9.00 pm Wednesday, 12 December 9 hours until sunrise, 2 days until the S.C. On Route
The night was still young and Mads and I were on our way back to the Crow Bar after a…confusing chat with Bobby. As she texted back and forth with Eclipse, I had a moment to contemplate the conversation.
You said, ‘He’s fine, by the way’….Can you find this particular person?
Haven’t you found them yet?
Nope.
Initially, I thought she’d meant Alex…or that Bobby, in mentioning ‘he was fine’, had referred to Alex. When Bobby had blanked on her query and asked, Haven’t you found them yet?, my thoughts turned to Izaac, our missing knight. Now, I wondered if my confusion wasn’t justified.
“Mads, what does Alex look like?”
“I’m sorry? Alex?” she said, and she seemed confused and off balance by my non sequitur , “Why? Does it matter?”
“You just don’t talk about him, “I bluffed, shrugging, projecting nonchalant attitude to the subject, “You’ve gone to a lot of trouble to find out what happened to him, but you never speak about him.”
“He..was just…a guy, you know? Short blonde hair, hazel eyes…I don’t know what you want me to tell you.”
The description was quite different to that of our Izac. I changed tack and continued the conversation, putting my confusion at Mads’ past to the back of my mind, “There must have been good times. Things worth remembering…? Sharing…?”
“There were plenty of good stuff,” She said rather defensively, “But it doesn’t really matter now, does it?”
Didn’t matter? As a woman who lived and defined herself by what happened to her in the past, that comment didn’t make a lot of sense. Our Mads was certainly a contradiction.
“Doesn’t it?”
“Well…it’s gone, it was in the past. At least the good time are…”
“They’re still apart of you,” Trite, I know, but no less true. As she looked so sad and lost at that moment, I didn’t think a little triteness would hurt, “Those times…made you, who you are. They’re a part of the before times.”
She didn’t reply to that for a long time. I thought she’d dropped the subject.
“I don’t talk about him because he is…was dead. On top of that, I haven’t know you for that long.”
That was true, we’d known her…a week?. It’s amazing how long the short night’s stretch. Still, I persisted. In my experience, tt was never the ticks of the clock that had mattered when it came to relationships.
“You asked me to look for him through the dead in your hunt for the one you believed murdered him…”
“And did murder him,” She flaired, her intonation clipped and sharp, reminding me that she was indeed a Brujah, “Thank you. Remember to keep that information accurate.”
“Apologies. My curiosity tends to get away with me,” I replied self-effacingly, and watched out of the corner of my eye as she slumped back into her seat.
“Thank you for your help with Bobby,” She said, softly, looking out the passenger window, “It wouldn’t have been…easy for me to lure somebody in. I’ve had a bad run of it recently.”
I shrugged at that, “You would have found a way.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Regardless, I don’t intend to make you do all the work.” She said, and the thought made me smile, just a little. Did that mean she intended to stick around? Maybe our Mads’ did see a future afterall.
“I like that idea very much.”
9.00 pm Wednesday, 12 December 9 hours until sunrise, 2 days until the S.C. Crow Bar
At the bar, my siblings were making best use of their night. Eclipse was talking to her friend in the lounge and Stallion was referring to a medical text book and moulding the fat, sinew and muscle in his torso to make his abs and obliques more pronounced. Fortunately, for me at that time, Mads and I headed for the lounge.
Together, we slowly walked down the stairs, spying a bemused looking Eclipse chatting with one of the five…the ones that had darkened her.
“Oh good, I’ve been looking forward to this,” I murmured to Mads before making a beeline directly for their table.
“Heard of personal space?” Mads reply, as she veered off , heading for the bar, “Hi, can you give me something to get fucked up with?” She was given two glasses of Charlotte.
“What’s the vintage on this one?”
“Two hours.”
“Lovely.”
Eclipse only had eyes for her companions and didn’t realise I was there until I reached their booth, making my presence felt.
“Good evening, I’m Rain, Eclipse’s friend, “ I extended my hand for the man to shake. “I’m very pleased to finally get a chance tomeet you. I know you’ve been a great…help to our Eclipse”
“Paul. Paul Derrogard, “ He replied and he took it without question. His hand, cold as all ours are, was hard…stony and completely lifeless. He was smooth as polished stone, not casually comfortable talking to strangers, which meant he was either socially practiced or old. Probably both. That was the frustrating thing about Vampires, it was often hard to tell which.
“I didn’t realise Eclipe was meeting with you, I would have stayed to greet you myself.”
“I feel welcome plenty, thank you,” There was a smile, but the voice and the hand spoke of an guarded individual, used to keeping to themselves. Lovely. And don’t think I was unaware that he didn’t want me there…I was just ignoring it.
“Rain, was it? A pleasure to meet you.” I’m sure it wasn’t.
“Deroguard? Is that a French name?”
“Belgium, actually.”
“Ah, close,” I smiled, “So have you lured away our poor Eclipse?” I glanced at her. I thought she’d been mad, but she looked more curious than mad.
“Not to speak out of turn, but she has some unique abilities that…require a more extensive education. Dominic is a fine keeper, but he can not know everything. I’m sure you much know that,” Paul replied cooly, as if he were reading a script or a prepared text. Nothing of this guy felt spontaneous…casual or spare of the moment. He had plans and they involved Eclipse. And inside, I shuddered.
“I understand that all too well. So you’re providing Eclipse with an education?”
“Yes. Not as heavy-handed.” And like he were made of stone, his head slowly turned to Eclipse, “Isn’t that right?”
“I’ve learnt more from you in the few night we’ve known each other than…how many months have we been with Dominic?”
Two. Long and eventful months.
“She does me too much praise,” Paul gave her a quick smile in a way I found galling, “ In fact, I have come to understand from Eclipse… but I wonder if it’s the same for the rest of her siblings. Have you been educated in your Writ of Recitation?”
What was this now? Was this a distraction or one of the many other things essential to Vampire society that Dominic had failed to mention?
After a pause to collection my thought, I replied honestly, “I’d have to say no, as I have no idea what you’re referring to.”
“Pity. It may be something you want to brush up on before the Succubus Club or you may be mistaken for a Catiff.” He chuckled. I didn’t like his joke. Me? Mistaken for a no-clan? Ridiculous.
“Writ of Recitation?”
“If an elder wishes you to…introduce yourself, you do not only introduce yourself, but also your lineage…your pedigree. Imagine reciting your family tree.”
