Snapps Stories
The Bleeding Rose
Chapter one: a new face in town
By Richard LeBlanc
The Rusty Chain - a surly bar that was frequented by rebels, outlaws, bikers and other such easy-going people. There had been rumors floating around town that two local factions were either going to sign a treaty or go to war. One faction, known as Bloody Eagles had been waiting for their respective counter parts that were known as Social Disorder.
"Their late boss! The freaks are trying to stand us up!" one exclaimed.
"Your watch is fast. They have another five minutes." The leader commented. No sooner did he speak than the sound of bikes was heard. All activity in the bar stopped. Everyone watched as dozens of people began to filter in. The bartender armed his shotgun to get everyone's undivided attention.
"This is negotiations - this will not be the site of a war - understand?" he demanded coldly. The two leaders scoffed at the not so veiled threat. The two groups slowly made their way towards each other.
"It's been a long time grease monkey." The leader of the Bloody Eagles commented.
"Not long enough barking pigeon." The leader of Social Disorder retorted.
"You respecting the cease fire?" one asked.
"That's what I said." He replied.
"Boys - take a breather while we negotiate." The leader of Social Disorder commented. All of the men and women in his faction nodded and went over to one side of the bar.
"Same applies for you folks." The leader of the Bloody Eagles added. Those with him nodded and went to the other side of the bar. The bartender looked at the groups on either side of the establishment and noticed that the tension was extremely thick.
"We've been at each other for the better part of a decade. We've lost brothers and sisters - in some cases daughters and sons. And over what? One crummy block. It is time for us to look at the bigger picture." The leader of Social Disorder began.
"How so?" he replied.
"If we combined our strength and formed one faction - everything divided right down the middle - we would quadruple all of our profits and be able to expand. This feud between us has cost us way too much. If you are willing to listen - have a seat. If you think it is a waste of time - turn and leave. I do not wish to continue our war - but god help me I will fight it if you leave me no out." He answered. His rival saw the determined look his current enemy's face. He didn't want to admit it - but he too wanted to stop the fighting. It was getting extremely costly - more so than his enemy could possibly know.
"Sounds a little idyllic." The leader of the Bloody Eagles commented.
"It is very idyllic. If you are willing to listen - I am willing to talk." He retorted. The leader looked over at his friends and family. He could tell that they were just waiting for him to tell them to fight.
"For humor's sake - let's say - I'm listening." He replied calmly.
"Fair enough. Have a seat - please." The leader of Social Disorder requested. The two leaders sat down. Both were keeping a watchful eye on their friends, their enemies and the one across the table.
"If you are willing to put aside this feud and stand with us - we will give up our interest in the north side. I'll make the call and tell my people that are holding key places to pack up." The leader of Social Disorder offered. The leader across from him had a poor poker face.
"You-you're serious. I thought you said that hell would freeze over before you gave up." He retorted calmly. The person scowled at him.
"Who said I was giving up? I am sick of the alley fights and drive-bys. There are other factions in Eco that are laughing at us. US! Three other sects have moved in since we started feuding. They are preparing to take us out. We can't strike at them if we are fighting a pointless fight. It is time that we stop thinking so small. The other sects and factions aren't thinking of us as a threat. Now is the time that we set aside our differences and start expanding." He explained.
"Sounds cute - but where would we begin?" he asked.
"I had some people scout around. I have a file of key locations and fronts for two sects that are moving in on your side. They aren't expecting any resistance because you are too busy fighting me. Here - look." He answered as he handed a folder to him. The leader of the Bloody Eagles went wide eyed when he saw some of his own people helping members from rival factions cut into his illicit businesses.
"As a show of good faith - we will help you eliminate your enemies." He offered. The Bloody Eagle closed the folder and could feel rage building in him. His own people were betraying him.
"To what end? If they see us together - they will know something is up." He strained. The Social Disorder took out a map of their territory. On it was marked several key locations of enemy locations.
"I have a plan for dealing with that. we leak word out to the streets that we are pissed off at you people and we are going to finish things once and for all. We'll bring enough people to make it look convincing. We'll stage the fight - here. It is a couple blocks away from these four spots. My people will charge towards your people - and at the last minute will turn down this alley. You have yours charge at the same time and turn down this street. We will strike a major blow against two enemies that have been trying to play us against each other." He answered.
"How-how do I know this isn't some sort of trick?" he asked hesitantly.
