Porter felt his veins haemorrhage. Expended blood ran in rivulets down his face, his forearms and fell reluctantly away from him. He smeared the blood across his face as though painting his face for war. His claws, heavy from the gore that hung from the razor-like edges, looked tired and cracked from so much fighting. He swayed on his feet, the movement alarming his allies as much as it lured his enemies.

He wished it was simply a lure, but the last fight with three of the “abominations” had left him feeling drained. A cocktail of his own blood and that of his foes streaked his fangs.

[i:4be58d170e]“Careful, Porter! They’re connected somehow! They learn from...”[/i:4be58d170e]

Gabriel fell silent, out of Porter’s sight. But his warning was enough to shake the Gangrel warrior awake. Lunging forward he snapped his jaws around one of the necks of their assailants. His undead diaphragm swelled into savage action, sucking in great lungfuls of the creature’s blood. Porter’s eyes flashed open, the sparkle briefly lost, came back brighter than before. He felt his strength return in its fullest. He pulled away as something in the blood tried to connect with him. Spitting what little his mouth still held and stumbled back.

Gabriel saw his friend fall as five of the things advanced upon him. He tried to cut a swathe through, desperate to get to his friend before they did but it was as useless an act as swimming against air as you fell from a plane. He felt hope ebb from each strike, his swords cutting through re-knitted flesh as the female Kindred’s esoteric device brought hissing, hellish oblivion to two more of them.

Herman stood now, back to back with Alois. Like Janus incarnate, they fought off another wave. Super accelerated reflexes and solidified shadow lashing out, keeping fate at arms length.

Fate.

It seemed to the her that fate had abandoned her. Some Maven she turned out to be. Trapped, blind to the time strands around her. And rapidly running out of rounds. Morrighan fought on. Sheer female irascibility driving her to keep firing, keep kicking. Never to stop until her limbs were torn from her and cast aside like rags.

Porter sank to his knees, shaking. The attackers stood around him in a circle, swords pointed in at him. Their faces all wore that same damned confident, no arrogant, leering smile.

Porter started to growl. At first an inaudible rumble in his throat, becoming a crescendo of animal rage. The floor itself started to shake, swell as if answering his summons. From out of nowhere came an animal army. Rats fell from air vents, spiders dropped from the ceiling, flies filled the faces of his would-be-killers. The building groaned and shook as the titanic battle finally wore away its resistance.

Then as suddenly as they had appeared, the animals scattered leaving Porter stood now. Single eye fixed on the five. A steel support fell to his left, cutting him off from the others.

[i:4be58d170e]“You’re trapped Gangrel!”[/i:4be58d170e] At last one spoke.

Porter grinned horribly, his body hair coarsening, thickening. His neck contorting, becoming more muscular to support the suddenly heavy jaws of a wolf. He stood, hunched slightly, claws extended a good two inches longer.

[i:4be58d170e]“And so are you.”[/i:4be58d170e] His words dripped with power.

Two went down before he even seemed to move. The impact of his clawed fists sent seismic ripples through the rapidly crumbling building. A sword swung deadly and rapid in its descent, merely glancing off his furred shoulder. He spun his arm out, crushing the wielders skull and sending the skull and body in opposite directions. Regenerating muscles grabbed his left paw, becoming pulp again as he lifted the bar sending bottles flying, slamming it down. He spun dervish-like, claws ripping and destroying flesh as quickly as it knitted itself. Plaster fell, choking the vision of the others, prompting Gabriel and the three other allies to regroup. Half-watching the Gangrel as he tore five of them apart second by second. His blows becoming heavier, more furious as their incessant regenerating pissed him off even more. Massive wolf jaws clamped on arms, pulling them off. Ribcages were literally torn out, like fish being de-boned. His fur now matted and dyed red with viscera, left wet crimson prints wherever he moved.

But for all his resolve. His utter, primal rage. He was beginning to falter. Bricks fell as the west wing of the club collapsed. Gripping the central support pillar in the club he began to pull it loose, his back and sides skewered and pierced by swords, blood leaking from dozens of lethal strikes. He panted, roaring as the massive marble structure cracked and split with his efforts. A massive section of the club roof toppled pinning one of the attackers. Porter crumpled as the now restored four advanced upon him once more.

A curious stink of ozone filled the air.

There was a brief humming sound as though particles were being charged, forces manipulated. And then one of their attackers disintegrated. Then another. Then a third. Spitting pools of acidic gel littered the remains, preventing restoration.

