Chapter Nine: confrontation
By Richard LeBlanc
The Royal Palace - Axis and his council of Primogens were reviewing a document that was sent to the prince the night before. It was a letter of challenge - issued by Sir Andreas Von Demsy - challenging him for rule over Eco.
"The boy has more balls than brains," Man Basher commented as she tossed the note onto the table.
"The boy is crazy - you sure he's Toreador?" Slap Happy asked with a giggle.
"This doesn't make any sense. He is risking war - full out war. That would turn Eco into a graveyard. He's up to something," Axis muttered as he looked over at the Ventrue Primogen.
"May I offer my suggestion?" he asked.
"I know your position on this - and the answer is no," he retorted in disgust. Esamuel sighed and leaned back on his chair.
"The challenge - is calling for a battle - between his council - and yours. But - if he is prince of multiple cities - he could have more than one person representing each clan," Claws pointed out.
"Bah - ask me if I care? He could put ten Brujahs in front of me and I would walk right through him. Any Brujah that bows to a flower - is not a true Brujah," Man Basher commented as she armed her pistol.
"Numbers aren't his game. If he removed his council from each city - it would leave those cities vulnerable - no he has something else up his sleeve," Axis stated as he walked over to the window. He had a vague notion as to what trump card Sir would use - but there wasn't much he could do about it. "The place he chose for this rumble - is close to his territory - the Bloody Thorn. I want everyone ready to move in a matter of minutes. This shit has gone on long enough," Axis concluded. The council nodded and left the room.
"You know what our enemy has planned?" Jonus asked.
"I believe so," Axis muttered.
"Do you want us to deal with him?" the other Assimite asked.
"No - that wouldn't solve this problem. This is going to get political," Axis replied.
"The Archon?" Jonus asked.
"Exactly. Gear up - I have a feeling that it is going to be a long night tonight," he replied.
At that moment, in an abandoned warehouse in the Warzone district, Vincent was hiding in the shadows. The Blood Hunt had been officially called on him - and dozens of people had migrated into Eco to collect. He had been able to escape the last batch of hunters - but he knew that it was only going to be a matter of time before his luck ran out.
"That was too close. Going to have to get out of here," he began. It was then that he heard the sound of a match strike. He tensed up and slowly looked over his shoulder. There was Skamms - smoking a cigarette - smiling at the former Primogen.
"How the mighty have fallen," he commented casually.
"You again. What do you want?" Vincent asked hesitantly.
"Me? Not much. I want to know what went down at the station the other day. I know that someone was pulling the strings - I know that Sir had his hand in it a bit - but I know it didn't go down the way it was supposed to. Talk to me Vinny," Skamms answered calmly. Vincent looked at the nearest door. "That pack of vultures that you ducked in here to avoid - they are only a block away. You step out - you won't stand a chance - you know that," he reminded.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"Answers. I know you messed up - you wouldn't be dodging your new boyfriend's dogs if you didn't. Talk to me - and maybe I can help you. Don't - I walk away - and you can take your chances. Either or is of no consequence," he pointed out.
"Why should I trust you?" he asked suspiciously.
"You shouldn't actually. I could turn on you like a rabid dog. But - something - bothers me. that sting - I was the target - but you fingered - Claws. The sheriff of the prince. In an - odd - bizarre sort of way - you saved my life from what Sir had planned. Intentional or no - I always repay my debts," Skamms pointed out as he walked over to the door.
"You - could get me out of the city?" he asked hesitantly.
"I am probably the only person in Eco that will give you a fair shake. You pissed of the prince - you disappointed your new friend and got yourself Blood Hunted - who else - I ask?" he pointed out as he stepped away from the door.
"Point taken," Vincent muttered as he slid down to the floor. "So - what do you want to know? What answers are you seeking?" he asked seriously. Skamms walked over and sat down before the Toreador.
"The bratling Skitts muttered something to the prince. I was wondering if - maybe you heard?" he asked.
"I believe his exact words were biggest strength - is biggest weakness. It's true - and then something about him being hungry," he replied calmly. Skamms nodded.
"That was what Claws told me. Now - this is where you come in. You know this blow hard - what would you consider his biggest strength?" Skamms asked seriously. Vincent thought back to all of his dealings with the would be conqueror of Eco.
"Shit, I never really thought about that," he replied.
"Think - now - think hard," Skamms suggested.
"Probably his resources - he has money coming out his ass. But I am sure you guessed as much by now," he replied calmly. Skamms shook his head.
"No - it can't be that. What else?" he replied.
"His skill with a blade?" he suggested.
"It can't be that either," Skamms stated as he looked away from the Toreador.
"You have an idea already," Vincent commented.
