Vampyr

Vampyr

Monday, October 8, 2012


Like a glove
It was a cold night, Jorge thought as he entered the club. How anyone wanted to live in this shithole of a town was past his understanding. He had never been particularly bright, but he felt like a regular fucking Einstein in this town. “I guess there’s no need to fear for being left around here”, he said aloud, people looking at him as if he was a crazy person. No wonder, he still couldn’t rid himself with his old army clothes, they felt like compensation for his lacking height and muscles. At first he had thought everything would change after his embrace, but he was still himself. Everything just seemed easier, less strenuous, but still the same boring routine. He had found out that skipping weeks of training did not alter his strength, but his morning workout routine was the only thing he had to hold on to any longer. Yes, familiar routines. There had been a change, he never felt safe any longer, like someone was watching him at all times. Of course, it was nothing like in battle, always feeling like the enemy was just over the barricades, never sleeping more than 5 minutes at a time, but still wrong. Enough of that, he was starting to think like those bloody Malkavians. There were more important matters to see to, he had to stay sharp.
The club was full of low-life human scum. It had taken him months to be accepted in this community of homosexuals and other outcasts, and he had finally gotten a chance to cross over to the right side. The right side… even the Camarilla had some pretty fucked up ideas, but better to dance on the strings of prettyboys and crooked politicians than running with these unconcerted, bloodcrazed Sabbaths, at least for now. He had no misconceptions about the masquerade. It was a vital necessity, and the future leaders would come from the humans, not from our vampire ranks. Strange that the Camarilla would allow a Malkavian prince. After all, they were all mental timebombs with a random trigger. Just take that guy Fame as an example. In just a few weeks he had made himself more popular than an Iraqi with a Seals tattoo. The prince was almost ready to fall, Jorge just prayed he was not too late to position himself. Even in Juares it took time between different reigns, and he had no intention to wait for the long sleep to get him.
Suddenly there was screaming from the toilets.
“Rapist, somebody help her!”
He reacted without thinking, kicking in the door he found a man trying to force himself on a young woman. This was not rape, he assailant retracted his teeth as he whipped his head around.
“Find your own game, soldierboy”, the vampire said. The girl had fainted, lucky, he thought.
“This is not your hunting ground, filth!”
Jorge grabbed the young vampires arm, kicked his leg hard enough to hear the bones break. I might be small, but you’re nothing, Jorge thought. The vampire screamed bloody murder, it felt good to be in control. He dislocated the shoulder and lifted the vamp up by his neck, dragging him out of the room and across the dancefloor.
“You’re one of us, why the hell are you doing this?!”
“Shut your fucking mouth or I’ll tie you up in the street for the workers to find you in the morning”, Jorge said and looked around uneasily. He was not a master of subtlety, but the scene had people too distracted to think clearly. At least anyone who shouldn’t hear.
He dragging him out the back door and threw the vamp into the opposite wall with a satisfying thud.
“I’ll fucking get you for this, I’ll tell them and they’ll fucking hunt you down and kill you”, he screamed loud enough to be heard over the border.
“GOOD! You tell how I treat those who break the Masquerade. I’ll flay him and leave him hanging to dry, be it lowly pieces of shit like you, a sheriff, or even Caine himself!” This was getting dangerous, he was losing his temper.
“Now get the fuck out of here before I break the other one.”
The would-be rapist looked like he was staring death in the eyes, but he shook himself and hurried away as fast as he could with his broken leg. Oh shit, he’d done it again. He still couldn’t control his abilities when he got angry. He couldn’t go back inside now, enough damage done already, he had to come back later or let everyone remember his face.
*************
It was a hot night, Fame thought as he closed the door on his new found haven. He had had trouble sleeping last day, not so much because of the letter Snow had given him, more because of the people hunting him. HAH! They thought they’d had him earlier, but his cunning and eye for detail had saved him. To think that they turn the lock more than he had when he left, that was not the work done by a professional. Luckily for him he’d been in worse situations before, and empty havens could be found everywhere. Too bad the new one already had residents; he had had to sleep in the basement behind the freezer, it was not… favorable. He would probably have to find somewhere new, but first he’d have to find something to eat. He was starving, he hadn’t fed in days, and he had spent too much blood on keeping himself hidden.
You can’t eat now, you have things to prepare.
He was back!
What do you mean, what do I have to prepare?
Lady Snow is one of them, you’ll have to be extra careful not to rouse her suspicion.
HAH! She’s no match for me, I have her on video, and the traces left from the murder all point to Henry, not me.
Be not so sure, you don’t want this to end up like another Berlin.
Fame ignored the voice; Berlin had been… a nuisance. How long did he have to put on this charade; playing the anarchist and fighting against the corporations? True, Snow did give him some useful information at times, but she slowed his plans too much. Oh such plans. The priest would be the first to go. Filthy Christian vermin, he’d show him his rightful place; in a dungeon, trapped forever to be Fame’s personal feedbag. He’d have to wait though, first priority was Snow and her sect. If not for that dog-brained Gangrel with more muscles than wits he could have had her heart by now. He wondered whether anyone else had seen through her plot. Playing the good-guy Tremere asskisser, you’d have to be daft to believe that image. The nossie probably knew, ugly people tend to be smarter than you look. Fame laughed mirthlessly to himself. Playing shadowgames with cameras, he was not good enough for this game, Fame would have to switch him out for somebody else, somebody better.
More to the point, today he’d reveal Snow for who she was, there was no coming back for her after this. She probably knew, hence the letter warning him about keeping a low profile. Of course, they all wanted him to keep a low profile, easier to trap him and keep him down that way. He made his way in the shadows, a neat trick he’d picked up from the nossie. He wondered whether he could learn from the others as well, improving at this rate was unheard of, just more proof that he was meant for greater things. Oh how he wished he could mask his teeth like the others, the disguises did not help much on this major flaw he had. Maybe if he ate Henry… NO! They’ll notice, it’s too early for this! He suddenly realized he had arrived, and the others were with him. You must concentrate, this is a vital moment! He could barely keep from snarling at Snow, she eyed him wearily. Oh the horrors he would show her, once he came to power.
Someone was talking to him, it had to be a primogen, to address him like that with no worry. They want me to keep a low profile? I didn’t even enter the hospital, they must be part of Snow’s gang. He just nodded acceptance, best not to say anything, lest he let something slip. It seemed everyone else had gotten their tasks assigned, they were going out again. Suddenly he was talking with Snow, they were in a car headed south.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?! Am I hallucinating, why am I having these blackouts, is she playing mind-tricks with me?
You have to kill her!
NO I CAN’T! She’s got that muscle with her.
He’s on your side, remember?
I can’t take the chance, he’s too strong. I’ve seen what he can do.
The voice continued while he talked to Snow.
S: “You need to be more subtle, you are attracting far too much attention, and you’ve sunken further in status than I ever have, and in such a short time”.
F: “I think you have it wrong. Why should we, the superior being, bend under for the wants of these filthy people? These degos won’t be missed, they’re no use to anyone in the modern world.”
S: “Let me ask you this, Fame. What are you most afraid of?”
Did she know about his secret? Of course not, he had not told anyone of it. Though, the voice knew.
F: “I’m afraid of being bored. This long existence without anything to do would be worse for me than you could imagine.”
S: “Don’t you fear losing the human part of you? I remember the thing I feared most when I turned was the way I felt more and more like the beast as time passed. We all had that fear implanted in us while we were human, fear of death, fear because of the fact that we all die at some point. When we were embraced that fear disappeared, and humanity started to wane with it.”
F: “I don’t understand what you’re talking about, I told you I fear boredom.”
S: “I think it’s time for you to start doing something good. Pedros, stop the car in front of that woman”, her eyes didn’t leave him for a second.  “I want you to go out and help her, Fame.”
Snow had a dangerous look in her eye, he didn’t like this. The car halted to a stop, there was a pregnant woman, clearly stoned, sitting by the road. Oh, he had fed on junkies before, it was better than sex had used to be. Wait a minute, didn’t she just command him to do something? Oh yes, helping that stoner. Had Pedros just followed her instructions? Why was everyone looking at him? He couldn’t think straight, he needed blood. Should he feed on Snow? Too risky, Pedros could rip his throat out, and who knows where the nossie stood.
Kill her, rip her head off!
What, now?
YES, NOW! Do it before she runs away!
He stepped into the shadows behind the car. Did he just black out again? No matter, the prey was his! He grabbed the head of his victim, ready to tear into her.
Suddenly the Gangrel rammed him headfirst, knocking them both off balance. A growl started in the back of Fame’s throat. This had been her plan all along, how blind he had been! He had to take them down now, he just needed some blood and he could kill all of them.
TAKE HER LIFE, NOW! The voice ringed in his head like church bells at high noon.
YOU WILL NOT COMMAND ME ANY LONGER, IT’S MY MIND, GET OUT OF THERE.
He could smell the blood from her, see the veins throbbing in her neck, and hear the beat of her heart. He roared in frustration. In a flash the nossie was out of the car and pinned him down, the foul nossie was incredibly strong, he couldn’t do anything. Snow took his prey away, cackling like the mad bitch she was, throwing victorious grins back at him. He had to break free, to talk his way out of this, show them how she was manipulating them, to run away, but it was too late. He cried out to let him go, but there was nothing but feral screams in his throat. It was too late, the beast had control now and his thoughts where just white noise in the back of his mind.
BLOOD, FEED!
*********************
 Jorge had done laps for an hour before he went back to meet Toni, he felt restless after that little event earlier. Juarez had turned out to be a fucking rathole; filled with Sabbath scum and filthy drunks. He just hoped Tori was good for her word, there had to be something sensible on the Camarilla side or he’d go crazy. People eyed him wearily as he entered the revenue, but they soon turned back to their drink and dancing, or what passed for dancing in here. It was more like soft porn than dancing. Not that he complained, he enjoyed a nice face and a tight body as much as the other guy, and here they came in pairs. He smiled to himself as he made his way to Toni.
J: “Toni! Have I ever told you you’re too pretty to do carpet service?”
T: “Jorge, charming as never. You’re late, and after that spectacle earlier I’m starting to wonder whether I should pass you off. Dealing with the other side is hard enough with a good reputation.”
J: “Oh give over, Toni. You know better than that. If I hadn’t tossed that shithead out you’d have one less regular, and the mess he’d make would turn this place into a warzone if word got out. The way I see it you owe me one.”
She raised an eyebrow and pouted her lips, cupping his face with her hand as she moved closer.
T: “You’re just so cute when you try to act protective. We ought to find a nice, elder man to take care of you.”
J: “Cut the shit Toni, I’m no fonder of guys than you are.”
He slapped her ass as she turned for her desk, she whipped her head around, if looks could kill he would hit torpor like a brick. Sex might not be as fun as it used to, but he’d take her for a spin any time.
T: “You sit your ass down and wait. They’ll be here momentarily”, she told him with a glare.
He dumped into the chair in the corner, lounging like he didn’t have a care in the world. She rubbed her arms, shivering. Maybe he had some effects on her after all?
***********************
Marcus: “You’ll have to go inside, I can’t show myself here without people noticing.”
Snow: “Fine, what am I looking for?”
Marcus: “Just go inside and ask for Toni, everyone knows here in there.”
What was he up to, trying to order her around? He could damn well meld into shadows, no one would see him lest he fell over a table. She had to try and keep her temper, it had almost gone all nine sorts of hell after Fame lost it, and Marcus had become decidedly more commanding in just a short while. There should be no way he could know, but she had been surprised by the Nosferatus before. Better to go along for now, but she couldn’t let him take control, not when so much was in jeopardy. The place was almost filled with people, maybe he would have a problem getting past that many unnoticed. She headed for the bar and asked for Toni, told the barkeep she was expected. She was led towards a room in the back, she took a quick look over the people before going with him; no vampires around, and the barkeep seemed legit. She followed two steps behind, he would be her shield if there was an ambush.
It was a small room, a simple desk with an office chair, and a pretty girl beside it. She suddenly realized they were not alone, there was a man slacking in a chair in the corner. No, not a man, a vampire! He was calm, with flashes of lust. Was he copulating with these humans? No, Tori was angry, but she calmed as she turned to face Snow.
T: “Who are you, you’re not who I was expecting.”
S: “My name is Lady Snow, I come on behalf of our mutual friend, Marcus, who cannot enter here without raising suspicion.”
T: “We have a back door, bring him around back and I’ll open up for you.”
She knew this would happen, looking like Marcus’ marionette. She should put Toni in her place, but she didn’t want to be alone with this unknown vampire, this side crawled with diablerist Sabbath trash and it’s like. She stalked out of the room as she went to get Marcus and the others.
S: “Marcus, back door, now. You too Pedros”, she added as an afterthought. Safe bet to say that stranger was Brujah, he practically smelled violence, and the best way to stop an unstoppable object was to hit it with a bigger one. Snow entered first, with the others trailing close behind. Marcus seemed excited, he really shouldn’t try to smile.
M: “Toni, how nice to finally meet you, I’m Marcus.”
So that was the reason for his eagerness, they hadn’t actually met before. This scene was going to be fucking great!
T: “Marcus….?”
Toni’s eyes glistened, she started to sob loudly. So much for the entertainment.
S: “Get a hold of yourself, we’re here to help.”
M: “We’re here to find the guy who’s spreading his… illness, you told me you had information about him.”
Marcus was definitely not eager anymore, he seemed shamed, and betrayed? Wasn’t this a gay bar?
T: “Yes, yes, he’s here in Juarez, frequenting all the local pubs. He even comes in here sometimes, forcing himself on some of the girls.” She was sniveling like a child, Snow slapping her to her senses.
M: “You should have told me sooner, I would have come at once. Do you have any information on where he might be?”
T: “I don’t really have track on him at the moment. His victims doesn’t want to talk about the episodes, or they don’t remember much. They just get sick after a while, and culture being what it is around here they’ve usually spread it themselves.” She wiped her eyes dry and visually pulled herself together. “I have a request for you. This is one of my friends, Jorge, he’s been helping out here lately and is looking for a way to the right side, as he calls it. He’s way tougher than his looks, he’s ridden this place of several unsavory persona. He could be of use when you go hunting.”
J: “Fuck you Toni”, he said casually. “I’m the forementioned Jorge and I’d ask for help to get out if this Sabbath infested shithole. As she said I’ll be more than useful if you’re going out hunting for trash. Actually I was planning to hunt down this asshole before she told me you were coming, but I seem to have fallen out of favor with the local brood lately so answers are hard to come by.”
The vampire had a powerful presence that made the room feel even more cramped than it already was.
S: “We already have muscle, I don’t see why we would have a need for you.”
J: “You have muscle, but all brawns and power won’t help you track down people. I’ve served many years in battle, guerilla work was my specialty. I can track down people, and I have contacts that can go wherever they want. Besides, when it comes to muscle I’d be more than a match for either of your friends.”
S: “If your contacts have so much influence, why can’t you use them to get over the bridge?”
J: “I never said they had influence, I said they could go wherever they want. Besides, they’re not the kind that need acceptance from your elders to cross over, they’re still hot on the inside.”
Snow eyed him thoughtfully. Brujahs weren’t known to be particularly stable, but he seemed a lot more resourceful than Pedros, and they certainly could use someone with a contact network. Especially a contact network that didn’t relate to hers.
S: “I can’t promise anything. You can come with us now, and if you prove useful I’ll get you an audience with Bell, but I, we, won’t guarantee for you.”
J: “Fair enough. What do you need me to do?”
S: “Just come along for now, we’ll fill you in in the car.”
J: “Can I drive?”
S: “Don’t push it.”
Pedros didn’t like this situation, Snow was acting more rashly than before, and they didn’t need more heat now. He expected she was in as much shit as he was, if not even more. This guy, Jorge, han an eerie presence about him, and Pedros was not one to be impressed by tough speeches.
Like a fucking glove, Jorge thought to himself. Like a fucking glove.

