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Post by Freya on Mar 28, 2009 2:16:06 GMT -7
There was too much going on inside my head. First the prospect of telling Paine about the family, which wasn't going to be a great conversation, I was obligated to tell her. She was family, if she needed to know about our family, then she would. And I knew that she knew I would tell her without even having to say so, which meant I could stew in my head for a little bit longer. It was hard, all these thoughts, I figured when running from home I never would have to deal with them again, turns out, I was wrong, it only came back to bite me in the ass. "Yea, of course you can come in." I called back to Paine, scanning the room for a pair of denim shorts and a singlet top. Setting them down, I unbuckled my boots, carefully taking them off because they were my pride and joy, served me well in a ton of fights, before the leather pants and jacket. "Excuse me one sec." I added, turning the shower on to cold and jumping in.
The water shocked my bones, waking my tired limbs and splattering down like rain. Allowing the water to run down my body for a few moments, carefully I raised a hand to turn off the water, shaking droplets before stepping out. Nothing like a quick and cold shower to wake you up and refresh yourself, I would bath better when we reached headquarters. Not bothering to dry my hair or body, or even wear a towel, simply my feet took me back into the room, heat lanced over my skin as my fire power dried me off. Sometimes being a pyro was kick ass. Before I did anything else though, I stretched again, my limbs feeling a whole lot better than moments before, so I was content on getting dressed. Shorts, singlet, simple wear and it wasn't like I would get cold. "As for your question downstairs, yes, assert your power over her. Sometimes thats all she needs." I gave a half smile, running fingers through my hair and making it spiky and messy at the same time, before dropping my hands to my sides.
"We are, rich more or less. I don't try to brag about it, but nothing I can do. With the businesses going on, we all get a cut of it, which means you too if you still wish to join." Turning around, I clambered onto the bed, motioning for Paine to sit down too if she wanted, that she didn't have to stand. "Of course we can talk." I added, leaning over and pulling out files from the draw. Files on my mother, operations like heists and plans, mutant register in the group. Not all of us were mutants, some were humans but they accepted us, and in turn we accepted them. Allowing Paine some time, I spread each file out, saving the better ones for last, all known information on the Dresden's, based from knowledge of me, and a few others that have met the family. Then I stumbled on another file, opening it up carefully and staring at the picture. I didn't click onto the last name right away, I didn't really read these files anyway, but it was worth looking into. Because this file was on a girl named Sophia Gregori. Gregori, like Markus's last name. "Wow."
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Post by Paine on Mar 28, 2009 3:04:23 GMT -7
"Sure no prob." I let her off to pop in the shower while I took in the view from her window. It faced east, and the land outside was green, lush. A sprawling garden added color as all sorts of flowers bloomed. They definitely had a decent landscaper. I kept my back turned when she came out of the bathroom, not that I was modest, and surely Freya wasn't packing anything I hadn't seen before. It was just, I don't know, polite I guess. When she spoke again, I turned around, and she was dressed. I smirked. "Cool. Can't wait for our next run in."
I sat down on her bed with her as she pulled out a stack of files. "Thanks. I understand if you don't want to dredge up your past, but really, I appreciate it. Since it deals with my past too. It means alot. Not like either of us are going to short circuit with all this info." I looked at her closely, realizing what I'd just said could very well happen to either or both of us. "I mean, right? Please don't tell me you're gonna blow a fuse. Cause sister, I'm telling ya right now, if you blow, I blow. And I don't think this place would remain standing if that happened." I laughed, nervously. I really didn't want to be responsible, even partly, if something like that happened. Not to mention it's the kind of thing that probably wouldn't go very far ingratiating me with other members of Anarchy 99.
I picked through the files she spread out, reading anything that had to do with the Dresdens. "Seriously? Sellings kids on the black market? Who is this guy? Tell me he's a distant uncle. Very distant." I tossed the file away from me in disgust. "I mean, I've done some crazy shit, and I'm not exactly your most upstanding citizen. But even I draw the line somewhere. Selling kids? That's just sick." I pulled face, and picked up the next file. There were bits and pieces detailing the mutantcy of different members of the Dresden family. "Looks like that's where the pyrokenesis comes from. And the armored skin and flight too. Now wait, you said you were half. That means your father was human, right? Well, I've seen you go pyro, so what are you missing then? The flight? Armor?" I didn't mean to broach something I knew she was touchy about. I tried to think of how I'd feel if I only had half the powers I do now. Especially knowing that I could have more. It sucked. I wanted to tell Freya I was sorry, but something told me she didn't want my sympathy in that department.