The roar of an obscenely powerful diesel engine deafened them. Drawing their attentions to the gap in the west wall. A massive, but crudely constructed van stood. Alois threw himself on top of Morrighan as the ionic smell rose again, annihilating another. Gabriel drew sharp breath as the three barrelled turret on the van roof turned, following a fifth targets movements. A near silent pulse of energy left nothing but a corroded crater in the wall.

Porter looked up limply.

[i:4be58d170e]“Well? Don’t just stand there, Beowulf! Get the fuck in!”[/i:4be58d170e]

Gabriel’s mind reeled. Morrighan’s almost crumbled in on itself.

Both Kindred said what they first thought.

[i:4be58d170e]“Alekz?”[/i:4be58d170e]

By the time any of them had dared to speak, the club was a faint warm glow, barely visible behind the darkened city blocks out the smeared back windows of Alekz van. The massive deisel engine growled as they snaked their way through the innards of the city, towards what the one time assassin Alekz had merely called 'home'.

The van was a slip-shod affair at best, held together by great dubious patches of welded steel in some spots, and mere bungee chords in others. Six of them sat in the back on a pair of opposing benches, staring at one another blankly. Porter, Gabriel, Alois, and their as yet unintroduced Lasombra 'friend' watched each other nonchalantly. In the seat nearest the door (that threatened to swing open with each tightly taken turn) sat a pair of well dressed Kindred they had picked up at the last moment, if only to prevent their deaths at the hands of the cultists. Gabriel knew their names, Isabella and Ewan, and little else about them.

They shared the main hold with the cannon that had so effectively saved their unlives, a great contraption clearly constructed by a similiar designer to whom the van owed credit, presumably Alekz. The gun contained standard construction pipes, drainage pipes, pieces of a Cadillac engine, and several other components Gabriel couldn't identify.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Alright,"[/i:f84ed6dc6f] the Lasombra spoke, his eyes flickering darkly between the group, [i:f84ed6dc6f]"I'll be the first to say it. What the fuck?"[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"I don't..."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] Gabriel blurted, but was quickly cut off.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"What is this? I arrive in this backwater city and the very first night I'm attacked by animals or ghouls or whatever the hell they were!! Where were the cops?! Where was the Scourge?! Where the bloody fucking hell was the PRINCE?! Who runs this city?! This is..."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] the Lasombra halted mid-sentence and then visibly relaxed, his posture loosening. Gabriel eminated serenity and composure.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"I've never run across those...things...before. I'm not sure where they came from, or what they wanted. The police I cannot explain, as for a Prince, Cascadia has not had one for some time now."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Hmm. Alright fancy pants, I guess we'll figure this out together. And use your disciplines on me again and I might not take as kindly to it."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] The Lasombra sat back and smoothed his tattered slacks.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Duly noted. And you can call me Gabriel."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

The Gangrel, physically exhausted, stared at the passing road through a rusted hole in the bed of the van. Beyond him, Alois peered at the Ventrue inquisitively.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"You said the city hasn't had a Prince for some time?"[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"That's right."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] Gabriel replied, returning his attention to the back window and scanning the streets anxiously for any signs that they were being trailed.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"What happened to the last one?"[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"His name was Valek...he was somewhat too eccentric for the Inner Council's liking. He was removed from power."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] Gabriel said simply. A pair of halogen lights filled the darkened van with soft blue light and the Ventrue watched them suspciously.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"What happened to him?"[/i:f84ed6dc6f] Alois asked.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Not sure. In fact, I'm not sure anyone knows."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] The car took a side street and Gabriel sighed.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"How does the city maintain order?"[/i:f84ed6dc6f] Alois sounded more curious than concerned. Porter looked up.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Believe me, things are more orderly with Valek gone."[/i:f84ed6dc6f] the Gangrel said.

The van pulled to a stop and Alekz interupted the conversation he had been holding with Morrighan, who sat comfortably in the passenger seat. Alekz youthful face peered into the back.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Here we are...Casa de Alekz!"[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

The kindred filed out and found themselves standing in front of a derelect housing tenement. Gabriel scanned the street once more, and relaxed, assured they were not being followed.

*******************************

The fire department could do little but wait for the framework of the club to collapse and try to contain the blaze from spreading. There would be no way to tally up the body count until they could sift through the ashes, and at the rate this thing was burning, it wouldn't be long.

