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Post by Synistergrrl on Apr 3, 2012 15:17:20 GMT -5
~Though Fenris wasn't happy about it, Trace was out alone with Nikolia. It wouldn't make for a good show if they came with wolves. No, instead they had to make appearances to Phillip and show they're alliance and loyalty. They'd gone to the club to show face. It would simply be a matter of time before the Bishop would summon them to his office. Especially since he'd not heard anything from them for a good week, either of them. When the two came in together the bar seemed to almost grow silent as the other vampires stared. There were rumors that Trace and his entire pack was dead. That the wolves had killed them. And ofcourse noone really knew who Nikolia was, but they knew he was very old, they could smell it and it caused a bit of a stir. Trace and Nik made their way deeper into the bar and found a booth near the back. Trace dropped down with a graceful flop. This wasn't his type of bar, it wasn't the type of place he normally frequented, but it was Phillip's type of place. It was a spot that the Bishop was known to frequent.~ ~Earlier~ It'll be okay, Fen. I have to do this, or it'll never be right. And I'll be on the run and an outcast for the rest of my life... which is, I hope, going to be a long time. ~Trace cupped Fen's face and then leaned into the beautiful wolf and kissed him roughly. Just as he pulled back, he felt a chill, turning he found Nikolia walking up with Comet at his side. The pretty Philodox gave the two a smile but then turned to look at Nikolia. The older creature whispered something to Comet and the boy smiled. There was something dark and twisted in that wolf, but it wasn't just the father's corruption, but that of Nikolia's blood. Trace wouldn't admit it to Nik's face, but he was a bit disgusted by how the younger wolf was so attached to the vampire, his little pet. He couldn't imagine doing that to Fenris. But ofcourse, that spoke volumes about Trace being Brujah and still having that Anarch outlook.~ We ready to go? ~Trace gave Nikolai the full attention and respect that the older creature deserved. He waited for Nikolai to make the move to leave and then he followed. Once they were outside, Trace spoke.~ We need to have our story straight before we run into Phillip. I mean in regards to Em. He's gonna want to know what happened. So... what do we tell him? He's not gonna believe that Em just walked away without a good reason. ~He cocked his head and then he turned to face the older creature.~ Phillip trusts Em, but he's ego gets in the way of listening to Em's advice. That's obvious with what's gone on. So he's going to want to know why Em left and without saying anything to him. Attachments:
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Post by LittleDeadGrrl on Apr 3, 2012 20:31:28 GMT -5
-Nikolai kept Comet close a moment. He'd left the wolf with instructions on finding out more about the collar around his neck. Discreetly of course. He knew he was either tied to this place as a prisoner for life or the alpha would see him as a risk and kill him once Bishop was dead. He had no intention of ending up either slave or corpse. Those old grey blue orbs stared down at the stunning little wolf for a moment. Engrossed in him still. In his blood. Wolf blood was delicious, he had to pace himself, a few drops, no more. His mind was on it when Trace caught his attention. Fenris growled behind him as a warning but the old vampire ignored him ... -
Yes, I am ready ...
-The accented tongue let those words drip like molasses as they moved outside. He glanced at Trace and smiled a touch before his gaze straightened ahead ... -
Em never told you about me did he?
-He asked slowly but seemed to know the answer already and of course as much as Em loved Trace the Gangrel was notoriously secretive. Even with those he trusted. Nik glanced at Trace but he didn't wait for much of a response ... he knew the answer ... -
We met in Brazil. I was on a hunt and someone kept getting in my way. Leads would lead nowhere. Witnesses would disappear. You see the Sabbat have a way to maintain our own order. From the outside we may seem very chaotic. Madness. But there is order in the madness ... a certain puppeeter behind the puppet. That's why the older we get ... the more we see behind the curtain ... the more paranoid we become. It's not madness. It's truth that frightens us. Even I ... how many of my actions are my own ... I don't know ... but I know enough to know I should stand at the Devil's right hand then in his path ...