I poked through the other files, and currently had my nose in one that discussed our mother when I heard Freya mutter a wow. "Wow? What wow? Good wow?" I leaned over to peer at the paper she was holding. I scanned over the picture down to her name. Gregori? As in Markus Gregori? My father? "Holy shit!" I moved so I could read it without getting a kink in my neck. "Guess I hit the jackpot on family ties. Looks like I got another half sister out there, mutant too. Why didn't Markus tell me? Surely he knows....doesn't he?" I stood up, ready to rush from the room, find Markus and grill him about Sophia. "He should be in the kitchen. I'm going to find him and demand some answers. But before I do." I grabbed a blank sheet of paper and a pen from her nightstand and scribbled the directions to Chaz's hideout. "Here, get that to whoever's gonna get your buddies ride back. I hope they fuck the place up, put Chaz out of business for good. After today, I'm done. Well, for my own business that is. As soon as we get me all Anarchied up, I'm all yours." I winked at her and turned to leave the room, intent on finding Markus and getting some answers about Sophia, and any other siblings I might have out there.
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Post by Freya on Mar 28, 2009 3:24:43 GMT -7
"It's fine. I've realized now that I can run or hide, or escape from it forever. And the more you know, the more you can survive if meeting them." Shuffling through the files, there were many of course, I chuckled slightly, glancing half over at Paine. "I won't blow, promise." Still chuckling away, something hit in place. Something that was once missing, that now felt right and normal. Normally I was snarky and mean, the girl downstairs was answer to that fact, but with Paine, I wasn't, because she was my sister. My whole life I felt alone, and now, I didn't. And you know, I didn't want anyone else to be my half sister apart from Paine, and from now on, I would drop that half piece, because it mattered little. Paine was my sister, family, together. The chuckled died down to a smile on my face, feeling completely at ease which was strange and new, yet I relished in the feeling, knowing it may never happen again.
"Yea, thats our family alright." My eyes narrowed in hatred and anger. "Distant family though. Some are, you know that Harry Potter story with the pure bloods? Well most of the Dresden's are like that. If you have all abilities from the line, which according to legend was passed down from an ancient dragon/human transfusion thingy, I have the whole legend somewhere, then you are deemed worthy. Halflings, are tend to be killed, thrown or dumped. Don't ask me how I survived through all my life before running away, all I know is that even when mom helped me I was still hunted." Slightly shaking, I knew I had to get a grip on my emotions, so I began to breathe slightly, deeply, and started relaxing, trying not to get too worked up. "You said it. I miss out on the flight and the armor." Grabbing the files again, I tried to get my head onto something other than my halfling status, it was a very touchy subject with me, and I thanked Paine silently for not going on about it even if she may be curious. I wasn't quite ready to deal with it yet.
"Yea, from no family to more. That has gotta be-" I struggled to find the right words, moving slightly so Paine could see the file better as my eyes began reading. "He may know, or things may be more difficult. Look, the file says here." I pointed to words, near the bottom. "Suicidal tendencies and depression. Maybe something happened that he is afraid of or scared, maybe he didn't tell you because he wanted to ease you into things." There was one another possibility I didn't wish to think of but said it anyway. "Or he may not know." Shrugging I took the paper with the directions, thanks to Paine, and sighed softly, revealing in the days events. "I'm glad to hear that Paine." As soon as Vash was here I would be telling him. Paine was to be one of us as soon as possible, no waiting. She didn't have to get the tattoo either, that was just an easier way of identifying each other in difficult situations and what not.
Reaching over for the phone, I punched in the security number. "Hey guys, here are those directions." I didn't need to tell the girl on the line, she could read my mind. Which was both handy and damn right annoying, although she didn't go into anything she wasn't supposed to. "Do what you will to the place." I heard her chuckle before hanging up, jumping off the bed to catch up with Paine and Markus about Sophia. I was pretty curious myself. Before I left my room, I stacked the files and replaced them, marking the ones we had already looked through so that if Paine wanted to resume looking, then it would be easier to find which ones were still ready to be looked into.
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Post by Paine on Mar 28, 2009 3:55:22 GMT -7
Freya was on the stairs behind me. I paused long enough to look back up at her and grin. "Thanks for coming along." Weird as it was, I was beginning to depend on Freya. I liked having her around, when most days I couldn't stand my own shadow for more than 5 minutes. We were alike in so many ways, and we hit it off from the start. Having someone I could relate to on such a personal level was new, and yet such a huge relief. I hadn't known I was bottling so much up playing the lone ranger until I had a teammate. From the moment she stepped in and kicked some ass on my behalf, that's what it was, we were a team. Add in our shared powers and how we could amp them up together, and we were fucking A-mazing.
Markus was still in the kitchen, eating a chicken caesar salad and leafing through a magazine. I walked up to the table across from him, flipped the chair around so it's back was against the table and sat, my arms propped on the chair's back. "So, Pops, got a couple questions for ya between bites. Now I don't want to get into your sexual life, believe me I don't. But any chance you remember sleeping with a human by the name of Angelina, maybe marrying her and having a kid? Sophia? Ring any bells?" I swear for half a second I thought he was choking he turned so pale. He swallowed, coughed, and pushed away his plate. Guess I killed his appetite, but at least he wasn't choking. I picked a picked of chicken off his plate and popped it into my mouth while I waited.