Across the street from the club, a lone figure sat atop the roof, unnoticed by the official below. Clad in black combat fatigues, he watched the fire slowly rage and then begin to die. A tiny receiver in his ear chirped with static and then a familiar voice.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Antigone 3 report in."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

The man activated the microphone in his collar and whispered.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Antigone 3 to Creone, leeches."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Antigone 3, please repeat and confirm."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

The figure's eyes scanned the debris that lay in the street. The crushed bricks had been spared a charred demise, and were raked with great claw marks that Antigone 3 was far too familiar with.

[i:f84ed6dc6f]"Creone. Repeat. Leeches. Definately leeches."[/i:f84ed6dc6f]

As the group piled out of the van Herman hung towards the back of the group, he felt almost despondent, not only had he met something that he might not be able to inflict the final death upon but worse still he had let it get to him. Quite uncouth behaviour, he would have to apologise to the Ventrue at some stage. But for now he had to survive.

That and get himself one of those cannons.

Who was this guy? This Alekz, if he had heard right. Some kind of Techno-freak? The evening was becoming stranger and stranger. Pinching the bridge of his nose he sighed. By the way everything seemed to be going it wasn’t going to get better. But on top of everything else something else was clamouring at the edge of his conscience.

[i:f20f85ffff]The Car. [/i:f20f85ffff]

Groaning he slunk along after the group into the battered tenement building. What a night…

Suddenly grinned, his posture straitening, at least it was interesting; the dammed he supposed had to be careful what they wished for. Well thankfully he still had his mobile, strapped to his right calf. So long as he had that he could.. Well that was hardly the point, firstly he had to find out what the hell was going on.

OOC ...wow..amazing guys!! shit.....sorry I've not been around....gosh you've being busy!!! Well here goes for what it's worth.

Isabella couldn't quite believe where she was...or rather who she was with or, what set her even more on edge....who Ewan was amongst.



[i:980d5e319e]" That was amazing Izzy....a damn sight better than you see on any cable channel!!! did you see those guys....what where they do you think ....some sort of ghouls? pretty horrific but boy did these guys fight back like their unlife depended on it ....did you see the one that ...well he looked like a wolf....you know like in ...damn whats that film called? it's a comic book hero sort of film...anyway he looked like him...damn Izzy can you do stuff like that? I hope you can't I'd be pretty mad if you could and ....owwww"[/i:980d5e319e]

Ewan stopped his inane chatter as she gripped his wrist ....tighter......and tighter......and even tighter...until it felt like his bones were going to explode under the pressure as she tightened the grip she spoke ...quietly.

[i:980d5e319e]"Ewan I have a suggestion.....maybe you should be quiet...just look around you ....the people that you are amongst .....each and everyone a vampire........one of us however has resisted using you as a food bag ....I'm not so sure that any of these would see you as a friend ....more as a takeaway perhaps..."[/i:980d5e319e]

The realization of what she was saying hit Ewan and he glanced around hesistantly...His Isabella would protect him he was sure of that ....but still it was rather .....ohhhh shit......he looked away as......

[i:980d5e319e]" It's Isabella isn't it?"[/i:980d5e319e]

The longing in her to run was unbearable...maybe it was time....what did they say ...face your fear ....or forever be scared.

[i:980d5e319e]" forgive me I'm rather confused as to what has just happened...I mean those things .....they were simply horrific, obviously doing someone elses bidding so to speak .....nothing like that can act upon its own accord.....they have no intellect...it makes you wonder who is actively seeking out our kind in the city, this is one of the reason's that I have ....I'm sorry ....I'm rambling..... I am Isabella Garrett and you are ?"[/i:980d5e319e]

As she reached out her hand he looked upon her and took in her appearance.....smart but casual grey suit worn with a white shirt that just allowed a glimpse of cleavage....obviously expensive....she wore little makeup and a light lipstick, her almost blue black hair was drawn back into a tight bun, making her look almost stern but her bright blue eyes sparkled as she smiled waiting for his reply.

((hey guys..sorry the internet at my apartment's down :/ i'll try and post tonight.

[i:e9cefe1caf]“Alekz??!!??”[/i:e9cefe1caf]

The twin puppies of Joy and Delight tumbled unrestrainedly in Morrighan's breast at the sound and sight of her Sire, leaning from the window of the dilapidated vehicle. Her body moved of it's own accord before she even registered the intense need to be the one to occupy the seat next to him. Nor did she realize that, with the slamming of the passenger door, she had shut away the rest of their passengers from her consciousness.

