Shattered Scepters

DISCLAIMER:
The Clan names, discipline names and structure, titles other things are copyrighted to White Wolf Game Studio neither I, nor this story, are affiliated with White Wolf or any of their associates or subsidiaries, nor I do not receive any monetary compensation from the publication of this narrative. You can stop reading this now and have a nice day :~)

Disclaimer (part 2): The song quoted in this chapter is “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails (aka “NIN”) produced by Flood and Trent Reznor and mixing engineer Alan Moulder with special Hi-Hat programming by Flood, all rights remain with them. I receive no monetary or material gain from their use in this story nor am I associated with them in any way shape or form.

~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~**~~*~~


CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTIONS

Vincent shot the pillar, and instantly an explosion of fire and shrapnel engulfed the room. Stephan dove towards John, pushing him to the safety of the floor; Stephan then looked over and saw Catherine sprawled out on the floor, a piece of metal from the exploding pillar lodged in her skull. Her lifeless brown eyes staring at him, he tore his eyes away in time to see Aloria, the Toreador Primogen, grab one of her fellow kindred and smash through the window, landing on the narrow ledge before disappearing into the night.

“John, make it to the ledge.” Stephan ordered, looking back on his Regnant, who welcome the fire’s embrace with open arms. Stephan got to his feet and began helping the other ghouls get their Regnants to the safety of the ledge as others tried to open the locked doors of the conference room. When some of the stronger Kindred began making their way towards the doors, Vincent shot them in the hearts with the Dragon Breath rounds, killing them instantly. The burning image of his Regnant picking off his fellow Kindred was a terrifying site. A second smaller explosion was heard, Stephan glanced back and noticed that his Regnant’s hand was now missing; the gun had presumably exploded in his grasp.

Stephan’s eyes were burning from the smoke and he coughed uncontrollably as he helped pull and unconscious Emma Marks to safety, a burning hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. The distorted, melting face of Vincent was closing disturbingly close, Stephan watched in horror as his Regnant’s eyes melted from their sockets. The vampire hissed before burying his fangs into Stephan’s throat.

--------------------~*~--------------------

He awoke suddenly from his nightmare; it took his mind a couple of moments to take in his current surroundings. He was safe at home; the bed sheets tangled about his waist as sweat glistening off his naked chest. To calm his mind he analyzed his dream, picking out the inconsistencies, such as the presence of Emma Marks in his dream when she was not at the meeting, and how his Regnant grab him and bit him another facet that did not happen. It was just one of the many nightmares he suffered almost nightly, he sighed heavily and ran his through his long hair, a quick glance at the clock revealed he had slept for just over three hours.

It had been almost 10 years since his former Regnant’s betrayal and attempted massacre of the Las Vegas Primogen. The shocking act is still under investigation by the clan’s elders, everyone knows Vincent Bruno snapped, but no one knows why. Probably the most disturbing thing about the assault was that neither Vincent’s body nor anything of his could be found, no clothing, no jewelry, nothing. Many argue that he is dead; however, a very few disagree. Isabella insisted that her father was still alive and had assigned one ghoul to search all possible rumors of his whereabouts; Stephan was infinitely grateful that that pointless job was not his.

He got out of bed and started a pot of coffee before he showered and dressed in a simple button up shirt and ripped blue jeans. His hair now fell past his collar, almost halfway down his shoulder blades, it was fortunately long enough now to pull back into a decent ponytail that would stay out of his face. The length of his hair still bothered him; however his current Regnant, Isabella Bruno, had no complaints.

He poured a cup of coffee, pulled a highlighter from the pencil holder by the phone and sat at his small dining room table to review the list of strip club he still needed to visit. He had heard rumors of a new kindred in town who had yet to introduce herself to the Prince. With some work he managed to obtain a vague description, and learned that she is working as a stripper and he was fairly certain that she was of the Malkavian clan. The one thing he could not pinpoint was the name of the club she worked. He presented this information to his Regnant, who failed to see the value of his findings. He calmly explained that he owed a debt to the Malkavian Primogen and this would repay that debt, he also explained that bringing her before the Prince would reflect favorably in the Prince’s eyes. Isabella agreed and encouraged his search by suggesting that he begin trolling the clubs in search of her, so much to his discomfort and embarrassment he spent the past four nights systematically eliminating clubs. He did not like this assignment, but he would never let anyone know, he was known among the kindred for his emotionless demeanor and self control. Some considered this a prized commodity and many attempts had been made to trade or purchase him from Isabella; and to date she has refused all offers. Isabella was oblivious to many things; however, Stephan’s worth was not something that escaped her attention.