His eyes shifted from me, to Freya, and back to me. He cleared his throat, then began speaking. "I met Lina as a sophomore in college, some years before I met Raven. We fell in love, got married our senior year. But, a few years after graduation, our lives took different paths. I was to leave Europe, transfering back to the States to complete my residency as a geneticist. Lina's job kept her in Europe. We drew apart. I'm sorry to say that life got in the way of things, and we lost touch some years ago. I....I didn't know we had a daughter. She never told me." His eyes began to mist over and I felt the urge to get up and hug him. That was still a bit much for me, and a bit too soon, so I settled for placing my hand over his. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. I just...God, so much has happened today that I jumped to conclusions. I'm going to find her, Markus. And when I do, I'll make sure you know about it." He smiled at me, a genuine smile that made me smile back. "Thank you Alice. Er, Paine." "Don't mention it." I nicked another piece of chicken and turned to Freya, chewing. "So sis," I swallowed, "tell me that we've got a way to track her down."
I wanted full membership and access to Anarchy 99, the tat, and any info leading to the whereabouts of my other half-sister. Knowing that Chaz would be taken care of made my day, at least in some aspects. "Shit." I smacked the table with my palm. "I gotta make a phone call. Give me a second." I had one reliable source from my institution days. A guy on the inside. I nicked one last piece of chicken from the salad and stepped around the corner, pulling out my backup cell. My original was still in pieces on my floor back at home. "Hey, Jameson. It's Paine. I've got someone for you to look up. I need addresses, phone numbers, everything you can get me. Thanks man, I owe ya one." I paused as I heard him typing, beginning the search. "Do me a solid on top too. Swing by my place and pack me up, I'll get back to you in a few days, tell you where to ship it. And the Viper in the garage? She's all yours. New tags and plates are in the top cabinet, you know where I keep 'em. Just be SURE you sauter off the VIN numbers and for fuck's sake paint the thing. Who the hell paints their car sunlight yellow anyway?" I laughed at his retort, thanked him again and hung up. I took my seat once more and began picking at the salad other than just the chicken. "Jameson, an old friend, is on the case. If anyone can find Sophia, he can. When's Vash getting here anyway?" With all the craziness so far today, I wasn't ready to slow down. I was in high gear and sitting still for too long didn't bode well with me when I was in one of these moods. Better to crash and burn later, after the hard shit was said and done.
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Post by Freya on Mar 28, 2009 4:25:12 GMT -7
"Hey, no problem." Grinning, I winked, following Paine down the stairs, seeing a few other A99 members who waved from the second floor, until we reached the main floor and headed right for the kitchen. Glad to have her in my life, I vowed to find our mother again and reunite them, it was the least I could do. I may have issues with them, but that shouldn't stop me from at least letting Paine get to know her own mother. With that in mind, I flicked my fingers, fire dancing as I strode to the fridge and grabbing out a bottle of chocolate milk and a glass. Allowing the fire to die so it wouldn't melt the plastic, I popped the lid and poured the milk before replacing the bottle and shutting the fridge door with a snap. Smiling, I lifted the glass to take a sip, before nearly choking at Paine's words, having to set the glass down while I started giggling, tears stun my eyes from the laughter, and it took a moment for me to calm down properly. "Sorry, but the way you began that was just too funny."
Coughing, I took a proper gulp of milk this time, glad that my fondness for chocolate milk hadn't faded over the years as I leaned against the kitchen counter top and listening to what Markus had to say. "Man I am so sorry to hear that Markus." My jaw dropped, hating myself for spotting the name in the file, but also, kinda glad now that he knew. Better to know than not to know. Right? "Well, Sophia is a mutant I can tell you that now. And judging from the files." I received a questioning look at that, "nothing bad, just to keep track of those we meet for reference." I said being defensive. "Anyways, shes suicidal and suffers from depression, which her mother probably has too, it didn't say, nor did I have that file. If its true, in Sophia's case more than Angelina's, if you meet her you will need to tread carefully. It's not the first case I've seen with suicidal mutant kid meeting mutant father for the first time." I didn't want anything bad to happen which I why I said it.
"Yea, you remember that satellite I told you about? All we need is to try and place her name in the system computer and let satellite do its trick." I paused as Paine smacked the table then spoke. "Sure, go ahead." I replied, turning to Markus who looked at me. "I want to know her. I don't care if she had multiple personalities, I want to know her." Wow, spoken like a true parent! "Then we will find her. For you and Paine." Man, if my father was half as cool as him, I probably wouldn't have tried killing him. Wanting to say more but Paine spoke so I turned my attention over to her. "One way or another, we will find her. As for Vash getting here." I heard the distinct sound of a car door shutting and the sound of his voice. "Hes right here. Earlier than he was supposed to be." I walked out of the kitchen as Vash stood at the door. "Frey, you okay?" He asked as I walked right into his open arms and hugged him. "Yea, long, crazy day."
