Chapter Seven: allies and enemies
By Richard LeBlanc
The sun began to set on yet another day. The lights on the buildings began to flicker on as the sun seemed to fall from the sky. Most everyone believed that the problems of the day were over now. Those that knew, however, knew that this was far from so.
In the Royal Palace, a local Caitiff had just brought news to the prince of the location of the bloodline/clan known as Iron Fist. The prince thanked him for the offer and gave him a token reward before sending him on his way. He had been prince of the city for more than a couple of years - this information came to him way too quickly.
"Do you want him followed?" Dagger asked.
"No - he's nothing but a pawn in this game. If we tried to follow him he would perish before he could lead us to anything useful." Axis stated seriously.
"So what will you do?" Jonus asked.
"Whoever leaked this information to him wanted us to react on it. This whole situation stinks. There are two fanatical factions hiding in my city preparing to war - and they are trying to use me to do their work for them." he said in disgust.
"What of the cavalry?" Dagger asked.
"I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone that isn't already here. The Tremere have been relatively quiet as of late. Tell them that their assistance would be appreciated. If they chose to refuse - inform them that resources could run dry within a short period of time." Axis stated. Jonus bowed and hurried away.
"Should they prove - resistant - I will need a back up plan. Go to the Warzone and recruit whoever you can. What can be afforded as pay outs is fifty thousand total. If they want something other than money - if it is reasonable - promise it." He stated. Dagger nodded and hurried away. Once they were gone. Axis tensed up. He slowly turned around and saw Skamms sitting in his chair.
"Alone at last." Skamms hissed.
"What do you want?" Axis retorted.
"I just wanted to return a favor highness. I heard a funny story on the way to the peer - and when I thought of funny - I thought of you." Skamms stated. Axis' arm twitched. In the blink of an eye - the two had weapons aimed at each other.
"I wouldn't do it if I were you." Skamms warned.
"Why not?" he retorted.
"Because then I won't tell you my story - and I know you are dying to hear it. You know you are. Be a good prince and lower your toy." Skamms answered with a mad giggle. Axis smirked and moved the gun away from the intruder.
"Good boy. You know - the one thing I love about you is your security. By my count I have killed you twenty-six times. But hey - that is a different story." Skamms taunted. He put his gun away and put his feet up on Axis' desk.
"Once upon a time - an arrogant blowhard of a prince made the mistake of making an enemy of someone he knew nothing about. He tried to have him killed - tried summoning him into traps - had ghouls and underlings try to sniff him out - but he began to realize that maybe - just maybe - that he might have made a mistake." Skamms began.
"Is this going anywhere?" Axis demanded.
"You no like story? So much for dramatic build up. That place that Mr. Caitiff told you of - it is the place. It is the real deal and the real McCoy. You go there - I promise you shit will hit the fan." Skamms commented.
"I know it's a trap." He retorted.
"A trap? A trap? I've read those files you dropped off. Do you think it is just a trap? You are witnessing a fanatical - genocidal - pure - hatred that has spanned what must be centuries. This is no common feud highness. This is bigger than you could ever imagine. If you are aware of it both sides must be." he stated seriously.
"What is it to you?" Axis asked. Skamms looked over at the prince with a look that was a cross between madness and hate. With the blink of an eye, the look was gone.
"Look, I'm late for my manicure appointment. I'd love to shoot the shit and all but you know how it is. Take it easy big boy. It's been real." Skamms concluded as he hopped up to his feet.
"Uh-uh. How did you learn all of this?" he asked with the gun aimed at him. Skamms chuckled and let out a contented sigh. The reaction was not unexpected.
"I have my ways - or do I? Is this real - or am I leading you astray?" he goaded. Axis glared at the Malkavian that was now laughing at him. Before he could say another word, Skamms raised his hand.
"What?" he asked.
"Remember that tape thing I gave you a while back?" he commented.
"What of it?" he retorted.
"I have dozens just like it." He replied.
"You're bluffing." He replied.