He highlighted six clubs he intended on visiting as he sipped the strongly brewed coffee. Stephan hoped he would find her soon; his bank account was beginning to take a serious hit from all the cover charges he had to pay. He sighed, finished his coffee and made a mental note to put gas in his car before heading out.

--------------------~*~--------------------

Five hours and $60 later Stephan finally found the woman he was looking for as the announcer just broadcasted that “Lollipop” would be the next dancer on the center stage. The sound of Nine Inch Nails blared from the speakers she walked onto the stage, sensual, determined strides that matched the beat of the music. Stephan sipped his rum and coke as he watched her.

I'm drunk. And right now I’m so in love with you. The song began as she leaned against the pole, slowly sliding down, running a pale hand through her dark burgundy hair, her eyes closed and carefully painted lips opened slightly.

And I don't want to think too much about what we should or shouldn't do. The song continued, as she pulled open her white shirt and let it fall to the stage. Her small breasts were covered by a sheer black bra which left little to the imagination.

Lay my hands on Heaven and the sun and the moon and the stars. Her hand cupped her breast and ripped open the bra, which joined the shirt in a crumpled pile.

While the devil wants to fuck me in the back of his car. She rose up on her knees, arching her back, pointing her breasts towards the ceiling. One hand in her hair the other slipping beneath her short skirt. It was a brief image of an orgasm.

Nothing quite like the feel of something new. She rose to her feet and spun to face the pole. She held it with one hand as her body undulated like a snake against the gleaming metal. He had to acknowledge that unlike many of the other dancers he’d seen, she has real dance talent. The chorus seemed to go on forever, proclaiming maybe I’m all messed up over and over again. She spun, stripping off her short skirt in the process, leaving her in nothing more than a pink g-string, thigh high fishnet stockings and dangerous looking pair of silver-heeled stilettos. Bills of varying denomination hung from her panties and the top of her stockings.

This is the only time I really feel alive. The chorus finally ended. She dropped to her knees and began crawling towards the end like a hungry sexual beast on the prowl, using her mouth to take a dollar from a woman at the edge of the stage.

I swear. I just found everything I need. Her intense green eyes rolled up and found Stephan. Those incredible eyes locked onto his and in that moment he felt as though she were reading him. The sexual energy rolled off her in massive tidal waves, threatening to drown him in indescribable ecstasy.

The sweat in your eyes the blood in your veins are listening to me. He found himself falling into her eyes; he felt as if she knew his deepest most secret desires and that she has the power and craving to fulfill them. He could feel her aching want to flesh out every dream and fantasy he’s ever had. For a moment he thought he heard her pleading voice begging with need to satisfy him, all he had to do was approach the stage. A familiar, yet almost forgotten, warmth made itself known as his right knee nearly buckled with urge to take that first step. The desire to approach her was almost overwhelming as it strained against his famous self-control.

She pulled her eyes away, breaking the spell. Well I want to wrap it up and swim in it until I drown. Stephan did not want to lose sight of her, he feared she would escape before he could take her to meet the Prince, but he could not watch her for fear of being pulled under her spell again.

