The Unlikely Protagonist, Chapter One
When she came to, her date was sitting in an armchair directly across the bed. Angered, she tried to rise, but fell back, feeling oddly weak. She pushed herself up with her arms slowly, this time succeeding.
Just as she opened her mouth, the door burst open and a stake flew through the air straight into her chest. Why doesn’t it hurt? she wondered. She tried to speak, but found she couldn’t move a muscle. She could see her date suffered the same fate. They picked them up and carried them to a black SUV with tinted windows.
She could hear snippets of whispered conversation.
“…false info?...”
“…the fuck is goin’ on…”
“…yeah, that’s a Fiend if I ever saw one…”
Then the door shut and darkness enveloped her again.
They were brought to a darkened theatre. There were less than dozen spectators present, scattered here and there.
The goons dumped Jane and her lover on the stage.
A blonde woman wearing a dark suit rose so abruptly her glasses slipped down her nose. “What is the meaning of this?”
A short blond man in expensive-looking suit walked onto the stage. “That’s precisely what I wanted to ask you, Baron Voerman. The information came from your intimate circle.”
She bit her lip. Jeanette. Do you want to ruin us both, you childish fool?
“I shall delight in untangling this matter later in another location, Baron. Now, to proceed to why you were called tonight. An Embrace without my permission has taken place. You are familiar with our laws.”
“Yeah, yeah, just get rid the Sabbat scum already! You can preen in front of your mirror later!” shouted a redheaded young woman sitting in the back.
The rest of the theatre seemed to support this verdict.
Sabbat? What’s going on? Hey! You can’t do this! Whatever law this creep broke, I have no clue! I have a right to defend myself! Let me speak! thought Jane.
“She isn’t a part of the Sabbat yet.”
Everyone’s eyes widened; heads turned to look at the balcony.
“Strauss? You...” LaCroix’s composure was lost. What is he playing at?
I am gambling here, but the clan is weakening. Maybe researching the original source will help. Or at least as new fuel. Penalty I might get will pale in comparison to accolades my research shall bring, thought the Regent. Aloud, he said: “It’s your decision, Prince. I am merely providing the facts.”
Nines frowned. He didn’t want to get involved, no matter Jack’s subtle hints - How did he know, anyway? - but he couldn’t let the Lick get to play the good guy. “Yeah, he wasn’t supposed to ask you for permission anyway. Give the kid a chance. Might turn out to be better than the lot you usually get.”
LaCroix scowled, but smoothed his expression quickly. Thank Providence no Elders of my Clan are present tonight. I’m acting like a Brujah fledgling. “First things first,” he said, “the perpetrator,” he gestured towards the tattooed Tsimizce. Sheriff moved to his side and unsheathed his sword.
Everyone was wary. The fiend could twist his body in a blink and escape, if not slay one of them in the process. Strauss recited a binding spell and bleeding wounds opened on the paralysed vampire's chest, forehead, hands and feet, their patterns shaping the thaumaturgical symbols.
As Sheriff raised his sword, Tzimisce’s face melted and reappeared on the side of his head. “Hail, disciple of Salmacis,” it spoke, “how did your form work out?”
The sword went through the neck in a clear strike.
“Which leads to the fate of the ill-begotten Childe. While it is true that the clan she was embraced in does not follow our laws, the transgression nevertheless occured in my domain,” started LaCroix.
Nines couldn't help the gut reaction. “This is bullshit!” Fuck, even if it's a fiendling, I just can't let that smug piece of Eurotrash get his way.
“If Mr Rodriguez would let me finish...I have decided to let this kindred live.” LaCroix gestured toward a Ventrue Neonate that was standing to the side. The woman stepped forward and drew the stake from the naked girl’s chest.
“My Prince, are you sure...” started the Baron of Santa Monica.
“Are you questioning my judgement, Ms Voerman?”
“I...of course not.” She was still frowning.
“Good. After all, it’s not my judgement that’s to be questioned tonight.”
Therese grimaced and nodded.
Isaac sighed and removed his waistcoat, moving with great speed to cover the girl. She looked up and smiled at him tentatively. She won’t be turning anyone’s head, but smile makes everyone pretty. Wonder if she will ever smile like that again,thought the old Baron. He gave a little smile back.
LaCroix frowned and subtly gestured to the female Ventrue to discreetly fetch the fledgling something to wear.
“She shall be instructed in the ways of our kind. That should be suffice to overcome the unfortunate circumstances of her Embrace. I thank you all for attending these proceedings, and hope I their significance is not lost. Good evening.”
When everyone left, he turned towards the girl, still squatting on the floor and huddling inside Isaac’s coat.
“I have shown you great clemency, fledgling. Greater than you might ever know. Don’t let it be a wasted gesture.”
Jane nodded rapidly.
The Neonate returned, carrying two bags. She placed them on the floor in front of Jane. Jane grabbed them and moved behind the curtain, clutching the waistcoat around her. She slipped on a simple black dress and put on a pair of black ballet shoes. She held onto the gentleman’s jacket. Must return it someday. After dry-cleaning.
“Follow me,” said The Prince and began to walk.
Jane obeyed and followed through backstage to back alley exit. She tried her best to ignore the huge creature following behind them.
“Your transport shall arrive soon. Don’t stray too far.” With that, he spun on his heel and walked back inside the theatre.
Jane breathed a sigh of relief when the Neanderthal followed.
She opened the metal door and stepped outside.
Author’s note: I can’t believe I never thought of this before. “This is Sparta” thing is famous, but why is there no “Imma let you finish” Nines?
Chapter Two