Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?

by Mr Badger

Mr Badger sat on the hill top cradling the last beer of the slab between his thumb and fingers. There was only a final mouthful left in it but as it was the last from the batch it deserved to be savoured. The taste of the others lingered in his mouth the same as the effects lingered in his blood. Mr Badger's vision was slightly hazed, as if looking through a dirty window from the alcohol. This would never do in a combat situation but for now it was savoured. By the time Mr Badger had to leave everything would be clear again, as clear as it ever got any way.

Around him the night was filled with violent flashes of light then seconds later the crash rumbling of the thunder. A storm has been brewing all evening and now its wrath was being expended on the township below. Light stabbed from the clouds above, striking the power lines that stretched across the land. The energy was safely channelled down dedicated pathways to the ground below, where it was harmlessly earthed. Mr Badger smiled as nature matched his mood something was going to happen tonight, he could feel it in his blood. As the rain started to fall in a curtain of moisture Mr Badger stood and drained the last from this vessel. The beer ran down his throat like the caress of a lover till there was no more. With a final salute to the heavens Mr Badger raised the can. At that instant a bolt of lightning struck the power line above. Arcing down the electricity found an easier pathway, a pathway starting at the upraised can and down the humanoid body holding it. Over 180,000 volts gave Mr Badger more than a tickle as it earthed its way through him.

We all carry a reflection of ourselves into the Umbra. The reflection is all we are and more. It represents our being in the spiritual plane. Even Vampires show a sign in the Umbra, dimmer than a mortal's it may be, but we are there along with them.
Mr Badger's reflection lit up in a brilliant shower of sparks as his aura attempted to absorb or reflect the energies directed at it. Somewhere in the instant between attack and defence something happened. The reflection shattered into two separate parts. While now individuals they were still born from the same parent. Each carried traits of that parent but unlike the original they were not constrained by their counterpart.
Inside all of us are many different people, while they are like us they are not us. It's the composite that makes us what we truly are. Take away one and you diminish the whole, thus is the way a human mind works. Vampires contain the Beast, without it they would lose the raw emotion that binds them to the earth. Where there is light there must be dark, one can not exist without the other, this never stops the sides from trying. As the flash of energy dimmed two forms disappeared into the darkness.

Mr Badger got up from the ground with a groan. He felt different, more alive than before. Looking around he noticed his clothes were strange, not at all what he was wearing before. A leather jacket moved across his shoulders like a well oiled machine, obviously worn in by hard use. His pants were of the same design, tight leather with strips of flesh showing through rents in their sides. In his hand was a beer can, scorched and barely recognisable it was still a beer can. A person can be certain about a few things in life and beer cans are one of them. Muttering about 'must have been the pride of the litter that one' Mr Badger walked down to the city below, it was time to party.

Mr Badger woke up next to rubbish bin. Feeling a little confused, more confused than normal which does take effort, he looked around. The last thing Mr Badger remembered was standing on the hill top looking over the city. Then all went white and now he was here. Brushing off his clothes he found himself to be wear a tasteful dinner jacket and trousers, a change from the jeans and jacket before. Smiling to himself Mr Badger whistled a happy tune as he waved to a taxi. Mr Badger remembered he was to meet the others at a restaurant fairly soon. It would be the height of bad manners to be late.

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Amaya entered the club through the side entrance, saved for regular 'customer's' of this establishment. When your Club attracts the Vampire night life the last thing you do is leave them to queue with the Mortals out the front. Amaya's Ghoul was to park the vehicle and wait within, ready to bring in aid if necessary but out of the way if 'fun' should be the order of the night. The "Death on a Stick" had been her choice of a Club for the past week or so. Often it would die down in the middle of the night as the customers left to other areas or to make full use of the evening and themselves. This was all well and good but for the start of the evening she would rather be nowhere else. Nodding to those she knew and wanted to acknowledge Amaya pointedly ignored those who were in disfavour. Reputations could be made and lost by who noticed you and who didn't. Patronage of an underling could begin from the nod of an Elder in a place like this.

The Club was full as usual for a new establishment, Vampires and Mortals rubbed shoulders on the dance floor, as well as a number of Garou and Magi. For those with the Sight a number of Spirits also wheeled around the room, feeding of the released emotions as well as looking with pained eyes towards the light given off by life itself.
Amaya made her way through the dance area, looking for a number of her usual partners. That was when she noticed him, surrounded by numerous members of the younger prey. Their skin was bright with sweat as they attempted to keep up with the suitor in their midst. A number of those locked in eye contact with the man were noticeably not sweating, their breath slow and easy as if faked, for they were Vampire as was the person attracting their attention. Black seemed to be the order of the day, all were dressed with the shine of leather, the dull sheen of rubber or the stark glint of PVC. Flesh was worn as much as clothing, circles and streaks of flesh could be seen through and beside the often random fashions. Making her way upto the group all it took was the lock of eye contact to force one of the dancers away. They moved with resistance, drawn as they were to the Vampire that had won their attention but even in their daze they recognised a higher predator when they saw one. The Vampires moved as well, maybe more hesitantly but they moved, unlife can be ended as swiftly as it was granted.

