Blood on the Border

8/3/2019 Blood on the Border

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Blood on the Border

Two cities. Two Princes. One border. No way out. A VtR chronicle set in San Diego, Ca. andTijuana, Mexico.

Eugène "Gene" Brunet

Embraced: 1898Sire: François PoissonClan: Gangrel (Bruja)Covenant: Unaligned

Description:

Gene's outfit is an amalgamate of archaic and modern clothing, featuring century-old,leather Samurai armor and tunic, masked by tight, dark shirts, usually in a Zeppelindesign, or featuring some other classic rock band, as Gene has grown to love andappreciate classic rock music. He wears jeans, black cowboy boots, and, of course, a blackleather jacket, adorned with spikes and gang flair - a souvenir he'd collected from his short

time spent with the Bruja. Gene wears his dark hair long, and has a black, Fu Manchu-style beard. His eyes are equally dark, brooding, and mysterious. They often have adegree of coldness and seriousness to them, all the better to aid Gene's already-stoicnature. His skin is slightly darker than normal - a result of his turning mixed with hisalready French and Japanese blood. Gene also carries his katana, sheathed over his back,and his partner-in-crime, the wakizashi, by his side. His belt holds a flask and a fewcanisters of fresh blood, which he often replenishes whilst going about his feeding rituals.

Background:

Eugène Brunet was born on January 12, 1862 in Edo, Japan. His father was Jules Brunet, aprominent French officer and strategist, who aided the army of Shogun TokugawaYoshinobu during the Boshin War, in 1868, against the imperial army, led by EmperorMeiji. His mother, Sakura, was a Japanese artisan in the Tokugawa family. She madeearthenware and also secretly painted in her free time. Eugène was named after EugèneCollache, an officer of the French Navy and dear friend and ally to Jules Brunet, especiallyduring the war. Collache would become Eugène Brunet’s idol in the future; Eugène wouldnever forget seeing Collache wearing samurai attire.

On January 14th, just two days after Eugène’s sixth birthday, his father arrived in Edo withEnomoto Takeaki, a Japanese Navy admiral who was bringing documents, objects,treasures, and such to Edo from Osaka Castle. Eugène was mostly raised by his mother.He rarely saw his father, who was busy tending to the affairs of the Shogun. When Edowas seized by the imperial army, he traveled with his mother and father north to thenewly-formed Ezo Republic, of which Takeaki was the president and Eugène’s fatherhelped establish. All the other French officers left Japan under Imperial decree. Eugène’sfather decided to stay; he wrote Napoleon III that he was alone, but had decided to keep

Eugène close so he may raise him into a soldier.

In the end, Eugène’s father and the Shogun lost the Boshin War in the city of Hakodate,June, 1869. Eugène and his father evacuated onto the French ship, Coëtlogon,commanded by Dupetit-Thouars.

Eugène and his parents transferred to the French ship, Dupliex, in Yokohama, and weretransported to Saigon. Aboard the Dupliex, however, eleven French sailors and Eugène’smother were murdered in the Sakai incident, near Osaka, by rebel forces. Eugène and hisfather took the death pretty hard. They traveled to Paris, France. In 1870, Jules Brunethad rehabilitated himself and was getting ready to fight in the Franco-Prussian War. Hehad begun his son’s training himself and sent him to the École Polytechnique, the schoolJules Brunet graduated from, specializing in artillery.

Eugène, though still very sad for his mother’s death, quickly came to like hand-to-handcombat and preferred melee weapons and fists as opposed to guns and artillery weapons.



While Eugène practiced fighting under his father’s mentor, François Poisson, his father wasbeing taken prisoner by the Germans at the Siege of Metz, October 2nd, 1870. Eugènewould only later in his life find out about his father’s events through recollections andstories; and, in 1871, Jules Brunet became a key member of the Versailles Army, whosuppressed the Paris insurrection of La Commune in 1871.

Eugène continued his training and graduated from the École Polytechnique in May, 1881.At the same time, Eugène’s father received a medal at the Japanese Embassy in Paris fromEmperor Meiji. Following his graduation, François Poisson urged him not to join the Frencharmy; instead, Poisson set up a meeting between Eugène Brunet and Eugène Collache.Brunet quickly took a liking to his new mentor and became fascinated with Japaneseculture. He soon realized what he wanted to do in life: become a samurai like Collache. Todo this, Collache sent Brunet to Edo, Japan to train under the Imperial army’s Shizoku.

In 1885, after just three years of training, Eugène returned home with another medal forhis father from Emperor Meiji.

Eugène continued serving in the French army for several years by order of his true mentor,François Poisson. In March, 1890, Poisson sent Eugène to America; there, Eugène joinedup with the U.S. Army in the south. In December, 1890, Eugène fought alongside the U.S.

7th Cavalry Regiment in South Dakota at the Battle of Wounded Knee. Eugène received afirst-hand account of American-Indian life and culture. However, he began to resent theU.S. soldiers for killing the Indians without reason. It was not the samurai way. Eugène joined the Lakota Sioux tribe shortly after the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Eugène witnessed rituals and amazing feats performed by the Lakota Sioux, especially intimes of battle. They were extremely violent in their ways, because they had to be able todefend against the U.S. soldiers. The Sioux easily adopted Eugène into the tribe, becausehe looked much more like them than the other Americans. He, in turn, helped them fightoff the U.S. soldiers by planning out several winning strategies that won them a fewvictories in a row.

The U.S. soldiers soon saw Eugène as a threat and sent soldiers to go after him inparticular; however, they underestimated Brunet and his talents. By 1898, Eugène had leftthe Sioux in order to protect them against his enemies. He rode southwest towardsCalifornia. There, while hiding from U.S. soldiers in a French-American pub, he met, to hissurprise, François Poisson, his mentor... and his Sire-to-be.

Poisson explained to Eugène that he needed a strong warrior by his side and that he hasbeen preparing Eugène since the ex-soldier was eight years old. Poisson also told Eugènethat he would awaken in a new life, where blood and savagery would become his ultimatepassion. Finding it necessary to preserve the fledgling until he needed him, the Gangrelthen embraced Eugène Brunet and stuck seven silver blades into his chest and an eighthwooden stake into his heart, sending the fledgling into immediate torpor. Poisson then hidthe corpse in a place he knew he could access in the future.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On September 8, 1961, the news reported violent attacks in Lancaster, California, abouttwenty kilometers north of Palmdale. The attacks were said to be gang-related; though themurderers were not just ordinary gang members. A Bruja pack stumbled through thetown, killing and feeding savagely off innocent citizens. They held up the banks, tookeverything they could, and caused mayhem in most of the town’s stores. One of the Bruja,Hose Rodriguez, discovered the torpid Eugène Brunet in a coffin stored in a meat-locker inthe cellar of a particular French restaurant. He showed the coffin to the other Bruja andthey awakened the fledgling, who knew close-to-nothing about where he was, what year

he was in, and certainly not what François Poisson turned him into. Poisson, if he still evenremembered, had probably not expected this to happen.



Exalted in seeing a fledgling fresh out of torpor with seven blades and a wooden stake inhis chest, the Bruja were quick to torture poor Eugène. The fledgling finally entered frenzy,however, and escaped temporarily. The Bruja witnessed his savagery as the fledgling toreup bodies and ripped out flesh to feed off of. Seeing potential in a new recruit, the Brujaquickly brainwashed Eugène, calling him “Gene.” They continued to torture him for a little

while, and Gene saw his powers as a curse, but reveled in them all the same. He learnedquickly to love bloodshed and became very brutal and savage, replacing his outdated,Samurai beliefs. He picked up on feeding very quickly and soon developed his own,torturous and creative means of hunting. He stayed with the Bruja until 1968, when hestarted growing tired of the gang's seemingly monotonous activities of blood spill. Theelder Bruja tortured him with flame and bad blood for eight straight days before finallyletting him walk away.

To the present day, Gene Brunet has been traveling and practicing his sword fighting andbrawling techniques whenever he can. He still has a creative passion for hunting, buttrains himself to control his anger more and more. He has remembered the samurai waythat he was taught many years ago and visits monasteries, dojos, and other areas of training to both hone his skills in physical combat and controlling the mind. He has alsomet Kindred in his motorcycle travels, which have helped him control his blood more

skillfully and use his clan’s disciplines. His one true weakness, however, remains to be hisSire... and the wrath that plagues Eugène's mind when he thinks about whether or not theFrench professor is still out there... waiting...

http://sheetgen.dalines.net/sheet/702

Gene's Bike:

Gene recently received a mysterious gift, he believes is the work of his sire: a 1941 UFlathead, custom-built Samurai Chopper (http://www.zero-eng.com/gallery7.php) Whenhis other bike exploded in the fire that sent Cyrus and Oblong to ashes, he saw this onewaiting outside his motel room a week later. Though hesitant to accept the gift at first, andwith increased paranoia over his sire, in the end Gene figured he needed a ride anyway;and it was a really, really nice bike.


http://www.zero-eng.com/gallery7.php

http://www.zero-eng.com/gallery7.php




To San Diego:

With newfound paranoia and an ominous feeling looming overhead Gene's head, he figuredhe needed to ride off somewhere and get away from his sire, wherever he may be. Genehas contacted Vox, his old friend, and the two of them decided to venture off to SanDiego; where Gene could, perhaps, lose his sire somewhere around the border.

Jacob "Vox" Knudson

Year Embraced: 1992

Apparent age: 30

Sire: Alexander Maxwell, NY, NY

Clan: Ventrue

Covenant: Invictus

Fate Card: 0 The Fool

Description: dark blond hair, blue eyes, 6'3” tall, 185 lbs. Large hands and an expressiveface. His Danish accent is obvious when he speaks.

