Against All Odds
Chapter Two: My Pledge Of Allegiance
Disclaimer: All the characters and places belong to their respective creators and owners. I only own my OC and make no money whatsoever out of this.
"Greetings, Neonate. I have heard of your recent… difficulties with LaCroix. I can't say that I am surprised. Love of power always leads to betrayal, but I am glad that you have survived."
"Thank you Max. I… In a moment like this, your warm welcome means a lot." It was not a lie: even if he most likely had further motives, I still had not expected this reception.
"Think nothing of it. Our humble Chantry is always open to the friends of our Clan, especially in their time of need."
"Or to the enemy of your enemy?" I lightly joked, eliciting an honest, rich laugh from the Regent. For some reason, he had always seemed to enjoy this kind of "candid" humour, and I gladly indulged him, since it allowed me to voice some of those thoughts that with everybody else I had to keep to myself. Had I tried it with LaCroix, I probably wouldn't have lived to tell.
"Oh, Irene, I stand by my initial assertion, which even now has not yet been disproved: you have done and will do well in this world!" he exclaimed, lowering his lenses, still chuckling.
"If having a blood-hunt on my neck, accused of being the most treacherous of traitors, is considered doing well, I am not sure I really want to know what failure is like," I retaliated, savouring this small moment of light-heartedness after all the drama.
"I might tell you, but I wouldn't want to risk spoiling you the surprise. As for the present impasse, I am sure it is but a temporary situation, since LaCroix's allegations are simply preposterous. As one of the Primogen, I can assure you that most of our Council has not bought his words and did not support this decision. But, as you know, the Prince has the final say on these matters."
"Indeed, I understand the Primogen's predicament and really appreciate your trust. As much as my word is worth, I assure you it is not misplaced. Although, to be perfectly honest, with my job as LaCroix's agent, I had not exactly expected to have gained many congeniality points among the Council."
"The Sins of the Guardian shall not fall on the Protégée. Or, to put it in words you might be more familiar with, you have proved yourself to be an asset, Neonate, and, now that you are on the market, there are quite a few backers who would like to invest in you."
"Present company included?"
"Present company included. Thus I am glad that you have decided to come to me tonight… and to the Camarilla, of course."
"Of course." We shared a smile and I knew I had taken the right decision. I liked this way of doing business, out in the open: a transaction, straight and simple.
"Then I must ask you if you are ready to pledge your allegiance to the Camarilla."
"My loyalty has always been with the Camarilla, Max, and it still is. I am here to prove it."
"Yes, yes, I know that, Irene, but I also am aware that you have been courted by other factions. Especially by the late Mr Rodriguez. Considering the way LaCroix has treated you, I had feared that you might decide to side with the Anarchs. It would have been… understandable."
His tone betrayed that he wouldn't really have been that understanding, but empathy was not the reason why I had come here.
"I am not going to lie to you. I liked Nines, he… I wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for him. I am on good terms with the Anarchs, or used to be. Still, I do not mix personal feelings and business, and I know the Camarilla is necessary."
"Yes, I know what you mean, my sentiments exactly. As for Mr Rodriguez, he really had some kind of soft spot for you. You know, LaCroix used to be very concerned about this. He feared the two of you might be… emotionally involved."
"WHAT…? Really?" I asked, for once completely flabbergasted and unable to conceal it. Vampires and "love" rarely belonged in the same sentence (some ridiculously torrid paperback notwithstanding). Strauss chuckled, once again, sat down on a couch and motioned for me to do the same.
"Is the notion truly so ludicrous to you?"
"Well, I had been under the impression that certain… feelings… pertained exclusively to the human race and were… lost… after the Embrace. So I really cannot understand LaCroix's worry."
"Sometimes I forget that there are a lot of things you still ignore about our condition. Indeed, the affliction that Kine call love is quite rare a happening amidst Kindred. What we lack is the hormonal drive, the natural instinct for reproduction, since our primary lust and passion is devoted to human blood. But it is still quite possible to feel affection, to develop an emotional attachment, particularly for those of us more in touch with our humanity. In some cases, it even leads to a… physical ardour… akin to human desire. However, for reasons I am sure you can imagine, it is not very common. When it happens, though, it is typically an incredibly strong and resilient bond, since it usually originates from a deep and selfless care, not polluted by… a fleeting hormonal influence."