Friday, July 6, 2012


Part 2

Stick together or die alone


The Tremere had a bad habit of collecting all kinds of obscurities of books. Most of them full of nonsense written by delusional doomsayers. For the Tremere however those books could withhold a secret, however miniscule that secret may be. Most of the time, that secret was nonexistent altogether, but the Tremere would still hold on to it, just in case. Snow had just gone thru 14 of these books in the last weeks. She apparently had a knack for picking these books out. If it was up to her, those books would do better to light the fireplace than dusting away in the library shelves. Only a foolish Malkav would find any pleasure in these books. For all Lady Snow knew, most of them were probably written by a Malkavian. It was getting early and she should have been in her apartment over an hour ago. She hadn’t fed today. In fact she couldn’t remember the last time she did, which was strange for her, since she always kept sure to be well fed. Getting settled in this Chantry had taken all her time, she hadn’t heard or seen the other neonates in weeks. She had of course kept tabs on them so she knew they were still in the city. As she started to pack her stuff and got ready to leave, one of the Chantry servants carefully entered her research room.
-“It’s getting late, Miss Snow. Is there anything I can assist you with?-
Snow continued packing her stuff without turning around to look at the servant.
-“I know what time it is, there is a watch right here and the alarm on my phone has been ringing for over an hour…”
The servant drew a nervous breath before apologizing
-“I am so sorry Miss Snow, I was just trying to…”- Snow cut her off before she could finish
-“Did you come here to apologize? Or did you come here to assist me?”-
The servant nervously looked down into the floor, ashamed that she had upset the Tremere.
Snow turned around and looked at the girl standing in front of her. She was a young woman. Snow could see that she had not been doing this for long and that she was uncertain how to address the new Tremere that had occupied the studies.
-“Well?...”.- Snow threw her hands up as she raised her voice.
-“I came to assist… Miss Snow.” The servant replied
-“Then get me a ride to my apartment while I finish up in here”
-“Yes Miss Snow, but all our drivers are currently busy. Is it alright if I arrange with a cab to pick you up?
-“A cab is still a ride last time I checked, so yes that is fine.  Have it here in ten minutes”
-“Yes, of course Miss Sn…” Lady Snow interrupted the young servant again.
-“And another thing. If you intend to keep those beautiful peepers, you will address me as Lady Snow from now on. No more of this Miss bullshit! Are we clear?
-Yes, Mi…” The servant swallowed her words and rephrased herself.
-“As you wish Lady Snow”
-“Good girl! Now scram!”  Snow turned her back on the servant and smiled barring her fangs as she struggled not to giggle.
15 minutes later Snow was standing outside the Chantry. The city was waking up and the smell of dawn was ripping at her nostrils. A small cab with darkened windows was standing there waiting for her. She quickly jumped inn and handed the driver her address. The cab driver was a well groomed older man with a nice suit. Not your typical cab driver in El Paso Snow thought to herself. Peering thru the window she could see the red horizon over the buildings. “The rising of the red destruction” the old ones had called it. She could feel the hunger tearing at her. It was tempting for her to ask the cab driver to stop at the hunting ground, but there was no time. Snow could smell the blood from the driver. It filled the beast with lust and craving. She closed her eyes and focused the sensation away. When Snow reopened her eyes, the cab was pulling into the street of her building. Her eyes fell on his artery pulsating from the drivers’ neck. Fuck it, she thought to herself and reached into her book bag for something. As the driver turned around to inform her that they had arrived, Snow pulled out a steel ball and hit it across his head. If she would have hit him any harder his skull would have cracked open like a melon. Luckily his skull was intact, but he would feel that blow when he woke up. Snow leaned over and pierced her teeth into his neck, feeding on him until it was responsible to let go. She wiped her mouth and licked the wound shut. After a glance at what the meter said, she left the right amount of dollars in his hands and added a good amount of tip. Snow hurried her tiny body to her apartment and sealed the rising sun out from her widows. She dropped on the floor out of sheer exhaustion until her phone woke her the next night.
When Snow woke up the clock was already nine. She had slept too long and she had missed twelve calls, ten of them from Elisa Day and two from an unknown caller. Day was calling for the eleventh time when Snow finally managed to answer. The Primogen was not happy. It had been reported that Fame had been seen dressing as an iconic vampire figure, and obtaining a great amount of attention around himself. As a sponsor for the neonates, this was looking bad for Elisa. Since she had put the responsibility for them on Snow, she would now have to answer for this. Day also informed Snow of a new kindred that the neonates had welcomed into their group. Great, Snow thought to herself. Another whelp to the bizarre entourage.
-“What the hell! Are they picking up any riff raff we bump into now? I refuse to be responsible for another puppy” Snow heard her words came out a bit harsher than she intended. Day was quick to snap back.
-“You will not refuse shit! You will abide with what I tell you to do. I am not comfortable with your position here in El Paso, but I will adjust to the fact that you are. And if I can find a good use for you as long as you are here, I will make you work for your keep. Are we on the same page here Snow?
Snow bit down on her tongue hard and nodded. When she realized that she had not said anything thru the phone she quickly responded
-“Forgive me my Lady. I spoke out of place; it will not become a habit. The Malkavian will be spoken to and I will greet the newcomer as soon as I can find the time.
-“See to it that you do” Elisa said and added
-“But before you do, come down and see me. Your friends have been busy while you have been buried in books.”
Snow agreed and hung up the phone. She was now wondering if her new found friends where worth sticking out her neck for. She knew the Malkavian was trouble and he was stirring up a terrible mess around him that would eventually hurt her badly. The Gangrel was a ticking time bomb waiting to be activated, and when he did she should be miles away. Marcus the Nosferatu had acted as a true camarilla and had some chance to build himself a name in the nossie network. He could on the other hand become a great threat to her if he would turn against her, maybe more of a threat that even she could handle. She had taken precautions to prevent this from hurting her to bad, but it was still at threat.
She would at least head down and hear what Day had to report. Elisa Day updated Snow with what had happened the last couple of days. The reports showed that the entourage had been busy with personal agendas and that Fame was up to his usual menacing and conniving.  Snow felt that something terrible was brewing. They had had gotten themselves into something that was hard to get out of. Somebody had gotten their claw into them and was now playing them like puppets. She had to get a hold of them before it was too late. Who would be leading them now in her place? Oh my god she thought to herself and quickly found her phone. Her fingers ran down the names in her phone list and stopped at Fame. She hoped it was not too late. With Fame at the steering wheel who knows what kind of a mess they would be in.
The last few days had been interesting and eventful for Fame. He sort of liked the feeling of being in charge of the group. It gave him a thrill that even if he was the youngest kindred among them, they still listened to him and followed his lead. He had used the time well; taking advantage of that Snow was busy. She would probably never let this fly if she was around. Fame smiled as he thought of the surprises that were in store for Snow when she would return. He had seen her temper before and knew she would probably fly of the handle when she found out what was going on. It would be hilarious. Pedro had proven to be a valuable ally, while Marcus had listened to his words like a loyal pup. There was still something with Marcus that scared him. He was always lurking in the shadows, talking to his underground contacts. The fact that at any moment Marcus could rip his arms out of his sockets and slap him silly with them was more than a little disturbing. He would have to be careful with him, at least until he knew what he was whispering in the darkness. Fame had also taken in another newcomer to the city; a Toreador who had some rather sketchy company. They had taken him to their little group even if Marcus had questioned it. Snow would probably disagree too, but screw her and her conformist thinking, Fame thought.
They had recently made contact with Eustace; an old Setite who had been in this city longer than most. Eustace had made them an offer. They would do him a favor; in return they would get access to a hunting ground. They desperately needed a hunting ground and would almost do anything to get access to one. Out of all them, only Snow had access to a hunting ground since they came. It was getting hard for the others to stay well fed without one. The favor Eustace had asked of them was a political one. The city had several bridges connecting it to Juarez. These bridges have border control to prevent people and unwanted goods from passing the border. To be able to pass safely, you would either have to be lucky or have political pull thru influence. Vampires don’t usually get far on luck, so they focus more on influence. There was an election coming up, where the president of the board for the border controls would be decided.  The leading candidate was the one who currently had the position. A re-election was eminent the way it seemed now. Eustace plan was to mix it up a little and wanted somebody or anybody else to take that position. He did not care how it was handled; as long as the leading candidate didn’t hold the position. The election was only in a few days, so they had to act quickly if they wanted to please Eustace. The Setite had suggested that they keep the mission under wraps and not tell anybody what they were up to. That way it would be harder to direct any involvement towards them, once the deed was completed. He was interested in seeing how they would handle it, what kind of kindred where they? They decided to accept the offer and made sure not to tell anybody what they were up to. Each of them started researching the candidates and ways for them to deal with it. As they left they were almost relived that Lady Snow was not with them. First of all she would probably not approve of the mission, but more importantly the holy pictures and the fact that Eustace was involved in some holy sect would probably test her temper. They still remember what happened the last time she was confronted with someone with a strong religious belief. It did not end well for the other part.
Fame felt his phone vibrating in his back pocket. He reached for it and tapped the display screen to see who would be calling him. The screen displayed a caller ID picture of the Wicked Witch of the west from “The wizard of Oz” movie. He was wondering when she would call. Fame let the phone ring a while before answering it. His finger hit the answer button and answered with an exaggerated surprised tone.
-“Snow, where have you been? You missed out on all the fun.”
Snow was not happy on the other side of that phone. Fames smile got wider and wider as Snow confronted him with all the things that were reported on him. Lady Snow asked Fame to gather the gang and meet with her. The Malkavian agreed and set up a meeting at a bar hidden away in some remote street.
The bar was a rundown place with a few locals that were already wasted and could hardly keep their heads up. Uneven floors and ripped wallpaper almost seemed deliberately placed as an allover theme. Snow stepped lightly thru thw bar looking for a seat that was a little less stained than the rest of them. She gave Fame a squinted stare.
-“Wow Fame, you really outdid yourself here with finding a classy joint for us to meet up in” she said while wiping off one of the chairs. Fame kicked a stool so it slid nicely in front of one of the tables
-“Hey, you were the one that wanted to meet up. I was perfectly fine with having you on the other side of the phone. The way I see it, it is only fair that I get to choose the place, and I choose a place with soul. It may be some dying souls but still it feels like home. Besides, look around. Nobody here will remember that we were even here. Even the bartender looks out of it. That means you don’t have to brainfuck everybody here to believe we weren’t here. I am saving you a lot of work actually. You should probably be thanking me for being…”
Marcus cut him off before he could finish his monologue. He didn’t know if he was glad or worried that Snow had decided to meet up with them, but he was dying to find out. –“So why are we graced with an audience with the Lady?” His tone was sarcastic, but Snow was willing to ignore the tone and took it as a polite gesture. Fame dropped down on his chair like a sack of dirty laundry. He started to throw some stale peanuts in the air and tried to catch them with his mouth. The peanuts he had swiped from one of the other patrons who had passed out right before they arrived. He would not miss them anyway; they might even have been there from way before. Pedro chose not to sit; he found his place at the end of the table standing with his arms crossed. He gave Snow a welcoming nod, but said nothing. Marcus found the darkest corner near the table and sat down while melding in with the shadows. Snow leaned back, and started to let her guard down. She had carefully analyzed the area to make sure that the place was safe. There were no other kindred here except for them.  More importantly there were no Lupines around, which was her first concern when she saw the place. She had stepped in to a Lupine dive once before and this looked very similar. As she leaned back her eyes fell on her fellow kindred. The quiet little Mexican with the short temper, a pasty British boy with dyed hair and the mysterious beast wrapped in shadows. What a bunch she thought and smiled. Her eyes then fell on another vampire. A young looking man with fair blond hair down to his shoulders was standing behind Pedro.  His emerald green eyes reflected the dim lights from the bar and shined like little lanterns. He had pale smooth skin that gave of a faint glow. Snow could see that he was a man who took very well care of himself and groomed himself thoroughly. Everything from his well combed hair to his perfectly filed long fingernails screamed flamboyance, that or of the Toreador clan. Of course being one usually meant being the other, she thought.
-“Well, who is this cute little thing?” Snow asked looking at all of them.
-“Is this the stray dog you opened your arm to and accepted into the group, no questions asked?” she continued.
Marcus raised his hands and shook his head, giving her the signal it was not his doing. Fame hadn’t paid attention at all; he was hitting a new personal record in his little peanut trick. Pedros arms uncrossed and reached behind him to grab the newcomer.
-“Introduce yourself so we can get the fuck out of here, it smells like sweaty nutsack in here, and not the good kind.” He said as pulled the boy in front of him.
The young man bowed gracefully and kissed Lady Snows hand as he introduced himself.
-“My lady, I am Lustrie of the Toreador Clan. It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I look forward to working with you.” The Toreador leaned back and assumed his graceful stance.
Lady Snow looked around at the others as if she was expecting them to reveal that it was all a prank.
-“Wow, you had the little pup trained. How amusing...” Her eyes shifted towards Lustrie.
-“..Working with us? Is that what you said?” She leaned forward, staring him deeper in the eyes.
-“I didn’t know we were hiring.” She added while skewing at the others.
Pedro crossed his arms again and stared right back at Snow.
-“I didn’t know we were running things like a business now” he replied. “Are we on a payroll that I don’t know off?”
His sarcastic disrespectful tone pissed her off immensely, but she could deal with it later.
-“You are missing the point here. You see Lustrie, everybody here serves a part, a role if you will… Fame here for example serves as the groups’ pain in the ass, but also has the marvelous ability to notice details that the normal eye can’t. That makes him valuable. Marcus here could do well as a scarecrow, but he also seems to be able to stay unseen and dig up a lot of useful information. That makes him valuable. The fresh mouthed little Mexican here, is our cheap labor. He also possesses the ability to scare little children and beat the shit out of snot-nosed fuck-heads. That makes him valuable. I function as the loud mouthed bitch that screams and causes all the drama, but I also make sure that thing get fucking done. That makes me valuable. Now we have you, a pretty boy who can flash his gleaming eyes and do something really artsy. You see Lustrie, we do not need a fiddler on the roof. That makes you…”
-“..A gunslinger!” Fame interrupted. His was still focusing on his little trick.
Lustries face hardened by Fames comment. He was wondering how he could possible know that he was good with guns. The Toreador had never mentioned it to them before and he was not carrying any guns at the moment. He was about to ask how he could possibly know, but Snow beat him to it.
-“What are you talking about? Are you even in this conversation or was that comment meant for somebody else?” Snow was annoyed at the interruption but also curious.
Fames hand pointed loosely toward Lustrie while still looking up while he flickered the peanuts into his mouth. Three of them flew through the air and all landed in his mouth. He started chewing with an open mouth before finally answering.
-“His fingers…  Look at his fingers. He has trigger fingers. He is obviously a gunslinger”
Lustrie nodded with an impressed expression on his face.
Snow had to admit that she was impressed. Impressed and frustrated that she could did not see it. She pointed towards Fame and nodded her head.
-“See…? Valuable, and at the same time annoying. Now that is a god damn gift.” Snows tone got softer.
-“Well…” She continued and turned towards Lustrie “We don’t have a gunslinger. I am not sure if we need one, but we might.”
She leaned back in her chair.
-“I might be a bitch. Any of these men here will tell you that, but I am a reasonable bitch. If you can prove yourself to be half as good as these guys, there might actually be a future for you here.”
“-You will not be disappointed my Lady” Lustrie replied with a smug smile on his face.
Marcus started to get impatient and hinted on that they should move soon. Snow agreed and continued with her real agenda for meeting them; what have they been doing? They told her how Eustace had made them a deal that if they made sure that Conway did not win the election they would get access to a hunting ground. Snow was informed that they still hadn’t acted and was still just investigating and planning what and how they would do it. The neonates had been stealthy in their approach so that no one could tie them to anything that would affect the election. If in fact they had not acted yet, then she was relived. However, she was not certain that everything was as it should be. This whole deal stank. There was something here that they either didn’t know or was not telling her. She understood that they were desperate for a hunting ground, but what they were about to do she could not be a part of. Snow made it clear that whatever they did now could make them very unpopular with certain people in the city. A deal with a Setite usually never ended well for the other part. Sadly Snow realized that if they did anything that went against the Camarilla way, she herself would have to hunt them down and destroy them. She made sure to inform them of that and to be careful with what their next actions were.  The group decided to try and get Conway eliminated from the election and avoid to try and harm him. Snow told them that she would go and talk to Eustace and try to get to the bottom of this and see what his intentions are. She made sure that Lustrie came with her. Lustrie had been there with the others before and knew where to go. As they approached Snow felt uneasy, the Setite was protected by some sort of religious cult. They decided to let them in when they saw Lustrie. They remembered him from earlier and knew that he had dealings with Eustace. They walked thru a corridor with large pictures of Adam and Eve and other religious relics. Snow had heard a about this cult before, it was started somewhere in Europe. Germany to be more precise. She had little patience with fanatic lunatics belonging to some crazed order, but she would have to bite her teeth together and control herself for now. Eustace welcomed them and introduced himself to Snow. Snow did not hesitate to get down to business. She started to interrogate him and what his gain in this was. His coy response worried Snow. Eustace told her that he was interested to see what they would do. She could see now that there was something that he was not telling her. Eustace smiled when he saw her worried expression.