"Am I?" he asked. The prince studied the Malkavian's aura - it told him that he was telling the truth. Axis lowered the weapon. Skamms slowly looked up at the prince and smiled.
"Did you actually check the tape to see if it was real?" he asked. The prince began to fume. He hadn't! as soon as the tape was in his possession he destroyed it.
"Insurance policy? Man you'll believe anything. I think what I gave you was some recorded cartoon that I picked up from some house I broke into earlier that week." He added with a chuckle. The prince watched as the Malkavian calmly skipped around him and then sat on his desk.
"I'll tell you this though, I gained a whole new respect for you highness - I honestly didn't think you had that kind of shit in you. I mean - I'm fucked up and even I wouldn't have done something like that." He stated.
"Why are you here?" Axis asked coldly.
"I thought it would be obvious highness - I'm here to help." He replied.
"Help?" he repeated in disbelief.
"Why so skeptic? Don't get me wrong - I'll still have you staked in a nice place to see the sunrise - but not yet. There are still games to be played." He stated rationally.
"Why?" he asked.
"Okay - you fall into trap within trap - you go poof because of this - I no deal with you personally - everyone no see me deal with you personally - no closure. Now on the other hand, I help - you live through trap within trap - your ass is mine to play with on another day. See the big picture asshole! This is a win-win situation. Besides - fifty G's won't get you any anarchs - if you want anarchs - you - need - me." he added sweetly.
"So - do we have a deal big boy?" he taunted.
"I don't have much choice. How many anarchs can you get?" he asked.
"How much of the city you want left standing?" he replied.
"My reports say that there is at least a hundred or so Dreamers and Iron Fists. You fought an Iron Fist - you tell me." Axis replied. Skamms nodded. He was still a little stiff from that encounter.
"You go toe to toe with them - you'll get you ass kicked. The only thing that saved my ass was that the pussy was a weak willed mother fucker. Hurt them up here is the same as hurting someone like you with a tire iron." Skamms stated as he pointed to his head.
"If that is so - the Dreamers would have a similar Achilles heel. If the fight becomes physical with them - they would most likely be out of their element. This will be messy. Get however many Anarchs you need to deal with the Dreamers - I'll recruit people on my end to deal with the Iron Fists. One more thing Skamms - after this is settled - all bets are off." Axis warned.
"Whatever gets you going. Catch you later big boy. I'll see you at the appointed place." Skamms replied. he hopped off the desk and skipped by the prince of the city. Axis closed his eyes and shook his head. He underestimated him once too often- it would not happen again.
***
A short distance away, Skamms was feeling quite pleased with himself.
"Now that Mr. Man knows where it's at - time to take care of some business." He stated smugly. He began to walk when several waves of nausea overcame him. He staggered over to an alley and leaned against a wall. The sensation stopped.
What the fuck? He thought. He was about to leave the alley when it came over him again. He tried to fight it off, but it was too strong. He let out a silent gasp. His head lolled back and he slowly fell to the ground.
***
Moments later, Skamms woke up in a disturbingly familiar lightless place. He shook off the effects that almost killed him and slowly staggered forward. It was almost as if he was drawn by some unseen beacon.
Where is this place? He thought.
"Skamms! Where have you been?" a familiar voice called out. He looked over his shoulder and saw Nenia rushing towards him. He let out a sigh and shook his head.
"I've been busy. What's going on? Did you yank me to this place?" he asked seriously. Nenia was noticeably stunned. She lowered her eyes and let out a quiet sigh.
"No." she replied.
"No?" he repeated.
"I am captive here. I do not know what power is bringing you here - but I am glad it did. I am in grave peril." She began.
"Talk to your Tremere buddies then. I thought you were all a big happy family." Skamms interrupted. The response stunned her so much that she quickly looked at him. Skamms saw something in her eyes that he hadn't seen since the days before she died - supposedly died at the hands of Geddon.
"Skamms? What-what's wrong?" she asked.
"Your eyes - I-I forgot how captivating they were." He replied. Hearing the response brought a small smile to her face. She walked over and punched the Malkavian across the face. Skamms recoiled from the hit and fell to the ground.
