Chapter Five - the challenger
By Richard LeBlanc
The North District Zoo - one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country. Almost ten square miles of animal exhibits, booths, restaurants and souvenir stores. On an average day, over ten thousand people filter in and out of the place and spend over one hundred grand before the day is done. As the sun began to set on this established place, everyone began to slowly exit the zoo grounds.
Under one of the buildings, the Malkavian Skamms and the Warzone Anarch Kingsley. He was the one that told him of the current situation that they were now trying to resolve.
"That was unpleasant." The anarch stated.
"It was either that or tan." Skamms replied.
"It was still unpleasant." He repeated.
"Fine - it was a shit hole - can we get moving?" Skamms retorted.
"I'm hungry." Kingsley commented. Skamms was going to yell at the anarch, but he was feeling it too. He looked around at the dozens of animals that were displayed in the cages.
"So much on the menu." Skamms commented.
"Come on. Leave the animals alone - we aren't Gangrels." Kingsley pointed out. Skamms sighed and shook his head. He did have a point. The last time he fed off an animal it left a real foul taste in his mouth.
"Don't move!" a voice called out. The two slowly turned around and saw a guard making his way towards them. The two smiled at the guard.
"Perfect." The two said at the same time. Moments later, the guard was a corpse at their feet. Kingsley took they guy's wallet - Skamms took the gun.
"What are we going to do with him?" he asked. Skamms pointed over to the tiger cage. With little effort, the guard was thrown into the cage with three tigers. Skamms then 'convinced' the tigers to shred the body.
"Take what you want out of the wallet and through the rest in." Skamms instructed. The anarch nodded and tossed the pictures and ID and the now empty wallet into the cage.
"Now that we had a snack - where is this dress shop you spoke of?" he asked. Skamms scratched his head and tried to think of the quickest route. It was at that instant that the anarch noticed the numerous wounds on his arm.
"Fuck - what happened to your arm?" he asked. Skamms looked at it and healed it.
"Long story - I'll tell you later. Let's go." He replied.
***
Some time later, the two had found their way to the dress shop. The sign on the door said closed and all of the lights were out. If Geddon was here - he didn't want to be seen.
"Hmm. Locked - I don't think the owner is home." The anarch commented. Skamms removed his belt and wrapped it around his fist. He then lightly punched the glass door and shattered it. He reached in the hole and unlocked the door.
"Too bad - customers are here." He replied. The two made their way into the store. Everything looked normal. All that was on the hangers were dresses. All that was on the shelves were accessories.
"You sure this is the place?" the anarch asked.
"Positive." He replied. He hopped over the counter and looked there - everything looked as though it belonged. Skamms sighed and remembered back to everything he had heard and seen about the Fey Geddon.
"Maybe what we're looking for is in the back?" he asked. Skamms nodded. The two broke down the door and stepped into the backroom. Frustration was beginning to set in.
"I know this is the place!" Skamms cursed as he knocked a pile of boxes over. The anarch looked around and saw a crumbled up chart that was in the garbage. He reached in and unfolded it.
"You were right - I think that guy did operate here." He said. Skamms looked over and saw the piece of paper.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Looks like a checklist of sorts. Almost three-quarters of the things have been crossed out." He answered. Skamms walked over and took the paper away from him and studied it.
"Immortal's Sword - this is the list of magical items in the city." He commented. Kingsley looked at the list and recognized one or two of the items himself.
"Was this what we were looking for?" he asked. Skamms looked around. He then noticed a picture on top of one of the boxes he had just knocked over. He tensed up - it wasn't there two seconds ago. He walked over and picked it up. It showed Nenia chained up between two silver poles. On the wall was a message painted in blood.
"We are waiting for you - don't keep us waiting." Skamms read out loud. The anarch could see the rage emanating from the Malkavian. He cleared his throat and got his attention.
"So what's the plan guy?" he asked seriously.
"This jackass wanted me involved in this - now I am. Do me a favor King - get that list to Mr. High and Mighty Blowhard. I have to go talk to a friend." Skamms growled out as he stormed away. Kingsley looked over to ask something - but the Malkavian was already gone. He looked down on the floor and saw the picture of Nenia.
"I think I should hang onto this." He muttered. He looked at the picture and checklist. If someone was trying to push Skamms' buttons - boy did they succeed.
"I hope he meant the prince." He added.
***
At the Royal Palace, the prince was having a heated argument with the Tremere Regent and several of Nenia's elders.