-“They did well” he said with smug smile.”Not very discreet or imaginative, but it did get the job done.”
Her eyes immediately fell on Lustrie. He looked as surprised as she was. Eustace continued with telling them that he saw the news where they had found Conway beaten to death. Snow composed herself as well as she could. She felt worried by this and disappointed. Most of all she felt angry. There had been a lot of that lately. Soon or later she would have to let that anger out, but not here, not now.
-“Any witnesses?” she asked Eustace and bit her under lip. He shook his head and replied that he had not heard of any witnesses yet. Snow knew there was always a witness, no matter what. One would just know where to look. Lady Snow knew where to look. She was only worried if somebody else also knew, had beaten her to it. Snow gave a long hard stare at Lustrie. A million thoughts ran thru her head. The little voice in her head screamed at her to get out while she was still uninvolved, to leave this mess while she still could. She decided to ignore that voice for now, even if every bone in her body told her otherwise. Her head turned towards the Setite again.
-“Excuse me Eustace” she said “Thank you for meeting with me, but I have some urgent matters to attend to.” She bowed gracefully and spun around on her heel. Before she managed to take her first step Eustace intercepted her with a question.
-“Tell me my precious Lady Snow, what do you think of my chambers? Do you like the art?”
Snow froze at the question. She knew where he was going with this, and it worried her that he somehow knew how to agitate her. The Tremere managed to compose herself before she answered.
-“It reminds me of my childhood home” She replied with stone like face. The Setite was smiling as he fired his follow-up question.
-“So does that mean that you are a God fearing woman?” His serpent eyes stared motionless at her, without blinking. It freaked her out. Lustrie was trying not to look at anything in the room and stared endlessly at the floor, making sure not to make eye contact with the serpent eyed kindred. His master had told him enough about the clan of the Followers of Set that he knew what not to do in the presence of one. Snows memory quickly reminded her of the same lesson and her eyes immediately shifted from Eustuces gaze.
-“I never said that I was a God fearing woman or where my beliefs lie. My family was strict catholic, so my upbringing was accordingly.” Her stone like face changed into a flirty smile. –“If you want to discuss religion and talk about that little Jesus club you’re in, I am yours. You will have to make an appointment however, because right now I have pressing matters to attend. Farewell Eustuce” She turned and left with hasty steps. Lustrie bowed before the Setite before following her. Snow grabbed her phone and hit the speed dial. She signaled to the Toreador that it was a private call, so he gave her some space. Lustrie used that time to make a phone call for himself.
They met with each other after a few minutes and continued to meet the others. Suddenly Snow stopped dead in her track as if she sensed something. The Toreador stopped behind her and sharpened his senses to see if there was something he had missed. He felt nothing out of order, but there was something unsettling about Snow. She turned slowly towards him and stared him deep in the eyes.  Her hand lifted slowly and started to caress his face as she started to speak.
-“Listen Lustrie! I don’t know what your intentions are and I don’t trust you for shit” Her fingers moved to his hair as her fingers started to spin the hair around her index finger. “I don’t know where this will end, but I do know that things will start to be complicated from here on.” Her other hand reached for his face and moved to the back of his head caressing him gently as her face moved closer to his.-”So know this my pretty little fiddler. That when the shit hits the fan I better not find out that you are in league with the shit throwers.” Her voice lowered as their faces was inches from touching –“Cause if anything happens to the others, and I find out that you are at fault, nothing in this world will save you from my wrath” Her lips moved towards his lips ready to kiss him, but with a hard pull they moved to his ear as she whispered –“Whatever you do to them, you do to me. If they are harmed in any way, I will rip your throat out and feed it to the dogs.” Her hands let go as she calmly moved away with a smile on her face. Lustrie was unsure what had just transpired. What he did understand was that Lady Snow might be crazier than Fame, which was scary because she seemed normal. The other thing he saw and that surprised him was how protective she was of the others. Why did she care what happened to them? More importantly how would one go about to gain such protection?
Fame and Pedro had gone off together while Marcus had gone to his own contacts. They were all careful not to speak to much about what they were doing, which was a smart move, since this city has ears and eyes in high and low places. They could see that there was some tension in Lustrie and Snows face when they arrived. They informed the rest of the group of what the Setite had told them. They all acted surprised by the news, and started to eye each other out to see if any of them were involved. The tension grew thicker as the air went silent. Snow would get to the bottom of this no matter what. This would come back and kick them in the ass. She knew that whatever the Setite gained from this was lost from somebody else.  Snow asked them all if they were involved in the murder, because if they were, they would have to speak out now. Nobody responded. The Tremere located where the closest morgue was located and had Marcus and Fame find the blueprints of the building. It was no problem for them to get the information needed. Snow wanted to see and inspect the body to find out what had happened and see if he was marked by the Camarilla. Fame drove them all to the morgue, but waited in the car together with Pedro. Marcus, Snow and Lustire walked towards the entrance to the morgue. They had laid a plan that Lustrie and Snow would pose as a pathologist and investigator. If they could not convince the guards then Marcus would slip inside unseen while the others distracted the guard. The guard that met them was a young man with dark perfect skin. Neon lights reflected from the sweat dripping from his forehead. It was a hot night and he was not used to having people coming up to him during the nightshift. Lustrie could see that he was pretty new at this job and did not have a lot of experience. That was something he could use. He was however experienced enough to ask for credentials when they presented themselves. Snow gave Marcus the sign to start sneaking himself inside as she realized that this might not work. That was when Lustrie took control over the conversation. His voice softened and his eyes shimmered with a beautiful glare.
-“Listen..” he started and looked quicly at the nametag on the guards chest. It said Lawrence on it with big blue letters.
-“…Lawrence, we just got called in the middle of the night to come look at this body. Dr. Monroe here had to travel from across the state to get here. Neither of us had time to pack anything. Now my boss said he would call you and inform you, but if I know him right he is probably leaning over an empty bottle of Jack Daniels about now. I see you are a man that knows his job well. The thing is that if you don’t let us in you are actually obstructing an investigation and a man of the law. If my boss finds out that we did not get to do our job, because you denied us access… Well, you get the picture don’t you Lawrence? I would hate to see a bright young man ruining his career because a stupid mishap like that.”
Lawrence look into Lustries eyes. He could not tear himself from looking at Lustrie. His words sounded so reasonable and he felt an urge to do as the man had said. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to please him. Lawrence reached for his walkie-talkie
“I am sorry sir, I will let you inn, but I just need to check with my supervisor. Just to make sure” His voice was nervous and unsecure. Lustrie caught the signs and acted immediately.
“Lawrence, look at me. Can you picture yourself one day being where I am today?” Lustries voice was still soft and gentle. Lawrence nodded carefully.
“Do you think I got where I am today by second guessing myself and my decisions? If you don’t trust your own choices, why should anybody else trust them? Do really need to check with somebody else to do your job?
Lawrence finger moved away from the call button on the radio. The words from the investigator seemed reasonable to him.
-“No, I guess not” he finally replied. -“But, I have to ask you to sign in here. Everybody has to…”
-“No problem Lawrence” Snow interrupted and signed in together with Lustrie.
Lawrence showed them where Conways body was lying and left them alone. Snow gave Lustrie a look the moment Lawrence closed the door and left.
-“That was some impressive display of bullshitting back there. Bullshitting of that caliber could prove useful.” She said while smiling at him.
-“Would you say bullshitting of that caliber is VALUABLE?” he quickly responded. Snow started to laugh before she controlled herself and replied.
-“If you are as quick with your guns as you are with your tongue, you just might be, Fiddler. You just might be.” She could not hide her smile from him, and Lustrie returned it with a smirk. He had found a way bypass her hardened personal wall. That could be useful later.
Snow and Lustrie proceeded with their mission and performed an autopsy. The result showed little, but it was clear that he was beaten to death and had suffered heavy trauma to the head. There were no punctures on his skin and he wore no markings of the Camarilla. At least he was no retainer, but he could still be paid for by one of the Primogen. Lustrie could see that Lady Snow knew what she was doing, she had skill with this sort of thing. He watched her as she flipped the body with ease over on his stomach, and then to his back again. She was a lot stronger than her petite body showed. They were getting ready to leave, when Snow froze. It was as if she realized something that had spooked her. She leaned over Conways head and opened his eyelids to reveal his eyes. Lustrie observed as Snow stared deep into his dead eyes. He felt a weird discomfort as he saw Snows face freeze while staring at Conways eyes. What did she see there that had made her so uneasy? Snow snapped out of it quickly sealed Conways eyes and covered the body.
-“Come on Lustrie, we have to move” she said and they left the morgue with hasty steps. The sun was a few hours away from rising. Snow told them to all go to their haven and get some rest before the next night. They would need it when they would meet with Eustuce and claim their reward.
Marcus was restless. He was uncertain what would happen the next night. Had they acted to quickly and taken the mission from Eustace without considering the consequences? What were Snows true intentions? Had Fame mislead them? If this would blow up in their face would Lady Snow leave them and turn on them, or would she back them up? The questions looped thru his head as the rising sun forced him into slumber.
When the sun disappeared behind the horizon the air was still thick and hot. It had been an extremely hot day and the pavement was still burning hot. Pedro woke up with a great hunger for blood. It was hard to find nourishments in the city without a hunting ground. He had not been well fed in months, and he could feel the beast scratching underneath his skin. The beasts’ strength was getting stronger and stronger for each day. Pedro embraced the beast when it came, but knew that if this continued this way, he would lose control, become feeble and an easy prey. That was something he would not allow. He looked himself hard in the mirror. His face was paler than usual and his skin was stretched and worn out. Pedro started to think what this day had in store and how it could end. If Snow was right and Eustace had set them up, the Setite would pay dearly. There was also an issue with his group. He knew that things would change soon. It would only be a matter of time until she found out what was going on, and all hell would break loose. The question he was asking himself was now was: where would he be when it happened? Would he idly stand by and watch, or would he intervene and stop it. If anybody had the pure force to do it, it would be him.
Snow was in the middle of one of her rituals when somebody knocked on her door. She ignored it and continued her ritual, if she stopped now she would have to start all over. The knocking continued, harder and harder.
–“Puta de Hijo” she cried out and got up, making sure to put a robe on her naked body before approaching the door.
-“Who is it?” Snow enquired
-UPS Miss” It was the voice of a young man “I have a package here for a Miss Marceline Arroyo, but I couldn’t find any name on the door. The number seems correct, is that you miss?” Snow stepped back from the door. Who would call her Marceline she thought. She was looking for the quickest escape route in case this was what she thought it was. Then she remembered something, someone who would call her by that name.
“Where is the package from?”
-“It’s an international package miss… from Europe I think” She could hear in his voice that he was annoyed that she hadn’t opened the door yet. Snow lowered her shoulders and moved towards the door again. She thought she knew what this was if it came from Europe. The Tremere made a sign with her hand and waved it in a circle. It would be a bad idea to open that door with her security ward still active. As the door unlocked she saw a short stumpy man with glasses holding a rather big package.
-“Please sign here miss” She quickly signed the tablet he was holding, grabbed the package and closed the door behind her. The package fell heavy on her ritual table. She grabbed her ritual dagger and sliced the top of the box open. Under all the wrapping she found what she was looking for. “Espina” Her trusted blade. She picked it up and unsheathed it. It felt great to hold it again. The handle was made of bone and looked like a piece of a spine. The blade was thin and light. A perfect katana blade made specifically for her by her sire. The blade was pure white and looked liked it was carved from bone.
-“Soon, my dear Espina, you will taste the blood of kindred again” she spoke to like it was a child, like the blade was alive. –“For now however, you must rest and let me deal with something and prepare for your bloodshed.”
She put Espina aside and looked further down in her package. There where books on cults and religious inquisitions, several talismans and some dark red beads the size of golf balls. In the bottom was another box. It was a beautiful dark wooden box with wolfs howling at two moons carved into it. Snow carefully opened it. Two silver daggers revealed themselves under a cover of a red velvet cloth. –“My dear Luna Gemelos, I really hope I don’t have to use you girls anytime soon.” She said and closed the box again, as if she was frightened of them. Her alarm on the phone went off. It was late and she was supposed to meet the others to go see Eustace.
Marcus looked at the clock when Snow finally arrived, shaking his head. He had been the first one there and was getting tired of waiting around. They did not say much to each other on their way to Eustace. Something dawned on Snow as they quietly walked towards the Setite. They were slipping apart as a group, if they ever were one from the start. Something was dividing them. It could be her fault. She could be making them paranoid and unsecure with her outburst and behavior. Before she could give it more thought, they arrived at their destination. They were quickly led into Eustace quarters. He was smiling when he saw them, clapping his hands as they approached. Snow walked in the background and held herself in the back, distancing herself from others. Eustace gave her a victorious smile as if she had just lost a contest with him. His eyes then moved back to the others as he spoke
-“Congratulations, you came thru and solved the task. You held your part, no I will hold my part. Feel free to use my hunting grounds….”
His words where silenced by a loud spectacle in the corridors. The doors burst open and a well dressed man stormed into the room. He was followed by a group of other men with guns.
-“Eustuce, you little fucker” he yelled “I know you are behind this”
Eustuce opened his arms as if to greet him. –“Holger, please sit down and relax…” The man interrupted him and pointet towards Marcus and the others.
-“let me guess, you used these goons to do it?” He gave his armed men a signal and they moved towards the group. They pointed their guns towards their heads and surrounded them. Snow, who was standing in the background, readied herself, analyzing the armed men and focused hard on their blood. This was what she feared would happened. This was the place and situation she did not want to be in. She knew who the well-dressed man was. Holger Stein, a Primogen of the Ventrue bloodline. A man of influence and power.
Holger Stein looked at Fame as continued to yell –“Big mistake guys. You have fucked with the wrong person this time. Prepare to be seriously….”
Eustace interrupted him before he could finish. -“Holger, take it easy. They work for me now, I made them do it. It’s not a big deal, I reimburse your loss. Conway was done regardless, he can easily be replaced by someone else. Someone better.” He smiled at Holger barring his fangs. “Tell  your dogs to back down and we will settle this later” he continued.
Holger gave the men a signal to back down. He gave Lustrie a harsh look. –“You guys better step very carefully from now on, because if I get my hands on you, you will be sorry.” He turned towards Eustace –“You owe me big for this Eustace, remember that!”
-“Actually, I believe this makes us even” The Setite replied coy.
Holger rushed out cursing under his breath. Eustace suggested that the others probably should leave as well. Snow stayed behind waiting until everybody left and only her and Eustace was left.
-“Lady Snow, consider yourself relieved of duty. From now on they will work for me. You may leave. Unless you also want to work for me?”
“You couldn’t handle me Eustace, trust me.” She replied as she moved towards the door. “You may think that you are done with me, but I am not done with you”
The others were waiting outside. Marcus looked at her with those dark beady eyes. He was not happy with the situation. Fame did not seem to care much at all, or maybe he had a plan laid out already. Pedro was looking at Fame waiting for him to say something, but no words came. Snow had no words either, she was to far inside her own mind. What should she do now? Should she back out now, while she could? Leave them to themselves, let the night of El Paso deal with them as it seemed fit and let them be torn apart by the political struggle of bureaucratic kindred fighting for power? Or should she stand her ground together with them, jeopardize everything she had been fighting so hard to achieve, and help them survive the mess they had started? The smart choice was obvious. She knew what her Sire would do, if he was still around. The reason that he was no longer there with her was because he did not make the smart choice, but the moral one. It would take a lot of resources to keep Holger away from them now, a lot of effort and a lot of goodwill. Where these neonates really worth it? How did she know they would not turn on her? Some of them where well on their way already. The temptation to vanish from the face of the earth, like she had done so many times before, grew stronger. The easy way out that had made her loose so much. It had been years since she had fought for someone, fought for anything except herself. She gave them one last look before she made up her mind. Before she turned her back to them and walked away she told them that no matter what happened now, they would have two choices: Stick together or die alone.

