Blood of The Rose

Chapter 8: Delirium

Santa Monica

Neo blinked her mismatched eyes open as the sun set, a slow smile forming on her face as she rose to greet the new evening. Stretching out her small frame, she took a casual glance around the sparse room of her Haven.

Situated in downtown Santa Monica, it wasn't ideal for her to stay at for extended periods of time. Only a ratty-looking blue denim couch, a rickety coffee table, and the bed furnished the efficiency apartment. A radio and an unplugged television sat on the dirty carpeted floor across from the sofa. There were a few pictures adorning the walls, mostly colorful abstract pastel paintings, though one framed and autographed photo of the late comedian George Carlin was prominent.

Sighing lightly, Neo hopped off of the bed and padded over to where a neon pink laundry basket sat with several changes of clothes.

Hmm, what to wear today…

"I think the black outfit."

Neo rolled her eyes at the autographed photo. You always pick the black outfit.

"That's because you look fuckin' hot in it, kiddo."

She giggled soundlessly, covering her mouth with one dainty hand. Such a flatterer, George.

"Well, that or the white and pink, with the jacket, goes with your hair better."

Deciding to humor her oldest friend, she shrugged off her frilly nightgown and began to dress herself in her usual outfit. The diminutive girl donned a black corset, curved in the middle and at the bottom, exposing her hips and worn like a leotard. Next she shimmied on a pair of brown pants, stuck her feet into gray boots with nicely high heels to make up for her stature, and then slipped on her pink-lined and long-tailed white jacket. As an afterthought she added several necklaces, hanging them haphazardly, though artfully, around her neck.

Her hands on her slender hips, Neo gave the photo a smirk. So, how do I look?

"Fuckin' A, kid."

Neo nodded in satisfaction, glancing around the apartment once more, though this time in concern. I had somewhere to be, didn't I? It's why I'm here in the first place and not downtown…

"I dunno, kid, try the radio. She usually remembers this kinda shit."

Right, right… With a skip in her step, she crossed the room and crouched by the radio, flipping the dial on. Her favorite talk show was just now beginning.

"Good evening Los Angeles," the sultry female voice purred. "The moon is out, everyone's in dreamland, and you've tuned in to The Deb of Night. Nobody to fall asleep next to? Go ahead and pull the radio into bed. That's what I'm here for."

Hi, Deb! she grinned. Do you remember what I'm supposed to do tonight?

"Well of course I do, gorgeous. You're supposed to check out that new fledgling, remember? And I know just where she'll be."

Oooh, yay! Neo jumped up and clapped her hands together excitedly. Where? Where?

"Head on over to The Asylum, sweetness, you'll eventually meet with her on the balcony."

Neo froze, her heterochromatic eyes wide with excitement and her tiny frame vibrating with eagerness.

The Asylum? Will my mistress be there?

"Your guess is as good as mine, darling, you know she's only available half the time… Now then, where were we. Ah, yes… Looks like somebody's been waiting in the queue quite awhile to speak to yours truly. So caller, why aren't you asleep?"

Neo sat on the floor, cross-legged as she considered whether or not her Sire might be there at the night club. While she pondered, the radio show continued.

"Uhm... uh, insects," a stuttering male voice chimed in.

"Insects... as in, you have an insect problem? Or chirping crickets are keeping you up? Or you have nightmares about them?" Deb chuckled wryly, her voice as velvety as ever. "Help me out here."

Hmm… take the date of the month, figure in the waxing moon, Venus in ascension...

"No, no, no. Don't you know? When you fall asleep, they can crawl into your mouth or your ears, or... or your nose. You can't prevent it if you're asleep. I mean, what can you do?"

"Are there any scientists out there listening to this?" Deb asked skeptically.

Also, there haven't been any celebrity deaths lately...

"Uhm... I read something, I don't know where, but do you know the average person eats several pounds of insects a year? The majority of that weight is composed of roaches, ants, and spiders. Just knowing that as soon as you close your eyes, a big fat centipede is going to drop into your mouth and crawl down your throat... I- I can't do it! I never sleep at night."