My moral standing is lying down. He was grateful the song ended and the DJ stated that Lollipop would out on the floor. Stephan kept sharp eyes for the elusive red head, his desire to stop visiting strip clubs a strong motivator. The he saw her emerge from a small dark doorway, to his relief she was dressed, well sort of. She had pulled her long dark red hair into pig tails and was wearing a school girl type outfit made of a white shirt with black bra beneath and a small plaid skirt that probably began life as a tube top, her outfit was complete with small metal lunch box, presumably for storing tips.
She talked to the crowd, flirting with a couple of men, when a woman with long black hair caught her attention, and spoke into Lollipop’s ear. She smiled and lead the raven haired beauty to chair. Stephan watched as the Kindred danced for and on the woman sitting down. He felt like a voyeur, watching the seated woman roll her head back as the red head ran lips along the woman’s neck, pausing for a moment, as if she were speaking. The seated woman seemed to laugh and her grip on the arm of the chair tightened. Lollipop slid to kneel before the struck woman, and then gracefully rose to her full height, bowing slightly to the stunned woman. Stephan finally realized that Lollipop was feeding off the patron! She fed in public! She was either extremely skilled or very foolish. She threaded her way through the crowd, heading towards Stephan, he was not certain if he should be relieved or concerned by this.

Her dark makeup really emphasized her ivory complexion; dark thick eye make-up truly complimented her emerald green eyes, which glistened like gems. There was a slight, almost seductive grin upon her lips. He wondered if she knew the spell woven by those jewel tone green eyes, and then in the same heartbeat assumed that she did, as many Kindred have the ability to mold a human’s thoughts as a sculptor would mold clay.

She moved close to him, invading his personal space, her body almost touching his, yet he stood his ground. She smiled coyly and placed her painted lips close to his ear. “I know what you are.” She said her dark red, almost black lips carefully formed each word.

“You need to come with me.” He said matter-of-factly.

She moved back, and looked into his face; the dark eye make-up did nothing for the wide eyes innocent look she was attempting to pull off on him. “Am I in trouble?”

“I do not know.” He answered. He was trying to avoid eye contact; however, his normal tactic of staring at the throat or chest did not seem appropriate in this case, and he found the predicament a little frustrating.

“Do I have to get naked?” She asked, almost hopefully.

“No.” Stephan said, settling his gaze on her left shoulder oblivious to any attempt of flirtation she may have been trying.

“Aw heck.” Was the only resistance he encountered and for that he was grateful. She quickly changed into a longer plaid skirt that reached almost mid thigh; he could see the tops of her thigh high fishnet stocking which vanished into knee high vinyl platform boots. She followed him to his car, humming an odd tune to herself. The consummate gentleman, he opened her door first and then entered the car himself.

“By the way what’s your name?” She happily asked.

“Stephan Villos.” He answered starting the engine and placing the vehicle in gear.

“I know what you are, but not what clan.”

“I am Ventrue.” She answered.

“Really?” she sounded doubtful and was looking him over, “I guess they changed their corporate dress code.”

“I did not want to bring too much attention to myself.”

“Ah. So do you know what I am?” she asked looking about the car.

“I believe you are called a kook.” He responded.

“Hey!” she redirected her attention to him. “I’m not running around calling you a wop!” she protested, making it clear what she though of the common slang for her clan.

“You are correct, I do apologize.” He said, hoping not to excite the Malkavian.

“Ok, I accept.” She said. Silence fell between them and she listened to faint sounds of soft jazz. She twisted her face as though she had just eaten a live bug and changes the radio station to rock and roll. Stephan glanced at her and changed the radio back to soft jazz. She wasted no time in changing it back to the rock and roll; Stephan sighed softly and reached for the radio.

“You do realize I’m fractured, right?” she asked, Stephan’s hand froze an inch from the turner. Her voice sounded like a subtle warning and while it is acceptable to die for a cause; dying due to what radio station was selected did not, in his opinion, seem like a worthy cause. He returned his hand to the steering wheel without so much as a sigh. She smiled, and hummed softly to the latest hit by Linkin Park.

“So where are you from?” she asked after the song ended.

“Florence, Italy.”

“So, you are Italian?” she asked as the car slowed to a stop at a red light.

“Yes, I am.”

“Really! Do you speak Italian?”

Being at a red light allowed Stephan the time to look at the woman as if an elm tree had miraculously sprouted from between her eyes before answering her question. “Yes, I was born and grew up in Italy; therefore my native language is Italian.” He answered, speaking as though he were answering a child’s question.

“You don’t have an accent.” She eyed him suspiciously.