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Alekz? Is it really you?"[/i:e9cefe1caf] Disbelief vibrated in her words, yet begged them to be true. [i:e9cefe1caf]"I... I... You're supposed to be dead!"[/i:e9cefe1caf] Her own words shocked her badly and she babbled out more. [i:e9cefe1caf]"I mean really dead! F... Final... Death."[/i:e9cefe1caf] Morrie choked as she whispered the last two words and fell silent, staring at their driver. Was it really him... or another double.

She gave him a hurried once-over and made note of the fact that his appearance seemed out of place to the youthfulness of his face. Gone were the immaculately pleated slacks of his former life, as well as the silk shirts and Italian shoes. Instead he was now encased in jeans that had seen much better days, loafers that were more than scuffed and a decidedly ragged and moth-eaten pullover.

But the most telling feature of all was the burning intensity of his eyes as he cast quick glances her way. He, too, was doing his own assessments. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Yes, I know, Morag. I had no choice, if one of us was going to survive that debacle. I had to leave you there, alone and expiring. I'm sorry."[/i:e9cefe1caf] For the first time in their relationship, he used the name she preferred above all others.

Now the dual squirrels of Chaos & Confusion ran a constant circle in her mind as she tried to sort out her thoughts and decide how to proceed. Alekz was no longer her beloved jailer and she wasn't a kidnapped ghoul any more. Now they were Sire and childer. But that didn't mean she could be controlled so easily. Anger began to bubble to the surface.

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Tell me, Alekz. Tell me what happened!"[/i:e9cefe1caf] she demanded, [i:e9cefe1caf]"I have a right to know."[/i:e9cefe1caf] Suddenly, he turned frighteningly dark and maddened eyes on her, hand raised to knock her into next week or, simply, out the van's door. As was his wont, as if he had the right to do so. But the fist couldn't hold it's shape and the thin arm, suddenly exposed, couldn't prevent the trembling that overtook it, until he regained it's grip on the steering wheel.

The Maven gusted a sigh, either in frustration or defeat, she wasn't sure. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Yes, you do, but not now, Morrie. All will come to light soon enough. Be patient."[/i:e9cefe1caf] She fell silent at his use of the hated appellation because all it did was let her know that he was displeased with her. It also brought heavy memories. Ones she preferred to forget.

****************

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Alekz!! Pass me another clip!! This one is just about empty and there's another wave coming. We can't hold them for long and I do hope the cavalry gets here soon!'[/i:e9cefe1caf] She extended her arm backwards, keeping her eye on the doorway, and felt the strength of his hand as he gripped her wrist tightly; waited for the smack of expected ammo to hit the palm of her hand.

Instead, he swung her around and into his chest, pinioning her arms with just one of his. Surprise caught her offguard and allowed him the action that he took and by the time she realized the danger she was in, it was too late. He sank sharp fangs into her neck and the euphoria of his feeding swept her out to sea and she went limp.

The hopeless situation they had been drawn into faded into an obscure place where an old jew, Abram Kaniel, waited for her with twinkling eyes. Yet, once again her tormentor drew her away with his blood as he forced her to drink more deeply than before.

This time, as she died for real, there was no one waiting for her. Only the cold, lonely dark and the blurred, retreating sight of Alekz's face leaning in to whisper in her ear. [i:e9cefe1caf]"This is how it must be, Morrie. Somehow, we've been betrayed and abandoned. Remember when you next awaken, you're the only Maven left and there are some that would give what little humanity they might have left... and more... to acquire you and your "talent". Be afraid of all Kindred, my dear, be [b:e9cefe1caf]very[/b:e9cefe1caf] afraid!"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

She felt him lay her gently on her back, arms outflung, spent gun barely touching her fingertips. Then he closed her eyes with a sweep of his fingers and she heard his footsteps moving away, in the direction of battle. More gun fire and the whine of bullets, followed by shouts and screams from a vague distance. Then a deathly silence. A lone tear managed to escape before the darkness pressed her down.

****************

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Here we are...Casa de Alekz!"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

Her Sire's words dragged the young woman from the black funk she'd sunk into. Frowning, she exited and went to stand with the rest on the sidewalk, awed at the level her educator and one-time lover had sunk to. She was the only one that seemed to notice the man that shuffled out and away from the barely covered recess of the doorway.