-He paused before he dug in his pocket beginning to roll up a cigarette. It smelled old oriental spices and arabian coffee ... a nice smell even to a vampire ... -
The Black Hand is the police behind the police. You are a smart vampire Trace. Loyal ... brave ... but not suicidal. Qualities I admire. There are ways to maintain a certain freedom in the Sabbat ... being part of the Black Hand is one of them.
-He stared at the vampire guaging his reaction slowly as they got in the car. He let the younger vampire drive. He'd learned how to operate a car but found the whole thing distasteful. He left the technology of today for the youth. He was beyond it. He glanced out the car window watching as the rain began to splatter against the car. When Trace brought up Bishop and Emmanuel Nikolai smirked ... -
Simple. I will allude to the fact I selected Emmanuel for the Black Hand. Phillip will not question such a thing ... it is truth in part ... I did offer the chance a long time ago but Emmanuel is too much of Gangrel I think. His kind ... too wild ... they still believe they can exist outside any organization. I tried to tell him that is not so ... no matter how much we run or hide we must belong somewhere. He'll find out eventually I fear ...
-He shrugged taking a hit from the cigarette. He reached in his pocket and tugged on thick leather gloves ... -
Phillip will not be the only one to die. I take all of the leaders with me. I hope whoever you have ties with in the city ... you've either sent away or made peace with their possible death. I want no hesitation when the times comes ... the culling will be more then just Phillip you understand yes?
-He glanced at Trace with faintly narrowed eyes ... -
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Post by Synistergrrl on Apr 6, 2012 13:56:26 GMT -5
~Trace was moving towards the car and he shrugged when Nik asked him about what Em had told him.~
That Gangrel is a secretive as they come. But I trust him with my life....
~He listened as the older creature spoke. He dropped into the car, letting it roar to life. He was taking it all even as he drove. He glanced at Nikolai next to him.~
The Black Hand? I've heard rumors... but how much freedom is it really when you still have to answer to someone?
~It was a cautious question. He realized what Nik was suggesting. He could go with him, if he lived through this, join the Black Hand. Trace could become Nikolai's protege. And what was in it for Nikolai? Well it would ensure that Trace would want to help the old creature get out of the Wolves grasp. And honestly, he wasn't so sure he wanted to be in debted to this creature. Right now, his freedom was still very real. It might not be so much once he stepped into that shadow. The worst part was, as a brujah, yes he loved to rail against the system, but he wasn't the leader type. Yes, he was charismatic and tactical, but he never liked the politics that were involved with leading. It wasn't any better in the Sabbat than it had been in the Camerilla.~
I assumed that you'd be wanting more then just Phillip. But you also know that some of the same ones you wish to cull are not involved in this, right? This was Phillip's desire, well atleast for the most part.
~He could feel the vampire eyeing him, but he didn't back down, not yet.~
I have sent those away that didn't wish to step on any toes. But my love for most of the Sabbat here has changed. Phillip isn't that different from the Camerilla and his ilk. He wishes to have a tight grip on this city, he's forgotten the true mission of the Sabbat...
~He glanced at Nikolai as they drove deeper into the strip closer to Phillip's offices.~
I was Anarch first, created by a Brujah who thought he could work with the Cammie's in New York, he was wrong and betrayed, Em saved my life then from what you call a culling. We went to California, to the Anarch's and it wasn't much better, to wild and no one strong enough to lead. And then the Sabbat, thanks to some others who were once Anarchs filling my head with ideals that aren't there anymore. The Sabbat used to be the first Anarchs... they need to be reminded of their heritage.....
~The last part sounded deadly and when Trace glanced at Nikolai, the older creature would see the determination in the vampire's eyes. He was honest, but he wasn't a fool, having grown up with Em, he was in some ways as secretive as Em.~
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Post by LittleDeadGrrl on Apr 9, 2012 12:48:25 GMT -5
-Nikolai snorted speaking in that thick Russian accent ... -
Trust is like a noose ...
