Chapter four: the game begins
By Richard LeBlanc
At the Bloody Thorn, a heated debate was going on between the Archon and several of the members of the gang members. Things were about to reach a boil when Sir walked through the door. When he saw how badly scarred the Archon was he tensed up.
"Holy - shit. What happened to you?" Sir asked seriously.
"What happened to me? A fucken Malkavian happened to me!" he retorted angrily. Sir tensed up. If Skamms was able to this to his most powerful ally...
"Skamms did this?" he asked.
"No! A different one - some kid named Snapps. I was trying to get some info out of the Malkavian Primogen when he happened on the scene. I lost two of my boys!" he stated as he pointed his finger accusingly at the Toreador. Sir sighed and shook his head.
"Lose the tone." He warned.
"I'll give you more than tone!" the Archon retorted.
"No - you won't. You were cocky - you paid the price - move on." Sir stated coolly. The Archon growled at the owner of the club.
"Cocky? You are treading a thin and dangerous line..." he hissed.
"No I'm not. We have an arrangement and an agreement. I fully expect you to honor it. If you are feeling all offended by what I said - maybe there's a reason. Be honest with yourself. You didn't have your guard up. You didn't think that a Mook was a serious threat. You now know what to expect. So lose the attitude because right now we don't have time for it." Sir retorted rationally. The Archon glared at Sir but looked away.
"Now, hold on a minute - did you say Snapps?" Sir added.
"Yeah, what of it?" he replied.
"What good fortune. One of my newer allies is having a bit of trouble with that one. After we deal with Skamms - we will focus our attention on dealing with him." he answered.
"I want Snapps first." He retorted.
"Business - always comes first." Sir overruled.
"You are going to push me one step too far one day." The Archon began. Sir stepped to the side and motioned for him to leave. The Archon looked at the door and over at the Toreador.
"If that is how you feel - go. I'll send a memo to your boss. He will get it before you can even get a phone call out. Business - then play. Skamms is the loose cannon - not Snapps." Sir continued. The Archon shook his head and walked into the backroom of the bar.
"That looked intense boss." One of the gang members stated.
"Hmm. You ain't seen nothing yet. Lucien - Diamond, come here." Sir stated coolly. One of those he traveled there with and one of the three ladies he had embraced a short while ago stepped forward.
"Skamms is a threat - he scares a lot of people. I want to drown out that fear - Lucien, call my Swiss banker - transfer six hundred million over to my New Orleans' account." He began.
"I'm on it Sir." He replied with a bow.
"You Diamond - my precious stone, I want you to spread the word throughout Eco by any means possible - internet - street signs - telephone poles - transit - whatever - put word out that I am posting a one hundred million dollar price on Skamms' head!" Sir stated coldly.
"Wow - that's a lot of bread." Diamond stated in complete awe.
"Cool it honey - the offer is up for those that aren't under me. I want everyone that is under my control focused on business - and the business at hand is the capture of Eco." Sir replied rationally.
"You got it. Do I have any money to do this?" she asked curiously.
"Sixty thousand - talk to Lucien - if I find out you scammed me for a dollar more - you will wish that I just killed you. Now go." He ordered. The woman nodded and hurried away.
"That was step one - listen up everyone - here is step two." Sir called out. Everyone hurried over to hear what the boss was going to do next.
***
The next night, Claws was walking to the Royal Palace. He was looking at a pamphlet that he had found earlier that night. The young Malkavian Skitts was holding the sheriff's hand. He had been saved from some bullies that were going to hurt him when he happened on the scene.
That's a lot of doe. Wonder what Sir has against Skamms. Claws thought. He looked down at the Malkavian that was lost in his own little world.
"So how did you end up on that side of town?" Claws asked. The child snapped out of his trance and looked up at him. He was still scared - waking up cold - alone.
"It was bad." Skitts replied.
"I'll bet. So how did you get there?" he asked.