Vox usually wears his hear bleached and/or colored some just slightly unnatural color.When riding, which is usually, he wears tailored riding suits of brightly colored patentleather and aviator's goggles. At other times, he cleans up reasonably well and attempts todress with some artsy, though now a bit out-dated, (Euro-trash) taste. When he works in ashop, he wears coveralls or a white lab coat.

Personality Characteristics: Distant, Driven, Focused, Eccentric, Hedonistic, Restless,Sarcastic

While at times, Vox can be cold and distant, this is due to his focus and so, when hefocuses on the moment, on having fun, he can also be a lot of fun to be with.

Background: Vox was a man troubled by life's traumas that he was unable to forget. Heremembered each with crystal clarity and heart-rending pain, and was tormented by themwhenever he allowed himself the dreams that come with normal, healthy sleep, or even afew moments of relaxation. His solution to this was to avoid natural sleep, only chemicallyinduced sleep allowed him any peace and during his days, he would work himself with fewbreaks. Over the years, this led to a serious deterioration of his health and it was hisembrace that saved him.

Vox was embraced because his family has money, because he is brilliant and because of his potential. If he was lord over anything in life, it was pushing himself into oblivion toescape painful memories. His embrace was a release from that. Now his days are blissful

stretches of unperceived nothingness. The unknown of Torpor frightens him, however.

Old habits die hard, and he is still prone to self indulgences... But the upside is that he'sbeen able to accept trading one curse for another rather well. The Beast for hisNightmares, it's a trade he can live with.

After his embrace, he did as he was told and learned what he could. However, he chafedunder the rigid structure of the Invictus and has since turned into quite a rebel. His sirelost some prestige for choosing such a willful childe, but both are hopeful some satisfactoryarrangement can be made in the future.

In the meantime, he has hit the road and befriended Gene. They ride their motorcycles upand down the Southwest.

His mentor is a Gangrel, who stays holed up in his vast desert demesne with Vox runningerrands and delivering messages for him. They met after the Cyrus and Oblong debacle



and the arrangement has been pleasant and mutually beneficial, as Vox still has a lot tolearn about surviving as a Vampire.


((I'm still looking for a good representation of Vox... here are the closest ones I have and

his motorcycle:))





((Maybe Misha can come up with something a bit more bleached, spikey and expressive.))

Chapter 1 Bien venida a San Diego

**ST**Vox, Gene Brunet, othersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:46 PM

The two bikes pulled in off the road, brakelights flaring, tyres squealing, kicking dust intothe air where it mingled with the harsh red and orange glow from the streetlights and neonsigns of the bar.

Sammy’s Bar and Grill. God knew who Sammy was or if he was still around, but his barlooked like a shit-hole, a regular South West drinking dive for truckers, hookers, hog-riders

and low-lifes on the northern outskirts of San Diego. Interstate 15 sprawled lazily pastleading into SD proper, pot-holed tarmac oozing heat from the days baking sun.

The air was hot and dry, barely any less so than it had been during the daylight hours,dust seeming to get everywhere; engines, clothes, eyes, nose, throat. Cloying, chokingand suffocating.

Music and gruff voices spilled from the bars ill-hung doors, almost covering the occasionalroar of an 18-wheeler passing on the interstate. Along with the noise came the rank stinkof sweat, spilt beer, smoke and nachos, mixed with other even-less-pleasant undertones.

The lot was full of pick-ups and battered jeeps, a row of dusty hogs lined up in front. Acouple of heavy set bikers lounged against their rides, bottles of Bud clenched in meaty

fists, shooting the shit with an equally heavy set man that probably covered the door. Thethree looked round briefly at the arrival of the two strangers, interest temporarily piquedbefore returning to their conversation. Towards the back of the lot, a young cowboy and awaitress took advantage of the shadows against the side of a red Buick pickup. Somethingmangy and dog-sized rooted through the piles of refuse heaped around the over-filleddumpster at the buildings corner, snuffling and scratching.

The package was safely stowed in one of Vox’s saddlebags. William hadn’t told Vox whatwas in it. Vox hadn’t asked. The package was destined for a haunt by the name of Merrick.Sammy’s was the chosen handover spot.

((Its been a long ride down to San Diego. Opportunites to feed properly have been fewand far between these last few hundred miles on I15. Vox is transporting a package onbehalf of his mentor. You havent met Merrick before and dont know what he looks like.

Should be a simple hand-off-and-hit-the-road job.))[/i]

**Gene Brunet**Vox, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:46 PM

As Gene and Vox slowly made their way closer to the door, Gene's eyes continuouslyscanned the perimeter, noting every possible portal, every gaping window, every patronhis eyes gandered upon. Already too low on blood, and with his canisters empty, Geneknew he might need a second meal tonight. He briefly stared at the couple in the parkinglot for a few seconds, before turning to the bikers at the front of the entrance.

Gene looked at Vox as they reached the door and quietly said, "Let me go inside first. Ihave something to take care of, myself," and with that Gene went to open the door and



see what other potential patrons were waiting inside to sate his hunger.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 3/11

**Vox**

Gene Brunet, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:46 PM

Vox cringed as he imagined what might happen inside. Not that he cared for those insideso much as that this was an errand for his master and this Merrick might not take kindly topoachers... But Vox knew his companion was as hungry as he was himself and he wasn'tgoing to be the one to try to stop him. He just muttered, "I'll be right behind you as soonas I get my bag."

He removed his goggles and unzipped his blue patent leather jacket which revealed hisbare chest He then pulled the messenger's bag out of the saddlebag and hung it from hisshoulder. He secured his saddlebag and fiddled with some valves on his bike to try to give

Gene some time, but he could only dally so long and soon followed him in.

Poaching or not, he needed to feed too.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 3/10

**ST**Vox, Gene Brunet, othersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:46 PM

Vox continued to tinker with his bike as Gene made his way to the bars entrance.

The doorman, all tattoos and ripped denim gave a slight nod as Gene passed by, hard eyeswatching the Kindred from beneath heavy brows. Opening the door to the bar, Gene feltthe various sensations of the bars interior wash over him like a tidal wave: smoke, beer,sweat, fear, blood .

Once inside, Gene found a bar stretched across the bars back wall, booths to his right,smaller tables and pool tables to his left. The bar was lively, a good forty or so patronsmixing with overly made-up waitresses. Springsteen blared from a tinny jukeboxsomewhere near the pool tables, waitresses pushed through the customers carryingplatters of deep fried foodstuffs and trays of drinks. Cigarette smoke hung heavily in theair, and raised voices fought to be heard over the jukebox's emissions and the clack of

pool balls.

The clientele was entirely blue collar, low income. Bikers, truckers, workers from thenearby meat packing plant. The heat of the night outside was maginifed by so manybodies in here, close and sticky, smothering.



**ST**Vox, , othersVentrue/Invictus, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego

Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:46 PM

As Vox killed time fiddling with his panniers, he heard the crunch of heavy boots on graveapproaching behind him. Looking round he saw one of the bikers that had been talking tothe doorman, a scrawny guy in a black leather waistcoat and oil stained jeans.

The man stopped a few feet away, thoughtfully chewing on a toothpick, bottle of beer heldcasually in one hand, the other stuffed into his jeans pocket.

"Hey man, niiiice bike! S'atta custom job?"

His companion and the doorman continued to chat amongst themselves, ignoring Vox andthe stranger, clearly less impressed by Vox's machine, or at least unwilling to show anyinterest.

**Vox**OthersVentrue/Invictus, ??Outside Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:46 PMBlush of Life

Vox stood up proudly, "Ja!" he said, his Scandinavian accent thick, "I made it." He pulled afaded red cloth from a pocket and started to clean a bit of grease from his fingers.

In wiping the grease from his fingers he noticed how pale they were and realized he mustlook pretty bad. He willed some of the Vitae within himself to pull the sheep's wool over

his wolf's fur... Then he looked up and smiled at the man. He struggled to keep his fangsfrom sliding down and hoped the man didn't feel like a Thanksgiving Turkey from thehungry smile he gave him... "So, you like bikes too," he said, to keep his man's mind



active.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 2/10

**ST**Vox, , othersVentrue/Invictus, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:47 PM

"Sure do... grew up with 'em, see? Daddy was a mechanic back in the day..."

The guy sniffed, eyes glued on Vox's cycle, rubbing a thumb against his nose. A darksmudge remained when he took his thumb away.

"She's sure nice... you make 'em and sell 'em?"

**Vox**

OthersVentrue/Invictus, ??Outside Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:47 PMBlush of Life

Vox would have laughed had his hunger not kept him feeling serious. He responded, "No,it's just a hobby. But I suppose I could take a look at yours and maybe give you somepointers. If the price is right, I might even do some work, if you're interested."

Let his bike be off in distant shadows...

H: 0000000

W: 5/5V: 2/10


The guy looked up, the excitement in his eyes at Vox's offer almost child-like.

"Yeah..? Sweet! She's over here... nuttin fancy like yours but she makes me proud..."

Pointing towards a chopper at the end of the row of bikes some thirty feet away, Vox was

disappointed to see that the bike wasn't quite as discreetly placed as he'd hoped... but itwas at the opposite end of the bar from where the doorman stood, and the corner of thebuilding only stood a few feet away from where the chopper rested on its stand...

Giving Vox's ride one long last look, the man began walking towards his own bike.