-Paranoia came with age and vampires were paranoid creatures by nature. It amazed him the closeness of some of the packs. He supposed the blood bonding helped but he had a distaste for any kind of bonding. At the thought he touched the collar around his neck wearily. He cursed for the hundreth time his trip to the new world. He should have stayed in his mother country. He sat in the moving contraption trying not to show his discomfort at being inside. He smirked at that ... -
More so than you have now. Let me be clear ... it is a dangerous commission. There is no leaving the Black Hand. However, you are given much freedom. As long as you follow certain rules and accomplish the task given to you than you will rise in rank. You fail and you will be disposed of quickly and quietly. You are given much protection as well.
-He shrugged slowly answering honestly or seeming to answer honestly. It was hard to tell, who knew what games the vampire was weaving. He crossed his arms across his broad chest staring out slowly ... -
You have much potential. I'd not offer if I didn't think you could be worth my time. I'd teach you much ...
-He stared at Trace with that even gaze and there was the true offer. It had to tempt Trace. To learn from one so old. Who knew what blood powers he possessed. Who knew what he could be taught. Em had taught him a power only the Gangrel should possess. Who knew what Nikolai could teach him. Who knew what clan he even belonged to. Still, it was a dangerous gamble but staying in limbo once Phillip was dead was just as dangerous. His station with the black spiral dancers was simply through Fenris. Something had to change one way or another-
The ones that will be worth saving will be clear to me. I hazard a guess too many were made on a whim. I have no interest in showing mercy for mercy's sake ...
-It was cold and practical. He had a feeling Trace had taken care of the some of the ones he cared for and that was fine with him. He listened slowly nodding before a laugh rumbled out of his chest ... -
Em did strike me as sentimental ... I had hoped to have a discussion with him ... pity he fled so quickly ...
-Nikolai shrugged as they arrived. He got out of the car and moved inside the club with Trace at his side. He glanced around taking in the other vampires with faint wiff of distaste. He at down and let out a breath before he froze as older vampires were apt to do. He barely seemed to blink. He was still trying to follow the paths he had available to him. There was one option he was considering he'd not verbalized out loud. He had to admit he was intrigued by these wolves, by Never, but he could barely trust a vampire much less a wolf. It took almost an hour to be summoned. The human ghoul came up to the table trying to look intimidating as possible-
The Bishop summons you ...
-Nikolai rose slowly. Trace saw a twitch of a smile to the corner of his lips. Trace could feel the vibe of danger. He could feel it in the air as the two of them followed the human up the steps through security to the higher levels where Bishop kept one of his offices. Phillip heard a strange noise outside. Even Trace looked a bit shocked for as they'd arrived Nikolai had cut the head off of the three guards outside. Blood had splattered over the older vampire and even a few drops landed on trace. He'd just used his bare hand as a blade. He pushed the door open dragging the headless body inside with him as he licked the blood off his hand-
For future reference Phillip I will not be summoned by you and you will not make me wait when my presence is known ... it is how we behave in polite society is it not my friend?
-Philip had paled, if possible, before he cleared his throat. Trace could smell the fear on him but he hid well enough. He nodded slowly motioning to the chair in front of him. He glanced at Trace curiously clearly confused to see the vampire there when rumors suggested he was dead.-
My apologize Nikolai. I only just arrived myself ... I would never summon you. The creature must have misunderstood what I said ... I told him to request your presence at your convenience
-They were just ghouls. He gave the fake little smile as Nikolai moved sitting down slowly-
Trace ... it is good to see you alive. I had heard some disturbing rumors ... I haven't seen Emmanuel either ...
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Post by Synistergrrl on Apr 12, 2012 15:08:52 GMT -5
I think he was pretty sure you'd gut him...