Monday, March 12, 2012

The Hidalgo Rescue

    • The Rio Grande Chronicles

      Based on the storytelling of Vegard Kivle and his Rio Grande Chronicles

      Written by Eric Meland


      Background

      This story is a result of a game session of “Vampire The Masquerade” played with Vegard Kivle as storyteller on the 19 of February 2010. Thanks to Marius Pedersen, Joakim Peersen and StĂ¥le Skjelmoen for creating some of the main characters in the story. Big thanks go to Vegard Kivle for creating a great story with a living city and great characters.


      Chapter 1

      First impressions

      Her skin was itching like it was out of place. It felt tight and stretched, like a rubber band stretched to the very limit before ripping apart. The young looking Tremere felt like ripping her face off, like a Halloween mask, for relief. It was a disturbing thought and an uncomfortable sensation. Lady Snow almost had to pinch herself to make sure she was awake. She took a moment to collect herself and focus her thoughts. The strange discomfort disappeared and she found the court and all the spectators looking at her, waiting for her to say something.

      If she would have let their first impression decide, she would still be standing there with Elisa Day, and never be able to prove her value to the prince. Lady Snow knew however that first impressions are often deceiving, so she let their sluggish looks and poor attempts to impress slip this time. She knew that she needed them as much as they needed her. Elisa Day was however was not too impressed, Lady Snow knew that expression on Days’ face and it was never good. Elisa was skeptical towards the three newcomers as they came asking for her sponsorship. The three kindred in question would never win a male version of American Top Model and reminded Snow of a Freak show she had once seen, for something that seemed like a century ago.

      One of them had introduced himself as Pedro, a small muscular Mexican with his upper body covered in religious tattoos. They had noticed him first as he stood out as the better looking out of all them. That did however not take much effort in this crowd, and he was by no means a handsome man, but good enough to rest your eyes on. Pedro had all the gestures of a member of the Gangrel blood, but felt uneasy revealing this for some reason, which Snow found strangely enticing.