"I was real scared." He added.
"UH - okay - this is going no where. If you don't want to talk - fine, I won't pry. I'll bring you to the prince and let him deal with you." He stated sternly.
"I sometimes get sleepy and wake up in strange places." He commented. Claws looked down to see that the Malkavian was looking up at the streetlights.
"Sleepy huh? When do you get sleepy?" he asked curiously.
"I don't know. I'll be okay - and then something really scary happens - then I get real sleepy. Why are the lights red?" he answered. Claws looked up - the lights were not red.
"What are you talking about?" he asked.
"Buildings red - streets red - everything red." He continued as he began to sway back and forth. Claws remembered back to another time that Skitts acted like this. It was back when the anarchs were acting up. Nenia handed the child some crayons and he indirectly showed her where the Baali temple was.
"Red? Come here." Claws requested as he led the child into the alley.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Red, red, red, red..." the child chanted. Claws groaned and took out a map of Eco and placed it before Skitts. The child looked at the blur of lines and colors. He bit into the palm of his hand. Claws watched as he slapped his hand onto the map and slowly slid it in an ?S' shape. He then looked up at the sky and began to hum to himself. Claws looked at the map.
"S? Maybe the prince will be able to make some sense of this. Come on kid. We have to talk to someone important - now." Claws stated rationally. Skitts nodded and hopped up to his feet.
"We talking to the king?" he asked.
"Something like that." he replied.
***
A short while later at the Royal Palace, an enraged prince was fuming at a report that was given to him. In one night, five key places that were vital sources of income were raided.
"How did this happen?" he demanded.
"No! Don't answer that!" he added.
"This Sir character is a fast worker." Toenail commented. It was then that he noticed Claws and Skitts enter the room.
"Hey, maybe fur-face knows something." He commented. Claws looked over at the Nosforatu and snorted.
"I know you aren't talking about fur." He stated sarcastically.
"What's with the kid? You babysitting?" Vincent asked curiously.
"He was in the wrong place at the right time. Now what am I supposed to know about?" he asked curiously.
"Some of the prince's places were hit." Man Basher answered.
"Shity - this might make you smile though." Claws commented. He threw the pamphlet over to the prince like a magician would a playing card. The prince caught it and looked at it. Upon seeing it his eyes widened in disbelief.
"Fuck - he knows how to leave an impression. Where did you get this?" Axis asked seriously.
"I was coming in from the park when I saw some lady throwing thousands of these things all over the place from the top of a sky-rise. I also saw posters - a few billboards - even one of those electronic highway signs was tampered with to say that." he answered.
"That's' just great. Now we will have bounty hunters playing in the city looking for the lottery. Not to mention potential witch hunters or possibly the Inquisition. Oh. You brought Skitts with you. Where did you find him?" he asked curiously.
"Long story. Oh, that reminds me. The kid was babbling on about how everything was red. I gave him a, map and he did this." Claws stated as he handed Axis the map with the crude bloody S on it. At first he didn't notice anything special about it.
"S? For what? Skamms? Sir? Something else?" he asked. It was then that he studied the map a little closer. His eyes widened. He brought the map over to a table and circled the five locations that were hit. All were in the S. he then circled another location that was in the S that he hadn't heard about yet. He quickly took out his cell phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Joe? Yeah this is Axis. I'm expecting serious trouble coming your way. Download everything to the communal database fast. Rescue as much of the paperwork as fast as you can and then vacate the premises. There is no time to explain! Five locations were hit last night and I have solid reasons to believe that your place will be next. Got it? Yes. Make sure that happens fast. Bye." Axis stated as he hung up.
"Not an S - it was the direction they were sweeping through." Axis muttered. He looked over at the young Malkavian that was now humming an old song.
"Glare - this child has helped me on two occasions. I didn't reward him for the first - I will make up for it now. Give him the status trait resourceful." He stated seriously.