I felt seen, and not in the good way I appreciated. It was like this one knew my buttons, and where to push. Garcia’s betrayal rankled more at that moment than it had at any time, including when he visited the house. Had Paul and his four cronies been investigating us? It was likely, if their plans evolved around Eclipse they would have checked up on her siblings as well. Still, the mention of lineage was a sore point.
“Well, that’s a little bit of a problem,” I found myself saying more bitterly than I wanted to.
“Not for you,” Eclipse said, and I was reminded that her sire hadn’t even bothered to provide his name, “You know the name of your sire.”
“Well, it is,” As Dominic was fond of saying everytime I brought up the subject, …there are many Garcia’s, “But I don’t know his sire, or any of those that came before. He dumped me in the sand with everyone else.”
This wasn’t going the way I had wanted. But now it was out, I had to know about the Writ of Recitation and quick.
“I wouldn’t worry about it, “Paul said rather condescending, I felt, “It’s only something you can expect with the older ones. But you are expected to recite your lineage back to your clan founders. Of course, for a Vampire of a significant age or charm, it can be overlooked.”
A reminded of how young we are? Yes, as I said, condescending.
“You can think of it as…what do you call it, Eclipse when you spar to gain status again Stallion…? A shit-test?”
“A pissing contest?” Eclipse supplied. I didn’t miss the mention of Stallion. Yes, this one knew all about us. It was galling I knew almost nothing about him.
“So, as an example, what would be your Writ of Recitation?”
“I am Paul Derogaurd. My sire is Fracois, his sire is Jack of the Appletons,who was sired by Frank Le Borche, who in turn was sired by Mithras, Prince of London whose sire was Ventrue.” He supplied without hesitation, and with that pedigree, why should he?
Venture, the planning schemers. That checked out, except for one thing. If Paul here was Eclipse’s new sire, he coudn’t be Ventrue, as she would be Ventrue as well. Still, maybe one of the other four had sired Eclipse, there was no way of telling until I met them.
“Of course, everyone knows Caine is the first and everyone should know the Clan founders so it is only for you to show your lineage up to them,” Was that another dig at our supposed lack of knowledge? At least, the Book of Nod had educated both Eclipse and I on that score.
“This would have been enlightening information a few weeks ago, “I admitted. Right now, I’d be happy if the only boon Garcia fulfilled was who his daddy (or mummy) was. But it was time to focus the subject back on him.
“So Ventrue? What do you do for a living?”
“What are you, my Dad?” Eclipse said, and I smiled at the thought. I may have been precocious, but I wasn’t up to much beside practicing my sleight of hand at eleven, “Don’t you think this interrogation is a bit much?”
“We’re having a conversation,” I replied and Paul waved away Eclipse’s complaint with a gesture.
“No it’s fine. Money moves, I let it. Back before all this amazing technology I dabbled in smelting, a little dealing here and there, I invested in merchant ships gathering goods from near and far. But in these modern nights, if you have enough fortune it tends to make its own money. I simply put my money in an S&P 500 and make money, apparently.” Again, he supplied smoothly.
“Nice,” I replied. Not knowing anything about blue-chip stocks or the top 500 listed companies in the world, I must admit to falling back on scarcasm,“That does sound like something worth learning, Eclipse.”
“Would you care to tell us about what you do, Rain? Want to share your stories?” She quipped back, and I gave her my most disingenuous grin.
“Hey, I’m a layabout, I thought everyone knew that.”
Paul chuckled, but didn’t care to elaborate on what he thought was so funny. I hid behind a mask of interested imperturbability and ground my teeth.
“Well, if you need to learn your sire’s name you could probably go to any one of the local record keepers…anyone of knowledge, and they could probably fill in the details for you.” Marvelous, another debt to the Nosferatu…or maybe there was another way? Other record keepers?
“Unless of course, if they were a rather questionable, what’s the word…outcast…recluse of our society, then you should be able to find out.”
Ha, that was a little more petty, I thought. More like what I’d expect from a fellow Toreador. Suggesting my sires were…undesirables. I was a skinny little Bosnak foster kid from way back, forever the outcast. He’d have to try harder if he was trying to get rid of me.
“Well, that sounds just like me. As I said, a layabout, “ I smiled, unconcerned.
“Hmm, “ He didn’t seem pleased, “Well, at the very least, it keeps the records to account, make sure there are no stray kindred running around making a mess.” I wondered what he meant by that swipe. I didn’t get much of a chance to think it over as he continued with his soliloquy.
“Look on the bright side. You could have come from a line of fourteen Bobs, “ Assuming I was a 15th generation. I’ve known a few Bob’s, including Big Bob from the squat. I could have done worse than been sired by a schizophrenic homeless man with a dog that despised me.
“Imagine. I was sired by Bob who was sired by Bob, whose sire was Bob, sired by Robert, also known as Bob…” He thought it was ridiculous, but it made me sentimental for the idea of belonging to a long line, like someone with numerals after their name. Hi, I’m Bob the 15th of that name. Though, I’d used Robert.
“Oh God, I’ve got to find the name of my sire,” Eclipse said, and I glanced between her and Paul. No, maybe he wasn’t her new sire…but the angry Brujah we’d met on the stairs wasn’t going to be of use anymore. I sent out another wave of disgust for Garcia in sympathy for Eclipse’s position. Yes, petty and unfair it may be, but I am a Toreador.
“I’m sure modern day kindred will understand, especially considering how…fresh you are. It’s just those with a bit more power will use that against you.” As if a couple of shovelheads weren’t already playing with a loaded deck “I’m sure you’ve all met the Prince.”
“We’ve been introduced,” We had that one advantage.
“Some more thoroughly than others,” Eclipse said, taking a swipe at me. The Prince. I still hadn’t spoken to him. Our conversation would have to wait now.
“I’m sure you know what I mean…” He let he thought hang.
The Prince was powerful and seemingly all knowing. He had a harsh way of dealing with those who would go against him, reference Izac’s heart stealing here, and all the other hearts kept in that room. He’d certainly made Stallion look a fool…more of a fool than he was. He’d also had the squat…cleared…by Cabolut Hassim, but no one cares for the…cattle, do they. Was he more cruel or on par with anyone else more than six hundred years old?
“I would not speak ill of the Prince but he is fond of his courtly….jests.”