And it's the first part of the night, soooo… Yes! She should be there! Satisfied with her intricate calculations, Neo clapped her hands together lightly once more before settling down to listen to the remainder of the crazy man's tale.

"You know, they voluntarily eat insects in some countries," Deb laughed lightly.

"Yeah, well, those countries probably need Jesus!"

Yep, nuttier than a fruitcake, I can always tell the crazy ones...

"So you never sleep at night... I assume you do sleep, right?"

"I sleep at work."

"And what exactly do you do?"

"I'm a middle school teacher."

Neo placed both hands over her mouth as she silently laughed, her eyes twinkling with merriment.

"That would explain why my nephew invested that twenty I sent him for his birthday on magic beans. It's always good to know that the future of our country is in good hands, isn't it?"

With an amused sigh, Neo rose and switched the radio off. Well, no use putting it off, and I haven't seen my mistress in ages… Hey, George, how much time do I have before the new girl shows up?

"'Bout an hour, give or take."

Thanks! See you later!

"Hey, you weren't going to forget me, were you?"

Neo paused by the front door and eyed her parasol suspiciously. Well, now, that depends. Last time we went out, you killed that guy before I could feed.

"Of course I did, love, it's what I do!"

Look, I didn't make you so that you would kill everyone. Don't be so bloodthirsty, okay? She was trying to be reasonable here, really she was. What use was carrying around a sword concealed in a parasol if it would just randomly kill people? Downright exasperating is what it was.

"Okay, fine, fine, I'll reel it in some, alright?"

Neo smiled demurely. That's more like it. With effortless grace she twirled the parasol in her hand as she exited the Haven, locking the door behind her.

The Asylum

As soon as Neo entered the club, she made a beeline for the elevator, fixated on the prospect of seeing her Sire once again. Before she could tap her code into the pad next to the door, however, her eyes were covered by a pair of hands.

"Hello there, sugarpop, a little birdie told me you'd be stopping by!"

With a soundless squeal, Neo turned and flung herself into her mistress' arms.

"Aww, I missed you too, sugarpop! C'mon, I'll buy you a drink." The pigtailed blonde took Neo by the hand and led her over towards the bar, pulling her onto a barstool next to her.

"Mack, you great big hunk of man meat," the elder vampire giggled. "Gimme two of the specials."

"Anything for you, babe," the overly obese bartender grinned, pulling a pair of dark, unmarked bottles from a warmer behind the bar. Neo accepted hers excitedly, lifting it to her lips with both hands as she downed the rich elixir. The blood was obviously that of a very blue line, rich and luxurious. She smacked her lips in pleasure once she'd taken a swig.

"Now then, small, pink, and deadly," her mistress smirked, setting her own bottle down. "What brings you by my little slice of insanity on earth?"

Neo turned towards the White Daughter of Janus, her expression sobering. I have to meet someone here. Someone new.

"Is that so?" her Sire giggled. "Anyone I know? Oooh, or by new, you mean that lovely little duckling Therese told me about, from the theater?"

Neo's face screwed up into a scowl at the mention of the Dark Daughter of Janus. She really, really didn't like the stuck-up prude, and avoided her at all costs.

"Aww, don't be like that," her favorite vampire in the whole wide world pouted. "She's family, you know."

The diminutive vampire sighed and nodded. I know, I just don't like her. For you, I'll put up with her. Hell, I'll put up with anything for you, mistress.

"Such a sweetie!" the White Daughter giggled once more, her expression changing as rapidly as a flat tire on a Harley. "So when is she supposed to be here, hmm, sugarpop?"

Neo placed a finger on her chin, looking around for inspiration. She eyed her bottle warily.

Don't suppose you have any insight?

"Well, I just got out of a warm, dark place… But the other bottles mentioned she should be walking through right… about… now!"

Eyes wide, Neo turned back and stared intently at the door. Sure enough, a petite, though several inches taller than her, vampire in a tattered red hoodie and ragged jeans skipped on through, looking around with a gleeful sort of wonder, her red-tipped brunette hair bouncing with each step.

Yep, that's her.