"I told you! The last time I saw her was when she stormed out of here." Axis angrily retorted. The Regent stepped forward - at the same time - as did the two Assimites.
"There have been a lot of gray areas where we and your people stand. This is not one of them. if you want this to become a confrontation - say the word. But we will get out apprentice back!" The Regent hissed.
"Your Chantry has been a boon to this city for centuries - war with me - I promise it will be in ashes before the next sun rises. This is MY city Regent - not yours." Axis stated seriously.
"When next yours city is in peril - do not come to the Tremere. As of this instant - you are on your own." The Regent warned. Just then, Kingsley entered the room with the checklist in one hand and a flaming liquor bottle in the other.
"Hey - I got a message for a Mr. High and Mighty Blowhard." He called out. The Tremere looked over at the anarch.
"Back off freaks - I know he didn't mean you." He retorted.
"I presume you are addressing me." Axis asked seriously.
"Well - DUH! A friend of mine got pissed off at some freak named Geddon. He said he wanted you to have this." He said as he dropped the paper onto the floor. One of the Assimites walked over and picked up the list and carried it over to the prince.
"This - this is the list of everything. Who gave you this?" Axis asked.
"An old friend of yours. Hey - you tattooed tight-asses. You wouldn't be Tremere by any chance would ya?" he asked sarcastically. The Regent glared at the anarch.
"We are not in the mood for your low breed games. We are trying to find someone important." He retorted seriously. The anarch laughed at how the big bad Tremere was trying to look scary and tough.
"Really like who? The man that stole your personality?" he taunted.
"We are looking for an apprentice." One of the female elders commented. Kingsley stopped aggravating the Regent and looked at the woman that was by the other elders.
"Apprentice - you wouldn't by any chance mean Nenia would you?" he asked curiously. All of the Tremere were instantly focused on the anarch. Sensing their obvious desperation Kingsley sat down on a table and laughed.
"Never mind." He continued.
"What do you know?" The Regent asked.
"I don't want to talk to you. I want to talk to the leggy lady over there." He retorted. The Regent glared at him but motioned for the elder to join them.
"Some privacy?" he added. The Regent walked over to where the other Tremere were standing.
"So?" she asked seriously.
"She's the witch that Skamms likes. Some guy a short while ago put out a call for her in his name. She was taken down with extreme prejudice." He stated.
"To what end?" she asked. Kingsley handed her the picture.
"To use her as bait. Look peoples - I did my good deed for the decade - so you all can kiss my ass - and have a nice day." He concluded. He hopped off the table and left the room.
"Sire - this is serious." She said as she tossed the picture to the Regent. Upon seeing it he clenched it in his fist and caused it to burst into flames.
"Do you still stand by what you said?" Axis asked.
"We will let you know should we chose to return." He replied. on that note. All of the Tremere vanished. Axis looked at the list and shook his head. If half of his allies were as useful as one of his biggest enemies, his life would be so much easier.
"Get copies of this to everyone. It is time we ended this little game." Axis stated as he handed the list to one of the Assimites. He nodded and left the room.
***
On the roof of the Trade Center Tower, Geddon was balanced on a flagpole that extended out from the building. Below him was almost an eighty story drop, several meters behind him was Nenia. To either side of her were the anarchs that he controlled either through his devices or his thrall.
"Come on Skamms! I know you are out there! If you are half the player that everyone is bragging you are - you should know where I am by now." He echoed. But only the sounds of the city below and the winds seemed to answer him. he turned around and was mildly surprised when he saw someone perched over the wall behind Nenia.
"You - you must be Skamms." Geddon stated calmly.
"You - must be the stupidest person on the planet." Skamms retorted. He glanced down at the anarchs. Without making a move or sound all of them scampered away. He then refocused his gaze on the man balanced on the flagpole.
"I heard rumors - I heard stories - I just had to meet you." He began.
"Save it. The pompous prince has your checklist..." he interrupted. He looked down at the unmoving body of Nenia. He could tell that she was in torpor. He found himself unable to continue his train of thought.
"I know - that's why I left it there." Geddon replied. he hopped from the flagpole and landed on the roof.
"I have the means of bringing her back." He commented. Skamms slowly looked up at the Fey that was trying to bargain with him.
"Do tell." He retorted.
"Of course. I mean, a corpse would be useless to bargain with. Work for me. I have one boy that does errands for me - I want you too." He continued. Skamms hopped down from the wall and calmly walked over to where Geddon was. Once there, the two stared each other down.