“Pranks,” Eclipse agreed. I nodded along.
“I understand.”
“Well, you’re one for a show, Rain, “ She said, trying to turn the topic back to me.
I gave her a querying look, wondering where she was going saying that in front of Paul. I am a creature of chaos, what can I say, but in front of this stick-in-the-mud? She must be very annoyed at me for breaking up her date.
“I love a show.” I shrugged unconcerned.
“Sorry I took so long, “Mads now made her appearance, holding two glasses and handing one to me, “Here, a Charlotte.”
“Thank you, Mads. Paul Derrogard, you’ve not met our Mads. Mads,this is Eclipse’s friend, Paul.”
“Madeline, “ Paul welcomed Mads to the booth like an old friend, “Haven’t seen you for a while. What have you been up to?”
“What?” Mads stumbled, taken aback by the welcome, “I’m sorry, have we met?”
“Oh a decade here and there. Ours is a small world.”
Mads took a moment to trawl her memory and came up blank, “I’m having a hard time placing the face, apologies. I mean, yeah, I’m alright. How are you?”
“I’ve been splendid,” He said with a large toothy grin that would have given an American pause.
“Keeping up with your old tricks, I’m guessing?” And she was. It was clear she had no idea who Paul was, but he did seem to know her, “Whatever those tricks were.”
“If only you knew,” And he laughed a genuinely evil laugh that I would have credited Dominic with before meeting Paul Derrogard.
“So, how do you know Eclipse?”
“Eclipse is my…I guess the best word is apprentice.” Paul replied. He being the master in that relationship? So,what sort of trade was Eclipse being instructed in? “Education is important. As Rain here as clearly demonstrated.” Hey, I resemble that comment!
“I’m a student at heart,” Eclipse said, almost like she was sucking up to teacher. If she felt the need…
Now the spotlight was off her, Mads took the opportunity to slide into the booth beside Eclipse and slowly sip her drink.
“You could have at least brought everyone a glass,” Eclipse rounded on her. It was clear she was starting to feel…claustrophobic.
“Shit, I thought you had drinks. I’m sorry.”
“I haven’t touched this one,” I handed my glass to Eclipse, and stepped away, “I’ll get another couple.” I certainly welcomed the chance to step away and think about what to do next with Paul Derrogard.
“He’s a good egg,” Mads said to the booth in general.
Eclipse shrugged, “Only when he wants to be.”
Mads sucked her teeth as if touching something hot, “Scathing! Eclipse.”
“Realistic.”
“Ah, he’s helpful. He likes to give a helping hand where he can.”
“A guilty conscious always does,” Paul said over the rim of his glass.
“Huh,” Mads said a little crestfallen sounding.
While Mads was keeping Paul distracted. Eclipse, ever curious, stirred the blood and tried to Discern the Sin on Paul. She felt herself rebuffed and learnt nothing about Paul or his darker secrets. There was something about Mads, though, a thought that she comes from a good place, but was lost and in need of direction. It so echoed her own sentiment about the stray that she didn’t question it, or its origins. As she saw it, Mads had two choices, two different endings…and endings are never good contemplation for a Vampire.
“And Mads, how about your choices? Do you think you’re on the right path?” Paul asked, making Eclipse blink. It sounded like he’d read her mind, though it was just an extension of the past conversation.
“We live forever, so the path is very long. It might look bad now, but it keeps going,” Mads shrugged, unsure why she was now the topic of interest.
“Indeed, it does. I think Eclipse has learnt a bit more about this, haven’t you?”
“Time is a circle and a square and a triangle,” Eclipse replied cryptically, making Paul chuckle.
“How very Tremere of you.” Referring to the circles and squares of the Tremere clan symbol as well as to their way of seeming more mystical than they are.
“What are we doing for the rest of the night, Paul?” Eclipse asked as the conversation ebbed, “Do you have anything planned?”
“I’ll continue checking out investments, making sure they’re paying off, doing the rounds. Making sure of those long-term investments.” He looked at her knowingly.
I was at the bar getting a couple of house reds, eager to get back to the table. FOMO is real and lives rent free in me. I quickly returned, and handed Paul the second glass, “Okay, what did I miss,”
“Mads was the topic of conversation,” Paul informed me, and Mads shook her mane of auburn hair in that appealing way girls do.
“Not for much longer, “ She said, and gulped her Charlotte.
“So Rain, what do you think about Mads? Do you think she’s taking the wrong path? That she’s misguided?” Paul turned to me, and though I thought the question odd, as I’d spent the last few hours thinking just that, I naturally had a decent answer to give.
“I know she has to find her truth, whatever that is for her.”
“Hmm, don’t we all,” Paul replied, and he sounded like a teacher. Teachers are often frustrated with Class Clowns.“We are creatures of deceit by nature, so I suppose it’s important.”
“Every good lie has a kernel of truth. You have to start with that.” I said, grudgingly agreeing.
“There…it is that little bit that keeps us going.”
“It’s what makes every thought…complete, every fiction…real….every story…honest.” I’ve lived my life by that statement.
“Speaking of complete…one of your members is missing, Eclipse?” Paul asked.
“W’ere not missing the Eshay?” Referring to Stallion. Lenny had to teach me this one, as Stallion would be the dictionary example of an Eshay…if the word were found in dictionaries.
Paul’s lineless brow furrowed at the slang, “I am not familiar with that expression.”
“Stallion. He isn’t here.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Our Stallion tends to go missing and do his own thing,” I explained for my own amusement as I assumed by now that Paul was well versed in the coterie and Mads was already well aware of Stallion’s antics.
I still wanted to grok the nature of Eclipse’s and Paul’s relationship, and so far there’s been a lot of jargon, but no real substance.
“So, you were saying before you’re educating our Eclipse. I’d be fascinated to know, but I’d understand if it’s something secret just between you, Eclipse, and your four friends.”
“Broad strokes. Punctuality is important. Working hard and staying on task. Discipline. Keeping one’s word.” He said as if listing class rules from the blackboard. He didn’t bat an eye at the mention of the rest of his coterie. As I said before, smooth as a polished stone, and just as lively.
“They’re all fine qualities for anyone living in a society. But specifically, Eclipse doesn’t strike me as Ventrue material.”
“No, but she appreciates some of the qualities that our clan can offer.” It sounded like a business proposal, as if he were persuading her, though it was clear she’d taken the offer already. Even Bobby called her the Dark Flame, now. No. She’d found her purpose, but this cold fish wasn’t the one to supply it.