"And - for your information - you god-damn lunatic, I did try to get help from my ?Tremere friends' and they told me that it was beyond their ability to help me. Only you have been able to find me." she retorted.
"Sorry. And that was your only free hit. Touch me again - and you won't live to regret - or maybe you will - both would be unpleasant fates." He responded as he hopped up to his feet.
"You threatening me?" she asked seriously.
"Hey! I never threaten - I merely warn." He stated void of any emotion. Nenia smiled and began to quietly laugh. Seeing her laugh caused him to laugh as well.
"Duly noted. Will you please help me?" she asked curiously.
"What do you want this time?" he asked.
"I fear that those that keep me here are plotting something. I know not what - but if it succeeds - we will never see each other again." She replied sincerely.
"So what else is new? I asked you a question." He retorted impatiently.
"Stupid bastard. Fine. There's something fishy going on at the abandoned recycling plant. I think that is where they are." She answered. A twinge of recognition flickered in his mind.
"Problem?" she asked.
"Hmm? No. Everything's cool. The people keeping you here - Iron Fists?" he asked curiously. Nenia frowned at the unexpected recognition. The whole situation had a sense of deja-vu.
"Yes. How do you know of them?" she asked.
"Who?" he asked in mild confusion.
"The Iron Fists." She replied.
"You want me to find a pair of gauntlets?" he asked. She shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh. She couldn't tell if the Mook was being truthful or faking.
"Never mind." She concluded.
Everything went black.
***
Seconds later, Skamms sat up in the alley he had collapsed in. He could feel his fist shaking with the building rage he was feeling. He didn't know why - but something about her - felt wrong. The possibility that wherever that messed up place was causing it had passed through his mind - but it didn't stay there long.
"What?" he strained. Just then his mind flashed back to his memories of Nenia - the conversations - altercations - everything. Then he recounted everything that had endured since her supposed death. Something didn't add up - but what?
"The - eyes?" he muttered in confusion.
"Something about - eyes." He repeated. He shook it off. He could figure out whatever it was that was bothering him later. Right now he had some business to take care of.
***
A couple hours later, Skamms was in the Warzone. Of all the places in Eco - one way or another - he always seemed to end up here. He was now at one of his favorite haunts waiting for a couple of friends to show up.
"Come on my pretties - Skamms doesn't have all day." He sang to himself. Mere seconds later, the door swung open and a surly looking anarch elder scanned the almost empty room until he saw Skamms. As soon as he did, he scowled and gestured for those that were with him to enter.
"I was beginning to think that you were going to stand me up." He stated with a smile. The anarch elder shook his head and gestured for his boys to keep watch.
"I still might. Rumor has it that you are throwing your cards in with the prince." He stated seriously. As soon as he did, Skamms was instantly to his feet and had a gun drawn. In the time he did, all of those with the elder aimed weapons at him.
"I want to make something abundantly clear - I have invested a lot of time and resources into that bloated blowhard! Some arrogant fuck is sending him and his friends like patsies into a trap. No one - and I mean no one gets to off Axis but me! And if that means I have to save his scrawny ass so that he will be mine to play with - it will make his death at my hands that much sweeter!" Skamms hissed.
"You should lower the gun. My boys are loyal and quick." He warned.
"They would be avenging you then. They aren't that quick. The gun is loaded with hollow points that I acquired from you. We can make this personal if you want - you know me - I'll try anything once." He stated as he cocked the safety back. The elder could see by the look in the Malkavian's eyes that he was not bluffing. He was by no means intimidated by the gesture, but the Malkavian made his point. He waved his hand and gestured for his men to lower their weapons. As soon as they did, Skamms did the same.
"You play a dangerous game Skamms. One day you may bite off more than you can chew." The elder stated calmly. Skamms smiled his trademark smile that was a cross between disillusion and apathy.
"I can chew quite a bit. But I didn't call you here to talk about snacks. Rumor has it that something big is going down at the abandoned recycling plant." Skamms stated.
"I know that." The elder stated.