Vox walked over to the end of the row of bikes and looked around the corner of thebuilding. Then he took a good look at the chopper and tried to pull up something nice tosay about it from what he knew about its make and model. He thought further about what



could be done and said, "How much would you be looking to spend?"

How far is this guy willing to go for some empty promises about his bike?

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 2/10


"Well, shit... I could squeeze a couple hunnerd I guess... I always liked that chromin' yousee round the fairing - you' reckon as you could do something like that?"

The guy scratched idly at his cheek, toothpick rotating between brown teeth as hecontemplated his bike. Over his shoulder Vox could see the backs of the other biker andthe doorman as they continued to chat, some fifty feet away.

Next to the bars corner stood the dumpster and its family of orphaned trash bags, behindwhich was nothing but shadows...

**Gene Brunet**OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:46 PM

Gene's face was a mild disappointed as he stepped through the doors and into thecrowded, stinking, roadside bar. His first instinct was to stop and take a good surveillanceof the area, but Gene kept going, knowing full well how unnatural that might look; and hewas already an outsider in this mortal hub stop. As long as he blended in with the flockand played his cards right, he had nothing to worry about. However, this meant somethingelse to Gene, as well. His disappointment stemmed from the fact that he would only beable to feed his Beast; he wouldn't be able to appease it.

Still walking forward, Gene made his way to the bar and remained standing. Now, Genecould survey his surroundings in peace, without all eyes glaring at him. He carefully lookedall around; observing all portals, windows, patrons, and their respective activities.

His eyes then turned to the booths, followed quickly by the restrooms towards the back.Gene suddenly had a thought, and decided he may be able to kill two birds with one stoneafter all. Perhaps... He stood there, watching the male restroom, waiting to see who wouldgo in first; that is, who'd break their seal after drinking down so much booze. Gene alsonoted any Kine that were leaving the bathroom; in order to estimate just how many were

in there already.H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 3/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, , othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:48 PM

Gene watched and waited as the hustle and flow of the bar shifted around him. One mancame out of the door leading to the restrooms, then a woman shortly after. A young guy ina black denim jacket detached himself from a table in the corner close to the pool tables,leaving an equally young woman waiting at the table watching the pool players with abored expression. A full minute passed after he went through the door with no-one else



walking out.

"Can I get you something sugar?"

The voice broke Genes concentration, and he turned to find a barmaid watching him fromacross the bar. she was early twenties, blonde, chewing gum. a loose ringlet of golden hair

hung by the side of her face, and her fingers twisted it subconsciously as she awaitedGene's reply.

**Gene Brunet**OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:48 PM

Gene's eyes looked at the barmaid, barely acknowledging her words. An image formed inhis mind, and he suddenly remembered the last bar encounter he had with a young,pretty, blond broad. He then remembered the abandoned barn house - the young girlhanging like a crucified Jesus Christ against the wooden posts, blood dripping from herwrists, her neck, her waist...

... Gene forced a blink and quickly put the image out of his mind. "No," he replied deeply,"No, thank you." His eyes meandered to the bathroom, hoping that the man from thebilliards table was still there. "Excuse me," Gene said politely to the barmaid and, withoutanother word, he made his way to the men's restroom, opened the door, and slowlywalked inside.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 3/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, , othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:48 PM

The door at the back of the bar led into a corridor, running most of the length of thebuilding. On the left was a firedoor, its security tag long missing, and a barred windowlooking out into watseland behind the bar. On the right were threed doors; the kitchengiven the sounds coming from behind it, a door with a small sign reading "Private - Staff Only", and the door to the ladies restroom. At the end of the corridor stood the door to themens room.

Entering the restroom, Gene found a row of cubicles to his right, sinks running along theopposite wall with cracked and dirty mirrors above them. From the doorway, the cubiclesobscured his view, but given the sound of liquid hitting aluminium and tuneless whistling,it was a fair bet that the urinals were at that end of the room. By stepping to his left, Gene

could see the man from the bar, busy eliminating the nights bounty into the tarnishedurinal trough.

Kindred and kine were alone.

**Gene Brunet**MortalGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

Gene continued to step forward very steadily, approaching the sinks. He turned on thefaucet and began to rinse his hands. Now Gene wasn't an idiot when it came to Kindrednature; he'd lived through his requiem long enough to know that his reflection wouldn'tcome out crystal clear, even if the mirrors were cracked and dirty.



Gene continued washing his hands, waiting for the other restroom patron to do the same;and if he didn't, well, Gene had no intentions of letting him go past him without a propertoll.

((Question: Is there a paper towel dispenser in the bathroom? Or just automatic dryers? Or, worse, nothing at all?))

H: 00000000

W: 4/4V: 3/11


Vox cleared his throat and grimaced. "I'm sorry," he said, "A couple hundred bucks won'tpay for the parts you need if you want to pretty up your bike. No point in just adding oneor two nice parts, you'd need to swap out the wheels the forks..." he gestured to includemany old parts on the bike. "But let me ask you, do you want to pretty it up, or make it

run better? What's more important to you?"

Vox started walking around the corner before he could answer. "Let's step into the men'sroom, hey? I've been on the road a while; I need to release some pressure. Hah, lucky forme there's one right here!"

Follow me, I'm sure you need to take a leak...

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 2/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, , manGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

As Gene busied himself at the basin, the young guy briefly glanced around at him beforeturning his attention back to the urinal, continuing to whistle the Springsteen tune thathad been playing in the bar.

Soon he had finished, making his way over to the basin next to Genes, and giving hishands a cursory wash.

**ST**Vox, , man

Ventrue/Invictus,Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 10:48 PM

The guy looked momentarily crestfallen at Vox's words, his attention remaining on his bikeas if looking hard enough at it might magically solve his financial problem. As Vox movedaround the corner, the guy drifted in the same direction, turning his back to Vox to allowsome privacy whilst staying close enough to talk. Kindred and kine were now out of sightof the men at the bars door.

"Well, sure I want her to look purdy, but getting her tuned too'd be sweet..."

**Gene Brunet**man

Gangrel (Bruja)/Unligned, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (Men's Restroom)




Gene finished washing his hands and turned his faucet off, waiting for a moment beforethe other guy turned his off. When he went for the towel, Gene immediately said, "Excuseme, could you hand me one?" He looked the man in the eye, a gentle grin on his pale,eerie face.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 3/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, , manGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (Mens Restroom)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

The guy hesitated for a fraction of a second, caught off-guard by Genes gaze.

"Uh...yeah, sure, bud."

Handing a paper towel to Gene he grabbed a couple for himself, wiping the water from hishands.

**Gene Brunet**manGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (Men's Restroom)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

Gene grabbed the towel and let the mortal dry his hands. This was the calm before thestorm, and before he could throw away his towel, Gene suddenly leaned in and grabbedhis wrists tightly.

H: 00000000

W: 4/4V: 3/11


The guy gasped, eyes widening in shock at Genes sudden movement. Trying to pull hisarms back, he found Gene's grip to be vicelike, the skin of his wrists turning white as bloodwas forced out of them.

"Hey...what the..?"

**Gene Brunet**manGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (Men's Restroom)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

Gene looked the scared mortal in the face for a second as he grinned, "Try to enjoy it.You'll find it's much better than booze or drugs." Gene's head plunged forward and hismouth opened up. His fangs sank into the wrist veins of the man's left hand, and beforetoo long, the man was in a hypnotic state.

Gene made sure to draw the man's blood very slowly, as he carried the man over to theclosest stall, quickly. His mouth still focused on the man's wrist, Gene sat his victim up onthe toilet seat and hunched his body forward so that his head didn't poke up. Gene alsomade sure his feet were up on the toilet seat, so that if anyone walked in, they would only



notice Gene.

Gene pulled back for a second when he thought he heard a noise, but then shrugged andcontinued feeding on the man's hands, pouring drops into his half-filled containers inbetween sips.

H: 00000000

W: 4/4V: 3/11

**Vox**ManVentrue/Invictus, ??Outside Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:48 PMBlush of Life

"Well, it's what you can afford, and really, when you're riding, it what matters. I'll even cutyou a break---" Vox said, then launched himself onto his back with a thud and a "Whoa!"He then punctuated the maneuver with laughter and continued, "Man, what did I slip in?What the hell's back here?" His laughter continued. Give me a hand, would you? Ow! I

swear I didn't have much to drink...yet." He laughed harder at himself.

His feet were extended toward the shadows and his head was close to the man, forcinghim to come deeper into the shadows to take Vox's hand, ...if that was what he was goingto do.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 2/10

**ST**Vox, manVentrue/Invictus,

Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (Parking lot)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:49 PM

The man turned at Vox's exclamation, surprised to find him laid out on the ground.

"Whoah man, you ok?"

Crossing quickly to where the kindred lay in the shadows, he held his hands out to helpVox back to his feet.

**ST**Gene Brunet, , manGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (Mens Restroom)


The young guy's protestations quickly weakened as the bliss of the Kiss took hold, hisknees sagging, eyes half closing as he allowed himself to be drawn into the cubicle.

The sensation of hot blood pouring down Genes throat and suffusing into the dead tissuesof his body was electric. Feeding had been a rare luxury on the road, any opportunitytaken and rarely leaving the beast sated.




"Yeah, just help me to my feet and I'll be fine," he said, with a grunt of pain. He took theman's warm hands into his own. The anticipation was palpable...

Once he was pulled up, he used the leverage given by the man against him and latchedonto the most accessible feed-spot. This time it was the man's wrist. His mouth clampeddown, vice like, his teeth extending as the bit. Barely any blood seeped from the wound.