“Like punctuality, “ Again, I glanced at Eclipse. Though she didn’t make eye contact, I knew that being on time wasn’t what got her moving every evening. Here was the rebel Brujah girl who fell for the black knight. Who stole a heart right out of the Prince’s own collection and even now keeps it safe in her pocket. So, I’m supposed to believe she was now a nine-to-five, law-abiding, straight-down-the-line, citizen? Give me a break!
“…and hard work, and co-mit-ment.” He said it like that, stressing each syllable. I could only assume her benefit.
“Keeping one’s word,” Eclipse parroted, and that felt a little pointed.
And who was supposedly not keeping their word?
“Exactly, “ Paul replied, having said absolutely nothing.
“Well, the night is still young, I’m sure we can’t dominate Paul time as much we may like to,” Eclipse said, giving the man his release.
“Hmm-mm, any parting gifts I can offer you two? Eclipse has had her share,” He offered generously.
Yeah, what did you do to my sister, you monster?
“Oh, I believe I’ve learnt a great deal tonight, thank you.” Both statements were true. Only one was vocalised.
“I can see I’ll have to go hit the book tonight.”
“And Mads?”
“No, I’ve been pretty prodded and interrogated enough, thanks.” She gave a weak smile, “I’ll respectfully decline.”
“Fair enough, “ And Paul Derrogard rose from the booth, his glass empty, “I bid you all adieu.” Turning smartly on his heal he addressed Eclipse, “We will meet again soon, I’m sure.” And Paul left. I took his seat at in the booth.
And then there were three.
“Funny little world isn’t it,” Mads referred to having met Paul previously.
“You have been around for a long time, though you may not act like it,” said Eclipse, condescendingly, at least for a nineteen-year-old.
“I’m just saying, my circles aren’t as big as I thought they were. Still, why couldn’t I place a name to a face.”
Maybe because that’s not his name, I thought, but said nothing.
“Did your trip to Bobby…please you? Assuage your curiosity?” Eclipse asked Mads.
“No.”
“You went looking in the wrong place for answers.”
“It’s more to do with not liking the answers she’s hearing and thinks if she keeps pushing she’ll get an answer she does like,” I played with Paul’s glasses, wondering if there was such as thing as Vampire DNA.
“Oh, good. The interrogation continues,” Mads snarked, but there was no more interrogation, she was off the hook.
“No, no. But, speaking of Bobby and trips to see him, he’s asked for you, Eclipse. He’d like you to go and see him.”
“Looks like I’m in demand. Paul, you and now Bobby. I’m booked.”
“Yes, booked out until the Succubus Club, that’s right.”
“So, what will you two be doing?” She asked us and I felt the unspoken suggestion that she go alone to see Bobby. As much as I wanted to know what he had to say, I did have a lot of homework of my own.
“I feel it would be uncoothe of me to return to the scene of a crime three times in a row,” Mads said, “So, I’m not quite sure what I’m doing. I’ve been told to hurry up and wait.”
“The Succubus Club will be here before you know it,” I said, drinking my own glass and feeling it effects. I understand that some kindred tire of blood, but right now I was still enjoying the taste of life it provided. It was like a more coffee shot, but more sustaining. The only thing better was tapping a source directly. “As for me, I guess I could take you out to the Rocks.”
That statement was met with a deadpan stare from Eclipse.
“Bobby’s not going to come here, you know this,” Even Mads read her expression it was that fierce.
“You could…” Eclipse replied, “But I’m sure there are better things for you do tonight.”
“You don’t want me there. You can say it.”
“Maybe Stallion’s got it right about being a lone wolf,” Eclipse proclaimed and I nearly spat my drink across the table.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Nothing worth doing was done by one person alone.”
“No, I don’t particular want my prophesy told in front of a crowd,” She said after a while, and somehow I’d become a crowd, and unreliable to judge by her earlier comment.
”Eclipse, is there a problem with trust?”
“When a fate is spoken, a fate is sealed,” She replied, and even for our goth-doom-and-gloom-girl that seemed pretty final.
“I don’t believe that either. Bobby sees a future. It is up to us to either make it a reality or change it. The fates are there to be moulded by our choices. There is no destiny.”
“That said, you did go back to have your prophesy told again,” Mads interjected.
“If you recall, I didn’t. Ididn’t ask for anything for myself.” I’d gone both times to watch Bobby, to learn from him, not to confirm what he’d already told me.
“Oh, that’s right. I’ll shut my fat mouth then, “ She flounced making me smiled.
“Maybe you’ve had enough Charlotte for now,” Eclipse joked.
Mads theatrically swayed in her seat, “You know, so-ometimes a…girl has got to keep her secrets.” She did a good impression of being a drunk. She’d had enough practice.
“No, I didn’t ask for another prophesy. I’m still working on the first one. But what Bobby does, the mysticism of it…the theatrics…it fascinates me.”
“For someone who doesn’t put much stake in it, it seems odd it would fascinate you, “ Mads said, and could see her point. That didn’t mean I didn’t see the importance of it for others.
“Well, if I’m not needed as a chauffeur, which I must say I’m a little grateful for, I’m going to find out a little more about this Writ of Recitation. Rain, the shovelhead, sired by Garcia and who knows….” It seemed such a daunting task only hours away from the event where it could be important.
“At least you have Garcia, and Paul did say the record keepers could help.”
“Yes, but who are they? The Nos? As if I need another debt with them. Do you know where to start,Mads?”
“There’s always SchreckNet,” She replied simply, as if it were common knowledge. I shook my head in disbelief. Once more, Dominic had failed to mention a significant part of culture…and he wondered why I was constantly frustrated.
“SchreckNet? Something online? Deep web? Is it passworded? Where can I find it?” I peppered her with questions. To her it was a new invention, being around virtually as long as the Internet itself, but SchreckNet had become an indispensable way for kindred to keep in touch over the years.
“Speaking of old people, Paul seems quite old. At least by his reckoning he’s….eighth generation?” I said, quickly counting through the Writ of Recitation he’d so helpfully supplied.
“Very old,” Eclipse agreed, “Older than Dominic. And he’s a lot more forthcoming with answers to questions.”
Yes, but what did you have to give up for those answers? I thought, recalling the darkening madness of her aura. I said, “So, you swapped one old man for another. What is it about Paul and his friends you like so much?”