“My former Regnant had his ghouls learn to English speak without accents to avoid misunderstandings in business meeting.” He answered, watching the light change from red to green. His voice once again composed as he turned onto the I-15, heading towards the 215.

“Oh.” She said in a sing-song voice. “Strong languages like that make me horny.” She said out of the blue. Stephan was beginning to expect the unexpected from this woman and showed no reaction to her statement.

“Indeed.” He said, unable to think of anything else to say. She appeared to have a skill for catching him off guard and the fact that it happened twice within an hour unnerved Stephan and at the same time it reinforced his defenses and tightened the reins on his emotions. From the corner of his eye he could see her stare at him, again he had the sensation that she was reading him.

Stephan caught the Exit for Blue Diamond Road and followed it passed the last glittery, gaudy casino and three gas stations, into the darkness of the desert night. The ride was blessedly silent until he turned onto a small dirt road, leading towards one of the Stark’s estate, at least the one he uses for conducting Kindred business. He took his eyes from the moonlit road long enough to look at the stars, this was probably the only thing he enjoyed about this drive, being so far away from the city he could truly see the stars.

“Do I make you uncomfortable?” She asked.

“Why do you ask?” he countered.

“You just seem guarded and unapproachable, as if I’m going gobble up like you’re some kind of sweet treat. Do I make you that uncomfortable?” She asked.

“We’re here.” He said, pulling up in front of a large house, successfully avoiding her question.

“Whoa.” She sighed, staring at the tall three story manor house with the awe of a child, something Stephan had never seen in Kindred before. He climbed from the driver seat and quickly circled the car to the passenger side.

Her eyes still sparkled as she took in the large stone pillars flanking the tall spacious front entry; porch lights, shaped like iron torches, complete with flame shaped light bulbs, were displayed on the inside of the pillars bathing guests in a soft yellow glow. A second set of matching ‘torches’ were mounted on either side of the large arch shaped elegant front door, Lollipop giggled at the sight of the large door. The heavy, dark mahogany door loomed before them, reaching a height of eight feet, the reddish hued wood seem to glow with pride, an intricate ivy pattern ironwork dominated the lower portion of the doors and seemed to climb towards the top, getting thinner at it reached up and swirled about the door knobs, almost obscuring them from view. Stephan watched as she reached out to touch the doors, her hand almost trembling as it neared its mark, but just as she was about to touch the wood, the door opened she jerked her hand back.

“Stephan.” The incredibly thin woman greeted, she then looked him over from head to toe. “Interesting attire.” She commented, not sure what to make of his ripped jeans, white tee-shirt and untucked, unbuttoned flannel shirt; a dramatic change from his normal business attire.

“He’s incognito.” Lollipop offered, rather helpfully she thought.

“Ah, well. Would you like to come in?” she offered, stepping aside to allow them to enter, but not taking her gaze off the Malkavian.

“Thank you. Is Raven or William Stark available?” he asked, crossing the threshold, Lollipop followed, clutching her metal, Nightmare Before Christmas lunchbox and taking in the grandness of the house with the wonder of a child at Disneyland for the first time.

“You’re in luck they’re both here; however, Mr. Stark is in a meeting and will not be available for approximately 15 minutes. Raven is out back by the spa.”

“Thank you.” Stephan sad, leading the way to the back yard, lollipop was close behind everywhere she looked crystal sparkled, marble gleamed and dust bunnies hid in fear of the immaculate cleaning crew.

“Stephan.” A commanding female voice called. Stephan immediately stopped and turned to face the woman, who almost seemed to recoil at his appearance. The woman wore a formfitting gown of luxurious black velvet, with a black mink collar. The diamonds proudly displayed from her ears shone brighter than the chandelier, while her diamond bracelets could surely signal the Mir space station. Around her neck was a lavish diamond encrusted choker with three black diamond tear drops suspended on fine platinum chains. Her chocolate brown curls were pinned up in a stylish French Twist with two wisps on the left and one the right, deliberately left down to frame her regal face. Expertly applied make up drew attention to her satin brown eyes.

“Lady Pelletier.” He acknowledged with a gracious bow.