"So what would I have to do?" he asked curiously. Geddon smiled and slapped the Malkavian on the shoulder. In response, Skamms punched Geddon and almost knocked him over the ledge.
"I heard you were nuts - I didn't think you were stupid." Geddon said.
"You know what they say - method to the madness and shit like that. How about we do another deal. You bring her back and I don't kill your sorry ass." Skamms retorted. Geddon snapped his fingers. The wall behind Nenia crumbled as his anarch thrall grabbed Nenia's head.
"Okay, how about this one - do as your told or my friend squishes your lady's head like a ripe grape." Geddon suggested. Skamms pulled out a gun and held it inches away from Geddon's face.
"How about this - call off your ape or I'll give you a third eye?" he retorted. Geddon could see by the look in his adversary's eyes that he wasn't bluffing.
"You are good." Geddon said with a chuckle. He snapped his fingers. His thrall released Nenia. He hopped up to his feet and smiled at the Malkavian that was still holding the gun.
"When I first heard about you - I seriously thought they were exaggerating. How about I give you a fighting chance?" Geddon asked curiously. Skamms lowered the gun.
"You mean like me and you?" he asked.
"No - you pick a person to fight for you - I pick a person to fight for me - winner takes all. You win, you get your precious Nenia back -alive as you remember her. I win, I get you. You work for me until such time as I say otherwise." He suggested.
"I fight my own battles." He retorted.
"Fair enough - fair enough. I on the other hand dislike physical confrontation - it is so base. I will chose my anarch friend." He replied. Skamms looked over and saw the anarch will silver armor on his arm.
"Doesn't look like much." he stated.
"And he isn't. So what do you say Skamms - we have a deal? Will you play my little game?" he asked seriously. Skamms looked over at Nenia and shook his head.
"You are becoming more trouble than you are worth." He muttered at the unconscious vampire. He then walked over to the anarch thrall. He looked into the vampire's vacant eyes and then looked over at Geddon.
"Give me a time a place freak show." He replied. The Fey laughed and clapped his hands together. Everything was starting to fall together as planned.
"How about - tomorrow - tenish - the old railroad yard? Would that be - acceptable?" Geddon asked tauntingly. Skamms spit in the face of the anarch but got no response.
"With reflexes like that? You're on." He retorted. A strong wind blew up. Skamms covered his eyes for a moment. When he realized what was happening - it was too late. The anarch thrall, Nenia and Geddon were gone.
No good can come of this. That piece of puke is up to something. Skamms thought to himself. Mere seconds later, the Tremere elders and the current Regent appeared. Skamms looked over at the warlocks and shook his head. The last thing he need right now was these people getting in his face.
"Skamms - we were wondering when you would surface." The Regent stated calmly. The Malkavian smiled at the Regent. There was something almost disturbing to him in the air.
"Shit happens - what do you want?" he retorted coldly.
"We just wanted to talk to you." The Regent replied.
Oh yeah right - like I believe that one. Skamms thought.
"Yeah? Well here I am - chat." He retorted.
"We saw a picture of Nenia restrained - most likely where that wall used to be. Rumor has it that you care about her - if you do - help us get her back." The Regent requested in what could almost pass for a civil voice.
"Not that's it's any of your business - but I'm taking care of it." Skamms retorted. He shook his head and began to walk by the Tremere elders.
"I'm sure you are. Take it easy - we'll be watching you." The Regent commented. Skamms was about to turn around and tell the blowhard off - but as soon as he did, they were gone.
"Hmph. That is so like them." he muttered as he made his way off the windy roof.
***
The next day - around nine - the old railroad yard was now empty with the exception of maybe a few souls that were working the night shift. By one of the old switches, Geddon his thrall and the motionless Nenia were waiting patiently for the challenger.
"He should be here soon. No one really waits until the last minute. People just don't do that anymore." Geddon commented. He looked up at the cloudy sky.
"What about the witch?" the thrall asked in a raspy voice.
"Her? Hmm. Yes - that would make things more interesting - but not yet. Besides - if I get rid of the bait before I catch my fish?I mean come on." Geddon replied with a chuckle.
"Oh - you wouldn't have to worry about that - you went out of your way to get my attention - and you got it." A voice said from the shadows. Geddon looked around but could see nothing out of the ordinary.
"Really - how charming. Why not come out so that we can begin this little adventure? Or do you want to hide in the shadows until the deadline is reached?" Geddon asked. He turned around and saw the Malkavian walking towards him with a shotgun.
"You're early." Geddon commented.