The rest of the motley party of undead noticed him all at the same time as the dim-eyed hulk, standing nearly six feet tall, steered around them and silently made his way to the van's door. Alekz opened it and, much to the amazement of all who watched, allowed the brute to remove him from the van.

Craddled in the human's arms, the Maven reached in and retrieved a couple of items, slammed the door shut and gave the order to move inside. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Alright, everyone, Jonas and I will lead the way, just follow, please. Questions and explanations will have to wait until we're inside."[/i:e9cefe1caf] He gave a quick, enigmatic glance towards the red-haired woman but said nothing more. Merely tapped his fleshy porter on the shoulder and the mute entered the building.

Once inside, they piled into an equally antique lift with an expandable gate. With many false stops and shuddering starts, they reached the fourth floor. The top of the tenement, from the looks of the numbered buttons on the wall of the cage. A short walk brought them to the only door in the solitary corridor. The splitting outer paneling spoke of past glory days but the nose itching smell of mold and mildrew said it didn't have much longer.

Alekz leaned down and grasped the doorknob in a firm gesture and it sprang open with a lengthy screech. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Trust me, it was locked."[/i:e9cefe1caf] He gave a tight smile to the group. [i:e9cefe1caf]"You have to know the correct way to open it, once it's secured."[/i:e9cefe1caf] Then he gave a pensive look downward before flicking his eyes back upward at the group standing in the hallway. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Or you wind up [b:e9cefe1caf]very[/b:e9cefe1caf] dead."[/i:e9cefe1caf] He and his valet entered his sanctuary.

The ghoul crossed the main entry to a serviceable wheelchair and lowered him gently. Tucking a waiting, nearby blanket across his knees, he stood up and stared at the group before his master. Piggy little eyes said they trusted no one and nobody to tend his master as well as he did. Alekz waved at an ecclectic mix of seating and everyone filed in to gingerly place their bodies on frail furniture.

Without looking at him, Alekz ordered his servant away. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Get my guests some "refreshment". Then go on with your assignments until I ring for you again."[/i:e9cefe1caf] Jonas let out a huff of displeasure but left swiftly, sweeping all with a look that promised retribution if his master should come to harm. He returned with wine goblets of vitae on a tray, set it down and then left just as quickly as he had returned.

Gabriel decided that it was time for one of them to speak their piece. He glanced around, lingered a bit on Morrighan, who'd moved a seat close to Alekz's side and then centered on his host. [i:e9cefe1caf]"Alright, I think some clarification is in order here. We can start with you, miss..."[/i:e9cefe1caf], he glanced at Morrighan, [i:e9cefe1caf]"...or, you, Alekz. Which one wants to go first?"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

Morag turned an even more ghastly shade of pale and glanced frantically at her Sire. She turned stricken eyes to Gabriel and then to Porter, before sweeping blank ones over Isabella, Ewan, Alois and Herman. Air passages nearly closed down in reaction as she stammered, [i:e9cefe1caf]"I... I... can't! Not here. Not with them here, Ventrue. [b:e9cefe1caf]Or HIM!"[/b:e9cefe1caf][/i:e9cefe1caf] She darted a look from the corner of her eyes at the man beside her. [i:e9cefe1caf]" Don't ask this of me!! You know why I can't say anything!!"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

The building hysterical note in her speech had her ex-lover reaching out to calm her with a touch to her shoulder. [i:e9cefe1caf]"It's alright Morrie. You don't have to. It's alright."[/i:e9cefe1caf] As fast as the panic had struck, it left almost as quickly, with each of his strokes. But her brown eyes pleaded with O'Brien and Porter.

This left Gabriel even more perplexed and the Gangrel just plain tired of it all. [i:e9cefe1caf]"I want to understand why you feel I'm a threat to you, young woman!"[/i:e9cefe1caf], the elder Ventrue barked at her. [i:e9cefe1caf]"I've never seen you before in my life!! I'm pretty sure my companion hasn't either or he'd have told me so by now."[/i:e9cefe1caf] The ancient kindred at his side growled low in agreement, nostrils flaring as he tried to take in her scent again.

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Perhaps, I can make things perfectly clear with one word, Gabe?"[/i:e9cefe1caf] He didn't look at Morrighan but he gripped her hand hard enough to swing her face around to stare into his. He let his surprise fall into the utter quiet.