"Oooh, isn't she precious!" Her mistress gave her a mischievous smirk. "You won't mind if I play a little, would you, sugarpop? I've got some time before Therese needs me upstairs."

Nah, go have fun, Neo grinned. I'll stop by again soon, okay?

The pigtailed blonde vampire gave a small, girly squeal before planting a quick kiss on Neo's lips and darting towards the newcomer. She smiled at her mistress' antics as the elder vampire intercepted the hapless fledgling.

Okay, then, she began seriously to the bottle now in her hands. What can you tell me about her?

"Little Red Riding Hood, finally on the right track to find her lost little basket-case. Running from the Ice Princess, but she can't escape the pull of her and all the others."

Others? she wondered, intrigued. She found the most interesting tidbits of information in the most unusual of places. Bottles weren't known to be terribly reliable, after all. Their lifespan was far too short, and they tended to get around. Her mismatched eyes tracked her Sire first as she entered the elevator, and then Little Red Riding Hood as she slunk up the stairs to the balcony.

"Yep, others. Ice Princess is one, Sun Goddess another, and let's not forget our Shadow Cat. The four of them will shed the chains and overthrow fate itself."

Now that was interesting. Seems Little Red was far more fascinating than she'd imagined. With a grin, she downed the rest of the bottle, giving the neck a quick kiss in thanks, before following the path that the brunette fledgling had taken.

She needed to see for herself, see just what made this girl with red-tipped hair so special.

It didn't take too long, even for as short as she was, to spy the flash of red from the girl's hoodie. With a bounce in her step, the grinning Kindred moved up to stand at Little Red's side. The fledgling was startled by her presence, but before she could react Neo had already swept her gaze across the other girl and nodded, satisfied with what she saw.

With only a passing glance at the Hoplite and the Knight, both of whom were well-known to her and her network, Neo slipped back through the crowd and down the steps, now eager to meet back up with her second-favorite vampire once more.

Just as the bottle said, she's special alright, I can see it in those silver eyes of hers. How fascinating…

Once out the door, Neo paused to get her bearings. Now where was it she was supposed to meet with the other Kindred?

"In the diner," a voice spoke up by her side.

Neo scoffed lightly as she turned her head. I'm not in the habit of accepting advice from random streetlights. How insane do you take me to be?

"I'm just sayin', I can see right into the diner from here. He's waiting at a table."

Oh. Neo glanced down at the ground, shuffling her feet awkwardly. Um… Sorry for jumping to conclusions?

"It's okay. I'm used to it."

She strode off across the street, resolving to not be so judgemental of streetlights in the future.

Stop signs, those she was firm in her disdain. They were all shady as fuck.

When she walked through the door and into the brightly-lit, 60's-style diner, her face lit up when she spied the carrot-topped man. Jack had his bowler hat resting on the seat next to him, but when his eyes rested upon Neo he gave her a sardonic smirk and tossed the hat onto the next bench.

"Hey there, short stuff, mission accomplished?"

Neo nodded happily as she skipped over and slid into the seat next to Jack. She gave him a quick hug and then sat back, bouncing in her seat eagerly.

She's definitely the one we need to meet with.

"I'll take that as a yes, then," Jack chuckled.

Neo frowned briefly, she sometimes forgot Jack didn't pick up on her signal all the time. With an indulgent sigh, she rapped on the top of his head to clear the static up as she stood back to her feet. I know where she'll be next, ready to go?

Chuckling, the Toreador vampire gathered his belongings, leaving behind the untouched glass of water as he followed Neo's lead out into the darkness once more.

Santa Monica, Main Street

Neo only listened to Jack's talk with half an ear. Most of her concentration was on Little Red Riding Hood. Interestingly enough, even Jack called her Little Red.

Perhaps he gets some of the same information I do? It's a very widespread network of spies, after all.

"I didn't spill anything to him," a mailbox murmured as she passed it.

Oh, I know you didn't, don't be so defensive.

She'd felt something odd, almost momentous, when Little Red had waved to her and called out a hesitant greeting. Something told her that the people, the Kindred, around this little fledgling were easily swept up beside her, their fates shunned to match the new ones that she wove without even realizing it.