"So are you." He retorted.
"I presume that you searched the area to be sure that there is no secret ambush waiting to get you?" Geddon asked curiously. Skamms laughed at the idea and lowered his gun.
"I really couldn't have cared less if you did set up some sissy-ass trap. Others have tried that shit before - it never worked - all it does is make me angry." Skamms hissed. Geddon sighed and stepped back.
"Yes-yes. You big scary vampire - whatever. Anarch - beat him down." Geddon replied calmly. The Anarch stepped forward. Skamms armed his shotgun. Geddon sat down by the motionless vampire to watch the show.
"After I finish with this appetizer - I will be coming for you." Skamms said with a smile. The anarch roared and charged. By the speed it was running, it was clear to Skamms that he had a high level of celerity. The anarch got ready to smash the pest aside. Skamms stood his ground. The two forces were about to collide - the anarch took a swing at the Malkavian - Skamms fell to the ground before the hit connected and fired his gun into the anarch's unarmored shoulder. The anarch was thrown aside. Skamms leaped up to his feet and stood ready to shoot again.
"Not bad - but this is far from over." Geddon commented.
"Wouldn't have it any other way." Skamms retorted. The anarch quickly got up and glared at Skamms. The wound inflicted by the gunshot slowly healed. It then rushed at his target. This time - Skamms did the same. Just as it seemed that the two were about to hit each other. Skamms rolled out of the way - turned around and shot the Anarch in the back. Geddon and Skamms watched as the vampire rolled and skidded until he smashed into a building.
"Using his speed against him - interesting. Anarch - no more speed - let's just take things slow from now on." Geddon called out. The anarch smashed his way out from under the small mountain of debris and slowly stalked his way towards Skamms.
"You can do better than that." He goaded. The anarch leaped at him. Skamms fired again. This time the silver arm soaked most of the shot. He wound up and landed a powerful punch that sent the Malkavian soaring ten meters back and through a concrete wall.
"Ow - that really hurt - but it should have hurt me more than that." He muttered. it was then that he looked down at his hand. The ring had soaked the magical part of the damage that was caused.
"Heh-heh. Oh boy - we will have some fun today." Skamms hissed. He closed his eyes and concentrated. He began to growl and tremble. When he opened his eyes again - he was in full frenzy.
"Time to play you little freak!" Skamms hissed. He leaped through the hole in the wall and descended towards the anarch. Geddon smiled at the suicidal folly of such an attack and gestured for the anarch to strike. The Anarch cocked his silver arm back. Skamms held his shotgun like a club. Geddon watched with childlike anticipation as the two forces were about to collide. The two combatants swung at each other. The anarch just barely missed. Skamms hit the silver arm by the wrist and knocked the hand clear off. Just then - the anarch fell back as though he had woken from a deep trance.
"What the hell? My hand! What happened to my hand?" he exclaimed. He looked over and saw the gauntlet. He rushed over to get it - but it vanished. He looked at the space where his hand used to be. in its place was a scar in the shape of a calligrapher's G. he then looked over and saw the panting Malkavian. He instantly recognized Skamms and knew that it had to be his doing.
"I don't know what you did you little psycho - but I'll rip you in half!" he shouted. He instinctively swung with the silver arm, realizing too late that he had no fist. Skamms swung the gun like a bat and knocked the forearm portion of the armor off. The anarch looked in fear as that part of his arm was now gone as well.
"What is happening to me?" he shouted.
"It is a quirk of the Arm - it grants you all sorts of freaky bonuses - but should a part fall off or be knocked off as the current case may seem - you lose that part of your arm. Don't go all to pieces - you still have your super strength. Squish the little pest." Geddon replied. The anarch glared over at Geddon. After he was done with the psycho - he was going to deal with him.
"You caught me off guard before psycho - it won't happen again!" he challenged. Skamms growled and charged at the anarch. Instead of reacting to the Malkavian's actions - he remained calm. Skamms leaped at him. with his remaining hand he reached out and punched his hand into the Malkavian's stomach. In response, Skamms knocked off the elbow joint and biceps portion of the arm. The anarch threw the Malkavian aside. This wasn't making sense - he leveled Nenia and a couple of other vampires with two hits - how was it that he was still able to fight?
"You are pissing me off Mook! Stay down!" he shouted. Skamms slowly got up. His wounds slowly healed. He focused on the anarch and bared his fangs at him.