"I was hoping - that you would be able to throw something in the air that would replace what I believed - unfortunately - you can't. So - what can you tell me - about his Archon friend?" Skamms asked hesitantly. Upon hearing that - a whole score of unpleasant thoughts flooded Vincent's mind.
"You - can't be serious," he muttered.
"What?" Skamms asked curiously.
"You aren't going after that Archon," he replied.
"Let's just say I want to keep my options open. I know that he and his friend have been scheming against me from some time. if I do nothing - they will continue to do so. What? Are you worried that all of this might get leaked back to you?" Skamms asked.
"The thought had crossed my mind," he admitted.
"Don't. I like things - controlled. Now talk," he replied seriously.
"I don't know that much about him. I know that Sir has something on him - something really dirty that keeps the Archon from wandering too far. I know that he doesn't intimidate easy. I know that he has little tolerance for Sir. Other than that - you probably know as much as I do," he answered calmly. Skamms studied the man's face and smiled.
"An Archon that is being held in thrall - an unpleasant thought under the most ideal of circumstances. Do you know what clan he is?" Skamms asked with a smile.
"No clue - why?" he asked.
"He gave you a hint - think back - when they were passing judgement on you," he suggested.
"You - were in there?" he asked in disbelief.
"No - but I have a few friends that can't be bought. There was a reason why he cast his vote for the Malkavians. His insanity - must have got the better of him and Sir must have capitalized on it. You did good Vinny. You just bought yourself a new lease on life," he stated calmly as a buzzing sound came from one of his pockets. Skamms reached into a pocket and pulled out a cell phone. He opened it up to receive the call.
"Right on schedule. Yeah - he went along with it. No - he won't give you any trouble. Just a couple of weeks - the insanity will die down by then. After that? I have a few friends in Chamberlan that will put him up after that. Like I said - he won't give you any problems. Alright? Alright. Thanks a bunch - I owe you for this one. Talk to you later," Skamms concluded.
"Who was that?" he asked.
"The man that is going to help keep you alive. He's a friend of mine that runs a bar. He'll be keeping you safe - along with two of your retainers that he was able to get to before your holdings went up in flames. I told him that you weren't going to give him any trouble - and I am a man of my word. Make a liar out of me and I promise you will suffer," Skamms warned. Vincent nodded.
"I won't be any trouble - wait - you saved my retainers?" he replied.
"I got in touch with him earlier and put in a request. I knew you would be reasonable. I just want you to know right now. This guy doesn't have a lot - but he is risking a shit load to do this for me. Put him down - make him feel bad - he'll put you out. You have no status no position or rank over him - nothing. Clear?" Skamms asked.
"Crystal," he replied.
"Good. Now look at me - I'm going to teach you something that you social types aren't used to - it is the art of moving around unseen," Skamms stated as the two continued to talk.
A few hours later - at an abandoned lot near the Bloody Thorn, those under the command of Sir waited for their awaited guests to arrive.
"Do you really think that they will be fool enough to show?" the Brujah asked. Sir pointed his cane at the current masters of Eco that were heading their way. The Brujah put his hands up and stepped back. Sir smiled at his rivals and stepped before his people.
"You are late - I was beginning to think you wouldn't show," Sir taunted. Axis glared at him and motioned for his people to stand back.
"You want to challenge me - fine. I find it a more formal - cleaner way of solving our situation - without turning Eco into a mass grave - but I don't want your bitches - I just want you. Face me - just me. Winner takes all - unless you aren't man enough to accept my challenge," Axis retorted. Instantly Sir's saber was in his hand.
"You want this to be between the two of us - so be it. I did not attain what I have by being weak,"   Sir replied as he stabbed his saber into the concrete.
"No weapons?" Axis asked.
"I need no weapons to deal with you - or - is it that - you - are not man enough to face me?" Sir replied. Axis smirked and motioned for his bodyguards to step forward. Axis removed his jacket that was loaded with pistols and other firearms and then removed the two weapon belts he was wearing.
"Came loaded for bear I see," Sir commented.
"If his cronies so much as look like they are getting involved - you know what to do," Axis stated coldly. The two Assimites nodded and stepped back to where the others were waiting.
"What he said - goes double for you people," Sir repeated to his council. Sir then took on a defensive stance and motioned for the prince to begin. Axis cracked his knuckles and raced at him. The two were both clearly using their highest level of celerity. Most of the onlookers could only see blurs of motion. But those with sharp eyes could see the two exchanging punches and kicks with incredible accuracy.
"Who's winning?" Slap Happy asked.
"Pretty even so far - Sir is pretty good for a Toreador," Man Basher commented. Just then the motion stopped. Sir had his hand extended in the air - but Axis was no where to be seen. Seconds later he fell down to the ground on his neck.
"Round one - Sir," the Tremere that was supporting Sir stated. Axis rolled over and hopped back up to his feet. He wiped the trickle of blood from his lip and smiled at the smug looking rival.