      The other kindred was under no doubt embraced by the Nosferatu. Lady Snow could smell his vitae, and it reeked. His deformation had given him an unusual large mouth and his eyes had sunken deep into sockets. The skin was replaced with a thick leathery hide. Lady Snow thought of a shark she had seen in the movie theater once. She tried to remember the name of that shark. This Nosferatu reminded her somewhat of that shark. He introduced himself as Marcus however and seemed to have some grace as he stood there begging for sponsorship. Lady Snow could see he used to be a tall man, but was now slouching slightly, taking the edge of the height he once possessed. It was like looking at car accident, it was truly hideous but Snow couldn’t help looking at this monstrous man. There was something there, something hidden, something secret, and something in Marcus eyes that enthralled her. She saw sadness in there or maybe it was a darkness, she couldn’t quite tell, but she would find out. “Jaws”. It had come to her. The name of the shark in the movie was Jaws. That is who Marcus reminded her of, but Marcus was probably even scarier than the killer shark, and probably deadlier. She shuddered with the thought of what that mouth could do to a little girl like herself.

      Finally the last kindred was a strange and funny looking man. He moved in a weird way that put Lady Snow off in an uneasy way. He looked around at everything in the room and everyone in it as if he saw something different than everybody else. It almost seemed like he was in different plane than rest of them. His manner of dressing was almost intentionally bad and disorganized. Snow disliked everything that was not organized and neat. She felt an urge to grapple the deluded kindred and fix him up. Button up his shirt, tie the shoelaces on his right shoe, which by the way was the only shoe the kindred possessed, and comb his messed up red hair. He bore all the trademarks of the bloodline of Malkav. He only introduced himself as “Fame” with a distinguished British accent and a quirky smirk on his face. That is when Snow noticed his fangs. They were visible, like they were ready to feed. She wondered why he hadn’t retracted them and found it immensely disrespectful to stand in front of Elisa Day in this manner. Lady Snow then started to wonder if it at all was intentional, a part of the whole get-up, or if this was a result of a curse from the embrace. She had met kindred with this unfortunate curse before. It made her uneasy either way. It could prove to be a massive breach of the masquerade if he could not hide them. That is something Snow would not stand for. For a split second, Snow hoped that this was not the group for which her mentor would have her join. She knew of course that she was only fooling herself. This could work though she thought. She had already seen potential in this freak show. Then she quickly cleared her mind, nervous that the malkavian had read her thoughts. Did he possess those powers? She couldn’t be sure, so until she knew for certain, she decided to shield her thoughts.

      Markus, Fame and Pedro where all new to El-Paso, and had just presented themselves to the Malkavian Prince. Without a sponsor however their stay would be cut short. In order to stay they had to get the sponsorship of somebody with a good standing in the city. That somebody was in their case a certain Elisa Day of clan Tremere. Being of clan Tremere, Elisa knew the value of a favor and how to exploit the naivety of neonates, relatively new to the night. The more experienced vampires know to be more careful when making a deal with a Tremere. Not before they had ended their audience with the prince they had attracted another poor soul of the night. A caitiff named Henry, who had been so “unfortunate” to be caught hunting in Elisa Days hunting ground. He pleaded the neonates to speak with Day on his behalf and beg for forgiveness and sponsorship for him to continue to stay in the city.

      Elisa Day chose to meet with the neonates the same night and they pleaded their case to get her sponsorship. Elisa Day was a beautiful young 18-year old looking girl with long black hair. By her side was another girl about the same age. She was slightly shorter with curly hair, white as snow. Her dress matched her hair, and even though her features where clearly Hispanic, her skin tone was long gone and a pale lighter skin had replaced it. She was beyond beautiful, almost to the extent where she was not real. Her piercing blue eyes, shined like frosted crystals as she glared over the newcomers. Her mentor had given her a task to be able to stay by her side. She had to prove that she could lead and make well planned decisions. The newcomers had presented themselves and Elisa Day decided that she would sponsor them if they did something for her in return. That something was to investigate and find a Giovanni that was being held by the sabbat and bring him back to her. She had given them the young, white haired lady as aid, and they were all looking at her now waiting for her to introduce herself. The white haired girl had not spoken a single word since they arrived, and now she looked lost. Starring into the void, her thoughts somewhere far away from the court, her hands touching her face as if to see if it was still there. The young girl snapped out of her lost state and introduced herself as Lady Snow from the house of Tremere.

      The neonates accepted Elisa Days’ offer, but remembered the poor caitiff waiting for the mercy of the Tremere Primogen. The Malkavian pleaded for Henrys case and asked if he could join the cause, but Elisa was done doing favors this day. Henrys chances seemed lost and a future of ash seemed eminent for him. Lady Snow did not know this Caitiff that called himself Henry, but he seemed important to the others somehow. She decided to convince her mentor to give him a chance, since he might prove useful in finding the Giovanni. Day changed her mind and gave Henry a chance to redeem himself. Snow knew that Henry owned his unlife to her actions and made sure to let him know that. She did not trust him for one second, but neither did she trust any of her new found kindred. As any smart kindred, they also knew better than to trust a Tremere. The night was nearing its end and dawn was nearing. Before they parted ways to enter their undead slumber, Lady Snow gave them some advice. -“Do not for one moment think you can trust anybody in this city. They will all deceive you if it benefits them. Lay your life in someone else hands and that is exactly what they will take. Everybody here is after the same thing: Power! The ones’, who have none, will do anything to get a little. Others have a little and will do whatever they can to get more. Finally the few, who actually have power, will do everything to keep it that way. Trust no one!”

      The new crew used the next few night to gather intelligence on the missing Giovanni, and make themselves acquainted with the primogens and influential kindred in El-Paso. Henry had a car and knew the city like the back of his hand. That came in handy as he could easily take them anywhere they needed to go. Fame decided to introduce himself with the other Malkavian of influence in the city. The Malkavian primogen was as one would expect one of the clan to be: Bat-crazy. Fame made a rather harsh first impression and the primogen was not impressed, but seemed tolerable as far as clan loyalty goes. Marcus chose to speak with the Nosferatu Primogen Bonita. She accepted Marcus as nosferatu and seemed welcoming as long as he had a sponsorship. Marcus instinct of digging for information ticked in and he started to dig as much as he could for anything about the Giovanni. Bonitas’ lips where however tight and she would not spill a lot of information. Being a creature that was used to read peoples like open books, he saw that Bonita knew a lot more than she led on, but he let it go for now. Pedro did some information gathering on his own keeping a low profile and following Marcus and Fame around like a loyal dog, or at least that is what they thought. Pedro looked like a simple man, but he had fooled many poor souls before with that presumption. Like a smart hunter, he waited, observed, anticipated and seemed relatively harmless. Then, when you least expect it, he pounces for your throat. In other words, Pedro was one of those beasts you don’t want as an enemy, and keep well fed. Luckily for these kindred, he was on their side. Lady Snow spent a lot of her time preparing rituals and hunting in the hunting ground, making sure she was well fed. The night had left them with limited information, but they had pulled names of who could bring them to Juarez unseen. A Ravnos named Leandra ran a human trafficking business who could take them over and back to El-Paso. They decided to wait with making a deal with the gypsy until they knew where the Giovanni was being held and who was keeping him. Marcus and the others knew that they needed more information if they were going to find this Giovanni. Their last resort was to speak with one of the harpies. Lady Snow hated the idea of speaking with the harpies and getting information out of one. She knew all too well what the harpies where capable of. There seemed few options however and they were forced to make an audience with the nosferatu harpy. Snow knew how the harpies worked and had experienced how important first impressions are when dealing with them. She decided to take charge of the questioning even though every inch of sense told her not to. Luckily the harpy they were looking for was not in the Elysium, which was an advantage. The Harpy was hanging out at some lounge surrounded by a herd of beautiful people dazing around. Fames’ jaw dropped when he saw the Nosferatu they were meeting. She was truly a beauty to behold. It was obviously a well made mask from the dark trick of obfuscation, but for now, Fame was going to let that little detail slip thru the cracks. The Harpy obviously had a thing for everything beautiful. Snow used this to her advantage and introduced herself using all her charm and elegance to make the Nosferatu talk. It worked. The Harpy told them that a Harbringer of Skull, by the name of Gisela Harden, had been seen in Juarez and that she and her pack had taken the Giovanni, known as Hidalgo, prisoner. The pack currently resided in “Hollywood”, a techno club, and probably kept the necromancer there. Snow gave Pedro a worried look, she was not ready to meet a Harbringer. She had read about these hideous creatures, but almost took the stories as fairytales to scare youngbloods to stay out of the cemeteries. The Harpy calmed them down by telling them that reports said that Gisela was out of town at the moment. They had to act quickly. Fame would love to sit and chat at the lounge, looking at the beautiful people; dazzle them with confusing words and charming them with his British accent. Marcus however gave him a nudge to wrap it up. He wanted to get out of there. This place made him feel uncomfortable. There was a time were this would be a perfect place for him to hang out, when he was among the smooth skinned ones, with fair well kept hair and when his scent was that of the most expensive colognes. Those days were long gone now. All that represented that life now, was a fading photograph in a cheap frame bought at Wal-Mart. The man in the picture was a typical yuppie taken straight out of the eighties. It was a good looking man. The suit he was wearing was nicely fitted and designed by Hugo Boss. Marcus focused his mind and tried not to think more of that time. Nothing good could come of it, and those days would never come back.

      The night was still young. Pedro was already on his way down to the gypsy when the others came out of the lounge. He had been itching to go see the Ravnos lady by the river since he heard of her. The others were not certain why he was so eager, but as a long as he didn’t rip her head off, Snow was happy. The gypsy woman had made herself a little establishment by the riverbanks. She had made big business of transporting people across the borders. She introduced herself as Leandra. It was clear that she could bring them across and back, but the costs would have to be negotiated. Money was not of interest to this smuggler. She had seen the potential in dealing with a group of kindred. In exchange for safe passage to the other side and back, Leandra wanted the entourage to get rid of some competition on the other side. The competition was a mortal sod that had made a living of transporting desperate souls over to the promised lands. If they only knew what awaited them on the other side. Snow felt sick thinking about all the dark stories that came from human trafficking. The few people that get rich, because of others suffering and desperation. Children and women that get abducted and transferred to the other side of the world, smuggled thru boarders and sold as slaves. She could feel the beast gnawing at her soul when thinking too much about it, so she stopped. She refocused her thoughts and concentrated on the moment at hand. -“We are not some random group of bounty hunters. If you want someone to do your dirty work, hire some street thugs!” Lady Snows voice was soft but strict in tone. Killing mortals was beneath her and something she hadn’t done in centuries. The last time she took a mortals life felt like it wasn’t even her taking it. That person had it coming though, and she felt no remorse killing that man. The Ravnos laughed a condescending laugh, shrugged her shoulders and wished them good luck swimming across the river.

      Pedro intervened. -“Don’t worry, we will find your little mortal and deal with him.” He gave her a disturbing smile -“Tell us where we can find him.” The young Gangrel had a plan. He had known all along what he needed to do since he heard of the business of the Ravnos. Pedro hadn’t come down to rip the gypsies head off. Not that he would mind doing it, but that would have to wait. He came down here to talk business, look for opportunities, find loopholes and weaknesses in the business structure. Then when nobody is expecting it, he can leap up and shanghai the entire business. To Pedro, Leandra was competition. But just for now.

      The deal was made and the smuggler was going to take them to the club, then bring them and the extra passenger to the destination of the mortal target. They would remove the mortals head and bring it back to the gypsy as proof of the deed.

      -“Tomorrow night then at nine” the gypsy said. -“No weapons, right?”

      -“Define WEAPON” Fame returned immediately.

      -“No, ignore him” Marcus quickly responded, shaking his head. -“We will not be bringing any weapons”

      In Henrys’ car on their way from the riverbanks Marcus, Fame and Pedro started discussing how they would evacuate the club once they had found the Giovanni. -“A fire alarm would do it” Fame shot in to the conversation. -“I can be responsible for the fire” he added. Marcus and Pedro looked disturbed at each other before Marcus had to respond -“Nobody is going to torch the place down. What happened to discretion?” He looked at Snow for some support to his statement. -“Besides, I doubt they would keep the necromancer in the middle of the dance floor. They probably have him stored away in some secret backdoor” Pedro nodded to Marcus reasoning.

      Snow had stayed silent, but had followed the entire conversation. The car stopped at a red light. Snow tilted her head slightly and stared blankly onto a discarded map laying on the pavement sidewalk. “Marcus is right!” She turned around and faced them, her head still tilted to the side. “We need to know what we are looking for in there. We need a map of the place…” She stopped, raised her head up straight and smiled with the right side of her mouth.”…No. Blueprints. We need blueprints of that club.”