"You first!" he hissed. He leaped at the anarch and sunk his fangs into his neck. The anarch tried to peel the Malkavian off but was having difficulty doing so with one arm. Once he got a sufficient grip he threw the psycho away. He looked in horror as he saw the Malkavian holding the shoulder mount that he was wearing moments before. He looked over and saw that a good portion of his shoulder was now gone as well.
"Now - it ends!" Skamms hissed. He leaped at the startled anarch and bit his bleeding neck. Hurt from his previous injuries - startled from the loss of his arm - angry with Geddon for letting this happen -the anarch blacked out at the hands of the Malkavian. Geddon was mildly surprised at how the fight had ended, watched as the eyes of the psycho slowly panned over to where he was.
"You - lose!" Skamms hissed.
"So it would seem." Geddon said rationally.
"No - so it is!" a voice shouted. Skamms and Geddon looked over and saw Axis and his council standing on one of the separated boxcars. Just by looking at them he could tell that they had retrieved all of the items on the list and done so ahead of schedule.
"So you rounded them all up. Goody for you." He retorted.
"Geddon!" Skamms hissed. The Fey looked over at the angry Malkavian.
"The deal! Pay up now!" he ordered. Geddon looked at the watching vampires - looked over at Skamms and then looked down at Nenia. Everything seemed to be falling apart around him. All the nut had to do was listen to him and delay the prince in achieving his goal for a couple of days.
"A deal is a deal." He replied calmly. He took out a bag of powder and sprinkled it over the face of the motionless vampire. All watched motionlessly as the last of the powder faded. All was silent. Just then - her body began to twitch. Her eyes slowly opened.
"Nenia..." Skamms whispered. Just then Geddon lifted her to his feet and held a knife to her neck. Skamms' eyes widened at the display and saw the maniacal look in Geddon's eyes.
"All I wanted to do was have a little fun at the city's expense. All I wanted you to do was play with the prince and keep him busy for two or three days. After that - I wouldn't have cared about you or her or any of the other bloodsuckers in the city. But NO! That was just too much for you. But I will give you one last chance freak - drop the gun - walk your ass over here and join my cause. If you don't - her blood will be on your hands! What will it be?" he shouted. Skamms looked at the shaky look in Nenia's eyes.
"S-Skamms?" she stuttered in a trembling voice.
"I am not a patient man!" Geddon shouted. The rifle slowly slipped from his fingers. The reaction startled all of the kindred that were watching - but none more than Nenia.
"Let her go." Skamms requested quietly.
"Uh-uh. Over here first." Geddon said as the knife touched her neck. From where he was standing, he could see that it was burning her. He slowly walked towards the Fey and away from the gun.
"What is he doing?" Claws asked.
"I don't know." Axis added. Within moments. Skamms was a few feet before the Fey and Nenia. A spear appeared in his hand and stabbed into the Malkavian. The Fey smiled as he forced Skamms to the ground. Skamms slowly looked up and saw Geddon smiling.
"You had me going for a moment - I thought you were going to let me kill the bitch." Geddon stated. Skamms strained to look over at Nenia. Despite the severe pain he was feeling - he did his best not to let it show.
"Let - let her go." He strained. Geddon looked at Nenia and at Skamms. He moved the knife away and kicked the Tremere apprentice forward. She looked over at the Malkavian that seemed to be sacrificing himself for her.
"Time to pay." Geddon commented. Just then, another spear appeared in his free hand. Skamms tried to scream out - but it was too late. The end of the blade decapitated the apprentice.
"The next time I come back - perhaps you will listen to me." Geddon goaded. Skamms could barely hear his words as Nenia's body turned to dust. Just then - his arms began to shake. Geddon released the other spear in a vain attempt to maintain control of the Malkavian.
"This - this isn't possible - it should be rendering you helpless!" he commented. Skamms broke the spear and ripped out the piece that was stuck in him. Geddon looked over at the vampire that was glaring at him.
"Enough of this nonsense." He began. He hopped up into the air - but much to his surprise - nothing happened. He looked at his hands and tried to conjure up anything - nothing seemed to work. It was then that he noticed the ring on the Malkavian's hand. Just as he had devised an ultimate weapon against his enemies, so too did it seem that his Tremere friends had found a way to do the same.
"Nice ring." He commented.
"It was a gift." Skamms growled as he threw the two broken pieces of spear aside and stared at the Fey. He didn't care about the damage he had caused in the past - he didn't care about the suffering he had caused - all he could see was the final look in Nenia's eyes as he killed her.
"Now - you die!" he hissed.
To be continued...
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