“You talk to your friends from a past time, I talk to them. They’re intriguing. Being in the same place, talking to the same people…it’s suffocating.”
“I can understand that,” It was my usual complaint about the bar.
“So why do you interrogate me so?”
“Because you worry me.” I said seriously and empathically. I know I’ve said it to her before, but it didn’t make it less true.
“And that worry is going to kill you. Because you worry about everyone but yourself.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. I’d spent a lifetime anxious and constantly looking for when the sword would fall. I don’t think it’s habit you give up likely. Maybe I’d just shifted the anxiety onto others. But instead of acknowleding her warning, I brushed aside her words with my own.
“The benefit of wearing a mask. Even I can’t see underneath it sometimes. But you do worry me.”
“No tears will be shed over me.”
“No tears?” Did she think so little of herself?
“No, this is no pity party.”
“They will be shed.” I said as sincerely as I could. She had to know her worth….to me…to Izac…Oh, Eclipse, “Do not doubt that.”
“Well, don’t worry too much. There’s a Succubus Club for you to worry yourself on.” She wasn’t wrong.
“Yes, one more thing to think about, hours out from the event.”
“Maybe a question for Dominic when he gets back?”
“Oh I assure you I will be asking Dominic about the Writ of Recitation, the Record Keepers, SchreckNet…. And maybe why these things didn’t seem…relevant to him.”
“I mean,” Mads joined in the Dominic bashing, “He did adopt you. Surely he kept a note of your sire’s names. Yes, hi, I’m still here.”
I shrugged, “You know our history.”
“Not all of it.” She protested, as if she weren’t licking it up. Now, now Mads.
“We three were left in the sand.” I said simply. Dumped at at the high tide line for Dominic the beachcomber to find.
“Don’t worry, Madeline. You’re an open book,” Eclipse said.
“Ah, thanks. I guess.”
“Anyway,” It was time to change to subject, “I’m going to….I don’t know….send Dominic a text to see when he’s returning?” I glanced around the V.I.P. Lounge as if the answers would suddenly appear. It was just after 9.30 pm and the Lounge was only half full, but there were some new faces that may be willing to share their knowledge. I was surprised when at least a few of them looked back at me, intrigued.
The first was an odd little fellow (yes, I do recognised the irony) wearing clown make up. As a theatrical sort myself, I understood that some preferred the persona over the reality, and made myself know.
“Good evening, I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before. My name is Rain.” Closer up, I could see under the heavy makeup, he was very young, probably no more than nineteen. No problem, I was used to getting lip from a nineteen year old.
“Hello Rain!” He announced theatrically with a jolly laugh made for filling a theatre or circus tent, “It is a pleasure to meet you. I suppose, it’s one of those little things, legends in the making and such, but I’m just so surprised to see you.”
“You’re surprised to see me?” I smiled at his antics.
“Yes! It’s just one of those things. You don’t expect to see your heroes in person.”
Now…I think you know me well enough that I was enchanted by the thought of being known. But, I’m not blind enough to think I have any real renown, even in Sydney. Certainly not enough to be someone’s hero. He had to be blowing smoke up my arse.
“I’m just a little starstruck.” He giggled merrily. I got the impression he was playing with me, but he certainly seemed to know something about me…or at least thought he did.
“I have no idea what I could have done to receive such praise, but…”
“But you will,” He grinned, which only made the richtus clown makeup spread further across his features, “And its going to be wonderful…yes!”
Going to…?
“How so? I’m so intrigued!” I mirrored his childish energy.
“That would be telling, but it will happen soon, don’t you worry.” He wagged a finger in my face dramatically, “It’s one of the great things about being in this time.”
“Yes, it is a glorious time to be here, “ I agreed with furvour, “It seems I’ve been waiting my whole life.”
“Most assuredly,” He chortled merrily and fussed with a fake flower in his oversized lapel, “But I must admit, I not quite used to everything here, it feels a bit…different from what I’m used to, but at least I got to meet my hero while I was here.”
“And where do you come from? Where do you normally practice the art?” Clowning can be considered an art, not one I’ve personally pursued so I found his words confusing.
“Oh I come from somewhere very far from here,” He admitted as if sharing a stage whisper, meant for the whole audience to hear, “You see, I come from the Year 2022. From the Free States, that was once called California.”
He said it as if the year was a location, not a reference in time. Besides being still a few weeks into the future, how could you come from a year?
“California?” I latched onto the one thing I did understand.
“It was known as California…now the free states. It’s important. Its a wonderful place, if you get a chance you should go to there it’s called Night’s City.”
“Nights City,” I repeated. None of this was familiar.
“Yes, some people call it Night City, but they don’t know what they’re talking about. It’s Night’s City.”
“I understand.”
“You see Night made the city. It was his City. People do not understand!” He was getting agitated at the failure of communication, but still that huge smile persisted. Yes, the was certainly one to treat carefully.
“Speaking of which, what’s up with those two sticks in the mud? Are they your stilts or something?” Ha! A short joke from the clown. Ha. Ha. Of course, he was gesturing to Mads and Eclipse.
“Those lovely ladies are my props,” I agreed with him. No reason to antagoise.
“Would you mind if I tried them out?”
I thought of Eclipse and Mads minding and almost laughed, “Oh, you may get splinters.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. Can I?”
“You can certainly try,” This had to be worth seeing, even if it did cost my immortal life.
“I’m a big fan of my cherry pie routine,” He boasted proudly, producing the mentioned projectile. This guys was the real deal.
“Mads is more about giving that sort of thing than taking it,” I gestured to my auburn haired companion with a wave. At least, that’s what Stallion had said, “As for me, this suit would not survive a cherry pie.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that to you,” He said, with what looked like genuine awe in his eyes, “It would ruin the moment. But which one should I pick? Two lovely ladies. Two choices. What do you think?”
Oh, I wasn’t getting involved in shennanigans that upset either Eclipse or Mads, certainly not for this crazy fellow’s shits-and-giggles.
I laughed, “I think either of them would be livid.”
“But who would give a better punchline?”
“Both a very good a provide a punch.”
“I could always pick….” he said, and before I could suggest another target for his ‘sense of humour’, he threw the pie at Eclipse. She was not expecting it. Dozens of embedded razorblades cuts her face, neck and decolletage, leaving bloody streaks through the pie filling. I winced, in sympathy. Carefully, so not to drag the blades through more of her skin, Eclipse pulled the pie off her face and glared.
