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.