What does a Cainite get for fast food? What do you think I’m setting up the punch line for a joke? No I’m not, I’m totally being serious. I’m not a vegetarian so I’m not picking up dinner in the form of a stray or anything like the bleeding hearts that refuse to go after people. Normally if given the chance I prefer to hunt other blood suckers because vitae is a lot more filling but unless you plan to kill your target there is always the chance for a bit of blood binding to go on and frankly I’m not looking for that sort of attachment so the bar it is!
What a better place to catch a meal than a dive bar off in a less than reputable part of a major city? Least that would be the case if that place wasn’t already claimed by someone else. In my case tonight I drew the short stick and the first biker bar I found on the outskirts of Philadelphia is already controlled by some Anarchs. I honestly should have seen it coming… It looks like the sort of place a Brujah would hang out in. No I’m not stereotyping well maybe a little. If you don’t think Biker bar for an Anarch Brujah then you don’t hang out in vampire circles very much.
Either way when my short and skinny ass self walks in after parking my bike everyone turned their head. Surely it wasn’t the dress code right? I’m rocking the homeless college student chic with my combat boots, black leggings, black hoodie, and cat eared beanie and I could feel the eyes sizing me up. Thankfully all it took was a glare for my inner Beast to warn off the weakest minded of the mortals as I walked up to the bar and requested a beer. Now you would ask, why am I ordering something I obviously can’t drink and my answer would be cover. It’s all about setting up the cover and after handing over the cash I take the foul smelling beer and head for the corner. Worst part was I liked alcohol before dying… My mother ran one of those homey taverns back on the west coast with home made sake being our biggest seller. Now though it gave off a weird scent and I would just throw it up about an hour down the road if I dared drink it.
My plan was to attract the bravest soul that approached me, charm them with Presence, take them out back, and then bleed them dry before taking off but that was not meant to be. Instead of a tasty mortal, either gender worked though I was partial to the fairer as an Ahrimane, a rather big fellow approached me. Shaved head, bulging muscles, and a come at me bro expression he instantly gave me pause as my inner defenses tried to determine if I should escape out the back or not. See we have a certain sense for others of our kind, it helps with preventing mistaken identity and my Path urges me to avoid conflict in other predators' spaces. So when he approached and intention cut off my path of escape I had to fight the urge to growl. This wasn’t my town, I was the intruder at this point and I knew it.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here, little one.” He stated in a low tone that while unthreatening yet let me know he was on to me. His arms were crossed and I could see an Anarch tattoo on his lower arm. Least he wasn’t a member of the Camerilla, Anarchs could be reasoned with for the most part as long as you didn’t start it first.
“I do apologize if I intruded. I’ll be on my way…” Taking a slightly submissive tone with the man I attempted to get up and leave but he placed his meaty mitts on my shoulder and pushed me back into my seat. This was already not going well… A Brujah was not something I wanted to tangle with. They were faster and stronger than me if we were similar in age.
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“Now, now, no need to leave yet. Let’s chat a bit.” Without my approval he sat down next to me keeping me against the wall as I was dumb enough to set myself up in a corner. “First, what are you doing in my area? Did someone send you? Don’t lie, it’s easier to just be truthful.” He asked setting off alarms in my head. Did this dude think I was here to spy or something?
“Honestly my friend, nobody sent me. I’m travelling south and got a bit hungry. I have no intention of causing trouble.” My will was strong and my training kept me cool under pressure. Dealing with psychos back in the Temple helped as they were scarier than anything the Anarchs could deploy. I’ll explain one day the sort of games we played for training later if you were interested.
“Interesting… you don’t seem to be lying to me girl. Who do you belong to?” This question was obviously pointing at my allegiance. No way I’m gonna tell him I’m a Sabbat survivor running from potential trouble. Yes I count both the Wyrm encounter and the Inquisition to be future trouble. No way either would just let me get away without consequences.
“Nobody at this time. Running solo as my pack was killed by hunters.” I admitted which was most true. My skills with bending the truth were second to being able to manipulate others' impression of me. My pride did not prevent me from taking full advantage of my statue and unimposing nature. “I honestly don’t want any trouble Sir.”
He laughed at that and slapped my shoulder, almost forcing me over in the process. This was a turn I was not expecting. “Ain’t that right kid. Why don’t you come hang out with us? We know how to treat the lost and the damned right. Better than being out on the streets for some posh Prince to think they can acquire a new toy. What do you say?” He asked seemingly well intentioned but I knew better. The Anarchs were a weird group in my opinion. They claimed to be independent and rebels but I knew they were just about as independent as Libertarians were. The Tower only let them play their games because it was easier than subjugating them.
“I appreciate it but I really do just want to head back South to check on some old contacts. I promise I can handle any handsy Princes I meet along the way.” To make my point I showed him my claws before out of sight from the mortals. The man just laughed a bit before slapping me on the back as if I was a child showing him my best trick.
“Cute kid. How about this, you come meet my boss and if he says you are good to go you can. Gotta at least pay respect to the one who owns the area you were trying to feed in.” He said with a smile that didn’t reach his ears. Well shit… I was going to get shaken down wasn’t I? I could try and escape but with the number of mortals around it would be a mistake. They would demand me burn in the morning sun for breaking the Masquerade if I went rogue now.
“Absolutely! I would be more than happy to meet with your boss, my friend.” Best play up the innocent Canadian act. Americans loved that shit right? Better being friendly and polite instead of ending every sentence with bless your heart. “My name’s Yuiko, what about you?” I asked sweetly, avoiding using my own presence with this guy. Gangrel didn’t normally have that discipline and it might out me as either older than I appeared or not quite what I claimed to be.
“Good choice kid. My names Raulf and I saw you come in on that Harley outside. You will be leaving it as we will be walking. Come on, maybe the boss will be gracious enough to feed you too if you stay on good behavior.” He added, and I was about to say something about leaving my bike in the parking lot but he just shook his head as if knowing my objection. “Nobody touches our property so you are good if you walk out with me.” With that he stood up and gestured for me to follow. Of course I would though I was regretting stopping in this city already.