      Snow didn’t know the first thing about hacking and computers. She knew how to turn one on and how to check her Yahoo account and maybe read some news. But she did know that if they were going to get those blueprints before tomorrow night, they would have to use the internet. Preferably that someone also knew how to bypass security and obtain sensitive information. Luckily both Marcus and Fame knew their way around these things. Together they managed to get the information and the blueprints they needed. They saw that there were some strange structured walls in the bathroom. That had to be the entrance to wherever it was they were keeping Hidalgo. Snow made sure that everybody was dressed appropriately for the next night. She wanted everybody to blend in and not pull any unwanted attention. Marcus got worried. He had no means to cloak himself in a fashion that wouldn’t pull any attention. Lady Snow had however already planned how she would get Marcus into the club. It was Fame that worried her. He might look normal, but she had no idea what he could do once in that club. Normal was under no doubt NOT part of his personality. Marcus was still worried how he would get in without scaring away everybody. The Tremere calmed him down however and told him to meet her at her apartment after dusk the next night. Marcus was unsure what to think about the offer, but decided to go with it for now.

      The next night Pedro and Fame made their preparations while Marcus went to Lady Snows apartment as agreed. Snows apartment was filled with candles and strange symbols hanging from the ceiling and on the walls. Strange markings filled the floor and random places on old wallpaper that was once bright and colorful, but the sun had long faded it into a bland distortion of its previous pattern. In the middle of the room a dining table had been made into a makeshift operation table that looked more like a sacrificial stone. Marcus felt uneasy; this did by no means look good. Snow was standing barefoot in a white, slightly see-through robe holding a symbol necklace in her hands. “Welcome Marcus, please relax and take all your clothes off” Her voice was calm and warm. Marcus hesitated; Snow had promised that he could make him look like he did before he was turned. All she needed from him was two vials of blood and a picture of his former self. He had brought it all. The offer was too good to be true, but also too good to let go. He didn’t really trust her, but he imagined that he could deal with her easily if she tried anything. Marcus pictured that her smooth beautiful neck would snap easily and that her vitae would probably taste as sweet as she looks. The nosferatu found some strange reassurance in that thought. He did as she asked, removed his clothes and laid down on to the table. Snow had pointed out the transformation was only temporary and that within the first night he would start changing back to his deformed state. By morning he would be the same nosferatu he had gotten used to look at for the last 20 years or so. It was like a darker version of the Cinderella story Markus thought, laughing sarcastically to himself.

      Snow took the vials and the photo. It was hard to imagine that the handsome man in that photo was once the same creature as the one lying on her dining table, she thought to herself. -“Try to relax and close your eyes. It is better if you don’t see this ritual, believe me.” She smiled a comforting smile and closed his eyelids with her delicate fingers.-“I’m sorry, but this will probably hurt like hell.” That was not a lie. Marcus tried to open his eyes but he couldn’t. It was like they were glued shut. He could hear her chanting words that sounded like gibberish to him. The pain was unbearable for a while; it felt like his face melted away. When he couldn’t take any more of the pain, he opened his mouth to scream, but nothing came out. He didn’t even have a voice anymore. The panic started to take hold of him and he felt the beast taking control. Then he felt the soft, gentle hands of Snow embracing his face and her soft lips kissing his forehead. -“Relax, handsome” she said -“You are almost done, you are doing great” It helped. The beast resided and he felt a strange peace in her soothing words. Before he knew it, Marcus could open his eyes again. He jumped up like as if waking from a terrible nightmare. As he sat up his hands ran up his face. The skin was smooth, flexible and soft. That is when he noticed his hands. His claw like fingers where gone, the thick leathery fingers were replaced with long beautiful fingers with well groomed fingernails. Marcus stood up and ran to the nearest mirror. He could not believe what he saw. What did she do to him? Was it real or just some illusion? What kind of sorcery could do this? He had his face again, the face he had before the embrace. His mind could not grasp what was going on. A million thoughts and feelings ran through his head, it was too much to withstand. Suddenly he noticed Snow lying on wooden floor. He managed to rip his attention away from the mirror and bended down to help her back on her feet. -“Snow, are you all right? What happened?” She was fine, but the ritual had taken more out of her than anticipated. The transformation was a success but Snow was left weak. She wondered how this night would turn out with her not being at full strength. It didn’t matter now, they had to move on quickly otherwise all this would be for nothing. They both got dressed in their new techno clothing. Marcus couldn’t stop looking himself in the mirror. -“Come on Marcus we have to hurry, Fame and Pedro are waiting. We have no time to spare” They both ran downstairs and towards the riverbanks to meet the others. Fame and Pedro couldn’t believe what they saw when Marcus approached them.

      -“Nah…, I liked you better when you looked like one the monsters from the Muppet Show” was the last thing Fame blurted out before jumping in to the van. As they all got into the van, Marco noticed that Fame pants were bulging out around his pockets. Marcus felt uneasy and hoped to God that Fame hadn’t brought some sort of weapon that would put them in a dangerous situation. The Ravnos made sure they all were inside the back of the truck, and then closed the doors. -“Keep your hands and feet inside the moving vehicle at all times until the ride has come to a complete stop…, and so on and so on.” The Ravnos kept muttering something more on the other side of the steel doors, but it was to distant now to make out. As the van started moving Marcus and Fame felt a strange sensation. There was something strange about the van. They were approaching the border control and the officer waved them in. -“This is not going to work” Lady Snow said giving Marcus a worried look. The men in the front were doing all the talking, and presented some documents to the officer. Snows worries now spread to the others. They were all thinking how stupid a officer would have to be to not check a huge van being driven by a couple of gypsies. The officer returned the papers and gave them a nod. Then he made a waving motion with his hand to signal the van to drive. Pedro started to laugh. -“That devious little gypsy puta” He now started to piece together how she did it. -“She is cleverer than I gave her credit for; this is going to be hard to compete with.” Pedro knew what the Ravnos could do with their dark illusion tricks. Leandra had made the van appear as something else. Pedro assumed that she probably made it look a lot a smaller, so it wouldn’t draw attention. The van stopped outside a club with a big glowing sign that said Hollywood. Young, drunk and high people were standing in line to get in. With the motor still running, the doors slid open and the driver told them they had arrived at their first destination. The neonates got in line with the others and soon made it to the bouncers. A tall muscular man, with no neck and upper arms wider than Snows’ waists, were looking at them. The bouncer was hesitated to let the pale creepy looking British Malkavian and the yuppie trying to be hip inside. Fame and Marcus were the only ones around who did not have Hispanic features, and it obviously worried the bouncer a bit. Snow took her harm around Marcus and told the bouncer that this was her date for the night. The bouncer let Snow and Marcus pass, but not before padding Marcus down. -“Take care of her in there, ok sir?” Marcus nodded but added -”Somehow I think she can take care of herself. “ The bouncer laughed and shook the nosferatus’ hand. Pedro looked at Fame and punched him hard in the arm. -“El gringo estĂ¡ conmigo” The top heavy bouncer accepted it, but made sure to check them for any items. By some miracle he did not notice the object sticking out of Fames pocket. Somehow Henry had managed to get inside without them knowing. He was standing there by the bar waiting for them smiling. The dance floor was filled with youngsters dancing, drinking and rubbing their sweaty bodies against each other. A strong scent of body odor, alcohol, perfume and urine filled the air. Feeding here would be way to easy, no wonder the sabbat had chosen this place. That was not why they were here thou. Lady Snow went over to the bar and ordered a drink. She didn’t know quite what it was but it tasted like a mix of soap and cigarettes. Pedro got nauseous watching the kindred gulp down the beverage. To him and most vampires, food and beverages were almost impossible to swallow, let alone keep down for long. It did not seem to bother Snow at all however. Fame also poured down a few drinks without a single twitch. It was too much for Pedro. He had to turn away, it was too nasty for him to witness. Marcus however was fascinated by Snow and how naturally she melded in with the mortals. It was as she had been doing this for decades. This was all new to him. He hadn’t been in this kind of scene in over 20 years. Acting like a mortal was a strange concept to him now. He felt all out of place here, the smoke, neon blinking lights and enthralling music was strange to him now. People were touching him, smiling at him and giving him flirting looks. They treated him like a real person. Not frightened and disgusted. He had forgotten this feeling. The Tremere had given him something back that his sire said was impossible. Now she was dancing around, flirting with the young boys as if she was one of them. He would never guess what she really was if he didn’t know the true creature she really was. Fame was different, he acted much like human, but something was off. His features had more resemblance to the beast and he possessed an eerie presence Marcus thought. The Nosferatu could see that Fame had lost his touch on humanity and was spiraling closer to the beast. Snow smiled at him and came dancing lightly over to him. “What, you forgot how to dance?” She took his hands and led him towards the dance floor. “Come, let me remind you. You look like a perv just standing there looking at people” She smiled at laughed as he stumbled and tried to keep up with her moves.

      Fame was trying to check up on one of the drunken girls by the bar, when Pedro pulled his arm and pointed to the bathroom. “Let’s get this show started, Amigo” he told him. “Go get the chica and the bestia” he added, while pointing towards the dance floor. Fame gathered the couple and led them towards the bathroom stalls. Henry followed them looking around if anybody was following them. A group of clubbers were snorting coke by the sink as they walked in. They were too busy lining up their stuff to notice the pale skins that just stepped in, even if they did they probably wouldn’t care. Snow dragged Marcus into one of the stalls and closed the door, to look less suspicious. After all it was more natural for somebody to head into a bathroom stall to have a “quickie” than rummaging around for a secret door. Henry guarded the door, making sure nobody else walked inn. Pedro walked over to the youth and split them up by getting in the middle of them -”Ok niños, wrap it up!” he said with firm parental voice. The kids looked questioning at him. Who the hell was this crazy looking guy? His smile was creeping the hell out of them. In most other cases they would grab any fool who disturbed them like this and beat him to a bloody pulp. This guy, however, who was standing between them now, was different. He looked like one of those guys you just did not want to fuck with. You probably would not even look a guy like this straight in the eyes. One of the kids, the bigger one out of them with spiky hair, felt brave after snorting. He grabbed Pedros’ shoulder. “Oye, don’t be a culo. Go have another drink and fuck off!” Pedros’ smile dropped immediately. He turned his head toward the foolish boy and looked him straight in the eyes. The boys’ smug look drained from his face and was replaced with a face filled with dread. When he looked into those dark kindred eyes he saw only death, his own death. The others didn’t say a word. They just stood there, all terrified. Pedros look shifted slowly towards the hand grabbing his shoulder. In a whiff, the high that the kid had gotten from the coke vaporized and he was left wondering why the hell his hand was still on that crazy looking Mexicans shoulder. He quickly pulled his hand towards him, like he was seconds from getting it bitten off. If he only knew how close to the truth he actually was. Pedro turned towards the rest of them again. –”Muevete.” The kids backed up, while one of them started to gather their stuff. –“AHORA!” They dropped everything and stormed out of there. All the guests had left the stalls. They were now all alone. Fame made sure to lock the door behind them as the last crowd ran out. Snow came out of the stall with Marcus. She walked over to Pedro. –“Subtle Pedro, real subtle” she said with a sarcastic tone. No time was wasted and they all started to look after something to trigger a secret door. Marcus looked at himself in the mirrors. He still looked good, but he could see the nosferatu curse taking hold again. It was subtle and only he could notice, but it was still there. His skin tone had shifted slightly and his has eyes had gotten a bit darker. Then he saw the reflection of Fame in the mirror. He was walking around in a daze looking at everything with a huge fascination. –“Are you ok Fame?” Marcus asked him. -“So many patterns everywhere, it’s amazing” he replied. Marcus quickly looked at the sinks where the cocaine was lined up. –“Please tell me you didn’t…” Fame gave no response and just continued in his daze. They had found where the door was, they just needed to know how to trigger the mechanism to open it. Fame had stopped in front one the toilet paper dispensers. The others had no idea what he did or how he found it, but the door slid open and a tunnel was revealed behind the toilet. If it was the cocaine or the matter of just being a Malkavian that had revealed the trigger for Fame, they would never know. Then right before he entered the tunnel, Fame produced a bottle of spray-paint from his pockets. Marcus gave a sigh of relief. At least it wasn’t a weapon. Fame shook the can and sprayed an anarchy symbol on the wall, before he followed the rest down the tunnel. Henry decided to stay behind and cover their backs and make sure it was clear for when they came back.

