. I make no promises. The prince is his own man and I have no leverage over him. Get me out of here though and I will tell him of your service to me. Perhaps that will be enough." She responded. The vampire smiled.
         "That's more than I had. Follow me." He requested. Nenia quickly moved four of her darts to the cuff of her sleeve. Although he wasn't being treacherous yet - it was always best to err on the side of caution. She took a step forward and fell face first to the ground. She slowly looked down to see the child holding onto her legs smiling happily.
          "I will take you with me if you promise to stop doing that." She muttered. The child released her and dusted himself off. She levitated herself up and glared at the child.
         "This way." She grumbled. The child reached up and grabbed onto her hand. She was startled by the action at first, but when she looked down she noticed that the child was behaving. She decided it was better to leave well enough alone.
***
A short while later, the three were on the outskirts of the Warzone and were in slightly more respectable territory. The three made there way across one of the city parks.
         "It has been so long since I have seen anything not destroyed - ruined or dead." the vampire muttered. Nenia was less than impressed with what she saw - but despite that - it did feel good to be back home.
         "Is it true that you are Skamms' squeeze?" he asked.
         "Don't be absurd! I would sooner give myself to a lupine than that messed up Mook!" she retorted defensively. The vampire backed down.
         "No need to snap. I'm just trying to make conversation." He muttered.
         "Don't. I'm not the chatty type." She replied sternly.
         "Most Tremere aren't." he added.
         "I'm hungry." The child whined.
         "Who's the brat?" the vampire asked. Nenia was about to answer when she realized that she didn't know.
         "No idea actually. Hey kid - what's your name?" she asked. The child smiled innocently and hugged her again. She gritted her teeth. The clingy kid was starting to get on her nerves.
         "Skitts!" he chirped.
         "Skitts? How cute - NOW GET OFF OF ME!" she screamed. Unfortunately, the child did not let go. He merely giggled and found the outburst humorous. She could feel her hands twitching with frustration.
         "Please - let go of me." She strained though gritted teeth. Skitts released her and stood obediently before her.
         "If you give him a toy, it might distract him and keep him from getting in your hair." The vampire said rationally. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a broken toy. He knelt forward and dangled it before Skitts. Upon seeing it - the child's eyes lit up.
         "Play over there." He requested. Skitts took the toy and rushed over to where he was told to play. Nenia looked at the vampire in amazement.
         "Why do you put up with him? Putting up with a Malkavian is one thing - tolerating a Malkavian child could turn you insane as he is." He asked. She looked over at the child and shook her head. She couldn't answer him because she didn't know the answer herself.
         "Tell me about this Funny Bone character." She replied calmly. The vampire sensed that the subject had been dropped and decided that it would be wiser to let it go.
         "Sure. He's a deranged lunatic. Many believed that he was a Malkavian - I mean he hung around them - pulled pranks like them - but he wasn't one of them. It turned out, after a few incidents, that he was just a Caitiff. He wasn't anything really special you know? He had a lower degree Presence - a level or two of Auspex - and was pretty quick on his feet. Some think it was speed - I'm more inclined to call it Celerity. Then a while ago - he changed. He got into a few fights and did things - hell - things he should have never been able to do. Rumors started spreading and he ran to Eco." He concluded. The story bored her at first until something clicked.
         "Hold it! What kind of things?" she asked eagerly.
         "Uhm, I don't know. I head that he was able to dominate someone that was a good two Gens lower than him on one occasion. I also heard that he was slinging fire around like snowballs. He did other freaky stuff too but I can't remember it." He answered.
         The talisman! It has to be! She thought eagerly.
         "Listen to me carefully - have you seen him lately?" she asked slowly.
         "Yes." He answered.
         "Was he in Eco?" she added.
         "Yes." He repeated.
         "Was he in the Warzone?" she added.
         "Yes." He repeated again.
         "Did he have a weird looking necklace on?" she asked optimistically.
         "Couldn't tell you. He always wore a ragged 'Alice in Wonderland' T shirt." He answered. Nenia almost fell to the ground crying. It was as though some higher power was deliberately taunting her.
         "Sorry." he stated. She shook her head and tried to clear her thoughts. There had to something she was overlooking. Just then her mind flashed back to the library in the Chantry. She remembered Snapps saying how a Cheshire Cat had the talisman.
         "Cheshire Cat? Was there a Cheshire Cat on the shirt?" she asked eagerly. The vampire thought back and nodded. Nenia smiled as the dark cloud that was following her began to dissipate.
         "Yeah. It was an ugly thing too." He answered.
         "He was the one. Okay - one more question. Do you know where he is now?" she asked hesitantly.
         "Not really - but I heard a rumor that he got in a fight with some savage bastard. I heard around seven different stories - they all ended the same. Funny Bone was turned to ash." He replied. She felt the dark cloud reform again.
         "I don't suppose there was a funny looking necklace in the ashes?" she asked pessimistically.
         "Not that I can remember. But there were a lot of people watching. Any one of them could have snagged it." He answered realistically.
         "Okay - how about the savage bastard? Who was he?" she asked.
         "You must be new to the area - Skamms. He took down Funny Bone after he took down the leader of the Anarch's Fist." He answered. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Skamms - the person that was with her earlier this very day - the person that was walking with her and talking with her - the person that just upped and vanished might have had the item she was looking for all along.
         "Skamms - " she muttered.
         "Hey, we should continue this conversation later. Sunrise is only a few hours away." He suggested. She looked up and noticed that the sky was starting to get a little brighter.
         "Agreed. Let's find a place to rest." She agreed. The two gestured for Skitts to follow. The three then made their way through the park in the hopes of finding a place to stay before the sun rose.
To be continued...
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