"Basically if for some humans it is lust that triggers a more or less genuine affection, for Kindred it is affection that sometimes triggers a more or less genuine passion?" I elaborated, as things started to make sense.
"That pretty much summarizes it, yes. Although there are some Kindred that liberally indulge in… proclivities… If I remember correctly, the late Doctor Grout theorized that it had something to do with emotional or sexual disorders carried over from before the Embrace. But it might simply be ascribed to a Perversion, as you know our Kind is not immune from those…" he trailed off, and I could detect a hint of embarrassment. Even if we were dissecting this topic with a scientific and dispassioned approach, I guessed that sex was still not the most common or comfortable of subjects.
"Yes, well, you have been more than exhaustive, thank you," I reassured him, making us both release a figurative breath. "And I understand LaCroix's apprehension now: if these bonds can really be so powerful, it could have posed quite some threat for him. Even if I still fail to see how he could think of me being 'in love' with Nines: I accused him of being at Grout's Mansion. Though unwittingly, I brought a blood-hunt upon his head. Even by Kindred's standards, I doubt this is a telltale sign of undying devotion."
"No, no it isn't," Strauss admitted, with another round of chuckles. "From what I gathered, our favourite Prince started to suspect something of the sort after Mr Rodriguez saved you from those Sabbat goons and grew more and more worried after you helped out the Anarchs – and me by the way – with that little plague-doomsday cult problem. I think he believed that Rodriguez was the most… besotted… one and that you might reciprocate, or use this connection to double cross him."
Sure, Nines had played the Guardian Angel role a few times, and back then he had nothing to gain from keeping me alive. I was too much of a wimp to be either useful or a threat. I still did not know the reason why he had acted that way, but I believed it was primarily a matter of him being a rather decent individual, who could empathise with someone thrown on the street with no knowledge whatsoever of what being a vampire entailed. Hadn't it been for Smiling Jack teaching me the basics, I wouldn't have survived my first week. Leave it to LaCroix to try and find some deep ulterior motive behind everything (ok I did that constantly myself, but he definitely surpassed me).
Well, if I really had to be honest, now that I thought about it, I had the slightest suspicion that behind Nines' kindness there might also have been a deliberate attempt to irk LaCroix. Anyone who had met the Prince knew how territorial he was with what he deemed as his possessions, and for all extents and purposes he had always considered me as such. I was sure that if he could, he would have gladly had me branded with his initials, just to reinforce the point.
"Well, yes, it is still completely unfounded, but I admit that it sort of makes sense… Might I ask who told you all this?"
"Gary, the Nosferatu Primogen, you have met, yes? Apparently LaCroix had some Nosferatu following Nines' movements… And yours. Then, as we now know, that Kuei-Jin Priestess posed as Mr Rodriguez and you reported him to the Prince. That laid his fears to rest… for a while."
"That… that… THAT… Oh, goodness, it was all a test!" I exclaimed, incredulous, with a sudden desire to choke LaCroix to death. Until I remembered that it was actually impossible.
"I beg your pardon? I am afraid I have lost you."
"Please, understand that I do not have definitive proof of what I am going to say. But both Ming Xiao and some Kuei-Jin I battled with claimed that there is an alliance between them and LaCroix, to get rid of the Anarchs."
"I beg your pardon?" Now it was his turn to be stunned, and he almost recoiled on his seat.
"Moreover, Ming Xiao revealed that it was LaCroix himself who instructed her to kill Grout and pose as Nines. Then he sent me to Grout's Mansion… He… He got rid of two dangerous opponents and tested my loyalty all at the same time. If her version is to be trusted of course."
I suddenly wondered what would have happened if I had kept my mouth shut about meeting 'Nines'. I had a sinking feeling that LaCroix had a back-up plan that involved incriminating the both of us for the Malkavian Primogen's death.
"This is… this is…" Strauss seemed to be at a loss for words. If he could, I am sure he would be sweating. I guessed he was torn between delight for having a reason to dethrone LaCroix and dread for the scandal that the Prince's misdeeds would bring on the Camarilla. As they say, be careful what you wish for: you just might get it.