This was his moment of high pleasure, the precious seconds as the Kiss turned his haplessvictim into an eager participant. Once the moment passed, he spread his jaws and begansucking greedily at the seeping blood.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10((I went ahead and made Vox's frenzy rolls. Just let me know if, in the future, you want me to wait before rolling. 2successes on a frenzy check made at -1 because he is hungry: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1634378/ 2 successes on the second roll: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1634387/ and 2 successes on the third roll: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1634388/ I think he only needed 3 successes for being hungry.

edit: Vox drinks 5 blood points.))


Gene drank long and deep, finally pausing to collect some of the mans precious blood intoone of his jars, before licking the wound closed and leaving him in the afterglow of ecstasyslumped on the toilet. A few more minutes and the man would feel up to rejoin hisgirlfriend in the bar once more, probably blaming the beer for his lightheadedness.

Closing the stall door, Gene was pleased to see no-one else had entered the bathroomwhile he had been in there. Heading back to the bar, Gene felt the transient warmth of the

feeding beginning to diminish already.((Gene gains 5 vitae, plus 1 in his jar.))

**ST**Vox, manVentrue/Invictus,Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (Parking lot)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 10:54 PM

The mans suprised cry was quickly stifled as the ecstasy of Vox's kiss overrode hisemotions, his knees buckling as he sank to the ground next to the Kindred, giving himself over fully to Vox's attentions. Vox suckled at the mans wrist, ever mindful of beingintruded upon in this most intimate of acts, but fortunately the mans companions seemed

oblivious to his sudden absence.

Sated, Vox licked the wound clean, watching as the skin of the mans wrist knitted itself together. The guy lay prostrate in the trash, an idiot smile on his face. He would be weakwhen he came to his senses, but he would certainly survive the encounter.

Checking his watch, Vox figured Gene would have had time by now to find his own fix, andheaded into the bar, nodding to the doorman as he passed.

((Vox has gained 5 vitae. If there are any special actions he wished to take with the mansbody other than leaving it out of sight feel free to add them into the next post - otherwiseVox's next post will be in the bar rejoining Gene.))

**Vox**ManVentrue/Invictus, ??

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1634378/









Outside Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 10:54 PMBlush of Life

Vox walked into the bar, paused as he entered and saw Gene coming around a corner, re-entering the main bar area. He looked for an empty table, then he walked in Gene's

direction and veered to the empty table...

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 11.32 PM

Taking their seats at the bar, and ordering drinks from a waitress so as to blend in withthe bars other patrons, Gene and Vox kicked back and made small talk, watching the Kine

drinking, talking and playing pool. Patrons left, new patrons arrived, the atmosphere in thebar remained lively. Vox's instruction from his mentor had been to bring the package here,tonight and hand it over to Merrick, but no time had been specified nor did Vox have anyway of contacting the nosferatu, so all they could do was wait until Merrick contactedthem.

A good half hour had passed before the two Kindred felt it - the Beast uncoiling in theirchests, indicating that they were no longer the only vampires in the building.

_________________


Vox turned in his seat to look at the door, while his nails dug into the wood of the chair, hebared his teeth and hoped it looked like a smile.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick?, Others

Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008. 11:32 PM

"Hm..." Gene grunted, or snarled; either way, he felt exactly what Vox had, and, like hispartner, he gazed over with his scowled face to see who'd entered the bar.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 8/11

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick?, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, Kine

Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008. 11:32 PM



"Hm..." Gene grunted, or snarled; either way, he felt exactly what Vox had, and, like hispartner, he gazed over with his scowled face to see who'd entered the bar.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 8/11

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:33 PMBlush of Life

"I am Vox," said Vox, "And you must be Merrick." He glanced down at the saddlebagsresting under the table.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

((No worries, it takes effect as soon as we perceive him, so just his footsteps would be enough.))

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Merrick, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 11.33 PM

"I am." Merrick followed Vox's gaze to the saddlebags at their feet, nodding in satisfaction.

"Shall we take a seat?" Merrick motioned towards a corner booth which had just beenvacated by a young couple.


"Of course, of course," he said, scooped up his bags, got his feet under himself and madehis way to the booth.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10


Merrick led the way to the booth, not bothering to order a drink. Taking a seat on one sideof the table, he motioned for the others to sit opposite him.

"You have the package then? How is dear William?" Merrick asked once they were settled.

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Others

Ventrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego



Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:33 PMBlush of Life

Vox took the offered seat, set the bags on the table and said, "He's dead, mate, hadn't youheard?" He grinned slightly, "No, but besides that, he's super." And he reached into thebag to retrieve the package. "He keeps me busy."

Old habits die hard, before pulling the package out of the bag, he quickly scanned theroom.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10


Vox took the offered seat, set the bags on the table and said, "He's dead, mate, hadn't youheard?" He grinned slightly, "No, but besides that, he's super." And he reached into thebag to retrieve the package. "He keeps me busy."

Old habits die hard, before pulling the package out of the bag, he quickly scanned theroom.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**Vox**

Gene Brunet, Merrick?, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:33 PMBlush of Life

"Well, don't believe everything you hear," he said ironically.

"This is my old friend Gene," he gestured with a hand as he spoke, "My best ridingcompanion."

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick, KineGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, MortalsSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:33 PM

"Hello," Gene quietly said; his demeanor masked away everything but gentle stoicism ashe met the Haunt's eyes and nodded. His accent, though predominantly French-American,had a slight air of Japanese mixed into it from when he was a boy, and later, when heunderwent his samurai training under the brilliant minds of the Shogun.

H: 00000000W: 4/4

V: 8/11




Merrick nodded, smiling."Then you are well met, friend Gene. And another non-native to these lands to boot, if Ihear right. How curiously delightful that three such as us should find common ground inour nature as strangers in a strange land..."

The Haunt chuckled again, the irony of their shared foreign blood tickling him.

"And will you remain in San Diego for a while now that your duty is dispensed, or must youreturn to William forthwith?"

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, Kine

Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:35 PMBlush of Life

"I have no other current obligations," Vox said also smiling but also trying to hide a bit of discomfort. He wasn't used to friendly Kindred. It made him wonder what this guy wanted.Then again, he was in tight with William... "What did you have in mind?"

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Merrick, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (main bar)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11.36 PM

Merrick snorted in amusement at Vox's wary tone.

"Don't worry, I'm not about to impose upon you. This gift from William will keep me busyfor some time... I was merely curious as to whether you might be staying around, in whichcase it might be most remiss of me to allow you to stumble blindly around San Diegowithout offering my assistance - William might never forgive me! Some of the localKindred are less than welcoming to outsiders, so if you find yourselves deciding to take inthe sights, and need a guide, or merely a word of advice, please feel free to call me."

Merrick produces a battered-looking business card from a pocket of his greatcoat. At firstglance the card appears to be for a solicitors office, but on the back is a second telephonenumber, written in cheap biro.

"Thats my number." Merrick said, indicating the handwritten number. "Like I said, pleasefeel free..."

Merrick's voice trails off, his eyes narrowing as he spots something over the pairsshoulders that arrests his attention...

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 11:36 PM



And there it was. Gene had been stirring silently in his seat, waiting for it. All throughoutthe conversation, ominous thoughts seemed to itch violently in the back of his mind. CouldGene just have been paranoid? After all, they were in a very crowded bar, with manypossible heads as witnesses.

Merrick's gaze forced Gene's insides to stir. He didn't dare take his eyes away from the

Haunt as he silently asked, "What? What is it?"H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 8/11


Vox took the card and slipped it into his pocket. He didn't want to turn and look behindhim, so he tried to use Merrick's face as a mirror to see what was behind him.

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Merrick, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (main bar)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11.37 PM

The Haunts face seemed towrithe, pale and moist looking skin bunching and creasing of itsown accord as Merrick watched whatever it was that had caught his attention. Confusion,

disdain, even a touch of fear danced across his features."Michael..." Merrick whispered, his eyes fixed on the point beyond Vox and Gene.

Suddenly his dark eyes flicked back to the two Kindred sat with him.

"The Prince's childe, and he doesn't look happy. It's time to leave... I suggest you twomake yourselves scarce and try not to get involved. I will have to go too."

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:36 PM

Blush of Life

Vox wasn't going to argue to stay here; he'd fed and delivered his package, it was time togo.

He got up and looked behind him, ready to keep his Beast in check as his gaze fell uponMichael...

((edit: My PT roll too: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1663543/ 2 successes))

H: 0000000W: 5/5V: 7/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick, Michael, Others






Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:36 PM

Gene slightly bowed his head in a courteous goodbye to Merrick, as he stood up inresponse to his partner. Ready to follow Vox, Gene waited for it. He hadn't even met the

Prince of San Diego yet; much less his childe. Hoping that his Beast wouldn't completelyflip out on him, Gene clenched his fist and slowly gazed up at Michael. Here's to hoping hethought as he instinctively reached down towards his belt, pulling out his canister vial,from which he took a tiny gulp of fresh blood.

((Taint Roll just in case: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1663532/ - 2 successes total.))

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 8/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Merrick, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, humanSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (main bar)

Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11.37 PM

Looking back across the bar, it was easy to spot the newcomers. A group of five men stoodnear the door. One was dressed in t-shirt and jeans, wiry and greasy haired, fittinginperfectly with the rest of the bars clientele.

The other four stuck out like sore thumbs. Dressed in neat business suits, the four clearlydidn't belong here, and yet their conspicuousness didn't appear to bother them as the tookin the bars patrons, meeting curious gazes unflinchingly.