"You are clearly not used to fighting one as skilled as I. I have spent many years abroad - studying the art of fighting at the hands of masters. Your thugish brawling cannot compare," Sir stated as he took on another defensive stance. "Care to try again?" he asked. Axis growled and leaped at him again. Like before - the two became blurs of motion. This time when the motion stopped. Sir had one leg extended outward. Everyone looked over to the side and saw where Axis was sprawled out. Axis got up and shook off the effects of the hit.
"Surrender to me - and I may have some use for you on my council - no promises though," Sir goaded.
"The day I bow to you - is the day I watch the sunrise," he retorted as he charged at Sir. Once again the two became blurs of motion.
"I don't like the way this is going," Slap Happy commented.
"Neither do I," Esamuel added. Once again the action stopped. Sir had his arm cocked back. On the ground - Axis was looking up at the sky. He shook off the effects of the hit and rolled to the side.
"You can't take much more of this - I know it - you know it. Know your place - and surrender," Sir demanded. Axis cracked his knuckles and shook his head. He raced at Sir again - the two seemed to blink away as they became blurs of motion. Just then Sir took a powerful hit - then another. Then Axis grabbed Sir by the Neck, slammed him back first into the ground with such force that the pavement cracked. Sir attempted to move - but the grip on his neck tightened.
"I don't have to take much more. You are a careless bastard - you know that. I took a few hits - but it was educational. I saw how you fought - I saw an opening you made more than once. You move - you die," Axis warned coldly.
"What is the meaning of this?" a familiar voice asked. Axis groaned. He looked over and saw the Archon heading their way. He shook his head and looked down at the smiling Toreador.
"This piece of garbage was trying to take over my city - he challenged me - and lost. He is about to pay the price - why? Do you have some objection to this?" he answered and asked sarcastically.
"Let him go," the Archon ordered. Axis grunted and released the man he had beaten.
"Sir Andreas Von Demsy - you are seeking to gain control of Eco?" he asked seriously.
"It seemed like a nice place - that was being run into the ground by a common thug. I was trying to liberate it from its dying state," he replied rationally.
"So you agreed to a challenge to avoid a war and an obvious breach of the Masquerade. Was the fight on the level?" he asked seriously.
"No - I said no weapons - while we were fighting - he hit me with something metal," Sir replied. The Archon looked over at Axis who was having a hard time taking any of this seriously.
"By rule of challenge - the winner is decreed by the rules agreed upon. If you Axis - prince of Eco - are in possession of such a weapon - your life is forfeit and you will subject yourself to the punishment of the Sixth Tradition. If no weapon is in your possession - you Sir - will have lost - and you will be subject to the Sixth Tradition - as you had lost. Is this judgement understood?" the Archon asked. Sir calmly nodded. Axis tensed up and reached into his pants pocket - there - was a brass knuckle - a weapon that he had not had on him.
"The weapon in question. A pity Axis - I thought that a Brujah could face a Toreador without a weapon," the Archon commented as he slowly extended a specially honed dagger. Axis stood calmly as the Archon headed his way. Just then six shots were fired. Both arms of the Archon exploded at the shoulder joints and fell to the ground. Sir was on the ground holding a part of his leg that had been severed by an explosive shot and Axis was on his back with a big hole in his stomach. Everyone looked over and saw Skamms holding two smoking guns.
"I would advise everyone remain real calm. I am a little jumpy and these hollow points can do some major owies," he warned as he walked over to where the armless Archon was.
"You will pay for this," the Archon threatened. Skamms smirked and pistol-whipped the Archon face first to the ground. Skamms stood over the Archon and looked over at the two princes that he had shot.
"Send me the bill. Hey Axis - Sir - long time no see," he began as he aimed a gun at both princes. "Not to worry folks - I am just hear to say my piece," he rationalized.
"You - will wish you had never been born," Sir hissed.
"Been there - done that. You know - I was mulling it over in my head - something the brat kid said. Biggest strength - is his biggest weakness. It was driving me batty. Was it his money - no. His status - hell no. His effect on the women - maybe - but no. Then I got to thinking - and realized it was your pet here," Skamms began as he stomped his foot down on the squirming Archon.
"I don't know what you are babbling about," Sir strained as he concentrated on his leg wound.
"No? Allow me to help. Now I know I am not to hip to that political thing - but I do know bits and pieces. Tell me Sir - how will you be able to rationalize your position as prince of so many cities - a kindred with your level of status - without your precious Archon boyfriend?" Skamms asked.
"You are going to pay for this," the Archon strained. Skamms rolled his eyes and stomped down on the Archon's head. He then looked over at a pale looking Sir.