“Dressing down are we?” she asked, taking a crystal flute of viatea from a passing waiter in a black tux, complete with tails and a brilliant blue cummerbund and bowtie.

“He’s undercover.” Ever helpful, Lollipop volunteered again.

“And you are?” She said, as though were talking to a servant, keeping her hands to herself.

“Holly. I’m new.” She decided she did not like this woman. “You must be….” She glanced at Pelletier’s attire “…old.”

Pelletier sighed and chose not to enter into a battle of wits with this creature, after all it would be beneath her to go up against an unarmed opponent she reasoned, returning her attention to Stephan.

“Is your mistress here?” she asked, in an irritated tone.

“I do not know.”

“If you see her, let her know I am looking for her.” She ordered.

“Yes madam.” She said, again bowing slightly as she walked off. He glanced back at Holly who was making faces behind Lady Pelletier’s back.

“That is Lady Pelletier, she is the Ventrue Primogen.” He informed, a subtle hint that her antics were not appropriate, still careful to avoid eye contact.

“She won’t be Primogen for long, she has crowns in her eyes and the gears are turning.”

Stephan decided to dismiss this cryptic piece of insight as Malkavian ramblings, and suggested they continue their way towards Holly’s Primogen.

“There you are.” Isabella declared, placing a hand on Stephan’s shoulder. “Stephan, I know I said you need to loosen up, but this is a bit much.”

“He’s in disguise.” Holly happily offered; Stephan was not certain if should be annoyed or relieved by her supportive behavior.

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Isabella asked.

“I’m Molly.” She happily introduced, extending her hand, which Isabella took with a firm handshake. Stephan paused for a moment, he was under the impression that she had stated her name was Holly.

“This is my Regnant, Isabella Bruno. Your Primogen is the woman over there.” He said, assuming he misheard when she earlier introduced herself.

Well, aren’t you going to arrange a meeting?” Lollipop innocently asked. Stephan sighed and muttered softly under his breath how much he enjoyed being ordered about as he made his way towards the lunatic leader.

Isabella had not heard Stephan’s slip, but Lollipop had and silently filed it away for future use. Isabella’s question about Lollipop’s occupation pulled her attention from the Venture ghoul. Lollipop happily explained that she’s an exotic dancer and part time arsonist as if it were as natural as knitting.

“I may have some jobs for you.” Isabella commented, as Stephan returned, relaying that Raven would meet with Lollipop who happily skipped toward the crazy old lady.

“Lady Pelletier is looking you Ms. Bruno.” Stephan relayed, Isabella sighed and nodded.
“What do you need of me this evening?” Stephan asked.

Isabella glanced over at the red-haired Malkavian, a plan was beginning to form, but she would need to iron out a great many details before she acted upon anything. “Escort the Malkavian around. See to it she stays out of trouble.” She ordered. Stephan’s face remained unreadable as his mind began quickly searching for anything he might have done to displease his Regnant to the point she would loan him to a Malkavian for the night. “I want a report tomorrow night about who she spoke to and what was said.”

“Yes madam.” Stephan said, watching his Regnant walk into the house in search of her Primogen.

“Something wrong?” Lollipop asked. He spun to face her; he had not heard her approach.

“No, my Regnant has asked me to be your escort for the evening.” He informed this bit of information caught the Malkavian off guard as Lollipop looked as shocked as he felt. Silently he felt vindicated for the moments she had caught him off guard.

“Did you piss her off or something?” she asked.

“Not to my knowledge.”

“OoooooKay.” She said “Where’s this Stark guy?” she asked, changing topics.

“William Stark is the Prince of Las Vegas, his office is upstairs; I will show you.” Stephan offered, once again leading away; although Lollipop sincerely doubted he would be comfortable in front of her if he knew how much she was admiring the view. They walked up a winding narrow stair case to a rich dark mahogany door with a brushed steel door knob; Stephan politely knocked on the door and guided Lollipop in when they were granted entrance.

“Mr. Stark, there is a new Kindred in your city who needs to introduce themselves to you.” Stephan announced. Lollipop fidgeted with the plastic handle of her lunch box and looked like a deer in headlight.