"I will make a note of it right now." The Setite replied calmly.
"What if the boy isn't right about that place getting hit?" Toenail asked. He was about to answer him something when his phone rang. Axis took out his phone and opened it.
"Axis here. You got everything out? Great - what - you serious? How many? Ten. Did they survive? Pity that. Get the stuff to location six - but be ready to move out on short notice. What? Yeah I heard about it. Tell them to keep their mind on their work. Exactly. Bye." He concluded.
"That was Joe. They got everything out - not one minute later - some off looking people in black trench coats happened by. They rushed into the place - as I am sure they had done before - but they won't be doing that again for a little while." Axis stated with a smile.
"Why's that?" Vincent asked.
"Hmm? Oh, Joe had the place rigged to blow. Four of the ten were able to get out of the inferno. Nice timing Claws." Axis stated coolly. Toenail shook his head.
"I retract my question." He commented.
"The child might have been part of it though. What better way to lull you in than to use someone as innocent looking as a child?" Vincent asked seriously.
"Not a liar - am not am not am not!" Skitts protested.
"Please - so it is your contention that he was in cahoots with the Baali when they tried to destroy everything. If his idea of betraying me is helping me keep my city in one piece - so much more the better." Axis retorted.
"Fine - I'll keep my ideas to myself then." Vincent replied coldly. Axis and the others watched as the angry Primogen stormed out of the gathering and the building.
"Are you going to put up with his tone?" Esamual asked curiously.
"My politics - my choice. Glare - remove Vincent's - Charming - status trait. If he learns some civility and respect for my title - perhaps - just perhaps he might get it back." Axis stated rationally.
"I will make a note of it right now." Glare replied.
***
At that moment at Bloody Thorn, news of the turn of events had just reached Sir. Most of the gang members had the good sense to keep away from their new leader.
"One - more - time - from the beginning - explain." Sir demanded. The last of the severely burned vampires that was still standing looked at his angry master.
"We - went to the place you sent us to. The place was ransacked. The computers had downloaded everything to someplace else - and then it exploded. We - we were barely able to get out." He strained.
"I see - my scouts informed me that no activity besides the ordinary has been happening there until today. There is only one feasible explanation for this unfortunate turn of events. Someone must have warned the good prince that I was coming." Sir stated on the verge of frenzy.
"A traitor amongst us? That can not be." Lucien stated in complete disbelief. Dozens present raised their voices - sharing his belief. Sir raised his hand and all voices stopped.
"Do you think that the thought of a traitor appeals to me either. It is I who sway the loyalties of others not the one who has loyalties swayed against him. But it appears as though there is no other explanation." He stated rationally.
"If I may Sir - I know the answer." A voice stated. Everyone turned and saw Vincent walk into the room. Sir's eyes narrowed. This one was one of his new recruits. It wasn't inconceivable that he might have known his plans and casually leaked them to the enemy.
"Vincent - Primogen. How fortuitous - I was just going to have you brought here." Sir stated. In a blur of motion the saber was drawn from the sheath and was pointed at Vincent.
"You were not betrayed." Vincent stated.
"Yes - yes - they just happened to know the exact instant that my men were coming. And just happened to blow them into tiny bite sized pieces. And just happened to do this by blind luck. Do you take me for a fool?" Sir demanded.
"The prince has some special brat. Has some sort of second sight or some shit like that. The sheriff brought him in and showed the prince a map that the kid marked." Vincent stated calmly.
"A child?" Sir asked.
"No - a Malkavian in a child's body. The brat is barely aware of his ability. Others have to help him make what he has understandable. So let us try to keep things in perspective Sir?" Vincent stated seriously.
"We shall see if what you say is true." Sir stated. In a blur of motion he charged at Vincent. He swung his saber and stopped it millimeters away from the still calm vampire's neck.
"Huh. Another Malkavian you say. I swear that clan is more trouble than it is worth. Sorry about the display here Vincent - but the thought of a possible traitor really angers me." Sir stated as he put his saber away.