"No quick response? Oh - the madman hit it on the head - didn't he. You never thought about it too hard - but then again - why would you have to? After all - how could anything happen to an Archon? Your biggest strength is your biggest weakness and both - are stumpy here," he rationalized.
"You kill him - your life won't be worth anything," Sir warned.
"Kill him? Now why would I have to do that? But it would sure be a crying shame if - I don't know some prince of Eco were to let it slip that stumpy was on your payroll - oh - my imagination ain't that sharp - please - tell me what do you think will happen?" Skamms retorted. Sir looked over at Axis who was being helped up by the Assimites.
"I - will hunt you down like the cowardly dog you are," the Archon strained. Skamms tensed up. His head lolled to the side. A look of tranquility and clarity could be seen in his eyes. He looked down and shot the Archon repeatedly until his guns were out of bullets. When the smoke cleared - Skamms was still pulling the triggers - and all that was left of the Archon was a huge bloodstain in the crater in the ground. Skamms shook his head and looked down at what he had done.
"Suicidal son of a bitch," he muttered as he tossed the guns to the ground. He looked over at Sir and his crew and smiled. "Uh, if I were you guys - I would get while the getting is good. Eco - is still his - and I am sure that he isn't very happy with you," he mockingly whispered. He then looked over at the prince and sighed. "I dealt with the problem just like you told me to highness. Consider us even!" he shouted out as he walked away.
"Why did he do that?" Esamuel asked.
"Covering his ass. He knows or suspects that the Justicar that owned that Archon might be watching," Axis muttered as he watched Sir being helped away. "Just so you know Sir - you have until the end of the night to get the hell out of my city. After that - I will call a Blood Hunt on you," Axis warned. Sir glared at the Brujah prince and motioned for his people to get him away from there.
"That is that. You okay? That looks painful," Claws asked.
"Don't ask. Let's get out of here. Those exploding shells Skamms so thoughtfully used will attract unwanted attention to us," he answered. On that the ruler of the city was escorted away.
Weeks later - in Paris, Sir Andreas Von Demsy was still nursing his wounded leg but was relaxing in one of his private clubs. He had suffered losses and setbacks before - but none quite as heavy as what he had experienced in his adventure in Eco.
"You look troubled," a familiar voice stated. Sir scowled.
"What do you want Banks?" he asked without moving. It was then that Esamuel Banks, the Ventrue Primogen walked over and sat down across from Sir.
"Want - just to touch bases and see how things were. The leg healing okay?" he asked curiously.
"You used me," Sir muttered coldly.
"No less than you did me - I just got to where I wanted to get. I told you that it might be a costly venture - you said you didn't care," he commented as a waitress brought him a drink.
"Costly? Costly? Do you have any idea what this little stint has cost me? My status has come under scrutiny. I have Archons investigating my cities. By the end of this month I will have probably lost half of them. Paris - is my only refuge from their watching eyes. Costly," Sir muttered in disbelief.
"I feel for your situation - but it was only a matter of time before someone learned of your little arrangement. Oh - I have something for you," the Ventrue began as he slid a large envelope over to the Toreador. Sir sighed and looked at the contents.
"Stocks?" he asked.
"You are one share away from being a majority holder in many of Axis' companies. You will also get generous kickbacks from several of my personal holdings. Be discreet if you chose to act against the prince's holdings though. I also wanted to thank you for helping me attain extra status from my prince. I couldn't have done it without you," he commented as he took a sip from his wineglass.
"You were behind it - it was you that took away what I had taken from that pompous prince," he began.
"What of it? I want you to be honest with me - for humor's sake. Were our roles reversed would you have done different?" he asked curiously. Sir shook his head and looked out the window.
"Probably not. Should have known better than to deal with you," Sir replied.
"Me? Whatever do you mean?" he asked innocently.
"Are you telling me you didn't - convince that lunatic to turn my Archon into a splatter?" Sir retorted. Esamuel quietly laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
"An insurance policy - to make sure you stay away from my playground," he replied rationally.
"Bastard. Fine - Eco is off limits - so long as the kickbacks keep coming. But humor me - why did you do it?" Sir asked. The question puzzled the Ventrue.
"Explain?" Esamuel asked.
"Why the cover up? Why did you bury everything on Snapps?" Sir asked. The puzzled look deepened.
"Me? I - I thought you did that," he replied seriously.
"It wasn't me," Sir clarified.
"That - is unsettling. That means that there is another shadow player pulling strings," Esamuel stated as he got up. "Clan Ventrue appreciates doing business with you Sir Andreas Von Demsy - another time perhaps?" he stated as he extended his hand to the Toreador.
"You won this round - but I'll be back - maybe not for a while - but I will return. Then - Eco - will be mine," Sir stated seriously as the two shook hands.
"In this crazy place - anything is possible," he concluded as he walked away.
End?
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