The greasy man said something to one of the suited men, a young guy with high school jock good looks, muscular and clean shaven with centre parted blonde hair. The blondeguy nodded, his eyes travelling across the bar and meeting the gaze of Vox and Gene.

The beast thrashed within the two men, rearing in answer to the perceived threat that hadentered the room. These four men were undoubtedly Kindred. A sneer passed across theblonde mans features, his head nodding in Vox and Gene's direction, calling hiscompanions attention to the pair.

Striding purposefully through the crowd, which seemed to part before him with ease. TheKindred approached the booth. Glancing back, Vox saw that the Haunt had dissappeared,nothing remaining of his presence but shadows.

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Merrick, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, Kine

Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 11:37 PM

"An ambush..." Gene managed to whisper to Vox before the other four Kindred reachedtheir booth. He, too, looked back to see no trace of the Haunt, besides his shadow. Genenodded to Vox, and slowly, he began retreating towards the front of the bar, walking rightpast the incoming group of strangers, as if he'd never noticed them at all.

Worry crept through Gene's mind; though not particularly for his or Vox's safety. Rather,the worry came from what might happen to the innocent patrons of the restaurant, if something were to indeed go down. It was best to just play it cool and walk away, hethought. He only hoped his partner understood the plan.

**Vox**

Gene Brunet, Merrick?, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Nosferatu/??, Kine





Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:36 PMBlush of LifeResilience

Vox glanced back and noticed the Haunt's absence, then glanced at Gene. He was relieved

to see Gene taking some action and followed him toward the door.

((Activates Resilience.))

H: 0000000000W: 5/5V: 6/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Michael, othersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, Kindred, KineSammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (main bar)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11.38 PM

The blonde man, presumably Michael given his clear role of leader of this group of Kindred,kept his eyes locked on Vox and Gene, changing his course to intercept the pair at the bar.

Striding up, he stopped short in front of Gene, eyes boring hard into Genes own, lipscurling in contempt. His voice was low, but carried clearly to Gene's ears, unchallenged bythe music blaring from the jukebox. A few of the bars patrons began to look in thedirection of the group, curious at the situation developing in their midst. Michaelscompanions alternated between keeping their eyes on the pair, and challenging the staresof those Kine that chose to stare.

"You've got some fucking nerve, bruja! You think you can just roll in here without usknowing?"

Michaels hands closed and unclosed into fists at his side as he spoke.

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Michael, Merrick, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, Kine


Gene silently stared at the blond Kindred's callous face with a solemn demeanor of hisown. How this Kindred came to know he was a Bruja, not even Gene could comprehend atthe moment. His thoughts immediately turned to the other patrons in the bar now glancingover at them. Slowly, and without any hesitation, Gene whispered, "Look, I'm not herewith him, ok?" Gene's gaze turned to the empty table for a second, where Merrick socunningly, and yet so cowardly, went into hiding. "Let us resolve this outside," Genefinished as he took a tiny step back, waving a hand towards the door, courteously,allowing the Prince's childe to go ahead first.

H: 00000000W: 4/4V: 8/11


Michael's eyes flared at the brujah's words, his temper clearly fast approaching boilingpoint.



The younger man let out a strangled laugh that sounded more like a bark, short and hard,before leaning in, his voice taking on a distictly threatening hiss.

"Don't presume to tell me how this is going down, scum! You forfeited your rights themoment you entered San Diego."

His hand shot forward, grabbing for Gene's collar.

((You can try and evade the grab with a Brawl + Dexterity roll needing 3 successes.Failure means Micheal has you in a grapple.))

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Michael, Merrick, ??, ??, ??, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, Kine


((7d10.open(10)→ [[10, 9],[10, 10, 4],7,5,6,9,1] = (71) -> http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1666415/ -- 5successes total.))

Gene swiftly evaded the Kindred's grasp, his blood boiling instinctively. The burning Vitaeswelled through his body, empowering him. He knew they had to get out... so manyinnocent victims...

((Spending 1 Vitae to activate Resilience. Temporary health dot amended.))

H: 00000000(0)W: 4/4V: 7/11**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:36 PMBlush of LifeResilience

When Gene was stopped by the others, Vox walked up to them and called upon some help.In Danish, he asked, "Where are these vampire newcomer's car keys?"

((He spends one Vitae to activate Tenure - Whispers of the Chamber and expends a Willpower point to strengthenhis spiritual dialogue. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1668162/ 2 successes, which indicates a 6 foot radius of effect))

H: 0000000000W: 4/5V: 5/10


Vox's question drew a look of confusion from some of the Kindred, but he barely noticed ashis eyes automatically tracked to the trouser pocket of one of the strangers, a big Kindredwith a bald-shaved head and light grey suit, whose attention was quickly drawn to thesudden scuffle between Michael and Gene.

Michaels grasp closed on Gene's jacket collar, but only for a second, the Brujah swift toreact and sliding out of the Kindred's grip. Michael snarled, an animalistic growl thatcaused some of the nearby Kine to step back involuntarily. In response, his companionssurged forwards, hands grabbing at Vox and Gene, or curling into fists. Michaels fist shot







into Gene's chin, and he was barely aware of a second blow landing in his ribs. Two of theothers, including the bald guy, grabbed at Vox's jacket.

((Gene takes 2 bashing, Vox needs 4 successes n Brawl + Bexterity to avoid being grabbed.))

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, Others

Ventrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:36 PMBlush of LifeResilience

Vox made a show of fending off his attackers, but he mostly just wanted those keys. Inthe scuffle, he pick-pocketed them from his attacker and slipped them up his sleeve.

((Expends Willpower http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1668472/ 4 successes))

H: 0000000000

W: 3/5V: 5/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Michael, ??, ??, ??, Merrick, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, Nosferatu/??, Kine


Gene recoiled from the punch, his nerves tense and his blood boiling. He could feel hisBeast starting to grab hold of the reigns, and he didn't care. For that one moment, nothingelse seemed to matter. All thoughts of the innocent patrons suddenly vanished fromGene's mind, and only anger fumed from his ears, like a whistling kettle. His eyes flushed

red with blood, Gene shot his elbow back and then thrust forward and up as hard as hecould, delivering a swift uppercut to Michael's jaw.

((Spending 1 Vitae to boost Str. Spending 1 Willpower point. (I'm pretty sure I can spend both in one turn for aheroic effort attack, but if I can't correct me.) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1668577/ - 5 successes. Also,correct me if I'm wrong, but that constitutes as an exceptional success, right?))

H: //000000(0)W: 4/4V: 7/11


Rolling with the shoves and grabs of the suits, Vox focussed his attention on the bald man,waiting for an opportunity to strike. He was dimly aware of Gene's own confrontationflaring quickly into outright violence, but blocked his friends plight from his mind for now.Pushing into the Kindred, Vox slipped his hand into his jacket pocket, feeling the coolmetal ring of a key fob. Closing his hand on the keys, he once more shoved into the bladKindred, disguising the fact that he was removing the keys. As he disengaged, a fist camein from the right, catching him across the temple, the punch thrown by the bald Kindred'scompanion.

Gene swung hard, anger driving him forward into Michael. The blow connected with thepoint of Michael's jaw, Gene's preternatural strength behind it. The impact lifted Michaelbodily from the floor, a hard crack carrying across the bar as his mandible shattered. The

Kindred flew back into a group of men behind him, knocking drinks from hands andelliciting shouts of anger from the patrons. Chaos ensued as patrons barged into eachother, starting fights of their own in stark reflection of the Kindred brawl at the bar.







Michael hit the floor, his eyes glowing red in anger at being caught by Gene's punch as hescrambled back to his feet.

Gene had a moment to savour his victory before Michael's companions began whaling onhim, blows coming from all angles into the Kindreds ribs and face in renewed anger attheir leaders fall.

((Vox takes 1 bashing. Gene takes 3 bashing, but regains 1 Willpower for acting according to Vice.))

_________________


Michael got to his feet, spitting blood, his jaw purple from Gene's punch. Gene immediatelybolted for the door, his hand instinctively reaching to grip the Wakazashi on his side as hefled the scene. As Gene bolted, one of the other thugs grabbed at his jacket, a pocket

ripping off in his hand as Gene managed to wrench away from him.The bald guy didn't notice Vox's theft, grabbing once more onto Vox's jacket. Vox rolledwith the grabs and pulls of the bald guy and his companions, letting the rough and tumblecover his theft. Seeing Gene make for the door, Michael knocked to the floor, Vox realisedhe didn't want to be left in here alone with these thugs, and pulled hard away from theKindred, making his own run for the door. As Vox pushed himself away from his would-beassailants, he felt a blow strike his back and slide off, clearly misjudgng his movementtowards the door. All around them, the fight had spread throughout the bars other patronslike wildfire, punches and shouts being thrown about almost indescriminantly.

The two kindred slammed through the bar's doorway, dimly aware of the ruckusenveloping the bar behind them, and an unintelligable roar that could only have come fromMichael. The dorman the pair saw on their way in cast a look of surprise at the two Kindred

as they burst out, his eyes quickly focussing from them to the scene inside.

Gene stopped short just a few feet from the front door. They now stood in the parking lot,and Gene could even see his bike parked beside countless others. He drew out both hiskatana and wakazashi, gripping the latter in his left hand as he stood still, waiting forMichael and the others to come out and fight them.Vox pulled up next to his friend, eyes darting from the bar to the bikes and back, "Let's getout of here, man!" he shouted as he moved toward his bike.

Barely seconds later, Michael and his folowers come through the bars door. The doormantook a step towards them, but backed off as Michael snarled at him, a murderous fire inhis eyes. The group stopped short, spotting Vox and Gene, spreading out to try andsurround the two Kindred.