She recognised that he wasn’t from this place, time or universe. He comes from a gang called the Bozos. He is kindred and insane. Malkavian and a sadist, with many practical jokes as hilarious as the pie. Eclipse, feining indifference, wiped away the blood and took a sip from her drink.
“That’s a bit disappointing,” Shrugged the clown, “Still the hard ones often break the best. Toughened glass breaks better than sugar glass.”
“Both shatter quite effectively, but I rather not be near one when it does,” I confessed, thinking it may be better to move this one away from harms reach, or at least keep him amused enough that he didn’t feel the need for more pranks, “So, you said you were from 2022?”
“Correct!”
“Can you tell me about that? How did you end up here?”
“Oh it was a wonderful time. People replaced their arms for machine guns. Or replaced their eyes with laserbeams. Police owned by private companies. Night’s City was so much fun! But you know, one day you sleep in the wrong dumpster and next thing you know; I’m here!”
“But what do you mean by 2022? It’s only two weeks away and none of this exist…here…”
“I don’t understand what you’re saying at all. I do not belong here…”
“No, I understand. You’re no of this…world…are you?”
That got him thinking, “No the world is still the same…though I don’t know why no one know about India. Strange.”
India. A lovely name, but as he just suggested, I’d never heard of it, “What’s India?”
“Oh no! And they call me crazy!” He giggled. It was then I noticed he didn’t have a drink.
“You don’t have a drink friend. I should rectify that, “ Anything to fill his hand and stop another pie flying.
“No, I’m not old enough to drink yet.”
“Well, what would you like? You certainly can’t eat your pies.” I gave him a cheeky wink.
“No, I just pick them off the street. Isn’t that what you do?”
Ur…well…
“ You know. Take them off the street, put a little drip feed into them and drink off the drip?”
Ur…oh…
He laughed. At least he found me amusing.
“So who’s India?” I asked, intrigued.
“It’s not a who. It’s a what. It’s a where! It’s a how! It’s a why!!” His excitement grew with every repetition.
“In your world?”
“Yes, tell me, why is there no India in your world?”
A whole place? Missing? How do you talk about a place that was never there as far as you knew.
“It is very strange. There is evidence of an India, but no evidence of which to speak! A great disappearing trick!”
“The greatest disappearing trick of all,” I mused. I added a search on India to my list of homework.
“I know, right. I’m jealous too!” He said, and as mad as he was, I had to agree. What a stunt!
“I wonder what happens to Indian people now. Are they just…people? Do they go through their lives not knowing where they’re from? If I meet one I’ll be sure to ask them before I kill them.”
“What was your name friend?”
“Chucko!” He said with a flourished and bowed.
“Chucko! You have expanding my ideas of what is possible in the…universe! A place called India. The Free State and Night’s City. In a year we have yet to reach…so much to think about and possibly visit one day?”
“Me too! So much to think about. So many little things…like your other friend, Mads was it?”
“Mads?” And I too slow to to realise he had another pie.
“Mads! Think fast!” He cried and another pie sailed through the intervening space towards Mads., “This one is lemon!”
Mads was a little faster and ducked. The lemon filling skimmed her head and smoke started rising from her scalp.
“Hey! Bozo do you want to calm the fuck down!” She yelled across the Lounge.
“See, that was a great punchline. Though its better when people can feel it. Catch ya around, Rain!” And the odd little fellow winked out of existence.
“I can see you Motherfucker!” Mads yelled out, pointing across the room, followed by one of Chucko giggles.
I took the opportunity of Chucko’s exit to catch the eye of a elderly man no younger than sixty quietly reading a book while sipping his drink nearby. He looked…bemused by the antic of Chucko and looked as least a little sympathetic.
“Good evening, sir. That was a colourful spectacle,” I said conversationally.
“It was a performance. It is a shame that as the generations degenerate, so does their humour,” He said, nodding agreement. Being thirteenth generation myself, I could have taken offence, but I was a man on a mission and this elderly gentleman could hold a few answers.
“I couldn’t help but overhear that you are in an…educational bind.” Eureka!
“Oh, you heard that. Yes, I have a lack of vital knowledge on the brink of possibly the greatest night for kindred the southern hemisphere will ever see. I do not know where I came from.”
“Who doesn’t, am I right?” Said the elderly professor like gentleman, “It seems we all have that in common, “ he chuckled goodnaturedly, “ But what is the particular nature of your ignorance?”
“I know a kindred, called…who gave me the name Garcia, he is my sire…”
“There are many Garcia’s around.”
“As I am led to believe,” I acknowledged with a nod.
“It does narrow the search a little. Have you tried asking someone more knowledgeable in our genealogy?”
“Until tonight I did not know there were such, or that I would have to consult them.”
“Oh, there’s kindred for everything. We even have kindred vets,” He chirped happily, and though he was no less dangerous than the clown, it was easier to talk to this old man.
“So, geneologies…record keepers. Where would I go finding such?”
“The person who told you that were being…colourful with you. You merely make a request for information, and you get it.”
So, the Nosferatu. I could go cap in hand to them…again. I’m sure they’re seeing me as a good investment these days.
“Though I do understand, “ The elderly gentleman continued, “That everything is a little more…digital nowadays. Maybe you should try that?”
“This SchreckNet right? Only just heard about that as well. I’m not adverse to a little surfing myself,” Dominic must have access. Suddenly, I realised, I’d been rude, “Sorry, I’m Rain. What can I call you, sir?”
“Are you able to keep a secret?” The gentleman’s eyes glittered, much I’d imagined Santa’s must.
“I keep many secrets,” I assured him and he beckoned me closer.
“I am know as Critias.” Was his whispered message. As in the philosopher? Not a methuselah I knew, though I didn’t doubt he was one…or at least as close to as made no difference.
“A distinguished name, sir.” I acknowledged.
“Keep it under your hat,” he said, his eye twinkling again.
“Thank you. I will.” I smiled, “Will you be going tomorrow night?”
“I should be, I’m meeting an old friend. Or a rival. It gets hard to tell,” His twinkling eyes now turned on me and I felt the..scrutiny. I’d imagine it was the sort of scrutiny something under a microscope may receive from a genius scientist.
“In fact, may be you’d be willing to do me a…service, since I’ve been so forthcoming with information.”