What an exciting time to be undead.

And on top of that, all of the fascinating things spoken through her network about thrilling topics like Antediluvians, a sarcophagus, treachery, power-brokering of an unheard-of level… All in all, Neo was certainly grateful she was of sound enough mind to take advantage of her precognitions. She almost felt a little pity for those who weren't similarly gifted. But that's why she stuck with the cigar-chomping vampire next to her, to keep him safe.

Once they bade a fond farewell to Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack passed along to the nameless one their success, they took a quick break from work for a snack. Truth be told, she was a bit peckish anyway from all the walking around.

She'd finished her meal first, leaving the young hooker leaning against the alley wall while the carrot-topped vampire took his time. Neo walked further down the alleyway, curious as to what was down this direction as she'd not explored this way before.

Two men were crouched at the end, rolling dice and grunting at each other unintelligibly. She smirked at the duo, mentally comparing them to cavemen who were attempting to discover fire.

One of them, big-boned and unshaven, glanced up from their game to spy her watching them. "Hey, hey, lookie what we got here," he leered. "Sweet little thang like you get lost?"

Neo tilted her head consideringly. I know exactly where I am. Do you know where you are? Do you know where you are going? Your next words will likely determine your journey.

The man got to his feet with a grunt while his buddy looked on, an eager grin on both of their faces. "Oh, yeah, pretty little thang, we're gonna have a good time, you an' me," he drawled, grasping at his crotch.

Ah, well, the ferry it is.

"So now I get to play, right?" her parasol asked querulously.

Yes, yes you do, she replied with a roll of her eyes.

With a snick, her concealed blade leapt into her hand, eager to kill, thirsty for blood, craving the feeling of sliced tendons and muscle.

Oh, go ahead, she said with a fond smile. Enjoy yourself.

Several minutes later Jack came upon her. The white-coated man grimaced slightly as he took in the bloody, visceral mess that coated every surface of the alleyway, including a certain diminutive vampire.

"Oh, Neo," he sighed. "You can't keep doing this, what if another Kindred found you in this state? You know how much those silly capes frown upon such activities."

Neo grinned at him, red-smeared cheeks spread wide. But no other Kindred would find me before you would. You always have my back, Jack-O'-The-Lantern.

Her second-favorite vampire just shook his head in resignation. "C'mon, m'dear, let's get you back to your Haven and get you cleaned up."

She was about to pass him when she stopped, peering up at him with a pout on her face and her heterochromatic eyes wide.

"Oh, fine, you little scamp," he chuckled. "We'll go back to my place downtown. Got a nicer shower for you there anyway."

A wide grin on her face once more, Neo skipped merrily back up the alley, leaving behind tiny little bloody footprints.

A/N: Early post this week, since I'm going to be out of town tomorrow! So, there you have it, from the viewpoint of a Malkavian. Words cannot adequately describe how much fun I had writing this chapter. My favorite part about playing as a Malk in the game was how the news anchor on the television set would start to talk directly to the character towards the end of the game. That and the creepy little whispers you can hear each time you meet a new person.

Most of this story will be from Ruby's perspective, but every so often we'll delve into another character like this just for kicks. I wonder how many of you read Jack instead of Roman and were internally complaining I'd screwed things up? (My Beta gave me a hard time about it.) Neo thinks like a Malk, nobody gets called by their given names.

The chapter title, Delirium, is a song just put out by one of my favorite bands Lacuna Coil (who also did a song on the original VtMB soundtrack, Swamped). I actually had an alternate title for this chapter, Sweating Bullets, which is a song by Megadeath. You really owe it to yourself to listen to both of them if you never have. Both songs match the mood of this story perfectly (and, imho, should be the theme songs for the Malk clan).

As always, major props to my Beta and collaborator, Live to anger the World, and my undying affection to all you lovely readers and reviewers! AntonSlavik020, Chim3r4, Sharkdude5, zerosabers, carpenter656, kaiju62, AndJrew76, Arcredemption, Reaper Whisper, Nicodemus Cain, and djjohns94, love you guys!

Stay shiny!