Gene hesitated a moment, his eyes still flushed with rage as he continued to grip bothweapons steadily in his hands. Quickly, Gene's eyes turned from Michael and his gang toVox, and, in a split second decision, decided to forgo the fight and escape with his limbsstill intact. He quickly sheathed his weapons as he ran toward his own bike.

With another unintelligable roar of anger, Michael and his boys surged forwards in pursuit.A loud crack echoed through the air, and Gene felt a momentary flash of pain in hisshoulder as a bullet drove home. Gene's face instantly contorted with pain, but heclenched his teeth and continued running as fast as he could towards his ride.

Vox had managed to get to within a few feet of his own bike, but a glance back revealedthe gang spreading out to cut off the escape route from the parking lot, a couple of themhefting pistols, while Michael and the bald man hurtled towards the two kindred,

supernatural speed powering through their limbs as they closed. Vox mounted his bike andstartsed it up, the engines dull roar comforting in the neon-lit night. As Vox gunned his



engine, the bald guy pushed harder, narrowing the gap to a couple of yards.

As Gene reached his own bike, a growl from behind gave him a split second's notice of Michael's proximity, before the Kindred slammed into his back, carrying Gene over the bikeand onto the dusty ground.

An immense roar escaped Gene's mouth. Vox had never heard him growl as loud. His handreaches for the Wakazashi again at his side, pulling it out as he lay on the ground, feiningto be unconscious for a few seconds... just long enough for his attacker to possibly getclose.

A second shot rang out in the darkness, one of the thugs aiming at Vox. The bulletspanged from the paintwork on Vox's gas tank. Vox span the back tyre, raising a cloud of dirt and smoke and spinning his rear end toward Bald Guy, using his bike as a club, or ashield.

The bald guy grinned maniacally as Vox turned to meet him, leaping forward, fistsbunched. Punching wildly, his blows impact on the bikes fairing, or Vox's leather, doing noharm, but the Kindreds bulk slammed into Vox threatening to dislodge him from thesaddle.

Michael spat in Gene's face; "You're going to the Prince, boy!" before raining blows downinto the prone Kindreds face.

Gene continued lying on the ground, still prone, acting unconscious. His eyes closed, Genefocussed his blood for a few seconds, strength enveloping inside of him from the flamingVitae now searing through his veins.

Vox drove, accelerating. He laughed and shouted at the Bald Guy; "We die together in afiery crash!" The bald guy clung on as Vox accelerted forward, snarling and trying tounbalance the bike, but otherwise unable to do much. Wrestling with the bike, Vox spottedone of the pistol toting thugs take aim again, the shot catching him in the leg. Ignoring thepain, Vox accelerated directly at the thug, lying low against the bikes gastank.

Vox barely held the bike up as he gunned it towards the pistol holding thug, the Kindredtorn between aiming again and getting out of the way. His buddy, however was under nosuch pressure, taking a shot at Vox as he rode by, seemingly uncaring of whether hecaught the bald guy by accident. The bullet slammed into Vox's back wheel, the back endof the bike fishtailing in the dust.

Michaels rage drove him on, throwing more punches at Gene's head. Gene opened oneeye, looking up at the furious Michael... The Prince's childe... he thought scornfully, as hesmiled wide and let his left hand swing, the blade slicing across the Kindred's face just ashe'd delivered his last punch. Gene immediately rolled and stood up. The only thing thatstood between his bike now was Michael. Gene scowled, arms and legs ready.

The bike kicked and bucked, Vox hanging on for dear life, as did the bald guy hanging off

him. The guy Vox had aimed for found himself out of Vox's path, and snapped a shot off,the bullet grazing Vox's forehead.

Michael yelped as the blade cut into his face, his hands releasing Gene as he instinctivelycovered the wound. As Gene rolled to his feet he found the last thug wating for him, apunch arcing in to crash into his jaw. Gene's neck turned with the blow, and in response,Gene turned and lunged his short blade into the thug's stomach, pulling out just as quicklyand taking a step away from the two attackers and his bike. As Gene stabbed at the thug,Michael scrambled back to his feet, advancing on Gene and pulling his own pistol. "Stopright the fuck there!"

Vox tried to knock the guy off the back with some elbows, desperate to dislodge the burlyand tenacious thug and regain control of his lurching bike. His elbows illicited a grunt fromthe bald guy, whos fingers finally lost their purchase on his clothes, his body rolling into

the dust.



((Finally got it cleaned up and posted. Make sure you take your current health levels into account when posting yournext footer - I dont have the exact details now, so I'll accept rough approximations of the damage you've taken. Voxis back in control, Bald Guy rolling in the duts behind him, and aiming for the parking lot exit, with a pistol guydirectly ahead, and a second one drawing a bead on him from the side. Gene is back on his feet, with Michael sixfeet or so away aiming a pistol at his head, the gut-stabbed thug grimacing but still active a few feet away. Yourmoves chaps.))

**Vox**

Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:47 PMBlush of LifeResilience

Vox thought that getting shot must hurt more when the bullet is tearing through livingflesh, but in contrast, he just registered the pain somewhere in the back of his mind.

Yes, he was busy. He headed right for the thug.

((4 successes http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1681004/ Should I roll to hit with the motorcycle the guy thatdidn't get out of the way?))H: /////00000W: 2/5V: 3/10**Gene Brunet**Michael, ??, Vox, ??, ??, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??, ??/??, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (Parking Lot)Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:47 PMResilience Vigor

Gene's eyes were growing red with rage as he stared at Michael for a brief second, hismind quickly figuring out his next move. The curse of the Bruja was beginning to unleash

itself, now that the Kindred had provoked Gene into such a sloppy and most dishonorablefight. The crimson glow faded from his iris, and the deep, purple bruises over his arms andface dulled to a calm, gray-blue. Gene clenched his teeth and moved in on Michael with hiswakizashi, keeping his head low as he aimed for the legs.

((Spent 1 Vitae to heal 2 bashing damage. Attack roll: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1679393/ - 2successes.))

H: /////000(0)W: 4/4V: 6/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Michael, Bald Guy, thug, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??

Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (parking lot)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11.47 PM

Michael saw Gene's intent, stepping back as the bruja slashed with his short sword, butnot quite quickly enough, the blades tip slicing through the expensively cut clothe of theKindreds trouser leg, scoring across flesh and bone. As he moved he swung the gun down,switching his aim from Gene's head to his chest and pulling the trigger. The bulletsmashed into Gene's chest, piercing his leather tunic with ease.

The Kindred blocking Vox's exit route held his nerve, both him and his companion keepingtheir pistols trained on the advancing Kindred. Both fired off shots, one bullet sparking off the bikes fairing, the other hitting Vox in the side.

((Gene takes two bashing. Vox takes two bashing and needs to make a Comp + Drive to keep control of the bike. If

successful, you'll hit the blocking Kindred on your next turn. Failure means losing your momentum/direction andpotentially allowing another round of firing from the blocking Kindred.))











**Gene Brunet**Michael, thug, Vox, Bald Guy, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??, ??/??, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (parking lot)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11:47 PM

Gene roared loudly again, the blood fuming inside of him as his eyes glinted red again andhis hand swung the blade across Michael's face.

((Spending 1 Vitae to heal 2 Health. http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1683015/ - 2 successes.

H: /////000(0)W: 4/4V: 5/11

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:47 PM

Blush of LifeResilience

Vox hits the guy and continues to accelerate.

((2 successes http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1683037/))H: /////00000W: 2/5V: 3/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Michael, Bald Guy, thug, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (parking lot)


Vox's bike smashed into the Kindred blocking the exit, throwing him down to the ground,his leg rolling under the front tyre. The Kindred howled in surprise and pain as his foot waspummelled beneath the heavy bikes weight. His companion was unfazed by the first guyssituation, shooting again at Vox as he rode by, the bullet slamming into Vox's side.

Michael fell back under Gene's assault, reflexively firing his pistol as the blade cut into hisface once more. The shot wasn't aimed well, merely grazing Gene's hip. Suddenly Genefelt hands grabbing at him, the Kindred he had stabbed earlier moving in on his backintent to secure a hold on the rampaging Bruja. An elbow wrapped around his throat, ahand twisted Gene's sword arm. As Gene fought against the assailant, he caught a glimpseof the bald guy moving in towards him too.

((Vox takes 3 bashing, but is able to make a run for the open road if he wishes to abandonGene.

Gene takes 1 bashing and is grappled. To break the grapple requires Strength + Brawl - 3.Michael and Bald Guy will be able to assist with subduing Gene in the next turn.))

**Gene Brunet**Michael, Bald Guy, thug, Vox, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, ??/??, ??/??, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??Sammy's Bar and Grill, San Diego (parking lot)Saturday, June 7th 2008, 11:47 PM

Grunting, Gene thrust his shoulders forward and broke out of his opponent's grip, his eyes

darting to Michael and the bald guy.









Shit.

Gene knew he couldn't finish them all off by himself. He had to make a break for it. Heneeded to get to his bike. As Gene broke into a run towards his motorcycle, he ripped oneof the half-empty flasks off his belt and threw it back as he ran, hoping that the smell of fresh blood would entice the monsters' senses enough to distract them momentarily while

he escaped.((Spending 1 Vitae to heal wounds.))

H: ////0000(0)W: 4/4V: 4/11

**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:47 PMBlush of Life

Resilience

Now that Vox got free of the enemy's perimeter, he drew his machine pistol and positionedhimself to make a strafing run at the others.