      The rest of them moved further in to the tunnel. There was a lever on the inside that closed the door behind them. To make sure that others wouldn’t follow, they decided to close it. The tunnel continued down in a spiral. Small torches were placed alongside the wall, giving just enough light to see where they were going, but not giving them clear sight of what was ahead. The flames flickered as they passed them and left long crooked shadows against the walls. They kept descending down the spiral tunnel until they where way underneath the club. The tunnel slope started to even out and the spiraling stopped and ended in a corridor with a slight curve. Snow held her hand up and signaled the others to be silent. Marcus stepped forward and gave a sign that he would go ahead and take a look. As he moved between the torches, he just faded away. Snow franticly tried to figure out where he went. There was absolutely nowhere to hide against the wall but still he had just vanished. She knew very well that this was one of the tricks the Nosferatu possessed and used very efficiently, but it still creped the hell out of her. Then just as he had disappeared he faded back into view and moved between the next set of torches, before the shadows again consumed him.

      Marcus could now get a clear view of the next room. It was a big oval shaped room with curtains covering the far wall. He quickly calculated that this room had to be placed directly beneath where he and Snow had been dancing together, fifteen minutes ago. In the middle of the room a large cage was hanging from the ceiling. Inside a man was laying with one of his arms hanging outside between the bars. Marcus couldn’t make out which state the person was in, but assumed that this had to be Hidalgo. Beneath the cage stood three men, they were discussing something that Marcus couldn’t quite make out. Each of them had a sword hanging from their side. They were clearly vampires, but didn’t look too experienced by looking at them. Marcus started to head back to the others to report what he had seen.

      Snow saw Marcus appear out of the flickering shades of the torches again. She now noticed his darkened eyes and skin, and understood that he was changing back and her rituals effect was fading. He was still handsome however and moved elegantly towards them. He told them what he had seen. Snow quickly laid a plan in her head which would avoid all bloodshed. Then as she looked at her new found companions, a new thought struck her mind. This would be an excellent opportunity to see how these kindred proved themselves in combat. Snow hadn’t been in a decent fight in a long time. She didn’t miss it, fighting for her was always the last resort to a mission that didn’t go as planned. There was however something pure and exhilarating about a good classic fight she thought. Regardless of what she would have done or planned, it would not seem to matter to much this night. While they were discussing strategies, Pedro was already on his way towards the oval room. Before they noticed him leaving, it was too late to stop him. To Pedro the plan was easy, rip their heads off and rescue the necromancer. No point standing around talking about it. Snow shrugged her shoulder –“Well, I guess its show time then...”

      The others kept a certain distance from Pedro, making it appear as if he came alone. This way the guards would feel confident to fight instead of fleeing and getting reinforcements. Marcus disappeared into the shadows again and started to move behind them, flanking the guards. Fame reached into his pocket and produced a lighter. His other hand reached for the can of spray-paint. He turned his head toward Snow, who was standing behind him, winked and gave her a smile. -“¡Dios mĂ­o” was all she muttered when she understood what he was planning on doing with these items. It was a smart plan, but only somebody half crazy would ever be foolish enough to try something that dangerous.

      The moment Pedro stepped into sight the guardians drew their swords and started towards the little Mexican Gangrel. Pedro didn’t even twitch; he went thru his plan. Heads off, save necromancer and get out. The scary smile had returned and his hands were spread apart as if he was ready to give them a huge solid hug. That would probably be a hug most people wouldn’t walk away from. He was ready, he could smell their vitae and he would soon have it spread all over the cold stone floor. Just when one of the guards had three meter distance from Pedro, the Gangrel leaped with his right hand raised above his head and let it drop right in the guardians face as he landed in front of him. The sabbat guardian slightly lost his balance for a second grabbing his face with his left hand trying to control the bleeding gashes. With his right hand he plunged his sword towards Pedros chest, but only a muddled thud could be heard as the tip of the sword pierced the Gangrels clothes. It was like stabbing a piece of pure stone. Pedro smiled as he smacked the sword aside as if it was an annoying fly. With his right hand he grabbed at the sabbats throat, but the sabbat managed to plant his foot in Pedros stomach and kicked himself out of the grapple. Meanwhile Fame was storming towards the sabbat on the far left. He had noticed Fame and had his sword risen above his head as he met him head on. Suddenly Fame stopped dead in his tracks, raised his lighter and lit it. A tiny flame burned with a fragile glow. The sabbat closed in, charging up his blow to cleave the Malkavian in half. Fame carefully placed the can of spray-paint behind the flimsy flame. Just when the sabbat started to swing his sword, Fame pressed the top of the can. A marvelous burst of flame flew against the face of the sword wielding sabbat as the paint hit the flame. The swing from the sword lost most of the momentum it had build up, but still managed to hit Fame in the upper arm. Fame shrugged it off without much effort however. The flames had surprised the sabbat guardian but did not seem to affect him.

      The third guardian had moved in on Pedro now and was swinging after the Gangrels head. Pedro saw his blows coming a mile away and dodged each of them with ease. Dodging two swords was however not that easy and every time his attention drifted to one of his attackers the other used the chance to strike. Pedro knew that this would not work in the long run. He needed an advantage position. As he dodged the swings of one assailant the other was already swinging his sword toward the position where he was dodging to. He immediately retracted his dodge and spun on his back heel 180 degrees, while raising his hand to retrieve the blow. The sword hit Pedros arm with an immense force that would have severed most limbs. Instead the sword did not even pierce the skin and a loud clunk filled the room. Pedro noticed now that he had opened himself completely to the other attacker. The other sabbat was already using this opening to make another attack He had both hands on the weapon and had build up a powerful momentum. This is going to hurt like a “madre”, Pedro thought, preparing for an excruciating blow to his bare neck. In that exact moment Snow came out from the corner with her arm raised, with a tiny twitch at her fingertips the sword headed for Pedros’ neck melted into Ă¥ puddle that ran down the sabbats hands and ended up at his feet. -“Please” Snow said to him –“What kind of man uses a sword against the unarmed?” The sabbat had calculated a resistance to his blow as he aimed for the Gangrel. Now that he had lost the balanced weight of his sword and there was nothing in his hands to strike with, he quickly fell off balance.

      The other sabbat flipped his sword so it pointed downwards and raised his hands, putting both of them on the shaft to give more power to the the blow. His chest was now completely open and the Gangrel now saw the opportunity to act. Finally, Pedro thought, an opening. He leaped forward putting all his weight on his left foot has he kicked off the ground. He hit the sabbat right in the chest so hard that he fell off his feet and the sword flew across the stone floor.

      On the other side of the room Fame was at the same time trying to deal with his assailant. The sabbat moved in close to make it impossible for Fame to use the flames. He moved with a spinning move and planted his elbow deep in Fames stomach. If Fame was a mortal, a blow like that would have knocked all the air out of him leaving him very vulnerable. Luckily Fame was a vampire and there was no air in him that he needed to concern himself with. He pushed the sabbat of him while moving backwards. The guardian was already set up for a new attack and struck high. Fame spun rapidly and quickly dropped to one knee, while readying his improvised flamethrower for another attack. The sword hit high as anticipated and missed by a few centimeters. Fames finger thumped the temple of the lighter and produced a weak flame. The sabbat tried to pull back, but it was too late. Fame let a new burst explode throughout the room. Once again it hit the guardian directly in the face. This time however his eyebrows and hair lit up. The guardians eyes darkened as the terror grabbed him and the beast took over. He dropped his sword and headed towards the far side of the room. Out of the shadows Marcus stepped out right in front of the frenzied guardian, stopping him dead in his tracks. Marcus immense strength easily overpowered him and brought the sabbat to his knees.

      The guard who had been tackled by Pedro managed to get his feet grounded and got back up from the floor, but it was too late. Pedro had a grappling hold on him now that was not easily escapable. The last and only guard who was left standing, was still pondering what the hell just happened to his sword. He then saw how his friends were doing. This was hopeless. He knew that now. These vampires were too strong for them. -“We surrender” he finally cried out -“Take the god damn Giovanni, this is not worth it”

      Marcus gathered the three guardians while Pedro and Fame helped Hidalgo down from the cage. Snow collected the swords and held one of them firmly in her hand. She had forgotten how it felt to hold a sword. It was strange how quickly the brain remembered. All the training and fighting came back to her in an instant. She was surprised to see that they still used swords in an age where everybody ran around with semi-automatic guns and hand cannons. A memory came to her. The captain of the guard had once said that there is nothing like a good sword dual to sharpen the mind and body. Everything in movement and sync, as you anticipate and react. He had often compared it to chess, always plan two moves ahead and never leave yourself open, unless you want to lure them in for a final blow. The Captain had saved her life more than once, but when he needed her to do the same, she had failed to return the favor. She saved many lives that day, but failed to save the life that mattered the most. Damn sabbat scum she thought, before her mind returned to the present.

      Marcus had lined the sabbat up in a row now; they were kneeling on the dark stone floor with their head bowed and hands tied on their backs. The nosferatu was looking at the puddle on the floor that used to be a long sword just a few minutes ago. He had seen how the sword had just melted and turned in to this liquid goo. Marcus remembered the feeling when he was laying on Snows table and he felt his face melting away. Was it the same sorcery that had done this? He shivered from the thought. As a nosferatu he had seen a lot of scary looking faces among his clan mates that would scare the water out of most. The Tremere clan however, creeps him out, far more than any scary face in a dark ally. Their sorcery was to unnatural and twisted to ever being trusted. Yet, he had put his life in one of their hands and let it perform some horrid ritual on him. It had given him something he thought was impossible, even if was for a short time. She had also been very kind and charming, but could he really trust her? Are all the Tremere the same? Snow had herself said not to trust anyone. For now he would keep his distance and see what happened.

      Snow moved towards the sabbat with the sword resting on her shoulder. She focused her vitae to make herself stronger. Lady Snow could feel how the vitae burned thru her body as her strength increased. The sword felt a lot lighter now. She stopped right in front of her newly captured prisoners. –“Now you are going to tell me why Gisela wants this Giovanni and how many are in your pack.” Her tone was strict and firm. The sabbat gave each other a quick look before the one the middle responded. –“Fuck you, Tremere bitch!” Snow wasn’t surprised by the response, she knew the sabbat packs were hard nuts to crack. The sabbat on the left spoke as well. –“Gisela is going to have all of asses ashed, Camarilla scum!”

      -“Don’t be stupid, tell us what we want to know and we will let you go. You can go tell Gisela herself what assholes we are” Snows voice had changed; there was more compassion in her tone of speaking now. She imagined them being terrified of this Gisela, and decided to try something she knew they would reject. At least she would give them a choice before she eventually had to destroy them.

      -“You are scared, I understand that, but the sabbat has you all fooled. They are using you as cannon fodder here. It’s not too late, come with us. We can protect you.” She was pleading them with a great compassion in her voice. It didn’t work.

      -“You and the rest of the Camarilla fools will all soon die and El-Paso will be controlled by us. Take your fucking offer and shove it up ass!” They all spat at Snows feet.

      Snows head fell in disappointment. –“You want to be martyrs for a cause that is not even your own, that is fine with me you deluded little puppets. Make no mistake however, that you will die here on this cold stone floor. Believe me, the second death is a real bitch too. No sabbat will shed you a tear, not even your precious Gisela. She does not care about you, and will have you replaced by tomorrow night. Now I will give you another chance, join us or perish.”

      The sabbat simultaneously started praying to the Mother Mary and Christ their Lord. Looking at them there on their knees praying before their final night awakened Snows anger and lost memories. Distant memories that she had tried to forget. Memories of flames, men with crosses and robes and her fathers’ look as his last breath left his body. She purged the memories and cleared her mind, but the anger remained. Her hand grabbed tightly on her sword as it raised ready to strike. Marcus interrupted with a quick remark –“Eh… I thought you said that a man should not strike an unarmed man with a weapon.” He smiled, as if to piss her off even more.

      She did not even look at him as she replied –“That is correct. A man should not strike an unarmed with a weapon.” Her hand fell hard as the blade cleaved straight thru the first sabbats neck. His head flew off and a fountain of blood squirted out from the headless body. –“But I am no MAN” She added as she stared Marcus directly in the eyes. Her crystal blue eyes were gone now and replaced with darkness. Snow stared emotionlessly as the body fell to the floor. It didn’t turn to ash as expected. These poor bastards were newly embraced, they knew nothing but what the sabbat had poisoned their mind with. They were a lost cause. She moved on to the next in line. –“We can show you the truth of being a vampire, it is not too late” she said while raising the sabbats after his hair. He never broke away from his prayer. “Idiota!” she cried as she let her blade slice thru his neck, still holding his head by the hair. The body collapsed as his blood covered the floor. Snow looked at the head she was holding in her hand. She dropped it and it rolled over to the last kneeling guard. Snow took no pleasure in this. Some part of her felt sorry for them. Not for them facing their second death, but that they had not been given the chance to join the Camarilla before it was too late. The sabbat had already fucked them up, taken their mortal lives and embraced them as shitty shock troops. It aggravated her immensely. She kneeled down to last one raised his head with a soft and gentle touch so his eyes met hers. Her eyes had returned to their crystal clear blue color. She moved her lips closer to his ear as she whispered. –“Please, let me help you. Why won’t you let me save you, when I hold your life in my hands? What do you have to gain from this? Tell me!”