[i:e9cefe1caf]"Serai"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

It took several minutes for the truth to strike at Gabriel and he stared intently at the woman sitting opposite to him. Then he nodded his head as if having figured out the puzzle. Yes, the hair was different, the eyes changed, the body mass a touch more fulsome. But the structure, heighth and movements were the same. Those were harder to erase or change without surgery or re-training. And, finally, the whole death-threat thing made sense.

Porter, however, was still left dangling in the dark as O'Brien swung suddenly hot and intense eyes back to their chair-bound rescuer. Alekz didn't give them time to work up any more outrage. They had more important issues to expend anger upon. He lowered his head in both hands, as if in sorrow, then dug nails into his scalp and dragged them downward, as he raised his face.

The outer layer of skin slowly peeled away and, the once young and fresh Alekzandre Thain, revealed the features of a 50 yr. old wasted man. Again the young Maven woman questioned as to whether this was the [b:e9cefe1caf]real[/b:e9cefe1caf] Alekz... or another clone. But then, only her master could have know about Cyrilynn's handmaiden.

[i:e9cefe1caf]"OH, Alekz!!"[/i:e9cefe1caf] her tones tinged with bitterness and sorrow, [i:e9cefe1caf]"What have you done?"[/i:e9cefe1caf]

((Ok, I've been at this for hours and my eyes are bleary. I'll fine comb this later and make needed changes. I'm heading back to bed. Cya in a bit and I hope ya all post more! Great job, Izzy. Keep it up guys!!:)))

((ummm...wow....

...yup...just wow!

[quote:8c4eeba571="Gabriel"]((ummm...wow....

...yup...just wow![/quote:8c4eeba571]

Couldn't put it better myself. Way to go Trish!

“Oooooo-K” The Lasombra let slip out under his breath, he felt as if he had walked into some Damned version of the Jerry Springer show. Sighing he leant against the wall in the shade of the door way, in recent years he always felt better in the shadows. He remembered in life, rejoicing at the sun on his face, now though even bright lights left him feeling exposed, uneasy in a way he couldn’t define. He could hold it in check perfectly well, it wasn’t that there was anything wrong with standing in the light, he was just… more comfortable out of it.

Tilting his head he spoke into Alois’ ear, almost silently, few but the heightened senses of a degenerate could even detect the whisper. Not that he believed the other Kindred would notice, so enraptured they seemed.
“What the hell is going on? Why are we in this dive? And who’s that guy?” As he finished he nodded towards their apparent savoir.

There was almost no way this night could get any stranger, Herman thought for the second time in the night.

He cursed himself for the idiocy of the thought almost immediately and began to scan the room for weapons, anyone who could make that cannon could surely make a hand held version?

The Ventrue's eyes narrowed and were drawn instantly towards his possible escape routes. What [i:c51416463a]was[/i:c51416463a] this?

[i:c51416463a]"Whoever you might be...I think you owe us an explanation."[/i:c51416463a] Gabriel hissed, his hands tightly clasped behind him back. The pitiful wretch before him gazed wearily from the chair.

[i:c51416463a]"Listen O'Brien,"[/i:c51416463a] Porter grumbled, his heavy furrowed brow showcasing his disapproval of the situation, [i:c51416463a]"I didn't go through all this shit tonight just to play Scooby Doo Mysteries. Lets find out just who this prick is."[/i:c51416463a]

Before any of the corterie could object, the Gangrel lurched forward and grabbed the wheelchairs padded armrest. In a one nimble movement he toppled the chair and it's unfortunate inhabitant. Alekz fell sprawling to the floor, his hands outstretched to break his fall.

[i:c51416463a]"Alekzandre!!!"[/i:c51416463a] Morag cried out, but the ancient Gangrel had already straddled the cripple and sat with one hand over his throat and the other displaying a gruesome set of feral claws.

There was apparently no doubt of the old man's identity in her mind, because she instantly leapt out of Porter's striking distance and leveled her unique pistol at his skull.

[i:c51416463a]"Get up. I SAID GET UP!!"[/i:c51416463a] she shrieked, blood tears now beginning to form. The Gangrel grimaced but did not relinquish his position.

The old man's massive retainer now re-entered the room, shock quickly morphing to fury. His mighty frame charged the nearest betrayer and within seconds Herman had subdued the massive man with little effort.