((expends 1 vitae to heal 2 bashing))H: //////0000W: 2/5V: 2/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, Vox, Michael, Bald Guy, thug, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??Sammy’s Bar and Grill, San Diego (parking lot)


Gene's ploy worked, though its effect was limited. The guy that had tried to lock him downhesitated, torn between the fresh blood and chasing the bruja. Michael, however, wasclearly made of stringer stuff, ignoring the distraction and aiming at Gene's back,squeezing the trigger of his pistol. The bullet slammed square into the centre of Genesback.

Catching sight of Vox, machine pistol ready, Michael cast one last look at Gene as thegangrel reached his bike, before shaking his head and spitting in disgust. A slight wave of his hand brought the advancing bald guy to a halt a few yards from Genes bike, and therest of the standing members of the group likewise stopped their own movements, insteadmerely watching the still form of Vox at the parking lots entrance, and Gene mounting his

own bike.**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:47 PMBlush of LifeResilience

Vox kept himself from smiling; he didn't want to antagonize the gang into another attack,knowing full well it might come anyway, he had to hope Michael's stand-down was nobluff. So, he set his foot down on the asphalt and waited, covering Gene's withdrawal.

They really are the Prince's Morons, got to keep some semblance of peace. ...lucky for us.



I wonder if Gene's going to be able to let this go...

He noticed the bits of blood from the fight; he could almost smell it...

I pity the next sack of bloodbags we come across on this road.

H: //////0000W: 2/5V: 2/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Michael, bald guy, thug, thug, thug, thugGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??-Sammy's Bar and Grill (parking lot), San DiegoSaturday, June 7th 2008, 11:47 PM

Gene did his best not to roar at that last shot; they were probably already attracting toomuch unwanted attention from the bar. Or maybe they're too drunk and stupid to notice.

Gene quickly slid his helmet on and fired up his bike. The engine buzzed loudly in the cool

air as he held down the clutch and switched to first gear. His hand eased on the clutch andas soon as the bike was in motion, Gene hit the gas hard to swerve out of the parking lot,towards Vox. All the while, he could feel the warmth of his Vitae flowing through his veinsagain, treating his wounds on the spot.

Damn... I'm going to have to feed soon again.

((Spending 2 Vitae to treat wounds again.))

H: ////0000(0)W: 4/4V: 4/11**Vox**Gene Brunet, Merrick?, Michael, OthersVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned,

Nosferatu/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, ??/??, KineSammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:49 PMBlush of LifeResilience

Vox pulled up along Gene as they pulled away, watching the scene behind him in hismirrors.

After a couple minutes, he yelled over to Gene, "Hey, slow down, I don't think they'll comeafter us!" He held up the car keys he'd taken from the bald one and smiled.

"I feel sorry for the next poor lugs we come across next! I'm fucking hungry!"

H: //////0000W: 2/5V: 2/10

**Gene Brunet**Vox, Michael, OthersGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/Invictus, ??/??, ??/??-Leaving Sammy's Bar and Grill, San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:49 PM

"Yeah," replied Gene, "You're telling me."

Though Gene wanted to focus his Vitae on his wounds again, he knew he had to conserve

blood. They both weren't sure when they'd get another chance to hunt; much less, feed.H: ////0000(0)



W: 4/4V: 4/11

**Vox**Gene BrunetVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/UnalignedOutside San Diego

Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:53 PM

Speeding toward a gas station.

Blood. Vox remembered the gas station. Mostly he remembered that there would be lifethere and it had something he needed.

He took back the mantle of death as his Blush of Life faded away; but he didn't care; onlythe sweet coppery goodness mattered to him now. Well, he still hoped a loose leash wouldkeep his Beast from running too freely, but that was more like a back seat driver's voicewhen the music is up too loud...

Cameras. Yes, I should avoid cameras... lure them out? Maybe, we'll just see how it goes. That was his plan and only the roar of Gene's motorcycle kept him from forgetting,momentarily, that he wasn't alone.

He smiled, the enjoyment of the anticipation nearly balanced the discomfort of the hunger.

((as Resilience ended he spent a point of Vitae to heal 2 points of bashing.))H: ////000W: 2/5V: 1/10

**Gene Brunet**VoxGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/InvictusOutside San Diego

Saturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:53 PMResilience Vigor

Gene didn't particularly know where Vox was taking him, but he didn't care. He didn't haveto worry about where it was, either. They'd been through enough shit together that Genegenuinely trusted his friend's instincts. They were like wolves, constantly roaming theAmerican wild for nourishment and excitement; each could hold his own, yet sometimeseach performed better when cooperating and working together to hunt their food orescape from trouble.

Gene's bike continued to roar right behind Vox's. The night air out west was alwaysexhilarating.

H: ////0000(0)W: 4/4V: 4/11

**ST**Gene Brunet, VoxGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/InvictusOutside San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:59 PM

The powerful bikes quickly ate up the miles as they roared along the highway, headingnorth away from San Diegos bright lights. The highway was deserted, and the chance tolet the bikes open up and feel the tension of the encounter at the bar was muchappreciated by both Kindred.

As they progrssed, a haze of light in the distance quickly resolved into the harsh blue andwhite neons of an Exxon filling station on the highways shoulder. As they drew near, it was



clear that the filling station was open, a station wagon pulled up at one of the pumps,sitting idle as its owner paid for gas.

**Vox**Gene BrunetVentrue/Invictus, Gangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned

Outside San DiegoSaturday, June 7th, 2008, 11:53 PM

Vox pulled off the road at the edge of the Exxon's lot and parked his bike. As Gene pulledup next to him he asked, "Any ideas? I have only one." His body quivered with hunger ashe pocketed his keys, reached back into his saddle-bags and pulled out an old black T-shirt. "Go in masked and have our way ."

Take it easy. Soon. Soon.

H: ////000W: 2/5V: 1/10

**ST**Gene Brunet, VoxGangrel (Bruja)/Unaligned, Ventrue/InvictusOutside San DiegoSunday, June 8th, 2008, 00:04 AM

With the bikes parked up, the two Kindred could see through the window of the fillingstation’s kiosk. A woman, mid-thirties, long brown hair, stood at the counter, purse inhands, talking to the clerk, a teenager in an Exxon-logoed t-shirt and baseball cap. Genelooked at Vox underneath his black helmet; his face was well hidden under the tintedvisor."No better ideas, let's go."Vox pokes eye-holes in the shirt and ties it into place over his head. "Good."

Climbing off his bike, Vox concealed the machine pistol under his jacket.Gene looked through the window of the gas station. "We should try not to make a hugemess."Vox nodded. "Yeah, I'll try." He didn't sound confident.Gene said, "I don't want the San Diego Prince putting the blame on us and hunting usdown."Again, Vox nodded. "I hear you ...but I'm really hungry."Gene continued. "You know that childe of his will squeal. Or else, he'll make it sound likewe're the bad guys.""No doubt he'll make us as the bad-guys anyway." Vox replied.

His attention back on the kiosk and its occupants, Gene nodded towards the fillingstation."We should take them around out back… and dispose of them when we're done."

Vox nodded in agreement.Gene stepped forward, his hand ready on the hilt of the wakizashi at his side.Vox gestured at the clerk. "Clerk will probably have a weapon."Gene nodded. "Let me go in first, I'll go towards the back. If he pulls his gun on you, I'lltake him out."

The two Kindred crossed the forecourt quickly, keeping an eye on the road for approachingtraffic. Gene headed through the door first, Vox just behind. The clerk looked up fromserving the woman briefly, before double-taking and calling out to Gene."Hey man, you gotta take the helmet off in..."Then he spotted Vox with his t-shirt mask."Wha...""Hands on top of your head!" Vox yelled.The clerks jaw droppd as Vox pulled his machine pistol. The woman, catching sight of theclerks expression began to turn, eyes widening as they saw Vox.



Gene let go of his grip on the wazikashi and reached around his back, unsheathing hiskatana.The clerks eyes flitted from Vox to Gene, unwilling to let either out of his sight for longerthan a second.

"You there!" Gene yelled at the clerk. "Stay standing, don't move.” Pointing at the woman,

Gene continued, his voice carrying clearly across the small kiosk. “You - down on yourknees! Move!"Vox stepped forward. "To lie is to die!" He aims at the clerk "any other workers here?"The womans jaw began working, as if she wanted to say somethin but had forgotten tospeak.Gene's eyes turned the woman for a brief second."On the ground, now!"

The clerk stammered under Vox’s scrutiny."N-no man, just me... the graveyard shift, y'know?"Vox nodded, satisfied that the kid wasn’t lying to him. "Come out from behind there.Move."The woman stood, trembling, jaw still working, hands clutching the bills she had been inthe process of handing over. The clerk, hands reaching up to shoulder height, palms out,

began to edge around the counter."T-take it easy man, the moneys yours... they're insured for this shit, I aint gonna be aproblem for $7 an hour...""On top of your head!" Vox yelled at the clerk."I said move!" Gene didn't wait for the woman to respond. He walked up to her andgrabbed her by the hair, pulling her close towards his chest.

Vox scanned the kiosk, before turning back to the clerk. "Where's the video recorder?"The clerks hands jerked to his head. The woman still stood, mouth agape, showing noinclination of hitting the deck. As Genes hand grabbed her hair, her eyes flicked to his, fullof panic."D-don't hurt me...please dont hurt me.""Over there man, in the corner." The clerk jerked his upper body to try and point out therecorder under the counter with his elbow, hands firmly clasped to his head.Gene hissed at the woman in his grasp. "No one's going to hurt anyone if you shut up!"The woman almost doesnt seem to hear Genes words, her mouth continuing to work like afish out of water, tears beginning to form at the corner of her eyes. "Please... please donthurt me..."Vox moved behind the counter, removing the tape from the machine and the cash fromthe register. The clerk watched Vox as he cleared the register, showing no intentions of interfering with the robbery or trying to be a hero.