Soon Amaya was beside the one who had caught her eye with a smirk she danced beside him, match the rhythm and violence as the others had failed to do. They were 'Zone Dancing,' where multiple songs and often breeds of music are played across the dance floor. The dancers themselves lock onto the flavour they desire and dance along to that, ignoring everything else but the music, themselves and those they attract. The game is one of dominance, the most charismatic or energetic dominates the dance floor as others copy and adopt their style. As with most cults of personality this leads to clashing of cultures as rival groups encounter in the middle. Like a Battlefield the dance floor is a miasma of violence and worship. The universe narrowed as Amaya closed with her target.
"Badger, what the hell are you doing here? Last time I tried to get you to dance you looked like you'd eaten the Village People, band and all."
Mr Badger spun in time to the music and smiled at her. His eyes smiled brighter than normal with his face shadowed behind the short growth of neglected facial hair. Before Amaya could react Badger locked arms with her and kissed her deeper than thought possible, possible for those without Vicissitude. Breaking away he bowed to her and stepped sideways to gather one of the mortals into his arms. The mortal giggled and together they danced as the song changed.

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Handel glanced quickly at his watch, nervous that not only would Badger be late but grumpy as usual. He'd put on the invitation semi formal dress in the hope that Mr Badger would at least put on something clean. More than one eyebrow rose as the elegantly dressed man walked to their table.
"Bloody hell," muttered BigJobbs as Mr Badger took a seat next to him. "When you go out for a laugh there's no hold's barred is there?"

Mr Badger laughed politely and signalled for a waiter. Once the waiter had arrived Mr Badger ordered an excellent bottle of dinner wine, in the native tongue. This drew another round of raised eyebrows from the table's occupants.
"Badger, are you alright?" Asked Handel.

"Fine old friend, just fine. In fact I feel better than fine, positively marvellous!" Grinned Mr Badger as he bowed to his friends. "In fact, please forgive my manners. I have just sat down here with out a by your leave. May I compliment you both on your fine appearance, delightful the pair of you."

"Please tell me he's taking the piss, this isn't our Badger, faggy talk like that would cause his head to explode," muttered BigJobbs.

Handel nodded in surprise, frowning Handel examined Mr Badger's aura for contamination. Instead of the usual rusty browns and reds common to him, this aura seemed to be brighter, less confused and containing the lighter colours. As if the person it belonged to was not only completely happy with his lot but also dedicated to a higher purpose.
The restaurant flickered as this table in particular vanished from Reality's awareness. Cloaked by the powers of Obfuscate Handel drew his sword and held it to the throat of 'Mr Badger.' "What the hell have you done with him? You're not who you say you are!" Snarled Handel.
BigJobbs jumped up and stood on the other side of 'Mr Badger' ready to leap on him at the first signs of resistance.

Mr Badger raised his hands in surrender then bought them together to clap. "Bravo my companions, alas I did not plan for an entertainment. Please forgive, as recompense I'll pay for the liquor I'm sure we shall consume."

There was deathly silence as Handel and BigJobbs sat down, dumb struck at what to do, or what had happened.

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Amaya frowned in confusion, something wasn't right here. Sure she knew Badger wasn't as pure as driven snow and that he was full of shit at the best of times but this turn around just felt wrong. Amaya stood at the bar looking at the table full of laughter to her side. Mr Badger was in the middle of a number of people, a mixture of male and female dancers from the floor before. On the table were the usual accessories for a Club such as this. There were a mixture of alcoholic beverages as well as the plastic wrapped powders to enhance one's body in a number of ways. Mr Badger sat smoking a thin cigarette as he slowly rubbed the thigh of the person to his side; the man smiled and poured Mr Badger another drink. Amaya spat her drink out in shock, something was definitly wrong here; narrowing her eyes she swore to get to the bottom of it. Biding her time Amaya struck upon a plan of action. Making sure Mr Badger never left her sight Amaya gave instructions to the Club staff to gather together a number of pieces of equipment. When all was ready she adjusted her make up and walked toward Mr Badger's table.

Mr Badger smiled as he saw Amaya approach - she'd seemed a little hesitant before but what could you expect, she'd been surprised to see a real man in this place. No wonder it took her so long to come to her senses. Amaya stopped at the tables edge and ran her fingers down Mr Badger's chest, leaning over she whispered into his ear, "All that leather can't be good for you, follow me and I'll show some more that'll be even worse." She playfully licked the ear and walked toward one of the Club's backroom without a rearward glance. Mr Badger smiled and nodded to his companions. Standing he gave the guy next to him a slow kiss on the check and followed Amaya toward the room. Mr Badger's companions cried out in loss and as he disappeared from sight they watched his every move.

Inside the room a rack awaited, hanging from its side was a collection of leather buckles and straps. Mr Badger smiled at the pony harness and rubbed its texture against his skin. Turning around with a smile he looked for Amaya. Instead all he saw was a wave of blackness engulf him, struggling against the shadows Mr Badger soon found himself to be powerless, blinded of all senses Mr Badger could do nothing but wait in the void, screaming for vengeance.