"As it should. What will be done about this child?" Vincent asked.
"He will be eliminated of course. Psychics - never had any tolerance for them. Vincent my man - this is where you will shine. Take care of the brat. I don't care how - but do it soon. I have a lot riding on this take over and I won't have it messed up by some freaky kid - understand?" Sir asked seriously.
"Just one problem with that - the brat as you call him has been very useful to the prince as of late - he won't let anything happen to him." Vincent stated seriously. Sir sighed and shook his head.
"Arrange something that would get the kid away from whoever is protecting him. I would do it for you but my people are currently very busy. Look, I came to you because you looked like a man I could trust - a man I could count on - I am hoping that I saw those traits in you." He began as he began to draw his saber.
"I will do my best." He began.
"No - do better than your best. Get the job done. Go!" Sir ordered. The Toreador bowed to Sir and hurried out of the room. Sir then heard the sound of clapping. He turned around and saw the somewhat healed Archon sitting on the bar.
"You have something on your mind - how rare." Sir muttered crossly.
"Me? Heaven's no. I am just so impressed at how you are keeping your game face on. You are getting so careless in your old age Demsy. One of these days - one of your loose ends will jump up and bite you on the ass." He stated sarcastically.
"Be helpful - or be silent." Sir hissed.
"How do you plan on dealing with problem number three? You know that poodle chaser ain't going to be able to get the job done. And while we are on the subject - why you being so nice to him? You want him or something?" he asked sarcastically. Before he could make another comment, Sir was before him and had his saber to his neck.
"I have asked you once - now I will tell you once - do not - mock - me again." He warned seriously. Although it was a serious threat - the Archon didn't view it as such. He swatted the saber away and hopped away from Sir.
"Do what ever you want asshole. I got work to do. I'm doing some research on that brat that pranked me. That will be one less loose end for you to worry about. Ta." He concluded as he walked away.
One day - he will step too far. Sir thought as he returned his saber to its sheath. He then hopped up onto the bar and did a loud whistle. Everyone stopped what they were doing and hurried over to where he was.
"While they are off doing whatever - I want you lot to do some exercises to keep our good friend the prince - distracted. I want you people to go out and do things that would hint at our existence - hint - not tell. This is a fine line - so tread carefully." Sir stated seriously.
"How are we supposed to do this then? If we go to far we breach the Masquerade. How much exactly are we supposed to hint at?" one person asked.
"Use - your discretion. Go!" he ordered. The group scattered. Sir hopped down from the table. He was still feeling bitter having lost one of his newest childer to that raid. She was one of his favorites.
***
Unaware of the dark conspirings going on, the prince was trying to think of the next logical target for a person that was hoping to seize his power.
"If this freak has the resources to do half of what he has - anything could happen. Stop thinking so dot-to-dot. Look at the big picture. The places he hit weren't huge - just moderate. Do you have any idea how many 'little places' have been hit since this has begun?" Slap Happy asked curiously.
"No - I can't say that I have." Axis began.
"Well, I have some news then big boy. After that Archon punk tried to erase me and Snapps - me and the boys went out to have some fun. After we did - we snooped around and found out that Sir doesn't work from the top down - he works from the bottom up." Slap Happy added.
"That would mean..." Axis began.
"That he has already taken a good portion of Eco away from you. This Sir character is a crafty one. I dare say he almost thinks like a Ventrue." Esamuel concluded rationally.
"He's thinking like a fool if he thinks he can just waltz in and take my city from me." Axis retorted. The Ventrue Primogen raised his hands defensively and stepped back.
"At ease boss - I'm on your side. Takeovers like this cost money from people who are already at the top. Since this bug has floated in my profit margin has dropped by twenty percent. I may respect his strategy - his initiative and so forth - anyone that takes from me is an enemy. Plain and simple." He replied seriously. Axis was going to respond when he felt something tugging on his leg. He looked down and saw Skitts smiling.