It was hard not to be intrigued, “If I am able, certainly.”
“I imagine you should. This friend of mine, we have a game and it appears I did not come with all the pieces for my game. If you are willing to, I would humbly request that you would be one of mine for the game.”
I smiled at the formal language, ”I find all this…very intriguing.” And yet…there was no doubt this man was far more dangerous than the clown who’d just attacked my friends.
“Would you be willing?”
“I’d…like to understand a little more about your game before giving my word.”
“Of course. You will have complete autonomy. It will not interfer with your…desires, at the event. There will just be moments when you and the other pieces will interact according to the rules of the game.”
“And will..this game…require the loss of life of myself or someone else?”
“No, not at all. You don’t have a life to lose.” He replied, quite urbanely, as if describing a particular school of philosophy.
“This existence is all I have left.” I confessed.
He shook his head as if there were no doubt, “I have supreme confidence that you will do fine. You are not the queen in my pieces so you needed worry.”
I was very sure I would be a pawn in a game of this man’s playing. And yet I could see that being on this man’s side could be a very useful move if I was to make any impact within the community. I hated gambles where I didn’t know where all the cards were. But a game, of people? personalities? cons?
“Pawns tend to go pretty cheaply though, sir.”
“Only for those who don’t know the game.”
“Am I not in that position? Not knowing the rules?”
“You will do perfectly fine as long as you don’t act out of turn.” The first rule? I made a note.
It was hard not to be charmed by his supreme confidence. At the very least, to work by his side would be an education.
“I think I can do that.”
“Marvelous.”
“So, I will see you at the Succubus Club?”
“Exactly. I will see you at the appointed time. Enjoy your family studies.” And with that, he went back to his drink and I was dismissed.
Shaking my head at the ridiculous deal I’d just struck, I turned to the task finding SchreckNet. It seemed it was available to all kindred, but assumedly wasn’t part of the World Wide Web. As I left the Lounge, I pulled out my phone and took a closer look at the bloatware that all of such devices come with. There among the utilities, the installed VPN and other none standard apps was one simply labeled with a green theatrical mask of tragedy, the symbol of the Nosferatu clan.
I climbed the stairs to the office looking for a quiet place, and took Dominic seat behind the desk, opening the app.
I clicked Created Account and the next screen asked for a Screen name, Known name, Parent name, and Password. I filled it the details and was taken to a menu where one of the items was ‘Major Clan’. I selected Toreador from the drop down menu and new screen flashed in being.
I stifled a giggle. I almost wept. This was everything I’d been looking since my first night out of the sand. Not a lecture by Dominic from his Giovannian perspective. Not a collection of musty books that were more dangerous than useful. This was my society all neatly laid out in HTML. I felt like a five year old boy again, being presented with a small wooden puzzle box and an old dog-eared paperback book of magic trick as a Christmas present. It was all there, just waiting to be tapped through and I had only this night to delve into its secrets.
I was about to hit the Clan Members button when, from the Library, I heard a noise. It sounded like…the farting, squelching sucking noise made by deep thick mud or oobleck with the occasion flick of pages and mumbled expletives. Leaning around the door frame, I peered in to see Stallion, shirtless, standing at the small desk. In one hand was a medical textbook, one with full colour pictures and cutaways showing interior structures. The other was…wrist deep in his own torso. The sucking, glooping sounds were his own tissues as he pulled, pushed and moulded them into an impressive six pack.
“Stallion, are you okay?” I asked, not sure where anything like I was witnessing was ‘okay’.
“Huh, “ He distractedly looked up, his too symmetrical face staring back, “Yeah? Why wouldn’t I be? Oh…I’m okay.”
“I just heard…”
“Ah…don’t worry about it.” He pulled in hand out of his torso and waved me away, blood, clots of fat and vicera flying across the room, “I’m just…getting myself into shape…for tomorrow.”
I nodded, he did seem to be doing that, and doing a good job at it too.
“Er…well done,” I said at a loss and what to add, “I’ll….leave you to it then.”
So, as Eclipse left to go talk to Bobby, Mads sat and waited in the Lounge, drinking, Dominic returned from the theatre and in just seven hours Stallion was making himself a man, I leaned back into the leather upholstery of Dominic chair, and began to reading.
10.20 pm Wednesday, 12 December 9 hours until sunrise, 2 days until the S.C. Crow Bar
Notable NPCs
Abram: Ventrue, and one of the six founders of Sydney Masquerade
Agaricus: Children of the Moon, and one of six founders of Sydney Masquerade
Alex Holmestead: Husband of Mads. Location and status unknown.
Alicia: Toreador Vampire met at the Crow Bar
Ambrogino: 5th Generation Vampire, Cappadocian and Elder of the Giovanni Clan.
Avel: Rain’s mother, a wraith.
Beelzebub: Fallen angel, demon entity in Rain’s pocket watch.
Blanco Falzo: A man who had made into the likeness of Stallion’s dog for a time. Now deceased.
Bobby Lisner: Malkavian seer who lives in an old Sewer pipe in The Rocks.
Brendan Virgil: A.K.A. Miss Divine Intervention. Rain’s close friend.
Bruce: Ghoul of Mr Giovanni
Cabolut Hazzim: the name given by a vampire who cleared out the homeless at Rain’s old squat. Prince’s Assassin.
Chucko: Malkavian clown from 2023 Earth. Part of a gang called the Bozos.
Critias: Old gentleman kindred Rain has made a deal with to be a ‘playing piece’ in a game at the Succubus Club.
Days of the Week: Pseudonyms for members of the Baali group Eclipse (Luna) is now part of. She is Sunday, and they are missing Wednesday. Tuesday seems to be their nominal spokesperson, though they seem to have no leader.
Delith: Ambitious Ventrue bar staff at the Crowbar.
Detective Woodman: NSW Police ‘premiere’ detective and a sufferer of schizophrenia. He currently has an assistant named Notetaker.
Doctor Willis Hodge: A ghost acquaintance of Dominic Giovanni’s from the Coroner’s Court.
El Torcedor: “The Twister” or ore accurately, “The Fleshcrafter” A Tzimisce from South America
Founders of Sydney Masquerade: Those still alive: Abram, the Ventrue, in Canberra, Wid, the Nosferatu in Wollongong, Agaricus, Child of the Moon, Tasmania, Montague Layton, Toreador, current whereabouts unknown.