~Trace smirked at the response about Em. He himself wasn't so sure he trusted Nikolai completely, but they had the same interests for now. And the truth was, this idea of working for the black hand wasn't a horrible idea. It was just more then Trace had planned on. Course, now he was questioning even if he turned it down if he'd not be killed just for the mere information. And in all honestly, what was he going to do? Go back to the Anarchs? They were just as bad as any of the others. Being a rogue wasn't good either. He knew that Fenris wouldn't understand all this, but ofcourse, Fen had his family, didn't he?~
So what are you going to do about Comet? And what about Fen? Are you going to stay in Vegas? Or are you planning on leaving?
~They were in the club and he could feel the eyes on him. He knew they were talking, whispering about him being with Nikolai and then the ghoul appeared. Trace followed along up the steps and when the blood hit him, he didn't seem to surprised. He knew that Nikolai wouldn't like being summoned anywhere. Once in Phillip's office, Trace had to admit that it was amusing to see the Losombra so unnerved. ~
Really? Disturbing? Like what, Phillip? That the Cammies came and set Em's loft on fire? Or that they attacked the rest of my pack as well?
~He growled the words, but he managed to not show that much animosity.~
I would have thought you had enough to faith to know that wouldn't be enough to take us out.
~He flashed half a smile, but he let Nikolai answer the question about Em. He was pretty sure he couldn't give a convincing enough act to make Phillip believe that. So he was going to leave it up to Nikolai. He didn't sit, infact, he stood just behind and to the left of Nikolai, as if he knew that Nikolai was his superior. And infact, Phillip should realize that Trace was giving Nikolai way more respect that he had ever shown Phillip.~
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Post by LittleDeadGrrl on Apr 12, 2012 18:09:16 GMT -5
No no ... my torment of Em would last longer than that ...
-Nikolai had smirked and it was unnerving to be sure. Was Trace part of that plot. Who knew. Who knew what went in the mind of a vampire as old as the one sitting beside him. He didn't answer about Fenris or Comet or whether he'd stay or not. It was a discussion for another time. Maybe Trace hadn't earned those answers or maybe even Nik didn't know what he'd do yet. Nikolai had sat down before being invited staring across at Phillip with that unnerving stare. He was carefully unleashing his power on the Lasombra. Intimidation. Subtle. Terrifying. It was his clans blood gift and few could resist. Not an all out attack on the Lasombra's mind but slowly the shadows would seem to twist. The walls creek and bend. Whispers of the dark things that could and would happen to him if he disobeyed or angered the creature in front of him ... -
I have found Trace very resourceful ... you have chosen well Phillip ...
-The Lasombra arched a brow but smiled before Nikolai went on-
I'm afraid you chose as well with Emmanuel. I had picked him long ago and now have claimed what belonged to me. He is in my service ... and the service of my superiors
-The Ventrue's fingers tapped on the chair rhythmically ... -
I gave him no leave to tell you. I hope that hasn't been an inconvenient for you but it shall be noted he came from your domain ...
-The Lasombra smiled slowly and bowed his head eyes narrowing faintly-
You honor me ...
-Nikolai smiled a toothy grin ... -
Now since I couldn't procure for you what you had wanted I must repay you in someway. I've decided to stay on a little longer ... with your leave of course. To aid you in better securing Las Vegas ...
-Phillip stared between Trace and Nikolai a moment ... taking a second before answering-
I ... would be honored of course but really there is no such need. I have the situation well under hand ...
-Trace could see the Lasombra squirm. The last thing he wanted was the much older vampire remaining longer than need be in his domain. Nikolai pushed up walking around the officer slowly letting his fingers dust across various things ... -
It would be my pleasure. Been many years since I've seen the New World. I'm rather enjoying myself. I would like to impose on your hospitality a little longer ... if you would allow it of course ...
-He stared at Phillip who grit his teeth but bowed his head-
My honor ...
-He couldn't say no but neither did he seem overjoyed at Nikolai's prolonged stay-
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