"You do? Good. I have a Christmas list here. I will be the first to admit though - I haven't been a good boy this year." Skamms stated madly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
"You're a nut." The elder stated as he took the paper away from Skamms and slowly studied the list. All humor faded as he studied what the Malkavian had listed. He looked over at the Malkavian and then looked down at the list.
"You have expensive taste." He commented.
"So what else is new?" he retorted.
"True enough." He answered.
"Oh - and item one on the list I need set up by tonight latest. Item six - that can wait until about ten tomorrow." He added. The elder looked at the list again and sighed.
"That doesn't leave much time." he stated.
"You can do it - I believe in you." Skamms stated.
"Can, isn't the question." The elder commented.
"Way ahead of you. From an - anonymous source I learned that you had a weakness for priceless books. Your Toreador heritage - you try to hide it - but it is always there. Name three book that you want - oh - wait." He began as he tossed a wrapped box out from under the table. The elder looked at the box.
"Go on - open it." He suggested. The elder slowly opened the box and carefully removed the three books that were inside. He looked at each and saw that they were authentic.
"I won't ask. Creed." He called out. One of the men hurried over.
"See item one on this list?" he asked.
"Yes sir." Creed replied.
"It needs to be done - tonight. No sloppy shit either." He stated.
"On it sir." Creed stated as he hurried away. The elder looked at the list. Item six would be tricky - not impossible - but tricky nonetheless.
"Mathew." He called out. One of the others hurried over.
"Yes sir?" he replied.
"Item six. Check all of our people - find out who has one and get it. Make sure that the knowledge stays in the family if you get my meaning." The elder instructed. Mathew looked at item six on the list and let out a sigh.
"It won't be easy sir - but I'll have it half an hour before the appointed time. Can I have some back up sir?" he asked. The elder nodded and pointed to two others and gestured for them to go.
"The rest - can wait - but I would of course prefer expedience if you get my meaning." Skamms stated calmly. The elder looked at the priceless artifact in his hands and looked from page to page.
"All will be done by ten tomorrow. And Skamms - a pleasure doing business with you." He stated rationally without looking up from the book. Skamms smiled and hopped up onto the table beside him.
"Usual meeting place? Usual time?" he asked.
"Sounds good to me." the elder replied, clearly entranced by the book.
***
At that moment back at the Wealthy Traveler, Mother was not pleased. There was clearly something afoot that she was not aware. Were she not so infuriated at the Malkavian Snapps - and concerned over her missing childer Pretty - and upset by the absence of those she sent to deal with Snapps - whatever secret or plot would be obvious to her.
"Where are they?" she asked seriously. Just then a young looking woman entered the room and bowed before her.
"You have news?" she asked.
"Yes - not good I'm afraid." She replied.
"What?" she demanded.
"Those you sent - we have reason to believe that they perished. We sent a scout to the rail yard to investigate for some possible clues and found these." She stated as she handed her several photographs. Mother looked at the bloody toy stake. She saw the ashes that were loosely wrapped in plastic wrap, wire and duct tape. She read the note that was left behind taped to a rock. She let out a scream and threw the photos away.
"Once we deal with the bastard Iron Fists - this boy Snapps will be my new mission! First he steals my precious childer from me - now this!" she ranted.
"Have you any news of Skamms Mother?" the woman asked - hoping to calm her down from the rage she was putting herself into. Mother calmed down a bit and regained her composure.
"I don't know. I hate those of his line. He was so receptive before - now I am not so sure. But he should do as he's told. Any news on that little freak Skitts?" she asked seriously.
"None. We tried everything in our power to find him, but I doubt we will unless he desires to be found - which in his case would be unlikely." The woman replied.
"No matter. After tomorrow - it won't really matter. Tell the others to prepare. The moment of our greatest victory is almost at hand." Mother stated coldly. The woman nodded and hurried out of the room. Mother walked over to the window and looked out at the city around her.
"I know you are out there - I will find you - it is only a matter of time." she said to herself. A reassuringly cold and calculated smile began to form on her face as she thought of how the events would unfold.
To be continued...
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