Francesco: a werewolf, part of the Spiral Dancers who investigated the Pyrmont basement.
Francis Tuttle: Name given in charge of the investigation into the deaths of the homeless in Surry Hills.
Garcia: Sire. Unknown location.
Giuseppe Giovanni: Ghoul of Mr Giovanni and nephew.
Harold Zettler: Chairman of the board of Pentax multinational. Standing member of the Sabbat.
Joel Mitchell: Mads’ friend. Deceased.
Kenneth Stahl: South African Giovanni (exiled)
Laibon: Vampire Clan out of Africa
Lady Merritt Stone: A very old and powerful vampire who has taken an interest in Izac. Rain spoke to her about the Coterie and Izac’s mission
Lambach Ruthven: Kin met at the theatre. Sire of Dracula. Drug addict.
Lenny: Rain’s Ghoul and artist friend, now with mages. Location unknown.
Lucretia: Childe of Ambrogino, now caretaker of the Pyrmont House and teacher to Dominic
Madeline Blackwell: Ghoul of Mr Giovanni, working at the State Coroners Court.
Montague Layton: Toreador, and one of six founders of Sydney Masquerade
Night Rider: Red-haired vampire? Works for the Prince.
Pangea: a Nosferatu (tunnel builder)
Padre Craneo: Nagaraja vampire met at the Crow Bar
Paul: a Nosferatu of the sewer rats
Paul Derrogard: Name given by Monday of the Days of the Week. Claimed to be Ventrue.
Pentax: a multinational group that is involved in a secret project called Omega.
Persephone: Sixth gen Malkavian who works security for Pentax an multinational company. Her sire is Harold Zettler. Something to do with the Spiral Dancer.
Prince Lodin: Prince of Chicago (until his final death in the 90s) and sire of Al Capone.
Prince Sarrasine (Sar-ras-seen): Toreador Ruler of Sydney*
Rumplestiltskin: A Kiasyn mixologist who uses fairies in his drinks.
Sebastian Melmoth: Kin met at the theatre. Powerful Toreador. Oscar Wilde.
Shara-had: Banu Haqim (Assamite).
Sparrow: a Nosferatu of the warren in Pyrmont, closest to home
Sydney Sewage Pumping Station number one: Known access to Nosferatu waiting room.
Tailor: Dominic’s Tailor who has a shop in Leichhardt
Teeth of Titanium: Werewolf dingo met in Leichhardt.
Tar- Anis: see Persephone.
The Prestiege: The speak for the four Tremere met at the Blavatsky Lodge.
The Twins: A pair of Tzimisce of Dominic’s acquaintance. The creators of Blanco Falzo the Dog??
The Woman: A powerful being of unknown name who kidnapped Izac and enchanted Rain. Lady Merritt
Tom: A sleeping head awakened by Dominic in the Dreamtime.
Vida Goldstein: an Australian suffragette, originally interested in women and children welfare. Malkavian. Diablerised by Dominic.
Wid: Nosferatu, and one of six founders of Sydney Masquerade
Glossary of terms:
Anarchists: a faction of Vampires. Caused issues in Los Angeles recently, killed the Prince.
Antediluvian: from before the time of the biblical flood. The third generation was the progenitors of the thirteen clans of vampires.
Baali: A bloodline bent on keeping beings old before time from waking up and destroying everything. Eclipse and the Days of the Week are Baali.
Banu Haqim: Also know as Assamites, Assassins though sometimes just mercenaries for hire.
Bone Gnawers: A pack of werewolves
Blood hunt: A process to destroy a vampire who has broken a tradition. Specifically mentioned in the sixth.
Blood worm: What a possessed vampire can turn into.
Black Spiral Dancers: A pack of werewolves that worship a being of entropy.
Brujah: One of the twelve clans of Cain.
Canaanites: Those descended from Cain, the first murderer and vampire.
Camarilla: a faction of Vampires closest to the Princes. Believe in hierarchy and order.
Children of Osirus: Bloodline outside the Caine family tradition who practise Bardo, a discipline to control the beast. Izac’s current Bloodline.
Children of Seth: Bloodline the Prince is rumoured to be (originally?)
Clan or Bloodline: From one of the children of Caine or subsequent established lines of vampires.
Christopher Charlton: Rain’s pseudonym.
Marauder: A mage gone mad. Living in his own pocket dimension that answers to the whim of his broken mind.
Diablerie : the drinking another vampire blood and soul
Favour: How Vampires pay for things they want or need doing.
Fetter: A place, person or thing that binds a wraith to the Shadowlands.
Gangrel: A bloodline of vampire. Stallion’s Bloodline.
Ghouls: Servants of a vampire who have been fed vitae. They are loyal, stronger, and more resilient, and sometimes, they show other powers gained from the blood. They must receive the blood at least once a month or they return to being human. Can be addictive.
Giovanni: A vampire bloodline that keeps within genetic family ties. Dominic is a Giovanni.
Glasswalkers: A pack of werewolves
Hunter: Members of the Society of Leopold, a branch of the Catholic Church. Fanatical vampire hunters and killers.
Kiasyd: Part of the La Sombre Clan.
Kin: Short for Kindred. Vampires, a name among themselves
Kine: Humans
Marauder: a rouge mage, often mad. They are likely to act in a way that exposes the Otherworld of the Masquerade to exposure.
Masquerade : The rule that keeps vampire society safe. Hiding ones nature from the world.
Nagaraja: A bloodline that are obligated to eat the flesh as well as the blood of their victims.
Men in Black: An international unit dedicated to controlling supernatural and alien entities.
The Red List: a universal kill list of vampires. Maintained by the Camarilla, anyone on the list can be mudered without question.
Sabbat: a faction of Vampires that believe that the progenitors of the clans will one day awake and eat all their young.
The Theosophical Society: A private society of learning and tolerance based out of the Blavatsky Lodge, St. Leonards (https://sydney.theosophicalsociety.org.au)
Tremere Pyramid: A strict hierarchical structure that all Tremere are part of. Every member knows their place within the Pyramid. The antidiluvian, Tremere, sits at the top of this pyramid.Below him, the number seven is repeated through the clan’s structure.
Toreador: Bloodline of Vampire. Rain’s Bloodline.
Traditions: Six laws that vampires live by.
Tzimisce: Bloodline of Vampire. Body sculptures.
Vaulderie: A ritual where Kindred swear loyalty to each other.
A Strange Life 