"Then Nines went undercover in that park, as it is Werewolf territory and nobody in their sane mind would stay there. When Ming Xiao told me her side of the story, I made the very stupid mistake of confronting LaCroix about it. At first he denied her claims, then, he half admitted to it. In a blink of an eye, he turned the tables around and asked me to convince the Anarchs of the necessity of an alliance to get rid of the Kuei-Jin, since they were attempting to turn Kindred against each other."
"That sounds very much like Sebastian," he murmured, his head in his hands, still pondering.
"Indeed. Considering what you have told me tonight, maybe he suspected I knew of Nines' hideout or thought that he would come out in the open for me."
"Yes... yes…"
"Actually, without Damsel's help I never would have found him. When I did, we barely had time to talk and… we were surrounded by fire, ashes literally raining on us. He… he tried to convince me to flee, that it was dangerous. But I was stubborn, set on completing my mission and we lost time… Suddenly a Werewolf shot out on Nines and dragged him down the slope. Another one started hunting me and I… somehow I managed to crush him between some metal doors… I couldn't find any trace of Nines, though, he is most definitely…"
I shuddered, despite myself. The tears I had been holding for two days once again threatened to fall, but I closed my eyes and pushed them back. Strauss may not be an enemy, for now at least, but he wasn't a friend and I couldn't afford to let him see my weakness. Not that I had ever let my friends see me vulnerable, not even Samantha. I… I had always kept everything bottled up inside, afraid to give anybody some leverage to hurt me. An inheritance of my years as the class bookworm: I had learned the hard way that everything I said could be used against me and that the only way to get bullies off my back was to keep a low profile and pretend that their taunting did not faze me.
Funny how that life lesson had been crucial for my survival as a Kindred: in retrospective, I should have thanked them.
"Killing a Werewolf… it is an amazing accomplishment, Irene, especially for one so young… Brains over brawl…" he trailed off, seemingly lost in thought. "Yes, I think it is evident that someone set you and Mr Rodriguez up, and the most likely suspects are LaCroix and/or this Ming Xiao. If I may make an educated guess, I think LaCroix panicked and tried silencing you and Mr Rodriguez for good. But he underestimated you, and he is going to regret it, of that I am sure."
I noticed his purposeful avoidance of the subject of Nines' demise. He too was not apt with comfort or emotions, but I was fine with it, even grateful.
"I, myself, have reached the same conclusion. Well, nice of him to give us a romantic, heroic death, side by side…" I joked, exchanging a sad smirk. "Still, how did he explain my betrayal of my supposedly beloved one? Quite a quick change of route."
"From what I heard at the Council, he claims that you are a ruthless schemer, that you gained his trust and were like a Childe to him. That you betrayed him in the worst way possible, even if he saw you as his own flesh and blood. That you also seduced Nines and had him wrapped around your fingers and then you sold them both to the Kuei-Jin, to raise as the sole ruler of LA."
"Wow… I am almost flattered… I mean, he portrays me as quite the ultimate temptress. I can see why the Council had a hard time buying his words, since, despite popular belief, I can actually still see my reflection in the mirror."
We shared another heartfelt laugh, and I took no offense. I knew that even normally I wasn't exactly gorgeous and, after two days as a fugitive, I really must have looked terrible.
"According to Raoul, the Toreador Primogen, when he visited him at the Tower, LaCroix made the grand gesture of throwing a pair of golden cufflinks in the fire, vowing they were a present from you."
"He really has a flair for the melodramatic, hasn't he? I can assure you that the only Gift I have ever thought of giving him is in the German meaning of the word."
"Hmmm, yes, Arsenic perhaps? That would have been fitting for our Napoleon."
That drew out another chuckle, but it died shortly. We looked at each other and the atmosphere grew heavy and sombre with the awareness of what was going to come.
"You know what has to be done, don't you?"
"I am afraid I do."
"A Prince consorting with the Kuei-Jin is something of unprecedented gravity. The Beast takes many forms within us, and it seems that LaCroix has finally surrendered to its power."
"But we cannot be sure, that has to be said. It is extremely unlikely, but it really could be Xiao trying to turn us all against each other. We cannot allow that either."