"I've been informed on parts, so tell me the rest when you have a spare moment? I'm sure you will be busy. So, lets meet her." Walking in front of Vash, explaining I wanted Paine in the A99 and Markus to be granted special permission, I headed back into the kitchen, Vash came in a moment later and watched both the new ones in the house. "Paine, Markus. It is indeed a pleasure to meet you two. Freya has told me a few things, and let me begin by saying this. Markus, as Paine's father, you are granted special permission to enter any safe house you wish, and visit Paine in the head quarters. Anything you need, its your." Bowing slightly, he turned to Paine and spoke to her. "As second leader of the Anarchy 99, I also give permission for you to bypass the test, which is void since you are family, instead becoming a full Anarchy 99 member. A package will be waiting at the head quarters, in your room."
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Post by Paine on Apr 29, 2009 6:41:24 GMT -7
I nodded to Freya. "Let's do it. Between what your satelites can give us, and Jameson, we'll know more about Sophia than she does herself." I grinned. "Sweet." I mumbled over another piece of salad I'd nicked of Markus' plate while Freya went to meet Vash. I had to admit I was looking forward to meeting this guy myself. I settled for talking to Markus in the meantime, he was my father after all. "Just so you know, I'm not looking to make up lost time and all that mushy crap. It's cool that I know you now, and you don't seem that bad. Let's just take it from there, cool?" He grinned, pushing his fork over to me. "That works just fine for me Alice. Excuse me, Paine." I grinned at him, accepted the fork and started poking at the salad. "That's ok. I'm just not used to being called Alice."
We were on amiable terms, which was a plus. And neither of us expected me to be calling him daddy any time soon. Freya waltzed back in with Vash, a tall, built man. I stood, feeling for some reason I should, and met his gaze. He shocked the hell right out of me by offering me a clear pass into Anarchy 99. I held up my hands, as if surrendering. "Hey, I don't want to go against your ruling or whatever, but I'm all for the test. Especially if mutt-mouth is gonna be around. I don't want her giving me shit for bypassing a test, you know? I mean, I'm grateful, hell yes I want to be a part of Anarchy 99. But shouldn't I do it by the proper channels? No special exceptions and such?" I'd never been given a special exception in my life, why start now, right? I smirked. "My room, huh? Well, whatever you say boss." I stuck out my hand and shook his. "It's nice to meet you, and thanks man."
Right about then, the little smart mouthed girl came barging into the kitchen, a scowl on her face. "This is such bullshit! You're going to just let her in? What makes her so special anyway? She's nothing but another mutant bitch. A fucking freak." I'd had more than enough of her mouth, and no way in hell was I going to stand here and take shit from some mangy kid who was clearly too big for her britches. I took two steps toward her, my eyes dancing with sparks, flames errupting in my hands. "Who the fuck do you think you are? You can't talk to them, or me like that. And you won't. Ever again." I struck a hand forward, and as the fire diminished, I used my teke to make her poke out her tongue. She was frozen, tongue lolling out of her mouth like an over-heated dog. My left hand was still covered in flame, and with this hand I clasped her tongue, singing it. I increased the density of the flame, literally burning the tongue from her mouth as her eyes bulged, watering. The smell of burnt flesh made my gorge rise, so I pulled back, releasing her from my power. "Fucking little bitch. You're lucky I didn't rip it from your head. NOW SCAT!" She was covering her mouth with both hands, and jumped a little when I raised my voice, before she ran from the room. I turned back to Vash and Freya. "Sorry if I overstepped my bounds there. But that bitch had it coming. She's been on me like stink on shit since we got here." If I was going to be reprimanded, that was fine, I could take it. It wouldn't be the first time. Aside from the rank smell or burnt tongue, I was damn glad I'd done it, it felt good to put someone like that in their place.
My phone rang, and a quick peek at the caller ID told me it was Jameson. "Wicked." I flipped it open, holding up a finger to Freya. "Hey Jameson, what'd ya get?" I motioned for someone to grab me something to write with and on, when I spotted what I needed on the counter across the way. Instead of walking over to grab it, I simply used my teke to bring it to me. I scribbled down an address and phone number. "Thanks Jameson, take care of that Viper! Later." I flipped my phone shut and shoved it back in my pocket. "Ok, that was Jameson, we've got an address. Here Markus." I passed him the slip of paper. "Looks like we'll get to meet the rest of the family soon enough." I grinned at Freya.
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