"If we don't turn off at this point - open fire. One way or another - our fight has to end. If we managed to kill all of you people off - we would not be strong enough to ward off others. And you - you must know that the same is true of you." He answered.
"I - uhm, okay. If I find out that this is a cross..." he began.
"Nothing of the sort. The Bloody Eagles and Social Disorder will live on until around this time tomorrow. After we do this strike - our factions will be one - The Bloody Disorders." He began as he extended his hand towards his former rival.
"The Bloody Disorders..." he repeated. Everyone watched as the two leaders shook hands. Just then, storm clouds thundered in the background. The two leaders tensed up and quickly turned around. Every faction member in the room was on his and her feet. Lightning flashed through the night and exposed the silhouette of a man that was standing at the door. He wore a black trench coat and held an onyx black cane with a silver skull on the end. His eyes were a dark shade of blue, his hair was shoulder length and jet black.
"You people are trespassing on that which is mine." The stranger commented in a smooth but deep voice. Lightning flashed in the sky again and revealed four people that seemed to just appear.
"Who? Is this your idea of a joke?" the leader or the Bloody Eagles asked in disbelief. The leader of Social Disorder slowly rose to his feet and glared at the stranger.
"I don't know who this punk thinks he is - but this territory is under the protection of Bloody Disorders. If you and your friends want to stay among the living - I would advise you leave now." He answered and demanded. The stranger smiled a confident smile.
"Bah - enough talking! Gun the freak down!" the Bloody Eagle leader ordered. All of his people raised their weapons and fired. The stranger blinked. The sound of metal stopping metal echoed in the bar. Sparks appeared in the air before the stranger. When the stopped shooting. The stranger smiled and extended a closed hand out. The two leaders watched as what was left of all the bullets poured from his fingers to the bar floor.
"My name - so that you will know what to tell god when you meet her - is Sir Andreas Von Demsy of the Bleeding Rose." The stranger introduced with a bow. In an action quicker than thought - he leaped at the two. A blur of motion a flash of a blade - the stranger landed near the bar. The two leaders were twitching. Everyone watched as they fell into two uneven pieces. Sir held up his bloody blade so that all present could see.
"All of you people now belong to me. Resist and you will die. Serve me and you will be rewarded. Either way - is of little consequence to me." he stated in an elegant manner. Without any exception - everyone raised their hands and dropped their weapons.
"Excellent. Barkeep. I will be buying this establishment from you. You will find my prince not generous - but fair." He stated seriously. The bartender glared at the man that was trying to muscle him out of his bar.
"If I don't agree?" he asked.
"Hmm. You have a spine. I like that in a servant." He commented. The bartender fell over as though a batter in the major league hit him. Before he could even think of moving, Sir was on top of him with a bloody blade at his neck.
"Your life - belongs to me. Enter my world of darkness." He said elegantly as some of his own blood escaped from his wrist and fell into the bartender's mouth. Sir then leaped away from him and walked over to where the dead leaders were.
"Boys - girls - come on in." he called out. Four others dressed in trench coats entered the bar and looked around. They were clearly unimpressed by what they saw.
"Everyone step forward and throw your old colors here." Sir instructed - pointing to the two dead leaders. The crowd was a little reluctant at first, but they slowly made their way towards the center of the room. Sir watched as vests, shirts and leather jackets were thrown on top of the two leaders.
"It is time - for you to move away from your mundane pasts - and forge forward with me into the future. Stick with me and power beyond your wildest dreams will be in your hands. Wealth - unlike anything your mortal eyes could have witnessed - shall be in your possession. This is not only my promise to you - it is my solemn oath." Sir began. Everyone was mildly entranced as he spoke. They watched as one of his people poured gasoline on the pile of clothes.
"These two fools - they would have had you believe that by uniting - you would have been able to succeed. What rubbish. You people have grown weak in your infighting - and your enemies have seen this. I - yes I myself shall unite you. I shall forge you into a living weapon unlike anything your foes have ever seen. And together - we will rule this city!" he shouted out impassioned.
"Sir? When shall we begin work on restoration of this - uh - this place?" one of his people asked in clear disgust. Sir lit a match and watched as the flame seemed to dance on the wooden stick. He then dropped it on the pile of clothes. A huge fire wafted up from the clothes.
"Make the calls now. I want this place us to specs by this time tomorrow. Usual budget - usual instructions. Understand?" Sir asked - not taking his eyes off of the fire before him.