"Indeed, therefore we must act swiftly and discreetly. It seems that the Tremere Clan must lead the Camarilla through this time of Darkness. But tread carefully, Irene, I fear that the night heralds something far more sinister than the petty machinations of a rogue Prince."
"What do you mean?"
"I do not know. This Sarcophagus seems to have unleashed a raging whirlwind, pulling all of those who surround it into this storm. I cannot see what secrets it holds, but be warned… a dark shadow falls across my mind. There are some powers best left undisturbed."
"Yes, I agree, I have a feeling that it is a Pandora's Box… By the way, I think Xiao has the key."
"Then our course is even clearer. First you must head to the Temple and dispose of this pseudo Priestess and her minions. After you have secured the Key, you must deal with LaCroix and his rabid dog."
"What… what will happen to him?"
"He will be subjected to the rules of the Camarilla."
"Are we talking about… an execution?"
I already knew the answer, what I couldn't fathom was why it should even bother me. But, nevertheless, it did.
"Yes, that is the most likely outcome. You sound… perturbed, Irene. You surely do realise that as long as LaCroix is in charge you will be considered a fugitive. Neither I nor the Council will be able to help you, if you are found. Moreover, considering his recent behaviour, the Prince is like a bomb threatening to explode: he must be removed."
"I know that, Max, and I am ready to do what needs to be done, for the Camarilla," I replied, half bowing. "I just… I just hope it does not backfire."
"What are you implying?" he asked, but was cut short by the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Who is it?" he asked, and I could see that his hand inched under his jacket. I guessed that he kept some sort of weapon hidden there, although I was pretty sure that he had many other more efficient ways to get rid of opponents.
"It's me, sir!" said an unknown female voice.
"Ah, Alexandra, is there some urgent matter that requires my attention?" he asked, relaxing visibly and bringing his hand back into view.
"A brother from New York is here: he says he brings a message from his Regent," the woman explained, and I could detect a trace of uneasiness in her voice.
"Please, show him to the guest room, I will meet him shortly."
"Yes, sir," the voice replied, and I could hear heeled steps scurrying away.
"I apologise but I have to cut our meeting short, Irene. Sunrise is now approaching, so for today you are welcome to stay here in my study and rest. I will ward the door against intruders, and I recommend that you do not wander around, since it is of the utmost importance that nobody sees you. At dusk, you will head to Chinatown and then to Venture Tower, and finish this."
"I understand," I replied, although I felt a bit of apprehension at having to sleep in such unfamiliar territory. For all I knew, those wards might be designed to trap me there.
"I am going to retire upstairs now. May your steps be light, and may your path lead you to victory."
"Thank you, Max. I sincerely hope so."
As I watched him retreating and settled myself on the couch, I couldn't help but think about how even the current sleeping arrangement was a metaphor for the insurmountable distance that would always exist between us. But I could live with detachment: it was closeness I had always been uncomfortable with. I was the kind of person who could speak in front of an enormous audience for hours, but at the same time was terribly inept when dealing with those few people I truly cared about. A "problem" that had been solved for me with the Embrace, since there wasn't anyone left in my life who mattered that much to me.
At the end of the day, the only important thing was that I was still "alive" and had a chance to get out of this mess on my own two feet, even if it meant… Better him than me, I guessed, trying to get his unnerving face out of my mind. He was only getting his due, after all. Luckily, exhaustion finally took over and I sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.
A/N: A chapter of transition, but I think it was necessary. While I was playing the game, I remember being taken aback by how fast the meeting with the chosen side went (I think they were really running to deliver the game on time). I mean, you are accused of the worst crimes, you go to Strauss and you say "hey guy, you know the Prince is the one backstabbing all of us, not me". He doesn't even ask how or why, or what has happened and sends you off with two words. As much as he might despise the prince, before taking the responsibility of such a scandal, any person of sane mind would at least have asked for some detailed explanation. Ok he probably had guessed most of it, but still… So I decided to develop it a bit more. I took the occasion to poke some fun at our Jester prince's love for the theatrical, exploiting the Regent's peculiar sense of humour, that is quite apparent to anyone who has played a character with high persuasion skills.
Another reassurance: there won't be any side love interests or triangles involving the OC.
Finally, an enormous thank you to my two reviewers. I hope I won't let you down and I am glad you have decided to take this ride with me.