Amaya smiled as her Obtenebration held Mr Badger still. Inside that void he was powerless, or so she hoped. Not wanting to waste anytime she summoned her driver and bundled the helpless Mr Badger inside. She knew from her sources where the other New Zealanders were, they must be able to help with this problem. Looking at the motionless Vampire beside her Amaya could lose the nagging doubt that maybe he was better off this way?

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Handel rubbed his beard in thought as he emptied the wine bottle. The person smiling opposite him in conversation to BigJobbs was Mr Badger, that much was certain. His aura had the 'taste' of Mr Badger as well as the signature 'feel' to it. But just as much as it was Badger it also wasn't. It was lacking a number of the scars the aura used to hold. Signs of events past that were fetters for the person now. Also the depth of emotion was missing, this person was like a card board cut out, all of the features but none of the depth. Something was wrong here, and it had to be fixed. Handel looked up as there was a commotion at the front bench. Smiling at the newcomer Handel dropped the cloak of Obfuscate and waved the latest arrival forward.

Amaya gave a very insincere smile to the servant at the front desk and walked toward the table containing Handel and BigJobbs. At her side was a blinking form that made Handel groan and hold his head in his hands. As Amaya sat down Handel covered the table in his concealing powers once more.
"Two of them, it's like my worst nightmare, there's bloody two of them."
Amaya nodded and flicked her glance towards the other Mr Badger. Dropping the hold of the Void from her Badger Amaya looked with interest to see what he'd say after seeing the other.

Kissing her palm in welcome the 'good' Mr Badger politely excused himself from the table and covered Amaya in his jacket. "My good lady, you'll catch your death of cold wandering around so undressed."
Handel looked from one Mr Badger to the other. It was as if they couldn't see each other, well for one of them that's understandable but the other should at least show some interest in his near twin. Handel thought, it was as if they were completely out of phase with one and other. So unlike that they were invisible to one and other. Mentioning this idea to BigJobbs and Amaya he got uncertain nods in return. It was the best idea they had and there was nothing to lose.

Asking the same questions to both of the Badgers the group of Vampires smiled. Their memories were incomplete but they agreed on one matter at least. They both remembered the hill top storm and the bright flash. Getting up from the table the gathering left the restaurant and journeyed to the hill in question.

The storm had past by now so the air smelled clean and fresh. The ground was soaked with the passing rain but marked with black burnt patches. Nearby one of the Power towers was a clean patch, a patch of grass surrounded by the soot of a fire but unmarked itself. In the middle of this patch lay a body, the third of the Mr Badgers. Examining this body Handel found it to be intact but lifeless. The aura was dim and fading, as if what was the greatest part of it, the Soul, had been torn away. Handel nodded as the last piece of the puzzle fell into place.
Explaining his ideas to the others Handel outlined what they had to do, what he hoped would work. Amaya began her part by surrounding the pair of standing Mr Badger's in the Arms of the Void like before. They both stood motionless as their senses were at a loss to what had happened. Drawing back Handel pushed the Badger twins to stand near the body of their original parent. Once everyone was far enough away he concentrated on the earth. Using a power of Thaumaturgy Handel called the water out of the soaked ground to pool around the three Mr Badger's. This pool was rich in the salts of the earth and would conduct very well. Drawing his sword Handel uttered a quick prayer and threw it toward the heavens. On its journey the sword sliced the power lines in two, the severed ends falling toward the earth and finally impacting in the pool of water Handel had summoned. The was an explosion of steam as the energy contained in the power lines was released into the water. Covering their eyes the Vampires were at a loss to see what happened. The shower of sparks soon diminished as a tortured circuit breaker near by failed and cut the stream of energy.

Amaya was the first to walk toward 'ground zero.' There were still three bodies there but two of them were warping as their flesh was released by the forces of Vicissitude and returned to their own natural forms. Where there had been three Mr Badgers there was only one. Nearby lay the still forms of a person wearing the colours and pin of a Toreador Clan Vampire and one dressed in clothing displaying the distinctive slogans of the Brujah Vampire Clan. Not wanting to even try to explain what had happened to the other two Vampires Handel, BigJobbs and Amaya lifted the slowly recovering Mr Badger back into the car and left the area. Just after they left the Toreador and Brujah started to wake also.

What Handel, BigJobbs and Amaya didn't know was the true story of the evening. After being split from their parent the two shards that used to be Badger looked for a suitable host. That which described him as a Beast found what it was looking for in a Brujah body. That which was what classed him an Human found what it was looking for in a Toreador body. Both possessed the powers of the whole, this included Disciplines. It was a simple matter to warp the flesh of the host to represent what the shard thought its true form was. From there we know the rest.

Handel shook Mr Badger in an effort to wake him up. Mr Badger opened one eye and smacked Handel on the head. "Get your hand off me fag boy, what is this? Touchy feely night?" snarled Mr Badger. Handel nodded as BigJobbs and Amaya laughed, back to normal at last.

Zone Dancing is an idea stolen from a novel called "Hardwired" by Walter Jon Williams. 

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