"Understood Sir." He replied with a bow. He then walked away from the fire and began to make a call on his cell phone. Sir raised his eyes from the flames and saw the terror that was in the eyes of three of the ladies that were formerly Social Disorders. He smiled a seductive smile and walked over to where they were standing. All that were in the way quickly moved.
"You - three, have the most beautiful eyes I have seen in at least a hundred years. I was wondering if you could join me in the back. I was going to have a little drink - and I hate to drink alone." He stated as he put his arm around two of them.
"Uhm, s-sure. I guess so." One stuttered.
"Mat, usual drill. See that the new recruits have been properly initiated. Me and the ladies will be in the back talking about past lives and current passions. Come along ladies." He instructed as the four headed into the backroom of the bar.
"Listen well people - we would prefer this be done quickly and without disorder. The master - will be most displeased if you resist. And you have not yet seen the master displeased." Mat stated seriously.
***
On the other side of town, the Malkavian Snapps was reading a newspaper's top story. Thousands of people at the local Kiss concert were rushed to the hospital due to severe poisoning. He allowed himself to chuckle at his handiwork.
"What a night. Oh man - it will be a while before I can even come close to topping that one." He muttered as he tossed the paper into a garbage can. Just then he tensed up. He wasn't in any sort of danger - but he knew that he was being watched. He slowly turned around and visually sifted through the crowds of people that were walking around - no one stood out.
"Someone spying on Snapps - that most rude." He muttered. He turned and began to run through the crowd. He then discreetly looked over his shoulder to see who might follow. No one did. Just then he bumped into someone and fell over.
"Uh-ow..." he slurred he looked up and saw Man Basher and a few of her friends. He now had a pretty good idea as to who was watching him now.
"Cute trick - you should have tried the other way." She commented.
"Heh-heh. Why would I do that?" he asked coyly.
"I don't know. Maybe someone wants to talk to you about a certain mass poisoning. And maybe you aren't too eager to hear what he has to say?" she suggested.
"What? That? Oh come on. I read the article - there was only one death - the rest were just sick." Snapps stated playfully. Man Basher quietly chuckled but cleared her throat to remain serious.
"Be that as it may, the prince wants to talk to you. You will behave right?" she asked curiously. One of her friends helped Snapps up to his feet.
"Hey - no problem. I'm always willing to accommodate people that can appreciate a good joke. Want pictures? I have." Snapps offered. Man Basher looked around at the people that were passing by.
"Hand over." She replied. Snapps reached into his pouch and pulled out a handful of Polaroid's that captured the whole prank. Man Basher giggled when she saw everyone getting sick and falling over. She passed them to her friends. They shared her views.
"Can we keep them?" she asked.
"Sure." He replied.
"Come along comedian." She requested as she and her friends escorted him from his location to take him to see the prince.
***
Moments later, at the Royal Palace, Snapps was once again standing before the prince on serious allegations of Traditional breaches. Snapps was swaying back and forth as Vincent ranted on about the ramifications of the boy's prank.
"And further more - his pranks are going to bring lots of unneeded attention to this city. People see things and talk. How can you explain thousands of people all getting sick at one concert?" he demanded.
"He's just sour because they all got half their money back." Snapps commented. Vincent glared at him and almost leaped at the Malkavian but was held back by Claws.
"Is this true?" Axis asked.
"It is irrelevant! What do you think this innocent little child is going to do next hmm? He is many things sire - and a serious threat to the Masquerade is among them." he retorted.
"I - believe the detail is relevant. I think you had a personal interest in that concert and his prank probably cost you thousands of dollars. I have yet to see anything in what you have brought to me as a Traditional breach." Axis stated seriously.
"Some people just can't take a joke. Want pictures?" Snapps asked.
"I'll kill him! Let me go!" Vincent screamed and he lunged for him. Claws held him back. The prince gestured for him to remove the enraged Toreador Primogen.
"Let's see them." he replied. Snapps handed him the extra pictures. Axis had read about the concert and what had happened - seeing it through the pictures that were labeled Snapps' Shots was something else.
"My nerves. It must have been something else. How did you do that?" he asked curiously. Snapps closed his mouth and mimicked the action of locking his lips.
"Secret? Alright. Just watch your step. By the way - how did you know he had an interest in that concert?" Axis asked. Snapps shrugged his shoulders.
"I didn't. I just took a guess. Imagine that?" he replied with a whistle. When he was gone, Toenail made his way over to where the prince was.
"I have a vague notion of how." He stated.