[i:c51416463a]"Porter...Porter...let him up."[/i:c51416463a] The tension softened for a moment, the air becoming slightly fragrant. Like a cool breeze soaking up the carressing aromas of open fields, the atmosphere was perceptively calming. Once more, the Ventrue exuded tranquility. The thick Gangrel's muscles visibly slackened, and Morrag's barrel fell ever so slightly.

[i:c51416463a]"If nothing else Porter, we owe him our unlives tonight. Perhaps we should let him have his say before we gut him like a fish, eh?"[/i:c51416463a] Gabriel smiled slightly, his contenance soothing. Porter looked back at the old man who lay straining under his considerable weight.

He stood but did not move to assist Alekz, who struggled to right his chair. Once he had righted himself, in part due to Morrag's assistance, the elderly figure sighed despondantly.

[i:c51416463a]"I do owe you all an explanation..."[/i:c51416463a] he placed a wrinkled hand on Morrag's, perhaps more for his own support than hers. [i:c51416463a]"Where to begin?"[/i:c51416463a]

****************************************

The great chateau blocked out a better part of the night's infinite blackness. Great spotlights that lit the ground hid it in part from their view. If the blueprints had been right however, they should have little problem infiltrating the compound and reaching their objective.

The extravagant manor was constructed in a similiar fashion to many of the other mansions in rural France, to be a carnate reflection of the owner's wealth and opulence. With it's intricate and well kept hedge maze and garden stretching alongside the massive and well-lit front drive it certainly bore some resemblance to the ancient palaces French royalty had speckled the countryside with.

The building itself was a massive work, intricate masonry rose to three perceivable stories, the windows darkened and lifeless. From behind the delicately patterned curtains, the five shadows that even now slipped adroitly over the front gate would be unnoticable.

Alekzandre Thain motioned to his compatriots to stay near. He didn't know much about the owner of the house other than what his contacts had provided him with. A rich Kindred of indiscernable lineage that had lived in the area as long as anyone active these nights could recall. He was something of a socialite and the local Primogen had chalked up several high society disappearances to his dinner parties.

[i:c51416463a]"He was reported leaving three nights ago. So this should be a cakewalk."[/i:c51416463a] Alekz whispered, his youthful face barely visible in the waning moonlight. [i:c51416463a]"His study is in the eastern wing...second floor."[/i:c51416463a]

He motioned to a lightless window.

[i:c51416463a]"We get in, get what we came for, and get out."[/i:c51416463a]

His corterie nodded compliance and the group set off through the hedgemaze. Every so often, Alekz stopped the group and sat silently listening for minutes at a time.

[i:c51416463a]"Alekz.."[/i:c51416463a]

[i:c51416463a]"Quiet."[/i:c51416463a] he held his hand to his pale lips and concentrated. If the rumors were true...they didn't want to run across any of his security forces. IF the rumors were true.

In the distance, the murmor of conversation was barely detectable. Alekz slipped over the final wall of the hedge maze, moving swiftly enough to spare the plant his full weight. Once all five members were over they darted towards the wall of the house, pressing their bodies close to it's cool exterior.

Within a breadth, Alekz had gracefully scaled the exterior wall and sliced a small hole from the window and maneuvered his lithe form through into the darkened room beyond. Alekzandre extended his senses and began to get a clear perception of the dimensions of the darkened room.

The lights burst to life, exposing the startled Alekzandre, who wrenched his pistol from it's resting place. There was a [i:c51416463a]thunk[/i:c51416463a] as a thick steel cover slid down over the window that had served as Alekzandre's entrance port.

Three figures appeared in the doorway. Two appeared to be identical twins. Tall and lean with dark complexions, they both peered at their prey with a predatory hunger. Between them, a figure who exuded authority towered over them. His posture and presence were regal and assured, a large shalk of raven black hair cascaded down his back and framed dark features.

[i:c51416463a]"Denneval, I presume."[/i:c51416463a] Alekz tossed the pistol down. If the clone guard left any doubt in Alekzandre's mind, the pure power that seeped and flowed from Denneval communicated clearly the resistance would be ill advised.

[i:c51416463a]"Insistent to the last boy."[/i:c51416463a] the vampire crooned, his teeth glistening with a savage satisfaction.

[i:c51416463a]"The last? Hardly. The Primogen know of your experiments Denneval."[/i:c51416463a] he eyes the clones, who seemed to be restrained by some invsible will.

[i:c51416463a]" If the Primogen already know, why are you trembling? I see through you like sunlight through glass. You are transparent little Grendel. Your allies are outside, no? Fighting for their very u