Gene kneed the woman in her gut and then dragged her towards the back door. Thewomans breathe exploded out of her in a "woof" sound, and she fell to her knees, headstill held up by Gene's grip on her hair. The sobs soon started up again, hitching brayingsounds coming from her throat. The clerk winced in sympathy at the womans plight, butstill made no move to interfere. The door at the kiosks rear had a sign "Staff only." A

keypad lock held it shut.

Vox filled his pockets with the bills and came back around the counter, glancing out thekiosk’s window to check there were no unwelcome arrivals. The forecourt was clear,nothing passed on the road.

Gene looked down at the keypad, then turned back to the other two."The door's locked." Gene calls out to VoxVox waved his gun at the clerks face, ushering him to join Gene and the woman at theback of the kiosk. "Coming."The clerk jumps at Vox's voice, before gingerly began heading towards Gene and thewoman, whilst clearly wishing to maintain some distance between himself and themotorcycle helmeted raider.

As Vox approached, Gene's eyes unknowingly lit up as a bright idea hit him."Hey, remember what I said about not making a mess?"



The woman in Genes grip continued to hitch and snort as she sobbed.Vox nodded "So far so good""Yes. But why not do the complete opposite? Instead of disposing of these two afterwards,why not send a message to the Prince? We'll look tougher; instead of some cowards whoran away to feed and heal…and we'll get the Prince's boys to come to us."

The clerk eyed both men nervously. "Hey guys, you've got the cash - theres no safe outback, thats it. Why dont you just let us go -we didnt see nothin, you've got the tape..."Vox barked a laugh "Not sure that's ...wise" before turning his attention back to the clerk,a snarl twisting his lip behind the mask. "Shut up, Sack, or I'll spray you all over the wall!"

The clerk bit his lip, eyes continuing to flick back and forth nervously. The womancontinued to writhe and sob in Genes grip.

Gene ignored the Kine as he continued, "Think about it. He'll already know what happenedbetween us and his boys. You know I don't run. Let's leave a glorified message - let themcome find us. Know that we're not running away or backing down."

Vox laughed more and switched to French "Yeah, okay, what do you propose?"Nodding at the clerk, he switched back to English for the Kine’s benefit. "Open the door,

Sack.""Well..." Gene began, before turning to the clerk, "Do you have any rope?"The clerk slowly reached a hand towards the keypad, tapping four digits in turn. A smallgreen led flashed on the keypad box. "R-rope..? Uh, yeah, maybe..."Gene turned the handle and opened the door as he tightened his grip on the woman's hair,stepping aside for the two to walk in first.

The door led into a short corridor, with a couple more doors on either side - staff toiletsand a rec room presumably, before terminating in a fire exit at the end of the corridor.Vox gestured at the fire door: "Out the back." Before shoving the clerk forwards into thecorridor."Where's the rope?" Gene spat in the clerk's face.The clerk edged past Gene, before turning into the corridor and heading toward thefiredoor. "Th…there may be some outside, in the yard."Vox pointed back into the kiosk. "Get some lighter fluid too"Gene grabbed a can of fluid from a nearby shelf and followed closely behind Vox.

"I know how we can do this," he quietly said, using his free hand to unclasp and removehis helmet. The womans hitching sobs caught in her throat at Vox's mention of lighterfluid, eyes widening. "No, no...please don't hur..."

Gene snaps his neck at the woman, fast, like a viper striking. For a moment, all is lost andeverything turns red. His patience lost, Gene grabbed the woman's neck, lifted her up intothe air, and growled angrily, letting his full-blown, bottled up rage burst out as he tore intoher throat with his sharp, hungry fangs.

Vox starts to open one of the doors, but at the sound he looks and sees Gene begin to

feed, he can't take it anymore and jumps on the clerk, clutching at his neck and drinkingdeeply.

The woman shrieked as Gene lunged for her neck, her arms thrashing as she tried to pullaway from the ravening monster, but her struggles ultimately futile as his greater strengthheld her immobile. Her fighting spirit soon fled, her protestations reduced to occasionalmoans and feeble punches as Gene devoured her hearts blood.

The clerk, his back to the Kindred and Kine, took a moment to turn around at her shriek,and barely had time to take in what was happening before Vox was on him, bearing him tothe floor and tearing at the boys throat.

Gene continued to lick every last drop off the woman's wound, but didn't bother to lick itclose after he was finished. His eyes flush with red, Gene took a solitary moment to bathe

in the ecstasy that surrounded him. His limbs tingling, he stood up and pulled the pale,dried up body by the hair again, heading towards the back door while healing himself in



the process.

When Vox finished, he stood up and looked greedily toward the woman. He wasdisappointed to see that Gene had already finished her off.

Gene turned to Vox, wiping blood from his chin. "Let's get them outside, I have a message

in mind."Vox nodded. "You get them, I'll burn the tape"Gene shrugged.: "Smash it up and leave it here. We're burning this whole place to theground."Vox nodded, absently pocketing the security tape nonetheless: "Fair enough"

Gene grabbed the two corpses and head outside, through the corridor's back door. Thedoor opened out to the California desert. The ground was rocky and bleak, sporadicallydotted with scrub vegetation and small rocks. A pinto sat nearby, probably the clerksvehicle of choice.Gene dragged the bodies across the sandy, rocky ground, making his way past the car anda fair way from the kiosk. He then proceeded to slice the corpses up quickly, limb by limb.After creating enough parts, made of flesh and bone, he began scrambling them togetherinto a message on the ground that read: BRING ME MICHAEL!

Meanwhile, Vox headed round to the forecourt to check out the scene.Headlightsapproached from the north, but passed by without stopping. Soon the desert night was stillagain.

Turning to go back to Gene, Vox caught sight of the station wagon siting by the pumps.Crossing the forecourt, he peered through the windows. In the rear seat of the stationwagon lay a baby seat, its occupant swaddled in a blanket against the night time cool. Awicked grin lit up Vox’s face. He was happy to find more, and ignoring the phantom tugs athis heartstrings, he removed the baby from the vehicle. Walking back through the shop,Vox pauses to grab a couple of gas cans, returning to the pumps to fill them up, all thewhile cradling the baby in one arm. With the cans full, Vox carried the gas cans and thebaby to the hallway, almost tenderly, but by the time he reached the back door, the tinybody lay limp and drained in his arms.

Vox stepped through the back door, showing little reaction to Gene’s “message”, andtosses the baby to Gene , before letting out a satisfied belch.Gene held the baby up, his eyes taking in the tiny, pale corpse, before turning back to thelimbs and viscera artfully arranged in the desert dust. With a self-satisfied nod he rippedthe baby's head off and stuck it under the exclamation point to dot it,.

With a gasoline can each, the two Kindred worked their way through the building, front toback, dousing every available surface with the fuel, pausing only to wash the blood fromtheir faces in the staff washroom. Finding themselves standing once more at the back of the kiosk Gene takes a can back to the disembodied corpses and carefully pours gasolineover the body parts. "There, that should be a clear enough message." he says aloud tohimself.

Vox looked around, as if only just becoming aware of their open location and the passageof time. "We best hurry.""Right."Gene flicks a match and lights the message on fire before turning back to follow Vox outfront.

On the forecourt once more, Vox filled the bikes before once more filling his can andpouring a trickle of gasoline across the tarmac, creating a trail leading to the pumps fromthe roadside.Gene hopped onto his bike, threw his helmet back on, double checked to make sure hedidn't have any noticeable blood on himself, and fired up the engine, dragging down theclutch.Vox thumbs a zippo to drop on the gas "So, which way?""The only way we can now," Gene began. "We need to go to San Diego."

Vox sighed, eyes on the flame in his hand. "Alright."Gene continued, his own eyes on the petrol station, but his mind on the message they’d



left. "Otherwise, our efforts here are futile.If we're lucky, we can convince the Prince it washis childe's fault. If we're that lucky.""Vox looked up at his partner. "Ready?"Vox started up his bike and rode to the end of the gas trailGene followed Vox, whispering a silent mantra in his head in order to ease his Beast forthe upcoming blast.

Vox ground his teeth in anticipation, before dropping the a strip of paper in the 'startingpuddle' of gas, lighting the zippo and looking for a nod from Gene.Gene's bike roared as he turned his head to his partner. He nodded and took off.Vox lit the taper, gunned the throttle and took off after his friend. Neither Kindred lookedback.The taper caught light quickly, impregnated with gas as it was. The flame jumped, blueishyellow in the neon light, racing towards the pumps like a flaming sidewinder skiring acrossdesert dunes. The flame guttered slightly as it reached the pumps, before catching hold of the plastic and paper advertising hoardings that framed the pumps, licking hungrily at thefuel hoses.

Eyes fixed ahead, the Kindred heard the dull crump as the first of the pumps exploded,followed quickly by its companions. The night sky lit up orange like a 4th July fireworksdisplay, the sudden harsh light glaring down on the road and desert. Soon, the primary

explosions gave way to the sound of crackling fire and twisting metal struts as the gasstation collapsed in on itself, its tortured demise accompanied by the distant wail of sirensracing out of San Diego. But by this time, Vox and Gene were nowhere near to see it.

**End of Chapter 1**

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Blood on the Border