"Go on." He replied.
"I found this little guy hopping around in the sewers." He said as he showed the prince a bright colored frog in a glass container.
"Wasn't that a phone add or something?" Slap Happy asked.
"Not exactly. This is what is known as a poison dart frog. Its skin secrets a very toxic poison. If contacted directly with skin - it would stop most human hearts. If diluted in a soapy mixture and put into a bubble machine - theoretically it would make people sick." He explained.
"That - that was kind of clever actually." Axis commented.
"Anyway, do some snooping around. Make sure that no one is looking too deep for what make everyone sick. If they find out it is a foreign frog - people might ask more questions." Axis stated. With that, most everyone filtered away to do as he asked.
***
A little distance away, Snapps was mildly amused at how his string of pranks seemed to be exciting the Toreador Primogen. He was trying to think of what his next trick would be when he saw several people quickly loading building supplies into a large truck.
"Hmm." Snapps sounded. He skipped by the rushing me and cautiously made his way over towards the gas tank. Discretely, he opened the cover and undid the tank cover. He then reached into his pouch and pulled out a sugar container that he had lifted from a nearby restaurant he then poured all of the sugar into the tank and skipped away.
"Hope they aren't in too much of a hurry." He commented with a chuckle. He then let out a sigh. He hadn't had this much fun since the time he was bothering Nenia.
"Snapps?" a voice called out. He looked over and saw the face of the Malkavian Primogen Slap Happy. Behind him were two of his friends.
"That's me-that's me." he replied in a cartoonish voice.
"I just wanted to tell you that your style - your presence - your dramatic flare - has not gone unnoticed. You are a cross between a genius - and a fucked in the head, sick lunatic." Slap Happy began.
"Is that a good thing?" Snapps asked innocently.
"Good? Good? It is the best. Me and the boys here are part of an - elite - club if you will. And as you are still relatively new to the city and have become a household name on every notable kindred's lips - I would be most honored if you would join." He answered with a smile.
"Elite? How so?" he asked curiously.
"Probably say about six people. Three of which you see before you." Slap Happy answered as he pointed to himself and his two friends. Snapps looked at the three and smiled.
"I don't know. I've never been much of a team player." He began.
"Don't sweat it kid! We ain't here to crowd your style. Anything but. But with your talent and us backing you - just think of the possibilities. Whatdoya say?" he retorted.
"Uhm - it sounds sweet - but..." Snapps began.
"Look - just between us, our group is a prince sanctioned Coterie. You throw in with us, you get status - status equal influence - influence equal more power - power equal more freedom to pull bigger and badder pranks." Slap Happy interrupted.
"Bigger? Wow..." Snapps commented.
"Plus - for joining now - you get free of charge, this laminated get out of jail free card. Signed and sanctioned by Prince Axis himself - worth - getting your neck out of a noose and your ass out of the line of fire." Slap Happy stated as he held the card between two fingers.
"What won't it stop?" Snapps asked.
"Direct treason against him - or serious breaches of Traditions. Everything else is just too sweet. Whatdoya say? You in?" he asked eagerly. Snapps looked at the card and then at the Primogen.
"How did you get him to sign that?" he asked curiously.
"An Archon sort of upset him - so he asked me to make it all better. Long story short - I pranked him. Nothing big by your standards, but enough to keep him cursing for the better part of three hours. Come on kid - be a sport - you in?" he asked sarcastically as he made a pouty face.
"Sounds cool. Sure - I'm in." he replied calmly.
"EXCELLENT! Here's your card kid. You only get one - use it wisely." Slap Happy stated. He handed the card to Snapps.
"I talked to the prince shortly before that tight ass Toreador tried to get you toasted. He said that if you joined - you would get the status trait - Clever. After seeing some of your work - it is more than true. Want to hang with us at the hospital? We know some really cool games." He offered.
"I'll have to pass - too hard on the neck." He replied.
"Neck? Oh - OH! I like this kid! Listen up - anytime kid - and I mean it. Let's go play on the interstate and pretend we're Squeegee Kids." He stated to his friends. Snapps watched as the three skipped away.
"Status - imagine that." he said to himself. He looked at the card in his hands and wondered if it was legit. He allowed himself to smile. The next time that Vincent called him in - he would ask the prince then.
"Have to think of another prank. Nothing too big - but something stylish." Snapps said to himself. He walked down the street and tried to think of how he would grab the city's collective attention next.
To be continued...
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