      He opened his eyes for a moment and stared into her beautiful eyes. The sabbat stopped his prayer as he leaned his head against her soft hand that held his face. -“It is you who are mistaken” he whispered back –“It is you who need saving, not I” He pulled his face back and continued his prayer. His head was raised, ready to retrieve the final blow. Snow released a disappointed sigh. –“So be it!” It was a swift clean cut and even if the head was severed it didn’t fall. Marcus gave the body a nudge with his foot. The guards’ body fell forward as his head tipped and fell backwards. Snow dropped the bloody sword to the floor. It fell heavily on the blood covered stone floor. Silence filled the room. Marcus, Fame and Pedro were all looking at Lady Snow. They had all seen her as this gorgeous innocent looking girl before, but now she had showed them another side. The ruthless beast that hid under all that beauty.

      Snow walked over to Hidalgo. Pedro was helping him stand, since he was still weak. Hidalgo told them that he needed to feed if he was to get out of there with them. –“Of course” Snow quickly replied. She removed one of her necklaces with three big blood red beads. As she held the beads over his head she instructed him to open his mouth. Hidalgo did as she asked. With a single command –“Bleed!” the beads transmuted in to pure blood that ran straight to the Giovannies mouth. Hidalgo felt the vitae strengthen his body, and managed to get to his feet. –“That will do, for now” he said –“Now please, let us get the hell out of here. I have seen enough of this shit hole.”

      As they started to head out, Pedro stopped and looked behind him. Counting the bodies then looking at Hidalgo. He smiled. Heads off, check. Necromancer free, check. His plan worked, like always, he thought to himself. At the bathroom Henry was waiting for them, making sure everything was clear for them to come out. Fame took out his phone and hit the speed dial. A few seconds passed before he said to the person in the other end –“We are on our way out, be ready!” He put his phone back in his pocket, and turned to Pedro. –“They will be outside in a few minutes. Let’s move”

      Marcus stepped into the bathroom and saw himself once again in the mirror. It had gotten worse. Dark circles under his eyes shadowed his monstrous iris. His skin had once again lost its nice glow. He could still easily pass as an average looking human, but his charming good looks were deteriorating. Outside Hollywood the van was waiting as they stepped out. It was still night and they would have approximately four hours before dawn. They had to hurry. Finding the mortal proved easy. Leandra had known exactly where he could be found and she was right. He was at some sketchy club, drunk out of his mind while drooling over some young girls. It was too easy for a woman like Snow to pick up a man like this. The moment she gave him a little attention, he was on her like white on rice. She suggested that they should go somewhere a little more private. He followed her without hesitation as she led him to the van. Snow did not like the position she was in. Even if this guy was a low life and probably a scum bag, he didn’t deserve to die, at least not by her hands. She could not pass any judgment on these mortal souls. Killing kindred was one thing. They were already dead and had a chance at life and lost it. She was just making it final. Mortals however needed the chance to live a fulfilling life, without the creatures of the night intervening. Like she had told Leandra when she mentioned what she wanted in return for transportation, she was no bounty hunter. Snow took a quick look around; making sure nobody saw them before she threw the drunk in the van. When he saw the crowd sitting there he knew something was wrong, but he was too drunk to do anything about it now. Snow sat down in front of him and with an instant move she grabbed his throat. –“Ok, listen asshole. This has been a long fucking night and I am not in the mood for bullshit. So when I ask you a question you will answer it truthfully and don’t even try lying to us. You see my friend here?” She nodded towards Marcus -“Yeah, he can sniff a lie a mile away, and let me tell you he hates fucking liars. He hates them. You do not want to know what he does to liars. Comprende?” The man nodded repeatedly.

      -“Good! First who are you and who do you work for?”

      -“What? I don’t understand. I am just…” Snow interrupted him before he could finish, tightening her squeeze around his neck.

      -“Who the hell are you and who are you working for? Do not make me ask that fucking question again or I swear…”

      -“Juan! My name is Juan Gonzales. I don’t work for anybody. I run my own business, smuggle people over the border for some cash. That’s it I swear, please don’t hurt me.” His voice revealed great terror.

      Snow looked at Marcus and loosened her grip. –“How do you know Leandra?” Snow asked him.

      The man sighed and cursed something under his breath. –“Oh fuck, that puta. She sent you out to get rid of me? That’s why you are here isn’t it? Listen I can pay you the double of what she is paying you, I swear. I can get you the money right now. Please if you jus...” Snow interrupted him again.

      “Shut up! We don’t want your dirty money. This is not about money Juan.” She let go of his throat.

      The driver turned his head and shouted to them to hurry up and kill this bastard so they could leave.

      Snow sneered back at him –“Shut the fuck up dickhead and drive the god damn van like you are supposed to.” She turned back to their mortal captive. –“ Listen Juan, what did you do to piss Leandra of so much that she wants you dead?

      He was reluctant to respond to that question, but quickly remembered where he was sitting and who his company was. Juan exhaled heavily thru his nose. “Leandra sees me as competition. I take business away from her. A few months ago she approached me with an offer for me to work for her. I refused. It would have cost me too much and I need to eat. She has tried to get rid of me ever since.” He sat back and let his head fall against the side of the van. Snow tried to find a valid reason to waste this low-life sitting in front her. No matter how she angled it or how much she wanted to find a good reason, she couldn’t. Juan leaned forward again and spoke . –“Listen guys, I can leave. I will pack up everything and leave. You and Leandra will never see or hear of me again. I swear…” The driver turned around again and was getting annoyed that they had not yet done as agreed. –“Don’t you dare let that dipshit go. We had a deal. You better keep your end of it. Let’s get this over with…” Snow halfway got out of her seat. She was angry now and yelled back at the driver. “I didn’t know we brought you along to give us your opinion. We don’t give a shit what you have to say. Now turn that fucked up face of yours around and watch the fucking road.” She turned toward Marcus and continued –“Marcus, if that dickhead turns his head of the road, interrupts me again or feels like giving us some more of his enlightened advice, rip his fucking tongue out and nail it to the god damn wall!” Marcus said nothing, but the driver heard and made sure that his tongue stayed in his mouth.

      Snow turned back to Juan. Her anger was gone and her sweet gentle face had returned. -“Juan” she said. -“If you run now, you will always be running. We could let you go, but somebody else would come for you. It will never end and you could never rest and never be safe. You can end it now. Join Leandras crew. Yes she will take most of the earnings, but you will still have your business. You can still stay here and you will be safe. She can protect you. It may not be the perfect life, but at least it is a life.” Juan thought hard about what she said. He knew she was right, but he did not like it.

      Pedro was ready to convince him in another way and hinted to Lady Snow that he could make him agree. All he needed was five minutes in the back ally. Snow was tempted to let him do it, but something in Pedros face told her that he was up to something. She would not take the chance that Pedro would rearrange Juans organs, so she brushed him off. Luckily Juan agreed to the terms before she had to evaluate Pedros’ suggestion. Fame made the driver call Leandra up and see if the new deal was acceptable. The Ravnos finally agreed and they could let the mortal go. He would now work for Leandra and her goons. Fame then instructed the driver to take them back to El-Paso.

      On their way, Marco looked down on his hands. His black nails had returned and his skin was changing back to their thick leathery shape. He could remember the first time this had happened many years ago, how scared he had been then. It had scarred him mentally to go thru that transformation. Now he had gotten a renewed chance to be normal for one night, but the curse was not letting him enjoy it for long. Suddenly Snows’ hand gently stroked and grabbed his hand. Her soft skin felt nice against his rougher hide. Marcus looked up and noticed her sad expression as she spoke while looking deeply into his eyes. –“I am so sorry Marcus. I really am. If I could make it stick permanently, I would. Maybe one day we will find a way, but we are just not there yet. I am sorry you have to experience this again.” She raised his hand to her lips and kissed it. Marcus looked at her, without saying a word. Was she really sorry? Did she really care? Why should she? A thousand questions ran thru Marcus head. She seemed sincere, but he had seen how she played with men. Snow was charming and sweet, even a man like him had to admit that. He had also seen the dark side of her, how merciless she could be. A part of him wanted to believe that she was sincere, that she did care and that he could trust her. Some small part of him needed it to be true.

      Fame was quietly staring at the vans’ ceiling. He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or if he was awake. It didn’t matter to him, but the colors he was experiencing were amazing. If only the others could see what he saw they would understand what he understood. To make that possible however they would need to have his eyes. He was thinking that his eyes would look pretty funny in Pedros skull. He laughed a little at that thought. His eyes started to shift at each member of his new crew. He didn’t really like any of them he thought, but he didn’t dislike them either. They were fun enough to be around. Especially that huge oaf sitting there looking at his hands. A man that manages to be beauty and the beast in one night has to be awesome. He did like him better when he was a beast however. There were so many neat details to look at when he was like that. Lady Snow was pretty and that was almost a good enough reason for Fame to have her around. People called him crazy, but Lady Snow was way off the bat. She could do well in our clan, he thought still grinning. The little Mexican was fun too; he just needed to see what his beast looked like. He was thinking that Pedros’ beast was probably awesome and that he should try and lure it out if had a chance.

      The van was near its end destination as Pedro started to remove his hipster clothing from the club. He hated clothes like that and had been dying to get them off. His tattooed sleeves where again visible and he looked at them as if he was checking if they were still there. All those tattoos told a story of their own and had a meaning. He had experienced some crazy stuff as a vampire, but this night was pretty good. What a fucked up bunch of kindred he had found though, he thought. He looked at Fame who was sitting there looking around the van smiling and laughing to himself. -“Ay dios mio” he said under his breath shaking his head. He liked the british dego however. There was something refreshing about the spontaneous nature of Fame that reminded him a little of himself. Marcus was a likeable guy, no matter how you looked at it. He wore his beast on the outside and his humanity on the inside, the complete opposite from the rest of the deluded Camarilla. Pedro admired that. Snow on the other hand was exactly what he didn’t like in the Camarilla. A pompous jerk-off that hid her beast behind a beautiful facade. She had however showed that she could take action and that there was a beast somewhere inside of her, but would she ever let it truly shine? Would she ride it out till there was nothing left for beast to hold on to? She was no doubt resourceful and could prove to be a valuable companion. Then again she was a part of the Tremere, and should probably be held off with a burning pitchfork.

      Henry was talking to Hidalgo about the city and preparing him for what would be in-stored once they arrived at their destination. Hidalgo seemed nervous, was he really freed or did he just change captures?

      The dawn was nearing and El-Paso was starting to awaken to another day. While the neonates were processing their first impressions they finally arrived at the riverbanks were Leandra was awaiting them. Even if it wasn’t according to the original plan, she was satisfied with the outcome. They had to get to their haven quickly and jumped in the car to drive to Elisa Day with her prized necromancer. Henry had to stay behind because of lack of space in the car.

      Once at Elisas’ court, Hidalgo was delivered and taken care of by Days’ people. She would now accept the neonates as a sponsor and they could now stay in El-Paso. They were about to part ways for the night when Snow grabbed Fames attention. -“We should probably go back and get Henry at the riverbanks and get him into safety. He has been a great aid to us and deserves at least that.” Fame smiled back at her and nodded. -“Of course, don’t worry Snow, I’ll go pick him up. You can just go back to your apartment before the sun tans you to ashes. I’ll take it from here. I guess I’ll see you around, my lady” He took her hand and gave it a gentle kiss. She would have blushed if she could. There was something charming about him that she could not put her finger on. Maybe his British accent or his gentleman behavior. As they parted ways, Snow stopped and turned. –“Hey Fame, take care of yourself. Ok?” He smiled as he got into the car and drove off.

      Marcus had rented an apartment for the night and was looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. There was no window in there and therefore the only safe place where the sun could not reach him. The man in the mirror was by no means a good looking man. His eyes were slightly retracted in the back of his skull. The skin was a tint of grey and his hair was thin and discolored. Marcus would turn off the light and when he turned it back on the next night he would be the same creature he had learned to accept. The bathtub would be his bed this day. Darkness filled the apartment with a hit on a switch, and the monster laid down to rest.

      Back at the apartment of Lady Snow the first rays of morning hit the windows. No light passes by thru the glass however. Snow had ways to keep the killing beams of the sun at bay. The apartment was swallowed in pitch darkness as she sat naked on the wooden floor meditating, focusing her mind and recapping what she had experienced the last couple of nights. Her mind cleared away all thoughts as her body entered a serenity state, All she could hear was the city of El-Paso waking up, the sirens, the traffic, distant birds singing a beautiful song, a dog barking and on the other side of the city she heard the echoes of a gun-shot. All sounds fade, becoming more and more distant and then everything is silent as her mind slips away. Now there is only peace until the next night calls her name.

      That is when she notices it again, that insatiable itch.