"What is it?" he asked.
"Biggest strength - biggest weakness. It's true. I'm hungry." He said as he began to sway back and forth. Axis was going to ask the child what he meant - but something told him that all he was going to get was what he had.
"So - which part is true? The first or the second?" Toenail asked.
"I have no idea. Biggest strength - biggest weakness. I have a feeling that's the clue - but what is Sir's biggest strength? His status or resources? Shit. Toenail - do some digging. I want to know everything that everyone knows about Sir Andreas Von Demsy." He stated.
"By when?" he answered.
"Don't make me answer that." Axis replied.
"Sure - but what if the true part was the fact the brat was hungry?" he asked curiously. Axis looked at the child that was biting his own arm.
"I still want to know who exactly I am dealing with." He answered.
"You got it." He replied as he hurried away.
"Esamuel - if someone has taken the proverbial chair out from under me - how exactly could I get it back?" he asked seriously. The Primogen looked around and then smiled at the prince.
"Promise me some status and repayment of expenses and I can get everything back in two days. Some of the others might be able to beat my rates - but they can't touch my efficiency - quality - or accuracy." He answered seriously.
"Glare - make a note - Esamuel of clan Venture will obtain temporary status traits of Loyal - and Respected upon completion of his returning to me of all that was recently lost. As well as repayment of expenses." Axis stated.
"Dealing with the devil - my-my these must be dark times." Glare commented as he walked by. He looked over at the prince that didn't look amused by the statement.
"It was a joke." He added.
"Not funny." He retorted.
"By your leave sire - I will depart to make the necessary arrangements. Would you desire someone accompany me - to ensure that my dealings are on the level?" he asked seriously.
"Dagger - you're with him. Report if anything is out of order." he replied. The Assimite nodded and walked away with the Primogen. As they left, Vincent returned.
"The flower returns. By the way - you are out a 'Charming status' for your outburst earlier. I was told to inform you that it was meant to be temporary but if your negative attitude towards the prince continues - kiss it goodbye." Glare stated to the Toreador Primogen.
"Ask me if I care." He retorted.
"Alright, do you care?" Glare asked sarcastically.
"Get out of my face - I am not in the best of moods." He retorted.
"As you will. Hey people - Vinny's back! Enjoy you're stay." He concluded as he walked away. Everyone looked over at the door and saw the Primogen.
"You came back." Axis stated.
"What of it?" he retorted.
"Still as charming as when you left. Keep it up and it will remain that way." Axis warned. Vincent glared at the prince.
"I have served you loyally for years. I have gone out of my way to ensure that your affairs were in order. I have stood by and watched as others got rewarded and praised for efforts I have done - just how much am I supposed to take?" he demanded.
"I have to make decisions based on the welfare of the whole. It is easy for you to judge from where you are because your only concern is one. And the one is you. You say that I have rewarded others for your efforts. I have kept watch over everything you have done and rewarded everyone appropriately. If you feel that is unfair - that's you." He stated calmly.
"It always comes down to that - doesn't it? All those years of work - for nothing. I should be surprised - not at you. You're just a street thug that rose to power. I am surprised at myself for believing that there was room for me to expand in your intricate little web." Vincent stated.
"Does this have anything to do with the two judgements that you lost to Snapps?" Axis asked curiously. Vincent had great difficulty withholding the rage that was building inside him.
"No - no it doesn't - it goes a lot deeper than that. Find yourself another Primogen to push around you arrogant asshole. I resign." He stated seriously. The prince was mildly stunned by the statement.
"As you wish. Glare..." he began.
"Way ahead of you." The Keeper stated as he walked by.
"I'd wish you luck in your endeavors highness - but I really couldn't care a less. Burn in hell." He stated coldly. Everyone stepped aside as the former Primogen stormed away towards the exit.
To be continued...
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