“Please have a seat.” He offered, and then asked Stephan why he was not with his Regnant. To Stark’s credit he showed no emotion at the ghoul’s offered, simply nodded then returned his attention to the woman sitting before him, who was now digging through her lunchbox.

“What is your name?”

“Lollipop.” She said, holding a candy in her small hand as she closed her lunchbox.

He sighed and looked down at one of the papers on his desk as he asked her clan.

“Lollipop.” She repeated, as if that word were the obvious answer.

“Look I suspect I know; however, I need to hear you say it.” He explained Malkavians often got on his nerves.

“Malkavian, Dum-Dum.” She said it so quickly, it sounded like an insult, Stephan was prepared to move out of the way when the Prince leapt into a fury; however, the anger in the Prince’s eyes quickly vanished, when he saw the girl was offering him a small candy with the words Dum-Dum all over the wrapper.

“No thank you.” He sighed. “How long will you be in my city?”

“Until July 31th, 2003 9:45 Post Meridian Pacific Time.”

Both Stephan and Stark blinked “I am not use to such an exact answer.”

“I could estimate if you would like.”

“No that’s fine. Have you met with your Primogen and been told your feeding grounds?” she nodded happily. “Ok, do you have a job?”

“I strip.” She casually answered.

“Is that wise in your condition?”

“Oh yeah, I won’t be showing signs of pregnancy for at least two months.”

“Um, no, that’s not what I meant.”

“Oh you mean the whole vampire thing.” She giggled. “Yeah, I’m warm-blooded; I got it from my Sire.”

“Good. Now do you have any questions for me?”

“Sucker.” Lollipop offered, holding out another candy.

“No, if there is nothing else, I have another meeting to attend.”

Lollipop shrugged, stood up and left the room with Stephan close behind. She paused at the doorway, looking back over Stephan’s shoulder at Stark.

“Beware the Ides of March, oh Cesar for it is your friend you should fear. They are the ones out to get you.” She said her tone lucid and face serious.

“Of course they’re out to get me. Everyone is out to get me. I’m Prince.” He said, ignoring her prophecy.

She sighed softly to herself and made her way down the stairs towards a room with four large leather couches surrounding a slate coffee table with huge white Lily floral arrangement. Why did no one take her seriously when she had really important stuff to tell them? No one believe her until it was too late. She sat down gracefully in a leather armchair it was at times like these she felt like Kassandra, blessed to know the future but cursed in that no one would believe her. She dismissed her melancholy thoughts and cheerfully introduced herself to the three ladies who were there at ‘Polly’ and sat down and immediately launched into stories about her exciting date with Stephan, who immediately protested that it was not a date.

“Yes it was.” Lollipop protested, explaining how she danced, and dined and he had a drink. The other women listened and were soon agreeing with ‘Polly’ that it did sound like a date.

“It was not a date.” Stephan protested his voice and face devoid of emotions.

“But there was dancing and dinner, at least for her.” The Brujah pointed out, gesturing towards Lollipop, who beamed happily.

“And you drove, and money was spent on her.” Emma agreed.

“The money was a cover charge for me to get into the club.”

“Women often do not have a cover-charge.” Lollipop explained,; however, while her information was accurate it was also out of context, implying that the two of them had gone to a club together.

“Stephan, it does sound like a date.” Emma said, her Burgundy satin dress a beautiful compliment to her pale skin and dark hair, which had been pulled back into a French braid that would have reached her knees if she were standing, but now it was curled on the couch beside her. Simple ruby studs sparkled in her ears and her graceful neck was encircled by a matching burgundy satin collar with a simple diamond buckle.

“You do realize that you are disagreeing with the Ventrue…” he calmly indicated himself “…and agreeing with the Malkavian.” He gestured toward Lollipop. The conversation stopped, Lollipop was extremely proud of herself, it did not take much effort to momentarily infect the room with her insanity.

A loud shot gun blast coming from the front yard pulled Stephan attention away from his ward, when he heard his Regnant’s name in correlation to being out front, he abandoned Lollipop and ran outside.

“Our date just got interesting!” she squealed and followed the ghoul out into the well manicured yard.